Hong Kong: Lam Sai-hung to visit Zhuhai

Secretary for Transport & Logistics Lam Sai-hung will lead Hong Kong Logistics Development Council members to visit the logistics park facilities in Zhuhai tomorrow.

They are scheduled to meet representatives of the Zhuhai Government to exchange views on topics including how to make better use of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge to promote logistics co-operation between Hong Kong and Zhuhai.

Mr Lam and the delegation will also visit the Zhuhai Airport International Intelligent Logistics Park and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Logistics Park to learn more about the progress and planning of the projects.

He will return to Hong Kong in the evening.

This story has been published on: 2023-03-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
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The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is set to organise the PATA Annual Summit and Mart 2023 in Pokhara, Nepal from May 29  June 1. The event will be hosted by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).



The announcement was made by NTB CEO Dr Dhananjay Regmi at the PATA Networking Lunch on March 8 at ITB Berlin. The event is comprised of conference presentations, workshops, and a B2B mart, as well as the PATA Executive Board and Board meetings and Annual General Meeting on May 29.



Our members and industry colleagues in Nepal have always been a staunch supporter of the Association, and therefore we are excited to be organising this years PATA Annual Summit and Mart in country with such beautiful landscapes and rich culture and heritage, said PATA Chair Peter Semone.



On behalf of PATA, I would like to thank the Nepal Tourism Board for hosting the PATA Annual Summit. Furthermore, to provide more networking opportunities for our members and industry colleagues, this year we will also be adding a travel mart component to the event, so I take this opportunity to invite all PATA members and non-members to join us for what is certain to be an extraordinary event.



The Government of Nepal, Nepal Tourism Board and the entire tourism fraternity is proud to be hosting the PATA Annual Summit and Adventure Mart 2023 in Nepal. This is the 3rd time Nepal will be hosting the Adventure Mart and 1st PATA Annual Summit. We all are indeed excited for this opportunity. The tourist numbers are gradually coming steady to Nepal post Covid. We are expecting to reach the pre-covid numbers by end of 2023," said NTB CEO Dr Dhananjay Regmi.



"The events will be held in Pokhara the tourism capital of Nepal. This will be an opportunity for us to showcase a different destination to the delegates with a taste of pure Nepalese Hospitality. We will be working on the theme Sustainability through Community Based Tourism in this event. With the new International Airport being operated from Pokhara starting January 2023, the majestic Pokhara is all set to welcome all of you with open arms."



Pokharas tranquil beauty has been the subject of inspiration for many travel writers. Its pristine air, spectacular backdrop of snowy peaks, blue lakes and surrounding greenery make it the jewel in the Himalaya, a place of remarkable natural disposition. With the magnificent Annapurna range forming the backdrop and the serenity of the Cluster of 9 Lakes with three major ones - Phewa, Rupa and Begnas  Pokhara is a great destination for a weekend getaway as well as a long relaxing holiday. Pokhara Valley, gateway to the Annapurna region where many a trekker finds his Shangri-la, sits high on the list of must visit places in Nepal.



Pokhara once lay on the important trade route between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains set up camps on the city outskirts, bringing goods from remote Himalayan regions including Mustang. Gurungs and Magars, who have earned world-wide fame as fierce Gurkha warriors, are predominant here.



Thakalis, indigenous of the Thak Khola region of Mustang, are known for their entrepreneurship and run tea houses along the trek routes in the Annapurna region. The Pokhara is best known for the stunning view of the Annapurna range. It is perhaps one of the few places on earth from where mountains above 6,000 metres can be seen unobstructed from an altitude of 800 metres within the distance of 28 km.  TradeArabia News Service
Operations at the embattled juvenile correctional facilities in northern Wisconsin are at the best they have been since a court-appointed monitor began reviewing them in 2018, but staff shortages continue to hamper further progress, according to the latest assessment of conditions at the schools.

In a report released Wednesday, the monitor overseeing the Lincoln Hills School for Boys and Copper Lake School for Girls in Irma noted that, like in past months, youths were sometimes confined to their rooms not because of their behavior but due to the lack of staff to supervise them elsewhere.

Staffing shortages continue to exist with most days only having 50% of staff, the court-appointed monitor, Teresa Abreu, said about the facilities, about 170 miles north of Madison, in a report covering their operations from November until the end of January.

Still, Abreu said the facilities situation had improved from the last three-month reporting period.

When there were adequate staffing levels, youths went to school, did recreation outside and spent more waking hours out of their room, Abreu said.

In her latest visit, Abreu said she did not encounter a single staff or youth that did not have a positive attitude ... Staff and leaderships commitment to youth and to this reform effort is evident in every aspect of the operation.

The monitors report, the 16th since 2019, was filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Madison as part of the settlement of a class action lawsuit brought by the ACLU of Wisconsin, the Juvenile Law Center and Quarles & Brady law firm that highlighted dangerous conditions and abuse faced by teens at Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake.

Under the court-approved settlement, there are 50 provisions of a consent decree that the Department of Corrections, which oversees the prison, must comply with, such as requiring youths to be out of their cells 30 hours per week, avoiding mechanical restraints and not strip-searching youths without probable cause. In the latest reporting period, the agency doubled the number of provisions that were in substantial compliance, from 15 to 30. But it continues to be only in partial compliance with the other 20.

Seeing such a big jump, to being in substantial compliance with 60% of the items in the consent decree, is affirmation of the work put in by our staff and a testament to the leadership in (the Division of Juvenile Corrections), Department of Corrections Secretary Kevin Carr said.

One provision the facilities continue to fall short on is making cells designated for youths confined to their rooms suicide resistant and protrusion free.

The Monitor would not deem any room in any facility as being suicide proof, however there are safety and security measures that can be put into place to reduce the risk of suicides and to make the rooms more suicide resistant, Abreu said.

In interviews with youths, Abreu said their attitudes were extremely positive.

But one youth said a staff member used racist words against him, something Abreu said the Department of Corrections is investigating. A few youths complained about uses of force that they thought were excessive and one said staff grabbed youths by their necks, Abreu said.

Abreu noted she was happy to see more youths in class, but she said staffing shortages kept youths from attending class full time for much of the earlier part of the reporting period.

All youths except those who are in programs for high-risk individuals have received education every weekday since the close of the reporting period on Jan. 31, Department of Corrections spokesperson John Beard said.

The schools are slated to be closed and replaced by a facility in Milwaukee County under a bill signed into law in April by Gov. Tony Evers. In January, the Milwaukee Common Council approved the rezoning of the proposed site for the facility on the citys north side. But completion of the facility likely remains years away.

Abreu said in the latest monitor report that the Milwaukee facility will only be able to house about half the youth at the northern Wisconsin facilities, and that Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake wont close until all youth have been moved to an appropriate placement.

Last week, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers proposed spending $83 million to build another juvenile facility in Dane County, near Oregons Grow Academy Juvenile Corrections facility, $25 million to expand the Grow Academy from a 6- to a 16-bed facility and $4 million to explore the option of building another facility in northern Wisconsin.

Rep. Mark Born, R-Beaver Dam, who co-chairs the powerful budget committee, declined through a spokesperson to comment on Evers proposed juvenile facilities.
The state Assembly violated Wisconsin public records law when it initially denied records requests from several news outlets seeking copies of a sexual harassment complaint filed against a former state lawmaker, a Wisconsin appeals court ruled Thursday.

The case relates to open records requests filed in 2019 by the Wisconsin State Journal, The Associated Press, The Capital Times, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and open records advocate Jonathan Anderson seeking copies of a complaint a legislative aide filed against then-state Rep. Staush Gruszynski, D-Green Bay.

Former Assembly Chief Clerk Pat Fuller, who had denied a December 2019 open records request, later released redacted copies of the complaint to the outlets attorneys in August 2020, a day after Gruszynski lost his seat in a primary and after the legislative aide provided more details to The Capital Times about the incident.

But those records were heavily redacted, and the outlets attorneys challenged those redactions and additionally called on the court to rule on the legality of Fullers initial denial.

The 4th District Court of Appeals on Thursday upheld a Dane County Circuit Court judges July 2021 ruling that the state Assembly violated open records laws in its initial refusal and then eight-month delay in releasing copies of the sexual harassment records involving Gruszynski.

Attorneys Christa Westerberg and Tom Kamenick, who represented the plaintiffs in the case, said in a joint statement Thursday they were pleased with the appeals courts ruling.

The court agreed with us that the Assemblys initial denial of the records requests and nearly all of the challenged redactions were unlawful, the lawyers said. The court also reaffirmed that judges have the power to rule on whether an initial delay or denial was illegal, even if the custodian turns over records after the lawsuit is filed.

Under Wisconsin law, records custodians apply a balancing test when determining how to respond to records requests, a process that weighs public interest and privacy. According to court records, a legislative human resources officer said the office treats employee internal complaints as confidentially as possible and respecting the individuals privacy outweighed public interest.

The appeals court ruled that the Assembly misapplied the balancing test and violated open records law by redacting portions of the records when they were ultimately released, and that the media outlets were entitled to attorneys fees.

The Assembly violated the public records law when it initially denied outright the records requests because its purported justifications did not sufficiently demonstrate that the public interest in non-release outweighed the public interest in release, according to court documents.

Records provided to media organizations last August included a complaint from a staffer who said Gruszynski tried to coax her into having sex with him in 2019.

The complaint filed with the Legislatures human resources office in November 2021 stated that the staffer and her friends had met Gruszynski at the Malt House, a Madison bar, on Oct. 30, and that she knew he had been drinking and arrived to help him sober up.

At the bar he told her that hed had his eye on her for years and he knew she felt the same way about him and asked her to have sex with him. She refused, telling him that he was married and that sex between a legislator and an aide would be inappropriate, and left the bar.

In a statement at the time, Gruszynski said the documents confirmed he was black out drunk, and apologized and said he felt remorse.
BEIJING  Chinese President Xi Jinping accused Washington this week of trying to isolate his country and hold back its development.

That reflects the ruling Communist Party's growing frustration that its pursuit of prosperity and global influence is threatened by U.S. restrictions on access to technology, its support for Taiwan and other moves seen by Beijing as hostile.

Xi, China's most powerful leader in decades, tries to appear to be above problems and usually makes blandly positive public comments. That made his complaint Monday all the more striking. Xi said a U.S.-led campaign of "containment and suppression" of China has "brought unprecedented, severe challenges." He called on the public to "dare to fight."

On Tuesday, Foreign Minister Qin Gang sharpened the warning, saying Washington faces possible "conflict and confrontation" if it fails to change course.

"The foreign minister is speaking on behalf of a widely held view that the United States is coming after China and they have to defend themselves," said John Delury, an international relations specialist at Yonsei University in Seoul.

China is hardly the only government to fume at Washington's dominance of global strategic and economic affairs, but Chinese leaders see the United States as making extra effort to thwart Beijing as a challenger for regional and possibly global leadership.

The ruling party wants to restore China's historic role as a political and cultural leader, raise incomes by transforming the country into an inventor of technology, and unite what it considers the Chinese motherland by taking control of Taiwan, the self-ruled island democracy that Beijing claims as part of its territory.

Beijing sees those as positive goals, but American officials see them as threats. They say Chinese development plans are based at least in part on stealing or pressuring foreign companies to hand over technology.

Washington has set back Beijing's plans by putting Chinese companies including its first global tech brand, Huawei, on a blacklist that limits access to processor chips and other technology. That crippled Huawei's smartphone brand, once one of the world's biggest. American officials are lobbying European and other allies to avoid Huawei equipment when they upgrade phone networks.

Washington cites security fears, but Beijing says that is an excuse to hurt its fledgling competitors.

The two governments have the world's biggest trading relationship and common interests in combating climate change and other problems. But relations are strained over Taiwan, Beijing's treatment of Hong Kong and mostly Muslim ethnic minorities, and its refusal to criticize or isolate Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

The official Chinese view soured following an uptick when Xi met U.S. President Joe Biden in November in Indonesia, said Shi Yinhong, an international relations specialist at Renmin University in Beijing. He noted that in the five months since then, Washington approved more weapons sales to Taiwan, criticized Beijing's stance on Ukraine and put more Chinese companies on export watchlists, all of which China saw as hostile.

Xi and Qin spoke in a "dramatic way" this week, but "the essence of what they said is China's long-term stance," Shi said. The leadership believes "the United States has implemented almost all around, drastic and desperate containment of China in all respects, especially in strategic and military fields."

"The risk of military conflict between China and the United States is getting bigger," Shi said.

A State Department spokesperson, Ned Price, said Washington wants to "coexist responsibly" within the global trade and political system and denied the U.S. government wants to suppress China.

"This is not about containing China. This is not about suppressing China. This is not about holding China back," Price said in Washington. "We want to have that constructive competition that is fair" and "doesn't veer into that conflict."

The United States formed a strategic group, the Quad, with Japan, Australia and India in response to concern about China and its claim to vast tracts of sea that are busy shipping lanes. They insist the group doesn't focus on any one country, but its official statements are about territorial claims and other issues on which they have disputes with Beijing.

The latest change in tone follows acrimonious exchanges over a Chinese balloon that was shot down after passing over North America. The FBI is examining its electronics and other equipment.

Xi's government is especially irritated by displays of support by American and other Western legislators for Taiwan, which split with China in 1949 after a civil war.

Taiwan never has been part of the People's Republic of China, but the Communist Party says the island of 22 million people must unite with the mainland, by force if necessary.

Washington is obligated by federal law to see that Taiwan has the weapons to defend itself and has sold it fighter jets and missiles. Chinese leaders complain that encourages Taiwanese politicians who might want to resist unification and possibly declare formal independence, a step Beijing says would lead to war.

Photos: US rebuilding military presence in Philippines Philippines US Military Philippines US Military Philippines US Military Philippines US Military Philippines US Military Philippines US Military Philippines US Military Philippines US Military Philippines US Military Philippines US Military Return Philippines US Military Philippines US Military Philippines US Military Philippines US Military Philippines US Military Philippines US Military Philippines US Military Philippines US Military Philippines US Military Philippines US Military Philippines US Military Philippines US Military Philippines US Military Philippines US Military
Walworth County will be alive with the sound of music this coming weekend.

In keeping with recent tradition, Big Foot High School in Walworth will once again be hosting a Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) District Solo & Ensemble Festival for Grades 6-12, scheduled for this Saturday, March 11, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The 2022-2023 school year marks the sixth consecutive year that Big Foot has hosted the WSMA District Solo & Ensemble Festival.

The schools music department is headed by band teacher Neal Raskin and choral music teacher Liza Shapin.

Raskin serves as festival manager for the District Solo & Ensemble festival, with Shapin coordinating event volunteers and breakfast and lunch meals for the judges and attending school music directors. The school store will sell concessions and light food for students and their families, who are free to dine off campus.

Hosting is always great, said Big Foot High School Principal Jeremy Andersen. We get students and parents and clinicians in from all over the area and they get to see our building. We love hosting. We think its a great opportunity to show off a little bit. Its an awesome, awesome event ... Neal does a great job and Liza does a great job ... facilitating an awesome event.

Big Foot School District Administrator Dr. Doug Parker agrees.

Its really nice to have it here at Big Foot, he said. Neal and Liza do an excellent job of organizing the event and putting it all together. Its another chance to showcase our kids talents and give our kids opportunities. Our kids do a really great job.

In addition to Big Foot, participating schools are expected to include Elkhorn Area Middle School-High School, Clinton High School, Delavan-based Our Redeemer Lutheran School, and middle school students from the Grades 4K-8 Fontana, Reek, Sharon and Walworth school districts. Also participating on a transfer basis from other WMSA districts will be Williams Bay Middle School and Lake Geneva Middle School.

Raskin said about 400 student performers are expected to participate in Saturdays Regional Solo & Ensemble Festival across nearly 280 events held in seven venue sites at Big Foot, including the band room, various math and English classrooms, and the 550-seat Big Foot Auditorium.

Big Foot High School has hosted the annual March District Solo & Ensemble Festival since 2018, with the WSMA-sponsored music festival pivoting to an online virtual festival format in 2021 in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hosting is a lot of work and it takes a lot of help from volunteers and my choir colleague Liza Shapin and, obviously, the cooperation of the school district, some other teachers and staff in the building, Raskin said. We used to rotate with Delavan and Elkhorn and Clinton high schools, and our Big Foot area middle schools used to go to the Lake Geneva festival. In 2017-2018, I got the idea to host it perpetually every year so that our middle schools dont have to drive 20 miles around the lake to go to their festival. We may as well keep them within the district using our performance spaces and interacting and being around our high school students. The other directors all agreed that was fine. I decided to host the festival and therefore I get to wear that [festival director] hat.

Public invited

Raskin said all District Solo & Ensemble Festival performances this Saturday are open to the public at Big Foot High School, 401 Devils Lane in Walworth.

If theres anybody out there that wants to attend something, they can certainly do that, Raskin said. Id recommend seeing some of the larger ensembles.

Those can be fun ways to see what high school and middle school musicians can do, Raskin said.

For more information on the Big Foot-hosted District Solo & Ensemble Festival, visit https://sites.google.com/bigfoot.k12.wi.us/bfhs-music-department/wsma.

Statewide festival program

The festival program for which WSMA is most famously known, Solo & Ensemble, draws in more than 100,000 student musicians each year, representing all 72 Wisconsin counties.

Through the Solo & Ensemble experience, students learn the discipline of rehearsal, are challenged to advance their musical skills, perform in front of an audience and adjudicator, and receive feedback on their performance. Those that perform at the highest level (Class A) at a WSMA District Festival have the opportunity to receive a 1* (one-star) rating which advances them on to State Solo & Ensemble.

Each year more than 32,000 students qualify at district festivals to perform at State Solo & Ensemble, making this event one of the largest of its kind in the nation.

One of the state and national standards in music education is to play alone and with others, or to sing alone and with others, Raskin noted. Most schools, us included, have our large ensembles  concert bands, concert choirs, jazz bands, orchestras, that kind of thing. But then most directors, and WSMA supports this, also support the chamber music, which is your solos, duets, trios, your smaller ensembles.

Raskin said theres definitely a different learning process for student musicians involved in playing solo or in small ensembles versus the typical larger band and orchestra groupings.

Its a completely different experience when they have one or two parts with another player or when they have a solo to prepare, he explained. There are so many different skills  listening, ensemble skills, individual technique, pulse, musicality. All those things get developed in different ways when youre working in small groups or by yourself, and so most music teachers do some sort of chamber music unit. Some schools choose not to go through WSMA for that, but I think most music educators like to have students learning solos, or working in pairs, duets, trios, quartets, things even as big as like a woodwind choir or a brass-and-percussion ensemble ... Its a much different learning experience for the kids.

All WSMA Festivals have five primary goals: Improving student music performance; increasing student understanding of music literature and music concepts; motivating students to continue their study of music; establishing standards of excellence in music performance; and providing opportunities for students to understand the relationship of music experiences to other life experiences.

Solo & Ensemble is part of the process and the experience for students doing music, Andersen said. It gives them a chance to work on their ensembles or their individual pieces and compete and do some things that you just dont do in the classroom, which is fantastic.

Learn more

The Waunakee-based Wisconsin School Music Association, founded in 1932, is a 501(3) non-profit statewide association serving more than 3,500 music teachers and school administrators in the education of 100,000-plus students who annually participate in WSMA activities through their schools membership.

Encompassing more than 1,000 member schools, WSMA is governed by a board of directors consisting of school administrators elected from 10 geographic districts, three elected officers from Wisconsin Music Educators Association, the state music consultant, a community representative and a representative from the Wisconsin Association of School Boards.

WSMAs mission is to ensure that all students have opportunities which encourage lifelong involvement in music by providing statewide music programming activities, offering leadership and support for school music programs, and advancing music as an integral part of the school curriculum and community life.

For more information about WSMA and its Solo and Ensemble festivals, visit wsmamusic.org.

In 19 Photos: 2022 Big Foot High School Homecoming Parade Big Foot High School eSports Teams Homecoming royalty Big Foot High School Homecoming Junior Reps A.J. Hartmann and Lishi Palmer Big Foot High School Homecoming Sophomore Reps Jake DeMarco and Eden Harvey Big Foot High School Freshman Class of 2026 Homecoming Float Big Foot High School Homecoming Freshman Reps Michael Alfano and Haylie Wanat Big Foot-Williams Bay Cross-Country Team Big Foot-Williams Bay Tennis Team Big Foot Recreation District Sharon Community School Band Big Foot High School "United We Stand" volunteer and culture club Sharon Community School Virtual Academy of Agriculture, Science and Technology charter school Big Foot High School Volleyball Team 1 Big Foot High School Volleyball Team 2 Walworth Middle School Marching Band Big Foot Wolves Youth Football & Cheerleading Reek School Band Geneva Lakes RUSH SoccerClub Fontana Falcons Marching Band performs in the 2022 Big Foot High School homecoming parade Big Foot High School Sophomore Class of 2025 homecoming float
A former cellmate of the Mequon man accused of killing a Kenosha man inside of his north side apartment and then hiding the body in spring 2020 said Thursday that the defendant told him he committed the crime.

Marquan Washington, 31, testified Wednesday evening and Thursday in the trial of Zachariah Anderson in Kenosha County Circuit Court. Anderson, 42, is accused of killing Rosalio Gutierrez Jr. on May 17, 2020, inside his Wood Creek apartment in a jealous rage because Gutierrez was having a relationship with Sadie Beacham, his ex-girlfriend and mother to his children.

Gutierrezs body has never been recovered. Prosecutors maintain Gutierrez is dead based on the large amount of blood spatter found inside his first-floor apartment.

Gutierrez, 40, a father of two young children, was reported missing May 19, 2020, after Beacham, who had been unable to reach him, went to his apartment in the 3700 block of 15th Street, found the patio door open with blood stains on the floor and furniture. She had been trying to reach him by phone before driving to his apartment.

Police focused on Anderson after Beacham reported that Anderson  her former partner  had been stalking and harassing her in the weeks after she began developing a relationship with Gutierrez.

Anderson is charged with first-degree intentional homicide, a Class A felony that carries a sentence of life in prison if convicted. Anderson is also charged with felonies of hiding a corpse and stalking.

Cellmate testifies

Washington, of Racine, has a lengthy criminal history in Wisconsin and is currently facing federal charges including conspiracy to deliver a large quantity of illegal drugs. He is being housed in the Kenosha County Detention Center. Washington, who said he has entered into an agreement with federal prosecutors and plans to plead guilty, said testifying truthfully in court against Anderson could mean leniency in sentencing.

Washington, a convicted felon, said he was transferred to the local jail in late 2021 where he met Anderson, who was his cellmate for about five weeks. Washington said the two discussed their criminal cases together.

He had a lot of paranoia and different trust issues when we were in the cell, Washington said Wednesday, adding that Anderson reportedly searched the cell for cameras or recording devices and believed police were framing him by planting evidence. He thought he was pretty much smarter than everybody.

Washington described a time he reportedly observed Anderson while he was having a nightmare in their cell.

I was laying there and I was reading my book and I heard him shout in his sleep before he woke himself up, Washington testified. He said, Die, die, die (expletive).

Washington said he spoke with Anderson about it the next day.

I asked him about the situation that he was locked up about and I told him that he was talking in his sleep and yelling about some stuff in his sleep, Washington said, adding that he told Anderson he believed he committed his alleged crimes based on the alleged nightmare.

I told him to look me in my eyes and tell me that you didnt do it. He jumped down from the bed and he looked me in my eyes and he said, I did it. He said, Thats the reason I have the nightmares, Im unable to sleep at night because I think about it all the time, Washington said.

Anderson shook his head at times during Washingtons testimony.

Washington said hes been around killers throughout his life and I know killers pretty much and he seems like a killer.

Washington said Andersons nickname in the jail was Houdini and would laugh it off.

He said they called him Houdini because of his case and basically because he made a body disappear, they say, and everybody called him Houdini because of it, Washington said. I think he was kind of proud but not really showing it.

Washington also testified that Anderson told him he killed Gutierrez by stabbing him before blacking out to get back at his kids mother.

He said he eventually wrapped the body up in garbage bags and got rid of the trash. He threw the trash out, Washington said. He said, Once its gone, its gone.

The defense attorney John Birdsall highlighted Washingtons criminal history and questioned his motivations for testifying and whether it could benefit him in his current criminal drug case. He is facing 10 years in prison unless he provides substantial assistance to the government, Birdsall said.

Birdsall also raised questions about why Washington waited until 2023 to participate in the case against Anderson after speaking with his own defense attorney. Birdsall said he felt like his testimony against Anderson could help him.

Lengthy trial

The trial before Judge Bruce Schroeder is expected continue into its third week on Monday. The jury consists of eight women and five men including one alternate.

Anderson is being held on a $750,000 cash bond at the Kenosha County Jail. He has been in custody since shortly after Gutierrezs disappearance, initially charged with stalking.

The homicide charge was added in December 2020 after an investigations found evidence that indicated Anderson may have moved Gutierrezs dead body in his van to another location.

The prosecution is led by District Attorney Michael Graveley who throughout the trial has argued Anderson killed Gutierrez out of jealousy and an obsession over his ex-girlfriend.

Defense attorney Nicole Muller has argued Kenosha Police failed to look at other possible suspects and prematurely zeroed in on Anderson based on claims made by Beacham.

The trial is expected to continue Friday weather permitting.
A Waukesha woman expressed her gratitude to a Caledonia used auto dealer who gave her a vehicle free of charge after her drivers license was filmed being defiled at a Kenosha car lot last month.

The woman picked up her car thanks to Joe Greene, Kenosha resident and co-owner of Budget Motors of Wisconsin Inc., who extended the offer of a free used vehicle days after learning of her story.

Both the woman and the Caledonia auto dealer confirmed the deal was sealed March 2, just hours after Kenosha police announced criminal charges against two men reportedly involved in the Feb. 25 incident. Police have not named the victim or the suspects.

A video posted online appears to show the license being urinated on some time after she left a Kenosha car dealership. The video also depicts the license being folded in half. The woman had been at the dealership and test-drove a vehicle earlier in the day, but later decided not to buy it.

Kenosha County District Attorney Michael Graveley said his office is still in the process of reviewing identical charges against two men for criminal damage to property, disorderly conduct, theft and unlawful use of computerized communications systems. Police also reportedly recovered the womans damaged drivers license after serving a search warrant on the car lot located on the citys south side.

Awesome person

Greene told the Kenosha News the deal went great.

She seems like an awesome person and seems very deserving, he said Wednesday night. She was very happy that it turned out that way.

He said the woman had the opportunity to choose from 10 lot ready vehicles, and the dealership threw in a two-year warranty.

The 22-year-old woman said that Greenes gesture of a free vehicle was the most thoughtful blessing I have ever been gifted.

Joe did not ask for anything in exchange ... I am so thankful and appreciative that I was able to be a recipient of Joes kindness, she stated.

She added that the relationship with the city of Kenosha and I have been repaired due to Joes heart and character; this is not because of a gift. This is because Joe decided to make my experience at Budget Motors of Wisconsin incomparable to what I experienced previously last week, she said.

This has lifted an entire weight off of my shoulders and I will forever be grateful for Joe and his family business, she added.

The woman, who has retained the services of a Milwaukee attorney, did not return messages from the Kenosha News seeking comment.

In a case of apparent mistaken identity, Greenes dealership initially took the brunt of criticism for what happened to the woman on Feb. 25 when people confused his business on Google with the place where the drivers license incident occurred. As a result of bad reviews, his dealerships account was deactivated.

So, I havent gotten any nasty phone calls this week. Its been calming down a bit, he said. Were still working with a company now to get our Google (account) back up and running again.

As for his part in helping the woman, Greene said her review of his business was the best of all. Not only is this the best review I have ever gotten, it may very well be the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me, he said in thanking her.

Family travel 5: Incorporate kindness into your next vacation Pack an attitude of gratitude Pay it forward Pack for a purpose Go local Keep the planet in mind
The Bicester Collection has announced the winners of the Unlock Her Future Prize 2023 during a prize-giving ceremony in celebration of International Womens Day, hosted by author and womens activist Lina AbiRafeh.



Over the past two days, eight finalists representing Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Saudi Arabia and the UAE attended a pitch day in London to compete to become the winners of the first edition of the start-up business competition, which aims to identify and support women social impact entrepreneurs who are leveraging system-changing innovation as a force for good.



Judges Desiree Bollier, Chair and Global Chief Merchant of Value Retail, creator and operator of The Bicester Collection; Dr Iman Bibars, Vice President and Regional Director, Ashoka Arab World and founder of Women's Initiative for Social Entrepreneurship (WISE); Dr Badira Ibrahim Al Shihhi, Vice Chair of the State Council of Sultanate of Oman; Elham Fardad, founder and CEO, Migrant Leaders; and sustainability advisor Caterina Occhio, founder of SeeMe and Ethicarei, reached a unanimous decision, recognising the exceptional talent of Noor Jaber and Sara Ali llalla.



Each will receive a business grant of up to $100,000, bespoke mentorship from international experts and an education programme from presenting partner New York University Abu Dhabi.



Noor Jaber, Nawat (Lebanon)  enhancing womens sexual and reproductive health (SRHR) through a safe and accessible digital space providing SRSH knowledge in Arabic via educational content and consultations with qualified experts, offering confidentiality, privacy and convenience.



Im so thrilled to have been selected as a winner of the Unlock Her Future Prize, this initiative brings validation to my passion and to my mission to bring the importance of womens reproductive health out into the open and to empower women to care for their well-being and take informed decisions about their bodies, said Noor Jaber, founder of Nawat



Sara Llalla, EcoCentric (Iraq/UAE)  an online marketplace and circular economy system designed to mitigate microplastic food contamination and eliminate plastic waste.



Winning this prestigious prize validates the need of EcoCentrics services in our society. Were introducing the only truly sustainable food packaging system, which should be normalised as part of our everyday and now is the perfect time to launch this in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the host of COP 28, said Sara llalla, founder of EcoCentric.



Inspired by the power of product invention, the judges decided to allocate the third prize between two finalists who are at different stages of the development of their invention.



Fella Bouti, Ecodalle (Algeria) providing ecological construction and homogeneous, economical and integrated irrigation solutions to improve large cities' air quality and urban temperature.



Unlock Her Future stands for the power of women, this is an incredible opportunity, it will be life changing for me! said Fella Bouti, founder of Ecodalle.



Nuhayr Zein, Leukeather (UAE)  a sustainable and ethical vegetal material alternative to exotic leathers made from dried plant pods, and a by-product of existing agriculture which minimises its carbon footprint and provides an additional source of income for farming communities.



The Unlock Her Future Prize will allow Leukeather to develop, so that we may all take a step forward towards a more eco-friendly and responsible world by collaborating with nature and completely eliminating the unethical and wasteful killing of exotic species, explained Nuhayr Zein, founder, Leukeather.



Chantal Khoueiry, Chief Culture Officer, The Bicester Collection commented: Empowering women social entrepreneurs is not just about recognising their achievements  its about creating a ripple effect of positive change that impacts entire communities. Today, we celebrate the vision, tenacity and innovation of these four Arab women, the winners of the Unlock Her Future Prize 2023 MENA edition. These women are leading the way towards a brighter future for us all.



Open to women of any age with an inspiring not-for-profit business idea, or a business where their for-profit goals generate a positive return to society; the Unlock Her Future Prize identifies system-changing ventures that will drive sustainable positive social, cultural and environmental impact for generations to come, as defined by the UN Sustainable Development Goals.



A global programme, the inaugural edition celebrated the women of the Mena region and in 2024, the prize will travel around the world to celebrate women from another geographical region.  TradeArabia News Service
At least six people died early Thursday as Russia launched a wave of missiles into Ukraine.

It was the first large missile attack by Russia since the middle of February.

The attack cut off electricity in several places including Kyiv and Kharkiv. The strikes also made Europes largest nuclear plant switch to its emergency cooling system to avoid dangerous overheating. Nuclear power centers need to be connected to electricity to operate such cooling systems.

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear center is now reconnected, but many thousands of people are still without heat or electricity.

Every time there is an attack near the power plant, said Rafael Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency, we are rolling a dice. Grossi said one day our luck will run out and there will be an accident.

The attacks targeted areas in western Ukraine, far from the main battle lines.

The Russian Defense Ministry said the strikes were Russias answer to a Ukrainian attack in the Bryansk part of western Russia.

Ukraine said the attack in Russia did not happen, and Russia was making a false claim to justify the missile attack.

Ukrainian officials said Russia launched 81 missiles and eight drones on Thursday. The Ukrainian military stopped 34 missiles and four drones, but it said the different kinds of weapons made the defense difficult.

Included in the attack were six hypersonic, or very high-speed missiles. Experts say they are Russias most modern missiles and Ukraines military cannot stop them.

The attack continues Russias earlier efforts to strike Ukraines power system. Experts have said Russia thinks knocking out heat and electricity will make Ukrainian leaders more willing to give land to Russia in return for a peace deal.

Oleh Zhdanov is a Ukrainian military expert. He told the Associated Press that Thursdays attack did not hurt the Ukrainian army but damaged the nerves of the civilian population of Ukraine.

Many in Kyiv and Kharkiv, Ukraines two largest cities, were without heat on a day when the temperature was about zero degrees Celsius.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy released a statement about the attack.

The occupiers can only terrorize civilians, he said. That's all they can do. But it wont help them. They wont avoid responsibility for everything they have done.

Dmytro Kuleba is Ukraines Foreign Minister. On Twitter he wrote: No military objective, just Russian barbarism.

The Reuters news agency reported that at least five people were killed in an area close to the western city of Lviv.

Oksana Ostapenko lives in the western village of Zolochiv where she was standing outside of her sisters destroyed home. She said her sister and two others have not been found. She thinks they did not escape.

"They still havent found them. We were hoping that theyre alive. But theyre not alive, she said.

In Kyiv, 57-year-old Viktor Bukhta said a missile landed in his neighborhood and people were injured. He said he was burned trying to put out a fire.

Ukrainian officials said six people were killed in other attacks Wednesday and Thursday.

Im Dan Friedell.

Dan Friedell adapted this story for VOA Learning English based on reports by Reuters and the Associated Press.

___________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

roll the dice idiom (informal) to say something could have either a good or bad result; to leave something completely to chance

drone n. a small aircraft or vehicle that operates with a person but by radio control

barbarism n. cruel and violent behavior

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Georgiana Viou is self-taught chef, or cook, from the west African country of Benin. She moved to France in hopes of becoming a translator.

Instead, she opened a restaurant there.

On Monday, her restaurant was awarded a star by the Michelin Guide. A restaurant is considered highly respected if it is awarded a star by the Michelin guidebook.

Vious restaurant is called Rouge. It is in the southwestern French city of Nimes.

Viou was not the only self-taught chef to get the award this year. A chef who studied literature, David Degoursy, and pastry chef Jeanne Satori, with a degree in sustainable development, also won a star for their restaurant de:ja. That is in Strasbourg, in eastern France, where the yearly awards ceremony was held.

Of the 44 new Michelin stars given out this year, Viou's is the only one won by a single woman. Several other women were honored as part of a team, like Satori, the pastry chef at de:ja.

Viou, who is 45-years-old, has said her cuisine is a mix of French Mediterranean and Beninese food. She has written several books about Benin's cooking.

Becoming a chef was a backup plan for Viou. She came to France in 1999 to study languages at Sorbonne University in Paris, hoping to become a translator. But after working at a communications company, her life changed directions. At age 33, cooking took over.

As a chef in training, she was one of the few women in the male-centric world of professional cooking. She said she does not like being judged because of her sex or skin color. She said that its completely ridiculous to be considered a la mode for being a Black female chef. A la mode is French for fashionable or modern.

Instead, she wants to only be judged for the food she serves.

Viou learned to cook from her mother, who had a small restaurant in Benin. She first worked toward becoming a chef in Marseille. She joined Rouge, in Nimes, after it opened in June 2021.

Viou's Michelin star was given for her cuisine that celebrates her Mediterranean environment and Benin roots."

She was emotional at the awards ceremony. At Rouge, Were not a team. Were a family, she said.

Im Dan Novak.

Dan Novak adapted this story for VOA Learning English based on reporting by The Associated Press.

___________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

translator  n. a person who changes words written in one language into a different language

literature  n. written works that are considered to be very good and to have lasting importance

cuisine  n. a style of cooking

ridiculous  adj. extremely silly or unreasonable

fashionable  adj. currently popular

roots  n. the family history of a person or a group of people
LEXINGTON  The third Vietnam Veteran Remembrance Parade is just around the corner. March 25 will be here sooner than we think.

The parade coordination team is looking for drivers for the military vehicles in the parade. The Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles will be preparing vehicles March 18 at noon. If you wish to drive, please be available that day to help get the jeeps and trucks ready.

The parade itself is slated for March 25. Line up will be near the intersection of Fifth and Washington at 12:30 p.m. The parade will commence at 1 p.m. and travel north up Washington Street.

Though the holiday is for commemoration of the Vietnam era veterans, all veterans are welcome to take part and be recognized.

Contact the Dawson County Veteran Service Office for more information.

American Legion Post 111 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5136 will be hosting a soup supper at the museum that evening, starting at 6 p.m. Lexington High School senior Rachel Kearney will be performing, starting at 6:30 p.m.

The soup supper is a free will donation event, with proceeds going toward the purchase of additional flags for the Lexington Veteran Pavilion.

Vietnam War

The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 was signed into law by President Donald Trump, designating every March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

According to federal law, the United States military involvement in the Vietnam War began in February 1961 and lasted until May 1975.

The conflict first emerged after a left-wing revolutionary movement, the Viet Minh, forced the French colonial government military to withdraw from Indochina in 1954.

The United States then assumed financial and military support for the South Vietnamese state. The Viet Cong (VC), a South Vietnamese common front under the direction of North Vietnam, initiated a guerrilla war in the south.

U.S. involvement escalated under President John F. Kennedy through the MAAG program, from just under a thousand military advisors in 1959 to 23,000 in 1964.

After the 1964 Gulf of Tokin incident, President Lyndon B. Johnson increased U.S. military presence in Vietnam. U.S. and South Vietnam forces relied on air superiority and overwhelming firepower to conduct search and destroy operations, involving ground forces, artillery, and airstrikes.

The U.S. also conducted a large-scale strategic bombing campaign against North Vietnam.

Operation Rolling Thunder was launched early in the war, which was later judged as ineffective and the Operation Linebacker campaigns late in the war using B-52 bombers to bring the North Vietnamese to the negotiation table.

The communist Tet Offensive throughout 1968 caused U.S. domestic support for the war to fade, despite the outcome being a tactical victory for the United States.

The Tet Offensive created a crisis within the Johnson administration, which became increasingly unable to convince the American public that it had been a major defeat for the communists.

The optimistic assessments made prior to the offensive by the administration and the Pentagon came under heavy criticism and ridicule as the credibility gap that had opened in 1967 widened into a chasm.

In 1969, President Richard Nixon began a policy of Vietnamization, which transitioned fighting efforts to Vietnamese troops. U.S. forces had largely been withdrawn by early 1972. The Paris Peace Accords of January 1973 saw all U.S. forces withdrawn.

The Peace Accords were almost immediately broken and North Vietnamese forces captured Saigon in 1975; North and South Vietnam were unified the following year.

Approximately 2.7 million American men and women served in Vietnam. During the war, more than 58,000 servicemen and women lost their lives.
OMAHA  Probable cause was found during a Monday hearing to continue legal proceedings against an Omaha man accused of taking part in the 2020 killing of a 37-year-old woman.

Jerry Johnson, 57, appeared in court for a preliminary hearing Monday. He is the second person to be prosecuted in the killing of 37-year-old Ebony King, an Omaha caterer and mother of three. King was found dead in her home nearly three years ago. Johnson is charged with first-degree murder and use of a weapon (non-firearm) to commit a felony.

At the hearing, Omaha Police Officer Wendi Dye said shortly after 7 p.m. April 15, 2020, Kings live-in boyfriend called 911 to report that King had been murdered in their home near 25th Street and Hartman Avenue. A side door had been kicked in and the house had been ransacked, according to Dye.

Kings body was found in the homes living room, dressed in workout clothes, with a singular Reebok brand 10-pound dumbbell at her feet. Her cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma to the head.

Police were unable to find the matching dumbbell in the home, and they suspected that the missing weight may be the weapon used to kill King.

As the investigation unfolded, police obtained a video and audio recording from a neighboring home that showed Kings boyfriend leaving the home around 9:44 p.m. April 14. Just two minutes later, a gray 2007 Toyota Camry pulled up to the house.

Three men got out of the car and approached the side door. The tallest of the group  later identified as Johnson  kicked the door twice and then entered the home. The three stayed inside for about 17 minutes, Dye said. A fourth person, who is now deceased, stayed in the car for the duration of the incident.

The Toyota was tracked to an Omaha woman, who was dating 33-year-old Anthony Triplett. Though Triplett initially denied involvement when interviewed in 2020, he allegedly admitted to his role in May 2021, Dye said. Triplett identified the other three people in the vehicle and led investigators to the sewer where they had disposed of the dumbbell.

Triplett has pleaded not guilty and is set to stand trial on a first-degree murder charge in May.

Though investigators knew Johnsons name since 2021, they had nothing concrete linking him to the homicide until this year. In January, Dye obtained a search warrant to utilize a new forensic technology called M-Vac to test the Toyota Camry.

The M-Vac is a sterile wet vacuum used to extract DNA material from porous areas that would be difficult, if not impossible, to reach otherwise. While testing the seats and side panels of the car, investigators found items underneath a seat that had been overlooked in previous searches: a singular latex glove, a lighter, a water bottle and a crumpled receipt.

An arrest warrant was issued after DNA on the glove came back matching Johnson. Johnsons case has been bound over to district court for trial.

Kings boyfriend told police that he was familiar with two of the four assailants, but reportedly did not have a relationship with Triplett or Johnson. He also admitted to police that he was selling drugs out of the home, but Dye said King was unaware of her boyfriends side business.

Kings mother, Poline King, told the World-Herald shortly after her death that the mother of three saw her children as her favorite blessing of all.

Everybody who would meet her loved her, she said.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
A well-known Madison retailer, marketer, social media manager and lover of theater, the arts and fashion has died.

Leslie Watkins died Sunday at her Madison home surrounded by family and friends after a battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 68.

Watkins for seven years owned and operated Paperteria, a stationery and gift store on the Capitol Square and later on University Avenue. Then she held positions selling advertising and custom wrapping paper, and promoted Dane Buy Local. She spent another seven years at Hilldale Shopping Center, the last four years as its marketing and social media manager where one of her annual duties was hiring Santa Claus.

I cant give my Santa secrets away. Santas sacred, baby, Watkins told the Wisconsin State Journal in 2013. You have to pick your Santa out early because they want to know if theyve got it or should be looking somewhere else. I think Santa is a good gig.

Watkins, a New Jersey native, grew up for a time in Germany and came to Madison in 1971 to attend UW-Madison, where she received degrees in German and theater arts. She then headed to New York City with sights on becoming a stage manager. But she ultimately worked for Lord & Taylor and for Marimekko, a Finnish lifestyle design company renowned for its original prints and colors on clothing, bags, accessories and home decor items.

With New York being too expensive to open her own store, Watkins returned to Madison, where in 1984 she opened Paperteria and became one of the first female African American retailers in Downtown Madison.

A lot of people would say she brought New York to Madison, said James Tye, executive director of the Clean Lakes Alliance and a close friend of Watkins. She defined herself by being amazing, savvy, stylistic with a flair and having panache.

Tye, who met Watkins in the mid-1990s at Cafe Montmartre before it burned in 2011, collaborated with Watkins to create the Frozen Assets Festival, a fundraiser for the Clean Lakes Alliance. Watkins also managed social media accounts for several businesses in Madison and beyond, Tye said.

Known as Ms. Leslie to her close friends, Watkins closed her stationery shop in 1991 before doing sales for Isthmus Publishing for two years.

From 1996 to 2004 she was a national sales manager for Mani G Raps, which sold custom wrapping paper, and then opened her own marketing firm. She joined Hilldale as assistant property manager but left after 2 years to join marketing firm Pilch + Barnett.

She later worked for Dane Buy Local and then returned to Hilldale in 2012, leaving in 2017 to continue managing social media accounts for other companies.

Watkins, who enjoyed morning breakfasts and cocktails in the evening, also was a member of the Dane County Cultural Affairs Commission from 2003 to 2012. She was diagnosed with cancer last summer, Tye said.

She was known for welcoming and including people in her envelope of personalities. Her friends were as eclectic as her design aesthetic and she was always well accessorized, Tye said. She was usually the brightest light in any room.

Photos: 2023 Frozen Assets Festival
Emilie Heidemann picks her 5 favorite 2022 stories

"The storm will abate, and the sun will rise again."

That was a quote I read recently. It's was written by a renowned psychiatrist who actually practices locally.

It's hard not to get caught in the throes of all the headlines and wonder what the world is coming to. Even for me  an anxious and introverted pessimist-who-is-secretly-an-optimist with high hopes that, while the world may seem bleak at times, things will eventually get better.

There are still pockets of joy even in the deepest pits of fire.

I never envisioned that my journalism career would entail weathering an ongoing pandemic whose affects are likely to be felt for decades to come. For one story this year, I drove for miles as cars lined up outside a pharmacy waiting for a COVID-19 test amid a shortage caused by the omicron variant.

Eventually, that shortage eased. And more is now known about the once mystery virus that had everyone fearing an apocalypse was imminent.

Soon after, with a colleague and friend, we highlighted the problems plaguing Wisconsin's childcare industry as exacerbated by pandemic.

Since then, various organizations have sought ways to better support parents and providers with more work to be done. Sometimes, it takes work to make things better.

I covered the city of Madison's effort to better support businesses owned by people of color last spring. I recall one of my sources texting to tell me I had created "art" once the story published. Efforts continue.

Additionally, I wrote about how a local uptick in unionization rates (that's continuing by the way) was reflective of a national trend, and how the Dane County employers were jumping on the bandwagon to support workers with children despite no federal guidelines for doing so.

There are still no federal guidelines in December 2022, but the story did inspire a well-written column by the Wisconsin State Journal's editorial board.

Solving some problems may have to start with new knowledge and awareness, just like storms always start with lightning, and then cracks of thunder.

The clouds always pass with time. And the sun comes out again.

That's my personal theme for 2022. Enjoy the below collection.
Southern Idaho irrigators might still have to watch their water usage this year despite snowpack levels that are well above average.

Upper Snake River reservoir capacity is far below normal and soil moisture is low after several years of drought, speakers said Wednesday at the Idaho Water Supply Committee meeting in Boise.

It may add up to the prospect of another tight water year.

Water supplies might be limited for some water users in the Oakley, Big Wood, and Upper Snake basins, while Salmon Falls irrigators are on the cusp of having adequate supplies, according to some forecasts, said Erin Whorton, water supply specialist with the National Resource Conservation Service.

There are a range of forecasts, however, and if precipitation keeps up, there is an increased chance of adequate supplies, Whorton said.

She didnt want to paint the situation as dire, but its just a matter of having enough water to bridge the deficit brought on by years of severe drought. For example, while the Goose Creek snowpack was at 128% of normal Wednesday, the level of Oakley Reservoir as of March 1 is just 64% of normal.

But more moisture is on the way, said Troy Linquist of the National Weather Service, as he said a cool, wet weather pattern is expected to continue through the next 10 days.

A storm brewing near Hawaii will be hitting the West Coast in a few days, bringing an atmospheric river to the area. Idaho will receive some moisture from the storm but not as much as the Sierra Madres in California, which have been seeing higher snowpack than normal.

But overall, conditions this month are calling for a wet, unsettled weather pattern in Idaho that is looking really good, Linquist said.

The Upper Snake River Reservoir System is at 47% of capacity, only 68% of average for this time of year. Thats 85,000 acre-feet less than this time last year.

Geoffrey Walters, senior hydrologist for the Northwest River Forecast Center, likened the water situation to be a push and pull  the push is that there is a higher than normal snowpack, but the pull is dryer conditions.

It is pulling the water supply forecasts down, Walters said, as dry soil conditions could suck up a good share of snowmelt.

David Hoekema of the Idaho Department of Water Resources said Idahos drought appears to be lessening.

Latest figures show 98% of Idaho is in some sort of drier-than-normal condition, with 12% in severe drought, including most of Twin Falls and Cassia counties.

His department will review Idahos moisture situation in the coming weeks as to whether recommendations will be made to change the states drought map, Hoekema said.
A resolution opposing the proposed Lava Ridge wind energy project will head to the floor of the Idaho House of Representatives, after being passed out of committee on Wednesday.

House Concurrent Resolution 4 asks the governor and the attorney general take legal steps to encourage the Bureau of Land Management to select the Alternative A  the No Build option  for Lava Ridge, a project that could place up to 400 giant wind turbines on public lands northeast of Jerome.

Resolution sponsor Rep. Jack Nelsen, a Republican from Jerome, said the resolution itself encapsulates some of the many concerns that have come to him from constituents.

This reinforces and summarizes whats made our community so grumpy, Nelsen told the Times-News in a Wednesday phone call. It just shows how much our community is opposed to this.

For Nelsen and other lawmakers, an outpouring of concerns from constituents has prompted many to carry their concerns forward.

(Lava Ridge) is the first in a long line of applications for energy projects on federal lands, Nelsen said. This is like a gold rush to run out and pound your stakes and site projects on federal ground. Theres lots of applications following this.

To me, its a bit of a precedent-setter. Is the BLM going to recognize local concerns or not?

Following the 90-minute hearing, the Environment, Energy and Technology Committee voted unanimously to send the resolution to the House with a Do Pass endorsement.

Resolution co-sponsor Lance Clow, a Twin Falls Republican, told the committee that he and other legislators were struck by how broad the opposition to Lava Ridge was.

Ive never seen such an outpouring of citizens from all walks of life, all political persuasions that have come together in opposition to this project, Clow said. As a representative in a representative form of government, I could not help myself but to say, This is where I must go.

LS Power project manager Luke Papez gave an overview of the project and told the committee that extensive federal regulatory process was well-established and thorough.

The BLMs process in our eyes is working, Papez told the committee. It is accepting the stakeholders and community feedback in an attempt to revise the project in such a way that the project can still be viable, but sensitive to the concerns and issues brought forward.

With millions of dollars at risk to bring the project to the region, legislative resolution would send unfavorable message to other companies looking to do business in the state, Papez said.

Companies come to Idaho to do business, he said, and these companies expect consistency from the regulatory process.

These businesses hope that their individual proposals will be heard out through the process, he said.

The resolution, I feel, starts to put a thumb on the scale mid-stream, Papez said.

Testimony from 21 people, however, favored the resolution about 3-to-1.

Janet Keegan from Friends of Minidoka spoke in favor of the resolution by phone and told the committee that if this project went ahead it would be like history repeating itself.

I feel that livelihoods will be taken away. People would be forced to move... that is what happened to 120,000 Japanese, mostly American citizens, 81 years ago, Keegan said.

Joan Hurlock, who presented the committee with a petition containing 1,300 signatures, declared war against the Lava Ridge project.

We are David against Goliath and face a giant with billions of dollars in their war chest, Hurlock said. Yes this is war, a war to save our land, livelihoods, history, and way of life.

Ron Williams specializes in energy policy and represents LS Power. He spoke in opposition to the resolution and said that Idaho imports more energy than it produces.

If you adopt this policy a message is sent that Idaho will continue to be a net energy importer and that Idaho is not open for energy development, Williams said.

During discussion before the vote, Rep. Lauren Necochea, a Democrat from Boise, said changes would be needed to be made in how we generate electricity, but that more work needed to be done so that communities would see the benefits.

I want to see more renewable energy projects moving forward in Idaho, but I will be supporting the resolution, Necochea told the committee.

A collection of Lava Ridge stories See more coverage of the Lava Ridge proposal from the Times-News.
The abrupt departure of Patrick Countys Administrator came at the same time it was discovered that her signature was on the approval of a solar project that may not have passed through the proper channels.

Geri Hazelwood resigned suddenly on Monday, March 6, but giving an effective date of resignation as Wednesday, March 1.

Hazelwood could not be reached for comment, and a previous phone number for her had been disconnected.

Smith River District Supervisor Clyde DeLoach told the Bulletin that Hazelwood had said she wanted to reevaluate her career and other opportunities.

But a document with Hazelwoods signature approving a solar project in Patrick County has raised questions.

Patrick County Planning Commission Vice Chair Kurt Bozenmayer said, I have not spoken to anyone from the supervisors on down willing to confirm or deny it, but the timing alone is enough to make you suspect that theres some connection.

Bozenmayer said copies of a document signed by Hazelwood were distributed to members of the Commission at a meeting on March 1.

I have in front of me from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, small renewable energy projects (solar) titled Local Governing Body Circulation Form. It says Fairy Stone Solar and it gives the parcel IDs, and at the bottom the block that is checked says The proposed facility complies with all applicable land uses and ordinances, Bozenmayer said. That was signed on October 22, 2021, by Geri Hazelwood, county administrator.

Typically matters involving land use would be handled through the building officials office, with the Planning Commissions knowledge and ultimately the Board of Supervisors approval.

I dont have any specific regulation outlining the chain of command there, but I would expect that at the very least, when this certification form was presented to the County, it would have gone through the building official.

Bozenmayer said Patrick County Building Official Jason Brown has given no indication that he was aware of an approved solar project in Patrick County.

The Planning Commission met with Mr. Brown on at least one occasion during 2022, and he gave no indication that he was aware of anything [regarding a solar project] that had been presented to the County, said Bozenmayer. We were caught totally unaware of this.

In January, three months after Hazelwood had already signed approval for the solar project, the Planning Commission first considered developing an ordinance regarding solar projects for the Board of Supervisors to consider and ultimately approve.

Bozenmayer said the language had to be revised because land in Patrick County is not zoned, as it is in many other localities, so revisions were made by Brown in August and on Sept. 12 the county attorney signed off on the ordinance and on Sept. 26 it was approved by the Board of Supervisors.

The concern here is that at no time was anyone in this group of people notified that an application had been presented to the County and signed off by a county official, Bozenmeyer said. All of these meetings that we went to for an entire year  supervisors meetings, planning commission meetings  the county administrator was at most, if not all, of the supervisors meetings, and at no time did the county administrator announce to the supervisors or to the planning commission that there was an active application for a solar facility presented to the County.

The Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing on March 21 at 6 p.m. at the Patrick & Henry Community College in Patrick County to discuss amending the solar farm ordinance to account for the language pertaining to zoning laws.

Jamie Clark is a resident near the proposed solar facility and said he and his neighbors plan to attend.

Myself, along with other residents along South Mayo Drive, are furious that an out-of-state landowner is considering leasing their land for a solar farm. This land was sold recently to a company claiming to be a cidery company, so we expected the tree covered land to be converted to an apple orchard or similar use to support a cidery company, said Clark. Because Patrick County does not have a zoning ordinance we are now faced with an out-of-state company coming in and turning our pristine landscape into a solar farm.

Clark said it is strange why Hazelwood would suddenly resign after it comes to light that she signed legal paperwork confirming a proposed solar company had met all the requirements of the Countys land use ordinance.

This signed document was only recently made public even though the Board of Supervisors has been discussing this issue for months and were told that there were no active solar proposals for Patrick County at this time, Clark said. The Board of Supervisors need to get to the bottom of this issue and determine if they were misled or lied to by the former county administrator.

Bozenmayer said the county attorney came back to the Board of Supervisors six months after a solar ordinance was approved saying it was unenforceable and needed to be amended so at the last meeting, the ordinance was repealed by the Board. The Planning Commission now has a legal memorandum from the county attorney that includes his formal legal opinion.

This is going to be discussed as part of the public hearing, and we have asked [County Attorney] Mr. [Mark] Popovich to be present at this public hearing. Hes the one that provided us with the initial language and six months later we find that it was incorrect, said Bozenmayer. My concern with this is that the two things that he [Popovich] cited from Virginia Code before and now are different from what appears on the Local Governing Body Certification Form that was filed with the County and signed by Ms. Hazelwood.

A General Notice from the Department of Environmental Quality of Virginia, posted in January, speaks about Fairy Stone Solar LLC, the proposed solar facility in Patrick County.

We have two documents here provided by Fairy Stone Solar that cite different regulations than what the county attorney is telling us, Bozenmayer said. Theres a lot of uncertainty here.

Bozenmayer even contends the name of the solar company might be an intentional attempt to mislead the County.

Said Bozenmayer: The Fairy Stone area of Patrick County is located about 15 miles away from Stuart in the northeast corner of the County and I believe they selected that name just to make it warm and fuzzy for the people in the County.

Fairy Stone Solar LLC is an Arlington-based company and is a subsidiary of Energix US. On its website, the company lists solar projects in Wythville and Leatherwood.
During Tuesdays meeting, the Marion City Council heard about the importance of trees and the upcoming Arbor Day celebration.

The City Council held the first regular meeting for March at the Marion Community Building. Until further notice, the council meetings will be held there while construction work continues inside the City Hall.

During the meeting, City Clerk/Public Information Officer Landdis Hollifield gave the council an update on Marion as a Tree City USA.

In February, the city of Marion received news that its Tree City USA certification had been renewed for 2023. This is the 34th year the city of Marion has received this honor. In order to be named a Tree City USA, a city or town either has to have a Tree Board comprised of local residents or a specific department that takes care of all the trees on city- or town-owned property, according to Hollifield.

The city of Marion has a Tree Board comprised of local residents. Municipalities that are certified by Tree City USA also have to hold a yearly Arbor Day Event, have a tree ordinance and invest at least $2 per capita in tree plantings and beautification projects.

For 2023, Marion will again celebrate Arbor Day.

This years Arbor Day event is planned for Saturday, April 22, at the State Street Trail Head of the Peavine Trail. This years event is open to the entire community and individuals are encouraged to come out, enjoy a variety of activities and celebrate not only Arbor Day  but Earth Day  which happens to be on the same day, said Hollifield.

A variety of community organizations are collaborating as part of this years event, including the McDowell Trails Association, the McDowell Center of the N.C. Cooperative Extension and the Marion East Community forum.

This years event will take place from 10 a.m. to noon. In the event of rain, the event will be held on Saturday, April 29, at the same time, said Hollifield.

In other matters, the City Council talked about a street request.

City officials recently received a request from a local resident about the intersection of State and South Main streets. The resident asked the city to prohibit right turns on red at that intersection. City Manager Bob Boyette reviewed this request with Police Chief Allen Lawrence and determined that there is a sight visibility issue with right turns on red at this location.

After discussion on this matter, City Council unanimously agreed to refer the matter to the Street Committee, so they could make a recommendation at a future meeting. The Street Committee is comprised of Council Members Ann Harkey and Don Ramsey, along with staff members who assist with technical questions such as Lawrence, Boyette and at times Public Works Director Brant Sikes.

If the Street Committee proposes action, the city of Marion will need to determine if the N.C. Department of Transportations input or concurrence will be required, since the intersection is controlled by state DOT, according to Hollifield.

Furthermore, council members looked at proposed changes to Marions festival and events ordinance. The recommended changes include the wording in the ordinance about service animals. Language would be added to the rules that state service animals are in a different category from other animals and only must comply with federal Americans with Disabilities Act regulations, instead of the stricter requirements of the citys festival and events ordinance.

City officials also discussed changing the wording in the rules to make it clear that dogs or cats designated as fierce, dangerous or vicious are not permitted within the boundaries of the festival. The current ordinance language allows such fierce, dangerous or vicious dogs or cats in the festival area if they are muzzled.

In another recommendation, wording would be added to allow for alcoholic beverages to be sold, distributed, possessed or consumed at special events within the boundaries of an approved social district. The city of Marion does not currently have an approved social district. If one is ever approved, then businesses and the public will have to comply with the state law requirements for such districts.

In a similar matter, the current festival and events ordinance only allows locally or regionally produced craft beer or wine. Such a limitation is likely not legal, so the language has been changed to simply state beer and wine.

The City Council didnt take formal action about these recommendations. Instead, council members requested the staff to look closer at the language about animals and see what other municipalities were doing in the region when it comes to animals in a festival space. The ordinance will come before council members at a future meeting for approval, according to city officials.

Council also voted to endorse a study by the N.C. Department of Transportation about passenger rail service to western North Carolina. Mayor Steve Little said this is the best opportunity to restore passenger train service between Salisbury and Asheville.

In addition, the Marion City Council concluded the meeting in remembrance of the nearby town of Canton, which has to grapple with the devastating effects of the paper mills closing. This paper mill has existed for more than 100 years and has been central to the economy and lifeblood of Canton. The recently announced closing of the paper mill will result in more than 1,100 people out of work.
ATTENTION: Please email your church news to mcdowellchurchnews@gmail.com or call 527-3175 and leave a message. The deadline is noon on Wednesdays. Please note the change in deadline and phone number.

Clinchfield Baptist Church will have a yard sale and bake sale on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be a hotdog and hamburger sale from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

St. Matthews Lutheran Church, of 241 W. Court St., Marion, invites the community to join us to watch the global film phenomenon The Chosen. Experience the Bible as vividly real on Wednesday at 7 p.m. and each Wednesday thereafter. There will be refreshments and door prizes.

First United Methodist Church, across from Marion Elementary School, invites anyone seeking a church family to join us. On Sunday mornings we have adult Sunday school at 9:45 a.m., followed by worship at 11:00 a.m., which includes a nursery and childrens church. The United Methodist Men continue to sell their peanuts for $5 a jar. Peanuts are available in regular, light salt, no salt and Cajun. Contact the church at 652-7010 to place an order.

Chapel Hill Baptist Church, of U.S. 221 South, Marion, will have an all-you-can-eat breakfast on the second Saturday of each month from 7:30-10 a.m. for a donation.

His Place Worship Center, 1423 U.S. 70 West in Marion, will host combined in-person and online meetings at 10 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month. Additional information about the Hickory Lighthouse, including links to the Zoom and Facebook Live meetings, are available at Hickory Aglows website and Facebook page: www.aglownet.org/hickorync and www.facebook.com/hickory.aglow. Interested persons may sign up on the website to receive a monthly email newsletter. Readers may receive related Facebook notifications by liking the Facebook page.

The Sharing Food Pantry Ministry of Cross United Methodist Church needs donations of coats, sweaters and blankets for families in the community who may be in need. Donations can be dropped off at 85 W. Cross St., just past Blue Ridge Terrace Apartments in Marion. For more information, call 828-460-9257 or 828-559-4047 and leave a message.

East Marion Baptist Church, of 660 Baldwin Ave., Marion, will host The Landing, a 12-step program for teens, every Wednesday from 6-7:30 p.m. For more information, email thelanding@embc.church.

North Cove Church of God will have a breakfast sale on every third Saturday of the month.

Living Waters Tabernacle of Old Fort is offering a worship service twice a month for college-aged adults called Encounter. The service will be the first and third Thursday of each month from 6:30-7:30 p.m. At each meeting, a new topic will be discussed with a guest speaker; live music will be played; and refreshments will be served. For more information, check out Living Waters Tabernacle of Old Fort on Facebook or email jakanjamison96@gmail.com. The church is at 344 Moffitt Hill Church Road in Old Fort.

Cross Mill United Methodist Church has a sharing food pantry for the community. The tiny food pantry is outside the church fellowship building, and is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The nonperishable food items are available for anyone in need. If you would like to donate items to this ministry, you may drop them off at the pantry box or call 460-9257 or 442-8098.

Greenlee Baptist Church, 5967 U.S. 70 W. in Old Fort, offers Kids on a Mission each Sunday from 6-8 p.m. Newborns to seniors in high school are invited to join. The church also has a deaf ministry available. Interpreters will be provided for the worship services every Sunday at 10:55 a.m. For information, call the church office at 668-6075 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Cross Ties Cowboy Church meets every first Thursday at 2365 Bethlehem Road in Old Fort at 7 p.m. in the barn. For more information, call 828-925-2095.

Landmark Independent Baptist Church will host a meeting on alcohol and addiction awareness by Gene Sigmon the third Friday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The church is at 225 Huskins Branch Road in Marion. For more information, contact Sigmon at soundmind16@yahoo.com.

Apostolic Restoration Ministries is a new church to the area. If anyone is interested in attending, call Tim Eller at 828-443-2050.

Peppers Creek Baptist Church will have a singing on the fourth Saturday of each month at 7 p.m. from January through October.

McDowell Childrens Ministry, a ministry for children of the community interested in participating in a life-changing program, meets twice monthly. For more information, call Daniel at 659-0095 during the day or at 738-0733 in the evenings.

Cross Mill Pentecostal Holiness Church has a soaking prayer and intercession meeting every Friday at 8 p.m. For information, call the Rev. Doug Beane-Hall at 442-6216.

Vision Baptist Church, at 1841 Fairview Road, Marion, is offering Extreme Teens (Club 411) on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 10 a.m. Victorious Couples meet on Sundays at 10 a.m. Additional childrens and adult programs are also available.
The President of Mozambique and the opposition Renamo leader maintain their differences over the holding of district elections in 2024, even after a meeting held on Wednesday, 8, in Maputo, in which they also analyzed the process of Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration of former guerrillas by the end of this month.

At the end of the meeting, Renamo President Ossufo Momade reiterated that his party defends the holding of elections as agreed by the Head of State and the late partridge leader Afonso Dhlakama.

What we expected is that we could hold the district elections because it is foreseen in the Constitution of the Republic and I would not like to see the country making changes in the law so that we can change the elections, so we will discuss to make our position known to the President of the Republic, but we would like that in 2024 we could have the district elections, said Momade.

In his turn, Filipe Nyusi said he is confident that the best solution will be found, taking into account its financial impact.

Filipe Nyusi considered that the DDR process is a commitment of the government and Renamo, this case has been considered as an example and we cannot miss this opportunity to contribute to the pacification of our country and to serve as a case study for other countries that need the peace that is needed.

It is recalled that in December 2022, the closure of the last Renamo base located in the Gorongoza Mountains failed, after Ussufo Momade expressed his dissatisfaction regarding the alleged non-compliance with the agreements concluded in August 2019.
The country will present its candidacy for the UN human rights Commission for the 2025/2027 mandate, so it should be right at home, argued Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva on Wednesday.

The Cape Verdean Prime Minister, Ulisses Correia e Silva reaffirmed, this Wednesday (08.03), the commitment of the country to comply with and implement international conventions and promised to do even better before the candidacy for the United Nations Human Rights Commission.

Cape Verde has had a positive course in strengthening the values of human rights and citizenship. It is in the countrys interest to fulfill and implement the commitments that the country is bound by through international conventions, they are the expression of the values of human dignity and respect for human rights in which we believe, said the head of government.

Speaking at the inauguration of the new president of the National Commission for Human Rights and Citizenship (CNDHC), the Prime Minister recalled that the country will submit its candidacy for the United Nations human rights commission for the 2025 to 2027 term, so it must be well at home in order to be demanding at the international level.
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For patients with higher body mass index (BMI) undergoing unicompartmental or "partial" knee replacement (UKR), long-term outcomes are improved when the implant is placed using a cementless rather than cemented technique, reports a study in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.

In these higher-BMI patients, 10-year rates of revision surgery are lower with cementless compared with cemented UKR, according to the new research. The lead author is Hasan R. Mohammad, MBChB, MRCS, MRes (Dist), DPhil (Oxon), of University of Oxford.

As BMI increases in the population, what's the effect on UKR outcomes?

In UKR, just one of three compartments of the kneethe medial compartmentis replaced with a prosthesis. Because the UKR technique preserves most of the normal knee anatomy, it has some advantages over the more common total knee replacement. However, patients undergoing UKR appear to have a higher rate of repeat or revision surgery.

The increasing proportion of patients with higher BMI in need of knee replacement is "a pressing challenge for orthopaedic surgeons," according to the authors. There are conflicting data on how BMI affects the outcomes of UKR, which can be performed using either cemented or cementless techniques. This new study assessed how BMI affects the long-term outcomes of both UKR techniques.

The study compared two matched groups of 5,220 patients undergoing UKR from 2004 through 2018. The unicompartmental implants were placed using a cementless technique in one group of patients and a cemented technique in the other group. All procedures were performed using cemented or cementless versions of the same type of implant (the Oxford mobile bearing UKR).

Patients were classified into three BMI groups, based on body weight and height: 18.5 to <25 kg/m2, 25 to <30 kg/m2, and 30 kg/m2 or higher. Ten-year follow-up outcomes were compared for cemented and cementless UKR across BMI groups. The study focused on the rate of revision surgery, defined as any additional surgery in the operative knee following UKR.

The overall 10-year implant survival rate was 90.1% for cemented and 92.8% for cementless UKR. For patients undergoing cemented UKR, the revision rate increased with BMI. The rate of revisions per 100 component years was 0.92 in patients with BMI of 18.5 to <25, compared to 1.15 in the BMI 25 to <30 group and 1.31 in the BMI 30 or higher group.

'Cementless fixation may be preferable' in patients with higher BMI

"However, this was not observed for the cementless UKR," Dr. Mohammad and colleagues write. The revision rate was 1.09 in the BMI 18.5 to <25 group, compared with 0.70 in the BMI 25 to <30 group and 0.96 in the BMI 30 and higher group.

In the BMI 18.5 to <25 group, the 10-year implant survival rate was about the same for cemented (93.8%) and cementless (94.3%) UKR. But in the higher-BMI groups, implant survival rates were greater for the cementless compared with cemented technique, with rates of 88.5% versus 93.8% in the BMI 25 to <30 group and 90.7% versus 91.8% in the BMI 30 and higher group. The difference was mainly related to reduced rates or revision for aseptic implant loosening and pain with cementless UKR in the highest BMI group. Medical and surgical complication rates were similar between the two techniques.

Overall, the revision risk for cementless UKR was about 40% lower in the BMI 25 to <30 group and 25% lower in the BMI 30 and higher group, compared to the BMI 18.5 to <25 group. Especially with rising rates of higher BMIs in the population, Dr. Mohammad and co-authors write, "[C]ementless fixation may be preferable to cemented fixation in [higher-BMI] patients."

More information: Hasan R. Mohammad et al, The Effect of Body Mass Index on the Relative Revision Rates of Cemented and Cementless Unicompartmental Knee Replacements, Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (2023). DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.22.01042
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The omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 is much less likely to lead to long COVID than the variant circulating at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, new research being presented at this year's European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (ECCMID 2023, Copenhagen, April 15-18) suggests.

The Swiss study found that health care workers infected with the original wild-type virus were up to 67% more likely to report symptoms of long COVID than those who hadn't had COVID-19.

However, health care workers whose first infection was with the omicron variant were no more likely to report long COVID symptoms than those who'd never had COVID-19.

The research also found that having omicron after a wild-type infection didn't carry a greater risk of long COVID or fatigue than having a wild-type infection alone.

"Long COVID is a significant public health issue with prolonged, sometimes debilitating, illness, limited treatment options and uncertain outcome," says Dr. Carol Strahm, of the Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland, who will present the research.

"However, most of the data on it comes from individuals who contracted COVID-19 relatively early in the pandemic, before the emergence of the omicron variant towards the end of 2021.

"With the emergence of omicron, its ongoing global dominance and the accompanying explosion of infections, it is vital to find out more about who is at risk of long COVID and why."

Dr. Strahm assessed rates of long COVID symptoms in health care workers infected with the wild-type SARS-CoV-2 virus, the omicron variant (BA.1) or both and compared these to uninfected controls.

The prospective study involved 1,201 health care workers (81% female) with median age of 43 from nine Swiss health care networks.

The participants, who were recruited between June and September 2020, underwent regular testing for COVID-19 (nasopharyngeal swabs and antibody tests) and provided information on their vaccination status.

In March 2021 (Q1), September 2021 (Q2) and June 2022 (Q3) they completed online questionnaires which asked which, if any, of 18 long COVID symptoms they were experiencing. The most commonly reported symptoms included loss of sense of smell/taste, tiredness/weakness, burnout/exhaustion and hair loss.

The questionnaire also covered fatigue levels. The median time of follow-up for wild-type infections was 18 months.

In Q1, the risk of long COVID symptoms was 67% higher in the 157 health care workers who'd had the wild-type infection (positive swab) than in the uninfected (no positive swab, seronegative) controls. In Q3, the risk of long COVID symptoms were 37% higher in the those who'd had the wild-type infection than in the controls.

A similar pattern was observed for fatigue. In Q1, the risk of fatigue was 45% higher in those who had had the wild-type virus than in the controls, but by Q3 the difference between the two groups was no longer significant.

However, the 429 health care workers whose first positive test for COVID-19 was for the omicron variant were no more likely to report long COVID symptoms than uninfected controls. Rates of fatigue were also similar between the groups.

Dr. Strahm says, "We can only speculate as to why this was. It's probably due to a combination of the omicron variant being less likely to cause severe illness than the wild-type viruswe know that long COVID is more common after severe illnessand immunity acquired through previous exposure to the virus, through, for example, a sub-clinical infection without seroconversion."

The analysis also revealed that reinfectionan omicron infection after a wild-type infectiondidn't carry a greater risk of long COVID or fatigue than a wild-type infection alone. Similarly, vaccination did not affect the risk of long COVID or fatigue in those who had omicron after the wild-type virus.

Dr. Strahm concludes, "While long COVID symptoms seemed to decline over time in health care workers who had a wild-type infection, they were still present after 18 months. In contrast, health care workers whose first positive test was for omicron did not develop significant long COVID symptoms. Neither omicron reinfections nor SARS-CoV-2 vaccination before omicron infection had any influence on long COVID."

He adds, "With omicron still dominant globally today, our results should provide reassurance to those who are contracting COVID-19 for the first time, as well as those who have already had the wild-type virus.

"It is, however, important to note that the participants in our study were mainly healthy, young, vaccinated women and the results might be different in a sicker, elderly and/or unvaccinated population."

More information: ECCMID 2023, abstract 00485: Evolution of symptoms compatible with post-COVID condition after wild type infection and influence of Omicron BA.1 reinfection and SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations.

Provided by European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
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A new study of more than 800,000 people has found that in the U.S., COVID "long haulers" were more likely to be older and female, with more chronic conditions than people in a comparison group whoafter getting COVIDdid not have diagnosed long COVID or any of the symptoms associated with long COVID. The findings are published in the March issue of Health Affairs.

The national study, which focused on people with private insurance or Medicare Advantage coverage, aims to inform public health and clinical care by advancing the understanding of who gets long COVID.

As one of the largest studies of long COVID in the U.S. to date, in terms of the number and diversity of people studied and the length of time symptoms and diagnoses were followed, the study solidifies many previous insights about the demographics and clinical profile of people most likely to get sick.

It also provides new information to consider about the complex interaction of COVID-19 in patients with previously diagnosed chronic illnesses.

"This work in a large population helps to address the question of who is more at risk of long COVID," said Zirui Song, associate professor in the Department of Health Care Policy in the Blavatnik Institute at Harvard Medical School, lead author of the article.

"This may help clinicians and health care organizations screen, monitor, and treat patients more effectively. It may also help individuals, who know their own medical history, better assess their risk of long COVID and the value of protecting against getting COVID-19 in the first place," Song said.

The study's findings also indicate that symptoms of long COVID can appear or persist much longer after initial infection than many previous studies had suggested.

Most earlier work showed a peak of long COVID symptoms and diagnoses within the first six months of a person's initial COVID-19 diagnosis, the authors note, but the new research shows another, smaller peak around one year, which the authors note was significantly longer than the follow-up period of most initial studies.

Who gets long COVID?

Whether you call it long COVID, long-haul COVID, post-acute sequelae of SARS CoV-2 infection (PASC), long-term effects of COVID, or chronic COVID, the condition has hit one in five adults in the U.S., according to the CDC, and tens of millions worldwide with sometimes debilitating symptoms including shortness of breath, fatigue, and brain fog.

The symptoms can involve multiple organ systems and have been thought to last weeks or months after a person's initial infection has cleared.

A recent review of the scientific literature on the population-wide impact, clinical profile, and biology of long COVID noted that there are many research challenges and many open questions, particularly relating to how the condition develops and progresses, which risk factors determine who gets sick, and what effective treatments are available.

The Health Affairs study authors found that the leading risk factors for long COVID included high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, obesity, diabetes, and depression.

"Clinicians and the public health community are working hard to understand who this condition afflicts, what causes it, and its health and societal consequences," Song said. "More large-scale data from health care systems and payers can help this work for the good of the public."

Long COVID research challenges

Although it has been known almost since the beginning of the pandemic in early 2020 that many patients had long-haul symptoms following initial infections, studying long COVID has remained challenging until recently for many reasons, including lack of population-level data for ethnically, economically, and geographically diverse groups over a long period of time, Song said.

For this study, Song and co-author Mia Giuriato, a data scientist in the Department of Health Care Policy at HMS, looked at two groups of people who might be considered to have long COVID under different definitions that have been in use over the course of the pandemic, plus a comparison group of 600,000 people who similarly had COVID-19 but did not meet any of the definitions of long COVID.

The records came from a database of de-identified, longitudinal health information from people of a diverse mix of ages, ethnicities, and geographical regions across the U.S. who were enrolled in commercial insurance and Medicare Advantage plans.

One group of over 8,300 people met a narrow definition of long COVID, which required an official long COVID diagnostic code in the patient's medical claims.

For people who met this narrow definition, long COVID was associated with multiple common pre-pandemic conditions such as lung disease, depression, diabetes, obesity, and other common conditions, meaning that people who had these conditions before the pandemic were more likely to be diagnosed with long COVID.

Contrary to findings in many previous studies, the researchers found that pre-pandemic HIV/AIDS, metastatic cancer, and solid tumors without metastasismarkers of a suppressed immune system that are typically associated with more severe COVID-19 diseasewere not associated with having a diagnosis of long COVID.

The second group included more than 200,000 people who had new symptoms of long COVID that appeared between 28 and 180 days after initial COVID-19 diagnosis.

In this more broadly defined group of long haulers, long COVID was associated with all categories of preexisting conditions, including those indicating immunosuppression.

One explanation for the difference might be that the group that met the broad definition included a substantially larger sample size in which smaller differences relative to the non-long haulers comparison group were more statistically significant, Song said.

Untangling cause and effect of long COVID

Another challenge for researchers attempting to understand long COVID is that many of the symptoms of chronic COVIDsuch as respiratory and circulatory problems and mood changesare similar to the symptoms of many conditions that seem to be risk factors for long COVID.

Explanations include that it's just the normal progression of underlying diseases that people had before the pandemic; COVID is hastening the progression of chronic diseases; some common factor among these preexisting conditions increases the risk of a separate condition that manifests as lingering symptoms from COVID; or that all of these may be true to varying extents, the authors said.

"Answering these questions will require careful planning for data collection and further studies designed to tease out the tangled strands of long-haul COVID," Song said. "Such work will be crucial for understanding how to deal with the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and for preparing us for future global health challenges we all could face."

More information: Zirui Song et al, Demographic And Clinical Factors Associated With Long COVID, Health Affairs (2023). DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2022.00991 Journal information: Health Affairs
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Credit: iScience (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106081

When our bodies become infected, various immune responses are triggered, starting with a release of granulocytes, white blood cells containing special enzymes that make up about half or more of all human white blood cells.

Neutrophils are also granulocytes that fight off invasive bacteria and fungi, often with zero tolerance for such invaders. Sometimes, however, a balanced and less aggressive approach goes even further in providing a cure.

Now, a team of researchers at Kyoto University has determined that neutrophils induce anti-inflammatoryor M2macrophages deep in the core of these granulocytes. The team's research paper is published in the journal iScience.

In previous studies, chronic inflammatory macrophages were found to have the potential to polarize or differentiate into two opposite versions: pro-inflammatory, or M1, and anti-inflammatory (M2) types. These constitute an M1-M2 equilibrium that regulates the severity of inflammation and tissue healthor homeostasis.

This dual nature or polarization describes how M2 can revert to M1 or even M0the non-inflammatory or steady statein the deep granuloma zone where a bacteria-permissive microenvironment is formed. The team has examined the dense globular structures of granulomas in animals, particularly in the lungs.

"Microbes and cancer cells may manipulate this permissive microenvironment to favor their survival," says the paper's first author, Tatsuaki Mizutani.

Human granuloma-related disorders including tuberculosis are a hallmark of chronic inflammatory diseases. Mizutani posits that the results his team obtained from tuberculosis may also be applied to tumors.

Previous studies have revealed that intercellular interactions within granulomas drive effective inflammatory responses against pathogens or contaminants, but chronic inflammationas in tuberculosis and tumorspersists over prolonged periods of time.

To test how to predict tumor development, Mizutani's team previously established a lung granuloma model in guinea pigs, which demonstrated the specific accumulation of Neutrophil S100A9or A9deep in the cores of granulomas. A9 is expressed in monocytes and macrophages at low levels, but at high levels within neutrophils.

"What is interesting is that both the inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects of A9 have been reported in A9-deficient mice," notes Mizutani, whose team is now considering whether to make A9's multifunctional nature anti-tumorigenic in the tumor microenvironment.

"Our understanding of how a permissive microenvironment in tumors is formed may be applied to effective cancer drug development," says Mizutani.

More information: Tatsuaki Mizutani et al, Neutrophil S100A9 supports M2 macrophage niche formation in granulomas, iScience (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106081 Journal information: iScience
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

A new editorial paper, titled "Mitochondria engage the integrated stress response to promote tumor growth," was published in Oncotarget.

In this new editorial, researchers Dillon P. Boulton and M. Cecilia Caino from the University of Colorado School of Medicine discussed prostate cancer (PCa)the most diagnosed and second deadliest cancer among men in the United States, with an estimated 268,490 new cases and 34,500 deaths in 2022 (ACS Cancer Facts and Figures 2022).

"While the prognosis for men with early-stage disease remains extremely favorable (>99% 5-year overall survival, OS), men diagnosed with metastatic PCa have a 30% 5-year OS, clearly demonstrating a need for therapeutic options for these patients (ACS Cancer Facts and Figures 2022)," write the researchers.

Due to a strong reliance on androgens to drive PCa, first and second courses of therapy involve androgen deprivation therapy or targeting the androgen receptor directly in combination with several other cytotoxic agents. Credit: Impact Journals LLC

Unfortunately, some tumors develop resistance to these androgen axis therapies and progress to castrate resistant and metastatic PCa, which drives the majority of PCa deaths. This underscores a strong need to identify and characterize actionable targets within these tumors. Of interest, mitochondria are emerging as critical organelles that promote tumorigenesis and metastasis.

"Along this line, we have recently described a novel signaling pathway where mitochondria promote castrate resistant metastatic PCa growth by acting as a signaling platform to facilitate efficient stress signaling. This pathway is centered around mitochondrial Rho GTPase 2 (MIRO2), an outer-mitochondrial membrane protein in the Ras superfamily of GTPases," note the researchers.

More information: Dillon P. Boulton et al, Mitochondria engage the integrated stress response to promote tumor growth, Oncotarget (2023). DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28372 Journal information: Oncotarget

Provided by Impact Journals LLC
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Ongoing shortages of a medication that hospitals and emergency rooms rely upon to treat breathing problems are likely to worsen in coming days and weeks, experts warn.

That's because one of the two major U.S. suppliers of liquid albuterol, Akorn Pharmaceuticals, abruptly laid off its entire workforce and closed plants in New Jersey, New York and Illinois in late February.

"We're down to just one plant that's supplying liquid albuterol to all patients in the United States," said Dr. Juanita Mora, a Chicago allergist/immunologist and volunteer spokesperson for the American Lung Association.

That remaining supplier of liquid albuterol, Nephron Pharmaceuticals, has had manufacturing issues of its own, exacerbating the situation even more, said Bayli Larson, a strategic initiatives associate with the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).

"Another phenomenon that could be at play is institutions, anticipating the shortage, may have increased their orders to ensure they had enough on hand," Larson added. "ASHP discourages hoarding as a countermeasure to medication supply disruptions; however, some institutions feel they have to do it to avoid jeopardizing patient care."

The shortage comes at an extremely inopportune time, Mora said.

"We are about to enter allergic asthma season, where pollen levels are going to begin to rise all throughout the United States," Mora said. "And we know so many kids and adults suffer from allergic asthma symptoms and are already starting to see it now, even here in Chicago, because we've had such a mild winter. I have a second asthmatic person of the day today coming in wheezing."

Albuterol acts upon the airways, helping them dilate to improve breathing. It's used for a variety of breathing disorders, most commonly asthma and COPD, Mora said.

"It's used by 25 million asthmatics in the United Statesthat includes 20 million adults and 5 million kidsand 24 million people with COPD or emphysema, plus anyone who suffers from any respiratory disease," Mora said. "So this shortage is definitely concerning to the medical community."

Liquid albuterol is typically used by emergency rooms to help people who are having a dire breathing problem. The medication is administered from a nebulizer via a mouthpiece or face mask.

Some families with asthmatic children also use liquid albuterol in home nebulizers to help the kids breathe easier, Mora said. She's already heard from parents who are unable to find liquid albuterol or refill it in pharmacies.

However, albuterol inhalers are in stock and readily available, Mora and Larson said.

Mora is recommending that all her patients have their albuterol inhaler up to date and current.

"Usually each of the canisters has 200 doses. That should carry them for a long time. It works just as well as the albuterol liquid," Mora said.

If people rely on inhalers at home, that will help ease shortages among hospitals and emergency rooms, Mora said.

"I'm telling people not to go ahead and try to fill liquid albuterol and hoard it," Mora said. "Let the albuterol liquid that's currently available hit the hospitals and emergency departments where kids and adults are going in with asthma exacerbations or COPD exacerbations or emphysema."

But there are insurance problems with that approach, said Dr. Paul Williams, president-elect for the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

"There are some populations that currently will probably suffer from not having liquid albuterol. One is the Medicare population, because currently liquid albuterol is covered under Medicare Part B, whereas the metered dose inhalers are covered under Part D," Williams said. "So patients have out-of-pocket expenses associated with inhalers. I would often have patients who couldn't afford to buy their inhalers, but would do OK with the nebulizer."

It's also more difficult to use inhalers to treat infants and disabled people with breathing problems, Williams said.

"But I think if we limit the use of liquid albuterol to populations that really need it, that shortage can be mitigated to some degree," Williams added.

The trouble began last May when Nephron, which makes generics, issued a voluntary nationwide recall of 2.1 million doses of various medications, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The company cited sterility issues as a reason for the recall.

In October 2022, the FDA sent Nephron a warning letter summarizing "significant violations" found during inspections in March through April 2022. As a result of these manufacturing issues, liquid albuterol has been on back order from Nephron.

The federal government is now working with Nephron to speed up production and increase supply, Mora said. It's also looking into importing foreign supplies of liquid albuterol to help the nation get through the shortage.

There also are alternatives to liquid albuterol available to doctors, such as Xopenex (levalbuterol), Mora said.

"It's more expensive, but it is available in liquid and in inhaler form as well, so they're trying to up their supplies, too, to help with the shortage," Mora said.

Aside from having an albuterol inhaler on hand, Mora is encouraging patients to craft an asthma action plan with their doctor so they know what to do in case of an emergency.

Patients with asthma also should make sure they faithfully take any other medicines they've been prescribed to control their condition, to reduce the risk they'll need treatment in a hospital or ER, Larson said.

More information: The American Lung Association has more about lung health and diseases.

Copyright  2023 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
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Visual representation of the autonomic nervous system. The figure is a functional representation of the autonomic nervous system. The red lines depict the sympathetic component that activates the body. The blue lines depict the restorative parasympathetic component that calms the body. The purple lines depict the defensive parasympathetic component that activates defensive programs in the gut (nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea) and heart (fear-induced bradycardia and fainting). The red and purple systems activate together. The figure was used to explain to Freya and her family how autonomic system activation caused her panic attacks (red-system activation), symptoms of nausea and the vomiting sensation (purple-system activation) and her postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (on standing up, too much red-system activation, and too little blue-system activation). Treatment would include mind-body strategies that help switch on the blue system and that help switch off the red and purple systems. Credit: Harvard Review of Psychiatry (2023). DOI: 10.1097/HRP.0000000000000358

Treatment is scarce for functional neurological disorder (FND), which requires a multidisciplinary approach. A special report published in the March/April issue of Harvard Review of Psychiatry (HRP) aims to show clinicians and institutions around the world what is needed to establish effective community treatment programs for FND, as well as hospital inpatient and outpatient interventions, in their own health care settings.

Functional neurological disorder, formerly called conversion disorder, involves the biological embedding of lived experience in the body and brain. This is the process whereby stress, the social environment, or early experience affects the body's biological systems. The embedding culminates in stress-system activation or dysregulation and aberrant changes in neural network function.

Patients with FND have neurologic symptoms such as limb weakness, tremors, gait difficulties, seizures, or cognitive problems that are not explained by traditional neurological disorders.

As many as a fifth of children and adolescents seen in pediatric neurology clinics are found to have FND. An estimated 63% to 95% of these patients can fully recover if they receive prompt diagnosis and proper treatment.

A treatment gap exists worldwide for pediatric patients with FND

Unfortunately, many children with FND do not receive the care they need. Kasia Kozlowska, MD, Ph.D., a child and adolescent psychiatrist at The Children's Hospital at Westmead in Sydney, Australia, and colleagues explain the scarcity of treatment is global, in part "the result of long-standing stigma and ingrained belief that patients with FND do not suffer from a real ('organic') disorder and that they therefore do not require, or even deserve, treatment."

In a Perspectives article in HRP, Dr. Kozlowska and her colleagues describe the elements of a biopsychosocial mindbody program intervention they designed that has been successful for managing FND in children and adolescents.

A seven-component treatment program

Over almost 30 years, the MindBody Program for children with FND at The Children's Hospital at Westmead has delivered inpatient care to hundreds of patients with FND. In collaboration with community-based clinicians, the program's staff has also designed individualized treatment for hundreds of outpatients.

The authors say that although care is personalized, their interventions for FND always have seven elements: prompt medical/neurological assessment and diagnosis by a physician; triaging the referral for a holistic (biopsychosocial) assessment; a holistic, biopsychosocial assessment of the child and family; co-constructing a formulation with the child and family to identify factors that contribute to and maintain the child's symptoms; assembling a personalized treatment plan; implementing the plan; and building resilience and preventing relapse.

The article describes each of these elements in detail.

Most health care professionals working in pediatrics can easily add an FND-informed skill set to their current clinical practice, Dr. Kozlowska's group notes:

Pediatricians and pediatric neurologists already have the skills necessary to diagnose FND: they simply need to learn to recognize the rule-in signs for FND and to practice communicating an FND diagnosis.

Physical therapists can shift their approach from a "musculoskeletal framework that focuses attention on the problem area" to a framework in which the patient's attention is drawn away from the symptoms, with particular focus on building a therapeutic relationship, using play, and applying interventions in ways that address the problem indirectly.

Mental health clinicians already know how to conduct a biopsychosocial assessment and provide individual and family interventions; they just need to understand "the somatic narrative," the bottom-up approach to emotion regulation, and strategies for managing focus of attention.

Dr. Kozlowska and colleagues emphasize that FND is a positive diagnosis (rather than a diagnosis of exclusion) that should be made by a pediatrician, neurologist, neuropsychiatrist, family doctor, or other physician. "[C]linical interactions during the assessment process are, in themselves, a potentially valuable therapeutic intervention."

More information: Kasia Kozlowska et al, Evidence-Based Mind-Body Interventions for Children and Adolescents with Functional Neurological Disorder, Harvard Review of Psychiatry (2023). DOI: 10.1097/HRP.0000000000000358
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A radiologist uses a magnifying glass to check mammograms for breast cancer in Los Angeles, May 6, 2010. U.S. women getting mammograms will soon receive information about their breast density, which can sometimes make cancer harder to spot, under government rules finalized Thursday, March 9, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File

All U.S. women getting mammograms will soon receive information about their breast density, which can sometimes make cancer harder to spot.

The new requirements, finalized Thursday by the Food and Drug Administration, are aimed at standardizing the information given to millions of women following scans to detect breast cancer. Regulators first proposed the changes in 2019 and health care providers will have 18 months to comply with the policy.

Some states already require that women receive information on breast density.

About half of women over age 40 have dense breasts, with less fatty tissue and more connective and glandular tissue. That tissue appears white on X-rays, the same color as growths in the breast, making mammograms harder to read. Dense breast tissue is one of the factors that can increase a woman's chances of developing cancer.

Under the new rules, women with dense breasts will receive a written memo alerting them that their status "makes it harder to find breast cancer." Those patients will also be directed to speak with their doctor about their results.

Professional guidelines don't specify next steps for women identified with dense breasts, but some physicians may recommend additional forms of scanning, including ultrasound or MRI.

 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Social media developers design apps and platforms to create dependencies in users. Credit: Shutterstock

It took a half century for the first American Surgeon General Report to establish the link between tobacco and lung cancer. In response, companies infiltrated media and genetically modified tobacco leaves to make them even more addictive.

Curiously, tech companies developed similar compelling algorithms to create dependence among usersthese technologies appear innocuous, but should be regulated. There are objectionable consequences regarding the influence of algorithms because they manipulate users by creating false perceptions, dependencies and addiction.

Today's youth are among the first generations to not have experienced life before the internet. For many, their most important generational memory will be that of security concerns associated with terrorism or the recent pandemic.

Advancements in communications and internet technologies have produced a virtually integrated world; parents, guardians and educators struggle to make sense of how to manage youth online.

Designed to be addictive

Research in neuroscience has established that adolescence lasts into one's 20sand beyond for youth with neurodevelopmental disordersmaking universities a prime site for addressing and managing problematic social media use.

Social media are designed to be addictivedriven and reinforced by dopamine. Teens and emerging adults are susceptible to acceptance and rejection through social media, making them particularly responsive to such media and emotionally addicted.

Daily use of social media is associated with a significantly increased risk of self-harm and depression for adolescents. The added sleep cycle disruptions explain part of the association with depressive symptoms.

Even moderate screen use is associated with mental health difficulties that require medication. The lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic only aggravated the situation.

Finding belonging

Youth peruse social media to derive a sense of belonging or to avoid challenges in their offline lives. Compared to live interactions, online socialization has been associated with intolerance to negative emotions and poor concentration.

As a result, youth experience an inability to manage frustration, fear, sadness and academic difficulties. These risks could lead to problems in education, work and relationships.

One study revealed that young people were motivated to scroll as a coping mechanism or out of habit or boredom. The researchers found that staying off social media for one week led to less FOMOthe fear of missing out on social events.

Another study found that staying off social media for one week led to significant reductions in depression and anxiety in 154 young adults. In yet another study, university students were instructed to limit their use for each application to 10 minutes daily, while a control group used social media as usual. The group taking a break reported an overall improvement in well-being, achieved mainly through sleep quality.

Short breaks from being onlineeven as little as two and a half hours at a timehas a positive effect on perceived life satisfaction. A study of 65 university students used daily journals to track social media use and experienced emotions. The control group used social media as usual, but the group who abstained experienced improved behaviors and feelings during and after abstinence.

Overcoming addiction

Weaning someone off social media is similar to giving up a food, drug, gambling or alcohol addiction. Cognitive behavioral approachessuch as keeping a daily journal, reading on paper, listening to music or podcasts, planning social activities, sharing meals with friends and family, physical activity, active transportation, a daily gratitude practice and bundling mundane activities with enjoyable onescan help support the transition.

Such strategies create tolerance for solitude at times when a user may be tempted to go online. After giving up social media for a week, users experienced less distress, more active behavior, and a more positive outlook on how to live life more mindfully and efficiently.

There is consensus that social media is deliberately designed to introduce and sustain addiction. The overuse of social media is detrimental to well-being. Therefore, we suggest that universities launch a "challenge" campaign that sensitizes and discourages leisure screen use for a period of 72 hours each semester to foster student organizational, affective, and cognitive growth. This would set the stage for better life-long habits and success.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a common condition, affecting one in every 2,500 births. Up to 30% of affected babies die from it. The main problem is underdeveloped lungs. The condition also involves a hole in the diaphragm, which pediatric surgeons surgically correct in the first week of life. Until now, there has been little medical knowledge about how CDH develops or about what exactly goes wrong during embryonic development.

Dr. Richard Wagner, a pediatric surgeon and scientist at Leipzig University Hospital, teamed up with researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston to establish a new patient-specific cell model at Harvard Medical School. Using their model, the researchers investigated possible ways of treating this condition. The work is published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

Babies with CDH are placed on a ventilator immediately after birth. "We were able to isolate stem cells from the fluid that is sucked out of the children's lungs and otherwise disposed of, and grow them in the laboratory," explains Dr. Wagner, first author of the study.

While working as a postdoctoral researcher in the U.S., the doctor from Leipzig examined the stem cells in the laboratory together with the American researchers, designing cell models of the airways of the tiny patients. This gave them access for the first time to "living" human lung tissue from patients with CDH. They then compared the stem cells from healthy and underdeveloped lungs.

When the researchers looked at the molecular properties of the stem cells, they found that they had been altered due to inflammation. However, drug therapy in the cell model was able to restore functionality. "We also tested this process in animal models and showed that the treatment contributed to better lung development there, too. With the same drug therapy, we were therefore able to achieve positive effects both in human cells in the Petri dish and in the living organism in the established animal model," explains Dr. Wagner.

The treatment was performed with the steroid dexamethasone. This drug is already used in clinical practice to induce lung maturity in the fetus when there is a risk of premature birth during pregnancy.

"What is most appealing is the fact that we already know that this drug is not harmful in pregnancy. If we were to collect more data in laboratory research, it would be possible to investigate later in clinical trials whether there are advantages to administering the drug during pregnancy in order to slow down the possible inflammation in the organism and help the lungs grow," says Dr. Wagner. He added that the aim in the future is to be able to intervene with a drug directly after the diagnosis of a diaphragmatic hernia, which happens at around the 20th week of pregnancy.

More information: Richard Wagner et al, A Tracheal Aspirate-Derived Airway Basal Cell Model Reveals a Proinflammatory Epithelial Defect in Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2023). DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202205-0953OC Journal information: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Sam Chavarria said her doctor was clear about the birth defects her medication could cause if she became pregnant but agreed to keep her on it as long as she had an IUD.

As she was waiting to get her contraceptive intrauterine device replaced at her local clinic, however, the billing nurse told her that her insurance wouldn't cover the removalor a new IUD. Chavarria didn't understand why not.

"Then she said very delicately, 'Well, people on this insurance typically tend to be older,'" Chavarria recalled.

Although Chavarria is 34, she is enrolled in Medicare, the government insurance program designed for those 65 and older. Chavarria, who lives in Houston, is disabled by fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and mental health issues. Medicare automatically enrolls anyone who has received Social Security disability benefits for two years and this was her first time getting an IUD while in the government program.

Without insurance, just removing her expired IUD would cost Chavarria $350 out-of-pocket, exchanging it for a new one would be $2,000. She left the clinic in tears.

Chavarria's experience is not rare. Medicare was originally intended for people of retirement age. Over the years, the program has evolved to include new populations, such as those who have disabilities or are critically ill, said Jennifer Lea Huer, a public health expert at Yale University. In 2020, 1.7 million people ages 18 through 44 were enrolled in Medicare.

An estimated 70% of childbearing age women on Medicare are also eligible for Medicaid, a state and federal program for those with low incomes, which should fill the gap for contraception. It's not clear how many transgender or nonbinary peoplewho also might need contraceptionare on Medicare or are eligible for Medicaid.

Medicaid, like the plans offered via the federal Affordable Care Act, mandates coverage of birth control. But those who aren't eligible for Medicaid are left in the lurchMedicare's origins mean it does not require access to birth control.

Traditional Medicare includes two parts: Part A covers hospital costs, while Part B covers physicians' care and certain other services, such as ambulance rides. Neither ordinarily includes contraception.

People can get contraception through a Medicare Advantage plan or Part D of Medicare, which covers prescription drugs, but those come at a cost. And even people who pay for Part D often aren't covered for some types of birth control, such as IUDs.

"So, if you are disabled, if you are locked outside of the labor market, if you do not have the means or any other way to financially support yourself, you were likely still on traditional Medicare, which is Part A and Part B," Huer said. "In which case, your access to contraception is incredibly difficult."

Contraception for those with traditional Medicare is given on a case-by-case basis, Huer said. It can be covered only if a doctor can make a credible case that the patient needs it for medical reasonsbecause their body cannot sustain a pregnancyas opposed to merely wanting to avoid one.

"You have to have a champion physician who's willing to partner with you and make those arguments," Huer said.

That's what Chavarria's doctor tried to do. Before she left the clinic, staffers there told her they would try to make the case she needed the IUD for medical reasons. The IUD exchange was scheduled almost 10 weeks later, but during those weeks, she got pregnant. Her body couldn't sustain a pregnancy, so she and her partner rushed to get an abortion just before Texas tightened its rules Sept. 1, 2021.

"If Medicare had just covered the IUD removal or exchange to begin with, none of this would have happened," Chavarria said. "It would have saved me having to make a really tough decision that I never thought I'd have to make."

Women with disabilities often face a stigma from health care practitioners, especially when it comes to birth control, said Willi Horner-Johnson, a public health researcher specializing in disabilities at Oregon Health & Science University. In her research, women with disabilities have described being treated like children or having to go to multiple doctors to find someone with whom they felt comfortable.

"We don't want to acknowledge that disabled people have sex," said Miriam Garber, a 36-year-old sex worker who lives in Rhode Island and is also on Medicare because of her disabilities. Garber got an IUD from Planned Parenthood because her insurance wouldn't cover it.

Even those who pay for Part D to have their prescription drugs covered and have a "champion physician" face difficulties. Liz Moore, a nonbinary person in their 30s who lives in the Washington, D.C., area, could not get Medicare to pay for the Mirena IUD their doctor prescribed for their polycystic ovary syndrome. Moore is disabled with fibromyalgia and dysautonomia, a condition of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates breathing, heart rate, and more.

"After literally months of phone calls, it seemed like my Medicare Part D, and original Medicare could not agree on who should pay for my IUD," they wrote in a direct message. "Was it a prescription or durable medical equipment?"

When Moore finally learned it would cost $800 upfront, they said, they decided to get a hysterectomywhich Medicare would pay forinstead.

Chavarria's doctor told her a tubal ligation also was more likely to be approved by Medicare than an IUD, since older people have that procedure more often. Like all surgeries, both come with risks of complications and recovery.

Even for those on both Medicare and Medicaid, getting contraception also isn't always easy, as in Katie Elizabeth Walsh's case.

Walsh, 34, who lives in northeastern Connecticut, is disabled by a traumatic brain injury, depression, and chronic fatigue syndrome. She got an IUD at an OB-GYN clinic and was told there her insurance would cover it.

Then she got a bill for nearly $2,000.

Medicaid should cover contraceptive devices for dual-eligibility people, according to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services policy guidance, but when Walsh tried to get her bill covered, Medicare and Medicaid could not agree on which of them should pay.

"Every single time I have called one of the insurance offices, they are like, 'Oh, no, you have to talk to the other one, and we don't really talk to each other,'" Walsh said.

Walsh said the hassle to get her contraception covered feels like a kick in the stomach: "Like truly you do not have a place in this world, and your insurance is telling you that."

2023 Kaiser Health News.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, today (Thursday 9th March) announced that 556 heritage projects across every county in the country will benefit from a total of 4.5m under this years Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS).

The BHIS is one of two built heritage funding schemes run by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in association with the 31 Local Authorities. The scheme assists owners of heritage structures  including those on the local authorities Record of Protected Structures and those in Architectural Conservation Areas  to meet their obligations to care for their properties by providing match-funded grants of up to 15,000 for standard projects (not involving thatch).

The scheme is not limited to private dwellings; it also provides assistance to a wide range of other important heritage structures. This years BHIS includes awards to historic landmarks such as Blackrock Hospice in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Deer Park House in Clare, Castle Oliver in Limerick, and Trinity College in Dublin, as well as historic church buildings, mills, and castles.

Also included under this years scheme is funding of 500,000 for conservation repairs to eligible historic thatched structures. Grants of up to 20,000 for thatched structures are available through the scheme. Galway County Council, for example, has received 115,000 for 11 thatched structures.

Speaking today, Minister Noonan said:

It gives me great pleasure to announce this significant investment in our built heritage which will allow so many owners and custodians of historic and protected structures across the country to complete necessary works to maintain these structures and safeguard them for the benefit of future generations.

I have always stressed the importance of supporting our communities in their efforts to repair, preserve and restore our built heritage. This funding represents a 12.5% increase on last years funding and underlines this Governments continuing commitment to protect and preserve our built environment, in line with the goals set out in Heritage Ireland 2030, the new national heritage plan, which I launched last year.

Commenting on the announcement, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh OBrien TD, said:

The announcement of funding under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme of 4.5m is fantastic news as this will not only help maintain our built heritage but will also create economic benefits by generating jobs, including those in those specialist sectors providing employment for heritage contractors and tradespeople. I look forward to seeing how this funding benefits so many communities through the new and exciting conservation projects which will be undertaken in the coming year.

Minister of State for Local Government, Kieran ODonnell TD, also welcomed the announcement:

The continued success of the Built Heritage Investment Scheme is down to the hard work of the Local Authorities, particularly the Architectural Conservation Officers, Heritage Officers and planning and administrative staff. The relationship between local and central government is also critical to this success and I would like to congratulate all involved in this process. I look forward to seeing results of this funding on various projects within our towns, in line with this Governments commitment to put Town Centres First.

Details of awards granted under the Departments other built heritage scheme, the Historic Structures Fund, will also be announced following assessment in the coming weeks.

ENDS

Note to Editors:

The list of grantees under the 2023 BHIS can be found in the accompanying appendix.
WEDNESDAY, March 8, 2023 (American Heart Association News) -- Blood pressure measurements taken in a medical office can vary widely between visits, new research finds, offering further support for guidelines that call for supplemental home monitoring.

"These large variations in blood pressure measurements pose a great challenge to determine whether hypertension treatment is actually working," said lead study author Yuan Lu, an assistant professor at the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. "It makes clinical decisions very difficult."

The study, published Wednesday in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, was designed to show how ineffective it can be to rely solely on office-based measurements, she said.

Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, also called hypertension, and just 1 in 4 have the condition under control. High blood pressure is defined as having a systolic blood pressure  the top number  of 130 mmHg or higher or a diastolic reading  the bottom number  of 80 mmHg or more.

Research shows uncontrolled hypertension can lead to heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, kidney disease, vision loss and other health conditions. High blood pressure in midlife and beyond also has been linked to cognitive decline and dementia.

Guidelines from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology recognize that readings vary between medical office visits and recommend out-of-office measurements, using home or ambulatory devices, to supplement those taken by health care professionals.

However, the use of out-of-office monitoring devices remains limited, Lu said. "The majority of patients treated for hypertension are treated based on office-based measurements."

Lu and her colleagues analyzed more than 7.7 million blood pressure measurements for 537,218 adults, who were an average 53 years old and treated in the Yale New Haven Health System. Patients had an average of 13 outpatient visits each during a roughly 2.4-year period.

Overall, the analysis found wide variations in blood pressure measurements between two consecutive visits, averaging about 12 mmHg. Among people with blood pressure in the normal range, systolic levels varied an average 6.3 mmHg between two consecutive visits. But among those with extremely high blood pressure  above 180 mmHg systolic  levels varied considerably more, an average 32.3 mmHg.

The analysis found that if a person with high blood pressure was given medication to lower systolic levels by 10 mmHg, they would see a reduction of 5 mmHg or less at the next visit 37% of the time and no reduction 25% of the time. It would therefore take about four follow-up visits to be 80% certain a patient's systolic blood pressure had been lowered.

Office-based measurements also may be higher than those taken at home, said Dr. Wanpen Vongpatanasin, program director of the Hypertension Fellowship Program at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

"Measurements taken in a doctor's office don't reflect real life," said Vongpatanasin, who was not involved in the new research. "When you check it at home, it might be normal. There are a number of factors that can affect readings."

For example, some people see a spike in blood pressure readings only at the doctor's office, in what's known as "white coat" hypertension, because they feel anxious when they visit a medical professional. The type of machine used to read blood pressure, human error, lack of staff training and using the wrong cuff size also can affect readings, Vongpatanasin said.

"At home, you have the ability to take a reading without any distractions or anything that causes you anxiety," she said.

The AHA and ACC guidelines say to use a validated automated upper-arm cuff to measure blood pressure at home, making sure to use the correct-sized cuff. To find a validated device, start with the American Medical Association website validatebp.org.

To accurately take a measurement, don't exercise, smoke or consume caffeine within 30 minutes before measuring your blood pressure. Empty your bladder and quietly sit still for at least five minutes.

The arm being used for measurement should be on a flat surface, such as a table, with the upper arm at heart level. The bottom of the cuff should be directly above the bend in the elbow against bare skin. Sit with your back straight and supported, with feet flat on the floor.

Take at least two measurements one minute apart in the morning before taking medications or eating breakfast and again in the evening before supper.

Not everyone can afford a home monitoring device, Lu said. Patients who don't have access to one should return to a health clinic for more frequent measurements or use a blood pressure kiosk at a local pharmacy.

"If the patient comes to the clinic and measures just once, it gives only a snapshot of how well their blood pressure is controlled," Lu said. "We really need other measures to see how accurate this is."

American Heart Association News covers heart and brain health. Not all views expressed in this story reflect the official position of the American Heart Association. Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved.

By Laura Williamson, American Heart Association News
WEDNESDAY, March 8, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Acetaminophen, a popular over-the-counter medication for millions struggling with pain and fever, can also be found in prescription painkillers that combine acetaminophen and an opioid into one pill.

The problem? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has long known that high dosages of acetaminophen (Tylenol) can harm the liver. So, in 2011 the FDA set new safety limits on exactly how much acetaminophen could be packed into any prescription painkiller.

Now, a new study shows the move likely saved lives.

Ever since the FDA announced the regulatory change, which slashed the limits on acetaminophen from up to 750 milligrams (mg) to up to 325 mg, there has been an 11% to 16% annual drop in the number of hospitalizations and acute liver failure cases involving the combo painkiller. One such combo is Vicodin, which contains hydrocodone and acetaminophen.

This suggests that the mandate was likely the largest driver in the decreases in acute liver failure cases and hospitalizations in combination acetaminophen-opioid products, said study author Dr. Jayme Locke, director of the University of Alabama at Birminghams Comprehensive Transplant Institute.

The report was published in the March 7 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Locke and her colleagues stressed that their investigation does not definitively prove that the FDA mandate directly caused acetaminophen-opioid drug complications to plummet.

Certainly, other factors could have played a role, Locke noted. For example, the mandate may have brought the issue of acetaminophen toxicity to the forefront for both providers and patients, presumably leading some to cut down on acetaminophen dosages on their own.

At the same time, she pointed out that the FDA mandate did not place any new limits on over-the-counter acetaminophen dosing. Not surprisingly, similar [downward risk] trends were not observed in acetaminophen alone, Locke said.

According to the study authors, the intended purpose of combining acetaminophen with an opioid was to enable doctors to expose patients to lower doses of each of the two drugs. Given the burgeoning opioid addiction crisis, that approach made sense.

But researchers started to warn that at such high doses acetaminophen was proving toxic to the liver.

In fact, the new report highlights one 2005 study that found more than 4 in 10 of all acute liver failure cases linked to acetaminophen use ended up being traced back to acetaminophen-opioid painkillers.

In 2009, such red flags prompted an FDA advisory panel to recommend an outright ban on such combo drugs. In the end, the FDA chose the dosage limit route.

To see if the new limit had a protective impact, Locke's team analyzed figures compiled by the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) and the Acute Liver Failure Study Group (ALFSG).

NIS data provided details on roughly 473 million hospitalizations between 2007 and 2019. ALFSG data focused on adult patients who were treated for acute liver failure between 1998 and 2019.

The investigators then stacked pre-FDA mandate liver failure and hospitalization risk up against post-mandate risk. And what they saw was a dramatic drop in risk, coinciding with the FDAs 2011 mandate.

For example, NIS data revealed that while roughly 12 out of 100,000 hospitalizations involved combo drug toxicity just before the FDA move, that figure dropped to just above 4 in 100,000 by 2019. And while the risk for being hospitalized with combo drug toxicity had been increasing 11% a year up to the time of the FDAs new limit, that figure actually flipped to an 11% drop per year after the limit was announced.

ALFSG figures revealed a similar dynamic: 27% of acute liver failure cases were attributed to the drug combo at the time of the FDA move, but that figure dropped to 5% by 2019.

Locke said the study did not identify what percentage of combo drug users struggled with a substance use disorder before or after the FDA move. Nor did the team assess whether the new acetaminophen limit in any way reduced the potency of acetaminophen-opioid combinations.

But based on the evidence, Locke said her team is pleased with the effectiveness of the mandate at decreasing acute liver failure cases.

Dr. Marc Ghany, section chief of clinical hepatology research at the liver diseases branch at the U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, co-authored an editorial accompanying the study.

Ghany suggested that the FDAs mandate can only go so far, given that combination acetaminophen-opioid formulations only account for about 20% of total acetaminophen use in the United States.

He pointed out that the study found the rate of hospitalizations for individuals using non-prescription, over-the-counter acetaminophen-only products actually increased over the same period.

The challenge now, said Ghany, is what to do about toxicity risk among the vast majority of patients who use over-the-counter acetaminophen.

Efforts to improve consumer education on the risks of acetaminophen injury, and to provide simple and clear information of the risks of liver injury on the product label continue. But this alone may be insufficient, given the general belief among consumers that over-the-counter medications are safe, he noted.

The only way to protect against acetaminophen-related liver injury and death, said Ghany, would be to develop safer, more effective pain relievers.

More information

There's more on acetaminophen at the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

SOURCES: Jayme Locke, MD, MPH, director, UAB Comprehensive Transplant Institute, chief, division of transplantation, and professor of surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Marc Ghany, MD, MHSc, section chief, clinical hepatology research section, liver diseases branch, U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md.; Journal of the American Medical Association, March 7, 2023
In keeping up with western Montanas climb in population over the last few years, Community Medical Center will expand its cardiovascular center to stay in line with Missoulas increased need for heart health treatment.

Its something thats been in the works for a while, CMC Director of Marketing Megan Condra said on Wednesday. With the growing population, which is no surprise to anyone, and our aging population, not only is it necessary now but its only going to be more necessary into the future.

The project will add 19,015 square feet to the hospitals current cardiovascular center, built in 2001. It requires a $17.9 million investment from the hospital. Construction is scheduled to start this fall, and is expected to wrap up within a two-year timeframe.

A non-invasive cardiovascular diagnostic testing area, space for two cardiac catheterization labs, 10 new exam rooms and an expansion of the physician office and clinical support areas are new features that will come with the construction. Cardiovascular services will be centralized in the renovated space.

CMC Chief Operating Officer Jim Gillhouse said staff particularly look forward to the additional working space.

Were going to have a lot more room to treat patients, he said. CMCs providers see patients from outside of Missoulas county limits, including Deer Lodge, Superior, Polson, Ronan and Stevensville.

CMC currently has a partnership with the Billings Clinic Heart and Vascular center thats been in place since 2018.

This is going to allow us to continue to recruit very high-quality clinicians and physicians to the community, Gillhouse said. Its going to also allow us to be able to expand our services to meet the growing demand in western Montana.

Missoulas improved cardiovascular center will host many of the services found at the Billings Clinic Heart and Vascular center. Gillhouse said more cardiologists are slated to join CMC this summer, and the medical center will keep adding to its staff as the program and demand for care increases.

Matt Weiss, M.D., works as a non-invasive cardiologist in Missoula.

Were thrilled really to get this building approved, Weiss said. Since I've been here in the last four years weve been rapidly growing in Missoula and the surrounding communities.

CMC is the only hospital in western Montana thats earned accreditation from the American College of Cardiology as a Chest Pain Center. The certification is a nod to CMCs quality in care for heart attack patients, Weiss explained.

Theres really a need for more health care in this part of the state in particular, Weiss said. Were going to be able to help accommodate that.

The Providence Heart Institute at Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula also provides full-spectrum cardiac care.
C.S. Porter Middle School was briefly locked down Thursday morning as Missoula police investigated a suspected stolen vehicle nearby.

Shortly after 10 a.m., Missoula police officers got a report of the stolen car traveling along South Avenue and Grant Street. An officer spotted the car and followed it until it pulled into a space on the middle school parking lot.

Porter officials put the school on lockdown when alerted by police of the activity. All three occupants in the car were arrested without incident. The lockdown was lifted as soon as police cleared the area.

Porter officials said no students were on the playground when the arrests were made, although some may have seen the incident take place.
An emaciated yearling bear has another chance at life after being captured in the Ninemile area Tuesday and sent to a wildlife rehabilitation facility in Helena Wednesday.

The male bear, which got into a chicken coop at the McCormick Ranch and feasted on eggs, is just the latest episode in a winter of abnormally high bear activity around the Missoula and Blackfoot valleys. Perhaps due to a food failure for bears across the state, central-western Montana has seen a lot of black and grizzly bears holding off on hibernation until mid-winter, emerging from hibernation in mid-winter, or foregoing hibernation altogether.

This particular bear was likely one of as many as 40 cubs orphaned last fall because of the food failure, according to Jamie Jonkel, a bear management specialist with Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks Region 2.

The bear, now just barely a yearling, probably "was denned up  and what little fat reserves he did have he used up, and started to fade away," Jonkel said. "The muscle mass was being consumed by his body, so he had to come out. He had to find food."

The bear weighs about 20 pounds. A yearling emerging from a den should weight 6080 pounds, Jonkel said, noting that there's also a chance the bear stayed out of a den, and out of sight, all winter before venturing to the ranch.

"He just kind of appeared out of nowhere," Jonkel said.

"I was feeding my pigs and birds, and there were no eggs in the coop where there normally are eggs, and the straw was disturbed," Michaela McCormick said Wednesday. So she opened a larger door into the coop and peeked inside, "and he was maybe 12 inches from my nose."

But the little bear hardly moved, she said  it just looked up at her. The family unsuccessfully tried to haze the bear out with noise. While they were indoors, they spotted the bear eating livestock feed alongside their chickens and pigs without disturbing the animals. But it retreated inside the coop at the sight of humans.

"He was just very happy and cozy inside," she said. "He was just so sweet and little and thin. His mom had just kicked him out, so we really wanted to see him live."

It's not clear whether the bear (named Patty Bear by McCormick's three children) will survive  but it is probably getting its best chance at life. Jonkel said that FWP's Montana WILD Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Helena generally doesn't accept yearling or older bears  it only takes cubs. But "the little bear did get that reprieve, and (Acting Director Dustin Temple) said A-OK."

The little bear was already lucky: Many cubs orphaned last year died from natural causes or from being struck by vehicles. It's not likely that an orphaned cub survives winter, he said. And it was lucky to make it into the coop.

"He showed up yesterday at this ranch," Jonkel said Wednesday. "They had their guard dogs out and just by chance they brought them in. The guard dogs probably would've killed him."

Jonkel said this bear was the first he's aware of this year in the Ninemile area. It's also the first he's captured in 2023 and the first sent to the Helena facility this year.

"We tend to let Mother Nature take its course, but in this case its very extreme, he said, adding that the Ninemile community wanted to see the bear saved.

McCormick said that bears often venture onto the ranch  sometimes at night she mistakes them for her Bernese mountain dog  but they generally don't appear so early in the year.

"We like the bears, we do our best to stay out of their way and let them be in their natural environment as much as possible," she said. "I was definitely interested in making sure he got a chance at life."

Her children, ages 9, 12 and 14, are glad too, she said: "There will be some cute thank-you letters coming to Helena soon."
Its a hallmark trait of bears, a characteristic known even by small children: bruins hibernate through winter.

Except, this year around Missoula, many of them arent.

From neighborhood trash bears to near-city grizzlies feeding on frozen roadkill all season  plus, rural grizzly tracks spotted amid a frigid and snowy February  bears in west-central Montana are active in greater number and frequency than normal for this time of year.

The phenomenon isnt consistent across the state: The Rocky Mountain Front around Choteau, for example, seems to be having a more normal winter. Meanwhile, Jamie Jonkel, a veteran bear manager in the Missoula area, has never seen so many bears active throughout winter. Jonkel, a bear management specialist with Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks Region 2, isnt completely sure why its happening.

But, he said Monday, Ive got some theories. His theories differ by species, but all come back to the widespread natural food failure for bears in 2022, which left bears hungry and thin into fall, and drove many black bears to seek alternative food like garbage or chickens in human environments.

Grizzlies, he said, have stayed active slightly later into December in recent years than they used to. And some large males occasionally forgo winter denning altogether. But with slimmer fat reserves this year, he believes more grizzlies are coming out of dens early  such as those who left fresh tracks around the upper Blackfoot River in late February and last week.

Black bears, he said, may have hibernated unusually early, also likely without adequate fat reserves, due to an unusually early onset to winter weather in November. Now, he said, some may be emerging prematurely in search of food. Others may have been wholly unprepared to hibernate and didnt den at all, opting instead to keep searching for food through the winter. But some of those may have just now denned in the past couple of weeks, he said.

Or, with cycles of sub-zero temps followed by spring-like weather, some bears may simply be moving to new dens after their first one flooded with snowmelt.

Regardless, Theres more bears than we have ever had in a normal winter, he said. Could be an anomaly. Could be an indicator of climate change. Could be an indicator of bears saying, Well, Ill just stay out and keep eating because the foods available. Could be an indicator of bears saying, Look, Im hurting and Im going to come out early.

Busy bears

There arent hard numbers on how many bears, or what percentage of the regions bears, are exhibiting an abnormal hibernation pattern this winter. In fact, bear conflicts in FWP Region 2 were at record levels last year, particularly for black bears, to the point that Jonkel and other FWP staff in Missoula are still tabulating a mountain of data.

It was a hellish year for black bears with us, he said in early December, at a meeting of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committees Northern Continental Divide Subcommittee. He noted at the meeting that 2022 conflict data for Region 2 hadnt been finalized, partly for sheer size and partly because of ongoing bear conflict. Black bears were nuts this year  we were busy from May on, just constant black bear stuff. And its still going.

He told the subcommittee, Weve got a lot of grizzly activity still from the Blackfoot, and trappers couldnt set traps yet because the bears werent denning.

By Feb. 23, he was about halfway through logging the regions 2022 black bear conflicts. The 800 incidents he and FWP staff had entered so far were already nearly twice the total conflicts in 2021. And I havent even started on the grizzly bear stuff.

But theres no shortage of anecdotal evidence.

We saw a fairly normal pattern in the fall, Jonkel said. After hunting season, we have a lot of bears that stay out, they work the gut-pile circuit, and they feast on carcasses of hunters unrecovered kills. Normally, Our last bears seem to finally get denned by that week just before Christmas.

And in a normal spring, a few scattered grizzlies might emerge by mid-March, but most wont come out until mid- to late April.

Whats unusual this year is weve already had three sets of grizzly tracks seen in the upper Blackfoot, northeast of Missoula, Jonkel said. Yellowstone National Park is usually the first place in the Lower 48 where grizzlies emerge, he said  but the Blackfoot grizzlies seem to have come out even earlier.

Early tracks dont mean the bears are ravenous or primed for conflict with humans. And they dont even necessarily mean that bears emerged from hibernation early  although three new sets of tracks in quick succession do suggest an emergence from denning.

Usually well get an odd grizzly bear out here and there, midwinter tracks, Jonkel said. Some of the big males, they dont have to den, but they just do, or they can. Some of the big males, theyre so fat  theyre in walking hibernation, theyre out all winter, sleeping under trees. They just live off their fat reserves, dont den. But most of them do den.

Tough fall

Theres been a lot more black bear activity in winter, and its been a lot more visible around human development.

"Black bears this year have been really weird, Jonkel said, echoing a season-long refrain of bear managers statewide.

"A lot of bears were hurting in the fall, he said. With the winter coming on early, the first thing we noticed were a lot of orphaned cubs  those poor little souls, the majority of them did not make it. Its rare for a fall cub to make it.

Jonkel estimated that 2530 cubs in Region 2 were orphaned and could have been out of dens into winter. Several were hit and killed by vehicles.

Oddly, though, many adult and sub-adult black bears were also out well beyond the onset of winter  even some that appeared healthy enough to have denned. In early January, a bear was spotted feeding on roadkill around Miller Creek, south of Missoula. That was one of many reports of bear activity in the region cataloged by FWP and the community group Missoula Bears.

He appeared to be a nice fat male, so he shouldve been fat enough to go into the den, but he wasnt, Jonkel said, theorizing that the bear moved or began hibernation recently. He was out through mid-February and then he went quiet.

North of Missoula, a bear killed chickens in Grant Creek in January, and at least one bear in the Rattlesnake neighborhood continued to raid garbage through February, according to Missoula Bears and Jonkel. He has since disappeared and I believe he may have gone to the den.

Other black bears are on an alternate cycle: They hibernated early, only to burn through fat reserves well before spring. One bear emerged in mid-February around Frenchtown, just west of Missoula, Jonkel said, and you can tell hes hurting. He probably went into the den without enough fat reserves and he had to come out to get some food.

That bear initially hung around aspen groves and streams, but has since moved on to homesites with frozen crabapples and mountain-ash berries.

He was getting a pretty good meal, Jonkel said, noting that the bear also fed on carcasses. I think he is a bear that will not den again (this winter), he will stay out. As far as I know hes still out and about.

And, he said, As spring progresses, we can expect to see more bears showing up.

Better bears

Unlike the food failure last year, the winter bear activity seen around Missoula isnt playing out across the state.

Chad White, a Choteau-based bear management specialist in FWP Region 4 on the Rocky Mountain Front, said, So far it seems fairly normal, fairly quiet. Havent had that many reports of people seeing that many bears out and about. I havent had any more or less reports of bear activity compared to a normal winter.

But he noted the Rocky Mountain Front sees far less recreation than Region 2 around the Missoula and Bitterroot areas. So, it could be that people are seeing bears that may be unusually active. However, he noted another regional difference, one that may have spared Rocky Mountain Front grizzlies from some of the stress their more westerly brethren faced: more ranching and farming.

I wonder if the reason were not seeing that much bear activity in the winter over here is because our grizzly bears, they have more access compared to bears in Region 2 to foods like grain and cattle carcasses, he said, noting the foods high energy value for bears. But, he said, black bears didnt key into those food sources like grizzlies did.

I do wonder if were going to see an early emergence of black bears and a higher conflict rate as a result, he said. Well see what happens with them in the spring.
An Indiana man was taken into custody last week in connection with a gruesome cold case murder i Georgia that had been unsolved for more than three decades, authorities said.

The man, identified as Larry Padgett, 59, of Loogootee, Indiana, was arrested on March 1 in the 1989 killing of 23-year-old Mary Louicile Willfong, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office announced in a news release. Padgett was extradited back to Georgia, where the homicide took place and where, according to booking records, he is now in custody on a murder charge.

Willfong's body was found by deer hunters near an interstate highway in Georgia on Nov. 21, 1989, according to the Monroe County Sheriff. A subsequent autopsy showed that Willfong had been sexually assaulted and ruled the cause of death was strangulation.

Larry Padgett, 56, was taken into custody last week on a murder charge for his alleged role in the 1989 killing of 23-year-old Mary Louicile Willfong, authorities say. / Credit: Daviess County Sheriff

At the time, authorities say investigators received tips that suggested Willfong had been seen earlier at a farmer's market in Forest Park, Georgia, getting into a tractor trailer with a man.

"During the investigation several suspects were sought after, interviewed and DNA was taken from the suspects," the sheriff's office wrote. "The DNA samples taken from the suspects did not match the DNA taken from the victim. The case was eventually closed and was unsolved."

In March 2019, the sheriff's office in Georgia reopened Willfong's case and assigned it to an investigator, Marc Mansfield. The investigator resubmitted the original evidence to the crime lab at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which processed it again using new technology. Mansfield then transported the evidence to a forensic lab in Miami, where a genealogy trace was completed on DNA taken from Willfong, authorities said.

Coordinating with special agents from the Atlanta branch of the FBI, Mansfield identified Padgett as a suspect in Willfong's murder. The FBI and police in Washington, Indiana, collected additional DNA from the suspect, which was evaluated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's crime lab and determined to be a match with the original DNA sample taken from Willfong's body in 1989.

Story continues

While in Indiana, authorities say investigators were able to collect more evidence in the case linking Padgett to Willfong's murder. Padgett was transferred to Monroe County two days after his initial arrest, and records show that he remains in custody there without a set bond amount.

China poses "most consequential threat" to U.S. national security, intelligence officials say

Tiger Woods' ex-girlfriend sues to nullify their non-disclosure agreement

Emails and text messages become public as part of Fox-Dominion lawsuit
[Source]

A group of students gathered last week to protest against the proposed Philadelphia 76ers arena plan.

On March 3, the Students for the Preservation of Chinatown (SPOC) took to 36th and Walnut Streets to demand the removal of real estate developer David Adelman and Sixers co-owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer from the board of trustees of the University of Pennsylvania, the Wharton School and Penn Medicine.

Dozens of students also called on the university to stray from corporations that are financing the arena and to issue a statement in support of the Chinatown communitys opposition.

Kaia Chau, the cofounder of SPOC, said that students saw Penn to be complicit in the gentrification and displacement of communities of color, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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"This is the most tangible way that students can get involved: challenging their university, especially when your university, like Penn, is one of the most influential institutions in Philadelphia," she said.

The 76ers arena plan, which was announced in July last year, was proposed to occupy 10th and Market Streets, with developers hoping to revitalize the area's economy.

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However, the proposal was immediately met with criticism from the Chinatown community, who cited concerns surrounding displacement, gentrification and the loss of Chinese culture in the area.

Leaders previously announced the official formation of the Chinatown Coalition to Oppose the Arena, and members of the Jewish community have also stood in solidarity with Chinatown residents.

Story continues

Last month, No Arena in Chinatown Solidarity activists created a music video to encourage public opposition to the proposed Philadelphia 76ers arena plan.

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by No Arena in Chinatown Solidarity group (@nacsphilly)

The Sixers have released a statement in response to the multiple protests, according to CBS News.

Firstly, the arena will not be built in Chinatown; this project will be built in the Fashion District at Market East, a location that was once the center of commerce for Philadelphia for 100 years, on a site that has been a mall for nearly 50 years. Furthermore, in addition to committing $50 million to improve, strengthen and enhance communities around Market East  the largest community benefits agreement in the history of our city  and create jobs for Philadelphians across the city, we have been aggressively pursuing solutions to improve commerce, transit, safety, cleanliness and vibrance, to what has historically been one of the most important hubs in all of Philadelphia, but one that has been struggling for years.

However, many activists and Chinatown residents have voiced concerns that the arena would still negatively impact the community even though it is not directly in Chinatown.

You can be a block away and still have a major impact, Harry Leong, the president of the Philadelphia Suns, previously told CBS News. When you push the community members out whether businesses, whether residences, then you destroy the culture of the community. The culture comes with the people.
The future of the City of Morganton Municipal Auditorium and Performing Arts Center has been mapped out after a masterplan was approved at Monday nights city council meeting.

Council members unanimously approved the masterplan, which had a good level of community involvement, said Sharon Jablonski, director of the citys department of cultural and creative development.

She said she was pleased with the diversity seen on the steering committee for the masterplan, and said more than 500 people submitted responses for the survey done in the planning process. She said thats well above average, and officials usually would only expect about 100 responses at best.

The masterplan calls for renovations to CoMMA to come in three separate phases.

Phase one will focus the performance system and auditorium renovations, with tweaks to lighting, audio and video infrastructure, other acoustical tweaks, house lights and improved accessibility, Jablonski said.

Phase two will move to the back of the house, where Jablonski said the obvious need for more support recently has been highlighted when dance academies use CoMMA for recitals. Phase three will go to the front of the house, enhancing the lobby, restrooms, improved ticketing and new interior wayfinding.

These would be the first major renovations to CoMMA since it was built in 1986, apart from the fresco that was added to the lobbys ceiling in 2004, said City Manager Sally Sandy. Jablonski said CoMMA had a good year last year, and she expects this year to continue that trend.

What weve got is what was envisioned then, Sandy said. It has served us very well and (is) something most communities our size dont have.

She and Mayor Pro Tem Wendy Cato spoke more about CoMMAs uniqueness as an amenity to residents and something that draws those from surrounding communities into Morganton. City staff determined last year CoMMA ticketholders come from 43 different zip codes, including some from out of state, The News Herald reported.

Most people think of it as a luxury, but its really an economic driver for this community, Cato said. I think that thats why we feel its so important, not only as something for our citizens but something that draws people to our area both for business and pleasure.

Sandy said city staff would be looking at the best ways to break down the different phases as budget season approaches.

As CoMMAs future moves from the planning stages to the realization stages, the city is looking to start planning its entire future.

Council members also unanimously approved a contract not to exceed $200,000 with Kimley-Horn & Associates to develop a comprehensive land-use plan.

The comprehensive plan is essentially a large masterplan for the entire city to guide our growth and development over the next  15 years, said Wendy Smith, director of development and design for the city of Morganton. You have a plan that was developed in 2009/2010 and thats guided you pretty well through that time, but we all know theres been some significant changes in the way the world works and in our local community in that time, so its a good time to be able to look at updating that plan.

The comprehensive plan will give the public a chance to give input into what the future of Morganton will look like, Sandy said. Initial steps will see a steering committee created, and Sandy said there will be several different meetings for public input.

She told The News Herald on Thursday city staff are working with Kimley-Horn to finalize some of the specs of the planning process and expects opportunities for public involvement to come in the next couple of months.

In other business, the Morganton General Stores Swedes Cafe was approved for a $30,000 community development block grant small business loan to purchase and install a new cooking hood with an exhaust fan to support their menu.

The project will create one new job, Sandy said, and meets HUD and Mission 2030 goals. A personal guaranty is required for the loan.

Also approved was:

A set of minutes from the Feb. 6 meeting

A budget amendment to receive an anonymous donation for Main Streets Public Art Program

Contracts with two new companies for on-call engineering services

Participation in the 2024 urban archery season

Amendments to the citys electric transfer and fund balance policies

A resolution supporting The Industrial Commons Innovation Campus project

The council will meet again April 3 in the Council Chambers at Morganton City Hall. Next months meeting will start an hour early at 5 p.m. because of a performance later that night at CoMMA.
Local officials are urging residents to make sure theyre ready for severe weather as the state recognizes severe weather preparedness week this week.

Gov. Roy Cooper released a statement Monday urging North Carolina residents to take the threat of severe weather seriously, especially as spring gets into full swing.

Spring is the most active season for thunderstorms and tornadoes across North Carolina, but we know severe weather can strike at any time, Cooper said. Residents across North Carolina can help protect themselves and their families by being prepared for severe weather by updating their emergency kits, having a preparedness plan, and ensuring they have a way to stay informed about the weather conditions and emergency announcements.

Burke County Emergency Management Director Mike Willis said its most important for residents to make sure they have a way to be notified of severe weather events near them. The county offers severe weather and emergency alerts through Smart911, a smartphone app that also sends out alerts by email, text message and phone call.

The program, called Burke Alert, has been available since November 2020, and is free to users. Users can customize which alerts they receive and through which methods they receive them, and can narrow down the radius for which they want to receive alerts based on their location.

The program also lets users fill in their personal information, including emergency contacts, allergies and medical conditions. When the user calls 911, a dispatcher will be able to see that information to make getting help easier.

Learn more about Burke Alert by visiting www.burkenc.org/2492/Burke-Alert-Information.

When severe weather alerts are sent out, Willis stressed the importance of heeding the warnings issued.

Be generally aware of the weather, Willis said. You dont have to be petrified of it, just be aware of whats going on to protect you and your family. Too often people dont take heed to the warnings and are not weather aware, and thats usually when somebody winds up getting hurt.

He said it can be hard to forecast weather in Burke County because of the way its nestled in the foothills of the mountains.

Predicting weather here is extremely difficult because of where we are, the way the land lays, and the simple fact that radars cant hit us specifically, Willis said. The weather forecasters are doing the best they can with what they have. Fortunately, they (severe storms) miss us more than they hit us, which is a good thing, but we still need to take heed to those warnings.

Wednesday morning also saw organizations across North Carolina participate in the statewide tornado drill.

Willis said in the case of a tornado, everyone in a home should be headed to an interior room on the first level of their home or place of work. He said to avoid windows and doors. At home, a bathroom is the best place to go if you dont have a basement.

They hit quick so you dont have a lot of time, Willis said. If those warnings are out, you need to be where you need to be, which is protected the best you can.

If youre driving, information released by emergency management officials said you should never stop under an overpass or bridge. Try to seek shelter in a safe structure, but do not try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle.

If you cant make it to shelter, take cover in a low-lying, flat area instead.

For thunderstorms, people should seek shelter any time they can hear thunder because that means lightning is close enough to strike you. There are 400 people struck by lightning in the U.S. each year, and about 41 of them die, emergency management officials said.

Willis urged everyone to make sure they have a plan for what theyll do in an emergency, and a form is available online at www.ready.gov/plan-form to help. Once the form is filled out, the user can have it sent to their email address. It is not stored by any government agency, according to the website.

Everyone should make sure they have enough supplies  non-perishable foods, water and medicine  to survive at least 48 hours without power, Willis said.
Centuries ago, the Celts referred to Ireland as Inis Fail, Island of Destiny. For Buttes native-born Irish, their destinies would lie far beyond their beloved homeland.

There are a lot fewer homes in Butte's once-bustling neighborhoods of Dublin Gulch, Corktown and Muckerville. Add to that list the now-desolate Anaconda Road, which, in its heyday, seemed to have a character all its own.

The long-ago inhabitants are dead and buried, and their many descendants left the area to forge their own paths. The sacrifices made by those original Irish settlers, however, were not in vain. Little did they know that their descendants would proudly cling to their Irish heritage and pass it down through the generations.

So much so, it has become an impenetrable pattern and a treasured honor for their descendants to proudly wave the tricolour flag. Not because it was expected, but because that Irish pride had already been firmly embedded into their DNA  and Buttes as well.

History has shown that Buttes Irish would not have progressed as rapidly if not for this mining camp. It works both ways though  without that Irish influence, without that Irish determination, Butte would have had a real tough time becoming the richest hill on earth.

An estimated 4.5 million Irish made their way to America between 1820 and 1930, thousands settling along the Eastern Seaboard in populated places such as Boston, New York City and Philadelphia, while others chose smaller towns, including Fall River, Massachusetts. Still others made their way west.

Within the boundaries of the growing mining camp of Butte lay a not-so-quiet hamlet where many of Buttes Irish immigrants would settle.

These men, women and children of Erin now lived in neighborhoods that would be dubbed Corktown and what was once called Town Gulch ... well, Dublin Gulch sounded so much better. The Irish inhabitants also laid claimed to Anaconda Road and Muckerville, with its numerous homes and businesses.

Butte was surrounded by mountains, but these Irish neighborhoods were surrounded by mines. Headframes dotted the landscape from every angle. Nearby, immigrants worked such mines as the Parrot, the Neversweat with its seven stacks and the Anaconda. At the foot of Dublin Gulch, the Kelley Mine would appear, and just a few blocks away stood the mines of the Original and the Steward, with a visible Mountain Con, too.

Looking through the hundreds of articles in newspapers.com, its clear that the neighborhoods combined history is just too immense and the space allowed within these Big Sky pages would not come close to doing it justice.

So, instead, below, in no particular order, are just a few of the hundreds of interesting stories on the Irish from this particular Butte region. Yes, these Irish worked hard, they fought hard and they played hard, but all the while they were building a place they could call home.

Bickering priests

Many stories have been passed down through the years, but one shared by the late Father Sarsfield O'Sullivan was particularly interesting.

This story involved two priests, Father Michael ODea Barry, pastor of the Immaculate Conception Church and Father Michael Hannan, pastor of St. Marys Church. Its important to note that St. Marys had a very telling nickname, the Miners Parish. Both natives of County Limerick, Barry was the IC pastor for more than 20 years; Hannan led his parishioners for 16 years.

As O'Sullivan explained, sometime around 1920, the two men were at the same Catholic function when they got into a heated argument. Barry apparently had told Hannan that the IC priest was lucky to have the lace curtain Irish in his parish, while Hannan was not as blessed as he had the shanty Irish attending Mass at his church. Basically, Barry informed the St. Marys priest that his Irish parishioners were well off and much more refined, while those shanty Irish of St. Marys were poor and uneducated.

That insult didnt sit well with the St. Marys priest and the argument ended with Hannan punching Barry in the face.

In the ensuing years, the two priests must have mended fences because when Barry died in 1927, Hannan served as one of his pallbearers.

Mahoneys vs. Mulligans

It wasnt just priests who had the occasional disagreement. Neighborhood tiffs were a common occurrence, too. One feud stood out with one Butte judge absolutely fed up with the antics of two Irish families  particularly their matriarchs.

In a Dublin Gulch rendition of the Hatfields and the McCoys, it was the Mahoneys versus the Mulligans back in 1896. These two families seemed to have a hard time getting along, in particular Mrs. Mahoney and Mrs. Mulligan, both of whom reportedly had an affinity for fisticuffs and foul language.

The Mahoneys celebrated the ancient scrimmage of the Kilkenny cats on Sunday afternoon amid their own territory in Dublin Gulch, reported The Butte Miner on Feb. 18, 1896. Not sure what that even meant, but it didnt sound too complimentary.

This was not the first time the families had come to blows, but Judge R.F. Turner was tired of their ongoing feud and advised them to get as far away from one another as Providence and landmarks would permit.

This is just a test

The above incident did not help Dublin Gulchs reputation, not one little bit. That same year, but several months later, The Butte Miner reported that this particular neighborhood, with the upper part referred to as Kilkenny, was not a favorite among police officers.

It is perhaps the most belligerent quarter in which a police officer may be stationed, reported the newspaper. The article further stated that newly installed officers were usually given this beat to test the efficiency of a new man on the force.

Melting pot

As 1900 inched closer, more and more Irish  Murphys, Sullivans, Hogans, Sheas, OLearys, Gavigans, McCoys, Harringtons, Dohertys, Maloneys, Hollands and others settled in these neighborhoods. Other ethnicities were represented as well.

Looking through old Butte city directories, people with surnames such as Malkovich, Ferko, Oaas, Matson, Scown and Radonich, just to name a few, made homes for themselves among the Irish. Oddly enough, a group of Finnish built a club house in Corktown. Thats right, the Finnish Workers Club and the Finnish Hall Society met at 318 N. Wyoming St.

Early history of St. Marys

By 1904, the neighborhoods could not only boast about their own church, St. Marys, but also an elementary school. Bearing the same name, the school was housed in the church basement, which would be bursting at the seams in its first year with nearly 200 students. A year later, the student body grew to more than 500, but that was not a problem, because a three-story school was built in the interim at a cost of $15,000. Now, there was plenty of room, and attendance numbers grew.

Hole in one

There were some hazards to contend with on Anaconda Road, some bigger than others. Just after Christmas 1902, a cave-in occurred right smack in the middle of the road.

The hole was estimated to be 50 feet deep and reportedly, passersby were able to see into the workings of the Parrot Mine.

Not exactly the Ritz

In the early 1930s, the boys of Corktown built their own club house. No, it was not the Ritz, but thats what they called it and the password to enter was pinochle. Made from discarded wood, it was a place to call their own. Even better, the 10x10-foot shack came with its own wood stove for those cold winter days.

That stove would lead to the clubhouse's demise as it got overheated one September day in 1933 and burned the place to the ground.

Beer parlors and more

No surprise to report here as there was a tavern known as Sullivan & Sullivan at 231 Anaconda Road, but there were many more. Mrs. T.J. Murphy had her establishment at 434 Anaconda Road, and the Pick and Shovel, run by E.F. Fitschen, was close by. Also worth noting was the bar run by Thomas DArcy and James Maginn at 332 N. Wyoming St.

Maginn was the father of James Maginn, a Butte native who would become a priest with the Columban Order. The father, along with his wife, Annie, and their family left Butte to return to County Down when young James was just an elementary school student.

Ordained in 1935, the young priest was a Japanese prisoner of war during World War II, and in 1949, he visited Butte once again before returning to Korea. By the following year, he was again taken prisoner, this time by North Korean captors. Accused of being an American spy, the 38-year-old was executed, along with two other Irish priests.

Real estate prices

If one was looking to buy a home in this area, the prices seemed pretty reasonable. At least it would seem so looking at a 1906 ad from a real estate company, Passmore & Co.

A two-room home with an adjoining store on Anaconda Road would cost $2,100. For those looking to move to North Wyoming Street  well, a four-room cottage would cost close to $1,000.

Anaconda Road Massacre

Finally, as a spring day in 1920 would prove, life was not always easy in this neck of the woods.

Bloody Wednesday, also called the Anaconda Road Massacre, occurred April 21, 1920, when hundreds of striking miners came under fire outside the Neversweat Mine. Hired guards from the Anaconda Copper Mining Co. were the men behind the guns.

The guards managed to wound an estimated 17 men. The cast of characters also included the Industrial Workers of the World and a contingent of federal troops.

Most importantly, though, were the wounded miners. Thomas Manning, a 25-year-old Irish immigrant, would die days later from the injuries he received. Another young Irishman, James Sullivan, was also severely injured and his death was initially reported to be imminent. Knowing his time on Earth would soon be coming to an end, Sullivan returned home to his family in Donaghadee in County Down, where he would die seven months later.
Mark Thompson of Montana Resources told the Butte-Silver Bow Board of Health on Wednesday that MR, in the process of expanding its monitoring and collection of mine dust in the Greeley neighborhood, will also fund scientific studies regarding potential health effects of the dust from active mining.

Thompson, the mines vice president for environmental affairs, told the board at its regular monthly meeting that a recent story by the environmental-reporting nonprofit InvestigateWest portrayed Butte inaccurately, particularly in further promulgating the notion that theres a choice between having the employment and tax base benefits of mining and having a healthy, safe community.

I work for a company that absolutely rejects that, he says. We believe we can have both, but we do not want to bury our heads in the sand and not look for problems we may be creating  If there are such problems we want to know. If we do not know, we cant fix it.

He said the mine is in the process of expanding its dust monitoring system in Greeley, with plans to add two more locations in addition to the current monitoring location at the old Greeley school. The mine will also be adding dust fall jars that will provide what Thompson called semi-quantitative information about dust accumulation, with the caveat that the simple collection devices also catch bird poop and bugs.

In evaluating the results of a recent survey of the Greeley neighborhood, Thompson said in tracking the respondents that said they believe dust was a major concern, we were able to develop a heat map that shows two areas that tended to have higher concern. So it begged the question of spatial distribution differences within the neighborhood that werent being captured by the single monitoring station.

He said he wasnt sure yet where the new monitoring stations and dust fall jars would be located. We have enough employees and employee relatives in the area that we wont have a problem finding spots, he said.

Also, Thompson said, the mine would like to partner with the countys RMAP program in analyzing any soil samples collected in the neighborhood to further gauge dust accumulation. Thompson said that if they can get splits of the samples collected by the county, they would be tested for additional metals. The county tests RMAP samples primarily for lead and arsenic. Thompson said MR would also test for copper, molybdenum, manganese and other metals.

Thompson said he has received positive feedback from RMAP coordinator Eric Hassler. Hes willing to help, Thompson said.

In talking about Montana Resources willingness to fund research into health effects of dust from active mining, Thompson said in an interview with The Montana Standard Wednesday, Previous studies have been underfunded. Theyve been able to raise questions but havent been able to find answers. Were about finding answers, not raising questions.

He added, In the absence of fact, rumor fills the vacuum.

He said the philosophy would be not to try to eat the elephant in one bite, but rather to do a linear series of studies. Well let the science and data lead us, he said.

He added that having independent, qualified scientists to work on the studies would be essential. We cant do this ourselves, he said. Theres a limit to our credibility just because were the mine operator. The community needs to be able to trust the results.

He added, The way I look at it, if study results come down from heaven theres a small fraction of people who will still be skeptical. The further away from heaven you get, the bigger that faction gets. And if the study is just coming from the mine, that becomes a sizable group.

Unlike the previous studies, Thompson said, nobody will be able to attack the data and the science  they will be well-funded studies. Well make sure theyre beyond reproach.

In his talk to the health board, Thompson expressed the hope that Dr. Katie Hailer, department head of chemistry and geochemistry and a professor of organic chemistry at Montana Tech, would be willing to participate in the work. Hailer has been involved in previous studies of mine dust. Thompson said she had agreed to talk further about it.

A message was left at Hailers office.

Health board members urged Thompson to keep the board up to speed about the collection initiatives and health studies.
GREAT FALLS  Authorities say a Great Falls police officer and a suspect were seriously injured by gunfire following a traffic altercation.

The Great Falls Police Department said a vehicle failed to yield during an attempted traffic stop in the central Montana city at 3:50 p.m. Tuesday.

A few minutes later, a second officer saw the suspect vehicle near the 1400 block of 6th Avenue South, where two occupants abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot.

A third officer located the two occupants vehicle near 12th Street and 5th Avenue South. The male suspect ran and the officer chased him on foot. After a short distance, the suspect turned and fired several rounds at the officer. The officer was hit and seriously injured. Officers performed tactical medical procedures. One of the officers transported the injured officer to the hospital in a patrol car, police said.

The suspect fled, but within a block he was confronted by another Great Falls Police officer. Several shots were fired and the suspect was seriously wounded. The suspect was transported to the hospital by ambulance. He was identified as 37-year-old Jacob Kain Bradley, now on parole out of Yellowstone County. At this point, Bradley has not been charged related to this incident, but charges are pending, police said.

Bradley was shot in the head and his injuries are critical, police said.

The second occupant of the vehicle, Nikki Snell, remained on scene and was eventually charged with criminal possession of dangerous drugs, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted person, and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia, authorities said.

Chief Jeff Newton has requested the Montana Department of Justice's Division of Criminal Investigation lead the inquiry into the incident. Police are not releasing the name of the officers involved, including the injured officer. The injured officer was shot in his body armor and in the right arm. The officers injuries are serious, but not life threatening.
American Canyon on Sunday will play host to the city's annual Holi Festival, or Festival of Colors.

Helping Hand Indo-American is presenting the event from 2 to 5 p.m. The festival will be held at Community Park II at 20 Benton Way.

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Its to show my Indian culture to the public and what we have in India, said Arvind Nischal, who is spearheading the event.

Holi is a Hindu festival celebrated in India and elsewhere. Among its many purposes is to mark the beginning of spring.

Its a very famous event in India, Nischal said.

The American Canyon festival will feature plenty of color. Participants can splash chalk-like colors on their shirts and, if they wish, their faces. They might come dressed in white so the colors stand out.

It's removable. It's not any permanent colors, Nischal said.

This will be the 10th Holi Festival in American Canyon. Nischal said it hasnt been held in the past few years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of Wednesday, the National Weather Service was predicting rain on Sunday, part of an atmospheric river system that has prompted a Bay Area flood watch starting Thursday. Nischal expressed hope there would be a break in the weather during the festival.

Sponsors are The UPS Store and American Canyon Arts Foundation.

Photos: Joyous explosions of color for Holi festival Holi in Mumbai Holi Holi in Jammu Kolkata Hindu festival of colors Dancing for Holi festival Ahmadabad Allahabad Holi festival flowers Holi Holi in Hyderabad Holi in India Holi Holi festival bonfire Holi in Mumbai Celebrating the coming of spring Striking a pose Nepal Jammu
FAIRFIELD  A Solano County judge on Wednesday rejected a proposed referral for an investigation into Vallejo City officials over the allegedly purposeful destruction of records concerning a series of officer-involved shootings.

The news organization Open Vallejo had asked Judge Stephen Gizzi to order the City of Vallejo to implement measures to prevent improper purges, and to consider referring the matter for criminal prosecution.

Open Vallejo claims that officials for the city, including Assistant City Attorney Katelyn Knight, in January of 2021 intentionally destroyed key evidence in multiple police killings and one non-fatal shooting  documents obtained in a public records request with the approval from a senior attorney for the city. Open Vallejo alleges that the records were set to be disclosed under California transparency laws.

The destruction encompassed hundreds of pieces of physical and audiovisual evidence from at least five police shootings in 2012 and 2013. According to reports by Open Vallejo and the Vallejo Sun, evidence destruction logs released by the city indicate that the evidence was destroyed on Jan. 11, Jan. 13 and Jan. 20 of 2021  each item indicating that the city attorney's office approved their disposal.

Gizzi ruled that there wasn't enough proof to order a referral after Open Vallejo lawyer Sarah Burns and Knight made their cases  Burns by Zoom and Knight at the Old Solano Courthouse in person.

"The problem I run into with this case is that I just can't accept Ms. Burns saying these records were destroyed intentionally based off her saying, 'I know it was done intentionally because I just know it," Gizzi said. "What was brought back to me is not sufficient enough and I can't order something based off that. We don't authorize fishing expeditions against officials."

Burns had said she didn't find it "plausible that the city officials didn't destroy the records on purpose. Even if it wasn't intentional, which I think it was, at the very least it was reckless. I don't think it was plausible that this was inadvertent destruction."

Burns said that while she was disappointed that the court opted not to refer the case for possible criminal prosecution for now, "we're glad that the court recognized the seriousness of the city's destruction of public records, and found that the destruction violated the California Public Records Act."

"We're encouraged that the Court said it would be interested in the investigation into the destruction, and continue to hope that the City does not attempt to erroneously withhold whatever report comes out of that investigation under the attorney client privilege," Burns said on Wednesday. "Transparency is in the City's interest here, to improve public confidence that records of police shootings won't be destroyed in the future."

Representing Vallejo on Wednesday, Knight refused the claims, saying, "There is no evidence that those records were destroyed intentionally."

Kori McCoy, the brother of Willie McCoy, who was shot at least 51 times by six Vallejo officers outside of a then Taco Bell drive-through on Admiral Callaghan Lane on Feb. 9, 2019, was disappointed with the ruling.

"What we just watched was disingenuous to say the least," McCoy said. "I think that it spoke of incompetence, excuse making overall and trying not to get to the truth. I think they are trying to wiggle their way around it and use the laws and certain words of how the law is stated to try and get out of trying to address the truth of what we're trying to get to."

Open Vallejo Editor Geoff King said he the organization was still "optimistic."

"Vallejo has been fighting for these records for several years now, since shortly after Willie McCoy was killed," King said. "We're going to continue to fight for these records to continue to fight to get the truth out."

"There's no doubt in my mind that record requests that we're talking about that there is no inadvertent  this was purposefully done," McCoy said. "I understand that the judge has to base his decisions on cut and clear evidence, but I also think we can come to the conclusion of where there's smoke there's fire."

According to Knight, there are 40 hours of video evidence on evidence.com alone, with more evidence on discs. Knight said that the City of Vallejo does not have a full-time employee working on going through those records, but instead one part-time employee going through them. Knight said that although there are 40 hours worth of evidence from the site, it takes longer to review the evidence, stating it takes three hours to go over each five minutes of evidence. This means it would take approximately 1,716 hours go through the 40 hours of video records from evidence.com and another 1,300 hours to go through the discs.

"That's just from evidence.com. To go through all that evidence would cost the city hundreds of thousands of dollars and we don't feel the average person in the public would be interested in having our time served in this way," Knight said.

Gizzi then replied: "Although this is just five cases, they are five very important cases.

"The real issue that comes before me, that causes me great concern is whether or not this was done intentionally. For that, I'm glad that there is an investigation being done by the City of Vallejo."

Gizzi said at this time that would be the only investigation.

Gizzi told Knight to have not just one full-time person be employed to catch up with going through the records, but two or three.

"You should be asking, 'What can I do that will be most effective?" Gizzi asked to Knight. "I would work on the most meaningful documentation first. I want to see this get done, and get done effectively and efficiently. I am going to stop short on giving an order, but the city needs a few people for this so everything can be caught up."

McCoy and cousin David Harrison, meanwhile, say they will be ready for the next round in the legal battle.

"We digest this on a daily basis because of the (expletive) that is the city government of Vallejo, there are constantly new and illegal actions that we are discovering on what seems like a daily basis," Kori McCoy said. "Coming here today we're never overly optimistic, but we're going to take our seat at the table and watch everything."
A 79-home subdivision, representing the first stage of housing construction at the former Napa Pipe property, won the Napa City Councils unanimous approval Tuesday night.

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Councilmembers generally said they were excited to approve the subdivision, the first part of a development on the long-dormant industrial site that is eventually planned to include 945 units of housing, along with retail stores, a Costco, parks, trails, a hotel and more.

No one spoke during the public comment period before the Napa Pipe vote. Councilmember Beth Painter attributed the smooth approval process  the subdivision received unanimous support from the citys planning commission last month  to work done previously to craft a development framework for the entire project.

Its just amazing that were here seeing this, 79 homes come through, and its just a peaceful, quiet hearing, Painter said. That really speaks to all the hard work that got us to this point.

The bulk of the Tuesday meeting was centered on a presentation about local climate action, and what climate action steps the city could take in the near future.

Deborah Elliot  a management analyst in the city managers office recently hired specifically to work on issues connected to climate change  led the presentation, which contextualized steps the citys already taken, and potential future steps.

Elliot noted, for example, that Napa created a sustainability plan in 2012, updating it in 2019. She also mentioned that the city joined the countywide Climate Action Committee in 2018, and that the council passed a resolution declaring a climate emergency last year, among other events.

According to Elliot, one short-term opportunity to reduce the citys greenhouse gas emissions is to assess the possibility of adding electric vehicle charging stations at city-owned sites, such as the corporation yard.

Other such opportunities include restricting expansion of gas stations and drive-thru restaurants, providing more outreach about energy efficiency and incentives to pursue it to the community, and transitioning the citys landscaping equipment to electric power where feasible, among many other examples.

Chris Benz, a co-founder of Napa Climate Now!, thanked the city at the meeting for hiring Elliot. She said the climate organization strongly supports the city working on an all-electric reach code for new construction  one suggestion listed by Elliot  that would require new construction to be built with electrical infrastructure instead of gas power.

Benz said that requiring gas-powered infrastructure be removed from home construction would make housing more affordable, given that electrical infrastructure is now required by California. She added that gas  when used for cooking, for example  also causes impacts to health.

Other long-term suggestions listed by Elliot included research on compostable foodware, reducing vehicle miles traveled by city departments, and continuing to work with the Climate Action Committee and Napas other local jurisdictions.

Elliot also presented a list of grants the city is pursuing to fund climate action.

Councilmember Mary Luros said she was glad the city had hired somebody to specifically focus on climate action, and noted the city had much work to do.

Luros also mentioned that it was important for the city to look at climate action through the lens of equity, and engage with people in the community. Given that climate change doesnt affect people equally, she said, its important to amplify the voices of those who are most vulnerable.

Weve heard from community members that theyd like to see us ban fossil-fuel gas stations, eliminate single serve plastics, move away from gas-powered leaf-blowers, just to name a few things that have come up, Luros said. But with all these issues I want to make sure were really exploring them and moving forward in a way that does not disparately impact vulnerable members of our community.

Its also important that the city pursue efficiency in climate action, Luros added, to make sure the city makes the most impact with limited resources. She added that, because more than two-thirds of the citys greenhouse gas emissions come from vehicles and buildings, it might make more sense to pursue climate action related to those categories  to potentially have more of an impact  than in other areas.

Councilmember Bernie Narvaez said at the meeting he had some concerns about the sourcing of materials that go into electric vehicles, and he was hoping the city could figure out some way to navigate that.

Councilmember Liz Alessio described the task of reaching net zero carbon emissions  when the amount the city adds is no more than the amount taken away  as, in essence, a math problem. She held out hope that Napa could lean into updating building codes, which she said she thinks is an area where the city could make a big difference.

Painter said her highest priority area was for the city to look at retrofitting existing buildings to improve energy efficiency, which she said there are rebate programs for.

For me that is a very high priority because were not creating something new, Painter said. Were simply getting that information out to the public, both in English and Spanish, to all types of households, whether youre renters or homeowners.
Michelle Hake's sister had been snowed in for days, alone in her Big Bear home. Her family said it wasn't clear how urgent her medical needs had grown during last month's record-setting snowstorms.

She "needed medical attention in the midst of the storm, and we could not get that to her," Hake said. Her family called for an emergency wellness check Monday.

"We were too late," she said.

Deputies with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office found Hake dead just after 9 a.m. Monday, according to agency spokesperson Mara Rodriguez. A cause of death has not been determined, but Rodriguez said there were no signs of trauma or suspicious circumstances.

Hake, who requested that her adult sister not be identified, declined to expound on her sister's medical history or what may have led to her death. But she said she has no doubt that her sister would have gotten the care she needed had the storms not trapped her inside, cutting her off from help.

"We were trying to get someone to go check on her," Hake said. "There was literally no access to get to her; she lives alone. And for so many that are (stuck) in their homes, that is their story."

At least two other people in San Bernardino's mountain communities have also been found dead through welfare checks since Feb. 23, when the historic snowstorms first started, Rodriguez said. Another was found dead in Big Bear and the third in Valley of Enchantment, a neighborhood in Crestline.

Rodriguez didn't have additional details on the other deaths, and all are awaiting autopsies. However, as of Wednesday, she said none of the three was considered storm-related. She did not immediately respond to questions about how that designation is determined.

Hake said many worry there may be more casualties yet to be discovered, as people continue to dig out from the snow.

"The level of loss and just the magnitude of the storm ... I just cannot convey enough just how devastating" it has been, Hake said.

For nearly two weeks, many living in mountain communities from Crestline to Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear have been trapped under massive amounts of snow  more than 100 inches in some places  while officials have struggled to clear roadways and provide relief after back-to-back storms pummeled the region with blizzard conditions and relentless snowfall. Residents were without power for days, roofs and decks collapsed, gas leaks spurred storm-related fires and entire neighborhoods struggled to get supplies of food and gas.

As of Wednesday morning, about 95% of San Bernardino County roads have been cleared, officials said, but they noted that many of those roadways are still only wide enough to accommodate single-lane traffic. Almost 30 miles of roads still have not been plowed.

Hake and her family were without power in their Crestline home for at least five days, she said, eventually relocating to a friend's house to wait for the power to be restored and roads to clear. She said that for days, there was no way to get to Big Bear to check on her sister, or even to her parents' home in nearby Lake Arrowhead.

"It feels like we are living in an alternate reality up here," Hake said. As president of the Crestline Chamber of Commerce, she is helping coordinate supply drop-offs and facilitate wellness checks across the mountain community  even before her sister was found dead.

She said during one of those checks, a neighbor found an elderly man inside his home, where, "for the last five days he had been rationing a frozen tamale."

"I don't think people know how dire it is right now," Hake said. "We are literally trying to find people like my sister, people who are in their homes, and their life is hanging in the balance."

Hake's store, Hearth & Sage General Store in Crestline, remains closed, and she doesn't expect to reopen it with the roads still difficult to pass and most parking lots full of excess snow from plowing.

"Right now, we're still focused on getting to people in need and getting everybody accounted (for)," Hake said.

Rodriguez, the San Bernardino sheriff's spokesperson, said the number of welfare checks in recent days has decreased significantly. She said officials are making house calls the same day a welfare check is requested.

If anyone needs help checking on a neighbor or loved one, officials said to call 911 or the county's Storm Response Call Center at 909-387-3911.
SANTA ROSA  Thousands of Sonoma County students walked out of classes and held campus demonstrations Wednesday, calling for improved campus safety, after the on-campus stabbing death of a 16-year-old Santa Rosa high schooler last week.

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Students from Slater Middle School, many wearing white, marched along Sonoma Avenue from campus to Montgomery High School to join high schoolers there during an on-campus demonstration.

Additional rallies took place in downtown Santa Rosa later in the day, ahead of the Santa Rosa City Schools board meeting that was expected to draw additional public comments following a Tuesday night listening session.

The demonstrations marked some of the largest collective student protests Sonoma County has seen in a decade since the 2013 death of 13-year-old Andy Lopez who was killed by a Sonoma County sheriffs deputy.

The protests unfolded a week after Jayden Pienta, a 16-year-old Montgomery High School junior, died following an altercation with another student on campus on March 1. That student, identified in open juvenile court proceedings and records as Daniel Jesus Pulido, 15, was charged Monday with voluntary manslaughter and weapons offenses.

Students are calling for improved safety, improved response from school and district administrators, more counseling and mental health support and additional violence prevention programs.

We need the Santa Rosa City Schools District Board of Education and other local districts to enact policies which create safe school environments, according to social media posts from protest organizers. We need more campus supervisors, effective resources, and proper allocation of funds to support our peers.

During Tuesdays listening session, Santa Rosa City Schools Superintendent Anna Trunnell said pleas for a safer school environment from students and parents at a forum Tuesday will serve as her call to action as the district moves forward following the fatal stabbing of a Montgomery High School student.

Trunnell said her office will look at how it communicates with the school community about emergencies and what additional resources, from more staff to programs, are needed on school campuses.

And she emphasized Tuesdays forum was just the start of the conversation.

An estimated 800 people flooded the Friedman Event Center just down the road from Montgomery High School on Tuesday for a community meeting aimed at providing students, parents and staff a space to air grievances and discuss solutions.

For more than two hours, speakers called on school officials to do more to safeguard campuses from violence. Many of the speakers called for transparency during emergencies and more mental health support on campus.

Trunnell expressed grief and distress over the events of the past week at the start of the meeting.

It doesnt seem like theres enough words to express how I feel and my deep hurt for our community, she told the crowd. Please know that I love my community. I love our students, staff and family.

Santa Rosa City Schools trustees took down comments during the meeting, their notes lining a wall at the Friedman Center.

Board President Stephanie Manieri said she and her fellow elected trustees were listening.

We acknowledge that we can and need to do better, she said.

Trunnell, in an interview after the meeting, said she had been meeting with community groups and school officials prior to the fatal March 1 fight to discuss what additional resources or programs were needed on campus to address student safety and other concerns.

The district has increased the number of counselors and restorative justice specialists on campus over the last two years but more resources are needed, she said.

Events over the past week have ignited a sense of urgency.

Trunnell plans to visit all school campuses to gauge needs and continue gathering feedback, she said.

She also plans to host additional roundtable discussions with the school community to help narrow down the feedback and ideas received from students, parents and staff. That will help identify gaps in school safety and craft changes to policy and school programs.

Some of those changes could include updates to how the district communicates with the school community about emergencies.

I heard communication as a theme multiple times tonight, she said. I think that we as a system can look at our response processes and look at how we tailor our communications to be more expedited and clearer and making sure that everyone understands whats going on with the information that we have so that we can hopefully alleviate some fear and help our community understand that we are trying everything we can to have safe school environments, she said.

She also wants to look at vacant positions in the district and ways the district can better recruit for those jobs, as well as support current staff.

Some changes, such as how the district communicates about on-campus incidents, can happen at the administrative level while others will be discussed as part of the districts annual budget process, Trunnell said.

Trunnell said she wants the community to know theyre being heard.

I feel your words. They mean so much to me, Trunnell said in her closing remarks. We take every word that weve heard here seriously.

How did we get to a compromise on major gun violence legislation? 1. Republican motivation 2. Democrats want middle ground, too 3. Gun rights voters 4. Wins for both sides 5. What lawmakers heard
Ararat Mirzoyan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, delivered an address Wednesday at the 159th Arab League Council Session at the ministerial level. Mirzoyan stated as follows:

Honorable Secretary General of the Arab League,

Honorable President,

Dear Ministers, Excellences, friends,

Let me first express my gratitude to His Excellency Mr. Aboul Gheit, the Secretary General of Arab League and to the President of the current session, His Excellency Foreign Minister of Egypt Mr. Shoukry as well as to all member states for the opportunity to address today this distinguished audience. I consider it a symbolic gesture of friendship and mutual respect and, of course, shared history.

I would like to start by praising the centuries-old relations between Armenian and Arab nations. We are connected to each other by strong bonds of historical and cultural ties which continue serving as a basis for current friendly relations, cooperation and warm people-to-people contacts. Throughout history, our nations have lived side by side and shared each others joys and griefs.

During the tragic events of the early 20th century thousands of Armenians, escaping the Genocide committed by the Ottoman Empire in 1915, found a safe shelter in the Arab countries. During those challenging times, the Armenians were given the freedom to live and create in the host Arab countries. It will never be forgotten by the Armenians. And I am proud to note that our compatriots contributed greatly to the progress and development of those Arab countries in various spheres.

I would like to note that Armenia, being a cradle of ancient civilizations, has also been preserving the Islamic heritage, a vivid example of which are the thousands of manuscripts, kept in the Armenian Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts  Matenadaran. In the heart of our capital city Yerevan, we proudly preserve and exhibit Arabic Manuscripts including masterpieces of Arabic calligraphy, such as the first scripts of the Holy Quran, the rare books of religious, philosophical, historiographic, and philological content.

Armenia and Arab countries also developed close relations and fruitful cooperation on the state level. There is a full understanding between Armenia and the Arab countries on important issues, including the peace process in the Middle East.

Dear colleagues,

In our region, Armenia is engaged in talks with Azerbaijan discussing normalisation of relations between our two countries, aimed at the establishment of peace in the region.

I do not want to go into the details of the full-fledged aggressions against the peaceful population of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the sovereign territory of Armenia. Neither I do want you to find yourselves in the middle of the accusations and fighting. Instead, I would like to draw a general picture of the overall process.

I want to emphasize that Armenia rejects the use of force or the threat of force and is trying to negotiate with the neighbors in good faith and is committed to finding fair solutions to all outstanding issues through diplomatic means. Instead of reciprocating our genuine efforts, Azerbaijan continues its hate speech and xenophobic rhetoric as well as aggressive and maximalist actions.

In this regard, I would like to touch upon the latest developments. As you know, it has been more than 2 months since the Lachin corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to the outside world was illegally closed by a group of so-called eco-activists, obviously orchestrated by the Azerbaijani government. Furthermore, Azerbaijan regularly disrupts the electricity and gas supply to Nagorno-Karabakh. As a result, the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh are on the verge of a humanitarian catastrophe. Instead of engaging with local authorities in talks on the rights and security guarantees of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, the highest leadership of Azerbaijan calls on the people of Nagorno-Karabakh to leave their homes aiming to deprive them of their homeland and realize its policy of ethnic cleansing.

In the context of the blockade of the Lachin corridor, I would like to underline that on 22 February this year, the International Court of Justice issued a legally binding provisional measure against Azerbaijan. In the mentioned order, the Court has found that there is an imminent risk of irreparable harm to Armenians rights and ordered Azerbaijan to take all necessary measures to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin corridor in both directions.

Distinguished Ministers,

Unfortunately, our neighboring Azerbaijan continuously manipulates the Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and the Nagorno-Karabakh issue on various international platforms, especially those organizations where Armenia is not represented, such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Non-Aligned Movement, trying to give it a religious tone and using the delicate concept of Muslim solidarity. We expect that such attempts will be rejected and will not drag our friendly Arab countries into the field of religious discord. We should prevent any further attempt of giving a religious tone to the pure political and humanitarian disputes.

And once again, in this platform of the League of Arab States, I emphasize that Armenia attaches great importance to the relations with the Arab states and reiterate our readiness to broaden the prospects of our cooperation with all of you.

I thank you.
Artsakh remains committed to the conflicts peaceful settlement through negotiations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) stated this in response to Armenpress question of what is the position of the Artsakh authorities regarding the latest proposals of international mediators to conduct a direct dialogue with Azerbaijan for the purpose of conflict settlement.

"It should not be based on the ratio of military forces or the legalization of the results of the use of force, but on the norms and principles of international law, including equality and the right of peoples to self-determination.

The best way to protect these principles is to engage the international community in discussions with Azerbaijan.

We have repeatedly drawn the attention of the international community to the fact that the negotiations should take place in an agreed-upon internationally recognized format, within the framework of which conditions and guarantees will be ensured for the parties to consistently fulfill their obligations. In this regard, first of all, it is necessary to focus efforts on the full implementation of previously reached agreements. This will be the main indicator of the conscientious approach of the parties to the peace process. After that, favorable conditions can be formed for discussing all issuesincluding issues related to ensuring the safety of the people of Artsakh, exercising rights without restrictions, and respecting free expression. We are convinced that without resolving these important issues, it is impossible to achieve a comprehensive settlement of the conflict," the Artsakh MFA emphasized.

It recalled that after the signing of the tripartite statement on November 9, 2020, several meetings were held between the representatives of Artsakh and Azerbaijan, during which only humanitarian, infrastructural, and some other urgent matters related to the life of the population were discussed. The last such meeting was held on March 1 of this year, during which humanitarian issues were discussed in the context of the need for Azerbaijan to immediately unblock the Lachin corridor.

"It is obvious that such discussions between the parties aimed at resolving urgent issues cannot replace the full peace negotiations necessary for a stable and comprehensive settlement of the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict," stressed the Artsakh MFA.

The ministry draws the attention of the international community also to the fact that, on the one hand, Azerbaijan declares its readiness for dialogue with Artsakh, but on the other hand, it keeps the people of Artsakh under a blockade for almost three months now, organizes terrorist attacks against it and makes extremist demands, trying to put pressure and use force or the threat of force to achieve its goals.
Sudan army agrees to open passage for urgent humanitarian cases

130 Ukrainian servicemen back as part of prisoner exchange

Finland launches Europe's most powerful nuclear reactor

Over 6,000 British to play role in Charles III and Camilla Coronation

9 patients transported from Artsakh to Armenia thanks to ICRC

Washington forces Yerevan to join anti-Russian sanctions

Gyumri - Yerevan train crashes into truck and derails

Group brawl due to traffic accident

SK military prevent North Korean patrol chasing boat

Russian peacekeepers celebrate Easter in Artsakh

Traffic on Getap-Martuni road one-way due to risk of bridge collapse

RA Ministry of Finance delegation visits Washington

$230 million damage to Artsakh economy due to blockade

The Danish ambassador was summoned to the Turkish Foreign Ministry: Ankara has made a demand

Bloomberg: New pandemic possible in coming decade

44-year-old man found hanging from a tree

Yerevan Metro Police detain armed young man

Poland receives Bayraktar from Turkey

4.2 magnitude earthquake in Turkish Adana

Ukraine preparing a counteroffensive

Azerbaijani Armed Forces open fire at Sotk Gold Mine

Sudanese army blocks presidential palace entrances in Khartoum

No safety threat to Azerbaijani athletes nor could there ever be

Dozens of Tegh families in difficult social situation

12 patients transported from Artsakh to Armenia, 8  back in Artsakh

Azerbaijan and Iran FMs announce possible continuation of negotiations

Tigran Abrahamyan: Citizens of Artsakh remain alone in their worries

Azerbaijani athletes to leave EWF Championships

Suspect of Wakayama incident arrested

Macron signs pension reform bill

Aram Nikolyan: My only desire is to ensure that Azerbaijan's flag doesn't fly in Yerevan

IMF and World Bank unable to reach agreement on communique

Biden demands stricter protection of secret information

Moodys reaffirms "Export Insurance Agency of Armenia"s rating

The newly appointed Human Rights Defender conducted fact-finding activities in Tegh village

Armenia ambassador to Canada, newly elected mayor of Ottawa discuss cooperation

Investigative Committee: Criminal proceeding launched into wounded soldiers case

Woman who threw umbrella at Armenia premier is charged

Zakharova responds to Armenia parliament majority faction secretary: They probably mistranslated it to him

shamshyan.com: Man found dead, car found on train tracks in Yerevan

Matviyenko: Russia hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed soon as possible

Armenia, Russia FMs discuss matter of Yerevan-Baku relations normalization

Smart solution from AraratBank: electric car loans at an interest rate starting at 9%

Armenian legislature speaker: We call on international community to clearly condemn Azerbaijan aggressive actions

Ameriabank CEO Artak Hanesyan sums up Triple Best campaign: We believe in potential of our team, Armenia

Armenia MOD: Soldier wounded by own weapon

Karabakh NSS deputy director, head of presidential Central Information Department are dismissed

Armenia official: I wouldn't call this a vector change, I would call it a search for certain security guarantees

Armenia parliament speaker expresses concern to Ashimbayev regarding Kazakhstan collaboration with Azerbaijan

Armenia, Russia FMs meet in Uzbekistan

GeoProMining Gold develops social cooperation with Ararat region

Armenia Security Council chief briefs OSCE Minsk Group US co-chair on Azerbaijan provocation near Tegh village

CIS FMs next meeting slated for October in Kyrgyzstan

Armenia Security Council secretary: International presence needed to resolve many security issues in Karabakh

Armenia ruling force lawmaker: PMs orders are mandatory for execution

Armenia police hand over Azerbaijani found in Kapan city area to National Security Service

Security Council head on CSTO: Not possible that Armenia be offered arms, ammunition help and it refuses

Armenia ruling force MP to Zakharova: If we hadn't fought, given casualties, Russia MFA could call as much as it wants

USD depreciating against several other major currencies

Armenia Security Council chief on Azerbaijan border stability: We expect Brussels to take appropriate steps

Armenia Security Council head: There were arrangements with Azerbaijan but most of them were broken

CIS FMs to hold meeting in Uzbekistan

Armenia Security Council chief: Azerbaijan is preparing for military escalation

Newspaper: Army General Staff chief admits that Tegh village incident was Armenian sides omission as well

Armenia MOD: Sanitary vehicle staff not hospitalized

shamshyan.com: Armenia MOD driver, 2 medical assistants hospitalized after truck, MOD sanitary vehicle collide

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

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

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

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?

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
Outside the Georgian parliament, where a protest against the "Transparency of Foreign Influence" bill was going on until dawn, it is quiet at the moment, and traffic nearby has been restored.

The special forces are standing at the entrance of the parliament building as before. There are three buses in the place. The police are on Rustaveli Avenue. Cleaning is underway in the entire area, IPN.ge reported.

The protest that took place in capital Tbilisi on Wednesday ended with another dispersal of the demonstrators, as tear gas, special equipment, and smoke cylinders were used.

Although the protesters were dispersed on Tuesday, an even larger number of people gathered again to oppose the aforesaid bill, which the Georgian parliament passed in the first reading.

Among those gathered were the participants of the Women's March. University students also came in a separate row, with the slogan "No to the Russian law." Supporters of opposition parties and ordinary citizens, who believe that the adoption of the aforementioned bill will lead Georgia to the Russian path of repression, also gathered there, News Georgia reported.

For several hours, the multi-thousand rally was quiet. But the situation quickly became tense an hour before midnight, as some protesters began to surround the Georgian parliament building. Separate groups started to break the windows and shake the fence.

Then the events began to develop according to the scenario of Tuesday. The special forces came down along the parliament building with water cannons, and at the same time they came from Freedom Square along Rustaveli Avenue.

Some of the participants of the demonstration returned to Rustaveli Avenue after midnight and tried to create some barriers with the means at hand.

The Kashveti Church on Rustaveli Avenue hid the affected inside its walls again; this is the closest place to hide when dispersing a demonstration. As the day before, the special forces also used tear gas at the courtyard of this church, where several people were arrested.

According to First Channel television of Georgia\, law enforcement officers arrested 66 people, in accordance with Articles 166 and 173 of the Administrative Code of Georgiaon charges of petty hooliganism and disobeying the legal demands of the police.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia noted that about ten employees of the ministry were injured during yesterday's rally.
The Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia ruling party has made a decision to withdraw the bill "On Transparency of Foreign Influence" from the Georgian parliament amid protests against this bill. This was noted in the statement issued by this political union on Thursday.

"We saw that the adopted bill caused disagreements in the society. The lying machine was able to present the bill in a negative light and mislead a certain part of the population. A false label of Russian law was attached to the bill, and its adoption in the first reading was presented to a part of society as a departure from the European line.

In addition, the radical forces managed to engage a part of the youth in anti-legal activities. We ourselves should pay close attention to the peace, tranquility, and economic development of our country, as well as to the progress of Georgia on the path of European integration. Therefore, it is necessary to spend the energy of each of our citizens not on confrontation, but on the development of the country in the right direction.

Taking the above into consideration, we, as a government responsible to every member of the society, made a decision to unconditionally withdraw the bill that was approved by us without any reservation.

When the emotional background calms down, we will better explain to the public why the bill was adopted and why it was important to ensure the transparency of foreign influence in our country. For that, we will start holding meetings with the population and will tell the general public the whole truth about every detail of the issue.

We act with a special responsibility that, as a governing force, we bear to each member of society.

Georgia will maintain peace and stability and will continue to move towards Europe with dignity, which is the principle choice of the Georgian society," reads the statement posted on the ruling party's website.
Azerbaijan was pursuing several goals with the March 5 terrorist attack, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated at Thursdays Cabinet meeting of the Armenian government.

He added: "The first is the aborting of further negotiations with the representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh [(Artsakh)] and creating the necessary backdrop for a new military provocation. The foreign ministry of Nagorno-Karabakh made a statement yesterday, expressing readiness to continue the conversation with Azerbaijan; and this is an extremely important statement.

I believe it is necessary to create reliable international mechanisms so that an uninterrupted, institutional conversation takes place between Baku and Stepanakert, and this can become an effective guarantee for the implementation of the abovementioned international agreement.

The next goal of the March 5 provocation was to create false evidence that arms, ammunition are being transported from Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh. This topic is important for Azerbaijan, especially after the decision of the International Court of Justice on February 22, when the court clearly and unequivocally denied Azerbaijan's demand for temporary application against Armenia, by which Azerbaijan accused Armenia of carrying out landmines. With that denial, the groundless accusations for several months now against Armenia on the international platforms about the minefields collapsed; this was extremely important.

And Azerbaijan was trying to present the March 5 incident as proof of the transfer of weapons, ammunition from Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh, which failed for two reasons. First, the police UAZ [vehicle] was not going to [Artsakh capital] Stepanakert, but had left Stepanakert. Second, the Azerbaijani attack and also the trajectory of the UAZ from Stepanakert to the scene of the incident were recorded by the video cameras of the Nagorno-Karabakh Ministry of Internal Affairs, which made it obvious that there was nothing else in the police car apart from the documents and registered weapons."

According to Pashinyan, the next important goal of Azerbaijan was to form new discourses and new information flows with bloody terrorism, which will cover a most important fact that Azerbaijan is openly not fulfilling the decision of the International Court of Justice regarding the reopening of the Lachin corridor.

"Let me remind that with a legally binding decision, the court has compelled Azerbaijan to take all measures within its power to guarantee the uninterrupted movement of people, vehicles, and cargoin both directionsthrough the Lachin corridor. And this decision has not been implemented for 15 days, and this is solely the responsibility of Azerbaijan. On the contrary, Azerbaijan goes to new provocations to further aggravate the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Emphasizing all of this, the need to immediately send an international fact-finding mission to Nagorno-Karabakh and the Lachin corridor becomes more and more urgent in order to prevent the unleashing of new aggression by Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan's obvious preparations to subject the people of Nagorno-Karabakh to ethnic cleansing and genocide, which is expressed by not fulfilling the decisions of international courts, keeping the Lachin corridor closed, launching military provocations and terrorist actions," declared the Armenian PM.

Also, he reaffirmed Armenia's desire to achieve peace in the region and its commitment to the peace agenda.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has admitted his countrys gross violation of the principle of "non-use of force." He made this confession at the 10th Global Baku Forum themed The World of Today: Challenges and Hopes.

According to him, "Azerbaijan made a lot of effort to resolve the conflict with Armenia in a peaceful way."

"Conflicts can be resolved in two ways: peaceful and non-peaceful. We [i.e., Azerbaijan] made a lot of effort to resolve the conflict with Armenia peacefully, despite the fact that a humanitarian crisis arose in Azerbaijan as a result of the Armenian occupation, more than 1 million Azerbaijanis were left homeless, became refugees and forced settlers," Aliyev said, presenting exaggerated numbers.

The leader of Azerbaijan noted that "the OSCE Minsk Group wanted the Karabakh conflict to be frozen forever. In 1992, immediately after the outbreak of the conflict, the OSCE created the Minsk Group. But, unfortunately, during 28 years, the Minsk Group did not achieve any results. And at the end of the negotiation process, it seemed to us that they just wanted to freeze the situation. They wanted this conflict to be frozen forever. But we did not agree. We did what we deemed necessary, using our right to self-defense, the UN Charter, specifically the article. We liberated our territories by force; it was our legal right."

"The people of Azerbaijan have a moral right to take revenge, and I can understand that. But the essence of my words is that we took revenge on the battlefield. Unlike the Armenians, we have not committed any war crimes. We did not commit genocide, unlike the Armenians. And we took revenge on the battlefield. And now, the time for peace has come," Aliyev said.

The Azerbaijani leader said that immediately after the war, in November 2020, Azerbaijan took the initiative to start peace negotiations and submitted five principles that could be the basis for signing a peace treaty with Armenia.

We hope that the international players who are trying to assist in this matter will convince Armenia not to miss this opportunity, Aliyev added.

At the same time, he claimed that Azerbaijan wants peace.

We do not want another war. And we believe that it is possible to achieve peace, he said.

There are no obstacles to achieving peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the Azerbaijani president claimed.

What was agreed between Azerbaijan and Armenia in October of last year, in particular, regarding respecting each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, actually shows that there is no obstacle to achieving peace, he said.

Also, Aliyev noted that Azerbaijan is a multi-religious and multi-ethnic country.

"Therefore, I am sure that the life of the Armenians living in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan will be much better than during the occupation. Every conflict has its history, its dynamics, and its end. But the important thing is that disputes between countries are resolved on the basis of international law, territorial integrity, and sovereignty cannot be changed by force."
According to the Global Innovation Index, Armenia has a considerable decline, economist Tigran Jrbashyan wrote this on Facebook.

In particular, he noted: "According to the Global Innovation Index published by the World Intellectual Property Organization in 2022, which is considered one of the most reliable and accepted sources for measuring the innovation of economies, Armenia is in the 80th position (see https://www.wipo.int /global_innovation_index/en/2022/).

For comparison, I should note that in 2020, Armenia was in the 61st position; and within two years it dropped its position by 19 positions, which is one of the biggest declines in the Global Innovation Index (see https://www.wipo.int/global_innovation_index /en/2020/)

It is noteworthy that the rating is calculated according to different indicators (innovation pillars), among which, for example, in 2 years, Armenia lost 17 positions in the market sophistication indicator, 15in business sophistication, 26in the knowledge & technology outputs indicator, and 17in the creative outputs indicator.

Such a situation is due also to the lack of collected data and their outdatedness. Thus, according to WIPO, 11 indicators, which are collected when compiling the rating, are missing for Armenia. Among these data, for example, the number of researchers is 1 million per capita, the venture capital received in the GDP, the PISA scores in reading, mathematics and science, etc. (see https://www.wipo.int/.../pub.../en/wipo_pub_2000_2022/am. pdf).

However, the 7 indicators that are considered outdated for Armenia are more interesting. This means that there is generally no problem with receiving the data, but it has not been updated.

Those indicators are:

-Business policy and culture (source: Global Entrepreneurship Monitor),

-Availability of financial resources for startups and company scaling (source: Global Entrepreneurship Monitor),

- Percentage of venture capital transactions in purchasing power equivalent in the GDP (source: Refinitiv),

- The share of knowledge-building work (source: International Labor Organization),

- Share of research funding by private companies in the GDP (source: UNESCO Institute of Statistics),

- Share of research funding by foreign organizations in the GDP (source: UNESCO Institute of Statistics),

- Participation of women with higher education in the labor market (source: International Labor Organization).

I am sure that at least if these indicators are updated, Armenia will considerably improve its ranking in the next edition of the Global Innovation Index."
Emory faculty and staff are frequently recognized for their work locally, nationally and internationally. The following is a sampling of recent accolades, including awards for professional contributions and leadership appointments.

Honors highlighted in this column:

Bello and Guerrero-Calderon chosen for clinician educator development program

Hernan Bello and Juan Guerrero-Calderon, both assistant professors of radiology and imaging sciences, have been selected for the American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS) 2023 Clinician Educator Development Program, a highly selective program held during the ARRS annual meeting for junior faculty members focused on teaching as part of their professional career.

Bharadwaj and Todri receive INFORMS awards

Vilma Todri, assistant professor of information systems and operations management in Goizueta Business School, received the INFORMS ISS Sandra A. Slaughter Early Career Award, which recognizes and honors early career individuals who are on a path toward making outstanding intellectual contributions to the information systems discipline.

Anandhi Bharadwaj received the INFORMS ISS Presidents Service Award, which recognizes information systems academics who have exhibited extraordinary dedication in serving the information systems community over time. The ISS Presidents service award also recognizes academics who have had a positive impact on underrepresented parts of the community. Bharadwaj is the vice dean for faculty and research, Goizueta Endowed Chair in Electronic Commerce, and professor of information systems and operations management.

Bonilha, Gandhi and Yu join prestigious American Society for Clinical Investigation

Three Emory University faculty members have been elected into the American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI). The ASCI is one of the nations oldest and most respected medical honor societies for physician-scientists, those who translate findings in the laboratory to the advancement of clinical practice. The Emory selectees are Leo Bonilha (School of Medicine), Neel Gandhi (Rollins School of Public Health) and David Yu (School of Medicine).

These faculty members join a class of inductees from 46 different institutions representing excellence across the breadth of academic medicine. They will be officially inducted into the Society at the ASCI Dinner and New Member Induction Ceremony as part of the AAP/ASCI/APSA Joint Meeting in April.

Bussey-Jones and Manning receive DEI leadership award

Professors of medicine Jada Bussey-Jones and Kimberly D. Manning were selected as recipients of the 2022 AAMC Group on Diversity and Inclusion (GDI) Exemplary Leadership Award. Bussey-Jones and Manning were recognized for their innovation in leadership and impactful diversity, equity and inclusion programming. Bussey-Jones serves as vice chair and Manning is associate vice chair for diversity, equity and inclusion in the School of Medicine.

Carrillo-Larco to deliver early-stage investigator lecture

The National Institutes of Health has named Rodrigo M. Carrillo-Larco, as an awardee of the 2023 ODP Early-Stage Investigator Lecture. Carrillo-Larco was selected in recognition for his work in the field of prevention epidemiology and population health focusing on the identification and assessment of risk factors together with screening and identification of populations at high disease risk.

Eick chosen for prestigious fellowship program

Stephanie Eick, assistant professor in the Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, was recently selected for the prestigious JPB Environmental Health Fellowship Program, facilitated by Harvard University. Eick is one of 14 early-career researchers to receive the fellowship nationwide. Her fellowship period runs Oct. 1, 2022-Feb. 28, 2026.

George, Rouphael and Turbow receive medical society awards

Maura George received the 2022 Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism in Medicine Award at the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) annual meeting. Her compassionate approach to patient care, mentoring and teaching has earned her this well-deserved recognition. George is associate professor of medicine at Emory University School of Medicine and an internist at Grady Memorial Hospital.

Infectious diseases physician-scientist Nadine Rouphael was named the 2022 winner of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) Oswald Avery Award for Early Achievement. This award honors achievements in infectious disease research by a member of IDSA who is 45 or younger.

Sara Turbow, associate professor of medicine, was selected by the Association for Prevention Teaching and Research (APTR) as its 2023 recipient of the APTR Early Career Award in recognition of her dedication to instructing medical residents in the field of public health and disease prevention.

Hall recognized as a 40 Under 40 leader

Erika Hall, associate professor of Organization & Management and faculty advisor for Goizueta Business Schools Business & Society Institute, was named one of Atlanta Business Chronicles 40 Under 40 leaders.

Hanna, Friedberg and Redd earn awards for research papers

Tarek Hanna, associate professor and vice chair of diagnostic imaging, and Eric Friedberg, associate professor, were part of the team earning the American Journal of Roentgenologys Best Articles of 2022 in the Policy, Quality and Practice Management section for Interpretations of examinations outside of radiologists' fellowship training: assessment of discrepancy rates among 5.9 million examinations from a national teleradiology databank. Read their paper at AJR 2022; 218:738745.

Sara K. Redd, assistant professor in the Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences and director of research translation with the Center for Reproductive Health Research in the Southeast, was awarded the Charles E. Gibbs Leadership Prize for the best paper published in 2022 in the journal, Womens Health Issues, (Volume 32).

Johnson awarded 2023 AMWA Larry Zaroff Man of Good Conscience

Ted Johnson has been named the recipient of the American Medical Womens Associations 2023 Larry Zaroff Man of Good Conscience Award. The award is presented annually to a man who has been a champion and supporter of women in medicine.

Johnson is professor and Paul W. Seavey Chair in Medicine. He serves as chair of the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine and director of the Division of General Internal Medicine within the Department of Medicine.

Kavalieratos named Sojourn Scholar to conduct palliative care research

The Cambia Health Foundation has announced the selection of 12 emerging palliative care leaders for its Sojourns Scholar Leadership Program, including Dio Kavalieratos. Each Sojourns Scholar receives a two-year, $180,000 grant ($90,000/year over a two-year period) to conduct an innovative and impactful project tied to a leadership development plan that positions the scholar for growth as a national leader in the field of palliative care. Scholars also join a collaborative learning community where they receive one-to-one mentoring from an established palliative care leader and targeted training on key leadership skills. Kavalieratos project is Developing Equitable End-of-Life Care to Address Social and Structural Determinants of Health among People with Heart Failure.

Kavalieratos is a tenured associate professor and director of research and quality in the division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine. He holds secondary appointments in the division of general internal medicine (Department of Medicine) and the Department of Epidemiology (Rollins School of Public Health).

Poets & Quants recognizes Kays

Allison Kays, assistant professor in the practice of accounting in Goizueta Business School was recognized as a 2022 Best Undergraduate Professor by Poets & Quants. The award honors professors demonstrating a remarkable impact on students, noteworthy influence on business practices, public policy and business trends, as well as unique teaching styles and techniques.

Mandawat appointed to American College of Cardiology leadership council

Anant Mandawat, director of the cardio-oncology program at Winship Cancer Institute, has been appointed to the American College of Cardiology Leadership Council on Cardiovascular Management. In this role, he will provide expertise on the structure and development of cardio-oncology services in the U.S. Learn more about the American College of Cardiology.

McGonigle to represent U.S. to International Association of Chaplains in Higher Education

Emory Dean of Religious Life and University Chaplain Gregory W. McGonigle, who is past president of the National Association of College and University Chaplains, has been selected to serve a four-year term on the executive board of the International Association of Chaplains in Higher Education (IACHE). Among other activities, this international professional association convenes chaplains from around the world every four years to deepen international relations and to share insights about higher education chaplaincy and spiritual life from around the world. Its last conference took place in June 2022 at the University of Sheffield in England, where McGonigle presented on the topic of multifaith chaplaincy in higher education. McGonigle joins chaplain colleagues from Harvard Divinity School and Colgate University in representing research universities and divinity schools from the United States on this international board, and looks forward to promoting Emory in the global context of spiritual life in higher education.

Ndiaya selected for podcast fellowship

Bamba Ndiaye, assistant professor of African Studies at Oxford College, was selected for the 2023 Ufahamu Africa Podcasts Non-Resident Fellowship. As part of the fellowship, he will produce a four-episode podcast series on social movements and activism in contemporary Africa. You can listen to the first episode here. Ndiaye has hosted his own series,  The Africanist Podcast, since 2020.

Niyyer elected president of specialty society

Vandana Niyyar, a professor of medicine in the School of Medicines Division of Renal Medicine, was elected president of the American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology. ASDIN is the leading organization for dialysis access, with a mission to improve outcomes for patients with kidney disease.

Pfeffer serves on National Association of Campus Card Users board

Kim Pfeffer, director of Campus Lifes EmoryCard office, serves on the board of the National Association of Campus Card Users. The NACCU delivers educational opportunities and facilitates networking, idea sharing and professional development for campus identification and transaction system professionals. The association brought its NACCU Near You regional conference to Emorys Atlanta campus on Feb. 1. The event was hosted by EmoryCard, with Pfeffer coordinating conference logistics.

Rabinovitz installed as Georgia Academy of Family Physicians president

Sharon R. Rabinovitz, executive director of Emory University Student Health Services, was installed as president of the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians (GAFP) during the organizations annual meeting. The organization promotes the health of Georgia citizens by advancing family medicine through education, advocacy and service to Georgia family physicians. Student Health Services is an Emory Campus Life organization.

Raper and Williams present at student affairs conference, symposium

James D. Raper, Campus Lifes associate vice president for health, well-being, access and prevention, presented Current Issues in Leading Health and Well-being from the AVP/AVC Position at the NASPA Mental Health Strategies Conference in January in Kansas City, Missouri.

Also in January, Raper and Kyle R. Williams, special advisor to the senior vice president and dean of Campus Life, presented Mattering During Transition: The Story of Executive Leadership at the 2023 NASPA AVP Symposium in Portland, Oregon.

The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) is a U.S.-based student affairs organization boasting more than 13,000 members at 1,400 campuses and 25 countries.

Richer to edit radiology journal, Kadom and Trofimova win journal awards

Edward J. Richer associate professor of radiology and imaging sciences, has been elected 2023 assistant editor of the American Journal of Roentgenology, the worlds longest continuously published general radiology journal.

Nadja Kadom, professor of radiology and imaging sciences, was honored as Exceptional Reviewer with Special Distinction by the Journal of the American College of Radiology. The official journal of the American College of Radiology, JACR informs its readers of timely, pertinent, and important topics affecting the practice of diagnostic radiologists, interventional radiologists, medical physicists and radiation oncologists.

Anna V. Trofimova, assistant professor of radiology and imaging sciences, received the Editors Recognition Award with Distinction as a reviewer of the journal Radiology.

Radiology faculty earn exhibit awards, will assist with pediatric neuroradiology program

Stephen B. Little and Manish Bajaj, assistant professors of radiology and imaging sciences, earned a Certificate of Merit for their scientific poster Vertebral Artery Dissection in Children at the Radiological Society of North America annual meeting.

Susan Palasis, professor of radiology and imaging sciences, and Stephen B. Little, assistant professor of radiology and imaging sciences, were awarded the Cum Laude Educational Exhibit Award for Imaging the Hemiplegic Child at the Radiological Society of North America annual meeting.

In addition, Palasis is the 2023 program chair for the American Society of Pediatric Neuroradiology. Kartik M. Reddy,Neil U. Lall and Adam Goldman-Yassen, assistant professors of radiology and imaging sciences, have been selected to serve on the American Society of Pediatric Neuroradiology Program Committee.

Rollins faculty receive awards of distinction from ASPPH

Three Rollins faculty have received awards of distinction from the Association of Schools & Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) and will be honored during this years annual meeting in March. James W. Curran is the recipient of the ASPPH Welch-Rose Award, recognizing his lifetime of distinguished public health service; Dawn L. Comeau is the recipient of the ASPPH Teaching Excellence Award; and Lauren E. McCullough is recipient of the ASPPH Early Career Research Excellence Award.

Homer W. Smith Award honors work of Sands

Jeff Sands, division director for the Division of Renal Medicine, recently won the Homer W. Smith Award from the American Society of Nephrology. The award is presented annually to an individual who has made outstanding contributions that fundamentally affect the science of nephrology. Sands outstanding work throughout his career has earned him worldwide acclaim and recognition. He has given nearly 40 invited talks at national and international scientific meetings and more than 110 invited lectures at universities across the globe. He has also received several honors, including the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Boston University, the Barry M. Brenner Endowed Lectureship from the American Society of Nephrology, and an honorary degree from Aarhus University in Denmark.

Sheth honored for global community contributions

Jagdish Sheth, Charles H. Kellstadt Chaired Professor of Marketing in Goizueta Business School, has been recognized by SprinklingSmiles and Asian Pacific American Council of Georgia (APAC) for his contributions to various local and global communities with the Community Achievement Award in honor of Dr. Narsi Narasimhan.

Williams chairs Association for Student Conduct Administration foundation

Kyle R. Williams, special advisor to the senior vice president and dean of Campus Life, has been elected to chair the Raymond H. Goldstone Foundation of the Association for Student Conduct Administration ( ASCA). The foundations goal for the coming year is to expand fundraising to support scholarship and certification programs. The associations membership includes more than 2,400 individuals representing all 50 U.S. states, Canada and countries around the world.

Yount selected for womens empowerment committee

Kathryn Yount, Asa Griggs Candler Chair of Global Health in Rollins School of Public Health, was recently appointed to a committee on Womens Empowerment, Population Dynamics, and Socioeconomic Change under the Committee on Population, Division of Behavioral and Social Science and Education of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. Learn more about the appointment.

Yu elected to American Society for Clinical Investigation

David Yu has been elected to the American Society for Clinical Investigation, a milestone in the physician-scientist career path. Founded in 1908, the nonprofit medical honor society seeks to support the scientific efforts, educational needs and clinical aspirations of physician-scientists to improve the health of all people.

Yu serves as the Jerome Landry, MD, Chair of Cancer Biology in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Emory University School of Medicine and a researcher at Winship Cancer Institute.

Six Emory faculty named AAAS fellows

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) named six Emory faculty members as 2022 Fellows, marking one of the largest classes of AAAS Fellows from Emory in more than a century. These scientific leaders have been awarded the distinction of Fellow because of their efforts toward advancing science applications that are deemed scientifically or socially distinguished. AAAS is the worlds largest general scientific society and publisher of the journal Science .

The Emory faculty who have been elected are: Gregory L. Fenves, Anita Corbett, Kathy Griendling, David Weiss, Ben Lopman and Reshma Jagsi. An induction ceremony will be held in Washington, DC, in the spring of 2023.
On Jan. 2, 1983, Jorge Ramos landed in Los Angeles with nothing but a guitar, a bag, and a passion for storytelling. Ramos, a renowned Mexican American journalist and anchor for the Univision Network, developed a passion for journalism at a young age.

I always wanted to be where history was being made. I wanted to talk to the people making history and tell their truth, he said.

Ramos began his career as a reporter in Mexico City after completing his studies at Ibero-American University, before moving to Los Angeles to work for a Spanish-language television network. The budding journalist, seeking freedom from censorship in Mexico, relied heavily on others for support when starting anew in the United States.

It would have been impossible for me to succeed in this country without the help of other people, he pointed out.

Soon after his time in Los Angeles, the journalist arrived in Miami in 1986 as a television anchor for Univison Network, where he has since become one of the most recognizable faces in journalism.

To supplement his reporting on immigration and international affairs, the journalist pursued a masters degree in international studies at the University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences.

I was covering a lot of international conflicts and I realized that I needed more academic support for what I was doing, he said. It was not enough to just report the news every day. I needed the background, I needed the history, I need the guidance so I could add depth to the work I was doing.

Throughout his career, Ramos has covered a wide range of stories, from presidential elections to natural disasters to immigration issues. And he has conducted numerous interviews with world leaders. He also has been a vocal advocate for immigration reform and uses his platform to shed light on the plight of undocumented immigrants in the United States.

Now, Ramos has returned to his alma mater to offer generous support in appreciation of the support he received decades ago that helped catapult his career in journalism.

With the newly established Jorge Ramos Endowed Scholarship in Communication through the School of Communication, the award-winning journalist hopes to support students on their journey to becoming storytellers and truth seekers.

It is important to support journalists like me, Ramos said. Many, many people helped me when I came to this country and helped me thrive in this country. Among them, many teachers and students at the University of Miami. Now, its my time to give back.

The scholarship will support students on a journalism track.

Jorge's leadership inspires current and future news professionals to serve the needs of our society by asking the hard questions and standing firm in truth and honor, said University of Miami President Julio Frenk. The establishment of the Jorge Ramos Endowed Scholarship in Communication is a testament to his passion for helping students at the University of Miami excel academically and reach new heights as global storytellers and journalists.

Karin Wilkins, dean of the School of Communication, noted that Ramos contribution will help propel and inspire students academic success at the school.

Jorge Ramos gift will help support the needs of our journalism students who are learning the importance of ethical and effective news investigation and production, said Wilkins. His investment in the future of journalism ensures that the next generation of journalists will be ready to cover current events with critical questions, building on strong academic preparation and valuable learning experiences through the School of Communication.

Ramos noted that now, more than ever, supporting journalism is crucial.

When you are checking your phone and you are reading all these tweets and watching TikToks or YouTube, it is hard to know who is telling the truth. Our real mission [as journalists] is to be truth tellers, he said.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Ramos is also an author. He has received numerous accolades for his work, including eight Emmy Awards and the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism. He has been named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People and has been inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Despite his decades-long career and success, Ramos remains committed to his roots and efforts to empower the next generation of journalists by giving back to the community that once supported him.

I still believe that in the era of misinformation and disinformation, I feel the need to support other journalists, he said. At the end, facts matter. Truth matters. I think all of us in the profession have to do as much as possible in order to maintain that reputation of credibility that is incredibly important in the world today.
Beijing 'looks forward' to facilitating travel

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning says Beijing believes that for all countries, Covid response measures need to be science-based and proportionate. File photo: AP

Beijing said on Thursday it looks forward to more countries joining it in providing more convenience for the movement of Chinese and foreign people, after Australia removed Covid-19 testing requirements for travellers from the country.



Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing believes that for all countries, Covid response measures need to be science-based and proportionate.



"We are looking forward to more countries working with China to do more to facilitate cross-border travel," Mao told reporters at a regular press briefing.



Australia said it will drop the requirement for travellers arriving from China to test for Covid-19 before departure from midnight on March 11, the country's health minister said in a statement on Thursday.



The measures also apply to travellers from Hong Kong and Macau.



This is a sensible, measured decision based on decreasing Covid-19 case numbers in China, regular data updates from China on case numbers, and the fact that we have strengthened our capacity to detect and respond to emerging variants of concern within Australia of international origin, Health Minister Mark Butler said. (Reuters)
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 9 (ANI/PRNewswire): Nykaa PRO, Nykaa's content & commerce platform for beauty professionals, in its continued efforts to grow the ecosystem of beauty professionals in India, has collaborated with celebrated make-up artist, Kajol R Paswwan to provide a 3-day training to 12 young women from low-income groups. The partnership is an extension of Nykaa PRO's #GroWithPRO philosophy, which aims to empower individuals into creating livelihoods through a career in beauty and grooming. Nykaa PRO partnered with Mumbai-based youth-led organisations, Project Baala and Junoon to identify and reach out to these exceptionally bright and young women for the course. These non-profits work towards empowering the youth from low-income groups and aim to make them employment ready. True to this year's International Women's Day theme, #EmbraceEquity- by leveling the playing field with equal education and opportunities for everyone, this program by Nykaa PRO was designed in partnership with Kajol R Paswwan to share her knowledge and experience of the professional beauty industry with beginners. The three-day training, focused on scope, career opportunities and challenges of the industry while also equipping the young women with hands-on and personalised training in basics of make-up and hairstyling techniques and prepared them for future opportunities. To fuel their journey as professional make-up artists/hairstylists, Nykaa PRO provided each student with a starter kit of make-up and hair essentials worth Rs 10,000, a PRO guide, and an exceptional opportunity to intern with Kajol R Paswwan. Watch the video about the program here. Nykaa PRO was launched in 2018 as a membership-led content and commerce platform designed to cater to beauty professionals. The platform features a range of professional beauty products with a selection of exclusive offers and masterclasses for people working in the beauty industry. Through its omnichannel offering, Nykaa PRO offers its services across over 27,800 Indian pin codes. Nykaa (FSN E-Commerce) was founded in 2012 by Indian entrepreneur Falguni Nayar with a vision of bringing inspiration and joy to people, everywhere, every single day. Derived from the Sanskrit word 'Nayaka', meaning one in the spotlight, Nykaa has emerged as one of India's leading lifestyle-focused consumer technologies platforms. Since its launch, Nykaa expanded its product categories by introducing online platforms Nykaa Fashion, Nykaa Man, and Superstore. Delivering a comprehensive Omnichannel e-commerce experience, Nykaa offers over 4,500 brands and over 4.6 million product SKUs through its website and mobile applications. The Nykaa Guarantee ensures that products available at Nykaa are 100 per cent authentic and sourced directly from the brand or authorized retailers. Through engaging and educational content, digital marketing, social media influence, robust CRM strategies, and the Nykaa Network community platform, Nykaa has built a loyal community of millions of beauty and fashion enthusiasts. Over the years, Nykaa has received many accolades for disrupting the beauty market. At the 17th India Business Leader Award in 2022, Nykaa was awarded as the Disruptor of the Year and Kantar's Brandz List features Nykaa as one of most valuable brands in India. www.nykaa.com This story has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/PRNewswire)
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], March 9 (ANI/BusinessWire India): L&T Technology Services Limited (BSE: 540115, NSE: LTTS), a leading global pure-play engineering services company, today announced a new Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Mysore (Karnataka, India) that leverages the power of the cloud with Amazon Web Services (AWS). The CoE will allow LTTS to transition its suite of cutting-edge technologies focused on the future of mobility and reduce time-to-market for end customers. By leveraging AWS infrastructure, LTTS will provide an opportunity to use AWS to support the automotive domain. With its rich engineering domain expertise in Electric, Autonomous, and Connected Vehicles (EACV), LTTS has been helping OEMs to develop next-generation Vehicles and Aircraft that have tailored solutions focused on safety and security. The new CoE will leverage LTTS' cross-disciplinary skillsets covering embedded, mechanical, and digital facets of engineering. LTTS has been actively working with global technology leaders like AWS to bring digital engineering solutions to end customers on the cloud. AnnotAI, Connected Cars, and SafeX are some of the LTTS solutions that will be deployed in AWS Marketplace to optimize R&D innovation on the cloud to create enterprise-leading technology solutions. LTTS' industry-leading mobility solutions are helping OEMs to build innovative next-generation vehicles to meet and exceed the standards for transport safety, security, and emission regulations. LTTS' AnnotAI, Connected Cars and SafeX solutions have already been deployed for leading global Automotive OEMs and Tier-1 customers, helping them reap significant faster time-to-market benefits. As part of the CoE, AWS software-defined vehicle and AWS IoT FleetWise will be used alongside LTTS' digital offerings to collect and transfer the vehicle data to the cloud in near real-time. - AnnotAI: For the purpose of developing and testing a self-driving artificial intelligence (AI), a large amount of data is required, along with more engineering and data labeling services. LTTS' intelligent data annotation platform AnnotAI provides smart labelling to media assets such as text, image, video, and LiDAR, thus empowering global vehicle manufacturers in their drive towards Level 5 autonomy (full driving automation or where the dynamic driving task is eliminated). - Connected Car: LTTS' Connected Car technologies offers automotive clients with state-of-the-art driver assistance systems, cloud services and connectivity modules which support in development of V2X platform definition, while implementing secured gateways and avoiding malicious attacks. - SafeX: The automotive industry faces unique challenges when it comes to developing state-of-the-art software. SafeX DevOps and CI/CD automation allows automotive manufacturers to accelerate their releases while ensuring security and mitigating the risk of failed or recalled software releases. LTTS' suite of cutting-edge technologies has resulted in proven benefits for global customers. A Spokesperson from BMW Group said, "The AnnotAI platform from LTTS, by enabling state-of-the-art image, video, and LiDAR data annotation capabilities on AWS, is driving a robust and integrated validation framework for BMW Group and helping the global leader in luxury vehicles engineer innovative and sustainable vehicles for the future." Amit Chadha, CEO and Managing Director, L&T Technology Services said, "Electric, Autonomous and Connected Vehicle (EACV) is the first of our six big bets that are helping global automotive players accelerate their technological development journey towards an autonomous and sustainable future built on the highest considerations of security and safety. By working with AWS, LTTS can help global automotive organizations realize the full potential of its high-performance and scalable technologies built on an agile AWS cloud infrastructure." Puneet Chandok, President of Commercial Business, AWS India & South Asia (Amazon Web Services India Pvt. Ltd.) said, "The digital transformation in the automotive industry is accelerating, in many cases thanks to innovative solutions coming from our AWS partners. LTTS' digital engineering offerings will help our joint customers realize the benefits of moving to the cloud, such as reduced time to market, increased business value and accelerated pace of digital innovation. With the launch of the new Centre of Excellence in India, LTTS will enable customers and original equipment manufacturers (OEM) with a broader range of services and solutions to support their digital transformation journeys." Akshat Vaid, Partner at Everest Group said, "For some years now, innovation in mobility has been software and technology-centric with themes such as hybrid and electric, autonomous driving, connected experiences, and shared mobility, continuing to be top ER&D spend segments. Cloud and edge computing are naturally at the front and centre in this new era of automotive engineering. Alliances between cloud leaders and engineering service providers will go a long way in helping OEMs in driving best engineering outcomes and in the process creating new possibilities for their end-consumers." This story is provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/BusinessWire India)
Bangalore (Karnataka) [India], March 9 (ANI/PRNewswire): Sonata Software, a leading Modernization and Digital Engineering company, has announced that it has signed a Global Gold Services partnership agreement with Sinequa, the leading enterprise search cloud company. This partnership enables Sonata to offer its customers a powerful intelligent search solution on which knowledge-intensive organizations can support enterprise-wide search and develop customized domain and situational applications. In January 2020, Encore Software Services, a Sonata company, entered into a Gold Services Partnership agreement with Sinequa covering the United States. Since then, Encore has successfully implemented Sinequa's Search Cloud Platform for customers in pharmaceutical, manufacturing, banking and insurance and created a Sinequa Center of Excellence in Chennai, India with certified consultants to provide high quality implementation services to its global customers. "We are proud to see our partnership with Sinequa expanding beyond United States. It's a testimony of our strong collaboration in delivering distinctive set of innovative search solutions to our customers and enabling them to achieve superior customer service, along with an enhanced digital experience and optimized operational capabilities," said Samir Dhir, MD and CEO, Sonata Software. Sinequa helps the world's largest and most complex organizations improve information discovery and knowledge management with intelligent search solutions. Sinequa's AI-powered search platform, optimized for Microsoft Azure, connects unstructured and structured data with a unified search interface to provide insights using deep learning, state-of-the-art natural language processing, knowledge mining and neural search. Sinequa delivers an optimal set of features and capabilities needed to accelerate the building and scaling of any insight application for the most complex and high-value use cases. The platform has been designed from the ground up to respect all security protocols and content access rights without compromise. "Sinequa is proud to welcome Sonata and the team from Encore Software Services as our Global Gold Services Partner. Sonata brings experienced experts to implement and quickly customize our Search Cloud platform, allowing customers to extract new and useful business insights from the vast quantities of available data," said Alexandre Bilger, CEO, Sinequa. "Sinequa's 200+ connectors, SBA Framework with Starter Apps enable us to deploy enterprise search solution for our customers in a matter of weeks that would have taken us many months to deliver without it," said Prasanth Kedarisetty, Sr Vice President at Sonata Software. Sonata Software For more information, press only: Nandita Venkatesh, Sonata Software Limited CIN- L72200MH1994PLC082110 A.P.S. Trust Building, Bull Temple Road, N.R. Colony Bangalore 560004, India Tel:+91806778199 Nandita.v@sonata-software.com This story has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/PRNewswire)
Magdeburg [Germany], March 9 (ANI/PRNewswire): Contrary to current trends in the aluminum industry, LMG Manufacturing GmbH in Seeland/Hoym is expanding its production and investing 50 million euros in a new production hall with four production lines. The expansion will create around 120 additional jobs and strengthen the company in the long term. LMG Hoym is resolute in transforming the automotive sector -- moving it away from the world of combustion engines -- and will become a supplier of aluminum die-cast parts for e-vehicles. At the ground-breaking ceremony for LMG Manufacturing's new production hall, Sven Schulze, Minister of Economic Affairs, Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry of Saxony-Anhalt, said, "I am very pleased with the long-term decision to strengthen Hoym in the heart of Saxony-Anhalt and congratulate the automotive supplier LMG on its forward-looking growth". Dr. Robert Franke, Managing Director of Investment and Marketing Corporation Saxony-Anhalt mbH (IMG), which oversees LMG, added, "Increasing capacity for the production of components for e-vehicles will provide an important boost for the entire automotive sector in Saxony-Anhalt". The aluminum die-casting specialist was acquired by the long-standing Indian company, Jaya Hind, at the end of 2022. The current investment is a first step to further modernize LMG as well as to internationalize and develop new product technologies. Initially, eight new products will be manufactured in the new hall with a planned annual output of 1,200,000 units. The planned speed of construction of the hall is record-breaking. Due to a new order placed by a well-known automotive manufacturer that is relocating component production back to Germany, the hall must be ready for occupancy by the end of August 2023, and series production must begin by the end of this year. District Administrator Markus Bauer said the investment would further strengthen the district of Salzlandkreis as an attractive business, residential and scientific location. "Our beautiful district of Salzlandkreis offers extremely favorable conditions for the successful transformation of the company". The district administrator assured that the district authority would support the construction project to the best of its ability to ensure rapid progress. To this end, Markus Bauer handed over the initial partial building permit at the ground-breaking ceremony. Overall, the expansion of production is expected to increase the current workforce of 170 employees to 290. LMG is recruiting skilled workers from the region to fill these positions. In the coming years, the company plans to double its production volume, facilities and workforce, said Managing Director Christine-Susanna Tirnaksiz. Her goal: "With the expansion of our product portfolio, we are completing the transformation of the automotive supply industry at the right time and are thus positioning ourselves well for the future. Every e-vehicle produced in Germany in the future should have parts produced in Hoym!" Tirnaksiz describes her vision. Further information: Home - LMG - Light Metal Group (lmg-gmbh.com) Your contacts at IMG: Sabine Kraus, press officerTel: +49 (0) 391 568 99 20 | Mobile: +49 (0) 172 322 16 94Email: Sabine.Kraus@img-sachsen-anhalt.de Frauke Flenker-Manthey, press officerTel: +49 (0) 391 568 99 71 | Mobile: +49 (0) 151 / 526 264 69Email: flenker-manthey@img-sachsen-anhalt.de This story has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/PRNewswire)
New Delhi [India], March 9 (ANI/NewsVoir): VAHDAM India, the leading Global wellness brand from India, is proud to announce that it has been certified as a Great Place to Work. The certification is the result of a study conducted by Great Place to Work which is a global authority on building, sustaining, and recognizing High-Trust, High-Performance Culture at workplaces. VAHDAM India has been praised by its employees for its strong work culture, supportive leadership, and innovative approach to business. The company has created a positive and dynamic environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning. "We are thrilled to receive this certification as a Great Place to Work," said CEO & Founder, Bala Sarda. "This is a tremendous achievement, and I am so proud of each and every one of our team members for their hard work and dedication to creating a positive and supportive work environment. This recognition is a testament to our company culture and the commitment we have to make our workplace a place where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. It is a true reflection of the spirit of our team." VAHDAMIndia believes that its employees are its greatest asset and it is committed to creating an environment that supports their growth and well-being. This certification is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the same. The Great Place to Work program is based on a rigorous methodology that assesses workplace culture, leadership practices, and employee satisfaction. Companies that receive certification as a Great Place to Work have demonstrated a commitment to creating an inclusive and empowering work environment. "Our employees are the heart and soul of VAHDAM India, and we are dedicated to providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed," said CHRO, Kalpesh Tiwari. "We are proud to have a workplace culture that values diversity, creativity, and teamwork, and this certification is a testament to our commitment to our employees." VAHDAM India's commitment to creating a great workplace has been a critical factor in its success as a leading direct-to-consumer wellness brand. The company continues to expand its global reach. "We are proud to be certified as a Great Place to Work and will continue to strive for excellence in everything we do," said Bala Sarda. "Our commitment to our employees and our workplace culture will always be at the forefront of our business." VAHDAM India was founded in 2015, by Bala Sarda with a mission to build a home-grown Indian brand for the world. With direct sourcing from farms & estates across India, in-house manufacturing in their 100,000 sq. ft. BRC Certified state-of-the-art facility, local distribution in key markets like the USA, Canada, and Europe, the strong customer love and organic endorsements by global celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Mariah Carey, Martha Stewart & more, the company is executing a unique digital playbook of creating strong & scalable consumer brands globally. The company has raised over 290 crores in funding and gets ~95 per cent of its sales via online channels. It is a Certified Plastic Neutral and Climate Neutral brand and directs 1 per cent of its revenue towards the education of its tea growers' children. Learn more at www.vahdam.in and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. This story has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir)
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 9 (ANI/PNN): Anirudh Gupta is happy to announce the launch of his new self-help finance book, Design your Destiny, which is available online starting 3rd March 2023. This book is an essential guide for anyone seeking to take control of their finances and achieve financial independence. In India, financial literacy is a major issue, with a large percentage of the population lacking basic financial knowledge and skills. According to a survey conducted by the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM), only 24% of Indian adults are financially literate. This lack of financial literacy significantly impacts people's lives as they struggle to manage their finances and make informed financial decisions. Design your Destiny is a comprehensive and practical guide covering many financial topics, including budgeting, saving, investing, debt management, and more. The book is written in clear and accessible language, making it easy for readers to understand and apply the principles to their own lives. "Financial literacy is a critical life skill often overlooked in India, and our book is designed to fill this gap. We believe that our book will help readers take control of their finances and achieve their financial goals," said Anirudh Gupta. One of the key themes of the book is the importance of starting to invest carefully. With India's young population and growing economy, the potential for wealth creation through investing is significant. The book highlights the benefits of investing in mutual funds, which are an attractive option for many Indian investors due to being diversified and professional management. It highlights attitudes and strategies to preserve and manage wealth. The forewords for "Design your Destiny" have been given by industry stalwarts, including Motilal Oswal, MD, Motilal Oswal group of Companies, Shailesh Haribhakti, Chairman- Shailesh Haribhakti & Associates, and Madan Sabnavis, Chief Economist, Bank of Baroda. In his foreword, Oswal said, "One of my favourite lines in the book is 'Focus on what is in your control.' This is a critical concept for anyone looking to take control of their financial future." Haribhakti mentioned, "Anirudh has written an excellent self-help book on financial planning and personal investment. The book is packed with practical advice and insights that will help readers achieve their financial goals." Sabnavis said, "I'm sure that as a reader, most of the questions you may have on savings will be answered in this book. The book is an essential guide for anyone looking to take control of their finances and achieve financial independence." Amisha Vora, Chairperson and Managing Director, Prabhudas Lilladher Group, released the book at a launch event at Indian Merchant Chambers on the 3rd of March, 2023; several well-known financial experts and members of the media graced that. Attendees had the opportunity to meet the author, get a signed copy of the book, and learn more about personal finance. Design your Destiny is available for purchase online at Notion Press. For more information, please visit https://notionpress.com/read/design-your-destiny. Anirudh Gupta is a Wealth Management expert with over 18 years of experience in the financial Services industry. He is a frequent speaker at conferences and events and has been featured in multiple publications like Businessworld, Dainik Bhaskar, and Entrepreneur India. Anirudh Gupta is passionate about financial education and entrepreneurship. You can follow him on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rtn-anirudh-gupta/ Contact: Anirudh Gupta (www.ashianafinserve.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], March 9 (ANI/ATK): Subhas Bose Institute of Hotel Management (SBIHM) held its annual event "Vivartana - 2023", celebrating the essence of transformation and unity through various cultural and educational activities. The event brought together students of Hotel and Hospital Management and Fashion Designing, faculties, and industry leaders and gave the students an excellent opportunity to demonstrate their talent and skills on a larger scale. The event's main attraction was the International Food Festival, where students from the Hotel and Hospitality departments presented various types of mouth-watering dishes. From French Chicken Bourgion to Chinese Date Pancakes, the festival featured an array of international cuisines that left the guests delighted and impressed. Alongside the food festival, the Hospital and Healthcare Department organized a seminar on healthcare studies, while the Fashion Technology Department hosted a glamorous fashion show. The event was inaugurated by esteemed guests, including Eminent Painter Subhaprasanna Bhattacharya, General Managers of JW Marriott and Hyatt Regency Kolkata, and Chef Vijay Malhotra, Executive Chef of ITC Royal Kolkata, among others. They lit the ceremonial lamp and cut the ribbon to start the international food festival. The event was a testament to the commitment of SBIHM to provide its students with world-class infrastructure and education. The senior students ensured that the junior students had an equal opportunity to experience and leverage the facilities and produce talent that excels in a global environment. With the help of experienced mentors and the support of first and second-year students, the final-year students of Hotel and Hospitality Management, in particular, nimbly arranged and exquisitely presented the festival. Chef Mrinmoy, the Culinary Mentor of SBIHM, expressed his dedication to the success of the event. "When we take on each project, we devote huge blocks of time to researching all the elements that are involved," he said. He further added, "We will do everything we can to make the event a huge success for everyone involved." The event was a golden opportunity for the students to showcase their talents and creativity before industry professionals and potential employers. The guests and invitees thoroughly enjoyed the enchanting cultural show, fashion show, health care seminar, and other thrilling activities in association with first and second-year students of other management courses. "Vivartana - 2023" was a huge success that brought the community together, celebrated cultural diversity, and gave students a platform to portray their talent and skills. The event was a testimonial to the diligent efforts and commitment of the students, and also the support of faculties as well as the industry professionals who collaborated to make the event a huge success. This story has been provided by ATK. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/ATK)
Gonikoppal (Karnataka) [India], March 9 (ANI/NewsReach): On the occasion of International Women's Day, Lopamudra Hospitals, Gonikoppal organized a special event to celebrate women. The event was graced by three renowned women from the region, Dr Gowramma Paruvangada, Consultant OBG at PNM hospitals, with five decades of practice in mother and child care, Dr. Fathima Kariappa, President of IMA Virajpet and Consultant OBG at Virajpet Nursing Home, and Uzma Jabeen, Panchayat Development Officer, the youngest in the district of Kodagu. The event was presided over by the Managing Directors, Capt. Madappa M. A. and Dr Amrit Nanaiah M.M., a Consultant Physician at the Hospital. Dr Soumya Ganesh Nanaiah the Director of the Lopamudra Drishti Eye Hospital, a Cataract and Refractive Surgeon was present. She also emceed the event. Dr Sonia Mandappa, Consultant OBG, and Dr Trupthi Uthappa, Consultant ENT, were also present. Speaking of their varied experiences, the Chief Guests enlightened the gathering on a multitude of topics. Dr. Gowramma Paruvangada spoke about her long-standing commitment to serve women from rural parts of the country and her willingness to contribute more to the society at large. Dr Fathima Kariappa reminisced about how the babies she helped deliver were today doctors at the very Lopamudra Hospitals. She also emphasized the importance of women empowerment in today's society and the role of family as an institution. Uzma Jabeen highlighted various government schemes available for women and how they could avail the benefits by contacting her. The event was a sequel to a 'Women's Health Camp' that saw more than 100 women availing the benefits of a health package curated to check overall well-being of women. On the event of International Women's Day, the hospital unveiled its new logo and a toll-free number for quick response. The hospital can now be reached at 1800 8333653. They also inaugurated the B Scan recently installed at the eye hospital. The B Scan is the first to be installed in Kodagu district. It can be used to assess the posterior segment of the eye in cases of media opacities and can be useful in cases of advanced cataracts Dr Ruth Adhlaka, a Consultant Physician at the hospital, gave the vote of thanks, acknowledging the importance of such events and the hospital's commitment to serving and empowering women. www.lopamudrahospitals.com This story has been provided by NewsReach. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsReach)
New Delhi [India], March 9 (ANI/PNN): Fashion Entrepreneur Fund, the new funding platform created by Sanjay Nigam is ready to completely revolutionize the fashion industry. Worth more than Rs 200 Crore, the venture will be investing more than Rs 20 Crore in fashion based startups, thus helping industry members and fashion entrepreneurs to turn their dreams into a reality. Apart from Nigam, who himself has been in the industry for more than 2 decades and has businesses across different verticals, the venture is also backed by world renowned business moguls like Ravi Jaipuria, Chairman of RJ Corp, Naveen Jindal, Chairman of Jindal Steel and Power, Robin Raina, CEO of Ebix Inc., Vagish Pathak, Chairperson of India Fashion Awards and Member of Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council, and so on. Fashion Entrepreneur Fund would be Asia's biggest fashion grant and India's only fashion based funding platform, anyone and everyone from the Indian fashion fraternity can apply, be it a stylist, model, MUA, photographer, agent, backstage manager or anyone else. Apart from the industry members, FEF is also open to individuals who wish to build a fashion industry based business. Thus, one can also say that FEF is an identity which exists to completely safeguard industry members and aspiring individuals. The IP will be soon launched as webseries on a renowned OTT platform. The founder of FEF, Sanjay Nigam hails from Lucknow, he is no stranger to creating new businesses and IPs and turning them into successful self-sustaining identities. He is the man behind India Fashion Awards, Talent Factory, India Bridal Fashion Week, Times Fashion Week, India Showcase Week, La Finesse and Show Director's Night. Apart from fashion, Nigam has multiple businesses throughout different verticals. He co-owns cigarette and tobacco brands, as well as celebrity management wings and an agro based business. With this power packed lineup, it will be interesting to see what else is in store by the torchbearer of fashion, Sanjay Nigam. 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], March 9 (ANI/PRNewswire): The amalgamation of modern and traditional fashion has a new name; Divya Aggarwal, a vision of redefining the Indian couture world. Designer, founder, and a woman of substance, Divya Aggarwal believes in making fashion an identity for the women of today. Being the woman on a mission, she ensures her eponymous label meets modern fashion needs with Indian aesthetics as a reflection of what she believes is the future of Indian couture. This fusion couture label is a sartorial movement that leaves behind the same old traditional wear by infusing contemporary twists. With the idea of exuding confidence and individuality in the couture world for the women of today, this label is an artsy creation of embellishments, modern designs, and traditional touch. Nothing says Indian clothes like handcrafted patterns and colorful prints. Created with intricate detailing, supreme quality fabrics, and attention to fine detail, each garment is hand embellished and embroidered. Elegant yet free spirited, Divya Aggarwal exclusively focuses on magnificent detailing and contemporary interpretations of traditional Indian wear. Honing those luxurious designs, at the heart of the label resides versatility, uniqueness, and practicality. The medley of modern elegance and Indian timelessness effortlessly transcends places, occasions, and aesthetics. The label recently launched its new colorway capsule collections as an extension of the previous ones. With the label's most-loved designs adorned in new colors, Divya Aggarwal aims to make fashion personal and customizable for the wearers. These colorway capsule collections are an artistic blend of classic hues, modern silhouettes, and trendy prints. Offering comfort, confidence, and style, Divya Aggarwal's recent collection is the perfect blend of luxurious embellishments, contemporary designs, and traditional silhouettes that allow modern women to be as experimental as they wish. The line added three more capsules, each inspired by unique gemstones. One of them, Amber, features feminine-inspired ensembles in ivory, yellow, and beige hues. Then the brand has an Iolite capsule featuring the hues of the night, purple and black. The third capsule, Serpentine, is a union between quirky, elegant, and modern styles. Every capsule features complimenting hues, peculiar prints, and more based on the allure and magic of gemstones. "The collection is made to redefine couture craftsmanship with a cascading blend of creativity, corsets, urban silhouettes, and traditional sartorial satisfaction. The idea behind choosing gems as an inspiration for the collection was derived from the understanding that trends fade, and embellishment drops, but a fusion of rawness, Indian aesthetics, and modern twist outlives them all. The unique prints and creative designs make each attire special while evoking a sense of traditional dressing with blouses, lehengas, and traditional adornments," said Divya Aggarwal. To make fashion accessible, Divya Aggarwal Label is available at Aza, Delhi, Hyderabad, & Mumbai and available at Pernia's Pop Up Shop. Instagram:https://instagram.com/bydivyaaggarwal?igshid=MWI4MTIyMDE= Website: https://divyaaggarwal.net/ Divya Aggarwal: The designer, founder, and thinker, Divya Aggarwal brings an eponymous fusion label with her avant-garde sensibilities. As a kid she was surrounded by the glam of fabrics, designs, and everything fashionable. Divya explored fine art in her high school education at The British School, New Delhi. Her quest to work within the fashion fraternity began when she decided to study fashion in New York city. During Divya's tenure abroad, she also interned with globally known designer Bibhu Mohapatra in New York. Right after her graduation, she decided to join her family business in order to sharpen the skills and implement new practices from her experience and education abroad. She began working as a design lead under the export vertical, BL International wherein Divya was leading Design and marketing for clients like Only, Vero Moda, Reserved and many more international brands. Soon after she also started leading the Design team for the retail vertical KAZO which has 180+ selling points across India. Today after 5 years with KAZO, she continues to lead Design, sourcing, buying, and planning with a sheer focus on the offline business. To further explore her creativity and learnings that she gained over the course of 5 years, Divya decided to venture into a new side of the fashion world with a namesake brand; Divya Aggarwal. This story has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/PRNewswire)
Earlier, the accused crew member was taken into custody by the authorities.

"A member of the crew on an Air India Express flight IX 474 has been taken into custody following an incident involving smuggling. The said individual has been placed on suspension with immediate effect," an airline spokesperson said.

"Air India Express has zero tolerance for such behaviour and will be taking stern action against the individual including termination of service following receipt of the report from the investigative authorities," the spokesperson added.

The Air India Express cabin crew member on a Bahrain-Kochi flight was nabbed by the authorities at the Kerala' airport for smuggling over 1.4 kg gold on Wednesday. Sources said that the accused allegedly kept the gold wrapped around his hands and covered it under his full sleeves uniform.

--IANS kvm/vd

( 180 Words)

2023-03-09-19:04:01 (IANS)
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Thursday that the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) signed between India and Australia is a transformative agreement, which will unlock the next level of potential in trade and investment. Addressing the India-Australia CEO forum here, Albanese said the business delegation accompanying him is one of the most serious and high-profile delegations to visit India from Australian shores. He also said that it is a turning point in accelerating economic co-operation and mutual benefits in the relationship between the two countries. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, who was present at the event, said that the current goal of doubling bilateral trade must be reset by the industries and CEOs present, as there is great potential to increase trade manifold between the two nations. He reiterated the growth potential of bilateral trade and investments between India and Australia. Goyal, while recalling his previous visit to Australia in April last year, recounted his interaction with the CEO of Cochlear, Australian hearing implant manufacturers. After the interaction, he had reassured Goyal that their current market share in India was only a minuscule of the potential for the business, given India's population, rapid growth in middle class and the growing demands of the overall economy for a better lifestyle. The forum was organised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce, along with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in order to leverage the ever-growing trade and investment opportunities between the two countries. --IANS ans/arm ( 268 Words) 2023-03-09-19:56:03 (IANS)
As the government is bracing up to meet peak power demand during the forthcoming summer season, the Coal Ministry has said that it has over 101 million tonnes of domestic dry fuel available in the country as of today, which is sufficient for the next 44 days. According to sources privy to developments, the Coal Ministry has said that its current daily production is more than the daily national requirement, and therefore, it is fully prepared to meet the peak demand, mainly from thermal power plants. Meanwhile, the Power Ministry on its part, has directed its gas-based plants to run at full capacity. Also, the Railway Ministry has assured adequate supply of rakes to transport coal to meet the peak demand during the next three months. Coal Ministry sources said that out of the 101 million tonnes of coal available as on March 9, 2023, 64 million tonnes is available at mine pitheads, six million tonnes is in transit at good sheds, washery and ports and 31 million tonnes is at the thermal power plants. The current average daily requirement of coal for the power plants is 2.3 million tonnes whereas the current daily production of coal in the country is around 3.3 million tonnes from Coal India Limited, Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), Central Coalfields Limited as well as captive mines, which is much more than the daily consumption at the thermal power plants. Similarly, the daily transportation of coal to thermal plants is 2.4 million tonnes, sources said. Ministries of coal, power and railways are working together to ensure sufficient stock at all the thermal power stations at all times, sources said. --IANS ans/pgh ( 294 Words) 2023-03-09-20:00:02 (IANS)
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a series of benefits for the state farming community intended to hike their income and prosperity, here on Thursday. Tabling the state Budget 2023-2024, Fadnavis proposed a 'Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Scheme' in which the state will provide an additional Rs 6,000 along with the Centre's Rs 6,000 per annum to each farmer. In the Pradhan Mantri Crop Insurance Scheme, the premium will be paid by the state government and the farmer would only pay a Re 1 registration fee, with an outlay of Rs 3,312 crore, and other eligible farmers of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Shetkar Sanman Yojana will also be given their benefits. Under the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Shetkari Karjmukti Yojana, Rs 4,683 crore has also been directly deposited into the bank accounts of 12.84 lakh eligible farmers till February 15, 2023. Fadnavis proposed an outlay of Rs 3,000 crore in next five years under an integrated crop-based project plan for taluka-district wise groups of farmers. The government will provide an incentive of Rs 15,000 per hectare to paddy farmers based on the area of cultivation without checking how much paddy has been sold under the scheme. Previously, the farmers were given double the SDRF rate for losses due to natural calamities -- barring persistent rains -- under which Rs 7,093 crore was distributed to the affected peasants, but now it will be categorised and crop damage will also be compensated. For farmers, the government will give Rs 2,00,000 to families of accident victims instead of an insurance scheme under the Gopinath Munde Shetkari Suraksha Grant Scheme, he said. Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Shetkar Bhavans with facility of boarding and Shiv Bhojan Thalis shall be available to farmers at APMCs. The state will set up a Maharashtra Sheep and Goat Cooperative Development Corporation to provide Rs 10,000 crore interest free loans for rearing these animals by the National Cooperative Development Corporation, in Ahmednagar. Rs 1,000 crore will be spent for 22 schemes -- on the lines of the Tribal Sub Plan -- for uplifting the Dhangar community, said Fadnavis. Farmers holding Orange Ration Cards in 14 distressed districts of Vidarbha-Marathwada will get Rs 1,800 cash per capita/year instead of foodgrains. An area of 2.50 million hectares will be brought under organic farming in three years, 1,000 bio-input resources centres shall be set up, at a cost Rs 1,000 crore. In Konkan, the government will set up a Cashew Board with an equity capital of Rs 200 crore, and the scheme shall be implemented in the entire Konkan, plus two talukas of Kolhapur district with Rs 1,325 crore outlay over the next five years. The state will solarize 30 per cent of agricultural power pumps in three years to provide daytime electricity fo 9.50 lakh farmers, 1.50 lakh solar agricultural pumps through the Pradhan Mantri Kusum Yojana. Other highlights were certain water supply schemes, River Linking Project for eliminating water deficits in Mumbai and Godavari Basin to benefit Marathwada and North Maharashtra, Wainganga-Nalganga-Painganga project to benefit drought-prone areas of Vidarbha region, and the Krishna-Marathwada Irrigation Project for 133 villages in Dharashiv and Beed, the Gosikhurd National Project will be completed in the next 15 months, special irrigation facilities for Konkan, etc. --IANS qn/pgh ( 552 Words) 2023-03-09-20:06:04 (IANS)
Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Thursday hailed Maharashtra government's step to cut VAT on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) from 25 per cent to 18 per cent at one of India's biggest aviation hubs - Mumbai - along with Pune and Raigad. In a scenario of high fuel prices, this step will prove to be a catalyst in efforts to ramp up air connectivity, he said. Indian carriers have time and again raised the issue of high operating costs primarily due to steep ATF prices. "I thank Maharashtra CM @mieknathshinde Ji & Depy CM @Dev_Fadnavis Ji for taking the progressive decision to reduce VAT on Air Turbine Fuel from 25% to 18%. In a scenario of high fuel prices, this step will prove to be a catalyst in our efforts to ramp up air connectivity," the Civil Aviation Minister said in a series of tweets. "With this, Maharashtra joins the league of total 19 States/UTs that have rationalised VAT rates in the last 1.5 years. Alongside enhanced connectivity for Mumbai, Pune & Raigad, this will also make travel more affordable, and boost growth," he added. The issue of reduction in Value-Added Tax (VAT) on ATF was taken up with states/Union Territories levying high VATs on ATF and many of them reduced the tax on aviation fuel in the last many months. Recently, ICRA said that despite a healthy recovery in passenger traffic, the domestic aviation industry continues to face challenges on account of elevated ATF prices and depreciation of the rupee vis-a-vis the US dollar, both of which have a major bearing on the airlines' cost structure. Fuel costs account for 30-40 per cent of the airlines' expenses, while 35-50 per cent of the airlines' operating expenses - including aircraft lease payments, fuel expenses, and a significant portion of aircraft and engine maintenance expenses - are denominated in dollar terms, it said. --IANS kvm/vd ( 329 Words) 2023-03-09-20:44:03 (IANS)
Actor Anupam Kher, who broke the news of the sudden demise actor-filmmaker Satish Kaushik on Thursday said that it was very difficult for him to deal with the loss of his friend. Speaking to ANI, the 'Kashmir Files' actor said that he had known Kaushik for 45 years. "Both of us hail from lower-middle class families. We take pride in the fact that we have made a name on our own. This city, Mumbai, has given us an opportunity to excel and we have achieved that. It's very difficult for me to deal with this loss." Sharing the details about Satish's genteel nature, Anupam said, "He was very witty. He used to take everything on a light-hearted note. Pepole can learn from him how to live a generous life. I will always have this regret that he left us untimely." "He touched people's lives. As creative souls, intellectuals we were always together. He was a brilliant actor." Asked to share a fond memory of the late actor, Anupam said, "Memories are now flashing. It's difficult to pick any one of them." Earlier today Anupam said he was shocked to hear about Satish Kaushik's death. "I know "death is the ultimate truth of this world!" But I never thought in my dreams that I would write this thing about my best friend #SatishKaushik while alive. Such a sudden full stop on a friendship of 45 years!! Life will NEVER be the same without you SATISH! Om Shanti!" the actor tweeted. Anupam also shared a black and white picture of the duo along with the tweet Satish Kaushik passed away on Wednesday at the age 67 years. Satish's postmortem will be done at Deen Dayal Hospital in Delhi today. His body was bought to the hospital at 5.30 am and has been kept in the mortuary. His postmortem will be done at 11 am and his body will be brought to Mumbai after that. Satish Kaushik was a versatile actor, writer, director and producer, who made his mark in the Indian film industry with his captivating performances and unique sense of humour. He gained recognition in the 1980s and 1990s for his work in popular films such as 'Mr India', 'Saajan Chale Sasural', and 'Judaai'. Over the years, Satish established himself as one of the most sought-after character actors in Bollywood, often playing supporting roles that were integral to the plot. He was also known for his work as a writer and director, having directed films such as 'Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja' and 'Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain'. (ANI)
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry invited members of the royal family to their daughter Princess Lilibet's christening last Friday, reported People, a US-based media company. According to a source, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex extended an invite to King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William and Kate Middleton, but they were not in attendance. According to a report, there were between 20-30 guests at Friday's intimate gathering, including Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, Lilibet's godfather, Tyler Perry, and an unnamed godmother. A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said to People: "I can confirm that Princess Lilibet Diana was christened on Friday, March 3 by the bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, the Rev John Taylor." After their grandfather Charles became monarch following the death of Queen Elizabeth last September, Archie, 3, and Lilibet were afforded the titles of prince and princess under rules set out by King George V in 1917. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE in January, Prince Harry spoke of his wish for his children to have a meaningful relationship with the royal family. "I've said before that I've wanted a family, not an institution--so of course, I would love nothing more than for our children to have relationships with members of my family, and they do with some, which brings me great joy," Harry said. During a virtual event for his bestselling memoir Spare last weekend, Harry talked about "feeling more and more distant" from his family in the U.K.That widening gulf was apparent days earlier when it was revealed that Harry, and his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, 41, were being evicted from their Frogmore Cottage home in Windsor, England, by King Charles, 74. The couple's spokesperson confirmed that they were "requested to vacate their residence," while Charles's brother Prince Andrew -- disgraced because of his links to convicted sex offender Jeffery Epstein -- has reportedly been offered the five-bedroom residence. The palace has not commented on the decision, and a royal source says that discussions about the reshuffle are private family matters. (ANI)
Police said that a police control room (PCR) call was received at 7.58 p.m. stating that five rounds have been fired near House No. 30, Balka Chowk in Ayanagar and one person is injured.

"Acting on the call, a police team rushed to the spot. The injured was identified as Surender, a local resident. He has a small grocery store next to his house. He was shot at in the evening," Deputy Commissioner of Police, South, Chandan Chowdhary said.

"The injured is in the hospital. Necessary legal action is being taken," said the DCP adding that further investigation is in process and police teams are scanning CCTV cameras in the area to crack the case and nab the accused.

--IANS spr/vd

( 153 Words)

2023-03-08-22:18:01 (IANS)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended the 'Holi milan samaroh' event on the occasion of Holi at Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur district on Wednesday. CM Yogi participated in Holi celebrations at Gorakhnath Temple and said that everyone is celebrating the festival of colours together and there is neither a caste nor a class or regional divide. "I wish everyone a very Happy Holi. Holi always inspires to not to keep any kind of hatred, or jealousy towards anyone in our mind. There are occasions when our everything is dedicated to the nation - these festivals are giving us that inspiration. There is neither a caste nor a class or regional divide. Everyone is celebrating Holi together. What can be a bigger occasion to give a message of unity?" said CM Yogi. The festival of Holi which celebrates the spirit of inclusiveness and humanity heralds the onset of spring after winter in the Indian subcontinent. The festival marks the victory of good over evil and is celebrated on two days - Holika Dahan and Holi Milan. Meanwhile, keeping the traditional fervour and essence of the festival alive, devotees thronged at the Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan of Mathura district on Wednesday to offer prayers on the occasion of Holi. Devotees in large numbers were seen at the temple with sweets and colours in their hands. Mathura holds a long history and significance of the festival of Holi .According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna visited his beloved Radha's town Barsana from Nandgaon in Mathura to celebrate the festival with her. Earlier on March 7, devotees celebrated Holi enthusiastically at the famous Priyakant Ju Temple in Uttar Pradesh's Vrindavan. However, Barsana, a small town situated approximately 42 km from Mathura is famous for its Lathmar Holi celebration. Women run after men with 'lathis' or sticks and playfully hit them during this celebration. The men, on the other hand, come prepared with a 'dhal' or shield. (ANI)
A joint meeting of the BRS Parliamentary Party, Legislature Party and the State Executive will be held at Telangana Bhavan, the BRS headquarters here.

The meeting will be presided over by BRS supremo and Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao.

In view of this being an election year, the meeting will discuss widely about the implementation of government programmes, party activities, etc.

BRS MPs, MLAs, MLCs, party State Executive Committee, district party Presidents, Zilla Parishad Chairpersons, state level Corporation Chairpersons, DCMS and DCCB Chairpersons will participate in the extended meeting.

Chandrasekhar Rao has said that all the invitees must attend this meeting.

The meeting also assumes significance of the notice issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to BRS MLC K. Kavitha in Delhi excise policy scam.

Kavitha, daughter of KCR, has been directed to appear for questioning in the case on Thursday in Delhi.

Kavitha, a Member of Legislative Council, has already left for Delhi but it was not clear if she will be appearing before the ED on Thursday.

The MLC said in a statement on Wednesday morning that as a law-abiding citizen, she will fully cooperate with the investigation agencies.

She, however, said in view of the planned dharna in New Delhi over women's reservation Bill on Friday and prefixed appointments, she will seek legal opinions on the date of attending it.

Reacting strongly to the ED notice, BRS leaders have termed this as a political conspiracy by the BJP-led government at the Centre.

Kavitha's father or her brother and state minister K.T. Rama Rao are yet to react to the development.

--IANS ms/vd

( 290 Words)

2023-03-08-22:30:04 (IANS)
The deadlock between the Rajasthan government and four widows of Pulwama martyrs turned murkier on Wednesday with one of them, Manju Jat, writing to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot alleging that the police beat her up, stripped her clothes and even pricked her with a pin. Manju, the wife of Pulwama martyr Rohitash Lamba, alleged that the police threw her as if she was a gunny bag when she was going to meet the Chief minister. "Unable to bear the torurtue by the police, I am on an infinite hunger strike since March 4 and the Chief Minister will be responsible if something happens to me," she said. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra has also written to Gehlot, asking him to look into the matter. Mishra said that the four war widows have sent a letter to him seeking permission for euthanasia, as he urged the Chief Minister to ensure that the right action is taken. Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has shared a video of CRPF jawan Rohitash Lamba's widow Manju, saying that Gehlot should stop this 'dictator-like' behaviour. Refering to Manju's allegations of police brutality, Shekhawat said that instead of taking the necessary action, the Chief Minister is issuing statements on Twitter to blame her. "The government should break the fast of the widows of Pulwama martyrs. Gehlot ji, this dictatorship will not work," Shekhawat said. Meanwhile, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Kirodi Lal Meena, who is also protesting with the widows, said, "On Tuesday, two ministers -- Pratap Singh Khachariawas and Shankuntala Rawat -- came to meet the protesting women. Both listened to their demands and assured to solve the issue. It was expected that there would be an announcement from the state government on Wednesday accepting their demands, but nothing happened. Instead, the Chief Minister is raising questions over the demands of these widows despite two of his own ministers assuring to solve the matter." --IANS arc/arm ( 335 Words) 2023-03-08-22:48:02 (IANS)
Karnataka Congress Chief DK Shivakumar on Wednesday exuded confidence that the Basavaraj-led BJP government in Karnataka will not be able to secure more than 65 seats in the elections slated in the state later this year. "We're confident of our numbers. We know BJP will not get more than 65 seats. According to my information, they will come down to 40 seats," Shivakumar told reporters. He recalled that they (BJP) had got (40 seats) earlier also when BS Yediyurappa was Chief Minister. Shivakumar said that all people including farmers are saying the same thing that the BJP party will not get more than 65 seats this time. "We have almost discussed 75% of seat allotments. Decision on all seats will be taken soon, then we'll send them to high command," he added. Meanwhile, on March 2, in an exclusive interview with ANI, Karnataka CM Basavraj Bommai said that BJP will win the assembly elections in Karnataka with a full majority and the Congress is making false promises to win the polls which will not work. On being questioned whether Congress has a chance of winning the elections, Bommai said that Congress is trying to win the polls but will not succeed as their track record is bad and they didn't do anything for the people while they were in power. He said the Congress only divided the society while they were in power. "They did nothing, especially for the SCs/STs. That is why, they are not in the government. Now they are trying a lot and making false promises which are impossible to be fulfilled. They are saying they will give Rs 2,000 to each household and for that they require Rs 24,000 thousand crore. How will they get this huge amount. Congress is desperate to win the polls, which is why they are making false promises," Bommai had said earlier in the month. Karnataka will go to Assembly polls later this year. (ANI)
Shigmotsav is one of the major festivals of the Hindu community in Goa. The government had started celebrating this festival at the state level from 1991. Since then, the youth of the state have been showcasing their talent by making mythological tableaux.

On March 11, a Shigmotsav parade will be held in state capital Panaji.

Ritesh Naik, Chairperson of Ponda Municipal Council, said, "In 1991, then Chief Minister Ravi Naik took the initiative of celebrating the festival at the state level in all talukas. As per tradition, the celebrations start from Ponda before moving to other towns across the state."

During the 14-day festival, processions featuring contemporary floats and traditional Goan dance are taken out in different towns. Best float decorators and performers in the processions receive awards.

On the first day in Ponda, indigenous folk dances of Goa were performed by cultural troupes to mark the occasion.

--IANS sbk/arm

( 192 Words)

2023-03-08-23:16:02 (IANS)
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Wednesday decided to extend its support to the Nagaland government. However, while making the announcemnet they did not clarify whether the NCP will be a part of the government or will only support the government from outside. Speaking to ANI, Nagaland NCP chief, Narendra Verma said all other political parties submitted their supporting letter to CM Neiphiu Rio, so our 7 MLAs cannot remain isolated. "I sought permission from the High Command & party president Sharad Pawar approved the proposal to go along with other political parties," Nagaland NCP chief, Narendra Verma told ANI. On Wednesday, NCP Party chief Sharad Pawar decided that his party will not play the role of opposition in Nagaland and it accepts the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in the state where BJP is NDPP's ally. The move is significant and is likely to have political implications in Maharashtra where NCP is in alliance with Congress and the Uddhav Thackeray faction of Shiv Sena. The move comes after the Nagaland unit of the NCP and the victorious 7 MLAs of the party opined to support the government in the "larger interest of the state". The step comes days after the party's national general secretary and Northeast in-charge Narendra Verma told ANI over the phone that the party was mulling putting forth a proposal for the post of the leader of Opposition in Nagaland Assembly. According to a release dated March 8 by Verma, the first meeting of the NCP Legislature Party took place on March 4 at Kohima. "In the said meeting there was a discussion on who is going to be the leader of the NCP Legislature Party, The Deputy Leader, Chief Whip, Whip and Spokesperson, the release said. Er Picto Shohe was decided to be the Leader of the NCP Legislature Party, P Longon as Dy. Leader of the NCP Legislature Party, Namri Nchang as Chief Whip, Y Mhonbemo Humtsoe as Whip and S. Toiho Yeptho as the Spokesperson, according to the release. "There was also discussion regarding whether the NCP is going to be part of the government or going to play the role of the main opposition party. The local newly elected MLAs & the NCP Local unit of Nagaland were of the opinion that we must be part of the government which is going to be headed by N Rio, Chief of (NDPP) Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party & Chief Minister of Nagaland in the larger interest of the State of Nagaland and our own good relationship with N Rio," the release said. (ANI)
Veteran actor-director Satish Kaushik known for his immense contribution to the Indian Film industry passed away on Wednesday. Actor Anupam Kher informed about the sudden demise of Kaushik on Thursday early morning in a tweet in Hindi. Kher wrote, "I know "death is the ultimate truth of this world!" But I never thought in my dreams that I would write this thing about my best friend #SatishKaushik while alive. Such a sudden full stop on a friendship of 45 years!! Life will NEVER be the same without you SATISH! Om Shanti!" Kher was not the only one to pay his condolence on the actor's death, actors and politicians from across the country paid their last respect to the departed soul. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann were among others who offered condolences on the demise of the veteran actor. "May God give him a place in its divine feet and give strength to the family to bear this huge loss, Satish Kaushik will always be remembered for his unmatched acting and direction," CM Khatter wrote a tributary note on Twitter while expressing his grief on the actor's demise. SAD president Badal in a tweet wrote, "Shocked to learn about the passing away of Bollywood's legendary personality Mr #SatishKaushik. He was a wonderful actor, comedian, screenwriter, director & producer. My condolences to his loved ones in this difficult time." "The demise of eminent actor and film director Mr. Satish Kaushik is extremely sad and an irreparable loss to the film world. May Lord Shri Ram give place to the departed soul in his holy feet and strength to the bereaved family members and his fans to bear this immense sorrow. Om Shanti!" Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said in a tweet on Thursday. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann also expressed his grief on the actor's death, "The untimely passing of Satish Kaushik ji is very sad. Satish ji will always be alive in our hearts through your art..." Reportedly, veteran actor-director Kaushik, 67 passed away due to cardiac arrest. Satish Kaushik, belonged to the Mahendragarh district of Haryana and was holding the chairmanship of the Haryana Film Promotion Board. (ANI)
After the Indian Army recently cleared women officers for command roles, Colonel Geeta Rana of the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers has become the first woman officer to take over command of an independent field workshop in the Eastern Ladakh sector with China. "Colonel Geeta Rana of Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers has become the first woman officer to take over command of an Independent Field Workshop in a forward and remote location in Eastern Ladakh", Indian Army officials from Fire and Fury Corps tweeted. The officer has taken over the command of the EME independent workshop after the Army cleared 108 vacancies for women officers for taking command of independent units in the Corps of Engineers, Ordinance, EME and other branches. Postings of many women officers have already come out and more such lists would be coming out soon as the boards would be compiled and results would be announced, they said. The women officers clearing the boards would be given command roles and they could also be considered for future promotions also to higher ranks in the force. Army has also started deployment of women soldiers in joint exercises with friendly foreign countries and in peacekeeping missions. Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande is in favour of giving all possible opportunities to the women officers and soldiers and their entry into the artillery regiments is expected to be cleared soon. (ANI)
The Governor has returned the bill after four months and also sought further clarification regarding the bill from the state government.

Tamil Nadu Law Minister S Regupathy on October 19, 2022, presented a bill in the state assembly to ban online gambling games. The Bill was introduced for banning online gambling platforms including Rummy and Poker.

The Tamil Nadu government in March had stated that they were committed to banning these online platforms and also asserted that they have been making efforts to invoke the laws that serve the said purpose.

On October 7 Governor Ravi promulgated an ordinance to prohibit online gambling and to regulate online gaming in the state.

The government decided to ban online rummy games based on a report submitted by Justice Chandru''s led panel and stakeholders'' input.

Earlier in September, Tamil Nadu Cabinet approved the ordinance to ban online gambling.

Following the Council of Ministers'' acceptance of the bill to outlaw online gambling, the Governor granted his support and the measure received the assent of Governor Ravi in October.

The Tamil Nadu state government has made two attempts to pass legislation outlawing online gambling in the region and according to that legislation, no supplier of online games can offer online gambling services, permit the gaming of any online gambling that would require the use of cash or other risks or permit the gaming of any online game that violates the rules. (ANI)
In what is being called a first-of-its-kind effort so far, 75 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) women ''Daredevils'' on Thursday embarked on a 1,848 km bike rally from India Gate here in the national capital to Naxal bastion Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh. Spreading a message of women''s empowerment and that Naxalism or Maoism is on the verge of end, the women''s bike rally will culminate on March 25 at Jagdalpur where the CRPF Day Parade is being held on the same day in presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The 75 women CRPF bikers will cover nearly five states during their 17-day journey on Royal Enfield motorcycles. Minister of State for Ministry of External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi flagged off the CRPF Women biker rally from India Gate where CRPF''s women personnel showcased rifle drill, as well as a presentation by women pipe band and drummers, were also displayed in the event. "As the country is celebrating the 75th year of India''s independence, 75 women bikers of CRPF will cover five states in their 1,848 km ride during their journey from here at India Gate to Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh. This women''s bike rally will culminate in Jagdalpur on March 25, the day when we will be celebrating the CRPF Anniversary Parade in presence of Home Minister Amit Shah ji," CRPF Director General Sujoy Lal Thaosen told ANI. "During their journey, the women bikers will be in touch with school children, Aanganwadi workers and those working with self-help groups. They will inspire them too." The DG said several women bikers participating in the rally were not able to ride bikes earlier, but they were trained and now they have the experience of riding on bikes of nearly 300 km at one go. Thaosen further said the bike rally and CRPF Anniversary Parade celebration in Jagdalpur will give a big message that the day is not far when Naxalism will be completely rooted out from the country. MoS Meenakshi Lekhi also told ANI that the women''s bike rally from India Gate in Delhi to Chhattisgarh''s naxal bastion Jagdalpur gives a "clear message for women that we are sensitive as well as protectors of India." "CRPF has almost ended Naxalism and Jagdalpur is the most Naxal affected area where the women bikers of the force are going with a message of peace, security and goodwill," Lekhi said. The CRPF, a force with nearly 3.5 lakh personnel, is responsible to ensure security in Naxal-affected areas across the country as well as in terror-hit Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI)
According to police the triple riding motorcyclists were allegedly under the influence of alcohol.

The deceased was identified as one Manish Sharma (24), police said adding that the other two have been identified as Salman and Rashid have sustained injuries in the incident.

According to police, the trio were riding on a motorcycle near Gautam Budh Nagar when it collided into a tree. Salman was riding the bike while Manish sat in the middle followed by Rashid.

"Manish lost consciousness in the accident and his friends called his family and informed them about the incident," police said.

"The deceased's family arrived at the spot and rushed Manish to the nearby government hospital, where he was shifted to the Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS), Greater Noida," said the police.

Manish was declared dead during treatment at GIMS

Meanwhile, Salman and Rashid have been arrested on the basis of a complaint registered by Manish's parents under IPC section 302/201.

Further investigation is underway.

Meanwhile in Mumbai, Traffic Police booked 73 motorists on the occasion of Holi on Tuesday for drunk driving and 10,215 bikers were fined for driving without a helmet.

Across the city, traffic police fined 746 bikers for triple riding and 10,215 bikers for being helmetless. (ANI)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders from North Indian States had spread rumours about the attack on migrant labourers with bad intentions. Stalin, while responding to a series of questions under the 'Ungalil Oruvan' programme, said that the rumours started spreading a day after he spoke about the need for a united national-level alliance against the BJP. "In Tamil Nadu, various state people are living for many periods. They never got affected at any time. For the past few years, many have been coming to Tamil Nadu in search of employment. In Tamil Nadu in any place, these people don't have any problems. But few people created fake videos and spread false news. BJP members from North Indian States did this with bad intentions. You can understand the plot behind the fake news spreaders if you noticed that these were done the very next day after I spoke about the need for a united national-level alliance against the BJP," said Stalin when asked about rumours that Migrant labourers are being attacked in Tamil Nadu. The Chief Minister further said that there are no such incidents in Tamil Nadu and the delegates from Bihar who visited the state returned with full satisfaction. "Post this fake news, I enquired and even spoke to Bihar CM Nitish Kumar. There are no such incidents in Tamil Nadu. DGP has given clarification. Even Bihar delegates visited TN and returned with full satisfaction. Tamil Nadu is a state known for 'Vandhorai Vala Vaikum Tamil Nadu' (whoever Comes here, Tamil Nadu would make their life better). Tamil Nadu - Tamils love unity and brotherhood. People who have high thoughts like 'Pirapokkum Ella Vyirukkum' (all men that live are one in circumstances of birth) - 'Yadum Ure Yavaru Kalir' (All the universe is our place and everyone in this universe is our people.) This is well known to the northern state brothers here," he added. Notably, the issue over the alleged 'attack' on migrants emerged after unverified reports on social media claimed that migrant labourers were targeted in Tamil Nadu. Amidst the prevailing development on the issue, a team from Bihar led by Balamurugan IAS visited Tamil Nadu to take stock of the matter. The team visited Tiruppur on Sunday and met the district administration and police officials to know about the actions taken so far in the case. Officials of the Bihar government on Tuesday interacted with Bihar-based migrant workers in Chennai. When you look at the functions so far, the Governors have only mouths, there seem to be no ears: Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin when asked that the Supreme Court's constitutional session has recently said that the Governor should not interfere in politics. Last month, the Supreme Court had said the Governor should not enter the political arena. (ANI)
Based on information from sources, a police team intercepted a truck bearing the registration number AS-01HC-9648 in the Borghat area near Nagaon town.

The smugglers were identified as Sarkar Ali and Hasan Ali.

"We have recovered 24 cattle heads from the truck. The truck was coming from the Borghat area," Ramani Kanta Das, a police officer of the Nagaon district said.

The police officer also said, during interrogation, they revealed that they were taking the cattle to the Jorabat area along the Assam-Meghalaya border.

Meanwhile, a case has been registered at Nagaon Sadar police station. The cattle heads and the truck were seized. (ANI)
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Taking to his Twitter, CM Dhami tweeted in Hindi, "Everywhere Shiva! Today at Vankhandi Mahadev Temple, Chakarpur, received the blessings of Lord Shiva by offering prayers and consecration. On this occasion, prayed to Devadhidev Mahadev for the happiness and prosperity of all the people of the state and the progress of the state."

On Tuesday CM Dhami took part in a Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2023 event at Dehradun and said that the scheme provides affordable and good quality medicines to those in need.

"The Jan Aushadhi Scheme has provided affordable and good quality medicine to those in need. Life has been made easy for citizens. Sanitary pad is being provided to women for just Rs 1", said CM Dhami.

Talking about the employment generated through the Jan Aushadhi program, CM Dhami said, "Jan Aushadhi is an avenue for employment. Today the country has over 1000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras. This Yojana benefits men, women and children."

"We are opening them in the new panchayats and will ensure that women come forward and get employment in this scheme," Dhami added.

Further informing about the program's benefits, CM Dhami said, "Jan Aushadi has been effective in sending affordable medicines to places of difficult terrain, hilly areas and remote locations."

"The Pharma sector benefited from this Yojana and also Make In India got a boost as we are getting more orders for surgical goods," added CM Dhami. (ANI)
The Advocates' Association of Bengaluru has written a letter to Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and expressed serious concern alleging preferential listing of the anticipatory bail application filed by Madal Virupakshappa, MLA, Channagiri Assembly Constituency in Karnataka before the concerned High Court. In the letter written to CJI DY Chandrachud on Wednesday, the advocates' body said that it expresses serious concern at the posting of the interim anticipatory bail application of Madal Virupakshappa, MLA, Channagiri Assembly Constituency, Karnataka. Recently, Madal Virupakshappa was granted anticipatory bail by Karnataka High Court in the corruption case. "The usual practice in the High Court of Karnataka is that new matters like Anticipatory Bail take several days and weeks for posting. However, VIP matters are entertained overnight," read the letter. The association in its letter also said that such kind of practice would lead to the common man losing faith in the judicial system. The letter also pointed out that it is of utmost importance that an MLA should be treated as a common man. The Association members appealed to the Chief Justice of Karnataka to direct the registry to post all anticipatory bail matters in one day, so that the common man is treated as a VIP. "It is essential that the temple of justice should be equal to all and any VIP must have to wait just as the common man and in this regard the Advocates Association, Bengaluru expresses serious shock and concern over the matter," the latter added. (ANI)
This event reflects the cordial relationship and harmony between the Border guarding forces of both countries.

The tradition of exchanging sweets and greetings on festivals and special occasions of national importance has been a gesture of goodwill between the two countries for many years, officials said.

Both countries take pride in fulfilling this tradition to maintain the relationship of cordiality.

On the auspicious occasion of Holi, the Border Security Force maintained a strict vigil in the Border areas to ensure the safety and security of the nation.

The South Bengal Frontier of BSF is committed to ensuring the safety and security of the nation and will continue to participate in such initiatives to promote harmony and goodwill between India and Bangladesh, officials said.

Earlier on March 8, in several events across the country, people celebrated the festival of Holi by singing, dancing and applying Gulal on each other.

The festival is celebrated all over the country with zeal. On this day, people celebrate the victory of good over evil and officially welcome the spring season. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is holding press conferences in nine states today to answer all the allegations of opposition parties. The Opposition party leaders have alleged that the ruling BJP is misusing the central investigative agencies to suppress the voice of the opposition parties. Recently, several Opposition leaders including Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) chief K Chandrasekhar Rao, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Bihar deputy chief minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference's leader Farooq Abdullah, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, former Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleging misuse of central probe agencies (CBI and ED) against them. In response to the Opposition, BJP is holding press conferences in the capitals of all these parties. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari held a press conference in Delhi, while BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Shubhendu Adhikari will hold a press conference in Bengal. In Bihar, the state president of the party, Sanjay Jaiswal, will hold a press conference. In Uttar Pradesh, press conference was held by state deputy chief minister and senior party leader Brijesh Pathak. Party state president Bandi Sanjay will hold a press conference in Telangana. The party will also hold a press conference in Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir, and Punjab today to answer the allegations of these leaders. Due to the budget, there will be no press conference in Maharashtra today but tomorrow the senior leaders of the state will hold a press conference. In an attempt to echo the Opposition's voice in unison, nine leaders of eight political parties on Sunday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the arrest of former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the excise policy case, and alleged that the "misuse" of the central agencies suggests that the country has "transitioned from being a democracy to an autocracy". The leaders alleged that the timings of the lodging of cases or arrests of the Opposition leaders "coincided with elections" which makes it clear that the action taken was "politically motivated". Among the Opposition leaders who were the signatories of the letter included BRS chief K Chandrashekhar Rao, JKNC chief Farooq Abdullah, AITC chief Mamata Banerjee, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. However, there were no representations from Congress, JDS, JD (U), and CPI (M) in the letter. "We hope you would agree that India is still a democratic country. The blatant misuse of central agencies against the members of the opposition appears to suggest that we have transitioned from being a democracy to an autocracy," the leaders wrote. Calling the action against Sisodia, who was arrested on February 26 by the CBI, a "long witch-hunt", the letter alleged that the allegations levelled in connection with the excise policy are a "smack of a political conspiracy". They claimed that Sisodia's arrest has "enraged" people across the country and alleged that his arrest will "confirm what the world was only suspecting" that India's democratic values were "threatened" under the BJP rule. "The allegations against Sisodia are outrightly baseless and smack of a political conspiracy. His arrest has enraged people across the country. Manish Sisodia is recognised globally for transforming Delhi's school education. His arrest will be cited worldwide as an example of a political witch-hunt and further confirm what the world was only suspecting - that India's democratic values stand threatened under an authoritarian BJP regime," the leaders wrote. The letter further accused the government of softening the investigation against the Opposition leaders who are being probed on different cases after they joined the BJP. Citing the example of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma who was formerly a Congress leader who joined the BJP in 2015, the letter said that he was being probed by the central agencies over the Saradha chit fund scam, however, the case didn't progress after he joined the BJP. "Out of the total number of key politicians booked, arrested, raided, or interrogated by the investigation agencies under your administration since 2014, the maximum belongs to the opposition. Interestingly, investigation agencies go slow on cases against Opposition politicians who join the BJP," the letter said. "Former TMC leaders Shri Suvendu Adhikari and Mukul Roy were under the ED and CBI scanner in the Narada sting operation case but the cases didn't progress after they joined the BJP ahead of the assembly polls in the state. There are many such examples. including that of Narayan Rane of Maharashtra," it added. Pointing out the arrests of Opposition leaders including Lalu Prasad Yadav, Azam Khan, and others, the leaders wrote that the central agencies were working as "extended wings" of the BJP. "Since 2014, there has been an increase in the number of raids conducted, cases registered, and arrests of opposition leaders. Be it Lalu Prasad Yadav (Rashtriya Janata Dal), Sanjay Raut (Shiv Sena), Azam Khan (Samajwadi Party), Nawab Malik, Anil Deshmukh (NCP), Abhishek Banerjee (TMC), central agencies have often sparked suspicion that they were working as extended wings of the ruling dispensation at the Centre. In many such cases, the timings of the cases lodged or arrests made have coincided with elections making it abundantly clear that they were politically motivated," the opposition leaders wrote. "The manner in which prominent members of the opposition have been targeted lends credence to the allegation that your government is using investigating agencies to target or eliminate the opposition," they alleged. Remaking on the role of the Governors, the Opposition leaders alleged that their offices in the country are "frequently hindering the governance of the state". "The offices of the Governors across the country are acting in violation of the constitutional provisions and frequently hindering the governance of the state. They are wilfully undermining democratically elected state governments and choosing instead to obstruct governance as per their whims and fancies," the letter said. Naming the Governors of various states and Union Territory, the leaders alleged that they have become the face of the "widening rift between the Centre and states run by the non-BJP governments". "Be it the Governor of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Punjab. Telangana or the Lt Governor of Delhi -- the Governors have become the face of the widening rift between the Centre and states run by the non-BJP governments and threaten the spirit of cooperative federalism, which the states continue to nurture in spite of a lack of expression by the Centre. As a result, the people of our country have now begun to question the role of the Governors in Indian democracy," it said. (ANI)
A man has been arrested for allegedly vandalising the idol of Lord Hanuman at a temple in Madhya Pradesh's Indore district, the police said on Thursday. The incident was reported under Bhawar Kuan police station limits in the district on Wednesday night. The accused has been identified as Rahul Sen, around 40 years old, a resident of Ashok Nagar District. On getting information about the incident, BJP corporator Manish Sharma and his supporters reached the spot and informed the police about the matter. Bhawarkuan Police station in charge Shashikant Chaurasia said, "The accused entered inside the temple in an inebriated state and messed up things. The local people caught the accused and handed over to the police. There was paint of statue on his hands and clothes." "A case has been registered under sections 295 (injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class) and 295A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) of the IPC. Further investigation into the matter is underway," he added. "The accused has been taken into the custody and interrogation was going on. The eye witnesses who caught the accused were also questioned and a detailed investigation into the matter would be done. The accused still seems to in the inebriated condition and he would be further questioned when he gets normal. If any other person will be found to be involved in the matter then action will be taken against them too," he added. (ANI)
The police celebrate their Holi on the next day of the Holi festival celebrated by the public every year at the police line here in the city.

During this, the police personnel celebrated the festival colour, Gulal and flowers.

The residents of Indore celebrated the Holi festival in a very peaceful manner on Wednesday.

Commissioner Harinarayan Chari Mishra also sang songs on the occasion, while Additional Commissioner of Police Rajesh Hingankar danced with police officers and police jawans.

All the police personnels were drenched with colours and Gulal on the occasion.

"Indore is a gaiety city, people here celebrate Holi on a large scale. Police are deployed everywhere on the day of Holi for security and safety. Due to this busyness, the police celebrate their Holi in the police line on the next day," said Harinarayanachari Mishra.

"Today all the police officers celebrated the Holi festival. Now on March 12, the biggest event of Indore city, Rang Panchami will be celebrated. The police will be ready for it," he added. (ANI)
As the Maharashtra government presented the state budget for the year 2023-24 in the state assembly on Thursday, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde described the state budget for the year as "historic and inclusive". He stated that the government has provided support to farmers so that they can stand on their own and have given tax benefits to women. Deputy Chief Minister and state Finance Minister Devendra Fadnavis tabled the state budget in the Assembly here on Thursday. According to CM Shinde, this budget is for all, including students, senior citizens, and women. He also announced that the Balasaheb Apla Hospital will offer free medical checkups and medicines, which had been previously halted by the previous government. The chief minister further said that the budget has given development to all projects and that the government stands with farmers. He also noted that the restoration work of an old temple is being carried out and that the amount for the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule scheme has been increased to Rs 5 lakh. Furthermore, Rs 1,729 crore has been allocated for Mumbai's development and all the roads in Mumbai will be made of concrete. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said, "this budget has provided everything, and the Opposition has nothing to say." Shinde highlighted the government's efforts to provide support to various groups in society and carry out developmental projects. "The focus on farmers and women is noteworthy, and the allocation of funds for infrastructure development indicates the government's commitment to overall progress," he said. In the state budget, the Shinde government announced an annual Rs 6,000 cash benefit to about 1.15 crore farmers. For the scheme. the state will outlay Rs 6,900 crore a year for the scheme. Further, farmers in 14 suicide-hit districts will be provided Rs 1,800 annually instead of grains distributed through PDS. The coverage of the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya scheme (health insurance) has been increased from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. The state government made a proposition of Rs 39,000 crore for Metro rail projects in Nashik, Thane and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Further, Rs 36,000 crore has been allocated for several mega infrastructure projects. The four-week Budget session of the Maharashtra Assembly started on February 27 and will continue till March 26. (ANI)
The Border Security Force (BSF) on Thursday afternoon arrested a Pakistani national near International Border in Punjab's Gurdaspur sector. Identified as Aamir Raza, a resident of Sialkot district in Pakistan, the Pakistani intruder was held by the BSF troops ahead of border fence in the area of Border Outpost Nikka in Gurdaspur sector, said the BSF. As per the force, the intruder had crossed the International Border and entered into the Indian territory. "During initial questioning the intruder revealed his name as Aamir Raza, a resident of District Sialkot, Pakistan," said the BSF, which is responsible to guard 3,323 km India-Pakistan International Border. Further questioning with the intruder is in progress, mentions the BSF in a statement. This is the second arrest in last two days. The BSF's 144 Battalion personnel deployed at Rajatal Border Outpost in Punjab's Amritsar Sector near International Border had intercepted a Pakistani intruder on the intervening night of March 8-9. The intruder was trying to enter into Indian territory. The BSF said the intruder was fired upon by its troops on duty and subsequently arrested. During initial questioning, the BSF said, the intruder revealed his identity as a Bangladeshi national. His questioning is also being carried out and next course of action will be taken. Another Pakistani intruder was held by alert Border Security Force (BSF) troops in the Gurdaspur sector of Punjab on Thursday afternoon. In a statement, BSF informed that the troop arrested a Pakistan national ahead of border fence in the area of Border Out Post Nikka in the Gurdaspur sector. The intruder had crossed International Border and entered into the Indian territory. During initial questioning, he revealed his name as Aamir Raza, a resident of Distt Sialkot, Pakistan. His further questioning is in progress. Earlier in the day, BSF troops held a Pakistani intruder in the Amritsar sector early morning. In a statement, BSF informed that an intruder from Pak side was trying to enter India on the intervening night of 8-9th March at Border Out Post in Rajatal in Amritsar sector. He was fired upon by the BSF troops on duty and subsequently arrested. His search was conducted. During initial questioning he revealed his identity as a Bangladeshi national. His questioning will be further carried out and next course of action will be taken. (ANI)
In view of a strike called by several organisations on March 10, the West Bengal government on Thursday issued a memorandum mentioning show cause notice will be served to state government employees whoever apart from medical emergency abstain from the work. The Left Front has called for a shutdown on March 10 as a mark of protest against several issues including corruption, freedom of the press, non-payment of dearness allowance, attack on opposition parties and others. 'Sangrami Joutho Manch', the joint forum of 35 unions representing teachers, doctors, nurses and other state government employees already called a strike over the issues. They have been protesting for a long time against the pending dearness allowance of the state government employees. Left and Congress are backing the strike. The state government notification said whoever will be absent, the show cause notice will be issued to employees and they have to reply with the cause of absence. If they failed, disciplinary action will be taken against them. "In view of the call given by some organisations for a strike on March 10, 2023 it has been decided that all State government offices including those provided with Grants-in-Aid by the State government including educational institutions shall remain open and all the employees shall report for duty on that day. It has been decided that no casual leave or any other kind of leave for absence either in the first half of the day or in the second half or for the whole day shall be granted to any employee on an above-mentioned day," read the West Bengal government notification. It is further notified that the absence of employees on that day will be treated as dies-non (break in service) and no salary will be admissible. "All Heads of Offices/Controlling Authorities concerned will issue a show-cause notice to the employee(s) concerned, who will remain absent on March 10, 2023, asking him/her to explain why action would not be taken against him/her for such unauthorised absence," the notification added. (ANI)
A senior Customs official said that a resident of Wayanad, who worked as a cabin crew member of Air India Express airlines was held by Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of the Customs department at Kerala's Kochi airport on Wednesday.

"The arrested accused was on a Bahrain-Kochi flight. The accused kept the gold wrapped around his hands and covered it under his full sleeves uniform," said a senior customs official.

Air India spokesperson confirmed that a member of the crew on an Air India Express flight IX 474 has been taken into custody following an incident involving smuggling. The said individual has been placed on suspension with immediate effect.

"Air India Express has zero tolerance for such behaviour and will be taking stern action against the individual including termination of service following receipt of the report from the investigative authorities," he added.

Further details are awaited. (ANI)
Scores of job aspirants here on Thursday protested against Jammu and Kashmir Service Selection Board (JKSSB) for hiring Aptech Limited to conduct various recruitment exams in the union territory. The protesters alleged that Aptech Ltd had been involved in numerous scams in other parts of the country including in Leh, Ambala and Rajasthan. Reportedly, the protests against Aptech Ltd have been ongoing since June. The recent move of the Jammu and Kashmir government to again consider Aptech Ltd to conduct various exams including the Finance Account Assistant exam stirred the protestors. "The Lieutenant Governor administration should rise to the occasion and take necessary measures for the larger benefit of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir," demanded the protestors. Talking to ANI, one of the protestors said, "As the single bench judgement had said, the J&K government has lost its credibility. We want to know which higher authority/official is involved with the agency that stops the government from taking action against it." "The Aptech Ltd has been blacklisted by Yogiji also, in UP. Why is our government still adamant about having them?" demanded the protestors. The exams will be starting on March 16. The protestors also said that they demanded a judicial enquiry against the company. "Also, we request that the government interfere and conduct the upcoming exams and not allow blacklisted companies to do the same," the protestors said. Following the commotion, some protesters were detained by the police. (ANI)
The deceased Samajwadi Party leader was identified as 45-year-old Naseem Khan.

According to sources, Khan, a resident of Shahpur village in UP's Mau, had been to a Holi party at his friend's residence in Jamalpur Buland village in the Haldharpur police station area.

After receiving word of his death, Naseem's brothers, Azim Khan and Tehseem Khan, reached the spot and took him to the hospital where the doctors declared him dead.

A police team also reached the spot and sent the body for autopsy.

"Naseem Khan had been to a Holi party with his friends. His health suddenly took a turn for the worse at the party and he was rushed to a hospital where the doctors declared him dead. We took custody of the body and sent it for post-mortem. We have launched an investigation into his death," Station Head Officer (SHO), Kopaganj, Amit Mishra said.

"We are still in the process of gathering details on the circumstances leading up to his death. It's too early to make any conclusive statement on the cause of death," the SHO added.

The SP leader his survived by his wife, three sons, and a daughter. (ANI)
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC and Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao's daughter K Kavitha on Thursday launched a scathing attack on Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) and said that the opposition in the country is "oppressed" and "harassed" by the BJP for raising their voices. Addressing a press conference ahead of her protest and ED visit, she said, "The double engine sarkar which actually stands for "Pradhani and Adani Sarkar," works in the interests of only a few, and therefore the opposition is oppressed and harassed for raising their voices." She said she will appear before the agency on March 11. "You can be assured of my full cooperation in the matter," she said. Kavitha on Thursday said that a hunger strike will be held in the national capital on March 10 and that 18 political parties have said that they will participate in the protest launched to seek introduction of the Women's Reservation Bill in the current session of Parliament. "Why does the government punish the common man with bad governance and policies? Today the land of Mahatma Gandhi, that of Satya, has become the land of lies. My message to the people of India is don't give a chance to one nation--one friend government. Listen to the opposition," she added. Kavitha said, "The Women's Reservation Bill is only a mere conversation in our country. After being introduced in 1996, it could never pass; 27 years have gone by and we are still only having a conversation." She further thanked Sonia Gandhi for making earnest efforts to not only introduce but also convince parties to come together and pass the Women's Reservation Bill during Congress's tenure. She also acknowledged the efforts taken by the former Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihar Vajpayee. "Instead of talking about the Women's Reservation Bill, everybody chose to consciously highlight the ED visits. These are shallow attempts by the BJP to divert people's attention from real issues." The BRS leader also said that she will face Enforcement Directorate as she has not done anything wrong. Further she said, "The Modi government made a promise to make the Women's Reservation Bill a reality in its 2014 manifesto, but despite having 282 seats in the Lok Sabha, the ruling government kept quiet. In 2019, the BJP made the same promise, and even after 303 members in the Lok Sabha, no leader talked about the bill. The intent was always missing from the BJP's agenda," she added. MLC Kavitha requested the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Murmu to make the Women's Reservation Bill a reality with 33 per cent reservation since the BJP still has sessions left before the completion of its term. She said, "If the BJP could clear the Aadhar Bill in the name of the Financial Bill to surpass the Rajya Sabha, it surely could live up to this promise." The founder of Bharat Jagruthi, who is set to go on hunger strike tomorrow at Jantar Mantar to demand the Women's Reservation Bill, said, "Today, in comparison to global parameters, India lacks both in terms of representation and a gender parity gap that has only widened in recent years." "Today even our neighbors are doing a better job in terms of getting more and more women into the legislative discourse, but not for the ruling government." Kavitha further confirmed that 18 political parties and women's organizations supporting the bill will join tomorrow's protest. She said, "Over 500 people will go on hunger strike, and over 6,000 have confirmed their presence in support of the Women's Reservation Bill." MLC Kavitha also addressed questions pertaining to the recent ED notices and visits. She said, "Why was the ED in a rush to question me and chose a day before my protest? It could have happened a day later as well." "When requests were made, well within the law, to the Enforcement Directorate to investigate me at my home, they simply refused. If they can do this to a political face, imagine how much a common person, especially a woman, would have to bear with," she added. Kavitha further said that provisions should be made to ensure women can comply with such investigations at any level, including via video calls and virtually. In her interaction with the media, she announced that the BRS party has decided to raise this issue and take it forward to ensure correct procedures are put in place. Kavitha said, "I am a law-abiding citizen, I'll comply and cooperate with the investigation agency as we understand their obligations towards the Government of India. But why is BL Santhosh evading the agency himself?" "Telangana is currently on the radar of the BJP as their "Modi se pehle ED" agenda has been unleashed," she said. While sharing a few stats, Kavitha said, "From last June, the GOI has constantly been sending its agencies to Telangana. Why? Because Telangana elections are due in November or December." "More than 100 CBI raids, 200 ED raids, over 500 income tax raids, and 500 to 600 people have been questioned under the NIA. All of them are either politicians, members of our party, or business houses that don't subscribe to the BJP's diktats," she added. Kavitha also raised the issue of the extension of terms of independent agency heads by the Government of India. She said, "This is not my issue alone. In our party, 15-16 leaders have been targeted. My request to PM Modi would be to go talk to people and tell them what they have done for Telangana and India. They should try to win hearts before winning elections." "Nine states have witnessed the BJP's pre-poll intimidation tactics, it won't work with us. We won't be intimidated; we have won people's support and will continue to do the same. We will continue to expose the BJP's failures. They have failed the army, youth, and farmers already." Kavitha added. Kavitha also recalled Gandhari's blessing for Duryodhan and said, "Dharam, jis taraf hai, uska jay ho'. We believe in the power of truth, and that shall triumph. Even Kansa could not stop Lord Krishna's birth after several attempts. No political party or leader should think they are bigger than the Lord himself." Responding to a question about the role of the Congress Party in the opposition, she said, "The Congress must decide its role for the people and country as a whole; it needs to think beyond its own party in the national interest. CM KCR has taken several efforts to bring together a stronger front for opposition unity, which is the belief of Hon'ble CM, and we will keep trying and ensure that this works for the people of India. The need is to become a team player and work together to defeat the BJP in 2024." "The BJP does not believe in the existence of minorities and the weak. Our government in Telangana has proven to the entire country that the real picture of a diverse India can be easily practiced and preached if the government wants to." (ANI)
Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the "tallest leader of the country" while also stating that the focus of the BJP is not on the 2024 Lok Sabha elections but on nation-building. Replying a question about the JD (U) and NCP extending support to the NDPP-BJP-led government in Nagaland, the Assam Chief Minister said that, all political parties should think once before entering and contesting in Northeast. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the tallest leader of the country. He is the symbol of our inspiration and all will be with him," Himanta Biswa Sarma said. Declining comment on JD(U) supremo and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's return to BJP-led NDA, the Assam Chief Minister said, "I have not researched much on him that whether he is staunch opponent or supporter, sometime he was seen with BJP and sometime not. You can't guarantee anything with Nitish Kumar. But it is true that, JD (U), NCP and others have supported NDA in Nagaland." Noting that the Northeastern region is an important part of the nation, the Chief Minister said that PM Modi has demonstrated it. "North East is a very important part of this nation. By participating in all the three oath taking ceremony and giving special time to Assam cabinet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly demonstrated that for him in India's development story North East is a very important part and North East is actually Ashta Lakshmi of this country. So, we are grateful that he took out his time who personally remain present in all the oath taking ceremony along with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national president JP Nadda. These are happened first time in the state of Nagaland, Meghalaya, this sent a very strong positive vibes for the people of Northeast," Sarma said. (ANI)
Kerala Gold smuggling case prime accused Swapna Suresh on Thursday made explosive claims that she was receiving death threats from CPM secretary Govindan Master who threatened her with dire consequences if she did not stop speaking about Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. She furher alleged that Master offered her a hefty amount of Rs 30 crore to leave the country and settle anywhere else. "I started revealing the truth after I came to know the true color of M Shivshankar (former principal secretary to the Kerala CM). I got an anonynous phone call from a person called Vijay Pillai. He came for a settlement talk. He said to move out of Bangalore and leave the place. CPM party secretary Govindan Master had told him to threaten me and leave the place. They asked me to stop speaking about Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter and businessman Yussaf Ali. They offered me Rs 30 crore," she alleged in a Facebook live. Swapna said that she has no "personal agenda" against the Kerala Chief Minister, however, Master threatened to "finish" her life and gave her 2 days to take a decision. "Vijay Pillai threatened me and asked to leave the country. I have no personal agenda with CM Pinarayi Vijayan or his family, nor want to destruct his political career. I was clearly told that CPM secretary Govindan Master will finish my life. This person told me that he will give me 2 days to take a decision. I have sent details of his phone numbers and email address to my advocate," she alleged. In a stern message, Swapna said that she will fight and warned the Chief Minister against "thretening" her. "I want to tell the CM on his face, I am going to fight till the end. I have people who trust me. If I am alive, I will expose your entire business empire and don't ever think or dare to threaten me. I'll expose to the world your real face," she said. "I am not ready for any compromise and I am going to fight till the last breath. He (Vijay Pillai) clearly told me that Govindan Master will finish my life. I will give the full details such as photographs of the person to the media. Iam not going to run away from bangalore. Iam here itself. Please pray for my life," Swapna added. Earlier in October last year, Swapna Suresh alleged that Pinarayi Vijayan is making projects in the state for his daughter Veena Vijayan and for the future generations of his family in the guise of development. "Chief Minister's projects making undue commissions and for building an empire for his daughter or for his family or for the future generations of his family in the disguise of development. It should not be Kerala's FON, it shouldn't be Kerala Fibre Optical Network, it should be Veena or Vijayan Fibre Optical Network," she had told ANI. (ANI)
Anti-corruption branch of Lokayukta had arrested his son Prashanth Madal for bribery of Rs 40 lakh.

Earlier this month, the anti-corruption wing of Lokayukta raided the residence of Virupakshappa's son Prashant Madal and recovered Rs 6 crore cash.

"The anti-corruption branch of Lokayukta yesterday caught Prashanth Madal, son of BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa while taking a bribe of Rs 40 lakh. Over Rs 1.7 crore in cash was recovered from his office," Karnataka Lokayukta had earlier said.

Lokayukta was on duty after getting a complaint about the demand for a bribe. Over Rs 1.7 crore cash was found at Prashanth Madal's office, Lokayukta officials said.

Speaking to reporters, Virupakshappa said that the money found in the raid was his "earned money".

"It was our earned money. I have not done any illegal transactions as president of KSDL. We kept the money from our groundnut plantation and crusher at home. This money was discovered during the Lokayukta raid. I have a document for that money and I will give it," he said.

He further said that he would not quit the party even after the party expelled him from the primary membership.

"However, I will not quit the BJP. I will prove my innocence in the case and I will get a clean chit in a legal battle. BJP is my mother party," he added. (ANI)
With the aim to foster judicial cooperation among Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member countries, the Supreme Court of India is hosting the 18th meeting of Chief Justices and Chairperson of the Supreme Courts of SCO from March 10-12. In a press statement, the apex court said Chief Justices and Chairpersons of the Supreme Courts of SCO member States have been invited to attend the meeting. The meeting is likely to witness discussions on Smart Courts and the future of the Judiciary; Facilitating Access to Justice; Institutional Challenges facing Judiciary: Delays, Infrastructure, Representation, andTransparency. The meeting will involve a joint interaction with the Chief Justices, Chairpersons, Judges from the Member and Observer States and representatives from SCO Secretariat and SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) and will conclude with the signing of a joint statement. The Indian participation in the meeting will include the Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Judges of the Supreme Court, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and KM Joseph among others. The statement said CJI Chandrachud will be speaking on - "Smart Courts" and the future of the Judiciary. Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul will speak on - Facilitating "Access to Justice" (Justice should not be limited to privileged): Issues, Initiative, and Prospects and Justice KM Joseph, will speak on "Institutional Challenges facing Judiciary: Delays, Infrastructure, Representation and Transparency" In the active and constantly expanding activities of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the interaction of the highest judicial instances is becoming more and more popular. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation was created in 2001 on the basis of "Shanghai five" formed after the signing by Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Russia and Tajikistan. The main goal of SCO is to strengthen mutual trust, friendship and good neighbourliness, encouraging effective cooperation in several areas among the member states. SCO members include China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia constitute the SCO observers while Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Nepal are the SCO dialogue partners. The SCO Charter, the regulations on meetings of heads of ministries and/or departments of the SCO Member States, the rules ofprocedure of the Presidents of the Supreme Courts of the SCO Member States, and the SCO Rules of procedure regulate the activities of the Meeting of the Presidents of the Supreme Courts (MPSC). Meeting of the Presidents of the Supreme Courts allows for a constant dialogue on a wide range of issues, giving a new impetus to the development of relations and allowing the development of mechanisms for further improving the work of the judiciary. The first Meeting was held on September 22, 2006 in Shanghai, China. Since then, the Institute of interaction between the Chief Justices of the Supreme Court has occupied a special place in the Organization, significantly complementing an established the unique practice of cooperation, the release said. The seventeenth meeting of the Presidents of the Supreme Courts of the Member states of the SCO was held in Dushanbe. India assumed the rotational presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization for a year in September 2022 through the Samarkand declaration last year. (ANI)
Considering the fact that the income of lawyers had fallen during the Covid pandemic, Delhi High Court has recently directed to place the candidature of a lawyer seeking mediation training before the concerned monitoring committee. Justice Prathiba M Singh said, "Considering that during the pandemic period, several lawyers' incomes did not match up to the pre-pandemic levels, for some time, in the opinion of the Court, relaxation could be considered, even if on a case-to-case basis." "In view of the above facts, the Court directs that the Petitioner's case may be placed by the Registrar General, Delhi High Court before the concerned Committee monitoring Mediation Centres in the High Court, for consideration of the Petitioner's case," Justice Singh directed on February 28. In the present petition, Petitioner Umesh Gupta challenged the fixation of qualification of minimum eligibility requirement of net declared professional income of Rs 6 lakh, in the financial years ending March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2022 for the purpose of undertaking the 40-hour training programme on the 'Concept and Techniques of Mediation'. The said training programme is being organized for 75 advocates and the notification for the same was published on December 23, 2022 by the Office of the Judge In-Charge, Delhi Mediation Centre, Tis Hazari Courts, Delhi. Advocate Ashok Aggarwal, Counsel for the Petitioner submitted that fixation of the eligibility criteria of Rs 6 lakh as minimum net declared professional income for the past two financial years, is not part of the Mediation and Conciliation Rules, 2004 and therefore, is contrary to the law itself. Advocate Aggarwal also submitted that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the petitioner's income had gone down and currently his income is around Rs 4 lakh. Petitioner's counsel also submitted that the Petitioner is extremely keen to undertake the said training programme. He is an advocate having a BTech degree along with an LLB degree from Delhi University and also has completed a PG Diploma from ILI. He is also stated to have completed his LLM from the Global Open University, Nagaland. He has been practising since 2011 and claims to have conducted trials in hundreds of cases. On average, he submits that he has 7 to 8 cases listed per day before the District Courts. Petitioner has also completed 40 hours mediation training held by Association For India International Mediation & Arbitration Services ("AIIMAS") which is a private institution and is now keen on undertaking the course through the Delhi Mediation Centre, the counsel submitted. On January 23, 2023, a short affidavit was directed to be filed by the Respondents. The counter affidavit dated February 9, 2023 on behalf of the Judge-in-charge, Delhi Mediation Centre has been was filed stating that the initial criteria for the training was recommendedon November 15, 2010 by the Monitoring Committee to oversee the functioning of all District Mediation Centres in Delhi. It was submitted by Advocate Amit George, Counsel for that earlier on November 1, 2022, as recorded by letter dated December 6, 2022, a communication was addressed by the Judge-in-charge, Delhi Mediation Centre to the Registrar General, Delhi High Court giving the criteria for selection of Advocates for the mediation training programme. The court said that the income criterion was fixed basically to ensure that serious advocates undertake the course. The court was informed that the course may begin only in April, though the selection process is underway. Accordingly, let the present case of the Petitioner be placed before the Overseeing Committee within the next two weeks, the court directed. Counsel for the Respondent submitted that the recommendation of the Delhi Mediation Centre ("DMC") was duly approved by the concerned Monitoring Committee of this Court as also the Chief Justice as per the letter dated 6th December 2022. Accordingly, the eligibility criteria for the net declared professional income of the advocate has been fixed at Rs 6 lakh. (ANI)
The politics of Rajasthan seems to be revolving around the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) and Congress for the last few decades, but this time before the assembly elections, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) have increased their activism in Rajasthan. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi will be visiting Jodhpur and Barmer on March 11 and 12, while AAP chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will come to Jaipur on March 13 to feel the political pulse through Tiranga Yatra. Assembly elections are to be held in Rajasthan at the end of the year. In such a situation, along with the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP, other political parties are also busy in finding their political turf in Rajasthan. Recently, Asaduddin Owaisi visited Alwar and Tonk districts and now Owaisi will make his political debut on March 11 in Jodhpur, the home district of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. Owaisi will also be on a tour of Barmer district on March 12. On March 11, he will perform Jauhar prayers through public relations in Bamba, Jodhpur. On the same day, he will also do public relations in Balotra assembly constituency of Barmer and then will participate in Chadar Peshi program at Sodiyar Dargah. On March 12, he will address a public meeting at Gagaria in Barmer and after that he will go to Shiv Vidhansabha after offering Jauhar prayers. Recently, Owaisi had also come to Rajasthan in connection with the burning of Nasir and Junaid of Bharatpur, and during this visit he targeted the Gehlot government of the state, as well as demanded 10 percent reservation for Muslims. Similarly, AAP is also constantly focusing on Rajasthan. On March 13, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwat Singh Mann will take out the Tiranga Yatra in Jaipur. This Tiranga Yatra is proposed to be taken out from Parkota area to Albert Hall. Through this program, Kejriwal will explore the possibilities for the Aam Aadmi Party in Rajasthan and the party's election campaign will also be done for the upcoming assembly elections. AAP state in-charge Vinay Mishra is constantly engaged in the preparations for the programme. (ANI)
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC and Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao's daughter K Kavitha, who has been called for questioning by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the alleged liquor scam on March 11, assured of cooperating fully with the agency and said she will answer all the questions, adding that "if things go out of hand, then the courts shall be approached". While talking to ANI, Kavitha said, "I am ready to give all answers. The truth shall remain the truth. I am not related to this liquor policy. A lot of businessmen from Hyderabad have come here and invested. So they want that somehow my name is dragged into it." The Central investigation agencies have alleged that Kavitha benefited from the kickbacks in the now withdrawn liquor policy of Delhi, in which Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia has been arrested. Reiterating her stance on the agencies functioning in the country, she said, "I will cooperate with all institutions, but there is no legitimacy and transparency in these agencies, be it CBI, ED or others. They are no more independent. In the last 10 years, the attacks on the opposition have proved it. The agencies are biased." "I will cooperate fully and answer all the questions but if things go out of hand, then the courts shall be approached," she added. Kavitha launched a scathing attack on Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) and said that the opposition in the country is "oppressed" and "harassed" by the BJP for raising their voices. Addressing a press conference ahead of her protest and ED visit, she said, "The double engine sarkar which actually stands for "Pradhani and Adani Sarkar," works in the interests of only a few, and therefore the opposition is oppressed and harassed for raising their voices." In a statement, she said she will appear before the agency on March 11. "You can be assured of my full cooperation in the matter," she said. DK Aruna, BJP National vice President said, "Wherever there is corruption ED goes not PM Modi, they are scared of Modi as he said in 2014 before forming the government itself that they will not spare corruption. The investigation agencies are doing their job, wherever there is a complaint. What is the role of the BJP in this? " Condemning Manish Sisodia's arrest, the BRS MLC said, "I do not wish to comment on this. The behaviour of the agencies is absolutely unconstitutional. There was manhandling and we condemn the arrest. The arrest has been condemned by our party as well." "People should have faith that if a white colour crime is committed then the ED can be trusted. However, the people have lost faith after the actions of the ED. It is unfortunate that Mr Sisodia is arrested." The ED and the CBI had alleged that irregularities were committed while modifying the Excise Policy, undue favours were extended to licence holders, the licence fee was waived or reduced and the L-1 licence was extended without the competent authority's approval. The beneficiaries diverted "illegal" gains to the accused officials and made false entries in their books of account to evade detection. As per the allegations, the Excise Department had decided to refund the Earnest Money Deposit of about Rs 30 crore to a successful tenderer against the set rules. Even though there was no enabling provision, a waiver on tendered licence fees was allowed from December 28, 2021, to January 27, 2022, due to COVID-19. This allegedly caused a loss of Rs 144.36 crore to the exchequer, which has been instituted on a reference from the Union Home Ministry following a recommendation from Delhi Lieutenant-Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. Sisodia was arrested by the CBI on February 26 in an ongoing investigation of a case related to alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of the excise policy of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD). The Special Judge MK Nagpal on March 6 remanded Sisodia to 14 days in judicial custody after noting that expiry of CBI custody in the case noting that the probe didn't demand further custody of him at this time, but it may be sought later if required. Meanwhile, Kavitha said that a hunger strike will be held in the national capital on March 10 and that 18 political parties have said that they will participate in the protest launched to seek introduction of the Women's Reservation Bill in the current session of Parliament. Elaborating about the strike, Kavitha said, "The strike will start from 10 am and go on till 4 pm. Approximately 18 parties will join tomorrow. We expect the parties to keep their viewpoints. We will try and build up pressure on the government. We have also invited the Congress." "We have the complete list of the parties coming. I can share it. Yechury ji will start the fast. Priyanka Chaturvedi from Shiv Sena shall also join us. Apart from this, there will be several women's organisations that have worked on this bill," she added. Urging that the larger political interest should be kept aside in the matter, she said, "Women make up 50 per cent of the country's population and I have picked up their issue. The views of different parties on the matter are important." "This is an important and historical opportunity. The BJP has the majority, they can easily pass the bill," she added. MLC Kavitha requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Murmu to make the Women's Reservation Bill a reality with 33 per cent reservation since the BJP still has sessions left before the completion of its term. (ANI)
Ahead of the Karnataka Assembly polls, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Thursday said there is no example of giving tickets to all the sitting MLAs since every election will be different. The tickets will be given only after the survey, performance, and other guidelines said CM Bommai. Asked about former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa's statement that some of the sitting party legislators are unlikely to get the tickets to contest in the coming Assembly polls, he told reporters in Chikkagalagali that since Yediyurappa is a member of the Parliamentary Board, he may have that information. However, the issue of giving tickets to candidates above 70 years of age or not is not before them. "Every constituency is discussed in the Parliamentary Board and it is very difficult to say all the sitting MLAs' will get the tickets," he said. Reacting to the Lokayukta raid on the house of BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa, the CM said the Lokayukta is independent to probe the matter. Everyone must respect the court's verdict. He said the anti-corruption institution has taken up an investigation of the case and there was no question of concealing anything. Attacking Congress, Bommai said, "The Congress leaders are making baseless allegations and by doing it the corruption and sin they have done in the past will not be washed away. The government will hand over 59 corruption cases that took place during the Congress government regime to Lokayukta since those cases had been closed in Anti-Corruption Bureau." Once the investigation is over, CM Bommai said the true colours of Congress will come to the fore. "It is true that instructions had been given to stop the procession of Madal Virupakshappa in Chennagiri two days ago," he said. Asked abpout Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar's allegations against him, Bommai said that the Congress leader had a close bond with corruption and naturally such statements were expected from him. On Congress leaders terming Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national general secretary CT Ravi as a Hindu terrorist, CM Bommai said, "For Congress leaders, the patriots look like the terrorists. But for then, the Congress leaders look like anti-nationals and terrorists." (ANI)
Karnataka BJP MP from Kolar, S. Muniswamy has been slammed for scolding a woman for not wearing a 'bindi' on her forehead at a public function held in the district on the occasion of International Women's Day. The BJP MP was captured on camera questioning the woman for not wearing a 'bindi' despite her husband being alive. The Karnataka Congress had slammed the MP, saying that his attitude is an example of the saffron party's culture. Muniswamy while visiting several stalls put up by women stopped at a stall run by a woman selling clothes. Pointing that she is not wearing a bindi, the MP allegedly questioned her. "Who allowed you to put up a stall here? Where is your bindi? Is your husband still alive? Isn't he?" the MP asked the woman. The BJP leader later advised the woman to wear a bindi. Later, his followers taking advantage of the situation said that the woman lacked common sense for not wearing a bindi. The Opposition Congress slammed the BJP-led state government for its regressive attitude towards women while highlighting that the incident had taken place on the occasion of the International Women's Day. Karnataka Congress took to Twitter and said, "BJP MP is questioning why is a women not wearing a bindi. Before questioning women, BJP should answer why the party had not demanded compensation for floods? Why no questions on pending GST dues? Why no questions raised when injustice is meted out to Karnataka and Kannadigas?" The Opposition Congress added: "Daughter of a BJP Mahila leader can wear jeans and run a 'Silly Souls Beef Cafe'; the children of BJP leaders can flaunt modern outfits and carry out business in foreign countries, but, Manusmriti is only for children of others." --IANS mka/khz/ ( 313 Words) 2023-03-09-19:18:02 (IANS)
In his maiden visit to Delhi after becoming the Chief Minister for the second time, Saha is also likely to meet Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar as well as a few Central ministers.

After holding the first cabinet meeting, Saha, who along with eight other cabinet ministers took oath on Wednesday, left from Kolkata towards Delhi.

The President visited Tripura in October last year and inaugurated a new passenger train between Agartala and Kolkata as well as several projects.

--IANS sc/khz/

( 115 Words)

2023-03-09-19:18:03 (IANS)
Ramu Das, the CPI-M legislator, who claimed that the attackers were "BJP supporters", told mediapersons on Thursday that his mother Kanan Das has been admitted to Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital here after she was attacked on Wednesday night.

Das said the incident happened hours after the swearing-in ceremony of Chief Minister Manik Saha and his council of ministers in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President J.P. Nadda and others.

The MLA said the attack took place when he went to meet the doctor along with his wife.

He claimed that despite being informed of the incident immediately, the police were yet to arrest the culprits.

The CPI-M leader said that his house was attacked by the "BJP goons" several times earlier as well.

Meanwhile, CM Manik Saha, while talking with the media on Thursday, said that he has instructed the Director General of Police to take tough action against those who are responsible for the post-poll violence.

The opposition Congress and the CPI-M-led Left parties boycotted the swearing-in-ceremony on Wednesday citing the "unprecedented reign of terror unleashed by the BJP supporters and goons".

The Congress and the Left leaders earlier met Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha and Director General of Police Amitabh Ranjan and submitted a memorandum detailing the incidents of violence and demanded immediate strict actions against the perpetrators.

--IANS sc/pgh

( 270 Words)

2023-03-09-19:40:06 (IANS)
Opposition unity will be on test on Friday and Saturday when two back to back events are being organised -- one by the Telangana CM's daughter K Kavitha for pressing the demand for women's reservation and the other on Saturday by Independent MP Kapil Sibal for the launch of 'Insaf Ke Sipahi'. Kavitha had praised Sonia Gandhi but had hit out at the Congress alleging arrogance on the issue of an opposition alliance. Sibal will be launching the website 'Insaaf'. "On 11th of Mar Pls join me at Jantar Mantar at 3.30 PM where I will unveil a new vision for India for the future different from the one we live in today," he said in a tweet. Sibal has got support from former J&K chief minister Farooq Abdullah and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. "This is an important initiative of Kapil Sibal Saheb. I appeal to everyone to join this initiative and we all together will fight against injustice," Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi. Jammu and Kashmir National Conference president and former CM Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday extended support to senior political leader and legal luminary Kapil Sibal's newly announced platform 'Insaaf ke Sipahi' to fight injustice. According to a statement, Abdullah said, "Sibal sahab is a veteran leader and a seasoned lawyer, considered an important voice of the Opposition, and his talk of bringing opposition parties and leaders together should be welcomed. There is nothing better than everyone uniting against injustices." He added, "National Conference firmly stands with Kapil Sibal sahab in his new initiative. The party rank and file, including Omar Abdullah, is of the firm belief that the initiative will act as a catalyst in bringing the opposition parties together for a common cause of fighting injustices." Kavitha a day ahead of the hunger strike praised Sonia Gandhi for pushing the Women Reservation Bill during the UPA's tenure. She has invited 18 political parties, including the Congress to join the one-day hunger strike to press the demand. She said around 6,000 people will be present and her organisation Bharat Jagruti Manch has reached out to the like-minded parties and organisations. "I salute Madam Sonia Gandhi for having backed the Women's reservation Bill despite leading a coalition govt at Centre," she said. Kavitha said she has spoken to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and general secretary K.C. Venugopal to send a representative to the protest. Sibal on Saturday had announced that he will launch a website, titled 'Insaf ke Sipahi', to help citizens fight against injustice and appealed to the opposition Chief Ministers and parties to help him in the initiative. Addressing a press conference, Sibal had said during the official launch on March 11 at the Jantar Mantar, that he will also unveil a vision document for the country. He asserted that this was not a political move but a catalyst for change. The Independent MP said lawyers should raise their voices, adding that "I want to start a movement as there is injustice everywhere be it business, journalism, people and opposition." Sibal had alleged that the elected governments had been destabilised and that among 121 cases of the ED, 115 are against the opposition leaders. --IANS miz/bg ( 545 Words) 2023-03-09-20:02:03 (IANS)
The West Bengal government has written to the Centre seeking permission for poppy cultivation in the state, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday told the state Assembly during the special and extended Budget Session. She also sought the support of the legislators from the opposition BJP on this count. "The Union government does not allow poppy cultivation in West Bengal despite this product being a popular food item of the people of the state. So, we are forced to import poppy from other states. That is why the price of this product is so high in West Bengal. If the Union government allows cultivation of poppy in the state, its price will automatically come down here," she said. On this issue, she sought the support of BJP legislators claiming that poppy items are also quite favourite of the MLAs from the opposition camp. "Why is poppy cultivation allowed in just four Indian states? Why should our state be deprived of the permission to cultivate poppies here? The Union government should remember that poppy is not just cultivated for production of intoxicants. Hence, I have written to the Union government for the permission," she said. This is not the first time that the West Bengal government has demanded permission to cultivate poppy in the state. Banerjee raised the matter at the Eastern Zonal Council Meeting at Bhubaneswar which was chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. However, no positive decision came on this count since then. Banerjee also claimed that her government initiative to encourage onion cultivation in West Bengal has brought down the price of the food staple to a great extent. "Previously we had to depend on import of onion from Nasik in Maharashtra. But now through systematic research and development onion is produced in many districts of West Bengal. So, we want to achieve that in case of poppy cultivation as well," the Chief Minister said. --IANS src/vd ( 334 Words) 2023-03-09-20:28:02 (IANS)
Police have arrested a government employee for allegedly posting 'hateful' comments on social media in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district, a statement from the police said. According to the police, the accused identified as Amrik Singh, a resident of Beoli Doda, who is posted as class- IV employee in the office of Chief education officer Doda was found to have uploaded hateful posts/comments on his Facebook account and consequence of which there was every apprehension of the eruption of law and order problem in the District, a statement said. "Sensing the sensitivity of the matter and to prevent the situation from turning into a law and order problem, Doda Police swung into action and a Police Party of Police Station Doda led by Inspector Arun Parkash Sharma, SHO Police Station Doda arrested the said person and after preparing a detailed report produced him before Executive Magistrate Class 1st Doda wherefrom he was sent to District Jail Bhaderwah under preventive detention," the statement informed. Doda Police, the statement claimed, "has maintained close surveillance on the activities of troubleshooters, bad characters on social media and has warned that if any is noticed indulged in spreading hate to hurt the sentiments of any individual or community, stringent action shall be taken against such trouble creators". (ANI)
Hubballi-Dharwad Mahanagara Palike (HDMP) has denied permission to install Kamanna idol and celebrate Holi festival at the Idgah maidan, citing Prime minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit on March 12 as a reason. HDMP Commissioner Gopal Krishna B and Police Commissioner Raman Gupta held a meeting with the Mahamandali members on Thursday and informed them that their application could not be considered. Raman Gupta, Police Commissioner, Hubballi-Dharwad said," Yesterday, it seems some Hindu organisations sought permission to celebrate Holi and install the statue of Kamanna in the Hubballi Eidgah Maidan. We had a discussion with the district administration and Hubballi Municipal Dharwad corporation. We told them that the installation should have been done on March 7th. Giving permission to such an event at the last hour without any security arrangements wouldn't be correct". "Permission is being denied by the municipal corporation," he said. Adding further HDMP Commissioner Gopal Krishna B said that they had received an application from Gajanan Utsav Committe seeking permission to install the idol on March 7. "Security arrangements cannot be done on such short notice. Security arrangements have to be made for Prime Minister Modi's visit on March 12." "There is no problem. The situation is entirely peaceful. There are many security arrangements going around in the district administration," Gupta informed. Police Commisioner added that a procession will follow a colour festival on March 11. "Some VIP visits are on cards. That is why our forces have been mobilised to make security arrangements," Gupta added. Sanjay Badaskar, Chairman of, the Gajanan Utsav Committe who had sought permission told ANI they were asked to take back the application. "We submitted an application three days ago. We had sought permission for an event on the occasion of Holi. Today (Thursday) police called a meeting. We also participated. Police said that PM Modi is coming to Dharwad on March 12. Police said there might be security issues. They asked us to take back the application with the assurance that the permission would be granted next time," he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting poll-bound Karnataka's Mandya and Hubballi-Dharwad districts on March 12, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said earlier in the month. (ANI)
BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh on Thursday hit out at senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for "tarnishing the image of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on foreign lands". Taking strong exception to Rahul's speech in Cambridge university recently, Chugh said that at a time when India has been given the proud responsibility of leading the G20 group, Gandhi's "defamatory address demonstrated that he was still wearing Italian glasses to look at India". Addressing MBA students at Cambridge Judge Business School on the topic of 'Learning to Listen in the 21st Century', Rahul Gandhi had said that opposition parties are under 'constant pressure' as numerous cases have been slapped on them by the BJP government. Indian democracy is under attack. The institutional framework which is required for a democracy -- Parliament, free press, the judiciary, just the idea of mobilisation -- these are all getting constrained. We are facing an attack on the basic structure of democracy, Rahul Gandhi had said. Chugh said that at a time when the entire world is looking up to India and India has become a vibrant example of democracy, Rahul's address at Cambridge was a piece of "ridicule for him and the Congress". "Rahul's misleading and negative propaganda against India to defame all Indians speaks of bankruptcy in the Congress and it's thinking," Chugh added in a statement. He said that Rahul Gandhi should have talked about a large number of governance initiatives that Modi government has brought about but his Italian glasses don't let him see that and for this he owes an apology to the country. --IANS dr/khz/ ( 279 Words) 2023-03-09-20:50:03 (IANS)
After the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday arrested former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in connection with the 2021-22 Delhi excise policy case, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that people are watching everything and they will give a befitting reply. Kejriwal said in a tweet that the Centre's only intention to keep Sisodia behind the bars in any case. "Manish was first arrested by the CBI. The CBI did not find any evidence, no money was found in the raids. There is a bail hearing tomorrow. Manish would have been released tomorrow. So today ED arrested him. They have only one intention to keep Manish inside at any cost, creating new fake cases everyday. The public is watching and will answer," Kejriwal said in a tweet in Hindi. The ED made the arrest after questioning Sisodia for hours inside the Tihar jail as part of its money laundering probe into the alleged irregularities in the 2021-22 excise policy of Delhi, officials said. Sisodia was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26 in the same case and he is currently in judicial custody till March 20. His bail plea will come up for hearing before the Rouse Avenue District Courts on Friday. ED sources told IANS the probe agency has got permission to quiz Sisodia for three days, and it will seek his custodial remand. --IANS avr/arm ( 246 Words) 2023-03-09-20:50:05 (IANS)
An Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Punjab National Bank and Central Warehousing Corporation, to facilitate financing under e-NWR (Electronic Negotiable Warehousing Receipt), said an official statement. According to the official statement, the partnership is aimed at providing easy access to finance to farmers/ food processors/ traders against the pledge of agriculture commodities stored in CWC warehouses. General Manager, Kanwal Jit Shorey signed the agreement on behalf of Punjab National Bank and Rajiv Kumar Bansal, Group General Manager (Comm.) on behalf of CWC in the presence of KS Rana, DGM & Neeraj Jakhmola, CM of PNB and RR Aggarwal (GGM- Finance, CWC), Amit Puri (GM Finance, CWC) & Ashwin (AGM, CWC). "Agriculture is an important sector of the country's economy and Government has been focusing on increasing the income of the farmers who drive this segment. One of the main constraints in increasing farm income has been distress sales by the farmers. With a view to curbing the same, the bank has entered this new MoU," the statement read. (ANI)
"Manish Sisodia has been a part of a big chain of financial beneficiaries in the Delhi liquor scam. Legal media reports had always suggested that the day inquiry of Telangana Chief Minister's daughter K. Kavita gets started, Manish Sisodia, too, will land up in ED custody," Sachdeva added.

"Liquor scam of the Kejriwal government is a big scam and henceforth in every election the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will accept that it will have to explain a lot to the people on Manish Sisodia's role."

Sisodia has been arrested by another central agency a day before his bail hearing in the Delhi liquor policy case comes up before a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court.

The ED arrested the Delhi Deputy Chief Minister after questioning him for two days over alleged money laundering while framing the new liquor policy, which was scrapped after Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena directed the CBI to investigate the case.

--IANS dr/khz/

( 206 Words)

2023-03-09-21:08:03 (IANS)
Taking a jab at the Congress leader for his recent lecture at the Cambridge University, where he alleged that an attack has been unleashed on the basic structure of Indian democracy, Sarma said that Rahul Gandhi did so because "nobody in India listens to him".

"Rahul Gandhi is aware that no one in India will pay attention to him. That is why he assembled a group of anti-India people in London and addressed them," Sarma said.

"By giving speeches outside of India, he finally displayed some brains. He deserves praise for it," the Assam Chief Minister said sarcastically.

Sarma also said that everyone in the northeast supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi since he is the "tallest leader" of the nation.

--IANS tdr/arm

( 151 Words)

2023-03-09-22:22:05 (IANS)
Many people are familiar with the short-term symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, which are caused by changes in reproductive hormones. Yet, they may be unaware that menopause might jeopardise heart and brain health in the long run. Atherosclerosis, or the development of plaque in arteries, is a primary cause of mortality in the United States, and it nearly invariably affects women after menopause. Memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease are far more prevalent in postmenopausal women than in premenopausal women. Now, Keck Medicine of USC has launched a clinical trial to study the effect of a novel hormone replacement therapy on postmenopausal cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. "Data supports the concept that estrogen, a hormone that the ovaries stop producing after menopause, protects both the heart and brain from damage," said Howard N Hodis, MD, director of the USC Atherosclerosis Research Unit, internal medicine specialist with Keck Medicine and lead researcher of the study. "Our study seeks to determine whether estrogen-containing hormone therapy can prevent or slow atherosclerosis progression and cognitive impairment in women after menopause." A key aspect of the study is that it is designed for women who are postmenopausal for six years or less. "We have studied previous data and conducted clinical trials showing that timing of when a woman starts hormone therapy is crucial," said Hodis, who is also a professor of medicine and population and public health sciences at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. "There appears to be a limited window of time wherein women benefit from hormone replacement therapy. Beyond six years of menopause, prevention appears to be too late." Improving standard hormone replacement therapies The hormone therapy being studied has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration since 2013 and consists of estrogen paired with a non-hormone drug known as bazedoxifene. Traditional hormone replacement therapy combines estrogen with progesterone, or more commonly with progestin, a synthetic progesterone. Estrogen alone can cause the lining of the uterus to thicken, causing bleeding and other health issues, which progesterone or progestin prevents. However, progestin/progesterone combined with estrogen has been associated with cancer risks. Bazedoxifene prevents the uterine lining from thickening while appearing not to present the same risks, said Hodis. Trial eligibility and protocols The clinical trial, titled Advancing Postmenopausal Preventive Therapy, is open to healthy women six years or less post-menopause, who have a uterus, are 45-59 years of age and do not have cardiovascular disease. Upon enrollment, trial participants: Receive an ultrasound of their neck artery that is used as a non-invasive baseline measure of atherosclerosis. Undergo several tests to gauge their baseline cognitive function and memory. Every six months, participants have an ultrasound of the neck artery to monitor any progression of atherosclerosis. They also have electrocardiograms to check for different heart conditions, which are done yearly. At the end of the study, which lasts approximately three years, women retake the cognitive and memory tests so researchers can determine whether there has been any change since enrollment. The clinical trial is a double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, meaning neither participants nor the researchers know who is receiving hormone replacement or a placebo. When the clinical trial is completed, researchers will compare results between the therapy and placebo recipients, and participants will be informed which option they received. So far, some 260 women are participating in the trial; researchers are looking for 100 more women to enroll. Those interested in participating should contact the USC Atherosclerosis Research Unit at (323) 442-2257 or visit aru.usc.edu. "Our ultimate goal is to help women and their physicians make informed decisions to promote good health post-menopause," said Hodis. (ANI)
Sometimes the finest things in life happen by coincidence, when we happen to be in the right location at the right moment. Now, Japanese researchers have discovered a method to ensure that new treatments are delivered to the proper area in the body and at the right moment in illness progression, ensuring that they have the greatest effect. In a study published recently in the Journal of Nanobiotechnology, researchers led by Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) have revealed that a novel delivery system delivers treatment to where it is needed most in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is a common neurodegenerative disease that causes dementia. It is characterized by the accumulation of a protein called amyloid b (Ab) in the brain, and a number of different toxic forms of Ab have been identified that impair brain function, notably Ab oligomers (AbOs). "Multiple clinical trials have attempted to use an anti-Ab antibody to treat AD, but the results have been unsatisfactory," said lead author of the study Akiko Amano, adding, "One potential explanation for this is that the blood-brain barrier (BBB) prevents most full-length antibodies from entering the brain." To address this challenge, the researchers previously developed glucosylated (sugar-linked) polymeric nanomicelles (PMs), which are tiny, hollow balls that could successfully cross the BBB via transcytosis in mouse brain capillary endothelial cells; this process was mediated by glucose-transporter-1 and induced by an increase in blood glucose levels after the mice experienced fasting conditions. In this study, Takanori Yokota and colleagues filled PMs with fragments of an anti-AbO antibody, injected them into a mouse model of AD, and assessed the effects on the brain and on behavior. "The results were very clear," said senior author Nobuo Sanjo, adding, "Administration of anti-AbO antibody fragments through PMs significantly reduced the amounts of various toxic Ab species. In addition, the Ab plaques that did form were smaller and less dense than those seen in untreated mice." Next, the researchers analyzed the behavior of the mice and found that the mice treated with the antibody fragment-filled PMs had better learning and spatial memory than untreated mice. "Our findings suggest that delivering sufficient levels of antibodies to the brain using PMs can reduce toxic Ab species and slow AD progression in mice," said Amano. (ANI)
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, US released its 2023 annual threat assessment on Wednesday (local time), which warned of threats against the US posed by China, Russia, North Korea and Iran. The report also warned of global challenges like climate change and evolving technologies that could have the potential to "disrupt" traditional business and society, while creating "unprecedented vulnerabilities." The United States is expected to face a "complex" security environment and will need to work to confront two "critical" strategic challenges: rising powers, like China, seeking dominance in the global order, the US intelligence community assessed. "These two strategic challenges will intersect and interact in unpredictable ways, leading to mutually reinforcing effects that could challenge our ability to respond, but that also will introduce new opportunities to forge collective action with allies and partners, including non-state actors," the report stated. On China, the US intelligence community said the Chinese Communist Party will continue its efforts to make China the "preeminent power in East Asia and a major power on the world stage." Officials in their report said that Chinese President Xi Jinping, in his third term, will work to press Taiwan on unification and will seek to "undercut US influence" by driving "wedges between Washington and its partners." With regard to Taiwan, the intelligence community warned that the PRC is using "coordinated, whole-of-government tools" as it seeks to assert sovereignty over Taiwan. Reports warned that China may build on its actions from 2022, and include more Taiwan Strait centerline crossings or missile overflights of Taiwan. Officials also warned that if China succeed in gaining control over Taiwan, it would have "wide-ranging effects, including disruption to global supply chains for semiconductor chips because Taiwan dominates production of cutting-edge chips." Officials also warned that Beijing is bolstering its domestic defense production capabilities for Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and advanced conventional weapons. The intelligence community also warned that China is building hundreds of new ICBM silos. "Beijing worries that bilateral tension, US nuclear modernization, and PLA's advancing conventional capabilities have increased the likelihood of a US first strike," the report states. "Beijing's heightened confidence in its nuclear deterrent is likely to bolster its resolve and intensify conventional conflicts." And with regard to cyber and technology, the US intelligence community assesses that China represents the "broadest, most active, and persistent cyber espionage threat to US Government and private-sector networks." Officials warn that China is "capable of launching cyberattacks that could disrupt critical infrastructure services within the United States, including against oil and gas pipelines, and rail systems." "China leads the world in applying surveillance and censorship to monitor its population and repress dissent," the report states." Beijing conducts cyber intrusions that are targeted to affect US and non-US citizens beyond its borders -- including journalists, dissidents, and individuals it views as threats -- to counter views it considers critical of CCP narratives, policies, and actions." Officials also warned that China is rapidly expanding and improving its artificial intelligence and big data analytics capabilities, which could expand beyond domestic use. Shifting to Russia, the US intelligence community warned that Moscow will remain a "formidable and less predictable challenge to the United States in key areas during the next decade but still will face a range of constraints." "Russia probably does not want a direct military conflict with US and NATO forces, but there is potential for that to occur," the intelligence community assessed. "Russian leaders thus far have avoided taking actions that would broaden the Ukraine conflict beyond Ukraine's borders, but the risk for escalation remains significant." Officials warn the relationship between China and Russia creates "potential threats in areas such as security collaboration, specifically arms sales and joint exercises, and diplomacy, where each country has used its veto power on the UN Security Council against US interests." And while China represents one of the greatest threats to US national security, officials said Russia, too, presents "one of the most serious foreign influence threats to the United States," due to its intelligence services and influence tools that seek to sow discord in the US and influence US voters and decision-making. Officials said Iran will continue to threaten U.S. people directly and via proxy attacks, particularly in the Middle East, and remains committed to developing "surrogate networks inside the United States, an objective it has pursued for more than a decade." Officials say Iran is "not currently undertaking the key nuclear weapons-development activities that would be necessary to produce a testable nuclear device," but warned Tehran has "accelerated the expansion of its nuclear program." "If Tehran does not receive sanctions relief, Iranian officials probably will consider further enriching uranium up to 90 per cent," the report states. Iran also represents a "major threat" to US networks and data, due to its capabilities and willingness to conduct "aggressive cyber operations." The US intelligence community assessed that North Korea is continuing its efforts to enhance its nuclear capabilities, targeting the US and its allies. Officials warned that North Korea's military "will pose a serious threat to the United States and its allies by continuing to invest in niche capabilities" designed to provide Kim Jong Un with a "range of options to deter outside intervention, offset enduring deficiencies in the country's conventional forces, and advance his political objectives through coercion." Kim Jong Un remains "strongly committed" to expanding North Korea's nuclear weapons arsenal and maintaining nuclear weapons as a "centerpiece of his national security structure," the report states. Officials also warned that North Korea's chemical or biological weapons "remain a threat." The report states that the intelligence community is "concerned" that North Korea "may use such weapons during a conflict or in an unconventional or clandestine attack." Infectious disease was also included in the assessment following the COVID-19 global pandemic. The intelligence community said COVID "remains one of the most significant threats to global public health, at a cost of more than 6.5 million lives lost and trillions of dollars in lost economic output to date." "Countries globally remain vulnerable to the emergence or introduction of a novel pathogen that could cause a devastating new pandemic," the report stated. As for the origins of COVID-19, the report states that the intelligence community "continues to investigate" how COVID first infected humans. US citizens and U.S. interests "at home and abroad" will face a "persistent and increasingly diverse threat" from terrorism during the next year, said the report. "Individuals and cells adhering to ideologies espoused by ISIS, Al-Qaeda, or the transnational Racially or Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremists (RMVE) movement pose a significant terrorist threat to US persons, facilities, and interests," the report states. It said Iran and Lebanese Hizballah "remain committed to conducting terrorist attacks and could seek to do so on US soil." As for ISIS, the IC assessed that the group seeks to "rebuild capabilities and replenish its ranks," and said its ideology will "continue to inspire attacks," including in the US. With regard to Al Qaeda, the IC assessed that the threat the terrorist organization poses in Afghanistan will "depend on the Taliban." (ANI)
Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir on Wednesday said that he would not interfere in politics, reported The News International. He said that political leadership should resolve its issues on its own in a Geo News programme "Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath." Former Prime Minister of Pakistan and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan earlier had said that he is ready to talk to Army Chief General in the broader interest of the country but no one is willing to talk. Responding to it, the army chief said that it was not his job as army chief to meet politicians. Asim asserted that the army would neither interfere in politics nor would play any role in it. He maintained that he would not interfere in political matters and the political leadership itself should resolve its issues, reported The News International. Speaking in the programme, senior anchorperson Hamid Mir said President Arif Alvi had tried to arrange a meeting between Gen Asim Munir and Imran Khan. The army chief told the president that he wants to stay away from politics, Mir added. The populism of ousted Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan represents a threat to the Pakistani military and to its relationship with the country's population, reported 9 Dashline. There is an irony in the military selecting an individual that could, plausibly, lead to its own downfall. In the past, the reverse has often been the case. In 1976, then Pakistani Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto appointed General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq as COAS, only to be deposed -- and later hanged -- by Zia the following year. Similarly, Nawaz Sharif had appointed General Pervez Musharraf in 1998 before facing the same fate as Bhutto in 1999, albeit without losing his life. Having tacitly played a major role in installing Khan, the chief of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) at the summit of Pakistani politics and giving him the platform to build on his then-already burgeoning cult of personality, the shoe is on the other foot for the military, said Marcus Andreopoulos, a senior research fellow at the Asia-Pacific Foundation. At the end of November 2022, after six years at the helm of the single most powerful institution in Pakistan, General Qamar Javed Bajwa was officially succeeded by General Asim Munir as the country's Chief of Army Staff (COAS). Out of office, Khan is proving to be a relentless source of pressure, first for Bajwa and now for Munir. Munir took office at a precarious time for the country, as the civilian government prepares for contentious elections in 2023 and as the military grapples with an array of strategic challenges, reported 9 Dashline. The most urgent and immediate threat facing Munir and the coalition government is the populist rhetoric of Imran Khan, reported Andreopoulos. Khan has accused the military of holding the country back during a time of economic and humanitarian catastrophe. Meanwhile, supporters of the now-leader of the opposition are rallying around the notion that the army was behind his downfall. The failed attempt on Khan's life at the start of November has only reinforced this populist narrative. Khan continues to build on this momentum, hosting rallies attended by thousands of adoring supporters -- both new and longstanding -- much to the government's and military's frustration. (ANI)
Overseas Pakistani Christians in Netherlands on Wednesday (local time) protested against the human rights violations suffered by women and girls in Pakistan. The protest was organised by Action Committee for Christian Rights, Overseas Pakistan Christian Alliance and Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD), the Netherlands on the occasion of Women's Day held on March 8. Violence against women in Pakistan is a problem that cannot be neglected. Right activists suggest that a woman in Pakistani society faces multiple threats because of her gender, read the press release of GHRD. Violence against women and girls including rape, murder, acid attacks, domestic violence and forced marriage is endemic throughout Pakistan. Women from minorities are at an even greater risk when it comes to being subjected to forced conversions and marriages. The situation of Hindus, Christians and other religious minorities is worsening in the country. These women are the worst victims of discriminatory attitudes of the authorities, political groups, religious parties and feudal structure, read the release. Religious minority women and girls are abducted, forcibly converted, forcibly married and abused and their families are unsuccessful in their attempts to challenge these crimes using legal avenues. These women are the worst victims of discriminatory attitudes of the authorities, political groups, religious parties and feudal structure. Religious minority women and girls are abducted, forcibly converted, forcibly married and abused and their families are unsuccessful in their attempts to challenge these crimes using legal avenues, added the release The event started at 13:00 hours CET with an in-person demonstration. The protest started at the Oranjestraat/ Paleisstraat nearby the Embassy. After an hour, everyone walked to the Tweede Kamer, Bezuiddenhoutseweg on the opposite of the street. Christian community is forced to burry five to 10 bodies in a single grave that is already filled with skeletons and bones as there are four graveyards for more than 70,000 Christians living in Peshawar and other cities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, The News International reported citing members. Augustin Jacob, a representative of the Christian community in Peshawar, said that old graves are being dug up and used for burying the dead. He said that no attention has been paid to this aspect due to the increased population rate, as per the news report adding that there have been discussions with the government, however, the authority's talk of giving land outside the city for graveyards could cause more issues for the Christian community. Christians and other minorities in Pakistan are facing atrocities at the hands of Muslims and the government authorities. Earlier, hundreds of people from the Christian community gathered outside Karachi Press Club in Pakistan to protest against the land mafias who are driving them out from their properties, houses and land.Christians have historically been mistreated, marginalized, and attacked in Pakistan. Recently, a Christian priest was slain and another was wounded by gunmen on a motorcycle as they drove home from church in Peshawar, Pakistan's northwest, police authorities said on Sunday, reported the DW News. Moreover, Pakistan is muddled due to the European Union's (EU) Generalized Schemes of Preference Plus GSP+ status review proposed to take place this month in Islamabad. The EU had then observed that Pakistan had failed to make meaningful advances in protecting human rights, particularly in relation to the country's controversial blasphemy laws, targetting minorities. In Pakistan, minorities like Hindus, Christians, Ahmaddiyas, and Shiites are frequently harassed and persecuted. (ANI)
The Aurat March, a rally conducted every year by women across Pakistan on International Women's Day to voice their grievances and celebrate womanhood turned violent on Wednesday amid clash between the marchers and the police, reported Geo News. A violent fight broke out outside the Press Club today as women and transgender people from various fields gathered for the Aurat March rally, where the police beat attendees with batons and allegedly tried to "stop" the rally. A verbal spat between the participants of the rally and the police occurred after they questioned the large number of transgender people trying to join the rally, the police said, adding that large groups of women were joining the march, reported Geo News. Women at the march alleged that the police had "tried hard to stop the rally". During the rally, participants chanted slogans for women's rights and were joined by transgender people, whom the police stopped to question. Soon there was serious disorder outside the Islamabad Press Club, and the marchers began to raise slogans against the government and the media, reported Geo News. Several reporters present at the event voiced concerns over the fact that despite covering the incident peacefully all morning, they had come under the wraps of the fight. A woman reporter and a cameraman from a local news channel also sustained injuries. Federal Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman also participated in the rally and strongly condemned the violence that broke out, reported Geo News. Taking to her Twitter handle, Rehman said, "Friends from Aurat Azadi March are rightly upset. The Islamabad police had NO business laathi charging a small peaceful procession. It is the women holding laathis that need to be pushed back, not progressive women. Sad to see this happening. Will seek an inquiry." In another tweet, she said, "I strongly condemn this violence and have sought an inquiry on the incident. There is no excuse for this. That too on Int'l Women's Day. This is not what we fought for and will not tolerate it. Has been brought to the Interior Minister's notice." Following the spate that broke out, a number of people and organisations have spoken up against the administrations and condemned the brutality, reported Geo News. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) tweeted, "HRCP deplores the use of force by the Islamabad police against citizens at the Aurat Azadi March. We are also concerned by reports that religious organizations have tried to hinder women from taking part in the march. Women have as much right to peaceful assembly as any citizen." Aurat March was also organised in Ghotki, where the marchers shouted slogan, "as long as women are getting killed, we will continue fighting." (ANI)
Nepal is set to vote for its new president on Thursday. The Election Commission on Wednesday announced preparations for the election to be complete and results expected at 7 PM (Local Time). "All preparations- technical, human resources, and other managerial-related - have been completed in view of the voting for the election of the President to be held at Lhotse Hall of the Parliament Building in New Baneshwor," Election Officer Mahesh Sharma Paudel told ANI. Election Commission has set up two separate polling stations for federal parliamentarians and the Province Assembly members have been set up in the Hall. The voting will start at 10 AM (Local Time) today and close at 3 PM (Local Time). Two candidates- Nepali Congress senior leader Ram Chandra Poudel and CPN (UML) Vice-Chair Subash Chandra Nembang are in the fray. The Office of the Election Officer has said that the counting of votes would be started after the voting completes at 3 PM (NST) on Thursday and the results announced by 7 PM (NST). Meanwhile, lawmakers from all provinces have already arrived in Kathmandu for the election. A total of 884 members make up the Electoral College, including 275 members of the House of Representatives, 59 of the National Assembly and 550 of the seven provincial assemblies. It means, there will be a total weightage of 52,786 votes in the Electoral College, if no seat in the federal parliament and provincial assembly is vacant. A candidate must secure a majority of the total votes to secure the top post. The weightage of one vote of the federal parliament lawmaker is 79 and that of the Province Assembly member is 48. Pro-monarchy party to abstain from voting. The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) known for its pro-monarchy instance has decided to abstain from Thursday's Presidential Election. A meeting of the party's central working committee held on Wednesday decided to abstain from today's voting. RPP spokesperson Mohan Shrestha confirmed that the central working committee has decided to stay neutral in the presidential election. "It has been unanimously decided to not participate and stay neutral in the presidential election," Shrestha said. In today's election, Nepali Congress senior leader Ram Chandra Paudel is supported by eight parties while Subash Chandra Nembang the sole candidate from CPN-UML is expected to be supported by independent lawmakers. RPP had not supported or proposed any candidate for president. Both Paudel and Nembang had later met RPP Chairman Rajendra Lingden and other office-bearers at RPP's office and sought their votes in the election. But RPP has decided to abstain from voting on the eve of the presidential election. Most of the central working committee members had opined during Wednesday's five-hour-long meeting that the party should not participate in the presidential election as the party's agenda is the monarchy. (ANI)
US President Joe Biden on Wednesday lambasted Republicans and said that they should be ashamed of supporting an effort by Fox News to play down the seriousness of the January 6, 2021 assault on Congress by a mob of Donald Trump supporters. "More than 140 officers were injured on Jan 6. I've said before: How dare anyone diminish or deny the hell they went through?" Biden tweeted. "I hope House Republicans feel ashamed for what was done to undermine our law enforcement," he added. Republicans in the House are beginning to plot multiple probes into the 2021 Capitol attack, including looking into the Democratic-led select committee's actions from the last Congress, the security failures from that day and potentially even the treatment of January 6 defendants, multiple sources familiar with the work tell CNN. The move comes as Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy green-lit the release of January 6 security footage to Fox News host Tucker Carlson, who sought to whitewash the severity of the attack and caused a major uproar among Senate Republicans on Tuesday. Biden expressed support for the Capitol Hill police, whose chief has accused Fox News presenter Tucker Carlson of manipulating video footage of the unprecedented assault after Trump's election defeat. In a statement, Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger said Carlson's show aired this week was "filled with offensive and misleading conclusions." While top Republicans had hoped when they took over the House to steer clear of re-litigating January 6, McCarthy had to reverse course when the election left his conference with a slimmer-than-expected majority. In his bid to win the speaker's gavel, McCarthy made a number of promises to his right flank, which has been pressuring leadership to revisit the topic of January 6 under a GOP-led House. January 6 select committee staff have been prepared for Republican-led investigations into their work and the Capitol attack, with some even getting liability insurance, reported CNN. The Oversight Committee is expected to look into the treatment of January 6 defendants and the jail facilities where they have been detained, according to multiple sources. Far-right Republicans have long claimed that the rioters have been treated too harshly - a claim that judges have flatly rejected - and complained about the jail conditions. However, the small subset of January 6 defendants who are currently in jail are there only because a federal judge ruled that they are either too dangerous to release or pose a flight risk. The January 6 assault saw Trump supporters -- told for weeks by Trump himself that the election was not fair -- smashing their way through police lines and roaming through Congress. The assault forced a pause in the constitutional process of certifying Biden's election victory, while scores of lawmakers fled, fearing for their lives. (ANI)
In a veiled attack on Pakistan, India, on Thursday, said that Afghanistan's territory should not be used for sheltering, training, planning or financing terrorist acts, specifically terrorist individuals and entities prescribed by the UN Security Council and drug trafficking. While addressing the United Nations Security Council meeting on Afghanistan, India's permanent representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj said that India "expect that the territory of Afghanistan should not be used for sheltering, training, planning or financing terrorist acts, specifically terrorist individuals and entities prescribed by the UN Security Council. It also means acting against drug trafficking." Talking about Afghanistan's situation, Kamboj stated that the humanitarian situation in the country is "deeply distressing." She also told UNSC about the humanitarian assistance that India has provided to Afghanistan in the past year. "In response to the humanitarian needs of the Afghan people, and in response to the urgent appeals made by the United Nations, india has dispatched several shipments of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. We are committed to continuing our help to the Afghan people going forward. In this regard, we have provided several shipments of humanitarian assistance, including 40,000 metric tons of wheat, 65 tons of medical aid, and 28 tonnes of other relief material. Recently, we also sent around 5000 units of stationery items and winter clothing for the primary school students of the Habiba School in Kabul," India's envoy to the UN said. "In addition, we are also partnering with the UNODC for the welfare and rehabilitation of the drug user population in Afghanistan, especially among Afghan women. For the same, we have assisted UNODC by supplying medical aid, blankets and female hygiene kits as per requirement," she added. While appreciating the work being done by the UN in Afghanistan, Kamboj said that India had actively taken part in finalizing the draft of the current mandate of the Unama after the takeover of Kabul by the Taliban in 2021. India is ready to work with the secretary General in his efforts to find progress in the situation in Afghanistan, she added. India also expressed concern about increasing attempts to remove women from public life in Afghanistan. India calls for women and minorities to be included in Afghanistan's future and for their rights to be fully respected. "I would like to reiterate once again that security and stability in Afghanistan will continue to be our priority and India will continue to speak out in support of the Afghan people. Peace and stability in Afghanistan are critical imperatives that all of us need to collectively strive for. India will continue to play its constructive role in the pursuit of this objective. The interests of the Afghan people will always continue to be at the core of all our efforts," Kamboj said. (ANI)
To mark the occasion of International Women's Day, Afghani broadcaster TOLOnews aired an all-women's panel discussion. This discussion came at a time when many Afghan women are deprived of their rights including access to education and to work, ever since Taliban took over. In a special programme, the position of women in Islamic rule was discussed by journalist Ayesha Sharifi with special guests- university professor Zakira Nabil, defender of women's rights Angha Amin, another journalist Asma Khogiani. Bashir Ahmad Al-Hanafi, a religious scholar too joined the discussion virtually. Notably, Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, at least 20 years post they were ejected by US troops. The women's rights have been neglected, ever since, under their harsh rule. In November, last year, Taliban intrusively disrupted a women's press conference held in the Dasht-e-Barchi area and also arrested several women journalists, reported Khaama Press. The terrorist outfit disrupted the event and took the women human rights protestors to an undisclosed place. According to Reporters Without Borders, only 328 of the 547 media outlets that were active in Afghanistan prior to the Taliban's takeover are still operating, with 219 print, visual, and aural outlets being shut down under the Taliban rule, reported Khaama Press. The transfer of power from a west-supported government to the Taliban saw many changes in the way institutions were working for the past twenty years. Since the Taliban took over Afghanistan in mid-August last year, it rolled back women's rights advances and media freedom revoking the efforts on gender equality and freedom of speech in the country. According to a report by the South Asian Media Solidarity Network (SAMSN) over 45 per cent of journalists have quit since the terrorist outfit assumed power. The ever-increasing restrictions against media in Afghanistan have also drawn widespread criticism globally with the United Nations (UN) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) decrying the arrests, demanding the Taliban stop harassing local journalists and stifling freedom of speech through continued detentions and threats. The Taliban had promised women's rights, media freedom, and amnesty for government officials in the group's first news conference after the takeover in August. However, activists, former government employees, and journalists among others continue to face retribution. (ANI)
The United State condemned terrorism in all of its forms including those who resort to violence to achieve their ends, whether they are political or otherwise, State Department Spokesperson Ned Price on being asked about Khalistan. "So we condemn terrorism in all of its forms. We condemn terrorism; we condemn violent extremism. We condemn all of those who resort to violence to achieve their ends, whether they are political or otherwise. There is never a justification to resort to violence. Regardless of the motivation, regardless of the perpetrator, we take the threat of terrorism around the world, whether that's to regional peace and security or to our own security, extraordinarily seriously," Price said in the press briefing on Wednesday (local time). He was asked to share his views on Khalistani activists that are active in North America and who were responsible for the bombing of Air India in 1985. There have been fears of an upturn in activities by the separatist outfit after suspected Khalistan supporters vandalised temples in Australia. Concerns grew further after suspected Khalistan supporters allegedly vandalised the Indian Consulate in Brisbane on the night of February 21. While responding to a media query on the US-Pakistan counterterrorism dialogue which took place on March 6-7, State Department Spokesperson said, "So the US-Pakistan counterterrorism dialogue - it provides an opportunity for the United States and Pakistan to - for the United States to convey our willingness to work with Pakistan to address terrorist threats and counter violent extremism, the threats that are in the region, the threats that have the potential to transcend the region as well. We have a shared interest in combating threats to regional security. The goal of a stable and secure South and Central Asia, free from terrorism, depends on the strength of, in large part, our partnership with Pakistan." "The dialogue is a testament to our shared commitment to resilient security relationship and an opportunity for a candid discussion on steps we can take together to counter all terrorist groups that threaten regional and global stability. The United States seeks to expand our partnership to address these challenges. Any group that threatens regional and global stability of course is a concern to us. It is something that we discuss in the context of this counterterrorism dialogue," he added. Earlier, the US Intelligence Community released a report which stated under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is more likely than in the past to respond with military force to perceived or real Pakistani provocations. The report said the crises between India and Pakistan are more concerning because both are nuclear-armed states. However, Pakistan has a long history of supporting anti-India terrorist groups. But, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is more likely to respond with military force to perceived or real Pakistani provocations, than it was in the past, the threat assessment report said. (ANI)
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan and other senior PTI leaders were booked for attacking police and for using foul language in Lahore against the national security institutions after Section-144 was imposed here, reported Geo News. A mob of as many as 300-400 people committed and incited violence across the city and also used obscene language against the state institutions, read the First Information Report (FIR), filed on behalf of the Raiwand deputy superintendent of police. The FIR was filed under the Section-7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), and sections- 147, 149, 353, 186, 302, 324, 188, 427, 290, 291, and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code. The FIR also read that on the orders of the previous prime minister Imran Khan, Hassan Niazi, Hammad Azhar, Memoodul Rasheed, Farrukh Habib, and Ejaz Chaudhry, PTI employees abused the institutions. According to a report published in Geo News, the mob threw stones at the police and attacked them with wooden sticks, inflicting injuries on 13 police officers and six PTI employees as a result of the brutality of their own party members. After a complaint was filed against Mohsin Naqvi in Lahore, PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry chastised the interim chief minister of Punjab. Fawad claimed to have spent the previous two days in Islamabad working on a plea that will be considered today. Imran Khan said that the situation is that he has been charged with vandalism in Lahore. "Guess, which sort of people have been planted by General Dyer Mohsin Naqvi," he added. Notably, several people of both sides were left injured after Punjab police tossed tear gas shells and charged the Imran Khan supporters with baton. The clashes broke out in Lahore before Khan's planned rally to commence his election campaign, but which was then banned by the administration by imposing Section-144 for a week. Ever since he was ousted in a parliament vote of confidence last year, the former premier has been demanding snap polls. His successor, who rejected the demand, said that the elections would be held later this year, as scheduled. Khan was shot and hurt last year during his own campaign rallies. According to province communications minister Amir Mir, Wednesday's march was prohibited due to a threat to the law and order situation because there were International Women's Day celebrations in the region. Mir also claimed that supporters of rally fought police when they were told to disperse. Police dispersed them with batons, water cannons, and tear gas in retaliation, Mir said. He also claimed that at least seven police officers had been hurt. He said that twelve PTI employees had been detained so far. Many of the workers were hurt during the clashes, which Imran Khan's adviser Sharfqat Mahmood referred to as fascist tactics. A Live TV footage shows the police resorting to extensive teargas shelling on several spots near Khan's home in Lahore, with a few workers seen bleeding. Ever since he was ousted, Khan was booked in several court cases. He is also wanted in court on March 13 to defend charges that he illegally sold state gifts misusing his powers from 2018 to 2022. After the clashes, the PTI had called off the rally, Geo News reported. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday held a meeting with US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, discussing strategic trade as well as resilient and reliable supply chains. The talks between the two leaders also covered trust and transparency in the digital domain. Jaishankar tweeted, "Great pleasure to meet US Secretary of Commerce @SecRaimondo this evening. (The) conversation covered strategic trade, resilient and reliable supply chains and trust and transparency in the digital domain." Earlier in the day, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also held a meeting with Raimondo. The two leaders discussed strengthening cooperation between India and US in education and skill development. The office of Dharmendra Pradhan shared details of his meeting with Gina Raimondo on Twitter. "Minister @dpradhanbjp and United States Secretary of Commerce, @SecRaimondo meet in New Delhi to boost educational and skill development linkages between India and the U.S," the Office of Dharmendra Pradhan tweeted, Raimondo, who is on a four-day visit to India, will participate in the India-USA Commercial Dialogue and the CEO Forum on March 10 to discuss cooperation in various sectors that could unlock new trade and investment opportunities between the two nations, according to a press release by the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The release stated further, "Commercial Dialogue is a cooperative undertaking encompassing regular government-to-government meetings to be held in conjunction with private sector meetings, with an aim to facilitate trade, and maximize investment opportunities across a broad range of economic sectors." Further, according to the release, the last India-USA Commercial Dialogue was held in February 2019. Since then, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and other factors, it could not be held. It is proposed to re-launch the commercial dialogue with a strategic outlook focusing on supply chain resiliency and diversification and new emerging areas, after a gap of three years. India-US CEO Forum was soft-launched by the Indian Commerce and Industry Minister and US Secretary of Commerce on November 9, 2022, via video conference. The key priorities identified for India-US CEO Forum were increasing supply chain resilience, enhancing energy security and reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions, advancing inclusive digital trade and facilitating post-pandemic economic recovery, especially for small businesses, stated the release issued by the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry. On March 8, Raimondo visited Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's residence to participate in a Holi celebration. Speaking to ANI, Raimondo expressed his happiness at joining the Holi celebration, saying, "It's an honour for me to be here on such a holiday. I felt so welcomed by the Minister, it's fantastic. Happy Holi!" EAM Jaishankar, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur and BJP MP Manoj Tiwari were also present at Rajnath Singh's residence for the celebration of the festival of colours. The US Secretary of Commerce was also seen dancing and beating the drum. Jaishankar, in a tweet, wrote, "Celebrating Holi with US Commerce Secretary @SecRaimondoat Defence Minister @rajnathsingh ji's house." (ANI)
United States Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, on Thursday said celebrating Holi in India was a fantastic experience for her. She also thanked Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal for hosting her. "I'm here in New Delhi. And it is really an honour to be here and I want to thank all of the ministers who have so graciously hosted me while I've been here, especially Minister Piyush Goyal my counterpart, also special thanks to Minister Singh, who invited me to his home yesterday with his family to celebrate Holi with him, which was a fantastic experience and a great way to learn from experience an important part of your culture," Raimondo said. On Wednesday, Raimondo participated in Holi festivities at Rajnath Singh's New Delhi residence. "Our partnership with India is one of our most consequential relationships and I think one of our most promising bilateral relationships as we look forward. I think we share a common set of values grounded around our democratic traditions, along with a commitment to promoting free open rules. based order to bolster security and prosperity," she added. The top US official highlighted that both countries also share a real opportunity to expand their economic relationships, reaffirming their roles as trusted partners to each other, creating jobs in both countries establishing more resilient and secure supply chains. "I am very encouraged by the progress that we are making. Minister Goyal and I will convene a meeting tomorrow on Friday of the US-India commercial dialogue and the US-India CEO Forum. I'm thrilled to say that can 10 CEOs of leading tech companies travelled with me for the forum and are here in person their role in working together with their Indian CEO counterpart is to develop recommendations for how the two governments can expand commercial ties and create more economic opportunity in both of our countries," Raimondo mentioned in her telephonic press conference on Thursday. (ANI)
Calling India and US partnership most consequential, US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo expressed her optimism on India and US relationship. Raimondo, who is on a visit to India, will participate in the US-India Commercial Dialogue and CEO Forum that will be held on March 10 to discuss cooperation in various sectors that could unlock new trade and investment opportunities between the two countries. "We've been optimistic for US-India relations. Our partnership with India is one of our most consequential relationships and I think one of our most promising bilateral relationships, as we look forward. The reason for that, I think is we share a common set of values along with a commitment to promoting free open based order to both the security and prosperity and we also share opportunity to expand our economic relationship", said the Secretary in a telephonic press briefing. "Reaffirming our role as trusted partners to each other. Creating jobs, in both of our countries, establishing more secured supply chains. We're excited to be doing that to pave the way for greater trade and investments between our two economies", she added. Calling the Boeing and Air India deal as historic that was signed few weeks ago, Gina Raimondo said that it reflects the strength of our economic relationship. "This is a moment of significant opportunity for both of our countries, and we have some looks to the future. I am very encouraged by the progress that we are making, Minister Goyal and I will convene meeting tomorrow on Friday of the US- India Commercial Dialogue and the US-India CEO forum. I'm thrilled to say that 10 US CEOs of leading US companies travelled with me for the forum", she said in the briefing. "I heard unanimous enthusiasm just a few weeks ago, Boeing and Air India announced an order for 220 aircraft, which is a historic deal that reflects the strength of our economic relationship", she added. Further talking about her meeting with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, the Secretary mentioned that they agreed to launch an India - US strategic trade dialogue led by the Foreign Secretary from the Ministry of External Affairs of India and Under Secretary, Bureau of Industry and Security in US Department of commerce. "I am very pleased to say that I had a meeting with the Minister of External Affairs Dr Jaishankar and we launched a new initiative called the India US strategic trade dialogue and that will be led in the US by the commerce department. So this is exciting where we're going to deepen our engagement with India to specifically around the area of aligning our export controls and sharing information with one another", said the Secretary. The Secretary who visited Delhi on Wednesday also took part in the Holi celebration hosted by Rajnath Singh. "I am here in New Delhi and it is really an honour to be here and I want to thank all of the minister to have so graciously hosting me while I stand here. Special, thanks to Mr. Goyal my counterpart, and also a special thanks to Minister Singh who invited me to his home yesterday with his family, to celebrate Holi with him which was a fantastic experience", said Raimondo. (ANI)
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday arrived in Delhi for discussions on taking forward the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated in a tweet. Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Renuka Singh received Albanese at the airport in Delhi. Arindam Bagchi in a tweet wrote, "Welcome to Delhi, PM @AlboMP! After a series of engagements in Ahmedabad & Mumbai, PM @AlboMP of Australia arrives in New Delhi for discussions on taking forward the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Received by MoS @TribalAffairsIn@renukasinghbjp at the airport." On March 10, Australia PM Albanese will take part in the Ceremonial Reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi which will be followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rajghat. The Australian PM will then meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. He will also be meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi and President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Earlier on Thursday, Albanese mounted a fighter aircraft onboard India's first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, in Mumbai. The Australian PM sat inside the fighter jet while officers of the Indian Navy shared details and information on India's biggest aircraft carrier. He also watched day 1 of the final test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad. "I'm very honoured to be here today on the newly commissioned Indian-designed and manufactured INS Vikrant, my visit reflects my government's commitment to place India at the heart of Australia's approach to India both Pacific and beyond. Whilst here, I have had the great pleasure of meeting with the talented and highly professional men and women of India's Navy. What lifts defence relationships to new levels is the resolve and foresight of those who see the relationship not just for what it is, but for what it could be. One such person is my friend, Prime Minister Modi," the Australian PM said while interacting with mediapersons after climbing onboard INS Vikrant. Albanese thanked PM Modi for his "dedication to driving forward our defence and security partnership which is of increasing strategic importance as we navigate the challenges of our region together". He called India a "top-tier security partner." "For Australia, India is a top-tier security partner. The Indian Ocean is central to both countries' security and prosperity. And there has never been a point in our country's history where we've had such a strong strategic alignment which has been reinforced by my current visit to India and will be reinforced further by Prime Minister Modi's attendance at the quad leaders meeting," the Australian PM added. Australian PM further said, "In a short period of time, we both depend on free and open access to sea lanes in the Indopacific for our trade and for our economic well-being. And we share an unwavering commitment to upholding the rules-based international order and ensuring the Indopacific is open, inclusive and prosperous." (ANI)
Parents of an Indian child in German child rights' custody landed in Mumbai on Thursday to meet Indian authorities in a bid to expedite the process of getting their daughter's custody from the German government. Their three-year-old daughter has been in the custody of German authorities for the last one-and-a-half years. At a press conference in Mumbai on Thursday, the girl's mother said, "In September 2021, our daughter was taken away by German child services. She accidentally hurt her private part and we took her to a doctor. The doctors sent us back saying that she was fine. Then we went for a follow-up check. My daughter was again said to be fine, but the doctors, this time, called child services and gave them my daughter's custody. And we later learned that because of the nature of her injury, they suspected sexual abuse." "In the interest of clarification, we even gave our DNA samples. After the DNA test, police investigation, and medical reports, the case of sexual abuse was closed in February 2022. And in December 2021, an expert from the same hospital ruled out any suspicion of sexual abuse," she added. The child's father said, "After all this, we thought that our girl would be back with us. But the German child services opened a case against us for the termination of custody. We went to court for that/. The court ordered that we have to make a parental ability report. We got the 150-page parental ability test report after a year during which the psychologist spoke to us for only 12 hours." "We got the next trial date after receiving the report. The report suggested the bond between the parents and the child is very strong and the child should return to the parents but the parents don't know how to bring up the child. For that, we should stay in a family house till the girl attains the age of 3 to 6 years. The girl of that age would be able to decide whether she wants to stay with her parents or in foster care," he added. Her father said, "They reasoned that we let her eat as much as they want, let her play like she wants, and they don't discipline her enough. They also mentioned that the child has an attachment disorder. They alleged that the attachment disorder was because the child wanted to do things by herself." "We asked them to let the child come to India since the court case was going to last long. They said that they cannot send her to India as she does not know any Indian language, which can result in trauma. We have been asking them to let us teach her at least one Indian language. A teacher, a volunteer or a mentor is also not needed. Our friends and family could easily do that. There were many Indians in Germany, who were ready to volunteer to teach her Hindi or Gujarati but they refused," he added. He further stated, "Like many others, I was also laid off from the IT company that I worked for. I don't know how we are going to manage. We are already in INR 30-40 lakhs in debt." The mother said, "We are allowed to meet the girl for an hour every month under the supervision of a social worker. She reported positively about our attachment with the girl. We demanded more visits but they refused saying that it could exhaust the girl. But in September 2022, we were allowed to meet her twice a month. But German child services are not following the court order as well. It was after the Indian government intervened in December 2022 that they started obeying the court order." "We have been saying that she is an Indian baby, she must know an Indian language and acquire cultural knowledge. We also demanded consular access for her. Criminals also get consular access but our daughter is being treated worse than a criminal," she added. "We want to bring her to india as we have not got a fair trial. There are cultural differences which are difficult to explain to the German authorities. We request PM Modi to help us bring her back to India. We also request Foreign minister S. Jaishankar to look into this problem and help us bring our child back. Matters will be resolved if PM Modi takes matters into his hands," she added. (ANI)
The plane reached the airport in the quake-hit city of Adiyaman in southern Turkey, where Amir-Abdollahian paid a visit, Iranian official news agency IRNA reported on Thursday.

The Iranian Foreign Minister arrived in Turkey's capital Ankara in the early hours of Wednesday, according to the Foreign Ministry's website.

Later on Wednesday, he held a meeting and a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu, where he expressed his condolences over the lives lost during the massive earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria in early February and reaffirmed Iran's support for the quake-hit people.

During his visit to the quake-stricken city, Amir-Abdollahian spoke with local officials and people and visited a camp established by Iran to shelter the displaced people and provide them with aid, Xinhua news agency reported.

Iran has so far sent a number of humanitarian aid batches to Turkey in the aftermath of the quakes that have killed more than 50,000 in Turkey and Syria. The quakes have been described by World Health Organisation as the worst disaster the region has seen in a century.

--IANS int/khz/

( 226 Words)

2023-03-09-19:30:07 (IANS)
Young Afghani women protested against the Taliban demanding women's access to education and work on the occasion of International Women's Day, reported Tolo News. The protest took place on Wednesday and they called for the removal of restrictions imposed women in Afghanistan. "It is March 8 but women in Afghanistan have no rights to celebrate this day. We are the women who are imprisoned in the country. The restrictions are worsened day-by-day," said Jolia Parsa, a member of Junbish Itlaf Khodjosh Zanan. Taliban banned women from attending university last December, nine months after the Islamist group barred girls from returning to secondary schools amid a brutal crackdown on women's rights since it seized power in 2021. Taliban also announced a ban on female NGO workers - prompting multiple major foreign aid groups to suspend their operations in the country. "We want to be provided with our rights to work as in many other countries around the world. We should be able to work in the government and non-government organizations," said Sufia Arifi, a member of Junbish Itlaf Khodjosh Zanan, reported Tolo News. The female protestors issued a statement saying the current challenges against women should not be forgotten. "Our specific request of the international community is to pay necessary attention to the situation of women in Afghanistan," said Laila Bassim, a protestor, reported Tolo News. "Today, the gates of gyms, schools, universities and parks have been closed for women," said Marghlari Faqirzai, a member of Junbish Itlaf Khodjosh Zanan. Taliban has repeatedly said that they are committed to the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan and that their rights are preserved within Islamic laws. On Monday, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, presented a report to the Human Rights Council in Geneva that said the Taliban's ban on female education "may amount to gender persecution, a crime against humanity." The report listed various other compounding crises, such as the rise in forced and child marriages, sexual abuse and assault, the ban on women from other public spaces like parks and gyms, and other restrictions limiting women's ability to work and travel independently. These bans "deepen existing flagrant violations of women's human rights, already among the most draconian in the world," the report said. The Taliban's return to power preceded a deepening humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, worsening issues that had long plagued the country. After the takeover, the US and its allies froze about USD 7 billion of the country's foreign reserves and cut off international funding - crippling an economy heavily dependent on overseas aid. (ANI)
Muhyiddin was arrested after he was questioned over an economic recovery project launched by his government and would be charged on Friday, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said in a statement.

"The MACC confirms having detained former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin at 1 p.m. after he was called in to provide his statement," it said, adding that Muhyiddin would be charged under the country's laws for abuse of power and money laundering, Xinhua news agency reported.

Muhyiddin, who served as the Prime Minister for 17 months between March 2020 and August 2021, is the Chairman of the Perikatan Nasional party.

--IANS int/khz/

( 137 Words)

2023-03-09-20:02:04 (IANS)
The eight-day annual session of China's National People's Congress opened on March 4 in the presence of around 3000 delegates and President Xi Jinping and other leaders. The session assumed importance in the backdrop of new geopolitical threats China is facing and its lowest growth in decades at 3 per cent in the year 2022. Outgoing Premier of China Li Keqiang, while addressing the opening of the annual session and presenting the government's annual work report (AWR), revealed that the growth target for China for the year 2023 would be "around 5 per cent". The AWR also highlighted that over 12 million jobs were added in 2022 while the urban unemployment rate fell to 5.5 per cent. He suggested that the Chinese government "should give priority to the recovery and expansion of consumption". Li will finish his decade as the country's premier, who was in charge of the economy, at the end of the eight-day National People's Congress (NPC). The AWR dwelt on several issues including security preparedness, Taiwan independence, and military budget for the year 2023, among others. Outgoing Premier Li Keqiang told delegates to the NPC that "external attempts to suppress and contain China are escalating". In view of this, he suggested, "The armed forces should intensify military training and preparedness across the board, develop new military strategic guidance, devote greater energy to training under combat conditions and make well-coordinated efforts to strengthen military working all directions and domains." Contrary to its new purported security paradigm which apparently reflected China's willingness to shun its military expansionism and realization of a necessity to adopt a reconciliatory rather than confrontationist approach, the AWR signals China's more aggressive approach in the times to come. This became amply clear as China unveiled its military budget for 2023 which will increase by 7.2 per cent to roughly RMB 1.55 trillion (USD 224 billion). China's defence budget is the second largest in the world after the US over USD 800 billion. But US is known for its role in saving democracy and people's lives in war torn regions of the world. It is for the third consecutive time that China's official defence outlay has crossed the USD 200 mark. China has once again come under scanner amid rising geopolitical tensions, its alleged covert support to Russia in Ukraine war and its increasing belligerence over Taiwan and in the South China Sea region. Experts have pointed out that China's defence budget is much higher than what is officially claimed. China has already the largest standing army and navy in the world. The ramped-up spending comes during a low point in relations between China and the United States. Beijing and Washington have butted heads in recent years over trade, human rights and other issues, but relations soured even further last month when the US shot down a Chinese balloon it said was being used for surveillance -- a claim strenuously denied by Beijing. The announcement to increase the defence budget could be traced to the realisation in the communique of the second plenary session, which emphasized that "at present changes of a magnitude not seen in a century are accelerating across the world, which has entered a new period of turbulence and change. Our country has entered a period of development in which strategic opportunities, risks, and challenges are concurrent and uncertainties and unforeseen factors are rising, and we have to be ready to withstand high winds, choppy waters, and even dangerous storms." The sustained growth in defence spending despite sagging economic expectations showed that "security is now much more important for the national leadership" than before, said Alfred Muluan Wu, an associate professor at the University of Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. On Taiwan, the AWR called for resolute steps to oppose "Taiwan's independence" and maintained Beijing's stand calling for "peaceful re-union." Top American officials have also repeatedly warned that China may invade Taiwan in the coming years, pointing to Beijing's increasingly assertive military moves around the self-ruled island, which it sees as its own territory and has vowed to bring under its control. Niklas Swanstrom, director of the Stockholm-based non-profit the Institute for Security and Development Policy, said Beijing appeared to be "investing in its capacity to take over Taiwan and keep the US out of the region". But James Char, an expert on China's military at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University pointed out that several countries across Asia were boosting their defence spending, in part due to "their respective threat perceptions of the regional security landscape". In a bid to indirectly rebut the alleged effort of Beijing to support Russia in its war against Ukraine, Premier Li said China should remain "committed to an independent foreign policy of peace". However, he did not mention Russian invasion of Ukraine. Earlier the Second Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China was held in Beijing from February 26 to 28, 2023. The session deliberated and adopted a plan for the reform of Party and state institutions with the agreement to submit part of the reform plan to the first session of 14th NPC for deliberation so as to modernise the national system and capacity of governance. The plenary session also agreed that the Political Bureau of the CPC has held high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, which fully implemented Xi Jinping's thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era and adhered to pursuing progress while ensuring stability. Xi Jinping is now poised for a third term as president and his handpicked loyalists would ensure that there is no dissension within the party and the government about China's future trajectory. The NPC's in line with existence go for the reappointment of Xi as president after he locked in another five years as head of the party and the military -- the two most significant leadership positions in Chinese politics in October congress. Last year, China widely missed its 5.5 per cent growth target as the economy activities were stifled due to the Covid-19 containment policies and along with property crisis. In 2023, chances of China's economy recovery and realization of its target growth looks possible given the very low base of economic activities last year. The conclave will also see the unveiling of Xi confidant and former Shanghai party Chief Li Qiang as the new premier. In the remaining days delegates to the NPC -- and to the concurrent "political consultative conference" (CPPCC) will also discuss various institutional and economic issues. The meetings serve as a forum for attendees to present pet projects, but they have little say in broader questions of how China is run. This week's NPC meeting will formalize Xi's leadership of the country third time as president, equalling Mao Zedong, China's first leader, in terms of long tenure. Thus, Xi Jinping is set to deepen his control of China's government and economy as the two sessions end and confirm Xi's third term. (ANI)
The introduction of mandatory hijab in educational institutions across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is move towards Talibanisation of the region. Last year PoK prime minister announced that Rehmat Ullil Alameen Authority will be established in PoK. Millions of rupees have been allocated for this purpose. Consequently, the fascist Islamic political party called Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) PoK chapter has been given free hand to operate, recruit and participate in election in PoK. Jamat e Islami has been active in PoK for decades. Both parties are founded on the slogan 'Kashmir Banay Ga Pakistan' (Kashmir with become Pakistan). There are other political parties of the centre right and extreme right that also propagates the accession of Kashmir to Pakistan. These include the JK People's Party which is the PoK chapter of Pakistan Peoples Party, the JK Muslim League (Nawaz), JK Tehreek e Insaf and others. Due to lack of a free and fair election process the PoK electorate votes on the basis of caste, baradris and tribe affiliation. Therefore, whichever political party forms a government in Pakistan their sister party in PoK is brought into power. When the current PoK government of PTI led by prime minister Tanveer Ilyas came to power in PoK, Pakistan had a government led by Imran Khan who also is the leader of his party the Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf. On the night of April 9 and 10, 2022 the government of Imran Khan was ousted by a vote of no confidence that was allegedly engineered by the then Pakistan army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa. A coalition government was then sworn in led by Pakistan Muslim League's Shehbaz Sharif. In both occupied territories of PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan the governments are led by PTI of Imran Khan. Since Pakistan is facing economic bankruptcy it has cancelled most of the subsidies and development funds for both PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan. Therefore, both heads of government in PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan are facing the wrath of their indigenous people who consider them as stooges of Pakistan military establishment. For almost three years now, protests against load shedding, shortages of wheat and water, increased progressive taxation and land grab by Pakistan military has been a daily occurrence. Under the current politically charged climate Pakistan is now trying to arm twist the people of PoK into total submission. It is in this light that three of the recent steps taken by the PoK government must be seen. First was the step taken by the PoK in the direction of imposing the dictatorship of Islam by establishing the aforementioned Rehmat Ullil Alameen Authority. Under the Authority any person can be accused of committing blasphemy and lynched by a fanatic mob or arrested and put in prison and tried. The second step was to erase the ethnic identity of the people of PoK by forcing them to comply with the census 2023 team and get registered as Pakistan citizens. There is no column to identify our people as Kashmiri, Pahari, Jamwals or other ethnic group. This has led to massive unrest in PoK. People are refusing to give their data as Pakistanis. Third step taken by the government of PoK is the decree regarding the wearing of Hijab as mandatory by female students, female teachers and female administration staff in all educational institutions of PoK. The sole purpose of the above mentioned steps taken by the PoK government is to instil fear among the population. It is also a method of exercising omnipresent control over society and in particular over women. The question is whether these steps were taken towards the Talibanisation of PoK work? I don't think so. The anger over 75 years of atrocities and plunder that my people have suffered at the hands of Pakistan are too gross to be forgotten or ignored. On March 8, All Parties Peoples Rights Forum has begun a protest long-march from Rawalakot towards Islamabad. Their demands include reduction in the prices of daily essential food items, reinstatement of subsidies on 48 items that the United Nations has approved, cancellation of 20 canals of government land that the PoK prime minister has donated for the construction of Sindh House in Muzaffarabad, end of taxation of electricity, stop the census and conduct it under the watchful eye of PoK government and confiscation of perks and privileges of the officials in PoK. There is no mention of Islamic sharia or that Hijab should be made mandatory in educational institutions in the demand charter of the All Parties People's Rights Forum. In fact, the religious decrees issued by the PoK government are a reflection of the fear that the people of PoK have instilled in the corridors of power in Muzaffarabad. Protests against census 2023 and abysmal living conditions is on the rise in both PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan. Will the PoK government's attempt to Talibanise PoK work? I hope not. Dr Amjad Ayub Mirza is an author and a human rights activist from Mirpur in PoK. He currently lives in the UK in exile. (ANI)
State Attorney Monique Worrell gave updates Thursday on the criminal history and arrests of the man accused of shooting and killing three people in Pine Hills last month.

Worrell said none of the crimes 19-year-old Keith Moses was previously accused of would have resulted in him spending life in prison. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis had questioned Worrell over why Moses was allowed to walk free.

Worrell said Moses juvenile record included four felony charges, only one of which involved a weapon. But in that case, she said, Moses was not accused of being in possession of the weapon, but being present during a robbery involving a weapon.

Watch: Central Florida mourns after Orange County mass shooting leaves 3 dead

None of those offenses would have incarcerated Mr. Moses for life, Worrell said.

She said Moses was out on the streets because he did not commit an offense that would justify life in prison.

Read: Affidavit: Man offered accused mass shooter a ride moments before first Pine Hills shooting

Moses is accused of shooting five people and killing three last month, including a woman, and 9-year-old girl and a TV news reporter.

Worrell said her office is expected to file charges in the case by the end of day Friday. She said those charges will be for second-degree murder for the deaths of Dylan Lyons, Natacha Augustin and TYonna Major as well as first-degree attempted murder for Jesse Walden and Brandi Major.

But Worrell said the office still plans to seek a grand jury indictment for first-degree murder charges in the case, but wants to file the second-degree charges to make sure Moses remains in custody.

Worrell said Thursday that its too soon to decide whether her office will seek the death penalty for Moses.

Channel 9 will provide updates on Eyewitness News at Noon.

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.
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Multiple generations are putting their money toward earning passive income as a means of reaching financial independence.

$2,000 Quarter? Check Your Pockets Before You Use This 2004 Coin

Discover: 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000

Passive income, as a quick refresher, is a source of income that requires little to no effort to achieve it. A few examples include a photographer selling stock photos online or an influencer participating in affiliate marketing.

If youre wondering how to invest $10K, you may want to determine which passive income stream (or streams) would offer you the greatest ROI. Here are the best strategies for generating passive income.

Structured Notes

A structured note, according to the SEC, is a structured product combining a bond with a derivative component. It offers a full or partial return of principal at maturity.

Bob Chitrathorn  CPFA, CFO and vice president of wealth planning at Simplified Wealth Management  recommends investing in structured notes that have principal protection. Doing so, Chitrathorn said, can give you a 10% return each year.

If the market is up at all one year from the date of purchase, you can get 10% return. If it is down, your principal is still protected but rolls into year two. If at the end of year two the market is up at all from two years ago, you get 20% return, said Chitrathorn.

Real Estate

As a broad category, real estate is a popular option for passive income. However, investing with $10K is a bit difficult to do since most cannot buy property for that amount.

But it is still possible for those with $10K to invest in real estate. Jeff Holzmann, chief operating officer at RREAF, said the best option is to co-invest with a seasoned sponsor. Doing so will pool your investment with others.

Take Our Poll: Are You Concerned the US Debt Ceiling Issue Will Endanger Social Security?

If you invest directly, the fees and other costs such as legal, due diligence and fund admin will outweigh your nominal dollar return, said Holzmann. This is why its best to rely on an experienced operator and invest alongside them until you have enough funds to buy your own asset.

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There are also several real estate investing apps that make this process simple and you can get started for amounts of $10K down to just $10. Check them out here.

Annuities

One of the most reliable passive income strategies are annuities. According to Investor.gov, an annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company. You can buy an annuity in a single payment or a series of payments. The insurance company requires the insurer to make payments to you, now or in the future.

Generally, annuities are one of the simplest and most efficient products on the market for generating income, said Paul Tyler, chief marketing officer at Nassau Financial Group. You transfer money to an insurance company and immediately start receiving regular paychecks which wont outlive.

Franchises

Kenny Rose is the CEO at FranShares, a service offering fractional ownership in franchises to retail investors. Rose recommends franchises as a passive income investment.

Until recently, franchises werent exactly the ideal option for passive income. They had high startup costs, which could start at $100K, and required either the owner or someone else appointed by the owner to manage the franchise.

However, Rose said new online services have emerged to offer fractional ownership of alternative investments including franchises. Now, its possible to buy shares in a portfolio of franchise locations as easily as investors would buy stocks or mutual funds.

Savvy investors and celebrities like Shaquille ONeal and Patrick Mahomes have long prized franchises for their ability to deliver diversification, stability and passive income streams, said Rose.

Index Funds

Kendall Meade, CFP and financial planner for SoFi, said investing in a portfolio of stocks known as an index fund is a great option for passive income. However you decide to invest your $10K, Meade recommends being diversified with your investments.

Index funds can be a great, inexpensive way to invest but we still want to make sure we are diversified because some index funds may just represent one sector within the market, said Meade.

By diversifying your investments, you wont invest all of your money in one asset class. Meade said those who need extra assistance in diversifying may find help through a robo-advisor. The best robo-advisor will make sure youre properly diversified and rebalances to maintain your allocation.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Have $10K To Invest? 5 Best Strategies for Passive Income
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

From heavy-duty wooden chopping blocks to slim plastic mats, theres something here for every home chef.

Made In

The best cutting boards provide a steady, durable surface for you to chop and slice ingredients, including everything from cuts of meat to fruits and veggies.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends having at least two cutting boards on hand to avoid cross-contamination when preparing raw meat and poultry alongside other ingredients that dont need to be cooked, like bread and produce. But with so many cutting boards available on the market, how do you know which onelet alone twoto buy?

We researched cutting boards from top brands and compared them for design, materials, size, and ease of maintenance. We also spoke to Robert Butts, executive chef for Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours, for his expert insight on selecting a cutting board for your kitchen.

When buying a cutting board, you want to think about your needs, says Butts. Do you do a lot of prep cooking at home? If so, you'll want to opt for a thick, sturdy cutting board. If you have the counter space, you can maybe look into a nice cutting board that will be on your counter at all times.

Made In The Butcher Block

Best Overall Wood Cutting Board

Buy at Madeincookware.com

Who its for: People who want a high-quality cutting board built to last.

Who it isnt for: People who want a lightweight cutting board.

Wood cutting boards are the go-to for professional chefs because they are sturdy and wont dull knife blades. The Butcher Block from Made In is a heavyweight cutting board for at-home chefs who want to feel like pros. This board has a generous surface area and is 1.6 inches thick, making it hefty enough to handle all your chopping and slicing. It has two sides: a flat side for easy cutting and one with carved grooves, perfect for channeling juices from a cut of meat.

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The natural grain of this beechwood board makes it too beautiful to hide in your kitchen, so go ahead and use it as a charcuterie board to wow guests at your next gathering, too. It weighs 8 pounds, so it is a heavier option, but that makes it equipped to last through kitchen wear and tear.

Price at time of publish: $129

Product Details:

Material: Beechwood

Dimensions: 17.75 x 11.75 x 1.6 inches

Weight: 8 pounds

Care: Hand wash

Material The reBoard

Best Overall Plastic Cutting Board

Buy at Materialkitchen.com

Buy at Anthropologie.com

Who its for: People who want an affordable, dishwasher-safe cutting board.

Who it isnt for: People who prefer thick, heavy-duty cutting boards.

Plastic cutting boards are lightweight, easy to clean, and require very little maintenance or upkeep. But these arent the only qualities that earned the Material The reBoard our spot as the best overall plastic cutting board. It's also made from recycled plastic and renewable sugarcane for a slim, BPA-free board ideal for cutting, slicing, and dicing. It also has a small thumb grip for sliding off just-chopped ingredients.

This cutting board comes in five colors, making it easy to distinguish which boards you reserved for prepping certain ingredients. The brand recommends placing a cloth or damp paper towel beneath the cutting board to keep it in place on slippery countertops.

Price at time of publish: $35

Product Details:

Material: 75% recycled plastic, 25% renewable sugarcane

Dimensions: 14.75 x 10.75 x 0.375 inches

Weight: Not listed

Care: Dishwasher safe

Farberware Large Cutting Board

Best Budget Cutting Board

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Walmart.com

Who its for: People who want an affordable, dishwasher-safe cutting board.

Who it isnt for: People who want a wooden cutting board.

If you want a simple yet reliable cutting board, opt for this budget-friendly one from Farberware. At 11 by 14 inches, this BPA-free plastic board offers a spacious surface for food prep, where you can handle everything from proteins to produce. The cutting board is reversible and has a hand hole for an easy grip as you prep.

Its dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup, too. Though the plastic is white, it wont stain or dull the blade of your favorite chefs knife. And with its low price point, you can buy a whole stack for your kitchen, so you have a dedicated cutting board for every ingredient.

Price at time of publish: $8

Product Details:

Material: Plastic

Dimensions: 14 x 11 x .5 inches

Weight: 1.1 pounds

Care: Dishwasher safe

JK Adams Maple Reversible Carving Board

Best Cutting Board for Meat

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Wayfair.com

Who its for: People who want a dedicated cutting board that channels juice and liquid away as you chop.

Who it isnt for: People who don't eat meat.

At 20 by 14 inches, the maple board from JK Adams offers plenty of space for all your chopping needs, plus its hardy enough to hold a juicy roast or any other cut of meat. This board is designed for meat and poultryit has an indentation on one side of the maple board to hold your cut in place as you carve. The other side of the board is flat for regular chopping. Both sides have a deep groove around the edge, so you can slice and cut juicy roasts and watermelon on the other side without dripping onto your counter.

The maple is harvested from hardwood trees in Vermont for a high-quality build. The main downside is the cutting board's upkeepyou have to hand wash it with soap and warm water and use oil to condition it. Thankfully, it comes with a lifetime guarantee, so you don't need to sweat replacing it if something goes wrong.

Price at time of publish: $110

Product Details:

Material: Maple

Dimensions: 20 x 14 x 1.25 inches

Weight: 6 pounds

Care: Hand wash

Greener Chef Organic Extra Large Bamboo Cutting Board

Best Bamboo Cutting Board

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Walmart.com

Who its for: People who want a cutting board that won't dull their knives.

Who it isnt for: People who want a dishwasher-safe cutting board.

Wood and plastic command much of the attention on our list, but don't forget about bamboospecifically, this cutting board from Greener Chef. Bamboo cutting boards resist bacteria better than their hardwood counterparts because they aren't as porous. But like other wooden boards, bamboo is easy on your knives so they wont dull as quickly.

The beautiful grain on this Greener Chef bamboo board will inspire you to use it for serving, too. Measuring 12.5 by 17.9 inches, this cutting board gives you plenty of room to chop and slice. This board also has a deep groove that runs around the perimeter, perfect for catching juice from fruit or meat as you cut and carve. The other side is flat, which makes it easy to serve and with its affordable price point, you might consider buying two boardsone for prep and one for spreads or charcuterie. You will need to hand wash this board, and the manufacturer recommends using food-grade cooking board oil to condition it so it stays looking good for years.

Price at time of publish: $35

Product Details:

Material: Moso bamboo

Dimensions: 17.9 x 12.5 x 0.7 inches

Weight: 3 pounds

Care: Hand wash

Epicurean Kitchen Series Cutting Board

Best Composite Cutting Board

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Macys.com

Who its for: People who want a nonporous, dishwasher-safe cutting board.

Who it isnt for: People who want a natural wooden cutting board.

This cutting board is made of Richlite composite, a durable material made from paper that can handle your sharp knives but wont dull them. Its also nonporous, so you can toss it in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. It comes in various sizeswith options as large as 17.5 by 13 inches and as small as 8 by 6 inchesbut we like this medium board for everyday use. Plus, the thumbhole in the corner makes it easy to take it in and out of storage.

As a cutting board, it provides a sturdy surface for all your chopping and cutting, but it also can handle heat up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you like space-saving kitchen gadgets that do double duty, this composite cutting board can also be a trivet for pots and pans.

Price at time of publish: $27

Product Details:

Material: Richlite paper composite

Dimensions: 11.5 x 9 x .25 inches

Weight: 1.04 pounds

Care: Dishwasher safe

John Boos Block R02 Maple Cutting Board

Best Large Cutting Board

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Crateandbarrel.com

Who its for: People who want a large surface area to slice cuts of meat or copious amounts of veggies.

Who it isnt for: People who want a lightweight cutting board.

If you want a heavy-duty cutting board that feels worthy of a professional kitchen, this maple edge-grain board from John Boos is up to the task. Wooden cutting boards come in edge grain and end grainedge-grain boards like this one are constructed of parallel, sealed pieces of wood that create a long, smooth surface. Edge grain is usually a more reasonably priced option, though you have to condition your board with oil to protect it from knife marks and kitchen wear.

At a whopping 24 by 18 inches, this board is the largest on our list, though it also comes in smaller sizes, including an 18-inch round version. But we think its worth making room in your kitchen for this oneboth sides have flat surfaces for cutting, and it has hand grips on the edge for easy lifting. Youll need them, as this board weighs 18 pounds. It might be too big for the occasional home cook, but those who cook frequently will love having this chef-worthy cutting board.

Price at time of publish: $155

Product Details:

Material: Maple

Dimensions: 24 x 18 x 1.5 inches

Weight: 18 pounds

Care: Hand wash

Dexas Chop & Scoop Cutting Board

Best Small Cutting Board

Buy at Amazon.com

Who its for: People who want a dedicated cutting board for small ingredients.

Who it isnt for: People who want a wood cutting board.

If youre short on space or only need to dice up a single vegetable, this petite cutting board will be a welcome addition to your kitchen. The unique shape of this board isnt just for aesthetics: The curved edges hold in all the ingredients so you can easily scoop them into whatever bowls or cookware you want.

The Dexas board only weighs 5 ouncesthe lightest on our listso its easy to manage, especially since the handle offers a grip, too. There are non-slip feet on the bottom of the board to keep it in place as you chop. When you finish your food prep, you can slip it into the dishwasher for easy cleanup.

Price at time of publish: $10

Product Details:

Material: Plastic

Dimensions: 10.75 x 6.25 x 1 inches

Weight: 5 ounces

Care: Dishwasher safe

TimbermadeShop Butcher Block With Custom Engraving

Best Personalized Cutting Board

Buy at Etsy.com

Who its for: People who want an aesthetic yet functional cutting board.

Who it isnt for: People who prefer edge-grain cutting boards.

The checkerboard look of this TimbermadeShop end-grain cutting board is attractive enough to display on your table or countertopplus, you can add personalized engraving for a culinary work of art. End-grain cutting boards get their name because the short ends of the wood create the surface of the board, which is less prone to showing knife marks and wear than edge-grain boards.

You have to condition the wood with oil frequently to maintain it, so it may not be ideal for those who prefer a low-maintenance cutting board. But for those willing to do the upkeep, it makes a great housewarming gift or charcuterie board. You can personalize it with large letters across the board or with smaller ones in the corner. It can take a few weeks to create, so keep that in mind if you decide to buy.

Price at time of publish: From $78

Product Details:

Material: Hickory

Dimensions: 12 x 8 inches or 15 x 10 inches

Weight: Not listed

Care: Hand wash

Simply Genius Flexible Cutting Mats 4-Pack

Best Flexible Cutting Board

Buy at Walmart.com

Buy at Amazon.com

Not all cutting boards are rigid or thick. Thin, flexible cutting boards like this set of four from Simply Genius create a protective cover for your countertop while chopping or cutting ingredients. The BPA-free plastic boards can stand up to your knife skills, but when youre ready to add the ingredients to your cookware, you can bend them into a funnel for easy transfer.

These cutting boards may be flexible, but they are not flimsy and you can easily wash them with soapy water or load them into the dishwasher. If youre a stickler for sanitary meal prep, these color-coded mats make it much easier to avoid cross-contamination. Plus, they are easy to store in a drawer or a cabinet without crowding your spaceand the affordable price tag wont take up much of your budget, either.

Price at time of publish: $14 for 4

Product Details:

Material: Plastic

Dimensions: 11.5 x 15 inches

Weight: Not listed

Care: Dishwasher safe

Material The Angled Board

Best Cutting Board for Serving

Buy at Materialkitchen.com

Buy at Anthropologie.com

Who its for: People who want to show off a beautiful food display.

Who it isnt for: People who want a low-maintenance cutting board.

Most cutting boards are utilitarian and meant to be stowed away in a cabinet. But then, there are boards like the Angled Board by Material that deserve their own display shelfor at least a starring role as your next charcuterie board.

The board's angled edges aren't just for aesthetics, though; chopped ingredients slide off with no knife edge needed. It also includes a bottle of conditioning wood oil for maintenance and upkeep. This pick is available in two colors, maple and carbonbe sure to avoid heavily acidic foods on the latter to preserve the natural grain. Aside from its good looks, the Material board is also certified by the Forest Stewardship Councilwhich confirms that the wood comes from a responsibly managed forest.

Price at time of publish: $95

Product Details:

Material: FSC-certified walnut or ebonized white oak

Dimensions: 17 x 12 x 1 inches

Weight: Not listed

Care: Hand wash

Joseph Joseph Folio 4-Piece Chopping Board Set

Best Cutting Board Set

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Saksfifthavenue.com

Who its for: People with limited space who want easy-to-store cutting boards.

Who it isnt for: People who only need one or two cutting boards.

Even though theyre flat, cutting boards can be tricky to store when youre tight on space. This set of four plastic cutting boards by Joseph Joseph slides into a stand-up storage case to save space and keep your kitchen cabinets organized.

The cutting boards are identical in size but come in different colors so you can assign one to a type of foodfor example, use green for chopping vegetables and red for slicing meat. The boards have a textured side for cutting and non-slip feet to ensure they stay put on your countertop. Each cutting board also has a slim stainless-steel handle that makes it easy to slide the board in and out of the storage case. If youre looking to stock up on supplies for a new kitchen or replace all of your old boards, this Joseph Joseph set is of great value.

Price at time of publish: $60

Product Details:

Material: Plastic and stainless steel

Dimensions: 9.5 x 13.4 inches

Weight: 5.07 pounds

Care: Dishwasher safe

Final Verdict

The Made In The Butcher Block tops our list of the best cutting boards for its large surface area, grooved channels for juicy cuts of meat and poultry, and elegant design that can double as a serving platter for charcuterie. But if youd rather have a plastic cutting board, we recommend Materials The reBoard. Its made of recycled plastic and renewable sugarcane, and its dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.

How to Shop for Cutting Boards Like a Pro

Material

Most of the cutting boards on our list are made of either plastic or wood, with each material having its pros and cons. Chefs usually prefer wooden and bamboo boards because they are less slippery than plastic and are gentle on knives, says Butts. But for home chefs who want something low-maintenance and easy to clean, plastic boards are nice because they can be tossed in the dishwasher once you finish chopping.

Design

Consider your food prep habits before selecting the design of your new cutting boards. Do you want a rigid cutting board or a flexible one? Do you want a large board that can double as a charcuterie serving platter or one small enough to cut a lime for a cocktail? What about a groove to capture juices as you carve meat? The best type of [cutting board] design is the one that fits your style the most, says Butts.

Size and Number

The type of ingredients you plan to chop should dictate what size cutting board you purchase. Large families can benefit from ample surface area, while single households likely only need a medium-sized cutting board. We recommend having a few cutting boards on hand for different tasksafter all, prepping a potluck dish and making a sandwich will require different boards. Plus, you need two separate boards to avoid cross-contamination between raw meat and produce, says Butts. He says the average home cook should opt for both a small board and a large board.

Care

Depending on the material and make of the cutting board, care and maintenance can vary drastically. For those who want a one-and-done cutting board that you can throw in the dishwasher, opt for plastic.

Meanwhile, most wooden boards should not go in your dishwasher because they will warp and crack. Many wooden boards also require semi-regular upkeep with oil. But dont let the extra work of handwashing get in the way of buying a wooden cutting board, as they are a more professional and high-quality option.

It may seem counterintuitive, but you should never clean a wooden cutting board with a scrubbing pad," says Butts. "It is too abrasive and will leave scratches on the board that can shorten its life. Instead, use a rag or sponge with soap and hot water. Then, finish with some sanitizer.

Questions You Might Ask

What is the most sanitary type of cutting board?

The USDA recommends a wood or nonporous cutting board when preparing raw meat and poultry. Its advisable, however, to use a second board for preparing produce, bread, or ingredients that aren't cooked to avoid harmful cross-contamination.

Make sure you clean your cutting boards properly after each use. The USDA Hotline suggests washing cutting boards in hot soapy water, then rinsing them with clear water. You can leave them out to air dry or use clean paper towels to pat them dry.

You can put nonporous boards made of acrylic or plastic in the dishwasher. To sanitize a wooden or plastic cutting board without a dishwasher, mix a tablespoon of chlorine bleach in a gallon of water, cover the board with the bleach solution, and let it rest for several minutes before rinsing with clear water. Let air dry or use clean paper towels.

How much does a good cutting board cost?

Wooden cutting boards tend to be more expensive, though the price depends on the type of wood and make. You can spend upwards of $100 for a professional-style cutting board, which will likely require some upkeep and maintenance. There are more inexpensive boards made from plastic and composite materials, many of which you can clean up in the dishwasher. They work well, but they become scratched and may need to be replaced at some point.

However, regardless of the type of cutting board you have, there will come a time that you have to replace it. The USDA says you should replace cutting boards when theyre worn out and when the cut marks are too deep for proper cleaning.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Barbara Bellesi Zito, a freelance lifestyle writer based in Staten Island, NY. To compile this list of best cutting boards, she researched products from top brands while considering factors like material, design, and size. For expert advice on what consumers should know when purchasing cutting boards, she consulted Robert Butts, executive chef for Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours.



Related:The 9 Best Knife Sets of 2023

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Read the original article on Real Simple.
Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Cory Booker of New Jersey, and Mazie Hirono of Hawaii were among the senators who voted against the DC crime disapproval resolution on Wednesday. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images

Most Democratic senators voted for a GOP-led resolution overruling recent changes to DC's criminal code.

Biden reversed his position on the bill as it moved through Congress, splitting Democrats on the issue.

The 14 who voted against the resolution framed it in part as a show of support for DC statehood.

The US Senate on Wednesday passed a Republican-led resolution of disapproval that would strike down a recent overhaul of the criminal code in Washington, DC. President Joe Biden has said he will sign the legislation, teeing up the first time in over 30 years that the federal government has overturned a local DC law.

Just 14 Democratic senators voted against the resolution. Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia voted "present."

Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and the vast majority of the Democratic caucus supported the resolution, along with every Republican present.

That's despite almost every Senate Democrat supporting statehood for the District of Columbia, a status that would give the city representation in Congress and shield it from similar interventions from Congress in the future.

The Senate vote caps off what has become a messy affair for congressional Democrats.

Under federal law, Congress has the power to override changes made to local DC criminal laws within 60 days via resolutions of disapproval. After the new code was approved in January, Republican Rep. Andrew Clyde of Georgia introduced the disapproval resolution in the Republican-led House.

As the measure came to a House vote last month, the Biden administration urged Democratic lawmakers to "respect the District of Columbia's autonomy to govern its own local affairs" and vote against the resolution. All but 31 Democrats did so.

But ahead of the bill's arrival in the Senate, Biden reversed course, declaring last week that he would sign the bill if the Senate passes it  avoiding potentially having to issue a presidential veto, and giving a broader swath of Senate Democrats implicit permission to support overturning the law.

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Ahead of the vote, DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson even attempted to withdraw the criminal reform legislation in an attempt to prevent a Senate vote.

The overhaul has been years in the making, and includes simplifying and updating a criminal code that was first written by Congress in 1901 and periodically amended since then.

Biden has noted that DC Mayor Muriel Bowser had originally vetoed the overhaul, and that the maximum penalty for carjackings had been lowered from 40 years to 24 years  though data from the DC Sentencing Commission shows that the average sentence for armed carjacking was 15 years between 2016 and 2020.

While most Democratic senators followed Biden's lead  or sought to avoid what could be a tough vote politically amid widespread perceptions of rising crime  several stood firm, arguing that the changes to the code were reasonable and that the debate had gone "off-the-rails," as Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut wrote on Twitter.

"If anything, this situation makes it even more important that DC gets statehood so that they can deal with these issues, take responsibility, and enact their laws," said Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts told reporters on Wednesday that the changes in the criminal code would put it "in the middle of most states, red and blue," though she declined to offer judgment on other Democratic senators' votes.

"I can't speak to other people's votes, I can only be responsible for my own," she told Insider.

Here are the 14 Democratic senators who voted against the resolution:

Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey

Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland

Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois

Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois

Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii

Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut

Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon

Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts

Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island

Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont (independent, but caucuses with Democrats)

Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland

Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts

Sen. Peter Welch of Vermont

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island

Read the original article on Business Insider
Megan McDonald would be 40 today. But Megan McDonald never saw 21.

Her murder 20 years ago, on March 14, 2003, is one of Orange County's hottest cold cases, one that State Police haven't let get cold, despite the years.

Every 73 seconds, McDonald's brilliant smile beams from an electronic billboard along Route 17, with a call for answers.

Every March, State Police investigators say they're inching closer to solving the murder of the vivacious 20-year-old whose lifeless body was found off rural Bowser Road in Wallkill on March 15, 2003. They've pored over more than 700 pieces of evidence to piece together her final days, hours, minutes  and the whereabouts of the man they are convinced is responsible for her death.

Criminal mind: FBI goes inside the criminal mind of Megan McDonald's suspected killer

The FBI worked up a profile of the prime suspect, a classic narcissist who craves control and attention, a man who suffered a blow to his psyche when Megan rejected him and lashed out with blows of his own, bludgeoning the 100-pound woman from behind as she sat in her car.

Every year, The Times Herald-Record publishes an update in the case. Last year's update led to more tips, and to calls from all over, offering more sensitive DNA-testing tools, a way to track the prime suspect's digital footprint through the use of new technology, all these years later.

State Police have never stopped looking for Megan McDonald's killer and, after a fresh round of interviews with associates of their prime suspect, are confident their case is getting stronger.

What is the latest in the Megan McDonald case?

The case has never stayed cold for long, least of all this year.

State Police Investigator Michael Corletta said McDonald's 40th birthday last May prompted a fresh round of interviews, including with close associates of the suspect from around the time of the murder who are still in New York.

They revealed key pieces of information about the suspect's whereabouts on the night of the murder, filling in the timeline.

Interviews were conducted by members of the State Police, the NYPD and the FBI in New York, Florida and elsewhere. Several interviews shed light on a specific detail in one particular piece of evidence, and helped the puzzle fall into place, said State Police Lt. Brad Natalizio, who has been working the case for five of its 20 years.

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While the suspect once had a tight grip on his circle of friends, that is no longer the case, Natalizio has said. They no longer fear the consequences of sharing what they know.

What is an arrest taking so long in Megan McDonald case?

Twenty years is a long time for her family to wait, but Natalizio said the arrest and conviction will be worth the time it took.

"We're going to wait until it's the best case that we can possibly have," he said. "When more information comes in, we're going to keep keep digging and keep going with it.

"One of the issues with colder cases is that time does hurt, in a sense," he added. "Sometimes memories fade and sometimes key individuals may pass away. However, I'm not concerned about that with this case. I feel that everything that's come our way has been a blessing. And it's been for the right reason."

Corletta said the investigation has been a team effort, coordinated with the Orange County District Attorney's office, the City of Middletown Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

The NYPD Detective Endowment Association and FBI are each offering $10,000 rewards leading to the arrest of the suspect. McDonald's father, Dennis, was a retired NYPD homicide detective who died the year before his daughter.

Added Corletta: "Unfortunately, sometimes these things take a little bit longer, but we're working hard to keep pushing in the right direction."

Anyone with information on the 2003 murder of Megan McDonald can contact the New York State Police at 845-344-5370. crimetip@troopers.ny.gov.

Megan McDonald's 2003 murder is unsolved, but New York State Police believe they're closing in on her killer.

Take a deep dive into the Megan McDonald case

Go into our archives for the full, compelling story of how the State Police are piecing together Megan McDonald's live, and how it ended.

This article originally appeared on New York State Team: Megan McDonald murder: New interviews, evidence 20 years later
LOS ANGELES (AP)  Its always fun when an Oscars category is filled with first-time nominees at varying stages of their careers. Best actor is another three-way race, between Austin Butler, Colin Farrell and Brendan Fraser, with each having scored notable wins from guilds and critics groups. The Associated Press' film writers predict Fraser to have the edge.

Heres a bit more about the nominees and their roles before the Oscars on March 12, which airs live on ABC beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern. And if you've missed a performance, there's still time to watch this year's nominees.

BRENDAN FRASER

Brendan Fraser doesnt mind that people have called his turn in Darren Aronofskys The Whale, in which he plays a reclusive English teacher named Charlie who is grappling with his past in the midst of a dire prognosis, a comeback. But its not the word hed choose.

If anything, this is a reintroduction more than a comeback, Fraser told The AP. Its an opportunity to reintroduce myself to an industry, who I do not believe forgot me as is being perpetrated. Ive just never been that far away.

The film, an adaptation of Samuel D. Hunters play, shows a different side of Fraser as an actor than the affable action/comedy roles that made him beloved and famous in the 1990s.

I gave it everything I had every day, he said. We lived under existential threat of COVID. An actors job is to approach everything like its the first time. I did but also as if it might be the last time.

Age: 54

Notable Wins: Critics Choice, Screen Actors Guild.

COLIN FARRELL

In Martin McDonaghs tragicomic tale of the end of a friendship The Banshees of Inisherin, Colin Farrells Padraic is the one being broken up with by Brendan Gleesons Colm on their small Irish island in 1923.

He has an innocence where he cant comprehend why his friend of so many years has cut him out, Farrell said of his character last year at the Venice Film Festival, where hed go on to win the best actor prize. It shakes him to his core ... He lives in a beautiful life and that beauty is taken away.

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The film was a reunion for the trio who developed a deep bond on In Bruges 14 years ago.

From the start, there was a deep sense of kinship and an understanding of each other, Farrell told The AP. In a strange way, I understand myself more through Martin and his mind and his heart and his work. And I understand myself more through my interactions with Brendan.

Age: 46

Notable Wins: Venice Film Festival, New York Film Critics Circle, National Board of Review, Golden Globes (Musical/Comedy)

AUSTIN BUTLER

Austin Butler spent so much time and mental and emotional energy in preparing to play and playing Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmanns colorful drama that he finds it difficult to talk about without sounding incredibly pretentious and self-important, he told The AP. There are certain aspects that even I dont fully understand.

The past few weeks have brought their own emotional highs and lows too, with his Golden Globe win, his Oscar nomination and the tragic death of Lisa Marie Presley in the span of a few days.

The peaks are so high and the valleys have been so low, Butler said.

I just wish Lisa Marie were here with us to celebrate. At times, in the midst of intense grief and just a shattering loss, it feels sort of bizarre to celebrate. But I also know how much this film meant to Lisa Marie, how much her fathers legacy meant to her. So I feel so proud and humble to be a part of that story.

Age: 31

Notable Wins: Golden Globes (Drama), BAFTA.

BILL NIGHY

Bill Nighy plays a British civil servant who receives a terminal diagnosis in 1953 London in Oliver Hermanuss remake of the Kurosawa classic Ikiru."

I was very moved by it when we were making it, the fact that we were making it, that we were back and that it was the first thing Id done since the pandemic, Nighy told The AP. The pandemic forced us to look at our priorities in our lives and all that and this film discusses how to make the most of every day. So I suppose in that regard it was timely.

The veteran actor said he thought they were making something special, but he was unprepared for the rapturous reception everywhere. And thematic resonance aside, it hasnt got him thinking about his own legacy.

I dont ever think in terms of legacy, he said. I find it difficult to get enthusiastic about a world which is not going to include me.

Age: 73

Notable Wins: Los Angeles Film Critics Association.

PAUL MESCAL

Paul Mescal did not expect to come out of Aftersun friends with an 11-year-old. But thats what happened with his co-star Frankie Corio on the set of Charlotte Wells personal and evocative film about a young father and his daughter on vacation in Turkey in the 1990s.

Both of us got out two weeks before filming started. There was kind of a loose plan that we might rehearse. And we did some of that, but ultimately, we just spent the two weeks where I was playing like pretending to be her dad, Mescal told The AP. Its one of the greatest professional experiences that Ive had. It really surprised me. I fell in love with her and I adore her and shes just a phenomenal actor.

The Irish actor said he likes working on smaller films with first-time directors. If anything, he hopes that his raised profile following his nomination might help him be able to get another project like that made.

I take great pride in the fact that theres an appetite for those films still, he said.

Age: 27

-

For more on this years Oscars, visit: http://www.apnews.com/academy-awards.
[Source]

Police in central Japan have arrested three suspects accused of tampering with a restaurants conveyor belt sushi as part of a viral "sushi terrorism" prank.

On Wednesday, police in Aichi prefecture announced that they arrested two men, aged 21 and 19, and a 15-year-old girl on suspicion of obstructing the operation of a Kura Sushi conveyor-belt restaurant in Nagoya City.

According to police, 21-year-old Yoshino Ryoga put his saliva on sushi and utensils and licked the spout of a soy sauce dispenser while the 19-year-old filmed him on Feb. 3. The restaurant submitted a damage report to the police, noting that the three had taken part in extremely malicious nuisance.

Their actions led the chain operator to deal with customer complaints and conduct additional cleaning at the restaurant.

More from NextShark: Family of bullied California boy presses charges and files restraining order against two teens

Investigators have yet to disclose whether the arrested have admitted to the charge.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Kura Sushi said that the arrests will help the public to recognize that the pranks are considered a crime.

Our company will continue to strive to further improve the system to prevent such nuisances so that customers can enjoy their meals safely and comfortably. We will continue to do our best to  grow the conveyor belt sushi culture that is dear to Japan globally. More from NextShark: Rookie Officer Sumit Sulan hailed a hero for taking down gunman who fatally shot NYPD cops

The chain also hopes that there will be no more instances of similar actions.

Viral videos of the wave of pranks dubbed sushi terrorism by the public and media surfaced on social media in January, prompting the parent companies of affected restaurants to take legal action.

In one incident, a Japanese student was filmed licking his fingers before touching conveyor belt sushi at an Akindo Sushiro branch in Gifu prefecture.

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More from NextShark: 'Top Contender' Capybara Wins Japan's Annual Hot Spring Bath Competition

Although the student and their guardian have come forward to apologize, Food & Life Companies Ltd., the restaurant chains parent firm, said that they will still take action, from both criminal and civil perspectives.

In another incident at a Hamasushi branch, a man was filmed putting wasabi on sushi ordered by another diner as their plate passed by him.

Following news of the sushi terrorism, many of the rotating kaiten-style restaurants have since made changes to protect their businesses.

The incident has prompted Akindo Sushiro to temporarily suspend conveyor belts in their branches and instead offer touch panels for diners to place orders.

Hamasushi plans to replace their conveyor belts with a straight lane to zipline sushi orders directly to diners.

As for Kura Sushi, the chain said it would monitor for customer misbehavior using AI-operated cameras.
[Source]

Three teenagers are now in police custody for burglarizing the apartment that Bling Empire: New York cast members Blake Abbie and Lynn Ban rented while attending Paris Fashion Week.

Gia Khan, the cast members' agent, told CNN that the incident occurred in Paris 8th arrondissement near the Champs Elysees on March 2.

Khan said Ban's husband, Jett Kain, returned to their apartment after shopping to drop off his bags and pick up his wife. The three alleged culprits reportedly managed to slip into the building as the couple was leaving.

They then went to the cast members apartment, broke the lock of its front door and forced their way inside. Khan said the alleged burglars took the apartment safe where the cast members left their important documents, passports and an iPad.

More from NextShark: Man Charged With Hate Crimes After Kicking, Spewing Racial Slurs at Asian Woman in Portland

The teenagers also allegedly stole a Tom Ford jacket that Kain had bought, as well as a Rolex watch, diamonds and about 5,000 euros (approximately $5,280), among other things.

Khan added that the minors bragged about taking the safe in a video they filmed while inside the apartment.

Kain and Ban immediately notified the French police after realizing their front door's lock was broken.

More from NextShark: Yoko Ono moves from NYC apartment of 50 years to rural farm bought with John Lennon

Using the iPad's geolocation feature, authorities managed to track down the alleged burglars. They also reportedly found one adult who may have been in charge of handling the stolen items, most of which were recovered in less than a day.

Authorities reportedly released the man, who had just come out of prison, from custody without charges. However, investigation into the minors continues.

Commenting on the incident, Ban and Kain said in a statement to CNN that they were grateful to the French police for their help.

More from NextShark: Meet Chinas chicken parents,' a new cult of tiger moms on steroids

As foreigners in France, especially during Fashion Week one would think this would have been a total loss but the French police really went above and beyond the call of duty in this case and we are forever grateful of this, Ban, a Singaporean-born jewelry designer who moved to New York City at the age of 4, said.

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Meanwhile, Abbie told CNN he was left "pretty rattled," saying that he was out for an appointment when Ban informed him of what happened.

"To be in and out of police stations, in French, and then try to balance the fact that Im in Paris for work was incredibly destabilizing," he said.

More from NextShark: Judge John Z. Lee becomes the first Asian American judge on the Seventh Circuit

Announced in October 2022, Bling Empire: New York is a spin-off of Netflixs hit reality TV show Bling Empire," which premiered in January 2021.

The eight-episode spin-off, which was released on Jan. 20, follows a fresh group of wealthy, sophisticated and hilarious Asian Americans in New York.
Senators on Wednesday overwhelmingly voted to block the District of Columbias updated criminal code from becoming law, marking the first time in more than three decades that a D.C.-passed bill has been nixed by Congress and the White House.

The Senate advanced the resolution, 81-14, with 33 Democrats voting alongside every Republican and Independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (Ariz.).

Senate Democrats of all stripes joined with the GOP, including some of the partys leadership. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) and Sen. Debbie Stabenow (Mich.) both backed the resolution.

Sen. Dick Durbin (Ill.), the No. 2 Democrat in the upper chamber, however, split with Schumer to vote no.

Unsurprisingly, the most vulnerable Senate Democrats up for reelection in 2024, headlined by Sens. Joe Manchin (W.Va.), Jon Tester (Mont.) and Sherrod Brown (Ohio), all supported the resolution.

Fourteen senators who caucus with the Democrats voted against the measure: Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Durbin.

Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) voted present. Sens. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Tom Carper (D-Del.) and James Risch (R-Idaho) were absent.

The Senate Democrats had political cover to vote yes after President Biden told them last week he would not veto the resolution if it reached his desk  reversing a statement of administration policy backing Washington, D.C., home rule prior to the House vote last month.

The House passed the resolution to block the crime bill on a 250 to 173 vote, with 31 Democrats voting with all Republicans.

The D.C. City Council passed its crime bill unanimously in January and overrode a veto by Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) in February, 12-1.

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It has been the subject of intense criticism from Republicans and some Democrats for some provisions, such as the lower penalties for a number of violent crimes, including robberies and carjackings.

Carjackings and car thefts have become a daily routine. Homicides are racking up at a rate of four per week, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said during a speech on the Senate floor on Wednesday. This is our capital city. But local politicians have let its streets become a danger and an embarrassment.

In his tweet last week announcing his decision, Biden specifically mentioned sentences for carjackings as a reason. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, there have been 101 carjackings across the District this year alone, roughly the same as the 106 reported by this point last year. Half have involved juveniles. Twenty-two of this calendar years cases have been closed, and 14 people have been arrested on related charges.

I just think it needs more work, Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) told reporters of the D.C. bill, citing the mayors veto of the bill earlier this year.

But the 180-degree turn by the administration has infuriated some House Democrats who have complained that the White House put them in a bad spot.

It also handed House Republicans a gift on the messaging side, as the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) launched an ad campaign against 15 Democrats who voted against doing away with the crime bill.

Forget safe streets and neighborhoods  House Democrats remain more concerned with promoting policies that appease violent criminals, Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), the NRCCs chairman, said in a statement. This is just a preview of how these extremist House Democrats will be held accountable for coddling criminals all cycle long.

The crime bill has also been criticized for other reasons, including that it would increase the number of jury trials for misdemeanor offenses. Sen. Angus King (I-Maine.) who voted for the resolution blocking the bill, told The Hill earlier in the week that theres not enough jurors in the world to do that.

D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson on Monday attempted to withdraw the bill and keep it from being brought up for a vote. However, the Home Rule Act, which governs the District, does not allow for the withdrawal of legislation.

A number of Senate Democrats, however, stood by the District and opposed the resolution. Cardin told reporters earlier in the week that the matter is a D.C. issue.

The Senate shouldnt be voting on that, Cardin said. To me, its a fundamental issue of home rule.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
About 4,500 soldiers will deploy this summer from Fort Stewart in southeast Georgia to Europe, where they will train with NATO allies as part of a troop buildup the U.S. has maintained in the region since Russia invaded Ukraine.

Maj. Gen. Charles D. Constanza and his 3rd Infantry Division command staff will deploy for an estimated nine months along with soldiers from the divisions 2nd Armored Brigade, Division Artillery Brigade and Division Sustainment Brigade, Fort Stewart officials said Wednesday.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

We have trained hard and are confident in our ability to provide support and assistance to our allies, and proud to answer the nations call, Costanza said in a news release.

The Georgia-based soldiers will head to Poland and Latvia to replace units from the 4th Infantry Division based at Fort Carson, Colorado, and the 1st Cavalry Division from Fort Hood, Texas.

TRENDING STORIES:

Meanwhile, about 2,000 soldiers from the 3rd Infantrys Combat Aviation Brigade are preparing to begin a European rotation this spring. They received their deployment orders last fall.

The U.S. military has maintained a greater presence in Europe since Russia invaded Ukraine last year to show support for NATO allies and deter further Russian aggression in the region. They have not been involved in the fighting in Ukraine.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) shakes hands with Russian cellist Sergei Roldugin during at the Kremlin in Moscow on September 22, 2016. IVAN SEKRETAREV/AFP via Getty Images

A cellist is accused of helping Vladimir Putin channel $50 million into Swiss accounts.

4 bankers are also accused of not having checked the real source of the money.

Putin is believed by some to have accrued vast wealth during his time as Russian leader.

Four bankers have been accused of helping Vladimir Putin's cellist best friend channel millions of dollars through Swiss bank accounts for the Russian president.

Sergey Roldugin, a concert cellist, is accused by prosecutors of making deposits totalling $50 million with the help of four bankers, who were working as executives in the Russian Gazprombank's Swiss offices, Reuters reported.

The deposits were made between 2014 and 2016 and there is no plausible explanation about where they came from, Swiss prosecutors say.

The bankers, three Russians and one Swiss, appeared in court in Zurich Wednesday accused of lacking diligence in financial transactions, Reuters reported. The four cannot be identified because of Swiss court reporting restrictions.

They have pleaded not guilty, and a verdict is expected by March 30.

Roldugin is a friend of Putin and a godfather of the Russian president's children. He has told The New York Times he is a musician, and not a businessman or millionaire.

The Russian president has an official salary of around $100,000, but his real wealth has long been rumored to be much greater.

"It is notorious that Russian President Putin officially has an income of just over SFr100,000 [$106,000] and is not wealthy, but in fact has enormous assets managed by people close to him," says the indictment by Swiss prosecutors.

In addition to the $50 million, Roldugin was planning on chanelling another $10 million annually into accounts, which prosecutors say "were in general no way plausible as Roldugin's own assets."

The Swiss investigation was sparked by the 2017 Panama Papers leak, which said that Roldugin was channeling millions through networks of offshore accounts into Swiss banks.

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Both Putin and Rodulgin were sanctioned by the European Union after Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine last year.

Switzerland has put aside its traditional neutrality in conflicts to adopt the EU's sanctions against Putin, Roldugin, and other members of the Russian elite.

Read the original article on Business Insider
dolgachov / iStock.com

Scams always seem to be on the rise, and criminals are constantly developing new tactics to swindle the average American. Recent Federal Trade Commission data showed that consumers reported losing nearly $8.8 billion to fraud in 2022  a 30% increase over the previous year  with the most commonly reported being imposter fraud.

Social Security: 4 Helpful Ways To Safeguard Benefits on Slam the Scam Day

Explore: New Tax Scam on Social Media Could Cost You $5,000

Right now, transnational criminals from all over the world have their sights set on American citizens, American banks and the American government, Haywood Talcove, the CEO of LexisNexis Risk Solutions Government Group, wrote to GOBankingRates.

Vast amounts of Americans personally identifiable information (PII) is available on the dark web, and it was this information, in conjunction with weak fraud prevention systems, that led to our government losing hundreds of billions of dollars to fraud during the pandemic, added Talcove. Now that pandemic relief programs are over, or winding down, these same fraudsters are using our PII, except theyre going after individuals rather than the government.

Here are the details on four new scams targeting the American public and how to better protect yourself:

1. Voice Cloning and AI Deepfakes

Scammers are using artificial intelligence to mimic your voice, or that of a loved one, using examples of your speech online pretending to be in trouble. For example, you could get a call from your grandsons number saying hes in jail and needs $5,000 to bail him out with directions to pay. You rush to the bank and wire the funds only to learn it was all a scam.

According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, if something seems off, ask security questions to verify the person on the other end. Voice cloning and AI deepfakes are sophisticated, but they wont be able to answer personal questions without a delay.

2. ATM Tap and Glue Scheme

ATM thieves use a glue and tap function to drain users bank accounts in seconds. A fraudster fills the card slot in an ATM machine to get you to use the tap feature. However, this feature doesnt sign you out of your account right away. When you walk away, the thief walks up and immediately withdraws money from your bank account.

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Remote Job Scams are on the Rise: How to Make Sure the Job Youre Offered is Legit

Chase Bank warned ABC7 about the ruse: When using an ATM, be vigilant in protecting your PIN number and making sure you have logged out of your account.

3. EBT Phishing

A common EBT scam is card skimming, where criminals place a device on a retailers card-swiping machine to copy EBT card information to steal SNAP benefits. But now, there are reports of EBT phishing where scammers use phony numbers pretending to be the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Scammers may say that your EBT account is frozen and that they need your EBT card numbers and PIN to unfreeze your account. This information is then used to empty your SNAP account.

The USDA says never to give anyone your EBT card number or PIN by phone or text. If you think you are the victim of a phishing scam, contact your local SNAP office.

4. Deepfake-Driven Unemployment Insurance Fraud

A criminal can use deepfake software to transform their face into your face based on photos that are easily discoverable online. This is used to trick facial recognition software when attempting to file an unemployment insurance claim in your name. Once they have access, the scammer can file a claim and have the money sent directly to them.

See: How To Protect Your Cash From These Common Scams

Check Washing Scam: How It Works and Ways To Prevent It

If you suspect UI fraud, visit here to contact your states fraud hotline.

America is in the crosshairs right now, Talcove noted. Hundreds of thousands of cybercriminals from all over the world are working daily to exploit any and every vulnerability they can.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 New Scams Targeting Americans and How To Keep Your Money Safe
A Mexican gang has turned over to authorities members believed to be responsible for kidnapping four South Carolinians  two of whom were shot to death  and apologized for the violence.

The men were found dead and tied up inside a vehicle Thursday.

The Associated Press obtained a letter through a Tamaulipas state law enforcement official purported to be from the Scorpions faction of the Gulf cartel that said, We have decided to turn over those who were directly involved and responsible in the events, who at all times acted under their own decision-making and lack of discipline.

The letter also said the members had disobeyed the cartels rules, including respecting the life and well-being of the innocent. The letter included a photograph of five bound men face down on the pavement.

Two South Carolina residents, Shaeed Woodard and Zindell Brown, were killed last Friday in the shooting and two others were taken hostage, LaTavia Washington McGee of Myrtle Beach and Eric Williams of North Carolina.

The four close friends who knew each other from childhood in Lake City, South Carolina, were traveling together so McGee could have cosmetic surgery in Matamoros, Mexico.

McGee was not injured physically and Williams suffered gunshot wounds to his legs. They were found in a dilapidated house outside Matamoros Tuesday morning. The bodies of the two others were located inside as well.

A Mexican woman was shot as she stood on the sidewalk during the confrontation.

On Thursday, an ambulance believed to have been used to treat the Americans and take them to a clinic was seized by the Tamaulipas state prosecutors office, The Associated Press reported.

The Americans crossed into Matamoros at 9:18 a.m. Friday, according to Tamaulipas Gov. Americo Villarreal, and were abducted under gunfire, minutes later. They were not seen until Tuesday morning.

No firm details have been released on why the foursome was targeted. One report says they were caught in the crossfire of rival drug cartels. Another that they were mistaken for Haitian drug smugglers.

McGee and Williams were taken to a hospital in Brownsville, Texas. The bodies of the others were kept for examination. One person, charged with watching the group, has been arrested so far. Officials identified him as Jose Guadalupe N., a 24-year-old Mexican national. They have not said if he is affiliated with the Gulf Cartel, one of the oldest drug trafficking organizations in Mexico with ties to crime groups in Europe, West Africa, Asia, Central America, South America, and the United States.

The U.S. State Department has vowed to see justice is done, but has offered few details, deferring to the criminal investigation. The FBI is working on the case alongside Mexican law enforcement agencies.
The Russians fired five missiles at a critical infrastructure facility in Zaporizhzhia Oblast during its massive missile attack on Ukraine on the night of 8-9 March.

Source: Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration



Quote: "At night, the enemy carried out another massive attack on Ukraine. One of the critical infrastructure facilities in Zaporizhzhia Oblast was hit by five Russian missiles (reportedly S-300). There were no casualties. The relevant services are working at the scene. The situation is under control."



Background: Last night, Russia fired 81 missiles of various types at Ukraine, with air defence shooting down 34 of the 48 cruise missiles. Kyiv, Kirovohrad, Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Zhytomyr, and Vinnytsia Oblasts came under attack.

Critical infrastructure facilities and residential buildings were damaged, with a number of people injured and killed.

Due to the damage to the power grid, the electricity supply was restricted in all oblasts.

Three DTEK Energy (Ukraine's largest investor in the country's power grid) thermal power plants were damaged by a Russian attack on Thursday.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
The US House of Representatives on Wednesday voted down a resolution introduced by Rep Matt Gaetz of Florida to withdraw the remaining 900 or so American troops stationed in Syria, but the resolution drew a rare show of bipartisan support.

The House as a whole rejected the resolution, which would have mandated that President Joe Biden withdraw US troops in Syria within 180 days, by a count of 321-103.

The 103 lawmakers who voted in favour of the resolution were comprised of both conservative Republicans and progressive Democrats, an unlikely cross-section of the House united in its desire to scale back American military interventionism.

The Progressive Caucus, for instance, urged its members to support the resolution introduced by Mr Gaetz  a far right member of the Freedom Caucus who has enthusastically allied himself with former President Donald Trump.

The Democrats who ultimately supported the resolution included Reps Ilhan Omar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, and Ayanna Pressley, along with vetern progressive legislators like Reps Earl Blumenauer, Jan Schakowsky, Barbara Lee, and Lloyd Doggett.

Republicans who voted in favour included far right Reps Paul Gosar, Chip Roy, Thomas Massie, and a number of other legislators who have advocated for Congress to make more use of its oversight authority.

The US began operations in Syria in 2014 with airstrikes authorised by President Barack Obama, intervening in the countrys ongoing Civil War on the side of its rebel forces. Nine years later, the US still has a military presence in the country purportedly to fight the group ISIS  one that a number of lawmakers have been trying to bring to an end for years.

A similar resolution introduced by Rep Jamaal Bowman of New York last year that would have given Mr Biden a year to withdraw US troops from Syria recieved more votes  130 from Democrats and 25 from Republicans  but was also defeated.

The resolution also has the support of former Obama ambassador to Syria Robert Ford, at the time an advocate of expansive support for the Syrian opposition. He now says it's time to go. From a letter her wrote: pic.twitter.com/UW2G7YMsZw  Ryan Grim (@ryangrim) March 7, 2023

Mr Gaetzs resolution this year, which he said could be the precursor to similar resolutions ending US involvement in places like Yemen, Niger, Sudan, and Ukraine, won the support of Mr Obamas ambassador to Syria Robert Ford, who argued in a letter to Congress that the US forces have an unachievable mission in the country. Ultimately, it didnt matter.
A 6-year-old boy in Newport News, Virginia, will not face charges for shooting his teacher during class in January.

Newport News Commonwealths Attorney Howard Gwynn told NBC News on Wednesday that the prospect that a 6-year-old can stand trial is problematic.

Gwynn doubted that a young child would be able to understand the legal system, what a charge means or how to adequately assist an attorney.

Although a 6-year-old could be theoretically be criminally charged under Virginia law, Gwynn said he does not believe there is a legal basis to charge the child.

Our objective is not just to do something as quickly as possible, Gwynn said. Once we analyze all the facts, we will charge any person or persons that we believe we can prove beyond a reasonable doubt committed a crime.

On Jan. 6, the unnamed boy reportedly brought a 9 mm handgun to school and intentionally shot his first grade teacher, Abby Zwerner, as she was teaching the class.

The 25-year-old teacher was hospitalized for nearly two weeks but is now recovering at home.

Schoolteacher Abby Zwerner was shot earlier this month by a 6-year-old student.

Schoolteacher Abby Zwerner was shot earlier this month by a 6-year-old student.

The boys parents said their child has an acute disability and was under a care plan that required at least one of his parents to be in his classroom every day.

The shooting happened during the first week when the child was unaccompanied by either parent, according to the parents statement.

We will regret our absence on this day for the rest of our lives, the parents said.

In addition, school staff told administrators on three separate occasions that the child had brought a gun to class, Zwerners lawyer said in January.

Since the shooting, two metal detection systems have been installed at the school and two security officers have been assigned to the campus.

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The city prosecutor in Newport News, Virginia, said Wednesday that he would not seek charges against the 6-year-old boy who shot his elementary school teacher in January but has yet to decide whether any adults associated with the case could be held criminally liable.

In an interview with NBC News, Newport News Commonwealths Attorney Howard Gwynn said the prospect that a 6-year-old can stand trial is problematic given that a child that young wouldnt have the competency to understand the legal system and what a charge means or adequately assist an attorney. Its not unheard of for an adolescent of that age to be arrested in general, and theoretically, a 6-year-old child could be criminally charged under Virginia law.

But Gwynn said that he does not believe there is a legal basis to charge a child and that his office, after receiving the case in February from Newport News police, is focusing on others.

Our objective is not just to do something as quickly as possible, Gwynn said. Once we analyze all the facts, we will charge any person or persons that we believe we can prove beyond a reasonable doubt committed a crime.

Abigail Zwerner (Abby Zwerner via Facebook)

The shooting on Jan. 6 at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News has led to a potential lawsuit expected to be filed on behalf of the teacher, Abigail Zwerner, the ouster of the schools superintendent and an assistant principal, and the installation of metal detectors.

According to a lawyer for Zwerner, a first-grade teacher, the boy had behavioral issues and a pattern of troubling interactions with school staff and other students. A notice of intent to sue said the boy was given a one-day suspension for breaking Zwerners cellphone, and returned the next day with a 9mm handgun that he used to shoot his teacher in the classroom while she sat at a reading table.

Diane Toscano, Zwerners lawyer, said at a news conference in January that three teachers went to the school administration about the boys behavior and that he was believed to have had a gun on campus.

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Toscano said the shooting was entirely preventable if the administration had taken action when they had knowledge of imminent danger, adding, But instead, they failed to act, and Abby was shot.

Zwerner, 25, was seriously wounded in a hand and her chest, but police said she still managed to safely escort about 20 students out of her classroom. She was hospitalized for nearly two weeks.

Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew has described the shooting as intentional. In a Facebook Live video last month in which he said prosecutors would begin reviewing the case, Drew told viewers that it took time for detectives to interview children and examine forensic evidence.

This is a lot more than just someone bringing a gun to school and that gun was found, he said.

In the wake of the shooting, the family of the 6-year-old boy said in a statement that the weapon was secured in the home and that they have always been committed to responsible gun ownership and keeping firearms out of the reach of children.

The family also said the boy has an acute disability and was receiving the treatment he needs under a court-ordered temporary detention at a medical facility.

Police said the childs mother legally purchased the gun he used, but havent specified how he obtained it or if it was safely secured as the family has claimed.

A lawyer for the family declined to comment Wednesday about the prosecutor offices ongoing investigation and the decision that it would not seek charges against the child.

The law firm representing Zwerner could not immediately be reached for comment.

A spokeswoman for the Newport News School District said it had no additional comments about the investigation, and the district has previously said it couldnt share any information in the childs educational record, citing the police investigation.

Gwynn told The Associated Press last month that his office had received three binders of information from police in the case. His team is also reviewing police bodycam footage of officers who responded to the scene.

Legal experts had previously said the child is unlikely to face charges because of competency concerns, although his parents could be charged with reckless endangerment or child neglect.

Gwynn said that if there is a decision to charge someone in connection with the case, it would either be through a grand jury or in consultation with police.

While there is no timeline for when charges might be brought, Gwynn drew a distinction with a parallel incident in Norfolk, Virginia, last month in which charges were quickly filed against a mother whose 6-year-old brought a gun to an elementary school. In that case, no one was injured and police charged the mother with contributing to the delinquency of a minor and allowing a child access to a loaded firearm.

In our case, the police decided to turn the file over to us to make a decision, Gwynn. And we have to make our decision based on our ability to prove beyond a reasonable doubt a crime occurred.

This story first appeared on NBCNews.com.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
A 6-year-old girl who wasnt feeling well was taken to Arkansas Childrens Hospital, where medical staff discovered her symptoms were caused by multiple sexually transmitted diseases, according to federal authorities.

A forensic interviewer with the FBI was called in to talk with the child in February 2018, officials said, and she reported that two men had raped her.

One of the men was sentenced to life in prison in October, and now the other man has also been sentenced to life in prison, according to a March 8 news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas.

Mario Waters, 34, was sentenced on March 8 after pleading guilty in November 2021 to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor, court records show.

McClatchy News reached out to the defense attorney representing Waters and is awaiting a response.

Authorities said the girl told the FBI she was raped in a hotel room, describing it as having a curtain in the middle. She also told them about a piece of artwork that was hanging on a hotel room wall.

Investigators found a hotel in Little Rock that matched the girls description, including the curtain and the picture on a wall, according to the news release.

Doctors at Arkansas Childrens Hospital determined that it was unlikely the child had obtained each sexually transmitted disease from the same offender and that there were likely multiple offenders, authorities said.

With search warrants, officers received blood and urine samples from the two men accused of raping her, according to the news release. They both tested positive for the STDs the girl had contracted.

The child also told authorities that, at least once, Waters came to the room while the other man was with her, according to the news release. She said Waters raped her before giving the other man money.

In court, both men said they had sexual contact with the girl, authorities said, and were involved in trafficking her with others.

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Hotel financial records show the girls mother had rented a room at the same hotel, officials said. The girl has been removed from her moms custody.

If you have experienced sexual assault and need someone to talk to, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline for support at 1-800-656-4673 or visit the hotline's online chatroom.

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A 64-year-old man was reported missing and Rowan County deputies are asking for help to find him.

Authorities said Earl Guy Hall was reported missing by his family back in February. Investigators said he was last seen at his home on Westway Lane off of Gheen Road outside of Salisbury.

ALSO READ: Woman reported missing from senior-living facility in good spirits after being found

Hall is described as 6 feet tall with black hair. He is knows to drive a 1989 Chevrolet S10 truck with blue stripes.

Anyone with information about where Hall may be is asked to call Det. Amber Weaver at 704-216-8715 or Lt. Ryan Barkley at 704-216-8711.

No further information was released.

(WATCH BELOW: Search continues for missing Union County mother; sheriffs office offers reward)
An 8-year-old girl from Washington was found in Mexico more than four years after she went missing, authorities said.

The child was found in Michoacan, Mexico, and returned to the U.S. in February, the FBI said in a Wednesday, March 8, news release.

McClatchy News is not including her name to protect her identity.

Her mother kidnapped her from a Vancouver, Washington, shopping mall on Oct. 25, 2018, the FBI said in an initial release. The FBI said it later learned the girl had been taken to Mexico.

Her mother was arrested in September 2019 in Puebla, Mexico, the FBI said, but authorities didnt know where the child was.

She was then found four years after her disappearance by authorities in Mexico.

For more than four years, the FBI and our partners did not give up ..., said Richard A. Collodi, special agent in charge of the FBIs Seattle field office. Our concern now will be supporting (her) as she begins her reintegration into the U.S.

2-year-old dies after his dad forgets him in car for hours, Florida police say

Missing moms boyfriend stole her disabled sons benefits after she vanished, feds say

Mom and bookstore owner kidnapped and killed by one of her employees, Georgia cops say
(Bloomberg) -- Donated document collections of Henry Kissinger, Madeleine Albright and several other former US lawmakers and other high-ranking officials  have included potentially mishandled sensitive information, the National Archives and Records Administration said Thursday.

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The Archives has received about 80 reports since 2009 of potentially classified or restricted documents donated to libraries, universities and museums by former members of Congress, diplomats, scientists and others.

The documents reported were screened and not all of them were or should remain classified or restricted. Other instances included documents that were unclassified, or redacted or returned as they were.

Archives officials disclosed the reported national-security document finds during a private meeting last week with House Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Turner, an Ohio Republican and Jim Himes of Connecticut, the panels top Democrat.

On Thursday, the Archives confirmed the briefing with its director of the information security oversight office and shared a list of those whose documents required screenings.

Kissinger and Albright were joined on the list by fellow former secretaries of state Cyrus Vance and Dean Acheson as well as those who shared sensitive documents outside the government. The lawmakers whose classified papers were shared include former Senator Ted Stevens, who was chair of the Appropriations Committee and its subcommittee on defense.

Himes and Turner on Wednesday said the disclosure indicates misuse of classified material has occurred on a far broader scale and at different levels of government than recent cases involving President Joe Biden, former President Donald Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence.

Story continues

How that happened is beyond me, Himes said, adding that mishandling occurred way too much.

Turner and Himes said they were told by Archives officials that various institutions have reported finding documents with classified markings among donated material theyve received for former public officials.

Officials at the institutions that received these collections, after noticing the markings, inquired with the National Archives about returning the documents.

Separately on Wednesday, both Turner and Himes reiterated dissatisfaction with the amount of information that they and other House and Senate leaders received in a separate closed-door briefing last week regarding discoveries of documents at the residences or offices of Biden, Trump and Pence.

They said the FBI, Justice Department and intelligence officials had not been forthcoming, either in providing direct access to the documents in question or revealing much of what was in the material. They said the explanation given was that releasing the information would impede continuing investigations.

Turner complained that the top eight members of Congress who are charged with the nations most important secrets certainly are not going to be a threat to those inquiries.

(An earlier version of this story corrected the headline and sixth paragraph to eliminate precise number of former lawmakers; corrected Himes home state in second paragraph.)

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Some people accused of misdemeanor crimes were given a choice: incarceration or a college classroom.

Channel 2 Action News was there as some chose college and got their charges dropped because of it. Organizers and students say the program is changing lives.

Channel 2s Tom Jones was at Atlanta Technical College Thursday, where Fulton County Solicitor General Keith Gammage was giving out hugs and bringing smiles Thursday to the faces of youthful offenders who faced jail time.

He signed the paperwork and told the audience that student Torri Booker now has a clean record.

Her case is both dismissed and her record restricted, Gammage said, as Booker flashed a wide grin and said, Thank you.

Dismissing Bookers charge gave her a new lease on life. It also put her on a course to improve her future.

I can get an education. I can get my records restricted. Yes, its for me. Im going with it, she said with excitement.

And she doesnt have to pay any tuition. Its all thanks to the Ladders program at Atlanta Technical College in Southwest Atlanta.

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The school has partnered with the Georgia Public Defense Foundation and the Fulton County Solicitor General to give low-level offenders a second chance. Thats if they enroll at the school in pursuit of a GED, or college certificate.

Gammage explained why putting young offenders in a college classroom is favorable to locking them up.

Why would I use resources and the court system to prosecute people when we could put them in school? he asked.

Booker thought her life was over when she was arrested. Then she heard about the Ladders program. Now she is on the way to a career in the medical field.

Its going to change my life forever, she said.

Story continues

Mike Render, A.K.A. rapper Killer Mike, is the chairman of the Public Defense Foundation. He said the program keeps people out of jail and gives them a blueprint for success.

A program like this gives them an opportunity to course correct themselves, Render said.

Gammage said statistics show most inmates have dropped out of high school in the 10th or 11th grade. So he said getting an education is valuable.

Its a fantastic opportunity for someone to seize a second chance and they actually have to work for it. Its not handed to them, he said.

Once again, tuition is free thanks to donations to the Public Defense Foundation and federal grants. The students are monitored to make sure they are compliant.

Out of 11 students enrolled in the program, ten are still enrolled.

IN OTHER NEWS:
Bounce TVs latest sitcom, Act Your Age, starring Kim Whitley, Tisha Campbell and Yvette Nicole Brown, has broken the networks records in viewership.

Bounce announced that Act Your Ages two-episode premiere has been watched by 2.14 million people, making it Bounces most watched series launch in the networks history.

The post Act Your Age Starring Kim Whitley, Tisha Campbell And Yvette Nicole Brown Becomes Most-Watched Series In Bounce TV History appeared first on Shadow And Act.

The series is comprised of 16 episodes, with the first eight episodes airing weekly Saturday nights throughout the spring. The second batch of eight episodes will air this summer. The series focuses on three D.C./Northern Virginia-area women in their 50s who are, according to the description, each at a personal crossroads and who decide the best way forward in life is together. Kym Whitley and Tisha Campbell star, with Yvette Nicole Brown guest-starring.

Whitleys character Bernadette is described as a successful, no-nonsense real estate developer, and Campbells character Keisha is the wild card of the group who is always up to something. Browns character Angela is the former First Lady of Norfolk, Virginia, who is looking to redefine her life after being widowed by her husband, a revered career politician. Mariah Robinson also stars as Angelas daughter. Nathan Anderson stars as Bernadettes son.

The series was created by Alyson Fouse (Big Shot, Everybody Hates Chris, The Wanda Sykes Show) and serves as showrunner and executive producer. MGM Television produces with Bradley Gardner (Hot in Cleveland), Barry Poznick and David Hudson executive producing. Kein Ornstein (Everybody Loves Raymond) and Ranada Shepard co-executive produce.
Rep. Adam Schiff's relentless fight against former President Donald Trump rocketed him to national prominence and made him a darling of the Democratic Party.

But that may not be enough to make the former Blue Dog budget hawk a progressive champion," as he is billing himself in the California Senate race.

Activists on the left who have their own favorites in the crowded primary contest are beginning to argue that Schiff is not one of them.

The friction became apparent when he decided to withdraw his application to join the Congressional Progressive Caucus on Wednesday, a move that may be because the group wasn't going to let him in.

"Adam is proud to be a progressive and was encouraged to join the caucus last session but deferred until the completion of his January 6 committee responsibilities. After hearing from his colleagues that some were attempting to make his joining this session political, Adam decided to withdraw from consideration until he joins the U.S. Senate," said Schiff spokesperson Lauren French.

Questions about Schiff's ideological evolution have already dogged his campaign in California and prompted consternation on the left in Washington, where members of the caucus, which typically welcomes all Democrats who want to join, were concerned he was trying to use their group only to bolster his credentials while campaigning for the Senate against two of its most prominent members, Reps. Katie Porter and Barbara Lee.

Its always a challenge when we have an incumbent member who has been here for a long time and hasnt been a member of the Progressive Caucus and then wants to right before an election, caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., said last week at a House Democrats retreat in Baltimore, before Schiff withdrew his application.

She told the Los Angeles Times on Wednesday that Schiff's application was "divisive" in the caucus, given the timing, so she appreciated that he took himself out of the running.

Story continues

Over his 22 years in Congress, Schiff has been a member of the centrist Blue Dog and New Democrat caucuses and supported moderate policies  balancing the budget, the death penalty for cop killers, business-friendly labor rules  that might not raise eyebrows in a typical Democratic primary but do in California.

I think its fairly clear that he is trying to rebrand himself as a progressive now that he understands he will lose this election if does not, said Amar Shergill, chairman of the California Democratic Partys Progressive Caucus, who is supporting one of Schiff's opponents. He has never been a leader on progressive issues. He is a below-average Democrat that joins progressive issues only when he sees that everybody else is already there."

David Atkins, a Democratic National Committee member from California who is currently neutral in the race, praised Schiffs full-throated defense of democracy during the Trump era, but said the next senator from the state should be "the strongest champions for progressive policy in the Senate, not just a good vote."

Progressive bona fides are critical in the land of Hollywood and San Francisco, where a majority of the Democrats and independent voters identify as liberal and where Sen. Bernie Sanders easily beat Joe Biden in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary.

Every candidate in this primary is going to want to tout their progressive credentials, said Rose Kapolczynski, a veteran California Democratic strategist. Adam Schiff has an incredible record on the issue of saving democracy, but has belonged to moderate caucuses in the past," she said, adding she is sure he sees joining the Progressive Caucus "as a way to reassure progressive voters that hes on their side.

Schiffs Los Angeles-area district  which includes Hollywood and some of the affluent suburban communities  along with the entire state and the national Democratic Party have moved to the left in the two decades since he became the first Democrat in decades to represent that seat. He did so by defeating a Republican incumbent in what was, at the time, the most expensive House race in U.S. history.

As his district got bluer, Schiff did too, embracing ideas such as Medicare for All and the Green New Deal. He left the Blue Dog caucus a decade ago, though he still is a member of the center-left New Democrat Coalition, and his campaign said the Progressive Caucus would be a "natural home."

In a lengthy statement to NBC News that used the word progressive four times, Schiff suggested he is better positioned than Lee or Porter to enact the policies the entire field supports.

Californians need a progressive champion in the Senate who can get things done, and who will work tirelessly to drive down everyday costs for working families. You cant be progressive if you arent able to make progress, he said.

His detractors on the left still dont buy it.

A scathing review of Schiffs record in the liberal American Prospect by its executive editor concluded that Schiff has never passed the test.

It points to a raft of tough-on-crime bills that Schiff, a former federal prosecutor, authored in the California state Senate in the 1990s; his votes for the Iraq War and the Patriot Act after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001; his opposition to several bills supported by labor unions, including one that prevented Transportation Security Administration personnel from unionizing; and his opposition to progressive budget goals and support for spending cuts.

A lack of revenue, uncontrolled spending and faulty planning have put our national debt so high that putting our fiscal house in order seems out of reach, Schiff said in a 2005 speech on the House floor promoting a Blue Dog plan to balance the budget and create a surplus rainy-day fund," which would likely require deep cuts to numerous programs.

Critics also note Schiff has taken hundreds of thousands of dollars from corporate PACs over his career  though hes sworn off them in the Senate race  which they say made him friendlier to industries like pharmaceuticals, noting for instance that he voted against legislation the industry opposed to crack down on so-called patent trolls.

Defenders note that several outside trackers have ranked Schiffs recent voting record as about as progressive or even more so than that of Porter, who had her own re-election politics to consider in a district that was generally favorable to Republicans.

And Schiff allies note the majority of California representatives in the Progressive Caucus who have endorsed are currently backing Schiff, including several vice chairs.

Even some critics think Schiff's ideological evolution is earnest.

I feel its for real with him, thats my gut, said Howie Klein, a progressive donor and blogger who lives in Schiffs district and was one of his early supporters, before very publicly breaking with the congressman over his Iraq War vote.

Klein, a former record executive who oversaw artists such as The Talking Heads and The Ramones, said he would probably vote for Lee if the election were today, but that he would be perfectly happy  not grudgingly happy with all three candidates.

Privately, some on the left worry that Porter and Lee will split the progressive vote, clearing a path for Schiff.

A recent poll of California Democrats and independents found that a narrow majority  53%  identify as liberal. Porter and Lee do best among them, while Schiff performs better with self-described moderates and among the larger majority  69%  who say they want a candidate who is willing to compromise to get things done.

A majority of voters in what I would consider to be their frame of likely voters are liberals, said Mark DiCamillo, the pollster who conducted the survey for the Institute of Governmental Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. But its also important that a candidate has their own lane. You dont want your lane to be crowded with candidates of the same orientation, and that may be true with Porter and Lee.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
It's common for many investors, especially those who are inexperienced, to buy shares in companies with a good story even if these companies are loss-making. But as Peter Lynch said in One Up On Wall Street, 'Long shots almost never pay off.' While a well funded company may sustain losses for years, it will need to generate a profit eventually, or else investors will move on and the company will wither away.

Despite being in the age of tech-stock blue-sky investing, many investors still adopt a more traditional strategy; buying shares in profitable companies like African Rainbow Minerals (JSE:ARI). While this doesn't necessarily speak to whether it's undervalued, the profitability of the business is enough to warrant some appreciation - especially if its growing.

View our latest analysis for African Rainbow Minerals

How Quickly Is African Rainbow Minerals Increasing Earnings Per Share?

Generally, companies experiencing growth in earnings per share (EPS) should see similar trends in share price. So it makes sense that experienced investors pay close attention to company EPS when undertaking investment research. To the delight of shareholders, African Rainbow Minerals has achieved impressive annual EPS growth of 43%, compound, over the last three years. Growth that fast may well be fleeting, but it should be more than enough to pique the interest of the wary stock pickers.

Careful consideration of revenue growth and earnings before interest and taxation (EBIT) margins can help inform a view on the sustainability of the recent profit growth. On the one hand, African Rainbow Minerals' EBIT margins fell over the last year, but on the other hand, revenue grew. So if EBIT margins can stabilize, this top-line growth should pay off for shareholders.

The chart below shows how the company's bottom and top lines have progressed over time. Click on the chart to see the exact numbers.

The trick, as an investor, is to find companies that are going to perform well in the future, not just in the past. While crystal balls don't exist, you can check our visualization of consensus analyst forecasts for African Rainbow Minerals' future EPS 100% free.

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Are African Rainbow Minerals Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders?

Investors are always searching for a vote of confidence in the companies they hold and insider buying is one of the key indicators for optimism on the market. That's because insider buying often indicates that those closest to the company have confidence that the share price will perform well. However, insiders are sometimes wrong, and we don't know the exact thinking behind their acquisitions.

While some insiders did sell some of their holdings in African Rainbow Minerals, one lone insider trumped that with significant stock purchases. Namely, Executive Director H. Mkatshana out-laid R21m for shares, at about R260 per share. It's hard to ignore news like that.

On top of the insider buying, it's good to see that African Rainbow Minerals insiders have a valuable investment in the business. As a matter of fact, their holding is valued at R299m. That shows significant buy-in, and may indicate conviction in the business strategy. While their ownership only accounts for 0.6%, this is still a considerable amount at stake to encourage the business to maintain a strategy that will deliver value to shareholders.

While insiders already own a significant amount of shares, and they have been buying more, the good news for ordinary shareholders does not stop there. The cherry on top is that the CEO, Mike Schmidt is paid comparatively modestly to CEOs at similar sized companies. The median total compensation for CEOs of companies similar in size to African Rainbow Minerals, with market caps between R37b and R119b, is around R23m.

African Rainbow Minerals' CEO took home a total compensation package worth R18m in the year leading up to June 2022. That seems pretty reasonable, especially given it's below the median for similar sized companies. While the level of CEO compensation shouldn't be the biggest factor in how the company is viewed, modest remuneration is a positive, because it suggests that the board keeps shareholder interests in mind. Generally, arguments can be made that reasonable pay levels attest to good decision-making.

Should You Add African Rainbow Minerals To Your Watchlist?

African Rainbow Minerals' earnings per share growth have been climbing higher at an appreciable rate. The icing on the cake is that insiders own a large chunk of the company and one has even been buying more shares. These factors seem to indicate the company's potential and that it has reached an inflection point. We'd suggest African Rainbow Minerals belongs near the top of your watchlist. What about risks? Every company has them, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for African Rainbow Minerals (of which 1 is concerning!) you should know about.

Keen growth investors love to see insider buying. Thankfully, African Rainbow Minerals isn't the only one. You can see a a free list of them here.

Please note the insider transactions discussed in this article refer to reportable transactions in the relevant jurisdiction.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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A doctor looks at the results of a mammogram. Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP via Getty Images

In Hungary, early testing results show that artificial intelligence has an "impressive ability" to detect signs of breast cancer missed by doctors, The New York Times reports.

Dr. Edith Karpati, a radiologist, told the Times that when looking at hundreds of X-rays a day, "it's so easy to miss tiny lesions." Her son, Peter Kecskemethy, is the co-founder of Kheiron Medical Technologies, an AI software company that aims to assist doctors screening for breast cancer. The AI systems are fed millions of mammograms of patients whose diagnoses are known, as well as images labeled by radiologists to teach the AI to detect cancerous growths by their shapes, locations, and density, the Times reports. By then creating a mathematical representation of normal mammograms and those with cancers, the system compares that baseline to spot abnormalities in mammograms.

In 2022, after testing more than 275,000 breast cancer cases, Kheiron said its AI technology can spot cancer at least as well as doctors as the second reader of scans, and reduced the workload of radiologists by at least 30 percent. Additional testing at a clinic in Hungary found the AI software was able to identify more malignancies, increasing the cancer detection rate by 13 percent. "It's a huge breakthrough," Dr. Andras Vadaszy, director of the MaMMA Klinika, told the Times. "If this process will save one or two lives, it will be worth it."

The technology is meant to be used alongside doctors, not to replace them, and more clinical trials are needed so the systems can produce accurate results on women of all ages, ethnicities, and body types.

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How Republicans are reacting to Tucker Carlson's 'off the rails' Jan. 6 stunt

Codeword: March 8, 2023
By Mark Trevelyan

(Reuters) - A top aide to jailed Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny said on Thursday that he was stepping aside after calling on the European Union to lift sanctions against one of Russia's richest men.

The move by Leonid Volkov, Navalny's chief of staff and a leading face of his movement, sent shockwaves through the opposition, with some seeing it as a gift to President Vladimir Putin.

It came after prominent journalist Alexei Venediktov, whom Navalny's team have accused of being a Kremlin stooge, leaked a February letter with the signatures of Volkov and other opposition figures that called on the EU to lift sanctions on tycoon Mikhail Fridman and associates in his Alfa-Group business empire.

Volkov said his signature on that document had been photoshopped, but revealed he had sent a similar letter to EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell last October.

"This letter was a big political mistake," Volkov said, adding that he had exceeded his powers and let down his colleagues by failing to tell them about it.

SANCTIONS

In the October letter, Volkov urged the EU to significantly expand the number of Russians targeted by sanctions, but also to make it easier for people to get the sanctions lifted if they publicly condemned the war in Ukraine and broke with Putin.

He argued in particular for the removal of sanctions on Ukraine-born Fridman, calling him a liberal who had always distanced himself from Putin.

Fridman has kept a low profile since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, but said early in the conflict that it would harm both nations and called for an end to the fighting.

Volkov's position became untenable when Venediktov leaked that Volkov had effectively lobbied in secret on behalf of one of Russia's top "oligarchs".

In a series of tweets, Volkov said he had been wrong to think his approach might "set off a chain reaction of public condemnations of the war and a split in the Russian elites".

Story continues

He said he had therefore decide to "pause" his public activity as chairman of Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation. He said he would soon meet his colleagues and decide whether and how they could keep working together.

Several opposition figures spoke out in Volkov's defence on Thursday.

"Don't go off into the the shadows. Don't give Venediktov and Putin a pretext for such rejoicing," said Ksenia Thorstrom, a St Petersburg municipal deputy.

Many leading opposition figures have fled Russia since Navalny was jailed in 2021 on what he and Western governments and human rights groups say were trumped-up charges designed to silence him.

Now based in Lithuania, Volkov frequently appears on a Navalny YouTube channel that has published numerous investigations of corruption in Russia and has denounced the war in Ukraine. Fridman's current whereabouts are not known.

(Reporting by Mark Trevelyan; Editing by Gareth Jones)
Aiden Fucci, in red jail jumpsuit, and one of his attorneys, Craig Atack, listen to what the judge says will be allowed at the sentencing phase for the 16-year-old's murder conviction in the stabbing death of classmate Tristyn Bailey. They were in St. Johns County Circuit Court on Wednesday.

Teen killer Aiden Fucci's attorney said in St. Johns County court Wednesday that he has indicated he is "hearing voices" to a juvenile probation officer during his time in jail.

Fucci is set to be sentenced the week of March 21 in the stabbing death of 13-year-old classmate Tristyn Bailey, a first-degree murder he pleaded guilty to on Feb. 6. She suffered 114 stab wounds according to the medical examiner. Fucci, now 16, faces 40 years to life in prison.

Attorneys from both sides met before Circuit Judge R. Lee Smith on Wednesday to discuss the defense's intention to call Dwayne Barton, a juvenile probation officer.

Fucci was in court in a red jumpsuit, which can mean that an inmate is a possible self-harm or escape risk.

Aiden Fucci trial: Questions and answers in the St. Johns County teen's murder case

Before Aiden Fucci: These juveniles were charged as adults in high-profile Jacksonville-area cases

Who was Tristyn Bailey: What we know about the death of 13-year-old Tristyn Bailey

Assistant State Attorney Jennifer Dunton told the judge she is concerned that the defense intends to use Barton's testimony to make a point about Fucci's mental health.

Defense attorney Rosemarie Peoples said that throughout Fucci's time in jail, Barton asked him questions about his well-being. She stated this is "part of his job."

Peoples said she does intend to have Barton testify about the teen's mental well-being, not as a mental health expert but as someone who has spoken to Fucci in a professional capacity.

She said Barton visited with him monthly for a year, asking him questions about his time in jail and how he was doing.

"I do want to ask him ... 'did my client reveal to you that he's hearing voices?' Because over the year that he'd seen him, that indication was made," Peoples said.

Defense attorneys Rosemarie Peoples, left, and Craig Atack wrap up Wednesday's court proceedings ahead of Aiden Fucci's upcoming sentencing phase in the stabbing death of 13-year-old classmate Tristyn Bailey in St. Johns County.

This is not the first time the possibility of Fucci having mental health concerns has been raised. During a September 2021 hearing on Zoom, Fucci was seen on the livestream rocking and fidgeting, seeming distraught.

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Fucci could be heard saying: "I won't let you demons take my soul." Technical issues caused his video feed to cut shortly after.

Dunton argued that Barton's testimony should not be allowed. Anything that Fucci says could be considered self-serving, which is a type of hearsay and inadmissible in court, she argued.

However, Peoples rebutted that because only Fucci experienced whatever "delusions" he was reporting, the only way he couldreveal that symptom is by verbally telling someone.

Lee ultimately ruled that Barton will not be allowed to testify about anything that Fucci directly told him, only what he has personally observed.

However, if a mental health expert "opens the door" to a line of questioning of Fucci's mental state, this decision could change.

The defense has notably not called a psychiatric expert to testify, something Lee addressed Fucci about at his last hearing. He stressed to Fucci that he is entitled to call a witness to talk about his mental health.

The state has called Dr. Greogry Pritchard, a psychiatrist, to testify at the sentencing.

Peoples said she plans to depose Pritchard on Friday and without having interviewed him, she can't determine if he will, or will not, "open the door" to testimony about Fucci's mental health.

Peoples told Lee she has not prepared an insanity defense case and does not intend to use this testimony to argue that Fucci is not fit to be sentenced.

Bailey

During Fucci's unexpected guilty plea on the day the jury was to be selected, he apologized to both Bailey's family and his own. But he has not publicly explained what happened or why he killed her. Fucci's friends told investigators he had talked about wanting to kill someone, even taking them into the woods and stabbing them.

He and Bailey had been at a friend's home in their Durbin Crossing community in St. Johns County and were last seen walking together a bit after 1 a.m. on May 9, 2021, the Sheriff's Office said. Bailey's body was later discovered in a wooded area near their homes. Fucci's buck knife also was found in a nearby pond and the broken-off tip in Bailey's skull, the Sheriff's Office said.

This story first appeared on First Coast News.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Aiden Fucci's hearing voices is at issue in Tristyn Bailey stabbing
Key Insights

Significant control over AirAsia X Berhad by individual investors implies that the general public has more power to influence management and governance-related decisions

52% of the business is held by the top 6 shareholders

Insiders own 19% of AirAsia X Berhad

Every investor in AirAsia X Berhad (KLSE:AAX) should be aware of the most powerful shareholder groups. And the group that holds the biggest piece of the pie are individual investors with 43% ownership. Put another way, the group faces the maximum upside potential (or downside risk).

While individual investors were the group that benefitted the most from last weeks RM156m market cap gain, insiders too had a 19% share in those profits.

In the chart below, we zoom in on the different ownership groups of AirAsia X Berhad.

Check out our latest analysis for AirAsia X Berhad

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About AirAsia X Berhad?

Institutions typically measure themselves against a benchmark when reporting to their own investors, so they often become more enthusiastic about a stock once it's included in a major index. We would expect most companies to have some institutions on the register, especially if they are growing.

As you can see, institutional investors have a fair amount of stake in AirAsia X Berhad. This can indicate that the company has a certain degree of credibility in the investment community. However, it is best to be wary of relying on the supposed validation that comes with institutional investors. They too, get it wrong sometimes. 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 AirAsia X Berhad's earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters.

Hedge funds don't have many shares in AirAsia X Berhad. Looking at our data, we can see that the largest shareholder is Tune Group Sdn Bhd with 18% of shares outstanding. Capital A Berhad is the second largest shareholder owning 14% of common stock, and Kamarudin Bin Meranun holds about 8.9% of the company stock. Kamarudin Bin Meranun, who is the third-largest shareholder, also happens to hold the title of Member of the Board of Directors.

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On further inspection, we found that more than half the company's shares are owned by the top 6 shareholders, suggesting that the interests of the larger shareholders are balanced out to an extent by the smaller ones.

While it makes sense to study institutional ownership data for a company, it also makes sense to study analyst sentiments to know which way the wind is blowing. There is a little analyst coverage of the stock, but not much. So there is room for it to gain more coverage.

Insider Ownership Of AirAsia X Berhad

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.

Most consider insider ownership a positive because it can indicate the board is well aligned with other shareholders. However, on some occasions too much power is concentrated within this group.

Our most recent data indicates that insiders own a reasonable proportion of AirAsia X Berhad. Insiders have a RM91m stake in this RM473m business. It is great to see insiders so invested in the business. It might be worth checking if those insiders have been buying recently.

General Public Ownership

The general public-- including retail investors -- own 43% stake in the company, and hence can't easily be ignored. While this group can't necessarily call the shots, it can certainly have a real influence on how the company is run.

Private Company Ownership

We can see that Private Companies own 18%, of the shares on issue. It might be worth looking deeper into this. If related parties, such as insiders, have an interest in one of these private companies, that should be disclosed in the annual report. Private companies may also have a strategic interest in the company.

Public Company Ownership

It appears to us that public companies own 14% of AirAsia X Berhad. It's hard to say for sure but this suggests they have entwined business interests. This might be a strategic stake, so it's worth watching this space for changes in ownership.

Next Steps:

While it is well worth considering the different groups that own a company, there are other factors that are even more important. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 3 warning signs with AirAsia X Berhad , and understanding them should be part of your investment process.

If you are like me, you may want to think about whether this company will grow or shrink. Luckily, you can check this free report showing analyst forecasts for its future.

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.

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Alex Murdaugh, who was found guilty last week of murdering his wife and son, intends to appeal his convictions, according to documents filed Thursday by his legal team.

The disgraced former South Carolina attorney was convicted on four counts: the 2021 murder of his wife Maggie Murdaugh, the murder of his son Paul Murdaugh, and two counts of possession of a weapon during a crime.

Murdaugh, 54, was sentenced to life in prison for the two murder convictions, to be served consecutively. He was not sentenced on the possession charges.

The jury deliberated for about three hours before returning the four guilty verdicts.

Murdaugh faces multiple other accusations that were not part of the murder trial  including allegedly trying to arrange his own death for an insurance payout. He faces nearly 100 charges against him for various financial crimes, including fraud, money laundering, tax evasion and forgery. He admitted to many of these crimes on the stand in this trial but legal proceedings on the other charges wouldn't proceed until after the conclusion of the murder trial.

Prior to his sentencing, Murdaugh spoke briefly in court and denied that he had ever hurt his wife or son.

"I respect this court, but I'm innocent," Murdaugh told Judge Clifton Newman. "I would never under any circumstances hurt my wife Maggie, and I would never under any circumstances hurt my son."

"And it might not have been you," Newman responded. "It might have been the monster you become when you take 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 opioid pills. Maybe you become another person."

Sarah Lynch Baldwin, Allison Elyse Gualtieri and Alex Sundby contributed reporting.

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Alex Murdaughs murder conviction has cast a spotlight on the mysterious death of his surviving son Busters classmate.

Stephen Smith, a 19-year-old openly gay teenager, was found dead in the middle of a road in Hampton County back in 2015  not far from the Murdaugh familys Moselle estate where Maggie and Paul were murdered six years later.

He had suffered blunt force trauma to the head and his car was found around three miles away down the road.

His death was officially ruled a hit-and-run but the victims family  and investigators who worked on the initial case  have long doubted this version of events.

Police reports revealed that the scene, and some of Smiths injuries, were inconsistent with being struck by a car.

There have also long been murmurings in the community that a Murdaugh boy may have been involved and the Murdaugh name came up 40 times in documents in the initial case, reported Live5News.

Smith had been a classmate of Buster Murdaugh  Alex Murdaughs eldest and now only surviving son  and there were rumours that the two had been in a relationship around the time of his death.

For years, Smiths mother Sandy Smith has fought for answers and tried to keep his death in the local spotlight  but the case was closed and there were no developments for six years.

Then, on 7 June 2021, Murdaugh gunned down his wife Maggie and son Paul on the affluent familys sprawling 1,700-acre estate in Islandton and the Smith case came under the spotlight once more.

Just days after the murders, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) led announced that it was reopening an investigation into Smiths death based on information that had come to light during the investigation into Maggie and Pauls murders.

It is not clear what information prompted the launch of the investigation into Smiths death and no further details have been released over the course of the last 21 months.

Stephen Smith was found dead in mysterious circumstances in 2015 (Family handout)

In January 2023, SLED only said it had made progress in the case.

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Last week, Murdaugh was convicted of Maggie and Pauls murders, following a dramatic six-week trial in Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, South Carolina.

He has been sentenced to life in prison and is now in the custody of the South Carolina prison system.

As the convicted killer and disgraced attorney was led out of the courthouse on Friday, a bystander shouted that Buster is next for justice  an apparent reference to the Smith case.

Now, the Hampton County community is turning its attention back to Smiths death and Smiths mother Sandy is hoping she will finally get answers.

This circus is over and now its time to bring justice for other people, Sandy Smith told The New York Post Sunday.

The Independent has reached out to SLED for further details about the investigation into Smiths death.
Lawyers for Alex Murdaugh filed paperwork Thursday indicating that he will appeal his convictions in the murders of his wife and son.

The notice of appeal was filed in the Colleton County Courthouse by his attorneys, Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin.

The short, two sentence notice states, Richard Alexander Murdaugh appeals his convictions and sentences.

The disbarred former Hampton County attorney, who was a volunteer solicitor, was found guilty of the brutal double murders on March 2, 2023. After a six-week trial the jury returned the verdicts in just three hours.

Two sentences of life without parole were imposed by Judge Clifton Newman the next day. Newman ordered them to be served concurrently.

In South Carolina, a notice of appeal must be filed within ten days of a sentence being imposed.

Murdaugh maintained his innocence in the murder of his wife and son throughout the trial.

I respect this court but Im innocent. I would never, under any circumstances hurt my wife, Maggie, and I would never under any circumstances hurt my son Pau Pau, Murduagh said at sentencing.

This is a breaking news story. Check back here for updates.
APTOPIX Murdaugh Killings (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Alex Murdaugh has left himself with no escape from a lifetime behind bars after he admitted to a string of financial crimes under oath at his murder trial.

Murdaugh was found guilty of murdering his wife Maggie and son Paul at the familys $4m Moselle estate in Islandton and has been sentenced to life in prison in South Carolina.

Despite his conviction, Murdaugh continues to profess his innocence  even when given a last-ditch chance to confess at his sentencing hearing.

His legal team of State Senator Dick Harpootlian and friend Jim Griffin have already vowed to fight the guilty verdict, by appealing the case all the way up to the US Supreme Court.

But, as prominent attorney Duncan Levin told The Independent this week, it wont make any difference.

For one, Mr Levin is doubtful an appeal would be successful.

I dont see any basis for an appeal. When he took the stand he erased any real chance of error as he said it in his own words, said the former assistant district attorney in the Manhattan DAs office and prominent criminal defence attorney at Levin & Associates who has represented clients including Harvey Weinstein and Anna Delvey.

And secondly, even if an appeal were successful, Mr Levin said that Murdaugh has sentenced himself to life in prison after implicating himself in a slew of financial fraud crimes.

He will spend the rest of his life in prison  theres no getting out of this at this point, he said.

Not only has he been convicted of two heinous murders, but he has also implicated himself in financial crimes to give himself a lifetime in prison.

Separate from the murder case, Murdaugh is facing a staggering 99 charges - punishable by up to 700 years in prison - for stealing at least $8.7m from settlements from dozens of legal clients he represented through his law firm PMPED.

Alex Murdaugh is cross examined by prosecutor Creighton Waters (AP)

The alleged schemes date back as far as 2011. They are detailed in a collection of 19 separate indictments in cases that have not yet gone to trial, but the crimes surfaced as a motive during his double murder trial.

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Prosecutors said that Murdaugh killed his wife and son to distract from his financial crimes which were on the brink of being exposed.

When Murdaugh then took the witness stand to testify in his own defence, he confessed to stealing from PMPED and at least 18 law firm clients.

These confessions  while testifying under oath  are likely to now have major ramifications in the fraud cases.

He had to admit to committing other crimes in his testimony and thats part of the problem with him testifying, said Mr Levin.

At this time hes already facing two life sentences.

Having worked as a defence lawyer on numerous high-profile cases, Mr Levin said it was certainly unusual to see a defendant confess to other crimes on the stand.

But then most people are not engaged in a lifetime of pervasive crime so its an unusual situation where he is not only facing double murders charges but also a slew of financial crimes lasting a lifetime, he said.

So it is unusual [to confess to other crimes on the stand] but everything about this case is unusual.

Incriminating himself in a string of financial fraud crimes isnt the only reason that Murdaughs decision to testify was a colossal mistake, said the legal expert.

Buster, Maggie, Paul and Alex Murdaugh left to right (Maggie Murdaugh/Facebook)

Mr Levin described Murdaughs move to take the witness stand like navigating a field of landmines given the other crimes and lies he was confronted with under cross-examination.

I thought it was a colossal mistake in this case for him to take the stand, he said.

First off he had to acknowledge lying to investigators about his whereabouts on the night of the murders.

He also had to acknowledge years upon years of deceit and lies to his clients from whom he stole hundreds of thousands of dollars.

He looked them in the eyes like he looked jurors in the eyes and lied to them to take their money he had to look jurors in the eyes and say I lied to so many people so many occasions but this one time you should trust me that Im telling the truth.

Mr Levin added: His testimony was an abomination and he actually helped prosecutors convict him.

When he took the stand, Murdaugh confessed to lying about his alibi on the night of the murders.

For the past 20 months, he had claimed that he had never gone to the dog kennels with his wife and son that night.

But he was forced to admit he had lied after jurors were shown a damning cellphone video captured by Paul, which placed Murdaugh at the crime scene minutes before the murders.

Despite the abomination that was his testimony, Mr Levin said he doubts the verdict would have turned out differently even if he hadnt taken the stand given that all evidence pointed to Murdaugh as the killer.

In fact, Mr Levin said he was surprised it took jurors as long as it did to convict him.

The jury spent less than three hours deliberating before returning a unanimous guilty verdict  a timeframe that has led to speculation from some on social media that the panel didnt spend enough time looking at the evidence.

Im surprised it took three hours. I actually predicted one hour, said Mr Levin.

Theres no magic amount of time, he said, defending how long the jurors took.

The jurors paid close attention to the trial over the many weeks. They didnt just have a few hours to consider the evidence  theyve actually been thinking about it and deliberating and considering it for weeks and weeks.
(AP)

Its been over a month since a train carrying hazardous chemicals catastrophically derailed in the small town of East Palestine. Youd be forgiven for sometimes feeling that in the days since, some nefarious cover-up was going on, or that officials and corporate leaders werent always being straight with the public.

Top officials from Norfolk Southern, which owned the train whose nearly 50 cars went off the rails, have skipped multiple town meetings, all while pleading for community trust. There was the bizarre instance of a cable news reporter pushed to the ground and arrested during a news conference with Ohio governor Mike DeWine. There were the weeks when Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg dragged his feet over visiting or even speaking of the accident. There were made-for-TV stunts like officials standing in a kitchen in East Palestine drinking tap water, a political gesture so common and contrived in ongoing disaster scenes one commentator dubbed it the devils milkshake. And of course, there was the indelible image of a black cloud of smoke rising from the crash site, as officials conducted a controlled chemical burn, amid reports of mass animal die-offs and families breaking out in respiratory symptoms.

Even with later assurances that the tests showed local water supplies were safe to drink and the local air had returned to safer contamination levels typical of a normal US city, how could a community like East Palestine possibly feel safe?

Add to that decades of eroding trust in government and science, capped off by a pandemic that further shredded the social fabric, and put this volatile mix of anger, suspicion, and fear on social media, and you have the conditions for another kind of toxic spread: conspiracy theories about the Ohio disaster.

Online, commentators spread unverified claims about cover-ups, poisoned farms, and far-flung impacts well before the facts caught up.

This was a perfect storm, Professor Erik C Nisbet, director of the Center for Communication and Public Policy at Northwestern University, told The Independent.

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But, according to observers, social media also played a vital role in spreading information and helped bring the railway incident, and the numerous corporate and government actors who helped cause the crisis, to the centre of national scrutiny. As a conspiracist and a scientist would agree, when it comes to most things about the Ohio derailment, theres more than meets the eye.

One of the challenges of getting accurate information out there about any industrial accident is managing peoples expectations.

Communication should focus on what officials know, what they do not know, what they are doing about the accident and what they want people in the area to do, Professor Jacqueline Ewart of Griffith University, who researches disaster communication, told The Independent.

A large plume of smoke rises over East Palestine, Ohio, after a controlled detonation of a portion of the derailed Norfolk Southern trains (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Credibility of those delivering messages is essential. The focus should be on the right source providing the right message, at the right time.

Given the rampant speculation and fear about the disaster that has spread through the East Palestine community and online, it seems officials havent quite threaded this needle.

There were legitimate scientific reasons behind decisions like burning off chemicals at the site, and ordering and then concluding evacuations, and there are things the government still doesnt know yet, like the long-term impact of these choices.

Byproducts from the burn could be very toxic and we dont know yet know what they are, Dr Erin Haynes, professor of preventive medicine and environmental health at the University of Kentucky told The Independent. They have probably settled onto the soil. Theyre in the homes on surfaces and they could be in the waterways in the sedimentsWe do not know the long-term consequences of that exposure.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg tours the site on 23 February

It will take detailed, long-term monitoring of a kind that isnt currently being done to monitor this risk, she said.

On the flip side, theres also more research needed on the acute ways those in East Palestine were exposed to contaminants from the derailment, whether they were local residents or first responders, who were sent to put out a fire on the tracks without proper PPE, according to the American Rail System Federation union.

The acute exposure, we dont have a lot of information about, Katie Mauck, a chemistry professor at Kenyon College, said. What was happening in the day days before this fire was put out?

Professor Mauck also points to other lingering questions, and potential for distrust, when it comes to the matter of soil contamination.

We dont know, she said. Im glad residents are asking questions about the soil removal and remediation. Norfolk Southern wanted to leave it where it was.

Rail company officials have skipped multiple community meetings, breeding suspicion from residents in East Palestine (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Eventually, officials ordered the rail carrier to move the soil, which had been reburied in efforts to reopen the train tracks, originally trusting the company to handle the task on its own. Later, the US Environmental Protection Agency stepped in in late February and promised it would monitor the process "from the moment trucks and rail cars are loaded until the waste is safely disposed of.

Such instances, according to Professor Nisbet, the communications expert, further erode public trust.

So much of our regulation environment in this situation is reliant on the bad actor, he said. The initial water testing wasnt done by any governmant agency; it was done by the rail company itself. We have outsourced so much. We rely on the organisation that was potentially culpable for the crisis.

Making matters even more difficult, credible expert voices, bad actors, and concerned citizens alike all were communicating about the situation on the ground on social media, further fracturing perceptions about what was really going on.

Social media can be helpful. It alerts people to a situation. Its a way for widespread dissemination, Dr Haynes of the University of Kentucky said. But because of that it allows widespread dissemination of false information, so it can go both ways. You have to be very cautious when using social media. Fact-check, find the source of that information.

Questions remain about long-term impacts of chemicals released in derailment (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

To people like Nick Drombosky, who has become a prominent source on TikTok for news and commentary about the Ohio train derailment, social media has been the key to making East Palestine a household name.

Mr Drombosky isnt a public health official or environmental scientist. He has scientific knowledge from going to engineering school, but his past ventures in bikes and e-scooters arent related to rail accidents. However, he researches industrial accidents as a hobby, and said he was inspired to start making TikToks about East Palestine in the early days after the derailment because he felt most of the news media wasnt giving enough attention to the story, and if they were, it was with too much credulity and too little scientific literacy.

Generally, the responsible party says they think everything is OK. The press says that everything is OK, so lets go home, he said. When this one happened, it was very clear to me early on that there was more than what everybody was letting on to, just from the fundamental facts of the situation.

Clearly, it struck a nerve. Some of his videos have millions of views.

While The Independent hasnt verified every claim on Mr Dromboskys videos, some of his key concerns matched up with those of outside experts and community members, including questions about the lingering effects of burning off chemicals at the crash site and the need for more scrutiny of soil contamination.

(Professor Mauck, the chemist at Kenyon, reviewed a small selection of Mr Dromboskys videos and said he seemed like a very reasonable guy with a pretty good technical background.)

Some caution against getting any public health or science info online, particularly TikTok, thanks to its rapid proliferation of bad information and algorithmic incentives to post eye-catching content, but Mr Drombosky argues those same criticisms could be levelled at the traditional media.

Anything new, you can just say, its new. Its unproven, he said. We dont know how it works. What I would argue, look at traditional media now. We have networks like Newsmax and OAN and Fox News. These are not news sources. Theyre treated as news sources. Theyre not held up to any sort of journalist standard.

Former President Donald Trump stands next to a pallet of water before delivering remarks at the East Palestine Fire Department station (Getty Images)

If I am saying something thats wrong, not only do you have the ability to correct me, the app would actually love if you corrected me, and they could feed your correction of me to the millions of people who just saw the original, he added.

The TikTok creator pointed to the recent example of how Black Lives Matter protests and the 2020 racial reckoning played out in Pittsburgh, near where he grew up. Without social media, the community wouldve been unaware of aggressive police tactics.

All across the country, networks like Twitter and Facebook were key to sharing videos of police excessive force and publicising protests, all outside the traditional confines of the legacy media.

Others are far more sceptical that social media can cure the information vaccum that decades of distrust in government, extreme political polarisation, and a hollowed out media ecosystem have created.

Professor Nisbet of Northwestern worries about networks like Twitter rolling back their fact-checking policies, and wants to remind information consumers about the self-gratification and reinforcement of ones existing views thats fed by social media algorithms.

People want certainty, he said. If one source is saying in a measured way, This is what we know and this is what we dont know, and another source is proving certainty, they might gravitate to that source, because they have that need. It can be false information, but it provides a sense of certainty.

Others, like Professor Mauck, take more of a middle ground, seeing the risks and rewards of social medias integral place in the public conversation after the derailment.

I think Twitter for me, especially throughout the pandemic and now with this derailment, has been such a great source for direct information, she says. But youve got to be smart about where youre getting the information from. One challenge is that we have is how social media has been splintered. Everybody is getting things from different sources. Were at the mercy of algorithms. Having that media literacy has become more difficult. TikTok is a prime place where that can happen in terms of somebody said something and you take it at a face value.

Further, she argues, social media has been really foundational to the change that has been spurred because of this disaster.

And until that change starts to slow down the more than 1,000 train derailments a year in America, the fissures in public trust and media credibility exposed in East Palestine only seem set to deepen. People might not agree on who can be trusted, but something is fundamentally broken when millions of Americans believe those in power cant be.
By Allison Lampert

(Reuters) -The union representing American Airlines pilots will take a strike authorization vote in April, underscoring a broader push by North American pilots to make gains on salary and working conditions as air traffic increases sharply.

The vote announced by the union on Thursday will conclude on April 30 and follows Delta Air Lines pilots ratifying a new contract earlier this month that includes $7 billion in cumulative increases in pay and benefits over four years.

The deal is widely seen to be a benchmark for contract negotiations at rival U.S. carriers.

"Management must understand that they need to demonstrate the same level of commitment to bargaining that other airline management teams have shown in recent months," the Allied Pilots Association said in a bulletin to members.

In an emailed statement on Thursday, the Texas-based carrier said it looks "forward to reaching an agreement with APA quickly so that Americans pilots can benefit from meaningful enhancements to their pay and quality of life."

Even if the union gets a mandate, it would be very hard for pilots to walk off the job because of a complex labor process in the United States that makes it difficult for airline workers to strike.

The union, which represents more than 14,500 pilots at American Airlines, said it is "cautiously optimistic of managements commitments and presence at the table," but called the next few weeks critical.

Earlier this week American's chief executive said the carrier is prepared to match the pay rates and profit-sharing formula that rival Delta provided in its new contract.

Some airline executives are concerned that hefty pilot pay raises will inflate fixed costs and make it tougher to repair debt-laden balance sheets.

(Reporting By Allison Lampert in MontrealEditing by Grant McCool)
DALLAS (AP)  The CEO of American Airlines says he is ready to give pilots raises and higher retirement contributions that would average 40% over four years to match a contract recently approved by pilots at Delta Air Lines.

By the end of the agreement, Robert Isom said in a video to pilots, a top-scale captain on a plane like a Boeing 737 would make $475,000 a year in salary and retirement-plan contributions, while a senior captain on a larger plane such as a Boeing 777 would earn $590,000 a year.

On Thursday, the Allied Pilots Association said its board voted unanimously to open a strike center and survey members on authorizing a walkout.

Union spokesman Dennis Tajer said the strike vote has been contemplated for several months as a contingency in the event that a deal is not reached. He said it is crucial to get a deal before the summer travel season.

The strike-authorization vote will be largely symbolic because federal law makes it nearly impossible for airline unions to conduct legal strikes. However, it illustrates the leverage enjoyed by the best-paid workers in the airline industry. Airlines have struggled with pilot shortages since they encouraged thousands to take early retirement when travel collapsed early in the pandemic.

The Fort Worth, Texas-based airline thought it had a deal with pilots in November, but the union's board rejected a tentative agreement that would have raised pay by nearly 20% after two years.

Delta pilots, who are represented by a different union, ratified a contract last week that will boost pay a cumulative 34% over four years. They also enjoy better profit-sharing benefits than pilots at other airlines.

The Delta deal was stunning  Isom called it unprecedented in the history of collective bargaining. It put immediate pressure on American, United and Southwest, which are still in negotiations with their pilots, to match Delta's terms.

In a video that American sent to pilots on Tuesday, Isom pledged that pilots and other employees will be paid well, and they will be paid competitively.

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Isom offered pilots pay raises averaging 21% in the first year of a new contract and a new profit-sharing plan and higher 401(k) retirement contributions in the second year. The combination of higher pay and contributions would lead to the top-scale compensation figures he gave of $475,000 and $590,000 a year.

He said the proposed pay deal would cost American $7 billion over four years.

The CEO also promised to improve the airline's crew-scheduling practices, which are a subject of much complaining among pilots.

Sarah Jantz, a spokeswoman for American, said the airline believes that "a deal is within reach and can be negotiated expeditiously.
Mexicos violence is no joke  and the recent kidnapping and killing of U.S. citizens proves it.

The violence is nothing new for Mexicans left to pick up a trail of bodies during the past two decades.

But Americans have mostly been left alone in that raging war, seemingly because the cartels know that messing with U.S. citizens is bad for business.

Last Friday, people on both sides of the border were stunned when four U.S. citizens were snatched at gun point when they crossed the border into Matamoros in the state of Tamaulipas just across from Brownsville, Texas.

A white minivan with North Carolina plates and several bullet holes, at the crime scene where gunmen kidnapped four U.S. citizens who crossed into Mexico from Texas on March 3, 2023.

Now we know that two of them were killed and a third was injured. On Tuesday, the two Americans found alive were transported back to the United States.

Biden touts immigration ideals: When will he protect Dreamers like me from deportation?

No human should face this kind of violence

Images of the shooting and abduction in broad daylight  and the subsequent search that led authorities to discover the two bodies  are a grotesque display of the impunity that reins in Mexico and how Americans tiptoe around those dangers.

Details are still scant about the Americans trek into Mexico.

Authorities had said that it appears the kidnapping was a case of mistaken identity. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador quickly mobilized various law enforcement sectors to find them, prompting Mexicans to lament that he doesnt do that for his own people caught in the cartel wars.

Today, the Big Three US broadcast networks (CBS, ABC, NBC) featured prominently the news out of Mexico in their evening newscasts.



 This is a VERY rare occurrence. pic.twitter.com/9GgABvW19j  Jose Diaz Briseno (@diazbriseno) March 7, 2023

Mexican officials said they arrested a 24-year-old who was guarding the house where the Americans were held but wouldnt say whether he was linked to organized crime.

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Tamaulipas Attorney General Irving Barrios Mojica told journalists that the Gulf Cartel operates in the region.

A drug war also has been raging on the region, prompting the United States to recently issue a travel advisory.

Mexican soldiers prepare a search mission for four U.S. citizens kidnapped by gunmen in Matamoros on March 6, 2023.

Details will keep emerging, and Mexico better get to the bottom of this horrific crime. No human being should face that kind of violence.

Is Mexico travel safe?: What to know about visiting Cabo, Cancun, Playa del Carmen and more

The Latino State of the Union: Biden has done a lot for us, but fails on immigration

The USA cannot ignore the drug problem in Mexico

Americans are understandably shocked and horrified.

Mexico is Americas main economic trade partner, and tons of U.S. citizens flock to the southern border for cheaper doctors visits and medicine.

Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store.

This kidnapping is more than alarming. Its a wake-up call to stop ignoring the horrific violence raging south of the border and dismissing it as Mexicos problem.

And no, this doesnt mean the United Stats should invade Mexico militarily, as some conservatives propose, or that the border must be shut completely.

Its time to stop polarizing the border and the drug trafficking just to score political points and get serious about pooling resources to combat these problems.

Our lives depend on it.

Elvia Diaz is editorial page editor for The Arizona Republic and azcentral, where this originally published. Follow her on Twitter: @elviadiaz1

You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page, on Twitter @usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter. To respond to a column, submit a comment to letters@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Mexico kidnapping is wakeup call for US  just not the one you think
By Gopal Sharma

KATHMANDU (Reuters) - Amid a bitter crisis in its ruling coalition, Nepal on Thursday elected a social democrat as its third president since the Himalayan nation ended a centuries-old monarchy.

The election of Ram Chandra Paudel, 78, comes after a split in the communist-dominated ruling coalition headed by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, a former Maoist rebel chief.

Last month, Dahal supported Paudel, a candidate of the opposition Nepali Congress party, over one fielded by his key coalition partner, the Communist Unified Marxist-Leninist (UML) party.

UML has since withdrawn support to the prime minister, requiring him to face a confidence vote this month.

Dahal is expected to cobble together a new coalition with the Nepali Congress party and other smaller groups in the next two weeks, party officials said.

He is already in the midst of another crisis, as the Supreme Court will hear a petition demanding his arrest and an investigation into his leadership during a decade-long civil war that killed thousands of people before it ended in 2006.

State-run Nepal Television said Paudel, a former speaker of parliament, was elected by a majority of 566 members of both houses of parliament and members of seven provincial assemblies, defeating his rival Subas Chandra Nemwang of the UML party.

The president is required to play a largely ceremonial role, though it can play a key function during political crises.

Analysts say the biggest challenge for the new president is to maintain an impartial constitutional role.

"The president is not supposed to independently act, nor be a separate power centre," constitutional expert Bipin Adhikari said. "In most cases the president is supposed to act on the recommendation and with the consent of the prime minister."

Paudel, a seasoned politician, replaces Bidhya Devi Bhandari, who retires next week at the end of her five-year term.

(Reporting by Gopal Sharma; editing by Sudipto Ganguly, William Maclean)
By Diane Bartz and Mike Scarcella

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department's complaint aimed at stopping JetBlue Airways Corp from buying rival discount carrier Spirit Airlines Inc will force the companies to explain why very high market shares on some routes will not mean higher prices for consumers.

The government filed the lawsuit on Tuesday, saying the planned $3.8 billion acquisition "will lead to higher fares and fewer seats, harming millions of consumers on hundreds of routes."

The U.S. Justice Department argued JetBlue was losing its reputation as a maverick, low-price carrier as it grew and that Spirit was poised to expand, posing a bigger threat to other airlines.

It also said JetBlue and Spirit were "especially close and fierce head-to-head competitors" on such routes as Boston to Miami/Fort Lauderdale, where they had about half the market and Boston to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where they had nearly 90%.

In court, JetBlue is expected to argue that the deal would create a sort of super-maverick that would at least slow price increases in the sector. It will likely reiterate it has just 9% of the national market and point to planned asset sales in Boston and elsewhere as a way to resolve antitrust concerns.

JetBlue will face "an uphill battle" as it fights the government," said Diana Moss, president of the American Antitrust Institute. She added that showing an airline merger is illegal is "not rocket science."

"It's a solid complaint. Whether they win or not - goodness, who knows," agreed Bill Kovacic, a former chair of the Federal Trade Commission.

Several legal experts interviewed stopped short of saying which side they thought would prevail in court.

Analysts have said the lawsuit has cast a chill over future airline deals, at least during the Biden administration, but companies will still kick the tires on deals as they push for growth and to manage costs.

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The fact that JetBlue and Spirit are relatively small players in the U.S. airline market compared with American Airlines Group Inc, Delta Air Lines Inc, Southwest Airlines Co and United Airlines Holdings Inc, which have 80% of the market, could make it hard for the government to argue the merger would lead to higher prices, said Benjamin Dryden, an antitrust attorney with the law firm Foley & Lardner.

Dryden also said JetBlue should focus on its divestiture offer. JetBlue has said it plans to sell Spirit gates, takeoff and landing rights and some related facilities at Boston Logan, LaGuardia, Newark Liberty and the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, airport.

Merging parties, including UnitedHealth Group Inc's acquisition of Change Healthcare, have had some successes in convincing judges to rule against the government on the grounds that the proposed asset sale resolves the issue.

"If I'm JetBlue, that's where I focus right now, developing that divestiture offer and lining up a buyer to 'litigate the fix,'" said Dryden.

Another potential argument, said Dryden, would be that two price-slashing carriers will do a better job of making the big legacy carriers sweat if they work together.

Whatever arguments JetBlue uses, a court fight could last six to eight months and cost tens of millions of dollars in attorney fees, legal experts said.

Bill Baer, head of the Justice Department's antitrust division under former President Barack Obama, said the government's complaint "shows that there is meaningful competition between Spirit and JetBlue."

"JetBlue brags about the 'JetBlue effect,' where they enter a market and fares tend to go down," he said. "But they see the same thing where Spirit enters, and it worries them."

(Reporting by Diane Bartz and Mike Scarcella in Washington; Additional reporting by Rajesh Kumar Singh in Chicago and David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Ben Klayman and Matthew Lewis)
A member of the Mexican security forces stands next to a white minivan with North Carolina plates and several bullet holes, at the crime scene where gunmen kidnapped four U.S. citizens who crossed into Mexico from Texas, Friday, March 3, 2023. AP

A friend of the four kidnapped Americans in Mexico traveled all the way to Texas with the group.

But the woman told police she stayed behind at a hotel in Texas because she didn't have her ID.

Four American friends were abducted last week by armed men after crossing the border in Mexico.

A friend of the four Americans shot at and kidnapped by gunmen in Northern Mexico in a deadly encounter traveled all the way to Texas with the group but didn't cross the border into Mexico with them because she did not have her identification.

Cheryl Orange traveled with pals Eric Williams, Zindell Brown, Latavia McGee, and Shaeed Woodard in a rented white minivan from South Carolina to the southern edge of Texas last week, Orange told authorities, according to a police report obtained by Insider.

Orange told police that she never crossed into Matamoros, Mexico, a town near the Rio Grande and the southern US border with Brownsville, Texas, with her friends on Friday morning because she left behind her ID.

That allowed Orange to ultimately avoid the terrifying abduction that left Woodard and Brown dead.

Orange hung back at a Motel 6 in Brownsville, Texas. She told The Associated Press in a text message that three of her pals were supposed to return within 15 minutes after they dropped off McGee for cosmetic surgery in Matamoros.

Family members have told news outlets that McGee planned to get a tummy-tuck procedure in Matamoros.

"She simply went for a cosmetic surgery, and that's it. That's all, and this happened to them," Orange told the AP.

Orange's four friends were ambushed after driving the minivan into Matamoros, the FBI has said.

"Shortly after crossing into Mexico, unidentified gunmen fired upon the passengers in the vehicle," the FBI said, adding that the four Americans were then "placed in a vehicle and taken from the scene by armed men."

Orange said she grew alarmed after hours passed and she did not hear from her pals, so she eventually alerted the police, according to the AP.

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Woodard and Brown were later found dead, while Williams and McGee were found alive on Tuesday.

Officers with the Brownsville Police Department in Texas were called on Saturday at 12:40 p.m. local time to a local Motel 6 where Orange had been staying. Police said in their report that Orange "appeared to be worried and nervous" at the time.

Orange told authorities that her friends left the motel at 8 a.m. on Friday for Matamoros where McGee was supposed to get a surgery, according to the police report.

"She stated that she has not heard from them since," said the police report, which noted that Orange "tried calling their cell phones," but the sound was "turned off."

Orange told police that McGee is the sister of Williams and Woodard.

Brown's sister, Zalandria Brown, previously told the AP that her brother was worried about crossing the border.

"Zindell kept saying, 'We shouldn't go down,'" the sister told the news outlet in a phone interview.

Meanwhile, Williams' wife, Michelle Williams, told WBTW that she had no clue her husband was headed to Mexico.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally at a special session of the Tennessee Senate on October 27, 2021. Mark Humphrey/AP Photo

The Tennessee Lt. Gov. was left heart and fire emojis on a young man's erotic Instagram posts.

He recently presided over the passage of a bill that bans the performance of drag in public.

A spokesperson said he may not have used the "proper emoji" but "has no intention of stopping."

Tennessee Lieutenant Gov. Randy McNally, a staunch Republican who recently presided over the passage of two bills targeting the transgender community, left a series of complimentary comments on a young gay man's racy Instagram posts.

The Tennessee Holler first reported the lawmaker's comments on Wednesday, revealing that McNally left messages with heart and flame emojis on a series of photos of a barely-clothed 20-year-old man named Franklyn McClur, who said McNally, 79, had been following him on social media for a few years.

"I just thought he was older and out of touch. I've always taken it as a compliment," McClur told the outlet. "I don't dislike him or think he's a bad person, he's one of the only people who has consistently uplifted me and made me feel good."

As president of Tennessee's state Senate, McNally recently presided over the passage of two bills that ban gender-affirming health care for minors and restrict the performance of drag in public.

Asked about the comments by Action News 5, a spokesperson for McNally issued a statement confirming that the politician made the comments and characterizing them as an innocent use of social media by an elderly man.

"As anyone in Tennessee politics knows, Lt. Governor McNally is a prolific social media commenter," the spokesperson said. "Does he always use the proper emoji at the proper time? Maybe not."

The spokesperson added that McNally "enjoys interacting with constituents and Tennesseans of all religions, backgrounds, and orientations" and "has no intention of stopping."

Read the original article on Business Insider
(Bloomberg) -- AirPods maker GoerTek Inc.s Vietnam business chief is leaving the company, days after the executive outlined how Apple Inc.s Chinese suppliers are likely to move capacity out of the country far faster than anticipated to pre-empt fallout from escalating Beijing-Washington tensions.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Deputy Chairman Kazuyoshi Yoshinaga is departing for personal reasons, the Chinese firm said in a brief exchange filing, without elaborating. He didnt respond to messages seeking comment.

Apples suppliers rarely comment on its thinking, in part because of the US companys famous insistence on secrecy across its global supply chain. Yoshinaga didnt disclose Apples strategy or plans to Bloomberg News. Instead, he described how big US names are pressuring their Chinese suppliers to explore alternative production bases beyond the country, such as India and Vietnam.

Read more: Apple Suppliers Are Racing to Exit China, AirPods Maker Says

The expanding conflict between the US and China  which began with a trade war but expanded to encompass sweeping bans on the exchange of chips and capital  is spurring a rethink of the electronics industrys decades-old supply chain. The worlds reliance on the Asian nation became starkly clear during the Covid Zero years, when Beijings restrictions choked off the supply of everything from phones to cars.

The iPhone maker itself has kept mum on whether it plans to diversify out of China, which would entail revamping a model Tim Cook pioneered under Steve Jobs before taking over as chief executive officer. The US giant has been careful to avoid suggestions it might reduce its investment in a country where its built an ecosystem centered on companies such as GoerTek and Foxconn Technology Group, which collectively employ millions.

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GoerTek for its part is investing an initial $280 million in a new Vietnam plant while considering an India expansion, Yoshinaga said during last months interview.

--With assistance from Nguyen Xuan Quynh, John Boudreau and Gao Yuan.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
It was reported upon Archie's birth that the couple had chosen not to give him a title, but Meghan disputed this in her 2021 sit down with Oprah. (Getty Images)

What's happening? Harry and Meghans two children, Archie and Lilibet, are now using their titles of Prince and Princess.

They automatically came into the title when King Charles took the throne last September due to a letters patent from 1917, though Lilibets christening was the first time she has been referred to as a 'princess'.

A statement from the couple on Wednesday night said: The childrens titles have been a birthright since their grandfather became Monarch. This matter has been settled for some time in alignment with Buckingham Palace.

There has been much speculation as to what, if any, title the Sussex children would use. During their controversial interview with Oprah in 2021, Meghan said it was not the couples decision to make.

While she insisted the grandeur associated with titles wasnt important, she said she was worried Archie, who was nearly two at the time, might not be guaranteed security without one.

She also said she was concerned at the idea of the first member of colour in this family not being titled in the same way that other grandchildren would be.

The titles, which have been added to the official Royal Family website, have attracted a lot of discussion. Yahoo UK explains what's being said about the move, and why there's so much speculation about whose decision it was.

The updated line of succession with Archie and Lilibet's new titles on the official Royal Family website. (Royal.uk)

'In line with precedent'

In an exclusive published earlier on Thursday, Hello! magazine said that the decision of titles for the Sussex children was made before Harry's memoir Spare was released, jointly with the palace.

"The issue was resolved was resolved between both sides before the new year", the report said, as well as confirming the title of prince and princess will only be used for formal occasions.

Chris Ship for ITV noted that Buckingham Palace said the "Lilibets title [is] in line with the 1917 precedent created by letters patent issued by George V [...] Means the Sussexs children have been able to use them since Kings accession.

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The letters patent created in 1917, which Ship referenced, conferred the style of prince or princess on all male-line grandchildren of the sovereign.

Newsweek have noted that "Charles' monarchy appears to be offering an olive branch" to the Sussexes with the titles.

King Charles and Prince Harry agreed on royal titles for Archie and Lilibet before Spare was published (Hello, 3 min)

When Archie and Lilibet were first born - and before Queen Elizabeth died - they didn't have a title, instead were simply called 'Master' and 'Miss'. (Getty Images)

Was it Harry and Meghan's decision?

Some reports have framed the decision to use the titles of Prince and Princess for the children as being Meghan and Harry's.

TMZ said the couple "have now made their heart's desire clear  they want their kids to be recognised as tied to the throne" and King Charles is "honouring" this wish.

Richard Palmer, the royal correspondent for the Daily Express, tweeted that: "The palace will respect the wishes of the Sussexes and call Archie and Lilibet Prince and Princess now that the Sussexes have expressed a preference."

Daily Mail diary editor Richard Eden said it was "fascinating" the couple had chosen to use the title Princess in their daughter's christening announcement.

"It's fascinating that Prince Harry and Meghan's spokesman is using the title 'Princess' for Lilibet. My understanding was that King Charles needed to issue letters patent before they were allowed to do so. Has His Majesty done this?"

In formal settings, Harry and Meghan's children Archie and Lilibet will be referred to as prince and princess. (Getty Images)

'Laughable hypocrisy'

Since revealing they will be using the titles in formal settings, Meghan and Harry have inevitably attracted some criticism.

Piers Morgan  not their biggest fan  called it "laughable hypocrisy". He tweeted: "Imagine spending years trashing the royals as a bunch of cruel privileged racists trapped in a terrible prison of an institution  and then demanding to call your daughter Princess? Even by Meghan & Harry standards, just laughable hypocrisy."

Dan Wootton also criticised the use of titles, calling it "baffling", saying: "They hate everything about the institution of the monarchy and are trying to bring it down, yet still want to push it on their very Californian daughter."

Jan Moir writing for Mail Plus, said that despite wishing "this tiny little girl all the best in life", Meghan and Harry wanted to "cling on to the titles and the prestige the way a limpet clings on to the teak hull of a royal yacht".

I thought they wanted nothing to do with rotten Windsors! (Daily Mail Plus, 4 min)

Although Harry and Meghan haven't seen the Royal Family since Queen Elizabeth's funeral, it is reported that they decided alongside the King about the titles around new year. (Getty Images)

'Better late than never'

It isn't all criticism, however. Omid Scobie  writing for Harpers Bazaar  called it "better late than never" when reporting on the official update to the line of succession on the Royal Family's website which will reflect the titles that Archie and Lilibet have had a right to use since September.

Buckingham Palace to Update Sussex Childrens Titles (Harpers Bazaar, 3 min)

Watch: Why Prince Charles admitted to his affair - and how the world reacted
By Alvise Armellini

ROME (Reuters) - A group representing victims of child abuse in Argentina is calling on Pope Francis, a fellow Argentine, to invite it to the Vatican to hear their grievances.

Clerical sex abuse and cover-up scandals have for decades rocked the nearly 1.38-billion-member Roman Catholic Church, undercutting its moral authority and taking a toll on membership and coffers.

"We sent him a letter, we declared ourselves open to dialogue and meetings, but in 10 years of papacy ... he has not made the public gesture of summoning us," Sebastian Cuattromo told Reuters in Rome on Thursday.

The Vatican press office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Pope Francis marks the 10th anniversary of his election on March 13. As pope, he has pledged "irreversible" action against clerical abuse. He has also acknowledged mistakes on the issue, most notably after a 2018 trip to Chile in which he initially stood by a bishop accused of sex crimes against minors.

Cuattromo, who was abused by a priest while attending a Catholic school in Buenos Aires, travelled to Rome with the other co-founder of his group, called Adults for the rights of children, in hopes of meeting the pope.

He said he was disappointed by the general attitude of the Argentine Catholic Church.

Cuattromo reported his abuser to the school, along with another victim. According to Bishopaccountability.org, a website that tracks church sex abuse cases, they received $40,000 each in compensation, in return for their silence.

He changed his mind in 2002, denouncing the priest to civilian authorities, leading to a conviction and 12 years' imprisonment.

At that time he also flagged the case to the Archbishopric of Buenos Aires, then led by Francis under his previous title of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio. Cuattromo said he was referred to Bergoglio's secretary and then to a deputy bishop who he said told him that the Argentine Church leadership backed the school.

There was no immediate response to a request for comment from representatives of the Catholic Church in Argentina.

(Reporting by Alvise Armellini in Rome; Additional reporting by Lucila Sigal in Buenos Aires; Editing by Frances Kerry)
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP)  The Arkansas House sent the GOP governor a bill Wednesday to make it easier to sue doctors who provide gender-affirming treatment to minors, moving to effectively reinstate the state's blocked ban on such care.

The office of Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said she backs the malpractice bill, which overwhelmingly passed the majority-Republican House on a mostly party-line vote.

"The governor has said that she supports bills that protect our kids and will support legislation like this that does just that, spokeswoman Alexa Henning said in an email. Only in the far-lefts woke vision of America is it not appropriate to protect children.

The House-passed bill would allow anyone who received gender-affirming care as a minor to file a malpractice lawsuit against their doctor for up to 15 years after they turn 18. Under current Arkansas law, medical malpractice claims must be filed within two years of what the law refers to as an injury.

The proposal is the latest in a growing number of bills targeting transgender people, who also face increasingly hostile rhetoric at statehouses. At least 175 bills targeting trans people have been introduced in statehouses so far this year, the most in a single year, according to the Human Rights Campaign.

Passing this bill says to one of our most vulnerable communities in the state that we dont care about you, Democratic Rep. Tippi McCullough, the House minority leader, said. It says to trans kids that just because youre different than us, you dont deserve to be protected or cared for.

The measure advanced as a federal judge is considering whether to strike down a state law he's temporarily blocked that would prohibit doctors from providing gender-affirming hormone therapy or puberty blockers to anyone under 18  or referring them to other doctors who can provide that care. No gender-affirming surgery is performed on minors in the state.

Health experts have said minors with gender dysphoria who do not receive appropriate care face dramatically increased risk of suicide and serious depression.

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Legal experts said that Arkansas' malpractice proposal, which other states are considering as part of broader bans on transgender care for children, would be a major change for how most malpractice claims are considered. By expanding the liability that doctors face for providing such care, the bill could make it nearly impossible for some providers to get malpractice insurance.

Opponents of the measure called the malpractice provision unconstitutional, saying it discriminates against transgender youth the same way Arkansas' blocked ban did.

It is exceedingly likely that the state will yet again lose a case involving our ongoing assault on this tiny, vulnerable group of kids, Democratic Rep. Ashley Hudson said before the vote.

The House approved the bill on a 76-17 vote, largely along party lines, with one Republican lawmaker voting against the bill. Another GOP lawmaker voted present, which has the same effect as voting against the bill.

Republican Rep. Mary Bentley, House sponsor of the bill, said it provides much needed safeguards before life-altering medical treatment can begin.

Other bills advancing through Arkansas' Legislature include a bill that would criminalize transgender adults using a restroom that matches their gender identity if a minor is present.

Arkansas was the first state to enact a ban on gender-affirming care for children with its 2021 law, and several states since then have followed suit. Another ban in Alabama has also been blocked temporarily by a federal judge. Nearly every major medical group, including the American Medical Association, has opposed such bans.
A still from a YouTube video by Arnold Schwarzenegger uploaded on March 7 2023. Arnold Schwarzenegger/YouTube

Arnold Schwarzenegger described how his father felt like a "loser" after serving in the Nazi Party.

The former actor and Californian governor made an impassioned video warning about antisemitism.

Men like his father were "riddled with guilt" for the rest of their lives after WW2, he said.

Arnold Schwarzenegger described how his father was "broken" by guilt after the fall of Nazi Germany, in an impassioned video warning about the rise of antisemitism.

The actor and former governor of California published a 12-minute address on YouTube on Tuesday, saying: "I don't want to preach to the choir here."

Instead, he said, he wanted to address people who might be straying into antisemitic conspiracy theories and other forms of hate.

"I want you to know where that path ends," he said.

For his father, it ended with a lifetime of guilt and anguish, he added.

Schwarzenegger's father, Gustav, served as a member of the Nazi Party's paramilitary, colloquially known as the brownshirts. He ended up as one of "the broken men that I was surrounded by when I grew up in Austria after the Second World War," Schwarzenegger said.

"You know, they drank to numb their pain," the Terminator actor continued. "Their bodies were riddled with injuries and shrapnel from the eve of war, and their hearts and their minds were equally riddled with guilt."

"But besides the guilt and the injuries, they felt like losers," he said.

"In the end, it didn't really matter why they joined [the Nazi Party]. They were all broken in the same way."

Schwarzenegger's video comes amid multiple warnings of a rise in antisemitism and other forms of hate in the US.

A survey by the American Jewish Committee in fall 2022 found that 82% of American Jews say antisemitism has increased in the last five years. Meanwhile, the Anti-Defamation League noted a 34% increase in antisemitic incidents in the US in 2021, PBS reported.

Schwarzenegger has previously drawn on his father's dark history. After the January 6 Capitol riot in 2021, he appealed to extremists to avoid his father's fate. In August 2021, as the COVID-19 pandemic continued to ravage the US, he wrote an op-ed that scolded people for comparing mask and vaccine mandates to fascism.

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And soon after Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Schwarzenegger made a direct appeal to Russian citizens. Drawing comparisons with WW2, he urged them not to fall for Kremlin propaganda in the same way his father was taken in by Hitler and his allies.

Schwarzenegger, who was a bodybuilder before becoming an actor and politician, visited the Auschwitz concentration camp last year. After his visit he said that "the weight on your back hits you at the very beginning, heavier than any squat I've ever done."

Read the original article on Insider
Mar. 8The student performances and fine arts series (FAS) events are open to the public. The fine arts series events are free of charge this year, no tickets required.

Music: March 8, 7:30 p.m., free; voice recital, celebrating International Women's Day. "Pathmarking" will feature works by American women composers which highlight the societal contributions and ideas of women who have created a pathway for those who follow.

Pieces by composer Rosephanye Powell celebrate the lineage of Phillis Wheatley, America's first African-American poet, and four art songs which re-imagine African-American spiritual texts.

Patrice Michaels wrote a cycle of nine songs that serve in painting a portrait of the life and career of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, highlighting issues of gender and race equity, specifically.

There will be three choral works for treble voices performing the poetry of Nikita Gill and Margaret Walker, and the words of Malala Yousafzai, set with strength, conviction, and fire by composers Melissa Dunphy, Andrea Ramsey, and Joan Szymko.

A pre-concert talk by Dr. Denise Odello will be held at 6:45 p.m.

FAS, Artrageous: April 13, 7:30 p.m., Student Center, Edson Auditorium, free. A troupe of multi-talented performance artists, world-class singers and recording artists, highly trained dancers, audience motivators, and veteran musicians hailing from the high desert of New Mexico. Their high-energy performance integrates all arts on one stage, combined with humor and interaction in a frenzy of movement and color leaving their audience of all ages singing, dancing, and clapping along.

The student performances and fine arts series (FAS) events are in Escher Auditorium, Gorecki Theatre, Colman Theater or Sacred Heart Chapel on the CSB campus in St. Joseph or the Stephen B. Humphrey Theater, Great Hall or Abbey Church on the SJU campus in Collegeville. Tickets are required for the student theater productions and the Christmas concert. The rest of the student music performances are free. For more information or to purchase tickets call 320-363-5777 or online at

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www.csbsju.edu/expect

.

FAS, The Latehomecomer: March 16-17, 7:30 p.m., Gorecki Theatre; the impossible happens every day in the life of the refugee. Gaosong Heu brings to life the memoir of Minnesota writer Kao Kalia Yang.

FAS, One Man Avengers: March 25, 7:30 p.m., Humphrey Theater; Charlie Ross has created a spot-on send up of a whole universe of favorite films in a hilarious solo show.

FAS, The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain: April 14, 7:30 p.m., Escher Auditorium; the show has been described as a "shopping trolley dash through genres" and guarantees something for everyone, and they do it all with just four strings.
Ashtead Group (LON:AHT) Third Quarter 2023 Results

Key Financial Results

Revenue: US$2.43b (up 21% from 3Q 2022).

Net income: US$380.4m (up 28% from 3Q 2022).

Profit margin: 16% (in line with 3Q 2022).

EPS: US$0.87 (up from US$0.67 in 3Q 2022).

All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period

Ashtead Group Earnings Insights

Looking ahead, revenue is forecast to grow 6.3% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 4.9% growth forecast for the Trade Distributors industry in the United Kingdom.

Performance of the British Trade Distributors industry.

The company's shares are up 4.9% from a week ago.

Risk Analysis

It's still necessary to consider the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 1 warning sign with Ashtead Group, and understanding this should be part of your investment process.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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Police at an airport in Chile that was the target of an attempted heist of over $32 million. Karin Pozo/AFP via Getty Images

Two people died in a shootout during an attempted robbery at an airport in Chile Wednesday.

A group of men tried to steal $32 million as it was transported from a plane to armored trucks.

One alleged robber and one security officer were killed, and two of the vehicles used by the robbers have been destroyed.

An attempted heist was thwarted Wednesday at an airport in Chile after a group of about 10 men tried to steal millions of dollars that were being loaded into armored trucks.

The "highly armed" men allegedly entered Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport in three different vehicles before shooting and killing an airport security officer as they tried to steal approximately $32.5 million, according to CNN Chile. The money was brought into the country from a LATAM Airlines plane arriving from Miami, and set to be transferred to several armed trucks and then taken to banks in the country, CBS News reported.

One of the robbers was also shot and killed in the robbery as a shootout ensured with security officials, per CNN. Two of the vehicles allegedly used in the attempted heist were later found destroyed on a nearby highway.

Video circulating on social media appears to have captured some of the shootout, including the sounds of several gunshots and the image of an armored truck seen driving in the background.

Manuel Monsalve, undersecretary of the Interior, said the "courageous actions" of the security officers  employees of of Chile's Directorate General of Civil Aviation  stopped the attackers from stealing millions, CNN Chile reported.

The incident marks the latest high-profile theft at Chile's largest airport, located in the nation's capital of Santiago, including a 2020 attack where robbers got away with about $15 million, according to the BBC.

DGAC chief Raul Jorquera said there was never any risk to passengers at the airport, adding the incident will likely lead them to change their policies and processes to avoid a similar incident, according to CBS News.

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An officer inspects burnt out vehicles allegedly destroyed by the robbers after the unsuccessful heist. Karin Pozo/AFP via Getty Images

A LATAM spokesperson told Insider the airline "regrets the loss of life resulting from the attempted robbery," adding that it is "working in coordination with the corresponding authorities in order to support their investigations."

While some social media posts have claimed the gunfire resulted in damage to a nearby Delta Airlines plane, a Delta spokesperson told Insider Thursday that the plane was unharmed and returned to Atlanta, its scheduled destination, after several hours of inspection Wednesday night.

"Our hearts go out to the loved ones of those impacted by yesterday's sad events at Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport," the spokesperson said. "Delta will work closely with all aviation stakeholders as these events are investigated. Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and our people."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Two Richmond County men were sentenced to federal prison on Wednesday for a December 2021 shootout that narrowly missed a U.S. Postal Service driver.

Corii Arkeem Bussey, 32, and Darnell Dwight Brown, 30, both of Augusta, were sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to felony charges following the gunfight outside an Augusta convenience store, according to Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.

U.S. District Court Judge Dudley H. Bowen sentenced Bussey to 48 months in prison for assaulting, resisting or impeding a federal employee, and sentenced Brown to 48 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a user of illegal drugs, according to a news release.

Bowen also fined Bussey and Brown $1,500 and ordered them to serve three years of supervised release after completion of their prison terms, according to the release. There is no parole in the federal system.

Its exceptionally fortunate that no one was wounded by this inexcusably reckless exchange of gunfire in broad daylight, said Steinberg. The community will be safer with these gun-carrying criminals off the streets.

Tax fraud:Augusta man convicted of filing $100 million false tax return

EMS update:Augusta is soon to get a new ambulance provider. How we got here

The 2021 shooting

Bussey and Brown met while shopping at an Augusta discount store on Dec. 9, 2021 and had a nonverbal disagreement that ended with Bussey brandishing a gun, according to the release.

A short time later, the two again parked at an Augusta convenience store on either side of a U.S. Postal Service delivery truck, according to the release. Both men pulled out semiautomatic pistols and began firing, with bullets striking the postal service vehicle as the postal employee took shelter on the floorboard for safety.

Bullets also struck Browns car and a nearby tire store, but missed both shooters, the postal carrier and other customers at the convenience store, according to the release. Investigators later recovered 18 shell casings at the site.

Story continues

Both men left the scene, but Richmond County Sheriffs Office investigators later arrested Brown at a relative's home, according to the release. Bussey surrendered to U.S. Marshals in August 2022.

We are grateful for the collaborative investigative work performed by our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorneys Office, said Tommy D. Coke, inspector in charge of the Atlanta Division. One of the top priorities of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is to protect postal employees while they are in the performance of their federal duties. The reckless behavior and poor judgment exercised by these two individuals have resulted in their sentence to serve time behind bars and they will be unable to endanger or harm any other people.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Augusta men sentenced to prison for shootout in December 2021
WASHINGTON (AP)  Australia will purchase U.S.-manufactured, nuclear-powered attack submarines to modernize its fleet, a European official and two people familiar with the matter said Thursday, amid growing concerns about China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

The purchase agreement for up to five Virginia-class submarines will be announced Monday when President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak meet in San Diego for talks on the 18-month-old nuclear partnership known by the acronym AUKUS. The people spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the matter ahead of the announcement.

The AUKUS agreement, announced in 2021, paved the way for Australia to get access to nuclear-powered submarines, which are stealthier and more capable than conventionally powered boats.

We all recognize the imperative of ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific over the long term, Biden said in September 2021 when the partnership was announced. We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it may evolve.

The secretly brokered deal included the Australian government's cancellation of a $66 billion contract for a French-built fleet of conventional submarines, which sparked a diplomatic row within the Western alliance that took months to mend.

The European official said France had been briefed on the terms of the purchase agreement. Biden spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, the White House said, adding that they discussed the cooperation between the United States and France in the Indo-Pacific region.

The submarines, which cost $3 billion each, are built at shipbuilding plants in Virginia and Connecticut. Under the terms of the agreement, subs would eventually also be built in the U.K. and in Australia with U.S. technology and support, the person familiar with the matter said. The initial plans called for all of the subs to be constructed in Adelaide, Australia.

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The U.S. would also step up its port visits in Australia to provide the country with more familiarity with the nuclear-powered technology.

While relations between the U.S. and France have recovered over the submarine deal, the French continue to convey concerns that the deal could potentially be used by China as an excuse to stretch the boundaries of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and deliver sensitive technologies to adversaries of the West, according to the European official. The official added that France has urged the three AUKUS alliance members to be mindful of the issue as they proceed.

China has argued that the AUKUS deal is in violation of the treaty, arguing that transfer of nuclear weapons materials from a nuclear-weapon state to a non-nuclear-weapon state is blatant violation of the spirit of the pact. Australian officials have pushed back against the criticism, arguing that it is looking to acquire nuclear-power and not nuclear-armed submarines.

The White House declined to comment on the submarine purchase ahead of the planned meeting on Monday.
By Alasdair Pal

SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australia will drop the requirement for travellers arriving from China to test for COVID-19 before departure from midnight on March 11, the country's health minister said in a statement on Thursday.

The measures also apply to travellers from Hong Kong and Macau.

This is a sensible, measured decision based on decreasing COVID-19 case numbers in China, regular data updates from China on case numbers, and the fact that we have strengthened our capacity to detect and respond to emerging variants of concern within Australia of international origin, Health Minister Mark Butler said.

Several other countries that implemented similar measures such as the United States, South Korea and Japan have recently either repealed their arrangements or announced an intention to repeal them, he added.

(Reporting by Alasdair Pal in Sydney; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
An Australian submarine. Yuri Ramsey/Australian Defence Force via Getty Images

Australia is expected to buy up to five submarines from the United States as part of a new defense agreement, Reuters reported Wednesday.

The Australian Navy is expected to purchase the Virginia-class nuclear submarines sometime in the 2030s, four sources from the U.S. military told Reuters. Australia will reportedly first purchase three submarines, with the option to buy two more at a later time. The officials also said that the United States would begin deploying some submarines in Western Australia around 2027.

The submarine purchases are part of a new deal called the AUKUS agreement. Described by The Guardian as "a new three-way strategic defense alliance to build a class of nuclear-propelled submarines ... [and] work together in the Indo-Pacific region," the AUKUS agreement was signed between the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia in 2021.

The exact details of the submarine program are expected to be revealed this coming Monday, when President Biden meets with the leaders of Australia and the U.K. in San Diego. Politico reported that Biden will "unveil the first phase of an ambitious three-nation nuclear submarine deal," which has been in the works for the past 18 months as the trio of nations try to come to a defense agreement.

Reuters reported that Australia is planning to outfit the submarines to meet their specifications, with The Guardian reporting that they will implement "British design success" but "will also make heavy use of U.S. technology." However, the submarines will likely not be ready until the late 2030s or early 2040s.

The AUKUS agreement has been controversial due to its perceived walk backs of previous alliances. While the pact is meant to strengthen Pacific defenses against China, France previously had an Australian submarine deal in place that had to be scrapped because of AUKUS.

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By Renju Jose

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia's nuclear submarines will ensure peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific, southeast Asia and Indian Ocean, Defence Minister Richard Marles said on Thursday ahead of a landmark agreement between Washington, Canberra and London.

U.S. President Joe Biden will host Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Monday in San Diego, site of major U.S. Navy operations, to chart a way forward for Australia's plans to obtain nuclear-powered submarines.

"Clearly, these submarines will have the capability to operate at war, but the true intent of this capability is to provide for the stability and for the peace of our region," Marles told parliament.

The agreement, known as the AUKUS pact and announced in 2021, will provide Australia the technology and capability to deploy nuclear-powered submarines amid China's military buildup in the Indo-Pacific region. China "firmly objects" to AUKUS, its foreign ministry said this month.

"It is difficult to overstate the step that as a nation we are about to take ... we have never operated a military capability at this level before," Marles said. "I want to say, at this moment to our neighbours and to our friends around the world that as Australia invests in its defence ... we do so as part of making our contribution to the peace and the stability of our region and of the world."

AUKUS is expected to be Australia's biggest-ever defence project but it has not been announced whether it will involve a U.S. or a British-designed submarine, or a combination of both.

Reuters, citing four U.S. officials, reported on Wednesday Australia was expected to buy up to five U.S. Virginia-class nuclear submarines in the 2030's as part of AUKUS.

Albanese declined to confirm the report.

"I'll be making further comments about specific proposals at the appropriate time but I can confirm that on Monday there will be a meeting of the AUKUS partners," Albanese, on an official trip in India, told reporters in Ahmedabad.

(Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Gerry Doyle)
BOSTON  Drugs that were illegally shipped from Arizona to Milford and Franklin were among more than 17 pounds of illegal substances seized as part of a nationwide drug investigation.

Last month, as part of "Operation Raising Arizona," federal authorities arrested Denise Guyette, 29, of Woonsocket, Rhode Island; Nathan Bodie, 38, of Pawtucket, Rhode Island; and Gerardo Garza, 47, of Yuma, Arizona.

Along with 16 pounds of methamphetamines and 700 grams (more than 1.5 pounds) of fentanyl, authorities seized several "ghost" guns, which are untraceable guns with no serial numbers, usually purchased as parts or with parts made on a 3D printer, and then assembled.

Fentanyl and methamphetamine are serious, lethal threats to the well-being of our communities, U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins said in a release. My office and our law enforcement partners will continue to identify drug traffickers and stop the flow of illegal drugs into Massachusetts where they cause pain and destruction. Drug trafficking frequently intersects with illegal firearms and other criminal conduct. This instance proved no different. Ghost guns were seized as well as a 3D printer we allege was used to print ghost gun parts. It is our contention that this seizure likely saved countless lives.

Some of the methamphetamines federal authorities said they seized as part of "Operation Raising Arizona."

The investigation into the alleged criminal operation, headed by Guyette, began last April. It involved the purchase of large amounts of drugs in Arizona that were then shipped to Massachusetts. Typically, the drugs were hidden in children's toys or other child-related items, according to an affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Boston.

According to the affidavit, a shipment was sent from Arizona to Milford on May 18. Federal authorities obtained a warrant to seize the package. Inside there was a birthday card, children's clothing, a Disney blanket and a Disney pillow. The pillow contained 309.1 grams (10.9 ounces) of a substance that tested positive to be fentanyl.

Story continues

Ten days, eight ODs:Milford police charge Marlborough man with selling drugs

On Oct. 7, federal authorities learned of a package sent from Arizona to Franklin and to a "known criminal associate" of Guyette, according to the affidavit.

Authorities again obtained a warrant to seize the package and they found 212.7 grams (7.5 ounces) of methamphetamines hidden in several toy trucks, according to the affidavit.

The investigation was conducted by federal and local authorities. A Hudson police detective was part of the federal task force and was among the lead investigators in the case, according to Hudson Police Chief Richard DiPersio.

"He's been on the task force for almost a year," DiPersio said Wednesday. "That is his primary assignment, and it brings a lot of benefits to the town and the department."

Behind the counter:Milford police say manager was selling fentanyl from convenience store

Guyette, Bodie and Garza are each charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. They each face up to 20 years in prison and $1 million fines.

Bodie remains held in federal custody. Guyette was to be released on Friday but brought immediately to a locked drug treatment facility in Springfield. Garza's status was not known.

Federal authorities said the arrests represented a "significant blow" to the state's drug trade.

"Operation Raising Arizona has dealt a significant blow to a drug trafficking organization that we believe is responsible for operating nationwide, flooding communities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island with highly addictive and deadly narcotics," FBI Special Agent Joseph Bonavolonta said in a release. "All three individuals weve removed from the street are accused of being prolific drug dealers who thrived on selling drugs and believed they could pull the wool over the eyes of investigators by hiding their product inside toys and other common household items.

Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or nmiller@wickedlocal.com. For up-to-date public safety news, follow him on Twitter @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMillerCrime.

This article originally appeared on The Milford Daily News: Federal drug investigation leads to seizures in Milford, Franklin
Experts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) predict that the Russian offensive in eastern Ukraine will soon reach its peak if the invaders capture Bakhmut.

Source: ISW

Details: Yevgeny Prigozhin, the financier of the Wagner Group PMC, announced on 8 March that Russian troops had captured the eastern part of Bakhmut.

And this claim, the report says, is consistent with the available visual evidence. The ISW estimated that on 7 March, Ukrainian forces completed a controlled withdrawal from eastern Bakhmut across the Bakhmutka River.

The ISW estimates that Russian forces occupy at least 50 percent of Bakhmut as of 8 March.

Analysts suggest that Russian forces are likely to intensify attacks to the northwest and southwest of Bakhmut (north of Opytne and south of Yahidne, respectively) in order to bypass the Bakhmutka River.

The invaders are unlikely to be able to quickly exploit the breach beyond Bakhmut if they capture the city.

Prigozhin suggested on 8 March that the Russian Ministry of Defene was using the Wagner Group to bear the brunt of high-intensity attritional urban warfare in Bakhmut and may discard the Wagner Group after capturing Bakhmut so conventional Russian units can continue to attack.

At the same time, Prigozhin did not give his assessment of the probability of success of future Russian offensive operations outside Bakhmut.

The ISW notes that it has found no indication that the Russian military has well-equipped and trained reserve forces for an offensive beyond Bakhmut.

Most Russian units in Donbas are already engaged in offensive operations, including Russian airborne troops that joined the Russian offensive in Bakhmut in January 2023.

ISW therefore continues to assess that the Russian offensive in eastern Ukraine will soon reach its peak if the invaders capture Bakhmut, as the Russian military does not have enough power or reinforcements needed to capture Bakhmut entirely.

Key Takeaways of the specialists of ISW as of 8 March:

Wagner Group financier Yevgeny Prigozhin announced on 8 March that Russian forces captured all of eastern Bakhmut, a claim consistent with available visual evidence

Russian forces remain unlikely to exploit a breakthrough beyond Bakhmut if Russian forces capture the city.

The Kremlin may be attempting to establish a new Russian government-controlled armed formation billed as a volunteer unit through the Russian state-owned energy company Gazprom.

A US official denied that US intelligence assessed that a pro-Ukrainian group sabotaged the Nord Stream pipelines in September 2022.

German and Polish officials announced that Germany and Poland will deliver 28 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine in March 2023, which will bolster Ukraines capabilities to conduct a counteroffensive amidst high Russian tank losses.

Russian forces continued to conduct ground attacks on the Kupiansk-Svatove-Kreminna line.

Russian forces continued offensive operations around Bakhmut on 8 March but have not succeeded in completing a turning movement around the city.

Russian forces continued offensive operations along the outskirts of Donetsk City.

Russian sources claimed that Ukrainian forces landed on the Dnipro River Delta islands for the third consecutive day.

The Kremlin is doubling down on reviving volunteer recruitment campaigns throughout Russia and occupied Ukraine.

Russian hospitals are continuing to form new medical centers in Russia in an effort to maximize the capacity for overfilling hospitals in occupied territories to treat wounded Russian servicemen.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
By Luc Cohen

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Sam Bankman-Fried's lawyers said on Wednesday it may be necessary to delay the FTX cryptocurrency exchange founder's scheduled Oct. 2 criminal trial, arguing it may take more time than expected to review the evidence and prepare a defense.

In a letter to U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan, the 31-year-old former billionaire's lawyers said federal prosecutors in Manhattan had not yet turned over evidence collected from electronic devices belonging to Caroline Ellison and Gary Wang, previously two of their client's closest associates.

Both have since pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors.

The lawyers also noted that prosecutors added new fraud and conspiracy charges late last month, boosting the number of counts to twelve, following the November collapse of Bankman-Fried's now-bankrupt exchange and his arrest the next month.

In January, Bankman-Fried pleaded not guilty to the original eight counts that he cheated investors and caused billions of dollars in losses, in what prosecutors have called an "epic" fraud.

"While we are not making such an application at this time, we wanted to note this issue for the Court now," Christian Everdell, one of Bankman-Fried's lawyers, wrote in the letter.

A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's office in Manhattan declined to comment.

Bankman-Fried rode a boom in the values of bitcoin and other digital assets to an estimated $26 billion net worth, and became an influential donor to U.S. political campaigns.

But his fortune evaporated after concerns about commingling of funds between FTX and Alameda Research, a hedge fund he also owned, spurred the cryptocurrency equivalent of a run on the bank at FTX.

Bankman-Fried was released on $250 million bond and has been under house arrest at his parents' Palo Alto, California home.

Kaplan has suggested his bail could be revoked after prosecutors said he may have tried to tamper with witnesses. Prosecutors over the weekend proposed Bankman-Fried remain free with strict limits on his use of technology.

The trial schedule and Bankman-Fried's bail conditions are expected to be discussed at a court hearing on Friday.

(Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)
Rep. John Curtis, R-Utah, attends a South Valley Chamber of Commerce meeting in Sandy on Aug. 18, 2022. Utahs four congressmen want to investigate the origin of the COVID-19 virus to be better prepared for future outbreaks. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Congress convened its first committee hearing Wednesday investigating the origins of COVID-19. The subcommittees Republican chairman Rep. Brad Wenstrup of Ohio called its work determining the genesis of the virus fundamental to helping us predict and prevent a future pandemic.

During the hearing, the witnesses were asked whether they thought Dr. Anthony Fauci, former head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and Dr. Francis Collins, former head of the National Institute of Health, misled Americans on the origin of the virus and about the potential that it leaked from the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China. Both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Energy have recently said they favor the lab leak theory over the theory that the virus jumped from bats to humans.

Dr. Robert Redfield, former head of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, told the committee he believes he was intentionally excluded from meetings on the origins of COVID-19 by Fauci because he had made it clear he disagreed with him that the virus had mutated naturally and instead was a product of gain-of-function research.

I was told they made a decision that they would keep (the meetings) confidential until they came up with a single narrative, Redfield said. Which I will argue is antithetical to science. Science never selects a single narrative, we foster debate and we are confident that with debate science will eventually get to the truth.

Nicholas Wade, former science editor at The New York Times and Nature, agreed, saying although he doesnt know why, he believes Fauci and Collins attempted to direct the scientific communitys focus away from the gain-of-function research origins hypothesis.

Dr. Francis Collins and Dr. Anthony Fauci are well known to the public and on Capitol Hill, Wade said. Its hard to believe that in the twilight of their long careers they would mishandle an issue as serious as the origin of the COVID virus. Yet that is what the evidence seems to point to.

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Ranking member Rep. Raul Ruiz, D-Calif., agreed that determining the origins of COVID-19 is important but insisted that the congressional investigation not get political or that it vilify our public health experts.

Ng Han Guan, Associated Press

Utah congressmens support of investigation

Although none of Utahs House delegation sit on the committee, they each told the Deseret News a congressional investigation is important to rebuild trust between Americans and public health professionals and scientists.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is believed to have originated in and around Wuhan, China, at the end of 2019 before spreading rapidly around the globe. States and nations quickly implemented social distancing polices of varying intensity. To date, COVID-19 has been listed as a cause of death for more than 1 million Americans and nearly 7 million worldwide.

Three years ago, Americans heard warnings and direction from Dr. Anthony Fauci and accepted it as true, Utah Republican Rep. Chris Stewart said. They were willing to comply in order to help, but he said now the veracity of the reasoning behind what was done to mitigate the effects of the pandemic is generally taken to be not true.

Stewart said that inaction today to address Americans concerns might lead to further disaster in the future. There will be another emergency at some point, but how will Americans respond if we dont rebuild trust in those federal agencies? he said.

Rep. John Curtis, R-Utah, said after over a million American deaths and a slowdown of the world economy, we deserve to know where COVID came from. And if for nothing else, we need to know to make sure that we avoid this in the future.

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He added that federal health officials need to be forthright if they were wrong. Clearly, as a country and throughout the world, we werent ready for this, he said in response to a question regarding Americas reaction to the pandemic. It would be a huge mistake not to look back retrospectively and learn from our mistakes, he said.

If (federal health officials) did nothing wrong, they should welcome the review. If they were less honest or forthright with the American people, they will probably be defensive, Curtis said.

School closures and learning-loss

Utah Reps. Blake Moore and Burgess Owens both said via email and text message that one of the most damaging pandemic effects was the learning loss in students across the country, caused in part by school closures and masking requirements.

Owens said the initial response to COVID-19 was exaggerated, and instead of correcting their response, Democrats doubled down on their course of action and many schools were closed far beyond a reasonable time frame, he said.

Owens accused big government Democrats and progressive teachers unions for disregarding the science and putting partisan interests over the needs of students.

Moore encouraged the subcommittees investigation on whether requirements including masking and vaccines were repealed as soon as they could have been. He said that masking hindered childrens developmental progress.

The American people deserve transparency and evidence-based policy making from the federal government, and I hope we can learn from the failures of federal agencies during the pandemic to improve our response to future crises, Moore said.

Should Congress reinstate a ban on gain-of-function research?

Redfield testified that fully understanding the origin of COVID-19 is critical to future science research, particularly as it affects an ongoing ethical debate around gain-of-function research.

Gain-of-function research has long been controversial in the scientific community, Redfield said. In my own opinion, COVID presents a case study on the dangers of gain-of-function research. While many believe that gain-of-function research is critical to get ahead of viruses by developing vaccines, in this case I believe it was the exact opposite unleashing a new virus to the world without any means of stopping it and resulting in the deaths of millions of people.

Redfield called for a moratorium on gain-of-function research.

Stewart told the Deseret News he is likely to reintroduce legislation he sponsored last Congress that will ban gain-of-function research.

Who is to blame? Trump ... Fauci ... the Chinese government?

At the committee hearing, Dr. Jamie Metzl, a senior fellow at The Atlantic Council, accused the Chinese government of stonewalling efforts to find a definitive source of the virus. The primary reason there has been no investigation is because of the reprehensible actions of the Chinese government, he said. Since the early days of the pandemic, Chinas government has destroyed samples, hidden records, and imprisoned brave Chinese journalists.

Zeng Yixin, the vice-minister of Chinas National Health Commission refused to comply with a 2021 plan from the World Health Organization to investigate the allegation that Chinas breach of laboratory protocols caused the virus to leak.

Metzl further said that although the Chinese have searched for animals in the Wuhan area that have the SARS-CoV-2 virus present in their bodies, they have failed to produce any specimens.

Wenstrup opened the hearing by saying he was concerned an origins investigation hadnt been started by Congress years ago. He also listed the ways he believes federal health officials discouraged an investigation into the lab leak theory, by saying they wanted to protect international harmony and by labeling it a conspiracy theory.

Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland said he laid much of the blame at former President Donald Trumps feet. That presidents policy failures and magical thinking and total recklessness caused, according to his own special adviser on COVID-19, Dr. Deborah Birx, the unnecessary death of hundreds of thousands of Americans, he said.

Stewart said Trump was not to blame when asked by the Deseret News. He referenced Trumps early decision to shut down travel to and from China even though it was criticized at the time.
The military's top enlisted adviser told other senior leaders this week that he was against beards in uniform -- even with religious waivers for facial hair -- because they have nothing to do with being lethal and can hurt unit identity.

Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Ramon "CZ" Colon-Lopez, the senior enlisted adviser to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, gave his rebuke of more progressive shaving policies on a Facebook livestream alongside Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Joanne Bass and Space Force Chief Master Sergeant Roger Towberman during the Air and Space Force Association's Warfare Symposium on Wednesday morning.

"So, if you want to look cute with your skinny jeans and your beard, by all means do it someplace else. But quit wasting our time on something that doesn't have anything to do with kicking the enemy's ass," Colon-Lopez said.

Read Next: Biggest Military Pay Raise in Decades Proposed by White House

Colon-Lopez also said he "was opposed to the religion exemption for beards" because there should be an "expectation of people to put their personality aside for the betterment of the team."

The senior enlisted adviser's comment comes as the Department of the Air Force has amended many quality-of-life policies, including those for facial hair, amid a recruiting crisis and a recognition that some existing rules harm those of various religious beliefs, as well as certain minorities.

The service, along with the rest of the military, is also grappling with a recruiting slump and expects to miss its enlistment targets by 10% this year. The head of Air Force recruiting, Maj. Gen. Ed Thomas, said this week at the AFA event that the service needs to do a better job of connecting with Generation Z.

But the need to connect with a new generation appears to also be running up against the looming threat of China and the military's need to win a global competition expected to play out over the coming decades, Colon-Lopez said.

Story continues

"The question is, do we really need to be discussing fashion when we're preparing, after 20 years of war, to best an opponent that can potentially have the best of us?" he said. "Is the beard relevant? Is there a need for a beard other than personal comfort to not shave?"

Military.com reported this past August that the Department of the Air Force is discussing a pilot program that would allow airmen and Guardians to grow beards.

Additionally, Military.com reported this past December that the Air Force Honor Guard, the outward-facing group of service members whose mission is to represent the ideal airmen to the American public, has started allowing those with shaving waivers to sport beards.

Grooming standards requiring a clean shave can also disproportionately affect minority service members. Some get frequent ingrown hairs and skin irritations known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, or PFB. The condition is often found in curly-haired men and occurs in about 60% of African American men, according to studies by the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.

Black service members have reported that obtaining a shaving waiver has harmed their careers.

A survey conducted for a 2021 study for the journal Military Medicine showed that, of those who had received shaving waivers, 21.4% said it had a negative impact on their careers. In all, 63% of those who said it harmed their careers or created negative bias within their unit were Black.

Katherine Kuzminski, a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security think tank who researches military culture, told Military.com in an interview Thursday that, for many of these senior leaders, some with three decades of service, shaving policies have always been seen as being tied to discipline and order.

But as new policies filter through the ranks, Kuzminski says it can lead to friction.

"Right now, we are seeing a climate in which there is a lot more openness to actually changing long-held practices," she said. "So, from a cultural perspective, that can be challenging because these things have been associated with discipline and, thus, military effectiveness for a really long time, and now we're questioning the underlying assumptions underneath that."

Bass and Towberman both, notably, stepped back from decrying beards altogether, pointing out the medical and religious exemptions as being important.

"We've also made it easier for those who have a need to have a shaving profile, to be able to get one," Bass said. "And so those are some of the things that we did, but you know, we are also balancing that need versus the want, and we have to balance that delicately."

Towberman highlighted the progress that has been made with facial hair policies over the years and said people shouldn't be discriminated against if there's a clear reason why someone can't shave.

"The medical requirement or the religious accommodation needs to be addressed, and we've addressed it," Towberman said. "Now those that want fashion can keep requesting it in uniform boards and, if at any point it becomes a societal norm, then I guess we look at it differently, but that point hasn't come yet."

Colon-Lopez, who was a pararescueman during the Global War on Terror, admitted that he sported a beard during early deployments to help blend in with the local communities in the Middle East. In one widely circulated photograph, he is wearing a full beard in the mountains.

-- Thomas Novelly can be reached at thomas.novelly@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @TomNovelly.

Related: Some Neck and Hand Tattoos OK for Airmen and Guardians Under New Policy Aimed at Helping Recruiting
(Reuters) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko signed a law on Thursday allowing for the use of the death penalty against officials and army servicemen convicted of high treason, his office said.

Belarus, a close ally of Russia, is the only country in Europe that still applies the death penalty. It already exists for crimes such as murder or for acts of terrorism.

Executions are carried out with a single shot to the back of the head.

The new law is part of changes to the criminal code aimed at strengthening Belarus' fight against "crimes of an extremist (terrorist) and anti-state orientation".

Under another change approved by Lukashenko on Thursday, anybody found guilty of "discrediting" the Belarusian armed forces will face a jail term. Russia passed a similar law after invading neighbouring Ukraine just over a year ago.

Belarus has not sent its own troops into Ukraine, but it allowed Russia to use its territory as a launchpad for its operation in February 2022 and has since let Russian warplanes and drones use its airspace for attacks on Ukraine.

(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Gareth Jones)
Alexander Subotin, Head of the Executive Committee of Vitebsk Oblast in Belarus, has signed an agreement about cooperation with the occupying authorities of the occupied peninsula of Crimea, which Minsk officially recognises as Ukrainian territory.

Source: European Pravda with reference to Zerkalo

Subotin signed the corresponding document while he was in Moscow on a working visit.

"The sides agreed to create working bodies through the executive branch, the preparation of a plan for fulfilment of the agreement for 2023-2025 was also discussed," reported the committee.

The occupying "authorities" of Crimea claimed that the agreement provides for trade and economic cooperation with Vitebsk Oblast and calls for Belarusian enterprises to work in the annexed peninsula.

The Zerkalo media outlet reminds the public that back in May 2022, the head of the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee claimed his readiness to "resume full-scale cooperation with Crimea on all fronts, taking into consideration historically formed connections as well as new opportunities that are emerging at the current stage of development of the regions".

The Belarusian authorities have not officially recognised Crimea as Russian, but have made statements about "de facto" recognition several times.

"De facto, Crimea is Russian. After the referendum Crimea de jure became Russian," Alexander Lukashenko, self-proclaimed Belarusian President, claimed in November 2021, adding that he has every right to visit Crimea.

In July 2022, after the beginning of the full-scale Russian war against Ukraine, Lukashenko claimed that he has de facto recognised "Luhansk/Donetsk Peoples Republics" as well as the annexation of Crimea by Russia and will issue a corresponding decree if needed.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Belgium's Flemish regional government decided on Thursday to block access to Chinese-owned video app TikTok on its staff's phones and computers after being advised by several Belgian security and cyber security agencies, an official statement said.

A number of EU institutions have recently banned TikTok, which is owned by Chinese firm ByteDance, on staff phones due to growing concerns that users' data could end up in the hands of the Chinese government, undermining Western security interests.

Beijing has regularly denied having any such intentions.

"It is important that all government employees are aware of the risks involved in using the app," Johan Smekens, a top official at the Flemish regional government's digitization department, said. The ban was effective immediately.

While the regional government did not mention China in its statement announcing the ban, it did refer to recent decisions by EU institutions as a reason to investigate if a restriction were needed.

TikTok has said bans by EU institutions were misguided and based on fundamental misconceptions.

The U.S. Senate also banned TikTok on government-owned devices, and Canada has adopted a similar decision. India has banned the app throughout the country.

(Reporting by Charlotte Van Campenhout; Editing by Susan Fenton)
By Marine Strauss

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The Belgian government has decided to ban gambling advertising across multiple platforms from July 1 in a bid to crack down on addiction and debt, with a further prohibition on ads in stadiums and sports sponsorships coming at a later date.

"The government is deeply concerned about the impact of the huge amounts of gambling advertising that our society is facing," Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne said in a statement. "And for those who want to get rid of their gambling addiction, the tsunami of gambling advertising is an additional problem."

Gambling advertising will be banned from television, radio, cinemas, magazines, newspapers and in public spaces. Online advertising on websites and social media will also be prohibited.

From Jan. 1, 2025 there will be a further ban on advertising in stadiums and from Jan. 1, 2028 gambling companies will no longer be able to sponsor professional sports clubs, such as soccer teams.

The government argued that the ban follows scientific research showing that advertising encourages gambling addiction and contributes to gambling-related debt.

As part of the new rules, sponsorship expenses will no longer be tax deductible for gambling companies.

(Reporting by Marine Strauss; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
An old-growth tree that was cut in Alaska's Tongass National Forest. Salwan Georges/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Forests are critically important for slowing climate change. They remove huge quantities of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere  30% of all fossil fuel emissions annually  and store carbon in trees and soils. Old and mature forests are especially important: They handle droughts, storms and wildfires better than young trees, and they store more carbon.

In a 2022 executive order, President Joe Biden called for conserving mature and old-growth forests on federal lands. Recently Biden protected nearly half of the Tongass National Forest in Alaska from road-building and logging.

The Biden administration is compiling an inventory of mature and old-growth forests on public lands that will support further conservation actions. But at the same time, federal agencies are initiating and implementing numerous logging projects in mature and old forests without accounting for how these projects will affect climate change or forest species.

As scientists who have spent decades studying forest ecosystems and climate change impacts, we find that to effectively slow climate change, it is essential to increase carbon storage in these forests, not reduce it. A first step toward this goal would be to halt logging federal forests with relatively high-biomass carbon per acre until the Biden administration develops a plan for conserving them.

Balancing timber and climate change

Many of the 640 million acres that the federal government owns and manages are used for multiple purposes, including protecting biodiversity and water quality, recreation, mining, grazing and logging. Sometimes these uses conflict with one another.

Legal mandates to manage land for multiple uses do not explicitly mention climate change, and federal agencies have not consistently factored climate change science into their plans. However, at the beginning of 2023, the White House Council on Environmental Quality directed federal agencies to consider the effects of climate change when they propose major federal actions that significantly affect the environment.

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Some logging projects fall into this category. But many large logging projects that affect thousands of acres have been legally exempted from such analysis.

Logging roads crisscross steep logged slopes in Idahos Clearwater National Forest in 2019. Don & Melinda Crawford/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Whats lost when old trees are cut

Most forests in the continental U.S. have been harvested multiple times. Today, fewer than 5% of these forests are more than 100 years old. Old, very large trees are the ones that hold the most carbon, and harvesting forests is the main driver of forest carbon loss.

For example, in Oregons national forests east of the Cascades crest, a 1990s policy formerly spared trees larger than 21 inches in diameter  but the rule was rolled back in 2021 so that large trees could be cut. A recent analysis found that these larger trees comprised just 3% of all trees in the six national forests, but accounted for 42% of living tree carbon.

In the Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont, federal officials have approved 40,000 acres of harvest since 2016, targeting many mature and old trees. One 14,270-acre area that was approved for harvest in 2019 contained more than 130 stands older than 100 years. This project required the construction of 25 miles of logging roads, which can have harmful effects, including fragmenting forests, polluting streams and making forests more vulnerable to human-caused wildfires.

Canada is also allowing large, mature trees to be harvested. In British Columbia, mature forests that include old-growth trees historically absorbed more carbon than they released to the atmosphere, resulting in a net carbon sink annually. But since 2002, these tracts have emitted more carbon than they removed from the atmosphere, primarily because of logging, beetle attacks and wildfires. According to British Columbias greenhouse gas emissions inventory, these forests now emit more carbon than the provinces energy sector.

In eastern Canada, the Pacific Northwest and the southeastern U.S., timber companies have removed many old trees and replaced them with plantations that contain just one or two tree species. This shift has reduced the structural diversity of the forest canopy  the ecologically important layer formed by the crowns of trees  and the diversity of tree species. Losing old-forest habitat has also caused broad-scale population declines among many forest bird species in eastern Canada, and is likely having the same effect in the U.S.

More harvesting releases more carbon

One argument forest product companies make to support logging is that wood can be regrown, and it releases less carbon dioxide to the atmosphere than other building materials. Such claims often make optimistic assumptions that overstate the carbon benefits of harvesting trees by factors of 2 to 100.

Some studies indicate that thinning forests by harvesting some trees and reintroducing low-intensity fires can reduce the intensity of future wildfires, leaving more carbon stored in trees. But these studies dont account for the large amount of carbon that is released to the atmosphere after trees are cut.

In a review published in 2019, we worked with colleagues to estimate how much carbon was contained in trees that were harvested in Washington, Oregon and California from 1900 through 2015, and what happened to it after the trees were logged. We calculated that just 19% of the harvested carbon was in long-lived wood products like timber in buildings. Another 16% was in landfills, and the remaining 65% was released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.

In contrast, in 2011 the Australian state of Tasmania suspended logging on half of its old-growth forest area. Within less than a decade, Tasmania was storing more carbon than it released because it was avoiding harvest emissions and the mature trees it saved were accumulating so much carbon.

In the U.S. Pacific Northwest, implementation of the 1994 Northwest Forest Plan, which the Clinton administration developed to protect endangered species in old-growth forests on public lands, significantly increased carbon storage over the next 17 years. In contrast, privately managed lands in the region accumulated virtually no additional carbon after accounting for losses from wildfire and harvesting.

A logging truck in the Pacific Northwest in 1954. Since 1600, 90% of the original forests in what is now the U.S. have been logged. Universal History Archive via Getty Images

The cheapest and simplest way to capture carbon

President Biden has set a goal of reducing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050 to avoid catastrophic climate change. To reach that goal, U.S. forests, lands and oceans will have to remove as much carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as the nation emits from fossil fuels, industry and agriculture.

In the western U.S., our research shows that protecting half of the mature carbon-dense forests in zones that are relatively less vulnerable to drought and fire could triple carbon stocks and accumulation on protected forests by 2050. A majority of these forests are on public lands.

The carbon dioxide that human activities are releasing into the atmosphere today will elevate global temperatures and raise sea levels for 1,000 years or more, unless societies can find ways to remove it. In its 2022 climate assessment report, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concluded that protecting existing natural forests was the highest priority for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Conserving forests is one of the lowest-cost options for managing carbon dioxide emissions, and it doesnt require expensive or complex energy-consuming technologies. In our view, sufficient science exists to justify a moratorium on harvesting mature trees on federal lands so that these forests can keep performing their invaluable work.

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: Beverly Law, Oregon State University and William Moomaw, Tufts University.

Read more:



William Moomaw receives funding from the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. He is affiliated with the Woodwell Climate Research Center and the Union of Concerned Scientists. Moomaw has been a lead author of five major Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports.

Beverly Law 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.
WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden is asking Congress to set aside more than $6 billion to help support Ukraine in the next fiscal year, with Russia pressing ahead with its assault on the besieged nation.

Direct aid to Ukraine totals roughly $1 billion and includes $753 million in assistance for cybersecurity, disinformation and emerging needs, according to the White House's Office of Management and Budget. That is on top of the proposed spending to bolster NATO and counter Russia's military aggression.

Biden's request came as part of his annual budget and emphasizes his administration's commitment to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. The U.S. president underscored the pledge in his State of the Union address in February and with an announced visit to Kyiv to meet with Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

President Joe Biden speaks about his 2024 budget proposal at the Finishing Trades Institute, Thursday, March 9, 2023, in Philadelphia.

Congress ultimately approved more than $113 billion in aid to Ukraine last year for military and humanitarian assistance that included the transfer of tanks, ammunition and advanced weapons. The expenditure is intended to last through the end of the current fiscal year, and it will be up to Congress to make a new allocation.

At multiple points since Russia attacked Ukraine, Congress has approved supplemental budget requests for more assistance It could do the same during the next year, regardless of what it initially allocates for Ukraine.

"We have heard from President Biden...that U.S. will be with us as long as necessary," Ukraine's ambassador Oksana Markarova, a former finance minister, said in a USA TODAY interview. "It's always great to see this also in the numbers."

Ukraine is using previously approved U.S.aid, she noted in the interview, "And we do count on the continued support for the years to come."

"Ukraine is not asking for the boots on the ground,'' she said. ''We can do the fight ourselves. We will defend our home ourselves. But we are asking everyone to support us in this fight," she added. "Do we all want to live in the world in which aggressive states can simply attack peaceful country, kill children, abduct children, destroy villages and houses?"

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Latest Ukraine Updates: Russian military too deficient to make major gains, US spy chief says; Ukraine denies blowing up Nord Stream pipelines

Biden's Budget Proposal:Biden defends his $6.9 trillion budget, GOP calls plan for 2024 'misguided'

GOP's Response: Biden's budget calls for new taxes on wealthy, deficit cuts. Here's what the GOP is proposing

That view is shared by most lawmakers in Congress, who have continuously voted to provide Ukraine with military and humanitarian aid since Russia's Feb. 24 invasion a little more than a year ago.

But some Republicans have pointed to the United States' rising debt and said the country should halt its military and financial support to Ukraine.

Congressman Matt Gaetz, R-Fl., is leading a "Ukraine Fatigue" caucus of nearly a dozen members of his conference. Gaetz said in an interview prior to the release of Biden's budget that the U.S. should pressure Russia and Ukraine to enter into peace negotiations. He pointed out that in 2022 the U.S. had a significant pension shortfall.

"It strikes me as odd that we would be using taxpayer money to pay Ukrainian pensions, when the pensions of our own teachers and firefighters are not securely funded in all cases," Gaetz said.

He also made note of the corruption scandal in Ukraine, which prompted firings and resignations earlier this year among a handful of top Ukranian officials.

"It seems as though Zelenskyy's zeal for anti-corruption efforts aligns with Republican control in the House of Representatives," Gaetz said.

Republicans who support helping Ukraine such as House Speaker Kevin McCarthy have also voiced concerns over how the money is being spent. McCarthy has vowed not to give Ukraine a "blank check."

Zelenskyy on Wednesday invited McCarthy to Ukraine during a CNN interview, saying it might help the Republican understand what Congress is funding. McCarthy declined and criticized the Biden administration for not sending weaponry to Ukraine faster.

Markarova said in the USA TODAY interview, which took place prior to Biden's budget release, that the inspector general's office is auditing funds and Ukraine is willing to provide detailed reporting on how the money is being spent.

"We know it has been a huge support that U.S. has provided to us," she said. "We are ready to address any concerns about accountability or transparency."

Francesca Chambers is a White House Correspondent for USA TODAY. Follow her on Twitter @fran_chambers.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden asks for more Ukraine aid in 2024 budget
WASHINGTON (AP)  Alarmed by Chinas success in wooing Pacific island nations, the Biden administration is proposing to spend billions to keep three of those countries in the U.S. orbit.

President Joe Bidens proposed federal budget released on Thursday includes more than $7.1 billion in funding for the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Palau. The money is included in the $63.1 billion request for the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development.

It's unclear if Congress would approve such aid. The overall budget proposal faces certain opposition in the Republican-led House and some GOP lawmakers are pushing for severe foreign aid cuts as they look to slash federal spending. But members of Congress have shown rare bipartisan unity on countering China, offering the prospect that the Pacific Island aid could be seen more favorably.

The money, to be paid out over 20 years, would extend agreements with the three states under which the U.S. provides them with essential services and economic support in exchange for military basing rights and other preferential treatment.

The so-called Compacts of Free Association deals were due to expire later this year and next, and U.S. officials say China has been trying to exploit extension negotiations for its own advantage.

The White House said the payments are part of its strategy to out-compete China and strengthen America's alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific. But apart from direct military programs they are the largest single budget line for the region in the spending plan.

The Defense Departments portion of the budget request - totaling $842 billion  prioritizes ramping up the U.S. military presence in the Indo-Pacific.

China is the United States only competitor with both the intent to reshape the international order and, increasingly, the economic, diplomatic, military, and technological power to do it, the White House said.

During these unprecedented and extraordinary times, the budget requests both discretionary and mandatory resources to out-compete China and advance American prosperity globally, it said.

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If approved by Congress, Micronesia would receive $3.3 billion, the Marshall Islands $2.3 billion, and Palau $890 million over between budget years 2024 and 2044. In addition, $634 million would be allocated to the U.S. Postal Service to continue to operate the three countries' mail.

Under the Compacts of Free Association that date to the 1960s, the U.S. provides the three countries with postal services and runs their weather forecasting, air traffic control and emergency management operations. In return, the U.S. gets basing rights for military, intelligence, telecommunications and space exploration facilities.

However, islanders have long complained that previous agreements did not adequately address their needs or long-term environmental and health issues caused by U.S. nuclear testing in the 1950s and 60s.

Over the past several years, China has sought to exploit divisions between the U.S. and the islands in a bid to expand its influence in the region, alarming both the Trump and Biden administrations which have tried to blunt those efforts.

The current compacts with the Marshall Islands and Micronesia expire this year and the one with Palau expires in 2024. But, in January, the administration signed memorandums of understanding on their renewals with the Marshalls and Palau and a month later with Micronesia. All are contingent on congressional approval of the budget.

China has steadily poached allies from Taiwan in the Pacific, including Kiribati and the Solomon Islands, in 2019. The U.S. announced plans last year to reopen an embassy in the Solomon Islands, which has signed a security agreement with China.
WASHINGTON  The budget blueprint President Joe Biden released Thursday does not include a proposal to shore up Social Security, despite the priority the president has placed on protecting the popular  and expensive  retirement program.

In contrast with Bidens plan to extend the solvency of Medicare by at least 25 years, his budget does not include a similar proposal for Social Security.

Instead, the budget says the administration will work with Congress to responsibly strengthen Social Security by ensuring that high-income individuals pay their fair share.

Maya MacGuineas, president of the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, called Biden's lack of a plan a "glaring omission."

Failing to back new revenues or program changes is an implicit endorsement of the more than 20% cut in benefits that will be needed in the near future if no action is taken, MacGuineas said.

Shalanda Young, director of the White House budget office, said Bidens promise to protect Social Security refers to his opposition to benefit cuts. That's why this budget takes the position that that is not on the table, she told reporters.

But during the 2020 campaign, Biden proposed a 12.4% Social Security tax on income greater than $400,000. Today, only wages up to $160,200 are subject to the Social Security payroll tax. Because the current tax is not bringing in enough revenues to fully fund the program, Social Security may not be able to pay full benefits by 2032.

President Joe Biden speaks about his administration's plans to protect Social Security and Medicare and lower healthcare costs, Feb. 9, 2023, at the University of Tampa in Tampa, Florida.

Republicans have rejected new taxes as a way to shore up either Social Security or Medicare. But they have not offered a plan to solve the long-term financing issues.

Medicare and Social Security are large drivers of the federal budget because of an aging population and rising health care costs.

Medicare's hospital-insurance fund is projected to run short of what it needs to pay all expected costs in 2028, according to Medicare trustees.

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Biden said Medicare can be made solvent beyond 2050 by raising taxes on people earning more than $400,000 a year, diverting the income from a tax on investment to the Medicare program and reducing what Medicare pays pharmaceutical companies for prescription drugs.

As Biden prepares for an expected re-election announcement, he's been hammering Republicans in recent months over Medicare and Social Security.

Related: Joe Biden boxes Republicans into a corner on Social Security, Medicare with an eye on 2024

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden budget plan doesn't address Social Security solvency
On today's episode of the 5 Things podcast: Biden's budget proposal

President Joe Biden will outline his new budget proposal Thursday. Plus, USA TODAY Health Reporter Ken Alltucker looks at why Americans go abroad for healthcare, USA TODAY Health Reporter Karen Weintraub looks at the effectiveness of drug TV commercials, a Memphis judge holds the release of more video connected to Tyre Nichols' death, and First Lady Jill Biden honored woman leaders on International Women's Day.

Podcasts: True crime, in-depth interviews and more USA TODAY podcasts right here.

Hit play on the player above to hear the podcast and follow along with the transcript below. This transcript was automatically generated, and then edited for clarity in its current form. There may be some differences between the audio and the text.

Taylor Wilson:

Good morning. I'm Taylor Wilson and this is 5 things you need to know Thursday, the 9th of March 2023. Today, Biden's budget plan. Plus a look at how Americans access healthcare abroad after the incident in Mexico this week, and we'll hear about commercials for drugs.



President Joe Biden will release his budget plan today. And in a preview, the White House said earlier this week that he wants to raise tax rates on those making more than $400,000 a year to help boost Medicare. The Medicare tax rate would increase to 5% from 3.8% on earned and unearned income for wealthier Americans. Biden will also propose benefit changes that includes limiting to $2 how much a Medicare recipient must pay out of pocket for certain generic drugs. In recent months, Biden has been hammering Republicans over Medicare and Social Security. Both programs are extremely popular, but account for large and rising chunks of the federal budget. Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said Biden's budget won't go far in the GOP controlled house.



Two Americans were found dead and two alive after they were abducted while traveling to Mexico. The incident is raising questions about whether people in the US are at risk when they cross the border to access healthcare and about why they do so in the first place. USA TODAY Health Reporter Ken Alltucker discussed with USA TODAY Video Producer Sonu Trivedi.

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Sonu Trivedi:

We have USA TODAY Consumer Health Reporter Ken Alltucker here today. Thank you for doing this, Ken.

Ken Alltucker:

Thanks for having me.

Sonu Trivedi:

So can you start by giving me some background? How common is it for people in the US to cross the border into Mexico for healthcare?

Ken Alltucker:

It's fairly common. We talked to an expert who estimated that before the COVID-19 pandemic, upwards of over 1 million people each year would travel to Mexico from the United States for medical reasons. Whether it was to get direct medical care and an operation like a weight loss surgery, or even just purchasing prescription drugs, which people can get at pharmacies in Mexico. Some pharmacies will sell without a prescription and they're often less expensive than their medical care costs in the United States.

Sonu Trivedi:

Why are people taking the risk and traveling to Mexico to get medication or get treatment?

Ken Alltucker:

Yeah, it is a risk and it depends on the person, what type of risk they're willing to take. And in a lot of situations, this comes down to cost. I've profiled folks before who have gone to Mexico for dental procedures or sought eyeglasses because it's much less expensive and maybe their insurance doesn't cover it. Cosmetic procedures or weight loss procedures, insurance might not cover that or might have strict guidelines on who qualifies. So people can't necessarily afford it in the United States, and we certainly have high medical costs here. And it's not just Mexico, several nations are popular among medical tourists.

Sonu Trivedi:

What do you think it says about healthcare in the US that people are choosing to go to other countries to get access to medication or other treatments?

Ken Alltucker:

We have the most expensive healthcare system in the world, and people are choosing these routes, traveling to Mexico or other nations for care because of that expense. In many cases, that certainly is a consideration for people who are desperate for some type of care, but there are a lot of risks obviously. Now most people do have health insurance in this country. The uninsured rate is near a record low coming out of the pandemic, but still people have to pay a portion of their medical bill under many insurance plans. And some are finding that is not affordable.

Sonu Trivedi:

Well, thank you for being here today, Ken.

Ken Alltucker:

Thank you for having me.



Taylor Wilson:

Ask your doctor about, you've probably heard those words countless times on television drug commercials, but how effective are these ads and are they problematic? I spoke with USA TODAY Health Reporter Karen Weintraub to find out. Karen, welcome back to 5 Things.

Karen Weintraub:

Thanks so much for having me.

Taylor Wilson:

So broadly, what did this study find about drug advertisements?

Karen Weintraub:

Drug companies spend about 6 billion a year directing ads toward consumers, so the stuff you see on television, YouTube, whatever. And two-thirds of those ads do not promote drugs that are considered better or of high value compared to other drugs. The pharmaceutical industry doesn't agree with that, but that's what the study found.

Taylor Wilson:

So do drug ads help patients make better informed decisions?

Karen Weintraub:

Right, so theoretically a drug ad could tell you you have a condition that you need to pay attention to. Or in the nineties there was some feeling that the drug ads for antidepressants helped destigmatize the idea of depression and helped us talk about depression. So there can be an upside to these for sure.

Taylor Wilson:

What role does the insurance system play in American drug advertisements?

Karen Weintraub:

So you would think that they would be the sort of roadblocks preventing people from using drugs that don't work. But the researchers I spoke to said that it doesn't really work that way. They tend to block everything whether useful or not, and that they're not really thinking through whether a drug is necessary.

Taylor Wilson:

Do other places around the world allow this same kind of advertising?

Karen Weintraub:

Yeah, I was surprised to learn that only the US and New Zealand allowed direct to consumer advertising. So nowhere else in the world will you see these kinds of ads.

Taylor Wilson:

And is there any push to change this in the United States?

Karen Weintraub:

Not at the moment. There are public health people who would love to have us say, advertise fruits and vegetables instead, but unlikely to happen anytime soon.

Taylor Wilson:

This begs the question, what should consumers do then when they see these ads pop up on their TVs?

Karen Weintraub:

Yeah, I mean, one researcher I talked to said basically just say no, don't pay attention. Ignore them. Just because you're seeing an ad doesn't mean it's a good product. Focus on your health. When you go to the doctor, talk about things you care about, but not necessarily about ads we've seen on TV.

Taylor Wilson:

USA TODAY Health Reporter Karen Weintraub. Great info as always. Thanks so much.

Karen Weintraub:

Thank you.



Taylor Wilson:

A Memphis judge ruled yesterday that nearly 20 hours of additional footage related to the city's investigation into Tyre Nichols' death cannot be released until lawyers for the five former police officers charged in his death have seen the new video. Body camera footage released last month showed multiple officers beating, pepper spraying and using a stun gun on Nichols after a traffic stop. He died three days later at the age of 29. It's still not clear what the additional video will show or when it'll be released.



First Lady Jill Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken honored 11 women leaders from around the world at the White House yesterday on International Women's Day.

Jill Biden:

We're here to tell girls everywhere the truth that they need to hear, yes you matter. Yes, you can make a difference.

Taylor Wilson:

The International Woman of Courage Award ceremony marked its 17th year recognizing powerful women from a wide array of fields. This year's event honored women from countries marked by crisis, including Taira Paievska, a Ukrainian medic who spent three months in Russian captivity after being captured. You can read more about this year's ceremony with a link in today's show notes.

Thanks for listening to Things. You can find us every day of the week right here, wherever you're listening right now. I'm back tomorrow with more of 5 Things from USA TODAY.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden to outline budget proposal, Jill Biden honors women: 5 Things podcast
President Biden will travel to San Diego on Monday to highlight the nuclear submarine deal with UK, Australia, alongside British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The three leaders plan to engage in talks about AUKUS, which deals with security in the Asia Pacific and Australia obtaining the nuclear-powered submarines under the agreement.

Biden on Tuesday will then travel to Monterey Park for remarks on gun violence and later travel to Las Vegas. The next day, in Las Vegas, he will discuss his plan to lower the price of prescription drugs.

Albanese said earlier on Wednesday that he planned to meet with Biden, saying there would be further announcements about the plans.

Bidens trip to California comes as he faces a steady stream of criticism from Republicans and Democrats for not visiting East Palestine, Ohio in the wake of the train derailment last month. He will travel to Philadelphia, Pa., on Thursday to unveil his budget.

When the security pact AUKUS was made between the U.S., United Kingdom and Australia in September 2021, it caused a rift between the U.S. and France. France had been seeking its own multibillion-dollar defense agreement with Australia for submarines.

France said it was caught flat-footed by the new deal and the country temporarily recalled its ambassador to the U.S.

Biden at the time acknowledged that his administrations handling of a submarine deal with Australia was clumsy and he worked to repair his relationship with French President Emmanuel Macron.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The introduction of President Bidens budget on Capitol Hill on Thursday is the starters gun in the negotiations with Republicans over raising the debt limit, ratcheting up pressure on Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) to unveil his own detailed budget plan, which he has not yet done.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates Congress needs to raise the debt limit by September to avoid default.

But Bidens budget also exposes tensions between liberal and moderate Democrats, as it includes $2 trillion in tax hikes, which will be tough to sell in Senate battlegrounds like West Virginia and Montana.

The president will call for a 20 percent tax on the income and unrealized capital gains of households worth more than $100 million; a 5 percent Medicare surtax on earned and unearned income over $400,000; a quadrupling of the 1 percent excise tax on stock buybacks; and an increase in the top marginal income and corporate tax rates.

Bidens bold effort to put tax increases in the political spotlight is making Senate Democrats nervous ahead of the 2024 election, when they will have to defend 23 seats to keep their majority.

Asked if a proposal to hike taxes by $2 trillion is cause for any concern or anxiety, Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) replied: For sure. I got to make sure that will work. I just got to see what hes doing.

I dont know what they are, who theyre on, he said of Bidens proposed tax hikes.

Tester, who represents a state former President Trump won in 2016 and 2020, announced last month that he will run for a fourth term.

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D), a progressive running for reelection in Ohio, which also voted twice for Trump, emphasized that Bidens proposed tax increases will only hit the rich.

But Republicans are trying to muddy that distinction, arguing that the hikes will reverberate through the economy.

This is classic liberal tax-and-spend Democrat politics, said Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.). What we know happens is people at every stage of society get hit when Democrats raise taxes.

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Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), who last year opposed Bidens proposal to raise the corporate tax rate to 28 percent and is expected to vote Thursday against Bidens nominee to serve as the IRS commissioner, declined to comment on Bidens tax plans.

When I see it, Ill give you a thing, he said, waving off a question about the topic.

Manchin and senior White House officials clashed heatedly over the expanded child tax credit in December 2021 after the White House leaked that the West Virginia senator opposed a one- or two-year extension of the popular tax break.

Manchin is now pressing Senate Democrats to pass their own budget resolution, but theres not much appetite among Democratic lawmakers to do this.

Under the Senates rules, passing a budget requires the majority party to slog through hours of tough votes on issues ranging from border security and immigration to crime and oil and gas drilling on federal land  giving Republicans plenty of opportunities to take shots at Democratic incumbents up for reelection.

Senate Budget Committee Chairman Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) said on Wednesday that its too early to know whether Senate Democrats will put their own budget resolution on the floor or instead rally around Bidens budget proposal.

Republicans may try to embarrass Biden by forcing a Senate floor vote on the White House proposal to drive a wedge between centrist and liberal Democrats.

GOP lawmakers tried that tactic in 2011, 2012 and 2015, when the Senate rejected former President Obamas budget proposals by votes of 97-0, 99-0 and 98-1, respectively.

Liberal Democrats, however, are thrilled that Biden is taking the fight to wealthy individuals and corporations.

They say Bidens budget will put pressure on McCarthy and House Republicans to explain why popular domestic programs should get cut instead of requiring millionaires and billionaires and big companies to pay more in taxes.

This budget will lay out the Democratic approach to the economy, but it is also a statement of our values. The budget explains what we prioritize. Thats already flared up in the back-and-forth of Social Security and Medicare, said Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).

Were going to see more of that kind of back and forth. The Republicans for years have talked about so-called smaller government, but they dont have any realistic plans to put that in place. Are we really a country that wants fewer food inspectors and fewer air traffic controllers? I dont think so, she said.

Biden gave Senate Democrats a brief preview of his budget when he met with them in the Capitol last week.

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) said Biden told lawmakers to expect to see some interesting stuff on March 9, and he very much said, Look, thats kind of like a starters gun in a race.

The president told lawmakers he would attempt to address the flow of fentanyl and other drugs into the United States by calling for money for border security.

Todd Belt, the director of the political management program at George Washington Universitys Graduate School of Political Management, called Bidens budget the first serve in the negotiations with House Republicans to raise the debt limit.

He said House Republicans will have a tough time coming up with their own budget proposal to match Bidens plan, which the White House says will reduce the deficit by $2 trillion.

Belt said he would be surprised if Republicans will come up with a budget plan with major deficit reduction because it is so politically difficult.

The question is, whose ox get gored? he asked.

A group of conservative House Republicans are coalescing around a budget outline drafted by former White House budget director Russell Vought calling for deep cuts to an array of smaller social spending programs, such as housing assistance for the poor, foreign aid and federal subsidies for Medicaid expansion.

McCarthy has given himself little room to come up with a plan to achieve significant savings because he is ruling out tax increases and pledged not to cut Social Security or Medicare.

A growing number of GOP lawmakers say defense spending cuts should be taken off the table as well.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) told reporters last week that he absolutely agrees with Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), a defense hawk, that Congress should not cut spending and if anything substantial defense increases are in order.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Democrats will insist that nondefense discretionary spending programs receive the same treatment as defense programs in this years budget negotiations.

Democrats have always believed in parity, he said. Theres virtual unanimity that if were going to raise defense spending, which has happened in the last few budgets, that we raised domestic spending in equal amount.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(Bloomberg) -- US President Joe Biden dropped into a meeting at the last minute in the White House to see a man all of Washington wants an audience with: Sauli Niinisto, once upon a time known as the Putin whisperer.

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The impromptu meeting was thrown together as Biden joined Niinisto and US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. The pair of presidents have now met three times and spoken four since late 2021  giving the Finnish head of state unprecedented access to the worlds most powerful leader.

At stake is the stalled expansion of NATO, with Turkey and Hungary holding up the biggest shift in the security landscape of western Europe in several decades.

But theres also the trajectory of the war in Ukraine, now past the one-year mark since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion. Insights into what the Russian leader is truly thinking are increasingly elusive and any kernel of knowledge there is a rare commodity.

Speaking in an interview with Bloomberg Television immediately after meeting with Biden, Niinisto said that the pair discussed Finland and Swedens NATO applications, which are still awaiting final ratification, and the broader geopolitical situation worldwide.

What makes Niinisto, 74, valuable to US policy makers is his history.

He is the architect behind Finland and Swedens applications to join NATO, a move intended to bolster collective security following Russias unprovoked assault. Officials in Finland, which borders Russia, and Sweden, just a short distance from the Kaliningrad exclave, were alarmed by the invasion and applied for membership in May.

Niinisto, who last spoke with Putin that month, has been described as the Putin whisperer. Asked if he would ever speak to his Russian counterpart again, Niinisto said he saw no upside to such a discussion.

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I have said that Im totally prepared to speak with him if there is some benefit from that, but at the moment we havent found out anything such, he said.

Russias demand in December 2021 that NATO roll back almost a quarter-century of expansion by withdrawing forces from eastern Europe and halt further growth signaled a return to an era where great powers surrounded themselves with spheres of influence, according to Niinisto.

It was the first impetus for the Finnish move to seek NATO membership.

That was a game changer in our eyes because so far we had always thought and said that from our own will we remain militarily un-allied, but who believes it after Putin says that, well, you cant join, Niinisto said. When he said that he demands that NATO doesnt enlarge anymore, practically it means that he wanted a NATO-free zone in front of Russia.

Formerly ruled by both Sweden and Russia, Finland has been independent for just over a century, defending its sovereignty against the Soviet Union in two wars in the 1939 to 1944 period.

As the Nordic nation awaits the final ratifications of its bid to join NATO, Niinisto said his country had always been ready to safeguard its border, pointing to steps such as maintaining conscription and purchasing F-35 fighter jets.

We have always been prepared to protect our borders, and joining NATO surely gives, in my thinking, more coverage that nothing will happen, he said. We are not afraid, but we are fully awake.

The Finnish leader is visiting Washington as part of a week-long US trip thats included stops in Seattle and Palo Alto, California, and met with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy Thursday.

Niinisto said the meeting with Sullivan was originally intended to take place at the Finnish Embassy, but at the last minute he was invited to the White House. Speaking to reporters, Niinisto said the talks with Biden had been fairly long.

The US has supported us throughout the NATO process and continues to do so, as much as it can, Niinisto said.

Finlands entry into the military alliance, pending signoffs from Hungary and Turkey, would lengthen NATOs border by 1,300 kilometers (800 miles)  doubling its eastern flank  as well as adding an army strong in firepower.

NATO and the Nordic countries have called for completing the expansion as fast as possible  at the latest by a summit to be held in Vilnius in July. The process is, so far, the fastest in the alliances history, but Turkey has voiced concerns over Swedens entry, and Hungary has dragged its feet without detailing its reasons.

Lawmakers from Budapest visited the two Nordic capitals this week for talks ahead of a potential parliamentary vote later this month, and talks with Turkey were held in Brussels on Thursday.

My assessment remains optimistic, Niinisto said.

--With assistance from Jennifer Jacobs, Ott Ummelas and Leo Laikola.

(Updates with further comments, starting in 17th paragraph.)

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President Joe Biden Samuel Corum/Getty Images

Biden is pushing for paid family and medical leave in his budget proposal unveiled on Thursday.

He also wants universal free preschool nationwide through a partnership with states.

His proposals will likely be rejected by GOP lawmakers who have previously opposed those ideas.

Right now, the US is one of just six countries without paid leave. President Joe Biden wants to change that with his next budget through mandating time off  and making childcare cheaper across the country.

In his budget for fiscal year 2024, Biden is proposing establishing a national paid family and medical leave program, which would give workers up to 12 weeks off to tend for a newborn, recover, or care for a family member. It includes up to three days of bereavement leave.

The president is also urging Congress to mandate that employers give all workers seven sick days every year  an issue that's been particularly salient in major labor disputes, as rail workers were prepared to strike over sick time off before Biden stepped in and Congress voted to avert the action.

"Policies such as paid leave and childcare will bring more workers into the labor force and improve productivity," Cecilia Rouse, chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, said. "Investments in early education, mental health, and community college not only expand our economy's productive capacity, but pay dividends for generations to come."

Beyond 12 weeks of family and medical leave, the budget also seeks to ensure that families can afford to take care of their children, with $600 billion allocated towards making childcare more affordable and accessible. The proposal would enact universal free preschool nationwide through a partnership between state and federal government  and would allow states to expand that free, universal care to three-year-olds once all four-year-olds are able to access it. Under the plan, states would also be able to provide more care options.

Beyond the new investments, the budget will also pour billions more into current childcare programs, including Head Start  something some Republicans are eyeing cutting as part of sweeping "woke" budget cuts.

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According to the president's budget, the Social Security Administration would facilitate the paid family and medical leave program, and it also proposes investing $10 million for the Labor Department's Women's Bureau to help states expand their paid leave benefits through various grants.

"Families need a little breathing room, and that's why the budget includes proposals to bring down the cost of everyday necessities," Shalanda Young, director of the United States Office of Management and Budget, said.

Biden has long supported paid family and medical leave, along with investments in childcare, and he has urged Congress to implement measures that would bolster those programs. During his State of the Union address in February, he told both chambers of Congress: "Let's also make sure working parents can afford to raise a family with sick days, paid family and medical leave, and affordable child care that will enable millions more people to go to work."

And Democratic lawmakers aren't giving up on the policies, either. In January, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand led 15 of her colleagues in urging Biden to advance a national paid and medical leave program in his budget, calling for $547 million in spending over ten years to guarantee up to 12 weeks of paid leave.

"For middle- and low-income workers in particular, access to paid family and medical leave is all too rare, but even the highest wage workers are more likely than not to be without paid family leave," they wrote in their letter. "When people cannot afford to take the time they need to care for themselves or a family member, working people, their families, businesses, and the United States economy suffer."

However, the administration's budget is more a list of priorities than proposals that will actually see the light of the day. The last time the Biden administration tried to push through paid leave  even at just four weeks  it was torpedoed by Republicans and one Democrat.

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joe biden - Jacquelyn Martin/AP POOL

US President Joe Biden is proposing a controversial tax grab from billionaires, rich investors and corporations in a budget request to Congress.

Mr Biden's request, expected to be released on Thursday, calls for a 25pc minimum tax on billionaires and a doubling of the capital gains tax rate for investment from 20pc to 39.6pc.

The US President also plans to raise income levies on corporations and wealthy Americans, according to Bloomberg.

While the proposal will likely have widespread public support, it is unlikely to survive Congress, with the Republicans controlling the lower chamber.

However, it gives an insight into the Democrats' approach ahead of negotiations over the debt ceiling and Mr Bidens expected re-election campaign.

The President has previously failed to push through similar tax increases when the Democrats were in control of both chambers.

Under the plans, the richest 0.01pc of Americans would pay at least 25pc in taxes. They would also reverse one of Donald Trump's cuts by raising the top rate on earners making at least $400,000 (336,968) by 2.6 percentage points to 39.6pc.

Investors making at least $1m would be hit by the doubling tax rate. Corporation tax would also rise from 21pc to 28pc, reversing another of Mr Trump's policies.

This would make it higher than in the UK even after Rishi Sunak's six percentage point hike to 25pc in April.

Meanwhile, business owners and high-income individuals would no longer be able to make use of a loophole to avoid paying taxes for the Medicare Hospital Insurance Trust Fund on a larger share of their earnings.

Officials claim the plans show determination to reduce the deficit, projecting that the budget would cut $3 trillion through increased revenues over the next 10 years.

Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy dismissed the plans. I do not believe raising taxes is the answer, he told reporters.

The policy would also end lucrative tax breaks for specific sectors, affecting oil companies, crypto and real estate investors and private equity fund managers.

The overhaul would force Wall Street to come up with new ways of dealing with real estate and investment-fund deals, ditching practices that have been common for decades.

Cryptocurrency investors would not be able to sell their assets at a loss and then immediately repurchase them.
President Joe Bidens effort to toughen railroad safety regulations is setting up a collision with an industry used to getting its way in Washington.

Just three months ago, Biden bowed to the industrys economic heft by blocking a threatened strike by freight rail workers, a move that angered many of the presidents labor supporters. That move came amid the industrys warnings that a work stoppage would devastate the economy by choking off vital supplies such as grain, fuel and drinking water chemicals.

Now the administration is pushing for a series of toughened safety requirements for freight rail in response to last months toxic derailment of a Norfolk Southern train in East Palestine, Ohio. But veterans of past battles with the freight railroads  which carry 70 percent of the nations coal and more than a third of its grain exports  say it wont be any easier to defeat them this time, despite the bipartisan uproar over the Ohio crash.

They have enormous sway, said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), a longtime rail safety advocate. It is always uphill for anybody trying to do rail safety."

In recent years, the railroads successfully lobbied the Obama administration to narrowly tailor a safety rule for hazardous rail shipment, then orchestrated mothballing an Obama-era regulation requiring faster brakes on flammable oil trains. Seven years ago, they got Congress to postpone a deadline for installing anti-derailment technology in part by warning that the alternative would be a nationwide rail shutdown that would devastate the economy and threaten national security. Its fights to deter federal regulations stretch back more than a century.

Wielding rails control over vital transportation routes is a playbook the industry knows well, said former Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), who until last year chaired the House Transportation Committee that oversees the rail industry.

In an interview, DeFazio said the railroads threaten a disruption of service if their customers or politicians complain too loudly about their practices.

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Its a palpable fear, DeFazio said.

Blumenthal agreed, saying local governments get the same treatment.

The threat always is, Well, were going to pull out of, you know, Norwich  forget about that stop in Norwich, said Blumenthal, whose state has seen a number of deadly rail accidents. You impose this on us, we cant afford service.

This time, rail safety advocates are getting backup from both parties, with Republican Sens. J.D. Vance of Ohio, Marco Rubio of Florida and Josh Hawley of Missouri joining Democrats on a bill that would raise the cap on penalties for railroad accidents and mandate minimum crew size, among others.

But many GOP leaders say its better to go slow on regulations  including the chair of the House Transportation Committee, Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.) and Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-S.D.), who told POLITICO that Congress should wait until federal crash investigators finish their 12- to 18-month investigation of the East Palestine derailment.

The freight railroads trade organization said it wants to take steps to prevent accidents before they occur, but that theyre wary of policies that arent supported in data or dont have much to do with the issue at hand, according to a senior official with the Association of American Railroads, speaking anonymously in order to discuss prior and potential future legislative negotiations. The official dismissed efforts at more comprehensive regulation as political.



For its part, Norfolk Southern, the railroad responsible for the Ohio derailment, put forward a plan that looks to shore up how it detects and manages overheating wheels, which federal investigators are probing as the likely cause of the derailment. And on Wednesday, the Association of American Railroads, the trade group that represents the freight rail industry, announced new industry standards around overheating wheels, among other items.

Moving forward, we are going to rebuild our safety culture from the ground up, Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw said Tuesday  following yet another accident on the railroad that day, this one resulting in the death of a conductor. We are going to invest more in safety. This is not who we are, it is not acceptable, and it will not continue.

Decades-old battles

Several of the Biden administrations rail safety demands echo previous fights, including in its proposal to mandate that each freight train have at least two crew members on board. (The train that derailed in East Palestine had two employees, plus a trainee.) The Obama administration had proposed a similar rule in 2016, only for the Trump administration to withdraw it.

Another new proposal on the table would increase the number of trains that federal regulators place within a high hazard flammable classification, which triggers stricter safety standards. When the rule that created this classification was being drafted in 2015, railroads lobbied to keep it tailored narrowly depending on the number and sequence of train cars that contained flammable liquids. They also lobbied for more time to comply. The railroads had argued that the rule as previously written, with a broader definition DOT had originally included, was not workable.

The original iteration of that 2015 rule also included a mandate for faster brakes for trains carrying very flammable liquids. The Obama administration eventually split the brakes provision into a separate rule that was withdrawn in 2017, after a National Academy of Sciences study was unable to conclusively state that these faster brakes are more effective than standard brakes  a litmus test Congress enshrined into law in 2015, at the behest of the railroad industry.

Ron Kaminkow, the principal organizer with the rail union umbrella group Railroad Workers United, said railroads have been fighting against equipping trains with better brakes for over a century. The brakes the Obama administration tried to mandate are electronically controlled, meaning they can send a signal to each train car simultaneously, enabling a train to stop faster.

The faster braking standard that Biden is proposing again is so superior over standard air braking, but the railroad industry today has this same exact line that they did 140 years ago, which is basically: Sure, it has value. Well keep investigating it, Kaminkow said.

Kaminkow said railroads have been particularly slow to adopt new braking technology, dating back to the Westinghouse air brake, which was invented in 1869, and wasnt required on freight trains until 1900.

The industry maintains that theres a balance that needs to be struck in mandating new technologies, said the senior AAR official. The official also suggested new technologies arent a panacea, saying its not useful when theyre developed for the sake of new technology, and then the regulator coming in saying, oh, thats great, and now were going to write a regulation for how you have to use this.



The industry doesnt always win: In 2008, Congress mandated that most railroad tracks be equipped with an anti-collision technology called positive train control. It had been working its way through Congress for some time, but was pushed through finally after a crash near Los Angeles killed 25 people.

But the industry fought the law, including through the court system.

I even put up a banner at one point in my [conference] room that read THE DEADLINE FOR PTC IS DEC. 31, 2015. IT. IS. THE. LAW, said Sarah Feinberg, who led the Federal Railroad Administration at the time that the mandate was due to take effect.

Despite getting almost a decade to meet the mandate, railroads pushed for a delay, saying the technology was too complex, vendors were in short supply, getting permission from local entities to erect new structures was too time-consuming and the challenges of integrating each railroads disparate systems was too great.

In 2013, it became clear that most railroads expected to miss the deadline. That year, railroads started lobbying Congress to extend it. Ultimately Congress assented, and set a new deadline of 2018. Then it was pushed out, again, to the end of 2020, which finally stuck. By then, the country had racked up a toll of 150 crashes over 50 years  killing 303 people and injuring 6,800 more  that investigators said could have been averted had the technology been installed.

The AAR official said the industrys congressional lobbying strategy is education on what our views are and why we have them and the data that supports why we might take a position  as any advocacy group would.

Money and muscle

Though railroads are far from the richest lobby, its fueled by record profits in an industry with little competition beyond commercial trucks. Railroads have essentially carved up the country into four quadrants, serviced by seven major railroads that dont often compete. And they are immune to antitrust laws  instead, any anti-competitive conduct is reviewed and adjudicated by the Surface Transportation Board, an independent agency with a presidentially-appointed board.

Given those advantages, the railroad industry is well situated to push against proposed changes, especially in a usually divided Congress, said a former lawmaker, who asked for anonymity to discuss an industry that was often before Congress when he was there.

Its much easier to play defense because its hard to get anything done on Capitol Hill, the former lawmaker said. It just doesnt pay, timewise, for members to go after it and make change.

In addition to lobbying  since 2008, railroads have spent more than $500 million lobbying the federal government and made $63 million in donations to candidates, political parties and political action committees, according to the watchdog Center for Responsive Politics.

Its not only about money, though. Other industries  even large and powerful ones like agribusiness and oil that rely on railroads to transport their bulk products  havent been able to galvanize lawmakers to change the way the railroads do business, despite complaining about what they say amounts to railroad price-gouging for subpar service.

One railroad tactic is to enlist lawmakers to advocate for a go-slow approach to regulations, lest the economy be hurt, said Jeff Sloan, senior director of regulatory affairs at the American Chemistry Council, which leads a coalition of shippers pushing for lower fees and better service. Theyve been able to get Congress to weigh in at times, through letters from committee chairman or other influential offices, to say [regulators] need to go slow: Dont do anything that is harmful to the rail network, Sloan said.

In 2015, in fact, more than 150 House members and nearly half the Senate endorsed the industrys push to postpone the positive train control deadline, as POLITICO reported at the time.

Now, Republicans including Thune and Graves have said new regulations should wait until after the National Transportation Safety Board, an independent agency, finishes determining what caused the derailment in East Palestine. NTSB final reports can take up to 18 months to complete.



DeFazio said he begged other industries to be more aggressive in their lobbying to match the railroads.

I said, Look, theyve each got one CEO. Youve got hundreds of CEOs whove been harmed, DeFazio said. Foster Farms had to kill a whole bunch of chickens because the feed didnt arrive, and plants have had to shut down because the materials didnt arrive. All sorts of egregious things.

Meanwhile, the rail industry is pressing forward with a coalition called GoRail, which mobilizes state and local leaders from around the country against a proposal called reciprocal switching that would force the railroads to compete against each other. Rail customers including the American Chemistry Council and agribusiness groups have sought the change.

DeFazio said that in the past he repeatedly pressed shippers tired of railroad practices to get me a Republican to support a bill to empower regulators to hold the railroads accountable for high fees and poor service  but that none would.

The CEOs of the railroads will call every Republican on the committee, he said. We couldnt get a single Republican on the committee to support the bill.

He said he was heartened to see at least the three Republican co-sponsors of the new rail safety bill in the Senate after he spent years in Congress plugging away at freight rail safety.

And I see Republicans now saying they want to change things and Im thinking  God, now maybe is the time you can actually get something done, he said. Well see.
President Biden on Thursday said that the scathing report the Justice Department issued about the investigation into the Louisville Metro Police Department was long overdue.

The report released on Wednesday found that the police department and the local government had engaged in a pattern of discriminatory behavior against Black citizens.

Cops need help. Theres some bad cops, by the way. What we did, my Justice Department just did in Louisville, Kentucky, was long overdue  put those suckers in jail, Biden said in remarks during a visit to Philadelphia.

By the way, how many cops you know like bad cops? I dont know many, not a joke, he added.

Bidens comments on the Louisville police investigation came as he touted the funding for policing included in his proposed national budget, which he unveiled on Thursday. The budget includes funding for 100,000 more police officers nationwide and would give law enforcement $19.4 billion over 10 years for crime prevention strategies.

The budget would also give $5 billion over 10 years for community violence interventions, including hiring more school nurses, counselors and mental health help, as well as training new officers.

Biden has recently tried to navigate the politically charged issue of crime, which was in the spotlight last week when said he wouldnt veto legislation Republicans had championed that would undo parts of a District of Columbia crime bill. He has consistently tried to push back on the narrative that he is soft on crime or aligned with the left-wing movement to defund the police.

The Justice Department launched the investigation into Louisville in April 2021, in the aftermath of the death of Breonna Taylor, an African American woman who was killed by police in 2020 following a no-knock warrant being executed at her apartment.

The report found that the police department and local government have regularly used excessive force, conducted searches without valid warrants, used no-knock warrants, discriminated against Black people in law enforcement activities and taken other actions that violate the Constitution and federal law.

Attorney General Merrick Garland said on Wednesday that the police departments conduct was unacceptable and heartbreaking.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Biden pauses for a moment of silence during a Dec. 7, 2022, event in Washington with survivors and families affected by gun violence. (Susan Walsh / Associated Press)

President Biden will travel to California on Monday for a multiday visit that will include a stop in Monterey Park, the site of one of three mass shootings that rocked the state in January.

Before visiting Monterey Park, Biden will meet Monday in San Diego with Prime Ministers Rishi Sunak of Britain and Anthony Albanese of Australia to highlight the security alliance known as AUKUS. The pact, launched in 2021, aims to help Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines to better counter China in the Indo-Pacific region. The three leaders are expected to unveil details of U.S. efforts to provide Australia with nuclear propulsion capabilities.

On Tuesday, Biden will stop in Monterey Park, where a gunman shot and killed 11 people at a dance studio during a Lunar New Year celebration on Jan. 21. Biden is expected to highlight his efforts to reduce gun violence, but it's unclear whether he will meet with the families of the victims or with Brandon Tsay, the 26-year-old who disarmed the gunman at a second dance club.

Tsay met with Biden last month after traveling to Washington for the State of the Union address, during which the president referred to him as a "hero" and called on Congress to ban assault weapons.

Though he's made international headlines for his life-saving intervention, Tsay said he planned to use the moment of fame to draw attention to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. Tsay's family has partnered with the Asian Pacific Community Fund, a local nonprofit, to support victims' families and members of the community.

The president has repeatedly called on Congress to enact stricter gun control measures, including reinstating the assault weapons ban, which he helped pass as a senator in 1994. The 10-year ban, which expired in 2004, prohibited more than a dozen specific firearms and certain features on guns. It also blocked the "manufacture, transfer or possession" of certain semiautomatic firearms designated as assault weapons.

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Democrats renewed a push to pass an assault weapons ban when the party controlled both chambers of Congress last year, but the bill failed to gain enough support in the Senate. Such an effort would face stiff resistance in a divided Congress, where Republicans have shown little appetite for further gun restrictions.

In the absence of more far-reaching reform, the president has touted a bipartisan gun safety bill he signed into law in June. The measure, passed in the wake of a mass shooting at a Texas elementary school that left 19 students and two teachers dead, strengthened background checks for gun buyers between the ages of 18 and 21. It also bolstered an existing law preventing domestic abusers from purchasing guns and funneled federal dollars to help states enact "red flag" laws that allow police to confiscate weapons from people deemed to be a threat to themselves or others.

The law was the first major gun safety bill to pass Congress in three decades. But it falls short of the stricter measures Biden has called for.

With federal reform stalled, some Democrats are seizing on recent mass shootings to tighten gun control at the state level. Michigan Democrats, in control of the state's Legislature for the first time in more than a decade, have proposed a package of nearly a dozen new gun laws after a mass shooting at Michigan State University last month left three students dead and five others injured.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who served California as a senator and state attorney general, traveled to her home state in the days after the January shootings to meet with victims' families. She placed flowers at a makeshift memorial outside Star Ballroom Dance Studio and called on Congress to pass "reasonable gun safety laws."

"Will they do something?" she said of Congress. "That is where we all must speak up and speak to our elected representatives about what we have a right to expect that they will do in the interest of the safety and the security and the well-being of people like those whose lives were ended here.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
President Biden will travel to Ottawa, Canada, from March 23-24 to meet with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and address the Canadian Parliament, the White House announced on Thursday.

The first lady will join the president on the trip later this month, which is focused on the U.S.-Canada partnership and promoting our shared security, shared prosperity, and shared values, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

Biden and Trudeau will discuss defense cooperation and modernizing the North American Aerospace Defense Command, as well as strengthening supply chain resilience, climate change, and accelerating the clean energy transition.

They plan to discuss the instability in Haiti and the war in Ukraine, as well as address the synthetic opioid crisis and the irregular migration in the region, according to the statement.

Bidens trip to Canada comes as he has tried to show he is focused on fentanyl coming into the U.S. and the influx of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border.

The president had met with Trudeau in January in Mexico City for a summit with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador; migration was also a top focus at that summit.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
OTTAWA  President Joe Biden is heading to Ottawa on March 23 and will address Parliament during his two-day stay.

The White House confirmed the dates of the presidents much-anticipated visit to the Canadian capital, Bidens first in-person trip north as president.

Russias war in Ukraine will cast a long shadow over the bilat with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, focusing discussions on defense, decarbonization and supply chains.

Haiti, clean energy, supply chains, climate change and modernizing the North American Aerospace Defense Command will be priority topics of discussion between the two leaders, according to a White House release. Trudeaus office issued its own statement, adding that critical minerals will be a top agenda item, which wasnt specifically highlighted in the White House release.

The spectre of Beijings alleged interference in Canadas elections will also loom over the talks. It will also be the leaders first in-person meeting since high-altitude objects, and one confirmed balloon from China, were shot down over North America.

The dramatic takedowns alarmed politicians and military on both sides of the border, stoking discussions on continental defense, setting it up as a discussion point for bilateral talks.

Biden last visited Ottawa as vice president in December 2016 in the twilight of the Obama administration.

During an A-list dinner thrown in his honor, Biden touted North America as a region better positioned than any time since the end of World War II to lead the hemisphere and world in promoting liberal values.

Viva la Canada because we need you very, very badly, he said in a toast.

Beyond friendly photo-ops, the two G-7 leaders are expected to clarify joint action on the development of critical minerals.

Pressure will be on the leaders to announce progress on the Joint Action Plan on Critical Minerals that was finalized in 2020 during the final days of the Trump administration.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden will visit Canada on March 23-24 to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and address Canada's parliament, the White House said on Thursday.

During the visit to Ottawa, Biden will discuss with Trudeau Russia's war with Ukraine, defense cooperation, climate change and the opioid crisis, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

Biden and Trudeau "will discuss ongoing efforts to support Ukraine, to increase the costs to Russia and those supporting its war effort, and to counter the negative impacts of the war on the rest of the world," Jean-Pierre said.

Trudeau welcomed news of the visit, which will be Biden's first since becoming president.

"Keeping North Americans safe from new and emerging threats requires a coordinated response," he said in a statement, which also said the leaders would highlight ongoing continental defense efforts and advance cooperation in the Arctic.

(Reporting by Katharine Jackson and Kanishka Singh; editing by Rami Ayyub)
President Joe Biden released his 2024 budget proposal, which focuses on taxing the rich, expanding Medicaid services and more. And, we're sending Senate Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell our best after being hospitalized.

 It's Kristin Bausch, back again with the news. It's Thursday! Let's get into it.

 But first: "He's ugly." Harvey the husky was rejected from his family. He sat in a San Diego shelter for months with no one showing any interest in adopting him. Until a Facebook post won over a Seattle family. They drove 3,000 miles to save him.

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Biden's 2024 budget is out

Boost taxes on the rich? Cuts to the national deficit? It's all in President Joe Biden's 2024 budget proposal he released Thursday. What's to come is months of intense negotiations with congressional Republicans over the nations pocketbook. Congress is in charge of writing the federal budget, and Republicans  who now control the House  have said they have no intention of going along with any plan to raise taxes. The budget negotiations come amid a battle over raising the limit on how much money the federal government can borrow. See more of Biden's proposals.

President Joe Biden released his proposed budget on Thursday.

Mexican cartel apologizes for kidnapping of Americans

The Mexican drug cartel claiming its members were behind the brazen kidnapping of four Americans last week handed over five of its members and left a note of apology, a report said Thursday. Photos circulating on social media show five men on the pavement with their hands tied  four of them shirtless  in front of a pickup truck, which has a handwritten letter of apology on the windshield. Authorities have said cartel members likely mistook them for drug smugglers and abducted them after shooting their van.

Story continues

Is Mexico travel safe?: What to know about visiting Cabo, Cancun and more.

A member of the Mexican security forces stands next to a white minivan with North Carolina plates and several bullet holes, at the crime scene where gunmen kidnapped four U.S. citizens who crossed into Mexico from Texas on Friday. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said the four Americans were going to buy medicine and were caught in the crossfire between two armed groups after they had entered Matamoros, across from Brownsville, Texas.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell hospitalized after fall

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell is being treated for a concussion after falling at a hotel in Washington on Wednesday. The longtime Kentucky lawmaker tripped at a dinner event and was admitted to a hospital, spokesman David Popp told USA TODAY on Thursday. "He is expected to remain in the hospital for a few days of observation and treatment," Popp said. More updates here.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., leaves his office and walks to the Senate floor at the U.S. Capitol on March 6 in Washington.

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Russian missiles and drones hit Kyiv, Ukraine, one of the biggest attacks this year

Ukraine had "a difficult night" after Russian missiles, and drones pounded Kyiv and multiple other cities Thursday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. A wave of Russian "retaliation" missiles and drones killed at least six people and knocked out power to hundreds of thousands in one of the biggest attacks on the besieged country this year. Russia launched 81 missiles and eight exploding Shahed drones, Ukraine military officials said. The U.S. is also seizing a $25M Boeing 737. More updates.

Villagers walk in the debris of private houses ruined in Russia's night rocket attack in a village, in Zolochevsky district in the Lviv region, Ukraine, on Thursday.

Norfolk Southern CEO is 'deeply sorry' for Ohio train derailment

Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw faced a U.S. Senate panel Thursday as his company contends with increased scrutiny over a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, last month. I am deeply sorry for the impact this derailment has had on the people of East Palestine ... I am determined to make it right, he said Wednesday. Shaw also expressed remorse over the spilled toxic chemicals. While officials have said the air and village water system are now safe, residents remain worried about their community and have reported various health issues. More about Shaw's testimony.

Second Norfolk Southern derailment: Incident shines congressional spotlight on rail industry.

Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw faced a U.S. Senate panel on Thursday.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden budget, Mitch McConnell, Russian missiles hit Kyiv: Thursday's news
President Biden on Thursday offered his well wishes for Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) after the senator was hospitalized after a fall.

Jill and I are wishing Senator McConnell a speedy recovery. We look forward to seeing him back on the Senate floor, Biden tweeted.

White House principal deputy press secretary Olivia Dalton said she did not have a call to share between the two men.

Senate Republican Whip John Thune (S.D.) confirmed Thursday morning that McConnell was attending a reception and dinner for the Senate Leadership Fund super PAC when he tripped and fell, requiring the 81-year-old leader to be hospitalized.

We have very limited information on it. Im sure well get more, he added.

McConnells staff announced Wednesday only that McConnell had tripped at a local hotel during a private dinner.

Biden, who is 80, has a decades-long relationship with McConnell dating back to their days serving in the Senate together and Bidens time as vice president.

The president has periodically offered praise for McConnell throughout his time in the White House, speaking about how the two have their differences on policy but are able to work together on key issues.

McConnell joined Biden earlier this year for an event in Kentucky to highlight how money from the bipartisan infrastructure law passed in 2021 would be used to upgrade a major bridge. The two rode together in the presidential limousine during that trip.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
US President Joe Biden wants billionaires to pay more taxes. AP Photo/Matt Slocum

US President Joe Biden is proposing a minimum 25% tax bracket for billionaires, per Bloomberg.

He had previously called for a minimum 20% tax for the ultra-wealthy.

Biden is set to release his proposal for the fiscal 2024 budget on Thursday.

US President Joe Biden is once again proposing higher tax rates on billionaires, wealthy investors, and companies in his budget for the 2024 fiscal year.

In his budget request to Congress scheduled to be released Thursday, Biden is calling for a minimum tax rate of 25% on billionaires, Bloomberg reported, citing an unnamed White House official familiar with the proposal. This will be a five percentage point jump over the minimum 20% tax rate that he called for previously. Axios confirmed the information in a Thursday report.

Biden is also proposing doubling the capital gains tax rate to 39.6% from 20%, per Bloomberg. Other changes Biden is proposing include an increase of the corporate tax rate to 28% from 21%, and increasing the top tax rate for Americans earning over $400,000 to 39.6% from 37%, according to Bloomberg.

The US President's proposal came after he renewed his call for minimum billionaire taxes in his State of the Union address on February 7. At the time, he was calling for a minimum 20% tax bracket for the super-wealthy.

"This minimum tax would make sure that the wealthiest Americans no longer pay a tax rate lower than teachers and firefighters," the White House said in a fact sheet ahead of Biden's February speech. It said in the document that billionaires pay an average tax rate of just 8% in a typical year.

Even though Biden has been pushing for higher taxes for ultra-wealthy households since March 2022, the move is likely to face opposition from Republicans, who control the House of Representatives. The US President had been unable to pass tax hikes when Democrats held sway over both chambers.

The budget comes amid a fierce debate in Congress over the debt ceiling  which the Democrats want to raise from $31 trillion before the US runs out of money as soon as July. The ceiling is the maximum amount the government can borrow for expenses it has already approved.

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At the same time, the Biden administration wants to raise the country's revenue to fund spending instead of relying on debt. But the Republicans are in favor of cutting spending.

Biden's 2024 budget aims to cut the US deficit by nearly $3 trillion in the next 10 years, Karine Jean-Pierre , the White House press secretary, said at a Wednesday press briefing.

The White House did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment sent outside regular business hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider
President Biden has narrowed down his choices on candidates to run his 2024 presidential reelection campaign.

While the president has yet to formally announce hes running for a second term, he is widely expected to do so and the chatter in Democratic circles over who might lead his campaign apparatus is another sign of an impending Biden run.

Jenn Ridder, who served as national states director for Bidens 2020 bid, is said to be a leading contender for the campaign manager job, sources tell The Hill.

Sam Cornale, the executive director of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), has also been discussed as a leading candidate, the sources say, adding that its an ongoing, exhaustive process and there are other candidates in the mix for that position and other top roles.

One source familiar with the selection process said both Ridder and Cornale are among candidates being considered for senior staff. Other candidates for senior staff include: Emma Brown who served as Sen. Mark Kellys campaign manager last year, Addisu Demissie who ran Sen. Cory Bookers 2020 presidential campaign, Quentin Fulks who was Sen. Raphael Warnocks campaign manager, and Julie Chavez Rodriguez, a White House senior adviser who was deputy campaign manager for Bidens 2020 campaign.

The presidents team is hoping to get their senior positions filled by April, when theyre expecting to officially launch the campaign. But some allies close to Biden warn it could take longer.

In typical Biden fashion, the search has taken forever, as one source put it, as the president and his team of senior advisers tries to select the right person for the position. Initial conversations for the role began several months ago, sources said.

During the 2020 cycle, Biden didnt announce the members of his senior team until the day he announced his bid for president.

One source said the team is dealing with some logistical factors in putting together the new campaign.

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Ridder is currently the executive vice president for Precision, a Washington-based firm. As Bidens states director, she helped build campaign teams in 17 battleground states and helped coordinate strategy in each state. Prior to her work on the Biden campaign, she served as campaign manager for Montana Gov. Steve Bullocks short-lived presidential run.

Cornale was tapped executive director of the DNC in 2021 when Jaime Harrison became the party organizations chair.

Before taking on that role, Cornale helped manage the national committee during the 2020 and 2018 elections. Before his time at the DNC, he was the deputy chief of staff to Tom Perez when Perez served as labor secretary under former President Obama.

The selection process is particularly complicated because of Bidens recent history with campaign managers in his 2020 presidential race.

After securing the nomination in 2020, Biden brought in Jen OMalley Dillon to run his general election campaign, after Bidens primary campaign manager and his team struggled to win key early states including Iowa and New Hampshire.

Biden had disappointing results in those two states before a stronger finish in the Nevada caucuses. That preceded a sweeping victory in South Carolinas primary, which led to move victories in a string of Super Tuesday states.

The position of campaign manager is also fraught with complexities because Biden has been known to rely primarily on a close circle of longtime advisers  including Steve Ricchetti and Mike Donilon  for counsel, creating a tricky situation for whoever is hired to lead his presidential campaign.

Its basically decision-making by committee, one source said of the campaign manager who will end up strategizing with Bidens brain trust. If you take on the position you know youre not exactly at the top of the totem pole.

It has to be someone who is willing to take orders, the source said. And they have to be OK with that.

Biden will also rely on Anita Dunn, his senior adviser who played a key role in 2020 and OMalley Dillon, his deputy chief of staff, to run much of the messaging coming out of the White House.

The president also brought in Ben LaBolt, a prominent Democratic strategist who served as a longtime spokesman for former President Obama and his presidential campaigns, to run his communications shop as the campaign frenzy ramps up.

And hell rely on outside support from longtime advisers including Ron Klain, the recently departed chief of staff who will weigh in on key matters.

While Biden has yet to formally announce his reelection bid or his senior team, the campaign is beginning to take shape in other ways.

Reuters reported last week that the DNC will host a national advisory board for the campaign with key surrogates including Govs. J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania and Phil Murphy of New Jersey.

Its all coming together but as usual, things run on Biden time, one source said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Calif., arrives to speak with journalists after winning the House Speaker nomination at a House GOP leadership meeting on Capitol Hill on November 15, 2022. Walking behind McCarthy are House Minority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., and House Republican Conference chair Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y. AP Photo/Patrick Semansky

President Joe Biden released his budget proposal for fiscal year 2024 on Thursday.

The budget, which amounts to more of a wish list of priorities than viable policy, has already sparked pushback.

Republicans are already hitting out at the spending included, and proposals to tax the rich more.

President Joe Biden has unveiled his budget proposal for the upcoming year, and it's no surprise Republicans are mad about it.

Among Biden's priorities: Reinstating monthly checks to parents, 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave, universal preschool, and increased taxes on the wealthy and investors to help pay for all of it.

It's not a shocker, then, that the proposed budget did not sit well with anti-tax, anti-spending Republicans.

Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, for example, was quick to criticize the proposal.

"President Biden just delivered his budget to Congress, and it is completely unserious," he wrote on Twitter. "He proposes trillions in new taxes that you and your family will pay directly or through higher costs. Mr. President: Washington has a spending problem, NOT a revenue problem."

He joined the chorus of other GOP lawmakers blasting the president's budget, with Sen. Chuck Grassley, ranking member of the budget committee, calling it "a roadmap to fiscal ruin," and Sen. Rick Scott writing on Twitter that the proposal is "INSANE."

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, a Republican who sits on the Senate Appropriations Committee, said in a statement that the budget "fits along" with the Biden administration's "partisan budget tactics."

"Let's be clear  the budget put forward by President Biden today will not be enacted," Capito said. "That is welcome news, as this misguided, bloated plan would subject American families to more taxes, waste, and government intrusion that they do not deserve during the continued challenging economic times that define this administration."

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Senator Susan Collins, a historically centrist Republican from Maine who serves as vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, struck a more bipartisan tone. In a statement released with Senator Patty Murray, a Democrat who chairs the committee, the two senators said that they have a "real opportunity" and responsibility "to work together to make our country safer, more competitive, and do some good for the people we all represent back home."

"The power of the purse rests with Congress, and we take that responsibility seriously," Murray and Collins said.

However, that bipartisan ideal is unlikely to come to fruition, especially as the two parties continue to play chicken with a potentially devastating financial crisis hanging in the balance  which could all be avoided by raising the debt ceiling.

Biden has insisted that he will not negotiate the matter and said it should be done in a bipartisan way, as it was under former President Donald Trump, but Republicans said they will use the opportunity to cut spending.

They have not released a formal plan for doing so, but some reports have suggested they are eyeing cuts to welfare programs like SNAP, along with student-debt relief initiatives and environmental programs.

With Republicans holding the House majority, Biden's proposals are headed for hurdles. But as the president said during his Thursday remarks, he's ready to meet with the opposing party  if they show him what their plan is.

"I want to make it clear, I'm willing to meet with the Speaker anytime, tomorrow if he has his budget," Biden said. "Lay it down, tell me what you want to do."

Read the original article on Business Insider
In a recent Wall Street Journal op-ed, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis excoriated US business leaders as woke ideologists and cultural Marxists.

In a recent Wall Street Journal op-ed, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis excoriated US business leaders as woke ideologists and cultural Marxists. DeSantis has shown a willingness to punish businesses such as Disney through state-driven economic retribution - but the divorce between the GOP and big business runs far deeper. Credit - Gage Skidmore

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently taunted business leaders in The Wall Street Journal column announcing Old-fashioned corporate Republicanism wont do in a world where the left has hijacked big businesspolicies that benefit corporate America dont necessarily serve the interests of Americas people and economy. It used to be obvious that CEOs were reliably Republican. Corporate executives wanted lower taxes, less regulation, and a stable economy. They were usually men with military experience who moved with their families out to the suburbs. Ronald Reagan was their favorite president: pro-business, pro-free markets, and anti-government. Historically, 57.7 percent of big company CEOs contributed to the GOP but only 18.6 percent contributed to Democrats, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research.

It was an anomaly that FDRs administration, as a Democratic team, was packed with Wall Streeters. The Eisenhower team was more typical for the GOP with many business leaders on boardin fact two with the same name Charles Wilson. Engine Charlie was the CEO of GM and Electric Charlie was the CEO of GE. The interests of big business and GOP politics were presumed to be in tight alignment with poor Engine Charlie haunted to his deathbed by the misquote What is good for General Motors is good for the US. (He actually said the reverse.)

But now the cracks are showing. Most CEOs are still Republicanbetween 60 and 70 percent, in every decade since the 1980s. But at the top, CEOs arent afraid to break ranks with the GOP, especially on social issues. In return Republican politicians are punishing corporations with legislation and threats of investigations.

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More from TIME

The CEOs themselves have changed. Business priorities have changed to include sustainability, ESG, and diversity, not just tax policy. And the Republican Party has changed into the party of Trump. This is the story of how the GOP lost Big Business.

Corporations started caring about sustainability

The rise of the corporate sustainability report was the first trickle. In the 1980s and 1990s, companies started believing they could thrive while becoming greener and more socially responsible, and they wanted to get credit for their actions. The number of companies that file sustainability reports has grown by 100 times over the past three decades. The number of B-Corps, which take sustainability one step further, has risen to over 4000, including Ben & Jerrys and Patagonia. More reporting doesnt necessarily mean more progresscritics of the movement say accountability can be vague  but even by pursuing sustainability in name companies were moving further from the Republican Party line.

Clinton was a business-friendly Democrat

Following 12 years of Republican presidencies, Bill Clinton successfully won two terms as a New Democratread business-friendly, not tax-and-spend. He championed free trade and signed NAFTA in his first term. [Co-author Mark Penn was a key Clinton campaign advisor.] He pushed financial deregulation, culminating in the repeal of Glass-Steagall in 1999. And while the business community had quietly worried about Reagans deficit handling, Clinton balanced the budget and ran a surplus for four years in a row. For a Democrat, Clinton won a fair amount of business support from executives satisfied that he wasnt as profligate as other liberals.

The rise of tech CEOs, which coincided with the rise of Obama

The rise of Silicon Valley ushered in a new breed of CEOs. Tech executives had different perspective, cultures, and values. Whether they were libertarians or progressives or nonpolitical, they definitely werent suburban, religious conservatives.

Clinton had received some Silicon Valley support from the first wave of Internet entrepreneurs, but the tech leaders really flexed their financial power for Obama in 2008. They liked Obama because he got it; he used their products, embracing social media from the start. Major Obama donors included Googles Eric Schmidt, LinkedIns Reid Hoffman, and Facebooks Sheryl Sandberg. Even Tim Cook donated a couple thousand.

Tech CEOs grew in influence during the Obama years because they had an open invitation to the White House. Jack Dorsey moderated a Twitter town hall with Obama. Google averaged a meeting a week at the White House as it lobbied successfully for its own interests, including getting an FTC antitrust investigation shut down. Obama supported immigration and patent reforms that the tech companies liked, even when the unions opposed them. Both culturally and politically, tech was getting its way.

CEOs turn to activism to promote social harmony

CEOs believe that the free markets work best when people believe civil society is functioning smoothly. They abhor divisive rhetoric intended to inflame racial and ethnic divides.

Tech CEOs were the first executives to drive social activism against Republican governments. They were willing to throw around their size and cultural weight, often using social media, their home turf. Tim Cook, perhaps the countrys most prominent gay CEO, also criticized the law. When North Carolina passed its bathroom bill in 2017, PayPal CEO Dan Schulman was among the first to respond by canceling the companys plans to build a new global operations center.

These stands spread beyond tech. Companies from the heartland like Walmart, AT&T, UPS, and NASCAR came out against antigay legislation. Financial institutions like Bank of America and Deutsche Bank took action as well. These megacorporations commanded large, diverse workforces; they felt the pressure to listen to their employees, who often internally and externally led the protests on such issues. They also became more comfortable with the language of diversity and inclusion as they feared social backlash.

Well see how far business goes as Republicans in power push back, too. In 2022, Disney may have picked the wrong fight with Florida. Then-Disney CEO Bob Chapek bent to employee pressure to call out the states Dont Say Gay bill, which would restrict discussions of gender and sexuality in the classroom; in retaliation, Governor Ron DeSantis threatened to take away Disneys special tax status.

CEOs double down on ESG

ESG is the other warfront. Its not just sustainability reports; financial institutions are increasingly championing ESG as the overall business model. In response, West Virginia barred banks like Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan from government contracts because they have reduced coal investments; Louisiana and Arkansas have pulled hundreds of millions from BlackRock for being too focused on environmental issues. BlackRock is one of the biggest targets as CEO Larry Fink has repeatedly defended ESG as stakeholder capitalism and smart business rather than woke. After winning the House back in the 2022 midterms, the GOP is getting ready to investigate and subpoena financial institutions. In previous decades, Big Business and Republicans might gripe about each other in private but profess solidarity publicly; now they dont hide their differences.

Big Business doesnt like Trumps Republican Party, especially its treatment of democracy

Donald Trumps takeover of the Republican Party could have been the best thing for the business community. Instead very few major corporate leaders publicly endorsed either of his campaigns for office with Trumps financial support largely coming from small donors. In 2020 the overwhelming majority of billionaires supported the Biden campaign. CEOs loved Trumps tax cuts and deregulation. But it was outweighed by Trumps isolationist populism. In todays globalist era, big businesses rely on open immigration for the best workers in the world. They opposed Trumps tariffs, anti-immigration policies, and xenophobic rhetoric.

Above all Big Business wants stabilitystable democracy, stable marketswhich Trump showed he couldnt provide. CEOs had rallied around him enthusiastically in January 2017 after the creation of his business advisory council, but that affection was short-lived. In August 2017, when Trump equated violent Nazi protestors with peaceful civil rights advocates in Charlottesville, then Merck CEO Kenneth Frazier spoke out against Trumps failure to condemn the white supremacist hate groups and resigned from Trumps American Manufacturing Council. Initially, the business community wasnt sure if they were all going to leave Trumps business advisory councils, but within days, more than 200 business leaders rallied around one another, resigning en massethe first refusal to heed a U.S. presidents call to national service.

Three years later, when Trump was denying the reality of the 2020 election results, scores of big business leaders joined forces in meetings to persuade GOP legislators to smooth the succession process quickly. Following the worst assault on the Capitol since 1812, companies pledged to use their political influence to defend democracy in its aftermath by pledging a temporary moratorium on those 127 legislators who refused to ratify the already certified Electoral College results. When GOP politicians attacked those CEOs who spoke out as woke, they rallied to support each other in defiance with, for example, the CEOs of United and American Airlines standing in support of the CEO of Delta.

Business stood by their resistance to those GOP politicians undermining the electoral process. According to 2022 FEC filings, total corporate giving to election objectors fell a staggering 60 percent from calendar year 2019, the equivalent stage of the last election cycle. Putting this in context: All corporate political spending on Congress is down 28 percent; corporate support for GOP non-objecting members of Congress slipped that same 28 percent; and corporate giving to Democratic members of Congress fell just 19 percent. While businesses have lost some interest in supporting Congressional campaigns in general, by this measure they are three times more wary of assisting objectors.

At the same time major business leaders have strengthened Election Day by guaranteeing millions of workers paid time off to vote. They created a bypass around politicians inability to secure Election Day as a national holiday. As business leaders increasingly stand up for democracy they find themselves further from a GOP that remains consumed by Trump.

These changes have created a tectonic shift in the political plates. Now it seems more likely that Democratic politicians go to bridge and factory openings while Republican politicians rail at critical race theory and promote anti-vaccine conspiracies. The GOPs current threat is to expensively jeopardize the full faith and credit of the U.S. by refusing to raise the debt limit, as they enthusiastically did under three times under the Trump Administrationwhen the national debt grew greater in four years than it had in the prior 240 years. Business leaders have taken note of this pattern.

The Republicans could repair their relationship with CEOs by staying out of the culture war, dumping their extremists, and returning to lower taxes and deregulation. The Democrats could swoop in and become the pro-business party, but theyll need to defang the progressive wings antitrust and anti-wealth crusades. Theres an opportunity for long-term political realignment here: Big Business is now a free agent.
US-TECH-PROTEST-GOOGLE

Members of the Alphabet Workers Union (CWA) hold a rally outside the Google office in response to recent layoffs, in New York on February 2, 2023. - Google's parent company Alphabet announced in January it will cut about 12,000 jobs globally, citing a changing economic reality. Credit - Ed JONES-AFP

Silicon Valleys tech giants have long claimed that theyre rewriting the playbook for how businesses should be managed. Google is not a conventional company. We do not intend to become one, the search firms co-founders wrote in their 2004 filing to list on the stock market.

It turns out that Google and its tech rivals are disappointingly conventional. The latest proof is how theyre shedding staff.

From Meta to DocuSign to Twilio, tech companies have laid off more than 275,000 workers since last year, according to Layoffs.fyi, a website that tracks such announcements. Many, such as Zoom Video Communications Inc.which alone cut about 1,300 jobswere rewarded with significant increases in their share prices. Zooms stock jumped nearly 10% on the day of its layoff announcement. Twitter recently engaged in yet another round of layoffs, reportedly cutting a further 10% of its staff.

But, beyond such short-term investor gratification, these staff cuts are misguided. Research shows that such layoffs are often a net negative drag on companies financial performance over time. They dont consistently make firms more profitable, and employee engagement and customer service generally suffer. Its also unclear that for most companies the cuts are truly necessary: many of the companies axing staff, including the likes of Meta and Microsoft, remain tremendously profitable.

More from TIME

So, why are they doing it?

One simple reason is that this is what investors have conditioned CEOs to do. Over the past half-century, many U.S. businesses have stripped away worker protections, benefits, and job stability in the service of investors who have viewed employees as costs to be minimized for the sake of an upbeat quarterly earnings call.

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Prior to that, American companies such as General Electric took a longer view and boasted about their generous treatment of workers. But, starting in the 1970s, a new cohort of investors, consultants, and business leaders squeezed employees in the name of efficiency and shareholder return. Their standard bearer was the late GE CEO Jack Welch, who cut the companys workforce by 112,000 from 1980 to 1985 alone. Over time, big employers scrimped on pay and benefits so much that low-wage workers at firms including Amazon, McDonalds, and Walmart needed to rely on public assistance such as food stamps.

The tight labor market of the past few years has given employees more power, as companies have had to pay better wages and offer greater flexibility to attract and retain staff. This has been true for low-wage retail and warehouse workers, but also for tech-industry talent. Some Silicon Valley executives seemingly resent this worker empowermentespecially some of the advisors around Elon Musk at Twitter.

Twitter, like a lot of companies in Silicon Valley, was very bloated and overstaffed, David Sacks, a Musk confidante and venture capitalist, asserted in a recent interview. It was possible to cut three quarters of the employees and actually improve the performance. (Recent Twitter outages, including during the Super Bowl, make one wonder what Sacks means by performance.)

Read More: How Big Business Fell Out of Love with the GOP

Cutting workers allows CEOssome frustrated by the Great Resignation, Quiet Quitting, and messy post-pandemic returns to officeto flex their power over labor. The Bosses Are Back in Charge, proclaimed a recent Wall Street Journal headline.

For the tech industry, layoffs are also seen as a way to put entitled workers in their place, argues public relations executive and commentator Ed Zitron. In a post titled Techs Elite Hates Labor, he argued that the tech industry hates that by creating a special class of worker, they have to cater to said worker, and pay them more for specialized skills and talents that other industries dont.

The economic downturn has provided a ready script for tech CEOs to justify the job cuts. Theyre often going after the easy target of middle managers. And theres PR cover when your peers are also jettisoning staff.

But the abrupt, cold approach to some of the layoffs has undermined the premise that the tech giants were somehow unconventionally great places to work. Employees at some companies were notified by email in the middle of the night and immediately locked out of their work accounts. Staff were laid off while on parental leave. Teams responsible for diversity, equity, and inclusion lost their jobs in disproportionate numbers. Workers on H1B visas who cant find another role within a few weeks face having to abruptly relocate their families out of the U.S.

Its striking how inhumaneand unnecessarymuch of this is.

What is the alternative?

For starters, not laying off workers at all. Few of their businesses are short on cash to meet payroll. Microsoft and Metawhich laid off more than 20,000 workers, combined, with thousands more cuts reportedly in the works at Metaalone scored over $90 billion in profits last year.

Research doesnt support the idea that mass layoffs actually improve the financial or business performances of a company. One study that found potential financial benefits from layoffs still said companies shouldnt expect any benefits for at least three years following staff cuts. Another academic paper, titled Dumb and Dumber concluded that cutting jobs is associated with decreases in subsequent firm profitability. Among the reasons why: the remaining employees are often stressed, anxious, and less engaged, which shows up in things like increased lateness or absences. Understaffing is inefficient and reduces customer service, further handicapping a businesss performance. Even the stock bump for downsizing can prove fleeting, according to studies.

Its also short-term thinking for companies that face a still-competitive market for workers, and presumably will need to hire again. There were 1.9 job postings for every unemployed worker in December. Demographic trendsincluding a declining birth rate and drastically curtailed immigration to the U.S. over the last few yearsalso will make it harder for employers to find enough people to fill future openings. A Wall Street Journal analysis found that companies often wind up cutting far fewer positions than they announce, sometimes because they find they need the workers.

Many tech companies proved skilled at protecting jobs and supporting workers during the early part of the pandemic, when a number foreswore significant layoffs. They would be well served to adopt similarly creative approaches today.

Zapier provides one example. Rather than fire employees, the tech company chose to launch a secondment program, where workers are temporarily shifted to new roles. With hiring at a standstill, for example, some members of Zapiers recruiting team chose reassignments in its data and product functions. A downturn is temporary, wrote Bonnie Dilber, a Zapier recruiting manager. Did we really want to lose all of that recruiting talent only to spend all of those resources again hiring new people down the road?

Atlassian is another tech company that has had a secondment program, and published a guide about how they work. Some businesses also use furloughsextended time off with reduced or no payto cut costs in the short-term with the aim of bringing back employees when conditions improve. Others capitalize on downturns to actually add employees, grabbing valuable talent that isnt normally available to them.

This isnt to say that layoffs never make sense as a last-ditch option, especially if a companys ability to keep operating and make payroll for everyone else requires a significant reduction in costs. Performance-related dismissals are also a necessary tool for businesses. But the idea that highly profitable tech companies are now bloated and should abruptly jettison thousands of staff is a sign of poor managementboth for getting to this point and for lacking creativity and humanity in dealing with it now. Mass downsizing is a blunt tool with questionable benefits.

The CEOs should look in the mirror. Any mistakes that led to these layoffs are ultimately their responsibility. Some tech executives acknowledge approving aggressive overstaffing based on unrealistic growth projectionsand, in fact, the layoffs represent a fraction of the tech hiring binge since the pandemic started. But its also easy to point to examples of ill-advised investments in bubbly areas such as crypto or the metaverse, in building ostentatious skyscraper offices, and in acquiring other companies for multiples of their actual business value.

Rather than employees, its perhaps the leadership of some of the businesses that deserves to be shown the door. Research does suggest that CEOs who conducted mass layoffs have been more likely to lose their jobs themselves. Thats eventually another way that tech companies could prove to be not so unconventional after all.

Delaney is editor-in-chief of Charter, a media and insights firm for owners of the talent agenda. Sign up for Charters free newsletter about the future of work here.
FILE - West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice delivers his State of the State Address in the House chamber at the Capitol in Charleston, W.Va., Feb. 10, 2021. All 100 seats in the House of Delegates are up for election in 2022. The primary is May 10. (AP Photo/Chris Jackson, File)

FILE - West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice delivers his State of the State Address in the House chamber at the Capitol in Charleston, W.Va., Feb. 10, 2021. All 100 seats in the House of Delegates are up for election in 2022. The primary is May 10. (AP Photo/Chris Jackson, File)

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP)  A bill that would have prohibited minors from getting married in West Virginia was defeated Wednesday night in a legislative committee.

The Republican-dominated Senate Judiciary Committee rejected the bill on a 9-8 vote, a week after it passed the House of Delegates.

The vote came shortly after the bills main sponsor, Democratic Del. Kayla Young of Kanawha County, testified briefly before the committee. She said that since 2000 there have been more than 3,600 marriages in the state involving one or more children.

Currently, children can marry as young as 16 in West Virginia with parental consent. Anyone younger than that also must get a judges waiver.

For now, there will be no floor for the age of marriage in WV, endangering our kids, Young wrote on Twitter after the vote.

In a rebuke, Cabell County Democratic Sen. Mike Woelfel reminded the committee after the vote that Wednesday was International Womens Day.

Some of the bills opponents have argued that teenage marriages are a part of life in West Virginia.

Kanawha County Republican Sen. Mike Stuart, a former federal prosecutor who sided with the majority, said his vote wasnt a vote against women. He said his mother was married when she was 16, and six months later, I came along. Im the luckiest guy in the world.

The bill would have established that 18 is the age of consent and removed the ability of a minor to obtain consent through their parents, legal guardians, or by court petition. Existing legal marriages, including those done in other states, would have been unaffected.

According to the nonprofit group Unchained At Last, which seeks to end forced and child marriage, seven states have set the minimum age for marriage at 18, all since 2018. Supporters of such legislation say it reduces domestic violence, unwanted pregnancies and improves the lives of teens.

Although recent figures are unavailable, according to the Pew Research Center, West Virginia had the highest rate of child marriages among the states in 2014, when the states five-year average was 7.1 marriages for every 1,000 children ages 15 to 17.
Bindi Irwin has a polite request for anyone who's wondering if and when she plans to have more children.

On Tuesday, the 24-year-old spoke out about her endometriosis diagnosis and revealed that she had 37 endometriosis lesions and a chocolate cyst removed.

Irwin and her husband, Chandler Powell, have one child together, a daughter named Grace who turns 2 in March. In the post about her diagnosis, the conservationist kindly urged people to think twice before asking about her plans to expand her family.

Please be gentle & pause before asking me (or any woman) when well be having more children," she wrote.

Irwin, whose father was the late Crocodile Hunter star Steve Irwin, then emphasized how lucky she feels to be a mother.

"After all that my body has gone through, I feel tremendously grateful that we have our gorgeous daughter. She feels like our familys miracle," she wrote.

The Australian native explained that she wants to raise awareness of endometriosis by sharing her story.

"Im aware of millions of women struggling with a similar story. Theres stigma around this awful disease. Im sharing my story for anyone who reads this & is quietly dealing with pain & no answers. Let this be your validation that your pain is real & you deserve help. Keep searching for answers," she wrote.

In 2021, Irwin and Powell welcomed their daughter, Grace, on the same day as their wedding anniversary: March 25.

Celebrating the two loves of my life. Happy first wedding anniversary to my sweetheart husband and day of birth to our beautiful daughter, Irwin wrote in the caption. She chose the perfect day to be born and we feel tremendously blessed.

The couple also revealed the inspiration behind their daughter's full name: Grace Warrior Irwin Powell.

Our graceful warrior is the most beautiful light, the proud mom wrote. Grace is named after my great-grandmother, and relatives in Chandlers family dating back to the 1700s. Her middle names, Warrior Irwin, are a tribute to my dad and his legacy as the most incredible Wildlife Warrior. Her last name is Powell and she already has such a kind soul just like her dad.

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In January 2022, Irwin shared that Grace was already following in her late grandfather's footsteps and getting along with the animals at the Australia Zoo at just 10 months old.

Oh, my word, the koalas ... literally climb out of their trees to come see her, Irwin said at the time.

The toddler also became fast friends with one tortoise at the zoo.

His name is Igloo and, no joke, he comes up to here on me, like up to my waist. Hes massive and the cutest. When he sees Grace, he runs across his paddock, which is huge. If youre a tortoise, you cant really run very fast, but he does his best, runs across the paddock to see her and just sits. She tries to pat him, and she just ends up kind of like hitting him on the head, Irwin said.

Last October, Irwin and Powell pulled off an adorable family costume for Halloween and dressed up as character's from NBCs The Office. Irwin's brother, Robert Irwin, also joined in on the fun dressed as Dwight while Grace sported a Worlds Best Boss T-shirt that would make Michael Scott jealous.

And in the summer, Irwin shared an adorable video of Grace pointing to a photo of her grandparents, Terri and Steve Irwin, while walking around the Australia Zoo. In the clip, Grace appears to try to hug the wall. She also pointed out her "Grandpa Crocodile" and "Bunny" in the photo.

Tears in my eyes as I share this video, Irwin captioned the post. We call my mum and dad, Bunny and Grandpa Crocodile with Grace. She loves them (and koalas) dearly. On every zoo walk she searches for pictures of her grandparents and it is beyond beautiful.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
(WJW)  Bindi Irwin, daughter of the late Steve Irwin, says that for years shes lived with severe pain.

Tuesday, the Australian reality TV star came clean about her struggle with endometriosis and how she recently had surgery to remove legions from her ovaries. Taking to social media, Bindi said she wasnt sure if she wanted to share her medical issues so publicly but ultimately decided other women needed to know they werent alone.

For 10yrs Ive struggled with insurmountable fatigue, pain & nausea, she said in a Twitter post. Trying to remain a positive person & hide the pain has been a very long road.

Rihanna sends flowers to elderly ladies for amazing Super Bowl reenactment

Irwin went on to explain that, over the last decade, she has undergone many tests and scans, as well as many doctor visits.

A doctor told me it was simply something you deal with as a woman & I gave up entirely, trying to function through the pain, she recounted. Ultimately, Irwin said she decided to undergo surgery for endometriosis.

According to Mayo Clinic, endometriosis is a condition in which cells similar to the lining of the uterus, or endometrium, grow outside the uterus. It can also impact nearby organs, like the bowel and bladder. Treatment often involves pain medications and hormone therapy but, if those arent effective, patients may opt for surgery to remove endometriosis tissue.

Bindi Irwin poses for a photo with fiance Chandler Powell at the annual Steve Irwin Gala Dinner at Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre on November 09, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

ULURU, AUSTRALIA  OCTOBER 2: Steve Irwin poses with his daughter Bindi Irwin October 2, 2006 in Uluru, Australia. (Photo by Australia Zoo via Getty Images)

HOLLYWOOD, CA  APRIL 26: Bindi Irwin attends the ceremony honoring Steve Irwin with star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 26, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

The 24-year-old mother of one said that while it was terrifying to go under the knife, the pain was starting to seep into every aspect of her life.

To cut a long story short, she reported. They found 37 lesions, some very deep & difficult to remove, & a chocolate cyst. Ovarian endometriomas, sometimes known as chocolate cysts, are cysts that are filled with menstrual blood, Cleveland Clinic explains.

[Dr. Tamer Seckin]s first words to me when I was in recovery were, How did you live with this much pain?' Irwin continued. Validation for years of pain is indescribable. Dr. Seckin, an endometriosis specialist based in New York, also cared for actress Amy Schumer two years ago when she had a hysterectomy to help treat her endometriosis.

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Bindi, who is married to Chandler Powell, said its a long road to recovery, and reminded everyone to be kind to one another.

Things may look fine on the outside looking in through the window of someones life, however, that is not always the case, she said. Please be gentle & pause before asking me (or any woman) when well be having more children.

Ending the post, Bindi said she knows millions of women around the world understand what shes going through and that their pain is not made up. Bindi joins a host of other celebrities whove opened up about their struggles with the often stigmatized disease.

Endometriosis is believed to affect more than 11% of American women, ages 15 to 44, according to the Department of Health & Human Services.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Bitcoin is down nearly 10 per cent over the last week, leading a market-wide dip (Getty Images/ iStock)

The price of bitcoin is once again on the slide after another crypto-friendly institution announced plans to liquidate.

Silvergate Bank said that it would begin winding down operations in accordance with applicable regulatory processes, claiming that all customer funds would be repaid.

In the light of recent industry and regulatory developments, Silvergate believes that an orderly wind down of bank operations and a voluntary liquidation of the bank is the best path forward, the company announced in a statement published on Wednesday evening.

The banks wind down and liquidation plan includes full repayment of all deposits.

Bitcoin suffered a minor flash crash following the announcement, having already begun to dip in price when concerns about the bank first began to surface last week.

Since the start of the month, the worlds biggest cryptocurrency is down 8 per cent, having fallen below $21,700 on Thursday morning.

Several other leading cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum (ETH), Cardano (ADA) and Dogecoin (DOGE) also saw notable losses, pushing the overall crypto market cap below $1 trillion for the first time since mid February.

The demise of one of the most prominent banks within the cryptocurrency industry, coming less than a year after the collapse of leading exchange FTX, has once again raised concerns about the health of the crypto sector in the US.

As the impact of FTXs collapse continues to ripple outward, today we are seeing what can happen when a bank is over reliant on a risky, volatile sector like cryptocurrencies, Ohio Democrat Senator Sherrod Brown said in a statement.

Ive been concerned that when banks get involved with crypto, it spreads risk across the financial system and it will be taxpayers and consumers who pay the price. Thats why I am continuing to work with my colleagues in Congress and financial regulators to establish strong safeguards for our financial system from the risks of crypto.

Some industry commentators claimed the banks downfall was related to issues with the broader financial sector, rather than being specific to cryptocurrency.

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The problem is not about crypto, but concentration risks, Sheila Warren, CEO of the Crypto Council for Innovation, told The Independent.

In this case, this is a voluntary wind down under California law, which implies that they will be able to make depositors whole. Neither taxpayer money, nor the FDIC [Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation], are involved.

Hopefully, this situation serves as a needed reminder to regulators of the risk of concentration, which is certainly not unique to the crypto industry, and will cause them to encourage responsible distribution across the banking sector.
Bitcoin (BTC-USD) fell more than 9% Friday morning to $19,700, a eight-week low. The largest cryptocurrency lost more than $52 billion in market capitalization value since Tuesday.

Ahead of the release of the U.S jobs report for February and after earlier events such as the liquidation of Silvergate Capital and continued regulatory pressures on the industry, this remains a tough environment for crypto," Edward Moya, a senior market analyst with Oanda said.

Ether (ETH-USD) is down by 10% for the same 24-hour period, it is also changing hands at an eight-week low, tumbling below $1,400 per coin.

Cryptos total market capitalization fell more than 8% through Friday morning from $994 trillion to $914 billion as measured by Coinmarketcap.

Crypto investors and businesses are grappling with what the liquidation of Silvergate Capital (SI), a crucial U.S. banking partner, could mean for the crypto asset class access to dollars.

"It wont be a smooth transition for the industry at all," Noelle Acheson, author of the Crypto Is Macro Now newsletter, told Yahoo Finance.

Silvergate offered a payments network that allowed customers to exchange U.S. dollars between accounts 24/7 to match the liquidity needs of the crypto market. The bank suspended the offering last Friday.

The other most amenable bank to crypto firms, Signature Bank (SBNY), is also actively reducing its exposure to digital asset business. "If small banks such as Customers and Pathward (formerly MetaBank) dont step in to fill the gap, other alternatives include the Euro and non-dollar backed stablecoins, Conor Ryder," an analyst for Kaiko said Thursday.

"It's a blow to the ecosystem but its unlikely to be a permanent one," Acheson added.

Crypto markets were also under pressure Thursday as broader financial stresses in the banking sector emerged amid new challenges as Silicon Valley Bank, news which sent shares of its parent company SVB Financial down 60% on Thursday as the benchmark S&P 500 fell some 1.8%.

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Slivergate CEO Alan Lane, second from right, is applauded as he rings the New York Stock Exchange opening bell before his bank's IPO begins trading, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Elsewhere, the Biden Administration is proposing to raise $24 billion for the U.S. government by closing a tax loophole. The loophole allows investors to harvest their crypto losses to offset capital gains and income for individuals.

"As other countries are bringing crypto safely into the regulatory perimeter, we should be doing the same," said Paul Grewal, Coinbase's chief legal officer, before a U.S. House Financial Services Committee Thursday afternoon.

Largest among U.S. crypto firms, Coinbase (COIN) has several banking partners and is not as immediate a risk from Silvergates liquidation as smaller startups given the exchange ended business with the firm last week.

Even so, CFRA Research has chosen to maintain its hold rating on shares of Coinbase at neutral.

"Although COIN has more measured exposure directly to SI, indirect impacts around the health of like-kind clients and/or general investor enthusiasm (i.e., trading activity) could also create an overhang on COIN's fundamentals," CFRA analyst David Holt said in a Thursday note.

Shares of Coinbase fell 7.8% Thursday to $58. They traded more than 1% lower during Friday's pre-market session.

The Office of the New York Attorney General is also suing KuCoin, the fourth largest crypto exchange by trading volume for failing to register as a securities and commodities broker-dealer

"My office is taking action against cryptocurrency companies that are brazenly disregarding our laws and putting investors at risk, Attorney General Letita James said in the release.

Price have been updated to reflect Friday morning prices ahead of the U.S. February Jobs report.

David Hollerith is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow him on Twitter @DSHollers

Click here for the latest crypto news, updates, values, prices, and more related to Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, DeFi and NFTs

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A Black couple has settled their lawsuit against the real estate company that estimated their house was nearly $500,000 more valuable when their white friend posed as its owner.

According to their civil complaint, the saga began when Tenisha Tate-Austin and Paul Austin decided to refinance their mortgage in 2020. The couple hired the firm Miller and Perotti Real Estate Appraisers to appraise their home in Marin City, an unincorporated community just north of San Francisco, and were told that it was worth $995,000.

That number seemed low to the Austins  and they were suspicious that their race had something to do with the potentially deflated value.

The couple then got a second appraiser to come and look at their home, but this time had a white friend of theirs pose as the houses owner. The friend was the only person present at the time of the inspection and replaced photographs of the Austins family inside the house with photos of her own family. This time, the couple said, the home was valued at $1,482,500.

The Austins case was a dramatic example of how an unfairly low appraisal can affect your ability to access a loan with good terms and build generational wealth, Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California (FHANC), which supported the Austins in the suit, wrote in a release following news of the settlement. Unfortunately, their experience is not unique.

There is a long history of racial discrimination in real estate in the US, with Black homeowners and homeowners in majority-Black neighborhoods seeing the values of their homes artifically deflated as compared with similar homes in whiter neighborhoods.

FHANC noted that, as of July 2019, 36 percent of Marin Citys residents were Black while just three percent of Marin Countys residents were.

Appraisers likely still view neighborhoods and relevant comps based on racial demographics, which is part of what what we believe happened in the Austins case, the FHANC statement read.

The Austins will be paid an undisclosed monetary sum as part of the settlement. The defendants will also be required to watch the documentary film Our America: Lowballed, an ABC News production about racism in American real estate that features the Austins story. Theyll also have to attend a training session on the subject in Marin County presented by FANHC.

Were glad that we can put this lawsuit behind us, Paul Austin said in a statement. Having to experience everything that came with receiving the lowballed appraisal was overwhelming. Being able to tell our story and knowing we had legal recourse helped. We want others to know that if you experience discrimination, you can go to your local fair housing agency so they can investigate your case and help you if you want to file a complaint.
Paul Austin and Tenisha Tate-Austin have settled for an undisclosed sum, NBC News reported. Steve Pfost/ Getty Images

Paul Austin and Tenisha Tate-Austin's home was valued at 31% less than a previous appraisal.

The Black couple decided to "whitewash" their home and had a white friend pose as the owner.

Their home was revalued at $1.48 million and they've now settled with the appraiser, per NBC News.

A Black couple whose home was valued nearly $500,000 higher when their white friend posed as the owner has won a settlement in their lawsuit against the appraiser, NBC News reported.

When Paul Austin and Tenisha Tate-Austin's home in Marin City, California was appraised by Janette Miller of Miller & Perotti at $995,000 in 2020, they were suspicious because it had been valued at $1.45 million a year earlier, according to court documents viewed by Insider.

The lawsuit said the couple then "whitewashed" their home by removing family photos and art, and had a different appraiser, from another company, value the house. The family were not at home during the assessment and left a white friend to answer the door instead.

That second appraisal valued the home at $1.48 million  a $487,500, or 49%, increase from Miller's appraisal just three weeks earlier, per the filing.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs said in the lawsuit "race was a motivating factor in Miller's unreasonably low valuation of the Austins' house" because of comments she made in her appraisal report.

Court documents say her appraisal noted Marin City's "distinct marketability which differs from the surrounding areas," which lawyers argue "is coded based on race." Marin City is a historically Black neighborhood in what the San Francisco Chronicle reports as the whitest county in the Bay Area.

The couple will now receive an undisclosed sum, while the defendants must also watch a documentary on the topic called "Our America: Lowballed," per NBC News. The documentary follows Black and Latino families as they fight for fair home values after lower-than-expected appraisals.

"Having to erase our identity to get a better appraisal was a wrenching experience," Tate-Austin told NBC.

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The plaintiff's attorneys and Miller & Perotti did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment, sent outside US working hours.

This case isn't the first time discrepancies between Black and white homeownership have been discovered.

A Black family in Seattle similarly "whitewashed" their home and asked a white neighbor to fill in for them, bumping up the appraisal value by $259,000.

And last year, the New York Times reported on a Black couple in Maryland who filed a lawsuit after their home was valued $278,000 higher when a white colleague pretended to own the home.

According to the National Association of Realtors, Black Americans are 30% less likely to buy a home than their white peers, and are 2.5 times more likely to be rejected for a mortgage.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A protest at Times Square in New York on Jan. 28 against the police assault of Tyre Nichols. (Fatih Aktas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus are pushing the Justice Department to follow through more aggressively on President Bidens 2022 executive order on police reform.

Some of these provisions should have been completed by now, Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nev., who heads the group of Black lawmakers, said during a press conference last week. Tyre Nichols and other lives depend on it.

Horsford announced that his caucus had submitted a letter demanding data from the Justice Department on Bidens executive order, signed last May, that instituted new rules for federal law enforcement officers. Those officers would be required to wear body cameras, stop using chokeholds and limit no-knock warrants, among other rules. Biden also called for a national database of police misconduct; federal law enforcement agencies would be required to submit data to it, while state and local police would be encouraged to do so.

Today I am sending a letter to the Department of Justice calling on them to do their job. To provide the Congressional Black Caucus with a response to President Bidens executive order on the guidance that they need to be giving to the 13,000 law enforcement departments across this country, Horsford said.

The screen at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans honors Tyre Nichols before an NBA game on Jan. 28. (Matthew Hinton/AP)

The Justice Department insisted it is not dragging its feet on Bidens executive order.

The department has been hard at work every day of the past nearly 10 months implementing the more than 90 deliverables assigned to the department in the EO [executive order], a department spokesperson told Yahoo News. We continue to work on these and many other deliverables and are prioritizing stakeholder engagement to ensure our efforts are successful and responsive to the needs and concerns of both law enforcement and community members.

Reform advocates hope the high-profile police killing of Tyre Nichols will spark action from lawmakers and federal agencies. Memphis police bodycam and surveillance footage showed officers brutally beating Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, during a traffic stop on Jan. 7. Nichols later died from his wounds; five officers were charged with second-degree murder.

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On Wednesday, the Justice Department launched an investigation into the Memphis Police Department.

What we are saying as the Congressional Black Caucus is that no one should die as a result of a traffic stop, Horsford said at the press conference. Yahoo News reached out to the CBC for additional comment.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents the Nichols family, says he is optimistic that the CBC will get a response from the federal agency. We don't want to lose momentum. We don't want this to be swept under the rug, Crump told Yahoo News.

But experts say Bidens executive order wont be enough to implement long-term police accountability nationwide because it is a short-term solution.

President Biden signs an executive order on policing in the White House on May 25, 2022. (Alex Brandon/AP)

Executives [orders] are just that. They execute laws and figure out how to implement public policies, but they don't have very much enforcement power, and that is by systemic design, Brandy Faulkner, a professor of political science and Black studies at Virginia Tech, told Yahoo News.

Instead, civil rights leaders say passing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act is the best course of action, but that legislation is stalled in Congress.

There have been very few proposals for comprehensive reform, and I think one of the best opportunities that we had to move forward with comprehensive reform was the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, Faulkner said.

After the civil unrest following the death of Nichols, advocates renewed their push for Congress to pass the legislation. During Nicholss funeral, Vice President Kamala Harris called the bill nonnegotiable.

We demand that Congress pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, and we should not delay, and we will not be denied, she said at the funeral.

Almost three years after George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis police, some are skeptical that Congress will get something done. But Crump hasnt lost hope. At this point, we're still waiting to find out if the Democrats and the Republicans agree to at least have a basic framework of what such a law may look like, he said.

While on the campaign trail, Biden promised to address police reform and create a national police oversight commission in the first 100 days of his presidency. But these promises have fallen short, prompting state leaders to take matters into their own hands.

A mourner places flowers at a memorial mural for George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 31, 2020. (John Minchillo/AP)

This is one example of many examples of how state legislatures have to lead on these issues because the federal government is so dysfunctional, Maryland General Assembly Delegate Lesley Lopez told Yahoo News.

In her state, Lopez sought to create county police accountability boards with civilian oversight after the death of Floyd. The bill passed the Maryland Legislature in 2021.

We knew that we had issues in our state, just like every state does, but I think that the final impetus was seeing a man being executed, she said.

This year, Lopez will continue to push for additional reforms. The bill I'm introducing basically takes the county model and allows municipalities to also implement civilian oversight via police accountability boards, she said.

The Georgia NAACP is also advocating for police accountability, and it is asking the public to help by signing an online petition.

We at the Georgia NAACP are launching a tour around the state to have a real conversation about 21st century policing, how we hold police accountable, how we make sure theres justice in this state, attorney Gerald Griggs, the president of the organization, said during a video announcement last month.

As state leaders seek greater accountability for law enforcement, Horsford says the Department of Justice confirmed that it has received the CBC's letter and will provide a response along with a meeting with the caucus.

Time is of the essence, Horsford said at the March 2 press conference. We dont want to end policing. We want to put an end to bad policing. All of us, regardless of party, should agree that bad policing has no place in America.
The two mayoral candidates competing in the runoff -- Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson (left) and former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas -- campaign in Chicago in February.

The two mayoral candidates competing in the runoff -- Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson (left) and former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas -- campaign in Chicago in February.

Just over a week after knocking out incumbent Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, the two finalists to succeed her, Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson, have prioritized locking up the support of top Black politicians and community leaders.

Vallas, a white centrist and former CEO of Chicago Public Schools, has announced endorsements from former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, businessman and former mayoral candidate Willie Wilson, as well as Chicago City Council members Walter Burnett and Rod Sawyer, who was an unsuccessful mayoral candidate.

Johnson, a Cook County commissioner who is progressive and Black, has unveiled a rival slate of Black endorsements that is expected to grow in the coming weeks. He has won the support of U.S. Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill.) and Toni Preckwinkle, president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners and chair of the Cook County Democratic Party. They join a host of Black elected officials, including three members of the Chicago City Council, who had already endorsed Johnson before the first round of voting concluded on Feb. 28.

Johnson, a former schoolteacher and Chicago Teachers Union organizer, also flew to Selma, Alabama, on Sunday to join the annual commemoration of the Bloody Sunday march for voting rights in 1965.

The scramble for high-profile Black support reflects the pivotal role that the citys Black voters are expected to play in the mayoral runoff election on April 4.

The mostly white, affluent voters on the northern lakefront decided the first round and probably Black voters are going to decide the second, said Brian Stryker, a Chicago Democratic consultant, who conducted the polling for U.S. Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcias unsuccessful mayoral run.

I try not to judge people on what they say. I try to judge them on what they do.Walter Burnett, Chicago City Council member and Vallas supporter

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Specifically, the so-called lakefront liberals who powered Lightfoots 2019 victory abandoned her either for Vallas or, in younger, more left-leaning enclaves further from the downtown Loop, Johnson. (Johnson also won many precincts in northwest Chicago, where professional-class gentrifiers mix with working-class Latino residents.)

As of Wednesday, with mail-in ballots still being counted, Vallas had received just under one-third of the vote and Johnson had received nearly 22%. Though both candidates outperformed Lightfoot in the first round of voting, foreclosing her path to a second term, they also fell short of an outright majority, precipitating the runoff contest.

That means they are now locked in a race to woo the nearly half of the electorate that voted for neither candidate in the first round.

Although an exact breakdown of how each demographic group voted in the election is not available, geographic patterns indicate that Black voters make up an outsize share of the Chicagoans who cast their ballots for someone other than Vallas or Johnson.

Despite her loss, Lightfoot won just under 17% of the vote, much of it in the citys predominantly Black neighborhoods. The citys first Black woman mayor, Lightfoot dominated the predominantly Black precincts on the citys South and West sides, winning all but one of the citys 16 majority-Black wards, as Chicagos city council districts are known.

Willie Wilson, a conservative Black businessman, also received 9% of the vote citywide thanks to his support in select Black neighborhoods. Four other Black candidates, whose bases of support were also in predominantly Black areas, jointly won just under 6% of the vote.

Johnson and Vallas both have strong, albeit different, reasons to woo these Black voters.

Given the reality that Black voters tend to vote for Black candidates when they are in head-to-head races with white candidates, Vallas is unlikely to get a majority of the Black vote. And though Vallas generally performed better than Johnson in predominantly Latino precincts that Garcia won, Johnson generally performed better than Vallas in predominantly Black precincts carried by either Lightfoot or Wilson.

But Vallas, a self-described lifelong Democrat who entertained a Republican run for local office in 2009, does need to prevent enough voters of all races from seeing him as either a Republican or a racist. Vallas ties to right-wing groups and figures, including the president of Chicagos police union (the Fraternal Order of Police), who has said racist things in the past, have already given his opponents fodder to portray him as a reactionary unfit to lead a diverse, liberal city.

Jesse White, who served as Illinois's secretary of state from 1999 to this past January, endorsed Paul Vallas for mayor of Chicago on March 2.

Jesse White, who served as Illinois's secretary of state from 1999 to this past January, endorsed Paul Vallas for mayor of Chicago on March 2.

In a press release last week, Johnsons campaign accused Vallas of having racist beliefs about Black families and teaching Black history, over comments he made about Black history education on a conservative podcast in Nov. 2021.

In the podcastinterview, Vallas affirmed his support for teaching Black history, saying that there is no substitution for making sure that youre teaching history and that youre teaching it accurately.

But he argued that, in practice, the focus on Black history education in cities like Chicago has undermined overall academic excellence.

When it distracts from quality instruction in the core subject areas  which it is, because we seem to be too preoccupied [with]  those things rather than focusing on our core curriculum  our standards suffer and damage is done, he said.

Vallas also said that progressive educators and politicians focus on the racism to which white Americans have historically subjected Black Americans can give both white and Black children an excuse for bad behavior by allowing them to cast their individual actions as responses to historical forces.

When you introduce a curriculum that is not only divisive but a curriculum that further undermines the relationship of children with their parents, with their families, thats a dangerous thing, he said. For white parents, how are you going to discipline your child when your child comes home and your child has basically been told that ... their race, their parents or grandparents, have discriminated against others and have somehow victimized another persons race? Or, for that matter, if you are a Black child, how do you go home and listen to your parent when your parent has failed to be successful in addressing these historically racist institutional obstacles that have denied them a chance at equal opportunity?

In the first debate of the runoff election on Wednesday, Johnson flatly accused Vallas of opposing the teaching of Black history.

Im also going to make sure that we are educating children in teaching Black history, Johnson said. Paul Vallas, on the other hand, doesnt believe that children of the city of Chicago should learn Black history.

The naive thing is to double down on the current policies, which is what Paul Vallas wants to do.Illinois state Sen. Robert Peters (D), Johnson supporter

But Vallas pushed back directly on Johnsons charges at the debate, calling the claims nonsense.

I actually integrated Black history in all the curriculum, and it moved beyond just Black history month in February, he said, referencing his tenure as head of Chicago Public Schools from 1995 to 2001. I also incorporated African studies into the world history curriculum. And ... we worked with local school councils who wanted to provide a more Afro-centric curriculum.

In addition, Vallas new Black surrogates are already playing a critical role defending his bona fides as an advocate for the interests of Black Chicagoans.

Jesse White, a Democrat who backed Lightfoot in the first round, stars in Vallas first TV ad of the runoff. Paul Vallas will be a mayor for all Chicagoans, White concludes in the 30-second spot.

Alderman Walter Burnett, as members of the Chicago City Council are often known, told HuffPost that he endorsed Vallas because of his positive experience with the mayoral contender dating to the 1990s when Vallas was city budget director and then head of the citys public schools.

Burnett, who supported Lightfoot in the first round, cited Vallas record of granting construction contracts to Black-owned development firms, his early support for an ongoing program that helps children commute to school safe from violence and his implementation of preparatory programs that made it easier for Black kids in the Cabrini-Green neighborhood to gain admission to a new magnet high school in the area.

Hes always been sensitive to our community and helping the kids, Burnett said.

Asked about Vallas comments on the podcast, Burnett told HuffPost, I try not to judge people on what they say. I try to judge them on what they do.

Wilsons endorsement, which came out shortly before the candidate debate on Wednesday, could prove especially critical to Vallas given his base of support in select Black neighborhoods. Paul has a long history of working closely with the Black community, and his plan to invest in neighborhoods that have been neglected for too long is impressive, and he will do it without imposing new taxes that will drive away companies and jobs, Wilson said in a statement announcing his endorsement.

Johnsons task is to succeed where Lightfoot failed by consolidating the Black vote behind his bid and supplementing it with many of the liberal white and Latino voters who supported him in the first round.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announces her support for Brandon Johnson (left) during a press conference outside of Chicago City Hall on Tuesday.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announces her support for Brandon Johnson (left) during a press conference outside of Chicago City Hall on Tuesday.

The stakes of pursuing Black voters are likely higher for Johnson than they are for Vallas, however, given Vallas strong showing with a slice of the white professional class and the working-class white voters that form the citys conservative base.

Brandon Johnson needs [the Black vote] more than Paul Vallas needs it, because his base would be in the Black community, said Laura Washington, a political analyst for ABC7 in Chicago. Hes going to need it to offset what Paul Vallas is going to gain in some of the white ethnic parts of the city.

The challenge for Johnson with many Black voters, especially older Black voters, mirrors the hurdles he faces with moderate voters of all backgrounds due to many of his left-leaning positions.

Those positions include an economic plan that would seek to invest in people by generating $1 billion in new revenue. Johnson would accomplish that by increasing taxes on affluent residents and corporations. He proposes using the money to fund social initiatives like the reopening of the citys shuttered mental health clinics and doubling the size of Chicagos summer youth jobs program. He has also said that the new revenue would enable him to break with previous mayors and forego raising property taxes.

But its Johnsons complex ideas about tackling the root causes of crime that are likely to encounter the greatest skepticism. As a county official in 2020, he embraced the defund the police slogan, which he interpreted as redirecting law enforcement resources to social programs that prevent crime.

As a mayoral candidate, Johnson has clarified that he would not seek to reduce police funding. But unlike Vallas, Johnson is not promising to fill the 1,700-person backlog affecting the Chicago Police Department relative to its 2019 staffing levels. Dismissing Vallas planned hiring spree as unrealistic, Johnson has instead proposed using efficiency savings to add 200 more detectives through promotion within the department.

Johnson and his defenders maintain that his candidacy presents a unique opportunity to turn the page on an enforcement-only approach to policing that has contributed to the current crime wave rather than prevented it.

The naive thing is to double down on the current policies, which is what Paul Vallas wants to do, said Illinois state Sen. Robert Peters (D), who has been supporting Johnsons bid since before the Feb. 28 election.

As chair of the powerful Cook County Democratic Party, Preckwinkle is likely to be an asset for Johnson as he seeks to sway prominent Black Democrats who are on the fence about his candidacy.

[Preckwinkle] can make promises and cut deals on behalf of Brandon Johnson.Laura Washington, political analyst

She can make promises and cut deals on behalf of Brandon Johnson, said Washington, noting that an endorsement from the party itself  and the resources it would unlock  would be the biggest coup of all.

But as Chicago reels from a crime wave that has hit Black residents especially hard, its not clear how receptive Black voters are going to be to Johnsons pitch  however logical that pitch may be.

A majority of Black Chicagoans  54%  cited reducing crime as their biggest concern in an independent poll conducted in early February by BSP Research in conjunction with Northwestern Universitys Center for the Study of Diversity and Democracy.

In the poll, nearly three-quarters of Black Chicagoans said they support reducing police funding to invest in addressing root causes of crime. But in the same poll, an even higher percentage of the citys Black voters want to increase the number of cops in the city.

Alderwoman Sophia King, who ran unsuccessfully for mayor in February, exemplifies the dilemma of Black voters who fall somewhere between Vallas and Johnson on the ideological spectrum.

King campaigned for mayor on a more moderate platform than Johnsons, but she chairs the City Councils progressive caucus and is more liberal than old-guard lawmakers like Burnett.

King told HuffPost that she is undecided in the race and plans to meet with both Vallas and Johnson. She believes that some predominantly Black parts of her ward where residents live in fear of gun violence are under-policed.

Johnson needs to get beyond the rhetoric of investing in people, King said. Yes, we want to invest in people. What does that mean, though?

At the same time, King said she has not yet heard enough from Vallas to have confidence that he understands the reality of how hes going to get at these root causes of safety as well and how he will invest in people.

Related...
Bodycam footage shows Alameda County sheriff's deputies arresting a Black family in Castro Valley, California, in September 2019. Alameda County Sheriff's Office

A Black mother and her two daughters were detained at a Starbucks car park in California in 2019.

Bodycam footage shows the family was handcuffed after the mother refused to show her ID.

A California jury awarded the family more than $8 million on Wednesday, court documents show.

Bodycam footage has revealed the moment a Black family was unlawfully arrested at a California Starbucks parking lot while taking a break on their way to a college math test.

A jury granted Aasylei Loggervale and her two teenage daughters $8.25 million in compensation Wednesday for the event that took place in September 2019, court documents show.

It comes after the family claimed they were being targeted for their race when they were approached by Alameda County sheriff's deputies in the car park of a Starbucks in Castro Valley, California, a complaint says.

The family was driving overnight from Las Vegas to California's Berkeley City College in time for Loggervale's older daughter to take a statistics exam and had stopped in front of the Starbucks to rest, grab a coffee, and go to the toilet.

But shortly after arriving, they were approached by two Alameda County deputies, Steven Holland, and Monica Pope, who told them they were searching for suspects in a series of car thefts and asked for their identification, the complaint says. Pope and Holland are both white.

Bodycam footage of the incident, which spans 20 minutes, shows Loggervale refusing to give her identification, asking the officer: "What kind of crime did I commit?"

"Loggervale did not want to engage further with Defendants because, as a Black person, she feared that the encounter could result in serious physical harm or death to her and/or her daughter," the complaint said.

After an altercation, Holland ordered all three family members out of the car and detained them, the video shows.

The police officers, who did not state a reason as to why they were arresting them, handcuffed the family and "forcefully" put them in a patrol car, the lawsuit states.

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After being held for several minutes, the family was released without being cited or charged. All three had abrasions to their wrists and arms and suffered "emotional distress, fear (and) embarrassment," the lawsuit said.

The jury ruled that the officer's conduct was "unlawful" and that Holland and Alameda County together must pay $2.75 million to the mother and $2 million to each daughter, while Pope and the county must pay $750,000 to each daughter, according to the final order.

Craig Peters, one of the attorneys representing the Loggervales, told The Washington Post that Alameda County Sheriff's Office did not discipline the officers involved in the incident and that Holland was later promoted to captain.

"They're a rather private family," Peters told The Washington Post about the Loggervales. "But they felt that what had happened was really wrong, and so they were willing to file the lawsuit and try to hold the sheriff's office accountable."

The Alameda County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to Insider's for comment.

"The community's trust in my agency is foundational to my mission of maintaining a positive relationship with those we serve," Alameda County Sheriff Yesenia Sanchez told CBS News in a statement.

"The facts of this case are extremely important to me and our community members, however, I must reserve my comments until the case has been fully adjudicated through the court system."

Correction note: March 16, 2023  An earlier version of this story stated the incident happened at a Starbucks. It happened in a Starbucks car park, not in the actual shop.

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Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg (left) and Google CEO Sundar Pichai. Justin Sullivan via Getty Images/Tobias Hase/picture alliance via Getty Images

The world's top executives earn millions in compensation each year  but it's not all cash money.

Security and private jets for head honchos can costs companies millions each year.

Take a look at how much some of the world's top companies spend on protecting and flying execs.

David Solomon: $73,138 in 2021

Goldman Sachs Chairman and CEO David Solomon earned $39,545,072 in total compensation in fiscal year 2021. Reuters / Shannon Stapleton

Goldman Sachs Chairman and CEO David Solomon made $39,545,072 in total compensation in fiscal year 2021, according to Goldman's 2022 proxy statement.

In addition to his salary, bonus, and stock awards, he received $264,892 in "other compensation," which included $10,938 for personal security, and $62,200 for a car and driver.

Goldman considers personal security, as well as the car and driver, as a business-related necessity "due to the high-profile standing of our CEO," per the filing.

Source: SEC

Jamie Dimon: $277,659 in 2021

JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon's $84,428,145 in total compensation in fiscal year 2021 includes costs for personal use of the company's aircraft, personal use of the company's cars, and security for his residence and when he travels. Michel Euler/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

As CEO and Chairman of JPMorgan Chase, Jamie Dimon earned $84,428,145 in total compensation in fiscal year 2021, according to the bank's most recent proxy statement. That number included $146,847 for personal use of the company's aircraft, $30,099 for personal use of the company's cars, and $100,713 for security for his residence and personal travel.

Dimon's personal use of the company's aircraft, cars, and security are part of security measures approved by the bank's board, according to the filing.

Source: SEC

Dara Khosrowshahi: $507,579 in 2021

Since Uber implemented its security program for CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, it "has identified actual and credible threats to Mr. Khosrowshahi's safety," its proxy statement said. Photo by Riccardo Savi/Getty Images for Concordia Summit

Dara Khosrowshahi, Uber's CEO, earned $19,937,818 in fiscal year 2021, which included $507,738 in "other compensation," according to the company's 2022 proxy statement. His security and personal safety costs added up to $507,579  $402,366 of which was for personal transportation services and $105,213 of which was for "protective intelligence services."

Uber's filing says its security program includes certified protection officers, as well as secure meeting spaces and lodging for its executives.

In 2021, Uber provided security staff at Khosrowshahi's residence, along with technology equipment, "and services to Mr. Khosrowshahi at his home that were intended to duplicate, as best as possible, those services that would have been provided to him at our corporate headquarters, in order to make his home secure and functional as his primary workplace, to comply with local stay at home orders in effect as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and based on our assessment of the credibility of threats that were made against Mr. Khosrowshahi."

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The company's filing said that since it implemented its security program it "has identified actual and credible threats to Mr. Khosrowshahi's safety as a result of the high-profile nature of being our CEO."

Source: SEC

Andy Jassy: $589,149 in 2021

Amazon President and CEO Andy Jassy earned $212,701,169 in total compensation in fiscal year 2021. Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images

Amazon President and CEO Andy Jassy earned $212,701,169 in total compensation in fiscal year 2021, which included $592,649 in "other compensation," according to Amazon's most recent proxy statement.

The company spent $589,149 on Jassy's security arrangements, both at business facilities and during business travel. The filing says "security costs are reasonable and necessary and for the Company's benefit."

Source: SEC

Bob Iger: $878,206 in 2022

Bob Iger was reappointed as CEO of The Walt Disney Company in November 2022. Photo by Kimberly White/Getty Images for Vanity Fair

Bob Iger served as executive chairman at The Walt Disney Company before being reappointed as CEO in November 2022. In fiscal year 2022, Iger was not serving as an executive officer, but still earned $14,998,299 in fiscal year 2022, $2,466,520 of which was in "other compensation," according to the company's proxy statement filed last month.

Iger's personal air travel cost $47,769, and his security cost $830,437.

Source: SEC, Insider

Ted Sarandos: $1,101,063 in 2021

Ted Sarandos was co-CEO of Netflix with Reed Hastings until Hastings stepped down in January 2023. Paul Bruinooge/Patrick McMullan/Getty Images

Ted Sarandos, who served as co-CEO of Netflix with Reed Hastings in 2021, as well as chief content officer, earned $38,232,164 in total compensation for that fiscal year, according to the company's proxy statement.

That included $1,112,663 in "other compensation," such as $16,353 for car services, $192,137 for personal use of the company's aircraft, and $892,573 for residential security.

Source: SEC, Insider

Tim Cook: $1,358,515 in 2022

Apple CEO Tim Cook earned $99,420,097 in total compensation in fiscal year 2022. Jerod Harris/Getty Images Entertainment

Apple CEO Tim Cook earned $99,420,097 in total compensation in fiscal year 2022, according to the company's SEC filing. That included $1,425,933 in "other compensation"  like $591,196 in security expenses and $767,319 for his personal private aircraft use.

Apple's Board requires Cook to use private aircraft for business and personal travel "for security and efficiency reasons."

Source: SEC

Marc Benioff: $1,446,977 in 2022

Marc Benioff became sole CEO of Salesforce when his co-CEO, Bret Taylor, stepped down in November 2022. NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP via Getty Images

Marc Benioff was Salesforce co-CEO and chair of the Board during the fiscal year 2022, in which when he earned $28,602,112 in total compensation, according to the company's most recent proxy statement.

His total compensation incorporated $1,451,977 in "other compensation," including costs for his security that amounted to $1,446,977. Salesforce says Benioff's security is "a necessary and appropriate business expense" in its filing.

Source: SEC, Insider

Larry Ellison: $1,564,394 in 2022

Oracle pays for Larry Ellison's security at his primary residence, but he pays for security for his other residences, according to the company's proxy statement. AP

Larry Ellison, chairman and chief technology officer at Oracle, earned $138,652,063 in total compensation in fiscal year 2022, according to the company's proxy statement. His "other compensation" amounted to $1,577,707, which included $1,564,394 for security for his primary residence. Ellison, himself, pays for security for his other residences, according to the filing.

Source: SEC

Jeff Bezos: $1,600,000 in 2021

Amazon installed bulletproof panels to Jeff Bezos's office windows that cost $180,000 to install. Anadolu Agency / Getty Images

Amazon founder and executive chair Jeff Bezos earned $1,681,840 in total compensation in fiscal year 2021, $1,600,000 of which was in "other compensation," according to the company's proxy statement.

His other compensation "represents the approximate aggregate incremental cost to Amazon of security arrangements for Mr. Bezos in addition to security arrangements provided at business facilities and for business travel," the filing says.

Amazon said in its filing that the costs for Bezos's security are "especially reasonable" because he has a "low salary" and hasn't received any stock-based pay.

The company was granted permission to install bulletproof panels to Bezos's office in January 2019. They cost $180,000 to install, and can reportedly withstand gunshots from a military-grade assault rifle.

Bezos's entourage of security personnel can seem overwhelming even to people used to an entourage.

When Bezos was on set for his cameo in "Star Trek Beyond," actor Chris Pine said, "I was there for the bit with his, like, nine bodyguards and three limos. It was really intense."

Pine said he didn't know who Bezos was, but that "he was obviously very important."

Source: SEC, Insider, Insider

Sundar Pichai: $4,309,583 in 2021

Google CEO Sundar Pichai's security had to be stepped up in 2018 after a woman shot three people and herself at YouTube's headquarters. Jerod Harris/Getty Images

Google CEO Sundar Pichai earned $6,322,599 in compensation for fiscal year 2021, according to the company's proxy statement.

His "other compensation" beyond his salary amounted to $4,322,599  $4,309,583 of which was for personal security. His other compensation also includes personal use of Google's aircraft, but that dollar amount was not listed.

Pichai's security had to be stepped up in 2018 after a woman shot three people, then herself, at YouTube headquarters in April of that year.

Source: SEC, Insider

Mark Zuckerberg: $26,823,060 in 2021

Mark Zuckerberg has 24/7 protection, and a rumored "panic cute" at Facebook's office. Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg earned $26,823,061 in total compensation during fiscal year 2021, according to the company's SEC filing. Although his salary is listed as $1, Zuckerberg received $26,823,060 in "other compensation."

This amount included $15,195,103 in security costs for his residences and during personal travel, and he receives an annual pre-tax allowance of $10,000,000 to cover any additional costs for his and his family's personal security. His other compensation also includes $1,627,957 for his personal private aircraft use.

According to an Insider investigation into Facebook's security operations, Zuckerberg has 24/7 protection, and one of his Bay Area homes has a panic room.

The investigation also found that there's a rumor among Facebook employees of a "panic chute" at the Facebook office in case Zuckerberg and his team need to evacuate.

Source: SEC, Insider

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Miami is a tourist hot spot, though a lot of visitors repeat the same mistakes. Sally Espinosa

As a Miami local, I've seen some tourists repeat mistakes and overlook the best parts of the city.

I wish more visitors learned a few basic Spanish phrases so they could interact with more locals.

Peak season is a blast, but more people should consider coming during quieter months.

I've lived in Miami since I was born and still find new, exciting things to do here.

I've lived in Miami my entire life and am raising my kids here. Sally Espinosa

Being born and raised in Miami is a unique experience, as I was able to experience a lot of different cultures all at once.

I don't get to enjoy many tourist attractions these days, but I'm able to raise my family here while experiencing all the great things the city has to offer.

Miami is packed with fun things to do for people of all ages. Families can take advantage of warm beaches in Key Biscayne, night owls can party at hip nightclubs in South Beach, and adults can spend their evenings at upscale restaurants on Espanola Way.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid making in Miami to get the most out of your time here.

Some visitors don't attempt to speak or learn any Spanish even though it's many locals' native tongue.

I recommend stopping for a cafecito, which is a Cuban coffee, while you're in Miami. Sally Espinosa

Miami is famously a bilingual city, with Spanish and English being the primary languages.

Although English will get you where you need to go, knowing some Spanish can definitely help. Plus, Spanish-speaking locals will likely appreciate your effort if you open a conversation in their native tongue.

So, when you go for your morning cafecito, or Cuban coffee, make sure to order a colada con mucha espumita, which is a Cuban-style espresso with a lot of foam. Trust me.

Miami has so many incredible Cuban joints, yet people insist on waiting to dine at Versailles Restaurant.

La Esquina de la Fama on Calle Ocho serves incredible Cuban food. Sally Espinosa

Many people know Versailles Restaurant as the place to go for Cuban food and coffee in Miami.

As a Miami native and a Latina of Cuban descent, I can wholeheartedly say that Versailles isn't your only option.

There are countless Cuban cafes  called ventanitas, or windows  in Miami that serve cafecitos just as awesome as the ones I've had at Versailles, and these spots don't tend to have so many crowds.

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Versailles' food isn't my favorite either. For delicious Cuban cuisine, I prefer Old's Havana Cuban Bar and Cocina on Calle Ocho, a legendary street in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood.

Many first-timers don't realize how many cuisines they can try here.

Espanola Way in South Beach is the perfect place to go on a night out. Sally Espinosa

Miami is a global city with residents from all over the world, and they've brought different cuisines with them.

Depending on your mood, you can choose between Nicaraguan, Peruvian, Mexican, Spanish, Colombian, and Argentinian food. I could go on listing cuisines, and they're all delicious.

Espanola Way, which is located between 14th Street and 15th Street on South Beach, is a magical little street to visit for a fun night out. It has a ton of mind-blowing Spanish restaurants and bars with live flamenco performances on weekends.

Miami is a year-round destination, though many tourists only come during peak season.

You can catch rays and enjoy the beach year-round in Miami. Sally Espinosa

People flock to Miami for occasions like Art Basel and spring break, and both are fun. But if you want to see the city in all of its glory, visit during a less-popular time.

Peak season is November through March, but the weather is pretty much sunny year-round. So even if you come during a less popular time, you'll still probably be able to enjoy the warmth and sunshine.

Plus, you'll likely get better deals on hotels and airfare and avoid large crowds, which will make for better photos. You'll also be able to stroll on comparably empty sidewalks, snag a perfect spot on the sand, and enjoy amenities without such long waits.

Large crowds appeal to some, but Miami can also be a relaxing place to visit.

People get bogged down over South Beach hotels, but where you stay doesn't matter that much.

It's very easy to get around South Beach once you're there. Sally Espinosa

There are a bunch of hotels in South Beach, so don't worry if the one you want isn't available. If you're coming to this vibrant part of Miami, your hotel is mostly for sleeping and holding your valuables.

South Beach is only 17 blocks long and is pretty walkable, so you're not very limited by where you stay. You can also use trolleys, rideshare apps, and bikes to get around.

Some hotels are historic and have really cool amenities, but even if you aren't staying there, you can walk in, check out the space, and keep exploring.

For example, The Miami Beach EDITION has an ice-skating rink and a bowling alley in the basement.

A lot of travelers never venture outside of South Beach, but there's so much else to see.

Ocean Drive is the iconic strip that runs along South Beach. Sally Espinosa

There are so many unique places to visit in Miami that have nothing to do with the beach.

If you're interested in experiencing authentic Cuban culture, check out Calle Ocho, where you can see domino games in action, eat authentic Cuban food at ventanitas, shop at local stores, and take in art.

Since you probably have a bathing suit in tow, you can drive to the historic Venetian Pool in Coral Gables. It has waterfalls and grottos, and I've never seen a pool quite like it.

If you're into outdoor adventures, you can visit parks that offer land-based activities, like biking and hiking, and water adventures, like kayaking and swimming.

South Beach is famous for its beaches, but visitors miss a real gem if they don't go to Key Biscayne.

El Farito is my favorite beach in Miami, but you have to claim a spot before it fills up. Sally Espinosa

There are so many beaches to choose from in Miami, but I think Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne has the best sand and water.

Locals know it as El Farito, a name that translates to the lighthouse, because it's home to the Cape Florida Light, the oldest standing structure in Miami.

I've visited a lot of beaches in the Miami area, yet El Farito's sand and water  which is shallow, clear, and warm  is unmatched in my eyes.

Just be sure to get there at the crack of dawn, as the beach fills up quickly.

I've seen a lot of vacationers walk around the city in bathing suits instead of actual clothes.

You can eat, drink, and shop at Lincoln Road Mall. Sally Espinosa

Miami isn't just a beach destination, and you realistically won't spend the entire day in the sand.

Bring proper attire to dine at award-winning restaurants, explore historic sites, and shop. It's also a good idea to check restaurants' dress codes ahead of time.

It's not a bad idea to dress up a bit when you go shopping in Miami. If you go to Lincoln Road Mall, a mile-long strip with shops of all kinds, an array of dining options, and some pretty cool bars. You never know where you'll stop along the way.

One of my favorite parts about being in Miami is sitting outside, enjoying a drink or meal, and people-watching. When you pick out clothes for your afternoon stroll, consider that you might end up doing activities other than walking.

Some people don't make time to explore Miami's art scene, and that's a huge mistake.

Wynwood Walls have become a popular spot for tourists to visit and take photos. Sally Espinosa

Miami is a pretty artsy city. After all, it does host Art Basel. In addition to the annual art fair, the city is home to a ton of museums, galleries, and a lively year-round art scene.

Wynwood Walls, a street-art museum that opened in 2009, has become one of the most Instagrammable locations in Miami. If you're into science, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is a must-visit, especially if you have children.

Similarly, the Perez Art Museum Miami has some of the coolest contemporary works and modern pieces I've seen, and they're made by artists around the world.

There's always something unique to see in Miami, no matter when you come.

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Two women have been charged with murder after a 5-year-old girl was found dead inside their Missouri home, police say.

Officers in Waynesville were dispatched to the home around 8 a.m. on Tuesday, March 7, when the girls older sibling told a school resource officer the 5-year-old was unconscious and unresponsive earlier that morning at the home, police said in a news release.

The older sibling, according to a probable cause statement obtained by KOLR, said he saw his sister had a sock in her mouth as she laid on the floor before he left for school that day.

Another sibling answered the door when officers arrived and told the first responders that her 5-year-old sibling was dead, police said. The girls body was found under a blanket, KRCG reported.

The 5-year-old victim was pronounced dead at the scene, Waynesville police said. She has not been publicly identified and a cause of death has not been reported.

An officer noticed significant marks on her wrists, ankles and neck, as well as a gray sock with blood on it next to the body, KMIZ reported, citing the probable cause statement. It was also saturated with an unknown substance.

The Pulaski County Prosecutors Office said two women, Angela West and Shamira Buford, have been charged in the girls death. Their relationships to the girl were not stated.

One of the siblings told police that West and Buford often tied the child to a bed, KY3 reported. The women said they would tie the girl up to prevent her from stealing food, according to KRCG.

One of the siblings was also instructed to help tie her younger sister, KMIZ reported.

They started with duck tape on her wrists and ankles and eventually moved to hog-tying her with nylon rope, KOLR reported citing police. The sock was to keep her from keeping the other children up at night with her whining and crying.

West, 39, and Buford, 36, were charged with second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, endangering the welfare of a child and child abuse, according to the prosecutor. They are being held in the Pulaski County Jail without bond.

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Waynesville is within the Ozarks, about 130 miles southwest of St. Louis.

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BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil's Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro said on Wednesday he will move forward a planned trip to China to later in March as Latin America's largest economy aims to resume beef exports halted by a case of mad cow's disease.

Favaro said he would visit China ahead of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's March 28 scheduled visit.

Shipments of beef to China were suspended following the confirmation of an atypical case of mad cow disease in the Brazilian state of Para in February.

The Brazilian government expects to resume beef exports to China in the next few days and is planning to request a revision of the protocol that triggered the ban, a government official said on Tuesday.

(Reporting by Victor Borges; Writing by Carolina Pulice; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)
SAO PAULO (Reuters) - The Brazilian judiciary should work on compelling businesses to pay equal wages for men and women in the same roles, Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Wednesday.

In an event marking International Women's Day, Lula also presented a bill to promote wage equality between women and men, among other measures directed toward women.

The president said the bill, which needs to be submitted to congress for approval, would make paying equal wages mandatory, "so that... no one will earn less just because they are a woman."

"Whoever works in the same post, with the same abilities, has the right to earn the same salary," Lula added.

In a later Twitter post, Lula said the bill also includes measures encouraging greater wage transparency.

Companies that fail to comply with the law will be subject to a fine 10 times the highest monthly salary the company pays, according to planning and budget minister Simone Tebet.

Tebet added that the bill also allows judges to rule wage differences on basis of gender be immediately rectified when proven.

(Reporting by Fernando Cardoso; Editing by Josie Kao)
By Lisandra Paraguassu

BRASILIA (Reuters) - The Brazilian president's top foreign policy adviser has met with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in the first outreach by Brazil's new leftist administration to both the government and its opposition.

The visit to Maduro on Wednesday by adviser Celso Amorim was organized in secrecy by Brazil and only became public when Maduro posted photos on Twitter.

On Thursday Amorim, a former foreign minister who advises President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on international affairs, met with opponents of Maduro, including Gerardo Blyde, a lawyer who leads the opposition's negotiations with the Venezuelan government, sources in Brasilia told Reuters.

The sources, Brazilian government officials with knowledge of the Venezuelan mission, said the trip was kept secret to avoid speculation about its goal: to establish dialogue with both sides before Venezuela's general elections next year.

Amorim's visit was the first by a high-level official in recent years to meet openly in Venezuela with both Maduro and the opposition.

Lula restored diplomatic relations with Venezuela as soon as he took office on Jan. 1, ties that had been broken off by his far-right predecessor Jair Bolsonaro.

But Lula has expressed concern about the lack of free elections and an alternation of power in Venezuela, a member of OPEC beset by an economic and political crisis.

Maduro again won elections in 2018 that were criticized by international observers on suspicions of fraud, vote buying and hurdles for opposition candidates.

Lula sees himself as becoming a good mediator in the Venezuelan conflict, given his leftist credential and past relationships with Venezuela and its late leader Hugo Chavez.

"We need to treat Venezuela with respect, while wanting it to be as democratic as possible. I defend the alternation of power not just for me, but for Venezuela as well," he told foreign reporters in 2022 while campaigning for president.

(Reporting by Lisandra Paraguassu; writing by Anthony Boadle; editing by Grant McCool)
President Biden on Thursday unveiled a sweeping budget plan for the coming fiscal year.

The request details a set of ambitious proposals from the White House, ranging from plans to extend the lifetime of programs like Medicare, tax proposals targeting the wealthy to help reduce the deficit by trillions of dollars over the next decade, and funding for a slew of Democratic priorities.

Budget requests typically do not become law, and Bidens will be no exception, with the House controlled by Republicans and Democrats holding a narrow majority in the Senate.

But the request will serve as an important point in the debates this year on raising the debt ceiling and funding the government.

Heres what Biden has proposed.

Defense-nondefense

The newly revealed budget calls for increasing the Department of Defenses budget by 3.2 percent from the previous year. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

The budget request calls for raising the discretionary budget authority for the Department of Defense to $842 billion for fiscal 2024, up 3.2 percent from the previous year.

A chart breaking down the discretionary funding requests by agency outlined a top-line request of more than $886 billion in base discretionary funding for defense programs for fiscal 2024, or a 3.3 percent boost from policies enacted in 2023.

Democrats are already expecting Republicans to press for a higher amount, as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has pushed for substantial defense increases on the defense side for the coming fiscal year.

However, its unclear how defense spending will factor into ongoing discussions among House Republicans aimed at securing reforms to curb government spending, as both sides clash over how to address the nations debt limit.

The plan also included a request for $688 billion in base discretionary funding for nondefense programs, up 7.3 percent from the previous fiscal year, as well a proposed $121 billion in Veterans Affairs Medical Care Program funding.

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The White House also pressed on the matter of parity between the proposed levels of growth for defense and nondefense spending  which is often the source of conflict in bipartisan spending talks  during a press call ahead of the release of the proposal on Wednesday.

Were talking about two different bases we can absolutely talk about  whether there should be parity with defense is $886 billion, Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young said. We think thats the right level to be at for defense programs because we are basing and building that program from requirements. What is our national defense strategy? And were investing responsibly while reducing the deficit.

Tax increases

Bidens budget proposes a billionaire minimum tax, as well as a corporate tax rate raise. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Biden is going big on taxes, targeting wealthier Americans to pay for roughly $3 trillion in deficit reduction over the next decade.

He is proposing a billionaire minimum tax, which would impose a tax of at least 25 percent on total income for Americans whose wealth exceeds $100 million. He also is proposing raising the corporate tax rate from 21 percent to 28 percent. Biden would also raise the tax rate on U.S. multinationals foreign earnings and quadruple the stock buybacks tax.

Such proposals have already been met with fierce opposition from Republicans and are unlikely to make it past a GOP-led House, laying the groundwork for another partisan battle over taxes on Capitol Hill.

Biden is not proposing any tax hikes on households making less than $400,0000, reflecting a position from his campaign.

Entitlements

The president has teased a plan to bolster Social Security, but the budget does not include a plan to strengthen solvency for the program. (iStock)

The president already previewed a plan to extend the lifetime of Medicare, as the programs Hospital Insurance fund is projected to become insolvent in less than a decade.

The plan seeks to lengthen solvency into the 2050s, as well as other proposed measures to lower costs for beneficiaries, by imposing a higher tax rate on earned and unearned income above $400,000.

Biden also teased a pitch to strengthen Social Security, which is projected to reach insolvency by 2032, but aside from opposing attempts to cut Social Security benefits in the request, the administrations proposal appears to fall short of providing a plan to shore up solvency for the program.

The plan instead included a 10 percent spending boost for the Social Security Administration, or $1.4 billion, while pushing for investments in service delivery to speed up claims processing and ensure recipients receive promised benefits.

The administration looks forward to working with the Congress to responsibly strengthen Social Security by ensuring that high-income individuals pay their fair share, the White House also said in an accompanying fact sheet.

The statement comes as a bipartisan group of senators has drawn attention in recent weeks as they explore potential solutions to address the solvency threat facing Social Security.

Child tax credit

U.S. Capitol

Democrats have called for the Child Tax Credit to be renewed since it expired at the end of 2021. (Greg Nash)

Biden wants to restore the full child tax credit, which was first enacted in the American Rescue Plan that passed early in his administration. The budget would expand the credit from $2,000 per child to $3,000 per child for children six years old and above, and to $3,600 per child for children under six.

Democrats have called for a renewal of the expanded child tax credit since it expired at the end of 2021 and have championed the popular tax break. Bidens budget would permanently reform the credit to make it fully refundable.

Biden also called on Congress to make the earned-income tax credit expansion for childless workers permanent.

Ukraine and China

Bidens budget requests $753 million to continue supporting Ukraine in the war with Russia. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

The budget includes continued support for Ukraine amid the war with Russia, as well as investments to outcompete China.

The budget requests $753 million for Ukraine to continue to counter Russias invasion and more than $6 billion overall to support Ukraine, as well as the U.S. alliance with NATO and other European allies.

To prioritize China in the national defense strategy, the budget highlights $9.1 billion of targeted investments that the Defense Department can make to bolster the capacity and capabilities of U.S. allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

Biden wants to strengthen the U.S. role in the Indo-Pacific by investing $2 billion to create a new International Infrastructure Fund, $2 billion to create a new equity revolving fund to support equity investments, and $2 billion to make investments in the Indo-Pacific to strengthen partner economies.

Border security

The proposal includes an increase for CPB from the $15.3 billion Biden proposed in his 2023 budget. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)

The budget includes funds for Customs and Border Patrol to hire an additional 350 Border Patrol Agents, $535 million for border technology at and between ports of entry, $40 million to combat fentanyl trafficking and disrupt transnational criminal organizations and funds to hire an additional 460 processing assistants at Customs and Border Protection, as well as Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The proposal is an increase from the $15.3 billion Biden proposed for Customs and Border Protection in his fiscal 2023 budget, and it comes at a time when Republicans are using their new House majority to put a spotlight on the U.S.-Mexico border.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
city of london square mile

A British tech champion has been plunged into an existential crisis after suspected fraud by a senior sales employee blew a $15m (15m) hole in its accounts.

Wandisco, valued at almost 1bn at the start of the day, was forced to suspend trading in its shares on London's Aim stock market as it revealed last years annual revenues were just $9m  not the $24m previously announced.

The disclosure comes just days after Wandisco said it hoped to secure a secondary listing for its shares in New York.

Bosses blamed the actions on a senior sales employee, and said they were in relation to received purchase orders and related revenue and bookings.

Wandiscos chief executive and founder David Richards and its chief financial officer Erik Miller claimed that they had identified the financial irregularities.

Sources denied that the problems were uncovered by the companys auditor BDO. They also insisted that there was no connection between the announcement on Thursday and the resignation of Wandisco's broker Panmure Gordon at the start of the week.

Panmure Gordon had a long association with Wandisco stretching back to its stock market float in 2012. Liberum replaced Panmure Gordon, Wandisco announced on Tuesday.

The irregularities are believed to centre on contracts awarded over the course of the year.

Wandisco typically did not reveal the name of clients when publicly announcing contract wins.

Stock market releases cited deals with a leading information and communications technology provider in China, a major American managed healthcare company and a global hi-tech company.

City sources said that Wandisco executives were much more loose-lipped during private investor briefings, however. The names of major corporations were regularly dropped during behind-closed-doors presentations with City stock brokers, they said. Wandisco declined to comment.

The company said that in light of the potential fraud, it had no confidence in its bookings expectations for 2022.

The Serious Fraud Office would not comment on whether the matter had been referred to its officials.

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Wandisco, a big data company whose software analyses vast amounts of information to spot patterns, said on Monday it was exploring an additional listing of its ordinary shares in the US.

The company, which has headquarters in both Sheffield and California, had said it would retain its existing listing on AIM, where shares have now been suspended.

The company will now conduct an investigation with its external legal and professional advisers into the nature of this activity and its true financial position, it added.

Wandiscos technology allows businesses to move large amounts of data into cloud computing, a process that can be time-consuming and fraught with risks.

The company's share price had increased 400pc over the last 12 months.

In a statement to the market, it said: "Significant, sophisticated and potentially fraudulent irregularities with regard to received purchase orders and related revenue and bookings, as represented by one senior sales employee, have been discovered.

"These irregularities give rise to a potential material mis-statement of the Company's financial position.

"The identification of these irregularities will significantly impact the Company's cash position and lead to a material uncertainty regarding its overall financial position and significant going concern issues."
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and their baby son Archie Mountbatten-Windsor during their royal tour of South Africa on September 25, 2019, in Cape Town, South Africa. Toby Melville/Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage

Buckingham Palace has updated its website to reflect new titles for two of the youngest royals.

As of Thursday, Archie and Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor are known as a "prince" and "princess."

It comes six months after they technically inherited the titles when King Charles became monarch.

Buckingham Palace referred to Archie and Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor as prince and princess for the first time, six months after they technically inherited the titles.

On Thursday, the line of succession on the royal website was updated to reflect the official titles of the young royals. Archie, 3, and Lilibet, 1, have gone from being referred to as "Master" and "Miss" to "Prince" and "Princess," respectively, and are now listed as Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex.

The children of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are sixth and seventh in line to the throne, behind their father. Also in front are their cousins, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte, and Prince George, who have all been referred to by their current titles since birth due to their father, Prince William, being heir to the throne.

Buckingham Palace's updated reference comes after Harry and Meghan referenced Lilibet's title in a statement regarding her recent christening.

In a statement to Insider on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said they could "confirm that Princess Lilibet Diana was christened on Friday, March 3 by the Archbishop of Los Angeles, the Rev John Taylor."

Although it took six months for Archie and Lilibet's titles to be reflected on the website, the pair technically inherited the titles of prince and princess when King Charles, their grandfather, became monarch in September 2022.

Prince Harry, King Charles, and Camilla, Queen Consort. ISABEL INFANTES/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

This is due to a law set out by King George V in 1917, known as the Letters Patent, which dictates that all royals who are either the children or the grandchildren of the sovereign through a male line can hold the titles of prince and princess.

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According to Tatler, the decree reads: "The children of any Sovereign of the United Kingdom and the children of the sons of any such Sovereign and the eldest living son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales shall have and at all times hold and enjoy the style, title or attribute of Royal Highness with their titular dignity of prince or princess prefixed to their respective Christian names or with their other titles of honour."

Buckingham Palace's public recognition of Archie and Lilibet's titles also comes after Meghan previously said in her March 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey that there was talk about denying Archie a princely title, suggesting this was due to race. The comments came prior to the birth of Lilibet, who was born in June 2021.

At one point in the interview, Markle told Winfrey that while she was pregnant "they"  possibly the members of the royal household  "were saying they didn't want him to be a prince which would be different from protocol."

A statement released by Buckingham Palace on behalf of the late Queen Elizabeth II after the interview said "the whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan."

It added: "The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately."

Representatives for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Buckingham Palace did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Read the original article on Insider
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday withdrew a $54 million contract with Walgreens after the pharmacy giant indicated it would not sell an abortion pill by mail in some conservative-led states.

Newsom on Wednesday ordered state officials to not renew a contract with Walgreens to purchase specialty pharmacy prescription drugs for California's prison health care system, including antiviral and antifungal drugs and medication used for congestive heart failure. Walgreens has gotten about $54 million from the contract, which expires April 30.

Newsom's office said the state will buy the drugs somewhere else.

California will not stand by as corporations cave to extremists and cut off critical access to reproductive care and freedom, Newsom said in a news release. California is on track to be the fourth largest economy in the world and we will leverage our market power to defend the right to choose.

Walgreens representative Fraser Engerman said the company was deeply disappointed by the decision by the state of California not to renew our longstanding contract due to false and misleading information."

Walgreens is facing the same circumstances as all retail pharmacies, and no other pharmacies have said that they would approach this situation differently, so it's unclear where this contract would not be moved, Engerman said. Our position has always been that, once we are certified by the FDA, Walgreens plans to dispense Mifepristone in any jurisdiction where it is legally permissible to do so, including the state of California.

Mifepristone is a pill that when combined with another pill will end a pregnancy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the pill in 2000 for use in up to the 10th week of pregnancy. Today, more than half of all abortions in the U.S. are done by pills, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights.

After the U.S. Supreme Court last year overturned the federal right to an abortion, more than a dozen states have restricted the use of abortion pills. But those restrictions are being challenged in court.

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Attorneys general in 20 states, mostly with Republican governors, have warned Walgreens and CVS they could face legal consequences if they sell abortion pills in their states. Last week, Walgreens confirmed it sent a response to each attorney general saying it would not dispense the drug in their states.

Newsom responded to that news on Monday, posting in a message on Twitter that California won't be doing business with Walgreens or any company that cowers to the extremists and puts women's lives at risk.

We're done, Newsom said.

Losing the California contract will have a small impact on Walgreens' revenues, as the company reported $132.7 billion in sales for the fiscal year that ended Aug. 31.

But for Newsom, the move is more about solidifying California's role as a leader in what he has called reproductive freedom.

Newsom has vowed to make California a sanctuary for people in other states where abortion is illegal or severely restricted. Last year, Newsom signed more than a dozen new laws aiming to protect abortion rights, including signing off on $20 million in new spending to help pay for the travel and lodging expenses for people to come to California from other states to get an abortion.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) and state officials have filed a lawsuit accusing the city of Huntington Beach of violating state housing laws.

Newsom and state Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the move at a virtual press conference Thursday, saying they were seeking a preliminary injunction against the city.

Bonta said state laws exist to give more families the ability to help themselves, while helping our state combat a very serious housing shortage.

Instead, Huntington Beach has decided to slam the door in homeowners faces, he said.

The lawsuit relates to the Orange County seaside suburbs recent ban on applications to build housing under the states SB 9 and Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) laws, which allow homeowners to build up to four units and backyard cottages on a single-family parcel.

The attorney general maintained the citys effort is illegal under the Housing Accountability Act while Newsom described the Huntington Beach decision as Exhibit A of whats wrong with housing in the State of California.

Theyve chosen not to follow state law. Its crystal clear, Newsom said.

On Tuesday, Huntington Beachs GOP-majority city council passed an ordinance to ban a so-called builders remedy clause that allows developers to circumvent zoning rules when cities fail to meet certain state laws.

The builders remedy specifically comes from Californias Housing Accountability Act, which permits the bypass of zoning codes when local governments do not comply with the states Housing Elements laws  rules that require them to meet the housing needs of all residents.

There is a war on suburbia, Huntington Beach Mayor Tony Strickland said at the Tuesday hearing, noting he is pro-development if that development has a suburban feel.

What I am against is the urbanization of a wonderful suburban community, Strickland continued. If our citizens wanted an urban community, they would have moved to Los Angeles, they would have moved to New York.

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Stressing that his office sent Huntington Beach multiple, emphatic and very clear warnings that we may end up right where we are, Bonta called the city councils actions a willful and intentional refusal to follow the law.

They have asked for this, and they have earned this, the attorney general said. Were in a housing shortage and affordability crisis.

California will need an estimated 2.5 million new homes by 2030 in order to meet housing demand, yet less than 125,000 new homes are built in California each year, Bonta added.

Newsom echoed these sentiments, stressing the state as a whole must do better to resolve both the housing crisis and what he described as the original sin of affordability.

One resident invited by officials to speak during the virtual event discussed how his plans to build an accessory home on his elderly mothers Huntington Beach property have been thrown into disarray and left him accruing debt.

I apologize on behalf of people of the state that you have to suffer through local leadership there that are abusing their responsibilities and privileges and putting you in a very, very difficult situation, the governor responded.

The Hill has reached out to the city of Huntington Beach for comment.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Photograph: Matt Rourke/AP

A California jury awarded a Black mother and her two daughters more than $8m after they were unreasonably detained by police during a stop for coffee.

In September 2019, after a long drive from the familys home in Las Vegas, Nevada, Aasylei Loggervale and her two daughters stopped at a Starbucks in Castro Valley, California. They were on a nine-hour journey to drop the older daughter at Berkeley City College, for a statistics exam.

Related: Louisville police showed pattern of racism before Breonna Taylors death, justice department says

An Alameda county sheriffs deputy approached the Loggervales as they sat in their parked car. He told them he and his colleague were investigating a series of car break-ins that were being committed in the parking lot around a similar time.

In body-cam footage released by KTVU, Aasylei can be heard explaining that she was driving from Nevada in a rental car. The deputy asks for ID, to which Aasylei replies: Whats that about? What kind of crime did I commit?

According to a civil suit filed after the incident, Ms Loggervale did not want to engage further  because, as a Black person, she feared that the encounter could result in serious physical harm or death to her and/or her daughters.

It added: This fear was justified in light of the high number of documented incidents of police brutality against Black people, even those who are completely innocent of any crimes.

The situation escalated. In the body-camera footage, a deputy can be seen pulling Aasylei out of the car. A deputy can be heard saying: Put your hands behind your back or youre going to go to jail! All three family members were handcuffed.

The women were put in the back of a patrol car for more than an hour, as deputies searched their car.

In the footage, the Loggervales can be heard repeatedly and tearfully asking why they were being detained. The deputies do not explain.

You have to tell me what youre detaining me for, Aasylei asks.

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I do not, a deputy replies.

The family was eventually let go. They were not charged with any crime.

According to the Loggervales attorney, Craig Peters, the older daughter, who had planned to transfer from her community college to UCLA, arrived 40 minutes late to her exam and scored a C, bringing down her straight-A record to a B.

As a result of the [deputies] actions, plaintiffs suffered a deprivation of their rights and liberties, sustained physical injuries, including abrasions to their wrists and arms, and suffered physical pain, mental suffering, emotional distress, fear, embarrassment, and other general damages, the civil suit stated.

According to Peters, an internal investigation found that the deputies did nothing wrong and have since been promoted, KTVU reported.

Nevertheless, a jury on Wednesday awarded the family $8.25m in damages, after a verdict released on 1 March that decided against the deputies and Alameda county.

Peters said the sum was increased by the Bane Act, a California law that allows juries to quadruple damages awarded in cases that involve constitutional rights violations, the Washington Post reported.
CAL FIRE and US Coast Guard helicopters were used to drop off hay to cattle stranded in the snow. Screenshots/Humboldt County Sheriff's Office

About 30 ranchers in California's Humboldt County have officials for help feeding their cattle.

CAL FIRE and Coast Guard helicopter have been delivering hay to cows stuck in the snow.

Ranchers said officials used to do something similar over 30 years ago when snow was more common.

Officials in California are stepping up to help out ranchers at risk of losing their cattle to starvation after weeks of unusually heavy snowfall in the state.

The snow and downed trees have blocked off some of the private roads ranchers use to access their cows, and there have been several reports of cattle dying off, according to a statement from the Humboldt County Sheriff's office.

"We won't know until the snow melts how many cattle have died due to these conditions. But I know this for certain, if we don't act, there's going to be way more that do die and it will be a catastrophe for our county," Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal said.

Local ranchers in the county, located on the coast in the northeast part of the state, contacted officials with an idea that they said dated back more than 30 years.

Officials have heard from about 30 ranchers who need help with their cattle stranded in the snow. Screenshot/Humboldt County Sheriff's Office

"In the 1980s when the snow was so prevalent and ranchers were unable to get to the ranches, they called upon CAL FIRE and the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay (USCG) to help deliver hay to those communities," Honsal said.

The Humboldt County Sheriff's office emergency request for the governor's office to utilize helicopters from the US Coast Guard and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) was approved on Sunday, kicking off "Operation Hay Drop."

The USCG and CAL FIRE loaded up helicopters with bales of hay the very same day, headed out to remote mountain areas where hungry cattle awaited, and pushed them out of the chopper. Video shared by the sheriff's office showed the drops over the snowy terrain.

Officials said about 30 ranchers have reached out for help. They provide information about how many cattle they have that need feeding and where the cows are most likely located, which the helicopter crews use to deliver the hay.

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The hay is coming from private sources and will be paid for by the ranchers whose cattle are receiving it, officials said.

"This is an atypical type of operation but it shows the resilience and effectiveness of cooperating with various agencies so in total we can better serve the communities that are affected," Kurt McCray, chief of the CAL FIRE Humboldt-Del Norte Unit, said in a statement. "We are glad to help."

Have a news tip? Contact this reporter at kvlamis@insider.com.

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HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (AP)  California's attempts at forcing its wealthy coastal cities to build more affordable housing spawned two lawsuits on Thursday, showcasing tensions around solving a crisis that has contributed to a surge in the homeless population in the nation's most populous state.

Attorney General Rob Bonta sued Huntington Beach on Thursday morning, accusing the seaside city known for its surf culture and iconic pier of ignoring state laws requiring it to approve more affordable housing and to build more than 13,000 new homes over the next eight years.

State housing officials say California needs an additional 2.5 million homes by 2030 in order to keep up with demand. But the state currently builds about 125,000 houses each year, which leaves California well short of that goal. California has about 170,000 homeless people on any given night, accounting for nearly one-third of the nation's unsheltered population, according to federal data.

Bonta's lawsuit, filed in Orange County Superior Court, asks a judge to order the city to comply with the law and to impose a fine.

This is the colossal challenge that California is confronting, Bonta said. The message were sending to the city of Huntington Beach is simple: Act in good faith, follow the law and do your part to increase the housing supply. If you dont, our office will hold you accountable.

Hours later, defiant city officials announced their own lawsuit, asking a federal judge to block the state from forcing them to build a wave of new homes they said would transform the suburban community into an urban one.

I am committed to defend the city and its wonderful property owners who enjoy this quiet suburban beach town, Huntington Beach Mayor Tony Strickland said.

Huntington Beach, dubbed Surf City USA, has a largely suburban feel with residential neighborhoods of single-family homes flanked by busy main roads linked with strip malls and office buildings.

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Last year, four new councilmembers won election with a politically conservative bent. Since taking office, the four-member council majority has taken on state housing mandates and limited the flying of flags on city property, including removing the LGBT rainbow flag that has flown in the city the past two years.

The dispute with the state centers on the Regional Housing Needs Allocation, a process that requires cities to formulate a plan every eight years on how they will meet housing demands  demand that is set by the state.

California has told Huntington Beach it must built 13,368 new homes over the next eight years. The city is supposed to come up with a plan on how they will do that, and that plan that must be approved by the state.

The state punishes cities that don't have state-approved housing plans by letting developers come in and build affordable apartment buildings without asking for local permission  a penalty known as the builder's remedy. The Huntington Beach City Council is considering an ordinance at its next meeting that would exempt the city from this penalty, an ordinance state officials say is illegal.

A state law, passed in 2019, says a state judge can impose fines starting at $10,000 per month for cities that refuse to comply. The law also says the court can appoint someone with all the powers necessary to force the city into compliance.

This is the second time California officials have sued Huntington Beach for not following state housing laws. The city settled the first lawsuit back in 2020.

Californias housing and homelessness issues have worsened each year despite Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Democratic-controlled state Legislature spending billions of dollars in taxpayer money on the problem. Nearly all of that money has gone to local governments, which have their own housing and homelessness policies.

State leaders have repeatedly tried to shape those local policies through state laws and regulations.

Newsom, who won reelection in November and is seen as a potential presidential candidate one day, has aggressively challenged local governments to comply with state standards. Last year, he delayed $1 billion in homelessness funding for local governments because he said their plans to spend the money werent good enough.

Newsom later released the money after a closed-door meeting with local officials.

We need to do more, to do better as a state to address the original sin that is affordability, he said. At the end of the day, its the number one issue that connects all the other bills and challenges and sins of the state together  the cost of living.

___

Beam reported from Sacramento, California.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, center, during a news conference in Sacramento in June. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)

Gov. Gavin Newsom and Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta announced Thursday that the state filed a lawsuit against Huntington Beach, alleging that the city's ban on approving applications for certain types of housing projects is a violation of California law.

The state is also filing a motion for preliminary injunction, which would prohibit the ban from taking effect while litigation is ongoing. Bonta said he was "disappointed" that the state had to resort to a lawsuit.

"California is facing an existential housing crisis, one we should all be acting in unison to solve," Bonta said at a news conference. "Instead, the Huntington Beach City Council has chosen to stifle affordable housing projects, infringe on the rights of property owners and knowingly violate state housing law."

The lawsuit is the latest episode in an ongoing clash over housing between the state and the Orange County beach community, which has been a thorn in Newsom's side since he took office. Newsom called Huntington Beach an example of "what's wrong with housing in the state of California."

"They're Exhibit A, what NIMBYism looks like, and they are not representing the people they claim to represent," Newsom said (using a term for opposition to development derived from the phrase not in my backyard). "This is a waste of time, and they're wasting taxpayer money."

Huntington Beach on Thursday responded by filing a 59-page lawsuit in federal court challenging the states requirement that the city zone for 13,368 new housing units in the coming years.

Huntington Beach City Atty. Michael Gates called the states news conference a bunch of bluster.

Mayor Tony Strickland said during a news conference that neither the state or Gavin Newsom are serious about actually producing more housing.

Their goal is to urbanize quiet private property-owning communities, he said. This lawsuit filed by our city attorney today is the first major step in taking the governor and the state to task over their faulty narratives about housing and their unconstitutional legislative and administrative means of stripping charter cities of their ability to make their own decisions.

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The state's lawsuit focuses on a ban that Huntington Beach has established on applications for projects under Senate Bill 9, a new state housing law that makes it easier for homeowners to split their single-family lots and build a duplex on each side for a possible total of four units on one parcel.

The law is part of a broader effort the state has undertaken in recent years to bolster California's housing stock and pave the way for more affordable units. The Huntington Beach City Council on Tuesday also affirmed its policy to stop approving applications for accessory dwelling units, otherwise known as casitas, in-law units or granny flats.

Newsom telegraphed the lawsuit last month when he called out Huntington Beach at a news conference and said he wouldn't hesitate to hold cities "accountable for doing the right thing and providing housing for people at all income levels."

The lawsuit marks the second time the state has taken its housing battle with the city to court. Just weeks after Newsom took office in 2019, the state filed a lawsuit against Huntington Beach and alleged the city violated a state law that requires cities and counties to set aside sufficient land for new residential development.

"The city had ample notice and time to course correct," Bonta said Thursday. "Instead, they chose a path that led us right where we are today. They have asked for this and they have earned this."

Bonta also warned that the lawsuit could be amended to contest Huntington Beach's proposed ordinance to prohibit the approval of any application for a housing development project that does not conform with the city's zoning and general land use plan regardless of state law.

Bonta previously sent a letter warning the city that the ordinance would violate the "builders remedy," a state law intended to crack down on cities that don't meaningfully plan for new housing and to provide a path toward construction of more affordable units.

The law allows developers more freedom to build projects in cities that haven't adequately planned for more housing and are therefore out of compliance with state requirements. Developers are required to set aside at least 20% of their projects for affordable housing, or 100% for middle-income units, but is triggered when local governments fail to submit housing blueprints that detail realistic plans for more development.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A man working in California was killed after a group of four dogs mauled him, according to Riverside County officials.

The man's identity has not been released. He was working at a home that had recently been converted into a business when the attack occurred, according to People.

The victim looked to be in his 30s, according to Riverside County Department of Animals Services John Welsh, who spoke with NBC Los Angeles.

Deputies were dispatched to the property around 7:30am on Wednesday after receiving a 911 call from someone who heard screaming in the vicinity. The owner of the property was not at home at the time of the attack, according to the RCDAS.

The dogs involved in the attack include three Belgian Malinois and a Cane Corso. All of the dogs were surrendered to animal services for "humane euthanasia."

The worker had reportedly been at the property in the past without incident. The RCDAS Director Erin Gettis told NBC Los Angeles the mauling was a "horrific reminder for dog owners to be vigilant in keeping communities, dogs, and people safe."

She called the incident a "tragedy."

"Here's a guy just wanting to do some work, earn some money for his family and now he is deceased. This is a tragedy," John Welsh, a worker with the RCDAS, told ABC7.

The property was fenced in and had signs warning that the dogs were on the property, according to NBC Los Angeles.

However, a woman speaking with the outlet said the gates to the fence are often let open and claims they chased cars and individuals in the neighborhood.

"The dogs chase the cars, the high school students. They're dangerous, that's why I close my gate all the time  I have small children and that's why I close it," she said.

Police told the outlet that two other dogs had been found at the property that were not registered nor did they have a vaccination history. Officers are still determining if the owner of the dogs will face citation.
Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis took his fight against liberalism to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis delivered a well-rehearsed blast at California this week, calling it too left, too woke, too expensive.

And as proof, he declared, Californians and residents of other liberal states were leaving in droves for Florida.

If you look over the last four years, weve witnessed a great American exodus from states governed by leftist politicians imposing leftist ideology and delivering poor results, he said Sunday at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.

Is what DeSantis said true? As the saying goes, its complicated.

Here are the best answers available to some of the most important questions about how many people are leaving California.

Are people leaving California in greater numbers than those moving into the state?

Yes, for the first time in many years, California seems to be experiencing a net decline in total population.

The latest California Finance Department figures, which are for 2022, show that the states population dropped by about 211,000 from 2021 out of a total population of 39 million. That was partly because foreign immigration into California remained at relatively low levels and didnt offset the decline in domestic net migration.

Still, as a percentage of the total population, the out-migration to other states is relatively small.

Are more Californians pulling up stakes and heading for the Sunshine State?

Yes, but the numbers should be looked at in context.

After mostly steady annual outflows from California to Florida in the prior decade, the numbers jumped 22% in 2020, according to the most recent available figures from the Internal Revenue Service.

Figures from other sources confirm that the pace of Californians heading to Florida, along with other states, has picked up significantly since the pandemic.

The number of California drivers licenses turned over to Florida were up more than 50% in 2021 and 2022 compared with the average of the prior five years.

But bear in mind that the actual number of people involved is tiny as a share of Californias overall population.

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The total of all those moving from California to Florida amounted to 29,000 people, based on changes in drivers licenses. IRS data suggest that the total might be a few thousand more.

Its still a fairly small number, said University of Florida demographer Stefan Rayer.

To put it in numerical terms, its not even one-tenth of 1% of Californias population of 39 million. The numbers are similarly miniscule as a share of Floridas population of



22.2 million.

Is the migration a one-way street, or is there movement from Florida to California?

Its not one-way. Much of Californias loss to Florida was offset by people coming the other way.

For every six Californians who left for Florida last year, five moved into the state from Florida, according to data from Moodys Analytics and the credit firm Equifax.

Who is leaving the state for Florida?

All across the country, not just in California or Florida, Americans who move from one state to another tend to be on the younger side: in their 20s and 30s.

When it comes to Florida, that pattern does not hold, at least not for California.

Almost one-third of Californians who moved to Florida were 50 years or older, compared with about 20% for those moving to all other states, according to Census Bureau data analyzed by Brookings Institution demographer William Frey.

In that regard, older Californians are just following an old and well-trodden path: With its low sales tax and no state personal income tax, cheaper housing and all-around lower cost of living, Florida has been a magnet for older Americans going back a century or more. It has long had appeal to those on fixed incomes because pensions and savings go further there.

Are high-earning, educated Californians moving to Florida?

No one has definitive statistics breaking down jobs and median incomes of those leaving, but studies by the Public Policy Institute of California have shown that, in general, people moving out of the state tend to have lower education and incomes than people coming into California.

In hard-nosed economic terms, thats a net plus for California.

The situation is a little more complicated when it comes to Florida.

Being older and having more established backgrounds, about half of the California migrants to Florida have college degrees and on average are likely to have relatively higher incomes than those moving to some other states.

But economically speaking, older migrants most productive years are usually behind them. So when it comes to Florida, which tends to attract these older people, the loss of education and incomes tends to be less painful for California.

What are other reasons Californians are moving to Florida?

Except for retirees looking to stretch their budgets, the answer is probably not much different from what drives people to move across state lines everywhere.

Jobs, whether a transfer or a new one, are the No. 1 reason people make interstate moves, according to 2022 census survey data.

Second are family considerations, such as a change in marital status or to be closer to other family members.

After that comes housing-related issues  wanting to own a home or find cheaper housing.

Those three factors account for about 85% of the why-move answer from people nationally.

And Walter Schwarm, Californias chief demographer, says housing has become an even bigger issue in recent years for California because the surge in home prices has widened the gap with other states.

Remote work also may be adding some juice to migration, he said.

Californias median sale price for a single-family house was $751,330 in January, almost double what it was in Florida.

Its simply housing, said Wendell Cox, a principal at Demographia, a public policy consultant in Illinois, of the increase in out-migration.

California housing costs are so out of line with the rest of the nation and with what they were historically that middle-income folks cant afford to live there.

What about political ideology and liberal policies, which DeSantis says is the driving force?

Its hard to say for sure.

Surveys asking Californians whether they want to leave the state have found a huge partisan divide, with Republicans overwhelmingly saying theyre interested while Democrats mostly say the opposite.

And those feelings may play a part in some people pulling up stakes, says Eric McGhee, a senior fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California.

But saying youre interested in moving as a theoretical question and actually pulling up stakes and leaving are very different matters.

McGhee and many others at all points on the political spectrum say most people move for basic economic reasons.

The motivation to buy a home somewhere is not based on wokeness, said G.U. Krueger, a longtime housing economist in Los Angeles who has done work for the California Public Employees Retirement System, the nations largest state pension fund.

Its about the life stage people are in  and wokeness is not a stage of the life cycle.

Is there an ethnic or racial aspect to this issue?

Non-Hispanic whites have left California for other states in disproportionately large numbers, and thats particularly so for Florida.

So although whites compose just 35% of Californias population, they accounted for 59% of those who have moved to Florida in recent years, according to census data tabulated by Frey.

The same data show that Florida has considerably less appeal to Californias Black and Asian residents than other states as a whole.

So what does the future hold in the California-Florida battle?

Florida is likely to continue to draw older people and retirees, but just how much it will attract others will depend on what happens with housing prices and economic growth in both states.

Whats new is that Florida has emerged as an alternative for industries that have historically been big in California, said Joel Kotkin, a fellow at Chapman University who has written widely on California demographic, social and economic trends.

That includes tech and the commercial space industry, he said, and expansion of its ports. Inflows of venture capital will help Florida keep growing. Last December, Florida announced $2 billion in investments from asset manager BlackRock.

To some extent, this is a pattern in many parts of the country.

At least in part, thats because, as tech-related industries have evolved and matured  sprouting an endless variety of new goods and services  its no longer necessary for every enterprise to be located in the cities and states where it all began.

Still, few people anticipate a rush of Californians heading to Florida. There are plenty of other alternatives a lot closer, particularly Texas, Arizona and Nevada, which have long been the top three destinations for Californians.

Besides, Kotkin said, Californians never had the motivation to move to Florida for the weather.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Queen Consort (Jonathan Brady/PA) (PA Wire)

The Queen Consort has pulled out of engagements in Newmarket after the weather disrupted her travel plans, Buckingham Palace said.

A spokesperson said: Her Majestys engagements at Newmarket later today have had to be postponed due to the weather impacting on transport arrangements.

Her Majesty is of course very sorry not to be able to attend and will hope to find another date to visit in due course.

Camilla was due to visit the British Racing School to mark its 40th anniversary and later unveil a painting at the British Sporting Art Trust in the Suffolk market town on Thursday.

The decision to postpone was taken on Thursday morning when the weather was reviewed and attempts to find alternative arrangements were not successful.

Camilla was in London on Wednesday, hosting a reception to mark International Womens Day as president of the Women of the World Festival.

The palace declined to confirm whether the Queen Consort was due to travel by helicopter or by car.

Snowstorms are due to affect large parts of England and Wales on Thursday after the coldest March temperature in more than a decade was recorded overnight.

The Met Offices warnings are not currently affecting London or Suffolk.

Camilla has suffered recent family heartache after the death of her brother-in-law. Businessman Simon Elliot was married to her sister Annabel, to whom Camilla is very close.

The couple attended Camilla and King Charles IIIs honeymoon to Birkhall in Scotland. Annabel and Simon had been married for more than 50 years and lived in a country house in Stourpaine, Dorset, where Charles and Camilla would meet them for weekends.

In February, the Queen Consort missed a number of engagements after catching Covid. She tested positive on 15 Febuary after suffering from cold symptoms, the palace confirmed at the time.

She has since recovered from the illness and made several public appearances, including the launch of her book project as a charity.
By Steve Scherer

OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada's top general said he was concerned that his country's armed forces, already stretched thin by support for Ukraine and NATO, do not have the capacity to lead a possible security mission to Haiti.

Haiti's government and top United Nations officials have called for an international force to support Haitian police in their struggle against gangs, which have become the de facto authorities in parts of the country.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan in January said it was critical to identify a country to take the lead and said Canada had expressed an interest in that role, but Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has not committed to it.

Canada over the past year has spent more than C$1 billion ($724 million) in military assistance to Ukraine. Now Canada is preparing to nearly double its presence in Latvia, which shares a border with Russia and Belarus. Ottawa announced new procurement for the mission on Thursday.

"My concern is just our capacity as we rebuild, as we move to brigade level in Latvia," Chief of the Defence Staff Wayne Eyre told Reuters in his office in Ottawa on Wednesday. "There's only so much to go around. ... It would be challenging."

Canada last year budgeted a slight increase in defence spending over five years, but it still spends far less - about 1.3% of annual output - than the North Atlantic Treaty Organization asks, which is 2% of gross domestic product.

The armed forces are struggling with recruiting and donations to Ukraine have cut into some military stocks, Eyre said.

Officials in Ottawa say the United States has lobbied hard for Canada to take on the role, and President Joe Biden may carry that message again when he visits later this month.

Haitian gangs have expanded their territory since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise. The resulting violence has left much of the country off-limits to the government and led to routine gun battles with police.

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Haiti has a long history of foreign military footprints on its soil, including a 1915 U.S. occupation that lasted 20 years, and more recent U.N. and U.S. troop deployments following political turmoil and natural disasters, some of which led to allegations of abuse.

Trudeau has repeatedly said a solution rests in the hands of Haitians, a position Eyre reiterated.

"The solution's got to come from the host nation itself," Eyre said. "They have to own the solution."

Canada has sent armored vehicles to Haitian police, and it has two small ships patrolling the coast. It has also sanctioned several former politicians and gang leaders.

Canada's military is "actively planning" expanding to brigade strength in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's defense mission in Latvia, called Operation Reassurance, which it leads, Eyre said.

That will mean participation of about 2,000 Canadian soldiers, alongside those from other countries, Eyre said, up from its current deployment of 700 to 1,000.

Canada Defence Minister Anita Anand on Thursday announced plans to purchase portable anti-tank missile systems, counter uncrewed aircraft systems, and air defence systems for the Latvian mission.

($1 = 1.3803 Canadian dollars)

(Reporting by Steve Scherer; Editing by Sandra Maler, Mark Porter and David Gregorio)
A judge's gavel. Peter Dazeley/ Getty Images

Judge Dennis Galiatsatos in Quebec ruled that flipping a neighbor off can't be considered a crime.

He acquitted a man of criminal charges, saying that giving someone the finger is a "God-given right."

He wrote in his ruling that people need to stop calling the police over petty disputes.

A judge in Quebec ruled that flipping someone off can't be considered a crime because flashing one's middle finger is a "God-given right."

Judge Dennis Galiatsatos' comments were part of his ruling in a dispute involving two neighbors in Montreal, Michael Naccache and Neall Epstein, the CBC reported.

Epstein, 45, was arrested in May 2021 after he flashed two middle fingers at Naccache, with whom he had had previous disagreements, per the CBC. Epstein was then charged with criminal harassment, the CBC reported.

Naccache, 34, said Epstein made a throat-slashing gesture with his fingers and flipped him off, which he took offense to, according to court documents. Naccache also told the police that he feared for his life.

Judge Galiatsatos wrote in his ruling on February 24 that it is not a crime to give someone the finger, and acquitted Epstein.

"Flipping the proverbial bird is a God-given, Charter-enshrined right that belongs to every red-blooded Canadian," the judge wrote. "It may not be civil, it may not be polite, it may not be gentlemanly. Nevertheless, it does not trigger criminal liability."

Judge Galiatsatos also wrote that Naccache had no reason to be scared of Epstein.

"On what basis did he fear that Mr. Epstein was a potential murderer? The fact that he went for quiet walks with his kids? The fact that he socialized with the other young parents on the street?" the judge wrote. "If that is the standard, we should all fear that our neighbors are killers in waiting. Hide your kids, hide your wives. We are all in mortal danger."

He then made it clear how incredulous he was at the case being filed in the first place.

"In the specific circumstances of this case, the Court is inclined to actually take the file and throw it out the window, which is the only way to adequately express my bewilderment with the fact that Mr. Epstein was subjected to an arrest and a fulsome criminal prosecution," the judge wrote.

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The judge in his ruling also berated Naccache for involving the police in petty disputes.

"Being told to 'fuck off' should not prompt a call to 9-1-1," he wrote.

Representatives of the Court of Quebec did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Read the original article on Insider
A Mexican drug cartel claiming its members were behind the brazen kidnapping of four Americans last week handed over five of the members and left a note of apology, Mexican media outlets and The Associated Press reported Thursday.

Photos circulating on social media show five men on the pavement with their hands tied  four of them shirtless  in front of a pickup truck, which has a handwritten letter of apology on the windshield.

The AP reported obtaining a copy of the letter from a law enforcement source in Tamaulipas, the Mexican state where the American travelers were attacked. Two of them were killed and another one wounded in a shooting Friday shortly after arriving in the border city of Matamoros for cosmetic surgery.

Authorities have said cartel members probably mistook them for drug smugglers and abducted them after shooting their van.

In the letter, the Scorpions faction of the Gulf cartel apologized to the residents of Matamoros, a Mexican woman who was killed by a stray bullet and the four Americans and their families.

We have decided to turn over those who were directly involved and responsible in the events, who at all times acted under their own decision-making and lack of discipline, the letter reads, adding that those people had gone against the cartels rules.

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Two Americans killed in Mexico: Two survivors have returned to the US; victims identified: Updates

The AP also obtained the photo of the men face-down on the ground and reported that they had been found tied up inside one of the vehicles authorities had been seeking, along with the letter, according to an official not authorized to speak about the case.

A member of the Mexican security forces stands next to a white minivan with North Carolina plates and several bullet holes, at the crime scene where gunmen kidnapped four U.S. citizens who crossed into Mexico from Texas, Friday, March 3, 2023.

Bodies returned to US authorities

Tamaulipas officials have not publicly confirmed having new suspects in custody, but earlier Thursday the attorney generals office said it had seized an ambulance and medical clinic in Matamoros that were used to provide first aid to the injured Americans.

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Authorities located them Tuesday morning on the outskirts of the city, guarded by a man who was arrested. Zindell Brown and Shaeed Woodard died in the attack; Eric Williams survived with a leg wound and Latavia McGee was physically unharmed.

The two survivors were returned to the U.S. and are receiving medical care. The remains of Woodard and Brown were handed over to U.S. authorities Thursday after undergoing autopsies.

Apology won't take away the suffering

Jerry Wallace, a cousin of Williams, told the AP the family's happy he's alive but does not accept the cartel's apology.

It aint going to change nothing about the suffering that we went through, said Wallace, 62, who called for the American and Mexican governments to better address cartel violence.

Jerry Robinette, a former special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in San Antonio, said he wasnt surprised the cartel handed to Mexican authorities the five men it claims were involved in the attack.

Many times weve seen the cartel will police themselves, he said. Its not good for their business. Theyll clean up their own mess.

Next, there will be warrants for their extradition to the U.S. to face criminal charges, Robinette said. Federal investigators will still try to determine what role, if any, the men played in the shooting. And U.S. authorities may not be satisfied by the mens capture, he said.

Its one thing to identify the individuals most directly involved with the violence, but thats only part of it, Robinette said. Its imperative the investigation goes above and beyond the individuals who actually pulled the trigger.

Fifth member of group stayed behind and grew concerned

Police in Brownsville, Texas, where the travelers crossed into Mexico, said they were aware of developments in Matamoros.

Police spokesman Martin Sandoval said the FBI was attempting to confirm whether the men in the photo were the actual suspects. The FBI did not immediately comment Thursday.

Sandoval confirmed police had located a fifth member of the traveling party, Cheryl Orange, who stayed behind in Brownsville because she had forgotten required travel documents. The group had driven from South Carolina to Mexico for one of the members, Latavia McGee, to undergo what was initially reported as a tummy tuck, although Orange told police it was actually for "gluteal augmentation.''

Orange first alerted authorities to concerns about their safety when she called police Saturday, the day after the other four had crossed the border. Orange told police she had last seen the group at 8 a.m. Friday, when they left a Brownsville motel for Matamoros in a rented white minivan bearing North Carolina plates.

The group had planned to return in time to check out of the motel Saturday, according to the police report.

"(Orange) stated that she has not heard from them since (Friday)," the report said.

Ex-Mexican intelligence official on cartel: 'Bunch of unsophisticated thugs'

Alejandro Hope, a former Mexican intelligence official, told USA TODAY that various factions of the Gulf cartel are at war with each other in Matamoros due to arrests and splintering into competing groups vying for control of the lucrative northbound plazas used to traffic drugs into the U.S.

In recent years, the warring factions have also made a lot of their money from extortion, robberies and other violent crime, he said, operating with impunity because of the ineffectiveness and corruption of local authorities in Mexico.

Hope speculated the attack on the Americans may have started as a robbery before escalating into an international incident, prompting cartel leaders to offer the five men as scapegoats.

They call themselves a cartel, but theyre just a bunch of unsophisticated thugs, said Hope, a security consultant and partner at GEA Grupo de Economistas y Asociados in Mexico.

He added that front-line law enforcement officials on both sides of the border work closely together and would likely continue to do so.

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cartel turns over 5 men, apologizes after Americans kidnapped, killed
SEASIDE, Ore.  This tranquil coastal town is known for its wide beaches and grand promenade  and for becoming a target for drug traffickers peddling meth supplied by a Mexican super cartel.

Drug dealers may not have worried about being caught here, in Clatsop County, a 90-minute drive northwest from the bustling city of Portland.

But they didn't know about dogged sheriff's detective John Walker, who developed informants and bought drugs while undercover. FBI agents lauded Walker's work, which helped the Bureau and Homeland Security Investigations expose an extensive drug distribution cell that targeted the Pacific Northwest.

It was run by a deported felon who kept sneaking back across the border.

The Portland-based drug network, which stretched into affluent area suburbs, westbound to Oregon's quaint coastal cities and north into southwestern Washington, is emblematic of a key Mexican cartel strategy to establish drug pipelines far beyond the border and into small, unsuspecting towns.

"When you hear about the drug cartels and the amounts of drugs coming across the border, you start thinking those are big city problems," said Clatsop County Sheriff's Sgt. Jason Hoover, who oversaw Walker and teamed to raid area drug houses in the case.

"But if you have drugs in your community, and I don't think there is any community that can say they don't have any, it is coming from the drug cartels. It's still a little shocking when you can tie it together and say for certain that's where it came from."

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Kingpin:He reached 'kingpin' status by selling Mexican cartel-supplied drugs. But betrayal awaited

Authorities: Cartel leader has been in and out of the U.S.

Victor Alvarez Farfan, a native of Michoacan, Mexico, headed the Portland drug ring blamed for bringing large amounts of meth, heroin and fentanyl across the border beginning in October 2017.

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He previously was convicted on federal drug charges in the U.S. and was deported at least twice. He had at least five aliases and kept slipping back into the U.S.

He and Helida Montes, his partner for 16 years, settled their two children in Oregon City as Farfan grew his business, roping in two of his nephews.

This case had some odd twists, including the involvement by a retired U.S. Marine and his wife, an agonizing test of family loyalties and a gruesome threat from Mexico.

In just six months, smugglers brought across the border almost two kilos of fentanyl  up to 1 million lethal doses of the No. 1 drug killing Americans. That load was headed from Portland to Baltimore.

Farfan's drug ring also sent drugs to Gresham, east of Portland, Hood River, a port on the Columbia River an hour northeast of Portland, and north into Tacoma, Washington.

How do cartels operate?

Robert Hammer, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Seattle, told The Courier Journal that cartels take advantage of the Interstate 5 corridor, a straight route that runs from the San Ysidro border crossing north through Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland and into Vancouver, Canada.

"Theyre a business," Hammer said of cartels. "They send their businessmen out into the U.S. to look for areas of opportunity."

His agents helped on the Farfan investigation.

"We see these nodes or pockets of cartel-related activity springing up in small, rural towns on the east side of Washington, in metropolitan areas like Portland and Seattle. We see them operating illegal marijuana farms in southern Oregon."

In Seaside, known for commercial fishing and timber, traffickers easily established a strong customer base.

"There would be times on surveillance where you'd see 15 to 25 people roaming the local trap house waiting for the next supply to come in, walking around or sitting in cars, just waiting," said Walker, who later left the department.

In 2017, Walker led a raid on a couple of Clatsop drug houses, teaming with Seaside, Cannon Beach and Oregon state police. They found drugs and drug couriers, including a former nurse, linked back to Hillsboro in neighboring Washington County. Walker then secured search warrants to monitor social media accounts, where drug ring members chatted in code on Facebook Messenger.

Other eyes on the cartel

Walker realized he wasn't the only one watching this drug ring. A larger probe was underway by Washington County Sheriff's WIN Team, the Westside Interagency Narcotics task force that includes agents with the FBI, Hillsboro and Beaverton police and the Oregon National Guard County-Drug investigators.

Investigators uncovered three main pieces of the puzzle that revealed a snapshot of how this drug ring thrived. First, Mexican cartel suppliers established a pipeline to the Portland area. From there, Victor Farfan and his inner circle supplied drug trafficker John Armas in Hillsboro. Armas, in turn, supplied the former nurse and other dealers who carted the drugs further west into Seaside and other communities in Clatsop.

Farfan brought in at least 20 kilos of meth, half a kilo of heroin and nearly two kilos of fentanyl.

After agents toppled the Oregon drug network in 2018 and arrested 23 suspects, there were murders in Mexico that U.S. investigators suspect were meant to scare and silence potential witnesses in the Portland case. To an extent, it worked, illustrating how cartels manipulate on both sides of the border through threats and violence.

Agents and prosecutors didn't openly discuss in court records or hearings which cartel supplied Farfan, but The Courier Journal learned in February that he was supplied by a top U.S. target, the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion  the subject of a nine-month investigation and 28-page special report by the newspaper in 2019.

Known as CJNG, the cartel is a global powerhouse, detected on every continent except Antarctica. It has drug cells all across the U.S., even in tiny towns. It has an army of 5,000 members, including some former police officers. And, according to reports by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, CJNG and its rival, the infamous Sinaloa Cartel, are the top two suppliers fueling the deadliest drug epidemic in U.S. history.

Farfan got the drugs from CJNG members in Michoacan, a western state long controlled by the cartel, La Familia Michoacana. This case is another example of how CJNG is increasingly vying for turf in Michoacan, the birthplace of its leader, Ruben Oseguera Cervantes. Known as "El Mencho," he's remained in hiding for years and is on the DEA's Most Wanted list.

Many court documents in the Farfan case remain sealed, hiding secrets shared by drug ring members and associates, and some involved in the case opted not to talk because of the volatility of the Mexican suppliers. Still, The Courier Journal traveled to Portland, its suburbs, the Oregon coast and Seattle to review court records and interview federal agents, defense attorneys and prosecutors to learn about the Farfan drug ring, its cartel ties and how it finally imploded.

Grisly warning in Portland case

Victor Alvarez Farfan began sneaking into the U.S. and targeting the Portland area more than two decades ago when he was in his early 20s.

He had a 1999 aggravated felony drug conviction in Multnomah County and was deported in 2001. Four years later, he was caught selling drugs out of a southeast Portland auto repair shop.

For police, it was dea vu. Two years earlier, they stumbled onto a drug business at the same auto repair shop allegedly run by suspect Jose Cruz Gutierrez Bustos. Investigators believe Bustos fled to Mexico.

Farfan wasn't as lucky. Agents arrested him in 2006, and he was convicted of illegally reentering the U.S. and trafficking cocaine and meth. He remained in prison until his deportation in 2015, court records show.

But two years later, agents discovered he had slipped back into the U.S., returned to Portland and resumed trafficking cocaine and meth and had added heroin to his offerings.

This time, as Farfan oversaw his drug business, FBI agents mounted an investigation against him.

Police arrested Farfan in October 2018 as he and Montes drove toward California on Highway 99 near Roseburg, nearly three hours south of Portland, while towing a car. A federal grand jury had indicted him and more than 20 others on money laundering and drug trafficking charges.

Farfan refused to talk to agents or prosecutors. His attorney, Noel Grefenson, declined comment for this story.

Regardless, prosecutors had strong evidence including transcripts from six months of wire taps in 2018 as Farfan chatted about drug shipments.

"He spoke with Mexican-based members of the conspiracy, met interstate couriers and directed subordinates," prosecutors noted in a government motion to keep Farfan locked up pending trial.

Cartel members issued a stark warning in Mexico that reverberated through the drug network in Oregon. Headless bodies were dumped at the doorstep of a business associated with the Farfan family in their home state of Michoacan.

The Farfans and other defendants mulling over plea offers took it as a threat if they mentioned any cartel connections. Many were scared silent and to this day no Mexican suppliers have faced justice for these crimes. It's a common and effective tactic used by many cartels. They control witnesses in the U.S. by threatening to kidnap, torture and kill loved ones within their reach in Mexico, hamstringing agents trying to target drug kingpins and their powerful inner circle.

'That puts a target on my back'

For two years, Farfan's nephew, Eduardo Alvarez Farfan, was scared silent.

Eduardo, known as "Pollo" or "Chicken," began running errands, or drug runs, for his uncle when he was 20 or 21 and claims he had no understanding of the scope of the drug ring or the risks he was taking.

"When Eduardo got involved in this he was a very young man, and it was because of a family connection  an uncle who had been involved in Mexico organized crime for decades," his attorney, Matthew A. Schindler, told The Courier Journal, referring to Victor Farfan.

Eduardo began running errands for his uncle, including delivering a bag to an El Salvador native who flew in from Maryland.

Investigators trailed behind Eduardo to the Lloyd Center shopping mall in Portland on July 10, 2018. He handed the bag to Noe Antonio Machado-Medrano, then age 23. Agents followed Machado-Medrano as he took a taxi to a bus station and headed to a bathroom. Police grabbed him, finding two kilos of fentanyl stuffed in a backpack.

"One of the techniques cartels use here in the United States is to take young people and make them responsible for significant amounts of drugs in order to shield themselves," Schindler said.

During Eduardo's detention hearing, prosecutors told the judge the Farfan drug ring was supplied by a Mexican cartel. Hearing the word "cartel" uttered in open court instantly rattled Eduardo.

"That puts a target on my back," he told his attorney. "I don't know who they are, but they know who I am, and they know what's going on here."

"He said: 'I'll do the time. I don't want to put my wife, my family in danger.'"

Eduardo mulled over his future. He knew that cartels have connections inside U.S. prisons. And he realized he faced a mandatory minimum of 10 years if convicted at trial and would miss watching his 6-month-old son grow up.

He also didn't want to be shunned by his close-knit family for betraying his uncle, a senior relative.

He agreed to talk to agents only about certain drug crimes, including detailing his actions and his uncle's actions inside the U.S., after a judge released him from jail on bond  and after his elder family members gave him their blessing. He never mentioned suppliers in Mexico linked to a cartel, or what he called the Mexican mafia.

Other players in the cartel

His cousin, Roberto Carlos Farfan Alvarez, known as "Raton" or "Mouse," pleaded guilty but never talked to police. He knew he faced deportation back within reach of the cartels.

Roberto, 22, had a fiance and young daughter in Morelia, a city in Michoacan. He initially came to the U.S. to earn money as a mechanic for another relative. But he ended up working for his Uncle Victor.

At first, he supervised work crews at his uncle's construction business building houses, Roberto's attorney, Robert Salisbury, said. But soon, he was asked to deliver drugs.

"He was terrified to talk about this," his attorney told The Courier Journal. "Either you or your family could be killed. There's a serious danger. There's a lot of family back in Michoacan."

Roberto never talked to agents or prosecutors. A judge sentenced Roberto to three years in custody in January 2021. He received credit for time in jail awaiting trial and has since been released and deported.

Last year, a judge sentenced Eduardo to 30 months behind bars, followed by five years supervised release.

"I had a prosecutor who was sympathetic that this guy was just a bond-hit, video-game type of kid," Schindler said. "And that his uncle had manipulated him and used him and his cousin."

Luring in a retired U.S. Marine

In Hillsboro, a suburb 30 minutes west of Portland, a savvy drug cell leader supplied by Victor Farfan seemed untouchable.

Police had long known John Armas was a major meth trafficker, but he was careful. He said very little while chatting on cell phones, and he changed phones a lot.

He ran a drug network that trafficked kilos of meth with help from his then-wife, Socorro Elena Gutierrez, from their Washington County home.

Armas and his wife, known as "Coco," used a handful of drug associates to store and repackage the drugs and drive them to Seaside and surrounding areas. He paid couriers to return the drug profits to him. Armas, in turn, paid Farfan, who then oversaw the flow of money back to cartel members in Mexico.

Armas enlisted help from his neighbors, a retired U.S. Marine and his wife.

The military veteran served in Operation Desert Shield in 1990 and didn't have a criminal history, but he and his wife suffered from addiction. Armas used the couple's home as a drug stash house, paying them with enough meth for their daily fix. Armas also asked them to repackage large amounts of drugs and sell out of their home to users as well as mid-level dealers.

Investigators listened in on several calls between Armas and his neighbors using code to coordinate drug deals.

FBI agents led a raid at the couple's home on Oct. 24, 2018, arresting the 51-year-old military veteran and his 53-year-old wife. The couple's daughter, age 11, also was home. Police found seven guns in the couple's bedroom.

Months later, the veteran texted his adult son about his gratitude that agents arrested him, saving his life. During his three months in jail, he got sober.

"He has transformed his life from being an insular methamphetamine abuser to an active member of the recovery community, mentoring and guiding others who struggle," his attorney argued in a May 6, 2020, sentence memo asking for leniency. By the time of the hearing, the veteran was 560 days sober.

Armas also used a former nurse from Clatsop County who was battling addiction to cart drugs from Hillsboro to the coast.

In May, a judge sentenced Armas to serve seven years and six months in prison, followed by five years of supervision. He had to pay $50,000. In July, Coco was sentenced to time served and released. She must report to a federal probation officer for five years.

Farfan: 'I am not the worst person here'

As Farfan's day of reckoning neared, he and his family pleaded for leniency.

Farfan pleaded guilty in November 2021 to trafficking drugs and illegally reentering the U.S. and was the last of 23 defendants in the case to admit guilt.

His attorney lobbied for 13 years, claiming his client likely couldn't survive a longer prison stint.

During his March sentence hearing, Farfan apologized for his crimes, but insisted, "I've never been a violent person. I hate violence," according to a transcript of the hearing, with Farfan appearing before the judge from prison on Zoom.

"I know that what I committed was wrong, but believe me, I'm not the worst person here. I am a family man. I would like to be able to be with them."

The mother of his two youngest children wrote a letter saying: "He is one of the greatest fathers that there is. He is loving, respectful and a very caring human being."

Prosecutors successfully pushed for 15 years in their sentencing memo, pointing to Farfan's "unwillingness to stop drug trafficking and his unwillingness to remain outside of the United States." Farfan also had to hand over $100,000.

U.S. District Court Judge Michael H. Simon said he was troubled by Farfan's repeated drug crimes dating back at least to 1999.

The judge also noted that while there was no evidence Farfan was physically violent, "the drugs that he played a role in distributing, including as a leader, caused so much harm in our community."

A few instances of the harm: A co-defendant killed himself to avoid prison, and a 9-year-old girl tested positive for meth after her parents helped repackage drugs for resale.

The judge said Farfan's attorney negotiated "a very significant break for him," cutting his possible prison time in half, considering sentencing guidelines called for a sentence of 30 years.

Farfan agreed to forfeit $100,000, and the judge ordered him to remain on supervised release for five years after he serves his time in prison.

When he gets out, he again faces deportation.

Reporter Beth Warren: bwarren@courier-journal.com; 502-582-7164; Twitter @BethWarrenCJ.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: El Mencho's Mexican cartel supplied drugs in coastal Oregon town
NEW CASTLE, Ind.  Deputies said a New Castle woman was intoxicated when her minivan crashed along a Henry County road, injuring two child passengers, one of them severely.

Makayla Kristine Dalton, 24, was charged Thursday in Henry Circuit Court 1 with neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury, neglect of a dependent resulting in bodily injury, causing serious bodily injury while driving while intoxicated and public intoxication.

According to a Henry County Sheriff's Department report, deputies about 1 a.m. Wednesday were called to the 800 block of West Henry County 300-N, where Dalton's vehicle had left the road and struck a utility pole.

One child in her minivan was determined to have suffered a head cut, skull fracture and brain bleed. Another young victim had "abrasions and contusions" to his forehead, according to an affidavit.

More:Muncie mother charged with DWI, neglect in crash that injured infant son

Both boys were taken by ambulance to IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, and the more seriously injured child was then transferred to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis.

Dalton told police the crash occurred after she tried to avoid hitting a rabbit. She also maintained the children were properly secured in child restraint seats at the time.

A breath test measured the New Castle woman's blood alcohol content at 0.167. In Indiana, a motorist with a BAC of 0.08 or higher is considered intoxicated.

Dalton told a deputy she had consumed "two double shots of Peach Crown (whisky)" about an hour before the crash. She was taken to Henry County Hospital for an examination and blood draw before being transferred to the Henry County jail.

The most serious of the neglect counts against Dalton is a Level 3 felony carrying up to 16 years in prison. Two other charges are Level 5 felonies, each carrying a maximum six-year sentence.

She was later released after posting bond at the jail.

Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: New Castle woman charged with DWI in crash that fractured boy's skull
US-ENTERTAINMENT-WOMEN-GALA-TIME

US-Australian actress Cate Blanchett arrives for the Time Magazine 2nd annual Women of the Year Gala in Los Angeles Credit - Michael TranAFP/Getty Images

Cate Blanchett dazzled at TIMEs second annual Women of the Year event, held in Los Angeles on Tuesday to honor a range of women who have made deep impacts in their work.

The actor, who is up for the Best Actress Oscar at this years Academy Awards for her performance in Todd Fields Tar, said she was completely and utterly humbled and overwhelmed to be at the event which included honorees working toward climate justice, equal pay, and better representation onscreen, among a multitude of fields.

Im so stressed I even took off my bra, Blanchett joked as she took the mic.

But quickly, she turned to talking about weightier topics facing women, reflecting on what she learned from the chorus of other voices in the room.

As one gets older you feel less in control. As women we often feel like do we need to be in control of everything. Often need to be in control of things individually, she said. What has really rung home for me tonight is the only way forward is to try and let go of control.

Cate Blanchett speaks during the TIME Women of the Year evnt at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills on March 08. Stefanie KeenanGetty Images for TIME

Read More: Cate Blanchetts Greatest Gift Is Her Humanity

She made her toast to not only the women in this room right now but to the millions and millions of women who should be standing at this mic, who should be in this room.

She stressed the importance of listening and said that is something the honorees are doing. If we really listen to the things that are not being said, I think we are going to get somewhere really profound.

Blanchett said that one of the strongest skill actors can present is a quality of listening well to others. To be a good storyteller you need to listen to the stories that have not been told, she said. She said the honorees inspire her and use their platforms to elevate and have stories heard.

A U.N. Goodwill Ambassador, Blanchett has, for about seven years, worked to raise awareness of the challenges faced by refugees throughout the world. Attending the event with her was Mary Maker, also a U.N. Goodwill Ambassador and a refugee from South Sudan who she mentioned in her toast.

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Citing the writer Rebecca Solnit, Blanchett talked about the power of hope in the dark. The greatest act of courage is to be hopeful.

She referenced the work of women from previous generations and said we have a responsibility to work on our shoulders, not just our individual shoulders but our collective shoulders so that more women can stand on our shoulders in generations to come.

It is important not to turn to negativity she said given the uncertainty in the world at the moment that can breed a pessimism that creates a misguided certainty of what will happen next.

I choose to turn that fear into excitement. Theres an enormous possibility in this fearful space.

To close she once again paid tribute to the other honorees in the room. I think change is in this room and its alive. It is happening. Women are good at gathering We know how to listen.
Chaim Topol, the star of Fiddler on the Roof and Bond film For Your Eyes Only, has died aged 87.

The Israeli actors death was announced by the countrys president in a statement on Wednesday (8 March).

President Isaac Herzog shared the news on Twitter, in which he paid tribute to one of the leading giants of Israeli culture.

He said: [Topol was] a gifted actor who conquered many stages in Israel and overseas, filled the cinema screens with his presence and above all entered deep into our hearts.

In his statement, Herzog added that despite being awarded for his talent and creation, it was the people of Israel that had won the most important award by being able to enjoy his work.

He added that throughout his career, the actor had represented us with great respect, before sending condolences to his dear family and all his loved ones.

Topol was reportedly diagnosed with dementia last year.

The Oscar-nominated actor is best known for his role in the 1971 musical, Fiddler on the Roof, in which he played impoverished Jewish milkman Tevye.

The actor received a Golden Globe award for this performance. It was his second Golden Globe, after he had won most promising male newcomer at the awards previously for his role in Israeli comedy Sallah Shabati.

Topol later starred in a number of US and Israeli films, including roles in the Bond movie For Your Eyes Only and Flash Gordon.

(Getty Images)

Topol also won the Israel Prize in 2015, which is the countrys most prestigious award for lifetime achievement and special contribution to society and the state.

The actor also was involved in lots of charity work, once serving as the president of the Jordan River Village which was a free overnight camp for Israeli children living with chronic or life-threatening illnesses.

In his statement, Herzog said: I had the privilege of getting to know him closely during the establishment of the unique village, and to be exposed to his work even outside the spotlight.

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He also founded Variety Israel, an organisation that provides support for children living with disabilities and their families.

The late actor is survived by his wife, Galia, who he married in 1965, and their three children: daughters Anat and Ady and son Omer.

Additional reporting by PA News
A woman in Charlotte is suing a background check company after she says a potential employer got wrong information saying she had an extensive criminal history.

Amy Clark says she applied for a job at Pizza Hut last December, and a background check had to be done before she could start working.

ALSO READ: Tinder to offer criminal background check on dates

According to court documents, she submitted the background check information, but her future employer said she didnt provide accurate records of her criminal background. The background check had produced results claiming she was convicted of impaired driving, endangering a minor, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

But none of that is true. Clark has no record of those convictions.

ALSO SEE: CMS hires company to conduct more robust background checks

Because of those claims, Clark was delayed in starting her job and nearly lost her house because she couldnt make payments without income.

Clark is suing BackgroundChecks.com LLC for damages, and shes asking for a jury trial.

(WATCH: Some claim Airbnb canceled reservations because of inaccurate criminal background checks)
At a fraction of the cost and just across the border, cosmetic surgery in Mexico has lured many U.S. citizens who might otherwise not be able to afford such procedures.

But in their pursuit of discounted flat stomachs, sculpted noses and wrinkle-free skin, patients often overlook, or are unaware of, the dangers they face  including risks before they even get to the operating table.

Reality television shows like Botched have shown the unsightly results of aesthetic procedures gone awry, including those done for cheap in countries with more lax medical regulations. Now, the violent kidnapping of four Americans that ended with two dead is highlighting other potential perils of medical tourism.

The group was abducted Friday in Matamoros in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. The city, on the other side of the border from Brownsville, Texas, is one of the most crime-riddled areas of Mexico, where drug cartels and turf wars pose persistent threats.

It is not clear if the Americans, who had gone to Mexico so one of them could have a cosmetic medical procedure, were aware of the areas notoriety. The U.S. State Department has said U.S. citizens should not travel there, citing violence, including kidnapping and armed robbery.

But the four were hardly the only ones to go there. Jasmine Wilson, 28, who traveled to Matamoros from Washington, D.C., in October 2022, said she had no idea that traveling to the Mexican city was risky, but said she had extensively researched the safety record of her surgeon there, who she came across via social media. His Facebook page, with over 30,000 followers, showcased before-and-after patient transformation photos and glowing reviews about his safety protocols.

We literally had no problems, she said.

While lower cost attracts many Americans to Mexico, it isnt the only reason they come, said Dr. Nain Maldonado, a cosmetic surgeon who runs a private practice at a top clinic in Cancun. Many are frustrated with other aspects of the U.S. health care system, including difficulties getting appointments and feeling like their time with doctors is rushed once they do get in to see them.

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When I talk with my patients coming from the States, they are surprised how the doctors are coming to see them, talking with them, even during the appointments after the surgery or the next day, he said. I think it is easier to talk with your doctor here in Mexico.

The amount of Americans who come to him for cosmetic procedures has grown so much in recent years that Americans and Canadians together now comprise 40% to 50% of his clientele, he said.

Maldonado said his patients also feel they get better results in Mexico than they would at home.

But not everyone who goes to Mexico comes out of surgery happy.

Before leaving for their operations, patients are often creating this grandeur in their head of what theyre going to get, said Dr. Filberto Rodriguez, a cosmetic surgeon who has practiced for over a decade in South Texas. He said he has nearly 30 patients a month who seek care from him after they have complaints about or complications from procedures in Mexico.

He said he has noticed that the dream of affordable, accessible surgery can cause patients to downplay warnings about the areas they are traveling to and the deadly complications their procedures can carry.

Is that a risk that youre willing to take to save just a couple thousand dollars? I know people say you sound like such a snob when you say, Oh my God, its only a couple thousand dollars youre saving, he said. Its your life.

Mexico welcomes many medical tourists not just for cosmetic surgery, but for other health care needs, including dental and pharmaceutical treatments, according to David Vequist IV, founder and director of the Center for Medical Tourism Research at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio. In addition to the lower price, they go because they have a belief that theyre getting comparable or better care than they would at home.

People tend to travel for what they perceive to be value. In other words, its not just the price, but its the price plus what they consider to be an acceptable level of quality, Vequist said.

Estimates of how many medical tourists travel to Mexico vary. Patients Beyond Borders, an international health care travel publishing and consulting firm, said that pre-pandemic, some 1.2 million American citizens traveled to Mexico in 2019 for elective medical treatment  mostly cosmetic, complex dentistry and bariatric treatments.

And many times, these surgeries are successful, said Dr. Alex Sobel, president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.

We tend to hear and see about the bad outcomes, he said. But cosmetic surgery is a tremendously international community, with great surgeons and researchers all over.

The discounts overseas can be significant: Sobel said he has heard of procedures costing up to 80% less in Mexico.

That is because surgeons have lower costs overall in Mexico, savings they pass on to patients, Vequist said. That includes everything from lower costs for property and pharmaceutical drugs to lower salaries for medical staff, such as nurses and anesthesiology providers.

Rodriguez said its also due in part to the exchange rate and not having as stringent regulations to adhere to as surgeons in the U.S.

Ransoms and other risks

But the safety of the medical practices are separate from the safety of the areas Americans journey through to get them. The State Department has warned that in the Mexican state where Matamoros is, criminals target passengers in cars and buses and demand ransoms.

Wilson, who had three procedures there in October, said she didnt feel endangered. She attributed her sense of security to a spot she had booked at a post-surgical recovery center in Harlingen, Texas, which facilitated transportation to and from her operation.

A mother of four, she said she was pleased with the seamless cosmetic enhancements she received to address loose skin around her stomach area caused by diastasis recti, a condition that involves the separation of the abdominal muscles during pregnancy.

Wilson was shocked by the recent kidnappings. Nonetheless, she said she would not hesitate to undergo procedures again in Matamoros, as long as she used the same transportation method.

Dr. Jennyfer Cocco, a plastic surgeon in Dallas, said there is nothing wrong with seeking the best price as long as you know what you are getting into.

She said there are surgeons in Mexico who are certified according to American standards and certifications can be checked on the American Society for Plastic Surgeons website.

My advice would be any American that travels internationally needs to look at the State Department warnings about what areas are safe and what types of issues are going on, Vequist said. Right now unfortunately in Mexico, there are several regions, states and cities that have State Department warnings.

CORRECTION (March 9, 2023, 8:52 a.m. ET): A previous version of this article misstated the name of an international health care travel publishing and consulting firm. It is Patients Beyond Borders, not Patients Without Borders.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
China took down its own balloon after transiting Latin America around the same time an alleged spy balloon from Beijing was crossing the United States earlier this year, the head of the U.S. Northern Command revealed Wednesday.

What I understand is the [Peoples Republic of China] actually terminated that balloon in the Atlantic Ocean off the east coast of South America, Gen. Glen VanHerck told the House Armed Services Committee lawmakers.

U.S. Southern Command head Gen. Laura Richardson, who spoke alongside VanHerck, confirmed the assessment.

China last month acknowledged that it was the owner of a balloon spotted over Costa Rica, Nicaragua, northern Colombia and Venezuela. Used for flight tests, the balloon had seriously deviated from its planned course by mistake due to weather conditions, Beijing claimed at the time.

But it was not known until now what had eventually happened to the balloon.

The incident came at the same time a similar high-altitude Chinese balloon was first detected floating eastward over Alaska on Jan. 28. The aerial object eventually traveled down across Canada and back into the U.S. airspace, spending time above sensitive missile sites in Montana before traveling over the U.S. Southeast.

VanHerck said the incident in U.S. airspace, which ended with fighter jets shooting down the balloon off the coast of South Carolina in early February, demonstrates the limitations of our domain awareness.

The PRC high altitude balloon was obviously a significant event that shined a light on the PRCs brazen intelligence collection against the United States and Canada, he said in his opening remarks. It was the first time in NORTHCOMs history we conducted an engagement over the United States and it made clear that our competitors have the capability and intent to reach our homeland.

The four-star general also said the United States must modernize its radars and field as soon as possible the over-the-horizon capabilities meant to detect incoming objects.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
BEIJING (AP)  Chinas government on Thursday criticized the Netherlands for joining Washington in blocking Chinese access to technology to manufacture advanced processor chips on security and human rights grounds.

A Dutch minister told lawmakers Wednesday that exports of equipment that uses ultraviolet light to etch circuits on chips would be restricted on security grounds. ASML of the Netherlands is the only global supplier. Industry experts say a lack of access to ASML's most advanced technology is a serious handicap for China's efforts to develop its own chip industry.

Washington in October blocked Chinese access to U.S. tools to make advanced chips that it said might be used in weapons or in equipment for the ruling Communist Party's surveillance apparatus. The Biden administration is lobbying European and Asian allies to tighten their own controls.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman complained that an individual country, a reference to the United States, was trying to safeguard its own hegemony by abusing national security as an excuse to deprive China of its right to development.

We firmly oppose the Netherlandss interference and restriction with administrative means of normal economic and trade exchanges between Chinese and Dutch enterprises, said the spokeswoman, Mao Ning. We have made complaints to the Dutch side.

Mao appealed to the Netherlands to safeguard the stability of the international industrial and supply chain."

ASMLs extreme-ultraviolet, or EUV, equipment uses light to etch microscopically precise circuits into silicon, allowing them to be packed more closely together. That increases their speed and reduces power demand.

The Dutch government has prohibited ASML from exporting its most advanced machines to China since 2019, but the company is allowed to supply lower-quality systems.

Chinese manufacturers can produce low-end chips used in autos and most consumer electronics but not those used in smartphones, servers and other high-end products.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and U.S. President Joe Biden held talks in January on ASMLs chip machines.
Left to right, FBI Director Christopher Wray, National Security Agency Director Paul Nakasone, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, Central Intelligence Agency Director William Burns and Defense Intelligence Agency Director Scott Berrier testify before a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on worldwide threats, March 8. (Mary F. Calvert/Reuters)

WASHINGTON  Having stood as the worlds lone superpower since the end of the Cold War, the United States now faces unprecedented challenges to its global influence, the intelligence community concluded in the annual threat assessment made public this week.

Those threats include, above all, an ascendant China, but also a belligerent Russia whose invasion of Ukraine could be part of a broader regional plan. Then there are the worldwide consequences of climate change and technological advancements in artificial intelligence, which will require cooperation on an unprecedented scale.

As the war in eastern Ukraine continues into its second year and Xi Jinping solidifies power in his third term as Chinas leader, the United States will confront a complex and pivotal international security environment, the assessment concludes.

China

Xi Jinping, president of China and also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. (Li Gang/Xinhua via Getty Images)

The Chinese Communist Party represents both the leading and most consequential threat to U.S. national security and leadership globally, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines told lawmakers this week.

The 2023 threat assessment  which her office produced  concludes that while China does not seek an outright military confrontation with the United States, deepening competition is inevitable.

Beijing sees increasingly competitive U.S.China relations as part of an epochal geopolitical shift and views Washingtons diplomatic, economic, military, and technological measures against Beijing as part of a broader U.S. effort to prevent Chinas rise and undermine CCP rule, the threat assessment says.

Both the White House and Congress have focused on China in recent months. Committees are investigating the origins of the coronavirus pandemic and legislators seeking to ban TikTok, a social media platform whose parent company Bytedance is believed to be improperly harvesting users data.

The recent shoot down of a Chinese surveillance balloon only deepened suspicions between Washington and Beijing, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken abruptly canceling a visit to the Chinese capital.

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But no issues looms as large as that of Taiwan, the island whose contested status could become a military flashpoint.

Theyre understating the threat  and the very real possibility of war, China expert Isaac Stone Fish told Yahoo News of the 2023 threat assessment. There's a real lack of discussion of what happens if China invades Taiwan. Is that World War III?

According to the so-called Davidson Window, an analysis developed by retired Navy Adm. Philip Davidson, China is likely to invade Taiwan by 2027. Biden has twice pledged to defend Taiwan militarily in what some deemed an irresponsible provocation to Beijing, which like Moscow tends to bristle at Western meddling in what it considers its own sphere of influence.

In testimony before the House on Thursday, Haines said that Xi had been sobered by the breadth and consistency of the Western alliance defending Ukraine. But Stone Fish believes the comparison does not hold.

Theyre radically different situations, he said. Russia is a declining power; China is not.

Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. (Pavel Bednyakov/Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images)

The Russia section has few surprises, given how much about Russia-Ukraine has been put out publicly already, former Central Intelligence Agency officer and visiting George Mason University scholar David Priess wrote on Twitter, though he highlighted a passage predicting that Russia would become even more reliant on nuclear, cyber, and space capabilities as it deals with the extensive damage to Russias ground forces.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has made nuclear threats several times since launching the invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, but most analysts do not believe those threats suggest a genuine intention to instigate a nuclear strike.

Still, as the assessment noted, Russian motives and tactics can be difficult to predict. And anti-Western grievances run deep.

Russia probably does not want a direct military conflict with U.S. and NATO forces, but there is potential for that to occur, the report says. Russian leaders thus far have avoided taking actions that would broaden the Ukraine conflict beyond Ukraines borders, but the risk for escalation remains significant.

Extremists at home

Far-right extremist Proud Boys march in support of President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., Dec. 12, 2020. (Evelyn Hockstein/Washington Post via Getty Images)

In recent years, intelligence experts have concluded that homegrown extremists  fueled in particular by far-right white supremacist ideology  pose a greater threat to the American mainland than foreign terrorist groups.

The 2023 threat assessment confirms those findings, describing a decentralized movement of adherents to an ideology that espouses the use of violence to advance white supremacy, neo-Nazism, and other exclusionary cultural-nationalist beliefs. These actors increasingly seek to sow social divisions, support fascist-style governments, and attack government institutions.

The findings elicited a show of incredulity from Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark.

Are you serious? he asked of Haines during a Wednesday hearing, seemingly unaware that an identical assessment of the homegrown threat had been made during the Trump administration.

A warming, increasingly digitized planet

The Oak Fire near Midpines in Northern California, on July 23, 2022. (David McNew/AFP via Getty Images)

While the assessment calls China and Russia the biggest geopolitical threats the United States will have to manage in 2023, they are far from the only ones.

Climate change is putting an ever-growing number of people under threat from extreme weather, food insecurity, and humanitarian disasters, fueling migration flows and increasing the risks of future pandemics as pathogens exploit the changing environment, according to the assessment.

And while the coronavirus pandemic may be receding, conditions are only becoming more ripe for another outbreak: Countries globally remain vulnerable to the emergence or introduction of a novel pathogen that could cause a devastating new pandemic.

There are technological perils too. The assessment says that advances in artificial intelligence could leave the United States exposed, with foreign intelligence services ... adopting cutting-edge technologies  from advanced cyber tools to unmanned systems to enhanced technical surveillance equipment  that improve their capabilities and challenge U.S. defenses.
A Chinese navy officer takes photos with the public in front of a J-15 fighter jet aboard the aircraft carrier Liaoning in July 2017. Felix Wong/South China Morning Post via Getty Images

China's fleet of aircraft carriers has grown quickly, expanding from one to three in a decade.

To use that fleet effectively, China's navy also has to train pilots to operate carrier aircraft.

To find enough pilots for what could be six carriers, China's navy is expanding its recruiting pool.

Eager to find pilots for its growing fleet of aircraft carriers, China is turning to a new source of manpower  in this case, woman power.

For the first time, the People's Liberation Army Navy, known as the PLAN, is recruiting women as well as recent college graduates to become pilots in its new carrier aviation arm. While US naval aviation arrived in 1910, it wasn't until 1990 that the US Navy had its first woman fighter pilot.

"Starting in 2023, the Navy will select carrier-based aircraft pilots from fresh graduates from local ordinary colleges and universities," according to a Chinese navy brochure. "We welcome young men and women who love national defense, are committed to the sea and air, and are well-rounded to participate in the selection process, so that they can dedicate their youth to building a world-class navy and contribute to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation!"

The brochure lists a variety of prerequisites, some of which are common to military aviation and some which are unique to Communist China.

A J-15 prepares to launch from Liaoning in December 2016. STR/AFP via Getty Images

Candidates must be no older than 24 and must have majored in science and technology. They must be no taller than 6 feet and be unmarried. Naturally, they must "love the [Communist] Party, love the motherland, love the people and love socialism" and have a "clean political history."

This marks the first time that the PLAN is accepting naval aviation candidates who didn't attend military colleges, according to state-sponsored news site Global Times. A source told Global Times that the navy believes that four years of college creates a solid foundation for prospective naval aviators.

In recent years, the world has focused on China's emerging aircraft carrier fleet, which has grown from just one dilapidated ex-Soviet carrier a decade ago to three carriers now, including two built in Chinese shipyards. Some experts believe that China may eventually build six or more carriers, which could challenge the US Navy, especially in the South China Sea and other waters close to China.

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Yet it takes more than ships to build an effective carrier fleet. When it comes to naval aviation, America dwarfs any other nation simply because the US Navy has an enormous pool of pilots as well as a solid training system.

Though the US Navy and Air Force currently face pilot shortages  as do commercial airlines  the Navy still has around 7,000 pilots on its rolls.

Sailors aboard the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong at its commissioning ceremony in December 2019. Xinhua/Li Gang via Getty Images

China is more or less starting from scratch, which means bulking up to a sufficient number of carrier-qualified fliers as well as creating the training pipeline necessary to maintain a steady flow of new pilots. Tapping China's female population is one solution, though China has one of the lowest numbers of female pilots in the world.

Indeed, China's dangerously low birth rate has incentivized the Chinese military as a whole to recruit more women.

In addition to pilots, China also needs high-performance carrier jets. The US Navy has been designing carrier-based planes since the 1920s, including modern jets such the F-14, F/A-18, and now the F-35.

While China has a large and advanced aviation industry, it doesn't have the depth of experience or expertise that other, more mature navies have. In fact, the Chinese navy ended up copying a Russian carrier jet without permission to give its carrier program a boost.

That Chinese knockoff, the J-15, became notorious for crashing, much to the glee of Russian media, but the Chinese naval aviation fleet continues to grow, adding more advanced fighter jets and other carrier-capable aircraft.

US naval aviation had its growing pains, too. One reason the US Navy is proficient at carrier operations is that it has been launching airplanes from floating airfields for a century. China may need time to catch up, but there is no reason it can't do the same.

Michael Peck is a defense writer whose work has appeared in Forbes, Defense News, Foreign Policy magazine, and other publications. He holds a master's in political science. Follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Read the original article on Business Insider
(Bloomberg) -- Chinese leader Xi Jinping called on the military to make breakthroughs in securing technological advantages amid international competition, underscoring Beijings efforts to counter US efforts to cut it off from key advanced semiconductors.

Most Read from Bloomberg

China must speed up its push for high-tech independence and improve supply-chain resilience, Xi told a gathering of military delegates to the National Peoples Congress on Wednesday, state media said. The president also called for efforts to systematically upgrade the countrys overall strength to cope with strategic risks, safeguard strategic interests and realize strategic objectives.

Xi, who leads the worlds largest military in terms of active personnel, has used the annual legislative gathering in Beijing to overhaul the bureaucracy, and boost economic resilience in the face of US pressure. The Finance Ministry announced plans Sunday for 7.2% increase in defense spending this year  the fastest pace since 2019  as part of Xis push to build a world-class force by 2027.

Thats involved strengthening oversight of Chinas $60 trillion financial system, creating a new agency to manage data, and restructuring the Ministry of Science and Technology. The government also plans to cut the number of positions in central departments by 5% and redistribute them in strategically important areas.

In his remarks, Xi called for the military to enhance integrated national strategies and strategic capabilities, a reference to Chinas civil-military fusion program to direct industrial innovation toward war-fighting ability. The effort has fueled scrutiny in Washington and underpinned calls for sanctions against Chinese companies.

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The Biden administration is organizing allies to help stop China from further developing its own chip industry and advancing its military capabilities. In October, the US rolled out sweeping export curbs, blocking a host of technology from being sent to any Chinese company.

In January, Dutch and Japanese officials agreed to join the US campaign. The three countries are the worlds top sources of machinery and have the expertise needed to make the worlds most advanced semiconductors. On Wednesday, Dutch Foreign Trade Minister Liesje Schreinemacher sent a letter to lawmakers saying the nation that is home to ASML Holding NV was preparing restrictions on certain chipmaking machines.

Tensions between the US and China have been mounting recently. On Tuesday, new Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang accused the US of trying to contain and suppress China in all respects. On March 2, China sent the most warplanes near the democratically run island it has vowed to someday govern in nearly two months.

The flights came just after the US approved the possible sale of $619 million worth of F-16 munitions and related equipment to Taiwan. The main contractors in that deal are Raytheon Missiles & Defense and Lockheed Martin Corp.  firms that Beijing sanctioned last month for selling weapons to Taipei.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry criticized the US over the potential arms sale, saying it seriously damages Chinas sovereignty and security interests.

--With assistance from Ocean Hou, Lulu Shen and Zibang Xiao.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
BEIJING (Reuters) - China's total settlement of COVID-19 vaccine expenses from its medical insurance fund nationwide was more than 150 billion yuan ($21.55 billion) in 2021-22, the National Healthcare Security Administration said in a statement on Thursday.

The health insurance fund paid PCR testing expenses worth 4.3 billion yuan in 2022, the administration said.

($1 = 6.9601 Chinese yuan renminbi)

(Reporting by Bernard Orr and Ethan Wang; Editing by Bernadette Baum)
Chinese online fashion retailer SHEIN reportedly plans to raise about $2 billion in a fresh funding this month.

The company is also eyeing a U.S. listing in the second half of 2023, reported Reuters.

Sovereign wealth fund Mubadala, based in the United Arab Emirates, is a large investor in the funding round, while Tiger Global Management will be a new investor.

Existing investors, private equity firm General Atlantic (GA), and venture capital group Sequoia Capital China will also be a part of the funding.

The retailer has cut its valuation by a third to $64 billion, from last years funding round.

The report also added that SHEIN has held talks with many investment banks to select the lead bookrunners for its U.S. IPO.

Don't miss real-time alerts on your stocks - join Benzinga Pro for free! Try the tool that will help you invest smarter, faster, and better.

This article China's SHEIN Plans To Raise $2B In Fresh Funding; Eyes US IPO: Report originally appeared on Benzinga.com

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 2023 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
BEIJING (AP)  Chinas leader Xi Jinping has called for more quickly elevating the armed forces to world-class standards, in a speech just days after a top diplomat warned of the growing possibility of conflict with the U.S. unless Washington changes course.

China must maximize its national strategic capabilities in a bid to systematically upgrade the countrys overall strength to cope with strategic risks, safeguard strategic interests and realize strategic objectives, Xi said Wednesday.

His remarks to delegates in the ceremonial parliament representing the People's Liberation Army, the military wing of the ruling Communist Party, and the paramilitary People's Armed Police, were carried by the official Xinhua News Agency.

Xi issued a series of calls to accelerate the build-up of self-reliance in science and technology, bolster strategic capabilities in emergency fields, make industrial and supply chains more resilient and make national reserves more capable of safeguarding national security.

The program laid out by Xi dovetails with a number of national strategies already underway, including the Made in China 2025 campaign to make China dominant in 10 key fields from integrated circuits to aerospace, and a decades-old campaign for civilian-military integration in the economy.

Xi also mentioned the need for achieving the goals for the centenary of the PLA in 2027, a date by which, according to some U.S. observers, China intends to have the capability of conquering self-governing Taiwan, an American ally, by military means.

China has defined the centenary goals in mostly vague terms, such as greater "informatization" and raising the PLA to world-class standards."

China needs to build a strong system of strategic deterrent forces, raise the presence of combat forces in new domains and of new qualities, and deeply promote combat-oriented military training, according to a speech Xi gave last year.

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On Tuesday, Foreign Minister Qin Gang had warned in unusually stark terms about the possibility of U.S.-China frictions leading to something more dire.

If the United States does not hit the brake, but continues to speed down the wrong path, no amount of guardrails can prevent derailing and there surely will be conflict and confrontation, Qin said in his first news conference since taking up his post last year.

Such competition is a reckless gamble, with the stakes being the fundamental interests of the two peoples and even the future of humanity, he added.

That echoed remarks made by Xi on Monday to delegates that seemed to underscore Chinese frustration with U.S. restrictions on access to technology and its support for Taiwan and regional military blocs in unusually blunt terms.

Western countries led by the United States have implemented all-round containment, encirclement and suppression of China, which has brought unprecedented grave challenges to our nations development, Xi was quoted as saying by the official Xinhua News Agency.

A State Department spokesperson, Ned Price, responded by saying Washington wants to coexist responsibly within the global trade and political system and has no intention of suppressing China.

This is not about containing China. This is not about suppressing China. This is not about holding China back, Price said in Washington. We want to have that constructive competition that is fair and doesnt veer into that conflict.

Meanwhile on Wednesday, Gen. Laura J. Richardson, Commander of the U.S. Southern Command, which is responsible for South America and the Caribbean, testified before the House Armed Services Committee that China and Russia were malign actors" that are aggressively exerting influence over our democratic neighbors.

China is spreading its malign influence, wielding its economic might, and conducting gray zone activities to expand its military and political access and influence, Richardson said.

This is a strategic risk that we cant accept or ignore," she added.

Among other activities, China has built a massive embassy in the Bahamas, just 80 kilometers (50 miles) off the coast of Florida.

Presence and proximity absolutely matter, and a stable and secure Western Hemisphere is critical to homeland defense, Richardson said.

On Thursday, Beijing's Foreign Ministry dismissed U.S. questions and criticisms of Chinese intentions as an attempt to make excuses for its military expansion and pursuit of hegemony."

Before criticizing and blaming other countries, the U.S., as the only military superpower armed to the teeth, should reflect on what it can and should do, spokesperson Mao Ning said at a daily briefing.

In a nod to a China-U.S. relationship that has sunk to its lowest level in decades, she said Washington "should meet China halfway and push China-U.S. relations back on the track of sound and stable development, which is beneficial to both countries and the world.
(Bloomberg) -- Shares in Chinese suppliers of materials for semiconductors surged after unsubstantiated reports of impending Japanese export curbs circulated on social media, underscoring the nervousness surrounding US efforts to isolate Beijings chip industry.

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Shenzhen RongDa Photosensitive Science & Technology Co., provider of compounds known as photoresists that are essential in chipmaking, soared 20%. That leap follows a similar gain Wednesday after several posts on WeChat, which Bloomberg News has not verified independently, that an unnamed Japanese company had cut off supplies of the compound.

Japanese companies such as Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., JSR Corp. and Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co. are the worlds biggest producers of photoresists. The report comes as US allies including the Netherlands agreed to join the US in restricting the export of advanced chipmaking gear to China, part of Washingtons broader plan to contain a semiconductor sector its accused of aiding the military.

The Netherlands, home to chip gear industry linchpin ASML Holding NV, is preparing to rein in exports of so-called immersion DUV lithography products, adding to restrictions that already exist for the most cutting-edge machines. Japan is expected to flesh out its own curbs too.

I havent seen specific policies from Japan, but not surprised theyll reveal more details soon, said Phelix Lee, an analyst at Morningstar. For now, I expect Japanese restrictions to be tighter than the Dutch but looser than the American ones; partly because Japan is located closer to China.

The technological conflict between the US and China is funneling billions of dollars of capital  some of it direct from government coffers  into the chip industry as nation states compete to build up domestic semiconductor production. Veteran emerging-markets investor Mark Mobius said on Thursday he is betting big on semiconductor shares that could benefit from that investment.

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More fundamentally, chips are growing more sophisticated and demand is expected to skyrocket with the mainstream adoption of future technologies from connected cars and devices to artificial intelligence that will require intense computing power.

The vital nature of chips means nation states are increasingly wielding them as weapons during geopolitical conflict. In 2019, Tokyo restricted the flow of photoresists to South Korea after the two nations became embroiled in a series of diplomatic disputes.

If an export curb was targeted at leading-edge production, it would be a further obstacle in Chinas ambitions to fabricate chips at advanced nodes, said Robert Lea, an analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence.

Chinese suppliers cant completely replace Japanese supply in the short term. Government officials have also previously said they want suppliers to chip manufacturers to keep prices stable even if supply from abroad is severely curtailed.

On mainland exchanges on Thursday, Rongda peer Jiangsu Nata Opto-electronic Material Co. climbed 2.7%, while Crystal Clear Electronic Material Co. rose 0.9%.

Broadly speaking, a production line cant be completed if even one type of equipment is completely cut off. So Im skeptical about how much domestic players can benefit, Morningstars Lee said.

--With assistance from Abhishek Vishnoi and Ville Heiskanen.

(Updates with closing prices and analysts comment in ninth paragraph)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Viewers have pointed out an error in Chris Rocks latest stand-up special.

The comedian made history this weekend as he performed Netflixs first ever live-streamed set on Saturday (4 March).

Selective Orange contained a number of notable moments, including Rock addressing the time he was slapped by Will Smith at the 2022 Oscars.

Rock, 58, said, The thing people wanna know did it hurt? Hell yeah, it hurt. He played Muhammad Ali! in reference to Smiths role as the famous boxer in 2001s Ali.

I played Pookie [in 1991s New Jack City]. Even in animated movies, Im a zebra, hes a f***ing shark. I got hit so hard, I heard Summertime ringing in my ears, said Rock.

The comedian was referring to his voiceover role as Marty the zebra in the Madagascar franchise, and Smiths part in the 2004 film Shark Tale.

Fans, however, were quick to point out that Smiths character Oscar is not a shark, but a bluestreak cleaner wrasse fish.

He CLEARLY needs to rewatch Shark Tale, one person wrote on Twitter.

(REUTERS)

Another added: Chris Rock thinks Will Smith played the shark in Shark Tale.

Chris Rock has been polishing material about Will Smith, and yet he says that Will Smith played the shark in shark tale, said a third person.

Someone else said: My takeaway from the Chris Rock special is he thinks Will Smith played a shark in Shark Tale.

My only comment on Chris Rocks new special is that he compares his and Will Smiths Dreamworks movies. Im a zebra, hes a shark.



In the Madagascar series Rock does indeed play a zebra named Marty. But in Shark Tale, Will Smith plays a bluestreak cleaner wrasse not a shark pic.twitter.com/kwGvfs0dEs  Henry Gilbert (@hEnereyG) March 5, 2023

My takeaway from the Chris Rock special is he thinks Will Smith played a Shark in Shark Tale  Jeffrey Anderson (@JeffreyHasJokes) March 5, 2023

Smith walked on stage to slap Rock at last years Oscars ceremony after the comedian  who was presenting an award  made a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.

The King Richard actor was banned from Academy events, including the Oscars gala, for 10 years.

Elsewhere in the stand-up special, Rock made a bold claim about Pinkett Smith and also questioned Meghan Markles racism claims against the royal family.
A source close to Jada Pinkett Smith has claimed that Chris Rock is obsessed with the actor and podcast host.

Rock infamously made a joke about Pinkett Smiths shaved head while presenting an award at the 2022 Oscars ceremony. (The Matrix Reloaded star has spoken about suffering from alopecia.)

In the aftermath of the joke, Pinkett Smiths husband, Best Actor winner Will Smith, walked onstage and slapped Rock.

The comedian addressed the incident in his recent Netflix stand-up special Selective Outrage, claiming that Pinkett Smith had started the feud back in 2016.

Speaking to People, a source described as being close to Pinkett Smith said: Jada has had no part in all of this other than being heckled. Chris is obsessed with her and thats been going on for almost 30 years.

Look where he chose to film his Netflix special. Her hometown [of Baltimore]. Obsessed.

Back in 2016 she helped start a movement with the Academy Awards by questioning why there are so few Black members, and Chris took it to this?

In his stand-up special, Rock claims that Pinkett Smith told him to quit the Oscars in 2016 because Will Smith wasnt nominated for Concussion.

Jada Pinkett Smith seen during her Red Table Talk podcast (Facebook)

Pinkett Smith was one of the many Hollywood stars to boycott the ceremony that year because of a lack of racial diversity among the nominees.

The report in People quotes the source as saying: [Pinkett Smith] never asked Chris to not host the Oscars ever. She publicly said in a Facebook post at the time Chris would be a great Oscars host and is perfect for the job.

The Independent has contacted representatives for Pinkett Smith and Rock for comment.

This years Oscars ceremony will be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel. In an interview this week, the late night talk show host described how he would react if another slap should occur.

The Oscars will take place on Sunday 12 March.
(Reuters) -Citigroup Inc's chief financial officer Mark Mason said that the lender would adjust its investment banking headcount as necessary, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday.

Citigroup, which has been boosting its investment banking division by hiring for sectors including energy and biotechnology over the years, is considering changing the pace of some of its investments following the recent drought in dealmaking, the report added, citing Mason's interview with Bloomberg Television.

Citigroup, when asked about the bank's headcount plans, did not give details beyond Mason's comments in the Bloomberg interview.

The recent announcement follows the bank's plan to lay off less than 1% of staff, according to a Reuters report from last week, citing people familiar with the matter.

The focus on the strength of investment banking teams follows a similar attitude across other major investment banks including Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, which have also cut jobs following a slowdown in dealmaking from the ensuing market rout and recessionary fears.

(Reporting by Anirban Chakroborti in Bengaluru; additional reporting by Juby Babu; Editing by Rashmi Aich and Eileen Soreng)
Dayton city and fire officials provided an update after five bodies were found following a large fire on North Broadway Street Wednesday.

City officials including Mayor Jeffrey Mims and City Manager Shelley Dickstein started the press conference off with a moment of silence for the five lives lost.

This is indeed a tragic, tragic event. Tragic for the victims and their families. Tragic for our first responders who had to respond to such a dangerous event and tragic for the community overall, Dickstein said.

Dickstein clarified that the property involved in the fire was unowned and had actually been bought for $70,000 in December.

>> PHOTOS: Investigation underway after body is found in rubble of multi-building fire

The building had no code violations and was not listed as a nuisance property by the city, she said.

Dayton Fire Chief and Director Jeff Lykins went over the details of his crews response to the fire.

After four minutes all crews were asked to exit the structure by the incident commander due to intense fire conditions throughout the structure and concern the home would collapse, according to a media release.

Lykins noted again that crews were unable to search the building during the fire for victims due to the intense heat of the fire and the structure being unstable.

He thanked Ohio Task Force 1 for providing their cadaver dogs to help search for victims.

>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Theres no way to make this okay; 5 bodies found in debris of multi-building fire in Dayton

Peer support was brought in for crews on scene and will be available for the coming weeks, he added. Many of the crews originally called to the fire included new recruits.

Crews were on the scene for around 17 hours, making for a very emotionally and physically exhausting day Lykins said.

Weve transitioned from the incident to really making sure we take care of our people, and that isnt always as easy as it may appear, he told News Center 7 before the press conference Thursday.

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Lykins said he is aware not everyone heals from tragic events in the same way.

>> PHOTOS: Flames rip through 2 houses in Dayton; 5 bodies recovered during investigation

We really do try to be very delicate in how we provide peer support for our members mental health needs, but yet let them know that we are willing and able to assist them in any way, he said.

We did find out ... during the firefighting extinction process that there were squatters known to stay in the building, up to 12, Lykins previously told News Center 7.

Dickstein spoke on resources provided by the city for those who are homeless.

She said the city spends around $11 million a year to support and create permanent supportive housing within the city. She said the city is having conversations currently about how they can use further funding to advance their strategy to help end homelessness.

Mayor Jeffrey Mims offered his condolences to the loved ones of those who died.

We are not at a point in time where were trying to assess blame. Its just a painful situation right now and were just gonna continue to generate as much information as we can to see ways of preventing this from happening, Mims said.

Lt. Col. Eric Henderson, assistant chief of police at Dayton Police Department said that his department only had four calls for service at the Broadway address previously.

Mostly for alarms that were later canceled and a burglary in progress where officers were unable to find anyone inside the house.

Henderson added that homicide detectives are aiding in the investigation of the fire, along with arson investigators.

Anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact the DFD Fire Investigation Unit at 937-333-TIPS.

News Center 7 will continue to follow this developing story.

Debris from Wednesday's deadly fire can be seen Thursday morning.

Debris from Wednesday's deadly fire can be seen Thursday morning.

Debris from Wednesday's deadly fire can be seen Thursday morning.

Debris from Wednesday's deadly fire can be seen Thursday morning.

Debris from Wednesday's deadly fire can be seen Thursday morning.

Debris from Wednesday's deadly fire can be seen Thursday morning.

Debris from Wednesday's deadly fire can be seen Thursday morning.

Debris from Wednesday's deadly fire can be seen Thursday morning.

Debris from Wednesday's deadly fire can be seen Thursday morning.

Debris from Wednesday's deadly fire can be seen Thursday morning.

Debris from Wednesday's deadly fire can be seen Thursday morning.

Debris from Wednesday's deadly fire can be seen Thursday morning.

Debris from Wednesday's deadly fire can be seen Thursday morning.

Debris from Wednesday's deadly fire can be seen Thursday morning.








Rocket attack on Lviv Oblast

Air raid sirens began to wail in the capital Kyiv at 12.51 a.m., and soon air raid alerts were in place across the entire country. Reports of explosions and the operation of Ukraines air defenses started to flood the news channels of the Telegram messenger  widely used by Ukrainians to obtain the latest news.

The west of the country was targeted by Russian Kalibr cruise missiles, fired from Russian warships in the Black Sea. A group of the missiles again crossed Moldovan airspace on their way to their targets in Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Ternopil oblasts.

The city of Kharkiv  the closest major Ukrainian city to Russian territory  was subjected to waves of attacks by missiles from the S-300 air defense system, which Russia has adapted to work as inaccurate, but still deadly ballistic missiles to attack ground targets. The city was reported to have lost power.

Read also: Zaporizhzhya NPP de-energized, only 10 days to restore power to safety systems

The city of Zaporizhzhya, close to Russian-occupied parts of Ukrainian territory, also came under attack by S-300 system missiles.

The cities of Odesa and Zhytomyr were reported to have lost power due to missile attacks, as were parts of Lviv and the capital Kyiv. Two-and-a-half hours into the attack, which lasted nearly seven hours in total, explosions from the firing of air defense missiles could be heard in oblasts across the entire country.

As more and more reports of missile impacts started to come in, the massive scale of the attack became apparent. The first deaths were also reported  a Russian missile hit a residential area in the Zolochiv District of Lviv Oblast, killing at least five people.

In a video message on the Telegram messenger, Lviv regional governor Maksym Kozytskyi said the resulting fire from the missile strike had destroyed three residential buildings, three cars, a garage, and several outbuildings.

The city of Zhytomyr has been left without water and power supplies after Russians attacked the city with Iranian-made Shahed drones. According to Zhytomyr Mayor Serhiy Sukhomlyn, the situation in the city is difficult and many restrictions are to be introduced. In particular, electric transport will be suspended, while critical infrastructure facilities will be connected to generators.

Story continues

Meanwhile, Russia also hit an energy infrastructure facility, as well as residential buildings in the city of Odesa.

Read also: Air Force does not confirm Patriot systems already in Ukraine

Several residential buildings were damaged, but the most important thing is that there were no casualties, Serhiy Bratchuk, a spokesperson for the Odesa Regional Military Administration, said on Ukrainian national television.

As a precautionary measure, the electricity supply has been cut off in the city.

In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, the Russians attacked four districts with drones and missiles, killing one person and injuring two others. Dnipropetrovsk Governor SerhiyLysak said seven incoming missiles had been shot down by air defense forces.

The enemy hit the oblasts Dnipro, Pavlohrad, Kryvyi Rih, and Nikopol districts, resulting in the damage to energy infrastructure facilities and industrial enterprises, he said.

Kharkivs ground electric transport and metro were completely halted after the Russian missile attack.

Ground electric transport doesnt work, the city councils press service said.

Buses are running under the blackout scheme.

Read also: Ukrainian Air Force explains why Russians started launching Shaheds from north

According to Oleksiy Bitner, the press secretary of the Kharkiv Metro, the citys underground stations are now functioning as bomb shelters.

After dawn, Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief General Valery Zaluzhnyi reported that Russia had launched 81 missiles of various types at Ukraine in its latest attack, as well as eight Iranian-made Shahed kamikaze drones. He said 34 of the cruise missiles had been shot down, as well as four of the Shaheds.

The shoot-down ratio in recent, smaller scale attacks on Ukraine by Russia has not been as good as previously, when Ukraine would regularly down 80-90% of the missiles fired. The lower kill rate may reflect a change in tactics by Russia to evade Ukraines new air defenses, and a change in the mix of missiles it uses, with more ballistic and faster cruise missiles  more difficult to intercept  being fired.

Indeed, Ukraine for the first time reported the use by the Russians of the feared Kh-47 Kinzhal air-launched hypersonic missile, which has a range of 2,000 kilometers and is capable of delivering a nuclear warhead to targets. Ukraine lacks the capability to shoot down such missiles, according to the country's air force.

Read also: Ukraine preparing for possible surprises from Russia on Feb. 24, says Air Force

Zaluzhny said Russia fired six Kinzhals during its latest attack. One of them is presumed to have hit an electrical infrastructure target in Kyiv at 5.51 a.m., when a massive explosion was heard across the Ukrainian capital.

According to Zaluzhny, during the attack, the Russians also fired 28 Kh-101/Kh-555 air-based cruise missiles, 20 Kalibr sea-based cruise missiles, six Kh-22 air-launched cruise missiles, eight guided air missiles (two Kh-31Ps, and six Kh-59s) and 13 S-300 anti-aircraft guided missiles.

The last major Russian missile attack on Ukraine came on Feb. 16, when Ukraine shot down 16 of 41 incoming Russian missiles. The attack included launches of the Kh-22 supersonic anti-ship missiles, which Ukraine lacks the ability to shoot down.

Read also: Air Forces Ihnat explains why there was no missile attack on Feb. 24

Ukraine had been expecting a large-scale attack by Russia since Feb. 24, the anniversary of the start of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and close to the ninth anniversary of the start of the long-running war.

There were signs that Russia might be gearing up for a big attack: In recent weeks the Russians appeared to have been probing and testing Ukrainian air defenses, testing its reactions with balloons and waves of drones flying from different directions.

In the days previous to the big attack, Kyiv was subjected to overnight attacks by Shahed drones, most of which were shot down.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Bella Alonzo showing her borg recipe in a viral TikTok. @bellaaalonzo/TikTok

College students don't want to stop drinking from "borgs" despite increasing warnings.

The "black out rage gallon" is having a moment, both on TikTok and in the news.

Those who use them say borgs offer safety and control compared to old-school college drinking.

College students defiantly showed off their "borgs" this week, doubling down the TikTok-famous drinking trend which they say older people are misrepresenting as a threat to their health.

They were pushing back after borgs  short for "black-out rage gallons"  were blamed for a series of ambulance call-outs to parties around the University of Massachusetts.

Borgs are plastic gallon bottles filled with water, spirits, and other flavorings and enhancers. TikTok is full of posts about them, from tutorials for making one to posts celebrating punny names for their drinks.

"bad day to be a borg at umass," TikToker said one UMass student in a recent post, giving her name only as Kelley.

In the TikTok she made her way around an Irish-themed party asking fellow students to reveal the names of their borgs. Answers included "Justin Borgber," "Borgan Freeman," and "Borg Leaf Clover."

Health experts and parents have expressed concern about borgs, arguing that they encourage binge-drinking. Students who spoke to Insider are, by and large, not buying that.

"Borgs have honestly been around for years on college campuses," said Bella Alonzo, a University of Texas student who went viral at the end of last year for her borg recipe, which received 2.5 million views.

"I see so many news outlets like reposting my TikTok and putting out statements and stuff, and half of them don't even know what a borg actually is," she told Insider. "It's just kinda funny."

The students speaking to Insider noted that college kids drinking is hardly new  and argue that borgs are a safer way to party.

Alonzo rejected the claim that borgs are a "binge drinking trend," like the UMass statement claimed.

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"I think borgs are actually a really good kind of drinking trend to be on, because when you think about it, you have a drink that you can bring to a party or wherever you're going and you know exactly what's inside of it," she said.

Drinking from Solo cups or other open containers means more chance of a drink getting spiked, the argument goes.

Borgs could even help people who want to stay sober, Alonzo said.

"You can have as little or even as much alcohol as you want in it," she said. "You could really even just put water and food coloring and nobody even knows that you're not drinking. They're not gonna ask you questions about it."

Natalie Payne, a West Virginia University student who made her first borg in October, told Insider borgs are "definitely overrated," but "fun to make," and that people are "for sure" going to keep drinking them regardless.

"I guess you can never be too safe when it comes to binge drinking, but I don't think it's anything to worry about more than how much college students already drink," she said.

"The borg at least ensures they are drinking some water too."

Most people Payne knows don't get "completely wasted" while drinking borgs because it takes a long time to get through it, she said. They're not a predrink, or something to chug, but meant to last a whole night.

"Also, you can walk around with it," she said. "While if cops see you walking around with a can of alcohol they will take it away."

Alonzo's recipe where she included electrolytes and an energy drink to try and prevent an early hangover was her own creation, she said, and a little different to the classic borg.

She said she was a little annoyed that news outlets presented her innovation as something everybody was doing. But overall, she believes borgs will remain a staple on campuses across the US, especially on snow days, at "darties"  day parties  or concerts, simply because they are so convenient.

"You can still have fun and keep yourself safe at the same time. I think that's the take that every university should be taking on it," she said. "I think they're here to stay."

Read the original article on Insider
Renee Benedetti, 40, was last seen at her boyfriend's North Side apartment in late January. Columbus police charged Benedetti's boyfriend, Gene Scott, with murder on Thursday.

Columbus police homicide detectives spent more than two weeks searching a southern Ohio landfill, ultimately leading detectives to the body of a missing woman who is now considered a homicide victim.

A murder charge was filed against 46-year-old Gene Scott on Thursday afternoon in Franklin County Municipal Court, accusing him of killing 40-year-old Renee Benedetti and putting her body in a dumpster.

Benedetti's body was found Wednesday morning in a Rumpke landfill, located off of U.S. 68 in Brown County, southeast of Cincinnati. Homicide detectives were involved in the search.

Columbus police Cmdr. Mark Denner, who oversees the homicide unit, said detectives began searching the landfill on Feb. 20 after receiving information that Benedetti's body may be there.

Denner said the investigation into Benedetti's disappearance began on Jan. 31, when Cleveland police reached out to Columbus with information about a possible homicide that had occurred within Columbus city limits involving Scott and Benedetti.

Denner said detectives began to look into the information and were not initially able to confirm whether or not a homicide had occurred. But a missing persons report was filed for Benedetti, and police released information about her as a "high-risk missing person" to the public on Feb. 1. That same day, according to federal court records, detectives searched the North Side apartment where the couple had been living, locating two firearms.

On Feb. 2, Scott was arrested in Kentucky in possession of another firearm, according to court records.

While Denner would not speak to Scott's cooperation with the investigation during a press briefing on Thursday, an alleged confession was first noted in documents filed in U.S. District Court after he had been charged with illegal possession of a firearm.

Scott had previously been convicted of felonious assault and aggravated robbery in Summit County for his role in the 1997 robbery and beating of a man. The victim in that case was left with multiple broken bones and was in a coma for more than three weeks.

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During the investigation into Benedetti's disappearance, Scott reportedly told detectives that on Jan. 29, the couple had a "heated argument" in their Arbor Village Drive apartment. Scott reportedly said he had grabbed Benedetti by the throat and "choked her until she was motionless," according to court documents.

"Mr. Scott then wrapped up Miss Benedetti's body in a rug and later disposed of her body in southern Ohio," court documents said.

Denner said Rumpke, which operates the landfill where Benedetti's remains were found, was helpful in providing additional information to assist in the search.

An autopsy was performed Thursday, and the Brown County Coroner's office confirmed the remains recovered from the landfill were Benedetti.

Denner said there is no reason at this point in the investigation, which remains ongoing, to believe that anyone else was involved in Benedetti's death.

Scott is currently being held without bond in the Franklin County jail in relation to the federal weapons charge, which is currently set to go to trial in April. He is scheduled to have an initial hearing on the murder charge Monday in Franklin County.

bbruner@dispatch.com

@bethany_bruner

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus police charge boyfriend after missing woman's body found
Columbus police are asking for help locating a suspect wanted in connection with the Feb. 18 Motel 6 shooting that left three people dead and one child injured.

Police have issued arrest warrants for 19-year-old Jerimiah Walker who is wanted on three counts of murder and two counts of aggravated assault, according to officials.

The Ledger-Enquirer reported that police were originally called to the scene around 9:00 p.m. on Feb. 18 where they found Michael Carter Sr. and Michael Carter Jr. dead within the hotel room.

Tonya Carter was taken to the hospital where she later died from her injuries on March 4. Police now say the 4-year-old who was injured has been released from the hospital.

If you or anyone you know has any information regarding Walkers whereabouts you can contact Sgt. Donna Baker at 706-225-4296 or email her at dbaker@columbusga.org. You can also submit a tip anonymously using TipSoft.
WASHINGTON  As he faced tough questions from lawmakers about the Ohio train derailment, Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw was asked about the derailment Thursday morning of yet another one of his company's trains.

"Mr. Shaw, the news is reporting that theres just been a significant derailment in Alabama of one of your trains. I certainly hope that all of your team and anybody in the vicinity is safe and well," Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., said at a congressional hearing Thursday. "You may need to look into that."

Shaw did not respond to those comments; Norfolk Southern spokesman Thomas Crosson said Shaw was already aware of the latest derailment, in Calhoun County.

"Approximately 30 cars derailed," the county's Emergency Management Agency said in a statement. "There are no injuries and no reports of leaks of hazmat."

Shaw squared off with lawmakers Thursday in his first appearance on Capitol Hill since the Feb. 3 derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, that led to a toxic chemical spill, a controlled burn and a mass evacuation in the town.

Shaw is testifying at a hearing of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, where senators are grilling him about cleanup efforts and a spate of recent accidents involving the rail company.

Shaw told lawmakers in his opening statement that he is deeply sorry for the impact on the people of East Palestine and neighboring communities and that he is determined to make it right.

We will clean the site safely, thoroughly and with urgency, Shaw told members. "You have my personal commitment."

The National Transportation Safety Board said this week it was launching a special investigation of Norfolk Southern Railways organization and safety culture. It said that since December 2021, it had launched investigation teams to five significant accidents involving Norfolk Southern, one of them on Saturday, when a freight train derailed near Springfield, Ohio, and another on Tuesday, when a Norfolk Southern employee was killed in a collision.

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The company announced a six-point plan Monday to begin addressing safety concerns.

Committee Chairman Tom Carper, D-Del., said Norfolk Southern appears to be cooperating with the government order and has agreed to pay for the environmental cleanup. But, Carper said, the company has not been fully forthcoming to victims in East Palestine.

An apparent lack of transparency on the part of Norfolk Southern, at least in the early days of the response, has left some members of the community battling with mistrust and looking for answers, Carper said in his opening remarks, noting that Norfolk Southern failed to communicate to first responders that it would conduct a controlled burn on five rail cars.

The wreckage of a Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio (Gene J. Puskar / AP file)

First responders were under the impression that only one car would be vented and burned, rather than five, Carper added. This miscommunication left first responders scrambling to ensure the public safety requirements of a much larger plume.

Shaw, who has been president and CEO of Norfolk Southern since May, appeared Thursday alongside Debra Shore, a regional administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency; Anne Vogel, the director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency; and local officials who could speak to the environmental impact of the derailment on the community.

The Biden administration also faced some criticism at the hearing. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, the top Republican on the panel, took aim at the federal EPA in her opening statement, saying its communication about the safety of the air and water fell short.

In the absence of adequate transparency to the public, that just opens up a gap for social media armchair citizen scientists and political pundits on both sides to fuel false narratives that have further undermined that public competence and the response to the derailment, Capito said.

With each week passing, the confusion seemed to grow, she added.

Residents in East Palestine have said they are fearful and anxious about potential exposure to hazardous chemicals, with some avoiding the drinking water, despite reassurances from federal officials that the air and the water are safe.

The EPA has ordered Norfolk Southern to clean up any soil and water contamination and to pay for it.

Under questioning from Capito, Shore of the EPA said that, after a brief delay, contaminated waste will be moving to a number of EPA-approved facilities around the country as soon as Thursday. "No option is off the table," she said, not naming specific sites.

Shore said results of testing of materials sent to an Indiana facility showed "very low levels" of dioxins.

Shaw detailed Thursday how the company is working with the EPA on a long-term removal plan that will guide testing of the quality of the water, the air and the soil. And he stressed the importance of providing financial assistance to affected residents, saying the company has committed to reimbursements and investments of more than $21 million, aiding 4,400 families and first responders in East Palestine.

"All of this is just a downpayment," Shaw said. "To be clear, there are no strings attached to our assistance. If residents have a concern, we want them to come talk to us."

As of Monday, at least 18 lawsuits had been filed against the company.

The hearing began at 10 a.m. ET with an initial panel of lawmakers: Ohios two senators, Democrat Sherrod Brown and Republican J.D. Vance, as well as Bob Casey, D-Pa., who testified before Shaw. East Palestine is on the Ohio-Pennsylvania border.

Vance pushed back against conservative criticism of the bipartisan bill he co-authored with Brown that would boost rail safety in the wake of the derailment. Critics, he said, have argued that any public safety enhancements of the rail industry violate the free market.

That argument is farce, Vance told his Senate colleagues, noting that the rail industry has enjoyed special subsidies, legal carve-outs and what he called a bailout to avert a worker strike.

You cannot claim special government privileges, you cannot ask the government to bail you out, and then resist basic public safety, Vance said.

In addition to questions about the cleanup, Shaw faced aggressive questioning from Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., about whether he would commit to hire more workers to improve rail safety and give all of his employees seven days of paid sick leave.

Wall Street said: Were not making enough money. Cut workers, cut workers, cut workers, even if it endangers safety, Sanders told Shaw. My question to you  will you lead the industry in doing away with precision scheduled railroading?

Shaw replied that since he arrived last year, Norfolk Southern had gone on a hiring spree, adding 1,500 workers, and that he is "committed to continuing to discuss with them important quality of life issues.

With all due respect," Sanders interjected, "you sound like a politician here, Mr. Shaw.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A U.S. Senate committee harshly criticized rail operator Norfolk Southern and pressed it to back safety reforms on Thursday after a devastating Feb. 3 derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, of a freight train carrying hazardous materials.

Since the Ohio derailment that caused cars carrying toxic vinyl chloride and other hazardous chemicals to spill and catch fire, Norfolk Southern has been under pressure after a number of derailments of its trains.

During a three-hour hearing, senators from both parties said Congress must pass rail safety reforms and pressed Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw to endorse improvements.

"Its our responsibility in Congress to answer: What went wrong? What do we need to do to fix it? What can we do to make sure it does not happen again?" Senate Environment and Public Works committee chair Tom Carper said in opening the hearing.

Late on Thursday, the Senate Commerce Committee confirmed Shaw will appear on March 22 at a rail safety hearing, as will National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy.

Senators asked Shaw to do more to compensate local residents, boost staffing and spend more on safety improvements, as well as questioned the company's spending on stock buybacks and sharp cuts in staffing over the last decade.

At the hearing Shaw apologized, pledging to improve safety and address impacts including thoroughly cleaning the site. He said it had already committed $21 million to the community as a "down payment... I am committed to doing what's right for the community."

He said the railroad was committed to the "legislative intent to make rail safer" but did not endorse the bill.

Shaw defended Norfolk Southern's safety record but has pledged to make immediate safety improvements. At the hearing, one senator noted that another Norfolk Southern operated train on Thursday had derailed in Alabama.

Shaw said on Thursday that in December he directed the railroad to "move away from a near-term focus solely on profits and that we're going to take a long-term view."

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The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and NTSB both announced new safety probes after the death of a conductor in Cleveland, Ohio, when a train was struck by a dump truck.

The NTSB said it was opening a special investigation and urged "the company to take immediate action today to review and assess its safety practices." The railroad's shares fell 1.4% Thursday and are down 15% since the derailment.

Senators also asked where the hazardous materials will be sent, to which Shaw pledged to disclose a list. He also faced questions on the decision to conduct a controlled venting and burning of vinyl chloride in five tank cars.

Shaw said the decision to vent the material was made by the unified command under the direction of a local fire chief. "The only consideration, senator, was the safety and health of the community," Shaw said.

Ohio Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown said Norfolk Southern used much of its "massive profits" to hike executive pay and pay shareholders rather than on safety measures. "This company has failed to its job over and over and over," Brown said, saying the railroad eliminated 38% of its jobs over a decade.

Shaw said the railroad is on a "hiring spree" and has added 1,500 jobs over the last year but it is still far below where it was.

A bipartisan group of senators led by Brown and Ohio Republican J.D. Vance introduced legislation last week to prevent train disasters. It would require enhanced safety procedures for trains carrying hazardous materials, as well as require wayside defect detectors, a minimum of two-person crews and increased fines for wrongdoing.

Vance rejected suggestions from some fellow Republicans that new rail safety measures would violate free market principles, arguing railroads enjoy "special subsidies" and "special legal carve outs" few industries receive.

Vance noted Congress stepped in last year to impose labor contracts over the objections of workers that he called a "bailout."

"Do we do the bidding of a massive industry that is in bed with big government or do we do the bidding of the people that elected us," Vance asked at the hearing.

Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer asked, "Why did Norfolk Southern spend years lobbying for looser regulations to prevent accidents like this?"

Following the East Palestine derailment, some of the town's 4,700 residents have reported ailments such as rashes and breathing difficulties and fear long-term health effects. No deaths or injuries were reported after the accident.

Democratic Senator Ed Markey said the railroad needed to do more to boost safety, citing a string of recent incidents. "You are not having a good month," he told Shaw. "We are not hearing the right things today."

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Josie Kao)
DC Health Link, a program that administers health care plans for members of Congress, suffered a significant data breach that has affected hundreds of members and staff on Capitol Hill.

In the breach, which occurred on Tuesday, account data and personal identifiable information (PII) pertaining to hundreds of House lawmakers and staff were stolen, according to a Wednesday letter from House chief administrative officer (CAO) Catherine L. Szpindor obtained by The Hill. The letter was sent to House members and employees eligible for health insurance through the program.

Szpindor, who was informed of the breach by the U.S. Capitol Police and DC Health Link, said she is unaware of the size and scope of the breach, but noted that it potentially exposed the PII of thousands of enrollees. She added that it does not appear lawmakers or the House were the specific target of the attack.

In a separate notice, the Senate Sergeant at Arms informed Senate email account holders that the DC Health Link breach included the full names, date of enrollment, relationship (self, spouse, child), and email addresses, but no other PII.

DC Health Link is the health insurance exchange for the District of Columbia, where residents can apply for and enroll in ObamaCare health plans. Congressional offices are required to use the DC exchange to provide insurance for members and staff.

A spokesperson for DC Health Link confirmed the breach in a statement to The Hill, saying it is cooperating with law enforcement and that a comprehensive investigation is ongoing.

Concurrently, we are taking action to ensure the security and privacy of our users personal information, the statement read. We are in the process of notifying impacted customers and will provide identity and credit monitoring services. In addition, and out of an abundance of caution, we will also provide credit monitoring services for all of our customers.

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The FBI in a statement said it is aware of this incident and is assisting but declined to provide more information, citing an ongoing investigation.

U.S. Capitol Police said its Our agents are assisting the FBI with the ongoing investigation, adding There is more work to do before law enforcement can provide more information.

The House CAO will be providing helpful information to those who may be impacted, the department continued.

Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) called the incident an egregious security breach in a letter.

The pair said they have reached out to DC Health Link to secure more information so they can best collaborate with CAO to address your needs in the coming days, weeks and months.

We are being consistently briefed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Capitol Police as it relates to this breachs impact on Member and family security, and we remain grateful to our law enforcement partners for their ongoing commitment to our safety, they added.

The House Administration Committee GOP wrote on Twitter that Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Wis.), the chairman of the group, is aware of the breach and is working with the CAO to ensure the vendor takes necessary steps to protect the PII of any impacted member, staff, and their families.

Szpindor said lawmakers and staff may wish to freeze their credit cards out of caution following the breach. She and the Senate Sergeant at Arms also included a number of precautionary measures lawmakers and staff can take to avoid being a victim of financial fraud, including two-factor authentication on banking and utility accounts and apps.

 Updated 10:50 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Conspiracy theorist and far right activist Jacob Wohl violated the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) Act when he and an associate tried to trick Black voters in New York out of voting, a federal judge ruled Wednesday.

Mr Wohl was convicted for his role in an operation in which robocalls were sent to thousands of mainly non-white voters before the 2020 election falsely warning them that their personal information would be added to a public database and used by police departments and credit card companies.

Did you know that if you vote by mail, your personal information will be part of a public database that will be used by police departments to track down old warrants and be used by credit card companies to collect outstanding debts? NBC News reported the call said.

US District Judge Victor Marrero wrote in his ruling that it was clear Wohl and his associate Jack Burkman wanted to deny the right to vote specifically to Black voters.

We won our lawsuit against Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman, two conspiracy theorists who engaged in a disgraceful campaign to stop Black people from voting in the 2020 election.



Any attempt to silence the voices or votes of New Yorkers will be met with the full force of my office. https://t.co/1ONfBSynad  NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) March 8, 2023

We won our lawsuit against Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman, two conspiracy theorists who engaged in a disgraceful campaign to stop Black people from voting in the 2020 election, New York attorney general Letitia James wrote on Twitter following the ruling. Any attempt to silence the voices or votes of New Yorkers will be met with the full force of my office.

Mr Wohl, 25, has been associated with dubious schemes to aid conservative causes for the last several years. He has been banned from a number of social media platforms including Twitter and Facebook and is accused of having involved himself in efforts to sully the reputations of major Democratic Party politicians including Hillary Clinton, Ilhan Omar, and Joe Biden.

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Mr Wohl has also been banned by the National Futures Association after it found that he had misled investors and misrepresented investments in 2017. Wohl was charged with multiple counts of securities fraud in Arizona two years later.

Ms James, the New York attorney general, brought suit against Wohl following the robocalls designed to dissuade non-white voters from using mail-in ballots during the Covid-19 pandemic. Last October, Mr Wohl and Mr Burkman, pleaded guilty to a felony count of telecommunications fraud in Ohio for the scam. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has also proposed leveling a $5m fine against the pair.

Th KKK Act, which Mr Wohl has been adjudged to have violated with the robocalling scheme, is officially called the Enforcement Act of 1871. It was passed by Congress during the Reconstruction Era to combat attemps led in part by the KKK to keep newly enfranchised Black Americans from voting.
Police took the son of a prominent Miami-Dade County School Board member into custody early Thursday after the ambushing and shooting of a police officer as he was making an arrest during a traffic stop, according to multiple law enforcement sources.

Steve Gallon IV, the 32-year-old son of longtime School Board member and former Miami Northwestern High School principal Steve Gallon III, was captured after an all-night manhunt just outside of Miamis Design District neighborhood, police said.

He was taken into custody without incident after emerging from a home not far from the shooting and before he could drive off.

At a briefing outside police headquarters in Doral on Thursday afternoon, Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo Freddy Ramirez said four others were taken into custody, including the driver of the car that had been stopped before the shooting and three people who police believed were harboring Gallon IV.

Before we even executed the [search] warrant he came out of the house and was taken into custody, Ramirez said. You just cant control someones will to kill or harm a police officer.

Asked during the briefing to confirm that the shooting suspect is the son of Steven Gallon III, Ramirez said its irrelevant to what happened.

WPLG Channel 10 first reported Gallon IV had been taken into custody.

Later Thursday night, police released the charges and identities of the quintet:

 Steve Gallon IV, 32, charged with attempted second-degree murder of a law enforcement officer with a firearm

 Atiba Moore, 30, charged with solicitation to commit first-degree murder

 Kendrick Jose Watkins, 33, charged with accessory after the fact

 Frederick Lee Watkins, 27, charged with accessory after the fact

 Andre Darrell Copeland, 47, charged with accessory after the fact

Walking into a planned attack

The Miami-Dade police officer who was shot in the neck area was treated Wednesday night at Jackson Memorial Hospitals Ryder Trauma Center and released Thursday morning. Police hadnt named the officer, but multiple sources have identified him as Darrion Washington.

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Just after 4 p.m. Wednesday, Washington and other officers were surveilling Moore as he drove a black Nissan Maxima in the area of Northwest 43rd Street and Northwest Fifth Avenue.

During the narcotics investigation, Moore caught on that he was being followed and fled  causing police to lose sight of him, an arrest report read.

But Washington was able to catch up to him again and watched as Moore drove slowly past a home three times with three men out front. On the third pass around, the officer was behind Moore when he hit the brakes, followed by the patrol car slamming into the Nissan.

Moore jumped out the car and faced Washington, drawing the officers attention. Thats when police say Gallon came from behind and shot the officer while Moore tried to escape.

The officer, never able to fire his weapon, was hit by a single bullet that did not penetrate his skull, police sources said.

Moore was arrested by Washington and other undercover officers, but Gallon got away.

Detectives would later learn that Moore called Gallon around the time he figured out he had a tail to set up the shot officer, the report read.

Moore and Gallon have been friends for several years, police say, and can be seen posing together on social media.

A massive manhunt began to find Gallon as Washington was rushed to the hospital and treated.

Video surveillance revealed that Gallon tried to hide in an alley next to the house Moore was circling in front of, the report read. During their canvassing, officers spoke to three men at that home  Frederick and Kendrick Watkins, and Andre Copeland.

Frederick and Kendrick told police that while they do live at the home and heard the shooting, no one was inside the house other then them.

Police decided to continue to watch the home and hours later saw Gallon walk out. He was immediately arrested.

Four officers shot in the last year

Regarding his officers shooting, Ramirez called it a cowardly act, saying it was the fourth time in the past seven months hes had to go to the hospital after an officer of his was shot and promising it will not be tolerated.

READ MORE: Miami-Dade police officer shot making an arrest, agency says

The shooting of the 18-year police veteran who has spent most of the past decade working in narcotics sparked a massive response from law enforcement from several South Florida agencies. They flooded the neighborhood with uniformed and task force members and lit up the streets with helicopter search lights.

READ MORE: The four shootings of Miami-Dade Police Department officers in the last 7 months

Three other Miami-Dade police officers have been shot since last August. One died and another continues to rehabilitate. Cesar Echy Echaverry, a detective in the countys high-profile robbery unit, was killed after a shootout with a suspected armed robber on a Liberty City street last August. His suspected shooter was also killed during the exchange of gunfire.

Footballer turned alleged attempted murderer

Miami-Dade Public school records show Gallon IV was the starting cornerback at Miami Northwestern, where his dad was once the principal. He also played briefly for a few college teams.

His father, Gallon III, joined the Miami-Dade County School Board in 2016 after defeating incumbent Wilbert Holloway for the District 1 seat in the countys most northern end. He was reelected in 2020.

He launched his career as an educator as a classroom teacher and rose to become a superintendent of schools. In Miami-Dade schools, he served as assistant principal and principal at Holmes Elementary. He was later named principal at Miami Northwestern High, serving there for seven years. Hes also served as a district department director. On the School Board, he has championed efforts to improve teacher pay, boost business opportunities for minorities, women and Black-owned businesses and to try and reduce the achievement gap for students.

Gallon III had not responded to an interview request by Thursday afternoon. A Miami-Dade Schools spokesperson declined to comment, calling the incident a private, non-district-related matter.

Miami Herald Staff Writer Omar Rodriguez Ortiz contributed to this story.
The shooting on Friday came amid a standoff that lasted more than four hours between 31-year-old Najee Seabrooks and police in Paterson, New Jersey.

Hundreds of locals congregated in Paterson, New Jersey on Tuesday to demand justice for Najee Seabrooks, 31, a Black violence intervention activist killed by police Friday during a mental health crisis.

The Paterson Healing Collective, an organization that supports victims of violence, hosted the gathering in front of its offices. From there, community members and supporters of anti-violence organizations marched two blocks to City Hall, where they staged a second demonstration on the steps to discuss how to move forward, according to Yahoo News.

Frustration, rage and other emotions were evident coming from the crowd Tuesday as speeches were interspersed with chants of Stop police brutality in the Black community, No justice, no peace and Justice for Najee.

Najee Seabrooks, 31, a violence intervention activist and father of a little girl, was killed on March 3 following a more than four-hour standoff with Paterson, New Jersey police. (Photo: Screenshot/YouTube.com/PIX11 News)

I keep playing Friday over and over in my head, said PHC project director Liza Chowdhury, Yahoo News reported. Police refused to let us intervene despite helping more than 250 residents throughout this city. I pleaded with them, and I know if they let us intervene, he would still be alive.  He called us to help.

The shooting Friday came amid a standoff that lasted more than four hours between Seabrooks and police. Authorities, responding to calls of a mentally distressed person in his home, arrived at the scene and found Seabrooks barricaded inside the apartment, according to the Patterson Press.

Police officials told the Patterson Press that Seabrooks let police into his house after lengthy negotiations,c then charged at them with a knife. The New Jersey Attorney Generals Office claims that gunfire from two police agents  identified Wednesday as emergency team members Anzore Tsay and Jose Hernandez  hit Seabroooks, who was later pronounced dead at St. Josephs Regional Medical Center.

The activist, also the father of a little girl, reportedly called members of the PHC during his plight, but Paterson Police would not allow them to help. Law enforcement claimed they could not permit citizens to participate in crisis prevention, and said they only shot Seabrooks after he advanced toward them with a knife. According to officials, one of Seabrooks relatives, a police officer in another city, was called to the site to defuse the situation.

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We train the officers [on de-escalation tactics], and how ironic they didnt let us help, said PHC violence interventions coordinator Teddie Martinez, according to Yahoo. All I said was, Let me see his face, and Ill go. They wanted to make it their show.

The police contend that they could not use their Tasers because Seabrooks had damaged the apartments plumbing and started a small fire, leaving a significant amount of water on the ground and risking their use.

However, Seabrooks loved ones and supporters doubt the polices version of events. Theyre calling for the immediate release of body camera footage so the public can see what happened.

Patersons Black Lives Matter chapter has also presented the city with a list of demands, including suspending the officers responsible for the shooting.

The group, led by leader Zellie Thomas, also calls for a restructuring of the citys police force, including the establishment of a civilian complaint review board to look into accusations of police misconduct and increased funding for neighborhood organizations that provide Paterson residents with constructive outlets.

Thomas said its crucial to help people realize officers are not the only solution to crises, adding that discussions about actual change halt during mentions of reallocating police funding. More than 16 percent of the citys budget  more than $43 million  was given to the Paterson Police Department just last year.

While many advocates for mental health care believe that officers need more training to deal with people going through those type of crises, others contend that police shouldnt get involved unless the person is armed and posing an immediate danger to others. The handling of individuals going through a mental health crisis by Paterson Police has drawn criticism in at least four other cases besides Seabrooks death.

Larry Hamm, chairman of the social justice advocacy group Peoples Organization for Progress, said race is a care issue people cant overlook.

There is a different way that they treat Black people in distress compared to white people, he said, Yahoo reported.

According to the most recent census, slightly more than 157,000 people live in Paterson, 87 percent African American and Hispanic and 8 percent white. One-third of Patersons police personnel are white, compared to 62 percent who are Black or Hispanic.

Michael Mitchell, an assistant professor of criminology and African American studies at the College of New Jersey, emphasized the urgency of transparency.

Police agencies and officers must understand and operate under the recognition that you cannot respond to every person the same, noted Mitchell, Yahoo reported. There can be no one size fits all approach to policing, especially when dealing with individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.

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The post Cops kill Black violence intervention activist during mental health crisis appeared first on TheGrio.
Key Insights

Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Costain Group fair value estimate is UK0.92

Current share price of UK0.46 suggests Costain Group is potentially 50% undervalued

Our fair value estimate is 31% lower than Costain Group's analyst price target of UK0.64

In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of Costain Group PLC (LON:COST) by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. This will be done using the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. It may sound complicated, but actually it is quite simple!

Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. If you still have some burning questions about this type of valuation, take a look at the Simply Wall St analysis model.

Check out our latest analysis for Costain Group

The Model

We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. To begin with, we have to get estimates of the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF (, Millions) UK18.7m UK20.4m UK21.6m UK22.5m UK23.3m UK24.0m UK24.5m UK25.0m UK25.4m UK25.8m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x2 Analyst x2 Est @ 5.93% Est @ 4.50% Est @ 3.49% Est @ 2.79% Est @ 2.30% Est @ 1.95% Est @ 1.71% Est @ 1.54% Present Value (, Millions) Discounted @ 10.0% UK17.0 UK16.8 UK16.2 UK15.4 UK14.5 UK13.6 UK12.6 UK11.7 UK10.8 UK10.0

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = UK139m

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We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 1.2%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 10.0%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032  (1 + g)  (r  g) = UK26m (1 + 1.2%)  (10.0% 1.2%) = UK297m

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= UK297m ( 1 + 10.0%)10= UK115m

The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is UK254m. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of UK0.5, the company appears quite undervalued at a 50% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out.

dcf

Important Assumptions

Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. You don't have to agree with these inputs, I recommend redoing the calculations yourself and playing with them. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Costain Group as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 10.0%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.263. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

SWOT Analysis for Costain Group

Strength

Debt is well covered by earnings.

Weakness

No major weaknesses identified for COST.

Opportunity

Expected to breakeven next year.

Has sufficient cash runway for more than 3 years based on current free cash flows.

Good value based on P/S ratio and estimated fair value.

Threat

Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow.

Next Steps:

Although the valuation of a company is important, it ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. Why is the intrinsic value higher than the current share price? For Costain Group, there are three important factors you should assess:

Financial Health: Does COST have a healthy balance sheet? Take a look at our free balance sheet analysis with six simple checks on key factors like leverage and risk. Future Earnings: How does COST's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every British stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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(AFP via Getty Images)

WhatsApp could be banned in the UK, its head has warned.

The UKs upcoming Online Safety Bill could force the app to weaken the end-to-end encryption that currently secures messages on the service, said Will Cathcart, the head of WhatsApp at parent company Meta.

If the government forced the company to do weaken that security, WhatsApp would refuse, leaving open the possibility that the app would be banned entirely within the country, he confirmed.

End-to-end encryption secures messages by ensuring that only those sending and receiving them can read them, and even the services themselves do not have access. Technology companies and security experts say it is necessary to protect messages from hacking and other threats  but officials including those in the UK have argued that it should be weakened so that messages can be scanned for illegal content.

Mr Cathcart expressed shock that the company would be forced into such a policy in the UK. But he said that the upcoming legislation does not give proper confidence that the app would not be forced into weakening its own privacy.

Its a remarkable thing to think about, he said. The experience weve faced all around the world is thats only happened in governments that were trying to crack down on their citizens ability to communicate freely.

If the UKs government were to push for such changes, it would shape what other countries all around the world ask for on different topics, on different issues, he said.

When a liberal democracy says, Is it OK to scan everyones private communication for illegal content?, that emboldens countries around the world that have very different definitions of illegal content to propose the same thing.

The Online Safety Bill was first introduced by Boris Johnson, and is currently on its way through parliament. It allows the government or regulator Ofcom to demand that apps scan messages for terrorist or child sexual abuse material, which would not be possible without weakening the encryption that currently protects all messages.

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Authorities already have the ability to demand that apps remove encryption, under the Investigatory Powers Bill, which companies including Apple explicitly argued against. But that encryption is still in place, and Mr Cathcart confirmed that WhatsApp had not received a demand to remove it from the UK government.

But the upcoming Online Safety Bill includes other legal grey areas that could make it easier for regulators or government to demand apps weaken encryption, Mr Cathcart said. That has brought criticism from not only WhatsApp but rival secure messaging app Signal, which has said that it would absolutely, 100% walk from the UK if it received such a request.

WhatsApp stressed that it offers the same app globally, and that there is no way for it to comply with weakening encryption in the UK without doing the same elsewhere. It would not do that even if asked by the UK government, Mr Cathcart said.

He declined to speculate on specifically how he expected any possible ban would actually happen. But he pointed to countries such as Iran where the government has blocked the app  though users are still able to access it, through virtual private networks and other technology that allows people to circumvent restrictions.

Even if that happened in the UK, it would still pose a problem, Mr Cathcart said. I dont know that people want to live in a world where to communicate privately to someone it has to be illegal, he said.

I think a lot of people will. But I still think thats a bad thing.

To avoid such a situation, Mr Cathcart urged the UK government to add wording to the bill so that it would make clear private messaging is different from other social networks, and that encryption should be protected. He said that the government has made public statements about the importance of such security, but that it should be explicitly written within that legislation.
In a courtroom on the 11th floor of the Miami-Dade Childrens Courthouse, Judge Orlando Prescott lectures a 17-year-old boy about the importance of associating with trustworthy people  and being trustworthy himself.

Youll never get in trouble for the truth; youll get in trouble for a lie, the gray-goateed Prescott admonished the teen, who was accused of running away from home and not attending school but insisted it was not so.

The youth did some on-the-spot soul searching, changed his story, and admitted hed been staying elsewhere, as the judge suspected.

Satisfied that the teen had come clean, the one-time prosecutor put him on probation, provided he go to counseling.

What Prescott didnt do: impose a series of monetary fines and fees that the teen almost certainly couldnt pay.

The Juvenile Law Center, a national advocacy association, is working around the nation to persuade states to eliminate juvenile court fees, arguing that they are the equivalent of a tax on hard-pressed parents already struggling to keep their children in line. It is part of a juvenile justice reform effort gaining steam nationwide.

A memorandum shows the current cost of juvenile court fees and fines at the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida at the Miami-Dade Childrens Courthouse in downtown Miami on Monday, February 13, 2023.

Just like adults, Florida juvenile offenders can be slapped with fees for the cost of prosecution and supervision, as well as the cost of a public defender  and, at the discretion of the judge, restitution. Records show that in the vast majority of those cases  roughly 90% in 2019, according to a University of Miami study  those assessments go unpaid.

That debt can come back to haunt a former youthful offender, popping up at inopportune times, like when they are applying for a drivers license or seeking a job.

In Florida alone, two million drivers are either driving on suspended licenses  or not driving at all  due to unpaid court debt, according to the New York University Brennan Center for Justice.

Reform advocates say if the goal is to turn delinquent youths into law-abiding adults, making it hard for them to apply for loans, legally drive or get a job is counter-productive. The unpaid court debt hurts the credit scores of youths in the system, barring them from accessing services.

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In Florida, people with unpaid court fines and fees cannot get certified for jobs such as barbers or AC technicians. An unpaid fine can even prevent an adult from being licensed to practice law.

Some states like Louisiana, in response to the national movement, have gotten rid of court fines and fees altogether for juveniles. Others, like Texas, have greatly limited the number of fees and fines assess to juveniles.

But in Florida, which accounts for one in every four adult life sentences in the nation and where ever-tougher treatment of criminals is often a winning political formula, helping offenders, even juveniles, is a hard sell. The state, in fact, is going in another direction.

Since 1996, Florida has created more than 20 new types of fees, and, at the same time, eliminated most exemptions for those who cannot afford to pay them, according to the Brennan Center. Some changes include increased service charges for getting drivers licenses reinstated, and sending liens on unpaid debt to collection agencies, where up to an additional 40% can be added in collection fees.

Since 2021, there have been four bills that attempted to eliminate court fines and fees for juveniles. All of them failed. Sponsors are hoping for a better result this year; there are two bills pending during the current legislative session that opened this week.

Similar legislation intended to protect Floridians from losing their drivers licenses over unpaid court debt suffered the same fate. Of 15 bills filed since 2016 to curb such suspensions, all but one failed.

The one piece of legislation that did pass, in 2019, designated certain days when debtors could seek relief from unpaid court fines and fees  and thus have their licenses reinstated. Acting upon pleas from advocates, lawmakers have introduced bills this session to greatly expand the program.

In the adult justice system, fees have become a factor used to prevent those who seemingly have paid their debt to society to have their right to vote restored.

In 2018, 65% of voters supported a referendum, placed on the ballot as the result of a petition drive, to restore the voting rights of felons who had completed their sentences. Following the measures passage, though, lawmakers approved legislation that requires ex-felons to pay all court- and prison-related fines and fees first. Advocates claim that haphazard, decentralized record keeping can make it difficult for some to comply with the requirement.

The U.S. Supreme Court, in 2020, affirmed the law by refusing to hear a challenge raised by two felons.

Jeff Brandes, recently term-limited as a Republican state senator from Pinellas County, was one of the rare lawmakers who advocated for prison reform in Florida. He says imposing fines and fees on juveniles is self-defeating. If the idea of the system is to change behavior and increase public safety, it is just one more hurdle for families to overcome, he said.

A study led by Alex Piquero, a University of Miami criminologist tapped last year by President Joe Biden to head the Bureau of Justice Statistics, found an inverse relationship between fees and recidivism, meaning that cases in which fees were imposed more frequently led to the juvenile re-offending.

Fees have an adverse reaction on youth, Piquero said bluntly.

And they also have an adverse reaction on the finances of the state, according to Sarah Couture, Florida director of The Fines and Fees Justice Center. The Juvenile Law Center also is working on the project.

She says fines and fees are an unreliable revenue source for the state, and are largely non-collectible, which results in Florida wasting time and money chasing money that does not exist to begin with.

She says the justice system, including county court clerks, public defenders, and prosecutors, should be paid through general revenue, not fines and fees on juveniles and their families.

A card reader machine to pay court is positioned at the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court office inside the childrens courthouse in downtown Miami on Monday, Feb 13, 2023.

The study, which looked at fees and fines in the juvenile system and compared them among different groups, also found that Black and Hispanic youths were assigned higher fees than their white counterparts who were also fined.

Black youths in Florida have an average fee of $709.50, while white youth have an average fee of $426.50 and Hispanic youth have an average of $633.33, according to the University of Miami Study, which analyzed data from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.

Marq Mitchell is familiar with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, both as a youth who was in its programs and now as an advocate who runs an organization called Chainless Change that supports returning citizens to heal from contact with the criminal legal system. It also equips people with arrest records to engage in community organizing.

When he was a child, Mitchells mom and grandmother could not care for him, so he bounced from one foster family to another. When he was 10, the Department of Children and Families sent Mitchell to a psychiatric facility called Manatee Palms to treat his challenging behaviors. Mitchell remembers being restrained in his bed and having his meals slid to him through the door.

His grandmother couldnt afford to bring him underwear, so he would use scissors to cut the waist so they would fit, he said.

Each time he had a court date, he said, Mitchell would be excited as he got dressed, because the courthouse was the one place he could see his grandmother. Mitchell also hoped that his judge would release him back to his grandmother, which always left him disappointed.

Each time this happened, he would lash out, scream and throw things.

Eventually, he said he was transferred to a juvenile detention center where, he said, everyone was bigger than me, but my mouth was bigger than them.

His grandmother died while he was in detention.

After years in and out of the juvenile and adult justice systems with no money to pay his own fines and no family members to help him pay, he is still paying off fines and fees from his incarceration. These fines have resulted in him having his drivers license suspended, and have also made it more difficult for him to find a place to live.

The fines, Mitchell said, resulted in me having my license suspended, showed up on my credit report, and made it even more difficult for me to get housing.

Marq Mitchell, who runs an organization called Chainless Change, which helps people adapt to life after the justice system, has personal experience with how unresolved fees can haunt an ex-offender.

Professionally, as the leader of Chainless Change, he says having unpaid fines and fees have prevented him from getting state certification to be a mentor for youth recovering from mental illness and drug addiction.

He says his unpaid court debt also has made it so he cannot get Medicaid funding that would support his nonprofit of nine employees.

As a 32-year-old, even after failed attempts to petition the court to convert his fines and fees to community service or get them reduced, he owes about $7,000 to the adult and juvenile justice systems. That debt is now with collection agencies, though Mitchell says he cant be precise about what he owes and to whom because such information often is opaque.

Im an attorney and even I have trouble finding out how much people owe, said David Pina, a legal advocate and former public defender who says most of his work involves representing clients seeking reinstatement of their licenses.

Miami-Dade Public Defender Carlos Martinez is against collecting fees from children and families he represents  even fees that are intended to support the work of his office. He says it is not worth the effort in trying to collect the money from families already struggling to make rent, pay bills, and keep their families intact.

Youre making a situation worse rather than trying to address the harm that was done by that child, Martinez said.

A sign with information regarding on how to pay court fees its taped to a glass window at the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court office inside the childrens courthouse in downtown Miami on Monday, February 13, 2023.

If this is an ineffective punishment that actually causes more harm to the public with further victimization by new arrests, why are we going to continue doing this? he asked.

In Miami-Dade County, the total fees and fines imposed often do not exceed $200.

But, said Martinez: $200 is in fact a big deal when many of the parents of our children are already struggling financially.

Judges usually leave it up to parents and their public defenders to raise the question of fines and fees during the initial disposition hearing. Under Florida law, judges are technically unable to relieve or waive court fines and fees, or convert fees to community service. The new legislation being considered would give them that discretion.

Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Orlando Prescott talks on the phone inside courtroom 11-4 at the Miami-Dade Childrens Courthouse in downtown Miami on Monday, February 13, 2023.

Some judges do it anyway, and will ask a youths parents if they have the ability to pay. Judge Prescott is one such judge.

At the Miami-Dade Childrens Courthouse during a recent hearing, Prescott asked the mother of a juvenile: How many mouths do you have to feed and put food for on the table?

She responded: Nine.

The judge waived the fees and fines.
Bellevue firefighters responded to a Tesla crash and fire where two individuals were trapped inside, but luckily were able to escape just in time. The Tuesday night incident in Medina has brought renewed attention to electric vehicle (EV) safety.

These folks were lucky, said Bellevue Fire Battalion Chief Keith Allen. Having a car catch on fire is a pretty significant event if youre the one stuck inside of it.

Electric vehicles burn longer and more intensely than regular cars, due to their lithium-ion batteries. Theyre also harder to extinguish. According to Allen, a typical car fire would require water from a single engine, an estimated 500 gallons. An electrical fire could need 6,000 gallons or more.

The Seattle Fire Department has recently launched a new unit called the Energy Response Team to combat these types of electrical fires.

As of 2021, the U.S. Department of Energy reports that more than 66,000 EVs were registered in Washington, making it the fourth highest amount of EVs in the nation. With more people buying EVs, there is a growing need for specialized services to fight electrical fires.

Seeing the need, car manufacturers are stepping in to provide additional training for local fire departments. A few weeks ago, Bellevue firefighters went to Seattle for a training hosted by General Motors.

So were constantly searching and researching how to handle these hazards, said Allen.
Join the most important conversation in crypto and web3! Secure your seat today

Crypto-friendly Silvergate Bank will "voluntarily liquidate" its assets and wind down operations, its holding company, Silvergate Capital Corp. (SI), said Wednesday.

The bank was under fire after announcing a week ago it would have to delay filing its annual 10-K report due to questions from its independent auditors and accounting firm over its figures. In Wednesday's announcement, Silvergate Corp. announced it had tapped Centerview Partners as a financial adviser, the law firm Cravath, Swaine and Moore LLP and Strategic Risk Associates for "transition management assistance." Under the winding down all deposits will be repaid in full, the company said.

"In light of recent industry and regulatory developments, Silvergate believes that an orderly wind down of Bank operations and a voluntary liquidation of the Bank is the best path forward. The Banks wind down and liquidation plan includes full repayment of all deposits. The Company is also considering how best to resolve claims and preserve the residual value of its assets, including its proprietary technology and tax assets," Silvergate Corp. said in a press release.

The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, the state regulator for the La Jolla, California-based firm, said it was monitoring the situation.

"The Department is evaluating compliance with all financial laws, as well as safety and soundness obligations, and is working closely with relevant Federal counterparts," DFPI Commissioner Clothilde Hewlett said.

A White House spokesperson referred CoinDesk to Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre's remarks that the presidential administration was monitoring the situation from earlier this week. At the time, Jean-Pierre said President Joe Biden would continue to urge Congress to take action on crypto issues.

In a statement, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) said, "As the impact of FTXs collapse continues to ripple outward, today we are seeing what can happen when a bank is overreliant on a risky, volatile sector like cryptocurrencies. Ive been concerned that when banks get involved with crypto, it spreads risk across the financial system and it will be taxpayers and consumers who pay the price. Thats why I am continuing to work with my colleagues in Congress and financial regulators to establish strong safeguards for our financial system from the risks of crypto.

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Spokespeople for the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency declined to comment.

'Going concern'

In last week's announcement, Silvergate Bank revealed it was facing inquiries from bank regulators and the Department of Justice, and warned its ability to be a "going concern" over the next 12 months may be in doubt.

As a result, major crypto clients announced they would suspend their relationship with the bank, and its holding company's stock price fell 58% in intraday trading to an all-time low of $5.72  down over $115 over the past year. Its stock tumbled even further after Wednesday's announcement in after-hours trading. Signature Bank, another crypto-friendly bank, saw its own stock tumble around 5% in after-hours trading dipping nearly 10% before rebounding slightly.

Read more: Was Silvergate on Borrowed Time as Regulators Backed Banks Away From Crypto?

Silvergate took out approximately $4.3 billion in loans from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, a federal banking entity that provides this type of loan for banks. Still, the fact Silvergate's situation warranted these loans should have sparked concern from the FDIC months ago, a banking industry veteran told CoinDesk.

Silvergate has provided banking services to crypto companies since 2013, and launched its own internal settlement tool, the Silvergate Exchange Network (SEN). Silvergate announced late Friday it had suspended SEN.

The company revealed it had nearly 500 crypto clients when it filed to go public in November 2018. Its initial public offering (IPO) was completed in 2019, trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The bank boasted more than 750 crypto clients at the time.

While Silvergate was not on the FDIC's "failed bank" list (as it is voluntarily liquidating, rather than going into an FDIC receivership), it appears to be the first major bank collapse since October 2020, and possibly the largest bank to fail since 2009.

Jesse Hamilton contributed reporting.

UPDATE (March 8, 2023, 21:50 UTC): Adds additional detail.

UPDATE (March 8, 22:05 UTC): Adds statements from White House, Sen. Sherrod Brown and FDIC.

UPDATE (March 9, 04:20 UTC): Adds to say Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) declined to comment in eighth paragraph.
Photo: Contributed Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola MP Dan Albas

From my experience as a Member of Parliament, one of the most rewarding roles is the great honour of attending a citizenship ceremony.



Participating in a ceremony where new Canadians take their oath of citizenship is a very special moment and a reminder of how truly fortunate we all are to call Canada home.



The oath of citizenship ceremony has been a proud Canadian tradition since 1947. I suspect the vast majority who have had the opportunity to participate in, or observe, such a ceremony would agree what a heartwarming and unforgettable event it is.



I mention this because it was with great sadness that I have recently discovered the government may soon provide an option for new Canadians to skip the citizenship ceremony and instead click a box online over the Internet, potentially without the presence of a citizenship judge, family members, elected officials, guests or anyone else.



Why?



According to the government, the answer is speed. For reasons unknown, the immigration process has become so backlogged there are now 358,000 citizenship applications waiting more than two years or more.



Eliminating the citizenship ceremony could potentially increase the speed of an application by as much as 90 days, according to the government. This is also what I find troubling. If one is in a two-year lineup and can shorten the wait by 90 days, many would likely elect to do so.



The bigger question is why has this backlog become so severe? The COVID pandemic is partly to blame, however, the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) recently investigated the Express Entry immigration process.



The PBO, who released a report earlier this week, revealed some eyebrow-raising information. While governments often cite a lack of staffing as a common reason for failures in program delivery, the PBO determined in the case of this specific immigration program, the current staffing is more than sufficient to meet the processing time requirements of this program.



The PBO stated Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is, and I quote directly, estimated to have 65% more staff than would be required to meet the goal.



When the PBO asked further questions of IRCC, the department, and again I quote directly, declined to provide information about the resources that would have been required to meet processing time goals in past years, citing that this information represents cabinet confidences.



In other words, the department is hiding behind cabinet confidentiality, which suggests the cabinet ultimately has the information and does not want it released publicly so that it cannot be held accountable for these severe delays in immigration processing times.



In my view, this is a case where instead of fixing the problem at the top, firing the minister and appointing a new minister, the proposed fix is to undercut, if not potentially eliminate, citizenship ceremonies. I say potentially because it is unknown how many would still opt for an in-person citizenship ceremony if they were told that could increase the wait time by up to another three months.



As a counterpoint, perhaps some may view a traditional, in-person citizenship ceremony in todays environment as a waste of time and would support an online oath process done over the Internet.



My question to you this week:



Do you believe an in-person citizenship ceremony is still essential?



I can be reached at [email protected] or call toll-free 1-800-665-8711.

Dan Albas is the Conservative MP for Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
The DIberville Police Department is investigating an incident after a police pursuit resulted in a crash involving a stolen vehicle and a school bus.

According to the Biloxi Police Department, officers were alerted of a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado that had been stolen from Decatur, Texas, and was heading east on I-10.

Patrol officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop and the driver refused to stop, resulting in a vehicle pursuit, according to a press release.

The pursuit traveled eastbound on I-10 into DIberville before the driver of the stolen vehicle merged onto Exit 46. Upon making a turn at a high rate of speed, the driver of the truck lost control and struck another motorist, which caused that motorist to strike a school bus.

The school bus did not have any students on board.

No injuries were reported in the crash and the driver and passenger of the stolen vehicle were taken into custody. Both are under the age of 18.

The driver has been charged with felony eluding, receiving stolen property, minor in possession of a firearm and simple possession of marijuana. The passenger was also charged with the latter three offenses.

Both juveniles are being held at Harrison County Youth Detention Center.
Almost two decades ago, a misleading image lineup led to one man's imprisonment for murder. Now, the Brooklyn district attorney will move to vacate what a recent investigation determined was a wrongful conviction  one that law enforcement intentionally hid for years.

Sheldon Thomas, now 35, was convicted in 2004 of second-degree murder, attempted murder and other crimes after being arrested in connection with a fatal shooting in East Flatbush that killed 14-year-old Anderson Bercy and wounded another person in December 2004, said the office of Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez in a Thursday news release announcing his decision to vacate Thomas' conviction. The district attorney will also request that the indictment against Thomas be dismissed and he be freed from prison after 18 years.

Thomas' initial arrest was based on a witness identification error, an investigation by Brooklyn's Conviction Review Unit found. The witness, according to the unit's report, had identified a different Sheldon Thomas, whose address was in the same precinct as the Sheldon Thomas eventually convicted for the crime.

Investigators "concluded that detectives were intent on arresting the defendant and used the faulty identification procedure as pretext," the district attorney's office said, noting that law enforcement agents are implicated in the report for intentionally concealing and later justifying the witness' mistake during court proceedings. Thomas was scheduled to appear in court on Thursday afternoon before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Matthew D'Emic, according to the district attorney.

The case "was compromised from the very start by grave errors and lack of probable cause to arrest Mr. Thomas," Gonzalez said in a statement.

"He was further deprived of his due process rights when the prosecution proceeded even after the erroneous identification came to light, making his conviction fundamentally unfair," he said.

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The new investigation showed that Thomas' involvement in the initial homicide case came after a convoluted series of missteps. Detectives attempted to get his photo from a police database  he had a prior arrest for pointing an inoperable gun at officers and resisting arrest, according to Gonzalez's office  to use in an image array they planned to show the witness. However, before they received that image, they obtained a photo of the other Sheldon Thomas and placed his photo in the image array. The witness had previously identified two men, whom she knew, as being inside the car where gunfire originated during the shooting, and Thomas was not one of them.

When asked to choose a face from the police's image lineup, the witness identified the other Sheldon Thomas "as being in the car with 90 percent certainty," the district attorney's office said. But, based on that identification, detectives went to Thomas' address  not the address of the Sheldon Thomas whose photo was identified by the witness  and arrested him. Later, the same witness identified Thomas as the perpetrator in a lineup after having previously identified the other Sheldon Thomas in images. Thomas was indicted alongside two others for the 2004 shooting despite this discrepancy.

The identification of the other Sheldon Thomas in the photo array came to light in 2006, when a detective admitted on cross-examination that his previous testimony  in which he identified Thomas as the person in the photo array and said he had never seen Thomas before arresting him  was false. Another detective testified for the first time that the defendant was flagged to police through an anonymous tip given around the time of their initial investigation. That second detective "also conceded that, when questioned a few days after the murder, the defendant had told them that it wasn't him in the photo array," Gonzalez's office said.

"Despite these revelations, the judge found that there was probable cause to arrest Thomas based on 'verified information from unknown callers' and the fact that he resembled the other Thomas from the photo array," the office wrote in Thursday's announcement. Thomas was eventually convicted of second-degree murder, attempted murder and other related counts, and was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.

Investigators determined that the witness was prompted by police detectives to identify Thomas, and noted that, despite claims by police, prosecutors, the trial judge and an appellate panel, "the Thomas in the photo array and the defendant do not look alike," Gonzalez's office said. Both Thomas and the other Sheldon Thomas are Black men. In a study commissioned by the defense, 27 of 32 law students of color who were shown the photo array with the other Sheldon Thomas concluded that Thomas was not in it.

The review of Thomas' case comes as the district attorneys in Brooklyn and Manhattan work to re-examine past convictions and move to vacate those that resulted from police misconduct and other errors either made or overlooked by the criminal justice system. The Manhattan District Attorney's office announced in November that it would vacate 188 misdemeanor convictions dating back more than 20 years because police involved in those convictions have since been convicted of crimes related to misconduct in their roles as law enforcement officers.

In Brooklyn, the district attorney's Conviction Review Unit has so far resulted in 34 convictions being vacated since 2014, according to the office. The review unit currently has about 50 open investigations.

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The U.S.-Mexico border SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP via Getty Images

The recent kidnapping and killings of Americans in Mexico have raised questions about the safety of travel to the country. While officials have reiterated that most parts of Mexico can be accessed safely, why have people been going to areas cautioned against by the United States?

Is traveling to Mexico safe?

It depends on where you're going. The U.S. State Department issues different levels of travel advisories for international territories, and of the 32 states in Mexico, a majority  19 of them  are under an "Exercise Normal Precaution" or "Exercise Increased Caution" advisory level. These advisories have mostly been issued due to petty crimes and a low risk of kidnapping.

However, seven states are under a "Reconsider Travel" advisory due to a higher risk of crime, and the remaining six  including Tamaulipas, where the recent American kidnappings occurred  are classified by the State Department as "Do Not Travel." The highest warning level, this classification is issued when there is a "greater likelihood of life-threatening risks," the State Department says, adding that it "advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so."

Outside of these areas, the sentiment seems to be that traveling to Mexico is safe in high-traffic locales. The recent kidnappings in Tamaulipas "happened far from some of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Mexico," Zachary Rabinor, the founder and CEO of travel company Journey Mexico, told CNN. The State Department's "Do Not Travel" advisory in that state has long been in place.

"To put things in perspective, Matamoros is about 1,360 miles away from Cancun; that's about the equivalent distance from the Texas side of the border to Chicago, Illinois," Rabinor says. Other countries have "Exercise Increased Caution" warnings, including France, which is considered overall a very safe place.

Why does the U.S. caution against travel to some Mexican states?

"Violent crime  such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery  is widespread and common" in the areas under travel advisories, the State Department writes. In many areas of Mexico, the U.S. government may not be able to "provide emergency services" to Americans. Even travel by U.S. government employees is heavily restricted in these areas.

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Violence between warring Mexican drug cartels is fueling much of the problem. "There has been a lot of cartel activity in Mexico, some of it coming on the heels of the arrest of Ovidio Guzman, a leader of the Sinaloa drug cartel and son of imprisoned drug lord Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman," NewsNation reports, with Mike Ballard, head of security solutions company Global Guardian, telling the outlet: "There have been entire local, and even state-level police departments completely disbanded because of their corruption ties to local criminal organizations."

Why do some people choose to ignore the warnings?

Many people, especially college students, go to Mexico for Spring Break. KFMB-TV San Diego reports that one of the states on the "Do Not Travel" advisory list is "Guerrero, which includes the resort city of Acapulco." Other resort areas, especially along the border states, are also under similar advisories.

Another reason people travel to Mexico  and the reported reason the kidnapped Americans went  is to get plastic surgery, dental work, cosmetic procedures, and orthopedic work. This type of international travel, commonly called medical tourism, is "part of a booming industry that is vital to Mexico's economy," NPR reports.

While medical tourism is popular in countries across the world, but "Mexico is the top destination for the U.S.-outbound medical and dental travel markets," HealthCare.com reports. Medical Departures, which helps Americans plan medical tourism trips, sends more than 100,000 people to Mexico for procedures each year.

What should you do if you want to go to Mexico?

Two of Mexico's most popular tourist destinations, Playa del Carmen and Cancun, are in an "Exercise Increased Caution" state. However, for those who still want to take the risk and travel, there are some tips on how to stay safe.

The most important thing is to research the place you're visiting, Pierre de Hail, president of risk management company Janus Group Mexico, tells The New York Times. Tourists should also buy travel insurance "in case of a medical emergency or theft," and "keep a low profile to avoid attracting attention," de Hail says. In general, though, use common sense: Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and wandering at night.

For the most part, "it is relatively safe for travelers to head to tourist destinations and major urban centers such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey," Jaime Lopez-Aranda, a manager at travel risk management firm International SOS, tells CNN, though caution should always be exercised.

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A delegation with Library for Africa is headed overseas today to take the first steps in building Liberias first public library.

It started when the Founder and CEO of Library for Africa, Veleta Jenkins, was an English teacher and learned from one of her Liberian students that his country had no public library.

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Today, March 9, Jenkins is set to lead a delegation of Dayton area leaders to Liberia to begin the project.

They will start by meeting with local leaders there and the communitys children to get the library built.

I know this for a fact. When that library is built, there will probably be a whole line of people wrapped around that library just beginning to get in, because they understand and they want that education so desperately, Jenkins told News Center 7.

Photos provided by Library for Africa.

Photos provided by Library for Africa.

Photos provided by Library for Africa.

Photos provided by Library for Africa.

Photos provided by Library for Africa.

Photos provided by Library for Africa.

Photos provided by Library for Africa.

Library for Africa needs $350,000 to start phase one of the project. Visit libraryforafrica.org to learn more about how to donate.












The City of Dayton has decided to opt into another opioid settlement.

In 2017, Ohio became one of the first states to sue opioid makers and drug distributors.

Montgomery County subsequently received some of those funds.

During Wednesdays meeting, Dayton city commissioners said they want to participate in a new settlement.

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The first settlement went after larger pharmaceutical companies who made opioids, Dayton City Manager Shelley Dickstein explained.

This new settlement will look to hold drug stores and pharmacies such as CVS, Walmart and Walgreens, that were disturbing opioids responsible.

It was devastating to our community in 2017 and we want to hold those people accountable for the devastation that our community and many communities across the country really suffered in the opioid crisis, Dickstein said.

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Dickstein said this is more than just a cash grab for the city, and that they are looking to help replenish some of the impacts the opioid epidemic had on local resources.

It was really very difficult and diverted a lot of key resources to managing that crisis versus doing other things that we could have been working on proactively with regards to public safety, Dickstein said.

She said at this time it is not known the number of people who will participate in the settlement or what the citys return will look like.

We will continue following this story and update once we get new information.
After over half a century of educating children from southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Fall Rivers Bishop Conolly High School is shuttering its doors.

The Diocese announced Wednesday the Catholic school will cease operations at the end of the 2022-23 school year.

An extended period of decline in enrollment and financial fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic had caused a massive strain on the school. The Diocese of Fall River spent over $1 million to keep the school running over the past five years, the church organization announced. A hardship the school can no longer bear.

While we sincerely regret having to close Bishop Connolly, our ultimate goal is to strengthen Catholic education in the Diocese for the future, said Daniel S. Roy, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Fall River. We are committed to helping families transition to other Diocesan Catholic high schools and to make the process as seamless as possible.

We continue to experience very challenging times that have put an even greater financial strain on many families, stated Bishop Edgar da Cunha, S.D.V., of the Diocese of Fall River. So many people have extraordinary needs amidst this economic uncertainty, and the Diocese needs to leverage its precious resources to an even greater extent. We are confident that our Catholic school leadership will provide both pastoral support and educational guidance to all affected families so that their children can transition and be welcomed into a new Catholic school family.

Parents will be able to participate in Zoom meetings with school leadership to discuss admission to other Diocesan high schools, tuition and financial aid, transportation or other concerns.

Bishop Connolly High School serves students from over 30 towns and cities across Massachusetts and Rhode Island, according to the schools website.

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Its been one year since the owners of Nourish and Bloom, the first autonomous grocery store in Georgia, opened in Fayetteville.

The store has become so popular, it has caught the attention of cities across the state.

This is definitely the future, said Jamie Hemmings, who co-owns the store with his wife Jilea Hemmings. Once [customers] register in the app, and put in their payment information, theyll put in a QR code. All they would have to do is walk up to the gate, scan the code, and just walk through and start shopping.

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The store is equipped with a series of 30 cameras placed on the ceiling to track customers as they shop and count the items they select.

Hemmings told Channel 2s Justin Carter theft has not been an issue.

Were not really thinking about that, because we have so many cameras throughout the store, Hemmings said. I think its really a deterrent for people not to do bad things.

The store is the first black-owned autonomous grocery store in the world and business has been thriving.

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We have great success, Hemmings said. People have come in 12 a.m., 2 a.m., 3 a.m. They come in, get what they need, and they walk out.

The city of Atlanta has caught wind of the stores success.

For us, if we can utilize AI to deliver to more people, lets do that, Jilea Hemmings said.

The Hemming family just joined the city of Atlantas Smart City Initiative, which focuses on better infrastructure and connectivity in the city. They plan to open to container store locations along the beltline soon.

Youre going to start seeing more Nourish and Bloom stores going into underserved communities, Hemmings said. Just showing up all across the country to make sure you have access 24/7.

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A man died following an "accidental shooting" inside of a home, Delafield police say.

The shooting took place shortly after 5 p.m. on Wednesday in the area of Oakwood Road and Highway 83. Police say the reporting caller described the shooting as accidental.

According to police, first responders attempted life-saving measures.

Everyone involved in the incident are cooperating with authorities, police said.

The incident led to a large law enforcement response, which included the Village of Hartland Police, Waukesha County Sheriff, Waukesha County District Attorney, Lake Country Fire and Rescue, and the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

Contact Drake Bentley at (414) 391-5647 or DBentley1@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DrakeBentleyMJS.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Delafield man dies in 'accidental shooting,' police say
The Delaware Department of Justices Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust has won $50,000 in settlements for Delawareans denied fair housing since December, the department announced Thursday.

Neither of the two settlements required any admission of wrongdoing.

Housing and reasonable accommodation are basic human rights, and that should be especially true in a place that prides itself on being a state of neighbors, said Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings.

The case against Chateau Orleans Apartments

In the first case, a tenant with a physical disability alleged that the Chateau Orleans Apartments in Penny Hill did not provide them with reasonable accommodations, according to the Department of Justice.

The tenant used a walker and a wheelchair, the department said, and relied on the elevator to reach their apartment on the second floor. When the elevator broke, the apartment complex did not fix it for over four months, which the Department of Justice said forced the tenant to move out.

HOUSING:Wilmington gets $4M for affordable housing despite previous issues with federal grants

Per the settlement, which was reached in December following a complaint in June, Chateau Orleans Apartments and their management company had to pay the former tenant $30,000, revise its fair housing policies and complete fair housing training, according to the Department of Justice.

The case against The Vinings at Christiana

The second settlement secured by the justice department awarded $20,000 to a woman who claimed she and her three children were left homeless after The Vinings at Christiana in Bear denied her application because her income was too low.

The Department of Justice said an investigation found that the woman had a State Rental Assistance Program voucher, meaning that the denial of her application by the apartment complex violated the Delaware Fair Housing Act.

MORE:2 years after this blind man was wrongly evicted, what's happening with suit, tenant bill?

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In addition to the money given to the woman, the apartment complex and management company agreed in the Jan. 23 settlement to complete fair housing training and update its public advertising material and fair housing policies, according to the Department of Justice.

Send story tips or ideas to Hannah Edelman at hedelman@delawareonline.com. For more reporting, follow them on Twitter at @h_edelman.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware violations of Fair Housing Act lead to $50,000 in settlements
Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) pressed Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw Thursday on the railroads history of lobbying against stricter safety regulations at a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing on the derailment of a Norfolk Southern train in East Palestine, Ohio.

Whitehouse specifically cited a 2015 Obama-era regulation that required more modern electronic brakes for trains carrying hazardous materials, which Norfolk Southern called not in the public interest and lobbied to weaken before the Trump administration scrapped it outright in 2018.

The Rhode Island Democrat went on to note the industry has spent more than $650 million on lobbying against regulations over the last two decades, including $69 million spent by Norfolk Southern. Shaw countered by pointing out that the National Transportation Safety Board has said the Obama-era braking regulation would not have prevented the East Palestine derailment.

Whitehouse responded by asking Shaw if he was aware of how much Norfolk Southern spent lobbying against the regulation in question through its trade group. Shaw responded that he did not know but added that the Government Accountability Office and the National Academy of Sciences determined that the Federal Railroad Administrations review of electronic brakes was unjustified.

Whitehouse also invoked reporting from The New York Times indicating Norfolk Southern paid shareholders nearly $18 billion in stock buybacks and dividends last year.

I have a different perspective on that, Shaw replied.

Is the number right, setting aside your perspective? Whitehouse countered, which Shaw also denied.

Merkley, meanwhile, asked if Norfolk Southern could be counted on to lobby for improved rather than reduced safety regulations going forward.

I share your concern and your focus, Shaw began.

I just want to know, will your team lobby for safety improvements rather than against them? Merkley broke in. I just really thought, when you said turn over a new leaf, you meant you were saying you were going to now support safety regulations. Im sorry you cant tell this crowd today that would like to hear that, that that is the case.

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Shaw was noncommittal when Merkley asked if he would commit to ending stock buybacks until new safety measures could be enacted.

Shaw said in prepared remarks ahead of his testimony that he is deeply sorry for the disaster, which occurred Feb. 3 and included cars carrying hazardous substances. The Environmental Protection Agency has said it will hold the railroad fully financially responsible for the cleanup and relief process.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Photo: The Canadian Press First Nations leaders say Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is minimizing the effects of two releases of oilsands tailings water near lands they harvest from. Smith speaks to members of the media during a press conference in Ottawa, on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is minimizing the effect of two large releases of oilsands tailings water, two area First Nations leaders said Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Environment Canada confirmed the Alberta government didn't pass along news of the spill. The federal agency, which is investigating the spill, released a timeline saying the department first learned of the releases from First Nations.

Earlier this week, Smith said the release of at least 5.3 million litres of toxic tailings from Imperial Oil's Kearl mine had no effect on local waterways or wildlife. She also blamed Imperial for slow communications on the releases, which resulted in "misinformation" being spread.

"I don't really know why she would say that," said Chief Billy-Joe Tuccaro of the Mikisew Cree First Nation, which is downstream of the releases. Its members also harvest on land adjacent to them.

"I truly believe it's too early to be definite. (Smith's) comments are very concerning."

Chief Allan Adam of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation said the releases  which contain toxic levels of contaminants, such as arsenic  are much more than a communications issue.

"This is an environmental catastrophe that the (Alberta Energy Regulator) and Imperial Oil tried to cover up and now the premier and (Environment Minister Sonya Savage) are trying to minimize."

Smith's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Last May, Imperial discovered brown sludge that later turned out to be seepage from a nearby tailings pond. The company told Alberta officials and the First Nations about the initial finding but didn't release further information until February, by which time another 5.3 million litres of tailings escaped from a containment pond.

Environment Canada said it learned about the releases Feb. 7, the same day the Alberta Energy Regulator released an environmental protection order to the public.

"First Nations contacted (the department) about a recent spill/seepage," the timeline says.

Alberta's United Conservative Party government has not said when it first learned of the releases.

Tuccaro and Adam are angry their people harvested for nine months from nearby lands without being kept informed.

"The trust has been broken," said Tuccaro.

Imperial is allowing environmental monitors from Mikisew on the release site to do their own measurements, he said. Tuccaro said the band wants that arrangement to be made permanent and not just on the Kearl site, but on all oilsands leases.

"I'm not looking for a Band-Aid fix for them to allow us on for a couple months," he said. "I'm asking for the life of the project."

Tuccaro said Imperial executives have promised to visit the community of Fort Chipewyan later this month to discuss the situation.

"We have invited community leaders to tour the site and are working directly with those communities on related requests," said Imperial spokeswoman Lisa Schmidt. "We have also shared our mitigation and monitoring plans with communities and have asked for input on these plans."

The Northwest Territories government has said Alberta's failure to notify it of the spills violated a bilateral agreement on the watershed shared by the two jurisdictions.

Tuccaro was also scheduled to speak with federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault. Tuccaro said he would be asking for immediate help, including assurances that his community has adequate water supplies.

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo has stopped drawing water from the Athabasca River, forcing Fort Chipewyan to rely on limited supplies from its reservoir.

In a release, Adam said there's plenty of evidence to suggest the tailings have entered local groundwater and waterways.

Imperial's reports say tailings have entered a small nearby, fish-bearing lake. The province's energy regulator has warned of likely impacts to areas off the mine site. Aerial photos taken by the First Nation show animal tracks through the release area.

"Photos of pools of affected water, provided by Imperial, make clear that affected water has soaked through the porous ground," the band's release said.

As well, Environment Canada said it received a Feb. 14 report about escaped tailings off the mine site.

"(Environment Canada) received a report from Alberta about a concern raised by a member of the public about leaked tailings fluid going off site," the timeline says. "The concern was about impacts to wildlife on a trap line near the facility."

Adam said Imperial has denied a request from the band to allow its monitors on the site.

Imperial has said all affected surface ice and snow in the area has been removed and safely disposed. It said the seepage is primarily natural groundwater and precipitation with a "small amount" of tailings.

It is installing monitoring and collection wells, surface pumps and additional drainage collectors to prevent a further release.

Company officials have apologized for the slow communication.
Senate Democrats are in a tough spot politically as they attempt to show the party is not soft on crime after a vote to nix updates to the District of Columbias criminal code thrust the hot-button issue back into the spotlight.

Despite the sizable Democratic support for the resolution to block a crime bill passed by the D.C. City Council, the GOP is almost certain to use the subject to bludgeon the party in power  especially in cities and suburban areas where they think gains are possible.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said as much in a speech from the Senate floor Wednesday, warning Democrats that the issue will continue to haunt the opposing party.

The Democrats flip-flop is good news for the residents of D.C. and the 300-plus-million Americans who deserve to be able to visit their nations capital in peace. But Democrats are not getting off the hook this easy, McConnell said. They are not going to be able to duck the heat for the violent crime surge to which their policies, their rhetoric, and their political movement have directly contributed.

Thirty-three Senate Democrats voted on Wednesday with every Republican present to pass the resolution blocking D.C.s crime bill. Fourteen senators who caucus with Democrats voted against the resolution, while Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) voted present. Four members missed the vote, including three Democrats.

The lopsided vote came after President Biden last week said he would not veto the measure if it reached his desk  reversing his earlier position backing D.C.

Democrats are still conscious of the dilemma they face, especially in the early stages of the 2024 cycle where all things are usually political.

Its not a made-up issue. Our critics will raise that point every time, Sen. Dick Durbin (Ill.), the No. 2 Senate, told reporters. I think that, in fairness, we want criminal sentencing thats tough, its smart and just throwing the book at somebody isnt always the right issue.

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Durbin voted against the resolution, breaking with other members of Senate leadership including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).

For weeks, Republicans have been on offense over the Districts bill, calling out provisions that lessen penalties for some types of violent crime, including robberies and carjackings that have become fixtures on the nightly news in the nations capital.

That chatter grew to a crescendo over the past week as Biden, perhaps sensing that more Democrats than just some moderates were considering support for the resolution, threw his weight behind it.

By the time Wednesdays vote rolled around, the number of Democrats vowing the vote yes on the resolution was in the double digits.

However, the GOP pressure intensified.

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) on Wednesday rolled out an ad campaign targeting 15 House Democrats who voted against nixing the crime bill.

Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), the NRCCs chairman, said in a statement that the ads are just a preview of whats to come this cycle. Overall, 173 Democrats voted against the resolution last month.

The public had about as much as they can take of these woke policies that are detached from reality, Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), the leading co-sponsor of the measure, told The Hill. Frankly, the reality of it is: when these policies are implemented, it makes the cities less safe. [D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser] said that herself.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department, the District has experienced 101 carjackings during 2023 alone, roughly the same as the 106 reported by this point last year, with 22 of this years cases having been closed. Fourteen people have been arrested.

Biden, in announcing his support for the resolution, specifically cited the issue of carjacking.

Homicides in Washington, D.C., are up 33 percent from the same time last year.

Every vulnerable Senate Democrat  headlined by Sens. Joe Manchin (W.Va.), Jon Tester (Mont.), Sherrod Brown (Ohio)  sided with the GOP on the bill, joining 31 House Democrats who broke with their party last month.

But the national drumbeat from Republicans isnt going away anytime soon, especially after the defeat of Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot (D) in her reelection bid last week. Democrat Paul Vallas finished first with nearly double the support of Lightfoot after running a campaign centered on a tough on crime message.

Its an important issue. Its on peoples minds. Weve got to respond to it, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) told The Hill.

Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), the chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, said that the party needs to stand up for safe communities, noting that Republicans voted against funding police when Democrats passed the American Rescue Plan in early 2021.

However, some top Democrats believe the D.C. City Councils bill has been used as a trojan horse by the GOP to push a number of Democratic senators to block a measure for unnecessary reasons.

According to Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), not only should the District be able to govern itself, but the bill in question isnt nearly as soft as it has been made out to be  an argument that Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) made during the Senate Democratic caucus lunch on Tuesday.

I think thats the sad thing here. If you take a look at the bill and analyze it, it has a lot of good issues from the point of view of public safety, Cardin said.

Its sad that we fell into this trap, Cardin continued. Because I think we did fall into a trap.

However, Republicans are unbowed in their criticism of Democratic handling of crime across the country and are promising that it will be a centerpiece of their messaging in the coming months, if not longer.

I think this is one of the defining issues of the 2024 cycle, said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Senate Democrats plan to introduce a pair of bills Thursday that could encourage more union membership and make it more costly for employers to crack down on organizing efforts.

The legislation rolled out by Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) would use tax law to accomplish those goals. One bill, which has 40 cosponsors, would restore a tax break that union members enjoyed until Republicans overhauled the tax code under former President Donald Trump.

The other bill, which has 27 cosponsors, would bar employers from deducting the cost of anti-union campaigns as a business expense.

Casey, a member of the Senate committees overseeing tax and labor policy, told HuffPost that the proposals would help level the playing field for workers and empower them to exercise their right to organize.

Casey said in a statement: These are commonsense steps to restore fairness to our nations tax code and stop rewarding corporations bad behavior when taking advantage of hardworking Americans and their families.

The legislation is largely symbolic since its all but certain to fail in the GOP-controlled House of Representatives. And Senate Democrats omitted the legislation from the twobills they could muscle through the chamber without Republican support last year. But the proposals reflect some ways Democrats hope to strengthen unions through policy reforms large and small.

One bill would forbid tax deductions for the money employers spend on anti-union consultants.

The GOP tax law of 2017 brought about many changes for filers. Workers lost the ability to write off expenses tied to their jobs, like the cost of uniforms, tools, travel or, for those in unionized workplaces, their union dues. The Tax Fairness for Workers Act would bring back those deductions and tweak the union dues piece in a significant way.

The tax break for dues would be above the line, meaning workers could use it to reduce their gross income whether they itemize their taxes or not. That feature is significant because fewer filers itemize their taxes these days after the GOP law significantly raised the standard deduction.

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Sen. Bob Casey said taxpayers shouldn't

Sen. Bob Casey said taxpayers shouldn't "subsidize" anti-union spending by businesses.

The No Tax Breaks For Union Busting Act would end what Casey calls a tax subsidy for employers that try to throttle organizing campaigns. Businesses can deduct expenses considered ordinary and necessary in the course of their operations, but Caseys bill would expressly forbid deductions for expenses tied to influencing how workers might vote in a union election.

Employers facing union drives spend a lot of money on high-priced consultants who try to persuade workers not to unionize. However, there does not appear to be reliable data on how often employers deduct those costs as a business expense. Caseys legislation would make anti-union electioneering akin to regular political activity, which is not tax-deductible under the law.

Congress should extend that principle to spending done by employers to influence workers elections and collective bargaining decisions, the bill text reads. These free choices to exercise the rights to engage in collective bargaining should be made without taxpayer subsidies of undue outside influence from employers.

The number of union election petitions by workers has shot up recently, and workers have managed to form the first U.S. unions at a number of high-profile employers since 2021, including Starbucks, Amazon, Apple and Trader Joes. But overall, union density is hovering near a historic low of around 6% in the private sector, down from a high of roughly 35% during the 1950s.

These are commonsense steps to restore fairness to our nations tax code.Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pennsylvania)

Democrats have proposed both modest and sweeping reforms to help turn the tide in unions favor.

Most notably, they have tried to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, or PRO Act, which would amount to the largest overhaul of U.S. labor law in over half a century. The law would create financial penalties for illegal union-busting; effectively repeal state right to work laws around the country; strengthen the right to strike; and make it vastly easier for workers to secure their first union contracts.

Democrats managed to get the PRO Act through the House in 2020 and 2021, but the bill failed to gain enough support from Republicans and centrist Democrats to pass the Senate.

The pro-union tax proposals are not nearly so sweeping, but Democrats say they would create a more equitable tax code between workers and businesses.

The left-leaning Center for American Progress Action Fund said in a 2020 policy paper that lawmakers should bar tax deductions for anti-union campaigns because such efforts conflict with another federal law, the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), which promotes collective bargaining in the private sector.

Although companies may have the legal authority to engage in anti-union campaigns, the authors wrote, there is no public policy justification for having taxpayers subsidize such conduct, especially when you consider that the express purpose of the NLRA is to encourage collective bargaining.

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By Nikolaj Skydsgaard

CHRISTIANSO in the Baltic Sea, Denmark (Reuters) - Danish police have searched for a yacht on a tiny Baltic Sea island near the Nord Stream pipeline blast sites, the local administrator said on Thursday.

German authorities confirmed on Wednesday they had raided a ship in January that may have been used to transport explosives used to blow up the pipelines.

"The police was searching for a specific boat that had moored here in September," Soren Thiim Andersen, the highest authority on the island of Christianso, told Reuters.

The Sept. 26 explosions on the Nord Stream pipelines, constructed to supply Russian natural gas to Europe, have become a flashpoint between the West and Russia after last year's Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Authorities in Sweden, Germany and Denmark, who are currently investigating the blasts, say the explosions were deliberate but have not said who might be responsible.

However, this week media reports in the United States and Germany suggested a pro-Ukrainian group could be responsible.

Germany's ARD broadcaster and Zeit newspaper reported that German authorities were able to identify a boat used for the sabotage operation.

The operation to place explosives on the seabed was carried out by six people, who sailed from Rostock on Sept. 6 and was later located on the Danish island of Christianso, according to the reports.

Danish police in January searched for information about boats that had docked on Christianso on Sept. 16-18, interviewing local residents, collecting footage from the harbour, and collected information from the harbour ticket machine, Andersen said.

Danish police declined to comment.

Christianso is part of a small archipelago about 18 km northeast of the Baltic Sea island of Bornholm. The archipelago with just 98 inhabitants is a former naval fortress but remains under administration of the Danish defence ministry.

(Additional reporting by Johannes Birkebaek; Editing by Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen)
A South Carolina deputy fired a blank round  then a colleague shot back with a loaded gun, officials said.

The real bullet inadvertently hit the first deputy, sending him to a hospital with a foot injury, according to the Greenville County Sheriffs Office. Now, about two weeks after officials said they began investigating the act of horseplay that went awry, several deputies face suspension.

While I understand accidents occur, moments of carelessness will not be tolerated under my leadership, Sheriff Hobart Lewis said in a March 8 news release. I will ensure that the deputies involved will undergo extensive remedial training following their discipline so they can take the appropriate steps of returning to serving others in the manner they are called to do.

The case dates to Feb. 22, when officials started an investigation. During a controlled training exercise in Abbeville County, deputies used blank rounds and had access to a simunition gun, which uses fake ammunition.

It was discovered that after the training exercise, GCSO deputies were securing their equipment when one of the deputies discharged a blank round from a simunition gun in what was determined to be horseplay, the sheriffs office wrote. In response, another deputy discharged his weapon, inadvertently striking the deputy in the foot, forgetting he had already transitioned back to his duty weapon.

The injured deputy was given medical treatment and taken to a hospital before he was released, officials said.

The sheriffs office put the two deputies on administrative leave before they reportedly were disciplined for careless use of a firearm and improper handling of a firearm.

Both deputies have been given a 10-day suspension, placed on the Performance Improvement Plan, and will undergo remedial training, the sheriffs office wrote.

Also, a supervisor accused of not properly monitoring weapons is expected to be suspended for three days and faces additional training, according to officials.

Police officer and Walmart worker took bribes to drop shoplifting cases, SC cops say

Police officer drove drunk to pick daughter up at elementary school, Florida cops say
Pieper Lewis, the Des Moines sex trafficking victim who received a deferred judgment for stabbing to death a man she said had raped her repeatedly, pleaded guilty to an escape charge Thursday morning for leaving a Des Moines transitional center, where she was serving a term of probation, without permission.

The plea sets the stage for her to be sentenced to prison for up to 21 years at a hearing later this month.

Pieper Lewis pleads guilty to an escape charge in Polk County Court, Thursday, March 9, 2023.

Lewis, now 18, received the deferred judgment in September after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter and willful injury in the killing of Zachary Brooks, a Des Moines man she had been trafficked to when she was 15. Judge David Porter ordered her to serve five years probation and sent her to the Des Moines Fresh Start Women's Center.

On Nov. 4, for reasons yet to be explained, Lewis cut off a GPS tracking device she was required to wear and walked away from the facility. Police found and arrested her five days later.

On Thursday morning, Lewis appeared in Polk County court briefly to enter her plea. The charge is a serious misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in prison and a fine of $2,560.

Lewis, wearing a uniform from the Polk County Jail, where she has been held since her arrest, made no statement in the hearing, responding to questions from Judge Becky Goettsch with yes and no answers.

Goettsch said Lewis will be sentenced at 9 a.m. March 23 at the same time as a hearing previously scheduled to decide if she will go to prison for violating her probation.

Pieper Lewis speaks with her attorney Matthew Sheeley and pleading guilty to an escape charge in Polk County Court, Thursday, March 9, 2023.

Opinion: Pieper, welcome to the Survivors Club

Lewis could be sentenced to up to 10 years on each of the two charges in Brooks' death and an additional year for escape. Her trafficker still has not been charged.

Her case received national attention after a Des Moines Register investigative report found no record that police had investigated the sex trafficking allegations, though sex with a 15-year-old is a crime in Iowa. During her sentencing hearing, prosecutors acknowledged that she was a victim of sex trafficking and endorsed placing her on probation instead of sending her to prison.

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Obligated under a 1997 state law, the judge ordered her as part of her sentence to pay $150,000 to Brooks' estate. A GoFundMe that Lewis' ninth-grade teacher set up for her raised far more in a matter of days.

The circumstances and reasons Lewis left Fresh Start have not been revealed publicly, nor has how she was arrested. They are likely to be central to what is expected to be the two-day hearing beginning March 23.

Des Moines Register Watchdog columnist Lee Rood contributed to this article.

Philip Joens covers retail, real estate and RAGBRAI for the Des Moines Register. He can be reached at 515-284-8184, pjoens@registermedia.com or on Twitter @Philip_Joens.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Pieper Lewis pleads guilty to escape, faces possible prison sentence
(Bloomberg) -- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will meet with Iowa Republican legislators in Des Moines on Friday amid rising expectations that he will run for president in 2024, according to people familiar with the matter.

Most Read from Bloomberg

DeSantis has been on a national tour to promote his recently-published book, The Courage to Be Free, yet his visit to a state that has typically been crucial to the nomination hopes of presidential candidates will be scrutinized by both Republicans and Democrats.

The governor will greet members of the state House and Senate at the Capitol, according to the people, engaging in the sort of retail politicking thats expected in the Iowa caucuses. The Legislature, which is controlled by Republicans, will not be in session on Friday.

He will speak about his book at the Rhythm City Casino in Davenport on Friday morning and at the State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on Friday afternoon. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, who has said she would remain neutral before the caucuses, is scheduled to join him.

A representative for DeSantis did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday night.

His trip will take place three days before former President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Iowa. Trump, who announced his candidacy last November, has been lashing out at DeSantis, whom he once considered a political protege but now may become a powerful rival.

DeSantis has, for the most part, ignored the insults, and Trump.

The former president, who has been blamed by some Republicans for the partys disappointments in the midterm elections, has found that, for now, some Republican leaders in Iowa prefer to remain neutral in the 2024 race.

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Trump, along with former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy, an Ohio biotech entrepreneur, are the only declared Republican candidates, but several more are watching eagerly from the sidelines.

Its not clear what DeSantis plans to say at the Capitol, but the Iowa Legislature has been working on a wide-ranging proposal to restructure the state government in a way that Reynolds has presented as more efficient and responsive to voters.

The Senate passed a bill that would require students in elementary and secondary schools to use school bathrooms that align with their gender assigned at birth.

And both chambers passed a bill to ban gender-affirming care for anyone under the age of 18. It would ban minors from undergoing surgery to affirm their gender identity.

Those measures dovetail with legislation that DeSantis has championed in Florida. One law, dubbed Dont Say Gay by critics, bars instruction on gender identity or sexual orientation before the fourth grade.

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A Broward man is locked up after being busted with over 100 child porn pictures on his computer, authorities said.

Dylan Kenyon-Jones, arrested Wednesday, now faces 11 charges of child pornography and using a computer to compile child pornography. The 28-year-old Oakland Park man remained in jail Thursday on a $110,000 bond.

Broward Sheriffs Office investigators were alerted to Kenyon-Jones stash by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Its unclear when deputies received word, but the organization told them a person had been transmitting child porn on social media.

That investigation led detectives to Kenyon-Jones as the suspect, who was living in North Florida when the tip came in but has since moved to South Florida.

On Wednesday, a BSO SWAT team served a search warrant at Kenyon-Jones home. There they found a laptop in his room with more than 100 images of child porn depicting kids from ages 6 to 12.
Three years ago this week, millions of people across Oregon and the world were united in outrage at a group of vandals caught on camera knocking down a famous rock formation on the Oregon Coast.

Known as The Duckbill and The Pedestal, the sandstone hoodoo skyrocketed to fame on Instagram but had been a major attraction as far back as the 1930s and 1940s at Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City.

Long before the Internet or social media, pictures of that rock were used by tourism companies to show people how beautiful the Oregon Coast was, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department spokesman Chris Havel said.

But the rock was also located in one of the deadliest spots in Oregon.

At least 18 people died on the unstable cliffs of Cape Kiwanda between 1960 and 2016. And despite a fence, signs and even a park ranger, people continued to flood into the dangerous area, often to visit the rock, until the day it was knocked down.

Which makes the anniversary of the Duckbills toppling an awkward occasion. Since it was knocked down, there have been zero deaths, fewer rescues and not as many people traveling into the dangerous area, officials said.

But to praise those who destroyed a centuries-old rock formation is also unthinkable.

Nobody should ever change the landscape preserved at a park  we dont see any silver lining in their actions, Havel said of the vandals, who were never caught. That said, now that its gone, there is less temptation to hop the fence and go into a dangerous area to get that picture you saw online. Thats just an honest reality.

Heartbreak, again and again, at Cape Kiwanda

Twice each year, Kari Owens returns to Cape Kiwanda to visit her daughter, Megan.

Its almost 300 miles from her home in Marysville, Wash. to Pacific City, but Owens makes the trip each February and August to commemorate specific dates.

The August trip is for Megans birthday.

The February trip is for the anniversary she died at 17 years old.

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We have a grave site at home for daily things, Kari Owens says. But I go to Cape Kiwanda because thats where she is  they never found her body. Thats where I feel at peace.

The death of Megan Owens, and a few weeks later David Lopez of Woodburn, marked a heart-wrenching milestone at Cape Kiwanda.

Seven people died in two years after falling or being trapped on the parks unstable sandstone cliffs between 2014 and 16. Almost all were teenagers.

Among the dead was 17-year-old Slick Rick Nelson of Sprague High School. A popular football player, hed left a bonfire on the beach, climbed up the cape with friends and passed through the fence. On a cliff edge, Nelson fell backward, dropping hundreds of feet onto the rocks below.

At a candlelight vigil in June 2015, Nelsons little sister knelt before a cross, pleading for her brother to come back.

You're supposed to take care of me, she screamed. I'm your baby sister. I didn't get to say goodbye.

But heartbreak at Cape Kiwanda is nothing new. After Julie Lethin-Keysers son and his girlfriend died at Cape Kiwanda, she took a deep look at the parks history.

She was stunned by what she found.

This was such a dangerous place from the beginning, Lethin-Keyser said. They should have done more.

Visitors stand out on a rock to take in views of Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area. Where they are standing is not illegal, but it is beyond a barrier fence that rangers would prefer visitors to the park not cross.

Cape was almost a nuclear power plant

There are two main reasons Cape Kiwanda became a state park: it was a death trap during the 1960 and 70s; and Oregonians didnt want it turned into a nuclear power plant.

Some backstory:

Cape Kiwanda was previously owned by a McMinnville banker named Barney McPhillips, but people frequently trespassed onto the cape.

By the 1960s, there were major problems. Eleven people died at the cape from 1960 to 72, according to newspaper archives.

The sandstone cliffs at Cape Kiwanda are gradually being eroded, piece by piece, by ocean waves. It leads to cliffs giving way, and waves snatching visitors and pulling them into the ocean.

It was such a dangerous place McPhillips could have been sued for owning an attractive nuisance  a doctrine that says a landowner may be held liable for injuries to children trespassing on the land, if the injury is caused by something likely to attract them.

Views of Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, a state park in Pacific City, Oregon. The 185-acre site was acquired by purchase and by a gift from B. A. McPhillips in 1973 and is a popular destination for locals and tourists. Seven people have died falling into the ocean and onto the rocks since 2009 prompting park officials to put up fencing around the area while preserving great views from established viewpoints.

He was ready to sell. But Oregon State Parks was not excited about taking it on because it was such a dangerous place that had already been the site of numerous tragedies, said John Lilly, who worked on the issue in the 1970s.

And so, one idea considered was using the land for  a nuclear power plant.

Believe it or not, it's true, Lilly said. In those days, Pacific City at the Cape wasn't much more than sand, beach grass and shore pine  not much development.

Obviously, many folks were stunned at the idea of the Cape being despoiled by a nuke.

Pressure mounted to make the cape a park, and by 1973 it became Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area.

One of Lillys tasks was designing a system that would limit the danger. He helped design the first fence and signs at the Cape that attempted to keep people back from the most dangerous places.

Overall, it worked well; fatal accidents decreased. But the unstable geology of the Cape made upkeep of the fence difficult.

Drifting sand would cover it up and knock it down, he said.

Eventually, the fence was moved back, specifically to block access to a beautiful but deadly sandstone feature known as The Punchbowl. But the moved-back fence made it feel as though visitors were being kept from the best views, and over the years the fence was ignored more often, officials said.

Even so, Pacific City was a sleepy town. It wasnt on the radar of most Oregonians.

The perfect storm targets Duckbill

By most accounts, the perfect storm on Oregons public lands began around 2013.

Fueled by the states population boom and focused by the rise of social media, massive numbers began flooding to Oregons most beautiful places at unpredicted numbers.

From Smith Rock to Opal Creek, Jefferson Park to Silver Falls, Blue Pool to Oneonta Gorge to the Grove of the Titans, the same pattern emerged: places with the most dramatic scenery were slammed by record-breaking waves of people.

If the location made for a great picture on Instagram or Facebook, it was quickly overrun.

And it didnt take long for social media to discover the Duckbill Rock. A natural rock pedestal above the sweep of ocean, the rock was an ideal place to pose for a picture. It was the perfect spot for the growing engagement photos in nature industry that grew from Instagram.

The fence still blocked access to the Duckbill, but by that time it was widely ignored by every demographic, from parents with young children to thrill-seeking teenagers who took pictures literally hanging from the capes cliffs. The beach and cape also developed a reputation as a party spot that included a beer tree  where people, often drunk, attempted to place a beer on a tree hanging over the cliffs.

Across most of Oregon, when a place was overrun it resulted in the familiar loved to death lament. But at Cape Kiwanda people actually began dying. Five people died in eight months. Numerous rescue operations were required, sometimes costing $106,000 per incident when the U.S. Coast Guard was called in.

Why were children dying?

In the aftermath of the deaths, a number of theories were floated over what was happening.

The main one: teenagers take risks. The average age of the people dying was 19, a group most likely to ignore signs of danger.

I dont know if you could ever do enough, because young adults are going to be young adults  theyre dangerous and take risks, Kari Owens said. You can do more to keep people out, but if they want to be dangerous, theyre going to do it. I dont know what type of fence you could build to keep them out.

Views of Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, a state park in Pacific City, Oregon. The 185-acre site was acquired by purchase and by a gift from B. A. McPhillips in 1973 and is a popular destination for locals and tourists. Seven people have died falling into the ocean and onto the rocks since 2009 prompting park officials to put up fencing around the area while preserving great views from established viewpoints.

Lethin-Keyser, who lost her son Sean Yamaguchi, 22, and his girlfriend, Elise Dickey, 18, saw something different.

That fence was rotten and didnt stop anybody, and nobody paid attention to those brown informative signs, she said. On the other hand, there was an ant-trail of 200 people going past the fence every day, people drinking and partying and camping out there.

They just let it happen at this place with a history of being incredibly dangerous. And then they turn around and blame the kids.

Lethin-Keyser said officials didnt take enough action, even after the deaths. She said she had to bring up a lawsuit just to get officials to cut down the beer tree.

Even after Oregon State Parks added a ranger to patrol the fence, some commercial photographers still ignored warnings because their clients had paid money and traveled a long distance to get that perfect shot of them kissing atop the Duckbill Rock.

Death of the Duckbill Rock

The story that brought Cape Kiwanda to a national audience was a group of around eight people who decided to knock down the Duckbill Rock on Aug. 29, 2016.

David Kalas told KATU News he was helping a friend film parts of the coast with his drone when they noticed a group pushing the pedestal down. He started recording just as they managed to knock it down.

"I asked them, you know, why they knocked the rock down, and the reply I got was: their buddy broke their leg earlier because of that rock," Kalas told KATU. "They basically told me that it was a safety hazard, and that they did the world or Oregon a favor."

Kalas says once they toppled the rock, they stood on the crumbled sandstone, snapped a few pictures and left.

"They were just standing on top of the rubble of the rock, laughing, smiling, giggling," he told the news station. "I just want them to learn a lesson you know, because if they do this here they will probably do it elsewhere."

The story went viral.

Headlines appeared in CNN, NPR and the New York Times about the incident.

Punks Who Destroyed Oregon's Most Romantic Coast Rock Asked to Give Themselves Up, wrote Willamette Week.

18-Million-year-old rock formation in Oregon destroyed by vandals, wrote The Vintage News.

Police investigation fizzles

One thing everybody seemed to agree upon, in the wake of the Duckbills death, was that the vandals would be brought to justice. They were, after all, caught on camera.

But the investigation by Oregon State Police didnt lead anywhere. After six months, police said theyd exhausted all their information.

Documents from the investigation, obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, include two interviews.

In one, a person whod posted on social media that they knew who knocked over the rock, told police the post was pure sarcasm to one of his friends and that he does not know who the suspects are, even though he posted that he knew them, according to a police report.

Based on my interview, I believed (the person) was being honest, the police report said.

A second interview went much the same way.

There were a handful of names and notes  and perhaps more from the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office  but apparently not enough to go on.

(The detective) exhausted quite a bit of leads and interviewed people who had reported knowing who the video was from and no solid information was obtained, Lt. Cari Boyd told KOIN 6 News.

Parks rerouting fence, planning viewing platform

Even as the number of people visiting Cape Kiwanda continues to rise, safety has improved at the park, according to multiple interviews.

No deaths, and fewer rescue operations, said James Oeder, division chief for Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District.

It has improved drastically," Oeder said. The changes that Oregon Parks made in having rangers out there made a big difference.

Each of the last three summers, two rangers have patrolled the fence, warning people who cross the fence about the areas danger.

It would be exceedingly complex to make it illegal to travel beyond the fence, parks spokesman Havel said, due to public access laws on Oregon beaches.

We prefer to inform people of the dangers and leave it up to them to make a good choice, Havel said. If we tried to close every place that might be dangerous, wed have a very different parks system, and Im not sure its one Oregonians would enjoy.

Next, officials are planning a re-route of the fence that allows people to get better views. That should be completed in the next year. The next phase of the project would include adding a viewing platform to a place that offers the best views, within the area currently fenced off.

So did the death of Duckbill make Cape Kiwanda safer?

Nobody interviewed for this story said knocking the Duckbill Rock over was a good thing.

And yet.

I dont condone it, but I do think it keeps people from being enticed by it and theres no photographers taking people out there, Lethin-Keyser said. Id also like to know more about the people who knocked it down. Maybe they were the family of someone who died there.

Havel, with state parks, added: Were never happy about vandalism  full stop. But its honest to acknowledge that maybe, in some way, it did keep someone from jumping a fence and getting in trouble.

Ultimately, the problems are not solved. Cape Kiwanda is more popular than ever. People still ignore the fence. And people are still posting photos from the dangerous area on Instagram.

A fatal accident could happen again. But Havel said he thought there had been a shift.

For a few years it felt like people were treating the area as a playground, Havel said. You get the sense that maybe thats changed. That maybe people realize, 'Hey, getting that picture isnt worth dying for.'

Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter, photographer and videographer in Oregon for 11 years. To support his work, subscribe to the Statesman Journal. Urness is the author of Best Hikes with Kids: Oregon and Hiking Southern Oregon. He can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6801. Find him on Twitter at @ZachsORoutdoors.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Did vandalism of famed Duckbill Rock make Cape Kiwanda a safer place?
NEPTUNE - Aaron Carpenter was treated for gunshot wounds to his leg at Jersey Shore University Medical Center one day last fall, but before he was released and sent home, a counselor walked up to his bed and told him there was help available to make sure he wouldn't return with another injury from violence.

Carpenter was tired of living in a constant state of survival. He long had goals of becoming a motivational speaker. When the hospital's counselor offered him a lifeline, he took it.

"They helped me heal, not physically but emotionally," said Carpenter, 38, of Long Branch.

Carpenter is one of 400 Monmouth County residents who have participated in Project HEAL, a program launched in 2020 by Jersey Shore University Medical Center in a bid to break a pattern of violence that can repeatedly land victims of violent injuries in trauma centers.

Aaron Carpenter, a Long Branch resident, has participated in Project HEAL at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, since he was the victim of gunshots in 2022.

Demanding justice, healing: Asbury Park community seeks an end to gun violence

To do so, the hospital no longer simply treats and releases victims of violent offenses. It follows up with them offering connections to job training, housing, transportation and, perhaps most pressing, mental health services.

The program at the Neptune hospital is one of a growing number of hospital-based violence intervention programs in New Jersey in a sign that the state is beginning to treat gun violence not only as a crime and safety issue, but also a public health problem.

Public health advocates say it makes sense since hospitals are uniquely positioned to reach victims of violent crimes.

"They represent an opportunity where you have someone who has been a victim of gun violence, and maybe in the past has been a perpetrator of gun violence, and you have them in that moment, separate from that context," said Michael Anestis, executive director of the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center at Rutgers University. "You have an opportunity to connect them with resources, outside of the chaos of the moment, and before they re-integrate into that chaos."

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Want better school mental health? Ocean County students find it hugging adorable dogs

Rising gun violence in New Jersey

It is a chaos Carpenter was thrown into last September, when he said he was hit three times in a drive-by shooting while sitting outside his home.

While New Jersey has among the lowest rates of gun violence nationwide, both fatal and non-fatal gun violence incidents climbed in 2020 and 2021, according to federal and state statistics.

Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune has seen the impact of violence up close. Between January 2016 and August 2019, the hospitals clinical teams treated 408 violent injuries: 107 by fist, 176 by knife, 84 by gun, and 41 by other means, its internal data showed.

Many of those cases were in its backyard of Asbury Park, Neptune and Long Branch, whose low-income neighborhoods have seen a disproportionate number of incidents that often result in visits to the hospital's regional trauma center. The three municipalities reported 12 murders and 744 aggravated assaults in the past three years, the hospital said, citing state statistics.

Violence at the Jersey Shore: Battle between factions of the Bloods street gang in Long Branch revealed in affidavit

Researchers have found violence can lead to more violence, landing victims in hospital trauma units more than once. To try to break the cycle, Jersey Shore was one of nine New Jersey hospitals that received a total of $20 million from Gov. Phil Murphy's administration in 2020 to start violence intervention programs.

Dr. Aakash Shah, who has overseen the project to help reduce gun violence incidents by intervening with gunshot victims who are treated in the emergency room, stands outside of the emergency department at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, NJ Monday February 27, 2023. Since the program began two years ago, it has helped more than 400 people.

The Neptune hospital created Project HEAL, short for Help, Empower and Lead, with a team of 10, led by Dr. Aakash Shah, chief of addiction medicine in the department of psychiatry and behavioral health at the hospital. He is joined by a nurse, case managers and social workers, all working together to address obstacles that previously were left untended.

For example, they can find temporary shelter for a client who didn't feel safe returning home. They can provide transportation to give clients rides to appointments. They can connect clients with job training, schools or food banks. And they can provide mental health counseling.

The program has treated more than 400 patients. And Hackensack Meridian Health, the Edison-based parent company of Jersey Shore University Medical Center, announced last week it received $3 million in state and federal grants to continue the program.

From crack house to courthouse: Monmouth prosecutor's remarkable journey to new job

"We recognize that you can't improve health care without addressing behavioral health," said Robert C. Garrett, chief executive officer of Hackensack Meridian.

"And when we look deep down, we saw violence as a major public health crisis," he said. "And we understood that health systems like Hackensack Meridian really need to be part of the solution. So it's really about saving lives and expanding access to care."

Violence is 'a public health issue'

The program holds promise. A study of San Francisco General Hospital's violence intervention program from 2005 to 2015 found the reinjury rate decreased from 8.4% to 4.9%, University of California researchers found.

Dr. Aakash Shah, who has overseen the project to help reduce gun violence incidents by intervening with gunshot victims who are treated in the emergency room, stands outside of the emergency department at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, NJ Monday February 27, 2023. Since the program began two years ago, it has helped more than 400 people.

When your child is the bully: A NJ psychologist says watch for these warning signs

Jersey Shore University Medical Center has yet to see the results, but Project HEAL providers said the response from patients exceeded their expectations, particularly the demand for mental health care.

"It's a public health issue, and I think it's important that we look at violence that way," said Lisa McDermott, clinical program manager for Project HEAL. "Because then I think there are more tangible ways that we can intervene. And then decrease and hopefully end the cycle of violence. It impacts too many people for us not to look at it that way."

In the wake of the shooting, Carpenter said his injuries healed nicely, but he was stressed out and feeling low. So he started going to regular sessions to talk to a counselor, who helped him devise a plan to pursue his goal of becoming a motivational speaker.

"I'm trying to better myself," Carpenter said. "I don't want to be in the streets anymore. I want to do better things with my life."

Michael L. Diamond is a business reporter who has been writing about the New Jersey economy and health care industry for more than 20 years. He can be reached at mdiamond@gannettnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Jersey Shore University Medical Center aims to stop cycle of violence
Digital evidence maintained by the Dallas police for at least 13 upcoming homicide trials was deleted recently in the process of a normal retention cycle by police, according to a statement from the Dallas County District Attorneys Office.

District Attorney John Creuzot said in the statement that the evidence includes at least one police body-camera video. None of the evidence discovered to have been lost was for cases that have already been adjudicated, according to the statement.

Defense counsel in each of the cases affected have been notified, according to Creuzots statement.

The district attorneys office was notified on Feb. 21 that the issue was discovered and on Feb. 25 that of the homicide cases set for trial and already reviewed by police, 13 had lost evidence. Creuzot did not say how the lost evidence could affect his offices ability to prosecute the homicide cases.

The DAs office did not say which cases were impacted.

Police have also been asked to review all homicide cases filed with the district attorneys office after ongoing concerns with untagged digital evidence, according to the statement.

Creuzot said the deletion of evidence will put a tremendous strain on all our resources and distract from Dallas County cases outside of the city of Dallas.

But, working with the Dallas police, we are going to do our best to get this resolved, Creuzot said.

None of the lost evidence has been from cases that were already complete, but Creuzot said that if any of those cases turn out to have lost evidence, his office will communicate on a case-by-case basis with the attorneys of those defendants.
Photo: The Canadian Press Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell tripped and fell Wednesday at a hotel and was hospitalized, a spokesman for the senator said.

McConnell, 81, was attending a private dinner at a local hotel when he tripped. He was admitted to a hospital for treatment, spokesman Doug Andres said.

In 2019, the GOP leader, a survivor of childhood polio, tripped and fell at his home in Kentucky, suffering a shoulder fracture. At the time, he underwent surgery to repair the fracture in his shoulder. The Senate had just started a summer recess and he worked from home for some weeks as he recovered.

The taciturn McConnell is often reluctant to discuss his private life. But at the start of the COVID-19 crisis he opened up about his early childhood experience fighting polio. He described how his mother insisted that he stay off his feet as a toddler and worked with him through a determined physical therapy regime. He has acknowledged some difficulty in adulthood climbing stairs.

First elected in 1984, McConnell in January became the longest-serving Senate leader when the new Congress convened, breaking the previous record of 16 years.

The Senate, where the average age is 65, has been without several members recently due to illness.

The office of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., 90, said she was hospitalized last week to be treated for shingles.

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., 53, who suffered a stroke during his campaign last year, was expected to remain out for some weeks as he received care for clinical depression.
A woman who collapsed in a supermarket after being told by doctors that her symptoms were caused by stress has been diagnosed with stage four cancer.

Mollie Mulheron, 24, had recently returned from travelling in the Galapagos Islands where she began experiencing symptoms, but was assured by doctors she was simply too stressed.

Despite Mulheron experiencing such difficulty with breathing that she almost drowned while snorkelling, doctors insisted her the issues were in her head.

However, after returning to the UK she collapsed in public and was rushed to hospital  where doctors diagnosed her with a 15cm tumour spanning her heart and lungs.

Now, Mollie has been given a diagnosis of stage four non-Hodgkins lymphoma. She says she still cant comprehend whats happened.

Mollie said: That was the worst news of my life, I cant even explain how it felt now.

I just cried and screamed and screamed  it was out of nowhere, I knew something was wrong but I didnt think it was that wrong.

Im waiting to hear how much its spread. It doesnt mean Im going to die tomorrow but it means treatment needs to start now.

Theyve given me an injection to try and preserve my fertility so kids arent out the question. Its put me in early menopause, its the worst part for me as I always wanted to be a mum.

Mollie, from Skipton, Leeds, had travelled to the Galapagos Islands to pursue her dream of travelling.

(Mollie Mulheron / SWNS)

While there, she worked as an English teacher and enjoyed exploring the tropical islands.

However, she began to experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing and swallowing. Typical signs of non-Hodgkins lymphoma may include swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits or groin, abdominal pain or swelling, chest pain, coughing or trouble breathing, persistent fatigue, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss.

She was told there werent enough students for her to teach, so she booked a flight home for 4 February  but within 48 hours of touching down in the UK, she collapsed and began throwing up in a supermarket.

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An ambulance was called and Mollie was rushed to hospital where she underwent blood tests, and X-ray and CT scans.

(Mollie Mulheron / SWNS)

She was given the devastating diagnosis and told the tumour had been affecting her heart.

Doctors prescribed steroids to stop the tumour from growing. Due to the advanced stage, Mollie swiftly began chemotherapy.

Ive been fit and healthy my whole life, Ive always been completely fine  I dont know what has caused this, Im healthy and young, three weeks ago I was in Galapagos living my best life, said Mollie.

(Mollie Mulheron / SWNS)

I still cant comprehend it now - [when I was told] I was screaming to my mum about my future plans, how I wanted to be a mum and get married, all I could do was stare at the wall and cry and scream.

The doctors immediately put me on steroids to stop the growth of the tumour while they tried to figure out what was going on.

They couldnt start treatment until they knew exactly what it was so I was waiting for the biopsy to come back.

When I finally got the results, it wasnt what we hoped for  its non-Hodgkins lymphoma which is rare and aggressive.

(Mollie Mulheron / SWNS)

The doctors seem hopeful they can treat it and say the success rate for the type of cancer I have is good and it looks hopeful.

The only sad thing is that its stage four which means its on both sides of my chest and has spread to other parts of my body.

I started chemo and had a bad reaction to the first treatment, but the doctors said it was because they started it too fast, and after that it was okay, I just had a few side effects like headaches.

The doctors say there are a lot of treatments they can try because Im young, fit and healthy.
A dog whose whole family died

Pictures of the dog, lying on debris and blankets from the destroyed house, have been circulating on social media.

 

Russia conducted another mass drone and missile attack on Ukraine in the early hours of March 9. Explosions were heard in many regions, including Kyiv.

Read also: Russia attacks Kyiv with Shahed drones and range of cruise missiles, including Kinzhal

Eighty-one missiles and eight Shahed drones were launched over the course of the attack, with almost half being shot down.

The missiles included six X-47 Kinzhal Dagger air-launched aero-ballistic hypersonic missiles, which Ukrainian air defense is unable to intercept. It is believed that Russia has only 50 such missiles, making the use of so many in a single attack remarkable.

Read also: Russia uses zoo of missiles against Ukraine in latest attack, says air force

I dont remember that so many Daggers being released during this war in one blow, Ukraines Hromadske reports an Air Force spokesperson as saying.

Energy infrastructure facilities were damaged in Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa, Zhytomyr, and Ivano-Frankivsk oblasts, as well as the city of Kyiv.

Eleven missiles were launched on Kharkiv alone.

One Russian missile hit a residential neighbourhood in Lviv Oblast, destroying two homes and killing at least five people, who were likely sleeping at the time of the attack.

Read also: President Zelenskyy, Foreign Minister Kuleba react to Russia's latest massive missile attack on Ukraine

A fire broke out at the site of impact, which has been extinguished. Rescuers continue to remove the debris. In total, three houses, three cars, a garage, and several utility buildings were destroyed.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
A New England man is under arrest for his participation in a plot to commit murder in New York, authorities allege.

Hyunkook Korsiak, 41, of Augusta, Maine, is charged with one count of murder for hire and one count of possession of a firearm. Korsiak also has a 2017 federal felony conviction for theft from a licensed firearms dealer, according to officials.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) says from January until March 8, an undercover FBI agent agreed to pay Korsiak $50,000 in a scheme to murder a fictitious businessman in Manhattan. The Bureau of Prions intercepted a message from Korsiak in January where he expressed interest in wanting to kill a person for money. Since then, undercover agents met with the defendant on multiple occasions in New York and Boston, according to authorities.

During once such meeting, the DOJ says Korsiak described how he was going to kill the fictitious man, including what weapons he planned on using (an AR-15 rifle and a 9MM pistol). The defendant allegedly asked agents to provide him with silencers for his guns and a latex mask to avoid detection. Similarly, he allegedly told FBI agents he planned on wearing a police uniform to evade capture.

According to law enforcement officials, on March 8, Korsiak drove from Maine to Tarrytown, New York, where he intended to make his final preparations to carry out the homicide. Upon arrival, FBI agents arrested him and took him into custody without incident. He had 4 high powered guns on him, a bulletproof vest, hundreds of rounds of ammo, a latex mask and latex gloves.

Thanks to the work of our remarkable law enforcement partners, Korsiak now stands charged in federal court for his alleged role in this terrible crime, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said.

A murder for hire charge carries a maximum potential sentence of 10 years in prison. A firearm felony conviction carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
Dominion Voting Systems and Fox offered dueling views of defamation law in their latest filings, as each side seeks a summary judgment ruling that could forestall a planned trial in April.

The case has generated huge attention in recent weeks, as Dominions filings have revealed a trove of text messages, emails and deposition transcripts showing that Fox figures disbelieved Donald Trumps election fraud claims, yet did not stop network personalities and guests from amplifying allegations that votes were rigged to ensure that Joe Biden would win the election.

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The filings from Dominion (read it here) and Fox News and Fox Corp. (read them here and here) give a glimpse of how they will argue their motions for summary judgment before Delaware Superior Court later this month. Judge Eric M. Davis has scheduled oral arguments for March 21. If he turns down both summary judgment motions, a jury trial is scheduled to start in April.

In its brief, Foxs legal team argued that so long as the press makes clear that the allegations are just allegations, it is free to offer its opinion that the allegations are credible and merit investigation (as some Fox News hosts and other networks did), just as it is free to offer its opinion that the allegations are implausible (as other Fox News hosts and other networks did).

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Dominion does not even try to argue that a reasonable viewer would fail to understand that the vast majority of the statements it challenges were mere allegations made by the President and his lawyers, not proven facts about Dominion, Fox News lawyers wrote. Nor could it.

In its legal filings and press statements, Fox News has defended its coverage by arguing that it was undoubtedly newsworthy: a sitting presidents allegations of election fraud. In its latest brief, its attorneys contended that if the press was duty-bound to suppress the true fact that the sitting President of the United States was accusing Dominion and others of massive election fraud. If that were the law, then not only did virtually every news outlet in the nation defame Dominion repeatedly in the wake.

RELATED: Fox News Cites Newly Discovered Maria Bartiromo Emails In Defense Of Dominion Lawsuit; Judge Indicates Jurors Wont Be Selected Based On Who They Voted For In 2020

For their part, Dominions attorneys claimed that Fox was trying to create a radical new rule of complete immunity for knowingly publishing false newsworthy allegations, and leave in place the careful balance struck since New York Times v. Sullivan between the protection of free speech and the protection of hard-earned reputations.

Media companies may always report the truth, including reporting on false allegations while explaining that the allegations are false, and Dominion did not sure the many media companies that did just that in 2020, Dominions legal team wrote.

A publisher who knows the truth can still publish the allegations, but must tell his audience the truth can still publish the allegations, but must tell its audience the truth  that the allegations are false  or face defamation liability. That is not Dominion rewriting First Amendment law; its the bedrock of decades of First Amendment precedent. [The italics were included for emphasis by Dominions lawyers].

Dominions attorneys also argued that they have firmly established that Fox knew the statements were false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth, the threshold that plaintiffs have to prove to win a defamation judgment in a case like this. The wealth of real-time information demonstrates why every person acted with actual malice, the attorneys wrote, noting that 19 of 20 broadcasts cited in their complaint occurred after it sent out a Setting the Record Straight email, informing Fox News personnel of the falsity of the election rigging claims.

RELATED: Democratic Leaders Seize On Rupert Murdoch Deposition In Dominion Lawsuit, Call On Fox News To Stop Spreading Election Denialism

Some shows stopped airing the allegations because they knew they would have to tell the truth,' Dominions attorneys argued. Host Laura Ingraham, they wrote, admitted at her deposition that by November 12, she made the decision not to air the false allegations of Dominion.

Dominion also argued that statements from top executives like Rupert Murdoch, who called the election fraud claims really crazy stuff and testified that he never believed that Dominion rigged the vote, are relevant to proving actual malice.

Courts have found that where an editor or an executive responsible for a publication knows it is false or seriously doubts its truth, that editor or executivess actual malice suffices for liability, the companys attorneys wrote.

Fox News, though, claimed that Dominion must bring home actual malice to the people who are actually responsible for the challenged statements.

According to Dominion, a media organization acts with the requisite actual malice so long as anyone in the chain of commandfrom line-level producers to the CEO to the highest executives at the publications parent companydid not believe something someone on one of the organizations shows said, even if that person played no role in drafting, editing, or publishing that statement or even knew that it existed, the Fox attorneys wrote. Thus, in Dominions view, Fox News acted with actual malice if Lachlan Murdoch did not believe something he never knew Sidney Powell said on Lou Dobbs show.

Dominions legal team wrote that there is evidence of instances where each Fox host and producer also acted with actual malice. As an example, they claimed that Dobbs, in deposition testimony, admitted that by November 13 [2020] he had never seen any verifiable, tangible support for the claims against Dominion.

The company also pointed to testimony from David Clark, a Fox News executive who had responsibility over Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo and Justice with Judge Jeanine. They pointed to a portion of his deposition when he was asked, By November 6, sir, did you know that there were false conspiracy theories circulating generally, correct? I am going to say yes, he answered. Yet Clark allowed Bartiromos show to air the next day, Dominions attorneys wrote. By November 14, Clark had received Dominions emails so many times he joked they were tatooed on his body.

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Lawyer Jenna Ellis, right, listens to Melissa Carone, who was working for Dominion Voting Services, as she speaks in front of the Michigan House Oversight Committee in Lansing, Mich., on December 2, 2020. Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images

Trump lawyer Jenna Ellis admitted that she misrepresented evidence while pushing election fraud lies.

Ellis conceded to misrepresenting the facts 10 times in interviews with Fox News and other outlets.

She was publicly censured in Colorado disciplinary proceedings, but will still be able to practice law.

One of Donald Trump's former lawyers, Jenna Ellis, admitted to misrepresenting evidence 10 times while trying to overturn the 2020 election  but she'll still be able to practice law.

Ellis admitted in a Colorado disciplinary proceeding to getting the facts wrong about the results of the 2020 election.

The disciplinary judge, Bryon Large, wrote in his six-page order that Ellis made "these misrepresentations on Twitter and on various television programs, including Fox Business, MSNBC, Fox News, and Newsmax."

These were the claims Ellis admitted to misrepresenting:

That former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton "has not conceded the 2016 election."

That Trump's legal team had witness affidavits, fraudulent ballots, and "al kinds of statistics that show that this was a coordinated effort in all of these states to transfer votes either from Trump to Biden, to manipulate the ballots, to count them in secret..."

That "the election was stolen from President Trump and we can prove that."

Trump's legal team "will present testimonial and other evidence IN COURT to show how this election was STOLEN!"

"The election was stolen and Trump won by a landslide."

That there was "widespread fraud" in the 2020 election and at least six battleground states "were corrupted, if not more through their voting systems."

That there were more than 500,000 illegal votes cast in Arizona.

Large wrote that while Ellis showed a "pattern of misconduct" and a "selfish motive" when spreading the misinformation, she had no prior record of discipline for bad behavior, reducing her punishment.

Ellis was publicly censured, but the action will not have any effect on her ability to practice law.

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She also agreed to pay $224 in fees related to the disciplinary action.

In a statement after the judge's opinion, Colorado's Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel said it wasn't pursuing any other charges against Ellis.

"The public censure in this matter reinforces that even if engaged in political speech, there is a line attorneys cannot cross, particularly when they are speaking in a representative capacity," the office wrote.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The situation with power supply is the worst in Zhytomyr, Kharkiv, and Odesa oblasts.

Minister of Energy Herman Halushchenko reported damage to energy facilities in Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zhytomyr oblasts caused by the latest Russian mass missile and drone attack in the early hours of March 9.

The situation with power supply is the worst in Zhytomyr, Kharkiv, and Odesa oblasts.

Kharkiv City Council reported that crucial infrastructure took 11 hits. The entire city was left without electricity, heating, and water supplies. Bus lines were introduced instead of metro and electrical transport. Water will be delivered by trucks in all city districts, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terehov reported.

Read also: Zaporizhzhya NPP de-energized, only 10 days to restore power to safety systems

Some 150,000 people in Zhytomyr were left without power due to a Shahed drone attack in the region, local news outlet First Zhytomyrskyi reported. Emergency outages have been introduced in the city.

The Russian attack damaged Odesas electrical grid and caused power outages. Some trains were delayed. The citys electrical transport has no yet resumed operations.

The city of Kyiv and the surrounding oblast have stable power supply, although some districts of the capital are without electricity due to damage to the electrical grid. Repair work is ongoing, DTEK reported.

Were trying to redistribute the load on our networks, but it will take time. Thank you for your understanding and patience!" the operator wrote.

The power company asked consumers to beware of possible voltage fluctuations and to not leave complicated electrical devices connected to sockets. They recommend waiting 15-30 minutes after power is restored before using appliances, so as to allow the system to stabilize.

No other power supply problems are reported in other regions of Ukraine.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
By Philip Blenkinsop

STOCKHOLM/AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - The Netherlands' Trade Minister said a Chinese protest over the Dutch decision to impose restrictions on computer chip technology exports was "understandable", but on Thursday said she expected diplomatic relations would remain good.

Liesje Schreinemacher was speaking in Stockholm after the Netherlands said on Wednesday it would follow the U.S. in imposing stricter export rules. China's Foreign Ministry on Thursday said it opposed that decision.

"I saw the response. I think it's understandable. The Chinese have a big interest in this," Schreinemacher said.

The Hague's new rules are expected to keep ASML Holding NV, Europe's largest technology firm, from exporting more of its top machines to China, following a previous round of restrictions in place since 2019.

The Dutch move puts the Netherlands in alignment with U.S. goals of undermining China's ability to make its own cutting edge chips and slowing its military advances.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the Dutch rules would "limit normal economic and trade exchanges between Chinese and Dutch companies".

Schreinemacher said China remains a top trading partner for both the Netherlands and Europe, with Europeans buying Chinese solar panels and China buying equipment including ASML machines, not all of which will be subject to restrictions.

"So I believe that this mutual dependence works to both our advantages," she said.

Asked whether Dutch restrictions, which are expected to be in place by this summer, will actually be more lax than comparable U.S. restrictions imposed on its own companies last year, she avoided the comparison.

"The Biden administration did their thing on Oct. 7 and we are doing what we are doing based on our own assessments."

(Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop; Writing by Toby Sterling; Editing by Alex Richardson and Josie Kao)
Update 5:15 p.m. Thursday: East Lansing police said they have identified a suspect in connection with the social media threat discovered on Wednesday. The investigation was ongoing, and the evidence will be forwarded to prosecutors when it's finished, officials said. No other details were released.

Original story:

EAST LANSING  East Lansing Public Schools were closed and City Hall was locked down Wednesday after officials became aware of a social media threat about violence in the city.

In a late-afternoon update, East Lansing police said they determined there is no direct threat to the community and were making progress in their investigation. Extra security measures at City Hall had been lifted, they said.

"An IP address has been traced in connection to the threatening posts and ELPD is actively conducting a search at the IP location, including interviewing individuals to gather more information on the individual or individual who made the threatening posts," police said in a news release.

School officials closed all district buildings and notified police after learning threatening posts were made on social media shortly after midnight. The posts included an image of a firearm and potential threats of active violence, police said.

In notices to parents on Wednesday, school officials announced that all district buildings would be closed while the threats were being investigated. There was no direct threat to any specific building, but the Snapchat posts contained messages about East Lansing and guns, with a caption saying, "everyone dying at east lansing tomorrow," officials noted.

School officials said they were notified of the threat about 6 a.m. by someone in Texas.

The City of East Lansing said in a Facebook post Wednesday morning that the doors to City Hall had been secured and would be under guard by officers. Early Monday afternoon, East Lansing police said they were investigating a potential threat to the city with a possible connection to the police department.

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"At this time, it is believed that all necessary actions have been taken to ensure public safety," police said in a news release. "No further actions by the community are required. A shelter in place order for the community at large has not been issued and is not expected to be issued."

The school district has been dealing with violence and threats.

Superintendent Dori Leyko and Assistant Superintendent Glenn Mitcham have proposed a plan that includes immediate and proposed safety enhancements, from limiting entrances to the high school to two doors and hiring security officers, to possible cellphone and backpack bans and installing metal detectors.

East Lansing High School students, teachers support safety plans to address school violence

Lansing State Journal reporters Mark Johnson and Ken Palmer contributed to this story. Contact Mike Ellis at mellis@lsj.com

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: East Lansing schools closed Wednesday for threat
Photo: The Canadian Press A Ukrainian tank towards fires towards Russian positions at the frontline near Bakhmut, Ukraine, Wednesday, March 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Russia unleashed a massive missile barrage on cities across Ukraine early Thursday, targeting energy infrastructure facilities in the first attack on such a scale in three weeks. Ukrainian officials said residential buildings were hit but didn't immediately say if there were casualties.

Air raid sirens wailed for hours across Ukraine, including the capital, Kyiv, where residents were jolted out of bed by explosions. It was not immediately clear how many missiles had struck targets in Kyiv, or whether the sounds were missiles being intercepted by defense systems, which were activated in multiple regions of the country.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said explosions were reported in the citys Holosiivskyi district and emergency services were heading there.

In eastern Ukraine, 15 missiles struck Kharkiv and the outlying northeastern region, hitting residential buildings, according to Kharkiv Gov. Oleh Syniehubov. He promised to reveal more details about the scale of the damage or any casualties in Ukraines second-largest city.

Objects of critical infrastructure is again in the crosshairs of the occupants, he said in a Telegram post.

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported on Telegram that there were problems with electricity in some parts of the city.

The governor of the southern Odesa region, Maksym Marchenko, also reported strikes on Odesa, saying that energy facilities and residential buildings were hit.

The second wave is expected right now, so I ask the residents of the region to stay in shelters! Marchenko wrote on Telegram a little over two hours ago.

Ukrainian Railways reported power outages in certain areas. Five trains were delayed by more than one hour, and 10 trains were delayed by more than 30 minutes.

Preventive emergency power cuts were applied in Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk and Odesa regions, supplier DTEK said. Klitschko says 15% of the capitals energy consumers were without power due to the emergency power cuts.

More explosions were reported in the northern city of Chernihiv and the western Lviv region, as well as in the cities of Dnipro, Lutsk and Rivne. Ukrainian media also report explosions in the western regions of Ivano-Frankivsk and Ternopil.

Russia has been hitting Ukraine with these massive missile attacks since last October. Initially, the barrages targeting the countrys energy infrastructure took place weekly, plunging the entire cities into darkness, but became more spread out in time, with commentators speculating that Moscow may be saving up ammunition.

The last massive barrage took place on Feb. 16.
FRANKFURT (Reuters) - The European Central Bank plans to test the cyber resilience of the euro zone's top banks after a sharp rise in cyberattacks, including after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, ECB supervisory chief Andrea Enria told a Lithuanian newspaper.

"Next year we are launching a thematic stress test on cyber resilience, which will try to test how banks are able to respond to and recover from a successful cyberattack," Enria told Verslo zinios.

The ECB has long been warning banks to be alert for cyberattacks from Russia after the European Union passed a long series of sanctions against Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.

"There has been a significant increase in cyberattacks," Enria said. "We cannot apportion this to any specific source, but it is a fact that the number of these attacks has increased since the war started."

Enria said that part of the problem is that banks are outsourcing some of their critical IT infrastructure to outside providers or other entities in their group.

But banks can be cut off from counterparties quickly, including through sanctions, leaving them vulnerable.

Results of the test are due around the middle of 2024, Enria said.

(Reporting by Balazs Koranyi; Editing by Toby Chopra)
By Aidan Lewis and Sarah El Safty

CAIRO (Reuters) - Egypt, one of the world's largest wheat importers, has given notice it will withdraw at the end of June from a decades-old U.N. grains treaty, causing consternation among some other signatories to the convention.

Egypt's departure from the multinational Grains Trade Convention (GTC), which promotes market transparency to further trade cooperation, follows a period of turmoil in grains markets linked to the war in Ukraine and concerns about global food security.

Egypt signed the GTC, the only international treaty covering trade in grains, at its inception in 1995, and has been a member of the council that governs it since 1949. In February it submitted a request to withdraw with effect from June 30, 2023.

"This came without prior information. Several delegations within the IGC are surprised and sad about the decision," Arnaud Petit, executive director of the International Grains Council, which administers the treaty, told Reuters.

Several members would ask Egypt to reconsider its decision, he added.

Egypt's foreign ministry told Reuters in a statement that the decision was made after an assessment by the ministries of supply and trade concluded Egypt's membership in the council delivered "no added value".

Other signatories to the GTC include major grain importers and exporters such as the United States and the European Union.

Two sources familiar with the matter, who asked to remain anonymous, told Reuters that Egypt owed the IGC membership fees. The foreign ministry did not respond to a question about fees.

Traders told Reuters they did not expect an impact on the grains market, but one diplomatic source said that symbolically, Egypt's departure from a multinational organisation could be seen as concerning.

The war in Ukraine disrupted Egypt's wheat purchases last year and the government held talks with countries including India as it tried to diversify from Black Sea supplies.

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Despite those efforts, Egypt relied on competitive Russian imports to boost its reserves through traditional tenders, some funded by the World Bank, as well as non-traditional direct offers.

The economic impact of the war also exacerbated a foreign currency shortage in Egypt, leading to a slowdown in imports, a backlog of goods in ports, and a $3 billion financial support package from the IMF.

In January, Egypt's government instructed ministries to curb non-essential spending until the end of the fiscal year.

(Reporting by Sarah El Safty and Aidan Lewis; Additional reporting by Nigel Hunt and Nafisa El Tahir; editing by Barbara Lewis)
NEWARK  A 32-year-old Elizabeth man has been convicted of a multi-state armed robbery spree that included liquor stores in Union and Middlesex counties.

Vincent Chan-Guillen was found guilty of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to use and carry a firearm during a Hobbs Act robbery, three counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, three counts of brandishing a firearm during a Hobbs Act robbery, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Chan-Guillen was convicted Wednesday following a one-week trial before U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler in federal court.

According to court documents, from August to November 2018 Chan-Guillen committed nine armed robberies  five in New York and four in New Jersey  during which he brandished a firearm and pointed it at store employees and customers.

Also see:Brother of slain Linden High School grad acquitted of 2019 Rahway murder

Liquor stores in Elizabeth, Woodbridge, Bloomfield and Linden were victimized, Sellinger said.

Chan-Guillen faces a potential of 20 years on each count of Hobbs Act robbery and attempted Hobbs Act robbery; a penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum of seven years in prison on each count of brandishing a firearm during a Hobbs Act robbery, each of which must run consecutively to any other prison term. Each count also carries a potential $250,000 fine.

Email: alewis@njpressmedia.com

Alexander Lewis is an award-winning reporter and photojournalist whose work spans many topics. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Sign up today for a digital subscription.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: NJ man found guilty in liquor store armed robbery spree
Emma Raducanu is struggling with the recurrence of a wrist problem (PA) (PA Archive)

Emma Raducanus participation at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells is in doubt after she revealed the wrist problem she was troubled by last season has returned.

The British No 1 is scheduled to play Danka Kovinic on Thursday evening in her first match since losing to Coco Gauff in the second round of the Australian Open.

But concerns were raised when Raducanu pulled out of an exhibition event earlier this week and she gave a worrying update ahead of the match, with wrist injuries notoriously difficult to overcome.

The 20-year-old missed the end of last season with the problem and was off court for two months.

The same issue that I had last year has started to flare back up, Raducanu told BBC Sport.

Ive definitely been managing my load. Its something that has just come back, so Im trying to be as cautious as possible. Im going to do everything I can to be there. I think we always play through pain and its just a matter of how much can you take.

Raducanu had hoped a strong block of physical work in pre-season would help her avoid the repeated problems that prevented her gaining any momentum last year.

But already in 2023 she has been forced to retire from her first tournament in Auckland after twisting her ankle before pulling out of last weeks event in Texas because of a bout of tonsillitis.

It affected me bad for the short term so I havent prepared much, she said of the illness. Ive probably never felt so sick in my life.

When it rains, it pours. This and the infection, its obviously a challenge. My preparation hasnt been ideal. I played on the weekend and then I rested it  its how you manage things when you arent prepared.

Raducanu practised in Indian Wells on Wednesday with strapping on both wrists.

Andy Murray and Jack Draper, who also has not played since the Australian Open, are due to play their first-round matches on Thursday evening.
The extent of the employers' responsibility to ensure a safe work environment for remote employees can vary across provinces.

Remote work can have its perks, but when someone is injured in their home during the workday, providing proof to get compensation can be more challenging than if the injury happened on company premises.

There are several issues when we're talking about injuries that occur while people are outside the workplace," says Brittany Taylor, a partner at Rudner Law. "The first thing, obviously from a health and safety perspective for the employer, is how do they control a space that they have no access to versus a traditional in-person setting,

The second is did the injury actually happen in the course of employment because that's what you need to prove in order to be eligible for benefits, Taylor explained in a phone interview with Yahoo Finance Canada.

Remote workplace injuries were front and centre in Dec. 2021 when an Air Canada employee in Quebec was injured when she fell down the stairs of her home minutes after logging off for her lunch break. The provincial tribunal ruled the injury was indeed work related and that she was entitled to compensation.

The decision captured the attention of companies and employment lawyers because, to the extent of Taylors knowledge, it was the first ruling on compensation in a remote work setting and could influence future rulings about remote work injuries.

When you read the decision, it does feel like they're doing everything they can to make sure that this employee is entitled to benefits just because of the circumstances. I think it would have been different if this was 7pm at night, she's not working and she slipped on a toy, Taylor says.

The home as an extension of the office

Most provincial workplace safety boards recognize that working from home is an extension of the workplace and that the same general rules apply. However, there can be some variation in the specific frameworks including the extent of the employers responsibilities to ensure a safe work environment at home.

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People have the same rights and responsibilities in the event of a workplace injury or illness, whether they are working from home, offsite or in their regular workplace. This applies to both employees and employers, says Rachel dePass, a spokesperson for the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) in Ontario, in a statement.

But WSIB recognizes not all injuries during regular work hours are work-related.

If an injury is clearly not work-related  for example, someone getting hurt while taking out the garbage or doing laundry  a report does not need to be submitted, dePass says.

The most important thing is for employees to be truthful and provide as much detail as possible about what occurredBrittany Taylor, partner at Rudner Law

Most provincial workplace safety boards dont currently track work from home injuries. Though, WSIB says its data show remote work hasnt had a significant impact on the types of claims most commonly reported.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Workers Compensation Board in Alberta said, anecdotally, it has fielded more questions from employers over the past few years about remote work coverage and is planning to update its policy framework to add more clarity about remote work.

Whether or not an employer should revamp existing policies depends on how long the organization has had remote work policies, and how much control it wants to have over home offices, Taylor says.

She says shes worked with some employers that required photos or videos of home workstations to be submitted for approval.

Update to workplace policies not always needed

If your policy doesn't contemplate remote work at all its worth updating your health and safety policy to make it clear to employees what your expectations are," she says. "So the onus does shift to the employee to take steps to make sure they're safe."

The end goal is ultimately the same for all involved, which is fewer injuries and less time lost to injury recovery.

For employees who are injured while at home, Taylor advises them to tell their employer immediately and that, ideally, there would already be a policy framework in place. Each party can then submit claims to the workplace safety board, if needed, within a certain timeframe.

Typically, it's up to provincial safety boards, not the employer, to determine if the employee is entitled to compensation.

The most important thing is for employees to be truthful and provide as much detail as possible about what occurred, Taylor says.

If there is other evidence that might be helpful beyond the employee's own statement, such as photographs of the scene, I would suggest that the employee collect it.

Michelle Zadikian is a senior reporter at Yahoo Finance Canada. Follow her on Twitter @m_zadikian.

Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android.
Rep. Ayanna Pressley in Washington D.C. in February.

Its been a century since the Equal Rights Amendment was first introduced in Congress and over 50 years since it passed. The bill then floundered for years, ultimately blowing past its seven-year deadline to be ratified in at least 38 state legislatures. But theres new potentialand heightened necessityfor the ERA in a post-Roe v. Wade nation.



The proposed amendment isnt just symbolic. We need to use every tool at our disposal to protect and expand abortion accessone tool is the ERA, Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), co-author of a new resolution to affirm the ratification of the ERA, told Jezebel. Pressley emphasized its about outcomes, meaning if passed, it could give two other bills shes co-authoredone to codify the federal right to abortion (the Womens Health Protection Act) and one to allow federal funding for abortion (the EACH Act)a stronger chance at passing.

Read more

The ERA faces an uncertain path forward and an array of legal barriers. While its ratification is a big if, to Pressleys point, theres some precedent for the amendments powers to advance reproductive rights: In 1998, advocates in New Mexico successfully sued for the state to offer public funding for abortion, citing the states ratification of the ERA. An appeals court ruled in their favor, stating that the abortion funding ban does not apply the same standard of medical necessity to both men and women. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is currently considering a similar case on Medicaid coverage of abortion, also weighing the states ratification of the ERA. Last summer, a Utah judge temporarily blocked the states abortion ban from taking effect to hear arguments from Planned Parenthood, which argues that the ban violates Utahs ratified ERA.

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The New Mexico rulingand Pressleys resolutionoffer rare hope as abortion bans across the country subject women and pregnant people to distinctly gendered agony and medical discrimination. As one Texas woman put it this week, recounting her near-death experience as a result of her states ban: Where else in medicine do we wait and see how sick a patient becomes before acting?

Where the ERA stands

Photo: Jose Luis Magana (AP)

The ERA failed to pass in enough state legislatures following aggressive, 1960s fearmongering from conservative women that equality would harm women. Decades later, amid the emergence of MeToo, the amendment gained renewed traction through celebrity activism. But even when Virginia became the 38th state to ratify the ERA in 2020, nothing happenedthe states had missed the ratification deadline specified in the original ERA bill by nearly 50 years.

Just last week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for D.C. determined the deadline is legally binding, and the ERAs recent ratification in Virginia, as well as Nevada and Illinois, is invalid. Nevertheless, advocates claim the ERA should be adopted as the 28th Amendment, citing how other amendments werent held to a seven-year deadlinethe 27th Amendment was added to the Constitution in 1992, 200 years after being introduced.

Kate Kelly, a human rights lawyer and author of Ordinary Equality, told Jezebel that as far as [shes] concerned, the ERA is the 28th amendment.

Despite the recent court ruling, the resolutions advocates in Congressincluding Pressleyargue if Congress had the power to set an arbitrary deadline for the ERA in 1972, it has the power and moral obligation, today, to change that deadline.

Could the ERA save abortion rights?

The ERA is, in many ways, shrouded in ambiguitynot just around its future, but what it would or wouldnt achieve for reproductive rights. Pressley acknowledges it wouldnt replace the now-defunct Supreme Court decision in Roe. But her resolution faces an uphill battle this Congressional cycle precisely because Republicans fear its impact on abortion laws.

Pressley and colleagues introduced a joint resolution to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment in January.

Theres a Republican majority in the House, and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) explained his partys opposition during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing for Pressleys resolution earlier this month. Graham claimed the ERA would end every pro-life measure in this countryessentially, an admission that abortion bans are an affront to gender equality. Pressleys response to Graham is simple: Im fighting for all the women in Lindsey Grahams life, who Im sure have experienced discrimination or injustice at some point, she told Jezebel.



Even if the resolution is successful and holds up in court, it wouldnt be a guaranteed win for reproductive rights. But, Kelly argues, it could offer grounds for a new, stronger legal argument against abortion bans in court. Weve seen those cases on abortion rights citing privacy laws in the Constitution, but not equality, because gender equality hasnt yet been recognized as part of our Constitution, Kelly explained. She notes the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg criticized Roe for its basis in privacy rather than equality.

Its long past time women are guaranteed full and equal rights under the law.



We need the #EqualRightsAmendment now. pic.twitter.com/dDyH3usn8v  Ayanna Pressley (@AyannaPressley) March 7, 2023

Kelly says the ERA could also provide a way for Congress to greenlight federal protections for reproductive services, even federal funding for abortion and related costs. Congress is very limited in the types of provisions it can passthey have to come in under specific areas of the Constitution. A gender equality provision in our Constitution could open a lot of doors, she said.

The reversal of Roe, Pressley says, was a reminder that gains arent guarantees, and our rights necessitate proactive protection. (That protection needs to extend past Roes limitations, too.)

Pressley currently occupies the Congressional office once held by the late Rep. Shirley Chisholm of New York, the first Black woman elected to Congress, who gave an impassioned speech in 1970 advocating for the ERAs passage. Carrying on Chisholms legacy in fighting for the ERA gives Pressley a tremendous sense of responsibility.

Part of me is lamenting the fact that the fights remain the same, she said. My daughters eighth-grade graduation was the same day the Dobbs decision came out. I told her when we fight we win, and Im not going to be a liar to my kid.

Theres no clear line in the sand as to what federal ratification of the ERA would achieve from a legal standpoint. But it could certainly create new possibilitiesfor women, pregnant people, and queer and trans people whose rights are under siege.

More from Jezebel

Sign up for Jezebel's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Millcreek Township resident Jeannie Ventura is familiar with the routine.

Like everyone else who enters the Erie County Courthouse, she has to place her mobile phone into a lockable pouch provided by one of the county sheriff's deputies at the front entrance. She then carries that locked pouch for the duration of her stay in the courthouse and only gets it unlocked as she leaves the building.

The policy, which took effect in 2017 and which President Judge Joe Walsh ordered to be enforced during regular court hours or whenever court was in session, aims to prevent visitors from photographing or recording court business and potentially putting courtroom participants at risk.

2017 phone policy: Erie County Courthouse cellphone policy goes into effect

But Ventura doesn't frequent courtrooms when she visits the courthouse. She goes to Erie County Council meetings, which are open to the public and where not having access to a phone is not just an inconvenience but a potential violation of the Sunshine Act.

The Erie County Courthouse in Erie is shown on March 5, 2020. [GREG WOHLFORD/ERIE TIMES-NEWS]

According to Melissa Melewsky, media law counsel for the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association, members of the public who want to use their phones as a recording device should be permitted to take them into a public meeting regardless of the phone policy at the courthouse.

Section 711 of the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act states that a person attending a meeting of an agency "shall have the right to use recording devices to record all the proceedings."

Council holds closed-door session:Erie County Council holds closed-door budget session, raising Sunshine Act concerns

"The Sunshine Act guarantees the public's right to record any or all parts of a public meeting, and a policy that interferes with that right is likely legally infirm," Melewsky told the Erie Times-News. "Continuing to prohibit the public from bringing the most commonly-used recording devices into public meetings creates risk of Sunshine Act liability, and that should be addressed by the agency as soon as possible."

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Melewsky said it was good that council livestreams and records its regular meetings and posts them on YouTube, but added broadcasting a meeting shouldn't "destroy the individual rights" enumerated under the Sunshine Act.

"Each person possesses an individual statutory right to record any or all of the meeting," she said. "Also, not everyone has the ability to watch or record a livestream meeting."

Council will unlock pouches  but only for a 'decent reason'

While Walsh's administrative order on electronic devices in the courthouse provides exceptions to certain individuals, such as government and court officials and members of the news media, nothing is stated about members of the general public who attend council meetings.

Erie County Sheriff Chris Campanelli, who oversees security at the courthouse, said deputies at the front entrance will not differentiate between visitors who are going to court or going to council meetings as far as locking up phones, considering court participants can still be seen and photographed in the hallways of the building.

But Campanelli added that council does have the ability to unlock pouches for attendees.

A Yondr lockable pouch is provided to visitors of the Erie County Courthouse to lock up cellphones.

"If someone needed their phone for something during a council meeting, council has the ability to unlock their phones," he said. "The council staff has an unlocking device available to them."

Council meeting violated law:Solicitor warned County Council that closed-door session was violating Sunshine Law

Council Chairman Brian Shank confirmed to the Times-News that council will unlock pouches and grant access to phones, but only for a "decent reason," such as when an individual needs their phone to read their notes for the public comment period, or for a family- or emergency-related reason.

Other than that, Shank said he sides with the courthouse rules and ensures phones are immediately locked once an individual is done with it.

"We're not the cellphone police," he said. "I don't want to hear games going off. I don't want those distractions in the meeting."

Mobile phone ban could discourage public engagement

While the Sunshine Act does allow an agency to adopt rules and regulations necessary for the conduct of its meetings and the maintenance of order, Melewsky said limiting cellphone use to only certain, "acceptable" reasons was going a bit too far.

"Its unreasonable to limit a ubiquitous device that many people use for work, family, research and other necessary tasks," she said. "Moreover, the cellphone ban could discourage public attendance and participation at public meetings, which would conflict with the law."

Crowd locked out of courthouse:Erie County sheriff says crowded meeting, lack of security led to locked courthouse doors

Ventura, for example, said council agreed to unlock her phone pouch at Tuesday's regular meeting due to a family-related reason. However, she said, it would be preferable to have access to her phone to simply stay better engaged with government.

"I'd like access to my cellphone because I'd like to read about something council is discussing, or something that was discussed before, like a law or an ordinance," she said. "One of the reasons why I started going to these meetings was to become more familiar with what was going on in council. If I don't have access to the Internet and that information at the meeting, I'm left ignorant until I get home."

Erie resident Freda Tepfer, who also regularly attends council meetings, agreed, insisting she'd like to have her phone to research topics discussed or to "verify something that I've heard."

"I'm an information person  and if I hear something, I want to check it out," she said.

Melewsky said this wouldn't be an issue if public meetings were held outside the courthouse, where there would be no question that phones are permitted to be used as recording and communication devices.

"But if the agency chooses to use the courthouse as the location for their public meetings, they need to ensure that courthouse policy is applied consistent with state law," she said.

A.J. Rao can be reached at arao@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @ETNRao.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie County Council PA policy on cellphones could violate Sunshine Act
Key Insights

Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, CDW Holding fair value estimate is S$0.26

With S$0.23 share price, CDW Holding appears to be trading close to its estimated fair value

CDW Holding's peers seem to be trading at a higher discount to fair value based onthe industry average of 13%

Today we will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of CDW Holding Limited (SGX:BXE) by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. We will use the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model on this occasion. Models like these may appear beyond the comprehension of a lay person, but they're fairly easy to follow.

We would caution that there are many ways of valuing a company and, like the DCF, each technique has advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model.

Check out our latest analysis for CDW Holding

The Calculation

We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. To begin with, we have to get estimates of the next ten years of cash flows. Seeing as no analyst estimates of free cash flow are available to us, we have extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the company's last reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars:

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10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF ($, Millions) US$4.26m US$4.45m US$4.62m US$4.77m US$4.90m US$5.03m US$5.14m US$5.26m US$5.37m US$5.48m Growth Rate Estimate Source Est @ 5.64% Est @ 4.53% Est @ 3.75% Est @ 3.20% Est @ 2.82% Est @ 2.55% Est @ 2.37% Est @ 2.24% Est @ 2.14% Est @ 2.08% Present Value ($, Millions) Discounted @ 13% US$3.8 US$3.5 US$3.2 US$3.0 US$2.7 US$2.5 US$2.2 US$2.0 US$1.9 US$1.7

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = US$27m

The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 1.9%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 13%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032  (1 + g)  (r  g) = US$5.5m (1 + 1.9%)  (13% 1.9%) = US$53m

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= US$53m ( 1 + 13%)10= US$16m

The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is US$43m. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of S$0.2, the company appears about fair value at a 8.5% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out.

dcf

Important Assumptions

Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at CDW Holding as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 13%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.523. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

Looking Ahead:

Whilst important, the DCF calculation ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. For CDW Holding, there are three fundamental items you should explore:

Risks: Every company has them, and we've spotted 4 warning signs for CDW Holding (of which 2 are potentially serious!) you should know about. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! Other Environmentally-Friendly Companies: Concerned about the environment and think consumers will buy eco-friendly products more and more? Browse through our interactive list of companies that are thinking about a greener future to discover some stocks you may not have thought of!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Singaporean stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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The EU may extend temporary protection to Ukrainians until 2025

EU temporary protections for Ukrainians are already in place until March 2024.

Read also: EU to train more than 11,000 Ukrainian soldiers by end of March

The European Commission adopted the Communication on the Temporary Protection Directive on March 4, 2022 to assist Ukrainian people fleeing from Russian aggression.

"Since then, around 4 million people were granted immediate protection in the EU, out of which more than 3 million (received it) in the first half of 2022,, reads the statement.

All those registered had the right to access the labour market, education, healthcare, and accommodation.

Read also: EU launches ad hoc group on use of Russias frozen assets

The Temporary Protection Directive became an important tool to provide people in need of protection in the EU and should remain available for as long as needed, the EU said.

"The European Union is ready to support Ukraine for as long as it takes. Protection has already been extended until March 2024, and can be further extended until 2025," the statement says.

Read also: Eastern Europe ramps up military production

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Photo: The Canadian Press People carry umbrellas while crossing Robson Street as rain falls in Vancouver.

Canada's intelligence service warns that technological innovations adopted by municipalities could be exploited by adversaries such as the Chinese government to harvest sensitive data, target diaspora communities and interfere in elections.

A newly released report by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service urges policy-makers and the technology industry to consider steps that can be taken to address and ease the emerging security threat before "smart city" platforms are widely adopted.

Such systems feature electronically linked devices that gather, analyze, store and transmit information through centralized platforms. In turn, municipalities can use artificial intelligence to efficiently control operations and services, allowing them to change traffic lights at the optimal time, manage energy use or track the location of publicly rented bicycles.

"One of the primary security concerns relating to smart cities is the fact that they necessitate the selection and retention of massive, continuously processed data pools that could be exploited to reveal patterns of individual and societal behaviour," the report says.

"These concerns are heightened by the lack of control and visibility over where this data is stored and who has access."

The CSIS report, prepared in 2021, was only recently released to The Canadian Press in response to an access-to-information request filed in October of that year.

While the integration of technological innovations and data can make processes more efficient, it can also introduce security risks, CSIS warns.

"Smart city devices collect massive amounts of personal data, including biometric data and other information highlighting personal life choices and patterns. Hostile state actors are currently exploring various means of attaining access to future smart city platforms, including through access provided by state-owned or state-linked technology companies."

Canadian municipalities may willingly agree to technological partnerships with foreign companies that allow hostile or undemocratic states access to collect data, CSIS cautions.

Smart city projects in western countries have faced pushback due to privacy concerns, but China has "embraced the concept wholeheartedly," providing the country's technology companies with a competitive edge, the report says. Beijing's artificial intelligence advantage lies in its access to big data, lax privacy requirements and cheap labour to categorize data and build AI algorithms.

China is using such new technologies to support "digital authoritarianism," the use of advanced technology to monitor, repress and manipulate domestic and foreign populations, CSIS says.

Meanwhile, next-generation networks and interconnected technology will likely become deeply embedded in municipal critical infrastructures in the coming decade, raising the possibility of "back door" access, the report says. A key concern is that a single breach could make all devices vulnerable to interference or attack.

"In other words, data collected through a bike sharing app could theoretically heighten access to other connected devices, such as a city's energy grid, water supply, or traffic-light management database," the report says.

"This sort of exposure will have serious financial, social and health and safety implications in Canada. Imagine a scenario where a co-ordinated cyberattack took down safety locks that prevent catastrophic explosions at a petrochemical facility, while simultaneously controlling traffic lights to inhibit the emergency response."

Legal access to data could come through contracts between cities and companies, while illicit access could happen internally through a built-in function of foreign equipment or software, or externally as a result of a cyberattack or data breach, the report says.

The data can subsequently be used to target specific elements of Canadian society, such as Chinese diaspora communities, infrastructure like natural gas plants, water treatment facilities and central government databases, democratic political processes such as elections, or civil society groups to restrict public debate and free expression, it adds.

The use of data-harvesting techniques by countries like China, Iran and Russia to track diaspora populations, namely individuals who are considered opponents, is a genuine concern, said David Murakami Wood, a University of Ottawa professor who specializes in surveillance, security and technology.

"There is no innocent data," he said in an interview.

Murakami Wood cautioned against believing that data is somehow safer if it is kept entirely in Canadian hands. It is common for organizations to seek access to large pools of data for reasons unrelated to why the data was collected in the first place, he said.

"You can be sure if there's a very large-scale national database constructed, for example, that the police will want access to it sooner or later. And they'll come up with an argument for why they should."

While it makes sense to have some municipal services connected to the online world, others such as hospitals might simply be too sensitive to risk having them linked to cyberspace, Murakami Wood said.

"If you really want to have a very smart city, we should actually think about what it is you don't want to connect, first of all."

Taking the necessary steps to address the security threats of smart cities will require informed discussion and consultation at all levels of government, the CSIS report says.

"Different authorities have jurisdiction over various elements of this challenge. Key among these are municipalities who are leading the way in terms of implementation and contractual arrangements with technology vendors."

The report also recommends:

 Co-operating with partners in the Five Eyes intelligence alliance to identify the risks posed by smart city technologies;

 Collection of intelligence and formulation of advice on adversaries' smart city advances and interests to support Canada's position in negotiations on international technology standards and governance; and

 Ensuring Canadian technology and data are not used to support the development of technologies to be employed in ways that are contrary to democratic values.
PRISTINA (Reuters) - The European Union expects former wartime foes Kosovo and Serbia to reach a final deal next week on normalising relations after both endorsed a peace plan, the bloc's envoy said on Thursday.

The nations' leaders are due to meet on March 18 in North Macedonia to discuss implementation of an 11-point EU plan after agreeing last month that its contents needed no further talks.

Kosovo declared independence in 2008, almost a decade after a guerrilla uprising brought an end to repressive Serbian rule.

But Belgrade still regards Kosovo as a breakaway province and flare-ups between Belgrade-backed minority Kosovo Serbs and central government have stoked fears of a return to conflict.

The EU plan does not commit Serbia to acknowledging an independent Kosovo but it would recognise documents such as passports, diplomas and licence plates. Serbia would also not block Kosovo's membership of international bodies.

A tough issue for talks on the implementation annex, where both sides are looking to placate domestic critics, is a proposed association of Serb-majority municipalities in Kosovo.

"We hope that we will be able to get one paper, one document that will be agreed on the 18th," EU envoy Miroslav Lajcak told reporters after meeting Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti.

He was to travel next to Serbia for talks with President Aleksandar Vucic.

(Reporting by Fatos Bytyci; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)
By Philip Blenkinsop

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - The European Union is trying to convince the United States to ease requirements that electric vehicles must be 'Made in the USA' to qualify for tax credits, even as the two sides near a deal on raw materials, a senior EU official said on Thursday.

Washington is providing tax credits of up to $7,500 for consumers buying electric vehicles, but only if final assembly and battery components amounting to at least half of the value are made in North America.

European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis, who oversees EU trade policy, said discussions were continuing on these local content requirements and that the EU wanted to establish how battery components were defined.

"Is it only specific battery components or everything? And indeed that was a subject of discussion with Treasury Secretary Yellen last Thursday. So there the work is ongoing," he told a briefing in Stockholm before a ministerial meeting on trade.

The Treasury Department is due to set guidelines later this month.

"They need to respect the letter of the law, but still there's room for manoeuvre," Dombrovskis said.

A further criteria for the tax credit is that a large share of critical materials comes from a U.S. free trade agreement (FTA) partner, which the European Union is not.

The United States and the European Union are nevertheless working towards a deal to make European minerals eligible for tax credits, a senior EU official said on Friday. The EU would be considered as having "FTA-equivalent" status.

Dombrovskis confirmed this, with an announcement expected to be made on Friday when U.S. President Joe Biden and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen meet.

Dombrovskis said the European Union also wanted to create a critical raw materials "club" that would pool like-minded consuming and producing countries, as a counterbalance to China, which dominates processing of lithium and rare earths.

(Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop; editing by Barbara Lewis)
By Luc Cohen

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Former Goldman Sachs banker Roger Ng was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Thursday, after he was convicted of helping loot billions of dollars from Malaysia's 1MDB sovereign wealth fund.

A jury in federal court in the New York City borough of Brooklyn last April found Ng, Goldman's former head of investment banking in Malaysia, guilty of helping his former boss Tim Leissner embezzle money from the fund, launder the proceeds and bribe government officials to win business.

The charges stem from some $6.5 billion in bonds that Goldman helped 1MDB, which was founded to finance development projects in Malaysia, sell in 2012 and 2013.

U.S. prosecutors said $4.5 billion of that sum was embezzled by officials, bankers and their associates, in one of the biggest scandals in Wall Street history.

Funds were used to buy high-end real estate, jewelry and artwork, and finance the Hollywood film, "The Wolf of Wall Street," according to the Department of Justice.

U.S. District Judge Margo Brodie, who imposed the sentence, said Ng and his co-defendants "effectively stole money" meant for infrastructure and economic development projects to aid the Malaysian people.

"There is a critical need to deter crimes of pure greed like this one," Brodie said.

Ng plans to appeal the sentence, his lawyer Marc Agnifilo told reporters after the hearing. Ng had pleaded not guilty and argued $35 million in kickback payments he was accused of receiving were actually a return on an investment his wife had made.

The 1MDB scandal has rocked Malaysian politics. Former Prime Minister Najib Razak is serving a 12-year prison sentence after being convicted by a Malaysian court of receiving $10 million from a former 1MDB unit. Najib has consistently denied wrongdoing.

Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn had urged Brodie to sentence Ng to 15 years in prison.

In a statement following the sentence, Breon Peace, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said the punishment would show "there is a significant price to pay for corporate corruption."

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Ng requested no prison time and that he be allowed to return to Malaysia, where he spent six months in prison in conditions Agnifilo said nearly killed him and harmed his mental health.

In court on Thursday, Ng told Brodie he wanted to go back to Malaysia to care for his aging mother, and to be with his daughter.

"The last I held her in my arms was five years ago," he said. "She was six then. She turns 11 this June."

Brodie said she takes the impact of sentencing on children seriously, but that Ng's separation from his daughter was "not a unique circumstance."

Leissner had been Goldman's Southeast Asia chief. He pleaded guilty and testified against Ng as part of a cooperation agreement. He has not yet been sentenced.

Jho Low, a Malaysian financier and suspected mastermind of the scheme, was indicted alongside Ng in 2018 but remains at large.

In October 2020, Goldman agreed to pay $2.9 billion and its Malaysian unit pleaded guilty to a corruption charge.

(Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York; Editing by Richard Chang)
(Bloomberg) -- Jenna Ellis, a lawyer who once described herself as part of an elite strike force fighting for Donald Trump, was formally censured by the Colorado Supreme Court after admitting to making 10 misrepresentations about the 2020 election.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Ellis, who is from Colorado, agreed with a disciplinary judge that she repeatedly misrepresented facts on social media and national television, including by claiming the presidential election had been stolen and that Trump won in a landslide, according to an opinion Wednesday approving a stipulation between Ellis and the states top court.

Ellis agreed she had a selfish motive in making the misrepresentations and that she engaged in a pattern of misconduct  two aggravating factors against her in the matter. Her lack of prior discipline was a factor that weighed in her favor. The judge decided against disbarring Ellis.

The public censure stems from complaints filed by two nonprofits, The 65 Project and the States United Democracy Center, which accused her of abusing her law license as part of her effort to overturn President Joe Bidens election and hand the presidency to Trump.

Aaron Scherzer, a lawyer for States United, said Elliss actions were part of a plot that ultimately led to a violent insurrection. Michael Teter, managing director of The 65 Project, said the process had taken too long.

It should not take 366 days to hold accountable a lawyer who, in a few short weeks of constant lies and misrepresentations, placed American democracy in such jeopardy, Teter said in a statement.

Ellis worked closely with former Trump campaign lawyer Sidney Powell and longtime Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani, appearing with them at a Nov. 19, 2020, press conference to spread the false claim that the election was rigged.

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Video: Giuliani Repeats Claims of Wide Spread Voter Fraud in Philadelphia

Michael Melito, a lawyer representing Ellis in the matter, didnt respond to a message seeking comment.

Ellis made several of the misrepresentations on Fox News, including a Dec. 5, 2020, interview with host Jeanine Pirro in which Ellis claimed that over 500,000 votes in Arizona were cast illegally.

Ellis agreed she made a similar misrepresentation during an appearance on Maria Bartiromos Fox Business show when she said, the outcome of this election is actually fraudulent, its wrong, and we understand that when we subtract all the illegal ballots, you can see that President Trump actually won in a landslide.

Read More: Murdoch Testified That Fox Hosts Endorsed Election Lie

Ellis agreed she also misrepresented the facts by claiming in November 2020 that Hillary Clinton still has not conceded the 2016 election.

The judge said that Ellis had not committed any crimes. The standard for her conduct provides that reprimand is generally appropriate when a lawyer knowingly engages in any other conduct that involves dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation and that adversely reflects on the lawyers fitness to practice law.

(Updates with comment from The 65 Project)

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By Sarah N. Lynch and Rachael Levy

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Top animal welfare officials at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) were subpoenaed last year by a federal grand jury seeking to establish why they took no action against animal research breeder Envigo, despite repeatedly documenting the mistreatment of thousands of beagles, according to several people familiar with the matter.

A deputy administrator of the USDAs Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Dr. Elizabeth Goldentyer, and its animal welfare operations director, Dr. Robert Gibbens, were ordered to appear before a grand jury in the Western District of Virginia as part of a criminal investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) into Envigo, the sources said.

Envigo, a major U.S. animal research breeder, shuttered its Cumberland, Virginia facility last year after the Justice Department searched it and seized more than 4,000 beagles in May 2022. The company later settled civil charges alleging it had shown a disregard for the dogs welfare, and agreed to forfeit the beagles.

The Justice Departments decision to subpoena government witnesses who would normally testify voluntarily to help build the governments criminal case was highly unusual, according to a half-dozen legal and animal welfare experts.

The decision to exclude APHIS - the federal regulatory agency responsible for conducting compliance inspections at animal facilities across America - from the May 2022 search of the Envigo facility was also extraordinary, the experts said.

That is not only unheard of, that is orders of magnitude out of normal, said V. Wensley Koch, a retired 30-year veteran of APHIS.

Prosecutors asked Goldentyer and Gibbens, who appeared in November and August, respectively, about their management of the Envigo inspections and why they did not take any action against the company, despite the extensive documented evidence of violations, several of the sources said.

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Reuters was not able to determine how they responded to the questions.

Spokespeople for the USDA and APHIS declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation.

Goldentyer and Gibbens declined to comment through an APHIS spokesperson, but in a previously unreported October letter to U.S. senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine of Virginia, the agency said it had "worked diligently to improve animal welfare at Envigo."

Spokespeople for the Justice Department and the U.S. Attorney's office for the Western District of Virginia declined to comment, as did the USDA inspector general's office.

To piece together a picture of how APHIS operates, Reuters relied on more than 800 pages of internal documents obtained through a public records request by the animal rights group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), public government watchdog reports, inspection records, and interviews with animal welfare experts.

The documents, which have not been previously published, show a sharp divide between top officials and inspectors over how to handle the litany of problems that successive inspections found at the Envigo facility over a period of months.

The inspectors wanted APHIS to take a tougher stance against the company for the mistreatment of the beagles.

It is too early to determine where the subpoenas will lead since the grand jury's primary goal is to determine whether to bring criminal charges against Envigo or its executives for animal welfare violations, obstruction of the USDA, making false statements and defrauding the United States, according to a court filing.

The subpoenas and the nature of the questions show that prosecutors are also investigating possible wrongdoing by APHIS leaders, including Goldentyer and Gibbens, several of the sources said.

The APHIS inspectors who documented dozens of violations at Envigo in 2021 and 2022 were also compelled last year to appear before the grand jury, where they were asked about possible flaws with the inspection process and were ordered to provide all records related to Envigo, according to sources who spoke anonymously because the matter is not public.

The actions by those inspectors are not under scrutiny, one of the sources added.

INTERNAL STRIFE

Between July 2021 and March 2022, inspectors documented more than 60 violations during four visits to Envigo's Cumberland facility, public records show. More than half were deemed "direct or critical" violations. Direct violations indicate an animal is facing immediate harm.

Problems included dangerous flooring, failing to provide veterinary care, unsanitary conditions, euthanizing dogs without anesthesia, under-feeding mothers nursing puppies and failing to document the cause of death for hundreds of puppies.

APHIS policy states that inspectors who find a "direct" violation must return for a follow-up inspection within 14 days.

Yet, this did not happen with any of the agency's inspections of Envigo, public records show.

APHIS leaders and inspectors sometimes disagreed about what details should be included in their reports and how resources should be deployed, emails show.

Lead inspector Rachel Perez-Baum asked APHIS leaders in September 2021 to increase staffing and send four or five inspectors for a planned October inspection due to problems such as "uncooperative facility management and poorly managed and incomplete records.

But Gibbens and other APHIS leaders declined, saying in an email that due to optics" and the risks of COVID-19, the team needed to be limited to three.

Her supervisor, Dana Miller, agreed with Perez-Baum, and made a final plea to send inspectors in pairs, after Envigo's staff attempted to recant their statements by claiming inspectors misunderstood them.

The three inspectors found more "direct" violations in the October inspection, public records show.

Perez-Baum and Miller declined to comment.

Daphna Nachminovitch, a senior vice president at PETA, warned APHIS that month about problems at Envigo following an undercover investigation by the animal rights group. She now says she believes the agency failed to do its job.

APHIS "must be held accountable for its failure to enforce the law," she said.

A spokesperson for biopharmaceutical company Inotiv, which acquired Envigo in November 2021, said the company is fully cooperating with the Justice Department and no longer sells or breeds dogs.

Envigo places the highest priority on the welfare of the animals in our care and looks forward to an appropriate resolution of DOJ's ongoing investigation, the spokesperson said, declining to discuss the probe or prior USDA inspections.

TENSIONS RISE

Tensions between Gibbens and Miller escalated shortly after Envigo appealed some of the findings from the October inspection, emails show.

Miller expressed concerns after learning that Gibbens and other appeal review team members planned to side with Envigo by striking two of four contested citations from the final report.

One removed citation faulted Envigo for interfering with the inspection by providing "false information" and ordered the company not to "interfere with, threaten, abuse ... or harass any APHIS official."

Gibbens told Envigo APHIS would strike the citation because the company ultimately provided the requested information.

Less than a year later, however, federal investigators told a judge they had probable cause to believe the company made false statements and obstructed the USDA in their search warrant application.

Reuters could not determine why APHIS never took action against Envigo, nor referred it to the Justice Department. APHIS has authority to confiscate animals, revoke or suspend licenses, and pursue fines through negotiated settlements or administrative proceedings.

Internal records show APHIS initiated a probe into Envigo in 2021. In early 2022, APHIS leaders discussed entering a civil settlement with Envigo, emails show, but no action was ever taken.

TEAM LEADER REMOVED

Tensions peaked between APHIS leaders and inspectors after a 107-page report from a third inspection in November 2021 was rescinded by APHIS managers, who ordered the inspection team to edit it down to 22 pages.

The move caused consternation among some inspectors and led several employees to file complaints to the USDA's inspector general, sources familiar with the matter said.

One of the complaints, seen by Reuters, alleged the report was cut after lawyers for Envigo contacted Deputy Administrator Goldentyer. Reuters was unable to determine why the report was trimmed.

While the final public report contains the same citations as the 107-page draft, it is missing many of the details to back them up, a comparison of the two documents show.

Among the cuts: graphic details about faulty euthanasia practices and detailed accounts of dog-fighting behavior deemed "extremely abnormal for the breed."

As inspectors prepared for another inspection last March, Miller emailed staff to tell them Goldentyer was removing her from supervising Envigo inspections. Miller said she was disappointed but offered no explanation.

O.M.G, inspector Kelly Maxwell responded in an email, adding that removing Miller was "pretty extreme."

Maxwell declined to comment.

The March 2022 inspection uncovered five violations, two of which were direct.

APHIS did not follow up until May 3, when inspectors cited Envigo for one violation: Failing to fix the dangerous flooring.

Two weeks later, federal agents executed the search warrant where they found 446 dogs in "acute distress" and in need of immediate veterinary treatment.

(Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch and Rachael Levy in Washington, editing by Ross Colvin)
Explosions have rocked Kyiv while an air-raid warning was in force throughout Ukraine; preliminary reports indicate that there is a strike and fires in Kyiv's Vydubychi district.

Source: correspondents and readers of Ukrainska Pravda; Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko

Details: On the morning of 9 March, explosions rocked Kyiv while an air-raid warning was in force.

Preliminary reports indicate that a ballistic missile hit the city.

According to eyewitnesses' accounts, it landed in Vydubychi district.

There is a lot of smoke and fire at the site of the strike, and everything in a close vicinity is black.

The Russians launched ballistic missiles from Kursk Oblast in Russia, targeting Kyiv and the central oblasts of Ukraine.

Update: At 6:25, Klitschko reported "explosions in the Holosiivskyi district of the capital."

"Relevant services are on their way. More details later," the mayor added.

At 07:14, Klitschko reported there was another explosion in the Sviatoshynskyi district of the capital.

He has stated that "all relevant services are on the way to the scene. Cars near a residential building are on fire."

According to him, there are two injured people there. Medics are providing them with assistance on the scene.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
Photo: The Canadian Press Minister of Public Safety Marco Mendicino rises during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. The Trudeau government will table legislation this morning to alter the terrorism provisions of the Criminal Code, which have blocked Canadian humanitarians from working in Afghanistan. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

The Liberal government introduced a bill today to alter terrorism provisions of the Criminal Code that block humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.

Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino is proposing amendments to the Criminal Code that provide a carveout for Canadian aid workers to carry out duties in areas controlled by terrorists without being prosecuted.

Humanitarian groups say Global Affairs Canada has told them for more than a year that purchasing goods or hiring locals in Afghanistan would involve paying taxes to the Taliban, which would mean contributing to a terror group.

Canada's allies moved much more swiftly to alter national laws and issue exemptions after the August 2021 Taliban takeover of Kabul to ensure aid workers could keep working in Afghanistan.

Groups such as World Vision Canada say they've held back on launching donation appeals because of the rules, despite Afghanistan being one of the countries for which Canadians are most likely to pledge money.

The new legislation would allow aid workers to apply for an exemption that lasts five years, in order to help people in crisis "in a geographic area that is controlled by a terrorist group."

The exemptions outlined in the bill introduced Thursday would allow for "providing or supporting the provision of humanitarian assistance" as well as health care, education, "programs to assist individual in earning a livelihood," promoting human rights and helping to resettle people.

These would be granted if "there is no practical way to carry out the activity" without incurring a risk that a terror group will try to seize goods or otherwise benefit, and if "the benefits of carrying out of that activity outweigh that risk." This would be based on a security assessment or measures undertaken to mitigate that risk.

These proposed exemptions would be eligible to Canadians abroad, or people who reside in Canada. The minister could withdraw the exemptions at will, and the drafted legislation bars anyone involved in a terror group, or likely to be, from being grants an exemption.

Under the legislation, the minister would have to issue a report on the use of these exemptions in the previous calendar year before July. His decisions would also be subject to judicial review.

Mendicino was scheduled to hold a news conference at the Ottawa headquarters of the Canadian Red Cross later Thursday.
Actor F. Murray Abraham on Wednesday stunned Late Show host Stephen Colbert with a revelation about the Academy Award statue he won for the 1984 movie Amadeus.

Abraham said the Oscar statue had appeared in every play Ive ever done since being named Best Actor, because it brought me so many goodies.

Here in New York, on Broadway, off-Broadway, at concerts, he always has, Abraham explained. I give him to the stage manager. I say, Listen, hide him on the stage so where the audience cant see him, where the cast can discover him, just for fun.

Colbert was visibly surprised by the admission from the The White Lotus and The Magic Flute star.

Thats a hell of a flex, the late-night host told Abraham. I gotta say, Oh, Im sorry, did put my Oscar in your scene? I didnt realize he was there.

Colbert later noted that his show is filmed on a Broadway stage and asked if the Oscar had accompanied Abraham to his interview.

Abraham feigned innocence before Colbert, assisted by the audience, found the statue hidden by a Captain America shield.

Watch the full interview here:

Related...
The 2023 Oscars are right around the corner, which means that the biggest Hollywood stars are descending on Los Angeles as we speak.

But if the nominees dont go home with the coveted golden statuette, they will at least be getting a very generous gift bag worth US$126,000 as a consolation.

Each year, nominees are gifted extravagant presents, including free trips to foreign countries, all manner of cosmetic treatments, luxury products and more.

In 2022, the goodie bag by Distinctive Assets  which is not associated with the official Oscars gift bag  reportedly included an entire plot of land in Scotland.

According to the Guardian, this years presents also includes a plot of land, this time in Australia. However, the size of the plot and exact location are unknown.

Recipients of the Everybody Wins gift bag will also get a three-night stay for eight people in a restored Italian lighthouse, valued at US$9,000, and a US$40,000 getaway to a Canadian estate called The Lifestyle.

Lash Fary, the founder of Distinctive Assets, told Forbes: Obviously, [the nominees] can afford to go where they want. Its not about the fact that this is free. Its about the fact that weve found a unique place that has built-in privacy for a celebrity.

I mean, its a hillside lighthouse on an island off the coast of Italy. Its very private.

Nominees like Cate Blanchett, Michelle Yeoh, Austin Butler, Brendan Gleeson and more will also walk away from the award ceremony on Sunday 12 March with US$25,000 worth of project management fees for home renovations, courtesy of Maison Construction.

Cosmetic procedures are also a popular inclusion in these lavish gift bags. Nominees can treat themselves to US$41,000 worth of treatments like Dr Thomas Sus Art Lipo arm sculpting, Dr Alan Baumans hair restoration and a facelift by Dr Konstantin Vasyukevich, plastic surgeon to the stars.

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Other luxury wellness products that the bag will contain include NaturGeeks function wellness immunity boost, C60 Purple Power edible massage oil, Blush Silks pillowcases, and Harmless Harvest coconut water.

Fary also told Forbes that this years gift selection highlights diverse brands, with 56 per cent of the companies included being owned by women and minorities.

The bag includes a loaf of Japanese milk bread by Ginza Nishikawa, worth US$18, and a pack of Clif Thins, a 100-calorie snack bar, worth US$13.56.

Fary said in a statement: While this gift bag does, as always, have an impressive value, that is neither our focus nor goal.

This is a straightforward win/win. These nominees are in a unique position to help participating brands immeasurably by simply wearing, using and talking about these products.
U.S. President Joe Biden will propose a budget that would scrap oil and gas industry subsidies, according to a document seen by Reuters, reviving a perennial debate about whether fossil fuel companies should be receiving lucrative tax breaks.

While the proposal has little chance of making it through a divided Congress, it represents a political signal from the White House, which has repeatedly criticized Big Oil for raking in record profits at a time of high consumer energy costs since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Here are some details about U.S. fossil fuel subsidies:

HOW MUCH ARE THEY WORTH?

Calculating the cost of U.S. subsidies for the fossil fuel industry is complex because the incentives stretch across the U.S. tax code, but estimates range from $10 to $50 billion per year.

Taxpayer advocates and environmental groups argue the subsidies are inappropriate at a time when the federal government is trying to shift the economy to cleaner forms of energy to fight climate change.

The oil industry counters that the support is needed to ensure ongoing investment and reliable supply.

WHAT DO THE SUBSIDIES INCLUDE?

U.S. oil and gas subsidies include provisions ranging from incentives for domestic production, write-offs and deductions tied to foreign production and income, and approved accounting methods that can reduce the stated taxable value of assets.

One specific U.S. tax break on domestic production, for example, called intangible drilling costs, allows producers to deduct a majority of their costs from drilling new wells. The Joint Committee on Taxation, a nonpartisan panel of Congress, has estimated that eliminating it could generate $13 billion for the public coffers over 10 years.

Another, the percentage depletion tax break, which allows independent producers to recover development costs of declining oil gas and coal reserves, could generate about $12.9 billion in revenue over 10 years, according to the panel.

WHAT HAS BIDEN SAID?

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Before taking office, Biden promised to get rid of fossil fuel subsidies as part of a multi-pronged effort to fight climate change that also included ending new drilling on public lands.

These promises have been impossible to keep. For one, they require an act of Congress, and Republicans and some Democrats oppose the removal of fossil fuel subsidies. Secondly, soaring energy prices since the Russian invasion of Ukraine have led Biden to call for more oil and gas, not less.

Ending subsidies for oil and gas is not a new idea, but it has always been difficult: former President Barack Obama also wanted to ditch tax breaks for fossil fuels to show the world that the United States was serious about speeding a transition to clean energy to tackle climate change.

But even with a commanding Democratic majority in the Senate in Obama's first six years in office, he was unable to kill the subsidies.

WHAT ARE OTHER COUNTRIES DOING?

For many governments, keeping consumer energy prices affordable is the top priority. That's why numerous countries, ranging from Japan to Brazil, last year imposed or increased subsidies to cushion consumers from skyrocketing prices.

The International Energy Agency estimated that so-called consumption subsidies for fossil fuels doubled in 2022 to $1 trillion globally.

(Reporting by Richard Valdmanis; Editing by Simon Webb and Sonali Paul)
(Reuters) - Russia said on Thursday it had fired hypersonic Kinzhal missiles as part of a massive wave of strikes on Ukraine, in which Kyiv said at least six civilians had been killed.

Here are some key facts on the Kinzhal, which means "dagger" in Russian:

- It is an air-launched ballistic missile that is capable of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads. Ukraine said six of them were fired on Thursday.

- It has a reported range of 1,500 to 2,000 km (930 to 1,240 miles) while carrying a payload of 480 kg. It may reach speeds of up to Mach 10 (12,350 kilometres per hour).

- The Kinzhal is one of six "next generation" weapons unveiled by President Vladimir Putin in a speech in March 2018.

- Putin said in December 2021, two months before the invasion of Ukraine, that Russia was the global leader in hypersonic missiles and, by the time other countries caught up, was likely to have developed technology to counteract these new weapons.

"In our advanced developments, we are definitely the leaders," he said.

- Russia sent fighter jets armed with Kinzhal missiles to Syria for the first time in 2021, military analysts say.

- Russia's defence ministry claimed to have fired a Kinzhal missile at a munitions dump in southwestern Ukraine on March 19, 2022, the first known use of the weapon in combat. It has since fired Kinzhal missiles on several other occasions in Ukraine.

Source: Centre for Strategic and International Studies

(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Alex Richardson)
By Jake Cordell

TBILISI (Reuters) -Ruling lawmakers in the South Caucasus country of Georgia on Thursday scrapped plans to introduce what critics called a Russian-inspired "foreign agents" law after two days of intense street protests in the capital Tbilisi.

Here is a guide to what's going on:

WHAT IS THE PROPOSED 'FOREIGN AGENTS' LAW?

- Individuals, civil society organisations and media outlets that receive 20% of their funding from abroad would have been required to register as an "agent of foreign influence" with the Georgian Justice Ministry.

- Organisations would have to meet what Human Rights Watch described as "onerous reporting requirements and inspections" and would face fines of up to 25,000 Georgian lari ($9,600) for failing to comply, with prison sentences of up to five years for repeated offences.

- Swathes of Georgian civil society, including election monitors, corruption watchdogs and independent media outlets would have been covered by the law.

- Rights groups say the "foreign agent" tag is a designed to make it easier for the government to discredit its opponents.

WHY WAS IT INTRODUCED?

- Government officials said the proposals were necessary to root out "foreign influence" and "spies", and that Georgians have the right to know who funds non-government organisations (NGOs).

- Parliamentary leaders have also said the bills would help unmask critics of the influential Georgian Orthodox Church.

- It says it is modelled on the U.S. 1938 "Foreign Agents Registration Act", which primarily covers lobbyists and organisations directly working for or under the control of foreign governments.

WHAT DID CRITICS SAY?

- Opponents said the legislation was inspired by a 2012 Russian law that has been used extensively to crack down on dissent for the past decade. Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, a former French diplomat who wants to steer the country closer to Europe, said she would veto it - though parliament could have overruled her.

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- Some 400 Georgian NGOs signed a letter saying the bill was "an attack on Georgian values" that would "hinder Georgia's progress towards EU membership".

- Human Rights Watch said it "would have a serious chilling effect on groups and individuals working to protect human rights, democracy, and the rule of law".

- Georgian lawmakers brawled during a hearing on the bill this week, and tens of thousands of people protested, chanting "no to the Russian law".

HOW DID THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY REACT?

- EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the bill went against EU values and Georgia's aim of joining the bloc, and its adoption "may have serious repercussions on our relations."

- The U.S. Helsinki Commission, a U.S. government agency, said the law demonstrated "the present government's increasing embrace of Russia".

- The State Department said Washington was "deeply troubled" by the bill. Washington has rejected comparisons with its own legislation.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF RUSSIA?

- Georgian society is strongly anti-Moscow following years of conflict over the status of two Russian-backed breakaway regions, which flared into war in 2008. The two countries have no formal diplomatic relations.

- Opponents say the ruling Georgian Dream party, however, has close relations with the Kremlin. Its founder Bidzina Ivanishvili is Georgia's richest man, having amassed his fortune in Russia during the chaotic privatisations of the 1990s.

- The Kremlin said on Thursday it had nothing to do with events in Georgia, rejected claims the laws were inspired by Russia, and expressed concern about the unrest.

- "The Kremlin didn't inspire anything there, the Kremlin has absolutely nothing to do with it. ... If I understand it correctly, one version was very similar to an equivalent law in the United States," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

- Tbilisi has not imposed sanctions on Moscow over the war in Ukraine, despite large-scale protests in the country calling for a tougher line against Russia's invasion.

WHAT ABOUT EUROPE?

- Opinion polls routinely show that a majority of Georgians are pro-European.

- Georgia applied for EU "candidate status" last March, alongside Ukraine and Moldova. But Brussels rebuffed Tbilisi's bid, citing concerns over the rule of law and judicial independence, among other factors.

- Critics say the ruling party is merely paying lip service to the idea of EU membership.

- The EU's delegation to Georgia praised the decision to withdraw the bill, calling on the country's political leaders to resume pro-EU reforms.

HAS THE LAW BEEN KILLED?

- On Thursday, the government said it was putting the law's passage through parliament on hold.

- It attacked the "radical opposition" and a "machine of lies that presented the bill in a negative light".

- It said it would launch a public consultation period to "better explain to the public what the bill was for and why it is important".

- On Tuesday, lawmakers had sent the bills to the Venice Commission, a Council of Europe body that advises countries on the impact draft laws have on the functioning of democracy and human rights, and said they would await feedback.

- The opposition has called for a new protest starting at 7 p.m. (1500 GMT) on Thursday, demanding that the government formally denounce the plans and release all those detained during the demonstrations.

(Reporting by Jake Cordell in Tbilisi; Editing by Mark Trevelyan and Alex Richardson)
NATO is failing to fully understand the situation if they believe that the Ukrainian defence of the city of Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast can be breached in the next few days.

Source: Serhii Cherevatyi, spokesperson of the eastern grouping of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, during the national joint 24/7 newscast

Quote: "I have some experience of communicating with experts from NATO headquarters. The latest war in which NATO was indirectly involved was the war in former Yugoslavia, which was significantly smaller-scale in terms of deploying troops etc. They are more used to stabilisation, training or peacekeeping missions.

I think it is hard for them to fully fathom the logic of war here. Their approach to this war is utterly pragmatic, with dry calculations, and sometimes they fail to understand that after a year of war Ukrainians have become much more resilient, have learned to act unconventionally and make powerful tactical decisions. I think others should study this. They are already studying this.

I think such statements should be treated with respect but also with the understanding that they do not fully understand the situation."

Details: Cherevatyi stressed that a vivid example of this was the very beginning of the war, when the international community predicted that Kyiv would fall in a few hours.

He added that in just one day, the Russians had launched 128 attacks on the Bakhmut front, shelling the Bakhmut district 20 times. There were 41 combat engagements, 19 out of them in the Bakhmut district; 127 occupiers were killed and 135 injured.

Background:

Yens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General, stated on 8 March that the Ukrainian defence of Bakhmut could be breached in the next few days, but it will not necessarily become a turning point of the war.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
CHICAGO (AP)  Dozens of law enforcement officers attended a funeral service Thursday for the first Chicago police officer killed in the line of duty in nearly a year and a half.

Andres Vasquez Lasso, 32, was shot in the head, arm and leg during a shootout with a suspect March 1 on the city's southwest side after responding to a domestic violence call.

The city of Chicago lost a guardian, a champion, a hero, but you lost so much more, 8th District Commander Bryan Spreyne told Vasquez Lasso's family during funeral services at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel.

You lost one of your deepest loves, one of your fiercest providers and protectors, and one of your greatest advocates and friends," Spreyne said. "You lost someone irreplaceable in Andres.

Steven Montano, 18, of Chicago, was charged with first-degree murder, two felony firearms charges and misdemeanor counts of assault and interfering with reporting domestic violence. Montano, who was shot twice in the face during the shootout, was ordered held without bond.

Chicago Police Department Superintendent David Brown commended Vasquez Lasso during Thursday's services.

At times like these, we are in despair, Brown said. We dont believe anyone really cares about the sacrifices that are made, or knows the courage it takes to constantly run toward danger.

Spreyne, Vasquez Lassos commanding officer, said he was 18 when he arrived in the United States from Colombia. He learned to speak English and joined the city's police department at 27. He would have celebrated his fifth anniversary next week with the department.

Vasqeuz-Lasso became the first Chicago officer to die in the line of duty since Ella French, 29, was slain in August 2021 during a traffic stop shooting that also wounded her partner.
The FBI is renewing its push as it searches for a Michigan woman who has been missing since December and may have been killed.

Heather Mae Kelley, 35, of Portage, has been missing since Dec. 10, according to the FBI, which is supporting local authorities in the investigation.

PHOTO: A missing person poster provided by the FBI shows pictures of Heather Mae Kelley along with her details. (FBI)

"There is evidence to suggest that she may have been the victim of a homicide," the FBI said in a press release.

Kelley told family she was on her way to pick up an acquaintance from downtown Kalamazoo but has not been seen or heard from since, according to the Department of Justice's National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.

She last spoke to her children around 10:20 p.m. local time that night saying she should be home soon, authorities said.

PHOTO: Heather Mae Kelley has been missing since Dec. 22, 2022. (FBI)

PHOTO: Heather Mae Kelley has been missing since Dec. 22, 2022. (FBI)

MORE: Family mourns Georgia bookstore owner found dead in creek: 'Extremely painful'

Her vehicle was found abandoned in Comstock Township on Dec. 11, authorities said.

"The vehicle was set on fire and evidence of blood was found inside the vehicle," Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller III said in a press briefing last month. Her clothing was found near the vehicle, Fuller said.

MORE: Friend who reported Pennsylvania mother missing arrested for her murder: DA

Authorities had identified an unnamed person of interest who was offering "limited cooperation" in the investigation, the sheriff said at the time.

Fuller said investigators believe at least one person may have helped with the burning of the vehicle and "the possible destruction of other evidence."

No charges have been announced in the case.

Silent Observer is offering up to $5,000 for information that leads to Kelley's location.

FBI continues search for Michigan woman missing since December originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
It's a little disingenuous of Canada's political leaders and their parties to be upset at the signs of interference by the Chines Communist Party (CCP)in our elections, when right in their faces during every election, is a gross violation of Canadians rights to a fair and equitable election.

It has happened so many times now, in all provincial and federal elections. We get a government making decisions with the support of only 40% or less of Canadian, voters thanks to the vagaries of our unfair electoral systemFirst Past the Post. Where is the concern and outrage about this?

Where is the concern and outrage when our own political parties make use of the swing riding situation by making promises in order to get a few more votes, enough to swing the election in their favour?

Where is the concern and outrage when, as happened in B.C. in 2020, the NDP got 28 times more seats than the Greens with only three times the number of votes? It only took the NDP 16,000 votes to win a seat but 142,000 votes for the Greens to win a seat.

It will be very costly and very difficult to tease out the interference by the CCP but it's very easy to change our electoral system to a fair one that gives a percentage of the seats according to the percentage of the votes. (Its called) proportional representation.

Daryl Sturdy, Vancouver
On Thursday, the U.S. government announced that it had seized a website used to sell malware designed to spy on computers and cellphones.

The malware is called NetWire, and for years several cybersecurity companies, and at least one government agency, have written reports detailing how hackers were using the malware. While NetWire was also reportedly advertised on hacking forums, the malware owners marketed it on a website that made it look like it was a legitimate remote administration tool.

NetWire is specifically designed to help businesses complete a variety of tasks connected with maintaining computer infrastructure. It is a single 'command center' where you can keep a list of all your remote computers, monitor their statuses and inventory, and connect to any of them for maintenance purposes, read an archived version of the site.

In the press release announcing the seizure of the website, which was hosted at worldwiredlabs.com, the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Central District of California said that the FBI started an investigation into the site in 2020. The feds allege the site was used to commit international money laundering, fraud and computer crimes.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's Office provided TechCrunch with a copy of the warrant used to seize the website, which details how the FBI determined that NetWire was, in fact, a Remote Access Trojan  or RAT  malware and not a legitimate app to administer remote computers.

The warrant contains an affidavit written by an unnamed FBI Task Force officer, who explains that a member or agent of the FBI Investigative Team purchased a NetWire license, downloaded the malware and gave it to an FBI-LA computer scientist, who analyzed it on October 5, 2020 and January 12, 2021.

Image Credits: NetWire

In order to test the capabilities of the malware the computer scientist used NetWires Builder Tool on a test computer to construct a customized instance of the NetWire RAT, which was installed on a Windows virtual machine controlled by the agent. During this process, the NetWire website never required the FBI to confirm that it owned, operated, or had any property right to the test victim machine that the FBI attacked during its testing (as would be appropriate if the attacks were for a legitimate or authorized purpose).

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In other words, based on this experiment, the FBI concluded that the owners of NetWire never bothered to check that its customers were using it for legitimate purposes on computers they owned or controlled.

Using the virtual machine they set up, the FBI computer scientist then tested all of NetWire's functionalities, including remotely accessing files, viewing and force-closing apps such as Windows Notepad, exfiltrating stored passwords, recording keystrokes, executing commands via prompt or shell and taking screenshots.

The FBI-LA [computer scientist] emphasized that in all the features tested above, the infected computer never displayed a notice or alert that these actions were taking place. This is contrary to legitimate remote access tools where consent from the user is typically required to perform specific action on the user's behalf, the Task Force officer wrote in the affidavit.

The officer also cited a complaint that the FBI received from a U.S.-based victim of NetWire in August 2021, but didnt include the identity of the victim, nor many details of the case, other than saying the victim hired a third-party cybersecurity firm which concluded that the victim company received a malicious email that installed NetWire.

Ciaran McEvoy, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Central District of California, told TechCrunch he was not aware of any other public documents on the case, other than the warrant and attached affidavit, so information about the operation to take down the website used to sell NetWire, including the identity of its owners, is at this point limited.

In the press release, the DOJ wrote that Croatian authorities arrested a local citizen who allegedly ran the website, but did not name the suspect.

Following the announcement, the cybersecurity journalist Brian Krebs wrote an article where he used publicly accessible DNS records, WHOIS website registration data, information provided by a service that indexes data exposed in public database leaks and even a Google+ profile, to link the worldwiredlabs.com website to a person named Mario Zanko.

Do you have more information about NetWire or a hacking case involving this malware? Wed love to hear from you. From a non-work device, you can contact Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai securely on Signal at +1 917 257 1382, or via Wickr, Telegram and Wire @lorenzofb, or email lorenzo@techcrunch.com. You can also contact TechCrunch via SecureDrop.
(Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Thursday all mammography facilities in the country will be required to notify patients about the density of their breast tissues, as that can potentially make detection of tumors more difficult.

Breast density can influence the accuracy of mammography, which relies on X-rays passing through breast tissues to diagnose and locate tumors.

Mammograms remain the best tool for screening and detection of breast cancer, which is the second most common form of cancer among women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The agency recommends patients with dense breasts, a normal and common finding in mammograms, to discuss their individual situation with their respective healthcare providers.

The updated rules will help ensure patients receive information on the potential need for further evaluation or a repeat mammogram, the health regulator said.

"Increasing early detection is the best way to improve outcomes, and this new standard does just that," Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick said in a statement.

(Reporting by Aditya Samal; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli)
A dietary supplement that federal officials said was falsely marketed as a treatment for COVID-19 is being recalled, according to a company announcement published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration this week, years after the producer received similar backlash for a purported Ebola treatment.

The recall of Natural Solutions Foundation's "Dr. Rima Recommends Nano Silver 10ppm" was initiated after the federal government found that the product's labeling and distributors made "unsubstantiated health claims that the product will prevent, treat, or cure COVID-19."

The government determined that consumers using this "nano silver" product, instead seeking proper medical care and treatment, could face serious and/or life-threatening health consequences, the recall notice said.

This isn't the first time that Natural Solutions Foundation and Rima Laibow, the company's medical director, have illegally distributed unapproved drugs, a complaint filed by the federal government in 2020 said.

Natural Solutions Foundations, Laibow and the company's vice president of legal affairs Ralph Fucetola have previously distributed "nano silver" products with claims of curing or preventing other outbreaks  including the Ebola epidemic in the mid-2010s, according to the complaint.

'You cannot hide': Biden administration to go after scammers who stole billions in COVID relief

January: Utah plastic surgeon sold fake COVID vaccination cards, destroyed vaccines, DOJ claims

Feds in 2021: Stop distributing 'nano silver' product

In December 2021, a federal court ordered Natural Solutions Foundation, along with trustees Fucetola and Laibow, to stop the distributing the unapproved and misbranded "nano silver" product.

"Marketing unproven products as treatments for COVID-19 endangers public health and violates the law," Brian M. Boynton, the current Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Departments Civil Division, said in a DOJ release at the time. "The department will work closely with the FDA to stop anyone attempting to take advantage of the pandemic by selling unapproved, misbranded drugs."

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Natural Solutions Foundation's "Dr. Rima Recommends Nano Silver 10ppm."

In a November 2020 complaint, the United States alleged that Natural Solutions Foundation, Fucetola and Laibow violated the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act by distributing the unapproved product, which allegedly contained silver particles in a solution.

Fact check: Yes, colloidal silver can turn your skin blue, medical experts say

Recalls: Stay up to date on all consumer-product recalls with this USA TODAY database

According to the complaint, "nano silver is not generally recognized by qualified experts as safe and effective to prevent, treat or cure COVID-19, and that the defendants claims were not supported by credible scientific evidence or studies," the DOJ wrote.

Natural Solutions Foundation ordered to destroy products, initiate recall

According to the DOJ's December 2021 release, the defendants agreed to settle the lawsuit and be bound by a consent decree of permanent injunction. The order required the defendants to destroy all of the "nano silver" products  and initiate a recall.

This week's recall notice urges distributors to check their inventory to see if they posses the recalled product, immediately stop distribution and notify customers about the recall.

Within 22 days of the company announcement date, identified as March 7 on the FDA's website, unused portions of the product can be sent to Natural Solutions Foundation's Newton, New Jersey, address for a refund. More information can be found here.

"Dr. Rima Recommends Nano Silver 10ppm" was sold from January 2020 to December 2021, according to the recall notice.

USA TODAY reached out to the company's listed recall contact for statement Thursday.

What's everyone talking about? Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day.

Company tried to push Ebola treatment in 2014

Laibow and Natural Solutions Foundation previously came under fire in 2014, when the company was among those that received warnings from the FDA and Federal Trade Commission for selling products that claimed to be treatments, solutions or therapies for Ebola.

Laibow similarly advertised a "nano silver" product  and stood by it following the FDA and FTC's letter.

According to the 2020 complaint filed against Natural Solutions Foundation, at the time of the 2014 warning letter, the defendants stated on their website that nano silver "was known ... as the definitive antiviral agent against Ebola virus."

As of September 2020, the defendants were still making claims about nano silver and Ebola on their website, the complaint said.

2014: FDA cracks down on Ebola scams

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Nano silver' recall: Product misbranded as COVID treatment, per FDA
A Richland father of five was sentenced to 12 years in prison after law enforcement was alerted to his fentanyl ring after he shot a man who slashed his tires.

The case started when Jonathan Scott Ard, now 30, was sitting in his car in a Richland neighborhood smoking a fentanyl-laced pill in December 2020.

Apparently unaware that Ard was in the car, a man came along and slashed the tires.

Ard pulled out a gun and shot the man in the knee. Then he grabbed a bag from the the car and ran into the Armistead Avenue house, where he lived in the basement.

He came back outside, walking past the wounded man on the ground, and grabbed a second bag from his car.

According to court documents, it was a case of mistaken identity and the tire slasher had damaged the wrong car. Neither man knew the other.

Richland police arrived and surrounded the house until Ard surrendered. They could see the partially smoked pill in Ards car, and after obtaining a search warrant found more than 500 fentanyl-laced pills in the car and the basement.

Ard was initially arrested in connection with the shooting and taken to the Benton County, Wash., jail.

Jailhouse fentanyl calls

Much of the evidence that led to federal charges against Ard and his associates was based on Ards recorded telephone calls and video visits from jail, said Stephanie Van Marter, assistant U.S. attorney.

Conversations included instructions from Ard on where to pick up pills containing fentanyl and discussions of buying and selling illicit drugs.

Jonathan Ards phone held several pictures and social media posts he took that idealized a criminal lifestyle, according to a court document. U.S. Court

Evidence was gathered, including on the cell phones of those Ard conspired with, that showed Ard admitting to working with co-defendants later named in the federal case to sell fentanyl-laced pills, methamphetamine and heroin.

After Ard was released from the county jail, a federal arrest warrant was issued.

He was arrested in his car with a loaded firearm and 400 fentanyl-laced pills, heroin and drug paraphernalia. More drugs and a gun were found inside a hotel room that Ard, Jerrod Justin Hale and Jasmine Rae Campbell were using.

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A search of Ards phone turned up more drug-related evidence and pictures and social media posts idealizing a criminal lifestyle.

Van Marter said that prosecutors focused on his fentanyl distribution as fentanyl has become the main cause of overdose deaths across the nation.

Fentanyl also has been the leading cause of deadly overdoses in the Tri-Cities region since 2020.

Ard pleaded guilty in federal court in June 2022 to conspiring to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a gun.

That followed his sentencing in Benton County Superior Court to three years and five months for unlawful possession of a firearm for the Richland shooting. Charges of second-degree assault with a deadly weapon and a deadly weapon special verdict were dismissed.

This week, Van Marter asked that U.S. Judge Edward Shea sentence Ard to 12 years and seven months in prison.

The community is safer the longer he remains in custody, she told the judge during the Wednesday sentencing hearing in the Richland federal courthouse.

Richland mans criminal history

Ards criminal history started at the age of 14, with a violent theft offense and then an assault of a student who Ard thought was bisexual, leaving the student with a fractured cheekbone. A month later he assaulted another student.

That was followed by convictions for domestic violence, DUI/reckless driving, invoking assault, disorderly conduct and malicious mischief.

A January 2019 second-degree robbery charge for a Kennewick home invasion with guns led to a sentence of nearly two years.

Ard continued his criminal conduct both in and out of jail after the 2020 shooting, Van Marter pointed out.

His criminal history paints a picture of a violent offender, the prosecution argued in court documents.

One of Ards co-defendants in the case, Jordan Lemus, has been sentenced to about five years in federal prison.

Two other co-defendants, Hale and Campbell, are awaiting sentencing, with the prosecution recommending a 10-year term for Hale.

But federal prosecutors argued that Ard is most culpable among his co-defendants and deserved a higher sentence.

Shorter prison sentence plea

Ards attorney, Ulvar Klein, of Yakima, argued that much of Ards criminal history consisted of misdemeanor offenses and asked that Ard be given a sentence of 10 years, which would be below federal sentencing guidelines.

Ard has been stuck in a cycle of alcohol and drug abuse since he was young and turned to dealing drugs to support his addiction, Klein said.

A member of the Tri-Cities Metro Drug Task Force holds a bottle of fentanyl pills. Tri-Cities Metro Drug Task Force

Any money he made evaporated as quickly as it came in, Klein said in a court document. Jonathan has barely maintained a ragged existence living in his mothers basement while money came and went.

Ard has been incarcerated since his sentencing related to the Richland shooting and in his two years in jail has recognized the insanity of his prior lifestyle, Klein said in a court document.

Ard told the judge that when he got out of prison after the sentence related to the home invasion he was working two jobs. But then the COVID-19 pandemic hit and he made a lot of terrible choices, he said.

After he finishes serving his federal sentence, he wants to leave the Tri-Cities to get away from bad influences and work to support his five children, he said.

He asked to take substance abuse classes while in prison.

Shea ordered a 12-year sentence to be served concurrently with his Benton County Superior Court sentence, plus five years probation, saying Ards criminal behavior had escalated.

Ard has a history of violence and he distributed vast amounts of fentanyl, continuing his involvement in drug dealing while in jail, the judge said.

His crime was serious and had an extraordinary impact on the community, Shea said.

We can only hope that prison time will be a deterrent this time, Shea said.
A fifth friend has revealed she had a lucky escape from the deadly Matamoros kidnapping after she was stopped at the US-Mexico border because she didnt have a photo ID.

Cheryl Orange was part of the group of American childhood friends who drove from South Carolina to the border in Texas last week so that one of them  Latavia Tay McGee  could get a tummy tuck procedure.

Ms Orange told The Associated Press that she had forgotten to bring an identification card on the trip and so she was denied passage across the border.

That missing ID may well have saved her life.

While she stayed behind at a motel in Brownsville, Texas, her four friends  Ms McGee, Eric James Williams, Shaeed Woodard and Zindell Brown  continued onward with their journey.

The group crossed the border in their white rental minivan  which had North Caroliona licence plates  and appeared to get lost on the way to the clinic.

Not long later, they were ambushed and shot at by a group of armed gunmen.

Disturbing video footage showed the four victims then being bundled into the back of a pickup truck by the attackers.

The video showed one person sat upright and moving while the other three were dragged limply into the vehicle. One of the victims being dragged did show signs of life by lifting their head.

Mr Williams North Carolina divers licence was found left behind at the scene of the abduction.

A Mexican woman was also shot and killed in the attack.

On Tuesday, the four victims were found at a drug cartel stash house on the outskirts of Matamoros. Woodard and Brown were dead.

The four victims kidnapped in Mexico (Facebook)

Ms McGee and Mr Williams both survived, with the latter suffering multiple gunshot wounds.

Ms Orange told police that the five friends had rented the minivan from South Carolina on Thursday and driven to the very southern tip of Texas that day.

On Friday morning, at around 8am, the four set off across the Mexican border to take Ms McGee to her procedure.

She simply went for a cosmetic surgery, and thats it. Thats all, and this happened to them, Ms Orange said.

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She explained that Mr Williams, Woodard and Brown were only planning to drop Ms McGee off at the clinic and then drive back over the border to rejoin her in Texas.

She was expecting them to return to the motel in Brownsville just 15 minutes later where she was waiting with the groups luggage.

They never returned.

As several hours passed she grew increasingly concerned and couldnt get through to any of them on their phones.

She contacted Brownsville Police to report them missing.

The police report, obtained by CNN, reveals she was told to call back if she still hadnt heard from them by Monday.

Before then, US and Mexican officials were alerted to the incident and a huge cross-national effort was launched to track down the medical tourists, with the FBI offering a $50,000 reward for their return and for the arrest of those responsible.

Throughout the four-day ordeal, officials believe the victims were moved multiple times to evade authorities.

Mexico soldiers search for the kidnapped Americans (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

On Tuesday, the victims were finally tracked down to a stash house along a rural area east of Matamoros called Ejido Longoreno on the way to the local beach known as Playa Baghdad.

Mr Williams and Ms McGee were taken to a hospital in Texas dor treatment.

Mr Williams was shot three times in the legs during the attack and underwent surgery while Ms McGee appeared to be unharmed.

The bodies of Woodard and Browns bodies are expected to be repatriated to the US on Thursday after Mexican officials carried out autopsies.

A suspect  identified as 24-year-old Jose N  was arrested over the fatal kidnapping.

Tamaulipas Governor Americo Villarreal said at a Tuesday evening press conference that the suspect had been tasked with making sure the victims didnt escape.

Officials have not revealed if the suspect has ties to the Gulf drug cartel  a notorious gang known to rule over Matamoros.

However, several US officials pointed to cartel involvement in the incident with White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre saying that the Biden administration remains committed to disrupting transnational criminal organizations including Mexican drug cartels and human smugglers.

We remain committed to applying the full weight of our efforts and resources to counter them, she said at a press briefing on Tuesday.

The stash house where the four victims were found on Tuesday (REUTERS)

Right now, our immediate concerns are for the safe return of our citizens, the health and well-being of those who survived this attack, and the support which must be rendered to the families of those who need it.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said he was sorry the fatal incident happened on Mexican soil.

We continue to work every day towards peace and are very sorry that this has happened in our country, he said on Tuesday.

We send our condolences to the victims friends and family and the American people. And we will continue to work towards peace.

The border city of Matamoros, based in the state of Tamaulipas, is largely controlled by the Gulf drug cartel, with violence and migrant smuggling rife.

The US State Department is advising Americans not to travel to Tamaulipas due to the risk of crime and kidnapping. The region is on the Level 4: Do Not Travel list.
Despite the Philippine government's mandatory evacuation of all Filipino citizens from Ukraine, Taibova, a mother of one, decided to stay to be with her husband and his family. (Photo credits: Rhea Rhose Taibova/Instagram)

A Filipino mother's story sheds light on the struggles of many migrant families who are caught in the middle of the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Rhea Rhose Ramos Taibova, a migrant mother from the Philippines, shared some of her experience of the war, and how they moved from the capital Kyiv to a small village to protect their family when the conflict broke out last year, in an article by the South China Morning Post.

Taibova described the start of the war as a shock to them as they were on holiday in her in-laws village a few miles outside Kyiv when Russia launched its offensive on 24 February.

Her husband rushed to the capital to pack their belongings but had to leave quickly when Russian bombs started dropping, and was unable to carry everything they needed.

Taibova said she was grateful they were not near a kindergarten school and a mall when they were struck by a barrage of Russian missiles.

Despite Philippine officials ordering the mandatory evacuation of all its citizens from Ukraine in March last year, Taibova and her family were unable to get repatriated after deciding not to go to an evacuation site due to the fear of getting hit on the way there, especially since they were travelling with babies.

Taibova said the first ten days of the war was the most difficult for them, saying she kept crying, but her baby gave her the strength to cope with the situation by just looking and smiling at her.

Uncertain future

Although the Philippine government has repatriated 400 of the 450 recorded Filipinos in Ukraine, Taibova is one of the few who insisted on staying as she couldnt bear leaving her husband and his family. Travelling with her then newborn daughter who did not have travel documents was also a risk she wasn't willing to take with many civilians dying on their way to the border.

Recently, Taibova went to the Philippines to finalise the documents needed to apply for permanent residency in Ukraine. She plans to rejoin her husband and daughter this month, but she is uncertain about the future.

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She said she prefers to stay and live in Ukraine as long as there is no war.

Marvin Joseph Ang is a news and lifestyle writer who focuses on politics, the economy, and pop culture. Follow him on Twitter at @marvs30ang for latest news and updates.

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.
[Source]

More than a year after being accused of racist, abusive and unethical behavior, Dr. Kasai Takeshi has reportedly been fired from his position as director of the World Health Organizations (WHO) Western Pacific region.

Staffers first brought up the allegations against Kasai in an internal complaint in October 2021. They accused the Japanese chief of making racist remarks toward Filipinos, blaming inferior countries for COVID-19 surges and sharing data with Japan to assist in vaccination planning.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced Kasais termination in an email to employees on Wednesday, the Associated Press reported. Internal investigation, he said, revealed findings of misconduct.

Kasai was found to have engaged in aggressive communication, public humiliation, [and] making racial comments, as well as manipulating at least one performance evaluation of a subordinate, according to the AP.

More from NextShark: Racist posts targeting South Asian students emerge on Boston Colleges anonymous social media app

He was also blamed for creating a toxic atmosphere in which staffers feared speaking out against him and felt a "lack of trust" in their organization.

In one reported incident, Kasai questioned a female Filipino staffer, How many people in the Pacific have you killed so far, and how many more do you want to kill further? He then asked if she was incapable of delivering good presentations because she was a Filipina.

Kasai, who assumed the role in January 2019, has vehemently rejected the allegations, going only as far as admitting he has been hard on staff.

More from NextShark: Organ donation in Vietnam becoming more accepted despite cultural taboo

He refuted targeting any particular nationality and denied pressuring his staff to "facilitate donations from Japan rather than COVAX."

In April 2022, employees alleged that Kasai had been manipulating the investigation by ordering the destruction of incriminating documents and telling IT staff to monitor all employee emails. By August 2022, he was placed on indefinite leave.

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In the Wednesday email, Tedros reportedly described Kasai's dismissal as an unprecedented and challenging journey for all of us.

More from NextShark: Tennis star Alex Eala becomes first Filipino to win Grand Slam singles championship

He did not include Kasai's name, choosing instead to use his title as Western Pacific regional director when referencing the dismissed official.

The director-general also shared that the search for Kasai's replacement will begin next month, followed by an election in October.

The Western Pacific office covers 37 countries and territories. Zsuzsanna Jakab, deputy director-general at WHO, is serving as acting regional director until the election, according to Kyodo News.

More from NextShark: Three Asian Students Brutally Attacked by Gang of Teens in Australia
(NewsNation)  Being a flight attendant can be a dangerous and scary job, especially with the increase in unruly passengers these days.

Just this week, a disorderly passenger was arrested after he allegedly tried to stab a flight attendant in the neck with a broken metal spoon and open an emergency door on a United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Boston.

A Spirit Airlines flight from Dallas to Orlando had to make an emergency landing in Jacksonville, Florida, after the cabin filled with smoke due to a lithium battery that caught on fire in an overhead bin.

Sara Nelson, president of the flight attendant union Association of Flight Attendants, said when distractions are created in the cabin, it takes away from flight attendants abilities to monitor the cabin for actual emergencies such as a medical emergency.

Can you bring your vape pen or e-cigarette on a plane?

Our job is extremely complicated, and we are aviations first responders, Nelson said. We respond to emergencies onboard  But since 9/11, were also aviations last line of defense and aviation security. All of these threats have really threatened the ability for us to do our jobs to keep everyone safe.

She explained that these distractions in the cabin are incredibly dangerous for everyone onboard, and are distractions from the safety work that flight attendants and pilots need to focus on in order to safely fly the plane.

At one point, some airlines even banned liquor sales on planes in the hope that it would help evade unruly passenger incidents.

Nelson said that alcohol can be a huge contributor that fuels these incidents. However, she said the biggest problem is that staffing levels are at the lowest they have ever been yet the planes are fuller than ever.

When theres fewer of us to get to the problem and address that, that means that these little problems that start out as little problems can become very big. And in several cases, its the flight attendants who are targeted for these violent attacks, Nelson said.

Between Jan. 1, 2022 and December 15, 2022, the Federal Aviation Administration investigated 823 reports of unruly behavior  down from 1099 the prior year but vastly more than in past years. The annual average from 2015-2020 was 131 incidents, according to the FAA.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Photo: The Canadian Press Defence Minister Anita Anand greets Canadian Forces personnel at CFB Kingston, in Kingston, Ont., Tuesday, March 7, 2023. Anand says Ottawa will fast-track the purchase of anti-tank, anti-aircraft and anti-drone weapons for the Canadian military with a mechanism last used during the war in Afghanistan. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Defence Minister Anita Anand is promising to address several glaring gaps in Canada's military capabilities by fast-tracking the purchase and delivery of anti-tank, anti-aircraft and anti-drone weapons to Canadian soldiers in Europe.

The commitment came on Thursday, as Anand addressed a major defence conference where senior military officers painted a stark picture of some of the numerous other challenges facing the Canadian Armed Forces.

That included a stark assessment of the military's ongoing personnel crisis by its top human resources officer, who revealed the Canadian Armed Forces is short 16,000 service members  far more than has been previously reported.

"These are real, serious risks to mission success," Maj.-Gen. Lise Bourgon told fellow military officers, foreign delegates, industry representatives and academics at the Conference of Defence Associations Institute. "And this is where the CAF finds itself."

Attendees also heard a call for greater urgency from the commander of Norad as Ottawa and Washington continue to talk about modernizing North America's aging air surveillance and defence systems.

U.S. Gen. Glen VanHerck revealed that he is still waiting for Canada to tell him what the updated Norad system needs to protect, information that will be critical to deciding what the joint U.S.-Canadian command will  and will not  include and do.

"It took me almost two years to get that from the United States. I'm still working with Canada on that," VanHerck said, adding it is "really hard to build an operational plan to defend if you don't know what you're actually defending."

Anand kicked off the conference event by praising Ukraine's defence against Russia's invasion last year, while touting the numerous investments that the Liberal government is making into Canada's military.

Those include new F-35 fighter jets, a fleet of new naval warships and the modernization of North America's defensive systems.

"But we know that there are several crucial capabilities that we need to move ahead with faster," she said.

"Canada's largest foreign military deployment, as I'm sure you know, is on NATO's eastern flank in Latvia. And our troops there must have the equipment that they need to protect themselves and to do their jobs especially at this crucial time."

Canada currently has about 700 Canadian troops in Latvia leading a NATO battlegroup designed to help defend Eastern Europe from Russian attack. The battlegroup is poised to expand, however, and Canada has promised to provide certain new weapons.

Those include anti-tank, anti-aircraft and anti-drone systems, none of which the Canadian military currently has.

While the Armed Forces would almost certainly have faced a long wait going through a normal procurement, Anand said the government was declaring the weapons "urgent operational requirements" to get them to Latvia faster.

It represents the first time such a mechanism has been used since the war in Afghanistan, the minister's office said.

Yet even as Anand was plugging those holes in the military, Bourgon was pointing at 16,000 others, each representing a vacant position in the regular and reserve forces that needed to be filled.

And the shortfall is set to worsen, as Bourgon told attendees that the military is failing to meet its recruitment targets by about 25 per cent, while "the rate of attrition is higher than it's ever been."

To address the problem, the military has launched a new advertising campaign aimed at getting Canadians into recruiting centres. It also recently opened the doors to permanent residents, all in a drive to get more people into uniform.

But Bourgon admitted in reference to the military's challenge: "We need them a lot more today than they need us."

VanHerck was similarly frank in his appraisal of the state of North America's defences, describing the aging North Warning System, the string of 1980s-era radars in the Far North that forms the backbone of Canada's Norad commitment, as a "picket fence."

"The North Warning System was great in its time, and we've done a great job maintaining it, but now it can be exploited," he said.

Canada and the U.S. have committed tens of billions of dollars over the coming decades to upgrade Norad, which was instrumental in detecting and eventually shooting down a suspected Chinese spy balloon and three other objects last month.

VanHerck warned that North America's adversaries are growing more dangerous, with China having started mapping the Arctic for submarine operations even as North Korea continues to test nuclear missiles that are capable of hitting the continent.

The development of hypersonic and cruise missiles also poses a very real challenge.

"We can't take a decade to field those capabilities," VanHerck said. "We need to move faster, with a sense of urgency to make sure that we field them as soon as possible."

But rather than announce any new Norad moves, Anand instead launched public consultations to inform the government as it revisits its defence policy, which was released in 2017 with an aim to guide investments in the military over the next 20 years.

The review will look at five critical areas to ensure the policy reflects the current environment, which has changed significantly in the past six years with the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, the war in Ukraine and mounting tensions with China.

Those areas include how to address the military's personnel shortage and upgrade Canada's Arctic and continental defences.

"It is critically important that we get this right, which is why we have been engaging stakeholders across Canada, as well as our allies and partners, to inform our way forward," Anand said.

While consultations will run through next month, Anand did not say when the updated defence policy would be revealed. She also didn't speak to the degree to which cost will figure into the government's thinking.
The Florida Senate on Wednesday unanimously passed a Senate Bill that expands access to Floridas iconic Wildlife Corridor.

The bill, which has been a top priority of Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo (R-Naples), will connect the corridor to Floridas Greenways and Trails System and the SUN Trail Network, as well as recreational pathways to heritage small towns across Florida, according to a news release from the Florida Senate.

READ: Reedy Creek board heralds new era, defends itself during first meeting

Our wildlife corridor provides a unique opportunity to experience the wonder and beauty of Floridas heartland. We have the chance not only to preserve this natural resource for future generations, but to expand access so more Floridians can walk, run, and bike from trail town to trail town, taking in all our great state has to offer, said Passidomo said in a news release. I envision Floridas Wildlife Corridor as a top destination for recreational tourists from across the country and around the world. As I have said before, I believe this will be Floridas Central Park  a legacy we can be proud to leave for future generations of Floridians and visitors to enjoy.

Floridas Wildlife Corridor encompasses about 17. Million acres, including almost 10 million acres of conservation lands.

READ: Car rental company issued cease and desist by airport after questionable fees

The legislation the Senate passed Wednesday includes $200 million to connect the corridor to the states trail system, according to a news release.

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.
Florida State Universitys Police Department is currently investigating a sexual battery following a woman's allegation of being grabbed by an unknown man in a bathroom stall on campus Sunday afternoon.

A report  which was filed Wednesday  states that the sexual battery occurred 2 p.m. Sunday in FSUs Student Union building, where the woman was attending an event.

The student told police she was pulled into a stall by the man after entering a women's bathroom.

The accused individual is described as a college-aged, 510 white man with straight dark hair, weighing 190 pounds, according to the report. He was last seen wearing a polo shirt and a COVID-style face covering.

A view inside the new FSU student union on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022 in Tallahassee, Fla.

More on Student Union:Video goes viral of Chevy Malibu see-sawing on FSU student center stairs; DUI charges filed

More:The living room of campus: Inside FSUs new student union where bookstore and bowling meet

Students, faculty and staff of the university received the sexual battery notification Wednesday night from an FSU Alert email.

While the recent crime is actively being investigated, there is no confirmation on whether the victim was sexually assaulted or if the sexual battery charge only addresses the victims allegation of being grabbed by the male, FSUPD Lt. Chase Yarborough told the Tallahassee Democrat Thursday.

Related news:Chiles High student charged with alleged sexual assault of girl in restroom

There are no additional updates about the crime as of Thursday morning.

Its still under investigation, so right now were just seeking the publics help with identifying the suspect, Yarborough said.

Following the details regarding the sexual battery were tips for members of the FSU community on how to stay safe while on campus, which include avoiding isolated locations, paying attention to surroundings, traveling in pairs and knowing where to go for help if needed.

Here are some additional safety tips:

Show confidence by walking at a steady pace and keeping your head up.

Plan your route to know where you are going before leaving.

Travel on well-lit streets instead of taking shortcuts through wooded areas or parking lots.

Have your car key or house key ready to use before you reach the door.

Change direction or cross the street if you think someone is following you.

Don't be afraid to yell for help.

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Anyone with information about the sexual battery that is being investigated can contact the FSUPD at 850-644-1234.

Contact Tarah Jean at tjean@tallahassee.com or follow her on twitter @tarahjean_.

Never miss a story: Subscribe to the Tallahassee Democrat using the link at the top of the page.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSUPD investigating sexual battery allegations from female victim
Registered Republicans in a new University of North Florida poll showed support for state Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) as a potential contender for a 2024 presidential bid.

The new poll, published Thursday, found that 52 percent of registered Republican respondents in the state said they would vote for DeSantis in a 2024 Republican presidential primary, while 27 percent of those surveyed said would cast their votes for former President Trump.

Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, who announced her presidential campaign last month, came in third, with 4 percent of registered Republican respondents saying they would vote for her, followed by former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), who received support from 3 percent of respondents, and former Vice President Mike Pence, who received support from 2 percent of those surveyed.

When asked to choose between Trump and DeSantis in a head-to-head race, 59 percent of state Republican respondents said they would vote for DeSantis, and 28 percent of those surveyed said they would vote for Trump.

When asked about an hypothetical 2024 match-up between President Biden and Trump, 50 percent of state respondents said they would vote for Trump, while 43 percent of those surveyed said they would cast a vote for Biden, according to the poll.

When asked the same question about a hypothetical DeSantis-Biden 2024 match-up, 51 percent of state respondents said they would vote for DeSantis as 42 percent of those surveyed said they would cast their vote for Biden.

The poll comes as DeSantis, whose name has been mentioned as a top potential presidential candidate in 2024, used his State of the State address on Tuesday to highlight how he fought back against woke culture in his state and touted his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

DeSantiss State of the State address also marked the beginning of a 60-day legislative session in Florida. State Republicans, who won supermajorities in both chambers of the legislature last November, are expected to move quickly on bills such as allowing residents to carry a concealed weapon without a license in the state and a ban on abortion.

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When asked about a potential open carry concealed weapon law, 62 percent of state Republican respondents said they oppose the proposed bill, while 36 percent of those surveyed said they support the passing of the bill.

Sixty-one percent of state Republican respondents said they oppose another proposed bill that would ban abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, and 34 percent of those surveyed said they support passing of the bill.

The University of North Florida survey was conducted from from February 25 to March 7, with a total of 1,452 respondents participating. The polls margin of error was 2.57 percentage points.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Imagine a Ford Explorer for men, by men.

What would it look like?

Well, it wouldn't have windshield wipers, a heater, turn signals or GPS.

And forget about that rearview mirror.

Ford Motor Company released this very humorous advertisement, which played on machismo, for International Women's Day, and highlighted women's contributions to the auto industry.

Women have been a big part of the auto industry for a long time. The deployment of men during World War II left a massive labor shortage, which resulted in 6 million women taking jobs in factories.

According to Automobile in American Life and Society, a project by University of Michigan-Dearborn, "the number of female workers jumped from 28,300 in October 1941 to 203,300 in November 1943." By 1945, women made up 28% of the International Union of United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, which had a total of one million members at the time.

International Women's Day: Space scientist honored by Barbie for International Women's Day, more STEM women on list

Here are the 5 women Ford Motor Company is honoring:

Hedy Lamarr

Popularly known as an actress on the big screen for movies like "White Cargo" and "Samson and Delilah," she pioneered a secret communication system that guided torpedoes to their target, according to National Women's History Museum. The invention today is used in cellular technology, Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth.

Florence Lawrence

Also an actress, Lawrence had appeared in more than 300 movies and was known as one of the first movie stars. She loved cars and was frustrated with not knowing when drivers in front of her would stop, so she created a turn indicator, which were mechanical flaps that extended from the sides of the vehicle, and a brake indicator, which was a flap on the back that read STOP when pressing the brake pedal, according to The Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum. Lawrence is known as the pioneer of brake and turn signals.

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Dorothy Levitt

Levitt is known as one of Britain's earliest race car drivers and a journalist. According to East End Women's Museum, Levitt wrote in her book, "The Woman and the Car: A Chatty Little Handbook For Women Who Want To Motor," that women carry a hand mirror with them, to see who is coming from behind, making it one of the first-known uses of a rearview mirror.

Dorothee Pullinger

Pullinger was an automotive engineer, businesswoman and founding members of Women's Engineering Society in the United Kingdom. Her innovation was developing a car for women, known as The Galloway 10/20. According to Britain by Car, she also moved the gear lever to between the driver and passenger, raised the drivers seat, lowered the dashboard, reduced steering wheel's size, improved leg room and storage capacity, and made The Galloway one of the first vehicles to add a rear view mirror.

Dr. Gladys West

As a mathematician and computer programmer, West is known for pioneering the modern-day GPS. According to The National Center for Women & Information Technology, West was one of four Black employees working at The Naval Proving Ground in 1956 and was admired for her mathematical and programming skills. Her work on satellite geodesy and satellite measurements contributed to the accuracy of GPS, which impacts phones and is widely used in automobiles.

International Women's Day 2023

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ford Explorer ad with Bryan Cranston highlights women's contributions
Jes Staley was Jeffrey Epsteins banker when he worked at JP Morgan - Simon Dawson/Bloomberg

JP Morgan is demanding that Jes Staley hand back more than $80m (67m) to the Wall Street giant as part of a new lawsuit against the former Barclays chief.

The bank is suing Mr Staley, the former head of its private bank, over his relationship with the late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Court documents filed in New York show that JP Morgan is demanding that Mr Staley hand over all of his compensation between 2006 through 2013  a figure which surpasses $80m.

The Wall Street titan is seeking to hold Mr Staley, who later became chief executive of Barclays, personally liable for any penalties the bank may face amid claims it enabled Epsteins sex trafficking crimes.

It comes as JP Morgan faces two separate civil lawsuits, which pointed to Mr Staleys communications with Epstein as evidence that the bank should have known about their relationship. Mr Staley is not a defendant in either claim.

JP Morgan now argues that Mr Staley should be responsible for paying damages if it ultimately loses these cases.

The bank said: The plaintiffs have made troubling allegations concerning the conduct of our former employee Jes Staley, and if true he should be held responsible for his actions.

If these allegations against Staley are true, he violated this duty by putting his own personal interests ahead of the companys.

Mr Staley, 66, was Epsteins banker when he worked at JP Morgan. He stepped down as Barclays boss in 2021 after a regulatory probe into his ties with the sex offender.

Last month, JP Morgan admitted in court documents filed in New York that Mr Staley had inappropriate personal conversations with Epstein using his work email.

However, the bank claimed the emails failed to show that minors were victimised or that force, fraud or coercion were used against women.

JP Morgan also argued that Mr Staleys use of work email for inappropriate exchanges with Epstein did not bring the actions into the ambit of his employment.

The documents were filed as part of JP Morgans attempt to dismiss legal action brought by the US Virgin Islands (USVI), which accuses the bank of facilitating sex trafficking by ignoring red flags and providing banking services to Epstein.

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On Thursday, a US judge ordered the bank to hand over more documents from JP Morgan chief executive Jamie Dimon as part of the Virgin Islands' case.

Unsealed emails allege that Mr Staley drank white wine in a hot tub on Epsteins private Caribbean island while the paedophile financier was under house arrest for child sex offences.

Detailed allegations include that the former Barclays boss sent an email to Epstein praising their profound friendship.

The case also claims the pair held a conversation about Disney princesses who Epstein was trying to pursue and shared photos of young women in seductive poses.

In January, a separate lawsuit against JP Morgan brought by victims of Epstein claimed that Mr Staley personally observed his clients abuse of young women.

Mr Staley has repeatedly denied knowledge of Epsteins sexual abuse.

Lawyers for Mr Staley declined to comment on JP Morgan's suit.
A federal judge on Wednesday sentenced former Rochester Drug Cooperative CEO Laurence Doud III to 27 months in prison for his role in fueling the nation's opioid epidemic.

The criminal case was the first of its kind on multiple fronts: Rochester Drug Cooperative, or RDC, was the first pharmaceutical distributor to be accused of drug trafficking as part of the opioid scourge, and Doud, the company's previous chief executive officer until he left the job in 2017, the first executive within a distribution company to be criminally charged.

Doud was tried in a federal court in Manhattan and convicted in February 2022; one of the pharmacies that handled a major volume of the opioids funneled through RDC was located in Long Island.

The jury convicted Doud of conspiring to illegally distribute dangerous opioids, like fentanyl and oxycodone, and also of a conspiracy to defraud the Drug Enforcement Administration, or DEA.

RDC, a wholesale distributor, earlier admitted to drug trafficking. RDC has since shut down and declared bankruptcy.

Former Rochester Drug Co-Operative CEO Laurence Doud III stands outside U.S. District Court in Manhattan on Tuesday, April 23, 2019. (Photo: Kathy Willens/AP)

Laurence Doud cared more about his own paycheck than his responsibility as CEO of RDC to prevent dangerous opioids from making their way to pharmacies, drug dealers and people struggling with addiction," Damian Williams, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, said in a statement Thursday. The sentence, he said, "holds Doud responsible for shipping massive amounts of dangerous and highly addictive oxycodone and fentanyl to pharmacies that he knew were illegally dispensing those controlled substances and reaffirms this Offices commitment to seeking justice for the many victims of the opioid epidemic.

Williams, after the verdict, described it as "a first of its kind prosecution," to hold Doud accountable.

Doud, now 79, of Port Orange, Florida, was also sentenced in federal court to three years of supervised release and to pay a $100,000 fine, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

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Former RDC compliance officer William Pietruszewski pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute controlled substances and testified against Doud. He testified that Doud would increase the amount of opioids to be distributed to questionable pharmacies when those pharmacies reached previously established thresholds, according to reporting from Nina Pullano of Courthouse News, who covered the trial.

Pietruszewski is scheduled to be sentenced March 14.

Lawyers for Doud contended that there was not sufficient proof of a conspiracy.

Between 2012 and early 2017, Doud brushed aside warnings from RDC officials of dangerously voluminous opioid sales, even forcing the shipment of opioids to pharmacies that were known to be under DEA investigation. Doud also pushed hard to add new pharmacies to RDC's customer base without adequate checks of the reliability of the operations, prosecutors said.

In the decade before the 2019 criminal charges, RDC's business, driven by its opioid sales, became the sixth largest distributor of pharmaceuticals and health care products in the country.

(Democrat and Chronicle reporter Victoria E. Friele contributed to this report)

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Laurence Doud sentenced to prison for role in fueling opioid epidemic
A woman who ran in North Carolinas Republican primary for the U.S. House in 2020 pleaded guilty on Wednesday to accepting a conduit campaign contribution in violation of campaign finance law, the Department of Justice announced.

The DOJ, citing court documents, said in a release that 65-year-old Lynda Bennett borrowed from a family member $25,000 that she said would be used for personal expenses while she used her own money for her campaign for North Carolinas 11th congressional district.

Bennett then transferred the $25,000 and $55,000 additional funds to her federal campaign committees bank account, but did not report the third-party loan as a campaign contribution as required under the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA), according to the DOJ.

Bennett knowingly and willfully violated the FECA by reporting through LBC that the full $80,000 was a loan to her campaign using her own personal funds, rather than disclosing that $25,000 of that amount was a loan from another individual, the release reads. LBC is an acronym for Bennetts congressional campaign committee, Lynda Bennett for Congress.

The Republican candidate was endorsed by former President Trump, who described her as a great fighter and ally, in her campaign to replace former Rep. Mark Meadows (R), who stepped down from Congress to service in Trumps White House as chief of staff. Meadows also backed Bennett to be his successor.

She lost in the GOP primary to then-24-year-old Madison Cawthorn, who went on to represent North Carolina in the House until he was ousted in Novembers midterms.

Bennett pleaded guilty to accepting contributions in the name of another and faces up to five years in prison if convicted. Shes set to be sentenced in June of this year.

Lynda is grateful for the support of her family and friends, and glad to move on to the next step in the process, Bennetts attorney Kearns Davis told The Hill in a statement.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A former Somerset police officer has been indicted on more than 20 charges after allegedly stealing items from the department evidence storage facility.

Michael I. Correll, 44, faces charges of first- and third-degree burglary; tampering with physical evidence; theft of drugs; trafficking in methamphetamine; receiving stolen property; unlawful access to a computer; abuse of public trust; and official misconduct.

A Pulaski County grand jury indicted Correll Wednesday. Kentucky State Police, which investigated, announced the indictment Thursday.

Correll was a captain with the Somerset department before retiring Nov. 1, 2022.

Somerset police Chief William Hunt said his department became aware on Jan. 8 of suspicious activity involving Correll and contacted state police the same day to investigate.

The Somerset department cooperated in the investigation.

This truly shows the integrity and professionalism of this department, Hunt said of the way the way Somerset police handled the case.
Dear Amy: When my wife was a teenager, a 20-something man she knew in her social circle became obsessed with her. He kept calling her and would mainly whine about his life.

He started talking about marriage, although for her he was an annoying acquaintance.

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She finally had enough and told him to stop contacting her. He then started in on her friends and family.

When she and I became engaged, he started contacting me and my friends and family.

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He wrote lots of long, whiny letters about how miserable he was and how terrible she was and why cant they just be friends.

This went on for years. We have bunches of letters he wrote. Finally, he stopped writing, and we hoped he had finally moved on.

But he started up again. Were in our 60s now.

His letters are the same as before, and full of delusions about how things used to be.

The letters are very distressing to my wife, every time. Shes in counseling.

Weve contacted lawyers, but theyre not interested because he hasnt made any violent threats and because we havent seen him in person in years.

What can we do?

 Conflicted

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Dear Conflicted: According to you, these letters dont contain threatening language and dont cross the line into harassment. Are you sure? You have expressly asked not to be contacted, so you should do more research to see if the content of these letters is over the legal line.

Writing and sending these letters might be a venting exercise for this unstable person  and you merely receiving them but never responding may cause him to taper off.

You should go to the post office and speak with your local postmaster. Ask about your options for refusing this mail. Ask if they are able to withhold delivery of mail from this particular sender, or if filing a form called PS 1500 (which applies to sexually explicit material), might be possible or advisable.

They might advise you (not your wife) to open and read these letters to make sure they have not changed in tone (keep them in a file), or for you to order an ink stamp that says, Moved, no forwarding address or return to sender, and send the letters back unopened.

If you do this, take a photo of these letters to have a record of when they were delivered.

Dear Amy: I work for a well-known company in an office environment that was very busy and stressful  before the pandemic hit.

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All of the workers in my category have been working from home for almost three years now.

I have completely adjusted, and find that I am just as productive as before  and much happier. In addition to the convenience of working from my home office, I have saved 10 hours of commuting time a week, as well as a substantial sum that I would have spent on clothing, lunches, and commuting.

My company is now urging all of us to return to the office. Ive heard through the grapevine that they will start really cracking down.

Im wondering what I should do.

 Happily Working

Dear Happily Working: The first thing you should do is to communicate with your manager to see if there is flexibility in this dictate  for a productive and seasoned worker like you. Are you willing to go into the office at all?

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According to a recent article published in Forbes magazine, your company is part of a trend of workplaces insisting that workers return to the office.

There are few labor laws that protect your preference to work from home.

The marketplace, however, is on your side.

Adzuna, a search engine for job advertisements, conducted a year-over-year analysis of advertised job vacancies across the United States and found that from November 2020 to 2022, job postings grew by more than 6.2 million. Yet less than 2 percent were for office-based roles, whereas ads for remote roles rose by nearly 10%.

It might be time for you to hop back into the job market.

Dear Amy: Sad Sister in WY described her brothers girlfriend as fixing his looks in a number of ways, and then critiquing the way he used to look.

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You described the girlfriend as controlling and lacking tact.

Unfortunately, I identified with the girlfriend. I realize Ive been criticizing the way my husband used to look. I see now how rude that is.

 Ill be Changing

Dear Changing: I appreciate how this insight came about, as well as your honesty in admitting it.

(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)
By Jan Lopatka

PRAGUE (Reuters) - Petr Pavel, a former Czech army chief and high-level NATO official, started his five-year term as Czech president on Thursday with pledges to keep helping Ukraine and support painful economic policies.

Pavel beat populist former prime minister Andrej Babis in a January election on pledges to firmly anchor the central European country in the European Union and NATO, a turn from predecessor Milos Zeman who had tried to boost relations with Russia and China.

Pavel, a social liberal who campaigned as an independent, has conveyed a message of unity after the divisive Zeman, who retired after 10 years in office on Wednesday.

Czech presidents do not have many day-to-day duties but they pick prime ministers and central bank heads, have a say in foreign policy, are powerful opinion makers, and can push the government on policies.

A career soldier, Pavel joined the army in Communist times, was decorated with a French military cross for valour during peacekeeping in former Yugoslavia in the 1990s, and later rose to lead the Czech general staff and become chairman of NATO's military committee for three years before retiring in 2018.

Pavel, 61, has fully supported continued aid for Ukraine in its defence against Russia's invasion, and reiterated that in his inauguration speech at the 15th century Vladislav Hall of the Prague Castle.

He said Ukraine was also an example that smaller countries can be successful, especially if they cooperate with others.

"It is a united Central European voice that will be important if we are to help Ukraine to victory," he said.

"It is not only our historical experience that should be a reason to continue our support. In doing so, we are ultimately helping ourselves."

After taking oath of office, Pavel greeted thousands of supporters at the Prague Castle square, some waving Czech and European Union flags, while a choir sang the national anthem and a Czech version of Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are a-Changin'".

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Pavel said he would also back policies to quash inflation, which ran at 17.5% in January, and fix public finances.

"I will support measures which will make this possible, although they will sometimes hurt," he said.

One of Pavel's first tasks will be to decide whether to veto a bill limiting a rise in pensions from June, which was hastily approved by parliament and which the opposition led by Babis says violated the constitution.

A presidential veto can be overcome by the government's parliamentary majority. But it would be an immediate clash between Pavel and the centre-right government which had backed him in the election.

(Reporting by Jan Lopatka; Editing by Toby Chopra and Angus MacSwan)
Ken Cuccinelli on Wednesday became the latest Trump administration official to suggest its time for the GOP to move on from his former boss.

Cuccinelli, who previously served as the acting deputy secretary of Homeland Security, announced the launch of the Never Back Down PAC to urge Florida governor Ron DeSantis to run for president in 2024.

I have been speaking to many grassroots conservative activists around the country who are very enthusiastic for Governor DeSantis to run for President in 2024, Cuccinelli said in a statement announcing the launch. The energy is there, grassroots conservatives see the Governor as a leader and a fighter with a winning conservative track record who will lead the Republican Party to victory in 2024. Based on those conversations, I am most confident that we will build an unmatched grassroots political army for Governor DeSantis to help carry him to the White House.

Cuccinelli said DeSantis has made Florida the number one destination for all Americans looking for a brighter future and a better life, with more freedom and opportunity than anywhere else in America.

Republican strategist Chris Jankowski will serve as the PACs executive director.

Today Im launching Never Back Down PAC @Nvrbackdown24 to encourage @GovRonDeSantis to run for President in 2024  The energy is real. Grassroots conservatives see that Governor DeSantis is a proven leader who can win in 2024. #NeverBackDownhttps://t.co/1VKNweKgq5 pic.twitter.com/OaKq1XJrKr  Ken Cuccinelli (@KenCuccinelli) March 9, 2023

Americas future is Ron DeSantis. Ron DeSantis doesnt just talk he acts, but most of all he never backs down. Governor DeSantis, today Im asking you to run for President. Youve had our back now we will have yours, Cuccinelli said in a video announcing the launch of the PAC.

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He adds: Governor DeSantis has a proven record defending our borders, defending our kids, defending parental rights, defending the unborn, defending small business, and hell defend America.

While DeSantis has not yet said whether he plans to enter the 2024 race, he is largely seen as former president Trumps most formidable opponent. The governor is likely to wait out Floridas legislative session, which ends in May, before he potentially jumps into the race.

Former president Donald Trump, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy are the only Republicans who have formally entered the race so far.

For his part, DeSantis kicked off a book tour last week that will allow him to crisscross the country to fortify his already-bright national star power. He also attended Club for Growths annual donor retreat last week with other potential 2024 hopefuls.

Last month, he hosted a Freedom Blueprint retreat with more than 150 donors, elected officials, and conservative influencers, including Senators Tom Cotton (R., Ark.) and Ron Johnson (R., Wis.), former Trump chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, Representative Chip Roy (R., Texas), and Texas-based donor Roy Bailey, a former member of Trumps national finance committee.

More from National Review
Jenna Ellis, an ex-lawyer for former President Donald Trump, was censured by Colorados chief disciplinary judge on Wednesday for misconduct after spreading bogus claims about the 2020 presidential election.

Ellis agreed that several claims she made about the election were misrepresentations, Colorado Newsline first reported.

Ellis, once a Trump critic who later joined his legal team, made false claims that the election was stolen from Trump and the outcome of the election was actually fraudulent. Her state-imposed punishment is essentially a public admonishment.

Ellis late Wednesday retweeted a Twitter post that claimed she never admitted she lied and that nothing in the stipulation agreed to anything having been false, dishonest, deceptive, or intentional. She didnt respond to HuffPosts inquiry.

Bryon M. Large, Colorados state Supreme Court-appointed chief disciplinary judge, said Ellis misconduct caused actual harm by undermining the American publics confidence in the presidential election.

The public censure in this matter reinforces that even if engaged in political speech, there is a line attorneys cannot cross, particularly when they are speaking in a representative capacity, the state Supreme Courts office of attorney regulation counsel said in a statement.

The censure follows a complaint in May by the States United Democracy Center, which called on Colorado authorities to investigate Ellis for multiple violations of professional rules due to her work with the former president, according to Colorado Newsline.

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Ken Cuccinelli, a former senior Trump administration official and Virginia attorney general, has launched a super PAC urging Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) to announce a White House bid, adding to pressure from a number of Republican officials for DeSantis to run.

Cuccinelli, who served as acting deputy Homeland Security secretary under former President Trump during his final year in office, launched the campaign to draft DeSantis into the 2024 race on Thursday, saying in a video that Americas future is Ron DeSantis.

Ron DeSantis doesnt just talk, he acts, but most of all he never backs down, Cuccinelli says in the video. Gov. DeSantis, today Im asking you to run for president. Youve had our back, now we will have yours.

The Never Back Down PAC filed with the Federal Elections Commission in late February, according to records.

During his time in the Trump administration, Cuccinelli advanced some of Trumps most hardline immigration policies. Cuccinelli was also a key figure in the Trump administration amid efforts by the then-president to push back on the results of the 2020 election.

But despite any public splits with the former president, Cuccinelli is coming out strongly in support of DeSantis, who is widely expected to announce a presidential bid. Trump launched his campaign right after the 2022 midterm elections and has consistently attacked DeSantis ahead of his possible entry into the race.

I have been speaking to many grassroots conservative activists around the country who are very enthusiastic for Governor DeSantis to run for President in 2024, Cuccinelli said in a statement. The energy is there, grassroots conservatives see the Governor as a leader and a fighter with a winning conservative track record who will lead the Republican Party to victory in 2024.

A growing chorus of GOP voices have called for the Florida governor to run for president, seeing him as a chief rival to Trump in a primary.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
WASHINGTON (AP)  A former White House official who helped implement Donald Trump's hardline immigration policies is breaking ranks with the former president and instead encouraging Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to pursue the presidency in 2024.

Ken Cuccinelli, a former attorney general of Virginia, was a top official at the Department of Homeland Security during Trumps single term in office. He was a vehement defender of the administrations efforts to crack down on immigration, once suggesting that the inscription on the Statue of Liberty welcoming huddled masses of immigrants to American shores only referred to people coming from Europe.

But Cuccinelli announced Thursday that rather than support Trump's third bid for the White House, he is launching Never Back Down PAC, a new political action committee that will support DeSantis' potential 2024 presidential run.

Cuccinelli's decision to back DeSantis over Trump in the Republican primary is one of the most high-profile defections by a former Trump stalwart in the early stages of the campaign season. It comes at a time when potential and declared candidates are jockeying to line up support.

I have been speaking to many grassroots conservative activists around the country who are very enthusiastic for Governor DeSantis to run for President in 2024, Cuccinelli said in a statement. The energy is there, grassroots conservatives see the Governor as a leader and a fighter with a winning conservative track record who will lead the Republican Party to victory in 2024. Based on those conversations, I am most confident that we will build an unmatched grassroots political army for Governor DeSantis to help carry him to the White House.

A Trump campaign spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A filing made with the Federal Election Commission in late February shows Never Back Down Inc. is a super PAC, which can raise unlimited funds to support their preferred candidates, so long as they don't directly coordinate activities with them. The group has yet to disclose details about any money it has raised.

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A promotional video released publicly on Thursday does not mention Trump by name, but calls for fresh conservative leadership while ticking down a list of conservative culture war battles DeSantis has waged since his election as governor of Florida.

Americas future is Ron DeSantis. Ron DeSantis doesnt just talk he acts, but most of all he never backs down," Cuccinelli says in the video. Governor DeSantis, today Im asking you to run for President.

Never Back Down Inc. is soliciting contributions on its website and states that money it raises will eventually get donated to DeSantis' campaign committee, should he launch a White House bid. But in the meantime, the money will being transferred to a separate Virginia-based political committee called Run, Ron, Run!, which was created on Wednesday, according to filings with the FEC.

A spokesman for Never Back Down Inc. did not respond to a request for comment.
(Bloomberg) -- Former top Trump administration official Ken Cuccinelli announced the launch a super-PAC called Never Back Down to urge Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to run for president.

Most Read from Bloomberg

In a digital ad unveiled Thursday, Cuccinelli called for fresh conservative leadership as he formed a new vehicle to raise and spend money. He cited DeSantiss record on education and abortion  as well as his efforts to target Disneys special tax status  as reasons the governor should run for president.

When Governor Ron DeSantis is President DeSantis, there wont be any Chinese spy balloons drifting across America, said Cuccinelli, who served as a deputy secretary of Homeland Security in former President Donald Trumps administration.

The ad doesnt explicitly mention Trump  who has officially launched his 2024 bid  but takes several not-so-subtle jabs at him, including Cuccinellis call for fresh leadership for conservatives and the spy balloon reference.

Chinese surveillance balloons flew over the continental US at least three times during the Trump years, according to a senior administration official.

DeSantis, who hasnt announced yet whether he will launch a 2024 White House bid, is widely viewed as Trumps main rival for the nomination.

DeSantis has started to make trips across the country to tout his gubernatorial record in Florida, and on Friday hell appear in Iowa, the Republicans first early voting state.

Cuccinelli also worked as a senior adviser on Senator Ted Cruzs 2016 presidential campaign and is a former Virginia attorney general.

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The Fort Jackson recruit charged with hijacking a school bus full of children was found not guilty by reason of insanity.

Instead Jovan Collazo will be committed for 120 days following a court appearance Thursday.

In May 2021, Collazo left Fort Jackson and hijacked a school bus with 18 elementary school students and a driver on board, the Richland County Sheriffs Department said.

The 25-year-old U.S. Army trainee from New Jersey was charged with 19 counts of kidnapping, armed robbery, carjacking, pointing a firearm, carrying a weapon on school property and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, Richland County court records show.

But on Sept. 27, 2022, a Richland Circuit Court judge ordered Collazo to be evaluated by the South Carolina Department of Mental Health for his criminal responsibility and capacity.

The insanity conclusion was reached Thursday after two separate reports from doctors, and agreed on by both the prosecution (Deputy Solicitor Dan Goldberg) and defense (attorney was Fielding Pringle), as well as Judge Debra McCaslin.

After the four-month long commitment for care and treatment, Collazo will be reevaluated by the chief administrative judge.

Escape attempt

Following his arrest, Collazo tried to escape from Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, The State previously reported. Collazo assaulted a guard before breaking his leg in the escape attempt, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said.

Collazos attorney, 5th Circuit chief public defender Fielding Pringle, characterized the escape attempt as a desperate act by a troubled man on suicide watch.

People who are thinking clearly and normally do not run around jail dorms completely naked with their hands cuffed behind their back running into locked steel doors and jumping from the second tier to the floor below, Pringle said, at the time. These are not the actions of a healthy and clear-minded individual who is trying to escape.

Hijacking the school bus

On May 7, 2021, Collazo ran away from his unit at Fort Jackson in the morning and began trying to get rides from cars on Interstate 77, authorities said.

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He walked to Percival Road, where he boarded the school bus with 18 children going to Forest Lake Elementary, Lott said. Armed with a rifle, the recruit told the bus driver to take him to the next town, Lott said.

Collazos weapon, an M4 carbine, did not have any ammunition because neither live rounds nor blanks had been issued to trainees, former Fort Jackson Commander Brig. Gen. Milford Beagle said.

With the bus on the move, the trainee brought all of the kids to the front of the bus, where they began to frustrate him with lots of questions, according to Lott.

After traveling about 3.5 miles, Collazo had the driver stop and let the kids and driver off, the sheriff said. Collazo drove a couple miles, but soon abandoned the bus and left his rifle on board. Collazo had difficulty driving the bus, according to the sheriff.

After leaving the bus on Old Percival Road, Collazo tried to get rides and clothes when he was spotted on I-77 and was taken into custody without incident, according to Lott.

The students and the driver were not physically injured.

Lott praised the children and the bus drivers training, which allowed him to remain calm and deal with the situation. Lott called the bus driver a hero.
A Fort Mill, S.C., paramedic spent less than 37 minutes in jail after he was arrested Tuesday, accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl in the back of an ambulance in January, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police.

The case highlighted current bail bond practices in Mecklenburg courts as the 30-year-old mans bond conditions effectively allowed him to sign himself out on an unsecured bond, said Chief Johnny Jennings at a news conference Thursday.

Akingbiwaju Joseph Opadeles time in jail, Jennings said, was shorter than the amount of time it took the arresting officers to return to their desks.

Chief Johnny Jennings discussed his dissatisfaction with the countys bail bond system at a CMPD news conference on Thursday. A Fort Mill, S.C., paramedic who was accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl in the back of an ambulance spent less than 37 minutes in jail, Jennings said.

The assault, according to police, happened as the girl, who experienced an unspecified medical problem, was being taken from Fort Mill to Atrium Health on Jan. 17.

Opadele was charged with sexual contact or penetration under the pretext of medical treatment, police records show. The charge is a Class C felony.

North Carolina suggests Class C felony bail bonds be set between $75,000 and $150,000, and typical sentences for such felonies range from 44 to 182 months, according to state statutes.

With bail set at $15,000, Opadele spent 37 minutes in jail before posting bond Tuesday afternoon.

We have to stop sometimes and ask ourselves what kind of message are we sending to our victims... when someone can do such a crime as this one and walk right out the door probably before our officers and our detectives even got back to their desks, Jennings said.

Odapele will remain on administrative leave until the criminal investigation and prosecution is done, according to Will Terpening, Fort Mill EMS lawyer. Fort Mill EMS is conducting its own internal investigation, Terpening said.

Fort Mill EMS responded to 4,526 emergency dispatches in 2022, according to Terpening, and this is the first time its faced a criminal accusation against an employee related to its service.
Vehicles parked at an assembly plant on Chicago's Far South Side in 2017. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune)

You wont find this factoid in any marketing brochures, but Chicago led the nation in at least one category in 2022: fastest growing city for auto theft in the U.S.

Auto thefts rose 55% in Chicago last year, topping every other city as part of an ongoing pandemic-fueled nationwide increase in reported stolen vehicles, according to data released Wednesday by the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

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Nationwide, thefts were up 7%, surpassing 1 million stolen vehicles for the first time since 2008.

Chicago is absolutely trending in the wrong direction, said David Glawe, president and CEO of the National Insurance Crime Bureau, a Des Plaines-based industry organization focused on insurance fraud and vehicle theft.

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While California and Texas led the nation in thefts, Illinois had the largest percentage increase among larger states at 35%, according to the groups annual study. Breaking it down further, Chicago, and to some extent surrounding suburbs, are behind the states skyrocketing auto theft statistics, Glawe said.

Chicago had 21,516 reported auto thefts in 2022, up from 13,856 the previous year. Glawe said those totals, received from the National Crime Information Center, include the full spectrum of auto theft, from driving off in unattended vehicles to carjacking.

Last year, the Chicago Police Department announced an expanded vehicular hijacking task force in response to a spike in those crimes. Through February, there were 232 reported carjackings in Chicago, a 23% decline over the same period in 2022, a police spokeswoman said in an email.

But overall motor vehicle thefts are up sharply this year, with 5,375 reports of stolen vehicles through March 5, a 138% increase, according to Chicago Police Department crime statistics.

Auto theft has been increasing during the pandemic, driven by supply chain issues, and the rising value of used cars and parts, Glawe said.

In November, used car prices fell for the first time in more than 2  years, but remained above pre-pandemic levels, according to a study by iSeeCars, an online auto search site. The average price of a used car is over $35,000 in Illinois, the study found.

There is a high demand for used cars and a low supply, Glawe said. The car parts in these vehicles are also sought after.

Soaring catalytic converter theft, for example, is up 1,200% over the last three years, Glawe said. The catalytic converter contains valuable precious metals including rhodium, palladium and platinum, which can fetch hundreds of dollars in resale on the black market.

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Organized crime rings steal vehicles and chop them up for parts, he said.

A social media trend may also be fueling a rise in thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles. Many Kia and Hyundai vehicles do not have electronic immobilizers, making them more vulnerable to being hot-wired. Videos posted online went viral last year, providing instructions on starting the vehicles without a key.

While Hondas, Toyotas, and Ford and Chevy pickups are often the top targets for thieves in Chicago, Kia and Hyundai thefts surged last year on the back of the social media trend, Glawe said.

In 2021, Hyundai and Kia accounted for 8% of the stolen vehicles in Chicago. Last year, that number jumped to 29%.

Both automakers are rolling out fixes for the vulnerability.

In addition, the Chicago Police Department hosted vehicle safety events during January and February to distribute steering wheel locks for Kia and Hyundai vehicles, and etching kits to identify catalytic converters, which makes them harder to resell.

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For Chicago-area car owners, Glawe recommends good security hygiene, such as parking in a well-lit space as a deterrent to thieves. The biggest tip, however, is perhaps the most obvious.

This is going to seem simple, but a lot of people leave their keys in their car, Glawe said. We have a lot of surveillance of criminals going through neighborhoods and just shaking doors to see if the keys are in the car. Then they pop in the car and take off.

rchannick@chicagotribune.com
Five people were killed in Lviv Oblast as a result of a large-scale Russian attack on the night and morning of 8-9 March.

Source: Maksym Kozytskyi, Head of Lviv Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram; Ihor Hrynkiv, Mayor of Zolochiv, on air during the 24/7 national joint newscast

Quote: "In Zolochiv district, an enemy missile fell in a residential area. A fire started. It has already been put out.

At this moment, it is known that there are four killed. These are four adults. Two men and two women."

Updated: Kozytskyi reported at 9:20 that the death toll had risen to five. Rescue workers found the body of another man, born in 1963, under the rubble.

State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Details: The head of the Oblast Military Administration noted that the victims were at home when the missile landed.

State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Rescue workers continue to clear the debris. There may be other people under it.

According to Kozytskyi, the fire destroyed three residential buildings, three cars, a garage and several outbuildings.

State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Ihor Hrynkiv, Mayor of Zolochiv City, reported that the tragedy happened in the village of Velyka Vilshanytsia. Rescue workers are looking for one more person under the rubble.

State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Quote from Hrynkiv: "A missile fell on two residential buildings. These buildings have been completely destroyed. Search and rescue crews, local residents and the police have been working since 04:00. Four bodies have recently been recovered. The fifth resident is being searched for under the rubble now."

              9 .   Telegram  pic.twitter.com/BrhUcoa7sM     (@ukrpravda_news) March 9, 2023

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Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
Fourth suspect facing charges in connection to February shooting death.

The last of four suspects charged in connection to a Feb. 11 shooting death on 14th Street was taken into custody on Wednesday.

Quention Kennedy, 35, turned himself in to authorities, according to a news release from the Wilmington Police Department. He was charged with first-degree murder.

The charges are related to the murder of Ty'Quarious Gause, 27. He was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds by Wilmington police officers in a neighborhood between Dawson and Wooster streets. They responded to the area around 12:10 a.m. after getting a call from a resident reporting a body and a notice from the ShotSpotter system, which detects gunshots in the city.

According to his obituary, Gause was an employee at the NC State Ports in Wilmington and a father. He attended New Hanover County Public Schools, where he received his diploma.

Previous coverage:Wilmington police identify victim in Saturday's fatal shooting

Wilmington police announced they were looking for Kennedy after three other suspects were arrested Tuesday. Kevin Freeman, 27, of Castle Hayne; Rashawn Hines, 28, and 24-year-old Tykeke Hines, both of Wilmington, were charged with first-degree murder.

The suspects are currently being held at the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office Detention Center with no bond. According to the release, Freeman, Rashawn Hines, and Tykeke Hines were already in custody on unrelated drug charges.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Fourth suspect charged in connection to Wilmington shooting death
Maria Bartiromo at Fox News studios on Jan. 10, 2020. (Roy Rochlin / Getty Images)

How do you solve a problem like Maria Bartiromo?

Fox News executives may be asking themselves that question as she emerges as a central figure in Dominion Voting Systems' $1.6-billion defamation suit against the conservative news network.

In released court documents and deposition testimony connected to the case, Bartiromo is cited throughout for allowing former President Trump's false claims about 2020 election fraud to air on the network in an effort to stop angry viewers from abandoning the network.

Falsehoods such as the claim that the Denver-based voting machine maker was founded in Venezuela to aid Hugo Chavez and that its software manipulated votes to favor President Biden went unchallenged on the network in the weeks after the election, despite evidence to the contrary.

Court testimony shows that in the days leading up to and following the 2020 election, colleagues and executives raised questions about Bartiromo's online activity and expressed concerns that she was influenced by right-wing conspiracy theorists.

Bartiromo's texts, which showed up in court filings released Tuesday, said she was "depressed" over the results of the election won by President Biden and hoped to see fraud uncovered that would reverse the outcome.

"I want to see massive fraud exposed. Will (Trump) be able to turn this around. I told my team were not allowed to say pres elect. Not in scripts. Not in banners on air. Until this moves through the courts," Bartiromo said in a text to disgraced Trump advisor Steve Bannon, who was convicted in July of contempt charges for defying a congressional subpoena from the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

"U are our fighter. Enough with the sad. We need you," replied Bannon, who then urged Bartiromo to run for the U.S. Senate seat held by Charles E. Schumer of New York.

On Nov. 5, 2020, two days after the election, Washington anchor Bret Baier warned Jay Wallace, who oversees news-gathering at Fox News, that Bartiromo had been pushing false claims about the election.

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Gary Schreier, a producer who has worked with Bartiromo since 2012, told his bosses that Bartiromo was influenced by Trump's most extreme supporters.

"The problem is she has (GOP) conspiracy theorists in her ear and they use her for their message sometimes, Schreier said in a text to Lauren Petterson, who oversees Fox Business Network.

That same day, Wallace was told that Bartiromo was sharing conspiracy theories about Dominion on the right-wing social media site Parler, to which he responded, I dont know why she invites this.

When Schreier flagged a Bartiromo tweet espousing conspiracy theories for Petterson, she suggested Bartiromo should get off social [media] all together. Schreier agreed, noting that Bartiromo was say[ing] crazy st online.

In his deposition, Schreier said his comments were made out of a concern that Bartiromo was straying too far from financial news and that coverage of divisive political issues would scare away advertisers from her program.

Dominion is asserting that Fox News acted with malice by recklessly disregarding the truth when it presented the allegations against the company, stoking the emotions that led to Trump supporters storming the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Fox News maintains that its reporting and commentary was protected by the 1st Amendment because allegations presented by a sitting president are newsworthy, even if false.

Bartiromo is one of four Fox News and Fox Business Network personalities cited in the suit along with Sean Hannity, Jeanine Pirro and Lou Dobbs, who is no longer part of the company. Fox Corp. Chairman Rupert Murdoch admitted under oath that they all promoted false claims about the 2020 election, which he believed was fair.

But the difference with Bartiromo is she identifies as a news anchor, as she indicated in her testimony.

Hannity, Dobbs and Pirro are considered opinion hosts, and executives at Fox News testified that they are not held to the same journalistic standards as straight news programs.

Schreier said opinion programs on Fox News have no obligation to correct falsehoods stated on their programs. Another Fox News executive, David Clark, told the court that Hannity  the network's longest-running prime-time star  is not a credible source of news.

Bartiromo, 55, arrived at Fox News with a stellar background as a tireless financial journalist forged over 20 years at CNBC. She was a respected pioneer, being the first person to report from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. She joined Fox News in 2013 for an annual salary of $5 million.

Bartiromo is on the air for 15  hours a week on Fox Business Network as host of "Mornings with Maria," and has the highest-rated Sunday morning program on Fox News with "Sunday Morning Futures."

The anchor mostly talked to chief executive officers on her business programs, but became more political after moving to Fox News. Her conservative views became more apparent, and she is said to be beloved by Murdoch.

Bartiromo did not respond to a request for comment.

Before a court hearing Tuesday, Fox News lawyers presented new emails aimed at demonstrating that Bartiromo did not act with malice because she did not know whether allegations made by lawyers Sidney Powell and Rudy Giuliani on Fox News were true or false and that she had doubts about the legitimacy of the 2020 election.

Court documents presented by Fox News included comments made in an December 2020 email by Nicole Beckman, then an associate at Dominion's public relations firm, Hamilton Place Strategies. Beckman said Bartiromo "hasn't made any statements that seem to have a strong case for defamation because she is always careful about either quoting other people ('a report issued says...') or not mentioning Dominion specifically. She leaves it up to her guests to make defamatory claims."

Bartiromo testified that no one in management did anything to stop her or force her to correct the record. While Bartiromo devoted time to the story, top executives, reporters and even Fox News stars such as Tucker Carlson and Dana Perino were saying privately that Trump's claims were bogus and questioned the sanity of Powell and Giuliani.

Carlson  the most popular and outspoken carrier of the conservative torch at Fox News  was particularly eager to move on from Trump, saying in one text, "I hate him passionately."

Much of the deposition testimony related to Bartiromo focuses on the appearances by Powell and Giuliani. The duo were given a platform in front of the "Sunday Morning Futures" audience of nearly 2 million viewers a week, where they amplified Trump's false election claims.

Bartiromo herself made misstatements, such as repeating inaccurate claims that Dominion was owned by voting software company Smartmatic, which is also suing Fox News and other conservative networks for defamation.

In her deposition, Bartiromo maintained that she still does not know whether the many charges made against Dominion on her show were true or false.

She said she repeatedly asked Powell and Giuliani when they would provide evidence to back up their claims and stopped having them on after they came up empty.

But several Fox News executives in their testimony concurred with Dominion's assertions that Bartiromo did not challenge any of Powell's false statements when she appeared on "Sunday Morning Futures." Bartiromo also admitted that she never presented any evidence to counter Powell's claims, even though she was provided with correct information provided by Dominion and other Fox News journalists.

Abby Grossberg, Bartiromo's senior booking producer at the time, was asked in court if she believed "Sunday Morning Futures" had an obligation to correct false information presented by its guests. Her answer was "no," a surprising admission, as Sunday morning political shows are traditionally where viewers expect to see government officials held accountable.

Bartiromo also testified that she did not feel she needed to independently investigate claims by her guests before bringing them on.

While correcting guests in real time can be challenging, Dominion argued that Fox News could have edited out misinformation for repeat broadcasts. But the programs repeated unchanged.

On Tuesday, Fox News attorneys attempted to mitigate the evidence against the network and Bartiromo by submitting to the court emails between the anchor and Tony Fratto, another Hamilton Place Strategies executive and a former spokesperson for the George W. Bush administration.

Fratto, who had a cordial relationship with Bartiromo, sent a message after her interview with Giuliani.

"What Rudy is saying is verifiably false, and the same for Sidney Powell  it's tinfoil hat conspiracy stuff," Fratto said. "And I think they need strong pushback with facts. I'm not saying you should ignore the story, but Rudy is literally making things up as he goes."

An email reply from Bartiromo asked, Are you saying I should not cover a sitting president contesting a presidential election? Should I just blow it off & go with the rest of the media . . . ?

Im not saying you should ignore the story . . .," Fratto said.

Bartiromo offered to have the Dominion chief executive on her show and read a lengthy statement from the company on her Nov. 20, 2020, show.

Fratto's deposition testimony said his attempt to get Bartiromo to stop booking Giuliani and Powell had no impact.

He later wrote to Wallace, hoping to shame the network by comparing it to its upstart competitor Newsmax.

A court brief from Fox News said having some people in the organization who dismissed Trump's claims did not mean those who did believe them acted with malice by presenting them.

It is hardly unusual that some people in a newsroom (with the diverse political viewpoints one would expect) will disbelieve the allegations and hope that they ultimately prove false, while others will keep an open mind in hopes that they prove true.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
PARIS (AP)  About 190 victims of child sexual abuse by priests or other church representatives have been promised financial compensation so far from Frances Catholic Church under a sweeping reparations program, the independent body in charge of the process said Thursday.

A report from the Independent National Authority for Recognition and Reparation, or INIRR, said 11 other people received other types of reparations. Hundreds of other cases are still awaiting review.

More than 1,180 victims of priests or other church representatives have come forward to claim compensation since the body was established, Marie Derain de Vaucresson, head of the INIRR, said during a news conference. She said 32% were women and 68% men. Among them, 404 are now receiving support from the INIRR, while most are waiting for their cases to be examined.

Derain de Vaucresson said 80% of the sums granted so far are above 20,000 euros ($21,128), including 40 people who received the maximum amount, set at 60,000 euros ($63,386).

The majority of those who reached out to the INIRR reported very serious crimes, she stressed, adding that 60% of those who received financial compensation had been raped once or several times. In 58% of the cases, the abuses continued for more than a year. They happened at schools, at the abusers home, at catechism class, in youth organizations and other situations, the INIRR said in a report.

Frances Catholic bishops conference agreed to provide reparations after a 2021 report estimated some 330,000 children were sexually abused over 70 years by priests or other church-related figures in France. The estimates were based on broader research by Frances National Institute of Health and Medical Research into sexual abuse of children.

The report described a systemic coverup by church officials and urged the French Catholic Church to respect the rule of law in France.

One the INIRR approves the financial compensation, each case is sent to a special fund financed by the church for payment.
A screengrab of a tortoise video Jenna Ellis used to mock Mitch McConnell (Twitter)

Donald Trumps newly-censured lawyer Jenna Ellis has been called out for mocking Mitch McConnell with a tumbling tortoise video.

The Senate minority leader was hospitalised on Wednesday night after falling and injuring himself at a private dinner at a Washington DC hotel.

The 81-year-old Kentucky Republican lawmaker is being treated for a concussion following the accident at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Washington, DC, which was formerly the Trump International Hotel, CNN reported.

Ms Ellis was quick to mock the veteran politician, who has been relentlessly attacked by her former boss Donald Trump.

BREAKING: Camera footage from last nights McConnell dinner obtained, she posted on Twitter along with a video of a tortoise falling down a set of stairs.

Mr McConnells critics, including those within his own party, have often mocked him by comparing his looks to that of a turtle.

Jake Tapper of CNN took to Twitter to condemn Ms Ellis.

The basic lack of humanity constantly displayed by these people is truly remarkable, said the journalist.

Another Twitter user added: I think he made a pro-democracy statement once that offended her.

While another tweeted, Wait, arent they in the same side!?

It is not the first tasteless Tweet from Ms Ellis, who after video was released of the brutal hammer attack on Nancy Pelosis 82-year-old husband mocked him for his attire.

Why was he in his UNDERWEAR?! she tweeted.

Earlier this week Ms Ellis was censured by a Colorado judge after she admitted misrepresenting evidence while the former president attempted to overturn his 2020 election loss.

Jenna Elliss lawyer had filed a stipulation earlier last month accepting 10 such misrepresentations in the aftermath of the 2020 election, including repeating the claim of the election being stolen from Mr Trump.

Respondent made these misrepresentations on Twitter and on various television programs, including Fox Business, MSNBC, Fox News, and Newsmax, Colorados top disciplinary judge Bryon M Large wrote in a six-page opinion on Wednesday.

The parties agree that by making these misrepresentations, Respondent violated [a state attorney rule of conduct], which provides that it is professional misconduct for a lawyer to engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation, he said.

Ms Ellis was admitted to the Colorado bar in 2011 and served as Mr Trumps legal adviser from February 2019 to January 2021.
Columbus police officials issued a warrant for a teen suspected of killing three people and injuring a four-year-old at a Motel 6 in February.

Authorities issued warrants against 19-year-old Jerimiah walker, suspected of killing Michael Carter, Sr., Michael Carter, Jr., and Tonya Carter. He is also suspected of injuring a four-year-old.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Officers said on Feb. 18 at 9:09 p.m., officers responded to the Motel 6 on Victory Drive to investigate a shooting.

According to police, 53-year-old Michael Carter, Sr. and 19-year-old Michael Carter, Jr. with gunshot wounds inside the hotel room. They were both pronounced dead at the scene.

In addition to the two men killed, officers said 50-year-old Toya Carter and a child were also shot during the incident and are in critical condition at an area hospital.

TRENDING STORIES:

Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan told Channel 2 Action News that 50-year-old Toya Carter was pronounced dead two weeks after the shooting.

The four-year-old has since been released from the hospital.

Walker is wanted for three counts of murder and two counts of aggravated assault.

It is unclear what led to the shooting.

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Authorities said he should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information regarding Walkers whereabouts is asked to contact Sgt. D. Baker at 706-225-4296.

IN OTHER NEWS:
A resolution to force the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria within six months failed to pass the House on Wednesday.

The resolution, sponsored by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) and emphatically backed by several more conservative lawmakers, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), was rejected on a 103-321 vote.

The resolution was supported by 56 Democrats and 47 Republicans, while 150 Democrats and 171 Republicans voted against the resolution.

Roughly 900 U.S. troops remain in Syria, where they carry out operations to counter ISIS. Although the U.S.-designated terrorist group has lost much of its territory, it still has a presence in Syria and maintains sleeper cells.

On the House floor, Gaetz said American troops in Syria were trapped in a hellscape of war and meddling from various foreign nations and the American counter-terrorism operations in the country have no end in sight.

The Florida lawmaker also argued the ISIS forces in Syria do not represent a serious threat to the U.S., and so the soldiers should be withdrawn.

So often we come to the floor and we debate frivolities. This is one of the most important things we can be talking about, Gaetz said. How we use the credibility of our fellow Americans  how we spill the blood of our bravest patriots. We have stained the deserts in the Middle East with enough American blood. It is time to bring our servicemembers home.

Opponents of the legislation said it was vital to review the U.S. presence in Syria but that withdrawing from the country would threaten Americans by allowing foreign terrorist groups like ISIS to strengthen. Some House members noted the chaotic withdrawal of Afghanistan in 2021, which led to the swift takeover of the Taliban.

Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Relations Committee, said he does not support an indefinite presence in Syria, but the resolution was premature and would leave partner forces out to dry.

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That argument was backed by Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), who said a withdrawal would lead to a much larger, more complex problem at a higher cost and threat to Americans worldwide.

We dont need to repeat 9/11, Wilson said. Peace is best maintained through strength.

Gaetz introduced the resolution in February after four U.S. troops and one working dog were injured during a raid in Syria. The bill was later amended from requiring a withdrawal after enactment from 15 days to 180 days.

Gaetz was able to force a vote on the resolution by invoking the War Powers Act, which makes it privileged and requires swifter congressional action.

The U.S. has carried out counter-terrorism operations in Syria with ground forces since 2015, about four years after an ongoing civil war first erupted in the country.

Former President Trump, a forceful critic of U.S. foreign entanglements, announced he would withdraw troops from Syria in 2019, the year the U.S. declared the defeat of ISIS, but he eventually committed to keeping some troops in the nation.

The Biden administration has maintained the U.S. presence in Syria. Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, traveled to Syria over the weekend, where he said it was crucial to protect American security and ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS.

Criticism of U.S. operations in Syria has attracted politicians on both the left and the right. The Congressional Progressive Caucus urged members to vote for the resolution introduced by Gaetz, according to The Intercept.

Separately on Wednesday, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed bipartisan legislation to repeal the 1991 Gulf War authorization and the 2002 Iraq war authorizations, both of which remain on the books even with the conflicts decades in the past.

The U.S. also has an active Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) for military action against those responsible for the 9/11 attacks, which has been used for counter-terrorism operations.

This story was updated at 6:36 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
CINCINNATI, Ohio (Reuters) - General Electric Co is working on addressing issues with the durability of its LEAP jet engines and changes will be rolled out next year, Karl Sheldon, a senior executive at the company's aerospace unit, said on Thursday.

The problems with LEAP engines, which power Airbus and Boeing jets, is occurring in regions like the Middle-East.

Sheldon said changes are being made to the engine's turbine blades and nozzles, which are getting affected by hot and harsh conditions.

"Hotter engines running in hotter environment is driving this issue," he said on the sidelines of GE's investor conference.

CFM International, a joint venture between GE and France's Safran, manufactures the engine.

Sheldon said enhancements are being made to the cooling jacket around the turbine blade to make it more durable.

(Reporting by Rajesh Kumar Singh in Cincinnati, Ohio; Editing by Leslie Adler and Lincoln Feast)
Emma Turner-Trujillo, foreground, and other Field Museum workers are joined by politicians and labor organizers at a news conference outside the museum in Chicago on Nov. 15, 2022, when it was announced that Field employees had taken the first steps toward unionizing. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune)

About 300 workers at the Field Museum will join the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31 following a ballot count in their union election Thursday.

The vote makes the natural history museum the second major Chicago museum, after the Art Institute, to unionize with AFSCME Council 31, whose ranks have swelled with cultural workers over the last year.

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Field Museum staff, which include collections assistants and technicians, visitor service representatives, exhibition preparers, research scientists and facilities staff, filed for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board in December after going public with their campaign last fall. Museum leadership declined to voluntarily recognize their union, leading to an election, said Anders Lindall, a spokesperson for AFSCME Council 31.

According to the union, 175 museum employees voted in favor of unionization, with 66 voting against. A dozen challenged ballots were not counted. In a news release, the union accused museum management of running an aggressive and costly anti-union campaign.

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In a statement, the Field Museum did not respond directly to the allegation but said it would bargain in good faith with the union.

While the election process produced strong feelings and contrasting views, we are once again unified in serving our visitors, our community, and our world, the museum said. Our management team is ready to begin good-faith bargaining over an initial contract with AFSCME. We look forward to reaching an agreement.

Kalina Jakymec, a member of the unions organizing committee, said wages were a key concern among museum staff.

People are concerned with making rent, with having a functioning car, with being able to afford a commute, said Jakymec.

Lindall said lower-paid employees at the Field Museum unit earn between $16.50 and $18 an hour and that most members of the new bargaining unit make less than $44,000 a year.

Museum staff hasnt ever had a voice or the ability to advocate for ourselves, said Jakymec. She pointed to high turnover among staff and wage disparities as additional areas of concern among employees.

I really wanted to join together with my colleagues, she said, so that there was power behind our voice, so that people had to listen to us, so that we had a seat at the table.

When they launched the union drive, Field Museum workers called attention to what they described as low wages, limited opportunities for advancement, high turnover and the museums reliance on temporary grant-funded workers in place of permanent employees.

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Our skills and our experience are invaluable to the success of the museum. Its time for our voices to be heard and respected. Only by forming a union will we win the respect and dignity at work that we deserve, museum staff wrote in an open letter last fall.

Chicagos first major museum union was formed at the Art Institute, where staff unionized in January 2022. Field Museum employees have said they were inspired by the art museum staffs campaign. Last year, nontenure track faculty and staff at the Art Institutes affiliated school also unionized with AFSCME Council 31. So did workers at the Newberry Library, an independent research library on the Near North Side.

Lindall declined to say whether the union had plans to organize with workers at other Museum Campus institutions.
Voting lines in the next election could be faster now that the states new registered voter information system is online.

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger told Channel 2s Richard Elliot that the rollout for the Georgia Registered Voter System, or Garvis, Garvis happened in record time.

Elections officials said they are excited to see it work.

Its supposed to be real-time, so Im ready, said Ronda Walthour, Liberty County Elections Director.

Walthour said she knows all about the issues of long lines and problems with Georgias old E-net system.

Garvis is supposed to make it easier for her office to check people in and hopefully, make those lines vanish.

But we are told it will be one of those moments. It will be real-time, and I dont think there will be any delays, Walthour said.

Raffensperger announced Thursday that Garvis is officially online and in use around the state.

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We are here to announce and celebrate the successful launch of the Georgia Registered Voter System, what we affectionately call Garvis, Raffensperger said.

He said it makes Georgias voter registration and information system better and much more efficient.

Now, in only 15 months, we have executed the largest, fastest rollout of a top-down statewide voter registration system. Thats the largest and fastest in American history, Raffensperger said.

While most voters wont see Garvis in action -- most of that is behind the scenes -- Muscogee County elections supervisor Nancy Boren insists they could see when they check in to vote and check in quickly.

Hopefully, the voter rolls will be clean. Voters will have an opportunity to go and early vote. Their name will appear, their addresses, their new addresses will be there, and their information will be correct, Boren said.

Garvis cost the state a little more than $4 million. It will be in place for the next election cycle.

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By Felix Light

TBILISI (Reuters) -Georgia's ruling party said on Thursday it was withdrawing a bill on "foreign agents" after two nights of violent protests against what opponents called a Russian-inspired authoritarian shift that imperilled hopes Georgia joining the European Union.

The Georgian Dream party said in a statement it would "unconditionally withdraw the bill we supported, without any reservations". It cited the need to reduce "confrontation" in society, while denouncing "lies" about the bill spread by the "radical opposition".

News reports late on Thursday said parliament scheduled an extraordinary session for Friday to deal with the bill. Large crowds remained outside the parliament building well after midnight and rallies were expected during Friday's session.

Giga Lemonjava, a representative of the Droa party, said protesters wanted the government to formally denounce the bill and ensure the release all those detained in the demonstrations.

The Black Sea country of 3.7 million people has seen frequent political upheaval since winning independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, including a peaceful "Rose Revolution" in 2003 and a calamitous war against Russia five years later.

The bill would have required Georgian organisations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as "foreign agents" or face fines.

Government officials said the proposals sought to root out "foreign influence" and "spies".

'RUSSIAN' LAW, OPPONENTS SAY

Opponents described the bill as a local version of a law that Russian President Vladimir Putin has used to crush dissent for more than a decade.

"It was a Russian law that had to be recalled and should not have gone through parliament under any conditions", said Nika Oboladze, 32.

"Because 90% of Georgians support European integration and nothing should stop that."

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The United States welcomed the decision to withdraw the draft law, but called on the ruling party to officially retract it and not further such legislation.

"We encourage Georgia's political leaders to work together in earnest on the reforms urgently needed to obtain the EU candidate status that Georgia's citizens overwhelmingly desire," State Department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow was "concerned" by events in Tbilisi, and said that the Georgian bill bore no relation to Russian laws.

"The Kremlin didn't inspire anything there, the Kremlin has absolutely nothing to do with it," Peskov said.

The Georgia ruling party has said the bill was modelled on the U.S. 1938 "Foreign Agents Registration Act", which primarily covers lobbyists and organisations directly working for or under the control of foreign governments.

The European Union's delegation to Georgia also welcomed the proposed withdrawal of the bill. "We encourage all political leaders in Georgia to resume pro-EU reforms, in an inclusive & constructive way," it said on Twitter.

Parliament gave the draft law initial approval on Tuesday. Tens of thousands of protesters then gathered outside the parliament, some throwing petrol bombs, stones and plastic bottles at police. The authorities said dozens were detained.

Police used tear gas, water cannon and stun grenades to break up a second night of protests on Wednesday.

The interior ministry said all the protesters detained for non-criminal offences had been freed. It said some detainees appeared in court.

The bill has deepened a rift between Georgian Dream, which has a parliamentary majority, and President Salome Zourabichvili, a pro-European who has moved away from the party since being elected with its support in 2018.

Zourabichvili had said she would veto the bill, though parliament can override her.

"I want to congratulate the whole of society on this first victory of its kind. I welcome these correct steps taken by the government - the fact that they announced the withdrawal of this draft law," Zourabichvili said on her Facebook page.

Georgia's opposition has long accused Georgian Dream of being too close to Moscow. Anti-Russian feeling runs high in Georgia over Moscow's backing for separatists in two breakaway regions, which led to the brief 2008 war.

All major parties, including Georgian Dream, support the idea of joining the EU and NATO. Last year, Brussels declined to grant Georgia EU candidate status alongside Moldova and Ukraine, citing stalled political and judicial reforms.

(Additional reporting by David Chkhikvishvili, Jake Cordell, Ben Tavener and Simon Lewis; writing by Felix Light and Mark Trevelyan; Editing by Angus MacSwan and Grant McCool)
On the third day of mass protests in Tbilisi, Georgian opposition politicians voiced their demands for the resignation of the country's government and early elections, local TV channel Rustavi 2 reported on March 9.

Part of the opposition said the protests triggered by a controversial bill on "foreign agents" passed by the Georgian parliament in the first reading would not stop until the participants were convinced that Georgia's course to Europe is "unshakable," according to Rustavi 2.

Georgian news outlet Interpressnews reported that the protesters had announced another rally on March 10, when the country's parliament should vote on the so-called second reading of the bill it claimed to have already withdrawn.

Several law experts said, as cited by European Pravda, that it is procedurally impossible to simply "withdraw" a draft law approved in the first reading. The parliament can do it only by rejecting the bill during the second reading.

The scandalous bill seeks to require Western-funded NGOs to register as "foreign agents" and restrict their activities. Opponents of the Geogian government argue that the bill is a copy of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin's authoritarian foreign agent law and will put an end to Georgia's aspirations to join NATO and the EU.

The legislation prompted massive protests on March 7-8, with tens of thousands taking to the streets, clashing with the police, building barricades, and trying to storm the parliament building. The police have cracked down on the demonstrators, using water cannons and tear gas and beating up some protesters.

The initial demands of the March 9 rally on Tbilisi's central Rustaveli Avenue were an immediate plenary session to revoke the Kremlin-inspired bill and the release of the demonstrators detained on the first two days of protests, according to Interpressnews.

Later the publication reported that almost all of the 133 people arrested on March 7-8 were released, except for one protester detained under a criminal code article.

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Russia's "foreign agent" law, which is similar to the Georgian one, requires organizations that receive funding from abroad or are perceived by the Kremlin to have been influenced by foreign entities to register as a "foreign agent."

The law mandates these organizations to undergo rigorous financial audits and to label all their content with a disclaimer stating that it is being distributed by a "foreign agent." However, this law is often used to target and silence groups and individuals who are critical of the government.

In recent months the Georgian government has spoiled its relations with the West and Ukraine and drifted into Russia's orbit despite the fact that 20% of Georgian territory is currently occupied by Russia.


A Rheinmetall Panther KF51 main battle tank at the Rheinmetall plant in Lower Saxony in July. Julian Stratenschulte/picture alliance via Getty Images

Prominent German defense firm Rheinmetall is offering Ukraine its new Panther Kf51 tank.

The KF51 would leapfrog the other older Western-made tanks that are being sent to Ukraine.

While the KF51 has advanced capabilities, its newness may create more headaches for the Ukrainians.

While Ukraine waits on the older Abrams and Leopard tanks that the US and Europe have promised to deliver, it may have the opportunity to buy a cutting-edge German tank.

Acquiring the next-generation Panther KF51 would give Ukraine the chance to leapfrog the older tanks that Western donors are sending  as well as the mostly Cold War-era tanks that Ukraine already uses  but taking on an unproven vehicle could further tax Ukraine's military as it struggles to incorporate older Western tank models into its armed forces.

Rheinmetall, the prominent German arms firm that developed the KF51, seems confident the idea could work. Its CEO, Armin Papperger, told the German business newspaper Handelsblatt that the Panther could be delivered to Ukraine "in 15 to 18 months."

"We are talking to Kyiv about exporting the Panther," Papperger said. Interestingly, Papperger said that Ukraine had also expressed interest in Rheinmetall's next-generation Lynx infantry fighting vehicle.

An illustration of Rheinmetall's Panther KF51. Rheinmetall Defence

Rheinmetall is reportedly negotiating with Ukraine to build a tank factory there, though it's not clear whether it would produce the Panther or the older Leopard 2 tank.

The KF51 Panther is a new tank with some old features. Its hull is based on the Leopard 2, which debuted in 1979. But the turret contains Rheinmetall's next-generation Future Gun System, a 130 mm smoothbore cannon that replaces the standard 120mm found on Western tanks such as the M1 Abrams, Leopard 2, and the Challenger 2.

The Panther also has advanced features, including launchers for HERO 120 loitering munitions that give the tank an onboard kamikaze drone capability. Sophisticated networking capabilities allow it to be integrated into detect-and-shoot kill chains and the ability to control "wingman" unmanned-ground vehicles that provide capabilities "such as platoon-level air and drone defense," according to Rheinmetall, which describes the Panther as a "truly software-defined tank."

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Rheinmetall presented the Panther at a Paris trade fair last summer and "touted it as the strongest battle tank in the world," according to Handelsblatt.

A German Leopard 2 tank in Munster in May 2019. Christophe Gateau/picture alliance via Getty Images

Two aspects of the Kf51 stand out. One is the autoloader that replaces the crew member who loads shells into the main gun, enabling the tank to have a crew of three rather than the four usually found in Western tanks  Russian tanks also use an autoloader for a crew of three.

Like the next-generation Abrams tank, the Panther's turret can be unmanned, with its crew operating the vehicle behind the thicker armor of the tank's hull.

Perhaps not coincidentally, an unmanned turret and onboard drones are also a feature of Russia's next-generation T-14 Armata tank, which first appeared in 2014. Russia's army has only bought a few T-14s, possibly because of the high price as well as production and mechanical issues. The Kremlin also appears reluctant to commit T-14s to combat in Ukraine.

It's also notable that the Panther has a combat weight of just 59 tons. This is lighter than the latest Leopard 2A7, which is 67 tons, and Abrams and Challenger, which weigh 70 to 80 tons, both of which Ukraine is slated to receive. Lighter vehicles can more easily cross bridges or muddy terrain, which are key considerations on Ukrainian battlefields.

An illustration of the Panther KF51. Rheinmetall Defence

But tank design is about tradeoffs, especially when it comes to weight.

One reason the KF51 is slimmer is because  just like the Leopard 2  it is not as thickly armored as the Abrams and Challenger. Instead of bulky armor plates, the Panther relies more on active and passive-protection systems, such as jammers, smokescreens, and projectiles to destroy incoming anti-tank rockets.

There is no doubt that Ukraine needs more tanks. Russia has lost almost 2,000 tanks since the war began a year ago, according to a tally by the open-source website Oryx, but Ukraine has lost almost 500 tanks.

While Ukraine has been able to replenish some losses by putting more than 500 captured Russian tanks into service, it is still going to need foreign vehicles as the Soviet-era designs it had before the war are destroyed or worn out.

Nonetheless, one consideration for Ukraine  and any foreign donors who would subsidize its purchase  is that no military has yet bought the Kf51.

Even the best new weapons have teething problems. If Ukraine becomes the first to field the Panther, then it will become the first to deal with the inevitable bugs. With all the challenges that Ukraine already faces, that's a gamble.

Michael Peck is a defense writer whose work has appeared in Forbes, Defense News, Foreign Policy magazine, and other publications. He holds a master's in political science. Follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Read the original article on Business Insider
FRANKFURT (Reuters) - German heating system suppliers said they can roll out electric heat pumps to households on a large scale to replace oil and gas boilers and protect the climate, but lawmakers must be flexible on options to cut the sector's carbon footprint.

"The industry is committed to supporting government goals to install 500,000 new pumps each year from 2024," Markus Staudt, managing director of the federation of German Heating Industry (BDH), said on Thursday. He added producers were revving up capacities.

"But we must give some 11 million old and inefficient heating systems and those installed in recent years a chance to continue running partly on green gases," he said at a press conference ahead of the trade fair ISH that runs next week.

The Berlin government is due to launch policies to cut CO2 in buildings, catching up with a sector that consumes over a quarter of all energy in Europe's biggest economy and emits 15% of its CO2.

The Economy and Housing ministries are proposing new heating systems be fit to use at least 65% CO2-free energy as an input source from 2024.

But banning oil and gas too soon would be technically and financially unrealistic, the industry believes.

"We can't bet on an all-electric solution, which would require an urgent and crazy-sum power network expansion," said Helmut Bramann, managing director of another sector lobby, ZVSHK.

A ban would also close the door to hybrid systems that could gradually introduce more home-produced solar thermal and photovoltaic energy, and fill existing gas pipelines with renewable-derived gases, he added.

Among 980,000 new heating units put in last year, 236,000 were heat pumps, that extract heat from the air or ground and whose sales were up 53%, BDH data showed.

But some 598,500 units installed in 2022 still rely on gas, and the remainder on heating oil and biomass, such as wood pellets from sawmill industry waste.

Economy Minister Robert Habeck at a separate appearance promised financial support for modernising homes.

(Reporting by Vera Eckert; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
BERLIN (AP)  Shots were fired inside a building used by Jehovah's Witnesses in the northern German city of Hamburg on Thursday evening, with several people killed and wounded, police said.

We only know that several people died here; several people are wounded, they were taken to hospitals, police spokesperson Holger Vehren said of the shooting in the Gross Borstel district of Germanys second-biggest city.

He said he had no information on the severity of the injuries suffered by the wounded. Police did not confirm German media reports, which named no sources, of six or seven dead.

David Semonian, a U.S.-based spokesman for Jehovah's Witnesses, told The Associated Press in an emailed statement early Friday that members worldwide grieve for the victims of this traumatic event.

The congregation elders in the local area are providing pastoral care for those affected by the event, he wrote. We understand that the authorities are still investigating the details of this crime. We appreciate the courageous help provided by the police and emergency services.

In a Twitter update in the early hours Friday, Hamburg police said they believed there was only one shooter and they were gradually rolling back security forces from the area.

The investigation into the motive behind the crime continues, police said.

Hamburg security officials said there would be a news conference Friday afternoon to discuss details.

The scene of the shooting was the Jehovah's Witnesses' Kingdom Hall, a modern and boxy three-story building next to an auto repair shop.

Vehren said police were alerted to the shooting about 9:15 p.m. and were on the scene quickly.

He said that after officers arrived and found people with apparent gunshot wounds on the ground floor, they heard a shot from an upper floor and found a fatally wounded person upstairs who may have been a shooter. He said police did not have to use their firearms.

Vehren said there was no indication that a shooter was on the run and that it appeared likely that the perpetrator was either in the building or among the dead.

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Through the night, forensic investigators in protective white suits could be seen walking through the building continuing their work.

Student Laura Bauch, who lives nearby, said there were about four periods of shooting, German news agency dpa reported. There were always several shots in these periods, roughly at intervals of 20 seconds to a minute, she said.

She said she looked out her window and saw a person running from the ground floor to the second floor of the Jehovah's Witnesses hall.

Gregor Miesbach, who lives within sight of the building, was alerted by the sound of shots and filmed a figure entering the building through a window. Shots can then be heard from inside. The figure later apparently emerges from the hall, is seen in the courtyard and then fires more shots inside.

Miesbach told German television news agency NonstopNews that he heard at least 25 shots. After police arrived, one last shot followed about five minutes later, he said.

His video, posted online by Bild newspaper, showed a person firing multiple shots into the building through a first floor window before the lights inside the room went out.

Early Friday morning, investigators could be seen working outside the building as a light snow fell, placing yellow cones on the ground and windowsills to mark evidence.

Police had no information on the event that was underway in the building when the shooting took place. They also had no immediate information on a possible motive. Vehren said that the background is still completely unclear.

Hamburg Mayor Peter Tschentscher tweeted that the news was shocking and offered his sympathy to the victims' relatives.

Jehovahs Witnesses are part of an international church, founded in the United States in the 19th century and headquartered in Warwick, New York. It claims a worldwide membership of about 8.7 million, with about 170,000 in Germany.

Members are known for their evangelistic efforts that include knocking on doors and distributing literature in public squares. The denomination's distinctive practices include a refusal to bear arms, receive blood transfusions, salute a national flag or participate in secular government.

___

Associated Press journalist David Rising contributed to this story from Bangkok.
A girl from Washington who went missing in 2018 has been found in Mexico, the FBI announced on Wednesday. Aranza Maria Ochoa Lopez was last seen with her biological mother at a mall in Vancouver, Washington, when she was 4 years old.

Lopez had a supervised visit with her mother the day she went missing, the FBI confirmed to CBS News. Her mother was arrested about one year later in Puebla, Mexico, but Lopez remained missing.

The FBI had offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of Lopez. They worked with the Vancouver Police in Washington on the investigation, as well as law enforcement in Mexico.

Aranza Maria Ochoa Lopez was last seen with her biological mother at a mall in Vancouver, Washington, when she was 4 years old. She was found in February, the FBI announced this week. / Credit: FBI

Mexican authorities found the girl in Michoacan, Mexico, in February, and she was escorted back to the U.S. by FBI special agents.

"For more than four years, the FBI and our partners did not give up on Aranza," said Richard A. Collodi, special agent in charge of the FBI's Seattle field office. "Our concern now will be supporting Aranza as she begins her reintegration into the U.S."

A representative for the FBI did not provide further information about Lopez's case. CBS News has also reached out to the Vancouver Police Department for further information.

During the supervised visit, Lopez's mother, Esmeralda Lopez-Lopez, asked to take her to the restroom at the mall, according to local publication The Columbian. She then fled with her daughter to a stolen vehicle and they left with an accomplice.

Lopez had been in foster care because of complaints that her mother abused her.

After being arrested in Mexico in 2019, Lopez-Lopez pleaded guilty in 2021 to second-degree kidnapping and robbery and first-degree custodial interference and she was sentenced to 20 months in prison, according to The Columbian.

Most abducted children are taken by family members, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Just 1% of missing children cases are abductions by non-family members, according to the center's data.

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Protesters throw an earth-shaped ball during the "Global Strike For Future" demonstration in Stockholm on May 24, 2019, a global day of student protests aiming to spark world leaders into action on climate change. Credit - Jonathan NackstrandAFP via Getty Images

For more than a decade, Freedom Houses annual Freedom in the World report, which has been published by the Washington-based pro-democracy watchdog since 1973, has made for pretty grim reading. Since 2006, the report has chronicled a global democratic recession, in which the number of countries with diminishing political rights and civil liberties has outpaced those moving in the opposite direction.

But there may now be cause for cautious optimism. Of the 195 countries and 15 territories evaluated, 34 countries saw improvements in political rights and civil liberties, whereas 35 countries lost ground. That represents the narrowest margin recorded between countries that declined and improved since the downward trend began 17 years ago. The report concludes that it signals that the worlds long freedom recession may be bottoming out.

Global democracy on the rebound?

The reasons for this potential rebound are two-fold. The first is that many of the factors that made 2020 the worst year for democracy in recent history have since been reversed. The pandemic had a pretty severe effect on civil liberties around the world, and were seeing the last remnants of that lift, says Yana Gorokhovskaia, the reports co-author and Freedom Houses research director for strategy and design, noting the impact that COVID-19 restrictions had on freedom of assembly in many countries. In authoritarian states such as China, where the crisis was exploited to further consolidate the states power, the restrictions were even more severe.

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The second, perhaps more noteworthy, reason is to do with the fact that autocracies are no longer seen as quite as infallible. Throughout 2022, authoritarian regimes and illiberal leaders suffered a series of blows. That includes Vladimir Putins failure to achieve outright victory in Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine and Jair Bolsonaros failure to win reelection in Brazil even after an attempted coup. Meanwhile, in China, rare demonstrations forced the government into a stunning reversal on its stringent zero-COVID policy; in Iran, women have emerged at the forefront of nationwide anti-regime protests. And in countries such as Venezuela and Afghanistan, governments have presided over humanitarian crises.

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Read More: How the World Changed Since Russias Invasion of Ukraine

As a form of government, [authoritarianism] relies on repression and coercion, says Gorokhovskaia. But if 2022 has proven anything, its that even with this power, they are not unbeatable. They actually do face some limits.

The slow and gradual road to democratic recovery

While the narrowing of the gap between backsliding countries and improving countries is promising, Gorokhovskaia warns that democratic improvements in affected countries will take a long while. Thats because, on the whole, democratization tends to occur in smaller and more piecemeal ways than backsliding, which can happen rapidly.

Conversely, when decline does occur, it tends to be steep. Burkina Faso, for example, fell in Freedom Houses ranking by 23 points (from 53 to 30 out of 100) after it suffered two coups in a single year. Ukraine fell by 11 points (from 61 to 50), mostly as a result of Russian aggression in the country. Tunisia, once regarded as the only success story of the 2011 Arab uprisings, declined by eight points (from 64 to 56) over President Kais Saieds efforts to consolidate power.

By comparison, the biggest recorded improvement this year was in Colombia, which rose by six points (from 64 to 70) following successful and competitive elections. It takes countries a really long time to reinforce civil liberties and political rights, says Gorokhovskaia.

The majority of the world lives in Partly Free or Not Free countries

For most of the global population, civil and political liberties continue to be out of arms reach. Just 20% of people around the world live in countries classed as Free, compared to 41% and 39% that live in Partly Free and Not Free countries, respectively.

For Freedom House, which uses 25 indicators to assess the health of a given countrys democracy, the most concerning decline over the past 17 years has been freedom of the media and freedom of personal expression. In 2022 alone, media freedom came under pressure in at least 157 countries and territories, or roughly 80% of the countries evaluated. The countries that receive zero out of four on freedom of the media and freedom of private expression are the worst of the worst, says Gorokhovskaia, citing countries such as Belarus, Eritrea, and Nicaragua. But attacks on the media and freedom of expression are also prevalent in free or partly free countries, including major democracies such as the U.S. and India, both of which are among the countries that have experienced the largest 10-year declines.

If there is one issue that democracies should focus on to improve democratic performance around the world, both in liberal and authoritarian states, its these two indicators. Reinvesting in freedom of the media and freedom of private expression would bolster democracies internally, but it would also help counter authoritarians, says Gorokhovskaia. These are things that we can work on inside of our own democracies, but we can also help to facilitate in autocracies or authoritarian regimes.
Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, talks about his plan to establish a wildfire commission during a press conference at the Neffs Canyon trailhead in Millcreek on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020. Romney recently recommended the federal government adopt some of Utahs policies for preventing and dealing with wildfires. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

At a Senate hearing Wednesday, Sen. Mitt Romney recommended the federal government adopt some of Utahs policies for preventing and dealing with wildfires.

The Utah Republican said with global warming not going to go away, state and federal officials are going to have to learn to deal with the reality that wildfires are going to become an increasing problem, especially considering the persistent drought.

So that means we have to think about, OK, how are we going to deal with this? he said.

Romney said wildfire is a major issue in Utah, and with the federal government owning 70% of land in the state, it is important for state and federal government to work together.

At the state level, Utahs program of warning residents when the threat of wildfires is high is working, Romney said.

Our state actually has begun a program of contacting people with alerts about fire danger, and that has had an impact on reducing the number of human-caused wildfires, he said. So I would suggest that as at least one thing we (should) consider even at the federal level or at least encouraging states to consider.

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Wildfires consume 50% more acres than in the past, Romney noted, blaming the lack of forest management, and pointing to the need to clear deadwood and to thin existing trees. He also recommended controlled burns.

Nicolas Loris of C3 solutions, or the Conservative Coalition for Climate Solutions, agreed with Romney and said this is an area where the private sector and nonprofits could work together to create a win-win.

I think fixing some of the regulatory processes to allow mechanical thinning, to allow prescribed burns to happen more efficiently is a viable and necessary option, said Loris.

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Utah has a hard time navigating federal environmental requirements to do controlled burns at the right time, Romney said, recommending that the federal government speed up the process for approving them. He also said hed like to see long-term logging contracts to clear deadwood, and more airplanes to help with fighting fires.

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Romney also said it takes too long for the federal government to allow remediation after a fire, resulting in flooding and other damage.

Keeping on doing the things as weve been doing them is not the right way to go, he said.

Romney said his recommendations came out of a commission created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, which is tasked with looking at how to reduce forest fires.
Globalstar, Inc. (AMEX:GSAT) Q4 2022 Earnings Call Transcript March 7, 2023

Operator: Good day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Globalstar Fourth Quarter 2022 Earnings Conference Call. Please be advised that today's conference is being recorded. I would now like to hand the conference over to your speaker today, Jay Monroe, Executive Chairman.

Jay Monroe: Thanks for joining Globalstar's fourth quarter and full year 2022 investor call. Please note that today's call contains forward-looking statements intended to fall within the Safe Harbor provided under the securities laws. Factors that could cause the results to differ materially are described in the forward-looking statements and risk factors section of the Globalstar's SEC filings, including its annual report on Form 10-K for the financial year ended 2022 and in last week's earnings release. It's been some time since our last earnings call, and we're pleased to be back at it. We have been busy developing, executing, announcing a long list of critical developments in the interim involving our spectrum, wholesale services, powerful, long-term partnerships and so much more.

We also provided a full update and presentation during our Investor Day in November and plan to host similar events when the time is right. On this call and on future earnings calls, we plan to keep our prepared remarks comparatively brief, hitting the highlights for the prior periods and moving directly to Q&A. Today, Dave Kagan, Rebecca Clary, Kyle Pickens and Tim Taylor will be available to answer your questions. As has been our policy even before September 17th -- 7th announcement, we will not be able to answer questions about our wholesale business partner or any of their future services. Instead, we will focus on the other aspects of our business. But what we can say is that the September announcement is the foundation of the company's wholesale satellite plan.

We will continue to execute our own satellite opportunities, utilizing our retained capacity, including finalizing the work at 3GPP for our new NTN band class, which we expect to finish this September. Standardization with NTN allows for the proliferation of chipsets and devices able to operate on both satellite and terrestrial networks, greatly increasing the total addressable market for satellite connectivity. We will do this while maintaining the unique satellite assets which we operate today through fully licensed and protected spectrum in the L, S and C bands. This wholesale business strategy allows Globalstar to generate contracted, consistent cash flow for the future, which will grow materially as new satellite assets are deployed in the coming years.

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We are close to announcing a new and exciting partnership to help utilize our available satellite capacity. On top of our wholesale effort, our core MSS business generates annual revenue in excess of $100 million and is anchored by the legacy SPOT and Duplex businesses. As we had expected and as we have experienced, the major growth driver for our MSS core business is Commercial IoT, which will soon benefit from the introduction of our very first 2-way IoT product launching later this year. We continue to believe in this significant growth opportunity and have appropriately added to the team to help close sales. Our terrestrial spectrum assets have continued to develop well with two major announcements in just the last week. First, the successful completion of terrestrial authority for Band 53 in Spain, our first in Europe, which should foreshadow many more licenses there.

Satellite, communication

Photo by Timon Reinhard on Unsplash

Spain represents the 11th national authorization across 4 continents. Secondly, yesterday, we announced our new collaboration with Qualcomm. As additional national authorizations are secured, we view this as an increasingly borderless spectrum resource. The strategic agreement with Qualcomm introduces Band 53 into the full Qualcomm RF ecosystem and sales network, including both the chipset and the front end. This is important for rapid adoption of the small cell infrastructure for private wireless 5G networks. Qualcomm calls this the FSM platform, and its availability will substantially increase the number of radio vendors rolling out Band 53. The FSM is expected to be introduced this summer. Qualcomm will also encourage the use of Band 53 via their global mobile chipset business, the world's largest, so that the widest range of new smartphones, laptops and other 5G devices will be enabled with Band 53 and offered globally.

The agreement with Qualcomm further positions Globalstar to monetize our spectrum across multiple commercial channels. Partners will be able to access these products through a rapidly expanding ecosystem with Globalstar and Qualcomm jointly working through Qualcomm's global network of system integrators, or SIs, to offer Qualcomm's suite of solutions for Band 53. Together with these SIs, Globalstar can deploy spectrum in support of new 5G network solutions in the U.S. and in any other country where we have or obtained terrestrial authority. This announcement represents a continuation of the company's effort to expand Band 53 ecosystem following the initial agreement with Qualcomm to support us in their prior Snapdragon modems. We are in negotiations with terrestrial users representing hundreds of millions of dollars of annual spectrum leases for Band 53.

On the financing front, we are pleased to sign the agreements we did last week, which were announced in the 8-K, and this was accomplished without dilution. And we are currently working to complete the conditions precedent, including the refinancing of the remaining first-lien facility in the very near future. With an improved capital structure and accelerating cash flow, Globalstar shareholders are well positioned to realize the value of the opportunities at hand. Concluding my remarks today, 2022 represented a significant improvement in the company's financial results, including revenue increasing 19% and adjusted EBITDA increasing 48%. The Commercial IoT growth is accelerating, and we believe this growth will accelerate again with the introduction of our 2-way module later this year.

Entering the 2-way market will close the gap versus competitive alternatives and allows us to attack a large existing market with an established OEM distribution channel. This is a massive opportunity for Globalstar, and we will continue evolving our IoT products and service offerings as IoT connectivity becomes more and more critical across industrial use cases. We will now open up the call to Q&A, including the availability of Dave, Rebecca, Kyle and Tim. Please direct questions to whomever you prefer. We remind you that we are not able to answer questions related to our activities in the direct handset market. And we thank you in advance for focusing your questions on the other part of our business and our financial results.

See also 15 Largest Commercial Printing Companies in the World and 12 High Growth Forever Dividend Stocks.

To continue reading the Q&A session, please click here.
JERUSALEM  Chaim Topol, a leading Israeli actor who charmed generations of theatergoers and movie-watchers with his portrayal of Tevye, the long-suffering and charismatic milkman in Fiddler on the Roof, has died in Tel Aviv, Israeli leaders said Thursday. He was 87.

The cause was not immediately released.

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Israeli leaders on Thursday tweeted their memories and condolences to Topols family.

Israels ceremonial president, Isaac Herzog hailed Topol as one of the most outstanding Israeli actors, who filled the movie screens with his presence and above all entered deep into our hearts.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Topols contribution to Israeli culture will continue to exist for generations. .

Benny Gantz, Israels former minister of defense, praised Topol for helping Israelis connect to their roots.

We laughed and cried at the same time over the deepest wounds of Israeli society, he wrote of Topols performance.

Yair Lapid, head of Israels opposition, said Topol taught Israelis love of culture and love of the land.

Topols charity, Jordan River Village, also announced his death, paying tribute to him as an inspiration whose legacy will continue for generations to come.

A recipient of two Golden Globe awards and nominee for both an Academy Award and a Tony Award, Topol long has ranked among Israels most decorated actors. More recently in 2015, he was celebrated for his contributions to film and culture with the Israel Prize for lifetime achievement, his countrys most prestigious honor. Up until a few years ago, he remained involved in theater and said he still fielded requests to play Tevye.

Topol got his start in acting in a theatrical troupe in the Israeli army in the 1950s, where he met his future wife Galia. His first major breakthrough was the lead role in the 1964 hit Israeli film Sallah Shabati, about the hardships of Middle Eastern immigrants to Israel. The film made history as the first Israeli film to earn an Academy Award nomination and also gave Topol his first Golden Globe Award.

Two years later, he made his English-language film debut alongside Kirk Douglas in Cast a Giant Shadow. But the role of his life arrived in the long-running musical Fiddler on the Roof, in which he played the dairyman protagonist, Tevye, a Jewish father trying to maintain his familys cultural traditions despite the turmoil gripping their Russian shtetl.

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With his rich voice, folkish witticisms and commanding stage presence, Topols Tevye, driving his horse-drawn buggy and delivering milk, butter and eggs to the rich, became a popular hero in Israel and around the world.

After years of playing Tevye on stage in London and on Broadway, he scored the lead role in the 1971 Norman Jewison-directed film version, winning the Golden Globe award for lead actor and being nominated for a Best Actor Academy Award. He lost out to Gene Hackman in The French Connection.

Topol played the part more than 3,500 times on stage, most recently in 2009. With the help of heavy makeup and costume work, he first portrayed the much older, burlier dairyman in his 30s and quite literally aged into the role.

Topol faced tough competition securing the role in Jewisons hit film  scores of talents have played Tevye in over a dozen languages since Fiddler on the Roof first appeared. Topol has said his personal experience as the descendant of Russian Jews helped him relate to Tevye and deepen his performance.

In an interview with The Associated Press from his Tel Aviv home in 2015, on the occasion of accepting the Israel prize for lifetime achievement, Topol traced his meteoric rise from modest beginnings to worldwide fame.

I wasnt brought up in Hollywood. I was brought up in a kibbutz, he said. Sometimes I am surprised when I come to China or when I come to Tokyo or when I come to France or when I come wherever and the clerk at the immigration says Topol, Topol, are you Topol?

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Topol also starred in more than 30 other movies, including as the lead in Galileo, Dr. Hans Zarkov in Flash Gordon and James Bonds foil-turned-ally Milos Columbo in For Your Eyes Only alongside Roger Moore.

But he became synonymous with just one role  Tevye. Pouring his heart out about his impoverished Jewish community over the years, Topol made audiences laugh and cry from Broadway and West End stages.

How many people are known for one part? How many people in my profession are known worldwide? he told the AP. Im not complaining.

Yet Topol said he sometimes needed to look outside of acting to find meaning in his life. He devoted much of his later years to charity as chairman of the board of Jordan River Village, a camp serving Middle Eastern children with life-threatening diseases.

I am interested in charities and find it more fulfilling than running from one (acting) part to another, he said. When you are successful in a film and the money flows, yes, obviously, it is very nice. But to tell you that is the most important thing, I am not sure.

Topol is survived by his wife and three children.
Goldie Hawn in 2015. Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images

Goldie Hawn says she regrets not being at the 1970 Oscars when she won her best supporting actress award.

Hawn, who was shooting in London at the time, won for her role in the 1969 film "Cactus Flower."

Hawn only recently watched the moment she won the award after being asked about it by Jimmy Kimmel.

Goldie Hawn says that she regrets not being there to accept her best supporting actress Oscar for "Cactus Flower" at the awards ceremony in 1970.

In a Variety interview published Wednesday, 77-year-old Hawn recalled finding out that she won the award. She was 25 years old at the time.

"I forgot it was on television that night," she told Variety's Tatiana Siegel. "Then I woke up to a phone call at like 4 in the morning. And it was a man's voice and he said, 'Hey, congratulations, you got it.' 'I got what?' 'You got the Academy Award for best supporting actress.'"

At the time, she was in London filming "There's a Girl in my Soup" with actor Peter Sellers.

"I regret it. It's something that I look back on now and think, 'It would have been so great to be able to have done that,'" Hawn said of missing the moment.

Goldie Hawn in "Cactus Flower" (1969). Columbia TriStar/Getty Images

In 1969's "Cactus Flower," Hawn starred opposite fellow Oscar winners Walter Matthau and Ingrid Bergman.

In the film, Hawn plays Toni Williams, a 21-year-old who attempts suicide after being broken up with by her lover, a dentist named Julian Winston (Matthau). He then proposes to Toni, but must cover up the fact he lied about having a wife and children.

Hawn admitted that she hadn't watched the moment her name was called until recently. She was prompted to watch when Jimmy Kimmel asked her about it on the way to a party they were both attending.

"He said, 'Did you ever see the part where you're being announced by Fred Astaire?' And I said, 'Fred Astaire?!' He's my idol. And I didn't know he was the one that announced my name. I got emotional when I finally saw it," Hawn told "Variety."

Raquel Welch, who died in February, accepted the award on Hawn's behalf.

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Hawn was nominated for an Oscar once more for her role in the 1980 film "Private Benjamin." This time as a best actress nominee.

As for where she keeps her golden statue, Hawn opts for a lowkey spot in her bedroom closet.

"I don't brag much," Hawn said. "So those things, I keep kind of quiet."

The Oscars, hosted by Kimmel, will air March 12 at 8 p.m. on ABC.

Read the original article on Insider
(Bloomberg) -- A top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee said he believes he was the subject of improper searches of data swept up by US intelligence agencies, as lawmakers from both parties said they will demand changes in a spy program that will expire unless Congress renews it this year.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Republican Representative Darin LaHood of Illinois said at a hearing of the House Intelligence Committee that he believes his name was improperly queried multiple times by analysts combing through data collected under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.

Section 702 allows US agencies to compel internet and technology companies to turn over information about suspected foreign terrorists and spies. Republicans and Democrats on the committee agreed that it should be extended  but only if legislative changes are made, such as restricting how agencies such as the FBI can search for information on Americans whose emails, texts and phone records are swept up in the National Security Agencys vast database of communications from abroad.

The committee created a working group to study changes.The bottom line is 702 deserves to be reauthorized because its an invaluable tool, LaHood said during a hearing on global threats with testimony from the chiefs of US intelligence agencies.But the FISA working group must and will pursue reforms and safeguards through the reauthorization process.

FBI Director Christopher Wray acknowledged during the hearing that there have been abuses of Section 702 data, but he said that was before he instituted a series of internal reforms. The FBI also has created a new office to focus specifically on Section 702 audits and compliance, Wray said.

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Like any major institution, we have made mistakes, Wray said. Were determined to be worthy of all Americans trust.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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Gov. Kristi Noem vetoed two different bills Thursday, affecting education in South Dakota.

The first is Senate Bill 108, which would provide an educational exception to consumption prohibitions for people over 18 who are required to taste an alcoholic beverage as part of a college course. The second bill Noem vetoed Thursday is Senate Bill 129, which would treat teachers and school employees the same as law enforcement officers in instances of assault in their official duties.

In a press release from Noem's office, she said SB 108 does nothing to limit the sale, service or consumption of alcohol to specific class locations or specific class times.

"(The) flawed language creates potential loopholes that pose problems for law enforcement, Noem wrote in her letter. Officers encountering underage students with alcohol on their breath or in their system must determine if this exception to underage drinking law applies before writing a citation. We should respect the work of law enforcement by not needlessly making their jobs any tougher.

Gov. Kristi Noem talks to reporters about the proposal to cut the overall sales and use tax on groceries in Pierre on Monday, March 6.

For SB 129, Noem argued current statute provides sufficient accountability for anyone who assaults a school employee.

"South Dakota already has a strong and fair criminal justice system, and school districts have robust disciplinary policies tailored to address behavior within their districts, Noem said in a press release. The changes SB 129 would make open the door for additional occupations to ask for special treatment under the law.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Gov. Kristi Noem vetoes 2 education-related bills
A school bus attendant was charged with child abuse after police say she used a belt to strike a student multiple times on the bus, according to a Florida police department.

The childs grandmother filed a report on Nov. 17 after she saw belt marks on her 11-year-old grandchilds side and back, according to a statement from the Winter Haven Police Department.

The womans three grandchildren, all of whom ride the same bus, had complained multiple times about the bus attendants treatment, according to police. When they got off the bus on Nov. 14, her 11-year-old grandson told her that the bus attendant flicked him on the ear and neck while he was on the bus, the statement says.

The following day, the grandchildren told their grandmother that the attendant had beat the 11-year-old with a belt, police said. She saw the marks on his body and took pictures of them to send to the Polk County Schools transportation department, police said.

On Nov. 16 when the children got off the bus again, one of the other grandchildren told her grandmother that the bus attendant had grabbed her by the wrists and snatched a picture out of her hand, the statement says.

The child also said that the bus attendant would make all three of the grandchildren sit on the same seat, which is only designed for two students, police said. Every time the bus would turn or stop, the child on the edge of the seat would fall off, the statement says.

After the grandmother reported the incidents, detectives found that on Nov. 15, the bus attendant, Loni Covington, saw the 11-year-old child standing up while the bus was in motion, according to police. She told another student to take off her belt, then used it to hit the 11-year-old nine times while sitting on top of him, the statement says.

Detectives interviewed Covington on Feb. 28, and she told them that the 11-year-old had talked back to her, police said. She said that she used the belt to hit the floor and back of the seat but didnt recall ever striking the child, according to the police statement.

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Detectives later found video that showed the belt hitting the child nine times, according to police.

Covington, 33, was arrested on March 6 and charged with one count of felony child abuse, police said.

Covington resigned from the Polk County Public Schools on Dec. 2 as officials were preparing to terminate her employment, according to a school district spokesperson.

In a statement to McClatchy News, Polk County Public Schools called Covingtons behavior unacceptable.

We appreciate the Winter Haven Police Department for conducting a thorough investigation and helping us protect our students, the statement says.

Winter Haven is about 50 miles southwest of Orlando.

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By Renee Maltezou and Kristian Brunse

ATHENS (Reuters) -Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis apologised on Thursday for a train crash that killed 57 people, promising to fix long-standing deficiencies in the railway sector and support victims' families as anti-government protests continued.

A passenger train with 350 people on board, most of them university students, collided with a cargo train near the city of Larissa in central Greece on Feb. 28 in the country's deadliest rail disaster.

"I want to reiterate a public apology on behalf of those who ruled the country over the years, and mainly personally," Mitsotakis said during a cabinet meeting. "I assume responsibility."

The crash has stirred public outrage and protests against the conservative government and a political system which has repeatedly ignored calls by railway unions to install and maintain digital safety systems and hire more staff.

Rail workers, on strike since March 2, have extended their walkout until Friday. On Thursday, hundreds of university students marched through the streets of Athens.

"We could have been there, we could have been on that same train," Aria Laska, 23, told Reuters. "We can't just stand and let this pass by as if nothing happened."

On Wednesday, tens of thousands rallied in Athens and other cities across Greece in the largest street demonstrations government has faced since being elected in 2019.

SORROW AND ANGER

The government had been planning to call elections in coming weeks as its term ends in July. It has acknowledged deficiencies due to underinvestment and neglect - a legacy of Greece's debt crisis - but it has blamed the crash mainly on human error.

The station master on duty at the time of the crash has been jailed pending trial. Three more railway workers were detained and accused of disrupting public transport leading to deaths, the semi-state Athens News Agency reported.

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Greece's state-owned Hellenic Railways Organisation (OSE) is responsible for managing and maintaining rail infrastructure. Italy's Hellenic Train oversees passenger and freight services.

As the cabinet meeting started on Thursday, Mitsotakis outlined his government's priorities which include a transparent investigation into the causes of the crash and compensating the families of victims.

He said that more than 270 million euros would be invested in railway reform and pledged to hire more staff and improve safety by installing digital control systems along the railway network by the end of August.

Mitsotakis said that modernising Greece was "a tough and arduous task" and he was determined to go forward with it.

"We are together in this trial," Mitsotakis said, adding that young people and their parents had "every right to be angry". But the leader also called on protesters to not allow anger to split society.

"It is important to give room to sorrow and anger. But we should not allow it to become a spark that will cause divisions."

(Additional reporting by Lefteris Papadimas, Deborah Kyvrikosaios, Guillermo Martinez and Florion Goga; Editing by Nick Macfie)
NEW YORK (AP)  Brittney Griner's return to the WNBA will tip off ESPN's coverage of the league's 27th season when the Phoenix Mercury visit the Los Angeles Sparks on May 19  opening night.

Griner missed all of last season after being arrested at an airport just outside of Moscow on drug possession charges in February 2022. She was brought home in a dramatic high-level prisoner exchange in December.

The Mercury's home opener two days after the opener will also be broadcast nationally as one of 25 regular-season games to be shown on ABC, ESPN or ESPN2.

As we get set to tip off our 27th season, ESPN is once again stepping up as an incredibly engaged broadcast partner for the WNBA, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said. We are grateful that ESPN will provide significant opportunities to tell the stories of the incredible players across the league in 2023. From tip-off weekend through the highly anticipated postseason, ESPN and Google will continue to serve our growing fan base and deliver a robust national platform for WNBA players with game broadcasts and new, regular-season pregame shows.

The league will also have it's All-Star Game in prime time for the first time on Saturday, July 15. The skills challenge and 3-point contest will be the day before.

The New York Liberty, who added former MVPs Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart, as well as Courtney Vandersloot, this offseason will be on national television nine times. Defending champion Las Vegas, which added Candace Parker, will appear seven times. Every team will be on at least once.

ESPN will also air a pregame show before at least 10 games during the regular season. The network will air the entire postseason, as well.

The WNBA season will have a record 40 games per team and will again include the Commissioner's Cup.

___

AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
By Maggie Fick

LONDON (Reuters) -GSK expects to launch its respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine in the U.S. this year without supply constraints and sees China as a major future market for the shot, a senior executive told Reuters.

The drugmaker is racing rival Pfizer Inc to introduce the first approved RSV vaccine in the United States, where 14,000 people die annually of the lower respiratory tract disease caused by the virus.

Last week, a panel of outside advisers to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration held separate votes on the two vaccines and backed both. The FDA is scheduled to make an approval decision on the vaccines by May, and typically follows the panel's recommendations.

We are ready to launch without capacity or supply constraints... to supply the market that we see, Phil Dormitzer, who oversees research & development for vaccines at GSK, said in an interview on Wednesday.

GSK has already produced much of the vaccine components it anticipates needing for that launch, mainly at its plant in Wavre, Belgium, he added.

The drugmaker published late-stage data in October showing its vaccine to be 82.6% effective in preventing lower respiratory tract disease in people aged 60 and over.

Efficacy in patients with at least two symptoms, or otherwise assessed as having severe lower respiratory disease was 94.1%.

GSK's data also showed similar efficacy in people with underlying health issues.

I think that consistency may give us an advantage," Dormitzer said.

Pfizer's vaccine was 85.7% effective among participants with three or more symptoms, defined as severe lower respiratory tract illness, and 66.7% for two or more symptoms, according to an interim analysis of its pivotal clinical trial in the same age group.

Given different definitions of the trial endpoints across the GSK and Pfizer studies, a direct comparison of efficacy is difficult.

However, GSK has another possible advantage in that it has shown strong efficacy when its RSV shot is jointly administered with a flu vaccine, added Dormitzer, who joined GSK in late 2021 from Pfizer, where he helped develop and launch its COVID-19 vaccine with partner BioNTech.

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Pfizer has not published data on RSV/flu co-administration.

GSK also sees China as an important future market for the vaccine, Dormitzer said. He cited tremendous interest in the companys shingles vaccine Shingrix there. China contributed strongly to record Shingrix sales last year of 3 billion pounds ($3.55 billion).

GSK Chief Executive Emma Walmsley said in January the company is confident its RSV vaccine has "multi-billion-pound Shingrix-like annual potential."

The company has sought approval for the RSV vaccine in the European Union and Japan, but is yet to do so in China.

There are currently no RSV vaccines approved anywhere in the world.

($1 = 0.8449 pounds)

(Reporting by Maggie Fick; additional reporting by Natalie Grover; Editing by Bill Berkrot and Sharon Singleton)
By Sofia Menchu and Josue Decavele

GUATEMALA CITY (Reuters) - More than 100 children and teen migrants from Guatemala were flown home on Wednesday after being found in a truck trailer in Mexico headed to the U.S., one of the largest recent returns of unaccompanied minors back to the Central American country.

The flight to Guatemala City brought back 106 youths ages 12 to 17 who had been traveling without family, Guatemala's migration institute said this week.

"We are very concerned because we are seeing returns of children and teenagers increasing," said Wanda Aspuac, an official at Guatemala's migration institute, noting many were teenage boys with only primary school education.

Guatemala had already received 430 unaccompanied minors from Mexico and the U.S. between January and March before the latest group was discovered by Mexican authorities in a trailer in the eastern state of Veracruz.

Most unaccompanied minors who reach the United States from Central America come from Guatemala, according to U.S. data of migrant encounters at the southern U.S. border, often fleeing deep poverty.

Speaking outside a Guatemala City migration office, Rony Saquil said his 17-year-old brother, Oscar, had planned to reunite with their father in Chicago, frustrated by the lack of schooling in their hometown, and would likely try the journey again soon.

"There's nothing to help us get ahead ... the school we're at is three hours away on foot," he said.

Another 17-year-old, Glendi, one of nine siblings, had also sought a better future than possible in her rural hometown, where she had only been able to get a basic education, said her aunt, Rutilia Bin Ich.

The girl had hoped to live with her sister who was already in the United States, and help provide for her younger siblings.

"Living in extreme poverty is really what led her to this path," said Bin Ich.

(Reporting by Sofia Menchu and Josue Decavele in Guatemala City; Writing by Daina Beth Solomon; Editing by Sandra Maler)
Gwyneth Paltrow is celebrating the multiple generations of strong women in her family.

In honor of International Women's Day March 8, the actor shared a sweet photo of herself posing with her mom, Blythe Danner, and her daughter, Apple Martin.

In the picture, Paltrow stands in the middle of her two favorite ladies as the sun sets in the background. The Goop founder, 50, added the hashtag, #internationalwomensday, to her post.

Danner donned a breezy striped tunic, while Paltrow opted for a cinched blue and white printed dress. Martin, meanwhile, wore a floral dress with bows at the sleeves.

The family resemblance was uncanny, and all three women grinned as they huddled up for the picture.

Three generation together for one stunning photo. (@gwynethpaltrow via Instagram)

On Feb. 3, Danner turned 80, and Paltrow celebrated her mothers special day with a loving message for the actor.

Happy 80th to you my wonderful mother, she wrote. You are a joy to behold, so beautiful and strong. We all love you so very much.

Last year on International Women's Day, Paltrow paid tribute to her daughter with a message on Instagram.

This woman gives me hope for the future of sisterhood, and for the future of our planet. And this woman has made me the woman I am today more than anyone else, she wrote.

The mother-daughter duo has a tight bond and are known for twinning in their photos together.

Last summer, the 18-year-old graduated from high school and looked like the spitting image of her mom. They also shared another lookalike moment in August on a trip to New York City.

In 2020, the intergenerational trio got together for a rare interview and spoke about the concept of aging. During their chat, each revealed when they have felt their prettiest.

Paltrow said she felt really great in her late 30s and acknowledged that aging is hard.

Its definitely a process, and I think when you see your face start to change, you dont necessarily feel your most beautiful externally. But the irony is its that time in your life when you actually really like yourself and love yourself. So you sort of internally feel really beautiful, she said.

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Danner, who was 77 at the time, said she felt prettiest at 50.

Maybe because of what you just said, she told her daughter.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
HOLLAND  The Michigan Supreme Court has ruled that a 22-year-old man serving a mandatory life sentence for killing a 14-year-old boy in 2019 should be resentenced.

Juan Sandro Cabrera is escorted from the courtroom during a recess for his trial on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019, at 20th Circuit Court in Grand Haven.

The order, issued March 6, says Juan Sandro Cabrera should be resentenced by Ottawa County's 20th Circuit Court. Last year, the court ruled automatic life sentences for 18-year-old murderers violated the Michigan Constitution's ban on "cruel or unusual" punishment.

More:Supreme Court ruling could mean shorter sentences for Holland area murderers

Prosecutors can still pursue life sentences for 18-year-olds, but a judge must hold a hearing where defense lawyers are allowed to present mitigating evidence, such as education, family life, decision-making skills and other factors.

"The defendants mandatory sentence of life without parole for first-degree murder, committed when he was 18 years old, is cruel or unusual punishment," per the court's new order.

Cabrera, now 22, was 18 when he shot and killed 14-year-old Troy "TJ" Wells in Holland Township in 2019.

More:Juan Cabrera convicted of murdering TJ Wells

Cabrera was convicted by a jury of first-degree murder, along with felony firearms and gang membership charges. He was automatically sentenced to life in prison on the murder charge and currently resides in the Michigan Department of Corrections Baraga Maximum Facility in the Upper Peninsula.

'Juvenile lifer' back in court

In 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned automatic life sentences for juvenile murderers. In that decision, prosecutors were able to file for resentencing offenders who fit that definition.

Holland murderer Juan Nunez sits with his attorney, Nichole Derks, during his resentencing hearing in Grand Haven on Tuesday, April 23, 2019.

Ottawa County's only "juvenile lifer" Juan Nunez, now 42, shot and killed 22-year-old Scott Anderson during a robbery gone wrong at a local restaurant. Nunez was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, as the law required.

After the 2016 court ruling, Nunez was granted a resentencing hearing.

At the resentencing in 2019, Ottawa County Judge Jon Hulsing heard testimony about the original crime, as well as information about Nunez's behavior while incarcerated. The judge determined Nunez should not be released from prison and resentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Nunez appealed again. In December, the Michigan Supreme Court vacated his life sentence and sent the case back to Ottawa County Circuit Court for resentencing. That case is still ongoing.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Hampton Inn killer to be resentenced after high court says life without parole 'cruel and unusual'
Best Picture nominees for the 2023 Academy Awards include "All Quiet on the Western Front," "Avatar: The Way of Water," "The Banshees of Inisherin," "Elvis," "Everything Everywhere All at Once," "The Fabelmans," "Tar," "Top Gun: Maverick," "Triangle of Sadness" and "Women Talking." (AP)

Warning: The following consists of unreliable Oscar night guesswork and raw, untrammeled favoritism.

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But first! Give it up for the 95th Academy Awards on Sunday! Theyre only one year older than the priceless James Hong, my fellow University of Minnesota alum and one of the greatest character actors we have in this universe. Though Hong was not nominated (mistake!) for this years likely best-picture frontrunner Everything Everywhere All at Once, hes a crucial player  and a welcome master of steely comic calm  in that films tale of one beleaguered family, a troubled mother-daughter relationship and an infinite array of realities.

Stats first. Everything Everywhere All at Once has won nearly everything it can up to now, notably the Directors Guild Award, the Producers Guild Award and the Screen Actors Guild Award. As noted by Los Angeles Times Oscarmeister Glenn Whipp: Across the last eight out of nine years, if a film swept the guild trifecta, it went on to win best picture on Oscar night.

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The exception? In 1996, Apollo 13 lost to Braveheart. So if Everything Everywhere All at Once loses to, say, All Quiet on the Western Front, much admired for its technical proficiency and its determination to grind guts, both on screen and in viewers bellies, itll be an upset.

[ Vintage Chicago Tribune: Murder, mayhem and all that jazz  the real women who inspired Oscar winner Chicago ]

The dubiously slick new adaptation of the Erich Maria Remarque novel All Quiet on the Western Front, which points its middle finger directly at the French in ways Remarque did not, lays into the miseries of trench warfare in World War I. It deploys every digital blood squib and slick, artful, debatably soulless technological method available to contemporary filmmakers. And its backed by an Oscar-nominated musical score (and probable winner) thats heavy enough to make even Hans Zimmer think, well, thats a bit much.

Some love the film; theyre gripped by it in a way that leads to admiration, either grudging or enthusiastic. It will likely win several Academy Awards. And as strange as it sounds, it has a lot in common with Everything Everywhere All at Once.

Rhythmically, though, nothing in common. Everything Everywhere All at Once is all about velocity, while All Quiet on the Western Front is methodical in its assault. Yet both films, as visual stories, do not let up for a moment. The attack is unrelenting. This is also true of the Baz Luhrmann biopic Elvis, which could, in fact, be called Attack of the Baz Luhrmann biopic Elvis!

Do I think Everything Everywhere All at Once will garner best picture, best actress (Michelle Yeoh), best director (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, aka the Daniels), best supporting actor (Ke Huy Quan) and best supporting actress (Jamie Lee Curtis), among other possible wins? I do. I also plan on being wrong.

Like any film worth an argument, Everything Everywhere All at Once has led to a multiverse of verdicts. Its frantically hyperactive and self-admiring and yet strangely laborious, dull and overdetermined, never letting up for a single second (Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian). Or else its an incredibly moving family drama (Alison Willmore, Vulture).

All Quiet on the Western Front has provoked a similar range of reactions: Its either heart-wrenching (Marya E. Gates, Playlist), or its magnification in scale and dexterity lends itself to showing off  the movie aims to pummel you with ceaseless brutality (Ben Kenigsberg, The New York Times). Or both. Or neither!

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That sensory pummeling makes moviegoers feel like theyre getting their moneys worth, in a way that gratifies or rewards us even if we start thinking antiquated thoughts of enough, already. But the visceral smash-and-grab of these radically dissimilar works  dissimilar on the surface, cousins underneath  speaks, I think, to something in the air right now.

Getting flattened by a movie feels almost redundant at the moment. Thanks to the pandemic, the world has been rendered a little flatter, a little less rounded with possibility. More than ever, we look to the movies to provide an escape hatch, even if its the blood-pumping hell of war without a lot of moral complexity (a bad sign with All Quiet on the Western Front, however its adapted). Or, in Everything Everywhere All at Once, a story of a struggling family in relational crisis, saved by two-plus hours of nimble multiverse cosplay.

Cate Blanchett in a scene from "Tar." (Focus Features/AP)

Up against those grabbers, what chance does the ruminative, take-it-or-leave-it excellence of writer-director Todd Fields Tar have in the best picture run? Roughly none. Approximately nil. Whatever: Its my favorite of the 10 nominees, and thats an opinion that will not help you at all if youre in an Oscar night betting pool with your friends.

The full list for the category: All Quiet on the Western Front; Avatar: The Way of Water; The Banshees of Inisherin; Elvis; Everything Everywhere All at Once; The Fabelmans; Tar; Top Gun: Maverick; Triangle of Sadness; Women Talking.

To that end, here are my predictions for the 95th running of the bull, also known as Hollywoods company picnic, even if nobody knows which conglomerate is running what anymore. All the best to those in the film industry trying to keep theatrical exhibitions alive. And to those who arent, well, straight into Everything Everywhere All at Onces bagel of oblivion to you, at least for a while. Consider it a time-out.

Best Picture: Will win: Everything Everywhere All at Once. Should win: Tar.

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Best Director: Will win: Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert for Everything Everywhere All at Once. Should win: Todd Field for Tar.

Actor in a Leading Role: Will win: Brendan Fraser in The Whale. Should win: Colin Farrell in The Banshees of Inisherin.

Actress in a Leading Role: Will win: Michelle Yeoh in Everything Everywhere All at Once. Should win: Cate Blanchett in Tar.

Actor in a Supporting Role: Will win: Ke Huy Quan in Everything Everywhere All at Once. Should win: Barry Keoghan in The Banshees of Inisherin.

Actress in a Supporting Role: Will win: Jamie Lee Curtis in Everything Everywhere All at Once. Should win: Kerry Condon in The Banshees of Inisherin.

Stephanie Hsu, Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan in "Everything Everywhere All At Once." (Allyson Riggs/A24 Films /AP)

Original screenplay: Will win: The Banshees of Inisherin. Should win: Tar.

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Adapted screenplay: Will win and should win: Women Talking.

Animated feature: Will win: Guillermo del Toros Pinocchio. Should win: Marcel the Shell with Shoes On.

Animated short film: Will win: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse.

Documentary feature: Will win: Navalny. Should win: All the Beauty and the Bloodshed.

Documentary short film: Will win: Stranger at the Gate.

International feature: Will win: All Quiet on the Western Front. Should win: EO.

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Cinematography: Will win: All Quiet on the Western Front. Should win: Tar.

Production design: Will win: All Quiet on the Western Front. Should win: The Fabelmans.

Sound: Will win: All Quiet on the Western Front. Should win: The Batman.

Editing: Will win and should win: Everything Everywhere All at Once.

Costume design: Will win: Elvis. Should win: Everything Everywhere All at Once.

Makeup and hairstyling: Will win: Elvis. Should win: The Batman.

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Live action short film: Will win : Le Pupille.

Original score: Will win: All Quiet on the Western Front. Should win: Everything Everywhere All at Once.

Original song: Will win and should win: Naatu Naatu from RRR.

Visual effects: Will win: Avatar: The Way of Water. Should win: Top Gun: Maverick.

The 95th Academy Awards will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 12, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The live broadcast of the ceremony, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, will begin 7 p.m. CST on ABC, and is also available via streaming on ABC.com or via Hulu Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV and Fubo TV.

Michael Phillips is a Tribune critic.

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mjphillips@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @phillipstribune
Orlando investigators asked for the communitys help Thursday solving a case where a woman was shot dead outside a shopping plaza.

Investigators said Angela Sutton Washington was shot and killed just before 7 p.m. on Feb. 7 outside a shopping plaza on North Lane. Officers dont believe Washington was the intended target of the shooting.

Investigators said they believe multiple people were in the shopping plaza at the time and may have the information needed to find the shooter.

Read: Orlando police identify woman shot outside shopping plaza

Crimeline says theyve gotten less than five tips about the case, so theyre upping the reward to $10,000.

This is a special case. We have a military vet, grandmother a good member of this community shot down just walking out of a store, Crimline Executive Director Brab Bergin said.

Investigators say they are looking for a dark blue or black Mazda 3 sedan that may have been involved.

Photos: Orlando police investigated deadly shooting outside shopping center

According to police, the gunman was inside the car when they opened fire from the Walgreens across the street. Police believe they were shooting at a group of guys who had been gathered outside of a convenience store and that Washington was just passing through when she was struck.

Her son, Fernando, said he just wants closure for his family.

Read: Heartbroken son seeks justice after mother randomly shot, killed outside Orlando shopping center

If you have information, if you know what happened, if you were there, I plead with you to come forward and to bring that information, he said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477).

Read: Police release photo of suspects car after woman killed at Pine Hills shopping plaza

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.
(NEXSTAR)  A group of diabetes and obesity drugs are in such high demand that the Food and Drug Administration lists them as currently in shortage. People are seeking out the drugs to help shed pounds quickly, but short supply is making it hard for folks to get their hands on doses  whether they need it to treat diabetes or help lose weight.

So what happens if you stop taking them?

The drugs, semaglutide and tirzepatide, are better known by the brand names theyre marketed under: Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro. Theyre FDA-approved to treat diabetes and chronic obesity, but doctors also have the right to prescribe them off-label, and have been doing so for celebrities, influencers, and other willing to pay about $1,000 a month to lose weight.

Ozempic and Wegovy work by mimicking a hormone  that targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake, the FDA explains. Mounjaro activates that same hormone. Patients report lower appetites and feeling full faster.

Ozempic face: Doctors explain side effect of weight loss drugs

All three are taken as weekly injections, and clinical trials showed they were effective at triggering significant weight loss.

But when the injections stop, much of the weight comes back, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The study, published in 2021, looked at overweight and obese adults taking semaglutide for 20 weeks. Those who kept going after the 20-week period continued to lose weight, ultimately losing about 17% of their body mass on average over 68 weeks. Meanwhile, those who switched to a placebo at 20 weeks started to regain the weight they had lost, ending just 5% lower than where they had started.

Another study, published in August 2022, found that one year after participants stopped taking semaglutide, they regained two-thirds of the weight they had lost.

Weight gain can start to happen pretty immediately after you stop injecting Ozempic, or the other similar medications.

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Ive seen people and theyve lost maybe 50 pounds, and then theyre off of it for a month and then I see them back in clinic and theyve gained 20 pounds, Dr. Andrew Kraftson, a Michigan Medicine professor who specializes in obesity and metabolism, told The New York Times.

Doctors are prescribing Ozempic, Mounjaro off label for weight loss: Is that allowed?

The study published in JAMA emphasized that obesity is a chronic condition, and therefore needs chronic treatment.

Some people dont have an awareness that this might have to be a medication that will be lifelong, Dr. Alexandra Sowa, a doctor and NYU School of Medicine clinical instructor, told the Wall Street Journal.

Like any medication, when you stop taking it, it stops working, Dr. Robert Gabbay, chief scientific and medical officer of the American Diabetes Association, said in an interview with the Times.

The feelings of suppressed appetite will start to go away, and people will start to feel hungry much like they did before starting Ozempic, doctors explain. If youve lost a lot of weight quickly, you may feel even hungrier than before.

When youre at that max weight loss, your bodys hunger hormones are the highest, Holly Lofton, who specializes in weight management at NYU Langone Health, told NBC News. So if you lose 50 pounds and regain 25, your hunger is the highest when youve lost the 50. And even when you regain the 25, it doesnt go back to baseline; your hunger is higher than prior to losing weight.

Plus, since the drugs work to control blood sugar, going off the medication can lead to blood sugar spiking  a big problem for diabetics, Gabbay explained.

On the other hand, any negative side effects people experience while on the drug, like nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain and gastroesophageal reflux disease, should also go away once someone stops taking the medication.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
New training is being offered across the state to every single first responder following the recent train derailments.

The hazardous derailment in East Palestine and the derailment in Springfield prompted Governor Mike DeWine and Norfolk Southern to create a new first responder training center in Ohio.

Dayton Fire Captain Brad French said the department will always evaluate training opportunities that come up. He also said that Daytons hazmat crews receive training multiple times a year.

>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Norfolk Southern to build new training center in Ohio for first responders amid derailments

Every year, or two years or so well do a specific training related to railroads. We have a couple of major rail yards here in the Dayton metro area, French said.

The hazmat team also prepares to help others like those in East Palestine.

We can deploy anywhere throughout the region or the state either as a primary responder or to assist others as they deal with their emergency, the captain explained.

Still, there are not experts in every situation and that was a point DeWine hit home on in a release announcing the training center Wednesday.

The derailment in East Palestine made clear that ensuring first responders are prepared for disasters involving hazardous materials is vitally important to the safety of communities, DeWine said.

French said he hopes this training will teach them the specifics on trains and railroads.

>> Officials: Building involved in deadly Dayton fire was bought recently; not a nuisance property

We can really tap into the knowledge of those subject matter experts and learn as much as we could about that particular topic, French said.

The Dayton Fire captain said the training is a great option for smaller fire departments, especially those that dont have the resources to train for hazmat situations.

Even in smaller areas, theres going to be regional resources, state level resources, that they can call for assistance in those types of situations, French said.

The location of the center will be decided in partnership with community leaders. Until a location is picked, training classes will begin on March 22 at Norfolk Southerns Moorman Yard in Bellevue, Ohio.




Helvetia Holding AG (VTX:HELN) will increase its dividend on the 5th of May to CHF5.90, which is 7.3% higher than last year's payment from the same period of CHF5.50. The payment will take the dividend yield to 4.3%, which is in line with the average for the industry.

Check out our latest analysis for Helvetia Holding

Helvetia Holding's Dividend Is Well Covered By Earnings

We like a dividend to be consistent over the long term, so checking whether it is sustainable is important. Before making this announcement, Helvetia Holding was earning enough to cover the dividend, but it wasn't generating any free cash flows. In general, we consider cash flow to be more important than earnings, so we would be cautious about relying on the sustainability of this dividend.

The next year is set to see EPS grow by 16.0%. If the dividend continues along recent trends, we estimate the payout ratio will be 49%, which is in the range that makes us comfortable with the sustainability of the dividend.

Helvetia Holding Has A Solid Track Record

The company has an extended history of paying stable dividends. The annual payment during the last 10 years was CHF3.40 in 2013, and the most recent fiscal year payment was CHF5.50. This implies that the company grew its distributions at a yearly rate of about 4.9% over that duration. Dividends have grown relatively slowly, which is not great, but some investors may value the relative consistency of the dividend.

The Dividend Has Growth Potential

The company's investors will be pleased to have been receiving dividend income for some time. Helvetia Holding has seen EPS rising for the last five years, at 6.8% per annum. While on an earnings basis, this company looks appealing as an income stock, the cash payout ratio still makes us cautious.

In Summary

Overall, this is probably not a great income stock, even though the dividend is being raised at the moment. With cash flows lacking, it is difficult to see how the company can sustain a dividend payment. Overall, we don't think this company has the makings of a good income stock.

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Investors generally tend to favour companies with a consistent, stable dividend policy as opposed to those operating an irregular one. However, there are other things to consider for investors when analysing stock performance. For example, we've picked out 1 warning sign for Helvetia Holding that investors should know about before committing capital to this stock. Is Helvetia Holding not quite the opportunity you were looking for? Why not check out our selection of top dividend stocks.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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What started as a fight at a Baton Rouge, Louisiana, high school ended in a brawl that left an officer in a hospital and led to at least 10 arrests, news outlets report.

At 8:15 a.m. on March 8, East Baton Rouge Parish School Board security responded to the EBR Readiness alternative school following reports of a major campus disturbance, according to an East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office statement obtained by WBRZ.

A fight had broken out and escalated, spilling into the courtyard and gym area, WBRZ reported.

Ultimately, the sheriffs office said 200 people were participating in multiple fights across the campus, including parents, as reported by WAFB.

Baton Rouge police officers and East Baton Rouge deputies responded to the fight, and one officer was taken to a hospital with a broken hip and cuts on their head, officials told WBRZ.

After the fight was over, 10 people all 18-years-old or younger were arrested between both law enforcement agencies, WAFB reported.

They were arrested on various charges, including battery of a police officer, disturbing the peace with force or violence, resisting arrest, disturbing the peace by fistic encounter and disruption of the operation of a school, according to WAFB.

The East Baton Rouge Parish School System said in a statement obtained by WAFB that it intends to work closely with our law enforcement partners to not only elevate our security measures proactively, but to provide the staff and resources to intervene in the areas at the root causes of unacceptable activities such as those that occurred today.

Learning of a situation like this is beyond disturbing to the entire community, but we will be vigilant in continuing to work with our school leaders, community partners and law enforcement to provide the services needed, the school system said, according to the outlet.

McClatchy News has reached out to the school system for further comment.

Videos of the fight have been circulating on social media, and The Advocate reports that some people were concerned with the amount of force used against students.

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The NAACP and other activists groups released a statement about the incident, saying the behavior of authorities required immediate action, according to the outlet.

One video that gained traction showed a deputy push a student against a wall before hitting him in the head and wrestling the student to the ground, The Advocate reported.

The East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office responded to the video in the statement obtained by WBRZ and said that the student had tried to bite the officer and came at the deputy with a closed fist.

Casey Rayborn Hicks, a spokesperson for the sheriffs office told The Advocate that the deputy responded with an open palm heel defensive maneuver, and said its clear that all law enforcement and administration on scene were focused on restoring order and maintaining everyones safety.

The sheriffs office did not immediately provide McClatchy News with additional information on March 8.

11-year-old pours bleach in fifth-grade teachers coffee cup, New Mexico cops say

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High school baseball player killed riding brothers motorcycle, Missouri officials say
Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) are wary over the Biden administrations noncommittal approach to permanently nixing family detention for migrants at the border.

Administration officials have repeatedly refused to rule out reinstating the policy ended by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in 2021, following reports Monday that a return to family detention was floated in internal deliberations.

Those reports set off an array of furious reactions from CHC members, who see the end of family detention as a bright spot in an otherwise patchy immigration record for the Biden administration.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas met late Tuesday with some CHC members to quell concerns about an imminent return to family detention, but several members skipped the call.

Youre trying to appease some of the extremists that want to seal the border on the Republican side and [insulate from] the heat that youre getting, and the feel that this is a political liability and have to be a little bit tougher than we are, Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.), one of the members who skipped the call with Mayorkas, told The Hill on Wednesday.

Grijalva faulted the Biden administration for even considering such a policy he sees as a misguided attempt to win points from those tough on the border ahead of the election.

Youre trying to appease some of the extremists that want to seal the border on the Republican side and [insulate from] the heat that youre getting, and they feel that this is a political liability and have to be a little bit tougher than we are, he said.

So the detention thing is going to spawn other problems: the family separation issue, what do you do with kids? Do you put them into detention? All those arguments that happened under Trump, youre going to revitalize those, Grijalva added.

CHC members who attended Mayorkass call generally expressed confidence that family detention was not in the cards, at least in the short term.

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Rep. Darren Soto (D-Fla.) said Mayorkas told members that it was just an idea floated.

Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas), a close ally of the administration on immigration and border security issues, said she has really great open lines of communication with the secretary, but said a return to family detention would cross a red line.

We have an obligation to provide solutions and ideas to the administration. Thats what I stay focused on. But Im also never shy to indicate what policies are red lines or are absolutely unacceptable. Family detention to me is absolutely unacceptable. Its damaging to children. And I applaud the administration and Secretary Mayorkas for having eliminated it as a policy, said Escobar.

Another matter of discussion is where the suggestion of returning to the family detention policy is coming from.

Mayorkas told CNNs Christiane Amanpour in an interview that aired Wednesday that the proposal that set off a panic over family detention came from within Homeland Security, and declined to rule out the possibility of reinstating the policy.

One thing, Christiane, that I promote in this department is to put all options on the table. Great, good, bad, terrible, let us discuss them and many will be left on the cutting room floor, but the best ideas blossom from open and candid dialogue and really just a robust discussion of alternatives. We havent made a decision yet, he said.

Ahead of the CHCs Tuesday evening meeting with Mayorkas, Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, suggested the idea might have come from Director of the United States Domestic Policy Council Susan Rice, showcasing a growing tension between the White House and some Democrats over immigration generally.

Menendez expressed frustration in general with the lack of communication from the administration on immigration issues, and said the issue of returning to family detention had not come up during a meeting he attended with Mayorkas last month. He then suggested the policy idea might not have originated with Mayorkas.

I dont know if Secretary Mayorkas is the genesis of this idea, might be more like Susan Rice, Menendez told reporters.

Pressed on whether family detentions were coming up because of a shift under new White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients, who took on his duties in February, Menendez doubled down.

No I dont think its Zients, to be honest with you. I think its more Susan Rice, he said.

Pressed over the remark Wednesday evening, a spokesperson for Menendez told The Hill that the senators words speak for themselves.

The spokesperson did not offer any specific evidence for his remarks.

This is categorically false, White House spokesman Abdullah Hasan said of Menendezs remarks about Rice.

Mayorkass reassurances to the CHC at the very least put the ball back in the administrations court.

We had a meeting yesterday because an article came out in a reputable paper, and as a result of that we called the secretary in charge of that matter before us. He responded; we really appreciate that. We had a frank discussion. And now were going to move on to wait and see what the administration does, said Rep. Tony Cardenas (D-Calif.).

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
"It's the closest to a hometown Ive ever felt.

CEDRIC ANGELES/Southern Living

On any given workday, youll likely find Hoda Kotb sitting in her anchor chair, filming Today at Rockefeller Center. But, give her a day off, and shes on the first direct flight to New Orleans.

In a March feature with Southern Living, Kotb shared her deep love for the famed Louisiana city, saying its the closest to a hometown Ive ever felt. And its a love, writer Karen Swensen, who happens to be best friends with Kotb, says is a love returned in droves.

Kotb explained, it was love at first sight with the city when she landed at the airport in 1992 as she took on an early reporting role at WWL-TV, and subsequently found her own little paradise in New Orleans.



It was the perfect corner of New Orleans  all the fun of the Quarter and the charm of a quiet neighborhood, Kotb shared of home at 538 Governor Nicholls Street in the French Quarter. It was within walking distance of some of the worlds greatest coffeehouses, a stones throw from the Mississippi River, and so perfectly located that wed hear live music out our window every now and then. There were no strangers. It was a real community.

CEDRIC ANGELES/Southern Living

Though it's no surprise Kotb had fun then, and continues to have fun now, in the lively neighborhood. After all, it's the spot where visitors can watch the best of Mardi Gras, visit the French Market, walk down Bourbon Street, and learn a little (or a lot) about voodoo.

New Orleans is a place that Kotb returns to over and over again, only this time with her two daughters, Haley and Hope, in tow.

"I want them to know New Orleans  to love the city and for this to be part of their lives because it's such an important part of mine," Kotb, who also recently shared Hope's health struggles with the Today audience, said. "I want them to see what it's like to be front and center at the parade."

Kotb returned with her daughters for St. Patrick's Day in 2022 to do just that  stopping along a parade route so Kotb's girls could yell the locals-only phrase, "Throw me somethin', mister!" and receive a few shiny goodies. However, it's not just about the big events for Kotb and her girls either. She also shows them the quiet corners  the parks, the restaurants, and all the best beignet spots around.

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"Everything is light in New Orleans. 'Normal' is being free, and dressing the way you want, dancing in the street even if you're the only one," Kotb shared. "New Orleans celebrates the individual. It's full of characters, and I want my kids to meet them."



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Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.
TEGUCIGALPA (Reuters) - Honduran President Xiomara Castro signed an executive order on Wednesday ending a ban of more than 10 years on the use and sale of the "morning after pill," fulfilling a campaign promise long-awaited by feminist groups.

Castro, the country's first female president, took office last year after running on the promise of rolling back the country's restrictive reproductive policies.

Honduras, a heavily Catholic nation, banned the use and sale of the morning after pill in 2009, arguing the emergency contraception would cause abortions.

Castro opened its use to rape victims in November.

The Central American country criminalizes abortions, with those convicted facing up to six years in prison, even in cases of rape or incest.

Castro, who signed the order on International Women's Day, tweeted that the morning after pill was "part of women's reproductive rights, and not abortive," citing the World Health Organization.

Hundreds of women marched through Honduras' largest cities of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula on Wednesday with demands ranging from expanded reproductive rights to ending femicides, or the killing of women due to their gender.

The year before Castro took office, Honduras' Congress passed a constitutional reform to protect anti-abortion laws, requiring a three-fourths vote to change them.

Women's and human rights groups filed more than a dozen appeals, which have so far been unsuccessful. Between 50,000 to 80,000 clandestine abortions occur each year in the country, according to a 2019 estimate from local rights groups.

(Reporting by Gustavo Palencia; Writing by Kylie Madry; Editing by Jamie Freed)
HONG KONG (AP)  Hong Kong national security police on Thursday arrested a veteran labor activist who is also the wife of an organizer of annual vigils commemorating Chinas 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy protesters, two people close to her said.

Officers arrested Elizabeth Tang, the wife of Lee Cheuk-yan, outside Stanley Prison on Hong Kong Island but it was unclear why, according to the people who declined to be identified for fear of government retribution.

In a statement late Thursday that did not provide a name, police said they arrested a 65-year-old woman on Hong Kong Island for suspected collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security. It said she was being detained for investigation.

The arrest was seen as part of a crackdown on the city's pro-democracy camp following massive anti-government protests in 2019. Many activists have been jailed or silenced under a sweeping National Security Law imposed by Beijing.

Tang is currently the general secretary of the International Domestic Workers Federation.

She was a former leader of the now-defunct Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions, the city's largest pro-democracy trade organization. Before the group's disbandment, it had been on a list of activist groups targeted by pro-Beijing media in the name of national security. Her husband Lee was also a leader.

Lee was also a leader of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, which voted to disband in 2021 following the imposition of the security law.

The alliance was best known for organizing large candlelight vigils in Hong Kong on the anniversary of the Chinese militarys crushing of the 1989 Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protests. Supporters say its closure shows the erosion of freedoms promised to Hong Kong when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

Lee and two other former alliance leaders, Chow Hang-tung and Albert Ho, were arrested and charged with inciting the subversion of state power under the security law in 2021. The alliance itself was charged with subversion. Lee is now in custody in the prison.

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The National Security Law criminalizes secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces to intervene in the citys affairs. Those found guilty can face up to life imprisonment.

Pro-democracy newspaper publisher Jimmy Lai is also facing collusion charges under the law.

In a separate case, national security police on Wednesday arrested a 23-year-old woman on suspicion of inciting secession, police said in the statement. She is suspected of publishing online posts that incite Hong Kong independence, they added.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The House on Thursday voted to overturn the Biden administrations protections for thousands of small streams, wetlands and other waterways, advancing long-held Republican arguments that the regulations are an environmental overreach and burden to business.

The vote was 227-198 to overturn the rule.

House Republicans used the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to block recently enacted executive-branch regulations. The measure now heads to the Senate, where Republicans hope to attract Democratic senators wary of Biden's environmental policies. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., a frequent Biden antagonist, has already pledged to support the overturn of a rule he calls federal overreach.

Biden said he would veto the measure if it reaches his desk.

The clean water rule was finalized in December and defines which waters of the United States are protected under the Clean Water Act, the nation's primary anti-water pollution law. The rule has long been a flashpoint between environmentalists, who want to broaden limits on pollution entering the nations waters, and farmers, builders and industry groups that say extending regulations too far is onerous for business.

The Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers repealed the Trump administrations business-friendly rule that scaled back protections.

Republicans have targeted the regulation in Congress and in court, where at least five federal lawsuits are challenging the EPA rule. The Supreme Court is considering a related case by an Idaho couple who have been blocked for more than 15 years from building a home near a lake after the EPA determined that part of the property was a wetlands that could not be disturbed without a permit.

A decision in the case, known as Sackett v. EPA, is expected this year.

House Republicans said their measure eases regulatory burdens for small businesses, manufacturers, farmers and everyday Americans by invalidating the Biden rule.

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American families, farmers, small businesses and entire communities are suffering under the economic crises caused by the disastrous Biden policies of the last two years. The last thing they need is this administrations inexplicable decision to move the country back toward the overreaching, costly and burdensome regulations of the past, which is exactly what this WOTUS rule does, said Rep. Sam Graves, R-Mo., chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, using a nickname for the rule favored by Republicans.

The EPA rule "needs to be repealed so Americans across the country are protected from subjective regulatory overreach making it harder to farm, build and generate economic prosperity, added Rep. David Rouzer, R-N.C., chairman of a House subcommittee on water resources and the environment.

Rep. Rick Larsen of Washington state, the top Democrat on the infrastructure panel, said the Biden rule seeks to balance the need to protect waters and wetlands with the goals of the Clean Water Act and sometimes conflicting opinions of the Supreme Court.

The Biden rule is not perfect. But, in my opinion, it is a far better starting place for certainty, legality and protecting the quality of our nations waters than the (Trump-era) Dirty Water Rule,'' Larsen said.

The GOP bid to overturn the Biden rule is likely to create more uncertainty and further muddle which waters remain protected by the Clean Water Act, he said.

A Congressional Review Act resolution requires a simple majority in both chambers and cant be filibustered. Democrats hold a 51-49 Senate majority, but Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., is in the hospital being treated for depression and is unavailable for votes.

Manchin, who represents an energy-producing state and frequently clashes with Democrats on environmental issues, said the Biden rule "would interject further regulatory confusion, place unnecessary burdens on small businesses, farmers and local communities, and cause serious economic damage.

The White House said in a statement that the clean water rule will reliably guide business and agriculture, adding that overturning the rule would create more uncertainty.

Nine Democrats voted to overturn the water rule: Reps. Sanford Bishop and David Scott of Georgia; Jim Costa and Jimmy Panetta of California; Angie Craig of Minnesota; Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez of Texas; Donald Davis of North Carolina; and Jared Golden of Maine.

Pennsylvania Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick was the sole Republican to oppose the overturn effort.

___

Phillis reported from St. Louis. ___

The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of APs environmental coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment
House GOP efforts to investigate every crevice of the Biden administration have turned a bright light on an underappreciated Republican odd couple: Jim Jordan and James Comer.

Jordan (R-Ohio), who chairs the Judiciary Committee, and Comer (R-Ky.), the Oversight panel's chief, play dual roles leading a parade of the GOPs most politically touchy investigations  a dynamic that one GOP colleague praised as a weird synergy but Democrats deride as a performance of bad cop-worse cop.

They speak constantly, describe themselves as good friends and take part in weekly planning meetings with other committee chairs. Yet despite those efforts to draw distinct investigative lanes, the more topics they tackle, the louder the echo across their early hearings and information requests: Both are touching on Hunter Biden, Twitter and the administrations border policies.

Republicans are betting the two can pull off a tag team straight out of Jordans wrestling days. But Democrats are watching closely, eager to eke out political advantage from any tension points and toe-stepping between the GOP duo.

Were communicating. Theres always going to be some overlap, but its not a problem right now, Comer said in a brief interview about their relationship.

Jordan added that he and Comer work together all the time" including coordinating when the House is in session and talking on the phone when it's not.

He can do all the good work he is doing and he can work on some of the same things were working on. I dont care one bit.  I think we make it too complicated. Lets do our job, Jordan said.

The duo might appear not to work on paper: Though they vote together most of the time, they're hardly in lockstep  breaking in recent years on the farm bill and marijuana banking legislation. Notably, Jordan supported Trump-backed challenges to the 2020 election and ignored a subpoena from the Jan. 6 select committee; Comer has highlighted that he voted to certify President Joe Bidens win, despite his district going overwhelmingly for Trump in 2020.

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And they took significantly different paths to power. Jordan is a former Freedom Caucus chair who saw his stature rise in Washington through his ability to both antagonize and influence House GOP leadership, a bomb-throwing mentality that found favor during the Trump years.

Comer's ascension through the House GOP ranks was quieter, as he defeated conservative opponents to secure the partys top spot on the Oversight Committee less than three years ago. But with an extensive political network back in Kentucky, which raises the perennial question of his next planned move, Comer was also no lightweight before taking the gavel.

Comer quipped that Jordan, known for his rapid-fire dialogue, gets more words per minute in than I do. And he clarified that he doesn't see himself as Jordan's competitor, comparing the Ohioan to fellow Buckeye State native LeBron James while describing himself as the kid lucky to be on the team.

I think its good  everybody acts like its bad, Comer said of their relationship. Maybe Im a gullible country boy.

Republicans back him up, however, chalking it up to a case of perceived opposites attracting.

Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.), a member of both the GOP's panel investigating government politicization and the Oversight Committee, acknowledged they have very different personalities but said they are more effective together.

Its not good cop-bad cop, but its hard charging vs. a more laid-back personality, he said.

Predictably, the investigative buddy act has become a top target for Democrats, the White House and Biden-world allies, who view its ascendance as a sign of how Republicans will use their majority: by training all their firepower on the administration, despite lacking evidence for many of their claims. Democrats are particularly confident that Jordan and Comer's investigations will create blowback for Republicans in purple and Biden-won districts.

And Biden's party feels it has plenty of material to work with already.

Though Democrats have long scrapped with Jordan, its Comer who has caught early and fierce pushback from his cross-aisle colleagues. The Kentuckian has had a near-constant TV presence, prompting private Democratic questions about whether he's trying to prove himself to a conservative base that's already embraced Jordan.

Most recently, Comer sparked days of headlines when he cited the late Beau Biden as an example that the U.S. attorney in Delaware had pulled punches on investigating the Biden family. The White House called Comers words despicable. The Oversight chair argued that his remarks were being widely mischaracterized and that he never said Biden's son, who died of cancer, should be indicted.

It's not just Democrats who have criticized Comer's and Jordan's approaches. Some GOP pundits have recently questioned the pace of Jordans investigations, and Comers expansive to-do list has sparked media questions about whether hes spread himself too thin.

They have set up some clear lines of delineation: Jordan is handling a sweeping investigation into the Justice Department and the FBI, two prime targets for Republicans who grew increasingly antagonistic toward the federal law enforcement agencies during the Trump years. Comer, meanwhile, is digging into the botched U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, hunting for government waste broadly and digging into how trillions of dollars in coronavirus aid were spent.

And true to their respective reputations, Jordan has publicly fired off a series of subpoenas for documents and interviews, while Comer issued his first three subpoenas with little fanfare. And Comer has seemed more willing to dive into subjects that won't necessarily earn him headlines, like border contracts.

But some lines have only grown blurrier: Theyve held back-to-back hearings on the border, with Comer using his to question administration officials, while Jordan called witnesses critical of the Biden administration. The Ohioan also held a field hearing in Yuma., Ariz., that was boycotted by Democrats, lending itself to more of a political-rally vibe.

And while Comer has publicly talked about the impeachment of Biden officials, hes careful in the halls of Congress to volley questions back in Jordan's direction.

Jordan is also a member of the Oversight Committee, a dynamic that staff and colleagues say help the two coordinate their strategy. But it's a visual reminder of the overlap, with Jordan sitting next to Comer on the dais.

Comer is taking the lead on most Hunter Biden-related investigations, but Jordan's also probing a letter from former intelligence officials warning that a 2020 New York Post story on the president's son's laptop could be disinformation. And the Ohioan questioned why Attorney General Merrick Garland did not appoint a special counsel to look into Hunter Biden, whom DOJ has been investigating for years.

The Oversight chief held a hearing last month with former Twitter officials where Republicans grilled them over the social media company's decision to temporarily restrict the 2020 article. Jordan, meanwhile, held his second politicized-government hearing Thursday focusing on the Twitter files  reports conservatives purport show collusion between the FBI and company executives to quash the Post story.

Comer and Jordan viewed those areas as examples of how they might dig into the same general topic but go at it from different angles. But Del. Stacey Plaskett (D-V.I.), the top Democrat on the Judiciary subpanel, used Thursdays hearing to spotlight the overlap, noting that three weeks ago House Oversight had this hearing with actual Twitter executives  and that didnt go so well for the House Republicans.

The duo's GOP colleagues, however, are willing to give them broad leeway  for now  as long as they dont literally hold the same hearing back-to-back.

Theyre good friends. They talk a lot, said Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas). If you have two competing hearings doing the same thing, that's a problem, but I havent seen that so far.
The House Oversight Committee has scheduled an interview with President Joe Bidens former executive assistant next month as part of its investigation into the discovery of classified documents in Biden's home and office.

The Republican-led panel will meet with Kathy Chung on April 4, a committee spokesperson said Thursday. A source familiar with the matter said Chung has scheduled an interview.

Chung's lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the planned meeting, which was first reported by CNN.

Chung, the deputy director of protocol for Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, was Bidens executive assistant when he was vice president and helped pack up the contents of his office in January 2017 during the transition.

She is also among the former aides who have already been interviewed by federal law enforcement officials reviewing how classified documents ended up in Biden's home in Wilmington, Delaware, and a Washington, D.C., office, sources have said.

The House Oversight Committee, led by James Comer, R-Ky., launched its investigation after it was revealed in January that a "small number" of classified documents had been found in a closet at Biden's former office at the Penn Biden Center in Washington in November, just days before the midterm elections.

Other Obama-era documents were later discovered in Biden's Delaware home, in addition to other documents dating back to his time in the Senate.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland in January named a special counsel to "investigate whether any person or entity violated the law in connection with this matter.

After Garland appointed Robert Hur as special counsel, White House lawyer Richard Sauber said in a statement: We have cooperated closely with the Justice Department throughout its review, and we will continue that cooperation with the Special Counsel. We are confident that a thorough review will show that these documents were inadvertently misplaced, and the President and his lawyers acted promptly upon discovery of this mistake.

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The White House counsel's office said in January it was reviewing Comer's requests for information "with the goal of seeking to accommodate legitimate oversight interests within the Committees jurisdiction while also respecting the separation of powers and the constitutional and statutory obligations of the Executive Branch generally and the White House in particular.

The Biden document were discovered after the FBI searched former President Donald Trumps Florida home with a warrant in August. Federal investigators said they had obtained information that Trump had failed to turn over presidential documents they had subpoenaed, including scores with classified markings.

A bipartisan group of high-ranking lawmakers got an initial briefing last month from the intelligence community about the documents found on the Biden and Trump properties, as well as about classified documents that were found in former Vice President Mike Pences home.

Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark Warner, D-Va., and Vice Chair Marco Rubio, R-Fla., said the Feb. 28 briefing left much to be desired.

Comer was not one of the lawmakers administration officials briefed that day.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
WASHINGTON  The House voted Thursday to approve legislation aiming to prohibit federal agency employees from trying to influence social media companies to suppress or restrict or add disclaimers to lawful commentary.

The vote was 219-206, with Republicans in favor and Democrats opposed.

Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., proposed the legislation in response to Twitter briefly blocking links to a New York Post story about Hunter Bidens laptop.

"The federal government should not be able to decide what lawful speech is allowed  we have the First Amendment for a very good reason," Comer said.

But Democrats said there was no evidence at a House Oversight and Accountability Committee hearing in February with former Twitter executives that FBI agents or others in the government had any role in the platforms decision to block links to the laptop story.

The bill's prospects in the Democratic-led Senate are uncertain.

Hunter Biden laptop story enflames House lawmakers: What Twitter said about the laptop story

Hunter Biden's art dealer to House Republicans: Ask president's son about painting sales

Heres what we know about the bill:

Rep. James Comer, R-KY., is seen during the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability hearing on Protecting Speech from Government Interference and Social Media Bias, Part 1: Twitters Role in Suppressing the Biden Laptop Story," on Feb. 8, 2023 in Washington.

What were House arguments about federal influence on social media?

Republicans argued that social media companies should carry any lawful speech, even if commentary is contentious about issues such as treatments for disease or results of an election. But Democrats said the bill wasn't needed and quoted former Twitter officials saying the FBI hadn't urged suppression of the laptop story.

Rep. Russell Fry, R-S.C. , said government attempting to influence social media platforms is a blatant violation of First Amendment rights. The federal government should not be able to nitpick what speech is or isn't allowed in this country," Fry said.

Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y. , said the First Amendment protects free speech, so the bill isn't necessary. No witnesses testified that the FBI influenced Twitter's decision to suppress the laptop story, he said. Its preposterous that you continue to say that over and over and over," Goldman said.

Rep. Glenn Grothman, R-Wis. , accused tech executives of bowing to government pressure in exchange for keeping their corporate billions. The news you are getting should not be vetted by the government," Grothman said.

Rep. Greg Landsman, D-Ohio, compared Russian President Vladimir Putin's spread of propaganda in U.S. elections with how Adolf Hitler wielded propaganda to keep the U.S. out of World War II. If passed, the legislation "will encourage the spread of foreign propaganda, Landsman said.

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Trump lawyer's misrepresentations about election: Trump lawyer Jenna Ellis says she made 10 false statements about 2020 election, is censured in Colorado

Trump, Russia, Biden: The US has 3 special counsel investigations at once. What are they?

From left, James Baker, Former Deputy General Counsel at Twitter, Vijaya Gadde, Former Chief Legal Officer at Twitter, Yoel Roth Former Global Head of Trust & Safety Twitter, and Anika Collier Navaroli, a former Twitter employee, are sworn in during the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability hearing on "Protecting Speech from Government Interference and Social Media Bias, Part 1: Twitter's Role in Suppressing the Biden Laptop Story," on Feb. 8, 2023 in Washington.

Why are Republicans focusing on social media?

House Republicans have focused their investigative spotlight on social media platforms because of concerns they stifle conservative voices.

Other panels have probed the suppression of allegations about 2020 election fraud and COVID-19 origins and treatments. Twitter and Facebook each banned former President Donald Trump after the Capitol attack on Jan. 6, 2021, but each have since restored his access.

The head of the Judiciary Committee, Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, subpoenaed top executives from five companies  Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft and Meta  to ask about the alleged suppression of conservatives. Jordan seeks information about whether the FBI or other agencies urged private companies such as Twitter, Facebook and Googles YouTube to steer users away from conservative content or drop conservative users.

The House Foreign Affairs Committee approved legislation allowing the president to ban TikTok because of concerns the Chinese app could be gathering intelligence on U.S. users.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: GOP-led House OKs bill on social media after Hunter Biden story
A bill to restart the states process on finding a site for a new airport passed the Washington state House on Wednesday with a vote of 88-9.

HB 1791 would appoint a work group to provide a comprehensive investigation of existing and new airport sites in the state, according to a release from Washington House Democrats.

The group, which will be known as the Commercial Aviation Coordinating Work Group, wouldnt recommend a single site but would evaluate and identify the strengths and weaknesses of potential sites.

If the bill is signed into law, the workgroup will replace the Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission established in 2019.

Opposition to the states proposed airport sites had been loud, fierce, and featured prominently in many regional and statewide news outlets. It was clear that the process that we established in 2019 was severely flawed, said bill sponsor Rep. Jake Fey. But it is also true that we need to plan for all of our future transportation needs, including potential increases in commercial air traffic. Especially because Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is expected to reach capacity by 2050, with 27 million passengers unable to fly because supply wont be able to keep up with demand.

HB 1791 now heads to the Senate for further consideration.
House Republicans passed a bill on Thursday that seeks to ban federal officials from promoting censorship, a measure Republicans brought to the floor in response to what they say are efforts by the Biden administration to persuade social media companies to suppress certain information.

The measure, titled the Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act, passed in a party-line 219-206 vote.

The legislation specifically calls for prohibiting federal employees from advocating for censorship of viewpoints in their official capacity, which includes recommending that a third party should take any action to censor speech.

According to Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), the lead sponsor of the measure, the bill would expand limitations under the Hatch Act to prohibit federal employees from encouraging censorship on private sector internet platforms.

Republicans accuse Democrats of pressuring social media companies to suppress content  including about Hunter Biden and the origins of COVID-19. They also point to platforms limiting the reach of or adding fact checks to posts containing misinformation about the 2020 election and the coronavirus pandemic.

When introducing the measure in January, the bills sponsors  Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Comer  cited what they said were instances when federal officials in the Biden administration used their positions, influence, and resources to police and censor ordinary Americans speech expressed on social media platforms.

On the House floor Wednesday, Comer  who chairs the Oversight and Reform Committee  pointed to the groups hearing last month when lawmakers learned just how easy it was for the federal government to influence a private company to accomplish what it constitutionally cannot: limit the free exercise of speech.

At one point during the hearing, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) asked Yoel Roth, the former global head of trust and safety at Twitter, how many tweets were flagged and removed at the behest of the Biden administration.

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Roth denied the characterization of the question, telling lawmakers that tweets were reported and Twitter independently evaluated them under its rules.

The hearing also featured references to the Twitter Files, reports by journalists that include internal communications between company employees and outside actors. David Zweig, who released one of the Twitter Files installments, said internal files from the company that he reviewed showed that both the Trump and Biden administrations directly pressed Twitter executives to moderate the platforms pandemic content according to their wishes.

It is inappropriate and dangerous for the federal government to decide what lawful speech is allowed on a private sector platform, Comer said during debate on Wednesday.

My bill, the Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act, makes this type of behavior an unlawful activity for federal officials to engage in  subjecting those who attempt to censor the lawful speech of Americans to disciplinary actions and monetary penalties, he continued. The federal government should not be able to decide what lawful speech is allowed  we have the First Amendment for a very good reason.

Rep. Daniel Goldman (D-N.Y.) argued that the bill was unnecessary because of protections provided under the First Amendment.

This bill purports to protect free speech from government censorship. And I agree, its a great idea. Its such a good idea, in fact, that the Founding Fathers put it in the Constitution, Goldman said on the House floor Wednesday. Its called the First Amendment.

We dont need a new bill to protect free speech because that is currently the law of the land. So we must ask ourselves: what is the point of this bill? he added.

The congressman, who serves as lead counsel in former President Trumps first impeachment inquiry, argued that the measure would allow malign actors to continue using social media unfettered or adverse reasons.

H.R. 140 would effectively allow these and other foreign malign actors  who have poured hundreds of millions of dollars into online propaganda  to create chaos, mistrust, hate and confusion for Americans, to continue using social media platforms unfettered to wreak havoc on our democratic institutions, including the integrity of our elections, Goldman said.

It would do so by undermining the only defense that we have against these operations, which is the ability of our national security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies to warn social media platforms and the public about the deployment of counterfeit accounts, disinformation and cyber surveillance by malign actors, he added.

Lawmakers approved a number of amendments to the bill, including one that would prohibit law enforcement officials from sharing information with social media companies unless it pertains to speech not protected by the First Amendment  such as obscenity, fraud or incitement to imminent lawless action.

The measure also exempts actions from federal employees meant for exercising legitimate law enforcement functions directly related to activities to combat child pornography, human trafficking, or the illegal transporting of or transacting in controlled substances and safeguarding, or preventing, the unlawful dissemination of properly classified national security information.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The House voted on Thursday to overturn the Biden administrations water regulations  a goal thats not expected to come to fruition but one that gave Republicans another chance to force some Democrats into a tough vote.

The House voted 227-198 to eliminate a Biden administration rule that governs which waters are subject to federal regulations under the Waters of the United States. Nine Democrats voted for the measure, while one Republican opposed it.

The rule in question designates which waters require permits for activities like construction and mining that may hurt water quality, deciding what counts as Waters of the United States under the Clean Water Act.

The Biden administration takes a broader view than its predecessor on which waters are subject to protection. However, prior to the Biden regulations, the narrower regulations from the era of former President Trump were also not in effect after they were taken down in court.

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) voted with Democrats against the measure, while Democratic Reps. Sanford Bishop (Ga.), Jim Costa (Calif.), Angie Craig (Minn.), Henry Cuellar (Texas), Donald Davis (N.C.), Jared Golden (Maine), Vicente Gonzalez (Texas), Jimmy Panetta (Calif.) and David Scott (Ga.) voted with Republicans in favor of it.

The resolution will head to the Senate, where its prospects are unclear. The resolution only requires a simple majority to pass the chamber, which Democrats control 51-49, and is expected to be taken up next week.

A spokesperson for Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) told The Hill earlier this week that the senator would ultimately vote with Republicans to get rid of the Biden regulation. Fellow swing vote Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) told The Hill on Wednesday that he was undecided. Both are among the most vulnerable Democrats up for reelection in 2024.

Complicating things more for Democrats, Sens. John Fetterman (Pa.) and Dianne Feinstein (Calif.) are out for medical reasons.

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However, the White House has already said Biden would veto the measure if it makes it to his desk.

A White House statement threatening the veto said getting rid of the Biden rule would lead to an uncertain, fragmented, and watered-down regulatory system.

It said that the rule provides clear rules of the road that will help advance infrastructure projects, economic investments, and agricultural activitiesall while protecting water quality.

On the other hand, supporters of the effort to get rid of the regulations say that they are too stringent.

Returning to a more costly, burdensome, and broad [Waters of the United States] definition could have a massive impact on local communities and Americans ability to do their jobs and manage their own private property, said Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.) in a Thursday floor speech.

The resolution is the second Biden regulation that the House has voted to get rid of in as many weeks, recently going after a Biden rule that clarified that environmental and social considerations could be part of money managers considerations for retirement investing.

The Senate passed that resolution but Biden is expected to veto it as well.

The water fight that the House waded into on Wednesday is also the subject of a pending Supreme Court case, where justices are weighing whether to narrow which bodies of water the federal government can regulate.

Updated at 5:25 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
House Judiciary Committee chairman Jim Jordan presides over a hearing of the Weaponization of the Federal Government Subcommittee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on February 9, 2023 in Washington, DC. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

House weaponization panel chair Jim Jordan is already seeking more money from leadership.

Jordan requested a $19 million budget, which is roughly what the January 6 select committee spent.

Government watchdogs worry he'll get it and never have to answer for what is done with the funds.

House Judiciary chair Jim Jordan is racing to secure at least $19 million in funding for his new weaponization panel, a hefty boost that would one-up the nearly two-year investigation into the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol even though he's just getting started on his own agenda items.

His pitch for an additional $17 million in resources, first reported by Axios, includes doubling his initial $2 million budget and carving out a $15 million "reserve fund" the new political investigation unit can draw from as needed.

While aides to Jordan and Speaker Kevin McCarthy did not immediately respond to requests for comment about where the projected spending figures came from, a House Administration Committee staffer who requested anonymity in order to speak freely said that prescribed baseline generally matches up with what the select committee panel that recommended prosecuting Donald Trump for the deadly siege at the US Capitol spent last session.

"Don't have a final number yet because bills are still coming in, but it's over $18 million at this point," the GOP staffer told Insider.

Between the select committee disbanding after releasing its politically damning final report and House Republicans rearranging things on every committee after narrowly reclaiming control of the chamber last fall, tracking every select committee financial statement has gotten tricky.

House Democratic leadership aides declined to answer questions about the required financial records. But the final disbursement report for 2022 lists $11.8 million in committee expenses, including $6.5 million in staff compensation and $5 million for "other services" ranging from paying outside consultants to stenographers.

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What bothers government watchdog Donald Sherman about this latest bid is the lack of accountability surrounding it.

"There's no check on this check that they're getting from taxpayers," the senior vice president and chief counsel at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, told Insider about Jordan's supplemental request.

Sherman scolded House GOP leaders for demanding budget cuts elsewhere, but then throwing money at poorly received pet projects like the "flameout that the weaponization committee just experienced with its so-called whistleblowers hearing."

"The leadership is using their slim majority to use millions in taxpayer funds to promote attacks on what they perceive as their political enemies," Sherman said, citing a recent Jordan-led hearing featuring government informants with credibility issues.

"This highlights for me just how little oversight Congress gets," Sherman added, bemoaning that American taxpayers will never get a "line-by-line accounting of how the weaponization committee is spending this moneybefore it goes out the door."

Read the original article on Business Insider
SANTA MONICA, CA - DECEMBER 11: Hugh Grant (R) and Anna Elisabet Eberstein attend The 22nd Annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on December 11, 2016 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Frazer Harrison/Getty Anna Eberstein and Hugh Grant in December 2016

Hugh Grant was once a notoriously eligible bachelor, much like his characters in iconic romantic comedies of the '90s and early aughts. But in 2018, the actor left singledom behind when he married Swedish producer Anna Eberstein.

The two wed during a private ceremony at the Chelsea Register Office in London after dating for several years. Shortly after the wedding, the Four Weddings and a Funeral star said that he wished he had gotten married sooner.

"It's really nice, I can't pretend it isn't," he told Savannah Guthrie on the Today show. "I should have done it before. I'm just lucky. I'm lucky. I've got a great wife. I love her."

Grant has also responded to speculation that he had married Eberstein for "passport reasons," something that had been erroneously claimed after their wedding.

"No I didn't, @Internet," he tweeted in June 2021. "I married her because I love her."

While it's unknown exactly how and when the couple first met, the pair have been linked since early 2012, as they welcomed their first baby later that year.

So who is the woman that stole the British actor's heart? Here's everything to know about Hugh Grant's wife, Anna Eberstein.

She's from Sweden and worked as a television producer

Anna Elisabet Eberstein and Hugh Grant attend the Charles Finch & CHANEL Pre-BAFTA Party at 5 Hertford Street on February 1, 2020 in London, England

David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty

Eberstein was raised in Sweden but lives in Grant's native London. She graduated from Sweden's Uppsala University in 2003 with a master's degree in economics and also studied at Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee.

She later worked as a freelance television producer. Eberstein was previously a promotions producer for ESPN, where she produced video material for marketing, advertising and on-air promos.

She attended the French Open with Grant in 2015

Hugh Grant and Anna Elisabet Eberstein attend day 1 of the French Open 2015 held at Roland Garros on May 24, 2015 in Paris, France

Jean Catuffe/Getty

One of Grant and Eberstein's first public appearances was at the 2015 French Open at Stade Roland Garros in Paris. Photos published by the Daily Mail showed the pair deep in conversation and laughing throughout the match. Grant even tweeted about the "great match" from his courtside seat.

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She "drunkenly" watched Love Actually with Grant

In 2022, Grant told Diane Sawyer that he had recently "drunkenly" watched his 2003 rom-com Love Actually with Eberstein, who noted that there was just as much heartbreak as love in the iconic film.

"It comes from the heart  it's true," said the actor, who played the U.K.'s prime minister in the film. "[Anna] was the one who said, 'Oh look, it's all about pain; it's all about suffering.' "

Sawyer agreed, adding that the film touched on "awkwardness and little rejections and little disappointments in yourself."

She co-founded a children's sock company

Hugh Grant and Anna Elisabet Eberstein arrive to the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 6, 2019

Todd Williamson/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal

Eberstein is also an entreprenuer. In 2014, she co-founded a slipper-sock brand called Ace & Me with her cousin Pia Tamm Hagno.

She shares three children with Grant

Hugh Grant (L) and Anna Elisabet Eberstein attend a pre BAFTA party hosted by Charles Finch and Chanel at Annabel's on February 11, 2017 in London, England

David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty

Grant and Eberstein have welcomed three kids: a son named John Mungo, born in 2012; a daughter, born in 2015; and their third baby, born in 2018.

Speaking to PEOPLE in 2018, Grant said of fatherhood: "It was the nicest thing that's ever happened to me. ... It's just lovely to have all that love around. Suddenly you love someone more than yourself. It's unheard of in my case. And they love you and it's all enchanting."

In 2020, Grant recalled missing his kids while working on HBO's The Undoing, which was shot in New York City over five months.

"You had your family with you, which was, I think, very sensible," Grant told his costar Nicole Kidman during an interview with Marie Claire. "I thought, 'Oh, fantastic opportunity to get away from my screaming children.' I left everyone in London. And then as soon as I got to New York each time I came out to film, I missed so much. It was, it was awful."

Grant also shares daughter Tabitha Xaio Xi and son Felix Chang with ex-girlfriend Tinglan Hong.
Rosa Valdes takes a breath while wearing her Xanax earrings. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

"I felt anxious before I came here today, Rosa Valdes said as she arranged her Educated Chola T-shirts, totes and mugs inside the Cafe Girasol coffee shop in Boyle Heights. Just because I take anti-anxiety medication, it doesnt mean it's gone.

While friend and colleague Beth Guerra, a brand strategist she met at the Los Angeles Economic Equity Accelerator & Fellowship program at Cal State L.A., offers support and helps soothe her nerves for a photo shoot, Valdes takes a deep breath and forges ahead.

Valdes is used to living with anxiety. In 2018, the 33-year-old entrepreneur was diagnosed with a generalized anxiety disorder that left her with insomnia, little appetite and migraine headaches.

"When it's bad, I ruminate in my thoughts more and I develop depression," she said. "I don't think non-neurodivergent people understand how much one has to fight with their own brain when they have a mental health condition."

Today, she is funneling that energy into her own line of T-shirts, tote bags, stickers and jewelry, which range in price from $3 to $40 and are designed to inspire other Latinos to become more comfortable with talking about their mental health.

Educated Chola stickers are designed to destigmatize mental health issues, especially in the Latino community. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Its looked down upon to talk about mental health in my culture, Valdes said as she folded T-shirts bearing the slogans Tengo Muchos Feelings and Respira Profundo (Take a Deep Breath). The whole point of my business is to create awareness about mental health. Theres no shame in taking medication, although it has a huge stigma in communities of color.

Guerra said she has experienced the same issues as Valdes, whose parents immigrated from Tijuana. Our backgrounds are very different," Guerra said of her friend. I am a fourth generation Latina while Rosa is first generation, and yet it's very much the same in both our worlds. Mental health is not something we talk about. Going to see a psychologist or a psychiatrist is a very big deal."

Despite surrounding herself with friends such as Guerra, Valdes knows that its easy to feel alone, especially as a woman of color who has been taught to internalize her feelings. While the new age of Latinos may be more open about their mental health, there are still many who don't want their families to know they are struggling or even getting help, she said.

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Valdes' assertion is backed up by a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that found that Latinos do not seek out therapy at the same rates as other racial or ethnic groups.

Educated Chola mugs. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Such feelings are what prompted Valdes to try to normalize mental health struggles by interlacing her products with humor. I try to be as funny as I can," Valdes said, "because if Im feeling down and can bring some laughter to my day or to someone else, I feel like Ive accomplished something.

At the Unique L.A. makers event in downtown Los Angeles last year, Valdes elicited laughter among customers as she shared stickers printed with humorous slogans such as Always Tired and Amygdala Callate! alongside serotonin-molecule bracelets and colorful pill-shaped earrings representing lithium, Cymbalta, Xanax and Prozac.

I think it is a fun but subtle way of breaking the mental health stigma of taking medication, Valdes said of the earrings. I always love explaining them to people and am happy to do so if it helps."

Valdes was born in Boyle Heights and grew up in southeast Los Angeles. After her father died when she was 5, she and her two sisters were raised by her mother, who encouraged Valdes to take a breath when times were hard. It works, she said with a smile.

Valdes crusade to get people talking about mental health is based on her experience with life-long anxiety.

I clearly remember being depressed at one point but not knowing what it was, she said of her youth. In regards to anxiety, I have always been very ambitious and a perfectionist, to the point where it would just exhaust me. So I was always trying to get the best grades since I was in third grade because I felt that if I didn't get into the honor roll, in honors or AP classes, that I wouldn't get into college. Now we know that is not exactly true, but that's something you do with anxiety: You catastrophize and assume the worst. I did everything I could to potentially prevent failure.

Rosa Valdes sells her Educated Chola products at Cafe Girasol in Boyle Heights. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

While attending graduate school at New York University, where she received a master's degree in public administration, Valdes felt like she didn't measure up to the other students. "I think myself and other students of color have impostor syndrome," she explained, "but we are so good at hiding it, or acting like we know what we're doing, that it usually just gets suppressed so that we can continue to move forward."

After graduating from NYU, she took a job working for a nonprofit, where she found it difficult to advance. I learned that nonprofits are not a healthy place for people of color, she said. I had my master's degree, and yet I got a job at the same rate of pay as before. Many institutions arent built for people of color to succeed. Also, the job did not help her mental health. I already have impostor syndrome, Valdes said quietly. It exacerbated that.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020, Valdes decided to fulfill a lifelong dream of owning her own business. Using her savings and continuing to work full-time as a leasing agent, she started Educated Chola, inspired by the things she felt deeply about. "'Always Tired came from the fact that my brain is always going, she said. With anxiety, its constant. Youre thinking and worrying all the time. You have to interrupt yourself, which is probably why Im always tired. If I can catch it, then I dont spiral and worry about things that I dont need to worry about.

Inspired by her transparency and vulnerability, Valdes TikTok and Instagram accounts are often jammed with direct messages from followers who want to try therapy and are curious about her experience.

"When we go to events or pop-ups, people will see the pill earrings and open up and talk about their mental health with Rosa," Guerra said. "It's awesome to watch her breaking stigmas in real time."

A gold dopamine necklace designed to destigmatize mental health issues. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Prescription-pill-shaped earrings represent lithium, Cymbalta, Xanax and Prozac. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Although Valdes stresses that she is not a medical professional, she is comfortable talking about her own mental health experience in the hopes that it will generate conversations at home.

I always tell people that regardless of what your family or culture says, do whats best for you, she said. Its your mental health. Find what works for you and know that it's OK to be scared when seeking professional mental health [help]. That fear and shame is the exact reason why I created this business.

Asked what advice she would give to other Latinos who are grappling with anxiety and depression, Valdes suggested testing out the waters with family first. See what their feelings are about mental health, as well as how supportive they would be if you shared your struggles," she said. "If they seem supportive, then wonderful. If not, don't let that hinder your pursuit of taking care of your mental health.

"As a part of our culture, we tend to feel like we have to share everything with everyone, in particular our families, but we are allowed to keep things for ourselves," she continued. "And in this case, you are the most important one to take care of first. You can't do anything to help anyone else if you don't make yourself a priority.

An Educated Chola tote bag. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Having lots of feelings is hard and exhausting, she said. I have a full-time job and Im constantly trying to create new ideas. I pour everything into my days off. Eventually, it builds up, and by the time I realize my anxiety is off the charts, I realize I should have called my psychiatrist before I end up in a ball crying. That kick-starts me to reset. This year, Im telling myself to do less and not feel bad about it.

As she looks ahead, Valdes hopes to turn Educated Chola into a full-service brand. Id like to create a database of resources to help people navigate mental health depending on their insurance or lack of insurance, she said. Ive been on Medicaid before, and its very hard to navigate and find mental health services. They make it sound super easy. It's not."

At some point, she'd like to have her own self-care events or a conference where she can offer group therapy to anyone who would like to participate.

In the meantime, she will continue to sell her products at Molcajete Tienda in Montebello, Cafe Girasol in Boyle Heights, online and at various pop-up events, such as LatinaFest on March 19.

Being vulnerable comes with risks, but the reactions she has received about her products have been worthwhile.

Ive had people come up to me and thank me for being so open about my mental health issues, Valdes said. People will send me hugs or good vibes on my social media accounts, and Ill take all the good vibes. But I tell them, 'Do it for someone in your life. Do it for yourself.'

Rosa Valdes, who has generalized anxiety disorder, is trying to create awareness about mental health issues through her Educated Chola line of totes, jewelry, mugs and T-shirts. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
By Francois Murphy

VIENNA (Reuters) - U.N. nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi on Thursday appealed for a protection zone around the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine after another outage there, saying he was "astonished by the complacency" around the issue.

"Each time we are rolling a dice. And if we allow this to continue time after time then one day our luck will run out," Grossi told the IAEA's 35-nation Board of Governors.

Europe's biggest nuclear power plant lost its last external power line early on Thursday after missile strikes across Ukraine overnight.

The plant is now down to emergency diesel generators, a last line of defence to keep cooling reactor fuel and prevent a potentially catastrophic meltdown.

As in previous attacks, Russia and Ukraine blamed each other. Grossi has been trying to get both sides to strike a deal in which they would pledge not to fire at or from the plant and heavy weapons would be removed, diplomats say.

"This is the sixth time  let me say it again sixth time, that ZNPP has lost all off-site power and has had to operate in this emergency mode," Grossi told the board's quarterly meeting, according to an IAEA statement.

"Let me remind you  this is the largest nuclear power station in Europe. What are we doing? How can we sit here in this room this morning and allow this to happen? This cannot go on. I am astonished by the complacency."

He said that everyone must commit to protect the plant's safety and security.

"And we need to commit now. What we need is action," he said.

(Reporting by Francois Murphy; Editing by Toby Chopra and Angus MacSwan)
The Idaho Legislature last year commissioned a job market study to find out how the state could make employee salaries more competitive amid significant turnover.

The study decided the state, Idahos largest employer, should offer 4% merit-based raises this year, along with additional hikes over the next two years for highly competitive job fields, such as public safety, nursing and information technology.

Budget-setting lawmakers last month rejected the recommendations, opting instead for statewide hourly raises, and in recent weeks the committee directed enhanced raises to select agencies. That included an 11% total raise for employees at Attorney General Raul Labradors office.

Labrador told lawmakers that his attorneys are earning less than other public employers. But his office was excluded as a priority in the job market study.

Idahos top human resources official warned the moves by the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) could aggravate the factors driving high turnover, which reached 22% statewide last year.

Approving raises on an agency-by-agency basis will cause deeper pay inequity and rouse frustrations among employees who end up on the losing side of the committees decisions, said Lori Wolff, administrator of the Division of Human Resources.

The selective approach may also lead to conflicts with a law requiring that state employees who have similar duties receive proportional compensation.

The state of Idaho is one employer, and it is our responsibility to treat all state employees similarly and make compensation decisions that are fair and data-driven, Wolff told the Idaho Statesman by email.

House Republicans, who carried the effort to reject the studys recommendations, said hourly raises benefit lower-earning employees, and they want to give agency directors more flexibility to target raises where theyre most valuable.

One-size-fits-all doesnt work in the marketplace when certain positions have more value, said Rep. Wendy Horman, R-Idaho Falls, who co-chairs JFAC. If we want to have high-quality state employees, we need to find some way to compensate them for the value of the work that they bring to state government.

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An Idaho State Police officer watches over the Senate chamber during session on Wednesday, March 16, 2022. Budget-setting lawmakers rejected a proposal from Gov. Brad Little to give law enforcement officers an additional 6% raise this year. But lawmakers gave ISP employees pay enhancements separately, one example of a budgeting strategy to target raises agency-by-agency. Sarah A. Miller/smiller@idahostatesman.com

Low pay for licensed jobs leading to high turnover

The 2022 job market analysis by the Division of Human Resources and private consultants  which cost $1.2 million  found that the state is losing highly trained workers to public- and private-sector employers with more competitive pay.

Last years turnover rate was nearly double the rate a decade ago, leaving about 2,500 state jobs unfilled, according to the analysis. While Idahos health care and retirement benefits are competitive, state salaries are lagging 31% behind the private sector and 14% behind other public sector employers, including city, county and state governments throughout the West.

The most difficult positions to fill require specific degrees, certifications or licensing and also have competitive wages in the job market, Wolff said.

Turnover is one problem, but filling those positions once they are vacant is a whole new challenge, she said.

The market researchers recommended a two-year plan providing 8.5% merit-based raises to all state employees, along with additional raises targeted at the hard-to-fill positions. In the first year, all employees would be eligible for 4% merit raises, while public safety officers certified by Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) would get 10%.

The second-year proposal, which the Legislature would have considered in 2024, included 4.5% statewide merit raises with 14% total raises for engineering, information technology and health care jobs.

The Legislatures Joint Change in Employee Compensation Committee accepted the first phase of the plan. Idaho Gov. Brad Little, a Republican, also endorsed it.

The governors recommendation ensured parity by paying comparable employees similarly across agencies, Madison Hardy, Littles spokesperson, said by email. Little still believes his pay raise proposal is an informed, well-researched, and data-driven approach for addressing the greatest needs within the state workforce.

But there was considerable interest in the House Republican caucus to go with the hourly pay increase, Rep. Matthew Bundy, R-Mountain Home, who co-chairs the compensation committee, told the Statesman by phone.

A $1.20 hourly raise would surpass a 4% raise for state employees who earn $30 per hour or less. Those above that threshold would see less than 4% raises from the baseline statewide increase, although they could see additional raises, depending on where lawmakers choose to direct wage enhancements.

I would rather see the bottom move up a little faster than the top, House Speaker Mike Moyle, R-Star, who was involved in private discussions about the raise proposals, told reporters Wednesday. The Legislature, theyre trying to do whats right and make the exceptions that are legitimate and warranted.

Wolff said that an hourly increase could worsen existing wage compression. Compression exists when there is little separation in pay between employees with different levels of training and experience.

The flat rate increase moves individuals in lower pay grades up in their salary increase more quickly than those in higher pay grades, resulting in those who have been employed the longest and work in some of the most highly qualified jobs and positions to be rewarded less, she said.

Attorney generals pay already competitive, study says

Meanwhile, JFAC is making exceptions for select agencies and offering enhanced raises on top of $1.20 per hour, including to Idaho State Police  the raises were comparable to the governors 10% recommendation for public safety officers  and the attorney generals office.

The study recommended 4% raises for Labradors employees, equal to the recommendation for all state employees.

Analysis on salaries for attorney general positions when compared to other Idaho county and city positions showed that salaries in the AGs office were competitive and, in many cases, paid higher than city and county positions, Wolff said.

Horman said Labrador made a case for legal assistants and other administrative positions needing raises, as well as attorneys, and new information emerged between the study and JFACs vote.

Attorneys in Labradors office earn $46.57 per hour on average, according to data from the attorney generals office. Thats compared to $46.66 hourly among Boise city attorneys and a little over $51 hourly among Ada County attorneys. Labrador, a Republican, noted to JFAC that theres a wider gap  about $20,000 annually in one case  between experienced attorneys.

JFAC unanimously approved 11% raises for all staff in the attorney generals office. If thats approved by the House and Senate, it would be the second consecutive year the office receives 11% raises. But last year, when former Attorney General Lawrence Wasden held the office, only attorneys got raises.

Emily Kleinworth, a spokesperson for Labrador, said that attorneys and staff in the office have been significantly underpaid compared to other public-sector legal employees in the region.

Attorney General Labradors requests to JFAC aim to correct nearly two decades of neglect, ensure his employees are adequately resourced to carry out the states legal business, and allow the office to continue attracting the best legal and law enforcement talent, Kleinworth said by email.

Bundy said the attorney general wage hikes  which add up to about $3.5 million  are targeted to keep highly trained people that are already in the system.

Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador delivers an acceptance speech during the Idaho Republican Party 2022 General Election Night Celebration in Boise, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. Budget-setting lawmakers last week recommended raises for jobs in Labradors office, despite a market analysis determining they werent a priority compared to other in-demand state positions. (AP Photo/Kyle Green, File) Kyle Green/AP

Winners and losers: Pay equality in question

The budget committee also approved 5% raises for community college employees last week. That was slightly more than the job market studys 4% recommendation. Sen. Kevin Cook, R-Idaho Falls, who co-chairs the compensation committee, said that while he supports the colleges, JFAC is playing favorites with selective pay enhancements.

Were picking winners and losers here, Cook told the committee after approving the college raises last week. We did it yesterday in a budget for the attorney general, and here were doing it again. Do we believe what we voted for, a $1.20, or do we not?

Cook ultimately supported directing raises at select agencies, including the attorney generals office.

After approving Labradors 11% raise request, JFAC approved similar raises for the State Appellate Public Defenders Office, to satisfy a state law requiring parity. The law would forbid the Legislature from raising pay for state prosecutors without treating public defenders similarly.

JFAC made all staff in the attorney generals office eligible for raises, and Labradors office has additional jobs that exist in other agencies, such as administrative assistants, information technology analysts and human resource specialists, according to the states salary database.

During a Feb. 17 meeting, Littles budget chief warned JFAC members that the state needs to pay employees with similar jobs comparable wages, regardless of which agency they work in. Thats why the governors recommendation on public safety officer raises included hikes for all POST-certified officers, because it covered employees across agencies, Alex Adams, administrator of the Idaho Division of Financial Management, told the budget committee.

If you start treating those separately, it could potentially lead to issues, Adams said.

Agency budgets will need approval from the full House and Senate. The two chambers are considering budget bills in the coming days and weeks.
Idris Elba says Meghan Markle was the best dancer at her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018. (Getty Images)

Idris Elba has revealed the person who was cutting the best dance moves at the Duke and Duchess of Sussexs wedding in 2018  and it was none other than the bride herself.

The Luther actor was asked to be the DJ at Prince Harry and Meghan Markles wedding reception, and said that Meghan was really letting it go.

I think Meghan was the one that was really like letting it go, he told ET Canada. You know, she was real She just had a lot of fun. It was her wedding. So she had the greatest time.

Read more: Rebel Wilson found Meghan Markle to be not as naturally warm as Prince Harry in awkward meeting

The wedding reception was held at St George's Hall in Windsor following the television ceremony at St Georges Chapel on May 19 that year.

In a previous interview on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Elba said he thought the prince was joking when he asked the actor to DJ at their wedding.

Idris Elba and Prince Harry in 2013. (Getty Images)

So Harry and I have hung out a couple of times through his dads [King Charles] charity  The Princes Trust  which helped me out when I was a young actor, Elba said at the time.

Harry came to a couple of parties that I DJed and he was like, What are you doing on [May 19]? I told him nothing and then he asked if I would DJ at his wedding... I was like, 'Is this a joke?'

Read more: Sarah Ferguson says she has 'no judgement on the Sussexes' after being 'judged all her life'

Elba later said that DJ-ing at the royal wedding was an incredible experience but a lot of pressure.

The comments come after Buckingham Palace changed the titles of Harry and Meghans children on its website to reflect their new titles.

They are now known as Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, with the Sussexes using the title themselves for the first time this week after announcing that Lilibet was christened in Los Angeles on Friday.

Read more: Prince Harry says Meghan Markle is his favourite smell

A representative for the Sussexes told Yahoo UKs Executive Editor (Royals) Omid Scobie: The childrens titles have been a birthright since their grandfather became Monarch. This matter has been settled for some time in alignment with Buckingham Palace.

Watch: Royals 'snub' Princess Lilibet's christening
Idris Elba, Meghan Markle

Lia Toby/Getty, Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Idris Elba; Meghan Markle

Though Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's 2018 royal wedding was anything but private, when it came to their intimate evening reception, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were carefree as they dominated the dance floor.

Idris Elba, who not only attended the wedding but was the DJ during the reception, revealed that there was one person in particular who let loose that night.

"I think Meghan was the one that was really letting it go," Elba, 50, told ET Canada recently when asked who was the best dancer at the royal party.

"You know, she was real  she just had a lot of fun. It was her wedding. So she had the greatest time," the actor added.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

Idris Elba, Meghan Markle

Jeff Spicer/Getty; Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Idris Elba; Meghan Markle

RELATED: Idris Elba Goes on the Record About DJ-ing for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry: "There Was a Lot of Pressure"

The Beast actor added that he was "so nervous" ahead of the DJ gig, as the stakes were high going into a royal event.

Despite the pressure he felt, Meghan, 41, eased his worries and helped him choose the music for the night. "Meghan sent me a playlist with some bare tunes on it," Elba said on BBC Radio 1Xtra in 2019.

Though he initially kept the night's setlist to himself, saying only that "there was some West Coast on it," the Luther actor eventually shared two of the songs that made the cut.

Whitney Houston's "I Want to Dance with Somebody," which was the royal couple's first dance song, and Dr. Dre's "Still D.R.E.," were among the hits from the star-studded night, Elba revealed.

RELATED VIDEO: Oprah Winfrey Just Revealed How Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Royal Wedding Left Her Feeling

He said that guests "went off" at Houston's 1987 hit during an appearance on BBC's 1Xtra Rap Show last year, and added that "Still D.R.E.," which he said was "Meghan's choice," was another big hit.

Story continues

For Elba, the DJ gig was high stakes not only because it was a royal wedding reception, but because of his relationship with the bride and groom.

"[Harry and Meghan are] good friends and I wanted to make sure they had a great time, so there was a lot of pressure," he told the Daily Mail in 2021.

He added, "This wasn't like my cousin's wedding. This [reception] wasn't at the community hall  this was a big, big deal."

Idris Elba and Sabrina Dhowre

Gareth Fuller/Getty Images Sabrina Dhowre Elba and Idris Elba

RELATED: Idris Elba Shows Off His DJ Skills on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon

According to a source, the reception  which was held at the historic Frogmore House, where the Duke and Duchess later went on to live in 2019 and 2020  was a star-studded, high-spirited gathering.

"It was a huge dance party; everyone was letting loose and had a blast," a source told PEOPLE at the time. "Just a fun night and not stuffy at all."

All the stars were getting in on the fun, with Meghan's longtime friend Serena Williams playing beer pong  "she's super old-school like that," the source said  and George Clooney taking the helm behind the bar.

"George Clooney hopped behind the bar and was mixing drinks for guests," the source added of the Casamigos tequila co-founder.
The Illinois Supreme Court agreed this week to fast-track the states appeal of a Macon County judges ruling against parts of a recently passed state ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

Lawmakers passed the ban during a lame duck session in January and Gov. JB Pritzker signed it into law almost immediately. The law came in response to numerous mass shootings in the United States, including at an Independence Day parade in Highland Park last summer in which the shooter used an assault-style weapon, killing seven people and injuring dozens of others.

The new law bans the sale and manufacture of a long list of firearms defined as assault weapons, assault weapon attachments, .50-caliber rifles and .50-caliber cartridges, as well as large-capacity magazines.

The law allows people who already own such items to keep them, but it restricts their ability to sell or transfer them to someone else. And it requires current owners of such weapons to register them with the Illinois State Police by Jan. 1, 2024.

The law also exempts certain people from the ban, including current and retired law enforcement officers; wardens, superintendents and keepers of state and federal prisons; members of the armed services or reserve forces while they are performing official duties or traveling to or from their places of duty; and companies that employ armed security guards at federally supervised nuclear sites.

Passage of the law prompted immediate legal challenges in both state and federal courts by gun rights advocates who said it violated both the Illinois and U.S. constitutions.

One of those suits was filed by a group of plaintiffs led by Republican state Rep. Dan Caulkins, of Decatur.

On March 3, Judge Rodney S. Forbes ruled that the exceptions to the assault weapons ban violate the equal protection clause in the Illinois Constitution as well as the special legislation clause that prohibits the General Assembly from passing a special or local law when a general law can be made applicable.

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We look forward to vigorously defending this final judgment by Judge Forbes, Caulkins said at a news conference Wednesday. We believe that we have the facts on our side.

That decision, the judge wrote, was based on a 5th District Court of Appeals ruling in another case in which an Effingham County judge had granted a temporary restraining order to block enforcement of the ban. That order, however, applied only to the roughly 800 plaintiffs who were named in the case. That case, Accuracy Firearms LLC v. Pritzker, also is on appeal before the Supreme Court.

Although the Accuracy Firearms case went through an appellate court before reaching the Supreme Court, Attorney General Kwame Raoul appealed the Caulkins case directly to the high court.

In both cases, Raoul filed motions for an expedited hearing schedule. But on Tuesday, the court chose to take only one, accepting the Caulkins case and denying the motion in the Accuracy Firearms case.

According to the courts order, oral arguments in the Caulkins case are scheduled to be heard sometime in May.
Stacia Datskovska did not enjoy her semester abroad. Stacia Datskovska

In the fall, I studied abroad for a semester in Florence, Italy, as an NYU student.

I hated that my classmates traveled every weekend, while I stayed in Florence alone.

I also thought the locals I met were rude and hostile toward me, and I missed my life in New York.

As a journalism and international-relations major at New York University, I was required to study abroad for a semester. While NYU is famed for its foreign offerings in places like Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Berlin, Paris, and Shanghai, I opted for Florence, Italy, in the fall.

Before arriving in the Italian city, I learned I'd be living on the central Via dei Tosinghi street, which is a two-minute walk from a beautiful cathedral. I would be living with seven other girls, a welcome change after living in a cramped studio apartment in New York last year.

I imagined fun potluck dinners with my roommates, summer flings with people who called me "bella," gelato that dripped down my fingers in the heat, and natural wine that paired effortlessly with good conversation and better prosciutto.

But when my semester in Florence came to an end, I grew to despise the sights, hated the people, and couldn't wait to get back home to my campus in New York.

For starters, living with 7 people was not easy

The people who shared the space with me had asynchronous schedules, meaning they'd be out and about at various times of the day and night. Some would be taking the bus to our campus on the periphery of the city, while others walked to the All'Antico Vinaio panini shop after school, hopping back home to do occasional homework. Many would go out until the wee hours to take advantage of Italy's young drinking age.

My routine looked drastically different from that of my roommates. I had a GPA to upkeep and an online internship. I wasn't out partying; I was home working most of the time, and it became difficult to concentrate on my assignments.

The pressure to travel on weekends became too much for me

Since three-day weekends are the standard for NYU's study-abroad programs, almost everyone chose to take $20 Ryanair flights to places like Croatia and Munich for Oktoberfest. To me, this seemed like an exhausting form of escapism. I was convinced my peers were doing it only to freshen up their social-media profiles and make their friends back home jealous.

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I, on the other hand, wanted to travel to learn more about myself and explore ways to shape my life after graduation. Since most of my classmates were looking to go to sex shows in Amsterdam and getting wasted in Ibiza, I traveled alone. I went to Nice, France; Lugano, Switzerland; London; Malta; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

But most weekends, I stayed at home in Florence, while my classmates burned themselves out with travel. During those lonely weekends, I ran along the Arno river, popped into free gallery exhibits, and cooked with ingredients I found at local vegetable markets. I was left in the apartment completely alone. This lack of human interaction didn't help me feel optimistic.

I was disillusioned by the fact that no one in my study-abroad program seemed to have my values.

Throughout my semester in Florence, Italian people were hostile toward me

I'm not quite sure whom I resented more during my stay in Italy: my American classmates or the locals. The latter is often described as soulful, charming, and overflowing with hospitality, but I could provide concrete examples of them being hostile, inconsiderate, and preposterous. For example, one time, two women were talking about me on the bus, looking at me up and down and scoffing. There were a couple of incidents of verbal confrontations.

I started to protest by presenting myself to the public in a way I knew they'd hate. I started wearing American-brand athleisure, Nike Air Max 97s, and oversize hoodies. The Italians rolled their eyes as I passed them on the street.

About 5,000 American college students flock to Florence every semester, so why are the Florentines still angry about the way we look and act  as long as we don't infringe on their rights, safety, and comforts?

My life back in New York went on without me, and it felt like I was wasting a semester

I was consistently frustrated by the fact that my life back in New York was not put on hold. Fellow NYU students who stayed in New York were actively pursuing in-person internships, networking with zeal, and making moves to advance their futures. I felt like I was wasting precious time in Florence.

I watched as my study-abroad classmates acted as if they could escape real-life obligations forever. I wanted to confront my obligations head-on.

All of this shouldn't dissuade students from heading to Florence. My feelings aren't every college student's experience  yet I also can't be the only one who thought studying abroad was a nightmare.

Do you have a powerful or unique college-life story to share with Insider? Please send details to folito@insider.com.

Read the original article on Insider
A satellite-on-satellite view of the fully deployed Starlink V2 Mini in orbit.

Say cheese: a newly deployed Starlink V2 satellite unknowingly posed for an orbital snapshot captured by a satellite imaging company. The photo revealed the new look of the miniature satellites in action, which SpaceX is hoping will increase the broadband capacity of its internet constellation.



This week, Australia-based HEO Robotics released a fuzzy image of one of SpaceXs next-generation satellites in low Earth orbit. This was our first observation of the V2 Minis, Dane Brumm, communications officer at HEO Robotics, told Gizmodo in an email. Through our photo, were able to identify two solar panels, which we didnt know existed before, which is a noticeable difference from other similar Starlink satellites.

Read more

Image: HEO Robotics

Indeed, one of the noticeable new tweaks on the Starlink V2 Minis are its two solar panels, one on each side. First-generation Starlinks have just one solar panel.

The image was taken at a distance of about 86 miles (139 kilometers) by a HEO Robotics satellite. We are able to identify the object as a Starlink satellite through TLEs [two-line element sets], which is essentially available tracking information that indicates where space objects are in their orbit, Brumm said. We can then reference open source data to find out characteristics like how big its supposed to be, and what its intended shape should be to confirm the object in our image is the Starlink satellite.

HEO Robotics provides satellite imagery of objects in orbit, as well as satellite inspection services for government and commercial operators. The company has imaged over a hundred objects after they reached their orbital destinations and later used its software to identify the objects. For the latest image, HEO Robotics captured a Starlink V2 Mini just one week after it was deployed in low Earth orbit.

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SpaceX launched 21 miniaturized versions of its next generation Starlink satellites, nicknamed the V2 Minis, on February 27. The satellites were tucked on board a Falcon 9 rocket, which lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral in Florida.



The company introduced the V2 Minis to the world through Twitter a day before they were set to launch. The V2 Minis are equipped with more powerful antennas and high-speed frequencies, which will allow Starlink to provide ~4x more capacity per satellite than earlier iterations, SpaceX wrote on Twitter. V2 Minis also come with argon-fueled Hall thrusters, a cheaper alternative to xenon propellant thats more commonly used for satellite propulsion systems.

SpaceX is hoping the V2 Minis will temporarily fill the gap for the increasing demand on its Starlink network until the company can launch the full-sized version of its next-generation satellites. Unfortunately, the full-sized V2s cant fit inside a Falcon 9 rocket. Instead, SpaceX is waiting on the launch of its Starship megarocket thats designed to handle larger payloads.

Until that happens, SpaceX designed a smaller version of the V2s, which recently made their orbital debut and are enjoying their time in the spotlight before the big boys come out to play.

More: Everything We Noticed During SpaceXs First Big Test of Starship Megarocket

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 21: Honorary co-chair Iman attends the 2nd Annual CARE Impact Awards Dinner at Mandarin Oriental on November 21, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for CARE)

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

This International Women's Day, supermodel Iman is lending her voice and her platform to a humanitarian organization she cherishes  CARE  which works to fight global poverty and achieve social justice by empowering women and girls.

For Iman, who has been associated with organizations such as Keep a Child Alive, Champions for Children and the American Foundation for AIDS Research, partnering with CARE was a natural next step. The Somalia-native was named Global CARE Advocate in 2019. It was role that was created specifically for her.

"Since I arrived in America in 1975, I have been involved with or helped different philanthropic and humanitarian organizations. But I've never been affiliated to one specifically," she told PEOPLE.

"I had been in search of the right one [when] CARE came onto my radar. They are the pioneer of humanitarian organizations  we're talking about in World War II. They've been at this longer than anybody else," she explained.

But CARE's impressive history wasn't the only factor that attracted Iman to the organization. Their efforts to empower women and girls was a big draw to the 67-year-old fashion legend, who's been a champion for female empowerment her entire career.

"What touched me most was what they do for women and girls across the world. That resonated with me. Being a refugee myself, I knew what non-government organizations on the ground do."

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 14: Honoree, 2018 CARE Impact Global Health Award Recipient Iman attends the inaugural CARE Impact Awards Dinner at Mandarin Oriental New York on November 14, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for CARE)

Bryan Bedder/Getty

Born Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid in Mogadishu in 1955, Iman became a refugee at 16 years old after there was a coup in Somalia. Her father, an ambassador, immediately became a target and the family had to leave their homeland.

"My family left in the middle of the night, with just the clothes on our backs, and crossed the border from Somalia to Kenya," she told PEOPLE in 2020. "My father was a diplomat, and people who worked for the government were being executed or put in jail. I was a [teenager] who'd never been on her own and never worked. All of a sudden, I was without my family and on my own in a foreign country."

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Life experience would ignite her passion for activism. "If organizations [such as CARE) weren't there, I wouldn't be here. I would have been trafficked, sexually abused, raped," she stated.

RELATED: Iman Opens Up About Fighting for Black Models to Get Equal Pay Early in Her Career

CARE also works to dispel the notion that poverty and inequality are problems that plague one specific group of people or continent.

"As I follow everybody's [stories] it's highlighted to me that the word 'refugee' feels different to different parts of the west," Iman says. "In America, mostly people think of it like it's [unique] to a Third World country, or maybe nowadays Middle East. But then [the war in] Ukraine happened."

She continued, "CARE was giving packages to Europe when Europe was bombarded to the ground. So the point is that what humans go through, the things we have in common, are borderless. Poverty doesn't have borders, it doesn't have color. It could happen to any one of us at any given time."

For International Women's Day this year, CARE has launched the #WomenKnowHow campaign, which highlights women from across the globe who have found a way to better their communities against all odds.

In an effort to create more visibility and awareness, Iman is voicing the campaign's flagship video which "highlights the fearless leaders, future entrepreneurs and feminist changemakers who know better than anyone how to lead and achieve success, despite all of the obstacles the world throws at them," the organization states.

RELATED: Iman Shares Her Refreshing Outlook on Aging: 'I Come from Africa, We Celebrate Getting Older'

Featured in the campaign are women such as Ra'edah Abu Alhalaweh who took on plumbing in her hometown of Zarqa, Jordan, helping women feel safe and comfortable, since inviting men into their homesespecially when their husbands aren't presentcan be uncomfortable.

Alhalaweh's initiative has encouraged other women in her community to take on the trade and she even trains some of them herself.

"And that's all you need to see, is one woman doing it differently," Iman emphasized. "It takes one woman to make something different, that all the girls look at it and they say, 'Oh, that can be done?'"

International Woman's Day

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In addition to the online campaign, CARE is also hosting a lobby day on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. today. The goal is to "address rising humanitarian needs and preventing irreparable backsliding on global development by providing at least $72.9 billion for the FY24 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Account and $400 million for the Gender Equity and Equality Action Fund," the organization stated.

"This is a globe. This is not the story of one, it's the universal 'we.' Empowering women and girls, is not a story of one place and it's not a story from a Third World country, it also happens in super power countries," Iman reiterated.

"Poverty, again, does not have boundaries. Women and girls' issues have no boundaries. You have it in this countrythey can be sexually abused, trafficked, [subjected to] domestic violence. It's the same. It's not one or the other."
The Independents international correspondent Bel Trew has won Foreign Reporter of the Year at The Press Awards 2023.

Spending months covering the war in Ukraine, Bel has crisscrossed the country to reveal harrowing stories from the frontlines.

She has also produced multiple in-depth investigations, including into the fate of thousands of civilians who vanished since Putin launched his invasion last year.

Her video and text series The Missing uncovered evidence of possible war crimes, including torture, widespread illegal transfer of civilitins, enforced disappearances, forced labour and hostage-taking. One of the articles was the most extensive deep dive yet into Olenivka prison in occupied territory where 53 Prisoners of War were blown up.

During the year Bel also uncovered other evidence of war crimes including an underground torture chamber in the north east of the country, followed evacuation convoys rescuing civilians, combat medics and first responders in frontline towns like Bakhmut and Soledar, revealing the devastating impact of the conflict on the most vulnerable.

In November she was among the first journalists to enter the newly liberated city of Kherson just days after the Russians had withdrawn, joining aid convoys dropping off food to residents, who were able to enjoy their first meal in months.

The Independents international correspondent, Bel Trew, wins Foreign Reporter of the Year at The Press Awards (The Independent)

This month, The Independent premiered Bels documentary, The Body in the Woods, a feature-length film into Ukraines unprecedented search for its missing and dead.

Geordie Greig, Editor-in-Chief of The Independent, said: The courage of all reporters is exemplified by the extraordinary stories which Bel has brought to The Independent. Her memorable work demonstrates the best of what journalism does which is to alter the dial of understanding, of events which turn out to be history.

Over the past decade, Bel has sought to tell lesser-reported stories and shatter stereotypes around the world from the Arab Spring uprisings to war in Europe.

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From her home base in Lebanon, Bel exposed for the first time how the UK has abandoned thousands of Syrian refugees it promised to re-home as long as five years ago in such dire conditions that they were forced to pick through bins for food or to withhold life saving medicine for their disabled children.

In June, Bel was one of the only journalists to interview the asylum seekers due to be sent to Rwanda. Bel spoke to three of those onboard the unsuccessful flight, revealing how they were beaten and restrained in harnesses.

Following the release of Bels documentary The Body in the Woods, viewers are now able to watch it online at the Independent TV hub (independent.tv), on The Independents new smart TV app, and on the Independent mobile app.

The Independent TV app is available globally on a number of smart TV (CTV - connected TV) platforms: Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, and Sony smart TVs. In the coming weeks, LG, Samsung and Roku will be added.

To find out more about our new Independent TV smart TV app click here.
NEW DELHI (Reuters) - The United States and India will sign a memorandum of understanding on semiconductors as both countries discuss coordination of investment and continue dialogue around policies to spur private investment, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said on Thursday.

Raimondo, who is on a four-day trip to India, is accompanied by the chief executive officers of 10 U.S. companies and is scheduled to meet India's trade minister on Friday.

The two nations will map the semiconductor supply chain together and identify opportunities for joint ventures and technology partnerships, Raimondo added.

India has been seeking to attract more big-ticket investments under a $10 billion incentive plan for chip and display production, aiming to become a key player in the global supply chain.

Last year, the South Asian nation raised fiscal support for new local semiconductor facilities to cover 50% of project costs.

(Reporting by Shivangi Acharya, writing by Tanvi Mehta; Editing by Toby Chopra and Paul Simao)
An Indiana woman is facing charges after police said she stole over $20,000 from an 88-year-old woman while acting as her caregiver.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, Jacqueline Elise Caylor, 35, stole $23,400 from the victim.

On Dec. 8, 2022, the victims family became suspicious of multiple transactions made from the victims bank account and filed a police report.

It was also reported to police that Caylor was hired as the victims caregiver about a year prior.

According to police, between June 10 and Oct. 4, 2022, multiple checks belonging to the victim were made out to Caylor without her permission and her credit card was used for numerous purchases that she didnt authorize.

During the investigation, a search warrant was obtained and executed on the victims bank account.

Caylor is charged with felony counts of unlawful taking, identity theft, access device fraud, receiving stolen property and forgery.

All charges were waived for court and Caylors formal arraignment is scheduled for April 25 at 1:15 p.m.

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Prince Harry and wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, are officially parents to a British prince and princess. (Seth Wenig / Associated Press)

It's internet official: Prince Harry's children are now formally a prince and princess.

Britain's Buckingham Palace confirmed Wednesday that Archie and Lilibet would be able to use their new royal titles, an announcement that came after Harry and his wife, Meghan, introduced their daughter by appropriating the princess moniker following her Friday christening at their Montecito, Calif., home.

"The childrens titles have been a birthright since their grandfather became Monarch," a representative for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex told the BBC. "This matter has been settled for some time in alignment with Buckingham Palace."

Representatives for the Sussexes did not immediately respond Thursday to The Times' requests for comment.

The new titles were triggered when Harry's grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, died in September and his dad, King Charles III, acceded to the throne. But the palace did not immediately update its website listing the royal line of succession with their proper titles until after the Sussexes used the moniker for Lilibet.

By Thursday, the children of the duke and former "Suits" actor had their names changed from Master Archie Mountbatten-Windsor and Miss Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor to Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex, respectively.

Three-year-old Archie and 21-month-old Lilibet are sixth and seventh in line to ascend the British throne, following their uncle Prince William, his three young children and Harry.

Notably, Archie and Lilibet were not styled as a prince or princess at birth because they were not yet grandchildren of the reigning monarch due to a rule established by King George in 1917. Their first cousins  Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis  didn't automatically get their titles until Queen Elizabeth II amended the rules with a 2012 decree, the Associated Press reported. But it did not yet apply to Harry and Meghan's children.

The title change might appear like a nominal olive branch in the tumultuous trans-Atlantic saga between the Sussexes and Buckingham Palace. Public relations have been tense among them since Harry and Meghan announced in 2020 that they would be stepping back as working royals and moving to Meghan's native Southern California, seeking privacy, distance from the ravenous British media and other professional endeavors.

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But in the years since, the couple has blasted the royal family with Harrys candid memoir, Spare, their recent Netflix docuseries, Meghan's "Archetypes" podcast, as well as their bombshell 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview, during which Meghan raised the concerns about their titles.

Questions about whether Harry will attend his father's May 6 coronation have also been swirling. A spokesperson for the couple confirmed this week that Harry received an invitation from the king but had not yet made a decision about whether he and Meghan would attend. Last week, the couple had been requested to vacate their residence at Frogmore Cottage in Britain, signaling again that all is still not well among the royals.

Harry also told the Telegraph in January that his bestselling book was originally twice the length of the final version, but he held back further unflattering disclosures about his father and his brother, who would not "ever forgive" him if they were made public.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Yung Miami and JT

The interviewer who recently faced criticism for her awkward interview with the City Girls is now blaming the backlash on racism.

The community really dont f**k with you if you aint full black, lets just be honest, Tamera Kissen said in a now-deleted tweet according to The Shade Room.

The post Interviewer Who Faced Backlash For City Girls Convo Blames Backlash On Her Being Biracial: Community Dont F**k With You if You Aint Full Black appeared first on Blavity.

The influencer interviewed the City Girls rap duo after their set at Hip Hop festival Rolling Loud in California. During the interview, Yung Miami and Kissen realized they had met before. However, they were unable to recall the details of their last encounter. An awkward silence followed as the pair tried to remember how they met.

The conversation continued to spiral down as Kissen threw out random questions throughout the clip.

Many social media users followed up with criticism, saying Kissen doesnt know how to conduct herself professionally.

But bloggers and journalists are the same Lol. Stop giving everyone a mic. Followers doesnt equate tact. Lets do better. pic.twitter.com/9Y5kRlOvtA  Uncle Johnnys Tether  (@iamtycole) March 6, 2023

I would have rapped that interview up so quick.  Cameron (@yeaux_cam) March 6, 2023

Now defending herself, Kissen said its not her fault that the interview turned out to be awkward.

When footage is raw and unedited like that and people throw things at you last min as an interviewer its because someone on the job doesnt want you to do good, she wrote. Nothing I havent dealt w before.
An Iowa man died at a Leavenworth prison Wednesday after only being at the facility for about a day, according to officials.

Nolan Otto Dewall, 39, of Cedar Falls, Iowa was found unresponsive around noon at the minimum security satellite camp adjacent to the U.S. Penitentiary in Leavenworth, a news release from the Department of Justice said.

Staff immediately started life-saving measures, before emergency medical crews transported Dewall to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

No staff or other inmates were injured. Dewalls cause of death is not yet known.

Dewall was sentenced to a year and one day in prison for bank fraud in the northern district of Iowa. According to the Department of Justice, Dewall ran a check kiting scheme that left the trucking company he worked for with a negative balance of nearly $250,000.

Dewall had just arrived at the satellite camp, which holds 342 male offenders, on Tuesday.
By Ari Rabinovitch

JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israel's president urged the government to abandon attempts to push through bitterly contested plans to overhaul the judiciary and seek a model with broad support as tens of thousands of protesters returned to the streets on Thursday.

The drive by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's hard-right government to enact sweeping changes to Israel's courts has sparked domestic uproar and alarm among the country's Western allies. If the proposal passed, it would mean greater government sway in selecting judges and limit the power of the Supreme Court to strike down legislation.

After weeks of demonstrations across the country that have exposed deep divisions in Israeli society, President Isaac Herzog, who has been mediating between the sides, warned in a televised prime time address of a "disaster".

He said Israel had reached a "point of no return" and called on the coalition government to rethink the proposed legislation, which is strongly backed by nationalist and religious parties.

"It is wrong, it is harsh, it undermines our democratic foundations. And therefore it must be replaced with another, agreed upon outline immediately," Herzog said.

As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left on a visit to Rome, he had to elude flag-waving Israelis who clogged the access routes to Ben Gurion Airport with motor convoys.

Before leaving, he managed to greet visiting Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin, who later underlined Washington's concern over the proposals by saying that both U.S. and Israeli democracy were built on an independent judiciary.

The interventions by Herzog and Austin underlined the unusual depth of concern over the proposals, which Netanyahu - on trial on graft charges he denies - says are needed to rein in what it calls activist judges who have interfered in political decision making.

Critics, who range from the business elite to former military officers as well as opposition parties, say they would destroy the system of checks and balances needed in a democracy and hand uncontrolled powers to the government of the day.

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THREE WOUNDED IN SHOOTING

Opinion polls have found that most Israelis want the proposals shelved or amended to satisfy a national consensus. Tens of thousands have demonstrated and some military reservists have also refused to show up for training exercises.

The sense of broader crisis was further underlined when a Palestinian gunman from the Islamist movement Hamas opened fire on a main street in central Tel Aviv, wounding three people.

Austin postponed and shortened his Israel leg of a regional tour. Rather than travel to Israel's Defence Ministry in Tel Aviv, around which demonstrators were facing off with police, his meetings were relocated to an aerospace compound near Ben Gurion.

At a news conference later with his Israeli counterpart, Austin evoked comments by President Joe Biden, who has called for reaching a consensus on the issue in Israel.

"The genius of American democracy and Israeli democracy is that they are both built on strong institutions, on checks and balances, and on an independent judiciary," he said.

Israeli police minister Itamar Ben-Gvir told reporters at the airport, where he was coordinating the response to the demonstrations, that "nobody said don't protest."

"But it's not okay, it's not right, it's not proper to ruin the lives of 70,000 people," he said.

He appeared to be referring to people stuck in traffic as well as those travelling through Ben Gurion, whose spokesperson said the expected passenger volume for Thursday was 65,000.

As Thursday's protest came to an end it was announced that the commander of police in Tel Aviv was being reassigned. Ben-Gvir said the transfer had been planned in advanced and was not a dismissal.

(Reporting by Ari Rabinovitch; Writing by Dan Williams; Editing by Nick Macfie, William Maclean and Grant McCool)
JERUSALEM (Reuters) -The Israeli air force said on Thursday that it had dismissed a reservist officer in the military for trying to orchestrate group walkouts from training flights as part of a spreading protest at judicial reforms planned by the government.

In its first disciplinary measure during the political crisis roiling Israel, the military said in a statement that the colonel, whose name as not been published, "behaved ... in a manner unbecoming of his officer's rank and station".

Separately, air force chief Major-General Tomer Bar said the colonel "took upon himself inappropriate authority in his contact with the IAF pilots. Unionizing to synchronize absence from service, though coming from good intentions, is forbidden."

Thirty-seven reservist pilots and navigators from an F-15 squadron said on Sunday they would skip a training day to "devote our time to dialogue and reflection for the sake of democracy and national unity".

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's hard-right coalition plans changes to the judiciary that would include curbing Supreme Court powers. Netanyahu says this will restore balance between branches of government but critics see it as an effort to hollow out judicial independence.

The protest in the ranks jarred Israelis, who see their conscript-based military as a melting-pot that should be kept free of politics. Air force crews in the reserves take part in training as volunteers, without a legal obligation to attend.

(Writing by Dan WilliamsEditing by Frances Kerry and Nick Macfie)
Issaquah police are seeking the publics help in searching for a serial peeping Tom.

Police said the man has been spotted looking through windows of homes 10 times in the last month in north Issaquah, often approaching homes from wooded greenbelt areas at night.

The man is described as middle-aged, wearing a tan or dark jacket, and is often seen riding a bike.

Police said they have identified a potential suspect, but no arrests have been made yet.

Any victims are asked to call Issaquah police.




ROME (AP)  Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni unveiled her right-wing government's plans to crack down on people smugglers following a Cabinet meeting she led Thursday in the southern town near the beach where a wooden boat packed with migrants broke apart 11 days earlier, killing scores and leaving many missing.

By holding the meeting in Cutro, Calabria, instead of the capital, Rome, Meloni said she was stressing her resolve to combat the slavery of the Third Millennium.

She announced that her Cabinet had approved a decree establishing a new crime  people smuggling that results in death of migrants  punishable by up to 30 years in prison, an exceptionally stiff sentence for crimes involving facilitating illegal immigration.

According to details of the approved decrees, provided by Meloni's office Thursday night, the punishment for the death of a sole migrant could bring up to 24 years in prison.

Many of the dead and survivors in the Feb. 26 tragedy had fled Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and Syria, hoping to join family members in Italy and other Western European countries.

Earlier this week, a 72nd body was recovered from the shipwreck. The overcrowded boat smashed into a sandbank just off Steccato di Cutro beach, started taking on water and splintered apart.

Eighty people survived, many of them staggering ashore on the beach after swimming from the wreck. Dozens are still believed to be missing because survivors said the boat had set out from Turkey with around 180 passengers.

"Our task is to find solutions to the problem, and today, as I said, the best way to honor those victims is to do what one can so that this tragedy isn't repeated,'' Meloni said.

The Cabinet decree must be converted into law by Parliament, where Meloni's right-wing coalition holds a comfortable majority.

The decree also empowers Italy to pursue smugglers even if the crimes are committed "outside our national borders,'' Meloni said.

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Justice Minister Carlo Nordio told reporters that Italy will affirm its jurisdiction in cases where a deadly shipwreck, or other loss of life or injury to migrants, happens in waters not under anyone's (territorial) control. That will apply when the smugglers vessel is headed to Italy.

The same decree will be wielded against those who finance the operations behind the smuggling, Nordio said.

Opposition politicians quickly criticized the government for failing to establish a more robust system of humanitarian corridors, so those fleeing war and persecution wouldn't turn to people smugglers.

Instead, in a move apparently aimed at satisfying business lobbies that support Meloni's government, her Cabinet approved devising a system that would facilitate foreigners trained abroad in programs recognized by Italy to obtain jobs as migrants as well as for seasonal farm workers.

Meloni said her government also intended to establish quotas for legal entrance by migrants from those countries which work with Italy to crack down on traffickers and educate their citizens on the risks of embarking on smugglers' unseaworthy vessels.

Opposition leaders and humanitarian groups have decried the Italian authorities' decision not to quickly dispatch coast guard rescue boats after a Frontex patrol aircraft spotted the wooden vessel about 40 nautical miles (72 kilometers) off Calabria's coast hours before the pre-dawn wreck in rough seas.

Frontex is the European Union's border and coastal protection agency.

Pressed by reporters, Meloni in Thursday stuck by her interior minister's account to lawmakers earlier this week that Frontex  in its communication to Italian authorities late Feb. 25  hadn't indicated any sign of distress.

We're talking about a boat that navigated for three days and ... never had a problem,'' the premier said. It arrived in front of the Italian coast, 40 meters (yards) away. There wasn't and there couldn't have been any sign of a possible shipwreck" in the offing, she contended.

Meloni blamed the smugglers for waiting for an opportune moment to disembark the passengers and elude Italian authorities. Instead, the boat rammed the sandbank.

Prosecutors in Calabria are investigating whether Italy should have launched rescue operations following the aerial sighting by Frontex.

Meanwhile, hundreds more migrants have stepped ashore on the southern island of Lampedusa in recent days.

Many arrived without needing rescue. Italy's coast guard and border police boats plucked dozens of others to safety this week in the central Mediterranean. Among them were 45 migrants, including five newborns, rescued on Wednesday, and 38 saved by the coast guard after their boat sank in Malta's rescue sector.

In another Italian coast guard operation, 20 migrants were saved when their boat ran into trouble after setting out from Sfax, Tunisia, and a woman's body was recovered, Italian state television said.

By Thursday afternoon, more than 1,300 migrants had reached Lampedusa by sea in the past few days.

Dozens of townspeople turned out on Thursday in solidarity with migrants in Cutro, a town of 8,000, which closed schools and cordoned off the area as part of security for the Cabinet meeting.

So far, the body of a migrant from Afghanistan has been buried in Calabria, that of a Tunisian victim was sent to Tunisia, a victim from Afghanistan was transported to Germany while four bodies were sent back to Pakistan. On Wednesday, seven bodies were transported to Bologna's Muslim cemetery, while still others were prepared to be sent to Germany and Afghanistan.

___

Follow APs coverage of global migration at https://apnews.com/hub/migration
By Angelo Amante

ROME (Reuters) -The Italian government approved tougher jail terms for human smugglers on Thursday, days after at least 72 migrants died when their fragile, wooden boat smashed apart in stormy seas.

In a symbolic move, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held a Cabinet meeting in the seaside resort of Steccato di Cutro, close to where the shipwreck happened, to rubber stamp the new measures aimed at combating the lucrative migrant trade.

The decree introduces a new offence of causing death or grievous bodily harm as a result of human smuggling, with a penalty of up to 30 years in jail.

"We are determined to defeat the human trafficking that is responsible for this tragedy," Meloni told reporters, saying that Italy would act against smugglers caught on the boats as well as those in third countries who organised the often-deadly trips.

Meloni's right-wing government, which takes a hard line against illegal immigration, has come under fire over the Feb. 26 disaster, with critics saying more should have been done to save the migrants after the boat was spotted hours before it sank.

Police have so far recovered 72 bodies, including 28 minors, following the disaster. Another 79 people survived, and around 30 are missing. Most of the migrants were Afghan, but there were also Iranians, Pakistanis and Syrians aboard.

Four suspected traffickers, who had sailed the boat from Turkey, have been detained so far.

Dozens of people protested as the ministers were driven into Cutro on Thursday. Some threw teddy bears at the passing cars, others held up signs reading "They could have been saved".

The government has repeatedly denied any responsibility for the tragedy, but Meloni acknowledged that more legal routes had to be opened up to allow migrants to reach Italy safely.

"I believe that another way to fight human traffickers is to send out the message that it does not pay to enter Italy illegally," Meloni said, indicating that the government would offer more work permits to non EU-citizens.

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Hundreds of thousands of migrants have reached Italy by boat over the past decade, fleeing conflict and poverty back home. Most of them have left from North Africa, despite repeated efforts by various Italian governments to stem the flow.

Some 15,823 have arrived so far this year against 5,976 in the same period in 2022, including more than 1,000 who have come this week on boats from Tunisia.

"We have an enormous problem with Tunisia," Meloni said. The European Union should help Rome find a solution, she added. "Italy cannot confront this problem alone."

(Writing by Crispian Balmer; Editing by Alex Richardson and Leslie Adler)
A Jackson County jury on Wednesday convicted a Kansas City woman of eight felonies related to domestic abuse for beating a child so severely that doctors found the victim was at risk of serious harm or death without immediate intervention.

Nancy Russell, 41, was found guilty on four counts of domestic assault and four counts of armed criminal action in Jackson County Circuit Court, Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced in a news release. The convictions stem from an investigation opened in October 2017.

Detectives with the Kansas City Police Department were called to investigate allegations of abuse after the beating victim and his sibling were taken from Russells care to Arkansas, according to court documents.

Family members told police they came to Russells home in Kansas City and found the abused child walking with a limp. Gashes and other injuries were also noticed on the his body.

Doctors at a childrens hospital in Arkansas determined there were signs of apparent abuse. The child had a broken foot, several lacerations to his head and a severe, open laceration to the arm.

According to medical records, the doctors at the hospital determined the degree of violence which produced these injuries put the child at risk of further serious harm or death in the environment where these injuries occurred.

During interviews with investigators, the children described being beaten by Russell on a routine basis. The incident that was apparently the genesis for the criminal investigation occurred as Russell was upset because the child did not perform chores properly, one told investigators.

After that beating, Russell allegedly forced the child to clean up his own blood with a towel.

On other occasions, Russel was accused of using an extension cord, belts, switches and or thick piece of wood to beat the children.

Under Missouri law, Russell faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison on each count of domestic abuse. The felony of armed criminal action carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.

Russell is scheduled to be sentenced May 26.
DC studios boss James Gunn hit out at a social media commenter who questioned the casting of Guardians of the Galaxys newest villain.

The director shared his excitement about Chukwudi Iwuji joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe as The High Evolutionary on his Instagram Monday (6 March).

Nigerian-British actor Iwuji will play Rockets creator in the franchises third and final instalment, which is due to be released in cinemas 5 May.

Cant wait for you all to meet this guy. @chukwudi_iwuji #GotGVol3 #highevolutionary, Gunn captioned his post alongside a photo of the actor in character.

Unfortunately, some people in Gunns comments questioned Iwujus casting due to his skin colour, despite the fact that the character is purple in the comics.

Damnit another white guy they made into a black guy, one troll wrote. Why couldnt they just leave him white or i dont knowpick a different minority? How about Asian or gasp! A Latino?(how many Latinos and Asians in MCU? Like total of 5??) Or make him an Indian or something because they dont and wont, that makes them woke.

Next time, a major character (hero/villain)will be a trans or homosexual or non-binary (when in comics they are not). Sad and pathetic. Theyre picking based on race and whats PC and not on acting and whats established.

Gunn eviscerated the commenter in a reply, writing: I chose the best actor, period, and the best person for the role. I dont give a s*** what ethnicity Chukwudi Iwuji is, so stop with your racist presumptions on WHY he was chosen. (And, by the way, hes playing a guy whos almost always purple in the color.)

Last week, Gunn was involved in a heated exchange on Twitter with a fan who accused him of being a professional liar. For years, its been my commitment to the fans that I will never lie to them and I never have, was Gunns reply.

The director, who helmed the first two Guardians movies, was removed from the project by Disney in 2018 after decade-old tweets  in which Gunn joked about paedophilia and rape  resurfaced online.

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Months later, he was rehired for Guardians 3.

Iwuji, 47, is an Associate Artist for the Royal Shakespeare Company and has only recently broken into the film industry after working in theatre for most of his career.

In 2018, he was nominated for a Lucille Lortel Award, a Drama League Award, and won an Obie Award  all for his performance in the Public Theaters The Low Road production in New York.
Japan Airlines had to cancel its JAL Smile Campaign promotion seconds after it went on sale. In a 9 March 2023 statement, the airline said: "We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused to our customers and related parties." RICHARD A. BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images

Japan Airlines' Smile Campaign included a flat rate of $48 for one-way domestic tickets

The airline's website crashed seconds after the tickets went on sale at midnight on March 9.

The website was down for over 10 hours, leading the airline to discontinue the promotion.

A Japanese airline's flight deal of less than $50 for domestic flights was indeed too good to be true.

Almost as soon as Japan Airlines' latest promotion started it was over. The tickets went on sale at midnight local time on March 9 and the website crashed almost immediately. By early afternoon, the airline announced in a press release it was canceling the promotion.

Called the "JAL Smile Campaign", the promotion offered one-way domestic tickets for 6,600 yen, or $48, for adults, and 4,950 yen, or $36, for children according to Japanese news agency Kyodo News. The flat-rate tickets were for flights from April 14 to May 31.

The airline also canceled a similar promotion for flights in the month of June which was scheduled to go on sale on March 12.

According to the company's statement, the surge in demand made it "almost impossible" to access its website, affecting regular sales in addition to promotional ones. The airline said it was trying to fix the connection issues before it completely canceled the sale in a later release. The promotions will not be rescheduled.

The heavy demand for tickets is no doubt a positive sign for Japan's domestic tourism sector. Other Japanese airlines, like Airdo and ANA, are also planning similar promotions, according to Bloomberg, as Japan prepares to reclassify COVID-19 as a less dangerous disease and consider making wearing a mask optional on public transportation.

Japan opened its borders to visa-free foreign tourists in October 2022.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A plate of sushi on a conveyor belt at a sushi chain restaurant in Tokyo. PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images

Japanese police arrested three diners accused of "sushi terrorism."

Unhygienic pranks in Japan's conveyor belt sushi restaurants have become a viral sensation.

The pranks have forced some restaurants to close their sushi conveyors.

Japanese police have arrested three people accused of "sushi terrorism," as a wave of unhygienic sushi conveyor belt pranks sweeps social media.

In recent weeks, videos have spread on social media of diners in Japan's famed Kaiten-sushi restaurants performing unhygenic stunts.

These include licking communal soya sauce bottles, putting cigarette butts into pickled ginger, and spreading saliva onto dishes.

The pranks have been dubbed "#sushitero" or "#sushiterrorism," and have led to a legal crackdown.

Japanese Police said they arrested a 21-year-old, a 19-year-old, and a 15-year-old after they allegedly performed "sushi terrorism" stunts at a restaurant in Nagoya, central Japan, on February 3. The stunts included contaminating a soya sauce dispenser with saliva, AFP reported.

The restaurant targeted in the prank was a branch of Kura sushi, which has more than 500 outlets in the country.

"We sincerely hope the arrests will spread awareness in society that these pranks, which fundamentally undermine our system based on a relationship of trust with customers, are a crime, and that there will be no copycat acts in future," the firm said.

Japan is renown for its exacting standards of hygiene and cleanliness and the pranks have shocked customers, and led restaurants to introduce special measures to ease concerns.

Kura Sushi is installing AI cameras in its restaurants to monitor for sushi terrorism, while Sushiro, another popular chain, is shuttering its conveyor belts system for unordered food.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A former college student who was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2012 for a deadly drunken driving wreck then failed to report to prison after she was allowed to finish her degree has been released on parole, officials said.

Officials with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice said Jeena Roberts was released on parole on Feb. 24.

Roberts, who is from Houston, pleaded guilty on Nov. 26, 2012 to counts of intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault in exchange for 15 and eight year prison sentences that would run concurrently. She faced up to 20 years in prison.

Jeena Roberts is escorted through the Lubbock County courthouse during an appearance in October 2013.

Her charge stems from a Lubbock police investigation into an Oct. 22, 2010, wreck in the 400 block of Marsha Sharp Freeway, that killed Linda Smaltz, 52, and seriously injured Karen Wolf, 59.

The investigation indicated Roberts, who was 21 at the time, had a blood alcohol level of 0.25 percent - more than three times the legal threshold - when she drove her Chrysler 300 at about 80 to 90 mph before rear-ending the sport utility vehicle Smaltz and Wolf were in. The collision forced the SUV into a median, causing it to flip.

Police reports described Roberts as belligerent at the scene, but she admitted to driving the vehicle involved in the accident, according to court documents.

The case gained attention, partly because of the release of a video shot on a Lubbock police car's dashboard recorder, which showed her reaction to the news that someone had died in the wreck, and later cursing at a police officer and calling him stupid.

Released on bail, Roberts completed her studies at Texas Tech where she obtained a degree in petroleum engineering.

Roberts accepted a plea deal with the Lubbock County District Attorney's Office on the first day of her trial.

After entering her plea, Jim Bob Darnell, then judge of the 140th District Court, offered her time to participate in her commencement ceremony and spend the holidays with her family before reporting to jail to begin her sentence.

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However, Roberts failed to report to jail Jan. 7, 2013, and was found by state troopers a few weeks later hiding out in a Houston hotel.

A Lubbock County jury found her guilty of bail jumping in October 2013. Darnell gave her a seven-year sentence to also run concurrently with her previous sentences.

According to Texas Department of Criminal Justice records, Roberts' projected release date was Jan. 5, 2028, but she would be eligible to request release on parole on July 6, 2020.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Jeena Roberts released parole serving 11 years of 15-year sentence
Jenna Ellis, one of former President Donald Trumps lawyers, was censured Wednesday by the Colorado Bar Association after acknowledging saying 10 misrepresentations about the 2020 election.

Among the false statements:

Ellis told Fox Business that ballots were manipulated"

On Newsmax's "Spicer & Co." she said, we know the election was stolen

On Fox News she claimed 500,000 votes in Arizona were cast illegally.

As part of her disciplinary settlement, she acknowledged the statements were misrepresentations.

Bryon Large, the presiding disciplinary judge overseeing the complaint, said Ellis violated Colorado bar rules by engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation.

The advocacy groups 65 Project and States United Democracy Center filed ethics complaints against Ellis. Aaron Scherzer, senior counsel for States United, said Ellis repeatedly went on television and Twitter to promote the reckless lie that the 2020 election was stolen.

Ellis is among several Trump lawyers who have been disciplined or become the subject of lawsuits over their efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

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Tucker Carlson said he hates Trump 'passionately': Takeaways from Dominion-Fox News lawsuit documents

Here is what we know about case:

Jenna Ellis speaking during a press conference at the Republican National Committee headquarters in Washington, D.C, in 2020.

Judge: Ellis had selfish motive and engaged in a pattern of misconduct

States United Democracy Center filed the ethics complaint in May 2022 with the Colorado Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel.

Large, the state Supreme Courts presiding disciplinary judge, held a hearing March 1 on the misrepresentations Ellis acknowledged. Large said there were no comparable cases with similar facts.

The parties agree that (Ellis), through her conduct, undermined the American publics confidence in the presidential election, violating her duty of candor to the public, Large said.

He ruled that her lack of prior misconduct mitigated her behavior. But he ruled she had two aggravating factors in the case: a selfish motive and she engaged in a pattern of misconduct.

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Large sanctioned her with public censure.

What's going on with Dominion lawsuit?: Dominion Voting sued Fox News for defamation over election fraud claims: What we know

McConnell vs. McCarthy: Tucker Carlson and the Jan. 6 tapes deepen Trump divide between McConnell and McCarthy

A November 19, 2020 photo shows attorney Jenna Ellis speaking during a press conference at the Republican National Committee headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Ellis slams investigation as politically motivated

Ellis said in a statement critics failed to destroy her by depriving her of her law license.

This was politically motivated from the start from Democrats and Never Trumpers, Ellis said.

Michael Melito, her lawyer, said Ellis remains a practicing attorney in good standing in Colorado.

In a very heated political climate, we secured that correct outcome," he said.

Trump, Russia, Biden: The US has 3 special counsel investigations at once. What are they?

Paul Manafort: Former Trump campaign chair Paul Manafort strikes $3.1M settlement with Justice Department

Members of President Donald Trump's legal team, including former Mayor of New York Rudy Giuliani, left, Sidney Powell, and Jenna Ellis, speaking, attend a news conference at the Republican National Committee headquarters, Thursday Nov. 19, 2020, in Washington.

What did Ellis say?

The misrepresentations Ellis acknowledged included:

Nov. 20, 2020: On "Mornings with Maria" on Fox Business, Ellis said: We have affidavits from witnesses, we have voter intimidation, we have the ballots that were manipulated, we have all kinds of statistics that show that this was a coordinated effort in these states to transfer votes either from Trump to Biden, to manipulate the ballots, to count them in secret

Nov. 20, 2020: On "Spicer & Co.", Ellis said about results in Nevada, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Georgia that combined we know that the election was stolen from President Trump and we can prove it.

Nov 23, 2020: On "The Ari Melber Show" on MSNBC, Ellis said, The election was stolen and Trump won by a landslide.

Nov. 30, 2020: On "Mornings with Maria" on Fox Business, Ellis said, The outcome of this election is actually fraudulent, its wrong and we understand that when we subtract all the illegal ballots, you can see that President Trump actually won in a landslide.

Dec. 5, 2020: On "Justice with Judge Jeanine" on Fox News, Ellis said, We have over 500,000 votes (in Arizona) that were cast illegally.

Scherzer of States United said Ellis abused her law license as part of an attempt to overturn the election.

Her lies did lasting damage, and her name will forever be linked to this assault on our democracy, Scherzer said.

Michael Teter, managing director of the 65 Project, said the disciplinary process should be revamped after taking a year to discipline Ellis for lying to the world about fraud in the 2020 election.

"Nor is a public censure a particularly satisfying outcome when one considers the direct line between Ms. Elliss deliberate actions and the attack on our nations Capitol on Jan. 6, Teter said.

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Capitol Police chief slams Tucker Carlson: Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger blasts Fox News' Tucker Carlson over Jan. 6 video

Former Mayor of New York Rudy Giuliani, left, listens to Sidney Powell, during a news conference at the Republican National Committee headquarters, Thursday Nov. 19, 2020, in Washington.

Who else has been disciplined?

Another Trump lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, had his law licenses in New York and Washington, D.C., suspended for false statements he made about the election. The New York Supreme Courts appellate division ruled Giuliani made demonstrably false and misleading statements to courts, lawmakers and the public at large.

Sidney Powell, another Trump lawyer, had a disciplinary proceeding at the Texas Bar Association dismissed in February. But she remains a defendant in lawsuits by Dominion and Smartmatic voting systems.

Georgia Trump investigation: Georgia grand jury foreperson's unusual media tour likely heartburn for Trump inquiry

House GOP investigations: Jordan subpoenas former school board association execs, disinformation official in Biden admin. probe

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump lawyer Jenna Ellis censured for misrepresenting 2020 election
Jenna Ortega at the premiere of

Jenna Ortega at the premiere of "Scream VI" on Monday in New York City.

Jenna Ortega isnt letting a spot on her couture dress put a stain on her mood.

In an Instagram post Wednesday, the actor addressed a Sharpie pen-looking mark on the outfit she wore to the premiere of her new film Scream VI in New York.

Ortega shared a slideshow of photos from Mondays red-carpet event, with some pictures featuring an uninvited blue smudge on her white shirt dress. The look, which was designed by Olivier Rousteing for a Jean Paul Gaultier collection, featured a black blazer on top.

In her post, the actor poked fun at the spot with the hashtags #sharpiestainwhogivesashit and #imsosorryolivier.

Ortega at the

Ortega at the "Scream VI" premiere Monday in New York City.

The fashion faux pas comes just days before her scheduled hosting gig at Saturday Night Live.

In a promo released this week for the upcoming episode, Ortega faces pressure to reenact a popular dance she performed in the Netflix series Wednesday.

The actor reluctantly does the dance with the Please Dont Destroy comedy group from SNL.

The PDD boys have a pitch for Jenna Ortega pic.twitter.com/0L7j9djkLV  Saturday Night Live - SNL (@nbcsnl) March 8, 2023

Ortega reprises her role as Tara Carpenter in Scream VI, which hits theaters Friday.

Related...
Jenna Ortega feels there was something altogether ooky about her time on Wednesday.

The Scream star, who became a household name thanks to the Netflix series, expressed her complicated feelings about her breakout role on Mondays episode of Dax Shepards Armchair Expert podcast.

Ortega explained about 37 minutes into the episode that despite her growing public persona of being a real-life Wednesday Addams, the character and the tone of the show were completely outside of her comfort zone. She described herself as naturally a very expressive person who isnt a huge fan of teen shows, saying the genre is typically not the kind of TV Id watch.

I cant watch my work, but I can go home from set and say, The scene that we shot today felt good, Ortega said. [On] Wednesday there was not a scene in that show that I went home and was like, OK, that should be fine.

Ortega said that this feeling wasnt her proudest moment internally and admitting her previous doubts about the project added an extra level of insecurity and stress.

Because its like, Im finally getting these offers to these places that I want, but I dont want to be known specifically for [playing Wednesday], she said.

Ortega said she was initially unaware of what kind of show shed be making.

When I read the entire series, I realized, Oh, this is for younger audiences, Ortega said. When I first signed on to the show, I didnt have all the scripts. I thought it was going to be a lot darker. It wasnt ... I didnt know what the tone was, I didnt know what the score would sound like, or how it would be cut together.

Ortega also emphasized the disconnect she felt playing a well-established character whos known to be monotonous, morbid and droll  when as an actor she wanted Wednesday to be more three-dimensional than how the character read in the script.

Ortega as the titular Wednesday.

Ortega as the titular Wednesday.

I grew very, very protective of her, Ortega said of Wednesday. You cant lead a story and have no emotional arc because then its boring and nobody likes you.

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She then seemed to compare her turn as Wednesday as a teenager to Christina Riccis portrayal of the character as a child in the Addams Family movies in the 1990s.

When you are little and say very morbid, offensive stuff, its funny and endearing. But then you become a teenager and its nasty and you know it. Theres less of an excuse, Ortega said.

The You actor explained how this desire to portray a more complex Wednesday led her to be pretty vocal about her character while filming.

I dont think Ive ever had to put my foot down more on a set in a way that I had to on Wednesday, Ortega said. Everything that she does, everything I had to play, did not make sense for her character at all. Her being in a love triangle? It made no sense. There was a line about a dress she has to wear for a school dance and she said, Oh my god, I love it. Ugh, I cant believe I said that. I literally hate myself. And I had to go, No.

There were times on that set where I even became almost unprofessional, in a sense, where I just started changing lines, she continued. The script supervisor thought I was going with something and then I had to sit down with the writers, and theyd be like, Wait, what happened to the scene? And I would have to go and explain why I couldnt go do certain things.

Tim Burton and Ortega on the set of Wednesday.

Tim Burton and Ortega on the set of Wednesday.

Ortega has been candid in the past about the anxiety she felt while filming Wednesday. She told Interview magazine in October 2022 that the shows creator, Tim Burton, did not direct every episode, and the constant change at the helm left her feeling like everybody wanted different things from the character of Wednesday.

She said that when Burton directed, he did not want me to have any expression or emotion at all.

He wanted a flat surface, which I understand, she said. Its funny and great except when youre trying to move a plot along, and Wednesday is in every scene.

She told Interview that this led to a lot of battles on set.

I felt like people didnt always trust me when I was creating my path in terms of, Okay, this is her arc. This is where she gets emotional, Ortega said. I was completely lost and confused. Typically I have no problem using my voice, but when youre in it  I just remember feeling defeated after the first month.

Related...
More than a dozen Jewish House Democrats are calling on the Israeli government to suspend plans to pass highly controversial judicial reforms that have drawn unprecedented opposition in Israel and sparked alarm among the Biden administration and Congress.

The House lawmakers sent a letter Thursday to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Leader of the Opposition Yair Lapid in an extraordinary expression of concern by U.S. government officials over an foreign, domestic political matter.

The letter comes amid sweeping protests in Israel, where more than a 100,000 people have routinely taken to the streets in weeks of demonstration to oppose judicial reforms that are being pushed through by far-right members of Netanyahus governing coalition.

Critics say the judicial reforms will have the far-reaching consequence of stripping Israels Supreme Court of its independence, will jeopardize protections for minority groups, shield politicians from accountability and empower nationalist lawmakers to push through efforts to exercise control over the West Bank absent negotiations with the Palestinians.

President Biden and his top officials have warned Netanyahu that pushing through the judicial changes in the face of mass opposition would threaten the shared values of the U.S. and Israel relationship.

The House letter, led by Reps. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.) and Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) and signed by 14 other Jewish Democrats, call for compromise on a judicial overhaul that they say could fundamentally alter the democratic character of the State of Israel.

The overhaul being proposed that passed on first reading appears to imbue the Knesset [Israels parliament] with supreme power, unchecked by the Supreme Court, the lawmakers wrote.

If carried out to their fullest extent, these changes could fundamentally alter the democratic character of the State of Israel. A tenet of modern democracies is protections for those citizens with minority status, whether political, ethnic, or religious. We are deeply concerned about the impact these changes would have on people and groups not in the majority, including Reform, Conservative, Modern Orthodox and Reconstructionist Jewish populations in Israel.

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The lawmakers said that it is neither our intention, nor our purpose, to prescribe how Israel should refine or reform its system of government, but said they are committed to the enduring U.S.-Israel relationship and feel it is both appropriate and necessary for us to share our concerns about the possible, even likely, potential impacts of the changes currently being debated in the Knesset.

The lawmakers further called for Netanyahu and Lapid to embrace compromise offers being proposed by Israeli President Herzog, who addressed the nation Thursday evening in Israel, denouncing the judicial overhaul and warning of grave consequences.

As members of the Jewish diaspora and friends of Israel, we are heartened by President Herzogs calls for compromise, and we call on the government to suspend its efforts to pass the bills, the lawmakers wrote.

We urge all parties to come together to fully consider the potential implications of the changes being debated in the Knesset and to negotiate fairly and openly so that a broadly acceptable resolution can be reached and Israel can continue to be the flourishing beacon of democracy we have long admired.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Jos Buttler posted a fifty for England (Aijaz Rahi/AP) (AP)

Jos Buttler thumped 67 off 42 balls to underpin Englands 156 for six in the first of three T20s against Bangladesh in Chattogram.

Buttler bludgeoned four sixes in the arc between long-on and midwicket as well as four fours while the England captain shared stands of 80 with Phil Salt and 47 with Ben Duckett.

However, Duckett and Buttler were dismissed off successive deliveries and the springboard they provided was not capitalised upon as England added just 30 runs to their total in the last five overs.

In their first T20 since being crowned world champions last November, England  who fielded seven of the players who featured in the final against Pakistan  were asked to bat first in the afternoon sunshine and it was only Buttler who really got to grips with another tricky surface.

We finish our innings on 156



Bangladesh require 157 to win.



Let's get some early wickets, lads!  pic.twitter.com/lE1YkGhd8i  England Cricket (@englandcricket) March 9, 2023

Phil Salt only intermittently hit top gear in what was a stodgy innings before nicking off for 38 from 35 balls, taking a review with him, while Dawid Malan contributed just four singles and then launched his sixth ball straight to long-on.

Duckett, called up especially for this series after missing the 2-1 ODI win because of his Test commitments, made an important cameo of 20 from 13 balls but unfortunately had his off-stump taken out by a Mustafizur Rahman grubber.

Buttler, dropped on 19, then slammed the next ball to wide long-on and from there, Englands batters were kept on the back foot by the slower balls sent down by Bangladeshs quick bowlers.

Hasan Mahmud was the pick of the attack with two for 26, including the key wicket of Buttler, while there were wickets for fellow quicks Mustafizur and Taskin Ahmed and spinners Shakib Al Hasan and Nasum Ahmed.
(Getty Images/Chip Somodevilla /Staff)

Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri warned on Wednesday that China can access America data through TikTok as he seeks a ban on the popular app.

Mr Hawley, a critic of technology companies, has long argued that TikTok poses a security threat. On Wednesday, he said in a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen that a former employee for ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, had direct knowledge of the companys operating practices.

So the gist of it is is that that the whistleblower says that data engineers in China can absolutely access Americans personal data, that there's any kind of firewall is not true at all, Mr Hawley told The Independent. They set up the idea that there are even meaningful control procedures around data is not true."

Mr Hawley cited testimony from TikToks chief operating officer Vanessa Pappas from last year when she said the company has  strict controls in terms of who and how our data is accessed and that the company believes we have the strictest controls out there.

But the senator said this was not true, according to the former employee.

The whistleblower describes TikToks access controls on US data as superficial at best, where they exist at all, he said. He said that TikTok and ByteDance employees, including those on the payroll of the Chinese Communist Party, can switch between US and Chinese data through a proprietary tool called Dorado.

Other tools used by TikTok and ByteDance employees allegedly allow for similarly easy access to US data. According to the whistleblower, some tools, such as Aeolus, only require approval from a manager and a dataset owner before an employee can access US data, he said.

Mr Hawley said the former employee said I have seen first-hand China-based engineers flipping over to non-China datasets and creating scheduled tasks to backup, aggregate, and analyze data.

Mr Hawley in turn asked Ms Yellen in her capacity as chairwoman of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States whether TikTok or ByteDance disclosed any internal products like the ones he detailed that allow them to access US data; whether it has the ability to toggle between Chinese and US data; whether US data can be accessed by China-based engineers; whether the committee obtained any details relating to the approval process to access US data; and whether TikTok or ByteDance are subject to a law in the Peoples Republic of China that says Any organization or citizen shall support, assist and co-operate with the state intelligence work in accordance with the law?
By Jonathan Stempel

NEW YORK (Reuters) -A U.S. judge on Thursday ordered JPMorgan Chase & Co to hand over more documents concerning Chief Executive Jamie Dimon to the U.S. Virgin Islands for the territory's lawsuit accusing the bank of aiding in Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking.

U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff in Manhattan said the bank must turn over requested documents from 2015 to 2019, a period after JPMorgan had dropped Epstein as a client. Rakoff did not explain his reasoning in his one-sentence order.

JPMorgan declined to comment.

The U.S. Virgin Islands is seeking damages from JPMorgan for allegedly aiding in Epstein's sex trafficking by keeping him as a client, and missing red flags about his misconduct on Little St. James, a private island he owned.

Epstein had been a JPMorgan client from 2000 to 2013. He killed himself in a Manhattan jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

The U.S. Virgin Islands has called Dimon "a likely source of relevant and unique information" about why JPMorgan kept Epstein on, and discussions on Epstein's referrals of prominent and wealthy potential clients.

JPMorgan countered by accusing the U.S. Virgin Islands of going on a "fishing expedition" after having obtained a "massive trove" of information in litigation in which the territory recovered more than $105 million from Epstein's estate.

Lawyers for the U.S. Virgin Islands did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Rakoff scheduled a March 16 conference in the case.

JPMorgan also faces a proposed class action over its ties to Epstein by Jane Doe 1, a former ballet dancer who said Epstein abused and trafficked her from 2006 to 2013.

On Wednesday, the bank filed two lawsuits accusing former private banking chief Jes Staley of "intentional and outrageous conduct" in concealing information about Epstein, with whom he had been friends.

JPMorgan wants Staley to reimburse it for damages it might incur in the other lawsuits, and return eight years of compensation.

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Its lawsuits attempt to portray Staley as a "bad apple" solely at fault for the bank's relationship with Epstein, said Alison Taylor, a corporate governance professor at New York University's Stern School of Business.

The case is Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands v JPMorgan Chase Bank NA, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 22-10904.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Additional reporting by Lananh Nguyen and Tatiana Bautzer; Editing by Leslie Adler and Daniel Wallis)
NEW YORK (AP)  JPMorgan Chase sued its former executive Jes Staley on Wednesday, alleging that he aided in hiding Jeffrey Epsteins yearslong sex abuse and trafficking in order to keep the financier as a client.

The New York bank seeks to hold Staley personally liable for any financial penalties that JPMorgan may have to pay in two related cases. It is also seeking to force Staley to pay back wages he earned during the time he allegedly was aware of the abuse and personally observed Epstein's behavior on multiple occasions.

In light of Staleys intentional and outrageous conduct in failing to disclose pertinent information and abandoning (JPMorgans) interests in favor of his own and Epsteins personal interests, (the bank) is entitled to punitive damages, the bank said in its lawsuit.

A lawyer for Staley had no comment on the lawsuit.

JPMorgan's lawsuit was filed after the bank was sued by the government of the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as by a woman identified as Jane Doe, who was allegedly abused by Epstein. Those lawsuits claim JPMorgan should have seen evidence of Epstein's sex trafficking and knowingly benefited from it.

Previous lawsuits have shown Staley and Epstein exchanged hundreds of emails and text messages over the years, and they were seen to have a close relationship that went beyond the professional relationship a banker would have with a wealthy client.

The bank continues to deny the allegations in its lawsuit, however it appears to allege that Staley may have committed sexual assault. It notes in its lawsuit that the anonymous Doe described a powerful financial executive could use his clout within JP Morgan to make Epstein untouchable. The bank says that the financial executive was Staley.

Epstein was arrested in 2019 on federal charges accusing him of paying underage girls hundreds of dollars in cash for massages and then molesting them at his homes in Florida and New York. He was found dead in jail on Aug. 10 of that year, at age 66. A medical examiner ruled his death a suicide.

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Staley left JPMorgan in 2013 to become CEO of London-based bank Barclays. He resigned last year following a report by British regulators into his past links with Epstein.

____

AP Business Writer Barbara Ortutay contributed to this report from San Francisco.
Obit Judy Heumann

Judy Heumann, center, is applauded during her swearing-in as U.S. Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Service by Judge Gail Bereola, left, in Berkeley, Calif., on June 29, 1993. Credit - Susan RaganAP

When I learned that lifelong disability-rights activist Judy Heumann had passed away, I felt anxious in a way I struggled to explain. It sounds like a grand thing to say, but Judys presence on this planet changed the world.

Since I first learned about Judy, Ive been baffled and mesmerized by her unwavering belief that she belonged, mostly because Ive always struggled to believe that I do. Judy became disabled by polio around the same age I became disabled by childhood cancer  both of us as toddlers. But raised in 1950s Brooklyn, Judy grew up in a world that never expected her to join it. When her mother hoisted Judy up the staircase to their neighborhood school in her wheelchair, Judy wearing her first-day-of-school dress, the administrator told her Judy couldnt be a student there; she was a fire hazard. After a long fight, Judy was allowed into a public-school basement classroom with a group of other disabled kids ages 9 to 21. They did worksheets, took naps at their desks, and, if they made it to graduation, were expected to go work in a sheltered workshop. It was like the world handed Judy the script for the story were all playing out together, assigning her to the role of helpless cripple, relegated to the margins.

Judy glanced at the script, then set it on fire. She seemed to know in her bones that she deserved to be included. Disability is not an inherent tragedy or broken version of a whole life, but another form of human variation. Even as a child, she lived in a story of her own making, and she expected the world to bend to it, not the other way around. What kind of human comes into the world with that kind of audacity?

Read More: Why Businesses Must Stop Disregarding People With Disabilities

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I grew up in 1990s Kansas. I was able to go to school with my peers. There were curb cuts, accessible parking spaces, and a ramp up to the library. Still, I struggled to believe I belonged. One of my earliest memories is a school party at a roller-skating rink. Id just gotten my first wheelchair. It was hot pink, and I was proud. The space was dark with neon lights. The music was loud. And my dad was arguing with the staff. His nostrils flared as he insisted it was perfectly safe to take me out on the rink in my chair. They insisted it wasnt. We didnt have to leave the party; we just couldnt participate. Of course we left. I felt silly for ever assuming I belonged there too.

I learned to avoid occasions for sideline inclusion. When my class went on a field trip to an outdoor day camp, I stayed home. I was the first-chair flute player in middle school, but when everyone joined the marching band in high school, I quit the flute entirely. Despite my flair for the dramatic, I wouldnt even think of trying out for a school play; of course the stage was inaccessible. In retrospect, I could have insisted they find a way to include me. But even now, I know how much easier it is to retreat  to avoid the stares or the eye rolls or the awkward workarounds and just stay home. Even today, it can be difficult to hold onto a story that you belong here as a disabled person.

Judy believed in her own story of belonging so deeply that she demanded that it be made a reality, for herself and anyone else with a disability. She went to college to become a teacher and sued the New York City Board of Education when they denied her a teaching certificate because she couldnt walk. When she was forcibly removed from a plane for traveling without a support person to help her on and off the aircraft, she sued the airline. In 1977, after years of waiting for the government to sign regulations for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (a piece of writing that would make it illegal for any institution receiving federal funding to discriminate against someone for their disability), Judy led a group of more than 150 dedicated protestors into a federal building, and together, they refused to leave. Week after week, she was offered compromises that would have been easy to take  and she took none of them. After nearly a month, they finally got the signature they needed. Her unrelenting resistance alongside her fellow protesters led directly to the Americans with Disabilities Act, one of the most comprehensive pieces of civil rights legislation for disabled people in the world. That legislation was signed into law when I was 4.

Read More: Im a Blind Scientist and Inventor. More Disabled Kids Should Have the Opportunities I Had

Despite her influence on my life, it wasnt until my 30s that I finally learned about Judy. Reading about her fight for inclusion made me see myself differently. I could hear her deep and defiant voice refusing to get out of her airplane seat or speaking back to powerful government officials and feel fully human  a person who deserved to join the party, the stage, the band as much as any other person. I was part of a struggle  a story  that stretched far beyond me.

Judys story literally changed the landscape of the world, but the script she set on fire didnt just disappear. The status quo still carries so much momentum, and rewriting the story of disability for a whole society takes relentless tending and insisting. In 2017, there was a push in Congress to diminish some of the power of the ADA through the so-called ADA Education and Reform Act. People with disabilities experience higher rates of poverty and incarceration, are far less likely to attend college, and are two times as likely to be unemployed as our nondisabled counterparts. One in four Americans adults has some kind of disability, but our lives are rarely represented in film or on television. When stories of disability do appear on screen, they are still often shaped by writers, directors, producers, and actors who do not share that experience, a setup that frequently leads to harmful misrepresentations. Depictions of disabled folks as tragedies, villains, or burdens on their community shape public perceptions of real people. Judy spent her entire life pushing against all of this.

Read More: The Disempowering Experience of Flying as a Disabled Person

The tightness in my chest when I learned of Judys death was fear. What will happen to the story of our belonging without Judys bold, bellowing voice?

I had the chance to meet Judy a few years ago. I moderated a panel she was on and watched in real time as she commanded the conversation, even from a Zoom screen. Her vision for what the future could be  a world where everyone is included  was so clear and vivid. We talked on the phone a couple of times after that, her voice always strong, firm, adamant. A few months ago, I got another call from her. She left a brief message and I called her back and left a message of my own, but I never learned why she called that day. The conversation we never had will always be an empty container in my mind, a blank to speculate against. But I can still hear her voice in my head. I imagine a lot of us can. I believe her story, her voice, will only grow stronger with time, because the story she brought us is true. We belong, we belong, we belong here. And she already showed us: We can do impossible things together. We can make a world where everyone belongs. Its not too much to ask.
Julia Foxs brother has been arrested in a New York City apartment raid where police found a trove of ghost guns, drugs and materials that could be used to make explosives.

Christopher Fox, the 30-year-old brother of the Hollywood actor and model, was taken into custody on Wednesday morning when the NYPD swooped on his apartment on Manhattans Upper East Side.

The NYPD said that the departments Major Case Field Intelligence Team executed a search warrant at the property on East 84th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues as part of what it described as a specialised, long-term investigation into ghost guns and narcotics.

During the search, the NYPDs Ghost Gun Team seized several ghost gun parts as well as equipment for pressing narcotics pills.

Materials typically used as components in explosives  including pressure cookers and various chemicals  were also found in the property.

The raid reportedly came after Mr Foxs neighbours tipped police off about suspicious deliveries to the 30-year-olds apartment, according to ABC7.

Due to the nature of the materials found, police called in extra resources to investigate the items.

Once the chemicals were deemed to be non-hazardous, the items were seized.

Mr Fox was arrested and slapped with a string of weapons charges including criminal possession of a controlled substance, manufacture of a machine gun, manufacture of a rapid fire mod device, MFG dangerous instrument, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a firearm, criminal use of drug paraphernalia and several other weapons and violation charges.

Foxs father was also at the apartment at the time and was taken into custody.

Julia Fox at the 2022 CFDA Awards in New York in November (Getty Images)

He has not been charged over the incident.

The NYPD said that there is no evidence of any ties to terrorism with the explosive materials also regularly used to manufacture narcotics.

Instead, they found evidence of the manufacture of ghost guns  firearms which are made at home and dont have serial numbers, making them difficult for law enforcement to track.

The NYPD will continue to fight relentlessly against illegal guns  against both the steady proliferation of traditionally-manufactured firearms and the increasingly prevalent numbers of illegal, untraceable but fully functioning weapons known as ghost guns, the NYPD said in a statement.

Mr Fox, who has no prior criminal record, will be arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court.
(Reuters) - A U.S. jury was ordered to restart deliberations on Thursday over the sentence for a man who killed eight people by driving a truck down a Manhattan bike path on Halloween in 2017 after a juror was excused to attend to a family emergency.

Sayfullo Saipov, a 35-year-old Uzbek national, had been convicted in January by a federal jury in Manhattan of committing murder with a goal of joining Islamic State, or ISIS, a group the United States has designated a "terrorist" organization.

The same jury then reconvened to consider whether Saipov, who has been jailed since the attack, should be sentenced to death or life in prison without parole.

U.S. District Judge Vernon Broderick restarted the sentencing deliberations on Thursday with an alternate juror.

The judge rejected a request by Saipov's attorneys to declare a mistrial. They had argued that only jurors who decide a defendant's guilt in a death penalty case may hand down a sentence.

The decision creates an issue that Saipov may appeal if he is sentenced to death.

The 12-person jury must reach a unanimous decision for Saipov to receive the death penalty.

(Reporting by Jody Godoy and Luc Cohen in New York; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
A federal jury found that sheriff's deputies wrongly detained a Black family at a Northern California Starbucks and ordered compensation of $8.25 million.

Aasylei Loggervale and her two daughters had pulled into a Starbucks in Castro Valley, about 25 miles southeast of downtown San Francisco, in September 2019 when Alameda County sheriff's deputies handcuffed them in connection with a string of auto thefts, according to their federal lawsuit.

Jurors found in the plaintiffs' favor this month and set damages at $2.75 million for each of the three.

"This is vindication and validation for the Loggervales that they've been wronged, and that means a lot," Craig Peters, their attorney, said Thursday.

Starbucks in Castro Valley, Calif. (Google)

The deputies, who are white, are alleged to have told them they were being investigated for "car burglaries committed by unidentified Black men" in recent months, the plaintiffs said.

Loggervale refused to show her driver's license as she and her daughters, who were 19 and 17 at the time, firmly but calmly "stated that they had not done anything wrong and had no connection whatsoever to any auto burglaries," their civil complaint said.

All three were handcuffed as deputies searched their car, purses and cellphones before they were released with no citations or criminal charges.

A federal jury in the Northern District of California found that deputies and Alameda County violated the constitutional rights of Aasylei Loggervale and her daughters, Aaottae Loggervale and Aasylei Hardge-Loggervale, and breached state civil protections against police harassment.

The communitys trust in my agency is foundational to my mission of maintaining a positive relationship with those we serve," Alameda County Sheriff Yesenia Sanchez said in a statement Thursday.

"The facts of this case are extremely important to me and our community members, however, I must reserve my comments until the case has been fully adjudicated through the court system.

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The county has until the end of the month to file an appeal, and Peters said Thursday that defense lawyers have not given him any indication whether they will continue the legal fight.

Representatives of the Alameda County Counsel Department and the county supervisor who represents Castro Valley could not immediately be reached for comment Thursday.

The two deputies who detained Loggervale and her daughters are still employed by the department, a sheriff's spokesperson said.

Loggervale's daughters are set to graduate from college this spring: Aaottae Loggervale from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and Aasylei Hardge-Loggervale from UCLA.

"I really hope that this becomes an opportunity for everybody to sit down together and say: 'OK this is a problem. How do we solve this?'" Peters said.

"How can we empower our law enforcement officers to do their job in such a way that it is not adversely impacting communities of color?"

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, right, speaks during a press conference at Louisville Metro Hall in Louisville, Ky., Wednesday, March 8, 2023. The U.S. Justice Department has found Louisville police have engaged in a pattern of violating constitutional rights following an investigation prompted by the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor. Rear left is U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. | Timothy D. Easley, Associated Press

The Justice Department announced that after a two-year investigation into the police department in Louisville, Kentucky, the DOJ found a far-ranging pattern of discriminatory and abusive law enforcement practices, The New York Times reported.

Louisville police shot and killed 26-year-old Breonna Taylor in the middle of the night after employing a no-knock warrant to enter her apartment in 2020. Protests across the country followed her death, demanding investigations into police conduct.

The 90-page report revealed misconduct that included excessive force, unlawful traffic stops, arrests and detentions. It also reported the behavior exhibited broad patterns of discrimination against Black people and those with behavioral health problems, per the Times.

Related

Attorney General Merrick Garland said during a news conference that the behavior erodes the community trust that is needed for effective community policing, per The Washington Post.

The findings were based on data collected from the Louisville Metro Police Department and from Louisville Metro, which included documents and body camera footage.

The report said that Louisville Metro paid more than $40 million for claims of police misconduct over the last six years.

How did Louisville respond?

Democratic Mayor Craig Greenberg of Louisville promised the city would cooperate in making policing safer for everyone.

We will not make excuses. We will make changes. We will make progress, Greenberg said during the news conference, per the Post. To those people who have been harmed: On behalf of our city government, Im sorry. You deserved better.

Today's damning report from @TheJusticeDept confirmed what we already knew: LMPD consistently violated peoples constitutional & civil rights. We canand mustdo more to hold law enforcement accountable & create lasting change in our community.



My statement: pic.twitter.com/gTVedUX2nR  Rep. Morgan McGarvey (@RepMcGarvey) March 8, 2023

Rep. Morgan McGarvey, who represents most of Louisville, tweeted, ... LMPD consistently violated peoples constitutional civil rights. We canand mustdo more to hold law enforcement accountable & create lasting change in our community.

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My statement regarding the results of DOJ's investigation into Louisville Metro:



The vast majority of Kentuckys law enforcement community protects & serves the Commonwealth with dignity & honor, & I am thankful to these brave men & women who put their lives on the line (1/2)  Attorney General Daniel Cameron (@kyoag) March 8, 2023

Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron tweeted, The vast majority of Kentuckys law enforcement community protects & serves the Commonwealth with dignity & honor, & I am thankful to these brave men & women who put their lives on the line day in & day out to keep our communities safe.

Related

DOJ investigates Memphis Police Department

The Department of Justice announced it will also be performing a review of the Memphis Police Department after the deadly police beating of 29-year-old Tyre Nichols in January.

The court orders that the release of videos, audio, reports, and personnel files of City of Memphis employees related to this indictment and investigation (to include administrative hearings, records and related files) shall be delayed until such time as the state and the defendants have reviewed this information, the order reads, per CNN.

Related

According to CBS News, the investigation will review specialized anti-crime police units that were in place across the country, and it will also look into the use of force and de-escalation policies that the Memphis Police Department had in place at the time of Nichols January 2023 arrest.

Five officers were charged in Nichols death and have pleaded not guilty. Those officers were fired from the department, as well as two other officers, while three others were suspended, one retired to avoid being fired or put on leave and two had investigations dropped. A fire lieutenant and two EMTs who were on the scene were also fired, CNN reported.

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Kakhovka HPP was seized by the occupiers in the first days of the Russian invasion

The governor held a meeting with local community leaders, administration officials, and representatives of utility companies to discuss looming problems with water supply.

"The dam of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant was damaged by the enemy," he wrote.

Read also: Video of bridge explosion near Kakhovka HPP posted online

The reservoir is now shallow. We managed to raise and maintain the water level in the Kakhovka (Reservoir) with titanic efforts. It is critically important for the residents of Kryvyi Rih and Nikopol districts.

According to Lysak, the meeting managed to find technical solutions to the problem, with exact plans being drawn up. He noted they will include modernization and upgrading of existing hydro engineering facilities.

Read also: Russians placing air defense systems in residential areas in Nova Kakhovka  General Staff

"We want it to work smoothly under martial law and consume less electricity, and to be able to use it in peacetime, after our victory," the governor added.

Earlier, Lysak said that Russians were attacking the Kakhovka Reservoir with artillery, trying to deprive locals of stable water supply.

Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said that the rapid decline in the water level in the Kakhovka Reservoir could worsen the security situation at the Zaporizhzhya NPP and disrupt the supply of drinking water to Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhya, and Kherson oblasts.

Read also: Zaporizhzhya NPP de-energized, only 10 days to restore power to safety systems

In mid-February, satellite images appeared confirming that the Russians had opened the floodgates at the seized Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, causing the water level to drop by two meters, the lowest in 30 years.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
By Ross Kerber

(Reuters) -Legislation pending in the U.S. state of Kansas to stop the use of environmental, social or governance (ESG) considerations by public contractors would reduce state pension system returns by $3.6 billion over 10 years, a new fiscal analysis shows.

The note issued by the state's Division of the Budget on March 7 is the latest to show the challenges facing Republican politicians looking to block or slow the growing use of ESG considerations by businesses and investors.

Similar to Republican-sponsored bills in other states, the "Protection of Pensions and Businesses Against Ideological Interference Act" before the Kansas senate would require the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) to divest from financial companies found to engage in "ideological boycotts."

In other states where such laws have already passed, Republican officials have accused top banks and Wall Street firms like BlackRock Inc of boycotting the energy industry over the investors' treatment of issues like climate change. The financial firms say they are only seeking to maximize returns and account for things like the risks rising global temperatures could pose to company operations

The March 7 budget note says that KPERS has indicated it would have to restructure its portfolio "because the current investment managers would be disqualified as fiduciaries and replaced by alternative investment managers that would meet the bills requirements."

With expected returns cut by 0.85%, "the KPERS general investment consultant projects that the investment portfolio returns would reduce by $3.6 billion over the next ten years when compared to the current investment portfolio," the note states.

Early divestment costs in private markets would cost $1.14 billion, the note also said. Other costs would include early divestment fees of new employees for the Kansas state Treasurer to monitor potential boycott activity.

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At a public hearing on Wednesday about the bill and related legislation, KPERS Executive Director Alan Conroy said his agency would be forced to drop fund managers even if they were not running state assets with an ESG mandate, such as if their CEO had shared views about ESG investments.

"We think that would be a tripwire, we'd have to get out" Conroy said.

Kansas state senator Mike Thompson, sponsor of the bill that was analyzed, called the $3.6 billion figure "overstated" in a telephone interview on Wednesday, since the system would be able to find other managers. At the hearing, Thompson said he intended to address concerns and to "allay anyone's fears" about the potential impact of the legislation.

(Reporting by Ross KerberEditing by Bill Berkrot)
The 2023 Met Gala is almost here. As fashion lovers everywhere prepare for the star-studded event, there is one question that many people are asking about this years guest list: Are the Kardashians invited?

The Kardashian-Jenner family has been a mainstay at the Met Gala for the last ten years. Just last year, six members of the famous clan attended the red carpet event together. However, a report from Page Six in March claimed that the reality stars have not received an invitation to the 2023 Met Gala, whose theme this year is Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty.

The reason why the Kardashians supposedly didnt make the cut? Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, who is in charge of the guest list, was allegedly cracking down on who can attend the exclusive event. However, another source close to the Kardashian family told the outlet that the rumours werent true.

Most recently, a source told Page Six on 13 April that Kim Kardashian will indeed attend the annual fashion event, despite initial reports that she wasnt invited. The outlet also reported that the SKIMS founder wont be the only one in her famous family to walk the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, though the Kardashian-Jenner family member remained unnamed.

Its possible that Kendall Jenner will be seen at this years Met Gala, considering the supermodel has attended the Costume Institutes fundraiser since 2014. The 27-year-old model also posed for the cover of Vogues May 2023 issue, which pays tribute to legendary designer Karl Lagerfeld ahead of this years Met Gala. Jenner was among 10 models enlisted for the cover, including Gigi Hadid, Naomi Campbell, Anok Yai and Devon Aoki.

Since 1995, the exclusive Met Gala guest list has been carefully presided over by Anna Wintour. Tickets for the annual event  which raises money for the Metropolitan Museum of Arts Costume Institute  go for $30,000 (23,000), while tables cost 275,000 (211,000).

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Kim Kardashian attended her first Met Gala in 2013 alongside then-husband, Kanye West. The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star, who was pregnant with North West at the time, hit the red carpet in a floral Givenchy dress.

Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West attend the 2019 Met Gala (Getty Images for The Met Museum)

Supermodel Kendall Jenner made her Met Gala debut the following year wearing a satin, custom made Topshop dress with Chopard jewelry. Kim and Kendall were joined by their famous momager Kris Jenner in 2015, while Kylie Jenner first walked the Met Gala steps in 2016 wearing Balmain.

Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian attend the 2022 Met Gala (Getty Images)

Last year, sisters Khloe Kardashian and Kourtney Kardashian Barker attended the Met Gala for the first time. The Poosh founder arrived with her then-fiance, Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, where they gave their obligatory kiss for the cameras. Meanwhile, the Good American designer donned a gold Moschino gown for her first Met Gala.

Kylie Jenner and Kendall Jenner attend the 2019 Met Gala (Getty Images)

Despite attending the 2022 Met Gala, rumours circulated that Khloe Kardashian was allegedly banned from the fashion event. However, the reality star has since shut down speculation that she was forbidden from the Met Gala on Twitter.

In September 2021, a fan tagged Khloe and tweeted, "Khloe now that you are online please tell [if] the met gala rumours are true, adding: "Please clarify, thank you."

"Absolutely NOT true," she replied.

Kim Kardashian turned heads at last years Met Gala when she wore a bedazzled sheer beige floor-length gown previously worn by none other than Marilyn Monroe. According to Vogue, Kardashian came up with the idea to wear the gown during last years Met Gala, whose theme was the first part of In America: An Anthology of Fashion.

This year, celebrities and fashion lovers will gather on 1 May 2023 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to honour the late Karl Lagerfeld. In September 2022, Vogue announced that the theme of the 2023 event will be Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty, which will examine the life of the late designers fashion legacy. Along with Vogues editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, there will be four co-chairs of the event: Dua Lipa, Michaela Coel, Penelope Cruz, and Roger Federer, as announced by the publication on 18 January.
Kate Middleton visited a military training ground

The princess was seen wearing an Irish Guards uniform jacket and khaki jeans as she watched training exercises and was shown how to dress wounds during a simulated exercise, said the BBC.

Read also: How Ukraines soldiers are mastering NATO weapons in UK

"The work of the Irish Guards is as wide-ranging as it is exemplary, from training park rangers on counter-poaching in East Africa to de-mining training for Ukrainian Armed Forces," she wrote on the Prince and Princess of Wales official Instagram account.

The princess first visited the army last year when she took over as Royal Colonel of the Irish Guards from her husband, Prince William.

King Charles visited the English training ground, where the Ukrainian military is undergoing training, in February.

Read also: Zelenskyy meets with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Kate Middleton made her first appearance as a colonel. Steve Reigate - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Kate Middleton visited the 1st Battalion Irish Guards in Wiltshire, England, on Wednesday.

Kate wore camouflage for the engagement, as well as badges that indicated her rank.

Prince William was the Colonel of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards until December 2022.

Kate Middleton had her first royal engagement as a military official on Wednesday.

The Princess of Wales visited the 1st Battalion Irish Guards at Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, according to the royal family's website.

Kate became the Colonel of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards  which were formed by Queen Victoria  in December 2022. She inherited the title from her husband, Prince William, the royal family website states.

Kate Middleton is the Colonel of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards. Steve Reigate - WPA Pool/Getty Images

The engagement marked her first visit to the battalion since taking on the title.

Kate looked every bit the soldier during the visit, wearing a camouflage jacket, army-green pants, and boots. Her hair was pulled back into a simple braid, and she wore a beanie in some shots, as it was snowing.

The center of Kate's jacket included her rank slide, which featured three badges that indicated her rank of colonel.

Her badges indicate her rank. Steve Reigate - WPA Pool/Getty Images

During the engagement, the Princess of Wales participated in battlefield casualty drills that taught her how to provide aid to injured soldiers.

The exercises took place in the snow, but the princess did not seem to mind the weather.

Photos showed Kate kneeling down to participate in the drills alongside other soldiers.

The Princess of Wales participated in training exercises. Steve Reigate - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Lance Corporal Jodie Newell participated in the training exercise alongside Kate, and he told the Daily Mail she was an enthusiastic student.

"We were just showing her what we medics do in the Army," he told the outlet. "She was actually really good, really eager to take part."

Kate's appearance came amid news that the royal family had updated the line of succession so that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's children would be referred to as Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

Read the original article on Insider
Keanu Reeves has responded to news that a microbe-killing molecule has been named in his honour.

Last month, the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology created a new molecule that kills so efficiently that we named it after Keanu Reeves because he, too, is extremely deadly in his roles.

Calling it keanumycin, scientists showed that it worked effectively against plant pest Botrytis cinerea which triggers gray mold rot and causes immense harvest losses every year.

In an Ask Me Anything thread on Reddit this week, theJohn Wick actor said: They shouldve called it John Wick but thats pretty cool and surreal for me.

But thanks, scientist people! Good luck, and thank you for helping us.

Keanumycins molecules, the study said, can be an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides and may also offer an alternative in the fight against drug-resistant fungi.

Many human-pathogenic fungi are now resistant to antimycotics (antifungal)  partly because they are used in large quantities in agricultural fields, study co-author Sebastian Gotze said in a statement.

Reeves isnt the first celebrity to have an organism named after him.

(Getty)

In 2009, a diving beetle was named after Steven Colbert because the actor asked the science community to name something cooler than a spider to honour him.

His top choices were a giant ant or a laser lion. While those would be cool species to discover, our research involves beetles, and they are way cooler than a spider any day.

Kate Winslet also has a beetle named after her.

Ellen DeGeneres, Jimmy Fallon, Lady Gaga, Jon Stewart and Shakira have wasps named after them.
Offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum, who has spent the last three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals and is set to become a free agent, has been passionate throughout his career about helping the community and the world.

In his latest project, he is seeking fan support.

This month in March, Beachum is traveling to Zambia, a country in Africa, to drill clean water wells. He has funded two of them with World Vision.

He is reaching out to fans for help with a third.

The need for clean water access is urgent, said Beachum in a press release. Children and elderly are dying at an unbearable rate because of diseases associated with inadequate water supply, sanitation and hygiene. Access to clean water should be a basic human right. My hope is by building wells we can give people the opportunity to keep their families healthy and safe for years to come.

The goal is to raise $15,000. The goal will allow Wolrd Vision to drill a deep well and fit it with a hand pump. One well can provide 2,800 gallons of clean, life-sustaining water every day for as many as 300 people.

You can contribute to the campaign here.

It is one of many initiatives Beachum has off the field.

He has been named NFLPA Community MVP winner five times. No other player has received the honor that many times.

Beachum is passionate about ending hunger, providing clean water access, advocating for education equity, and encouraging minority youth to pursue STEM disciplines while addressing the digital divide.

Beachum is scheduled to be a guest on the podcast this week where he will talk about this initiative and more.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wires Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

Story originally appeared on Cards Wire
Kentucky authorities relied on DNA testing to solve the 1976 murder of 16-year-old Carol Sue Klaber, who was found "brutally" murdered in a roadside ditch in Walton, Kentucky, the Boone County Sheriff's Office announced on Wednesday.

Klaber, whose remains were discovered on June 5, 1976, a day after she was last seen, died as a result of blunt force trauma, strangulation and sexual assault, Kentucky State Police investigators determined. KSP detective Jerry Keith worked on the case for a decade before it went cold, the sheriff's office said.

In 2017, the Boone County Sheriff's Office's newly opened Cold Case Unit took over Klaber's murder investigation. Detectives had access to DNA and fingerprints and for years targeted two credible suspects who would later be ruled out, according to the sheriff's office.

Then, in September 2022, the sheriff's office teamed up with Othram Inc., a Texas-based laboratory that specializes in forensic genealogy to crack unsolved murders, to see if forensic DNA testing could identify the suspect or a close male relative, the sheriff's office said.

After using forensic-grade genome sequencing to build a DNA profile, Othram provided the sheriff's office with investigative leads that detectives used to positively identify a suspect, Thomas W. Dunaway of Park Hills, Kentucky, as the likely killer, the sheriff's office said.

Dunaway, who was 19-years-old when the murder took place, had an "extensive and violent" criminal history over the years and died in 1990 at the age of 33, according to the sheriff's office.

The Klamer family has been notified of the DNA match and have found "closure" in the case, Sheriff Michael A. Helmig said.

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Kentucky State Police are investigating after someone incarcerated at the Carroll County Detention Center died Tuesday, according to police.

At approximately 7:42 p.m., state police received a report that an unconscious inmate was found inside the jail. State police said the inmate, later identified as Daniel Hoskins, was transported to Carroll County Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead that same evening.

Troopers and detectives from state police Post 5 responded to the detention center when the incident happened.

State police said results from an autopsy are pending and Hoskins family has been notified. Further investigation into the death is ongoing, police said.
The Republican-run Kentucky legislature on Monday easily overrode Gov. Andy Beshear's veto of a notable bill that restricts his ability to fill any vacancies that arise if one of the state's U.S. senators dies or leaves office early.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, the commonwealth's powerful senior senator, threw his support behind Senate Bill 228. That sparked speculation that the 79-year-old statesman, who just got reelected last fall, might be eyeing the exits.

However, Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers, SB 228's lead sponsor, has said the longtime senator plans to stick around and McConnell himself has never given any public indication he doesn't plan to serve out his new six-year term.

Related: Mitch McConnell not only backed changing Kentucky's Senate vacancy rules  it was his idea

Historically, Kentucky's governor has been able to choose anyone  of any political party  to fill in temporarily if a vacancy pops up in the Senate, whether that happens by the senator's choice, expulsion or death.

SB 228 changes that appointment process in key ways. Most notably, it requires the governor to pick a temporary successor who shares the same political party as the departing senator.

It also makes them select that person from a list of three names provided by the executive committee of the departing senator's state party.

SB 228 also includes fresh stipulations about how long the governor's appointment to the Senate can last before voters get to elect someone to take over that seat  which depend largely on when the vacancy happens  as well as new rules about how such elections would work.

More: With McConnell's backing, Kentucky's senate president seeks to change vacancy rules

Kentucky hasn't had a Democratic senator since January 1999, when former Sen. Wendell Ford retired. And with the state's increasingly conservative electorate, SB 228 is designed to ensure the governor can't appoint a Democrat to what's likely to be a safe seat for Republicans.

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When Beshear vetoed SB 228 earlier this month, he claimed the bill violates the U.S. Constitution's 17th Amendment, which aimed "to remove the power to select U.S. senators from political party bosses."

Rep. Patti Minter, D-Bowling Green, likewise cited the 17th Amendment Monday night when she objected to overriding the veto. She also noted how SB 228 is part of a batch of bills GOP lawmakers have passed lately that strip Beshear of power.

"It wouldn't be happening if we had a Republican governor," Minter said of SB 228. "Its a blatant power grab, and its something that strikes right at the heart of what people dislike about the political system."

More: Legislature overrides teacher pension veto, putting new hires on 'hybrid' plan

House Majority Floor Leader Steven Rudy, R-Paducah, pushed back against the criticism of SB 228 Monday night and pointed out it doesn't get rid of the governor's ability to appoint someone to fill U.S. Senate vacancies. It just adds some rules.

Rudy proposed a bill this year that would have entirely eliminated the governor's appointment power for Senate seats, but the legislature passed SB 228 instead.

Reach reporter Morgan Watkins: 502-582-4502; mwatkins@courierjournal.com; Twitter: @morganwatkins26.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Mitch McConnell-backed Senate vacancy plan OK'd after veto override
US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys invitation to visit Ukraine to see how US support is spent in the war effort against Russia as the California Republican contends with major parts of his party who wants to cut or completely end American aid to the country.

Mr Zelensky appeared on CNN, saying that he has to come here to see how we work, whats happening here, what war caused us, which people are fighting now, who are fighting now. And then after that, make your assumptions.

Mr McCarthy has hesitated to say if he would support further aid, telling CNN that he wouldnt travel to Ukraine following Mr Zelenskys invitation and the Speaker criticised the Biden administration for not moving fast enough to support the country.

But he still retained his position that the US shouldnt be sending a blank check to the Ukrainians. He initially stated that position in the autumn, before becoming Speaker, prompting bipartisan pushback.

Mr McCarthy has made the blank check comments despite there being federal oversight of how the money is spent.

Lets be very clear about what I said  no blank checks, okay? So, from that perspective, I dont have to go to Ukraine to understand where theres a blank check or not, he told CNN. I will continue to get my briefings and others, but I dont have to go to Ukraine or Kyiv to see it. And my point has always been, I wont provide a blank check for anything.

Mr McCarthy made the comments after Mr Zelensky spoke about the Democrats and Republicans who have visited Ukraine and seen the supply routes, every shell, every bullet, every dollar.

I think that Speaker McCarthy, he never visited Kyiv or Ukraine, and I think it would help him with his position, Mr Zelensky said.

While there is bipartisan support for supporting Ukraine, a faction of the GOP wants all military and financial support for the country to cease.

Mr Zelensky said that anyone who visits his country will be able to see the reality of the need for aid. President Joe Biden visited Kyiv last month in a trip aimed at bolstering support for Ukraine.

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The Ukrainian president has shared his gratitude for US support, visiting Washington DC last year, when he saw Mr Biden at the White House and spoke in front of Congress.

In the House chamber, Mr Zelensky said US support is crucial not just to stand in such [a] fight but to get to the turning point to win on the battlefield.

Mr Zelensky lauded the bipartisan support for Ukraine when asked by CNN if he was concerned about the GOP faction arguing against further aid.

Firstly, I would like to thank the bipartisan support of Ukraine, its very important, he said.

Recently, I had a meeting with representatives of the Republican Party and Im thankful to the congressmen who visited Ukraine. They told me that they want to support Ukraine very much, like the Democrats, he added.

We dont care about the side of the support as long as its powerful and constant, the wartime leader said.
Eleven of the 15 Russian missiles fired at Kharkiv Oblast overnight hit the city of Kharkiv itself.

Source: Ihor Terekhov, Kharkiv's Mayor, on air during the national joint 24/7 newscast; Suspilne public broadcaster

Quote: "Critical infrastructure was hit and damaged. I'm talking about thermal power plants and transformer substations.

There is no power supply in the entire city, so we have switched to generators at critical infrastructure facilities and medical institutions."

Details: The city also has no heating or water for now, Terekhov said.

"We are working to restore the heating supply. The water supply has been suspended, but we are distributing water. Water trucks will be set up in all districts of Kharkiv," the mayor said.

Earlier, the spokesman for Kharkivoblenergo [local power distribution company], Volodymyr Skichko, said that the entire city of Kharkiv was without power. Across the Oblast, power has begun to be partially restored in Lozova, Nova Vodolaha and Pervomaiskyi hromadas [administrative units designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories  ed.].

It was only on 7 March that streetlights started working in test mode in Kharkiv. Before that, for more than a year, almost the only source of light in Kharkiv at night was car headlights.

Background:

Russian army landed about 15 strikes on the city of Kharkiv and its surrounding oblast while a large-scale air-raid warning was in force on the morning of 9 March.

In total, Russia fired 81 missiles of various types over Ukraine on the night of 8-9 March, with Ukrainian Air Defence Forces shooting down 34 out of 48 cruise missiles.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
Mexican security officers prepare a search mission Monday for four U.S. citizens kidnapped by gunmen near the border. Two of the Americans were found dead, two were rescued. (Associated Press)

As investigators continued their search for the gunmen who kidnapped four Americans in the border city of Matamoros last week, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador lashed out at U.S. Republican lawmakers who have proposed sending troops into Mexico, telling them that the United States should concentrate on curbing its rampant appetite for illegal drugs.

"Why don't you take care of your young people? Why don't you take care of the serious problem of social decay? Why don't [you] temper the constant increase in drug consumption?" Lopez Obrador asked Thursday at his daily news conference.

Lopez Obrador's unusually sharp comments came two days after Mexican authorities rescued two of the American tourists and discovered the other two were dead. Their March 3 kidnapping in broad daylight just south of the border sparked calls for American intervention in Mexico's fight against criminal groups.

The surviving victims, Latavia McGee, 33, and Eric James Williams, 38, were quickly transported across the border, according to Mexican authorities. The bodies of Shaeed Woodard, 33, and Zindell Brown, 28, were repatriated to the U.S. on Thursday after autopsies in Mexico, officials said.

U.S. and Mexican authorities say they still don't know why the tourists, who entered Mexico so that McGee could undergo a medical procedure, were fired upon by several men, thrown in the back of a pickup truck and hauled away.

On Thursday, law enforcement sources in Tamaulipas state circulated a letter that appeared to be from a local drug cartel that blamed the kidnapping on several rogue members of the group.

The Associated Press cited unnamed sources who said the cartel had turned over five of its members to authorities. That has not been confirmed by Mexican authorities or the FBI, which is helping in the investigation.

Whatever the cause of the kidnapping, it has provoked passionate reactions on both sides of the border, inflaming a long-standing debate about who is responsible for Mexico's rampant violence and the best way to curb it.

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Republican lawmakers pointed this week to the kidnapping as further evidence of what they describe as Mexico's lawlessness  and the U.S. need to intervene. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said Wednesday that American soldiers should be authorized to enter Mexico to destroy drug laboratories.

Citing the surge in recent years of American deaths from fentanyl, most of which is smuggled from Mexico, Republican members of Congress had already been pushing a bill that would allow U.S. armed forces to fight crime south of the border. Last month, the attorneys general of 21 states asked the Biden administration to label drug cartels as terrorist groups.

In Mexico, that kind of rhetoric has raised eyebrows.

Mexicans have long complained that their nation has the geographic misfortune of being next to the United States, the world's biggest consumer of illicit drugs and the site of the world's largest stockpile of firearms.

Despite extremely strict firearms laws  there is just one gun store in all of Mexico  the country is flooded daily with weapons smuggled illegally from the United States.

A U.S.-backed effort to confront drug cartels with the Mexican military backfired, leading to an explosion of violence across Mexico that started in 2007 and continues to this day. The Mexican drug war also failed to reduce the quantity of narcotics smuggled into the United States.

Lopez Obrador has frequently criticized Mexico's militarized approach to combating drug trafficking, accusing his predecessors of turning the country into "a graveyard," even though his own crime-fighting strategy hasn't varied much from theirs in practice.

At his news conference Thursday, he dismissed Republican threats of U.S. military intervention as political "propaganda."

To fight the scourge of crime and fentanyl, the president said, the U.S. should look within its own borders.

He blamed lawmakers for taking campaign donations from gun manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies that pushed American doctors to over-prescribe oxycodone and similar painkillers for years despite evidence that they cause addiction.

"We are very sorry for what is happening in the United States, but why don't they attend to the problem?" Lopez Obrador said. "Why don't they fight the distribution of fentanyl in the United States, the cartels in the United States that are in charge of distributing fentanyl?

"Here we do not produce fentanyl and we do not consume fentanyl," he insisted, despite ample evidence to the contrary.

The production of fentanyl in Mexico is well documented  a raid on a drug lab by the Mexican military in Sinaloa state last month yielded 282 pounds of fentanyl powder and 630,000 pills containing the drug. And use of fentanyl south of the border has been rising, along with overall consumption of illicit drugs, although it is nowhere near U.S. levels.

Lopez Obrador, who is popular in Mexico and among many Mexicans living in the United States, threatened to encourage U.S. Latino voters to oppose the GOP if Republicans don't stop their calls for military intervention.

He said his government was launching an "information campaign" to show Mexican Americans and other Latinos "how this initiative by the Republicans, in addition to being irresponsible, is an offense to the people of Mexico and shows a lack of respect for our independence and our sovereignty."

But in Mexico, where Lopez Obrador's party will also face a consequential election in 2024, when voters pick his replacement, many were questioning who gets justice and why.

In this country, where the vast majority of crimes are never solved and there are 110,000 Mexicans who are missing, or "disappeared," the quick rescue of the Americans stung.

Noting "the speed and coordination" of the kidnapping response, television journalist Ana Francisca Vega seemed to speak for many when she lamented this week the "thousands of disappeared Mexicans who have no such luck."

Times staff writer Patrick J. McDonnell and Cecilia Sanchez Vidal in The Times' Mexico City bureau contributed to this report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Getty Images

United States Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is in the hospital after falling at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Washington, D.C. A spokesperson said the 81-year-old McConnell tripped while attending a private dinner on Wednesday and was receiving treatment. According to The Washington Post, the event was for the Senate Leadership Fund, a McConnell-aligned super PAC.

Elected to the Senate in 1984, the Kentucky Republican is the chambers longest-serving GOP leader. He is in the midst of his seventh term. He was voted party whip in 2002 and first became Senate minority leader in 2006 and majority leader in 2014.

Why McConnells Injury is Significant

Senate Republican Whip John Thune of South Dakota told The Hill on Thursday he had very limited information on McConnells condition. It is unclear if the fall will keep him out of the Senate for any significant amount of time. The Democrats hold a very slim 5149 majority in the chamber after the 2022 midterm elections.

McConnells legislative skills have hindered many past Democratic initiatives, according to Reuters. McConnell notably opposed then-President Barack Obamas economic stimulus package in 2009 and health insurance reform package, known as Obamacare, in 2010.



McConnells Past Health Issues

This is McConnells second significant fall in under four years. In August 2019, he tripped on his Kentucky homes patio and fractured his shoulder. His surgery and subsequent recovery kept him out of the public eye for weeks.

In October 2020, McConnell worked on Capitol Hill with bandages and notable bruises on his hands. When questioned, he told reporters there were no concerns about his health.

The senator, who overcame polio as a child, also has a history of heart issues and underwent triple bypass surgery in 2003.

Other Recently Hospitalized Senators

McConnell is the third senator in recent weeks to be admitted to the hospital.

Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, who suffered a stroke during his 2022 campaign, was treated on February 9 after feeling lightheaded. A few days later, the 53-year-old Democrat checked himself into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to receive treatment for clinical depression.

California Democrat Dianne Feinstein, 89, is recovering at home after receiving treatment in the hospital for shingles earlier this month.
[Source]

South Korea has appealed a court ruling that ordered its government to compensate a Vietnamese victim 30 million won (approximately $23,000) due to atrocities committed by South Korean troops during the Vietnam War.

South Koreas defense ministry announced the appeal on Thursday, citing a lack of evidence.

We will fully cooperate with the trial proceedings under continued consultations with related agencies to receive an appellate ruling based on substantial truth, the ministry told Reuters.

Following the news, Vietnam's foreign ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang described the South Korean governments move to appeal the ruling as extremely regrettable.

More from NextShark: Biden calls Labor nominee Julie Su the 'American dream'

Vietnam's policy is to put aside the past and look towards the future but this does not mean that we deny the truth of history, Hang said in a press conference on Thursday.

Last month, South Korean troops were implicated in mass killings during the Vietnam War.

The suit was filed by Nguyen Thi Than, 62, in 2020 for the wartime civilian massacre that took place in the villages of Phong Nhi and Phong Nhut on Feb. 12, 1968.

More from NextShark: Popeyes returns to S. Korea for round 2 against Korean fried chicken

Nguyen, who was 8 years old at the time, lost five of her family members to the massacre, which ultimately left 74 dead. She continues to suffer from gunshot injuries sustained in the attack.

The Seoul Central District Court held the government responsible for the clear illegal actions of its troops and ordered it to compensate the victim.

The ruling marked the first legal acknowledgement of the countrys involvement in Vietnam War atrocities. About 350,000 South Korean military personnel were deployed in Vietnam between the years of 1964 and 1973.

More from NextShark: 42-year-old Vietnamese refugee ready for deportation after being behind bars since he was 15 in Hong Kong

During the trial, the South Korean government denied allegations of its militarys involvement in the massacre.

South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-Sup said there were absolutely no massacres committed by our troops, adding that the decision had damaged the honor of South Korean soldiers.

We cannot agree with the ruling, he said at the time. We will hold discussions with related agencies to determine our next legal step.

More from NextShark: Vietnamese EV company VinFast to open over 30 showrooms in California
By Josh Smith

SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife will visit Japan from March 16-17 at Tokyo's invitation, his office said on Thursday, the first such visit in 12 years after Seoul announced a plan to end a protracted dispute over wartime forced labour.

South Korea said on Monday that its companies would compensate victims of forced labour under Japan's colonial rule from 1910-1945, seeking to end a dispute that has undercut U.S.-led efforts to present a unified front against China and North Korea.

Yoon will hold a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Yoon's office said in a statement, calling it "an important milestone in the improvement and development of relations between South Korea and Japan."

South Korea is an important neighbour with which Japan should cooperate in addressing various issues in the international community, Japan Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said at a briefing.

I hope that through this visit to Japan, Japan-Korea relations will further develop based on the friendly and cooperative relations that have existed since the normalization of diplomatic relations.

He said "nothing has been decided" when asked about potential agenda items.

The Japanese government is also considering inviting Yoon to the Group of Seven (G7) summit meeting in Hiroshima this May, Kyodo news agency reported on Thursday night.

Yoon's office said he hoped to expand various security, economy, and cultural fields, and revitalise exchanges between people in the two countries "in order to overcome the unfortunate history of the past and move forward into the future."

South Korea's defence ministry said on Tuesday it would work with Japan to enhance security cooperation, including trilateral relations with the United States.

The two countries also agreed this week to negotiate to end export curbs on key electronics components.

Yoon will likely return from Tokyo with progress on harmonizing export controls and renewed Japanese backing of Seouls approach on North Korea, said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of international studies at Ewha University in Seoul.

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Yoon said earlier this month that cooperation with the United States and Japan has become more important than ever to overcoming North Korea's growing nuclear threats and other crises.

Kishida will be able to claim South Korean support for Japans evolving defense posture and trilateral coordination with the United States to maintain a rules-based order in Asia, he added.

"Not all history issues will be resolved, because between democracies reconciliation is a process, not an agreement," Easley said. "But the two leaders are determined to move cooperation forward on trade and security."

Relations plunged to their lowest point in decades after South Korea's Supreme Court in 2018 ordered Japanese firms to pay reparations to former forced labourers. Fifteen South Koreans have won such cases, but none has been compensated.

Japan has said the matter was settled under a 1965 treaty and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said on Monday his government's stance had not changed.

Washington had pressed its allies in both countries to reconcile and called the latest announcements "groundbreaking," but several of the victims have vowed to reject the compensation, setting the stage for more political and legal battles.

U.S. President Joe Biden will host Yoon for a state visit on April 26, the White House and Yoon's office said on Tuesday.

It would be the second state visit of Biden's administration, and the first state visit to the United States by a South Korean president since 2011.

(Reporting by Josh Smith in Seoul and Satoshi Sugiyama in Tokyo; Editing by Himani Sarkar and Kim Coghill)
Kroger is contracting with former Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) in a lobbying push to win approval of its proposed merger with Albertsons, the company said in a press release.

Boehner, who works for law and lobbying firm Squire Patton Boggs, will provide strategic counsel to Kroger executives and wont register to lobby.

Squire Patton Boggs Tommy Andrews and David Schnittger, two former Boehner aides, and Caren Street, former chief of staff to then-Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.) and executive director of the Congressional Black Caucus, will lobby on Krogers behalf.

Kroger is hiring several well-connected lobbyists as it seeks to dissuade concerns in the nations capital about the $25 billion merger between two of the largest supermarket chains.

Unions representing more than 100,000 Kroger and Albertsons workers are rallying against the merger, arguing that it would lead to job losses and price hikes.

Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah), the top lawmakers on the Senates antitrust panel, grilled the CEOs of Kroger and Albertsons in November, expressing doubts about the companies promises to keep jobs intact and lower prices.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which is led by Lina Khan, a fierce opponent of corporate consolidation, is reviewing the merger and is widely expected to sue to block it.

Given the parties records of raising food prices for consumers and cutting benefits to workers to pad their own profits, and the unusual circumstances of a $4 billion dividend payment that will be paid out by Albertsons in early November, the FTC should oppose this proposed merger, Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) wrote in an October letter to Khan.

Kroger, which has told lawmakers that it needs to merge with Albertsons to compete with Walmart and Amazon, hopes to go through with the merger by 2024.

Kroger spent $950,000 on lobbying in 2022, the highest total in the companys history, according to nonpartisan research group OpenSecrets.

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Albertsons, which contracts with Jeff Miller, the lobbyist with the closest ties to Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), spent $2.2 million on lobbying in 2022, more than tripling the previous years total.

Punchbowl News first reported the news of Boehners hiring Thursday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A lawsuit accusing a Gaston County special education teacher of physically abusing three autistic students has been settled before trial for $675,000.

The families of the children at McAdenville Elementary School in Cramerton each received a third of the amount  minus legal fees  which will be paid by the insurance carrier for the Gaston County schools, according to documents in the case.

The 2020 complaint accused former McAdenville special education teacher Penny Pope Barker of physically mistreating special needs children as young as 5.

The suit also alleged that members of the Gaston County Board of Education took part in a conspiracy to hide the gross failures of student safety and human decency taking place at their school.

Yolanda Trotman, one of two Charlotte attorneys who represented the families, described the settlement as partial justice. She said her young clients were betrayed first by their teacher and school district, and later by the criminal justice system.

... Our children were non-verbal autistic children. It was crucial for us as attorneys to give a voice to the voiceless, Trotman said in a Thursday email to The Charlotte Observer.

 ... There truly needs to be more systemic changes within the school system to hold teachers accountable when children are abused. But for the courage of a whistleblower teaching assistant, we would never have known about what these children endured.

Raleigh attorneys Daniel Clark and Deborah Stagner, who represented the school board, did not respond to an Observer email seeking comment. Nor did Barkers attorney, Grainger Pierce of Charlotte.

Todd Hagans, chief communications officer for the Gaston County schools, released a statement Thursday saying that the settlement is not an admission of liability by the district.

Rather, the statement described it as a strategic decision by the Board of Educations insurance company (Liberty Mutual) to avoid the costs of further litigation, including possible appeals, and to obtain a dismissal and full release of all claims.

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Hagans confirmed that Barker still works for the school system, though he would not disclose details of her current job.

The families lawsuit had accused Barker of multiple offenses, including assault and battery as well as violations of the childrens constitutional protections. According to the complaint, the abuse occurred over a five-week period beginning in early January 2017.

In one case, Barker took a stuffed animal that student K.G. had dropped on the schools icy playground and squeezed it over the 5-year-olds head, soaking him with the frigid water then refusing to let him change clothes, the lawsuit said.

In a separate incident, Barker grabbed student C.A. by the ears and lifted him off the ground, leaving the 6-year-old bleeding, according to the lawsuit. The boys parents learned about the assault only when it was reported on air by a local television station, the lawsuit claimed.

Barkers behavior first surfaced when the aunt of a third student, K.M., began noticing bruises and bumps on her nephews body, the lawsuit said.

When the aunt questioned Barker about K.M.s injuries, the teacher repeatedly explained them away, the lawsuit alleged.

The case broke open after one of Barkers teaching assistants disclosed to the aunt that Barker was regularly abusing multiple students under her care.

Barker was arrested in March 2017 on two counts each of assault on a handicapped person and assault on a child under the age of 12. She was convicted that June in Gaston County District Court of the child-assault charges.

Barker appealed to Superior Court. According to the lawsuit, Gaston County prosecutors dropped the charges before the case went before a jury without informing the families involved.

The families co-counsel, Charlotte attorney Charles Chip Hinnant, described the D.A.s decision as improper and inappropriate, as well as a sign that the allegations against Barker never received the attention they deserved.

Our hope is that the settlement sends a clear message that the children must come first, rather than protecting the institutions that failed them, Hinnant told the Observer in a phone interview Thursday.

Gaston County District Attorney Travis Page did not respond to an Observer email Wednesday seeking information about the handling of the case. Page did not head the office at the time of Barkers arrest and prosecution.

Clerks in both the countys District and Superior courts said they had no information on file under Barkers name, a sign that the charges against her have been expunged.

The civil dispute was scheduled to go to trial this week in Charlotte before U.S. District Judge Robert Conrad. The settlement became final on Feb. 17.

The case is among a series of recent high-profile, Charlotte-area court battles involving the alleged abuse of special needs children by school staff.

 A 2018 police video shows an Iredell County school resource officer handcuffing, then sitting on and taunting a 7-year old autistic student for about 40 minutes after the boy had allegedly spit in an empty classroom. The resulting federal lawsuit filed by the boys family was settled in November. The terms remain confidential.





 A Statesville special education teacher was arrested in October 2019 and charged with two misdemeanor counts of assault on a handicapped person, including stuffing one boy in a trash can and holding him there against his will.

From a mothers standpoint it broke me. It was a pain like no other, the boys mother later told the Observer. It was like they were being tortured. Thats the only way I can think about it. It was torture. These were children. The stuff being done to them was unimaginable.

The mothers 2020 lawsuit was dismissed in June after a federal appeals court ruled the teacher had governmental immunity, according to WSOC, an Observer news partner.
Villagers clear the rubble after Russias night rocket attack ruined private houses in a village, in Zolochevsky district in the Lviv region, Ukraine, Thursday, March 9, 2023. | Mykola Tys, Associated Press

A deadly barrage of 81 missiles and Iranian-made drones hit Ukraine in at least 10 different regions, including Kyiv, Wednesday night and into Thursday morning.

At least 16 people were killed and over 20 were injured in the attack that hit residential buildings and critical infrastructure across the country, according to preliminary information from regional authorities, CNN reported.

What happened in the missile attack?

Russia fired 81 missiles at the regions of Kyiv, Kirovohrad, Dnipro, Odesa, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Zhytomyr, Vinnytsia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in a Facebook post.

Six of the missiles were hypersonic missiles that can evade Ukraines air defenses.

So far, we have no capabilities to counter these weapons, said Yurii Ihnat, spokesman for the Air Force Command of Ukraine, per CNN.

The attack also knocked a nuclear plant off the power grid for several hours and left hundreds of thousands without heat or electricity, The Associated Press reported.

What did President Volodymyr Zelenskyy say about the attack?

In a statement on Facebook, Zelenskyy said the massive rocket attack was an attempt to intimidate Ukrainians again.

The occupiers can only terrorize civilians. Thats all they can do. But it wont help them. They wont avoid responsibility for everything they have done, he stated.
Hamburg city government says the shooting took place in the Gross Borstel district on Thursday evening (AP)

Multiple people have died and several others are injured after a shooting in a church in Hamburg.

The Hamburg city government said the shooting took place at a Jehovahs Witness church in the Gross Borstel district on Thursday evening.

Police said the motive for the attack, which happened at around 9pm local time, is currently unclear.

Newspaper the Bild reported that seven people had been killed and eight more injured after the shooting, but the official death toll is yet to be confirmed by police.

Hamburg Police said on Twitter: Several people were seriously injured, some even fatally. We are on site with a large contingent of forces.

The police statement said there was no immediate indication that a shooter was on the run and that it appeared likely that the perpetrator or perpetrators were either in the building or among the dead.

Police said they were alerted to the shooting about 9.15pm local time and were on the scene quickly. They said that after officers arrived, they heard a shot from an upper floor.

Armed police officers near the scene of a shooting in Hamburg, Germany (AP)

Emergency services are at the church and have been seen taking people out of the building.

NINAwarn, a federal warning app, sent an alert out at around 9pm (8pm GMT) saying: One or more unknown perpetrators shot at people in a church.

Residents nearby have been told not to leave their homes.
The leaders of North Korea and the U.S. met in Singapore in 2018. Kim Jong Un's "beautiful letter" to former President Trump will be in the latter's new book, "Letters to Trump." (Evan Vucci / Associated Press)

President Donald Trump, formerly of the White House and now of Florida, is getting ready to release a new book of letters he has received from "some of the biggest names in history throughout the past 40 years," his publisher said Thursday.

"From President Richard Nixon, to Princess Diana, and from Hillary Clinton, to Chairman Kim Jong Un, no book offers a glimpse into history quite like 'Letters to Trump,'" reads a note on the website of Winning Press Publishing, an imprint co-founded by Donald Trump Jr. The publisher promises 150 pieces of private correspondence to the former host of "The Apprentice" and "Celebrity Apprentice" from all sorts of famous folks.

President Reagan, Oprah Winfrey, Sen. Ted Kennedy, Gov. Mario Cuomo, Arnold Palmer, Jay Leno, Liza Minnelli and Regis Philbin are among the correspondents, according to Axios, with Philbin addressing Trump as "My Dear Trumpster." The letters were hand-picked by Trump for inclusion and come with commentary from the ex-president.

Winfrey's letter, written years ago, was in response to a missive from Trump and a complimentary excerpt he'd sent her from his 2000 book, "The America We Deserve."

"At that time I announced that my first choice for vice president would be Oprah Winfrey. Again the political elites chortled  Oprah Winfrey! They just don't understand how many Americans respect and admire Oprah for her intelligence and caring. She has provided inspiration for millions of women to improve their lives, go back to school, learn to read, and take responsibility for themselves. If I can't get Oprah, I'd like someone like her," Trump wrote in "The America We Deserve."

"I have to tell you your comments made me a little weepy," Winfrey responded, per Axios, also writing, "It's one thing to try and live a life of integrity  still another to have people like yourself notice."

In Trump's commentary, obtained exclusively by the bullet-point news outlet, he noted, "Sadly, once I announced for president [for the Republican nomination, in 2015], she never spoke to me again."

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Trump announced his book Thursday on Truth Social, writing, "Great news! My new book, 'LETTERS TO TRUMP' is available for pre-order today. The most incredible letters that I have received over many years."

Winning Team, also co-founded by former Trump fundraiser Sergio Gor, published Trump's photo book, "Our Journey Together."

Trump's exchange of letters with Kim went public in 2019, when the North Korean leader "said with satisfaction," via the country's state-run news agency, that he had received a letter of excellent content" from the U.S. commander in chief.

Appreciating the political judging faculty and extraordinary courage of President Trump, Kim Jong Un said that he would seriously contemplate the interesting content, the agency said without elaboration. The White House did not confirm at the time that there had been correspondence between the leaders.

The existence of the Kim letters came up again when Bob Woodward published his audio book "The Trump Tapes."

"Nobody else has them. But I want you to treat them with respect. ... And don't say I gave them to you, OK?" Trump says in a Woodward recording as he hands over the letters to the reporter. "I think it's OK. Normally, I wasn't going to give them to [you]."

When Trump returned 15 boxes of materials to the government in early 2022  papers he had taken with him when he left office in January 2021  the contents reportedly included the original copy of a letter that former President Obama left for him when Trump was sworn in and letters written to Trump by the North Korean leader.

Trump's retention of classified documents is one area of investigation being handled by DOJ-appointed special counsel Jack Smith.

"Letters to Trump" will set fans back $99 for a hardcover edition or $399 for the same edition with a bookplate signed by Trump. It comes out April 25.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Trevor Project advocates for public education on LGBTQ+ issues and has a crisis hotline for queer youth.

Employees of one of the largest LGBTQ+ nonprofits in the countryThe Trevor Projectare facing abuse from the Far Right, and they claim that the organization is not properly supporting its crisis hotline staff.



Vice News reports workers at The Trevor Projects suicide hotline are receiving relentless homophobic and transphobic harassment while already dealing with emotionally draining cases involving self-harm and suicide. According to the outlet, one of the most severe cases of harassment comes from a group of 4chan users who wanted to overwhelm the nonprofits crisis hotline, which the organization claimed increased wait times for actual queer youth in crisis. Some employees told Vice News that this is just one symptom of a growing disconnect within the organization.

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There has definitely been a focus on large-scale, rapid growth, that has often felt unsustainable, Sarah Hallock said to Vice News. Hallock is a lead digital supervisor at the Trevor Project who manages crisis counselors and volunteers. Leadership has struggled to hear the voices of the people that are working on the frontlines and make meaningful changes.

Hallock told Vice News that The Trevor Project has upwards of 1,000 people working on the organizations suicide hotline, and harassment from the right includes slurs, threats of violence against the organization, or attempts of documenting calls or chats to feed to conservative media.

Throughout all of this, employees at The Trevor Project say the organization is not offering support to its staff experiencing these attacks, leading the workforce to express interest in unionizing. While no formal movement has been made in the unionization effort, Hallock wants to advocate for a leave of absence so employees can take a break from the abuse.

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The Trevor Projects scrutiny from conservatives comes as many red states and Republican politicians are waging war on the LGBTQ+ community. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has been a vocal advocate of a law banning drag performances, which was signed into law this month. Last year, Florida Governor Ron Desantis signed the infamous and controversial Dont Say Gay bill into law.

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Miami-Dade Police Department Director Freddy Ramirez said Wednesday from hes tired of his officers being shot, noting Wednesdays shooting is the fourth one in the last seven months. Three involved on-duty incidents and the other was domestic-related.

Here are the shootings to which Ramirez was referring:

Aug. 15, 2022

The officer: Robbery Intervention Detail Detective Cesar Echaverry, the first Miami-Dade police officer to be killed in the line of duty since 2011.

What police say happened: At Northwest 62nd Street and 17th Avenue, detectives found a car used in an armed robbery. The driver escaped, bashing through detectives cars while doing so, then crashed into another car 10 blocks east, at Northwest Seventh Avenue. In the shootout Echy and suspect Jeremy Horton of Acworth, Georgia, were hit. Horton was dead, Echaverry was rushed to Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital. He died two days later.

Echaverry was 29 and had been with Miami-Dade police five years.

READ MORE: Echy Echaverry dies two days after being shot

Nov. 5, 2022

The officer: Damian Colon, a 17-year member of the department.

What police say happened: Ex-girlfriend Yessenia Sanchez tracked Colon using GPS on his car and shot Colon in the back of the head in Hialeah. Colon is still recovering. Sanchez is still in Miami-Dade Corrections custody, not granted bond after being charged with first-degree attempted murder and misdemeanor stalking. She has pleaded not guilty.

READ MORE: Off-duty Miami-Dade cop shot in Hialeah

Dec. 6, 2022

The officer: Unnamed.

What police say happened: A Robbery Intervention Detail detective found a Volkswagen Jetta around Northwest 200th Street and 57th Avenue that police believed was used in a carjacking. As the detective followed the Volkswagen, Gabriel Gongora fired back at the detective and hit him in the face. Gongora would be arrested and remains in county jail with no bond, charged with attempted first degree murder of a police officer, two counts of criminal mischief and two counts of firing a gun from a vehicle.

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READ MORE: Miramar man jailed in the shooting of a Miami-Dade police detective

March 7, 2023

The officer: Dorian Washington

What police say happened: A narcotics detective making an arrest in the area of Northwest 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue, in the Buena Vista West area just east of Interstate 95, was ambushed from behind and shot. The shooter grazed the officers head. After being taken to Ryder Trauma Center, the officer was released later Wednesday night. A suspect, Miramars Steve Gallon IV, son of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools board member Steve Gallon, was arrested Thursday morning.

READ MORE: Officer ambushed during stop in Miami neighborhood, police say
Lizzo helped a Glaswegian fan pull off a proposal. TikTok;@scottmclaachlan;@hozzzaa

Lizzo stopped her Glasgow concert to help a man propose to his boyfriend.

The musician pulled the man's phone up on stage while his boyfriend was on FaceTime.

"Let me get a 'fucking yeah!'" Lizzo told the newly engaged man as the crowd screamed in appreciation.

Lizzo stopped a Glasgow concert to help a man propose to his boyfriend.

According to footage of the event uploaded to social media, Lizzo read the message "ASK MY BROTHER'S BOYFRIEND TO MARRY HIM" in bold text on a phone in the front-row. Halting the concert, Lizzo told the packed audience that they had a "special phone call."

"Hi," the four-time Grammy-award-winning artist greeted the man's boyfriend, Ryan, on FaceTime. After asking him a few questions  his name, how he was liking the concert (he replied, in "the chillest" way possible, that it was "amazing")  she turned the attention back to his boyfriend, Grant.

"Ryan, for the purposes that Lizzo is in front of us, will you marry me?" Grant asked as the crowd erupted into cheers.

https://twitter.com/STVLaura/status/1633599413128929283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1633599413128929283%7Ctwgr%5Ecc93956186b148eac39cfe06d605535c279f4133%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.glasgowlive.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fglasgow-news%2Flizzo-helps-glasgow-man-propose-26426569

"What do you say?" Lizzo shouted. Ryan nodded as the crowd hollered. "Let me get a 'fucking yeah,'" Lizzo shouted, joking that "the man was too stunned to speak."

The sold-out concert was held at OVO Hydro stadium, which seats a maximum of 14,300 spectators. After the newly-engaged man got his phone back, he lifted it to show his fiance the ocean of cheering people.

"This is a celebration," Lizzo said before launching into her hit "Good as Hell."

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It's not the first time Lizzo has made headlines for going above and beyond for a fan. In November 2022, author Aurielle Marie asked Lizzo over TikTok to borrow a dress for an upcoming Out Magazine event, saying she wanted a look that was "big bitch and red carpet ready." Lizzo mailed her the dress she wore to the 2019 AMAs just in time for her flight and sent a seamstress to her hotel to do a fitting before the event.

At the time, Lizzo tweeted a response to Marie's giddy videos, telling her she looked "beautiful" in the dress: "It's easy to be kind."

Lizzo did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment about the proposal.

Read the original article on Insider
On 9 March, the Russian invaders launched a massive missile attack on Ukraine, hitting 13 oblasts, damaging critical infrastructure, and killing and injuring people.

Source: Military Oblast Administrations

Kyiv Oblast: The air-raid warning was in force for almost 7 hours. The air defence system was activated. Preventive emergency power outages were implemented. Currently, the electricity supply is being restored. Explosions took place in Kyiv's Svyatoshinsky and Holosiivsky districts. There are casualties. Data on the consequences are being confirmed.

Kirovohrad Oblast: A Shahed UAV attack on an infrastructure facility in Kropyvnytskyi district took place overnight. Damage has been reported. There were no casualties.

The relevant services are working at the scene.

Vinnytsia Oblast: A missile attack on an infrastructure facility occurred overnight, reportedly with no casualties.

Zhytomyr Oblast: Last night, the Russians attacked one of the oblast's energy infrastructure facilities. Almost 150,000 consumers are without power supply. Power engineers are working on this and a fire is being extinguished.

There were no casualties or injuries.

Lviv Oblast: A fire broke out in Zolochiv hromada [administrative units designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories  ed.] as a result of a missile strike last night, when fragments from a Russian missile shot down by the forces of Air Command Zakhid (West) hit the ground. The fire destroyed three residential buildings, outbuildings, a garage, a private boiler house and three cars. The rubble is being cleared and the victims are being searched for. At that point, there were reports of four deaths. Later it became known that five people had been killed.

Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast: Three missile strikes on the territory of the oblast were recorded during the air-raid last night.

Information on the aftermath and casualties is being confirmed.

Chernihiv Oblast: Air defence forces shot down one missile in the oblast last night.

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Sumy Oblast: The Russians launched a missile attack on Shostka this morning (3 strikes). One of the city's businesses was hit. Residential buildings were also damaged. Early reports indicated no casualties.

Flights by Iranian-made Shahed UAVs were recorded overnight.

Last night, artillery shelling (4 strikes) was carried out on the territory of Seredyna-Buda hromada. There were no casualties.

On 8 March, during the day, Russians opened fire on Bilopillia, Velyka Pysarivka, Shalyhyne and Yunakivka hromadas. Twenty-one strikes were recorded, as well as one shot from small arms.

Velyka Pysarivka hromada: small arms fire (one shot) damaged a private house.

Zaporizhzhia Oblast: The Russians launched a missile attack on a critical infrastructure facility last night.

4 missiles hit the facility. Preliminary reports indicate that there were no casualties.

Over the past day, the occupiers fired at civilian infrastructure in the areas of Huliaipole, Znachkove, Zaliznychne, Preobrazhenka, Novodanylivka, Mala Tokmachka, Temyrivka, Charivne, Olhivske, Novoandriivka, Malynivka, Bilohiria, Shcherbaky, Poltavka, Huliaipilske, Sviatopetrivka, Novoivanivka, Mali Shcherbaky, Kamianske and Stepove.

The attacks caused damage to civilian homes (apartments) and infrastructure facilities.

Details are being confirmed.

Dnipropetrovsk Oblast: The night and the morning were tough.

Russian forces attacked Dnipropetrovsk Oblast with UAVs and missiles in Dnipro, Pavlohrad, Kryvyi Rih and Nikopol districts.

As per the information available, one person was killed and two more injured in this large-scale missile attack.

Energy infrastructure and industrial facilities were damaged. All relevant services are working at the scene. They are putting out fires and dealing with the aftermath of the attacks.

The occupiers also struck Nikopol district, including Chervonohryhorivka hromada and the city of Nikopol. They launched almost 40 shells in total.

A 34-year-old man was killed in the shelling. A 28-year-old woman and a 19-year-old young man sustained injuries. They have been taken to hospital. The attacks caused several fires in the area.

In total, Ukrainian defenders from Air Command Skhid (East) shot down seven Russian missiles over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

The Nikopol district came under Russian heavy artillery and Grad MLRS fire. The Russians directed this fire at Marhanets and Chervonohryhorivka hromadas and Nikopol. Six people were wounded, including two children.

All those injured are from Nikopol: an 11-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy, plus three women and a man aged from 40 to 74. They all are in moderately serious condition.

Kharkiv Oblast: Russian troops carried out a large-scale missile attack on Kharkiv and its surrounding oblast this night and morning. About 15 strikes by S-300 anti-aircraft missiles have been recorded.

There were strikes on critical infrastructure facilities.

A missile hit a private yard in the village of Pisochyn, Kharkiv district, damaging several private houses. Moreover, two women aged 71 and 74 were injured. They suffered minor injuries, and one of them was taken to hospital.

An S-300 missile damaged greenhouses in the village of Slobozhanske, Chuhuiv district.

All relevant services are working at the various scenes. At the moment, the city and the oblast do not have any power supply. Clean-up efforts to deal with the aftermath are ongoing.

Russian forces attacked the border settlements of this oblast yesterday. On the Slobozhanshchyna front, they shelled Strilecha, Ternova, Vilcha, Kamianka, Dvorichna and Holubivka.

On the Kupiansk front, they conducted unsuccessful offensive operations near Hrianykivka. They shelled more than 15 settlements, including Vilshana, Kupiansk, Kyslivka, Pershotravneve, Pishchane and Cherneshchyna.

Odesa Oblast: Several power transmission lines and an overhead power transmission pole were damaged. At the moment, emergency power cuts have been implemented in Odesa and its surrounding oblast. Power engineers have already started repair works. Air defence units shot down six missiles and one UAV over Odesa Oblast.

Mykolaiv Oblast: Air defence units shot down nine missiles of various types over Mykolaiv Oblast.

Yesterday, Russian forces deployed mortars to fire on Ochakiv hromada. There were no casualties.

Luhansk Oblast: Russian forces conducted an unsuccessful offensive operation near Bilohorivka on the Kupiansk and Lyman fronts.

They also shelled Stelmakhivka, Nevske and Chervonopopivka.

The number of cases where local residents of Kreminna are being evicted from their own homes by representatives of the local occupation authorities has drastically increased.

Russians are taking both empty houses and those they like in Nyzhnia Duvanka in the Svatove district. Local collaborators coordinate the accommodation process  they threaten to kill people if they do not give them their keys.

The situation in the oblast remains difficult.

Donetsk Oblast: Two people were killed and four more injured on 8 March.

Russian occupiers used artillery, Grad MLRS and mortars, and also carried out an air attack with a missile type that is not defined yet, along with two other attacks using an unguided air-launched missile and an R-37 air-to-ground missile.

They attacked the settlements of Kostiantynivka, Avdiivka, Bakhmut, Chasiv Yar, Kamianka, Krasnohorivka, Sievierne, Tonenke, Lastochkyne, Zhelanne, Karlivka and Velyka Novosilka.

Nine residential buildings, including three multi-storey buildings, a department and an administrative building belonging to the Avdiivka Coke Plant, a hospital, a garage and an outbuilding were damaged.

Kherson Oblast: Russian troops carried out 86 attacks, launching 434 projectiles from heavy artillery and Grad MLRS yesterday.

The city of Kherson came under fire seven times.

30 shells hit residential districts, private and multi-storey residential buildings.

One person was killed and three more injured in the attacks.

76 people have been evacuated from the liberated territories.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
In June 2021, 32-year-old Alyssa Maness was diagnosed with POTS, a nervous system disorder that her doctors believe was triggered by Covid.

POTS, or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, caused numbness throughout her arms and legs, a pins-and-needles sensation and sudden drops in her heart rate.

Because her heart problems didn't go away, in early 2022 her doctors began conducting a series of lab tests in an attempt to better understand her long Covid symptoms.

When Maness submitted the testing to her insurance  Anthem Blue Cross  the provider deemed the testing medically unnecessary and declined to cover the cost. Shes now on the hook for the medical bills, which have already cost her more than $10,000 out of pocket.

Im kind of at the point sadly where Ive just given up, said Maness, a Ph.D. student in Sacramento, California. Many of her insurance appeals have been denied. I dont have the mental bandwidth to even battle this anymore, because its become clear that it is most likely going to be unsuccessful.

Maness is among several long Covid patients in the United States interviewed by NBC News who say their insurance providers are declining to provide coverage related to their illness.

Alyssa Maness. (Courtesy Alyssa Maness)

But there are likely many more. Up to 4 million full-time workers are out of the labor force due to long Covid, according to research from the Brookings Institution, a Washington-based think tank.

NBC News has asked insurance providers for comment.

For some, the care they need to manage their chronic illness has left them in medical debt, which can easily balloon into the thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars, experts say. It's unclear how many are being denied coverage, but a paper published in May in JAMA Health Forum estimated that the individual medical costs of long Covid could come to roughly $9,000 a year.

Part of the problem, experts say, is the ambiguity of long Covid symptoms, which can range from extreme fatigue to loss of taste and smell to debilitating heart palpitations. There's no official test to diagnose the condition, nor is there any specific recommended treatment. That makes it more difficult for doctors to come up with a proper treatment.

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Before they pay, insurance companies often want to know if the treatment is proven to work.

Long Covid patients can fight the denied claims through appeals or going to court  a time-consuming and draining approach for any patient, let alone those who may suffer from fatigue and brain fog, said Michele Johnson, the executive director of the Tennessee Justice Center, a legal aid group that has helped long Covid patients get health coverage.

Theyre trying to keep their job or keep caring for their family," she said, "and theres so much bureaucracy and red tape that theyre just drowning in it."

'Medical necessity'

Experts say insurance companies will often deny claims for care related to long Covid because they don't see it as a medical necessity.

The term is what insurance companies use to assess whether they should approve or deny a claim, said Linda Bergthold, a former health policy researcher at Stanford Universitys Center for Health Policy.

The term has been thrown around by insurance companies for decades, but it wasnt given a formal framework until the late 1990s, which Bergthold helped develop.

In order for the care a patient receives to be deemed medically necessary by an insurance provider, there has to be substantial research or evidence that shows that it works, she said.

That's "a key issue for long Covid," she said, because the illness is so new and still poorly understood.

"Research, just like everything with Covid, is all new," she said. "Nobody really quite knows what works and nobody really understands why some people have it longer than others."

To be sure, as of 2021, there are diagnostic codes for long Covid  key tools used by doctors to characterize medical diagnoses for insurance coverage, said Dr. Alan Kwan, a cardiologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Those codes, however, don't always cover the myriad health problems linked to long Covid, he said.

POTS, for example, does not have a standardized diagnostic code and has only recently been linked to Covid.

Doctors may work hard to get a patient a formal diagnosis for long Covid to help with insurance, though there isn't an official test for long Covid and the testing that is done may not be covered by insurance.

Some patients may eventually get coverage after submitting an appeal to their insurance, but usually not before shelling out hundreds of dollars, Kwan said.

Others may not be so lucky and may be forced to pay for most of their care out of pocket.

That's what happened to Amy Cook, 51, of Orange County, California.

Amy Cook. (Courtesy Amy Cook)

In May, she got Covid, which caused her multiple long-term health problems including chest congestion, erratic heart rate, headaches and visual impairment.

Cook, who works a full-time job as a chief operating officer for a consulting agency, said she was bedbound for four months because of her long Covid symptoms.

Around October, her doctor recommended that she try naltrexone, a drug used for opioid addiction that has shown promise in lifting long Covid symptoms, as well as hyperbaric oxygen. Both therapies are being tested in clinical trials as potential treatments for the condition, though neither is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the illness.

Aetna, her insurance provider, declined to cover most of the cost of the treatments.

Im at $28,000 to date and I have more treatments coming up, Cook said of her out-of-pocket expenses.

Cook said shes currently in a financial position to be able to self-fund the treatments, although she still hasnt recovered from her illness and the expenses could easily grow.

I dont know when Ill be able to stop, she said.

In a statement, Alex Kepnes, a spokesperson for Aetna, said there is no single definition for long Covid and that coverage decisions "are based on medical necessity and evidence-based guidelines."

"We are focused and committed to providing our members with access to care and treatments for medically necessary services to help them address their conditions and improve their health," he said.

What can be done?

Johnson, of the Tennessee Justice Center, said a patient can improve their chances of insurance approving their claim by making sure they have a plan before they even enter the doctor's office.

Her guidance:

Ask how much the care will cost.

Ask the doctor to explain clearly on insurance paperwork exactly why the care was needed.

Working with a doctor can be "very effective," Johnson said, as they are usually trained to know what meets insurance providers' standards for coverage.

If that doesn't work, and insurance denies the patient's claim, the patient can appeal the decision, she said. Under the Affordable Care Act, all health insurance must have an external appeal process that allows a patient to challenge the provider's verdict.

The idea that you could deny services without an opportunity for appeal is no longer true, she said.

If still unsuccessful at this point, patients may begin to panic, Johnson said, because the outstanding bill can be taken to collections and patients can take a hit on their credit score. Providers often provide a very short time window for payment, and appeals often take months.

Maness, of California, said she's panicked at least once when her insurance provider took too long to get back to her on an appeal and ended up shelling out hundreds of dollars toward her bill.

What a patient does after that will depend on their health insurance, Johnson said.

People with Medicaid, for example, can take the claim to court if they feel the denial was unjustified. For people on private insurance, it's less clear what they can do, but one option is to contact the state's Department of Commerce and Insurance, which regulates insurance companies.

Johnson suggested patients frame their complaint saying, "You've licensed this insurance to do this in our state and they're denying essential benefits consistently."

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This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Key Insights

The projected fair value for Environmental Group is AU$0.22 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

Environmental Group's AU$0.22 share price indicates it is trading at similar levels as its fair value estimate

Industry average discount to fair value of 13% suggests Environmental Group's peers are currently trading at a higher discount

In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of The Environmental Group Limited (ASX:EGL) by estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. We will take advantage of the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model for this purpose. Models like these may appear beyond the comprehension of a lay person, but they're fairly easy to follow.

Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. If you still have some burning questions about this type of valuation, take a look at the Simply Wall St analysis model.

Check out our latest analysis for Environmental Group

Is Environmental Group Fairly Valued?

We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars:

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10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF (A$, Millions) AU$2.10m AU$3.40m AU$3.90m AU$4.27m AU$4.57m AU$4.83m AU$5.05m AU$5.23m AU$5.40m AU$5.55m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ 9.41% Est @ 7.16% Est @ 5.59% Est @ 4.49% Est @ 3.73% Est @ 3.19% Est @ 2.81% Present Value (A$, Millions) Discounted @ 8.0% AU$1.9 AU$2.9 AU$3.1 AU$3.1 AU$3.1 AU$3.0 AU$2.9 AU$2.8 AU$2.7 AU$2.6

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = AU$28m

The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after the first stage. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (1.9%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 8.0%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032  (1 + g)  (r  g) = AU$5.6m (1 + 1.9%)  (8.0% 1.9%) = AU$94m

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= AU$94m ( 1 + 8.0%)10= AU$43m

The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is AU$72m. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of AU$0.2, the company appears about fair value at a 1.1% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Valuations are imprecise instruments though, rather like a telescope - move a few degrees and end up in a different galaxy. Do keep this in mind.

dcf

The Assumptions

We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Environmental Group as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 8.0%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.018. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

SWOT Analysis for Environmental Group

Strength

Debt is not viewed as a risk.

Weakness

Earnings growth over the past year underperformed the Machinery industry.

Shareholders have been diluted in the past year.

Opportunity

Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the Australian market.

Current share price is below our estimate of fair value.

Threat

No apparent threats visible for EGL.

Next Steps:

Although the valuation of a company is important, it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. For Environmental Group, there are three additional items you should assess:

Risks: For example, we've discovered 3 warning signs for Environmental Group that you should be aware of before investing here. Future Earnings: How does EGL's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Australian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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LOS ANGELES (AP)  Los Angeles police on Thursday identified the suspect who allegedly shot and wounded three officers as a 32-year-old wanted parolee who was found dead hours after the standoff.

The officers, all senior officers and members of a Los Angeles Police Department K-9 dog-handling unit, were expected to survive their injuries after Wednesday's shooting in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood near downtown. Two were expected to be released from the hospital Thursday while the third, who was in stable condition, will remain for more treatment.

The gunman was identified as Jonathan Magana. He was on parole at the time of the shooting following a prison sentence for two counts of second-degree robbery, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

The coroner's office will determine whether he died by suicide or was shot by police during the confrontation.

The board of directors for the Los Angeles Police Protective League, the union that represents the LAPD's rank-and-file, in a statement Thursday said the three officers are on the path to a full physical recovery.

Although we believe they will recover physically, each of these officers will live with the memory of almost losing their lives at the hands of a wanted fugitive in a hail of gunfire," the board wrote. "What occurred last night to these Metropolitan Division K-9 officers happens all too often to law enforcement officers and is a stark reminder of the inherent danger every officer faces when they put on their uniform each day.

Magana was released to parole supervision in April 2022 after completing about two years of a five-year sentence for the Los Angeles County robbery conviction, according to the California prisons department. He was released early because he received credits under good conduct and program participation guidelines.

He had previously been convicted of possession of ammunition by a former felon and possession of a firearm by a felon in separate cases, the corrections agency said.

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It was not immediately clear why the LAPD officers were looking for Magana on Wednesday. Additional details were not released.

The LAPD sincerely appreciates the enormous outpouring of care and concern from the community, elected leaders, and our public safety partners, the department said Thursday on Twitter. We will provide further information at the appropriate time, as this is still an ongoing investigation.

On Wednesday, LAPD officers were looking for a parolee at large, later identified as Magana, around 4 p.m. But when they found him, he was barricaded in a shed and refused to obey commands to surrender, the department said. Attempts to de-escalate the situation were unsuccessful, police said.

K-9 officers were called in to help, and the officers used what police described as a gas chemical agent in another effort to force Magana to surrender.

Unfortunately, that suspect responded to that chemical agent by opening the shed and opening fire on the officers, hitting three of them, Los Angeles Police Cmdr. Stacy Spell said during a news conference Wednesday.

SWAT robots were sent in to keep an eye on the suspect, and one fired gas into the shed.

The situation ended shortly before 9 p.m. Police later said the suspect was found and pronounced dead at the scene.
A Louisiana man whose murder conviction was tossed out after the Supreme Court ruled that verdicts for serious crimes must be unanimous has been found not guilty at his second trial.

The New Orleans jury's verdict that exonerated Evangelisto Ramos, 50, on Wednesday was unanimous.

Jubilant defense attorney Sarah Chervinsky said the verdict, which was reached after less than four hours of deliberation, was another repudiation of a Jim Crow-era system that was designed to maintain white supremacy in Louisiana.

Evangelisto Ramos. (Courtesy Chervinsky Law)

This verdict cements Evangelisto Ramos legacy, not only for ending unconstitutional Jim Crow juries but also as a symbol for the countless others who have been wrongfully convicted by an unjust system from a bygone era, Chervinsky told reporters.

In an interview Thursday en route to pick up Ramos from the Orleans Justice Center, Chervinsky said he has been behind bars continuously since he was arrested in February 2015.

"The best way I can describe his reaction after the verdict was that he was finally at peace," she said. "This has been a long and grueling journey."

Ramos was born in Honduras and spent most of his adult life in New Orleans. "He's been in touch with his family in both places and has been talking about what he plans to do with the rest of his life," Chervinsky said.

Ramos was convicted in 2016 of second-degree murder in the killing two years earlier of a woman whose body was found dumped in a municipal trash can.

The jury in Ramos' first trial was divided 10-2, and he was sentenced to life in prison. At the time, that would have resulted in a mistrial in 48 other states outside Louisiana and Oregon.

Ramos' lawyers took his case to the Supreme Court, which ruled by a 6-3 vote in 2020 that the Sixth Amendment right to a jury trial requires unanimous verdicts.

The ruling came two years after Louisiana changed its law to require unanimous verdicts. But while it outlawed nonunanimous verdicts in the state, the new law did not reverse previous split-jury convictions like Ramos'.

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So Ramos remained behind bars awaiting a new trial, Chervinsky said.

Ramos' second trial concluded Wednesday after three days of testimony, with all 12 jurors in agreement that Orleans Parish prosecutors failed to prove that he stabbed Trenice Fedison to death in 2014, Chervinsky said.

CORRECTION (March 9, 2023, 3:55 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article misstated when Evangelisto Ramos was arrested. It was 2015, not 2014.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Louisville Metro Police cruisers are seen surrounding a crime scene involving a shooting injury on September 1, 2021 in Louisville, Kentucky. Louisville has experienced a surge in violent crime over the past year and a half, exacerbated by a shrinking police force and, city officials say, officers under increased scrutiny who are more reluctant to carry out duties. Jon Cherry/Getty Images

The Department of Justice released a report Wednesday on the Louisville Metro PD's pattern of abuse.

In one instance, the DOJ wrote that LMPD officers bullied and injured a man in a health crisis.

The investigation was launched after LMPD officers killed Breonna Taylor during a raid.

Louisville Metro Police Department officers tormented locals experiencing behavioral health crises on numerous occasions, according to a scathing new report by the US Department of Justice.

On Wednesday, the DOJ published its findings from a two-year investigation into LMPD after officers killed Breonna Taylor during a raid in 2020. According to the report, LMPD officers toyed with one man experiencing a behavioral health crisis, and later physically abused him.

"In one encounter, responding officers mocked his delusions, called the situation 'fucking ridiculous,' and told him they could not solve crimes because 'we have to keep coming to see you for stupid shit,'" the report stated. "The officers made sexually inappropriate comments, including one officer telling another, 'Put your finger in his butt.'"

Interim LMPD Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel said in a statement that "this is a challenging and pivotal point for our city, our department, and our officers."

"Now that the DOJ has concluded their investigation and presented their findings, we will continue our efforts in improving public safety in Louisville and making LMPD the premier police department in the country," Gwinn-Villaroel said. "We are committed to ensuring police practices not only reflect constitutional principles, but the values of the communities served by LMPD. We recognize that the process of reform is complex and will require sustained effort."

The 90-page report features a laundry list of police abuses and noted that the city's mental health dispatch service, Metrosafe, was frequently not activated when it should have been. The man who officers berated was later restrained as he attempted to enter a psychiatric hospital.

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"As the officers took him to a psychiatric hospital, the officers taunted him for going to the hospital and called him a 'real fucking winner,'" the report stated. "The officers' behavior escalated the situation, and when the man attempted to enter the hospital before it was time to do so, officers took him down and restrained him, leading to an injury."

Sam Aguiar, an attorney for the family of Breonna Taylor, said that the report showed outsiders what residents of Louisville "have known for years," according to CNN.

The LMPD "have terrorized our city and have been protected every step of the way," Aguiar said on Wednesday, per CNN. "The department's practices have allowed far too many false arrests of our citizens, injured our citizens, and killed our citizens."

Read the original article on Insider
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Perhaps youre familiar with the concept of BIFL. The acronyms everywhere now, plastered on Instagram ads for canvas chore coats, echoing like a mantra on Reddit, where users recite soliloquies to their indestructible Stanley thermoses.



If youre confused, BIFL means Buy It For Life (often pronounced biffle). Our blue-collar workers have always understood the concept. Wheat farmers and Smoke Jumpers go for indefinitely rebuildable Nicks Handmade Boots, while professional mechanics spring for indestructible SK hand tools. The one percent know BIFL too. Patek Philippe wristwatches, as the ads say, exist merely to hand off to the next generation. Hundred-year heirlooms are rarely fragile.

But lately, that set of purchasing values has extended to, well, everyone. Seattle hipsters all sport a rugged $400 Filson canvas pack (myself included), built to withstand the rigors of backcountry work. Likewise, actual backwoods folks pack their truck beds with thousand-dollar YETI coolers for chill weekends at the lake.

Marketing has applied a BIFL shellack to every object, whether a mechanical pencil, a washing machine, or a plunger. Its an alluring value system in an age when Americans can afford less than ever, when every dollar spent needs to go further.

It's also a value system thats easily packaged and sold to us, an antidote to the shoddily made, disposable crap piling up in our attics. BIFL offers a hit of satisfaction the short term (buying nice things feels good!), and according to one principle (sorta maybe) established by Sam Vimes, saves you money in the long term.

Maybe thats why I bought a new Toyota Tacoma in 2020regularly lauded as a BIFL hero (though not quite as lauded as the Japanese-built 4Runner and Land Cruiser). I needed a truck and, from personal experience, knew a Toyota would go the distance. So I ponied up four times what Id paid for any other car before and bought the Tacoma. With that huge cost sunk, I made a promise: this would be my truck for life.

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But the why of that promise weighed on my mind last weekend.

Three-ish years after its original purchase, with 25,000 miles on the clock, the Tacoma was due for yet another oil change. Like a true BIFL-er, Ive kept the truck on 5,000-mile oil change intervals, twice as frequent as Toyotas maintenance schedule suggests; when you lay down big for a BIFL item, theres added pressure to maintain that item with religious devotion.

So I grabbed from a set of BIFL-approved, Made-In-America Craftsmen tools, and emptied the transmission fluid by accident. Because Im an idiot.

See, the transmissions 14-mm drain plug sits on the other side of the Tacomas front crossmember, where the 14-mm oil drain plug lives. After cracking the plug open, I realized the mistake within seconds, but couldnt turn back. Im a rather adventurous mechanic, but also scatterbrained, an amateur in every sense of the word.

It was all my fault; I vowed to maintain this truck with my own hands and intend to follow through. Dealership mechanics once destroyed the engine on my wifes Civic. When you own a BIFL truck, theres no leaving longevity to chance.

So the quick project turned into a longer one, as it always does in my garage. Leveling the trans fluid without the benefit of a factory diagnostics tool OR a transmission dipstick proved to be a fiasco (this is an absolute crime, by the way, that consumers have no reasonable way to monitor their Tacomas trans fluid level). I didnt own the correct pump for shuttling trans fluid up into the case either, so I found myself driving all over town on a Sunday, searching for a tool that might do the job. The BIFL way dictated I find a tool to last forever, even in a pinch.

After that rigamarole, I still had a routine oil change to do. Still, I finished the day with a sense of pride. On you go, my Invincible Tacoma, toward eternity. I cracked open a bottle of homemade apple cider. For once that day, Id uncorked the right thing.

Ive always had a soft spot for old stuff, objects that face time with nobility. Then, sometime around the pandemic, I became obsessed by filling my life with BIFL totems. The right Japanese chef's knife, the right American-made ratcheting end wrench, the right G-Shock.

BIFL items entice us firstly because they are expensive, well-made, desirable things. You must splurge to biffle, but the nature of well-made items allows for the splurge. Second, BIFL items do insulate us from the unique dissatisfaction of owning cheap stuff.

But how much BIFL do we really need in our lives? I wondered as I sipped. How essential is the idea, really, when its packaged and sold to us, and every item that doesn't meet BIFL standards is just begging to be replaced?

That "best-or-nothing" mindset gets expensive mindset when applied to most purchases, encouraging waste rather than resourcefulness. What happened to that old insulated mug, the one you threw out when you bought the EDC-approved Stanley thermos? Ill bet its sitting in a landfill, perfectly functional, now just trash.

BIFL focuses narrowly on items of excellence, rather than emphasizing value. Learning to cherish your humble hand-me-down folding knife becomes impossible in the face of Instagram's biffle barrage.

The challenge is to avoid applying BIFL uniformly, to avoid the marketing flood. Theres always a better item out there, and even if you do grab that BIFL grail this year, the market will replace it eventually.

For a professional mechanic, sure, that SK wrench makes sense. But for the blundering amateur like myself, Grandpa's old hand tools can indeed provide BIFL quality. Even better, used items of good quality can last a lifetime, and will put your hard-earned dollars directly into the pocket of one of your neighbors.

Followed to its all-consuming ends, BIFL drags on anyone's wallet, save the Patek Philippe types. If I could afford an item of artisanal quality at every turn, Id choose that option every time. But I cant, so I dont. Even so, the choice paralysis feels constricting when every single item you own must be parsed for its BIFL-ness.

Id rather derive joy from the smart buy than simply spunking hundreds more on the item Gear Patrol hypes up. That attitude has made me a far smarter, more informed, and frugal consumer, so that when the grail BIFL items come along that are really worth splurging for  like a new Tacoma  theres some money left in my pocket for the purchase.

Lets aim for a new mantra to replace the old; buy new things only when your old things break; get only as much tool as you need. And go see if your neighbors got that hand pump before you run off to OReillys  he doesnt have to know you pulled the wrong drain plug.

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Listen: Hear a clip from Mae Muller's Eurovision entry I Wrote A Song

Mae Muller will represent the UK at this year's Eurovision Song Contest, it has been announced.

The news was revealed on Zoe Balls show on BBC Radio 2 on Thursday, 9 March.

The 25-year-old singer will perform at the event in Liverpool with her track I Wrote A Song, becoming the UK's first female solo Eurovision act in five years.

Read more: How many times has the UK won Eurovision?

It comes after rumours that Muller had been selected by BBC bosses and global management company TaP Music.

The singer revealed herself on the show, exclaiming: "Oh my God I have been wanting to say that for months!"

Mae Muller will represent the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023. (BBC/Harry Carr/Capitol/EMI)

Muller told Ball and presenter Rylan that she had known for two months and that it had been tough to keep the secret to herself.

"That has been on my lips and in my brain and in my soul and it my nails!" she cried.

Muller, who was still working at a pub when she landed her first publishing deal, let slip a few details about her performance and costume, saying it was "already looking insane".

Mae Muller will perform I Wrote A Song. (Redferns)

Her song was also played on the station and Ball said it was "a winner".

The pop star said of the song: "I wrote the song a few months ago when I was going through a hard time and wanted to feel empowered about relationships, so for it to be chosen for this years UK Eurovision song is honestly a dream!

Last year Eurovision was won by Ukrainian act Kalush Orchestra, with the UKs Sam Ryder runner-up.

Sam Ryder was runner up at the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest 2022. (REUTERS)

This years contest should have been held in Ukraine, in keeping with the tradition that sees the event staged in the country of the previous years winner.

But it will be held in Liverpool this year amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Our UK artist for #Eurovision2023 is the incredible @maemuller_! 



Here she is with the official video for her #Eurovision track, 'I Wrote A Song'  pic.twitter.com/ypzFj7edJt  BBC Eurovision (@bbceurovision) March 9, 2023

Semi finals will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Tuesday 9 May and Thursday 11 May at 8pm.

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Read more: When is Eurovision 2023? Everything we know as BBC hosts announced

The Grand Final will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer and via BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds on Saturday 13 May from 8pm.

Watch: Eurovision final tickets sell out in 36 minutes
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP)  A Maine vegan whose custom license plate contains the word tofu is one of the motorists caught in a state crackdown on vulgar tags.

Car owners across the United States can pay an extra fee to customize license plates, sparking creativity and personality but causing headaches for state officials who have to decide whats acceptable.

Maine had for several years allowed people to put just about any combination of letters and numbers on their vehicle plates, including words and phrases that other states would ban. But the state decided to change course and this year recalled 274 plates it deemed inappropriate.

Some people are fighting back.

So far the state has rejected all of the appeals, including one brought by the vegan whose license plate referenced tofu.

The state concluded the license plate LUVTOFU couldve been seen as a reference to sex instead of admiration for bean curd. The motorist insisted there was no mistaking his intent because the back of his car had several tofu-related stickers.

Its my protest against eating meat and animal products, Peter Starostecki, the disappointed motorist, said after a zoom session with a hearing examiner for the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

Heather Libby and her best friend grudgingly gave up their matching license plates that contained a word for a female dog.

People are so sensitive nowadays, said Libby, of Jonesport, after a hearing examiner rejected her appeal. I just think its foolish.

When the state effectively ended the review process for so-called vanity license plates in 2015, some residents filled their plates with all manner of profanities, including F-bombs, either spelled out or abbreviated.

Residents in a state known for being laconic and even-tempered soon were sporting uncensored plates pairing the F-word with snow, haters, and ALS,  the incurable neurodegenerative disease.

After license plate freedoms spiraled out of control, the Maine Legislature directed the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to reestablish a system for vetting the states roughly 120,000 vanity license plates.

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The new rules ban derogatory references to age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion or disability. Also banned is language that incites violence, or is considered obscene.

Restored as censors, Maines vehicular officials now walk a similar tightrope as their colleagues in other states.

In 2020, a federal judge ruled that Californias ban on plates that are offensive to good taste and decency was overly broad, and violated constitutional rights to free speech. Earlier this year, Texas officials rejected a license plate similar to Starosteckis  LVTOFU  leading to rebukes from an animal rights group.

Maines rules were narrowly crafted to pass legal muster, officials said.

Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said motorists have the freedom to express themselves, but she said that they should do it on a bumper sticker, not a state-issued license plate.

We have a public interest in keeping phrases and words that are profane or may incite violence off the roadways, she said.

She said shes happy that most motorists have relinquished their objectionable license plates without a fight. So far, there have been only 13 appeals, but there could be more.

If a motorist loses an appeal to a hearing examiner, then they can sue in Superior Court. So far, no one has taken that step.

As for Starostecki, he was offered another license plate that had become available, V3GAN. But he decided he was done with vanity plates. Hes awaiting a new license plate  a boring one randomly selected by the state.

Libby, who lost her B-word plate, got a custom plate celebrating her dog Zeus, named for the mythical god of thunder. That could be offensive to someone because its a Greek god, she quipped. But I hope not.

___

Follow David Sharp on Twitter @David_Sharp_AP
Majorities of Americans in both parties said they disagree with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greenes (R-Ga.) recent call for a national divorce between Republican- and Democratic-led states, according to a new poll released on Wednesday.

Sixty-nine percent of Democrats and 60 percent of Republicans in the Economist-YouGov poll said they strongly or somewhat disagree with Greenes statement.

A majority on both sides of the aisle also said they would vote against a referendum to secede in their own state, with 67 percent of Democrats and 55 percent of Republicans saying as much.

However, Americans in the poll were split on whether states have a right to secede. The largest portion  43 percent  said states do not have a right to secede from the union, while 31 percent said they do and 25 percent said they were unsure.

Republicans were more likely than Democrats to say that states have a right to secede, 38 percent to 22 percent, the poll found.

Greene called for a national divorce in a tweet last month in order to separate by red states and blue states and shrink the federal government.

From the sick and disgusting woke culture issues shoved down our throats to the Democrats traitorous America Last policies, we are done, she said in the tweet.

This is not the first time the Georgia congresswoman has called for a national divorce. In a December 2021 tweet, Greene suggested that Democratic voters and donors resulted in the ruin of California and need a cooling off period before they can move to Florida.

All possible in a National Divorce scenario, she said. After Democrat voters and big donors ruin a state like California, you would think it wise to stop them from doing it to another great state like Florida. Brainwashed people that move from CA and NY really need a cooling off period.

The Economist-YouGov poll was conducted March 4-7 with 1,500 U.S. adults and had a margin of error of 3.2 percentage points.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Deputies have arrested a suspect in connection with a shooting that left two people dead and two others seriously injured Monday morning in Sacramento County.

Robbene Luke Bryson, 31, was booked early Thursday morning into the Sacramento County Main Jail downtown on charges of homicide, attempted murder, possession of a firearm by a felon and animal cruelty, jail records show.

He was arrested in connection with a shooting Monday on Rogue River Drive in the countys La Riviera neighborhood, Sacramento County Sheriffs Office spokesman Sgt. Amar Gandhi said.

The Sheriffs Office in statements earlier this week said four gunshot victims were found inside a home on Rogue River Drive following an anonymous, incomplete 911 call around 1:15 a.m. Monday.

Two of the victims were pronounced dead at the scene, and two others were transported to hospitals with life-threatening injuries.

The two wounded victims were alive but still in critical condition at hospitals as of Wednesday evening, Gandhi said.

The two deceased victims have been identified by the Sacramento County Coroners Office as Jack Vernon James Jr., 59, and Vicki Lynn Bright, 66, both of Sacramento.

Bryson was arrested Wednesday in Nevada County, Gandhi said.

The circumstances surrounding Mondays quadruple shooting are still being determined, Gandhi said, and the investigation by homicide detectives remains active.
An Allapattah man is behind bars after being accused of beating another man to death with a chunk of broken sidewalk.

Albert William Bethea was arrested and charged with second-degree murder on Tuesday. The 58-year-old is being held at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center without bond.

The charges allegedly stem back to Jan. 25, when police found a man bleeding from his head near Northwest 2nd Avenue and Northwest 8th Street in Overtown.

Witnesses told police that they saw a man walking past Bethea when  unprovoked  he sucker punched Bethea, according to a police report. Bethea subsequently dashed toward a piece of broken sidewalk and bashed in the victims head with it four times.

At this point, police say, the victim was no longer a threat to Bethea.

But he didnt stop there, per the report. Bethea then tossed the broken piece of sidewalk, instead opting to stomp on the victims head with his boots.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue transported the victim, who suffered a brain bleed, to Ryder Trauma Center. He died on Sunday, more than five weeks after the attack.

A witness told police they saw Bethea beating the victim. A hospital nurse, the witness shoved Bethea out of the way to give first aid to the victim.

Another witness reported that Bethea walked past him, blurting out: I did not shoot him.

At some point, Bethea was detained in a nearby park. Miami-Dade police say he had blood all over his body: on the right side of his head, his pant legs and his boots.

Police collected the chunk of sidewalk and the bloody boots, according to the report. One of the four witnesses identified Bethea as the attacker.
A 39-year-old man was charged Wednesday with aggravated sexual assault and kidnapping in connection with a report by a woman who told police she was abducted at knifepoint from a Collinsville shopping center parking lot and sexually assaulted in the Troy area.

Timothy J. Dubois Jr. of Shobonier, Illinois, was arrested Monday in Shobonier, which is south of Vandalia, according to Lt. Mark Kuechle of the Collinsville Police Department. The alleged attack occurred in November.

Dubois faces 10 counts of sexual assault and kidnapping charges. He was being held with no bond as ordered by Judge Neil Schroeder.

Kuechle said he could not comment on how investigators developed the case against Dubois.

Since November 11, 2022, investigators from the Collinsville Police Department have engaged in a relentless pursuit of the suspect in this case, the Collinsville Police Department said in a news release.

Dubois faces two counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault, enhanced with a 16-70 year sentencing range; two counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault-Class X; four counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault-Class 2; and two counts of aggravated kidnapping-Class X.

The circumstances of this abduction and sexual assault were unusually alarming  broad daylight, 7 a.m., in a vibrant business district, and an attacker who was unknown to the victim, Madison County States Attorney Tom Haine said in a statement.

The victim told police she was in the Collinsville Crossing shopping center near the intersection of Interstate 55-70 and Illinois 157 at about 7:05 a.m. on Nov. 11 when a man approached her vehicle while she was waiting for an online order to be brought to her. The man had a knife and forced her to drive to the Troy area, where he sexually assaulted her, police said.

The suspect then drove the victim in her car back to the Collinsville shopping center and fled on foot at about 7:51 a.m.

Haine urged anyone with information about Dubois to contact the Collinsville Police Department at 618-344-2131.

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We continue to pray for the healing and strength of the victim in this case, Haine said in his statement. Due to the circumstances of the crime, we requested that the defendant be held with no bond. He will remain in custody until a hearing Friday on our request that he remain behind bars while awaiting trial.

Haine and the Collinsville Police Department thanked all of the local, state and federal agencies that assisted in the investigation.

The investigation that led to todays charges was a testament to good old-fashioned police work combined with investigative techniques that are highly innovative  truly on the cutting edge, he said.
A man was taken to a hospital after he was shot in North Versailles on Wednesday.

According to Allegheny County police, North Versailles dispatchers were notified of a shooting in the 800 block of Westbury Road at 5:55 p.m.

Once on scene, first responders found the victim, who had been shot in the arms and legs.

He was taken to a hospital and is expected to survive.

Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to call Allegheny County police at 1-833-ALL-TIPS.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

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A man booked in a Florida county jail posted $100 bail and was illegally detained for more than 12 hours overnight, a federal lawsuit says. Five days later, he said he ended up in the emergency room.

Neville Brooks bail was set at a lower than typical amount due to concerns he could catch COVID-19 if he were not promptly released from Marion County Jail in Ocala, about 80 miles northwest of Orlando, according to the lawsuit. His detainment took place during the early months of the pandemic in August 2020.

During his booking, the Marion County Sheriffs Office gave him a discolored, cloth mask  revealing it was used and not cleaned properly, a complaint filed in January says.

Brooks, 59, got infected with the coronavirus during his stay in jail and severe symptoms sent him to a hospitals emergency room where he tested positive, according to the complaint. There, he said he was diagnosed with COVID-19 and bilateral pneumonia.

Now the Marion County Sheriffs Office will pay Brooks $150,000 in damages to settle the lawsuit after authorities wrongfully suspected he was in the U.S. illegally, according to a March news release from the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, which filed the lawsuit on Brooks behalf.

The sheriffs office kept him detained longer than needed because he was born in Jamaica and referred him to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to the lawsuit, which named Sheriff Billy Woods and Corporal Jason Lester as defendants.

ICE ultimately told the sheriffs office that Brooks had a green card, so there was no reason for his extended detainment and he wasnt deportable, the complaint says.

I filed this lawsuit because I felt a responsibility to help make sure the Sheriffs Office does not treat anyone else the way they treated me, Brooks said in a statement.

Timothy McCourt, an attorney for the sheriffs office, told McClatchy News in a statement that Brooks not being released when he posted his bond was not due to our policies and procedures, but rather was the result of an employee overlooking an email from ICE that they did not wish to take action against Mr. Brooks.

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More on the case

In Marion County, authorities can only detain a person for ICE if the agency has an active detention request for the individual, the complaint notes.

Brooks was born in Jamaica and legally lives in Florida, where he works as a certified nursing assistant and is pursuing a nursing degree, according to the complaint.

The evening of Aug. 11, 2020, he was accused of battery and arrested by Ocala police, but the charge against him was soon dropped, the complaint says. The charge was dismissed because a victim didnt want him to be prosecuted, McCourt told McClatchy News.

After Brooks was booked in jail around 12 a.m. on Aug. 12, his family posted bond for him around 11:41 a.m., the complaint says. About five hours later, the Sheriffs Office sent a fax to ICE asking if the agency had a detention request for him, according to the complaint.

At around 8:10 p.m., Lester emailed ICE and said Brooks posted bond and is ready for the agency even though ICE never issued a detainer, administrative warrant, or any other request or authorization to the Sheriff to detain Mr. Brooks, the complaint says.

Brooks wouldnt be released until 8:22 a.m. on Aug. 13 after an ICE official responded via email alerting the sheriffs office that they didnt want to detain Brooks, according to the complaint and the sheriffs offices attorney.

Had our policies and procedures been followed, Mr. Brooks would have been released when his bond was posted, McCourt said.

Brooks COVID infection

The lawsuit argues Brooks extended time in jail exposed him to COVID-19  which he was at high-risk for severe complications due to having blood pressure and a BMI over 30  and that he hadnt been infected prior to his booking.

Brooks was placed in the jails crowded, high-risk general population area where roughly 50 people were detained, the complaint notes.

After Brooks was released, he began feeling fatigued and weak in his limbs, had a fever and a loss of appetite, according to the complaint.

He arrived at an emergency room for treatment on Aug. 18 when he was told he had both COVID-19 and pneumonia, the complaint says.

Pneumonia is a possible health consequence of a COVID-19 infection.

Upon Brooks release from the ER, he quarantined, couldnt work for roughly two weeks and was coughing for months after his COVID-19 infection went away, according to the complaint.

The $150,000 hes been awarded is going toward his attorney fees and other costs, according to the ACLU. The Southern Poverty Law Center and Zuckerman Spaeder LLP also represented Brooks in the case.

Since Brooks detainment, the sheriffs office has made changes to its policies, Sheriff Woods told McClatchy News in a statement.

We continue to refer inmates to ICE, except now we are doing that more efficiently using automated systems, instead of relying on sending faxes, Woods said. Our updated policies were developed by my legal team in consultation with ICE to ensure that we do everything we can to help enforce immigration law while also ensuring we act entirely within the bounds of the Constitution.

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HUNTSVILLE, Texas (AP)  Texas has executed an inmate convicted of the drug-related killings of four people more than 30 years ago, including a woman who was 9-months pregnant.

Arthur Brown Jr., 52, insisted he was innocent before receiving a lethal injection Thursday evening at the state penitentiary in Huntsville. He was condemned for the June 1992 slayings, which took place in a Houston home during a drug robbery.

Authorities said Brown was part of a ring that shuttled drugs from Texas to Alabama and had bought drugs from Jose Tovar and his wife Rachel Tovar.

Killed during the drug robbery were 32-year-old Jose Tovar; his wifes 17-year-old son, Frank Farias; 19-year-old Jessica Quinones, the pregnant girlfriend of another son of Rachel Tovar; and 21-year-old neighbor Audrey Brown. All four had been tied up and shot in the head. Rachel Tovar and another person were also shot but survived.

I dont see how anybody could have just killed a pregnant woman and then made her suffer so much. Its just beyond words, Quinones older sister, Maricella Quinones, said before the execution.

Brown was the fifth inmate put to death in Texas this year and the ninth in the U.S. His execution was the second of two in Texas this week. Another inmate, Gary Green, was executed Tuesday for killing his estranged wife and her young daughter.

Brown was defiant in his final statement.

What is happening here tonight isnt justice, he said. Its the murder of another innocent man.

He said hed proved his innocence but the courts blocked me.

The state hid the evidence so long and good that my own attorneys couldnt find it, he said in a loud voice, looking at the ceiling of the death chamber while strapped to a gurney and not making any eye contact with a half-dozen relatives of his victims who watched through a window a few feet from him.

As the lethal dose of the sedative pentobarbital took effect, he took two deep breaths, gasped and then began snoring. After six snores all movement stopped. He was pronounced dead 17 minutes later, at 6:37 p.m.

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Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, who was among the execution witnesses, disputed Browns claims of innocence.

He has been the beneficiary of a judicial system that bent over backward at the local, state and federal levels, all the way to the United States Supreme Court, who have all affirmed his conviction and sentence, she said.

Three members of Jessica Quinones family, including her mother, also were among the witnesses and released a statement saying the day was neither one of joy nor celebration but profound relief and gratitude.

After 30 years of anguish and uncertainty, we are finally able to rest knowing the monster who destroyed so many lives will never again torment the body or soul of another, they said.

The U.S. Supreme Court earlier Thursday declined an appeal from Browns attorneys to halt the execution. They had argued that Brown was exempt from execution because he was intellectually disabled, a claim disputed by prosecutors. The high court has prohibited the death penalty for the intellectually disabled.

Mr. Browns intellectual limitations were known to his friends and family. ... Individuals that knew Mr. Brown over the course of his life have described him consistently as slow, his attorneys wrote in their petition to the Supreme Court.

One of Browns accomplices in the shootings, Marion Dudley, was executed in 2006. A third partner was sentenced to life in prison.

Brown, who was from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, had long maintained another person committed the killings.

Browns attorneys had previously filed other appeals that had been rejected by lower courts. They argued he was innocent and that a witness actually implicated another suspect. They also claimed Browns conviction was tainted by racial bias, alleging one of the jurors decided he was guilty because he was Black.

A judge in Houston on Tuesday denied a request by Browns attorneys for DNA testing of evidence that they said could have exonerated their client.

Josh Reiss, chief of the Post-Conviction Writs Division with the Harris County District Attorneys Office in Houston, called Browns last-minute appeals a delay tactic.

Reiss said school records submitted at Browns trial showed while the inmate was initially thought to possibly be intellectually disabled in the third grade, by ninth grade that was no longer the case. The prosecutor also said Browns claims of innocence were problematic as the other suspect alleged to be the killer was found by investigators to not have been in Houston at the time.

It was an absolutely brutal mass murder, Reiss said, adding: These families deserve justice.

Maricella Quinones said her sister was an innocent victim who wasnt aware the Tovars were dealing drugs from the home. She said her mother also blames the Tovars for what happened.

My mothers not the same since my sister passed away, she said.

She described her sister as a very loving, caring person who had looked forward to being a mother.

She said her family would likely never get closure.

We lost two persons. Alyssa never got a chance at life, she said, referring to her sisters unborn child.

Brown was one of six Texas death row inmates participating in a lawsuit seeking to stop the states prison system from using what they allege are expired and unsafe execution drugs. Despite a civil court judge in Austin preliminarily agreeing with the claims, five of the inmates have been executed this year.

___

Follow Juan A. Lozano on Twitter at https://twitter.com/juanlozano70.
Police lights

A man was fatally struck by a semitruck on Wednesday in Yuma County after a police chase that started with multiple carjackings, police said.

Police said they suspect Alfredo Panduro Zendejas, 44, of stealing firearms and vehicles before the fatal police chase where he reportedly fired at an Arizona Department of Public Safety vehicle.

At around 7:45 a.m., the Yuma County Sheriff's Office received a report about the theft of a large water truck and the theft of two firearms near Araby Road and County 9 Street in Yuma, Yuma police said. Sometime before 9:12 a.m., police said Zendejas threatened a woman with a gun while trying to carjack her on East 40th Street near East County 12th Street.

Around 10 a.m., police said they believe Zendejas carjacked an Acura in an Arizona Western College parking lot, having threatened another woman with a gun and leaving behind the stolen water truck, according to police. The stolen Acura was spotted around 10:41 a.m. in the area of 16th Street and Pacific Avenue, police detailed.

Somerton police pursued the Acura around 3:57 p.m. northbound on Avenue 3E, with law enforcement from other agencies joining the chase, according to Yuma police. The pursuit pushed onto Interstate 8 eastbound to Foothills Boulevard, then westbound on North Frontage Road, going south on Avenue 8E and eastbound on South Frontage Road, police detailed.

While on South Frontage, there was a crash at Fortuna Road, but the Acura continued to Foothills Boulevard, west on North Frontage Road and then north on Fortuna Road to Highway 95 westbound, according to police.

At 16th Street and Pate Drive, police said Zendejas abandoned the Acura and fled on foot northbound and shot at a DPS vehicle.

Police said Zendejas then carjacked a Hyundai Accent sedan from a woman in her 70s on East 15th Place near East Monroe Street. During the carjacking, he shot a gun twice near the woman and a passenger, according to police. Neither were injured, police added.

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Law enforcement continued to pursue Zendejas until he crashed into a semitruck at the intersection of County 15th Street and Avenue 3E, according to police.

Zendejas was pronounced dead on the scene, police said.

There were no other reported injuries from the crash. Police said Zendejas had "an extensive violent criminal history."

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Yuma police at 928-373-4700 or call 928-78C-RIME (2-7463) to remain anonymous. Information leading to an arrest may earn tipsters a $1,000 cash reward.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Man killed by semitruck in Yuma police chase after reported carjackings
Norman Reggie Houston Jr., a gay wedding planner, is dealing with serious injuries after he was beaten by bouncers at a Texas nightclub.

Speaking to Fox 26, Houston said he was attending an LGBTQ-themed event with friends at Hamburger Marys on Saturday when he was attacked.

The post Man Left With Serious Injuries After Being Beaten By Bouncers At LGBTQ Event At Texas Nightclub appeared first on Blavity.

Houston said he and his friends were trying to leave the club when security told them they had to wait. The wedding planner said he then jokingly picked up a bottle of alcohol by the bar and told his friends he needed a drink for the wait time.

Houston added that he never actually took a drink from the bottle.

Probably not even a few minutes later I saw an African American malereally buff with long hair coming at me with two other guys. The only thing I remember, the words he said were you said something to my sister? Then he hit me and thats all I remember, Houston told Fox 26.

Video of the incident, which went viral, shows one bouncer holding Houston in a choke hold and another guard punching him in the face at least 11 times.

The Texas man was left with an injured throat, as well as bloody and bruised eyes and a broken leg.

Carl A. Moore, Houstons attorney, told Fox 26 that he has been reaching out to Hamburger Marys repeatedly, but has not received a response. The attorney adds that he he plans to work closely with the DAs office to bring criminal charges.
A person filmed in a May 2022 YouTube video showcasing the Kia Boyz faces trial in Milwaukee next week.

The roughly 16-minute video follows a host called "Tommy G" as he spends time talking with residents about a group known as the "Kia Boyz." The group earned the moniker because they primarily targeted Kias and Hyundais. The video has been viewed millions of times.

Here is what you need to know about the trial, vehicle thefts and reckless driving in Milwaukee.

Who are the "Kia Boyz"?

Milwaukee has long had a reckless-driving problem  but in 2021, police and other officials began focusing on a troubling new angle: people as young as 12 years old stealing cars and using them for joyriding and driving dangerously.

At the time, Ald. Michael Murphy said it is not uncommon for law enforcement to find children between the ages of 12 and 14 in stolen cars as many as four separate times.

In late 2021, some began using the hashtags #theKiaboys and #Kiaboyz to post videos of themselves driving on sidewalks at MPS schools, running red lights, and leading police on high-speed chases.

Others videos also demonstrate a method to easily gain entry to Kia and Hyundai automobiles and steal them.

The Kia Boyz videos spread across social media and led to skyrocketing car thefts in the city and similar trends popping up in cities around the country.

More:It only took two minutes for our daughter to become Milwaukee's 1,544th car theft victim of 2022

Markell Hughes charged after Kia Boys video got millions of views

Markell Hughes, now 18, of Milwaukee, was identified as one of the participants in a "Kia Boys" documentary-style video that has been viewed 6 million times on YouTube.

The roughly 16-minute video, released May 31, 2022, follows a host called "Tommy G" as he spends time with "Kia Boys" in Milwaukee.

The video, filmed on May 17, 2022, shows a red car driving erratically and, at times, coming close to striking pedestrians. Police said the vehicle was a 2021 Hyundai Elantra, rented from Hertz, that was reported stolen on May 17 in Oak Creek, according to a criminal complaint.

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A couple weeks later, police said they received an anonymous tip that the driver of the red Hyundai was Hughes.

Hughes was arrested June 9 after police say he attempted to flee from officers. He admitted on June 10 to being the driver of the vehicle, according to police.

More:Criminal charges filed against a participant of the 'Kia Boys' video. He could face 22 years in prison.

Hughes will be tried on two separate cases

Hughes has two separate, unrelated cases against him. Both matters will be tried simultaneously at the request of the defense. If convicted, Hughes could face more than 22 years in prison.

For crimes depicted in the video:

Operating a vehicle without consent, a felony

Recklessly endangering safety, a felony

Bail jumping, a felony

Resisting an officer, a misdemeanor.

In another case, filed in June 2022:

Attempting to take a vehicle without consent, a felony and two misdemeanor charges for

Being a passenger in a vehicle operated without consent, a misdemeanor

Resisting an officer, a misdemeanor.

Kias and Hyundais make up most of the stolen cars in Milwaukee, and the companies have responded with software updates and free steering wheel locks

In 2021, Milwaukee police reported 10,476 car thefts  66% were Kias and Hyundais. A manufacturing glitch makes it easy for these cars to be stolen using just a couple household items.

The two car companies began providing free steering wheel locks to owners through the Milwaukee Police Department.

Both car companies also vowed to make an anti-theft system called engine immobilizers standard in new vehicles.

Earlier this year, Kia and Hyundai announced they will provide a theft deterrent software update for millions of their vehicles that lack an engine immobilizer.

Two class-action lawsuits have been filed in Wisconsin against the automakers, citing the vehicles lacking immobilizers that prevent vehicles from starting without a code from a smart key.

More:Motor vehicle thefts in Milwaukee are up 152%. Auto repair businesses say the worst may be yet to come

More:Milwaukee has a car theft crisis. A group of older Black men is trying to stop it.

Car thefts remain a problem in Milwaukee, but things are improving

Milwaukee saw a record 10,487 car thefts in 2021. Most of the vehicles involved in those theft were Kias and Hyundais, according to the Milwaukee Police Department. That number dropped by 23% in 2022, and year-to-date, car thefts are again down by 29%.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What to know about the Kia Boyz trial, car thefts and reckless driving
A reenactment of a phone attached to a drone that could potentially be flown to reach cell phone service. Lane County Sheriff's Search and Rescue

A man driving on a remote road in Oregon's Cascade range got stuck in the snow without service.

He attached his phone to a drone, tried sending a text, and then flew it until he got reception.

Officials said during the rescue they also rescued a separate person who had been stuck for days.

A man who got his car stuck in the snow in a remote area of Oregon found an ingenious way to call for help even though he didn't have cell phone service.

He was driving down a remote road in the Willamette National Forest, located in the Cascades mountain range, when he got stuck, according to Lane County Sheriff's Search and Rescue.

"Making his situation worse, his family was out of the country and nobody knew where he had gone or to call for help if he didn't make it home," the search and rescue program said on Sunday.

But thinking quickly, the man, who has not been publicly identified, realized he may be able to use the drone he had with him to call for help. He attached his cell phone to the drone and then typed a text message explaining he needed help and where exactly he was, officials said. After hitting send, he flew his drone "several hundred feet into the air."

"The increased elevation allowed his phone to connect to a tower and send the message, which resulted in our teams being deployed and assisting him out of his situation," the search and rescue group said.

Officials added that during the rescue of the man, they were also able to locate and rescue another motorist who had spent "multiple days" stranded in the snow.

The man had gotten his vehicle stuck in the snow on a remote road in the Willamette National Forest. Lane County Sheriff's Search and Rescue

Rescuers praised the man's ingenuity and said he also made the right decision by remaining in his vehicle.

"Rarely does anyone in Oregon die from exposure waiting in their vehicle to be found and rescued, but we have unfortunately seen many poor outcomes from those who chose to walk away," officials said.

They added that anyone headed outdoors should let a trusted person know exactly where they are going and when they will be back, and not to deviate from the plan.

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In Southern California in December, other motorists who got stranded without cell service were also able to call for help in an unusual way. Cloe Fields and her boyfriend, Christian Zelada, were driving through Angeles National Forest when their car went over a cliff and landed on the canyon floor 300 feet below.

The couple, who miraculously survived, told Insider they were able to call for help through a new Emergency SOS via satellite feature on the iPhone 14. The feature detected their fall and that they were out of cell phone range, and used satellites to connect them to emergency services.

Have a news tip? Contact this reporter at kvlamis@insider.com.

Read the original article on Insider
Chaos erupted on a Southwest flight in Dallas after a passenger repeatedly punched a man in an attack captured in a viral video, officials confirmed Wednesday.

In the latest reported incident of unruly passenger behavior, Phoenix-bound travelers were boarding Flight 117 at Love Field Airport when a man sporting a blazer stood over another man and started pummeling him, video footage showed.

The next thing you know he starts punching the man, another passenger Caitlin Johnson told CNN Wednesday.

Other passengers eventually jumped in to help de-escalate the situation, Johnson told the outlet.

Johnson, who recorded the Monday melee said that minutes earlier in the gate area, the man who was punched reportedly accidentally bumped into the the wife of his eventual attacker.

United Airlines attack, arrest: Man tried to stab United Airlines flight attendant, open plane's emergency door during flight, feds say

Video shows man punching fellow passenger

In the video, the man in the blazer is seen holding the other passenger in a headlock, yelling obscenities as passengers try to intervene.

Guys stop it, one passenger says. Get off of him and let go," another person yells.

Once the passengers managed to separate the two men, the man wearing the blazer swings at the other man, the video shows.

After the altercation, video shows the man in the blazer telling passengers that the person he attacked approached his family aggressively.

Tell them what you did, the man in the blazer says in the video. I will sit down in jail for you approaching my family.

Both men eventually left the plane before takeoff, she said.

A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 passenger plane takes off from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Tuesday, April 20, 2021, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Airline: Flight departed on time

Southwest airline officials told USA TODAY Wednesday the flight arrived on-time and as scheduled.

"We commend our crew for managing the situation as safety professionals while also ensuring the comfort of the other passengers in the cabin," airline officials said.

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They did not elaborate on the incident or say whether any arrest was made in connection to the attack.

The attack happened one day after a man aboard a United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Boston allegedly tried to open a planes emergency exit door and then tried to stab a flight attendant.

Francisco Severo Torres, 33, was charged with one count of interference and attempted interference with flight crew members and using a dangerous weapon, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Massachusetts said Monday.

Natalie Neysa Alund covers trending news for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fight on Southwest flight at Dallas Love Field Airport, video shows
A Manchester couple is facing animal cruelty charges after over a dozen cats were found abandoned in their home.

In October 2022, Manchester Police received reports from a neighbor that told police that he had not seen the owner in at least two weeks and could see multiple cats through a window.

Police responded to the home at 312 Seames Drive, upon arrival officers could smell a strong odor of ammonia coming through an open window.

Inside the home, officers could see furniture flipped over, torn up, and covered in feces.

Officers also saw a deceased cat in the corner and many extremely thin cats on a couch.

The cats did not look well, appeared to be missing fur, and had no food or water according to police. Over several days, Manchester Police Animal Control located and removed ten cats suffering from serious health issues and four deceased from inside the home.

Through the initial investigation, police learned that the homeowner was 42-year-old Meghan Williams. 59-year-old Robert Gerhold was also living in the house at the time, according to police.

Williams and Gerhold are unaccounted for and wanted on 14 counts of animal cruelty.

Police are asking anyone with information about their whereabouts to call the Manchester Police Department at 603-668-8711.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Antony restored Uniteds lead with a fine curling effort (Getty Images)

Same players, very different score. For Manchester United, it was a 10-goal swing in the space of four days as the quest to make amends for the historic humiliation at Anfield began promisingly. Demolished 7-0 by Liverpool, they beat Real Betis 4-1 and the dramatic shift in fortunes was personified by Bruno Fernandes.

Villain for some on Merseyside, it was easier to brand him hero here. After the petulance and the push on the assistant referee came the productivity and purpose that rendered him such a talisman. The Portuguese kept the captaincy, with the aid of an endorsement from Erik ten Hag, and the manager could sense some vindication for deeming Fernandes inspirational. This time he led by the right sort of example, with a goal, an assist and a part in Marcus Rashfords opener.

A bullet header from Luke Shaws corner brought a first goal in nine games; however, it meant much more than that and the Portuguese cupped his hands to his ears in celebration. There was a message to his critics there. There was one from the United crowd, too, amid an air of forgiveness. The players names were all cheered when announced. Fernandes was the first to be serenaded and Bruno echoed around Old Trafford when he scored. Supporters called for the Glazers to go, but not any of those directly responsible for Liverpools seven goals.

Perhaps the supporters put the Anfield evisceration in the context of a season of progress. It could yet yield three trophies and United take a three-goal lead to Seville for next weeks Europa League second leg. Unlike on Sunday, their performance was underpinned by the right attitude. They were positive and energetic, starting at speed and showing a relentlessness thereafter. They amassed 24 shots and the margin of victory could have been rather greater.

After conceding six goals in the second half at Anfield, they scored three which, after Ayoze Perez had equalised, altered the complexion of a tie with a team who held Real Madrid at the weekend. It was the desired response. Ten Hags teamsheet may have been a statement of sorts. He stuck with the same 11 and if unchanged teams can be staples of unbeaten runs, this was sent out on a quest for redemption. There was no shock Rashford set the tone: he invariably has this season. A sixth-minute opener was an immediate response to sieving seven. It was taken emphatically.

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Rashfords 18th goal in 22 games was a rasping shot that flew into the roof of the net. Casemiros celebration was instructive, with the Brazilian both urging the crowd to be louder and clasping his hands together in apology.

Rashford gave United the perfect start (Getty Images)

Even before Rashford struck, Wout Weghorst had a goal chalked off. The Dutchmans quest for a belated second United strike belatedly ended, 12 games after his first and after a litany of misses, when he converted the rebound when Scott McTominay had a shot parried. After his outing as a No. 10 at Anfield, Weghorst was back leading the line: the same side nevertheless contained positional switches to bring the best from the Dutchman, Rashford, who was on the left, and Fernandes, restored to his favourite central role.

They encountered some unexpected resistance. Claudio Bravo, who saved too few shots in his time in the Manchester City goal, was in defiant form. He twice denied the electric Rashford, brilliantly stopped Antony from doubling his tally and made a fine save from McTominay, only for Weghorst to strike. Meanwhile, Fernandes was ubiquitous. Having escaped unpunished for his indiscretions at Anfield, he was booked for a lunge at Bravo. It may have been too conspicuous a show of commitment but much of his impact was laudable.

He found Antony when the Brazilian, who had delivered the winner against Barcelona in the last round, turned the scourge of another Spanish side, curling a shot past a motionless Bravo. Then Fernandes rendered it a restorative occasion for him by scoring the type of goal he rarely does.

Ten Hag got the response he was looking for after Sundays embarrassment (Getty Images)

For Betis, however, it was a poor goal to concede, especially given their clean sheet against Real Madrid. On Manuel Pellegrinis return to Manchester, they had mounted a comeback of their own, levelling when Perez drove a half-volley into the far corner of the United net. Having failed to score in the Premier League this season, the loanee from Leicester struck on his first return to England. There was a suspicion Juanmi handled before finding Perez but Betis came agonisingly close to leading. A deflected Perez cross hit the post just before the break.

Their supporters were both vocal and colourful, with a corner of green and white at Old Trafford, for one of the biggest European games in their history. Driving, swirling snow made these alien conditions for the Andalucians. For United, the climate may be changing. Spanish sides have eliminated them from Europe each in the last five seasons and Real Sociedad won at Old Trafford in the group stages. But Betis could now join Barcelona among Uniteds scalps. Their new nemesis, less pleasingly for them, may instead be Liverpool.
A local college student is under arrest for racking up over $500,000 worth of fraudulent charges in a credit card scheme she had been running since February, authorities allege.

Ariel Foster, 19, of Boston, was charged with larceny over $1,200.

Burlington Police say during the month of February, Foster was using an elaborate credit card scheme at her place of work in the Burlington Mall, Lovisa, to fund lavish purchases. Lovisa is a jewelry store.

On three separate dates, Foster would scan items from the store and increase their price, according to officials. The cost of the expensive item was then allegedly refunded to her credit card, where investigators found 8 transactions for a total company loss of $547,187.

Police say between February 2 and February 22, Foster bought a $35,000 Tesla, made nearly $6,000 worth of transactions to Delta Airlines, bought almost $5,000 worth of Louis Vuitton purchases and spent more than $20,000 for a hotel in Maui, Hawaii using this credit card scheme.

After serving a subpoena to Fosters financial institutions, authorities found these expensive refund transactions stemming from Lovisa America LLC.

A search warrant was executed on her dorm room at Lasell University on Wednesday where she was taken into custody without incident.

We are aware that a Lasell University student was arrested on Wednesday March 8th, Lasell University said in a statement. The responsibility of all students to comply with local, state, and federal laws applies both on and off-campus.

Foster will be arraigned in Woburn District Court on Friday.

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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A huge great white shark pinged off the coast of Florida this week, just before the state is expected to have an influx of spring breakers.

The shark, named Maple, pinged southeast of St. George Island, Florida, in the Gulf of Mexico on Monday morning, according to OCEARCHs Global Shark Tracker.

Pregnant wife of Florida pilot devastated after plane crash kills husband, student

OCEARCH reported that Maple measured 11 feet, 7 inches long, and weighed in at 1,264 pounds.

Over the past two seasons, Maple has spent much of her winter in the Gulf of Mexico, OCEARCH explained in a Facebook post.

Maple was named after the maple leaf, one of Canadas national emblems, according to the organizations website. The massive great white also has a distinctive wound on the left side of her body.

The research team said they believe Maple got the wound from a recent interaction with another larger white shark.

It is not uncommon for sharks to show their dominance over a smaller animal of their species by delivering a significant but non-fatal bite, the website read.

4 people killed in Winter Haven plane crash identified: deputies

OCEARCH is a global non-profit organization that conducts research on our oceans giants to collect data for educational and conservation efforts.

Our mission is to accelerate the oceans return to balance and abundance through fearless innovations in critical scientific research, education, outreach, and police using unique collaborations of individuals and organizations in the U.S. and abroad, the organization says.

Anyone wanting to track great whites or stay up to date with Maples whereabouts can visit the Global Shark Tracker at OCEARCHs official website.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
TBILISI, Georgia  Tens of thousands of Georgians occupied the main thoroughfare of the capital, Tbilisi, for the second night in a row Wednesday, holding EU flags and posters protesting a Russian-style draft law that would label some nongovernmental groups and media outlets foreign agents. The law is seen as an attempt to suppress civil society and amplify the governments propaganda that Western partners are not acting in the interests of Georgians.

A man waves a Georgian flag in front of a burning barricade keeping out other protesters, not far from the Parliament building in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Thursday. (Zurab Tsertsvadze/AP)

Some protesters stormed the barricades in front of the Parliament, overturned police cars and blocked the streets. Young people were seen dancing and singing in front of riot police.

Authorities have been using water cannons and tear gas against demonstrators, many of whom they have also arrested. Despite attempts to clear the streets, protesters kept going back until dawn.

After the backlash, the government decided Thursday to withdraw the controversial bill, stating that as the emotional background subsides, we will better explain to the public what the bill was for and why it was important to ensure transparency of foreign influence in our country. Protests are nevertheless set to continue for a third night.

Police use a water cannon to disperse protesters holding an EU flag in front of the Parliament in Tbilisi on Tuesday. (Zurab Kurtsikidze/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock )

At the heart of the controversy is the Georgian Parliament's proposal of two bills that would require nongovernmental organizations and media organizations to register as agents of foreign influence if 20% of their funds come from abroad. Failure to comply would result in fines. The second foreign agent bill also included individuals and legal entities, with more severe penalties, including prison time.

Russia, which has a similar law, looms large in the debate. In 2008 Russia invaded Georgia, a small, mountainous country with about 3.7 million people, and set up breakaway republics loyal to Moscow in South Abkhazia and Ossetia. It was a tactic that Russia's president, Vladimir Putin, would repeat in Ukraine years later.

Protesters clash with police in Tbilisi on Wednesday. (David Mdzinarishvili/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

The Georgian government has leveraged Georgians fear of another armed conflict with their stronger neighbor. Portraying Ukraine as abandoned by the West, the ruling party has styled itself as steering a pragmatic course in avoiding taking Georgia down the same path.

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Despite domestic and international calls that it not adopt the bill, Georgian Dream, the party that controls the government, passed the bill in its first hearing on Tuesday as citizens protested outside Parliament.

The future of our country does not belong and will no longer belong to foreign agents or servants of foreign countries, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said on Tuesday, defending the legislation.The future of our country and our people belongs to patriots.

Protesters wave Georgian, Ukrainian and European flags outside Parliament on Wednesday. (Vano Shlamov/AFP via Getty Images)

Georgians are not backing down, and many critics are arguing that the laws pull the country away from its post-Soviet tilt toward liberal democracy and the EU.

This protest is not just about law, Vasil Matitaishvili, the campaign manager of European Georgia, an opposition party, told Yahoo News. (Disclosure: The author of this piece is the stepdaughter of the partys founder.) Its about the choice of every generation of Georgians and our identity. Western civilization, the free world, is our home. This Putin-inspired law is an ugly finale of this government's persistent, years-long trajectory.

The U.S. has been similarly blunt. The U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi called the legislation a dark day for Georgias democracy.

Protesters at a demonstration Wednesday in Tbilisi. (Vano Shlamov/AFP via Getty Images)

In a statement, the U.S. Embassy further said the Kremlin-inspired laws are incompatible with the people of Georgias clear desire for European integration and its democratic development. Pursuing these laws will damage Georgias relations with its strategic partners and undermine the important work of so many Georgian organizations working to help their fellow citizens. The process and the draft laws raise real questions about the ruling partys commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration.

The Georgian Dream party came to power in 2012 promising to normalize relations with Russia, and its electoral program openly stated that Georgia should not serve as a point of confrontation between the West and Russia.

Bidzina Ivanishvili, the Georgian oligarch who heads the party and was prime minister at the time, adopted a policy of strategic ambiguity: advocating EU membership while also avoiding antagonizing Moscow. All the while, the party shuttered independent media and arrested political opponents.

Bidzina Ivanishvili, leader of the ruling party, Georgian Dream, celebrates exit poll results after parliamentary elections in Tbilisi on Oct. 31, 2020. (Zurab Kurtsikidze/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

The governments balancing act appears to have stumbled, however. Last year, the EU gave official candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova but said Tbilisi must first implement a series of reforms.

In a statement this week, the EUs diplomatic agency called the proposed laws a very bad development for Georgia and its people.

It added: The European Union urges Georgia to uphold its commitment to the promotion of democracy, the rule of law and human rights, and recalls the right of people to a peaceful protest.
Creators of a grading system that ditches traditional A-F grades for a new mastery transcript know thats too big a leap for some schools to make, so theyve created a bridge that can ease students, parents and college admissions officers into the shift.

The single biggest barrier to adoption of the mastery transcript is that its perceived as risky, and kind of unfamiliar, said Mike Flanagan, CEO of the Mastery Transcript Consortium, a national group that wants students to learn at their own pace and be rated continually on their progress, not just by snapshots when the calendar says a grading period ends.

Schools keep joining the consortium because they back the concept in theory, but few have been ready to throw out traditional transcripts and pin students college acceptance chances on a strange new transcript with no grades or grade point averages.

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So the consortium has created a half step that it is piloting this school year  a Mastery Learning Record that can be sent to colleges along with traditional transcripts in college applications but still offers some of the depth and nuance of the mastery transcript.

It can be used as a bridge or an on-ramp, Flanagan said.

Eight-five high school seniors at nine schools used the new Learning Record in college applications this year, including seniors applying to state schools at Park City High School in Utah.

Related: The Mastery Transcript Consortium Has Been Developing a Gradeless Transcript for College Admissions. This Fall It Gets Its First Test

Principal Roger Arbabi said making the full shift to mastery grading right away wouldnt go well, even though Utah embraced the mastery concept and is encouraging schools and colleges to train staff in how it works.

As a traditional public high school, we have a long way to go to be able to offer the full Mastery Transcript Consortium transcript, Arbabi said. Our stakeholders have not been educated on the model, but The Learning Record will allow us to  do a soft rollout.

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The mastery learning movement, and the transcript and learning record coming out of it, calls for schools to recognize that all students dont learn academic and other skills on the same timeline. While some students might grasp a math concept quickly, for example, others might take longer and even until the next grading period or school year to master it.

On a standard report card, that could result in a poor grade even though a student is on the way to mastering a skill later. The new mastery transcript instead shows how far a student has progressed toward learning that skill, instead of assigning a low grade at a calendar-based cutoff.

The mastery report card also breaks from tradition by rating students in more than just a course or broad subject, but by many specific skills. Math, for example, includes evaluation of students statistical reasoning and scientific experimental design skills.

And the mastery report card includes broad, multi-disciplinary skills like self-direction, generating solutions or synthesizing information.

Related: Helping Students Learn at Their Own Pace: Why Some Ohio Schools Are Adopting a Mastery Approach in Hopes of Closing COVID Learning Gaps

The Mastery Transcript Consortium keeps adding schools and districts as members, more than doubling from less than 200 schools in 2018 to more than 400 today. Some are using mastery approaches to help students recover from pandemic school closures. But most are just endorsing the concept or still learning it: Only 30 have made the full leap to the new style transcript. Almost 250 seniors at those schools applied to college this school year using it in place of the traditional transcript.

Flanagan said hes seeing pushback from members about moving too fast and possibly jeopardizing student chances.

(Theyre) saying, I dont know that were ready for that kind of change. I dont know if its worth it. Why dont we just sort of play by the rules, because thats what we need to do to get kids into Stanford? he said.

The Learning Record is a scaled down version that skips listing courses and credits, but uses the same model of showing progress toward mastery of skills like cultural competency, critical thinking and academic mindsets. The Learning Record is also useful, Flanagan said, to show what students have learned in non-course programs, like after school or summer sessions, workshops or capstone projects.

The ability to show a well-rounded look at students is what drew John Clements and Mary Anne Moran, co-principals at Nipmuc Regional High School in Upton, Mass., to the transcript, then later the Learning Record. The school has six non-course goals for all graduates like being a solution seeker, skilful collaborator and effective communicator, that the Mastery Transcript can capture.

The idea that an A in English 10 can only tell you so much about a student really resonates with us, Clements said. They have a larger story to tell than can be told simply through traditional metrics.

The school gives traditional grades for its courses, they said, but 10 students were willing to help build a full mastery transcript this year for their applications. But the Learning Record avoided that need and six ended up using it along with their traditional grades.

Without any negative consequences for our kids it only provided a value-added additional look into who they were, as learners, community members and individuals, he said.

Related: Arnett: Will Shift to Online Classes Speed Progress Toward Student-Centered Learning? Survey Hints at Some Ways Forward

Whether the full transcript is helping or hurting student chances is still unclear. The consortium says 285 colleges have accepted at least one mastery transcript application so far, including Harvard, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Duke.

Colleges are gaining familiarity with them, but still view them as an alternate form of application, like those of students from overseas or at other alternative schools, said Michelle Sandlin, interim associate director of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. But she said colleges know they will have to adapt as they gain popularity.

Yes, the concern by high schools is real for now, but competency based records are already well known at the college level, Sandlin said. The universities will develop admission requirements appropriately as they always have.
Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) took aim at President Biden as he emerged from a bipartisan members briefing by the director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), prodding the president to arrange another meeting to negotiate on raising the debt limit.

When the president delays our opportunity to negotiate together to help solve this problem, it only harms our economy more, McCarthy said on Wednesday.

The prepared presentation by CBO Director Phillip Swagel warned that revenues under current law will not keep pace with spending and that major trust funds, including Social Security and Medicare, will be exhausted within 10 years.

The longer action is delayed, the larger the policy changes would need to be, it said.

Biden and McCarthy have had one White House meeting, on Feb. 1, which the Speaker left projecting optimism about negotiating spending cuts as a condition of raising the debt ceiling. But negotiations have since stalled, with the White House saying that Republicans should first release their proposed budget.

McCarthy said Biden has not reached back out since that February meeting.

I believe eventually he will, but thats a month wasted, McCarthy said. Thats a month that brings more doubt financially. Thats a month that hurts Americans. The sooner we get together, the better off all America will be.

The briefing was a move by McCarthy to put focus on spending and the debt. Congress will have to vote to raise the debt ceiling by an expected summer deadline  an exact date for when the Treasurys extraordinary measures will be exhausted is uncertain  in order to avoid severe economic consequences.

McCarthy and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) both thanked House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) for bringing Democrats and Republicans together for the briefing.

We can agree to disagree on our vision and our plans and our strategies to bend the curve, to put us on a sustainable path, and to save the country from a debt crisis. But what we cant do is disagree on the math, House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) said. So this isnt today wasnt about Republican or Democrat. Its about the mathematic reality that our country faces.

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Democrats, though, saw the timing as strategic. Biden is set to release his budget on Thursday, which is expected to include tax hikes on wealthy individuals and corporations that he estimates could reduce the deficit by $2 trillion over a decade.

He wants us to look at the budget with this in mind. We can go, Oh, no, no, no, no, no. We cant spend any more. Were already in the red, Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) said. And its like, thats not really how our budget works.

And rather than influencing Democrats away from Bidens positions on the budget, House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) said the event sets the groundwork for the presidents budget.

Hes trying to make our tax code work for everyday Americans and protect Medicare into the future, Clark said.

The findings lawmakers were briefed on during the presentation also included projections showing the federal debt held by the public was on track to reach a record high in 2033, climbing to 118 percent of GDP before reaching 195 percent in 2053, according to presentation slides released by the CBO.

Republicans leaving the presentation sought to pin blame on spending greenlit under the Biden administration and put pressure on the White house to come to the table in spending talks.

Speaker McCarthy has laid out many times that he wants to have more conversations with President Biden to figure out how to get control over this problem, Scalise said.

Jeffries, like the White House, indicated that the ball is in Republicans court and said that he hopes the House GOP releases a budget soon.

We need to operate from a common set of facts in order to tackle the challenges that are in front of us. President Biden is going to release his budget tomorrow. It will be in the public domain, setting forth the Democratic vision for building a strong economy for everyday Americans, Jeffries said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) was hospitalized Wednesday night after a fall in Washington, D.C.

The 81-year-old tripped while attending a private dinner, a spokesperson for the senator told The Hill, and has been admitted to a hospital where he is receiving treatment.

CNN, citing an unidentified source, reports the fall occurred at D.C.s Waldorf Astoria hotel.

Further details about the extent of McConnells injury or his expected recovery time were not disclosed.

The senator tripped and fell at his Kentucky home in 2019, sustaining a shoulder fracture for which he underwent surgery. Then-77 years old, McConnell worked from home for a few weeks during recovery.

McConnell discussed during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic that he was treated for polio as a child, an illness that left him with difficulty navigating stairs even in adulthood.

Its not yet clear whether the Senate Republican leaders injury will take him out of the upper chamber, which Democrats control with a slim 51-49 majority, during treatment and recovery.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) was released this week from the hospital after missing a week of votes while out with shingles, and is now recovering at home.

Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), who suffered a stroke on the campaign trail, was hospitalized last month after feeling lightheaded. Doctors ruled out another stroke, but he checked into the hospital again several days later to be treated for clinical depression.

Updated at 7:38 a.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is being treated for a concussion and will remain in the hospital for a few days of observation and treatment, his office announced Thursday afternoon.

Leader McConnell tripped at a dinner event Wednesday evening and has been admitted to the hospital and is being treated for a concussion. He is expected to remain in the hospital for a few days of observation and treatment, his office announced Thursday, breaking hours of silence after revealing Wednesday evening that the GOP leader had tripped and injured himself at a local hotel.

The Leader is grateful to the medical professionals for their care and to his colleagues for their warm wishes, McConnells office said.

McConnell suffered the fall at a Waldorf Astoria dinner event for the Senate Leadership Fund, a super PAC closely affiliated with the leader that spent $290 million in the last election.

The Republican leader, who is 81, previously fractured his shoulder after tripping and falling at his Kentucky home in 2019.

He won election to a seventh term in 2020 and is next up for reelection in 2026.

McConnells top deputies were left largely in the dark about their leaders condition on Thursday morning.

We just really dont know much at this point, Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) told reporters.

Thune said he attended a pre-dinner reception for the Senate Leadership Fund but left the event before McConnell injured himself.

Evidently this happened later in the evening, and I was at a different dinner by then, he said.

We have very limited information on it. Im sure well get more, he added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
capitol

Credit - Getty Images

When John Fettermans office announced in February he had checked himself into the hospital to receive treatment for clinical depression, the news rippled through Congress. But for a group of current and former lawmakers who have dealt with their own mental health issuessome more publicly than othersit stirred up complicated feelings: compassion, anxiety, and a hope that the political calculus around mental health issues was finally shifting.

While other Senators have had to take time away from the Capitol for physical ailments in the past, its far rarer to do so for mental health treatment. Fettermans hospitalization comes at what lawmakers who have had their own mental health challenges say is the best time in history to seek such treatment. Visibility is at an all-time high, both in society writ large and within the halls of the Capitol. Yet those with the most personal experience around mental health in Congress also say the staid institution still has a long way to go to eliminate shame about mental illness, in part because the state of todays bitter politics encourages opponents to use potential vulnerabilities against each other.

The long workdays, the constant pressure, and the knowledge that one wrong word could cost you your job can all make Congress a less-than-ideal workplace for mental health. Though there is no reliable way to estimate how many members have had their own experiences, 2021 data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration indicates that 22.8% of American adults experienced mental illness that year.

It might be tempting to think that the power and prestige of public office insulates you from the feelings of personal inadequacy that depression produces, says Rep. Ritchie Torres, a New York Democrat, who has been open about his longterm battle with depression. Quite the opposite: ones struggle with depression can be compounded by the mental strains and stresses of public life.

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Read More: Ritchie Torres on How Struggling With Depression Makes Him a Better Congressman

With Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat, the latest and most high-profile example of a lawmaker needing mental health support, how Congress responds to his treatment will be an important indicator about how it will evolve to accommodate members going forward just as it has adapted to Fettermans physical needs during his recovery from a stroke. In this case, it isnt the infrastructure that needs to change; multiple lawmakers told TIME Fetterman has much easier and more affordable access to health care than many Americans. Instead, its the continuing stigma around mental illness that shapes who can comfortably represent Americans in Washington.

Its all about perceptions

Mental illness has long been taboo in politics.

When former Rep. Patrick Kennedy, the son of Senator Ted Kennedy, was elected to Congress as a Rhode Island Democrat in 1994, he tried to keep his drug addiction and mental health issues quiet. He insisted on receiving treatment at the Mayo Clinic, which he thought people might associate with physical illness. Its all about perceptions, says Kennedy, who is now a mental health advocate. Even though these are chronic illnesses and people knew that I was someone who suffered from them, I didnt want them to think that I was still suffering from them because then they would get really suspicious and then think, Oh, hes not well.

Former Rep. Brian Baird, who practiced clinical psychology for 20 years before representing Washington state as a Democrat in the House, remembers consulting the House physician about a mental health issue while in office. Merely being seen going into the office of a psychologist or psychiatrist can be a big issue, Baird says. When it comes to the attending physician, Nobody knows whether youre going to him for a head cold or a torn rotator cuff or whatever.

Even current members of Congress who have spoken about their mental health struggles initially worried about what doing so might mean for their careers. That small group includes Rep. Seth Moulton, a Massachusetts Democrat, who in 2019 became the first modern major party presidential candidate to say that he had gotten mental health treatment when he talked about suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after his service in the Marines. I recognized that it could well end my political career, because it had that effect for others in the past, Moulton says. Everyone asks, when you go into politics, Do you have any skeletons in your closet? And this was my one skeleton that I didnt share with almost anyone.

He says conversations with other former Marines finally led him to share his own history. Now, hes excited to hear other colleagues reveal their own experiences, including Torres, who has talked about being hospitalized for depression before he was elected to Congress and taking an antidepressant. When he first ran for public office in a city council race in 2013, Torres says an opponent tried to use his depression against him to suggest he was mentally unfit for office. I promised myself that never again would I allow my mental health to be weaponized, that I would be honest and open about my struggles with depression, and do it on my own terms, and own it, Torres says. Now he believes that elected officials should see telling their own stories about mental health as a form of public service.

Others, like Senator Tina Smith, a Democrat from Minnesota, have also seen positive outcomes from coming forward with something they were once hesitant to share. In 2019, Smith gave a speech on the Senate floor about how she had used therapy and medication to treat her depression earlier in life. When I made the decision, I overestimated the potential negative blowback and I underestimated the power of being open about it, Smith says.

Persistent stigma

But lawmakers who spoke with TIME also say that they know others struggling with mental health who dont talk about it publicly.

The members who opt to keep mental health challenges private often do so in part because of the increasingly alienating, vitriolic, and politically polarized environment of Congress, their colleagues say. In private conversations about the difficulty and loneliness of the job, lawmakers in the past have turned to some of the only other people who could understand: each other. These days, its a lot harder for members to find those kinds of connections, especially across party lines. Those informal avenues to get emotional support and understanding and camaraderie from your peers are very rare now, says Baird. Its hard for me to say that [the stigma is] a whole hell of a lot better.

The unforgiving media landscape doesnt make openness any easier. After Fetterman checked into the hospital, some conservatives quickly launched attacks blaming his wife and insisting he shouldnt be in office. If it were just a normal person, people would be thinking, How can we help him get through this? Baird says. For Senator Fetterman, it becomes, Oh, well, should he stay in the Senate anyway? As soon as they learn theres an opportunity, the sharks start circling, instead of trying to stop the bleeding.

For their part, congressional Republicans have mostly kept quiet, and some have expressed support, including Senator Ted Cruz of Texas.

Even members of Congress who are candid about their past experiences have mixed reactions about what they would do if they faced more acute mental illness while in office. Moulton says he might not share if doing so would affect his family. Smith says she would think about whether telling the public would help her achieve a larger purpose, like making others feel less alone. She says she probably wouldnt feel obligated to publicize regular psychiatrist visits for low-level depression, but might talk about certain issues. What Senator Fetterman has done is not only courageous, but its also sensible, Smith says. This is not a place where you want to be keeping secrets.

Remote work

The biggest practical concern for a member who is away getting treatment for mental illness is missing votes.

It isnt unheard of for a lawmaker to miss votes when sick: former Sens. Tim Johnson and Mark Kirk, a Democrat from South Dakota and a Republican from Illinois, were absent for more than eight months each while managing physical health issues more than a decade ago. Senator Ben Ray Lujan, a New Mexico Democrat, was away from the Capitol for a month last year while recovering from a stroke.

But with Democrats controlling the Senate by a tight 51-49 margin, Fettermans absence for a key vote could have political consequences. Fetterman has been in the hospital for three weeks. In a tweet Monday, his chief of staff said he will be back soon and included photos of the Senator conducting Senate business remotely. Fettermans office declined to comment on the record for this story.

Kennedy doesnt think votes will end up being a problemand he speaks from experience. One afternoon in 2010, Kennedy was staying at a rehab center in Maryland. The staff told him he needed to call his office, which quickly patched him through to then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi. She told him she needed him to take a quick trip away from the center if it wouldnt impact his treatment; the House was going to vote on the Affordable Care Act.

Accompanied by a rehab center employee, Kennedy drove from the Maryland shore to Capitol Hill and went straight onto the floor of the House. He voted in support of the landmark healthcare bill. Once we had won by just a handful of votes, Nancy Pelosi turned to me and said, Okay, honey, time to go back to rehab, Kennedy recalls.

If Fetterman ever receives a similar plea from Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Kennedy thinks depression is unlikely to stop him: Believe me, if Schumer needs the vote, hes gonna be there.
For years, Phil George was the executive sponsor of a mentoring program at McMaster-Carr, an industrial hardware supplier, where he spent weeks trying to match program participants with only scant information about them to go on. Employees often requested resources while mentors asked for training, and mentees wanted more guidance on goals. And as the program progressed, there weren't reliable methods in place to measure success.

"The program was highly inefficient, which made it impossible to scale to the rest of the company in order to leverage the benefits of mentoring across the organization," George told TechCrunch in an email interview.

Informed by the experience at McMaster-Carr and mentorship conversations with other companies, George left his role in 2012 to team up with his brother, Andy George, and former colleague Miles Ulrich to found an employee mentoring software and white glove service startup. It came to be known as MentorcliQ, and -- within a few years, with the pandemic as an accelerant -- it grew its customer base to hundreds of companies.

MentorcliQ today closed an "over-$80 million" growth investment from PSG with participation from Rev1 Ventures and Plymouth Growth, bringing its total raised to more than $100 million. George says that the funding will be put toward product development and ramping up MentorcliQ's customer acquisition efforts.

"MentorcliQ is a mentoring software platform that helps companies solve exceedingly common and expensive employee engagement, development and retention challenges," George said. "Recent headlines tell a bleak story: quiet quitting, sweeping layoffs and falling short on DEI promises. All of this leads to employee disengagement for those left behind ... MentorcliQ helps companies navigate these challenges by giving employees a way to develop their careers, hone their skills and build a community at work through mentoring."

MentorcliQ

Image Credits: MentorcliQ

MentorcliQ occupies the increasingly crowded space of upskilling vendors, which VCs have patronized with great enthusiasm in light of the so-called Great Resignation. (From February 2021 to last February, investors have poured more than $2.1 billion into an assortment of companies in the skilling space, according to CrunchBase.) For example, GrowthSpace recently raised $25 million for its platform that leverages algorithms to match individual employees and groups of employees with experts for development sprints.

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What sets MentorcliQ apart, George claims, is that it guides customers through the entire mentoring process. This includes designing and executing mentoring strategies, building and running mentoring programs, engaging mentoring participants and measuring the impact.

On the software side, MentorcliQ allows companies to run multiple mentoring programs from a single interface and control which users participate in the programs, as well as create participant profiles for each program. Companies can decide how mentor and mentee matches will be made in individual programs and see metrics like participation numbers, participant engagement and mentoring activity.

George drew attention to MentorcliQ's matching algorithm, which he believes to be best-in-class. While most mentoring tools offer "bulk matching" options, which match all participants in a program at the same time, George explained, MentorcliQs algorithm attempts to optimize mentoring matches for an entire population of participants.

"MentorcliQ's matching engine calculates match scores for every relationship combination while also factoring in matching rules, suggested matches, the timing of mentoring programs, employee turnover and new hires and other program-configurable variables," George said. "The algorithm then looks at the landscape to find an optimal set of matches."

While the tech industry's outlook seems bleak, George -- when asked about MentorcliQ's growth strategy -- said he believes companies will continue to invest in mentoring particularly as they search for cost-effective ways to leveraging existing talent.

He might be right. According to a recent study by Gartner and Capital Analytics, retention rates for mentees are 72% higher compared to 49% for employees who don't participate in a mentorship program. Eighty-nine percent of mentees feel their colleagues value their work, moreover, versus 75% of employees without mentors, the same survey found.

"While companies often experience layoffs during times like these where there are economic headwinds, mentoring remains even more important to engage, develop and retain the employees who remain," George said. "In tough times, its a feel-good ask of employees which leads to an incredibly high return on investment. Building culture while delivering return on investment is a winning combination during more challenging economic times."

Signaling its expansion intentions, MentorcliQ recently hired a new chief revenue officer and plans to increase the size of its roughly 120-person team over the next 12 months.
A Merced man who was found guilty of sexual assault in Yosemite National Park, has been sentenced to prison, according to federal prosecutors.

The office of U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced Wednesday that Ramonchito Racion, 52, of Merced, has been sentenced to seven years and one month in prison for one count of abusive sexual contact and one count of attempted sexual abuse.

Evidence presented at trial indicated Racion sexually assaulted his roommate while the roommate was sleeping, in the summer of 2019 while Racion was working as a cook for a private company in Yosemite, according to a U.S. Department of Justice news release.

A federal jury found Racion guilty after a six-day trial in September.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin J. Gilio and Michael G. Tierney prosecuted the case which was a product of a National Park Service investigation, according to the release.
The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) has had 26 reported cases of sexual assault over the past three years, including five so far this school year, according to a new report released Wednesday.

In about 80 percent of the cases, which occurred between July 2019 and Dec. 15, students who alleged they were assaulted on or near campus or at sea made restricted reports on the incidents, allowing them to obtain medical treatment and counseling without sparking an investigation.

Students instead spoke confidentially to staff and students who worked as victim advocates, with none of the 26 alleged assaults yet resulting in criminal charges, CNN first reported.

USMMA also found 35 cases of sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, relationship violence, and stalking, in the same three-year time frame.

The findings display a reluctance among victims at the school to report their alleged assailants in a way that would open an investigation  a culture of fear that persists even as sexual assault and harassment are jarringly common at the academy.

The issue first came to light in 2021 after former student Hope Hicks published an anonymous account that alleged she was raped and harassed during her time on the USMMAs Sea Year program. During the program, which requires months of work on a commercial ship to fulfill graduation requirements, Hicks said she was raped by the ships top-ranking officer, who was 40 years her senior.

Hicks along with another female academy midshipmen then filed related complaints in June 2022, alleging that shipping giant Maersk failed to adequately protect them.

USMMA has long struggled to manage sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH) issues, the Maritime Administration, which oversees the academy, wrote in an assessment of the school in November 2021.

Further compounding issues is a reluctance of Midshipmen to report incidents due to lack of privacy, confidentiality, an understanding of the SASH reporting process, and the long process for adjudication, in addition to fear of retaliation, the administration noted.

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Of the 26 reported assault cases in the past three years, the majority were allegedly perpetrated by fellow students. In two such cases, the academy investigated and disenrolled two Midshipmen who were identified by their alleged victims.

Eight cases involved crew members on commercial vessels where students trained, with only two resulting in an investigation.

Though the Maritime Administration rolled out a number of reforms aimed at making students safer, the academy stressed that these are just the first steps in what must be an ongoing and urgent effort to improve safety for USMMA Midshipmen  at sea and on campus.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
As a white man in America with no discernible regional accent, I can simply assume that modern consumer technologies  virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa or Assistant , and my phones camera  will work seamlessly out of the box. I assume this because, well, they do. Thats namely because the nerds who design and program these devices overwhelmingly both look and sound just like me  if even a little whiter. Folks with more melanin in their skin and extra twang on their tongue dont enjoy that same privilege.

Tomorrows chatbots and visual AIs will only serve to exacerbate this bias unless steps are taken today to ensure a benchmark standard of fairness and equitable behavior from these systems. To address that issue, Meta AI researchers developed and released the Casual Conversations dataset in 2021 , designed to help researchers evaluate their computer vision and audio models for accuracy across a diverse set of age, genders, apparent skin tones and ambient lighting conditions. On Thursday, the company unveiled Casual Conversations v2, which promises even more granular classification categories than its predecessor.

The original CC dataset included 45,000 videos from more than 3,000 paid subjects across age, gender, apparent skin tone and lighting conditions. These videos are designed to be used by other AI researchers, specifically those working with generative AIs like ChatGPT or visual AIs like those used in social media filters and facial recognition features, to help them ensure that their creations behave the same whether the user looks like Anya Taylor-Joy or Lupita Nyongo, whether they sound like Colin Firth or Colin Quinn.

Since Casual Conversations first debuted two years ago, Meta has worked in consultation with internal experts in fields such as civil rights, according to Tuesdays announcement, to expand and improve upon the dataset. Professor Pascale Fung, director of the Centre for AI Research, as well as other researchers from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, participated in the literature review of government and industry data to establish the new annotation categories.

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Version 2 now includes 11 categories (seven self-reported and four researcher-annotated) and 26,467 video monologues recorded by nearly 5,600 subjects in seven countries  Brazil, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Vietnam, Philippines and the US. While there arent as many individual videos in the new dataset, they are far more heavily annotated. As Meta points out, the first iteration only had a handful of categories: age, three subcategories of gender (female, male, and other), apparent skin tone and ambient lighting, according to the Thursday blog post.

To increase nondiscrimination, fairness, and safety in AI, its important to have inclusive data and diversity within the data categories so researchers can better assess how well a specific model or AI-powered product is working for different demographic groups, Roy Austin, Vice President and Deputy General Counsel for Civil Rights at Meta, said in the release. This dataset has an important role in ensuring the technology we build has equity in mind for all from the outset."

As with most all of its public AI research to date, Meta is releasing Casual Conversations v2 as an open source dataset for anyone to use and expand upon  perhaps to include markers such as disability, accent, dialect, location, and recording setup, as the company hinted at on Thursday.
A Mexican Red Cross ambulance transports two Americans found alive after their abduction in Mexico last week, in Ejido Longoreno, on the outskirts of Matamoros, Mexico, Tuesday, March 7, 2023. Associated Press

Four Americans were kidnapped and two were killed after entering Mexico last week.

An apology letter obtained by AP claims to be from the cartel that was responsible.

The letter said the cartel members involved broke their rules and were turned over to authorities.

The Mexican cartel blamed for the kidnapping and killing of Americans appears to have apologized in a letter, saying they are turning over the people involved and that it was against their rules.

The letter was obtained by The Associated Press from an unnamed law enforcement official in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. The four Americans were abducted in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, on Friday after crossing the US-Mexico border and getting caught in an armed confrontation between groups.

Two were later found dead while the survivors returned to the US for medical treatment.

The letter, which was supposedly written by the Scorpions faction of the Gulf cartel, denounced the kidnapping and killings and apologized to local residents, including a woman who had died during the initial confrontation in which the group was taken, AP reported. The letter also apologized to the Americans and their families.

"We have decided to turn over those who were directly involved and responsible in the events, who at all times acted under their own decision-making and lack of discipline," the letter said, according to AP.

The letter added that the actions did not align with the rules of the cartel, such as "respecting the life and well-being of the innocent."

The letter was accompanied by a photograph of five men, but it's unclear if the suspects were in custody. Law enforcement officials in Tamaulipas did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Another unnamed Mexican law enforcement official told AP the letter had been found inside a vehicle they had been searching for, with five men tied up inside.

AP reported that cartels sometimes try to protect their image by issuing statements about controversial events that could negatively impact business.

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The group of Americans had traveled to Mexico in a white van for a medical procedure before being fired at and taken by armed gunman, according to the FBI. Investigators believed a drug cartel had mistaken the group for smugglers.

Family members have told the media the group of friends traveled to Mexico for one of them to get a tummy tuck procedure. Relatives have identified them as Zindell Brown, Latavia McGee, Eric James Williams, and Shaeed Woodard.

Michelle Williams, the wife of Eric Williams, who is alive, has said she did not know her husband was traveling to Mexico, just that he was "going somewhere to help two friends." Cheryl Orange, another friend who was traveling with the group, said she was unable to cross the border because she didn't have her ID and stayed behind.

Jerry Wallace, the cousin of Eric Williams, told AP about the apology letter: "It ain't gonna change nothing about the suffering that we went through."

Read the original article on Insider
CIUDAD VICTORIA, Mexico (AP)  A letter claiming to be from the Mexican drug cartel blamed for abducting four Americans and killing two of them condemned the violence and said the gang turned over to authorities its own members who were responsible.

In a letter obtained by The Associated Press through a Tamaulipas state law enforcement official, the Scorpions faction of the Gulf cartel apologized to the residents of Matamoros where the Americans were kidnapped, the Mexican woman who died in the cartel shootout, and the four Americans and their families.

We have decided to turn over those who were directly involved and responsible in the events, who at all times acted under their own decision-making and lack of discipline, the letter reads, adding that those individuals had gone against the cartels rules, which include respecting the life and well-being of the innocent.

Drug cartels have been known to issue communiques to intimidate rivals and authorities, but also at times like these as public relations work to try to smooth over situations that could affect their business. And last Fridays violence in Matamoros was bad for cartel business.

The Americans' killings brought National Guard troops and an Army special forces outfit running patrols that heat up the plaza in narco terminology, Mexican security analyst David Saucedo said.

It is very difficult right now for them to continue working in terms of street-level drug sales and transferring drugs to the United States; they are the first ones interested in closing this chapter as soon as possible, Saucedo said.

A photograph of five bound men face-down on the pavement accompanied the letter, which was shared with The Associated Press by the official on condition that they remain anonymous because they were not authorized to share the document.

State officials did not immediately publicly confirm having new suspects in custody.

A separate state security official said that five men had been found tied up inside one of the vehicles that authorities had been searching for, along with the letter. That official also spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the case.

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The cousin of one of the victims said his family feels great knowing that Eric Williams, who was shot in the left leg, is alive but does not accept any apologies from the cartel blamed for kidnapping the Americans.

It aint gonna change nothing about the suffering that we went through, Jerry Wallace told the AP on Thursday. Wallace, 62, called for the American and Mexican governments to better address cartel violence.

Last Friday, the four Americans crossed into Matamoros from Texas so that one of them could have cosmetic surgery. Around midday, they were fired on in downtown Matamoros and then loaded into a pickup truck. A Mexican woman, Areli Pablo Servando, 33, was also killed, apparently by a stray bullet.

Another friend, who remained in Brownsville, called police after being unable to reach the group that crossed the border Friday morning.

Brownsville Police Department spokesman Martin Sandoval said Thursday that officers followed protocol by checking local hospitals and jails after receiving the report of the missing people. A detective was assigned to the case within the hour and then alerted the FBI after realizing the people had crossed into Mexico. Shortly after, the FBI took over the case as social media videos began to show a shootout with the victims matching the description of the missing people.

Authorities located them Tuesday morning on the outskirts of the city, guarded by a man who was arrested. Zindell Brown and Shaeed Woodard died in the attack; Williams and Latavia McGee survived.

On Thursday, two hearses carrying the bodies of Woodard and Brown crossed the international bridge to Brownsville, where the remains were handed over to U.S. authorities.

Woodards cousin, McGee, had surprised him with the fatal road trip as a birthday getaway, according to his father, James Woodard. He said he was speechless upon hearing that the cartel had apologized for the violent abduction that killed his son and was captured in footage that quickly spread online.

Just being helpless  not to be able to do anything, not to be able to go there and just rescue them  its real painful, James Woodard said.

Thursdays letter was not an unheard of cartel tactic.

Cartels community relations efforts are well-known within Mexico. In contested territory, one cartel might hang banners around a city blaming a rival for recent violence and distinguishing themselves as the gang that does not mess with civilians.

Last November, such banners appeared around Guanajuato state, purportedly written by the Jalisco New Generation cartel, that blamed a rival for a spate of killings in bars and other businesses.

In other situations, the message is more blunt: Bodies are left inside a vehicle with a note or hung from a highway overpass on a heavily transited road. The motivation is terror.

More subtly, cartels use their power to plant stories in the local press or keep stories from appearing. Their members are active on social media.

Their underlying interest is facilitating their business whether that be smuggling drugs and migrants or extortion.

Sometimes a cartel will shoot up its rivals territory hoping to trigger a law enforcement response to make business difficult for their opponents. Thats what appeared to happen two years ago in Reynosa, just up the border from Matamoros. Gunmen drove into town shooting and killed 14 innocent bystanders.

Handing over alleged cartel suspects to police is also not without precedent. Saucedo cautioned that a cartel leader may have authorized the attack then regretted it and decided to offer sacrificial lambs to police.

In 2008, drug traffickers in Michoacan lobbed hand grenades into a crowd celebrating Mexicos independence, killing eight. Days later, authorities arrested three suspects, but it turns out they had been kidnapped by a cartel, beaten into confessions implicating a rival group and turned over to police.

Meanwhile, the Tamaulipas state prosecutor's office said Thursday it had seized an ambulance and a medical clinic in Matamoros that were allegedly used to provide treatment to the Americans after the shooting.

The Americans told investigators they were taken to the clinic in an ambulance to receive first aid, the statement said. By reviewing police surveillance video around the city, authorities were able to identify the ambulance and find the clinic. No arrests were made at the clinic, according to the statement.

___

Stevenson reported from Mexico City and Pollard from Lake City, South Carolina. Associated Press writer Acacia Coronado in Austin, Texas, and Associated Press video journalist Hilary Powell in Lake City, South Carolina, contributed to this report.
MEXICO CITY (AP)  Mexicos president said Thursday that his country does not produce or consume fentanyl, despite enormous evidence to the contrary.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador appeared to depict the synthetic opioid epidemic largely as a U.S. problem, and said the United States should use family values to fight drug addiction.

His statement came during a visit to Mexico by Liz Sherwood-Randall, the White House homeland security adviser, to discuss the fentanyl crisis. It also comes amid calls by some U.S. Republicans to use the U.S. military to attack drug labs in Mexico.

The Mexican government has acknowledged in the past that fentanyl is produced at labs in Mexico using precursor chemicals imported from China. Fentanyl has been blamed for about 70,000 opioid deaths per year in the United States.

Here, we do not produce fentanyl, and we do not have consumption of fentanyl, Lopez Obrador said. Why don't they (the United States) take care of their problem of social decay?"

He went on to recite a list of reasons why Americans might be turning to fentanyl, including single-parent families, parents who kick grown children out of their houses and people who put elderly relatives in old-age homes and visit them once a year.

His statement contrasted sharply with a Thursday tweet from U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar saying a meeting between Sherwood-Randall and Mexico's attorney general was meant to enhance security cooperation and fight against the scourge of fentanyl to better protect our two nations.

There is little debate among U.S. and even Mexican officials that almost all the fentanyl consumed in the United States is produced and processed in Mexico.

In February, the Mexican army announced it seized more than a half million fentanyl pills in what it called the largest synthetic drug lab found to date. The army said the outdoor lab was discovered in Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa state.

In the same city in 2021, the army raided a lab that it said probably made about 70 million of the blue fentanyl pills every month for the Sinaloa cartel.

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The president is lying, said Mexican security analyst David Saucedo. The Mexican cartels, above all the CJNG ( Jalisco New Generation Cartel) and the Sinaloa Cartel have learned to manufacture it.

They themselves buy the precursor chemicals, set up laboratories to produce fentanyl and distribute it to cities in the United States and sell it, Saucedo said. Little by little they have begun to build a monopoly on fentanyl, because the Mexican cartels are present along the whole chain of production and sales.

While it is true that fentanyl consumption appears to remain low in Mexico and largely confined to northern border areas, that may be because the Mexican government is so bad at detecting it. A 2019 study in the border city of Tijuana showed that 93% of samples of methamphetamines and heroin there contained some fentanyl.

Saucedo said fentanyl exports to the U.S. are so lucrative for Mexican cartels that they previously had not seen a need to develop a domestic market for the drug.

It is true that fentanyl consumption in Mexico is marginal, but some mid-level cartels have begun selling it in border cities and in big cities like Leon, Mexico City and Monterrey, Saucedo said.

On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham held a news conference, saying he wanted to unleash the fury and might of the U.S. against these cartels."

The second step that we will be engaging in is give the military the authority to go after these organizations wherever they exist, Graham said. "Not to invade Mexico. Not to shoot Mexican airplanes down. But to destroy drug labs that are poisoning Americans.

Lopez Obrador said Mexico would not accept such threats, calling them an insult to Mexico and a lack of respect for our independence and sovereignty.

Lopez threatened to start a campaign in the United States asking Mexicans and Hispanics who live there not to vote for Republicans.

We are going to issue a call not to vote for that party, because they are inhuman and interventionist, Lopez Obrador said.

Security analyst Alejandro Hope said Lopez Obrador appeared trapped between his own hugs, not bullets strategy of not confronting cartels  which plays well among his supporters  and increasing U.S. pressure, especially from Republicans.

Hope said the Mexican president may not realize how much the issue of declaring Mexican cartels terrorist organizations could become a conservative rallying cry in the 2024 U.S. elections, just as former President Donald Trump's call for a border wall was in 2016.

The problem is that it puts the Biden administration in a terrible position, it puts it between the Republicans' intransigence and Lopez Obrador's intransigence, Hope said.

Marcelo Ebrard, Mexico's top diplomat, wrote in his Twitter account Thursday that proposals like Graham's would be catastrophic for bilateral anti-drug cooperation.

They (Republicans) know that the fentanyl epidemic did not originate in Mexico, but in the United States, Ebrard wrote. They know that more work is being done against fentanyl now than ever.

Later, Ebrard said that Mexico had seized over six tons of fentanyl  he didn't specify over what time period or the purity of drugs  and that things would have been worse for Americans if that hadn't been done.

All the fentanyl seizures in Mexico, if they hadn't been carried out, these pills would be causing or would have caused, not hundreds, (but) thousands of deaths in the United States. So no, there isn't any tension with the United States, he said.

Mexicans, both in government and outside it, are clearly afraid of fentanyl use increasing in Mexico. A civic group has launched a campaign of painting walls with the slogan Mxsinfentanilo  Mexico without fentanyl  and Lopez Obrador has launched a series of anti-drug TV ads.

Still, Lopez Obrador's government appears to view fentanyl as a U.S. problem. In the ads launched in November, the government used videos of homeless people and open-air drug users in Philadelphia to try to scare young people away from drugs.
The kidnapping of four Americans in Mexico has drawn renewed attention to a horror abduction in the same cartel-controlled border town of Matamoros more than 30 years ago.

Mark Kilroy was 21 years old when he vanished on spring break vacation in 1989.

A search dragged on for almost a month before Kilroys remains were found in a mass grave along with other victims. He was found to have been abducted, tortured and killed by a drug-smuggling satanic cult.

The Texas college student and a group of friends had entered Mexico on 14 March of that year at Matamoros, across from Brownsville, Texas, intending to go bar hopping, according to The Washington Post.

Kilroy vanished that night and his remains were found on 11 April 20 miles away at a ranch alongside 14 others.

Almost 34 years later, Matamoros is once again the site of global attention after the kidnapping of four American tourists from South Carolina. Two of the tourists were found dead four days later, and two were rescued.

The four Americans - Latavia Tay McGee, Shaeed Woodard, Zindell Brown and Eric James Williams - entered Mexico last week for one of them to undergo a cosmetic procedure when they were ambushed and shot at by armed men believed to be members of a local drug cartel.

The group were then forced into a pickup truck and hidden from US and Mexican authorities for four days before they were found at a stash house on 7 March. Ms McGee and Mr Williams were rescued after watching Woodard and Brown die.

Mark Kilroy was kidnapped, tortured, and killed by a drug-smuggling satanic cult in Mexico in 1989 (Screenshot / KIII 3 News)

Matamoros is located in the state of Tamaulipas, which the US State Department has under a Do Not Travel advisory due to cartel-related violence.

AsThe Post describes it, Matamoros is a city where killings and disappearances are so common they rarely make headlines.

Kilroys story underlines how long that has been the case.

About three weeks after Kilroy disappeared, Mexican police detained a man on a Marijuana violation, leading to his familys ranch being searched for further drugs but they instead discovered what officials said was a human slaughterhouse, according to a Los Angeles Times report from that year.

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Authorities found an altar with candles, animal skulls, and human remains on 11 April. The Post reported at the time that among the bodies found there, Kilroys dismembered remains were found.

His spine had been taken out and his legs had been cut off. The brains, blood, and hearts of the victims were found in an iron cauldron.

Local news reports stated that the cult believed human sacrifice ensured supernatural protection for their drug-smuggling operation.

The cult was called Los Narcosatanicos  the narco-Satanists  and they conducted their horrific acts on the family ranch, which was reportedly also used as a base to smuggle about 1,000 pounds (454 kg) of marijuana to the US every month, according to The Post.

The leader was named as Cuban American Adolfo de Jesus Constanzo. Cult members called him El Padrino or the godfather.

Gary Cartwright wrote for the Texas Monthly in June 1989 that he introduced various forms of mind control in the guise of religious mumbo jumbo. As Charles Manson had used the Beatles song Helter Skelter, the Cuban used a movie called The Believers, in which a father and his son are caught in a web of black magic.

Investigators believe that Constanzo tortured Kilroy and then killed him with a machete.

An international manhunt ensued for the people guilty of the murders of at least 15 people found on the ranch.

The cult leaders and his acolytes fled to Mexico City, where Constanzo is reported to have ordered his own shooting alongside his top follower in May of 1989, the Associated Press reported at the time.

Law enforcement had been set to launch a raid on an apartment where the two mens bodies were found littered with gunshot wounds.

At least five members of the cult received long sentences, the AP reported.

James and Helen Kilroy, the parents of the 21-year-old, created a nonprofit battling substance abuse. Their son was an honour student who had the hope to become a doctor.

Months after the killing of his son, the father told Rolling Stone, were definitely putting our energy into the fight against drugs.

For that reason, we dont look back. We try to look forward, he added.

Friends and family of the 21-year-old have been warning others travelling to Mexico about safety concerns.

The US State Department increased its warning level for Matamoros following the abductions last week to its highest level, telling Americans not to go there.
Michael Caine has lashed out at the claim one of his films might inspire possible terrorists.

The actor questioned the 1964 film Zulus recent labelling as a key text for white nationalists and supremacists.

Zulu depicts the Battle of Rorkes Drift, which occurred during the Anglo-Zulu War in 1879.

According to William Shawcross research into the counter-terrorisim programme Prevent, the film could provide inspiration for members of the far-right.

Alongside Zulu, war film The Dam Busters was also named by Shawcross as well as political sitcoms Yes Minister and The Thick of It. The complete works of William Shakespeare were flagged, too.

The Times reports Caine, who turns 90 on Tuesday (14 March), as saying he does not agree with Zulus placement, calling it the biggest load of bulls***.

The actor also said he has no career regrets, stating: There are no films I wish I hadnt made. I got paid for all of them.

Caine also explained why he decided to enter the acting profession, stating: I became an actor because I wanted to kiss a girl, and I got to kiss all of them, so I thought it a good profession.

The actor has been married for 50 years.

Michael Caine in Zulu (Diamond Films/Kobal/Shutterstock)

Shawcross research found that Prevent, a programme aiming to prevent people from becoming terrorists, was failing to address extreme antisemitism in extreme right-wing ideology.

He said he was disturbed by the prevalence of antisemitism, and said that peole associated with Ptevent were failing to tackle it as a threat.
PARIS (Reuters) - French tyre maker Michelin has shelved plans to sell its Russian business to its local management and is now in discussions with a local player, a company spokesperson said on Thursday, adding Michelin hoped to reach an agreement "soon".

The first Western tyre maker to enter Russia in 2004, Michelin announced suspension of its industrial activity in Russia in March 2022, soon after Moscow had invaded Ukraine. It later said it planned to hand over its Russian activities to a new entity under local management by the end of the year.

"We are now discussing a purchase by a local player...We dropped the idea of a purchase by local management because this was too complex," the spokesperson said without naming the potential buyer.

A slew of companies have announced plans to stop doing business in Russia but many have found the actual asset unwinding process complex and costly.

Russian daily Kommersant reported on Tuesday that Michelin's factory in the Moscow region with production capacity of 1.5 million-2 million tyres a year will be sold to Power International-shiny, a Russian tyre distributor, in a deal which is now close to completion.

(Reporting by Gilles Guillaume, Wriing by Dominique Vidalon; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)
Michelle Yeoh, left, and Cate Blanchett are considered frontrunners in the 2023 Oscars race for lead actress. (Albert L. Ortega / Getty Images)

Michelle Yeoh posted an article about diversity in the 2023 Oscars race for lead actress on Tuesday but quickly took it down after some commenters declared it a slight against her main competitor for the award, Cate Blanchett.

Per the Daily Beast, on her Instagram Yeoh posted nine screengrabs from a Vogue article titled "Its Been Over Two Decades Since Weve Had a Non-White Best Actress Winner. Will That Change in 2023?" The writer compared the likely effects of a win on frontrunners Blanchett and Yeoh, saying that the honor for Yeoh's performance in "Everything Everywhere All at Once" would be "life-changing."

The rub? One of Yeoh's screengrabs included a section of the article that suggested Blanchett, a two-time Oscar winner who's nominated for her work in "Tar," doesn't exactly need another Academy Award.

In her since-deleted post, Yeoh quoted from her own 2023 SAG Awards acceptance speech in her caption, according to the A.V. Club, writing, This is not just for me, this is for every little girl that looks like me and We want to be seen, we want to be heard.

That posed a theoretical problem. The film academy's Oscar campaign regulations forbid "attempting to cast a negative or derogatory light" by anyone associated with an eligible film. "In particular, any tactic that singles out 'the competition'"  i.e., another nominee  "by name or title is expressly forbidden." A violation carries with it a one-year membership suspension for first-time offenders and the threat of permanent expulsion from the academy for repeat offenders.

The Oscars voting period, which opened March 2, closed Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. Pacific, just hours after Yeoh's post went up, the Daily Beast said. It is unclear whether the academy's regulations apply once voting closes.

It is also unclear whether Yeoh drawing attention to an article about diversity "cast a negative or derogatory light" on anyone other than academy voters, even though it argued that a Yeoh win would be "more meaningful" than another one for Blanchett.

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Representatives for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which presents the Oscars, did not respond Wednesday to The Times' request for comment. Representatives for Yeoh declined to comment.

The Vogue article, written by Radhika Seth, addressed what it called the "baffling" fact that every lead actress Oscar winner since Halle Berry's barrier-breaking victory in 2002 has been white.

"Yeoh and Blanchett are now neck and neck as they approach the Oscars, and its anyones guess as to who will soar ahead in the final days of voting," Vogue said, citing Blanchett's wins at the Critics Choice and BAFTA awards and Yeoh's wins at the SAG and Golden Globe awards. "However, its undeniable that a victory for Yeoh would be both supremely well deserved and infinitely more meaningful."

For what its worth, the two veteran actors seem to be mutual admirers. Talking to Variety for its "Actors on Actors" series in December, they had no shortage of praise for each other.

Theres something about your presence, Blanchett told Yeoh. You just have this aura.

To which Yeoh responded, Oh, my God. I have loved you from your first film and followed you all the way across  all with deep respect and, OK, envy.

As for Yeoh's deleted post, a rules infraction just days before the Academy Awards is highly unlikely after no foul was called around Andrea Riseborough's celebrity-fueled nomination in the same category.

Riseborough's surprise lead actress nomination, which came after a controversial campaign that raised eyebrows, had Oscar watchers concerned that rules had been broken. The academy did not agree.

The Academy has determined the activity in question does not rise to the level that the films nomination should be rescinded, academy CEO Bill Kramer wrote in a statement. However, we did discover social media and outreach campaigning tactics that caused concern. These tactics are being addressed with the responsible parties directly."

Kramer said the organization would work to clarify its regulations ahead of the 2024 competition.

Shortly after that statement went wide, an unnamed academy member told The Times' Glenn Whipp that Riseborough and her team "did nothing wrong, other than run an unconventional campaign that circumvented the Oscar machinery."

The academy member continued: "She absolutely deserved the nomination, and Ive heard from a lot of friends who have watched the movie since this whole stupid thing erupted, and they all agree. And you know what? I think she could win!

The 2023 Oscars will be handed out in Hollywood on Sunday starting at 5 p.m. Pacific. The ceremony will be televised on ABC.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
This aerial photo taken on Jan. 24, 2023 shows lanterns at the Tang Paradise in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Scenic spots in Xi'an are welcoming legions of tourists with colorful lights and lanterns. (Xinhua/Liu Xiao)

China will host a high-profile international conference next month to promote cooperation among cultural heritage administrators, conservators and researchers across Asia, the head of the National Cultural Heritage Administration said during the ongoing annual sessions of the country's top legislature and top political advisory body.



Li Qun, director of the administration and a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said in an exclusive interview with China Daily that the conference, the Founding Assembly of the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia, is scheduled to be held from April 24 to 25 in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province.

It will also be the first offline intergovernmental conference focusing on cultural heritage collaboration to be hosted by China since early 2020.

"As the first international mechanism in cultural heritage initiated by China, the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia is a key step in strengthening cooperation among Asian countries," said Li, who is also vice-minister of culture and tourism.

"We're committed to working step by step to turn the alliance into an actual international organization," he added. "Within its framework, we can make more contributions to jointly safeguarding the shared heritage of humankind."

In a keynote speech at the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations in Beijing in May 2019, President Xi Jinping expressed China's willingness to work with other countries to protect Asian cultural heritage and better preserve and sustain civilizations.

Echoing his proposal, a two-day online meeting, the inaugural Asian Dialogue for Cultural Heritage Conservation was held in November 2021, during which the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia was also initiated.

The founding members of the alliance are China, Armenia, Cambodia, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

Li told China Daily that ministerial-level cultural heritage officials and experts from around 30 Asian countries are expected to attend the Xi'an conference.

He said that the founding members had reached a consensus on the statutes of the alliance.

The Xi'an conference will also see the election of the alliance's secretary-general, along with the issuing of its annual plan and guidance on how to apply for funds from the alliance to support cultural heritage conservation.

The Chau Say Tevoda temple in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia, was the first China-hosted international joint restoration program overseas, where work began in 1998.

In the past decade, thanks to the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, which calls for strengthening people-to-people exchanges, Chinese experts have been engaged in protecting and conserving 11 heritage sites in six Asian countries.

This work included restoration of the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Itchan Kala, the inner section of the ancient city of Khiva in Uzbekistan, which was completed in 2019, and the ongoing restoration of the Thatbyinnyu Phaya temple in Bagan, Myanmar.

"A network of cooperation under the framework of the BRI is being established," Li said.

China's experience in applying for UNESCO World Heritage status also contributed to the country's cultural links with other nations.

For example, China cooperated with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in the successful bid for World Heritage status for "Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor" in 2014, which has inspired cooperation on similar programs with other countries.

Li said that China has also offered "multiple technical and intellectual support" to a similar program nominated for World Heritage status, "Silk Roads: Fergana-Syrdarya Corridor", involving Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan in the fields of the management of heritage sites, studies of values, and nominating strategy.
A Detroit woman who was hired to help process unemployment claims during the pandemic has admitted she used her job to steal more than $300,000 from taxpayers  money that was supposed to help keep people afloat during the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis.

Semaje Reffigee, 26, who worked from home as a contractor for the Michigan unemployment agency, pleaded guilty Wednesday to wire fraud conspiracy, admitting she pulled off an inside job that bilked $313,497 from the government.

According to court documents, Reffigee was hired by the state in October 2020 to review, process and verify that unemployment claims were legitimate. But over the next seven months, records show, she would go rogue, using her access to the agency's database to access and approve 34 fraudulent claims submitted by others.

They weren't strangers. They were in cahoots with one another.

Scammers used stolen or fake identities to apply for jobless aid

According to court records, here is how the scheme worked:

Reffigee's cohorts would submit phony unemployment claims by computer to the unemployment agency, using the names of people whose identities they had stolen or names that they had entirely made up. Her accomplices would lie on applications for unemployment benefits, pretending they had lost their jobs due to COVID-19, using fake documents to support the claims.

More:Appeals Court grills Crumbley lawyers, cites 'plenty of warning signs'

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The scammers would then alert Reffigee by phone or text about the claims that they had filed. And Reffigee would then approve the claims and release the money, which typically was loaded onto Bank of America debit cards and mailed to addresses controlled by Reffigee's accomplices. Sometimes the stolen benefits went directly into bank accounts.

In exchange for her help, Reffigee got a kickback, typically a few hundred bucks per claim. She also filed two fraudulent unemployment claims in her own name and received about $9,000 for them.

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Prosecutors said Reffigee reactivated claims that had been flagged for fraud within the system, and also went outside her assigned workflow to approve fraudulent claims when they were first filed.

This case reflects our ongoing commitment to prosecute those who took advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic by stealing funds intended for those in need. We treat this kind of fraud especially seriously because corruption within these programs undermines trust and confidence in government programs generally," U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison stated in announcing the guilty plea.

Added Irene Lindow, head of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General in Chicago: "She abused her position for personal gain by using her access to state data systems to approve fraudulent UI claims submitted by her co-conspirators. ... Protecting the integrity of the unemployment insurance program remains one of our highest priorities."Reffigee, who is scheduled to be sentenced in July, faces up to 20 years in prison for her crime and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the terms of her plea agreement, will also be required to repay $313,497  the amount she stole  to the state of Michigan.

Reffigee is free on bond awaiting sentencing. Neither she nor her attorney could be reached for comment.

Contact Tresa Baldas: tbaldas@freepress.com

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan unemployment worker Semaje Reffigee admits to stealing $300K
Bing has crossed 100 million daily active users a month after the launch of its chatbot AI, according to Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft's VP for Modern Life, Search and Devices. He said the company is fully aware that it's still just "a small, low, single digit share player," but hey, there was a time when Bing wasn't even a part of the conversation. Now, after the tech giant released its next-gen version, even those who haven't used it in the past are relying on it for their searches: Mehdi noted that one-third of Bing's daily active users are new to the search engine.

"We see this appeal of the new Bing as a validation of our view that search is due for a reinvention and of the unique value proposition of combining Search + Answers + Chat + Creation in one experience," the VP said.

In addition to seeing a boost in numbers, Microsoft is also apparently enjoying a growth in engagement, with more people conducting more searches. The company credits two factors for that particular victory, the first being Edge's growth in usage, most likely aided by the addition of Bing's chat AI as a new feature. It also said that the introduction of its Prometheus AI model made Bing's search results more relevant, so people have been using  or at least trying out  the search engine more.

Apparently, around one third of Bing's daily preview users have been using its chat AI for their queries every day. On average, Microsoft is seeing three chats per session, with over 45 million chats since it introduced the new Bing. Further, in 15 percent of all chat sessions, people have been using Bing to generate new content. The launch of Bing's AI chatbot on mobile has propelled the search engine to a new level of popularity, as well, and has led to a six-time increase in daily active users from before it became available.

By integrating an AI chatbot into Bing earlier this year, Microsoft gave its search engine the weapon it needs to be able to compete against Google. That said, Google does have plans to launch a chatbot of its own and introduced a chat AI called Bard last month. Bard spouted misinformation during its unofficial debut, but Google is working with employees to improve the chatbot's responses before it becomes available.
The importance of holding Bakhmut is "only increasing," Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander of the Ground Forces of Ukraine, said on March 9.

According to Syrskyi, the main reasons behind this are that it allows Ukraine to prepare its reserves for future counteroffensives and exhausts the resources of the Russian army, namely the "most prepared and combat-capable" soldiers from the Wagner private military contractor group.

The battle for Bakhmut, a once prosperous industrial city in Donetsk Oblast, has been raging for the past seven months. The Russian military is attempting to increase its grip over the entirety of the oblast, around half of which it currently occupies.

Despite the heavy fighting, Ukraine has not withdrawn soldiers from the city.

On March 8, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warned that Bakhmut could fall "in the coming days," but that the loss of the city would not represent a turning point in the war.

On March 6, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also remarked that the fall of Bakhmut would not be a significant setback for the Ukrainian military, adding that the city was more of a "symbolic" than "strategic" value.

Eastern Operational Command spokesman Serhiy Cherevaty responded to these comments on national television on March 9, saying that he appreciated their insight, but that NATO did not fully understand the situation on the ground in Bakhmut.

"The most recent conflict that NATO had somewhat tangential involvement in was the wars in the former Yugoslavia. These conflicts were relatively smaller in scale and required less deployment of troops. NATO is more accustomed to carrying out stabilization, training, and peacekeeping missions," Cherevaty said.

Cherevaty also recalled that some Western allies had predicted Kyiv would fall at the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022 to further his point.

"They approach this purely pragmatically with dry calculations, sometimes not understanding that Ukrainians have developed much greater stability, non-standard actions, and the power of tactical decisions during the past year of war," Cherevaty added.

"I think others need to study this. They are already studying it."
A Milton man is having to defend himself in court after filing an ethics complaint against a city council member.

Im a citizen of Milton. I thought wrongdoing occurred with a government official, so I came forward and filed an ethics complaint, Tony Palazzo told Channel 2 consumer investigator Justin Gray.

A formal ethics panel ruled that Milton City Councilman Paul Moore did in fact violate city ethics rules by not recusing himself from a vote related to the subdivision where he lived.

But for Palazzo, who filed that ethics complaint, that was just the beginning. Hes named as a defendant along with the city and the ethics board in a writ of certiorari filed in Fulton Superior Court by Moore.

The legal petition demands the decision by the ethics board be overturned and that Moores legal fees be paid.

Palazzo said he was forced to hire legal counsel of his own, worried he could be on the hook for those legal fees.

I thought it was a simple process. Never in my wildest dreams did I think Id have to retain legal counsel, go to evidentiary hearings, and now fight in superior court over the findings of a three-attorney ethics panel, Palazzo said.

Last fall, the Milton City Council declined to formally punish Moore for the ethics panels findings. The ethics panel had recommended a written censure or reprimand.

TRENDING STORIES:

I believe Councilman Moore has been sufficiently sanctioned, Milton Mayor Peyton Jamison said at an October council meeting.

Moore told Channel 2 Action News in a written statement:

My petition in Fulton Superior Court is nothing more than an appeal of his complaint, and it was filed in the format required under an old state law.it is ironic that, having started this process by filing a complaint against me, Mr. Palazzo is now complaining that he finds himself in court. The only reason that has happened is because I have refused to lay down, and I am continuing to defend myself against his charges.

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Its very chilly, its frightening, said Richard T. Griffiths with the Georgia First Amendment Foundation. While it may not technically be a lawsuit, it is nevertheless the kind of thing you may have to spend money defending yourself against.

Palazzo said hes already spent about $30,000 in legal fees and worries about what message this sends to others.

If youre in fear of financial ruin, why in the world would you come forward and subject yourself to this, Palazzo said.

In this case, a legitimate complaint to the ethics commission was upheld and now that citizen is facing legal repercussions that are scary and potentially expensive and thats not right, Griffiths said.

In his statement to Channel 2 Action News, Moore wrote:

As to attorneys fees, the City Code of Ethics provides that an elected official has a right to recover fees he spent defending himself if a complaint against him is eventually dismissed by a court. I assume that Mr. Palazzo was aware of that when he chose to file his complaint against me.

A hearing on all this is set for May.

Milton City Attorney Ken Jarrard told Gray, Council member Paul Moore has taken advantage of his appellate rights under the Citys ethics code. The City of Milton will respect and honor any decision of the court.

IN OTHER NEWS:
[Source]

An infant Buddha statue thats less than 6 inches tall will be put up for auction with a starting bid of $100,000.

In 2018, Leon Deschamps and Shayne Thompson discovered the figurine with a metal detector while searching Shark Bay, Australia.

Infant Buddha statues were typically presented during ceremonies celebrating the Buddha's birthday, thus the youthful imagery.

Since the discovery, the Australian filmmakers, who run FINN Films, have been trying to solve the mystery of why the Buddha statue was in Australia and whether its discovery may reveal an earlier arrival to Australia by Chinese explorers than previously thought.

More from NextShark: Jeremy Lin fined by China over 'inappropriate' COVID remarks

In the last four years, it has cost us significant personal capital and time to be able to investigate and protect the Buddha appropriately, Deschamps and Thompson said. Since their discovery, the two have spent more than $50,000 on efforts to reveal the artifacts origins, including laboratory research and travel to meet with scientists.

After the figurine was evaluated by an art expert on the British TV program Antiques Roadshow, it was identified as originating in the Ming Dynasty.

Asian art specialist Lee Young labeled the figurine a world treasure.

More from NextShark: 66-year-old man in China transforms his terrace into ice rink to play hockey with grandson

Lets clear it up straight away. Yes, it is Ming, Young said. He added that the location of its discovery would increase its value from between $5,000 and $9,000 to over $100,000 if its link to 15th-century China is confirmed.

Corrosion expert and retired Western Australian Museum fellow Dr. Ian McLeod confirmed that the statue was not a forgery and must have been buried in that exact location for more than 100 years.

It is not possible, even with the most sophisticated chemical methods, to develop a complex patina such as found on the Shark Bay bronze object, McLeod determined.

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More from NextShark: 'It is just a joke': Australian Restaurant Sparks Outrage After Two Very Annoying Asians Receipt

Deschamps and Thompson said that the discovery site is blocked off and under surveillance. They hope that the government will work with the Chinese community and Indigenous custodians to find the statues missing index fingers and learn more about its origins through a co-funded archaeological dig.

In the future, the two discoverers hope that a replica of the statue will be made to be kept in an Australian museum where its story can be displayed. They also hope that the statue will find an appropriate home.

"Sacred objects belong with the communities they are sacred to," Deschamps wrote in a statement. "We do not consider ourselves owners of the Infant Buddha but rather custodians and we have done our utmost to show this sacred object the respect it deserves."

More from NextShark: Australias worst pedophile sentenced to 129 years in prison for child sex abuse in Philippines
Tim Walz

By Chris Boyette and Jack Forrest

(CNN) -- Minnesota's Democratic Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order Wednesday directing state agencies to take action to protect and support access to gender-affirming health care across the state.

"All state agencies must, to the fullest extent of their lawful authority, pursue opportunities and coordinate with each other to protect people or entities providing, assisting, seeking or obtaining gender affirming health care services in Minnesota," the order says.

Gender-affirming care is medically necessary, evidence-based care that uses a multidisciplinary approach to help a person transition from their assigned gender -- the one the person was designated at birth -- to their affirmed gender -- the gender by which one wants to be known.

Walz's order comes as Republican-led states around the country push restrictions on such care, with at least four states this year having passed measures to outlaw gender-affirming care for minors. As part of the order, the governor is prohibiting the state from cooperating with investigations by states that aim to penalize such care, saying their actions "pose a grave threat to the health" of members of the LGBTQ community.

"We want every Minnesotan to grow up feeling safe, valued, protected, celebrated and free to exist as their authentic versions of themselves," Walz said at a press conference Wednesday.

"Protecting and supporting access to gender-affirming health care is essential to being a welcoming and supportive state to the community," the governor continued. "Minnesota is going to continue to be a refuge for people who seek to provide and to receive gender affirming health care services."

The order itself does not change any existing Minnesota law but instead requires state agencies to use their existing powers to protect gender-affirming care and study the health benefits of such care. The order also directs agencies to investigate health care organizations that may have denied individuals access to gender-affirming care.

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LGBTQ advocacy group OutFront Minnesota on Wednesday applauded what it called the "Trans Refuge" order, saying that "with the rights of our neighbors under threat this order sends a strong message to trans people, supportive families, and care providersyou are welcome here."

The order comes after lawmakers in Tennessee, Mississippi, Utah and South Dakota have enacted legislation to restrict access to treatments for minors over the past month. Arkansas enacted a ban in 2021, and Alabama put one on its books last year. Arizona also enacted restrictions on gender-affirming care in 2022, though its ban was less sweeping than the others.

Walz in his speech called out those states, saying, "By outlawing gender affirming health care, states across this country are working to prevent people from receiving safe, medically necessary, evidence-based treatments. We know this urgency is real, thus the need of an executive order today."

Though gender-affirming care is highly individualized, some children may decide to use reversible puberty suppression therapy. This part of the process may also include hormone therapy that can lead to gender-affirming physical change. Surgical interventions, however, are not typically done on children and many health care providers do not offer them to minors.

The-CNN-Wire

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Body Camera footage shows Joseph Wood, son of Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood, being pulled over by Mishawaka police officers on Oct. 28, 2022 on Indiana Avenue.

MISHAWAKA  A few minutes after midnight on Oct. 28, a handful of Mishawaka police officers milled around a curb near the intersection of Mishawaka and Indiana avenues as they watched over a man suspected of drunk driving.

In body camera footage The Tribune obtained, the officer who initiated the stop said he saw the driver speeding and turn without using a turn signal. The driver smelled of alcohol and stumbled as he exited the car, according to the officer, who also noted the car's license plate was expired.

The man police pulled over that night was 22-year-old Joseph Wood, the son of Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood. Despite the primary officer's characterization of Joseph Wood's behavior, Wood was not arrested.

St. Joseph County officers fired:2 county officers being fired for lying about stop hours before fatal crash

In fact, there is no indication from the footage Wood was ever given a sobriety test on the scene. There is no mention of the incident in the police department's daily log and no police report was filed. Instead, body camera footage shows, Mishawaka police Capt. Eric Beckham instructed Wood to lock his car and drove the 22-year-old home.

Representatives from the Mishawaka Police Department, including police Chief Ken Witkowski, did not respond to requests for an interview to answer questions about whether Wood was not given a breathalyzer test and what the department's policy is for incidents involving public figures.

A spokesman for Dave Wood provided a written statement to The Tribune on Wednesday saying the mayor did not learn about the traffic stop until after it concluded.

"The Mayors expectations are well known, public safety and law and order are job number one. His expectation is that everyone be treated fairly under the law," the statement read. "The Mayor did not find out about the traffic stop involving his adult son until after the fact."

In response to public records requests, the police department provided body camera videos from five officers who responded to the traffic stop. The department said there is no body camera footage from Beckham from the incident.

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'He's bombed'

Joseph Wood was first pulled over by officer Andrew Branson around 12:20 a.m. on Oct. 28 on Indiana Avenue near Merrifield Park. In talking both to Wood and to other officers who arrived on scene, Branson explained that he pulled the car over after it "flew down" 4th Street and make a turn without using a turn signal. Branson then has Wood step out of the car and tells him he won't handcuff him but instructs him to keep his hands behind his back because he had a gun visible on the passenger's seat.

Wood tells Branson his name is Joe Wood and other officers arriving to the scene quickly realize they've pulled over the mayor's son.

The video footage shows several police interactions.

Thats Dave Woods son; hes bombed," Branson told a lieutenant responding to the scene.

"When I saw the address, I tried to run it while I was driving. I said 'well its either the mayor or one of his kids,'" the lieutenant, Michael Dube, responded.

Mishawaka police records:Ex-police assistant chief was investigated for ghost employment

"There's nothing we can do," Dube goes on to tell Branson. "You didn't put the drink in his hand."

Other officers begin to arrive and congregate in a loose circle around Wood as he sits on the curb and chats with the officers.

Branson asks Wood if he had been drinking as the officer patted him down for weapons near the start of the interaction captured on video. Wood said no. About 10 minutes later, Branson asks again if Wood has had any alcohol. Wood says he was watching a movie with his father and had one beer.

At different times in the video, Branson comments to other officers that he could smell alcohol on Wood, though he says at one point Wood "might be under" the legal limit. Wood had a gun in the car with him, though Indiana law no longer requires residents to have a permit in order to carry a gun per state law.

'I'll take care of it'

Throughout the incident, the presence of Capt. Eric Beckham looms large.

Wood first mentions Beckham about three minutes into the video encounter when he asks Branson who his shift supervisor is. Branson runs through a few names before Wood recognizes Beckham. A minute later, another squad car pulls up as Wood is sitting on the curb and Wood asks "Is that Beckham?"

Branson responded saying it was a different officer and said he wasn't sure if Beckham was working that night.

"He should be," Wood says.

Videos indicate Beckham was first contacted by the lieutenant on scene, who called the captain about seven minutes after Wood was pulled over.

A few minutes later, Branson tells other officers in the video he was instructed "to wait for Beckham."

Around 12 minutes after the beginning of the traffic stop video, Beckham arrives and tells officers "let's get these cars rolling." Other officers then begin getting in their cars and driving off.

Wood appears to recognize Beckham when he sees the captain. Body camera video shows Beckham beckon to Wood and the two men walk to the front of Wood's car and speak out of earshot of Branson's body camera for about 20 seconds.

Beckham then tells Wood to lock up his car. As Wood does so, Beckham turns to Branson to ask if Wood hit anything or if he "was just driving like an ass." Branson answered there was no accident.

"I'll take care of it," Beckham then tells Branson.

Branson's footage ends showing Wood and Beckham walking back away from Wood's car toward Beckham's squad car. A spokesman for Mayor Dave Wood said Beckham drove Joseph Wood back to the Wood family house.

There was no body camera footage from Beckham turned over as part of The Tribune's records request.

Unanswered questions, inadequate public log

Mishawaka city officials provided body camera footage from the traffic stop, but police department representatives have not responded to interview requests, leaving a number of unanswered questions about the incident.

A voicemail left at a number associated with Beckham was not returned Wednesday. An email and phone message left for Mishawaka Police Chief Ken Witkowski seeking information about why Wood was not tested or arrested were not returned.

It is unclear whether there was a basis to arrest Joseph Wood or at least give him a breathalyzer test. It is also unclear why Beckham did not have a body camera during the incident or whether the Mishawaka Police Department has policies governing incidents involving an elected official or their family.

The state's public access counselor says the police department also violated Indiana law by not placing a summary of the incident on the department's publicly available call log. State law requires law enforcement agencies to include information about incidents officers respond to, such as the time and location of an event, the names of anyone arrested an the nature of the agency's response, in a publicly available log within 24 hours of the incident taking place.

The Mishawaka police log provided to reporters on Oct. 29, which would include incidents that took place on Oct. 28, does not list the traffic stop involving Joseph Wood at all. The log does list an incident three hours after Wood was pulled over in which an officer who responded to the scene of Wood's stop arrested a different man for a DUI.

According to Indiana Public Access Counselor Luke Britt, traffic stops involving an infraction need not be included in the daily log, but a stop involving suspicion of drunk driving should have been documented.

If it was a suspected crime, meaning the officer legitimately thought there was an intoxicated person behind the wheel, they would need to log that," Britt said.

The police department released a sparse summary of the traffic stop in response to The Tribune's records request. That "call for service information report" lists only that a call was generated at 12:22 a.m. on Oct. 28 at Mishawaka and Indiana avenues, but does not detail what the call was about and only lists three officers as responding when in totality, body camera footage shows six cops on the scene.

Response from mayor's office

The Tribune was unable to find contact information for Joseph Wood or any social media accounts. A reporter left a message for Mayor Dave Wood requesting an interview and assistance reaching his son.

Mayor Dave Wood was in Indianapolis on Wednesday and unable to answer questions about his son's traffic stop, according to Matthew Lentsch who serves as Mishawaka's director of development and governmental affairs and acts as a spokesman for Wood.

Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood stands with family members Dec. 15, 2022, at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 360 to announce he is running for re-election. Joseph Wood is second from the right.

Lentsch said the mayor did not learn his son had been pulled over until Joseph Wood was dropped off at his house later that morning. The mayor was "not happy," upon hearing about the incident, Lentsch said.

Lentsch declined to answer questions about how police handled the incident, but said it is inconclusive whether Joseph Wood was over the legal limit for blood alcohol content at the time he was driving.

All I can tell you is the mayor is a man of integrity; a principled man. Joes a 22-year-old and there was a traffic stop and what you saw is what we all saw," said Lentsch.

Dave Wood, a Republican, has served as Mishawaka's mayor since 2010 and announced his re-election campaign in December.

Email Tribune staff writer Marek Mazurek at mmazurek@sbtinfo.com

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Mishawaka mayor's son stopped for suspected drunk driving, taken home
JACKSON, Miss. (AP)  Mississippi might revive an initiative process, but people would be banned from putting abortion laws or budget proposals on the statewide ballot under a measure moving forward at the state Capitol.

The House voted 75-9 Wednesday to adopt an initiative proposal, making changes to a resolution the Senate adopted last month. Negotiators are likely to work on a final version later this month.

Starting in the 1990s, Mississippi had an initiative process for people to put proposed state constitutional amendments on the ballot. In 2021, the state Supreme Court ruled the process was invalid because it required an equal number of signatures from five congressional districts. Mississippi dropped to four congressional districts after the 2000 Census, but initiative language was never updated.

The resolution to revive Mississippi's initiative process would allow proposed laws, rather than constitutional amendments, to go on the ballot.

Once a constitutional amendment is approved, any attempt to revise or repeal it would need to go back on the statewide ballot for voters to consider. Changing a state law is simpler: That can be done by a majority vote in the Mississippi Legislature.

The prohibition on abortion initiatives was added by a House committee last week. It's unclear whether that portion will survive in final negotiations.

The U.S. Supreme Court used a Mississippi case last June to upend abortion rights nationwide, and Mississippi now bans most abortions.

In 2011, Mississippi voters rejected a personhood initiative, which would have defined life as beginning at conception. That surprised many abortion rights opponents, including Republican Phil Bryant, who was elected governor the same day the initiative failed. Bryant had said days earlier that if voters were to reject the life-at-conception initiative, Satan wins."

During Wednesday's debate, Democratic Rep. Daryl Porter Jr., of McComb, asked Republican Rep. Nick Bain, of Corinth, why abortion initiatives would be banned under the new plan. Bain said that's what some representatives wanted.

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I'm fine with that," Bain said. "The state of Mississippi, I think, that follows the long policy. It certainly follows along with my constituents. They do not want abortion.

Porter responded: Your constituents. What about mine? ... We are going to stifle the people's voices by telling them, You can have the initiative process, convoluted, but here are also some things that you cant put on the ballot.'

Bain said he disagrees that voices would be stifled.

It's safe to say the state of Mississippi is pro-life, Bain said.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court's abortion ruling in June, voters in six states have either expanded or protected existing abortion rights through ballot initiatives. Kansas protected abortion rights in August, and five other states have either enshrined those rights or rejected constitutional restrictions on abortion.

The proposal to revive Mississippi's initiative process would require an equal number of signatures from each current congressional district.

The Senate version would require petitions to be signed by at least 12% of the states registered voters as of the last presidential election. That would be about 240,000 signatures.

The House voted Wednesday to require the same number of signatures as the previous initiative process  at least 12% of the total votes in the most recent gubernatorial election. That would be about 106,000 signatures.

____

Follow Emily Wagster Pettus on Twitter at http://twitter.com/EWagsterPettus.
Robots conduct welding work at the workshop of an automobile manufacturing factory in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Jan. 14, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]



An eminent Chinese scholar on foreign trade studies has rebutted a claim made by analysts and a section of the media that India and some Southeast Asian countries will gradually replace China's role as the "world factory", a metaphor used to describe its major role in manufacturing.

"China's foreign trade resilience has not weakened in recent years; it has strengthened," said Gu Xueming, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and president of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation.

This resilience is epitomized by the ability of China's foreign trade to adapt quickly to changes in external and internal situations, and maintain strong stability and sustainability, Gu said in an exclusive interview with China Daily.

There is no reliable evidence supporting the concerns of those claiming that "China's role in the international division of labor will be weakened and it will drift away from the real economy", the scholar said.

"In recent years, the scale of China's industries has expanded. The industrial structure continues to be optimized and its architecture perfected, leading to great resilience and making China's foreign trade industry and supply chains irreplaceable," he added.

In 2022, China's manufacturing sector was the world's largest for the 13th consecutive year. With high-quality development of China's trade and manufacturing sectors, the nation's "world factory" status will not change, and its foundation and advantages will be further strengthened, according to the scholar.

"China's support for the development of the real economy and the development of high-end manufacturing will not change either," Gu said.

This year's Government Work Report has proposed to proactively promote China's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, a regional free trade treaty.

"China's statement to actively seek CPTPP membership illustrates its attitude and determination to expand its opening-up," Gu said.

Speaking on the country's foreign trade outlook for this year, he said, "The long-term positive trend has not changed and will not change."

While keeping its foreign trade scale stable, China will focus on trade quality improvement and structural optimization, enhancing the added value of export commodities and improving the quality and efficiency of foreign trade, he said.

"We will stabilize the traditional markets, such as the United States, Europe, Japan and South Korea this year, while tapping into emerging markets, including the Latin American region and countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative," he said.
The Missouri Senate this week adjourned a day early for a scheduled spring break in disarray after a group of Democratic legislators spent days filibustering a bill that would ban gender-affirming health care for minors.

State Republican leadership made the decision to abruptly end the first half of the legislative session after hours of closed-door debate on the bill, the Springfield News-Leader reported.

Floor action had slowed to a crawl throughout Tuesday and Wednesday as the chambers 10 Democrats sought to reach a compromise with Republicans on the measure, which is only one of nine transgender health care-related bills under consideration this year.

The bills sponsor, Missouri Sen. Mike Moon (R) wrote on Twitter that the legislature had spent at least 10 hours over the two days debating the proposed legislation.

To adjourn one day early Is unbelievable, he wrote.

The two-day Democratic filibuster was led by state Sen. Greg Razer, Missouris only openly gay state senator.

This is real life. Were making medical decisions [for] kids this body doesnt understand, Razor said during Tuesdays floor debate.

The LGBT community has been a political wedge issue for decades, Razer continued. And in every example of how were used as a wedge issue, we lose battles at first, but not one time have we ever lost a war.

Missouris Senate Bill 49, if passed, would prevent minors in the state from accessing puberty blockers, hormone therapy, surgery or other gender-affirming health care services  with some exceptions for intersex youth. The proposed law would also bar state funds, employees and facilities from being used to provide gender transition services to anyone younger than 18.

If passed, Missouri would join growing coalition of GOP-led states that have banned gender-affirming health care for minors, but even without legislative action, access could be in jeopardy.

Sen. Josh Hawleys (R-Mo.) office last month said it would begin investigating the Washington University Pediatric Transgender Center at St. Louis Childrens Hospital after a first-person account published in The Free Press alleged years of malpractice.

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The report by Jamie Reed, a former case manager with the hospitals transgender center, has been challenged by reporting from the St. Louis Dispatch. Nearly two dozen parents of children seen at the clinic told the outlet that Reeds allegations are just not true.

On the same day Hawley announced his investigation, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey (R) confirmed that a multi-agency investigation into St. Louis Childrens Hospitals transgender center had begun in January, when Reed provided his office with a sworn affidavit about her time working at the hospital.

Razer on Tuesday said theres a high probability that the states GOP-controlled Senate will pass a version of the bill to ban gender-affirming health care for minors when the body meets again on March 20.

To my trans community, I dont know whats going to happen this year or with these bills, but we know the playbook, and were gonna win this war, too, he said. We may lose this battle, but we know were gonna win the war. Were gonna be okay.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP)  Missouri voters could decide on whether to restore abortion rights in the state if constitutional amendments made public Thursday make it to the 2024 ballot.

The proposals would amend Missouri's Constitution to protect abortion rights and pregnant women, as well as access to birth control.

Currently, most abortions are outlawed in the state. There are exceptions for medical emergencies, but not for cases of rape or incest.

The Missouri proposals are backed by a new group called Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, which has hired at least one Missouri Democratic strategist. The group and its treasurer did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.

Missouri's Republican-led Legislature crafted a law, signed by Republican Gov. Mike Parson in 2019, to ban most abortions, in case the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. The law took effect last year, following the court's decision to end constitutional protections for abortion.

Several coalitions of lawmakers, including a top Republican donor, tried to put the law to a public vote in 2019. But Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, widely considered a top candidate for Missouri governor in 2024, initially rejected the petitions until a court forced him to approve them.

Advocates ultimately gave up on efforts to put the law to a public vote, accusing Ashcroft of dragging his feet in handling the proposals and leaving them with the impossible task of collecting the roughly 100,000 voter signatures needed in just two weeks.

Ashcroft also will play a role in the fate of Missouri's pending constitutional amendments. His office is in charge of writing summaries of the proposals, which are used as voter guides.

Once Ashcroft and other elected officials finish the summary and a fiscal analysis, advocates can start collecting the voter signatures required to get the proposal on the ballot.

Abortion-rights supporters in Missouri are the latest to go directly to voters in hopes of restoring rights that were lost after Roe fell.

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Kansas voters in August sent a resounding message about their desire to protect abortion rights by rejecting a ballot measure to add language to the Kansas Constitution stating that it does not grant the right to abortion.

Abortion-rights supporters won in the four states where access was on the ballot in November, as voters enshrined it into the state constitution in battleground Michigan as well as blue California and Vermont  and dealt a defeat to an anti-abortion measure in deep-red Kentucky.

Ohio advocates submitted ballot proposals in February to establish a fundamental right to reproductive freedom with reasonable limits.

Missouri's proposed constitutional amendments would allow the Republican-led Legislature and state agencies to put some restrictions on abortion.

But limits on abortion would only be allowed if it is for the limited purpose and has the limited effect of improving or maintaining the health of a person seeking care, is consistent with widely accepted clinical standards of practice and evidence-based medicine, and does not infringe on that persons autonomous decision-making, the amendment states.

Penalties for both patients seeking reproductive-related care and medical providers would be outlawed.

Meanwhile, Republican state lawmakers this year are focused on raising the bar to amend the state Constitution from a simple majority vote to at least 60%, which could make it harder to pass the abortion-rights proposals.

Republican lawmakers have been trying for years to crack down on initiative petitions, which have been used to enact policies that the Republican-led Legislature either avoided dealing with or opposed. For example, a 2020 citizen-led ballot initiative forced the state to expand Medicaid coverage, despite years of resistance from Republicans.

Other efforts by abortion-rights advocates to lift Missouris ban on the procedure include a lawsuit filed in January by religious leaders who support abortion rights. They argue that lawmakers openly invoked their religious beliefs while drafting the measure and thereby imposed those beliefs on others who dont share them. The lawsuit is pending.
Tucker Carlson poses for photos in a Fox News Channel studio in New York on March 2, 2017. Carlson has spoken out against Sen. Mitt Romney and other Republican senators. | Richard Drew, Associated Press

Fox News host Tucker Carlson called Utah Sen. Mitt Romney and other Republican senators who criticized his coverage of tapes from Jan. 6, 2021, weak and vicious on his Wednesday night show.

But what Carlson didnt talk about on his Wednesday show were the text messages released in court filings earlier that day in which Carlson said he hated former President Donald Trump.

I hate him passionately, Carlson wrote in a text to a co-worker about Trump in January 2021, also saying that he couldnt wait to ignore Trump most nights.

What hes good at is destroying things. Hes the undisputed world champion of that. He could easily destroy us if we play it wrong, he wrote in November 2020.

In another message sent just before Jan. 6, 2021, Carlson wrote: We are very, very close to being able to ignore Trump most nights. I truly cant wait.

The messages were written in late 2020 and early 2021, and were released in court filings related to a $1.6 billion case in Delaware state court between Dominion Voting Systems Corp. and Fox Corp., over Fox News reporting on Dominions voting machines in the 2020 presidential election.

Previous document releases show Fox News anchors saying they knew claims of election fraud were false, but they reported on those claims anyway in an effort to keep viewers from migrating to other conservative news networks like One America News Network and Newsmax. Dominion also has defamation cases pending against those networks.

This week, in response to reporters questions about Carlsons coverage of the Jan. 6 unrest at the Capitol, several Republican senators  including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.; Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C.; Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.; and Romney  criticized Carlson for trying to present what they said was a false narrative, and downplaying the violence that happened that day.

Related

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Its really sad to see Tucker Carlson go off the rails that bad, Romney said to a group of reporters in a Senate hallway. The American people saw what happened on Jan. 6. Theyve seen the people that got injured. They saw the damage to the building. You cant hide the truth by selectively picking a few minutes out of tapes and saying this is what went on. Its so absurd. Its nonsense.

Romney also called Carlsons depiction of the events on Jan. 6 dangerous and disgusting, and said that the videos from that day should have been released broadly rather than just to Carlson.

Carlson received the footage from Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who said he wanted transparency, according to The New York Times.

Other Republicans, like New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, were happy with Carlsons coverage, saying it presented a different narrative than what was presented by the House Committee investigating Jan. 6.

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz called for the footage to be released to the general public.

In a Tweet on Wednesday night, Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, joined the debate, saying, I dont understand why any senator  Republican or Democrat  would be outraged by your reporting on public surveillance-camera footage from January 6th, especially given that the footage in question raises legitimate questions that need to be answered.

I dont understand why any senator  Republican or Democrat  would be outraged by your reporting on public surveillance-camera footage from January 6th, especially given that the footage in question raises legitimate questions that need to be answered. https://t.co/HuGGsjlU8T  Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) March 9, 2023

He retweeted a tweet by Carlson that said Chuck Schumer wasnt the only politician outraged by our January 6 reporting. He was joined by a cascade of Republicans, including Mitch McConnell.

When asked about Carlsons coverage, McConnell said he agreed with J. Thomas Manger, the Capitol Police chief, who said the program cherry-picked from 41,000 hours of footage.

Clearly the chief of the Capitol Police, in my view, correctly describes what most of us witnessed firsthand on Jan. 6, McConnell said. It was a mistake, in my view, for Fox News to depict this in a way thats completely at variance with what our chief law enforcement official here at the Capitol thinks.

McConnell was in the hospital Thursday recovering from a concussion after a fall.

Carlson reacted strongly to criticism from Romney and other Republican senators, saying, Theyre not loyal to their voters, theyre loyal to each other.

Mitch McConnell, Thomas Tillis and  Mitt Romney  all weak men, and like all weak men, vicious men  were especially angry, he said.

Carlson accused congressional leaders of hiding the tapes from the public, and of showing only selective portions of the video.

He said he was angry on behalf of Jacob Chansley, who is serving a 41-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to a felony charge of obstructing an official proceeding. Sending someone to prison for four years on the basis of fabricated evidence is the most serious threat to civil liberties we could face, Carlson said.

Chansleys lawyer, Albert Watkins, appeared on Carlsons show Wednesday and said he had not seen the footage released by Carlson that appeared to show Capitol police officers walking with Chansley through the Capitol building the day of the riots.

Watkins said his client was not violent, and said he asked to be able to review the video but that it wasnt shared with him.

In defending himself Wednesday, Carlson said he hates(s) vandalism and assault. But also claimed the Jan. 6 riots were not a violent insurrection.

While Carlson did not address his messages about hating Trump on his show, he did have a positive segment on Trumps interesting policy proposals for 2024.

On Thursday, the White House issued a statement criticizing Carlson by name, saying he was not credible.

We agree with the chief of the Capitol Police and the wide range of bipartisan lawmakers who have condemned this false depiction of the unprecedented, violent attack on our Constitution and the rule of law  which cost police officers their lives, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates said, according to Politico.
A woman was arrested in Alabama nearly five months after she abandoned her children in their Texas home, police say.

The Roman Forest Police Department announced the arrest on Wednesday, March 8, of Raven Yates, who has been charged with two counts of abandonment child endangerment without intent to return. She was captured in Mobile, Alabama, police said.

Yates is accused of leaving her 12-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son home alone on Sept. 8, police said. The girls father, who was working in California, discovered in November the children had been on their own, and he immediately flew to Texas, police said in a news release.

For most of the time the kids were abandoned, they were without access to food and medical supplies, according to police.

The father had been informed that his childs mother had been seen in Mobile, Alabama, without her children and realized they were home alone because he had been asked by his daughter to send food regularly, police said.

An arrest warrant was issued in December, and Yates was found staying with a friend in Mobile, according to police.

A picture shared by the police department shows Yates smiling while detained in the cruiser.

I dont know if she was playing a part or whatever it is, but she, I think, was playing for the camera, Roman Forest police chief Stephen Carlisle told KTRK. She wanted to have a smile. She wanted to look good. The arresting officer reportedly said she asked about putting lipstick on before the photo was taken.

Police said in February that the children were safe with a family member in Alabama.

Carlisle told The Montgomery County Courier the 12-year-old did a really good job caring for her sibling.

But still, its dangerous to leave a 12-year-old with a 3-year-old without medical supplies, without resources, without supervision (and) without food, Carlisle said.

Yates will be extradited to Montgomery County, Texas, police said.

Montgomery County, which includes Roman Forest, is part of the Greater Houston metropolitan area.

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12-year-old found dead in abandoned home after Russian roulette, Mississippi cops say

Wandering toddler found in road after being left at Family Dollar, Louisiana cops say

Three children abandoned on island during camping trip, SC cops say. Mom faces charges
A mom who puts leashes on her young daughters says she is spreading awareness about child endangerment.

Alexis Solis, a stay-at-home mom in Los Banos, California, is protective of her daughters, ages 6 and 2. When visiting the grocery store, theme parks or taking walks without her husband, Solis uses the Lehoo Castle Toddler Leash, which secures her wrist to that of her eldest daughter. The product comes with a back harness from which a second leash can be attached, and Solis uses that for her youngest child.

I know how dangerous the world is, Alexis Solis tells TODAY.com.

Solis recently demonstrated the safety hack in a TikTok video, while shopping at a store. "I'm tired of the world being this way but I'm NEVER tired of protecting my girls," Solis captioned the video. "I'm okay looking like a crazy mom. As long as my babies are safe."

And with that, TikTok commenters were off to the races.

"What do you do when your kid starts barking?" read one snarky comment. "Helicopter, helicopter," wrote someone else.

"I'm a mom and I get it," another person wrote. "But also, you don't want to shelter your kids too much. You can let them learn and grow without hovering over them so much."

Many commenters justified Solis' use of a leash.

"I was a leash baby in the 90s because I liked to run off from my parents," a person wrote. "100 percent support this gadget!"

"This! I don't ever want to look back and think, 'What could I have done better?'" someone added.

A parent who said she also uses a leash on her children wrote, "I'd rather get ugly stares than lose my child to some creep."

"Meanwhile, in Finland babies sleep outside the stores/cafes in a stroller while mom is doing her thing," someone wrote of the Nordic tradition to let babies nap alone in strollers out in public, in part to benefit from fresh air.

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Solis was familiar with backpack leashes because her own mother used them on her two younger siblings. She learned about wrist attachments from a TikTok commenter who watched a video of Solis wrangling her eldest in a store.

Leashes also provide her peace of mind, the mom of two shares.

"I was sexually abused at age 8, so I have always been hyper aware of people around me and potentially dangerous situations," Solis tells TODAY.com. "When I became a mom, those feelings were amplified."

The mom devotes her TikTok page to spreading awareness about child endangerment. "I have seen so many videos of kids being snatched from shopping carts or their parents arms," she says. "That was enough for me to be very cautious."

Solis said her husband initially didn't approve of leashes  until they had children.

"He said 'Kids aren't dogs' but now, as a parent, he understands and doesn't care what people think," she says. "What happened to me as a child has also opened his eyes."

According to Solis, her eldest daughter likes the leash because when they run through the park, her mom can keep up.

"I've learned that people's anger (toward the leash) is a projection," says Solis. "I know why I do it."

Related video:

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Beauty before baby? Why some moms feel the urge to glam up before going into labor. (Image: Getty; illustrated by Nathalie Cruz)

Your due date is fast-approaching, or maybe early contractions have even begun. In the midst of scrambling to pack a hospital bag, contacting their medical teams and getting their other kids to their childcare locations, some moms have another to-do in mind: glamming up for birth.

Recently, celebrities have opened up about their own pre-baby arrival processes. Ahead of welcoming daughter Esti in January, Chrissy Teigen asked her Twitter followers how painful waxing down there is while pregnant. When fans asked why shed bother, she wrote, trying to do the doctors a solid. And last November, The Hills alum Heidi Montag posted a TikTok of her squeezing in a hospital glam session ahead of delivering her second baby boy. The video showed Montag eating chips while a woman applied foundation to her face, multiple cameras aimed her way. Some of the reality star's fans called her makeup moment sad, while others commended her for pushing in style.

Both posts have raised questions about what pregnant mothers should care about, and why they might try to shave, do their hair or nails, put on makeup  or not  ahead of delivery.

Perpetuating bounce-back culture?

Women having to worry about glamming up before birth, ahead of one of the most physically and emotionally demanding moments of their lives, has some concerned. Jenna Fletcher, a mom of four kids (three living) in Philadelphia, Pa., says shes pretty against it. I feel that glamming up perpetuates the notion that birth is something women just bounce back from. It feels like the precursor to Instagram parenting, where everything is posed and perfect and just not real. It glosses over how hard and scary it can be, she says. With perinatal mental health concerns  which nearly 1 in 5 women will experience during pregnancy or within the first year post-birth, according to the World Health Organization  any additional pressure can seem out of touch. I really feel the focus should be on the health and safety of mom and baby, Fletcher says.

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In addition, Teigen and others insinuation that you need to shave for a doctor is a wide misconception some doctors have tried to push back against. Dr. Erica Montes, for example, posts on Instagram that she hears daily from patients that theyre sorry they didnt shave, or tell her dont look at my nails." "I want you to feel comfortable with your appearance, but I honestly dont care," the OB/GYN says.

Passing the time in early labor

For other parents, some of these self-care activities can pass the time during early labor, as the average labor for a first-time birth can last from 12 to 24 hours, and eight to 10 hours for additional births. Its quite a bit of time that moms might spend preparing at home, maybe even taking a bath or shower, and so everyday grooming routines might seem like a natural thing to do.

Meredith Westheimer, a Florida mom of two, realized her water broke in the middle of the night, as her husband and first son were asleep. She took her time showering and blow-drying her hair. I worried if I woke [my husband] he would make me go to the hospital right away and I wanted to get ready instead, she says. She applied makeup in the car on the way, so shed look pretty in pictures.

Celebrity makeup artist and mom of three daughters Mally Roncal calls makeup a great distraction. In addition to working with clients like Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez, Roncal has released a campaign titled #LifeIsBetterWithMakeup that spotlighted TV host and mama-to-be Stuart Brazell, who entered the labor room in full makeup. I think if its something that fulfills you and helps you not freak out, then do it," Roncal says.

Regaining a sense of control

For some, physically preparing their bodies for birth is a self-care ritual that might be soothing in an otherwise out-of-control situation. I was nervous and found I gained a little bit of control in the situation by paying attention to my appearance, Lizzie Goodman, a mom of two in Chicago, says, recalling how her postpartum depression and months parenting her first baby with colic affected her. I was panicky about being wide awake and willingly walking myself into the [operating room]. I was also feeling super-guilty and sad about leaving my oldest to go to the hospital for a few days. Having the ritual of getting ready  curling my hair, applying makeup, having my sister give me a pedicure with cherry-red nail polish that made me smile  gave me some freedom from ruminating on what could go wrong and how scary the road ahead would be.

She calls the glam prep a "sort of care ritual that I could do for myself  and with my sister  that helped me get back into my body and out of my anxious mind. I also knew that once my little one arrived, I'd be in quite a bit of pain and be super-consumed by baby life to take care of myself in that way."

The power to choose for yourself

As with any controversial topic or debate, in the end the answer is typically to do whats best for you and leave others to do the same, without judgment.

Im going to be really freaking honest with you  its just about what you want to do," says Roncal. "The empowering part is choosing what you want to do."

You want to look fierce? You want to look great for your pictures? Awesome, the makeup artist adds. But that was their choice, not somebody elses choice.

Wellness, parenting, body image and more: Get to know the who behind the hoo with Yahoo Life's newsletter. Sign up here.
MEXICO CITY  While the FBI and the Mexican National Guard scrambled to find the four abducted Americans, Maria Isabel Cruz Bernal has spent years searching for her missing son herself with the help of family and friends.

Reyes Yosimar Garcia Cruz disappeared in 2017 in the state of Sinaloa, but the investigation stalled two years ago.

So from dawn to dusk, in deserts and open fields and at gravesites, she looks for her son  or for his remains. He was 28 when he went missing.

Lea en espanol aqui

It makes me very sad that those Americans were kidnapped, and two were killed. But the Mexican government found them quickly, dead and alive, but they found them. We have been searching for years, and they dont help us, Cruz Bernal said.

According to data from the National Search Commission in Mexico, more than 14,000 people disappeared in the country last year, at least 27 people every day. Last March, the country reached more than 100,000 missing.

We feel that it is a mockery because there is no investigation, there are no searches, there are no guarantees that our family will return," she said. "The years go by and we are dying hoping to find our loved ones."

Family of missing persons demand assistance and action from the Mexican government, Mexico City (Luis Barron / Future Publishing via Getty Images)

The abduction of the four U.S. citizens carried out last Friday in plain sight of many passersby drew heavy condemnation from Mexicos president and a pledge of a thorough investigation. After a joint U.S.-Mexico search and investigation, they were located Tuesday. Two were dead and the other two were returned to the United States.

For most Mexicans, there is no quickly deployed, heavily resourced search or investigation for their abducted or missing loved ones. And there is no knowing whether those who go missing are alive or dead.

Ricardo Ainslie, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin who made the 2007 documentary film Ya Basta!: Kidnapped in Mexico, said the quick resolution in the abduction is pretty unusual.

In Mexico, there are people who havent been found in years who are still disappeared. People dont know what happened to them. People are taken off the streets, just like you saw in the video. A pickup truck pulls up. An armed gunman takes them and they never appear again, he said.

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Cruz Bernal is helped by others in a group she formed, Sabuesos Guerreras (Warrior Bloodhounds), a Sinaloa association dedicated to tracking down the remains of disappeared people.

'It sort of points out how big the problem is'

There is a lot of gun violence in the United States that doesnt get reported. And a lot of gun violence that doesnt get reported in Mexico, or there is no prosecution or no punishment, said Andrew Rudman, director of the Mexico Institute at the Wilson Center, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank. So the problem is obviously much more than what happened last Friday. It sort of points out how big the problem really is.

A member of the Mexican security forces stands next to a white minivan with North Carolina plates and several bullet holes, at the crime scene where gunmen kidnapped four U.S. citizens who crossed into Mexico from Texas, Friday, March 3, 2023. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said the four Americans were going to buy medicine and were caught in the crossfire between two armed groups after they had entered Matamoros, across from Brownsville, Texas, on Friday. (AP)

Mexico has battled violence for decades. President Felipe Calderon, who was in office between 2006 and 2012, declared an aggressive war on its drug cartels and deployed troops across the land.

It was supported by the Merida Initiative, a U.S.-Mexico security agreement. He also launched the Todos Somos program in Ciudad Juarez, across the border from El Paso, Texas. It made massive investments in the citys infrastructure across multiple areas in response to the violence in Juarez, which was some of the worst in the country. It helped crime numbers fall in the region, Ainslie said.

But Calderon's approach has been criticized for unleashing even more violence as smaller drug gangs proliferated. Mexico's current president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, often referred to as AMLO, took a different approach.

When AMLO came into office, his policy was hugs, not bullets, Rudman said. With that policy was the promise to prioritize job creation and job opportunities, believing it would keep people from joining gangs or engaging in criminal activity.

But Lopez Obrador's strategy has also come under fire.

I think, conceptually, the idea that you need to create alternatives to joining gangs makes sense in the long run, but it doesnt solve the problem, Rudman said.

Lopez Obrador replaced the federal police with a civilian-led national guard. Amid the ongoing horrific violence, much of it perpetrated by cartels and gangs, he moved the guard to military control in September.

Mexicans in some parts of the country live in fear; that theyre going to be in the wrong place, at the wrong time, innocent bystanders. Even though they may not have supported the security policies of the past, I dont think theyre seeing the kinds of change that AMLO promised or that they were looking for, Rudman said.

'People duck their heads'

What likely strikes many in the U.S. who have seen the video of the Americans' abduction is that there were other people and cars there as the violence took place, but no one seems to mobilize following the abduction. Ainslie said that shows the impact on communities when brazen violence becomes part of the ordinary. It's what he saw in Juarez around 2010.

"When violence reaches a pitch that makes it sort of ever more present, then people duck their heads," he said. "They realize there are dangers in saying too much and knowing too much."

In Mexico, women are usually the family members conducting the searches. They dedicate themselves to the preservation of memories and the location of remains, bones, bodies or anything that brings them a little closer to knowing the whereabouts of their loved ones.

We women have had to go out looking for our lost people because the state does not do it, nor the state governments, nor the federal ... we have subsidized their work and they do not even accompany us, said Grace Fernandez, a member of Movement for our Disappeared, who also has a missing family member.

We are very sorry for what happened to the U.S. people in Mexico. No one deserves something like that, but in this country that situation happens every day. People disappear every day," she said.

Mothers of the disappeared demonstrate in Juarez (Christian Torres / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Searchers are targeted

The groups of searching mothers say that they are looking for treasures, and avoid talking about corpses or the dead. They usually receive death threats that force them to leave their homes and regions. Their searches can be dangerous  they usually receive death threats that force them to leave their homes and regions.

In 2021, Aranza Ramos was killed in Sonora while she was searching for her husband. That same year, activist Javier Barajas Pina was shot dead in the state of Guanajuato, the most violent in Mexico. Last year, activist Esmeralda Gallardo, who had been searching for her 22-year-old missing daughter, was shot to death in Puebla and Rosario Rodriguez Barraza was killed in Sinaloa.

They keep killing us searchers, those of us who are looking for our disappeared, Cruz Bernal said. Her face lights up when she remembers that Sabuesos Guerreras, the organization she founded four years ago, has brought together 850 women and three men who have located more than 480 bodies and 19,000 burned fragments  in addition to finding 70 people alive.

But it's a temporary salve.

This void is not filled one bit. What I want is for our family to no longer be suffering and suffering, because what happened to me," Cruz Bernal said, "I dont wish on anyone."

Albinson Linares reported from Mexico City, Suzanne Gamboa from San Antonio and Carmen Sesin from Miami.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Lloyd's of London CEO John Neal has been vocal about getting workers back to the office. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Lloyd's of London CEO says people are mostly going back to the office Tuesday to Thursday, per FT.

"We need to get Monday back," CEO John Neal told the Financial Times.

Many corporate leaders are trying to get employees back to the office after three years of pandemic-induced remote work.

Corporate leaders who are desperately trying to get their employees back to the office are finding that it's still hard to get people to show up on Mondays.

"Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are busy," John Neal, CEO of the world's largest insurance marketplace Lloyd's of London, told the Financial Times in an interview published Wednesday.

"We need to get Monday back," Neal told the media outlet, summing up a challenge in getting employees back to the office at the start of the week.

He was talking about getting brokers and underwriters back on Lloyd's trading floor  where deals for specialist insurance policies  such as marine insurance and body parts insurance  are struck.

It's not the first time Neal is calling for a return to the office after employees were in a prolonged remote working situation during the pandemic.

"I think it's massively important for younger workers to experience in-person trading," Neal had told The Telegraph in September 2021. "We have the best talent in the world in London in the insurance industry, but we need to be with that talent to help develop them so the next generation can be better than my generation. We have a responsibility to the next generation," he added, per the UK-based newspaper.

A Lloyd's spokesperson told Insider it needs both a "thriving physical space" and a fully integrated digital offering for the marketplace of the future it's building.

Corporate leaders across the board are now pushing back against remote work, with some echoing Neal's sentiment that the arrangement isn't ideal for the development of young workers, because they hurt their opportunities for learning, socializing, and networking.

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David Solomon, Goldman Sachs CEO, who once called remote work "an aberration," told CNBC in October 2022 it was especially important for younger employees to show up in the office. "We have an organization where 50% of the people are in their 20s. They come to Goldman Sachs to learn, to meet people, to interact," he told the broadcaster.

"It doesn't work for young kids, it doesn't work for spontaneity, it doesn't really work for management," JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon told CNBC's Squawk Box on January 19.

Other high-profile executives who want their employees back in the office include Citadel CEO Ken Griffin, Morgan Stanley CEO James Gorman, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

While Lloyd's Neal may have been referring to employees in the UK, the experience across the Atlantic is similar.

Office occupancy across 10 metro cities in the US peaked at an average of 58% on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and was just over 50% on Thursdays in February  far leading the occupancy rates of 46% and about 30% for Mondays and Fridays, Kastle Systems, an office security firm, said in a March 6 report.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Mo'Nique has opened up about her new Netflix comedy special and relationship with Oprah Winfrey. (Willy Sanjuan / Invision / Associated Press)

Mo'Niques Netflix special is set to premiere less than a year after her discrimination suit against the streaming giant was settled out of court.

In a new interview with the Hollywood Reporter published Wednesday, MoNique opened up about her many Hollywood feuds, the most notable being the years-long beef she's had with Oprah Winfrey.

She also dished on her return to Netflix after her contentious legal battle with the company was settled out of court last June.

On Feb. 22, Netflix released a trailer for My Name Is MoNique," which will debut April 4.

When you turn off your TV from this one, youll say, Now we understand that woman, MoNique said in the trailer. For 32 years, I have been funny and Im grateful for that gift. But this show right here really allows you to understand why I swing like I swing.

In 2017, Netflix offered MoNique $500,000 to star in her own comedy special, but the Oscar-winning actor claimed the streamer was low-balling her and that the offer was discriminatory. She pointed out that fellow comedians Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock and Amy Schumer had been offered eight-figure deals, and claimed that Netflix has systematically underpaid Black women.

Netflix rescinded its offer, and in 2019 MoNique sued Netflix for failing to negotiate in good faith.

The federal judge overseeing the case sided with MoNique, and in June 2022 the lawsuit was settled out of court. My Name Is MoNique was filmed later that year in Atlanta.

We sat down with our attorneys, they had their attorneys, you go to mediation, and we were able to come up with something that everybody was good with, MoNique told the Hollywood Reporter about her deal with Netflix. I think when adults come together in the room and sit down and have a reasonable conversation and a logical conversation, you work things out.

MoNique is an incredible talent who has proven herself across TV and film, winning well-deserved acclaim for projects spanning genres from comedy to drama, Tracey Pakosta, Netflix's vice president of comedy original series, said in the same article. Shes built a loyal audience over the years, and we think her fans will love these new Netflix projects.

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If her comedy special is anything like her sit-down with THR, viewers can expect to hear a thing or two about Mo'Nique's years-long feud with Winfrey.

The "Precious" star has long been vocal about her fraught relationship with the former daytime TV host. Mo'Nique alleged that Winfrey blackballed her after she declined to participate in Oscars campaigning for Precious.

Winfrey was an executive producer on the film and displeased with MoNiques decision to pull back on her press duties. Not that it mattered: Mo'Nique went on to win the Oscar for supporting actress for her performance in Precious in 2010.

Things got worse later that year when Winfrey had MoNiques brothers, father and mother  whom shed been estranged from  on her daytime talk show to discuss the sexual abuse MoNique suffered as a child at the hands of her eldest brother, Gerald Imes.

Although MoNique told the Hollywood Reporter shes in a chapter of forgiveness, she said she is still waiting for an apology from Winfrey.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
As China strives towards economic recovery, a senior executive of global pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has expressed confidence in the country's economy. Jean-Christophe Pointeau, the president of Pfizer China, shared his view with China.org.cn during the annual "two sessions" on Wednesday, expressing the company's belief in China's sustained economic development.



Jean-Christophe Pointeau, president of Pfizer China. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]



"From the 20th National Congress of the CPC to the Central Economic Work Conference, and to the government report of the 'two sessions,' the thing we heard the most is to boost confidence in economic development, Pointeau noted.

"From our perspective, Pfizer is full of confidence in the sustained development of China's economy. We have witnessed and felt the Chinese government's determination to further deepen high-quality opening-up and to attract foreign investment and the vitality of the rebounding Chinese market," said Pointeau.

Pointeau emphasized that China's economy has strong resilience and enormous potential, which has been reinforced by the continuously optimized business environment and the launch of favorable policies. This has encouraged foreign multinational corporations to invest in the country, consolidating the confidence of many foreign pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer, to put down roots in China and integrate with the nation's economic development.

"The Chinese market is providing more opportunities and space for companies all over the world. Pfizer has always been committed to delivering breakthroughs that change patients' lives, and the company has made notable contributions in improving access to innovative drugs in recent years. Pfizer has continued to accelerate innovation and provide Chinese patients with more of the world's leading innovative products and medical solutions, actively addressing their unmet clinical needs," he said.

Over the past 30 years since entering China, Pfizer has introduced over 60 innovative drugs to the country, benefiting millions of Chinese patients. Currently, there are 110 discovery projects in Pfizer's global R&D pipeline, and Pfizer China is actively participating in around 80% of the pivotal trials in the U.S. and EU, which means that Chinese patients will have faster access to the company's global innovative breakthrough therapies.

Pointeau emphasized Pfizer's commitment to the Chinese market, saying that the company will collaborate with all stakeholders to establish a resilient and flexible healthcare system, and take concrete actions to help build a healthy China.
The TikTok startup page is displayed on an iPhone in Ottawa, Ontario, Feb. 27, 2023. The Montana Senate advanced a bill that would place a ban TikTok statewide on March 3, 2023. | Sean Kilpatrick, The Canadian Press via Associated Press

Governmental bodies on state and national levels have been increasing efforts in opposition to TikTok, a short-form video app owned by a Chinese company called ByteDance. Over 20 states, including Utah, even banned the app from all government devices, and several college campuses nationwide have prohibited use of the app on school property.

Related

However, some Montana lawmakers want to take these bans a step further. Last week, a bipartisan bill to ban TikTok statewide  even on personal devices  was passed by the state Senate, according to NBC Montana. If the bill is approved by the House and the governor, TikTok will not be able to operate within state lines.

With all of these efforts to do away with TikTok popping up across the country, questions might arise. How does this relate to the First Amendment? Is it even realistic or possible for the government to take apps off of personal devices?

Montanas proposal

If passed, Montana Senate Bill 419 would prevent TikTok from working within Montanas state borders. It will also prevent companies such as Apple or Google from allowing users to download the app on app stores and enact a $10,000 per day fine for each violation of the law. However, the bill states that TikTok users will not be penalized if they did somehow use the app.

Originally the bill was fitted also to penalize internet service providers if they supported TikTok on their networks, but the bill was later amended to remove this detail. A lobbyist on behalf of AT&T stated that attempting to place responsibility on internet service providers would not be a feasible solution, as it would be unprecedented, expensive and potentially impossible, NBC Montana said.

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Why ban TikTok?

Supporters of the Montana ban want to do away with the app for much of the same reasons other states cited when announcing bans of the app on government-owned devices: privacy and national security concerns.

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TikTok endangers the safety of Montanans and Americans at large, said Sen. Shelley Vance, R-Belgrade  the primary sponsor of the bill  via Montana Free Press. We know beyond a doubt that TikToks parent company ByteDance is operating as a surveillance arm of the Chinese Communist Party and gathers information about Americans against their will.

The bill also claims that TikTok holds a threat outside of privacy concerns, citing viral challenges that have promoted dangerous behavior. Some of these challenges include taking excessive amounts of medication ... cooking chicken in NyQuil ... licking doorknobs and toilet seats to place oneself at risk of contracting the coronavirus, attempting to climb stacks of milkcrates, shooting passersby with air rifles, loosening lug nuts on vehicles and stealing utilities from public places, the bill said.

Vance and those behind the Montana bill arent alone in their concerns. On Tuesday a group of U.S. senators, including Utahs Sen. Mitt Romney, unveiled legislation that would make it easier for the president to place a ban on the app, or any other technology owned by adversarial countries, the Deseret News reported. This bill isnt the first of its kind. The DATA Act, a Republican-backed act passed by the House Foreign Affairs Committee last week would grant authorities the power to ban foreign-owned apps and would place sanctions on companies with ties to TikTok or other Chinese-owned programs, per Politico. In 2020 former President Donald Trump attempted to get rid of the app, but it never went through, according to the Deseret News.

Related

On Wednesday FBI Director Chris Wray joined the anti-TikTok chorus, once again speaking out against the app, per Reuters. Wray said that TikTok screams of national security concerns, stating that the Chinese government could use its software to control the millions of devices that have downloaded the app.

A step too far?

It may not surprise anyone that the chief operating officer of TikTok, V Pappas, has spoken against banning TikTok in the U.S., specifically Montana, saying the following in a statement via NBC Montana:

Every day, Montanans come to TikTok to learn something new, to share their voice and creativity, to chronicle Montanas natural beauty, and to help build their businesses. This piece of legislation is an egregious violation of Montanans free speech rights, and it will close off Montana from the 100 million strong TikTok community in the United States. We hope that Montana legislators will consider those serious consequences  and the disastrous precedent theyre setting  and weigh them against the deeply flawed arguments put forward to justify this ban.

One Republican senator from Montana, Jeremy Trebas, added to the conversation, saying that TikTok isnt the only social media site that presents privacy concerns, noting that there have been privacy breaches from American-owned companies such as Facebook, according to Montana Free Press.

I understand government banning it on sensitive government devices  that makes sense, Trebas said. But to me, banning it to the general public is high overreach.

The ACLU has also been outspoken in its opposition to TikTok bans. Whether were discussing the news of the day, live streaming protests, or even watching cat videos, we have a right to use TikTok and other platforms to exchange our thoughts, ideas and opinions with people around the country and around the world, said Jenna Leventook, senior policy counsel at ACLU in a press release.

TikTok has also previously stated, per the Deseret News, that the U.S. branch of the app does not comply with Chinese government moderation requirements. However, it was later uncovered in July 2022 that U.S. user data actually is available to its Chinese employees, according to CNBC. TikTok responded by rolling out Project Texas which is intended to fully safeguard user data and U.S. national security interests. TikTok also says that they store all U.S. data in the Oracle Cloud, which is a North American-based company.

Despite the precautions TikTok is taking to secure their data, Wray said that Under Chinese law, Chinese companies are required to ... basically do what the Chinese government wants them to do, in terms of sharing information or serving as a tool of the Chinese government, per Deseret News. And so, thats plenty of reason by itself to be concerned.

How realistic is a total TikTok ban?

The New York Times says that its unclear how the government can ban or remove an app from privately owned devices, but Caitlin Chin from the Center for Strategic and International Studies said that there are a few ways they might go about doing so.

Chin told the Times that the U.S. government could block TikTok from selling advertisements or making updates to its systems, making the app basically nonfunctional. As proposed in the Montana bill, companies like Apple and Google could also prevent the apps from being downloaded or updated on a national scale.

Justin Cappos, a professor at the New York University Tandon School of Engineering, told the Times that companies like Apple and Google can also remove apps that are already installed on a users phone. He said that that usually doesnt happen though.

Users can also refuse to update their phones in order to keep the app, but Cappos says that thats a bad idea.
[Source]

Asian American voters are increasingly shifting towards the Republican Party, a recent study by the New York Times has found.

The influential demographic, which has historically leaned heavily toward the left, began leaning towards conservative candidates in the 2020 and 2022 elections.

While Asian voters still supported Democratic candidates in last year's midterms, the margins lessened significantly based on past election returns and exit polls.

The report from The Times highlighted the shift in Sunset Parks Chinatown area in Brooklyn, New York, which used to vote more than 70% Democrat.

More from NextShark: New study finds Buddhism can lower the risk of depression

As illustrated in a map created by Jason Kao, the community gave its support to Republican gubernatorial nominee Lee Zeldin, who won many of the majority-Asian districts in Brooklyn's Chinese neighborhoods in the previous gubernatorial election.

More Asians also chose Republican candidates in statewide races in Florida and Georgia, giving them at least a third of their votes. A similar increase in Republican votes was seen in Texas and other states, reflecting a national trend.

The Times' report attributed the shift to a number of factors, including the Republican partys enhanced campaign efforts to reach Asian voters in recent years and the Democrats' apparent leniency.

More from NextShark: Republican Lester Chang sworn into New Yorks Assembly amid residency challenges

Democratic candidates policies and proposals on pressing issues affecting the community, such as merit-based school admissions, have resulted in voter frustrations.

Republican anti-crime rhetoric has also resonated with Asian voters amid the rise of anti-Asian violence in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The shift comes amid the growth in voter participation among Asian Americans, who now make up over 18 million voters.

More from NextShark: Japans birth rate plunges to new record low; politician blames citizens' lack of 'romantic ability'

From the 42% of Asian American voters who cast their votes in 2018, the 2020 presidential election saw a 60% voter turnout for the community.

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Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund Executive Director Margaret Fung pointed out the importance of the increase in voter participation among Asians at the time.

Asian Americans, especially new voters, were part of the record turnout of communities of color in the 2020 elections. Asian American voters played an important role in close races in several battleground states, and our voices must not be overlooked in the political process. More from NextShark: Lucy Koh confirmed to 9th Circuit Court, becomes first Korean American woman to serve on federal appeals court

A national poll of Asian American voters last year indicated that 44% of Asian Americans lean Democrat, while 19% consider themselves Republican and 29% identify as Independent.

Conducted by APIA Vote, AAPI Data and Asian Americans Advancing Justice  Asian American Justice Center just a few months before the November election, the survey indicated how major political parties neglected to reach out and engage voters of Asian descent.
A local retail entrepreneur has set a date for the debut of her latest boutique in the Charlotte region. Moxie Mercantile plans to open its store at 219 Main St., Suite 101, in downtown Fort Mill at 10 a.m. on Friday, according to a press release.

ALSO READ: Local restaurant operator teases new project in Plaza Midwood

It will mark the brands first foray into South Carolina. The 1,900-square-foot store is in a building, constructed in the early 1900s, that sits along a historic stretch of Main Street that is already home to small businesses including Hobos, Improper Pig and Amor Artis Brewing.

Expect the Fort Mill store to focus on home and lifestyle products with an eclectic, vintage flair that aligns with the history of the buildings architecture.

Read more here.

(WATCH BELOW: Sweet family tradition inspires Mexican-style ice cream shop)




Police officers gather at the scene of a shooting - Getty Images

At least six people have been murdered and many more injured in a gun rampage at a Jehovah's Witness church in the German city of Hamburg on Thursday night.

Police said that they started to receive emergency calls shortly after 9.15pm (10.15pm GMT), alerting them to shots in the Alsterdorf district.

The first officers to arrive at the scene found several dead bodies as well as seriously injured people.

Several local news outlets reported that the officers heard a final shot being fired once they had entered the building.

"We heard shots," one unnamed witness told reporters. "There were 12 continuous shots. Then we saw how people were taken away in black bags."

A seventh body is believed to have been found in an upstairs room in the building.

While the body could be that of the gunman, police cautioned that it was still too early for them to comment. Officers added that there was no immediate indication that a shooter was on the run.

Meanwhile, people in the port city have been warned to stay at home with police issuing an emergency alert over an app warning of life-threatening danger.

Armed police responded to the shooting at 9.15pm local time - REUTERS

Police said they were working to determine a motive - DPA

At least six people were confirmed dead at the scene, all of them with bullet wounds.

Local press were reporting that up to seven further people had been seriously wounded and that close to 20 others had suffered lighter injuries.

Police said that it was still unclear what motive the attacker had.

A huge police presence was reported around the building with armed response units and anti-terror units securing the perimeter and the situation was later described by authorities as "calm".

Forensics officers are working at the scene - REUTERS

The area is a few miles north of the downtown area of Hamburg, which is Germany's second-biggest city.

In the non-descript, three-floor building, police said an event had been taking place on Thursday evening.

Jehovah's Witnesses had gathered for a weekly Bible study meeting, according to local daily Hamburger Abendblatt.

Hamburgs mayor Peter Tschentscher said on Twitter: "My deepest sympathy goes out to the relatives of the victims. The emergency services are working at full speed to prosecute the perpetrators and to clarify the events."

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Mass shootings are still something of a rarity in Germany, although attacks on religious centres have increased in recent years.

In Hamburg in 2020 a Jewish man was attacked as he entered a synagogue by a man wielding a spade.

The deadliest gun rampage to hit the country in recent years occurred in Hanau, near Frankfurt, in 2020 when 11 people were shot dead and five others wounded by a far-Right terrorist.

In 2019, a heavily armed far-right fanatic attempted to break into a synagogue in the eastern town of Halle during the religious holiday of Yom Kippur.

Although he was unable to break through the locked door, he shot and killed two people outside.

In Munich in 2016, a teenager armed with a handgun killed nine people at a shopping mall.
Robert Wone Peacock

On Aug. 2, 2006, Victor Zaborsky called 911 to report an intruder at his townhouse in Washington, DC. "Weve had someone  in our house  and they stabbed somebody, he said, sounding frantic. We heard the chimes, and we heard the screams from our friend.

By the time EMTs and police arrived, Zaborskys friend, attorney Robert Wone, was dead. Wone had been stabbed three times in what seemed like a methodical fashion, but he had no defensive wounds.

Soon Zaborsky, his husband Joe Price, and their roommate Dylan Ward were all under police suspicion. EMTs called to the scene had been struck by the fact that all three men were in bathrobes and relatively quiet.

Police became laser-focused on the fact that the three men were gay and had overlapping romantic relationships with each other, construing them as a throuple.

Wones death was ruled a homicide; police claimed the evidence at the scene didnt point to an outsider. In 2008, prosecutors publicly claimed Wone had been sexually assaulted and murdered. But they didnt accuse the townhouse residents of causing Wones death. Instead, Zaborsky, Price, and Ward were tried for obstruction of justice regarding the investigation.

Peacocks new two-part documentary, Who Killed Robert Wone?, rivetingly builds up a mystery by considering the narratives posed by defense attorneys and prosecutors and tracking how media and bloggers amplified the story. The result is a thrilling  and perhaps somewhat unintentional  juxtaposition of the evidentiary standards of law and the psychological-mystery angles stoked by the media and amateur sleuths.

Who Killed Robert Wone? is not a victim-centered true crime documentary. Wone is a minimal presence, evoked mainly as a subject of debate between law enforcement, bloggers, and friends. The documentary includes interviews with Wones other close friends, who recall he was somewhat shy but in love with his wife, fellow attorney Kathy. Kathy wasnt involved with the documentary, but theres footage of the one media interview she gave after the murder (The four and a half years that I had with Robert, it is very sacred, she says).

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Wone, a general counsel attorney for Radio Free Asia, had been staying overnight with his friends, Price, also an attorney, and Zaborsky. Price and Wone knew each other from college; Price even once threw a birthday party for Wone. On the night of the murder, Wone had been looking to stay overnight in DC so as not to wake Kathy up with a late arrival at their suburban home.

There end the undisputed facts. The documentary includes interviews with law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and Washington reporters and bloggers, and its very clear that after the night of the murder, the investigation and the surrounding chatter were skewed by overt biases.

For instance, police seemed confused by the fact that Ward wasnt just rooming with Zaborsky and Price, and that there were romantic ties involved.

I got three homosexuals in a house and I got one straight guy, whats he doing over there? one cop asks Price in interrogation footage from that night. I think were all drinking wine  know whats gonna happen tonight? Youre coming to Jesus tonight.

Thats fascinating and insulting and offensive, Price replies.

While the residents said an intruder was the culprit, cops claimed there were intact cobwebs on a security fence that an outsider would have had to jump over to get in the house. Wounds like Wones would have resulted in significant blood loss, but that wasnt apparent on the scene, which looked like it had been staged. During the investigation, Price remembered suddenly that he had removed the weapon, a knife, from Wones chest. (Ultimately no fingerprints were found.) When Ward took a polygraph test, the results indicated possible deception when he said he didnt know who killed Wone.

In 2008, prosecutors indicted and arrested the three men for obstruction of justice and released a theory of the case: Wones own semen had been found on his body, leading them to believe that Wone had been sexually assaulted, paralyzed with a drug, and murdered.

Allegations exploded online. Price had been active in the mid-aughts marriage-equality battles, and these sensational charges received a lot of attention, including from the gay community. Lots of background information was leaked about the mens sex lives. S&M devices  including restraints and genital cages  were found in Wards room. Price was a submissive who posted in online kink communities under the name Culuket, which police claimed was a reference to ketamine. There was ecstasy at the scene, but a drug screen of Wone was negative.

The documentary does a good job of showing how a legal case became a melodrama. One headline called the case a gay mystery novel. Gay bloggers , including David Greer and Doug Johnson, started a popular blog called Who Murdered Robert Wone?, which parsed every new development for a growing community of proto-redditor commenters.

We were pretty much a gay family of choice looking at a family falling apart three blocks away, Greer says about himself and three other gay bloggers, pointing to the commonalities that can propel personal interest in true crime mysteries.

In 2010, Price, Zaborsky, and Ward all went on trial. At the trial, the defense managed to get most of the sensational sexual materials classified as prejudicial, and therefore outside the purview of the case, and prosecutors subsequently focused on questions about the murder weapon to highlight potential obstruction by the accused. The men were ultimately acquitted .

The documentary reenacts the judges ruling, where she noted: Even if the defendants did not participate in the murder, some or all of them  have chosen to withhold  information for reasons of their own. But, pointing out the difference between moral and evidentiary certainty, she declared them not guilty.

The men moved to Florida, and eventually, Ward broke up with the Price/Zaborsky marriage. In the absence of a legal finding, the documentary puts forth other suppositions. Prices defense attorney speculates that Ward was the most probable culprit. Blogger Greer zeroes in on an idea that the three house occupants were not actually in a throuple.

It was not a three-way relationship, he suggests  rather, he says Price had independent relationships with Ward and Zaborsky. Those dynamics set up what probably exploded that night in some way or some fashion, he says. Its an interesting theory, one you could imagine as the basis for a mystery novel. But despite the potential emotional importance, the nature of their relationship is ultimately not a legal question.

Thats the tension at the heart of Who Killed Robert Wone?, which effectively pits the publics hunger for narrative against legal rigor. The documentarys captivating structure, deconstructing a case with an ultimately inconclusive outcome, could be read as a cautionary note about establishing judgments based on speculation. It probably wont be. 
Colleagues are the second most likely people for you to have an affair with. The first? Friends. (Getty Images)

When it comes to affairs, you may have certain ideas about the kind of person who has extra-curricular sex or the reason these illicit encounters happen, but the causes and consequences of infidelity may not be quite as you thought.

Here, leading relationship experts look at the top seven myths about affairs and explode them.

Myth 1: Men stray more than women

Whilst statistics suggest this is still true in married couples, actually, in unmarried relationships, men and women are pretty much head-to-head in their infidelities.

The ratio of unfaithful men versus women may surprise you. Posed by models. (Getty Images)

A recent YouGov poll carried out for The Sun newspaper found that whilst men are slightly more likely than women to be repeat offenders, the number of men and women who have ever had an affair is essentially the same (20% and 19% respectively). Obviously these figures rely on people telling the truth about their infidelities and it may be that women are just better at covering them up!

Mig Bennett, Relationship Counsellor from TherapyFinders.co.uk, a therapist-client matching service explains: For every man having an affair its likely the woman hes seeing is also married. I wonder if women are just more careful and able to juggle the secrets and deceit than men. Hence more men get found out and appear in the counselling room.

Myth 2: Affair partners are most likely to be work colleagues or casual acquaintances

A survey found that 38% of those who were unfaithful had an affair at work. Posed by models. (Getty Images)

Read more: I'm bisexual and my husband let me have a girlfriend for four years

Actually, the YouGov survey found the most likely affair-partners were friends of the cheater with 43% having strayed with a friend and only 38% with a work colleague. Interestingly, it also found that women were more likely to cheat with a friend (over half of those surveyed, compared to just a third of men).

This doesn't stop work being the second most likely place people have a bit on the side though.

There is more opportunity for affairs at work as often colleagues are not integrated into our family and friends network and so theres less chance of getting caught and keeping the two worlds separate, says Kate Daly, relationship expert and co-founder of online divorce services company Amicable.

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Louisa Whitney, Accredited Family Mediator at LKW Family Mediation adds that the person someone has an affair with often comes down to whats lacking in their own relationship.

If its emotional support then they might be more drawn to a work colleague they spend time with and get on with. If their desire is simply for sex, however then it may be a casual acquaintance. It can often be a previous partner that they re-connect with over social media.

Yes, Facebook seems to have a lot to answer for.

Infidelity in fact isn't the number one cause for divorce. (Getty Images)

Myth 3: Infidelity is the main cause of divorce

In fact, most couples experiencing infidelity dont end up in divorce, says psychosexual therapist at Tavistock Relationships Marian OConnor.

The reality is, couples take each other for granted, and whilst an affair can be emotionally devastating, it can also wake up a relationship rather than be the end of it if you are prepared to work together and identify whats slipped, for example, intimacy or communication."

In 2021, the most common reason cited for divorce was unreasonable behaviour not adultery.

This accounted for 48.1% of petitions by women, says Whitney. But with the introduction of the no fault divorce (in April 2022), it will no longer be necessary to give a reason for the breakdown of the marriage which may mean we never know.

I see a huge number of relationship breakdowns where there has been no infidelity, or the infidelity is a symptom of the bigger problems that are already there. For example, one party feels they are not getting love, affection or support, she adds.

Bennett agrees: Whilst my cases do include affairs, the most common reason for divorce is the neglected relationship where a couple disconnect emotionally and intimately and function as flatmates.

Read more: Guildford tops list of UK destinations where married couples are most likely to cheat

Myth 4: If you own up to the affair youre more likely to split up with your spouse or partner

Not necessarily so! Actually, admitting to an affair can be an important step towards repairing the relationship, as it demonstrates a willingness to be honest and take responsibility for your actions, says Daly.

Also, the alternative is living with a lie and most people find that harder. But proceed with caution as by revealing your big secret, you're taking a big gamble with your relationship and if you have children, the consequences could be even more far-reaching.

Bennett believes however that affairs with "the right help, can also be an opportunity to build a new relationship thats better than before. And even if this doesnt happen, many stay together for reasons of security, children, finance etc. However, this second group is likely to be unhappy at some level if nothing changes."

Whether or not you split up after coming clean about an affair, depends, as O'Connor explains a lot on the character of the injured party. It's a tall order to expect forgiveness, after all.

"If someone has experienced previous trauma and has trust issues then even a sexy text could mean divorce as it will just trigger that past trauma. But if they have a robust sense of self, it doesn't have to mean a split  and often doesn't."

Myth 5: Affair sex will ruin the relationship/sex with your spouse or partner

Well, "yes and no," says Bennett. "Some betrayed partners sexually reclaim the straying partner and the couple report a sexual honeymoon the discovery of infidelity has suddenly cast the couple as two individuals again and this can ignite the erotic spark that has been lost.

However, for the betrayed partner it can be extremely hard to move on. It is difficult for them to be sexually vulnerable, adds Bennett, and the idea of the other person in the bed with them may take a long time to dim."

We can imagine

Whitney also reports that some people report their partner was "kindest and most loving towards them when they felt guilty about having the affair". But we think you'll agree that's a bit messed up...

For some couples, an infidelity may not mean their sex life is over. Posed by models. (Getty Images)

Read more: How to get the spark back in a relationship

Myth 6: Youll always be more unhappy after succumbing to an affair

Definitely a myth experts say sometimes we actually feel better; we learn something and can take this positivity into our relationship.

"Say if it was a one-off affair and you did it because you feel you've missed out  for example, you got married very young  then it can make you see it's not better than what you have and that actually what you have is worth fighting for," says O'Connor.

Or, the one-off experience might just remind you that you are attractive but crucially, that you can have this feeling with your partner.

"As the strayer, you might realise what you were in danger of losing," adds O'Connor. "It might even be the best thing that ever happened to you."

Read more: What your sexual fantasies say about you

Distressing life events such as redundancy and bereavement can sometimes be the driver behind affairs. Posed by model. (Getty Images)

Myth 7: Affairs happen because youre dissatisfied in your relationship

Or they can be down to circumstances in the cheater's life and more about them, than the injured party or the relationship itself.

Say, for example, the cheater has recently been bereaved or made redundant.

"Theres an emotional tsunami and an escape vent is needed," says O'Connor. "They need to do something that makes them feel alive, and something reckless like a one-night stand, may well achieve that."

Indeed, "Cheating is not always about not liking or loving your partner but more about not liking the person you yourself have become," explains Bennett.

"Affairs can be many things: an anti-depressant, a soother of old wounds, a reinvigoration of lost youth etc. In my experience, men, especially, desperately seek to stay with the woman they love, yet they still had an affair. Its often about the man not the marriage.

For relationship counselling visit Relate.org.uk
Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, presides over the second meeting of the presidium of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

The presidium of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the top political advisory body, on Wednesday adopted a recommended name list of candidates for its new leadership.



Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, presided over the meeting of the presidium.

The list included nominees of the chairperson, vice chairpersons, secretary-general, and standing committee members of the 14th CPPCC National Committee.

A draft method of election of the CPPCC session was reviewed and adopted in principle at the meeting.

Participants also deliberated a draft resolution on the work report of the Standing Committee of the 13th CPPCC National Committee, a draft resolution on the report on the work of proposals from political advisors, a draft resolution on an amendment to the CPPCC charter, a draft report on proposal examination, and a draft political resolution of the first session of 14th CPPCC National Committee.

It was decided at the meeting that the recommended name list and all the drafts would be submitted to CPPCC members for discussion and consultation.

The CPPCC serves as an important organ for multiparty cooperation and political consultation led by the CPC.

Its annual session this year opened on March 4 and will run until March 11.
Washington  The National Archives and Records Administration retrieved nine boxes from a Boston law office belonging to President Joe Biden's former personal attorney in early November. The number of boxes was previously unknown.

The boxes had been transported from a Washington, D.C., think tank to lawyer Pat Moore's firm, the Archives revealed in a letter to senators. The National Archives says it has not reviewed the material. Documents from Mr. Biden's time as vice president are required to be turned over to the Archives.

Debra Steidel Wall, acting archivist of the U.S., revealed that the Archives was informed that Mr. Biden's personal attorneys began their review of materials stored at the Penn Biden Center in October, which is earlier than was previously known. Archives staff picked up the nine boxes of Mr. Biden's vice presidential records from Moore's office on Nov. 9, at the request of the Justice Department, Wall said.

Wall's letter was a response to a Feb. 24 request for information from GOP Sens. Ron Johnson and Chuck Grassley about the Archives' knowledge of documents from Mr. Biden's time as vice president that were moved from the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement in Washington to Moore's law office.

UNITED STATES - MARCH 6: President Joe Biden speaks during the International Association of Fire Fighters 2023 Legislative Conference at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill on Monday, March 6, 2023. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) / Credit: Tom Williams

Wall told the Republican senators that the Archives first learned that Mr. Biden's records were transported to Boston on Nov. 3, one day after the president's personal attorney notified the agency that roughly 10 documents marked classified were discovered in Mr. Biden's former office at the Penn Biden Center.

In response to a question about how many records were moved from the think tank to Moore's law firm, Wall wrote that "NARA staff retrieved nine boxes from Mr. Moore's Boston office."

A spokesperson for Mr. Biden's personal attorneys declined comment.

Moore was part of Mr. Biden's personal legal team handling the documents from his tenure as vice president that were at the Penn Biden Center and his residence in Wilmington, Delaware, two sources told CBS News in January. But Moore began working for the Massachusetts attorney general's office in mid-January, and is no longer representing the president, Molly Levinson, a spokeswoman for Bob Bauer, Mr. Biden's longtime attorney, told CBS News.

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The president has come under scrutiny from congressional Republicans after records bearing classification markings were discovered at the Penn Biden Center and his Wilmington home.

The White House first confirmed in early January that the roughly 10 documents dating back to the Obama administration were found at Mr. Biden's office at the think tank, and then disclosed a "small number" were discovered in the garage and private library at the president's Wilmington residence.

A subsequent consensual search by the FBI of the Wilmington house on Jan. 20 turned up six additional items with classified markings, according to Mr. Biden's lawyers and the Justice Department. The FBI also searched Mr. Biden's vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, on Feb. 1, with his consent, and did not find any documents.

Attorney General Merrick Garland in January appointed a special counsel, Robert Hur, to oversee a Justice Department investigation into the documents with classified markings that were in Mr. Biden's possession.

In addition to the questions from Johnson, of Wisconsin, and Grassley, of Iowa, the GOP-led House Judiciary and Oversight Committees have also been probing Mr. Biden's handling of government documents.

House Republicans on Tuesday called for the Biden administration to disclose more information about the records marked classified found in the president's former private office at the Penn Biden Center.

Mr. Biden has insisted that he did not know he had classified material in his possession and that he is cooperating with the Justice Department.

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A nationwide shortage of the asthma medication albuterol has been ongoing since last fall and experts fear it's only expected to get worse.

Albuterol can be taken in several forms but it's the aerosolized solution used in a nebulizer in hospital and in homes that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration put on its drug shortage list in late October. This shortage poses the greatest challenge for hospital settings where it is used most commonly but can be a problem for those that use this form of the drug at home.

Although it's not clear what prompted the initial constrained supply, the FDA has been tracking the shortage.

Generic drug manufacturer Akorn Pharmaceuticals filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy last month, according to documents viewed by ABC News, and reportedly closed its U.S. facilities, knocking out one maker of albuterol.

MORE: Why we're seeing shortages of children's over-the-counter medicine

The FDA updated its drug shortage page on March 1 to show Akorn's albuterol inhalation solution is "not available" due to "no new manufacturing of product."

This leaves Nephron Pharmaceuticals, based in South Carolina, as one of the only remaining primary manufacturers of liquid albuterol.

"We are currently producing Albuterol as fast as possible to deliver to the market -- and to patients -- to address this shortage," Nephron CEO Lou Kennedy told ABC News.

In a statement posted online Wednesday night, the FDA said, in part, that it's "working to address a shortage of a particular form of albuterol -- a medication that is used to treat breathing conditions. It is important to note that this shortage does not impact albuterol inhalers for personal use."

"We recognize the potential impact that intermittent availability of certain drug products can have on providers & patients. To help meet demand, FDA has reiterated that outsourcing facilities may compound the specific product that's in shortage to help increase supply," it continued, in part. "The FDA continues to explore all available regulatory levers to help assure supply -- including exercising discretion for potential temporary importation by foreign suppliers."

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Local pharmacies said they have been struggling to stock albuterol over the past few months and are worried the closure of Akorn facilities will make it harder.

PHOTO: A close-up of nebulizer vials of the respiratory medication albuterol sulfate, a medication often used in the treatment of the COVID-19 coronavirus, April 11, 2020. (Smith Collection/Gado via Getty Images)

"The albuterol solution has been in short supply for some time. It's hard to get it in stock," Jim Stage, owner of Lloyd Pharmacy in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and a pharmacist, told local ABC affiliate KSTP. "We're checking secondary and tertiary vendors if our primary vendor doesn't have it, so it's just creating a little bit more legwork on our part."

What is albuterol?

Asthma is an inflammatory disease that causes airways in the lungs to constrict and prevents normal breathing. It affects more than 25 million Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Albuterol is a medication that helps open these constricted airways. It works by activating the beta receptors in the lungs, which helps the airways open and relax so asthma sufferers can breathe more easily.

Inhaled albuterol can be given through an inhaler or as an aerosolized solution through a nebulizer machine. The aerosolized solution is the type currently facing a national shortage.

This solution is sometimes used at home for infants and young children who have difficulty using an inhaler, but it is used most commonly in hospital settings to treat a range of breathing problems associated with wheezing that includes asthma and some respiratory infections.

MORE: Internal FDA report on infant formula crisis details shortfalls in response

"This is a lifesaving medication that we need to have on demand and available when patients needed," Dr. Juanita Mora, national volunteer medical spokesperson for the American Lung Association, told ABC News.

Mora said she has witnessed how distressing this shortage has been for her patients and families and warned that the pollen season is around the corner.

"As pollen levels rise, they are a huge trigger for asthma. I want to make sure that everyone's asthma COPD emphysema long-haul COVID is well optimized before we head into that season," Mora said.

Are there alternatives?

"Don't panic," Dr. David Khan, past president of The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, told ABC News. "A lot of this issue is mainly, I would say, amongst hospitals, and they're looking at other alternative sources for liquid albuterol."

Khan explained that the albuterol inhalers are just as effective as nebulized albuterol, adding, "I think this is a common misconception. Patients just generally need to use a little bit more puffs of their Albuterol inhaler, and it'll work the same as the nebulizer machine."

For patients admitted to the hospital, or infants unable to use an inhaler, one alternative medication to albuterol used commonly, but less often, is called levalbuterol.

Although similar, studies have had mixed results. One study from 2003 found substituting levalbuterol for albuterol in emergency department care "significantly reduced the number of hospitalizations."

However, a meta-analysis in 2013 showed levalbuterol was not "superior" to albuterol regarding efficacy and safety, and suggested not using it over albuterol for acute asthma.

It's unclear if every day Americans are having trouble filling prescriptions. A Walgreens spokesperson told ABC News it is "able to meet patient demand/needs at this time."

MORE: House Oversight opens investigation into baby formula shortage: Exclusive

Other pharmacy chains including CVS Health, Rite Aid Corp., Kroger Inc. and Albertsons Inc. did not return ABC News' request for comment.

How are asthma attacks prevented?

People with lung diseases like asthma or COPD can have more severe complications from respiratory viruses and pneumonia. To prevent these illnesses, experts say to stay up to date on all vaccines, including Covid-19 boosters and annual flu shots and to practice good hand washing.

It is also important to know and avoid asthma triggers. Each individual's trigger may be different, but common triggers include seasonal allergies, carpets, pets, mold and tobacco smoke, according to the CDC.

PHOTO: This image shows someone holding an albuterol sulfate inhaler, Sept. 3, 2019, in San Ramon, Calif. (Smith Collection/Gado via Getty Images)

When using an inhaler, proper technique is very important. The American Lung Association says people should make sure they are always using a spacer with an inhaler.

If frequently using albuterol, talk to your doctor about daily medications that help control asthma symptoms in addition to albuterol.

Mora urged people not to panic or hoard liquid albuterol because they are afraid of the shortage and says doctors are asking the FDA to act urgently to solve this problem.

"We are urging the FDA to get ahead of this problem before it becomes disastrous," Mora said.

ABC News' Sony Salzman and Karen Travers contributed to this report.

Nationwide shortage of asthma medication albuterol could worsen originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
BRUSSELS (AP)  NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is spearheading a new drive this week to see Finland and Sweden become members of the worlds biggest military organization by the time U.S. President Joe Biden and his counterparts meet for their next summit in July.

Fearing that they might be targeted next after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year, the Nordic neighbors abandoned their traditional positions of military nonalignment to seek protection under NATOs security umbrella.

All 30 allies signed Finlands and Swedens accession protocols. Almost all have since ratified those texts, but Turkey and, more recently, Hungary have sought guarantees and assurances from the two. NATO must agree unanimously for them to join.

Representatives from the Nordic neighbors and Turkey are meeting on Thursday at NATO headquarters in Brussels. Stoltenberg isn't directly involved in the talks, but he organized them after convincing President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last month to come back to the table.

This is a process, and I dont expect the process to be concluded with one round of talks, Stoltenberg told reporters in Stockholm on the eve of the meeting, but I am confident that Finland and Sweden will become NATO allies. This is a top priority.

Turkey accuses Sweden's government of being too soft on groups it believes are terror organizations or existential threats, including Kurdish groups, and has been angered by protesters burning the Muslim holy book, the Quran. It has fewer problems with Finland joining.

Sweden's government has been acting though. In a new move on Thursday, it presented a draft law to parliament aimed at making it illegal to support or participate in terrorist organizations. No date for the vote was immediately announced.

Thursdays meeting in Brussels marks the start of a second round of trilateral talks. After the first round, Stoltenberg told Turkey that he believed its concerns had been addressed and that both countries should be allowed to join immediately.

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But Erdogan, whose popularity has been hit over the governments handling of the Feb. 6 earthquake, faces an election in two months, and the issue of Swedish membership in NATO  the insistence that it must crack down on extremism  could be a vote winner.

To take the political sting out of events, Stoltenberg has tried to keep the talks low key. NATO doesn't plan any news conference on Thursday.

In a recent about-face, the former Norwegian prime minister also played down the importance of both countries joining NATO at the same time. He underlined that Finland and Sweden have received assurances from some allies, led by the U.S., that they will be protected should Russia target them.

It is inconceivable that there will be any military threat against Finland and Sweden without NATO reacting. So, Finland and Sweden are in a much safer, much better position now than before they applied, Stoltenberg said Wednesday.

Hungarys position on their membership is murkier. For months it raised no public objections at all to the two joining, but a date for the Hungarian parliament to ratify their accession protocols was constantly pushed back and its unclear precisely when a vote will take place.

Two parliamentary delegations visited Helsinki and Stockholm this week and made reasonably positive noises in support of both countries. But some lawmakers have accused Finland and Sweden of telling blatant lies about the state of democracy in Hungary.

In December, the European Union  of which Finland and Sweden are members, like many NATO allies  froze billions of euros in funds earmarked for the government in Budapest to protect the blocs budget from breaches of the principles of the rule of law in Hungary.

Hungarian Defense Minister Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky met with his Swedish and Finnish counterparts this week too. On Twitter, he appeared to differentiate between them, thanking Sweden for the great meeting, but demanding more respect from Finnish politicians instead of unjust comments.

By June, the fates of the Nordic neighbors should be clearer. The passing of elections in Turkey in May could take some of the venom out of the rhetoric emanating from Ankara. Hungarys parliament might also endorse their accession late this month.

If not, NATOs presidents and prime ministers could face another summit of drama when they meet in Lithuania's capital, Vilnius, on July 11-12  a time when they must also handle another political hot potato: agreeing on Stoltenbergs successor at the head of their alliance.

___

Jari Tanner in Helsinki, Justin Spike in Budapest, Hungary, and Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen, Denmark, contributed to this report.
Naughty NYC Bakery Has Its Suggestive Sign Stolen

An adult-themed dessert shop in New York City that sells waffles in the shapes of human genitalia had its admittedly provocative sign stolen recently, and the owner tells Out Traveler he suspects a person with pull in local government might be responsible.

Austin Allan, founder and chief waffle maker at Sugar Wood (www.sugarwood.co), tells Out Traveler he uses what he describes as a typical A-frame sign that you see all over New York City and other urban areas to attract the business from local foot traffic.

Our sign features one of our Woody waffles covered in chocolate fudge and white chocolate sauce, and has our tagline Not Your Moms Waffles, Allan tells Out Traveler via email, and hes not joking.

Sugar Wood sells thick and juicy Woody waffles (resembling a penis) and Kitty waffles (resembling a vagina) covered in a variety of creamy and suggestive toppings. The gooey, mouthwatering desserts have become a local favorite since Sugar Wood opened its bakery on 157 Prince Street in Manhattan last year.

In the past, Allan says some neighbors complained that the sign was too much and asked that it be removed to protect children, but things escalated recently.

Two weeks ago we received an email from a city councilmans office telling us that they had also received complaints and asking us to remove the sign, Allan says.

Allan recalls a woman coming in to complain a few days after he received that email.

The next day it was stolen from right in front of our store at around 1 p.m. Allan says. One of my employees had placed it on the sidewalk at 12:30 p.m. and when I got to the store at 2 p.m. it was gone.

Adding to the mystery, the next day the entire block received a visit from the NYC Department of Sanitation, advising each business that A-frame signs are not permitted on the sidewalk.

That to me was the sign that we were being targeted because they didnt visit any other blocks in our neighborhood, Allan continues. And I know from personal experience that the dept of sanitation hardly ever responds to complaints, much less makes in-person visits.

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Allan doesnt deny the sign might have ruffled a few feathers.

One of Sugar woods goals is to normalize talk about sex, body parts, gender, sexuality, etc. using our desserts as conversation starters, Allan says. Our sign is intended to be slightly provocative.

While he believes it must be someone with a little bit of influence calling the shots. Allan says hes not afraid about ruffling a few feathers because otherwise, we arent doing our job.

Of course, Allan says you shouldnt forget about the waffles just begging to be shoved in your mouth and swallowed.

At Sugar Wood we are known for our Woody and Kitty waffles, served piping hot and dripping with decadent sauces, and innuendo, Allan says. We also make Woody and Kitty chocolate bars and a variety of cookies, including our Naughty Gingerbread Men and Woody sugar cookies.

You can learn more about Sugar Wood and all their wholesome baked goods at www.sugarwood.co.

RELATED: Free Cream-Slathered Kitty for NYC Women Marchers at Sugar Wood
Editors note: This story has been updated to reflect that Sen. Chris Murphy represents Connecticut and Sen. Chris Coons represents Delaware in the U.S. Senate. We regret the error.

President Biden and members of Congress are watching with deep concern how Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu moves forward with so-called judicial reforms that have drawn unprecedented opposition on the Israeli street.

The reforms have been criticized by opponents as stripping Israels Supreme Court of its independence  an issue central to the nations democratic principles.

Weeks of protests have drawn an estimated 100,000 people. Protesters have blocked highways, harassed Netanyahus wife and have been targeted by police with stun grenades and foul water cannons.

The demonstrations over the controversial reforms are also driving the U.S. and Israel relationship into uncharted territory, with some lawmakers questioning what is happening to democracy in the longtime U.S. ally.

Weve seen the most widespread demonstrations in modern Israeli history against the proposed reforms, so, I think, more importantly than whether Im concerned, the Israeli people are concerned, and its produced I think a real moment of crisis for Israeli democracy, said Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), a key foreign policy surrogate for Biden.

My hope is that the proposals will be reconsidered, modified, and I am following developments in Israel, Coons told The Hill.

Biden and his top officials, in unprecedented warnings, have told Netanyahu that moving ahead with the changes threaten the shared values of the U.S. and Israel relationship.

On Thursday, 16 Jewish, House lawmakers wrote a letter calling for the Israeli government to suspend the judicial reforms and work towards a compromise between Netanyahus government and the political opposition.

Israel has become an increasingly partisan issue in the U.S., but the reforms have created some uneasiness with members of both parties.

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In our system, in the United States of America, this would not be a good thing, Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said of the reforms. At the same time, Risch was hesitant to criticize Israel.

I think its a lot more complicated than, well here in America that would be bad. Yes, it would be bad in America, but their system is different than our system, said Risch, who met with

Netanyahu in Jerusalem late last month. He said judicial reforms did not come up in their discussions, though he was aware of the protests.

The reforms being pursued by Netanyahus coalition include allowing the government to overrule Supreme Court decisions. It would also let the executive take more power to appoint justices that critics say will politicize the bench.

Were very alarmed that this new [Israeli] government is attempting to undermine judicial checks and balances, said Amy Slipowitz, research manager at Freedom House, which monitors the state of democracy across the world.

These checks have been critical to protect the rights of individuals from all segments of Israels society, and also for holding executive officials to account for abuses. An independent judiciary is absolutely essential to uphold the rule of law, and appropriate checks and balances are core components of democracy, so the governments actions have been quite concerning.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), the ranking member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, also expressed concern.

What I hope will happen is that, as they work through judicial reform, how to make judges more accountable, that theyre mindful of the idea that an independent judiciary needs to be still standing, he said.

There is deep bipartisan support for Israel in Congress even as partisan tensions have erupted. Netanyahu is a controversial figure for many Democrats who remember his 2015 snub of President Obama in an address to Congress. Former President Trump, upon succeeding Obama, wholeheartedly embraced Netanyahus positions on the Israeli and Palestinian conflict and moved the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem.

Israeli politics has undergone its own extreme polarization. Netanyahu secured a governing coalition by agreeing to the demands of far-right politicians that included  on top of the judicial reforms  commitments to pursue annexation and settlement expansions in the West Bank. Other legal proposals in the coalition agreement are criticized as targeting discrimination protections for religious and ethnic minorities and LGBTQ individuals.

I have never been more alarmed about the future of Israel, Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), a member of the Senate committees on Foreign Relations and Appropriations, told The Hill.

As a democracy, I think that Netanyahu operates as though hes got the American political system wired, and can act with impunity, and ignore democratic norms and harm Palestinian people, and that has to stop, he continued.

Our relationship is long standing, is a friendship based on shared values and shared interests. But if they cease to share our values and our interests, then were going to have to reevaluate the relationship.

Schatzs comments represent some of the most outspoken criticism among 14 Senators asked for comment by The Hill. The lawmakers included nine Democrats and five Republicans.

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said he had faith Israel would maintain its rock-solid commitment to democracy, but said he was engaged on the issue.

I dont conduct all my relationships with Israeli officials in public, some of that happens in private as well.

Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, said he was in regular contact with diplomatic and security leaders in the region.

I have very serious concerns about the level of violence and threat of escalation of violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories, today and over the next several months.

The judicial reforms are one element of what regional watchers are saying is an unprecedented collision of political and security crises.

Israelis and Palestinians are caught up in a particularly heinous cycle of violence, that includes civilian Palestinian casualties amid Israeli security raids in the West Bank, Palestinian terrorist attacks targeting Israelis and Israeli settlers in the West Bank attacking Palestinian villages in retribution attacks.

This has been further inflamed by far-right members of Netanyahus party, with Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich calling for the Palestinian village of Huwara to be wiped out by the State of Israel, after it was attacked by Israeli settlers following the killing of two Israeli brothers by a Palestinian from the village.

I dont recall a moment like this where there are so many negative forces that seem to be coming to a head, said Aaron David Miller, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace who has served in Republican and Democratic presidential administrations focused on the Middle East.

Were in uncharted waters.

Smotrich has tried to walk back his comments after Netanyhau alluded to them as inappropriate. State Department Spokesperson Ned Price called the comments repugnant.

What weve seen now is that you have a group of ministers who declare themselves without shyness that they are basically Jewish supremacists, that the land belongs to them based on their read of the bible, said Shibley Telhami, professor of political science at the University of Maryland and senior fellow with the Brookings Institutions.

The Biden administration has also called out as unacceptable a visit by Israels National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, a site holy to both Jews and Muslims and its neutrality and security tenuously maintained by Jordan.

The visit was viewed as an extreme provocation by Ben-Gvir, another far-right politician who was convicted when he was younger of inciting racism and supporting a terrorist group.

Youve got this new government that has some very extreme and racist elements in it, in the name of Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told The Hill.

They seem to be driving the train, even though Prime Minister Netanyahu says he has both hands on the steering wheel, Van Hollen continued, referring to statements Netanyahu made in an interview with CNN last month where he played down the two lawmakers power in his coalition.

To help tamp down violence in the region, the Biden administration had Israeli and Palestinian officials commit to end unilateral measures viewed as worsening tensions. This included a commitment by Israel to freeze rhetoric surrounding settlement expansions and claiming land in the West Bank for a period between four and six months.

The joint communique, signed by the U.S. and Israeli and Palestinian officials as well as Jordan and Egypt, was also meant to signal commitment towards achieving a political settlement of a two-state solution, even as the Biden administration has held back from declaring a push for peace talks.

The near-term goal is the goal we keep stressing in public and in private, that Israelis and Palestinians must take steps on an urgent basis to de-escalate tensions, to restore calm, and to put an end to this cycle of violence that has taken the lives of far too many on both sides, Price said on Wednesday.

But ultimately all of this is in service of a negotiated two-state solution.

Updated 8:48 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A new Netflix documentary series, MH370: The Plane That Disappeared, investigates possible theories in aviation's biggest mystery, the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370.

"Planes go up. Planes go down. What planes dont do is just vanish off the face of the Earth," aviation journalist Jeff Wise says in the three-part docuseries.

What happened to Malaysia Airlines flight MH370?

Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, a red eye flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, was set to arrive on the morning of March 8, 2014.

Shortly after 1:00 a.m., as the plane approached the end of Malaysian airspace, being handed over to the next air traffic controllers in Vietnam, the plane went dark, vanishing from the radar. There were 239 people on board the plane.

Evidence emerged in 2015 that the plane diverted its course, towards the remote southern Indian Ocean. Later that year, some debris was eventually found on Reunion Island. But any debris found did not bring investigators close enough to solve the case of this mysterious disappearance.

After more than four years of investigation, the search for the missing plane came to an end in 2018 without any concrete information on what happened to MH370, after U.S.-based Ocean Infinity surveyed the Indian Ocean.

In 2017, the official search from the governments of Australia, China and Malaysia suspended their investigation of the Indian Ocean.

MH370: The Plane That Disappeared (Netflix)

'A living hell'

In MH370: The Plane That Disappeared, filmmaker Louise Malkinson features journalists, scientists, investigators and family members of individuals who were on MH370, nine years after the plane vanished.

Danica Weeks, whose husband was a passenger on the plane, recalls getting a phone call from a reporter from the New Zealand Harald, which is how she found out about the disappearance of MH370.

Intan Othman's husband was on the cabin crew for the flight, the last thing he said to her was, "I love you."

Ghyslain Wattrelos' wife and two children were on the flight, he had travelled to meet them in Beijing before the plane disappeared. When he arrived in Beijing he was told what happened and in MH370: The Plane That Disappeared, he remembers having to call his other son to tell him the tragic news, calling it the hardest moment of his whole life.

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Jiang Hui is the son of a MH370 passenger, who categorizes the room he was in with other families of individuals on that plane, waiting for answers, "a living hell."

MH370: The Plane That Disappeared (Netflix)

Three theories on what happened to Malaysia Airlines flight MH370

MH370: The Plane That Disappeared also explores three theories about the plane's disappearance, told by journalists Jeff Wise and Florence De Change.

In the first episode of the docuseries, Wise walks the audience through the first theory, that the flight's captain Zaharie Ahmad Shah decided to commit mass murder-suicide.

A second theory comes after the tragedy of flight MH17, the flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, which was downed by a Russian missile over Ukraine on July 17, 2014. With many calling out how hard it is to believe that two Malaysian Airlines planes crashed in such a close timeline, this theory posits that the disappearance of MH370 is related to a targeted Russia operation. Russian passengers hijacked the flight and the plane was flown to Kazakhstan.

The third theory starts with the cargo of electronic devices that, as De Change explains, was "escorted" on the plane without being scanned. The claim is that two U.S. Airborne Warning And Control Systems (AWACS) "jammed" MH370, making it disappear from the radar. Maybe the captain received instruction from the AWACS to land nearby and did not take the order. Getting closer to Chinese airspace, the AWACS had to back off, but they need to stop the plane with the cargo set to arrive in Beijing. The theory claims that through a missile strike or collision it was downed.

But every theory lacks necessary concrete evidence, with many calling these possible theories completely far-fetched, which leaves us with this mysterious disappearance.

MH370: The Plane That Disappeared breaks down all the complex, intersecting details on the mystery. It takes you down the rabbit hole of different theories in a way that is dizzying and it's almost unbelievable that this is a real story.

As Wise says at the end of the docuseries, "we may never know" the truth in this mystery, "and we have to live with that," but it's still insane believe that an entire plane can just vanish.
Family and friends of a 16-year-old who was shot and killed at a Georgia skate park will gather this weekend to remember a life cut short by tragedy.

Nasir Truitt died Saturday after police say he was shot multiple times at the South Bend Skate Park in LaGrange. Police have arrested and charged a 15-year-old in Truitts death.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Family members say Truitt was a good kid and are still trying to wrap their minds around why another teen would kill him.

As you can imagine, my family and I are beyond devastated and have more questions than answers. Of which no question or answer will bring Nasir back, the teens cousin Yormica Truitt-Jordan wrote in social media posts.

He was a good kid. He never bothered anyone. This all seems so surreal and Im not exactly sure how things with me or my family will go back to normal.

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A GoFundMe has been set up to help Truitts mother Erica, who is a single mother, with her sons funeral expenses.

Please find it in your hearts to donate, share this post and spread positivity within our homes and into these childrens lives. This was not supposed to happen. These are babies. Our hearts are shattered in a way Ive never thought possible, Truitt-Jordan wrote.

Truitts family and friends will gather at the skate park on Saturday for a candlelight vigil. It begins at 7:30 p.m. and people are encouraged to bring white candles and balloons.

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IN OTHER NEWS
Northern Pacific Airways Boeing 757 aircraft. Bryan Giardinelli/Northern Pacific Airways

Northern Pacific Airways is launching its first-ever flights from Ontario, California, to Las Vegas on June 2.

The carrier will use a 181-seater Boeing 757 with both economy and business class on the one-hour flights.

The odd starting route is a far leap from the airline's original plan of flying from the US to Asia via Alaska.

Low-cost startup Northern Pacific Airways is finally launching flights this June  but it's a far cry from the long-haul business model it started with.

The Anchorage-based airline announced on Tuesday that it will launch its first-ever commercial flight on June 2, flying once weekly between Ontario, California  just outside of Los Angeles  and Las Vegas.

The one-hour route will use a 181-seater Boeing 757 aircraft with both economy and business class, flying to Nevada on Fridays and returning to California on Sundays. CEO Rob McKinney described Northern Pacific's upcoming service as an "incredibly convenient and cost-effective" way to enjoy Las Vegas.

"This announcement today represents the achievement of a major milestone for Northern Pacific Airways," he said. "The airline now has a live flight schedule, purchasable tickets, and refurbished aircraft ready to go, and I can't wait for passengers to meet our team onboard and fly with us."

Fares start at $69 one-way, and the carrier will compete with Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines on the nonstop route  two already well-established low-cost airlines.

According to Tuesday's press release, customers could only book the route via online travel agencies. But, the option to book via Northern Pacific's website appears to be working as of Thursday.

A screenshot of Northern Pacific Airway's booking process on its website. Northern Pacific Airways

The already heavily trafficked route between Southern California and Sin City was not Northern Pacific's original plan. The airline initially wanted to fly from the US to Asia via Anchorage, Alaska  similar to Icelandair's routes from the US to Europe via Reykjavik.

However, Northern Pacific still plans to eventually fly the route, saying it first wants to "fine-tune" its operation and "make sure that we can deliver the best possible service" before it expands to international destinations, like Japan and South Korea.

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The one-stop international routes, which the carrier said would save passengers 20% on fares, were first put on pause due to reasons relating to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and subsequent airspace closure  a situation reminiscent of the Cold War era.

Moreover, the airline hasn't yet obtained a special aircraft rating known as ETOPS, which certifies its twin-engine 757s can still safely fly for hours even if one loses an engine en route  a necessity when flying across the Pacific with few diversion airports.

The Los Angeles to Las Vegas route wasn't the carrier's Plan B, either. In August 2022, it announced possible flights from California to Mexico, and then in October 2022, it leapfrogged to launching flights from Saipan  a US commonwealth island in the western Pacific  to places like Australia and the Philippines.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Kathryn Haigh, the chief operating officer at Newfields, will become the new CEO and president of the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, the first woman in that position, the institution announced Thursday.

Haigh, who has been with Newfields for about 15 years, will succeed current Eiteljorg head John Vanausdall, who announced in August that he would retire at the end of June after more than 25 years in the role.

I am excited about the opportunity to lead the Eiteljorg at this particular time in our countrys history, Haigh said in a news release. We are experiencing a period of cultural transformation in Indianapolis with many new leaders at key institutions, and I cant wait to see what we can do together to promote culture and become a community resource for all.

The Eiteljorg Board of Directors voted this week to hire her, and she'll begin in May.

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Kathryn Haigh will be the new president and CEO of the Eiteljorg Museum.

At Newfields, Haigh has managed collections, exhibitions and conservation, among other duties, and collected art from underrepresented groups as the museum's chief operating officer. Since joining the Indianapolis Museum of Art in 2007, she's served in several roles, including chief registrar and deputy director. She's worked on the installation and operation of Winterlights, renovating the Clowes Pavilion and reinstalling the permanent galleries in a way that includes audience feedback.

Before Newfields, Haigh was chief registrar at the Cincinnati Museum of Art, and she graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in art history. She, her partner Brad Sterling and her teenage son, Ryan, split time between Fishers and Columbus. Her daughter, Madeleine, graduated from Ball State University and is an interior designer.

At the Eiteljorg: Must-see areas and art inside the revamped Native American Galleries

At the Eiteljorg, Haigh plans to work on new opportunities for community engagement, commission Indigenous artists and loan permanent collection pieces to other institutions, according to the release.

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Her vision for the museum meshes with the just-completed strategic plan: continuing to raise the profile of the museum, continuing to tell the untold stories and continuing to expand the connections with our full range of Indigenous and multicultural audiences, said Pat Anker, chair of the Eiteljorg Board of Directors.

The Eiteljorg worked with Bridge Partners, LLC for the nationwide search and received 213 applications, according to the release. The museum has a $40 million endowment and a staff of about 50 people and 250 volunteers, the release stated.

Looking for things to do? Our newsletter has the best concerts, art, shows and more  and the stories behind them

Contact IndyStar reporter Domenica Bongiovanni at 317-444-7339 or d.bongiovanni@indystar.com. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter: @domenicareports.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Kathryn Haigh will be new Eiteljorg CEO, first woman in the role
For a field that has often blurred the line between cinema and anthropology, documentary filmmakers have long set off for foreign lands, lured by the prospect of discovering some seemingly untold story, set against an exotic backdrop that is all but certain to attract audiences and funding bodies alike. Rarely in the past have filmmakers from the West questioned the entitlement that enables them to tell those stories, or whether those communities have the right to share their own story in their own way.

For a very long time, this has just been an acceptable practice, said Selin Murat, markets manager at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), during a panel discussion Tuesday at the Thessaloniki Intl. Documentary Festival. There has been a pervasive idea that you can tell whatever story you want without understanding the sociopolitical dynamics at play.

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As the industry has begun to train the lens on itself in recent years, however, documentary filmmakers are raising questions about the ethics behind those long-standing practices  and increasingly calling for a rethink. If we understand that documentary filmmaking is a very important tool in social development, in human rights issues, we have to change our approach, said Alex Shiraieff, of the Baltic to Black Sea Documentary Network (B2B Doc).

Tuesdays panel in Thessaloniki focused on how to create a more equitable framework for filmmakers outside the traditional power centers of European film finance, particularly when many rely on European partners to get their documentaries made. Traditional co-production forms are not functioning anymore, and we really dont know what to do, Shiraieff said.

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Shiraieffs organization works with filmmakers from Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, many of whom have to work with the so-called experienced filmmakers in Europe, producers and directors who would like to co-produce films with our region, he said.

That invariably creates a power imbalance in which those filmmakers are relying on production partners who are able to raise financing but might lack understanding of the economic, social and political realities in which theyre forced to work.

Zeynep Guzel, an independent producer and consultant and head of talents at Berlinale Doc Station, cited a lack of empathy from foreign producers working with filmmakers in countries whose industries are less developed. She said more work needs to be done to create solutions that allow filmmakers from radically different production environments to meet on a level playing field. In an equitable spacewe are making decisions to collaborate with each other on equitable terms at all times, added Murat.

One way forward has been proposed by the Documentary Convention, which established a framework for a fair co-production model after a gathering of industry professionals in Leipzig in 2018 and 2019. The organization put forth a series of questions for filmmakers to ask before entering into a co-production agreement, a checklist designed to help partners set and define the expectations of their collaboration while sidestepping potential friction over issues ranging from cultural differences to contract disagreements.

One question that looms large is how to create an equitable revenue-sharing agreement when a co-producer from the Global North is inevitably contributing a greater part of the financing.

Traditionally, said Murat, a producer contributing the lions share of the funding would also retain a lions share of the copyright and financial returns  a fact that sustains this unequal balance of power in these co-production relationships.

Even if you can never get to 50-50 in the financing, the fair co-pro says we value the quality of this work, and the creativity, and what you bring to the table, she continued, calling for filmmakers to reimagine a system that has persisted not out of any binding legal or financial structures but out of the circular logic that old habits die hard.

Everything is negotiable. There are only traditions, no rules. Everything can be discussed, and the value of your work is not just the money you bring [to the co-production], she added.

Dont sit at the meeting [with foreign financiers] and feel like this is my only chance to get the money, agreed producer Thomas Kaske, echoing the conversations he has with filmmakers from outside of Europe. You have stories which German [and other European] filmmakers are lacking. You bring something to the table. And if they dont like it, you will find [other] allies.

Pictured (from L. to R.): Selin Murat, Alex Shiraieff, Thomas Kaske, Zeynep Guzel

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Click here to read the full article.
Zhao Leji, executive chairman of the presidium of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), presides over the second meeting of the presidium at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 8, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

The presidium of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's national legislature, held its second meeting Wednesday.

The meeting decided to submit multiple documents to all delegations for deliberation.

The documents included draft resolutions on the government work report, on the implementation of the national economic and social development plan in 2022 and the plan for 2023, on the implementation of the central and local budgets in 2022 and the budgets for 2023, as well as a draft decision on the revision to the Legislation Law.

The presidium also decided to submit a draft method on election and appointment to all delegations for deliberation.

Zhao Leji, executive chairman of the presidium, presided over the meeting.

The presidium's executive chairpersons met before the meeting to prepare the documents, also presided over by Zhao.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) is officially pulling back the renewal of a $54 million state contract with Walgreens, after the retail pharmacy giant said it would stop providing abortion pills in 21 states.

Newsom, who on Tuesday blasted the company for its decision, saying California would no longer do business with Walgreens, announced that he would not renew a contract with the company to produce prescription drugs for the state. The contract is set to expire in May.

California will not stand by as corporations cave to extremists and cut off critical access to reproductive care and freedom, Newsom said in a statement. California is on track to be the fourth largest economy in the world and we will leverage our market power to defend the right to choose.

Walgreens contract with the state allowed California to produce specialty pharmacy prescription drugs, Newsom said, which were primarily used for the states correctional facilities.

But the agreement will come to an end after Walgreens said last week it would not distribute mifepristone, a drug that is part of an abortion regimen, in 21 states where Republican officials have threatened legal action against companies that try to distribute it. The threat from GOP officials comes as a string of Republican-led states have moved to strongly restrict abortion after the fall of Roe v. Wade.

We are deeply disappointed by the decision by the state of California not to renew our longstanding contract due to false and misleading information, the company said in a statement to The Hill. Walgreens is facing the same circumstances as all retail pharmacies, and no other retail pharmacies have said that they would approach this situation differently, so its unclear where this contract would now be moved. Our position has always been that, once we are certified by the FDA, Walgreens plans to dispense Mifepristone in any jurisdiction where it is legally permissible to do so, including the state of California.

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Newsom is hitting Walgreens from the left, pulling out of a contract that had seen the company receive about $54 million. Newsom also said he was ordering a review of all contracts between the state and Walgreens.

Newsom said that the state would explore other options to retain the same services.

 Updated at 8:29 p.m.

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Queen Consort Camilla speaks to guests near Ngozi Fulani (back left), chief executive of the London-based Sistah Space group, during a reception to raise awareness of violence against women and girls at Buckingham Palace on Nov. 29, 2022.

Queen Consort Camilla speaks to guests near Ngozi Fulani (back left), chief executive of the London-based Sistah Space group, during a reception to raise awareness of violence against women and girls at Buckingham Palace on Nov. 29, 2022.

Ngozi Fulani revealed that she is temporarily stepping down as CEO of her charity, Sistah Space, months after a former lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth made unacceptable comments to her at a Buckingham Palace event.

Lady Susan Hussey, who is also Prince Williams godmother, repeatedly asked Fulani, Where do you really come from? and touched her hair during the palace reception. After Fulani shared her experience, the palace condemned Husseys unacceptable and deeply regrettable comments.

Fulani opened up to Good Morning Britain on Wednesday about the fallout since the incident, which occurred in November 2022. The CEO said both she and her charity have suffered as a direct result of the racist exchange.

The palace hasnt intervened  I think they could have, she said. So what Ive had to do, Ive now temporarily stepped down as CEO of Sistah Space. Im announcing that now because the service users and the community cant access us properly.

This whole thing has cost us a fortune, cause we had to pay our own PR to stop the press from coming up, she added. It was horrible.

'I don't see what is so hard to say I'm sorry.'



Were joined exclusively by Ngozi Fulani, founder of @Sistah_Space for the first time since the former Lady-in-Waiting to the Queen - Lady Susan Hussey asked her where she was "really from." pic.twitter.com/EhGqA0u10O  Good Morning Britain (@GMB) March 8, 2023

Despite the backlash she has received as a result of going public with the incident, Fulani told GMB she has no regrets about speaking out. She did, however, seemingly have an issue with the way Buckingham Palace apologized last year.

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If you have to ask somebody for an apology, its not an apology, Fulani said. Im just making the point so that everybody understands. I dont see what is so hard to say, Im sorry.

You sent me an invitation, so you know how to find me, you know how to say sorry. If youre sorry, then say sorry, she continued. If youre not, I get it. But when you make this apology to everybody, I dont know who youre apologizing to.

According to the U.K. Times, the palace told GMB that Husseys remarks were deeply regrettable.

We are sorry for the incident that took place and apologise for the distress and difficulty it caused to Ms Fulani, the palace added.

HuffPost reached out to both Buckingham Palace and Sistah Space for further comment.

Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by her lady-in-waiting Lady Susan Hussey, departs after attending Sunday service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate on Jan. 12, 2020, in King's Lynn, England.

Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by her lady-in-waiting Lady Susan Hussey, departs after attending Sunday service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate on Jan. 12, 2020, in King's Lynn, England.

Following the incident with Fulani in November, Hussey apologized for her comments and stepped down from her recently appointed role within King Charles household.

The two women later met face-to-face in December, where Hussey apologized in person and the women took a photo together.

Buckingham Palace later issued a statement about the meeting, which the palace said was filled with warmth and understanding.

Lady Susan offered her sincere apologies for the comments that were made and the distress they caused to Ms Fulani, the statement added. Lady Susan has pledged to deepen her awareness of the sensitivities involved and is grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the issues in this area.

The statement continued: Ms Fulani, who has unfairly received the most appalling torrent of abuse on social media and elsewhere, has accepted this apology and appreciates that no malice was intended.

Related...
The management team of the New Hampshire hotel that destroyed the passports of dozens of students from England is apologizing and explaining what happened.

Forty-two students and four staff members from the Barr Beacon School in Walsall, West Midlands, England, recently traveled to the Kancamagus Lodge in Lincoln NH for a ski trip, the schools headmaster Kate Hibbs said.

Weve heard a lot of anger and disappointment these last two weeks in response to an unfortunate, regrettable situation that occurred involving one of our visiting ski groups, Kancamagus Lodge management said in a statement on Facebook. We are deeply sorry. We take full responsibility and offer a genuine apology to our guests and community.

On February 19, a manager of Kancamagus Lodge was cleaning and organizing the back office. While collecting items to be thrown away, the box the passports were in, was accidentally taken and thrown away to the on-site dumpster.

When one of the teachers came and asked to add a students passport to the box, the management team realized that the passports had been accidentally destroyed.

Our scheduled, contracted garbage disposal company emptied the dumpster and promptly destroyed all contents, managers said We immediately notified the guests and began working with our guests to come to the most satisfactory resolution. We worked closely with the tour operating company, contributing however we could towards their extended stay, to come to a swift, safe, and successful resolution that was satisfactory to all involved.

After leaving New Hampshire, the group traveled to the British Embassy in New York to apply for emergency documentation to allow them to travel back to England.

The group, who initially planned on flying home the weekend of February 25, flew home on March 1.

In addition to offering our profound apologies to our guests and their families, we also offer our sincere apology to our community for not representing our industry to the best of our ability and for not living up to the expectations you have of us, the managers said in the statement.

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The Kancamagus Lodge is putting new protocols into place to make sure a mishap like this will not happen again and that they can continue to protect all their guests. The management team said that they will be connecting with fellow industry professionals to help them better understand the industry standards and amplify the guest experience in order for them to put guests first.

Our values will guide everything we do. Our guests and community expect more from us and we promise we can and will be better. We are committed to putting proof behind our promise. Thank you for gifting us the opportunity to re-earn your trust.

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In January 2022, Lt. Col. Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba took control of Burkina Faso in the first of two coups that earned the country a falling freedom rating. (Sophie Garcia / Associated Press)

You dont need a PhD in international relations to know that freedom, democracy and human rights are on the defensive around the world, and losing ground in many countries.

Its not just the big crises we read about every day  the ongoing atrocities in Ukraine, crackdowns in hotspots like Hong Kong, bitter political polarization in the United States, illiberality in Israel, Hungary and Turkey, to name just a few.

Its also the smaller upheavals that get less attention  for example, two coups last year in Burkina Faso, gang-driven chaos in Haiti and continuing assaults on democracy in Tunisia, Nicaragua, Guinea and Myanmar.

Obviously, we live in a world of brutality and turmoil. But in the aggregate and over time, are things getting better or worse for freedom and democracy?

It's a tough question to answer. But Freedom Houses annual report, Freedom in the World, takes a stab at it. For 50 years, the nonpartisan NGO has worked to create a reasonably consistent scale against which to measure the march, forward and backward, of freedom across the globe.

To do it, more than 150 experts spend months assigning numerical values, country by country, to everything from the rights of opposition parties to the empowerment of trade unions to the independence of judicial systems. They consider the robustness of electoral protections, the breadth of personal autonomy and the status of freedom of religion, expression and movement, as well as many other indicators of political rights and civil liberties.

So what does the organization conclude in its 2023 report, which is being released Thursday?

Theres good news and bad news, of course, but the bad news is pretty bad: For 17 years in a row, the world has been struggling against a tide of de-democratization. Since 2006, the number of countries experiencing declines in political rights and civil liberties has outpaced those experiencing advances. Countries in every region have seen declines. (Since 2010, the United States score dropped 11 points, from 94 to 83 out of 100, about 10 points below historical peers like Germany and the U.K.)

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In 2022, according to the latest report, bad news continued to roll in: 35 countries saw their political rights and civil liberties deteriorate, and two not only declined but changed categories for the worse, with Peru moving from a designation of free to partly free and Burkina Faso moving from partly free to not free.

Burkina Faso showed the steepest decline of any country in 2022, falling 23 points, thanks to a coup detat that led to the suspension of the nation's constitution, the dissolution of the legislature and the imposition of a national curfew  followed by a second coup eight months later that resulted in the dismissal of the transitional government, the re-suspension of the constitution and the closing of national borders.

So whats the good news? Only that the overall decline may be slowing. Yes, 35 countries declined in 2022, but 34 improved  the slimmest margin of difference in 17 years. Lesotho and Colombia advanced from partly free to free.

Another mildly cheering fact is that if you take a slightly longer view, the world is still ahead of where it was 50 years ago. As Adrian Shahbaz, Freedom House's vice president for research, pointed out to me, when the first "Freedom in the World" report appeared in 1973, 44 countries out of 148 were rated free  or 30%. Today 84 countries out of 195, or 43%, are "free."

Still, its hard to imagine lifting a glass of champagne to celebrate the fact that as we close in on the end of the first quarter of the 21st century  hundreds of years after John Locke, Thomas Hobbes and John Stuart Mill began to lay out a vision of what liberal democracy might look like  only 43% of the countries in the world are designated free and democratic, and more countries are moving away from this ideal than toward it.

The Freedom House ratings are not scientific, of course, nor is the organizations methodology beyond critique. There are other groups that monitor democracy and they dont always reach the same conclusions. Furthermore, Freedom House measures only a part of the human condition  freedom, democracy and human rights; it doesnt, for instance, measure wealth and poverty, key drivers of satisfaction and misery.

Nevertheless, reading the report, one cant help ruminating on why, in the modern era, governments continue to repress and mistreat their citizens. That may sound like a simplistic, why-cant-we-all-get-along question, but it's what kept coming back to me as I read.

And for this question, answers are easy to come by.

Selfish, greedy, corrupt leaders are all too happy all too often to trample on people's rights rather than relinquish power.

Wars and coups often lead to the removal of rights. Democracy thrives less well amid high poverty and income inequality, or severe ethnic or racial conflict.

Bitter disputes continue to rage over territory and resources, often exacerbated by tribalism, factionalism and religious conflicts.

What strengthens democracy? Independent institutions providing checks and balances. The rule of law. A free press. Free expression.

President Biden says there's a global battle underway pitting democracy against autocracy. Maybe so. China is certainly making the argument that Western-style democracy leads to chaos and dysfunction while its own model promises growth, stability and competent government.

And its true that the U.S. hasnt shown its best face recently.

But the Freedom House report struck me as a powerful reminder that it is far preferable to live in a nation based on the consent of the governed and the rule of law. Democracy may be flawed  but as weve all heard, it beats the alternative.

@Nick_Goldberg

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Gavel

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to state that Rory Notch is facing a charge of felony aggravated vehicular homicide.

CANTON  A Nimishillen Township man accused of driving a vehicle involved in a fatal traffic crash was arrested by U.S. Marshals on Wednesday.

Rory R. Notch, 27, was indicted by a Stark County grand jury in December on two counts of felony aggravated vehicular homicide, operating a vehicle under the influence, speeding, and failure to control and remain in lane of travel.

He pleaded not guilty to all charges during an arrangement hearing on Friday in front of Stark County Common Pleas Judge Frank Frachione. Notch appeared with his lawyer Ty Graham.

He is accused of driving a Hummer H3 at 12:55 a.m. Aug. 26 when the vehicle went off Maret Street NW in Canton and crashed into a tree killing his passenger Brandon L. Browning, 25, of Canton.

Notch was seriously injured in the crash and taken to a local hospital.

The grand jury indictment indicated Notch had amphetamines in his system at the time of the crash and had exceeded the speed limit.

Fatal crash:Louisville man facing aggravated vehicular homicide charges in death of Douglas Fahrni

According to Canton police, officers found the Hummer overturned on the east side of the road. The Hummer is believed to have been traveling southbound when it went left of center, off the side of the roadway and struck the tree. Both men were trapped in the vehicle.

Reach Amy at 330-775-1135 or amy.knapp@indeonline.com.

On Twitter: @aknappINDE

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Rory Notch facing charges in fatal crash that killed Brandon Browning
YOKOHAMA, Japan (Reuters) - Nissan Motor Co Ltd on Thursday said it will overhaul its approach to powertrains for all-electric and hybrid petrol-electric vehicles as it aims to bring hybrid prices in line with those of petrol-powered cars by 2026.

The Japanese automaker said it will use the same components across models to make electric powertrains - the assembly which propels a vehicle - smaller and lighter, and reduce development and production costs by 30% within three years versus 2019.

It will also use solid-state batteries with materials that are cheaper than those usually used, such as nickel and cobalt, Senior Vice President Toshihiro Hirai told reporters.

"Materials that don't use such expensive precious metals are being developed, which will be a major factor in reducing costs," Hirai said.

The effort is among many by automakers trying to make new-energy vehicles more affordable, such as by reducing the cost of electric powertrains which have yet to achieve parity with those used in traditionally powered vehicles.

Nissan will apply its streamlined approach to powertrains to different sizes of vehicles, expecting to equip such vehicles as micro "kei" and mid-sized cars from 2024 or 2025, Hirai said.

The powertrain size and weight reduction will improve vehicle performance, such as by making driving in the snow or on sand more stable, the automaker said.

Nissan became one of the first mass-market electric-vehicle makers with its Leaf model more than a decade ago. It aims to introduce 27 electrified models, including 19 all-electric vehicles, by fiscal year 2030.

(Reporting by Daniel Leussink; Editing by Christopher Cushing)
MAURICE RIVER TWP.  An inmate accused of killing a fellow prisoner  one day before the victim's scheduled release  allegedly tried to discard his bloody socks and shoes after the deadly attack, authorities say.

But the items were recovered from a trash can at Bayside State Prison, and DNA test results have implicated Bruce Duette, a 43-year-old inmate, according to a court record.

Martin Sanchez attacked in prison cell

Duette is charged with the murder of 41-year-old Martin Sanchez at the Leesburg prison.

Sanchez, formerly an Elizabeth resident, was found unresponsive in his cell with injuries to his head and face on Nov. 21, according to the Cumberland County Prosecutors Office.

He was pronounced dead a short time later.

Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the attack on Sanchez.

Duette, formerly of Trenton, was identified as a suspect through inmate interviews and surveillance video, the probable cause statement says.

He was charged March 6 after DNA test results from the New Jersey State Police forensics laboratory linked Duette to the slaying.

Testing showed blood from Sanchez and DNA from Duette on the socks and shoes, according to a statement giving probable cause for the murder charge.

Duettes DNA also was found under the victim's fingernails, the statement says.

Victim was serving five-year term

Sanchez was serving a five-year term, imposed in August 2020, on a theft charge. He had been scheduled for release from Bayside on the day after the attack, according to information on the Department of Corrections website.

Duette was serving a 2013 sentence of almost 20 years for conspiring to kill a man as part of a gang war in Trenton in 2005, according to the Attorney Generals Office.

More: Suspect in Lawnside murder diesMan fatally shot at Turnpike rest stop had previously been charged with murder

He has been in state custody since March 2006 due to prior convictions, and currently has a parole eligibility date in March 2030.

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In an online notice seeking to communicate with women from prison, Duette said he was pursuing a bachelors degree in Justice Studies.

In efforts of righting my wrongs and repaying the debt in which society is owed, I continue to strive to be a better person, he wrote.

Duette is currently being held at New Jersey State Prison, described by the Department of Corrections as its facility housing the most difficult and/or dangerous offenders in the inmate population."

The prison, which houses about 1,275 inmates, "provides a level of custodial supervision and control beyond that of any other state prison the DOCs website says.

A DOC representative did not comment on any changes implemented as a result of Sanchez murder.

Staff writer Joseph P. Smith contributed to this report. Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Bayside State Prison NJ inmate allegedly killed another, hid evidence
Leo Schofield talks with one of his attorneys during a 2018 evidentiary hearing before Judge Keith Spoto. Schofield's case is the subject of a new podcast, "Bone Valley."

Two former elected officials stepped to the lectern Tuesday to ask Polk County commissioners to get behind their effort to exonerate Leo Schofield Jr., who was convicted of killing his wife 35 years ago and has been serving a life sentence in prison.

Former School Board member Billy Townsend, who has recently blogged about the case, and former County Commissioner Randy Wilkinson said Schofield was wrongly convicted, and new evidence raises enough doubts about the states case against him to warrant a review and potentially a retrial.

Schofield was convicted of killing his wife, Michelle Saum Schofield, in 1987. She was stabbed 26 times and later found in a drainage canal in North Lakeland.

But Schofield has spent the past 35 years in prison claiming he didnt do it. And supporters, either driven or emboldened by a recent nine-part podcast by Pulitzer winner Gilbert King, point to evidence discovered since his trial. There was a fingerprint of another convicted murderer Jeremy Scott found years later that linked that man to the crime. And that man also confessed to the murder but then later recanted his story.

In statements at the dais during the County Commissions regularly scheduled meeting in Bartow on Tuesday, they characterized Schofields conviction as an injustice and wanted the commissioners pass a resolution in support of another review of the case against Schofield. Meanwhile, Schofield is expected to appear for a parole hearing by April.

Townsend had presented a draft resolution to the commission to sign that would have the commissioners saying they support the state holding a new trial for Schofield, but none of the commissioners took any actions.

Former Polk County School Board member Billy Townsend.

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In Munn ParkLakeland nonprofit asks city to reconsider limiting homeless feedings

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No jury of the people has ever gotten to hear the evidence that exonerates Leo Schofield and convicts Jeremy Scott, Townsend said. Only judges have gotten to hear that, only prosecutors. No people, and that is not how the system is supposed to work. The system is broken.

If Jeremy Scotts confession and if his palm print had been evidence in 1989, they would have been used in trial, Townsend said.

In his comments, Wilkinson reminded the commissioners that since the death penalty was reinstated in Florida there have been 100 executions but also 33 inmates who had their death sentences overturned since a return to capital punishment. He added there is too much doubt not to overturn Schofields conviction and the fault for the miscarriage of justice lies with the shoddy investigation of the crime.

Former Polk County Commissioner Randy Wilkinson.

After the commissioners heard from the two men, Commission Chairman George Lindsey made a statement. He too had listened to media accounts of Schofield's innocence and initially supported a review of the case. But he said that after a deeper dive into court records, he now believes the guilty verdict was the right outcome.

There's no doubt in my mind there was no miscarriage of justice, and the system worked the way it was supposed to work, he said.

But more importantly, regardless of my opinion, regardless of the court record, regardless of the multiple appeals, regardless of the verdict; this issue is far outside our lane of responsibility," Lindsey said. "We have no business and no standing to intervene in this matter.

Jacob Orr, chief assistant state attorney in the 10th Judicial Circuit, said he wanted to point out two things to the commission.

Before you come to any fixed opinion, the first is this case has been reviewed, he said. Its been reviewed by multiple prosecutors and multiple judges as you just heard, and it's even been heard by more, including the appellate courts.

And each of those reviews has been based on the 'actual' evidence and the 'actual' testimony in the case, Orr said. And each of those reviews found there is no reason to disturb this verdict. Those reviews have not been based on summaries, mischaracterizations or opinions of internet bloggers or podcasters or other outside groups.

In addition to Townsends blog, the case had also caught the attention King, who after a years long investigation released a nine-episode podcast entitled, Bone Valley, which sifted through details of the Schofield case. King concluded that Schofield did not kill his wife.

Orrs other point was, if anyone else has any concerns about this case as leaders of our community, I would invite you to the State Attorney's Office. We would be happy to share our files so you can review the actual evidence and actual testimony. I think if you were to do that, you would have no concerns with this conviction.

For instance, when state investigators learned of Scott's fingerprints in 2004, he was in prison on another murder conviction. When they asked him why his fingerprints would be in Michelle Schofield's car, without mentioning the murder, he said he frequently cruised the I-4 area and stole stereo systems out of unattended cars. When an assistant state attorney later offered him immunity if he confessed to the murder, he declined, according to previous Ledger reporting.

Jeremy Scott answers a question from a prosecutor in a Bartow courtroom while testifying in a 2017 evidentiary hearing on an appeal by Leo Schofield Jr. Scott confessed to killing Schofield's wife but then seemed to recant.

Scott did later confess to Michelle Schofield's murder, but recanted on the stand. And under questioning at a hearing to get Leo Schofield a new trial, he admitted he was offered $1,000 to confess.

In upholding the judge's decision not to grant Schofield a new trial in 2020, the Second District Court of Appeal wrote, Mr. Scott's testimony at the evidentiary hearing was, to put it mildly, bizarre. Mr. Scott did ultimately confess to the murder of Ms. Schofield. But then he also confessed to murdering every other person who was murdered in Polk County between 1987 and 1988. He admitted that he told Mr. Schofield's defense team that he would confess to Ms. Schofield's murder for $1,000.

Commissioner Neil Combee said with a parole hearing in the future, that would be the venue to decide the fate of Schofield, and the County Commission was not the right venue for taking sides. Commissioner Martha Santiago agreed in her comments.

King, Townsend and Wilkinson are not the only supporters of a review.

A petition at Change.org now has 21,730 signatures seeking a transfer of Schofields case to a Conviction Integrity Unit for independent review. The Innocence Project of Florida is also among the team of people and attorneys working to get him another trial.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Supporters ask Polk Commission to support new trial for Leo Schofield
Dmytro Kuleba, Foreign Minister of Ukraine, has called the large-scale attack on Ukraine on 9 March "ordinary Russian barbarism" that has no military objective.

Source: Kuleba on Twitter

Quote: "Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine overnight, leading to loss of lives and damaging civilian infrastructure. No military objective, just Russian barbarism."

Details: Kuleba gave an assurance that the day when a Special Tribunal holds Putin and his associates accountable will come.

Background:

An air-raid warning was issued throughout Ukraine on the night of 8-9 March. In the morning, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, reported that Russia had launched 81 missiles at Ukraine, and air defence had shot down 34 out of the 48 cruise missiles.

Five people were killed in a large-scale Russian attack in Lviv Oblast. Three people were injured in Kyiv.

The Russians fired five missiles at a critical infrastructure facility in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. A Russian missile has hit an energy infrastructure facility in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
Senior Chinese leader Wang Huning on Wednesday joined discussions with national political advisors from Hong Kong and Macao, who are attending the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, called for efforts to strengthen confidence in the development of Hong Kong, Macao and the whole country, and give full play to the unique roles of Hong Kong and Macao in advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization.

Wang stressed the importance of fully, faithfully and resolutely implementing the "one country, two systems" policy, under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong and the people of Macao administer Macao, both with a high degree of autonomy.

Ensuring that the central government exercises overall jurisdiction over the two regions is imperative, as is ensuring that Hong Kong and Macao are administered by patriots, he said.

Wang called on the political advisors to take an active part in safeguarding national security, boosting development, addressing people's concerns and difficulties in daily life, and pooling wisdom and strength to ensure the steady and continued success of the "one country, two systems" policy.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Norfolk Southern's CEO earnestly apologized before Congress on Thursday for last month's fiery hazardous materials train derailment on the Ohio-Pennsylvania border and pledged millions of dollars to help the local town recover. But he stopped short of fully endorsing tougher safety regulations or specific commitments to pay for long-term health and economic harm.

In a packed Senate hearing, CEO Alan Shaw said his railroad firmly supports the goal of improving rail safety, but he also defended his company's record.

He was questioned closely by both Democrats and Republicans about specific commitments to pay for long-term health and economic harm  and about the decision making that led to the release and burn of toxic vinyl chloride from five tanker cars  as well as the company's commitment to safety and helping the people of East Palestine, Ohio.

Im terribly sorry for the impact this derailment has had on the folks of that community, Shaw told the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Were going to be there for as long as it takes to help East Palestine thrive and recover.

But the condolences and commitment of $20 million in aid so far hardly satisfied lawmakers or several East Palestine residents who traveled to Washington for the hearing.

How do we trust that man with our health and the health of our children, when he wont even answer the questions that we need answered, said Jami Cozza, adding that her family continues to suffer from illnesses over a month after the derailment.

The company has announced several voluntary safety upgrades. Senators, however, are looking to act themselves as they investigate the derailment, the Biden administration's response and the company's safety practices after the toppling of 38 railcars, including 11 carrying hazardous materials.

Norfolk Southern is also under pressure from federal regulators. The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Railroad Administration both announced investigations this week of the East Palestine derailment and other accidents, including the death of a train conductor Tuesday.

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Just Thursday, a Norfolk Southern train derailed in Alabama. Company and local officials said there was no threat to the public.

In the East Palestine crash, no one was injured but half of the roughly 5,000 local residents were evacuated. Scenes of billowing smoke above the town, alongside complaints from residents that they are still suffering from illnesses, have turned national attention to railroad safety and the ways dangerous materials are transported.

It's all sparked a show of bipartisanship in the Senate. The committee on Thursday also heard from Ohio and Pennsylvania senators  Republican JD Vance and Democrats Sherrod Brown and Bob Casey  who are proposing new safety regulations under a Railway Safety Act of 2023.

Train derailments have been getting less common, but there were still more than 1,000 last year, according to data the Federal Railroad Administration. And as East Palestine shows, even a single train derailment involving hazardous materials can be disastrous.

Hazardous materials shipments account for 7% to 8% of the roughly 30 million shipments railroads deliver across the U.S. each year. But railroads often mix shipments and might have one or two cars of hazardous materials on almost any train. The Association of American Railroads trade group says 99.9% of hazardous materials shipments reach their destinations safely.

The Senate Commerce Committee will also hear from Norfolk Southerns Shaw, as well as NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy, in another hearing later this month. That committee is also expected to consider the proposed safety regulations.

Shaw is backing proposals to tighten standards for tank cars that the railroads dont own, expand hazardous materials training for first responders and establish standards for the trackside detectors railroads use to spot problems. The company has also said it is adding approximately 200 hot bearing detectors to its network. The NTSB has said a detector warned the crew operating the train that derailed Feb. 3 outside East Palestine, but they couldnt stop the train before more than three dozen cars came off the tracks and caught fire.

Some lawmakers want to push beyond voluntary safety upgrades. The Railway Safety Act of 2023, which has gained support from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., would require more hot bearing detectors to be installed, set limits on train length and make sure railroads notify states about the hazardous materials they are transporting.

Some Republicans have hesitated to support the proposal, resisting efforts to impose new regulations.

Vance, an Ohio senator who first won election last November, slammed those in his party who have dismissed his bill, saying they are ignoring a shift in the GOP to appeal to blue-collar voters.

We have a choice: Are we for big business and big government, or are we for the people of East Palestine? he said.

Republicans, at the same time, are more eager to delve into the emergency response to the East Palestine derailment.

Thursdays hearing also featured environmental protection officials from the federal, state and local levels. They acknowledged communication problems in the days immediately after the derailment including around the decision to release and burn the vinyl chloride.

Republicans have criticized President Joe Biden for not visiting the community in the aftermath of the derailment. The Democratic president has said he will visit at some point, and the White House notes that Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg went to East Palestine and has pressed for increased safety protocols for trains.

The Senate bill also touches on a disagreement between railroad worker unions and operators by requiring train crews to continue to have two people. Unions argue that railroads are riskier because of job cuts in the industry over the past six years. Nearly one-third of all rail jobs were eliminated and train crews, they say, deal with fatigue because they are on call night and day.

Shaw said Norfolk Southern has gone on a hiring spree in the past year, but he didn't back a requirement to maintain two-person crews on freight railroads.

He pointed to over $1 billion the company spent on safety last year, but he acknowledged that Norfolk Southern also spent more than $3 billion buying back its own stock and recorded a $3.3 billion profit in 2022.

"I am committed to making Norfolk Southerns safety culture the best in the industry, he told the Senate panel.

Democratic Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts rejected Shaws talk of safety after a recent string of incidents including another derailment last Saturday near Springfield, Ohio, and the death of a conductor this week at a steel plant in Cleveland.

"It seems like every week theres another accident that Norfolk Southern is a part of in our country. So you might think that youve put in enough but the facts are saying just the opposite, Markey said.

The senator also pressed Shaw to make specific commitments including paying for the loss of home values in East Palestine. Shaw repeated this refrain: I am committed to do what's right.

Markey retorted, Whats right for the community will then be balanced  which is what we can see from the stock buybacks  with whats right from Norfolk Southern, and thats going to be to sue, to fight, to resist full compensation for these communities.

Misti Allison, an East Palestine resident, said she also was frustrated by the lack of specifics from Shaw. She prepared to fly back to her home where a chemical odor still lingers as authorities remove contaminated soil.

Its heartbreaking because people have real valid concerns right now. People are sick," Allison said. "That contaminated soil that they were talking about  it's still there. Theyre driving it down our roads.
(Bloomberg) -- Norfolk Southern Corp.s leader plans to tell US lawmakers on Thursday hes sorry for the train wreck that spilled toxic chemicals in Ohio last month and the company is determined to make it right.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Chief Executive Officer Alan Shaw said in prepared testimony reviewed by Bloomberg that the railroad has committed to $20 million in reimbursements and other payments in East Palestine and is urgently working to remove waste from the area.

To date, nearly 600 homes have been screened; none of the results indicate a health risk from incident-related substances, Shaw said in remarks submitted to a Senate committee in advance of Thursdays hearing. We are committed to this monitoring for as long as necessary.

Dozens of rail cars jumped the tracks in East Palestine on Feb. 3 after a wheel bearing failed, prompting a fire and, days later, the burning of toxic vinyl chloride to prevent an explosion. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will hear from Shaw and other witnesses.

While no one was directly injured in the violent wreck, it has set off a political inferno for weeks. A string of other accidents, including a fatal wreck involving a Norfolk Southern train in Cleveland March 7, also prompted federal agencies to open broader reviews of the railroads safety practices.

Shaw is likely to face harsh questioning from lawmakers. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, of West Virginia, who is the ranking Republican on the committee, told reporters Wednesday she would demand Norfolk Southern pay for all damages.

The people of East Palestine need to know that we care, Capito said.

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Shaw said in his prepared remarks that the railroad operators payments include funding a family assistance center to support more than 4,200 families, as well as reimbursing local firefighters and payments to local schools.

I want the people of East Palestine and the surrounding communities to know that Norfolk Southern and I are deeply committed to them and their recovery, he said.

The company is also working to improve safety based in part on findings so far in the investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board, he said. He defended the engineers on the East Palestine train, saying they were operating below the speed limit and followed proper protocols.

(Updates with testimony, background from fifth paragraph)

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Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw refused to endorse bipartisan rail safety legislation Thursday in his first congressional testimony since last months toxic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.

During the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works hearing, Chairman Tom Carper, D-Del., asked Shaw if he would support the Railway Safety Act.

We are committed to the legislative intent to make rail safer, Shaw said. When asked if there were provisions he did support, Shaw cited tighter standards on tanker cars, more funding for first responders and an increase in the number of railside detectors that monitor trains.

Carper was relaying a question from Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., who did not appear at the hearing as he continues treatment for clinical depression.

Norfolk Southern president and CEO Alan Shaw testifying at a Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works hearing on Thursday. (Brendan Smiakowski/AFP via Getty Images)

Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, introduced the Railway Safety Act last week with co-sponsors from both parties. The bipartisan bill would establish new safety measures for railroads, including setting nationwide requirements for devices designed to automatically detect wheel bearing and other mechanical issues as well as require railroads to create disaster plans and inform emergency response commissions of any hazardous materials going through their states.

It also increases fines for safety violations, and aims to address questions arising in the aftermath of the East Palestine incident, such as why Ohio wasnt informed of the trains hazardous cargo.

Early in the hearing, Vance called on his Republican colleagues to side with the people of East Palestine over the rail company. Prior to Shaws testimony, Brown said he was seeking a promise to support the bill.

If this company is serious in its commitment to preventing more East Palestines in Ohio and across the country, Brown said, I hope today Mr. Shaw will endorse our common-sense bipartisan plan. Sen. Vance and I come from different parties, different philosophies, but on this weve come together for the people of our state, and I appreciate his work on this.

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Sen. Sherrod Brown. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

In an exchange with Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., Shaw said his company had already made major investments in safety: Our safety stats, senator, continue to improve, and I am committed to making Norfolk Southern safety culture the best in the industry.

Youre not having a good month, replied Markey. It seems like every week theres another accident that Norfolk Southern is a part of in our country.

Hours before the hearing began, a Norfolk Southern train derailed in Alabama, with authorities saying there were no injuries and no hazardous materials present. On Saturday, a Norfolk Southern train derailed in Springfield, Ohio, in at least the fifth derailment the company has had in the state since October.

The company has seen an increase in both profits and accidents in recent years, as it runs longer and heavier trains while cutting its workforce; Politico reported Wednesday that Norfolk Southern had the biggest increase in its accident rate over the last decade among major freight carriers. ABC News reported Thursday that federal regulators were looking into a complaint alleging that Norfolk Southern ignored an incident last month regarding one of the companys trains carrying hazardous materials in North Carolina.

In advance of the hearing, Norfolk Southern on Monday announced a six-point safety plan meant to address overheated bearings, which the National Transportation Safety Board said was the likely cause of the Feb. 3 derailment.

During Shaw's tenure, Norfolk Southern has seen an increase in both profits and accidents. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)

Carper concluded the hearing by observing that Shaw had given few direct answers during questioning.

Im not a big fan, Mr. Shaw, of yes [or] no answers. Thats not usually my style, Carper said. But I didnt think we heard as many unequivocal yesses as I might like to have, and we might want to revisit that at another time.

Earlier during the hearing, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders accused Shaw of sounding like a politician after Shaw refused to guarantee at least seven paid sick days to all of his employees, some of whom Sanders said currently have no paid sick leave  underscoring the exhaustion of a depleted workforce that employees have been describing in the aftermath of the disaster. Last week, a union official accused Norfolk Southern of endangering workers who were doing the cleanup.

Paid sick days is not a radical concept in the year 2023. I am not hearing you make that commitment to guarantee that to all of your workers, Sanders said after asking for a yes or no response.

Im committed to continuing to speak to our employees about quality of life issues that are important to them, Shaw replied.

Sanders also pressed Shaw about covering the health care needs of residents affected by the train derailment. Residents have already reported a host of symptoms in the days and weeks after the disaster, including painful and difficult breathing, fatigue and rashes.

You talked about covering the needs of the people of East Palestine, Sanders said. Does that include paying for their health care needs? All of their health care needs?

Everything is on the table, sir, Shaw responded.

Sen. Bernie Sanders speaking on Thursday during a Senate hearing on the Norfolk Southern train derailment. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Shaw was also pushed on the companys previous lobbying against safety measures. Since 2002, the rail industry has spent more than $650 million on federal lobbying, with another $60 million spent on state lobbying, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., said, adding that Norfolk Southern was the fifth-biggest spender among rail companies. The company said it had opposed additional speed limitations and requiring [upgraded electronic] brakes in a 2015 lobbying disclosure.

Norfolk Southern says it has provided more than $21 million to East Palestine in the weeks since the crash. (The company had initially pledged $25,000 to support the efforts of the American Red Cross and their temporary community shelters and offered affected residents $1,000 inconvenience fees.) In 2021 and 2022, the company spent billions on stock buybacks and had announced intentions to spend billions more.

Scrutiny over the company came after one of its trains derailed minutes from the Ohio-Pennsylvania border on the evening of Feb. 3, with the governors of both states issuing a joint evacuation order for a roughly one-mile radius, since 11 of the cars contained hazardous materials.

On Feb. 6, Norfolk Southern burned off five tankers full of vinyl chloride in what it said was an effort to avoid a catastrophic explosion, but it resulted in images of a giant toxic smoke plume that quickly circulated on social media. Two days later, residents were urged to return home, despite a lingering smell in the air and reports of such symptoms as dizziness, headaches and rashes.
A Norfolk Southern Railway train derailed in northeast Alabama on Thursday as the companys CEO testified in front of Congress amid a string of high-profile incidents involving the rail giant.

The company said in a statement to The Hill that around 30 empty cars derailed as the train traveled from Atlanta to Mississippi.

Norfolk Southern is responding to a derailment in Piedmont, Alabama, the statement said. There are no reports of injuries and no reports of a hazardous materials release. We are working in close coordination with local officials.

Calhoun County Sheriff Matthew Wade confirmed the report that there were no injuries and also said that there was no damage to property, according to local news affiliate WBRC.

The derailment came as Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw testified in front of the Senate on Thursday, after the company has faced intense scrutiny for a derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, earlier this year that sparked an environmental and public health disaster.

The National Transportation Safety Board said this week that it was launching a special investigation into the company, noting that it had sent officials to investigate at least five different significant incidents involving the company since 2021.

An accident involving another Norfolk Southern train earlier this week left one employee dead, although the company said the cause of the accident was still undetermined.

The news of yet another derailment involving the company comes as the Biden administration and Norfolk Southern leadership continue to deal with the fallout of the incident in East Palestine.

Meanwhile, a rockslide in West Virginia on Wednesday derailed a CSX Transportation train, injuring three and causing diesel oil to spill into a nearby river.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A Norfolk Southern train derailed Thursday in Calhoun County, Alabama, hours before company CEO Alan Shaw faced lawmakers to answer questions about a Feb. 3 derailment that led to a toxic chemical spill in East Palestine, Ohio.

The train was traveling from Atlanta to Meridian, Mississippi, when it derailed at around 6:45 a.m. in the Quad Cities area of White Plains, officials said.

There were no reports of injuries and no reports of a hazardous leak after approximately 30 cars derailed, the Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency said in a news release.

"Norfolk Southern has responded and is working closely with us," an agency spokesperson said in a statement. "Norfolk Southern has their cleanup crew on site and there is no estimation on how long it will take."

A Norfolk Southern train derailed Thursday in Calhoun County, Ala. (Nathan Young / Geek Alabama)

Its not clear what caused the derailment.

Connor Spielmaker, a spokesperson for Norfolk Southern, said the train was mostly mixed freight and that two of the cars had previously carried hazardous materials, most likely a solution used in water treatment. At the time of the derailment, those two cars were empty.

"There is no risk at all to the public," he said at a Thursday afternoon news conference.

This is the third derailment of the companys trains since last month. When asked about the frequency of the accidents, Spielmaker told reporters that Norfolk Southern is looking into what happened and is "figuring out how we can become even safer."

"Derailments are a very loose term," he said. "Derailment could mean as little as one wheel off the track. So as far as an increase, decrease, I cant really get into that."

Over the weekend, 28 cars derailed in Springfield, Ohio.

Officials said the 212-car train was headed to Birmingham, Alabama, from Bellevue, Ohio, when it derailed at around 5 p.m. Saturday. Kraig Barner, Norfolk Southerns general manager of operations, said that none of the derailed cars were carrying hazardous material and there were no reports of injuries. He said the train was previously carrying diesel exhaust fluid and an additive commonly used in wastewater treatment.

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One of the cars that derailed contained plastic pellets that spilled out onto the soil. Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Director Anne Vogel said the pellets are not hazardous.

The National Transportation Safety Board launched a special investigation of Norfolk Southern Railways organization and safety culture following a series of derailments and other "significant accidents."

The announcement came just hours after the railroad said a conductor had been fatally struck at an Ohio steel facility.

During last month's catastrophe in East Palestine, Ohio, a 9,300-foot train carrying dangerous chemicals derailed.

A report by the board said that a defect detector built into the railway transmitted an alarm message to the trains crew after it recorded that the temperature of a wheel bearing on the 23rd car was 253 degrees hotter than the air temperature. Anything over 170 degrees requires the engineer to stop the train, according to the railroad companys policies.

The engineer hit the brakes, but before the train came to a halt, the 23rd car derailed, taking other cars with it, and an automatic emergency brake kicked in.

Five toxic chemicals were identified around the site of the East Palestine crash: butyl acrylate; isobutylene; ethylene glycol and ethylhexyl acrylate; and vinyl chloride, a known carcinogen. Since the derailment, residents have been diagnosed with ailments associated with chemical exposure and rail workers at the site have fallen ill.

A number of lawsuits have been filed against the company.

Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw testified Thursday in a hearing of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. He said that he was "deeply sorry" for what happened in East Palestine and is "determined to make it right."

"We will clean the site safely, thoroughly and with urgency," he said. "You have my personal commitment."

CORRECTION (March 9, 2023, 3:31 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article misspelled the first name of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency director. She is Anne Vogel, not Ann. A previous version of this article also misspelled the first name of a spokesperson for Norfolk Southern. He is Connor Spielmaker, not Conner.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  North Korea on Thursday fired a short-range ballistic missile toward waters off its western coast, South Koreas military said.

The launch came as the United States and South Korea prepare to hold their biggest combined military training exercises in years next week to counter the threat of North Koreas nuclear arsenal, which leader Kim Jong Un has aggressively expanded in recent years despite his country's deepening economic isolation and pandemic-related difficulties.

The Souths Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missile was fired at around 6:20 p.m. from an area near the western coastal city of Nampo. There were no immediate assessments of how far it flew or where it landed.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff said later Thursday it was examining the possibility that North Korea may have launched several ballistic missiles from the area, not just one.

The South Korean military strengthened its surveillance of North Korean activities while maintaining full readiness in close coordination with its ally, the U.S., the Joint Chiefs of Staff said. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said the launch did not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, or to our allies but still highlighted the destabilizing impact of North Korea's nuclear weapons and missile program.

The launch came after Kims powerful sister warned Tuesday that her country is ready to take quick, overwhelming action against the United States and South Korea as the allies expand their military training to cope with a growing North Korean nuclear threat.

Coming off a record year in missile testing, North Korea has conducted more weapons demonstrations to 2023 including test launches of an intercontinental ballistic missile, short-range missiles and a purported long-range cruise missile system in recent weeks.

Experts say North Korea with its escalated testing activity and threats is trying to claim an ability to conduct nuclear strikes in South Korea and the U.S. mainland. Kim, who sees his nuclear arsenal as his strongest guarantee of survival, is trying to force the United States into accepting the North as a nuclear power and wants to negotiate badly needed economic concessions from a position of strength, analysts say.

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Diplomacy between the U.S. and North Korea has stalled since 2019 because of disagreements over an easing of crippling U.S.-led sanctions against the North in exchange for steps by the North to wind down its nuclear weapons and missile programs.

Last week, the South Korean and U.S. militaries announced they will conduct computer-simulated command post training on March 13-23 and will resume their largest springtime field exercises, which were last held in 2018.

The United States has also recently sent advanced warplanes, including the B-1B and B-52 long-range bombers, to train with South Korean aircraft in a show of strength, triggering protests from North Korea, which describes the allies joint drills as invasion rehearsals.

The allies had canceled or scaled back some of their regular drills since 2018 to support now-dormant diplomacy with North Korea and guard against the COVID-19 pandemic. But they have been restoring their exercises after North Korea test-fired dozens of missiles last year and threatened to use its nuclear weapons in potential conflicts with its rivals.

North Koreas growing nuclear arsenal and provocations have raised the urgency for South Korea and Japan to strengthen their defense postures in conjunction with their alliances with the United States.

While expanding joint drills with the U.S., South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeols government is also seeking stronger assurances that the United States will swiftly and decisively use its nuclear capabilities to protect Seoul in the event of a North Korean nuclear attack.

Under Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Japan has made a major break from its self-defense-only post-World War II principle, adopting a new national security strategy in December that includes the goals of acquiring preemptive strike capabilities and cruise missiles to counter growing threats from North Korea, China and Russia.

Their shared urgency over security is also pushing South Korea and Japan closer together following years of disputes stemming from Japans colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula before the end of World War II.

Earlier Thursday, the South Korean and Japanese governments said Yoon will travel to Tokyo to meet with Kishida next week. The summit plan was announced days after the Yoon government announced a domestically contentious plan to use local funds to compensate Koreans enslaved by Japanese companies before the end of World War II. The plan was praised by U.S. President Joe Biden as a major step toward resolving the strained relationship between Seoul and Tokyo.

Washington has been pressing South Korea and Japan to repair their relations as it seeks stronger trilateral security cooperation to cope with the growing regional challenges. Yoon is also planning to travel to Washington next week for a meeting with Biden.

This is likely only the beginning of a series of provocative tests by North Korea, said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul.

North Korea "is poised to respond aggressively to major U.S.-South Korea defense exercises, as well as to President Yoons upcoming summits with Prime Minister Kishida and President Biden. The Kim regime may order missile firings of longer ranges, attempt a spy satellite launch, demonstrate a solid-fuel engine and perhaps even conduct a nuclear test.

In her statement on Tuesday, Kim Yo Jong, Kim Jong Uns sister and one of his top foreign policy officials, said North Korea is keeping a close eye on the U.S. forces and the South Korean puppet military and is prepared to take appropriate, quick and overwhelming action at any time according to our judgment.

In previous statements, Kim Yo Jong threatened to turn the Pacific into North Koreas firing range and repeatedly implied that the North might test-fire an ICBM toward those waters on a ballistic trajectory, which would be seen as one of its most provocative weapons demonstrations yet.

All of North Koreas ICBM tests since 2017 have been conducted on a high angle to avoid the territories of neighbors.
(Bloomberg) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un presided over live-fire drills where his military launched several suspected short-range ballistic missiles after his sister threatened the US with consequences if it goes ahead with joint exercises with South Korea.

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The so-called fire assault drill was to aimed at deterring an attack and countering any assault against the state, the official Korean Central News Agency said Friday. Kim said the exercises served a reminder that his soldiers need to always stay alert for all sorts of more frantic war preparation moves being committed by the enemy, it said.

North Korea launched a suspected short-range ballistic at around 6:20 p.m. Thursday from the western port city of Nampho toward the Yellow Sea, South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said in an initial text message to reporters. It later added there may have been multiple short-range ballistic missiles launched.

KCNA also released photos of the exercise that showed as many as six rockets being fired at once, with Kims daughter watching on with her father. The missiles appear to have gone on a rare path toward waters between the Korean Peninsula and China. Almost all of North Koreas missiles are fired toward waters off its east coast.

The latest launches add to the barrage North Korea his fired off in recent weeks, including an intercontinental ballistic missile designed to deliver a nuclear warhead to the US mainland. It also sets the stage for a fresh ratcheting up of tensions as the US and South Korea are preparing to hold their Freedom Shield exercises from March 13-23.

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Kims daughter Ju Ae, thought to be about 10 years old, made her debut in state media at an ICBM launch last year and has appeared by her fathers side at several military and domestic events since then. Her presence appears to be signaling there is another generation to lead the family dynasty forged in the Cold War  one that will depend on nuclear weapons for its survival.

The US-South Korean drills are expected to be some of the largest the two have held in years and are designed to bolster their defenses against North Koreas nuclear and missile threats. North Korea, which for decades has decried such drills as a prelude to an invasion and nuclear war, has pledged an unprecedented response.

Earlier this week, Kim Yo Jong, the younger sister of the leader, said North Korea is monitoring the restless military moves by the US forces and the South Korean puppet military, adding that Pyongyang is on standby to take appropriate, quick and overwhelming action at any time according to our judgment, KCNA said Tuesday.

Kim Yo Jong previously warned Pyongyang would turn the Pacific into a firing range if the US continued drills. She also hinted the state could start testing whether its warhead designs can withstand the heat of reentering the atmosphere. North Korea has demonstrated that its missiles could fly as far as the US mainland but there are questions as to whether the warheads would be able to stay intact.

South Koreas spy agency on Tuesday briefed lawmakers in parliament on information that North Korea may test-launch its new solid-fueled ICBMs by next month.

The last time North Korea launched a missile into the Pacific was October 2022, when it fired a Hwasong-12 intermediate-range ballistic missile over Japan, flying about 4,600 kilometers (2,860 miles), and marking the longest distance traveled by one of its missiles to date.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who took office in May last year, brought back joint military exercises with the US. The drills had been scaled down or halted under former President Donald Trump, who was hoping the move would facilitate his nuclear negotiations with the North Korean leader Kim.

South Korea President Plans First Visit to Japan in Four Years

Yoon is set to be in Japan next week to discuss a deal to mend ties between the neighbors. Since he took office, South Korea has also stepped up military cooperation with Japan, angering North Korea, which regards Tokyo as among its mortal enemies.

--With assistance from Sangmi Cha.

(Updates and recasts.)

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The widow of a Kansas City police officer killed in a February wreck wants the criminal case of an accused reckless driver to be handled by someone other than Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker, saying she believes her office is anti-police.

At issue is the criminal case against Jerron Lightfoot, of Tonganoxie, Kansas, who faces two counts of involuntary manslaughter. Lightfoot is accused of causing the deaths of Officer James Muhlbauer and Jesse Eckes, 52, a pedestrian who was also killed in the car wreck.

Cassie Muhlbauer, widow of James Muhlbauer, signed a letter addressed to Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey on Wednesday calling for another prosecutor to step in. She and her supporters contend the bond set for Lightfoot was too low to begin with and want assurances that he will ultimately spend time in prison.

The letter further accuses Baker of many conflicts of interest in cases involving members of law enforcement generally.

It is clear that this is only a concern if it has political benefit to Jean Peters Baker and her office, the letter says. We are officially asking for the Jackson County Prosecutors office to be removed from this case due to a strong conflict of interest with numerous cases against KCPD and its personnel.

Kansas City Police Officer James Muhlbauer and his partner Champ were killed in the line of duty, the man accused of manslaughter in the crash has been released on bond

The letter was submitted to Baileys office electronically on Wednesday afternoon. It was drafted and sent by Justin Huttie, a former KCPD officer and partner of Muhlbauers who is assisting the family.

Mike Mansur, a spokesman for the Jackson County Prosecutors Office, shared a statement with The Star on Wednesday saying there is no apparent conflict in this case.

We will prosecute this case vigorously and ethically on behalf of all victims involved, as we do in all cases, the statement says, adding that the office prosecutes teachers, nurses and priests without being anti-education, anti-nursing or anti-Catholic.

On Feb. 15, around 10:15 p.m., Muhlbauer was driving his patrol car on Truman Road near Benton Boulevard. Lightfoot, traveling at nearly 90 miles per hour two seconds before impact, blew a red light and struck the patrol car on its drivers side, according to court documents.

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Kansas City police were investigating a crash involving a police car and another vehicle that Wednesday night near the intersection of Truman Road and Benton Boulevard. Kansas City Police Officer James Muhlbauer, 42, and his police K-9, Champ, died after the wreck. Kansas City Police also identified Jesse Eckes, 52, as the pedestrian killed in the wreck.

Muhlbauer and his K-9 partner Champ were killed. Eckes, the pedestrian, was a bystander fatally struck in a resulting second collision.

Lightfoot was charged in Jackson County with two felonies the following day. He was released from the Jackson County jail after posting $3,000 in bond.

As Cassie Muhlbauer and supporters seek intervention in the criminal case, the attorney general apparently lacks the authority to do anything independently.

Madeline Sieren, a spokeswoman for the Missouri Attorney Generals Office, said state law only allows for two instances where the attorney generals office can move in to prosecute.

One would require a ruling by a judge that disqualifies a local prosecutor from the case. The other would be if a prosecutor requests the assistance of the attorney generals office.

The Attorney Generals Office has the resources on hand ready to deploy to assist in a local prosecution in either of those two instances, Sieren said in a statement to The Star.

Under Missouri law, Lightfoot faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine on each count of first-degree involuntary manslaughter if convicted.
With NASA's vehicle assembly building visible in the background, a tugboat escorts a nuclear powered U.S. Navy Virginia-class fast attack submarine into Port Canaveral ahead of the attempted launch of the Relativity Space Terran 1 rocket from pad 16 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on March 8, 2023 in Cape Canaveral, Fla.

A tugboat escorts a nuclear powered U.S. Navy Virginia-class fast attack submarine into Port Canaveral in Florida, March 8, 2023. Credit - Paul HennessyAnadolu Agency/Getty Images

The heads of state of the U.S., U.K., and Australia will meet in San Diego, California, on Monday amid reports that Canberra is planning to beef up its naval capabilities with nuclear-powered submarines, as part of a tripartite defense deal to counter the growing threat from China in the Indo-Pacific region.

While visiting Ahmedabad, India, on Thursday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that he will meet with U.S. President Joe Biden and U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, but he spoke little about the submarines in question.

Reuters first reported on Wednesday that Canberra will over the course of the next decade buy up to five Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines from the U.S. as part of the AUKUS pact between the three nations. Other recent reports have claimed that Australia plans to develop a new class of nuclear-powered submarines based on British Astute-class design that could include parts from the U.S. When asked about who will have operational control of the undersea crafts, Albanese said Australia will retain absolutely our sovereignty, our absolute sovereignty, 100%.

The Virginia-class is the latest fast attack submarine in the U.S. Navy, set to replace the older Los Angeles-class submarine fleet. Fast attack submarines can be equipped with multiple payloads, according to the U.S. Navy, and can carry out intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance missions, as well as fire torpedoes and cruise missiles.

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Nuclear-powered submarines are considered superior because they can stay underwater longer, and only six countries currently have them. Australia acquiring a fleet of these vessels has been the centerpiece of the AUKUS partnership since it was announced in 2021, with the country having ditched an earlier deal with France for diesel-powered undersea craft. Still, the three AUKUS member-states had yet to iron out how to transfer the technology for the submarines to Australia.

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A naval game-changereventually

Many observers believe procuring these nuclear-powered submarines will be momentous for Australias military might. In a February speech, Albanese himself touted the AUKUS pact as the single biggest leap in our defense capability in our history.

Carl Thayer, emeritus professor of politics at the University of New South Wales-Canberra, tells TIME the submarines are a game-changer for Australia by giving its military long-range striking ability, making it more interoperable with the fleets of the U.S. and the U.K.

Australia currently deploys a fleet of six conventional Collins-class diesel-powered submarines commissioned between 1996 and 2003. In the past decade, several Australian governments tried to find ways to modernize the fleet, before settling with the AUKUS pact.

But Thayer warns that procuring these nuclear-powered submarines isnt going to be a simple processconsidering Australias lack of nuclear technicians, a solid nuclear and shipbuilding industry, defense infrastructure, and trained personnel to man these ships.



Australias current Collins-class have less than 50 crew members on them. Youre almost doubling that with the Astute and youre going over 100 with the Virginia class, says Thayer. Its gonna be a hard slog.

Jingdong Yuan, a professor at the China Studies Center at the University of Sydney, estimates to TIME that it may even take until beyond the reported goalpost of 2040 for Australia to finally have a functional fleet of these nuclear-powered submarines.

How China will react

China has long voiced its opposition to the AUKUS pact, claiming that the Western alliance triggers the risk of nuclear proliferation in the region, promotes a Cold War-type mentality, and hurts stability in the region. That said, Collin Koh, a naval affairs expert and research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, believes China uses the pact to justify its own military investments, which were ongoing already.

They will have prepared the responses but nothing is going to change pertaining to their ongoing defense buildup, Koh tells TIME.

Beijing is also expected to turn to neighbors in Southeast Asia anew to garner support against the developmentalthough the region has stayed quiet for the most part. In 2021, Indonesia and Malaysia expressed concern over Australias future nuclear-powered submarines, but Koh says security ties between those two countries and the AUKUS-member states have warmed since the pact was announced. I think that very much reflects the much more overriding concerns about China, Koh said.

Still, Chinas not likely to immediately retaliate. Australias procurement of the nuclear-powered submarines would only add to Beijings growing security threats from other regional pacts, like the Quada security dialogue that Australia and the U.S. have with India and Japan. But knowing that the fleet will take time to build, along with the fact that Chinas diplomatic relationship with Australia has since warmed under Albanese, will probably temper any concrete military reaction from Beijing, says Yuan. Instead of doing anything that could harm [or] damage the current relatively stable bilateral relationship. I think the most the Chinese can and will do is to make comment.
MIAMI (AP)  The head of the Organization of American States made almost three dozen work trips with a female staffer with whom he maintained a long-running intimate relationship, according to travel records uncovered by The Associated Press.

The revelations come as an external probe is expected to wrap up this month looking into whether OAS Secretary General Luis Almagros romance with the Mexican staffer two decades his junior violated the Washington-based groups ethics code.

The trips together, all but one between July 2018 and December 2019, included a four-day visit to Oxford, England to deliver a talk on Latin America, a newspaper publishers conference in the historic Colombian city of Cartagena and a quick jaunt to Miami to receive the Executive Mastermind Latino award.

Listings of the trips were found in publicly available reports the secretary general files periodically with the OAS permanent council and which are buried deep in the organizations website.

Its not clear how much the travel cost the OAS, which has been struggling with a deep budget crunch for years. But at least 21 of the 34 trips were paid in part of full by the organization, with payment for the remainder covered by organizers of events the two attended or not specified. In all, the couple traveled 15 times together without any other OAS staffer listed as present, according to the records.

Almagro, through a spokesman, declined an AP request for an interview and didnt explain why the two made so many work trips together, but denied wrongdoing.

The secretary general stands by all previous statements issued on this matter that no OAS rules were violated at any time due to the measures he and his team took to ensure all regulations were complied with, spokesman Gonzalo Espariz said in a written statement.

The AP last year was the first to report that the OAS was investigating the long-running office romance between Almagro and the staffer, which had been something of an open secret inside the peace and democracy-building organization made up of 34 western hemisphere governments.

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The report led the Biden administration, the biggest donor to the OAS, to call for an external investigation into possible misconduct. A few weeks later, the OAS Permanent Council hired a Washington law firm, Miller & Chevalier Chartered, to carry out the probe and deliver its findings by the end of March.

Almagro, 59, was quick to welcome the oversight even while steadfastly denying he had broken any rules. He said he wasnt the womans supervisor, never benefitted her in any way and said their long-running relationship was consensual.

I definitely want to confirm, reconfirm and super-confirm that this relationship existed for three years, Almagro said in November. None of this changes my vision of the institution, its operations and the responsibility we have with respect to them.

In online bios as well as in photos with Almagro as recently as a year ago, some of them posted to the OAS social media accounts, the woman is described as an adviser or sometimes head adviser to the secretary general. The woman, who is not being named at the request of the OAS, has been on unpaid leave at her request since June, according to the OAS. She did not respond to AP requests for comment.

At issue are OAS ethics guidelines that bar staff members from having intimate relationships with colleagues they supervise or in a way that interferes with the performance of their duties or to disadvantage others in the workplace.

Details on Almagros extensive travel are contained in reports the secretary general was asked to file quarterly with the OAS Permanent Council as part of a savings and transparency initiative approved by regional governments in 2016.

Almagro didnt appear to submit any reports in 2020 and 2021  a period that coincided with the worst of the COVID pandemic, when travel throughout the world was largely suspended.

But the couple  whose relationship Almagro says has since ended -- appear to have made their last trip together in February 2022 to New Haven, Connecticut, for a Latin American leadership event at Yale University.

Espariz declined to explain why Almagro did not file travel reports from 2020 and 2021, and whether there were additional trips with the woman.

The U.S., which has contributed about half of the organizations $100 million in funding in 2022, declined to comment on the trips. But the Biden administration has repeatedly said it takes allegations of ethics violations at the OAS seriously and said it supports a fair, impartial review of the facts.

Almagro was elected to head the OAS in 2015 after serving as foreign minister in Uruguays leftist government. Once installed, he quickly made common cause with the U.S. in opposing Cuba and Venezuelas socialist government, once even echoing President Donald J. Trumps line that he wouldnt rule out using military force to remove Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Almagro was re-elected with the support of 23 of 34 member states, including the U.S., in 2020, overcoming questions about his leadership style that have dogged his tenure.

But more recently, as the left has regained power across Latin America, calls for his removal have been growing louder.

A few weeks after the AP reported on the romance between Almagro and the staffer, in October 2022, members of the so-called Puebla Group in Latin America issued a statement calling for his removal. Signed by former presidents and political leaders from 16 countries, the document criticized his amoral conduct, including the firing of the leader of the human rights watchdog, and his intervention following messy elections in Bolivia that led to President Evo Morales resignation.

_____

Follow Goodman on Twitter: @APJoshGoodman
The AI-Chemist system performs a chemical experiment at a laboratory in the University of Science and Technology of China in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 21, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua]

At the ongoing "two sessions," artificial intelligence (AI) has been a hot topic of discussion among the deputies to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) and members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). Several suggestions for developing AI have been put forward across multiple sectors, including healthcare and education.

"AI has become a strategic technology that leads the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation," said Liu Qingfeng, an NPC deputy and chairman of iFLYTEK, China's leading AI and speech technology company.

Liu proposed providing further support for China's domestic software and hardware technology foundation for AI, enabling the development and operation of large models on domestically developed storage, computing power, operating systems, and other basic platforms.

Liu also suggested using AI to assist doctors with diagnosing patients, improving their work efficiency and service capabilities, and promoting the development of grassroots medical care.

Zhang Boli, an NPC deputy and honorary president of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, recommended using AI to transform the traditional pharmaceutical industry, including establishing digital pharmaceutical production lines and using intelligent manufacturing systems.

"By fully adopting AI technology, smart pharmaceuticals can enhance quality improvement throughout the entire chain from research and development, production, and circulation to end consumption for pharmaceutical enterprises," he said.

Regarding AI's application in education, Wang Xiaofan, a CPPCC member and vice president of Shanghai University, proposed actively and steadily promoting AI technology to empower higher education while ensuring a reasonable and ethical approach.

Zhu Songchun, a CPPCC member and director of the Beijing Institute for General Artificial Intelligence, proposed extending the popularization of AI education and talent training to basic education and developing AI education courses across the country.

In an interview after the first plenary meeting of the NPC on March 5, Chinese Minister of Science and Technology Wang Zhigang addressed recent concerns about AI tools, including the large language model ChatGPT.

Wang acknowledged ChatGPT's ability to combine big data, computing power, and strong algorithms to advance computing methods, and emphasized that China has made significant strides in the field of AI. He highlighted the impact of this technology extends beyond the realm of technology itself and may include empowerment applications in other fields.

"China has implemented several projects focused on the development of AI technology over the years, and we have proposed eight principles of AI governance. Additionally, there have been numerous launches of AI application scenarios, such as smart ports,'" Wang said.

"I hope that universities, research institutes, and companies engaged in AI research and transformation can make better progress and development, to promote the development of AI, and contribute to the international community," the minister said.
A federal jury found both former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and ex-Ohio Republican Party chairman Matt Borges guilty of racketeering conspiracy Thursday  a dramatic outcome in the biggest public corruption case in state history.

PODCAST:Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder found guilty

The guilty verdict marks the end of Householders long political career in which he twice held the speakers gavel. Hell be in the Ohio history books as the only speaker expelled from the Legislature and then convicted in a federal corruption case.

Householder and Borges, who neither showed any emotion when the verdict was read aloud, face up to 20 years in prison. After a seven-week trial, jurors deliberated just nine hours over two days.

The case made it to federal court because of its sweeping scope: $61 million in bribe money paid by FirstEnergy Corp. via dark money groups to help Householder seize political power and in turn pass and defend a $1.3 billion bailout law known as House Bill 6.

Dark money, Ohio politics and power: What the Householder, Borges guilty verdicts mean

Reaction:What Ohio politicians are saying about convictions of Larry Householder, Matt Borges

This isnt typical political activity, and they know it, Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Painter said during closing statements at the Potter Stewart U.S. Courthouse in Cincinnati. Mr. Householder abused that (public) trust and Mr. Borges helped him do it.

After the verdict, U.S. Attorney Kenneth Parker said that the case shows that even powerful state leaders will be held accountable. "You cannot sell the public trust. It is not for sale."

"This is a big win for all Ohioans," Parker said. He declined to answer questions about whether there may be more indictments.

Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder is surrounded by the media outside the Potter Stewart U.S. Courthouse in downtown Cincinnati March 9, 2023 after a jury found him and ex-Ohio Republican Party chairman Matt Borges guilty of racketeering conspiracy .

Borges lobbied for the House Bill 6 and worked to block a referendum to put it on the ballot in 2019. He paid a $15,000 bribe to get insider information on the referendum.

More:On the witness stand, Householder spars with federal prosecutor

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Borges, who had an ethics conviction expunged more than a decade ago, declined a chance to sign a guilty plea that couldve given him no more than six months in prison. Borges said after the verdict that he did not regret that choice.

"I don't believe I would have been telling the truth (by pleading)," Borges said. Householder was never given such an offer.

Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder, left, heads into the Potter Stewart U.S. Courthouse in downtown Cincinnati Thursday.

Prosecutors introduced nearly 900 exhibits into evidence and slogged through volumes of text messages, emails, bank records and more than demonstrated what the men knew and actions they took.

More:Prosecutor says Householder led pay-to-play scheme; defense calls it 'nothing burger'

Two key players, Former FirstEnergy Solutions lobbyist Juan Cespedes and Householders political adviser Jeff Longstreth, took plea deals and testified against them. A fifth defendant, lobbyist Neil Clark, died by suicide in March 2021 after his arrest.

Prosecutors also played secretly recorded phone calls and meetings captured by the FBI. Clark came on their radar while investigating a separate corruption case. Later, undercover agents posing as real estate developers with an interest in sports betting hired Clark as their lobbyist. Clark led them to Householder.

Investigators tapped Clarks phone but did not do a wiretap on Householder or Borges phones.

Another big break came when Tyler Fehrman called the FBI in 2019 to report that Borges offered him a bribe in exchange for insider intel on the referendum campaign. Fehrman, who considered Borges a friend and mentor, wore a wire in subsequent meetings with him.

Former Ohio Republican Party chairman Matt Borges speaks to the media outside of the Potter Stewart U.S. Courthouse in downtown Cincinnati Thursday, March 9, 2023 after a jury found him and Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder guilty of racketeering conspiracy.

Householder took the stand in his own defense

When Householder showed up for the first day of trial, he held a press gaggle, telling statehouse reporters that the truth would come out. It was like he had never put down the speakers gavel.

Six weeks into the trial, he got a chance to have his say when he took the stand in his own defense.

Householder, 63, of Glenford in Perry County, said he returned to politics to try to quell divisiveness, he had no control over the dark money group Generation Now, didnt attend key events with FirstEnergy executives and had every intention of paying back Longstreth for a loan.

More:Ex-Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder says he didn't trade bailout for campaign cash

The next day he endured a skilled cross examination by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Glatfelter in which she dismantled many of his claims.

Borges, 50, of Bexley in Franklin County, opted against taking the stand and did not present any defense witnesses. Instead, his legal team tried to draw jurors attention to times when Borges name didnt appear in meetings, documents or plans.

But in the end, the jury decided it wasnt enough for reasonable doubt.

Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder, left, heads into Potter Stewart U.S. Courthouse in downtown Cincinnati Thursday.

What's next?

U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Black will sentence Householder and Borges in the coming months. Householder promised to appeal his conviction. They were not taken into custody. Black allowed both men to remain out on bond.

Timeline:Selling out in the Statehouse

"This is just step one....Stay tuned," Householder told reporters after the verdict. He said he respects the jury's decision but doesn't agree with it.

"I'm going to keep fighting," Borges said. "As far as I'm concerned, I'm not done fighting."

Borges also plans to appeal.

The U.S. Department of Justice could arrest others whose names peppered the seven-week corruption trial. In July 2021, FirstEnergy admitted it bribed Householder and top utility regulator Sam Randazzo and agreed to pay a $230 million fine.

To date, neither Randazzo nor executives from FirstEnergy or FirstEnergy Solutions, now called Energy Harbor, have been charged with any crime.

More:Political operative has 'zero doubt' ex-Ohio GOP leader Matt Borges offered him a bribe

USA TODAY Network Ohio bureau reporters Jessie Balmert and Laura Bischoff have been following the House Bill 6 scandal since the story broke. They will continue to follow developments and the trial. Follow them on Twitter at @lbischoff and @jbalmert for updates.

The USA TODAY Network Ohio bureau serves the Akron Beacon Journal, the Columbus Dispatch, the Cincinnati Enquirer and other network news organizations across the state.

Please support quality local journalism with a subscription to one of our publications.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: House Bill 6 trial: Larry Householder, Matt Borges found guilty
North Carolina is on the verge of legalizing the sale and production of medical marijuana. In an industry projected to generate $15 billion in annual sales nationally by 2025, that should be good news for N.C. businesses and farmers whove been hit hard by declining global markets in recent years.

But what about Black farmers, Black entrepreneurs, and the Black community? Where do we fit in the projected growth of this new industry? The answer is nowhere. As Senate Bill 3 is written, we are locked out.

Marcus Bass

The bill, which has passed in the Republican-controlled Senate and is headed to the majority Republican House, gives an out-sized advantage to large corporations and entities from outside the state, with no protection for Black farmers or Black small businesses.

Among several unreasonable hurdles, this bill requires producers to have experience growing medical marijuana, which seems to be a catch-22 orchestrated to advantage established growers from out of state. How is a farmer supposed to demonstrate experience in an industry that, to date, has been illegal in the state?

Many Black farmers have been legally farming hemp  a cousin to cannabis  for years. Primed for what they saw as coming legalization, theyve been working in co-ops specializing in the production of cannabis-infused products and studying techniques needed to produce medicinal marijuana. That preparation, plus decades of farming experience and the ability to incorporate new medical marijuana farming techniques into long-held agricultural practices, is being disregarded.

Other requirements in the bill seem written to prevent Black and Brown businesses from getting an industry foothold. That includes requirements that restrict the number of cannabis supplier licenses in N.C. to a mere 10 and allow only suppliers to own dispensaries (each could own up to 8). There are also startup costs of a nonrefundable $50,000 license fee plus $5,000 for each facility. These costs are innately prohibitive and set up grounds for the monopolization of the industry by large-scale farms and corporations.

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This bill is structured so that many local small farmers will be unable to compete, and at the bottom of that list will be the Black farmer. The ugly truth is that structural racism has helped choke the Black farming population. One hundred years ago 14% of U.S. farmers were Black. Today, only 1.4% are, and their farm sales account for less than 0.5 percent of total farm sales. In plain speak, the Black farmer is on life support.

Legislative policies that favor large-scale farms, inequitable distribution of agribusiness to minority farmers, longer wait times for loan approvals, and the denial of farm loans, continue to stifle Black farmers and make it difficult for new prospects to gain entry. If Black farmers are to have any chance of succeeding, better legislative policies must be developed. North Carolinas medical marijuana bill is exclusionary. It illustrates legislation and regulation working together to fight for equitable economic integration.

To prevent the continuation of discriminatory agribusiness practices, this bill must include language upfront that addresses the multiple hurdles Black and Brown farmers face.

The ironic parallel is that Black and Brown communities have been devastated by the War on Drugs for decades. We have been penalized for cannabis possession at lengths that destroyed families. Nationally, Blacks are arrested at 3.64 times the rate of whites, and in some states where marijuana is still criminalized were arrested at 10 times the rate.

Now that medicinal marijuana use has been deemed more acceptable, and billions of dollars are to be made from its production and sale, we are expected to pay on the other end too.

The scales cannot continue to be rigged in favor of the powerful and against the Black, the Brown, and the small. If Black farms are to survive, our legislators cannot continue developing inherently discriminatory, exclusionary farming legislation. Senate Bill 3 must include a minority and small farmer inclusion. It must give Black farmers and businesses a fair shot at getting in on the ground floor of a lucrative industry primed for extraordinary growth.

Marcus Bass is executive director of Advance Carolina.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, walks from lunch during the Allen & Company Sun Valley Conference on July 06, 2022 in Sun Valley, Idaho. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

From Jeff Bezos to Jack Dorsey, billionaires are using their wealth to fight aging.

According to a report by MIT Technology Review, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is among the group.

Altman has quietly funded a longevity startup with $180 million, MIT Technology Review said.

Anti-aging and longevity investments are becoming popular among the rich.

From billionaires like Peter Thiel to Jeff Bezos, a seemingly growing number of billionaires is funneling cash into longevity research, or science that can potentially offer solutions to extend lifespans.

The latest addition to the group is Sam Altman, the 37-year-old CEO of the red-hot AI startup OpenAI. Altman quietly backed a mysterious longevity startup called Retro Biosciences with $180 million of his own funds, according to a report in MIT Technology Review.

According to the report, Altman's is the sole backer of the startup, which came out of stealth in April. Altman didn't respond to a request for comment and Retro declined to comment.

Retro says its mission "is to add 10 years to a healthy human lifespan." The company said it hopes to one day design therapeutics capable of preventing multiple kinds of diseases.

Altman told MIT Technology Review that he thinks of the companies he's involved in today as "hard" startups, or companies that need lots of cash in order to pursue expensive and difficult technologies and ideas.

"The central learning of my career has been that. Like, scale it up and see what happens," he told the publication.

Retro isn't alone in its efforts to extend lifespans. In recent years, a host of longevity initiatives have sprung up to tackle different ways to help people live longer.

Swiss biotech firm Rejuveron Life Sciences, for example, has a portfolio of companies dedicated to therapies for age-related diseases. Altos Labs is focused on "cellular rejuvenation." The Saudi government is spending $1 billion a year backing an aging-focused nonprofit. An exclusive conference focused on convincing the ultra-rich to invest in life-extension treatments took place in the Swiss Alps last year.

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According to MIT Technology Review's report, Altman's interest in longevity began around eight years ago, when he came across "young blood" research, or experiments that involved infusing older mice with the blood of younger rodents.

Before OpenAI, Altman was president of the startup accelerator Y Combinator, a position he held between 2014 and 2019. In 2015 he cofounded OpenAI with Elon Musk, OpenAI launched the viral AI chatbot ChatGPT in November 2022.

Retro has been fairly quiet about its projects. On its website, the startup said that it's "starting with cellular reprogramming, autophagy & plasma-inspired therapeutics."

"The main thing for Retro is to be a really good bio startup, because that is a rare thing," Altman told MIT Technology Review. "It's combining great science and the resources of a big company with the spirit of a startup that gets things done. And that is the project for now."

Read the original article on Business Insider
A Shasta County resident expresses his concerns about voter fraud before the Board of Supervisors in Redding last fall. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

The Shasta County Board of Supervisors has  upended the countys election process , the Los Angeles Times reported last week, canceling its contract with Dominion Voting Systems. The county could opt to hand-count ballots instead, which would likely delay results and promote more suspicion of elections. One supervisor said he had explored seeking the services of Mike Lindell, the pillow purveyor and prominent conspiracy theorist.

Shasta, a deep-red county in California's far north, has proven vulnerable to causes that are on the national fringe but being pushed by the forces that supported Donald Trump's false election fraud allegations. Militia members and other hard-right activists led a recall of a member of the all-Republican county board last year and have since attained a majority, leading to last week's official endorsement of baseless suspicions about Dominion.

The current state of QAnon and related conspiracy theories is no exception to the old axiom that all politics is local. Since President Bidens inauguration put an end to efforts to keep Trump in office, these theories have trickled down from national to local politics, influencing local officials responsible for crucial policymaking on voting, education and more.

The wide-ranging, baseless set of beliefs known as QAnon portrays Trump as a messianic figure fighting an evil cabal of Democratic elites and Hollywood celebrities who rule the world and molest and murder children. In 2020, adherents coalesced around stop the steal allegations that machines manufactured by Dominion had somehow changed the results in key states. The allegations surfaced in a few states in which Dominion machines were never even used .

A focus on Dominions nefarious ballot alterations and the company's supposed origins in Venezuela  it's actually Canadian  became a mainstay of Trumps refusal to accept the election results. More than two years later, such conspiracies continue to pervade right-wing politics below the national level. At last weekends Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), for example, featured speaker and Arizona gubernatorial race loser Kari Lake continued to argue that the 2022 election was stolen from her.

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Such conspiracy beliefs have been promoted by far-right figures such as Lindell and Trump lawyer Sidney Powell and amplified by right-wing media. Research I conducted found 97 QAnon-supporting candidates in the 2020 primaries, with California, Florida, Texas and Arizona leading the country.

The campaigns and their supporters have been shockingly successful at promoting the belief at the grassroots level. Polls by the Public Religion Research Institute and NPR/Ipsos have found that as many as one in three Americans believes key tenets of the QAnon conspiracy theory. Far-right media echo chambers played a crucial role in achieving this level of acceptance of fringe beliefs. We know more about that thanks to Dominions $1.6-billion defamation lawsuit against Fox News.

After Jan. 6, 2021, QAnon influencers pivoted to propaganda on local wedge issues such as the content of K-12 education (especially critical race theory) and trans rights, implying that studying race caused homosexuality and sexual dysmorphia, as I and Sophia Moskalenko describe in our recent book on QAnon. Much of this propaganda appeals to a Republican base comprising groups in which QAnon theories have been enthusiastically embraced, including evangelicals.

Devotees were encouraged to act locally for greatest impact. In particular, they were encouraged to run for local offices, including city and county positions and especially school boards, which entice conspiracy theorists with the promise of extending their influence to future generations. From Michigan to California, dozens of elected local officials have promoted QAnon conspiracy theories like the one surrounding Dominion. Another California county, Kern, kept its Dominion machines last week only after much deliberation.

School boards all over the country are now occupied by people whose social media feeds are packed with calls to patriots and digital soldiers to join the movement and prophecies that nothing can  stop what is coming.  Time magazine investigated school boards in Michigan and Nevada and found, as one student put it, far-right conspiracists or radicals to be infiltrating the most basic unit of American government. Beyond their impact at the local level, these offices often serve as springboards for state and national candidacies.

And beyond hurting childrens education and the rights of trans people and other minorities, these theories undermine our democratic institutions. It should come as no surprise that since its beginnings in 2017, QAnon was amplified by U.S. adversaries such as Russia and China . Conspiracy theories about Dominion, stolen elections and an evil cabal spread at the local level are mirrored by Russian disinformation campaigns at home and abroad. The theories have much the same effect as some of Russias tactics during the 2016 presidential campaign, when its agents created fake Facebook accounts to pit neighbor against neighbor, encourage protests and violence on both sides of controversies, and weaken public trust.

QAnons infiltration of local politics furthers the global goals of malign foreign actors over the long term. Its only by recognizing the hidden motivations and roots of these conspiracy theories that we may begin to inoculate ourselves against them.

Mia Bloom is a professor of communication and Middle East studies at Georgia State University, a fellow with New Americas International Security Program and a coauthor of Pastels and Pedophiles: Inside the Mind of QAnon.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Key Insights

Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Traton fair value estimate is 32.57

Traton is estimated to be 45% undervalued based on current share price of 18.00

The 20.07 analyst price target for 8TRA is 38% less than our estimate of fair value

Today we'll do a simple run through of a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of Traton SE (ETR:8TRA) as an investment opportunity by estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. We will use the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model on this occasion. Models like these may appear beyond the comprehension of a lay person, but they're fairly easy to follow.

Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model.

See our latest analysis for Traton

What's The Estimated Valuation?

We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. To begin with, we have to get estimates of the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF (, Millions) 995.8m 1.46b 1.70b 1.87b 2.00b 2.10b 2.17b 2.23b 2.27b 2.30b Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x6 Analyst x5 Analyst x2 Est @ 9.98% Est @ 7.04% Est @ 4.97% Est @ 3.53% Est @ 2.52% Est @ 1.81% Est @ 1.32% Present Value (, Millions) Discounted @ 12% 889 1.2k 1.2k 1.2k 1.1k 1.1k 981 897 816 737

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = 10b

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The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 0.2%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 12%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032  (1 + g)  (r  g) = 2.3b (1 + 0.2%)  (12% 0.2%) = 19b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= 19b ( 1 + 12%)10= 6.2b

The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is 16b. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of 18.0, the company appears quite undervalued at a 45% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out.

dcf

The Assumptions

The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Traton as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 12%, which is based on a levered beta of 2.000. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

SWOT Analysis for Traton

Strength

Debt is well covered by earnings.

Weakness

Earnings declined over the past year.

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Machinery market.

Opportunity

Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the German market.

Good value based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value.

Threat

Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow.

Paying a dividend but company has no free cash flows.

Revenue is forecast to grow slower than 20% per year.

Next Steps:

Although the valuation of a company is important, it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. What is the reason for the share price sitting below the intrinsic value? For Traton, there are three pertinent elements you should assess:

Risks: Take risks, for example - Traton has 4 warning signs (and 1 which is significant) we think you should know about. Future Earnings: How does 8TRA's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every German stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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At Sundays Academy Awards show, many South Asian viewers will be anxiously awaiting Naatu Naatu, the musical sequence from that blockbuster movie RRR that is both being performed at the ceremony and is a favorite to win best original song.

Coming off a Golden Globes win, Naatu Naatus acknowledgment this weekend would be one of the first times a film from the subcontinent has been recognized on the Oscars stage, experts said. It would be a significant moment for Indians all over the world, representing a changing tide in how the West views their cinema.

For decades, Western film enthusiasts have regarded Indian movies as not much more than song, dance and melodrama, said Sangita Gopal, an associate professor of English at the University of Oregon who studies Indian cinema.

That one factor that made Indian cinema exotically bad before is exotically good now, she said.

On top of that, Indian film industries havent necessarily cared to cater their craft to the Western eye, anyway.

Indian cinema is made for Indian audiences, she said. This is true of [director S.S. Rajamouli], too. I dont think he was thinking, Im going to make a crossover film. He was like, Ill just keep doing what I did so successfully.

But the overwhelming love for Naatu Naatu and RRR might mean American tastes are changing, she said. Unlike the song-and-dance numbers of its predecessors, Naatu Naatu seemed to strike a chord. Besides being an earworm, it doesnt interrupt the movies storyline but rather drives the story forward, Gopal said.

Even within Indian cinema, song-and-dance sequences are basically disappearing, she said. RRR has a traditional song-and-dance sequence but used less traditionally. This is very much an integrated song within the story. And that helps create the acceptance.

The global excitement over Indian films isnt confined to the diaspora anymore, she said, and, in a way, RRR was perfectly poised to be the one to break out. RRR came at the right time for audiences, Gopal said, and it entered the American zeitgeist at a very specific cultural moment.

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The anti-colonialist tale of two freedom fighters railing against the British Raj perfectly lined up with conversations about racism, imperialism and the establishment that have burgeoned in the Western world over the last few years.

Theres an anti-establishment mood that the film was able to tap into, she said. Even though Indian critics, myself included, have rightly seen the films potential to be problematic, from the perspective of an audience member that is not really aware of the caste politics or Hindu nationalist ideology, this is a film about fighting colonialism.

M.M. Keeravani accepts the Best Original Song award for

Unlike the villains in films that come out of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which feature similar fantastical fight sequences and good-vs.-evil struggles, RRRs villains and heroes are real and concrete.

Even though its very ahistorical and fantastical and mythical, these two people were real, and the British did colonize India, she said. It has that kind of historical realism.

When it was originally released early last year, American audiences had already developed a taste for international productions on a large scale, with hit shows like Squid Game priming them for things like reading subtitles, Gopal said.

But some Indian viewers say they can recognize casteism and Hindu nationalism playing out beneath the spectacle of the films surface. To Gopal, the story portrays its caste-oppressed characters as weak and in need of a dominant caste hero to save them. In addition, Muslim characters are all but absent, even though they were heavily involved in Indias fight for freedom.

Its very clear that there is a hierarchy at work, Gopal said.

Rajamouli, the writer and director, didnt respond to a request for comment. He has previously said there isnt any ideological bent to RRR. In a Q&A session at a Los Angeles screening of the film, he spoke about the representation of Hinduism in the story.

In the film, what Im portraying is actually a way of life that existed for many, many centuries or eons, he said.

RRR feels to many like the solidification of Tollywood  the South Indian Telugu-language film industry  as a global force. Rini Bhattacharya Mehta, an associate professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, said Telugu cinema specifically has exploded in popularity over the last decade.

RRR largely came on the tails of 2015s Bahubali, another Telugu epic directed by Rajamouli. Now with RRR, experts see a change on the subcontinent, where South Indian films are rising to meet what many feel is lacking in Bollywood, which refers to the Mumbai-based Hindi-language film industry.

Bollywood has melodrama, and then Telugu cinema just took it to a whole other level, Bhattacharya Mehta said.

For a South Indian audience who rarely sees itself represented in the films coming out of Mumbai, such movies can scratch the itch for representation, she said  they present a uniquely South Indian aesthetic.

Gopal said Naatu Naatus nomination represents the next step in Indian cinemas international presence, but when it comes to foreign blockbusters being recognized by the academy or nominated as films themselves, she feels its a long way away.

RRR brings together so many currents of global cinema, she said, from Hollywood to Hong Kong action, even to an earlier Bollywood style of the populist hero. In some ways, it represents a compilation of both national film history and global trends.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Organisers and executives at the Academy Awards have reportedly declined Volodymyr Zelenskys request to speak at this years ceremony.

The 2023 Oscars are set to take place on Sunday 12 March.

Since Russias initial invasion of Ukraine last February, President Zelensky has given high-profile addresses at awards ceremonies including the 2022 Grammy Awards and the Golden Globes in January.

Most recently, Zelensky addressed the attendees of the Berlin Film Festival, where Sean Penns film about his leadership during the war, Superpower, was first screened.

However, reports today claim that the Ukrainian president was denied the opportunity to appear via telecast at Sundays Oscars.

According to sources speaking to Variety, WME agent Mike Simpson appealed to the Academy to include Zelensky in its much-anticipated broadcast, but was denied.

The report also states that this is the second year in a row that the president, who was formerly a comedic actor, had made an unsuccessful request to speak at the Oscars.

The Independent has contacted a representative at the Academy Awards for comment.

Zelensky has been embraced by many figures in entertainment and has been praised for his rousing leadership in times of adversity.

Zelensky (Getty Images)

On the first anniversary of the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, Star Wars actor Mark Hamill spoke out about his surprise when Zelenskys team approached him to assist with the countrys battle efforts.

Hamill was asked to be the ambassador to the army of the drones, and is raising money for drones by auctioning exclusive signer posters featuring the fighter jet that Luke Skywalker used to destroy the Death Star in the 1977 film Star Wars: Episode IV  A New Hope.

You can find a list of all the Oscars 2023 nominees here, information on how to watch the ceremony here, as well as all the latest updates here.
A national legislator and a political advisor at China's ongoing "two sessions" have called for stronger measures to protect the Yangtze River and Poyang Lake.

Despite positive strides made since the implementation of the Yangtze River Protection Law, there remain shortcomings in water pollution prevention and control, noted Pan Biling, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Pan Biling, a political advisor, a member of the China Association for Promoting Democracy, and president of Xiangtan University, attends the annual meeting of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing, March 7, 2023. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Phosphoric acid is a major raw material for chemical fertilizers and fodders, and pollution from phosphor-related agricultural production took up 67% of the total in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, official data shows.

Pan pointed out that the Yangtze Basin comprises 24% of the total farmland in the country and generates over one-third of the country's grain output. However, the region faces considerable challenges related to the extensive use of chemical fertilizers, which are among the highest in the country. Additionally, the area is home to major livestock and poultry producers, primarily concentrated in Sichuan and Hunan provinces, further contributing to environmental challenges.

The heavy use of chemical fertilizers and the direct discharge of livestock and poultry waste into the river are the main reasons for the pollution of the Yangtze Basin, Pan noted.

Pan suggested speeding up the green transformation of agriculture, developing a circular agriculture system, and conducting monitoring and evaluation of agricultural pollution from non-point sources to address pollution.

Additionally, Pan emphasized the importance of government subsidy policies in encouraging farmers to use commercial organic fertilizers to reduce pollution.

Besides pollution, the protection of rivers and lakes in the Yangtze Basin has also been challenged by climate change-induced extreme weather, such as high temperatures and drought.

Last July, high temperatures and heat waves scorched regions south of the Yangtze River, with more high-temperature days compared with the same period in previous years. Moreover, drought conditions triggered by sustained hot weather and low precipitation caused the country's largest freshwater lake, Poyang Lake, to shrink by 75% compared to the previous year, data from local authorities showed.

Photo taken on April 9, 2022, shows a view of the Wushan section of the Yangtze River in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. [Photo/Xinhua]

Deng Hui, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), a member of the China Association for Promoting Democracy, and president of Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics, proposed at this year's meetings of the national legislature that the Poyang Lake environmental protection project be included in the Shan-Shui Initiative.

Launched in 2016, China's Shan-Shui Initiative has been recognized by the U.N. as a flagship project for restoring a range of ecosystems, including mountains, rivers, forests, farmland, lakes, grassland and deserts.

Deng emphasized the vulnerability of Poyang Lake to the impacts of climate change, such as premature dry seasons, biodiversity loss and desertification.

These problems have already had a significant impact on the ecology of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, which are key to the ecological security of the country.

Jiangxi province has plans to participate in the third batch of the Shan-Shui Initiative during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, with a focus on protecting the western and northern areas of Poyang Lake, according to Deng.

These efforts are crucial to safeguarding the vital ecosystems of the Yangtze River and Poyang Lake and ensuring a sustainable future for China's economy and environment, Deng said.
The owner of two illegal bars with violent histories is now facing theft and tax evasion charges after police say he failed to report about $710,000 in sales and neglected to pay more than $50,000 in state taxes.

Kamari Driver, 29, of Indianapolis, was charged Wednesday with one count of theft, three counts of failure to pay taxes and one count of tax evasion. The charges involve sales at two of Driver's businesses, the Red Lounge Bar & Grill and KD's Auto Sales & Repair, May 2020 to May 2022.

Driver told IndyStar on Thursday that he was working with his attorney "to get this cleaned up." He said both businesses have been closed for at least a year.

"So that's where that's coming from," he said, "because I haven't filed any taxes with the state and its showing like I've been making sales and I haven't."

Authorities, however, claim the unreported sales and unpaid taxes occurred well before the businesses closed.

Driver drew the attention of police after repeated problems  including shootings that left two people injured and another dead  at the Red Lounge and another bar he owned, JD's Pub. He has admitted in previous unrelated cases to operating both bars without alcohol licenses.

The violence was among more than 49 homicides and 150 shootings tied to a several dozen Indianapolis bars, clubs and event centers from 2016 to 2022. A recent IndyStar investigation found that bootleg operations like Driver's proliferated amid COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions.

IndyStar's investigation, produced in partnership with Fox59, found that an Indiana law prohibiting cities from regulating bars and weak enforcement by state alcohol regulators has allowed violence to go virtually unchecked at some Indianapolis clubs.

The restriction on local authorities, however, doesn't apply when a bar is operating without a license. That means local officials can move much more swiftly to shut down unlicensed operations.

The city's effort to crack down on Driver's illegal bars highlights just how challenging that can be, even when local officials are free to take action.

Story continues

49 killed, 154 shot or stabbed:How Indiana law and weak regulation protect bad bars

A social media flier promoting the grand opening of the Red Lounge on June 20, 2021. Police say owner Kamari Driver failed to pay thousands of dollars in taxes.

A history of problems

The Red Lounge, located at 1121 E. Troy Ave. on the city's south side, became a source of problems the day it opened, according to a charging documents filed in Marion Superior Court on Wednesday.

On June 20, 2021, IMPD officers broke up a large fight during which one man displayed a handgun. Driver told police it was the bar's soft opening, according to a police affidavit. He claimed he was using the prior tenant's liquor permit, but police later found that permit expired in 2015.

A few weeks later, police confronted Driver about social media videos showing adult entertainment at the Red Lounge. He denied the videos took place at the bar. Police warned him he could face criminal charges if he continued to operate the club without a liquor license, according the affidavit.

IMPD began building a case against the bar. On July 31, 2021, an undercover IMPD officer purchased a shot of liquor at the bar. The person checking IDs at the door offered to allow another undercover officer inside without an ID in exchange for an extra cover charge, the affidavit says.

But the problems at the bar escalated. On Aug. 8, 2021, two people were shot inside the bar. Police obtained a search warrant and located more than 100 bottles of alcohol, according to the affidavit.

The city quickly sued the bar for operating without a license. As part of a settlement agreement, Driver admitted to operating the bar illegally, paid a $2,000 fine and agreed to cease all operations at the location.

Police say he continued to operate the bar anyway, brazenly posting fliers on social media promoting upcoming events. The city sued again. Driver paid another fine and was again ordered to cease operations.

Deja Morse sits on the roof of a car during a community vigil and protest on Thursday, May 7, 2020. She was killed in a shooting at JD's Pub on April 2, 2022.

Driver opens second bootleg bar

Instead, Driver opened up another illegal bar called JD's Pub, located at 6920 Eagle Highlands Way on the city's west side. Again, violence followed.

On April 2, 2022, police say 27-year-old Deja Morse was shot at the pub and died in a car that crashed on Interstate 65 on the way to the hospital. Police arrested a 27-year-old man who faces a murder charge. That case is pending.

Police say they later found that the club was using an unlicensed security company that night. A video released by IMPD shows security outfitted with tactical vests and armed with handguns and semi-automatic rifles as they stood guard outside the pub's strip mall parking lot. The owner of the security company was later charged with operating without a license and one of the guards was charged with violating a protective order that prohibited him from possessing firearms. Both cases are pending.

For the third time, the city filed a lawsuit against Driver. As part of a settlement in September, he was fined $1,500, admitted to operating without a liquor license, and was ordered to cease operations.

While working security for JD's Pub, police say Jordan Morris violated a protective order prohibiting him from firearms. He allegedly stands outside the unlicensed bar in this screenshot from a video published by IMPD in April 2022.

Police investigate Driver's businesses

The continued violence and other problems prompted IMPD's commercial crimes branch to take a deeper look at Driver's businesses, including his west side auto sales company at 2445 N. Lafayette Road.

IMPD executed a search warrant on Driver's offices at the car lot in May and worked with Indiana Department of Revenue agents to compare sales to Driver's tax filings.

In an affidavit filed with charging documents on Wednesday, Lt. William Carter of IMPD's nuisance abatement unit said Driver failed to report sales of $105,546 at the Red Lounge and failed to pay $7,388 in sales tax and $2,110 in food and beverage tax from June 2021 to May 2022. Driver also underreported sales by $605,030 at KD's Auto Sales and failed to remit $42,352 in sales tax, the affidavit says.

Contact IndyStar reporter Tony Cook at 317-444-6081 or tony.cook@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter: @IndyStarTony.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Owner of 2 illegal bars in Indianapolis faces theft, tax charges
The owner of a dog that attacked and severely injured a Columbus woman has been cited again over the same attack.

Kim Golden continues to recover at Grady Memorial Hospital after the dog attacked her on March 1.

Golden works for a nonprofit that finds housing for people in need.

She was with another co-worker checking out a property when the dog attacked her. Her injuries were so severe that part of her left leg had to be amputated.

Im walking around to the front while I check the side of the house, and the next thing I remember is the dog was kind of coming up. I actually thought he was being friendly. Next thing, I know he is on my leg, Golden told WTVM-TV.

The dogs owner, Edward Murray, told the TV station that he felt bad about what happened to her.

I do feel some kind of responsibility knowing that she got bit, Murray said.

Despite his feelings, Murray said Golden still shouldnt have been on his property.

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I feel that if somebody cross the line and they see those signs and they cross the line, its their problem, he told the TV station.

WTVM went back out to talk to Murray this week and while they were interviewing him, animal control showed up.

Another citation for my dog doing his job, is what Murray said he received from them.

The citation was for a man who was allegedly bitten between his legs while helping the female victim during the attack, the TV station reported.

A copy of the citation says the dog owner violated a city ordinance. That ordinance classifies what happened as a public nuisance that would have still been illegal whether the dog was confined by a fence, leash, or chain or its owner would have spoken up to intervene, WTVM reported.

Murray said despite the citation, he still planned on bringing the dog, which has been in quarantine since the attack, home on Thursday.

IN OTHER NEWS:
The Notre Dame Cathedral is set to welcome visitors in late 2024, more than five years after its iconic spire and roof collapsed in a blaze, French officials announced Monday.

The $865 million reconstruction project was launched in April 2019 but progressed in spurts due to the Covid-19 lockdown, a flurry of archaeological finds below the churchs foundation and a controversial modernization plan.

More from Robb Report

Reconstruction began in earnest last year, following two years of excavations inside the historic structure to ensure it was stable enough for artisans to begin their work. The spire will be rebuilt according to architect Eugene Viollet-le-Ducs design after President Emmanuel Macron abandoned unpopular plans to replace the 19th century with a contemporary architectural gesture.

A revamping of the interior of the cathedral, however, was greenlit by Frances National Heritage and Architecture Commission, the advisory group which oversees landmark restoration projects, despite considerable public outcry. Per the proposal, the new interior could include 20th and 21st century artworks hanging beside Old Master works from the cathedrals collection and a rearranged tabernacle to allow more room for visitors.

The French government originally planned to reopen the cathedral in summer 2024, in time for that years summer Olympics. Instead, tourists traveling to Paris for the event can visit the newly opened exhibition Notre-Dame de Paris: at the heart of the construction site in an underground gallery by the cathedral. The show is dedicated to the ongoing rebuilding process, spotlighting the skill of the 1,000 artisans on the restoration teamas well as the astounding work ahead for them. The plan calls for period-appropriate materials to rebuild the structure, which includes timber from 1,000 150-year-old trees for the Forest, as the 800-year-old roof is known.

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The return of the spire in Pariss sky will in my opinion be the symbol that we are winning the battle of Notre Dame, Jean-Louis Georgelin, the army general overseeing the restoration project, told the Associated Press.

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Click here to read the full article.
Two arrests have been made in connection with a shooting that left one dead in Pascagoula last weekend.

Jerbert Burgos-Cotto, 32, and Silkia Lopez were apprehended by the Mobile County Special Operations Interdiction Unit in Mobile County.

According to the Mobile County Sheriffs Office, the two were stopped by officers and Border Patrol while heading west on I-10.

Burgos-Cotto has been charged with the murder of Miguel Vasquez-Cruz. Lopez is charged with accessory after the fact of murder, per the Pascagoula Police Department.

The two are being held at the Mobile County Metro Jail and are awaiting extradition to Mississippi. More charges are pending, according to PPD.

The shooting occurred around 4:30 p.m. at Spruce Street and Lanier Avenue on March 4 and it left two others injured.

If you have any information regarding the incident, the PPD asks that you call 228-762-2211.
Patrice Kunesh (Photo/NARF website)

President Joe Biden's nominee Patrice H. Kunesh for Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 by a 57-35 vote.

The ANA is a program office within the United States Department of Health and Human Services. ANA works to promote self-sufficiency and economic opportunity for Native Americans by providing funding for community-based projects, training, and technical assistance to eligible Tribal Nations and Native organizations.

Kunesh, a Standing Rock Lakota descendant, is an attorney and policy advocate who has led a career in public service at tribal, state, and federal levels.

After the Senate vote, the chairman and vice chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs made comments on Kunesh's confirmation in a statement:

Ms. Kuneshs previous federal service at the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture, extensive experience in Indian Affairs, and demonstrated leadership for Native communities across the country make clear that she has what it takes to succeed in her new role as Commissioner, Chairman Brian Schatz (D-HI) said. I look forward to our work together to support American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.

Yesterday, the U.S. Senate confirmed Patrice H. Kunesh to be the Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. When Ms. Kunesh was nominated last Congress, I had the opportunity to meet with her and discuss her vision and goals for ANA. She is committed to doing her upmost to help American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities. And with her broad experience serving Indian country, she is prepared to lead the agency. I look forward to working with Ms. Kunesh as she assumes her new role, Vice Chair Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) said.

Kunesh's nomination had been stalled in the Senate since last June when she was nominated by President Biden. Earlier this week the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and USET SPF called for the Senate to confirm Kunesh in press releases.

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Patrice understands that investing in tribal communities is essential to helping them achieve self-sufficiency and prosperity," Fawn Sharp, president of the National Congress of American Indians said in the press release. "Her commitment to Native language preservation, social and economic development, and understanding of how best to use federal funds will be valuable if confirmed to this important role."

Patrice is a well-known advocate for the rebuilding of Tribal Nations and our economies, said USET SPF President, Chief Kirk Francis in a press release. From her establishment of the Center for Indian Country Development to her service as Deputy Solicitor, to her extensive legal career, she has worked tirelessly to advance Tribal self-governance and economic development in Indian Country.

About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. "

Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net
Photograph: Tom Brenner/Reuters

The Pentagon has been accused of blocking the sharing of US intelligence with the international criminal court (ICC) about Russian war crimes in Ukraine.

The Biden White House and state department have been a proponent of cooperation with the Hague-based ICC, as a means of holding Russian forces accountable for widespread war crimes, but the defence department is firmly opposed on the grounds that the precedent could eventually be turned against US soldiers.

Related: Russia unlikely to make major Ukraine gains this year  US intelligence chief

The New York Times quoted current and former officials as saying Pentagon resistance was the obstacle. It reported that the national security council (NSC) convened a meeting of senior officials on 3 February to try to resolve the dispute, but that the defence secretary, Lloyd Austin, did not budge. Joe Biden has yet to give a final decision.

The Republican senator Lindsey Graham, who was behind a congressional resolution urging US support for the court over Ukraine, also blamed the Pentagon.

DoD [Department of Defence] opposed the legislative change  it passed overwhelmingly  and they are now trying to undermine the letter and spirit of the law, Graham told the New York Times, in remarks confirmed to the Guardian by his office. It seems to me that DoD is the problem child here, and the sooner we can get the information into the hands of the ICC, the better off the world will be.

Asked for comment, the NSC spokeswoman, Adrienne Watson, said: Russian forces have been committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine, and the Ukrainian people deserve justice.

She added: The United States supports a range of investigations to identify and hold accountable those who are responsible, including through the Office of the Ukrainian Prosecutor General, the United Nations, the expert missions established under the OSCEs [Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe] Moscow mechanism, and the international criminal court, among others, Watson said.

Story continues

A senior defence official said only: The defence department believes we should hold Russia accountable.

US legal experts helped draw up the Rome statute, which created the ICC. It was signed by Bill Clinton in 2000, but not ratified by the Senate, and Clintons successor, George W Bush, took the unusual step of withdrawing the US signature.

US opponents of the court argued that it could be used by Americas enemies to prosecute US soldiers fighting in foreign wars, despite safeguards written into the statute stating that the international court would only have jurisdiction if the courts in a suspects home country were unwilling or unable to prosecute.

Related: Ukraine urges ICC to investigate video appearing to show Russians killing PoW

Speaking at the Munich security conference in February, Kamala Harris said the US had determined that Russia had committed crimes against humanity in Ukraine.

The vice-president added that the US will continue to support the judicial process in Ukraine and international investigations, because justice must be served.

Harris did not specify cooperation with the ICC, but last week, Beth van Schaack, US ambassador-at-large for global criminal justice, told a conference in Lviv: The international criminal court occupies an important place in the ecosystem of international justice, and the United States supports the investigation by the ICC prosecutor.
Lloyd Austin

Read also: US Attorney General arrives in Ukraine with unannounced visit

The report says top U.S. military officials are opposed to helping the ICC investigate Russia out of concerns about setting a precedent that could place U.S. armed forces under international legal scrutiny in the future. Other government bodies, including intelligence agencies, the State Department, and the Department of Justice, are in favor of bringing evidence to trial, sources said. It is noted that U.S. President Joe Biden has yet to resolve the impasse."

According to the NYT, the evidence has details relevant to the investigation that the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karim Khan, launched a year ago after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The information includes materials about the decision of Russian officials to deliberately strike civilian infrastructure and kidnap thousands of Ukrainian children from occupied territories.

Read also: What a defector engineer from Russia can tell the U.S. about Tu-160 strategic bombers

In December 2022, the U.S. Congress changed long-standing legal restrictions on U.S. judicial assistance, allowing the country to assist in investigations and possible prosecutions related to the war in Ukraine. But a political debate continues behind closed doors of the Biden administration, about whether this should be done in the first place.

Read also: U.S. to continue to back Ukraine as long as needed, Biden tells Congress

The National Security Council convened a cabinet-level principals committee meeting on Feb. 3, in an attempt to resolve the dispute, the officials said, but Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin continued to object, the article reads.

Read also: Center for Investigation of Crime of Aggression against Ukraine will begin work in July

At the same time, National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said the U.S. government is supporting a series of investigations to identify and prosecute those responsible for Russia's war crimes, including through the Ukrainian prosecutor's office, the UN, and the ICC.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
BEN GURION AIRPORT, Israel (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, in Israel on Thursday during a Middle East visit, called on allies to step up support for Ukraine in its war with Russia.

While Israel has condemned the Russian invasion and provided Ukraine with humanitarian relief and protective gear, it has stopped short of widening the assistance to include defence technologies such as missile interceptors.

"Israel has been providing helpful humanitarian support for Ukraine, and I'm also grateful for Israel's participation in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group that I convene," Austin said at a press conference with his Israeli counterpart.

"Yet we're also calling on all of our allies and partners to step up now at this hinge moment in history. Nations of goodwill, and especially our fellow democracy, must all urgently do their part to help Ukraine fight for its freedom," Austin said.

Israel has been measured in its rhetoric on Russia, mindful of the need to coordinate Israeli air strikes against Iranian targets in Syria with Moscow's garrison in the Arab state.

"We are doing our best efforts, in coordination with the United States, to help the Ukraine government to protect its people, and we are doing it under the understanding of what are the Israeli interests in the region," Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told reporters.

Last month Israel's foreign minister visited Kyiv to pledge continued assistance, including the improving of Ukraine's air defence early warning system. That idea was introduced last year but Kyiv said it had made little progress.

(Reporting by Idrees Ali and Ari Rabinovitch; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
 Flash

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky arrives at the European Union headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on Feb. 9, 2023 for the EU member states' special summit. [Photo/Xinhua]

European Union (EU) defense ministers on Wednesday discussed the idea of sending further military support to Ukraine, at an informal meeting in the Swedish capital Stockholm.

"There was increasing consensus around the table that the EU needs to act in order to provide the Ukrainians with more ammunition," Sweden's Minister for Defense Pal Jonson said in a video released after the meeting.

The defense ministers discussed a plan by Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, for the EU to reimburse member states who immediately send more artillery ammunition to Ukraine.

Under the plan, member states would also jointly purchase large quantities of ammunition through the European Defense Agency, to speed up deliveries while keeping costs down.

The EU plans to allocate two billion euros (2.1 billion U.S. dollars) from the European Peace Facility to the purchase of ammunition.

"I hope that by our next defense ministers' meeting on March 20 in Brussels we actually will be able to reach an agreement," Jonson said after the meeting.
(NewsNation)  The four years between when Rogelio Madera Cervantes went missing after he left Jalisco, Mexico and the identification of his remains were a nightmare for his family.

After he went missing, his family searched for him along the U.S.-Mexico border, checking detention centers and morgues in Tijuana and Nogales, Arizona, but to no avail.

Somewhere along his journey across the border, he was separated from the group he was traveling with, and died in the desert near Yuma, Arizona.

Endangered milkweed could affect states plans to build border wall in South Texas

Its one thing to lose someone who dies along the U.S.-Mexico border that is a traumatic experience, said Jason De Leon, executive director of The Colibri Center for Human Rights, a non-profit based in Tuscon, Arizona. But I think its 10 times worse to not know what has happened to that loved one. To not know whether or not theyre dead or alive.

When his remains were found in the desert about three years later, the Colibri Center helped make an identification for his family through DNA testing.

The Colibri Centers work began in 2006 and by 2017, it began compiling DNA samples it collected into a database they can use to compare against a separate database of unidentified remains, which are collected and maintained by the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner.

Image of Rogelio Madera Cervantes (Courtesy of Mayra Ibarra|

Workers collect the DNA themselves, sometimes traveling internationally to places like Honduras to find family members willing to offer a comparative sample.

The process can take years.

Cervantes family lost contact with him in July 2013 after he set out with a coyote, another term for a human smuggler, in Arizona.

They later learned Cervantes wasnt well during the trip and couldnt keep up with the group, said Mayra Ibarra, who is married to Cervantes nephew.

(The coyote) said that he left him in (a Native American) reservation or community in Yuma, Arizona, Ibarra said.

Then in 2015, Ibarra heard about Colibri Center for Human Rights during a Univision news report. She was put in touch with a gentle girl whom Ibarra said immediately relieved some of her anxiety.

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My heart told me that they would help us, Ibarra said. It was a long process but we were always in touch.

Colibris services are free to families of missing persons but come at a cost for the non-profit, which operates on donations and public funding.

There was pain and grief when Cervantes sister received the phone call confirming the DNA match, but it was tempered with the relief of closure.

After so long, the family was relieved to have him back. All those years, They hoped to find him, dead or alive, Ibarra said.

Latino Republicans push back on partys immigration agenda

Closing a case is bittersweet, but De Leon considers it a win. Altogether, Colibri has made 261 identifications for families that would otherwise be left in the dark.

But its a challenging process, and those 200-plus cases represent only about 6% of all the missing person reports the center has received  reports that span 14 countries and 43 U.S. states.

It can be a sobering statistic considering the Pima County Medical Examiners Office is in possession of about 1,192 unidentified remains.

But De Leon knows the families behind those numbers and is driven by their stories.

Theres nobody else doing this, De Leon said. If we were to shut the doors, theres no longer a phone number to call, no longer someone to manage to case manage.

The consulate of each country is responsible for arranging deceased migrants repatriation, and the specifics of those practices vary.

For the families of people who lost their lives crossing the border, DNA is often the most promising tool for identification. Desert conditions can be brutal, leading to quickly deteriorating remains, but its a deterrent for those willing to navigate their way through miles of hot, oppressive climate.

The entire Sonoran Desert is just one giant graveyard, De Leon said.

U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) has set up rescue beacons and placards, which allow migrants to call for help and easily identify their location.

Smuggling organizations are abandoning migrants in remote and dangerous areas, leading to a rise in the number of rescues but also tragically a rise in the number of deaths, a CBP spokesperson said.

Border Patrol recorded a record number of migrant deaths in the fiscal year 2021  about 600. Border agents helped rescue about 13,000 others.

For those that dont make it, CBP has some measures in place such as its Missing Migrant Program, which also works to match remains with DNA.

But a recent review by the Government Accountability Office found that Border Patrols reports of migrant deaths were inconsistent and recommended better coordination with outside agencies. CBP agreed to those recommendations and has already begun initiating them, according to the report.

The Colibri Centers work is possible in part because of its partnership with the Pima County Medical Examiners Office. But that level of cooperation isnt guaranteed across the country and isnt common along the border, according to the non-profit.

Colibri takes reports of missing people elsewhere, including Texas, California, New Mexico, and Mexico.

Right now theres over 1,500 unidentified sets of remains from Arizona, De Leon said. And that only includes people that had been found.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Intelligence showed the results of the work of the

The militarys Main Intelligence Directorate, known by its Ukrainian acronym HUR, said the peoples satellite has been operational for nearly six months, since Sept. 24, 2022.

Read also: Crowdfunded Ukrainian satellite has helped destroy more Russian armored vehicles than its own cost

Since then, the countrys security and defense forces have been receiving the necessary intelligence from space every day, the report says.

Intelligence officers have conducted space radar reconnaissance of almost one thousand locations of Russian units in temporarily occupied territories and other areas of interest to Ukraines Armed Forces over the last five months, the HUR said.

gur.gov.ua

gur.gov.ua

gur.gov.ua

gur.gov.ua

Read also: Russians reduce presence of strategic aircraft at Engels base  satellite imagery

The satellite has already detected 360 enemy tents, as well as 7,321 pieces of military equipment, including:

45 aircraft;

27 helicopters;

6 Iskander operational and tactical missile systems;

36 S-300 air defense systems;

12 Pantsir-S1 air defense systems;

11 radar stations; and

10 pontoon crossings.

Read also: Where did Ukraines HUR get a legendary Black Hawk helicopter?

Ukraines military intelligence officers once again express their gratitude to all in Ukrainian society who took part in the fundraising for the spacecraft, to every volunteer who provides daily assistance to the defenders of Ukraine, and to the Serhiy Prytula Foundation, said HUR, mentioning the charity that organized the crowdfunding drive.

The foundation purchased the satellite with funds raised by the Peoples Bayraktar campaign. After Ukrainians raised UAH 600 million ($16.4 million) for drones in three days, the Baykar manufacturing company announced that it would hand over three Bayraktar UAVs to the Ukrainian army for free.

The ICEYE company provided Ukraines Defense Ministry with full access to one of its satellites, which is in orbit in this area. Ukraine also received access to its SAR satellite constellation.

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Read also: Volunteer explains benefits of ICEYE satellite, data Ukraine will now receive

Volunteer Serhiy Prytula clarified that the Ukrainian side would own the satellite for as long as it is in orbit. Able to peer through clouds and darkness, the SAR satellite can transmit data around the clock, regardless of weather conditions or time of day.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
By Maggie Fick

PUURS, Belgium (Reuters) -U.S. drugmaker Pfizer is ready to launch its respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine for both older adults and pregnant women in the United States and Europe later this year, executives said on Thursday.

Both Pfizer and British drugmaker GSK have RSV vaccines they hope to launch in the United States and Europe this year, pending regulators approval.

We are anticipating approval in both the U.S. and Europe in time for rollout in the fall, Kena Swanson, Pfizer head of viral vaccines research & development, told a media briefing at the company's biggest manufacturing and packaging site globally.

RSV is a leading cause of pneumonia in infants and the elderly, and decades of research have finally resulted in the two successful vaccines Pfizer and GSK are racing to introduce.

Some 14,000 people die annually in the United States of the lower respiratory tract disease caused by the virus, and analysts see a multibillion-dollar market for the vaccine by the end of the decade.

A GSK executive on Wednesday told Reuters that it was also ready to launch its RSV vaccine for older adults in the United States this year without supply constraints.

Neither company would say how many doses of their vaccines they intended to have ready for their respective launches.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to approve both vaccines for people aged 60 and above by May, while an FDA decision on the use of Pfizer's vaccine for pregnant women is due in August. The EU's decision, which could pave the way for the vaccines to be introduced in the UK as well, are due in the second half of the year.

Annaliesa Anderson, Pfizer head of vaccines research & development, told the same briefing that the company anticipates a population of about 4 million pregnant women annually in the United States who could eventually receive its RSV vaccine, though the market will take time to shape.

She later told Reuters that the so-called "tripledemic" that hit the northern hemisphere this winter may have at least temporarily raised awareness of RSV, which despite its dangers for the very old and very young is not well known by the public.

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"In the U.S. (this winter), the pediatric hospitals were full of babies all with RSV..., it certainly hit the news and people were much more aware," she said.

Given how contagious the virus is, the best way to protect infants from contracting the virus and becoming severely ill is by vaccinating their mothers during pregnancy, Anderson said.

GSK last year voluntarily stopped its clinical trial of its own RSV vaccine on pregnant women and is currently only pursuing the use of its vaccine on older adults, a company spokesperson told Reuters on Thursday.

(Reporting by Maggie Fick; editing by Jason Neely, Jane Merriman and Mark Porter)
Phase Eight has reduced over 2,000 stylish items in its 50% off sale. (Phase Eight)

There's one brand that's always been on our radar for delivering ageless style year after year. Phase Eight has become synonymous with timeless classics which are guaranteed to make you stand out from the crowd.

So you'll be pleased hear the British high street brand currently has up to 50% off some of its most covetable pieces, ranging from knitwear and coats to over 700 dresses.

Feeling excited but overwhelmed by the 2,000 plus items on sale? Stylish help is it hand  we've compiled 15 of Phase Eight's must-have sale pieces. The sale is a must-see, there are some seriously chic looks at bargain prices.

The collection will elevate your wardrobe and stand the test of time. And you can expect the compliments to come flooding in on your new fashion choices. Snap up a sale purchase now, you won't regret it!

15 of the best pieces in the Phase Eight Sale

This floral midi just screams spring. (Phase Eight)

This flattering shirt dress is bound to be a versatile new number in your wardrobe. (Phase Eight)

We love this ditsy print and the drawstring waist tie to help create a flattering silhouette. (Phase Eight)

Sansa Stripe Embellished Top | 49 (Was 69) from Phase Eight

The beautiful embellishment ensures this is no ordinary Breton. (Phase Eight)

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The last word in cosy chic. (Phase Eight)

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A stylish, go-with-anything coat. (Phase Eight)

Damsel in a Dress Tilia Leopard Knit Top | 35 (Was 75) from Phase Eight

This lovely knit looks great with jeans, trousers and skirts. (Phase Eight)

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In sizes 16-26, this is a perfect party dress with a luxe foil polka print. (Phase Eight)

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The classic black trousers every wardrobe needs. (Phase Eight)

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A stunning skirt, this is available in sizes 16-26. (Phase Eight)

Carly Lace Long Sleeve Jumpsuit | 99 (Was 145) from Phase Eight

Wedding season is around the corner - and this jumpsuit with lace bodice is a winner. (Phase Eight)

Theresa Grey Suede Slip-On Trainers | 50 (Was 89) from Phase Eight

These 100% leather slip on trainers are the last word in comfort and relaxed style. (Phase Eight)

Georgie Maxi Puffer | 139 (Was 220) from Phase Eight

One of the most stylish puffer coats we've seen. (Phase Eight)

Lise Broiderie Sleeve Jumper | 45 (Was 69) from Phase Eight
The Phoenix Police Department released edited snippets of body-camera footage on Wednesday that showed the moments leading up to a police shooting that occurred in the area of 23rd and Glendale avenues on Feb. 22.

Sgt. Rob Scherer, a department spokesperson who narrates the critical incident briefing video, said a detective was following up on a domestic violence investigation in the area when he saw a man matching the description of someone involved in the incident near a GMC Yukon truck and requested backup.

Scherer said several patrol officers searched the area and found the vehicle but not the man. Officers continued searching and noted a two-man patrol unit was driving south on 23rd Avenue where they saw a man matching the suspect's description when he jumped over the fence of a nearby apartment complex.

Scherer said officers chased after the man, who had positioned himself behind a white pickup truck and noticed he was armed with a handgun and heard one shot fired. Scherer didn't specify whether the man had fired the weapon.

Body camera footage shows the officers noticing someone jumping the fence and quickly exiting the vehicle. One of the officers appears to fire at the man three times before both take cover  one behind a structure and another behind the patrol vehicle. A hissing sound can also be heard shortly after the gunshots, though it's unclear what's causing the sound.

Scherer said the officers then used "less-lethal tools" in an attempt to get the man to get out from behind the truck, but that the man didn't respond. He said the officers moved in and located a handgun nearby. Fire personnel rendered first aid to the man, who was eventually pronounced dead at the scene.

Scherer said initial evidence suggested the man died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and no shots from the officer struck him.

The man was identified in February by police as 41-year-old Derin Holmes.

The involved officer was assigned with the Desert Horizon Precinct and had been with the Police Department for nine months.

The department launched a criminal and administrative investigation into the incident as per protocol when an officer fires their weapon. The department will submit its findings in the criminal investigation once it's complete to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office for review.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix police release body-camera footage depicting fatal shooting
(Reuters) - Piedmont Lithium Inc said on Thursday that the company and Atlantic Lithium Ltd will seek legal advice to address the claims made by short-seller Blue Orca Capital.

Blue Orca alleged in a report on Wednesday that the mining licenses obtained by Atlantic in Ghana were through what appeared to be "textbook corruption".

In 2021, Piedmont invested $100 million in Atlantic to secure spodumene - high-purity lithium ore - from Atlantic's mine in Ghana. Piedmont has a spodumene supply agreement with electric-vehicle maker Tesla Inc.

Shares of Piedmont fell 1.6% to $58.58 in morning trade.

Piedmont has the right to buy half of Atlantic's production at market prices on a life-of-mine basis, and to earn a 50% interest in the Ghanaian projects.

Blue Orca said in its report that Atlantic obtained key Ghana mining licenses by making secret payments and promises of payments to the immediate family of a high-level politician in Ghana. Reuters could not immediately verify Blue Orca's allegation.

The short-seller also said it does not believe that authorities in Ghana will ratify Atlantic's mining licenses, based on precedents in the country and around Africa.

Atlantic in a statement refuted the allegations made by Blue Orca.

Piedmont is planning to use spodumene concentrate from Atlantic as partial feed for its proposed Tennessee Lithium hydroxide plant.

The company, however, said that if for any reason it does not exercise its right to the offtake supply, Piedmont "is confident that alternative sources of spodumene concentrate would be available to feed the Tennessee facility."

(Reporting by Arunima Kumar in Bengaluru; Editing by Devika Syamnath)
A 19-year-old was arrested after hes accused of shooting a mother and daughter in a family-owned pizza shop, according to Pennsylvania police and media reports.

The shooting happened around 8:50 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8, at Mayfair Pizza on the northeast side of Philadelphia, police said.

Officers were dispatched to the pizzeria for a robbery in progress, but when they arrived, they found two women had been shot, according to a police report.

Kaleb Bridges, 19, is accused of firing three shots inside the store after demanding money, according to WTXF. Police said the 65-year-old woman was shot in the stomach and the 34-year-old victim was shot in her left shoulder.

The mother and daughter work at the pizza shop, WCAU reported. The 34-year-old and her father were among the people who helped tackle Bridges, police said.

The owner, who is the husband and father of the females who were shot, actually struggled with the 19-year-old perpetrator, Police Chief Inspector Scott Small told KYW. And other employees and at least one or two other customers helped subdue the 19-year-old shooter until police arrived on location.

The mother and daughter were taken to a hospital and are listed in stable condition, according to WPVI.

Bridges was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and unlawful possession of a firearm, according to police, which said a black handgun was found at the pizza shop.

Gunman shooting through Dominos window hits worker multiple times, Texas cops say

Group of 5 accused of beating pizza shop worker with metal object, Texas cops say

Man fires 18 shots into restaurant and hits customer in head, Illinois officials say
A cell door at the Monroe County Correctional Center June 3, 2022.

While bickering continued this week among Monroe County officials discussing plans for a new jail, the process is moving slowly forward with the recommendation of a design firm to oversee the project.

During a Wednesday morning commissioners' work session, county building and fleet manager Richard Crider announced a committee had reviewed three proposals from jail architect firms bidding on the project and selected Indianapolis-based DLZ.

The commissioners are expected to vote on accepting the recommendation at their March 22 meeting.

In related news, Monday's Community Justice Response Committee meeting about priorities for the new facility turned contentious, rife with arguing and claims of disrespect and tones of racism.

'Paralyzed': ACLU lawyer Falk tells Monroe County jail committee 15 years is long enough

County commissioner Penny Githens accused fellow committee member April Wilson of disrespecting her, while the leader of the county's Black Democratic Caucus said the true disrespect has been toward the committee's two Black members: county council member Jennifer Crossley and sheriff Ruben Marte.

While all of the elected officials in this room have been, from time to time, treated in a manner that is less than ideal by their colleagues, councilor Crossley and sheriff Marte have been the direct recipients of a noticeably high number of sighs, eye rolls, muttered comments, direct disparagement and cut-off statements, Nicole Bolden said.

The group of elected officials and people working in the criminal justice system has been meeting for two years, with no apparent outcomes.

On Monday, they debated whether to form subcommittees to study four areas: facility, judicial process, treatment and case management for released prisoners. They couldn't agree. No subcommittees were created.

'Back to square one:' Bloomington, Monroe County clash over where to build new jail

No jail site has been found, the number of cells and treatment facility details haven't been determined and there's no firm cost estimates for the facility that will replace the 37-year-old jail located in the Zietlow Justice Center.

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DLZ's proposal involves "thinking outside the box," said Crider, who oversees the county's buildings. He said the company's vision makes clear that "we cannot build a jail like the days of old."

Treatment options for mental health conditions and substance use disorder are key components of a modern jail, as is programming to help transition people from incarceration back into society so they can overcome barriers that contribute to a high rate of recidivism.

On the review committee with Crider were ASI contractor David Gardner, county attorney Lee Baker, jail commander Kyle Gibbons, assistant jail commander Matt Demmings and commissioners' administrator Angie Purdie. All six favored DLZ's submission.

A statement in the DLZ proposal about the importance of addressing recidivism reflects the vision of many in Monroe County who have voiced concerns the county is failing in that regard.

"We bring together critical stakeholders, program providers, and community partners to identify synergistic opportunities for the integration of vital programs that reduce recidivism," it says.

DLZ's proposal says Eve Hill, whose 2020 study of Monroe County's criminal justice system drew attention to disturbing conditions at the jail, has agreed to work with them as a consultant to lend her expertise to the project.

'We have to sleep at night': New sheriff says county jail conditions 'not acceptable'

DLZ has in recent years designed and overseen construction of justice centers in Franklin County, Ohio, and in the Indiana cities of Martinsville, Elkhart and Madison.

The firm's timeline for the Monroe County project calls for bids being awarded about a year after the contract is granted, with construction starting sometime after that and continuing up to two years.

Monroe County resident and DLZ architect Scott Carnegie has been designated as the onsite project manager. Staff there are familiar with conditions and challenges at the current jail, where DLZ completed interior renovations in 2007, 2010 and 2014.

If selected by the commissioners, the firm is expected to present its overview of the proposed project during the April 3 Criminal Justice Response Committee meeting at the courthouse.

Contact H-T reporter Laura Lane at llane@heraldt.com or 812-318-5967.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Monroe County considering DLZ as architect for new jail
 Flash

This aerial photo released by the Danish Ministry of Defense on Sept. 27, 2022 shows the Nord Stream gas pipeline leak site. [Photo/Danish Defense Ministry]

A Danish military analyst on Wednesday called into question the claim made by U.S. and German media that a non-state actor was responsible for last September's Nord Stream gas pipeline explosions.

"It is a demanding operation to get down and dive at that depth and place so much explosive, so it would be a bit ridiculous to me if someone did it from a rented yacht," Danish news agency Ritzau quoted Anders Puck Nielsen from the Defense Academy as saying.

According to Nielsen, the latest theory is a timely and "reasonable solution" for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

"If you look at it politically, it suits the USA, NATO and Ukraine very well if you can point to a non-state actor as some kind of terrorist organization or saboteurs. It takes the focus away from themselves and Russia," Nielsen told Ritzau.

The New York Times has cited new intelligence suggesting that a pro-Ukrainian group carried out the attack on the pipelines that run under the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany.

However, the paper failed to identify a source for the claim that a rented yacht was used to perpetrate the act.
The United States Army Maneuver Center of Excellence announced details for the official renaming celebration of Fort Benning Wednesday.

On May 11, 2023, Fort Benning will officially become Fort Moore to honor retired Lt. Gen. Harold Hal and Julia Moore for their contributions to the U.S. Army.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The celebration will be held at Doughboy Stadium.

Officials said the Naming Commission selects names that represent and honor the heroism, sacrifices and values of the Armys men and women.

According to U.S. Army officials, Hal Moore is a decorated and highly regarded commander of the Vietnam War.

TRENDING STORIES:

Julia Moore is a distinguished leader of Army family programs who changed how the military cares for the widows of fallen soldiers.

There can be no better way to inspire the men and women who will train to defend our nation, and particularly to provide recognition to the widows of our Nations fallen, than to name our installation for a couple who exemplifies Americas highest standards of courage, character, and compassion  Hal and Julia Moore, said Fort Bennings commanding general, Maj. Gen. Curtis Buzzard.

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In addition to installing the new name, officials said the post would undergo construction to add real property, buildings and roads as part of a multi-phased process to implement all approved recommendations of the Naming Commission. These changes are expected to be completed by January 2024.

To learn more about Fort Moore, click here.

IN OTHER NEWS:
Pune, India - (NewMediaWire) - March 9, 2023 - Play-to-Earn NFT Games Market information for each competitor includes (Animoca Brands, Sky Mavis, Decentraland, Radio Caca, Gala Games, MOBOX, Defi Kingdoms, Illuvium Labs) Company Profile, Main Business Information, SWOT Analysis, Price and Gross Margin, Market Share, Retailing, IIII industry and has 100 pages in it.

Short Description About Play-to-Earn NFT Games Market:

The global Play-to-Earn NFT Games market size was valued at USD 3292.73 million in 2022 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 17.93% during the forecast period, reaching USD 8856.95 million by 2028.



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Topmost manufacturers/ Key player/ Economy by Business Leaders Leading Players of Play-to-Earn NFT Games Market Are:

Animoca Brands

Sky Mavis

Decentraland

Radio Caca

Gala Games

MOBOX

Defi Kingdoms

Illuvium Labs

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Computer

Phone

Tablets

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CAG

RPG

Sandbox Games

Others

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Economic uncertainty: The pandemic and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine could lead to economic uncertainty, which could impact the willingness of businesses to invest in new projects and purchases. This could lead to a slowdown in B2B sales and revenue growth.

Political instability: The conflict between Russia and Ukraine could lead to political instability in the region, which could have wider impacts on global trade and economic activity. This could create challenges for B2B companies that rely on international markets and supply chains.

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MiG-29 jet

He said his Polish colleague confirmed the transfer during an EU defense ministers meeting in Sweden on March 8.

I think its time to make a decision, Nad said.

People are dying in Ukraine; we can really help them. There is no place for Slovak politicization. This is inhuman and irresponsible.

Polish President Andrzej Duda confirmed his country was ready to hand over all its Soviet-era MiG-29 aircraft to Ukraine in an interview with U.S. television news channel CNN on March 8.

Read also: Ukraine to get two or three types of Western fighter jets, one as main one, Reznikov says

Duda had earlier commented that Ukrainian forces would need fighter jets to repel threats from Russia. He said the transfer of the MiGs would help Ukraines air force move toward parity with Moscow.

Slovak Prime Minister Eduard Heger said on Feb. 10 that Slovakia is ready to discuss providing its own MiGs, following Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyys request.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Polish military installs anti-tank hedgehogs on the border with Belarus

Mariusz Baszczak/Twitter

The minister also noted that similar work was previously done on the border with Russias Kaliningrad enclave, back in February.

Read also: Prigozhin warns 'entire front will fall to Russia borders, and maybe further'

Today, military service members started building fortifications on the border with Belarus, said Blaszczak.

This is a part of our national defense and containment strategy.

Read also: Finland begins building wall on Russian border

He also posted some photos of the construction, including the installation of anti-tank barriers.

Mariusz Baszczak/Twitter

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
MiG-29 fighter aircraft

Read also: Poland wants coalition to transfer MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine  PM Morawiecki

...the remaining part of the MiG-29s which we have in Poland, which are operational, and which are now serving in our Air Force  we stand ready to provide those planes and Im sure that Ukraine would be ready to use those planes instantly because Ukraine has got pilots able to operate those machines, right now, Duda said.

The president noted that the Armed Forces of Ukraine will continue to switch to NATO standards and will ultimately use Western jets like the F-16, so the Ukrainian pilots need training now.

At the same time, referring to his earlier conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, he stressed that long-range artillery remains Kyivs top military necessity.

Read also: Ukraine requested 128 F-16s from United States

Right now, long-range artillery is needed more, to repel the enemy and to avoid direct encounters, Duda added.

Because the Russians are trying to crush Ukraine, crush it with the weight of their armed forces, their numbers, and their equipment.

On Feb. 18, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced that the country is ready to transfer MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, but only as part of a wider international initiative.

Read also: South Korea authorized Polands transfer of Krab howitzers to Ukraine in 2022

On Feb. 17, Duda said that Ukrainian forces would need fighter jets to repel threats from Russia. He said that the transfer of Soviet-era MiG-29s to Ukraine would provide support and, to a certain extent, help move towards force parity with Moscow.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
A suspect who led deputies on a chase through two counties was shot by a Rockdale County deputy after a crash on I-20 in DeKalb County, deputies said.

Channel 2s Tom Regan was in DeKalb County, where mid-morning chaos shut the highway down for hours.

The chase started in Rockdale County and ended in DeKalb County on I-20 west between Panola and Wesley Chapel roads, deputies said.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Rockdale County Sheriffs Office told Channel 2 Action News that deputies were chasing an aggravated assault suspect who tired to run over two deputies during a traffic stop two days ago.

On Thursday, deputies chased the suspect for 10 miles, winding on side streets. Deputies said the suspect hit two vehicles on Wesley Chapel Road before veering on to I-20.

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At that point, deputies said, the suspect got a flat tire and crashed on the side of the road.

At that time, he got out of the vehicle and took us on a foot pursuit, deputies said.

The armed suspect ran across the interstate and deputies shot him.

At the scene, he was alive and breathing, deputies said. To my knowledge, it was not life-threatening.

Deputies confirmed that the suspect had been caught and had been taken to the hospital. Deputies have not released the suspects identity or condition. They have also not said what led the officer to shoot the suspect.

Officials confirmed that no deputies were injured during the chase.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was also called to the scene.

Posted by Rockdale County Sheriff's Office on Thursday, March 9, 2023

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IN OTHER NEWS:
A Freeport woman who died after her vehicle left the road and crashed into a tree has been identified.

Illinois State Police said the crash happened around 11:40 p.m. Tuesday on Stephenson Street Road, just west of Bolton Road in Stephenson County.

Police said a vehicle being driven by 26-year-old Katelin Croffoot was traveling east when the vehicle left the road, went through a ditch and hit a tree.

Croffoot was airlifted to a hospital where she later died from her injuries.

Illinois State Police are still investigating the crash.

This article originally appeared on Journal Standard: Police: Freeport woman killed after car leaves road, hits tree
A 30-year-old man was arrested after being accused of firing a handgun at a New Mexico police helicopter, officials said.

Around 8:45 p.m. on March 6, Albuquerque Police Department personnel responded to calls of gunshots, according to a news release by the police department. A man was seen firing a handgun from his balcony, police said.

Officers arrived and saw the man step out onto his balcony, where he started to fire multiple rounds of ammunition toward the law enforcement helicopter above, officials said.

The helicopter had been called in to investigate the reports of gunshots, KOB reported.

The helicopters pilot had to make maneuvers to dodge the gunfire, according to police.

The pilot shut off the choppers lights to get his crew to safety, according to KOAT. No one was injured.

Officials said Air Support was able to get in touch with the officers on the ground to arrest the man.

Albuquerque police told KOB they got the mans information from his landlord, and compared his MVD photo to a picture a police drone operator took of him outside while responding to the shots fired call.

The man, identified as 30-year-old Ryan Kolpin, was booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center on two counts of aggravated assault and negligent use of a deadly weapon, officials said.

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Police have identified the man who was shot to death at an apartment complex in Bostons Roxbury neighborhood on Saturday afternoon.

Officers responding to a report of a shooting at an apartment building on Weaver Way around 3:30 p.m. found Jose Despeignes, 56, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds, according to the Boston Police Department.

Despeignes was pronounced dead at the scene.

The deadly incident marks the latest of eight homicides in the city since the start of 2023.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Boston police homicide detectives at 617-343-4470.

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 Back Bay office was evacuated last Thursday after a man threatened to shoot up the place, according to police.

Charles Deng, 24, of Boston, was charged with threats with serious public alarm.

Boston Police say they responded to a management office on Boylston Street around 5:43 p.m. for a report of a shooting threat made via cell phone.

The office self evacuated and detectives were able to locate the suspect during a follow up investigation. Deng was arrested on March 8.

He is expected to be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court.

It is unclear if Deng was an employee of the office that was threatened.

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.

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The deputy foreign ministers of Russia, Turkiye, Syria and Iran will meet in Moscow next week as part of the normalization process between Turkiye and Syria, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Wednesday.

"A proposal came from Russia to hold a meeting at the technical level in preparation for a possible meeting of foreign ministers. We will also send our deputy minister to Moscow next week. We are planning to do this in a four-way manner," Cavusoglu said at a joint press conference with visiting Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in the capital Ankara.

The Turkish minister said Iran also welcomed the rapprochement talks and expressed its will to participate.

For his part, Amir-Abdollahian said Iran is ready to "take on its role to resolve the different points of view" between Syria and Turkiye "within the framework of regional cooperation."

On Dec. 28, 2022, the defense ministers and intelligence chiefs of Turkiye, Syria and Russia met in Moscow, where Turkish and Syrian officials talked for the first time as part of the efforts to ease the tension and restore the relations between the two countries.

The meeting in Moscow marked the first high-level contact between the two neighbors since 2011, when the Turkish government backed the rebels to topple the Syrian government following the outbreak of the Syrian civil war.
A man was arrested by police in Dayton, Ohio on Thursday in connection with the fatal shooting of a woman in Covington last month, officials said.

Ryan Sherman, 54, of Cincinnati, is charged with manslaughter, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon and tampering with evidence, Covington police said in a news release.

Police said 51-year-old Laverne Geneva was found on Feb. 26 suffering from a gunshot wound inside a home at the 1200 block of Wheeler Street. She was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and later died of her injuries.

Covington police received an anonymous tip that Sherman was staying in Dayton, the release states. Officers there responded to the address where Sherman was reportedly staying and took him into custody.

Police said Sherman is awaiting extradition back to Kenton County.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Police: Man sought in Covington woman's death arrested in Dayton
Authorities say they found more than 1,500 fentanyl pills during a raid of an Atwater home this week.

Officers with the Merced Police Department Gang Violence Suppression Unit served a search warrant Wednesday morning at the home in the 2000 block of Piro Drive in Atwater, according to a Merced Police Department news release. The search turned up the pills plus scales, packaging material and money.

Officers arrested 26-year-old resident Seth Ingalsbe on multiple warrants related to narcotic sales. Ingalsbe was booked into Merced County Jail on suspicion of multiple felony charges including felony possession or purchase for sale of controlled substance over 1 pound, possession of an assault weapon and possession of a firearm silencer, according to jail records.

Police ask anyone with information regarding the case to contact Officer Arnulfo Centeno at 209-388-7742 or by email at centenoa@cityofmerced.org. Some crimes can be reported through the Merced Police Department website and anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 209-385-4725.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted to law enforcement through the Merced Area Crime Stoppers website.

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is used for severe pain associated with advanced forms of cancer. Up to 100 times stronger than morphine and impossible to differ from similar drugs by sight, smell or taste, a little fentanyl can be deadly  especially if the person does not know it is present.

There were 6,843 opioid-related overdose deaths statewide in 2021, according to preliminary data from the California Department of Public health, 5,722 of which were related to fentanyl.

That year, the most recent for which data was available, there were 224 fentanyl-related overdose deaths among California teenagers from 15 to 19 years old.

Deaths related to fentanyl have been increasing at an unpredictable pace, according to the CDPH.

Often, fentanyl is laced with other drugs like heroin or put into counterfeit pills, according to the CDPH, meaning the person who bought them does not know it or a fentanyl-like substance is there.

McClatchy Washington Bureau reporter Gillian Brassil contributed to this report.
Editors note: This story was updated to correct figures from a crime data analysis performed by The News Tribune.

Thousands of people visit the Tacoma Mall without incident each year to shop or eat, but the Police Department said last month the property is one of its most vexing hot spots for street violence and has made the area a focus of its plan to reduce crime.

On Wednesday evening, the mall made national headlines with news that Tacoma police had arrested former Seattle Supersonics legend Shawn Kemp on suspicion of drive-by shooting in connection to reports of gunfire in a parking lot shortly before 2 p.m. Kemp later was released Thursday without being charged pending further investigation.

Police announced an altercation between people in two vehicles led to gunfire. Q13 has reported people close to Kemp said he was acting in self-defense.

In recent years, the mall has seen the highest number of violent street-crime reports  defined by the Police Department as non-domestic violence homicides, aggravated assaults, robberies and other weapons violations  in the city since January 2020, according to an analysis of crime statistics by The News Tribune.

Ninety-one violent street-crime incidents were reported at the malls address through the end of last year, data show. The Tacoma Rescue Mission had the second most reports connected to its address, with 55. The South Hosmer Street Quality Inn and St. Joseph Medical Center had 49 a piece.

Of the incidents at the mall since 2020, 16 involved aggravated assaults and 69 were robberies, with at least 30 of the robberies involving weapons, according to Police Department data. One incident involved gunfire damaging property.

The Police Department remains in Phase 1 of its plan to reduce violent street crime: high-visibility hot-spot patrols. The strategy involves police officers, primarily those who volunteer to work overtime, parking with their lights flashing at hot spots, the majority of which are commercial properties.

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According to the Police Department, crime reports have decreased in areas where officers perform hot-spot treatments, but recent data show evidence of some violence being displaced to surrounding areas.

Police Chief Avery Moore said last month that the plan  which he recommended to city officials after implementing a nearly identical strategy while working in Dallas in 2021  is working as he envisioned, though crime reports remain at unacceptable levels.

The union representing rank-and-file officers criticized the plan in November, writing in a letter, TPDs artificially narrow focus on statistical improvements in crime rates in specific locations misleads the public into believing crime is down citywide.

University of Washington Tacoma criminologists who spoke with The News Tribune last year also cast doubt on the plan and said the early phases prioritize short-term impact over when the focus should be on addressing root causes of crime.

Police officials say they are studying one of more than a dozen hot spots to pilot Phase 2, which will involve citywide partnerships and disrupting other geographic factors they say lead to crime, such as blight abatement and better lighting. The Department declined to say whether the hot spot under consideration was the Tacoma Mall.
A Polk County school bus attendant has been charged with felony child abuse after using a belt to hit an 11-year-old boy, according to the Winter Haven Police Department.

Police said in a Thursday morning news release that Loni Covington, 33, of Bartow took a belt from another student, then struck the boy nine times while sitting on top of him in November. She's charged with felony child abuse without bodily harm.

According to police, the child's grandmother and caregiver filed a report on Nov. 17 about this incident and two other incidents involving Covington.

The grandmother, who has custody of three grandchildren, told police in sworn statements that the 11-year-old said Covington flicked him on the ear and neck on Nov. 14. The next day, two of the children told their grandmother that Covington struck the boy with the belt on his side. She took pictures of belt marks on the boy's side and back to provide to Polk County School Transportation.

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Finally, on Nov. 16, one of the other children said Covington grabbed her by the wrists and snatched a picture out of her hand. Additionally, the third child told her grandmother that Covington made the three of them sit together in a single seat designed for two, and when the bus made a turn, the child on the end often fell out of the seat.

After the incidents were reported, police said an investigation revealed that on the day of the reported belt incident, the 11-year-old was standing up while the bus was in motion. Covington saw the child standing and told another student to take off her belt before folding it and hitting the boy nine times, according to police.

On Feb. 28, Covington was questioned by detectives and told them she saw the boy standing and when she told him to sit down, he talked back. She told police she hit the floor and the back of the seat with the belt but didn't recall the belt striking the child.

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Detectives said video evidence showed that the belt did hit the boy nine times.

Covington was taken into custody March 6 and remains in the Polk County Jail, according to Winter Haven police spokesperson Jamie Brown.

Polk County Public Schools spokesman Kyle Kennedy said Thursday that as a full-time bus attendant, Covington's job was to assist the bus driver with students. He said she was hired in August 2018 and resigned on Dec. 2 as the district prepared to fire her.

"This is unacceptable behavior for anyone who works with children," the Polk County school district said in a prepared statement. "We appreciate the Winter Haven Police Department for conducting a thorough investigation and helping us protect our students."

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Winter Haven police say Polk school bus attendant struck boy with belt
The Clark County Health District (CCHD) is investigating possible ground water contamination after a house fire in Yellow Springs.

The fire was reported in the 2500 block of West Jackson Road, which is in Clark County, on March 1.

The CCHD said that while the fire department worked to put out the fire, a water well in the basement became flooded. The day after the fire, a next-door neighbor complained about a smell of smoke and a change in how the water looked, according to a CCHD situation report.

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After advising the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about the report, the Health District went to the home and looked at the well. There was an underground fuel oil tank in the home, but oil did not appear in the water. Still, the neighbor was told not to drink the water until it was deemed safe.

On March 3, the CCHD spoke with the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) for guidance about the smokey smell. ODH told them to treat and disinfect the flooded well. After that, ODH advised them to test the water.

Four days later, another neighbor complained about the same smokey smell and changed appearance of the water.

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Homes within 500 feet of the well have been advised to not use their well water to drink or bathe until it is determined to be safe. Bottled water has been made available to residents within the impacted area at the Hustead Fire Department on Springfield-Xenia Road, between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The home where the fire happened was demolished today and the well is scheduled to be sealed Friday. After that, CCHD will ask neighbors to pump their wells until the smell is gone and disinfect them before the county tests their water.

Anyone who notices a change in odor or appearance in their water is asked to call the Health District at (937) 717-2452.
Dnipro, Ukraine  Russia hit Ukraine on Thursday with its most punishing attacks in nearly a month. A barrage of missiles and explosive drones rained down in a blistering assault that struck cities from the capital Kyiv to the vital southern port of Odesa, and all the way to the far-western city of Lviv.

At least nine people were killed, according to Ukrainian officials, and millions more were plunged into the cold and dark as the attacks hit power infrastructure  including a strike that Ukrainian officials said briefly cut the vital electricity supply yet again to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe's largest atomic energy facility.

A view of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues, from Nikopol, Ukraine, March 3, 2023. / Credit: Mustafa Ciftci/Anadolu Agency/Getty

Ukraine's nuclear power operator Energoatom said the "last power line between the occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP [Nuclear Power Plant] and the Ukrainian power system was cut off as a result of rocket attacks." The company said it was the sixth time the sprawling facility had been cut off from the nation's electricity grid since Russian troops captured it last year.

Russia accused Ukrainian forces of causing the outage, as it has in all previous instances.

Ukrainian grid operator Ukrenergo said a few hours later that the electricity supply to Zaporizhzhia was restored.

What's at stake with Ukraine's embattled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant?

Whenever the electricity supply is cut, the plant relies on diesel generators to keep its vital cooling systems running, but they can only do the job for about 10 days, according to Energoatom.

"The countdown has begun. If it is impossible to renew the external power supply of the station during this time, an accident with radiation consequences for the whole world may occur," Energoatom warned Thursday when the supply line was severed.

Rafael Grossi, the head of the United Nations' nuclear watchdog agency, the IAEA, issued a fresh appeal for a demilitarized safe-zone around the Russian-held plant, saying he was "astonished" by the fact that such a sensitive facility was still being put at risk by the war.

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"Each time we are rolling a dice. And if we allow this to continue time after time then one day our luck will run out," Grossi told the agency's Board of Governors in Austria, according to a statement. "This is the sixth time  let me say it again  sixth time, that ZNPP has lost all off-site power and has had to operate in this emergency mode. Let me remind you, this is the largest nuclear power station in Europe. What are we doing? How can we sit here in this room this morning and allow this to happen? This cannot go on. I am astonished by the complacency."

In January the IAEA announced plans to establish a "continuous presence" at all Ukrainian nuclear power plants "to help prevent a nuclear accident," but the continued fighting around Zaporizhzhia has made it impossible at that facility.

Police inspect damage from a Russian missile attack in a residential district of Kyiv, Ukraine, March 9, 2023. / Credit: Vladyslav Musiienko/Suspilne Ukraine/JSC "UA:PBC"/Global Images Ukraine/Getty

In the shell-shocked central city of Dnipro, residents' fears were more immediate after the overnight missile attacks, and some struggled to comprehend why their city was a target for Vladimir Putin's assault.

"It doesn't make sense to me how this can be in the 21st century," said 60-year-old Igor Yezhov, calling the Russian attackers "wild people  just savages."

All winter the Kremlin has ruthlessly targeted Ukraine's power and civilian infrastructure with missiles and drones, but it is the eastern mining city of Bakhmut where the ground war remains the most intense.

The head of the Kremlin-linked Russian mercenary group Wagner claims his fighters have captured key urban areas after seven grinding months of street battles in the city.

Moscow has thrown wave after wave of fighters, many of them from the Wagner Group, at the battle for Bakhmut, desperate to claim the entire town in what would be its first major territorial gain in over half a year.

In the battered town of Chasiv Yar, just a few miles west of Bakhmut in Ukrainian-held territory, CBS News met Baida, a soldier who had just returned from the front line. At 55, he said he'd never expected to become a soldier before Russia invaded his country, and he admitted the battle was "really hard."

Heart-wrenching decisions for Ukrainian civilians as Russia's war closes in

He spoke to us in front of the armored vehicle he'd driven in the battle, which he credited with saving the lives of himself and his fellow soldiers on multiple occasions.

"This vehicle is very strong, it survives anti-tank mines, keeps the personnel safe, survives rocket-propelled grenades and anti-tank guided missiles," he said. "I can show the examples of when we came under shelling in it and it stood strong, sustaining 120[mm] mortars. It maneuvers well, performs well in mud and forests, it's stable."

Ukrainian soldier

But Baida, a callsign, knows nothing can protect him or his fellow soldiers every time.

"Yesterday one of our men died, a driver of the same vehicle," he said. "That's how it is. We are hoping for everything to be okay... There are losses, but we can't win without that."

Those losses were felt acutely at the funeral of 29-year-old medic Yama Rikhlitska, who was killed as she treated injured soldiers in a field hospital just outside Bakhmut.

"Oh Yana," her mother cried in anguish as she said her final goodbye, "my baby, my little one."

As Ukrainians continue to pay the ultimate price in this war now in its second year, there's a grim acceptance that the brutal conflict is showing no signs of easing, let alone ending.

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WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden will visit Canada later this month, the White House announced on Thursday, where he'll address the country's parliament and meet with Canadian Prime Minster Justin Trudeau.

A key point on the agenda will be modernizing the North American Aerospace Defense Command, which monitors the skies above the continent. The defense partnership was in the spotlight recently when NORAD tracked a suspected Chinese spy balloon that passed over the two countries before being shot down over the coast of South Carolina.

A U.S. fighter jet later shot down an unidentified flying object in Canadian airspace.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden will be joined by first lady Jill Biden and they'll spend March 23 and 24 in Ottawa. She said the trip will reaffirm the United States commitment to the U.S.-Canada partnership and promote our shared security, shared prosperity, and shared values.

Biden and Trudeau plan to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine, strengthening supply chains and supporting clean energy. Instability in Haiti and migration throughout the region are also on the agenda.

Canada and the United States are allies, neighbors, and most importantly, friends, Trudeau said in a statement. As we face increasing global uncertainty, we will continue working together as we defend our continent and our shared values, create more opportunities for people and businesses on both sides of the border, and build strong economies as reliable suppliers as we move toward a net-zero world."

The announcement formalizes conversations about when Biden will make his first trip as president to the United States' northern neighbor.

The White House previously said the trip would happen this month after Biden met with Trudeau in January during a summit of North American leaders in Mexico City.

Key priorities for Canada for the visit include ensuring the U.S. doesnt enact protectionist trade measures, border migration challenges and support for Ukraine.

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The coronavirus forced the two leaders to convene virtually in 2021 and Biden has not yet visited Canada as president.

___

Gillies reported from Toronto.
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This photo taken on March 1, 2023 shows the site of a collision of two trains at Tempi municipality, Greece. [Photo/Xinhua]

Greek government announced a set of measures aimed to improve the safety of railway system on Wednesday, in the wake of the train collision last week in central Greece that resulted in 57 deaths.

Also on Wednesday, thousands of protesters hit the streets of Athens and other cities across the country as labor unions called a 24-hour nationwide strike over the tragedy.

"Suffering must be followed by catharsis," Giorgos Gerapetritis, state minister responsible for infrastructure and transport, told a press briefing. He also apologized for the worst railway tragedy in Greece, pledging swift steps to complete all necessary works to upgrade the system and prevent such accidents in the future.

Gerapetritis announced an increase in the state budget to address understaffing and shortage of railway equipment. He said the government would step up procedures to fill in the gaps in the signaling network and upgrade the safety system.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has also publicly acknowledged the state's chronic mistakes for the state of the railways system.

According to police estimates, approximately 30,000 people took to the streets in central Athens on Wednesday, calling for "justice" and "modern and safe public transport." Similar protests were held in several other cities, including Thessaloniki in northern Greece.

They were organized by the umbrella union of civil servants ADEDY, labor unions of mass transportation, and students' and teachers' associations among others. Many of the crash victims were university students returning to class after short holidays.

"Me and my friends would take this train route very often. If it was someone I knew (among the victims), if it were me, obviously I would want someone to come here and shout for me," Lefteris, a student of physiotherapy said during a protest in Thessaloniki.

"As a mother, what happened hurt me a lot. I feel huge disappointment, tremendous rage," said Fotini, another protester.
On March 9, the Russian Federation attacked Kyiv and a number of Ukrainian cities

"It's been a difficult night," the president said.

A massive (missile) attack across the country. Kyiv, Kirovohrad, Dnipro, Odesa, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhya, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Zhytomyr, Vinnytsia (oblasts). Attacks on critical infrastructure and residential buildings.

Read also: Civilian deaths, injuries as Russia pounds Ukraine with missiles in massive overnight attack

Russia returned again to its miserable tactics of attempting to intimidate Ukrainians, firing a total of 81 missiles, Zelenskyy said.

"Unfortunately, there are injured and dead. My condolences to the families," the message reads.

All services are working. The energy system is being restored. Restrictions were imposed in all regions.

Read also: DTEK reports on Ukraines power situation after Russias latest mass missile and drone attack

All Russian can do is terrorize civilians, he continued.

"That's all they can do. But it wont help them,, he said.

They wont evade responsibility for everything they have done. We thank the guardians of our skies and everyone who helps to overcome the consequences of the occupiers' sneak attacks!

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba also commented on the latest attack, saying there was no military objective behind them and it is simply Russian barbarism.

Read also: Russia attacks Kyiv with Shahed drones and range of cruise missiles, including Kinzhal

"Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine overnight, leading to loss of lives and damage to civilian infrastructure," Kuleba said on Twitter.

"The day will come when Putin and his associates are held accountable by a Special Tribunal."

In the early hours of March 9, Russia conducted another massive attack against Ukraine, using various types of missiles and Shahed drones. Explosions were heard in many cities and regions, including Kyiv.

Five people were killed in Zolochiv, Lviv Oblast, when two residential buildings were destroyed during the attack.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Photo: Justin Sullivan (Getty Images)

Walgreens decision to capitulate to demands that it not dispense the abortion drug mifepristone in certain states has finally cost them. The state of California announced it will not renew its $54-million contractwhich dispenses all medication to people detained in the states massive incarceration apparatuswith the retail pharmacy chain. The contract renewal would have gone into effect on May 1.

This is an attempt to call the question Which side are you on? Whose side are you on? Newsom told Politico, which first reported the news. Are you going to just cower in the face of bullies? Are you going to just roll over?

Read more

This fight began in January when the Food and Drug Administration announced a new rule that would allow retail pharmacies to dispense mifepristone (the first of two drugs commonly used during a medication abortion), as long as the pharmacy was willing to jump through administrative hoops for certification. CVS and Walgreens, the first- and second-largest retail pharmacy chains in the country, immediately announced their intentions to get certified.

In response, anti-abortion activists announced protests against both chains in a number of cities. At the end of January, about 50 anti-abortion protesters invaded Walgreens annual shareholder meeting to let them know blood will be on their hands.



On Feb. 1, a group of 20 state attorneys general sent a letter to Walgreens threatening legal action if the chain obtained FDA certification and started to dispense the medication. The letter cites the Comstock Law, an 1873 law that makes it illegal to disseminate obscene, lewd or lascivious materials. The Department of Justice has already said that mailing, delivering, or receiving abortion pills isnt illegal; the state AGs just disagree with that interpretation.

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Which brings us (almost) to the present day: At the beginning of March, Walgreens said it told all of the letters signatories that it wont dispense mifepristone at physical locations in the AGs states. You can read the letter the company sent to rightwing Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach here.

Wading in and out of the abortion fight and drawing attention to itself made Walgreens an easy target. We are deeply disappointed by the decision by the state of California not to renew our longstanding contract due to false and misleading information, a Walgreens spokesperson said in a statement to Jezebel. Walgreens is facing the same circumstances as all retail pharmacies, and no other retail pharmacies have said that they would approach this situation differently, so its unclear where this contract would now be moved. Our position has always been that, once we are certified by the FDA, Walgreens plans to dispense Mifepristone in any jurisdiction where it is legally permissible to do so, including the state of California.We will dispense this medication consistent with federal and state laws. Providing legally approved medications to patients is what pharmacies do, and is rooted in our commitment to the communities in which we operate.

By comparison, competitor CVS said it will pursue certification, and then basically stopped talking about abortion, since no pharmacies are yet cleared to dispense the medication.

Newsom told Politico that other relationships with the pharmacy giant will be evaluated by the state legislature. Were the size of 21 states populations combined, Newsom said. So, we have, we believe, moral authority, but we also have formal authority and will exercise it in partnership with the legislature, and in the absence of that, through executive action.

Newsom said Walgreens wishy-washy approach is what ultimately sealed its fate. They were unwilling or incapable of doing anything more than repeating a statement that only reinforces the ambiguity, Newsom told Politico. That made me conclude theyre not serious about this, and we are.

Clarification: In a statement to Jezebel, Walgreens said it will comply with all local laws, including those governing the legality of abortion pills.

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markles two children have finally received royal titles. | Dominic Lipinski, Associated Press

The British monarchy has introduced two new members  Princess Lilibet and Prince Archie  the two children of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Following much debate over the couples own titles after they chose to leave their royal duties, Buckingham Palace decided to bless the California kids as members of the monarchy.

Royal titles and the line of succession were updated on the royal familys website on Thursday. Prince Archie of Sussex is sixth in line for the throne and Princess Lilibet of Sussex is seventh in line for the throne. The Sussex children previously were referred to as Master Archie Mountbatten-Windsor and Miss Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor.

Harry and Meghan publicly addressed their childrens title changes when they announced that Lilibet, who turns two in June, was christened last week in California.

I can confirm that Princess Lilibet Diana was christened on Friday March 3 by the Archbishop of Los Angeles, the Rev. John Taylor, a spokesperson for the Sussexes confirmed in an email on Wednesday, per The Washington Post.

Its not clear whether any members of the royal family traveled to California to attend the christening.

Why were the Sussex children not given these titles at birth?

Rules governing the titles of royal children were set by King George V (Queen Elizabeths grandfather) in 1917. George V set these rules in an attempt to shrink the monarchy  titles are limited to the children of the sovereign, children of sons of the sovereign and the eldest son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales.

According to these rules, Archie and Lilibet were not given the titles prince and princess when they were born because they were not grandchildren of the monarch, per the BBC. Once Charles became king, the titles were theirs to claim.

The childrens titles have been a birthright since their grandfather became monarch, said a spokesperson for Harry and Meghan, per the BBC. This matter has been settled for some time in alignment with Buckingham Palace.

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Queen Elizabeth slightly amended these rules in 2012. She decreed that children of Prince William and Princess Kate would be princes and princesses. The decree did not apply to Harrys children, per USA Today.

Related

Are Harry and Meghan going to King Charles coronation?

Harry and Meghan received an invite to the coronation of King Charles III in May, but the couple has yet to publicly confirm if they will attend the ceremony.

I can confirm the duke has recently received email correspondence from His Majestys office regarding the coronation, a spokesperson for Harry told CNN. An immediate decision on whether the duke and duchess will attend will not be disclosed by us at this time.

If the couple chooses to attend the coronation, they will not appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony, per the New York Post.

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Kate taking part in the drill (Steve Reigate/Daily Express/PA) (PA Wire)

The Princess of Wales braved freezing temperatures and snow to help administer first aid to a wounded soldier as part of an exercise on Salisbury Plain.

In the drill, members of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards were on foot patrol when they came under fire from an enemy.

The exercise involved a soldier suffering a gunshot wound to his lower left leg and being evacuated from the scene by his colleagues.

Then Princess Kate assisted Lance Corporal Jodie Newell in administering first aid. She applied a tourniquet to his lower left leg to stop the bleeding.

The soldier was then moved onto a stretcher where Kate helped with assessing him for further injuries to his torso.

Kate, who is Colonel of the Irish Guards, was visiting the troops for the first time since receiving the honorary appointment last year.

She took over as Royal Colonel from her husband, William, the Prince of Wales.

She was taken on a tour of the Salisbury Plain training area by Major General Christopher Ghika, commander of the Army in London and the Household Division, and Lieutenant Colonel James Aldridge, commander of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards.

Kate, who was wearing brown Berghaus boots, heard first-hand about the work members of the battalion have undertaken recently, including meeting guardsmen who have been deployed on security work in Africa, which includes training park rangers on counter-poaching operations.

The royal, who a green combat uniform with the rank of colonel, also received a briefing on counter-explosive ordnance  the de-mining training being delivered by the Irish Guards to Ukrainian armed forces.

Finally, she viewed several of the different types of weapons used by the Irish Guards.

Lieutenant Colonel Aldridge said his battalion was delighted to welcome Kate to Salisbury Plain for her first visit as Royal Colonel.

He said: It is particularly fitting on International Womens Day that a few of our female soldiers met such an inspiring female role model.

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It is a real honour for all the guardsmen to meet their Royal Colonel in the field here on Salisbury Plain and demonstrate a few of our basic operational skills.

The Irish Guards, formed by Queen Victoria in 1900, are experts in infantry combat.

Their specialisms include reconnaissance, engaging enemy troops with machine guns and mortars, and anti-tank operations.

The outing comes after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex revealed they christened their daughter Lilibet in a small ceremony in Montecito, California, last week.

Harry and Meghans two children, Archie and Lilibet Diana, will officially be referred to as Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, it has been confirmed.

A royal source told The Mirror: As the duke and duchess have now confirmed this, the website will now be updated in due course.

A spokesperson for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle confirmed the occasion and said that Princess Lilibet Diana was christened on Friday 3 March by the Archbishop of Los Angeles, the Rev John Taylor.

A source claimed that King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla, as well as the Prince and Princess of Wales, were invited for the ceremony but were not in attendance.
By Jessie Pang

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong police on Thursday arrested veteran union leader Elizabeth Tang after she visited her pro-democracy activist husband who is jailed at a high security prison, according to a source close to the couple and domestic media.

Tang is the General Secretary of the International Domestic Workers Federation and the former chief executive of the now disbanded Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (CTU).

The CTU was Hong Kong's largest opposition trade union coalition that dissolved in 2021 after several members received messages threatening their safety, the group said at the time.

Hong Kong's pro-Beijing Wen Wei Po newspaper said Tang had been arrested by the city's national security police for allegedly "colluding with foreign forces" and "endangering national security".

The source close to the couple said she had been arrested after visting her husband, Lee Cheuk-yan. Lee, 66, is one of Hong Kong's leading democracy activists, who has been jailed for unlawful assembly and other offences.

The source declined to be identified due to the fear of reprisals from authorities. Hong Kong police did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

More than 230 people, including opposition activists and politicians, have been jailed or charged in Hong Kong under a national security law promulgated by Beijing in 2020 in response to mass pro-democracy protests a year earlier.

The law has been criticised by some Western governments as a tool to curb free speech and dissent.

On Monday, the United Nations' Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural rights urged Chinese and Hong Kong authorities to review the security law, and expressed concern over a trade union ordinance which it said had been used to "hamper the exercise of the rights to freely form trade unions."

The Hong Kong and Chinese governments say the law has brought stability to the city, and reject claims it has been used to target democratic opposition.

(Reporting by Jessie Pang; Editing by James Pomfret and Edwina Gibbs)
Proud Boys member Dominic Pezzola. Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP

Tucker Carlson's January 6 footage has been brought up in a January 6 seditious conspiracy trial.

Lawyers representing a Proud Boys member asked a federal judge to dismiss his case.

"This footage is plainly exculpatory," the lawyers wrote in a court filing.

Lawyers representing one of the five Proud Boys members charged with seditious conspiracy in connection to the January 6 riot asked the judge to dismiss the case on Thursday, pointing to Capitol security footage played on Fox New host Tucker Carlson's show as their defense.

"This footage is plainly exculpatory; as it establishes that the Senate chamber was never violently breached, andin factwas treated respectfully by January 6 protestors," lawyers for Proud Boys member Dominic Pezzola said in a court filing. "To the extent protestors entered the chamber, they did so under the supervision of Capitol Police. The Senators on January 6 could have continued proceedings."

The lawyers argued that federal prosecutors "withheld" the security footage from their client, and asked US District Judge Timothy Kelly to toss out the indictment, which alleges that Pezzola, along with four other Proud Boys, conspired to stop Congress from certifying the 2020 presidential election.

Pezzola was one of the first rioters to storm the Capitol on January 6, breaking the building's glass window with a stolen police shield, according to prosecutors. He and the co-defendants  Proud Boys Enrique Tarrio, Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs and Zachary Rehl  have pleaded not guilty.

Carlson's Monday evening show, in which he selectively aired clips from more than 40,000 hours of Capitol security footage provided to him by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, has attracted widespread criticism from both the left and right. The broadcast excluded footage of rioters violently clashing with law enforcement officials that day.

The US Capitol Police chief and congressional Democrats and Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, have ripped into Carlson for "cherry-picking" footage and downplaying the January 6 attack as a peaceful protest.

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In their court filing, Pezzola's lawyers said Carlson displayed "shocking footage" that showed Jacob Chansley, known as the QAnon Shaman, "walking calmly" through the Capitol and police officers escorting him into the Senate chamber. The lawyers cited the Washington Post's reporting that Albert Watkins, Chansley's lawyer, never saw that footage during his client's case.

"Pezzola, likewise, has had a right to the same footage. Yet the government has withheld it," Pezzola's lawyers wrote.

The Justice Department said on Tuesday that Carlson's aired videos should not be used to delay criminal trials related to January 6, claiming that "nearly all of the footage" has been available to defendants. A DOJ spokesperson declined to comment.

It's not the first time the Proud Boys members have asked for their case to be dismissed. The defense lawyers have made repeated requests for a mistrial, which Kelly, a Trump appointee, has denied.

One of the most significant cases to emerge out of the January 6 riot, the trial is now in its second month. It was also delayed on Thursday because federal prosecutors might have accidentally shared classified material to the defense attorneys. The trial is set to continue on Monday.

Read the original article on Business Insider
CHASIV YAR, DONETSK PROVINCE, UKRAINE, MARCH 05: Ukrainian servicemen fire an artillery cannon aiming to Russian positions in the frontline nearby Bakhmut in Donbas, Ukraine, March 5th, 2023. (Photo by Narciso Contreras/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) - Narciso Contreras/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

As the war in Ukraine grinds on, discussion over Western assistance to the Ukrainians has focused on sophisticated weapons: missiles, battle tanks, precision munitions, and combined air operations  aka fighter jets.

In fact, however, the key issue right now is supplies of ordinary dumb artillery shells.

The war in Ukraine has become an artillery war, says Mark Cancian, ex-US Marine colonel and analyst for the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) thinktank in Washington. There may be a crisis brewing over artillery ammunition.

The standard bread-and-butter artillery shell of Nato is the 155mm. More than 300 155mm guns of various kinds have been or are being sent to the Ukrainians, around half of them from the USA.

The US has also sent a million shells, which sounds like plenty: but as of November, the Ukrainians said they were firing 6,000 to 7,000 shells a day and would like to be firing more.

Not all of these shells will be 155mm  Ukraine also has ex-Soviet guns and some ammunition for them, though getting more of that is very problematic  but the Ukrainians are firing 155mm shells much faster than the factories of the West are making new ones.

Even this is not exactly intensive use: no more than 20 shells per day from each tube. To stop a heavy Russian attack, or to support a major Ukrainian advance, the big guns must often fire faster than this.

The trouble is that the West has not seen fighting of this sort for a very long time. Western alliances have gone to war against ground armies with ex-Soviet equipment three times in living memory, twice in the Gulf and once in Libya.

In all three cases, the opposing ground forces were destroyed almost entirely from the air. British artillery fired just 9,000 155mm shells during the whole Iraq invasion. Stockpiles have been reduced and manufacturing capacity has been cut back.

The problem has been noticed. Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg acknowledged in February that Ukraines rate of firing is many times higher than our current rate of production.

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This week, Parliaments Defence Select Committee said that British ammunition stocks are at dangerously low levels and rebuilding them could take a decade. EU defence ministers met this week in Stockholm to discuss a massive increase in European production: though its not clear when this could be achieved, or even if it will be attempted.

As usual in Western military affairs, the serious money and action has been from the USA. In 2021 the US produced fewer than 10,000 155mm shells a month: that is now climbing through 15,000 and Pentagon officials expect to hit surge rate of 20,000 in a matter of weeks.

Ample money is available: Congress has awarded more than $100 billion of funds to support Ukraine, and the recent National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) has given US officials the freedom to act. In January, the Pentagon said that America will reach 90,000 shells a month and do so within two years.

A 155mm shell is essentially a heavy, precision-made steel forging with an explosive charge inside. The US has large stockpiles of the chemicals needed to make the explosive fillings, and plenty of steel: the limit on production is the ability to turn steel bar stock into shell bodies.

This takes place at the moment at a pair of Government Owned, Contractor Operated (GOCO) factories in Pennsylvania, run by General Dynamics. The plants are in 24-hour operation, which has delivered much of the production increase so far.

The next step is new capacity, and here again the US has acted. In November, a $391 million contract was given to Canadian firm IMT Defense for more shell bodies, and General Dynamics was instructed to build another shell production line in Texas. Douglas R Bush, the US Armys top acquisition official, said in January that a fourth shell-body facility will also be established.

America is also looking to fund capacity increases overseas: a deal was announced in November under which the US will buy 100,000 rounds of 155mm from South Korea.

A key part of getting industry to build new production capacity will be promises by the US Department of Defense (DoD) that it wont just walk away once the fighting stops, leaving producers with expensive new plant and no orders.

The NDAA gave DoD authority to sign multiyear procurement contracts for munitions, explains Cancian. Industry has been worried that it will expand capacity but then, when the war ends, DoD will cancel its contracts  DoD has used multiyear contracts for decades to buy ships, aircraft, and vehicles more efficiently. It should take advantage of these new authorities to rebuild its munitions inventories.

So its clear that the Western world  by which we largely mean the US, so far  is rapidly increasing production of 155mm shells. But its often suggested that Russia is out-producing the West, in simple artillery shells at least if not in more sophisticated weapons.

This is doubtful. British military intelligence assessed in February that Russias defence industries are falling short of the production levels needed to sustain Putins forces in Ukraine, and that this is a critical weakness.

Its true that Russian rates of fire have often been higher than those of the Ukrainians, but this doesnt necessarily mean that Russia is producing lots of new ammunition.

Vladimir Putin knows he cannot win a long war of attrition: given time, the US alone can massively out-produce the feeble Russian economy. Time is not on his side. Putin is likely to fire every shell he has to achieve something that looks like victory while he still can. He cant afford to wait, with US 155mm production climbing all the time, Western tanks arriving on the battlefield, and the possibility that the EU might do something effective.

One should also note that Russia doesnt need to fear running out of shells the way the Ukrainians do. If Ukraine runs out of shells it will cease to exist as a nation: if Russia does, it will only have to withdraw from Ukraine.

There are good reasons, then, to suspect that Russia is not overmatching Western military production  even in relatively simple artillery shells.
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech before a ceremony celebrating Women's Day in Moscow on March 8, 2023. Mikhail Metzel/Getty Images

Putin is playing the long game in Ukraine, according to CIA chief Bill Burns.

"He's convinced that he can make time work for him," Burns told House lawmakers.

Putin still thinks he can win, Burns said, even though the war has been disastrous for Russia.

Between heavy casualties on the battlefield and crippling economic sanctions, the war in Ukraine has been disastrous for Russia. But CIA Director Bill Burns said that Russian President Vladimir Putin remains convinced he can win the fight because he believes that time is on his side.

"I think he's doubling down," Burns, a former US ambassador to Russia, said during a House Intelligence Committee hearing on Thursday. "I believe he's convinced that he can make time work for him, that he can grind down the Ukrainians through this war of attrition, that he can wear down Western supporters of Ukraine."

Putin is taking a "longer-term view" and is convinced that "Ukraine matters more to him than to us," Burns added, underscoring that the West needs to "puncture" that perception.

The conflict in Ukraine has now dragged on for more than a year, and has morphed into a grinding war of attrition in the process. After Russia failed in its initial goal of seizing Kyiv, the war largely shifted to eastern Ukraine and has continued to be the primary battleground ever since. Western intelligence assessments suggest that roughly 60,000 Russians have been killed in the fighting so far  an astonishing toll in comparison to other modern conflicts. Russia has also struggled with equipment problems, losing a staggering number of tanks and armored vehicles and facing a diminishing stockpile of munitions.

But Putin shows no signs of backing down. Russia is continuing its push to seize Bakhmut, a city in eastern Ukraine with a pre-war population of 70,000. Though Russian forces appear to be on the verge of taking the city, it's widely agreed that Bakhmut's capture would be little more than a symbolic victory for Moscow. Russia on Thursday also launched a massive missile attack across Ukraine on Thursday. The attack included the use of hypersonic missiles, which the Ukrainian military is unable to shoot down.

As the war rages on, serious questions have been raised as to whether the West has the political will to continue providing vital security aid to Kyiv. Some Republicans in Congress have expressed opposition to providing further assistance to Ukraine, though lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have generally offered strong support for the billions in military equipment and other aid the US has provided.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Russian President Vladimir Putin is betting that Russian forces can prevail in Ukraine through a grinding war of attrition and believes Ukraine matters more to him than us, CIA Director William Burns told lawmakers on Thursday.

Despite morale and other problems facing Russian forces in Ukraine, Putin is very much taking a longer-term view, Burns told a House Intelligence Committee hearing.

I think hes doubling down, Burns said. I believe hes convinced that he can make time work for him, that he can grind down the Ukrainians through this war of attrition, that he can wear down Western supporters of Ukraine.

And hes convinced also and has been for some time that Ukraine matters more to him than to us, said the CIA chief, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia.

Therefore, the challenge, I think, is to puncture that view.

In its annual report on global threats, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence wrote that Russia likely would not be able to make major territorial gains in Ukraine this year, and would be hard-pressed to take the entire Donbas region in the countrys east.

The Russian military has and will continue to face issues of attrition, personnel shortages, and morale challenges that have left its forces vulnerable to Ukrainian counterattacks, the report said.

On China, Burns said Beijing had not made a decision on whether to take military action to seize control of Taiwan, but said he would not underestimate the ambition of the current Chinese leadership in that regard or the determination.

FBI Director Christopher Wray, left, NSA Director, Gen. Paul Nakasone, National Intelligence Director Avril Haines, and CIA Director William Burns, right, during a Senate hearing on March 8, 2023. (Drew Angerer / Getty Images)

Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines said at the same hearing that a war over Taiwan would have a massive impact on the global economy and the supply of semiconductors, and that the Treasury, Commerce and other U.S. government departments have examined the potential effect.

Studies show that it would actually have absolutely enormous implications for the global financial economy if there were disruption to Taiwans semiconductor production because really ... Taiwan, the semiconductors, the chips that come out of Taiwan, are present in virtually every category of electronic devices around the world, Haines said.

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Burns also suggested China likely would have to weigh the economic impact if it chose to arm Russia, as it could deprive it of access to the European market.

Its been important that European leaders have spoken up on this issue as well, because I think for a long time that the Chinese leadership has assumed that it could drive wedges between the United States and our European allies on an issue like this, Burns said. I think the fact that several prominent European leaders have spoken out directly about this is a very important step.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has warned China not to send weapons to Russia.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
UC-Davis Graduate School of Management Dean Rao Unnava

UC-Davis Graduate School of Management Dean H. Rao Unnava

When H. Rao Unnava arrived for his first day as the new dean of the Graduate School of Management (GSM) at the University of California in Davis, what most impressed him were the smiles.

It was a very happy place, he recalls of that day in mid-June of 2016. Everyone was just smiling all the time. You heard a lot of laughter in the building.

Bemused by the ever-present smiles in Gallagher Hall, the marketing professor and senior associate dean from Ohio State University would later discover that UC Davis was once rated among the happiest universities in the country.

At UC DAVIS GRADUATE SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT, A 300% INCREASE IN ENROLLMENT

Now, approaching his seventh year as dean, the faculty and staff, the students and the alumni have even more reason to smile. Under his leadership, graduate enrollment at the school has soared by 300% in five years, and annual revenue has doubled and is expected to double again over the next five years. The school, which was in a deficit position for several years, is now consistently running surpluses. The faculty has grown from 25 to 34 and will likely increase to 43 over the next three years.

Behind those numbers is a burst of innovation in new programs and initiatives that amounts to a revolution of sorts for what is still a relatively small business school. Unnava launched a masters degree in business analytics in San Francisco in 2017 that now has an enrollment of 100 students and an online MBA in 2019 with more than 500 students that is now larger than all of the schools existing programs combined.

Davis is the only University of California school with an online MBA and soon it will be the only UC with a masters in management. Unnava expects the new degree program for pre-experience students to launch this fall after final approval from the university. The initial cohort in the one-year degree program is expected to be 200 students strong. Also on tap is a portfolio of stackable, credit-bearing certificates, subject to final approval by UC Davis Academic Senate. Students taking one or more of the six initial certificates, each composed of four graduate-level courses, can apply the earned credits toward an MBA degree.

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ON THE HORIZON AT UC DAVIS: STACKABLE CERTIFICATES

By de-coupling the courses from degree programs, Unnava believes they will not only serve as a pathway toward a degree but also as an opportunity for professionals to refresh or upgrade their skills as needed. The certificates allow us to give you what you need now in your career, explains Unnava. If you got an MBA five years ago, you would have had little to no exposure to how artificial intelligence will impact your company. And if you earned your MBA ten years ago, a lot of what you learned is out of date. The world has changed so dramatically that you need to know the latest thinking in strategy or business analytics or digital transformation. This is a chance to refresh your education.

The first half dozen certificates will delve into such topics as leadership and teams, business analytics, management, marketing, finance, and operations. This is not executive education, says Unnava. These are real classes. There are exams. Students will be sitting with others to solve challenges.

This fall the school also will launch what the dean is calling a lifelong learning platform that will leverage the existing video components and homework assignments of its online MBA program, making them available to alumni for free. The platform also would make available short faculty videos on topical issues and a forum to allow alumni to engage with faculty. Unnava is working with edX, the online learning platform acquired by 2U Inc., to distribute its certificate content on the UC-Davis platform to the schools alumni base.

ADDING UNIQUE INDUSTRY IMMERSIONS TO A STEM MBA PROGRAM

To make his MBA program distinctive, Unnava also created a series of industry immersions in food and agriculture, sustainable energy, biotechnology, and finance for technologyall fields that leverage the universitys and the regions existing strengths. The immersions uniquely bring MBA students together with graduate and doctoral students from other university schools and departments to work together on teams to tackle projects and assignments. Each immersion features elective courses, lectures and mentorship by executives in leading companies in the field, corporate site visits, an annual case competition, market research projects, and recruiter career fairs. The GSM also became one of the first three U.S. schools to gain STEM designation for its entire MBA program in 2018, not merely a track or two, which immediately made the school attractive to more international students.

No less important, all of these changes have been accomplished without the benefit of a major gift, like the $100 million donation that UC San Diego got in 2015 from billionaire philanthropist Ernest Rady. Unnava, no less, has made all this progress having to navigate a University of California system known for its slow-moving bureaucracy and complex organizational structure. The hurdles are so bad that the provost of Berkeley has assembled a Reducing Bureaucratic Burden Taskforce to reform processes, policies, and operations that make innovation difficult.

When Unnava moved to California in 2016 after spending 32 years at Ohio State Universitys Fisher College of Business, where he earned his Ph.D., he not only walked into a school with smiling people. The business school was running a deficit and had just been through a round of staff cutbacks. Forever in the shadow of its higher-ranked UC cousins, Berkeley Haas and UCLA Anderson, Davis was often underappreciated and overlooked.

FIRST GOAL: TO CREATE A GROWTH MINDSET AND AN ENVIRONMENT OF INNOVATION

Yet, Unnava strongly believed the Graduate School of Management didnt get the credit it deserved for having a superb faculty with rigorous academic programs and an envious California location just an hour and 15 minutes north of San Francisco and less than an hour from Napa Valley. His own calculations show that the research generated by the schools faculty, when adjusted for headcount, would rank the GSM faculty among the Top 20 in the U.S. Its small full-time MBA program boasts a 100% employment rate after six months and six-figure starting salaries.

But the student body was largely limited to a full-time MBA program with annual intakes of about 45 students, a pair of part-time MBA programs in Sacramento and San Ramon, with a total enrollment of some 270 students, and a masters of professional accountancy, with an annual intake of fewer than 35 students. The school, moreover, was a relative newcomer, launching its first MBA program in 1981 with its first batch of 40 students. As a result, the GSMs alumni base totals just 6,000 professionals, with 84% of them 45 years of age or younger.

His immediate goal: to establish a growth mindset and an environment where innovation could flourish. I wanted UC Davis to be one of the first schools in the UC system to do things, he says. So we were running hard to do things first.



UC Davis Graduate School of Management

UC-Davis Graduate School of Gallagher Hall

A LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY THAT BORROWS FROM THE BHAGAVAD GITA

His leadership style is straight out of the Bhagavad Gita, the venerable text of Indian wisdom. The only thing you are responsible for is your effort, believes Unnava. A higher force determines the outcomes. Aligning your joy in life to outcomes will result in pain. Attaching your joy in life to your effort will keep you eternally happy.

In those words, softly and deliberately spoken as if from a shaman, lies the secret to Unnavas success. He is not easily frustrated in navigating what many believe to be a highly bureaucratic UC system. Setbacks are merely obstacles to overcome. What is more important than an immediate result is the dedication and work one brings to improve the institution. Unnavas selflessness and devotion to the school are what drive him.

A Hindu, he says his prayers every morning before showing up at work. A strict vegetarian, he displays remarkable discipline and stamina. He lives by a set of values that put priority on integrity, trust, fairness, and collaboration. Unnava runs the school on an open-book management basis, allowing faculty full transparency into the schools financials. He leads the school with the attention to detail that any CEO would devote to a carefully run business, tracking the fixed and variable costs of the school on a regular basis along with the gross and net margins of every academic program. He invests in building relationships across the campus and promoting ideas that provide a win-win outcome for all.

COLLEAGUES PRAISE HIM FOR HIS SUPPORT AND WILLINGNESS TO ROLL UP HIS SLEEVES

Not surprisingly, Unnava takes little credit for the schools achievements. Instead, Unnava expresses gratitude to the schools highly collegial faculty and staff for getting new programs and initiatives off the ground at a record pace. And they, in turn, shower him with praise. Colleagues commend the dean for his unwavering support, his willingness to give them space to achieve goals, and his readiness to roll up his sleeves and jump in to help resolve a challenge or work beside them as an equal partner. They marvel at the calmness he displays even in the face of conflict.

When his first five-year term was up for renewal, the university did the customary review of his performance. UC-Davis gathered the options of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and fellow deans. In announcing the renewal of his contract for a second five-year term that will end in June of 2026, Provost Mary Croughan noted that the feedback was unequivocal and enthusiastic about his reappointment.

Having held several administrative jobs at Ohio States business school, Unnava came into the deanship at Davis fully aware that a business school deans influence over an institution largely is by relationship-building and persuasion. Faculty, generally regarded as more difficult to herd than cats, hold the true power. That is why Unnava will most often present facts to support several options, dispassionately providing his view of the pros and cons of each course. You should never be attached to your own ideas because that is how you get in trouble, he says.

THE DEAN BEGAN TUTORING OTHERS WHEN HE WAS IN THE FOURTH GRADE

His selflessness is always on display. When he travels on the schools dime, he has no problem staying in a Days Inn or SpringHill Suites. When a guest comes for lunch in the deans conference room, Unnava will drive his own car four miles to pick up a sandwich or salad at a nearby TOGOs and deliver it to the school.

The deans personal narrative would be familiar to many Indian immigrants who came to the U.S. for an advanced degree and ended up in academia. Born in Hyderabad, Unnava is one of three children brought into this world by a father who ultimately became the personnel manager for a state utility and a mother who later in life became a professor of languages, teaching students to speak Hindi and Telugu.

Unnava discovered his destiny early when he began helping his mother tutor young children after school in the family home. He began teaching when he was in the fourth grade at St. Anns School in Hyderabad. That led to my interest in teaching, recalls Unnava, who also was encouraged to develop public speaking skills by his mother who dispatched him to elocution competitions, debates, and math and science Olympiads.

In sixth grade, he ventured onto the stage of an elocution contest, only to freeze. I completely forgot everything, he laughs. I went totally blank and stood there for three minutes in silence. I walked off with my head hung low, determined that it would never happen again. The next time, he walked off the winner.

HIS FATHER OFTEN JOKED: YOU DONT BELONG IN INDIA

H. Rao Unnava

H. Rao Unnava when he was a marketing professor at Ohio State University

Something of a prodigy, Unnava went on to earn a degree in electronics engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in Hyderabad and then an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management in Calcutta. Three months after earning his business degree, he was asked to teach an evening MBA course at Jawaharlal. It went very well. Students wanted me to teach another class and that is when I realized I was enjoying teaching more than I did my day job, he says.

His father would often joke that Unnava was more suited to a life in the U.S. than in India, mostly because he would disregard male Indian protocol to help others, from preparing a cup of coffee for the familys servant maid to rinsing his dinner plate after a meal. You dont belong in India,' he recalls his father saying. You belong in America.'

When Unnava arrived in the U.S. for the very first time in 1984 for his Ph.D. program at Ohio State University, he ventured into the building housing the Fisher College of Business and walked into the MBA office. No one was behind the desk. Instead, a sign instructed visitors to ring a bell for service. Not wanting to disturb anyone, Unnana quietly sat down to wait for someone to come. An MBA student would eventually stroll into the office, and ring the bell that summoned a staffer. The guy immediately gave up his spot because I was there first, remembers Unnava. It was a good first impression.

LAUNCHING A MASTERS IN BUSINESS ANALYTICS IN SAN FRANCISCO

He would spend his next 32 years at Fisher, first earning his Ph.D. in 1988 and then joining the faculty where he would rise through the ranks to fully-tenured professor and eventually senior associate dean for academic programs over a more than 28-year span. During that time, he would also serve stints as the associate dean of undergraduate programs, associate dean of executive education, and director of doctoral programs in business. His love of teaching was obvious: On seven different occasions, he was named Outstanding Undergraduate Teacher by the student chapter of the American Marketing Association, won the Westerbeck Undergraduate teaching award twice, and was awarded the Bostic-Georges service award in 2014.

When an executive search firm contacted him about the job at UC Davis, Unnava was already being considered for another deanship elsewhere. But he found the university and school so welcoming that the decision to move to California became a no-brainer.

Unnava was on the job for all of eight days when confronted with a significant decision: where to locate a new masters in business analytics, one of the hottest growth areas in graduate management education. The ideal location would be San Francisco but UC-Davis did not have a satellite campus in the city. Undaunted, Unnava approached the dean of UC Hastings, the original law department of the University of California system, which was housed on McAllister Street in San Francisco. He quickly worked out a deal to rent space from the law school for his professors to run classes there on Fridays, Saturdays and most Wednesdays.

The one-year, STEM-designated program has been a huge success, with alums now working at such places as Amazon, Apple, Google, LinkedIn, McKinsey, Meta, Microsoft, and Tesla. The most recent graduating class in 2022 earned average starting salaries of $135,000 plus $19,000 in signing bonuses. The program has achieved gender parity, with 56% of the latest class composed of women.

A RARE UNANIMOUS FACULTY VOTE TO CREATE AN ONLINE MBA

A mere 11 months into the job, the faculty voted unanimously to move ahead with an online MBA program, making UC Davis the first and still only UC school with an online MBA option. After the vote, a long-time professor came up to Unnava to confess that it was the first time in 15 or 20 years that the entire faculty voted unanimously in favor of something. The school was able to move quickly on the program by partnering with 2U which provided support to get the faculty to redesign their courses for digital learning. The UC Davis program ranked among the Top 20 in Poets&Quants most recent ranking of the best online MBA options, garnering a second-place showing for student satisfaction with in-person meetings and residentials.

Adding industry immersions to the MBA experience has more closely linked the program to corporate partners that directly lead to internships and full-time job offers. More crucially, however, the immersions have given the students a deep dive into topical industry challenges that make for practical learning. They are sitting in classes with Ph.D. students and masters students from food science and technology, molecular biology, nutrition, and so on, and they tackle these problems being thrown at them by executives who come and tell them this is an issue they are dealing with. How would you deal with it? Because of the multi-disciplinary nature of the teams, the solutions often are richer than what would be possible with just MBA students.

He wisely used the launch of the immersions in the MBA program to develop deeper relationships with the other deans on the UC Davis campus, enlisting their help in recruiting some of their students to work with his MBAs on industry projects. That brought a level of expertise and sophistication to assignments from corporate partners that made the team presentations more valuable. He also has partnered with other colleges and schools within UC Davis to develop a Foundations of Veterinary Business program and a National Veterinary Entrepreneurship Academy, both in conjunction with the School of Veterinary Medicine.

STACKABLE CREDENTIALS ON THE WAY AT UC DAVIS

Not everything has come easy. He brought the idea of stackable certificates to the faculty in 2018 and again in 2020. At the annual retreat in 2020, after discussing the idea, the faculty formed a committee and designed a series of certificates that will lead to an MBA or stand by themselves. The journey for approval from the Academic Senate began in January 2021 and is almost done. The idea is so revolutionary, it would be very hard for an administrator to make it happen. But, when the faculty take it on, things become easier and achievable, he says.

The rapid pace of innovation at the school is also reflective of the high-performing team Unnava has behind him, including Stephanie Young-Birkle, his chief of staff, James Kelly, the assistant dean for finance and administration, and Professor Michelle Yetman, associate dean of academic affairs. As a UC System outsider, he relies heavily on their judgments and the advice of other faculty and staff veterans to get things done.

Through it all, Unnava is never at a loss for new ideas. So while he has led a quiet revolution at the GSM, for him, the revolution remains unfinished. I want our faculty to get the recognition they deserve for the very good work they are doing, he says. I want people to associate great faculty and research with the GSM. And I want us to put in place a more complex view of entrepreneurship in our programs.

WERE RUNNING HARD AND THERE IS A LITTLE BIT OF TIREDNESS I SENSE

To that end, he is hoping that the schools Mike and Renee Child Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship can help to solve some big problems and also develop solutions for use by a major consulting firm such as McKinsey & Co. He wants more students working on white paper projects on market opportunities that lead to the launch of new products out of the school.

We are running hard and there is a little bit of tiredness that I can sense, he says. I have to invigorate people. When they see good results, the excitement will be there. I want the innovation to continue. I hope I leave behind an entrepreneurial spirit so that the school will build new ways of learning and not be stuck in one- or two-year masters programs. I hope we jump out of that. Education is changing rapidly. It is being delivered very differently today than it was and I want us to be at the forefront of it.

And while he doesnt say it explicitly, he wants to keep his school a very happy place.

DONT MISS: LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! BEHIND THE SCENES OF UC DAVIS FORTHCOMING ONLINE MBA or UC DAVIS MBA: TAKE A DEEP DIVE INTO INDUSTRY IMMERSIONS

The post The Quiet Revolution At A UC Business School appeared first on Poets&Quants.
The CEO of railroad giant Norfolk Southern, the company responsible for the disastrous train derailment in rural Ohio last month, pledged during a congressional hearing on Thursday to drastically improve the companys safety culture and make East Palestine and surrounding communities whole again.

I am determined to make this right, Alan Shaw told members of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Norfolk Southern will clean the site safely, thoroughly and with urgency. You have my personal commitment. Norfolk Southern will get the job done and help East Palestine thrive.

But he refused to commit to a number of specific actions that senators view as key to fulfilling those promises, from supporting new rail safety legislation and temporarily halting stock buybacks to compensating homeowners for lost property value.

Thursdays hearing, the first of what is expected to be many on the Ohio derailment, comes more than a month after a Norfolk Southern train careered off the tracks in East Palestine, Ohio, while hauling tons of toxic chemicals. Of the 50 train cars that either derailed or were damaged in the resulting fire, 20 contained hazardous material. Of primary concern are the hundreds of thousands of pounds of vinyl chloride, a common organic chemical used in the production of plastics that has been linked to several types of cancer.

The National Transportation Safety Board concluded that an overheated wheel bearing caused the derailment, andopened a special investigation into Norfolk Southerns safety practices. The probe targets a series of recent accidents, including the fiery derailment in East Palestine and a conductors death on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of senators introduced legislation this month to improve safety in the freight rail industry. The bill would create new safety rules for all trains carrying hazardous materials and increase penalties for safety violations. Its sponsors include Sens. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and John Fetterman (D-Penn.).

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Shaw said Norfolk Southern supports certain provisions in the bill but stopped short of endorsing the legislation in its entirety.

We are committed to the legislative intent to make rail safer, he said. Norfolk Southern runs a safe railroad, and it is my commitment to improve that safety and make our safety culture the best in the industry.

Alan Shaw, president and CEO of Norfolk Southern Corporation, testifies before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on Capitol Hill on March 9, 2023, in Washington, D.C.

Alan Shaw, president and CEO of Norfolk Southern Corporation, testifies before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on Capitol Hill on March 9, 2023, in Washington, D.C.

The railroad industry, including the Association of American Railroads, an industry lobbying group of which Norfolk Southern is a member, has a long history of fighting stricter safety regulations.

Several lawmakers pressed Shaw about both the companys safety record and its long-term commitment to East Palestine and other communities impacted by the chemical disaster.

Shaw reminded the committee several times that hes only been CEO of the company since May of last year. He stressed that the companys $20 million investment in East Palestine is only an initial down payment. And he repeatedly returned to a talking point about doing whats right.

Will you commit to compensating affected homeowners for their diminished property values? Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) asked.

Im committing to do whats right, Shaw said.

Well, whats right is  a family that had a home worth $100,000 that is now worth $50,000 will probably never be able to sell that home for $100,000 again, Markey said. Will you compensate that family for that loss?

Senator, Im committing to do whats right, Shaw said again.

That is the right thing to do! Markey shot back. These are the people who are innocent victims, Mr. Shaw.

Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA): A family that had a home worth $100,000 that is now worth $50,000  will you compensate that family?



Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw: Im committing to do whats right.



Markey: That is the right thing to do  Norfolk Southern owes these people. pic.twitter.com/7HUKDri56m  The Recount (@therecount) March 9, 2023

Shaw offered the same vague answer when Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) asked him about covering residents health care needs into the future.

We are going to do whats right for the citizens, Shaw began.

Whats right is to cover their health care needs. Will you do that? Sanders interjected.

Everything is on the table, Shaw replied.

Sanders also pressed the railroad executive about the companys adoption of a cost-cutting strategy called precision-scheduled railroading, which involves reducing railroad employees and increasing the length of trains. Sanders noted that Norfolk Southern has reduced its workforce nearly 40% over a six-year period.

Will you make a commitment, right now, to the American people, that you will lead the industry in ending this disastrous precision-scheduled railroading, which has slashed your workforce and made railroading much less safe? Sanders asked.

Shaw said the company has been on a hiring spree since he took over as CEO, adding 1,500 employees over the last year, but did not directly answer Sanders question.

Other lines of questioning ran a similar course.

When Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) asked if Norfolk Southern planned to hire the workers necessary to inspect rail cars and track infrastructure in order to prevent accidents like this in the future, Shaw again said the company has been on an aggressive hiring spree since he started as CEO.

If we need to hire more signal workers to maintain and inspect the signals, we will absolutely do that, Shaw said.

When Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) asked if the public could count on the company to lobby for, rather than against, safety improvements moving forward, Shaw said Norfolk Southern would continue to follow the science and invest in safety.

I just really thought when you said turn over a new leaf, I thought you were saying you were going to now support safety regulations, Merkley said. Im sorry you cant tell this crowd here today, that would like to hear that, that that is the case.

Merkley also asked Shaw to pledge to halt stock buybacks until the company puts a raft of safety measures in place to reduce derailments. (Norfolk Southern spent a combined $6.5 billion on stock repurchases in 2021 and 2022 and has plans to spend another $7.5 billion on stock buybacks, CNN reported. Those figures dwarf the millions the company has pledged to spend in East Palestine.)

I will commit to continuing to invest in safety, Shaw said, stating that the company invests over $1 billion annually on safety. There is always more that we will do, and I am committed to having the best safety culture in the industry.

Senator Merkley pressed Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw to commit to halting stock buybacks for wealthy shareholders until he completes the major safety overhauls that the company admits it needs to undertake.



The CEO refused to commit. pic.twitter.com/3rlIXRKPg9  More Perfect Union (@MorePerfectUS) March 9, 2023

Shaws most bureaucratic, noncommittal answer came when Sanders asked him to pledge to provide all Norfolk Southern employees with guaranteed paid sick leave.

I will commit to continuing to discuss with them important quality-of-life issues, Shaw said.

With all due respect, you sound like a politician here, Mr. Shaw, Sanders said. Paid sick days is not a radical concept in the year 2023.

Several committee members stressed the importance of holding Norfolk Southern accountable for immediate and longer-term cleanup and monitoring in East Palestine and the surrounding area. Some have argued that the disaster is the direct result of corporate greed.

If Norfolk Southern had paid a little more attention to safety and a little less attention to profits  it cared a little more about the Ohioans along its tracks and a little less about its executives and shareholders  these accidents would not have been as bad or not happened at all, Sen. Brown said.

Paige Lavender contributed reporting.

Related...
Representative Stacey Plaskett (D., Virgin Islands) ripped into Matt Taibbi and Michael Shellenberger during a Thursday hearing on the Twitter Files, accusing the pair of journalists of endangering the lives of Twitter employees by exposing how the social-media platform partnered with various federal agencies to censor disfavored political views.

Plaskett, ranking member of the Select Committee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government, used her allotted time during the first round of questioning to dismiss the witnesses concerns about the FBI and other federal agencies pressuring Twitter to take action against users who spread so-called disinformation on a variety of politically charged subjects. Instead of expressing outrage at the governments role in censoring political speech, Plaskett attacked the witnesses for allegedly endangering Twitter employees by publishing their redacted internal communications.

Mr. Chairman, I am not exaggerating when I say that you have called before you two witnesses who pose a direct threat to people who oppose them. Its funny when people have to go through that? This is unacceptable, Plaskett said, responding to laughter from committee chairman Jim Jordan.

Plaskett insisted that there was no real evidence of coordination between Twitter and the federal government and argued that the hundreds of emails revealed by Shellenberger and Taibbi are simply evidence of benign content moderation efforts.

Plaskett went on to cite the testimony of Yoel Roth, Twitters former head of trust and safety, who said during a previous committee hearing that he faced threats and online harassment after his role in censoring content at the behest of the FBI was exposed by the Twitter Files reporting.

Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D., Fl.) engaged in a similar line of questioning, arguing that Being a Republican witness today certainly casts a cloud over your objectivity.

Schultz went on to denounce Taibbi as Elon Musks handpicked journalist.

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Elon Musk spoon-fed you his cherry-picked information which you must have suspected promotes a slanted viewpoint or, at the very least, generates a right-wing conspiracy theory. You violated your own standard and you appear to have benefitted from it, the Florida representative told Taibbi with a pointed finger.

Later in the hearing, Taibbi clarified that there were no conditions placed on his access to internal Twitter communications and that he unearthed censorship efforts targeting left-wing media outlets and users as well as right-wing organizations and individuals.

Just ahead of testifying before Congress, Matt Taibbi released a new installment of the Twitter Files revealing that Twitter had established a Censorship-Industrial Complex whereby agencies such as the FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and NGOs including the Atlantic Council and National Endowment for Democracy regularly consulted with the social-media platform. According to the communications obtained by Taibbi, Twitter had a policy of censoring even true information that might lead to vaccine hesitancy.

9. Asked if Twitters marketing department could say the company detects misinfo with help of outside experts, a Twitter executive replied: pic.twitter.com/oYjKUqE96I  Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) March 9, 2023

Since the first installment of the Twitter Files was released in December 2022, investigative journalists have revealed that the social-media giant actively cooperated with federal law enforcement agencies and created secret secret blacklists targeting prominent conservative commentators.

The Select Committee was created in January to investigate alleged collusion between the private sector and arms of the federal government. The Subcommittee is chaired by Jim Jordan (R., Ohio).

More from National Review
One Texas couple feels the need. The need for speed.

Air Force Major Lauren Olme, a B-1 fighter pilot, and her husband, Major Mark Olme, a bomb wing weapons officer, are about to embark on their toughest mission yet: parenthood.

Their unborn baby is already breaking (sound) barriers.

"Baby Olme, who is expected to arrive in April 2023, has become one of the first babies in the Department of Defense to clock 9.2 hours in a supersonic aircraft," according to a media release from Dyess Air Force Base, where the couple is stationed.

Majors Lauren and Mark Olme are both fighter pilots at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas. (Senior Airman Leon Redfern, 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs)

Lauren's aircraft, the B-1, is the only super-sonic bomber in the Air Force, reaching speeds up to 1.2 mach, or 900-plus miles per hour.

Flying in formation with my husband, going super-sonic together while I carried our child, is something Ill never forget, Lauren told People.

Added Mark, "Looking over and knowing that Im following my wife and baby around in that other airplane beside me was justawesome. I was so proud of her."

The couple met at the Air Force Academy in November 2011 and got married seven months after graduation.

Baby on board! (Senior Airman Leon Redfern, 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs)

In 2020, the couple completed the Air Forces version of Top Gun, the U.S. Air Force Weapons School course at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. They have been both deployed together and stationed at the same home base together, an opportunity not always granted to military couples.

The aviation world is stressful enough, then add competing with your wife, who is better than you, for everything," Mark said in a statement the Air Force provided to TODAY.com. "However, we have got to share some special moments together because of it."

In August 2022, Lauren found out she was pregnant, calling it "a shock."

We had been trying for a few months and I somewhat expected another negative test," she said in an Air Force news release. "I tested right before work and after finding out it was positive, holding that secret from Mark all day was torture but I wanted to tell him in person.

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Lauren and Mark Olme pose with their baby's ultrasound. (Senior Airman Leon Redfern, 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs)

Old rules would have grounded Lauren immediately, but in 2022, the Air Force implemented a new policy for aircrew members, allowing voluntary requests to fly during pregnancy.

Our fight to retain and recruit top talent demands that were not needlessly grounding our aircrews, Under Secretary of the Air Force Gina Ortiz Jones told People.

While no waiver is required to fly in the second trimester with an uncomplicated pregnancy in a non-ejection seat aircraft if all flight safety criteria are met, all pregnant aircrew members are required to apply for a waiver regardless of trimester or aircraft.

I cant over-express how amazing it is that pregnant women now have the opportunity to fly in all types of aircraft, Lauren said.

The couple pose at Dyess AFB in Texas. (Senior Airman Leon Redfern, 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs)

Despite loving what she does, Lauren recognizes her job doesnt come without risk.

Its a very personal decision that Mark and I made together because there are risks involved in flying the B-1 while pregnant, but after conferring with Air Force and civilian medical doctors, we felt comfortable with me flying for a few weeks," Lauren said in the news release provided by the Air Force.

While the policy allows aviators to fly up to 28 weeks, Lauren said she will ground herself at 22 weeks "for various reasons."

I wouldnt have been able to do it if women in the Air Force didnt advocate for these types of policy changes," Lauren said. "So to live out a policy change that other women worked so hard to enact is truly an honor.

Throughout the month of March, TODAY.com is celebrating women across generations who have made history and continue to move the conversation forward by breaking stigmas, sparking dialogue and inspiring the next generation.

Related video:

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Real Madrid are considering an audacious move for Erling Haaland this summer, as part of a plan that would see their squad brought into a new generation with Jude Bellingham.

The European champions consider themselves favourites for the English midfielder after a series of meetings with those close to him - including in London - but are also looking to the future after Karim Benzema, as they need a new top-level striker.

While Kylian Mbappe had long been considered their star for the future, his decision to stay at Paris Saint-Germain last summer has set some tension between the parties, and Florentino Perez is interested in looking elsewhere ahead of a summer of change at the Bernabeu.

It is anticipated that Carlo Ancelotti could leave, and the transition could be completed with a major attacking signing to go with Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund.

Perez at one point wanted to bring in both Mbappe and Haaland but the Madrid president is now intrigued by the idea of testing Manchester Citys resolve as regards the Norwegian.

The English champions are the only Premier League club to have withstood interest from the Spanish giants for previous stars, and the very signing of Haaland felt like another landmark moment in how he had been expected to initially pick Madrid in 2022 at this point in his career.

It should be stressed that Haaland is happy at City but the forward is not seen as the sort of player who will stay at any one club for years, and there is a belief within the Bernabeu they can play on any uncertainty regarding the Premier Leagues multiple charges of Citys alleged breaches, as well as the style of play under Pep Guardiola.

While Haaland has scored a remarkable 27 goals in 25 games so far in the league, it has come in the context of wider debate over whether he has actually made the team better.

Perez was expected to delay any such move until summer 2024, but Madrid are at least willing the test the situation.
Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

There has been a spike in Utahns who have mobile driver's licenses or identification cards since the Transportation Security Administration announced last week that it is accepted at PreCheck lines at more than a dozen airports across the nation, including Salt Lake City International Airport.

More than 20,000 Utahns have now signed up for mobile licenses since the technology became available in 2021, about double the number prior to the announcement, according to GET Group, the company that Utah partners with on the app. Company officials add that there has been an average of 1,500 people who have downloaded the app per day over the past week.

"I think that (Utahns) will find that it's really convenient," said TSA spokeswoman Lorie Dankers. "I think at any given moment, any of us can find our phone but we may not be able to find our wallet but that quick access to the phone, the quick access to the app ... will ultimately save a traveler time."

But how does it work?

TSA officials demonstrated the new technology at Salt Lake City International Airport on Thursday because more Utahns are opting for a mobile option for the first time.

Using a mobile license at the airport

The mobile identification process is essentially the same process people have gone through with physical identification.

A traveler opens their Utah mobile license through their app and places it at a CAT-2 scanner operated by the TSA. An agent on the other side of the scanner will line a real-time photo of the traveler to match with facial features found on the photo identification of the license. This is to help detect fraud.

The agent will also see the name and date of birth of the person so that it matches up with a boarding pass, said Matt Davis, TSA's federal security director for Utah. That means the agent won't see other information that would otherwise be visible through a physical inspection, such as a traveler's home address, driver's license number or any other personal information included on a card.

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The mobile process only takes about 10 to 15 seconds, about the same as the physical card inspection.

Marcus Hardy, Intrepid public relations account director, and Denise Torres, TSA supervisory transportation security officer, demonstrate how to use next-generation credential authorization technology units at the Salt Lake City International Airport in Salt Lake City, on Thursday. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Dankers said it's really up to a traveler what form of license they use, explaining that even when people age, the real-time photo picks up facial features that don't change with time. The information, including the photo, disappears as soon as the traveler leaves the TSA line.

The scanner doesn't have the capability to store any of the information, anyway, she added. It does, however, better detect fake credentials.

People are advised to set up their mobile licenses before they get to the airport. While a mobile license is aimed at simplifying the travel process, TSA officials caution that it's always good to have a physical license close, as a backup.

The future of mobile licenses in Utah and at the TSA

Utah is currently the only state that has mobile identification available on both Android and Apple devices.

There are a few places that accept mobile licenses. America First Credit Union and Utah Community Credit Union accept them at all of their branches, while Harmons accepts them at its City Creek, Santa Clara and Traverse Mountain stores. They can be used at the Midtown Community Health Center in Ogden and also at various state liquor stores.

The app is free for the first six months with a $2 yearly subscription after that. A spokesperson for GET Group told KSL.com on Thursday that there are other uses planned for the future; however, those will be unveiled by the Utah Department of Public Safety at a later time.

As for traveling, there are a few spots where Utahns can fly out and return using the technology. In addition to Salt Lake City, mobile licenses and identification cards are also accepted in TSA PreCheck lines at:

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

Denver International Airport

Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport

Harry Reid International Airport (Las Vegas)

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Atlanta)

Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (Jackson, Mississippi)

Los Angeles International Airport

Miami International Airport

Mineta San Jose International Airport

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Dankers said the agency first tested the technology at its primary headquarters but it is now slowly testing it out in real-world situations.

TSA selected Salt Lake City International Airport because Utah is one of the few states that actually has a functioning mobile license program. Arizona, Colorado and Maryland are the other three states where mobile identification is accepted, which is why the technology is available at major airports in those states. The other airports included in the list simply have the technology to read a mobile license right now, too.

The agency also decided to target PreCheck users because those who signed up for the TSA program tend to travel more and test new technology sooner, Dankers explained. That said, TSA is expected to roll out access to all Utah mobile license owners in the future.

"The plan is to eventually expand this," she said. "We're looking to expand the number of airports where we have these units in place but we're also working with a variety of states to offer the mobile driver's license. ... If you travel (often), you're going to see more of these units at the security checkpoint."
Scientists have found that reducing social media use by as little as 15 minutes a day can significantly improve mental and physical health.

The study, published recently in the Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science, examined the effects on physical health and psychological functioning of getting people to reduce their social media usage by 15 minutes a day for a period of three months.

Researchers, including those from Swansea University in the UK, compared the outcomes to groups that were not asked to reduce their usage or were explicitly asked to do something other than social media during those 15 minutes.

In the study, 50 participants (33 female and 17 male), aged 2025, answered monthly questions about their health and psychological function and also provided weekly reports on their social media usage.

The findings revealed that the group asked to reduce their social media use had fewer colds, flu, warts, and verrucae, a 50 per cent improvement in sleep quality, and 30 per cent fewer depressive symptoms.

Researchers say the improvements were significantly greater than those experienced by the other two groups.

Those asked to reduce their usage ended up doing so by about 40 minutes a day, rather than the 15 minutes requested, scientists said, adding that the group asked to not make any changes showed a daily 10-minute increase in social media use.

The group that was specifically asked to do something other than social media for those 15 minutes ended up increasing their overall usage by around 25 minutes a day, scientists said.

These data demonstrate that, when people reduce their social media use, their lives can improve in many ways  including benefits for their physical health and psychological well-being, study co-author Phil Reed from Swansea University said.

However, scientists say it remains to be validated whether the relationship between social media use and health factors is a direct causal one, or if changes in factors like depression, or increase in physical activity, mediate it.

That the group asked to reduce their usage and do something different did not show these benefits suggests that campaigns to make people healthier could avoid telling people how to use their time, Dr Reed said.

They can resent it. Instead, give them the facts, and let them deal with how they make the reduction, rather than telling them to do something more useful  it may not be effective, he added.
The newly appointed board members of the Reedy Creek Improvement District, soon to be renamed the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, mostly presented a business-as-usual face during their first-ever meeting Wednesday, while announcing big changes were coming.

Already, the feeling of change was present. The meeting was moved to a larger space to accommodate the mostly packed audience. Restrictions on journalists were eased. The districts firefighters spoke of their longstanding underfunding woes, optimistic their needs would finally be fulfilled.

For the most part, though, board members did not specify what changes they would seek to implement, other than adding transparency and accountability to the relatively obscure functions of the taxing district.

I dont think anyones going to say that this isnt a world-class resort, Clearwater attorney Brian Aungst said. I think what our job is, is to make sure that that this is all happening in the sunshine.

READ: Reedy Creeks new board of supervisors to meet for the first time Wednesday

There was not much action to be taken, though, as the members were nine days into their terms.

The meeting deviated from its unwritten get to know you script on two occasions, however, both of which raised flags over the appearance of the new direction of the district.

The first was a suggestion by Aungst to replace the districts attorney with the law firm that helped write the Reedy Creek bill that resulted in his appointment.

READ: DeSantis signs law dissolving Reedy Creek, putting Disneys improvement district under state control

When asked why he made the proposal, since it appeared to be a reward for the firms service, Aungst acknowledged that view but said his motivations were practical.

That firm is board certified in local city and county government while the current firm is not, he said. Having them as special counsel, and having a general counsel to me doesnt make any sense.

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The second was a request by Bridget Ziegler to impose a ban on mask and vaccine mandates within the district, re-hashing a political fight conservatives waged two years ago and seeming to throw some of the other board members off-guard.

READ: What will Disneys new Reedy Creek district look like?

The request contrasted with other comments she made about moving the district into the future, and about practicing self-restraint as a government, which she defended when WFTV asked if her focus would be more on business or politics.

Moving forward, onward and upward, Ziegler said. There will be other items well be discussing to bring this district to the next level.

The other members dodged her request by saying they needed to consult with attorneys on procedural matters.

READ: A look at the bill that could dissolve Disneys Reedy Creek

Both Zeigler and Aungst defended their appointments following the meeting, with Aungst saying he deserved to be on the board because of his experience in local government and development law. Zeigler pointed to her background in risk management consulting and her role on the Saratoga County School Board.

WFTV was not able to ask two of the other board members about their appointments before they left the room. The fifth, attorney Michael Sasso, was immersed in conversations with other attendees after the meeting and was also not able to be asked, though his background is in liability and construction law.

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.
House Republicans, who vowed to investigate Democrats if they took back control of the House this year, now have a plan to investigate the select committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, CNN reported Wednesday. Those plans reportedly include conducting investigations into Capitol security at the time of the attack and possibly how Jan. 6 defendants have been treated by the legal system.

Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.), whom the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack accused of leading a tour at the Capitol the day before the riot, will lead the effort, according to NBC News.

Im spending some time over there getting my hands wrapped around what we have. Were going to be looking at what happened in the Capitol. What happened leading up to it? How did we have such a security failure? Loudermilk told CNN. The Jan. 6 committee, they didnt take that approach I think they looked more on the political side of it.

The House Committee on House Administration already launched a portal where individuals with knowledge of the events can provide information about the insurrection and the Jan. 6 committee.

My intention is to take us where the facts lead to get to the truth, Loudermilk added in his interview with CNN.

The bipartisan House select committee investigated the Capitol riot and the events leading up to it for a year and a half  holding a series of televised hearings and releasing a formal report recommending that the Justice Department launch an investigation of former President Donald Trumps involvement.

Contrary to Republicans claims, the committee did investigate security failures before the riot. A separate bipartisan probe in the Senate also detailed how security, planning and response failures led to a violent and unprecedented breach of the United States Capitol and offered recommendations to avoid similar breaches in the future.

The insurrection by Trump supporters, who marched to the Capitol after a rally in which he claimed the 2020 election had been stolen from him, sought to prevent a joint session of Congress from certifying the Electoral College count for Joe Biden. The riot led to at least five peoples deaths and the injury of at least 140 law enforcement officers.Charges have been filed against more than 1,000 of the rioters. The Jan. 6 committee was able to subpoena more than 100 individuals, interview more than 1,200 and accumulate copious amounts of documents and records in the process, NBC News reported.

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Trump sued in an effort to prevent himself from providing documents and testimony, and the committee eventually ran out of time before it was dissolved in January of this year as the Houses new GOP majority was sworn in. The committee withdrew its subpoena for Trump shortly before dissolving, The New York Times reported.

News of the Republican investigation of the investigators comes in the same week that Fox News pundit Tucker Carlson shared new footage of the Capitol riot on his show on Monday, downplaying the violence of the attack. He had been provided the footage by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). McCarthy has defended his decision to give Carlson the footage, saying he wanted to offer the public transparency so people could make their own decisions about how the events of Jan. 6 played out.

Other prominent Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), have criticized Fox News handling of the footage.

Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.), a member of the defunct Jan. 6 committee, told CNN that they are prepared for the Republicans investigation.

Its something that weve thought through over the past two years. I knew that there could be political consequences.  Well see what happens  and well be prepared, Aguilar said. There is no limit to what [McCarthy] will do in order to fulfill those promises to the most extreme within his caucus.

Related...
A developer wants to turn land along Rea Road in south Charlotte into apartments for hundreds of people

However, current residents, who oppose the proposed development claim its home to bald eagles and other wildlife.

ALSO READ: Man tackles teen trying to carjack wife in Ballantyne; neighbor shoots suspect

The land, which is south of Bevington Place, backs up to Four Mile Creek.

The developer plans to add a bridge connecting the property to Four Mile Creek Greenway, but the people who oppose the project do not want to see the plans get that far.

Chris McIntire has an interest in the wildlife that calls Piper Glen home.

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The wildlife is amazing, McIntire said. Raccoons, beaver, deer, owls, large and small. And then these two eagles.

McIntire said he loves to watch two bald eagles fly across the street to undeveloped land between Rea Road and Elm Lane.

There are no parcels of this size left in Charlotte, said Russell Ranson with RK Investors. Its remarkable to have 50 acres inside of (Interstate 485) that have been undeveloped.

RK Investors wants to build 1,100 apartments and townhomes on 53 undeveloped acres.

Ranson plans to leave approximately 20 acres, which is about 40% of the property, as is.

Saving almost 40% of the land, and wooded buffers, the lake, Ranson said. We have been incredibly thoughtful about those that are here before we come and that will be here after were fully developed.

McIntire worries the remaining 20 acres wont be enough space for the birds.

The property is currently zoned for three single-family homes per acre.

More than 5,000 people signed McIntires petition asking the Charlotte City Council to reject RK Investors rezoning request.

Its pretty desirable land but also for that reason, we need to keep it as it is, McIntire said.

The petition caught the attention of state Sen. Rachel Hunt and council members Tariq Bokhari and Ed Driggs.

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Driggs sent an email to people who contacted him about the rezoning that read, I do not feel it fits at the proposed location or aligns with our current land-use policy, and I will oppose it in its current form.

The city says the earliest possible date for a public hearing would be in April.

If the project gets approved, RK Investors plans to break ground in about 18 months.

VIDEO: Neighbors concerned for wildlife being impaled while hopping fences in south Charlotte
We are not chefs. We are just grandmothers (who are) sharing our culture, Maral Tseylikman said as she sat in the dining room at Enoteca Maria, where she's worked for seven years.

The Staten Island, New York eatery has a unique concept: With the idea that no one cooks a more heartful meal better than a grandmother, the restaurant is home to a rotating cast of grandmothers  or nonnas  who cook the meals theyve been providing their families for generations.

Three of Enoteca Maria's grandmotherly staff: Maral Tseylikman from Azerbaijan, May

On March 8, TODAYs Donna Farizan visited with some of the grandmothers who join culinary forces at Enoteca Maria for dinner service three nights a week. It features a fixed, regular Italian menu depending on which nonnas are cooking that night, a variety of each grandmothers cultures cuisine.

Im making lasagna. Im making meatball. Im making rabbit. Im making so much fish, everything, Maria Gialanella told Donna.

Donna spent time talking to chefs and grandmas Tseylikman from Azerbaijan, Gialanella from Italy, and May "Dolly" Joseph from Sri Lanka during her visit to restaurant. Each one of these ladies has been serving dishes from its kitchen for at least seven years, with Gialanella boasting a decade of service.

The interor of Enoteca Maria. (TODAY)

There, they talked about the womens experiences with one another, preparing the dishes they know best and serving happy patrons, saying friends and happiness come with the job.

Meeting people from different countries  there are so many people who come here from different countries. They hear about this place, and they come, Joseph said.

Enoteca Maria's grandmotherly staff serves a variety of dishes. (TODAY)

Its not only the patrons that hail from different countries, either; the women who staff the kitchen have hailed from many different countries: Bangladesh, Algeria, Trinidad, Syria, Argentina, the Dominican Republic, Japan, Belarus, Poland, France and quite a few from Italy.

The restaurants owner, Joe Scaravella, started the project in part to honor his own Italian heritage and his nonna, mother and sister who have all since passed.

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Many times, these women are empty nesters, their husbands have passed away. Their children have moved out, Scaravella told Donna. So, theyre really looking for an outlet and they have it here. And you know, if theyre not hugging me, theyre hugging their customers.

Joe Scaravella seen behind the counter of his restaurant 'Enoteca Maria' where grandmothers (Nonnas) make food on Staten Island, New York. (Johannes Schmitt-Tegge / picture alliance via Getty Images)

When Scaravella opened the restaurant in 2007, he decided to name it in his mother Marias honor.

It was grief-driven and I had no business plan. I had no experience. I never even worked in a restaurant, no idea what I was doing. And so it just kind of unfolded, Scaravella said.

Habiba Hachemi from Algeria seen in one of two kitchens of 'Enoteca Maria', a restaurant where grandmothers (Nonnas) make food, on Staten Island, New York. (ohannes Schmitt-Tegge / picture alliance via Getty Images)

Shortly after opening his doors, he opened his kitchen to the nonnas of the world, first inviting strictly Italian grannies into the shops kitchen and later, grandmothers from all over the world in July 2015.

With decades upon decades of experience between them, the chefs at Enoteca Maria say that they all learned how to cook from a very young age from their parents. They arent just doing it for themselves and their families, but for all the customers who come in the door.

Everybody, theyre kissing me. They wanna make a photograph with me, Gialanella said. Everybody say, Oh, I love you, Ill come again. I wanna see you again.

Two of Enoteca Maria's chefs. (TODAY)

Luckily for those who have a favorite grandma  other than their own, of course  the restaurant has a Nonnas Calendar that tells customers which featured grandma will be in that night.

Still, with all the love these ladies are receiving at the restaurant, they say that they have, in fact, passed on their knowledge and love of cooking to their families.

My son really like to cook, Gialanella said. My son, oh, fuhgeddaboudit.

My granddaughter, she was even about three years, and she crack eggs like professional, Tseylikman said with a laugh.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
(Courtesy photo)

MESA, Ariz.  After Mark Pooley retired from law enforcement due to a rare blood cancer in 2020, he continued investigative work by launching a nonprofit to help find missing and murdered Indigenous people (MMIP).

Pooley is Navajo and Hopi with a passion for helping Native people. A former tribal prosecutor and longtime sergeant for the City of Tempe Police Department, he founded Mesa, Ariz.-based nonprofit Native Search Solutions in order to leverage new investigative tools and technology in helping resolve active and cold cases related to MMIP. Services to assist in finding missing people are provided free of cost.

As part of his efforts, he also collaborated with the Native American Fathers and Families Association, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that he founded, and privately held Biometrica Systems Inc., a Las Vegas-based software and data company focused on public safety. Together, they launched MMIP Fusion Center, a brick-and-mortar space where anti-sex-trafficking groups, families, law enforcement agencies, and media can gather and collaborate.

My main vision is to find as many resources with other non-profits, technologies, and law enforcement agencies to provide resources for our Native people, Pooley told Native News Online.

While there is no comprehensive data on the number of MMIP in the United States, the FBIs National Crime Information Center reported 5,203 missing Indigenous girls and women in 2021. According to the CDC, murder is the third-leading cause of death for Indigenous women in the United States. With Native people going missing or murdered at a rate 2.5 times their share of the U.S. population, the outsized number of MMIP has been declared an epidemic by tribal leaders, government officials and law-enforcement agencies.

Federal departments and state governments have taken action in recent years to bridge the gaps in jurisdiction and resources that leave many of these cases unsolved. Most notably, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland created the Missing and Murdered Unit to allocate federal resources to analyzing and solving MMIP cases.

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Government resources are critically important to solving the MMIP crisis, but at an investigative level, human resources and technology are among the most critical assets to missing people investigations, Pooley said.

An investigation needs human resources, or personnel, to conduct an investigation, and technology such as a database, said Pooley. If you dont have one of these, or both of them, youre behind in an investigation.

Tribal law-enforcement agencies  which are funded by the federal government  often lack these resources.

The Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe have filed lawsuits against the U.S. Department of Interior for a severe shortage in funding for law enforcement on their reservations in South Dakota.

How It Works

Pooley says there are five main reasons people go missing: drug and alcohol addiction, violence, endangered runaways, human trafficking, and mental health crises.

His process at Native Search Solutions is straightforward: When a person suspects someone is missing, Pooley can be contacted through the Native Search Solutions website. From there, he meets or speaks with the person who made initial contact to get more information and establish mutual understanding.

Before an investigation begins, each person must sign a consent form giving Pooley permission to search for their loved one. Families then share photographs with Pooley, and he taps into Biometricas database, which has more than 16 million records sourced from law-enforcement organizations.

Sometimes, people are arrested for crimes of survival such as shoplifting, and Biometrica pulls a public record booking photos from an arrest and makes matching suggestions to photos families share with me, Pooley said. Facial recognition compares photographs families share with me to 16 million others.

Since 2020, Native Search Solutions has assisted 57 families and has found two people with Biometricas database and 14 people with the help of families, according to Pooley.

We as Native Americans are a minority of a minority, and we basically dont exist to the dominant society, Pooley said. We, as Native people, need to look for our own people. If were going to think that someone is looking for us, they are very likely not.

Native Search Solutions services are provided to families free of cost, and while the organizations primary focus is on Native Americans, they will assist any family looking for a missing relative. People in Canada and Italy have reached out to the nonprofit in the last year.

One day, the non-Native world will come to us and ask how we found our people, Pooley said. If theyre missing, well try to find them.

About the Author: "Darren Thompson (Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe) is a staff reporter for Native News Online who is based in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. Thompson has reported on political unrest, tribal sovereignty, and Indigenous issues for the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, Indian Country Today, Native News Online, Powwows.com and Unicorn Riot. He has contributed to the New York Times, the Washington Post, and Voice of America on various Indigenous issues in international conversation. He has a bachelor\u2019s degree in Criminology & Law Studies from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. "

Contact: dthompson@nativenewsonline.net
By Elaine Lies

NAMIE, Japan (Reuters) - Jinichi Abe grins as he watches diggers working earth near his rice fields, knowing they are returning still more fields to productivity after Fukushima nuclear reactors exploded and sprayed the area with radiation over a decade ago.

Even better, Abe knows the rice that he and a cooperative grow will have a steady buyer, and his town of Namie, still struggling to recover from the March 2011 disaster, has a new hope: a venture that turns rice unsellable for consumption due to health worries into low-carbon plastic used by major firms across Japan.

Last November, Tokyo-based firm Biomass Resin opened a factory in Namie to turn locally-grown rice into pellets. The raw materials are reborn as low-carbon plastic cutlery and takeout containers used in chain restaurants, plastic bags at post offices and souvenirs sold at one of Japan's largest international airports.

"Without growing rice, this town can't recover," said Abe, 85, a 13th-generation farmer, who said the rice - unsellable due to rumours - had been used as animal feed, among other uses, in previous years. "Even now, we can't sell it as Fukushima rice.

"So having Biomass come was a huge help. We can grow rice without worries."

Spreading down from the forested slopes of the mountains to the ocean side, parts of Namie lie only 4 km from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant run by Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco), which provided jobs for many  including Abes son and grandson. The plant's chimneys are clearly visible from Ukedo beach, below a primary school gutted by the March 11, 2011 tsunami.

The same wave slammed into the nuclear plant, setting off meltdowns and explosions. Namie residents first evacuated inland on March 12 but then, as radiation levels rose, were ordered out of town altogether with little more than the clothes they wore.

Nobody was allowed back to live until 2017, after decontamination efforts that left tonnes of radioactive soil stored around the town for years, including in the fields across from Abe's. Some 80% of the town's land remains off-limits and not quite 2,000 people live there, compared with 21,000 previously.

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There is one major shopping centre, one clinic, two dentists, one combined primary and junior high school - and a dearth of jobs. In better times, there had been a thriving pottery business, and farming, along the coastal plain.

"Fundamentally, we want businesses that will create as many jobs as possible - basically, manufacturing," said town official Satoshi Konno, who admits things are "still tough."

Since 2017, eight companies have come in, including a concrete plant, aquaculture and an EV battery recycler, generating about 200 jobs. Discussions are underway with others and research institutes may bring still more people.

HIT BY FOUR DISASTERS

Biomass Resin, whose tidy factory sits on land originally set aside for another nuclear plant, is one of the newest.

"Namie was hit by four disasters - the quake, the tsunami, the reactor accident and then rumours about radiation danger," said Takemitsu Imazu, president of Biomass Resin Fukushima.

"It's mostly recovered from the quake and tsunami, but the other two are still heavy burdens...By building our factory here, we want to bring jobs and invite people back."

A toasted rice aroma hangs around the factory line, where rice is combined with small plastic beads, heated and kneaded before being extruded in thin rods that are cooled and cut into tiny brown pellets. The pellets, either 50% or 70% rice, are then sent to companies which manufacture plastic goods.

The plastic isn't biodegradable, Imazu said, but using rice cuts the petroleum products involved - and growing more rice in Namie reduces overall atmospheric CO2.

Atomic contamination experts said rice naturally takes up little radioactive cesium. Additional testing has found no rice above strict limits, meaning the plastic is fine too.

"There's no safety issue," said Atsushi Nakao, associate professor at Kyoto Prefectural University. "I really regret the rice isn't consumed due to safety rumours, but I also understand it's hard to completely refute aversions."

Biomass Resin employs 10 people in Namie, including a 20-year-old who returned, and hopes to expand. It currently uses only about 50 tonnes of Namie rice - the rest of the 1,500 tonnes needed is mainly from elsewhere in Fukushima - but will buy more next year from Abe and his cooperative, grown on the freshly-cleared fields.

Abe, whose son will soon retire from Tepco and join him growing rice, is hopeful.

"This is an important thing to keep Namie going, a really good thing for the town," he said.

(Reporting by Elaine Lies; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore)
Richland police expected to find five wanted criminals, and then discovered guns and a cache of drugs that included a pound of meth, 1,600 fentanyl pills and more.

The discovery started with several tips made by neighbors who saw what they thought was criminal activity at 306 Adams St., Richland police said in a news release.

When the Richland Street Crimes Unit started watching the home, they spotted multiple people wanted for arrest warrants.

So on Tuesday, Richland officers were joined by Kennewick and Pasco police along with the Benton County Sheriffs Office in an effort to arrest the wanted people. The five wanted people inside the home refused to come out.

Since officers were concerned the people inside were armed, they called Tri-City Regional SWAT team members for help.

Police continued to call the people inside the home for more than an hour before they surrendered and were arrested.

As officers searched the home, they discovered more than a pound of methamphetamine, a bag of powdered fentanyl, 1,600 fentanyl pills and $1,300 in cash.

They also discovered three guns inside the home, one was stolen.

The drugs have been tied to Christopher A. Brotherton, 43, who was arrested on suspicion of selling or delivering drugs along with three counts of illegally possessing a firearm.

He had been wanted on three misdemeanor warrants from Benton County and a warrant from Walla Walla County for trying to elude police, DUI, hit-and-run and obstructing police officers.

The four other wanted people included Thomascine M. McEachern, who was the 25-year-old woman shot inside a McMurray Avenue home in January. It is unclear what warrant had been issued for her.

She was out of the Benton County jail by Wednesday afternoon.

The others included:

 Chelsea R. Buff, 29, who was wanted on three cases involving theft or trafficking stolen items,

 Joseph H. Brown, 39, who was wanted on one case involving trafficking stolen items.

 Sierra R. Uribe, 28, who was wanted for two Walla Walla cases where she had been sentenced and violated the conditions, according to court documents.

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Richland police thanked the other agencies involved for their help.

We also appreciate the information provided by community members about this location, police said in the release. We encourage everyone in the community, if you see something, say something.

Exclusive: Whats driving record high fentanyl deaths in the Tri-Cities area?
DES MOINES, Iowa  Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis enters the first crucible of the 2024 GOP presidential primary campaign Friday, with Donald Trump looming right over his shoulder.

Trump and DeSantis, first and second in national polling of the Republican presidential primary race, will nearly cross paths in Davenport, on the edge of the Mississippi River: DeSantis in his first trip to the first-in-the-nation caucus state as a prospective candidate on Friday, and Trump, on Monday, in his first visit since he announced his campaign last year.

The split screen of the two heavyweights signals the unofficial start of the Iowa caucuses.

Its in full force now, McNulty said of what DeSantis and Trumps events, both in her county, signal for Iowas primary season.

People are really excited and energized, she added. And most folks I talked to are going to both events. Theyre not picking and choosing.

While the former president faces a test of whether his dominance of the Republican Party has faded to the point where he is truly vulnerable, the stakes are inherently higher for DeSantis. He is an intriguing but not-yet-familiar figure here, and Trumps team is signaling a desire to put the screws to DeSantis on issues where his record puts him crosswise with GOP voters in the state.

This is where candidates start to get out of their comfort zone and voters get a sense of whether candidates are up for it, said longtime Trump adviser Jason Miller. I would imagine that DeSantis efforts to cut ethanol, to cut Medicare, to cut Social Security  and his pro-interventionist postures on the global stage  are likely to get a lot of attention from the reporters covering him on Friday.

As a congressman, DeSantis cast a series of votes that would have reduced or terminated federal aid programs for farmers. Those could prove relevant in a state covered in farmland. In 2018, for example, he was one of 34 House members to vote for a failed amendment to a farm bill that would have phased out federal crop insurance premium subsidies  a significant source of support for many Iowa farmers  over a decade.

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A spokesman for DeSantis did not respond to a request for comment on the amendment or DeSantis aims for his trip to Iowa.

DeSantis, who is also scheduled to make an appearance in Des Moines on Friday, has not yet said whether he will run for president. He has largely avoided responding to Trumps increasingly frequent public barbs, which include a mix of derisive nicknames and attacks on substantive policy matters. But if the governor hopes to win the Iowa caucuses and the Republican nomination, he will have to explain his positions to famously scrupulous Iowa voters.

Rep. Zach Nunn, R-Iowa, said hes keeping an eye out during both DeSantis and Trumps addresses for how the crowds react to their key messages and whether they are offering a vision for the future or a rehash of the past.

Gov. Ron DeSantis gives his State of the State address in Tallahassee, Fla. (Phil Sears / AP)

Weve seen far too many candidates come to Iowa who were the next big thing, Nunn said. And after a few weeks on the ground going to Pizza Ranches, everybody realized, Well, thats a great speech, but you dont have the human touch. And that was the nail in the coffin.

Trump has taken time to meet with voters in small groups during recent campaign trips, and he could repeat that retail approach outside of his speech in Davenport on Monday. Iowans expect candidates to spend time shaking hands and answering questions, not just standing behind a lectern or sitting on a stage to communicate.

Look, its unprecedented having a former president running for president again in the state, Nunn said. Iowans have a high expectation that theyre going to talk to you about issues that are relevant to them today. Not what was the issue six years ago.

I mean, Im a member of Congress, and if I dont actually show up on somebodys doorstep, and have a conversation with them, theyll tell me, Well, you know, what, Nikki Haley was here last week and sat down with me and had a cup of coffee, he said, referring to the former South Carolina governor and ambassador to the U.N. who announced her presidential campaign last month. Its a pretty high bar that local electeds are required to do.

Trumps remarks have been billed as the rollout of the education plank of his platform, the latest in a series of policy proposals that lay out his vision for the future of the country. But Miller described the speech as a mix.

Its a bit of policy, he said. Its a bit of politics.

Trump is also expected to announce his campaigns leadership team for eastern Iowa. When he first ran for president in 2016, Trump flipped the eastern edge of Iowa into the Republican column and began to secure a heavy GOP advantage in what was once a swing state. But Trump narrowly lost Scott County in the 2016 caucuses, coming in a close second to Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and just edging out Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas. In the state overall, Cruz won the caucuses, with Trump in second.

Former President Donald Trump speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (Alex Brandon / AP)

Theres a certain segment that is wedded to Trump, but then I think theres a whole other pretty good sized group that wants to kick the tires and look things over, Steve Scheffler, an RNC committeeman from Iowa and president of the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition, said, adding that he believes even those beyond Trump and DeSantis still have a shot to carry the states caucuses in February. Anythings possible in Iowa.

Schefflers group is set to host a major event on the primary calendar next month, where at least 20 Republican leaders, including potential and announced presidential contenders, are invited to speak at the Faith and Freedom Coalitions Spring Kick-Off. Scheffler said the list of those committing to speak is still being finalized.

Additionally, the two political powerhouses are visiting around the same time of the release of an always anticipated poll, set to be published Friday in The Des Moines Register, that will gauge potential GOP presidential contenders.

But with less than 11 months before the caucus vote, the campaign is forming at a more leisurely pace than some here had expected.

Its been a little slower this time around because there is a kind of quasi-incumbent, at least in the eyes of Republicans, said Dennis Goldford, a political science professor at Drake University in Des Moines, adding that some of the lower-tier candidates may be waiting to see how Trump fares before they decide on running themselves. I think that you would say at this point that Trump is still the man to beat. I wouldnt go so far as saying hes the prohibitive favorite.

While DeSantis and Trump are just now making their initial forays into Iowa, other candidates and potential candidates have been eyeing the state. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., have all ventured to the state in recent weeks. (Scott held meetings with local pastors between events last month.)

"You can expect to see him in Iowa again in the near future," said a person familiar with Scott's plans, adding that a decision on whether he runs is not "imminent."

Sen. Tim Scott speaks during the Republican Party of Polk County Lincoln Dinner (Charlie Neibergall / AP file)

No one has made his or her presence felt more than Haley, who is on her second tour of the state since she announced her campaign on Feb. 14. At the start of a three-stop tour Wednesday, Haley sought to differentiate herself from other contenders by noting she went to Clemson University, an Atlantic Coast Conference school.

Im not an Ivy Leaguer like some of the other guys youre going to see in this race, she told a crowd in Council Bluffs.

DeSantis graduated from Yale and Trump from Penn.

Haley is certainly doing what you need to do, Scott County Republican Chair Jeanita McNulty said. Shes spending a lot of time here. ... Shes working hard, and thats half the battle.

Nunn said both Haley and Scott have had their personal stories resonate with Iowa voters, adding that Pompeo has worked toward building a necessary coalition.

Theyve all approached it in different ways, he said. "But what is a determining factor is not just what youre talking about, and what your personality is, but what kind of a ground game are you building in early states like Iowa to be successful in getting into that coveted top-three bracket, versus being somebody who falls flat.

The state's top Republicans, like Sen. Chuck Grassley, have so far remained neutral in the primary. That hasn't stopped Gov. Kim Reynolds from appearing with several candidates as they have come through the state, and Sen. Joni Ernst is set to appear Friday at an event with Haley.

Nunn, who has not endorsed, said hes willing to offer his backing to a candidate whos willing to come to Iowa and actually talk to Iowans.

They need to spend time talking to real people about real issues, he said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Left: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Right: A protestor against Guantanamo Bay prison

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) served in the Navy as a lawyer, not as a pilot, as hed like you to think. And as he appears to be gearing up for a presidential run, his record as a Navy lawyer is coming under increased scrutinyparticularly the time he spent in Guantanamo Bay, the Cuban naval base that the U.S. government used to detain and torture suspected terrorists after 9/11.

None of these detainees were charged with any crimes before they were thrown in Gitmo and held (and tortured) for years, many for well over a decade. New stories from McClatchy and The Baffler, plus an interview with a former detainee in Harpers, detail that DeSantis worked at the facility at a time when prisoners were staging hunger strikes to protest their indefinite detentionone of their few protest toolsand the military was tying them to chairs to force-feed them using tubes through the nose. The U.N. Human Rights Commission called the practice torture. Three detainees died by suicide in June 2006 after theyd been force-fed following a hunger strike, officials said.

Read more

DeSantis was stationed there around that time, serving as a trial counsel (aka prosecutor) in the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate at Guantanamo for at least six months between March 2006 and January 2007, a Florida news outlet revealed in 2018. (The Florida governor had acknowledged his time at Gitmo during his first gubernatorial campaign, but did not say exactly what his role was.)

The recent accounts show that, as a Navy lawyer, DeSantis would have discussed the detainees treatment with them directly. Retired Navy Captain Patrick McCarthy, who served as the staff judge advocate at Guantanamo in 2006, told McClatchy that DeSantis was among the lawyers he would send to speak with detainees when there were any complaints. Retired Colonel Michael Bumgarner, commander of the Joint Detention Group during DeSantis service there, told McClatchy: He would have had very, very intimate knowledge of the prisoners conditions.

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DeSantis not only received complaints about the force-feeding, but also witnessed it, Ahmed Abdel Aziz, a former detainee, told McClatchy. Mansoor Adayfi said that DeSantis had introduced himself by saying, Im here to ensure that you are treated humanely, according to Harpers. But Adayfi alleged that DeSantis personally observed one of his force-feedings and laughed at him; Adayfi remembers vomiting on him. (Abdel Aziz and Adayfi were released after 13 and 14 years, respectively, without being charged.) McClatchy couldnt confirm that DeSantis witnessed force-feedings, but multiple former officers and attorneys said it was possible, as he had access to the areas where they happened, though probably unlikely.

Adayfi also said that he and others confided in DeSantis about awful conditions, including guards desecrating the Quran in front of them, and incessant noise that made it impossible to sleep. Not only did DeSantis not fix this issues, they got worse, leading Adayfi to suspect that DeSantis weaponized the complaints to increase their suffering.

Years later, as a member of Congress, DeSantis claimed in May 2016 that Gitmo was a a very professionally run facility and argued that it should remain open. Adayfi told McClatchy those comments shocked him: As a lawyer he should know better than anyone that Guantanamo shouldnt exist in the first place. Its not about prisoners. Its about us as humans. Its about the American Constitution, American law.

As The Baffler wrote:

Some who saw the horrors at Guantanamo Bay broke ranks, spoke out, and fought for the rule of law, consequences be damned...DeSantis, on the other hand, doubled down. Rather than blow the whistle, he honed an uncanny ability to obscure the truth. Hes still never strayed from the company line, even as evidence continues to accrue of unjustified abuse by guards and the widespread innocence of detainees.

The publication noted that DeSantiswho has been described in multiple profiles as a bully who loves humiliating peoplesponsored an amendment to defund a Pentagon office tasked with closing Gitmo. Moe Davis, the former chief prosecutor of the Guantanamo military commissions who resigned after his policy of not admitting testimony gleaned via torture, told The Baffler that he thinks DeSantis is a fascist. (The Baffler also described DeSantis experience in Iraq as part of the 2007 surge, where he advised on the legality of covert missions by SEAL Team One and Army Green Berets.)

If you read only one article about the roots of Ron DeSantis's career in the legal laundering of the torturing of innocents, let this be it. (Seriously, political journalists, read this, because his work at Gitmo has been waaaaaaaaay underplayed.) https://t.co/8sEfA2yvDg  Rick Perlstein (@rickperlstein) March 6, 2023

DeSantis is benefitting from the idea that he is Donald Trump without the baggage. But as these recent reports show, he has plenty of baggage of his own. (Though some Republican primary voters, horrifically, would eagerly vote for a candidate who facilitated the torture of detainees.) As governor of Florida, hes also already actively working on achieving some of Republicans darkest goals, like banning books and limiting healthcare for trans people. His answer to many problems appears to be a bigger military, more cops, and more control from Tallahassee. DeSantis version of freedom relies on crushing dissent and tossing vulnerable people aside, and that should scare all of us.

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Ron Klain gave credit to Rep. Jim Clyburn for the appointment of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court.

Clyburn urged Biden in 2020 to promise voters he would put the first Black woman justice on the court.

Clyburn initially supported a different candidate but he stood by Brown once she was nominated.

Former White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain gave credit to Rep. Jim Clyburn for the appointment of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, even though the powerful 16-term lawmaker from South Carolina initially supported a different candidate for the role.

Asked for his reflections on Jackson's historic nomination, Klain said "a lot of credit has to go to Congressman Clyburn" because he urged Biden to promise South Carolina voters that he would nominate the first Black woman to the Supreme Court.

"There hadn't been a lot of history of promises like that mattering, but Clyburn really believed in it and he sold the president on it," Klain said during a conversation with Slate's Dahlia Lithwick at a Thursday night event honoring his work shaping the judiciary.

That promise was important to Clyburn, whose endorsement played a big role in Biden becoming president. In their book, "Lucky: How Joe Biden Barely Won the Presidency," authors Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes describe Clyburn, lecturing Biden back stage at a South Carolina debate to make the pledge.

"I'm telling you, don't you leave the stage tonight without making it known that you will do that," Clyburn is quoted as saying. Biden wedged in the promise at the end of the debate and Clyburn endorsed him the next day.

"It might have happened otherwise..." Klain said on Thursday. "But I think it was a good thing, that this issue got elevated in that way."

"Partly what makes this sustainable is if there's continued political support for an aggressive approach on this issue," he said.

Clyburn initially supported Judge J. Michelle Childs, a district court judge from his home state, to replace Justice Stephen Bryer. But he defended Jackson during confirmation battles, urged "strong bipartisan support" for her, and said she "will make an extraordinary Supreme Court Justice" when she was sworn in.

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Klain said he got to know Jackson while serving with her on the Board of Visitors of Harvard Law School. She was a finalist when President Barack Obama selected now-Attorney General Merrick Garland for a Supreme Court nomination, he said.

"She was obviously top of mind when the president made that promise back in South Carolina and top of mind when Judge Garland stepped down to become Attorney General Garland," Klain said.

She was Biden's first judicial nomination when he nominated her to replace Garland on DC Circuit Court "with the thought in mind that doing that would test her confirmability and give her even more credentials to be a Supreme Court nominee when we had the first vacancy on the court."

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Russia attacked Kyiv with almost all types of weapons

Read also: Air Forces Ihnat explains why there was no missile attack on Feb. 24

"The air-raid alert was for almost seven hours in the capital," the authorities reported.

"Thanks to our air defence all of the cruise missiles and drones (targeting Kyiv) were intercepted," the message reads.

However, an aero-ballistic hypersonic Kinzhal missile hit an energy facility in Holosiivskyi District in the south of the capital, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko wrote on Telegram. Rescue services are at the scene of the missile impact. A large fire could be seen, and thick smoke is drifting across the capital.

Emergency power outages were introduced in the capital in the wake of the strike. About 15% of city has been left without power and about 40% without heating. The water supply is working normally, however, Klitshcko said.

In Sviatoshynskyi District in the north-western part of the capital several cars were set on fire and three people were injured in the attack. Earlier, air defense systems  possibly Ukraines German-supplied Gepard anti-aircraft guns  could be heard firing across the city.

Meanwhile, explosions were heard across Ukraine, with Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief General Valery Zaluzhnyi reported that Russia had launched 81 missiles of various types, including six Kinzhal missiles.

Zhytomyr was left mostly without power and water supply after a drone attack.

About 15 explosions were in Kharkiv and its surrounding oblast. The entire city has lost its power supply.

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is currently disconnected from the grid due to the actions of Russian occupiers, Ukrainian state nuclear power company Energoatom reported.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
The Russians hit a public transport stop in Kherson

Three people were killed on March 9, just 15 days after six people were killed and another 12 injured in a similar attack on Feb. 22.

 /Telegram

 /Telegram

Read also: Russians shell two settlements in Kherson Oblast, three wounded, including one-year-old child

Russia fired 86 times at Kherson Oblast over the last 24 hours, directing more than 430 shells at the region, said local authorities. Residential areas were hit seven times.

One person was killed and three wounded by Russian attacks in the region on March 8.

Russian forces have regularly attacked the city of Kherson and government-controlled areas ever since the area was liberated by Ukrainian forces in early November.

Read also: Ukrainian army destroys artillery and two Grad rocket systems Russians used to attack Kherson Oblast

Earlier, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin falsely claimed that Russia had annexed Kherson Oblast, along with three other Ukrainian oblasts, without having full control of any.

Russia also falsely claimed to have annexed Ukraines Crimean Peninsula in 2014, a claim only recognized by a handful of the worlds rogue and pariah states.

Even Iran, who has provided Russia with the Shahed flying bomb drones that Russia uses to target Ukrainian civilians, has clarified recently that it does not recognize Moscows illegal claims to Ukrainian territory  including Crimea.

Read also: Russia attempting to import 20,000 artillery shells from Iran, says Budanov

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Russia launched a mass missile and drone attack across Ukraine in the early morning hours of March 9, killing at least six people and injuring at least seven. Numerous energy infrastructure sites were targeted.

This sixteenth mass missile strike appears to be the largest Russian missile attack in months. Since October, Russia has carried out repeated attacks against Ukraine that resulted in serious damage to 40% of the country's critical energy infrastructure.

According to Commander-in-Chief of Ukraines Armed Forces Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the March 9 attack included 81 missiles of varying types and 8 Iranian Shahed drones.

The latest targeted attacks were recorded in Kyiv, Lviv, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Zhytomyr, Ivano-Frankvivsk, Zaporizhzhia, Vinnytsia, Kirovohrad, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kharkiv oblasts.

"It's been a difficult night," President Volodymyr Zelensky said, extending his condolences to those who lost loved ones in the attacks.

"The occupiers can only terrorize civilians. That's all they can do. But it wont help them. They wont avoid responsibility for everything they have done," Zelensky said.

At least three people were injured as a result of the missile and drone strikes on Kyiv, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said.

Due to emergency blackouts following the mass Russian attack, 40% of the capital's residents were without heating, Klitschko said.

A 34-year-old man died and 8-year-old woman and a 19-year-old boy were injured in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast as a result of Russia's missile and drone strikes, Governor Serhiy Lysak said.

Energy infrastructure in the oblast also suffered "serious" damages and repair workers are already on site, the governor said.

A 71-year-old woman was hospitalized, and a 74-year-old woman was treated at the scene in the village of Pisochyn, Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov said.

According to the governor, Russia hit Kharkiv Oblast with S-300 missiles overnight. Critical infrastructure was hit, including in the city of Kharkiv. All emergency services are on site, the governor said.

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Governor Vitaliy Kim said that 9 missiles were launched at Mykolaiv Oblast and subsequently shot down by air defense. There were no casualties.

Missile strikes in Odesa Oblast caused damage to energy infrastructure, Governor Maksym Marchenko said. According to the governor, air defense shot down 6 missiles and one drone over Odesa Oblast. No casualties have been reported.

A drone attack in Zhytomyr Oblast caused damage to energy infrastructure, Governor Vitaliy Buchenko wrote. There are no reported casualties.

In Kirovohrad Oblast, critical infrastructure was targeted with missiles and drones, Governor Andriy Raykovych said. A power plant was also hit. There are no reported casualties.

Five people were killed by a Russian missile strike that hit a residential area in the Zolochiv district in Lviv Oblast on March 9, Governor Maksym Kozytsky said.

According to the governor, two men and two women were killed at home when the missile hit. First responders are still searching under the rubble for others who may have also been at home at the time of the attack.

The attack caused fires that destroyed three homes, three cars, a garage, and several outbuildings. The fires have already been put out, according to Kozytsky.

Critical infrastructure was targeted by 5 Russian missiles in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, according to the Zaporizhzhia Oblast military administration. There are no reported casualties and the situation is "under control."

Ternopil Oblast Governor Volodymyr Trush reported that missile fragments damaged 5 buildings in the Pidhaitsi community, including one residential building. No casualties have been reported.

Governor Svitlana Onyshchuk said that an energy facility in Ivano-Frankvivsk Oblast was targeted. No casualties were reported.

Previously, during the Feb. 16. mass strike, Russia launched 32 missiles at Ukraine, while on Feb. 10, there was a total of 71 missiles launched.
By Caleb Davis

(Reuters) -Russia said on Thursday that a landmark deal to ensure the safe export of grain from Ukraine's Black Sea ports was only being "half-implemented", raising doubts about whether it would allow an extension of the agreement due to expire next week.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative, brokered by the United Nations and Turkey last July, aimed to prevent a global food crisis by allowing Ukrainian grain blockaded by Russia's invasion to be safely exported from three Ukrainian ports.

The deal was extended for 120 days in November and will renew on March 18 if no party objects. However Moscow has already signalled it will only agree to an extension if restrictions affecting its own exports are lifted.

Russia's agricultural exports have not been explicitly targeted by the West, but Moscow says sanctions on its payments, logistics and insurance industries are a barrier to it being able to export its own grains and fertilisers.

"There are still a lot of questions about the final recipients, questions about where most of the grain is going. And of course, questions about the second part of the agreements are well known to all," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Russia has complained that Ukrainian grain exported under the deal is going to wealthy countries. The "second part" refers to a memorandum of understanding with the U.N. which facilitates Russian food and fertiliser exports.

'IT HAS TO BE EXTENDED'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's chief of staff said the grain deal was part of the country's plan to end the war and should be extended indefinitely.

Andriy Yermak, quoted by Interfax Ukraine news agency, said any suggestion of ending the grain initiative amounted to "pressure on its intermediaries - Turkey and the U.N."

"At the very least, it has to be extended by the same term as before," Yermak was quoted as telling reporters.

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Zelenskiy and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres held talks in Kyiv on Wednesday on extending the deal, which Guterres said was of "critical importance".

There are currently no plans for direct talks between Guterres and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin said.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told a news conference on Thursday that what he called the "two parts" of the deal - ensuring safe exports of Ukrainian grain and removing barriers to Russian exports - were "inextricably linked".

"The first part is being implemented, and we are fulfilling all our obligations in this regard together with our Turkish colleagues," Lavrov said.

"The second part is not being implemented at all."

"If we're talking about a deal, it's a package deal. You can only extend what is already being implemented, and if the package is half-implemented, then the issue of extension becomes quite complicated," Lavrov said.

Top U.N. trade official Rebeca Grynspan is set to discuss the grain deal with senior Russian officials in Geneva next week.

Ukraine has so far exported more than 23 million tonnes of mainly corn and wheat under the initiative, according to the United Nations. The top primary destinations for shipments have been China, Spain, Turkey, Italy and the Netherlands.

"Exports of Ukrainian - as well as Russian - food and fertilisers are essential to global food security and food prices," Guterres told reporters on Wednesday.

(Editing by Tomasz Janowski, Ron Popeski and Bill Berkrot)
(Bloomberg) -- Russia launched a devastating bombardment against cities across Ukraine, killing at least five people and casting hundreds of thousands into sporadic blackouts with a new mix of weapons that mostly evaded air defenses.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The strike was unusual in the number of expensive, high-end missiles used, raising the difficult to answer question of why Russian planners decided to deploy them in such numbers now.

Ukraine said it shot down 34 of the 81 missiles fired, a lower than usual proportion because the barrage included three classes of weapon against which it has no defense.

They included six Kinzhals, which military analysts assess to be a version of the nuclear-capable Iskander ballistic missile adapted for launch from an aircraft. This was the largest number of Kinzhals that Russia has used in a single air strike to date.

In addition to the Kinzhals, six KH-22 anti-ship missiles and 13 S-300 anti-aircraft missiles adapted for use against land targets also got through, according to Ukraines Air Force.

Russian forces used the array of missiles, especially those that Ukraine cannot intercept such as the Kinzhal, to ensure that they have some informational successes as a result of this missile campaign regardless of the dwindling supply of high-precision missiles, said Kateryna Stepanenko, a Russia research analyst at the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington think tank that closely tracks the war.

Growing Ukrainian success in shooting down Moscows cruise missiles had fed criticism of the war effort inside Russia from nationalist military bloggers and some TV personalities, who portrayed the winter missile strike campaign to freeze Ukrainians into surrender as a failure, Stepanenko said.

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The Russian Ministry of Defense described the March 9 missile campaign as a retaliatory strike for a cross border incursion into Russias Bryansk region on March 2.

The attack extended Russian Vladimir Putins five-month campaign of air strikes targeting civilian infrastructure including the energy grid, hospitals, schools and residential buildings.

Kremlin forces are currently storming Ukrainian fortifications in the city of Bakhmut, prompting President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to call for reinforcements to prevent Russia from gaining an open road to capture more territory in Ukraines eastern Donbas region.

The enemy fired 81 missiles in an attempt to intimidate Ukrainians again, returning to their miserable tactics, Zelenskiy said on Telegram. The occupiers can only terrorize civilians.

At one meter in diameter and eight meters long, the Kinzhal travels at high speeds and carries a destructive 480 kilogram (1,058 pound) payload, making it a fearsome weapon that was likely developed to target ships and command centers in the event of conflict with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Its difficult to intercept because its launched at long-range, its fast, (above Mach 5 at peak speed), its likely capable of mid-course maneuvers like the 9K720 Iskander (RS-SS-26 Stone) of which its a variant, and it flies at altitudes that have tended to be neglected by ground based air defenses, said Douglas Barrie, senior fellow for military aerospace at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, a London think tank.

How many Russia has to use in Ukraine is unknown and the fact that six were deployed in a single attack tells us little, according to Barrie. Ruslan Pukhov, head of the Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies in Moscow, said its possible Russia used the Kinzhals because its saving its dwindling stock cruise missiles shot from ground-based launchers for whats expected to be more intense fighting with the end of winter.

Russia had to expand the use of Kinzhal missiles because Ukraines air defense capabilities improved and will improve further as they will receive more Western air defense systems, Pukhov said. In the wake of more active fighting this spring it is more logical to use Kinzhals now and save more cruise missiles for future.

While Ukraines authorities say the electricity grid has survived the most difficult period of winter, low temperatures continue to test millions of Ukrainians left vulnerable from the war. The capital and major cities such as Kharkiv, Odesa and Zhytomyr reported blackouts, while air-raid sirens that started blaring after midnight continued to sound as the sun rose.

The barrage underscored the wide-scale destruction Putins forces are wreaking on Ukraine with the war in its second year. Tens of thousands of people have died in Russias attempt to seize control of its neighbor  and until recently historical ally  while the fighting has driven more than a third of Ukraines 41 million people from their homes.

With the most intense combat now centered around Bakhmut, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Kyivs forces would hold the line until it becomes impossible, Italian newspaper La Repubblica reported.

If we can still fight in Bakhmut, we must fight, Kuleba said in an interview published on Thursday.

Air defenses shot down all the missiles and drones that targeted the capital, but missiles struck their targets elsewhere. Ukraine shot down only 34 of the 81 fired during the bombardment and only half of the eight drones launched at targets outside of Kyiv, the commander-in-chief of Ukraines armed forces, Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, said on Telegram.

The attack was truly massive, Ukrainian Air Defense spokesman Yuriy Ihnat said on television.

Worst Is Over in Russias War on Ukrainian Energy, Operator Says

Shelling also knocked Europes biggest nuclear power plant at Zaporizhzhia off the grid. Authorities reverted to diesel generators to run the plants operational and safety systems, regulator Energoatom said on Telegram.

--With assistance from Kateryna Choursina and Marc Champion.

(Updates with Institute for the Study of War and Russian defense ministry comments from 6th paragraph)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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By Dan Peleschuk

KYIV (Reuters) -Russia unleashed a new wave of air strikes across Ukraine on Thursday, killing at least six people and knocking out power, including to the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station.

Ukraine's military said Russia fired 81 missiles and eight drones in attacks mainly targeting energy infrastructure, and that the weapons used included six hypersonic Kinzhal missiles which Ukraine cannot intercept.

The attacks were mainly on energy facilities and hit more than half a dozen regions, striking the capital Kyiv, the Black Sea port of Odesa and the second-largest city Kharkiv.

Ukraine's military said air defences knocked out at least 34 missiles and four Shahed suicide drones, but regional officials said five people were killed in the western region of Lviv and one in southeastern Dnipropetrovsk in southeastern Ukraine.

"This was a major attack and for the first time with so many different types of missiles...The enemy launched six Kinzhals," air force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat said. "It was like never before."

Russia, which launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine just over a year ago, stepped up air strikes last October, and has frequently knocked out power to millions of people since then.

Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko said at least two people were wounded in an attack on the capital that knocked out heating to 40% of the city on Thursday.

Reuters correspondents in Kyiv heard a series of explosions around 7:00 a.m. (0500 GMT).

Ukraine's state nuclear power agency, Energoatom, said the strikes also cut electricity to the Zaporizhizhia nuclear power plant, Europe's largest, forcing it to switch to diesel generators which have enough fuel to power it for 10 days.

National grid operator Ukrenergo said power had been limited in all regions during the strikes as a precaution, and that at least three would experience longer cuts as a result of the attacks.

Russia-installed officials in the occupied part of the Zaporizhzhia region said the halt in electricity supplies to the nuclear plant was "a provocation".

Story continues

But Andriy Yermak, the chief of the Ukrainian presidential staff, wrote on the Telegram messaging app: "The terrorists are doing everything they can to leave us without power... They are continuing their terror against peaceful people."

Kharkiv region Governor Oleh Synehubov said his city in northeastern Ukraine had been hit by about 15 S-300 ballistic missiles, which Ukraine is also unable to intercept.

"The enemy made about 15 strikes on the city and region," he said on Telegram. "Infrastructure was again among the targets."

(Editing by Timothy Heritage)
Russia has fired 81 missiles of various types over Ukraine on the night of 8-9 March, with Ukrainian Air Defence Forces shooting down 34 out of the 48 cruise missiles.

Source: Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine; Ukrainian Air Force press service

Quote: "Last night, the enemy launched a massive missile attack on critical infrastructure facilities in Ukraine.

81 missiles of various types were launched:

- 28 launches of Kh-101/Kh-555 air-launched cruise missiles;

- 20 launches of Kalibr sea-launched cruise missiles;

- 6 launches of Kh-22 air-launched cruise missiles;

- 6 launches of Kh-47 Kinzhal air-launched cruise missiles;

- 8 launches of guided air missiles: two Kh-31P and six X-59;

- 13 launches of S-300 anti-aircraft guided missiles.

In addition, 8 Shahed-136/131 attack UAVs were launched.

Details: Out of the 48 Kh-101/Kh-555 and Kalibr cruise missiles fired, 34 missiles and 4 Shahed-136/131 UAVs were destroyed by Ukrainian Air Force assets and personnel, in cooperation with units of other Defence Forces of Ukraine".

As a result of organised countermeasures, 8 Kh-31P and Kh-59 guided air missiles did not reach their targets.

The Air Force notes that the Ukrainian Armed Forces lack the means to destroy Kh-22, Kh-47 Kinzhal and S-300 missiles.

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Russia battered Ukraine with a massive rocket attack of missile strikes that hit critical infrastructure and residential buildings across the country, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

Its been a difficult night. A massive rocket attack across the country.  Attacks on critical infrastructure and residential buildings, Zelensky said in a Telegram post.

The enemy fired 81 missiles in an attempt to intimidate Ukrainians again, returning to their miserable tactics. The occupiers can only terrorize civilians, he added.

The Ukrainian president said attacks targeted several regions throughout Ukraine, including Odesa, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia  which houses Europes largest nuclear power plant  and the capital city of Kyiv. Some people were injured and killed in the strikes, Zelensky said.

Zelensky and other top Kyiv officials quickly turned attention to protecting the countrys energy infrastructure and restoring power to affected areas.

Despite thousands of Russian attacks, we will all together ensure the invincibility of Ukraine. We are working. We will win! the president said.

Ukraines chief commander of the armed forces, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, said Russia shot 81 missiles and eight Shahed drones into Ukraine on Thursday, according to The Associated Press.

The onslaught of strikes comes as Ukraine defends the embattled town of Bakhmut. Reuters reported that Russias defense ministry said it carried out the new strikes in retaliation for an alleged raid last week on a village in the Bryansk region of Russia last week.

Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine overnight, leading to loss of lives and damaging civilian infrastructure. No military objective, just Russian barbarism, said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

The day will come when [Russian President Vladimir] Putin and his associates are held accountable by a Special Tribunal, Kuleba said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
MiG-31BM supersonic interceptor equipped with a Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic cruise missile underneath it. Russian Ministry of Defense/YouTube

Russian forces launched a huge missile and drone attack against Ukraine on Thursday.

The missiles that were launched include Kh-47 hypersonic and Kh-22 anti-ship missiles.

Ukraine's air defenses are unable to shoot down these weapons, a military official said.

Russian forces carried out a massive missile attack against Ukraine on Thursday that included both rarely seen and wildly unpredictable missiles that Kyiv's defenses can't stop.

Ukraine's military said Russia fired 81 missiles and eight Iranian-made suicide drones at cities across the country, leaving multiple civilians dead and injured. Kyiv's air defenses managed to shoot down 34 cruise missiles and four drones, Ukraine's defense ministry said. Another eight missiles missed their targets.

But others made it through Ukraine's formidable defenses.

Among the missiles that were fired were 28 Kh-101 and Kh-555 air-launched cruise missiles, 20 Kalibr sea-launched cruise missiles, 13 S-300 surface-to-air missiles, eight Kh-31P and 6 Kh-59 guided missiles, six Kh-47 Kinzhal missiles, and six Kh-22 missiles, according to Ukrainian state media.

The Kh-47 Kinzhal is a conventional air-launched ballistic missile that is capable of traveling at hypersonic speeds  at least Mach 5, or five times the speed of sound. Though it is known as one of Russia's "super weapons," the Kinzhal is not actually a new "hypersonic" weapon in the way the term is normally used, as it has a classic design that stretches back decades. That said, it does have certain advanced capabilities that present a grave challenge for Ukraine's air defenses, though it has rarely seen operational use beyond March 2022.

Meanwhile, the Kh-22s fired by Russian forces are Soviet-era supersonic anti-ship missiles known by NATO as the AS-4 Kitchen. Western intelligence agencies and military experts say these massive missiles are unpredictable and inaccurate when used against land targets and can inflict widespread collateral damage. These weapons have done so repeatedly throughout the war in Ukraine.

Story continues

Three rockets launched against Ukraine from Russia's Belgorod region are seen at dawn in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Thursday, March 9, 2023. AP Photo/Vadim Belikov

Villagers walk in the debris of private houses ruined in Russia's night rocket attack in a village, in Zolochevsky district in the Lviv region, Ukraine, Thursday, March 9, 2023. AP Photo/Mykola Tys

Yurii Ihnat, a spokesperson for Ukraine's military, said Thursday's attack was "really large-scale and for the first time using such different types of missiles. We see that this time as many as six Kinzhal were used. This is an attack like I don't remember seeing before." He added that Ukraine has "no capabilities to counter these weapons," referencing the Kinzhals and the Kh-22s, according to CNN.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the attack targeted residential areas and Kyiv's critical infrastructure, but he said that the country's energy system is being restored. "The enemy fired 81 missiles in an attempt to intimidate Ukrainians again, returning to their miserable tactics," he wrote on Telegram. "The occupiers can only terrorize civilians. That's all they can do. But it won't help them. They won't avoid responsibility for everything they have done."

Thursday's attack was Russia's largest on Ukraine in weeks and comes as fighting continues to rage in the eastern Donbas region as the war stretches into its second year and casualties continue to mount on both sides.

Earlier this week, the US intelligence director said Russia's wasted resources and heavy losses in Ukraine have made the country less of a conventional military threat and will force it to rely on less traditional force options in the future.

"Russia will become even more reliant on asymmetric options such as nuclear, cyber, space capabilities, and on China," Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines told lawmakers.

Read the original article on Business Insider
For the first time, Russia fired at Ukraine with such different types of missiles

I dont remember this happening before, Ihnat said.

In total, the enemy launched six Kinzhals.

Read also: Zaporizhzhya NPP de-energized, only 10 days to restore power to safety systems

Ihnat also said Russia used a wide range of aircraft, including strategic bombers and MiG-31K supersonic interceptor aircraft.

We arent yet able to shoot down Kinzhal, Kh-22 and S-300 missiles, the air force spokesperson said.

The Russians wanted to hit our air defense system with guided air missiles.

Read also: Civilian deaths, injuries as Russia pounds Ukraine with missiles in massive overnight attack

Russia launched another massive missile barrage against Ukraine overnight on March 9. Explosions rocked several cities and regions, including the capital city Kyiv.

Casualties were reported as a result of the attack, as well as damage to energy infrastructure facilities.

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valerii Zaluzhnyi said Russia had launched a total of 81 missiles at Ukraine. Ukrainian air defense forces succeeded in destroying 34 cruise missiles, as well as four out of eight attacking Shahed-136/131 suicide drones.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
The Russian occupiers continue their attempts to capture Bakhmut, break through the defence on the Kupiansk and Lyman fronts, and conduct unsuccessful offensives towards the Avdiivka and Shakhtarsk fronts as of the evening of 9 March.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 18:00 on 9 March

Quote: "The enemy has never stopped trying to surround the city of Bakhmut, with further advance to the administrative borders of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.

They focus on conducting offensive operations on the Kupiansk, Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Shakhtarsk fronts."

Details: Russian troops continue reinforcing the border areas of Russias Kursk Oblast using engineering equipment.

On 8-9 March, the Russian army deployed mortars and artillery to attack areas in and around the settlements of Kharkiv Oblast.

On the Kupiansk and Lyman fronts, the Russian forces continue their attempts to break through the Ukrainian defence.

On the Bakhmut front, Russian troops never stopped their assault on Bakhmut. Ukrainian forces repelled numerous attacks on areas in and around the settlements of Bakhmut and Ivanivske.

Ukrainian border guards destroyed a Russian Orlan-10 UAV near Bakhmut. A Russian drone was conducting reconnaissance of Ukrainian positions. Ukrainian soldiers shot it down using a man-portable air defence system.

On the Avdiivka and Shakhtarsk fronts, invaders carried out unsuccessful offensive actions towards the settlements of Krasnohorivka, Kamianka, Avdiivka, Sieverne, Pervomaiske, Nevelske, Marinka, Pobieda and Vuhledar in Donetsk Oblast.

On the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson fronts, the Russian forces are on the defensive. Areas in and around settlements near the contact line and the city of Kherson were attacked.

On 8-9 March, Ukrainian Air Force carried out seven strikes on clusters of Russian military personnel and equipment.

During the day, units of Rocket Forces and Artillery hit a Russian command post, six clusters of Russian military personnel, two logistics centres, three ammunition storage points, an electronic warfare station and an anti-aircraft missile system at a firing position.

Story continues

The Russian army launched 84 missiles of various types over the last day. Ukrainian Defence Forces shot down 34 missiles, another eight could not reach their targets.

Russian invaders also carried out 12 airstrikes, in particular using eight Shahed-136 UAVs. Four of those were destroyed.

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Russia is keeping two missile carriers with a total firing capacity of up to four Kalibr cruise missiles in the Black Sea.

Source: Ukrainian Navy on Telegram; Natalia Humeniuk, Head of Joint Coordinated Press Centre for the Security and Defence Forces of the South of Ukraine, on air during national 24/7 newscast

Quote: "There are eight enemy warships on combat duty in the Black Sea, including two Kalibr cruise missile carriers with a total firing capacity of up to 4 missiles."

Details: One Russian warship is in the Sea of Azov, and 7 Russian warships have been observed in the Mediterranean Sea, three of which are carriers of Kalibr cruise missiles. The total firing capacity is up to 20 missiles.

In the morning, Natalia Humeniuk, Head of the Joint Coordinated Press Centre for the Security and Defence Forces of the South of Ukraine, reported that two missile carriers carrying 16 Kalibr missiles were in the Black Sea.

Background:

During the night and morning of 9 March, Russia launched massive missile strikes from various directions, including the sea.

Yurii Ihnat, Spokesperson of the Air Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said the missiles had been launched from the Caspian, Azov, and Black seas.

Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, reported that Russia had fired 81 missiles of various types over Ukraine on the night of 8-9 March, with Ukrainian Air Defence Forces shooting down 34 out of the 48 cruise missiles launched.

Natalia Humeniuk, Head of the Joint Coordinated Press Centre for the Security and Defence Forces of the South of Ukraine, said the danger of a second missile attack remains.

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Infrastructure facilities have been hit in Ukraine's south as a result of a large-scale Russian missile attack, with preliminary reports indicating that there are no casualties.

Source: Nataliia Humeniuk, Head of the Joint Press Centre of the Defence Forces of Ukraine's south, on the 24/7 nationwide newscast

Quote: "Preliminary information indicates that infrastructure facilities in our area of responsibility have been hit... There are strikes in Kirovohrad, Odesa, Vinnytsia and Kryvyi Rih oblasts. Fortunately, there were no casualties. Competent professionals will restore these facilities."

Details: According to Humeniuk, in total, 19 Russian air targets were downed, including 18 missiles and 1 reconnaissance drone, in the area of responsibility of the Defence Forces of Ukraine's south.

Quote: "A typical feature of this attack was that the enemy split it in waves, trying to distract the air defence system, using Shahed drones at the beginning of the attacks, then missiles of various types were used: air-launched Kh-22s, Kh-101s, Kh-59s and high-precision Kalibr missiles were also used...

According to the results of the air defence forces work in our area, 9 missiles were shot down over Mykolaiv Oblast, 6 missiles were destroyed over Odesa Oblast, and 2 missiles were also shot down over Kherson Oblast, as well as one operational-tactical UAV, with the help of which the enemy tried to conduct reconnaissance in the pause between missile waves and assess the results of their strikes.

That is why we emphasise once again: it is impossible to report either a strike or the operation of the air defence system during large-scale missile attacks".

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KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  A barrage of more than 80 Russian missiles and a smaller number of exploding drones hit residential buildings and critical infrastructure across Ukraine on Thursday, killing six people and leaving hundreds of thousands without heat or electricity.

The largest such attack in three weeks also put Europes largest nuclear plant at risk by knocking it off the power grid for hours before it was reconnected. Because nuclear plants need constant power to run cooling systems to avoid a meltdown, the latest threat to the Zaporizhzhia plant again raised the specter of a nuclear catastrophe.

Air raid sirens wailed through the night as the attacks targeted a wide swath of the country, including western Ukraine, which is far from the front lines. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the assault that came while many people slept was an attempt by Moscow to intimidate Ukrainians again.

The Russian Defense Ministry said the strikes were in retaliation for a recent incursion into the Bryansk region of western Russia by what Moscow claimed were Ukrainian saboteurs. Ukraine denied the claim and warned that Moscow could use the allegations to justify stepping up its own assaults.

The Kremlins forces started targeting Ukraines power supply last October in an apparent attempt to demoralize the civilian population and compel Kyiv to negotiate peace on Moscows terms. The attacks later became less frequent, and analysts speculated that Russia may have been running low on ammunition. The last major bombardment was Feb. 16.

Overall, Russia launched 81 missiles and eight exploding Iranian-made Shahed drones Thursday, according to Ukraines chief commander of the armed forces, Valerii Zaluzhnyi. Thirty-four missiles were intercepted, as were four drones, he said. The mixture of munitions makes it harder for air defenses to cope with the onslaught, military analysts say.

Among the weapons were six hypersonic Kinzhal cruise missiles, which are among the most sophisticated weapons in the Russian arsenal, Ukrainian air force spokesman Yurii Ihnat said. Ukraine says its air defenses cannot intercept them.

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The Russian Defense Ministry said the barrage hit military and industrial targets in Ukraine as well as the energy facilities that supply them.

The missile strikes took no toll on the armys combat capability, but they played on the nerves of the civilian population of Ukraine, Ukrainian military analyst Oleh Zhdanov told The Associated Press.

Nearly half of households in Kyiv were without heat, as were many in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, where the water was also cut on a day when outdoor temperatures were expected to fall to around freezing, local officials said.

Around 150,000 households were left without power in Ukraines northwestern Zhytomyr region. In the southern port of Odesa, emergency blackouts occurred due to damaged power lines.

Viktor Bukhta, a 57-year-old resident of Kyivs Sviatoshynski district, where officials said three people were wounded, said a missile landed nearby in the early morning.

We went into the yard. People were injured, he said. Then the cars caught fire. We tried to extinguish them with car fire extinguishers. And I got a little burned.

The head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog said he was astonished by the complacency of members of the organization he leads, the International Atomic Energy Agency, in relation to the dangers faced by the Zaporizhzhia plant.

What are we doing to prevent this happening? We are the IAEA. We are meant to care about nuclear safety, Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi told the agency's board of directors in a meeting Thursday, according to a statement from the organization.

Each time we are rolling a dice, he said. And if we allow this to continue time after time, then one day our luck will run out.

The agency has placed teams of experts at all four of Ukraines nuclear power plants to reduce the risk of accidents.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted that the attack had no military objective, just Russian barbarism.

Smoke could be seen rising from a facility in Kyivs Holosiivskyi district, and police cordoned off all roads leading to it.

Three men and two women were killed in the western region of Lviv after a missile struck a residential area, Gov. Maksym Kozytskyi said. Three buildings were destroyed by fire, and rescue workers combed through rubble looking for more possible victims, he said.

A sixth person was killed and two others wounded in multiple strikes in the Dnipropetrovsk region that targeted its energy infrastructure and industrial facilities, Gov. Serhii Lysak said.

Aside from the hail of missiles, Russian shelling killed six other civilians from Wednesday to Thursday, Ukrainian officials said, including three people at a bus stop in Kherson.

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Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
The Russian occupiers have become more active in looting some of the settlements in the temporarily occupied territory of Kherson Oblast.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Quote: "In certain settlements in temporarily occupied Kherson Oblast, there is an increase in looting by the Russian invaders.

The occupiers are taking away looted property and household appliances from Hola Prystan and Nova Zburivka using trucks that were used to deliver ammunition to their units."

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A Russian missile has hit an energy infrastructure facility in the Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast.

Source: Svitlana Onyshchuk, Head of the Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast State Administration, on Telegram

Quote from Onyshchuk: "Last night we survived another massive missile attack by the Russian occupiers. We also had missile hits in our oblast at an energy infrastructure facility."

Details: She did not provide any other details, but noted that preliminary reports indicated there were no casualties.

Background:

An air-raid warning was issued throughout Ukraine on the night of 8-9 March.

A missile hit an energy infrastructure facility in Odesa Oblast. The air defence system was activated in Kyiv Oblast. In Kyiv, during a large-scale air-raid warning, explosions occurred in several districts, with casualties. In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, a Russian attack resulted in one killed and several wounded. The Russian army launched about 15 strikes on Kharkiv and the Oblast.

Five people were killed in a massive Russian attack in Lviv Oblast at night and in the morning of 9 March.

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was completely without power because of the Russian missile attack on the night of 8-9 March, which might cause an accident with radiation consequences for the whole world.

Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi said that Russia fired 81 missiles of various types at Ukraine, and the air defence units shot down 34 of the 48 cruise missiles fired on the night of 8-9 March.

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Russia has used a wide spectrum of weapons in its large-scale attack on 9 March, including missiles that Ukrainian air defence is not capable of shooting down yet.

Source: Colonel Yurii Ihnat, spokesperson for the Air Force of Ukraine, on air during the 24/7 national joint newscast

Quote: "The enemy used a wide spectrum of weapons. Why are they doing this? In order to distract air defence units. They carried out an attack with various types of aircraft and vessels of the Black Sea Fleet from all fronts, from three seas, basically  the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov and the Caspian Sea.

This also includes missiles for which Ukrainian air defence currently does not have any assets to shoot down: S-300 anti-aircraft missiles which the occupiers launch almost every day on frontline areas fly on a ballistic trajectory (13 such missiles were launched today), and Kinzhal [hypersonic] missiles  they launched six of them this time.

I cannot remember that many Kinzhal missiles being launched at once during this war. The enemy does not have a lot of these missiles, we are talking about dozens (as per information from intelligence, they have up to 50 of them)... The enemy has also launched six Kh-22s, missiles of the most devastating capacity (they have 950-kilogram warheads)."

Details: Nevertheless, Ihnat pointed out that it does not generally mean that Russian forces are "changing their tactics" somehow. Russia has carried out attacks from different fronts since the first days of the full-scale war.

Civilian infrastructure facilities are considered to be the main targets of the current attack. Local authorities representatives can provide officially confirmed information on this matter.

Previously: An air-raid warning was issued all over Ukraine in the small hours of 9 March. In the morning, Valerii Zaluzhnyi'l, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said that Russia had launched 81 missiles of various types on Ukraine, however the air defence system downed 34 out of the 48 cruise missiles fired.

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Vyacheslav Gladkov, Governor of Russia's Belgorod Oblast, has announced the completion of the construction of a zasechnaya line [Great Abatis Line - ed.] on the border with Ukraine.

Source: Gladkov during a broadcast on the Russian VKontakte social network

Quote: "We completed it a long time ago. I hope the enemy sees the constructions extent and quality. They must understand that it will be tough for them if they take rash actions."

Details: Gladkov said no money had been taken from the regional budget for this "construction".

The cost of the zasechnaya line amounted to almost 10 billion roubles, or roughly US$132 million.

In particular, the Russians installed concrete tetrahedrons in several rows next to roads near the forest belt.

During the construction, workers complained that they were not paid their salaries, and military experts (even Russian ones) called such a "line" a futile endeavour in modern warfare.

Background:

On 22 November 2022, Gladkov reported that a defensive zasechnaya line was being built in Belgorod Oblast of Russia as the Russians prepared for an "attack" by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

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San Elizario, a historic jewel in El Paso County's Lower Valley, was recognized as the Best Historic Small Town in America by USA TODAY's Readers' Choice Awards for 2023.

The small town offers a big menu of history, art and food to Borderland residents and tourists alike.

The town, centered around the San Elizario Presidio Chapel, ranked higher than other small towns, including Williamsburg, Virginia, and the car-free destination of Mackinac Island, Michigan. The 10 towns listed have small populations of fewer than 25,000 people.

Artist Alberto Escamilla found his dog Monet 13 years ago, the same amount of time he has had a fine art gallery in San Elizario at 1445 Main St., Suite B1.

The town's winning qualities are that it has maintained its historic integrity with the adobe construction and architectural features recognized in the Territorial and Pueblo Revival styles, according to USA TODAY. The town goes back hundreds of years as a Spanish settlement and military base.

According to the National Park Service, San Elizario, located about 17 miles southeast of El Paso on a stretch of El Camino Real known as the Mission Trail, marks the start of the northbound trail in the U.S. as it moves across the Rio Grande out of Mexico, through the Lower Valley and into New Mexico.

"In 1788, the site was the chosen spot to locate a strategic military stronghold on New Spains western frontier," the National Park Service says.

Robert Dozal's fine art gallery will have been in San Elizario at 1445 Main St. for seven years in July. He is shown Thursday.

Al Borrego, director of Tourism & Cultural Affairs for San Elizario, said he is happy to see the community's efforts to promote the culture and history of the town rewarded. He said the town made it to number three last year.

"We plan on having some big events this year and we also plan on having a party to celebrate the recognition in the next few weeks," he said.

More:When does Wet N' Wild open? Details on admission prices, new ride 'Tarantula Tailspin'

Cool things to see in San Elizario, Texas

If you've never been, it's a fun stroll through the town. The best times to go are when the town holds festivals and brings gunslingers for re-enactments, food trucks and artists meeting visitors. Here are some things to enjoy any day.

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Renowned artist Gaspar Enriquez, whose work is included in the Smithsonian's portrait collection, has turned an old adobe building into his Micasa Art Studio and Gallery at 1456 Main St., a brilliant example of what can be done with love, dedication and hard work. The art by Enriquez and other artists, mostly from the Borderland, is shown in a stunning setting that transcends the gallery experience and lifts it to almost a museum setting. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Artist Gaspar Enriquez rehabilitated a historic adobe building into his Micasa Art Studio and Gallery at 1456 Main St. in San Elizario.

The old county jail is among the most interesting buildings in El Paso County. It is made from adobe and still maintained when needed. It became a jail in 1850 when San Elizario was made the first county seat. Its claim to fame is that Billy the Kid broke into the jail to break out his buddy, Melquiades Segura.

It is open from 2 to 4:45 p.m, Tuesday through Sunday. For information on visiting: 915-851-1682.

Los Portales Casa Garcia, formerly a residence in the mid-19th century, serves as a museum and highlights exhibits on the town's history through its many governmental periods.

The San Elizario Presidio Chapel is an active Catholic parish. It served as a fort for soldiers from a decommissioned Spanish fort in Guajoquilla, Mexico, now Chihuahua. The fort was named in honor of Saint Elzear, the French patron of soldiers.

The San Elizario Presidio Chapel is an active parish.

At Placita Madrid, several respected El Paso area artists have their studios in the district. During town events, they are sometimes working on new pieces. The artists include impressionist artist Alberto Escamilla, Romy Hawkins, who works with repujado and mixed media, and Robert Dozal, who paints portraits and landscapes with a Southwestern flair.

There is one main restaurant, Shooters BBQ and Pistoleros del Adobe Restaurant & Cantina. It might be the place to be for dollar tacos and Karaoke on Thursdays. If you're looking for a small spot to get coffee and cake, look for the Cafe Arte Mi Admore at 1498 Main St., Suite F.

Licon Dairy, 11951 Glorietta Road, sells some of the finest asadero cheese and other dairy products for food lovers and also offers a free petting zoo.

Maria Cortes Gonzalez, who enjoys a good old-time gunfight re-enactment and a San Elizario ghost hunt, may be reached at 915-546-6150, mcortes@elpasotimes.com and @EPTMaria on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: San Elizario chosen Best Historic Small Town by USA TODAY readers
San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office K-9 Duke.

They say dogs are a mans best friend, but dogs can also be deputies and heroes.

Police dog Duke was a prime example.

The San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office will honor Duke, the police dog stabbed and killed last month while helping Tracy police capture a burglary suspect who had holed himself up inside a small space inside a locomotive.

Had Duke not been present, the suspect, a law enforcement officer, or both could have been injured and killed in this incident, said Deputy Nick Goucher, a spokesperson for the sheriff's office.

The incident all started on Feb. 19. Tracy police asked for a police dog to help in the arrest of the suspected thief.

Duke found the man and bit him on the leg.

Moments later, Duke's handler heard the dog yelp in pain." The dog had been stabbed.

Duke's handler opened the locomotive's door and fired his Taser. Rafael Montoya-Velazquez, 30, surrendered and was arrested, Tracy police said in a statement. Montoya-Velazquez, of Salinas, was found to be in possession of a large folding knife that was used in the assault against Duke, Tracy police said.

San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office K-9 Duke.

Duke was bleeding profusely. Duke's handler rushed his K-9 partner to a local veterinary emergency department. He died at the animal hospital.

The police dog was 8 years old and had been with the sheriff's office for six years.

I have no doubt that Dukes heroic actions in confronting a dangerous criminal saved lives yesterday, be it the lives of the responding officers or that of the suspect himself, Tracy Police Chief Sekou Millington said in a statement released the day after the incident.

Montoya-Velazquez faces numerous charges, including willfully harming a police dog with serious injury, burglary and vandalism.

Duke is the second fallen police dog at the sheriff's office. In 2009, K-9 Niko was killed in a friendly fire incident during the apprehension of a wanted felon. He was inadvertently shot by a US Marshal that had been called to the scene.

The end of police dogs?

The sheriffs office is planning to add two more police dogs to its K-9 team of 10.

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While the sheriff's office adds new dogs to its team, though, the office is also awaiting to hear the fate of AB 742.

On Feb. 13, AB 742 was introduced by California assemblymen Corey Jackson and Ash Kalra.

The bill is an effort to end a deeply racialized and harmful practice that has been a mainstay in America's history of racial bias and violence against Black Americans and people of color."

San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office K-9 Duke who was killed in the line of duty will be honored at a memorial on March 15.

If the bill passes, law enforcement would be prohibited from using police dogs to help in arrests, apprehensions and crowd control.

If AB 742 passes, this incident could have easily ended in severe injury or death to either the suspect, a deputy, or both. Apprehension K9's are a vital tool for taking violent suspects into custody," Goucher said. "As proven by this incident, no deputies were injured, and the suspect is recovering from a bite wound. Had Duke not been available, the outcome could have been fatal for the suspect, a deputy, or both.

Duke's memorial service will be held March 15 at the Robert Cabral Agriculture Center at 2101 E Earhart Ave., in Stockton. Officials will share more details on Facebook when their plans for the service are finalized.

Record reporter Angelaydet Rocha covers community news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at arocha@recordnet.com or on Twitter @AngelaydetRocha. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.

This article originally appeared on The Record: Fallen sheriff's K-9 Duke will be honored at memorial
Sangita Patel flashed her pearly-white smile alongside her two daughter's for International Women's Day. (Photo via @sangita.patel on Instagram)

Sangita Patel and her daughters look "more like sisters."

On Wednesday, the 43-year-old took to Instagram to mark International Women's Day with a heartwarming mother-daughter message. In her photo, The "ET Canada" host smiled next to her two daughters, Ava and Shyla, whom she shares with her husband, Samir Patel.

The Canadian television host rocked a pair of black joggers and a grey cropped Roots hoodie in the picture. Ava and Shyla also opted for black sweatpants, paired with blue sweaters.

"I'm looking at this photo, and it's crazy to think they were my little babies spitting up on my shoulder," Sangita penned to her more than 158,000 followers. "They inspire me every single day, including my mom. Ava and Shyla, fly butterflies, fly. But, umm, while you fly, don't forget to clean your rooms and return mom's stuff. Oh, and empty the dishwasher.

"To all of you kicka women, wishing you an incredible Women's Day."

Patel's post garnered comments from fans floored by how fast her daughters have grown up.

"Are you the middle child?!" an Instagram user joked, while another added, "I couldn't tell who the mom was for a minute! Three sisters!"

"So grown up! You look more like sisters than mother-daughters," commented another.

"They grow up so fast! You three look more like sisters. So cute!" a fan wrote.

Someone else penned: "Beautiful! Just like their mama."

"Happy International Women's Day! You all look like sisters. Beautiful," another person shared.

In December, Patel shared a carousel of vacation photos with her daughters on a beach, including several throwback photos of herself enjoying tropical getaways with her two kids over the years.

The Toronto-born television personality explained in her caption that her family had decided to take an impromptu vacation that, unfortunately, didn't come without a few obstacles.

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"Flight was delayed seven hours, and the airport line up took four hours for bag check," she shared with her Instagram followers. "Through it all, we laughed, made new friends in our misery and our one check-in luggage is still missing, ah well! Our last-minute trip with all the chaos is so worth it.

"Growing up too fast. As for me, more happy lines and officially the shorty."

Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
Biden and the Crown Prince - Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Reuters

Saudi Arabia is reportedly asking for US help to develop its civilian nuclear programme, raising fears that the kingdom may seek to develop a nuclear weapon and accelerate an arms race with Iran.

Saudi officials want US support to enrich uranium and develop their own fuel production system, while Washington is in return seeking a normalisation with another Middle East ally, Israel, according to a new report by The Wall Street Journal.

The oil-dependent kingdom is looking to add nuclear power to its energy mix while, at the same time, being deeply wary of nuclear proliferation attempts by Tehran.

The conservative country has intensified security ties with Israel in recent years, with an eye to confronting Iran, and sees growing potential for business deals as the kingdom looks to diversify its economy away from oil.

However, it stopped short of signing the so-called Abraham Accords  negotiated under Donald Trump  that their Emirati neighbours have joined.

The nuclear talks between the US and Iran have been dormant since protests began in Iran in September.

One possibility under discussion, according to the Journal, is naming Saudi Arabia a major non-Nato ally, a special status given to Israel, Qatar, Jordan and other countries friendly to US interests. The move would make Saudi into a formal US ally and give it easier access to American weaponry.

A deal would mark a diplomatic victory for President Joe Biden, accelerating American efforts to create a regional military alliance to counter Iran.

However, the requests will be hard sells to the US, which wants Riyadh to commit to strict nuclear safeguards and is not particularly interested in becoming a shield for Saudi Arabia.

Mr Biden could face blow back at home both from Republicans and members of his own party. Many lawmakers in Congress remain deeply sceptical of Saudis reliability.

American and Israeli officials worry it would allow Saudi Arabia to develop a nuclear weapon and accelerate an arms race with Iran, whose nuclear programme is subject to a number of US sanctions.

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The nuclear issue is one of, if not the biggest challenge for Israel, and one Israelis should debate whether its worth the price for peace, Yoel Guzansky, a senior research fellow at the Tel Aviv-based Institute for National Security Studies specialising in Saudi-Israel relations, told the Journal.

In Saudi Arabia too, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler, has indicated that he wants to see significant support among Saudi citizens before he agrees to any deal, according to people who have met with him to discuss the issue.

According to a recent poll by the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies, when Saudis were asked if they openly support normalisation with Israel, only 5 per cent said yes in 2022.

The Crown Prince told a US media outlet in 2018 that without a doubt, if Iran developed a nuclear bomb, we will follow suit as soon as possible.

The Islamic Republic insists the programme is peaceful. Iran said it reached 60 per cent uranium enrichment levels late last year, with weapons-grade uranium requiring 90 per cent enrichment.
After an apparent breakdown in negotiations with the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office to resolve prostitution, money laundering and other charges, the family that owns Club 35 in Sayrevile is looking to file a lawsuit against the borough over actions of the Sayreville Police Department.

Attorney Jeffrey Bronster, who represents five members of the Acciardi family, is seeking Superior Court permission to file a Notice of Tort Claim against Sayreville because the initial 90-day filing deadline has passed. The Notice of Tort Claim is required by New Jersey law to file a claim for damages from a government entity.

The family is seeking the Superior Court order by March 31. The borough was notified of the family's plan late last month.

"The court papers alleged misconduct by the police in connection with the arrest and search of members of the Acciardi family, as well as other allegations. The arrest was in connection with charges relating to 35 Club, a New Jersey gentleman's club owned by Doreen Acciardi. The Acciardi family maintains its innocence of all charges filed in that case," Bronster said in a news release. "35 Club is temporarily closed, but Ms. Acciardi anticipates that it will be reopened in the near future."

Club 35 was damaged by a fire in 2020

Last June the assets of Anthony Acciardi Sr., 58, his wife Doreen Acciardi, 55, both of Freehold, son Anthony Acciardi Jr., 29, of Old Bridge, and son Stephen Acciardi, 24, of Freehold were seized after the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office announced a more than yearlong investigation into Club 35 and charges of money laundering in excess of $500,000, promoting organized street crime, promoting prostitution, conspiracy, maintaining a house of prostitution, operating a sexually oriented business that is a nuisance, and failing to file state income taxes. The daughter, Angela Acciardi Mancini, 32, of Colts Neck, was charged with money laundering and conspiracy.

All family members have pleaded not guilty.

According to the Prosecutors Office, a search warrant was executed in May 2021 at Club 35 and evidence of prostitution was uncovered.

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Also see:Sayreville Democratic leader Thomas Pollando resigns from all NJ posts amid bribery charge

The Prosecutor's Office sought the forfeiture of more than $3.5 million in assets, including two properties, 11 vehicles and $687,902 in gold and silver coins, from the family as well as $651,398.26 from the bank account of a Club 35 dancer that allegedly was earned through prostitution.

In court papers, Bronster maintains the five family members were arrested and subjected to search and seizure by the Sayreville Police Department around June 9, 2022, and that their arrests and searches were illegal and timed to ensure they spent the longest period of incarceration before to "being able to obtain bail."

Bronster also certified in court papers that the arrests and indictments of his clients was based on false and fraudulent evidence by members of the Sayreville Police Department.

Following their arrest and indictment, the family members were involved in negotiations with the Prosecutor's Office to resolve the charges, Bronster said.

Although the family was aware of the limited timeframe to file a notice of tort claim against the borough and police department, they feared filing the suit would antagonize negotiations with the Prosecutor's Office, Bronster's court papers said.

According to Bronster's court papers, the Prosecutor's Office set a March 9, 2023, deadline for the criminal case to be resolved for all the defendants.

But in late February negotiations collapsed and the family no longer feared any adverse reaction by the Prosecutor's Pffice, which Bronster said is why they are now seeking permission to file a lawsuit.

The Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office did not respond to a request for comment.

Bronster said this is Doreen Acciardi's second claim filed against Sayreville police.

Her first claim involves an allegation, referred to the Prosecutor's Office for investigation, that the Sayreville police chief tried to have her bail revoked by falsely claiming she had come to Borough Hall and caused a disturbance. Bronster said tapes obtained from Borough Hall show she did not come to the municipal building on that day and there was no factual basis for the claim allegedly made by the chief.

Email: srussell@gannettnj.com

Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Club 35 owners allege Sayreville police misconduct in criminal probe
Sergiy Bychkov

According to the reports, Bychkov and some of his former subordinates are accused of preventing Ukraines National Guard from properly organizing the defense of Hostomel airport prior to Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Besides Bychkov, SBU has detained head of Antonov security and several other employees of the company.

Read also: Transnistrian puppet authorities accuse SBU of assassination attempt, Chisinau denies

SBU has evidence of former Antonov management barring the National Guard from entering the premises of Hostomel airport and building fortifications (there); they now face up to 15 years in prison, InsiderUA writes.

Read also: Transnistrian puppet authorities accuse SBU of assassination attempt, Chisinau denies

On Feb. 27, 2022, during an attack on the Hostomel airport near Kyiv, invading Russian forces destroyed An-225 Mriya  the world's largest heavy-lifting airplane, which was designed and built by Ukraines Antonov Design Bureau.

Read also: Antonov announces another An-225 Mriya is under construction

In November 2022, Antonov announced plans to build a second An-225 aircraft, which is already 30% done, according to the bureau.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
A deputy was fired a day after he shot an SUV during a recent traffic stop, the Aiken County Sheriffs Office said Thursday.

Christopher Williams was terminated Wednesday after he violated the departments use of force policy, the sheriffs office said in a news release. Williams had been with the sheriffs office uniformed patrol division since December 2021, according to the release.

The shooting happened at about 10:10 p.m. Tuesday, the sheriffs office said.

Williams pulled over a Nissan Pathfinder near the intersection of Howlandville Road near Cemetery Road and got into a confrontation with the woman driving the SUV, according to the release.

Williams then fired his gun, hitting the back of the SUV as the woman drove away, the sheriffs office said.

There was a chase, which ended when the woman was taken into custody without incident about a mile away in the 200 block of Schley Street, according to the release.

No one was injured, according to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.

The driver was taken to the Aiken County Detention Center where she was expected to be charged with failure to stop for blue light and possession of a Schedule IV substance, the sheriffs office said.

Before Williams was fired, he was placed on administrative leave as the sheriffs office asked SLED to lead an investigation into the shooting. That investigation remains ongoing even though Williams is no longer with sheriffs office, and he could face criminal charges.

This was the seventh shooting in South Carolina this year involving a law enforcement officer, according to SLED. Its the first such incident involving the Aiken County Sheriffs Office in 2023.

Last year SLED said it investigated 32 shootings involving a law enforcement officer, and four were in Aiken County.
Microscopic view of cells on the left, alongside a stock image of mice K. Hayashi/Kyushu University

Scientists said they created a mouse from two biological fathers.

Speaking at a conference, they said they made female eggs from male cells.

The study, which is very early, raises hope that same-sex partners could have biological children.

Scientists claim they have created mice with two fathers in a breakthrough that could someday be replicated in humans.

Katsuhiko Hayashi from Osaka University told the Human Genome Editing conference on Wednesday that he achieved the breakthrough after changing the chromosomes in a male cell from XY to XX.

He then used that technique to make female eggs, called oocytes, from male cells and fertilized them to create seven mice with two biological dads.

The discovery has yet to be validated by a review of scientific peers and is still in the early stages of development. Still, if it is confirmed, it raises the prospect of male couples someday having their own biological children.

The male-to-female eggs were made from skin cells

Cells are pliable, and with the right prompts, scientists have learned to make them change from one type of cell to another.

To make the egg, the scientists used male skin cells with X and Y chromosomes and reprogrammed them so they would turn into so-called pluripotent stem cells, which are cells that can turn into any other type of cell.

A picture shows a colony of human stem cells seen through a microscope. REUTERS/Alan Trounson/California Institute for Regenerative Medicine/Handout

They then deleted the Y chromosomes in the cells and duplicated the cells' X chromosomes, before prompting the cells to turn into egg cells with two X chromosomes.

"The trick of this, the biggest trick, is the duplication of the X chromosome," Hayashi to The Guardian. "We really tried to establish a system to duplicate the X chromosome."

The technique was used to create seven mice pups, which scientists said appeared healthy.

Hayashi says it could be used in humans within a decade, while others disagree

It will be a while before the technology is ready to be used on humans safely.

Mice are very different from humans, and even in mice, the eggs are not of great quality  only one in 100 fertilized eggs led to a live birth, said Hayashi per the Guardian.

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Still Hayashi is optimistic. Purely from a technological standpoint, he predicts creating eggs from male cells in humans "will be possible even in ten years," he said, per The Guardian.

He told the BBC he would love to see the technology offer fertility options to same-sex partnerships of all genders down the line. The technique could also help women and people with two X chromosomes who have a genetic issue with one of the X chromosomes to have children, he said.

He cautioned that it would have to be proven to be safe for use beforehand.

"Technically this is possible. I'm not so sure whether at this stage it is safe or acceptable for society," he said.

George Daley, dean of Harvard Medical School who is not involved in the research, told the BBC that the work was "fascinating" and "provocative" but he wasn't so sure this technology would work on human cells anytime soon.

Human reproductive cells are very complex and much less well-known than mice cells. So there is a long path ahead before these fertility options can be offered to humans, said Daley per the Guardian.

The discovery is promising, though this isn't the first time a mouse has been born to two fathers. A 2010 study managed to do this, but their technique required many more steps and manipulation of the embryo and didn't create a viable egg. Hayashi's approach is much more straightforward, per the Guardian.

Hayashi also previously made mice with two biological mothers using this same technique, dating back to 2016. We're yet to be able to make a viable human egg from female skin cells, seven years after Hayashi's paper in female mice, The Guardian reported.

"Scientists never say never, in principle it has been done in mice so, of course, it may be possible in humans," said Haoyi Wang, of the Chinese Academy of Science, to the BBC. But, he added: "I can foresee a lot of challenges and I couldn't predict how many years that would be."

It may be possible, but is it ethical?

If the technology would progress to that point, it would be up to society to decide whether we'd want to allow humans to use it to create children.

Using germline gene editing in humans  when DNA is altered in a way that the manipulation done by scientists will be passed on to the offspring of the children themselves  has typically been a firm red line for scientists.

When scientist He Jankui crossed that line in 2019 and announced he had edited the genes of two babies, he was met with international admonishment and sentenced to prison time.

Still, if Hayashi's research can open up new possibilities for human reproduction, the technology may be considered in the future.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A man in a tunnel formed from crystals of permafrost outside the Russian village of Tomtor. Maxim Shemetov/REUTERS

Scientists revived a 48,500-year-old "zombie" virus from permafrost and found it to be infectious.

The virus was tested on amoebas but could indicate more dangerous viruses are lurking in permafrost.

Some scientists are concerned that climate change thawing permafrost could reawaken ancient viruses.

From a horror-movie plot to real life: Scientists have revived ancient "zombie" viruses from permafrost and discovered they could still infect living single-celled amoebas. The chances of these viruses infecting animals or humans are unclear, but the researchers say permafrost viruses should be considered a public-health threat.

Permafrost is a layer of soil that remains frozen year-round  at least it used to, before human activities started raising global temperatures. It covers 15% of land in the Northern Hemisphere.

Because of climate change, though, permafrost is thawing rapidly, unearthing a host of ancient relics from viruses and bacteria to woolly mammoths and an impeccably preserved cave bear.

A carcass of an ice-age cave bear found on Great Lyakhovsky Island, in northern Russia, unearthed by thawing permafrost. North-Eastern Federal University via AP

According to CNN, the French professor Jean-Michel Claverie found strains of the 48,000-year-old frozen virus from a few permafrost sites in Siberia. The oldest strain, which dated back 48,500 years, came from a sample of soil from an underground lake, while the youngest samples were 27,000 years old. One of the young samples was discovered in the carcass of a woolly mammoth.

Some scientists fear that as climate change warms the Arctic, thawing permafrost could release ancient viruses that haven't been in contact with living things for thousands of years. As such, plants, animals, and humans might lack immunity to them.

"You must remember our immune defense has been developed in close contact with microbiological surroundings," Birgitta Evengard, a professor emerita at Umea University's Department of Clinical Microbiology in Sweden, told CNN.

"If there is a virus hidden in the permafrost that we have not been in contact with for thousands of years, it might be that our immune defense is not sufficient," she added. "It is correct to have respect for the situation and be proactive and not just reactive. And the way to fight fear is to have knowledge."

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How 'zombie' viruses could infect hosts once they emerge

This isn't the first time Claverie has revived ancient viruses, or "zombie viruses" as he calls them. He's been publishing research on this topic since 2014 and says that beyond his work, few researchers are taking these viruses seriously.

"This wrongly suggests that such occurrences are rare and that 'zombie viruses' are not a public health threat," Claverie and his colleagues said in their latest paper, published February 18 in the journal Viruses.

In that study, Claverie and his team were able to revive several new strains of zombie viruses and found that each one could still infect cultured amoebas  a feat that Claverie said should be regarded as both a scientific curiosity and a concerning public-health threat.

Erosion, caused by thawing permafrost and the disappearance of sea ice that formed a protective barrier, threatens houses from the Yupik Eskimo village of Quinhagak in Alaska. Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images

"We view these amoeba-infecting viruses as surrogates for all other possible viruses that might be in permafrost," he told CNN. "We see the traces of many, many, many other viruses. So we know they are there. We don't know for sure that they are still alive. But our reasoning is that if the amoeba viruses are still alive, there is no reason why the other viruses will not be still alive, and capable of infecting their own hosts."

The current research on frozen viruses like Claverie's is helping scientists understand more about how these ancient viruses function and whether they could infect animals or humans.

Ancient bacteria like anthrax may already be thawing back to life

It's not just viruses. Ancient bacteria, too, could be released and reactivated for the first time in up to 2 million years as permafrost thaws.

Scientists think that's what happened when outbreaks of the bacterial infection anthrax appeared in humans and reindeer in Siberia in 2016.

Claverie's paper said that might be a "more immediate public health concern."

Read the original article on Business Insider
SEABROOK  Eleven people are facing drug charges after a months-long investigation by Seabrooks Problem Oriented Policing Unit.

Seabrook Police Chief Brett Walker said three people were arrested after officers conducted a search Wednesday, March 8, of a Seabrook home, where a large quantity of drugs and several firearms were recovered.

Eight more people were arrested during the week. They were all charged with drug-related offenses, including one arrested Thursday, March 9 for distributing drugs that resulted in a death.

According to Walker, officers executed a search warrant on March 8 at 46 Collins St. after an investigation into illegal drug sales at the location. Walker said the search yielded large quantities of what is suspected to be crack cocaine and heroin/fentanyl, as well as several firearms and $3,000 in cash. Walker said the estimated street value of the drugs is $15,000.

Seabrook police executed a search warrant at 46 Collins Street on March 8 after an investigation into illegal drug sales. The search yielded a large quantity of suspected crack cocaine and a quantity of suspected heroin/fentanyl with an estimated street value of $15,000, several firearms, and over $3,000 in cash.

John Lennox, 57, of Seabrook, was arrested at the scene. Hes charged with the sale of controlled drugs, possession with intent to distribute a controlled drug and being a convicted felon in possession of a deadly weapon, all felony offenses.

Also arrested as a result of the Collins Street bust were: Jason Green, 43, of Lebanon, Maine, charged with felony conspiracy to possess a controlled drug with intent to distribute; and Alyssa Paolini, 25, of Rochester, charged with felony sale of controlled drugs and misdemeanor resisting arrest.

Seabrook police executed a search warrant at 46 Collins Street on March 8 after an investigation into illegal drug sales. The search yielded a large quantity of suspected crack cocaine and a quantity of suspected heroin/fentanyl with an estimated street value of $15,000, several firearms, and over $3,000 in cash.

Arrested Thursday, March 9, was James Medaglia, 50, of North Hampton. Hes charged with sale of a controlled drug - death resulting, a felony A level offense that holds a possible life sentence if convicted.

According to Walker, the overdose death related to Medaglias charge occurred on March 16, 2022, in Seabrook.

After waiting for post-mortem test results which can take months, and connecting all the dots, Walker said Seabrook police were able to get a warrant for Medaglias arrest in February. Officers were able to track him down and arrested him in North Hampton with the assistance of North Hampton police.

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Also arrested over the past week were: Alex Erosa, 23, of Seabrook, charged with sale of a controlled drug and endangering the welfare of a minor; Joseph Paquette, 66, of Hampton, charged with sale of a controlled drug; Krystil Karlson, 39, of Seabrook charged with sale of a controlled drug; Jonathan Campbell, 42, of Newburyport, Massachusetts, charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled drug; Donald Rowley, 33, of Hampton, charged with sale of a controlled drug; Hope Eaton, 62, of Seabrook, charged with sale of a controlled drug; and Aaron Kiniry, 36, of Seabrook, charged with possession of a controlled drug.

Resignation:North Hampton chief latest to leave police dept. Town leaders say they don't know why.

Walker thanked members of the community who came forward with information that led to the arrests.

According to Walker, the arrests reaffirm the departments commitment to keeping the community safe.

Our overdose numbers and deaths have gone down over the last couple of years, but the drugs involved in many of these investigations are dangerous and represent a lethal threat to the members of our community, Walker said. The Seabrook Police Problem Oriented Policing Unit (POP) was created approximately a year and a half ago and announced at a board meeting as a hybrid between patrol and detectives.

More:North Hampton woman pleads not guilty to striking victim with gun

In a statement, Seabrook Selectman Aboul Khan praised the work of the Seabrook police, especially the POP Unit created to deal specifically with narcotics trafficking.

As a selectman, I have been a strong proponent of additional local resources for police to combat the scourge of narcotics in our community, Khan said. These arrests show that the creation of the POP unit is working.

According to Walker, the POP Unit works with the department patrol and detective divisions to address drug issues in Seabrook.

Seabrook police were assisted in these investigations by the Hampton Police Department, Portsmouth Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency.

Police ask anyone with additional information to call Seabrook police Lt. Timothy Mone at 603-474-5200.

Anyone wishing to provide information on illegal activities can report the information to the Seabrook Police Department at 603-474-5200 or through the Crimeline for the Hamptons at 603-929-1222 or facebook.com/hamptoncrimeline.

Incident at The Brook:Ex-Hampton official charged with disorderly conduct, indecent exposure says he was drugged

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Seabrook NH drug probe leads to 11 arrests, search on Collins St.
Norfolk Southerns corporate PAC has donated more than $375,000 to members of the Senate committee that grilled the railroads chief executive on Thursday about the toxic derailment of one of the companys trains in East Palestine, Ohio.

Seven of the nine Republicans and four of the 10 Democrats who sit on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee have cashed campaign checks from the PAC over the course of their careers, according to a HuffPost review of Federal Election Commission records dating back to 2000. The Republicans campaign committees and leadership PACs have collected $304,000 from Norfolk Southern, while the Democrats have received $75,000.

The donations show how Norfolk Southern, and the railroad industry more broadly, have accumulated influence in Washington and used it to fend off rail safety measures sought by regulators, unions and consumer advocates. The committees Republicans, in particular, have often spoken out against regulations and supported the transportation of hazardous materials by rail.

Still, the cash did little to improve Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaws reception on Thursday morning. Members of both parties aggressively questioned Shaw over the causes of the crash and how the company will aid in the cleanup of the area around East Palestine, where residents are terrified the soil, air and water are polluted following a controlled explosion of derailed train cars that were carrying hazardous chemicals.

Shaw opened his testimony with an apology and said the company has pledged a down payment of $20 million to help East Palestine recover.

We wont be finished until we make it right, he said in written testimony obtained by Reuters. I am deeply sorry for the impact this derailment has had on the people of East Palestine and surrounding communities.

Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), the committee chair, promised earlier this week to hold Norfolk Southern accountable at the hearing. Biden administration officials and Democrats want to keep the focus on Norfolk Southern and are broadly wary of Republicans using the hearing to take shots at Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who has admitted to mishandling the political elements of the response, or President Joe Biden, who has yet to make a promised visit to East Palestine.

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For instance, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), the ranking Republican on the panel, called the federal response to the derailment miserable earlier this month.

Carper and Capito have both taken money from Norfolk Southerns PAC. Carper is the Democrat who received the most cash, banking just over $30,000. Capito received $60,000.

Democratic Sens. Ben Cardin (Md.) and Ed Markey (Mass.) each received $15,000, while Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) received a single $5,000 donation in 2020.

The remaining senators on the Democratic side of the aisle  Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (R.I.), Alex Padilla (Calif.), Mark Kelly (Ariz.) and John Fetterman (Pa.)  have never received money from Norfolk Southern, and at least Kelly and Fetterman dont take corporate PAC money at all.

Republicans have taken larger sums: Sen. Roger Wicker (Miss.) raised $77,500 from the PAC; Sen. John Boozman (Ark.) has pocketed $60,500; Sen. Lindsey Graham (S.C.) has gotten $56,000 and Sen. Dan Sullivan (Alaska) received $40,000. Sens. Cynthia Lummis (Wyo.) and Markwayne Mullin (Okla.) took smaller sums of $6,000 and $4,000, respectively.

The only Republicans to have not received a check from Norfolk Southerns corporate PAC are Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota and Sen. Pete Ricketts of Nebraska, who just joined the chamber in January.

More broadly, data from the campaign finance nonprofit OpenSecrets found Norfolk Southerns PAC has donated more to Republicans than to Democrats in every election cycle from 2012 to 2020.

The National Transportation Safety Board, which determined an overheated wheel bearing caused the derailment, has opened a special investigation into the railroads safety practices.

Testifying alongside Shaw will be officials from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, a local water sanitation official and a local emergency response official. Ohios senators, Republican J.D. Vance and Democrat Sherrod Brown (D), who are working on a bipartisan rail safety bill in response to the disaster, are also set to testify.

Brown and Vances legislation would mandate two-person rail crews  a priority of rail unions  and increase fines for safety violations, a step Buttigieg has also sought. It would also call for more frequent safety inspections and increase the use of sensors that can detect overheated wheel bearings.

House Republicans, including top members of the House Transportation Committee, have been skeptical of the need for any new regulations. Some Senate Republicans, including Capito, have said they are open to discussing bipartisan legislation.

Another proposal, from Rep. Chris DeLuzio, a Democrat who represents an area of Pennsylvania adjacent to East Palestine, would lower the requirements for what qualifies as a high-hazard flammable train. Right now, federal law only gives that designation, which requires trains to stay under 50 miles per hour, to trains with 35 or more cars carrying flammable liquids.

The train that derailed in East Palestine had just three cars carrying flammable liquids, well below the federal limit.

Republicans on the committee, however, have been supportive of transporting flammable liquids by rail. Capito, for instance, has backed transporting liquid natural gas by rail after the Biden administration placed a moratorium on the practice in 2021.

Related...
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky has emphasized the importance of "candidate quality" in Senate races. AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was hospitalized after a fall on Wednesday evening.

McConnell was at the Waldorf Astoria when he tripped and fell, per Punchbowl News' John Bresnahan.

McConnell, 81, is one of the oldest lawmakers in the Senate.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has been hospitalized after tripping and falling at a Washington D.C. hotel during a private dinner.

"This evening, Leader McConnell tripped at a local hotel during a private dinner. He has been admitted to the hospital where he is receiving treatment," a spokesperson for McConnell told Insider on Wednesday evening.

McConnell, 81, was dining at the Waldorf Astoria when he fell, according to a tweet from John Bresnahan, co-founder of political daily Punchbowl News.

Further details on McConnell's prognosis have not been released.

The GOP leader in 2019 fractured his shoulder after tripping on the patio of his Kentucky residence.

McConnell was born in February 1942, and is one of the oldest lawmakers in the US Senate.

This is a developing story. Check back for more details.

Read the original article on Business Insider
David Popp, a spokesperson for Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.), has confirmed that the Senate minority leader has suffered a concussion and will remain under medical supervision for several days.

Leader McConnell tripped at a dinner event Wednesday evening and has been admitted to the hospital and is being treated for a concussion, Popp said Thursday afternoon. He is expected to remain in the hospital for a few days of observation and treatment.

McConnell, 81, was taken to the hospital on Wednesday night following an event for the Senate Leadership Fund at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Washington, D.C. Senators John Thune (R., S.D.) and Lindsey Graham (R., S.C.) were also present.

This evening, Leader McConnell tripped at a local hotel during a private dinner. He has been admitted to the hospital where he is receiving treatment, a spokesperson for the senator noted in a statement released shortly afterward. The representative added that McConnell was attending a private dinner when he tripped.

Prior to the fall, the Kentucky senator was reportedly busy working at the Capitol into Wednesday evening, passing a disapproval resolution blocking the District of Columbias new crime bill.

The vote was carried by 81 senators in favor of the motion, with the majority of Democrats joining Republicans in a bipartisan rebuke of a bill widely seen as lightening penalties for criminal offenses such as carjackings and burglaries.

Democrats soft-on-crime policies, like those in D.C.s radical new criminal code, further threaten the safety of our communities  which already suffer from unacceptable levels of violent crime. Policies should make Americans feel safe in their neighborhoods, not more at risk, Senator Mitt Romney (R., Utah) tweeted on Wednesday.

The bill was previously passed by the House, with the support of 31 Democrats, and is headed to the desk of President Joe Biden, who has signaled his intention to sign it.

I support D.C. Statehood and home-rule  but I dont support some of the changes D.C. Council put forward over the Mayors objections  such as lowering penalties for carjackings. If the Senate votes to overturn what D.C. Council did  Ill sign it.  President Biden (@POTUS) March 2, 2023

McConnell was first elected to the Senate in 1984, became the Republican Partys leader in 2007, and is now serving his seventh six-year term in the Senate.

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Fellow senator John Cornyn (R., Tex.) publicly wished McConnell a speedy recovery. Sandy and I are praying for Leader McConnells speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back in the Capitol soon, the Texas Senator tweeted early Thursday morning.

Sandy and I are praying for Leader McConnells speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back in the Capitol soon  Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) March 9, 2023

The health woes continue for the Senate as Senator Dianne Feinstein (D., Calif.) was recently hospitalized due to shingles and Senator John Fetterman (D., Pa.) remains sidelined for medical treatments.

McConnell had previously fallen at his personal residence in 2019, resulting in a fractured shoulder.

McConnell and his wife, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, have been outspoken critics of Donald Trump. The former president recently sought to tie the couple to classified material found at the Penn Biden Center, a think tank in Washington, D.C., dabbling in racism.

Does Coco Chow have anything to do with Joe Bidens Classified Documents being sent and stored in Chinatown? Trump posted on Truth Social, a social-media platform he created, in late January. Her husband, the Old Broken Crow, is VERY close to Biden, the Democrats, and, of course, China.

When I was young, some people deliberately misspelled or mispronounced my name. Asian Americans have worked hard to change that experience for the next generation. He doesnt seem to understand that, which says a whole lot more about him than it will ever say about Asian Americans, Chao responded in an official statement first obtained by Politico.

With the opening of the 118th Congress, McConnell became the longest-serving senator in history, surpassing the previous record of 16 years.

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(Bloomberg) -- The Democratic-led Senate overwhelmingly voted to overturn a District of Columbia law that pares back penalties for some violent crimes, the latest sign of the partys defensive position on crime and a blow to Washington statehood and home rule advocates.

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The measure, approved 81-14 on Wednesday night, marks the first time in more than 30 years that Congress has turned back a local District law, a remarkable reversal for Democrats who have largely supported the ability of the Democratic-dominated city to govern itself.

The House passed its own version of the measure in February.

Senate Democrats supporting the bill included those up for reelection next year in the most heavily contested states, including Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Jon Tester of Montana and Tim Kaine of Virginia.

The ranks of Democratic supporters grew after President Joe Biden in a surprise move last week said he would sign the Republican-led measure. This week, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that he would vote for it.

The citys law reduces punishment for a variety of violent offenses at a time when rates for homicides and car-jackings are soaring. In 2021 and 2022, homicides reached levels not seen since 2003, according to the Washington Post. The Metropolitan Police Department says there have been 101 carjacking offenses in the District so far this year, two-thirds of them involving guns.

Democrats who supported the measure said they had been motivated in part by DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, who vetoed the legislation. The city council overrode her veto. Bowser, however, has come out against Congresss intervention, calling it an affront to the notion of home rule.

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Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Maryland Democrat, said that while there were some controversial provisions of the new criminal code, many other cities call for even lighter sentences for armed robbery and carjackings, and in some categories, like sexual assault, the DC Council was raising penalties and even creating new ones like reckless endangerment with a firearm.

Van Hollen said federal lawmakers were substituting their judgment for that of city lawmakers. Washington is a federal district and does not have voting congressional representation, giving Congress more power there than in a state.

This resolution is an attack on the democratic rights of the people of the District of Columbia, which has its own duly elected democratic representatives, Van Hollen said.

Yet other Democrats  including at least one from a neighboring state  argued that its the wrong time to lower penalties on criminals. Lowering the penalty for carjacking would send a message that doesnt pass the smell test to hundreds and thousands of northern Virginians who work come into the city, said Senator Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat.

As it became apparent the legislation would land on Bidens desk, Council Chair Phil Mendelson announced he would send a letter to the Senate withdrawing the criminal code from review and would re-assess its contents. However, Senate rules didnt allow for Wednesdays vote to be set aside.

Republicans want to make crime an issue in the 2024 elections, as they did in 2022 and 2020. Speaking on the Senate floor Wednesday, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell pointed to reports of fierce assaults in the city and underscored Bidens shift on the issue, which came after 173 House Democrats had voted against overturning the Districts sentencing law.

The public pressure was so great that the president now says he wants to sign the same Republican bill that he previously announced he opposed, McConnell said. The headlines tell the story. Bidens about-face on the DC crime bill shows Democrats are on the defensive.

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Former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Nearly two years after President Biden nominated him to be ambassador to India, former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti may finally get a confirmation vote in the Senate.

Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) on Thursday set up the process of holding a vote on Garcettis nomination as soon as next week as the former mayor's chances of confirmation grow increasingly positive.

Since Biden nominated him in July 2021, Garcettis nomination has been stalled over questions about whether he should have known that a top City Hall aide was allegedly sexually harassing colleagues.

Several Senate Republicans said they would oppose Garcetti's nomination and even some Democrats seemed unsure.

Garcettis prospects for confirmation grew after the November midterm elections, in which Democrats boosted their Senate ranks by one vote.

In addition, with the House in GOP hands, Senate Democrats are focusing less on legislation and more on approving nominations, including controversial ones that will burn up more time on the Senate floor.

In recent months, Senate Democrats have argued that India is too important of a country to continue to go without an ambassador.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday advanced Garcettis nomination to the full Senate.

Two Republicans, Sens. Todd Young of Indiana and Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, joined Democrats in favor, a good sign for Garcetti's chances on the floor.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
On Wednesday, the Senate passed a disapproval resolution blocking the D.C. crime bill after the House did the same last month. In a stunning rebuke, 81 senators voted in the affirmative, with most Democrats joining all Republicans. Fourteen voted against and one voted present.

Earlier this week, D.C. Council chairman Phil Mendelson attempted to pull the bill, which lightens penalties for crimes such as carjackings and burglaries, from congressional consideration. However, the Senate was not swayed by the move, proceeding with its planned vote.

The House resolution was also bipartisan, with 31 Democrats joining Republicans.

Senator Bill Hagerty (R., Tenn.), who sponsored the resolution, explained on the Senate floor Wednesday that the the chamber would not be deterred by cheap maneuvers.

Apparently, seeing the writing on the wall, the D.C. Council cooked up a desperate and legally baseless employ to unsubmit the bill to Congress. . . . The D.C. Home Rule Act is clear. Theres no valid action of this nature, Hagerty explained.

No matter how hard they try, the Council cannot avoid accountability for passing this disastrous, dangerous, soft-on-crime bill. Violent crime has become an epidemic in America. This resolution is a referendum on it, he added.

Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) was among the many Democrats who voted to block the crime bill.

On Wednesday, Senator Mitt Romney (R., Utah) tweeted: Democrats soft-on-crime policies, like those in D.C.s radical new criminal code, further threaten the safety of our communities  which already suffer from unacceptable levels of violent crime. Policies should make Americans feel safe in their neighborhoods, not more at risk.

The bill now moves to President Joe Bidens desk, who has already signaled his support.

If the Senate votes to overturn what D.C. Council did  Ill sign it, Biden tweeted last week.

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Rep. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., speaks during a House Intelligence Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, April 15, 2021. Al Drago/Pool via AP

Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin had a heated argument with the head of a union on Wednesday.

Mullin claimed he only paid himself a $50,000 salary and "invested every penny" into his business.

But he'd reported his private-sector salary at $92,000, with another $200,000 in income.

A Republican senator drastically understated how much money he made in the private sector as he argued with the head of the Teamsters union at a hearing in Washington on Wednesday.

While lambasting Teamsters president Sean O'Brien for his nearly $200,000 salary, Oklahoma's Senator Markwayne Mullin claimed that he paid himself a salary of just $50,000 when he ran a plumbing business. But his financial disclosures show his salary was nearly $92,000 in 2012, the year he was first elected to Congress. His total income was even greater.

"What did you make when you owned your company?" O'Brien asked.

"When I made my company? I kept my salary down at about $50,000 a year because I invested every penny into it," Mullin replied.

Like many business owners, Mullin's biggest source of income wasn't his salary. He reported between $200,000 and $2 million in income in 2012 from two family companies, Mullin Plumbing Inc. and Mullin Plumbing West, and another $15,000 to $50,000 from shares he held in a bank.

In 2011, Mullin also made well over $50,000. His salary was over $77,000 and his other income from the same two businesses was also over $200,000. He also reported over $50,000 in rent that year from Mullin Properties.

Mullin's office didn't respond to a request for comment.

Wednesday's hearing of the Senate's Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, which is chaired by the democratic socialist Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, was focused on "Defending the Right of Workers to Organize." Before questioning O'Brien, Mullin described himself as a job creator and said in 2009, a union tried to intimidate his workers into unionizing.

"I started with nothing. Absolutely nothing. In fact, I started below nothing. And I started growing this little plumbing company with six employees, to now, we have over 300 employees," he said.

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O'Brien seemed to enjoy sparring with Mullin on Wednesday. He could be seen grinning at one point, and after the hearing tweeted information from more recent financial disclosures about Mullin's being worth tens of millions of dollars.

The Tulsa World reported in October that Mullin's wealth ballooned to at least $31 million after the apparent sale of his plumbing business to HomeTown Services, a residential heating, air conditioning, plumbing and electrical company.

Mullin has served on Capitol Hill since 2012 and was elected to the Senate in a special election last year. He is a member of the Cherokee nation and the only Native American member of the Senate.

He is known for having clashed with State Department officials in 2021 as he sought to get into Afghanistan on a self-appointed rescue mission.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Senators grew visibly frustrated during a tense congressional hearing on the Feb. 3 train derailment that spilled hazardous chemicals in an Ohio town as the CEO of Norfolk Southern, the company that operated the train, met their push for concrete policy commitments with noncommittal answers.

I just really thought, when you said turn over a new leaf, you meant you were saying you were going to now support safety regulations, Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) told Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw. Im sorry you cant tell this crowd today that would like to hear that, that that is the case.

During his opening statement on Thursday, Shaw apologized for the crashs impact.

I want to begin today by expressing how deeply sorry I am for the impact this derailment has had on the residents of East Palestine and the surrounding communities, Shaw said, later adding, I am determined to make this right.

Yet, when pressed to support safety changes and pay for long-term health expenses or medical testing, Shaw did not make any specific commitments.

Asked if he supported a bipartisan bill that would tighten railroad security procedures and increase federal oversight of some rules that are largely at the discretion of railroads, Shaw said he supported the legislations intent of railroad safety, but did not say if he supported the actual bill.

We are committed to the legislative intent to make rail safer. Norfolk Southern runs a safe railroad, he said. We can always get better and that is my intent: to continue to invest and continue to improve.

When asked by Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Tom Carper (D-Del.) about whether hed pay long term health costs for residents of East Palestine, Ohio, and the surrounding area, Shaw did not make any explicit commitments.

Everything is on the table, Shaw said when asked by Sanders whether hed commit to covering all health care costs for residents.

Sanders also attempted to get Shaw to commit to guaranteeing at least seven paid sick days to all of the companys workers, but the executive did not do so.

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I share your focus on our employees. I will commit to continuing to discuss with them important quality of life issues, Shaw replied

The Vermont senator eventually responded: With all due respect, you sound like a politician here Mr. Shaw.

Ohio Sens. Sherrod Brown (D) and J.D. Vance (R), along with Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.), were present as witnesses rather than members of the panel and did not directly interact with Shaw but were sharply critical of Norfolk Southerns business practices in their own remarks. Vance decried the notion of the rail industry resisting safety regulations even as it receives federal subsidies, as well as a December bill that blocked railroad workers unions from striking.

Brown, meanwhile, called East Palestine the kind of community thats so often forgotten and exploited by corporate America, accusing the company of profiting from cutbacks to safety staff and procedures.

Norfolks profits have gone up and up and up, and look what happened, he said.

The hearing follows the high-profile derailment last month of a Norfolk Southern train in East Palestine that spilled chemicals including carcinogenic vinyl chloride into the nearby community.

In the wake of the incident, residents have been expressing concern for their health and safety. Federal and state officials have said that the areas air is safe, and have also said water testing did not find contamination, but some still encouraged residents to drink bottled water.

Senators of both parties came down harshly on Shaw and Norfolk Southern, with some GOP members also criticizing the communications by federal officials in the immediate aftermath of the derailment and expressing interest in examining the Biden administrations response, which Republicans have characterized as being too slow.

The public deserved a better level of transparency and much, much sooner, Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) said. Its clear to me that the EPAs risk communication strategy fell short. In the immediate aftermath of the incident, impacted communities were clamoring for answers  we need to understand why it took the EPA so long to get accurate data to the public.

Capito also pressed EPA Regional Administrator Debra Shore on waste removal and how long it took the agency to test for dioxins  toxic chemicals that can come from burning vinyl chloride. Shortly after several initial loads of waste from the site were shipped to licensed facilities, some in other states and others in Ohio, the EPA briefly halted shipments before resuming.

Shore described dioxins as secondary byproducts and said that initial tests showing low levels of other substances indicated that significant dioxin levels were unlikely.

The hearing did bring some positive news, with Shore saying that testing for dioxins in Indiana found very low levels of the substances.

The hearing comes as pressure has been building on President Biden to visit East Palestine, following administration officials like EPA Administrator Michael Regan and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigiegs own trips to the town. However, Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-S.C.) made the hearings only mention of the idea, encouraging the president to visit. In a press call Wednesday preceding the hearing, both Carper and Capito encouraged Biden to do so, with Carper saying he believed such a visit is currently in the works.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Senators aren't giving up on a bill to safeguard your online data. Hawaii's Brian Schatz and 18 other senators have reintroduced the 2018-era Data Care Act to set higher standards for sensitive info. Companies will need to "reasonably secure" identifying data, including prompt customer notifications for breaches. They also can't use that data in harmful ways, and must ensure third-parties treat any shared data with the same amount of respect.

The measure gives the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) the authority to fine companies that violate the rules, including third parties. States could take their own civil actions, but the FTC could step in.

The senators largely consist of Democrats, including Big Tech critics like Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar. Independents Bernie Sanders and Angus King also back the potential legislation. The original Data Care Act had the support of 15 Democrats.

There's no guarantee the revived Act will succeed. The original bill never came to a vote after its December 2018 introduction. And while Democrats control the Senate in 2023, the Republicans lead the House. If a vote on an equivalent bill is split along partisan lines in the House, it won't reach the President's desk for approval.

The conditions may be more favorable this time around, however. President Biden has been eager to rein in Big Tech, with a particular focus on limiting the collection and use of data. Meanwhile, both major parties in Congress are increasingly concerned about data privacy and security. The Data Care Act theoretically satisfies these politicians, if just by shifting more of the responsibility to businesses.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  The leaders of South Korea and Japan will meet next week for a summit on strengthening ties, both governments said Thursday, days after South Korea unveiled a step toward resolving strained ties stemming from Tokyos colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula.

President Yoon Suk Yeol is to visit Japan on March 16-17 at the invitation of the Japanese government and will meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, according to the South Korean and Japanese governments.

Yoons office said in a statement that the summit will be an important milestone in the development of South Korea-Japan relations. It said South Korea hopes the two countries will overcome an unfortunate past and expand cooperation on security, the economy and other sectors as a result of the visit.

Kishida told reporters that I hope to make (Yoons visit) an opportunity to work toward strengthening our relationship.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno separately said Tokyos invitation to the South Korean leader was the result of close communication between the two countries since Yoons inauguration last May.

South Korea is an important neighbor that Japan should cooperate with in various issues, Matsuno said.

On Monday, South Korea announced it would raise local funds to compensate Koreans who won damage awards in lawsuits against two Japanese companies over their forced labor during the 1910-45 colonial period. The South Korean plan doesnt require the Japanese companies  Nippon Steel and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries  to contribute to the reparations.

Bilateral ties suffered a major setback after South Koreas Supreme Court in 2018 ordered the two Japanese companies to compensate some of their former Korean employees for forced labor. The companies and the Japanese government refused to comply with the rulings and insisted that all compensation issues were settled by a 1965 treaty that normalized bilateral relations and was accompanied by hundreds of millions of dollars in economic aid and loans from Tokyo to Seoul.

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In 2019, Japan imposed export controls on chemicals vital to South Korea's semiconductor industry. South Korea, then governed by Yoon's liberal predecessor Moon Jae-in, threatened to terminate a military intelligence-sharing agreement with Tokyo, a major symbol of their security cooperation with Washington.

The fraught Seoul-Tokyo ties complicated American efforts to reinforce its three-way security cooperation in the face of rising Chinese influence in the region and North Korean nuclear threats. President Joe Biden hailed South Koreas announcement as a groundbreaking new chapter of cooperation between two of the United States closest allies.

Kishida reiterated on Thursday that Japan welcomes the South Korean plan. On Monday, he said he stood by Japans previous expression of regrets and apologies for its colonial wrongdoing.

Since taking office, Yoon, a conservative, has pushed for stronger relations with Japan as a way to boost cooperation among Seoul, Tokyo and Washington to better deal with the growing North Korean nuclear threat. Observers say improved ties with Japan are also necessary amid global supply chain challenges and strategic competition between the U.S. and China.

In September, Yoon and Kishida held the first summit between the two countries in nearly three years on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. They agreed to accelerate efforts to mend their frayed ties.

The South Korean plan to end the disputes over the 2018 rulings elicited fierce opposition from some of the forced labor victims involved in the lawsuits, their supporters, and liberal opposition politicians. They have called the South Korean step a diplomatic surrender and demanded direct payments and a fresh apology from Japan over the issue.

On Tuesday, Yoon defended his governments step, saying its crucial for Seoul to build future-oriented ties with Tokyo.

After months of negotiations with Tokyo over the court rulings, South Korean officials said they had determined there was little chance of Tokyo reversing its position. They said they also considered the advanced age of the surviving victims.

Among the 15 plaintiffs who won damages from the Japanese companies, only three are still alive and all are in their 90s.

A senior South Korean official said he expected Japan to issue a clearer expression of apology over the forced labor issue and take other reciprocal measures if the South Korean compensation plan goes smoothly and bilateral ties improve meaningfully.

The official requested anonymity to discuss the delicate issue.

While there is some criticism that South Korea made too many concessions, the official said the step could push Japan to think about how to react while letting the U.S. and other countries know South Korea is open-minded in cooperating with the international community.

___

Associated Press writer Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed to this report.
The Gaston County Sheriffs Office has arrested a convicted sex offender after they said they found child sexual abuse material on a laptop.

The sheriffs office says on January 20, they received information from a concerned neighbor about a man who was later identified as William Sedich, a convicted sex offender in North Carolina and Michigan. Deputies interviewed the neighbor and learned that Sedich was believed to be in possession of child sexual abuse material.

On January 25, the sheriffs office took out a search warrant to look through his laptop.

ALSO READ: Hickory man faces child pornography charges

On February 19, the Sheriffs Office and the Gastonia Police Department said they found child sexual abuse material on the laptop.

The sheriffs office learned Sedich was in Michigan. Michigan authorities took Sedich into custody. Gaston County deputies traveled to Michigan on February 20 to bring Sedich to Gaston County to be charged.

Channel 9 asked the sheriffs office if any of the child sexual abuse material that was found were from children in the area. They sent us a statement saying, While this is a sensitive case involving minors, the Gaston County Sheriffs Offices top priority is to ensure that justice is administered fairly and swiftly. To achieve this, we cannot disclose this information due to an ongoing investigation.

Sedich is charged with eight counts of felony third-degree exploitation of a minor, and one count of failing to report a new address. He was originally eligible for release with a $250,000 bond, but that was changed to no bond because of his criminal history, according to court documents.

(WATCH: Fugitive sex offender from Georgia arrested in Union County, police say)
By Paul Lorgerie

KIGONZE CAMP, Democratic Republic of Congo (Reuters) - Marie Dzedza has lost hope of leaving a displaced people's camp and returning to her village in the eastern Congolese province of Ituri, where rebel violence is surging while regional attention focuses on a conflict in a neighbouring territory.

Five years ago, Dzedza lost both her hands in a machete attack during a raid by members of the CODECO group, one of several militias that have destabilised the densely forested province in Democratic Republic of Congo and forced 1.5 million to flee their homes since late 2017.

"We miss our old lives," she said at the Kigonze camp she shares with nearly 14,000 others, who live in rows of featureless white tents squeezed onto a clearing outside the provincial capital Bunia.

"I hate my life here ... This is why I am asking the Congolese government to do something to restore peace, so that I can return home."

The prospects are not good. Attacks have increased significantly in recent months with 419 civilians killed between Dec. 1 and mid-February, according to internal U.N. data, even as a major offensive by a different rebel group has drawn some Congolese forces away to North Kivu province to the south.

In Ituri, "what we are seeing is an upsurge," said Bintou Keita, head of the U.N.'s peacekeeping mission known as MONUSCO, which is due to pull out of Ituri and the rest of eastern Congo by 2024 according to a transition plan that is under discussion.

On an official visit to Ituri on March 1, her first in months, Keita and local authorities blamed CODECO and a rival militia called Zaire for the spiralling bloodshed and reprisal attacks.

The groups, which operate in remote areas and do not have official spokespeople, could not be reached for comment.

LOOMING SECURITY SHORTFALL

In January, mass graves containing 49 bodies, including those of women and children, were discovered in two villages in Ituri, killings attributed by the U.N. to CODECO.

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The insecurity has made it harder to deliver aid to those who were able to escape such attacks, worsening the humanitarian crisis, international aid groups have warned.

In mid-January, the U.N. aid agency OCHA said 12 humanitarian organizations had been forced to limit their operations in parts of Ituri because of increased attacks since the start of 2023.

Nevertheless, the steep security deterioration in Ituri has been overshadowed by the recent turbulence in North Kivu. The latter has caused greater political and diplomatic fallout with Congo, the U.N., and other nations accusing Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels there. Rwanda denies it backs the M23.

Ituri's military governor Lieutenant-General Johnny Luboya N'Kashama said the army was seeking talks with the armed groups, while also conducting large-scale patrols with MONUSCO and building new bases so it can react quicker to reports of attack.

The departure of MONUSCO has raised concerns about a looming military shortfall, but N'Kashama said the army intended to plug the gap.

"We have recruited a lot of personnel. And we believe that within three to four months, whether it's the police or the army, we will have enough to start relieving the U.N. troops," he told reporters after talks with MONUSCO's Keita.

(Writing by Alessandra Prentice, Editing by William Maclean)
Legislation drafted and passed in a time of impending crisis sometimes doesnt hold up on a second look. Instead of preventing a problem, it conjures up silly debate and even confusion.

The Texas Legislatures efforts to prevent cities from defunding the police is one of these. It was passed in 2021 when a handful of cities were tossing that idea around in the midst of incredible racial tension over policing. Now the specifics have returned to haunt Tarrant County law enforcement, a ghost of legislatures past if you will, stirring up controversy and wasting time and resources.

Protesters gathered outside the Tarrant County Courthouse for a march through Fort Worth in 2020.

County commissioners are currently trying to determine how to handle what should be a simple staffing matter. The Commissioners Court voted, 4-0, this week to create a bailiff position in one of the countys criminal courts, to be filled by transferring an employee in from another area. However, officials are concerned it could violate the state law that bans local governments from cutting law enforcement budgets. So theyve sought a legal opinion from the District Attorneys Office.

Of course, transferring an employee from one department to another is not remotely close to cutting a budget with the intent to defund police. But as Precinct 1 Commissioner Roy Charles Brooks noted, when redistricting changes for justices of the peace and constables caused an unbalanced workload, the county couldnt transfer deputies under state law.

Plenty of complicated issues require legal advice; this should not be one of those times. In fact, transferring an employee, rather than hiring someone new, seems efficient, cost-effective and exactly how we want local government to work. Just when it has that chance, it runs into a wall put up by the state.

The Legislature often looks around at other states, fears some bizarre thing happening there from happening here, and drafts legislation that ends up with myriad weird consequences. This is one such area. The vast majority of Texas cities, whether run by conservatives or liberals, were no more going to agree with defunding the police than they were going to hand over their own firearms at City Halls front steps.

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A bill sponsored by Fort Worth Republican Rep. Craig Goldman essentially outlawed local governments with more than 250,000 residents from ever reducing police budgets. If they do, they may see a deduction in cash from the municipalitys sales tax and a ban on increasing property taxes and utility fees. The legislation was clearly targeted at places such as Austin and Harris County, so its ironic that its hitting a Tarrant County government controlled by staunch conservatives.

Just days ago, Gov. Greg Abbott warned Austin, which is losing police officers like many large cities nationwide: Cops quit woke Austin in droves. Austin must still comply with the law I signed that defunds cities that defund their police. If Austin doesnt maintain its police force, it will not be able to take more taxpayer money and spend it on non-police matters.

If law enforcement officers quit in droves and Austin has trouble replacing them in a competitive employment environment, thats not an active decision to defund police. What should the Austin police force do to be able to maintain its current taxpayer-funded budget, hire just anyone walking down the street? We have cautioned against a desperate or lackadaisical approach to hiring law enforcement officers who may join for the wrong reasons.

While these bills were drafted with an eye toward preventing crime, some of the specifics now mean that common sense is nowhere to be found. City and county leaders have no way to enforce budget discipline or cut costs in superfluous positions, or if they do, they fear being told theyve violated the law.

Fort Worth collects a special half-cent of sales tax revenue to bolster police funding. Thats in addition to hundreds of millions of dollars from the annual city budget. No one is proposing cutting any of it, but if a deep recession hits, will Fort Worth be punished for deciding to get by with a little bit smaller police budget to keep open a library or two?

Local leaders should make these decisions, and local voters  not state officials hundreds of miles away  should hold them accountable. We want local governments to be budget-conscious and rearrange employees as needed, without wondering if theyre risking a budgetary and political slap on the wrist.

No one thinks moving a bailiff from one court to another relates to the huge debate over whether cities should reduce policing in favor of more social services. Forcing local governments to confirm that is a silly waste of time and resources.
In a recent decision the local solicitor said shocked his conscience, an Orangeburg County magistrate without a law degree granted the pretrial release of a mother accused of trafficking her 7-year-old daughter to a 61-year-old man.

The woman was not required to post bond or prohibited from contacting the alleged victim. She was rearrested five days later after allegedly attempting to dissuade the girl from cooperating with police, and immediately bonded out on the new charges.

Around the same time, in a case that raises conflict-of-interest questions, a different Orangeburg County magistrate dismissed felony charges against a man accused of sending a sexually explicit video of himself to an underage girl. The mans lawyer, who had a personal and professional relationship with the judge, claimed he hadnt been provided evidence collected by the sheriffs office. A sheriffs sergeant denied her office had received the discovery request, but the judge did not give her the opportunity to testify.

These cases represent only a recent sampling of questionable judicial conduct in a single county, but they illustrate the outsized impact magistrates exert daily on consequential matters of public safety. For years, Gov. Henry McMaster and some state lawmakers have voiced support for increasing qualifications and enhancing screening requirements for the states more than 300 magistrate judges, most of whom lack law degrees or any significant legal training. But little has been done to meaningfully address concerns.

Several bills introduced this year would tweak the system on the margins, but none address issues raised by the recent Orangeburg cases, such as magistrate qualifications or legal training requirements. While one proposal would prohibit state senators, who appoint magistrates, from appearing as attorneys in their local magistrate courts, it does not deal with other potential conflicts of interest.

Potentially more impactful are a number of bond reform bills that would require judges to consider multiple factors when setting bond, including whether a defendant was out on bond for another offense when charged.

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South Carolina House Speaker Murrell Smith speaks Wednesday, March 1, 2023 to celebrate the passage of H. 3532, a bond reform bill.

Magistrates, who set bonds for criminal defendants on all but a small subset of cases and conduct probable cause hearings for defendants facing serious criminal charges, are frequently criticized for their lenient treatment of violent and repeat offenders.

Granting bonds to such defendants, law enforcement officials argue, jeopardizes public safety and deters witnesses from cooperating with police.

I love our magistrates. I teach them every year, said Jim Huff, founding member of the South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. But I have many examples where they have been weak on bond hearings for people who are already out on bond.

State Rep. Robby Robbins, a Dorchester Republican, was even more explicit in his critique of magistrates  also known as summary court judges  during a recent House Judiciary Committee panel on bond reform legislation.

Summary court judges are not doing their job, said Robbins, a former prosecutor and practicing criminal defense attorney. They are not protecting the public by letting these people out on bond two and three and four and five times. Thats why were here.

Shockingly low bond set for accused child sex trafficker

The bonds set recently for two Orangeburg County residents charged with sex trafficking a 7-year-old are the latest frustration for First Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe, whose jurisdiction covers Orangeburg, Calhoun and Dorchester counties.

Pascoe said hes increasingly come to believe that circuit court judges, who must be licensed attorneys, should set bond in more serious cases. Currently, they do so only when a defendants charges carry a possible life sentence or when a defendant is charged with a violent crime while out on bond for a separate violent crime.

In the recent Orangeburg case, Magistrate Judge James Rickenbacker set the bonds on the defendants trafficking charges, which carry a 30-year maximum sentence.

Judge James Rickenbacker is sworn in as an Orangeburg County magistrate judge in 2022.

He gave John Richard Ricky Williams a $5,000 surety bond  which Pascoe described as shockingly low  and let Alana Ann Westbury out without requiring her to put any money down or stipulating that she have no contact with the alleged victim.

Williams and Westbury, who both are married to other people, were arrested Jan. 7 following an investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.

Prosecutors allege Westbury forced her 7-year-old daughter to engage in sexual activity with Williams on multiple occasions, beginning last summer.

I believe the price was between $200 and $500, SLED Special Agent Melissa Allen testified at Williams initial bond hearing.

Williams, the owner of a local auto repair shop, is charged with human trafficking and criminal sexual conduct with a minor under the age of 11, which carries a mandatory 25-year sentence with the possibility of life imprisonment.

Westbury, a stay-at-home mom, was initially charged with human trafficking and three counts of unlawfully placing a child at risk. The latter charges stem from the accusation that Westbury herself had sex with Williams for money while her two young children  the 7-year-old female victim and a 5-year-old boy  were in the home.

At the pairs initial bond hearing, Rickenbacker, a non-lawyer with less than a year of experience on the bench, asked SLED agents for their bond recommendation, but did not heed it.

According to an audio recording of the proceedings, a SLED victims advocate asked Rickenbacker to give Westbury a surety bond and prohibit her from contacting her children until additional safety measures could be established.

He denied her request.

Im not going to take the rights away, said Rickenbacker, who did not respond to The State newspapers multiple requests for comment on his decision.

Five days after Westburys release from jail, she was rearrested for allegedly attempting to intimidate her young daughter during a Department of Social Services-supervised visit.

According to an arrest warrant, Westbury spoke with the minor victim and asked if the minor victim wanted to send the defendant, or the co-defendant, to jail in an attempt to obstruct or impede the administration of justice in her pending matter.

A different Orangeburg magistrate gave Westbury a $75,000 surety bond on the witness intimidation charges. She posted it the next day and was released, according to court records.

Williams, on the other hand, has remained in custody since his arrest due to the prohibition on magistrates setting bond on charges that carry a possible life sentence.

Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein last month denied Williams bond on his criminal sexual conduct charges and revoked Westburys bond at the request of prosecutors. As a result, both are likely to remain behind bars until their cases are resolved.

Both Mr. Williams and Ms. Westbury are presumed innocent, Pascoe said in a statement after the hearing. However, given the severity of the alleged charges and the facts presented to the court today, we support Judge Goodsteins decision to deny them bonds at this time.

Bogus dismissal of child sex crime charges

Another troubling recent case involves an Orangeburg magistrates dismissal of charges against a St. Matthews man accused of sending an underage girl a video of himself masturbating.

Quentin Parker, 36, was charged last year with disseminating, procuring or promoting obscenity and criminal solicitation of a minor, felonies that carry maximum five- and 10-year prison sentences, respectively.

Orangeburg County Magistrate Judge Gary Doremus dismissed Parkers charges at his Nov. 10 preliminary hearing after Parkers attorney, Gerald Davis, claimed the sheriffs office had not fulfilled his discovery request, a recording of the proceedings obtained by The State newspaper shows.

Orangeburg County Sheriffs Sgt. Lakesha Gillard, who was on the stand preparing to testify at the time, told Doremus her office had not received the request and raised the possibility of delaying the hearing.

Doremus, a former associate at Davis law firm whose mother was once married to Davis, disregarded the prospect of continuing the case and simply dismissed the charges citing lack of probable cause.

Orangeburg County Magistrate Judge Gary Doremus replaces his mother Peggy Doremus on the bench in 2020.

His decision to toss the case due to an alleged discovery violation  an action generally reserved for a circuit court judge  struck legal experts as improper.

Former Circuit Court Judge Gary Clary, speaking generally, said it would be irresponsible for a magistrate to dismiss a felony case at preliminary hearing over an alleged discovery problem.

The issue of discovery and so forth is something that should be reserved for a circuit judge, said Clary, a former Republican state representative who spent 10 years on the bench prior to serving in the State House.

A magistrates role at a preliminary hearing, also called a probable cause hearing, is simply to determine whether sufficient evidence of a crime exists to warrant the defendants detention and trial.

The judge takes testimony from a witness  often the arresting police officer  and decides whether a reasonable person could be persuaded that the accused committed the crime. The defendant is not even allowed to offer evidence on his behalf, since the hearing is solely to determine whether the prosecution can show probable cause.

Its uncommon for charges to be dismissed at this stage and discovery-related motions like Davis, known as Rule 5 motions, are virtually unheard of.

John Crangle, a Greenville defense attorney and son of the well-known Columbia open government advocate of the same name, said in his 10 years practicing law hed never heard of a discovery violation being handled at a preliminary hearing.

If you cant introduce any evidence, how do you prove you served the sheriff? Crangle said.

In addition to ruling on something widely regarded as beyond his purview, Doremus also failed to publicly disclose his relationship with Davis, according to an audio recording of the hearing.

No explicit rule governs when judges should recuse themselves from cases due to conflicts of interest, but the Code of Judicial Conduct advises judges to avoid all impropriety and appearance of impropriety.

The Judicial Advisory Committee, which judges may contact for advice when faced with an ethical quandary, opined last year that judges should disqualify themselves from proceedings in which uncles or cousins  a person with the third degree of relationship to the judge  serve as lawyers.

While the committee has found that judges need not recuse themselves from matters involving their former law firm, as long as the case doesnt predate their departure from the firm and they no longer receive fees for legal services performed on the case, Clary said he always disclosed such relationships to all parties at the outset of a case.

I would immediately reveal if (former law colleagues) were involved in a case with the opposing side. Id say listen, if you want me to recuse myself I will, he said. I just think that to maintain the integrity of our system, that was something I was always mindful of and never wanted to create any appearance of impropriety.

Doremus, whom court records show has set bond in other cases involving Davis, did not respond to multiple requests for comment on his decision to dismiss Parkers charges. It is unknown if the two mens previous relationship was disclosed during those cases.

As a result of the dismissal, prosecutors were forced to present the case to a grand jury, which on Jan. 11 indicted Parker, trumping the magistrates actions.

Circuit Court Judge Maite Murphy set Parkers new bond at $150,000, and as of Wednesday, he had not posted it, court records show. Parker is prohibited from having contact with the alleged victim, her family or any minor children, per Murphys order.

Assistant Solicitor Catherine Hunter speaks with Orangeburg County sheriffs Sgt. Lakesha Gillard before a bond hearing for Quentin Parker on Monday, Jan. 30, 2023. Parker is charged with criminal solicitation of a minor and dissemination and disseminating, procuring or promoting obscenity.

When a magistrate dismisses a case on bogus procedural grounds, were always going to take a good look at it to see if it can be remedied in circuit court, Pascoe said. Failure to provide discovery is not grounds for a dismissal at a preliminary hearing, especially in a case that was only weeks old at the time.

To this day, the Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office has not received the evidence request Davis claimed he sent.

Prosecutors and other legal experts said the request shouldnt even have been sent to the sheriffs office.

According to the rules of criminal procedure, discovery requests should be filed with the prosecution.

While discovery for minor offenses, such as speeding tickets, may be sought from local police agencies, discovery requests in felony cases should always be sent to the solicitor, legal experts said.

No criminal defense attorney in the state that I know of doesnt serve it on the solicitors office, Crangle said. You have to. Theyre the prosecution.

Records show Davis, who declined comment on the case, didnt request evidence from the solicitors office until nearly two months after Doremus dismissed the charges against his client.

Pascoe, who has advised the Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office to document its myriad issues with local magistrates, said his office is now looking into other judicial decisions officers have flagged as improper.

The Orangeburg Sheriffs Office brought (the Parker case) to us within minutes of it happening after the prelim, and theyve been coming to us often ever since, he said.

Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell thanks the South Carolina House for passing a bond reform bill on March 1, 2023.

Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell confirmed hed been working with the solicitors office out of concern for public safety, but declined to comment on any specific case or magistrate ruling.

If these criminals continue to be released on little or no bond, were going to continue our efforts to make certain that justice is done, he said in a statement. Were not in the business of catch and release so criminals can terrorize someone again. These low or no bonds are not helping the community.

Need for reform

With the defendants in both recent Orangeburg County cases now behind bars, the potential for further harm to the public or the alleged victims is largely allayed.

Thats not always the outcome when magistrates make questionable rulings.

Many law enforcement officials can effortlessly rattle off examples in which criminal defendants released on nominal bonds reoffend, sometimes with disastrous consequences.

An oft-cited cautionary tale relayed at multiple recent legislative hearings involves a 42-year-old Clarks Hill man with 16 prior criminal convictions who in December 2021, while free on bond, allegedly initiated a wild shootout in downtown North Augusta that injured a police officer.

A bystander video of the incident shows the man exit his truck in the middle of a busy street, crouch behind the vehicle and fire off dozens of rounds at officers in broad daylight.

The man, who was facing numerous drug and weapons charges at the time, eventually surrendered and was taken into custody.

That is a story thats emblematic to whats happening across the state, said Jarrod Bruder, executive director of the South Carolina Sheriffs Association. Were seeing more and more violent individuals getting out on bond that are reoffending.

Part of the solution, as Dorchester Rep. Robbins sees it, involves requiring circuit court judges to set bond for defendants accused of violent crimes.

If were going to be trying to put these violent people in prison, I want them to go before circuit court judges, he said at a recent legislative hearing. We cannot have them continuing to go before magistrates or municipal judges on these offenses.

Pascoe said that while hes supportive of circuit court judges setting bonds in more cases, he thinks the root of the problem is the states judicial selection process.

David Pascoe

South Carolina is one of two states in the country where the General Assembly  roughly a third of whom are practicing lawyers  picks judges.

Critics of the process say it breeds cronyism and makes judges beholden to state lawmakers, some of whom will inevitably appear before them in the courtroom.

Unlike many judges, who are screened by the Judicial Merit Selection Commission and voted on by the General Assembly, magistrates are hand-picked by local senators without the same level of vetting.

We need to change the way we select all of our judges in this state, and that goes for magistrates as well, Pascoe said.

Senate Minority Leader Brad Hutto, the Orangeburg Democrat who appointed both Doremus and Rickenbacker, said he doesnt have a problem with the current system but is open to ceding the responsibility of magistrate appointment, as long as judges are not popularly elected.

It doesnt matter to me, in a way, said Hutto, a lawyer for more than 40 years whose firm represents criminal defendants in Orangeburg County Magistrate Court. Somebodys got to make the appointments.

Hutto said he takes his magistrate appointment powers seriously. Before selecting a new judge, he reviews the resumes of all prospective magistrates, speaks with people who know them and interviews each candidate to assess for temperament and intellect.

He said he does not expect preferential treatment from the magistrates he appoints and thus does not consider it a conflict that he may one day appear before them.

One of the questions I always ask judges before I appoint them is: If you hear the evidence and Im the lawyer and Im not winning, youll rule against me, right? Hutto said.

Most magistrates do an exemplary job, he said, and theyre generally of higher quality today than they were when he first took office nearly three decades ago. Ideally, all magistrates would have law degrees  a 2019 Charleston Post and Courier investigation found nearly three-quarters dont have formal legal training  but its simply not feasible, Hutto said.

In more rural counties, its virtually impossible to find attorneys, he said. In fact, its oftentimes hard to find anybody because the salary is just not there to attract people that we really need.

Magistrate salaries vary widely by county, ranging from $10,000 in rural Lee County to $115,000 in Spartanburg County, according to a 2022 Wage and Salary Report commissioned by the South Carolina Association of Counties. Orangeburg County magistrates make between $80,000 and $90,000, according to the report.

Senator Brad Hutto, D.-Orangeburg reviews a presentation from Sen. Dick Harpootlian concerning the bill facilitating the relocation of the Carolina Panthers training facility to South Carolina.

The Orangeburg senator declined to weigh in on the recent decisions made by his local magistrates, saying it was not his place to get involved in individual cases.

He said if a magistrate consistently makes bad decisions and becomes the subject of numerous complaints hed eventually hear about it, and, if need be, find a replacement.

I dont think senators should retain any review process, Hutto said. Once we appoint them, theyre on their own.
WASHINGTON  The family of U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick joined Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger in blasting Fox News host Tucker Carlson on Tuesday for showing cherry-picked video from calmer moments of the riot on Jan. 6, 2021, rather than the chaos and violence that erupted that day in what officers described as Medieval warfare.

Carlson got exclusive access to 41,000 hours of surveillance video recorded the day of the riot from House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. Carlson portrayed the event Monday on his program as mostly peaceful and described as liars the officials from President Joe Biden to then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., for calling the attack a deadly insurrection.

The riot was theworst attack on the Capitol in 200 years. About 140 police officers were injured during the attack; Officer Sicknick, a South River native, died the next day and at least four others died by suicide in the weeks that followed. Fellow officers described hand-to-hand combat with rioters, as officers slipped in blood and vomit on the Capitol steps. More than 1,000 people have been charged in the attack and more than 500 have been convicted, Attorney General Merrick Garland said Tuesday.

Manger criticized the program for saying police officers acted as tour guides and portraying calmer moments during the day. This is outrageous and false, Manger said in an internal department statement.

The tape that we reviewed from within the building on that day proves it was neither an insurrection nor deadly, Carlson said. Everything about that phrase is a lie. Very little about Jan. 6 was organized or violent. Surveillance video from inside the Capitol shows mostly peaceful chaos.

Carlson focused part of his report on Officer Sicknick, who died the day after the riot from two strokes, which the medical examiner ruled was natural causes.

Story continues

USCP Photo of Officer Brian D. Sicknick

Sicknick was sprayed by chemicals outside the Capitol and collapsed, according to witnesses. Officer Caroline Edwards, who was near Sicknick and saw him fall, described battling rioters as an absolute war zone, with officers slipping on their own blood.

Sicknick, who grew up in South River, attended Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools East Brunswick Campus and then joined the New Jersey Air National Guard. He deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1999 in support of Operation Southern Watch. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks he served in Kyrgyzstan, in support of the war in Afghanistan. He was honorably discharged in 2003 and joined the Capitol Police.

Sicknicks family issued a statement to CBS News that said they were outraged at the ongoing attack on our family by the unscrupulous and outright sleazy so-called news network of Fox News.

Julian Khater, formerly of the Somerset section of Franklin, who joined the mob's attack on the Capitol, was sentenced in January to more than six years in prison for using pepper spray to assault police officers, one of whom was Sicknick.

Khater's friend and co-defendant, George Tanios, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of disorderly and disruptive conduct and was ordered to 12 months of supervised release.

Manger called Carlsons accusation about Sicknick the most disturbing of the program.

The Department maintains, as anyone with common sense would, that had Officer Sicknick not fought valiantly for hours on the day he was violently assaulted, Officer Sicknick would not have died the next day, Manger said.

Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., who headed the committee that investigated the attack, criticized McCarthy for deciding it was more important to give in to a Fox host who spews lies and propaganda than to protect the Capitol and the police, members, and staff that serve in it.

Senate leaders of both parties also criticized Carlson for denying the violence on Jan. 6.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. was re-elected to his longtime role as Senate Republican leader, fending off a challenge by Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., an ally of former President Donald Trump.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., held up Mangers statement and said he agreed with everything he said about what happened on Jan. 6.

Clearly, the chief of the Capitol police in my view correctly describes what most of us witnessed firsthand on Jan. 6, McConnell said. It was a mistake in my view for Fox News to depict this in a way that is legally at variance with what our chief law enforcement official here at the Capitol thinks.

Contributing: USA TODAY staff writer Bart Jansen

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Tucker Carlson 3/6/23 episode angers Brian Sicknick family
To get a roundup of TechCrunchs biggest and most important crypto stories delivered to your inbox every Thursday at 12 p.m. PT, subscribe here.

Welcome back to Chain Reaction.

On Wednesday, Silvergate Capital, a publicly traded crypto bank, shared that it would wind down operations and voluntarily liquidate its bank division.

The move from the California-based firm followed a run that resulted in it selling off assets at a huge loss to cover over $8 billion in withdrawals amid the broader crypto ecosystem meltdown.

The institution, which was one of the few banks that acted as an intermediary in the space of institutional crypto, is yet another victim of the crypto winter following the implosion of FTX, which used the bank to transfer customer funds.

Its also worth mentioning that FTX and other companies related to the former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried accounted for roughly $1 billion of the banks deposits. So when FTX crumbled in November, it took a blow, but still managed to survive for a number of months after selling off part of its traditional banking operations and branches.

The shutdown of Silvergate will deal a big blow to how money moves in and out of the crypto world. A few analysts weighed in with their thoughts below.

This week in web3

Crypto bank Silvergate's 'collywobbles' could add to industry's woes (TC+)

As mentioned above, Silvergate is shutting its doors, leading some analysts to forecast bigger problems for the overall ecosystem. It is not the first bank to get the collywobbles, Katharine Wooller, business unit director at Coincover, said to TechCrunch. Ultimately the risk/reward ratio, in the face of increasing scrutiny, was not viable, as the ongoing crypto winter, worsened by the FTX scandal, shows no sign of thaw.

Coinbase is laser-focused on growing dev world and onboarding crypto-curious (TC+)

For crypto exchange giant Coinbase, 2023 is all about getting web3 into new markets and partnerships while onboarding more users into crypto, Will Robinson, VP of engineering at Coinbase, told TechCrunch. Going forward, Coinbase plans to disproportionately focus its intention and resources on capabilities around growing both on-chain and off-chain, navigating regulatory regimes, drawing in the large user base of crypto-curious people and making web3 accessible to novice or casual users, Robinson added.

Story continues

Meet the women-led web3 startups from Thousand Faces demo day

Thousand Faces, a web3 community-based investment group, hosted its demo day on Wednesday with the top 10 startups from its Female Founder Accelerator program. The demo day coincided with International Womens Day and featured women-led businesses focused on sustainable development goals (SDGs). The accelerator programs first cohort accepted 30 startups from a pool of over 220 applicants across 76 countries.

Arbitrum co-founders see opportunity for continued layer-2 growth through DeFi, gaming (TC+)

As we segue into March, the Ethereum layer-2 space is continuing to see strong demand: One of its largest scaling solutions, Arbitrum, is seeing renewed exponential growth through subsectors in the ecosystem. DeFi continues to dominate most demand for L2s, but there may be other areas that could gain stronger traction, such as gaming. In the short term, DeFi is showing the most traction, said Harry Kalodner, CTO and co-founder of Offchain Labs, a developer of Arbitrum. But DeFi may not be the path to onboard hundreds of millions of users, he added.

Worldcoin, co-founded by Sam Altman, is betting the next big thing in AI is proving you are human

Fake virtual identities are nothing new and Twitter bots are nothing compared with what the world is about to experience, as any time spent with ChatGPT illustrates. Flash-forward a few years and it will be impossible to know if someone is communicating with another mortal or a neural network. Sam Altman knows this. Altman is the co-founder and CEO of ChatGPT parent OpenAI and has long had more visibility than most into whats around the corner.

The latest pod

For this weeks episode, Jacquelyn interviewed Jack Mallers, the founder and CEO of Strike, a bitcoin-based payment network and financial app that is trying to grow cross-border payments and remittance markets. Last year, Mallers company raised $80 million in a Series B round to grow into that space and also has partnered with major companies like Visa, Clover and Fiserv.

Mallers is also the CEO of Zap, a bitcoin investment and payments company that transacts on the Lightning Network, which is a second layer on Bitcoins blockchain that allows for off-chain transactions between parties.

We discussed Mallers' backstory, how he got into the Bitcoin scene in his late teenage years, whether the lightning network could be better than the payment networks that exist today and how big players could get into the space. This episode was heavily focused on Bitcoin, so buckle up.

We also dove into:

Lightning Networks global potential

El Salvadors adoption of Bitcoin

Creating new infrastructure to make Bitcoin more accessible

The future of Strike and the Bitcoin ecosystem

Subscribe to Chain Reaction on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite pod platform to keep up with the latest episodes, and please leave us a review if you like what you hear!

Follow the money

Tensor raises $3 million for Solana-focused NFT trading platform Framework Ventures leads $15.8 million round in Proven Web3 developer tool provider Cubist raises $7 million Bitcoin investment platform Relai valued at $20 million following $4.5 million funding round Stablecoin issuer ESCA raises $3 million in pre-seed funding round

This list was compiled with information from Messari as well as TechCrunchs own reporting.
[Source]

The trailer for upcoming sci-fi thriller "Simulant," starring Jordana Brewster, Robbie Amell, Sam Worthington and Simu Liu, was released on Wednesday.

Formerly titled Hello People, the April Mullen-directed film centers on Faye (Brewster) as she attempts to cope with the death of her husband, Evan (Amell), by creating a humanoid android simulant (SIM) in his image. However, Faye is unable to accept the SIM version of her husband, leaving a confused Evan determined to win her love. In his quest to win her affection, Evans exceptional skills and human-like emotions catch the attention of the government, who begin a manhunt led by agent Kessler (Worthington).

Liu plays Casey, a programmer and supporter of human-AI coexistence who removes Evans coding limitations. Alicia also co-stars as Esme and Mayko Nguyen as Michiko Higashi.

Considering the rise of AI in our everyday lives, producer Tim Doiron shared his take on how Simulant wrestles with the tension between the human and the artificial in a statement:

More from NextShark: Ghibli Park to add rideable Catbuses, 'Princess Mononoke' village and more

Our relationship with Artificial Intelligence is getting more complex and nuanced every day. Simulant explores the inevitable struggles humanity will face as Artificial Intelligence evolves and integrates deeper into our society. Its a fascinating exploration, especially when experienced through the gaze of Director April Mullen. We cant wait to share the film with audiences.

Mullen said about her movie: "In a very real near future, where technological advancements force us to reckon with our conceptual limitations around life, death and consciousness, how do we as humans push ourselves into the next stage of evolution?

Doiron and James van der Woerd produced the film from a screenplay developed by Ryan Christopher Churchill.

More from NextShark: 'Don't insult Japan!': Miss Universe 2021 Japan's national costume is all wrong according to netizens

The films executive producers include Peter Bevan, Chris Lee, Ali Jazayeri (TPC), David Gendron, Kirk DAmico and Verticals Peter Jarowey, Rich Goldberg and Mitch Budin.

Story continues

An early bid for Simulant was made by Vertical, who set early release dates for both Canada, the U.S. and the U.K./Ireland.

Simulant will be released in the U.S. as a DirecTV On Demand exclusive on May 5 before its theatrical release on June 2. The Canadian theatrical release of Simulant will take place on April 7.

More from NextShark: Netflixs live-action 'Cowboy Bebop' teases iconic cathedral scene

Watch the trailer for "Simulant" below:

More from NextShark: SEVENTEEN subunit BSS drop first single album Second Wind'
Singapores intention to become a global crypto hub will see greater realization this year by developing as a particular kind of hub: one geared toward institutional and industry participation. Inherent in this strategy is the intentional facilitation of certain aspects of growth, alongside the limitation of other facets. Singapore seeks to leverage accredited investors and institutions that have sufficient assets and expertise to participate in this high-risk environment, especially in early development stages. While this may mean hampered retail participation, this approach provides much-needed clarity for businesses from the perspective of policy that is still relatively rare in the rest of the world.

As a reputable financial center on the global map, Singapores efforts remain steadfast in maintaining its lead in the space. Through intentional policy and regulatory efforts made in 2022 and prior to lay the foundations for this year, Singapores approach to crypto may serve as a blueprint for other nations looking to leverage key stakeholders for industry growth and build effective use cases for their wider financial markets.

Aiming for a balance

In November 2021, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Singapores central bank and financial regulatory authority, shared Singapores ambitions to become a hub for sound and well-regulated digital assets with value-adding use cases. Efforts have been continually made to achieve a delicate balance between encouraging blockchain innovation and protecting investors from the risks of participating in a promising but nascent market.

Initiatives were introduced to enable institutions to explore decentralized finance (DeFi) applications and the concept of a digital Singapore dollar through Project Ubin, Project Orchid, and Project Guardian.

Singapores strength in coalescing professionals in the financial sector was highlighted through the TOKEN2049 conference. Held in Singapore, the conference attracted over 7,000 participants including venture capitalists, financial institutions, and crypto, DeFi and infrastructure projects to discuss the future of crypto and facilitate new and ongoing developments.

Story continues

When it comes to private-sector investment in blockchain, Singapore holds the number two spot in the world after the leading player United States in terms of the number of deals, with Singapore-based projects making 566 deals and raising $3.9 billion over the past six years, according to research from The Block. Only the U.S. and the U.K., at $38.6 billion and $5 billion respectively, had deals that cumulatively raised more.

Investments from within Singapore through Temasek, the nations sovereign wealth fund, also highlighted its seriousness in being a key player through investments in gaming, NFTs and other ecosystem players.

Weve begun to see a physical shift of projects to Singapore, as it is attractive not only because of a favorable business climate due to taxes but also the rule of law and certainty of business continuity. For example, crypto projects have left China following greater restrictions around business and Covid. Blockchain node operators are also increasingly making Singapore their home as projects seek to decentralize their operations in reliable hubs around the world.

These strengths in technical developments, institutional participation and investments will shape Singapore as a crypto hub in the years to come.

Working with the private sector

Last year, we saw a significant global shift in institutional interest toward crypto and DeFi. BlackRock, the worlds largest asset manager, began trading digital assets, and HSBC planned to move the settlement of US$20 billion in assets onto a new blockchain-based custody platform.

Just last month, Societe Generale, a France-based bank, withdrew US$7 million worth of MakerDAOs stablecoin DAI from its vault, which had been credited with a limit of US$30 million in DAI. The vault is backed by 40 million euros in bonds in the form of OFH tokens  tokenized securities issued on Ethereum and collateralized by AAA-rated French home loans.

This year will see a greater exploration of permissioned DeFi that can increase transparency among stakeholders involved and potentially facilitate industry-level, near-instant settlements across borders.

Permissioned DeFi, which includes a whitelisting process through identity and background checks such as know-your-customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) procedures, can help institutions that adhere to strict compliance rules ensure their trading counterparties have been vetted. This approach stands in contrast to the majority of DeFi, which is completely permissionless, enabling essentially anyone to access liquidity pools. Promising zero-knowledge developments in 2023 that help preserve data privacy through zk-STARKs and zk-SNARKS will help counter objections against KYC and AML use that exposes information to centralized parties.

Aave Arc, a permissioned version of the lending protocol, Aave was released in early 2022. Just last November, we saw a major bank, for the first time, tokenize deposits on a public blockchain. This historic moment was spearheaded in Singapore, under the supervision of MAS, in which banks including DBS Bank and JPMorgan conducted foreign exchange and government bond transactions on Polygon, utilizing a modified version of Aave Arc.



Project Mariana, which includes the central banks of Singapore, France and Switzerland in the study of integrating DeFi features with central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), is also underway. These projects could see greater advancements this year.

Pushing for real-world uses

Better integrations of crypto with the real world could also help to better reveal its value such as its lower costs, increased efficiency, and reduced risk in financial transactions.

Project Orchid, a government-industry initiative aimed to develop the infrastructure and technical competencies necessary to issue a digital Singapore dollar, was rolled out last October with industry players including DBS Bank, Central Provident Fund (CPF), Grab, UOB and OCBC. Wealth management products are also being developed by HSBC, Marketnode, and UOB in partnership with MAS. Continuous efforts like this push progress locally in the direction of useful implementation in the wider economy.

Beyond finance, were seeing examples in industries like property, education and healthcare. Tokenization of property development is being made possible through the Fraxtor digital platform, which bridges investors and real estate investment opportunities originated by private equity managers. In October 2022, Fraxtor, a qualified real estate tokenization issuer, tokenized two redevelopment projects that involved a freehold and bungalow site in Singapore. This marked important efforts towards transforming real estate which has historically been a fundamentally indivisible and illiquid category of assets.

In addition, the education and health sectors are seeing traditionally complex processes being simplified through solutions like Accredify which issues verifiable documents that are tamper-proof and with IDs stored on the blockchain. Going beyond an initial focus on making education credentials easy to store and share, late 2022 saw the technology used to issue more than 1 million covid-19 rapid antigen test results in partnership with an IOT startup, Beep. Weve also seen other platforms rise such as Opencerts, a platform that generates cryptographic protections for educational credentials, and HealthCerts which helps to provide tamper-proof, secure, and digitally transmitted health certificates for convenient global travel.

These use cases can help foster organic growth and more useful applications of crypto in industries that are significantly valuable in the wider economy.

Conclusion

Industry and institutional involvement will continue to be key to the flourishing of Singapore as a crypto hub this year, with a strong foundation built in 2022. Beyond the convergence of DeFi and TradFi, we could see more integrations of real-world products connecting to blockchain and DeFi. Robust support by the government for the industry and the continued entrants of more blockchain experts will contribute to an accelerated pace of growth. Singapores approach should be seen as a blueprint for other nations seeking to grow their crypto industry and build their wider economy.
SBU detained enemy informers

"Six Russian agents from this network were detained by the SBU in late February," the statement said.

The agency said three more FSB informers have been detained. They secretly tried to collect classified information near Ukrainian military units.

The SBU said the suspects include a resident of Kyiv Oblast who tried to identify the backup command post of the Kyiv territorial center for recruitment and social support. The suspect received instructions from the FSB to use a cover story to infiltrate the enlistment office to conduct reconnaissance.

Read also: Russian spy network supplying intel about military movements in Donbas shut down by SBU

"Another offender in southern Ukraine cooperated with the enemy, as he was counting on a position in the occupation administration in the event of its capture," the statement reads.

The informers maintained remote communication with an FSB officer, who directed them in covert cooperation following the launch of Russias full-scale invasion. They used a specially created anonymous Telegram messenger channel for communication.

SBU investigators pressed charges under Part 3 of Art. 114-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

The informers remain in custody while the investigation continues.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
The six-year-old elementary school student in Virginia that shot his teacher in January will not face charges, authorities told NBC on Wednesday.

Howard Gwynn, Newport News Commonwealths Attorney, told NBC that his office does not believe there is a legal basis to charge a child in the crime, saying the prospect that a 6-year-old can stand trial is problematic.

The news that the student would not be charged comes after he allegedly shot his first grade teacher, Abigail Zwerner, while she was teaching at Richneck Elementary School. Police have characterized the shooting as intentional.

Zwerner was shot in the hand and chest and was released from the hospital after two weeks, according to the Associated Press.

Gwynn said that his office was instead focusing on possibly charging others in connection with the shooting.

Our objective is not just to do something as quickly as possible, Gwynn said. Once we analyze all the facts, we will charge any person or persons that we believe we can prove beyond a reasonable doubt committed a crime.

The shooting sparked outrage in the community, and led to the ouster of the school systems superintendent and assistant vice principal.

It was later revealed that administrators were not made aware on the day of the shooting that the child possibly had a weapon. After administrators searched the boys backpack and found no weapons, police said they never contacted the authorities about the tip.

The family of the six year old said in a statement following the shooting that he had an acute disability and that he was receiving care after a court-ordered temporary detention at a medical facility, according to ABC.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Skagit County deputies arrested a man tied to multiple burglaries and thefts after he barricaded himself inside a cabin, according to the Skagit Country Sheriffs Office.

On Tuesday, deputies responded to a fully engulfed travel trailer fire at 20082 Alger View Lane off Humphrey Hill Road in Skagit County.

The property owner told deputies that nobody should have been on the property and that the travel trailer was vacant, so deputies investigated the fire as arson. During the investigation, they found several open doors on the property and believed people may have broken into several of the buildings.

On Wednesday, a deputy came back to the property at Alger View Lane to meet with the property owner, investigate the burglaries, and get a list of missing items. While there, around 11:40 a.m., a neighbor on Humphrey Hill Road reported that a man had just stolen an ATV from the property and was possibly still in the area.

The deputy quickly found the stolen ATV that had been abandoned in the woods between the Humphrey Hill property and the Alger View property. Deputies followed a trail from the ATV to a cabin on the original property at Alger View Lane.

Deputies confirmed a man was barricaded inside the cabin and was threatening violence if anyone tried to enter. Members of the Crisis Negotiation Team and Skagit Regional Respond Team were called to the scene and talked to the man.

After around an hour, the man agreed to surrender and allowed deputies to enter the residence to take him into custody. Deputies arrested the 38-year-old man who had a home in the Hamilton area of Skagit County.

Deputies were able to investigate and solve multiple burglaries and thefts in the area that were tied to the man. The man was arrested and booked into the Skagit Regional Justice center Wednesday afternoon.
A pop-up memorial is seen in Orlando, Florida, for slain local journalist Dylan Lyons after he was killed while covering a homicide on Feb. 22.

A pop-up memorial is seen in Orlando, Florida, for slain local journalist Dylan Lyons after he was killed while covering a homicide on Feb. 22.

The fiancee of a journalist killed in a shooting in Florida last month said she is raising money to have his children through artificial insemination after harvesting his sperm immediately following his death.

Dylan and I wanted nothing more than to get married and have children, Casey Fite, 26, wrote of her late fiance Dylan Lyons, 24, on a GoFundMe page seeking funds for the procedure.

Lyons was covering the aftermath of a fatal shooting in Orlando on Feb. 22 when the alleged gunman returned to the scene and opened fire, striking Lyons and his cameraman who survived his injuries, authorities said.

On the night of his death, Fite said the idea of harvesting his sperm was brought up to her by Lyons mother.

Being a father was all Dylan talked about, his mother, Beth Lyons, told Good Morning America of her suggestion. For Casey to pass on his legacy would be just beautiful because they were just two beautiful souls made for each other.

Fite, who said she started dating Lyons in late 2021 after meeting the previous year, said she immediately contacted doctors about collecting and freezing his sperm, with there being a narrow window where sperm can be salvageable for in vitro fertilization after the hosts death.

A doctor agreed to the procedure and was able to retrieve eight vials of his sperm, which she told Good Morning America shell keep frozen until she recovers physically and emotionally from her grief and feels well enough to complete a pregnancy.

I know I only have so many chances and I just feel like if I were to do it right now there would be too much stress on it, and I would end up miscarrying, and thats not something I want, Fite said.

Fite said she plans to raise the children on her own because she doesnt believe shell find another partner like Lyons. She said her family is very supportive and would help.

Related...
Slippery Rock University has reached agreement with four Pittsburgh-region community colleges that will allow graduates with associates degree nursing students to work on their bachelors degree in nursing at the university.

The agreements are with the Community College of Allegheny County, the Community College of Beaver County, Westmoreland County Community College, and Butler County Community College.

The students will be able to finish their associates degree and then take up to 24 credits online at the community colleges before transferring to SRU. It would allow the students to take more credits affordably and then transfer to SRU to finish up the degree.

Read more at Pittsburgh Business Times.

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Advocacy groups that led the charge for Gigi Sohn, President Bidens nominee to the Federal Communication Commission (FCC), slammed Democrats over their failure to confirm her, leaving the agency with a 2-2 partisan split.

Sohn announced Tuesday that she asked Biden to withdraw her nomination after facing unrelenting, dishonest and cruel attacks on her character and career, ending a two-year battle over her bid.

Republican senators had already united in opposition to Sohn, citing her personal political views and past criticism of conservative news outlets. The announcement of her withdrawal came hours after Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced he, too, would oppose Sohn, likely dooming her confirmation.

GOP senators push back at Bidens FCC nominee during third hearing

The FCC must remain above the toxic partisanship that Americans are sick and tired of, and Ms. Sohn has clearly shown she is not the person to do that, Manchin said in a Tuesday statement Tuesday.

Democrats could still have confirmed her if all other members of their party and the vice president voted for her, but the absences of Democratic Sens. Dianne Feinstein (Calif.) and John Fetterman (Pa.) effectively blocked progress on Sohns nomination.

Why Sohn was facing Senate heat

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) is seen during a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing on Thursday, February 9, 2023. Credit: Annabelle Gordon/The Hill.

Sohn is a lawyer with more than three decades of experience in technology privacy law. She previously served as a top aide to former FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler.

She faced three nomination hearings, the most recent one being held last month. During the hearings, Republicans slammed her over accusations that she is too far to the left for the position and allegations of conflicts of interest due to comments she made about conservative media.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), ranking member of the Commerce Committee, said in a statement Sohns withdrawal is a major victory and represents strong bipartisan agreement that we need a fair and impartial candidate who can receive the support needed for confirmation.

Story continues

Last years hearings largely targeted Sohns work with Locast, a now-ceased nonprofit streaming service that settled a lawsuit alleging the service infringed on television networks copyrights. Sohn had promised to recuse herself from issues if confirmed.

Sohn supporters decry smears

Gigi Sohn, nominee for Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, is seen questions during her nomination hearing in front of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee on Tuesday, February 14, 2023. This is the third time Sohns nomination has come before the committee. Greg Nash/The Hill.

While Sohns political views helped drum up GOP opposition, her supporters also blame a series of stories published by conservative news outlets such as Fox News and the Daily Mail. Her supporters say those articles alleged that Sohn and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), a nonprofit digital rights group that Sohn sits on the board of, oppose efforts to protect victims of sex trafficking.

The claim is based on EFFs opposition to two GOP-led bills, the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (SESTA) and Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act (FOSTA), that the group argued will not stop sex trafficking and would make policing it harder.

Evan Greer, spokesperson for the digital rights group Fight for the Future, called the attacks fueled by the conservative outlets homophobic smears. Sohn would have been the agencys first openly gay commissioner.

LGBTQ groups condemn identity-based attacks on Gigi Sohn, urge confirmation

The stories were part of what Preston Padden, a former president of ABC and a founding executive of Fox Broadcasting Company, told the Commerce Committee in a letter dated late January called the worst, and most cynical and baseless smear campaign ever waged against a nominee to serve on the FCC.

Ms. Sohns only sin is that she roots for the underdog and for consumers. As a result, some of the dominant Cable TV companies and Internet Service Providers have stooped to lows never before seen to smear Ms. Sohn, he wrote.

Maria Langholz, communications director at progressive nonprofit Demand Progress, said that while it would be easiest to blame the right wing for her nomination failing, there was missing urgency and commitment from Democrats in the White House and Senate.

Senate Democrats under fire from activists

While Sohn focused her ire on cable and media lobbyists, the advocacy groups that spent the past couple of years backing her said Democrats, who had control of the Senate the entire time, share a brunt of the blame.

The industry probably led in financing the attacks, the Republicans were happy to echo them. But the reality is that Democrats still had a majority that should have been able to vote for their own partys  their own presidents  nominee, said Craig Aaron, president and co-CEO of Free Press, an advocacy group that promotes affordable internet access and restoring net neutrality rules.

GOP resistance to Biden FCC nominee could endanger boards Democratic majority

But ultimately, it is up to those who chair the committees and control the majority to rally support for well qualified nominees, Aaron said.

Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) said in a statement that while she is disappointed, she respects Sohns decision to withdraw her nomination.

Throughout the confirmation process, Cantwell said Sohn demonstrated her expertise in telecommunications law, deep experience and commitment to ensuring that every American has access to affordable broadband regardless of where they live.

More importantly, I commend her for the integrity and fortitude she displayed in the face of a coordinated, hate-fueled campaign to malign and distort her character and record, Cantwell added.

A spokesperson for Cantwell declined to comment on the criticism of Democrats handling of the process from advocates. A spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) did not respond to a request for comment.

Sohns withdrawal further delays FCCs Democratic agenda

The seal of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seen before an FCC meeting to vote on net neutrality in Washington on Dec. 14, 2017.

The groups that backed Sohn, and are slamming Democrats, underscored how the delay will push back the agencys ability to advance Democrats agenda, such as reinstating Obama-era net neutrality laws.

FCC chair proposes raising broadband speed standards

Even if the White House names a new nominee, there may not be enough time for the FCC to move forward with key priorities like restoring net neutrality and broadband privacy rules, Greer said.

By allowing Sohns nomination to be undermined by disingenuous attacks and refusing to condemn them, the Biden administration and Senate Democrats have set a terrible precedent for future public interest nominees and LGBTQ nominees, Greer said.

The advocacy groups also urged the White House not to balk and pick an industry friendly nominee to replace Sohn.

The worst thing that the White House and the Senate can do now, is try to come up with some kind of candidate that they think wont anger industry, Aaron said.

Theres danger that therell be conventional wisdom, like, oh, well, we tried someone who actually represented the public interest cant do that again. Lets go find someone that the industry likes. That is going to be met with outrage, he said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Nadym Khmaladze, who fought in Ukraine on the side of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, was detained during protests in Georgia.

Source: Georgian Service Radio Tavisupleba (Radio Liberty)

The Georgian Interior Ministry has confirmed Khmaladze's detention.

He was detained on Freedom Square in Tbilisi on 8 March, at about 16:00 on charges of disobedience to the police and hooliganism.

According to lawyer Tornike Bakradze, Khmaladze was detained by criminal police officers.

Quote from Bakradze: "Neither he nor I have seen the protocol of detention. He was told orally that it was about verbal insults, which is difficult to prove, and at the time of his detention, he could not have committed a crime because he was giving an interview to a journalist."

Khmaladze was one of the first Georgian volunteers to go to Ukraine and took an active part in the fighting against Russia.

He returned to Tbilisi on 6 March.

As the lawyer states, he was kept at passport control at the entrance to Georgia for a long time without explanation. In the city, Khmaladze noticed that he was being followed.

Background:

After two nights of protests and the violent dispersal of demonstrators outside the Georgian parliament, the Georgian authorities announced that they were "withdrawing" the draft law on "foreign agents".

On 9 March, the third night of protests continued in Georgia. Demonstrators demand the release of detainees, the resignation of the government and early elections.

The authorities of Georgia announced that they would release all detainees on 7 and 8 March under administrative articles.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!






(NewsNation)  The son of a deceased housekeeper for the Murdaugh family is in support of an exhumation but believes there was no foul play in his mothers death.

Tony Satterfields mother Gloria died inside the Murdaughs South Carolina property in 2018 after she tripped and fell. Alex Murdaugh then stole millions of dollars of insurance money that was intended for the Satterfield family.

Tony Satterfield said during a February court appearance that Murdaugh told him he would get his insurers to take care of him and his brother financially. Murdaugh eventually got settlements of more than $4 million, but Satterfield said his family found out after the killings and never saw any of it.

When Tony Satterfield learned about the theft, he felt betrayed, shocked, he said Tuesday on CUOMO.

Kidnapped Americans found in Mexico; 2 dead, 1 injured

The Murdaugh family told Satterfields sons she tripped over the four family dogs and died as a result of her injuries. An autopsy was never performed.

Tony Satterfield has since, with the help of other lawyers, collected more than $4 million from banks, officials and other lawyers involved in the settlements.

Now, South Carolina Law Enforcement investigators say they want to exhume Satterfields body after a jury found Murdaugh guilty of killing his wife and 22-year-old son.

Satterfields attorney Eric Bland maintains that Gloria wasnt intentionally killed. He says it will likely be difficult to determine if anyone or anything other than an accidental fall was responsible for her death.

She flipped twice, so she had significant closed head injury and open head injury with 12 broken ribs, Bland said. The real issue is going to be if somebody was told before Paul or Maggie died  if they know something.

The Associated Press and NewsNation writer Urja Sinha contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
South Bend police cars and caution tape were seen outside a house in the 800 block of S. Lake St. on Oct. 15, 2021 in South Bend where Sa'Sha Agnew was found dead. (Photo: Greg Swiercz)

SOUTH BEND  A 22-year-old who has already been sentenced to 10 years in prison for causing a fatal crash in Mishawaka will now spend decades in prison after being convicted of murder in a separate case this week.

Prosecutors and investigators accused Travis Logan of being part of a group of people who broke into Sa'Sha Agnew's South Lake Street house in October 2021 and killed her during a robbery. After a trial this week, a St. Joseph County jury agreed and found Logan guilty of murder and conspiracy to commit robbery Wednesday night.

Barring an appeal and with the murder sentence likely to run consecutively with the 10 years he was given for the fatal crash, Logan is likely to spend most of his life incarcerated.

"Partially credible":Judge throws out murder, robbery charges against teen involved in South Bend homicide

Signs of struggle at site of death

South Bend police were first called to a house in the 800 block of South Lake Street on the afternoon of Oct. 15, 2021 when Agnew's mother call 911 to say her daughter's house was being robbed. Court documents state officers arriving on the scene found 30-year-old Agnew lying dead on the floor with gunshot wounds.

Evidence at the scene indicated there were signs of a struggle, and police say a handgun and pair of glasses were lying next to Agnew when officers arrived. Investigators determined the gun on the ground belonged to Agnew, but that three different firearms had been used in the house, according to court documents.

A combination of DNA evidence and surveillance footage led detectives to Logan. Court documents say that footage form Agnew's house showed a group of men entering the home, one of whom was wearing what the documents call "a distinctive pair of glasses."

Police searched Logan's social media accounts and found pictures of him wearing the same glasses, court documents alleged. Prosecutors also said DNA swabs taken from the glasses and the gun found next to Agnew matched Logan's DNA.

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Logan was first charged with Agnew's murder in March 2022, but was not arrested until early April of that year when St. Joseph County police found him in a Roseland motel. Prosecutors have also charged Tobias Shaw, 19, with Agnew's murder, saying he was in the group with Logan that went to Agnew's house. Shaw is currently scheduled for a trial in May.

Logan is set for sentencing on the murder case in mid-April. Murder sentences range from 45 to 65 years, though a firearm enhancement can add anywhere from five to 20 years on top of that. The conspiracy to commit robbery count could add anywhere from 10 to 30 years.

On top of the sentence Logan receives in the murder case, he has already been sentenced to 10 years in prison for an unrelated incident in 2020 where he admitted to causing a fatal collision while fleeing from police.

In that case, court documents and police reports show multiple agencies, including Elkhart and state troopers, were chasing Logan for speeding. The case took the cars from Elkhart onto US 20 and McKinley Avenue, where Logan hit another car at the intersection of Byrkit and McKinley.

The collision killed 58-year-old John Riedle and seriously injured another passenger.

Email Marek Mazurek at mmazurek@sbtinfo.com. Follow him on Twitter: @marek_mazurek

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: South Bend man found guilty in Lake Street murder, robbery case
PIERRE  With less than 24 hours left in the regular 98th Legislative session, the House of Representatives and the Senate remain deadlocked over lowering the general sales tax.

There are five proposals on the table, each a different form of tax cut, from lowering the sales tax to 4.2% without a sunset clause to lowering the sales tax to 4.1% with a two-year sunset clause.

Between all five proposals, at least $70 million to at most $140 million would be returned to taxpayers.

Each proposal also nixes the 2016 Partridge Amendment.

The most recent proposal, which adds confusion to the picture, would create what Sen. Ryan Maher, R-Isabel, called a "recession trigger."

The overall sales tax would sit at 4.2% and would rise to 4.5% if there was a 1% drop in state revenue collections, Maher explained.

Economists have forecasted a mild recession in store for the year.

More:Legislature votes to kill 2 tax cut proposals tied to grocery and property taxes

"In 2010, we had a negative percent growth, essentially 1%," he said.

In the years after, collection has grown, never dropping below 1.5%.

The House has remained staunch in its support of option A: 4.2% sales tax, no sunset clause.

Maher's recession trigger is the latest compromise the Senate has brought to the table. The Senate has backed two proposals that would include a sunset clause, and Maher told reporters Wednesday it would be easier to include a sunset clause rather than create a more complicated tax policy.

"There's a high potential that there is no tax cut," Maher said. "[I'm] very disappointed, because we're so close, but yet so far away."

Rep. Jon Hansen, R-Dell Rapids, called the trigger "the worst tax policy idea" he's heard all session long.

"I think when a recession kicks in, and the last time it'd be taking more money out of the pockets of the people and giving it to government," he said. "I hope that is defeated soundly."

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More:Sioux Falls city officials say they've found $1.5M in savings on controversial Unity Bridge

Rep. Chris Karr, R-Sioux Falls, who sponsored the bill to lower the overall sales tax rate, said it was the Legislature's responsibility to enact good tax policy and come back year after year to reassess.

"I've been bringing in a sales tax cut for the last few years saying, we can do this, it's sustainable," Karr said. "We look at the budget, we look at all the factors that have happened in our state and we set a budget, and sometimes, we have to adjust tax rates.

"Right now, we've been over-collecting. It's time to give that surplus dollars back to the people of South Dakota."

Without decisions made on the tax cut, a budget cannot be drawn up. And with a winter storm on its way Thursdsy and neither body willing to blink, it's unclear if lawmakers will escape Pierre.

The conference committee is scheduled to meet back 8 a.m. Thursday, so lawmakers can continue tax negotiations.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Legislature deadlocked over general sales tax negotiations
(Bloomberg) -- South Koreas leader will visit Japan for the first time since 2019, announcing a trip just days after the neighbors signaled a breakthrough to end a feud that had disrupted ties ranging from trade to security.

Most Read from Bloomberg

President Yoon Suk Yeol plans to travel to Japan on March 16-17, his office said Thursday in a statement. He will meet Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for a trip that marks a resumption of bilateral ties between Seoul, Tokyo and will serve as a crucial milestone to improving relations, the statement added.

Japans top government spokesman, Hirokazu Matsuno, told reporters at a regular briefing the visit would help in bolstering ties.

The last time a South Korean president visited Japan was about four years ago when then leader Moon Jae-in attended a Group of 20 summit in Osaka. Then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe avoided formal talks with Moon at the G-20 due to acrimony over historical issues.

The last time there was a summit in Japan was in 2011 during a visit by then South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, according to Japans Foreign Ministry.

Yoon said Monday he hoped to enter a new phase with Japan by proposing a plan to resolve a dispute over Koreans conscripted to work at Japanese mines and factories during the countrys 1910-1945 rule over the Korean Peninsula. Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi welcomed the effort to return ties to a healthy state and both sides announced talks on rolling back trade curbs imposed almost four years ago.

The deal drew praise from President Joe Biden who wants to bring the two US allies together to help counter growing Chinese influence in Asia.

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Next month, the South Korean leader will visit Biden at the White House where talks are expected to discuss sweeping US export controls unveiled in October that prevent chipmakers from sending advanced equipment to facilities in China.

Without a license extension, it is unclear how South Korean giants Samsung Electronics Co. and SK Hynix Inc. would proceed in the worlds No. 2 economy. Both firms depend on China as a key market and a manufacturing site for their memory chips.

(Updates with details on visits.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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(Bloomberg) -- South Koreas ruling party elected as its new leader a candidate backed by President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is trying to implement a historic deal to mend ties with Japan and win concessions from the US over export curbs that could hurt his countrys chipmakers.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The conservative People Power Party selected Kim Gi-hyeon, a four-term lawmaker, as its new leader in a vote late Wednesday. Kim was considered Yoons preferred candidate. The move could help the president, a prosecutor-turned-politician, better control the party he only joined a few months before the launch of his run for the countrys top office.

Yoon became president in May 2022 and is heading for one of the most crucial junctures of his single, five-year term, with tests coming on the domestic and diplomatic fronts.

Yoons office said he will visit Japan on March 16 and 17. The trip would be the first to the neighbor by a South Korean president since 2019 and hes expected to discuss a deal backed by his administration to settle a feud stemming from Japans 1910-1945 colonial rule over the Korean Peninsula that has disrupted issues including trade and security.

Next month, the South Korean leader will visit President Joe Biden at the White House where talks are expected to discuss sweeping US export controls unveiled in October that prevent chipmakers from sending advanced equipment to facilities in China.

Without a license extension, it is unclear how South Korean giants Samsung Electronics Co. and SK Hynix Inc. would proceed in the worlds No. 2 economy. Both firms depend on China as a key market and a manufacturing site for their memory chips.

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Yoon stumbled early in his presidency, but has seen his support numbers pick up in recent months to 36% last Friday in a weekly tracking poll from Gallup Korea. The support rate will be closely watched as the PPP tries to win back control of parliament in elections next year, with a number above 40% considered a safe level and a slip below 30% considered dangerous.

Maintaining the presidents approval rating is a crucial responsibility for both the presidential office and the ruling PPP, particularly with the upcoming general election next year, said Shin Yul, a political science professor at Myongji University in Seoul.

Shin added that the new PPP leadership is also likely to focus on collaborating with Yoons office to influence public opinion regarding his efforts to adjust the US Chips Act, which will ultimately have an impact on his approval rating.

The legislation approved last year dedicates about $50 billion to expand Americas semiconductor industry. It includes incentives for foreign chipmakers to set up factories within the US, causing concern in South Korea.

Other South Korean leaders have seen their support rate plummet after trying to repair ties with Japan. While the progressive bloc is facing its own internal struggles, the dominant Democratic Party has been using the deal Yoon struck with Tokyo as a cudgel, labeling it a day of shame and accusing Yoon of subservience to Japan.

Under Yoons plan, South Korean companies, rather than Japanese ones, would finance a foundation to pay Koreans who were conscripted to work in the mines and factories that powered Japan during colonial rule.

Those tapped to pay would include firms that benefited from funds transferred under a 1965 treaty intended to resolve forced labor issues and wartime disputes between Japan and South Korea, such as Posco Holdings Inc.

The deal drew praise from Biden as he seeks to convince the two US allies to help counter growing Chinese influence in Asia and present a united front to deter North Korea as it advances its nuclear arms program.

The new PPP leader welcomed the praise that the deal with Japan has received in Washington.

We cannot change the past, but we can change the future, Kim told reporters Thursday. Although Japans apologies and its self-reflection on the pain and suffering that it caused us is not enough, we must write a new chapter in our future South Korea-Japan relations for future generations.

--With assistance from Francesca Stevens.

(Updates with Yoons visit to Japan.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Editors note: This story has been updated to more accurately reflect the stock trading of Citadels hedge fund arm and Citadel Securities.

Chicago mayoral candidate Brandon Johnson (D) lobbed attacks at fellow contender Paul Vallas (D) in the first televised debate of the Chicago mayoral runoff Wednesday night, setting the stage for a contentious race ahead of the April election.

Both Johnson, a Cook County commissioner, and Vallas, a former Chicago Public Schools (CPS) CEO, prevailed in last weeks Chicago mayoral election out of a total of nine candidates running, which included Mayor Lori Lightfoot (D). Given the unlikeliness that any one candidate would notch at least half of the vote, Johnson and Vallas needed to be the top two vote-getters to proceed to the April 4 runoff.

Wednesday nights one-on-one forum, which was hosted by NBC 5 and Telemundo Chicago, was the first time both candidates faced each other in a televised debate. While Vallas was careful not to begin the debate attacking his challenger, Johnson took at least two shots at the former CPS CEO less than 10 minutes into the debate.

In one of his first attacks, Johnson targeted Vallas over some of his donors, including Citadel founder and key Republican donor Ken Griffin.

We have to make sure that we are strengthening the red flag laws so that individuals who are holding guns and receiving guns  that they dont have guns, Johnson said, before targeting Vallas over an endorsement he received from Griffin.

In targeting Vallas over the endorsement, Johnson may have been alluding to the fact that both the hedge fund arm of Citadel and Citadel Securities have traded stocks in firearm and ammunition companies, as WBEZ has noted.

Johnson also attacked the former CPS CEO by alleging that Vallas wasnt in favor of teaching Black history in public education, appearing to nod to comments that Vallas made during a podcast appearance in 2021 on the issue of critical race theory  a collegiate-level academic framework examining American History through the lens of racism that has become a political catch-all buzzword for any race-related teaching. On the podcast, while Vallas acknowledged that Black history was taught in Chicago public schools, he suggested there were drawbacks to teaching critical race theory, according to The Chicago Tribune.

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Paul Vallas, on the other hand, doesnt believe that children of the city of Chicago should learn Black history. So if we eliminate the type of history that Paul Vallas is trying to promote, they wouldnt know that the first Black mayor of the city of Chicago was Harold Washington, Johnson said.

As the debate wore on, however, Vallas hit back at Johnson as well while also simultaneously trying to defend his record  including on teaching Black history in Chicago.

Just nonsense again, Vallas responded at one point. I actually integrated Black history and all the curriculum in it, and then moved beyond just Black history month in February. I also incorporated African studies into the world history curriculum.

Vallas alleged that Johnson wanted to tax the hotel/motel industry  a signal to the Chicago business community not to support the Cook County commissioner  and argued that Johnson was in part responsible for the shutting down of one of the poorest school systems in the country during the COVID-19 pandemic and the unions moves to strike during that time.

A 100-year pandemic was responsible for everything being shut down, Johnson hit back at Vallas.

The mayoral debate focused heavily on the issue of crime and public safety, which is seen as the top issue driving the race among voters. Vallas emphasized his position that the city needed to address the issue of public safety in order to address more looming issues, like attracting business back to the city and securing better and more reliable transportation.

Meanwhile, Johnson emphasized his plan to hire 200 more police detectives in addition to strengthening red flag laws. He noted that the city had to be smart about the issue of policing, saying officers should not be asked to handle calls over non-violent criminal complaints, such as marital disputes and mental health crises.

The debate comes less than a month before Chicago voters will head back to the polls to weigh in whether theyd like to see Vallas or Johnson as their next mayor. Vallas has run for mayor before, failing to make the runoff in 2019. Johnson is a first-time mayoral candidate.

Both men have attracted high-profile endorsements shortly after last months election. Former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White (D) and Alderman Roderick Sawyer, a former Chicago mayoral contender, backed Vallas. Meanwhile, Johnson has notched support from Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, who lost to Lightfoot in the 2019 mayoral runoff, and Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-Ill.).

Updated on March 9 at 9:08 a.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
MILLBROOK  A 19-year-old Stanhope Elmore High School student has been charged with indecent exposure and harassment after allegedly exposing himself to a female student in an on-campus incident a year ago.

Kristian M. Mullins of Coosada, was arrested Tuesday, said Police Chief P.K. Johnson. Mullins has been released on bond from the Elmore County Jail, Johnson said, but he did not give the bond amount. Mullins could not be reached for comment and courthouse records show he doesnt have an attorney.

Mullins is no longer on campus and the board of educations policies and student handbook requirements will be followed, said Superintendent Richard Dennis. He said he could not comment specifically on student discipline matters.

The accuser in the case came to school officials on Feb. 27, and reported that sometime in March of 2022, Mullins exposed himself and touched her inappropriately in class while school was in session, Johnson said.

School officials contacted the police and an investigation began. The female student pressed charges and Mullins was arrested at his home on Tuesday.

As the police chief, a parent and a grandparent, it greatly disturbs me that there was such a delay in this incident being reported to school officials and law enforcement, the chief said. That said, I want to be clear, I am in no way criticizing the victim in this case. What I am saying, with intent and purpose, is that we as parents, teachers, school administrators and law enforcement have to instill in our young people that things like this, no matter how difficult or embarrassing, must be reported to the appropriate people.

Preferably, that would start at home, with a parent or guardian, but it could be anyone. At the end of the day, the school officials and law enforcement must be made aware of issues like this, sooner rather than later, so that the issue can be addressed and appropriate actions taken. This is imperative, so that we can provide a safe and secure environment in our schools, as well as protect our most precious resource, which is our young people.

Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Marty Roney at mroney@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Stanhope Elmore HS student charged with indecent exposure on campus
Coffee giant Starbucks is taking significant steps into Web3 with its Starbucks Odyssey rewards program on Ethereum sidechain network Polygon, which is currently open in beta to limited users. And after dropping a few free reward NFTs to early adopters, its set to launch its very first paid collectible this afternoon.

Starbucks Odyssey will launch the limited edition Siren Collection today at 3 p.m. ET for beta users of the platform, offering up 2,000 NFTs that will be sold for $100 apiece. Each unique piece of artwork is inspired by the brands iconic logoa super mermaid, as the company once described it.

As Starbucks has grown over the years, the Siren has been right there with us, adapting and evolving to reflect the brand and the culture, the company said of the NFT drop. The 2,000 pieces will collectively be based on five different Siren expressions that follow her journey from local Seattle celebrity to revered global icon.

Starbucks Sees 'Unprecedented Interest' as Polygon NFT Rewards Platform Launches

Each user may purchase up to two of the premium NFT stamps, and each comes with 1,500 bonus points that can be used to level up a users Odyssey account to earn future rewards.

Starbucks launched the Odyssey closed beta in December, with a representative telling Decrypt soon after that the company had seen unprecedented interest from users wishing to join whats been billed as a next-generation evolution of the existing Starbucks Rewards program.

Since then, Starbucks has given away four free Polygon-based NFTs to users for completing certain in-app challenges. The NFTs were rewarded for doing things like completing trivia challenges about the company, or ordering Starbucks food and drinks or gift cards.

Starbucks Polygon NFTs Are Already Selling for Thousands

Despite being a free giveaway, the first Starbucks NFTthe Holiday Cheer Edition 1 stamphas since commanded considerable value on the secondary market. Dozens of editions have sold for more than $1,000 apiece, with the top sale at $1,900. Overall, the Nifty Gateway-powered marketplace has handled some $222,000 worth of secondary sales.

Starbucks has said that its NFT-based rewards program will ultimately offer users a wide array of potential benefits, including the ability to access exclusive digital content and live events in stores, as well as potential tripssuch as a visit to Starbucks coffee farm in Costa Rica.

The NFT market took a beating in the latter half of 2022, along with the rest of the crypto space, but appears now to be picking up steam: overall sales surged above $2 billion in February, the highest total since before the market crash last May.
Weeks before the 2020 election, a secret 87-page document outlined in matter-of-fact language the threat posed by Donald Trumps still-to-come campaign of election denial. The private paper  the existence of which has not been reported before  forecast with chilling confidence the likelihood of violence during the presidential handover and proposed a far-reaching set of political reforms to thwart Trumpism in the future.

Americans remember that dark winter well. But the impetus for structural change has faded, even among Democrats who still privately seethe about the country's broken political system  and fear an uglier meltdown could come in 2024 or beyond.

The report carried a plain title: Plan D. Reading it, I wondered if the D stood for doomsday.

Actually, the letter was not a cipher. Plan D was the fourth of several studies organized by an opaque advocacy group, known as the Hub, to prepare for the depredations of the Trump era. The Hub is known in Washington for its sophisticated dark-money interventions in electoral politics. During the 2020 campaign, it also gathered up strategists, lawyers and activists to draft plans for a different kind of conflict.



The document is an artifact from a dangerous time: Warning that Trump would surely not concede defeat to Joe Biden, it advised Trumps opponents to assume the worst would follow. It urged them to gird for a struggle not only with the president but with institutions controlled or influenced by the GOP, including the courts. The document forecast militia and white supremacist activities through the inauguration  and, very likely, accelerated activity in the early months of a Biden administration.

Plan D is sobering reading even today. It is a catalog of the defects in Americas electoral process and political culture that made it vulnerable to a rampaging demagogue defects that some Democrats wanted to fix with drastic measures.

Should Biden lose narrowly, the report said, layers of illegitimate structures and interventions will have contributed to it. It closed with a warning against complacency even if Trump were to be defeated.

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A Biden win will not prove that our democracy is healthy, the document argued, continuing: Win, lose, or draw, we should perceive ourselves not in a singular moment of crisis but rather in what may be an era of existential challenge for American democracy.

I first read the report soon after it was composed, when a source shared it as an off-the-record analysis to inform my thinking about 2020. At the time, I thought it was a creative assessment of potential worst-case scenarios, some of which struck me as rather remote. The January 6 insurrection was still months away.

In any event, I found Plan D more compelling than contemporaneous Democratic planning exercises that seemed more like high-concept role play for political elites. My colleague Sam Stein, then at The Daily Beast, reported on one simulation that foresaw the Biden campaign urging the entire West Coast to secede in a unit known as Cascadia. Simulation indeed.

Plan D was no game. It was devised as a battle plan. Reviewing the report years later, it is impossible not to be struck by the sense of urgency in the text  and the speed with which the impatient demand for fundamental change to American politics has dissipated among most Democrats.



So, I returned to my source and obtained permission to write about it now at a safe distance from 2020.

Back then, the group behind Plan D saw deep reform to the political system as a survival imperative for Democrats. If the party controlled government after 2020, the report said, Democrats must treat it as a fleeting-once-in-a-generation (or perhaps lifetime) opportunity to revise the political system. Among the targets of that proposed overhaul: a Senate biased toward rural red states, a Supreme Court stacked with right-wing appointees and an Electoral College that overruled the popular vote twice in two decades.

First and foremost, we must rewrite the rules of our democracy. Thats doing much more than just the voting, corruption, and money-in-politics reforms in HR1 or the VRA renewal, the document stated, referring to the centerpiece legislative offerings of the Democrats pro-democracy agenda. We must commit to structural reforms that, at a minimum, include DC and Puerto Rico statehood and expanding the federal courts.

Liberals must also embrace more aspirational goals of ending the Electoral College and establishing a constitutional right to vote, it continued, plus more basic aims like the elimination of the Senate filibuster. Should Democrats fail to achieve those aims, the report proposed divisive and punitive measures, like denying certain federal assistance to sections of the country that consistently reject Democrats and yet hold a veto over legislation because the system is tilted in their favor. Perhaps, it suggested, brute fiscal coercion would extract concessions from Trump country.



Today, these calls for invasive constitutional surgery seem nearly fantastical. Democrats captured the White House and Congress, but with legislative majorities so small that they could not even restore the Voting Rights Act, let alone add new Supreme Court justices, new states and new stars to the American flag.

Democrats still have a thick sheaf of legislative proposals for reforming campaign finance, congressional redistricting, voter registration, early and mail-in voting, federal election oversight and more. In December, Congress passed a bipartisan measure to reform the Electoral Count Act, the rickety 19th Century law that Trumps allies sought to exploit in 2020 to obstruct the transfer of power.

But these days Democrats are not really promoting ideas to address the most distorted features of the American system. Far from crusading for DC statehood, they are squabbling among themselves over whether to nullify changes to the citys criminal code enacted by left-wing local lawmakers. A short-lived flirtation with court-packing withered in a blue-ribbon presidential commission that issued an equivocal report.

For now, Americas liberal party is more comfortable thundering against changes to the number of ballot-collection boxes in the Atlanta area than openly discussing the profound unfairness of a system that awards equal representation in the Senate to South Dakota and California. Indeed, there are times when talking to Democratic leaders about threats to democracy can feel a little like consulting with a physician who speaks with eager authority about all manner of unpleasant illnesses  except the terminal disease you have actually contracted.

One Democrat who is eager to talk about that fatal ailment is Arkadi Gerney, the founding leader of the Hub who recently stepped down as its executive director. A longtime gun-control advocate who previously worked for the Center for American Progress and Michael Bloombergs City Hall, he was one of the lead authors of the Plan D report.

In a reflective conversation this winter he told me Democrats should be far more attentive to the rightward bias of the countrys political institutions. Much of American history, he argued, is the story of one popular movement or another driving at changes to democratic political system far grander than the admission of several new states.

In this country, we had a history of fixing flawed elements of our democracy, generation by generation, from slavery in the post-Civil War amendments to the Constitution, to womens suffrage, to changing the age to vote to 18, Gerney said. And that process, in the last 50 years, has gotten stuck.

Part of the problem, he said, is that Americas most unfair political institutions are self-perpetuating. You cannot do much to change the Senate and the Supreme Court without the assent of the Senate and the Supreme Court.

Still, Gerney insisted, awfully difficult is not the same thing as impossible. He pointed to voters volcanic indignation about the Dobbs decision as the kind of popular mobilization that could ultimately yield foundational change. Well see.

The good news in Plan D is contained in passages where its authors missed the mark: their warning, for instance, that the conservative judiciary might aid Trumps election sabotage (it did not) or the suggestion that Democrats might need to give Trump amnesty from prosecution to ease the transfer of power (multiple ongoing investigations of Trump show otherwise).

Most encouraging may be what the report misjudged about how the business of legislating would unfold under Biden. Unless the filibuster were abolished, the document warned, Bidens agenda could meet a miserable death in Mitch McConnells legislative graveyard. Plan D judged it largely futile to seek bipartisan compromise, since whatever Democrats do, Republicans will accuse us of murder, socialism and worse.



That last part is true of many Republicans. On the whole, the GOP remains an angry, Trumpy party. Yet some  including McConnell  joined with Democrats to pass a hefty infrastructure law, an aggressive industrial policy for the high-tech sector and more. Even with the structure of the Senate and the courts still firmly in place, Democrats still managed to enact a landmark climate law that has unleashed a global clean-energy arms race.

Whether that was a sufficient use of a once-in-a-generation opportunity is a question Democrats must answer for themselves. The 2024 election will show if it was enough to avert the return of Trump himself.
By Mike Scarcella

(Reuters) - Stericycle Inc has won a court order in Chicago federal court, temporarily blocking another medical waste disposal and document shredding company from "falsely" claiming any affiliation with Stericycle and from contacting its customers.

U.S. District Judge Mary Rowland's order on March 7 said Stericycle, which owns the document destruction company Shred-it, was "likely to prevail on the merits" of its unfair-competition and trade-secret theft case against Allied Holdings Group LLC.

Stericycle filed the lawsuit on Friday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The judge set the next hearing in the case for April 11.

Illinois-based Stericycle, which had $2.7 billion in revenue last year, sued Allied seeking unspecified monetary damages and permanent injunctive relief. The legal case alleged employees of Allied were pretending to be tied to Stericycle to get unidentified clients to drop the company.

Stericycle had about 148,000 regulated waste disposal clients in the U.S. last year, the company said.

Lawyers for Utah-based Allied at Hall Prangle & Schoonveld and a representative from the company on Thursday did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.

Stericycle's attorneys at Vedder Price and a company spokesperson also did not immediately comment.

The lawsuit said Allied had brought on several Stericycle employees in recent years.

The complaint alleged Allied was orchestrating a "campaign of unfair competition designed to steal Stericycle customers by deceiving those customers as to Allied's affiliation or association with Stericycle."

The lawsuit did not name Stericycle clients but said "Customer B" and "Customer C" were "large, long-term customers of Stericycle, collectively responsible for millions in annual fees to Stericycle."

The complaint said it was not publicly known that Stericycle had contracts with the two unnamed clients, an indication that the company's proprietary business information was allegedly being abused.

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The case is Stericycle Inc. v. Allied Holdings Group LLC, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, No. 1:23-cv-01322.

For Stericycle: Jonathon Reinisch and James Garvey of Vedder Price

For Allied: Eric Schoonveld and Matthew Kaminski of Hall Prangle & Schoonveld

(Reporting by Mike Scarcella; editing by Leigh Jones)
A young woman was killed and two other people were injured in a two-vehicle crash late Wednesday morning in the Steuben County Town of Wayland.

New York State Police identified the victim as Kalie M. Moses, 27, of Wayland.

The crash occurred shortly before 11:30 a.m. on state Route 21 near Isaman Road in Wayland, state police said.

The investigation determined Moses and her 5-year-old son were northbound on Route 21 when she drifted off the east shoulder of the road, troopers said.

Moses overcorrected, causing her vehicle to slide sideways across the north and southbound lanes, striking the driver side of a Federal Express delivery van.

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Moses was pronounced dead at the scene by the Steuben County coroner. Her son and the FedEx driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were transported by ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, state police said.

Moses was a kennel attendant at Ontario County Humane Society, Happy Tails Animal Shelter, according to her Facebook page.

State troopers were assisted at the scene by the Wayland Village Police Department, Perkinsville Fire Department, Cohocton Fire Department, Cohocton Ambulance, Springway Ambulance, Livingston County Advanced Life Support, and the New York State Department of Transportation.

Follow Jeff Murray on Twitter @SGJeffMurray. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Steuben County woman killed, young son hurt, in Wayland crash
Both Steven Spielberg and Noam Chomsky have expressed their doubts about artificial intelligence.

Spielberg said that AI requires humans to surrender creative expression and autonomy to AI.

Chomsky is of the opinion that tools like ChatGPT have "sacrificed creativity for a kind of amorality."

Director Steven Spielberg and famed linguist Noam Chomsky have both expressed their doubts about artificial intelligence and its place in the world.

Both Spielberg and Chomsky separately gave their views on how AI could have serious repercussions on mankind's ability to create and think independently. In an interview with late-night show host Stephen Colbert on Wednesday, Spielberg talked about how the use of AI in the art-making process makes him "very nervous."

"I love anything that is created not by a computer, but by a human person," Spielberg told Colbert.

"It's got me very nervous because you're basically taking something you created and you made  which is the computer, and giving the computer autonomy over your point of view and your self as a human person," Spielberg added.

Spielberg, who directed films like "Jaws" and "E.T.," said it is scary that AI has the power to take the "soul" out of creative work.

"I think the soul is unimaginable and is ineffable," Spielberg said. "And it cannot be created by any algorithm, it is just something that exists in all of us."

"And to lose that because books, and movies, and music are being written by machines we created?" Spielberg added. "That terrifies me."

Spielberg's comments come after artists have expressed concerns that AI-fueled image generators are creating pseudo-original work by ripping off art styles.

Chomsky, a linguistics professor, cognitive scientist, and philosopher, believes that AI tools like ChatGPT have "sacrificed creativity for a kind of amorality."

Chomsky penned an op-ed for The New York Times with linguistics professor Ian Roberts and Jeffrey Watumull, a director of artificial intelligence at a science and technology company.

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In the piece published on Wednesday, Chomsky, Roberts, and Watumull wrote that AI systems like ChatGPT are incapable of independent thought. They added that ChatGPT's responses exhibit "something like the banality of evil: plagiarism and apathy and obviation."

"Given the amorality, faux science, and linguistic incompetence of these systems, we can only laugh or cry at their popularity," wrote the trio.

In an email to Insider, Chomsky said he was "skeptical" that AI could be beneficial in furthering any field of study, like art and creative work.

The ethics of AI is a divisive subject  particularly as chatbots like ChatGPT become more popular and widely used. However, AI does not have independent thoughts  it's just good at making people think it does, Anna Marbut, a professor at the University of San Diego's applied artificial intelligence program, told Insider's Cheryl Teh.

"An AI is trained for a specific task, and they're getting better at doing those specific tasks in a way that is convincing to humans," Marbut said. "The truth is, AI is trained on a finite data set, and they have finite tasks that they are very good at performing,"

Representatives for Spielberg and OpenAI did not immediately respond to Insider's requests for comment.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A stolen artifact that was at a museum on the Emory University Campus for 17 years has been returned to the Iraqi government.

The artifact called Furniture Fitting with Sphinx Trampling a Youth was held at the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University in Atlanta in 2006.

Historians date the artifact back to the Iron Age and 7th Century BC. The artifact is two and a quarter inches tall and one and a half inches wide and made of ivory, pigment, and gold leaf.

This thing is 2700 years old. Dates back to the Iron Age, 7th century BC, Atlanta FBI Spokesperson Tony Thomas said. Way back when present day Iraq was known as Babylon.

The FBI believes the artifact was stolen from the Iraq Museum in Baghdad as part of looting in 2003. The Carlos Museum then purchased the artifact from a third party in 2006, according to a news release.

FBI agents believe that Carlos Museum officials were shown a fake provenance. The presented provenance stated the artifact entered the United States in 1969.

Atlanta-based FBI Agents had been investigating the art crime since January 2022.

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They got tricked. There was no ill intent by Emory University or the Carlos Museum. They were, in a sense, victims too. When they realized what was going on, they voluntarily handed it back over, Thomas said.

In a ceremony Wednesday at the Iraqi Embassy in Washington D.C., a Special Agent with the FBI Art Crime Team presented the artifact to the Iraqi Charge dAffaires for repatriation.

The Carlos Museum has artifacts from Africa, the Americas, ancient Egypt, Nubia, ancient Greece, ancient Rome, and South Asia, according to its website.

After consulting with experts, including one who took photographs of the item in the Baghdad Museum in 1983, agents determined the artifact belonged to Iraq.

TRENDING STORIES:

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The Carlos Museum cooperated with agents and voluntarily handed over the artifact to FBI Atlanta agents in December 2022.

The protection of the worlds cultural heritage is a priority for the U.S. Government. said case agent Special Agent Rafael Jimenez. The FBI Atlanta Field Office is honored to have the opportunity to do its part by returning this important piece of cultural heritage to the people of Iraq. The FBI is also grateful to the Michael C. Carlos Museum for its cooperation in this matter.

The FBI thanked historians from the Penn Museum at the University of Pennsylvania, who helped confirm the authenticity of the artifact.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
Evan Vucci/AP/Shutterstock

While the U.S. Supreme Court weighs the legal merits of the Biden administrations federal student loan forgiveness plan, millions of borrowers are likely wondering what happens next if the plan gets struck down. One possibility is that the administration will extend the loan repayment pause that has been in effect for three years, but thats no sure thing.

See: Do I Get Student Loan Forgiveness if Im Still in School?

Find: If Bidens Student Loan Forgiveness Plan Is Killed, Whats Next for Borrowers?

Payments are set to resume 60 days after the Supreme Courts decision if the court rules in the Biden administrations favor. If the debt relief program is shot down, or pushed out past June 30, 2023, student loan payments are slated to resume 60 days after that.

There has been plenty of chatter that President Joe Biden might extend the payment pause yet again if the SCOTUS rules against his loan forgiveness plan. Doing so would give borrowers more time to prepare for the resumption of payments that were last made in early 2020.

But a number of factors could block the administration from extending the payment pause past its current expiration date. Heres a look at four of them.

Major Questions Doctrine

This doctrine, also known as the major rules doctrine, is intended to limit the power of government agencies to make important changes. If an agency seeks to decide an issue of major national significance, its action must be supported by clear congressional authorization under the doctrine, according to the Congressional Research Service.

As The New York Times recently reported, the Supreme Court first invoked the doctrine by name in a majority opinion that limits the Environmental Protection Agencys power to address climate change. Last week, the SCOTUS hinted that it might use it again to kill the loan forgiveness plan, thereby limiting the Department of Educations power.

Heroes Act

Bidens loan forgiveness plan uses the Heroes Act of 2003  enacted in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks  as the authority granting student loan relief. The act grants certain powers in the event of war or national emergency, and in this case, the national emergency was the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The problem here is that the national COVID emergency is due to end on May 11, 2023. When that happens, the authority to cancel student loan debt under the Heroes Act also ends, according to student loan expert and Forbes contributor Mark Kantrowitz.

Legal Challenges

This is already a clear and present threat after SoFi Bank filed a federal lawsuit to end the payment pause last week. SoFi asserts that the eighth extension of the moratorium is not in accordance with the law, is without observance of procedure required by law, is arbitrary and capricious and is invalid, according to court filings.

SoFi, a private lender, further contends in the lawsuit that the moratorium on the student payment has substantially injured the company. In its filing, it claims to have lost $300 million to $400 million in total revenues from its federal loan refinancing business. Now that SoFi has made the first move, other lenders could follow suit, which would put a further payment pause in serious jeopardy.

Take Our Poll: Do You Think Bankruptcy Is an Acceptable Way To Escape Student Loan Debt?

Student Loan Forgiveness: Could One-Time Payment Adjustment Eliminate Your Debt?

GOP Pushback

If the Biden administration succeeds in extending the repayment pause, it could face the wrath of Republican lawmakers who oppose continued extensions. As Forbes noted, the GOP-led U.S. House could respond by defunding much of the Education Department and federal student aid programs. This in turn could cause the administration to forgo any more pauses.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Student Loan Repayment Pause Could Be Extended Again (But 4 Factors Make It Unlikely)
By Alistair Smout

LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will agree closer defence and security ties with French President Emmanuel Macron when they meet on Friday, committing to greater collaboration in supporting Ukraine and in the Indo-Pacific region.

Sunak travels to Paris with several senior ministers for a wide-ranging summit which will also cover migration and energy, as the two countries seek to repair bilateral ties that suffered in the wake of Britain's decision to leave the European Union.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has served to strengthen those UK-French ties and, ahead of the meeting, Sunak's office said Britain and France would coordinate on the supply of weapons to Ukraine and the training of Ukrainian marines.

They will also discuss establishing a permanent European maritime presence in the Indo-Pacific, and the development of next-generation deep precision strike weaponry to bolster NATO capabilities.

"As we face new and unprecedented threats, it is vital that we fortify the structures of our alliance so we are ready to take on the challenges of the future. That is what we will do at the UK-France Summit," Sunak said in a statement.

Britain said that next year it would host a fourth meeting of the European Political Community - a grouping proposed by Macron to deepen European cooperation in the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine a year ago.

Sunak also said he wished to tackle "the scourge of illegal migration" as he seeks to go further with France to stop small boats arriving on the south coast of England across the Channel.

In November, Britain and France signed an agreement worth 72.2 million euros ($74.5 million) to ramp up efforts to stop illegal migrants from making the perilous journey, and this week Britain unveiled a new law to tackle the issue.

"Certainly, we're going in there with ambition to agree to go further on stopping the boats making these dangerous crossings," Sunak's spokesperson said ahead of the trip.

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On energy security, Sunak and Macron will discuss how they can secure more reliable and cheaper sources of energy.

EDF Energy, part of France's EDF, said on Thursday it will extend the lifetimes of its Hartlepool and Heysham 1 nuclear plants in Britain by two years to March 2026.

(Reporting by Alistair Smout; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant left Footprint Center in a large walking boot Wednesday night after injuring himself during warmups.

The Suns defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 132-101 without Durant, but the absence of their newly acquired superstar created a cloud of concern with the playoffs looming.

The Arizona Republic has learned that there is concern within the organization that Durant has a grade 2 sprain, which would keep him out for between four and six weeks.

Phoenixs regular season finale is April 9, meaning its possible Durant could miss the remainder of the regular season and potentially the start of the playoffs.

Durant has played only three games with Phoenix since arriving with the team in a trade with Brooklyn on Feb. 9. The Suns are 3-0 with Durant in the lineup. He had been expected to make his home debut on Wednesday.

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Kevin Durant injury reaction: Are Phoenix Suns' NBA title chances 'doomed'?

Heres video of Kevin Durant slipping on the floor pregame.



He stayed down for a few seconds but then got up and finished his on-court work. pic.twitter.com/DwTrNc6LIr  Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) March 9, 2023

Durant returned on March 1 from a knee injury suffered in early January that caused him to miss 20 games.

The ankle injury on Wednesday occurred when Durant was driving to the basket in a routine pregame workout. He rolled his left ankle and fell to the floor before getting up and finishing his workout.

More:5 takeaways as Kevin Durant suffers left ankle sprain before Suns win over OKC

More:Kevin Durant sprains left ankle in pregame workout, in boot, sources say; didn't make Suns home debut

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Reach Moore at gmoore@azcentral.com or 602-444-2236. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter @SayingMoore.

There's plenty Moore where this came from. Subscribe for videos, columns, opinions and analysis from The Arizona Republics award-winning team.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Kevin Durant could miss remainder of regular season with ankle sprain
Capitol Police watch an abortion-rights rally from behind the security fence surrounding the Supreme Court on June 23, 2022. Nathan Howard/Getty Images

The Supreme Court requested millions more from Congress in security funding.

The request comes after widespread protests and threats following the abortion leak.

A leaked draft opinion last May showed the court was ready to overturn abortion rights.

The Supreme Court on Thursday requested more money from Congress to boost its security amid concerns about the justices' safety after protests and threats erupted last year over the monumental abortion leak.

The nation's highest court asked for roughly a $12 million increase to its security funding  $5.9 million to expand police protections for the justices and $6.5 million in "physical security upgrades" to "reinforce the building envelope," according to a fiscal 2024 budget request released Thursday.

"On-going threat assessments show evolving risks that require continuous protection," the budget request read. "Additional funding would provide for contract positions, eventually transitioning to full-time employees, that will augment capabilities of the Supreme Court police force and allow it to accomplish its protective mission."

It's the court's first budget request following heightened concerns about the justices' safety. The leak of a draft opinion last May that showed the Supreme Court was ready to overturn abortion rights triggered immense public outrage, resulting in protests outside of the court building and some of the justices' homes. In early June, police arrested an armed man near Justice Brett Kavanaugh's Maryland residence for threatening to kidnap or kill him.

At the time, Attorney General Merrick Garland ordered the US Marshal Service, the agency responsible for protecting federal judges, to provide more security to the justices and their families. President Joe Biden also signed a bill into law to extend security protections to the justices' families.

Additional fencing had also been erected outside of the Supreme Court building, though was later taken down as protests dwindled near the end of August.

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The court also launched a months-long internal investigation into the source of the leak, which concluded in January without finding the culprit. In the court's report, former Department of Homeland Security secretary Michael Chertoff, who independently assessed the probe, recommended the court tighten its security, including by restricting the distribution of sensitive documents via hard copy, emails, and on outside mobile devices.

The Supreme Court asked for a total of $150 million for its fiscal 2024 budget, which also included a $585,000 request for new IT security positions in cybersecurity, software development and network engineering.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Supreme Court has asked Congress for about $12.4 million in additional funding to better protect the justices and the court building following recent threats  a request that comes after the arrest of a man near Justice Brett Kavanaughs home.

The judiciarys annual budget request, which was released on Thursday, includes a $5.9 million increase to expand the Supreme Court Polices protective activities for the justices and a $6.5 million increase for physical security improvements to reinforce the Supreme Court building.

On-going threat assessments show evolving risks that require continuous protection, the budget documents state. Additional funding would provide for contract positions, eventually transitioning to full-time employees, that will augment capabilities of the Supreme Court police force and allow it to accomplish its protective mission.

The request comes after a man was arrested and charged with attempted murder near Kavanaughs home in June, when the man allegedly told officials he wanted to kill the justice.

The purported incident followed the extraordinary leak of the high courts draft decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. Kavanaugh was one of five justices to join the majority opinion upon its official release, which ended federal abortion protections and closely mimicked the leaked draft.

Following the leak, Congress passed additional funding to extend security protections to the family members of the justices and any officer of the bench, if the court marshal deemed it necessary.

Officials also erected a seven-foot black security fence around the court building, which remained in place for nearly four months.

The Kavanaugh incident and other threats to the courts conservative members have at times led to accusations from Republicans that Democrats arent taking their security seriously enough.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) sparred with Attorney General Merrick Garland over the Justice Departments handling of last summers protests outside the justices homes during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing last week.

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In his annual report on the judiciary in December, Chief Justice John Roberts opened by thanking court personnel for helping to ensure judges safety.

The law requires every judge to swear an oath to perform his or her work without fear or favor, but we must support judges by ensuring their safety, Roberts wrote. A judicial system cannot and should not live in fear.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Washington  Nearly a year after the leak of the Supreme Court's draft opinion in its blockbuster abortion ruling and ensuing protests from the decision last summer, the court has asked Congress for more funding to enhance protection for the justices and to hire new IT security staff.

The budget request from the Supreme Court includes $5.9 million for an "expansion of protective activities," which would cover security measures by the Supreme Court police to protect the justices. It also calls for $6.5 million for physical security improvements to reinforce the building, which is located across from the U.S. Capitol.

The document notes that ongoing threat assessments show "evolving risks that require continuous protection." The additional funding would "provide for contract positions, eventually transitioning to full-time employees, that will augment capabilities of the Supreme Court police force and allow it to accomplish its protective mission."

The Supreme Court's budget proposal also calls for five new IT engineer positions in cybersecurity, software development and network engineering. The court is requesting a total of more than $150 million for fiscal year 2024, which begins Oct. 1 and runs through September 2024.

Concerns about threats to the justices reached their apex in May after the leak of the majority opinion in the case Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which indicated the Supreme Court voted to unwind the constitutional right to an abortion. The court in June would go on to issue its decision in that case and overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that legalized abortion nationwide.

Scores of protesters descended on the court after the leak and an eight-foot, unscalable fence was erected around the building. Demonstrators also marched outside the homes of the conservative justices to voice their opposition to the expected reversal of Roe.

Abortion rights demonstrators leave banners at a fence outside of the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on May 14, 2022. / Credit: JOSE LUIS MAGANA/AFP via Getty Images

Amid the public backlash to the leak, Attorney General Merrick Garland directed the U.S. Marshals Service to provide additional support to ensure the safety of the justices. Garland told the Senate Judiciary Committee last week that 70 marshals were dispatched to protect the justices, including at their homes.

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Garland said the enhanced protection provided by the Marshals was crucial to stopping an attack on Justice Brett Kavanaugh in June. A California man allegedly armed with a gun, knife and various tools was arrested outside Kavanaugh's Maryland house and charged with attempted murder after making threats against the justice.

The man, Nicholas Roske, told police he was there to kill a "specific" member of the Supreme Court and was upset in part about the leak of the draft abortion opinion.

After investigating the source of the leak for eight months, the Supreme Court said in January that it has been unable to identify the person behind it.

But Marshal of the Supreme Court Gail Curley, who led the probe, said it was "unlikely" the leak stemmed from a hack of the court's IT systems by an outside entity. Curley conducted 126 formal interviews with 97 employees, as well as with each of the nine justices.

She concluded her report with several recommendations, including that the Supreme Court institute mechanisms to track the printing and copying of sensitive documents, and overhaul its existing platform for case-related documents.

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The Supreme Court is asking Congress to increase its security budget by more than $12 million following threats to the Court last summer and the arrest of an individual who allegedly planned to assassinate Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

Nearly $6 million is specifically earmarked for the expansion of protective activities.

This request would expand security activities conducted by Supreme Court Police to protect the Justices, read the budget. On-going threat assessments show evolving risks that require continuous protection. Additional funding would provide for contract positions, eventually transitioning to full-time employees, that will augment capabilities of the Supreme Court police force and allow it to accomplish its protective mission.

Since the draft opinion was released in the Dobbs case, which ultimately overturned Roe v. Wade, protests against the Court and specifically outside of the justices homes have intensified. Despite the fact it is a crime to attempt to influence a judge outside their residence, there have been no prosecutions of protestors  something attorney general Merrick Garland was pressed on during a recent Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.

A man who allegedly planned to assassinate Kavanaugh and who was having suicidal thoughts turned himself in before he could do so. Nicholas John Roske from California made the trip to Maryland with a Glock 17 pistol, a knife, and zip ties.

Last year, a leftist group called Ruth Sent Us posted what it claims are the home addresses of the Courts six conservative justices in order to mobilize protestors. Democrats have defended these demonstrations so long as they are peaceful.

After the planned attempt on Kavanaughs life was foiled, Congress passed supplemental funding to boost the justices security.

An additional $6.5 million is requested for physical security upgrades to the Supreme Court building.

Funding is requested for physical security upgrades resulting from a comprehensive review and recommendations by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The requested funding is needed to reinforce the building envelope, read the request.

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The budget also asks for $585,000 in additional funding for five new IT engineer positions in cybersecurity, software development, and network engineering.

The release of the Dobbs opinion, which was viewed as a severe breach of the Courts deliberative process, was thoroughly investigated for 8 months. The investigation yielded no definitive answers for who was responsible.

The Court is requesting a total of more than $150 million for fiscal year 2024, which begins October 1 and runs through September 2024.

More from National Review
The King County Sheriffs Office announced Wednesday that it has arrested a suspect in connection to a shooting that left one man dead outside a Burien gas station in February.

The shooting happened on Feb. 12 just after 10 p.m. outside the 76 gas station off 1st Avenue South and Southwest 148th Street in Burien. Deputies were called to the area and found a man with gunshot wounds. Despite receiving medical aid at the scene, the man died from his injuries.

According to the sheriffs office, the suspect got away from the scene. Deputies and K-9 units conducted a search but could not find him.

The King County Prosecuting Attorneys Office charged the suspect, 36-year-old Eugene Piper, with second-degree murder while he was still on the run. Charging documents state that Piper has been issued at least 15 warrants since 2008 for failing to appear for court as ordered.

According to the sheriffs office, the Metro Transit Street Crimes Unit located Piper in Seattle on Tuesday. MTSCU coordinated with the King County Major Crimes Unit, Burien/Precinct 4 Street Crimes Unit detectives, and the Metro Bicycle Emphasis & Enforcement Squad to arrest Piper.

Since Piper was possibly armed and already charged with murder, the King County TAC-30 (SWAT) team also responded and took Piper into custody without incident. He was later booked into the King County Jail.

Piper is scheduled to be arraigned March 13.
Joseph Cantrell, a Microsoft employee accused of stabbing another Microsoft employee in Redmond, pled not guilty to an attempted murder charge on Thursday.

Cantrell appeared before a King County judge for his arraignment Thursday morning.

The judge set his bail at $2,000,000.

Cantrell is accused of stabbing another Microsoft employee near the companys campus in Redmond.

The attack, which happened on the corner of 156th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 28th Street, left the victim with at least 12 stab wounds, a skull fracture, and a brain bleed/hemorrhage, according to court documents.

The victim has been recovering from his injuries,

The victim and his friends claim they do not know who Cantrell is, leading detectives to conclude the stabbing was unprovoked, according to court documents.

The trial is set to begin on April 24th, 2023.
STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - The Swedish government will send an anti-terrorism bill to parliament on Thursday hoping to persuade NATO member Turkey to lift objections to Sweden joining the U.S.-led defence pact.

The new law, work on which started in 2017 after a truck was driven into crowds in Stockholm killing five people, would criminalise "the participation in a terrorist organisation", the government said.

Sweden and Finland applied last year to join NATO amid heightened security concerns after Russia invaded Ukraine, but faced unexpected objections from Turkey, which says Stockholm has harboured what Ankara calls members of terrorist groups.

Turkey recently indicated it would approve only Finland for NATO membership.

A spokesperson for Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer said the government would submit its bill to parliament on Thursday after formally approving it earlier in the day.

"Fighting terrorism is a central part of the trilateral agreement," Strommer said in an op-ed in daily Dagens Nyheter, referring to a trilateral memorandum on steps toward Turkish ratification signed last year by Turkey, Sweden and Finland.

"With the new legislation that the government is now presenting, Sweden will have a powerful tool to prosecute people who support terrorism."

Turkey and Hungary are the only NATO members to not have ratified Sweden's and Finland's applications. Other members are hoping the Nordic countries become members at a NATO summit in July.

Ankara wants Helsinki and Stockholm in particular to take a tougher line against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which is considered a terrorist group by Turkey and its Western allies including Sweden and Finland, and another group it blames for a 2016 coup attempt.

Ankara in January paused talks on their NATO applications after a Danish politician burned a copy of the Koran near the Turkish embassy in Stockholm.

Turkey, Sweden and Finland were due to resume trilateral discussions on the NATO applications at a meeting on Thursday in Brussels, at civil servant level.

A date remains to be set for the Swedish lawmakers' vote on the bill. The government aims for the legislation to enter into force in June. An amendment to the constitution that was a necessary prerequisite for the proposed law entered into force in January.

(Reporting by Anna Ringstrom, editing by Terje Solsvik, William Maclean)
Drive-up returns are coming to Target stores starting this spring. Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Target said last week that a new option for drive-up returns would roll out to stores nationwide this year.

On social media and in interviews, Target workers expressed concerns about the additional work and potential complications.

"Guest service and drive-up are already overloaded with work," one employee in Illinois told Insider.

Target's new plan to allow returns of some items from the drive-up lanes is raising concerns among store workers.

After last week's announcement that drive-up returns would be rolling out to Target stores across the country starting this spring, workers took to social media to share their reservations about how it would work.

"This is going to blow up in Target's face. I guarantee it," one Reddit user commented. "Somebody is going to get hurt or killed doing this."

"At Target, the safety of our team members and guests is our top priority," spokesman Joe Unger said in a statement to Insider. "With each new service we introduce for our guests, we provide our team members with in-depth training to support the new efforts and ensure they are done safely."

Adam Ryan, a backroom worker in Virginia and organizer with Target Workers Unite, told Insider the move will "make the job even more difficult and tedious," and doesn't come with additional pay.

"We just don't have enough staff to do these things properly," Ryan added, pointing out that drive-up orders are given a fairly short window of time to be fulfilled.

A drive-up worker in Illinois told Insider her store is one of the top selling locations in the district, but has not yet received training or guidance about how the new returns process will unfold.

"I was confused as to how it would work," she said. "My first thought is that drive up returns could put team members in danger and could make them more susceptible to fall victim to scams."

She also said that her team frequently has to call for assistance from other departments, and that the lanes stay open even in cases of severe weather.

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In its documentation about the program, Target says that only orders associated with a Target Circle membership will be eligible for the feature, and that certain products may still require a shopper to go inside to the service desk.

Some Reddit users who said they worked at a pilot location for the concept were less concerned, saying that drive-up returns were done relatively infrequently, were processed and pre-approved in the app, and involved no handling of cash or physical gift cards.

Target appears ready to press ahead with the initiative as it expands on its stores-as-hubs model for digital order fulfillment.

Retailers process an estimated $500 billion in returns each year, and the costs of e-commerce returns are growing as more people order online and in apps. Making it easier for customers to bring unwanted stuff back will cut the cost of returns that are shipped, a number the company says is "meaningful."

If you are a Target worker who would like to share your perspective, please get in touch with Dominick via email.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Teacher pensions cost nearly $66 billion in 2020. Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Getty Images

The 2022 stock market plunge has taken a toll on some of the nations largest state and municipal pension funds, making it harder for governments to pay for future retirement benefits to millions of K-12 teachers and other public employees.

Here, Michael Addonizio, an education policy expert at Wayne State University, provides insight on how teacher pensions are affecting K-12 school budgets overall and what, if anything, can be done to better manage pension systems and close funding gaps.

1. Is there enough money to pay teacher pensions?

Yes and no. There is enough money to pay pension benefits to current retirees. But there is not enough money to pay all promised benefits to future retirees.

U.S. teacher pension funds collectively manage about US$3 trillion in assets. These dollars are invested in various ways  stocks, bonds, real estate, foreign currency, and other ways. But these assets held by the retirement plans are generally less than the plans liabilities  that is, the projected cost of benefits promised to future retirees. As of 2022, this gap between assets and liabilities is about $878 billion. Put another way, the ratio of assets to liabilities is about 77%. This ratio is down from about 84% in 2021, but is higher than any other year since 2008.

The amount spent on teacher retirement costs in 2020  $65.9 billion  represented 5.5% of total state and local K-12 spending.

The problem is that these retirement costs have been growing faster than total K-12 expenditures for decades. In 2001, retirement costs amounted to only 1.3% of total state and local school spending.

The growth in teacher retirement costs is due mostly to an increase in payments for unfunded pension liabilities, often referred to as pension debt. This is the amount of money that states and municipalities pay annually into their retirement systems to cover previously unfunded liabilities  that is, the shortfall that a pension fund needs to pay all future promised benefits.

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2. How do these pension funding shortfalls occur?

Every year, pension planners have to make assumptions about how fast teacher salaries will grow, how many teachers will teach long enough to qualify for a pension, how long qualified retired teachers will live and collect benefits and how the pension funds investments will perform. If all these assumptions are correct and the plans expected assets cover its expected liabilities, the plan is considered fully funded.

But the typical teacher pension plan has not been fully funded at any point since about the year 2000. Overly optimistic investment assumptions are often the biggest part of unfunded liabilities. In response, states or big cities often redirect money from school operating budgets into the pension funds. But these governments often fail to make these payments in full.

States and cities face fiscal pressures from other spending demands and from tax collections that fail to keep pace. Pushing some unfunded pension liability costs into the future is often seen as less painful than cutting current government programs or raising taxes. But skimping on covering costs for future retirees often compounds the systems liability problem over time.

In 2021, fully 69% of teacher retirement costs went to cover unfunded pension liabilities, up from 17% in 2001. In other words, the cost of future benefits is growing faster than the cost of current-year benefits.

Could it be due to increasingly generous retirement benefits? No. A recent report by the Equable Institute, a bipartisan nonprofit that studies public pensions and advises employees, communities and policymakers, concludes that the average value of lifetime benefits for new teachers is about $100,000 less than for their more senior colleagues.

Rather, unfunded pension liabilities can rise because of downturns in the financial market, lowering the systems investment earnings. Also, they may increase when schools hire more teachers and support staff, increasing the numbers of workers in the pension system. It can also be due to the rising cost of borrowing,

3. What does this mean for education funding?

As more public dollars flow to teacher retirement systems, fewer resources are available for schools and classrooms. From 2002 to 2020, total state and local K-12 spending rose 33%, while teacher retirement spending rose 220%. Nationally, and in most states, teacher pension costs have been rising faster than K-12 spending for the past two decades. States then take money from state funds normally dedicated to school operations and move them to the pension fund. The result has been less spending for school operations, in the form of either spending cuts or a smaller share of a growing spending pie.

For example, in the 2022-23 fiscal year, my state of Michigan will pay nearly $3 billion from the state School Aid Fund into the state-administered Public School Employees Retirement System to cover future pension costs. However, while this move will lower the amount of unfunded liabilities in the system, these dollars will come directly from state funds intended to support general K-12 school operations.

This practice has been repeated in many states over the past two decades. According to the Equable Institute study, the hidden cuts of using K-12 funds to cover pension costs have risen from $457 per student in 2001 to $1,290 per student in 2021  a 182% increase in constant 2021 dollars.

4. How can the problem be solved?

The solutions rest with the states, and there is no one size fits all remedy. Each state has its own K-12 funding system and teacher retirement plans, which are governed by many rules that are embedded in state constitutions and laws. These state laws vary. For example, teachers in 15 states, including California and Texas, arent covered by the Social Security system. But there are some common issues and ways to address them.

One common problem is transparency. While its usually relatively easy to see how much states, districts and schools are spending for operations, its much more difficult to find public data on teacher retirement costs, particularly pension liability costs, because the data is remarkably scarce.

Pension dollars are as much a part of public education budgets as spending on teacher and staff salaries, books, buses and the rest. Careful monitoring and reporting of pension costs, both payments and liabilities, may improve management of these costs before they inflict more damage on budgets for teaching and learning.

Secondly, many states have reduced their financial support for K-12 schools in recent years. The share of personal income given to K-12 schools has steadily declined since the 2007-2009 Great Recession in 39 states.

States could protect school operating budgets by using general fund revenue to pay pension liability costs, not dedicated K-12 aid. Local districts could be responsible for the cost of current-year retirement benefits but cannot do much to manage unfunded pension liabilities. States could cover pension debt costs without reducing state aid for school operations, but it would require raising taxes or cutting programs in other areas.

To begin moving in this direction, states could restore their pre-recession levels of tax effort for K-12 education. A recent study by researchers from Rutgers University, the University of Miami and the Albert Shanker Institute concluded that had all states done this by 2016, schools would have reaped $288 billion in added funding.

Trading off pension support against school operating funds is not an inevitable result of rising pension costs. Whether states have the economic means or political will to address this problem effectively remains to be seen.

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: Michael Addonizio, Wayne State University.

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Michael Addonizio does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
A Florida father ended up in jail after police say he shot at a man who fell asleep naked next to his teenage daughter.

It happened around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 8, and the unclothed man was identified as one-half of a couple renting a room in the familys home, the Cape Coral Police Department said in a news release.

The homeowner is the one who called police, reporting one of his roommates was naked in his teenage daughters bedroom, which prompted him to shoot at the man.

Investigators say the series of events happened after the homeowner and roommates engaged in a night of drinking heavily.

No one was struck by the gunfire, police said.

The (male roommate) acknowledged drinking in excess earlier in the night and stated that they got up to use the restroom, and mistakenly went into the bedroom of the teenage female who ... was asleep in bed, police said.

The (man) got beside the teenager and fell asleep. Once the teenager realized a naked male was sleeping next to her, she went to Mr. Miller to let him know what had transpired. She did not allege a crime had occurred against her.

It was around this time that the man was awakened by his shouting spouse, police said, telling him he was not in their shared room.

Once they returned to their room, (the homeowner) approached their bedroom and began pounding on the door shouting Ill kill you, after the door was shut and locked on him, police said.

That is when (the homeowner) shot his handgun 3-4 times into the floor outside the bedroom door in a rage, police said. Officers saw shell casings and bullet holes through the bedroom door of the victims.

(The homeowner) cooperated with police at the scene and was arrested. He faces two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and shooting into an occupied dwelling, police said.

Cape Coral is about 130 miles south of Tampa.

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A Monroe teenager is in custody and has been accused of shooting at someone in a domestic dispute on Tuesday in Monroe Charter Township.

Julia Rose Huttenga, 18, was arrested and lodged in the Monroe County Jail, Sheriff Troy Goodnough said in a news release. She was arraigned Wednesday in Monroe County District Court on felony charges of assault with intent to murder, felony firearm and carrying a concealed weapon. Bond was set at $1,000,000.

The case is scheduled for a probable cause conference on March 21 before District Judge Amanda L. Eicher. A preliminary examination is scheduled for March 28.

Goodnough said the shooting occurred in the 100 block of Birchwood Trail in Monroe Township. At about 2 p.m., deputies received a report of a male subject who was shot at in front of his residence. During their response, deputies learned that the suspect fled the scene and later called 911 from a business at Telegraph and Dunbar roads.

Deputies responded to both scenes and conducted an initial investigation, the sheriff's office's release said. Detectives gathered information and evidence from both scenes that helped determine this was an isolated incident that originated over a family disturbance.

Huttenga allegedly fired a handgun at her intended victim, a news release from the Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney Michael G. Roehrig said.

The incident remains under investigation by the Monroe County Sheriffs Office Detective Bureau. Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 734-240-7530.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Teenager charged with shooting at someone March 7 in Monroe Township
Prisoners in Guantanamo Bay - Petty Officer 1st class Shane T. McCoy/US Navy via Getty Images

A Saudi terror suspect who took flying lessons with two of the 9/11 hijackers has been released from Guantanamo Bay detention camp without charge after two decades.

Ghassan al-Sharbi, who the US long suspected of being an Al Qaeda operative, was repatriated to Saudi Arabia on Saturday after 20 years in detention without ever being convicted of an offence, the fourth release this year from the military prison.

Months before Al Qaeda terrorists hijacked planes and flew them into the Twin Towers in New York, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania, a Phoenix FBI agent warned that Middle Eastern students appeared to be taking flying lessons for the purpose of attacks involving civil aviation.

While the memo was not heeded, Mr al-Sharbi, now 48, was known to have studied at an aeronautical university in Arizona and attended flight school with two of the 9/11 hijackers. The US says Mr al-Sharbi fled to Pakistan after 9/11 to train in bomb-making. He was arrested there the next year, allegedly tortured in custody and sent to Guantanamo.

US military efforts to convict him were frustrated as court rulings and congressional directives evolved in the face of challenges to the military tribunals legal authority to try the Guantanamo detainees.

Mr al-Sharbi was released on the understanding that Saudi Arabia will implement a comprehensive set of security measures including monitoring, travel restrictions and continued information sharing, the Pentagon said.

Saudi Arabia  the country from which most of the 9/11 hijackers came  long has had facilities for detaining and rehabilitating extremists.

Despite pledges from successive US presidents to close the military prison, located on a US naval base in Cuba, 31 detainees remain at Guantanamo Bay. According to the Pentagon, 17 are eligible for transfer; three are eligible for a Periodic Review Board; nine are involved in the military commissions process; and two detainees have been convicted in military commissions.
(Bloomberg) -- Tesla Inc. has started hiring for its planned factory near Monterrey, Mexico, days after announcing the facility where it intends to make a next-generation electric vehicle.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The automaker is seeking a managing counsel, construction safety manager, financial analyst and logistics experts, according to job listings that have been posted in recent days.

The hiring push underscores the speed at which Tesla tends to move with new plants. Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk confirmed on March 1 that the Austin, Texas-based company would build the factory in the northern Mexican state of Nuevo Leon, a day after President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador revealed an agreement.

The announcement of Teslas investment, which Nuevo Leon Governor Samuel Garcia said could eventually rise to $10 billion over multiple phases, signals a growing business interest in northern Mexico. The relocation of companies seeking to be closer to US consumers and to avoid the supply-chain problems they experienced with international shipping in the pandemic has been a boon to the Mexican economy.

Read more: Tesla Plant Marks Mexicos Manufacturing Moment

Lopez Obrador, known as AMLO, has spoken with Musk and recently met with Tesla executives including Rohan Patel, a former Obama White House official who joined Tesla in January 2017.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Elon Musk's Tesla has drastically cut the cost of its vehicles in 2023. Christian Marquardt - Pool/Getty Images

Elon Musk's Tesla has declared an electric-vehicle price war in the US.

The automaker has slashed Model 3, Model Y, Model X, and Model S prices in 2023.

There are signs that Tesla is making early gains in the battle.

Elon Musk's Tesla has declared an electric-vehicle price war in the US. Since the start of 2023, the automaker has dramatically cut the cost of buying a Model 3, Model S, Model X, or Model Y  heaping pressure on other EV makers as well as traditional automakers like Ford and GM.

While it's too soon to call a winner in the price war, there are signs Tesla is making early gains.

Tesla started lowering prices in mid-January, cutting the cost of an entry-level Model 3 sedan  the company's best-selling vehicle  by 6.4%, to $43,990. It also slashed the cost of the basic Model Y SUV to $52,990  20% cheaper than the previous price tag of $65,990.

Tesla also lowered prices for its Model S sedan and Model X SUV in January, then reduced them again in early March. The basic Model S now retails at $89,990, down 14% from the start of the year, while the entry-level Model X costs $99,990  a price cut of approximately 17%.

Ford is the only traditional automaker to have followed Tesla in cutting EV prices in 2023, discounting its plug-in Mustang Mach-E range by between about 1% and 8.8%.

Dramatic price cuts such as Tesla's are aimed at undercutting rivals and boosting market share. But while price competition isn't uncommon among automakers, the size of Tesla's cuts suggest the company is seeking to dominate the entire industry  not just EVs.

"Tesla's competition isn't just other EV makers, it's other carmakers," Seth Goldstein, an analyst at Morningstar, told Insider. "They're cutting prices so that the Model 3 can eventually compete with other sedans and the Model Y can compete with other SUVs."

Dramatic price cuts appear to stoke demand

Musk believes the discounts will attract new buyers who previously saw a Tesla as being outside their price range. "There's just a vast number of people that want to buy a Tesla car, but can't afford it," he said during Tesla's fourth-quarter earnings call in January. "These price changes really make a difference for the average consumer."

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Jessica Caldwell, the executive director of insights at the car-shopping website Edmunds, told Insider: "We saw interest spike for the Model 3 and the Model Y after the price cuts, so it definitely did move the needle."

The cuts have generated comparatively more interest in the Model 3 and Model Y  Tesla's cheaper models  than the more upmarket and more expensive Model S and Model X, she added.

Meanwhile, buyer waiting times for the Model Y have climbed by between two and four weeks since January, research by AllianceBernstein found.

A case study of Tesla's success in undercutting a competitor with price reductions can be found in China. BYD, the country's leading EV manufacturer, suffered an $18 billion valuation wipeout between February 1 and March 3, which analysts attributed to BYD's efforts to discount its vehicles in the face of Tesla's own cuts.

Discounts more obvious to would-be buyers

Tesla's model of selling directly to consumers through its website means price cuts are more easily communicated to would-be buyers. That isn't the case for traditional automakers that rely mainly on sales via dealer forecourts.

Caldwell said price-cutting is "a lot more complicated" for traditional automakers, "because they are selling to their dealer who has final say in the price, whereas Tesla doesn't operate like that." She added that consumers generally like Tesla's approach to price cuts "because it's very straightforward."

However, there's a big downside for Tesla in making dramatic price reductions: angering recent buyers. After the January cuts, some customers expressed frustration that a vehicle they'd just purchased had plunged in value overnight.

"Price cuts also annoy customers," Caspar Rawles, the chief data officer at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, a price-reporting agency, told Insider. "Maybe people will also hold out for another price drop in another two months, which is also a problem," he said.

A new 'affordable' Tesla could be the 'golden goose'

Tesla is reportedly working on a new, more affordable vehicle that's expected to cost around $25,000.

Some Tesla stockholders said they were disappointed the company didn't unveil the so-called Model 2 at its recent investor day  and some analysts believe the new vehicle might not come to market until 2025.

But the launch of a Tesla priced in the same ballpark as a Chevy Trax or Ford Focus would land a crippling blow to traditional automakers, Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush, told Insider.

"The lower-priced future Model 2 is key to going after the masses, with the golden goose being a sub-$30,000 vehicle," he said. "It's Tesla's world with everyone else paying rent."

It's too early to declare Tesla the victor in the price war it started but it seems to be taking ground  with potentially more to come in the form of the Model 2.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A stock photo of a student taking a standardized test

Missouri students did worse across the board on the latest round of standardized testing released Tuesday, with 112 districts and charter schools scoring low enough to be classified as provisionally accredited.

But the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, or DESE, said it would not downgrade any districts this year because it is the first of a new testing program.

DESE released public school districts and charter schools Annual Performance Report scores to the public Tuesday afternoon, showing student performance dipping dramatically from pre-pandemic reports.

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At the time of the last complete report in 2018, three districts were provisionally accredited and three were unaccredited. All were confined to the states urban core in Kansas City and St. Louis.

Provisionally accredited school districts are subject to state monitoring, and unaccredited districts, in some instances, are taken over by the state.

Now, schools scoring below fully accredited status span the entire state.

DESE officials stressed that the scores released Tuesday were indicative of COVID-induced learning loss and a more rigorous testing regime implemented for the first time this year.

Related: 74 Interview: Expert Matthew Kraft on How the Right Tutoring Materials & Training Can Help Students Make Gains & Solve Schools Staffing Woes

The rubric combines standardized testing scores, attendance rates, access to advanced courses, graduation rates and more. The previous version of the school improvement plan, the program puts an emphasis on students academic growth and the creation of a continuous school improvement plan.

I would say the biggest shift in making this a more rigorous system is that districts and schools are held accountable for both growth and status. So, the pressure is there not only to score high at that snapshot in time for their overall proficiency rates but also to make sure that the individual student is growing at the expected rate, Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven told reporters.

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State law establishes that the first year after changes to the improvement program must be a pilot year that wont be used to lower a public school districts accreditation or for a teachers evaluation. DESE wants three years of data before using scores to lower accreditation, Mallory McGowin, DESEs chief communications officer, said in an email.

The results of standardized testing  the Missouri Assessment Program, or MAP, show which districts may be struggling with learning loss.

The 2018 MAP scored districts on a 40-point scale: 16 points for the districts performance in math, 16 points for English/language arts scores and eight points for social studies.

The 2022 MAP scores have a 32-point scale: 12 points for math, 12 for English/language arts, four for social studies and four for science.

In 2018, Missouri districts scored an average of 90% of the points available in DESEs scale, compared to 65% in 2022.

The states largest district, Springfield R-XII School District, dropped from 93% to 63% on DESEs scale between 2018 and 2022.

Independence 30 School District scored a perfect 100% in 2018 but fell to 53% in 2022.

Rolla 31 School District earned a 94% in 2018s MAP but decreased to 66% in 2022, receiving just half of the points possible in math.

Other districts scores remained high, and some improved their MAP achievement. Rockwood R-VI School District, the states third largest district, scored 97% of the possible points in 2018 and 100% in 2022.

Fort Zumwalt R-II School District earned 100% in both 2018 and 2022.

Expectations for student performance remain high, and we anticipate districts and charter schools will work with their communities to meet them, she said.

Vandeven put pressure on the state to also contribute to student success.

It will take collective energy and commitment from across the state to elevate the teaching profession, she said.

She pointed to DESEs Blue Ribbon Commission, a group that set legislative goals including raising the minimum teacher salary to $38,000.

The number one school level factor that impacts students success is an effective teacher, Vandeven said.

Were facing a national nationwide teacher shortage, she continued. While we dont collect information on the number of substitute teachers working in schools each day, due to the educator workforce shortage, our sense is that our reliance upon substitutes is at an all time high.

She said the department issued 18,300 substitute certificates in 2022, compared to the prior three years average of 12,160.

Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Missouri Independent maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jason Hancock for questions: info@missouriindependent.com. Follow Missouri Independent on Facebook and Twitter.
Mental health support is vital for those who are dealing with a long COVID diagnosis.

Mental health support is vital for those who are dealing with a long COVID diagnosis.

Its not easy for anyone to find their ideal therapist. Its doubly hard for folks who are dealing with stressors that not all therapists are equipped to handle  like folks who have long COVID-19 or another chronic illness.

While people dealing with a chronic illness likely have some steps in place to address the physical effects of their condition, its also important to have support for the toll a long-term disease can take on your mental health.

Coping with a new and possibly long-term illness is enormously stressful, and I think its in part because people are both struggling with their current symptoms theyre facing ... but then theyre also wondering Is this the new me? said Lauri Pasch, a professor in the Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences at the University of California, San Francisco.

The uncertainty that accompanies the illness is also stressful, she said, which makes mental health support crucial for any treatment plan.

Even people who are really resilient can feel really distressed, Pasch said. Psychotherapy can be really helpful to help people develop a healthy outlook regarding whatever the symptoms are theyre facing, or the condition, and then to build resilient skills to manage the distress.

If left untreated, that distress can lead to more problems. Studies show that chronic stress can cause cardiovascular issues, depression and anxiety, among other conditions. So its important to prioritize your mental health when dealing with a high-stress situation like long COVID or another chronic illness.

Heres how to find a therapist who can help you:

Ask your medical doctor for input.

According to Christopher Hansen, a licensed professional counselor with Thriveworks in San Antonio, Texas, the relationship between medical doctors and mental health professionals has become more symbiotic in recent years. Often, folks will be set up with a therapist or a social worker when they receive a chronic illness diagnosis  though thats certainly not always the case.

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Its mostly recognized that mental health support is really crucial for people dealing with a chronic illness, Hansen said. If you arent given a mental health referral from your doctor, you can ask them for therapist recommendations.

A lot of times, the providers themselves will already have resources for their patients, Hansen said. They have a ready resource of social work or mental health providers they work with all the time.

Try an online database.

According to Dr. Rishab Gupta, a neuropsychiatrist at Brigham and Womens Faulkner Hospital in Boston, there are a number of online databases that you can use to find a mental health provider in your area.

For example, Psychology Today has a lot of psychotherapist listings on it, and one could use filters to even find which therapists accept their insurance, Gupta said. LifeStance Health is another place to look.

Pasch notes that your local psychological association, like the California Psychological Association or the New Jersey Psychological Association, has online therapist listings, too.

Reach out to a reputable support group.

Pasch said support organizations for your condition, whether its long COVID or another chronic illness, are a good place to find therapists as well.

Those support organizations almost always ... will have referral lists and information about therapists that work in that arena that would potentially be good support, she said.

While many support groups exist, Pasch notes that not all are reputable. Some may be promoting treatments that arent science-backed. She said its important to look online (and not on sites like Facebook) for legitimate support services. You can try groups run through hospitals and official nonprofit groups.

Seeking out a therapist who's affirming and understanding is crucial for anyone experiencing long COVID or another chronic illness.

Seeking out a therapist who's affirming and understanding is crucial for anyone experiencing long COVID or another chronic illness.

Look for a therapist who knows how to treat people with chronic illnesses.

Hansen said its important to find a therapist who has direct experience treating people with chronic illnesses. Theyll understand what the mental health treatment should entail, and the stressors and frustrations that folks with an ongoing illness face.

For example, Hansen said that some of his patients increase their appointments during high-stress times of treatment, and decrease their appointments when their illness is under control.

The therapist has to have the willingness, knowledge and ability to understand that things can ebb and flow with a chronic illness, Hansen said. You can directly ask the therapist if they have experience treating folks with a chronic illness, or you can specifically search for a chronic illness therapist online.

Know what you want out of therapy  and make sure your therapist can give you that.

Hansen said that some mental health providers are OK with you reaching out outside of your appointment hours, while others are not OK with this. Likewise, some providers can be flexible with the cadence of your appointments, while others cant.

Think about what you need out of a therapist, and ask questions to determine if a particular therapist is a good fit for you. Youll want to make sure you actually like your therapist, too.

If you dont find someone that you connect with ... youre not going to get anything done, Hansen said.

Remember, youre not alone: Anxiety and depression are common for people with chronic medical conditions.

Often, chronic medical illnesses and long COVID, in particular, is associated with very high rates of depression, anxiety and other psychiatric illness, which can further worsen the prognosis and lead to delayed recovery, Gupta said. When someone is depressed, it can be hard for them to find the motivation to attend appointments, take medication or make any lifestyle changes that are necessary for their treatment.

Its common for people with long COVID or other chronic illnesses to deal with depression or anxiety  and its an important thing to address, Gupta said. It becomes difficult to continue (or begin) treatment without addressing underlying mental health disorders, he noted.

But he also said there is currently a long waitlist for mental health services at many therapy offices throughout the country. In other words, now is the time to start your journey to find a therapist, because you may have to wait a while until you can get in.

Some therapists arent prepared to treat long COVID.

Particularly, with regard to long COVID ... you need to find someone who is knowledgeable about long COVID and in general coping with chronic illness or ongoing health problems, Pasch said.

The therapist needs to be supportive, and cant be someone who treats your problem as though its due to stress or all in your head (which is a common long COVID misconception), she said.

I think a lot of long COVID patients have found that when they reach out to physicians or therapists, theyre getting the feeling that this is their own problem, that it isnt something that is acknowledged as real, Pasch said. Thats something to watch out for from the beginning.

There is a lot of stigma and invalidating when it comes to long COVID syndrome, so that can itself lead to a lot of distress, anxiety, depression  which can also make people question their own sanity, Gupta said. That also kind of fuels feelings of depression [and] anxiety, so that also requires treatment. It needs to be addressed in some kind of therapeutic setting.

And anyone working in that setting should be validating and well-informed about the reality of long COVID for millions of people.

Experts are still learning about COVID-19. The information in this story is what was known or available as of publication, but guidance can change as scientists discover more about the virus. Please check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the most updated recommendations.

Need help with substance use disorder or mental health issues? In the U.S., call 800-662-HELP (4357) for the SAMHSA National Helpline.

Related...
Three DTEK Energo [the largest private investor in Ukraine's power systems  ed.] thermal power plants were damaged by a missile attack by the Russian invaders on 9 March, with energy industry workers already beginning to deal with the aftermath.

Source: DTEKs press service

Quote: "Preliminary reports indicate that there were no casualties. The equipment of the enterprises was seriously damaged. After the attack was over, the energy industry [workers] promptly began to deal with the aftermath and restore equipment operation."

Details: For the sake of safety, only critically needed employees are at the damaged facilities, while the others are working remotely.

DTEK reminded that from September 2022 to March 2023, the company's energy facilities were attacked 29 times. As a result, 3 energy workers were killed and 28 were injured.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
By Ali Sawafta

JABA, West Bank (Reuters) -Israeli forces raided a Palestinian village close to the West Bank city of Jenin on Thursday, killing three Islamic Jihad militants they said were suspected of carrying out shooting attacks in the area.

Islamic Jihad claimed the three fighters, who the Israeli military said were suspected of multiple shooting attacks in Jaba village, southwest of Jenin, as well as in the area of Homesh, a nearby settlement outpost that was evacuated in 2005 and is now home to a religious school.

The incident came on the same day U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was visiting Israel, where he was expected to discuss the growing violence on the West Bank.

In Jaba, residents said they heard intense gunfire early in the morning and saw a large Israeli force in the village, where the blood-spattered wreckage of the car in which the gunmen were killed remained in the street.

A Israeli statement said the gunmen had opened fire from their car when Israeli forces entered the area. It said two members of Islamic Jihad were killed as well as what it described as an additional armed suspect.

Jaba, where two Islamic Jihad gunmen were killed in January, has a large presence of armed militants from different factions and as mourners assembled for the funeral of the three killed on Thursday, fighters said the raids would not deter them.

"Day after day, more men from Jaba and neighbouring villages join us," said one masked gunman, as dozens of others militants prepared to take part in the funeral marches.

Thousands of mourners, some carrying Palestinian flags and the banners of the main factions, Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Fatah and chanting for revenge, joined the funeral of the three, as gunmen fired into the air.

GUNBATTLE

Police seized two rifles and another gun as well as explosive devices and arrested three other suspects. According to Noaman Khalileya, owner of a local garage near to where the incident took place, security forces also confiscated his security camera and erased pictures on his mobile telephone.

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The operation came days after Israeli forces raided a refugee camp in Jenin and killed six Palestinian gunmen, including a Hamas member suspected of killing two brothers from a Jewish settlement near the Palestinian village of Huwara in the West Bank on Feb. 26.

The Palestinian health ministry said a 14-year-old boy, wounded during the gunbattle that broke out in Jenin during the Israeli raid, had died of his wounds.

In a statement to Voice of Palestine radio, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesman of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, accused Israel of launching a "full-scale war" against the Palestinians.

The Palestinian Authority (PA) announced that it had suspended its security cooperation agreement with Israel in January, following a raid in Jenin that killed nine Palestinians, but the raids have put it under growing pressure.

The Islamist group Hamas, which controls the blockaded Gaza Strip but which also has fighters across the West Bank, said PA security forces arrested several members of the group overnight in the West Bank city of Nablus after they took part in the funeral march of the Huwara gunman a day earlier.

"Such a behaviour serves the Zionist occupation only," it said in a statement.

Israeli forces have conducted near daily raids across the West Bank for months after a spate of deadly attacks by Palestinians in Israel last year. They have made thousands of arrests and killed more than 200 Palestinians, including both fighters and civilians. Over the same period, more than 40 Israelis have been killed in attacks by Palestinians.

(Reporting by Ali Sawafta, Nidal al-Mughrabi, Dan Williams; Writing by James Mackenzie; Editing by Robert Birsel, Toby Chopra and Alison Williams)
Erica Herman, the longtime girlfriend of Tiger Woods, filed a complaint on Monday for a declaratory ruling that a nondisclosure agreement she signed while working with Woods is invalid and unenforceable, citing laws meant to protect survivors of sexual assault. The complaint claims that a trust controlled by the golfer has asserted that the NDA is enforceable, and that Woods has commenced an arbitration against her based on it.

While neither party has publicly confirmed that their relationship, which lasted six years, has ended, the complaint obtained by CBS News reads, "The Plaintiff had a long relationship with the Defendant, both professionally and personally."

Tiger Woods, one of the United States' team assistant captains, is seen with Erica Herman during the 2017 Presidents Cup at the Liberty National Golf Club in October 2017, in Jersey City, New Jersey. / Credit: David Cannon / Getty Images

The couple had been living together in Florida, where the complaint was initially filed in Martin County court, but court documents still list their shared home as primary residences for both parties.

The NDA was signed in 2017, the year that Herman and Woods began dating. According to the complaint, Herman's complaint seeks to prove one or more of the following:

That the NDA is neither valid nor enforceable;That if it is enforceable, the court should define the parameters of its enforceability;That the arbitration clause in the NDA is unenforceable in this case, and that any determination of its applicability should be determined by the court, not an arbitrator, under the federal Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act; The NDA isn't enforceable under the federal Speak Out Act.

Both the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act of 2021 and the Speak Out Act were enacted to help protect survivors of sexual misconduct by invalidating arbitration agreements in the case of a lawsuit pertaining to sexual assault or harassment, and by prohibiting the enforceability of an NDA in the event of sexual misconduct, respectively.

Herman alleges she and Woods "have an actual, present, adverse, and antagonistic interest" in the subject matter of the complaint, but does not not explicitly accuse Woods of any wrongdoing.

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CBS News has reached out to representatives for both Herman and Woods, but has yet to hear back.

Robert Blake, "In Cold Blood" actor, dies at age 89

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U.S. undergraduate enrollment continues to drop
Oh, the joy of the internet. How nice is it to just type in (or even say to your smart speaker), baked doughnuts recipe  and voila, an easy-to-follow recipe appears.

Todays TikTok cooking videos embrace a quick, no-frills approach. Gone are the days of scrolling a long, ad-riddled recipe with artful photos, only to finally (fingers crossed the page doesnt crash, freeze or reload a million times) find the recipe. There are more TikTok food influencers than you could ever count, and most of them make us wonder how did they get there? And do they actually know what theyre doing?

We thought wed look into one TikToker in particular whos caught the eye of her 2.9 million followers with her famous line, Should look like this!

Dana Hasson, a 25-year-old New York City-based social media personality, adds a quick photo of her batter, dough or icing with her signature line.

We tracked down Hasson to learn more about what its really like to work as a social media personality, how she got there, and her plans for whats next.

How it all started

Hasson was born and raised in Israel, but moved to Long Island at the age of 13 with no ability to speak English. She had always enjoyed baking, but she really cranked it up when she moved to the U.S., finding it a therapeutic way to zone out.

In general, being the new person was not the best feeling, she said. But after I learned English (it only took her six months), I told myself anything is possible. She does not, however, have any professional experience in the food industry.

Hasson eventually went to college and did a case study on influencer Chiara Ferragni, who was a beauty and makeup blogger at the time. Hasson felt that moment of This is a job? and started playing around with the idea of becoming a professional social media personality.

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When I joined Instagram, it was not easy to grow, she said. So I told myself and everyone around me, Whenever you see and hear about new platforms, tell me, because I want to be the first one on it and really master it.

This approach paid off. While Instagram wasnt her immediate fit, she quickly found the space where she would blow up, thanks to her brother, who was 11 at the time.

I see him and his friends recording videos, like weird videos, on this app named TikTok, Hasson said. I was so confused. My parents were so confused, but basically, my parents pulled me aside and they encouraged me to download the app.

At the start, Hasson was focused on beauty and fashion, but her parents encouraged her to switch to the food arena. The rest is history.

It was her TikTok for baked donuts that got her noticed in 2019, when she was 22.

You couldnt upload videos to TikTok at the time, Hasson said. You had to film on the app, so I would just film and then post  I wouldnt even look back  and apparently after every step of the way I said, Should look like this, should look like this. I posted and it got 4 million views.

Hassons dessert posts seemed to hit a sweet spot with her audience, and people started calling her the should look like this girl.

At first I was like, Oh? Is this what I want to be known for? But I was kind of like, Wait a second, like this is so cool that something was born here.

Hows she get that dough?

Running her TikTok page is a full-time job for Hasson, and the money doesnt come easily.

I think probably the most important advice I can give anyone: You cannot do this because of the money, she said. Its very hard and you have to really commit your whole life to it. Creating content is not just, Oh, OK, Im done for the day! Youre really sharing all of the time.

And Hasson is quick to admit that most of the money she makes comes from sponsorships and brands with which she has formed relationships.

I definitely think Im lucky to have sponsorships with brands that I truly love to work with, and they want me to talk about their products, and its an organic way to kind of insert it with my videos, she said. (Market research from 2017 shows that 71% of social media influencers income is from sponsorship deals.)

Hasson has also trademarked Should Look Like This and offers a bakeware line featuring itemss she uses in her videos, including edible glitter.

What do TikTok fans consider expertise?

Hassons professional experience lies in the fashion industry, despite her success in the TokTok food space. Shes self-taught in the kitchen, and plans to take some classes at the Institute of Culinary Education.

I want to grow my skills because I always like to master skills, be better, she said. Its important.

Hasson previously interned for clothing brands Alice & Olivia and Jimmy Choo, and said she translated visual merchandising skills into making desserts on TikTok.

To me, it ties into beauty, she said. Its almost like Im creating a glittery canvas, like a base. I like putting glitter on my face when I put my makeup on. And even with clothes. Creating it through desserts is really fun and also I also really havent seen anyone doing this. Glitter is my domain. Its my love language.

The challenges of being a social media personality

Hasson has, of course, come into contact with trolls, and she is well aware of the drain they can have on mental health. But she does encourage people to pick up the camera and create content, if thats what they want to do.

Mentally I was super aware when I joined social media, she said. I was like, OK, some people are going to love it but some people are just not going to. But I think Im very lucky to say that my followers are just so supportive and really excited.

Hasson credits a lot of this to open communication. I listen to what they have to say all the time. Do they have a recipe idea? Its just a very communicative place. And I love it.

She also recognizes that there are always changes, and she plans to keep rolling with them as she continues her journey. Whatever the next app is, shell be on it, showing up for people who are there and bringing her current audience with her.

Related...
TikTok, the wildly popular Chinese-owned social media app, has hired top Biden-connected consulting firm SKDK as it faces increasing scrutiny in Washington, according to two people, including one with direct knowledge of the hire.

The public affairs and political consulting firm is providing communications support to the company, which has come under government scrutiny, with senators recently introducing a bipartisan bill empowering Biden to restrict or potentially ban the service.

The hiring came in the last few months, according to the person with direct knowledge of the hire. A spokesperson for SKDK declined to comment while a spokesperson for TikTok who also declined to comment.

The fire TikTok has faced in D.C. has been building for a number of years after the Trump administration tried to ban the app. It has continued with the Biden administrations Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. conducting a national security review of TikTok.

SKDK is seen as the most well-connected Democratic firm in Washington with former top employees in senior and mid-level roles in the Biden administration. Anita Dunn, a founding partner, returned to the White House last May where she is senior adviser after a stint in the early part of the Biden administration and work on the 2020 campaign. Other former SKDK employees in the Biden administration include deputy White House communications directors Kate Berner and Herbie Ziskend, deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh and Interior Department press secretary Tyler Cherry.

While it has thrived in the Biden era, SKDK has also faced additional scrutiny for its clients. It parted ways with Starbucks last year as the coffee company tried to fend off a union organizing effort. As of 2021, the firm worked for Amazon as well but its unclear whether the two companies still have a relationship.

Last year, Dunn said in financial disclosure documents that she had advised a number of blue-chip American companies in the previous two years who have business before the government, including AT&T, Lyft, Pfizer and Salesforce. The firm, which is owned by the Stagwell Group, has long emphasized that it doesnt lobby the federal government or represent companies on issues before the government.

The bill introduced by a bipartisan group of senators that could affect TikTok is supported by the White House. It would give the federal government new powers to restrict, and potentially ban, technologies from China and other nations designated as U.S. adversaries, although such an action would face howls from advocates of free speech. TikTok is seen as one of the technologies that is helping prompt that action from Congress given the worries that the Chinese government could one day use data from its millions of American users.

To try to mitigate federal government action against TikTok, the apps Chinese owner ByteDance has spent more than $13 million on lobbying since 2019 and has hired several dozen lobbyists, including former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.) and John Breaux Sr. (R-La.), who work for Crossroads Strategies, as well as former Reps. Jeff Denham (R-Calif.) and Bart Gordon (D-Tenn.), who currently work for K&L Gates.
Hendricks has chronicled numerous visits to the doctor to get to the bottom of her medical mystery. tiktok.com/@achendricks

While eating a salad with edible flowers, an influencer felt something puncture and disappear into her cheek.

Millions of strangers have tuned in to watch Alexa Hendricks seek medical treatment.

Hendricks told Insider she's baffled by all the attention as she's still trying to find answers.

Alexa Hendricks was out to lunch with her sister on a trip to New York City last Friday, finishing up a salad with edible flowers on top, when all of a sudden she "felt a prick inside my cheek," the 22-year-old influencer said in a TikTok that's been viewed 1.3 million times.

Hendricks, a lifestyle creator based in Kentucky, who has 211,000 TikTok followers, initially assumed a sharp flower stem had punctured her cheek. She tried to dislodge it with her tongue and finger, "but it started getting shorter and shorter," she said, "and it was literally getting pushed back into my cheek."

So began a widely-watched and still-ongoing medical saga as Hendricks sought answers from several doctors about what, if anything, remains "embedded" in her mouth.

While a doctor told her they don't believe anything is in her cheek, she's still experiencing pain. And some of her most devoted followers are arguably more concerned than she is, convincing themselves that something, perhaps a plant particle, is still lodged in there. Hendrick's saga is a part of a curiously growing trend of corporal medical mysteries on TikTok  ones that viewers are convinced they can solve.

Her first doctor visit came back inconclusive but grabbed the attention of 2.5 million people

When she returned home from New York on Sunday, the pain in her cheek was making it difficult for Hendricks to eat and sleep. Her first trip was to the dentist, which she chronicled on TikTok, leaving the doctor a little bewildered: "I don't know what to suggest," the dentist can be heard saying in the video.

Hendricks had an appointment the next morning with an oral surgeon. She was also working with a new theory inspired by her mom, a registered nurse: that the object in question was a "little cactus stick."

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"My mom said she'd gotten pricked by a cactus before and what happened was the cactus went in and then kind of dissolved into her skin," Hendricks told Insider. "That was her thought ... but I never ate a cactus or anything."

At the oral surgeon, Hendricks received more unsatisfying updates. The doctor didn't believe that anything was stuck in her cheek, but that the stab had traumatized the tissue, which can flare up days after the incident, she said. Hendricks was given a prescription of mouthwash and ibuprofen, and has a follow-up appointment in a week if things don't improve.

"Obviously, the doctor was like, we don't wanna just cut you open," she told Insider. But viewers didn't necessarily agree.

"There is still something in there!! Guaranteed," one person wrote, and Hendricks responded in agreement.

"Wait, they aren't removing it?" another concerned viewer added.

Some, because of another alarming viral incident earlier this month, theorized it could be a piece of a grill brush. Hendricks said she had not been to a barbecue recently or come into contact with a grill brush, shutting those frantic concerns down.

Hendricks is still seeking answers as these medical mystery videos grow lives of their own

On Tuesday morning, Hendricks said she was feeling better. "It's definitely not as swollen as it has been the past two days," she said.

But she's still unsure whether the object, be it a flower stem, cactus spike, or walnut particle (another floating theory from her dentist), remains. "I know what I felt," she said of the initial puncture. "But maybe somehow it's been ejected or dissolved."

She's also starting to come down with cold symptoms. "I don't know if that's like the weather change from being in Kentucky or allergies, but my mom was like, 'Well, what if it's an infection?'"

While she's happy to receive so much support from strangers online who are concerned about her health, the attention has also been overpowering.

"I wasn't even gonna share it at first, and now I have millions of people invested in this little cheek thing," she said. "That was not the plan, but I'm not mad about it."

Hendricks' journey is a part of a growing fascination on the app concerning unsolved medical ailments  specifically about lodged foreign objects.

Earlier this month, a woman on TikTok also went viral after sharing that she believes she has a needle stuck in her foot. While doctor visits also came up inconclusive, some followers are convinced that it may still be living in her body, potentially having traveled up her leg.

And as mentioned above, a Florida pediatric ER physician also recently went viral for sharing an alarming account of a child who discovered he had a piece of a metal barbecue brush stuck in his right tonsil area.

Read the original article on Insider
Schumacher was able to laugh off the incident. Screenshot/TikTok - @ayden_1997

A 25-year-old law student got trapped in Calgary after he missed a transfer flight.

A WestJet staff member led him down a hallway that was locked on both ends.

He recorded the experience almost like it was a survival vlog, and it went viral on TikTok.

25-year-old Ayden Schumacher was traveling from Winnipeg to Las Vegas when something more horrifying than missing a flight happened. After arriving in Calgary to transfer flights, a WestJet crew member told Schumacher to go the wrong way, and he found himself trapped alone in a random airport hallway for two hours.

The Canadian airline has since apologized for the mishap and told Insider it appreciated the "humor" with which Schumacher approached the "incredibly unfortunate situation."

The traveler documented the experience in a viral TIkTok that has been viewed over 4.5 million times this week.

In the aftermath of the incident, Schumacher told Insider he found the overall experience both funny and concerning. And, in true misfortune, he also shared that it wasn't the first time he's been trapped somewhere while traveling.

How Schumacher escaped from a random airport hallway

Schumacher, a law student who frequently posts about his travels online, was en route to Las Vegas on February 28. When he missed his connecting flight in Calgary, a WestJet staff member told him to go down a hallway to leave.

He explained in the TikTok that both doors at the start and end of the hallway were locked, and the staff member had disappeared. He showed that the door at the end of the hallway was transparent, but he couldn't get anyone's attention to help him because nobody was walking by the area.

"There's nobody walking past there," he said. "I'm totally trapped. I tried every avenue of escape."

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He documented the experience almost like it was a survival vlog, with cuts to new updates almost every 15 minutes. In one update, he said he saw a woman on the other side of the transparent door, but she said she couldn't help him and left.

"They're lucky I'm a really chill guy, because some other people would be panicking right now," Schumacher said.

In another update, he said someone opened the door and spoke with him but said they also weren't authorized to let him out. Schumacher told Insider he suspected he wasn't allowed to exit that way due to security reasons.

"I had gone through American customs to get to that part of the airport so I assume there's lots of rules to make sure no one is doing anything sketchy," he said.

As the hours passed, Schumacher was still good-humored about the situation, but it began wearing on him. He started to mentally prepare to be there for days.

"This is maybe my home, this hallway. Too bad there's no furniture," he joked. "No water or food though, so I mean, we've only been here for, like, maybe 40 minutes, but it will become an issue at, like, day three."

Schumacher ended up having to call border security, he told Insider, which signaled a security guard to finally help escort him out.

For his troubles, he said the WestJet customer service gave him a free hotel room for the night and food vouchers. He said WestJet also gave him 50 "WestJet dollars," a reward program token that's worth one Canadian dollar each.

"It was great to just lay around and eat food!" he said.

When reached, a WestJet spokesperson apologized for what happened to Schumacher.

"We sincerely apologize for the experience of this guest and appreciate his humor and understanding as he navigated this incredibly unfortunate situation," the company said in an email statement.

Unfortunately for Schumacher, this wasn't the first time he's found himself trapped in a space while traveling. While he was in France last summer, he said he was locked in the bathroom of a Canadian memorial he was visiting in the country. He had to stand on a sink and yell out an open window until he was discovered.

"So, yeah, I guess I have a weird amount of experience getting locked in places," he joked.

Read the original article on Insider
Monica Raygada's video received 12 million views. Monica Raygada

Monica Raygada was a passenger on the Lufthansa flight that flew into heavy turbulence.

She filmed the flight as it dropped, posting the footage on TikTok, where it went viral.

But according to Raygada, some viewers did not grasp how intense the situation felt.

A TikToker who filmed the aftermath of heavy turbulence on a Lufthansa flight said viewers did not understand how scary it actually was.

On March 1, Monica Raygada was flying from her home in Austin, Texas, to Frankfurt, Germany, while on her way to her final destination in Prague, Czech Republic, where she would be visiting her brother, she told Insider.

As she was eating her in-flight meal, about an hour and a half into the journey, she said she felt a sudden drop, and watched as the remainder of her meal shot up into the air.

"Everything just went flying everywhere, and it's crazy because it felt like it was kind of in slow motion," she told Insider.

Raygada, 28, was one of the passengers on the plane that flew into heavy turbulence, injuring at least seven people, according to a statement from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority to Insider. A Lufthansa spokesperson told Insider at the time that the incident was caused by "so-called clear air turbulence, which can occur without visible weather phenomena or advance warning."

Raygada's in-flight meal. Monica Raygada

One passenger onboard the flight told The Washington Post that the flying food even damaged the ceiling and that one person was bleeding and had to be taken off the plane in a wheelchair.

Raygada described the atmosphere among passengers after the turbulence began.

"After we started falling, it was just completely silent. I think that's when we all thought, you know, this is it," she said, adding, "It's the first time in my life that I actually thought that I was gonna die. It was complete panic. I didn't even scream, I felt paralyzed."

Using the plane's WiFi, which she had connected to at the start of the flight, Raygada took out her phone to message her family, thinking that it might have been her last chance to speak to them, she said.

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She filmed her surroundings, to show her family the debris that was around her.

"I wanted them to be able to grasp what was going on, that this wasn't just ordinary turbulence. It was a big deal," she said.

According to Raygada, about 30 minutes after she felt the initial drop, the pilot announced that the plane would be performing an emergency landing in Washington D.C.

Raygada told Insider she was "thankful" to be back on land, and checked into her hotel hoping to calm down from the anxiety she felt during the incident. A few days later, she decided to post her footage from the flight on her TikTok account, so that her friends who followed her on the app could see what happened to her.

But to her surprise, the video went viral, receiving 12 million views.

Some passengers onboard required medical attention, according to reports. Monica Raygada.

Viewers were shocked by the footage, but some questioned how intense the situation was

"Come with me while I almost died on the Lufthansa Austin to Frankfurt flight," an on-screen caption on Raygada's video read.

Plenty of commenters said they were shocked by the footage, and would not have known how to react in that situation. Some also said it made them feel afraid of flying in the future.

But other commenters suggested that Raygada should not have been fearful for her life, because of the widely reported fact that turbulence has never caused a flight to crash before.

Raygada told Insider that she was trying to articulate how she felt during the situation by posting her video, but that some viewers who saw it still didn't understand the gravity of how scary it was for her, taking her caption too literally.

"I think some people were making fun of the fact that I said I was going to die, but I mean, I'm not saying that it's a fact, I'm saying that's what I thought," she said, adding, "I was genuinely in shock, thinking, 'I'm falling with this airplane, these are my last minutes.'"

Despite believing that some viewers misunderstood her video, Raygada said she has no plans to go back to TikTok to post an explanation or storytime video  a popular format where users speak to the camera about an experience  as many other creators have done after going viral. She instead said she hopes to get back to her normal life and overcome anxiety about flying in the future by continuing to travel.

"I'm hoping that, with time, I'll be able to relax on a flight again," she said.

For more stories like this, check out coverage from Insider's Digital Culture team here.

Read the original article on Insider
During a Thursday hearing of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, Ohio senator J.D. Vance accused fellow Republicans of setting up roadblocks in his attempt to hold the rail industry accountable.

Vance and fellow Ohio senator Sherrod Brown are proposing the Railway Safety Act, which would boost safety requirements for trains carrying hazardous materials, call for more frequent inspections of rail cars, increase fines for safety violations, and greenlight $27 million to examine possible other safety improvements.

Are we for big business and big government or are we for the people of East Palestine? Its a time for choosing. Lets make the right one, explained Vance.

The committee gathered to hear testimony from those involved in responding to the derailment of a Norfolk Southern train in East Palestine, Ohio, where toxic chemicals were spilled and residents complain of health issues. One of them was under-fire Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw.

While Vance explained he was frustrated at first with Norfolk Southerns response, he has since been placated. However, for Vance, its too little too late for the industry at large.

Vance argued that free-market Republicans who are opposed to regulating the rail industry more tightly are hypocritical.

This is an industry that enjoys special subsidies that almost no industry enjoys. This is an industry that enjoys special legal carve-outs that almost no industry enjoys, said Vance. This is an industry that just three months ago had the federal government come in and save them from a labor dispute. It was effectively a bailout and now theyre claiming before the Senate and the House that our reasonable regulation, our reasonable legislation, is somehow a violation of the free market. Well pot, meet the kettle, because that doesnt make an ounce of sense.

Do we do the bidding of a massive industry that is embedded with big government or do we do the bidding of the people who elected us to the Senate into the Congress in the first place? Vance asked.

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Some Republicans have expressed concern that the legislation goes too far and many of the details are left to the Department of Transportation.

Well take a look at whats being proposed, but an immediate quick response heavy on regulation needs to be thoughtful and targeted, explained Senator John Thune (R., Sd.) to The Hill. Lets define the problem. Lets figure out what the solutions are and if there are things we need to fix, well fix them.

Thune added that he was uncomfortable giving much more power to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who has come under intense criticism for his response to the East Palestine derailment.

For Vance, holding the rail industry accountable is something a Republican party that has experienced a profound realignment should champion.

We are the party of working people in this countryWe are the party of firefighters, of police officers, of the people who go to work pay their taxes, fight our countrys wars and keep our community safe, Vance said. Were proud of that.

Regarding East Palestine, the Ohio senator also expressed concern that the people there were not only overlooked in favor of big business, but also because of who they are.

I think that our leadership, our media, and our politicians were slow to respond to this crisis in part because a certain segment of our leadership feels like the people of East Palestine are a little out of style, he said.

They have the wrong politics, theyre a little too rural, maybe a little too white, Vance explained.

Shaw, who as chief executive Norfolk Southern leads one of the nations largest rail companies, expressed his deep apologies at the hearing for what had occurred and repeated over and over again that hes committed to doing the right thing.

But Shaw had to contend with the symbolism of another train derailment in Alabama on the same day as his testimony, underscoring the crisis that has blanketed the rail company. The NTSB took the unusual step of opening a broader, special investigation into Norfolk Southerns safety practices after a train conductor was killed in Cleveland earlier this week.

Senators pressed Shaw to make specific commitments in their allotted time, but the chief executive often broadened out to his larger commitment to doing the right thing. This led Senator Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) to remark to Shaw: With all due respect, you sound like a politician.

More from National Review
Deanna Beaudoin leans on Don Kendrick during a break from shoveling out their car in Crestline on Monday. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Another massive storm began rolling into California on Thursday, a system that's expected to bring rainfall, winds and more snow to an already drenched and snowbound state.

The inbound storm  sometimes called a Pineapple Express  is the result of a northern pressure ridge linking with subtropical moisture moving up from Hawaii. Such systems are known to drop heavy precipitation.

The storm has prompted a flurry of evacuation warnings and orders, especially in Northern California, which is in line to receive the brunt of the system.

The atmospheric river began to hit Northern and Central California on Thursday morning, with the peak of the storm expected to last through Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service in San Francisco.

Much of Northern California, from the Bay Area to the Central Coast, is also under a wind advisory, with gusts as strong as 50 miles per hour expected during the storm.

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday requested a presidential emergency declaration to authorize federal assistance supporting the state and local response to the storms.

The governor also has proclaimed a state of emergency in 21 counties to support disaster response and relief efforts.

California is deploying every tool we have to protect communities from the relentless and deadly storms battering our state, Newsom said. In these dangerous and challenging conditions, it is crucial that Californians remain vigilant and follow all guidance from local emergency responders.

Mountains east of Sacramento are set to receive several inches to several feet of snow. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning Thursday evening for Southern Trinity County with up to 8 inches of snow possible at elevations above 2,500 feet.

The storm warning is set to expire at 10 a.m. Friday.

But the main concern is flooding.

"The ground is already saturated and streams/rivers are already swollen," the weather service wrote in a forecast report. "When additional heavy rainfall falls on an already saturated ground the only thing it can do is run off."

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The Santa Cruz Mountains could see up to 8 inches of rain, with other parts of the region receiving between 1 and 6 inches of rain, the weather service reported.

The city of Watsonville issued evacuation orders for areas along the Pajaro River at 5 p.m. Thursday with shelters opened at Watsonville Veterans Memorial Building and the Cabrillo College gymnasium.

The area under the evacuation order includes Bay Village, a senior community that sits near Salsipuedes Creek.

According to the National Weather Service, other rivers that could see flooding include the Russian River at Hopland; the Salinas River at Bradley and Spreckels; the Merced River at Stevinson; the Tuolumne River at Modesto; the Cosumnes River at Michigan Bar; the Mokelumne River at Bensons Ferry; and Bear Creek at McKee Road.

Nearly two dozen additional river locations across the state may surge above their monitor stage  meaning they could potentially overflow their banks and cause minor flooding in low-lying areas. That includes multiple locations along the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers.

Officials in Fresno and Madera counties have issued evacuation warnings for residents in their areas, warning of potentially serious flooding from the incoming storm. Fresno County Sheriffs Office spokesperson Tony Botti said officials were particularly concerned about flooding around Pine Flat, as well as Millerton Lake, which feeds into the San Joaquin River and flows west toward Mendota, Tranquility and other communities.

At Oroville Dam  which suffered a near-catastrophic failure amid a series of atmospheric rivers in 2017  state operators said they could begin releasing water down the dams rebuilt main spillway as early as Friday.

In San Jose, police will be enforcing evacuation orders of local creeks that have been in place since January. Police will be announcing the orders to homeless people residing in the creekbeds.

Low-lying regions of Santa Cruz County, including Felton Grove, Paradise Park, Soquel Village, Rio Del Mar Flats and areas along Corralitos Creek, were placed under evacuation warnings ahead of the storm.

"If you flooded in January, you are likely to flood again," the county said Thursday on Twitter. "Please be prepared to leave if necessary. This is a warning not an order, but leave now if you feel unsafe."

Across Santa Cruz County  from low-lying river valleys to the mountains  road crews and emergency responders were preparing for the incoming storm.

Jason Hoppin, communications manager for the county, said a code red alert was sent out Wednesday, warning people about the potential for flooding, with evacuation orders likely.

We have evacuation advisories up in a number of places, he said.

They're probably going to go into an order before too long here, he said. Our concern is again with the flooding on the major rivers, including the San Lorenzo and Pajaro, but also smaller creeks such as Aptos and Soquel.

He said the forecast was calling for the Pajaro River to crest around 30 feet, which is just below flood stage, but once we get over toward that number, even underneath that number, we'll start to get concerned about the levees because they're old and earthen.

So we're gonna have people out there monitoring that, he said, adding that the old levees have been a longtime, forever issue in Santa Cruz County.  They were built ages ago, and while we've got federal funding to fix them, they're not done yet.

In the town of Planada  an impoverished community of farmworkers in Merced County that was almost entirely flooded in January when a levee broke  many residents watched the rain fall and the creeks rise Thursday with growing levels of trauma and fear, according to county Supervisor Rodrigo Espinosa.

The town is under an evacuation warning, and the Army Corps of Engineers is predicting that flood control dams in the area will reach capacity by 9 p.m. Friday, at which point water will be released to bypass channels, the county said.

On the night of Jan. 9, nearby Miles Creek burst over its brush-clogged banks and rushed through the towns streets. More than half the homes in the community of 4,000 were damaged, and many have not yet been rebuilt.

Ever since, residents have been complaining that county officials did not provide enough warning of the flood, and that government officials have been slow to respond to the disaster left behind when the waters receded.

Additionally, many residents are undocumented, making it more difficult to qualify for some government relief.

People are full of fear, said Espinosa, who spoke from his car as he drove to Planada from nearby Bear Creek, where he watched crews lay sandbags in an attempt to keep the stream from overflowing its banks and causing more flooding.

This time, however, county officials have been more proactive, residents said.

County officials went door to door to many homes Wednesday and Thursday, warning of possible disaster.

Espinosa, the county supervisor who represents the area and has been calling on his colleagues to do more for the town, said officials this time were preparing for the worst.

But he added that they hoped some of the infrastructure improvements that had happened in the last two months would protect people.

Debris has been cleared from creeks, he said, making them less likely to flood. And workers have been out in force laying sandbags.

Meanwhile, in Southern California, most of the concern is around mountain towns such as Big Bear where the rain could melt the feet of snow that accumulated during the most recent storms.

In the San Bernardino County mountains, where some residents still remain trapped by snow after the historic blizzard conditions dropped more than 100 inches of fresh powder in the area, officials are warning that rain could increase the weight of snow atop structures, potentially leading to roof collapses or other issues. Residents and authorities already have reported several roof collapses from mounting snow, including a grocery store providing critical supplies in Crestline last week.

Up to 8 inches of rain is possible in the coastal foothills from Morro Bay north, while the rest of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties could see up to 4 inches. In Ventura County, rainfall of up to 2 inches is possible, while the Los Angeles metropolitan area could get up to 1.5 inches. Temperatures across the Ventura and L.A. County coasts and valleys will be mostly in the mid- to upper 60s, with a chance of 70 degrees in the warmest valley location.







This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
By Nikolaj Skydsgaard

CHRISTIANSO in the Baltic Sea, Denmark (Reuters) - Inhabitants of the tiny island of Christianso in the Baltic Sea found themselves in the glare of global media attention this week after reports alleging a boat moored off the rocky outcrop was used to blow up the Nord Stream gas pipelines.

"Practically the entire world called me yesterday. I got calls from 87 different people," island caretaker Soren Thiim Andersen, the highest authority on the island that is Denmark's easternmost point, told Reuters.

The calls from far-flung journalists followed media reports in the United States and Germany that suggested a pro-Ukrainian group could be responsible for the attack on the Nord Stream pipelines, which happened near Christianso in September last year.

The operation to place explosives on the seabed was carried out by six people, who sailed from Rostock in northern Germany on Sept. 6 to Christianso, according to reports by Germany's ARD broadcaster and Zeit newspaper.

The Danish police declined to comment.

Andersen told Reuters the Danish police had interviewed local people for information about boats that moored on Christianso on Sept. 16-18.

The police were not the only ones keen for information.

Other islanders on Thursday told Reuters they had been overwhelmed by the sudden interest from journalists from across the world, who wanted to know everything about the boat reported to have been moored on the island.

"It's a bit disturbing. That our small island could be a pawn in such a big political game. And is that even the case, or are they just conspiracy theories?" Anne Marie Koefoed, a resident of 35 years, told Reuters.

Christianso is part of a small archipelago about 18 km northeast of the Baltic Sea island of Bornholm.

A former naval fortress, it remains under the administration of the Danish defence ministry, and has 98 inhabitants.

(Reporting by Nikolaj Skydsgaard; editing by Barbara Lewis)
TOMS RIVER -- In spite facing what he's termed "a fiscal apocalypse" caused by the potential loss of $14.4 million in state aid, Toms River Regional Superintendent Mike Citta vowed last night that the budget the district will produce for the 2023-2024 school year "will not cut programs for kids."

Citta was speaking at the Budget & Finance Committee meeting of the school board, less than a week after he and other Toms River school leaders learned of the massive aid cut, which slashed nearly 32% over last year's figure.

Toms River Regional Superintendent Mike Citta vowed that the district will not cut programs to make up for a proposed state aid cut.

He said since learning that about the aid cut, included in Gov. Phil Murphy's proposed state budget, he has made numerous phone calls asking that funding be restored. He said he has written letters to state officials, legislators and Murphy, among others -- "everybody and their mother and their uncle," and received what he described as an "encouraging" email from state Sen. Vin Gopal, D-Monmouth, who chairs the Education Committee.

Citta expressed confidence that the district will regain between $13.5 and $14.5 million in revenue, hopefully from the state, but if not, "from as many different sources as we have." He encouraged community members as well as school staff, parents and anyone who cares about he district to get involved in efforts to recover or raise the money.

"We are required to provide a thorough and efficient education," Citta said, "and $14.4 million in loss of aid does not enable us to do that. So when I talk about an apocalypse of all proportions, you can imagine a school district that has no extras, no frills, no additives and no preservatives and you could speculate on all those types of things."

After years of funding cuts under the state's education aid formula, S2, Toms River Regional has already lost 186 positions, including more than 140 teaching jobs. Another 90 jobs in the district are being funded with federal COVID funds, which will expire in a year, and incorporating the state aid cut into the 2023-2024 budget would result in another 200 lost positions, Citta said.

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State education aid:'Malicious and unnecessary': Monmouth, Ocean schools proposed to lose $46M in state money

That adds up to 476 positions, a figure that Citta said would make it impossible for the district to operate.

"So really what we have is a revenue issue and this is our focus. We are working on a budget that does not cut programs, that keeps it as trim as can be. The only fat left in Toms River schools is under my belt buckle," he said, drawing laughter from board members and administrators.

Monmouth and Ocean counties are proposed to lose nearly $46 million in state education funding despite a state budget that increases spending on schools overall. Data from the state Department of Education shows 43 districts in Monmouth and Ocean counties would lose a combined $60.4 million next school year, with Toms River Regional, Asbury Park, Freehold Regional and Jackson school districts taking some of the biggest hits.

The cuts to the Jersey Shore school districts come despite Gov. Phil Murphy's proposed budget adding more than $834 million in K-12 education statewide. Monmouth, Ocean and Cape May counties were the only counties to lose money under Murphy's budget proposal.

Several Shore schools have suffered drastic cutbacks in state aid dating back to 2018 when state Senate Bill 2, or S2, realigned the school funding formula in the state.

Toms River and other Jersey Shore districts have long objected to the state's latest school funding formula, which has shifted money from districts with declining enrollment, like Toms River Regional, to faster-growing districts. School leaders have long contended that the formula unfairly penalizes efficient districts  like Toms River Regional  that have per pupil costs below the state average.

Doggy therapy:Want better school mental health? Ocean County students find it hugging adorable dogs

Toms River Mayor Maurice B. "Mo" Hill Jr. and township council members expressed support for the district March 7, with Hill calling the aid cuts "unconscionable." The council adopted a resolution to explore options for assisting the schools that was proposed by Council Vice President Kevin M. Geoghegan.

"It is devastating for our schools," Geoghegan said. "The schools are our community."

Unlike Citta, who was careful not to portray the funding cut as a partisan issue, GOP Mayor Hill and Republican council members attacked the Murphy administration, saying the state aid cuts appear aimed at Republican areas that did not support the Democratic governor in the 2022 election.

Councilman Justin Lamb called the state's aid funding a "redistribution to liberal Democrats," saying it's "pretty clear where the school aid money is gifted." He noted that Essex County cities would receive aid increases; Newark, for example, is slated to get $114 million more, bringing its state aid total to about $1.15 billion.

Toms River's state aid would drop from $45.4 to $30.9 million.

Councilman Daniel Rodrick, who is a teacher in Middletown, said "$14 million is an outrageous number. The reduction in aid is going to be devastating for our community."

Jean Mikle covers Toms River and several other Ocean County towns, and has been writing about local government and politics at the Jersey Shore for nearly 38 years. She's also passionate about the Shore's storied music scene. Contact her: @jeanmikle, jmikle@gannettnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Toms River superintendent determined to fight $14 million aid cut
By Richard Cowan and Susan Heavey

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, one of the most powerful figures in Washington, is being treated for a concussion and will remain hospitalized for a few days after tripping and falling, his spokesperson said on Thursday.

McConnell, who is 81 and was first elected to represent Kentucky in the Senate in 1984, "tripped at a dinner event Wednesday evening and has been admitted to the hospital and is being treated for a concussion," spokesperson David Popp said in a statement.

"He is expected to remain in the hospital for a few days of observation and treatment," Popp added.

McConnell has been awake and talking to people, according to Republican Senator John Barrasso, a member of his leadership team.

"He'll be fine. He's going to be observed," Barrasso said. "I expect he's going to make a full recovery and be back here next week."

McConnell's legislative skills have torpedoed many Democratic initiatives over the years, both when his party held a majority in the chamber and when Democrats have held the edge, as they currently do.

He has long been criticized by Democrats, particularly for his tactics that allowed Republicans to build a 6-3 conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court, including having the Senate refuse to consider a 2016 nomination to the high court by Democratic then-President Barack Obama.

McConnell has also drawn the ire of Donald Trump, including for rejecting the Republican former president's false claims that his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden was the result of widespread voting fraud.

He has maintained his support for Ukraine after Russia's invasion last year even as some far-right Republicans have questioned U.S. aid for the Ukrainians.

With Republicans now holding a narrow 222-213 majority in the House of Representatives, McConnell has so far stayed out of the limelight in the debate over raising the U.S. debt ceiling, leaving talks to Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

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McConnell has faced other health issues in recent years, including a broken shoulder in 2019 after falling in his Kentucky home.

Falls are the leading cause of deaths by injury among U.S. adults 65 and older and caused more than 36,000 deaths in 2020, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

SEVENTH TERM

Currently serving his seventh six-year term, which runs through 2026, McConnell is the third U.S. senator to be hospitalized in recent weeks. Democrat John Fetterman is being treated for depression, while Democrat Dianne Feinstein was discharged to recuperate at home following a bout with shingles.

McConnell served as Senate majority leader from 2015 to 2021 and as Senate minority leader since then. Democrats, including three independents who vote with them, currently hold a 51-49 majority in the Senate.

A former judge-executive of Kentucky's Jefferson County, McConnell has helped steer the federal judiciary sharply to the right, having the Senate speedily confirm Republican nominees including Trump's three Supreme Court appointees.

Senate Republicans this year re-elected McConnell as their leader. Senator Rick Scott of Florida challenged McConnell for the right to lead the Republican caucus with the backing of other Trump allies including Senator Josh Hawley.

Some of McConnell's colleagues in both parties wished him well.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, said, "I join every single one of my colleagues in wishing Leader McConnell a speedy and full recovery now."

While his efforts to sink liberal initiatives led him to dub himself the "Grim Reaper," McConnell's absence in the Senate could further inflame divisions within his party. McConnell has stood as a bulkhead against Trump's "Make American Great Again" faction even as the former president has attacked him and his wife, Elaine Chao.

McConnell condemned the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters but ultimately voted to acquit the former president on a House-approved impeachment charge of incitement of insurrection even as he held him "practically and morally responsible."

Trump has accused McConnell of being a "RINO," or Republican in Name Only, calling him an "old crow" and lobbing repeated racist attacks against Chao, who served as U.S. transportation secretary under Trump but resigned after the Jan. 6 attack.

McConnell has declined to say whether he would back Trump's 2024 re-election bid but has said he would support the ultimate Republican nominee.

(Reporting by Richard Cowan and Susan Heavey, additional reporting by David Morgan and Nancy Lapid; Editing by Scott Malone, Will Dunham, Andy Sullivan and Paul Simao)
The

In a message posted on March 9, the Transnistrian Ministry of State Security claimed to have thwarted an attack. The report says that suspects have been detailed and are giving testimony.

Criminal cases have been opened in response to the terrorist attack, the sham republics ministry said.

Read also: Rumors of Ukrainian intervention in Transnistria sow panic in Russian social media

The Moldovan government responded via its Bureau of Reintegration, which said there had been no reports about the preparation of an assassination attempt on representatives of Transnistria, Moldovan news agency NewsMaker writes.

We have no such information, the statement says. The relevant authorities are probing the situation. We insist on consuming information from official and reliable sources.

Ukraines SBU has yet to comment on the allegations.

The Russian Defense Ministry previously spread a fake news story about the how Ukraines Armed Forces were preparing for an invasion of Transnistria. Transnistrias Ministry of Defense announced it was starting a three-month military training camp as a result.

Moldova said that the claim of a Ukrainian invasion was untrue. Ukraine also denied the Russian claims, for which Moscow provided no evidence.

Read also: Ukraines battlefield successes will affect situation in Transnistria, ambassador says

At the same time, pro-Russian agitators continue to organize anti-government protests in Chisinau. The demonstrators clashed with police on Feb. 28 while attempting to break into the Moldovan parliament building.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Daniel Chavarin attends to the memorial set up for his son, Xavier, who was stabbed to death last week in El Sereno. (Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times)

Something seemed deeply wrong with David Zapata.

Claudia Montes, his ex-girlfriend and the mother of his child, knew it. So did his friends, who sent her Facebook messages expressing their concern.

Zapata had stopped responding to calls. He wouldn't answer when Montes asked him questions. Sometimes he thought she'd said something when she hadn't opened her mouth at all. She said he believed he'd solved the 2008 killing of her brother  whom he'd never met. And he would speak about himself in the first person plural.

Images were released of the suspect in two stabbings in Los Angeles on March 3. (Los Angeles Police Department)

"We know what you're doing," he would say to Montes, speaking only for himself, she said.

"For a long time I would say ... 'Something is wrong with David. He doesnt seem right,' " Montes said.

Police say that disturbing behavior culminated Friday, when a 17-year-old honors student was stabbed to death outside a King Torta on Valley Boulevard in El Sereno while waiting for his family to pick him up after school. Hours later, a 33-year-old man was stabbed repeatedly on the same street, authorities said.

Surveillance video shows the moments just before the fatal stabbing of Xavier Chavarin, when the assailant walked up behind the teen brandishing a long blade. Montes said the man in the video was her ex-boyfriend.

Zapata, 32, was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of murder in Xavier's death after barricading himself inside his home in Alhambra for several hours during a standoff with Los Angeles police. Officials say Zapata also stabbed the second man, who survived his injuries. Bail was set at $2 million.

Xavier's killing has left his classmates at Woodrow Wilson High School reeling, with counselors available to help those grieving.

A picture of Xavier Chavarin, who was killed by David Zapata, sits among candles lit for his memorial in Los Angeles on Thursday night. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)

"I have a senior class and most of them were affected," said Alan Chau, a social studies teacher who knew Xavier for three years. "We just sat there all day Monday and had discussions about it."

The boy was a model student, said Chau, who taught him U.S. history and also was his homeroom teacher.

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"In general, Xavier is just an easygoing kid, very open. He went with the flow," his teacher said. "He is loyal to his friends at school. ... He asked questions. He doesn't talk back. He's a hardworking kid in the classroom."

Xavier loved to draw, and Chau said he had expressed a desire to become a graphic designer, adding the high school senior had set his sights on Los Angeles TradeTechnical College.

"It breaks my heart the fact that they just took him away from me," Laura Frias, Xavier's mother, said in an interview with NBC4.

The family went to the funeral home Wednesday to make final arrangements for her son's burial.

Hours before that, Los Angeles police detectives arrived at a house in the 2300 block of Westmont Drive in Alhambra after receiving a tip that the man who lived there was the same person seen in video of the knife-wielding attacker, Cmdr. German Hurtado said. LAPD gang and narcotics division officers surrounded the home around 7 a.m., and a Special Weapons and Tactics team brought in two armored vehicles and blocked the surrounding area.

Authorities surround a residence in Alhambra where they believe a suspect who fatally stabbed a 17-year-old boy and injured a man in Los Angeles was barricaded. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Hurtado said a crisis negotiator was able to persuade Zapata, who was in the home alone, that he would be safe to walk out. The crisis negotiator and a mental health evaluation team, along with the mans mother, talked to him on his cellphone for hours before he surrendered, Hurtado said.

The family of the boy police said Zapata killed anxiously waited outside during the standoff. Frias, his mother, broke down when Zapata's surrender was announced. Her father, Jesus Frias, comforted her as she hid her face and openly wept.

Daniel Chavarin, the teen's father, wanted to see the person accused of killing his son get taken away by police.

It didnt bring me any kind of relief, but it was  it was to be certain that they got him, Chavarin said.

Daniel Chavarin, left, father of 17-year-old Xavier Chavarin, who was fatally stabbed last week in El Sereno, talks with police officers at the location where the stabbing suspect barricaded himself in Alhambra. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Although a motive in Xavier's slaying remains unclear, Councilman Kevin de Leon  whose district includes the site of the attack  said Wednesday that the streets of Los Angeles are the largest psychiatric ward in the United States.

Unfortunately, it has become quite normalized in Los Angeles for someone to walk up to someone and snap ... or just hit someone, said De Leon, who waited outside Zapata's home with Xavier's family.

Theres no question about it; hes suffered from severe mental illness, he said of the stabbing suspect.

Jorja Leap, a professor in the Social Welfare Department at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, refuted De Leon's comments, saying it was "inaccurate and irresponsible" to paint L.A. with such a broad brush depicting mental illness.

The Los Angeles Police Department and other law enforcement agencies do not track crimes committed by mentally ill people, Leap said.

"So many [people with mental health issues] cannot even care for themselves, let alone think about taking the life of another human being," she said.

It was not immediately clear whether Zapata had ever been diagnosed with mental health problems, yet Montes and others said he was clearly unwell.

A woman who works at Valley Food Liquor on the block where the second stabbing occurred remembered a strange customer who would buy beer and cigars but would not speak, even when she greeted him and tried to spark conversation.

The taciturn description matched how Montes said Zapata had behaved in recent years.

The man she dated was friendly, comfortable and talkative, she said, but lately, he had become withdrawn.

"He wouldnt seem like he was there. He would be quiet," Montes said.

The two dated from 2008 to 2012, but Montes said she broke up with Zapata because of his methamphetamine habit, which she said kept him awake all night. They had been in a band called Narfarus, and Zapata was an extremely talented drummer who toured with other groups, Montes said.

Court records show Zapata had minor run-ins with the law before this week.

He was convicted in 2013 of driving a vehicle without a license and got a year's probation. In 2017, he was charged with driving on a revoked license, but prosecutors dismissed the case. In September 2020, he was convicted of misdemeanor hit-and-run and driving with a blood alcohol level above the state limit. He spent two days in jail and was placed on probation for three years.

Montes has custody of her and Zapata's teenage son. She said that she had not been in contact with Zapata for some time, but that in the last two weeks he began texting and calling their son. He seemed paranoid, Montes said.

Still, she said, she had never known Zapata to be violent. "I never saw a side like that of him."

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Jenna Ellis, an attorney for Donald Trump who helped drive his false claims about the 2020 election results, has admitted in a Colorado disciplinary proceeding that she misrepresented evidence at least 10 times during Trumps frantic bid to subvert his defeat.

Respondent made these misrepresentations on Twitter and on various television programs, including Fox Business, MSNBC, Fox News, and Newsmax, Colorados top disciplinary judge Bryon Large wrote in a six-page opinion. The parties agree that by making these misrepresentations, Respondent violated [a state attorney rule of conduct], which provides that it is professional misconduct for a lawyer to engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation.

Large issued a public censure of Ellis for her stipulated conduct.

Ellis is the latest Trump attorney involved in the former presidents post-election efforts to face discipline. Rudy Giuliani had his license temporarily suspended and is awaiting a final ruling from a bar discipline proceeding in Washington, D.C. John Eastman is preparing for disciplinary proceedings in California. And Jeffrey Clark has temporarily delayed bar discipline proceedings against him in Washington while attempting to bring the fight into federal court.

But Ellis is the first attorney of the group to acknowledge she misrepresented the evidence of fraud. Among her admitted misrepresentations:

 Ellis claimed on Nov. 13, 2020 that Hillary Clinton didnt concede the 2016 election.

 On Nov 20, 2020, Ellis claimed Trumps team had evidence of a coordinated effort in all of these states to transfer votes either from Trump to Biden, to manipulate the ballots, to count them in secret.

 On Nov. 30, 2020, Ellis said on Fox that Trump won in a landslide.

 On Dec. 5, 2020, Ellis claimed the Trump team found 500,000 illegal votes had been cast in Arizona.

Both Ellis attorney and the disciplinary attorneys bringing the case against her agreed that there was no precedent for the case against Ellis  an effort to aid a sitting presidents bid to undermine confidence in the American election system.

Large noted that Ellis wasnt Trumps counsel of record in any lawsuits challenging the election. But he also noted that Ellis admitted her actions violated her duty of candor to the public.

The parties agree that two aggravators apply  [Ellis] had a selfish motive and she engaged in a pattern of misconduct  while one factor, her lack of prior discipline, mitigates her misconduct, Large determined.
Jenna Ellis, a lawyer who represented former President Trump, admitted in court that she made various misrepresentations on social media and major television appearances about the 2020 presidential election, leading a judge to issue a public censure on Wednesday.

Ellis, who was part of the former presidents efforts to challenge the legitimacy of his election loss, admitted to 10 misrepresentations about the election results, including statements made on Twitter and television programs on Fox News, Fox Business, MSNBC and Newsmax.

The parties agree that Respondent, through her conduct, undermined the American publics confidence in the presidential election, violating her duty of candor to the public, Bryon Large, Colorados presiding disciplinary judge, wrote in his opinion.

Ellis and the states judicial discipline office last month stipulated to the misconduct and concurred that it warranted the censure, court documents show. Ellis agreed to pay $224 in connection with the censure, and Large signed off on the filing on Wednesday.

The misrepresentations include a number of false claims, including Ellis suggesting the election was stolen during multiple television appearances and that Trump actually won in a landslide.

All of the stipulated statements took place between Nov. 13 and Dec. 22, 2020. The list includes misrepresentations promoted during appearances on Fox Newss Justice with Judge Jeanine, MSNBCs The Ari Melber Show, Newsmaxs Spicer & Co and Greg Kelly Reports as well as Fox Businesss Mornings with Maria.

Ellis agreed that her statements violated Colorados Rules of Professional Conduct, which prohibits lawyers from engaging in dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation, but on Twitter Thursday she said the case was politically motivated from the start from Democrats and Never Trumpers.

They ultimately failed to destroy me and failed in their attempt to deprive me of my bar license. Im glad to have this behind me and remain in good standing in the State of Colorado, she said.

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The 65 Project, a nonprofit group that targets lawyers who bring lawsuits to overturn legitimate election results, first filed the bar complaint against Ellis last March.

[T]he year it took to reach this outcome highlights the need for revamped and revitalized disciplinary process, The 65 Project Managing Director Michael Teter said in a statement.

It should not take 366 days to hold accountable a lawyer who, in a few short weeks of constant lies and misrepresentations, placed American democracy in such jeopardy, Teter added. Nor is a public censure a particularly satisfying outcome when one considers the direct line between Ms. Elliss deliberate actions and the attack on our nations Capitol on January 6th.

She was not counsel of record for any of the dozens of lawsuits the Trump campaign brought following the election, but Ellis is the latest prominent member of the then-presidents legal team to face disciplinary action.

Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani already had his law license suspended, and Jeffrey Clark, an attorney at the Justice Department who Trump weighed installing as attorney general to investigate the fraud claims Giuliani is now being reprimanded over, also faces disciplinary action before the board.

Updated at 1:16 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
NEW YORK (AP)  Former President Donald Trump will release a new book next month that features letters from celebrities and politicians written to him through the years.

Letters to Trump includes private correspondence with former presidents including Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Richard Nixon, along with celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Michael Jackson. There are letters from the late Princess Diana, as well as foreign leaders, including former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and North Korea's Kim Jong Un.

The letters serve, in part, as a time capsule from an era before Trump became a polarizing political figure, when he was still a New York celebrity only flirting with running for office. They also feature a collection of strongmen with whom Trump has kept in touch since leaving office and as he wages a third White House run.

We had lots of great letters from lots of great people and not so great people, to be honest with you," Trump told reporters in a phone call to discuss the book Thursday. "But theyre very famous people. And probably theres never been such diversity as this in terms of people where the letters come from and who they come from."

Trump's letters have also taken on new significance amid the ongoing federal investigation into his retention of presidential records and how documents with classified markings ended up at his Mar-a-Lago club. That investigation began when archives officials noticed they were missing documents that Trump had spoken about publicly, including letters from Kim, with whom Trump corresponded with often as president.

He wrote me beautiful letters, Trump once said. We fell in love.

In addition to letters from Kim, the book includes a letter from Bolsonaro, the former far-right president of Brazil, who, like Trump, refused to accept his election defeat, claiming, without evidence, that the nations voting system was prone to fraud. The disinformation campaign culminated in thousands of his supporters swarming Brazils Congress, Supreme Court and presidential palace in a riot that bore striking similarities to the one at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

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The letter, which which was sent in January after Bolsonaro was voted out of office, and shared with The Associated Press ahead of the book's publication, begins with a wistful tone.

During the time we were both presidents of our countries, we achieved great accomplishments for our nations, Bolsonaro wrote in Portuguese, describing the historic relationship between Brazil and the U.S. as a source of extreme importance for both nations, "whether in the economic cooperation, national defense, or for the political stability of our continents.

Working together we accomplished several lasting victories which will be fruitful for future generations, he added. You will always have a partner and friend in Brazil.

The letter is signed in thick black ink, reminiscent of Trump's well-known Sharpie scrawl.

Trump, in the phone call, said that he had a fantastic relationship" with Bolsonaro.

I think he's a very good man and he will be heard from again, I suspect, in Brazil," Trump said, adding that he has kept in touch with the Brazilian  who has been living in Florida and spoke at the CPAC conference last week  along with a number of other world leaders.

You know, you dont just leave and you never speak to somebody again, he said. Ive kept the relationships with quite a few of them and, you know, I think that bodes well for the campaign.

Trump  who at one point declared, Im a denier, Im an election denier  also acknowledged his pattern of building close relationships with strongmen like Kim and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, which some former White House aides have said they believe stems from Trump's desire to share their unchecked power.

I get along great with, for the most part, almost everyone. And the tougher they were, the better I got along with them, which is sort of an interesting phenomenon," he said.

Another letter featured in the book was sent by Winfrey, the famous talk show host, in 2000. According to Axios, which first published details of the book on Thursday, she wrote in response to an excerpt Trump had sent her from one of his books in which he talked her up as vice presidential candidate. ("If I can't get Oprah, I'd like someone like her," he had written.)

She wrote back to tell Trump his words had "made me a little weepy.

Too bad were not running for office, she added. "What a TEAM!

The book, which will be released April 25, features around 150 letters, along with commentary and photos. Like Our Journey Together, a coffee table book of photos from Trump's time in the White House, it is being published by Winning Team publishing, founded by Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., and Republican political operative Sergio Gor.

Long before entering politics, Donald Trump lived an extraordinary life. No book highlights his iconic relationships like Letters to Trump, and we are thrilled to be able to share it with our readers, said Gor.

The book will cost $99 or $399 for a signed edition.
Prosecutors with the Manhattan District Attorneys office have warned Donald Trump that could soon be indicted for his role in paying hush money to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the closing days of the 2016 presidential election.

According to The New York Times, Mr Trump was recently offered the chance to appear before the New York City grand jury that has been hearing evidence against him.

If prosecuted, Mr Trump would become the first former president in US history to face criminal charges.

Meanwhile, his attorney Jenna Ellis has admitted that she misrepresented what happened during the 2020 election as a Colorado court censured her for peddling the former presidents fraud lies.

The Colorado Supreme Courts Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel censured Ms Ellis on Wednesday for misconduct after she made multiple false statements on TV and on Twitter about the presidential election.

Ms Ellis, who acted as an adviser to Mr Trump as he tried to overturn the election in his favour, had admitted last month to making 10 misrepresentations to the public, including claiming the election was stolen from Mr Trump.

This comes as Mr Trump praised Fox News host Tucker Carlson for airing footage of the January 6 Capitol riot falsely depicting it as a peaceful process.

His praise suggested he has chosen to ignore the fact that Carlson said he passionately hates the former president.

New messages revealed in a $1.6bn defamation lawsuit against Fox News by Dominion Voting Systems show that Carlson texted a Fox News staffer two days before the Capitol riot reading: We are very, very close to being able to ignore Trump most nights. I truly cant wait. I hate him passionately.

Key points

New York prosecutors warn Trump of possible indictment, report says

Trump says criminal charges wont derail his 2024 bid

Attorney Jenna Ellis admits misrepresenting election fraud lies

Trump ignores Tucker Carlsons texts saying he passionately hates him

Trump strongly considering Kari Lake as running mate

Story continues

New York prosecutors warn Trump of possible indictment, report says

23:06 , Graeme Massie

Prosecutors with the Manhattan District Attorneys office have warned Donald Trump that could soon be indicted for his role in paying hush money to an adult film star during the closing days of the 2016 presidential election, making him the first former president in US history to face criminal charges.

Andrew Feinberg has the story.

New York prosecutors warn Trump of possible indictment, report says

Former Trump official launches PAC for DeSantis 2024 run

23:00 , Oliver O'Connell

A former White House official who helped implement Donald Trumps hardline immigration policies is breaking ranks with the former president and instead encouraging Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to pursue the presidency in 2024.

Ken Cuccinelli, a former attorney general of Virginia, was a top official at the Department of Homeland Security during Trumps single term in office. He was a vehement defender of the administrations efforts to crack down on immigration, once suggesting that the inscription on the Statue of Liberty welcoming huddled masses of immigrants to American shores only referred to people coming from Europe.

Read on:

Former Trump official launches PAC urging DeSantis to run

Ex-Biden aide agrees to classified documents interview

22:32 , Oliver O'Connell

A former executive assistant to Joe Biden has agreed to sit for an interview with the House Oversight Committee as Republicans expand their probe into the presidents handling of classified documents.

Kathy Chung  one of the staffers who packed Bidens belongings at the end of his term as vice president  is set to talk to the committee on 4 April, the committee said. Republican Rep James Comer of Kentucky, chairman of the Oversight committee, requested the interview last month.

Read more:

Ex-Biden aide agrees to House interview on classified docs

GOP lawmaker says FBI wrongly sought surveillance info about him

22:15 , Oliver O'Connell

A Republican lawmaker on Thursday accused the FBI of wrongly searching for his name in foreign surveillance data, underscoring the challenges ahead for U.S. officials trying to persuade Congress to renew their authorities to collect huge swaths of communications.

Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Ill., did not say why the FBI may have searched his name in information collected under a provision of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act known as Section 702, and a spokesman for the lawmaker did not respond to a request for further clarification.

At a hearing of the House Intelligence Committee, LaHood pressed FBI Director Chris Wray to acknowledge that his agency and others had at times violated the rules on the use of data collected through electronic snooping.

Read on:

Lawmaker says FBI wrongly sought surveillance info about him

Freshly-censured Trump lawyer called out for mocking Mitch McConnell fall

21:55 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trumps newly-censured lawyer Jenna Ellis has been called out for mocking Mitch McConnell with a tumbling tortoise video.

The Senate minority leader was hospitalised on Wednesday night after falling and injuring himself at a private dinner at a Washington DC hotel.

Graeme Massie reports.

Censured Trump lawyer called out for mocking McConnell fall with tortoise video

Voices: Tucker Carlsons rewriting of history exposes the looming civil war in the GOP

21:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Ahmed Baba writes:

There is no better indication of the deep divides within the Republican Party than their reaction to Tucker Carlsons depiction of January 6 on Fox News. After Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) handed the Fox host over 40,000 hours of Capitol footage, Carlson aired some of the footage seeking to depict the insurrection as peaceful. This caused a firestorm not only from pro-democracy liberals but from within the GOP itself. Ultimately, this is resulting in an internal debate of whether or not the party will continue to embrace the Big Lie and Donald Trump.

Read on:

Tucker Carlsons rewriting of history exposes the looming civil war in the GOP

The Trumpworld attorneys facing professional sanctions over spurious lawsuits and election lies

21:05 , Oliver O'Connell

Several members of the legal team that advanced Donald Trumps bogus claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him are facing professional sanctions and ethics violations for their spurious attempts to overturn the results.

Attorneys for the now-former president repeatedly and falsely asserted that the election was fraudulent while pushing lawsuits to subvert the outcome in states that he lost.

Alex Woodward filed this report.

The Trumpworld attorneys facing professional sanctions for spreading election lies

Trump mocked over plan to release $99 book of 150 private letters

20:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Former President Donald Trump plans to share 150 private letters in a new book set to be published on 25 April.

I wonder if hell publish letters from any of his special prosecutors? wondered a person on Twitter.

Gustaf Kilander has the story.

His grifting is endless: Trump mocked over plan to release $99 book of 150 letters

Watch: Biden blesses himself at prospect of Trump being president again

20:20 , Oliver O'Connell

Biden: "I had a big fight with the former president. And maybe future president. Blessed be father. *makes sign of the cross*" pic.twitter.com/bobiwo7bDn  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 9, 2023

Political pressure behind Fox programming evident in court records

20:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Fox News executives were sometimes actively involved in politics rather than just reporting on it or offering opinions, court documents show.

Read on:

Court records show political pressure behind Fox programming

McConnell suffered concussion after fall

19:41 , Oliver O'Connell

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell suffered concussion after he experienced a fall on Wednesday evening and will remain hospitalised for a few days, according to his spokesman.

The top Republican fell during a private dinner on Wednesday, according to David Popp, Mr McConnells communications director.

Eric Garcia has the latest.

McConnell suffered concussion after fall, will remain in hospital for a few days

Tucker Carlson claims BLM protest was Antifa plot to force Trump from office

19:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Tucker Carlson has now said the Black Lives Matter protests against police brutality in 2020 were an Antifa plot.

On his show late on Wednesday, the Fox News host said that Antifa had descended on Washington, DC to force the sitting president out of office, referring to the 2020 protests. But it was Trump, so thats cool, he said.

Carlson has made problematic comments on the BLM movement in the past as well.

Maroosha Muzaffar reports on his latest comments.

Tucker Carlson claims BLM protest was Antifa plot to force Trump from office

Dominion lawsuit: All the embarrassing things Tucker Carlson has said about Trump

18:30 , Oliver O'Connell

One of the most interesting aspects of the Dominion lawsuit has been what it has revealed about Tucker Carlsons off-camera attitude towards Donald Trump, despite having regularly defended him on air throughout his presidency and its aftermath.

Joe Sommerlad reports.

What has Tucker Carlson said about Trump?

ICYMI: Trump cries foul on Biden docs in all-caps post

18:05 , Oliver O'Connell

Late on Wednesday night, former president Donald Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the investigation into the Biden documents and the probe of his own alleged presidential records malfeasance through his favourite medium... An all-caps post on Truth Social:

Former Trump official launches PAC for DeSantis 2024 run

17:45 , Oliver O'Connell

A former White House official who helped implement Donald Trumps hardline immigration policies is breaking ranks with the former president and instead encouraging Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to pursue the presidency in 2024.

Read on:

Former Trump official launches PAC urging DeSantis to run

Jenna Eliis censured over election lies

17:10 , Oliver O'Connell

A former Donald Trump attorney has been censured by a Colorado judge after she admitted misrepresenting evidence while the former president attempted to overturn his 2020 election loss.

Jenna Elliss lawyer had filed a stipulation earlier last month accepting 10 such misrepresentations in the aftermath of the 2020 election, including repeating the claim of the election being stolen from Mr Trump.

Namita Singh has the story.

Ex-Trump lawyer censured over election lies she admits were misrepresentations

Fox News, Rupert Murdoch and backstage Trump whispers: The damning Dominion revelations

16:00 , Joe Sommerlad and Alex Woodward

The right-wing media giant Fox News is facing a $1.6bn defamation lawsuit from Dominion Voting Systems, a Denver-based manufacturer of voting machines, over the networks coverage of the 2020 presidential election and Donald Trumps bogus claims that the contest was rigged.

In a 192-page court filing published on 16 February containing private messages from many of the networks biggest stars, Dominion argues: From the top down, Fox knew the Dominion stuff was total bs.

Yet despite knowing the truth  or at minimum, recklessly disregarding that truth  Fox spread and endorsed these outlandish voter fraud claims about Dominion even as it internally recognised the lies as crazy, absurd and shockingly reckless, the filing said.

Attorneys for Fox, however, have argued that Dominion has mischaracterised the record and the facts by cherry-picking soundbites and omitting key context, and has accused the company of seeking a staggering figure in damages aimed at winning headlines, silencing protected speech and enriching its owner, Staple Street Capital Partners, and its investors.

Read more:

Fox News, the Murdochs and backstage Trump whispers: The damning Dominion revelations

Lawsuit against Fox shows the news behind the Trump news

15:30 , AP

Fresh revelations flowing from a major defamation lawsuit are shedding light on what was happening inside Fox News following the 2020 presidential election. Here are some things to know about the case.

THE CASE

Dominion Voting Systems is suing Fox for $1.6 billion, claiming the news outlet repeatedly aired allegations that the company engaged in fraud that doomed President Donald Trumps re-election campaign while knowing they were untrue. Fox contends that it was reporting newsworthy charges made by supporters of the president and is supported legally by libel standards. The case is scheduled for trial next month.

ELECTION DISCONNECT

Dominion has produced evidence that prominent people at Fox knew the fraud allegations were untrue, even as they and the presidents allies were given airtime to repeat them. Foxs Sean Hannity said in a deposition that he did not believe the fraud claims for one second, but he wanted to give accusers the chance to produce evidence. Fox founder Rupert Murdoch, questioned under oath, agreed the 2020 presidential election was free and fair: The election was not stolen, he said. Murdoch also said he was aware some Fox commentators  Lou Dobbs, Maria Bartiromo, Jeanine Pirro and Hannity  at times endorsed false claims, but he did nothing to stop them.

Read more:

Lawsuit against Fox shows the news behind the Trump news

Court records show political pressure behind Fox programming

15:00 , AP

In May 2018, the nations top Republicans needed help. So they called on the founder of Fox News, Rupert Murdoch.

President Donald Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell were trying to stop West Virginia Republicans from nominating Don Blankenship, who had been convicted of violating mine safety standards during a lethal accident in one of his coal mines, to challenge the states incumbent senator, Democrat Joe Manchin.

Both Trump and McConnell are appealing for help to beat unelectable former mine owner who served time, Murdoch wrote to executives at Fox News, according to court records released this week. Anything during day helpful, but Sean (Hannity) and Laura (Ingraham) dumping on him hard might save the day.

Murdochs prodding, revealed in court documents that are part of a defamation lawsuit by a voting systems company, is one example showing how Fox became actively involved in politics instead of simply reporting or offering opinions about it. The revelations pose a challenge to the credibility of the most watched cable news network in the U.S. at the outset of a new election season in which Trump is again a leading player, having declared his third run for the White House.

Read more:

Court records show political pressure behind Fox programming

Ex-Trump attorney censured over election lies as she admits claims were misrepresentations

14:30 , Namita Singh

A former Donald Trump attorney has been censured by a Colorado judge after she admitted misrepresenting evidence while the former president attempted to overturn his 2020 election loss.

Jenna Elliss lawyer had filed a stipulation earlier last month accepting 10 such misrepresentations in the aftermath of the 2020 election, including repeating the claim of the election being stolen from Mr Trump.

Respondent made these misrepresentations on Twitter and on various television programs, including Fox Business, MSNBC, Fox News, and Newsmax, Colorados top disciplinary judge Bryon M Large wrote in a six-page opinion on Wednesday.

The parties agree that by making these misrepresentations, Respondent violated [a state attorney rule of conduct], which provides that it is professional misconduct for a lawyer to engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation, he said.

Read more:

Ex-Trump lawyer censured over election lies she admits were misrepresentations

GOP aide who accused Matt Schlapp of sexual misconduct comes forward ahead of $9.4m case

14:00 , Rachel Sharp

A man who had previously anonymously accused the powerful head of the American Conservative Union of sexual harassment has now come forward.

Carlton Huffman, a longtime GOP aide, did so in an interview with The Washington Post this week after a judge ruled that he must do so in order to proceed with a $9.6m lawsuit against Mr Schlapp. He plans to file an amended suit, according to the Post, removing the barrier to pursuing legal action.

Im not backing away, he told the newspaper.

Matt Schlapp did what he did, and he needs to be held accountable, said Mr Huffman, who added: Im not going to drop this.

Read the story here:

GOP aide who accused CPAC chief of sexual misconduct comes forward

Mitch McConnell hospitalised after fall in hotel

13:30 , Rachel Sharp

Mitch McConnell has been hospitalised after a fall in a hotel in Washington DC.

The Senate Republican leader was attending a private dinnner at a hotel on Wednesday evening when he tripped and fell, his spokesperson said.

The 81-year-old was taken to hospital where he is receiving treatment.

No further details have been revealed about his condition.

The accident comes days after the Kentucky lawmaker became one of the most vocal members of the GOP to condemn Tucker Carlson for his attempt to misrepresent the January 6 Capitol riot on his Fox News show.

Mitch McConnell (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

VOICES: Tucker Carlson passionately hates Donald Trump. But thats not all

13:00 , Rachel Sharp

Tucker Carlson has long portrayed himself as a Trump true-believer. Based on new documents, though, his enthusiasm for Trump appears to have been a lie  or, at the very least, greatly exaggerated.

In new January 2021 texts released as part of a defamation lawsuit against Fox News by Dominion Voting Systems, Carlson declared that he passionately hated Donald Trump. He fantasized about the day when Trump, defeated by Joe Biden, would become irrelevant. We are very, very close to being able to ignore Trump most nights, Carlson said in text messages, according to legal filings. I truly cant wait.

These texts, and other materials, show that Carlson and other Fox News hosts were leery of Trumps claims about voter fraud, and did not believe the election rigged. But they feared that if they told the truth they would lose viewers to other right-wing networks like Newsmax. So they lied, and reassured their viewers that Trump was the rightful victor in 2020 in hopes of retaining their market share.

Noah Berlatsky writes for The Independent:

Tucker Carlson passionately hates Donald Trump. But thats not all

Does Tucker Carlson hate Trump?

12:30 , Rachel Sharp

Fox News host Tucker Carlson told a colleague that he passionately hated Donald Trump, according to bombshell new text messages released as part of Dominion Voting Systems $1.6bn defamation lawsuit against the network.

New court filings on Tuesday revealed a message Carlson sent to a Fox News employee just two days before the January 6 Capitol riot.

We are very very close to being able to ignore Trump most nights. I truly cant wait, he wrote.

I hate him passionately, I blew up at Peter Navarro today in frustration. I actually like Peter. But I cant handle much more of this.

The messages are the latest to emerge showing how the coverage and opinions presented by Fox News and its personalities on air was directly at odds with what they said and thought behind the scenes.

How Rupert Murdochs relationship with Jared Kushner boosted Trumps campaign

12:00 , Oliver O'Connell

A defamation lawsuit against Fox News alleges a tight relationship between right-wing media mogul Rupert Murdoch and Donald Trumps campaign while the now-former presidents allies and attorneys frequently appeared on the network to promote his baseless narrative that the 2020 presidential election was rigged against him.

Court documents with uncovered emails and sworn depositions in the case have revealed Mr Murdoch providing Jared Kushner, Mr Trumps son-in-law and a senior White House adviser, with what allegedly amounted to campaign advice, magnifying the networks intially-reluctant alliance with the former president.

Mr Murdoch, the executive chairman of the Fox Corporation, admitted in a sworn deposition that he gave Mr Kushner a preview of a campaign advert from then-candidate Joe Bidens campaign and appeared to offer him debate strategy to pass along to Mr Trump.

Do you think it is appropriate for someone in your position to give a heads up to the opposing campaign about what the ad of the opposing campaign will show before it is public? an attorney for voting machine company Dominion Voting Systems asked Mr Murdoch, according to court filings.

I was trying to help Mr Kushner, Mr Murdoch said. Hes a friend of mine.

How Rupert Murdochs relationship with Jared Kushner boosted Trumps campaign

Trump attorney Jenna Ellis admits misrepresenting election lies

11:30 , Rachel Sharp

Donald Trumps attorney Jenna Ellis has admitted that she misrepresented what happened during the 2020 election as a Colorado court censured her for peddling the former presidents fraud lies.

The Colorado Supreme Courts Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel censured Ms Ellis on Wednesday for misconduct after she made multiple false statements on TV and on Twitter about the presidential election.

The public censure in this matter reinforces that even if engaged in political speech, there is a line attorneys cannot cross, particularly when they are speaking in a representative capacity, the office said in a statement.

Ms Ellis, who acted as an adviser to Mr Trump as he tried to overturn the election in his favour, had admitted last month to making 10 misrepresentations to the public, including claiming the election was stolen from Mr Trump.

Jenna Ellis (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

ICYMI: Fox News refuses to air advert revealing how stars rejected Trump election fraud claims

11:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Fox News reportedly rejected a television advert from a progressive advocacy group and political action committee that highlighted recently uncovered reactions from the networks top stars and executives to Donald Trumps bogus election fraud claims and conspiracy theories surrounding a voting machine company that is suing the network for defamation.

Alex Woodward reports.

Fox News refuses to air ad with bombshell Trump election fraud texts

Voices: Trumps new Jan 6 song is as bad as youd expect. Its also dangerous

10:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Ahmed Baba writes:

On Friday at midnight, Donald Trump dropped a new song with the J6 Prison Choir. No, thats not an Onion headline. That just happened. Who needs SNL when we have reality?

According to Forbes staff writer Zach Everson, Trump, in partnership with former Trump Admin official Kash Patel and former Fox News Host Ed Henry, collaborated with January 6 insurrectionists awaiting trial in a DC jail.

Ill save you time. The song is as bad as youd expect.

Read on:

Trumps new Jan 6 song is as bad as youd expect. Its also dangerous

Dominion lawsuit: All the embarrassing things Tucker Carlson has said about Trump

08:30 , Oliver O'Connell

The Dominion Voting Machines case filings find Tucker Carlson bemoaning the criticism he has personally received from viewers over the networks correct decision to call Arizona for Joe Biden on election night and calling Trump lawyer and regular guest Sidney Powell a f***ing b**** and accusing her of lying.

But one of their most interesting aspects has been what Dominions submissions reveal about Mr Carlsons attitude towards Mr Trump himself, whom he regularly defended on air throughout his presidency and its aftermath.

Heres what he said:

What has Tucker Carlson said about Trump?

Voices: Tucker Carlson passionately hates Donald Trump. But thats not all

06:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Noah Berlatsky writes:

I think its a mistake, though, to see Carlson solely as a man who knows better, but who is driven by the nonpartisan lure of money. He has an extensive history of hateful statements and of mangling of the truth. Dominion has found evidence of Tucker deceiving his audience in order to secure his bottom line. But that doesnt mean hes solely motivated by his bottom line, or that he never believes the ugly ideology he presents on air.

Read on:

Tucker Carlson passionately hates Donald Trump. But thats not all

ICYMI: Trump posts Jan 6 rant ignoring Tucker Carlsons texts saying he passionately hates him

04:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump avoided addressing the revelation that Fox News host Tucker Carlson once wrote that he passionately hates the former president as he praised Mr Carlson over his misleading coverage of the insurrection on January 6, 2021.

Gustaf Kilander reports.

Trump ignores Tuckers texts saying he hates him in Truth Social Jan 6 rant

White House condemns false Fox News coverage of violent Jan 6 attack

02:30 , Oliver O'Connell

The White House has condemned Fox Newss recent coverage of the January 6, 2021 insurrection, saying that host Tucker Carlson is not credible.

We agree with the chief of the Capitol Police and the wide range of bipartisan lawmakers who have condemned this false depiction of the unprecedented, violent attack on our Constitution and the rule of law  which cost police officers their lives, a White House spokesperson said in a statement obtained by The Independent.

Gustaf Kilander has the story from Washington, DC.

White House condemns false Tucker Carlson coverage of violent Jan 6 attack

Former Fox News star furiously calls out her old network over Jan 6 'lies

01:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Former Fox host Gretchen Carlson is joining the pile-on against her old network after its star opinion host Tucker Carlson predictably used exclusive access to security footage from January 6 to falsely depict the attack on Congress as a peaceful protest.

Ms Carlson, who bears no relation to her former colleague, furiously denounced the network and criticised the channels journalists for covering Mr Carlsons remarks and the resulting backlash as if they are somehow detached from the situation.

John Bowden reports from Washington, DC.

Former Fox News star furiously calls out network over Tucker Carlsons Jan 6 lies

Tucker Carlson said he passionately hated Donald Trump

00:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Tucker Carlson said he passionately hated Donald Trump and fantasised in 2021 about the day he would no longer have to cover his fellow conservative, according to new messages released as part of a defamation lawsuit against Fox News.

We are very, very close to being able to ignore Trump most nights, Mr Carlson told an unknown Fox News employee just two days before the January 6 Capitol riot, according to the court documents. I truly cant wait.

I hate him passionately, he added.

Tucker Carlson said he passionately hated Trump, new Fox News lawsuit filings show

Watch: Jamie Raskin says Trumps Big Lie now has to stretch all the way over Jan 6'

00:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) says Republicans' Big Lie now has to stretch all the way over 1/6:



Theyre back on the news ... saying, No, no, no, [1/6] was a tourist visit. Like these real tourists up here ... who are not beating the daylights out of our police officers. pic.twitter.com/w8qtxuvwqq  The Recount (@therecount) March 8, 2023

Trump reportedly workshopping lewd new DeSantis nickname

Wednesday 8 March 2023 23:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump has reportedly been testing out new nicknames for Florida governor Ron DeSantis, who is widely expected to challenge him for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024.

Joe Sommerlad reports on the former presidents efforts.

Trump reportedly workshopping lewd new nickname for Ron DeSantis

How Rupert Murdochs relationship with Jared Kushner boosted Trumps campaign

Wednesday 8 March 2023 23:00 , Oliver O'Connell

A defamation lawsuit against Fox News alleges a tight relationship between right-wing media mogul Rupert Murdoch and Donald Trumps campaign while the now-former presidents allies and attorneys frequently appeared on the network to promote his baseless narrative that the 2020 presidential election was rigged against him.

Court documents with uncovered emails and sworn depositions in the case have revealed Mr Murdoch providing Jared Kushner, Mr Trumps son-in-law and a senior White House adviser, with what allegedly amounted to campaign advice, magnifying the networks intially-reluctant alliance with the former president.

Mr Murdoch, the executive chairman of the Fox Corporation, admitted in a sworn deposition that he gave Mr Kushner a preview of a campaign advert from then-candidate Joe Bidens campaign and appeared to offer him debate strategy to pass along to Mr Trump.

Do you think it is appropriate for someone in your position to give a heads up to the opposing campaign about what the ad of the opposing campaign will show before it is public? an attorney for voting machine company Dominion Voting Systems asked Mr Murdoch, according to court filings.

I was trying to help Mr Kushner, Mr Murdoch said. Hes a friend of mine.

How Rupert Murdochs relationship with Jared Kushner boosted Trumps campaign

Trump complains nothing done about Biden crime family in post about election interference

Wednesday 8 March 2023 22:35 , Oliver O'Connell

Former president Donald Trump has complained that nothing has been done about the BIDEN CRIME FAMILY even as city, state, and federal prosecutors practice good ol ELECTION INTERFERENCE.

Heres what he wrote on Truth Social: City, State, and Federal (DOJ) Prosecutors throughout the Country are practicing good ol ELECTION INTERFERENCE, at a level that our Country has never seen before. They want to take out the undisputed leader of the Republican Party. The bigger the lead I take, the more CRAZY they become. AT THE SAME TIME, THEY DO NOTHING ABOUT THE BIDEN CRIME FAMILY!

The damning Dominion revelations: Fox News, Rupert Murdoch and backstage Trump whispers

Wednesday 8 March 2023 22:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Here is a brief overview of some of the claims in several bombshell Dominion Voting Systems v Fox News court documents, which collect sworn depositions and internal messages from prominent Fox News personalities like Tucker Carlson, Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham and owner Rupert Murdoch discussing coverage of the 2020 elections aftermath.

Fox News, the Murdochs and backstage Trump whispers: The damning Dominion revelations

In rant about TikTok, Trump claims to have been right about everything (again)

Wednesday 8 March 2023 21:50 , Oliver O'Connell

In his latest claim to have been right about everything, former president Donald Trump has waded into the debate about the future of TikTok.

He posted on Truth Social: Has anybody noticed that everyone wants to go after, and destroy, TIKTOK due to China influence and National Security. When I wanted to disable TIKTOK 3 years ago, I was met with opposition from RINOS to Democrats to everyone else. They actually went to court in an effort to stop me. Now they realize I was right, and have changed their tune. Sadly, Ive been right about everything!

Capitol Police chief accuses Tucker Carlson of pushing agenda with cherry-picked Jan 6 footage

Wednesday 8 March 2023 21:25 , Oliver O'Connell

Capitol Police chief says Carlson using cherry-picked Jan 6 footage

Watch: Trump vows to fight ballot harvesting with... ballot harvesting

Wednesday 8 March 2023 21:10 , Oliver O'Connell

Bannon wanted Fox anchor Bartiromo to run for Senate, new texts reveal

Wednesday 8 March 2023 21:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Steve Bannon worked to console Fox News anchor Maria Bartiromo in the aftermath of Donald Trumps defeat in the 2020 presidential election and urged her to run for Sen Chuck Schumers seat in New York.

The messages between Mr Bannon and Bartiromo was made public this week as part of Dominion Voting Systems $1.6bn defamation lawsuit against Fox News.

Abe Asher has the details.

Steve Bannon wanted Maria Bartiromo to run for Senate, new texts reveal

Dominion lawsuit: All the embarrassing things Tucker Carlson has said about Trump

Wednesday 8 March 2023 20:30 , Oliver O'Connell

In a lawsuit that has produced a wealth of revelations about the internal working of the Fox News network, some of the most interesting parts have been the unfiltered opinions of the on-air talent about the 2020 election and former president Donald Trump.

Heres a rundown of some of the highlights from Tucker Carlson regarding Mr Trump.

What has Tucker Carlson said about Trump?

Jimmy Kimmel has quite an item on his bucket list

Wednesday 8 March 2023 20:00 , Oliver O'Connell

In an interview with Rolling Stone ahead of hosting the Oscars this Sunday, TV talkshow host and comedian Jimmy Kimmel was asked whether there was something he really wanted to do when his current contract with ABC for Jimmy Kimmel Live! ends in 2026.

Heres how the interview wrapped up:

I know Jimmy Kimmel Live! takes up a lot of your time, but is there something you really want to do after? Anything on your bucket list?

Yes, there is one thing on my bucket list that I want to do. It just popped into my head when you asked the question. I want to visit Donald Trump in prison and interview him from jail.

Jimmy Kimmel and Donald Trump (Getty)

Read the full interview in Rolling Stone.

Gretchen Carlson calls out former network over Jan 6 lies

Wednesday 8 March 2023 19:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Former Fox host Gretchen Carlson is joining the pile-on against her old network after its star opinion host Tucker Carlson predictably used exclusive access to security footage from January 6 to falsely depict the attack on Congress as a peaceful protest.

Ms Carlson, who bears no relation to her former colleague, furiously denounced the network and criticised the channels journalists for covering Mr Carlsons remarks and the resulting backlash as if they are somehow unattached from the situation.

John Bowden reports from Washington, DC.

Former Fox News star furiously calls out network over Tucker Carlsons Jan 6 lies

Watch: Bannon echoes Trump call to charge Jan 6 committee with treason

Wednesday 8 March 2023 19:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Trump demands January 6 Committee members are tried for treason...I think I am in total 100 percent agreement with that, says Steve Bannon.

Steve Bannon echos Trumps dangerous call to charge Jan. 6 Committee members with treason:



"Trump demands Jan. 6 Committee members are tried for treason...I think I am in total 100 percent agreement with that." pic.twitter.com/fvkYNvBiaP  Republican Accountability (@AccountableGOP) March 8, 2023

Voices: Tucker Carlson passionately hates Donald Trump. But thats not all

Wednesday 8 March 2023 19:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Noah Berlatsky writes:

I think its a mistake, though, to see Carlson solely as a man who knows better, but who is driven by the nonpartisan lure of money. He has an extensive history of hateful statements and of mangling of the truth. Dominion has found evidence of Tucker deceiving his audience in order to secure his bottom line. But that doesnt mean hes solely motivated by his bottom line, or that he never believes the ugly ideology he presents on air.

Read on:

Tucker Carlson passionately hates Donald Trump. But thats not all

Ivanka Trump distances herself from family in New York fraud suit

Wednesday 8 March 2023 18:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Ivanka Trump, the eldest daughter of former president Donald Trump, has asked for a delay in bringing the $250m fraud lawsuit filed against her, her brothers, her father and their familys eponymous real estate company to trial.

Her lawyers say a defence arguing that she wasnt responsible for fraudulent financial statements issued by the company will take more time to prepare.

Andrew Feinberg reports.

Ivanka Trump throws brothers and father under bus in New York fraud suit

ICYMI: Hope Hicks meets with NY prosecutors

Wednesday 8 March 2023 18:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trumps former spokesperson Hope Hicks met Monday with Manhattan prosecutors who are investigating hush-money payments made on the ex-presidents behalf  the latest member of the Republicans inner circle to be questioned in the renewed probe.

Hicks and her lawyer, Robert Trout, spent several hours inside the Manhattan district attorneys office and, afterward, were seen walking to a waiting SUV. They didnt say anything to reporters as they got into the vehicle.

Read on:

Hope Hicks meets with NY prosecutors investigating Trump

Trump calls for Jan 6 prisoners to go free after Tucker Carlsons peaceful' depiction of riot

Wednesday 8 March 2023 17:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump has used the January 6 insurrection surveillance footage released to Fox News host Tucker Carlson to call for Capitol riot prisoners to go free.

Gustaf Kilander reports.

Trump uses Tucker Carlson tapes to call for Jan 6 prisoners to go free

Trump reportedly workshopping lewd new nickname for DeSantis

Wednesday 8 March 2023 17:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump has reportedly been testing out new nicknames for Florida governor Ron DeSantis, who is widely expected to challenge him for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024.

One is reportedly a little below the belt, even by Trumps standards.

Trump reportedly workshopping lewd new nickname for Ron DeSantis

Trump ignores Tucker Carlsons texts saying he passionately hates him

Wednesday 8 March 2023 16:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump avoided addressing the revelation that Fox News host Tucker Carlson once wrote that he passionately hates Mr Trump as the former president praised Mr Carlson over his misleading coverage of the insurrection on January 6, 2021.

Gustaf Kilander has the latest from Washington, DC.

Trump ignores Tuckers texts saying he hates him in Truth Social Jan 6 rant

What did Trump think of Tucker Carlsons second Jan 6 footage show?

Wednesday 8 March 2023 16:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Unsurprisingly, he loved it, again calling for the release of everyone charged for their role in the storming of the Capitol, despite the well-documented evidence of their crimes and, in many cases, guilty pleas.

Murdoch thought Fox hosts may have gone too far in coverage of Trumps election lies

Wednesday 8 March 2023 15:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Rupert Murdoch thought Fox News hosts Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham went too far in backing Donald Trumps election lies on the right-wing channel, bombshell new legal filings reveal.

Mr Murdoch also said that he believed that the 2020 election was free and fair and not stolen from Mr Trump, documents reveal.

Graeme Massie has the details.

Murdoch thought Fox hosts may have gone too far in covering Trumps election lies

...as its revealed he passionately hated Donald Trump

Wednesday 8 March 2023 15:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Tucker Carlson said he passionately hated Donald Trump and fantasised in 2021 about the day he would no longer have to cover his fellow conservative, according to new messages released as part of a defamation lawsuit against Fox News.

We are very, very close to being able to ignore Trump most nights, Mr Carlson told an unknown Fox News employee just two days before the January 6 Capitol riot, according to the court documents. I truly cant wait.

I hate him passionately, he added.

The Independent has contacted Fox News for comment.

Tucker Carlson said he passionately hated Trump, new Fox News lawsuit filings show

Tucker Carlson offers little new in second part of Jan 6 video scoop

Wednesday 8 March 2023 14:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Fox News host Tucker Carlson on Tuesday hit back at senators from both parties whove condemned his attempts to whitewash the January 6 attack on the Capitol with selectively-released video excerpts of Capitol surveillance footage from the day of the attack.

Andrew Feinberg reports.

Tucker Carlson attacks critics but offers little new in second part of Jan 6 scoop

Trump strongly considering Kari Lake as running mate

Wednesday 8 March 2023 14:00 , Rachel Sharp

Donald Trump is said to be strongly considering picking conspiracy theorist and failed Arizona governor candidate Kari Lake as his running mate, according to a report by Axios.

The former president announced his 2024 bid in November but is yet to reveal who he hopes to join him as vice presidential candidate.

He is said to be looking at a short list of female candidates which he hopes will help him gain more votes from white suburban women.

Ms Lake was endorsed by Mr Trump in her failed run for Arizona governor in the November midterms.

She has consistently sided with the former president in peddling the lie that the 2020 election was stolen  and also tried to falsely claim she lost the gubernatorial race due to fraud.

Ivanka Trump distances herself from family in New York fraud suit

Wednesday 8 March 2023 13:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Ivanka Trump, the eldest daughter of former president Donald Trump, has asked for a delay in bringing the $250m fraud lawsuit filed against her, her brothers, her father and their familys eponymous real estate company to trial.

Her lawyers say a defence arguing that she wasnt responsible for fraudulent financial statements issued by the company will take more time to prepare.

Andrew Feinberg reports.

Ivanka Trump throws brothers and father under bus in New York fraud suit

Hope Hicks meets with NY prosecutors

Wednesday 8 March 2023 13:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trumps former spokesperson Hope Hicks met Monday with Manhattan prosecutors who are investigating hush-money payments made on the ex-presidents behalf  the latest member of the Republicans inner circle to be questioned in the renewed probe.

Hicks and her lawyer, Robert Trout, spent several hours inside the Manhattan district attorneys office and, afterward, were seen walking to a waiting SUV. They didnt say anything to reporters as they got into the vehicle.

Read on:

Hope Hicks meets with NY prosecutors investigating Trump

Trump uses Tucker Carlson tapes to call for Jan 6 prisoners to go free

Wednesday 8 March 2023 12:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump has used the January 6 insurrection surveillance footage released to Fox News host Tucker Carlson to call for Capitol riot prisoners to go free.

The decision by Speaker Kevin McCarthy to release around 40,000 hours of security footage from the attack on the Capitol has been blasted by critics.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said on Tuesday that Monday nights broadcast by Mr Carlson was one of the most shameful hours of television.

Gustaf Kilander reports.

Trump uses Tucker Carlson tapes to call for Jan 6 prisoners to go free

New texts reveal Tucker Carlson hates Trump

Wednesday 8 March 2023 12:00 , Rachel Sharp

Fox News host Tucker Carlson told a colleague that he passionately hated Donald Trump, according to bombshell new text messages released as part of Dominion Voting Systems $1.6bn defamation lawsuit against the network.

New court filings on Tuesday revealed a message Carlson sent to a Fox News employee just two days before the January 6 Capitol riot.

We are very very close to being able to ignore Trump most nights. I truly cant wait, he wrote.

I hate him passionately, I blew up at Peter Navarro today in frustration. I actually like Peter. But I cant handle much more of this.

The messages are the latest to emerge showing how the coverage and opinions presented by Fox News and its personalities on air was directly at odds with what they said and thought behind the scenes.

Top 5 takeaways from CPAC as the GOP gears up for 2024

Wednesday 8 March 2023 11:30 , Oliver O'Connell

The latest Conservative Political Action Conference outside of Washington DC proved that former President Donald Trump remains firmly in control of the Republican Party going into the 2024 election.

The latest CPAC gathering was the first in the nations capital since the Covid-19 pandemic began. The gathering has long been a cattle call for potential Republican presidential nominees and other rising stars in the party. And it sets the tone for what conservatives will likely focus on in the next election.

Eric Garcia reports on what the top takeaways were.

Five takeaways from CPAC and what it means for the 2024 race

Trumps new nicknames for Ron DeSantis revealed

Wednesday 8 March 2023 11:01 , Rachel Sharp

Donald Trump has reportedly been trying out some new nicknames for Ron DeSantis as he eyes the Florida governor as his key Republican rival in the 2024 White House race.

The former president  who is known for giving his political foes derogatory monikors  is said to be mulling possibilities including Ron DisHonest, Tiny D and Ron DeEstablishment for Mr DeSantis, Bloomberg News reported.

But, Mr Trumps favourite still continues to be Ron DeSanctimonious  a name he tried and tested at a rally in November.

Last month, a report said that he was also said to be considering the name Meatball Ron  something he quickly took to Truth Social to deny.

While Mr DeSantis is yet to announce his bid for the presidential race, Mr Trump is strongly considering picking conspiracy theorist and failed Arizona governor candidate Kari Lake as his running mate, according to Axios.

DOJ reaches 1,000 January 6 arrests more than two years after Capitol attack

Wednesday 8 March 2023 10:15 , Oliver O'Connell

At least 1,000 people have been arrested in connection with the attack on the US Capitol more than two years after a mob fuelled by Donald Trumps false election claims breached the halls of Congress to forcibly disrupt the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.

The US Department of Justice notes that roughly one-third of all defendants are charged with assaulting, resisting, or impeding law enforcement, including more than 100 people charged with using a deadly or dangerous weapon or causing serious injury to an officer.

Roughly 140 officers with the US Capitol Police and Washington DCs Metropolitan Police Department were injured in the attack.

Alex Woodward reports on the latest figures.

More than 1,000 people arrested in connection with January 6
Former President Trump is releasing a new book that will include a star-studded batch of private letters penned to him by some of the biggest names in history.

Letters to Trump will feature oftentimes private correspondence between the former New York real estate developer and famous names including Princess Diana, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, former President Nixon and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, its publisher, Winning Team Publishing, announced Thursday.

Each letter in the book was handpicked by Trump, Winning Team said, and is accompanied by his original commentary!

The $99 book  or $399 for an original signed bookplate edition  is poised to be released on April 25.

Before entering the political world, Trump hobnobbed in celebrity circles as a high-profile businessman and a tabloid fixture, later gaining greater fame as the host of the NBC reality TV competition The Apprentice.

Former President Clinton and Hillary Clinton both attended Trumps 2005 wedding to future first lady Melania Trump at Mar-a-Lago, his Florida resort home.

One of the letters featured in the forthcoming book reportedly was written by Oprah Winfrey. In the 2000 note, Winfrey responded to Trump saying the talk show host would be his first choice for vice president if he were ever to run for office.

Trumps comments, Winfrey wrote to him, made her a little weepy.

Too bad were not running for office. What a team! Winfrey wrote, according to Axios, which was first to report on Trumps new literary project.

Trump has described Winfrey as a friend, before his 2016 White House bid.

Once I ran for office she diverged, he said in 2018.

Representatives for both Winfrey didnt return ITKs requests for comment.

Nothing says deeply-insecure-has-been quite like publishing private correspondence with the hope that people will believe you once garnered respect, Clinton spokesman Nick Merrill told ITK.

Feels like the adult equivalent of when a toddler proudly presents you with what theyve done on the potty, Merrill said.

Updated at 2:57 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Photograph: Alex Brandon/AP

Prosecutors have signaled to Donald Trump that he could face criminal charges for making a hush money payment to the adult film actor and director Stormy Daniels, it was reported on Thursday.

The Manhattan district attorneys office has offered the ex-president the chance to testify next week before the grand jury that has been listening to evidence in the potential case, the New York Times said, citing four anonymous sources.

Related: The election-denying Republicans who aided Trumps big lie and got promoted

Although Trump is thought likely to turn down the offer, the fact that the district attorney, Alvin Bragg, made the approach indicates how gravely he is at risk of becoming the first former president in American history to be indicted.

The revelation also deals a fresh blow to Trump as he mounts a third consecutive bid for the White House, potentially putting his political ambitions and legal problems on collision course.

A spokesperson for Trump described the district attorneys threat to indict Trump as simply insane, adding: For the past five years, the DAs office has been on a witch-hunt, investigating every aspect of President Trumps life, and theyve come up empty at every turn  and now this.

Daniels, who was born Stephanie Clifford but prefers to use her stage name, claims to have had sex with Trump  who was married  in Nevada in 2006. He denied the allegation but his longtime fixer Michael Cohen made a $130,000 hush money payment to Daniels, which Trump reimbursed, near the end of the 2016 election campaign.

Cohen later pleaded guilty to federal campaign finance violations linked to the payment, which he alleged was made in coordination with, and at the direction of Trump.

A long-running investigation into Trumps role in the case seemed to lose momentum and became eclipsed by legal controversies around Trumps retention of classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

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But it emerged in January that Bragg had made the surprise move to impanel a grand jury to hear evidence in the Daniels case.

Stormy Daniels. Photograph: Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images

On Thursday, the New York Times reported that at least six people have testified before the grand jury and that Cohen is expected to do so. But the paper also noted that, even if Trump is indicted, convicting him or sending him to prison would be challenging, since the case against him hinges on an untested and therefore risky legal theory involving a complex interplay of laws, all amounting to a low-level felony. Such a conviction could result in a maximum prison sentence of four years.

Trump is the first declared candidate for president in 2024 and has since been joined by Nikki Haley, his former ambassador to the UN, in the Republican primary race. Most opinion polls show Trump ahead of potential rivals including the Florida governor, Ron DeSantis.

Last Saturday, speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Oxon Hill, Maryland, Trump hurled insults and railed against Bragg as a racist DA being pushed by radical left Democrats, the fake news media, and the department of injustice to bring charges against me for now ancient, no affair story of Stormy Horseface Daniels.

He continued: No attraction, no affair, I call it no affair, where theres no crime anyway. And charges have never been brought in such a case before, and this case has been looked by every prosecutor  theyre all looking, theyve looked at it for years now  and all they do is they cause anger and problems for our country, because our people arent going to take this stuff.

Trumps other legal problems continue to mount. The former president also faces justice department special counsel investigations over classified documents seized from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida last summer, and his efforts to undo the results of the 2020 presidential election.

In Georgia, the Fulton county district attorney is investigating whether Trump interfered in the 2020 election in the state. The New York attorney general, Letitia James, is suing Trump and the Trump Organization, saying it misled banks and tax authorities about the value of assets like golf courses and skyscrapers to get loans and tax benefits.

Hugo Lowell contributed reporting
Donald Trumps letters with Kim Jong Un were both historic and politically consequential, sparking major debates about nuclear diplomacy and presidential record retention practices.

For the former president, they were also essential reading for his new book.

The letters are one of many that Trump shares in Letters to Trump  a collection of exchanges that he had in his business and political lives.

But the Kim exchange may be among the most fascinating, in large part because their relations were one of the more bizarre  and high stakes  aspects of his time in the White House. The letters reveal the flattery the North Korean leader employed.

Your excellency Mr. President, Kim began in a letter dated July 30, 2018 and shared with POLITICO ahead of the book's publication. I express my deep appreciation to Your Excellency for having a firm faith in the excellent relations established between us during the first summit and exerting yourself to honor the promise made in that historic day.

The letter went on to say, I feel pleased to have formed good ties with such a powerful and preeminent statesman as Your Excellency, though there is a sense of regret for the lack of anticipated declaration on the termination of war.



In a separate letter from Trump, dated January 8, 2019, Trump wrote, Dear Chairman Kim, I heard it was your birthday and I wanted to wish you a happy day. You will have many great years of celebration and success. Your country will soon be on a historic and prosperous path.

In a commentary alongside the letters, the ex-president writes, I was also given credit for calming down a very serious situation. When I met with Barack Obama before assuming the Presidency, he told me North Korea is the biggest problem the United States and the world has. I believe they would have gone to war with him had I not become President. Under my watch, there was no warnot even close.

In an interview with reporters on Thursday, Trump elaborated on his letters with Kim Jong Un.

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I talked to him a lot. I got to know him very well. He was very smart. Very cunning, very streetwise. And we spoke a lot. Actually, we spoke a lot. And I think we had really, you know, a great relationship, Trump said. I don't know if you remember when we started that relationship was very, very nasty. Very tough."



"He said he had a red button on his desk and he was prepared to use it. I said, I have a red button, and it is bigger than yours and my button works. And we had a lot of anger," Trump continued. "And I called him Rocket Man and Little Rocket Man. Lots of things and he didn't like it. Then all of a sudden, it worked. And he actually called and said he wanted to be part of the Olympics.

Trump includes letters from multiple celebrities  and presidents

The book features 150 private letters sent to Trump over his decades as a public figure, from celebrity real estate mogul to president. The correspondence includes letters from Princess Diana of Wales, Arnold Palmer, Oprah Winfrey, as well as Presidents Richard Nixon, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

Trump told reporters he would let President Joe Biden decide when and if he wanted to release the letter he wrote to him and left in the Oval Office.

I did write him a letter and it was a very nice letter, I was thinking about doing it but was thinking it would be up to him, Trump said. It is a custom that you put [the letter] in the upper drawer of a certain place in the office. I did include the Obama letter but in this case it hasnt been released by anybody and it would really be up to him to release it. I think it would be nice as a gesture if he wanted to release it. He might want to, he might not.

Though the contents of some of the Kim letters are new, their presence is well known. Trump often showed off the letters to guests in the Oval Office and prized them so much he took some of them with him when he left the White House. The correspondence became part of his ongoing legal battle with National Archives over papers that may belong to the government and in some cases, classified material. In May 2021, the National Archives cited the letters as part of the materials that had not been returned by Trump. Trump also shared some of the letters with journalist Bob Woodward for his book, Rage.

When asked if any of the letters in the book were of interest by the National Archives, Trump said, I declassified, I had the power to declassify and do what I wanted to do in that regard as president.

But we have some great letters but a lot of these letters were put out anyway they were put out PR wise some of the letters were put out by the White House or also put out by the other countries, Trump said.

This is Trumps second book published by Winning Team Publishing, a company co-founded in 2021 by Donald Trump Jr. and whose roster of authors includes Charlie Kirk, Fox News' Judge Jeanine Pirro and Kari Lake. The ex-president's first book, Our Journey Together, grossed over $20 million in sales during the first two months.

"No book highlights his iconic relationships like Letters to Trump, and we are thrilled to be able to share it with our readers, said Sergio Gor, president of Winning Team Publishing in a statement.

The book will be available for sale on April 25 for $99, or $399 for a signed edition.
Trump campaign senior legal adviser Jenna Ellis speaks as campaign adviser Boris Epshteyn speaks to former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, then-personal attorney to Trump, and attorney Sidney Powell, left at back, looks on (REUTERS)

Several members of the legal team that advanced Donald Trumps bogus claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him are facing professional sanctions and ethics violations for their spurious attempts to overturn the results.

Attorneys for the now-former president repeatedly and falsely asserted that the election was fraudulent while pushing lawsuits to subvert the outcome in states that he lost.

Jenna Ellis, a member of what she once described an elite strike force to overturn election results, repeatedly made misrepresentations on national television and on Twitter, undermining the American publics confidence in the 2020 presidential election, according to a six-page ruling on 8 March from a judge in Colorado, where she practises law.

Ms Ellis  the one-time senior legal adviser to the Trump campaign  signed a legal acknowledgement that she made a number of public statements about the November 2020 presidential election that were false and did so with a reckless state of mind and a selfish motive, according to documents from Colorados Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel.

State and federal judges from across the political spectrum rejected dozens of post-election lawsuits from Trump-aligned attorneys, many of whom are now facing professional consequences for those attempts.

Meanwhile, the former president and attorneys and officials in his orbit could face criminal prosecution following a grand jury investigation in Georgia, where Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is expected to seek indictments based on recommendations in the grand jurys report.

Jenna Ellis

The admissions agreed to by Ms Ellis are part of a document to accept public censure and settle disciplinary measures brought against her by Colorado. Her acknowledgement follows an investigation stemming from a complaint by a bipartisan legal watchdog group that accused Ms Ellis of supporting a concerted effort to overturn the 2020 election.

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This was politically motivated from the start from Democrats and Never Trumpers, Ms Ellis said in a statement in response. They ultimately failed to destroy me and failed in their attempt to deprive me of my bar license. Im glad to have this behind me and remain in good standing in the State of Colorado.

Ms Ellis disputed reports that she admitted to lying about election fraud, which she said requires INTENTIONALLY making a false statement.

That is FALSE. I would NEVER lie, she added. I never did that, nor did I stipulate to or admit that.

But her agreement with bar officials states that the parties believe her conduct warrants public censure, which is merited when lawyers knowingly engage in any conduct that involves dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation.

A statement from the 65 Project calls on the American Bar Association and state supreme courts to adopt rules that require expeditious treatment of complaints arising from allegations that the lawyer sought to abuse the courts to undermine democracy.

John Eastman

John Eastman, the California lawyer behind the so-called coup memo that argued a sham pathway for then-Vice President Mike Pence to declare Mr Trump the winner of the 2020 election, could be stripped of his licence to practise law after he was hit with 11 charges stemming from his efforts.

In January, the office of the State Bar of Californias chief trial counsel announced its intention to disbar Mr Eastman.

His speech on 6 January, 2021 as part of the former presidents Stop the Steal-themed rally on the Ellipse in Washington DC also was a contributing factor to the charges against him, according to the complaint, which pointed to his unfounded remarks about election fraud before a mob violently breached the halls of Congress that day.

Eastman knew, or should have known, that the factual premise for his proposals  that massive fraud was at play  was false, and that Trump had lost his bid for re-election, according to the bars statement.

Mr Eastman ignored the truth when he spoke at the rally, the statement added.

The 11-count complaint includes charges based on allegations that Eastman engaged in a course of conduct to plan, promote, and assist then-President Trump in executing a strategy, unsupported by facts or law, to overturn the legitimate results of the 2020 presidential election by obstructing the count of electoral votes of certain states.

Rudy Giuliani

The former mayor of New York and the former presidents one-time personal attorney was suspended from practising law in his hometown and faces disbarment in Washington DC over similar allegations of knowingly airing false claims about the 2020 election.

A preliminary finding from a three-member disciplinary committee in Washington DC determined that Mr Giuliani violated the terms of his licence to practise law with his Pennsylvania lawsuit to block the certification of the 2020 election results.

Voting machine company Dominion Voting Systems also filed defamation lawsuits against Mr Giuliani as well as Trump-allied attorney Sidney Powell, conspiracy theorist Mike Lindell and Fox News for amplifying false claims that Dominion argues have severely damaged the company, compromised integrity in US elections and fuelled harassment and death threats against its employees.

Sidney Powell

Ms Powell, whose bogus claims about Dominion are also at the centre of the companys defamation lawsuit against Fox News, avoided disciplinary actions in Texas after a judge rejected a petition from the State Bar of Texas Commission for Lawyer Discipline in February.

A state judge determined that the commission did not prove that Ms Powell violated the states attorney code of conduct and accused the commision of failing to properly label exhibits in its filing, leading her to only consider two of the exhibits that were filed in the case.

The editorial board at the Dallas Morning News called the judges ruling over a clerical error a disservice to the public.

Ms Powell spearheaded spurious lawsuits baselessly alleging voting machines were linked to the late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez and hackers from China and Iran, a challenge that a federal judge in Michigan said was a historic and profound abuse of the judicial process when she sanctioned Ms Powell and others involved in the lawsuits, including far-right conspiracy theorist Lin Wood.

That ruling has been appealed.

Jeffrey Clark

Jeffrey Clark, who served as assistant US attorney general under the Trump administration, is fighting to save his law licence after a Washington DC bar complaint after he pushed the US Department of Justice to issue a letter to state legislatures to advance the so-called fake electoral scheme.

Jeffrey Clark served as assistant attorney general in the Trump administration

A 30-page filing in DCs court of appeals last year claims that Mr Clark is immune from ethics charges against him and accuses his superiors of a dereliction of duty for rejecting his conspiracy theories.

Failing to conduct a federal investigation of irregularities that did or may have affected the outcome of the 2020 presidential election is a serious federal responsibility, not just a responsibility of state and local authorities or one that can be sloughed off onto the Trump campaign, according to the filing from his attorney. Additionally, the US Justice Department possesses not just criminal tools but civil enforcement tools.
Shaeed Woodard

Two Americans who were abducted and killed by a Mexican drug cartel while claiming to be there as tummy tuck tourists have convictions for drug offences, it has been revealed.

Mexican authorities are probing whether the prior convictions of Shaeed Woodard and Zindell Brown indicate that their murders were not a case of mistaken identity and if they were in fact targeted.

Woodard and Brown were found dead on Monday in a wood cabin south-east of Matamoros, a border city in the state of Tamaulipas where they were abducted alongside Latavia McGee and Eric James Williams on Friday.

The pair said they were in the country to accompany McGee, a mother-of-six, who was undergoing the tummy tuck procedure in the city, where it is far cheaper than in the US.

The house where four kidnapped US citizens were found in Matamoros, Mexico - EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

On Thursday night, five suspected cartel members were taken into custody after they were turned in by their own bosses. A photograph showed them sitting in front of the truck believed to have been used in the attack, smirking.

In an accompanying letter, the Scorpions faction of the Gulf cartel apologised to the residents of Matamoros, the Mexican woman who died in the shootout, and the four Americans and their families.

We have decided to turn over those who were directly involved and responsible in the events, who at all times acted under their own decision-making and lack of discipline, the letter said, adding that those individuals had gone against the cartel's rules, which include respecting the life and well-being of the innocent.

US officials were understood to be working on the theory that the cartel mistook the group for a gang of Haitian drug smugglers.

But now, Mexican officials, who say they are pursuing various lines of inquiry, have drawn up a brief document that summarises the abduction of the Americans and their known biographical information, according to Reuters.

It includes their names, birthdays, addresses and details of criminal records. Among them were convictions for drug-related offences against Brown and Woodard.

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In view of the prior convictions, it cannot be ruled out that the attack against [the Americans] could be directly linked to drug trafficking operations, which their assailants believed the Americans could be carrying out, the document said.

Cocaine and marijuana

A Reuters review of South Carolina state records found that Woodard was convicted five times between 2007 and 2016 of drug crimes. Nearly all were minor offences, but they included one of manufacturing banned narcotics with the intent to distribute.

Brown was convicted twice in 2015 for possessing small amounts of marijuana or concentrated cannabis, records show.

The records also showed that Williams was convicted for the manufacture and distribution of cocaine in 2017, though this was not mentioned in the Mexican document seen by Reuters.

It is unclear how the cartel could have known that the group was arriving in Matamoros.

It is also not clear if Mexican authorities have other evidence that might point to a drug-related motive for the abduction, which occurred in broad daylight.
TUNIS (Reuters) - Tunisia's new parliament, elected in December and January in a vote with ultra-low turnout of only 11%, will sit for the first time on Monday, President Kais Saied decreed on Thursday.

Saied shut down the previous elected parliament in July 2021, moving to rule by decree in a move that opposition parties called a coup. He has said his actions were legal and needed to save Tunisia from years of crisis.

The new parliament, operating under a constitution that Saied wrote last year and passed in a referendum with turnout of 30%, will have very little power compared with the previous body it replaces.

As most parties boycotted the election, and candidates were anyway listed on ballot papers without party affiliation. Most of the new parliament members are political independents.

Saied's constitution also provided for a second parliamentary chamber, but he has not yet said how its members would be chosen or what responsibilities it would have.

(Reporting by Angus McDowall; Editing by Alex Richardson)
Despite common belief, the more money you have, the happier you might be.

Previously, general knowledge was that happiness plateaued once you started making $75,000 a year. But a new study finds that the limit might actually be closer to $500,000, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday.

More from Robb Report

In a paper published March 1 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a team of researchers says that happiness steadily increases alongside income, and it even accelerates as your salary tops $100,000 a year. The authors worked with 33,391 people living in the United States to get to these results, and they can be seen with pay up to $500,000. (There werent any conclusive data beyond that threshold.)

When you dive into the study, a few interesting tidbits come to light. For example, the happiest 30 percent of the population sees their happiness accelerate even faster once they start earning more than $100,000 a year. But on the opposite end of the spectrum, the unhappiest 20 percent of people begin to hit a happiness plateau around that same $100,000 mark (although their contentedness does increase as their income rises to that point).

For very poor people, money clearly helps a lot, Matthew Killingsworth, one of the researchers, told New Scientist. But if you have a decent income and youre still miserable, the source of your misery probably isnt something money can fix.

While these new findings are a boon for the idea that happiness is affected by income, the researchers note that the overall benefit is small compared with the one people may receive from other perks, like days off from work. An approximately four-fold difference in income is about equal to the effect of a weekend, the paper states.

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The study is a notable departure from the previous idea that happiness flattened out somewhere between $60,000 and $90,000 a year. That was the result of work done in part by the psychologist Daniel Kahnemanwho reanalyzed his work in this new study, alongside Killingsworth. The two describe their relationship as an adversarial collaboration in the paper, but its led to a major update in the world of happiness studies.

So, if you havent yet reached that $500,000 mark, you have something to look forward to. And if youre well past that threshold, you may need to seek out your happiness somewhere else.

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.
Two more staff chiefs at FDNY headquarters have asked to be demoted and put back in the field as the shakeup in the department continues, the Daily News has learned.

The two new requests from Assistant Chief Kevin Brennan and Deputy Assistant Chief Charles Chuck Downey, the chief of the FDNY Fire Academy, landed on FDNY Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanaghs desk this week as the department went ahead with three demotions that prompted several top chiefs to ask for a drop in rank, two sources with knowledge of the drama said.

It brings the number of demoted or dissatisfied chiefs looking for a way out of headquarters to about 10, although the number couldnt be officially confirmed. There are only 23 staff chiefs in the entire FDNY, sources said.

At this point its easier to count the number of people who didnt [ask for demotions] instead of the people who have, one source said.

The demotion requests are a moot point, however, at least in the short term. Kavanagh hasnt signed off on any of the requests. Shes asked the chiefs to hang on for three more months while she rights the ship and they have agreed, sources said.

The turmoil in the departments upper ranks came into full view last month after The News broke a story about how two top uniformed FDNY officials stepped down to protest Kavanagh demoting three other chiefs.

Assistant Chiefs Michael Gala, Joseph Jardin and Fred Schaaf have been demoted and detailed back to FDNY headquarters, but their new roles are not clear, according to a department source with knowledge of the situation.

The undercurrent of distrust came to a head on Feb. 3, when Kavanagh demoted Gala, Jardin and Schaaf, and held a meeting with the remaining staff chiefs, complaining that they hadnt brought her any new ideas.

She wanted out-of-the-box thinking, but was peppered with requests about overtime and department-issued take-home cars, according to a recording of the gathering shared with The News.

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Folks say we have to to have our car with us at all times, one chief asked at the meeting. But if I have to go into Nassau for something personal, now I have to have my car with me. How do I balance that?

Kavanagh wasnt pleased that her requests were landing on deaf ears.

Is it fair to say that despite the point I made, the majority of the questions here today were about pay and vacation and cars? Kavanagh asked the chiefs, according to the recording.

After hearing that Gala, Jardin and Schaaf were demoted, several other chiefs, including Chief of Department John Hodgens, the FDNYs most senior uniformed official, Chief of Fire Operations John Esposito and Chiefs Michael Massucci and Frank Leeb all requested to be demoted and put back in the field in solidarity.

At about the same time, two other chiefs made the same request, but not in writing, sources said.

The chiefs filed a lawsuit against Kavanagh and the city claiming the demotions have left the citys firefighting forces with an unimaginable level of unpreparedness  including leaving the department without anyone who has ever led the scene at a five-alarm fire.

A Brooklyn federal judge denied the chiefs request for a temporary restraining order that would bar the demotions from proceeding.

Our leadership team has centuries of combined experience within the FDNY and the departments chiefs are fully committed to keeping our members and the city safe, an FDNY spokeswoman said Thursday. To be clear, no chief position is vacant or unoccupied. New Yorkers can rest assured that, under Commissioner Kavanaghs leadership, the FDNY remains fully prepared to keep New Yorkers safe and respond to all emergencies.
Tire tracks go to the edge of a cliff near Westport, Calif., where an SUV occupied by Jennifer and Sarah Hart and their six adopted children plunged to the rocky shore below. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat via AP)

Nearly five years ago, Jennifer and Sarah Hart murdered their six adopted children  Ciera, 12; Abigail and Jeremiah, both 14; Devonte, 15; Hannah, 16; and Markis, 19; by drugging them with Benadryl and then intentionally driving off a cliff on Californias Pacific Coast Highway. The Harts were white, their children Black or biracial. Devontes body has never been found.

The title of Roxanna Asgarians new book on the case, We Were Once a Family, does not refer to the Harts. It refers, directly and emphatically, to the birth families of these two sets of children who were taken from their homes and communities by Child Protective Services in Texas, fostered by the Harts and fast-tracked to adoption despite family members who were willing and able to take the children into their homes.

Shortly after the crash, revelations flooded in. The Harts had been accused of child abuse many times, with Sarah given a suspended jail sentence in 2011. Teachers had filed numerous complaints over the childrens welfare. The Harts had pulled them from school. How did the system respond? By giving the Harts three more children.

Unlike many whod investigated the Harts story, I was not drawn in by Jennifers and Sarahs psychological motivations, Asgarian writes. What motivated me most was to see, and to share, the parts of the story that had been made invisible: The real and complicated families that these children came from. The children themselves.

We Were Once a Family is a deeply disturbing account of how the failure of the child welfare system led directly to the murder of six children of color. In telling their stories, Asgarian gives voice to the families who were robbed of their children in the most devastating way imaginable. The author spoke to The Times about her five-year journey with the book. The interview from her home in Dallas has been edited for length and clarity.

When you heard about the murders, did you immediately know this was a story about the failures of the system?

I was bowled over by the enormity of the loss, so it took me a little bit of time to process it. One of the followup stories I read said three of the kids came from Harris County and that was where I was living at the time. As soon as I started reporting, I knew it was a child welfare story.

Story continues

When was it clear to you that you would tell the story of the birth families rather than the Harts?

There have been several documentaries about the Hart family, and there was a lot of information about them coming out after the crash. It felt like the families were almost deleted from the record. I had been there with them, and seeing their lives and grief, and not seeing it in these stories really made me angry.

No one called Tammy, the birth mom of one set of siblings, to tell her what happened. Tammy went to the police to give a DNA sample and they publicly released a press release before they told her she was a match  a failure of basic humanity. The families felt like an afterthought. Everyone is so interested in what happened to these kids, but not their families?

And all you ever read in the media was how the kids had supposedly come from abusive backgrounds.

Yes, and that was very much Jens story on Facebook. All you read was that Sherry, the birth mother of the other set of siblings, was a cocaine addict. Seventy-five percent of child welfare cases are around neglect, not abuse. Neglect is living in conditions of poverty. Mom had to go to work. The kids have to stay home alone. The electricity went out because we couldnt pay the bills. These are not parenting issues. These are issues with our society. Theres something so primal about someone telling you, You are unable to parent.

I appreciated that you brought in the history of Indigenous adoption and trans-racial adoption in this country.

Breaking up families is actually one of the U.N. definitions of genocide. Its so deeply wounding. I tried to bring in a lot of Native experience with the childcare welfare system. It makes it so clear the intergenerational effects. We know that racism is real, and yet we keep asking: How could this happen? With this story theres no getting around the difference in treatment.

When two family members were working hard to adopt these children permanently, their cases were dismissed. Meanwhile, the Harts are on a fast track, their abuse ignored.

We talk a lot about how overburdened the childcare welfare system is, but we dont talk about how much of that time is used for investigation on families who havent done anything wrong. Theres this idea that foster families are great, theyre selfless. Theres so much scrutiny on Black parents trying to parent. You let these people adopt six kids from two family groups, which is an extreme amount of work. To give people that responsibility without doing the due diligence and following up is horrifying.

What was the most emotionally challenging part of writing this book?

I think writing about Ye [the son of Dontay, the only sibling of Ciera, Jeremiah and Devonte who was not adopted]. How he entered the foster system, that was the most difficult part. Ye is about nine months older than my son, and we would strap him into my sons car seat to visit Dontay in prison. I went to every hearing. Just seeing it up close was really ...

Hard on you personally?

Ive been taking a break from thinking about it since I finished writing it. Ive been thinking about the effect that this book has had on me. And you develop relationships.

Is there anything the Biden administration could do to prevent these things from happening? Or to make it more difficult for these cases to fall through the cracks?

As Dorothy Roberts writes in her book Torn Apart, you eventually come around to abolitionism because this system cant be fixed. It needs to be completely torn down and rebuilt. The punitive aspect of the system is the fundamental nature of this system, and its not good for children. If they cant do best at home, they do best with their family members. We give kinship families less money than foster families. We dont give parents money!

The child tax credit is huge. That makes a real, tangible difference. CPS only bothers kids in poverty. We could increase the legal protections for parents who are involved in the child welfare system. Theres problems with the quality of representation and when parents are appointed attorneys. The system is downstream of the entire failure of supporting people with housing, healthcare, drugs, mental healthcare  this is the catch-all area. There are a lot of things we can do outside the childcare welfare system that would have a huge effect.

What do you want birth parents to know about their rights?

In the face of an investigation, Google your state and the rights you have as a parent. It varies from state to state. There are legal helplines you can call. I want all parents to know: No one is a perfect parent. There are so many ways to feel guilty as a parent. If you are involved in CPS, it doesnt dictate anything about you as a parent. Its not a fair system. People have been broken psychologically by this. Families have been destroyed. Its not right.

I could spend a lot of time asking you questions like, How did this happen? or Why did we allow this to happen? In my notes from the book there are many questions like this, primal scream exclamation marks.

Theres an unknowable aspect to this. Its normal and human to wonder how someone could possibly do this. But you cant answer that psychological question because youre not them. Where we put our focus says a lot about us. The tragedy is about the children. They should be the focus.

Ferri is the owner of Womb House Books and the author, most recently, of Silent Cities San Francisco.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
By Idrees Ali

BEN GURION AIRPORT, Israel (Reuters) -Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin told Israeli leaders on Thursday to take steps to reduce tensions in the occupied West Bank, amid growing worry in Washington that the situation could distract the allies from their effort to counter Iran.

Austin, who is on a regional tour, landed in Ben Gurion Airport for a visit that had been hastily rescheduled due to a surge in street protests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to overhaul the judiciary.

Hours earlier, Israeli forces killed three Islamic Jihad gunmen in the West Bank, among territories that have seen simmering violence amid the Palestinians' long-stalled goal of statehood.

"The United States (remains) firmly opposed to any acts that could trigger more insecurity, including settlement expansion and inflammatory rhetoric," Austin told reporters after his meeting with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

"We're especially disturbed by violence by settlers against Palestinians," Austin said, adding that his discussions were frank and candid.

He met Netanyahu earlier at the airport for more than an hour and a Pentagon readout of the meeting said Austin called for "immediate steps to de-escalate violence and work towards a just and lasting peace".

The U.S. is Israel's closest ally and both countries are increasingly concerned about Iranian military activities in the region and its nuclear programme - which Tehran says is wholly focused on power generation and other peaceful projects.

Austin's discussions with Gallant focused in part on Iran, but the increasing violence in the West Bank cast a long shadow over the meeting.

Gallant reiterated Israel's long-standing position that Iran must not be permitted to obtain nuclear weapons and Israel had to "be prepared for every course of action".

But a senior U.S. defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, said Israel's preoccupation with the West Bank "detracts from our ability to focus on what the strategic threat is right now and that is Iran's dangerous nuclear advances and continuing regional and global aggression."

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Austin had originally been due to arrive on Wednesday and stay overnight in Tel Aviv, where Israel's Defence Ministry is based. But those plans were changed due to concern about traffic disruptions from the anti-Netanyahu protests.

"Austin is committed to Israel's security, but one of the dominant ways in which we've been able to work together and strengthen that relationship is because we're two democracies that share values," the U.S. official said, adding that those values included the right to protest.

FLASHPOINTS

Among West Bank flashpoints concerning the United States is the village of Huwara, where the Feb. 26 killing by a Palestinian gunman of two brothers from a Jewish settlement triggered revenge riots by settlers.

The rampage triggered worldwide condemnation, which increased when ultra-nationalist Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has responsibility for aspects of the West Bank administration, said Huwara should be "erased".

Smotrich later offered a partial retraction.

There has been no sign of any let-up in the violence ahead of the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish Passover festival.

Since the beginning of the year, Israeli forces have killed more than 70 Palestinians, including militant fighters and civilians; in the same period, Palestinians have killed 13 Israelis and one Ukrainian woman in apparently uncoordinated attacks.

The judicial overhaul proposed by Netanyahu would give his nationalist-religious coalition decisive sway in picking judges and limit the scope of the Supreme Court to strike down legislation or rule against the executive.

Dozens of Israeli air force reservists said on Sunday they would not turn up for training in protest against Netanyahu's judicial reforms, a jolt for a country whose melting-pot military is meant to be apolitical.

(Reporting by Idrees Ali; Editing by Alex Richardson, Alison Williams, Nick Macfie and Andrew Heavens)
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq was meant to topple a dictator who had inflicted reckless wars and economic misery on his fellow Iraqis, and then to usher in a thriving democracy.

Instead, Iraqis faced years of upheaval and chaos.

A devastating insurgency, first by Saddam Hussein loyalists and then by al Qaeda, was followed by a sectarian civil war and later the rise of Islamic State, which occupied a third of the country and slaughtered thousands.

Here is a look at some of the violence, including suicide bombings and beheadings, that has plagued Iraq, a major OPEC oil producer and key U.S. ally, since the 2003 war.

* March 20, 2003 - U.S.-led forces invade Iraq from Kuwait to oust Saddam Hussein. The attack crushes the Iraqi military and chases Saddam from power in a span of weeks.

* April 9, 2003 - U.S. troops seize Baghdad. Saddam goes into hiding. Lawlessness emerges in Baghdad and elsewhere.

* May 1, 2003 - President George W. Bush declares that the United States and our allies have prevailed in Iraq. As he spoke aboard the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, a banner behind him stated, Mission Accomplished.

* May 23, 2003 - Coalition Provisional Authority head Paul Bremer disbands Iraq's army and intelligence services, sending hundreds of thousands of angry armed men into the streets.

* Aug. 7, 2003 - At least 17 people are killed in a truck bomb attack on Jordan's embassy in Baghdad.

* Aug. 19, 2003 - Suicide truck bomb wrecks U.N. headquarters in Baghdad, killing 22 people including U.N. envoy Sergio Vieira de Mello.

* Aug. 29, 2003 - A car bomb kills at least 83 people, including top Shiite Muslim leader Ayatollah Mohammed Baqer al-Hakim, at Imam Ali mosque in Najaf.

* Summer 2003 - Insurgency against U.S.-led forces emerges, waged by pro-Saddam guerrillas, then al Qaeda and Shi'ite fighters. U.S. forces fail to find weapons of mass destruction.

* Dec. 13, 2003 - U.S. troops capture Saddam, bearded and bedraggled, hiding in a hole near Tikrit.

Story continues

* Spring 2004 - Insurgency intensifies in Falluja and elsewhere in mainly Sunni Muslim Anbar province and violence by followers of Shi'ite cleric Moqtada Sadr in the south. U.S. faces international condemnation after photographs emerge showing abuse of detainees at Abu Ghraib jail.

* March 31, 2004 - In Fallujah four Blackwater private security contractors are killed and some of the burnt bodies hung from a bridge.

* May 11, 2004 - Kidnappers behead U.S. businessman Nicholas Berg and videotape his killing.

* October 2004 - Al Qaeda leader in Iraq Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi starts waging bloody attacks designed to turn majority Shiite Muslims against minority Sunnis in a civil war.

* June 8, 2006 - Zarqawi is killed by U.S. forces.

* Dec. 30, 2006 - Saddam Hussein hanged by masked executioners after Iraqi court sentences him to death for killings of 148 men and boys in northern Iraq in 1982.

* January 2007 - Bush announces a new war strategy including a surge of U.S. troops into Iraq to combat the insurgency.

* October 2007 - Iraq says security guards from the U.S. firm Blackwater deliberately killed 17 Iraqis in a shooting in Baghdad, and plans legal steps against them. Blackwater says its guards reacted lawfully to an attack on a convoy.

*Aug. 2010 - Last U.S. combat brigade leaves Iraq.

* July 4, 2014 - Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi seizes world's attention by climbing the pulpit of Mosuls medieval al-Nuri mosque in black clerical garb on a Friday to declare his caliphate.

*2017 - Islamic State's brutal rule, during which it killed and executed thousands in the name of a narrow interpretation of Islam, comes to an end in Mosul when Iraqi and international forces defeat the group there.

* Oct. 19, 2018 - President Donald Trump declares ISIS defeated.

* Oct. 27, 2019 - Trump announces Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi killed himself during a night raid by U.S. special forces in Syria. Baghdadi dies alongside three of his children by detonating an explosives-laden vest when he fled into a dead-end tunnel during the attack.

(Reporting by Michael Georgy, Editing by William Maclean)
By Zeba Siddiqui

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - U.S. authorities said on Thursday they seized an internet domain that was selling malicious software criminals used to steal data from and take control of victims' computers.

The seizure of the site, worldwiredlabs dot com, was conducted by federal authorities in Los Angeles as part of an international law enforcement effort, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a statement.

The site sold NetWire, a type of malware called a 'remote access trojan' (RAT), which is "a sophisticated program capable of targeting and infecting every major computer operating system," the statement said.

It allows covert surveillance, creating a "'backdoor' for administrative control and unfettered and unauthorized remote access to a victims computer, without the victims knowledge or permission," according to court records filed in Los Angeles the statement cited.

It was unclear how many times the malware had been bought off the seized website. The digital rights watchdog Citizen Lab said in a report in 2017 that NetWire first appeared in 2012 and has been used in attacks ranging from credit card fraud to those targetting the healthcare and banking sectors.

"Criminals used NetWire on a global scale, and we have responded by dismantling the infrastructure that has caused untold harm to victims around the world," U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said in a statement.

A U.S. spokesperson for the investigation did not immediately respond to a request for further comment.

A Croatian national who was the site's administrator was arrested in his country on Tuesday while Swiss law enforcement separately seized the computer server hosting the malware infrastructure, the DoJ statement added.

The seizure comes as U.S. authorities work on improving collaborations with other countries on investigating cybercrimes, which are often cross-border. A new cybersecurity strategy unveiled by the White House last week called for stronger coalitions with foreign governments.

(Reporting by Zeba Siddiqui in San Francisco; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Senate voted to confirm management consultant Danny Werfel as the new Internal Revenue Service commissioner on Thursday, returning the former Obama administration budget official to the tax agency he briefly led on an acting basis.

Five Republicans crossed party lines to support Werfel in the 54-42 vote, more than offsetting Democratic Senator Joe Manchin's vote against President Joe Biden's nominee in a protest against his administration's implementation of clean energy tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act.

Werfel, who previously led Boston Consulting Group's public sector practice, is charged with leading a massive transformation of the IRS, with $80 billion in new funding approved last year to boost collections of unpaid taxes, modernize technology and improve taxpayer services.

The agency in the coming weeks is due to produce a spending blueprint on how it will deploy the $80 billion in new funding over the next decade.

(Reporting by David Lawder; editing by Diane Craft)
By Nate Raymond

(Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court is asking Congress to approve $5.9 million in new funds to bolster the protection of the nine justices following threats and protests that began after the May 2022 leak of a draft version of the blockbuster ruling ending the recognition of a constitutional right to abortion.

The proposed funding was included as part of a $9.1 billion budget request released on Thursday to fund the Supreme Court and the rest of the federal judiciary in the fiscal year that begins on Oct. 1.

Conservative Justice Samuel Alito, who wrote the abortion ruling, said last October that the leak made him and his fellow justices "targets for assassination."

The budget request includes the money to expand security activities by the Supreme Court police to protect the justices as part an overall request to boost discretionary spending on the nation's top judicial body by 16% to $127.1 million. Separately, the court is seeking $6.5 million to improve physical security at its building.

The additional money to protect the justices would provide for "contract positions, eventually transitioning to full-time employees, that will augment capabilities of the Supreme Court police force and allow it to accomplish its protective mission."

"Ongoing threat assessments show evolving risks that require continuous protection," the judiciary said in the budget document.

Congress last year approved legislation to expand police protection to the families of the justices and senior officers of the court following the leak of the ruling overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that had legalized abortion nationwide.

The draft opinion and final ruling in June prompted protests outside the home of some justices and calls by Republican lawmakers for greater protection for members of a court with a 6-3 conservative majority. An armed California man was charged in June 2022 with attempted murder after being arrested near the home of conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Will Dunham)
The UKs choice for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 has been leaked.

A day after tickets for the event sold out in less than 34 minutes, the music star set to perform on behalf of the country in Liverpool later this year has been selected.

While odds named Birdy and Rina Sawayama as favourites, its being claimed that Mae Muller will go down in history as the UKs next Eurovision entrant.

The BBC is yet to confirm who will perform, but has said that an announcement will be made on Zoe Balls Radio 2 Breakfast Show on Thursday (9 March). The Mirror first reported the news.

Muller, who is 25, generated fans after supporting Little Mix on tour in 2019. The London-raised singer has amassed more than six million streams on Spotify for songs including Close and Better Days.

Eurovision week kicks off on Monday 8 May, with semi-finals taking place on Tuesday 9 and Thursday 11 May. The grand finale will then take place on Saturday 13 May.

Tickets went on sale on Tuesday (7 March) at midday for all three televised shows, as well as six previews. The events will be taking place at the ACC Liverpool arena.

Mae Muller will reportedly be the UKs 2023 Eurovision entrant (Getty Images)

It is taking place in Liverpool after the UK stepped in to host the competition for reigning champions Ukraine.

After fans hoping to get tickets for the 2023 event failed in their attempts, Rylan, who has been a commentator for the semi-finals since 2018, shared an upbeat message with fans.

He wrote on Twitter: Congrats if you got tickets! If not dont worry, the Euro Village is gonna be amazing. #Eurovision is gonna take over the whole city. See you soon Liverpool.

The Independent has contacted BBC for comment.
(Bloomberg) -- Keir Starmers Labour Party announced plans to help finance eight new battery plants with 2 billion ($2.4 billion) of public money if the UK opposition wins the next general election.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Labour said its strategy to part-finance the new so-called gigafactories will help power nearly 2 million cars and support 30 billion in economic growth. The announcement comes two months after EV battery supplier Britishvolt Ltd.  which had planned an enormous 3.8 billion plant in northern England  went into administration.

Britishvolt Failure Adds to UK Car Sectors Existential Dread

The opposition policy adds to pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks Conservative government to set out how it will support the UKs electric car industry, especially as it pushes to eliminate net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. President Joe Bidens massive package of subsidies and tax credits to support green industries including electric vehicles threatens to suck investment to the US, and the European Union is preparing measures to support its own industries in response.

Ministers are losing the race to build the electric vehicle revolution here in Britain, Labours shadow Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, said late Wednesday in a statement, promising to turbocharge the industry.

We will invest in eight new battery plants, and lower sky-high electric costs hampering British industry with our plans for zero-carbon power, Haigh said. And we will accelerate the roll-out of charging points, to give motorists confidence to make the switch.

Last week, the Financial Times reported that Jaguar Land Rover owner Tata Motors is demanding more than 500 million of government aid for a new battery factory in the UK and is close to choosing between Spain and England for the plant.

Story continues

Labour warned the UK is on track to have less than a 10th of the battery capacity of Germany by 2025, and one-30th that of the US.

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Another severe weather warning for persistent, heavy snow has been issued after a volley of new flooding alerts were declared across England and Wales.

The amber alert covers swathes of Wales and the West Midlands, and will remain in place between 12pm today and 9am on Friday.

Significant disruption to transport, power lines and phone network coverage is likely, the Met Office said in an update this morning.

It joins a series of amber and yellow alerts for possible snow storms across central and northern England as parts of the UK could be covered in up to 40cm of snow.

Elsewhere, the Environment Agency has issued five alerts for locations on the south coast of England, and for residents between Putney Bridge and Teddington Weir along the River Thames in London, where flooding is possible.

Natural Resources Wales has given two similar warnings for the North Wales coast, along with the Lleyn Peninsula and Cardigan Bay coastline.

Wednesday marked the coldest March night since 2010, as temperatures at in Altnaharra in the Scottish Highlands dropped to minus 16C overnight.

Key Points

New amber warning issued for persistent, heavy snow

'Severe amber warning for snow issued as power cuts likely

Coldest night of year so far as temperatures drop to -15.2C

Disruptions due to snow, ice to continue

Rural communities likely to be cut off due to weather

Bristol Airport suspends flights due to adverse weather conditions'

New amber warning issued for persistent, heavy snow

09:20 , Emily Atkinson

Another severe weather warning for persistent, heavy snow has been issued for parts of the UK after temperatures plunged to a new record low.

The amber warning covers swathes of Wales and the West Midlands, and will remain in place between 12pm today and 9am on Friday.

Significant disruption to transport, power lines and phone network coverage is likely, the Met Office said in an update this morning.

 Amber weather warning issued 



Snow across parts of Wales and the West Midlands



Thursday 1200  Friday 0900



Latest info  https://t.co/QwDLMfS950



Stay #WeatherAware  pic.twitter.com/khH1GZl3o0  Met Office (@metoffice) March 9, 2023

What to expect

Travel delays on roads, stranding some vehicles and passengers

Some delays and cancellations to rail and air travel are likely

There is a good chance that some rural communities could become cut off

Power cuts are likely and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected

Story continues

Six rescued from mountain as snow warning is put in place for Ireland

10:30 , Emily Atkinson

Six people have been rescued from a mountain in Co Kerry overnight amid dangerous conditions as a snow warning has been put in place for the entire island of Ireland.

Kerry Mountain Rescue Team were responding to reports that a female hillwalker had fallen in the eastern part of the MacGillycuddys Reeks.

It then received reports that other hillwalkers were in difficulty and found six people stuck 150 metres from the bottom of a gully.

Conditions on the hill were very poor, rending any approach to the casualties from the bottom of the gully dangerous, it said.

Rescuers climbed to a point above the trapped people and abseiled down to them.

The casualties were secured to haul lines that were used to bring them all safely to the top of the ridge.

Apart from being very cold and fatigued, thankfully none of the casualties were injured and the rescue concluded at approximately 1.30am, it said.

Latest images as blizzards tear through country

10:05 , Emily Atkinson

(PA)

(PA)

(PA)

Seven flooding alerts issued across England and Wales

09:10 , Emily Atkinson

The Environment Agency has issued five alerts for locations on the south coast of England, and for residents between Putney Bridge and Teddington Weir along the River Thames in London, where flooding is possible.

Natural Resources Wales has given two similar warnings for the North Wales coast, along with the Lleyn Peninsula and Cardigan Bay coastline.

Coldest March night for 13 years as temperatures drop to -16C

08:42 , Emily Atkinson

Temperatures in the UK plummeted to -16C on Wednesday night, making it the coldest March night in 13 years, forecasters say.

The low was recorded in Altnaharra in the Scottish Highlands, also making it the coldest night of the year so far, the Met Office said.

It marks the lowest temperature in the UK in the month of March since 2010, when minus 18.6C was recorded at Braemar in Aberdeenshire.

It's a chilly start for many, but especially across Scotland where Altnaharra has recorded -16.0 Celsius and the coldest night of 2023 so far



This is the lowest minimum temperature recorded in the UK in the month of March since 2010 (when Braemar dropped to -18.6 Celsius)  pic.twitter.com/kU4MdbycUM  Met Office (@metoffice) March 9, 2023

Rain, sleet and snow across West Midlands and Wales, radar shows

08:25 , Emily Atkinson

The latest area of rain, sleet and snow is already moving in across parts of Wales and the west Midlands as shown in the latest radar 



Stay #WeatherAware  pic.twitter.com/Sz8BqsCYXj  Met Office (@metoffice) March 9, 2023

UK 5 day weather forecast

07:59 , Emily Atkinson

The Met Office has published a fresh five-day forecast as blizzard conditions descend on Britain today.

Heres its latest outlook:

Headline:

Heavy snow over parts of northern England later today.

Today:

Cold, cloudy, windy and unsettled for many today. Spells of rain will affect southern UK. Further north, spells of snow will affect parts of Wales, the Midlands, northern England, Northern Ireland and southern Scotland. Northern Scotland brighter with snow showers.

Tonight:

Further snow across parts of Wales, the Midlands, northern England, Northern Ireland and southern Scotland, heaviest snow northern England. Rain at times in the far south. Windy.

Friday:

Early rain and snow across England and Wales clearing southwards, sunshine following with snow showers in the east. Sunny spells Scotland and Northern Ireland, but a snow showers too. Cold.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday:

After a cold start to Saturday, turning milder but unsettled for most with rain and strong winds. Remaining colder in the far north, with some further snowfall.

In pictures: Snow carpets Bedfordshire as Artic blast hits

07:25 , Emily Atkinson

(PA)

(PA)

(PA)

ICYMI: UK braces for strong winds bringing blizzard conditions and travel disruption

07:00 , Namita Singh

The UK is set to experience severe snowstorms and travel disruption on Thursday, forecasters have warned.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for strong winds bringing blizzard conditions and up to 40cm of snow to the area stretching from Stoke-on-Trent to Durham.

Wednesday night is expected to be cold, with temperatures around minus 1C in south-east England, and as low as minus 13C in northern Scotland.

More in this report:

Drivers told to go carefully as snow forecast across all counties

Drivers told to go carefully as snow forecast across all counties

06:40 , Namita Singh

Drivers have been urged to exercise caution and to expect disruption as snow and ice are expected across the country from Thursday.

Forecasters have issued a yellow snow warning for all counties, which comes into effect overnight.

Met Eireann said rain, sleet and snow will spread north across the country, with snow expected in many areas, along with icy conditions.

Report:

Drivers told to go carefully as snow forecast across all counties

Heavy snow and blizzard to hit Britain as Arctic blast hits

06:20 , Namita Singh

The UK is preparing for blizzard conditions as heavy snowfall is set to hit central and northern England on Thursday.

The Met Office issued an amber weather warning for the area between Stoke-on-Trent and Durham, warning of strong winds and blizzard conditions.

The warning will remain in place for 21 hours from 3pm on Thursday until 2pm on Friday.

My colleague Stuti Mishra has more:

UK weather: Heavy snow and blizzard to hit Britain as Arctic blast hits

How does the day look today

06:00 , Namita Singh

Mild with rain in the far southwest

 A snowy day for some in central parts

Best of the sunshine will be in the far north

More in this map issued by Met Department:

Thursday morning:



 Mild with rain in the far southwest



 A snowy day for some in central parts



 Best of the sunshine will be in the far north pic.twitter.com/FY934OxFBs  Met Office (@metoffice) March 8, 2023

Where will it snow?

05:40 , Namita Singh

Snow storms with blizzard conditions are set to hit parts of the UK as temperatures plunge to -15C again overnight.

Yellow weather alerts for snow and ice are currently in place across large parts of the UK, with Wales, the Midlands and East Anglia among the areas being warned of snowfall on Wednesday evening.

One yellow alert, which warns snow showers and travel disruption are likely, covers northern parts of Scotland, where the Met Office says temperatures could drop to -15C overnight. The warning is in place from 6pm on Wednesday until 10am on Thursday.

More in this report:

Will it snow tonight and where?

What Thursday will look like

05:20 , Namita Singh

Heres the weather forecast for today:

Got plans for Thursday?



Here's the 4cast! pic.twitter.com/xIwgdmXEGd  Met Office (@metoffice) March 8, 2023

Here are weather extremes from Wednesday

05:00 , Namita Singh

An area of rain, sleet and snow pushed north across much of England and Wales yesterday.

Further north, after the coldest night of the year so far, it was dry with long sunny spells and scattered snow showers.

An area of rain, sleet and snow pushed north across much of England and Wales during Wednesday 



Further north, after the coldest night of the year so far, it was dry with long sunny spells and scattered snow showers



Here are the extremes for Wednesday 8th March 2023  pic.twitter.com/Zfo085i5K3  Met Office (@metoffice) March 9, 2023

Amber snow warning as up to 40cm to fall during blizzard conditions

04:40 , Namita Singh

A Met Office amber warning has been issued for significant disruption from strong winds bringing blizzard conditions as parts of the UK could be covered in up to 40cm of snow.

The current Arctic blast, which saw temperatures drop to -15.4C at Kinbrace in Scotland in the early hours of Wednesday, will continue through the week with the Midlands and north of England facing heavy snow.

A number of National Severe Weather Warnings are in place across the UK as snow continues to cause disruption through the week.

My colleague Thomas Kingsley has more:

Amber snow warning as up to 40cm to fall during blizzard conditions

Yellow weather warnings in place for snow and ice across parts of Scotland

04:20 , Namita Singh

Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice are in place across much of Scotland on today as temperatures fell below zero overnight.

A yellow warning for snow and ice is in place in the north of Scotland, where temperatures were as low as minus 4C in the early hours today.

A further yellow warning is in place for snow across the central belt, Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders  with an additional warning for snow and ice in place for the south east of the country.

Read the details here:

Yellow weather warnings in place for snow and ice across parts of Scotland

In pictures: Snow across the UK

04:00 , Martha Mchardy

A man enjoying the snow on the Dunstable Downs in Bedfordshire. (Joe Giddens/PA Wire)

Snow covered fields surround Alnwick Castle in Northumberland as weather warnings for snow and ice are issued (Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

A man walks his dog through a snow covered field at Alnwick Castle in Northumberland (PA)

A woman pulls a child on a sledge through the snow beside the beach huts at Blyth in Northumberland (Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

A snowy scene looking along the Long Walk towards Windsor Castle, Berkshire, as parts of the UK wake up to snow and a yellow weather warning (Yui Mok/PA Wire)

Snow settles on Glastonbury Tor as parts of the UK wake up to snow and a yellow weather warning (Ben Birchall/PA Wire)

UK braces for strong winds bringing blizzard conditions and travel disruption

03:40 , Namita Singh

The UK is set to experience severe snowstorms and travel disruption today, forecasters have warned.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for strong winds bringing blizzard conditions and up to 40cm of snow to the area stretching from Stoke-on-Trent to Durham.

Yesterday night was expected to be cold, with temperatures around minus 1C in south-east England, and as low as minus 13C in northern Scotland.

Report:

UK braces for strong winds bringing blizzard conditions and travel disruption

Drivers told to go carefully as snow forecast across all counties

03:20 , Namita Singh

Drivers have been urged to exercise caution and to expect disruption as snow and ice are expected across the country from Thursday.

Forecasters have issued a yellow snow warning for all counties, which comes into effect overnight.

Met Eireann said rain, sleet and snow will spread north across the country, with snow expected in many areas, along with icy conditions.

This could be up to 10cm deep in some places, with more possible on higher ground.

More in this report:

Drivers told to go carefully as snow forecast across all counties

Britain braced for five days of snow as map reveals coldest places in UK

03:00 , Martha Mchardy

A map reveals the overnight temperatures forecast for some cities and towns across the country as the UK braces for another cold snap and snow.

Aberdeen, Belfast, Newcastle, Manchester and Hull also look set to experience sub-zero conditions and the Met Office has issued weather warnings for snow and ice covering parts of England, Scotland Wales and Northern Ireland.

(Source: Met Office (Independent))

Drivers told to go carefully as snow forecast across all counties in Ireland

02:00 , Martha Mchardy

Drivers have been urged to exercise caution and to expect disruption as snow and ice are expected across the country from Thursday.

Forecasters have issued a yellow snow warning for all counties, which comes into effect overnight.

Met Eireann said rain, sleet and snow will spread north across the country, with snow expected in many areas, along with icy conditions.

This could be up to 10cm deep in some places, with more possible on higher ground.

It is illegal to drive with a windscreen covered in snow and ice (Danny Lawson/PA) (PA Archive)

Sleet and snow is likely to turn to rain in the south for a time on Thursday, posing a risk of hazardous driving conditions and poor visibility.

The yellow snow warning remains in effect nationwide until 11pm on Thursday, while a yellow low temperature warning is in place from 9pm Thursday until 10am on Friday.

A snow-ice warning for the Leinster counties, Cavan and Monaghan will be in place from 11pm on Thursday until 10am on Friday.

The Met Office has also warned that heavy snow has the potential to cause disruption in all counties in Northern Ireland on Thursday and Friday, with the warning in place from 7am on Thursday until 2pm on Friday.

It said this could lead to travel delays on roads stranding some vehicles and passengers, some rural communities being cut off and power supplies and mobile phone coverage being affected.

The Road Safety Authority has urged drivers to expect hazardous road conditions and reduced visibility.

Drivers are being advised to remove all snow from their cars, clear windows and mirrors before setting out, to use the cars controls delicately in snowy conditions and ensure extra distance to the vehicle in front.

Met Office explains why UK will see snow and -15C temperatures this week

01:00 , Martha Mchardy

Experts believe the sudden drop in temperature is being caused by sudden stratospheric warming and could bring about similar freezing conditions to the Beast from the East in 2018.

Warnings for snow and ice have been issued across northeastern parts of the UK as well as some Northern Ireland and southern and central areas of England and Wales.

Further warnings are likely to be issued throughout the week.

Mustafa Javid Qadri reports:

UK weather: Met Office explains why UK will see snow and -15C temperatures this week

Mapped: Where snow fell in the UK on Wednesday

00:00 , Martha Mchardy

A Met Office weather map shows a snow and ice warning was issued for almost all of Scotland and the Highlands, in addition to parts of northeast and east England, as well as all of Northern Ireland.

Much of southern England and Wales also experienced snow.

More snow is expected through the week (Met Office)

Will it snow tonight and where?

Wednesday 8 March 2023 23:00 , Martha Mchardy

Snow storms with blizzard conditions are set to hit parts of the UK as temperatures plunge to -15C again overnight.

Yellow weather alerts for snow and ice are currently in place across large parts of the UK, with Wales, the Midlands and East Anglia among the areas being warned of snowfall on Wednesday evening.

One yellow alert, which warns snow showers and travel disruption are likely, covers northern parts of Scotland, where the Met Office says temperatures could drop to -15C overnight. The warning is in place from 6pm on Wednesday until 10am on Thursday.

Mustafa Javid Qadri reports:

Will it snow tonight and where?

Snow piles across Hampshire as arctic blast hits UK

Wednesday 8 March 2023 22:00 , Martha Mchardy

Emergency vets issue hazard warning to pet owners as Met Office issues amber weather warning

Wednesday 8 March 2023 21:10 , Martha Mchardy

Emergency vets have issued a hazard warning to pet owners after the Met Office issued an amber snow weather warning for central and northern England.

Vets Now, an emergency vet service, has urged pet owners to avoid using anti-freeze in their cars because it is extremely toxic to pets.

Dave Leicester of Vets Now said: Anti-freeze is extremely harmful to animals, even a very small amount of it is very toxic to the kidneys and unfortunately is quite often fatal. Just one 5ml teaspoon could be enough to kill a cat and a tablespoon could be fatal for dogs.

Pet owners have been urged to avoid using anti-freeze in their cars because it is extremely toxic to pets. (Getty Images)

One of the main ingredients in anti-freeze is ethylene glycol, which is extremely toxic. With a very sweet taste, it makes it very palatable to animals, so its really important when using it to minimise spillages as much as possible. Even small amounts in a contaminated puddle of water could be enough to poison a cat.

Leaks from screen wash containers or car radiators should be quickly cleaned up and thoroughly washed away with a hose or buckets of water. Its also worth informing your neighbours as many people wont be aware it is so toxic.

There is some hope as there is a safer alternative to anti-freeze with Ethylene glycol - Propylene glycol anti-freeze. It is more expensive, but safe for pets and other wildlife, so could be worth the extra investment to avoid anti-freeze poisoning.

Symptoms of anti-freeze poisoning include wobbliness or falling over, vomiting, dehydration, and lack of appetite, as well as diarrhoea, drooling, halitosis, seizures and collapse.

If you are worried your pet has swallowed anti-freeze, contact your vet as soon as possible.

In Pictures: UK shivers in the snow as cold spell continues

Wednesday 8 March 2023 20:25 , Martha Mchardy

(PA)

Britain braces for 'blizzard conditions' with 40cm of snow to fall

Wednesday 8 March 2023 19:38 , Martha Mchardy

Snow storms are expected to hit large swathes of central and northern England on Thursday, forecasters have warned.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for strong winds bringing blizzard conditions and up to 40cm of snow to the area stretching from Stoke-on-Trent to Durham.

The warning lasts for 21 hours from 3pm on Thursday  and significant disruption to transport, power lines and phone network coverage is likely.

Snow covered fields surround Alnwick Castle in Northumberland as weather warnings for snow and ice are issued (Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

Several milder yellow weather warnings for snow have also been issued, covering much of the nation from Wednesday to Friday.

Tuesday marked the coldest night of the year so far, and more sub-zero overnight temperatures are expected in all four UK nations in the coming days.

Temperatures at Kinbrace in the Highlands dropped to this years low of minus 15.4C overnight.

Met Office spokesperson Nicola Maxey said this was the coldest March temperature recorded since 2010, but that it is not that unusual to see snow in March.

Temperatures in Scotland could get down to -15C tonight, says Met Office chief

Wednesday 8 March 2023 18:55 , Martha Mchardy

Temperatures in Scotland could get down to -15C tonight as colder air moves north overnight, a Met Office chief has said.

Met Office chief meteorologist, Matthew Lehnert, said: The boundary between milder and colder air will slowly move north through Wednesday and overnight, moving the chances of snow further north with it.

Cars driving through snow on the northbound carriageway of the M5 motorway near Taunton, which has been reduced to two lanes due to snow (Ben Birchall/PA Wire)

Snow will have settled quite widely in central parts of the UK as we move into Thursday morning leaving tricky conditions for the morning travel period. It will be another very cold night, especially under clear skies in Scotland where temperatures could get down to -15C again tonight.

An amber warning for snow has been issued for the high ground running north in the centre of northern England as snow redevelops through the course of Thursday and persist until early Friday.

Here we could see up to 40cm of snow accompanied by strong winds causing blizzard conditions.

Amber snow warning as up to 40cm to fall during blizzard conditions

Wednesday 8 March 2023 18:10 , Martha Mchardy

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for significant disruption as parts of the UK could be covered in up to 40cm of snow.

After temperatures dropped to -15.4C at Kinbrace in Scotland overnight, the Arctic blast will continue through the week with the Midlands and north of England facing heavy snow.

The warning is in place from 3pm on Thursday to midday on Friday. 10 to 20cm of snow is likely to fall across much of the area, with 30 to 40cm in some places, and will be accompanied by strong winds.

A number of National Severe Weather Warnings are in place across the UK as snow continues to cause disruption through the week.

Thomas Kingsley reports:

Amber snow warning as up to 40cm to fall during blizzard conditions

How to drive in snow and ice

Wednesday 8 March 2023 17:25 , Martha Mchardy

The current heavy snow across the UK means drivers are facing icy roads and treacherous conditions.

The gritters are out but motorists are still being advised against making unnecessary journeys and to proceed with extreme caution when setting out proves unavoidable.

As you drive home today, Joe Sommerlad reports on how to drive in snow and ice.

How to drive in snow and ice

11 of the most striking images as snow hits UK after coldest March night since 2010

Wednesday 8 March 2023 16:40 , Emily Atkinson

With many people awaking to snow for the first time this year, here are some of the most striking images captured by photojournalists of the wintry scenes across the country.

Andy Gregory reports:

11 of the most striking images as snow hits UK

Watch: Snow piles across Hampshire as arctic blast hits UK

Wednesday 8 March 2023 16:10 , Emily Atkinson

Elderly must do all they can to keep warm and take care'

Wednesday 8 March 2023 15:45 , Emily Atkinson

A leading charity has encouraged the elderly to take simple precautions as the country grapples with snow and freezing temperatures.

Age UK said people should not, where possible, try to save money by using less heating, as many contend with rising energy bills.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: With much of the UK waking up to snow this morning we are urging older people to do all they can to keep warm and take care.

With high energy bills and food prices still rocketing it is understandable that many may think they have to cut back on food and turn their heating off, but prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can have a substantial impact on their health.

Having plenty of hot food and drinks throughout the day can help keep the health risks of the cold at bay, as can taking simple precautions such as wrapping up warm when going outside and sleeping with the windows closed at night.

'Severe amber warning for snow issued as power cuts likely

Wednesday 8 March 2023 14:53 , Emily Atkinson

The Met Office has issued a severe two-day amber weather warning for snow as the wintry weather looks set to worsen.

The warning stretches from Nottingham to just south Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and will remain in place between 3pm and 12pm on Friday.

Heavy snow is likely to cause significant disruption on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning, the Met Office said in an update this afternoon.

AMBER Met Office warning now issued for Pennine region into N Midlands for the snow expected tomorrow and into Friday.



10-20cm widely

30-40cm locally#snow | #uksnow pic.twitter.com/mlexXneQ50  Simon King (@SimonOKing) March 8, 2023

What to expect:

Travel delays on roads, stranding some vehicles and passengers

Some delays and cancellations to rail and air travel are likely

There is a good chance that some rural communities could become cut off

Power cuts are likely and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected

In pictures: People play in the snow on the Dunstable Downs in Bedfordshire

Wednesday 8 March 2023 14:20 , Emily Atkinson

(PA)

(PA)

(PA)

Revealed: When and where it will snow in the UK this week

Wednesday 8 March 2023 13:50 , Emily Atkinson

Snow and ice warnings have been issued across parts of the UK this week with up to 10cm of snow expected to settle in Scotland.

Yellow weather warnings have been put in place with power outages and travel disruption likely as the band of freezing weather kicks in.

The UK Health Security Agency has issued Level 2 and Level 3 Cold Weather Alerts for the whole of England.

Maryam Zakir-Hussain has the details:

Revealed: When and where it will snow in the UK this week

Bristol Airport reopens

Wednesday 8 March 2023 13:10 , Emily Atkinson

Bristol airport reopened at 10.45am after it temporarily closed for snow clearing operations with morning flights cancelled.

The airport has said there is ongoing flight disruption, however.

Watch: Animals enjoy snow day at Whipsnade Zoo

Wednesday 8 March 2023 12:40 , Emily Atkinson

How to drive in snow and ice

Wednesday 8 March 2023 12:10 , Emily Atkinson

The current heavy snow across the UK means drivers are facing icy roads and treacherous conditions.

The gritters are out but motorists are still being advised against making unnecessary journeys and to proceed with extreme caution when setting out proves unavoidable.

Joe Sommerlad has the details:

How to drive in snow and ice

Network Rail advisers passengers to check journeys

Wednesday 8 March 2023 11:40 , Emily Atkinson

Network Rail is advising passengers to check their journeys in advance due to the Met Office warnings, but a spokesperson said there has been no significant weather-related disruption on the lines so far.

The warnings for Wednesday cover northern and eastern Scotland until 10am, and Northern Ireland and southern England until 9am.

Latest images: Snow covers the M5 carriageway

Wednesday 8 March 2023 10:50 , Emily Atkinson

(PA)

(PA)

(PA)

Kinbrace temperatures further plummet

Wednesday 8 March 2023 10:31 , Emily Atkinson

The coldest overnight temperature of the year has dropped a further 0.2 degrees to minus 15.4C, according to the Met Office.

A reading of minus 15.2C was recorded at Kinbrace in the Highlands on Tuesday night, and the temperature in the area has since decreased further, the national forecaster said.

The temperature at Kinbrace has since dropped a little further to -15.4 Celsius this morning



Certainly a morning to wrap up warm   Met Office (@metoffice) March 8, 2023

Train travellers warned to expect disruption due to wintry weather

Wednesday 8 March 2023 10:06 , Emily Atkinson

Snow and ice is expected to affect train journeys in many parts of Britain until Friday 10 March, National Rail has announced.

Passengers have been advised to check that their complete journey is possible before travel.

At present, Southeastern services are most affected by the adverse weather, with services disrupted on the Hastings, Sole Street, Bromley North, Bromley South, and Hayes lines.

Joanna Whitehead reports:

Train travellers warned to expect disruption due to wintry weather

Bristol airport cancels flights amid Arctic blast

Wednesday 8 March 2023 09:45 , Emily Atkinson

Bristol Airport has cancelled all early morning flights today (Wednesday 8 March) due to snow and adverse weather conditions.

A statement on its Twitter account reads: The Bristol Airport teams are working hard on snow clearing operations, but as the snow continues to fall, flight operations have been suspended until 1100.

Passengers are advised to contact their airline for specific flight information prior to travelling to the airport and please take extra care.

Joanna Whitehead has more:

Bristol airport cancels flights amid Arctic blast

Wednesday 8 March 2023 09:30 , Emily Atkinson

This mornings snowfall has been well documented across social media, with footage of snow-capped rooftops and wintry panoramas dominating our feeds.

Here are some of the top posts so far:

Police urge motorists to avoid driving due to very dangerous conditions

Wednesday 8 March 2023 09:10 , Emily Atkinson

Wilshire Police has urged motors to avoid all but essential journeys after heavy snowfall overnight created very dangerous driving conditions.

Posting at 3.30am this morning, police said:

Very heavy snow overnight is making driving conditions very dangerous. If your journey is not necessary please do not drive. #staysafe pic.twitter.com/JDw9oRGIK7  Wilts Specialist Ops (@WiltsSpecOps) March 8, 2023

Coldest night of year so far as temperatures drop to -15.2C

Wednesday 8 March 2023 09:05 , Emily Atkinson

The UK has braved its coldest night of the year so far, with temperatures dropping below -15C in the Scottish Highlands as snow blanketed parts of London.

Thermometers at Kinbrace in the Highlands gave readings of -15.2C overnight on Tuesday, the Met Office said  the lowest the mercury has dropped all year.

A blast of Arctic air means that sleet and snow is expected across southern England and south Wales on Wednesday, while scattered snow and hail showers will impact Scotlands northern coasts as the cold snap intensifies.

Andy Gregory has more:

Coldest night of year so far as temperatures drop to -15.2C in UK

Watch: Snow piles across Hampshire as arctic blast hits UK

Wednesday 8 March 2023 09:00 , Emily Atkinson

In pictures: Swimmers brave freezing conditions King Edwards Bay, near Tynemouth

Wednesday 8 March 2023 08:50 , Emily Atkinson

(PA)

(PA)

Mapped: Where will snow fall in the UK today

Wednesday 8 March 2023 08:40 , Emily Atkinson

More sleet and snow are expected across southern England and south Wales on Wednesday while scattered snow and hail showers will impact Scotlands northern coasts as the Arctic blast intensifies.

The Met Offices early morning radar showed an area of rain moving in from the south and west which was starting to turn increasingly to sleet and snow as it pushed north and east.

The conditions, which have been attributed to an Arctic blast, are expected to bring more snow and ice throughout the UK, the Met Office said.

Thomas Kingsley takes a look at the latest maps:

Mapped: Where will snow fall in the UK today

Best in Snow: Heavy snowfall blankets Britain

Wednesday 8 March 2023 08:20 , Emily Atkinson

Snow covered fields surround Alnwick Castle in Northumberland (PA)

Snow settles on Glastonbury Tor (PA)

A woman pulls a child on a sledge through the snow beside the beach huts at Blyth, Northumberland (PA)

Goathland train station in North Yorkshire blanketed in snow (PA)

Rural communities likely to be cut off due to weather, says Met Office

Wednesday 8 March 2023 08:00 , Emily Atkinson

The Met Offices chief meteorologist has warned the weather could cut off rural communities in the north and impact travel over the next few days across southern England and south Wales.

A number of national severe warnings for snow and ice were issued, with the Met Office saying further warnings, or updates to the current warnings, are very likely.

Matthew Lehnert said: Snow, ice and low temperatures are the main themes of this weeks forecast, with the UK under an Arctic maritime air mass.

Snow could lead to some travel disruption, with a chance some rural communities in the north could be cut off.

The focus for the snow moves to southern England and South Wales tomorrow and some may wake up to a few centimetres of snow, with the south coast and far south-west likely to see a mix of rain and sleet. Further snow and hail showers are also expected along northern coasts, especially in northern Scotland.

He added: During the afternoon, a further spell of sleet and snow is likely to develop across southern England and South Wales which could cause travel disruption into the evening. The impact of lying snow and ice on untreated surfaces may have an impact on Thursday morning travel.
Persistent overnight snowfall has stirred up long delays on the M62 trans-Pennine motorway.

Frustrated drivers took to Twitter in their droves to share their experiences, with some claiming they had been stuck in tailbacks for upwards of six hours.

In its latest update, National Highways said there were delays of at least three hours eastbound between J20 (Rochdale) and J24 (Huddersfield).

There are delays of at least 90 minutes on the westbound carriageway between J24 and J22, it said.

The M62, which runs from Liverpool to Hull, is covered by a severe weather alert for snow. Similar warnings are in place across the North West, North East and Midlands regions until 8am on Friday.

It comes as Storm Larisa is set to bring treacherous conditions to the UK, with 50mph winds and up to 40cm of snow forecast in some areas.

An amber warning for snow has been issued from south of the Peak District up to the North Pennines, in place from 3pm on Thursday until midday on Friday. In this area, between 10 and 20 centimetres of snow is expected, with between 30 and 40 centimetres forecast elsewhere in northern England.

Key Points

Motorists report delays of six hours on snow-covered M62

Met Office shares update on when snow will clear

Tens of thousands of homes without power as snow storms sweep across country

Schools closed today as Storm Larisa set to bring 'treacherous conditions

New amber warning issued for persistent, heavy snow

Motorists stuck for hours on M62 overnight after heavy snow

08:45 , Emily Atkinson

Drivers remain stuck on the M62 motorway after more than seven hours in miles-long tailbacks caused by a night of heavy snowfall.

Traffic was brought to a standstill on long stretches of the road running through Yorkshire and Greater Manchester in the early hours of Friday morning, with some drivers said to have abandoned their cars.

National Highways said two lanes had been closed between junctions 20 and 22, estimated at one point congestion on the eastbound carriageway between Rochdale and Saddleworth stretched to around eight miles.

Story continues

Martha McHardy has more:

Motorists stuck for hours on M62 overnight after heavy snow

In pictures: Britons wake to another morning of snow

08:23 , Emily Atkinson

(PA)

(PA)

(REUTERS)

Motorists report delays of six hours on snow-covered M62

07:52 , Emily Atkinson

Persistent overnight snowfall has stirred long delays on the M62 trans-Pennine motorway.

Frustrated drivers took to Twitter in their droves to share tales from the tailback, with some claiming they had been in the queue for upwards of six hours.

6hrs and counting in the M62 car park pic.twitter.com/DFyp1AG1Ls  Rich McCarthy (@VJRichMcCarthy) March 10, 2023

In its latest update, National Highways said there were delays of at least 3 hours eastbound between J20 (Rochdale) and J24 (Huddersfield).

There are delays of at least 90 minutes on the westbound carriageway between J24 and J22, it said.

There are delays of at least 3 hours on the #M62 eastbound between J20 #Rochdale and J24 #Huddersfield



There are delays of at least 90 minutes on the westbound carriageway between J24 and J22.



Severe weather continues to affect the region.



More info - https://t.co/GfgMMpxTyt pic.twitter.com/uGqOgFvhko  National Highways: North-West (@HighwaysNWEST) March 10, 2023

The M62, which runs from Liverpool to Hull, is covered by a severe weather alert for snow. Similar warnings are in place across the North West, North East and Midlands regions until 8am on Friday.

How to drive in snow and ice

06:55 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The current heavy snow across the UK means drivers are facing icy roads and treacherous conditions.

The gritters are out but motorists are still being advised against making unnecessary journeys and to proceed with extreme caution when setting out proves unavoidable.

Read the piece:

How to drive in snow and ice

Met Office says snowfall on Saturday to cause further disruption

06:36 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Met Office has said that further snowfall has the potential to cause disruption on Saturday evening into Sunday.

It has asked Britons to expect possible delays or cancellations to air travel. It has also advised that bus and train services may be delayed or cancelled, with some road closures and longer journey times possible.

Met warned that untreated pavements and cycle paths might be impassable.

There is also a chance of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces.

Met Office said that there is a small chance that power cuts will occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected.

Met Office says it will be getting drier and brighter throughout the day on Friday

06:25 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Met Office tweeted that after a snowy and icy start for some, it will be getting drier and brighter throughout the day, although feeling quite chilly.

What's your plans for friday?



After a snowy and icy start for some, it will be getting drier and brighter throughout the day, although feeling quite chilly. pic.twitter.com/SZugYG1H2n  Met Office (@metoffice) March 9, 2023

Met Office says snowfall on Saturday to cause further disruption

06:10 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Met Office has said that further snowfall has the potential to cause disruption on Saturday evening into Sunday.

It has asked Britons to expect possible delays or cancellations to air travel. It has also advised that bus and train services may be delayed or cancelled, with some road closures and longer journey times possible.

Met warned that untreated pavements and cycle paths might be impassable.

There is also a chance of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces.

Met Office said that there is a small chance that power cuts will occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected.

Why UK is seeing snow and -15C temperatures

06:01 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Forecasters have explained that a major change in climate is underway, as Arctic air moves in from the north, bringing snow, ice and freezing temperatures for many.

Experts believe the sudden drop in temperature is being caused by sudden stratospheric warming.

Warnings for snow and ice were issued across northeastern parts of the UK as well as some Northern Ireland and southern and central areas of England and Wales.

Temperatures continue to plummet amidst Arctic blast as UK swept by snow and ice

06:00 , Maroosha Muzaffar

UK weather: Met Office shares update on when snow will clear

Mapped: Where snow will fall on Friday as amber warnings issued

05:45 , Maroosha Muzaffar

New maps have revealed where snow will fall as the UK is gripped by freezing temperatures.

As temperatures continue to plummet amidst the Arctic blast, areas across the UK have been swept by snow and ice, with the Met Office issuing weather warnings across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Mapped: Where snow will fall on Friday as amber warnings issued

Met Office shares update on when snow will clear

05:39 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Rain, sleet and snow across England and Wales will gradually clear southeast through the morning, clearing most areas by lunchtime, Met Office said today on its website.

Sunshine with scattered snow showers in the north and east and developing locally inland. Remaining cloudy in the far southwest, it added.

Scattered snow showers affecting northern Scotland. Cloudy with outbreaks of rain and hill snow developing in the far southwest. Elsewhere, clear spells with a severe frost over lying snow.

How to drive in snow and ice

05:06 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The current heavy snow across the UK means drivers are facing icy roads and treacherous conditions.

The gritters are out but motorists are still being advised against making unnecessary journeys and to proceed with extreme caution when setting out proves unavoidable.

Read the piece:

How to drive in snow and ice

How to protect your homes from ice and snow

05:00 , Eleanor Noyce

The Met Office forecast for snow across the UK and icy weather both pose a challenge over potential damage to homes.

The Met Office has already issued a yellow warning for snow and ice, with more areas in the Midlands, much of Wales and the southeast, including London, under alert for snow on Tuesday morning as Arctic air sweeps across the country.

As conditions are set to worsen over the week, with thick snow set to cover several areas, homeowners could face large repair bills if they dont protect their homes, experts warn.

Snow and ice can wreak havoc on homes, from frozen and burst pipes to roof leaks from heavy snow on the roof, all of which could result in costly repair bills, say experts.

Wintry weather will always be challenging for our homes, but when spring is right around the corner, cold snaps can be unexpected and many people may not be prepared for the damage that cold weather can do to properties, says Natalie White, head of brand communications at the find-a-tradesperson platform Rated People.

Read more:

How to protect your homes from ice and snow

Storm Larisa to bring blizzards to UK as thousands of homes hit by power cuts

04:50 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Blizzards are forecast for parts of Britain on Friday morning as Storm Larisa arrives, with 50mph winds and up to 40cm of snow in a cold snap that has already left thousands without power.

The Met Office issued three amber warnings for northern England, the Midlands, North Wales and Northern Ireland, where significant disruption to transport and power supplies is expected.

Three yellow warnings for snow also cover much of the rest of Britain, with the exception of southern England and western Scotland.

Storm Larisa is set to bring treacherous conditions to the UK on Thursday night and Friday morning, with 50mph winds and up to 40cm of snow forecast in some areas.

Storm Larisa to bring blizzards to UK as thousands of homes hit by power cuts

Mapped: Where snow will fall on Friday as amber warnings issued

04:34 , Maroosha Muzaffar

New maps have revealed where snow will fall as the UK is gripped by freezing temperatures.

As temperatures continue to plummet amidst the Arctic blast, areas across the UK have been swept by snow and ice, with the Met Office issuing weather warnings across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

All areas north of Birmingham have been issued with a combination of yellow and amber warnings. Following snowfall across northern England on Thursday morning, snow will continue to fall throughout the afternoon and overnight into early Friday morning.

Mapped: Where snow will fall on Friday as amber warnings issued

Schools closed today as Storm Larisa set to bring 'treacherous conditions

04:31 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Schools across the UK have been forced to close again today due to heavy snow and freezing temperatures.

Met Office has issued yellow and amber weather warnings across the UK as Storm Larisa is set to bring treacherous conditions on Friday morning, with 50mph winds and up to 40cm of snow forecast in some areas.

Thousands of pupils will miss class while Met Office yellow and amber weather warnings are in force.

Storm Larisa batters parts of UK with blizzards as travel warnings issued

04:22 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Storm Larisa is set to batter parts of the UK with gales and blizzards overnight on Thursday and into Friday.

The Met Office has issued three amber warnings for northern England, the Midlands, North Wales and Northern Ireland, where significant disruption to transport and power supplies is expected.

Four yellow warnings for snow also cover much of the rest of the nation, with the exception of South East England and western Scotland.

Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey said the storm, which has been named by the French weather service, is bringing rain and snow to the UK.

Storm Larisa, which Meteo France have named, is the same low-pressure system that is bringing us the bands of rain, he said.

Storm Larisa batters parts of UK with blizzards as travel warnings issued

More yellow weather warnings in place for snow and ice across parts of Scotland

04:09 , Maroosha Muzaffar

More yellow weather warnings for snow and ice are in place across Scotland today as the country experienced some of the coldest March temperatures for 13 years this week.

A warning for snow and ice is in place for most of northern and eastern Scotland, as well as the central belt.

A further yellow warning is in place for southern Scotland across Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders.

Warnings for snow and ice are also in place through the weekend until Sunday for much of Scotland except for the western Highlands.

More yellow weather warnings in place for snow and ice across parts of Scotland

When do schools have to close due to snow?

04:00 , Eleanor Noyce

Snow, ice and freezing temperatures caused disruption across the UK in January as an Arctic blast swept across the country.

While February was much milder, even spring-like, at times, forecasters are now warning that a new cold snap is about to descend, bringing spells of snow and icy conditions stretch to parts of northern and eastern England causing by freezing Arctic air and prompting the Met Office to issue a yellow warning alert.

Up to 5-10cm of snow is likely to accumulate over northern Scotland, which has been witnessing chilly conditions since Sunday with temperatures feared to plummet as low as -10C.

In other areas, temperatures are expected to be close to the freezing point as rain, sleet and snow edge slowly southwards, while maximum temperatures are also forecast to be in the single digits.

Emily Atkinson reports:

When do schools close due to snow?

Storm Larisa to bring blizzards to UK as thousands of homes hit by power cuts

03:45 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Blizzards are forecast for parts of Britain on Friday morning as Storm Larisa arrives, with 50mph winds and up to 40cm of snow in a cold snap that has already left thousands without power.

The Met Office issued three amber warnings for northern England, the Midlands, North Wales and Northern Ireland, where significant disruption to transport and power supplies is expected.

Three yellow warnings for snow also cover much of the rest of Britain, with the exception of southern England and western Scotland.

Storm Larisa is set to bring treacherous conditions to the UK on Thursday night and Friday morning, with 50mph winds and up to 40cm of snow forecast in some areas.

Read the full story here:

Storm Larisa to bring blizzards to UK as thousands of homes hit by power cuts

Treacherous conditions warning as Storm Larisa blizzards forecast

03:35 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Storm Larisa is set to bring treacherous conditions to the UK on Friday morning, with 50mph winds and up to 40cm of snow forecast in some areas.

The Met Office has issued three amber warnings for northern England, the Midlands, North Wales and Northern Ireland, where significant disruption to transport and power supplies is expected.

Three yellow warnings for snow also cover much of the rest of the nation, with the exception of southern England and western Scotland.

Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey said the storm, which has been named by the French weather service, is bringing rain and snow to the UK.

Storm Larisa, which Meteo France have named, is the same low-pressure system that is bringing us the bands of rain, he said.

Treacherous conditions warning as Storm Larisa blizzards forecast

Snow and ice expected to cause further disruption across the island

03:23 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Further disruption is expected across the island of Ireland on Friday as severe snowy and icy conditions hampered commuters in their travels.

Snow fell heavily in some parts of Ireland, as buses and lorries were seen skidding off road in some areas.

Hundreds of people in Cork and dozens in Northern Ireland were also left without power on Thursday night.

Read the full story by PA here:

Snow and ice expected to cause further disruption across the island

How to drive in snow and ice

03:00 , Eleanor Noyce

The current heavy snow across the UK means drivers are facing icy roads and treacherous conditions.

The gritters are out but motorists are still being advised against making unnecessary journeys and to proceed with extreme caution when setting out proves unavoidable.

Joe Sommerlad reports:

How to drive in snow and ice

Mapped: Where snow will fall on Friday as amber warnings issued

02:00 , Eleanor Noyce

New maps have revealed where snow will fall as the UK is gripped by freezing temperatures.

As temperatures continue to plummet amidst the Arctic blast, areas across the UK have been swept by snow and ice, with the Met Office issuing weather warnings across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

All areas north of Birmingham have been issued with a combination of yellow and amber warnings. Following snowfall across northern England on Thursday morning, snow will continue to fall throughout the afternoon and overnight into early Friday morning.

Read more:

Mapped: Where snow will fall on Friday as amber warnings issued

Cold Weather Payment checker: How to find out if you are owed one

01:00 , Eleanor Noyce

The freezing weather the UK has experienced this week, which has seen Scotland and norther and central England blasted with snow and forecasters warning of blizzard conditions to come, means some households could become eligible for Cold Weather Payments  but what are they and who can receive one?

Here, we answer some of the key questions about them.

Ted Hennessey reports:

Are you eligible for Cold Weather Payments? Heres how to find out

Met Office explains why UK will see snow and -15C temperatures this week

00:01 , Eleanor Noyce

The Met Office has warned UK residents to brace themselves for snow and plunging temperatures this week.

Forecasters have explained that a major change in climate is underway, as Arctic air moves in from the north, bringing snow, ice and freezing temperatures for many.

Experts believe the sudden drop in temperature is being caused by sudden stratospheric warming and could bring about similar freezing conditions to the Beast from the East in 2018.

Warnings for snow and ice have been issued across northeastern parts of the UK as well as some Northern Ireland and southern and central areas of England and Wales.

Further warnings are likely to be issued throughout the week.

Read more:

UK weather: Met Office explains why UK will see snow and -15C temperatures this week

Age UK issues cold weather advice, urging communities to check on vulnerable people

Thursday 9 March 2023 23:00 , Eleanor Noyce

As snow continues to sweep the UK, Age UK has urged communities to keep an eye out for vulnerable people.

The charity has reminded people to come together amidst the cold weather and make time for relatives, friends and neighbours.

Calling in for a chat or a cup of tea is an apt way to ensure that people that might be trapped indoors have everything they need. The charity also advises checking that their homes are warm enough.

 Temperatures have dropped and many of us are waking up to snow, frost and ice this morning, with @metoffice weather warnings in place.



Our cold weather advice has tips on how to stay safe and look out for others when the weather is at its worst  https://t.co/GAFWgDfxnA pic.twitter.com/DSkH7yIvfy  Age UK (@age_uk) March 8, 2023

Nithsdale Police issues warning to Scottish residents as snowfall continues

Thursday 9 March 2023 22:00 , Eleanor Noyce

As snow continues to plough through much of the UK, Nithsdale Police have urged Scottish residents to practice caution.

Take time to ensure you fully defrost all your vehicles windows before setting off, the force advised via Twitter.

Expect roads, pavements & paths to be affected by ice. A weather warning for snow in force, it added.

Its been another freezing cold night so take time to ensure you fully defrost all your vehicles windows before setting off. Expect roads, pavements & paths to be affected by ice. A weather warning for snow is in force. @trafficscotland have live updates on road issues. pic.twitter.com/ongvpHgW6k  Nithsdale Police (@NithsdalePolice) March 9, 2023

Met Office issues five new snow warnings, from Strathclyde to London

Thursday 9 March 2023 21:07 , Eleanor Noyce

The Met Office has issued five new snow warnings across London and the southeast, southwest England, the East Midlands and the East of England.

It has also issued fresh alerts across Wales and the Strathclyde area of Scotland.

The warnings for snow and ice are set to be in place from 4am on Friday until 10pm.

The Met Office said: Periods of rain will likely transition to snow from the northwest, continuing east and south through Friday morning easing as it does so.

AA issues warning as snow set to worsen driving conditions

Thursday 9 March 2023 20:45 , Eleanor Noyce

The AA has warned drivers in northern England to be wary of worsening weather.

It has stated that drivers should consider whether any journeys made today are necessary, as snow and ice continue to sweep across much of the UK.

The amber snow alert was extended by The Met Office today, with the AA warning of conditions on motorways and roads leading into Liverpool, Sheffield, Bradford and Leeds.

The AA has advised those that do need to travel to be cautious.

Storm Larisa set to bring treacherous conditions amidst 50mph winds and 40cm of snow

Thursday 9 March 2023 20:43 , Eleanor Noyce

Storm Larisa is set to bring treacherous conditions to the UK on Thursday night and Friday morning, with 50mph winds and up to 40cm of snow forecast in some areas.

Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey said the storm, which has been named by the French weather service, is bringing rain and snow to the UK.

Storm Larisa, which Meteo France have named, is the same low pressure system that is bringing us the bands of rain, he said.

The UK Arctic blast: Pictured

Thursday 9 March 2023 20:05 , Eleanor Noyce

As parts of the UK are due another dose of snow overnight - with up to 40 centimetres expected in the Lake District - here is the UKs Arctic blast pictured.

A Samoyed dog named Felicity in the snow on the first day of the Crufts Dog Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham (Jacob King/PA) (PA Wire)

A runner braves the snow on Bidston Hill, near Birkenhead, in north west England on March 9, 2023 (AFP via Getty Images)

The A1 in Northumberland has been hit by snow - and now blizzards could be on the way (PA)

A postie battles heavy snow on his delivery rounds in Oldham, Greater Manchester on Thursday (PA)

Dogs don bright coats and knitted hats at Crufts amidst snow

Thursday 9 March 2023 19:45 , Eleanor Noyce

Dogs donned bright coats and knitted hats as they battled the snow to be named best in show at Crufts.

Annual dog show Crufts, which is taking place between March 9 and 12 this year, welcomed back to the ring a host of animals, all vying to take home the win.

In a bid to impress judges, the furry competitors turned up to the event in their finest outfits.

One dog wore a bright yellow knitted hat, as well as a red and blue fleece, amid a backdrop of snow.

Others opted for bright jackets, with a Pyrenean mountain dog sporting an extremely thick purple and red number destined to keep the wearer warm.

Dogs and their owner arrive in snowy weather at Crufts 2023 at NEC Arena on March 9, 2023 in Birmingham (Getty)

A Samoyed dog named Felicity seemed to be perfecting her winners pose as she shielded herself from the snow under a rainbow umbrella.

A pink onesie, zebra print top and beige Burberry scarf were some of the other standout clothing items worn by the dogs.

Snowstorms are due to affect large parts of England, Wales and Northern Ireland on Thursday following the coldest March temperature in more than a decade which was recorded on Wednesday night - minus 16C at Altnaharra in the Highlands.

A Samoyed dog named Felicity in the snow on the first day of the Crufts Dog Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham (Jacob King/PA) (PA Wire)

Met Office issues warning for rain and snow across central England

Thursday 9 March 2023 18:45 , Eleanor Noyce

The Met Office has issued an update for Thursday evenings weather, with rain and snow continuing to sweep.

It has warned of strong easterly winds and blizzard conditions in places, warning that further disruption to travel remains likely.

Thursday evening:

Rain and snow across central parts, with strong easterly winds giving blizzard conditions in places. Travel disruption likely



Mild, with rain and strong winds in the southwest.



Clear spells leading to another cold night with icy patches in Scotland pic.twitter.com/kIkuOQRoZt  Met Office (@metoffice) March 9, 2023

Train travellers warned to expect disruption due to wintry weather

Thursday 9 March 2023 17:45 , Eleanor Noyce

Snow and ice is expected to affect train journeys in many parts of Britain until Friday 10 March, National Rail has announced.

Passengers have been advised to check that their complete journey is possible before travel.

On Thursday, heavy snowfall is expected to extend south from Glasgow to parts of England, including Manchester.

Joanna Whitehead has the full story:

Train travellers warned to expect disruption due to wintry weather

How do you know when its too cold to walk your dog?

Thursday 9 March 2023 16:45 , Eleanor Noyce

If youre a dog owner, you know that going for a walk is the best time of the day for your dog - apart from mealtimes, of course.

But as winter conditions continue into March, the Met Office has issued a cold weather warning, predicting that a cold snap is expected to sweep the UK. Temperatures are forecast to plummet on Tuesday (7 March), touching -3C (28F) in Scotland and -2C in the northwest and east of England.

The frosty atmosphere might make some dog owners think twice before stepping out with their furry friends, but walks are still important for dogs to keep fit, stretch their legs and use up excess energy.

So how can you tell when its too cold to walk your dog, and what should you do to keep them warm?

Read more:

How do you know when its too cold to walk your dog?

Latest update from Met Office

Thursday 9 March 2023 16:15 , Eleanor Noyce

Three Met Office AMBER warnings for snow are in place for in Northern Ireland, Wales and Northern England, with heavy snow expected to cause disruption in these areas.



For more information  pic.twitter.com/DdWtlAtHKE  Met Office (@metoffice) March 9, 2023

Mapped: Where snow will fall on Friday as amber warnings issued

Thursday 9 March 2023 15:50 , Emily Atkinson

New maps have revealed where snow will fall as the UK is gripped by freezing temperatures.

Eleanor Noyce has the details:

Mapped: Where snow will fall on Friday as amber warnings issued

Thousands of homes hit by power cuts as snow sweeps country

Thursday 9 March 2023 15:25 , Emily Atkinson

Thousands of homes are without power as snow continues to sweep the country as an Arctic blast sends temperatures plummeting.

Areas across the South East and east of England have been cut off as a result of power outages, with data from power distributer UK Power Networks suggesting that around 37,500 customers have been impacted.

Haverhill and Stowmarket in East Anglia have been hit by unplanned power outages, alongside areas in Hertfordshire and Essex including Bishops Stortford, Chelmsford, Hastingwood, Epping and Harlow.

Eleanor Noyce reports:

Thousands of homes hit by power cuts as snow sweeps country, from London to Scotland

In pictures: Snow and rain sweep through UK

Thursday 9 March 2023 15:05 , Emily Atkinson

(PA)

(PA)

(AFP via Getty Images)

East Midlands Airport runway remains closed

Thursday 9 March 2023 14:37 , Emily Atkinson

In a second update on Thursday, a spokesperson for East Midlands Airport said: Our runway remains closed as we continue to clear the airfield.

Our ground handling teams are all operational and we have multiple de-icing vehicles in service.

It reiterated that passengers should check with their airlines for the most up-to-date flight information.

The airports website says that four flights have been held at the gate, with others scheduled to depart later on Thursday having been delayed.

One arrival, a Ryanair flight from Wroclaw in Poland, was diverted to Birmingham Airport, according to a flight tracker.

Thursday 9 March 2023 14:10 , Emily Atkinson

Todays snowfall has been well documented across social media, with footage of snow-capped rooftops and wintry panoramas dominating our feeds.

Here are some of the top posts so far:

Nearing 10cm of snow in Sutton Coldfield this morning. Still coming down fast. #uksnow B75 6/10 pic.twitter.com/TkhmEUgKba  Birmingham Weather (@BhamWx) March 9, 2023

If you need to drive between Sheffield and the Peak District, I'd do it soon as this was Baslow Road just now. Settling very quickly and snow getting heavier and much more forecast later.#uksnow #Sheffieldsnow pic.twitter.com/GiyhffSdqA  Simon Walkden (@mazymixer) March 9, 2023

What a stunning walk, deep #uksnow in Dawley now. Some trees are coming down due to the weight of the snow. #loveukweather



More pics to follow... pic.twitter.com/vPdGQpgiLu  Liam Ball (@Liam_Ball92) March 9, 2023

Tens of thousands of homes without power as snow storms sweep across country

Thursday 9 March 2023 13:48 , Emily Atkinson

Tens of thousands of homes across the UK have suffered power outages as snow storms descend across the country.

Record low temperatures and persistent snowfall has caused around 37,000 consumers to lose power across the south east and east of England, according to UK Power Networks  though the actual nationwide figure is thought to be closer to the 40,000 mark.

Some 37,781 customers in West Sussex alone have lost power, while around 478 in Greater London have been impacted.

Cambridgeshire, East Sussex, Kent, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Buckinghamshire, Surrey and Hertfordshire are also mired by power cuts.

Map showing live power outages across UK (UK Power Cuts)

Bristol Airport delays persist

Thursday 9 March 2023 13:15 , Emily Atkinson

Departures from Bristol Airport are still being delayed by low visibility and snow disruption along with French air traffic control strikes.

It comes after snowy conditions on Wednesday disrupted flights and forced the airport to close.

Passengers have been advised to contact their airline before travelling.

Met Office outlook for Thursday afternoon

Thursday 9 March 2023 12:50 , Emily Atkinson

Thursday afternoon:



 Risk of heavy snow and strengthening winds in central parts, with travel disruption likely



 Cloudy with rain in the south



 Cold but with some sunny spells in the north pic.twitter.com/9oYnDfSTu7  Met Office (@metoffice) March 9, 2023

Thursday 9 March 2023 12:25 , Emily Atkinson

East Midlands Airport, in Castle Donington, Leicestershire, has temporarily closed its runway due to the weather.

The airport is under a yellow weather warning for snow in Leicestershire in place until 2pm on Friday.

In a statement, the airport said: Following a period of heavy snowfall, we have temporarily closed our runway.

Health and safety will always be our top priority and operations will resume at the earliest opportunity.

Passengers are advised to contact their airline for the most up-to-date flight information.

 An update on airport operations due to adverse weather. We will provide further updates as soon as possible. pic.twitter.com/F1E43V22UA  East Midlands Airport (@EMA_Airport) March 9, 2023

Breakdowns up 50%, says RAC

Thursday 9 March 2023 12:05 , Emily Atkinson

The RAC says there have been 50 per cent more breakdowns than usual in the areas worse affected by the weather, with some drivers stuck in the snow in parts of South Yorkshire and Wales.

Spokesman Rod Dennis said: Rural routes through central and northern England covered by the Met Offices amber weather warning are starting to get difficult to negotiate, and these are areas drivers should avoid if they can.

(PA)

Given the weather, we recommend thinking carefully before setting out today as, with more snow forecast, things are likely to get worse on the roads before they get better.

These arent conditions anyone wants to be caught out in, so those who have to drive need to be confident on potentially slippery surfaces, have ensured their vehicles are up to the task, and are carrying an emergency breakdown kit so they can stay warm and communicate easily should they get stuck or break down.

In pictures: Britons brave the elements

Thursday 9 March 2023 11:40 , Emily Atkinson

(Getty Images)

(PA)

(PA)

New yellow warning for snow and ice issued across Scotland

Thursday 9 March 2023 11:17 , Emily Atkinson

 Yellow weather warning issued 



Snow and ice across northeastern parts of Scotland

Thursday 1700  Friday 1000



Latest info  https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs



Stay #WeatherAware " pic.twitter.com/jzpjHJ5xFH  Met Office (@metoffice) March 9, 2023

Camilla cancels engagement due to weather

Thursday 9 March 2023 10:55 , Emily Atkinson

The Queen Consort has pulled out of engagements in Newmarket after the weather disrupted her travel plans, Buckingham Palace said.

A Palace spokesman said: Her Majestys engagements at Newmarket later today have had to be postponed due to the weather impacting on transport arrangements.

Her Majesty is of course very sorry not to be able to attend and will hope to find another date to visit in due course.

(PA)

Camilla was due to visit the British Racing School to mark its 40th anniversary and later unveil a painting at the British Sporting Art Trust in the Suffolk market town on Thursday.

The decision to postpone was taken on Thursday morning when the weather was reviewed and attempts to find alternative arrangements were not successful.

Six rescued from mountain as snow warning is put in place for Ireland

Thursday 9 March 2023 10:30 , Emily Atkinson

Six people have been rescued from a mountain in Co Kerry overnight amid dangerous conditions as a snow warning has been put in place for the entire island of Ireland.

Kerry Mountain Rescue Team were responding to reports that a female hillwalker had fallen in the eastern part of the MacGillycuddys Reeks.

It then received reports that other hillwalkers were in difficulty and found six people stuck 150 metres from the bottom of a gully.

Conditions on the hill were very poor, rending any approach to the casualties from the bottom of the gully dangerous, it said.

Rescuers climbed to a point above the trapped people and abseiled down to them.

The casualties were secured to haul lines that were used to bring them all safely to the top of the ridge.

Apart from being very cold and fatigued, thankfully none of the casualties were injured and the rescue concluded at approximately 1.30am, it said.

Latest images as blizzards tear through country

Thursday 9 March 2023 10:05 , Emily Atkinson

(PA)

(PA)

(PA)

New amber warning issued for persistent, heavy snow

Thursday 9 March 2023 09:20 , Emily Atkinson

Another severe weather warning for persistent, heavy snow has been issued for parts of the UK after temperatures plunged to a new record low.

The amber warning covers swathes of Wales and the West Midlands, and will remain in place between 12pm today and 9am on Friday.

Significant disruption to transport, power lines and phone network coverage is likely, the Met Office said in an update this morning.

 Amber weather warning issued 



Snow across parts of Wales and the West Midlands



Thursday 1200  Friday 0900



Latest info  https://t.co/QwDLMfS950



Stay #WeatherAware  pic.twitter.com/khH1GZl3o0  Met Office (@metoffice) March 9, 2023

What to expect

Travel delays on roads, stranding some vehicles and passengers

Some delays and cancellations to rail and air travel are likely

There is a good chance that some rural communities could become cut off

Power cuts are likely and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected

Seven flooding alerts issued across England and Wales

Thursday 9 March 2023 09:10 , Emily Atkinson

The Environment Agency has issued five alerts for locations on the south coast of England, and for residents between Putney Bridge and Teddington Weir along the River Thames in London, where flooding is possible.

Natural Resources Wales has given two similar warnings for the North Wales coast, along with the Lleyn Peninsula and Cardigan Bay coastline.

Coldest March night for 13 years as temperatures drop to -16C

Thursday 9 March 2023 08:42 , Emily Atkinson

Temperatures in the UK plummeted to -16C on Wednesday night, making it the coldest March night in 13 years, forecasters say.

The low was recorded in Altnaharra in the Scottish Highlands, also making it the coldest night of the year so far, the Met Office said.

It marks the lowest temperature in the UK in the month of March since 2010, when minus 18.6C was recorded at Braemar in Aberdeenshire.

It's a chilly start for many, but especially across Scotland where Altnaharra has recorded -16.0 Celsius and the coldest night of 2023 so far



This is the lowest minimum temperature recorded in the UK in the month of March since 2010 (when Braemar dropped to -18.6 Celsius)  pic.twitter.com/kU4MdbycUM  Met Office (@metoffice) March 9, 2023

Rain, sleet and snow across West Midlands and Wales, radar shows

Thursday 9 March 2023 08:25 , Emily Atkinson

The latest area of rain, sleet and snow is already moving in across parts of Wales and the west Midlands as shown in the latest radar 



Stay #WeatherAware  pic.twitter.com/Sz8BqsCYXj  Met Office (@metoffice) March 9, 2023

UK 5 day weather forecast

Thursday 9 March 2023 07:59 , Emily Atkinson

The Met Office has published a fresh five-day forecast as blizzard conditions descend on Britain today.

Heres its latest outlook:

Headline:

Heavy snow over parts of northern England later today.

Today:

Cold, cloudy, windy and unsettled for many today. Spells of rain will affect southern UK. Further north, spells of snow will affect parts of Wales, the Midlands, northern England, Northern Ireland and southern Scotland. Northern Scotland brighter with snow showers.

Tonight:

Further snow across parts of Wales, the Midlands, northern England, Northern Ireland and southern Scotland, heaviest snow northern England. Rain at times in the far south. Windy.

Friday:

Early rain and snow across England and Wales clearing southwards, sunshine following with snow showers in the east. Sunny spells Scotland and Northern Ireland, but a snow showers too. Cold.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday:

After a cold start to Saturday, turning milder but unsettled for most with rain and strong winds. Remaining colder in the far north, with some further snowfall.

In pictures: Snow carpets Bedfordshire as Artic blast hits

Thursday 9 March 2023 07:25 , Emily Atkinson

(PA)

(PA)

(PA)

ICYMI: UK braces for strong winds bringing blizzard conditions and travel disruption

Thursday 9 March 2023 07:00 , Namita Singh

The UK is set to experience severe snowstorms and travel disruption on Thursday, forecasters have warned.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for strong winds bringing blizzard conditions and up to 40cm of snow to the area stretching from Stoke-on-Trent to Durham.

Wednesday night is expected to be cold, with temperatures around minus 1C in south-east England, and as low as minus 13C in northern Scotland.

More in this report:

Drivers told to go carefully as snow forecast across all counties

Drivers told to go carefully as snow forecast across all counties

Thursday 9 March 2023 06:40 , Namita Singh

Drivers have been urged to exercise caution and to expect disruption as snow and ice are expected across the country from Thursday.

Forecasters have issued a yellow snow warning for all counties, which comes into effect overnight.

Met Eireann said rain, sleet and snow will spread north across the country, with snow expected in many areas, along with icy conditions.

Report:

Drivers told to go carefully as snow forecast across all counties

Heavy snow and blizzard to hit Britain as Arctic blast hits

Thursday 9 March 2023 06:20 , Namita Singh

The UK is preparing for blizzard conditions as heavy snowfall is set to hit central and northern England on Thursday.

The Met Office issued an amber weather warning for the area between Stoke-on-Trent and Durham, warning of strong winds and blizzard conditions.

The warning will remain in place for 21 hours from 3pm on Thursday until 2pm on Friday.

My colleague Stuti Mishra has more:

UK weather: Heavy snow and blizzard to hit Britain as Arctic blast hits

How does the day look today

Thursday 9 March 2023 06:00 , Namita Singh

Mild with rain in the far southwest

 A snowy day for some in central parts

Best of the sunshine will be in the far north

More in this map issued by Met Department:

Thursday morning:



 Mild with rain in the far southwest



 A snowy day for some in central parts



 Best of the sunshine will be in the far north pic.twitter.com/FY934OxFBs  Met Office (@metoffice) March 8, 2023

Where will it snow?

Thursday 9 March 2023 05:40 , Namita Singh

Snow storms with blizzard conditions are set to hit parts of the UK as temperatures plunge to -15C again overnight.

Yellow weather alerts for snow and ice are currently in place across large parts of the UK, with Wales, the Midlands and East Anglia among the areas being warned of snowfall on Wednesday evening.

One yellow alert, which warns snow showers and travel disruption are likely, covers northern parts of Scotland, where the Met Office says temperatures could drop to -15C overnight. The warning is in place from 6pm on Wednesday until 10am on Thursday.

More in this report:

Will it snow tonight and where?

What Thursday will look like

Thursday 9 March 2023 05:20 , Namita Singh

Heres the weather forecast for today:

Got plans for Thursday?



Here's the 4cast! pic.twitter.com/xIwgdmXEGd  Met Office (@metoffice) March 8, 2023

Here are weather extremes from Wednesday

Thursday 9 March 2023 05:00 , Namita Singh

An area of rain, sleet and snow pushed north across much of England and Wales yesterday.

Further north, after the coldest night of the year so far, it was dry with long sunny spells and scattered snow showers.

An area of rain, sleet and snow pushed north across much of England and Wales during Wednesday 



Further north, after the coldest night of the year so far, it was dry with long sunny spells and scattered snow showers



Here are the extremes for Wednesday 8th March 2023  pic.twitter.com/Zfo085i5K3  Met Office (@metoffice) March 9, 2023

Amber snow warning as up to 40cm to fall during blizzard conditions

Thursday 9 March 2023 04:40 , Namita Singh

A Met Office amber warning has been issued for significant disruption from strong winds bringing blizzard conditions as parts of the UK could be covered in up to 40cm of snow.

The current Arctic blast, which saw temperatures drop to -15.4C at Kinbrace in Scotland in the early hours of Wednesday, will continue through the week with the Midlands and north of England facing heavy snow.

A number of National Severe Weather Warnings are in place across the UK as snow continues to cause disruption through the week.

My colleague Thomas Kingsley has more:

Amber snow warning as up to 40cm to fall during blizzard conditions

Yellow weather warnings in place for snow and ice across parts of Scotland

Thursday 9 March 2023 04:20 , Namita Singh

Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice are in place across much of Scotland on today as temperatures fell below zero overnight.

A yellow warning for snow and ice is in place in the north of Scotland, where temperatures were as low as minus 4C in the early hours today.

A further yellow warning is in place for snow across the central belt, Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders  with an additional warning for snow and ice in place for the south east of the country.

Read the details here:

Yellow weather warnings in place for snow and ice across parts of Scotland

In pictures: Snow across the UK

Thursday 9 March 2023 04:00 , Martha Mchardy

A man enjoying the snow on the Dunstable Downs in Bedfordshire. (Joe Giddens/PA Wire)

Snow covered fields surround Alnwick Castle in Northumberland as weather warnings for snow and ice are issued (Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

A man walks his dog through a snow covered field at Alnwick Castle in Northumberland (PA)

A woman pulls a child on a sledge through the snow beside the beach huts at Blyth in Northumberland (Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

A snowy scene looking along the Long Walk towards Windsor Castle, Berkshire, as parts of the UK wake up to snow and a yellow weather warning (Yui Mok/PA Wire)

Snow settles on Glastonbury Tor as parts of the UK wake up to snow and a yellow weather warning (Ben Birchall/PA Wire)

UK braces for strong winds bringing blizzard conditions and travel disruption

Thursday 9 March 2023 03:40 , Namita Singh

The UK is set to experience severe snowstorms and travel disruption today, forecasters have warned.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for strong winds bringing blizzard conditions and up to 40cm of snow to the area stretching from Stoke-on-Trent to Durham.

Yesterday night was expected to be cold, with temperatures around minus 1C in south-east England, and as low as minus 13C in northern Scotland.

Report:

UK braces for strong winds bringing blizzard conditions and travel disruption

Drivers told to go carefully as snow forecast across all counties

Thursday 9 March 2023 03:20 , Namita Singh

Drivers have been urged to exercise caution and to expect disruption as snow and ice are expected across the country from Thursday.

Forecasters have issued a yellow snow warning for all counties, which comes into effect overnight.

Met Eireann said rain, sleet and snow will spread north across the country, with snow expected in many areas, along with icy conditions.

This could be up to 10cm deep in some places, with more possible on higher ground.

More in this report:

Drivers told to go carefully as snow forecast across all counties

Britain braced for five days of snow as map reveals coldest places in UK

Thursday 9 March 2023 03:00 , Martha Mchardy

A map reveals the overnight temperatures forecast for some cities and towns across the country as the UK braces for another cold snap and snow.

Aberdeen, Belfast, Newcastle, Manchester and Hull also look set to experience sub-zero conditions and the Met Office has issued weather warnings for snow and ice covering parts of England, Scotland Wales and Northern Ireland.

(Source: Met Office (Independent))

Drivers told to go carefully as snow forecast across all counties in Ireland

Thursday 9 March 2023 02:00 , Martha Mchardy

Drivers have been urged to exercise caution and to expect disruption as snow and ice are expected across the country from Thursday.

Forecasters have issued a yellow snow warning for all counties, which comes into effect overnight.

Met Eireann said rain, sleet and snow will spread north across the country, with snow expected in many areas, along with icy conditions.

This could be up to 10cm deep in some places, with more possible on higher ground.

It is illegal to drive with a windscreen covered in snow and ice (Danny Lawson/PA) (PA Archive)

Sleet and snow is likely to turn to rain in the south for a time on Thursday, posing a risk of hazardous driving conditions and poor visibility.

The yellow snow warning remains in effect nationwide until 11pm on Thursday, while a yellow low temperature warning is in place from 9pm Thursday until 10am on Friday.

A snow-ice warning for the Leinster counties, Cavan and Monaghan will be in place from 11pm on Thursday until 10am on Friday.

The Met Office has also warned that heavy snow has the potential to cause disruption in all counties in Northern Ireland on Thursday and Friday, with the warning in place from 7am on Thursday until 2pm on Friday.

It said this could lead to travel delays on roads stranding some vehicles and passengers, some rural communities being cut off and power supplies and mobile phone coverage being affected.

The Road Safety Authority has urged drivers to expect hazardous road conditions and reduced visibility.

Drivers are being advised to remove all snow from their cars, clear windows and mirrors before setting out, to use the cars controls delicately in snowy conditions and ensure extra distance to the vehicle in front.

Met Office explains why UK will see snow and -15C temperatures this week

Thursday 9 March 2023 01:00 , Martha Mchardy

Experts believe the sudden drop in temperature is being caused by sudden stratospheric warming and could bring about similar freezing conditions to the Beast from the East in 2018.

Warnings for snow and ice have been issued across northeastern parts of the UK as well as some Northern Ireland and southern and central areas of England and Wales.

Further warnings are likely to be issued throughout the week.

Mustafa Javid Qadri reports:

UK weather: Met Office explains why UK will see snow and -15C temperatures this week

Mapped: Where snow fell in the UK on Wednesday

Thursday 9 March 2023 00:00 , Martha Mchardy

A Met Office weather map shows a snow and ice warning was issued for almost all of Scotland and the Highlands, in addition to parts of northeast and east England, as well as all of Northern Ireland.

Much of southern England and Wales also experienced snow.

More snow is expected through the week (Met Office)

Will it snow tonight and where?

Wednesday 8 March 2023 23:00 , Martha Mchardy

Snow storms with blizzard conditions are set to hit parts of the UK as temperatures plunge to -15C again overnight.

Yellow weather alerts for snow and ice are currently in place across large parts of the UK, with Wales, the Midlands and East Anglia among the areas being warned of snowfall on Wednesday evening.

One yellow alert, which warns snow showers and travel disruption are likely, covers northern parts of Scotland, where the Met Office says temperatures could drop to -15C overnight. The warning is in place from 6pm on Wednesday until 10am on Thursday.

Mustafa Javid Qadri reports:

Will it snow tonight and where?

Snow piles across Hampshire as arctic blast hits UK

Wednesday 8 March 2023 22:00 , Martha Mchardy

Emergency vets issue hazard warning to pet owners as Met Office issues amber weather warning

Wednesday 8 March 2023 21:10 , Martha Mchardy

Emergency vets have issued a hazard warning to pet owners after the Met Office issued an amber snow weather warning for central and northern England.

Vets Now, an emergency vet service, has urged pet owners to avoid using anti-freeze in their cars because it is extremely toxic to pets.

Dave Leicester of Vets Now said: Anti-freeze is extremely harmful to animals, even a very small amount of it is very toxic to the kidneys and unfortunately is quite often fatal. Just one 5ml teaspoon could be enough to kill a cat and a tablespoon could be fatal for dogs.

Pet owners have been urged to avoid using anti-freeze in their cars because it is extremely toxic to pets. (Getty Images)

One of the main ingredients in anti-freeze is ethylene glycol, which is extremely toxic. With a very sweet taste, it makes it very palatable to animals, so its really important when using it to minimise spillages as much as possible. Even small amounts in a contaminated puddle of water could be enough to poison a cat.

Leaks from screen wash containers or car radiators should be quickly cleaned up and thoroughly washed away with a hose or buckets of water. Its also worth informing your neighbours as many people wont be aware it is so toxic.

There is some hope as there is a safer alternative to anti-freeze with Ethylene glycol - Propylene glycol anti-freeze. It is more expensive, but safe for pets and other wildlife, so could be worth the extra investment to avoid anti-freeze poisoning.

Symptoms of anti-freeze poisoning include wobbliness or falling over, vomiting, dehydration, and lack of appetite, as well as diarrhoea, drooling, halitosis, seizures and collapse.

If you are worried your pet has swallowed anti-freeze, contact your vet as soon as possible.

In Pictures: UK shivers in the snow as cold spell continues

Wednesday 8 March 2023 20:25 , Martha Mchardy

(PA)

Britain braces for 'blizzard conditions' with 40cm of snow to fall

Wednesday 8 March 2023 19:38 , Martha Mchardy

Snow storms are expected to hit large swathes of central and northern England on Thursday, forecasters have warned.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for strong winds bringing blizzard conditions and up to 40cm of snow to the area stretching from Stoke-on-Trent to Durham.

The warning lasts for 21 hours from 3pm on Thursday  and significant disruption to transport, power lines and phone network coverage is likely.

Snow covered fields surround Alnwick Castle in Northumberland as weather warnings for snow and ice are issued (Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

Several milder yellow weather warnings for snow have also been issued, covering much of the nation from Wednesday to Friday.

Tuesday marked the coldest night of the year so far, and more sub-zero overnight temperatures are expected in all four UK nations in the coming days.

Temperatures at Kinbrace in the Highlands dropped to this years low of minus 15.4C overnight.

Met Office spokesperson Nicola Maxey said this was the coldest March temperature recorded since 2010, but that it is not that unusual to see snow in March.

Temperatures in Scotland could get down to -15C tonight, says Met Office chief

Wednesday 8 March 2023 18:55 , Martha Mchardy

Temperatures in Scotland could get down to -15C tonight as colder air moves north overnight, a Met Office chief has said.

Met Office chief meteorologist, Matthew Lehnert, said: The boundary between milder and colder air will slowly move north through Wednesday and overnight, moving the chances of snow further north with it.

Cars driving through snow on the northbound carriageway of the M5 motorway near Taunton, which has been reduced to two lanes due to snow (Ben Birchall/PA Wire)

Snow will have settled quite widely in central parts of the UK as we move into Thursday morning leaving tricky conditions for the morning travel period. It will be another very cold night, especially under clear skies in Scotland where temperatures could get down to -15C again tonight.

An amber warning for snow has been issued for the high ground running north in the centre of northern England as snow redevelops through the course of Thursday and persist until early Friday.

Here we could see up to 40cm of snow accompanied by strong winds causing blizzard conditions.

Amber snow warning as up to 40cm to fall during blizzard conditions

Wednesday 8 March 2023 18:10 , Martha Mchardy

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for significant disruption as parts of the UK could be covered in up to 40cm of snow.

After temperatures dropped to -15.4C at Kinbrace in Scotland overnight, the Arctic blast will continue through the week with the Midlands and north of England facing heavy snow.

The warning is in place from 3pm on Thursday to midday on Friday. 10 to 20cm of snow is likely to fall across much of the area, with 30 to 40cm in some places, and will be accompanied by strong winds.

A number of National Severe Weather Warnings are in place across the UK as snow continues to cause disruption through the week.

Thomas Kingsley reports:

Amber snow warning as up to 40cm to fall during blizzard conditions

How to drive in snow and ice

Wednesday 8 March 2023 17:25 , Martha Mchardy

The current heavy snow across the UK means drivers are facing icy roads and treacherous conditions.

The gritters are out but motorists are still being advised against making unnecessary journeys and to proceed with extreme caution when setting out proves unavoidable.

As you drive home today, Joe Sommerlad reports on how to drive in snow and ice.

How to drive in snow and ice

11 of the most striking images as snow hits UK after coldest March night since 2010

Wednesday 8 March 2023 16:40 , Emily Atkinson

With many people awaking to snow for the first time this year, here are some of the most striking images captured by photojournalists of the wintry scenes across the country.

Andy Gregory reports:

11 of the most striking images as snow hits UK

Watch: Snow piles across Hampshire as arctic blast hits UK

Wednesday 8 March 2023 16:10 , Emily Atkinson

Elderly must do all they can to keep warm and take care'

Wednesday 8 March 2023 15:45 , Emily Atkinson

A leading charity has encouraged the elderly to take simple precautions as the country grapples with snow and freezing temperatures.

Age UK said people should not, where possible, try to save money by using less heating, as many contend with rising energy bills.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: With much of the UK waking up to snow this morning we are urging older people to do all they can to keep warm and take care.

With high energy bills and food prices still rocketing it is understandable that many may think they have to cut back on food and turn their heating off, but prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can have a substantial impact on their health.

Having plenty of hot food and drinks throughout the day can help keep the health risks of the cold at bay, as can taking simple precautions such as wrapping up warm when going outside and sleeping with the windows closed at night.

'Severe amber warning for snow issued as power cuts likely

Wednesday 8 March 2023 14:53 , Emily Atkinson

The Met Office has issued a severe two-day amber weather warning for snow as the wintry weather looks set to worsen.

The warning stretches from Nottingham to just south Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and will remain in place between 3pm and 12pm on Friday.

Heavy snow is likely to cause significant disruption on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning, the Met Office said in an update this afternoon.

AMBER Met Office warning now issued for Pennine region into N Midlands for the snow expected tomorrow and into Friday.



10-20cm widely

30-40cm locally#snow | #uksnow pic.twitter.com/mlexXneQ50  Simon King (@SimonOKing) March 8, 2023

What to expect:

Travel delays on roads, stranding some vehicles and passengers

Some delays and cancellations to rail and air travel are likely

There is a good chance that some rural communities could become cut off

Power cuts are likely and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected

In pictures: People play in the snow on the Dunstable Downs in Bedfordshire

Wednesday 8 March 2023 14:20 , Emily Atkinson

(PA)

(PA)

(PA)

Revealed: When and where it will snow in the UK this week

Wednesday 8 March 2023 13:50 , Emily Atkinson

Snow and ice warnings have been issued across parts of the UK this week with up to 10cm of snow expected to settle in Scotland.

Yellow weather warnings have been put in place with power outages and travel disruption likely as the band of freezing weather kicks in.

The UK Health Security Agency has issued Level 2 and Level 3 Cold Weather Alerts for the whole of England.

Maryam Zakir-Hussain has the details:

Revealed: When and where it will snow in the UK this week

Bristol Airport reopens

Wednesday 8 March 2023 13:10 , Emily Atkinson

Bristol airport reopened at 10.45am after it temporarily closed for snow clearing operations with morning flights cancelled.

The airport has said there is ongoing flight disruption, however.

Watch: Animals enjoy snow day at Whipsnade Zoo

Wednesday 8 March 2023 12:40 , Emily Atkinson

How to drive in snow and ice

Wednesday 8 March 2023 12:10 , Emily Atkinson

The current heavy snow across the UK means drivers are facing icy roads and treacherous conditions.

The gritters are out but motorists are still being advised against making unnecessary journeys and to proceed with extreme caution when setting out proves unavoidable.

Joe Sommerlad has the details:

How to drive in snow and ice

Network Rail advisers passengers to check journeys

Wednesday 8 March 2023 11:40 , Emily Atkinson

Network Rail is advising passengers to check their journeys in advance due to the Met Office warnings, but a spokesperson said there has been no significant weather-related disruption on the lines so far.

The warnings for Wednesday cover northern and eastern Scotland until 10am, and Northern Ireland and southern England until 9am.

Latest images: Snow covers the M5 carriageway

Wednesday 8 March 2023 10:50 , Emily Atkinson

(PA)

(PA)

(PA)

Kinbrace temperatures further plummet

Wednesday 8 March 2023 10:31 , Emily Atkinson

The coldest overnight temperature of the year has dropped a further 0.2 degrees to minus 15.4C, according to the Met Office.

A reading of minus 15.2C was recorded at Kinbrace in the Highlands on Tuesday night, and the temperature in the area has since decreased further, the national forecaster said.

The temperature at Kinbrace has since dropped a little further to -15.4 Celsius this morning



Certainly a morning to wrap up warm   Met Office (@metoffice) March 8, 2023

Train travellers warned to expect disruption due to wintry weather

Wednesday 8 March 2023 10:06 , Emily Atkinson

Snow and ice is expected to affect train journeys in many parts of Britain until Friday 10 March, National Rail has announced.

Passengers have been advised to check that their complete journey is possible before travel.

At present, Southeastern services are most affected by the adverse weather, with services disrupted on the Hastings, Sole Street, Bromley North, Bromley South, and Hayes lines.

Joanna Whitehead reports:

Train travellers warned to expect disruption due to wintry weather

Bristol airport cancels flights amid Arctic blast

Wednesday 8 March 2023 09:45 , Emily Atkinson

Bristol Airport has cancelled all early morning flights today (Wednesday 8 March) due to snow and adverse weather conditions.

A statement on its Twitter account reads: The Bristol Airport teams are working hard on snow clearing operations, but as the snow continues to fall, flight operations have been suspended until 1100.

Passengers are advised to contact their airline for specific flight information prior to travelling to the airport and please take extra care.

Joanna Whitehead has more:

Bristol airport cancels flights amid Arctic blast

Wednesday 8 March 2023 09:30 , Emily Atkinson

This mornings snowfall has been well documented across social media, with footage of snow-capped rooftops and wintry panoramas dominating our feeds.

Here are some of the top posts so far:

Police urge motorists to avoid driving due to very dangerous conditions

Wednesday 8 March 2023 09:10 , Emily Atkinson

Wilshire Police has urged motors to avoid all but essential journeys after heavy snowfall overnight created very dangerous driving conditions.

Posting at 3.30am this morning, police said:

Very heavy snow overnight is making driving conditions very dangerous. If your journey is not necessary please do not drive. #staysafe pic.twitter.com/JDw9oRGIK7  Wilts Specialist Ops (@WiltsSpecOps) March 8, 2023

Coldest night of year so far as temperatures drop to -15.2C

Wednesday 8 March 2023 09:05 , Emily Atkinson

The UK has braved its coldest night of the year so far, with temperatures dropping below -15C in the Scottish Highlands as snow blanketed parts of London.

Thermometers at Kinbrace in the Highlands gave readings of -15.2C overnight on Tuesday, the Met Office said  the lowest the mercury has dropped all year.

A blast of Arctic air means that sleet and snow is expected across southern England and south Wales on Wednesday, while scattered snow and hail showers will impact Scotlands northern coasts as the cold snap intensifies.

Andy Gregory has more:

Coldest night of year so far as temperatures drop to -15.2C in UK

Watch: Snow piles across Hampshire as arctic blast hits UK

Wednesday 8 March 2023 09:00 , Emily Atkinson

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
(Bloomberg) -- President Volodymyr Zelenskiy urged a rapid repair of energy infrastructure in areas hit by a fresh barrage of Russian missile attacks that cut power to hundreds of thousands across war-battered Ukraine.

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We must ensure the protection of energy infrastructure from enemy fire and ensure the rapid restoration of power supplies, Zelenskiy said in a statement posted on Telegram.

Power was restored to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant after the attacks knocked out its supply for the sixth time. A White House spokeswoman said at least 11 Ukrainians died in the attacks. At least five people were killed near the western city of Lviv, which was hit by an array of weapons, including Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones and Kinzhal missiles, which Russia says are hypersonic rockets and able to evade air defenses.

Key Developments

UK Suspects Russians Using British Firms to Launder War Profits

Biden Unexpectedly Stops By to Meet Once-Famed Putin Whisperer

Russia Shifts Tactics With Barrage That Kills Five in Ukraine

Germany Identifies Ship Possibly Involved in Nord Stream Bombing

Russian Cyberwar in Ukraine Stumbles Just Like Conventional One

EU Stalls in Search for Sanctioned Russian Billionaires Assets

(All times CET)

UK Probes Ties to Russian Money Laundering (3:40 a.m.)

The UK government suspects Russian nationals have exploited lax checks by the companies register in attempts to launder war profits stolen from Ukraine, according to people familiar with the matter.

British law enforcement agencies have identified large numbers of sham companies incorporated in the UK by nationals from a range of countries in recent years, likely for the purposes of money laundering or tax evasion, the people said, asking not to be named discussing confidential matters.

Story continues

Hundreds of those firms list Russians as their officers and some Russian-controlled companies are now trying to exploit the war in Ukraine for financial gain, the people said.

White House Calls Russian Attacks Brutal, Unjustified (7:21 p.m.)

White House spokeswoman Olivia Dalton said that almost 80 missiles were launched across Ukraine and were targeted at what appears to be civilian infrastructure with the apparent intent of cutting off heating and electricity and other critical necessities to Ukraine.

We saw 11 Ukrainians lost their lives so far, she told reporters on Air Force One as Biden was en route to Pennsylvania to promote his US budget proposal. She said its devastating to see these brutal, unjustified attacks on civilian infrastructure.

The United States continues to provide air defense capabilities to Ukraine and to make sure, in concert with our allies and partners across the globe, that were providing what they need to meet this moment, Dalton said.

Kharkiv and Zhytomyr Regions Have Limited Power (6:49 p.m.)

Russian missile and drone attacks damaged power equipment repaired after previous attacks in the Zhytomyr region in northern Ukraine. But national power grid operator Ukrenergo said on Facebook that theres enough power to maintain critical infrastructure during repair work that may take as long as two weeks. In the Kharkiv region, the critical infrastructure also is getting electricity, although it may take few days until supply is stabilized.

The southern city of Odesa and the surrounding region face power shortages as well, though repair crews are working quickly to restore the supply, according to local authorities.

Russia Still Uses Toxic Euro, Dollar to Sell Exports (4:44 p.m.)

Russia still conducted nearly half of all trade late last year in the currencies of its adversaries that imposed sanctions over the Kremlins invasion of Ukraine, even as the yuan and the ruble made deep inroads into the settlement of transactions.

Payments for exports using what the Bank of Russia calls toxic currencies, primarily US dollars and euros, accounted for 48% of the total at the end of 2022, down from 87% at the start of the year. The yuans share increased to 34% from 0.5% and the ruble made up 16%, a report by the central bank showed on Thursday.

Russian Oil Flows to China Hit by Pacific Diversions and Delays (4:23 p.m.)

The shipment of Russias key ESPO crude oil to China is showing signs of running into trouble, with deliveries slowing and fully-laden vessels still floating around Asia a month after taking on their cargoes.

Vessels hauling Russias main Pacific export crude are waiting weeks to discharge, ships are bouncing between ports and more cargoes are heading to India. Delays are tying up tankers for longer on voyages, reducing loading frequency and increasing the number of ships needed to keep exports flowing. The slowdown is also contributing to a surge in shipping costs.

Russias Resilience May Thwart Oil Market Squeeze (2:51 p.m.)

The oil market squeeze thats predicted for later this year depends in large part on something that doesnt seem to be happening: a large and lasting reduction in Russian output.

Oil traders and analysts across the industry widely expect the worlds demand to exceed supply in the second half of 2023, depleting inventories and sending prices toward $100 a barrel. The views are largely based on estimates of a rebound in Chinese consumption as the Asian giants economy reopens, but also on assumptions that Russian output will buckle under international sanctions  a prediction that Moscow has so far defied.

Ukraine Restores Supply to Nuclear Plant After Attack (2:26 p.m.)

Power supply was restored to the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, national grid operator Ukrenergo said on Telegram. The plant had been running on emergency diesel after disruption from the Russian missile attack, Rafael Mariano Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said earlier.

This cannot go on, Grossi told the UN watchdogs board of governors in comments posted on Twitter. Each time we are rolling a dice  and if we allow this to continue, time after time, then one day our luck will run out. It was the sixth time that Europes largest nuclear power station had lost all off-site power and had to tap emergency resources, he said.

Kadri Simson, the European Unions energy commissioner, will convene the blocs 27 energy ministers and Ukraines energy minister Herman Haluschenko for a virtual call at 4 p.m. to discuss the incident, according to a person familiar with the matter.

EU Stalls in Search for Billionaires Assets (2:07 p.m.)

The EU is struggling to find and freeze the assets of sanctioned Russian billionaires, with the total figure increasing only modestly in recent months.

The bloc has so far frozen 20.9 billion ($22 billion) in assets, even though the EU has targeted Russia with 10 rounds of sanctions since Putins invasion of Ukraine more than a year ago. Back in October, the bloc reported that some 17.4 billion had been frozen.

Energy Facilities Damaged in Eight Regions: Ukraines Premier (1:58 p.m.)

Russias attack damaged energy generating and distribution facilities in eight Ukrainian regions, though the countrys energy system as a whole was operational, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on Telegram.

Repair crews are on the spot, special attention is paid to restoring electricity supply to Kharkiv, Shmyhal said.

Germany Identifies Ship Possibly Involved in Nord Stream Bombing (12:54 p.m.)

German authorities said they searched a vessel that may have transported explosives used in the attack on the Nord Stream pipelines last year, signaling that an investigation may yield more on who was behind it. Traces and items found in the search of a vessel from Jan. 18 to 20 are being probed, the Federal Prosecutor said in a statement on Thursday. Germans working for the company that leased the ship are not under investigation, it said.

The identity of the perpetrators and their motives are the subject of the ongoing investigation, the Federal Prosecutors office said in a statement. At present, it is not possible to make any statements of a concrete nature, in particular on the question of whether this was a state-sponsored action.

Russia Has Resources for Two Years of War: Lithuania (12:50 p.m.)

Russia has enough resources and capabilities to sustain its war in Ukraine at its current intensity for another two years, according to estimates by Lithuanian intelligence.

Russia is likely preparing itself for a protracted conflict, no matter what the cost, Lithuanias intelligence agency said in a report assessing threats to national security. The Kremlin is increasing the size of its army and defense spending in preparation for a long-term conflict with Ukraine and the West, it said.

The highly-militarized Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, which borders Lithuania, remains the countrys biggest threat, the report said, adding that while ground deployment in Kaliningrad was reduced, air and naval forces remain unaffected by the war.

Russia Still Has Many Questions About Grain Deal (10:51 a.m.)

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said many questions remain open over implementing the United Nations-brokered grain deal, Russias Tass news agency reported. The agreement, whose 120-day run ends on March 18, has enabled the shipment of more than 20 million tons of Ukrainian crops since it was negotiated last July.

Peskov said there are no plans for talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who stressed the importance of renewing the the Black Sea agreement during a visit to Kyiv this week.

Grain Traders Bank on Renewal of Black Sea Deal (9:18 a.m.)

Markets are betting the grain deal gets extended. The agreement can be extended for another 120 days after March 18 if no side seeks to modify or terminate the pact.

Futures for wheat and corn  the top two crops shipped through the corridor  have fallen in recent weeks amid an outlook for ample supplies. Wheat has hit the lowest since 2021, also pressured by big Russian and Australian harvests.

Read More: Grain Traders Bank on Renewal of Vital Ukraine Crop Deal

Ukraine Vows to Keep Fighting for Bakhmut (8:47 a.m.)

Ukraine will hold the line in Bakhmut until it becomes impossible, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said in an interview with Italian newspaper La Repubblica and other media.

No one will be sacrificed, and if there is a concrete threat of encirclement the decision can be reviewed, he said. Still, he said that if we can still fight in Bakhmut, we must fight.

Russia Fired 81 Missiles on Thursday, Ukraine Says (8:44 a.m.)

Of those, Ukraine downed 42 missiles and four drones, the commander-in-chief of Ukraines armed forces, Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, said on Telegram. That included six Kinzhal missiles fired from Russian jets, he said.

Russian Missile Kills Five People in Lviv Region (8:42 a.m.)

A missile killed at least five people in their homes near Lviv in western Ukraine, regional Governor Maksym Kozytskyi said on Telegram.

Recovery work was underway, and more people may remain buried under the debris. The resulting fire destroyed three houses, he said.

Russian Kinzhal Missile Hit Kyiv, Authorities Say (7:07 a.m.)

Russia launched Shahed drones and practically all available missiles against Ukraine, Kyivs city military administration said on Telegram.

During the seven-hour-long air raid alarm, the capitals air defenses downed all Russian single-attack drones and cruise missiles. However, one Kinzhal hypersonic missile hit infrastructure in the capital, according to the statement. Missile debris wounded two people as well as damaged cars in western Kyiv.

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A Russian military helicopter flies by the church. Donetsk, February 27, 2023

We can do it this year already, by the end of the year, by Christmas, by Dec. 25, he said.

Read also: Only liberation of Crimea and Donbas will bring the war to an end, says Zelenskyy

It will happen after launching an offensive from Svatove on Luhansk, which will separate Donetsk Oblast from Russia. The offensive will move forward at the end of summer or in fall," Svitan predicted.

However, Svitan believes that Crimea should be the priority.

Read also: Difficult for Ukraine to liberate all of its territory in 2023, US top general says

The main fight will be in Crimea. I mean the fight that will put final nail in the coffin of Russia, he said.

All Russian (forces) must leave Crimea; either they will leave the peninsula, or they will be eliminated. After that we can talk about bringing the operation to an end. However, the issue of Donbas will remain. It's much harder to clear the area of Donbas than Crimea.

But it's also necessary.

Read also: Ukraine to change strategy for liberation of Crimea, announces Danilov

Svitan has previously outlined in detail how the Ukrainian army will enter Crimea and which weapons they should use to destroy the Kerch Bridge connecting the Russian-occupied Ukrainian peninsula to the Russian mainland.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
By Pavel Polityuk

KYIV (Reuters) - Ukraine and Romania have agreed to check the depth of canals off the Danube river which Kyiv uses to export agricultural goods to try to increase the flow of traffic, Ukraine's restoration ministry said on Thursday.

The Danube is an important transport route for Ukraine as it tries to export grain and other products following Russia's full-scale invasion a year ago, even though Moscow lifted a blockade of three Ukrainian Black Sea ports last July.

Romania said last month it was concerned by signs that Ukraine was dredging the Bystre canal that slices through a shared, ecologically sensitive coastal region, and asked if it could check the site.

Ukraine has denied violating any agreements by deepening the canal and has said it is ready to show Romania, a member of the European Union and the NATO military alliance, the work it has carried out.

Kyiv said representatives of Ukraine, Romania and the European Commission, the EU executive, had held talks on coordinating efforts to improve and develop export capacities through the Ukrainian and Romanian channels of the Danube.

"(We) Agreed to carry out soundings of depths on the Danube and coordinate for more efficient pilotage in order to increase shipments," the restoration ministry wrote on Twitter.

Ukraine said last month the draught of ships passing through the Bystre Canal had deepened to 6.5 metres from 3.9 metres.

Ukraine has been transporting grain on the Bystre Canal as it develops alternative routes for its exports following the Russian invasion.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative brokered by the United Nations and Turkey last July, allowing Ukraine to export grain via three Black Sea ports, was extended in November.

It will be renewed on March 18 if no party objects, but Russia has signalled it is unhappy with some aspects of the deal and the Kremlin said on Thursday there were still "a lot of questions" remaining.

The EU also proposed a "solidarity lanes" initiative to last May to streamline and prioritise the passage of grains via Ukraine's western borders.

(Editing by Timothy Heritage)
Ukrainian servicemen fire with a 105mm howitzer towards Russian positions near the city of Bakhmut, on March 8, 2023, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. ARIS MESSINIS/AFP via Getty Images

Wagner Group is increasingly relying on its professional recruits as inmates flounder in Bakhmut.

The monthslong battle in Ukraine's east drags on as both sides face mounting losses.

Wagner soldiers have played an outsized role in the battle of Bakhmut thus far.

Wagner Group, the Russian paramilitary organization that sparked global outrage by offering convicted prisoners a chance at freedom in exchange for their fighting in Ukraine, has been forced to draw upon its professional recruits to backfill the ranks of dying inmates in the city of Bakhmut, analysts and an official said.

As Russia draws closer to capturing the former salt-mining city in eastern Ukraine, both sides are facing mounting casualties in the monthslong fight. Russia has lost up to 30,000 soldiers in Bakhmut, according to Western officials, while Ukrainian forces have suffered thousands of deaths and injuries as well amid the ruined city.

As Wagner's forces continue to fall, Russia is turning to more experienced troops to bridge the gap, according to The Institute for the Study of War, which said Monday that both Wagner and the traditional Russian military are committing to higher-quality special forces operators in an effort to conclusively take the city.

Wagner soldiers have played an outsized role in the battle of Bakhmut over the last six months, where its poorly-trained convicts are serving as "cannon fodder" amid a ruthless fight, the National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said last month.

A Ukrainian official's recent comments regarding the mercenary group suggest Ukraine sees the brutal fighting in Bakhmut as an opportunity to deplete Wagner's forces once and for all, according to The New York Times. Col. Serhiy Cherevaty, a spokesman for Ukraine's eastern group of forces, told Radio Liberty that Bakhmut marks Wagner Group's "last stand," per the Times.

Over approximately five months of recruiting, more than 40,000 former prisoners accepted Wagner's offer to deploy in Ukraine, US officials said earlier this year. Meanwhile, US intelligence from December suggested an estimated 10,000 professional Russian soldiers, the majority of whom are veterans, were also acting as Wagner soldiers alongside the former inmates.

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More than 30,000 of those fighters have since been killed or injured in the fighting, Kirby said last month.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner Group and a longtime ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, called for further reinforcements into Bakhmut on Monday. Unless his request for additional ammunition and bodies is answered, Prigozhin warned that a Ukrainian counteroffensive could cut off Wagner's forces entirely and spell trouble for Russia.

A mural depicting mercenaries of Russia's Wagner Group that reads: "Wagner Group - Russian knights." AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic

Prigozhin previously compared the Bakhmut battle to a "meat grinder," acknowledging that his men were dying at alarming rates, but suggesting the casualties would ultimately be worth it as Ukraine struggles with significant losses simultaneously. He suggested this week, however, that Russia's entire front line would collapse if his fighters fail to secure Bakhmut.

Western military analysts and leaders have said that the battle of Bakhmut is more symbolic than strategic for both sides, especially as Ukraine appears to be on the verge of losing the city. Russia and Ukraine have both indicated that continued fighting is essential to tear down the enemy, even as both sides suffer staggering losses.

Despite speculation that Ukraine was preparing to withdraw from Bakhmut, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday that he would send further reinforcements to the city. He warned this week that losing Bakhmut would give the Russians an "open road" to other Ukrainian cities.

The fighting has grown so intense in and around Bakhmut that "fistfights" have broken out between Russian and Ukrainian troops, one Ukrainian soldier told The Washington Post this month.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Key developments on March 8:

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on March 8 that Bakhmut could fall "in the coming days." However, he stressed that losing the city would not be critical.

Despite Stoltenberg's claim that the capture of the city would not be a "turning point in the war," he pointed out that Russia should not be underestimated.

"What we see is that Russia is throwing more troops, more forces, and what Russia lacks in quality, they try to make up in quantity," Stoltenberg said.

Corresponding with Stoltenberg's statement, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said in its daily report on March 7 that Russia is 'unlikely to generate operational effects' if they capture Bakhmut.

Furthermore, the ISW assesses that "Russian forces likely lack the mechanized forces necessary to advance beyond Bakhmut, and the tactical 'assault detachments' used in assaults against Bakhmut are likely unable to conduct maneuver warfare."

Prior, on March 6, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also said that the fall of Bakhmut would not be a significant setback for the Ukrainian military, adding that the city was more of a "symbolic" than "strategic" value.

With tensions remaining high in the seven-month-long battle for Bakhmut, Ukraine decided not to withdraw troops from the city.

President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized in a March 7 interview with CNN that if Russia captured Bakhmut 'they could go further,' seizing other critical settlements in eastern Ukraine.





Update on military aid for Ukraine

Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi reported meeting with four top Western military officers on March 7.

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Zaluzhnyi met with NATO's Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, U.S. Army General Christopher Cavoli, U.K.'s Chief of the Defense Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Polish Armed Forces General Rajmund Andrzejczak, and U.S. Army Lieutenant General and Commander of Security Assistance Group Ukraine Antonio Aguto.

Zaluzhnyi informed them about the situation on the battlefield, particularly concerning Bakhmut.

According to Zaluzhnyi, they also discussed the supply of military aid to Ukraine, including weapons and ammunition.

"Strengthening air defense and providing long-range weapons remains crucial," Zaluzhnyi wrote.

Meanwhile, several updates were issued at the March 8 meeting of EU defense ministers in Stockholm.

Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said the main priorities for Ukraine are more air defense systems and a million rounds of ammunition. He also emphasized the importance of supplying Ukraine with more tanks so Kyiv could create an "armored fist" to propel its counteroffensive against Russia.

At the same time, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed the plan to provide Ukraine with 18 Leopard 2A6 tanks from Germany and three from Portugal by the end of March. The news was earlier reported by Der Spiegel, citing DPA News Agency.

Prior, on March 1, Germany also pledged to increase ammunition production and weapons repair capacity for Ukraine.

Additionally, at the same meeting, Stoltenberg stated that NATO member states have supplied Ukraine with 150 billion euros in aid since the beginning of Russia's full-scale war.

This sum includes 65 billion euros provided to Kyiv in military aid.

Ahead of the meeting with European Union defense ministers, Stoltenberg emphasized the need for the alliance to increase ammunition production.

In addition, the European Union defense ministers have agreed to supply Ukraine with one billion euros worth of ammunition from their stocks, EU top diplomat Josep Borrell said on March 8.

The next stage concerning the aid package for Ukraine will be discussed when the EU foreign and defense ministers gather in Brussels on March 20.

The German government reported it handed Ukraine two additional Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns.

Berlin has also delivered two more border protection vehicles and six mobile antenna systems.

Thirteen bridge-laying tanks BEAVER and 500 SFP9 pistols are being prepared for shipment to Ukraine, according to the government's update.

Russia's continued attacks

Ukraine's military repelled over 100 attacks over the past 24 hours, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported in its morning briefing on March 8.

The update stated that Russian forces are currently conducting offensives toward Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast and Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Shakhtarsk in Donetsk Oblast.

Over the past 24 hours, Russia launched 24 air strikes and one missile strike and fired two Iranian-made Shahed drones at Ukraine that were shot down. Russian forces also launched more than 60 attacks using multiple rocket launchers, the report said.

According to the Sumy Oblast Military Administration, Russian forces attacked two communities in Sumy Oblast on March 7.

Russia used mortars and artillery to attack Bilopillia and Esman communities. At least 45 strikes were recorded. However, no casualties or damages were mentioned.

The Ministry of Defense reported that two Iranian drones launched by Russia from the northern direction were shot down at midnight on March 8 by Ukrainian air defense.

For the first time since the start of the full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, no civilian injuries were recorded in Donetsk Oblast, according to Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko.

However, the governor acknowledged that the situation remains 'tense.'

Russia also shelled dozens of border communities in Sumy, Chernihiv, and Kharkiv oblasts over the past day.
Emergency workers extinguish fire in vehicles at the site of a Russian missile strike, in Kyiv, Ukraine, on March 9, 2023.

Emergency workers extinguish fire in vehicles at the site of a Russian missile strike, in Kyiv, Ukraine, on March 9, 2023.

Russia launched a fresh wave of brutal missile strikes across Ukraine overnight, cutting the energy supply across much of the country, killing civilians and reaching its largest nuclear power plant.

Ukraine claimed that Moscow fired around 81 missiles on Wednesday night, making it the largest attack since the end of January when 11 people were killed by multiple strikes.

Zaporizhzhia, where the countrys largest nuclear power station is based, has also been affected  raising international fears about the potential for dangerous nuclear consequences.

Meanwhile, Russian forces continue to zero in on the eastern city of Bakhmut, which has turned into a gruelling battlefield in recent months and is completely without power, gas or water.

Following the largest attack since the so-called special military operation entered into its second year, heres what you need to know.

Russian invasion of Ukraine

Russian invasion of Ukraine

Which Parts Of Ukraine Were Affected By The Missiles?

The Kremlin decided to focus its attacks on Ukraines civil infrastructure five months ago when winter made progress on the frontline tougher.

Although the spring means weather conditions should be easing, Russia does not seem to have given up its air strikes. It targeted 10 regions in its brutal overnight attacks last night alone.

Ukraine said it shot down 34 cruise missiles, and four of the eight Iranian-made Shahed drones which were fired overnight. There were reportedly 81 missiles in total, many of which struck residential buildings all over the country.

Ukrainian officials say this included six kinzhal hypersonic missiles (Reuters described this an unprecedented number) which Kyiv cannot shoot down.

These missiles can allegedly travel faster than the speed of sound and at low altitudes, making them hard to track and even harder to stop. They can carry a nuclear warhead, too.

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Air force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat said the attack was like never before.

Rescuers work at a site of residential buildings destroyed by a Russian missile strike in the Lviv region, Ukraine, on March 9, 2023.

Rescuers work at a site of residential buildings destroyed by a Russian missile strike in the Lviv region, Ukraine, on March 9, 2023.

At least five were killed in a village house in the western region of Lviv according to local officials, and three in the southern city of Kherson.

Another died in the central Dnipro region and two more were injured after the missiles.

The capital Kyiv was targeted in its western and southern districts, meaning four in 10 people there are without power following a seven-hour air strike alert  the longest of the Russian air campaign so far.

The southern port city of Odesa was hit too, but no casualties were reported although the power was out. Fifteen missiles were also reported in Ukraines second largest city of Kharkiv, in the northeast.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said it was a difficult night, although energy systems are being restored.

In a statement, he said: The occupiers can only terrorize civilians. Thats all they can do. But it wont help them. They wont avoid responsibility for everything they have done.

Russias campaign is expected to reduce Ukraines ability to fight, while Kyiv has repeatedly accused Moscow of committing a war crime by targeting the civilians.

Russian officials also claimed that the disruption to the electricity to the power station was a provocation from Ukraine.

Whats Happened In Zaporizhzhia?

The power grid supplying the nuclear plant of Zaporizhzhia was also struck in the missile attack by one of the hypersonic missiles.

That means for the sixth time since Russia seized the area in the early days of the war, the facility is not running on the Ukrainian power system but on backup diesel generators which only last 10 days.

It is Europes largest missile nuclear power plant and has been in Russian hands since the early days of the war  prompting widespread fears of a nuclear disaster if it is affected by the fighting.

After the attacks, Russia claimed that there is no threat or danger of a nuclear incident and theres enough fuel to keep the plant running.

Still, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, said he was astonished by the complacency when it came to the strikes near the nuclear plant, and warned that one day our luck will run out.

Ukrainian soldiers are seen during their shooting training at the front with U.S.-made weapons in Zaporizhzhia on March 4, 2023.

Ukrainian soldiers are seen during their shooting training at the front with U.S.-made weapons in Zaporizhzhia on March 4, 2023.

Is The Fight In Bakhmut Ongoing?

The eastern city became the center point for the Ukraine war over the winter, with Russian forces desperate to secure it so Moscow can consolidate its claims on the Donbas.

The West also suspects that the city has little value and that Russian generals are keen to give Putin his only victory for months.

Reports around what is actually happening there have been mixed.

Ukraine says it has pushed back Russian attacks on the city, but the mercenaries of the Kremlin-linked Wagner Group (who are leading the attack in Bakhmut) says its taken control of its eastern half.

Ukraine was also expected to withdraw, but now appears keen to remain and fight back.

The commander of Ukraines ground forces General Oleksandr Sirskiy said: The importance of keeping Bakhmut is constantly growing.

Each day of the defence of the town allows us to gain time to prepare reserves and prepare for future offensive operations. The enemy loses the most prepared and combat-capable part of his army.

Around 20,000 and 30,000 Russian troops have been killed in Bakhmut since battle there began last summer, according to estimates from Western officials.

What Can We Expect Next?

This kind of missile strike might be Russias main means of attack for the foreseeable future, according to the U.S. director of National Intelligence.

Avril Haines said that Russia might not be strong enough for new offensives  but President Vladimir Putin could prolong the war for years through these strikes.

She said: We do not foresee the Russian military recovering enough this year to make major territorial gains, but Putin most likely calculates the time works in his favour, and that prolonging the war including with potential pauses in the fighting may be his best remaining pathway to eventually securing Russias strategic interests in Ukraine, even if it takes years.

She suggested that Moscow might be looking just to consolidating its gains, but that it would need mandatory mobilization and third party ammunition sources to sustain even its level of operations in Ukraine.

Related...
The newly formed Offensive Guard assault brigades, which are training with the National Guard, will train for a total of two to four months before being deployed to engage in combat.

Source: National Guard of Ukraine on Facebook citing Ruslan Muzychuk, spokesman for the National Guard, on air on Radio Donbas.Realii, a Radio Liberty project

Quote from Muzychuk: "They will only be deployed to carry out combat operations when they complete a full training cycle and there is appropriate coordination between the company and battalion levels. This will depend on the military-political leaders intentions regarding how to deploy these assault brigades: on which front and how many of them.

Right now we are looking at fully staffing them and ensuring they receive top quality training, which will last 24 months."

Details: Muzychuk said that eight such brigades are being formed as part of Ukraines Ministry of Internal Affairs, including six as part of the National Guard.

Nearly 1,000 of those who have applied and have been selected to join the National Guard assault brigades have been enlisted since the beginning of the recruitment drive.

Background:

On 2 February, Acting Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko said that the Interior Ministry had begun forming eight assault brigades known as the Offensive Guard to strengthen Ukraines defence forces and liberate the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

On 3 February, the Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that large numbers of Ukrainians were sending in applications to join assault brigades in the Offensive Guard.

All volunteers joining the Offensive Guard assault brigades will receive a number of benefits, including housing, healthcare, and access to higher education.

Ruslan Muzychuk, the National Guard spokesman, explained that planned mobilisation and the creation of voluntary Offensive Guard assault brigades are aimed at, first and foremost, creating reserves and assault units, and ensuring the possibility of rotation for soldiers carrying out missions related to Ukraines defence.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!








Russia has lost over 156,000 soldiers, 3,441 tanks, 6,736 armoured combat vehicles and 2,465 artillery systems in its full-scale war against Ukraine.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook

Details: Total combat losses of the Russian forces between 24 February 2022 and 9 March 2023 are estimated to be as follows [figures in parentheses represent the latest losses  ed.]:

approximately 156,120 (+590) military personnel,

3,441 (+5) tanks,

6,736 (+13) armoured combat vehicles,

2,465 (+2) artillery systems,

488 (+0) multiple-launch rocket systems,

254 (+1) air defence systems,

303 (+0) fixed-wing aircraft,

289 (+0) helicopters,

2,098 (+0) operational-tactical UAVs,

873 (+0) cruise missiles,

18 (+0) ships/boats,

5,331 (+1) vehicles and tankers,

231 (+1) special vehicles and other equipment.

The data is being confirmed.

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Orlen is the largest oil refining company in Poland

At the same time, Ukrnafta is negotiating (crude) oil exports with Orlen, Koretsky added.

Read also: Russia uses North Africa to circumvent oil sanctions, WSJ reports

According to him, this would allow Ukrnafta to supply Ukraines domestic market with fuel at most favorable prices and free up space in underground storage facilities for future oil production.

Hopefully, I will soon be able to share good news on this matter, Koretsky summed up.

Read also: Poland seeks compensation from Russia over disrupted oil supply

In 2021, Ukrainian news agency Interfax-Ukraine reported that Orlen was planning to enter Ukrainian light oil retail market.

Last year, large stakes in Ukrnafta and Ukrtatnafta were transferred into state ownership, with Koretsky heading both enterprises.

Read also: Ukrnafta to fire several top managers, say media

PKN Orlen is the largest Polish company dealing in oil refining and distribution of fuels and lubricant  both in bulk and through its own network of petrol stations. 49.9% of Orlens shares belong to the state.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
UNITED NATIONS (AP)  The U.N. Security Council approved a resolution Wednesday renewing an arms embargo and other sanctions imposed over violence in Sudans western Darfur region that began in 2004.

Thirteen of the 15 council members voted for the resolution. Russia and China abstained, arguing that the Darfur conflict is largely over.

The resolution also extends the mandate of the U.N. panel of experts monitoring the arms embargo and travel ban and asset freeze on certain individuals. It now runs until March 12, 2024.

Last month, Sudan demanded that the Security Council immediately lift all sanctions imposed during the Darfur conflict. Sudans U.N. ambassador, Al-Harith Idriss Mohamed, said in a letter to the council that Darfur has, for the most part, overcome the state of war, as well as previous security and political challenges.

The Sudanese government has repeatedly urged the council to lift sanctions, but Mohameds letter was much stronger, saying that Sudan will accept nothing less than the immediate lifting of these sanctions without conditions or benchmarks.

The resolution adopted Wednesday rejects Sudans demands.

The Security Council voted to reaffirm and renew the arms embargo and other sanctions until Sept. 12, 2024. The resolution said the council will make a decision regarding their further renewal no later than Sept. 12, 2024.

The council also said it intends to review the sanctions no later than Feb. 12, 2024, for their possible modification, suspension or gradual lifting.

It said this will be done in light of the governments progress on two benchmarks and related targets outlined in a July 31, 2021, report by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The two benchmarks are progress on transitional security arrangements in Darfur and progress on the national action plan for the protection of civilians.

The Darfur conflict began in 2003 when rebels took up arms against the authoritarian government in Khartoum then led by Omar al-Bashir, accusing it of discrimination and neglect.

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The government responded with a scorched-earth assault of air attacks and a ground offensive by local nomadic Arab militias known as the Janjaweed, who are accused of mass killings and rapes. Up to 300,000 people died in the conflict and 2.7 million fled their homes.

Al-Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide. He was ousted in April 2019 after three decades in power and is jailed in Khartoum facing corruption allegations and charges related to the overthrow of the former elected government.

In recent years, a successful government military campaign has reduced the Darfur conflict to mainly a fight with a rebel Sudan Liberation Army faction. In March 2020, the government signed a peace deal with several major rebel groups.

In October 2021, Sudan was plunged into turmoil following a coup led by the countrys leading military figure, Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, that derailed the short-run democratic transition following al-Bashirs ouster.

Citing the positive developments in Darfur, Chinas deputy U.N. ambassador, Dai Bing, said, Sanctions against Sudan are outdated and should be lifted in light of the improved circumstances on the ground.

Keeping those sanctions in place is not only untenable in the context of the countrys political and security realities, but also limits the governments security capacity, negatively impacting its ability to maintain stability, Dai said.

But U.S. political counselor John Kelley said: The situation in Darfur remains extremely fragile. The fundamental causes of the conflict persist, proliferation of small arms and light weapons continues, and the Sudanese authorities are often unable to provide security for civilians.

Robust monitoring and reporting by the panel of experts therefore remains essential, Kelley said, and the benchmarks are anchored in commitments Sudan's government made in the 2020 peace agreement.
A commission launched by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Thursday urged Congress and the Biden administration to create rules for artificial intelligence (AI), calling its regulation a top priority.

The corporate lobbying groups AI commission, which is led by former Reps. John Delaney (D-Md.) and Mike Ferguson (R-N.J.), said that virtually every business and government agency will use AI within the next 10 to 20 years.

The U.S. is uniquely situated to lead the AI regulation effort, thanks to its technological superiority, legal system and alliances with fellow democracies, the Chambers commission wrote in its report.

Policy leaders must undertake initiatives to develop thoughtful laws and rules for the development of responsible AI and its ethical deployment, the commission wrote. A failure to regulate AI will harm the economy, potentially diminish individual rights, and constrain the development and introduction of beneficial technologies.

The commission, which collected insights from 87 experts, said that policymakers should focus on filling gaps in the law. While the report was short on specifics, it called for policies to promote human rights and innovation, prepare the workforce for an AI-centric environment and empower the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to speed the review of AI-related applications.

The Chamber frequently lobbies against stricter government regulations, but the report indicates that large U.S. companies want to play a key role in crafting the rules for AI.

At the core of the debate is this simple premise  for Americans to reap the benefits of AI, people must trust it, David Hirschmann, president and CEO of the Chambers technology engagement center, said in a statement.

Congress doesnt appear anywhere close to crafting AI rules, even as OpenAIs ChatGPT and other AI systems begin to quickly take the world by storm, prompting fears that they could soon replace human jobs.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said last month that government regulation of AI is critical as systems grow more powerful and disruptive.

Although current-generation AI tools arent very scary, I think we are potentially not that far away from potentially scary ones, Altman tweeted.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. citizen imprisoned by Iran on spying charges the United States rejects as baseless gave a rare interview from Tehran's Evin prison on Thursday beseeching U.S. President Joe Biden to secure his release and that of two other American nationals.

"I implore you, sir, to put the lives and liberty of innocent Americans above all the politics involved and to just do what is necessary to end this nightmare and bring us home," Siamak Namazi told CNN's Christiane Amanpour in a telephone interview.

Namazi, 51, was speaking on behalf of himself, Emad Shargi, 58, a businessman and U.S. citizen, and environmentalist Morad Tahbaz, 67, who has both U.S. and British nationality.

Namazi made a similar plea in a letter to Biden on Jan. 16, seven years after Iran released five U.S. citizens in a prisoner exchange that coincided with the implementation of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal negotiated under U.S. President Barrack Obama.

"I remain deeply worried that the White House just doesn't appreciate how dire our situation has become," he said, saying he, Tahbaz and Shargi were all now held in the same place. Early in his detention, Namazi said he spent months caged in a cell, sleeping on the floor.

Namazi also called it "hurtful and upsetting" that Biden had not met his family "just to give them some words of assurance."

A White House spokesperson said on condition of anonymity that "Irans unjust imprisonment and exploitation of U.S. citizens for use as political leverage is outrageous, inhumane, and contrary to international norms.

"Senior officials from both the White House and the State Department meet and consult regularly with the Namazi family, and we will continue to do so until this unacceptable detention ends," the spokesperson added.

Iran's mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(Reporting By Arshad Mohammed; Additional reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt in Washington and Michelle Nichols in New York; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
By Daniel Wiessner

(Reuters) - A panel of conservative U.S. appeals court judges on Thursday appeared poised to revive a lawsuit challenging a Maryland school district's policy of not disclosing students' transgender identity to their parents.

The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel during a hearing in Richmond, Virginia, appeared to agree with a group of parents in Montgomery County, Maryland, whose lawsuit challenging the 2020 policy was brought before the panel after a judge dismissed it last year. The parents argued it allows school officials to usurp their roles in their children's upbringing.

This is a major life decision that should involve the parents, Circuit Judge Paul Niemeyer said as the panel heard arguments in the case before it makes a decision.

The policy directs school personnel to help transgender students create a plan to transition, including using preferred pronouns, names and bathrooms, and bars staff from informing parents of those plans without a student's consent.

The federal judge in Maryland who dismissed the case last August said the parents do not have a fundamental right to be promptly informed of their childs gender identity.

The parents are represented by the National Legal Foundation, a Christian conservative group that has been involved in a series of other cases involving LGBTQ rights, abortion and prayer in schools.

Steven Fitschen, the group's president, said in an email that he anticipates filing more lawsuits challenging school policies barring the disclosure of students' gender identity.

At least 168 U.S. school districts with more than 3.2 million students have such policies, according to conservative group Parents Defending Education.

Thursday's case is the first of its kind to reach a U.S. appeals court. Parents have filed lawsuits challenging similar policies adopted by school districts in Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Virginia and Iowa, among other states. Some of those have been dismissed and others are pending.

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The 4th Circuit is not currently considering the merits of Montgomery County's policy, but whether the parents can sue over it and have identified a constitutional right that was allegedly violated.

Niemeyer, an appointee of Republican former President George H.W. Bush, and Circuit Judge Marvin Quattlebaum both said the policy had injured parents, giving them grounds to sue, by inviting students to secretly transition.

Quattlebaum and Circuit Judge Allison Rushing, who rounded out the panel, are appointees of Republican former President Donald Trump.

The county board of education in adopting the policy said it was necessary "to embrace the vibrant diversity of our community and ensure that all students feel welcomed, safe, and respected."

Alan Schoenfeld, a lawyer for the board, argued on Thursday that the policy was valid because it created a "student-led" process rather than allowing school officials to impose their will on students.

"There is no allegation that the school is making any decision or directing the process," he said. "The child is deciding."

(Reporting by Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Deepa Babington)
JERUSALEM (AP)  Long-running differences between the Biden administration and Israel over how to stop Irans rapidly accelerating nuclear program spilled into public view Thursday, as the U.S. defense secretary discussed Tehran's nuclear ambitions with his Israeli counterpart during a visit to the country.

Even with efforts to revive the landmark 2015 nuclear deal stalled for months, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin insisted in comments in Tel Aviv that diplomacy is the best way to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant made no mention of the moribund nuclear talks, instead telling Austin: We must take all measures necessary to prevent Iran from gaining a nuclear weapon. He appeared to suggest that Israel could resort to military action to take out Iran's nuclear facilities.

The Iranian nuclear threat requires us to be prepared for every course of action, Gallant said and repeated twice for emphasis.

The distinction between their statements revealed the countries different approaches to Iran.

With Biden as his vice president, then-President Barack Obama spearheaded the 2015 nuclear accord, which gave Iran relief from economic sanctions in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu bitterly opposed the deal, saying it did not contain sufficient safeguards and did not address non-nuclear Iranian aggression in the region.

After former President Donald Trump abandoned the atomic accord and imposed crippling sanctions on Iran, Tehran gradually increased its uranium enrichment, expanded its stockpiles of enriched uranium and developed advanced centrifuges. U.N. experts say Iran has enriched uranium to 84% purity, just short of weapons grade, though they say Iran is still months away from the ability to build a weapon.

Biden took office pledging that the United States would rejoin the 2015 nuclear accord and lift sanctions on Iran if Tehran complied with the deal's strict limits on its nuclear program. But attempts to revive the accord have failed.

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Israel, meanwhile, has engaged in a yearslong shadow war with its archenemy Iran that has spilled out across the wider Middle East. Since returning to office late last year, Netanyahu has openly advocated military action against Iran. Seeking to roll back Iran's regional entrenchment and slow its ability to enrich nuclear fuel, Israel is believed to have conducted a series of covert sabotage and targeted killing operations.

We must do everything in our power to ensure that the dreams of the ayatollahs are never fulfilled at any cost," Gallant said.

American and European officials have indicated that attempts to revive the nuclear deal have been effectively suspended in the wake of Tehrans violent crackdown on nationwide protests and its selling of armed drones to Russia that have been used in Moscow's war against Ukraine  a decision that has allowed Iran to access unprecedented defense cooperation, including on missiles and air defense" from Russia, Austin alleged.

Russia's war on Ukraine also exposed stubborn differences between the two close allies. Although Israel has sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine, it has refused Kyivs frequent requests to send air defense systems and other weapons. It also has refrained from enforcing strict economic sanctions for fear of damaging its vital relations with Moscow.

For years, Russia and Israel have enjoyed good working relations and closely coordinated to avoid run-ins in the skies over Syria, Israels northeastern neighbor, where Russian air power has propped up embattled Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Austin on Thursday appeared to urge Israel to do more to back Ukraine in the grinding war, noting the increasingly close military ties between Iran and Russia.

We're calling on all of our allies and partners to step up now, at this hinge moment in history, he said. Nations of good will, and especially our fellow democracies, must all urgently do their part to help Ukraine fight for its freedom.

When asked by a reporter what it would take for Israel to give Ukraine military aid, Gallant was vague.

We are doing our best, he said. We are doing it with the understanding of Israeli interests in the region.
The United States has repeatedly stated that China is considering supplying weapons to Russia

"Despite global backlash over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, China will maintain its diplomatic, defense, economic, and technology cooperation with Russia to continue trying to challenge the United States, even as it will limit public support," the report says.

Read also: EU prepared to sanction China if it supplies Russia with weapons, Reuters reports

At the same time, U.S. intelligence assesses that Beijing sees benefits in a stable relationship with Washington, despite Chinese leader Xi Jinping's recent harsh criticism of the United States.

On March 7, Xi Jinping accused Washington of "suppressing" Beijing, in an unusually blunt speech.

Read also: Lukashenko to meet with Xi Jinping to help Russia and China circumvent sanctions, reports ISW

The United States and its allies have repeatedly said that China is considering supplying arms to Russia. According to U.S. media reports, this would include drones, ammunition, and artillery.

Read also: China wont transfer weapons to Russia, Ukraines spy chief says

Reuters reported that the White House is seeking support from allies for a potential introduction of sanctions against China  if Beijing provides military assistance to Russia in the war against Ukraine.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
WASHINGTON (AP)  All U.S. women getting mammograms will soon receive information about their breast density, which can sometimes make cancer harder to spot.

The new requirements, finalized Thursday by the Food and Drug Administration, are aimed at standardizing the information given to millions of women following scans to detect breast cancer. Regulators first proposed the changes in 2019 and health care providers will have 18 months to comply with the policy.

Some states already require that women receive information on breast density.

About half of women over age 40 have dense breasts, with less fatty tissue and more connective and glandular tissue. That tissue appears white on X-rays, the same color as growths in the breast, making mammograms harder to read. Dense breast tissue is one of the factors that can increase a womans chances of developing cancer.

Under the new rules, women with dense breasts will receive a written memo alerting them that their status makes it harder to find breast cancer. Those patients will also be directed to speak with their doctor about their results.

Professional guidelines dont specify next steps for women identified with dense breasts, but some physicians may recommend additional forms of scanning, including ultrasound or MRI.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
The Department of Veterans Affairs would see a slight bump in its overall budget for fiscal 2024 under the plan rolled out Thursday by President Joe Biden, with most of the increase coming from the cost of new benefits extended by the PACT Act.

The White House's $1.7 trillion fiscal 2024 budget proposal calls for $325.1 billion in funding for the VA, the largest request for the department ever, representing a 5% increase from last year's approved budget.

While many of the details of the VA budget will be disclosed in the coming days, White House documents show that the $325.1 billion includes an 8% hike in mandatory spending -- required to pay for salaries, pensions and disability benefits -- largely as a result of needed increases to the department's Cost of War Toxic Exposures Fund. That fund provides benefits for thousands of veterans sickened by environmental pollution overseas or their survivors under the PACT Act.

Read Next: Biggest Military Pay Raise in Decades Proposed by White House

The VA's discretionary spending -- the portion that is adjustable and covers expenses beyond entitlement payments -- would rise by just over 2%, the smallest increase in more than a decade.

According to White House budget documents, the budget "honors our nation's sacred commitment to veterans and military families" by providing health care and services to many of the nation's 16 million veterans.

"With these historic investments, we at VA can continue to deliver more care and more benefits to more Veterans than ever before in our nation's history," VA Secretary Denis McDonough said in a statement released Thursday.

The proposal calls for growth in funding for health care and benefits for veterans now eligible under the PACT Act, requesting $20.3 billion for the fund that pays for such benefits, an increase of more than $15.3 billion from fiscal 2023.

According to VA officials, more than 300,000 claims have been filed under the PACT Act and 161,000 people have enrolled in VA health care and services as a result of the law, which made it easier for veterans who served in the Persian Gulf War, Iraq or Afghanistan, as well as some Vietnam War vets with certain illnesses, to apply for benefits.

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Among the priorities spelled out in the VA budget are: suicide prevention and mental health, which would receive $16.6 billion; women's health care, with a $257 million request; veteran homelessness, which would see $3.1 billion to expand voucher programs and permanent housing; and cancer research and care, which would receive more than $300 million as part of Biden's "Moon Shot" to cure cancers.

The proposal also calls for $121 billion for medical care, as well as $3.5 billion in discretionary and mandatory funding to build or expand infrastructure and facilities, and $5 billion for upgrades to medical facilities.

And it asks for $1.6 billion for the VA's electronic health record modernization effort -- a beleaguered program that is currently under intense scrutiny in Congress.

The budget requests $2.4 billion for the department's Caregiver Support Program, which oversees various efforts to help those who care for disabled veterans, including the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, up $400 million from last year's request.

The presidents proposed budget could come as a disappointment to some veterans service organizations, which called for a larger increase in discretionary spending for the department in 2024.

Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, which craft an annual Independent Budget that spells out the groups spending priorities for the department, called for $161 billion in discretionary spending, $23 billion less than Bidens proposed $137.9 billion.

In the past decade, the VAs overall budget has more than doubled, from $151 billion in fiscal 2014 to nearly $304 billion in fiscal 2023.

The release of Biden's proposed budget kicks off months of congressional deliberations over funding levels and the effort to develop a federal spending package, with a goal to complete it by Oct. 1.

However, the last time Congress passed all its required appropriations bills before the end of the current fiscal year was 1977.

-- Patricia Kime can be reached at Patricia.Kime@Military.com. Follow her on Twitter @patriciakime.

Related: The VA's Budget Has Quintupled in 20 Years. Veterans Groups Want Billions More
Military members and veterans of the Afghanistan war offered harrowing eyewitness testimony of the chaotic and deadly withdrawal from the countrys longest conflict, during an hours-long congressional hearing on Wednesday. They also pleaded with Congress to help the Afghan allies left behind.

In searing, sometimes graphic detail, several witnesses recounted their experiences as active-duty service members sent to assist with the evacuation of US troops and civilians from Afghanistan as the Taliban swept to power in August 2021.

Related: Farzana survived rape, addiction and losing her children. Then the Taliban came  now she is missing

The withdrawal was a catastrophe in my opinion and there was an inexcusable lack of accountability and negligence, said marine Sgt Tyler Vargas-Andrews, who was grievously injured in the suicide bombing outside Kabuls airport that killed 13 US service members and scores of Afghans.

In tearful testimony, he recalled scenes of desperation as parents handed their children to soldiers in hopes that they would be saved while others unable to leave chose to take their own lives rather than face the brutality of the Taliban.

Thoughts of those two weeks have plagued my mind since coming home, said Aidan Gunderson, a former army specialist who left active duty in July. I see the faces of all the people we could not save, all the people we left behind.



The hearing was the first in what is expected to be a multi-part investigation by Republicans into the Biden administrations handling of the evacuation from Afghanistan.

After the presidents decision to abruptly withdraw US forces, which followed Donald Trumps deal with the Taliban requiring US forces to depart by May 2021, the Afghan government and army collapsed far more quickly than US intelligence had predicted. The world watched the aftermath unfold live on television  including desperate Afghans clinging to a US transport plane before takeoff.

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What happened in Afghanistan was a systemic breakdown of the federal government at every level, Congressman Michael McCaul, the Republican chair of the foreign affairs committee, said in his opening remarks, vowing to hold to account every administration official responsible for what he said was the abdication of the most basic duties of the United States government to protect Americans and leave no one behind.



In the chaos, McCaul said the US left more than 1,000 American citizens in Afghanistan as well as almost 200,000 Afghan allies. To those left behind, the Republican chair said he was committed to getting them the hell out of there.

Afghans struggle to enter the Kabul airport in 2021 as US forces prepare to leave. Photograph: Akhter Gulfam/EPA

Speaking under oath in a personal capacity, Vargas-Andrews told the panel that he and others serving alongside him in Kabul had identified two men who matched the description of the people believed to be plotting an attack on the crowd of Afghans attempting to enter the Kabul airport. But Vargas-Andrews said he and his fellow soldiers were not given approval by their commander to shoot the suspects.

The 11 marines, one sailor and one soldier that were murdered that day have not been answered for, said Vargas-Andrews, who has since undergone 44 surgeries for injuries sustained in the bombing.

The Biden administration has defended its handling of the withdrawal, arguing that it was a difficult but ultimately effective end to the US presence in Afghanistan.



The ranking Democrat on the committee, Gregory Meeks of New York, said Biden made the right decision to end the decades-long war in Afghanistan, which he said began as an effort to decimate al-Qaida and ballooned into a nation-building exercise that lasted across four administrations and saw more than 800,000 US service members deploy, and, yes, the tragic deaths of over 2,461 Americans including the 13 killed during the evacuation operation.

He acknowledged that the were mistakes made during evacuation that deserved scrutiny but urged the panel to use the opportunity to help improve the situation for Afghans still stranded in their country and those who remain in legal limbo in the US.

The witnesses all implored members of Congress to act to aid the Afghans and their families who risked their lives to aid US troops during the 20-year war. Those who remain in Afghanistan face retribution by the Taliban, while many of those who were evacuated face uncertainty over their legal status.

If I leave this committee with only one thought its this: its not too late, Peter Lucier, a marine veteran who helped relocate allied Afghans with Team America Relief, said in his remarks to the panel.

This is not the story of a Biden failure or a Trump failure. This is the story of an American failure and the effect it has had and continues to have on Afghans who served alongside myself and so many others, he continued. The failures that led to this point are owned and shared by four administrations, by Congress and by 320 million Americans. This was our war.

The testimony revealed the mental and physical wounds carried by those who aided in the withdrawal, and their accounts brought witnesses, lawmakers and audience members to tears.



In another gripping account, Vargas-Andrews recalled reuniting a family as he helped control the crowds gathered outside the airport gate. He said he noticed a little girl, roughly about seven or eight years old, who had managed to squeeze past, holding the hand of her younger brother and a baby in her arms.

When he reached the children, he noticed that the babys face was blue and didnt appear to be breathing. Not knowing if the baby was alive, he searched frantically for a medic who then successfully administered aid. The little girl began to sob as she tugged on his uniform and begged for abba, her father.

Vargas-Andrews said he climbed on to an SUV overlooking the razor-wire fence erected around the airport and hoisted the girl into the air. She pointed to a man amid the hundreds of people with his hands on his head staring back at her, tears streaming down his face.

The family embraced, and, waving the paperwork that would allow them to leave the country, the father led his children toward a life of freedom and opportunity, Vargas-Andrews said.

For me, he said, that was a moment that my personal injury was worth it.
Vinyl sales beat out CDs for the first time since 1987, according to the Recording Industry Association of America.

While streaming still reigns supreme, physical music sales are making a "remarkable resurgence," RIAA said.

Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, and Olivia Rodrigo topped vinyl sales this year, per Luminate.

Time to dust off the old turntable, vinyl records are having a major comeback.

For the first time in more than three decades, vinyl records outsold CDs, according to the Recording Industry Association of America's annual revenue report.

In 2022, 41 million vinyl units were sold compared to 33 million CDs, highlighting a "remarkable resurgence" of the physical music format, per the report released Thursday. Vinyl records made up a total of 70% of all physical music sales in 2022, bringing in a total of $1.2 billion in revenue, according to RIAA.

Not since 1987 has vinyl led physical music sales, after the rise of the compact disc revolutionized the way Americans consumed music. And while sales of both formats took a nosedive in the early aughts thanks to streaming platforms like iTunes and Spotify, each has made a surprising comeback in recent years.

There appears to be several factors at play in the vinyl revival, including burgeoning interest among younger demographics like Gen Z and millennials. According to Luminate's 2022 annual report, Gen Z listeners were 25% more likely to purchase vinyl records than the average music listener.

Gen Z listeners were 25% more likely to purchase vinyl records than the average music listener, according to Luminate. Rushay Booysen/Getty Images

The pandemic, too, played a role in vinyl's reawakening, as homebound Americans sought out new hobbies, Jason McGuire, general manager of the record label Stones Throw, told the Los Angeles Times in January 2022.

"Lots of folks were stuck at home working or received stimulus money early on in the pandemic and couldn't spend it on the same things as before, so they invested in their living spaces and home listening setups including turntables and hi-fi," McGuire said. "I think that's still carrying on today, almost two years into the pandemic."

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Though vinyl is making gains and reaching new generations, streaming still reigns supreme, accounting for 84% of total music revenue in 2022, per RIAA. Still, vinyl sales are on the rise even as supply issues and bottlenecks plague the industry and companies struggle to meet demand.

"Everybody's in growth mode now," Alex Cushing, co-founder of record production company Hand Drawn Pressing, told Grammy.com in July 2022.

2022 vinyl sales were led by artists like Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, and Olivia Rodrigo, who held the top three spots in most-sold records, according to Luminate's report. Also in the top 10 were classic rock artists such as Fleetwood Mac and The Beatles.

Swift, who released multiple versions of her album "Midnights" in October 2022, sold a total of 1.58 million records in the course of a week  the largest release in seven years, according to Luminate.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Six people die of alcohol poisoning every day in the US. Karen Moskowitz/Getty Images

A borg is a gallon-sized drink that can contain up to 17 shots of alcohol.

The drink has gone viral on TikTok, with videos tagged #borg viewed over 84 million times.

Alcohol poisoning can affect anyone who drinks and can be fatal.

People who drink "borgs," one-gallon bottles sometimes containing 17 shots of alcohol, in the hope they will prevent a hangover risk giving themselves alcohol poisoning  a condition that kills six people every day in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Borgs, or "black out rage gallons," are filled with alcohol, water, and flavored with drink enhancers containing electrolytes, such as Crystal Light, in the hope that hydration will prevent a hangover.

Other supposed benefits that have made it popular among college students include a borg being individual to each person because it has a lid on, lowering the risk of being spiked, New York-based substance use preventionist Erin Monroe said on TikTok.

The drink has gone viral on TikTok, with #borg videos being viewed over 84 million times.

The alcohol content in borgs varies. One viral TikTok with 2.5 million views featured a borg containing half a bottle of vodka  equal to about eight shots. Some contain a fifth of alcohol, which is equal to almost 17 shots.

"Consuming this much alcohol would be fatal for the vast majority of people," Dr. George F. Koob, director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism at the National Institutes of Health, who said he'd seen recipes with 43 servings of alcohol, told CBS News.

The University of Massachusetts made a statement warning about borgs on March 4 after 28 ambulances were called to college parties over the weekend.

Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include vomiting, blue-tinged skin, and unconsciousness

Drinking a fifth-sized bottle of high-percentage alcohol can result in alcohol poisoning, even when consumed over a period of several hours, The National Capital Poison Center said in a warning about borgs on its website.

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Alcohol poisoning is when the concentration of alcohol in the blood reaches a dangerous level that stops the body from working properly.

Drink Aware  a charity that provides information about drinking  said there is no set amount of alcohol that causes alcohol poisoning. It is dependent on factors such as the person's size, sex, weight, how fast they've been drinking, how much they've eaten, their general health, and if they've taken medication or drugs.

It said it takes an average adult around two hours to process a standard US drink serving. Drinking a lot in a short space of time increases the concentration of alcohol in the blood.

Symptoms of alcohol poisoning can include confusion, severely slurred speech, vomiting, blue-tinged skin, being conscious but unresponsive, unconsciousness, and a loss of bladder or bowel control.

Drink Aware said alcohol poisoning can be fatal for several reasons. It can reduce a person's body temperature, which risks hypothermia, and can cause vomiting, which can put the individual at risk of choking if they are passed out.

Alcohol poisoning can also lead to a heart attack, fit, or can stop the individual from breathing.

Don't give someone coffee if they've had too much to drink

If someone is showing signs of alcohol poisoning, Drink Aware said to give them water, keep them awake, stay with them and monitor their symptoms, keep them warm, put them in the recovery position if they've passed out, and call an ambulance.

The charity said to never do the following to someone with alcohol poisoning: make them throw up because they could choke on their vomit, give them coffee because it's dehydrating, leave them alone to sleep, put them in a cold shower, or give them more alcohol.

To stay safe while drinking, Drink Aware recommends avoiding drinking too much, eating a meal before drinking, drinking water in between alcoholic drinks, and sticking with friends.

Read the original article on Insider
Prison makeup tricks are going viral soon after a video about an incarcerated person's tutorial rose to prominence on TikTok.

In a reposted clip , which has 17.4 million views as of Thursday, an incarcerated person is caught wearing blue eyeshadow and a bright red lip while sweeping the floor. The security guard requests a tutorial, so she shows the guard how she created her makeup look  with a blue M&M and a red Fireball candy, using a graphite pencil as eyeliner  before the items are confiscated.

Many left comments in shock at the obstacles the woman faced in order to feel pretty. LET HER KEEP HER JAIL MAKEUP, one wrote . Others have even tried re-creating the look themselves, following her instructions.

We use all kinds of creative things to make ourselves pretty in jail, Amanda Cisco, an influencer who was formerly incarcerated, told BuzzFeed News. You can use M&M's for pretty much anything, you know? You get a good color palette. You can use it for eyeshadow, or even blush.

Cisco uses her TikTok to recount experiences such as what being on her period was like while in jail as well as share her own jail makeup routine with DIY items. She recommended cracking the brown M&M in half in order to get a sharp wing for the eyeliner, and using two red M&M's to get enough blush on each cheek.

Life in prison has long been a viral topic on TikTok, with hashtags like #prisontok amassing 2.8 billion views and creating its own distinct genre of  slice-of-life  videos and comedy content .

It's so refreshing that people are willing to give an ex-inmate and an ex-drug addict a chance, Cisco said. And the more people who see me, the more comfortable I am being myself.

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Beauty is frequently a top priority for many women affected by incarceration, says Mahlia Lindquist, the executive director of Ladies Empowerment and Action Program (LEAP), a Miami-based nonprofit that focuses on providing services and resources to women in prison and during reentry.

The whole prison experience is, by design, dehumanizing, Lindquist said. And for women, a lot of our self-esteem is associated with the things we do for hygiene and upkeep. Our hair, nails, makeup. I have seen lots of creativity to make makeup in prison  the women are really amazingly creative, using Magic Markers and all sorts of things.

Krystal Culbertson's makeup look Courtesy Krystal Culbertson

Krystal Culbertson, a member of LEAP who was fond of doing colorful eyeshadow looks during her sentence, said shes happy to see content about prison makeup go viral online.

I love it  the more awareness, I think the better, she said. The more people know, the more they can empathize. It just affects everybody. One person goes to jail, the whole family is affected.

Culbertson said makeup was often a creative and resourceful process but was also clouded in shame. People would hide their makeup looks from guards to avoid getting anything confiscated.

Cassandra Osborn, another LEAP member, said shed often do a smoked-out gradient with fiery colors, using a mix of the commissary eyeshadow palette and a few bright-colored pencils, plus a Sharpie for eyeliner. Jail (where you stay before your sentencing) does not sell makeup products, but some prisons (post-sentencing) sell basic makeup items in the canteen, though the selection of beauty options are usually limited.

Cassandra Osborn's neon eye makeup look Courtesy Cassandra Osborn.

Osborn said she loves the idea of women sharing their prison makeup routines. Some people are embarrassed about being in prison, she said. Its good for women to come together. Theyre okay with where they were, and theyre not afraid to put their life out there.

If anything, its a tutorial for a slice of life that is often unshared in the larger landscape of beauty. Osborn said she enjoys seeing new makeup techniques and different styles of beauty, so its awesome that others want to try things from a different point of view.

Cisco said having makeup often helped on the days she wanted to spruce up her look or reflect the bright and cheeriness of her mood when clothes and hair dyes were not available. Many other incarcerated people, she remembered, often wore expressive looks, doing mismatched colored creases or stenciling naked stars and hearts into their eyeshadows.

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I did a full face every day, she said. It was just very much part of the culture  like if you didn't have makeup on, you weren't taking care of yourself.

I decided I had to give the prison makeup tips a try, with the instructions from Cisco in mind. Licking the blue and red chocolates made the pigment very easy to apply on the lips and lids. But the act of applying makeup is one that always makes me feel a little bit more confident, and that feeling was still there when it was food coloring on my eyelids. Did I wish it was actual eyeshadow? Yes.

Tiawana Brown founded North Carolinabased nonprofit Beauty After The Bars after serving four years in prison because of how important beauty is for many incarcerated women.

Allowing Women to use beauty as an expression restores dignity and humanity, she told BuzzFeed News in an email. Many on the outside looking in view make up as a luxury or privilege. It is a simple thing that makes us feel good.

Once when Lindquist picked a woman up on the day of her release, she asked to stop at a drugstore. She came out with fake lashes, Lindquist said. I cant remember if I gave her a lecture about it. But the truth is, when you have felt demeaned and dehumanized for years, lashes can make you feel like a whole new person.

Brown told BuzzFeed News that fear is a theme for many women  fear of leaving prison, the changes in the outside world, failure to reunite with family and society. Makeup is often a means of feeling connected again.

We are not inmates, we are not convicts, we are not numbers, she said. We are Mothers, Grandmothers, daughters, Aunts, Wives, cousins and friends. Let us be free to express our beauty.
UNITED NATIONS, March 8 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Wednesday called on the United States and other countries to immediately return the overseas assets of Afghanistan to the Afghan people to protect the rights and interests of women and girls.

After the "Kabul debacle" in 2021, the United States announced that it would freeze some 9.5 billion U.S. dollars in assets belonging to the Afghan central bank, a move some consider "pure looting."

Addressing a Security Council meeting, Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, said the overseas assets "belong to the Afghan people and should be used for the Afghan people."

Citing the ruling by a U.S. judge of the District Court for the Southern District of New York in February that the United States is not entitled to divert Afghan overseas assets for other uses, Geng said this showed once again "the freezing of Afghan assets is unjustified and illegal."

"Today is International Women's Day. On this special day, as we consider the situation of Afghanistan, we cannot help but turn our attention to Afghan women. They are a vulnerable group in Afghan society and the biggest victims of the many years of war and turmoil," he said.

The protection of the rights and interests of Afghan women and girls cannot be achieved without lifting external constraints, Geng said, stressing that unilateral sanctions have become a "heavy yoke" for the survival and development of local women and children and must be lifted without delay.

The United States froze the assets belonging to the Afghan central bank after the Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021 and split the money between humanitarian aid for Afghanistan and a fund for victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States. 
FAIRFAX, Va. (AP)  Frozen human embryos can legally be considered property, or chattel, a Virginia judge has ruled, basing his decision in part on a 19th century law governing the treatment of slaves.

The preliminary opinion by Fairfax County Circuit Court Judge Richard Gardiner  delivered in a long-running dispute between a divorced husband and wife  is being criticized by some for wrongly and unnecessarily delving into a time in Virginia history when it was legally permissible to own human beings.

"It's repulsive and its morally repugnant, said Susan Crockin, a lawyer and scholar at Georgetown Universitys Kennedy Institute of Ethics and an expert in reproductive technology law.

Solomon Ashby, president of the Old Dominion Bar Association, a professional organization made up primarily of African American lawyers, called Gardiners ruling troubling.

I would like to think that the bench and the bar would be seeking more modern precedent, he said.

Gardiner did not return a call to his chambers Wednesday. His decision, issued last month, is not final: He has not yet ruled on other arguments in the case involving Honeyhline and Jason Heidemann, a divorced couple fighting over two frozen embryos that remain in storage.

Honeyhline Heidemann, 45, wants to use the embryos. Jason Heidemann objects.

Initially, Gardiner sided with Jason Heidemann. The law at the heart of the case governs how to divide goods and chattels. The judge ruled that because embryos could not be bought or sold, they couldn't be considered as such and therefore Honeyhline Heidemann had no recourse under that law to claim custody of them.

But after the ex-wife's lawyer, Adam Kronfeld, asked the judge to reconsider, Gardiner conducted a deep dive into the history of the law. He found that before the Civil War, it also applied to slaves. The judge then researched old rulings that governed custody disputes involving slaves, and said he found parallels that forced him to reconsider whether the law should apply to embryos.

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In a separate part of his opinion, Gardiner also said he erred when he initially concluded that human embryos cannot be sold.

As there is no prohibition on the sale of human embryos, they may be valued and sold, and thus may be considered goods or chattels, he wrote.

Crockin said shes not aware of any other judge in the U.S. who has concluded that human embryos can be bought and sold. She said the trend, if anything, has been to recognize that embryos have to be treated in a more nuanced way than as mere property.

Ashby said he was baffled that Gardiner felt a need to delve into slavery to answer a question about embryos, even if Virginia case law is thin on how to handle embryo custody questions.

Hopefully, the jurisprudence will advance in the commonwealth of Virginia such that ... we will no longer see slave codes cited to justify legal rulings, he said.

Neither of the Heidemanns' lawyers ever raised the slavery issue. They did raise other arguments in support of their cases, however.

Jason Heidemanns lawyers said allowing his ex-wife to implant the embryos they created when they were married would force Mr. Heidemann to procreate against his wishes and therefore violate his constitutional right to procreational autonomy.

Honeyhline Heidemanns lawyer, Kronfeld, argued that Honeyhlines right to the embryos outweighs her ex-husbands objections, partly because he would have no legal obligations to be their parent and partly because she has no other options to conceive biological children after undergoing cancer treatments that made her infertile.

Kronfeld also argued that the initial separation agreement the couple signed in 2018 already treated the embryos as property when they concurred  under a subheading titled Division of Personal Property  that the embryos would remain in cryogenic storage until a court ordered otherwise.

Gardiner has not yet ruled on the argument over Jason Heidemann's procreational autonomy.
Payment via the My Vodafone mobile app is temporarily suspended

Were already working on a new solution so that you can continue to top up your accounts quickly and conveniently, the message said.

In the meantime, Vodafone Ukraine suggests customers top up their accounts using the free EasyPay online payment service.

The National Bank of Ukraine decided to revoke the banking license and liquidate JSC IBOX Bank on March 7.

Since the decision, IBOX terminals have stopped accepting payments for any services.

Read also: Vodafone Ukraine to maintain skeleton network in case of full blackout, says CEO

According to reports, the SBU and Bureau of Economic Security searched IBOX Bank offices and branches on March 8.

The NBU liquidated JSC IBOX Bank systemic violations in preventing money laundering and for its business relations with high-risk clients, such as sport poker tournament organizers.

Before taking the step of liquidating the company, over the last two years the NBU has provided written warning, fined the bank, removed one of its officials, and suspended certain operations.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
A stock image of a crime scene investigation. Ashley Cooper/Getty Images

Most House Democrats voted to uphold DC's criminal code revisions to support the District's right to self governance.

Now Republicans are using their votes and President Joe Biden's position on the legislation against them.

Some Democrats say they wished the White House had done a better job communicating with them.

For some House Democrats, voting to uphold the DC criminal code had nothing to do with their positions on crime.

The issue was the District's ability to self-govern, said Rep. Steven Horsford, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus. That's why he was among 173 Democrats who opposed a GOP-led House measure last month to overturn the District's controversial crime law revisions.

"The District of Columbia residents and their local leaders should have the ability to make those decisions," Horsford, of Nevada, told Insider. "Do I agree with 100 percent of their decisions? It's not mine to say. It's theirs."

Rep. Jahana Hayes of Connecticut also told Insider the problem for her was, "Congress intervening and overturning a local vote."

But now Republicans have weaponized their votes and President Joe Biden's position on the legislation against them. Only 31 Democrats supported the measure, which passed with 250 votes.

Ahead of expected Senate passage on Wednesday, the House Republicans' campaign arm released digital ads against Horsford, Hayes and 13 other Democrats, saying they "voted for reduced sentences for violent crimes." The attack was expected and is likely just the beginning after Biden said last week that he wouldn't veto the measure.

House Democrats are furious that Biden left them hanging, especially after his administration put out a statement opposing the GOP measure.

"I think that the communication could have been better from down the street at Pennsylvania [Avenue]," said House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar during a news conference Wednesday. "I've said that I was disappointed. That holds true. But our record on public safety is incredibly strong."

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Horsford also said he doesn't care about the Republican attacks. But when asked about the Senate vote, he said he wished the Democratic-led Senate "would do its job" and prioritize legislation that protects Medicare, Social Security and voting rights.

"It's amazing how they have time for this issue, but they haven't made voting rights the issue and the priority that it should be," Horsford said.

The DC Council overrode a mayoral veto of their controversial revision of DC's criminal code to become law in January. But Congress has constitutional oversight of DC and can block the law because it is not a state.

Biden tweeted that he opposed some of the changes, such as lower penalties for carjackings. The new code, among other changes, would reduce the penalties for armed carjackings from a sentence between 15 and 40 years to a maximum sentence between 12 and 24 years, the Washington Post reported.

"So crazy even President Biden won't support the anarchy," the National Republican Congressional Committee ads say. "What's next? Defund the police?"

Hayes told Insider that she would have appreciated better communication from the White House on their position and she made that point to them.

"Even if we disagree on issues we should allon the front end just kind of know where everyone lands on these things," she said. "We have a very open line of communication, which is why I was a little taken aback by that."

The Congressional Progressive Caucus has endorsed DC statehood and would not have supported the GOP legislation, even if the White House had not issued its statement opposing it, CPC Chair Pramila Jayapal told reporters.

"However, I think our people feel very frustrated because it feels like a betrayal of the fundamental principle of DC rule," she said.

Jayapal noted the leadership transitions among House Democrats and in the Biden administration, and said the caucus hasn't yet developed a relationship with Biden's new chief of staff, Jeff Zients, but is working on it.

"And so I think it will take a little bit of time for us all to get back on the same page," she told reporters. "I just think it's important for the administration to kind of see us as partners, and be talking constantly with our leadership, and be clear."

Read the original article on Business Insider
For the first time, an assault weapons ban has passed a chamber of the state legislature. The House passed it Wednesday night and it now goes on to the Senate.

The passage of House Bill 1240 represents the first time a proposal to ban the sale of assault weapons has passed a chamber of the Washington Legislature. The bill prohibits the sale, manufacture, and import of such weapons in the state while allowing certain exemptions for law enforcement and the military.

The legislation does not prohibit people from possessing assault weapons.

Attorney General Bob Ferguson first proposed a ban on the sale of assault weapons in 2017, following a deadly 2016 shooting at a Mukilteo house party in which the shooter used a military-style assault rifle and high-capacity magazine.

The House today put public safety above the interest of the gun lobby, Ferguson said. The devastation of mass shootings extends far beyond the casualties and injuries. Mass shootings traumatize entire communities. We must stop selling these weapons of war in Washington.

Assault weapons have contributed to some of the deadliest shootings over the last decade, and keeping more of them out of our communities will make Washington a safer place, Gov. Inslee said. I applaud the bill sponsors and the Attorney Generals Office for helping advance this crucial public safety measure.

Republicans said they dont see any support for the bill among their caucus in the Senate and also say it will not actually reduce crime and make people safer. They said the focus should be on making sure people are punished for the crimes they commit and dealing with fentanyl and dangerous drugs.
Visitors wearing military camouflage stand at the entrance of the 'PMC Wagner Centre', which is associated with businessman and founder of the Wagner private military group Yevgeny Prigozhin, during the official opening of the office block during National Unity Day, in St. Petersburg, Russia, Friday, Nov. 4, 2022. Associated Press

The notorious Wagner Group has operated around the world on Russia's behalf for years.

Wagner fighters have been accused of carrying out scores of atrocities in countries across Africa.

US intelligence expects this presence to continue, even as Wagner suffers heavy losses in Ukraine.

Mercenaries from the notorious Wagner Group, a Kremlin-linked private military company, have taken a beating on the battlefield in Ukraine. But that won't stop them from operating around the world on Russia's behalf, the US intelligence community believes.

For years, the Wagner Group has put boots on the ground in countries across Africa and the Middle East. The US intelligence community expects this presence to continue, according to a newly unclassified threat assessment report by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

Moscow "will continue to use its involvement and the activities of" the Wagner Group in place like the Central African Republic, Libya, Mali, and Syria to "increase its influence; try to undercut U.S. leadership; present itself as an indispensable mediator and security partner; and gain military access rights and economic opportunities," the report says.

Russia's efforts to exert its influence won't be limited to these countries, either.

In the Western Hemisphere, the US intelligence community expects "Moscow will seek to maintain its influence by continuing its diplomatic overtures and economic engagements mostly with the countries that it sees as key players or close partners, including Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela." The report did not say if Wagner would play a role in those operations.

A pedestrian walks past a mural depicting the logo of the Russian mercenary 'Group Wagner' and a slogan in Russian on January 20, 2023 in Belgrade, Serbia. Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images

Before Wagner's involvement in Ukraine became public, the shadowy organization represented Moscow's interest in operations around the world. The group, which was founded by Russia President Vladimir Putin's close ally Yevgeny Prigozhin, has been accused of carrying out various atrocities and human rights violations in Mali, Libya, and the Central African Republic.

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For example, an independent United Nations report on human rights violations in the Central African Republic concluded that Wagner fighters carried out extrajudicial killings, civilian executions, acts of torture, sexual violence, and other forms of abuse.

US commandos have even squared off against Wagner before, engaging with the mercenaries in an intense firefight in Syria in 2018.

Graves of Russian Wagner mercenary group fighters are seen in a cemetery near the village of Bakinskaya in Krasnodar region, Russia, January 22, 2023. REUTERS/Stringer

But Wagner's existence and role in pursuing Russian interests has become much clearer since Putin launched his unprovoked war in Ukraine a little over a year ago, with Wagner mercenaries fighting alongside Russia's regular military in eastern Ukraine's Donbas region.

Wagner activities have been especially visible around the war-torn city of Bakhmut, where fighting has raged for months. At times, there have been signs of tension and other rifts between Wagner and Moscow, with the former frequently blasting the Kremlin for missteps in its war efforts.

Like Russia's regular military, Wagner has endured heavy losses on the battlefield. The US estimates that the group has suffered over 30,000 casualties, including 9,000 killed in action. Many of those killed have been convicts recruited from Russian prisons.

Officials have previously said that Wagner fighters  including the convicts recruited by the group  have been shoved to the front lines to absorb heavy Ukrainian fire like sponges. Western intelligence suggested that up to half of the prisoners recruited by Wagner have been killed or wounded in battle.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Wagner Center in Russia

When answering questions from members of the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee, Burns described Wagner Group as "a vicious, aggressive organization which has posed a threat not just to the people of Ukraine.

Read also: Wagner CEO Prigozhin is a war criminal, US Attorney General says

Burns noted that it is Wagner PMC that continues relentless assaults on Bakhmut, despite suffering staggering losses.

Read also: Prigozhins Wagner approaching collapse, lost almost all of its mercenaries  Cherevaty

He also said the PMC is having a "profoundly destabilizing effect" on a number of other regions, including "many vulnerable societies" in West Africa and the Sahel.

But we take very seriously the threat posed by (Wagner) in everything we can to counter it and disrupt it, Burns added.

Read also: EU court annuls sanctions against Wagner CEO Prigozhins mother

He confirmed that to counter Wagner activity in Ukraine and other regions, U.S. intelligence services are cooperating with their counterparts in France and other allied countries.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
WASHINGTON  The Senate approved a Republican-led effort rolling back the District of Columbias controversial criminal code overhaul on Wednesday, sending it to the desk of President Joe Biden, who has said that he intends to sign the rollback into law.

The vote was overwhelmingly in favor of overturning the districts crime law: Thirty-three Democrats joined every Republican in doing so.

Wednesdays passage of the disapproval resolution, authored by Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), is the first time Congress has directly overturned a Washington, D.C., law in three decades. Its also a stunning reversal for a Democratic Party that has repeatedly stated its support for D.C. statehood and home rule for the districts more than 700,000 residents who lack voting representation in Congress.

Its not difficult to see why Democrats jettisoned their principles on the matter, at least momentarily. With the 2024 election looming and many Democratic incumbents facing tough reelection bids, Biden and other top party officials chose to close ranks and undercut a favorite Republican line of attack  that Democrats are soft on crime  by rejecting the districts new law that lowered maximum sentences for crimes like carjacking.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoots failure last month to advance to the top two spots in that citys mayoral race, assuring her defeat, also likely weighed heavily on the minds of Democrats and party strategists. Her loss was partially attributed to the increase in gun violence and other crimes in Chicago and other cities since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Biden isnt tacking right on just on crime, either. His White House is reportedly considering whether to revive detentions of migrant families who enter the U.S. illegally, a policy that many Democrats fiercely criticized. And his administration has already announced changes to U.S. asylum policy, to the outrage of fellow Democrats.

The president happens to be a better politician than any of us and could see the handwriting on the wall without anybody telling him about it, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) told HuffPost. The members who are up in 2024 could very well have a lot of qualms about voting for a bill that seemed to be soft on crime and could be depicted that way regardless of the reality.

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With the 2024 election looming and many Democratic incumbents facing tough reelection bids, Biden and other top party officials chose to close ranks and undercut a favorite Republican line of attack  that Democrats are soft on crime.

The District of Columbias revised criminal code would eliminate almost all mandatory minimum sentences, except for first-degree murder, and lower maximum penalties for some crimes to levels that advocates say are in line with the sentences people are actually receiving in the city. For example, the maximum sentence for carjacking would drop from 40 years in prison under current law to 24 years under the new guidelines.

The revised code also raised penalties for some crimes, including attempted murder, attempted sexual assault, possession of assault weapons, and assault against police officers.

But Republicans said the D.C. Council would invite another crime wave in the nations capital, warning that the citys changes would put its residents at risk, as well as the millions of tourists who visit Washington, D.C., every year.

This is exactly why our laws give Congress the final say over how our nations capital is governed, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Tuesday. Because we cant have the craziness and dysfunction of a few local politicians jeopardizing basic public safety in the federal district that houses our national government.

The D.C. Council passed the changes to the citys criminal code  which hadnt been updated in a century  in a unanimous vote last year. It also included noncontroversial changes that were long overdue. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser vetoed the measure, citing safety concerns, but the council overruled her.

Fourteen Senate Democrats bucked Biden and their leadership in the Senate by voting against the GOP disapproval resolution on Wednesday, including Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (Ill.), Sen. Cory Booker (N.J.), Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Sen. Elizabeth Warren (Mass.) and Sen. Chris Murphy (Conn.). Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) voted present.

We should be supporting the autonomy of the citizens of D.C., Warren said, calling the measure a way of just showing who has power around here and that Congress can stomp on D.C. residents.

Van Hollen, who represents neighboring Maryland, noted the new carjacking penalties in D.C. are in line with penalties in other states.

I looked at what other state laws for armed carjacking have, Van Hollen said. In many cases, theyre lower than the new D.C. penalty. Many states dont have armed carjacking statutes. Fifteen states have lower penalties than the new lower D.C. maximum penalty.

Booker, meanwhile, chided opponents of the D.C. crime code revisions for engaging in scare tactics where actions are being taken as a way to win political points.

The White Houses handling of the matter also drew Democratic criticism. The White Houses Office of Management and Budget initially argued for the districts autonomy from Congress when it expressed its opposition to the GOP override last month before the House had taken the measure up for a vote.

As a result, 173 House Democrats voted against the disapproval resolution.

This taxation without representation and denial of self-governance is an affront to the democratic values on which our Nation was founded, the White Houses Office of Management and Budget wrote in a Feb. 6 statement of administration policy. Biden reversed that position a month later, however, when he announced that wouldnt oppose the effort during a closed-door meeting with Senate Democrats.

Joe Calvello, a spokesman for Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), who missed the vote because he is being treated for depression, chided the White House and others in a statement to HuffPost.

Look this has been mishandled at every turnfrom the White House blindsiding House Dems with a bait and switch, to the DC Council trying some last minute hijinks to pump the [brakes] on everything, Calvello wrote. And if Republicans are finally ready to address crime instead of blow hot air, then John is ready to work with them. John supports DC statehood and self governance. If he were here, he would vote accordingly.

D.C. statehood advocates argued that the 700,000 residents of the majority-minority city should be allowed to determine their own laws and be represented in Congress like every other community in the country.

President Biden gave this beautiful speech in September about our democracy and [the] future of our democracy, yet hes not heeding his own words, said Patrice Snow, a spokesperson for the advocacy organization DC Vote. We should be able  as majority black and brown city, to determine our own destiny, good or bad. Its very paternalistic.

Still, Snow said there was a silver lining in Wednesdays defeat at the hands of Congress: that D.C. statehood advocates will be able to educate folks outside the District that 700,000 residents of D.C. dont have a voting representative in Congress.

Related...
AR-15 rifles

AR-15 rifles and other weapons are displayed on a table at a shooting range during the Rod of Iron Freedom Festival on Oct. 12, 2019 in Greeley, Pennsylvania. Credit - Spencer PlattGetty Images)

The Washington State house approved a sweeping assault weapons ban on Wednesday that would prohibit the sale and manufacture of all AR-15 and AK-47 rifles and many other popular semi-automatic weapons. If passed, it would impose some of the strictest restrictions on assault weapons in the country.

Legal experts, however, say that courts would likely strike down the law after the Supreme Court signaled it would apply tough constitutional standards to gun restrictions in a ruling last June.

Washington states bill is broad in the kinds of guns it covers. It would ban entire classes of guns, including AK-74, AK-47, AR-15, M-16, and M-4 models in all forms and regardless of which company produced and manufactured the firearm. It also lists dozens of specific models that would be banned, as well as banning semi-automatic firearms with multiple accessories that are now common, including telescoping stocks, threaded barrels for muzzle brakes, flash suppressors or silencers, and pistol grips. Magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition would also be banned.

The bill bans the sale, manufacture, and import of such weapons in the state but does not explicitly ban possessionmeaning it would apply to new firearms, but not affect existing owners. It also has some exceptions for law enforcement and the military.

About nine states and D.C. currently restrict assault weapons; they include California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York, according to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. The laws vary on which firearms they classify as assault weapons as well as restrictions on the sale, manufacture or possession of these guns.

The legislation is backed by Washington Governor Jay Inslee, who was on the floor during its passage, the Seattle Times reported. The legislation succeeded on a straight party line vote and now heads to the Senate, where Democrats have a majority.

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State Democrats supporting the bill pointed to a steady stream of mass shootings in the U.S. in advocating for its passage. The legislation highlights an analysis of mass shootings that result in four or more deaths; 85% of those fatalities were caused by an assault weapon, according to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Violence. Republicans say the measure is too broad and will likely be struck down by courts.

Legal mostly experts agree with the assessment from Washington State Republicans. Thats due to the Supreme Courts strict ruling last June in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen, in which the court ruled that Americans had a right to carry firearms in public for self-defense. Justice Clarence Thomas, who authored the majority opinion, ruled more broadly that gun-related measures would only be constitutional if they are consistent with this nations historical tradition and have similar regulations during the time the Constitution was framed.

Even though most federal courts have previously upheld bans on so-called assault weapons, which gun rights groups say is an arbitrary label that targets gun features and accessories, many of the rulings came before the high court took a more expansive view of the Second Amendment, says Adam Winkler, a law professor at UCLA and expert on gun policy. [The New York State Rifle and Pistol Association ruling] fundamentally changed Second Amendment doctrine and made it much harder for gun laws like assault weapons bans to survive, Winkler says.

The Supreme Court said that for a gun law today to be constitutional, it has to be consistent with the gun laws of the 1700s and 1800sand, of course, assault weapon bans were not commonplace then. Assault weapons themselves were not commonplace, Winkler says.

Another restriction from the Supreme Court is the common use test and the idea that the Second Amendment protects firearms in common use by the law-abiding public. AR-15-style rifles, like those targeted in Washingtons assault weapons ban, are by many accounts the most popular rifles in Americaat a time when gun ownership rates are surging.

READ MORE: Why This CEO Likes the Gun Code that Credit Card Companies Have Refused

Robert Cottrol, a law professor at George Washington University and gun policy expert, says the bills measure targeting the sale of large-capacity magazines makes sense because its easy to buy magazines that hold more ammunition, even if a gun is sold with a smaller magazine. But he questions whether some of the provisions in the bill target features that are more cosmetic than lethal. Has anybody ever been killed by a pistol grip? These are things that make rifles look more like modern military rifles, but they dont make them function more like them, Cottrol says.

David Kopel, a gun rights advocate and adjunct scholar at the Cato Institute argues that gun control supporters have never used a stable definition of assault weapon. It is a marketing term that is used to encompass the broadest gun ban that seems politically viable at any given moment, Kopel says. Kopel notes that an adjustable stock is a useful feature that can allow a tall and short person to share the same gun. Each user can adjust the stock for a proper fit, which promotes stability and accuracy, and therefore safety, he says.

The Washington bill emerges at a time of conflict over gun restrictions, Winkler at UCLA, says. If this law were to pass, it would be a reflection of the growing strength of the gun safety reform movement. At the same time, that success comes just as gun rights are being expanded in the Supreme Court.
WEST PALM BEACH  Naomie Breton ran through the parking lot screaming, her ex-boyfriend on her heels. He screamed, too  "You did this to me!"  and doused her in gasoline. She felt the splash, then heard the lighter click.

Fast forward seven years to a Breton whose burns have healed, but who's wracked with an even greater pain. Her 20-year-old son, Xavier, was murdered, the detective told her  but that didn't make sense. She'd seen him alive just an hour earlier.

Breton's saga is the subject of a new true-crime documentary that launched on Amazon's Prime Video last month. "Momma: Living Her Worst Nightmare" spotlights Breton and a community of mothers like her, all bonded in tragedy and headquartered in West Palm Beach.

Two decades of MAMA: How a self-taught advocate keeps the memory of murder victims alive

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Documentary puts Mothers Against Murderers Association in spotlight

Michigan filmmaker Vince Eliot spent months in the county building a portrait of its quintessential killing: retaliatory gunfire between young men, often unsolved and too quickly forgotten. Behind it all is a group of women fighting to keep their children's memories alive.

Naomie Breton appears in the true-crime documentary "Momma: Living her Worst Nightmare," on Amazon's Prime Video.

"It's about time someone told our story," said Angela Williams, founder of the Mothers Against Murderers Association, when Eliot approached her in 2021. "We've been waiting 17 years for this."

Tired of working on the sets of whodunnits, Eliot said he sought something richer for his own breakout film. He found it in Breton's story, one of several pitched to him by members of MAMA. All were compelling, Eliot said, but Breton's had the 911 audio and surveillance-camera footage to bring it alive on the big screen.

The documentary reconstructs the abuse that plagued Bretons home life, then focuses on the murder that shattered it. "Momma" follows the classic true-crime formula, overlaying dramatic reenactments with an even more dramatic voice over.

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Jihovany Breton, whose older brother Xavier was murdered, speaks to the documentary crew filming "Momma: Living Her Worst Nightmare," a new true-crime film on Amazon's Prime Video.

It's punctuated with shots from across the county and features a cadre of locals, including Riviera Beach's former police chief Nathan Osgood and city councilman Douglas Lawson. Each tries to grapple with how the killings might be stopped.

Footage of Breton on fire is among the film's most arresting moments, but the quieter shots of grieving mothers speak loudest. They challenge the notion of closure and beg for justice instead. To date, no one has been convicted in the death of Xavier Breton.

Those who've lost loved ones say they feel forgotten after shootings

Eliot estimates the hour-long film cost between $50,000 and $100,000 to make. It premiered in a Michigan theater in October and aired on Prime Video on Feb. 23. Williams hosted her own premier Thursday for a crowd of 20 in the MAMA headquarters along Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, where some of the documentary's scenes were filmed.

The group passed around a microphone as the credits rolled, their own losses fresh in their mind. A man whose brother was murdered six years ago spoke first.

Angela Williams, founder of the Mothers Against Murderers Association, listens to a woman share her story. The group was featured in a true-crime documentary that aired on Amazon Prime in February 2023.

"Nobody calls to check on you to see how you're doing. That's the part that hurts," he said. The men and women around him nodded. "They're with you 'til that Saturday. You may be lucky if you get a call that Sunday. But I guarantee you, come Monday, no more phone calls."

Except from her, he said, and pointed to Williams. She keeps calling.

The documentary is available for rent on Prime Video for $1.99. Find it by searching Momma: Living Her Worst Nightmare or going directly to https://amzn.to/3SP1YmX.

Hannah Phillips is a journalist covering public safety and criminal justice at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at hphillips@pbpost.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Years after son's murder, Naomie Breton stars in true-crime documentary
House Democrats and Republicans sparred Thursday over how Twitter handles government requests for Twitter to review posts, in the second House committee showdown over reports known as the Twitter Files released by several journalists on the platform.

Republicans called in Matt Taibbi and Michael Shellenberger, two of the journalists who released threads of the files, as witnesses in a hearing for the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Weaponization of the Federal Government. The hearing ramped up House GOP leaders accusations that tech companies are making content censorship decisions with an anti-conservative bias.

In the most heated moments, Democrats complained that another Taibbi Twitter Files thread was just posted shortly before the hearing started and not provided to them. They also pressed the journalists on how they obtained the files.

Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), chairman of the committee, charged that the government built a cozy relationship with Big Tech  referencing communications reported by Taibbi and Shellenberger in the Twitter Files. He also cited the platforms decision to block a New York Post story about Hunter Bidens laptop in 2020 after intelligence officials said they suspected it could have been the result of a Russian intelligence operation.

The information op was run on us, run on we the people. And if thats not the weaponization of government, I dont know what is, Jordan said.

Democrats blast cherry-picked emails, so-called journalists

Democrats accused the House majority of choosing witnesses to advance a false narrative after former Twitter executives testified at a House Oversight Committee hearing last month that they did not have knowledge of Democrats making direct demands to remove content.

Oversight committee Twitter hearing blasted by Democrats

Republicans have brought in two of Elon Musks public scribes to release cherry-picked, out of context emails and screenshots designed to promote his chosen narrative  Elon Musks chosen narrative that is now being parroted by the Republicans because the Republicans think these witnesses will tell a story that is going to help them out politically, said Del. Stacey Plaskett (D-Virgin Islands), ranking member of the subcommittee.

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Later in her opening statement, she referred to both Taibbi and Shellenberger as so-called journalists, which Taibbi later dinged her for in his own statement.

Ranking member Plaskett, Im not a so-called journalist. Ive won the National Magazine Award, the I.F. Stone Award for independent journalism and Ive written 10 books, including four New York Times best-sellers, he said, as Jordan could be heard laughing in the background.

The hearing came after House Judiciary Committee Republicans released a report this week saying that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) asked Twitter to provide names of journalists to which the company has provided internal records.

Plaskett said that while the GOP report was largely focused on the letters that the FTC sent Twitter since Musk took ownership of Twitter, the company had issues with the FTC long before Musk was involved, relating to its use of account holder data.

FTC demanded Musk communications, names of journalists receiving internal files in Twitter probe, House Republicans say

Democrats on the panel during Thursdays hearing pressed Taibbi and Shellenberger over the scope of the information they had access to, and the terms they agreed to when posting them.

Who gave you access?

Taibbi said during the hearing that he signed a waiver and did not have access to personal info or human resources files as part of his process of receiving the trove of emails and files.

But Taibbi would not say, despite being pressed by both Plaskett and Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas), whether Musk was the person who gave him that information.

Who gave you access to these emails? Who was the individual who gave you permission to access these emails? Plaskett asked.

Taibbi referred to the attribution in his story, sources at Twitter.

Jordan objected to Plaskett asking about a journalists sources.

Later in the hearing, Garcia asked Taibbi about whether Musk was the source.

Either he is or he isnt. If youre telling me you cant answer because its your source, then the only logical conclusion is that he is, in fact, your source, Garcia said.

Musk himself has promoted the Twitter Files and previewed their publication before Taibbi released them.

Thursdays hearing was the second that House Republicans called over the Twitter Files. The House Oversight Committee held a similar hearing last month, featuring former Twitter executives.

In both hearings, Democrats argued that Twitter, as a private company, is protected by the First Amendment to moderate content at its discretion, and tried to illustrate the hearings as an attempt for the GOP to score political points while wasting public funds.

Republicans, on the other hand, argued that government officials were inappropriately using a company to exert censorship by proxy.

The thing that were concerned about is when the federal government by proxy essentially contracts this out, because the federal government cant ban speech, said Rep. Chris Stewart (R-Utah).

Anyone would be foolish to think that when the FBI comes to a private company and highlights speech, and then would expect them to do nothing. Of course they would respond to that. The FBI expected them to respond to that, Stewart said.

Rep. Colin Allred (D-Texas) took a different view.

It may be possible, that if you can take off the tinfoil hat, that theres not a vast conspiracy. Or that ordinary folks and national security agencies responsible for our security are trying their best to find a way to make sure that our online discourse doesnt get people hurt or see our democracy undermined, Allred said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
GENEVA, March 8 (Xinhua) -- The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) announced on Wednesday that China and three other countries will host Olympic qualification tournaments in September.

China, Japan and Poland will stage the women's event from September 16 to 24, while China, Japan and Brazil will host the men's counterpart from September 30 to October 8.

The drawing of lots ceremony for the FIVB Road to Paris qualifier events will take place in Lausanne, Switzerland, on March 17.

12 teams per gender will compete at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, with six berths each to be decided upon at the qualification tournaments. The top 24 teams of each gender will be split into three pools to fight for tickets to each group.

The other five places will be selected from the Volleyball Nations League 2024. Host nation France qualify automatically. 
A train derailment in West Virginia on Wednesday resulted in an "unknown" amount of diesel fuel and oil being released into a portion of one of North America's oldest rivers that's also part of the National Park Service. CSX, a freight train supplier, said the train derailed in Sandstone after it "struck a rockslide."

CSX said in a press release Wednesday that the coal train was empty at the time of the incident, which happened at around 4:51 a.m. All four of the train's locomotives and nine empty coal cars derailed, the company said, citing preliminary information.

According to West Virginia Emergency Management, it happened about half a mile from the end of a paved road in a "somewhat remote" area.

A view of a derailed CSX Corp freight train in Sandstone, West Virginia, March 8, 2023, in this still image obtained from social media video. / Credit: Austin Simms/via REUTERS

Three crew members who were in the lead locomotive at the time  a conductor, engineer and engineer trainee  were "evaluated and treated for non-life threatening injuries" after that locomotive caught fire, the company said. CSX said there is no danger to the public and that no hazardous materials were on the train.

West Virginia Emergency Management said downstream public water systems were notified of what happened and that monitoring for "potential public health impacts" is ongoing.

West Virginia American Water has been monitoring the water quality and said it has temporarily stopped drawing water from the New River and will "enhance its treatment processes, as necessary."

"Customers should see no impact to their service as a result of this action. The health and safety of our customers is a priority, and there are currently no drinking water advisories in place because of this incident," the American Water subsidiary said. "...Should the need arise for a drinking water advisory, customers will be notified upon that development."

On Thursday, CSX said that there had been 22 empty coal train cars, all of which have been removed.

The derailment could potentially impact the surrounding environment.

"An unknown quantity of diesel fuel and oil spilled from the derailed locomotives and environmental measures will be deployed in the New River for containment," CSX said.

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The New River is considered one of the oldest rivers in North America. According to the National Park Service, it's widely believed that the waterway "has been in its present course for at least 65 million years." It once ran through Central Ohio, Indiana and Illinois before going into the Mississippi, but much of it got diverted about 10,000 years ago when it was impacted by glacial ice, the service said.

"Another indication of the New River's old age is that it flows across the Appalachian Plateau, not around or from it as other streams," the NPS added. "The river was there before the Appalachians formedand the mountains are very old."

When the empty coal train went off the tracks, video shows some of the cars ended up in or along the bank of the New River. That area is part of the 53 miles of the river that's maintained by the National Park Service within the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.

When oil gets into freshwater bodies, it can cause significant damage depending on the amount involved.

"Oil spills occurring in freshwater bodies are less publicized than spills into the ocean even though freshwater oil spills are more frequent and often more destructive to the environment," the EPA says. "Freshwater bodies are highly sensitive to oil spills and are important to human health and the environment."

Because the river is a flowing waterway, the impacts would be less severe than had it flowed into standing water, but the EPA says that oil "clings" to plants and can potentially contaminate the animals that rely on those plants. Oil can also disrupt local ecology as it gets trapped within the rocks within the water.

West Virginia Emergency Management said CSX will be responsible for cleanup of the site, as the company owns 12 feet "from the middle of the track to either side."

"The company is sending a spill response unit that will coordinate with the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) on mitigation and remediation efforts," it added, praising the company for its swift initial response.

CSX said Thursday that it's "deployed additional environmental measures" to contain the fuel that could leak as the final train components are removed from the site. And once the final locomotive is removed, rocks and soil that were in contact with the diesel fuel will also be removed, the company said.

"The safety of our employees and the community is our top priority as we dispatch our teams to assess the situation and develop a plan to completely restore the area," CSX said. "Our team is in close contact with local police and fire officials and we will continue to work closely with them on our recovery efforts."

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A Winnipeg man took to TikTok to document his experience of getting locked down a hallway for hours while trying to catch a flight from Calgary to Las Vegas.

Ayden Schumacher missed a connecting flight after arriving from Winnipeg in Calgary on Feb 28, and was told by staff at American customs to head back to Canadian customs. However, when he made his way down the hallway, which he describes as the hallway that leads to the airplane when passengers are boarding, the door on the other end was locked.

When Schumacher turned around to get back to where hed entered, it turned out to be locked too.

There were a couple of other doors and I pulled on everything I could find but I was stuck in there, he tells Yahoo News Canada.

So the University of Manitoba law student took to TikTok to document his bizarre experience. At one point, another person walked by the locked glass doors and Schumacher called out to her to let her know he was trapped. Unfortunately she told him he couldnt help, but he was hopeful shed come back.

After a phone call to the airport, someone arrived to talk to Schumacher, and told him to meet him around the other side where hed originally come through. Ultimately, that airport employee couldnt help him either, telling him it would be a breach, so Schumacher waited a while longer.

After waiting over an hour, he then reached out American border security at the airport, who told him they would find help.

Once more than two hours passed, a security guard came to rescue Schumacher, and walked him through to Canadian customs.

I think they wanted to make sure I wasnt doing anything sketchy so they walked me all the way through and were like, OK youre free, see you later, he says. So I went on my way.Ayden Schumacher, trapped Westjet passenger

After he got out, he made his way to Westjet customer service to tell them what happened. The agent he was talking to was familiar with his situation, referring to him as the hallway guy.

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The service representative explained to him that his ticket identified him as an infant, and Schumacher says thats likely why he was rebooked on a flight the next day but wasnt offered accommodation. However, the Westjet representative changed his itinerary so he could get food vouchers and a hotel. He was able to fly out to Las Vegas the next morning.

Since Schumachers initial video received so much attention, Westjet reached out to him on Instagram and gave him a $50 voucher.

I wasnt mad, it was an accident, he says. Fifty dollars is fine by me.

In the comments of a follow up video, which updated his followers on what happened after he was freed, many people were puzzled by the treatment Schumacher received when he was trapped, along with the compensation he was offered.

But I am just not understanding how EVERYONE knew that you were there but they couldnt let you out?? Why wouldnt they let you LEAVE??? wrote one.

They were gossiping about you but still no one came to help? wrote another

Youre adorable and $50 is an insult. @westjet do better, one chimed in.

Ultimately, Schumacher says his takeaway from this experience is that it's helpful to staying positive and enjoy the moment.

I do a lot of travelling and I end up in a weird situation and I just go to it as oh this is a cool story, he says. It was an airport, I knew someone would find me eventually. There was no need to panic.
A sign is pictured in front of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) national headquarters in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada March 13, 2017. REUTERS/Chris Wattie

Sending in your tax return only to have it flagged by the Canada Revenue Agency for an audit can evoke a whole host of negative emotions, according to Gary Chow, a tax principal at accounting firm Baker Tilly WM LLP.

"For anybody, it doesn't matter what year it is, getting a phone call or a letter from the CRA invariably elicits a very emotional response in the sense that people get anxiety, angry or frustrated. And quite often people ask themselves 'why me?'" Chow, who worked as a former CRA auditor in the 90s, told Yahoo Finance Canada in a phone interview.

It's Tax Time: Get all the info you need for your least favourite day of the year

The CRA's computer system combs through returns looking for deficiencies, inaccuracies and red flags, and pulls returns randomly to see if any supporting information is needed, agency spokesperson Charles Drouin says.

If information is requested but not provided or if there are other issues, the return will go to a CRA employee for an audit.

If the computer system determines your return appears correct, it will be processed automatically and a notice of assessment will be sent.

Factors that get flagged for reviews

A taxpayer's compliance history or an attempt to claim a deduction that has been denied in the past are some of the factors that could trigger a review, the CRA says.

Another issue could be non-compliance with COVID benefits. Drouin says the agency's computer system will recognize patterns of non-compliance with certain COVID benefits and begin to look for those red flags.

Meanwhile, Chow says the CRA can also compare certain lines on a return to broader norms.

"They'll compare what you reported to other people in your neighbourhood, in your city, maybe in your province and maybe across the country. So if your number there is somehow statistically, say, more than two standard deviations away from the mean or highly abnormal, you could get pulled," he said.

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Tax credits such as the foreign tax credit or medical expense credit are also some "favourites" for the CRA to examine, Chow adds.

What happens when you get flagged

Drouin says Canadians whose returns are flagged for a review will be notified by snail mail or secured electronic mail via My Account on the CRA website.

From there, Canadians are advised to follow the instructions in the assessment letter and determine what exactly the agency is looking for.

When you're calmer, take a closer read of the letter and see exactly what they're looking forGary Chow, Baker Tilly

Sometimes, the agency is looking for proof of amounts being claimed, which should be submitted within 30 days. If no proof can be provided, the agency will adjust the refund or taxes owing.

Most of the time, proof in the form of scanned PDFs or possible photos of receipts could suffice and can be submitted through My Account, which is why Drouin says it's so important to set it up.

"My Account provides an area where you can do many things. People think it just tells them how much they're getting or what their assessment was. But this has evolved a lot over the last five years. You can go in there and pay your taxes through My Account. And you can read your mail through My Account," he said.

Only 50 per cent of eligible Canadians have their My Account set up, he says.

Chow's advice to those who receive a letter of a review would be to put it down.

"Take a breather," he said. "When you're calmer, take a closer read of the letter and see exactly what they're looking for. The way you get through all of this is to give them exactly what they're asking for."

Appealing your assessment outcome

Chow says he sees an increasing number of returns being denied and ultimately ending up in appeals.

"Things have changed over the years. What we're seeing in reality is that we have someone in the civil service sitting thousands of miles away, getting these files electronically. They take a quick look, and if they don't like what they see, they just deny and just move on, which is why so many files are landing in appeals, where they don't really give you a second chance," he said.

"I think in some respects, they were a bit more forgiving in the past and they would actually work together more closely with the taxpayer."

Typically, if a Canadian isn't happy with their notice of reassessment, they can appeal it themselves or go through a tax professional. If the changes to the assessment are big enough, financially, the case could end up in tax court.

CRA-related scams on the rise

The CRA wants to emphasize that it will never send text messages or links to click in their communications with Canadians.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reported phishing email scams claiming to be sent from the CRA roughly doubled to 1,360 in 2022, compared to 731 in the prior year.

"Especially through the last three years with COVID, people have taken advantage of that and the fact that people are getting money through all these different benefits that we launched," Drouin said.

The agency will provide phone numbers along with its mail communications. To confirm if it's a legitimate number, Drouin says Canadians can check the CRA website.

Michelle Zadikian is a senior reporter at Yahoo Finance Canada. Follow her on Twitter @m_zadikian.

Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android.
A Blaine sex offender serving a 4-year prison sentence for sending sexually explicit messages to nearly two dozen minors across the United States and Canada has been arrested for allegedly raping a woman when she was a child.

Troy Allan Pike, 34, was charged Jan. 4 in Whatcom County Superior Court with one count of first-degree child rape. Pike was brought to the Whatcom County Jail Tuesday, March 7, from the Coyote Ridge Correctional Facility in Connell, Wash., where he was incarcerated.

Pikes first appearance in the child rape case is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, court records show.

Pike was previously convicted in Whatcom County of two counts of communicating with a minor for immoral purposes and one count of possession of depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Two additional child pornography charges were dropped as part of Pikes plea agreement.

He was sentenced July 6, 2022, to 4 years in prison, with three years probation. As part of his sentencing, Pike is required to register as a sex offender, according to court records.

After learning Pike was in prison for child pornography, a woman reached out to the Everson Police Department in August 2022 and disclosed that she had been sexually abused by Pike when she was a child.

Pike and his family were known to the woman and her family, the court records show.

The woman told police that sometime between January 2005 and May 2006, when she was around 10 or 11 years old, she was sleeping in her bedroom at a home in Everson when she woke up to Pike sexually assaulting her, according to court records.

When the girl woke up and turned to look at Pike, he allegedly left the girls room. A second unknown person was also in the room, at the foot of the girls bed, watching the assault, the records state. The second person left when Pike left, the woman told police.

Pike would have been around 16- or 17-years-old at the time of the rape, according to court records.

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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.
Wheel the World wants to open the world up to people with disabilities and has made it its mission since 2018 to provide travel accommodations and experiences that fit their needs, both in the United States and worldwide.

Today, the company announced two new booking tool features, including guaranteed accessibility for hotel rooms booked from its website and a price match offer.

These new features follow the closing of $6 million in what it is calling pre-Series A funding. Kayak Ventures led the investment and was joined by Detroit Venture Partners, REI Co-op Path Ahead Ventures, former Booking.com CEO Gillian Tans, Dadneo, CLIN Fund, Amarena and WeBoost.

We caught up with founders Alvaro Silberstein and Camilo Navarro again after covering their $2 million seed round in 2021. At the time, Wheel the World had offered travel packages to 50 destinations with experiences specially created for people with disabilities, seniors and their families  think activities like sky-diving, kayaking and snorkeling, but crafted to enable people to do them without limits.

Wheel the World now offers more than 200 destinations, including some new group tours that create itineraries for groups of eight to 10 with guaranteed accessibility, allowing travelers with disabilities to travel together and explore places like Costa Rica, Morocco and Alaska. The company also now price matches hotel rooms from other booking platforms, including Booking.com, Expedia and Travelocity.

We have identified those details of accessibility and the rooms that have those details, Silberstein said. Through our operations, we can guarantee accessibility that other platforms cannot. If you find something that we didn't promise, we will give you your money back. As powerful as it sounds, we allowed that a month ago, and it's working really well.

The concept has caught on: In the past year, Wheel the World experienced a four-fold increase in the number of travelers booking through its platform over 2021. In addition, 40% of customers booked trips through the company more than twice.

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The new capital is part of a SAFE note that will be part of the companys future Series A round, Navarro told TechCrunch. It enables the company to pursue new partnerships with destination management organizations to identify new accessible travel offerings with a goal of reaching 12,000 travelers booking through its platform by December 2024, CEO Silberstein said in an interview.

Seventy-nine percent of the companys users come from the U.S., and the founders said over the next two years, they will focus on this audience with additional product development around customer experience in terms of booking multiple trips, places to stay and group tours. In addition, Wheel the World will continue to grow its community of travelers and offer more opportunities for them to get to know each other and travel together.

We want to transform our product into a community-based product and help them learn how they can contribute, Silberstein said. We also want them to have more interaction through a referral program so users can make recommendations to other users and we can start receiving accessibility validations. Those are things that we haven't done yet.
A medical staff member treats a patient infected by the COVID-19 at a hospital in Wuhan, China, Feb. 22, 2020. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  With tensions between the United States and China deepening, the question of how and where the coronavirus originated remains an intense point of contention, especially as the lab leak hypothesis gains traction.

There is consensus that the pandemic originated in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, perhaps as early as September 2019. But did it start at a wildlife market, jumping from a bat or another animal host to humans? Or did the coronavirus emanate from the Wuhan Institute of Virology as the result of an accident?

More than three years since the pandemic began, these fundamental questions remain unanswered. If anything, the fiery, partisan debates over masks and vaccines have been eclipsed by the question of how the virus first entered the human population.

The spell is broken

Laboratory technicians work on samples to be tested for the coronavirus at a COVID-19 testing facility in Wuhan in August 2021. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

Perhaps nobody did more to popularize the notion of a lab leak than comedian Jon Stewart, who made the case in a viral appearance on Stephen Colberts late night talk show in 2021.

Science has in many ways helped ease the suffering of this pandemic, which was more than likely caused by science, Stewart said in an extended riff about how he could not accept as mere coincidence that the coronavirus originated in a city that was also home to a laboratory devoted to studying coronaviruses.

The backlash was swift, immediate and quite loud, Stewart reflected last month. Since then, however, more and more experts have come around to his view.

Recently, the Department of Energys so-called Z Division told the Biden administration it was becoming more confident that the virus originated in a laboratory. Other intelligence agencies continue to favor zoonosis  the relatively common process of a virus transferring from an animal population to humans  but because much of the evidence on which those assessments were made remains classified, it has been difficult to parse on what grounds the agencies disagree.

Initially, many scientists and public health experts argued that endorsing anything other than the zoonotic hypothesis would stoke conspiracy theories and anti-Asian sentiment, which was on the rise.

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But conclusive proof of an animal-to-human jump never materialized, while circumstantial evidence for a lab leak has mounted.

Were getting more popular awareness of the validity of the lab-origin theory, and this is leading more scientists to speak up and come out of the woodwork, says Alex Washburne, an independent mathematical epidemiologist and pathogen spillover researcher who has worked at Duke and Princeton universities.

Long gone are the days when lab leak proponents were grouped with anti-vaccine conspiracy theorists. The spell is broken, Washburne told Yahoo News.

Legislators on Capitol Hill want classified intelligence on the issue, but it is not clear that the Biden administration will comply.

Their hand in the cookie jar

Dr. Anthony Fauci at an event in December 2022 urging Americans to get vaccinated against COVID-19. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

When Republicans took over the House of Representatives after last Novembers midterm elections, the chambers new leaders vowed to interrogate top public health officials like Dr. Anthony Fauci  until recently head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and a top pandemic adviser to both Presidents Biden and Donald Trump  and Dr. Francis Collins, who retired in 2021 from leadership of the National Institutes of Health.

Fauci has been at the center of both conspiracy theories (some of which have resulted in threats against him and his family) and legitimate questions about whether federal regulators conducted sufficient oversight of subgrants to the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

Researchers there conducted gain-of-function studies, which make a virus either more transmissible or more harmful in order to anticipate how it may behave in a human population. There is some genetic evidence  persuasive but circumstantial  to suggest that such research could have led to the inadvertent unleashing of the pathogen known as SARS-CoV-2.

That evidence, witnesses said Wednesday at the first hearing of the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, consists of a sequence of four amino acids making up what is known as a furin cleavage site, a unique signature that some researchers believe is incontrovertible evidence of human meddling. (Others say the furin cleavage sites are not genetically engineered.)

Faucis name was frequently invoked during the hearing. Earlier this week, the committees Republican members released the contents of email exchanges that described how Fauci and Collins allegedly discounted the lab leak hypothesis in the earliest stages of the pandemic. They did so, the Republicans alleged, without any evidence in favor of the zoonotic model.

Dr. Fauci and Dr. Collins got caught with their hand in the cookie jar, Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., who heads the House Oversight Committee, said at Wednesdays hearing, suggesting that they were directly responsible for the work conducted in Wuhan.

They got caught supercharging viruses in an unsecured Chinese lab, he said. In fact, there is no evidence that Fauci or Collins was directly involved in any research conducted in Wuhan. It is more likely that NIH regulators did not press Chinese colleagues hard enough on what kind of research they were conducting, as a government report published earlier this year suggested.

Witnesses point to lab leak

A laboratory at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. (Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images)

Fauci has not yet testified before the GOPs coronavirus panel, but he is a veteran of Capitol Hill hearings and has said he would not shy away from defending his record. At a hearing in 2021, he argued in favor of cooperating with Chinese researchers, including on gain-of-function experiments.

You gotta go where the action is, he said at the time.

Wednesdays most significant witness was Dr. Robert Redfield, who served as the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sidelined by then-President Donald Trump and never fully trusted by Democrats, he was an early proponent of the lab leak narrative.

He used his testimony as a sort of vindication, while doing little to hide his abiding dislike of Fauci.

Based on my initial analysis of the data, I came to believe and I still believe today that it indicates that COVID-19 more likely was the result of an accidental lab leak than a result of a natural spillover event, Redfield said.

A similar assessment was offered by witness Jamie Metzl, who pointed out on more than one occasion that he was a pro-science Democrat, having served on the National Security Council during the Clinton administration.

There is no smoking gun proving a lab origin hypothesis, but the growing body of circumstantial evidence suggests a gun that, at the very least, is warm to the touch, Metzl said.

The questions China wont answer

From right, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, National Security Agency Director Gen. Paul Nakasone and FBI Director Christopher Wray testify at a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on Wednesday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)

Between fears of a Taiwan invasion and the recent shoot-down of a Chinese surveillance balloon that had floated for days over the continental United States, Sino-American relations appear to be at a low point.

And as evidence for a lab leak continues to grow, the pressure builds on China to open itself up to outside probes on the issue. So far, researchers there have not found a convincing animal candidate for the zoonotic hypothesis. Barring a single WHO visit, they have not allowed Western investigators unrestricted access to the Wuhan virology lab.

China has not fully cooperated, and that is a key critical gap that would help us understand what, exactly, happened, Avril Haines, the nations intelligence director, said at a Senate hearing on Wednesday.

World Health Organization officials have also grown exasperated, having found themselves facing both criticism of Chinese influence on the agency and intransigence from Beijing, which has gone so far as to claim that the virus may have originated in an American biological weapons facility.

Understanding how the pandemic began was critical, WHO epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove, who is leading the agencys coronavirus response, said at a Wednesday briefing. Though she called for more transparency from China, Van Kerkhove also echoed Capitol Hill demands to review classified evidence now available only to U.S. intelligence agencies.

This is not a game, she said.

Democrats respond

Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., at a hearing Wednesday of the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. (Ting Shen/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Unlike the inquiry into the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol, the investigation into how the pandemic began has thus far been a bipartisan affair. But whereas Republicans wanted to focus narrowly on where the coronavirus originated, Democrats were more interested in how the next pandemic could be stopped.

They also argued that focusing on China was a means of absolving Trump of an inattentive and erratic response that led to hundreds of thousands of needless deaths during the start of the crisis.

Whatever the origins of COVID-19, whether it is bats or bureaucrats, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., said, no finding will ever exonerate or rehabilitate Donald Trump for his lethal recklessness in mismanaging the crisis.
Where to treat stage 4 cancer in Mexico?

Stage 4 cancer is the process in which this disease spreads from the place it originated to somewhere else in the body. This process is known as metastatic cancer. Data says that 92% of deaths due to cancer were not detected in time and this is due to this metastasizing process.

One of the difficulties when presented with a metastatic cancer diagnosis is knowing where the cancer originated. The metastasized cancer diagnosis is not a new cancer but the extension of an initial diagnosis. That's why it is called stage 4 of a first diagnosis. As such, the treatment must be applied on the place of origin in phase 4. Another problem due to this diagnosis is the fact that there are no symptoms that characterize it, unless the sizes of the metastatic tumors are big enough to produce pain in patients. This extension occurs through blood vessels or through lymph node walls.

The first medical intervention for this phase is often the one that breaks or delays the progress of this disease. If one manages to detect the cancer in time, the patient can live for years, according to the National Cancer Institute. The treatment that is generally applied to patients diagnosed with stage 4 is palliative treatments focused on terminal patients. In most cancer cases, patients, regardless of which phase they are in, receive palliative treatments.

Find out more about personalized cancer treatments by calling MedBaja at (619) 333-6066 or fill out the form down below.

In Mexico, receiving cancer treatment is a complicated task, due to the lack of medications in the country that should supply the country's health centers. In private medical centers, there is a different problem. High costs of conventional medicine can lead to impossible price numbers that a normal person cannot pay. With these obstacles, one also has to add the stage 4 cancer diagnosis, which means there is a race against time.

Fortunately, there is a viable and accessible option in the city of Tijuana. Immunity Therapy Center has the necessary experience to face off against the adversities caused by stage 4 cancer in the patient.

Through non-invasive and state-of-the-art processes, ITC shows patients a viable and safe alternative to recover their health and life. Treatments offered by this medical center are part of a variety of alternative treatments based on patients' needs.

This medical approach and philosophy allows ITC to modify therapies and create unique treatment combinations, depending on what the patient requires. This variety of options allows patients diagnosed with stage 4 to find hope in healing through alternative therapies.

Find out more about personalized cancer treatments by calling MedBaja at (619) 333-6066 or fill out the form down below.

The specialized medical team at ITC has years of experience treating patients who are going through metastasis. This experience is a guarantee for patients that are facing this type of disease, which, according to traditional medicine, have very few positive options. However, ITC has a different approach than traditional medicine and has found positive variables to help patients recover their health and life.

Get in contact with a specialist and learn about Alternative Cancer Treatments in Tijuana, fill-out the contact form below:

Alternative Cancer Treatment in Mexico | Survivor Testimonials

Call us at MedBaja Services on (619)333-6066 to find out more about this cheap, revolutionary, and holistic approach to cancer treatment, or fill out the form below so we may contact you immediately.

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Following a move to repair an A-50 radar jet that was damaged at Machulishchy airfield, there is a real possibility that joint Russian-Belarusian air activity will have to rely on ground control and fighter jet escort.

Source: UK Defence Intelligence, reported by European Pravda

Details: On 7 March 2023, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko confirmed that one of Russias small fleet of A-50U MAINSTAY airborne early warning and control aircraft deployed in Belarus had been damaged.

The aircraft was almost certainly attacked by a small uncrewed air system.

The MAINSTAY has likely now been moved to a repair facility in the city of Taganrog in Russia. The transit flight reportedly took place at an altitude lower than usual, likely because of damage to the pressurised cabin.

The MAINSTAY was likely providing situational awareness for MiG-31K fighter aircraft modified to launch Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missile, which Russia sees as a key strategic capability.

The modification saw the jets internal radar removed to balance the airframe, making pilots reliant on external sources of situational awareness, such as A-50 MAINSTAY.

It is a realistic possibility that joint Russian-Belarusian air activity will now be forced to rely on ground control and fighter escort until another aircraft like MAINSTAY can be deployed.

Background: UK Defence Intelligence reported earlier that the loss of a Russian A-50 aircraft at Machulishchy would further restrict Russia's air operations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine dismissed accusations of Ukraine's participation in the incident at the Machulishchy airfield voiced by Alexander Lukashenko, self-proclaimed President of Belarus, who called them "an act of sabotage".

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
Gov. Gretchen signed into law Wednesday a supplemental spending bill that appropriates nearly $630 million in incentives to support a Ford Motor Co. electric vehicle battery plant expected to create 2,500 jobs in the Marshall area.

The spending bill also allocates more than $147 million in federal funds to help states recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, funds to help remediate mineral wells, a suicide prevention grant for the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and more.

"I'm proud to sign this bipartisan legislation to grow our economy, protect public health, and lower costs for families," Whitmer said in a statement.

More:Michigan lawmakers approve $630M more in incentives for Ford battery plant near Marshall

More:Lawmakers raise questions at additional $750M request for Ford battery plant

Funds to help prep Ford battery plant are biggest spends

The biggest item in the supplemental spending bill  House Bill 4016  is a $330 million appropriation for road and infrastructure improvements to prepare the site of the Ford battery plant. The second largest item is a $299.7 million appropriation for land acquisition, demolition, tree clearing and other activities to achieve a "pad ready" site with an expected completion date in late 2026.

The funds are on top of the $36 million loan previously distributed to the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance to get the site ready.

State economic development officials have already approved a $210 million grant for Ford along with a 15-year tax abatement for the company with an estimated value of $772 million.

Some Republican lawmakers have balked at the size of state funding for the Ford plant. "The return on investment is horrible," said state Rep. Ann Bollin, R-Brighton, in a statement.

What else is in the spending bill?

The spending bill also includes other spending by the state. Other items include:

$170.3 million for the Strategic Outreach Attraction Reserve Fund, the state economic development fund that doles out taxpayer-funded incentives for companies that expand to create jobs in the state.

$63.5 million to support long-term care services for Medicaid recipients.

$10.8 million  including $5.8 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds  to create an Office of Community Violence Intervention Services and provide grants to address community violence.

Nearly $9.9 million for the Career and Technical Education Complex at North Central Michigan College.

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Federal funding allocated

The bill will also allocate federal dollars, including COVID-19 relief funds in the American Rescue Plan. Federal funding will support several investments in Michigan, including:

$212 million for energy efficiency updates undertaken by homeowners and landlords.

$75 million in COVID-19 relief dollars to recruit, retain and train acute care and behavioral health care providers and $67 million to do the same for Michigan's long-term care workforce and support nursing home workers' career development.

$60 million for a grant program to support community centers in Michigan.

$10 million to rehabilitate wetlands in the Lake Erie and Saginaw Bay watershed.

Nearly $7.9 million to help mid-Michigan recover from storms in June 2021.

Nearly $7.3 million to support the AmeriCorps community service program.

Clara Hendrickson fact-checks Michigan issues and politics as a corps member with Report for America, an initiative of The GroundTruth Project. Make a tax-deductible contribution to support her work at bit.ly/freepRFA. Contact her at chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743. Follow her on Twitter @clarajanehen.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Whitmer approves $630 million to support Ford battery plant
This photo taken on March 9, 2023 shows the scene of a train-bus collision in Lagos, Nigeria. The death toll has climbed to seven in the collision early Thursday in Lagos, Nigeria's economic hub, various sources told Xinhua. (Photo by Toye Ayoku/Xinhua)

LAGOS, March 9 (Xinhua) -- The death toll has climbed to seven in a train-bus collision early Thursday in Lagos, Nigeria's economic hub, various sources told Xinhua.

According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), three dead bodies were retrieved on the spot after a state government staff bus crammed with about 90 people collided with a train while trying to cross the rail at 7:20 a.m., local time, Thursday.

The NEMA said around 84 people have been injured, and all the casualties are from the bus.

Hospital sources told Xinhua that four out of the injured were later confirmed dead, bringing the death toll to seven.

A rescue operation is underway. 

This photo taken on March 9, 2023 shows the scene of a train-bus collision in Lagos, Nigeria. The death toll has climbed to seven in the collision early Thursday in Lagos, Nigeria's economic hub, various sources told Xinhua. (Photo by Toye Ayoku/Xinhua)

This photo taken on March 9, 2023 shows the scene of a train-bus collision in Lagos, Nigeria. The death toll has climbed to seven in the collision early Thursday in Lagos, Nigeria's economic hub, various sources told Xinhua. (Photo by Toye Ayoku/Xinhua)
Charlene Wong, a pediatrician in adolescent medicine, continues to see patients while she serves as assistant secretary for children and families in the state Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). She remembers a recent experience seeing a transgender student in a clinic.

That students experience tracks with data from the states latest Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which found LGBTQ+ students experiencing greater mental health challenges than their peers.

School is where I feel safest, Wong remembers the student telling her.

So this is work that is really important to me, said Wong, who co-chairs the Whole Child NC advisory committee.

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The committee met last week as it continues to reboot after the pandemic forced a pause in regular meetings. The committee, established in 2015 by Judge Howard Manning Jr. as part of the Leandro trial, advises the State Board of Education on best strategies and practices for supporting students non-academic needs.

When it was established, the committee worked to educate the Board on challenges and potential solutions. More recently, the committee has become interested in influencing policy. As such, it asked the Board for flexibility in filling out its membership, specifically so it could adjust its membership over the years as policy foci shift. The Board voted to approve that request on Thursday.

The committee expects to provide the Board with its second set of recommendations in June. Its first set of recommendations came more than two years ago, just before the pandemic.

The committee grounds its recommendations in the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model. Its also finding direction from a DHHS action plan.

That plan, the Unified School Behavioral Health Action Plan, was released last year to address the urgent crisis of children with complex behavioral health needs.

It lists these challenges to getting kids mental health support:

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No centralized repository of partners, programs, funding, services, and outcomes.

Several overlapping policies addressing youth behavioral health.

Limited behavioral health workforce capacity.

Funding challenges.

A need for more flexible options to address inequities in access.

Partners working in silos.

The action plan seeks to address these challenges, among others. Some of its strategies overlap with mandates in the Leandro plan, which was most recently upheld by the state Supreme Court in November.

As Wong spoke to the committee about the DHHS plan, she made the connection between supporting non-academic needs and achieving academic outcomes. But strategies for non-academic supports need to be focused, she said.

This is really a plan of specific strategies, Wong said of the DHHS action plan. We came together and said: We have a real crisis. What do we think is really going to make a difference for kids and families, and  what do we think are the most important things to be doing in schools now, to really support the behavioral health of students?

Here are some of those strategies:

Statewide Electronic Health Record System

Provide funding to maintain a school electronic health records (EHR) system that is being built with one-time COVID-19 funding to enable all North Carolina schools to document student health records and to allow health information to follow students if they change schools. The plan estimates $1.7 million in funding would be needed to implement this.

School-based Telehealth Pilot for Behavioral Health

Fund telehealth pilots and technical assistance via contractor(s) to expand access to about 10,000 students in districts without programs and create a sustainability plan. An estimated $4.2 million in funding would be required to implement this.

Project AWARE/ACTIVATE

Sustain Project AWARE/ACTIVATE for two additional years in pilot districts whose federal funding ends in June 2023. Work would focus on a path to sustainability and replication of key programs components that have been effective in North Carolina. You can read more about the pilot here. The plan estimates an additional $4 million in funding would be needed.

School Linkages to Community Resource Networks

Expand supports provided to schools with COVID-19 funding to connect schools with behavioral health resources in their communities and to train schools on how to effectively coordinate with these partners to support student behavioral health. The plan estimates an additional $300,000 in funding would be needed.

School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) Support

107 out of 115 school districts have local SHACs that met last year. This strategy is to build on COVID-19 investments to provide sustainable funding to locally run SHACs so that coalitions of school staff, parents, and community members can invest in behavioral health resources based on local needs. This would require an estimated $7 million in funding.

Mental Health First Aid

Facilitate Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid trainings for school staff and students and evaluate the benefits of this program as a long-term investment in the mental of North Carolinas youth.

This article first appeared on EducationNC and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
When discussing todays popular R&B artists, Brent Faiyaz is one who enters the conversation. Whether its headlining shows or racking up hundreds of millions of streams, the Grammy-nominated artist has been on a consistent streak of wins.

The post Why Brent Faiyaz Turned Down A Record Deal With A Quarter Million Dollar Advance And Opted To Go Independent appeared first on AfroTech.

In July 2022, Faiyaz released his sophomore album, Wasteland, which debuted at No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard 200, Hypebeast reports. Whats more, nearly four months later, the album became certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Not only is the Maryland native reaching mainstream success as an R&B artist but also as an independent artist. His road to stardom all began with his focus on creative freedom rather than chasing money.

Back in 2014, Faiyaz met his manager, Ty Baisden. While Faiyaz was on his initial rise after receiving a Grammy nomination, he was receiving multiple offers from major labels including an alleged $250,000 advance, according to VICE News. However, after initially not wanting to be independent, Faiyaz stuck to his guns on staying on the indie course.

I always said that it was never about the money. It was always about the terms, his manager Baisden declared to VICE News about their goals.

I look at everything from 100 percent of a pot, he continued. Im thinking to myself, Im like 18 percent [of royalties] out of a hundred. So if we do a two album deal, that means that if both of those albums combined makes, lets say, $10 million in profits, Im getting paid 18 percent of that. That doesnt make sense to me.

In 2016, the duo went on to launch Lost Kids  their own independent label. In that same year, Faiyaz signed a publishing deal with Pulse Music Group. For Faiyazs debut album, Sonder Son, the two invested $30,000 from their own funds, the outlet noted.

Faiyazs music journey started off on Soundcloud with him and Baisden utilizing streaming service data to build the musicians fanbase. It appears that their strategy was successful as Faiyaz sold out his tour in the U.S. and Europe. After 17 tour stops and royalties from song placements, they raked in around $30,000 a month, VICE News revealed.

Despite his growing popularity over the past six years since his debut, it doesnt look like Faiyaz plans on giving up his indie status anytime soon.

When you talk numbers and percentages, it just doesnt make too much sense for me to get in [the studio] with producers of my choice and creatively make all this music on my own, then give up so much of a piece of the pie on the back end, the All Mine crooner explained to Variety about remaining independent. Its just common sense. I think a lot of those deals  like motherfking 80/20 splits and [artists] getting 20-something-percent royalty rates on music that they write and produce themselves  just doesnt make sense to me. Its just simple math.
Story at a glance

Neoral is an immunosuppressant commonly used to prevent organ rejection after a transplant.

Earlier this year some users of the drug reported difficulty in obtaining the medication.

The drugs manufacturer, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, told Nexstars WPRI there is no longer a shortage of Neoral.

NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Its been 26 years since James Loxley underwent a life-saving kidney transplant after a donation from his father.

I have been able to live life to the fullest with that transplant, Loxley said.

Its also when he began taking 25 milligrams of the drug Neoral, which is an immunosuppressant commonly used to prevent organ rejection after a transplant. The drug is imperative to the continued success of Loxleys transplant, and when he suddenly couldnt get ahold of it, he became concerned.

The pharmacist said to me, We have a situation going on. Theres a national shortage of this medication,' his wife, Linda Loxley, recalled.

I am scared, her husband added. If this medication [isnt available], what is going to happen to the life-saving transplant that I received from my father?

With the help of Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), the couple received an emergency supply of Neoral, though only enough to last James Loxley two weeks.

I dont want to lose him, his wife said. I am going to do everything in my power to get this medication for him because it is that important. He could die [without] it.

YETI coolers recalled over injury risk

The drugs manufacturer, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, told Nexstars WPRI there is no longer a shortage of Neoral.

There was a backorder of Novartis Neoral 25 milligrams earlier this year, but as of Feb. 16, it is available and no longer on backorder, a company spokesperson said. As this is so recent, there may be a lag in the market to get product backfilling the channel.

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Thats the case for James Loxley, whose pharmacy still has a limited supply.

Its essential, Jeffrey Bratberg, a pharmacy professor at the University of Rhode Island said. If you dont tell the immune system to not reject the organ, you have a much higher likelihood of rejecting the organ.

Bratberg said patients impacted by medication shortages should work closely with their prescribing doctor or pharmacist to discuss both short- and long-term solutions.

Generic medications may also be available in place of the brand-name drugs, Bratberg added.

James Loxley, meanwhile, said he doesnt want to take chances with a generic medication, especially 26 successful years with Neoral.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Sandstorm. Pavliha/Getty Images

NASA scientists are beginning to map out dust and sand storms in order to plan for the future in the fight against climate change. Here's everything you need to know:

What are dust storms?

Dust storms and sand storms happen "when strong winds lift large amounts of sand and dust from bare, dry soils into the atmosphere," the World Meteorological Organization explains. These particles can be carried thousands of miles and can worsen air pollution.

There has been an increase in dust and sand storms because of land degradation and droughts caused by climate change, according to the United Nations. The storms can "damage crops, kill livestock, and strip topsoil" in the areas where they originated, "while distant areas are affected by atmospheric dust and surface dust deposits, which affect human health as well as disrupt transportation, supply chains, and power networks."

Dust particles in the air also have a greenhouse effect: They trap heat in the atmosphere and warm the planet. Approximately 40 percent of atmospheric aerosols, which are minute particles suspended in the atmosphere, are dust particles resulting from wind erosion.

What is NASA doing to track dust storms?

NASA is using an imaging spectrometer called the Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT), located on the International Space Station, to map out global dust storms. EMIT works by "imaging spectroscopy in the visible and short-wave infrared range," meaning it uses the dust's hue to determine its mineral makeup and map how it affects the temperature of the region it initiated in, NASA explains.

Each type of dust reflects light in a unique way, climate scientist Natalie Mahowald, who is working with NASA on EMIT, told CNN: "Red and the dark dust absorbs it," and white reflects the radiation, she explained. Dark dust has a greenhouse gas effect because it traps heat on the Earth. The instrument, launched last year, collects data on dust storms from space, greatly expanding the current data set by providing billions of data points rather quickly, CNN says.

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"We can use that (data) to better understand what the impact of desert dust is," Mahowald said, adding that EMIT will "revolutionize what we can do."

Why are scientists interested in dust and sand storms?

Sand and dust aren't inherently bad, but problems arise when there is too much of them. "When the dust settles in water or on land it can provide nutrients for ecosystem growth," writes NASA. Because climate change is making sand and dust storms more common, there are concerns about the aerosols contributing to global warming. This also acts as a feedback loop, CNN says: the higher temperatures get, the more storms there will be.

As storms in the Sahara Desert become more severe, the Arctic is feeling the effects. "We noticed that during the last two decades, the darkening of the ice in the Arctic was becoming significant," Diana Francis, a climate scientist at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, told CNN. "We know that when the ice is dark it'll reflect less of the solar light, and therefore it'll melt faster."

EMIT's data will help scientists map where dark dust is becoming more prevalent, and why. "Scientists know that most of the mineral dust transported in Earth's atmosphere comes from arid, or dry, regions around the globe," NASA explains. "But they aren't certain what types of minerals the wind carries from those regions."

"The EMIT project is testing the waters, and really showing what is possible," Mahowald told CNN. "We're going to go from 5,000 to billions of pieces of data, and much higher resolution. That's going to help us tremendously."

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Starbucks

Credit - Beata ZawrzelNurPhoto/via Getty Images

During the crypto bull market of 2021, countless major brands flooded into the space with their own NFTs (non-fungible tokens), hoping to profit from a very lucrative craze. Two years later, as crypto doldrums have set in, many of those projects have shrunk or been abandoned. NFT sales dropped 83% year-over-year in 2022, according to Non Fungible data.

But in December, one of the biggest brands stepped into the NFT world: Starbucks. The companys project, called Starbucks Odyssey, serves as an extension of their rewards program, in which users can earn perks for buying coffee and completing online games and quizzes. Starbucks called it a revolutionary Web3 experience, and hailed the project as a new, next-generation loyalty program model.

Since the project launched in betaa testing phase with select customersin December, it has already raked in a surprising amount of money. More than $200,000 in sales have been completed, with NFTs that cost customers little more than a few cups of coffee being sold on the secondary market for as much as $1,900. Crypto enthusiasts are rallying behind the program on social media, arguing that it serves as the perfect bridge for crypto to enter the mainstream. Bank of America analysts praised the program as being more holistic than the industrys prior NFT forays.

On Thursday, a newly released batch of 2,000 Starbucks NFTs sold out within minutes for $100 apiece, with the website momentarily crashing amid the frenzy of activity. Buyers excitedly showed off their purchases on social media soon after.

But the hype may be overblown. So far, this frenzy of activity still has little to no bearing on whether most regular coffee drinkers will integrate Starbucks NFTs into their daily habits. While Starbucks has promised future rewards and perks to entice a wider audience, for now, the program appears to be triggering Starbucks adoption amongst the crypto community as opposed to the other way around.

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Chasing Pokemon

Starbucks NFTs arent even called NFTs: the company is calling them stamps, and they mostly arent held on the blockchain. Stamps are collected when customers perform a certain array of tasks, including passing a quiz containing coffee and Starbucks trivia or ordering two drinks with non-dairy milk. The stamps are then stored in users Starbucks Rewards accounts. The company recently opened up the option to buy some stamps directly as opposed to having to earn them.

For now, the programs adoption is being driven by people who love Starbucks and crypto. Chris Fierro, who lives in Rhode Island, is an avid NFT collector, an ex-barista, and a self-professed coffee fanatic. He says that when he heard about the Starbucks Odyssey, it sounded like a home run, he says. Fierro says the experience has been seamless with his previous Starbucks routine: when he goes to a store and completes a task, like buying a bag of coffee beans, the credit is automatically loaded into the program.

Fierro has earned all four stamps, and largely enjoys completing the online activities needed to win them. I think its kind of the next generation of gaming where its like, Oh, I might get something free out of this. I have two minutes to take this quiz, or see where my coffee was grown. I dont think theres anything in there thats onerous or feels like homework, he says.

But Fierros activity, which consists of minor purchases and demonstrating brand loyalty, doesnt explain why Starbucks NFTs are being sold for hundreds of dollars on the secondary market. This trading activity, instead, is happening because NFT enthusiasts (read: gamblers) have found the project, and are betting that these NFTs will increase in value.

The value of most NFTs comes from their scarcity and utility, and Starbucks is tapping into both traits to drive up values. Starbucks only issued 5,000 editions of their first NFT, a Holiday Cheer stamp. The perks of owning such a stamp have yet to be announced, but the company has hinted that NFTs will give holders exclusive benefits, from martini-making classes to trips to Costa Rica coffee farms.

NFT traders, then, are essentially betting that the going rate of this NFT, which has skyrocketed to more than $1,000, will be less than whatever yet-to-be-announced rewards Starbucks doles out. People are speculating the value will go up, or they want to have the complete set, which is a big thing of crypto. Were still all chasing Pokemon, Fierro says.

Slow Adoption

Starbucks is making a tidy sum from these transactions. But the activity isnt an indicator of whether regular Starbucks customersmany of whom barely understand the concept of NFTswill jump through the hoops required to join the program and earn rewards. Starbucks has tried to make it as easy as possible to sign up, creating a streamlined experience with the NFT marketplace Nifty Gateway that doesnt require users to set up a crypto wallet or remember a seed phrase for security. This system, however, makes the users stamps less secure, and prone to disappearing entirely in the event that the program is shut down, in the same way that FTXs NFTs disappeared after the company went bankrupt.

So far, it seems like mainstream adoption is going slowly. It seemed more like a gimmick and i got bored within minutes of using it, Reddit user cobieheath, who posts often in the Starbucks subreddit about life as a barista, wrote in a message to TIME in January. I dont personally know anyone else that has used it. I havent even heard customers talk about it.

When TIME asked Starbucks baristas at JFK Airport this week if they knew about the program, they responded with confusion.

Ive asked every Starbucks employee Ive met if theyve heard of odyssey



Yet to get a yes



Most of these web2 companies are half pregnant, yet we call them leaders  Chris Lyons | TCF (@ChrisLyonsTCF) February 16, 2023

And even winning over Starbucks Odysseys target audience has been a slow progress in some instances. In January, Maika Isogawa, a Web3 founder who is also an avid Starbucks fan, described the app to TIME as poorly done, especially disliking a Flappy Bird-esque game that looked like something I built freshman year of college.

But in March, Isogawa said that she has since warmed up to the program. I think Starbucks is one of the few companies that is 1. attempting any sort of web3 loyalty program and 2. doing a decent job at it, she wrote in an email to TIME.

A representative for Starbucks declined to comment.
A string of Russian missiles struck a number of Ukrainian regions early Thursday, according to multiple reports, as Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky called on the U.S. for more military aid.

The governor of the Odesa region, Maksym Marchenko, said that a missile attack had hit the port city of the Black Sea, according to a post on the messaging platform Telegram. Marchenko said the attack hit a power plant in the city, causing widespread power outages. The blasts also hit residential areas, but no casualties were reported.

The governor of the Kharkiv region, the second-largest city in the nation, also said that his city had been hit with 15 strikes. Other regions across the country were reported to have been hit with strikes, including Dnipro, a city in the center of the country, according to Reuters.

The news of the widespread bombing campaigns comes as Ukraine said Wednesday that it had been able to repel the Russian advance on Bakhmut, a city on the eastern part of the country. Russian forces had claimed control over the eastern part of the city.

They also come as Zelensky appeared on U.S. television on Wednesday night, calling on U.S. lawmakers to provide Ukraine with even more funding and equipment to aid in its war against Russia.

What fighter jets could do is they could help us to defend ourselves, Zelensky argued on CNN. Its a part of the air defense  and we dont have the fighter jets to deal with it and to counteract the Russian hits. We really need this.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Biden administration is preparing to decide whether to allow the Willow oil drilling project in Alaska to begin, and a social media fueled opposition campaign has gathered widespread attention in recent days.

Environmental groups are urging Biden to stick to his campaign promise to ban new drilling on federal lands, and promising to sue if he doesn't. They say the project will contribute to climate change and alter wildlife migration and habitat for polar bears, caribou and other species.

In February, federal officials gave near-final approval to the project, which Biden could still halt.

Meanwhile, opposition has been growing. A petition on change.org has millions of signatures, becoming one of the most popular in the company's history.

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READ MORE: Latest climate change news from USA TODAY

Here's what to know:

What is the Willow project?

Oil company ConocoPhillips wants to drill around 200 wells on Alaska's North Slope near the Native village of Utqiagvik, formerly known as Barrow.

Location : The project would be within the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, an approximately 23-million-acre area on the Beaufort Sea, about 200 miles west of the existing oilfields at Prudhoe Bay.

Scope : It would be the largest new oil and gas development in Alaska in 20 years, with workers drilling hundreds of new wells, building new roads and bridges, and erecting pipelines to extract the 600 million barrel oilfield.

Status : The project received final approval from President Donald Trump's administration a week before Trump lost the 2020 presidential election, but has been on hold since a federal judge in 2021 raised questions about environmental planning.

What's next? Biden could halt the project. But federal officials in February 2023 re-issued the necessary environmental permission.

Alaska officials widely support the project, which would bring an estimated 1,000 construction jobs and 400 permanent jobs, while also ensuring the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System keeps operating. Oil revenues provide about 1/3 of the state's annual budget, and allow the state to provide an annual dividend to residents, set at $3,284 last year.

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Some of the Alaska Native people who live in the area support the project because it would mean a significant financial boost to their small communities.

This 2019 aerial photo provided by ConocoPhillips shows an exploratory drilling camp at the proposed site of the Willow oil project on Alaska's North Slope.

What is #StopWillow? Petition gets millions of signatures

Gaining strength on the youth-focused TikTok social media app, the #StopWillow campaign has garnered more than 50 million views and counting, and has trended in the top 10 topics on TikTok. Project opponents say Willow will improperly prolong the country's use of fossil fuels while contributing to climate change and pollution in communities far from the drilling sites.

A petition on change.org had more than 3 million signatures by Wednesday, making it the third most-signed petition in the company's history, it said.

Its just so blatantly bad for the planet, said Hazel Thayer, a climate activist who posted TikTok videos using the #StopWillow hashtag.

With all of the progress that the U.S. government has made on climate change, it now feels like theyre turning their backs by allowing Willow to go through, Thayer said. I think a lot of young people are feeling a little bit betrayed by that.

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In a statement, Earthjustice attorney Jeremy Lieb said approving Willow would be "out of step" for Biden's efforts to fight climate change. Earthjustice has previously sued to block the project, and plans to continue opposing it if Biden goes ahead.

While some Alaska Native communities support the project, others fear it will harm their communities due to impacts like climate change, which are contributing to rising sea levels.

"Biden will be remembered for what he did to tackle the climate crisis, and as things stand today, its not too late for him to step up and pull the plug on this carbon bomb," Lieb said.

Dig deeper:

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Alaska oil drilling: Willow project critics go viral with petition
Gov. Tony Evers delivers his 2023-2025 biennial budget message Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, inside of the Assembly Chamber at the Wisconsin State Capitol.

MADISON  Wisconsin's record $7 billion surplus has given state policymakers an unprecedented opportunity to make fundamental changes in the 2023-25 budget that could boost aid to schools and local governments and cut taxes for Wisconsinites.

But a new report from the non-partisan Wisconsin Policy Forum warns the opportunities are not unlimited.

"If adopted in full, the Evers proposal would leave the state with enough reserves to cover about 12% of annual spending but also a structural deficit that would make it more difficult to balance the next state budget," the report found.

Gov. Tony Evers touted his $108.3 billion two-year spending plan Tuesday during a WisPolitics.com for lunch.

"There is a $7.1 billion surplus that I believe should be used for tax relief and take on some issues that have bedeviled us for decades," Evers said.

More:Budget surplus pushes Wisconsin's financial reserves to an all-time high. But how did we get here?

During a brief interview after the lunch, Evers said he has not seen the Wisconsin Policy Forum report, but said every biennium he hears something similar.

"We're in a good place, I don't believe we'll be in a difficult position two years from now," Evers said. "If (Republicans) pass my entire budget, we'll have money available next time."

Some of Evers proposals are for one-time spending, including $750 million on broadband expansion, $243.4 million to help establish paid family medical leave benefits in the state and $290 million for improvements to American Family Field.

But other proposals would be ongoing and leave the state with a structural imbalance heading into the 2025-27 budget, according to the Policy Forum report.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said the report confirms what Republicans have been saying for the last two weeks  that more light needs to be "shed on the problems created by Gov. Evers budget."

"The spending is too large," Vos said. "The use of one-time money to do this will mean massive deficits going forward."

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Evers said he has presented legislators with a reasonable plan and on Tuesday, he challenged Republican leaders to respond to it.

"Instead of saying we don't have enough money, tell me what the damn plan is and get to work," Evers said.

Republicans will soon unveil their own version of the budget. Some lawmakers have said they want to remove most of Evers' proposed spending while adding billions in new tax cuts. The report found that would leave the state with a similar or larger imbalance.

"Republicans have said they will remove or reduce many of the governors spending increases, which on its own would make the budget more sustainable," the report found. "However, some lawmakers favor a plan to shift the states income tax to one flat rate, which would decrease state income tax revenues by such a large amount that it likely would create a structural imbalance that is as great or even larger."

Republican leaders of the state's budget-writing committee have signaled that a proposed 3.25% flat income tax in Wisconsin is unlikely to be included in their budget proposal, calling the idea a "long-term goal."

Acceptance of Medicaid expansion will be key

The governor is again proposing a plan to expand BadgerCare Plus, the states largest Medicaid program that provides health insurance to low-income adults and children.

This plan would bring an additional $1.62 billion in federal funds to the state over two years and expand Medicaid to 138% of the federal poverty level  adding 89,700 people to the program. About 30,000 of those individuals currently don't have insurance.

Ten other states besides Wisconsin have not expanded Medicaid, including Wyoming, Kansas, and eight southern states, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Evers proposed expanding Medicaid in his last budget, but it was removed by Republicans, and he called a special session to expand the program that lasted one minute.

More:A health-care change could bring the state $1.6 billion in federal dollars. Republican legislators are uninterested.

If the expansion is removed again, Republicans will have to balance their version of the budget without the $1.6 billion in federal money.

Jason Stein, vice president and research director of the Wisconsin Policy Forum, said both sides are putting forward their starting point for the budget and they have a lot of room to adjust.

The Policy Forum does not endorse either side.

"The large surplus means they can still craft a sustainable budget that both increases spending in key areas and cuts taxes," Stein said.

On Tuesday, Evers said he was optimistic compromise could be reached on some items included in his budget proposal.

"I think the tenor of the conversation has been a little better than it has been," Evers said. "Republicans had been hoping I would be defeated. Now they are stuck with me for four more years and the know it's not worth the effort to be divisive."

Corrinne Hess can be reached at chess@gannett.com or on Twitter @corrihess

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

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin's $7 billion surplus could morph into deficits, report warns
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A Pennsylvania woman who went missing more than 30 years ago and was declared legally dead during the 90s, has been found living at a nursing home in Puerto Rico  solving a decades-old mystery, per The New York Times.

Patricia Kopta, now 83, disappeared from her life which included a husband and siblings in 1992. She wandered through northern Puerto Rico for awhile before getting taken in by an adult care home in 1999 as a person in need, per ABC News.

When Kopta was first taken in by the adult care home, she refused to share personal details about her past. Years later, as her dementia progressed, Kopta began disclosing information about her past, according to staff, per People. On one occasion, she admitted that she came to Puerto Rico on a European cruise ship.

Last year, a staff worker at the nursing home had enough information to alert authorities in Pennsylvania. A DNA test confirmed Koptas identity.

News of Koptas life in Puerto Rico was shared with her husband, Bob Kopta, and her younger sister, Gloria Smith. She was married to Bob Kopta for 20 years before she went missing at 52 years old. Both her husband and sister expressed their disbelief at a news conference held on Friday.

Thirty-one years, Bob Kopta said, and its been bad, per The New York Times.

She could have come home any time, he said. But she  thats what she wanted. She always said she wanted to go to a warm climate.

NOW: Ross Township Police announce they have located Patricia Kopta, a woman who went missing from the area in 1992. She was found in a care home in Puerto Rico. Her husband and sister are here for a news conference today. pic.twitter.com/q3l3uA1grm  Shelby Cassesse (@ShelbyCassesse) March 2, 2023

A closer look at Patricia Koptas disappearance

Patricia Kopta was missing for 31 years. Its a mystery that shook her family and the Pennsylvania town she left. After roughly seven years of looking for Kopta, her husband had her declared legally dead. Here is a closer look at what happened before and after her mysterious disappearance.

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Life before Koptas disappearance: Koptas family claimed she was a good student who worked as a model and dance instructor, per ABC News. After graduating high school, Kopta got a job in finance at a Pittsburgh plate glass company and would attend ballroom dancing events weekly.

According to Smith, Koptas sister, Kopta often took vacations with her friends to Puerto Rico before she got married.

She just loved the ocean, the beach, the warm sunshine, said Smith, per ABC News.

Her husband said they lived a typical life during the early years of their marriage, per People. She enjoyed ballroom dance and was a devout Roman Catholic. They never had children.

After working her Pittsburgh finance job for 10 years, Kopta quit due to stress migraines. She then got a job as an elevator operator at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh.

This is when Koptas family noticed a change.

Kopta as The Sparrow: Over time, Koptas passion for religion grew extreme. She would often go on rants and made claims that the mother of God had warned her of nuclear Armageddon and spoke about seeing an angel, said Bob Kopta, per People.

After Kopta lost her job, she began spending time on busy streets and parking lots preaching the end of the world. She became a familiar figure in her town and earned the nickname The Sparrow.

Before her disappearance, Kopta was briefly institutionalized after doctors diagnosed her with delusions of grandeur and said she had signs of schizophrenia. She went back to preaching after her release and disappeared shortly after.

Patricia Kopta goes missing: Kopta disappeared in 1992.

Its sad. I went through a lot, believe me. Every time theyd find a body somewhere, (I wondered) Is it Patricia? Is it Patricia? Bob Kopta said, per Pennsylvania news site TribLIVE. I come home one night, and shes gone, and nobody knew where she was at. I dont understand. I didnt throw her out. She just walked away. Didnt say goodbye or nothing.

Patricia Koptas family never heard from her after her disappearance.

The search for Patricia: Koptas disappearance equally puzzled authorities and her family. Years went by without a sign from her. Police even consulted a psychic for help.

Bob Kopta recalled his wife mentioning interest in Puerto Rico once, so he published ads in Puerto Rican newspapers, but never got a response, per CBS News.

Patricia declared legally dead: Seven years after her disappearance, Bob Kopta obtained a death declaration  Patricia Kopta was declared legally dead, per CBS News.

Found in Puerto Rico in 1999: Kopta was found wandering in the towns of Naranjito, Corozal and Toa Alta in the northern part of Puerto Rico. She was taken in by an adult care home as a person in need.

Patricia begins sharing details from her life: Last year, likely due to dementia, Kopta began revealing details about her life. Its unclear what she told the staff at the adult home, but it was enough for them to piece together the decades-old mystery. Authorities back home were contacted.

DNA test confirms Patricia Koptas identity: This year, a DNA test confirmed Kopta to be the woman who disappeared from Pennsylvania 31 years ago. She has not been reunited with her family.

Whether she knows me or not, I still want to see her and give her a hug and tell her I love her, Smith said, per CBS News. I thought maybe she had died.
A woman has questioned whether she is wrong to consider leaving her husband after he refused to pay half of the hospital bill for the birth of their child.

In the post, which has since gone viral on Twitter, the new mother, 32, shared her dilemma to the Reddit subreddit AITA [Am I the a**hole] under the username u/WateryKoala422, where she revealed that she was asking for help because she genuinely thought the problem could be the end of [her] marriage.

According to the woman, she and her husband of seven years welcomed their first child three months ago, after deciding it was time to expand their family. However, the woman said that the couple encountered a problem when the hospital bill came, as her husband was insistent that she pay the entire $8,000 cost herself because shed decided last-minute to have an epidural.

Everything was going well and we were in our little newborn bubble of bliss until the hospital bills came, she wrote. Both my husband and I have jobs and everything financially is split 50/50, but weve always kept our money separate with the exception of a joint account for bills.

The woman then explained that, throughout her pregnancy, shed planned to have an unmedicated natural birth with as little intervention as possible. However, she decided to have an epidural 24 hours into her labour.

My husband had no problem with it, even encouraged it, she recalled.

However, according to the Reddit user, when the bill came, her husband brought it to her so she could pay all $8,000 (after insurance) from [her] personal savings.

After she asked why she would cover the entire cost of the childbirth, the woman said her husband said: Youre the one that couldnt hold out for a few more hours and jacked up the bill with all your meds and an extra nights stay and that he shouldnt have to pay for all of [her] extra requests.

According to the 32 year old, her husband also told her: If I wanted luxury, I should expect to pay for it.

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Are you all ready to hate someone pic.twitter.com/mmR9Ofu0kQ  tacos (@thiscassgirl) March 4, 2023

In the post, the woman said she was stunned and flipped out at her husbands behaviour, but that he refused to budge and referred to her as a princess for expecting him to pay for all the extra add ons she asked for in the hospital.

This is by far the biggest issue in our 14-year relationship so far and Im so lost on where we go from here, she wrote. I gave in and paid the bill, but since then we havent been talking much and honestly I just feel disrespected.

Do I have the right to feel this way or is it just hormones? AITA [Am I the a**hole] for expecting him to contribute towards the cost of my childbirth? [Would I be wrong] for considering leaving him?

On Twitter, where a screenshot of the post has gone viral, thousands have weighed in to encourage the woman to leave her husband.

She needs to serve him papers immediately, one person tweeted, while another said: Hes gotta go. I wouldnt even be asking for advice on this.

WHAT. It makes me so angry reading this. Where do you even start??? someone else asked.

In addition to the outrage over the husbands behaviour, many took issue with his use of the word luxury to describe things that his wife relied on to help her during childbirth, such as an epidural.

I cant even begin with the word luxury, one person tweeted.

In a follow-up post on Reddit, the woman clarified that her issue was not with the money but rather her husbands disrespect, as she noted that she and her husband work at high positions within our companies and are able to live a comfortable lifestyle.

I should add my husband is a bit of a tightwad who was 100 per cent planning on paying the bill from our joint account until an epidural unexpectedly came into play. Money is NOT the issue here, its the disrespect, she said.

In a further follow-up, the woman revealed that she did not plan to share additional updates about her marital status, but said that she had opened [her] eyes after seeing the reaction to her post.

There probably wont be any updates, because I dont believe in sharing all of my marital issues with strangers on the internet, but Ill have you know that every single person in our circle took my side, and Ive been in contact with a lawyer, she wrote. Thanks again for all the love and advice!

According to the American Journal of Managed Care, which cited data from a Health Care Cost Institute (HCCI) report, the average cost of childbirth admission for an individual with employer-sponsored insurance was $13,811 from 2016 to 2017, with the out-of-pocket spending ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 by state.

However, according to researchers, the price is much higher for women who undergo a C-section, with the average cost rising to $17,004.

The Independent has contacted u/WateryKoala422 for comment.
KAMPALA, March 9 (Xinhua) -- The theme for this year's International Women's Day is "DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality". Within this domain, digital entrepreneurship has the potential to be an effective means of integrating African women into the digital economy.

Natasha Katondwaki, 24, with her colleague Collins Mbulakyalo, designed Waape, a technology start-up platform that has so far created a pool of 3,000 talented youths, 60 percent of whom are females. The Ugandan youths use the platform to carry out software development and digital marketing, among others.

Three years ago, Katondwaki and Mbulakyalo developed the idea of creating a digital platform on which talented Ugandans would showcase their digital skills in a bid to get meaningful opportunities both locally and internationally.

"The pandemic (COVID-19) made us think harder. We have managed to get more than 200 placements from our pool of talent in Uganda, Africa, and Europe," Katondwaki told Xinhua in a recent interview.

She said they are now targeting to penetrate the Chinese market once they get partnerships there. "We have attended workshops where Chinese people have displayed some quite advanced technology. We are ready to tap into their space when the right time comes."

Katondwaki is optimistic that the platform creates opportunities in a country with high unemployment, especially among the youth.

Figures by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics show that youth unemployment stands at about 70 percent, and about 400,000 youths are released annually into the job market to compete for approximately 10,000 available jobs.

The computer science graduate said they realized that so many youths were equipped with digital skills, yet the job opportunities were not forthcoming. "We are hoping that this platform will be a solution for people who have digital skills but have no access to equal opportunities."

Minister of Gender, Labor and Social Development Betty Amongi told reporters ahead of International Women's Day that the government has designed a new strategy that will ensure that more girls are involved in science and technology in a bid to promote innovation in the digital era.

The minister said the government is implementing measures aimed at bridging the gender divide and ensuring that the rural population, including women and girls, access the internet cheaply.

She said females remain underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics subjects. "Bringing women, girls and other disadvantaged groups on board results in more creative solutions, and has great potential for solutions and innovations that meet their needs and interests, therefore promoting gender equality." 
A former Virginia nurse on the run from U.S. Marshals after being convicted in a multi-million dollar fraud case was found living under a stolen identity in Johnson County last weekend, according to federal authorities.

Heather Huffman, 53, of Pleasant Hill, California, was arrested Saturday at a Lenexa hotel where she had been staying while using another name. Before her escape, Huffman was out on bond awaiting sentencing in Virginia for her involvement in an unemployment insurance fraud scheme.

While hiding in Kansas, Huffman had stolen the identity of a Georgia resident, obtained a fake drivers license and opened credit cards in the victims name, according to Craig Beam with the U.S. Marshals Service for the District of Kansas.

Huffman had also been working in the area and was found with an employment ID card upon her capture. Beam declined to say where she was employed.

Beam said the woman did not appear to have any ties to the area, and authorities have not identified anyone who may have assisted her.

Shed done her homework  Its kind of concerning that she was able to do that, Beam said. She was able to fly under the radar because she moved to a completely different area of the United States.

Fraud across multiple states

Before she came to Johnson County, Huffman was a nurse at the Veteran Affairs Hunter Holmes McGuire Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia.

She worked with several co-conspirators to defraud the Virginia Employment Commission, the Washington State Employment Security Department, and the California Employment Development Department of over $2 million of COVID-19-related unemployment insurance benefits, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.

She and three others admitted to their roles in submitting false information on applications after stealing the identities of victims, including inmates from various correctional facilities. She had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to mail and wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in July and was scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 29.

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However, come Huffmans sentencing day, she was nowhere to be found.

A warrant was immediately issued for her arrest as marshals began to search for information about Huffmans whereabouts, Beam said.

Authorities did not catch wind of Huffmans new life until February, when marshals in Virginia alerted members of the service in Kansas that she was likely in Johnson County. Beam would not share the specifics of how the woman was found but said marshals in Virginia put in a lot of time and effort, going through records to locate her.

Authorities from both states worked together to pinpoint Huffmans exact address and conducted thorough surveillance until the woman was spotted over the weekend walking into the hotels lobby, Beam said. Huffman was arrested at the hotel by deputies with the Johnson County Sheriffs Office Saturday, though Beam did not reveal the name of the hotel where she had been staying.

The Georgia resident whose identity Huffman allegedly stole has been notified. Beam said the person will likely have to do some cleanup of their financial records, though the extent of the damage is not immediately clear.

Beam called the case unusual, even for the U.S. Marshals Services Fugitive Task Force, based on the womans level of preparation and the nature of her crimes. He theorized Huffmans prior knowledge of defrauding the government helped her efforts

Most of the fugitives we catch are not living under another persons identity, he said. This was a very interesting case.

Huffman was initially booked in Johnson County Jail but will be sent back to Virginia to appear in court there, according to Beam. Additional charges have not been filed as of Thursday morning.
Black woman in sunlight to honor women's history month

Supporting Black women-owned brands is good for everyone all year around, but especially during Womens History Month.

Each year, citizens around the world celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The annual celebration marks a time for inspired action in accelerating womens equality globally. There are a lot of different ways to support women-owned brands, especially those started by Black women. In honor of International Womens Day, here are five Black women-owned brands to shop and support this month.

BEING FOR SKIN & SOUL

Radiance Incarnate Facial Nectar - Pure Vitamin E Serum

$56.00

Buy Now

Radiance Incarnate Facial Nectar - Pure Vitamin E Serum

Amazon

BEING FOR SKIN & SOUL is a Texas-based collection of natural, vegan and cruelty-free artisanal bath and body goods. Created by principal artisan, Kennedy Lowery, these self-care wellness products help people find calm in the chaos. Born of French Creole and West African ancestry, Lowery attributes her appreciation for the healing arts to her Louisiana roots.

Hand-made small batches come to life in her Houston studio, including the ultimate facial moisture solution, Radiance Incarnate Facial Serum. This brightening serum contains a combination of hydrating, moisturizing and rejuvenating oils. Revitalize your skin with ingredients, like evening primrose oil, frankincense essential oil and pomegranate oil to improve your faces daily glow.

Mocktail Club

Mocktail Club Premium Crafted Non-Alcoholic Cocktails Variety Pack

$58.99 ($4.92 / Fl Oz)

Buy Now

Mocktail Club Premium Crafted Non-Alcoholic Cocktails Variety Pack

Amazon

Mocktail Club offers a variety of flavorful non-alcoholic beverages to give your tastebuds another option besides soda and water. Pauline Idogho launched the health-focused company in 2018. It has since grown to four flavors inspired by Idoghos cultural experiences around the world. Mocktail Club beverages are now available in select Whole Foods stores along with a growing list of independent retailers.

Ready-to-drink crafted non-alcoholic cocktail flavors, include Havana Twist, Manhattan Berry, Capri Spritz and Bombay Fire. If the health benefits from super fruits and prebiotics arent enough to get you to support this women-owned brands beverage, Mocktail club also donates 1 percent of all sales to charity. Water For People, the global charity of choice, provides free and clean drinking water across the world.

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TERMINAL B

TERMINAL B Luxury Scented Candle, EZE - Buenos Aires

$44.00

Buy Now

TERMINAL B Luxury Scented Candle, EZE - Buenos Aires

Amazon

TERMINAL B is a luxury fragrance brand by husband-and-wife team Chris and Fay Breedlove. Passionate about all things international travel, aviation and passport stamps, the Breedloves wanted a way to bring a touch of abroad back home.

With four cities, 14 countries and five continents under their belt, the couple became inspired in 2020 to create TERMINAL B, a nod to their last name and LAXs international terminal. Each blend reflects Chris and Fays lasting impression of the airport code and the corresponding city after which they are named. Their best-selling product, Buenos Aires, blends notes of black currant and amber. It is inspired by Argentinas capital city.

Black Girl Vitamins

Complete Wellness Essentials, Black Girl Vitamins

$74.99

Buy Now

Complete Wellness Essentials, Black Girl Vitamins

Black Girl Vitamins

Keep your vitamin routine on schedule with the Complete Wellness Essentials set by Black Girl Vitamins. Black Girls Vitamins provides Black Women with unique nutrients and vitamins that generic brands tend to overlook. After the brands co-founder Maxine began learning more about the discrepancy Black women faced in finding and receiving healthcare, she decided to work with a team to address one section of the healthcare gap.

The all-around wellness kit includes a 30-day supply of probiotics, vitamin D, a hair/skin/nails vitamin and a choice of sea moss or once-a-day gummies. Black Girl Vitamins also help the next generation of Black women in healthcare with a $1 donation toward scholarships for every bottle the company sells.

EPIC Everyday

EPIC Everyday School, Travel Backpack African American Boys (and Girls)

$49.99

Buy Now

EPIC Everyday School, Travel Backpack African American Boys (and Girls)

Amazon

Co-founders Cara and Jenae are showing melanated young people what representation can look like through their inclusive line of products. A signature line of apparel, accessories and home goods, EPIC Everyday delivers positive and empowering fashion items from backpacks to carry all totes.

The brand designs products that empower little ones to love their differences and embrace their unique, inherent style. Their durable signature backpack is the perfect travel gift for a little one in your life.

RELATED: The Best Museums To Celebrate Womens History Month This March

Disclaimer: Our editors love finding you the best products and offers! If you purchase something by clicking on one of the affiliate links on our website, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The Womens Tour is at risk of cancellation due to a funding shortfall (Andrew Matthews/PA) (PA Archive)

This years Womens Tour is at risk of cancellation if fresh sponsorship cannot be found.

Britains longest-running major international stage race, which counts Lizzie Deignan, Marianne Vos and Elisa Longo Borghini as former winners, is in peril after the loss of key partners has left a 500,000 shortfall in funding.

Organisers Sweetspot announced the route for this Junes race on Thursday but also warned the popular event urgently requires additional commercial income for the 2023 edition.

Introducing the Women's Tour 2023 route 



See you by the roadside in June #WomensTour #UCIWWT  The Women's Tour (@thewomenstour) March 9, 2023

The race went ahead without a title sponsor in 2022 and is still seeking a lead partner. Additionally, three of the races four jerseys  the leader, mountains and best young rider classifications  are without a sponsor, while commercial packages remain available for individual stages.

The race is also seeking a vehicle partner after Skoda exercised a break clause to end their deal at the end of last year.

Sweetspot have a soft deadline of mid-April to begin plugging the gap given the need to begin booking accommodation, finalising logistics for the race and confirming plans with local authorities.

The route announced on Thursday will see the race begin with a stage between Stratford-upon-Avon and Royal Leamington Spa on June 7 and conclude with a street race around Birmingham on June 11.

Stage two will go from Northampton to Ampthill, Bedfordshire, before the queen stage of the race from Dalby Forest to Guisborough via the North York Moors, the most northerly stage in the races history.

The peloton will then return to Warwickshire for a stage between Coleshill and Derby before the circuit race around Birminghams Jewellery Quarter sees the overall victor crowned.

It was hoped that Thursdays route launch could spark new interest in the race, and indeed the PA news agency understands organisers have already had some conversations with potential partners in the wake of the announcement and remain optimistic of the race going ahead.

Race director Mick Bennett said: Given the current economic climate, we have had to work harder than ever before to put together a race befitting of the worlds best teams and riders, so I must thank all of our stakeholders for their continued support of the event.
DUBAI (Reuters) - Yemen's main southern separatist group on Thursday voiced concern about direct talks between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi movement and warned against any deal that goes beyond the parametres of United Nations-led peace efforts.

Yemen has been split by an eight-year-old conflict pitting the Iran-aligned Houthis, de facto authorities in North Yemen, against a fractious coalition led by Riyadh, including southern forces backed by the United Arab Emirates.

A senior official of the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) said coalition allies have been kept in the dark about the Saudi-Houthi talks.

The distrust and rising tensions in the south among nominal allies complicates wider peace efforts. Renewed violence would shatter 10 months of relative calm, the longest stretch in the war, under a U.N.-brokered truce deal that lapsed in October.

Saudi Arabia, which wants to quit a costly war, has been negotiating directly with the Houthis to reinstate the truce.

"Our friends in Riyadh isolated everyone ... Maybe it helps in the negotiations, but it creates skepticism among friends and stakeholders," STC official Amr Al Bidh told a virtual news briefing.

"If it's regarding the truce and it stays at that stage ... that is fine we can engage on it constructively. But if it goes more deeply than that and we are not part of it, it is a matter of concern for us. It can't be binding on us," he said.

The STC - which twice seized Aden from the internationally recognised government before a power-sharing deal brokered by Riyadh - would not accept dictates on governance, resources or security in the oil-producing south, Bidh said.

The Saudi government media office did not immediately response to a Reuters' request for comment.

The U.N. special envoy has lauded intensified efforts for an expanded truce but stressed the need for an inclusive approach for a sustainable political resolution of the multifaceted war.

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Yemen's Saudi-backed Political Leadership Council (PLC), a presidential body set up last year, lacks a unifying strategy among members who share an enemy in the Houthis.

The STC ultimately seeks a separate South Yemen, a secessionist goal opposed by other PLC members.

Bidh criticised the creation of a new Saudi-backed military force in the south, describing it as a "unilateral decision" taken by the PLC head which could cause "instability".

The Yemen conflict, widely seen as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, has killed tens of thousands of people and caused a humanitarian crisis.

(Reporting by Ghaida Ghantous in Dubai and Mohammed Alghobari and Reyam Mokhashef in Aden; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
(Reuters) -New York government officials on Thursday sent a letter to pharmacy operators CVS Health Corp, Walgreens Boot Alliance and Rite Aid Corp, asking about their plans to make abortion pill mifepristone available in the state.

The letter from New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James asked the companies to respond in writing within 10 business days about their commitment to dispense mifepristone at U.S. drug regulator-certified pharmacy locations and via mail in the state.

The letter follows Walgreens' statement last week that it will not dispense abortion pills in some Republican-dominated states.

In a follow-up statement on Monday however, Walgreens said it planned to dispense mifepristone in any jurisdiction where it was legally permissible to do so. When asked about the New York officials' letter, Walgreens directed Reuters to Monday's statement.

Rite Aid and CVS did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment. Medication abortion, which accounts for more than half of U.S. abortions, has drawn increasing attention since the Supreme Court last year overturned a landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that had recognized abortion as a constitutional right nationwide.

New York has taken proactive steps to protect access to in-clinic care, including a $35 million investment to support abortion providers, the state officials said in a statement that accompanied the letter.

California Governor Gavin Newsom said on Monday the state will not do business with Walgreens after the company said it would not dispense abortion pills in some states, following a letter by Republican attorneys general of 20 states, warning it of risking breaking the law if it sold the pills.

(Reporting by Pratik Jain in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli and Rashmi Aich)
NYC Police Urged Businesses Require Customers to Remove Face Masks

People wearing a masks walk through Times Square on March 6, 2023 in New York City. New York City police are urging businesses to require customers to remove face masks as a condition of entry due to a surge in robberies across the city. Credit - Leonardo MunozVIEWpress/Getty Images

New York City, hit hard in the early days of the pandemic, once required all New Yorkers to wear a mask when entering stores until February 2022. A year later, New York Mayor Eric Adams says that masks have become a way for criminals to hide their faces, and theyre asking businesses to enforce indoor mask bans in the city.

In an interview with PIX 11 on Monday, Adams said that the change would help police properly use security cameras to identify those who shoplift and commit serious crimes. Lets be clear, some of these characters going into stores that are wearing their mask, theyre not doing it because theyre afraid of the pandemic, theyre doing it because theyre afraid of the police, the mayor said. We need to stop allowing them to exploit the safety of the pandemic by wearing masks, committing crimes.

New York remains one of the few American cities where masks are still a common sight in publicespecially on the subway. Backlash to the proposal was swift online. Someone who wears a mask is the least likely to a commit crime. In case you still dont know, wearing a mask means we actually care what happens to people, even ones we dont know, said one Twitter user.

#EricAdams insisting that every people lower their mask before entering a store, not only puts people in danger of getting covid (especially if you're immunocompromised) but disabled people like myself are just going to go online, which means less sales for local stores.  Michele Kaplan (Rebelwheels NYC)  (@RebelWheelsNYC) March 7, 2023

Someone who wears a mask is the least likely to a commit crime. In case you still don't know, wearing a mask means we actually care what happens to people, even ones we don't know. Guys like Eric Adams want you to see it as a sign of moral deviance instead of moral integrity.  Jessica Wildfire (@JessicaLexicus) March 7, 2023

Adams noted that customers could put their masks back on after revealing their faces. We are putting out a clear call to all of our shops: Do not allow people to enter the store without taking off their face mask, he said in a radio interview with New York station 1010 WINS. And then once theyre inside, they can continue to wear it if they so desire to do so.

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As a sign of a peace offering, a sign of safety to those store workers, when we walk in, we should take down our mask, NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey said at a press conference on Monday.

More from TIME

Matthew Cortland, a senior fellow at the progressive think tank Data for Progress and lawyer who specializes in areas of disability and healthcare says that the measure isnt a law yet, but it could still be challenged legally.

Its a distinction that matters because if it was a formal action that he had taken, my guess is that he would have been sued by now, says Cortland. Mayor Adams is asking stores to do this. However, if any stores take him up on it, that store can then be the subject of a complaint to city regulators, state regulators, or a lawsuit.

There is a $10,000 REWARD for info leading to the arrest & conviction for this HOMICIDE: On 3/3/23 at 11:28 PM, inside of 201 East 81 St. in Manhattan, a 67-year-old male employee was shot & killed. Any info DM @NYPDTips or call 800-577-TIPS. (1 of 2) https://t.co/0Qayo8kwto pic.twitter.com/XJmxlOqzAu  NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) March 6, 2023

The move comes after a string of robberies, including one that resulted in a clerks death. Assistant Chief Joseph Kenny of the NYPDs detective bureau said that in each robbery, the perpetrator arrived on the scene wearing a white full-body Tyvek hazmat-style suit and a dark-colored face mask.

According to police department data, New York City has seen a decline in crime across most categories for the first two months of 2023 compared with the same period last year. New York City saw 17,411 robberies in 2022, up from 13,371 in 2019 and 13,831 in 2021, according to NYPD data.

Fabien Levy, a spokesman for Adams told the New York Daily News that the mask decision was in line with federal guidelines. Safety is always top of mind, which is why were talking about a mask being down upon entrance to a store for seconds, not minutes or hours, and then it could be put back on if an individual chooses to do so, he said. This is the very same approach TSA uses when anyone travels on a plane.

CDC guidelines say that longer exposure times, like contact longer than 15 minutes, is more likely to result in transmission than two minutes of contact. But, Cortland says that doesnt mean the risk is goneespecially for those who are immunocompromised. If there is SARS-CoV-2 floating in the air of the corner bodega where you get your egg and cheese every morning and you are immunocompromised, taking off your highly protective mask in that enclosed space is a direct threat to your health. It will not require 15 minutes to become infected, Cortland says.

With pandemic restrictions lifting and the Biden Administration ending pandemic emergency declarations in May 2023, Cortland says the decision reflects a large trend of immunocompromised Americans being left on their own when it comes to protecting themselves against the threat of the virus.

Immunocompromised Americans are being put in this impossible situation where the rest of society has decided to pretend that COVID is no longer a threat. We dont have a choice but to acknowledge the reality that COVID-19 is still circulating. So you either get your groceries delivered or, if you cant afford that, you risk exposure. Cortland said.What traditionally has happened throughout the pandemic is immunocompromised people are shoved out in public life.
A stuffed toy duck is seen during an anti-government demonstration in Bangkok on March 24, 2021. LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Images

A man was sentenced to two years in prison in Thailand for selling calendars insulting the king.

The calendars featured cartoons of a yellow duck that prosecutors said referenced King Rama X.

He was convicted under Thailand's infamous lese-majeste law, which prohibits mocking the royal family.

A 26-year-old lawyer was sentenced on Tuesday to two years in prison for mocking Thailand's king.

His offense  selling calendars displaying cartoons of a yellow duck, which prosecutors said were satirical references to King Rama X.

Attorney Narathorn Chotmankongsin was arrested by Bangkok police on December 31, 2020 in his home, per Human Rights Watch.

He'd been selling the duck calendars on the pro-democracy Facebook page Ratsadon, Human Rights Watch said. Insider checked the page on Thursday evening, Bangkok time, and it had been taken down.

Prosecutors at Narathorn's six-day trial said the calendars violated Thailand's lese-majeste law, according to activist organization Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, or TLHR.

The law carries a sentence of up to 15 years for those convicted of insulting the royal family, and has been increasingly enforced since the royalist Thai military took power in 2014.

A Thai court ruled that the ducks on Narathorn's calendars were a representation of King Rama X, citing how one page of the calendar showed a duck wearing a crop top and sunglasses, per TLHR. Prosecutors said the cartoon resembled photos of the king wearing a crop top, according to TLHR's report of the hearing.

Andrew MacGregor Marshall (@zenjournalist) August 28, 2018

Yellow ducks are known to be a symbol of the 2020 anti-monarchy movement in Thailand. Protestors have also been holding inflatable rubber ducks at on pro-democracy marches.

Protesters resting on inflatable ducks during a demonstration. Varuth Pongsapipatt/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Narathorn was originally given three years in prison, but his sentence was commuted to two years, TLHR said.

"This case sends a message to all Thais, and to the rest of the world, that Thailand is moving further away from  not closer to  becoming a rights-respecting democracy," said Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

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Thai authorities have in recent years come under fire from international rights organizations for a brutal crackdown on dissent against the monarchy.

Since 2020, more than 200 people have been charged under Thailand's lese-majeste law, per the International Federation for Human Rights. One of those charged was a 16-year-old boy who wore a crop top and displayed words insulting the king on his body  likely a reference to the king's love for crop tops.

Three influencers were also arrested in July after they made promotional Tiktoks for e-commerce firm Lazada that appeared to reference the royal family  though they did not mention any royals by name.

Read the original article on Insider
After his meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on March 8, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the future of the United Nations is now being decided in Ukraine as Kyiv "defends the goals and principles of the UN Charter."

In Kyiv, Zelensky and Guterres discussed security issues, the implementation of the Ukrainian peace formula, ways to return thousands of Ukrainians forcibly moved to Russia during the full-scale war, and the creation of a special tribunal for the Russian crime of aggression, according to President's Office.

They also reportedly talked about extending the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which Zelensky called "critical for the whole world."

The grain deal, brokered by the United Nations and Turkey, is due to expire on March 18. It was first signed in July 2022 to unblock Ukrainian grain exports amid Russia's full-scale invasion of the country.

As signatories of the agreement, both Ukraine and Russia must agree to renew it. However, Russia has threatened to back out of the deal if its conditions are not met.

Ukraine's president and UN chief touched on Russian nuclear blackmail and restoring the safety of all Ukrainian nuclear power plants violated by Russia.

According to Guterres, the UN can offer mediation to achieve complete demilitarization of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, occupied by Russian forces, ensuring renewal of its regular operation.

Guterres also pledged to continue working on humanitarian issues, including the exchange of prisoners of war.

"The recent shocking footage of the extrajudicial killing of a Ukrainian serviceman is another tragic reminder that the laws of war must be strictly enforced," said Guterres, referring to a video allegedly showing a Ukrainian POW to be shot dead after saying, "Slava Ukraini (Glory to Ukraine)," a Ukrainian national salute.


Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelensky is pushing for more security assistance from the U.S. and western allies as his troops face an immense assault from Russian forces in the embattled town of Bakhmut.

In an interview with CNNs Wolf Blitzer that aired Wednesday night, Zelensky renewed a plea for the Biden administration to supply F-16 fighter jets as Ukraine struggles to fend off repeated Russian missile strikes on critical infrastructure.

The Ukrainian president said President Biden previously told him that Ukraine does not need advanced fighter jets in the current state of the war, a position Zelensky said he disagrees with.

What fighter jets could do is they could help us to defend ourselves, Zelensky argued. Its a part of the air defense  and we dont have the fighter jets to deal with it and to counteract the Russian hits. We really need this.

Zelensky also told Blitzer that Ukraine will need additional new weaponry from western allies in order to carry out a counteroffensive against Russian forces in occupied regions of eastern Ukraine.

That includes long-range artillery, which the U.S. has yet to provide over fears Ukraine might strike into Russian territory. Zelensky told CNN that Ukraine is not interested in Russian land.

We need only to protect our peaceful civilian population, he said. I believe we can push Russia even further with these long-range missiles.

Zelensky said Ukraine can win the war given time and enough assistance from allies. He said Kyiv does not want to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin while Russian troops are in Ukraine, saying Putin doesnt hold his word and Ukraine lacks any confidence in him.

The latest phase of the war has centered around the town of Bakhmut. Russian troops, led by the mercenary company Wagner Group, have likely captured the eastern part of the city after throwing waves of soldiers at Ukrainian lines for months.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg warned on Wednesday that Russia could seize the city within a matter of days.

Story continues

What we see is that Russia is storming in more troops, more forces and what Russia lacks in quality, they try to make up in quantity, Stoltenberg said ahead of a meeting with the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union.

Several war analysts have said it could end up costing Kyiv to continue to hold Bakhmut, but Zelensky has vowed to hold onto the town and decided to reinforce defenses after a meeting with his top commanders on Monday.

This is tactical for us, Zelensky told CNN. We understand that after Bakhmut they could go further into the Donetsk region.

Zelensky also said Ukrainian leadership is united behind Bakhmut and he wants to deny Russia a symbolic victory after Moscow has suffered a year of setbacks in the war effort.

Russia needs at least some victory, a small victory, even by ruining everything in Bakhmut, he said. They need to put that little flag on top of there  to mobilize their society and create this idea they are such a powerful army.

Ukraine will need more assistance to ward off future Russian advances and liberate more territory.

Congress approved roughly $113 billion in emergency funding for Ukraine last year, but remaining funds are expected to run out at some point this year.

House Republicans who took control of the lower chamber this year are being closely watched to see whether they will approve another large aid package for Ukraine.

In his interview with Blitzer, Zelensky expressed his appreciation for the bipartisan support for his country so far. He also invited Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) to come to Ukraine.

Im not trying to influence his position, hes a free person, he can have any position he chooses, Zelensky said. But its very important when someone comes here and sees in his own eyes the consequences of war.

McCarthy told CNN he does not need to visit Ukraine when he considers passing the next aid package.

I will continue to get my briefings and others, but I dont have to go to Ukraine or Kyiv to see it, McCarthy said. And my point has always been, I wont provide a blank check for anything.

In the CNN interview, Zelensky also touched on President Bidens visit to Ukraine last month, when the U.S. leader made a surprise appearance in Kyiv just days before the Feb. 24 one-year anniversary of the war.

We showed  were not afraid of Russia, Zelensky said, adding the visit as a whole was very symbolic and a very motivating one.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Major General Oleh Sakhon as Deputy Commander of the National Guard of Ukraine.

Source: a decree on the president's website

Details: The decree appointing Sakhon appeared on the president's website on 9 March.

Sakhon served as the head of the Eastern Operational and Territorial Unit of the National Guard. He participated in the defence of Kharkiv from Russian invaders in 2022.

President Zelenskyy promoted Sakhon to the rank of major general in 2020.

In 2017, while deployed in the ATO [Anti-Terrorist Operation Zone] area in Ukraines east, Sakhon participated in a successful special operation in the area of the settlements of Novozvanivka and Troitske in cooperation with the Security Service of Ukraine and counter-sabotage forces. The National Guard detained 28 people directly involved in illegal armed groups and killed two militants who resisted in that operation.

The major general was decorated with the following state medals: the Medal "For Irreproachable Service" of the 3rd class, the Order of Danylo Halytsky and the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi of the 3rd class.

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DHAKA, March 9 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from Tuesday's powerful explosion at a commercial building in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka has hit 21 and is expected to rise.

Rescue workers recovered the body of another victim from the five-storey commercial building in old Dhaka's Siddikbazar area on Thursday morning.

"With this, the death toll in the explosion rose to 21," Assistant Director of Fire Service Aktaruzzaman told journalists, adding that the death toll may rise further as 30 more critically-injured patients are undergoing treatment at different hospitals.

Fire officials said the explosion took place around 4:45 p.m. local time Tuesday. The cause behind the huge blast is still not known, but officials suspect that accumulated gas might be a likely cause.

Detective Branch of Bangladesh Police Thursday detained three people, including the two owners of the five-floor building, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Media) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police KN Roy Niyoti told journalists.

"We're inquiring to know whose negligence caused this incident," he said and added they want to know why there were shops set up in the basement flouting regulations. 
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has commented on the massive missile attack by the Russians, pointing out that they are trying to return to their pathetic tactics of terrorising the civilian population.

Source: Zelenskyy on Telegram

Quote from Zelenskyy: "A hard night. Massive missile attacks across the country. Kyiv, Kirovohrad Oblast, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Odesa Oblast, Kharkiv Oblast, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv Oblast, Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, Zhytomyr Oblast, Vinnytsia Oblast. Attacks on critical infrastructure facilities and residential buildings."

Details: The president noted that Russia had launched 81 missiles, "trying to intimidate Ukrainians again, returning to their pathetic tactics."

"Russians can only terrorise civilians. That's all they can do. But that won't help them. They won't avoid responsibility for everything they have done," he stressed.

Zelenskyy added that now that all services are working, and the restoration of the power system continues. Power consumption restrictions have been applied in all regions.

He also expressed his condolences to the families and friends of the victims. In addition, he thanked "the guardians of our skies and all those who help overcome the aftermath of the insidious attacks of Russia."

Background: On the night of 9 March, Russia struck Ukraine with 81 missiles of various types, and air defences shot down 34 of the 48 cruise missiles.

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Lynchburgs top prosecutor said Wednesday a police officers use of deadly force in a February fatal shooting was justifiable.

Lynchburg Commonwealths Attorney Bethany Harrison held a news conference Wednesday to announce her findings in the investigation of the death of Ryheam Brown, 25, of Lynchburg.

Harrison also showed dash camera and body-worn camera footage from Lynchburg Police Officer John Person.

Person remains on a restricted duty non-enforcement assignment while an internal investigation into the shooting continues, according to Police Chief Ryan Zuidema.

According to Harrisons findings, at about 9:25 p.m. Feb. 2, a call came out on police radio for report of shots fired in the area of 700 Grady St. Person was nearby, driving his marked patrol car.

About a minute later, Person radioed he saw a white sedan headed toward Park Avenue and recognized it as one driven by Brown, whom Person knew from an attempted traffic stop Jan. 11.

Its important to recognize that this officer had some particular knowledge of Ryheam Brown, Harrison said Wednesday. He knew him to be someone who carried firearms. He knew that he just got out of prison for a felony offense of malicious wounding. He knew Ryheam Brown to be associated with a criminal street gang here in the City of Lynchburg.

After a vehicle pursuit through residential streets, once Brown no longer could pass cars on Pierce Street, Brown got out of his vehicle and ran.

After searching for Brown, Person spotted him and told him to stop several times. As Brown ran in front of the officer, Brown fell down attempting to turn a corner down an alley on 17th Street behind 1700 Fillmore Street, according to Harrisons findings.

The officer closed the distance, Harrison said, and pointed his gun while telling Brown to Get on the ground! Get on the ground! Youre gonna get tased.

Brown attempted to stand up, but was pushed down by Person, Harrison said.

Harrison said in Browns right pocket hung a red bandana, consistent with his street gang affiliation.

As Person began to say Stay ... to Brown, he was interrupted by the sight of a firearm in Browns right hand, Harrison said. The firearm had a red bandana tied to the extended magazine clip. Person told him to, Stop! Drop the gun! according to body-worn camera footage.

Brown did not drop the gun, stop or stay down, Harrison said Wednesday.

Person stood on Browns left side as he laid on the ground and when Brown did not drop the gun, Person stepped back away from Brown, Harrison wrote.

Brown was getting to his feet with the gun in his right hand while turning to his right when Officer Person fired six rounds at Brown, Harrison said.

The sequence of events happened within five minutes of the initial call.

Person then reported a shots-fired call over his radio.

Once other officers arrived, Person approached Brown and found the gun next to Browns right side. Person threw the gun away from Browns body, Harrison said.

Person, according to Harrisons report, was then escorted from the area by another officer at the request of his commanding officer.

Chest compressions were performed on Brown by LPD officers until medics with the Lynchburg Fire Department arrived and began taking care of Brown.

By 9:50 p.m., Harrison wrote in her report, resuscitation was discontinued as Brown was deceased.

Person gave a statement that when he saw Brown with a gun he immediately feared being shot by Brown, Harrison said. Once Brown stood up with the firearm still in his hand and Person saw Brown turn toward him, Person believed Brown was turning to shoot at him, so he shot Brown to protect his life. When Person fired at Brown, the thought was to shoot until the threat stopped, Harrison wrote.

Zuidema said Wednesday, theres a common misnomer that when someone is shot in the back then its automatically something wrong.

We have to understand the dynamics of human interaction and high-stress incidents, right? And theres an action and a reaction, OK. Reaction takes much longer [than] the action takes every single time, Zuidema said, explaining the factors officers have to take into account in a split-second decision.

Harrison similarly spoke to the delay between when officers might perceive a threat and when they might react.

While its certainly, for us, the untrained person watching this, it is shocking seeing them shoot this person as the person is turning around, continuing to fall to the ground, Harrison said Wednesday, there is that delay in the time someone is perceiving the threat until theyre able to react by their own affirmative action or stop their current action, under such a period of stress.

Zuidema said Person has not been involved in any other officer-involved shooting. He joined the department in June 2018.

Both Zuidema and Harrison expressed their condolences to Browns family and friends Wednesday.

This is an incident, a tragedy that we never want to see happen, Harrison said. A citizen of our community is gone. However, ... we ultimately made a determination that Officer Persons use of deadly force was justifiable self-defense.
Despite its broad scope, Gov. Kim Reynolds plan to restructure state government may not have a big impact on Iowa School for the Deaf, its leader said Wednesday.

From everything thats been said to me and that Ive read  and Ive read a lot  I do not anticipate that the services we provide to our students will change, said John Cool, interim superintendent at ISD. Theres going to be some changes behind the scenes. I dont anticipate any changes on a daily basis.

The bill, which would consolidate the executive branchs 37 departments into 16, passed the Iowa Senate Tuesday, but the House is not expected to vote on it until next week.

Because the legislation would take ISD out of the hands of the Board of Regents and put it under the control of the Department of Education, some people in the deaf and hard-of-hearing community worried that it would be a prelude to closing the school. But there doesnt seem to be any movement afoot in Des Moines to close ISD, according to Cool.

Ive talked to the Department of Education, the governors office, the Board of Regents, and thats not even on the table, he said. Ive had conversations with Education Director Ann Lebo and Deputy Director Mark Ford. Theyre assuring me that they dont see any changes to the schools. The superintendent will autonomously operate the special schools.

Lebo has resigned effective March 14, but Gov. Reynolds has named Chad Aldis as her replacement.

A growing number of students are looking to ISD for their education, Cool said.

ISDs population continues to increase, he said.

ISDs student population plummeted to 68 in 2021  in the midst of the pandemic  but has rebounded dramatically, Cool said. The school started the 2022-23 school year with 92 students and has now reached 100.

One reason I think this is happening is school districts are finding it increasingly difficult to find teachers of the deaf, he said. Schools are finding it very difficult to find interpreters, too.

The only college in the state that has a program for teachers of the deaf is Scott County Community College, Cool said.

They turn out a very small number, and thats not enough, he said.

A program at Augustana University in neighboring Sioux Falls, South Dakota has closed.

Only a few of the larger school districts in the state  such as Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Waterloo  offer programs especially for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, Cool said. Decorah used to have one but has discontinued it. Des Moines has dropped early childhood instruction from its program.

ISD has an outreach assessment team that serves children beginning at age 3. Director Tina Caloud has done 30 assessments this school year, Cool said.

We are getting referrals as a result of students meeting our outreach director, he said.

ISD offers benefits beyond instruction for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, Cool said. He can see the effects when they transfer to ISD from a conventional school.

In the mainstream, they were isolated and couldnt participate in things, he said. Here, they can participate in things and you can see them just light up. Social-emotional learning is a key to academic performance and here they have an opportunity (to thrive) in the social-emotional learning.
The economy and education were two of the notes former United States ambassador to the United Nations and 2024 Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley sang to a standing room only crowd of enthusiastic supporters at a town hall event Wednesday night at Thunderbowls The Gathering Room.

In her opening remarks, Haley touched on her upbringing, of being the daughter of the only Indian immigrant family living in a small rural town in central South Carolina.

We werent white enough to be white, and we werent black enough to be Black, Haley said. They didnt know who we were, what we were or why we were there.

Haley said that regardless of how they might have been looked at by their neighbors, her parents instilled in her and her siblings a strong sense of pride in the U.S.

There was never a day they didnt tell me, my brothers and my sister that even on our worst day, we are blessed to live in America, Haley said.

In a stump speech that lasted for about 30 minutes, Haley lamented the woeful state of the country today, laying blame at the feet of both Republicans and Democrats alike, particularly when it comes to the economy.

She narrowed in on the national deficit and legislature laden with earmarks.

Republicans and Democrats did that to us, Haley said. There are no saints in Congress.

She pointed to the $2.2 trillion COVID relief bill that was passed with no accountability in March 2020. The House of Representatives voted 419-6 for the CARES Act legislation, while in the Senate the vote was 96-0.

Haley lambasted Republicans for bringing back earmarks, which have long been described as wasteful pet projects for politicians constituents back home.

How offensive is that to a taxpayer? Haley asked.

Haley also took aim at Social Security and Medicare, claiming that they would both be bankrupt within 10 years.

Instead of raising taxes, which Haley called the lazy way out, she wants to cut off younger generations from these government programs.

You reform the entitlement, but you do it in a way that doesnt take anything away from seniors or people who are getting ready to retire, Haley said. You focus on the new generation.

Haley wants to raise the retirement age, though she didnt specify what she thought was appropriate, and expand the Medicare Advantage program to create more competition, which she says will lower costs.

Pivoting to education, Haley claimed that 90% of our kids are still under CRT, or Critical Race Theory, which is a graduate student level academic concept that states that racism is more than individual bias and that, over the decades and centuries, it is embedded in the fabric of the United States.

Haley also believes that Floridas Parental Rights in Education bill, more commonly known as the dont say gay bill, doesnt go far enough and that any sort of sex or gender education should be completely left up to parents.

Thats not the role for schools, she said. Thats the role for parents. Parents need to decide what their kids need to know. They need to be the ones teaching it, explaining it, dealing with all of that. It should be between families and church and kids, and government and schools need to stay out of that.

At the end of her remarks, Haley spoke about what she sees as the biggest problem facing the country right now.

This national self-loathing is killing us, she said. The idea that people are saying Americas bad and that its rotten and that were racist, that could not be further from the truth.

Haley pointed to her own election to governor of South Carolina  I was the first female minority governor in history  as evidence.

We have to teach our kids that this is the best country on earth, Haley said. Capitalism has saved more people in human history than anything else. Socialism never works no matter where its been tried.  but we need to focus on what will unify this country. And what will unify this country is when we all have a national purpose and we ask our opponents to join us.

Haley recalled the halcyon days of her youth, how simple everything was, and she wants to return the country to that time.

We can go back to that country that is proud and strong, Haley said. I believe in that. I have faith in that. And the reason its important to me is because I want my parents to know that when they came here, they made the right decision. I want my husband, who went to Afghanistan, and all his military brothers and sisters to know that their sacrifice meant something. I want my children to know that their best days are ahead of them and that theres nothing they cant do.

Haley was appointed U.S. ambassador to the United Nations in 2017, a position she held for two years. Prior to that, she was the twice-elected governor of South Carolina and she served six years in the South Carolina House of Representatives.

Haley came in a distant fourth in a recent Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) straw poll, netting 3% of the votes from the annual conservative conferences attendees, behind former President Donald Trump (62%), Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (20%) and Michigan businessman Perry Johnson (5%).

CPAC attendees also weighed in on their choice for vice president, giving Haley 10% of the vote, which put her in third place behind failed Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake (20%) and DeSantis (14%).
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Weather Alert

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR PORTIONS OF EASTERN NEBRASKA AND WEST-CENTRAL IOWA... * Affected Area...In Iowa, Monona. In Nebraska, Knox, Cedar, Thurston, Antelope, Pierce, Wayne, Boone, Madison, Stanton, Cuming, Burt, Platte, Colfax, Dodge, Butler, Saunders, Seward, Lancaster, Saline, Jefferson and Gage. * Winds...Northwest 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. * Relative Humidity...As low as 18 percent. * Impacts...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. &&
The new legally binding high seas treaty to protect marine life in international waters, which cover around half of the planets surface, but have long been essentially lawless, will positively affect struggling fishers in Africa and the Global South, according to experts involved in the decade-long negotiations.

Conservationists welcomed an agreement over the weekend on a long-touted global treaty to protect the ocean and promote the sustainable use of resources such as its oil, fish and other sea life. The deal was signed by nearly 200 countries on Saturday (4 March) after two weeks of negotiations at the United Nations headquarters in New York ended in a mammoth final session of more than 36 hours. The treaty provides legal tools to establish and manage marine protected areas to protect the oceans biodiversity. It also covers environmental assessments to evaluate the potential damage of planned commercial activities and a pledge by signatories to share ocean resources.

The UN treaty is likely to have a far-reaching impact across the globe, experts say, not least for fishers in Africas coastal communities. Fish stock across Africa have been diminishing for decades now, including in most coastal communities in Sudan, which are suffering from the fallout. The number of fish in the past was much larger, said one local fisher. The sea was full of different species, but in recent years the number has decreased by comparison. We have to travel longer and longer distances in search of fish. The new treaty focuses on the high seas  everything that lies 200 nautical miles beyond countries territorial waters. This huge stretch of water, which is sometimes called the worlds last true wilderness, is usually inaccessible to Africas artisanal fishers.

But experts say that the preservation of the ecosystem in the high seas means more fish and that some of the species that have, according to Sudanese fishers, all but disappeared would also now be found closer to the coast. One of the core things about this high seas treaty is even though these marine protected areas would be established in the international waters, coastal waters and coastal nations can expect to see benefits, said Nicola Clark from Pew Charitable Trusts who played a major part in the negotiations. African fishing communities play a crucial role in the continents food security, annually contributing US$24 billion to the African economy, according to the World Bank data. But experts warn that the new treaty is not a fix-all for overexploited fisheries not least because its implementation, especially in Africa but also other worlds regions, will take time.
The World Food Program cited in a report a series of dysfunctions that hindered the delivery of aid to the population held against their will by the Polisario in Tindouf camps.

The report mentioned WFPs non-ability to oversee the distribution of aid in the camps due to a lack of free access, adding that it had limited capacity to ensure respect of humanitarian principles in the Polisario-run camps.

Morocco and other rights organizations have repeatedly urged Algeria to make sure human rights are respected in the camps by giving the Sahrawis held under the Polisarios yoke a chance to be registered by the UNHCR in order to enjoy the right of free movement including the return to their homeland in the southern Moroccan provinces.

Algeria however has turned a deaf ear to these calls and ceded a part of a territory to a separatist militia that trades in the suffering of thousands of civilians.

The WFP noted that its aid should be given to all the population in the camps and not only the most vulnerable, in a hint to suspicions that the Polisario is embezzling this aid with full connivance of its mentor, Algeria.

The WFP also deplored the unwillingness of the Algerian Red Crescent to cooperate to ensure aid is delivered properly.

The EU anti-fraud office (OLAF) had disclosed a report blaming the Polisario and Algeria for diverting humanitarian aid. The OLAF report documents well-organized, years-long embezzlement by the Polisario Front of humanitarian aid designated for Sahraouis held in the camps of Tindouf in Algeria.

The report states that aid theft begins in the Algerian port of Oran, where the sorting between what should arrive and what can be diverted takes place.

Following the disclosure of the report, the European Commission said it would cut aid commensurately with the estimated number of 90,000 people instead of the inflated 165,000 people put forward by the Polisario and Algeria.

On the need to undertake a census of the Tindouf camps population to determine actual humanitarian needs and bar the road to embezzlers, the report explains that one of the reasons that made these diversions possible is the overestimation of the number of refugees and therefore aid provided.

Despite all its oil and gas, Algeria has kept the Sahrawis under the mercy of a separatist militia that subject them to abject living conditions. According to the WFP, 82% of the people in the camps are food insecure or at risk of food insecurity.

The WFPs last evaluation showed a deterioration of the nutrition situation of children and women.
South Africa: Four deaths linked to Nehawu hospital strike action, Phaahla says

Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, confirmed on Thursday that preliminary figures show that four people are believed to have lost their lives in a manner that could be directly attributed to the strike.

We have a legal team which were consulting to look at what our options are in that regard, he told the journalists, adding that he will not go into too much detail.

The Minister and Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko were speaking at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital in Johannesburg.

The officials were conducting site visits at various hospitals affected by the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) strike action, which threaten the lives of healthcare workers and patients.

Earlier in the morning, they were at Helen Joseph Hospital where protesters closed the main entrance of the health facility with burning tyres, preventing patients and families from entering the establishment.

The Gauteng Health Department has since instituted a court interdict against the Nehawu to stop their members from obstructing the rendering of health services to patients.

Despite the interdict, the Minister told the media that there are still challenges in some of the hospitals in Gauteng.

According to reports, workers are demanding a 10% salary increase, while government has offered 4.7%.

Phaahla said the department is coordinating a nationwide plan working with MECs to ensure that the situation returns to normal speedily.

We again want to appeal to the leadership of Nehawu that while we dont want to interfere with their rights as enshrined in the Constitution to withdraw their services, this must be done in the manner that respects that health services are essential services.

He also pleaded with the union members to desist from violence, physical intimidation and disruption of services.

Those who engage in these activities must also face the consequences. Were not going to shy away from our responsibilities in that regard.

Nkomo-Ralehoko announced that the province has put in place contingency measures and will ensure that the appointments that were cancelled due to disruptions are rescheduled especially surgeries.

The MEC said they are also working on a catch-up programme for chronic patients who may need to refill their repeat prescriptions.

Weve been really hit hard by the strike and youve been assisting us, Minister.

Meanwhile, Nkomo-Ralehoko said no hospital does not have medication because the hospital CEOs are working together.

Where there is a shortage of linen or medication, theyre able to reroute where its needed the most, she added.

Phaahla has also expressed his gratitude to the healthcare workers across the country who have been holding the fort and are still able to go to work despite security risks.

We thank them for their diligence and care and how they had to take all sorts of risks to make sure they come to save lives in hospitals.

The Minister also stressed no work, no pay, while those who will be identified to have caused disruptions will be disciplined, the Minister added.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2023-03-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Zambian women take part in International Women's Day celebrations in Lusaka, Zambia, on March 8, 2023. Zambia on Wednesday joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Women's Day with activities held in various parts of the country amid calls for gender equality. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)

LUSAKA, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Zambia on Wednesday joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Women's Day with activities held in various parts of the country amid calls for gender equality.

The main event, graced by Zambian Vice President Mutale Nalumango, was held in Kabwe, the capital of Central Province, and was preceded by a march-past.

The event, which was broadcast live on state television, was characterized by musical performances by various local artists and cultural groups, drama performances as well as military drills by a platoon of female soldiers.

In her address, the vice president expressed concern that women in Africa and Zambia, in particular, have remained marginalized when it comes to science and technology.

She said data from the United Nations has shown that only 40 percent of women and girls in Africa have access to computers compared to 60 percent for men and boys, while only 28 percent of women and girls possess digital skills.

"This situation calls for great concern to all of us and therefore must be addressed to ensure gender equality," she said.

According to her, the Zambian government was committed to addressing gender inequality by implementing policies and programs purposely targeted at women and girls with a view to promoting gender equity.

While acknowledging the importance of science and technology to sustainable social and economic development, the vice president called for concerted efforts to ensure that women and girls have access to the same opportunities as men and boys when it comes to technology and innovation, adding that there was a need for increased digital education.

Non-governmental Gender Organisations' Coordinating Council Board Chairperson Grace Sinkamba also expressed concern that women and girls have continued to be marginalized in many areas of life despite concerted efforts to ensure gender equity.

She called on women to take advantage of technology to empower themselves. 

Zambian women take part in International Women's Day celebrations in Lusaka, Zambia, on March 8, 2023. Zambia on Wednesday joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Women's Day with activities held in various parts of the country amid calls for gender equality. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)

Zambian girls take part in International Women's Day celebrations in Lusaka, Zambia, on March 8, 2023. Zambia on Wednesday joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Women's Day with activities held in various parts of the country amid calls for gender equality. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)

Zambian women take part in International Women's Day celebrations in Lusaka, Zambia, on March 8, 2023. Zambia on Wednesday joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Women's Day with activities held in various parts of the country amid calls for gender equality. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)

Zambian women take part in International Women's Day celebrations in Lusaka, Zambia, on March 8, 2023. Zambia on Wednesday joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Women's Day with activities held in various parts of the country amid calls for gender equality. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)

People dance during International Women's Day celebrations in Lusaka, Zambia, on March 8, 2023. Zambia on Wednesday joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Women's Day with activities held in various parts of the country amid calls for gender equality. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)

Zambian women take part in International Women's Day celebrations in Lusaka, Zambia, on March 8, 2023. Zambia on Wednesday joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Women's Day with activities held in various parts of the country amid calls for gender equality. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)

A Zambian military band performs during International Women's Day celebrations in Lusaka, Zambia, on March 8, 2023. Zambia on Wednesday joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Women's Day with activities held in various parts of the country amid calls for gender equality. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)
People visit an exhibition booth of China Science and Technology Press at the Bologna Children's Book Fair in Bologna, Italy, March 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Jin Mamengni)

BOLOGNA, Italy, March 9 (Xinhua) -- A picture book series titled "Palace Cats," depicting a few of the furry occupants of the Palace Museum, the huge national museum complex housed in the Forbidden City in the heart of Beijing, caught the eyes of nearly all visitors to the exhibition area of a Chinese publishing house at the Bologna Children's Book Fair, which ran from March 6 to March 9 in the central Italian city.

In its 60th edition, the annual book fair is a major international forum for publishers, authors and illustrators of children's literature to exchange ideas, forge bonds and select partners.

At the 32-square-meter stand of China Science and Technology Press, hundreds of Chinese story books and science books for children were on display. Audrey Lorenzini, an independent publisher from Padova, Italy, discussed copyright issues with the Chinese exhibitors.

"It's very difficult for children in Italy to access books about Chinese culture," she said while she was looking for books for Italians who want to learn about China.

Publishers and licensing professionals were also drawn to the exhibition booths of other Chinese publishers, such as Beijing-based UTOP publishing house and China Children's Press and Publication Group, to seek deals for cooperation.

Popular selections from these industry insiders included "Palace Cats," which tactfully integrates information about the 24 solar terms in the Chinese lunar calendar and the imperial palace into the stories, as well as "My Hillside, My Fallen Leaves," an educational story.

"I like the style of the illustration. It's bright, simple but impressive," Christina Wu, principal consultant with Wellread & Boekenreis Agency commented. She said she wants to publish "My Hillside, My Fallen Leaves" in Dutch for Dutch readers. "I am also impressed by the core message the book conveys -- support and help between friends foster their mental growth."

Zhu Weina, senior project manager with the book fair organizer's Chinese subsidiary Ronbo BolognaFiere Shanghai Ltd., said three works from China won major awards at this year's Bologna fair -- "the best performance Chinese original stories achieved at the book fair in recent years."

"This is an important signal to the world that Chinese original stories are becoming more and more competitive," she said. "In the past, China was generally seen by industry insiders as a major buyer of content and copyright in the global market. Now that China is growing in content creation, it is attracting more buyers worldwide."

At the Bologna fair, China Science and Technology Press inked cooperation deals with Brazilian and Russian publishing houses to publish 10 sets of Chinese works in their countries.

Praising the way Chinese history was presented in the books and the illustrations, Carlos Eduardo Cavalheiro Filho, chief executive of Bom Bom Book's LTDA of Brazil, said he and his whole team are excited about the cooperation with the Chinese press.

"Many (book) contents we translated are already famous in Brazil," he said. "We're looking forward to publishing these works in Portuguese and selling them in the country."

Slava Fedorov, chief executive of Russia's IRSI Publishing House, said many Russians have a basic understanding of traditional Chinese culture but are not familiar with modern Chinese literature, especially children's literature. "We are in the very beginning to open this market to introduce modern Chinese literature to Russia, and we see the interest from our readers," he told Xinhua.

Over 1,400 exhibitors from 90 countries and regions attended the fair, including world-renowned publishers, such as Penguin Random House and HarperCollins Publishers. 

People visit the exhibition booth of a Chinese publishing house at the Bologna Children's Book Fair in Bologna, Italy, March 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Jin Mamengni)

Books published by China Science and Technology Press are displayed at the Bologna Children's Book Fair in Bologna, Italy, March 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Jin Mamengni)

Chen Lu (R), copyright manager of the China Science and Technology Press, talks with a visitor at the Bologna Children's Book Fair in Bologna, Italy, March 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Jin Mamengni)

Slava Fedorov (L), chief executive of Russia's IRSI Publishing House, and Carlos Eduardo Cavalheiro Filho, chief executive of Bom Bom Book's LTDA of Brazil, receive an interview at the Bologna Children's Book Fair in Bologna, Italy, March 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Jin Mamengni)

People visit the exhibition booth of China Science and Technology Press at the Bologna Children's Book Fair in Bologna, Italy, March 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Jin Mamengni)

People visit the exhibition booth of a Chinese publishing house at the Bologna Children's Book Fair in Bologna, Italy, March 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Jin Mamengni)
Nigerian authorities handed over to Italy Wednesday a woman wanted by the European country since 2010 for crimes including running a prostitution ring, Reuters reports citing the Italian police.

Joy Jeff, 48, was flown from Abuja back to Rome where she has been sentenced to 13 years in prison. She has been one of the few women on Italys most-wanted list, police said in a statement, describing her as a prominent figure in the Nigerian mafia.

The Italian police also said the extradition was facilitated by a treaty signed by Nigeria and Italy in 2020. She was arrested in Nigeria on June 4, 2022, on an international warrant issued by Italy.

The Italian police in the eastern city of Ancona said Jeff played a leading role in trafficking women to Italy, Spain and the Netherlands, where they were forced into prostitution by violence and threats.

She has been sentenced in absentia. Africa today is a strategic location when looking for fugitives and fighting organized crime, said Vittorio Rizzi, an Italian police chief responsible for international coordination.
Moroccan authorities announced on Thursday the arrest of three ISIS operatives who were planning to carry out terrorist attacks in the North African Kingdom.

Aged between 19 and 28, the jihadists were nabbed by counter-terror units in simultaneous operations conducted in the cities of Tetouan, Larache and Souk El Arbaa.

After raiding their homes, the police found several weapons and Daesh propaganda material including flyers, documents, and publications of jihadist activities in the Sahel.

According to preliminary investigation, the three extremists were planning to escape Morocco to Daesh camps in the Sahel region after carrying out their terrorist attacks in coordination and support of the ISIS members.

In its 2021 Country Reports on Terrorism, the United States praised Moroccos continued efforts to fight terrorism through a strategy, combining security, economic and human development in addition to the fight against radicalization.
Expert on Middle Eastern affairs Ehud Yaari has warned against Irans scheme to lay its influence and flare up wars in distant areas, mainly in North Africa and the Sahel-Sahara region, noting that the Iranians may acquire new outposts that would increase their ability to blackmail and threaten, and of course allow new jumping off points for sowing terrorism.

In this connection, the Israeli journalist, author, and political commentator pointed out in a column that Irans Revolutionary Guards are not stopping and are now busy igniting a dangerous flare-up of fighting against Morocco, an old friend of Israel, which is the last to join, for now, the Abraham Accords.

Supplying attack drones to the polisario front could eliminate the ceasefire in the Western Sahara and even lead to a military conflict between Morocco and Algeria, he warned.

According to reports from a variety of sources in the United States, France and Spain, the Iranians intend  and may have already begun  to transfer to Algeria a large quantity of attack drones from the latest models of the Shahad, which are already being operated by the Russians in Ukraine.

At least some of them are supposed to be delivered to the fighters of the Polisario in the Tindouf region of southwestern Algeria.

Recalling the genesis of the Sahara issue and the separatist movements vain schemes to conquer the Saharan provinces, the author of the column noted that in recent years, Morocco has gradually gained more and more international support for its proposal to grant large autonomy to these provinces under its sovereignty. This growing support irked the Polisario and their mentor, Algeria, which were left at bay.

The Israeli political commentator explained that Iran has entered the picture, hoping to create a new kind of threat to Morocco: to turn the polisario into a military force like the militias it diligently established in Syria, Iraq and Yemen  as in Gaza  and those it is trying to establish in Azerbaijan, Afghanistan and other corners of the world.

The Iranians, apparently, are not alone: Russia is trying to get a naval base from Algeria, supplies it with weapons and has already transferred through it to Mali and Burkina Faso (after the military coups there) the mercenaries from the Wagner Group.

After the French army was driven out from the area, Putin aims to penetrate further into the desert strip of the Sahel, the columnist wrote, recalling that Israel hopes to establish relations with the Sahel countries, such as Niger and Mauritania, in order to open an air route for flights directly over them  through the skies of Sudan and Chad, straight to Brazil and Argentina.

He warned that suicide drone attacks against Morocco would change the picture in North Africa and it will take a great American effort to prevent an open confrontation between Morocco and Algeria, who have already fought each other in the Tindouf area in the past.

The Iranians may acquire new outposts that will increase their ability to blackmail and threaten, and of course allow new jumping off points for sowing terrorism, he stated, adding all this is happening in a distance, but it is still too close to us.
A pair of Nebraska Supreme Court decisions in recent weeks dismissed the remaining legal challenges in state courts to the construction of a 19-turbine wind farm near Kilgore.

The rulings Feb. 24 and Friday threw out appeals by Preserve the Sandhills LLC and other opponents of Cherry County commissioners grant of a conditional use permit for the project on Oct. 29, 2019.

The group, organized to fight the Kilgore wind farm and head off others suggested for Cherry County, previously lost a high court appeal in September 2021 of a four-year permit extension the County Board granted BSH Kilgore LLC on June 9, 2020.

Supreme Court judges ruled each time that Preserve the Sandhills and its fellow plaintiffs had failed to meet legal standards required to consider their appeals.

The trio of court defeats appears to remove BSH Kilgores legal impediments to building its 60-megawatt wind farm. The project is listed as under development on a Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy webpage on wind energy generation in the state.

District Judge Mark Kosizek of ONeill, whose judicial district includes Cherry County, ruled in favor of county officials and project leaders once in 2020 and twice in 2021. The Supreme Court took direct jurisdiction of opponents appeals all three times.

The suits that ended with the most recent high court rulings took different paths in trying to overturn the Cherry County Boards 3-0 vote to grant the conditional use permit.

One suit raised a variety of objections to the vote, while the other pressed opponents contention that Commissioner Martin DeNaeyer of Seneca and then-Commissioner Tanya Storer of Whitman  should have been blocked from voting on the permit.

Preserve the Sandhills and several of its members and co-plaintiffs argued that DeNaeyer and Storer have family members in Cherry County Wind LLC. That entity has said it favors wind-farm development in areas of the county that can handle the heavy turbines.

Had those two commissioners declined to vote in October 2019, the three-member County Board would have lacked a quorum to consider the permit. Storer, who unsuccessfully ran for the Legislature in 2020, has since left the board.

The Supreme Courts Feb. 24 ruling took on the challenge to DeNaeyers and Storers participation, upholding Kosizeks Oct. 6, 2021, ruling that neither Preserve the Sandhills nor co-plaintiff Charlene Reiser-McCormick had legal standing to sue.

The high court agreed that Preserve the Sandhills itself owned no Cherry County land and couldnt be directly harmed by the County Boards vote granting the Kilgore wind-farm permit.

Even though its membership included county landowners, PTS cannot bootstrap the injuries of its members into the injuries of its own, it said, quoting Kosizeks initial ruling.

Reiser-McCormicks land, the Supreme Court wrote itself, lies 40 miles southeast of the planned wind-farm site. Its too far away to demonstrate she would suffer an injury in fact from the Kilgore wind farm, the ruling said.

The Feb. 24 decision acknowledged Reiser-McCormicks arguments that her property lies within a mile of a possible future wind farm and a real estate broker had told her the County Boards vote on the Kilgore project already had lowered her property value.

But that broker only had experience with Omahas real-estate market, and his affidavit disclosed no familiarity with rural Nebraska agricultural values and no particular experience in Cherry County, the Supreme Court wrote.

Court filings, it continued, indicated that Bluestem Sandhills LLC  a related entity to BSH Kilgore  had signed a lease agreement with Cherry County Wind for property 1 to 2 miles from Reiser-McCormicks land.

But it is undisputed that despite the existence of this lease agreement, no entity is currently authorized to construct or operate wind turbines on the neighbors property, the high court wrote. The lease itself doesnt amount to injury, it added.

The Feb. 24 ruling also rejected challenges by Preserve the Sandhills and Reiser-McCormick based on Cherry County zoning regulations and state law.

Fridays ruling on Preserve the Sandhills and Reiser-McCormicks other legal challenge said the court record doesnt prove that the plaintiffs perfected their appeal of the County Board vote to Kosizeks court.

Specifically, the high court wrote, the case record it received showed no file-stamped notice of appeal and nothing documenting that the required docket fee was deposited with the County Board or the county clerk within 30 days of the October 2019 vote.

Without that, neither Kosizek nor the high court has jurisdiction to hear that case, the Friday decision said. The Supreme Court wasnt convinced by an affidavit by opponents trying to prove it had filed the appeal or paid the fee.

The Supreme Courts September 2021 ruling against Preserve the Sandhills and other plaintiffs  the one involving commissioners agreement to extend the Kilgore permit four more years  was likewise tossed for lack of jurisdiction.

At that time, that ruling said, the appeal that remained unresolved until last week was pending in district court.

Because of that, the (County) Boards decision to extend the time for performance (under the permit) cannot be said to grant or deny the (permit), the Supreme Court wrote in 2021.
New agreements will allow Glendo Canals to obtain supplemental storage water from Lake McConaughy in the upcoming season, after they have exhausted all their natural flow and Glendo storage water sources.

The one-year agreements are between Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District and five other irrigation districts. CNPPIDs board of directors approved the agreements at their regular monthly meeting in Holdrege on Monday.

The accrual and release of the supplemental storage water will not impact CNPPIDs irrigation customers or water supply, according to a CNPPID press release.

An agreement was signed with Lisco Irrigation District located upstream of Lake McConaughy.

Agreements were also signed with the following irrigation districts that are downstream of Lake McConaughy: Keith and Lincoln Counties Irrigation District, Paxton & Hershey Water Co., Platte Valley Irrigation District and Suburban Irrigation District. Those districts are collectively referred to as the Glendo Canals.

Lake McConaughys lower water levels have resulted in CNPPID not offering supplemental storage water to these canals for the upcoming irrigation season, but the canals will be able to accrue supplemental storage water by limiting canal diversions during the early 2023 irrigation season.

Also at Mondays meeting, the CNPPID board:

Approved purchase of a 125VDC battery bank for $37,985. The battery bank supplies uninterrupted electrical service for the 24 hour operations center in Gothenburg.

Approved the purchase of a river land tract near the Johnson No. 2 river return for $115,400.

Set their next regular monthly meeting to occur April 3 at 9 a.m. MDT at the Lake McConaughy Visitor Center in Ogallala.

Heard a report from Civil Engineer Tyler Thulin: Lake McConaughys elevation was at 3229.3 feet above sea level on Monday (49.5% of capacity), which is up 2.1 feet since the February board meeting. Inflows are around 975 cubic feet per second and releases are about 250 cfs. Snowpack in the North Platte basin is currently at 124% of median average and 104% of median average in the South Platte basin.
Beth Corymb is a fourth-generation farmer living in Scottsbluff. Although she grew up on her familys farm, she was not always sure that was the life she wanted to pursue.

I left for 37 years because I wanted to experience something different, but I told myself never to forget, Corymb said.

She went to college to study music, but after taking an ecological course, she said her mind was opened to the reality of what was happening to the earth. She was soon introduced to the concept of biodynamics.

Biodynamic farming combines the relationship between the plants, animals and soil to use a farms resources instead of importing materials. It includes using herbs, minerals and cow manure to fertilize crops and growing most of the feed and bedding for the livestock.

I found out about a couple of intentional communities where they had biodynamic training, Corymb said.

These communities were run by a social initiative called Camphill, a worldwide organization of communities including people with and without special needs working to foster holistic wellness and growing the majority of the communitys food using biodynamic practices. It was here where she first learned the fundamentals surrounding biodynamic farming.

History of biodynamics

The early concepts of biodynamic farming were formed in 1924 by Austrian scientist and philosopher Rudolf Steiner. He gave a series of lectures in response to a complaint by a group of European farmers who were noticing a quick decline in soil conditions, crop quality and animal health due to the use of chemical pesticides.

Steiner presented the farm as a living organism that is self-sustainable, with its crop growth, soil vitality and livestock all interconnected. In 1928, The Demeter Biodynamic Standard for certification was established and is currently regulated by Demeter International.

In the United States, Demeter USA manages biodynamic certification.

Farming is a significant part of the impact on the environment. Biodynamics has some tools that can bring back the vitality of the soil, said Evrett Lunquist, director of Certification for Demeter USA and co-owner of Common Good biodynamic farm in Raymond.

Lunquist founded Common Good in 1996 along with his wife, Ruth Chantry, who is board president of the Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society.

Lunquist studied agronomy in college, and while doing a comparison study between two farms, he first learned about biodynamic agriculture.

It was the piece that had been missing in my college studies, Lunquist said.

Difference between organic and biodynamic

While organic farming mainly focuses on farming without synthetic chemicals, biodynamic agriculture takes it one step further.

For the certification for biodynamic, you look at the whole farm, Lunquist said.

The Demeter Biodynamic Farm Standard requires that the whole farm is certified, not just a specific crop. For organic farms, one field could be organic, and another could be conventional. Biodynamic farms work to not only produce high-quality food but also improve the health of the entire farm ecosystem.

Biodynamic farms must meet all the organic requirements, as well as the additional standards laid out by Demeter. This includes dedicating at least 10% of the land as a wildland reserve, generating the farms fertility, and using biodynamic preparations like field sprays and composting.

The goal is sustainability, where the waste of one part of the farm becomes energy for another part.

Instead of having a huge carbon footprint, youre actually refocusing on having a carbon negative footprint, Lunquist said.

With minimal use of imported materials, the farm generates its own fertility instead of relying on transported fertilizers, unlike many organic farms.

Although biodynamic farms may not be as common as organic farms, the number continues to rise. According to Demeter International, biodynamic farms worldwide increased by more than 47% between 2000 and 2018. In 2019, there were 118 Biodynamic certified farms in the U.S., including the two in Nebraska.

Right now, there are about 140 certified biodynamic farms, Lunquist said. We are looking forward to more sustainable growth.

After returning to Scottsbluff in 2010, Corymb and her husband Nathan started a biodynamic seed company. Their farm, Meadowlark Hearth, received the biodynamic certification one year later. They now own 540 acres of land, with 150 acres designated as a natural reserve to encourage the biodiversity of plants and animals.

Where the produce is sold

The Corymbs sell their produce at farmers markets, as well as through Community Supported Agriculture, where consumers purchase produce shares at the beginning of the year.

Lunquist and his wife have also used farmers markets and CSA; however, more recently, they have used email lists and grocery stores.

For example, Common Good offers an option to pre-order their produce, meat and eggs for farm pickup, and they also sell their eggs at Natural Grocers and The Mercato in Lincoln.

However, one of their long-time partners is Open Harvest, a co-op grocery store in south Lincoln. Common Good has been selling its eggs, produce, meat and plant seedlings there for more 24 years.

Open Harvest is the only co-op grocery store in Lincoln, and its mission is to provide access to nutritious, local and organic foods. They have been in business for 48 years and have sold 269,052 Common Good eggs in just the past five years.

People go nuts. We cant keep them on the shelf, said Amy Tabor, general manager of Open Harvest.

Every year, Open Harvest also hosts a large plant sale with Common Good, where they bring in vegetables, herbs and flowers from the farm to sell during the spring and early summer.

They do a fantastic job with the variety they offer, and the quality is really good, Tabor said.

Lunquist said there is value in buying locally and when customers become acquainted with the farms name.

When you eat the food, its nourishment. But then theres another nourishment that comes from eating food where you have either been to the farm, or you know the farmer. It is part of the experience, Lunquist said. Instead of being just food for the body, Lunquist said biodynamic agriculture produces food for the soul.

Photos, video: New life on Nebraska farms, ranches Watch now: Newborn calf stands up for the first time Baby bison New life
As the new Buc-ees prepares for opening out along exit 50 on I-85 in Auburn, surrounding city infrastructure is beginning to be put into place as well.

Locals should be aware that two new traffic lights have been turned on near the Buc-ees construction site. The two lights, one located at the northbound interchange of I-85 and Cox Road, and the other at the intersection of the newly named Buc-ees Boulevard and Cox Road, began operating in flash mode on Wednesday.

The two lights will go into full operation on March 15.

The city of Auburn is advising motorists to use caution in the area as drivers become accustomed to the new signals.

The city continues to move forward in anticipation of Buc-ees grand opening date. The goliath travel center, which will cover 53,000 square feet, is expected to open this April.

The City of Auburn also recently approved a retail alcohol and liquor license for the location.

Certainly, theres a lot of excitement about Buc-ees imminent opening here in our community and I would think applying for their alcohol license is a signal that that is going to be happening sooner than later, Auburn Mayor Ron Anders said in a recent address.

Buc-ees also recently held a massive hiring event in Auburn. The company is said to be looking to fill 250 plus positions for the new store. Buc-ees is said to pay its associates anywhere from $17 to $22 an hour.

The Auburn location will be Buc-ees fourth travel center in Alabama.
I truly can't hear the name Foer without thinking of Natalie Portman lol. That was good messy drama.

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Poor Natalie seems to have the curse of weirdo men thinking shes flirting with them when shes just engaging like a normal person. This dude, Moby, idk probably more. Lots of wishful thinking going on in these man brains!



Anyways! I would definitely see this play if I could, that whole thing was so messy lol

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Right? The ways in which men have projected their feelings onto her and INSISTED she felt the same way needs to be studied.

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Moby's entire crash and burn around her was SO FUNNY.



He literally did it to himself.

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MOBY?! That is so random to me, lol. What a creep.

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https://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/114857068.html



https://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/114862277.html



https://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/114875247.html





He wouldnt let it go when she called him a creep too

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I know!!!! It was SO weird and random!

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The tragedy of Natalie Portman is she never wanted to be sexualized at a young age so she built up a studious good girl reputation and deliberately avoided bombshell roles and that ended up making men want her even more because she was seen as the opposite of the Hot Mess Party Girl of the 00's and perverts are gonna pervert

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This is giving me hs flashbacks. A classmate of mine wrote for the school paper and apparently had a crush on me for a few years. I had no idea, our interactions were extremely superficial. Even in the classes we shared we never worked together on anything.



The last paper before graduation they ran a piece he wrote about how I used his crush on me to take advantage of him. He didn't include my name, but provided enough details that everyone knew it was about me. It creeped me the fuck out how my very minimal interactions with this person were so distorted by him.

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the lesson is do not engage with men. nothing like a wordy nerd turning you into his muse, theyre pathetic.

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Yeah, reading the headline just made me sad. Like can't Natalie just live her life without creepy men bothering her? I will admit I thought the same guy wrote the play so at least it's not that.

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This describes my entire adolescence. I was a cute girl (not to brag, but know your worth) in honors classes with these shy, awkward boys who barely ever spoke to girls.



Here I am just engaging them like humans do, making conversation, and the next thing I know Im getting page long AIM confessions of their love. Like dude, I just commented on your Blink182 tshirt because I liked the band too, its not that serious.

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Zach Braff skirts into this territory too especially when he talks about writing Garden State to have her cast and his habit of dating ppl he works with  100% probably was hoping reality would imitate fiction

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The whole thing was creepy as fuck.

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A cut would be appreciated, op.

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Foer really burnt up all the respect and goodwill I had towards him as the writer of Everything Is Illuminated with this fiasco.



Anyway, this play sounds like it'll be a  mess.

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I feel so bad for Natalie, because men seem to constantly turn her into their manic pixie dream girl when she is just existing as a normal human being!

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Edited at 2023-03-09 06:47 pm (UTC) Literally Natalie Portman rn

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never heard about this situation. thought they were describing the Moby incident. 0o

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I may absolutely hate Natalie Portman but dude, that is creepy af. No one needs/wants/deserves that mess.

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I always thought it was so weird how he left his wife for Natalie and Natalie had zero intention of being with him and never let him think otherwise. You would think if you're going to leave your wife for someone else you'd make sure they're actually interested first lmfao

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I think for him as a way of rationalizing and excusing his unhappiness in what was probably an otherwise suitable marriage is to pretend like he had this deep connection with someone else and had fallen in love. If he had just went inward a step or two further to a root cause, hed see that he was simply unhappy or unfulfilled and connecting with someone outside of his marriage was awakening of his own feelings rather than like making it into Natalie and I are SOULMATES and now I have a justifiable reason to leave. 

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Yeah this is probably it lol

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I mean, most of us have had feelings for someone who wasn't appropriate for a host of reasons but we know it's infatuation and keep that shit to ourselves. As someone who was stalked by someone who was convinced they were in love with me (and who told his friends we were dating when we were not) to the point that I was glad then I moved and kept my number and address on lockdown afterwards because it is SCARY how some people project feelings and emotions on you that quite frankly were never there in the first place. I'm thinking in particular about that post someone made in yesterday's Roundup about this woman posting on Reddit about being in love with her married neighbor and how she knew he had feelings for her and just a "matter of time before they got together." He found out about the post and told her that not only was he not going to leave his wife for her, he never had feelings like that for her in the first place and he didn't want to be her friend anymore. Some people are just delusional and there's no help for them.



Edited at 2023-03-09 07:32 pm (UTC)

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For a second I thought it was the same writer as Gossip Girl and was gonna be like of course this dude would have an overactive imagination. They all need to relearn what common courtesy is. Glad his ex wife got away from him and hopefully Natalie won't have to deal with this much.

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And he ended up dating Katies former costar Michelle Williams after that. Its all connected!

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I thought Natalie denied this rumor? It was started by some writer who used to work for Gawker.

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The leaders of the OPEC+ coalition, Russia and Saudi Arabia, pledged to continue close cooperation in oil policy in the group during a visit of Saudi Arabias foreign minister to Moscow on Thursday.

We have reaffirmed the mutual readiness for further coordination of efforts in OPEC+, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said, as carried by Interfax, after talks with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

All countries participating in this format are consistently fulfilling their obligations to maintain the proper balance and stability on the global energy market, Lavrov was quoted as saying.

The current OPEC+ agreements remain in force until the end of this year, after which the members of the OPEC+ group will consider the situation and make new decisions, Lavrov said.

Russia has said it would reduce its oil production by 500,000 bpd this month in response to the Western sanctions, a move that may affect the level of its oil and fuel exports. Yet, OPEC+ delegates have said that the alliance doesnt plan to change its oil production targets after Russia announced a cut in its output for March.

Saudi Arabias foreign minister said today that Riyadh is in close coordination with Russia on energy and is committed to the OPEC+ agreement.

Saudi Arabia is also seeking to strengthen ties with Russia on all levels, the Saudi minister noted during this visit to Moscow.

While seeking closer ties with Russia, the Saudi foreign minister has also visited Kyiv recently for talks with top Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The visit was the first from such a high-ranking Saudi official to Ukraine in 30 years.

During the visit, Saudi Arabia signed agreements for $400 million in aid to Ukraine. The $400-million package includes financing of $300 million worth of oil derivatives as a grant from Saudi Arabia through the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) in favor of Ukraine, the Saudi Press Agency said. The remaining $100 million will be humanitarian assistance to Ukraine from Saudi Arabia.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Colombias petroleum industry, after decades of rapid growth which saw it become a key driver of the Andean countrys economic miracle, is facing serious headwinds since former guerilla Gustavo Petro became the unitary republics first leftwing president. He has made no secret of his commitment to ending Colombias reliance on crude oil by ceasing to award new hydrocarbon exploration contracts. This is occurring at a difficult time for the economically crucial industry which is still struggling to recover from the pandemic and is being rocked by frequent violent protests. Those demonstrations, which impact industry operations and production volumes, receive little if any coverage outside of Colombia. They are the result of rising tensions, due to broken promises and environmental incidents, in communities where Colombias oil industry operates, notably the vast savannah that forms part of the eastern Andean foothills and Amazon Basin.

For decades, Colombias economically crucial oil industry has been dogged by violence and is responsible for considerable environmental damage in many of the countrys ecologically sensitive regions. The hydrocarbon sector has long been seen by leftist guerillas, notably the now demobilized Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC  Spanish initials) and the National Liberation Army (ELN  Spanish initials) as a legitimate target in their struggle against the Colombian state. The petroleum industry became an invaluable source of income for those illegal armed groups as they engaged in campaigns of kidnapping and extortion against industry participants. Long running community opposition to industry operations in many areas where there are petroleum operations has sparked demonstrations, road blockades and oilfield invasions. There are also allegations of collusion between energy companies, elements of Colombias defense forces and paramilitary groups to suppress organized labor, environmental defenders and other industry opponents. Related: Barclays Slashes Brent Oil Price Forecast To $92

The underlying element driving community opposition to the petroleum industry is the long history of the national government in Bogota along with industry participants excluding them from the decision-making process for approving new petroleum projects. This includes the right of communities affected by new oil projects to prior consultation and ability to veto certain developments. There are many reasons for this, but the main one is the pressing need for Colombia to significantly boost proven oil reserves and production so that Bogota could reap the tremendous financial rewards offered by petroleum extraction. The pressure to rapidly approve petroleum exploration and development projects was rising because of Colombias meagre proven reserves, which at the end of 2021 stood at a mere 2 billion barrels that can only sustain production for another eight years. The desperation to expand Colombias proven oil reserves was reaching fever pitch with no major hydrocarbon discoveries for over a decade.

Anti-petroleum industry protests are frequent in Colombia, although they typically receive little coverage outside of the strife-torn South American nation. During 2021, as violent anti-government protests, sparked by Duques plans to hike taxes, swept across the Andean country oil companies were forced to shutter wells as demonstrators blockaded roads. This sharply impacted Colombias oil production which plunged to 694,000 barrels per day during May 2021 at the peak of the protests. While there have been no major nationwide protests since then, local communities regularly blockade roads and oilfields in eastern and southern Colombia. This has been an especially common problem in the southern departments of Putumayo and Caqueta where at least 39 of the oil contracts awarded by Colombias industry regulator the National Hydrocarbon Authority (ANH  Spanish initials) infringe upon indigenous territories.

The latest protests occurred in the southeastern department of Caqueta. Local communities blockaded oilfields operated by Emerald Energy a subsidiary of Chinese government-controlled energy company Sinochem, in the municipality of San Vincente del Caguan, Members of the community set roadblocks and fires near the companys facilities while threatening to bombard those operations with Molotov cocktails. Colombias notoriously brutal anti-riot police, known by their Spanish initials ESMAD, were deployed to protect Emerald Energys facilities and break-up the protest. After a violent clash between protestors and police, which left one civilian and a police agent dead, 79 police agents and at least six of Emerald Energys workers were captured (Spanish), only to be later released.

The dispute which triggered the violent protests centers around community demands for the construction of a 31 mile, or 50-kilometer road and demands for an annual $1 million payment. In the wake of the violent demonstration, Emerald flagged that it is considering leaving Caqueta after its oilfield and many other facilities were virtually destroyed. According to Francisco Lloreda president of the Colombian Petroleum Association (ACP  Spanish initials) this will see the loss of a $600,000 investment the company was planning to make in local infrastructure. The considerable dissent surrounding Emerald Energy dates back roughly a decade. Communities situated near the drillers operations as far back as 2017 were expressing concern about the companys conduct. There have been allegations the Sinochem subsidiary used subterfuge, false promises and even lies to obtain community approval for its oil projects. Nearby communities assert that the company with the assistance of local authorities forcibly entered private land and even coerced affected communities into approving the proposed oilfields that were to be developed. While these claims are unsubstantiated and unproven, they are clearly fueling community anger and opposition to Emerald Energy which erupted as the latest protests.

These events are fueling anti-government dissent in a volatile region that has long been at the center of Colombias decades long civil conflict. The municipality was a stronghold of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC - Spanish initials) and the location of peace discussions between the guerilla leadership and Bogota from 1999 to 2002. While the FARC demobilized after a 2016 peace treaty between the guerillas and Bogota was implemented various groups refused to accept the agreement and continue to operate. There are significant concerns that the protest was instigated by dissident FARC groups (Spanish) which are those that did not accept the 2016 peace accord. Colombian Army intelligence recently stated the latest violence was financed by FARC dissidents from the Jorge Briceno' and 'Miller Perdomo' groups. It has yet to be confirmed whether that is the case with many rural and indigenous communities in the region having suffered heavily at the hands of the now defunct FARC and its dissident splinter groups.

The region in Caqueta where Emerald Energy operates, like most parts of remote regional Colombia, suffers from a dearth of basic infrastructure and a weak government presence. There is a long history in Colombia of energy companies committing to building out local infrastructure in the areas where they operate as part of the process of obtaining the required social license. In many cases, promises building out basic infrastructure has been used to incentivize local communities to agree to oil industry operations. There are scores of instances where promised payments have not been made in full and the agreed infrastructure not delivered.

Resentment toward Colombias oil industry is prevalent in many rural and indigenous communities, especially where projects have been approved in violation of the residents right to prior consultation. A February 2023 roadblock between (Spanish) Puerto Gaitan and the Rubiales field, Colombias most productive oilfield, in Meta Department, cut production by 49,500 barrels per day. Colombias national oil company Ecopetrol was forced to reduce output at its 230,000 barrel per day Barrancabermeja refinery by 20,000 barrels per day to 210,000 barrels daily. During January 2023 the ELN threatened oil companies operating in Arauca Department, which has long been a stronghold for the leftist guerillas. This saw SierraCol Energy, which acquired Occidentals onshore Colombian assets in 2020, and Canadian driller Parex Resources suspend operations. Parex was also forced to shutter assets after a November 2022 attack with explosives on its facilities in the municipality of Tame Arauca.

It is unclear whether Emerald Energy has broken promises to local communities to construct basic infrastructure but clearly the Sinochem subsidiarys social license has crumbled. This has occurred after a lengthy dispute between the company and various local communities in the areas where it operates in Caqueta which dates back to as early as 2012. The latest protests impacting Emerald Energy are symptomatic of a broader deterioration of the oil industrys social license in Colombia where there is a long history of animosity among local communities. There will likely be further protests, many of which could flare into violence, as local communities push for their rights to be recognized and rail against ongoing environmental damage and broken promises.

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After releasing a 12-point proposal on how to broker a cease-fire in Ukraine and facing allegations from the United States that it is considering arming Moscow, China's involvement in the war is set to enter a new phase.

Finding Perspective: Beijing's so-called peace plan, which is actually more of a position paper than an actual framework for ending the war, was mostly a repackaging of previous Chinese talking points, as I wrote here.

The reception has been largely cold in the West, with officials brushing it aside as a way to cement Russian gains in Ukraine. In Moscow, things were more muted. Russian officials welcomed the Chinese proposal, but added that the conditions for a peaceful resolution of the conflict were not in place "at the moment." Kyiv, meanwhile, said it was good to see China talking about peace and that it hoped Beijing would call on Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine.

Given that it doesn't appear to be moving the needle and that all sides are still willing to give war a chance, what's behind the Chinese move?

As Raffaello Pantucci, a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, told me, "Beijing is looking to speak to a global audience" with the document and also showcase itself as a peacemaker and responsible power to the non-Western world, which tends to be far more sympathetic to Moscow than the West.

Alexander Gabuev, an expert on China-Russia relations at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, added that the proposal also gives Beijing room to lay the blame for continued war at the feet of the West and gain some cover for its tightening relationship with Moscow in the process.

Why It Matters: China has been awkwardly walking a tightrope since Russia invaded and it looks set to keep straddling that line.

The big question is whether Beijing is willing to step up its support, as Washington says it is considering. U.S. officials like CIA Director Bill Burns have clarified that no shipments have taken place and NBC News reported that U.S. intel on the potential transfer was gleaned from Russian officials.

Western officials are on high alert and many analysts are looking for potential backdoors, with Belarusian autocrat Alyaksandr Lukashenka's recent state visit to Beijing watched closely for any kind of military deals that could potentially benefit Moscow, as I reported here.

Still, others see the transfer of military aid to Russia as a red line China isn't willing to cross.

As Zhou Bo, a former senior colonel in the People's Liberation Army, wrote in a recent op-ed for the Financial Times, "If Beijing has refused to send any such support to Moscow in the past 12 months, then why should it change its mind now, especially when it has urged a peaceful resolution to the conflict?"

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The European Union has managed to significantly cut its imports of Russian pipeline natural gas over the past year, but now it should stop all LNG imports from Russia, EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson said on Thursday, urging all EU member states and all companies not to sign new contracts with Russia.

Since September 2022, when Russia cut off deliveries via Nord Stream before the pipelines were sabotaged later that month, Russian gas has accounted for some 8% of all pipeline gas imported into the EU.

Norway has replaced Russia as Europes top pipeline natural gas supplier.

For example, Norway provided 33% of the gas Europes biggest economy, Germany, imported last year, followed by Russia, whose share fell to 22% for 2022, compared to a 52% share in 2021, the German network regulator Bundesnetzagentur said earlier this year.

While pipeline supply from Russia has slowed to a trickle, Europe has raised imports of LNG, including LNG from Russia.

Russias LNG supply to Europe jumped by around 20% last year from 2021, according to Refinitiv Eikon data cited by Reuters.

All Russian LNG exports rose by 8.6% in 2022 to around 45 billion cubic meters, more than half of which went to Europe, per Refinitiv Eikons data.

Speaking at a meeting of a European Parliament committee today, the EUs energy commissioner Simson said, We received last year around 20 bcm of Russian LNG.

I think that we can and should get rid of Russian gas completely as soon as possible, still keeping in mind our security of supply. I encourage all Member States and all companies to stop buying Russian LNG and not to sign any new contracts with Russia once the existing contracts have expired, the commissioner added.

Committing not to renew existing contracts with Russia is the best way to give a long-term assurance to our reliable partners that meaningful demand will stay.

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The EU is boosting its LNG import capacity and is ready to welcome even more LNG cargoes this year and in the coming years, Maros Sefcovic, European Commission Vice President for Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight, said on Thursday.

The EU will soon have 35 LNG regasification terminals, up from 27 currently, and the regasification capacity is set to increase to 227 bcm from 178 bcm, Sefcovic tweeted today after holding what he described as a "productive" virtual meeting with international gas suppliers. The EU is getting ready for more LNG by reinforcing its import capacity infrastructure, Sefcovic said.

Over the past year, Europe has attracted a lot of LNG supply due to the sky-high prices and lackluster demand in Asia, including in China. Europe continues to attract more than half of all U.S. LNG exports, for example, despite the fact that gas prices in Europe have recently slumped to an 18-month low.

Europe's biggest economy, Germany, plans to have as much as 70.7 million tons per year of LNG import capacity by 2030, which will make it the fourth-largest LNG import capacity holder in the world, Argus reported last month, citing plans by the German economy ministry and RWE.

Germany may end up using less LNG import capacity than it has planned to roll out this decade, but better safe than sorry, the chief executive of the top German utility, RWE, said in an interview with German business magazines Der Stern and Capital.

"It may be the case that the LNG terminals are not fully utilized. But you need them as an insurance premium," RWE's CEO Markus Krebber said in the interview published on Wednesday.

However, the race to ensure supply for next winter hasn't even started in earnest yet. Prices are set to hold higher than before the Russian invasion of Ukraine through the summer as Europe will face stiffer competition from Asia for LNG supply, analysts say.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Kenyas plan to have the government take over all imports of petroleum products from private companies has been challenged in court, with several petitioners seeking a ruling that the nationalization of the oil imports is unconstitutional.

Kenya decided to go with the plan to have all oil imports nationalized after a severe foreign exchange reserves crunch left the African country with just four months worth of foreign currency to cover imports.

So the government and the energy ministry are seeking to take over all imports and pay for the supplies after at least six months, compared to payments due within a week per the current imports scheme.

However, four petitioners have filed an objection to the plan in court, Bloomberg reported on Thursday, citing a filing made by Ndegwa & Ndegwa Advocates on behalf of the petitioners.

The nationalization of oil imports amounts to unfair practice as an unconscionable representation that is excessively one sided and favors the supplier rather than the consumer, the court documents say.

The Kenyan government should have thought of better ways to stabilize the bleeding of U.S. dollars instead of kicking private oil marketing firms out of business, according to the filing carried by Bloomberg.

Earlier this week, Kenya issued the first tender for oil imports under the new plan, with 180 days between product delivery and payment settlement.

Kenya is now seeking government-to-government contracts to procure oil products following the crash of the Kenyan currency and the acute shortage of foreign exchange reserves.

The winner in this first tender will supply oil to Kenya for nine months and will be paid every six months, Daniel Kiptoo, director general of energy industry regulator EPRA told Reuters.

By doing that we alleviate the pressure by removing a third of the demand for dollars in the market, Kiptoo added.

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Russia launched a new wave of missile strikes across Ukraine early on Thursday morning. Ukraines Black Sea port city of Odesa, the capital Kyiv, and Kharkiv all saw their energy infrastructure targeted, cutting off power in some areas, according to a Reuters report .



Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram that explosions occurred in Kyiv's Holosiivskyi District, in the southwestern part of the city, early Thursday morning.

"Explosions in the Holosiivskyi District of the capital. All (emergency) services are en route to the site. More details to follow," he wrote.

Officials in Odesa were warning of another wave of missile strikes in the early morning hours of Thursday.

The governor of the Odesa region, Maksym Marchenko said an energy facility had been hit in the port city.

On Telegram, Marchenko said, As a result of a mass missile strike, an energy infrastructure site was hit in the region as well as residences, Marchenko said on Telegram, adding that Fortunately, there are no casualties. Electricity restrictions are in effect.

He said anti-aircraft units had downed some missiles but cautioned that more attacks could follow.

According to the Kyiv Independent, explosions have been heard across a number of cities, including regions of Kyiv, Poltava, Lviv, Vinnytsia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ternopil, Kharkiv, Odesa, Kirovohrad, and Dnipropetrovsk.



The Kyiv Oblast military administration has said that the countrys air defenses were operating in Kyiv Oblast, with a stay-in-shelter order, though no additional information was offered, the newspaper reported.

The wave of Russian missile attacks came shortly after Russian Wagner mercenary forces claimed they had captured the eastern part of the city of Bakhmut, the present focal point of this most recent phase of the war.

There has been much debate over what a Ukrainian loss at Bakhmut would mean for the war. While many believe that a Ukrainian loss here would not be a game-changer for the war, Ukrainian officials have warned that control of Bakhmut, in the Donetsk region, would give Russia an open door to push deeper into the region.

On Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told CNN that Ukrainian forces would continue to defend the city. On Monday, Zelensky issued a statement saying that Ukraine would not withdraw from Bakhmut.

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"This is tactical for us after Bakhmut, they could go further. They could go to Kramatorsk, they could go to Sloviansk," Zelensky said. "That's why our guys are standing there."

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Hy-Vee aims to open its new Gretna store this summer, a company spokesperson said.

And plans show a restaurant and a car wash wanting to locate nearby on the same corner.

Construction of the new grocery store appears well on its way on the northeast corner of 192nd Street and Nebraska Highway 370.

Gretna custard fans might find the restaurant news delicious: Moving in near the grocery store will be a Culvers restaurant, according to plans filed with the City of Gretna.

And for folks who demand a clean car, theres also a Rocket Car Wash approved at the site.

The new Hy-Vee store is going in about a mile and a quarter east of Highway 6, which is currently the main commercial corridor in Gretna.

Gretna already has a Fareway grocery at 604 S. Highway 6. Last year, longtime Gretna grocery McKinneys Food Center closed, and an Ace Hardware store took its place.

Nola Aigner Davis, spokesperson for Hy-Vee, said the company hopes for a summer opening. She didnt have info on the potential neighbors.

In regard to other businesses opening up, we dont know, Aigner Davis said. All we know is were shooting for sometime this summer that well be opening up our Gretna location.

Culvers spokesman Eric Skrum said its too early to share any details on the possible new location.

But plans submitted to the city indicate a restaurant layout similar to other Culvers locations in the metro area.

Culvers is known for its frozen custard, which they mix into a treat they call Concrete Mixers. Other featured menu items are Wisconsin cheese curds and ButterBurgers.

The Rocket Car Wash is a project of City Ventures.

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Gage County Board members have frequently referred to the Beatrice Six judgment as a cloud of doom hanging over the county.

Those clouds are now parting, as the board Wednesday approved its final payment in the $28.1 million judgment awarded to six people wrongfully convicted of a 1985 slaying in downtown Beatrice.

Officials previously estimated the final payment, which was for just over $2 million, would be made in May, but was it was approved during Wednesdays regular meeting.

A little over four years ago, we kind of started moving forward with this, board Chairman Erich Tiemann said. The board came up with a plan they wanted to move forward with, and weve stayed on that course the entire time to maintain what we have, take care of infrastructure, maintain operations and pay for this as quickly as possible.

We were going to be somewhere around eight years, we hoped. That couldve been a little quicker, it could have taken longer. There were times we wondered if this was going to be 10 years.

The judgment was able to be paid in four years thanks to additional funding sources that included a sales tax, funds from the state and an insurance payout.

Im not sure if we should be celebrating or crying right now, board member Gary Lytle said. Its definitely good to put this behind us. Once we hit the pay for the judgment period, I think this team has pulled together and done about as good as could have been expected.

Tiemann said that including attorney fees, Gage County spent a total of $30.7 million.

Sales tax revenue and funds from the state were both the result of bills introduced by Sen. Myron Dorn of Adams, who was chairman of the Gage County Board before being elected to the Legislature. State funding totaled $4 million, while a half-cent sales tax that went into effect at the start of 2020 and expired at the end of 2022 raised $5.857 million.

The board voted in September 2018 to raise property taxes to the legal limit to raise money to pay members of the Beatrice Six.

It raised the levy to the maximum allowable 50 cents in anticipation of the judgment. For taxpayers, that has amounted to $120 annually on property valued at $100,000. The levy was lowered by about 5 cents when the current budget was approved in anticipation of the judgment being paid.

Gage County also benefited from a 2020 settlement with insurance carriers that provided $6 million for the judgment.

After the judgment was awarded, Gage County filed lawsuits against Nebraska Intergovernmental Risk Management Association and Employers Mutual Casualty insurance companies, which both argued they were not obligated to provide coverage.

Per the settlement, EMC paid $3.9 million, NIRMA paid $1.98 million and $95,000 was paid by four excess insurance companies.

The county was ordered to pay the judgment after losing the federal civil rights case filed by Joseph White, Ada JoAnn Taylor, James Dean, Thomas Winslow, Kathleen Gonzalez and Debra Shelden in 2009.

Following a 1989 cold case investigation into the rape and murder of Helen Wilson in her downtown Beatrice apartment four years earlier, the six were convicted and spent a combined 75 years in prison.

DNA evidence later pointed to a seventh person  Bruce Allen Smith, who died in 1992  as the actual perpetrator.

They were exonerated in 2008, and the next year, sued Gage County for the reckless investigation that landed them in prison.

After two mistrials, a federal jury found enough evidence that then-Deputy Burdette Searcey and then-Reserve Deputy Wayne Price had violated the sixs rights, awarding them a combined $28.1 million.
An Omaha man has pleaded guilty to his part in a multimillion-dollar embezzlement scheme that he and his partner used to fund their lavish lifestyles.

Jeffrey Stenstrom, 42, pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to conspiracy to commit money laundering, according to a press release from the United States Attorneys Office for the District of Nebraska.

Stenstrom and his partner, Brett A. Cook, embezzled upward of $5.1 million from Omaha property management company Darland Properties LLC, which Cook was vice president of, according to Stenstroms plea deal. Stenstrom and Cook obtained the money by overbilling for contracting work, billing for work that was not performed and obtaining insurance proceeds from the fraudulent invoices.

Cook was found dead in May after federal agents searched his home, and his death was ruled a suicide, The World-Herald previously reported.

Under the plea agreement, Stenstrom faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $500,000, twice the amount of the laundered funds or both. Stenstrom has also agreed to pay restitution of no less than $5.1 million to Darland Properties, according to the release.

Stenstrom will also forfeit multiple properties in Nebraska, a residence in Arizona, multiple vehicles, including a 2020 McLaren 600 LT Spider, jewelry and multiple life insurances policies worth over $2 million, the release said.

Stenstroms sentencing is scheduled for June 2, and a federal judge has ordered that a pre-sentence investigation be conducted, the release said.

Stenstrom also has a pending sentencing for income tax evasion in which he faces up to five years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine and will pay just under $2 million in restitution to the IRS, according to the release.
A man accused of killing two Omaha men in 2015 was ordered to be held without bail during his first court appearance Thursday.

Cavin Cooper, 35, was charged in December with five felonies related to the 2015 killings of Diondre Mitchell and Lafayette Antonio Reed. Cooper faces two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of use of a firearm to commit a felony and one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

An affidavit detailing the states case against Cooper remains sealed, but prosecutors gave a brief overview of their evidence during his initial appearance.

On May 5, 2015, police were called to the Spencer Apartments public housing complex near 28th and Spencer Streets to reports of a shooting shortly after 4:30 a.m. When police arrived, they found Reed and Mitchell, both 27, shot to death in the kitchen.

The victims were second cousins. Reed had two daughters, and Mitchell was the father of four boys.

Prosecutors allege that another tenant at the Spencer Apartments told investigators that she saw Mitchell and Reed talking to a man she knew as Mook. She said she saw Mook leave the apartment carrying a gun while smiling at her.

She later identified the man she knew as Mook as Cooper in a photo lineup, according to prosecutors.

Coopers mother also allegedly provided police with information, confirming that he goes by the nickname Mook. Cooper also apparently admitted his involvement to the mother of his children.

Prosecutors say that they have DNA, ballistic and geolocation evidence linking Cooper to the double slaying.

Cooper is already serving what is effectively a life sentence in the state prison system. In 2018, he was convicted by a jury of first-degree assault, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and use of a firearm to commit a felony  charges stemming from a 2018 incident in which Cooper shot at a man nine times as he ran away, striking the man repeatedly.

Cooper was sentenced to between 145 and 170 years in prison for the shooting.

Because of his current incarceration, Coopers attorney argued that he should be released on his own recognizance and allowed to return to state prison, rather than remain in the county jail. Prosecutors asked Douglas County Court Judge Sheryl Lohaus to deny bail and she agreed.

Cooper will be back in court for a preliminary hearing in April.
Aaron Plas, superintendent of Lakeview Community Schools in Columbus, will be the next leader of the Bennington school district this summer.

The Bennington school board announced on Thursday that members selected Plas to be Benningtons superintendent after two days of interviews with four candidates.

The finalists included Plas; Matt Blomenkamp, assistant superintendent at Bennington; Christopher Loofe, associate superintendent and director of finance at the Kearney Public Schools; and Summer Stephens, superintendent of the Churchill County Schools District in Fallon, Nevada.

Plas said hes looking forward to leading one of the fastest-growing school districts in Nebraska. Bennington has just over 4,000 students enrolled.

Bennington is an incredible school district with a long history of academic success, Plas said. When I saw there was an opportunity in one of the premier districts in the state of Nebraska, I knew it was something take a look at.

Plas has been Lakeviews superintendent since 2016. The district has roughly 1,000 students. He previously served as an assistant principal and activities director for the York Public Schools.

In December, Plas was also named part of Gov. Jim Pillens school finance reform committee, joining other superintendents from Omaha, Lincoln and Seward.

Plas said hes eager to sit down with school board members soon to create goals for the district.

I am excited to be part of Bennington Public Schools and the community, Plas said in a statement. This is an amazing district and I cant wait to meet the staff, parents, students and community members. Together I look forward to sustaining and enhancing the excellence in Bennington Public Schools.

Plas will replace Terry Haack when he retires in June after leading the district for 19 years. Plas will start July 1.

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Douglas County Board members are raising concerns about large amounts of waste from a recent Kansas oil pipeline spill being dumped in the countys Pheasant Point Landfill in rural Bennington.

They want to know exactly what is in the contaminated soil and other waste thats being sent to Nebraska from the cleanup of Decembers Keystone Pipeline leak of tar sands oil in northeastern Kansas, near the Nebraska border. They want to know the risks of the contaminants. They want to know how chemicals in the soil will be prevented from leaking into the water, soil and air. And they want to know exactly why the material is even being sent to Nebraska in the first place.

The concern that I have is that were receiving waste from an oil spill in Kansas, County Board member Jim Cavanaugh said Wednesday. Which raises the question, why isnt Kansas taking care of their own oil spill waste?

He and fellow board members Maureen Boyle and Mike Friend raised the questions at the Douglas County Board meeting Tuesday during a presentation by the countys environmental services director, Kent Holm, on other topics. Holm and Ryle Palmer, site manager for the landfills operator, Waste Management, assured them the waste had been deemed safe to put in the Douglas County landfill and would be contained.

But the board members, who said they are hearing concerns from constituents about the waste, were unsatisfied with the answers and insisted on more detailed documents and answers.

Were going to have them (Waste Management) come back when they have the right people here to answer the questions, Boyle said. They didnt have an engineer here. They didnt have their PR people here. ... We want them to be sure to come back and talk to us again so we can get more assurances, so they can answer those questions we were asking.

The waste is coming from a Dec. 7 oil spill from a rupture in the Keystone Pipeline in rural Washington County, Kansas. The leak spilled nearly 600,000 gallons of oil into Mill Creek and the surrounding land. The pipeline, owned by TC Energy, carries diluted bitumen from Canada to Oklahoma. The corporation, formerly known as TransCanada, proposed to build the Keystone XL pipeline to carry similar material through Nebraska but that plan failed, in large part because of opposition from environmentalists and landowners in Nebraska.

The explanation provided to the County Board for why the waste was being shipped to Douglas County instead of staying in Kansas: Waste Management bid for the contract to dispose of it, and Pheasant Point is about as close and is better equipped to handle it than a Waste Management landfill in Kansas.

Holm told the County Board that he could approve the disposal of the waste in Douglas County because of special event authorization authority the County Board gave him in 2009.

This is a very similar project to a lot of others that weve had, Holm said. The reason these things go into this particular landfill ... is because they have the protections they have, the liners and the other protections that are needed to be able to contain particular material.

He said the county trusts Waste Management because they have the permitting through the state and the federal authorities to do it in a way that protects groundwater.

Holm said Waste Management is very diligent about analyzing the materials coming in and have had numerous analytical studies done on this particular product.

Cavanaugh pressed for a copy of a document showing such a study. Palmer said that TC Energy owns those reports and that he would give the board contact information for TC Energy.

Lisa Disbrow, a spokeswoman for Waste Management, said by email Wednesday that the company will send someone with more expertise to answer the boards questions.

The World-Herald found answers to some of the County Boards questions in documents from the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy and in interviews Wednesday with representatives of that department and Waste Management.

A document on the NDEEs website, an application from TransCanada Keystone Pipeline to dispose of the waste in a landfill near Topeka, Kansas, says that it contains crude oil impacted soil, vegetation, wood, plastic, absorbents, PPE, hoses, boom, and animal carcass. The document says 75,000 cubic yards of waste would be deposited over six months.

The document says the material includes a heavy crude oil mixed with materials to dilute it. Under a category titled hazardous ingredients of material, the document lists bitumen, hydrocarbon diluent, benzene and hydrogen sulphide.

Cavanaugh said he was particularly concerned about the possibility that the waste included benzene, which has been determined to cause cancer in people.

The documents on the NDEE website also include a laboratory analysis of the waste. A memo says that the departments compliance staff had reviewed the analysis and confirmed Kansas and federal determinations that the material is nonhazardous solid waste.

Asked if the NDEE had approved the disposal in Douglas County, a department spokeswoman said by email, The petroleum contaminated soil generated from the TC Energy pipeline release cleanup in Kansas was reviewed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the EPA, and it was deemed a nonhazardous solid waste, which can be disposed of at any permitted solid waste landfill. The Pheasant Point facility is permitted to accept nonhazardous solid waste for disposal, and does not need to seek additional approval from NDEE for waste its already permitted to accept.

Asked specifically about the benzene, the spokeswoman said it is present at a non-hazardous level according to Nebraska state waste regulations.

Disbrow said a third-party certified lab analyzed samples of the waste.

The waste materials were determined to be non-hazardous waste based on the State of Nebraskas regulations, Disbrow said. Pheasant Point only accepts non-hazardous solid waste materials as allowed by the Nebraska Department of Environment & Energy.

She said the landfills disposal area or cells are engineered with a composite liner (2-ft thick compacted clay and a 60-mil thickness of polyethylene geomembrane liner). The landfill also has a system of groundwater monitoring wells, part of the permit requirements, that allows the landfill to continually monitor and ensure the solid wastes materials disposed are not impacting our communitys groundwater.

Cavanaugh said Wednesday that the board will continue to follow up.

Im going to make sure that we do get the answers, he said. Its just responsible environmental stewardship to make sure that our air, soil and water are protected in Douglas County.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of February 2023
Across the nation, a drug called naloxone  aka Narcan  is seen as a key tool in the fight against deaths due to opioid overdose.

The quick-acting drug is so effective in reversing those overdoses  giving those who experience overdose another chance at life  that a Food and Drug Administration advisory panel last month unanimously recommended making Narcan available without a prescription. If the agency agrees, which is likely, the quick-acting nasal spray could become available over the counter, like aspirin and antacids, in all states by the end of the year.

But few Nebraskans know what Narcan is, where to get it or how to use it, a recent report from the University of Nebraska-Lincolns Rural Drug Addiction Research Research Center suggests.

The reports authors estimate that between a quarter to one-third of Nebraskans do not understand Narcan, based on data collected over three years in the Nebraska Annual Social Indicators Survey.

The researchers also estimated, based on the same three years data, that only 10% to 20% of Nebraskans know how to get the drug. Among those who said they knew what Narcan was, only about a quarter knew how to use it.

Patrick Habecker, research assistant professor with the center and a co-author of the report, said the researchers were a bit surprised at the low numbers.

One reason they began looking at the issue was a spike in overdose deaths in Lincoln about two years ago. The researchers added questions about Narcan to the survey in 2020. They asked the same questions in 2021 and 2022.

You really want to see all of those numbers come up, he said.

Nearly 102,500 overdose deaths were reported nationally during the 12 months ending July 2022. Of those, about 75% involved an opioid of some kind. In recent years, the opioid increasingly involved has been a lab-made version called fentanyl. Its either used to dilute other drugs, such as heroin and methamphetamine, or pressed into pills made to look like pharmaceutical-grade prescription medications  like oxycodone, Xanax, Adderall and Percocet.

While Nebraskas drug overdose death rate is significantly lower than many other states, the numbers have increased in recent years. Some 165 overdose deaths occurred in 2015, according to statewide figures. The total rose to 221 in 2021.

In response, the Nebraska Legislature in 2015 eased access to naloxone. A standing order from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services allows residents to purchase the drug from any licensed pharmacist without a prescription. Nebraskans also can get naloxone free of charge at 94 participating pharmacies across the state. They can learn to use the nasal spray by reading the instructions or watching an instructional video at narcan.com.

Habecker said the team also worked to understand the state of knowledge about Narcan across Nebraska. However, the confidence levels in the survey were fairly large, making it difficult to compare one area with another. But there appeared to be a little more knowledge in Omaha and Lincoln.

The researchers, he said, are interested in seeing what happens in the next year. If the FDA approves Narcan for sale over the counter, there likely will be a bigger push from state health officials to get more information out about the medication.

Theyve really made it very easy to use and to access, Habecker said in a statement. This can help combat opioid overdoses, but it requires individuals to know it exists, how to get it and how to use it.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of February 2023
Gov. Jim Pillen told a Lincoln Chamber of Commerce luncheon audience Wednesday that he is focused on helping build an educational and economic environment in Nebraska that will fuel opportunity and keep our kids here.

That means strengthening our community colleges, reducing income and property taxes and practicing governmental fiscal discipline, the governor said.

Not everybodys going to agree with me and I understand that, Pillen said. But Im going to be me.

Pillen is into his third month as governor and said one of his goals will be to make sure we have a thriving middle class.

Our tax policy is severely flawed, the governor said. Local property taxes are out of whack and should no longer be relied on to help fund community colleges, which should be funded by state sales and income tax revenue.

The excess revenue available to state government now should be invested in education and used to help fund property tax reform, Pillen said.

The states community colleges should be strengthened to provide students with the opportunity to prepare for jobs that are abundantly available in Nebraska now, governor said.

Its time, he said, for transformative change.

The changes he has proposed have been modeled to be sure they are sustainable, the governor told the business-oriented audience.

Now, Pillen said, he is trying to build a trusting relationship with everybody in the Unicameral as he moves ahead with his agenda.

Photos: Jim Pillen appoints Pete Ricketts to the Senate
NORMAL  Several streets and parking areas will be closed in preparation for the Sharin' of the Green St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday.

The parade is put on by the Irish Heritage Society and benefits the Children's Home & Aid Central Region.

The following streets will be signed "no parking" after 10 a.m. Saturday and will be closed at 11 a.m.:

South School Street from College Avenue to North Street

North Street from South School Street to Uptown Circle

Fell Avenue at the intersection of Fell Avenue and North Street

Broadway Avenue at the intersection of Broadway Avenue and North Street

Constitution Boulevard from College Avenue to Uptown Circle

All of Uptown Circle

East Beaufort Street from Uptown Circle to Linden Street

Linden Street's southbound right turn lane from College Avenue to Beaufort Street

The Parkinson Avenue parking lot

Free parking will be available in the College Avenue parking deck. The Trail East and Trail West lots will be open with posted limits suspended. The Illinois State University parking deck on the corner of South School Street and West Beaufort Street will also be available.

The parade will begin at 1 p.m. at the corner of South School and North streets and will travel east down North Street, around Uptown Circle and east down East Beaufort Street. The parade is expected to last until 3 p.m.

Alcohol is not permitted at the event. A parade map and more details can be found at childrenshomeandaid.org.

Contact 309-454-9720 or afox@gmail.com for more information.

Photos from the Sharin of the Green Parade Neil Finlen with the Celtic Kazoo Band Rich Beal Nicholas Rada, Calle Nixon Keith Palmgren, Scott Miller Childrens Home and Aid float Cindy Segobiano, Brooks Keough, Tony DeAngelis Nick Gardner, Colin Meier, Will Gardner Corny on a skateboard Crawfords Corner Pub entry Bloomington-Normal Cougars Beth Whisman Milo Holtke D.P. Dough entry Keg Grove Brewing Company entry The Couillard Group Chemberly Cummings, Kevin McCarthy MIRA entry Neil Finlen, Rich Beal
The report of a five-member ad hoc Cabinet committee set up by President Nana Akufo-Addo on the implementation modalities to enhance domestic production in some 20 selected products, on which the country spends more than US$10billion importing yearly, is ready for implementation.



Once confirmed, it is expected the Minister-designate for Trade and Industry, who is currently awaiting parliaments approval, will urgently roll out a series of initiatives to implement the policy, the President told parliamentarians during his State of the Nation Address on Wednesday.



Apart from the enhancement of revenue and judicious use of resources, we all agreed that we need to do something about our huge import bill. Last year, I set up a five-member ad hoc Cabinet committee to work on a policy to enhance domestic production and export development.



The report on implementation modalities to enhance domestic productive capacity in these products has been prepared, and once confirmed the new Minister for Trade and Industry will urgently roll out a series of initiatives to implement the policy, he said.



Among these target products are rice, fish, poultry, fruit juice, sugar, tomatoes, vegetable oils and oil palm. The list also includes fertiliser, pharmaceuticals, soaps and detergents, insulated wire, ceramic products, corrugated paper and paper-board, cement/clinker, and motor vehicles.



The policy to enhance domestic production and export development is centred on four main strategies: reducing the countrys import bill in the short-medium and long term; enhancing domestic productive capacity in selected products; generating widespread employment opportunities; and diversifying and expanding Ghanas export capacity to Africa and beyond.



In November last year, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta told parliament that the countrys import bill on fish, rice, iron, steel, aluminum, sugar, poultry, palm oil, pharmaceuticals, toilet rolls, fruit juice, among others, exceeds US$10billion per annum.



The heavy dependence on importation of goods and services, he lamented, puts excessive pressure on the cedi; rendering it weak against major trading currencies.



Mr. Ofori-Atta further noted that Ghana has the capacity to locally produce these products which account for about 45 percent of the countrys imports value annually.



According to the Ghana Revenue Authoritys Integrated Customs Management Systems (ICUMS), in 2021 Ghanas total import bill was put at US$13.7billion.



Last year, the economy spent over GH6.8billion (equivalent to about US$560million at current market rates) to import rice alone.



While total rice consumption stood at 1.4 million metric tonnes in 2022, imports valued at US$560million accounted for 800,000 metric tonnes (mt) of the consumption figure  with domestic production catering for the remaining demand according to data from IDH Sustainable Trade, a foundation headquartered in The Netherlands.



Similarly, according to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, between 2010 and 2020 the countrys rice imports hit a staggering US$8billion. This, in addition to imports of other food items that can be produced locally has been a major source of concern for stakeholders.

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.

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The Akatsi Municipal Hospital in the Akatsi South Municipality of the Volta Region has seen a decline in surgical cases and others during the 2022-year performance under review.



A total of 1,527 surgeries in 2022, representing an 18.4 per cent decline, compared to 1,808 in 2021, representing 91.1 per cent.



This was made known to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) by Pascal Ayivor, the Hospitals Health Information Officer, after an annual health review for 2022 was conducted by the Municipal Health Directorate.



The figures also disclosed a total of 45 deaths in 2022 as against 47 in 2021, while an increase of 44,712 Out-Patient Visits was also recorded against 40,361 in 2021.



On hospital admissions, a total of 5,649 in 2022 compared to 6,374 in 2021 also saw a decline of 12.8 per cent over the period under review.



Ayivor further disclosed that Anaemia, Malaria, Intestinal Worms, Urinary Tract Infections, Eye Infections, Septicaemia, Gynae Conditions, Ulcers, Dental Caries, and others, were among the top ten causes of Outpatient figures for the year under review.



There had also been a decrease of 12.9 per cent in the total number of deliveries between 2021 and 2022.



A total of 1458 deliveries were conducted in 2021 as against 1291 in 2022.



The Akatsi Municipal Hospital operates with a bed capacity of 79 and provides health services such as Medical Care, Surgical Care, Reproductive Child Health- Family planning, ENT, Dental, and Eye.



Some major challenges confronting the facility according to management, involved inadequate wards and ward space, inadequate equipment, inadequate staff accommodation, inadequate office accommodation, and delay in National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) claims payment.





Source: GNA









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THE Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has urged women in the country to consciously harness the benefits that come with the numerous digital interventions by the government.



That, he said, would improve the lot of women and further enhance efforts at balancing the gender equation between men and women.



Dr Bawumia was speaking at an event to mark this years International Womens Day (IWD) at Accra New Town yesterday.



The day was marked on the global theme: DigitAll: Innovation and technology for gender equality and the Vice-President called for support for the digitalisation agenda by the government, since digital interventions would push the development of the country forward.



Breast Care

The event was organised by Breast Care International (BCI), a non-governmental organisation, with free health screening for women residing at Nima and its surrounding areas, as part of the BCIs social responsibility and also to offer support to underprivileged women in society.



There were presentations on breast and cervical cancers by experts to sensitise women to those diseases and how they could prevent or mitigate occurrences.



Dr Bawumia said breast cancer was the number one ailment killing women in the country, saying it was for that reason that he partnered the organisers, so that women would get more education to deal with the disease.



Touching on what the government had done so far on digitalisation, he said: Now everyone has an identity, with their records captured.



Similarly, he said, there was digital address, which also aided direction and locations for businesses to deliver goods.



Dr Bawumia also mentioned the renewal of insurance, the granting of students loans and mobile money interoperability, which he explained had helped in transferring money from one mobile network to another and also from ones bank account to a mobile money account, and vice versa.



He said through digitalisation, essential drugs were being delivered with drones to hard-to-reach communities and said it was really helping women.



Ghana Card numbers

On the Ghana Card, the Vice-President said the government was introducing a new policy which would ensure that all newborn babies received their Ghana card numbers right from birth.



The initiative, he said, would commence from March 31, this year.



The Founder and President of the BCI, Dr Beatrice Wiafe Addai, urged women to resist all cultural stereotypes stifling their initiative and drive, either self-imposed or artificially crafted.



The choice of the venue for this years celebration of IWD is deliberate, to the extent that this is a densely populated community with a high female population needing periodic, free breast screening, which stands BCI out in the pursuit of the overall well-being of our women, she said.



She urged all women to be cautious of breast and cervical cancers and also take advantage of the various forms of screening for breast care.



Herbal medicine

The Queenmother of Osudoku, Amponsa Dokua III, who chaired the event, said women must not use herbal medicine for breast cancer treatment and rather report to hospital when they saw symptoms of the disease.











Source: graphiconline.com









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The Deputy Attorney-General of Ghana, Diana Asonaba Depaah has called for equal rights for women as the world mark this years international womens day today, March 8, 2023.



According to her, the calls for gender equality and opportunity for women is never about competition, neither has the position taken to implement an advance equal rights and opportunity for women meant lesser rights and opportunity for men.



In a video, Mrs Asonaba Depaah who doubles as the Deputy Minister for Justice entreated women to endeavor to pursue leadership positions.



She said, as we celebrate International Womens Day today, I want to take this opportunity to call on all stakeholders to celebrate the collective successes in advance in equal rights and opportunity for women whiles recognizing the existening challenges in advance in equal rights for women but more particularly with an avald resilience and the conviction to continue to advance equal rights and opportunity for women.



An advocacy for equal rights and opportunity for women has never about competition, neither has the position taken to implement an advance equal rights and opportunity for women meant lesser rights and opportunity for men.



To you woman out there ,each day is an opportunity for you to be a better version of your self , only look back to pick the lessons but write your own beautiful story each because you earned it, I embrace equity, Happy lnternational Womens Day.



This years international womens day which is expected to focus on the priority theme for the 67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women which is Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.





This years theme of the international womens day is christened as DigitALL; Innovation and technology for gender equality.Diana Asonaba Dapaah who has been called to the New York and Ghana Bar was born to the late Benjamin Asonaba Dapaah and Mrs. Rosemary Dapaah at Dichemso in the Ashanti Region but was raised at Patasi Estate in the Nhyiaeso constituency.Her late father Benjamin Asonaba Dapaah was a Member of the Council of State (2001-2009) and a founding member of the NPP.Apart from his duties as a Council of State Member, he was a member of the Council of Elders in the Ashanti Region and chaired the Ashanti NPPs dispute resolution committees in resolving disputes in the party and was also a founding member of NPP France.Mrs Asonaba Dapaah is an academic who is a lecturer at the GIMPA Law Faculty and currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Cape Town in the area of business-related human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals.She has worked as the Research Assistant to former Chief Justice Georgina Wood, writing researched opinions to facilitate Her Ladyshipsjudgment. Drafting speeches for the former CJ.She was also the Personal and Research Assistant to Nene Amegatcher then as GBA President and now as Supreme Court Judge.While working for Nene Amegatcher, Diana Asonaba Dapaah was responsible for drafting speeches for the then GBA President, Writing researched opinions to facilitate His Lordshipsjudgments.Also, she is a Senior Associate, Sam Okudzeto and Associates with over 10 years of practice experience.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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The Ghana Boundary Commission and its counterparts in Burkina Faso have started the process to reaffirm the boundary of the two countries by among others restoring deteriorating boundary pillars to their former state.



There are concerns artisanal gold mining activities and other human activities have affected the boundary pillars which were fixed more than 30 years ago. The first meeting between the two countries was in July 2021 at Paga.



Speaking at the opening ceremony of the second meeting of the Boundary Commissions of Ghana and Burkina Faso at Ouagadougou, National Coordinator of the Ghana Boundary Commission, Major General Emmanuel Kotia said the two countries will begin work as soon as possible.



We will jointly seek funding for the construction of new boundary pillars including intermediary boundary pillars and border post pillars and a monument at a location that we will agree on around the border crossing, he explained.



He said We will use this opportunity to urge GIZ to seek for funding for us to start this project this year. Its important for us to begin work as soon as possible so our land boundary will not become areas of dispute between border communities



Permanent Secretary for the Boundary Commission for Burkina Faso said she was excited about the second meeting of the two countries. Ghanas Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Adagbila Boniface Gambila said Ghana has a longstanding relationship with Burkina Faso and he is happy to see the second meeting of the two boundary commissions in Ouagadougou.



GIZ provided funding for the programme. ECOWAS component Manager, GIZ / African Union Border Programme Dr. Sanou Bakary says reaffirmation of boundaries of countries is a good way to prevent conflicts between countries.



GIZ is supporting this programme by bringing in technical and financial support for the reaffirmation process. This programme was established in 2007 as a structural means to prevent conflicts across the African continent.









Source: Myjoyonline.com









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The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ashaiman together with some Assembly Members are taking steps to sue the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) over the injustice they meted out to some residents in the Municipality Tuesday March 7, 2023.



Ernest Henry Norgbey has consulted a legal team to take up the matter which has currently attracted public attention.



The soldiers reportedly besieged Ashaiman, a suburb of Accra in the Greater Accra region, and brutalised residents in the area.



The heavily armed soldiers numbering about 20 stormed the area Tuesday dawn and started attacking residents, preventing them from even stepping out of their homes.



They further went on rampage on the streets and prevented everyone from stepping out including workers.



The invasion of the soldiers comes after a 22-year-old soldier with the Ghana Armed Forces band in Sunyani in the Bono Region was reportedly stabbed to death by unknown attackers Saturday dawn.



The soldier, according to sources, was returning from his girlfriends house in Taifa and heading toward his residence at Zongo-Laka in Ashaiman when the unfortunate incident occurred.



Though he was carrying a laptop and other electronic gadgets the attackers made away with only his iPhone.



Police are currently investigating the circumstances under which the soldier was killed and appealing for information from the public.



Prior to the conclusion of the police investigations, the MP for the area is meeting with the Assembly Members in the affected areas to engage the victims on how to sue the GAF.



The meeting is coming off today within the area.

Source: dailyguidenetwork.com









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For the first time in Tanzania's history, the president has attended an International Women's Day event organized by the main opposition party, Chadema.



President Samia Suluhu Hassan's presence was welcomed by Chadema chairman Freeman Mbowe, who said it was the fruit of meetings aimed at achieving reconciliation.



Ms Samia, who addressed thousands in the meeting, said that reconciliation was ongoing in Tanzanian politics and that some steps had already been taken meanwhile others were in progress, including the finding of a new constitution.



In her address, President Samia added it had been difficult to start the reconciliation process as some in her ruling party "were not ready".



"There were a lot of debates here and there, and the same appeared to the countrys opposition. So both parties have some of its people who are not happy with the step of political reconciliation, Ms Samia added.



She is Tanzania's first female president, having taken office following the death of John Magufuli in 2021.



Mr Magufuli was accused by the opposition of being authoritarian and cracking down on its leaders and members.

Source: BBC









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The Assemblyman for Bepotenten Electoral Area in the Amansie Central District, Ashanti Region, yesterday told an Accra High Court that uncovered pits left behind by illegal mining activities of En Huang, aka Aisha Huang, has claimed the lives of residents.



Mathew Kwabla Abotsi, the prosecutions seventh witness in the trial of the illegal mining kingpin, said the illegal mining activities of Aisha Huang has affected the living condition of the indigenes.



He indicated that the lands that were mined by the accused person were farmlands that were never reclaimed, and pits were left uncovered.



He cited for instance, Opanin Mensahs village which is now littered with galamsey sites, adding that children and adults have fallen into these pits and lost their lives.



Aisha Huang is on trial for engaging in illegal mining at Bepotenten in Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region without valid licence.



The Chinese national, who is often referred to as Galamsey Queen, has also been charged for her illegal re-entry into Ghana after her deportation in 2019, and also for illegally employing foreign nationals.



Led in his evidence-in-chief by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa, the witness told the court that the accused person also extended her illegal mining activities across a footpath which residents used to their farms.



Mr. Abotsi said he personally went to Aishas mining site at Sukuumu to verify and address the situation, and at the said site, he saw mine workers, both Chinese and Ghanaians numbering about twenty, about six excavators, two washing plants and about four water pumps in use.



I verified the complaints I had received and found that Aishas mining activities had been extended to where the road used to be, and there was uncovered pit filled with water like a dam close to what was left of the footpath, the witness said.



He said he took up the issue with the accused who had promised to create a new footpath and cover up the dam. A new path was created but the dam was left uncovered, the witness said.



Mr. Abotsi also told the court that the illegal mining activities of Aisha Huang also destroyed water bodies, forcing residents to rely on sachet water.



He said as a result of the destruction of the water bodies, he as the assemblyman had to approach Aisha Huang to ensure she dug a well to replace the destroyed sources of water, which she did.



He tendered in evidence a photograph of a well constructed by Aisha Huang at Opanin Mensah Nkegbes village, to provide water for residents.



The witness also told the court that he knew Aisha as far back as early 2016 at Gyaaman at Bepotenten, when the community at the time appealed to her to support their school building project.



The Elders of the Community requested for six thousand cedis as financial support for the project, and I later learnt she gave it to them, the witness said.



He said Aisha later moved to Bepotenten with her mining activities, and the community also approached her to support them to construct a borehole, but she failed to honour same.



Mr. Abotsi said Aisha then moved her illegal mining activities to Sukuumu sometime in 2017, and the community also approached her to assist them to construct a borehole.



Sometime after the request was made, the accused person agreed to the request of Sukuumu community and started the borehole project but never completed it, Mr. Abotsi added.

Source: dailyguidenetwork.com









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In a bid to create public awareness of the benefits of clean cooking, officials of the Ministry of Energy led some media personnel on a tour of the Rekoff Company at Joma Ablekuma in the Ga West District of the Greater Accra Region which has been engaged by the Ministry to produce biomass cookstoves.



This tour is pursuant to the Ministrys target to attain the distribution of 500000 efficient biomass cookstoves to over 350000 households in the country between 2019 and 2024, primarily targeting low-income households in urban and peri-urban communities nationwide.



According to Ing Seth Mahu, Director of the renewable Energy Directorate of the Ministry, the Improved Cookstoves Distribution Project is a US$5million collaboration between Ministry of Energy and the Climate Change Centre (CCC) of South Korea.



A Senior Official of Rekoff Co Ltd, Mr. Francis Kugblenu conducted the team around the premises to observe and explain the manufacturing process.



According to him, the company produces about 500 units of the cookstoves per day with a workforce of 100, majority of whom are women.



He further stated that the companys activities have helped create several jobs in the catchment area, thereby boosting the local economy.



Mr. Kugblenu explained that sand is hardened into a mould in the shape of a stove which is normally obtained from either the Volta Region or Central Region.



With the aid of some mortar, the mould is then set in a cookstove manufactured with metal sheets that have been hammered into shape, resembling a traditional coal pot.



Each stove is allocated a serial number to identify and track it throughout the various stages up to distribution.



The project has so far completed distribution in the Greater Accra, Ashanti and Central Regions covering ninety-four (94) districts, nine hundred and seventy-seven (977) communities with an allocation of three hundred and sixteen thousand, six hundred and seven (316607) stoves.



Further, about fifty-seven thousand one hundred and seventy (57170) stoves have been distributed in the Western, Northern, Upper East and Volta Regions, according to Ing. Mahu.



He expressed the Ministrys satisfaction with the output of the various establishments engaged for the production process under the project.



The team further visited households in the vicinity where some people, particularly women, have been beneficiaries of the improved cookstoves in order to ascertain their benefits.



Unanimously, the view among those interviewed was that these cookstoves had brought theme enormous benefits as they no longer have to deal with harmful smoke emissions and that financially, the cookstoves had enabled them save considerable amount of money as they now use far less charcoal for the same amount of fuel.



Ing. Mahu further stated that clean cooking is important in ensuring the protection of the environment and listed cleaner air, improved health in respect of respiratory-related diseases, reduction of pressure on the forest, significant firewood and charcoal savings and substantial savings of more than one million tonnes of CO2 emissions as some of the immense benefits of the improved cookstoves, and pledged that the Ministry will continue to pursue its targets to ensure that the country benefits significantly from the project.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) Foundation has handed over a fully furnished school project to the chiefs and people of Yong, a farming community in the Karaga District in the Northern Region.



The six-unit classroom facility by the corporate social responsibility wing of the corporation is to be used to start a technical and vocational training institute in the area to equip students with employable skills.



Inauguration

Inaugurating the facility, the Executive Director of the GNPC Foundation, Dr Dominic Eduah, said the facility was to help in the delivery of technical and vocational education and to ensure that Ghanaians, no matter their geographical location, benefited from the oil money.



He said education remained an important platform towards national development, for which reason the foundation was investing in the sector to make it accessible to every Ghanaian child.



He urged the authorities to ensure that the structure was put to good use, and encouraged parents to enrol their children in the school.



While pledging the GNPC's commitment to support communities and institutions in dire need of infrastructure, Dr Eduah said since 2018 the foundation had implemented a number of projects across the country and sought to do same this year.



Commendation

The Chief Executive of the Karaga District Assembly, Iddrisu Mohammed Saani, thanked the GNPC for the gesture, and said it would go a long way to enhance education in the area.



"This is the first technical and vocational training institute in this enclave. We made the request for it through our Member of Parliament, and we are very glad that our request has been granted," he said.



He indicated that aside from the school block, the Member of Parliament was also constructing a workshop and other ancillary facilities to ensure the smooth running of the school.







Source: graphiconline.com









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The Chief Justice, Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah, has cautioned the public to desist from using gifts and other enticements to influence judges, magistrates and staff of the Judicial Service to tilt court cases in their favour.



He said such tendencies could only serve to undermine justice and the rule of law generally.



Agreeably, the core function of the Judiciary is to adjudicate cases in the law courts. It is, therefore, wrong for people who have cases in the courts to get intermediaries who usually serve as a link between those who have cases in the courts and the judges, the magistrates, as well as the Judicial Service staff, to influence the adjudication of the case, the Chief Justice said.



Inauguration



Justice Anin Yeboah gave the caution last Tuesday when he inaugurated the High Court at Somanya in the Yilo Krobo Municipality in the Eastern Region.



In attendance were the Yilo Krobo Paramount Queenmother, Nana Korlekuor Adjado III; divisional chiefs, the security services and members of the public.



The judge and his staff are advised to eschew acts that are inimical to the promotion of justice without fear, favour, ill-will or affection in the interest of the nation, the Chief Justice stated.



Justice Anin Yeboah stressed that to whom much was given, much was expected, and, therefore, it was incumbent for the Judiciary to serve the people of the community well based on the facilities available at the high court he inaugurated.



Alternative resolution



He, however, indicated that when necessary, out-of-court settlement of cases through the chiefs and community leaders rather than the courtroom trials were the best ways of settling cases as they helped to maintain better relationships.



He said negotiated settlements or compromises as known in law, particularly in districts, were inexpensive, time-saving and left little room for wrangling, headaches and bitterness as against the courtroom trials.



He noted that alternative dispute resolution (ADR) normally ended up winning situations and helped to build more cohesiveness within communities, adding that this part of peaceful resolution is part of our tradition and is supported by provisions in the Courts Acts and our cultural norms.



He said the Somanya High Court was among 100 courthouses and residential accommodations the President promised to build for the Judiciary and the Judicial Service to address the deplorable state of the courts in the country generally to effectively and efficiently serve the justice needs of the citizenry.



Justice Anin Yeboah advised staff of the Judicial Service and the public to ensure the facility was maintained to last longer.



Government applauded



The Chief Executive of the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly, Eric Tetteh, lauded the government for making funds available for the project through the District Assemblies Common Fund to promote service delivery of justice for all in the municipality and the neighbouring districts in the Krobo enclave.



He said the municipal assembly and the Judicial Service would draw a proper maintenance schedule to ensure that the facility would continue to be in good shape and function for the years ahead.



A former Member of Parliament (MP) for Yilo Krobo, Magnus Kofi Amoatey, who is also a lawyer, expressed the hope that the court would live to promote justice for ordinary citizens.















Source: graphiconline.com









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About 150 people, mostly young men, who were arrested by the military in some suburbs of Ashaiman have been released.



According to the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ashaiman, Ernest Norgbey, they were released last Tuesday night.



About 184 residents of the town were arrested and many of them were subjected to severe beatings by the soldiers.



The MP said the leadership of the community would petition the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and also pursue the matter in Parliament.



Sources in the community told the Daily Graphic that a number of the arrested young persons were bussed to Ashaiman last Tuesday night, having spent a greater part of the day in the custody of the military.



Invasion

Some soldiers, in the early hours of last Tuesday, March 7, 2023, stormed the Ashaiman Official Town, Tulaku and Taifa neighbourhoods to carry out a swoop following the alleged killing of a soldier, Sherif Imoro, last Saturday.





The 21-year-old soldier was reportedly killed by unidentified persons near the Amanie Hotel at Ashaiman.



Some reports said he was attacked and stabbed by a gang.



According to one account, the soldier was on his way to his family home.



At dawn last Tuesday (March 7, 2023), some soldiers arrived in army trucks and buses for what they said was a sanctioned operation to fish out the alleged killers of their colleague.



The soldiers allegedly went round the neighbourhood, knocking on peoples doors, questioning them and forcing people to remain indoors.



In the process, some young people were arrested, subjected to beatings and taken away by the military.



Ordeal

Narrating his ordeal to the Daily Graphic, one of the young persons who was arrested, Abas Inusa, said he returned to the community about 11 p.m. after he was picked up and detained by the military.



He said after initial beatings received from the soldiers, who used wires on his back, he, together with others, were bussed to Michel Camp for interrogation.



According to Inusa, from Michel Camp, they were transferred to Burma Camp for further screening.



He said they were denied food while under detention and it was only after the soldiers had finished the screening that some of them were bussed back to Ashaiman.



Another victim, Isaac Nyadi, described as traumatic the experience he went through.



He said he and some of the victims would need psychological support to help them deal with anxiety, fear and depression as a result of the incident.



At Ashaiman Official Town, Worlanyo Adzanku, a man whose three sons were picked up from their home told the Daily Graphic that his sons arrived home at about 11 p.m last Tuesday.



Mr Adzanku, who operates a pharmacy shop, said his sons were given pain killers after they complained of bodily pains.



They (sons) told me they were first taken to Michel Camp but later transferred to Burma Camp for screening after which they were put on a bus back to Ashaiman," he said.



Sanctioned operations

Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has explained that the operation at Ashaiman was sanctioned by the Military High Command.



In a statement issued last Wednesday (Mar 8, 2023), the GAF said the motive was not to avenge the killing of the soldier but rather to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous crime.



According to the statement signed by the Director General of Public Relations of the GAF, Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, following the operations at Ashaiman-Taifa and Tulaku in the Greater Accra Region, the military personnel picked up about 184 suspects aged between 21 and 47 years and handed them over to the Military Police and would subsequently be sent to the Ghana Police Service for screening and further action.

Source: graphiconline.com









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An Accra Circuit Court has granted bail to a 42-year-old businesswoman who allegedly defrauded five people of GH48,600.00 under the pretext of enlisting them into the Ghana Immigration Service.



Madam Ayisha Hamidu, who was charged with five counts of defrauding by false pretence, pleaded not guilty.



The Court presided over by Afia Owusuaa Appiah and granted the accused person bail in the sum of GH70,000.00 with two sureties to be justified.



It directed that the sureties should be residents within the jurisdiction of the Court.



The prosecution was also directed by the Court to file and serve all disclosures and witness statements within two weeks.



The case has been adjourned to April 4, 2023.



The facts as presented by Police Inspector Wisdom Alorwu, prosecuting, was that the complainants; Abdul-Jalil, Belad Kwame, Benjamin Opoku Agyemang, Charles Opoku, Madam Diana Fobi were traders, unemployed, teacher and entrepreneur, respectively.



The prosecution said the complainants were residents of Agbogbloshie, Nsuaem, Obuasi and Kasoa respectively, while the accused person resided at Alajo.



It said in June 2022, Abdul-Jalil, who was desperately in need of a better job met Ayisha who told him that she had an insider at the Immigration Headquarters who could facilitate his enlistment into the Ghana Immigration Service if he could pay an amount of GH10,000.00.



The prosecution said Abdul-Jalil brought the said amount and handed it over to Ayisha at Alajo.



It said Ayisha then informed Abdul-Jalil of the availability of slots and asked if he had other friends who were also interested in becoming Immigration Officers.



The prosecution said Abdul-Jalil in turn informed Belad, Agyemang, Opoku, Fobi and others who showed interest in the opportunity.



It said Ayisha then charged them various amounts ranging from GH5,900.00 to GH10,900.00.



Investigation however disclosed that, after all the 17 victims had paid various amounts of money to the accused person, she took them to Lapaz Community Hospital and Police Hospital respectively where their blood samples were taken as medical examinations were carried out on them, the Prosecution said.



The prosecution said Ayisha promised her clients that they would be called for training two weeks after the said medical examinations but went into hiding and all efforts made by the complainants to reach her proved abortive.



It said four months later, the complainants reported the matter to the Police and Ayisha was arrested.



The prosecution said during interrogation, Ayisha admitted collecting money from the complainants and other victims to the tune of GH163,415.00.





Source: GNA









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Delali Abla Dziedzoave, an Architect and Member of the Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA), has called for an outlet for children to exhibit their creativity.



That, she said, would enable them to express themselves visually.



Madam Dziedzoave made the call at a programme organised by ladies in the Ghana Institute of Architects for pupils from selected Basic and Junior High Schools (JHS) in the Korle Klottey Municipal as part of activities to mark International Womens Day (IWD).



The pupils were engaged and educated on the concept of architecture and the use of architectural designs to solve societal problems.



The IWD is celebrated globally every March 8, to honour women for their contribution towards national development and raise awareness on the need for equality in all spheres of life.



This years celebration is on the theme: DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality,



According to the United Nations, women make up only 22 per cent of Artificial Intelligence (Al) workers globally, while a global analysis of 133 Al systems across industries found that 44.2 per cent demonstrate gender bias.



Madam Dziedzoave underscored the need for arts subjects to be incorporated into the countrys educational system for children to unearth their talents.



Architecture is not only a science, but its also an art but we all went through a school system where art is not even a subject that is studied. We do not have situations where people can express themselves visually, she added.



The Architect urged girls to venture into architecture to bridge the gender gap in the industry since there were many females who could be looked up to.



Esi Adjorlolo, Vice President, GIA, noted that Architecture was a male-dominated occupation, however, many females were now venturing into it.



She called for more outward training or open training which would serve as opportunities to mentor people, particularly, young ladies to empower them enough to decide on the engineering and architecture profession as a whole.



Brenda Benedicta Attuquayefio, School Support Officer, Adabraka Circuit, Ghana Education Service, said the engagement of girls in career programmes would be an eye-opener for them.



She said: In fact, before our lady architects came, our girls knew architecture was for men, but this has been an eye opener to let them know that they can also venture into it as a career. I believe looking at the atmosphere it is a way of problem-solving.



She urged the students who were present at the programme to be ambassadors to educate other girls to consider architecture as a career.



Patricia Peprah, a JHS 2 Pupil of the Reverend Ernest Bruce Memorial Methodist Basic School, said she had been enlightened; hence, she would complement fashion design with architecture.



I was impressed by the architectural designs by women shown to us. I could not believe it, she said.



Patricia Peprah appealed to parents not to define gender roles at home but encourage their girl child to undertake jobs that were considered manly.



The Ghana Institute of Architects was established in 1962 as a professional body that seeks to enhance the practice of architecture and architects in Ghana.





Source: GNA









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The Manhyia government hospital in Kumasi has recorded its first case of measles after many years of zero recordings of the disease at the facility.



The authorities of the facility expressed worry about the emergence of the disease and its possible spread in the area due to shortages of vaccines for the treatment of the disease, which mostly affected babies from birth up to at least 18 months.



Currently, the facility does not have vaccines for measles, polio, yellow fever and tuberculosis (BCG).



Darius Adjei Baffour, the Disease Control Officer at the hospital, told the Ghana News Agency during a visit that the situation was becoming unbearable, but hoped the supplies would come in soon.



He said the facility had in stock pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, tetanus-diphtheria, inactivated polio vaccine, and penta and meningitis vaccines.



Darius Baffour said the hospital had for many years recorded zero cases of measles and other six childhood killer diseases, but the current situation could pose a serious challenge.



Some of the nursing mothers, who had brought their babies to the facility for vaccination, were disappointed when they were told to go back due to lack of vaccines.



They told the GNA that they were worried about the current situation in the country and its possible effects on the health of children.



Ayisha Mohammed explained that she was supposed to come for the last vaccination for her baby but surprisingly, she was told to go away due to the absence of the vaccines.



Another nursing mother, who gave her name only as Sister Amma, appealed to the government to urgently do something about the situation before things got worse.



The nationwide shortage of childhood vaccines has the potential to increase the vulnerability of children to the various diseases the vaccines seek to protect them against.



The government has, however, assured the nation that the vaccines would be available in the country in the few weeks but until that, Ghanaians need to pray to avert the possible outbreak of some of these diseases across the country.



Already, there have been reported cases of some of these diseases in some parts of the country.





Source: GNA









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A woman in Australia went on a spending spree when a crypto company accidentally sent her $10,474,143.



The incident occurred when Thevamanogari Manivel received the money in her bank account in 2021. Instead of reporting it to authorities, she went on a shopping spree.



She spent almost the entire amount until Crypto.com discovered the error in December of that year.



Manivel could not return the funds because she had purchased a home in Melbourne for AUD$1.35 million after the funds were transferred to a joint account she shared with her sister, Thilagavathy Gangadory.



The court heard four houses had been purchased with the ill-gotten cash - all of which had been frozen by the Supreme Court as part of ongoing civil action launched there by Crypto.com.



Senior Constable Healy alleged $8million had been transferred from Manivel's account between December 24, 2021, and February 2022.



Of that, $1.2million was used to buy a luxury home in Craigieburn and a $56,000 deposit went on a home in Mickleham.



Police allege Manivel lavished gifts on her daughters, giving $500,000 to one, $430,000 to another and $200,000 to a third daughter.



Another $70,000 was used to buy her daughter in Melbourne a car and $1.2million gifted to her partner Jatinder Singh's friend to pay off his mortgage on a Mickleham property.



The rest was allegedly blown on furniture, art, and other luxury items.



Manivel was recently ordered to sell her home and repay the funds with interest after Crypto.com won its legal case against her.



According to UNILAD, Justice James Dudley Elliot said during the ruling that evidence showed Manivel purchased her home through stolen funds.



It is established that the Craigieburn property was acquired with funds traceable to the wrongful payment and would never have been in Gangadorys hands if the wrongful payment had not been made. Thus, Gangadory was unjustly enriched by receiving the purchase price of the Craigieburn property out of the wrongful payment. Accordingly, I was satisfied that the orders relating to the sale of the Craigieburn property were appropriate.



In a report by CNBC, Crypto.com was originally supposed to send Manivel AUD$68 but sent the millions in error.



The lawsuit was filed in 2022, and local authorities froze her assets.



Crypto transactions are not reversible, but centralized platforms can attempt to reverse payments if fraud or human error occurs.

















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Sam Nartey George, Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram has chastised the Electoral Commission (EC) and its chairperson over the recent Constitutional Instrument (CI) it has put before Parliament.



The CI aims to amend the current law to make Ghana Card, the sole proof of identification for registration of new voters, removing the existing options of the use of passports and the guarantor system.



In the opinion of Sam George, the action of the EC amounts to threatening Ghanas democracy, which development the Minority Caucus will not allow to happen.



Our democracy is under threat with an Electoral Commission that has gone rogue and an electoral commissioner who has become a tin god and thinks that she is the best thing to happen to Ghanaians since Bens bread.



And who thinks that she can run riot in this country and do whatever she wants because she has the blessings of a president who is ruling like a despot, he told Accra-based Joy News reporter in Parliament.



Sam George stressed that Parliament remained the last bastion to protect the countrys democracy and that the Minority represented the final hope in that bastion.



Meanwhile, the National Democratic Congress has asked all Members of Parliament to suspend their campaigns and religiously attend to parliamentary business in the coming weeks.



It is believed that the move is to allow them marshal their numbers in opposing two major developments, the passage of the CI as well as approval of recently vetted ministerial nominees.







Source: ghanaweb.com









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Presidential candidate Aspirant of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Hon. Joe Ghartey, has joined former Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, to mourn his late wife, Maj. Rtd. Alberta Adwoa Boatemaa Oquaye.



Hon. Ghartey together with his wife, Efua Ghartey, visited Prof. Oquaye at his residence in Accra to commensurate with him about the loss of his wife.



During the visit, Hon. Ghartey recalled various public events that he sat next to the former Speaker and his dear wife "and she was wonderful company. Such a lady."



"During President Kufour's administration, I sat next to Prof Oquaye in Cabinet. At the time he was Minister of Energy and I was Attorney General and Minister of Justice", Hon. Ghartey said.



"Prof. Oquaye handed over his staff to me when I succeeded him

in 2013 as 2nd Deputy Speaker of Parliament."



"When Prof Oquaye became Speaker I was one of the few Parliamentarians he would invite to his Chambers to have lunch with him."



"My relationship with him extended to his family, including his dear wife."



"May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace until the day of resurrection," Hon. Joe Ghartey concluded.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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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:

Elephant detection results from state-of-the-art AI detectors under nighttime conditions and in densely crowded gatherings. "Our approach from the beginning was saying that whatever we do, we cannot alter the elephants physically," Karen Panetta says. "That was really important." Credit: Karen Panetta and Obafemi Jinadu

If you want to track an elephant in the wild, it's not easy. Traditionally, you have to attach a radio collar to it, which might interfere with the elephant's natural movements.

Now School of Engineering Professor Karen Panetta is developing drones equipped with a novel artificial intelligence system to track elephants in their natural habitatand is already deploying them in the field in East Africa. As she and her students continue to develop AI for the project, she hopes the technology will allow conservationists to collect high-quality data that they can use to make wildlife management decisions.

Panetta says her Visualization, Sensing, and Simulation Lab creates "artificial intelligence engines" that are then installed into various machines, including drones. Her lab has been working for years on using drones to aid in disaster recovery, assessing damage from the sky.

She was approached about four years ago by members of the Tufts Elephant Conservation Alliance, who asked if the drones could be used to aid wildlife conservation. Intrigued by the opportunity to expand the uses of her research, Panetta jumped at the idea.

Panetta and her team developed an AI-equipped drone that recognizes individual elephants from images, even when those images are dark, seen from afar, or otherwise difficult for conservationists to use effectively. Knowing where specific elephants are can help wildlife conservationists determine ideal habitats and keep animals safe from interactions with humans, which can be deadly.

Since elephants frequently travel at night, the AI is trained to identify elephants with thermal imaginga method that detects elephants' body heat. Obafemi Jinadu, a second-year doctoral student in Panetta's lab, says the team has had "huge success" identifying elephants in crowded images and in the dark.

The lab's technology can also collect data on individual elephant health, by identifying skin infections, changes in elephants' size, or altered behavior. For example, when an elephant is upset or stressed, it may raise its ears, which could be a helpful data point for conservationists monitoring the animals, according to Jinadu. "We try to get as much information as we can from the animal's body language," he says.

"The current approach for elephants now is quite invasive," says Obafemi Jinadu, here with Karen Panetta. "We're trying to track migration patterns with a very non-invasive approach." Credit: Alonso Nichols

The drones might also deter poaching, Panetta says, because poachers will recognize drones as signs of human presence, and hopefully avoid the area.

Panetta says drone tracking is more humane for the elephants than other strategies, like attaching radio collars, which can interfere with the elephant's natural behaviors. "The current approach for elephants now is quite invasive," Jinadu says. "We're trying to track migration patterns with a very non-invasive approach."

"Our approach from the beginning was saying that whatever we do, we cannot alter the elephants physically," Panetta says. "That was really important."

Part of that non-invasive approach includes identifying elephants on a first-name basis from afar, an aspect of the AI that Jinadu is working to improve. All elephants, he says, look quite similar, especially since they're free from markings, like stripes or spots, which help conservationists identify individuals from other mammal species. Right now, only people who have worked directly with specific elephants know them well enough to differentiate them.

Jinadu is hoping to change that by identifying the characteristicslike tears in ears, head size, and tusk shape and orientation, among othersthat differ between individual elephants, they can use that information to train the AI to match those characteristics to elephant names.

"It's a tricky task," he says, and current monitoring technology has only about a 56% success rate. "But we're positive we can do way better than that."

Panetta's drones are already used by conservationists at the Masai Mara National Reserve, a protected elephant habitat in southwest Kenya, where tens of thousands of elephants roam.

The team hopes that the technology they've developed could start to be used for conservation of other species, as well. For example, Panetta says that the AI could be particularly suited to track rhinoceroses. Additionally, the team has been collaborating with Allen Rutberg, a research associate professor at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, to determine how to adapt the technology for white-tailed deer conservation, since manually tagging white-tailed deer is labor-intensive and can be dangerous.

To Panetta, the possible applications of AI are limitless for helping humans and animals prepare for the unexpectedlike a band of poachers or a change in elephant migration patterns. "There are so many different scenarios that we as humans can't even begin to create experiments for," she says. "AI allows us to do that."
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:

Dr. Alessandro Ilepi, an Assistant Professor with UBC Okanagans Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science, is lead author of a new paper examining how atmospheric warming is affecting Arctic rivers flowing through permafrost terrain. Credit: Dr. Alessandro Ilepi

A team of international researchers monitoring the impact of climate change on large rivers in Arctic Canada and Alaska determined that, as the region is sharply warming up, its rivers are not moving as scientists have expected.

Dr. Alessandro Ielpi, an Assistant Professor with UBC Okanagan's Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science, is a landscape scientist and lead author of a paper published this week in Nature Climate Change. The research, conducted with Dr. Mathieu Lapotre at Stanford University, along with Dr. Alvise Finotello at the University of Padua in Italy, and Universite Laval's Dr. Pascale Roy-Leveillee, examines how atmospheric warming is affecting Arctic rivers flowing through permafrost terrain.

Their findings, says Dr. Ielpi, were a bit surprising. "The western Arctic is one of the areas in the world experiencing the sharpest atmospheric warming due to climate change," he says. "Many northern scientists predicted the rivers would be destabilized by atmospheric warming. The understanding was that as permafrost thaws, riverbanks are weakened, and therefore northern rivers are less stable and expected to shift their channel positions at a faster pace."

This assumption of faster channel migration owing to climate change has dominated the scientific community for decades. "But the assumption had never been verified against field observations," he adds.

To test this assumption, Dr. Ielpi and his team analyzed a collection of time-lapsed satellite imagesstretching back more than 50 years. They compared more than a thousand kilometers of riverbanks from 10 Arctic rivers in Alaska, the Yukon and Northwest Territories, including major watercourses like the Mackenzie, Porcupine, Slave, Stewart and Yukon.

"We tested the hypothesis that large sinuous rivers in permafrost terrain are moving faster under a warming climate and we found exactly the opposite," he says. "Yes, permafrost is degrading, but the influence of other environmental changes, such as greening of the Arctic, counteracts its effects. Higher temperatures and more moisture in the Arctic mean the region is greening up. Shrubs are expanding, growing thicker and taller on areas that were previously only sparsely vegetated."

This growing and robust vegetation along the riverbanks means the banks have become more stable.

"The dynamics of these rivers reflect the extent and impact of global climate change on sediment erosion and deposition in Arctic watersheds," Dr. Ielpi and his colleagues write in the paper. "Understanding the behavior of these rivers in response to environmental changes is paramount to understanding and working with the impact of climate warming on Arctic regions."

Dr. Ielpi points out that monitoring riverbank erosion and channel migration around the globe is an important tool that should be widely used to understand climate change. As part of this research, a dataset of rivers found in non-permafrost regions and representative of warmer climates in the Americas, Africa and Oceania was also analyzed. Those rivers migrated at rates consistent with what was reported in previous studies, unlike those in the Arctic.

"We found that large sinuous rivers with various degrees of permafrost distribution in their floodplains and catchments, display instead a peculiar range in migration rates," says Dr. Ielpi. "Surprisingly, these rivers migrate at slower rates under warming temperatures."

The time-lapse analysis shows that the sideways migration of large Arctic sinuous rivers has decreased by about 20% over the last half-century.

"The migration deceleration of about 20% of the documented Arctic watercourses in the last half century is an important continent-scale signal. And our methodology tells us that 20% may very well be a conservative measure," he says. "We're confident it can be linked to processes such as shrubification and permafrost thaw, which are in turn related to atmospheric warming.

"Scientific thinking often evolves through incremental discoveries, although great value lies in disruptive ideas that force us to look at an old problem with new eyes," says Dr. Ielpi. "We sincerely hope our study will encourage landscape and climate scientists elsewhere to re-evaluate other core assumptions that, upon testing, may reveal fascinating and exciting facets of our ever-changing planet."

More information: Alessandro Ielpi, Large sinuous rivers are slowing down in a warming Arctic, Nature Climate Change (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41558-023-01620-9. www.nature.com/articles/s41558-023-01620-9 Journal information: Nature Climate Change
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Are the British generally more intelligent and informed than Americans? Americans certainly seem to think so, according to a study by Rutgers researchers.

Research published in Journal of Pragmatics examines how American and British English speakers use "right" to respond in conversation.

They found Americans use the word "right" to indicate they are already knowledgeable or informed about a given subject or situation. By contrast, British English speakers use "right" to indicate that what they hear is informative, and relevant to the ongoing interaction.

In this case, Americans hear British speakers claiming to already know what they are being toldeven though they don't.

Because the British use "right" in conversations more than Americans and because of this difference in meaning between a British and an American "right," its use might signal to Americans that the British are "smarter," the researchers say.

Additionally, the British accent contributes to the American stereotype that British people are smarter because it sounds more sophisticated than their own.

In developing their analysis, the researchers drew on a collection of approximately 125 segments of everyday conversation and work discussions, including 70 segments in British English and 55 segments in American English.

The study "sheds light on how minute linguistic differences, which we might not even recognize, impact our interactions with others and color our perceptions of their expertise and knowledge," said co-author Galina Bolden, professor of communication at Rutgers.

The Rutgers researchers initially became interested in conducting this research when they overheard a "puzzling misunderstanding" between an American and a person from the UK during a conversation.

The findings illuminate different ways speakers can convey their epistemic stancesi.e., how they lay claim to different levels of knowledge. Additionally, the findings demonstrate the payoffs of using the methods of conversation analysis for understanding intercultural communication processes and learning about different varieties of English and other languages.

According to the study, further research could "examine the entire landscape of these kinds of response particles (in particular positions) in the U.S. vs. U.K. data with an eye towards the kinds of stances they convey vis-a-vis prior talk (i.e. what exactly they do internationally). Such analysis might enable researchers to explore whether the differences between the two language varieties are primarily linguistic or cultural."

More information: Galina B. Bolden et al, The distinctive uses of right in British and American English interaction, Journal of Pragmatics (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.pragma.2022.12.017
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:

Artist's impression of the ESA's Characterising Exoplanet Satellite (CHEOPS) spacecraft, the S1 mission in the Cosmic Vision program, focused on studying known and already-discovered Exoplanets, and characterizing their properties. Credit: ESA

After more than three years in orbit, the mission of the CHEOPS space telescope has just been extended. Led by the University of Bern in collaboration with the University of Geneva, CHEOPS is a joint mission of the European Space Agency (ESA) and Switzerland.

On March 7th, ESA's Science Programme Committee has confirmed its continued operations to 2026 and an indicative extension to 2029, contingent upon ongoing commitments from national contributors and partners. Since its launch in December 2019, the satellite's extremely precise measurements have contributed to several key discoveries in the field of exoplanets. The extension will make it possible to study these fascinating worlds around other stars in even more detail.

Unlike previous satellites designed to find new exoplanetsplanets orbiting stars other than our sunby observing tens of thousands of stars simultaneously, CHEOPS has been optimized to observe a single star at a time and it targets stars already known to host exoplanets. The aim of CHEOPS is therefore to go beyond a mere census of exoplanets, and measure some of their key characteristics, in particular their size, with an exquisite precision.

This precision is what allows astronomer to infer what these planets are made of: combining the CHEOPS size measurement with the previously known planet mass yields the density: dense planets like the Earth are mainly composed of rocks and metals, while planets with low densities like Jupiter are mostly made out of gas. Since these compositions are the result of the planet formation process, getting to know them opens a window to the past history of planetary systems, putting our own solar system in context. Credit: University of Bern

Observation of exoplanet properties

"In this respect, the mission has been extremely successful," says Willy Benz, Professor emeritus of astrophysics at the University of Bern and head of the CHEOPS consortium, "the precision of CHEOPS has exceeded all expectations and has allowed us to determine properties of several of the most interesting exoplanets."

For example, by closely observing how the luminosity changes as the planet WASP-103b passes in front of its star, scientists from the CHEOPS team have observed that the planet is deformed into the shape of a rugby ball due to the intense gravity of the nearby star. Such planets are so hot that CHEOPS has also been able to detect them glowing along their orbit around their stars.

"The glow detected with CHEOPS for the planet WASP-189b is only a few millionth of the light emitted by the star, and is related to the temperature of the planet atmosphere and its cloud coverage. So it is clear that CHEOPS can do much more than 'simply' measuring planet sizes," explains Prof. David Ehrenreich of the University of Geneva, who is co-chairing the international team of over a hundred of scientists involved in the exploitation of the mission.

More exciting discoveries with the extended mission

The primary mission of CHEOPS was planned to last for three and a half years, that is until September 2023. The outstanding quality of the science produced by the mission is attested by the publication of over fifty scientific articles based on CHEOPS data in international journals.

The satellite was successfully operated amidst a global pandemic, and its health is excellent with respect to the harsh conditions of space, where it is constantly bombarded by cosmic rays and high-energy radiation. All these elements have pushed the CHEOPS team to propose extending the mission beyond 2023.

The extension of CHEOPS operations has now been confirmed by the ESA Science Programme Committee until at least 2026, provided ongoing support from national contributors and partners. The CHEOPS team members are originating from 40 institutions across Europe: in addition to ESA, 11 countries, including Switzerland in a leading role, have come together to fund and build the telescope between 2012 and 2019.

"CHEOPS can continue to count on the strong support of the participating Funding Agencies, including Switzerland, for the extension of the mission, and that the Swiss lead in the CHEOPS mission (including its extended operations) is possible due to the membership of Switzerland in ESA and through its participation in the PRODEX program," says Oliver Botta, chair of the CHEOPS Steering Committee.

With the newly approved mission extension, the CHEOPS team plans to continue using CHEOPS for what it does best while at the same time trying out new observations. "We have only scratched the surface of the capabilities of CHEOPS, there is much more science that can be done with the satellite and we look forward to exploring it during the extension," says Benz.

"A very exciting result would be the discovery of the first exomoon," says Ehrenreich. "Many planets in our solar system have moons, so we expect to find some around exoplanets, and we are currently observing some candidates. It is challenging to detect exomoons though, because they are small, hence their signatures are faint. However, CHEOPS is precise enough to find exomoons as small as the planet Mars, which is twice the size of our Moon. If such moons exist in the systems we observe, we could find them during the extended mission."

A unique role in the landscape of space missions

Another unique characteristic of CHEOPS is its ability to combine forces with other space missions such as the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which is a joint mission of NASA and ESA. CHEOPS can refine our knowledge of already known exoplanets to select the best candidates to be observed with JWST to probe the atmospheres of these planets.

"Thanks to CHEOPS observations, we have been granted valuable JWST time to observe the planets in the TOI-178 system to determine their atmospheric composition, which will help to understand the dynamical history of the system," says Prof. Yann Alibert of the University of Bern. Alibert is coordinating the CHEOPS program dedicated to the follow-up of multiplanetary systems discovered by NASA's satellite TESS.

"This is an example of a great synergy between CHEOPS and other missions: TESS originally found 3 planets orbiting the star TOI-178. When CHEOPS looked at this system, it discovered three more planets and revealed an outstanding and fragile orbital harmony, leading us to hypothesize that it has been unperturbed for billions of years," explains Alibert.

"Scientists are eager to find out what surprising results CHEOPS will bring next; what is sure now is that CHEOPS will continue to make new discoveries for years to come," says Benz.

CHEOPSin search of potential habitable planets

The CHEOPS mission (CHaracterising ExOPlanets Satellite) is the first of ESA's "S-class missions"small-class missions with an ESA budget much smaller than that of large- and medium-size missions, and a shorter timespan from project inception to launch.

CHEOPS is dedicated to characterizing the transits of exoplanets. It measures the changes in the brightness of a star when a planet passes in front of that star. This measured value allows the size of the planet to be derived, and for its density to be determined on the basis of existing data.

This provides important information on these planetsfor example, whether they are predominantly rocky, are composed of gases, or if they have deep oceans. This, in turn, is an important step in determining whether a planet has conditions that are hospitable to life.

CHEOPS was developed as part of a partnership between the European Space Agency (ESA) and Switzerland. Under the leadership of the University of Bern and ESA, a consortium of more than a hundred scientists and engineers from eleven European states was involved in constructing the satellite over five years.

CHEOPS began its journey into space on Wednesday, December 18, 2019 on board a Soyuz Fregat rocket from the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Since then, it has been orbiting the Earth on a polar orbit in roughly an hour and a half at an altitude of 700 kilometers following the terminator.

The Swiss Confederation participates in the CHEOPS telescope within the PRODEX program (PROgramme de Developpement d'EXperiences scientifiques) of the European Space Agency ESA. Through this program, national contributions for science missions can be developed and built by project teams from research and industry.

This transfer of knowledge and technology between science and industry ultimately also gives Switzerland a structural competitive advantage as a business locationand enables technologies, processes and products to flow into other markets and thus generate added value for our economy.
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Russian President Vladimir Putin has found support in an unlikely place: the U.S.

Specifically, Christian nationalists, a subsection of America's religious right, have flocked to the country's autocratic leader, according to new research from a team of social scientists, including Sarah Riccardi-Swartz, an assistant professor of religion and anthropology at Northeastern University.

Riccardi-Swartz says this level of support for Putin among Christian nationalists is especially notable given their simultaneous opposition or indifference to Russia itself.

"Even if Christian nationalists are ambivalent to Russia as a geopolitical construct or if they view it as a threat, they are still favorable towards Putin as a political figure," Riccardi-Swartz says. "This seems to suggest that Americans who subscribe to Christian nationalist ideology are attracted to Putin as a strong man and ethno-nationalist leader just as they were with Trump."

Christian nationalism is an ideology that has, in recent years, has spread throughout Christianity in the U.S., Riccardi-Swartz says. It's not isolated to a single denomination and is defined by the belief that the U.S. is a Christian nation with specific values that must be protected from "some sort of moral decline because of the diversity of democracy and the diversity of society at large," Riccardi-Swartz says.

As a result, it's become inseparable from the "gods, guns, country mentality" that defines portions of the Republican party and U.S. conservatism, Riccardi-Swartz says.

To measure how favorable Christian nationalists were toward Putin and Russia, Riccardi-Swartz and her colleagues used data from the Public Religion Research Institute's 2018 American Values Survey, the Pew Research Center's American Trends Panel from 2021 and the 2022 National Addiction and Social Attitudes Survey. The data captures Christian nationalist sentiments during Donald Trump's presidency, post-Trump and after the Ukraine invasion based on responses to a series of survey questions.

The study found that in 2018, respondents who indicated that America was or still is a Christian nation tended to score higher on favorability of Putin. Meanwhile, those who still believe the U.S. is a Christian nation, the most extreme category on the study's Christian nationalist scale, were also the most likely to be favorable toward Russia.

In 2021, the results were largely the same: As respondents scored higher on Christian nationalist measures, they were more likely to be favorable to Putin.

Notably, in 2022, after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, people who scored very high or very low on the study's Christian nationalist measures were both less favorable to Russia. However, the one thing that remained consistent was that as people placed higher on the Christian nationalist scale, the more they supported Putin as a leader. Russia's autocratic leader is, at least for the American religious right, somehow separate from the country he leads.

"Even if the actions of the state are somehow violent and perpetrating violence towards another country, the man himself seems to exemplify what Christian nationalists desire, which is arguably a white ethno-state," Riccardi-Swartz says.

The shift from the Red Scare concerns around the spread of Russian influence to Christian nationalists embracing Putin as aspirational might seem like a radical change. But for Riccardi-Swartz, it's not that surprising given the history of religious conservatism in the U.S. and Russia. The country, particularly during the Soviet era when the state worked to reduce the role of religion, has historically been the target of evangelical efforts by American religious conservatives.

"American conservatives were always enamored with the idea of either saving Russia from itself or, now, using Russia to save themselves," Riccardi-Swartz says.

Riccardi-Swartz says Putin's attempt to brand himself as a protector of "traditional values" and Russian Christians, resulting in the resurgence of the Russian Orthodox Church, has also helped remake Russia into a symbol for Christian nationalists. To them, it's no longer an atheistic communist country; it's a place where Christians have religious freedom, according to Riccardi-Swartz.

"That seems very appealing to conservative Christians in the United States who feel our liberal democracy is infringing on their religious beliefs," Riccardi-Swartz says.

Between Putin and Christian nationalists, the ideal is a "purity"cultural, religious, racial or sexualthat's in opposition to perceived social immoralities.

"LGBTQ+ rights, transgender rights, abortion access, reproductive equalitythat is a threat to them because they perceive of that as somehow tainting the purity of their social culture," Riccardi-Swartz says. "The goal then is to create a world in which the social values reflect that of their Christian values."

Riccardi-Swartz is adamant that this research is not just data-based social scientist theory. Christian nationalism is reshaping the state of affairs in the U.S. Trump rode a wave of popularity among Christian nationalists to the White House, which resulted in key Supreme Court picks. The conservative majority on the nation's highest court has since used that power to rethink everything from reproductive rights to the separation of church and state.

At the same time, anti-trans rhetoric, framed as a response to perceived attacks on "traditional values," has become a pillar of Republican politics, resulting in a slew of legislation targeting transgender people and the LGBTQ community at large.

Riccardi-Swartz says if Putin is a source of inspiration for Christian nationalists, who have gained tremendous political power in recent years, that's only the beginning.

"If they look abroad to places like [Viktor] Orban's Hungary or Putin's Russia, those are places in which it's not just started; it's active," Riccardi-Swartz says. "That's appealing because they say, 'Hey, look, here's a blueprint for what we can do here.'"

The paper is published on the SocArXiv preprint server.

More information: Samuel Perry et al, The Religious Right and Russia: Christian Nationalism and Americans' Views on Russia and Vladimir Putin Before and After the Ukranian Invasion, SocArXiv (2023). DOI: 10.31235/osf.io/bp79r
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When the eminent Australian anthropologist W. E. H. Stanner first published his essay on "The Dreaming" in 1956, there was increasing scholarly and popular interest in the complexity and duration of Australia's Indigenous cultures.

That same year, an excavation by the archaeologist D. J. Mulvaney at Fromm's Landing in South Australia utilized radiocarbon dating for the first time in Australia. It verified human occupation of that site stretching back 5,000 years.

This might feel slim by today's understanding of Indigenous ancientness, but in the 1950s and 1960s, scientific dating confirmed Australia's human history reached well beyond any sort of written archival record. Moving Australian History into the deep past, thousands of years before colonization brought with it Western forms of history-making, established a radical new timescale for the discipline.

Jim Bowler's famous work at Lake Mungo in south-western New South Wales in the 1960s and 1970s pushed back the date of Aboriginal occupation even furtherto an extraordinary 40,000 years. By the early 21st century, Aboriginal claims that they had always been here didn't seem unreasonable alongside archaeological finds that measured their presence at 65,000 BCE.

As well as comprehending that colossal timescale, there has been the challenge of how to acknowledge and translate the understandings and experiences of time held by Australia's First Peoples. Since Baldwin Spencer and James Gillen's ethnological work in the late 19th century, the term "Dreamtime", or "Dreaming" had been variously applied to this variegated Indigenous time: at once now and then, both cosmological and narrative-truth.

In Stanner's 1956 essay, "The Dreaming", he attempted to tease out a translation of Indigenous temporality. "The Dreaming conjures up the notion of a sacred, heroic time of the indefinitely remote past, such a time is also, in a sense, still part of the present", he suggested. "One cannot 'fix' The Dreaming in time: it was, and is, everywhen."

Everywhen.

It was a bold, memorable term. Stanner's attempt to bring Indigenous knowledges into an Australian public discourse reflected his belief in the importance of understanding Aboriginal history and history-making.

Over 50 years later, that commitment to translation and conversation is the focus of an impressive collection of essays, Everywhen, edited by Ann McGrath, Laura Rademaker and Jakelin Troy. "The concept of everywhen," they explain, "unsettles the way historians and archaeologists have conventionally treated timeas a linear narrative that moves toward increasing progress and complexity."

The volume looks back on that original attempt at translation by Stanner and others, but also renegotiates the terms of the conversation around Indigenous deep histories and conceptions of time.

"We take 'deep history' to include the histories that long precede modernity, the medieval era and the few thousand years generally known as ancient history", McGrath and Rademaker explain in the book's introduction. But this is more than simply going back in time, they add:

"we consider that deep history is largely Indigenous history, so it cannot be slotted into European history's existing archival boxes or temporalities."

This book is a collective act of translation and negotiation.

Translating time

Clint Bracknell describes various Noongar words for time and the past, including the illuminating term nyidig, which means "long ago/cold"pointing perhaps to a cultural memory of the last Ice Age.

Ngarigu woman and linguistic anthropologist Jakelin Troy locates time in Country itself. "We do not see ourselves as being in a solely terrestrial space", she offers.

"Land, water, and sky all connect as one space, and the stories of ancestral figures and the creation of features on the land, in the water, and in the sky are all connected."

Shannon Foster, a D'harawhal knowledge keeper, also explores the uniqueness of D'harawhal historical connections that sit outside Western conceptions of linear time. "There is no purpose for us as D'harawhal people to know a time or an age", Foster insists. "Dates add nothing to our culture  We know their value. It has nothing to do with time".

Specific terms shared in the book, such as the well-cited word jukurrpa in Warlpiri, as well as bugarrigarra (from the Yawuru language in the West Kimberley), and amalawudawarra (from Anindilyakwa, on Groote Island) confirm the encompassing, fluid and cosmological hues of Indigenous languages that meld time and place through Ancestors and Country.

The collection includes multiple contributions to this conversationfrom historians, archaeologists, linguists, and anthropologists, as well as Indigenous knowledge-holders. Taken together, the chapters reflect the diversity and breadth of this growing interest in deep time. Most of all, it displays a commitment to a vital conversation that has extended Australian history into the deep past and into new epistemological territory.

The ethical imperative of this exercise in translation and conversation drives the collection. As McGrath and Rademaker explain, "for most of the 20th century the way many national histories were taught in schools and publicly memorialized was as if nothing much happened until Europeans arrived."

What's more, these histories also "fulfilled a substantive legal function" by depicting pre-colonial Australia as an "empty land" with "no history". Sovereignty was imported, rather than recognized as held by Indigenous people.

Historians complicit

Historians have increasingly grappled with the knowledge that their discipline has been complicit in the colonization of Indigenous peoplespolicing whose histories can be told, and how. "Time" has been a critical component of that colonizing architecture, as Dipesh Chakrabarty and Priya Satiya have shown determining Indigenous people had "no time", or existed outside historical, linear time (and therefore outside historical "progress").

In early histories of Australia, for example, historical time was understood to begin at the point of European "discovery". Before that, the continent was in a sense "timeless"and certainly devoid of history in a disciplinary sense.

This was "a country without a yesterday", the writer Godfrey Charles Mundy insisted in 1852. A generation later, George Hamilton similarly described Australia and its First Peoples as essentially blank: "Here was a country without a geography, and a race of men without a history."

Australia's historiographical emptiness prior to colonizationits "historylessness" as the postcolonial studies scholar Lorenzo Veracini evocatively describes itreflected the enduring assumption that pre-colonial Australia was also pre-historical.

And yet, as this collection demonstrates, there was history, in the sense that pre-colonial Australia has a rich human past. What's more, there were fully developed temporalities that encompassed a rich cosmology, sense of time and "code of truth", as Worimi historian John Maynard carefully explains in his chapter.

An act of reckoning

In part, the commitment to translating, understanding and respecting "everywhen" is an act of reckoning on the part of academic history, which tended to marginalize Indigenous pasts and their expression until the 1960s and 1970s.

There is an explicit sense in this volume of the obligation to recover the deep past and engage Indigenous temporalities, without relegating them to a sort of "dreamtime" that is only mystical and spiritual. Critically, it also highlights the generosity of Indigenous historians, writers and knowledge-keepers who continue to share that knowledge, despite occlusion from the discipline for the better part of two centuries.

That's not to say all the curly questions are answered, or reconciled. Clearly, there is a question as to how Australian Indigenous textsdrawn in sand, sung, painted, etched and walked on Countrycan be rendered into scholarly historical discourse.

Or, indeed, if they should be: I couldn't help but wonder, does the history discpline's reach into Indigenous deep time threaten to colonize a space which has so far eluded Western epistemology? (Although, the cost of not trying might be even worse.)

And the question of whether (and how) Western historical narratives can populate deep history with actual lives, as well as understand and represent the thoughts, feeling and senses of people who lived thousands of years ago, is still to be answered.

This uncertainty is not unique to Australia, as a recent statement on decolonising research by the American Historical Review makes clear. The ethical demand to engage with, acknowledge and include Indigenous forms of history has extended the discipline into new, albeit sometimes challenging, epistemological territory around the world.

Yet that difficult terrain can also make for the most productive conversations, as this generous volume demonstrates.

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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Each year, Americans generate more than 200 million tons of solid waste. Much of this waste is not ultimately deposited in the same place it was first thrown away, but is instead hauled across state or county lines to large facilities that offer low disposal prices or other perks. Trash haulers balance the costs of transporting trash and these incentives when choosing where to deposit waste.

Groups and individuals in many jurisdictions have voiced support for "not in my backyard," or "NIMBY," laws that limit waste transporting to their local dumping sites. Such local laws have been overturned by the Supreme Court, and while NIMBY waste transport laws have been introduced in every session of the United States Congress, they have never been enacted. The NIMBY phenomenon also raises concerns that exposure to waste facilities and shipments could be unevenly distributed between demographics.

In the paper "The Costs and Environmental Justice Concerns of NIMBY in Solid Waste Disposal," published in the Journal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, Phuong Ho examines the economic and environmental justice impacts of such NIMBY laws in California. Bans on transboundary waste transport would not only be costly, but would also result in the direction of waste away from facilities near white residents and towards those near Hispanic residents, the study finds.

Ho examined data on trash disposal in California, which reports regular figures on waste flow origins and disposal and exports very little of its solid waste to other states. For example, the average county in California sends 21,000 tons of waste each quarter between 1995 and 2015, shipping it an average 24 miles at an average price of $36 per ton.

Combining these data with information on fees charged by disposal stations to unload waste as well as the transport distance between population centers and disposal facilities, Ho used a random utility model to examine the tradeoffs made by haulers and how the NIMBY laws would drive them to make alternative choices for where they deposit their trash.

Ho applied the model to two scenarios: one in which only one county imposes a NIMBY waste transport policy and one in which all counties in California do so. If NIMBY trash import bans were passed in every county in the state, facilities would raise disposal prices by $5.84/ton on average to respond to the loss of intercounty trash business. The ban would cost haulers in a county an additional $4.63/ton.

If a NIMBY ban was passed in just one county, exported waste from that county would rise 90% and other nearby areas would become dumping hotspots. Trash disposal would be more costly for haulers in the county, with local facilities raising prices by $3.80/ton, and haulers would be forced to reroute transport to more expensive facilities within the county, or to travel farther, to less-expensive facilities in outside counties.

In all, the ban would cost an extra $2.09/ton for the county, and "besides the increase in the cost of discarding waste, the NIMBY law could increase total intercounty waste in California," by as many as 12,000 tons, Ho finds.

In addition to evaluating the costs of NIMBY trash import bans, Ho used census data from 2010 to study how waste shipments are distributed by race and how such import restrictions could affect that distribution. Under current conditions, facilities in minority communities are more likely to receive trash, with disposal sites in Hispanic communities especially affected as they are close to population centers of waste origin.

If NIMBY import bans are implemented throughout California, "waste that is sent to facilities near white residents would be rerouted to facilities near Hispanic residents," Ho writes. "These results suggest NIMBY laws could have unintended consequences on the distribution of waste flows by race."

More information: Phuong Ho, The Costs and Environmental Justice Concerns of NIMBY in Solid Waste Disposal, Journal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists (2022). DOI: 10.1086/722613
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The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). Credit: CABI

A review conducted by CABI scientist Dr. Marc Kenis suggests that the parasitoid Eiphosoma laphygmae is likely to be the best classical biological control from the Americas against the devastating fall armyworm pest.

Dr. Kenis, Head of Risk Analysis and Invasion Ecology, based at CABI's Swiss center in Delemont, evaluated the prospects and constraints of a classical biological control program to fight the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) using larval parasitoids, which are considered the most suitable natural enemies of the pest.

His findings are published in the Journal of Economic Entomology.

The fall armywormwhich originates from tropical and subtropical areas of the Americasis a highly destructive pest of over 350 plant species, though it favors staple foods of millions including maize, rice and sorghum.

A previous review led by Dr. Kenis, published in Entomologia Generalis, provided a comprehensive study of the fall armyworm including details on its invasiveness, biology, ecology and management. It involved 57 scientists from 46 different institutions.

The paper highlighted that according to Eschen et al. (2021), fall armyworm causes estimated annual yield losses of USD $9.4 billion in Africa alone. It adds that the invasion of the pest in developing countries has an important impact on household income and food security.

In the latest review, Dr. Kenis said the most important larval parasitoids in its native range are presented and discussed for their suitability as CBC agents, based the following criteria: their frequency of occurrence and parasitism levels, specificity, climatic suitability and absence of closely related species parasitizing the fall armyworm in the area of introduction.

Other parasitoids looked at included Aleiodes laphygmae, Archytas marmoratus, Campoletis spp. and Cotesia marginiventris.

Dr. Kenis said, "The ichneumonid Eiphosoma laphygmae Costa-Lima (Hymenoptera: Icheumonidae) is considered as a potential candidate for introduction because of its specificity and its importance as a parasitoid of the pest in most of its native range.

"The most frequent and important parasitoid of S. frugiperda in the Americas, the braconid Chelonus insularis Cresson (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), would most probably contribute to the control of S. frugiperda if released in invaded areas. However, it is oligophagous and would most certainly parasitize nontarget species."

He added that before introducing C. insularis, or any other parasitoid species, the potential non-target effects will have to be assessed and the risks will have to be weighed against the benefits of improving the natural control of this important pest.

Other CABI research to try and mitigate the fall armyworm has included a former Ph.D. student, Patrick Fallet, from the University of Neuchatel and CABI in Switzerland, testing numerous nematode formulations applied into the maize whorl. These have proved just as effective as pesticide sprays.

Meanwhile, scientists from the MARA China-CABI Joint Laboratory for Biosafety and MARA China-CABI European Laboratory are working to find sustainable and effective natural enemies for the fall armyworm with 70 options identified in China alone.

These include 44 predators such as Pentatomidae, Lygaeidae, Anthocoridae, Nabidae, Coccinellidae, Reduviidae, Chrysopidae, Forficulidae, Formicidae and Vespidae species. Bugs and beetles constitute 68% of the predators.

More information: Marc Kenis, Prospects for classical biological control of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in invaded areas using parasitoids from the Americas, (2023). DOI: 10.1093/jee/toad029 Journal information: Journal of Economic Entomology

Provided by CABI
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A change in food prices might immediately address the lack of economic access to food but will not address the root causes of food insecurity. Credit: Shutterstock

Increasing food prices and stagnant incomes have been identified as major obstacles to achieving food security. About one in six, or 15.9 percent, of households in Canada experience food insecurity.

Economic barriers like food prices are not the only obstacles to food security. Our study, published by Food Secure Canada, outlines that systemic barriers like colonialism, racism and other systems of injustice are among the root causes of food insecurity in Canada.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, food security requires economic, physical and social access to food.

Economic access involves factors such as income, poverty and food affordability. Physical access is related to infrastructure and facilities like roads and transportation. Social access focuses on ensuring people have access to all the necessary resources within society for nutritious and culturally appropriate foods. Food insecurity happens if any of these paths fail.

The interlinked barriers to food security

Our research reveals three major barriers to accessing food:

affordability

policies that perpetuate wealth and income disparity, and

systemic forms of discrimination like colonialism and racism.

The findings demonstrate that those living with a low income demand long-term solutions that comprehensively address all forms of food access.

Our study identified affordability as the main barrier to food access. The Consumer Price Index shows that food prices have increased by 10.4 percent in 2022. Similarly, Canada's Food Price Report in 2023 indicates that food prices remain a major concern for Canadians, increasingly putting pressure on household food security.

Income inequality in Canada has increased over the past 20 years. The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is a policy targeted at reducing the effects of job disruption during the pandemic. For many food activists, CERB is an example of how a basic income measure can address income inequality. Recent statistics, however, show that it was ineffective in improving food security for those receiving the benefit.

This suggests that future policies need to better address income disparities. Policies also need to address why certain groupslike Indigenous people living off reserves, recent immigrants and people with disabilitiesare consistently among those who are living with low incomes compared to other groups.

Discrimination, racism and colonialism

Various systems of discrimination such as racism and colonialism furthermore impact access to food. The highest percentage of individuals living in food-insecure households in Canada are Indigenous Peoples (30.7 percent), Arab/West Asian (27.6 percent) and Black (22.4 percent). Our study also highlights that racism and colonialism significantly shape the relationship that Black, Indigenous and people of color have with food. A study participant stated that: "Colonialism has an ongoing impact on how we view food, portions, and our relationships with food that needs to be challenged in order to move towards sustainable consumption."

Historic and ongoing colonialism has separated Indigenous Peoples from their land and food systems. This created significant barriers to accessing foods integral to Indigenous health and well-being. Indigenous communities also face challenges in maintaining practices like hunting and fishing, which are necessary for obtaining culturally appropriate food.

In addition, our study found that community initiatives led by Indigenous, Black and people of color face barriers to receiving grants and funding due to the eurocentric structures and processes included in the application and reporting processes. This limits the number of culturally or heritage-specific programs that organizations can offer to their communities.

A road map towards food security for all

A drop in food prices might immediately address the lack of economic access to food but will not address the root causes of food insecurity. Addressing systemic barriers is vital to ensure economic, physical and social access to food for all people, at all times. These three types of food access are interconnected.

Participants in our study highlighted some initiatives that are a step in the right direction. For instance, in 2021 the City of Toronto approved the Toronto Black Food Sovereignty Plan. This is a community-led, five-year program focused on addressing and creating long-term solutions to food insecurity among Black Torontonians.

One participant described its significance: "(The plan) aims to champion the right of people of African descent to healthy and culturally-appropriate food, produced through ecologically sound and sustainable methods, and their right to define their own food and agriculture systems and build their own institutions to advance community capacity and resilience for food access."

Simply identifying systemic barriers to food security is not enough to create change. Long-term solutions will require elected officials and industry leaders to make significant institutional changes. As proposed in this Food and Agriculture Organization report, inclusivity and accounting for structural inequalities is required for tackling food insecurity.

Our study argues that any solution must be done in a democratic, just and inclusive manner. These approaches should consider Indigenous traditional knowledge and address racism, colonialism and other systems of discrimination. Achieving food security requires Canadians to focus on the underlying causes of food insecurity, not only saving money at the grocery store check-out counter.

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In 2019, the former IMF chief, Christine Lagarde, stated that closing the gender gap in employment could hike global GDP by 35%. Credit: Shutterstock

In early March, France's first minister, Elisabeth Borne, announced that French companies failing to enforce the country's gender equality criteria would be denied access to public contracts. The news adds yet another line to an already long list of incentives to boost women's standing in the workplace.

In recent years, research has increasingly shown filling one's company's top positions with women not only makes ethical sense, but business sense, too. In the UK, one 2020 paper showed that the presence of women on executive boards significantly improved the performance of the country's firms, in particular when three or more females were appointed and when they also held executive director positions. Another study on banks in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, found that entities with female CEOs invested more in sustainable environmental initiatives. And the former IMF chief, Christine Lagarde, in 2019, stated that closing the gender gap in employment could push up global GDP by 35%.

Due to be published in the International Journal of Corporate Governance in the coming months, our latest paper confirms this trend. Surveying data from 228 nonfinancial French listed companies from 2018 to 2021, we found evidence that companies who scored higher on the country's "Gender Equality Index" also fared better in markets.

The French equality index

To boost women's status in the workplace, the French government passed a law in September 2018 compelling companies with at least 50 employees to communicate information on gender equality. Taking its name from the then-Labor minister, Muriel Penicaud (2017-2020), the Penicaud indexalso known as the equality indexobliges them to publish data on:

The difference in total remuneration between women and men weighted by grade and age group;

Difference in the rates of salary increases between men and women;

Difference in the promotion rates between men and women;

Salary increases for employees returning from maternity leave;

Gender balance of the top 10 highest-paid employees.

Graph association between market performance and equality index.

The availability of such information implies that French companies' track record on gender equality is subject to public scrutiny, which can in turn affect investor confidence.

Gender index has spurred positive change

On the one hand, the results of our research are encouraging. The average Penicaud Index for the surveyed firm is 84 points out of 100. In addition, we note that the equality index has increased over time, evidence that firms are willing to continuously improve female conditions. From this perspective, the effect of this law seems to be going in line with the government's expectations. In her interview with Elle on 1 March, Borne effectively stressed the equality index's main objective was not to punish firms, but to provide them with an incentive to change their policies and behaviors toward greater gender equality in the workplace.

And yet, we also believe there is significant room for improvement. If we look at the latest report, for example, we find only 2% of firms scored the maximum mark and a mere 61% provided their data on time. 2,354 firms obtained zero on the score on maternity leave.

There are some low-hanging fruit that companies can easily seize upon to boost their gender score. Take the one common blind spot which we observed among firms performing just below the maximum score of 100 points: female representation in the 10 highest-paid employees. Global consultancy group Keyrus SA scored 90 out of 100 in 2021, losing 5 out of 10 points in this area. That was also the case that year with the country's energy provider, EDF, which clinched the maximum score in four out of the five categories included in the equality index, but failed to have a single woman to show in its 10 highest-paid employees. Women were also nowhere to be found in the highest earners of the country's most popular TV channel, TF1, causing it to stagnate at 85 out of 100.

Such figures make clear that, notwithstanding companies' efforts to boost gender equality in the workplace, corporate leadership remains the preserve of a small male elite. This is also the conclusion of a recent report by the European Women on Boards Association, which shows that, while boards of French firms lead the European Union in terms of female representation (45% on average of board members in France are females), only 15% of firms can boast female Chief Financial Officer and only 8%, a female Chief Executive Officer.

This is too bad, as firms prioritizing gender equality tend to accrue significant financial benefits from it. In fact, our research finds a positive association between companies with higher values for their equality index and their market valuation and return on equity. The graph reports a simplified illustration about the association between one of the measures of market performance used in our research, Tobin's Q, and the equality index of French firms. The trend line in black highlight the positive association between these two variables.

In addition, our analyses prove that independent auditors associated a lower audit risk (i.e., the risk that the annual report contains material errors) to companies with greater gender equality performance.

Our results encourage firms to give women the keys of companies' C-suite, which remain stubbornly male-oriented even though the evidence indicates this is not in companies' best interest. We also hope that the agendas of legislators and regulatory bodies keep promoting and enforcing gender equality across sectors.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Thailand's capital Bangkok has been shrouded in a harmful haze for days.

Nearly 200,000 people in Thailand have been admitted to hospital because of air pollution this week, officials have said, with Bangkok shrouded in a harmful haze.

The Thai capital, home to an estimated 11 million people and one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, has been blanketed for days by an unpleasant yellow-grey mix of vehicle fumes, industrial emissions and smoke from agricultural burning.

More than 1.3 million people have fallen sick in the kingdom since the start of the year as a result of air pollution, with nearly 200,000 admitted to hospital this week alone, according to the public health ministry.

Kriangkrai Namthaisong, a doctor at the ministry, on Wednesday urged children and pregnant women to stay indoors.

Anyone going outside should wear a high-quality N95 anti-pollution mask, he added.

During another pollution peak in late January and early February, city authorities urged people to work from home.

A spokesman for Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipuntelected last year with promises to improve the city's environmentsaid they would not hesitate to issue another similar order if the situation got worse.

Aekvarunyoo Amrapala told AFP that nurseries run by the city had set up special "no dust rooms" with air purifiers to protect young children, as well as checkpoints to monitor vehicle emissions.

The public health ministry said 50 districts in Bangkok on Wednesday recorded unsafe levels of the most dangerous PM2.5 particlesso tiny they can enter the bloodstreamwhile on Thursday they remained well above World Health Organization guidelines.

PM2.5 levels have been above safe limits for most of Bangkok for the past three days, according to the government's pollution control department.

The situation was worse in the northern city of Chiang Mai, in an agricultural region where farmers burn crop stubble at this time of year.

Around midday (0500 GMT), the popular tourist destination was ranked the third-most polluted city in the world by monitoring firm IQAir.

 2023 AFP
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The Monterey Bay Aquarium's sea otter surrogacy rehabilitation and release program pairs non-releasable female adults with orphaned pups in order to prepare the pups for reintroduction to the wild. Credit: Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium provides insights on the best practices for releasing orphaned southern sea otter pups to the wild in a new study. The study affirms the effectiveness of the Aquarium's innovative sea otter surrogate-rearing methods, and finds the primary factors affecting individual sea otters' abilities to reacclimate to the wild occurred after release.

Published today in the journal Biological Conservation, the paper, "Advancing Surrogate-rearing Methods to Enhance Southern Sea Otter Recovery," examines the Aquarium's surrogacy rehabilitation and release program and identifies key components that contribute most to a sea otter's success upon release.

Monterey Bay Aquarium developed and pioneered the sea otter surrogacy program, which pairs young otter orphans with non-releasable female adult otters who bond with and care for the pups as their own. Aquarium researchers initiated the study to optimize the program's methods and contribution to the recovery of this threatened species.

"These findings describe everyday life-threatening challenges experienced by sea otter pups,and help us identify optimal conditions for returning orphaned otters to the wild, where they may benefit population and ecosystem recovery," said lead author Teri Nicholson, Senior Research Biologist for Monterey Bay Aquarium's Sea Otter Program. "Because of our surrogate females' strong nurturing behavior, three-quarters of the orphaned pups in our program reacclimate to the wild after release. What we are learning from this study will increase this success."

Nicholson and her colleagues examined 20 years of surrogate-rearing methods for 64 sea otter pups that stranded along the California coastline and were subsequently released as juveniles. The team tracked 34 key rehabilitation and release components to determine what modifications would contribute most to improving successful outcomes in the wild. These results will inform decisions about when and where sea otters may be released within the species' historical range to maximize their chances for survival.

"By sharing more details about sea otters within our program, and our common challenges, we hope to inspire stronger connections with these wildlife populations and stewardship of our shared ocean environment," Nicholson said.

This study also provides a foundation for the expansion of the surrogacy program to other aquariums, including the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, Calif. The Aquarium of the Pacific joined the surrogacy program in 2020 and has been building a specialized area for pairing stranded sea otter pups with surrogate mothers.

The study highlights the following key conclusions:

Surrogacy draws from the natural behavior and adaptability of sea otters, resulting in 75% success reacclimating orphans to the wild, regardless of their stranding age, origin, early development, surrogate mother idiosyncrasies, weaning age, and pre-release conditioning.

Release conditionssuch as favorable seas and mild weather represented the strongest modeled drivers of success.

Low daily swimming distances by released individuals, and less competitive local population dynamics were additional factors that contributed to success.

Comparable success rates among a variety of sites and habitats, such as estuary seagrass meadows and open-coast kelp forests, demonstrate the potential for broader application of these methods throughout California, where release conditions are favorable.

The results of this study also may have broader applications for the recovery of other threatened and endangered species and provide a blueprint for nature-based solutions that strengthen ecosystem resilience in the face of increasing impacts from climate change.

"Our surrogacy program is effective, and results from this study build our confidence that we'll be able to increase the number of animals we can return to the wild through key partnerships," said Jess Fujii, Monterey Bay Aquarium's Sea Otter Program Manager. "The study also provides valuable insights for when and where we can release rescued otters with the best chance of success."

More information: Teri E. Nicholson et al, Advancing surrogate-rearing methods to enhance southern sea otter recovery, Biological Conservation (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2023.109962 Journal information: Biological Conservation
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

In May 2022, Bongbong Marcos won the presidential election in the Philippines with a commanding 59% of the vote, stunning many political scholars.

"How, some asked, could the son of the former autocrat, Ferdinand Marcos, a man who suspended elections, eroded checks and balances, curtailed media freedom, violated human rights and engaged in rampant corruption, win office so convincingly?" wrote government scholar Anil Menon and co-authors in a new study of the election results.

Voters' support for former presidents Rodrigo Duterte and Ferdinand Marcos, and ethnic identity were strong predictors of voting for the younger Marcos, the researchers found after analyzing data from a national survey conducted before the election, while age, education level and income were not. The findings give insight into global trends of increased democratic backsliding and autocratic regimes gaining power, said Menon, a Klarman Postdoctoral Fellow in government in the College of Arts and Sciences.

"Continuity, History, and Identity: Why Bongbong Marcos Won the 2022 Philippine Presidential Elections" published March 1 in Pacific Affairs. Co-authors are Dean Dulay, Singapore Management University; Allen Hicken, University of Michigan; and Ronald Holmes, De La Salle University, the Philippines.

"In the months leading up to the election, my co-authors and I observed public and academic conversations about how there was an active contestation of Filipino life, society and economy under Ferdinand Marcos, with Bongbong Marcos reimagining the tenure of his father as a golden age for the Philippines," Menon said. "We were interested in understanding how the general public viewed that period and thus set out to measure public sentiment about various periods in Philippine history in the months leading up to the election."

In his research, Menon examines the way historical events shape subsequent political outcomes, including the question of how populations remember their pastand how politicians might therefore leverage the past to influence public opinion.

In "How do Filipinos Remember Their History? A Descriptive Account of Filipino Historical Memory," published in December 2022 in Contemporary Southeast Asia with the same co-authors, Menon contributed to a study of Filipinos' view of the country's major historical events: the Spanish colonization of the Philippines; martial law under President Ferdinand Marcos from 1972-86; and the 1986 People Power Revolution.

The Philippines is a good place to study the impact of political legacies, Menon said, because there is significant debate over the legacy of Ferdinand Marcos and what role it played in bringing his son to power.

"Some observers of Filipino politics saw the recent election as a battle between competing narratives regarding the Marcos legacy, with the winner of the narrative battle gaining an advantage in the election," Menon said. "Each side in the election tried to frame the past in different ways, to their own ends."

The researchers used data from a nationally representative survey conducted in April 2022 by Pulse Asia, a leading public opinion firm in the Philippines. They found that respondents were likely to support Bongbong Marcos if: they had a positive impression of Ferdinand Marcos and his 14-year rule by martial law; they approve of predecessor Rodrigo Duterte, whose daughter Sara Duterte, now vice president, was Bongbong Marcos's running mate; and they are from the home region of the Marcos family or Duterte family.

A few days before the May 9 election, the researchers published an opinion piece in The Washington Post sharing their survey insightsforeshadowing the outcome.

So why did the Bongbong Marcos/Sara Duterte ticket win in a landslide? The researchers concluded that theories based on continuity between former President Rodrigo Duterte and Bongbong Marcos and between the younger Marcos and the olderas well as ethnicity-based votinghold more water than theories based on voters' age, generation or education levels.

Voter support for the continuity between Duterte and Marcos regimes also arguably represents a shift toward a growing illiberalism among voters, the researchers said. In other words, Marcos's win cannot be taken in isolation, but seems to reflect a growing trend amongst Filipinos to vote for a leader with a populist, illiberal style.

From a broader perspective, the findings illuminate how historical legacies shape democratic backsliding.

"We have seen a precipitous increase in concern for the bedrock of democratic institutions, both in developed and developing country contexts," Menon said. "Scholars have written on democratic backsliding in the context of countries including but not limited to the Brazil, Hungary and the United States."

More information: Dean Dulay et al, Continuity, History, and Identity: Why Bongbong Marcos Won the 2022 Philippine Presidential Election, Pacific Affairs (2023). DOI: 10.5509/202396185
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For the first time, ETH Zurich researchers have produced objects with shape memory that are only twenty nanometres thick. Credit: ETH Zurich / Minsoo Kim

Alloys that can return to their original structure after being deformed have a so-called shape memory. This phenomenon and the resulting forces are used in many mechanical actuating systems, for example in generators or hydraulic pumps. However, it has not been possible to use this shape-memory effect at a small nanoscale. Objects made of shape-memory alloy can only change back to their original shape if they are larger than around 50 nanometers.

Researchers led by Salvador Pane, Professor of Materials of Robotics at ETH Zurich, and Xiang-Zhong Chen, a senior scientist in his group, were able to circumvent this limitation using ceramic materials. In a study published in the journal Nature Communications, they demonstrate the shape-memory effect on a layer that is about twenty nanometers thick and made of materials called ferroic oxides. This achievement now makes it possible to apply the shape-memory effect to tiny nanoscale machines.

A special structure is needed

At first glance, ferroic oxides do not appear to be very suitable for the shape-memory effect: They are brittle in bulk scale, and in order to produce very thin layers of them, they usually have to be fixed onto a substrate, which makes them inflexible. In order to still be able to induce the shape-memory effect, the researchers used two different oxides, barium titanate and cobalt ferrite, of which they temporarily applied thin layers onto a magnesium oxide substrate. The lattice parameters of the two oxides differ significantly from each other. After the researchers had detached the two-layered strip from the supporting substrate, the tension between the two oxides generated a spiral-shaped twisted structure.

Such free-standing nanoscale structures made of ferroic oxides are highly elastic, resilient, and they allow flexible movements. Furthermore, they showed a shape-memory effect: When the researchers applied mechanical tensile force to the structure, it stretched out and permanently deformed. Subsequently, the scientists directed an electron beam from a scanning electron microscope onto the deformed structure; it returned to its original shape. The electrical energy thus triggered a shape-memory effect. The layer thickness of about twenty nanometers is the smallest sample size on which such an effect has ever been observed.

Usually, in other examples, the shape-memory effect is triggered by thermal or magnetic manipulation. "The reason it works with electrical irradiation in ferroic oxides may have to do with the orientation of the polarization within the oxides, we suspect," says Chen. While the free-standing structure is being stretched, the polarization within the oxides aligns parallel to the structure plane. The electron beam, however, leads the polarization to align perpendicular to the structure plane, causing change of the mechanical strain and contract to its original shape.

The scientists produced the nano-objects using thin-film deposition and dry etching. Credit: Kim D et al, Nature Communications 2023

Broad range of applications

This response to the electrical energy is more suitable for wide range of applications, because punctual temperature manipulations (conventionally used to induce shape memory) are not possible at the nanoscale. One example of an application: Thanks to their high elasticity, the oxides could replace muscle fibers or parts of the spine.

"Other applications would be new nanoscale robotic systems: The mechanical movement that occurs when switching between the two structures could be used to drive tiny motors," says Donghoon Kim. He worked as a doctoral student on this study and is one of its two lead authors. "Furthermore, our approach could also facilitate the development of longer-lasting small-scale machines, because the material is not only elastic but also durable," says Minsoo Kim, postdoc and also a lead author.

The range of applications can even be extended to flexible electronics and soft robotic systems. In another study, which the researchers have just published in the journal Advanced Materials Technologies, they were able to further develop such free standing oxide structures so that their magnetoelectric properties can be controlled and tuned more precisely. Such shape memory oxides could be used, among other things, to manufacture nanorobots that are implanted in the body and can stimulate cells or repair tissue. Through external magnetic fields, the the nanorobots can be triggered to transform into a different shape and perform specific functions within a human body.

"Furthermore, the magnetoelectric properties of these shape-memory oxide structures could be used, among other things, to electrically stimulate cells within the body, for example to activate neuronal cells in brains, for cardiac therapies, or for accelerating bone healing process," Pane says. Finally, the magnetoelectric shape-memory oxides could be used in nanoscale devices, such as tiny antennas or sensors.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

While the outcomes of institutional racism in our education system have been well documentedBlack and American Indian students are half as likely to graduate from college within four years compared to white and Asian studentsfew people realize how structural racism within educational institutions affects mental health outcomes for students.

A new study from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health (SPH), published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, fills this gap, exploring the long-term mental health effects for Black students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) compared with Black students attending predominantly white institutions (PWIs) of higher education.

The study traced the experiences of Black students beginning in secondary school through their college years, and several years post-college, testing the theory that Black students at HBCUs would be less exposed to structural racism than Black students who attended PWIs.

Tracking the experience of almost 500 Black participants seven and 14 years after college, the study found:

For Black students who reported higher depressive symptoms in their teens, those who attended HBCUs reported fewer depressive symptoms seven years post-college compared to those who attended PWIs.

For those students who attended high school in regions outside of the South (in the North, West Coast and East Coast), HBCU attendance protected against depressive symptoms seven years after college.

"HBCUs are an essential part of higher education, but there has been little research examining how attending an HBCU versus a PWI is associated with mental health for Black students," saidNaomi Thyden, a postdoctoral fellow in SPH and an author of the study. "This research provides evidence that the HBCU environment can have a positive impact on long-term mental health outcomes for Black students."

The researchers recommend equitable state and federal funding for HBCUs, and also suggests that PWIs incorporate aspects of HBCUs, such as increased Black faculty mentors, more affinity spaces for Black students and a curriculum that decenters the dominant, white experience.

More information: Naomi Harada Thyden et al, Estimating the Long-Term Causal Effects of Attending Historically Black Colleges or Universities on Depressive Symptoms, American Journal of Epidemiology (2022). DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwac199 Journal information: American Journal of Epidemiology
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An illustration of the transformation of the market and the trends ongoing in retail. Credit: The International Review of Retail, Distribution and Consumer Research (2022). DOI: 10.1080/09593969.2022.2158119

The COVID-19 pandemic has had clear consequences for the Swedish fashion industry. Digitalization has accelerated, while efforts to attract customers to physical stores have stagnated. A development that will continue, according to researcher Gabriella Wulff.

New research at the interdisciplinary Gothenburg Research Institute at the University of Gothenburg shows that the outbreak of the COVID-19 has affected the way we do our shopping for clothes.

The study, based on fieldwork in the form of interviews and observations, reveals that the fashion industry has changed in various ways since the pandemic broke out in Sweden in early 2020.

"The pandemic has radically shaken up the industry and previous ways of working are no longer viable. It not only had an impact on the market, but also backwards in the production chain, as it became difficult to plan what to produce and when," says consumer researcher Gabriella Wulff.

'Sales figures plummeted'

The study shows that the change in the clothing industry took place in two stages during the pandemic. First, there was the shock that hit society at the beginning of the pandemic, when people became more cautious about how they moved in public places.

The second stage came when society responded to the pandemic with various measures to reduce the spread of infection. The Public Health Agency, together with the government, issued recommendations and restrictions on working from home, avoiding crowds, and singled out shopping centers as specific areas to avoid. It was then that the fashion industry was hit hardest.

"This was the period when the big setback came and sales figures plummeted," says Gabriella Wulff.

Digitalization has accelerated

Even before the pandemic, the digitalization was evident in the fashion industry. However, with the spread of the disease and government restrictions making it harder to move freely, this trend accelerated.

On the one hand, e-commerce of clothes and shoes increased, and on the other hand, the fashion industry is now focusing more on reaching customers online in different ways.

The focus has also shifted from creating good-looking websites, to a more functional focus, to enable products to be brought out that way rather than through the physical store.

"One phenomenon that grew during this period was Live Video Shopping, where companies make broadcasts online, on social media and on their websites. This allowed companies to continue to work on building relationships with customers, at a time when it was otherwise difficult to find contact points," says Gabriella Wulff.

The pandemic also stagnated fashion companies' efforts to create unique in-store experiences. The physical store was previously seen as central to creating a connection with the customer, with companies trying to attract customers to the store in a variety of ways, including events, pop-up shops, customer nights and sales, but the pandemic meant that companies were forced to find other ways to reach out to customers.

"Those who continued to try to attract people to the store were met with a lot of skepticism on social media, where those companies were questioned in the comment fields about their willingness to contribute to the spread of the disease in society," says Gabriella Wulff.

Social sustainability

The pandemic also redefined the concept of sustainability in the clothing industry. Social sustainability in the clothing industry used to be mainly about production and the working conditions of those working in the supply chain, but since the pandemic, the concept has expanded to include customers and staff.

"Suddenly, there was a new focus on safety in stores, both for employees, but perhaps most importantly for the customer. The consequences of the changes that took place during the pandemic will be felt for a long time to come," says Gabriella Wulff.

She sees signs that e-commerce will remain strong, even if some sales have found their way back to the physical store.

"It also became clear to many retailers how vulnerable commerce is and what demands our current society places on flexibility and the ability to adapt. These are lessons that can also help in addressing other challenges in the future."

More information: Gabriella Wulff, Changes in market organisation due to exogenous shocksthe case of the transformation of the Swedish fashion industry caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, The International Review of Retail, Distribution and Consumer Research (2022). DOI: 10.1080/09593969.2022.2158119
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Dr Imogen Napper, Research Fellow at the University of Plymouth. Credit: Eleanor Burfitt/University of Plymouth

Scientists have called for a legally binding treaty to ensure Earth's orbit isn't irreparably harmed by the future expansion of the global space industry.

In the week that nearly 200 countries agreed to a treaty to protect the high seas after a 20-year process, the experts believe society needs to take the lessons learned from one part of our planet to another.

The number of satellites in orbit is expected to increase from 9,000 today to over 60,000 by 2030, with estimates suggesting there are already more than 100 trillion untracked pieces of old satellites circling the planet.

While such technology is used to provide a huge range of social and environmental benefits, there are fears the predicted growth of the industry could make large parts of Earth's orbit unusable.

An international collaboration of experts in fields including satellite technology and ocean plastic pollution say this demonstrates the urgent need for global consensus on how best to govern Earth's orbit.

They acknowledge that a number of industries and countries are starting to focus on satellite sustainability, but say this should be enforced to include any nation with plans to use Earth's orbit.

Any agreement, they add, should include measures to implement producer and user responsibility for satellites and debris, from the time they launch onwards. Commercial costs should also be considered when looking at ways to incentivize accountability. Such considerations are consistent with current proposals to address ocean plastic pollution as countries begin negotiations for the Global Plastics Treaty.

The experts also believe that unless action is taken immediately, large parts of our planet's immediate surroundings risk the same fate as the High Seas where insubstantial governance has led to overfishing, habitat destruction, deep-sea mining exploration, and plastic pollution.

The article was published in the journal Science on March 9. It was co-authored by researchers from the University of Plymouth, Arribada Initiative, The University of Texas at Austin, California Institute of Technology, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Spaceport Cornwall, and ZSL (Zoological Society of London).

They include the academic who led the first ever study into marine microplastics, also published in Science almost 20 years ago, and scientists who contributed to the commitment to develop a Global Plastics Treaty signed by 170 world leaders at the United Nations Environment Assembly in March 2022.

Dr. Imogen Napper, research fellow at the University of Plymouth, led the newly published study. She said, "The issue of plastic pollution, and many of the other challenges facing our ocean, is now attracting global attention. However, there has been limited collaborative action and implementation has been slow. Now we are in a similar situation with the accumulation of space debris. Taking into consideration what we have learnt from the high seas, we can avoid making the same mistakes and work collectively to prevent a tragedy of the commons in space. Without a global agreement we could find ourselves on a similar path."

Heather Koldewey, ZSL's senior marine technical advisor, said, "To tackle planetary problems, we need to bring together scientists from across disciplines to identify and accelerate solutions. As a marine biologist I never imagined writing a paper on space, but through this collaborative research identified so many parallels with the challenges of tackling environmental issues in the ocean. We just need to get better at the uptake of science into management and policy."

Dr. Moriba Jah, associate professor of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics at The University of Texas at Austin, said, "Ancient TEK (traditional ecological knowledge) informs us how we must embrace stewardship because our lives depend on it. I'm excited to work with others in highlighting the links and interconnectedness amongst all things and that marine debris and space debris are both an anthropogenic detriment that is avoidable."

Dr. Kimberley Miner, scientist at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, said, "Mirroring the new UN ocean initiative, minimizing the pollution of the lower Earth orbit will allow continued space exploration, satellite continuity, and the growth of life-changing space technology."

Melissa Quinn, head of Spaceport Cornwall, said, "Satellites are vital to the health of our people, economies, security and Earth itself. However, using space to benefit people and planet is at risk. By comparing how we have treated our seas, we can be proactive before we damage the use of space for future generations. Humanity needs to take responsibility for our behaviors in space now, not later. I encourage all leaders to take note, to recognize the significance of this next step and to become jointly accountable."

Professor Richard Thompson OBE, head of the International Marine Litter Research Unit at the University of Plymouth, said, "I have spent most of my career working on the accumulation of plastic litter in the marine environment; the harm it can bring and the potential solutions. It is very clear that much of the pollution we see today could have been avoided. We were well aware of the issue of plastic pollution a decade ago, and had we acted then the quantity of plastic in our oceans might be half of what it is today. Going forward we need to take a much more proactive stance to help safeguard the future of our planet. There is much that can be learned from mistakes made in our oceans that is relevance to the accumulation of debris in space."

More information: Imogen E. Napper, Protect Earth's orbit: Avoid high seas mistakes, Science (2023). DOI: 10.1126/science.adg8989. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adg8989 Journal information: Science
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Matrices used to build bioactive nanocomposites with silver ions: spherical nanosilica (top) and porous aluminum oxide (bottom; transverse view on the right). Artificial colors. Credit: Source: IFJ PAN

They kill with a molecular sting or oxidative shock and don't know the meaning of fatigue. The latest biocidal nanocomposites, designed and synthesized by scientists at the Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IPJ PAN) in Krakow, are charting new directions for materials engineering in the fight against microorganisms.

The increasing number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is posing challenges not only to physicians, but also to physicists involved in materials engineering. In mankind's generations-long Sisyphean struggle against the world of dangerous microorganisms, it seems that we have finally gained allies ready to meet the challenge: composite materials capable of spontaneously and continuously killing microorganisms and preventing their colonies from growing.

The biocidal nanocomposites, designed, synthesized and characterized at the Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IFJ PAN) in Krakow, Poland, are discussed in a series of recently published scientific articles.

"In the work of our team, we try to apply the idea of 'reverse physics': we start not with the substance we want to study to find applications for it, but with the applications themselves. Once we have established our needs, we design the future material precisely with these needs in mind, carry out numerical simulations, and then try to synthesize it. Only when we manage this successfully, do we proceed to check whether the properties of the obtained material are in line with our expectations," explains Dr. Lukasz Laskowski (IFJ PAN), leader of a team which included Dr. Agnieszka Karczmarska, Dr. Magdalena Laskowska and Dr. Mateusz Schabikowski.

The need to develop a new, durable and safe biocidal material was signaled by researchers from the Institute of Physiology and Animal Nutrition of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IFiZZ PAN) in Jablonna. They pointed out that if the face masks known to everyone from the time of the pandemic are changed infrequently, they accumulate microorganisms and, as their habitat, can be a source of secondary infection.

What would therefore be needed is a material that not only acts as a filter, but is also capable of continuously eliminating the microorganisms that settle on it. The physicists at the IFJ PAN thought that a composite material constructed from a neutral matrix with appropriately attached functional groups capable of effectively killing microorganisms could be a way to solve the problem.

The permanent attachment of biocidal molecules and appropriate selection of their properties would guarantee that the material would retain its characteristics for practically any period of time.

In the case of biocidal composites with silver ions, developed by scientists from the IFJ PAN, either aluminum oxide or silicon dioxide (i.e. silica) matrices can be used, depending on the need. In the former case, the matrices are in the form of a sieve with pore diameters of about 40 nanometers, while in the latter, they are spheres with diameters ranging from 50 to 500 nm.

The porous matrix makes it possible to filter, for example, air or body fluids, while the spherical silica makes it possible to incorporate the biocidal material into other substances, such as dental fillings.

"Naturally, the main role in our materials is not played by the matrix, but by the functional groups deposited on it in an appropriate manner. The key biocidal agent, in this case the silver ion, is captured by a carboxyl group attached to a propyl chain. This structure is pliant and acts superbly as a sting or knife, which, on contact with the bacterium, destroys its cell membrane," explains Dr. Laskowski.

The biocidal molecules in the new composites are bound to the matrix chemically and therefore permanently. This fact means, first and foremost, that these molecules will be able to perform their task continuously and exactly where they are placed. Over time, therefore, they will not lose their capabilities, they will not be washed out of a dental filling into the body, nor will they be released from a used mask into the environment.

The second class of new nanocomposites from the IFJ PAN uses a different tool to fight bacteria: propyl-phosphate groups containing a copper ion. They capture oxygen molecules from the air, which are then reduced by the copper ion, acting as a single-electron catalyst. The reactions taking place involve hydrogen from the water molecules common in our environment. As a result, hydrogen peroxide is continually formed around the copper functional groups. On contact with it, most microorganisms are killed by oxidative shock.

"As with silver nanocomposites, the copper is also permanently bonded to the matrix and does not wear out. Water and oxygen are consumed, but these are naturally available in the environment. Thus, we have a material at our disposal which practically continuously produces a certain amount of fresh hydrogen peroxide, one of the most effective biocidal compounds," says Dr. Laskowski and emphasizes that tests verifying the biocidal effects of all new materials have been carried out at the IFiZZ PAS.

Bioactive nanocomposites with metal ions are currently being produced at IFJ PAN on a laboratory scale, with the possibility of supplying trial quantities for implementation purposes. However, the production technology, which is at the patent stage, can be scaled up to industrial needs without major problems.

The most recent study is published in the journal Molecules.

More information: Mateusz Schabikowski et al, Aluminium(III) OxideThe Silent Killer of Bacteria, Molecules (2023). DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010401 Magdalena Laskowska et al, A Novel Biocidal Nanocomposite: Spherical Silica with Silver Ions Anchored at the Surface, International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2022). DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010545 Mateusz Schabikowski et al, Functionalised Anodised Aluminium Oxide as a Biocidal Agent, International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2022). DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158327

Provided by The Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences
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

Wildlife conservation efforts could suffer because toxic online rows about trophy hunting are becoming increasingly abusive, ecologists have warned.

Scientists have analyzed hundreds of tweets about trophy hunting and found that 7% were abusive. This is a similar proportion to content on partisan topics on social media platforms known to highlight extreme viewpoints.

The findings, by conservation scientists at the University of Reading and the University of Sheffield, are published today (March 9) in the journal Conservation Biology.

Graphic images posted on Twitter of tigers, crocodiles, giraffes and elephants shot by hunters often provoke angry responses from Twitter users. For example, in two tweets examined by the researchers, one user says a trophy hunter "deserved to die" and another said trophy hunters should "shoot yourselves."

As a result of this hostile atmosphere, arguments from some conservationists, who suggest trophy hunting might be positive overall for protecting species and habitats, are often shouted down by the opponents of hunting. This means different conservation viewpoints are not heard and policymakers are less aware of them.

Celebrity 'pile-ons'

Dr. Luke Evans, from the University of Reading's School of Biological Sciences, was the lead author of the study. He said, "Controversial cases involving trophy hunting, such as the killing of Cecil the Lion in Zimbabwe in 2015, have caused an explosion in angry tweets.

"These comments become more hostile and angry as celebrities, activists and some politicians risk creating 'pile-ons' in opposition to any mention of trophy hunting, or those who suggest pro-hunting viewpoints. For example, one prominent ecologist who regularly advocates for the conservation benefits of trophy hunting on Twitter has been called a murderer and a psychopath.

"This strong anti-trophy hunting sentiment is now moving into UK law, with the UK government proposing a ban on trophy hunting imports. Such a law needs to be properly discussed and debated by experts and the public, but it is almost impossible to have this discussion online without seeing extreme anti-hunting viewpoints, often combined with abuse.

"A new British law banning hunting trophy imports could have a big impact on conservation worldwide, with both negative and positive influences in different locations. This needs to be scrutinized, but it's possible that Twitter's toxicity could skew the debate away from the evidence."

Needless suffering or 'necessary evil?'

The research team examined 500 tweets to identify themes and tones in trophy-hunting debates on Twitter. They found that 350 tweets opposed trophy hunting, with Twitter users often conveying sadness, anger or disgust at the suffering caused to the hunted animals.

Of these anti-hunting tweets, 7% contained abusive content, such as insults or threats of violence. This is a similar rate to the proportion of abusive posts found on extreme messaging sites such as Gab or 4Chan.

Less than 5 percent of tweets expressed views in favor of trophy hunting, often expressed with a "reluctant" tone, or acknowledging that the practice was a "necessary evil." Some Twitter users disliked the shooting of animals, but suggested trophy hunting provides funding and aids wider conservation efforts, helping other species to thrive in habitats maintained as hunting grounds.

All the tweets analyzed by the researchers were anonymized, to protect the identities of the tweeters. However public searches of tweets quickly show the levels of abuse and hyperbole displayed in hunting debates on Twitterincluding those stoked by celebrities. In one tweet, comedian Ricky Gervais (who has previously supported proposed legislation banning the import of trophy-hunted animals which is set for a vote by UK lawmakers later on Friday, March 17), uses a profanity for a trophy hunter holding a dead leopard. In another post, actor Peter Egan says trophy hunters are "serial killers."

Death threats

Co-author Dr. Vicky Boult, from the University of Reading, said, "As scientists, we wanted to investigate the tone of this online debate in a neutral fashion.

"What we found was quite shocking, with some people who expressed views deemed to be pro-hunting facing death threats and extreme abuse. We saw that such abuse could sometimes be traced back to the activities of celebrities with large online followings.

"While some people may dislike the activities of hunters, it's important that we don't create laws that actually damage conservation efforts by shutting down genuine debate and replacing it with abuse."

More information: Characterizing the trophy hunting debate on Twitter, Conservation Biology (2023). DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14070 Journal information: Conservation 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:

The intensity of an atmospheric river depends on how long it lasts (typically 24 to 72 hours; horizontal axis) and how much moisture it moves over one meter each second (measured in kilograms per meter per second; vertical axis). While weaker atmospheric rivers can deliver much-needed rain, more intense storms are more damaging and dangerous than helpful. Credit: AGU, after Ralph et al. 2019 (DOI: 10.1175/BAMS-D-18-0023.1)

Atmospheric rivers, which are long, narrow bands of water vapor, are becoming more intense and frequent with climate change. A new study demonstrates that a recently developed scale for atmospheric river intensity (akin to the hurricane scale) can be used to rank atmospheric rivers and identify hotspots of the most intense atmospheric rivers not only along the U.S. West Coast but also worldwide.

The study is published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres.

Atmospheric rivers typically form when warm temperatures create moist packets of air, which strong winds then transport across the ocean; some make landfall. The intensity scale ranks these atmospheric rivers from AR-1 to AR-5 (with AR-5 being the most intense) based on how long they last and how much moisture they transport.

In part because some West Coast weather outlets are using the intensity scale, "atmospheric river" is no longer an obscure meteorological term but brings sharply to mind unending rain and dangerous flooding, the authors said. The string of atmospheric rivers that hit California in December and January, for instance, at times reached AR-4. Earlier in 2022, the atmospheric river that contributed to disastrous flooding in Pakistan was an AR-5, the most damaging, most intense atmospheric river rating.

The scale helps communities know whether an atmospheric river will bring benefit or cause chaos: The storms can deliver much-needed rain or snow, but if they're too intense, they can cause flooding, landslides and power outages, as California and Pakistan experienced. The most severe atmospheric rivers can cause hundreds of millions of dollars of damage in days in the western U.S.; damage in other regions has yet to be comprehensively assessed.

"Atmospheric rivers are the hurricanes of the West Coast when it comes to the public's situational awareness," said F. Martin Ralph, an atmospheric scientist at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and a co-author on the new study. People need to know when they're coming, have a sense for how extreme the storm will be, and know how to prepare, he said. "This scale is designed to help answer all those questions."

Ralph and his colleagues originally developed the scale for the U.S. West Coast. The new study demonstrates that atmospheric river events can be directly compared globally using the intensity scale, which is how the researchers identified where the most intense events (AR-5) form and fizzle out, and how many of those make landfall.

(a) Examples of atmospheric river (AR) ranking (color shading) based on all ARs detected by tARget version 3 (referred to as the algorithm method) at an arbitrary 6-hr time step of the MERRA-2 reanalysis. Each contiguous area indicates a unique AR. Gray shading indicates grid cells that fall within the boundary of ARs detected by the algorithm, but did not receive an AR rank due to failing integrated water vapor transport (IVT) intensity and/or event duration thresholds; see Section 2 for details. The unfilled (filled) circles mark selected coastal (oceanic) areas used in subsequent analysis. (b) A specific AR from panel (a). Color shading shows the maximum IVT of the event at each grid cell, with the color corresponding to the AR rank if the event duration is between 24 and 48 hr. White (black) outlines show locations where the event is <24 hr (48 hr), for which the actual AR rank will be decreased (increased) by 1 from that implied by the color shading. Gray shading indicates locations not considered for AR ranking due to not meeting duration (12 hr) and/or IVT (250 kg m1 s1) thresholds. (c) The actual AR ranks received at each grid cell for the case shown in panel (b) after the duration-based adjustments mentioned above are made at the locations marked by white/black outlines. The white/black outlines are repeated from panel (b) to facilitate comparisons. Credit: Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres (2023). DOI: 10.1029/2022JD037180

The researchers used climate data and their previously developed algorithm for identifying and tracking atmospheric rivers to build a database of intensity-ranked atmospheric river events around the globe over 40 years (1979/1980 to 2019/2020). The study was published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, .

"This study is a first step toward making the atmospheric river scale a globally useful tool for meteorologists and city planners," said Bin Guan, an atmospheric scientist at the Joint Institute for Regional Earth System Science and Engineering, a collaboration between University of California-Los Angeles and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, who led the study. "By mapping out the footprints of each atmospheric river rank globally, we can start to better understand the societal impacts of these events in many different regions."

The authors also found that more intense atmospheric rivers (AR-4 and AR-5) are less common than weaker events, with AR-5 events occurring only once every two to three years when globally averaged. The most intense atmospheric rivers are also less likely to make landfall, and when they do, they are unlikely to maintain their strength for long and penetrate farther inland. "They tend to dissipate soon after landfall, leaving their impacts most felt in coastal areas," said Guan.

The study found four "centers," or hotspots, of where AR-5s tend to die, in the extratropical North Pacific and Atlantic, Southeast Pacific, and Southeast Atlantic. Cities on the coasts within these hotspots, such as San Francisco and Lisbon, are most likely to see intense AR-5s make landfall. Midlatitudes in general are the most likely regions to have atmospheric rivers of any rank.

Strong El Nino years are more likely to have more atmospheric rivers, and stronger ones at that, which is noteworthy because NOAA has recently forecasted that an El Nino condition is likely to develop by the end of the summer this year.

While local meteorologists, news outlets and other West Coasters may have incorporated "atmospheric river" and the intensity scale into their lives, adoption has been slower elsewhere, Ralph said. He hopes to see, within five years or so, meteorologists on TV around the world incorporating the atmospheric river intensity scale into their forecasts, telling people whether the atmospheric river will be beneficial or if they need to prepare for a serious storm.
November 18 was the kickoff of a PSA campaign in Times Square to promote the passage of the Adult Survivors Act (ASA) reminding adult survivors of sexual abuse about their options under the upcoming act. The Adult Survivors Act is a New York State law that creates a one-time, one-year look b
LAKE GEORGE  Glens Falls City School District Superintendent Krislynn Dengler spoke to a crowd in honor of International Womens Day about the need for more school-aged girls interested in STEM careers.

The Glens Falls Zonta Club, the Adirondack chapter of the American Association of University Women and Soroptimist of the Adirondacks held their annual Womens Day luncheon with about 70 attendees at the Holiday Inn in the village of Lake George on Wednesday.

This years topic was Trends in Education for Tomorrows Women, highlighting the drastic difference in the numbers of men and women working in careers related to science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM.

We are here today talking about trends in education because it isnt equal. Were still fighting to get the recognition and have the same opportunities, Dengler said to the room of women. We need to keep doing what were doing because it does make a difference.

She began her presentation with international statistics, then paired the research down to national, regional and finally local data from Glens Falls.

The research from a 20-year study Dengler presented showed males in fourth and eighth grades in all countries made up the top 20% in academic performance for math and science.

She shared an anecdote about when she was the principal at the high school of her daughter, who recently became a veterinarian.

It was end-of-year high school awards time and I was the coordinator of all that, so I would have the teachers give me the names of the students for each award. Well, the science teacher for living environment brought down her award list for highest overall average and highest Regents Exam score. Funny thing about that was  our exams werent scored yet, but she had entered a males name, Dengler shared. A female ended up scoring the top score. That female was my daughter, and she got a 100%, but instead of giving her the award, she gave it to both of them.

The Glens Falls superintendent spoke about the BOCES programs offered in the district that allows participants to take college level courses or learn a trade. After completing the four-year program, graduates can go on to receive an associates degree just one year after high school.

She said although females are enrolled in all levels of higher education at higher rates than men, the numbers are still lacking in trade schools and Dengler personally said she would like to see more women mechanics.

The key here (at BOCES) is the modeling piece. They need to see women doing it to see themselves doing it, Dengler explained.

She listed and displayed a chart with the trade school programs and the number of male and female students in each.

In heavy equipment operation, we have 147 males in the program and seven females. No females in the HVAC program. You can see where the numbers of females are high  health occupations, criminal justice, early childhood education, horse care, horticulture and cosmetology, Dengler said.

The superintendent interviewed six of the high school girls in the nontraditional four-year programs and said the results amazed her.

In short videos she recorded, the participants spoke about the connections they made, independence they found and most importantly the career and college skills they gained, while encouraging the next generation of students to try it as well.
There are plenty of fun-filled events this weekend for a variety of interests including an international martial arts expo, opening weekend for maple houses and the 26th Barnstormers Bash.

International martial arts expo

LAKE GEORGE  The International Martial Arts Expo is coming to the Holiday Inn Resort in Lake George on Friday and Saturday, featuring several martial artists and keynote speaker Benny The Jet Urquidez who worked alongside actor Jackie Chan in the martial arts film Meals on Wheels.

The public is invited to attend the event and it is $175 to take part or $15 for spectators. The event is also available via Zoom for $35 per person. To register or buy tickets, call 518-775-0695.

The International Martial Arts Expo is known for hosting renowned international talent in all styles of martial arts.

During the expo, presenters will demonstrate techniques and share insights on topics such as footwork, punch combination, kicks, grappling and the mental aspects of competitive martial arts. This years event will provide fighting drills, offensive/defensive strategies, Ju Jitsui, American Kenpo, takedown defense, Aikido, pad work, and more.

Flower power trivia

SOUTH GLENS FALLS  The Moreau Community Center will host Flower Power Trivia Night on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.

Sixteen teams of four will answer seven rounds of 10 questions, one category related to the flower power era of the 1960s and 1970s. Attendees are encouraged to wear their finest hippie garb of the era.

Prizes have been donated by community organizations and will be awarded to the top three teams. Beer, wine, soft drinks, food, door prizes and raffles will be available as well.

Tickets are $20 per player or $10 per spectator and include plenty of finger foods and one adult beverage or soda. Additional adult beverages are available for a $5 donation.

All proceeds will benefit the Moreau Community Center youth programming, which includes a preschool, Kids Korner before and after school program, Summer Lunch Bunch, weekly backpack food program and the newly formed weekly Bulldog Zone teen program.

For event information, contact Cheryl or Cindy at 518-792-6007.

Maple open house

SALEM  Mapleland Farms in Salem will open for its first Maple Weekend of 2023 on Saturday and Sunday.

Admission is free and the all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast is $10 for adults and $5 for kids.

Watch maple syrup being made, take guided or self-guided tours of the sugarbush on their one-quarter-mile woods walk. Learn about the farms bird-friendly maple management. Check out the maple store with this seasons syrup, cream, candies and more.

Mingle at Hicks Orchard and Slyboro Ciderhouse

GRANVILLE  The Mingle is a monthly party by Hicks Orchard and Slyboro Ciderhouse in Granville. For March, the theme is A Night in Buenos Aires.

To get in, you will need to buy a ticket in advance and know the password. The password is Valentina. The event will begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday.

When you arrive, youll see a small panel in the wall of the barn. Open the latch and knock loudly on inner door. When the bouncer opens the hatch to speak to you, identify yourself and say youre, a friend of Valentina.

After entering the coatroom, guests will then open a large wooden door with a heavy latch that needs to be opened hard and fast.

Guests will then enter the Speakeasy at Slyboro Ciderhouse. Tango dancing, heavy hors doeuvres, prohibition-themed cocktails, free hot cider will be offered in the 1935 cold storage barn.

The event will be capped at 50 people and tickets can be purchased on the Slyboro website or through a link on the Slyboro Facebook page.

For more information call 518-642-1788.

26th Barnstormers Bash

FORT ANN  The 26th Annual Barnstormers Bash will be held on Saturday at the Boars Nest on Pattens Mills Road in Fort Ann as a fundraiser for the Kingsbury Barnstormers.

The Kingsbury Barnstormers and other clubs provide access to miles of trails for the enjoyment of snowmobilers statewide.

The club does receive some funding from the state based on snowmobile registrations and trail mileage. However, additional funding for trail work, equipment and associated costs or fees comes from sponsors, advertisers, and donors.

The bash is the clubs main fundraiser including from the donations to the live auction, basket raffle and other fundraisers going on that evening.

The evening of fun, prizes, and dinner will begin at 4 p.m. with the live auction at 6 p.m.

For questions and dinner tickets, contact Ben Brewer 518-361-5656.
New York counties could be given the option of establishing vote centers where any eligible county voter can cast their ballot on Election Day.

State Sen. Rachel May, a Syracuse Democrat, introduced the legislation on Tuesday. The bill would allow local election boards to designate countywide vote centers for the day of a primary or general election.

The concept is not new to New York or other states. In New York, counties already use vote centers during the nine-day early voting period before an election. With the addition of electronic poll books and ballot on-demand printers, polling places can be set up in central locations for all voters in a county.

Overseen by bipartisan elections commissioners and poll workers, May wrote in her justification for the bill, this system functions well across the state during the early voting period.

Several states use the vote center model for early voting, but at least eight  Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Indiana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Texas and Utah  have vote centers for early voting and Election Day.

May wants New York to join other states that allow Election Day vote centers.

This legislation will give county election officials the flexibility they need to establish one or more such centers during elections, she said. Just like the established polling places during early voting, these vote centers will allow voters from anywhere within a county to use polling places with such a designation to cast their ballot.

Cayuga County uses vote centers on Election Day in the city of Auburn. Four polling places have been designated as citywide vote centers and eligible city voters can cast their ballots at any location.

Mays bill has been referred to the Senate Elections Committee for review.
MIDDLE TOWNSHIP  Beginning in May, a trained mental health worker will respond to some calls with police officers in Middle and Lower townships, according to the Middle Township Police Departments annual report.

In 2021, State Police began a pilot program in Cumberland County, pairing troopers with a mental health professional to respond to mental health or behavioral health crises. The program has been expanded, including here and in Atlantic City.

The intent of the Arrive Together program is to reduce violent interactions, and to provide safer options.

Supporters call the program a transformation in the way New Jersey approaches law enforcement. In announcing the expansion of the program in February, officials said it is safer for the public, and for police officers.

The pilots have served hundreds of individuals in distress who come into contact with law enforcement, the Middle Township report states.

Released this month, the Police Departments 60-page annual report outlines details of police operations, offering information on the good and the bad, including a section on officers who faced disciplinary action in 2022.

Donohue to step back in favor of Chris Leusner for Middle Township Committee MIDDLE TOWNSHIP  Mayor Tim Donohue has decided not to seek a fifth term on the Township Com

The report also touts security plans for township schools and the completion of training by officers, leading to a recommendation that the department again be accredited.

The report states that police are working to address a slight increase in criminal activity and in complaints related to quality-of-life issues, including homelessness.

As a result, we are taking the following steps: increased overtime details, launching a new partnership with Volunteers of America to embed two social service navigators into the department and have a trained mental health worker respond into the field through a state grant, reads the reports executive summary.

The state grant was made possible in collaboration with Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey Sutherland and the Lower Township Police Department.

The report also details work with Volunteers of Americas Immediate Mobilization of Police Assisted Crisis Teams, or IMPACT, in which teams respond to referrals from officers, which can include meeting with individuals at the department or with people in custody at the county jail.

Several other changes impacted the department last year.

In 2022, Middle Township police closed their communications center and transitioned to the Cape May County Central Dispatch Center for emergency calls.

Police also adopted new policies after the U.S. Supreme Court found New Jerseys standards for permits to carry concealed firearms were unconstitutional.

The department has faced a challenging few years. Soon after the overwhelming impact of COVID-19 in 2020, along with Black Lives Matter protests held in the township and around the country, the department had to adjust to the legalization of marijuana and changes in how officers deal with juvenile suspects.

September saw thousands of people pour into the area to participate in an unsanctioned car rally, one that stretched the police response in Middle Township and resulted in fatal accidents in neighboring Wildwood.

Police Chief Christopher Leusner unveiled the report at a meeting of the Middle Township Chamber of Commerce during which Mayor Tim Donohue also presented the State of the Township address. It includes a proposal for a regional response to future similar events, and said officials in multiple jurisdictions are already working together.

The city of Wildwood Police Department is in the process of arranging a regional exercise to assist in preparing for another H20i car rally if they try to return this year, reads the report under a section on proposals for 2023. We will continue to work with our partners and ensure a quick comprehensive regional response if necessary.

Middle Township Police Chief Christopher Leusner set to retire MIDDLE TOWNSHIP  Christopher Leusner, who put forging community connections at the forefron

The annual report addresses continuing police efforts to engage with youth in the community, building on efforts begun in 2018.

Those efforts include an annual police youth camp, set for its fifth year this summer, and an effort to keep educators informed when children experience traumatic events.

The report showed 39,375 calls for service in 2022 and 748 arrests, both increases over the previous year. There were fewer indictable complaints than the year before, at 454.

The report showed one murder reported in the township last year, and five reports of rape. The department investigated 83 missing persons or runaways, and investigated 66 deaths. There were 559 incidents of domestic violence in the same year, a reduction from 2021.

Police employees were involved in seven vehicle crashes, with three of those occurring when a vehicle struck a parked police car and one in which a motorcycle hit a parked police car. In one incident, in March, a police car was hit by another vehicle, and another in June saw a police car hitting a vehicle.

There were 39 incidents in which officers used force. Of those, 31 people were arrested and eight were injured, according to the report. Two officers were injured, a reduction from 2021, when nine were injured.

Better response to mental crises spreading statewide from Cumberland Occasionally when a treatment is getting a clinical trial, its effective is so convincing th

There were two car chases, one of which resulted in a crash.

The report also included 20 internal affairs complaints, most of which were declared unfounded or were not sustained.

In one incident, an officer faced charges. Officer Joshua Bryan was charged with witness tampering. He resigned from the department.

The report also included notable cases from the departments street crimes unit, including an investigation that began in 2021 and resulted in police seizing methamphetamine, heroin, suboxone, cash and a 20-guage shotgun from a trailer in Burleigh. In another, on July 11, police reported finding hundreds of prescription pills, along with cocaine, methamphetamine and ecstasy, as well as an AR-15 style rifle with a fully loaded magazine.

The report indicates drugs were being distributed from the Rio Grande residence.
Its a multiple parade weekend, and you know what that means  the shenanigans shall be epic. Between the spectacular and unexpected resurrection of the Atlantic City St. Patricks Day Parade, the first annual Shake the Shamrock Weekend in Brigantine, and the always-festive parades in North Wildwood and Sea Isle City, there will be parties and after-parties all over the area. Here are a few of our favorites:

Atlantic City

The Orange Loop  Orange  its not just a stripe on the Irish flag. Its also the name of the Atlantic City neighborhood  The Orange Loop  with plenty of parade day celebrations. At Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, parade weekend specials include $3 Miller Lites, $5 Guinness draughts, $7 Jameson shots, $3 Homemade Irish Cream Shots, $10 Car Bombs, $12 Shamrock Shakes as well as Irish culinary delights like Shepherds Pie, a Corned Beef Sandwich and Corned Beef and Cabbage plus a Glenn Roberts will perform at the St. Patricks party 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday, and after the parade from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday. At Rhythm & Spirits, celebrate with DJ Skyline on Saturday with $5 Guinness and $7 Jameson Shots, while at Bar 32, Saturday specials include $5 Guinness, $7 Jameson shots $5 House Made Irish Cream and $5 lucky charm bars. Located on Tennessee Avenue. TennAveAC.com

The Yard at Ballys  Consider The Yard at Ballys Atlantic City your parade-day headquarters with pre- and post-parade parties. Party starts at 10:30 a.m. Sunday with beers starting at $5, breakfast sandwiches, corned beef specials and more. Located at 1900 Pacific Ave. BallysAC.com

St. Paddys Downbeach Bar Crawl  Its a bar crawl, St. Paddys celebration and Ryfes three-year anniversary party, all rolled into one sweet event on Saturday. Kicking off at 9 a.m. with a Kegs and Eggs at Ryfe, the bar crawl stops at Nuckys Kitchen & Speakeasy, Santuccis and Bocca Bistro on complimentary shuttle service, with live music from Mike and Laura as well as Dan Kee at Ryfe and a Ryfe anniversary dance party at 8 p.m. Registration is $15 in advance, $25 day of event, and includes complimentary welcome drink, complimentary drink cup, exclusive access to drink and food specials, VIP access to bar seating and dinner reservations at Ryfe for the After Crawl Party, complimentary transportation to bars on the crawl and participation in giveaways. Ryfe is located at 4101 Atlantic Ave. RyfeAC.com

Brigantine

The Cellar 32  Whether its Irish food, Irish drink specials or just celebrating all things green, The Cellar 32 in Brigantine is your place to be. Head over there 1:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday for live music from Tom Pacitti and The Side Story Girls. Located at 3119 Revere Blvd. Cellar32Brigantine.com

The Pirates Den  Got yourself a lucky dog? Then get to The Pirates Den for a traditional Irish menu all weekend plus  and this is the best part  a dog costume contest 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, where all dogs get treats, and the best dressed pup gets a prize. Located at 1417 W. Brigantine Ave. ThePiratesDen.net

North Wildwood

Keenans Irish Pub  One of the best Irish pubs in North Wildwood re-opens just in time for a weekend of Irish festivities, including food and drink specials and live music from Animal House Band on Saturday. Its all Irish, all the time. Located at 113 Olde New Jersey Ave. KeenansIrishNW.com

The Anglesea Pub  Another cant-miss Irish pub in North Wildwood, The Anglesea Pub has great Irish and American food, great beer and a great crowd of merry revelers. Get there pre-parade for happy hour with Jamie Ratchford 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and a Guinness Pint Engraving event 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday. Located at 116 W. 1st Ave. TheAngleseaPub.com

Sea Isle City

Kix  With six bars under one roof, Kix is the place to be both before and after the 32nd Annual Sea Isle City St. Patricks Day Parade. After a 1 p.m. Jameson warmup and costume contest at Kix, the parade takes off from the venue before returning for the after-party. Located at 120 63rd St., Sea Isle. KixSeaIsle.com
Rajasthan Tourism is partaking in the International Travel Bourse, the world's largest tourism trade fair, which is currently taking place in Berlin, with a focus on the European market.

According to Gayatri Rathod, Principal Secretary (Tourism), approximately 65% of European tourists visiting the international tourism circuit visit Rajasthan.

"Rajasthan tourism has a distinct identity on the global tourism map. The tourism department strives to ensure that visitors leave with an indelible impact and memory of Rajasthan. In such a case, the tourism department is constantly encouraging tourists to visit Rajasthan in large numbers through innovations "She stated.

In the presence of the state tourism delegation, Indian Ambassador to Germany P. Harish and Union Tourism Secretary Arvind Singh inaugurated the Rajasthan Tourism Pavilion in Berlin on March 7.

The Indian Ambassador and the Union Tourism Secretary were greeted in traditional Rajasthani style on behalf of the state tourism delegation.

Under the leadership of Gayatri Rathore, Chief Secretary, tourism department, Joint Secretary Rajesh Sharma and tourism department officials are participating in the International Travel Bourse (ITB).

The tourism department's main goal is to attract more and more European tourists to Rajasthan.

The Palace on Wheels, a luxury tourist train launched by the Indian Railways in collaboration with the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation to promote tourism in the desert state, has piqued the interest of international tour and travel operators.

A Rajasthan tourism exhibition has also been set up in the state pavilion at ITB. Tourism officials are attending more than 30 business-to-business meetings in Berlin.

IANS
A Davenport man who already is serving prison sentences in Iowas Clarinda Correctional Facility has been returned to Scott County to face robbery and theft charges stemming from a 2020 incident.

Jeremy Lee Krapp, 34, who had lived in the 4400 block of Jersey Ridge Road, is charged in Scott County District Court with one count of first-degree robbery, a Class B felony under Iowa law that carries a prison sentence of 25 years.

As a forcible felony, a person convicted of first-degree robbery must serve 50%, 12 years, or 70%, 17 years, of the sentence before parole can be granted, depending upon the ruling of the district court judge presiding over the case.

Krapp also is charged with first-degree theft, a Class C felony that carries a prison sentence of 10 years, and second degree theft, a Class D felony that carries a prison sentence of five years.

According to the arrest affidavits filed by Davenport Police Officer Jordan Sander, at 7:37 p.m. on March 6, 2020, police were flagged down in the area of West River Drive and Marquette Street.

Krapp had pointed a handgun at the victims and robbed them. He ordered the victims to strip naked and threatened to kill them one by one.

Krapp fled the scene on one of the victims vehicles, a 1996 Oldsmobile Aurora with Illinois plates.

At 5:44 a.m. on March 7, 2020, Krapp was arrested in Iowa County after shooting a black Taurus handgun at an Iowa Department of Natural Resources truck that had its red and blue lights flashing.

According to the arrest affidavit filed by Iowa County Sheriffs Deputy Andy Pahl, the bullet went through the back right door and exited the back left window.

Johnson County Sheriffs Deputy Chad Bolen was sitting in the passenger seat while DNR officer Jeff Harrison was driving.

Krapp pleaded guilty to two counts of assault of a peace officer while using or displaying a dangerous weapon, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, intimidation with a dangerous weapon, and possession of marijuana-third offense.

Two counts of attempted murder of a peace officer were dropped in the plea agreement.

On Jun 9, 2020, Krapp received a 30-year prison sentence. He must serve 15 years before parole can be granted.

Krapp was on parole out of Polk County when he fired on police in Iowa County and committed the alleged robbery in Davenport.

On Jan. 4, 2019, Krapp had been sentenced to concurrent 5-year prison terms in Polk County after he entered an Alford Plea on charges of second-degree criminal mischief and assault on a police officer with a weapon, both of which are Class D felonies.

According to arrest affidavits, Krapp was damaging vehicles with rocks outside of a Des Moines homeless shelter. He then attacked a firefighter and a police officer.

According to Iowa Department of Corrections electronic records, Krapp was paroled from prison on Nov. 15, 2019. That parole has been revoked.

Currently, Krapp is scheduled to be paroled from the Iowa Department of Corrections on Dec. 29, 2034. However, if he is convicted of the Scott County charges that date will be extended.

Krapp was being held Wednesday night in the Scott County Jail without bond for being a Department of Corrections inmate, and a $30,000 cash-only bond on the Scott County charges.

Krapp is due to be arraigned on the charges today in Scott County District Court. During the hearing a judge will schedule a trial date.

Krapp is being prosecuted in Scott County as a habitual offender, according to District Court records.
A man accused of attempting to kill an East Moline police officer could be in state custody later in March, receiving treatment that might make him fit to stand trial.

Adrian W. Rogers, 52, of East Moline, has been accused of severely injuring Sgt. William Lind at about 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 24 in the 1900 block of Morton Drive in East Moline. When the confrontation occurred, Lind was attempting to detain Rogers, who had been identified as a suspect in an arson that happened at about 3:40 p.m. at an occupied residence in the 1600 block of 12th Street, Rock Island.

At last report, Lind was continuing to recover from his injuries.

The resulting cases for attempted murder and arson pending against Rogers have been on hold since November, because he was deemed mentally unfit to stand trial.

Such a ruling, in Rogers case by Judge Frank Fuhr, means a defendant is remanded to the custody of the Illinois Department of Human Services for treatment designed to restore fitness so the criminal case can resume.

Rogers, however, has remained in the custody of the Rock Island County Jail, awaiting his transfer.

During a Wednesday afternoon hearing, Assistant States Attorney Sean Williams told Fuhr that the states attorneys office has been told by DHS that Rogers could get a placement in a state facility by March 23 or sooner.

Rogers did not appear in court during the hearing.

Assistant Public Defender Kelvin McCabe, who represented Rogers on Wednesday, said DHS has not yet had space for Rogers.

How long it could take Rogers to regain fitness, if he ever does, was not known, McCabe said.

When defendants are being treated to regain fitness, the court in which they are being prosecuted receives periodic updates on their progress.

There are two separate cases against Rogers. In one, the Rock Island County States Attorneys Office charged him with attempted murder and aggravated battery in relation to the attack on Lind, according to court records. The other, related to the fire, involves charges of aggravated arson and residential arson.

A status hearing has been set for March 29.
The pandemic has largely shaped Illinois Senator Win Stoller's time since being elected to the statehouse in 2021.

Representing a newly drawn portion of Rock Island County, the Republican senator of the 37th district decided to run, because he was growing more frustrated with the road the state was traveling.

But normal aspects of campaigning came to a sudden halt in March 2020 when Gov. JB Pritzker issued a statewide shutdown to help mitigate COVID-19. Masking, social distancing, and sheltering-in-place became the new normal and quickly shaped Stoller's first year in office.

The typical campaign season was abbreviated, he said, because of the limitations.

As the pandemic continued into 2021, similar challenges presented themselves in Springfield.

"The first thing you want to do as a new legislator is go to events, meet people, and build relationships," he said.

As a new legislator, he said, it was easy to build relationships with other Republicans, but the real challenge was building bi-partisan relationships. The only thing he could do at the time was schedule one-on-one meetings with Democratic senators.

Stoller previously represented a majority of central Illinois around the Peoria area. Since redistricting, he now represents all or parts of Rock Island County, Bureau, Dekalb, Marshall, Henry, La Salle, Lee, Ogle, Peoria, Stark, and Whiteside counties.

Homelessness

The Quad-City Times/Dispatch-Argus reported on local homelessness in November 2022 and continue to bring the struggling community to light.

In Rock Island County, Christian Care has 62 beds  42 for men and another 20 for women and children. They are some of the only beds available in the entire county.

Project Now in Rock Island has a three-bedroom house that houses five women.

At the time it was reported, Director of Project Now Ron Lund said they know of about 260 homeless people on the Illinois side of the Quad-Cities.

Stoller said homelessness is something he has been concerned with his entire adult life. He shared the story of when he was in his 20's and a director of a homeless shelter told him to get people to his shelter, so they would be kept safe and on a path to independence.

That conversation, he said, led him to the Salvation Army, and he has been on the board for over 25 years.

When it comes to the state getting involved, he said, it must be smart and not simply throw money at the problems.

"Illinois is looking at it through the budget process to offer some more funding," he said. "(But) we got to be careful how we spend that money to make sure we actually solve a problem."

Governor JB Pritzker proposed Home Illinois in his budget address, a plan with a goal to invest $50 million into homelessness prevention, crisis response, housing units, and staffing.

Fiscal responsibility

A businessman for more than 25 years with an accounting degree, Stoller said, his overall legislative goal is to focus on fiscal responsibility. He is on eight committees, one being the appropriations committee, which puts together the entire state budget.

In Pritzker's proposed budget, he laid out $49.6 billion in general funds with additional investments in abortion, homelessness prevention, and crisis response.

The bulk of the funding invests in education, primarily a new program the governor has dubbed Smart Start Illinois. It is a multi-year, multi-pronged program that invests in child care, early childhood education, and additional funding for intervention programs.

During a stop in Rock Island, Pritzker said that the program will ensure that the "most vulnerable families can receive evidence-based, early intervention and home-visitation services" and "provide more equitable access to our child care system, and increase the pipeline of early childhood educators".

Stoller said education is an area in which Republicans and Democrats will be able to find common ground, but his main quarrel is with creating new programs.

"We are not doing a great job with funding everything that we should be funding," he said.

The state has underfunded existing programs, and fully funding them should be the state's priority before creating new programs, he said. One such area that has been underfunded is services for the developmentally disabled, he said.

Both parties, along with stakeholders involved with services, came together, he said, and agreed to fund programs. However, funds remain insufficient, despite budget increases, he said.

"These are some of the most vulnerable citizens in our population, and we are not taking care of them," he said.

Stoller does not have an office in Rock Island County, but those wishing to visit an office may do so at one of four locations in Dixon, Geneseo, Peoria, and Springfield. Constituents also can call one of the offices or e-mail senatorstoller@gmail.com.
A Nevada mining company claims to have discovered the highest-quality deposit of rare-earth elements in the nation at the far south end of the Bitterroot National Forest.

U.S. Critical Materials Corp. bills its Sheep Creek holdings as "one of the highest-grade light rare earth projects in the U.S.," containing "at least 12 of the critical risk elements as defined by the U.S. Geological Survey." Key elements at the site are neodymium and praseodymium, according to the company. Both elements have a wide variety of uses, sometimes together, including in electric vehicles and in making exceptionally strong, tiny magnets inside electronics.

Sheep Creek is about 13 miles south of Painted Rocks State Park and about 36 miles south of Darby, immediately north of the Montana-Idaho border. The company holds mining rights on 223 claims around Sheep Creek. The claims total more than 4,500 acres, or about 7 square miles, of U.S. Forest Service land, according to the company. The creek drains north into the West Fork Bitterroot River.

The deposit also contains lanthanum, cerium, europium, gallium, niobium, yttrium, scandium, dysprosium, strontium and gadolinium, according to the company. The elements are often found in conjunction with thorium, a radioactive element. U.S. Critical Materials states that there's not enough thorium at Sheep Creek to require permitting from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

"The high-grade rare-earth indications together with the low thorium readings are a unique combination," James Hedrick, the company's president, said in a statement. "I believe that U.S. Critical Materials Corp. has the potential to be a top U.S. rare-earth producer."

The companys exploration so far has been conducted under a 2022 exploratory permit from the U.S. Forest Service. Ed Cowle, director of U.S. Critical Materials Corp, said in an interview Wednesday that he hopes a project on the site would be operational in four to five years. A mine at the site could be open-pit, underground or a combination of both, he said, adding that the company hadnt yet made that determination. Ore would be processed nearby, he said.

The company's origins stretch back about 20 years to prior ventures between Cowle and CEO Geoffrey Williams. The pair originally staked thorium claims around the West and found rare-earth elements alongside thorium deposits. But things went bad with rare earth in the U.S. around 2013, Cowle said, when "China flooded the market, the prices crashed and we basically got out of it."

With growing demand for rare-earth elements and a push from the U.S. government to produce renewable energy and electric vehicles using domestic materials, they revisited their rare-earth claims and determined Sheep Creek was the most promising. They founded U.S. Critical Materials two years ago to hold the claims, and amassed more claims.

"We just got as many claims as we could so we would not have competition at the heart of the property, Cowle said. That heart features multiple historic adits  tunnels into a hillside  that extend 400 feet and reach a depth of 125 feet below the surface. Miners opened two of them in October. Inside, they found carbonatite formations holding rare-earth elements. Sample testing showed unusually high percentages of rare-earth elements and unusually low amounts of thorium, he said.

Rare earth mining typically involves excavation of ore-bearing earth followed by chemical leaching in on-site ponds, or by pumping leaching chemicals through pipes directly into the ore beds.

"Both methods produce mountains of toxic waste, with high risk of environmental and health hazards," according to a Harvard International Review report. "For every ton of rare earth produced, the mining process yields 13kg of dust, 9,600-12,000 cubic meters of waste gas, 75 cubic meters of wastewater, and one ton of radioactive residue. This stems from the fact that rare earth element ores have metals that, when mixed with leaching pond chemicals, contaminate air, water, and soil."

Cowle acknowledged there are environmental concerns surrounding mining, particularly for rare-earth metals. He highlighted the Sheep Creek deposits lack of thorium as one reason an operation there could be less harmful than other rare-earth mines.

"I think were far enough from the river, I think were far enough from people, he said. Montana is mining-friendly, and I think theyre going to see rare earths mined as environmentally friendly as they can be. Theres always going to be opposition. People can come from California, from New York, from any place, to oppose it.

But, he added: "Theres a lot of government necessity for the elements at Sheep Creek, and government support for extracting domestic deposits of the elements. And, he stressed, "Were just so convinced, especially Jim Hedrick  he is just convinced that this is the leading deposit in the United States, actually North America.

In a Jan. 31 news release, the company stated that the average 9% total rare-earth oxide composition of the Sheep Creek deposit far exceeds the percentage of rare-earth elements found anywhere else in the U.S.

"We have confirmed that Sheep Creek is the highest-grade rare-earth deposit in the United States, with a multibillion-dollar resource value," Hedrick stated in the release. The company stated that the elements found at the site are "needed for the worlds evolution toward electrification and a 'green economy.'"

U.S. Critical Materials holds its mining claims with a sister company, U.S. Rare Elements Corp. U.S. Critical Materials was registered in Nevada on April 20, 2021, according to the Nevada Secretary of State. U.S. Rare Elements was registered in Nevada on July 26, 2022. Hedrick, a former rare-earth commodity specialist for the U.S. Geological Survey, is listed as president of both companies. Geoffrey Williams is the CEO and principal investor in U.S. Critical Materials, according to the company's website.

The website describes U.S. Critical Materials as being based in Salt Lake City, Utah. But the company isn't registered to do business in the state; it is based in Nevada. U.S. Rare Elements is registered in Utah as an out-of-state corporation based in Nevada. U.S. Critical Materials states that a third company, U.S. Critical Metals, is a minority partner. U.S. Critical Metals is not registered in Utah or Nevada, according to each state's secretary of state.

Cowle said that "80% of corporations in the country are (registered in) either Nevada or Delaware. Its formed in Nevada and we follow Nevada corporate law. We have our physical operations in Montana and we have our offices in Salt Lake City. Were Salt Lake-based and were on the ground in Montana, and were about to spend a lot more money in Montana this spring and summer.

It is too early to speculate how many people a future mine might employ at full production, he said, or for how long a mine could be in production. But, he noted, at least 10 to 15 people will be employed this summer between drilling, mapping and staking.

"We will be submitting a plan of operation shortly for drilling this year, he said. "We have Montana politicians and public servants saying theyll be able to help us with the Forest Service. But the Forest Service's job is to make sure things are done right, make sure the land stays as pristine as possible. Weve had a very good relationship so far, but I cant predict the future.

Theyre not looking to stand in someones way, but they want to see it done right. And we will cooperate 200% with the Forest Service to make sure our goals and objectives are the same.

Dan Pliley, the West Fork District ranger for the Bitterroot National Forest, was not available for comment on the project. Tod McKay, the forest's public affairs officer, did not return a voicemail seeking comment Wednesday.
A lawsuit filed by a Montana State University student against some university administrators has been dismissed after both parties agreed to settle.

Student Daria Danley filed the suit in U.S. District Court in January, claiming she was barred from participating in a sororitys activities because she questioned its use of preferred pronouns when referring to members after a no-contact order was issued against her.

Montanas Commissioner of Higher Education Clayton Christian, MSU President Waded Cruzado and Kyleen Breslin, director of MSUs Office of Institutional Equity, were named as defendants in the lawsuit.

To settle, the defendants agreed to dissolve the no-contact order issued against Danley. In return, Danley agreed to vacate the evidentiary hearing scheduled in April and dismiss the suit with prejudice, meaning the matter has been dismissed permanently and cannot be filed in court.

Danleys unopposed motion to vacate the hearing and have the suit dismissed was granted on March 6 by U.S. District Judge Sam E. Haddon.

Bozeman-based attorney Matthew G. Monforton represented Danley in the suit.

Danley started her college career at MSU in fall 2020 and began the process to join the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. When another student made remarks to Danley that made her uncomfortable, she reported them to the chapters leadership, according to the original filing.

She also reportedly challenged the groups use of preferred pronouns when identifying themselves. In September 2021, the chapter leadership told Danley that her remarks could be defined as hate speech. Shortly thereafter, she was dismissed from the chapter and MSUs Office of Institutional Equity informed her the a no-contact order had been issued against her and the other student who allegedly made unwanted advances toward her.

Danley was evicted from the sorority house in Bozeman as a result of the no-contact order.

Eventually, Breslin signed an administrative complaint against Danley, which would have been dismissed if she agreed to undergo sensitivity training. The complaint against Danley was later dismissed, but the no-contact order remained in place.

In spring 2022, the Alpha Gamma Delta chapter at MSU dissolved.
Thanks to recent snowstorms, mountain snowpack in the upper Missouri River Basin is accumulating at near average rates.

The March 1 mountain snowpack in the Fort Peck reach was 104% of average, while the mountain snowpack in the Fort Peck to Garrison reach was 101% of average, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. By March 1, about 80% of the total mountain snowfall has typically accumulated. Mountain snow normally peaks near April 17.

Montana's heaviest snowpack accumulated so far, compared to normal, has been in the Smith, Judith and Musselshell rivers' headwaters where there is 118% of normal. That region is followed by the Madison and Gallatin basins with 116% and 110% of normal, respectively.

The Bitterroot and Kootenai river drainages have the lowest snowpacks compared to average at 83%.

Given the current amount of snow in the mountains, the Corps is predicting spring runoff into Fort Peck and other Missouri River reservoirs above Sioux City, Iowa, at 21.5 million acre feet, 84% of average. February runoff in the basin was 1.0 MAF, 86% of average.

Despite some improvement in basin conditions, we expect 2023 runoff to remain below average, said John Remus, chief of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Missouri River Basin Water Management Division. Soil moisture has improved slightly in some areas, but drought conditions still exist across most of the basin.

The U.S. Drought Monitor shows much of Montana abnormally to extremely dry. The long-range forecast for the month of March shows the western half of the state suffering through below-normal temperatures with precipitation predicted to be 30% to 40% above normal for all but the northwestern corner of the state.

The same holds true over much of Wyoming, with mountains feeding the Bighorn River averaging about 106% of average snowpack.

Releases out of Fort Peck Dam were cut earlier this month to 5,000 cubic feet per second. The water elevation on the lake is sitting near 2,218.6 feet with the level expected to rise slightly by the end of the month. The bottom level of the boat ramp at Hell Creek Recreational Area sits an at elevation of 2,229 feet, according to the Corps.

The Northwestern Division, Missouri River Basin Water Management Division will host a series of public meetings the week of April 3. The Montana meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. at Fort Peck Community College in Poplar.
Since its founding more than 100 years ago, Richmond Community Hospital has worked hard to build a reputation as a dependable provider of quality, compassionate care, treating all patients with the dignity and respect they deserve. Growing with the community through the century, the facility joined the Bon Secours ministry in 1995, ensuring its position as an anchor institution in Richmonds East End for years to come.

It all started at the turn of the 20th century, thanks to the vision of Sarah Garland Jones, M.D., the first Black woman licensed to practice medicine in the Virginia commonwealth. After treating both Black and white patients in her own Jackson Ward clinic, Dr. Jones joined forces with a group of like-minded physicians to establish Richmonds first Black-owned hospital in 1907.

Richmond Community Hospital operated as a full-service care provider for patients of all races, and a teaching facility for Black nurses at a time when few such options existed. Relocating to Overbrook Road in the 1930s, the hospital moved again in 1980 to its current location with personal financial investment from 21 doctors. Those doctors made significant investments of $250,000 each to build the hospital at its current location on Nine Mile Road where it remains today. In 1984, the hospital expanded key outpatient services and introduced state-of-the-art technology.

An East End native and radiology department employee since 1985, Denise Davis is proud to be part of what has become a local landmark institution.

Ive worked at the hospital since we used to develop X-ray films in a darkroom, Davis says. I love my job. You never know what a patient may be going through, so its important to be that smiling face they encounter each day.

Likewise, emergency department nurse Loretta Hayes Richardson feels a genuine affinity for the work family and environment shes found at Richmond Community Hospital.

I love the atmosphere here. I love the people and the patients, Richardson says. Im all about servant leadership. I feel like I have an opportunity to teach patients about diseases and medication, not just provide care one day and send them home. I feel like Im making a difference in this community.

Under Bon Secours management, Richmond Community Hospital has been able to expand emergency services and community outreach in meaningful ways  opening an emergency department to provide immediate access to care, distributing grants annually to local nonprofit organizations, supporting more than 40 East End entrepreneurs and small business development, and sponsoring the RVA East End Music Festival, to name just a few.

To honor the medical pioneer that she was, Bon Secours Richmond Community Hospital opened the Sarah Garland Jones Center for Healthy Living in 2017. And in its ongoing commitment to serve the community, the campus continues to grow with the introduction of a new $16.5 million East End Medical Office Building that houses a walk-in wellness clinic and a groundbreaking behavioral health partial hospitalization program. Additional campus improvements are underway, including the build-out of a $4.5 million MRI suite.

Looking to the future, hospital administrators are committed to partnering with key stakeholders across the Richmond community to evaluate their needs. This will ensure the facility is always meeting the evolving needs of patients and providing the highest level of care and services possible. Bon Secours comprehensive Community Today, Community Tomorrow: Pathway to Wellness in the East End Initiative offers an actionable blueprint to follow, outlining the organizations goals through 2025.

Over the next three years, Bon Secours will increase access to medical services, focus on wellness and prevention, grow community partnerships, and recruit and train physicians and associates as part of this plan. Most notably, Bon Secours will be enhancing multispecialty outpatient access by increasing cardiology, endocrine, general surgery and oncology coverage and initiating access for pulmonary, neurology, gastroenterology and nephrology. In addition, Bon Secours plans to finalize an East End urgent care model.

To learn more about patient services, providers and other offerings at Bon Secours Richmond Community Hospital, visit bonsecours.com.

This content is provided for informational purposes only by the advertiser and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Please consult your health care provider for medical advice. Any views, thoughts or opinions in this paid post belong solely to the advertiser and do not represent the views of Brand Ave. Studios or its parent company.
A Washington state-based apparel business is investing at least $50 million in a 1.1 million-square-foot distribution center in Hanover County, creating 1,000 jobs, the Youngkin administration announced Thursday.

SanMar Corp. is creating the companys flagship center for East Coast distribution in the East Coast Commerce Center, a 128-acre development in the 10400 block of Hickory Hill Road in Ashland.

The 27-acre warehouse was one of the largest of its kind on the East Coast when it was under construction, said Brandon Turner, deputy director for Hanovers Economic Development Department.

SanMar was founded in 1971 and is based near Seattle. The privately held company sells T-shirts, sweatshirts, caps, outerwear, bags and other accessories sold by various retailers. About 30 brands including Nike, Eddie Bauer, The North Face, Carhartt and Champion are distributed through eight centers. Plans for a new Dallas center were announced last month.

The investment Thursday was announced by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who in a statement said the move highlights Virginias strategic location, infrastructure and workforce for companies in the logistics field.

Hanover County has become a regional hub for the U.S. supply chain, and we are proud that the East Coast Commerce Centers attracted an industry leader like SanMar, Youngkin said in a statement.

The warehouse is about the same size as the one being developed for Wegmans on Sliding Hill Road.

The project is the largest development in the industrial park being created by Equity Industrial Partners Corp. and Raith Capital Partners; 17- and 20-acre sites also are available for future development. Those additional pads are close to project ready, with minor upgrades needed.

SanMar plans to spend the next 12 to 18 months building out the site, a company spokesperson told the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The official said about half of the jobs would be in pick and pack operations, about 25% will be forklift drivers and other equipment operators, and the remaining 25% will be leadership support teams.

Virginia competed with North Carolina for the project, the governors office said. The company is eligible to receive benefits from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program.

In a statement, SanMar CEO Jeremy Lott said: When we came here, we knew right away that this is a place we wanted to be. As we met and talked with people in the area, we knew this could be a great fit for us and for our future growth. We couldnt be more excited to be here  to fill up this building, to build our team here, and to make this a home for a really long time.

17 archive photos of Regency Mall
Wegmans is asking the Virginia Supreme Court to rethink a recent decision that could impact its $175 million distribution center under construction in Hanover County.

Several homeowners sued the Hanover County Board of Supervisors saying that it illegally passed a special use permit paving the way for the Sliding Hill Road sites construction near the Hanover Airport. The residents opposed the development for reasons like industrial traffic, noise pollution and environmental damage. Wegmans was later added to the case as a second defendant.

The Hanover County Circuit Court initially ruled that the homeowners did not have the appropriate status to bring the suit against the board. Its decision to dismiss the case did not consider any of the eight ways the homeowners claim the board violated the law.

A Virginia Supreme Court opinion in early February said the lower court erred when it decided not to hear the homeowners arguments. The court voted unanimously to remand the suit back to Hanover.

Wegmans filed for a rehearing Tuesday, asking the court to either rehear arguments or amend the opinion sent to the lower court.

At this time, the distribution center is in advanced stages of construction, with all of its walls vertical. The 218-acre, 1.1 million square-foot facility would serve the companys current and future stores along the East Coast and promised the creation of around 700 jobs.

Brian Buniva, the homeowners lawyer, said Wegmans is likely trying to stall legal proceedings long enough so that the distribution center can be completed and apply for a certificate of occupancy. Should the homeowners be successful, the boards initial rezoning would be void and the company could be prohibited from getting a certificate of occupancy.

The issue is operating the site really. Thats all thats left now, Buniva said. They went ahead and decided to build while this litigation is pending. Now they are hoping that they can, once its finally constructed, get a certificate of occupancy to bring in 700 employees a day which weve alleged is harmful to my clients.

The Hanover Board  the suits main defendant  did not join Wegmans in filing for a rehearing.

A county spokesperson said the county would not comment on pending legal matters. The county said in a statement after the Supreme Courts February opinion that it disagreed with the decision, but remained confident the courts would find that the Board acted properly in this case.

Counsel for Wegmans did not respond to a media request by time of publication.

Of the 10 petitions for rehearing filed in 2022, only one was granted by the court. That one instance resulted in the same outcome without further proceedings.

Wegmans petition argues that the Supreme Courts opinion goes against its own established precedent over local zoning decisions. It also says the court failed to hear arguments for federal cases used in its opinion.

The timeline for a decision on the petition is unknown. The court generally tries to make decisions on these types of petition as quickly as possible.

The distribution center was announced by the state in 2019. Then-Gov. Ralph Northam said Virginia was using $2.35 million in state money as an incentive to build the Wegmans center. The company has similar facilities in Pottsville, Pa., and Rochester, N.Y.
Before Caroline Aaron became the zany Jewish mother Shirley Maisel on Amazons The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, she was Caroline Abady, a young girl growing up in 1950s Richmond and the daughter of civil rights activist Nina Abady.

My mom said the two most important pieces of her identity were being a Southern woman and being Jewish, Aaron said in a call from her current home in New York.

Aaron will return to the Richmond area for the first time in 20 years to speak at the Weinstein Jewish Community Center on March 16.

Called A Marvelous Evening with Caroline Aaron, Aaron, 70, will discuss her long career with parts in such movies as Heartburn and Crimes and Misdemeanors, as well as her role on Mrs. Maisel, the final season of which will premiere on Amazon Prime on April 14.

She will also touch on what it was like growing up in the South in the 1950s.

Richmond was a very different place then, Aaron said. I remember wandering into the wrong bathroom at the museum. It said colored on one side and white on the other. I didnt know what colored girls meant.

Aarons father died suddenly of a heart attack at age 49, leaving her mom to raise three children by herself. Aarons mother, Abady, was the first woman to attend the T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond. She got a job at Virginia Union University as a professor, where, at the time, she was the only white staff member, launching a lifetime of work as a civil rights activist in Richmond.

Besides raising $7.5 million for VUU, Abady also led a drive to stave off the demolition of the 1928 Loews Theater movie palace and turn it into the Virginia Center for the Performing Arts, which is now known as the Dominion Energy Center.

Abady also ran Downtown Presents toward the end of her life, which hosted such events as Friday Cheers, the 2nd Street Festival and Easter on Parade to unify the citys different communities through music and cultural events. Abady died in 1993 at age 69.

Her motto was: Leave the world a better place than you found it, Aaron said. It was pretty thrilling to be the daughter of that woman. I realized how consequential she was. But sometimes I wished I had the mom on the school bus handing out cookies.

Aaron attended Douglas Freeman High School with her sister, Josephine Abady, who went on to become a famous theater director in New York.

It was hard being her children in her school. I remember people letting all the air out of my mothers tires. We had a foreign exchange student staying with us from Nigeria. People would put bananas in my locker.

My mother was part of two marginalized communities: She was part of the Black community, because of her work, and the Jewish community, Aaron said.

When Aaron got married, in 1980, the most well-reviewed wedding cakes in the city came from the Country Club of Virginia. But her mother, who was Jewish, was not allowed on the property to pick it up.

That was the Richmond I grew up in. I couldnt wait to leave, Aaron said.

Aaron moved to New York, where she launched a successful career in acting, inspired in part by her mothers example as a hard-working woman who never gave up.

The last time Aaron visited Richmond was in 2002 when her sister, Josephine, was staging Wit, Margaret Edsons drama about an English professor dying of cancer, at TheatreVirginia. Her sister died shortly afterward of breast cancer at age 52.

Its been a long time since Ive been back in Richmond, Aaron said. I wanted to reconnect with that community.

At the event at the JCC, Aaron also plans to discuss the runaway success of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

When they first sent me the script, I thought, Jews will like this and New Yorkers will like this. And then it became an international hit, Aaron said.

Set in 1950s New York, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is about Midge Maisel, a young female comedian navigating the male-dominated stand-up circuit. Aaron plays Shirley Maisel, the mother of Joel Maisel and the wife of Moshie Maisel.

After the first season, I was standing outside waiting for a car and a young, hip Black woman said, I love your show! I asked her, Why? And she said, Because its about family and its about a dreamer. And I think those are universal themes.

Also, its just a good show. The design elements  its beautiful and authentic. Its lightning in a bottle. Everybody, when they set out, they hope to make a hit show. But very few do.

Top 5 weekend events: Shamrock the Block, Leslie Jones & RVA Environmental Film Fest Shamrock the Block RVA Environmental Film Fest Leslie Jones Sine St. Patricks Day Street Festival Columbia City Ballet
A Mechanicsville couple has been charged with advertising sex for money online.

In January, the Hanover County sheriffs office began investigating the solicitation of prostitution allegedly occurring at the couples home in the 9200 block of Tall Oaks Lane, Hanover Sheriffs spokesman Lt. James Cooper said.

As a result of evidence from the investigation, a warrant was obtained to search the residence and officials recovered numerous incriminating items, Cooper said. That led authorities to obtain arrest warrants for Tara Rhiannon Inman, 45, and James Louron Inman, 49.

James Inman is alleged to have advertised his wife through the website, Cooper said. All of this occurred at their private residence on Tall Oaks Lane, he said.

Tara Inman was arrested March 1 and charged with three counts of misdemeanor prostitution, three misdemeanor counts of maintaining a bawdy house (brothel), one count of felony commercial sex trafficking, two counts of felony child neglect and one felony count of possession with intent to distribute narcotics.

James Inman was arrested March 2 and charged with two misdemeanor counts of maintaining a bawdy house, one count of felony commercial sex trafficking, two counts of felony child neglect and one felony count of possession of narcotics.

Tara Inman was released on a secured bond; James Inman is being held without bond at the Pamunkey Regional Jail.

Authorities urged anyone with information about these cases to call the Hanover Sheriffs Office at (804) 365-6140 or the Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. Information can also be submitted anonymously through the P3 Tips app.

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City Attorney Haskell C. Brown III was arrested Wednesday evening and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, according to a statement released just after 12:30 p.m. Thursday by the Richmond City Council.

Driving under the influence is a serious matter and Richmond City Council respects law enforcement, the statement says. We trust the legal process as it moves forward.

Brown was stopped around 8:46 p.m. near the 3300 block of West Broad Street as an officer responded to a reported accident near the intersection of North Sheppard Street, according to court documents obtained by the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

A woman driving a Lexus told the responding officer that she was sideswiped by a Ford Mustang traveling the wrong way on Sheppard and continued to drive before coming to a stop.

The driver of the Mustang, Brown, said he was not aware he had been in an accident. When asked where he had been prior, Brown informed the officer that he had visited Bingo Beer Co.

During their conversation, the officer noted that Browns speech was slurred, at which point he was asked to exit the vehicle and engage in several field sobriety tests before registering a blood alcohol content of 0.225% on a breathalyzer sample. The legal threshold for intoxication is 0.08% BAC.

Brown was charged with driving while intoxicated and released on his own recognizance. Another court hearing is scheduled for March 17.

The City Council declined to offer further detail, citing an inability to discuss personnel matters publicly, but said it was awaiting additional information to determine next steps and understood the gravity of these charges.

Brown has worked for the city since 1999, according to the Office of the City Attorneys website. He became interim city attorney in November 2019 following the retirement of his predecessor, Allen Jackson, before taking over the position on a permanent basis in August.

A native of the Richmond area, he holds a law degree from West Virginia University and a bachelors degree in history and government from the University of Virginia.
Richmond police on Thursday released the name of the woman fatally shot Wednesday night in the 1100 block of Hollister Avenue.

Asha Hite, 39, of Richmond, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police responded to the scene at 10:02 p.m. The medical examiner will determine the cause and manner of death.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at (804) 646-3915 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.
Authorities in Newport News, where a 6-year-old shot and wounded his teacher, will not seek criminal charges against the child, the local prosecutor told NBC News Wednesday, in a decision that was anticipated by legal experts.

But Newport News Commonwealth's Attorney Howard Gwynn said his office has yet to decide if any adults will be held criminally accountable.

Newport News police have said that the boy used his mother's 9mm handgun in the Jan. 6 shooting at Richneck Elementary School. A lawyer for the child's mother has previously stated that the weapon, which was legally purchased, was secured on a high closet shelf and had a lock on it.

Chesterfield County proposes $16 minimum wage for government employees Chesterfield County is proposing a $16 hourly wage for its full-time general government employees as part of the fiscal year 2024 budget.

Gwynn did not immediately respond to two phone messages and two emails from The Associated Press seeking comment.

He told NBC that the prospect that a 6-year-old can stand trial is problematic because he wouldnt have the competency to understand the legal system and what a charge means.

Gwynn told the news outlet that his office is still focusing on others besides the child.

Once we analyze all the facts, we will charge any person or persons that we believe we can prove beyond a reasonable doubt committed a crime, he said.

The decision did not come as a surprise. Even though it is possible under Virginia law to criminally charge a 6-year-old child, legal experts said it would be highly unlikely that a prosecutor would even try.

A common-law doctrine known as the infancy defense holds that children under 7 cannot be prosecuted for a crime because they are too young to be capable of forming criminal intent. A judge also would have to find that the child was competent to stand trial, meaning that he could understand the legal proceedings and assist attorneys defending him.

You have to be able to show that they understand the seriousness of it, planned it, and executed it," Julie McConnell, a law professor at the University of Richmond, told the AP. "It would be very hard to prove that a 6-year-old could understand that what he did could have permanent consequences, McConnell said.

She added: The question is not how do we hold the child accountable? The question is how do we hold ourselves accountable as a society? How do we address the fact that it is so easy for children to get guns in the first place?

Newport News police turned over their investigation to Gwynn's office last month. Police Chief Steve Drew said in February that he understands that people would like to have a case open and shut  thats just not what we have here.

Drew described a complicated investigation that involved coordinating interviews with first-graders, which required permission from their parents as well as the expertise of a child psychologist.

Gwynn told the AP last month that the citys detectives handed over three binders of information to his office.

Its a lot of information, and were going to carefully review it as we do in every case, Gwynn said in February.

The decision to not charge the child is the latest development from the shooting, which sent shockwaves through the shipbuilding city of about 185,000 people near the Chesapeake Bay.

The 6-year-old boy, who has not been identified, shot first-grade teacher Abby Zwerner while she was teaching inside her classroom.

The police chief has repeatedly characterized the shooting as intentional. Drew said there was no warning and no struggle before the child pointed the gun at Zwerner and fired one round, striking her in the hand and chest.

Zwerner, 25, hustled her students out of the classroom before being rushed to the hospital, where she stayed for nearly two weeks before she was released to continue recovering at home.

An attorney for the 6-year-old's family, James Ellenson, told the AP in January that the gun the boy used was secured in his mother's closet on a shelf well over 6 feet high and had a trigger lock that required a key.

The familys statement in the wake of the shooting also said that the boy has an acute disability and was under a care plan that included his mother or father attending school with him and accompanying him to class every day. The week of the shooting was the first when a parent was not in class with him, the family said.

The family said in the days after the shooting that the child was placed under hospital care and was receiving the treatment he needs.

Zwerners attorney, Diane Toscano, told reporters in January that concerned staff at Richneck Elementary School had warned administrators three times that the 6-year-old had a gun and was threatening other students in the hours before Zwerner was shot. Toscano said the administration was paralyzed by apathy and didnt call police, remove the boy from class or lock down the school.

In early February, Toscano filed a legal notice informing Newport News Public Schools of Zwerners intent to sue, laying out even more allegations. They included claims that the same boy who shot Zwerner had constantly cursed at staff and teachers, tried to whip students with his belt and once choked another teacher until she couldnt breathe.

Two days before the shooting, the boy allegedly slammed Zwerners cellphone and broke it, according to the claim notice. He was given a one-day suspension, the notice says. But when he returned to Zwerners 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 Virginian-Pilot contributed to this report.
Former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, who served as a top immigration official in the Trump administration, announced Thursday that he has formed a PAC to urge Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to run for president in 2024.

Its time for fresh, conservative leadership, Cuccinelli said in a video posted Thursday on Twitter, announcing his Never Back Down Pac.

Every election is about the future and the future is not Joe Biden, Cuccinelli says in the video. Americas future is Ron DeSantis. Ron DeSantis doesnt just talk, he acts. But most of all, he never backs down.

Governor DeSantis, today Im asking you to run for president.

Cuccinelli was a state senator from Fairfax before he served as attorney general from 2010 to 2014. He narrowly lost Virginias 2013 contest for governor to Democrat Terry McAuliffe. In 2016, Cuccinelli worked with the presidential campaign of Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas. Cruz said last month that he will not run for president in 2024.

In a statement about the new PAC, Cuccinelli said: I have been speaking to many grassroots conservative activists around the country who are very enthusiastic for Governor DeSantis to run for President in 2024.

The energy is there, grassroots conservatives see the Governor as a leader and a fighter with a winning conservative track record who will lead the Republican Party to victory in 2024.

Based on those conversations, I am most confident that we will build an unmatched grassroots political army for Governor DeSantis to help carry him to the White House.

While DeSantis has not yet announced a presidential bid, he is making moves that appear he plans to run, releasing a book, speaking Monday at the Reagan library in California and planning a trip to Iowa on Friday.

Trumps campaign already is trolling DeSantis. Chris LaCivita, a Virginia-based campaign strategist who is a senior adviser to Trumps campaign, recently responded to a tweet in which someone posted a photo of a noticeably trimmer DeSantis visiting a museum exhibit.

Wrote LaCivita: Love the backdrop. C-3PO and a life boat from ... you guessed it. The Titanic.

Trump and DeSantis are dominating the GOP presidential field in early polling. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin  who will appear Thursday night in a nationally televised CNN town hall on education  has not ruled out a run for national office. In a recent Roanoke College poll, Youngkins approval rating rose to 57% in February, but a sizable majority of respondents said they do not want him to run for president.

Top 5 weekend events: Shamrock the Block, Leslie Jones & RVA Environmental Film Fest Shamrock the Block RVA Environmental Film Fest Leslie Jones Sine St. Patricks Day Street Festival Columbia City Ballet
WASHINGTON  Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., promised not to say anything negative about Marylands bid to land the new FBI headquarters on its side of the Potomac River, but he and Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., had nothing good to say about Maryland Gov. Wes Moores effort to draw President Joe Biden into the decision.

Speaking after Gov. Glenn Youngkin and other Virginia leaders made their final pitch to bring the new headquarters to a federally owned site in Fairfax County, the senators said it would be a mistake for Biden to intervene, just as it was when then-President Donald Trump stopped the process of selecting a new headquarters site five years ago.

We dont think asking someone to put their thumb on the scale makes any sense, Kaine told reporters after a three-hour, closed-door presentation at the General Services Administration headquarters here on Thursday morning.

Moore, who last year became the third elected Black governor in the nations history, put Biden on the spot this week in leading Marylands push to bring the FBI headquarters to one of two sites in Prince Georges County, which the governor describes as a majority-Black suburban county that has long been overlooked despite sitting just outside our nations capital.

In an opinion column published in The Washington Post on Tuesday, the Maryland governor said the FBI site decision gives Biden a chance to act on two executive orders to advance the goal of racial equity.

Biden and I are both committed to lifting Black communities and closing the racial wealth gap, and moving the FBI to our state would help us do exactly that, Moore wrote.

Youngkin and most of the states congressional delegation countered that the FBI and General Services Administration, which owns the Fairfax site in Springfield, should follow its own rules with a straight-forward assessment of the five criteria that the government set for deciding where to move the law enforcement agencys headquarters, now sitting in the crumbling J. Edgar Hoover Building in downtown Washington.

They argue that the Springfield site is most compatible with the FBIs mission, primarily because it is already government-owned and close to the agencys training academy at the U.S. Marine Corps base in Quantico, as well as easily accessible by highway, transit and rail.

Virginia leaders also flatly rejected an assertion by Maryland that the Springfield site would cost an additional $1 billion to relocate the current federal government tenant, which Warner said already plans to move, regardless of what happens with the FBI.

To indicate otherwise is just not true, he said.

Far from ignoring equity as a criteria in the site selection, Kaine said, We embrace it.

Choosing Springfield would also represent a strong commitment to advancing equity in underserved communities, the Virginia delegation said in a joint statement on Thursday from Youngkin, Warner, Kaine and eight of the states 11 representatives in Congress, including newly installed Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-4th.

The statement did not include three conservative Republican representatives  Bob Good of the 5th District, Ben Cline of the 6th and Morgan Griffith of the 9th  who also did not sign a letter that the governor and delegation sent to the GSA and FBI leadership last month making the same argument.

Maryland points to the wealth of Fairfax, where the average household earns $40,000 more each year than in Prince Georges, but Virginia says the Springfield area and surrounding region are as racially and culturally diverse as any communities in the country.

Equity in America today and equity in terms of the needs of the FBI reflect racial equity, reflect faith-based equity, reflect ethnic equity, said Warner, citing the African American, Latino and Asian-Pacific Island population in the region.

To ignore the broad breadth of equity in America would be a huge disappointment, he said.

The senators sought to showcase the states argument with the presence of Gregory Washington, an African American who is president of George Mason University, the states most ethnically diverse; and Irma Becerra, president of Marymount University, an Arlington County Catholic institution whose student body is 25% Hispanic. They also were accompanied at the news conference by Adam Lee, a former FBI special agent who now serves as chief security officer at Dominion Energy; and Prince William County Supervisor Andrea Bailey, whose Potomac District includes the FBI Training Academy at Quantico.

The FBI is diversity, said Bailey, who is Black and previously worked as community engagement director at New Virginia Majority, a nonprofit organization that promotes voter registration.

Like the rest of Virginias delegation, she wants the government to follow the process it laid out, rather than change it as Maryland suggests.

I absolutely think this is a fair process, Bailey said.

Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan is sworn in on historic day
Republicans are wielding a new weapon against Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, and 14 other House Democrats  a proposed revision of the criminal code for Washington that already has driven a wedge between Mayor Muriel Bowser and D.C. City Council.

Spanberger, now in her third term, has been a longtime target of the Republican National Congressional Committee. It released television ads on Wednesday aimed at her and 172 other Democrats who voted against a House resolution that would allow Congress to use its constitutional prerogative to block laws adopted by the local governing body.

The ads, timed with the pending vote by the U.S. Senate on the resolution on Wednesday, also exploit President Joe Bidens announcement that he would sign the resolution, rather than veto it, even though he supports statehood for the District.

So crazy, even President Biden wont support the anarchy, a narrator darkly intones on the ad, produced in what the committee described as a five-figure ad buy, meaning up to almost $100,000.

Congress retains oversight authority over actions by the Districts government.

Biden cited a provision of the revised code that would reduce the maximum penalty for the lowest level of carjacking, an increasingly prevalent crime in the city, without mentioning provisions that would increase criminal sentences for more severe or repeat offenses.

Spanberger responded Tuesday: I believe that there is a high bar for elected officials from Virginia  or any other state  to interfere with Washington, D.C.s local affairs.

This is a complicated issue, and D.C.s local code change would have actually increased maximum penalties for several horrific crimes  including attempted murder, attempted sexual assault, and assaulting a police officer, she said in a statement.

The Republican ad contends that carjackers would be given slaps on the wrists by pandering politicians and that the revised code would reduce criminal sentences for murder convictions.

Whats next? it asks. Defund the police?

Spanberger would seem like an unlikely target for that message, having excoriated former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and other Democratic leaders for poor messaging on issues such as defund the police in the 2020 elections, when the party lost five House seats despite winning the White House.

As a former federal law enforcement officer and former CIA case officer, I know what it means to keep our communities safe, she said Tuesday. And in Congress, I have a track record of leading bipartisan legislation to crack down on fentanyl, fund our police, and fight addiction.

Spanberger also was the only Virginian the RNCC targeted, even though four other Democrats in the state congressional delegation also voted against the resolution, which the House passed on a 250-173 vote on Feb. 9. Virginias five Republican representatives supported the resolution. Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-4th, had not yet won a special election for the seat. McClellan was sworn in as a member of the House on Tuesday night.

But Spanberger represents a potentially vulnerable political swing district. She positions herself as a centrist Democrat  and a member of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Coalition  who won two elections in a Republican-leaning district anchored in the Richmond suburbs and a third last fall in a newly drawn district based in eastern Prince William County and the Fredericksburg area. This year, she assumed a new role in advising the House Democratic leadership on concerns affecting battleground districts.

It has not helped her that Sens. Tim Kaine and Sen. Mark Warner, both Virginia Democrats, have indicated they expect to vote for the resolution, after Bowser vetoed the code revisions and the D.C. City Council overrode her veto.

Kaine and Warner said in a joint statement on Wednesday: Both the city council chairman  who has withdrawn the legislation  and the mayor have suggested that these changes to the D.C. criminal code are not ready for prime time. We will vote for the resolution of disapproval and urge the mayor and council to work together to create a safer city for all, including the many Virginians who commute to D.C. for work every day.
A convoy of 16 reconditioned ambulances bound for Ukraine left Harrisonburg early Wednesday morning and arrived at the Port of Baltimore a few hours later.

Brock Bierman, a former federal official who lives in Lyndhurst in Augusta County, organized the effort and led the convoy.

Were in the mix of getting everything done, Bierman said in a phone interview from Baltimore, where some of the ambulances had made it inside the port while the others were waiting to be processed. Theyll get on the ship within the next week or so.

The ambulances will probably arrive in Ukraine by mid-April and then be delivered to units of the Ukraine Territorial Defense Forces on the front lines, he said.

Bierman and the Harrisonburg ambulances were featured in a Richmond Times-Dispatch article in February.

Bierman is a former three-term Republican representative in the Rhode Island General Assembly who held appointments in the U.S. Agency for International Development in its Bureau for Europe and Eurasia during two Republican administrations. He launched Volunteer Ambulance Corps after touring Ukraine following the Russian invasion and learning of the need for ambulances.

He has been operating the ambulance effort under the auspices of the nonprofit Ukraine Friends. Previously, 90 used ambulances, from Ukraine and around Europe, have been delivered through donations to Ukraine Friends. The 16 driven to Baltimore on Wednesday were acquired from Harrisonburg's Route 11 Automotive, which repaired the vehicles.

All will be packed with humanitarian supplies, like the previous 90, by the time they reach their destinations in Ukraine.

Last week, Bierman resigned as president and CEO of Ukraine Friends, and this week he has been named president and CEO of another nonprofit, Ukraine Focus, which will oversee a number of humanitarian programs, including Volunteer Ambulance Corps; Light Up Ukraine, a program to purchase and distribute solar lanterns for light, as well as a power source to charge cell phones, and generators to provide energy and heat for shelters; and Playgrounds for Peace, which constructs play areas for children.

Photos: Ukraine smith turns guns, ammo into art
A European automotive parts maker has confirmed plans to renovate and occupy a shuttered factory in Salem, saying it will eventually employ an estimated 119 people.

STS Group is repurposing part of the former General Electric Co. plant at Roanoke Boulevard and Electric Road (Virginia 419). The goods produced there will go to Volvo Trucks in Dublin, officials confirmed Thursday in a joint announcement with Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

STS said it will spend $32 million to customize 200,000 square feet of the existing structure and attach a 32,000-square-foot building. Construction is underway at what will become the Germany companys first U.S. manufacturing site. Production is expected to start next year.

The company two years ago announced plans for a new facility in a Wythe County industrial park, but called it off in response to escalating costs. STS shifted its search to finding an existing building and, aided by Roanoke Valley economic developers since last summer, settled on the place where thousands of GE workers made industrial goods from 1955 to 2019.

It was a priority to keep STS Groups planned operation in the commonwealth, boosting our automotive manufacturing sector and foreign direct investment, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick said in Thursdays announcement.

STS is a feather in our cap as far as the automotive sector, said John Hull, who directs the Roanoke Regional Partnership. The sector extends as far as an hours drive from Roanoke and employs more than 5,000 people producing such goods as ignition systems, truck rails, transmission parts, axles and tires, he added.

The former plants production space sat empty for a few years after GE wound down operations in response to declining orders. In 2022, it was bought by Phoenix Investors, a private real estate company that modernizes aging manufacturing plants, for $11.4 million.

Phoenix filed plans depicting a rectangular addition with accommodations for cranes, paint storage and a dust collector inside, with a loading dock and heavy-duty asphalt pavement outside the structure. Those plans identified STS as the future tenant.

But, before Thursday, officials including those at STS, Phoenix and in local government, declined to specify any project details, despite construction work having already begun.

Youngkins announcement on Thursday confirmed what had been apparent for months to passers-by of the old Salem GE plant as he celebrated a vacant facilitys return to productive use.

Alberto Buniato, CEO of STS Group, said in the governors announcement that Salem is a perfect base for STS Group to start its footprint in the USA, following existing customers locally and extending the customer portfolio.

In addition to supplying Volvo, the future Salem operation will manufacture products for other truck and automotive facilities in the Midwest and Southeast, the release said without naming any of the other customers.

Virginia will contribute a $500,000 grant to the project, incentives which come along with unspecified local assistance with financing, the announcement said.

Soon after the announcement was released to the public, the Salem Economic Development Authority announced the scheduling of a special meeting Friday. The body plans to loan the project $16.3 million and provide a machine and tool tax grant of up to $500,000 to match the states $500,000, Salem spokesman Mike Stevens said.

STS Group AG, headquartered in Hagen, Germany, develops, manufactures, and supplies products and solutions for components made of plastic or composite material (hard trim products) for the automobile and trucking industries, Thursdays announcement said.

TS Groups customer base includes a number of major automobile and commercial vehicle producers. The company operates 12 plants in four countries on three continents, with production facilities in its key regional markets of Europe, China, and the Americas.

STS plans to hire individuals skilled in automation, machine programming and robotics. Details will be available at www.adlerpelzer.com/career.
Its been almost a month since we first covered the ongoing search for a small, injured, escaped and impossibly cute dog in the Back Creek/Cave Spring areas of southwest Roanoke County.

The lost Tibetan spaniels name is Maui, but a more fitting moniker might be Houdini. He disappeared from the back yard of his rescue foster parents, Jim and Alicia Holloway, shortly after theyd picked up the pooch from a shelter in North Carolina.

The diminutive canine had a wounded and mostly closed left eye and weighed about 18 pounds when the Holloways met him at the North Carolina animal shelter Feb. 7.

The couple, owners of four Tibetan spaniels, intended to nurse him back to health, teach him not to be afraid of people, then offer him for adoption to other lovers of the breed, known as Tibbies. (As I have learned, there are many Tibbie aficionados in America.)

But less than an hour after theyd returned to their Mount Chestnut Road home, Maui scaled the Holloways backyard fence and vamoosed. Until recently, his last sighting was Feb. 8, near the intersection of Ran Lynn Drive, Cotton Hill Road and U.S. 221.

One unfortunate fact has complicated the ensuing hunt: For whatever reason, Maui is deathly afraid of humans. The little dog takes off when he sees them.

More recently, the hunt for the Tibetan spaniel picked up again.

Early Friday morning Dale Sheets saw a tiny dog in Garst Mill Park that may have been Maui. The retired pharmaceutical salesman walks his own dog, a pit bull-mix named Jeb, in the park most mornings.

As they were entering the park Friday morning, Sheets told me, Jeb sensed something in the bushes near the parks entrance, at the intersection of Halevan and Garst Mill Park roads.

But Sheets didnt see that critter himself just then.

I figured it was a cat or an opossum, that had attracted Jeb, Sheets said. A short time later, as he and Jeb walked toward the park exit, Sheets observed a small dog run across the park road close to the exit, near the intersection of Halevan and Garst Mill Park roads.

It moved like a small dog  it scurried, Sheets said. I couldnt figure out what a yip-yip dog would be doing in the park at 6:30 in the morning.

At some point afterward, Sheets wife, Becky, was visiting Happy Hollow Park, which is near the Holloways home. She spied the missing flyer for Maui and contacted Alicia. Becky mentioned her husbands Garst Mill Park sighting.

Dale Sheets subsequently viewed a photo of Maui on one of 300 or so flyers and signs the Holloways prepared and distributed. He said hes not certain he observed Maui that morning, but its a definite possibility.

Right now, its the best lead the Holloways have.

Earlier, on the week of Feb. 13 (and at a cost of more than $1,000), the Holloways hired a professional pet detective, Carmen Brothers, whos based in Stephens City near Winchester.

Brothers tracking dogs apparently picked up Mauis scent near Ran Lynn Drive. But those leads eventually grew cold.

Garst Mill Park is a little more than 2 miles from the area of Mauis last sighting Feb. 8. If the Tibetan spaniel made it to the park, it means he somehow crossed busy Electric Road.

Kathy Baker, a volunteer pet tracker in Roanoke whos also helping the Holloways, said dogs on the run can easily move such distances.

Baker makes her living as a sales rep for a company that sells flooring and stone slabs (such as granite countertops). On a volunteer basis, shes been hunting for lost pets in her spare time for the past eight years.

She reckons shes helped reunite 10 to 15 dogs with their humans. Her own 12-year-old beagle-mix, Dot, is a rescue who was on the loose in Salem for 14 months, Baker told me. (A worker at Salems water plant had been feeding Dot.)

A few years ago, Baker spent six months, on and off, tracking another dog in southwest Roanoke County, a small terrier named Shaggy.

[Shaggy] kept going up and down Bent Mountain, Baker said. He ended up settling in the Check area, and someone started feeding him. He looked just like Benji, the dog in a 1970s Hollywood movie about an orphaned puppy.

She and the guy who was feeding Shaggy managed to capture the terrier by slipping a sedative into food left out for him, Baker said. Besides Maui, Bakers also currently hunting for a 130-pound Anatolian shepherd named Rocco.

Rocco jumped out of his owners truck near the southbound Interstate 81 weigh station in the area of exit 150, Baker said. The Williamsburg-based owner didnt discover his dog was gone until hed gotten to the Hollins exit, Baker added.

She shared a few tricks of the pet-searching trade with me. Perhaps the best is rotisserie chicken, Baker said. Fried chicken works, too. Another good lure is liquid smoke flavoring.

It brings them out, Baker said.

Last Thursday, Baker helped the Holloways set up a feeding station near their neighborhood where Maui was last sighted Feb. 8. She also aimed a battery-operated camera at the food/bait.

At least 20 wild animals visited that feeding station, Baker said. But no Maui.

We fed wildlife for three nights, Alicia Holloway said.

At Bakers suggestion, the Holloways put out hot dogs, bacon grease and liquid smoke in their yard, too. But the only critter that attracted was a lone skunk, Alicia said.

Baker said the lack of sightings from those efforts suggest Maui is no longer in the Ran Lynn Road area. Which he would not be, if hes lurking around Garst Mill Park. But nobodys sure.

Our communitys help is crucial in being able to locate lost or missing animals who have escaped from their owners, Baker told me.

She added: It is very important not to chase or approach a dog that is on the run. When animals escape from their owners  they will eventually revert to their primal instincts and go into survival mode. Once this happens, all humans will become a threat.

Holloway and her husband have put out signs in the area of Garst Mill Park, and Wednesday they were also putting missing flyers in mailboxes of nearby residences. She and her husband have each taped MISSING signs featuring Mauis photo to the back of their sport-utility vehicles.

If we can get a couple of sightings, we can set up feeding stations and ultimately traps, Alicia told me. He seems to be keeping close to streams and runs when he sees a human.

Stay tuned.
ROCKY MOUNT  An assault and battery charge filed by Rocky Mount property owner Phillip Bane against Assistant Town Manager Mark Moore was dismissed in Franklin County General District Court on Wednesday.

Bane alleged that Moore assaulted him in the parking lot of the town office on May 9. Video has shown that Bane was confronting Town Manager Robert Wood as he was attempting to leave in his car.

Bane, who represented himself, claimed in his opening statement that he was shoved out of the way by Moore during the altercation. The alleged incident took place when Moore stepped between Bane and Wood in the parking lot.

As you will see in the videos, Mark Moore had no legal excuse or justification to carry out this assault, Bane said shortly before showing the video to Judge A.J. Dudley.

Jim Daniel, the attorney representing Moore, stated that Moores intention was to diffuse the situation between Bane and Wood by getting in between them. He said the incident stemmed from the a ruling from the towns Board of Zoning Appeals concerning property in downtown.

Bane is the registered agent for the company that owns 325 Franklin Street. Work has been ongoing to convert the building into a hotel. In that time Bane has had multiple zoning disputes with the town concerning the property.

Bane, spurred by the situation, ran unsuccessfully for the town council last November.

At Wednesdays hearing, Daniel said during the incident on May 9, Moore stepped between Bane and Wood to get Mr. Bane to calm down, to leave the area, so there would not be some kind of fist fight or assault by Mr. Bane on Mr. Wood. He said there was no injury to Bane from the interaction.

A few minutes before the incident, Bane entered the town building through a door for employees before being asked to leave, Daniel said. Bane later said he was unable to see the employees only sign on the front of the door due to someone leaving through the door at the time.

At several points during Wednesdays hearing, Dudley took time to explain certain aspects of courtroom decorum to Bane.

Dudley also had to request that members of the audience refrain from improper communication after Daniel alleged that Rocky Mount business owner Bryan Hochstein had held up a clipboard with information to Bane during the hearing. An officer in the court gave another warning after noticing communication between Bane and another person in the audience.

During his closing arguments after resting his case, Bane said assault and battery doesnt require injury. He said it only requires unwanted touching without consent.

Mr. Moore did not have my consent, Bane said.

Where is my evidence of that? Dudley asked. You didnt testify to that.

When Bane asked if he could take the stand to give his testimony, Daniel objected stating he had already rested his case and could no longer call any witnesses.

Dudley agreed.

Bane failed to make the necessary connections during the hearing such as identifying Moore or even that the alleged offense took place in Franklin County, Dudley said.

He then ruled to dismiss the case.

Moore did not take the stand Wednesday.
A former Asian professor at Virginia Military Institute who claimed he was denied tenure based solely on his appearance has settled his lawsuit against the state school.

Lunpeng Ma  who said VMIs decision cost him his job and work visa, forcing him to relocate to his native China  filed a federal racial discrimination lawsuit in 2021.

A judge dismissed the lawsuit Feb. 22 pursuant to a settlement that kept the terms confidential.

However, the state of Virginia paid $124,370 to Ma through two law firms that represented him, according to records provided to The Roanoke Times Thursday in response to a request under the state Freedom of Information Act.

In his lawsuit, Ma contended that VMI has a glass ceiling that hinders Asian American professors from being promoted to tenured positions.

Ma, an assistant professor in the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures, was hired in 2014 and exceeded expectations in annual evaluations for the next five years, according to the lawsuit.

But the department chair and other school officials said they were uncomfortable with Mas goatee and his professional demeanor that included improper attire, the filing stated.

Ma says he kept a modest and barely visible goatee in observance of his Daoism religion, and that no one at VMI had previously complained about it.

In listing his accomplishments at the Lexington military college, the lawsuit called Ma the walking representative of Chinese culture and knowledge at VMI.

A VMI spokesman declined to comment on the case Thursday.

The school has said earlier in court records that Mas choice in attire fell well below VMIs expectations and that he was often observed in violation of VMIs general orders and policies on dress code for faculty.

However, the filing stated that VMI took no action against Ma based on his race or religion.

Mas lawsuit was filed at the time of a state-ordered, independent investigation into racial concerns raised by some Black cadets at VMI and alumni. It quotes from the investigations finding that VMI had a higher percentage of white tenured faculty than any other college or university in Virginia.

A six-page settlement agreement provided by the state Treasury Department was heavily redacted, revealing only the amount of money paid by the state. It did not say how much of that sum went to cover the cost of Mas attorneys.

Bruce Fox, a Pittsburgh attorney who represented Ma, said he could not comment on the details of the settlement. Ma has since returned to China, Fox said, where he has found another college teaching job.
The next Montgomery County budget proposed last month called for $673,605 to fund the addition of five school resource officers in Christiansburg schools.

The proposal was prompted by the Christiansburg Town Councils decision in January to eventually end its funding of three SRO positions, a move that  unless reversed some time in the near future  will effectively pull the officers out of the towns schools.

County Sheriff Hank Partin, however, said during a budget discussion with county officials this week that seven SRO positionsone of whom would be a supervisor to oversee the six deputieswould be needed to address the needs in Christiansburg schools. He said an additional job to provide clerical support would also be needed to help relieve the workload of his departments current clerical staff.

Partin, whos long advocated for a police presence in each of the schools across Montgomery County, said the setup hes calling for would ensure that there is an SRO at each of the six schools located within Christiansburg. In addition to the elementary, middle and high schools in town, SRO coverage would be provided to Montgomery Central, an alternative school located in Christiansburg thats geared toward at-risk students.

Theres no need to take this on if were going to do it halfway, said Partin, who added that the seven officer positions are really a minimum number. If we cant have one in every school, I dont know how were doing it.

While it will be at least weeks before the countys Board of Supervisors approves the 2023-24 budget  and effectively determines the SRO plan for the upcoming fiscal year  County Administrator Craig Meadows said Monday that staff would immediately work on getting cost estimates for the plan supported by Partin.

Meadows told supervisors that the plan currently in the proposed budget  for five SRO positions  was to allow them to have some discussion on the matter.

While they have suggested that they could reverse their decision, Christiansburg town officials said their decision in January was an issue of financial fairness.

Christiansburg Mayor Mike Barber said the decision came some months after top county officials declined to provide funding to the town for the three SROs it currently has in town schools. He said the town sought the funding as some form of compensation for all the contributions Christiansburg has made to the county over the years via sources such as real estate taxes.

Christiansburg requested $265,000 from the county, according to correspondences from the county and the town.

Christiansburgs decision drew surprise from several supervisors, some of whom noted the fact it occurred around the same time Virginia was grappling with the aftermath of another nationally-covered school shooting in Tidewater.

The recent discussion among supervisors also shed some light on how they would like to see the SRO situation handled moving forward.

Several supervisors said theyd like to place sheriff deputies in the town schools if the county is footing the bill for those SROs. Some, however, said theyd respect the two towns wishes to put their own departments officers in their schools if Blacksburg and Christiansburg wanted to continue going that route.

I think its important for a communitys children to have their communitys officers in the schools, said Supervisor April DeMotts. I honestly think thats the best method for accomplishing the goals of the school resource officer program. Theres a whole lot of good that comes out of it.

Part of DeMotts comment was prompted by questions about the situation in Blacksburg, which she and another supervisor said must also be taken into consideration in light of the recent case in Christiansburg.

I will very strongly support Blacksburgs decision with regards to their own officers. If they want them in their schools, then I absolutely support that, she said. If were paying, we should have our own people in the schools.

Supervisor Steve Fijalkowski asked Meadows about where Blacksburg stands on the matter. Meadows, based on his conversations with Blacksburg Town Manager Marc Verniel, said the system in place now is acceptable to them.

Its been recognized, however, that if the county does move forward with any contributions to Christiansburg, then Blacksburg could expect similar contributions toward its SROs, Meadows said.

Earlier in the discussion, Supervisor Todd King said hed like the county to not entirely dismiss Christiansburgs request as it is more cost effective  the supervisor further noted that the town isnt asking the county to cover the cost of the vehicles.

My opinion is I think we should work with the Christiansburg Town Council to get their police officers back in the schools, King said. I think the students and staff are used to seeing them in the schools, and they have a good relationship with them.

Fijalkowski, in response to King later in the discussion, said theres no telling if Christiansburg would always want to keep the same conditions.

I tend to like the idea of all the SROs in Montgomery County Public Schools under the same leadership, instead of splitting it up, said Fijalkowski, who added that hes not sure Christiansburg wont ask for vehicle funding later. I also dont know what the future would hold  By having our own people in there, I think its something we can control better.

Supervisor Mary Biggs said she also has concerns about the county setting a concerning precedent if it was to agree to Christiansburgs request.

If we were to pay the town for their officers, that sort of sets a precedent for asking us to pay for other town employees, she said.

Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Sherri Blevins agreed with her colleagues who said the SROs should be deputies if they are funded by the county. She also voiced support for Partins request of adding a minimum of seven officers.

I would like to see school resource officers in every school. I do have concerns that there are six schools in the Christiansburg strand; that includes the alternative school, as well. I think we may need seven officers to make sure we are covering the sixth school, she said. We need to be able to have school resource officers that can cover when deputies take their vacation [and] sick time, to make sure we have coverage.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin's administration on Wednesday announced $30 million in K-12 "learning recovery grants" to help qualifying families cope with COVID-19 learning loss.

The Wednesday afternoon announcement came a day before Youngkin is to appear in a nationally televised CNN town hall on "the battle over education." The town hall is to air at 9 p.m. Thursday and last about an hour.

According to a release from the Youngkin administration, qualifying students whose family income does not top 300% of the federal poverty level would get a $3,000 K-12 Learning Recovery Grant; all other qualifying students would receive a $1,500 K-12 Learning Recovery Grant.

VCU, VUU among 13 Va. colleges who win lab school grants

For a family of three the federal poverty level is $24,860. So a qualifying family could get a $3,000 grant if its income did not top $74,580.

The town hall is another opportunity for Youngkin - who has not discounted the possibility of a presidential bid - to burnish a national reputation at a time when he lags far behind President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in theoretical GOP presidential polling. A recent Roanoke College poll showed that while Youngkin's popularity in Virginia rose to 57% in February, a clear majority of Virginia respondents do not want him to run for president.

The only sitting Virginia governor in modern times to run for president was Doug Wilder. He kicked off a bid for the 1992 Democratic presidential nomination in September 1991 and dropped out of the race exactly four months later.

Youngkin won't say whether he asked state superintendent to resign

The town hall comes as Virginia budget negotiators are trying to reach an agreement on amendments to the state's two-year budget. The sticking point is that House Republicans support the governor's push for $1 billion in additional tax cuts and Senate Democrats oppose it.

Youngkin emphasized parents' rights in his successful campaign for governor in 2021, when he led a sweep by the first Republicans to win statewide office in Virginia since 2009.

As for the education grants, Youngkin said in a statement: Virginia's students and children across the country experienced catastrophic learning loss throughout the COVID-19 pandemic from the loss of in-person instruction and in-school support services.

Youngkin helps deliver Fort Monroe lesson to Va. students in honor of Black History Month

"These targeted resources for parents will ensure that many children in Virginia have access to the tutoring, summer enrichment programs and other specialized services they need in order to reach their full potential and combat the severe learning losses.

The Youngkin administration also touted the rollout of what it termed "a revolutionary platform" that it said will give provides parents and teachers "actionable data that will shed greater light on individual student learning loss and growth."

The CNN town hall comes the same day that Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow's resignation takes effect. Last week Youngkin would not say whether he asked Balow to resign 14 months into her tenure.
BEIJING, March 9 (Xinhua) -- From the Yutu-2 lunar rover roaming on the "dark side" of the moon to the Fendouzhe submersible exploring the 10,000-meter deep ocean, and from salt-tolerant rice growing in tidal flats near the sea to Chinese unmanned equipment guided by the Beidou Navigation Satellite System to help African farmers boost crop yields ... the saga of China's sci-tech innovation continues to unfold.

During the ongoing "two sessions," Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the imperative to accelerate the implementation of the innovation-driven development strategy, saying that speeding up efforts to achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology is the path China must take to advance high-quality development.

Over 10 years into the nation's innovation-driven development strategy, China saw its ranking in the Global Innovation Index jump from 34th in 2012 to 11th last year, with the economy expanding at an average annual rate of 6.6 percent between 2013 and 2021, contributing over 30 percent to world economic growth.

When reinforcing its strength in science and technology, the country has also been committed to sharing its technology with worldwide partners and cooperating to improve global science and technology governance.

INNOVATION-DRIVEN DEVELOPMENT

"The close attention paid by the government and the country to innovation as an engine of growth is paying off," said Daren Tang, director general of the World Intellectual Property Organization.

Indeed, China's historic progress in building an innovative country attests to the judgment: science and technology are the primary productive force, talent the primary resource and innovation the primary driver of growth.

The innovation-driven development strategy put forward at the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has led China to join the ranks of the world's innovators, with success on various fronts over the past decade.

The country has expanded its research and development (R&D) expenditure from 1 trillion yuan (about 145 billion U.S. dollars) to 3.09 trillion yuan (about 445 billion dollars) in the past decade, the second highest in the world, with its R&D intensity rising from 1.91 percent to 2.55 percent, according to Ministry of Science and Technology.

Furthermore, China has coordinated its innovation blueprint with its strategy for invigorating China through science and education, which underscores development based on progress in science and technology and the workforce development strategy focusing on fostering high-quality talent. Now the country has become home to the largest cohort of R&D personnel around the globe.

Apart from calling for moving faster toward self-reliance in science and technology, Xi in late January pledged more efforts to ensure better allocation of innovation-related resources to make the country a global pacesetter in major sci-tech areas and a pioneer in advanced interdisciplinary fields, and ensure that China will become a major world hub for science and innovation as soon as possible.

GLOBAL PUBLIC GOODS

The implications of China's innovation-driven development extend beyond its borders.

Boasting the world's longest and most extensively used high-speed rail network, China has been helping multiple countries construct and upgrade their rail transit with its advanced railway technology.

World Bank Vice President for South Asia Martin Raiser said China's rail technology would bring urban development, tourism and regional economic growth.

Take the China-Laos Railway, a landmark Belt and Road project. Since operations began in December 2021, landlocked Laos has become a land-linked hub in Southeast Asia. The railway's Lao section has created more than 110,000 local jobs.

Through multilateral mechanisms such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, China's sci-tech achievements have delivered new options in 5G communications, biomedicine and numerous realms, while also providing growth momentum.

Gu Qingyang, a scholar at the National University of Singapore, said the extensive application of China's sci-tech accomplishments not only leads to its domestic industrial upgrading, but also lends impetus to the neighboring areas.

Similarly, at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2023 earlier this year, Saadia Zahidi, the forum's managing director, said, "when it comes to technology and innovation, much of what is being developed in China will change the world."

Given the size of its economy, China will help boost worldwide growth and inject optimism in the medium and long term, Zahidi told Xinhua.

GLOBAL SCI-TECH GOVERNANCE

China would never innovate behind closed doors. That's why the country has been dedicated to advancing global governance in science and technology.

In late February, Xi restated his call for promoting the openness, trust and cooperation of the international science and technology community and making new and more significant contributions to the progress of human civilization.

Over recent years, China has adopted various policy tools to promote global sci-tech cooperation, opened up large-scale scientific infrastructure, jointly established R&D platforms and expanded the scope, field and scale of open innovation.

In a typical example, China has advocated expanding international cooperation in the space sector. Romanian astronaut Dumitru Prunariu said China "actually invited all countries to perform scientific experiments" on its Tiangong space station. In addition, the country also welcomes broader collaboration in deep space exploration.

China has engaged in sci-tech cooperation with more than 160 countries and regions, participating in global science projects such as the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor program -- one of the most ambitious energy projects in the world and the Square Kilometre Array -- an intergovernmental radio telescope project.

Meanwhile, the country's accelerated transition from "Made in China" to "Created in China" shows the developing world how to uncover a development path suited to their own conditions.

China's experience in education, scientific research and technology is "inspiring" to Arab countries, Mohamed Abdel-Fattah Moustafa, head of the Arab Union for Education and Scientific Research, told Xinhua.

Its cooperation with other developing countries in education, scientific research and technology localization will help "create a new international community based on cooperation, exchange of benefits and mutual win," he said. 
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CALmatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California's state Capitol works and why it matters. Dan Walters has been a journalist for nearly 60 years, spending all but a few of those years working for California newspapers.
Whiskey fungus  sometimes called distillery fungus, rum fungus or warehouse-staining fungus  is a black fungus with the scientific name Baudoinia compniacensis. Though the fungus is literally black in color, it is not the same as black mold, Stachybotrys, which can cause significant health issues and infrastructure damage.

Here's what happens: After whiskey is distilled it is held in barrels in a warehouse during its aging process. The length of distillation time varies but during the process, an estimated 2 to 5 percent of the alcohol evaporates. Depending on the amount of alcohol being processed, that can add up to as much as 200 to 1,000 tons (181 to 907 metric tons) of ethanol emissions each year.

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The emissions are poetically referred to as the "angel's share" but there's evidence to suggest the vapors don't quite make it to heaven. When the ethanol combines with moisture in the air, the result is a type of fungus that feeds on the sugar in ethanol  whiskey fungus. Like any other fungus, it attaches itself to just about anything including buildings, trees, cars and outdoor furnishings.
FLORENCE  An internal investigation of the CEO and executive director of the Housing Authority of Florence is underway after she was placed on administrative leave by the authoritys Board of Commissioners.

Discussion of what is being investigated took place during an executive session, the contents of which are confidential, at Mondays called meeting. When the board came out of executive session, all but one board member voted in favor of putting Clamentine Elmore on paid executive leave until the investigation is complete.

This is her time for a paid vacation to get an investigation to get her name cleared, and as I spoke in executive session, for her to come back and run the agency the best that she can run it, because she has done it, and theres a lot going on, board member Linda Williams said. I think her name should be cleared, and the only way we can clear her name is to put her on administrative leave.

Elmore said at the meeting that she was unsure what she was being investigated for. The board heard a number of confidential reports during executive session, which it voted to accept after the session ended.

Should I have the right to know what Im being investigated about? she asked.

After the board voted to put Elmore on administrative leave, it re-entered executive session to discuss what board Chair Douglas Hawkins called an employment issue.

The board also voted to immediately end a contract with its attorney, Mark Buyck III, at the firm Willcox Buyck and Williams.

Elmore grew up in Lake City and spent around 26 years working for the federal government before becoming the authoritys first African American executive director in 2017.

The city of Florence is investigating a member of the Housing Authority of Florence Board of Commissioners, according to Amanda Pope, the citys marketing, communications and municipal services director.

Pope said she was unable to say which board member is under investigation.

Hawkins did not respond to a request for comment.
Seguin, TX (78155)

Today

Clear skies. Low 49F. ENE winds at 10 to 15 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph..

Tonight

Clear skies. Low 49F. ENE winds at 10 to 15 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph.
SIOUX CITY  A Remsen, Iowa, man has pleaded guilty of stabbing another man in Sioux City.

Francisco Tapia, 25, entered his written plea Monday in Woodbury County District Court to three counts of willful injury and one count of second-offense possession of a controlled substance.

According to terms of a plea agreement, he will be sentenced to 32 years in prison. A sentencing date has not been set.

Tapia stabbed another man three times in the back, right arm and right leg Jan. 14 in the 2700 block of Floyd Boulevard. Tapia assaulted the man inside a laundry, and as the victim was walking away, Tapia stabbed him. The victim was treated for potentially life-threatening injuries.

Police officers viewing a surveillance video of the incident identified Tapia as the suspect and found him three hours later inside a garage in the 1500 block of 23rd Street sleeping in vehicle that did not belong to him, armed with a knife and in possession of psychedelic mushrooms.

Tapia was originally charged with attempted murder in addition to the willful injury and drug possession charges, but the attempted murder charge was later amended to two counts of willful injury.
SIOUX CITY  Morningside STEM Elementary School teacher Genni Paul-Fetterman has been named the Sioux City Community School District's Teacher of the Year.

Paul-Fetterman has been with the district since 2000, currently serving as a title I interventionalist at Morningside Elementary. On Wednesday, the school held an assembly to announce her award.

"Genni is always ready to support all classrooms and shows up each day with a positive attitude," said Jarod Moser, principal of Morningside Elementary. "She is very flexible and easily adaptable to change."

Paul-Fetterman said it meant the world to her to receive the award. She said every person who attended the assembly, between the students and the staff, made her the educator she is.

"I would just like to share that award with all of them because if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be who I am today," she said.

Teacher of the Year 2023 Gennifer Paul-Fetterman reacts to the surprise announcement that she has been named Teacher of the Year by the Sioux City Community School Dis

Teacher of the Year 2023 Gennifer Paul-Fetterman is awarded Teacher of the Year by the Sioux City Community School District at Morningside STEM Elementary School with 

The school had nominated Paul-Fetterman as their building teacher of the year, and she said she was up against many phenomenal teachers throughout the district and was honored to be in the running with them.

Superintendent Rod Earleywine said there are hundreds of school team members working in the district every day dedicating their lives to the student's success.

Earleywine said Paul-Fetterman is inspiring to students and staff and her strength is in her positivity.

"She is a tremendous role model for the staff and students who have the privilege of knowing and working with her," he said.

Teacher of the Year 2023 Gennifer Paul-Fetterman is awarded Teacher of the Year by the Sioux City Community School District at Morningside STEM Elementary School where

Teacher of the Year 2023 Gennifer Paul-Fetterman is awarded Teacher of the Year by the Sioux City Community School District at Morningside STEM Elementary School besid

Mozer said Paul-Fetterman is dedicated to her position regardless of the medical issues she is facing. Paul-Fetterman was diagnosed with Acute lymphocytic leukemia in July 2021. She took time away from teaching last year and returned this year. She is in remission.

She said she shares her story with students when they ask, teaching kids that life isn't always fair and people are 'thrown curveballs.'

"You just push past it, you continue to fight for what you believe in," she said. "I have such a strong passion for teaching that I knew that once I was done with my treatments I wanted to get back to what was normal for me ... and that's working with children."

She said the kids and the staff is her family away from home and she missed them during her year away.

Teacher of the Year 2023 Gennifer Paul-Fetterman is awarded Teacher of the Year by the Sioux City Community School District at Morningside STEM Elementary School besid

Teacher of the Year 2023 Gennifer Paul-Fetterman is awarded Teacher of the Year by the Sioux City Community School District at Morningside STEM Elementary School besid

Teacher of the Year 2023 Gennifer Paul-Fetterman shakes hands with Superintendent Rod Earleywine as he congratulates her for being named Teacher of the Year by the Sio

Paul-Fetterman's information will be submitted to the Iowa Department of Education for consideration as the states teacher of the year representative, which will be announced in fall 2023.

The Sioux City Education Association and the district choose the district teacher of the year from teachers nominated from all of the buildings.

The teachers nominated this year were:

Wendy Bryce, Career Academy;

Amy Baker, West High School;

Aubrey McCaslen-Hibbs, East High School;

Betsy Flowers, Liberty Elementary School;

Shawn Gorsett, Clark Early Childhood Center;

Nicole Hahn, North Middle School;

Kaitlyn Marsh, Riverside Elementary School;

Teri March, Sunnyside Elementary School;

Francisca Leon, Leeds Elementary School;

Stephanie White, Unity Elementary School;

Jennifer Hughes, Loess Hills Computer Programming Elementary School;

Chris Poeckes, West Middle School;

Jamie Lang, East Middle School;

Josiah Schiller, North High School;

Tova Natwick, Bryant Elementary School;

Lee Johnson, VIBE Academy;

Emily Bowman, Spalding Park Environmental Sciences Elementary School;

Courtney Jungers, Hunt A+ Arts Elementary School;

Nikole Mueller, Irving Dual Language Elementary School;

Genni Paul-Fetterman, Morningside STEM Elementary Schooland;

Stacey Vondrak, Perry Creek Elementary School.
PAULLINA, Iowa  Voters in the South O'Brien Community School District on Tuesday approved a $25.9 million bond issue that will fund additions and renovations to the district's buildings.

For the second time in a year, a bond issue to fund elementary school improvements in the West Sioux Community School District failed.

Needing 60% approval to pass, the South O'Brien bond issue had 676 votes in favor and 418 against for a 61.8% approval.

West Sioux's $14.9 million bond issue narrowly missed passage with 58.5% approval. The final vote was 379-269.

South O'Brien bond issue An architect's rendering shows proposed additions and renovations at the South O'Brien Community School District junior/senior high school bui

A $1.5 million bond issue for a new community center in Doon received 75% voter approval.

In South O'Brien, plans call for construction at the junior/senior high school in Paullina of an agricultural wing and greenhouse, an industrial arts wing, auxiliary gym and a community fitness center. Renovations will be made to the current weight room, locker rooms and parking lots. The former industrial arts building will be remodeled and become home to the central office, school board meeting room and alternative school.

The school's 1925 portion will be demolished and replaced with science and multipurpose rooms.

The gymnasium at the elementary school, located in Primghar, also will be renovated and upgraded.

West Sioux's bond issue would have funded additions and renovations to the district's elementary schools in Hawarden and Ireton. In March 2022, $15.7 million bond issue to build a new elementary school in Ireton failed to pass after receiving 57.4% approval.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va.  The tiny clinic where physicians prescribe hormones and other medications to transgender teenagers shares the same campus where West Virginia kids travel to receive treatments for rare cancer, heart surgery and other health care difficult to get anywhere else.

In a rural state purported to have the highest number of transgender youths per capita and some of the nation's worst health outcomes, West Virginia University Medicine doctors say transgender health care is just as essential as the other lifesaving services they provide.

But it could soon be banned. Ignoring doctors' pleas, lawmakers are preparing to vote this week on a bill that would outlaw certain health care for transgender minors, including hormone therapy and fully reversible medication that suspends the physical changes of puberty, buying patients and parents time to make future decisions about hormones.

"There's a lot of anxiety and fear in our exam rooms right now," said Dr. Kacie Kidd, medical director of WVU Medicine Children's Adolescent Gender and Sexual Development Clinic.

State lawmakers and West Virginia's largest health care provider are at odds over how and when to treat adolescents with gender dysphoria  the severe psychological distress experienced by those whose gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth.

WVU's classification among the highest level of American research universities is often lauded by the same state leaders who have been unwilling to listen to experts when it comes to gender-affirming care. During a meeting last week at which Kidd testified before lawmakers, Senate Finance chair Eric Tarr described the treatments as "child abuse."

"I was caught off guard to see that WVU Medicine has a clinic to change the sex of children in West Virginia," the Republican said, leading a charge to reject amendments that would have allowed some care to continue. Two physicians on the committee  both Republicans  expressed concern, saying "medically uneducated" people shouldn't be making such decisions.

Lawmakers in West Virginia and other states advancing similar legislation often characterize gender-affirming treatments as medically unproven, potentially dangerous in the long term and a symptom of "woke" culture.

Yet every major medical organization, including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychiatric Association, supports gender-affirming care for youths.

The legislation in West Virginia also includes a ban on gender-affirming surgery for minors, something medical professionals emphasize does not happen in the state.

Lia Farrell, a WVU medical student from New York, said it was clear to her that lawmakers have "no idea what providing this care actually entails."

"It's really cutting off your nose to spite your face," she said. "This isn't going to accomplish anything except harming people and preventing us from doing our jobs."

Opened in 2021, WVU Medicine Children's Adolescent Gender and Sexual Development Clinic looks like any other health care setting  animal-shaped stickers cover the walls, examination rooms, machines to check blood pressure and heart rates. But providers wear lanyards with colorful buttons displaying pronouns and jackets decorated with a rainbow heart and stethoscope  something Kidd calls "visible reminders" of support.

Some families travel for hours on mountain roads to meet with providers, including therapists. While they talk, young people draw to calm their nerves. Kidd has several patients' creations displayed in her workspace, including one favorite, a unicorn.

A West Virginia native, Kidd was training to be a pediatrician at WVU when she began meeting transgender kids hospitalized after suicide attempts.

Patients have described gender dysphoria to her as a profound, deeply rooted frustration  even sometimes anger  that the person in the mirror "isn't who they are."

"I've had young people tell me that they can't imagine a future where they can be happy," she said. "That's one of the most heartbreaking things I ever hear."

Dakota Kai, 17, spent childhood in and out of psychiatric care because of depression and anxiety related to gender dysphoria.

Kai said the testosterone gel they apply to their shoulders, which has caused their voice to deepen and facial hair to sprout, has saved their life.

"It's literally going to kill people if they can't access this care," Kai said. "It's difficult to try to exist in a place where it's threatening just being yourself."

Kai is now planning to start college this year and eventually become a cardiovascular surgeon.

Kai's mother, Sherry, said she was apprehensive at first about hormone therapy. But after conversations with providers, she and her child confidently decided to pursue it and have no regrets. Transgender minors can't begin medical interventions without parental consent.

"The amount of ignorance about the subject is honestly astounding," she said. "Watching our society respond with such emotional fervor about something that they obviously logically don't understand is terrifying."

She said nothing about the care is pushed on patients, "lightly talked about or treated as if it's no big deal."

"They are not trying to play God," Sherry said. "They're out there trying to perform a service of helping people, and because of science and because of time and because of studying the concept of being trans are able to say, 'This is not fictitious or just a whim. This is a scientific, medical fact.'"

As the ban advances through the Legislature, Kidd's staff works late in the clinic, leaving long after dark to fit in appointments with frantic families.

"It is heartbreaking," Kidd said, "to have to tell young people and families that we can't provide the care that they need."

Videos: Some testimony before the House committee about bills to criminalize transgender health care 'It makes me feel hated. It really does,' transgender teen testifies House representative calls puberty blockers child abuse; transgender woman says that's offensive 'This bill will harm me,' transgender child tells Missouri House committee 'Will our kids and grandkids see that we were on the side of love or hate?' Parent asks committee
A 4-year-old Vancouver girl who was kidnapped by her mother in 2018 was found last month in Mexico and returned to the United States, the FBI announced Wednesday.

Aranza Maria Ochoa Lopez, now 8, had been missing since Oct. 25 of that year. The girl's mother, Esmeralda Lopez-Lopez, had asked permission to take her to the restroom during a supervised visit at Vancouver Mall and then fled with her to a stolen vehicle, where an accomplice waited.

The FBI issued a missing person poster, and the agency later learned Aranza was taken to Mexico.

Investigators said they found Aranza in Michoacan, Mexico, and special agents escorted her back to the U.S., according to a news release from the FBI's Seattle office. The agency said officials will not release information on her whereabouts for her safety.

"For more than four years, the FBI and our partners did not give up on Aranza," Special Agent Richard A. Collodi said in the news release. "Our concern now will be supporting Aranza as she begins her reintegration into the U.S."

Aranza was in the state's custody when she was abducted. She was placed in foster care in 2017 following founded complaints of physical abuse by Lopez-Lopez. The girl was reportedly covered in large bruises, and Lopez-Lopez was deemed a danger based on a history of abuse, her lack of participation in a mental health assessment and her erratic behavior. She was granted twice-weekly supervised visitation, according to court records.

After the abduction, Lopez-Lopez was on the run in Mexico for about a year, before being arrested and extradited, The Columbian previously reported.

She pleaded guilty in January 2021 to second-degree kidnapping and robbery and first-degree custodial interference in Clark County Superior Court. She was sentenced to 20 months in prison.

At the time, Lopez-Lopez said she no longer knew where her daughter was, but the prosecution said she was helping investigators search for her. Her defense attorney said Lopez-Lopez believed the girl was safe with family, The Columbian previously reported.

Other investigating agencies included the FBI's Legal Attache in Mexico City; Vancouver Police Department; Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families; Fiscalia General del Estado de Michoacan; and the Instituto Nacional de Migracion.

25 best true crime documentaries 25 best true crime documentaries #25. Roll Red Roll (2018) #24. Bus 174 (2002) #23. 13th (2016) #22. Tales of the Grim Sleeper (2014) #21. Athlete A (2020) #20. Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory (2011) #19. Strong Island (2017) #18. The Murder of Fred Hampton (1971) #17. Deliver Us from Evil (2006) #16. The Fog of War (2003) #15. Crime + Punishment (2018) #14. 4 Little Girls (1997) #13. Citizenfour (2014) #12. Inside Job (2010) #11. Big Men (2013) #10. I Called Him Morgan (2016) #9. Capturing the Friedmans (2003) #8. Graves Without a Name (2018) #7. Time (2020) #6. The Act of Killing (2012) #5. Let It Fall: Los Angeles 1982-1992 (2017) #4. Tower (2016) #3. The Look of Silence (2014) #2. Brother's Keeper (1992) #1. Collective (2019)
WASHINGTON  The Biden administrations new cyber strategy calling for minimum security standards across multiple economic sectors looks likely to face opposition from some lawmakers and businesses as U.S. officials work to implement the blueprint.

Top Republicans on the House Homeland Security Committee said in a statement that the administration should be seeking partnerships with the private sector rather than punishment. And at least one private cybersecurity expert warned of potential resistance from sectors that already work under federal regulatory requirements.

By including software makers among those that will have a role in cybersecurity, the administration could also be testing the willingness of that industry to weed out participants that dont provide adequate security. And by speculating about the possibility of federal insurance for attacks, the strategy is raising questions about the potential for big changes in private sector behavior.

The strategy, released last week, said the current practice of allowing sectors including utilities, food and agriculture, health care and others to meet voluntary cybersecurity standards had resulted in inadequate and inconsistent outcomes, and it prescribed regulations to level the playing field.

Reps. Mark E. Green, R-Tenn., the chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, and Andrew Garbarino, R-N.Y., the chairman of its Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee, responded with a statement urging the administration to streamline existing regulations and to favor partnerships rather than punishment in the implementation of the strategy.

The key to building trust with our private sector partners is employing harmonization across government, rather than encouraging disparate and competing efforts, Green and Garbarino said. We must clarify federal cybersecurity roles and responsibilities, not create additional burdens, to minimize confusion and redundancies across the government.

The administration is making the case that mandated security standards in key sectors are needed after high-profile cyberattacks in late 2020 and 2021 showed voluntary standards arent working. An attack on Colonial Pipeline in 2021 shut down supplies of gasoline on the East Coast, and several federal agencies were themselves victims when software supplier SolarWinds was hacked in late 2020.

After the Colonial attack, the administration imposed minimum security standards for operators of pipelines. And similar standards were later extended to airlines and railroads.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, or CISA, oversees cybersecurity in the 16 critical sectors that may face new standards. But many of the sectors, including financial services and health care, are overseen by other regulatory bodies, some of which address cybersecurity.

The financial services sector, for example, is one where several regulatory agencies already prescribe cybersecurity requirements and more regulation stemming from the new cybersecurity strategy could face resistance, said Marcus Fowler, CEO of Darktrace Federal, part of U.K.-based Darktrace, a global cybersecurity company.

I think youre going to run into business interests and other areas that could erode the bipartisan-ness of cybersecurity when you start to touch on a couple of different sectors, Fowler said. I think the one that jumps out to me, which is a critical sector but also one that already has a lot of regulation, is financial services.

White House officials developing and implementing the strategy acknowledged the need to streamline regulations for some sectors already meeting several cyber standards even as other sectors face few rules.

We have to raise the bar in some places, we have to harmonize in other places to create a level playing field, Kemba Walden, acting national cyber director, said last week at an event hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee, said requirements are needed.

As cyberattacks increase in frequency and sophistication, smart, well-harmonized, performance-based security requirements for critical infrastructure could help ensure the critical infrastructure we rely on every day is sufficiently resilient to keep operating in the wake of a compromise, he said.

Sen. Gary Peters, chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said in a statement that he would closely examine this strategy, quickly consider the parts of it that will require Congressional action.

Peters, D-Mich., authored legislation that became law in the last Congress that required operators of critical infrastructure to report a cyber attack to federal agencies.

The administrations cyber strategy also called for shifting liability for insecure software that enables cyberattacks to makers of such software.

Poor software security greatly increases systemic risk across the digital ecosystem and leaves American citizens bearing the ultimate cost, the strategy said. We must begin to shift liability onto those entities that fail to take reasonable precautions to secure their software while recognizing that even the most advanced software security program cannot prevent all vulnerabilities.

The strategy pointed to software developed by unvetted third parties that is embedded into commonly used programs, potentially allowing hackers to exploit flaws.

Well-established software companies that sell to commercial enterprises do take security seriously and invest heavily in it, said Henry Young, policy director at BSA-The Software Alliance, a trade group that represents companies including IBM, Microsoft, Salesforce and others.

Shifting liability to companies for making software with poor security features may help the industry overall by curbing fly-by-night operators who are not interested in long-term market presence, Young said.

The administration also is exploring a federal insurance backstop to aid victims of cyberattacks after catastrophic cyber events, the strategy said, adding that officials will consult with lawmakers, state regulators, and the insurance industry on how to design such a backstop.

History of online security, from CAPTCHA to multifactor authentication History of online security, from CAPTCHA to multifactor authentication 1970s: Antivirus software 1970s: Encryption 2000s: CAPTCHA 2000s: Multifactor authentication 2010s: Zero trust
DES MOINES  A proposed ban on gender-affirming care for minors in Iowa is on its way to Gov. Kim Reynolds desk.

Republican state lawmakers passed the ban and other LGBTQ bills over the past two days, putting them en route to Reynolds on Wednesday.

Reynolds office did not immediately respond Wednesday when asked whether she plans to sign the bill into law once it reaches her.

Thousands of Iowans have publicly protested this bill and others that have been moving through the Iowa Legislature over the past week. Students at dozens of schools across the state walked out of classes, and hundreds attended two rallies at the Iowa Capitol this past week, on Sunday and again on Wednesday.

If the bill is signed into law, it likely will be at least temporarily halted by a legal challenge. Similar bills in other states are being challenged in the courts, including in Arkansas, Alabama, Tennessee and Texas.

Republican legislators who proposed and advanced the ban on gender-affirming care say it is necessary to protect children from medical care and treatments when the science is not settled, even though all major medical groups in the U.S. say the treatments are safe and the vast majority of studies show that the care leads to better mental health outcomes.

STUDIES CITED

During debate Wednesday, Rep. Steve Holt, R-Denison, who oversaw the bills movement in the Iowa House, pointed to studies in Europe, including one that says more study is needed on the long-term effects of gender-affirming care.

The study says there is some evidence that individuals who have sex reassignment have considerably higher risks for mortality, suicidal behavior and psychiatric morbidity than the general population.

Our children deserve the time to grow into themselves, to find themselves, to go through phases without medical interventions that are unproven in their efficacy, Holt said. It is for these reasons that I believe we should wait on these life-altering procedures and therapies for children until they are adults.

During debate in the Iowa Senate on Tuesday, Sen. Jeff Edler, R-State Center, who oversaw the bills movement in that chamber, pointed to a study that he said illustrates his concern for the long-term impacts of hormonal treatment.

The 2018 study, which can be found on the American Academy of Pediatrics website, says the long-term side effects of hormonal treatment could include bone density loss and also says more research is needed on those long-term impacts. However, it also concludes the treatments benefit the patients and are generally safe.

Republican Rep. Jeff Shipley pointed to the guidance from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, which says the number of studies is still low, and there are few outcome studies that follow youth into adulthood.

Still, those guidelines recommend puberty blockers and hormone treatment in adolescents with gender dysphoria who meet certain conditions, and the organization vehemently opposes bills like the one passed by Iowa Republicans.

Rep. Austin Baeth, D-Des Moines, who is a physician, noted the preponderance of evidence continues to show that while the treatments sometimes come with side effects, that they are safe, and that studies and physicians that cast doubt on the treatments safety are outliers.

It takes lots of physicians  to come together, looking at all the studies, not cherry-picking them to support an agenda, Baeth said. But looking at the mountain of evidence, the preponderance of evidence, and deciding, what is the most likely answer to this question.

WHAT BILL DOES

The bill would ban doctors in the state from providing puberty blockers, hormones and surgeries to minors under age 18 to treat gender dysphoria.

Doctors who violate the bill would be subject to discipline from a state licensing board, and individuals could bring lawsuits against doctors who perform gender-affirming care.

Minors who are receiving medical treatment now would have 180 days to discontinue that care.

PARENTAL CHOICE

Brian Lohse, R-Bondurant who was one of five House Republicans voting against the bill, said the bill runs counter to the parental choice mantra Republicans frequently champion.

The doctors who testified to lawmakers in February said puberty blockers  medications that stop the onset of puberty  are reversible, while the effects of hormone treatment are mostly reversible. Surgery, which generally means breast reduction, is not reversible.

Doctors also told lawmakers that gender-affirming care is a practice that occurs after months of careful evaluation from multiple doctors, and that parental consent is always involved.

Democrats said the bill is a rash reaction to concerns over the efficacy of the care, noting all major medical organizations in the U.S. support interventions for youth with persistent gender dysphoria. The American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychiatric Association all include gender-affirming care for youth in their guidelines.

PROTEST

As lawmakers deliberated the bills, a couple of hundred people gathered in the Capitols first-floor rotunda to protest the measures they said would harm LGBTQ youth and strip them of their rights.

Jo Allen, a photographer from Des Moines who is nonbinary, said it is difficult to live in Iowa, given the legislation under consideration. A few speakers at the rally said they are considering leaving the state over the proposals.

Anti-trans bills have nothing to do about privacy but (are) focused on expelling trans folks from public life, Allen said. We are not going anywhere and, despite the bills that you put out against us, we will continue to be our most authentic, trans selves.

Just north of Iowa on Wednesday, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, signed an executive order that protects trans people, families and care providers from a range of legal repercussions for traveling to Minnesota for gender-affirming care, the Associated Press reported.

Walz announced his signing on social media, saying in the post, My message is clear: Here in Minnesota, our LGBTQ+ neighbors will not be denied or punished for seeking life-affirming and lifesaving medical care.

OTHER BILLS

The Senate late Tuesday also passed a bill that would prohibit transgender students from using school bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity.

Senate Republicans described the proposal as common sense and a way to ensure the privacy and safety of all Iowa students.

Data overwhelmingly shows that incidents of sexual assault in school bathrooms are rare, and that transgender individuals are far more likely to be victims of sexual assault than non-transgender people, including at schools with prescriptive bathroom policies.

The House was scheduled to debate and is expected to pass legislation late Wednesday that would prohibit schools from teaching topics like gender identity and sexual orientation through sixth grade.
Iowa House Republicans passed a bill on Wednesday that would prohibit school libraries from including books that are not age-appropriate, barring any books that contain sexual content.

Teachers librarians would be required to create a library program within the parameters of the bill. The program would be set up by the school librarian working with students, teachers, administrator and other staff, and regularly reviewed.

The House passed the legislation 60-37. Three Republicans, including Rep. Megan Jones, Sioux Rapids, joined all Democrats in voting no.

The bill follows hearings by the House Government Oversight Committee last month where parents who attempted to get books removed from school curriculums or libraries told lawmakers there should be more processes in place to restrict books they see as obscene. Lawmakers also heard from school administrators and students who had been involved in requests to remove library books.

020723-qc-iowa-booksphoto Lawmakers hear from parents who challenged books they found offensive in their local school districts on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023.

Republican Rep. Brooke Boden said the bill is not intended to restrict books dealing with LGBTQ characters or classics like To Kill A Mockingbird, which some opponents have cited as a book that would be banned under the bill.

I just want to make it extremely clear that we are not banning books, Boden said. And parental choice still exists. Parents can still read the books of their choice to their own children.

Books like "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian," "Me, Earl and the Dying Girl" and "Gender Queer" are among the books that have been successfully removed from Iowa schools, according to PEN America.

But Democrats said the bill was unnecessary, saying processes already exist to review books in schools and that the bill could prohibit books that have literary value, and it would remove books that parents may want their child to read.

There may be some passages that, taken out of context, may seem inappropriate, said Rep. Sue Cahill, a Democrat from Marshalltown and former school librarian. But we look at the literary value of books, how it represents students in our school system.

073120-IA-Capital-005 The Iowa State Capitol building on Friday, July 31, 2020, in Des Moines.

PHOTOS: Iowa LGBTQ Rights Rally at Capitol Close Members of the Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus sing at the Iowa Queer Student Alliance "We say gay" rally inside the Iowa State Capitol on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. (Margaret Kispert/The Des Moines Register via AP) Eric Shepard directs supports to sing with the Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus at the Iowa Queer Student Alliance "We say gay" rally inside the Iowa State Capitol on Wednesday in Des Moines, Iowa. Rev. Brigit Stevens records and sings with with the Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus at the Iowa Queer Student Alliance "We say gay" rally inside the Iowa State Capitol on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. (Margaret Kispert/The Des Moines Register via AP) A poster is held at the Iowa Queer Student Alliance "We say gay" rally inside the Iowa State Capitol on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. (Margaret Kispert/The Des Moines Register via AP) Community outreach director for Iowa Queer Student Alliance Katy Crowley welcomes people to the "We say gay" rally inside the Iowa State Capitol on Wednesday in Des Moines, Iowa. Supporters listen to speakers at the Iowa Queer Student Alliance "We say gay" rally inside the Iowa State Capitol on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. (Margaret Kispert/The Des Moines Register via AP) Mark Madsen, of Ames, wears a transgender flag as a cap to show support at the Iowa Queer Student Alliance "We say gay" rally inside the Iowa State Capitol on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. (Margaret Kispert/The Des Moines Register via AP) A poster is held at the Iowa Queer Student Alliance "We say gay" rally inside the Iowa State Capitol on Wednesday in Des Moines, Iowa. Members of the crowd cheer at the Iowa Queer Student Alliance "We say gay" rally inside the Iowa State Capitol on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. (Margaret Kispert/The Des Moines Register via AP) Val Veiock, owner of Bing's in Valley Junction, speaks to a crowd of supporters at the Iowa Queer Student Alliance "We say gay" rally inside the Iowa State Capitol on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. (Margaret Kispert/The Des Moines Register via AP) People hold homemade signs at the Iowa Queer Student Alliance "We say gay" rally inside the Iowa State Capitol on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. (Margaret Kispert/The Des Moines Register via AP) Val Veiock, owner of Bing's in Valley Junction, speaks to a crowd of supporters at the Iowa Queer Student Alliance "We say gay" rally inside the Iowa State Capitol on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. (Margaret Kispert/The Des Moines Register via AP) Meredith Stanbrough, of West Des Moines, holds a "Proud Mom" sign at the Iowa Queer Student Alliance "We say gay" rally inside the Iowa State Capitol on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. (Margaret Kispert/The Des Moines Register via AP) Members of the crowd cheer at the Iowa Queer Student Alliance "We say gay" rally inside the Iowa State Capitol on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. (Margaret Kispert/The Des Moines Register via AP) A poster is held at the Iowa Queer Student Alliance "We say gay" rally inside the Iowa State Capitol on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. (Margaret Kispert/The Des Moines Register via AP) The Rev. Brigit Stevens records and sings with with the Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus at the Iowa Queer Student Alliance "We say gay" rally inside the Iowa State Capitol on Wednesday in Des Moines. Eric Shepard directs supports to sing with the Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus at the Iowa Queer Student Alliance "We say gay" rally inside the Iowa State Capitol on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. (Margaret Kispert/The Des Moines Register via AP) +16 +16 +16 +16 +16 +16 +16 +16 +16 +16

GRANTS AWARDED TO HELP LOWER WORKPLACE LANGUAGE BARRIERS

Gov. Kim Reynolds on Wednesday announced new grant awards targeted at reducing language barriers within Iowas workforce.

Reynolds announced $357,470 in funding to provide dual-language instruction in Spanish, English and Mandarin to 465 employees at 11 different Iowa businesses.

The programs seek to help employers serve more customers and boost recruitment and retention efforts with new staff, according to the governors office.

Employers were required to provide plans for sustaining each language program, and courses were encouraged to be conducted onsite or include several options for flexible transportation offsite.

Grants were awarded to:

ALPLA Inc., Iowa City

A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co., Dubuque

Catalyst Project Management, Iowa City

Country Maid, West Bend

Heritage Building Maintenance, Des Moines

Interstates, Sioux Center

Ironwood 53 Design and Build, Rock Valley

Neumann Monson, Iowa City

New Hope Village Inc., Carroll

Shearer's Foods, Burlington

VGM Group, Waterloo.
DES MOINES  A proposed ban on gender-affirming care for minors in Iowa is on its way to Gov. Kim Reynolds desk.

Republican state lawmakers passed the ban and other LGBTQ bills over the past two days, putting them en route to Reynolds on Wednesday.

Reynolds office did not immediately respond Wednesday when asked whether she plans to sign the bill into law once it reaches her.

Thousands of Iowans have publicly protested this bill and others that have been moving through the Iowa Legislature over the past week. Students at dozens of schools across the state walked out of classes, and hundreds attended two rallies at the Iowa Capitol this past week, on Sunday and again on Wednesday.

If the bill is signed into law, it likely will be at least temporarily halted by a legal challenge. Similar bills in other states are being challenged in the courts, including in Arkansas, Alabama, Tennessee and Texas.

Republican legislators who proposed and advanced the ban on gender-affirming care say it is necessary to protect children from medical care and treatments when the science is not settled, even though all major medical groups in the U.S. say the treatments are safe and the vast majority of studies show that the care leads to better mental health outcomes.

Studies cited

During debate Wednesday, Rep. Steve Holt, R-Denison, who oversaw the bills movement in the Iowa House, pointed to studies in Europe, including one that says more study is needed on the long-term effects of gender-affirming care.

The study says there is some evidence that individuals who have sex reassignment have considerably higher risks for mortality, suicidal behavior and psychiatric morbidity than the general population.

Our children deserve the time to grow into themselves, to find themselves, to go through phases without medical interventions that are unproven in their efficacy, Holt said. It is for these reasons that I believe we should wait on these life-altering procedures and therapies for children until they are adults.

During debate in the Iowa Senate on Tuesday, Sen. Jeff Edler, R-State Center, who oversaw the bills movement in that chamber, pointed to a study that he said illustrates his concern for the long-term impacts of hormonal treatment.

The 2018 study, which can be found on the American Academy of Pediatrics website, says the long-term side effects of hormonal treatment could include bone density loss and also says more research is needed on those long-term impacts. However, it also concludes the treatments benefit the patients and are generally safe.

Republican Rep. Jeff Shipley pointed to the guidance from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, which says the number of studies is still low, and there are few outcome studies that follow youth into adulthood.

Still, those guidelines recommend puberty blockers and hormone treatment in adolescents with gender dysphoria who meet certain conditions, and the organization vehemently opposes bills like the one passed by Iowa Republicans.

Rep. Austin Baeth, D-Des Moines, who is a physician, noted the preponderance of evidence continues to show that while the treatments sometimes come with side effects, that they are safe, and that studies and physicians that cast doubt on the treatments safety are outliers.

It takes lots of physicians  to come together, looking at all the studies, not cherry-picking them to support an agenda, Baeth said. But looking at the mountain of evidence, the preponderance of evidence, and deciding, what is the most likely answer to this question.

What bill does

The bill would ban doctors in the state from providing puberty blockers, hormones and surgeries to minors under age 18 to treat gender dysphoria.

Doctors who violate the bill would be subject to discipline from a state licensing board, and individuals could bring lawsuits against doctors who perform gender-affirming care.

Minors who are receiving medical treatment now would have 180 days to discontinue that care.

Parental choice

Brian Lohse, R-Bondurant who was one of five House Republicans voting against the bill, said the bill runs counter to the parental choice mantra Republicans frequently champion.

The doctors who testified to lawmakers in February said puberty blockers  medications that stop the onset of puberty  are reversible, while the effects of hormone treatment are mostly reversible. Surgery, which generally means breast reduction, is not reversible.

Doctors also told lawmakers that gender-affirming care is a practice that occurs after months of careful evaluation from multiple doctors, and that parental consent is always involved.

Democrats said the bill is a rash reaction to concerns over the efficacy of the care, noting all major medical organizations in the U.S. support interventions for youth with persistent gender dysphoria. The American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychiatric Association all include gender-affirming care for youth in their guidelines.

Protest

As lawmakers deliberated the bills, a couple of hundred people gathered in the Capitols first-floor rotunda to protest the measures they said would harm LGBTQ youth and strip them of their rights.

Jo Allen, a photographer from Des Moines who is nonbinary, said it is difficult to live in Iowa, given the legislation under consideration. A few speakers at the rally said they are considering leaving the state over the proposals.

Anti-trans bills have nothing to do about privacy but (are) focused on expelling trans folks from public life, Allen said. We are not going anywhere and, despite the bills that you put out against us, we will continue to be our most authentic, trans selves.

Just north of Iowa on Wednesday, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, signed an executive order that protects trans people, families and care providers from a range of legal repercussions for traveling to Minnesota for gender-affirming care, the Associated Press reported.

Walz announced his signing on social media, saying in the post, My message is clear: Here in Minnesota, our LGBTQ+ neighbors will not be denied or punished for seeking life-affirming and lifesaving medical care.

Other bills

The Senate late Tuesday also passed a bill that would prohibit transgender students from using school bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity.

Senate Republicans described the proposal as common sense and a way to ensure the privacy and safety of all Iowa students.

Data overwhelmingly shows that incidents of sexual assault in school bathrooms are rare, and that transgender individuals are far more likely to be victims of sexual assault than non-transgender people, including at schools with prescriptive bathroom policies.

The House was scheduled to debate and is expected to pass legislation late Wednesday that would prohibit schools from teaching topics like gender identity and sexual orientation through sixth grade.

PHOTOS: Iowa LGBTQ Rights Rally at Capitol Iowa LGBTQ Rights Rally Iowa LGBTQ Rights Rally Iowa LGBTQ Rights Rally Iowa LGBTQ Rights Rally Iowa LGBTQ Rights Rally Iowa LGBTQ Rights Rally Iowa LGBTQ Rights Rally Iowa LGBTQ Rights Rally Iowa LGBTQ Rights Rally Iowa LGBTQ Rights Rally Iowa LGBTQ Rights Rally Iowa LGBTQ Rights Rally Iowa LGBTQ Rights Rally Iowa LGBTQ Rights Rally Iowa LGBTQ Rights Rally Iowa LGBTQ Rights Rally Iowa LGBTQ Rights Rally
He seems to have abandoned Jim Crow 2.0, but that was the extent of the nuance in President Joe Bidens political remarks Sunday in Selma, Alabama. He was there to commemorate the anniversary of Bloody Sunday, the 1965 brutality against a civil-rights march at the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Calling for the freedom to vote, marchers were met by clubs and tear gas.

The right to vote and to have your vote counted is the threshold of democracy and liberty, Biden said. With it, anything is possible. Without it  without that right, nothing is possible. And this fundamental right remains under assault. The conservative Supreme Court has gutted the Voting Rights Act over the years. Since the 2020 election, a wave of states and dozensdozens of anti-voting laws fueled by the Big Lie, and the election deniers now elected to office.

Bidens implied parallel here is grotesque, and it doesnt fit the evidence. The 1965 Voting Rights Act (VRA) helped to break Jim Crow. For a generation, it required certain states and localities to get preclearance before changing their voting laws. That extraordinary measure was intended to last five years, but Congress eventually extended it to 2031, without updating the 1975 criteria to determine where the preclearance requirement would apply.

This is what the Supreme Court struck down in Shelby County (2013). The VRAs coverage formula had no logical relation to the present day, as Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the majority. Data from the most recent election indicate that African-American voter turnout exceeded white voter turnout in five of the six States originally covered.

A year after Shelby County, Vice President Biden warned of a new assault on the right to vote, saying that laws requiring a photo ID were an attempt to repress minority voting. Yet a 2021 academic study of voter ID could find no negative effect on registration or turnout, overall or for any group defined by race, gender, age, or party affiliation. As of last year, voter ID was favored by 77% of people of color, Gallup says.

Biden also consistently misrepresents the voting laws that states have passed since 2020. In a speech last year in Georgia, this is how the president framed the debate: Do you want to be on the side of John Lewis or Bull Connor? Do you want to be on the side of Abraham Lincoln or Jefferson Davis? Yet look at the University of Georgias recent survey on the 2022 elections. Asked about their voting experience, 72.6% of black Georgians called it excellent, and 0% said poor. Of white respondents, 72.7% said excellent and 0.9% said poor.

Biden castigates the Big Lie, as Democrats have branded President Donald Trumps claim that the 2020 election was stolen. Trumps false theories are well worth criticizing, but so is Bidens slandering of states such as Georgia, not to mention his suggestion that America is an inch from reverting to 1965. It isnt true, and his calumny undermines democracy.
Everyone probably remembers the junior high or high school bully. The one who terrorized vulnerable kids, who dressed a little differently or didnt say the right things. The ones who didnt fit in. Those perceived as other.

Every school had a bully.

The only thing worse than a lone bully is a group of them, trying to outdo each other. Then it becomes a competition to see who can punch down harder on their victims. When bullying escalates, the environment deteriorates.

Its a cruel cycle that doesnt end, until the bullies, are shocked enough to understand its in their self-interest to stop. Wed like to think the cycle ends when the bullies have a Road to Damascus moment, like in teen movies, but that doesnt happen. They only stop when someone or something calls a halt to it by showing them how bad the consequences will be if they dont.

Gov. Kim Reynolds in a recent interview admitted shes competitive with other GOP governors. GOP legislators trying to make their MAGA bona fides also compete with one another. Iowa is plunging deeper into a legislative, bully cycle, and its time for it to stop.

The proof is in the more than 30 bills targeting LGBTQ Iowans, especially kids. Public education advocates have defined the issue well. Im far from an expert on LGBTQ issues, but I know bullying when I see it. I also know the GOP legislators and governor dont have a mandate to discriminate against LGBTQ Iowans.

Its time to stop defining and start doing.

Isaiah 11:6 (NKJV) describes how Israel will be restored by saying The Wolf shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, the calf and the young lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. That poetic prophecy is how Iowa could also be restored.

Iowa children began to lead when thousands of students across the state walked out of school to protest the GOP legislature and governors bullying of LGBTQ people.

Im sure the GOP lawmakers public response will be as typical as a Hallmark movie. They just wanted an excuse to ditch class. They dont even know why theyre protesting. The adults instigated it. Theyre paid actors.

But hidden in the nooks and crannies under the Golden Dome is a worried Governor and some sweating lawmakers. They wont publicly admit theyve gone too far. After all, kids protesting intolerance doesnt fit nicely into their Field of Dreams myth. But its a start in restoring Iowa.

Its time for the adults to follow the lead of children, and it begins with doing more than liking on Facebook.

In 1970, it took a Keokuk teacher strike to shock Gov. Robert Ray and GOP majorities in both chambers into passing the 1974 public sector collective bargaining act. They didnt love bargaining, but they hated strikes. They knew Iowans did, too, and their political self-interest was threatened.

Iowa needs to grow economically, but we have a huge workforce shortage. If business groups here, and those thinking about relocating to Iowa would loudly protest the treatment of LGBTQ children, political self-interest may kick in to stop the bullying.

Iowas economic growth depends on welcoming public schools and businesses willing to grow and relocate to the state. Few businesses want to force employees to relocate or continue living in a state that overtly discriminates. Other states that picked on LGBTQ kids suffered economically. Iowa will, too.

Lets let the children lead us to a restored Iowa where we send the message, were fed up with political bullying.

Bruce Lear lives in Sioux City, Iowa. He has been connected to public schools for 38 years. He taught 11 years and represented educators as an Iowa State Education Association Regional Director for 27 years until retiring.
It will be a cold day in Sioux City, with temperatures in the 30s. The forecast calls for it to be a cold 34 degrees. Today's forecasted low temperature is 26 degrees. Plan on a rainy day. Keep an eye on the radar, as there is a 81% chance of precipitation. The Sioux City area should see a light breeze, with winds only reaching 9 miles per hour, coming from Northeast. Special National Weather Service Alert: Winter Weather Advisory from THU 6:00 AM CST until FRI 12:00 AM CST. This report is created automatically with weather data provided by TownNews.com. For more daily forecast information, visit siouxcityjournal.com.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 9)  The policy-making National Economic and Development Authority Board approved a total of 194 priority infrastructure projects worth about 9 trillion.

During a Palace briefing on Thursday, NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said 123 projects are "new and initiated" in the Marcos administration.

Majority of the projects are in physical connectivity and water resources, including irrigation, water supply, and flood management.

Projects in digital connectivity, health, power, and agriculture would also be prioritized, Balisacan said.

Among new projects on the list are:

Panay Railway

 Mindanao Railway III

 North Long Haul Railway

 San Mateo Railway

 UP-PGH Diliman

 NAIA or Ninoy Aquino International Airport rehabilitation

 Ilocos Sur Transbasin

 Metro Cebu Expressway

Balisacan said the projects would be financed through official development assistance, national government, and public-private partnerships (PPP).

"To hasten the rollout of these projects, the Marcos administration is strongly promoting the utilization of public-private partnerships or PPPs, one of the cross-cutting strategies likewise identified in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028," he said, noting that 45 projects have been identified for PPPs.

The list of big-ticket projects, the NEDA chief said, is seen as "a giant step" toward the current administration's target of positioning the Philippines as "a prime investment destination in the region."

"These infrastructure projects, especially once they are rolled out, will boost employment opportunities because there will be massive construction activities It will improve the investment climate of the country. Those will create jobs," he said.

Balisacan said the NEDA Board, chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., also approved amendments to the 2013 NEDA Joint Venture Guidelines, aimed at "enhancing competition for projects under joint ventures, ensuring better performance of private sector participants, and improve checks and balances to ensure that the project is technically and financially sound.




Each week, Prudie discusses a tricky letter with a colleague or friend, just for Slate Plus members. This week Jenee Desmond-Harris discusses her response to A Rose by Any Other Name with fellow Slate writer (and also her husband) Joel Anderson.

Dear Prudence,

My mother-in-law always buys me tacky home decor items as gifts. Im happy to write thank-you cards and tell her how sweet she is, but Im worried I will offend her when she comes to visit when none of it is on display. (Where does one display a pink teddy bear made out of plastic roses? Or a crystal sphere in which a real rose is suspended in some type of liquid?) Can I simply thank her and throw these gifts away? Or should I bring them out whenever she visits?

 A Rose by Any Other Name

Read Prudies original response to this letter.





Jenee Desmond-Harris: So, I know a couple of our parents have had issues with their Slate Plus memberships. Are we going to take a bet on them not reading this or 

Joel Anderson: Well, I know my parents disinterest in my writing career currently rivals their interest in the daily minutiae of our 11-month-old, so I wouldnt expect to hear from them about this. Still, theres no need to speak of my moms birdhouse era, when she beggedfor still unclear reasonsme to place one on the bar of my apartment in Oklahoma. It made my place look like a bootleg Cracker Barrel. Of course, thats neither here nor there.

Jenee: Well Im not going to say who, but someone whose column name rhymes with Dear Judie has a dad who has a friend who buys stuff from Goodwill to resell on eBay. And sometimes that columnist might receive the items that dont sell but are very high quality like a big silver heart, a painting of an African-inspired landscape, or the biggest and heaviest snow globe ever. Like a 45-pound snow globe. Anyway, what that person has been doing with mixed success is just to saytruthfullythat she doesnt have a very big home and really does not have any more shelf or wall space that can be used without creating a lot of clutter.

Joel: I assume thats why we have dining room chairs and other items in the place where my workout area is, but thats fine. I know the parents of the person whose column name rhymes with Dear Booty mean well, and its their way of showing love and affection. Theyre not really in a place where theyre gonna buy us a house or a new car, so this is what they can do for us. Its really, really sweet, even when its sometimes the teensiest bit annoying.

Jenee: Dear Booty! LOL. To be fair my mom moved and didnt have room for the chairs and I took them because we were both emotionally attached and couldnt bear to part with them so theyre just kind of in limbo in your home CrossFit zone. So theres a different issue (hoarding?) going on there. Also, the baby adored the snow globe, I have to admit.

Joel: Its true. But he also likes empty plastic water bottles more than any toy weve ever bought him. The point is, were not going to stop any of our parents from offering up these small tokens of love. And to be honest, you shouldnt want it to.

Jenee: So what I said in the column is that LW needs to get in touch with why the MIL is buying this stuff (spoiler: its cheap and its at the back of HomeGoods and it seems cute), and then she needs to figure out something she can deal with that will give MIL the same shopping satisfaction. You know my go-to is scented candles. Which I legitimately love! And they can be found at any price point at almost any store.

Joel: I think thats one way of handling it. Look, I dont know how the LWs storage situation is set up, or if they have a condition where clutter impacts their productivity or health or even dramatically alters the aesthetics of their home. But I might do the best I could to display at least a couple of these tacky home decor items when the MIL comes over, and place them in a prominent place in the house. And as soon as she leaves, place them in a box in a dark corner of the home. Its not that much of an inconvenience and it greases the skids for maintaining a good, frictionless relationship with people you care about.

Jenee: Thats really sweet of you. I think MIL gets to see the stuff once, maybe twice. But you dont want to get to a point where you have to pull 15 items out of the coat closet every time she comes overyou cant encourage the behavior too much.

Joel: Absolutely. Definitely rotate these knick-knacks for her visits, draw the MILs attention to them, and talk them up in a way that makes her feel good about it. I sincerely doubt she remembers ALL of the crap that shes buying for the house.

Jenee: Wait remember when my momI mean Dear Bootys momgot you a cat paper weight made out of white stone? We kept that thing out for years! On the desk that was in the living room in a very small apartment. So you have actually practiced what you preach.

Joel: I try to remember when they give me something and let them know I value it lol. You do the same with my parents too! Shoot, youre better at this than I am. But, man, I forgot to wear that wolfs tooth necklace your dad got for me and I still kick myself over it now that I cant find it. But to our point: Your pops has never ever brought it up!
A series of very public spats during the Trump administration turned Kellyanne and George Conway into one of Washingtons most curious couplesthe embodiment of our divided country, as Vanity Fair put it. So when she, the former Trump adviser, and he, the staunch Trump detractor, announced their divorce this week, the only surprise was that it took as long as it did. They really put the duh in divorce.

Maybe itll be some small consolation to Kellyanne that their split proves that Trumps still got itit being the ability to end marriages. Looking back on all the members of Trumps inner circle that got divorced during or as a direct result of his time in office, he may well be the anti-Cupid, and now theres another casualty to show for it.

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Be that as it may, well always have our memories of the Conways gloriously strange and, at times, outright hostile marriage. The couple, who got married in 2001 and have four kids together, did not historically root for different candidates. The two were longtime Republicans (she has remained one), and Georges conservative bona fides date back to law school and the Clinton years, when he palled around with Ann Coulter and secretly worked with Paula Jones legal team. Meanwhile, Kellyanne rose to prominence as a pollster and pundit, eventually becoming Trumps campaign manager in the 2016 presidential election. On election night, George was elated by his then-wifes victory. But soon after, as Kellyanne built a reputation for ruthlessly defending her boss, Georges views on Trump began to sour.

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Enter Twitter, which may actually be as responsible for ending the Conways marriage as the former president. After barely using his account in the years prior, George began criticizing Trump in 2017, despite the fact that Kellyanne was by that time a counselor in the White House. His first negative tweet came that June, not long after George Conway dropped out of the running for a position in Trumps Justice Department. In it, George critiqued Trumps tweets about the Muslim travel ban, saying that they undermined his administrations ability to argue for the ban in the Supreme Court. He added, however, that he still VERY STRONGLY support[s] POTUS. At the time, the move received widespread press coverage, though no response from Trump. A reporter called it Georges first tweetstorm, to which he responded, And last. Suffice it to say, he turned out to be very wrong about that.

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George kept his nose down on Twitter for several months after that, but he popped back up in early 2018, posting more than 200 tweets in March alone, the majority of which could be described as anti-Trump or proRobert Mueller (the special counsel leading an investigation of Russias interference in the 2016 election). Georges tweets received another round of media attention, including headlines that said he was going rogue and trolling the president. He soon went viral, gaining scores of Twitter followers and the praise of so-called Resistance Twitter before sealing the deal with a 3,500-word essay rebutting Trumps claim that Muellers investigation was unconstitutional.

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When asked about her husbands activity on CNN, Kellyanne was indignant, but not about Georges opinionsrather, she claimed to be incensed that the network would do something so off-limits as inquire about her significant other. Some wondered if there was something strategic about the couples apparent divide, if it might really be an effort to maintain good ties with both the MAGA and moderate wings of the party. Looking back, it seems pretty clear now that that wasnt the casetheir stances were very real, and they were in fact affecting their relationship.

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The tensions in the Conway marriage were captured in a now-classic Washington Post piece in August 2018. The reporter visited the Conways house, where he witnessed moments of marital strife that seemed right out of a sitcom. Hes our president, Kellyanne said at one point, to which George quipped back, Well see how long that lasts. In the article, the two dont fully bash each other, but they do say some shady things. For example, Kellyanne told the reporter, I feel theres a part of him that thinks I chose Donald Trump over him  Which is ridiculous. One is my work and one is my marriage. She then goes on to call Georges tweets about her boss impolite and disrespectful. George, meanwhile, regretted being the one to originally introduce his wife to Trump. Knowing what I know now, he said in the article, I would have said no, and never mentioned it when I got home. Still, he emphasized that the problem was Trump, not his then-wife. One comes away from reading the piece both fascinated and baffled as to how these two were managing to live together.

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In March 2019, George continued his rogue tweeting, going so far as to post a cover of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and its definition of narcissistic personality disorder after Trump went on a particularly batty Twitter spiral that included attacks on both the late Sen. John McCain and Saturday Night Live. This led to Trump firing back and calling George a total loser. George taunted him back, and Trump doubled down with another tweet: George Conway, often referred to as Mr. Kellyanne Conway by those who know him, is VERY jealous of his wifes success & angry that I, with her help, didnt give him the job he so desperately wanted. I barely know him but just take a look, a stone cold LOSER & husband from hell!

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Things had gotten serious. Vanity Fair later reported that Trump had decided to lash out only after giving Kellyanne an ultimatum: her boss or her husband. She reportedly refused to dignify it with an answer, but in another way, she did make a choice. In an interview with Politico after the skirmish, Kellyanne defended not her husband, but her boss. He left it alone for months out of respect for me, she said of Trump. But you think he shouldnt respond when somebody, a non-medical professional, accuses him of having a mental disorder? You think he should just take that sitting down? Vanity Fair reported that around this time, Kellyanne stopped wearing her wedding ring and started saying It is what it is when asked about her marriage.

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As Business Insider has chronicled, Kellyanne attended a state dinner sans George later that year. He stuck with his crusade, publishing an op-ed in support of one of the women who accused Trump of rape and an 11,000-word article in the Atlantic with the title Unfit for Office. (You can guess who it was about.) The relationship hit a new, tense milestone, per Insider, that December when George went from derisively quote-tweeting Trump to derisively quote-tweeting his own wife with a taunt about Trumps dealings with Ukraine. After Kellyanne shared a video of Joe Biden, writing, We need Ukraines help to defeat THIS guy?, George responded, Your boss apparently thought so.

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As the 2020 presidential election ramped up, George co-founded the Lincoln Project, a prominent PAC made up of Republicans and former Republicans working to prevent another Trump term. Trumps attacks continued, and he even floated a new nickname for Kellyannes deranged loser of a husband: Moonface. (That one never really caught on.)

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Its unlikely that any of this bad blood was made better by the couples teenage daughter, Claudia, who transformed into a TikTok star in mid-2020, at the height of the presidential race. She gained attention for her support of liberal causes and criticism of her mothers boss. Like father, like daughterher TikTok presence definitely had a similarly rogue vibe to it, and it prompted a familiar round of Resistance virality.

But her TikToks and the things she said about her family in themwhether they were expressions of teenage angst or something more seriouscould also be concerning: She spoke about suffering and seeking emancipation. In response, both her parents announced in August 2020 that they would be stepping back from their professional roles to focus on their family. This was supposed to mean less public sniping, and it mostly did, but Kellyanne was still somewhat involved in Trumps campaign.

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In early 2021, George warned people about the potential threat of Jan. 6 and condemned the violence afterward. Kellyanne didnt go full Stop the Steal, but she continued to praise the Trump administrations accomplishments publicly. As Vanity Fair put it, But then how could Kellyanne Conway profess anything but admiration? To admit that Trump is a profoundly flawed human being would be to admit that George was right and that she made a mistake. Claudia, meanwhile, claimed that the couple, who were allegedly considering divorce as early as 2021, was just putting on a show for publicity.

Kellyanne published a memoir, Heres the Deal, in 2022, and in it, she compared Georges anti-Trump tweets to infidelity. She told CNN, George owes no allegiance to a political party or a presidential candidate. But his vows to me, I feel, were broken. They were presumably still married when it came out, and at the time, it looked like they might just stay in their externally bizarre arrangement forever.

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So why split now? Time magazine asked some marriage therapists to speculateperhaps the pressure was what was keeping them together; perhaps they lost the notion of themselves as a team. As inevitable as their divorce seemed, well probably never get a firm explanation for its timing.

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Trump, of course, has already weighed in via his own social network, Truth Social: Congratulations to Kellyanne Conway on her DIVORCE from her wacko husband, Mr. Kellyanne Conway. Free at last, she has finally gotten rid of the disgusting albatross around her neck. She is a great person, and will now be free to lead the kind of life that she deservesand it will be a great life without the extremely unattractive loser by her side!

The world makes a little more sense now that the Conways are officially no more, but theres no denying that its also that much less interesting without their antics. Mr. Kellyanne Conway, we hardly knew ye.
When the Supreme Court handed down its decision in Dobbs v. Jackson, it overruled Roe v. Wade and allowed state legislatures to criminalize abortion care for the first time in half a century. What the court also did was hand off a fundamentally theological issue to elected state representatives. Around the country, states began to pass abortion bans that often featured explicitly religious claims about when human life begins. This led religious objectors to file lawsuits claiming that their own religious freedoms were being burdened by the states new laws.

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In Missouri, for instance, religious leaders are challenging a draconian state ban that was passed as lawmakers claimed, variously, that life begins at conception and that is built into our legislative findings, and that they were motivated from the Biblical side of it. A related lawsuit, on different constitutional grounds, was filed in Indiana, with plaintiffs including a group named Hoosier Jews for Choice and five women who challenged the abortion law under the states religious freedom statute arguing that it burdens their own religious beliefs.

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Indianas near-total ban was enacted last summer, immediately after Dobbs: S.E.A. 1 eliminated the licenses for all abortion clinics in the state, and allowed exceptions for abortions at hospitals only in cases of rape, incest, lethal fetal abnormalities, or a serious health risk to the mother. A state judge enjoined it this past December, finding that S.E.A. 1 substantially burdens the religious exercise of the Plaintiffs. This particular suit is fast becoming ground zero for reshaping American ideas about religious freedom and who gets to claim it and who gets to decide which religious adherents are sincere.

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Even before that December ruling, the Indiana abortion ban had already been enjoined by a state judge, on different grounds, and is pending at that states Supreme Court.

But the Hoosier Jews for Choice case squarely presents the issue of whether the religious freedom of dissenting religionists was being burdened in violation of Indianas Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The plaintiffs urge that the belief that life begins at conception, shared by Christian anti-abortion advocates, is not a theological opinion shared by all religions or all religious persons. Three of the five women plaintiffs in the lawsuit are Jewish.

One is Muslim, and the other woman describes herself as having nontheistic spiritual beliefs. Each plaintiff claims that her own faith is compromised by the near-total ban.

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Their brief explained that under Jewish law, broadly speaking, a fetus is only deemed a fully autonomous living person at birth, when they take their first breath. Islam does not believe in fetal ensoulment at conception, and some Muslim scholars argue the fetus does not possess a soul until 120 days after conception.

The Hoosiers suit was bumping along relatively smoothly in the Indiana court until January, when the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty filed an amicus brief defending the state ban. Before I get into the arguments of the brief, lets agree that courts regularly review claims of religious sincerity under the RFRA, sure, and more on that in a moment. But the brief filed here, not to put too fine a point on it, is astonishing in its frank and candid willingness to impugn the good faith of Jews and other religious minorities. Becket, which describes itself as a a nonprofit, nonpartisan law firm that protects the free expression of all religious faiths and has represented other religious minorities in some major cases, has also represented mostly Catholic and Christian litigants, from the religious business owners of Hobby Lobby to Wheaton College to the Little Sisters of the Poor. Becket also represents Yeshiva University in its quest to discriminate against its own LGBTQ club on the basis of religious freedom. But its filing in the Indiana abortion case goes rather further than any pro-religion group needs to go to make a point about who is lying about their faith.

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Under Indianas state RFRA, the government is barred from impeding someones religious free exercise unless theres a compelling argument in favor of the states interest, and that state interest is being promoted in the least restrictive way possible. (The states RFRA was signed into law by then-Gov. Mike Pence in 2015.) The Becket brief could have challenged the Hoosier Jews for Choice on any number of grounds, such as arguing that the abortion ban properly furthers a state interest in fetal life, and that this interest was narrowly tailored. But they opted to argue that the religious objectors challenging the abortion restriction were religiously insincere. Let me just say that again. Or better yet, let the religious liberty advocates at Becket say it themselves:

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 the court below failed to consider evidence that Plaintiffs beliefs are insincere. Plaintiffs have not shown that their beliefs are truly held. Plaintiffs say they are religiously obligated to seek abortions up to the ninth month. But Indiana law has never conformed to their alleged religious belief that they must terminate any pregnancy that endangers their physical, mental, or emotional health to an unspecified degree based on a subjective self-assessment. Despite this discrepancy, Plaintiffs raised no religious objections to Indianas prior abortion regime, and several of them openly embrace iteven though it effectively banned abortions after 20 weeks. Why the sudden change of heart? There is a reasonable inference that the true reason Plaintiffs filed this lawsuit is because they disagree with the Supreme Courts intervening decision in Dobbsnot because their alleged religious beliefs are truly held.

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If any of this sounds familiar to you, its because some tentative thoughts to this effect were advanced immediately after Dobbs was decided in June, by a law professor, Josh Blackman, suggesting that no non-Orthodox Jews could in fact claim to have any sincere religious obligations, because, as he explained at the time, Reform Jews tend not to view as binding Jewish law or halacha. Since they arent bound by Jewish law, the argument goes, they have no religious duties or obligations that could ground their objections to an abortion ban. And if they claim otherwiseif they attempt to explain their own religious convictions themselvesthen they arent being sincere. Basically, the charge is that liberal and progressive Jews are faking their claims to take advantage of religious liberty protections.

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Prof. Micah Schwartzman and I responded to these tentative thoughts last summer, warning that under Blackmans analysis, the same groups who were advocating for religious freedom for their own adherents would soon begin to limit it for other faiths. As we said back then, the implication of this argument is that since liberal and progressive Jews can pick and choose their religious commitments, they dont in fact have any religious obligations. And since they dont have any obligations, they cant show that the government has substantially burdened them. And since theres no substantial burden, they cant claim religious exemptions from abortion laws, or any other law for that matter.

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The Becket brief goes big on its claims that the religious liberty claims of the Indiana plaintiffs show powerful evidence of insincerity. The plaintiffs, says Becket, assert, in a single, threadbare sentence, that according to our Jewish beliefs, if a pregnant persons health or wellbeingphysical, mental, or emotionalwere endangered by a pregnancy, pregnancy-related condition, or fetal abnormality, they are directed to terminate the pregnancy. 

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In other words: Christian advocacy group accuses Conservative and Reform Jews of lying about their own religious dogma. This will end well.

A pair of notable amicus briefs filed on behalf of the plaintiffs are forced to respond to these claims, and they each do a good job of explaining that which should never have needed to be said. The first, filed by historians who specialize in the study of religion, law, and reproductive health, takes aim at Beckets claim of religious insincerity by showing in meticulous detail that the faith groups gathered in this lawsuit have a long and consistent record of viewing access to abortion or contraception as a matter of faith. Directly refuting the pernicious notion that only pro-life groups have sincerely held religious views on abortion, the historians detail the ways in which, since the early 20th century, religious Hoosiers subscribed to and participated in the development of religious beliefs that sanctioned birth control and abortion. The struggle for birth control information and devices by people of faith underpinned the subsequent religious struggles for access to abortion.

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The brief elaborates on the myriad ways in which Protestant and Jewish groups fought for access to birth control and reproduction; their faith leaders wrote and preached and organized around it, and this was the case across decades. By the 1950s, Protestants and Jews took as axiomatic that birth control was essential to nurturing childrens spiritual and psychological development, maternal health, economic security, and the sanctity of family. The historians point out that even Orthodox Jewish groups, including the Orthodox Union and Agudath Israel, which never went so far as to support unfettered access to legal abortionnonetheless indicated that situations in which maternal health, rather than maternal life, are involved pose complex problems requiring rabbinic authority who will review the medical data and render advice in accordance with Jewish law.  Its only been in recent years that this position has shifted to align with anti-abortion forces claiming that under Jewish law, life also begins at conception. The brief, reciting the work of religious groups in Indiana over the past century, concludes that to question the sincerity of the plaintiffs in this case is to ignore the historical record, in this state and beyond it, and to insult the profound commitments of countless people of faith. Its frankly embarrassing that historians need to weigh in to explain the history of religious advocacy for maternal health, birth control, and abortion to a court, but that is where we are.

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Its even more embarrassing that a second amicus brief, this one filed by the National Council of Jewish Women and other interfaith religious groups, is forced to argue that the plaintiffs in this suit are not in fact lying about their religious commitments and values. The brief details the religious views and beliefs of the plaintiffs, and connects them to their behavior around abortion and pregnancy, concluding that Plaintiffs and Hoosier Jews hold sincere religious beliefs about abortion. Plaintiffs and Hoosier Jews demonstrate consistency and clarity in describing their religious beliefs; consistent behavior aligned with those beliefs; sincere motive in bringing this lawsuit; appropriate timing; and credible demeanor. Plaintiffs and Hoosier Jews behavior is religiously motivated.

For what its worth, in an unrelated lawsuit last summer, Becket issued a triumphal press release opining that Courts cant decide what it means to be Catholiconly the Church can do that. By keeping the judiciary out of religious identity, the Indiana Supreme Court just protected all religious institutions to be free from government interference in deciding their core religious values. It actually beggars belief that Indiana Jews and Muslims are not to be offered the same solicitude to decide what it means to be a Muslim or a Jew.

We thus find ourselves, just months after Dobbsone of the most deeply theologically inflected decisions in recent historylistening to ostensibly faith-based litigation shops rehearsing arguments about the religious sincerity of adherents of different, minority faiths, and the history of that sincerity. This shift happened very quickly and almost imperceptibly, but it is happening nonetheless. It started with Hoosier Jews. It will not end there.
You might think that any American judge would be severely penalized for tormenting an innocent child in open court, but you would be wrong. Federal judges, protected by life tenure, can mistreat people in their courtrooms, including spectators, with near impunity and little fear of meaningful punishment. That is just what happened last month in San Diego, when senior Federal District Judge Roger Benitez committed what can only be described as a blatant act of child abuse.

When Mario Puente brought his 13-year-old daughter to Benitezs courtroom, he hoped that her visible support might help him persuade the judge that he was committed to turning his life around, rather than being returned to prison for violating his parole on drug charges. Benitez, a George W. Bush appointee, was indeed moved by the girls presence, but in a stunningly inhumane direction. Before the hearing was over, the teenager found herself weeping in handcuffs at the judges command, even though she had done nothing more than sit quietly in the spectators section while her father attempted to talk himself out of more prison time.

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Before we get to the paucity of consequences for the judge, lets get a full picture of what transpired, as described by the Los Angeles Times analysis of the court transcript.

Puente had already served five years for drug possession, and had offended again while on supervised release, which would almost inevitably mean returning to prison. Allowed to address the court before sentencing, the defendant tried to explain the impact of continually running into his old drug-using friends, and how he might be able now to avoid them if he could remain on the outside.

Its a reoccurring cycle. Its a revolving door, he told Benitez, adding that he could avoid bad company only by moving away from San Diego, leaving what I know, leaving everybody I know.

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Fatefully, Puente then made a reference to his daughter, meant only to emphasize his commitment to relocation. She is following the same footsteps as I am right now, he said.

Benitez interrupted and asked Puente what he meant.

Shes basically growing up where I grew up, so shes encountering the same people that I grew up with thats going to lead her into the same path that I went down, the defendant answered.

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That triggered a harsh reaction from Benitez, who turned to the courtroom marshal.

You got cuffs? he asked, as he ordered the girl to approach the bench.

Put the cuffs on her, the judge instructed the marshal, who evidently complied without protesting, cuffing the crying child behind her back.

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Benitez told the marshal to place the girl in the jury box, and finally released her from the restraints after a long pause. But he wasnt done. Rather than allow her to return to the gallery, Benitez began lecturing her.

How did you like the way those cuffs felt on you? the judge demanded.

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I didnt like it, she tearfully replied.

How did you like sitting up there? Benitez asked.

I didnt like it, she said again.

Good. That was the message I was hoping to get to you, Benitez told her. So your dads made some serious mistakes in his life, and look at where its landed him.  And if youre not careful, young lady, youll wind up in cuffs, and youll find yourself right there where I put you a minute ago.

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Youre an awfully cute young lady, he continued, and I have a feeling you have a wonderful life ahead of you. But from what I just heard  from your dad causes me to be very troubled.

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Finally allowing the girl to return to her seat next to an aunt and a family friend, Benitez returned to the courts actual business, sentencing Puente to an additional 10 months in prison.

There is no name for Benitezs actions other than child abuse. With zero cause, provocation, or possible justification, he manacled an innocent kid while hectoring her about a grim future as she wept.

Almost any other professionalteacher, social worker, security guardwould be quickly suspended for such behavior, and probably fired. But Benitez has life tenure as a federal district judge, which makes him nearly free from serious consequences. He cannot be sued for damages, because he has judicial immunity for conduct on the bench. And he cannot be removed from office other than by impeachment in the House of Representatives and conviction in the Senate.

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The Code of Conduct for United States Judges requires judges to be respectful, and courteous to litigants, jurors, witnesses, lawyers, and others with whom the judge deals in an official capacity, but it has no provisions for enforcement.

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The only conceivable recourse against Benitez is under the relatively toothless Judicial Conduct and Disability Act of 1980. To his credit, Chief Judge Dana Sabraw, of the Southern District of California, has initiated a complaint under the act, but that can lead, at most, to a private or public censureand perhaps a temporary interruption of newly assigned casesleaving Benitez free to continue his bullying ways.

It would be useful here to note some solution for the complete lack of accountability for federal judges, but it is difficult to think of one. We can take some satisfaction that the chief judge is pursuing a complaint against Benitez, even if the available remedies are feeble. And it is good to know that Puentes case was transferred to another judge, who reduced his prison sentence to time served.

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It should be unsettling for every judge in California, and beyond, to realize that cases will continue to be heard, and prison sentences will continue to be handed out, by a judge who so casually maltreated a child. It is therefore frustrating that other federal judges have said nothing in public about Benitezs egregious misbehavior.

The Code of Conduct does not prevent judges from criticizing each other. Police officers may have a code of silence, and mobsters are said to take an oath of omerta, but the public would benefit if judges were willing to call out their colleagues for extreme and unquestionable misconduct.

As to Benitez himself, well, it appears that he hasnt even apologized. He has refused to answer questions about the events, and he instructed an administrative clerk to say that he regrets that he is not permitted to comment on matters pending before the court.

That is a cowardly cop-out. The Puente case is no longer pending in his court, and the traumatized child was never involved in a pending matter at all. Moreover, the Code of Judicial Conduct specifically allows a judge to provide explanations of court procedures.

Of course, that would require Benitez to show some respect for the public and the people in his courtroom, and he has already demonstrated that he has none.
Congresswoman Hillary Scholten remembers exactly where she was when she realized her new job on Capitol Hill was about to get a lot more complicated. My heart just sank, she said. I couldnt believe what I was reading.

Scholten was reading the New York Times, a big investigation into immigrant child labor. The very first anecdote in this 5,000-word opus is about a 15-year-old girl bagging cereal on the graveyard shift in the Hearthside Food Solutions plant in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Scholten is a third-generation Michigander. Shes from Grand Rapids. And it wasnt just that companies in Scholtens hometown were employing kids. It was that many of these kids seemed to be living without their parents. And a lot of them were falling asleep in school because they had full-time jobs. The machines they were working on? They had been known to slice off workers fingers.

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Especially as an attorney who has worked on these issues her entire career, it felt like a personal attack, Scholten said.

On Wednesdays episode of the show, I spoke with the former immigration attorneyturnedcongresswoman about the broader powers she has now thats she in D.C. and whether she will be able to use them. Our conversation has been condensed and edited for clarity.

Mary Harris: Rep. Hillary Scholten says the nuances of immigration have always been important to her. Before she was an attorney, she worked as a migrant advocate. But once she got her law degree, she took that experience one step forward, joining the DOJ.

Hillary Scholten: I was working at the Justice Department on immigration issues largely related to enforcement, figuring out how to make our laws more just, more fair, more humane.

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You were working on immigration appeals, right?

Yeah, exactly. But the Board of Immigration Appeals also has jurisdiction over dealing with regulations. Its the highest administrative agency dealing with immigration issuesnot only one-off cases, but we set national precedent for things like asylum, dealing with children who are detained in the United States. Its a very powerful agency. Not a lot of people realize how much influence it has. And so thats significant because when Trump was elected, we saw such a marked change in the direction of the work, where the focus of the policies seemed to be cruelty for the point of cruelty. And I couldnt continue to work there and uphold my oath to protect and defend the Constitution, let alone maintain my own moral compass. And so I took a stand and I left.

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Scholten soon got a new job at the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center. But almost as soon as she arrived, her workand the work of many other immigration attorneys across the countrywas thrown into chaos. Things got especially bad as it became clear the Department of Homeland Security was separating migrant children from their parents at the border, leaving lawyers and advocates to figure out what to do next. Thats when Hillary Scholten started seriously considering a run for Congress.

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At the height of the family separation crisis, our agency was responsible for helping reunite and represent so many children. Imagine a legal services waiting room that turned into a virtual day care center overnight with kids who didnt know where their parents were. And there were a lot of reasons I raised my hand to run, but no doubt I can pinpoint the moment when I was like, Oh, hell no, I got to do more. Its the height of the summer. My dear husband came to visit me at work. It was going to be a late night, and he brought me an iced coffee. And we were chatting, and we walked through our waiting room. Hes normally a pretty stoic guy, and he fell silent. And I turned and looked at him, and his eyes had just filled with tears. And I realized that we had walked past a set of three siblings, all dressed in their Sunday best, between the ages of 5 and 7. Thats how old our children were at the time. And he just said, Hill, you see this stuff on the news. It is an entirely different level to look these children in the eye.

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One of our youngest clients was separated from his parents at 4 months old. Youre not just walking away from a parent. Youre being taken from their arms.

Five years later, this investigation by the New York Times has Scholten thinking about different ways to help migrant children. Just this past weekend, she returned to her district to connect with constituents and think about how she can intervene, now that her communitys child labor problem is no longer a secret. She can already see the way the news has rippled outward.

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One of the saddest things about the fallout of all of this is that there has continued to be some real discontent within the immigrant communities here, where shining a light on the exploitation of children has also shined a light on the fact that there have been so many other individuals working without authorization in these factories. And as companies have started to look into whos actually working here, their labor pool has vanished. Hearthside, after the Times ran the investigation, said they were going to be doing inspections on the manufacturing floor, and 75 percent of their workforce didnt show up the next day.

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One of the most heartbreaking details in this New York Times reporting about migrant labor involves the way kids were going to school, which is required by law, and working full time. There was a ninth grade teacher in Grand Rapids who went on the record basically saying a kid passed out in class from fatigue, was hospitalized, eventually dropped out. The thing that was so shocking about this story is this wasnt a secret. People knew. They just didnt seem to know who to tell.

Thats exactly right. And these teachers are doing everything that they can to keep these kids learning, to keep them protected, but clearly, if the individuals in their lives dont even know where to go or who to turn to, the children themselves certainly dont. We as a societyevery single individual bears a modicum of responsibility for letting us get to this point. But any energy that we spend in turning the blame away from these companies is the wrong direction for our energy right now. We have had these labor laws on the books for over a hundred years. There are plenty of companies that dont exploit children. And yet, there are some bad actors here who have, in the case of this company in Grand Rapids, according to the New York Times, appeared to have knowingly violated these laws. You have 14-year-old children walking around on the floor and people saying, Hey, I think thats a kid, and you dont do anything about it? The blame needs to fall squarely at the feet of these companies and they need to be held accountable. Exploiting children cannot just be a cost of doing business.

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What about looking beyond the companies? The whole reason the New York Times went to Grand Rapids to investigate was that they found this data point that only 7 percent of migrant children in Grand Rapids were being released to their parents. And it was an immediate red flag because it meant sponsorspeople who are saying, Come live with mearent their family necessarily. They might be people who are basically trafficking the kids or using them to earn money. And thats the kind of thing where it seems like that data was pretty freely available. And thats about more than the companies. Thats about how well were looking after minors who are coming in to our country.

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Thats exactly right. That is exactly why I advocated for this interagency task force, because both the Department of Labor and the Department of Health and Human Services have a role to play in enforcing these laws and protecting these children. One of the large initiatives out of this task force will be increased sponsor vetting. Over the next four weeks, HHS is going to conduct an audit of the vetting process for potential sponsors who have previously sponsored an unaccompanied child and will provide staff training on appropriate assessments of this process. We are very engaged with both agencies on making sure that this task force is doing everything that it possibly can to protect these kids and prevent this from happening again.

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Last week, Rep. Hillary Scholten took to the floor of Congress to present her plan for dealing with migrant child labor in the U.S. She started with that interagency task force she mentioned. It will encourage the Department of Labor and Department of Health and Human Services to work together to prevent kids from ending up on assembly lines. It is HHS that is supposed to be tracking migrant kids once they get into the country, and its the Department of Labor that should be enforcing child labor laws.

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But Scholten is already thinking bigger. She says that as a Democratic congressperson who flipped a red seat blue, shes uniquely positioned to take on this bigger fight, overhauling the immigration system completely.

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I am not a typical Democrat in a lot of ways. As someone who has worked on enforcement issues, I understand the importance of enforcing our laws not only as a penalty for individual migrants who want to break the law, but as a key mechanism for keeping kids safe. If you cant get children across the border, they cant be exploited. So we need to get over this notion that border security is somehow anti-humanitarian. It is a key component of making sure that we have a just and humane immigration system.

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Do you find thats a sticking point sometimes when you talk to your fellow Democrats?

Absolutely. We as a party have just not figured out how to talk about comprehensive immigration issues. And now Im in a position to do something about it.

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Yeah, but a lot of politicians have died on this hill. You know what I mean? Comprehensive immigration reform, what youre talking aboutthinking bigare you confident you can do it?

When I first raised my hand to run for office, everyone said there is no way in hell West Michigan is going to elect a Democrat, a woman, a mother to represent this seat. Then here I am.

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Are you the first congresswoman from your district?

I am. And I know that there are so many others who have worked tirelessly and tried to bring about comprehensive immigration reform. But I think that we have a brand new moment here in this time and in this Congress. There are so many new, fresh voices in my freshman class. Ive already been working with them and talking with themRepublicans and Democrats, who want to see comprehensive immigration reform come to light. Its a humanitarian issue. Yes, absolutely. But this issue perfectly exemplifies how this is not only a humanitarian issue, its an economic and a workforce issue. We have a critical worker shortage in this country, and so we have all kinds of new parties coming to the table demanding a solution who never have before. I dont have a single meetingand this is not an exaggerationwhere the need to fix our immigration system is not brought up as a part of the work that is done.

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By constituents?

By constituents. A meeting at the airport about how extensive delays to get the certain type of permit to do the work that we need is a worker shortage issue, which is directly related to immigration. I had a meeting with the bankers, in my office, and they were talking about how one of the biggest barriers to reaching new communities is the fact that people are so afraid of traditional institutions because theyre afraid theyre going to get reported, and it creates unsafe situations in communities when people are not putting their money into banks but keeping it at their homes. Then talking with local law enforcement about how they feel a huge barrier to connecting with communities is a lack of immigration status. People dont report. They dont reach out. That makes all of us less safe. And were putting the burden of enforcing our immigration laws on local law enforcement when in fact their job is to catch burglars, car thieves, murderers, and assailants. This is not the job of bankers and other local administrators. This is the job of Congress.

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As an immigration attorney, can you talk to me a bit about how you crack down on child labor without hurting the actual children involved?

Thats going to be key to this response, because I can tell you already these children are experiencing backlash in the community.

What does that backlash look like?

The children who were reported on in this article are not the only ones working. This is a widespread problem. And it looks like the migrant community saying, Nobody speaks to the press anymore. Nobody speak to law enforcement anymore. Theres a silencing that happens.

Is that because the fear is that jobs will go away for everyone?

Thats exactly right. And thats why it is so incumbent on us in this moment to step in and understand that a key component of protection is making sure that we fix the laws that allowed this exploitation to begin in the first place. Theres only so much that the Department of Labor can do or that the Department of Health and Human Services can do when theyre working within a fundamentally flawed and broken program. And I will put that squarely at the feet of the United States Congress, of which I am now a member. So this is my problem to solve, and Im here to solve it.

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You say that youre a member of Congress, you want to hold yourself accountable. Are you giving yourself a deadline?

If you could see the bags under my eyes, you would understand that the deadline has already passed and we are working on a 40-year deficit to deliver on comprehensive immigration reform that has led to this system where these kids can be exploited. Its hard to completely convey how personal I take this as someone who has made it my lifes goal to make our country more just and fair for the most vulnerable among usand as a mom who sees her kids on that factory floor.
If you listened to Senate floor speeches Wednesday, you heard, over and over, about how the city of Washington, D.C., is an irradiated hellscape where anyone can, and will, be murdered. And how Congress alone can save it.

The District, lamented Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall, no longer belongs to the people. The city now belongs to the criminals. Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst explained that the sad reality is no one is off-limits to the criminals running rampant in our capital.

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No one is safe, Ernst warned.

On Thursday, these arguments won, big. The Senate voted 8114, with Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock voting present, to block the D.C. governments revised criminal code, a years-in-the-making initiative that has been subject to substantial distortion by pundits about what it actually does. The floodgates had opened after President Biden made a surprise announcement that he wouldnt veto the billeffectively freeing Congress to squash the product of 16 years of work to reform outdated, confusing, and often arbitrary laws.

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[Read about what was actually going to change under D.C.s revised criminal code.]

This effort by Republicans, who organized to block the code, was a wild success. We are looking at a situation where Joe Biden will soon sign a criminal justice bill introduced in the House by Georgia Rep. Andrew Clyde, who is most famous for having said in 2021 that the Jan. 6 riots resembled a normal tourist visit.

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How did this get so far?

Its simple: Democrats fear of looking soft on crime runs deep.

First it was the House Republicans who wanted to put their Democratic counterparts in a tough spot. To do so, they used a disapproval mechanism under the Home Rule Act that gives Congress a window of time to nullify recently passed laws in D.C. It was a bit of a setup: This scenario would force Democrats to choose between their commitment to D.C. self-government and their fear of being tagged as crime-loving criminals in campaign ads. (Theres been an almost obsessive focus in the media on the revised criminal codes lowering of maximum penalties on armed carjackinga serious problem in D.C. these dayseven though the lower number would be 24 years, which is still substantially longer than the longest carjacking sentences that judges mete out today.)

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Thirty-one House Democrats, many of them in vulnerable districts, eschewed looking soft on crime and voted for the bill in early February. But Democratic leaders whipped against the measure to make sure it didnt hit a veto-proof majority. They had reason to believe Biden would veto it, after all. Three days before the vote, the White House released an official Statement of Administration Policy, which stated that Biden opposed the Republican measure. (It did not say, flat-out, that Biden would veto it.)

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When the resolution reached the Senate, its passage was likely there, too. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer couldnt refuse to give it a vote, procedurally, and it wasnt subject to a 60-vote filibuster. All it needed to pass was all of the Republicans and a couple of Democratic votes from the pool of the many, many Senate Democrats facing difficult reelection fights. But as long as there werent 67 votes, Bidens eventual veto could be sustained.

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Then, last week, Biden told Senate Democrats during a weekly lunch that he would not veto itindeed, he would sign it. The reason he highlighted? Carjackings.

And as soon as Biden made that announcement, Senate Democrats looking for cover rushed to take Bidens side. (And House Democrats, who are deeply unhappy, wondered where this cover was when they couldve used it.) Sen. Patty Murray, a liberal representing Washington state who just won a fresh term in 2016, told reporters, Ill be voting the same way the president is. Montana Sen. Jon Tester, who is also quite vulnerable, used the same phrase. Out and out they kept coming. On Monday, the D.C. Council said it would withdraw the crime bill. And on Tuesday, Schumer announced that he, too, would vote to squash D.C.s criminal code.

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Im going to vote yes, Schumer said. It was a close question, but on balance Im voting yes.

A reporter began a follow-up question.

Next! Schumer said.

Democrats dont love to talk about this issue, as Republicans are successfully wielding it to cleave them apart. During Wednesdays debate, few if any Democrats voting with those Republicans came to defend their position. A few of the Democrats who did vote against the resolution, though, came to defend theirs.

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Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen noted that the revised D.C. code would have higher maximum sentences for attempted murder, among other crimes, than Republican Leader Mitch McConnells own state of Kentucky.

New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker made a similar point, noting that D.C.s armed carjacking convictions would have a maximum penalty higher than Georgia, Kansas, North Dakota, Kentucky.

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Maybe, Booker added, we should do a unanimous consent right now saying that Kentucky is too soft on crime, because D.C. wants higher maximum penalties?

I tried to ask both Booker and Van Hollen after their speeches why their view hadnt prevailed among so many of their fellow Democrats. Is it just 2024 politics? They didnt love the question.

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I dont want to speak to my colleagues position on this vote, Van Hollen told me.

You guys are focusing on the political analysis, Booker told me. Im focused on the actual law, and I hope more people will start writing about a bill that literally does more to protect police officers, victims of sexual assault, children who are victims of sexual assault. My prayer is that people will start looking at the facts of this bill and not let it be so distorted without very many people writing the truth.

But did he think his fellow Democratic senators hadnt been looking at the facts?

Im not saying that at all, he said.
On Monday, Tucker Carlson used his popular prime-time program in an effort to undermine the work of last years House Select Committee on the Jan. 6 Attack by presenting footage that, he claimed, would cast its conclusions into serious doubt. It was a flop. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy gave Carlson more than 40,000 hours of footage from that day, and the Fox News host used it to make the case that the vast majority of rioters were, in fact, peaceful sightseers smeared through guilt by association with a few bad apples. But to all but the most committed (or deluded) MAGA devotees, Carlsons effort failed. A growing number of Republican lawmakersincluding Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Sens. Mitt Romney, Thom Tillis, Mike Rounds, Kevin Cramer, Lindsey Graham, Chuck Grassley, and Joni Ernsthave condemned the push to rewrite history. The episode quickly became a subject of widespread mockery and scorn, apparently failing to gain even an iota of traction among the Trump-skeptical conservatives it was designed to entice.

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This reaction is, of course, good news for American democracy: It shows that the party which theoretically stands to gain from downplaying Jan. 6 is sharply divided on that strategy, with some leaders sharply rejecting it. And we cannot underestimate the impact of Carlsons recently revealed texts expressing contempt for the former president, which puts his shameless duplicity on full display. But it is also worth reflecting on the massive, perhaps decisive role that the Jan. 6 committee played in inoculating Americans against this whitewashing of the insurrection. For months, it has been difficult to articulate what, precisely, that committee accomplished: Its criminal referrals remain up in the air, its Republican co-chair lost her seat to a MAGA-oriented primary challenger, and it is now the subject of a cynical investigation by the new House GOP majority eager to discredit its work.

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All of which raises the question: What good did any of it do? Carlson inadvertently gave us the answer. The Jan. 6 committee provided the nation with a definitive account of the violence that day, providing critical background information, a blow-by-blow account of the inciting acts, a tick-tock of the riot itself, and a lengthy epilogue covering the players reactions. In short, the committee served as prosecutor, laying out the strongest case against the offenders with such force and clarity that the most casual viewer could easily grasp it. (Hundreds of Jan. 6 cases have been quietly tried by actual federal prosecutors, but none of these have broken through with the public in the same way that the Jan. 6 committees proceedings did.) The committee treated the American people like a jury perfectly capable of drawing its own conclusions. The hearings were not, as Republicans insisted, an effort to influence any particular election, but an attempt to set the record straight forever.

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From the start, the extensive video of Jan. 6 presented a challenge to the committee. It could not possibly show all the footage, or even all the most inculpatory footage, during its hearings. Instead, it had to pick a handful of highlights (or lowlights) that illustrated the broader story of the insurrection. Although James Goldston, a former TV executive hired by the committee, has declined to disclose his exact work on the hearings, his influence was evident in the selection of video. The committee repeatedly used harrowing montages of violence to help viewers understand what it felt like to be in a Capitol under siege. It juxtaposed these videos with supercuts of lawmakers reacting to the pandemonium to convey their terror and confusion. Finally, the committee deployed shorter standalone videos, like Josh Hawleys infamous dash through the hallway or footage of rioters in Speaker Nancy Pelosis office, to show how individual malefactors behaved amidst the chaos.

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In other words, the Jan. 6 committee did what all good prosecutors do: contextualize evidence by situating it within a broader narrative of the alleged crime in question. The 40,000-plus hours of video provide enough content for any moderately sophisticated editor to tell almost any story they want about that day. What the committee did was tell a story that has the benefit of being true. We may remember the videos most clearly given that they were so graphic and vivid and, for a few news cycles, ubiquitous. But these videos were memorable precisely because they were so thoroughly contextualized. They punctuatedand corroborateda huge amount of eyewitness testimony, cross-examination, and incriminating evidence like communications between key players.

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That is how both the prosecution and defense make their case in a court of law, and it translated into congressional hearings perfectly. Lawyers understand that video evidence is not enough; different people can watch the same footage and see two totally different things. This problem arises frequently when law enforcement violates constitutional rights on camera: One court may see video of the incident as proof of official misconduct, while another may see it as absolving the police. If the plaintiffs are fortunate enough to get to a jury trial, lawyers on both sides ask jurors to see the video the way that they do. They do so by providing additional evidence that encourages the juror to support their interpretation of the footage. Thats why the Jan. 6 committee used so many short videos to confirm that their witness were telling the truth, rather than relying on the videos alone to make their case.

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That strategy proved especially wise in light of Carlsons whitewash. His theory of the case was that Jan. 6 was no insurrection at all, nor was it even violent, except for a few clashes involving a small subset of bad actors. He claimed that the Jan. 6 rioters were actually sightseers who were welcomed into the building by law enforcement, escorted around on a tour, and then unfairly tarnished by the actions of others (possibly undercover FBI agents). Conservatives have touted this theory from the start, with one GOP congressman calling the invasion a normal tourist visit. Carlson sought to bolster this theory with various videos showing relatively peaceable moments in parts of the Capitol complex during the riot. Most prominently, he showed a video misleadingly edited to make it look as if Jacob Chansley, the so-called QAnon Shaman, was merely taking an authorized tour. (Chansley has pleaded guilty to a felony offense and is currently serving a 41-month prison sentence.)

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With more than 40,000 hours of surveillance footage, Carlson could probably stitch together hundreds of seemingly calm moments like this one. It wouldnt matter. The Jan. 6 committee has insulated us from this insidious style of misinformation. We know these videos are in service of a lie even though they depict real events. Sure, not every second of the insurrection was violent or chaotic. So what? The insurrectionists used violence and chaos in their quest to overturn the election. That has been proved beyond a reasonable doubt both in courts of law and in the court of public opinion. Carlsons narrative is akin to turning off Titanic right before the ship hit the iceberg then claiming the passengers all lived happily ever after.

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Or take the notorious clip of Hawley running through the hallway to flee the rioters. Carlson called that video a lie on Monday. Why? Because a longer version of the footage shows that he was one of many people running away. But that misunderstands the power of the original clip. The image of Hawleys sprint was not damning simply because he was running from an insurrectionist mob. It was damning because the committee had already shown how Hawley helped to rile up that very mob. The fact that Hawley was one of many people running thus has zero bearing on the senators culpability for the attack, or the cravenness of his response to it. All those people wanted to escape the insurrection. Only one of them had egged it on. And the Jan. 6 committee properly brought him into the sharpest focus.

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Its all too easy to imagine a universe in which Republicans won the House of Representatives in 2020 and, rather than investigating Jan. 6, set to work reframing it as a normal tourist visit. We wouldve seen countless videos of rioters milling about near-empty hallways, looking lost or confused, eventually making their way outand been sold the lie that these clips represented the broader story of the day. Democrats would then have had to fight back with more representative footage, creating the impression that there are two legitimate versions of the story, and every American can decide which one to believe. Instead, we got a definitive version of the events, followed by a feeble effort to launch a belated information war. It did not work, and it never will, because the Jan. 6 committee led the country to a verdict that will withstand the scrutiny of evolving public opinion. History will not be kind to the charlatans who seek to subvert its ironclad conclusions.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, 81, has been hospitalized after a fall. He has a concussion and is expected to remain in the hospital for a few days of observation and treatment, according to a statement that a spokesperson shared with media.

This isnt the first time McConnell has received medical care for tripping. In 2019, he fractured his shoulder in a spill outside his Kentucky home. And in 2020, he showed up at work with blue hands and a discolored lip; though its not clear how this happened, doctors speculated that it was probably bruising, perhaps exacerbated by blood thinners. One good way to get a bruise: a nasty fall.

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Fallsthey dont seem like a big deal, but they are. As our population continues to live longer and longer, falls are becoming the great plague of the modern era, wrote Jeremy Faust in Slate in 2016, after Leonard Cohen felland then died. They are the leading cause of accidental death in the elderly, and the incidence has increased steadily over the past decade. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention fact sheet warns that the country is on track to experience seven deaths by falling every hour.

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As Faust pointed out, research suggests that a third of elderly adults who are admitted to the hospital for a fall die within the year. The mortality figure goes down to 24 percent for patients who were discharged alive, the authors of the 2014 study tracking fall survival write. (Caveat that these are the mortality rates from one study, and we dont have the full picture right now on McConnell, who presumably is receiving just about the best care you can get. Dont start collecting special-election signatures yet, ambitious Republicans of Kentucky!)

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Based on the publically available record of McConnells falls, he does not yet qualify as a recurrent faller (that would be two or more falls per year). But if he is on blood thinnersas those blue hands in 2020 suggested he might behe may currently be experiencing more bleeding and bruising than he would otherwise. Anticoagulants may also up your chances of a severe or deadly closed head injury.

McConnell does have one thing working in his favor: being around lots of people can help in the event of a fall. Getting stuck on the ground alone can make the situation much worse.
Here are some things we know about gender-affirming health care: We know that the number of young patients being seen by gender clinics has increased, and that the gender balance of these young patients has changed, with more female-assigned youth seeking care. (We dont see the same gender imbalance outside of clinics, where young people identify as trans in roughly equal numbers regardless of birth-assigned sex.) We also know that autism is more common in trans youth than in the broader population.

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We dont know why these things are true. Nonetheless, these facts have helped spur a wave of coverage and concern around gender-affirming health care for young people experiencing gender dysphoria. This concern presents itself on the front page of the New York Times, in New York magazine, in the account of a woman who used to work at a gender clinic. At the heart of this concernamong good-faith debaters, those who are not merely trying to ban access for all trans peopleis the idea that young people today who are identifying as trans may grow out of it, and come to deeply regret treatments like cross-sex hormones or surgeries. (Its worth saying upfront that only a minority of young people who experience gender dysphoria are even receiving these treatments.)

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We know that research on gender-affirming care for tweens and teens has shown generally positive results, and that side effects are usually mild (and that medical treatments always pose trade-offs). We know that accessing gender-affirming care can be extremely difficult. But its true that we dont know how teens who are treated today with, say, puberty blockers will feel about that treatment 50 years from now.

There arespeaking extremely broadlytwo things to do about the unknowns in gender-affirming care, and the expanding, and underserved, patient population. We could work to increase access and reduce barriers, to help patients have access to a promising treatment. We could do this with the understanding that medical choices always involve a highly personal calculus of benefit versus downsides and risks. Or, we could react to the increase in patients seeking treatment with broad-brush skepticism, positing that the new patients wont necessarily benefit the way previous, but much smaller, cohorts have. We can make minimizing any chance of regret in pursuing gender-affirming medicine and procedures the centerpiece of our policies. The first side wants to reduce standardized gatekeeping around procedures, leaving the matter of the right age at which to, say, undergo top surgery up to the doctor, parents, and teen. Guidance in this case looks like providing doctors with some general things to consider, such as how long the teen has identified as another gender, how much distress theyre experiencing, and whether there are other mental health concerns. The second side worries that allowing access to top surgery for young people at all is reckless, and could lead to regret.

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Advocates for the first approach believe increased visibility and acceptance of trans people is leading more young people to feel comfortable coming out as trans. They point to the rapid increase in left-handedness as social stigma waned as a precedent for this, and the increase in the number of people willing to openly identify as lesbian, gay, or bi in recent years. They note that tightly controlling care with an eye toward minimizing any possible regret would entail accepting serious harm to trans youth who need that care.

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Advocates for the second approach believe many of the new patients may be falsely and temporarily believing themselves to have gender dysphoria due to the influence of transgender peers, either in person or on social media. This idea, which holds that the new patients are suffering from a social contagion, is related to the phenomenon of cultural concepts of distress, where mental illness may be mediated through culture and result in symptoms specific to the environment a person finds themself in. They point to the higher incidence of eating disorders in the West, or the fact that suicide is more common in some cultures than others, as precedents.

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As a trans man and a journalist who has spent years covering these issues, it makes more sense to me to remain in the first camp until evidence has been provided to back up the second. If you find yourself at all in the secondperhaps unwittingly!I hope youll consider my thinking on this. I think it is all too easy to dismiss people advocating for more care as warm, fuzzy activists, and not careful people who have evaluated the evidence, the risks, and the unknowns, and decided that more care is the best-informed course of action at this time.

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Much of the recent coverage of gender-affirming care has focused on laying out the criticisms of the status quo (doctors seeking to provide gender-affirming care) that are being made by proponents of the social contagion idea (commentators, and even some providers, who worry that gender-affirming care is being provided to people who do not need it, and may in fact be harmed by it). Gender-affirming care is portrayed as something incredibly easy to access, with doctors giving it out quickly and with little discretion. An extreme version of this can be found in the caricature provided by former gender clinic worker Jamie Reed. The centers working assumption was that the earlier you treat kids with gender dysphoria, the more anguish you can prevent later on, Reed writes. She claims that doctors were pushing parents and children into treatments after only two or three visits, without giving patients and families adequate information, and regardless of any other mental health concerns. Something similar can be found in an article for the New York Times about teens who are accessing top surgery (by all accounts still an exceedingly rare practice), which described a doctor who has performed some surgeries on minors as proudly flouting professional mores in favor of connecting with hundreds of thousands of followers. In an interview with Reuters, a Dutch psychiatrist who is in favor of more stringent assessments frames the dilemma as being whether to abide by the the do-not-harm principle of medical intervention or whether to privilege the transgender right or childs right.

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Many people who specialize in gender-affirming care do feel great love for the trans community, and for transgender kids. Given the stigma and hardship that come with being trans, adults in a trans childs life often try to mitigate the cruelty of the outside world by showing them kindness and approval rather than skepticism. But showing empathy and care for vulnerable children doesnt mean that professionals who work with trans youth are in a hurry to suggest medical treatments, ignore co-occurring mental health concerns, or fail to stay abreast of the most recent research. Rather than cheerleaders, these are professionals who have looked at the evidence and come to a different conclusion than proponents of the social contagion ideathe conclusion that kids are accurate reporters of their trans and nonbinary identities. This is an empirical idea that has so far been borne out by data, and may, like all scientific ideas, be disproven with yet more data.

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In medicine, you have to take the best available evidence and make decisions with it. Doctors are doing that by administering treatment after careful evaluations and discussions of side effects, on timelines that are tailored to the patients particular case. Reeds allegations have been directly contradicted in multiple local news outlets by parents, patients, and former co-workers at the clinic where she worked, who describe a slow, methodical process. A child who walked in at age 12 asking for hormones and surgery was told to give it time; he went to nearly 100 appointments with a therapist, and his dad dove into the medical literature and generally came around the idea of gender-affirming care.

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But consider that it also could have made medical sense for a child to be offered medical interventions much sooner than that. For some parents whose children have already been socially transitioned for many years, the months of waiting and dozens of appointments feel excessive for their particular childs needs, especially if theyve only sought treatment because puberty has commenced. Reducing some of these requirements, particularly for patients whose identity has been stable for years before they first see a doctor, is an example of what the reduced-gatekeeping side hopes to see.

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Caution and circumspection are warranted with any kind of ongoing medical intervention, particularly when it involves kids. But the research on gender-affirming care provides ample reason to believe that most kids who present with gender dysphoria in a clinical setting will become trans adults, and that puberty blockers and hormones are helpful for these youth. Many of the studies are small, and the positive effects tend to be weak, but the overall evidence isnt dissimilar to that for other much less controversial medical interventions, including every known treatment for obesity in youth. This is due to well-known practical barriers to studying kids. More research is still needed, but as studies have come in in drips and drops, the picture has pointed toward the stability of kids identities and the benefits from early intervention, and away from there being reason to deny care. This has led many in the field to shift their focus away from exploring whether the treatments work and toward reducing barriers to ensure that kids who need them can access these meds.

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We have to be really thoughtful about the structural barriers that we are creating ourselves as providers, Dr. Gina Sequeira, a co-director of the Seattle Childrens Gender Clinic, told Sabrina Imbler for a 2021 New York Times story on barriers faced by trans youth. (Unlike a recent wave of stories that have garnered criticism, this one didnt make the front page.) The majority of the kids I see have already overcome many, many barriers.

In addition to those studies, theres some circumstantial support for the idea that morenot feweryoung people would benefit from gender-affirming care. The New York Times has reported that about 1.4 percent of 13- to 17-year-olds in America say theyre transgender. The number of patients who are currently being treated medically for gender dysphoria remains quite small. Reporting by Reuters produced the best estimate yet, using a comprehensive look at insurance claims. They found 121,882 youth had been diagnosed with gender dysphoria between 2017 and 2021, and 17,683 (or about 14.5 percent of those diagnosed) had been given prescriptions for puberty blockers or hormones during that time. (This is likely to be a slight undercount because some families may pay for treatment out of pocket.)

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Adults identify as transgender at a rate of 0.5 percent. Taking the more conservative figureassuming that the entire increase in trans youth is due to a social contagion and there are no adults suppressing their identities due to widespread stigma and shamewed expect 130,000 American youth, 0.5 percent of those between 12 and 17, to grow up to be transgender adults.

While every adult who identifies as trans does not pursue medical transition, most do, and very, very few regret it. According to the United States Transgender Survey, a large, wide-ranging survey of trans adults conducted in 2015, 84 percent of respondents said they were either currently living as a different gender than the one on their birth certificate, or wanted to do so. Seventy-eight percent said they wanted hormone therapy (though only 49 percent said theyd received it). Its therefore downright conservative to believe that somewhere between 65,000 and 100,000 young people between the ages of 12 and 17 would benefit from transitioning young. Its also entirely plausible to imagine a number significantly higher than that, if you think trans identities are more common among youth because of reduced stigma, not social contagion effects.

Either way, the youth who are receiving hormones and blockers now represent only a fraction of the adult trans population seeking medical care for gender dysphoria. In the absence of more data on long-term regret rates for this particular cohort of trans youth, its entirely reasonable to make the empirical argument that the numbers support helping more kids get treatment by cutting down wait times and barriers whenever possible.

The debate around trans youthwhen it happens in good faithisnt, at its core, about whether to believe trans youth because its the kind thing to do. Its about whether believing trans youth will lead to better outcomes for more patients, or not. The side wanting to reduce gatekeeping is supported by at least as much evidence, if not more, than the side that has predicted that a coming wave of detransitions due to insufficient gatekeeping has been just over the horizon for many years now, and has yet to materialize in any actual results.
New trail aims to promote the natural heritage of the Slovak-Czech border region.

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The village of Oscadnica in northern Slovakia is already famous for its Magic Meadow, the calvary, manor, and the lookout towers on Kalinovy Vrch (Hill) and on Dedovka.

But now it has a new attraction - a bandit trail.

The educational trail 'In the footsteps of bandits in the borderland', which ends at a lookout tower, was opened on the last day of February in front of the village's primary school.

Almost 10 kilometres long with a 600-metre ascent, it leads along a relatively wide forest road. Information boards and unique outsized wooden sculptures of bandits with pistols, a sheephook, a cauldron and a treasure chest, all the work of academic sculptor Jozef Mundier, run along the entire route.

The bandit trail, which was financed with funds from the European Union, aims to promote the natural heritage of the Slovak-Czech border region.

Giant bandits
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 9)  The number of unemployed Filipinos rose to 2.37 million in January, higher than the 2.22 million recorded a month prior, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Thursday.

This is equivalent to a national unemployment rate of 4.8%, up from the previous months 4.3%.

National Statistician Dennis Mapa previously said it was "possible" for unemployment numbers to rise following the last quarter of a year, as it was usually during the October-December period when businesses hire more workers to support strong holiday demand.

The official reiterated this during a briefing on Thursday, saying the country would record a jump in unemployment rate in the first quarter as holiday-related activities would tone down.

"Mayroon tayong seasonality dahil sa economic activities during the holiday season," Mapa said.

[Translation: We have seasonality due to economic activities during the holiday season.]

But Mapa said the unemployment rate has been improving since the second half of 2022.

"It's now below the 5% level, bumabalik na sa (it's returning to the) pre-pandemic level," he added.

Bicol region recorded the highest unemployment rate at 6.6%, while the Zamboanga Peninsula had the lowest at 2.6%.

The labor force participation rate in the period, meanwhile, inched up to 64.5%, translating to 49.72 million Filipinos either employed or looking for jobs.

The employment rate also stood at 95.2%, increasing by 4.09 million to 47.35 employed people.

The underemployment rate, on the other hand, hit 14.1%, or about 6.65 million of employed persons wanting to work longer hours and secure better job opportunities.

Mapa also attributed the jump in underemployed individuals to the "slowdown" of economic activities related to holidays.

PSA data also showed that the wholesale and retail trade recorded the highest increase in employment year-on-year with 1.53 million. It is followed by agriculture and forestry; accommodation and food service activities; transportation and storage; and other service activities.

The construction sector, on the other hand, logged the biggest drop in employment with losses of around 334,000. It is followed by water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities; and professional, scientific and technical activities.




These big real estate projects are being prepared in the capital.

Big real estate projects are to change the face of Bratislava. (Source: SME - Marko Erd)

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Bratislava has changed significantly over the past two decades. High-rises have been constructed, its panorama modernised. Brownfields are disappearing from the capital, new neighbourhoods and complexes being created.

The transformation does not end there. Several developers, as well as companies outside the real estate sector, are preparing projects that will significantly affect their surroundings and the overall appearance of the city.

INDEX magazine, The Slovak Spectator's sister publication, has prepared an overview of upcoming projects that can be ranked among the most significant.

The list is based on the size and location of the projects, as well as on whether the investor has already started to carry it out. Only those projects that are not yet started are included on the list.

That is why projects like Zwirn, Eurovea City, Vydrica or Nesto are not included, though they will also significantly change the shape of Bratislava.

Nove Lido

Developer: J&T Real Estate

Location: Petrzalka

Focus: A multifunctional district

Although years in the making, it will most likely continue to be more years. The JTRE developer group wants to build a new district on the Petrzalka bank of the Danube. Up to 5,000 new flats should be built.
One political commentator thanks Smer party for promotion.

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The opposition party Smer, run by former three-time prime minister Robert Fico, has filed criminal complaints with the Prosecutor Generals Office against three political commentators.

Smer claims that several public comments made by Marian Lesko, Michal Havran and Tomas Hudak in their work went beyond decency, law and journalistic ethics. The party added that the commentators have not presented any evidence to prove what they said.

In response to Smers move, stand-up comedian Hudak told the JOJ television channel that he is grateful to the party for free-of-charge PR.

If Smer wants to act as an advertising agency for journalists and stand-up comedians and entertainers, we welcome it, he said.

The three commentators cooperate with two major Slovak dailies, Sme and Dennik N.
The discussion, organised by the Foreign Ministry, was held in eastern Slovakia.

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Part of the crowd that came to see a discussion on the first year of war in Ukraine in a cultural centre in Michalovce, eastern Slovakia, has been described as 'baboons' by interim Foreign Minister Rastislav Kacer due to rowdy behaviour.

"You came here to shriek like a herd of baboons," Kacer (Demokrati) told dozens of badly-behaved individuals on March 7, as quoted by The Slovak Spectator's sister publication, Korzar. "The old fathers in the SNP [1944 Slovak National Uprising] would have been ashamed of you. They would have laughed at you. You're acting like jerks, cattle. Shame on you."

Interim Defence Minister Jaroslav Nad (Demokrati) was a guest during the discussion as well. Both ministers are notorious for being forthright. In the past, Nad labelled the protesters as 'monkeys' and 'derelicts'.
Hydroponic farm in Bratislava, journalists facing criminal complaints, and your umbrella might come in handy on Friday.

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Good evening. Here is the Thursday, March 9 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.

Onions become a commodity in short supply

Based on official statistics, onions are grown in Slovakia on an area of 870 hectares. (Source: Pixabay)

Onions, one of the most popular vegetables among Slovaks, are now a scarce commodity in Slovakia.

The Slovak Chamber of Agriculture and Food has said that geopolitical tension and adverse weather associated with floods in Pakistan, frosts in Central Asia and drought in northern Africa are to blame for the shortage.

The shortage should end in June, or later, estimates the Sanagro agricultural company. The firm grows onions in its farm in Senec.

MORE NEWS FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR

Media: Three journalists are facing criminal complaints following the Smer party's decision to turn to the Prosecutor General's Office.

Travel: Explore the educational trail 'In the footsteps of bandits in the borderland'.

War: Earlier in the week, a discussion on the war in Ukraine was disrupted by a rowdy crowd influenced by disinformation.

If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, buy our online subscription with no ads and a print copy of The Slovak Spectator sent to your home in Slovakia. Thank you.

SONG FOR THURSDAY

Czech-Slovak R&B

Young Slovak artist Laris Diam from Turcianske Teplice, central Slovakia, and Czech artist Eli Michaili, who has Greek roots, have created their own music project called Nienna.

Listen to their R&B single 'Obloha Zhasla' (The Sky Has Gone Dark).

video //www.youtube.com/embed/FAe4zVymv7I

FEATURE STORY FOR THURSDAY

A farm on the first floor of a former telephone exchange

Filip Toska holding chard in the hydroponic Hausnatura farm. (Source: SME - Marko Erd)

Inspired by Australian farmer Murray Hallam, Slovak Filip Toska decided to do hydroponic cultivation, growing plants in a nutrient solution.

In a few lines:

Poland officially agrees to send MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine together with Slovakia , acting Defence Minister Jaroslav Nad (Demokrati) wrote on Facebook. Polish President Andrzej Duda has declared his country's readiness for this step in an interview with CNN. Igor Matovic, leader of the ruling party OLaNO, thinks such a fundamental decision should not be up to the interim government. Instead, he believes President Zuzana Caputova should also take part in making a decision on this matter. This would require amending the constitution. The president, however, thinks it is parliament that should decide on the transfer of grounded jets to Ukraine.

, acting Defence Minister Jaroslav Nad (Demokrati) wrote on Facebook. Polish President Andrzej Duda has declared his country's readiness for this step in an interview with CNN. Igor Matovic, leader of the ruling party OLaNO, thinks such a fundamental decision should not be up to the interim government. Instead, he believes President Zuzana Caputova should also take part in making a decision on this matter. This would require amending the constitution. The president, however, thinks it is parliament that should decide on the transfer of grounded jets to Ukraine. Transparency International Slovakia has published a list of the best and most efficient district court judges in Slovakia. Judge Gabriela Bargelova from the Zilina District Court came first. Up to five judges from Rimavska Sobota, central Slovakia, are featured in the top 16 judges.

in Slovakia. Judge Gabriela Bargelova from the Zilina District Court came first. Up to five judges from Rimavska Sobota, central Slovakia, are featured in the top 16 judges. In 2022, a total of 20,218 dwellings were completed in Slovakia. It was 2.1 percent lower than in 2021. (Statistics Office)

WEATHER FOR FRIDAY: Overcast and rainy weather, particularly in the afternoon. Storms in some places. The highest daytime temperature will range from 10C to 19C. (SHMU)

Thank you for subscribing and reading. It means a lot to us.

P.S. If you have suggestions on how our news overview can be improved, you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk. Or you can complain about our work. It can help us get better, too.

Follow The Slovak Spectator on Facebook, Instagram (@slovakspectator) and Twitter (@slovakspectator).
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/attempt-to-pin-nord-stream-bombing-on-ukraine-shows-biden-ready-to-drop-kiev---experts-1108235395.html

Attempt to Pin Nord Stream Bombing on Ukraine Shows Biden Ready to Drop Kiev - Experts

Attempt to Pin Nord Stream Bombing on Ukraine Shows Biden Ready to Drop Kiev - Experts

The US campaign to frame Ukraine as the culprit behind the Nord Stream attack may indicate the Biden administration is now ready to abandon Kiev or press it into settlement talks with Russia, analysts told Sputnik.

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nord stream sabotage

nord stream

pipeline

seymour hersh

ukraine crisis

volodymyr zelensky

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American media earlier reported that a "pro-Ukrainian group" was behind the Nord Stream bombing. Meanwhile, German outlets reported that the group used a boat rented from a Poland-based firm, apparently owned by two Ukrainians. Both stories emanated in the wake of a bombshell report by legendary investigative reporter Seymour Hersh that identified the US government as being behind the bombing. The Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist said US navy divers during NATO drills in the summer of 2022 planted explosives on the pipelines that were activated three months later. On Wednesday, it was reported by US media that the CIA, months before the incident, allegedly warned European counterparts that a group was planning the Nord Stream attack, senior Biden advisers suspected Ukraine involvement, and the White House was concerned about it rattling Kiev's ties with Germany and other NATO allies. Political commentator Alex Krainer, founder of Krainer Analytics, thinks the attempt to blame the bombing on Ukrainians indicated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his regime in Kiev were now dispensable as far as the Biden administration was concerned. Krainer assessed the story now being circulated about how the Ukrainians allegedly carried off the undersea bombing as lacking any credibility. When the victors write history, he added, they will airbrush Hersh's revelations as a fringe extremist theory. Historian and foreign policy analyst Jeremy Kuzmarov said Hersh's work applied intense pressure on the Biden administration to find an alternative narrative and referred to the latest story as an "intriguing thesis." "Perhaps there is an attempt to scapegoat Ukraine now that the cat is out of the bag and heat is being placed on the Biden administration because of Hersh's expose," he said. Hersh's report was a devastating revelation about the nature of policymaking in the Biden administration, Kuzmarov commented. "The Hersh report shows the United States to be an aggressive power carrying out a brazen act of international terrorism that is tantamount to an act of war against Russia," he added.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/report-cia-warned-germany-about-nord-stream-attack-months-before-it-happened-1108197508.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/censorship-industrial-complex-twitter-files-authors-testify-before-us-house-panel-1108226726.html

'Censorship-Industrial Complex': Twitter Files Authors Testify Before US House Panel

'Censorship-Industrial Complex': Twitter Files Authors Testify Before US House Panel

wo authors of the so-called Twitter Files, Matt Taibbi and Michael Shellenberger, provided testimony on Thursday to the House Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government regarding collusion between the US government and Twitter about censorship decisions on the platform.

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americas

us

twitter

the twitter files

censorship

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Twitter, Facebook*, Google, and other companies developed a formal system for taking in moderation requests from every corner of government, Taibbi told lawmakers. For every government agency scanning Twitter, there were perhaps twenty quasi-private entities doing the same thing. Agencies involved in submitting moderation requests to Twitter included the FBI, CIA, Defense Department and Department of Homeland Security, Taibbi said. Private entities involved in the process included the National Endowment for Democracy, Alliance for Securing Democracy and Stanford Internet Observatory. Taibbi dubbed the network of tech companies, government agencies and private organizations the Censorship-Industrial Complex. The network would flag posts deemed misinformation, such as those related to COVID-19 or the Hunter Biden laptop story, for Twitter to remove based on their terms of service. Moreover, the network itself is often a major source of disinformation, with US taxpayers funding their own estrangement from reality, Taibbi said. Democratic members of the panel questioned Taibbi and Shellenbergers motives for engaging with the Twitter Files and requested they reveal anonymous sources for the story. The two journalists declined to reveal such information. The Republican-led House established the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government to investigate alleged abuses of new technology by the US government to undermine constitutional rights. Thursdays hearing was the second held by the select subcommittee, with the first focused on alleged politicization of the FBI and Justice Department. The Twitter Files, which have been released in recent months by a group of journalists including Taibbi and Shellenberger, have revealed years of engagement between Twitter, government and private entities on censorship decisions. The reports have revealed coordination between Twitter and the US government to suppress the Hunter Biden laptop story ahead of the 2020 Presidential Election and cooperation with the US military to boost psychological operations accounts.*Facebook is banned in Russia over extremist activities.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230207/bans-bucks--bureaucracy-twitter-files-co-author-taibbi-on-big-techs-collusion-with-feds-1107047111.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/dprk-test-fires-short-range-ballistic-missile-into-sea-near-china-ahead-of-big-us-south-korea-1108224998.html

DPRK Test-Fires Short-Range Ballistic Missile Into Sea Near China Ahead of Big US-South Korea Drills

DPRK Test-Fires Short-Range Ballistic Missile Into Sea Near China Ahead of Big US-South Korea Drills

The South Korean military leadership told the press late on Thursday that a projectile had been detected flying into the Yellow Sea from Nampo in the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK), which was later identified as a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) of unknown type.

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dprk

south korea

ballistic missile

war games

military

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The South Korean military leadership told the press late on Thursday that a projectile had been detected flying into the Yellow Sea from Nampo in the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK), which was later identified as a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) of unknown type. They added that more might have been fired, but were unsure.The Korean People's Army (KPA) has developed a variety of SRBMs in recent years in response to the arrival of new US air defense systems in South Korea, where Washington maintains a garrison of 28,000 troops. The missiles have a depressed trajectory designed to evade those air defenses, and are believed to only carry conventional warheads, as its unclear if the DPRK has mastered miniaturization of nuclear warheads.Pyongyang often times its missile tests to coincide with US-South Korea military exercises, which it strongly protests as threatening the fragile ceasefire that has existed since 1953. The two sides never signed a permanent peace treaty ending the civil war that started in 1950, and the US-South Korea drills often rehearse strikes against the North.A set of massive war games named Freedom Shield and Warrior Shield, involving thousands of US and South Korean troops, are also set to kick off next week.On Tuesday, the US conducted its first static test of the LGM-35A Sentinel, an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that will one day replace the Minuteman III as the US primary silo-based nuclear weapons platform. Such missiles are based in the US, though, not abroad.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230223/north-korea-test-fired-four-cruise-missile-in-latest-show-of-war-posture-1107752049.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/eu-commission-unveils-proposal-to-modernize-greek-railroads-after-nations-deadliest-train-collision-1108197712.html

EU Commission Unveils Proposal to Modernize Greek Railroads After Nation's Deadliest Train Collision

EU Commission Unveils Proposal to Modernize Greek Railroads After Nation's Deadliest Train Collision

A commission of the EU, which arrived in Athens following a train crash in the country earlier this month, has presented proposals to Greek Prime Minister on the modernization of railroads in Greece, said PM's office.

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world

greece

train collision

kyriakos mitsotakis

proposal

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On March 1, a passenger train collided with a freight train near the city of Larissa. The passenger train had switched to the freight train's lane before the accident, which brought them both on the same track and resulted in a head-on collision.The Greek police said that 57 people had been killed and 48 others had been injured in the accident. The incident sparked mass protests in Athens, prompting police to use force and carry out detentions, as well as resulted in the arrest of the head of the Larissa station and the resignation of Greek Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Kostas Karamanlis.Mitsotakis underscored that Greece was making full use of the knowledge and experience of the European services in the course of the fully transparent investigation into the accident, the office added.European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke with Mitsotakis over the phone on February 6 and pledged to provide technical support to modernize the Greek railroads and improve their safety. She said the European commission and the European Union Agency for Railways' (ERA) experts would travel to Greece to investigate the incident. ERA concluded that the Greek authorities were responsible for the train crash.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230301/whats-known-so-far-in-the-aftermath-of-greeces-tragic-train-crash-1107917882.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/europe-in-dire-need-of-energy-partners-in-close-proximity---african-union-1108198279.html

Europe in Dire Need of Energy Partners in Close Proximity - African Union

Europe in Dire Need of Energy Partners in Close Proximity - African Union

Europe is in dire need of energy partners that are in close proximity as it seeks to secure enough supply after cutting off Russian energy, African Union Energy Commissioner Amani Abou-Zeid told Sputnik on the margins of CERAWeek.

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energy crisis in europe

europe

energy

african union (au)

liquefied natural gas (lng)

ukraine crisis

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"They are in dire need of close, not foreign. Africa is geographically closer to Europe. In many ways it provides support [to Europe]," Abou-Zeid said on Wednesday. Africa is prepared to serve as a key partner in Europe's energy sector, according to Abou-Zeid. Europe has looked to the United States for an alternative source of gas through imports of US Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), but it is not enough to replace Russian gas. The Ukraine conflict has reportedly made Africa an attractive investment opportunity for energy security after the region had some exploration successes in 2022. In February, Russian ambassador-at-large and the head of the Russia-Africa partnership forum Oleg Ozerov told Sputnik that Russia has much potential in the oil and gas spheres to develop relations with African states. Abou-Zeid mentioned that Africa does not have any special relations with Russia, but emphasized that relations are not bad.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230308/africa-must-meet-local-demand-before-contributing-to-europes-energy-needs--oil-firm-ceo-1108169504.html

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 9)  Content creator Mae Layug has no background in entrepreneurship, but she has established a cosmetics company that promotes inclusivity among its customers and represents the Philippines globally.

Speaking to CNN Philippines on Thursday, Layug said she first thought of establishing her brand Get Ready With Me Cosmetics, or GRWM Cosmetics, during a visit in South Korea.

It was 2019, I was in Myeong-dong, Korea." she recalled. "I was browsing a lot of makeup products. Sabi ko noon, it feels good if I could see Filipinos being represented globally. sabi ko parang gusto kong mag-develop ng something that I could say that its proudly made by Filipinos for the Filipinos.

[Translation: I said it feels good if I could see Filipinos being represented globallyI said I would like to develop something that I could say that its proudly made by Filipinos for the Filipinos.]

At the time, the beauty vlogger also saw what the Philippine market lacked, especially when it came to shade range of foundations and powders.

Since local brands usually had three shades then, Layug even had to source products overseas just to get what would suit her.

To fill this gap, Layug started working with brands for product development, which really made her interested. She then took the courage and decided to start her own brand.

Launched in 2020, GRWM Cosmetics aims to promote beauty on your own terms and inclusivity among its customers, said Layug, who is also the brand's chief product officer.

She admitted that she got overwhelmed at first as she had no background in business management.

I worked as a cardiac nurse for three years then became a content creator and I started my own business," she shared, "but Im very thankful na there are a lot of people na tumulong sa akin (who are helping me)."

Since its launch three years ago, GRWM Cosmetics has been making a mark in the local makeup industry with its wide range of products.

When asked what an empowered woman is, Layug replied: You have to be accountable for your actions. I always tell myself when its getting hard, Youve got this, Mae!
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/ex-uk-health-secretarys-covid-memoirs-censored-by-cabinet-over-lab-leak-claims-report-1108200977.html

Ex-UK Health Secretary's Covid Memoirs Censored by Cabinet over 'Lab Leak' Claims: Report

Ex-UK Health Secretary's Covid Memoirs Censored by Cabinet over 'Lab Leak' Claims: Report

UK Ex-Health Secretary Matt Hancock's 'Wuhan lab leak' memoir comments were reportedly 'censored' by the Cabinet Office.

2023-03-09T07:48+0000

2023-03-09T07:48+0000

2023-03-09T07:48+0000

world

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matt hancock

china

covid-19

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Britains former Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, was instructed by the Cabinet Office to water down his "skepticism" regarding the Wuhan wet market explanation for the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government feared it would "cause problems" with China, according to a UK media report.Over 100,000 such exchanged messages between Matt Hancock and other officials at the height of the coronavirus pandemic have been leaked to a UK media outlet.However, as the ex-health secretary followed the procedure required from all former ministers, and turned over his manuscript to the Cabinet Office for review last year, he was reportedly told by the Cabinet Office:This is highly sensitive and would cause problems if released. Must be clearer that it is supposition rather than revealing any confidential information received from inside government. Should also be clear that this is not HMG views or beliefs.Further along in the draft, Hancock had originally weighed in on the Wuhan "lab leak theory", purportedly writing:Furthermore, Hancock had added that, "Global fear of the Chinese must not get in the way of a full investigation into what happened. However, the censored version that was allowed to be published had been considerably toned down, according to the media report. Another reference that was struck from the draft was Hancock's mention of Porton Down.Porton Down is a highly controversial and top secret military laboratory in the UK, which was prominent in investigations into the alleged nerve agent attack on former Russian military intelligence officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in March 2018. The facility is a mere eight kilometers away from Salisbury, and samples of the substance that contaminated the pair were sent there for evaluation, with the researchers unable to verify the country in which the poison used in Salisbury was produced. The UK had rejected Russias request for a joint investigation and declared that Moscow was "highly likely" behind the "attack" on the Skripals.Mention of the UK government's secret military lab was zeroed in by the Cabinet Office, which determined the section needed to be ditched as reference to Porton Down is damaging to national security.Finally, after due "censorship", the book was greenlit for publication by Simon Case, the Cabinet Secretary, on November 4, 2022.There has not been any official government response to the leaked messages contained in the media report.The disclosure of how Matt Hancock's "concerns" regarding the origins of the coronavirus were toned down at the insistance of British officials comes as Washington has breathed fresh life into the COVID-19 lab leak theory, suggesting that the SARS-CoV-2 virus escaped from a Wuhan biolab.The US Department of Energy (DoE) and the FBI both released statements earlier in the year, saying their investigations have concluded that the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, escaped from containment at the Wuhan Institute of Virology and triggered the pandemic in late December 2019.While the DoE report expressed "low confidence" in the conclusion, FBI Director Christopher Wray told US media the federal law enforcement agency had "for quite some time now assessed that the origins of the pandemic are most likely a potential lab incident in Wuhan."Renewed hype over the origins of the pandemic and the lab leak narrative pinning blame on China come after back in May 2021, US President Joe Biden ordered US intelligence agencies to assess the likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 being either the subject or product of Chinese laboratory experiments. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) said that August that the virus had "probably emerged and infected humans through an initial small-scale exposure that occurred no later than November 2019 with the first known cluster of COVID-19 cases arising in Wuhan, China in December 2019."Amid the resurfaced accusations, Beijing insisted it has "shared the most data and research results on virus tracing and made important contributions to global virus tracing research," according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning. It was added that, "Politicizing the issue of virus tracing will not smear China but will only damage the USs own credibility."

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230303/us-did-not-provide-access-to-reports-accusing-china-of-causing-covid-19-who-1107991316.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230301/fbi-assesses-origins-of-covid-19-most-likely-from-potential-leak-in-wuhan-lab---director-1107887358.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/georgias-foreign-agent-law-crisis-reveals-wests-double-standards-on-who-gets-to-enjoy-sovereignty-1108227180.html

What is Behind the US-Backed Protests in Georgia?

What is Behind the US-Backed Protests in Georgia?

Protesters spilled into the streets of Tbilisi this week to protest a draft law requiring NGOs to register as agents of foreign influence if 20% or more of their funds come from foreign sources. What are protesters looking to achieve? How have Georgias Western partners reacted? What role if any has Russia played? Sputnik investigates.

2023-03-09T17:52+0000

2023-03-09T17:52+0000

2023-03-10T09:26+0000

analysis

georgia

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Georgias governing coalition unconditionally withdrew its foreign agents law from parliament on Thursday morning, folding to protesters after two nights of violent confrontations with police in the Caucasus nations capital, and growing pressure from the European Union and the United States to scrap the draft legislation.As a party of government responsible to every member of society, we have decided to unconditionally withdraw this bill that we supported, the Georgian Dream Party, which has 74 of 150 seats in the republics parliament, said in a statement Thursday morning.Giga Lemonjala, a member of the opposition Droa party, responded to the governments announcement by demanding that the bill be formally denounced, and that all protesters detained over the past two nights be released.Georgias opposition and Western media covering the protests have characterized the foreign agents legislation as a Russian, Russia-style or Putin-style law, citing the 2012 Russian law requiring media, non-governmental organizations, and others to register as foreign agents and make their funding sources known to the public if they include contributions from foreign entities. Some media went so far as to claim the Georgian legislation signaled Tbilisis drift away from the European Union and toward Russia, with one article going so far as to call the social democratic, pro-EU Georgian ruling party Putins Georgian Dream.State Department spokesman Ned Price characterized the draft law as Kremlin-inspired and said Washington was deeply troubled by it, with the legislation deemed to be incompatible with the people of Georgias clear desire for European integration and its democratic development.European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell echoed these sentiments, calling the bill a very bad development and saying it is incompatible with EU values and standards, and goes against Georgias stated objective of joining the European Union.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also waded in to commenting on the crisis, praising Ukrainian flag-wielding protesters and saying Kiev expects Georgia and Moldova to join Ukraine in the EU.Moscow has for the most part stayed out of commenting on the Georgian unrest, absent Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharovas remarks Wednesday pointing out that the draft law looked similar to US legislation passed in 1938 known as the Foreign Agents Registration Act, and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskovs statement Thursday encouraging Russian nationals in Georgia to stay out of the streets.Rules for Me But Not For TheeRussias role has effectively been that of a boogieman, designed to discredit the Georgian government and foment discontent, both in Georgia and among Tbilisis Western partners, says Shota Apkhaidze, a political scientist serving as director of the Caucasus Center of Islamic Studies. The reality, the Tbilisi-based observer points out, is that the now-scrapped legislation bears much more resemblance to FARA than it does to Russian legislation.Inconvenient LawInternational affairs expert Viktoria Fedosova says US and EU consternation over the Georgian draft law is understandable, since it threatens to undermine their immense political power in the Caucasus nation.The passage of such a law in Georgia was risky for the US and the EU, since theyve become used to engaging in their own financing, introducing their own leaders of public opinion, and working [in the country] through non-governmental organizations. This is their typical umbrella-like scheme of operations familiar to them, Fedosova, the deputy director of the Moscow-based Institute for Strategic Studies and Forecasts at the Russian Peoples Friendship University, told Sputnik in an interview.US and European "democracy promotion" assistance to Georgia has come in various forms over the decades, from the National Endowment for Democracy and the National Democratic Institute to US hedge fund billionaire George Soros Open Society Foundations. Each of these groups provide millions or tens of millions of dollars to Georgian NGOs annually, and wield tremendous power beyond the realm of traditional party politics, Apkhaidze says.The NGO sector is the strongest structure of civil institutions in Georgia, because they have massive funding. Everyone, even the current leadership of Georgia, comes from precisely these kinds of organizations and foundations, he said. They have immense influence.Cynical ApproachThe US and EUs record and history of violating Georgias sovereignty is no secret to anyone, but their behavior and response to this weeks violence constitutes outright mockery of Tbilisi, Apkhaidze says.Why is it that in Georgia, a person who throws a Molotov cocktail at a police officer and sets a police car on fire, hits a special forces agent in the head with a rebar and smashes the parliament building, why is he deemed peaceful  and his protest a peaceful protest? the observer asked, alluding to the dozens of police officers who have been injured, some hospitalized, over the past two days in clashes with demonstrators.Fedosova thinks the answer is obvious - while the US is able to pass laws like FARA and use them liberally to monitor their media, politics, and social groups for signs of foreign influence and meddling, the same luxury is not afforded to countries like Georgia.Second FrontThe irony of the crisis over the foreign agents draft law is that the Georgian Dream government is broadly pro-European, with stated aims including entry into both the EU and NATO. Accordingly, both Apkhaidze and Fedosova believe that the crisis is related to the pragmatic foreign policy approach that Tbilisi has taken in relation to its northern neighbor, especially after the escalation of the Ukraine crisis last year.The Americans have spent a whole year now since the start of Russias special operation in Ukraine destabilizing the situation, trying to get Georgia to join anti-Russian sanctions and open a second front against Moscow, Apkhaidze said.The Georgian government and lawmakers attempts to prevent Tbilisi from being pulled into a direct conflict against Russia, notwithstanding the not always rosy relations with Moscow, is precisely the reason the foreign agents law was put together in the first place, Fedosova believes, citing the fact that a handful of NGOs have garnered more financial support over the past year than all the countrys political parties combined.The main thing [for the government] is the guarantee of peace, some kind of fair compromise-based dialogue with Russia, without attempts to include the country in a new conflict on Russias borders. The main thing for them is to convey this idea of preserving sovereignty and not losing new territories, and to communicate this to their citizens, the observer said.Maidan DangerFedosova observed parallels between the footage coming out of Tbilisi this week and the Euromaidan in Kiev before the 2014 coup. We are watching footage now from Tbilisi where young people jump and dance, where the [psychological] mechanisms for creating this kind of emotional bond of the crowd are used. Were seeing everything we saw on the Maidan. But here the presence of external forces hasnt yet reached the point where the American ambassador comes out and distributes cookies, for example. So far, we are seeing the manifestation of the Americans in this conflict only in the form of their official statements.If the situation heats up, more parallels to the Ukrainian coup could appear, she noted, including radicals in crowds, agent provocateurs, mysterious snipers, culminating in a coup and the appointment of a new puppet government and the installation of an authoritarian president who will be called a liberal.We see how this happened with Zelensky  how liberal his regime turned out to be, and what laws were adopted when everything goes according to the American scenario, and the country is integrated into a full-fledged military confrontation with RussiaThey need Georgia as another means to prick Russia, just from another flank, Fedosova said.President vs ParliamentIn the course of her official visit to the US this week, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili appeared against the backdrop of the Statue of Liberty to express support for the protesters. I am by your side. Today you represent free Georgia. Georgia, which sees its future in Europe, will not allow anyone to take away this future, Zourabichvili said.Apkhaidze doesn't find anything surprising about the Georgian presidents behavior, saying the French-born politician is simply serving the interests of her masters, and that her sympathies for the opposition have long been evident.Georgia is a parliamentary republic. I dont think that will change. This is not the first time she has opposed various decisions of the Georgian leadership and parliament As far as Zourabichvili is concerned, she, of course serves the interests, first of fall, of her masters. I cant figure out whether shes the president of Georgia or the governor of some American state. But it is a fact that she wants more power, and sees herself in the place of [Georgian Prime Minister Irakli] Garibashvili, Apkhaidze summed up.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230308/moscow-blasts-west-for-hypocrisy-over-criticism-of-georgian-bill-on-foreign-agents-1108172515.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230307/georgian-president-backs-protesters-in-tbilisi-vows-to-veto-foreign-agents-bill-1108159356.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20220114/stoltenberg-natos-already-decided-to-make-ukraine-georgia-members-didnt-say-when-itll-occur-1092254284.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230120/kiev-seeks-to-ban-ukrainian-orthodox-church-as-part-of-religious-crackdown-1106526197.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/greek-prime-minister-assumes-personal-responsibility-for-deadly-train-crash-1108215157.html

Greek Prime Minister Assumes Personal Responsibility for Deadly Train Crash

Greek Prime Minister Assumes Personal Responsibility for Deadly Train Crash

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Thursday he was taking responsibility for the deadly train crash that claimed the lives of 57 people last week, and promised a transparent and thorough investigation into the causes and circumstances surrounding the accident

2023-03-09T12:16+0000

2023-03-09T12:16+0000

2023-03-09T12:16+0000

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greece

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In his opening remarks at a cabinet meeting, Mitsotakis said everyone's thoughts were first and foremost with the families of the victims. The prime minister offered his condolences to the families of the victims. He also made a reference to his Sunday's post on social media, in which he pointed to technological backwardness as one of the possible causes. Mitsotakis added that the fact that a remote control system would now be installed in several months was not an excuse and "made [his] personal pain even greater," since the system should have been installed in advance. He also said there was no point in having a meaningless argument about who was to blame. The Greek leader said that those responsible should be brought to justice fast, but he also admitted that the catastrophe occurred under his watch. "I cannot turn back time, but I can guarantee the Greeks two simple things. First, absolute, I repeat, absolute transparency of the investigation And second, direct initiatives launched to improve the problematic situation on our railroads, in terms of technology and human resource management," the prime minister said. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke with Mitsotakis over the phone on Monday and pledged to provide technical support to modernize the Greek railroads and improve their safety. She said the Commission and the European Union Agency for Railways' (ERA) experts would travel to Greece to investigate the incident. Greek media reported that despite the fact the upgrade to the signaling and remote control system on the Athens-Thessaloniki-Promachona railroad, where the accident occurred, was agreed in 2014, a series of thefts and acts of vandalism stopped the contract's implementation. The European Commission said it had provided 700 million euros ($744 million) to Greece since 2014 to improve the country's rail infrastructure.On March 1, a passenger train collided with a freight train near the city of Larissa. The passenger train had switched to the freight train's lane before the accident, which brought them both on the same track and resulted in a head-on collision. The head of the Larissa station was arrested. According to reports, he admitted his guilt and said that he had mistakenly sent a passenger train along the wrong track.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230301/whats-known-so-far-in-the-aftermath-of-greeces-tragic-train-crash-1107917882.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/i-am-a-proud-african-tunisian-president-saied-says-1108219339.html

'I Am a Proud African,' Tunisian President Saied Says

'I Am a Proud African,' Tunisian President Saied Says

During the Tunisia-hosted meeting between Tunisian President Kais Saied and his Bissau-Guinean counterpart Umaro Sissoco Embalo, Saied emphasized being an African

2023-03-09T16:28+0000

2023-03-09T16:28+0000

2023-03-09T16:28+0000

africa

north africa

tunisia

migration

migrants

racism

criticism

students

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Tunisian President Kais Saied called himself a "proud African" during the Tunisia-hosted meeting with his Bissau-Guinean counterpart and ECOWAS chair, Umaro Sissoco Embalo. The latter's visit to the North African country took place in the wake of racism accusations made against Saied following his comments on countering illegal immigration.Emballo, in turn, stated that he would not believe that the president of Tunisia, the country of Bourguiba, could be xenophobic or racist. "You yourself are African," he said.Habib Bourguiba, the first president of Tunisia, is often described as the leader who established modern Tunisian society through a number of progressive reforms.Earlier this week, Tunisian authorities announced a package of support measures to ease a number of procedures for migrants and students from sub-Saharan Africa. Thus, it was decided to extend student resident cards for a year as well as to prolong these documents for migrants for three to six months.Tunis said it would offer assistance to migrants who voluntarily leave the country.Last week saw a lot of criticism from a number of African and European countries against Saied, triggered by his decision to urge the Tunisian security forces to put an end to illegal migration.The Tunisian government, president, and Foreign Ministry on their official webpages said they were surprised by the "campaign to accuse [the country] of alleged racism."Tunisia denied the allegations, pointing to the fact that it was among the founders of the Organization of African Unity, which later became the African Union.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230306/tunisia-announces-support-measures-for-sub-saharan-african-refugees-1108080927.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/israelis-flood-tel-aviv-streets-to-protest-netanyahus-judicial-reform--1108201419.html

Clashes Between Police, Protesters Taking Place in Tel Aviv

Clashes Between Police, Protesters Taking Place in Tel Aviv

Sputnik is live from Tel Aviv as protesters gather to rally against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government for the ninth week in a row.

2023-03-09T12:33+0000

2023-03-09T12:33+0000

2023-03-09T13:39+0000

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tel aviv

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Israeli police and demonstrators protesting against the controversial judicial reform have clashed in Tel Aviv after participants in the mass protest blocked the Ayalon highway near the government complex, Israeli media reported on Thursday.The police used cavalry to clear a blocked interchange on what is one of the country's key highways, the media outlet reported.The Times of Israel reported that law enforcement officers had started to remove some protesters from the scene of the mass demonstration.Thousands of protesters started their action against the government's judicial reform initiated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu early Thursday on Habima Square and then marched to the district housing government buildings. The protests will be ongoing until late evening, according to media reports.Earlier in the day, protesters reportedly blocked the entrance to Ben Gurion Airport, from which Netanyahu is set to fly to Rome on an official visit. He will reportedly get to the airport via helicopter.Mass demonstrations are also taking place in Haifa and other Israeli cities.In January, Israeli Justice Minister Yariv Levin rolled out a legal reform package that would limit the authority of the Supreme Court by giving the cabinet control over the selection of new judges, as well as allowing the parliament to override the court's rulings with an absolute majority. The reform's opponents argue it will undermine democracy in Israel and put the country on the verge of a social and constitutional crisis.Follow Sputnik's Live Feed to Find Out More!

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Israelis Flood Tel Aviv Streets to Protest Netanyahu's Judicial Reform Israelis Flood Tel Aviv Streets to Protest Netanyahu's Judicial Reform 2023-03-09T12:33+0000 true PT109M40S

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/lavrov-says-un-chief-avoiding-giving-any-reaction-on-nord-stream-pipelines-blasts-1108218101.html

Lavrov Says UN Chief Avoiding Giving Any Reaction on Nord Stream Pipelines Blasts

Lavrov Says UN Chief Avoiding Giving Any Reaction on Nord Stream Pipelines Blasts

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and his staff have been avoiding responding to questions related to the journalist investigations into Nord Stream explosions and the West's stance concerning the issue

2023-03-09T12:59+0000

2023-03-09T12:59+0000

2023-03-09T12:59+0000

nord stream sabotage

sergey lavrov

nord stream

antonio guterres

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"I am referring to the questions that journalists are asking the [UN] secretary general and his officials about how they feel about the need to investigate the information that has emerged on how the West describes the terrorist act that took place against the Nord Streams last September. And the secretary general and his staff have shied away from responding to these justified questions in every possible way," Lavrov said at a joint press conference after a meeting with his Saudi counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The Russian foreign minister also said that there was complete "passivity and aloofness" related to the issues which require an active interest of the UN Secretariat, including demilitarization of the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant. The New York Times reported on Tuesday, citing US officials, that new intelligence suggested involvement of a "pro-Ukrainian group" in the Nord Stream incidents. At the same time, US officials reportedly said there was no proof of the Ukrainian leadership being involved in the operation. Meanwhile, German newspaper reported, citing investigators, that the attacks had been carried out by six people of unknown nationality with the use of a boat rented from a firm based in Poland and owned by two Ukrainians.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/prominent-ukrainian-businessman-probed-over-alleged-links-to-nord-stream-attacks-reports-say-1108204013.html

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un secretary-general antonio guterres, nord stream explosions, journalist investigations
Saudi Arabia to Continue Efforts to Establish Moscow-Kiev Dialogue - Foreign Minister

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Saudi Arabia will continue to make efforts to establish a dialogue between Russia and Ukraine, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said on Thursday.

"We are always seeking to provide support in order to resolve this crisis [in Ukraine], and we are ready to work with all parties to find a peaceful solution, and we have already put forward certain initiatives in the past, including with regard to the exchange of prisoners ... we will continue to discuss further opportunities to facilitate dialogue between the parties," the minister told reporters following talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Lavrov, in turn, praised Saudi Arabias role in the recent prisoners exchange with Ukraine. The top Russian diplomat also said that Kiev has had no intention to engage in peace talks.

"So far, we see no desire on the part of our Ukrainian neighbors to start a serious conversation. Moreover, I have already mentioned more than once that [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelensky by his decree last September, forbade any negotiations, and Zelensky's Western masters are constantly stating that Russia must first be defeated on the battlefield in order to talk to it from a position of strength. Judge for yourself how adequate such statements are," Lavrov said.

In October, Ukrainian President Zelensky said that Ukraine could not hold any talks as long as Vladimir Putin remains president of Russia and signed a relevant decree. Russian officials have repeatedly emphasized their readiness to start peace negotiations to resolve the ongoing conflict.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/men-better-at-being-women-jill-biden-savaged-for-giving-biological-male-women-of-courage-award-1108214417.html

'Men Better at Being Women'? Jill Biden Savaged for Giving Biological Male 'Women of Courage' Award

'Men Better at Being Women'? Jill Biden Savaged for Giving Biological Male 'Women of Courage' Award

First Lady Jill Biden has presented a biological male with a Women of Courage Award.

2023-03-09T15:09+0000

2023-03-09T15:09+0000

2023-03-09T15:09+0000

us

sarah huckabee sanders

jill biden

trans woman

woke

international women of courage award

americas

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The administration of Democratic President Joe Biden has been accused of "working overtime to push the trans agenda."The accusation, posted on Twitter by former congressional nominee Karoline Leavitt, was part of a swathe of similar posts triggered by the decison to present one of this year's annual International Women of Courage Awards at the White House to a biological male from Argentina.First Lady Jill Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken officiated the White House ceremony as they honored "11 extraordinary women from around the world who are working to build a brighter future for all," according to a State Department press release.Argentinian Alba Rueda, also singled out for the award, currently serves as Argentinas Special Envoy for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship. Rueda was introduced at the ceremony as a "transgender woman who was kicked out of classrooms, barred for sitting for exams, refused job opportunities, subjected to violence, and rejected by her family. But in the face of these challenges, she worked to end violence and discrimination against the LGBTQ plus community in Argentina."But on social media, the response was scathing.Claremont Institute President Ryan P. Williams tweeted, "The jokes write themselves", while Townhall columnist and radio personality Derek Hunter warned women to "up their game", as "apparently men are a lot better at being women than women are."Others were similarly critical of the decision.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230303/celebrating-women-by-erasing-women-internet-bashes-hersheys-trans-face-candy-wrapper-1107970352.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/new-explanation-of-nord-stream-incident-ridiculous-aims-to-divert-attention-expert-says-1108200585.html

New Explanation of Nord Stream Incident 'Ridiculous,' Aims to Divert Attention, Expert Says

New Explanation of Nord Stream Incident 'Ridiculous,' Aims to Divert Attention, Expert Says

The recent media reports about a group of strangers allegedly staying behind the Nord Stream blasts are "ridiculous" and aim to divert attention from accusations against the US, since that such sabotage could only be carried out by a few countries

2023-03-09T05:08+0000

2023-03-09T05:08+0000

2023-03-09T12:05+0000

nord stream sabotage

nord stream

nord stream pipeline

russia

sabotage

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The New York Times reported on Tuesday, citing US officials, that new intelligence suggested the involvement of a "pro-Ukrainian group" in the Nord Stream incidents. At the same time, US officials reportedly said there was no evidence of the Ukrainian leadership being involved in the operation. Meanwhile, German newspaper Zeit reported, citing investigators, that the attacks were carried out by six people of unknown nationality with the use of a boat rented from a Poland-based firm, apparently owned by two Ukrainians. To back up his remarks, the expert recalled, citing Swedish investigators, that the Nord Stream sabotage required the equivalent of 100 tons of trotyl, which made explosions on the pipelines very difficult to carry out. In addition, the expert called it "curious" that The New York Times and Zeit published their exclusives simultaneously, but without revealing the identity of the alleged six saboteurs. In this regard, Moreau also drew attention to the fact that the US narrative was changing, since Washington has abandoned the idea of accusing Russia of the explosions and focused on taking suspicions away from itself instead. He called Hersh's explanation much more credible than "the rantings of the US services" and said that a whole group of countries could have benefited from the disruption of the Nord Stream pipelines for various reasons. In particular, Polish President Andrzej Duda insistently demanded the dismantling of the Nord Stream pipelines in August 2022. Similar calls were also voiced by Norway, which installed its Baltic Pipe to divert some of its gas sent to Germany, to Poland. Meanwhile, Washington's interest is explained by the fact that the US is now delivering shale gas in the form of LNG to Europe, but at four times the price that was paid by Europe and particularly Germany to Russia for its gas, Moreau said. "What is difficult to understand is that the German government of Chancellor [Olaf] Scholz remains silent in all languages: not the slightest protest as Germany has just lost tens of billions of euros in investments paid for the pipelines by all German citizens. Germany sees itself as an ally of the United States. If  as is more than likely  the version of Pulitzer Prize-winner Seymour Hersh is correct, Germany is not even the vassal of the United States, it is a vulgar dependency, a dominion which is not consulted when its economic future is at stake, and who does not even dare protest," the expert told Sputnik. The Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines, built to deliver gas under the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany, have been dysfunctional since they were hit by explosions last September. Nord Stream's operator, Nord Stream AG, said that the damage was unprecedented and that it was impossible to estimate how long repairs might take. Russia considers the explosions of the two pipelines an act of international terrorism. There are no official results of the investigation yet, but Pulitzer Prize-winning US investigative journalist Seymour Hersh published a report in February 2023 saying that US Navy divers during the NATO BALTOPS exercises in the summer of 2022 planted explosives to destroy the Nord Stream pipelines, which Norway activated three months later. The report added that US President Joe Biden decided to sabotage the Nord Stream pipelines after more than nine months of secret discussions with the national security team.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230308/ship-allegedly-involved-in-nord-stream-sabotage-was-searched-in-january-1108177633.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/nigerias-electoral-commission-reschedules-local-state-vote-following-court-ruling-1108204729.html

Nigeria's Electoral Commission Reschedules Local State Vote Following Court Ruling

Nigeria's Electoral Commission Reschedules Local State Vote Following Court Ruling

The Nigerian Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has postponed state governorship elections by one week due to a court decision concerning the use of machines in voting tallies.

2023-03-09T10:14+0000

2023-03-09T10:14+0000

2023-03-09T10:15+0000

africa

west africa

nigeria

election

presidential election

politics

bola tinubu

atiku abubakar

peter obi

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The Nigerian Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has postponed state governorship elections by one week due to a court decision concerning the use of machines in voting tallies.The BVAS voting machines are the subject of a legal dispute over Nigeria's February 25 presidential ballot, won by ruling All Progressives Congress party candidate Bola Tinubu. The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labor Party, whose candidates took the second and third spots respectively, claimed the vote was marred by tampering.They argued that there were delays in the voting process and problems in uploading results through the BVAS machines, which were used for the first time in Nigeria during this year's presidential elections in a bid to provide more transparency in the elections.Labor Party candidate and surprise third place challenger Peter Obi sued to stop the reconfiguration of the BVAS machines so that his legal team could inspect them. He claimed that there were discrepancies between the results provided by the machine and the local manual count.Although the court ruling allowed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reconfigure the voting machines in order to use them in local state governor and parliamentary elections, which were set to kick off in the weekend, the electoral agency decided to reschedule the election for Saturday, March 18.INEC assured that the data from the BVAS machines and its online database, IReV, used for uploading results from local polling stations, would be safely stored on a backend server and could be restored when needed in the legal process.The postponement of the state elections is not the first such incident in the history of Nigeria, given that INEC delayed the 2019 presidential vote for one week, citing logistic challenges.Last Wednesday, the Independent National Electoral Commission announced that Bola Tinubu, the ruling party's candidate, was the winner of the February 25 presidential elections. According to the commission, Tinubu garnered 8.8 million votes (36%), while the opposition Peoples Democratic Party's candidate and ex-vice president Atiku Abubakar, who was running for the countrys highest office for the sixth time, picked up over 6.9 million (29%).Meanwhile, Labor's candidate Peter Obi, who was supported by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo (1999-2007), amassed 6.1 million votes (25%).Both the PDP and Labor rejected the ruling party candidate's victory in the election, citing alleged violations in the voting process. Each of the two opposition contenders claimed victory in the election.For his part, Obi, who was in Abuja for Wednesday's court ruling, said he would go on challenging the election outcome in order to prove to the Nigerian people that he had won the February 25 ballot.Challenging election results is not a new practice in Nigeria since the end of military rule in 1999. In 2019, PDP's Atiku Abubakar legally challenged the ballot outcome after losing to incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari, citing alleged irregularities. Nigeria's Supreme Court dismissed the case after months of legal debates.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230302/runner-up-candidates-party-in-nigerias-presidential-election-says-not-recognizing-result-1107962034.html

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 8)  The United Nations (UN) women's rights committee has found that the Philippines violated the rights of sexual slavery victims at the hands of the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II "by failing to provide reparation, social support and recognition" to the harm suffered.

According to the decision of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), 24 Filipino women from the non-profit organization Malaya Lolas had "repeatedly raised their demands, asking their Government to support their claims against Japan for reparations for their suffering."

Malaya Lolas was established to provide support to sexual slavery survivors or victims - commonly known as "comfort women" during the war.

"They asserted that the Philippines' failure to fight for their cause had essentially resulted in ongoing discrimination against them that continues to this day," the committee said.

Victim complainants were forcibly taken to, detained under "inhumane conditions," and sexually abused at the Bahay na Pula (Red House), the Japanese headquarters in San Ildefonso, Pampanga back in 1944.

The complainants said they have since endured long-term physical, psychological, social and economic consequences, including physical injuries, post-traumatic stress, permanent damage to their reproductive capacity, and harm to their social relationships in their community, marriage and work.

The victims added that their repeated efforts were dismissed by authorities, with their last action turned down by the Supreme Court in 2014.

The Philippine government, however, maintained that it is not in a position to claim compensation from Japan after ratifying the Treaty of Peace in 1956.

The complainants defended their case to CEDAW in 2019, seeking to establish the responsibility of the government to fulfill its commitments under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women in supporting the non-discrimination of women and girls on its territory.

CEDAW, in its decision, noted that the Philippines had waived its right to compensation by signing the Treaty of Peace, but underlined that the complaint is a case of continuous discrimination.

"The Committee observed that the Philippine Commission on Women had not addressed the institutionalized system of wartime sexual slavery, its consequences for victims and survivors, or their protection needs," the UN said.

"In contrast, Philippine war veterans, who are mostly men, are entitled to special and esteemed treatment from the Government, such as educational benefits, health-care benefits, old age, disability and death pensions," it added.

The committee requested that the Philippines provide the victims full reparation, including material compensation and an official apology for the continuing discrimination.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/ny-times-prints-nord-stream-hoax-hugo-chavez-celebration-pro-warpro-nazi-rally-in-dc-1108197138.html

NY Times Prints Nord Stream Hoax; Hugo Chavez Celebration; Pro-War/Pro-Nazi Rally in DC

NY Times Prints Nord Stream Hoax; Hugo Chavez Celebration; Pro-War/Pro-Nazi Rally in DC

A German media outlet, citing investigators, has put forth a story arguing that six people in a rental boat carried out the Nord Stream pipeline attacks. 09.03.2023, Sputnik International

2023-03-09T11:17+0000

2023-03-09T11:17+0000

2023-03-09T11:17+0000

the critical hour

radio

nord stream

ukraine

iraq

syria

paris

north korea

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NY Times Prints Nord Stream Hoax; Hugo Chavez Celebration; Pro-War/Pro-Nazi Rally in DC Anonymous US intelligence officials have put forth a story arguing that six people in a rental boat carried out the Nord Stream pipeline attacks.

Regis Tremblay, an American citizen in Crimea, joins us to discuss Nord Stream. A German media outlet, citing investigators, has put forth a story arguing that six people in a rental boat carried out the Nord Stream pipeline attacks.Mark Sleboda, Moscow-based international relations security analyst, joins us to discuss Ukraine. The US empire seems to be in a difficult position as Artemovsk (Bakhmut) falls. Also, Eastern European nations plan to send more tanks to Ukraine. Also, the new Nord Stream claims are laughed at by some but discussed as a realistic possibility by Western mainstream news organizations.Caleb Maupin, journalist, and political analyst, joins us to discuss China. China is pushing back against the US House Speaker meeting with Taiwan officials. Also, North Korea is citing a realistic chance of nuclear war.Margaret Kimberley, editor and senior columnist at Black Agenda Report and author of "Prejudential: Black America and the Presidents," joins us to discuss Africa. The US is shooting itself in the foot in Africa. Also, we discuss the legacy of Hugo Chavez and the anniversary of his passing.James Carey, host of The Left is Dead podcast, joins us to discuss foreign policy. The US now says that it will stay in Iraq for the foreseeable future. Biden officials seem to be behind a pro-war, pro-neo-Nazi rally in Washington DC. Also, the US is pushing for more sanctions against China from Europe which seem poised to backfire.Ted Rall, political cartoonist, and syndicated columnist, joins us to discuss the EU. French citizens are in the streets pushing back against changes to pension laws. Also, we discuss the new Nord Stream hoax.Steve Poikonen, national organizer for Action4Assange, joins us to discuss technology. The FBI and Pentagon are developing facial recognition technology. Also, Germany may be buying into sanctions against China.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.

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radio, nord stream, ukraine, iraq, syria, paris, , north korea
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/prominent-ukrainian-businessman-probed-over-alleged-links-to-nord-stream-attacks-reports-say-1108204013.html

Prominent Ukrainian Businessman Probed Over Alleged Links to Nord Stream Attacks, Reports Say

Prominent Ukrainian Businessman Probed Over Alleged Links to Nord Stream Attacks, Reports Say

Western intelligence agencies investigating blasts on the Nord Stream gas pipelines are looking into the possible involvement of a prominent Ukrainian businessman in the attack

2023-03-09T07:26+0000

2023-03-09T07:26+0000

2023-03-09T07:26+0000

nord stream sabotage

russia

nord stream pipeline

attacks

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The British newspaper said that it knows the name of the businessman and that some of the attack's characteristics were hinting at his involvement in the sabotage. A source in one of the European intelligence services did not clarify whether the businessman is an official suspect, according to The Telegraph. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told the Italian press on Thursday that his country had nothing to do with the attack on the pipelines as "there is no proof" in these allegations, calling the rumors "harmful" and "unfair." The US media reported on Tuesday, citing US officials, that new intelligence suggested involvement of a "pro-Ukrainian group" in the Nord Stream incidents. At the same time, the US officials reportedly said there were no proof of the Ukrainian leadership being involved in the operation. Meanwhile, a German newspaper reported, citing investigators, that the attacks had been carried out by six people of unknown nationality with the use of a boat rented from a Poland-based firm, apparently owned by two Ukrainians. The Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines, built to deliver gas under the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany, have been out of action since they were hit by explosions last September. Nord Stream's operator, Nord Stream AG, said that the damage was unprecedented and it was impossible to estimate the time repairs might take.Russia considers the explosions of the two pipelines an act of international terrorism. There are no official results of the investigation yet, but Pulitzer Prize-winning US investigative journalist Seymour Hersh published a report in February 2023 saying that US navy divers during NATO Baltops exercises in the summer of 2022 had planted explosives to destroy the Nord Stream pipelines, which Norway activated three months later.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230308/kremlin-new-reports-on-nord-stream-attacks-are-part-of-coordinated-disinformation-campaign-1108164746.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/report-cia-warned-germany-about-nord-stream-attack-months-before-it-happened-1108197508.html

Report: CIA Warned Germany About Nord Stream Attack Months Before It Happened

Report: CIA Warned Germany About Nord Stream Attack Months Before It Happened

The Nord Stream pipelines connect Russia to Germany. Prior to Russia's special operation in Ukraine, the Nord Stream 1 pipeline provided billions of cubic meters of natural gas to Europe.

2023-03-09T01:46+0000

2023-03-09T01:46+0000

2023-03-09T01:45+0000

nord stream pipeline

attack

sabotage

germany

ukraine

russia

nord stream sabotage

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The CIA reportedly warned its German counterpart, the Bundesnachrichtendienst, better known as BND, about a potential attack on the Nord Stream pipelines months before an attack was carried out in late 2022.Citing anonymous intelligence officials, the Wall Street Journal, reported that the warnings were sent by the CIA in June and July of 2022, months before the pipeline exploded in an apparent sabotage in September.News articles at the time stated Western intelligence agencies thought Russia was behind the attack but recent reports, also citing anonymous sources, say that an unidentified pro-Ukrainian group was behind the attack. The warning reportedly stated three Ukrainian nationals were attempting to rent ships in countries that border the Baltic Sea, where the Nord Stream pipelines connect Russia and Germany.The Journal reported that senior US officials, including CIA Chief William Burns and national security adviser Jake Sullivan, were considering the possibility that Ukraine was behind the attack as early as October, but did not say what that assessment was based on, or if it was related to the pro-Ukrainian group that allegedly attacked the pipelines.Podolyak continues to blame Russia for the attack on Twitter, implying in a later tweet that Russia benefited from the attack.Also in October, Germanys federal prosecutor general Peter Frank said he had no evidence Russia was involved. German media later claimed the incident was carried out by six people of unknown national origin who hired a yacht from a company registered in Poland and owned by two Ukrainian citizens.Russia has blamed the attack on the UK and the US at different times. Xavier Moreau, an arms expert and geopolitical analyst from the French think tank Stratpol told Sputnik he finds reports that the attacks were carried out by a group of people unaffiliated with any government ridiculous. Moreau says reports are designed to divert attention away from accusations that Washington carried out the attack, noting that the United States is one of the few countries that would have had the means to carry out the clandestine sabotage.Five-time George Polk Award and one-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Seymour Hersh reported prior to the pro-Ukrainian theory first, detailing in early February how US Navy divers had allegedly planted explosives along the pipeline under the cover of the Baltops 2022 NATO exercises.The CIA has declined to comment on the reports.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230307/blame-game-us-intel-tells-nyt-pro-ukrainian-group-behind-nord-stream-bombing-1108155572.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230221/seymour-hersh-says-will-testify-neither-before-unsc-nor-us-congress-about-nord-stream-blasts-1107668771.html

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nord stream pipeline, who blew up nord stream pipeline, pro-ukrainian group, united states, russia
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/russian-military-conducts-massive-retaliatory-strike-in-ukraine-in-response-to-bryansk-terror-1108210949.html

Russian Military Deploys Kinzhals in Massive Strikes in Ukraine in Retaliation to Bryansk Terror

Russian Military Deploys Kinzhals in Massive Strikes in Ukraine in Retaliation to Bryansk Terror

Two civilians were killed and a ten-year-old boy injured last week after a group of saboteurs penetrated the Russian-Ukrainian border in Russia's Bryansk... 09.03.2023, Sputnik International

2023-03-09T11:00+0000

2023-03-09T11:00+0000

2023-03-09T11:39+0000

bryansk region

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terror attack

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Russia carried out massed missile strike on targets inside Ukraine in retaliation to last week's terrorism in Bryansk region, the Russian Ministry of Defense has announced.All of the designated targets were hit, the officer said, with the strikes said to have destroyed sites hosting Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles, knocked out railway infrastructure involved in the transfer of foreign weapons, and disabled facilities involved in the production of ammunition and the repair of military equipment.Two people were killed and a 10-year-old boy injured last week after saboteurs infiltrated the Russian-Ukrainian border and seemingly randomly opened fire on residents, vehicles and local infrastructure using small arms, drones, and other weapons. Russia's Federal Security Service announced Monday that the March 2 attacks were organized by militants from the 'Russian Volunteer Corps', a neo-Nazi militia fighting for Ukraine.The Russian Foreign Ministry warned last week that the use of NATO-provided weapons in the Bryansk attacks raised questions about the West's culpability for the acts of terrorism. Russian and American military and international affairs experts told Sputnik that the Bryansk attacks may have been designed to provoke Russia into launching a premature new offensive in Ukraine amid growing frustration about the situation on the front, and as a pretext for Kiev to demand more weapons from the West.The Kinzhal (lit. 'Dagger') is a new Russian air-launched, nuclear-capable hypersonic missile with a range of over 2,000 km, designed to overcome any existing or prospective air defenses, and to launch attacks on foreign warships, including carriers. The missile has been used in Ukraine repeatedly over the past year. President Biden, Kiev's main sponsor in NATO's proxy war against Russia in Ukraine, characterized the Kinzhal as a "consequential weapon" that's "almost impossible to stop."

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230306/fsb-ukraines-russian-volunteer-corps-founder-behind-attack-on-bryansk-region-1108080390.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/live-updates-strikes-against-energy-facilities-reported-across-ukraine-1108199916.html

bryansk region

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2023

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Ilya Tsukanov

bryansk region, terrorism, terror attack, ukraine, russia, russian military
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/russias-un-envoy-world-without-accountability-for-nord-stream-blasts-would-be-very-dangerous-place-1108217820.html

Russia's UN Envoy: World Without Accountability For Nord Stream Blasts Would Be Very Dangerous Place

Russia's UN Envoy: World Without Accountability For Nord Stream Blasts Would Be Very Dangerous Place

Russia's UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy said that a world without accountability for Nord Stream terror blasts would be a very dangerous place.

2023-03-09T14:30+0000

2023-03-09T14:30+0000

2023-03-09T17:21+0000

russia

dmitry polyanskiy

nord stream

ukraine

nazi

sabotage

un security council (unsc)

sanctions

nord stream sabotage

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A world where the perpetrators of blowing up such infrastructure projects as Nord Stream would not be held to account would be a very dangerous place for everyone to live, First Deputy Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN Dmitry Polyanskiy told Sputnik Radio host Jamarl Thomas during the latest episode of Fault Lines.On September 26, 2022, underwater blasts targeted three of the four strings of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 underwater pipelines, built to carry a combined 110 billion cubic meters of Russian gas to Europe annually. The incident halted gas deliveries to Germany ahead of the cold season, prompting a gas price hike. Germany, Denmark, and Sweden launched separate investigations into the blasts. Russia, however, was not granted access to their probes. Last month, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Seymour Hersh wrote an article unabashedly pointing the finger at the United States and Norway as the main perpetrators of the blasts, with US authorities denying the claims and mainstream media discarding the evidence. Furthermore, on March 7, US media reports eagerly started to push "new intelligence reviewed by unnamed US officials" suggesting that a pro-Ukrainian group had carried out the attack on the pipeline so vital for European security and the continent's energy interests.The ambassador was referring to how top US officials - including US President Joe Biden - repeatedly threatened to sabotage the pipeline in the event that Russian troops engaged Ukrainian forces, as Hersh repeatedly underscored in his bombshell article. Furthermore, as Hersh noted in his story, Under Secretary for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland warned in January: if Russia invades Ukraine, one way or another, Nord Stream 2 will not move forward.The investigative report published in February by Seymour Hersh revealed that US Navy divers had planted explosives to destroy the Nord Stream pipelines during NATO's BALTOPS exercises in the summer of 2022. Norway activated the bombs three months later at the order of US President Joe Biden, the journalist wrote, citing insiders.Shortly after Hersh's story, The New York Times reported on March 7, citing US officials, that new intelligence suggested the involvement of a certain "pro-Ukrainian group" in the Nord Stream sabotage. At the same time, the US officials reportedly said there was no proof of the Kiev regime's leadership being involved in the operation. Furthermore, a UK media outlet said that Western intelligence agencies investigating the blasts were looking into the possible involvement of a prominent Ukrainian businessman in the attack. However, this was denounced by the Kremlin as an inherent part of the coordinated spread of disinformation and an attempt to divert attention from the real perpetrators.In the interview, Polyanskiy also weighed in on Russia's ongoing special military operation in Ukraine, launched on February 24, 2022.The Russian official pointed out that since the launch of the operation, its goals have not changed, which include the cessation of shelling the civilian population of Donbass, along with the task of demilitarization and de-Nazification of Ukraine.He pointed out that Western countries used the Minsk agreements as "a smokescreen for arming Ukraine, for preparing its army for war with Russia, which is now happening, the proxy war of NATO against Russia in Ukraine.""So we had to formulate this task. De-Nazification, I think, is also absolutely clear because throughout these several years from 2014, the Ukrainian regime has become absolutely inseparate from nationalist groups. Some of them are Nazi groups, some of them are radical nationalist groups which declare the total elimination of everything Russian in Ukraine, which are behind all the policy measures that discriminate the Russian speaking population, that are behind the measures that glorify collaborators of Hitler and those who committed terrible crimes in Ukraine during the Second World War. So all these people are now in power or very close to power. And of course, it is absolutely out of the question that we could coexist with such a neighbor, with such a hornet's nest that was created after the illegal anti-constitutional Maidan coup in 2014."Polyanskiy stressed that the sweeping sanctions campaign that was unleashed by the West against Russia, seeking to "cripple" its economy, has had a boomerang effect, hitting those who conceived it in the first place hard.He added that Russia has made great efforts to diversify its economic ties, and to develop closer ties with China, India, and other countries in Asia and Africa. "This process is ongoing and this process is very successful, as you would see from the figures of the Russian economy. I would absolutely agree with those who say that the ones who will suffer would be, first and foremost Europeans and Americans. Europe is now deprived of cheap Russian energy... Now they have to rely on liquefied natural gas coming from the US and from other regions of the world. And there are very important specifics of these markets and possible price hikes which are unpredictable... So the world is changing. Our economy is adapting. This process is ongoing. We have more and more ties with the countries that are friendly to us, that are neighbors, and that are not pursuing any political goals towards Russia. And I think that this process is very positive to my country. This is not our choice. And we will not self-isolate. We will just remain friends with those who want to remain friends with us. And I think it's a mutually advantageous process."Listen to more of Dmitry Polyanskiy's conversation with Jamarl Thomas here.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/lavrov-says-un-chief-avoiding-giving-any-reaction-on-nord-stream-pipelines-blasts-1108218101.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230307/blame-game-us-intel-tells-nyt-pro-ukrainian-group-behind-nord-stream-bombing-1108155572.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/kremlin-russia-insists-on-transparent-probe-into-nord-stream-terror-attack-amid-media-leaks-1108207305.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/antonov-says-russian-economy-persevered-one-year-into-sanctions-war-1108199591.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/scott-bennett-us-may-peddle-lies-about-nord-stream-blast-but-cant-escape-accountability-1108221433.html

Scott Bennett: US May Peddle Lies About Nord Stream Blast But Can't Escape Accountability

Scott Bennett: US May Peddle Lies About Nord Stream Blast But Can't Escape Accountability

The US mainstream media is continuing to peddle the story of a "pro-Ukrainian group" destroying the Nord Stream pipelines in September 2022. However, the... 09.03.2023, Sputnik International

2023-03-09T15:13+0000

2023-03-09T15:13+0000

2023-03-09T15:13+0000

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nord stream

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"The Nord stream pipeline destruction was a terrorist act that was orchestrated and planned with the United States, Britain and other countries playing crucial roles. They may have dressed up sailors and divers in Ukrainian uniforms to pretend or rather delude themselves into believing their own lies that somehow this could be used to escape accountability," said Scott Bennett, former US Army psychological warfare officer and US State Department counterterrorism analyst.Mysterious Six-Member 'Pro-Ukrainian Group'On March 7, The New York Times and Die Zeit, a German online newspaper, broke two separate stories claiming that a pro-Ukrainian group carried out the attack on the Nord Stream pipelines last year. To back its allegations, the US mainstream newspaper cited "new intelligence," specifying that the nature of the intelligence, how it was obtained or any details of the strength of the evidence it contains, remains unclear.For its part, the German newspaper referred to the nation's investigative authorities who have reportedly managed to detect traces leading to Ukraine. They allege that the Nord Stream attack was conducted by a team of six people, comprising five men and one woman. The sabotage group reportedly consisted of a captain, two divers, two diving assistants, and a doctor, who are said to have embarked on their mission from Rostock on September 6, 2022. The following day, the boat allegedly reached Wieck, (Rugen) and later it sailed to the Danish island of Christiansoe, north-east of Bornholm. After that, the vessel was returned to the owner in non-clean condition. Having gained access to the yacht, European investigators found traces of explosives on the table in the vessel's cabin, according to the media.Meanwhile, both newspapers went on to claim that there is no evidence that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky or his lieutenants were involved in the operation, or that the perpetrators were acting at the direction of any Ukrainian government officials. While saying that the nationality of the perpetrators is unclear, US officials asserted to the press that no American or British nationals were involved. Instead, they alleged that the plot could have been implemented by Russian and Ukrainian saboteurs.At the same time international investigators do not rule out that it could also be a false flag operation. As per the media, Western officials no longer suspect Russia of ordering the alleged attack, suggesting that the alleged Russian culprits were "opponents of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia."Sy Hersh's Story Looks More CredibleThe Western media's Nord Stream yarn was met by distrust by international observers, who referred to multiple gaps and discrepancies in the newly-released story. In contrast, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Seymour Hersh's description of the sabotage attack has far more details and has even been corroborated by independent observers.In early February, Hersh published a report saying US Navy divers during NATO BALTOPS 22 exercises in June 2022 planted explosives to destroy the Nord Stream pipelines, which Norway activated three months later. According to the bombshell, US President Joe Biden decided to sabotage Nord Stream pipes after more than nine months of secret discussions with the national security team.On February 16, an email forwarded to Sputnik by a US journalist from an individual identifying themselves as a servicemember that took part in last summers NATO BALTOPS 22 drills in waters near the site of the Nord Stream pipeline explosions provided information about an American diving team which arrived at the area equipped with MK29 military-issue rebreather systems, which use an oxygen-helium mixture for deep-sea diving. The team had other expensive high-grade equipment not in use by ordinary Navy units, and they brought small boxes with them, contents unknown.Earlier, on February 9, former CIA analyst Larry Johnson drew attention to a September 30, 2022 report from a YouTube channel that focuses on tracking US civilian and military flights. The report showed strange aerial maneuvers by P8 Poseidon jet on September 26, 2022 exactly over the area where underwater explosions in the Baltic Sea took place later on that day.As per Hersh, a Norwegian Navy P8 surveillance plane made a seemingly routine flight on September 26, 2022 and dropped a sonar buoy which triggered the detonation of high-powered C4 explosives which were attached to the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines. Johnson, a veteran of the CIA and the State Departments Office of Counter Terrorism, who provided training to the US Militarys Special Operations task force for 24 years, does not rule out that the YouTuber and Hersh spoke about one and the same plane.Notorious CIA MouthpieceBennett is by no means surprised that the US government's "bombshell" revelation about the alleged "pro-Ukrainian group" behind the sabotage was first reported by the NYT.On March 3, Scholz held talks with Biden as the German economy appears to be spiraling into recession and de-industrialization. Thus, BASF, the German chemical giant, announced on February 24 that it would cut 2,600 jobs, or about 2.3% of its global workforce, stop share buybacks, and increase investment to improve competitiveness as it expects a further decline in earnings due to rising costs. Out of 2,600 jobs, 1,800 will be cut at the Ludwigshafen headquarters in Germany. The EU energy crunch, amplified by the Western anti-Russia energy embargo, has taken a toll on the Old Continent's economy. Peace protests and demonstrations against plummeting standards of living have recently swept through Europe, bringing together tens of thousands in Berlin on February 26 and around 1.28 million people in France on March 7.Germany's right-wing AfD and left-wing Die Linke parties earlier urged Berlin to release information about the ongoing Nord Stream investigation and launch a new probe based on Hersh's revelations. For its part, Hungary has called for an independent international inquiry into the sabotage under UN auspices. One might wonder whether the Western mainstream media's latest yarn will manage to calm down soaring tensions and the emerging peace movement in Europe. As per Bennett, that mission seems impossible.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/kremlin-russia-insists-on-transparent-probe-into-nord-stream-terror-attack-amid-media-leaks-1108207305.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230211/why-hershs-nord-stream-bombshell-may-become-legal-nightmare-for-team-biden--its-nordic-allies-1107344300.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/prominent-ukrainian-businessman-probed-over-alleged-links-to-nord-stream-attacks-reports-say-1108204013.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230303/germany-got-a-slap-in-the-face-from-us-but-can-do-nothing-but-obey-political-scientist--1107986269.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/sunak-reportedly-confident-australia-will-choose-british-made-submarines-over-american-ones-1108198412.html

Sunak Reportedly Confident Australia Will Choose British-Made Submarines Over American Ones

Sunak Reportedly Confident Australia Will Choose British-Made Submarines Over American Ones

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has reportedly told a cabinet meeting to expect a positive outcome regarding his next week's journey to San Diego to unveil a deal on the sale of British-made nuclear-powered submarines to Australia within the AUKUS security pact with the United States.

2023-03-09T02:59+0000

2023-03-09T02:59+0000

2023-03-09T02:58+0000

aukus

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us

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On Monday, Sunak will travel to the US to meet with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Joe Biden. Following the meeting, Australia is expected to announce which submarines it would purchase as part of the AUKUS defense pact. Citing insiders with knowledge of the developments, the Guardian reported on Wednesday that Sunak has expressed his confidence to ministers that London had succeeded in its bid to sell its submarines to Australia. Australia is choosing between British-made Astute-class nuclear-powered submarines and American-designed Virginia-class submarines, a senior minister told the newspaper, adding that Sunak had told the meeting that he was delighted by the outcome of the negotiations, which have been going on for 18 months. Another source familiar with the negotiations has also told the newspaper that Australia is expected to choose British-designed submarines; however, any final submarine under Monday's deal would make heavy use of US technologies. Earlier on Wednesday, US media reported Australia is expected to procure up to five US Virginia-class submarines in the 2030s. Officials have alleged that a new class of submarines with British designs and American technologies would be built within the AUKUS pact in the late 2030s. Australia, the US, and the UK announced a new trilateral defense partnership called AUKUS in September 2021.The first initiative announced under the AUKUS defense pact was the development of nuclear-powered submarine technology for the Royal Australian Navy, so the Australian government decided to abandon its agreement, estimated at $66 billion at that time, with France's Naval Group company for the construction of diesel-electric submarines.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230201/beijing-says-aukus-fuels-arms-race-in-asia-pacific-undermines-nuclear-non-proliferation-1106883565.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/uganda-plans-to-kick-off-nuclear-power-generation-by-2031-1108222548.html

Uganda Plans to Kick Off Nuclear Power Generation by 2031

Uganda Plans to Kick Off Nuclear Power Generation by 2031

Uganda plans to start generating at least 1000 MW with the help of nuclear power by 2031, reports say.

2023-03-09T16:28+0000

2023-03-09T16:28+0000

2023-03-09T16:28+0000

africa

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uganda

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nuclear energy

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Uganda plans to start generating at least 1,000 megawatts (MW) with the help of nuclear power by 2031, reports say. The intention goes in line with countrys climate change response program, which include electricity sources diversification as well as energy transition acceleration.According to Uganda President Yoweri Museveni, the government is eager to utilize its uranium deposits for potential nuclear energy development.The China National Nuclear Corporation is expected to help Uganda build capacity for the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, as China and the East African country have signed a relevant deal.Within the framework of the first future nuclear project, the Buyende Nuclear Power Plant is planned to be constructed in Buyende, about 150 km (93 miles) north of the capital Kampala, the country's Energy and Minerals Minister Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu stated.Today, Uganda's generating capacity accounts for about 1,500 megawatts (MW), while the country expects its energy needs to jump in the following years due to revenues from oil exports boosting economic growth, officials have said.South Africa is the only country to have an operational nuclear power plant on the continent, while Egypt started to build its first plant last year with the help of Russia's state-owned energy corporation Rosatom.In November 2022, Russia and Burundi signed a roadmap for organizing a dialogue on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, which includes a number of specific actions planned for 2022-2024, such as assessing the prospects for nuclear energy in an African country, as well as the implementation of non-energy nuclear projects.The parties also agreed to hold technical seminars and develop plans for training and retraining of personnel in this field of knowledge.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/opec-fund-lends-25-million-to-support-nigers-energy-project-1108205294.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/us-intel-chiefs-designate-china--its-goal-of-seeking-global-influence-as-unparalleled-priority-1108209725.html

US Intel Chiefs Designate China & Its Goal of 'Seeking Global Influence' as 'Unparalleled Priority'

US Intel Chiefs Designate China & Its Goal of 'Seeking Global Influence' as 'Unparalleled Priority'

China remains the greatest threat to US power, a top American intelligence official told a Senate committee hearing on Wednesday, presenting the Office of the Director of National Intelligence threat assssment report.

2023-03-09T11:49+0000

2023-03-09T11:49+0000

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world

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China remains the greatest threat to US power, a top American intelligence official told a Senate committee hearing on Wednesday amid escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing.Released on March 8 by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), the Annual Threat Assessment report claimed that Beijing was acting on the belief that it could achieve its goals of "dominating" its region and expanding its global reach only at the expense of US power and influence.The report said that as Communist Party General Secretary Xi Jinping embarks upon a third term, the party will seek to press Taiwan on unification, undercut US influence, drive wedges between Washington and its partners and foster some norms that favor its authoritarian system.Haines also weighed in on the alleged espionage challenge posed by China, underscoring that due to the country's ambitions and abilities, it was America's "most serious and consequential intelligence rival. This particular aspect of US-China tensions comes amid ramped-up spy hysteria regarding Beijing, with US politicians targeting everything from Huawei and TikTok, to off-course weather balloons, and even cranes as "national security threats."On the military side, the ODNI report stated that, Beijing is increasingly combining growing military power with its economic, technological, and diplomatic influence, ostensibly, to pursue global influence. It was also estimated that China intended to expand its nuclear arsenal, and was allegedly building hundreds of new silos for intercontinental ballistic missiles.Regarding China-Russia ties, the Annual Threat Assessment report claimed that Beijing would persist in seeing Moscow as an important strategic power. This comes as Washington has been claiming that amid Moscow's ongoing special military operation in Ukraine, China has mulled the possibility of providing "lethal" military assistance to Russia, including either weapons or ammunition. In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said it was the United States who was funneling weapons to Ukraine and urged Washington to "stop shifting responsibility and spreading false information."In response to the ODNI report, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday that accusations by US intelligence that China intends to maintain ties with Russia in order to continue attempts to challenge the United States have been repeatedly denied by Beijing.Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping has slammed Western countries led by the United States for having "implemented all-around containment, encirclement and suppression of China, which has brought unprecedented severe challenges to our countrys development.Newly appointed Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang warned in a media briefing on March 7 that the US and China were headed towards conflict if the United States does not hit the brake in its stance on Beijing.Qin said that the balloon incident was proof the US sees China as its main adversary, and that the United States acts with the presumption of guilt towards China.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230303/china-demands-us-stops-all-military-contacts-with-taiwan-defense-ministry-1107971578.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230307/us-congressman-himes-says-not-quite-ready-to-support-complete-ban-of-tiktok-1108156098.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230304/russia-china-to-keep-explaining-danger-of-nato-presence-to-asia-pacific-ambassador-says-1108019530.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230308/make-love-not-war-us-should-focus-on-peace--stability-instead-of-egging-on-conflict-with-china-1108163065.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230309/zulu-star-michael-caine-slams-bullsht-claim-film-inspires-white-supremacists-1108224930.html

'Zulu' Star Michael Caine Slams 'Bullsh*t' Claim Film Inspires White Supremacists

'Zulu' Star Michael Caine Slams 'Bullsh*t' Claim Film Inspires White Supremacists

'Zulu', featuring Michael Caine's first starring role as real-life Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead, has long been a staple of Sunday afternoon TV in the UK. The film criticises war and imperialism while lionising the Zulu warriors.

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Veteran British actor Michael Caine has hit out at claims that his first hit film Zulu inspired "white supremacists."The classic 1964 war film, which portrays the 1879 battle of Rorke's Drift and made Caine an international star, was branded "key text" for "white nationalists/supremacists" in a review of the government's counter-radicalisation programme Prevent.The actor, who is still working despite being about to turn 90 this month, said Zulu was the film that "made me a star," later adding that "there are no films I wish I hadn't made."Zulu was filmed on location in South Africa, some 60 miles from the historical Rorke's Drift battle site, in 1963  two years before the Writers' Guild of Great Britain called for a cultural embargo on the country over its Apartheid sytem which separated people by race.The film starred several well-known British actors, including Jack Hawkins, along with a brief appearance by Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi  a former member of the African National Congress, banned by the regime in 1960, and later founder of the Inkatha Freedom Party  as his great-grandfather King Cetshwayo.The film portrays the Zulu kingdom and its soldiers as noble, brave and tactically astute, as articulated by several main characters in the story. One soldier questions why he is fighting a war 6,000 miles from home, while a Boer scout expresses distrust for the British Empire's motives. It ends with Caine, playing real-life second-in-command Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead, expressing his horror at the carnage of war.Cy Endfield, the film's director, was a US citizen who moved to the UK after he was accused of being a communist and blacklisted from working in Hollywood by the McCarthyite House Un-American Activities Commission (HUAC).Among Endfield's many British films is 1957's noir thriller Hell Drivers starring Stanley Baker  who later led the cast of Zulu as Lieutenant John Chard, who commanded the defence of Rorke's Drift. The film's villain is the greedy boss of a trucking firm, while Baker plays the working-class ex-convict who brings him down.

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 9)  State prosecutors are looking at the angle that there were three or four orchestrators of the assassination of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo last March 4, Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla told reporters Thursday.

"Conspiracy 'yan pero may mastermind 'yan. Ang tingin namin hanggang tatlo, apat 'yan na nagkaisa na magplano at kumuha nalang sila ng ibang tao para sumapi," Remulla said.

"'Yan ang aming pinag-aaralan ngayon at 'yan pa'y lalabas sa mga statement na ilalabas ng mga tao," he added.

[Translation: That's a conspiracy but there is a mastermind. In our view, three or four individuals conspired to plan the assassination and hired people to join them. That's what we are studying now that would come out in the statements to be released by people involved.]

Remulla said this could be a possible angle given the large number of casualties in the ambush, which happened in Degamo's residential compound.

"Siyam na tao ang namatay, binawian ng buhay, labing-anim pa ang nasaktan, isang malaking pagkilos 'yan na hindi kayang gawin ng isang tao lang na planuhin. Marahil marami ang nag-usap-usap diyan," he explained.

[Translation: Nine people died, 16 others were hurt, that's a big operation that cannot be planned by one single person. It could be many conspired on this.]

'Well-planned, well-organized'

According to the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Degamo, the perpetrators carefully studied the movement and activities of the governor in preparation for his murder.

Based on testimonies, surveillance activities were already being done as early as December, but authorities are not sure yet if the suspects were able to infiltrate Degamo's security detail.

"There was already surveillance, casing, trying to choose the best design on how to attack. So this is a well-planned and well-organized attack," said PLtCol. Gerard Ace Pelare, SITG Degamo spokesperson.

A middleman was said to have recruited the gunmen, mostly former soldiers who were dismissed from service. Ten shooters in military uniforms and bulletproof vests entered Degamo's compound in Pamplona town and opened fire.

Pelare said they arrived in Negros Oriental one by one and were gathered and briefed in a safehouse.

The task group said when some of the suspects were arrested hours after the crime, they were able to execute affidavits detailing what they know, from planning to their escape.

"During the custodial debriefing, we have known the blow-by-blow account of what happenedbefore, during, and after the crime," Pelare said. "Prinocess sila [They were processed] together with the pieces of evidence recovered, at 1 a.m. of March 6, it's a Monday, we already forwarded the first set of complaints sa [to the] prosecutor's office."

Authorities said they are now in the final touches of the investigation and are waiting for the results of other forensic examinations that will serve as strong pieces of evidence in the case, including the supposed video call between one of the arrested suspects and the mastermind.

"The special investigation task group is trying to collect pieces of evidence, scientific, testimonial, and object, to make sure that we can build airtight case against the mastermind," Pelare said.

Tagging of Teves

Media reports said one of the suspects has already tagged Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. in the killing. Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo  the governor's widow  is also convinced the lawmaker is the mastermind.

"There were several incidents in the past that have made me believe that he is the only one, along with those mga galamay niya [considered his minions] who can do these kinds of acts to people," the mayor said.

"I hope pag nakuha ni gov. 'yung hustisiya, parang nakuha na rin ng iba 'yung kanila [I hope once the governor gets justice, other victims will feel the same]," she added.

But the Police Regional Office 7 said it was already "acquired information."

"The declarations made publicly earlier by one of the suspects in Gov. Degamo's killing were information that we already acquired from the moment we arrested the four suspects six hours from the incident," the PRO7 said in a statement Thursday.

"While we had these significant developments at hand at the early stage of the conduct of massive hot pursuit operations, we maintained that these be revealed in due time not to compromise the conduct of investigations," the police officer added.

The lawmaker's camp called for those concerned to "observe sobriety" in their pronouncements. Teves has already denied any involvement.

CNN Philippines' Anjo Alimario, Gerg Cahiles, and Jelo Mantaring contributed to this report.
According to a survey by Lifeway Research, the average length of service of a pastor in a local parish is 3.6 years. Local pastor Michael Clement helped raise that average as he celebrated his 40th anniversary as head pastor of Bible Baptist Church Feb. 24.

Clement is full of stories about his church, full of pride  that somehow remains humble  when he references his parishioners and their mission work, and full of joy when he talks about the community that he, his wife and their 10 children have called home since the 1980s. Every story leads to another story and his eyes twinkle as he shares some of those that he finds especially entertaining.

Clement was born in New Jersey to a family that he describes as not particularly religious, but did have their kids attend Sunday school and church each weekend.

I didnt care for it, Clement admits.

It wasnt until he attended a youth group with one of his closest friends that he said he felt called to become a pastor. He attended Bible college in Denver where he met his wife, Ariel. Though they married in the Scottsbluff church, Ariel had pronounced that she would never move back to Scottsbluff. A few short years later, after serving and helping build a parish back in New Jersey, they headed back west with two young children and another on the way.

Clement said, reflecting, If it wasnt for my wife, I wouldnt have achieved anything. She is the most serving person Ive met in my life.

When they arrived, there was not enough money in the coffers to support a full-time pastor so Clement took on second or third jobs, such as working a couple of sugar beet campaigns, at a local mechanic shop or in construction just to keep his family afloat.

He said, I had a hard time getting a job because I had a college degree.

Over the years, he built the congregation and was able to focus full-time on the church.

The Clements have full reach of not just the Panhandle but worldwide. They have children serving in missions in Africa, Brazil, the South Pacific, and a pastor in Arkansas. Five of their children are local and involved in the community. In fact, one of their sons is going to be named an assistant pastor at Bible Baptist this year.

Mission work is a central focus of the church and they have parishioners around the globe. Last weekend, the congregation marked its mission dinner where the church raises awareness and money for its missionaries. In honor of the 40 years he has served, Clement and Ariel were given a mission trip to Brazil that will likely happen in April. They have several church members who are missionaries and their whereabouts are shared on a bulletin board that is visible as you enter the church.

When asked if he had a special memory from the last 40 years, Clement had a hard time coming up with an answer.

After some consideration, he said, Ive done so many weddings  and funerals  but Im now performing the weddings of people who I knew as infants. The generational aspect of our church is so special. Its a family.

With 70 to 90 regular attendees, he said, the church is considered quite healthy.

Seventy-five percent of churches have seventy people or less, according to Clement. A few years ago, we had 300 kids sign up for VBS (Vacation Bible School). Our volunteers baked over 100 dozen cookies.

He enjoys talking about the history of the church and shared that Bible Baptist has not always been the churchs name. When his father-in-law, David Adams, started the church in 1971, it was called the Peoples Church. In 1979, when the Jonestown Massacre occurred amongst the Peoples Temple cult, there were rumblings about changing the name as there was absolutely no connection between the organizations and parishioners were concerned there would be confusion.

There was hope that the memory of the horror of Jonestown would fade with time. A few years later, after Clement took over as head pastor, a suggestion box was installed behind the church tov gather suggestions for alternate names. The entire congregation joined together and voted on the name Bible Baptist Church.

To require all major decisions to be made by an entire congregation is a process that seems unique in comparison to other churches. Bible Baptist has a pastor, assistant pastor and board of deacons who could have decided to make a change without input from all. However, Clement said he is proud to say thats not the way things happen in his house of worship. From the name to the remodeling needed to install accessible bathrooms on the main level of the church, its always a group project.

We have a policy that we are a debt-free church, he said. Somehow, it always works out. God provides donations as we need them.

Parishioner Connie Duncan said, Pastor Mike has an awesome sense of humor and brings that to his sharing of the message. He and his wife are great for the church.

Its really a down-home church. Visitors always have something good to say when they stop by.

The parishioners definitely have love and appreciation for what Clements has done with the church during his service.

When asked whats next in terms of his service, he simply grins. With his son stepping in as assistant pastor, its doubtful it will be another 40 years, but Clements passion for service doesnt seem to have faded.
Three more bills from western Nebraska state senators have advanced to the full Legislature, though their chances for further action in 2023 are clouded.

The measures join a growing list of bills awaiting first-round debate but stuck behind an all-encompassing near-blockade on legislative floor votes begun Feb. 23 by Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha.

She has vowed to filibuster every measure before the Legislature in protest of the Health and Human Services Committees 4-2 advancement Feb. 22 of Legislative Bill 574, which would forbid transgender care for minors younger than 19.

Unicameral rules allow an individual senator to extend debate for up to eight hours on first round, four hours on second round and two on a bills final reading. Two-thirds of all 49 lawmakers then must vote to end debate for a bill to have a chance to move forward.

Omaha Sen. Kathleen Kauth, LB 574s prime sponsor, has made the measure her personal priority bill to increase the odds it receives debate on the floor.

Senators have until the end of Thursday to choose their individual 2023 priority bills. This years 90-day long session reaches its halfway point next Wednesday.

Recently advanced bills by regional lawmakers include LB 29, Bayard Sen. Steve Erdmans latest modification of his 2019 law to temporarily reduce property taxes when structures are damaged or destroyed.

The bill, advanced 6-1 by the Revenue Committee, would replace the term destroyed property with damaged property and eliminate the requirement that a calamity must have taken place for a damaged propertys taxable value to be lowered for the tax year when the damage took place.

Gordon Sen. Tom Brewer won advancement of two more of his 2023 bills, including LB 450, which would forbid land disposal of wind turbine blades and related components. The Natural Resources Committee voted 6-0 to advance that bill.

The Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, which Brewer chairs, voted 8-0 to advance his bill allowing state agency department heads to serve in reserve forces of the U.S. military.

LB 753 would carve out an exception in state law that otherwise forbids leaders of 13 agencies from holding any other public office or making a profit from other public or private jobs.
It was quick and efficient on Tuesday night as the Iredell County Board of Commissioners met and approved several items related to first responders and health, including a mobile health unit for the health department.

As part of its administrative agenda, the board approved waiving the competitive bidding process and purchasing a mobile health unit from Matthews Specialty Vehicles and approved the budget amendment to transfer $799,262 of COVID-19 grant funding to purchase the unit and appropriate $130,628 of Medicaid maximization funding to purchase all equipment and pay for title, tag, insurance, storage and fuel for May and June of 2024.

Director Jane Hinson said the mobile unit can be used to target specific populations in disadvantaged areas, as well as be on site in the case of a medical emergency.

The Mobile Health Unit will allow us to take services and education to typically underserved populations. We anticipate initially offering immunizations, dental care, well-child screenings and sexually transmitted disease screenings on the Mobile Health Unit, but look forward to expanding our service offerings in the future based on identified community needs, Hinson said Wednesday.

Administrative agenda

The following issues were also considered administrative matters by the board and discussed in a pre-agenda meeting before the regular meeting at 7 p.m. All are passed with a consent vote unless moved to the regular agenda.

Stony Point Volunteer Fire Department: Approved of application for the Small Loan Program in the amount of $30,000 to purchase equipment for a new engine it expects to receive in July.

Stony Point VFDs monthly allocation will be reduced by $1,666.67 for 18 months to repay the zero-interest loan. The funds come from $3 million the board of commissioners set aside in 2022 for a small loan program for items such as this.

Cool Springs Volunteer Fire Department: Approved of application for the Small Loan Program in the amount of $127,000 to complete the purchase of 2023 Pierce Enforcer Fire Engine. Cool Springs VFD was allocated $750,000 for the replacement of a fire engine with a total cost of $877,000.

Cool Springs VFDs monthly allocation will be reduced by $7,055.55 for 18 months to repay the zero-interest loan.

Emergency Communications: The county looks to implement the VIPER Simulcast Radio System for Iredell County. The board approved a contract with Motorola and amended the American Rescue Plan Act Grant Ordinance to include $10,292,431 for the Motorola contract, 5% contingency, and $493,000 for Mission Critical Partners to consult as previously approved. In total, the cost is $9,998,431 plus the requested options of $294,000. The total Motorola contract price with all options is $10,292,431.

Nick Falgiatore, the engineering group lead with MCP, said the system would integrate with nearby county and state-level VIPER systems. Completion time is expected to be 18-24 months.

Finance Department: Accepted a donation of $100,000 for playground equipment at Stumpy Creek from Make An Impact Foundation, Inc.. The Brody Thompson Memorial Playground was put into service on Dec. 31.

Administration: Approved a resolution authorizing the execution of opioid settlements and approving the supplemental agreement for additional funds between the state of North Carolina and local governments. N.C. Department of Justice announced five new opioid settlements with CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Allergan and Teva, which resulted in an additional $600 million to North Carolina state and local governments. This is in addition to the first round of settlements which resulted in $750 million being distributed to North Carolina state and local governments, with 85% going to local governments.
Troutman Elementary School joined with the American Heart Associations Kids Heart Challenge this year and raised $11,400 to help fund research and help children with special hearts.

This years theme was Be the Torch. The goal was to create a community of lifesavers by 100% of our students learning hands-only CPR. All students had the opportunity to view the video and practice on CPR mannequins during their PE class. This activity is important because anyone can help save a life, stated physical education teacher Kim Koehler. Families were also encouraged to go on the KHC website and learn together.

During the fundraiser, students participated in fun games and exercises during PE while learning about how to take care of their hearts using messages from the Kids Heart Challenge Heart Hero Dragons.

The Fuel Up to Play 60 leadership team announced heart-healthy tips and facts during morning announcements each day during the month of February. Knowing that a caring heart can lead to a healthy heart, Fellowship of Christian Athletes passed out candy and scripture cards to the staff. The top fundraiser for the third year in a row was Solara Ballentine.

Physical education teacher and KHC coordinator Donette Clendenin said, healthy hearts and brains start at childhood. What a fun time watching our students learn to take care of their hearts while helping others who have special hearts.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 9)  A third batch of Filipinos will be repatriated from quake-hit Turkiye this month, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Thursday.

Speaking at the government-sponsored Laging Handa briefing, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega said around 20 people are expected to arrive.

A total of 49 Filipinos have come home. One Turkish national, the husband of one of the repatriates, also flew in at his expense.

Right now, meron pang 78 na natitira sa shelter  may isang shelter para sa OFWs, overseas Filipinos na ni-rescue natin o lumikas sa earthquake-affected areas, so there is still 78. Hindi lahat gusto umuwi, pero magkakaroon ng third batch (of repatriates) for sure," he said.

[Translation: Right now, 78 remain the shelter for OFWs or overseas Filipinos who were rescued or fled from earthquake-affected areas. Not everyone wants to go home, but there will be a third batch for sure.]

De Vega said some indicated they will return as soon as the situation normalizes in Turkey. He added the government will provide livelihood training for those who will choose to stay permanently.
Perhaps its the way they look at you, or maybe its the support they can provide. It comes in many forms: a purr, a cuddle, a wagging tail.

Its difficult to find the words to describe the love of a pet. But for Castle Rock-based author Angela C. Atkinson, finding the right words is part of what she does.

Atkinsons personal essay was published in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Lessons Learned from My Cat in February. The royalties from the collection go to the animal welfare charity organization American Humane.

Ive been writing since I was a kid. As early as I remember, Ive been making up stories. I havent actually been pursuing it until the last couple years, said Atkinson.

During an online meeting of a Portland-area writing group, another writer recommended she submit to Chicken Soup for the Soul. Atkinson had never submitted a piece of writing before; she didnt think she would hear back.

But she did.

Atkinsons essay, CAThartic Therapy, highlights the support pet cats can provide. For Atkinson, the pet in question was her cat Xena, a little gray fluffball who sat by her side and supported her through a difficult medical diagnosis, she said. Atkinson suffered from AVM, a rare illness that required her to have brain surgery, leaving her with seizures and chronic migraines.

Xena went from being a beloved pet to something more.

She was my constant, my rock, and my self-imposed therapist; she never batted a whisker, Atkinson writes in her essay.

Atkinson hopes her story resonates with readers who have also found solace in the love of their furry friends and animal companions.

If I could tell anybody anything its to be their own advocate and find your support wherever you can, Atkinson said. If I didnt have my family and I didnt have Xena and the doctors and stuff that I had, I probably would not be here today. It was a very hard time.

Atkinson had written the original version of the essay when she was in school for creative writing and revised the story for Chicken Soup for the Soul, a collection of inspirational essays published monthly since 1993.

I tightened it. I took a lot of details out because I didnt want to make people cry, Atkinson said, chuckling. I wanted to pull at the heart strings but I didnt want people bawling while reading it.

Atkinson said she is working on another pet-related essay for another collection of Chicken Soup for the Soul, as well as a paranormal/romance series. She recommended new and aspiring writers find communities locally or online to collaborate and receive feedback. She said she also worked with a writers group at The Vault Books and Brew in Castle Rock before the pandemic.

Putting yourself out there can be hard, she added, but the best thing is to trust yourself and trust that other people will be interested in the same things that interest you.

Although Xena passed away in 2013 at the age of 14, Atkinson is happily joined for writing sessions in her office by three cats, Anya, Patches and Bones, who has a dedicated cardboard box next to her computer keyboard. Shes also trained her German Shepherd Bella as a service animal herself, which she hopes to highlight in further writing projects.

Theyre so much smarter than we are and we take them for granted, Atkinson said. We really do. We just kind of see them as just a pet. Yes, you have to take care of them but they take care of us sometimes.
In one of the largest donations it has ever made, the Cowlitz Tribal Foundation this week announced the earmarking of $900,000 for upgrades for the Mount St. Helens Institute.

The institute called this a major milestone donation toward its vision for a lodge and an expanded education center.

Executive Director Ray Yurkewycz previously said the current status of the institute wasnt sustainable. Despite its amazing location and opportunity, Yurkewycz said, there are no overnight accommodations for the national volcanic monuments 300,000 visitors per year.

The tribes investment, according to a news release this week, will play a critical role in growing access for youth outdoor school, establishing a campground and improving trails and recreation. Its also the first step in the nonprofits vision toward founding the Mount St. Helens Lodge and Education Center, the release states.

Our long-standing partnership with Mount St. Helens Institute is extraordinary, said Timi Marie Russin, Tribal Foundation manager for the Cowlitz Indian Tribe in the donation announcement. (The groups) excellent work allows everyone to explore our regions beauty, teaches our children the importance of our environment, welcomes guests and provides a space to foster relationships within the Cowlitz Indian Tribes ancestral mountains.

If the proposed center is built, it will include offerings for overnight stays, outdoor schooling and more. Its likely to be a $10 million project in total, with $2 million accounted for so far. The tribes gift comes on the heels of $300,000 from private donors, $250,000 from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office, and $210,000 from the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

We are all about advancing understanding and stewardship of the earth through science education and exploration of volcanic landscapes, said Yurkewycz last summer, later adding, How do we think bigger to meet the needs of youth education and outdoor school and other business?  Theres so much more to do here.
An internal review of the Kelso School District found certain students get pulled from class at higher rates than others, prompting officials to look for ways besides expulsion to address ongoing behavior problems.

Director of Student Services Gunnar Guttormsen told the school board Monday the district has expelled, suspended or removed its students from class at a rate of 8.3% or 407 students so far this school year  the highest the district has seen since before 2014. Data for each school was not yet available.

Discipline rates in Kelso on average hovered around 5.9% in the six years before the pandemic. The average discipline rate in Washington state for the last eight years has lingered around 3.5%. Starting in the 2021-22 school year, documents show, these numbers started to rise.

Statistics show students who are Black, American Indian/Alaskan Native, multiracial, in foster care or receiving special education services experience exclusionary discipline at a disproportionately high rate to their counterparts. Exclusion means the child is pulled out of class, expelled or slapped with short- or long-term suspension.

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What were tasked with is being able to answer why thats happening, Guttormsen said. What mental health or additional supports do we need to help them? Because what we have is not helping them or working for them.

The main reason Kelso students have been chastised are behaviors resulting in intervention, a term not specifically defined in the documents. Other reasons students got removed from class included violence without major injury, failure to cooperate, using illegal substances on campus and general disruption.

While district officials have expressed concern about rising behavior issues since the return to in-person learning, Guttormsen said they want to find alternatives to expulsion. Sometimes expulsion needs to happen, he said, but they also want students to keep learning.

Housing and grade level

Of the 23 foster care students in the district, 26.1% or six faced exclusionary discipline despite making up less than 0.1% of the district population. This marks a roughly 10% increase between last school year and the midpoint of this school year.

The total numbers (of foster care students) are low, so it doesnt take very many to make that number go up, Guttormsen said. Also, we know that situationally these kids probably have the most disruptive situation in most cases. Proportionately, they would struggle with engaging in or even maintaining school.

The district uses this exclusionary discipline on 12.9% of special education and 11.6% of McKinney-Vento students. The McKinney-Vento Act refers to a federal program that gives school districts money to help students who are homeless or face unstable housing.

Broken down by grade level, eighth and ninth graders have the highest rates of discipline. With 17.9%, its highest among eighth grade students. Discipline of ninth graders increased the most of all grades since last year, jumping from 8.5% in 2021-22 to 15% as of February.

Male students also experience higher rates of discipline than female or nonbinary students, with 10.27% of male students disciplined as compared to 4.52% of female and 6.67% of nonbinary students.

The discipline rates of high schoolers tend to drop as students get older and mature, Guttormsen noted.

Racial disparities

When broken into racial demographics, school documents show a disproportionate number of multiracial, Black and American Indian/Alaskan Native students experience removal, suspension or expulsion.

Black students are punished at a rate of 15.2% despite being less than 1% of the student population.

American Indian/Alaskan Native students are 1.3% of the district population but face discipline at a rate of 9.2%  a jump from 2.9% the year before. Students who are from more than one racial background get disciplined at a 9.9% rate but make up 6.2% of the district.

School teachers across the U.S. discipline Black and brown students more often and more harshly than their white peers, according to a 2019 study from Brown and Princeton universities.

This was noticed by researchers as early as preschool, and it can lead to lower grades and more misbehavior in later years, according to a 2021 analysis from the American Psychological Association. Socioeconomic factors like poverty or unstable home lives can lead to misbehavior, the study says.

These issues disproportionately affect Black and brown students across the country because systemic racism historically barred access to services, according to 2021 research from the National Library of Medicine.

Alternatives to punishment

Guttormsen said they want to address these disparities through district culture and climate surveys, reviewing discipline data and implementing new procedures. Exclusion has an effect on whether a student cares about school and their later success, he said.

He said students who have teachers they can confide in help identify issues before major behavioral shifts.

Increasing attendance could also help by making students feel more comfortable and connected to their classrooms.

We always go back to school conduct standards, Guttormsen said. What do we have as an option for discipline? Have we dealt with this? Are we trained in this or is this a new type of situation? Thats oftentimes how we determine threat assessments.

Editor's Note: This article has been updated to clarify that 26.1% of foster care students faced exclusionary discipline. The article has also been updated to show that 407 students were excluded.
Lewis and Clark Bridge timeline

The Washington Department of Transportation is reminding people no dates have been set yet for the construction and closure on the Lewis and Clark Bridge.

The contracted construction work on the bridge must start in some capacity by May 15, though that would not be the date of the closure. The full closure will not take place until the finger joints being replaced are ordered and delivered.

Department spokesperson Kelly Hanahan said WSDOT will provide eight weeks notice to the community before the full closure happens, including press releases and postcard mailers to every resident and business within 20 miles of the bridge.

Hanahan said the closure will not overlap with holidays or "a number of community events."
Artificial intelligence was once common only on television and in movies. But with the evolution of software programs like ChatGPT, DALL-E and Microsofts Bing bot, AI-generated materials arent just novel, theyre everywhere.

Some fear it, but many have embraced it. From doctors offices, to classrooms to small businesses, ChatGPT and similar programs are making a splash.

In February, Vancouver-based ZoomInfo announced that the company plans to integrate GPT technology into its go-to-market platform.

The software world is abuzz over what the future of products like ChatGPT can bring, and were thrilled to invent the future of go-to-market with generative (artificial intelligence), ZoomInfo founder and chief executive Henry Schuck said in a statement to the press.

The softwares integration is expected to help customers with things like prioritizing scheduling, writing or shortening emails and isolating a call to action for sales representatives after a sales call.

ChatGPTs ability to almost instantly generate entire articles, emails and stories has led many in the worlds of business and education to welcome the technology.

ResumeBuilder.com found in a recent survey of 1,000 American businesses that 49 percent of those surveyed currently use ChatGPT and an additional 30 percent plan to.

Nearly all of those companies that said in the survey they used the software said they planned to expand their use of it. They reported using the AI to write code and create content, provide customer support, create summaries of meetings or documents and to generate task lists.

But most recognize the applications limits.

A fast evolution

Alexandra Watson is the director of media at Vancouvers GTMA marketing agency. The agency has been looking into marketing applications with various artificial intelligence software for more than a year.

The technology of Open AIs ChatGPT is considerably more sophisticated than similar tools were just months ago, said Watson.

Watson said GTMA sees use for the integration of artificial intelligence in search advertising and bulk campaign automations. It could also help brainstorm ideas for content writing in blogging, social media posts and social media advertising headlines and descriptions.

Still, the company isnt sure if it will integrate artificial intelligence more into its workflow.

Although we see some benefits of utilizing (artificial intelligence) technology in our ideation process, there are limitations and concerns with the technology that require us to use it strategically and sparingly, said Watson. The company is open to integrating it more if it proves promising, however.

Programs like ChatGPT have the ability to quickly process large amounts of data and provide summaries of topic information, she said. Plus, theyre getting better at matching particular tones and writing styles.

But GTMA shares in the concerns and hesitations around the technological advancement.

Its important for users to understand, first and foremost, that (artificial intelligence) content technologies like ChatGPT and Bard are taught by a finite data set of information, said Watson.

These programs, she said, are not updated in real-time, dont source material from crawling websites and dont cite references for the information they use.

While the purpose of these technologies is to synthesize data and provide useful information based on search queries, they are limited by their coding and the restraints of whatever ethics and decision frameworks they were built upon, Watson added. So, the programs actually reflect the points of view of their programmers.

They cannot ideate, strategize, or be creative outside of those confines, she said.

GTMA is also concerned that these technologies could be used to replace uniquely human, creative work. The value of creative human work will never be able to be replaced by these artificial intelligence programs, said Watson.

Another concern shared by Watson was the lack of sources that the language bots cite.

It is very difficult to fact-check them and give proper credit for prior work where it is due, said Watson. That means there is a risk of plagiarism and of spreading false or misleading information if the (artificial intelligence) work is not double-checked before publication.

Embracing the tool

Programs like ChatGPT arent just raising eyebrows in business, but in education, too.

William Luers is a professor of creative media and digital culture at Washington State University Vancouver. He uses ChatGPT and some of the artificial-intelligence-generated image programs in his classes.

I make it clear that this is not replacing creativity, said Luers. Its an assistant for creative work.

Clark College web coding professor Bruce Elgort says he, too, views ChatGPT as little more than a classroom resource as opposed to something of concern.

Were embracing it, not to cheat, but its really just like another tool at Home Depot for us, Elgort said.

Luers acknowledges concerns in the media and in education around plagiarism and false information. In education, he believes students who are going to plagiarize are going to plagiarize. Assignments that could be easily done with ChatGPT arent very good assignments, he added. In the long term, the education system and teachers will need to create assignments that cant easily be written by a chatbot.

One of the things I think is going to become quite obvious is that theres very low creativity in these tools, said Luers. In other words, they just repeat stuff.

Unless youre pushing it as a human in certain directions, youre not going to get at all interesting results, he added.

These technologies are all currently generalists, said Watson.

The more niche the request, the murkier the data and logic they can bring to an exchange, and the higher the chance of error, Watson said.

But for students in a creative writing class, language bots could be used as rapid research in helping to develop worlds or characters backstories.

Obviously, thats not real storytelling. Thats more like suggesting names and possible characters and then the student can work through those things, said Luers.

Luers thinks the language bots could be helpful for journalists as well in guided research and building worlds. He also sees use for it in rapidly building websites and working through coding problems.
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Credit: University of Hertfordshire

An innovation for a pioneering new limewash for building surfaces, which uses bacteria to form a barrier against erosion damage, has been developed by University of Hertfordshire researchers.

The limewash contains non-pathogenic bacteria, which increase the amount of CO 2 that a building surface can absorb through photosynthesis. This, in turn, generates additional calcium carbonate that forms a more robust barrier against erosion, as well as encouraging self-repairing mechanisms.

Believed to be the first of its kind, a pre-production prototype is now being developed by the team, based on research by the University's Zero Carbon Lab and the manufacturing expertise of UK Hempcrete Ltd.

Both organizations are partnering with whisky makers Whyte & Mackay Ltd, who have agreed to trial the prototype at their distillery on the Isle of Jura off the west coast of Scotland. Currently, wind-driven rain on the island damages the building surfaces of the distillery, resulting in the need for annual re-coating. This not only disrupts production and tourism but increases the company's carbon emissions, as they transport materials to the island and carry out maintenance works.

The new, more robust self-repairing surface is expected to lower the frequency of maintenance, reduce disruption to the distillery and to tourism, and lower carbon emissions caused by frequent maintenance, while also actively absorbing carbon, thus supporting Whyte & Mackay's zero-carbon commitments. Over time it will improve the carbon absorption of the building surface, strengthening the outer layer and reducing maintenance requirements.

Professor Ljubomir Jankovic, professor of advanced building design and founder of the University of Hertfordshire's Zero Carbon Lab, said, "We are excited to see the potential impact that our research will have on the resilience and maintenance of the distillery. Following the planned field trials, there is scope for this method to be used on a much wider scale. As well as supporting Whyte & Mackay's zero-carbon aims, we also intend to give local community, trade and homeowners the opportunity to use the product. This will help them to lower traditional maintenance costs, supporting environmental goals and the local tourism economy."

Jamie Muir, Jura distillery manager for Whyte & Mackay, said, "The Isle of Jura is a beautiful place to make Scotch Whisky, but it is not necessarily the easiest place be a whisky maker. When we created our sustainability plan The Green Print, we laid out our commitment to make a positive impact to the local community where we make our whisky. This partnership with our friends at UK Hempcrete and the University of Hertfordshire will deliver a pilot, which we believe could make a significant impact across the Scotch Whisky industry and beyond."

Alex Sparrow, UK Hempcrete's managing director, added: "This collaboration with the University of Hertfordshire and White & Mackay is a perfect fit for UK Hempcrete. This is an opportunity to develop an innovative new low-carbon product in tandem with the development of primary research at the University, and simultaneously see its application in a real-world context. This fits exactly with our ethos of improving the technical performance of buildings in the real world, while lowering their carbon footprint."

The team are aiming to have the prototype in place by July for a 36 month testing period.
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A Delta Air Lines plane lands at Logan International Airport on Jan. 26, 2023, in Boston. Federal officials said Wednesday, March 8, 2023, that they have completed outfitting 43 major U.S. airports with technology to warn when incoming planes are aimed at a taxiway instead of a runway. Credit: AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File

Federal officials said Wednesday they have completed outfitting 43 major U.S. airports with technology to warn when incoming planes are aimed at a taxiway instead of a runway.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the system's software predicts when a plane is lined up to land on a taxiway and sends an alert to air-traffic controllers.

None of the recent close calls between planes have involved aircraft lined up incorrectly to land on a taxiway, but that type of error nearly resulted in disaster at San Francisco International Airport in 2017.

The National Transportation Safety Board recommended the technology change after the San Francisco incident in which an Air Canada jet nearly crashed into four other planes on a taxiway at night.

The safety board also recommended that the FAA require planes landing at major airports have systems to alert pilots if they are not lined up with a runway. The FAA said it is still considering that recommendation. Commercial planes already have other equipment to help pilots line up with runways at big airports.

Taxiways are paved surfaces that planes use to get in position for takeoffs or taxi to the terminal after landing. Most cases of planes landing on taxiways involve "general aviation"privately owned small planesbut 16% involve commercial flights, according to the FAA.

 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Visitors can chart history inside the sprawling Computer Museum of America where the evolution of technology tells a story of the time period.

Outer space is showcased at the center of the museum with an 8-foot astronaut and a large replica of the Apollo 11 lunar lander. The space exhibit is dedicated to the 1969 moon landing and the technology that supported the mission. The lander is set over a blown-up photo of the moon floor and is only one aspect of the winding exhibit.

Commercial real estate developer Lonnie Mimms has spent nearly 50 years amassing computers of almost every kind. A fraction of his collection of age-old computers, electronic devices and vast wonders of the tech world take up 35,000 square feet in the Computer Museum of America.

Mimms and his wife Karin created the museum in a former Burlington Coat Factory in Roswell, Georgia. Going forward, the nonprofit museum will rotate exhibits that showcase the evolution of computers and their impact on life and history.

A colorful 1,100 square-foot-long wall depicts a timeline of historical facts on devices dating from B.C. to the common era, incorporating milestone events in news and pop culture with photos and graphics.

"We really want to be the Smithsonian for technology," Mimms said.

The Mimms say they want to attract visitors from across the U.S., and that will take significant funding. They opened the museum in 2019 and plan to add at least another 65,000 square feet of exhibit space on a second floor.

A fundraiser titled Byte: A Night of Cuisine, Cocktails and Computers was to take place at the museum on Thursday to help raise $80,000 for programming and operations. The museum hosts STEM summer camps and school field trips, and is a partner with Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta.

Rena Youngblood, executive director of the Computer Museum, said another goal of the fundraiser is to build interest for funding construction of the second floor. Mimms said construction and remodeling for exhibit space will cost tens of millions of dollars.

His total collection ranges from small items such as a Sumerian tablet used for bookkeeping and inventory in 2000 B.C. to the space exhibit. The Mimms said they believe their display of 50 tall supercomputers is the largest collection in the world.

In microcomputers, Mimms' collection includes early prototypes of Apple items.

"I have a portfolio of original memos from Microsoft when they had just formed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, before they moved to Seattle. There were only nine employees," Mimms said.

"We have robots. We have music (instruments). We have cameras, dronesanything that has technology in it is part of the collection," added Karin, vice president of the museum. "We have a da Vinci robot that does surgeries. We have a 3D prosthetic maker  It's endless, which is so exciting."

Lonnie Mimms grew up in a multigenerational family of commercial real estate developers. He's CEO of the family business, Mimms Enterprises, but he's also a techie at heart. Mimms started collecting computer items in the mid-1970s and says he has accumulated more than 300,000 items.

He became fascinated with computers during childhood after attending a summer class at the Fernbank Science Center, he said. He and his best friend wrote computer programs for fun during their early teenage years, he added. They tested their programs on Saturdays at Georgia Tech, where his friend's father was a professor.

Mimms, 60, an Atlanta native, graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in electrical engineering.

As he's become known through the years among computer collectors, some have contacted Mimms and sold their collection to him, he said.

Among his collectables is an original German Enigma machine from World War II located in an exhibit dedicated to Alan Turing. The mathematician's work is credited with cracking the Enigma code and helping to end the war.

"The breaking of the code changed the outcome of the war," Mimms said. "The best-case scenario is that it shortened the war by two years. Worst-case scenario is that it made it so the Germans didn't win and we didn't sign a treaty with them."

A collage painting capturing Turing's life is one of 12 artworks of leading contributors to technology that are commissioned for the museum.

Karin Mimms said their ability to highlight stories of technology increases the appeal to non-techies.

"We want to inspire everybody," she said. "It's great that we have three generations often that come in here and it's teaching from top to bottom."

The Computer Museum of American is located at 5000 Commerce Parkway, Roswell, Georgia. 770-695-0651, computermuseumofamerica.org.

2023 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Haru the Social Robot, shown here in storytelling mode, exists to "to create meaningful connections with people." Credit: Simon von Wolkenstein

If you've ever wondered what a lack of diversity in robotics looks like, just do a Google image search for "humanoid robot" and check out the simulated skin color of the thousands of robots that fill your screen. (Hint: it's white.)

The images are a metaphor for an industry that's still struggling to attract and value diverse talent: in 2021, women made up only 15% of people in STEM-qualified occupations in Australia, and adults from low socioeconomic backgrounds are underrepresented, too.

These challenges aren't new, but they're becoming even more pressing with the rise of social robotics, a discipline that produces robots designed to interact with humans.

In a not-too-distant future, robots could be training employees, teaching students or staffing a reception deskbut without diverse creators, can they really reflect the lived experience of people from all corners of society?

"Robotics has previously been very limited in its application to manufacturing, but as it becomes more mainstream, we're going to have robots that are going to be working with every type of person," says Dr. Marc Carmichael, a researcher in the UTS Robotics Institute who specializes in the design of collaborative robots.

"We have to keep diversity in mind, otherwise we're going to end up with solutions that might work for some people but not others."

Upending the robotics value system

Universities have been grappling with diversity in STEM for years now. At UTS, initiatives like the Wanago and Women in Engineering and IT programs have been designed to address inequitable access to STEM subjects, degrees and careers.

These are important steps towards inclusion, but according to UTS lecturer Deborah Szapiro, an award-winning animator and social robotics expert in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, more needs to be done.

Szapiro argues for a professional value system that preferences human, environmental and social values rather than productivity and efficiency. That means doing away with solely tech-oriented approaches and drawing in a diversity of skillsets and life experiences from other professional disciplines.

"To design innovative, autonomous systems with a goal of an equitable and inclusive society, we need to upend the value system in which we're designing so that productivity and efficiency is much further down the list," Szapiro says.

"That means we need interdisciplinary teams of creative practitioners, social scientists, psychologists, health professionals, environmentalists and lawyers, among others, along with the engineers and computer scientists."

Breaking down discipline barriers

Integrating non-STEM expertise into the world of robotics is central to Szapiro's current research. For the last four years, she's been part of an interdisciplinary collaboration with the Honda Research InstituteJapan (HRI-JP) to embed design and animation principles and socially responsible practices into the development of social robots.

Szapiro is developing the non-verbal communication skills and socially impactful creative content of Haru the Social Robot, who exists "to create meaningful connections with people." To date, Szapiro has worked in partnership with academics, artists and engineers to enhance Haru's eye design and create a library of iconscalled robomojisto better facilitate human-robot communication.

Next up is an ambitious project called The Talking Room in which Haru will facilitate sessions with students from around the world to support inclusive practice and an acceptance of diversity.

"The UTS-HRI-JP partnership points to the strength of collaborations that draw together the humanities, arts and social sciencesknown as HASSwith STEM in the development of technology," Szapiro says.

From the lab to the classroom

Szapiro is passionate about embedding this approach into her teaching practice at UTS. Previously, she developed and ran a special project subject called Robot Elective, which challenged design students to create robots that delivered joy and social impact.

The bio-centric resultsincluding a parkour exoskeleton that could be adjusted for all body types and abilities, an early detection bushfire mitigation system that benefits wildlife as well as humans, and a robot that could provide relief from period painprovide further proof that tomorrow's robotics teams will only benefit from a diversity of perspectives.

As such, universities have an important role to play in re-thinking who belongs in their robotics labs. To that end, Szapiro and Dr. Carmichael are putting their heads together to brainstorm new interdisciplinary opportunities for students across multiple UTS faculties.

What that will look like is anyone's guessbut the potential, they both agree, is massive.

"I come from more of a nuts-and-bolts robotics background; Deb is more about interactive and emotive robotics," Dr. Carmichael says.

"We want to put our students together and see what comes out."
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Four U.S. senators are calling on the Justice Department to look closely at how Richardson-based RealPage's software is used by big landlords.

Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Tina Smith, Bernie Sanders and Ed Markey sent a letter March 2 to Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter on their concerns about the role algorithmic rent-setting software such as RealPage's YieldStar plays in setting prices for rental properties.

The letter comes after ProPublica published an investigation on the use of RealPage's software by landlords in October. In November, the Department of Justice opened an investigation into whether RealPage is facilitating collusion among landlords as questions arose about a 2017 merger between RealPage and its largest pricing competitor, ProPublica reported.

"The rise of institutional investors and rent-setting algorithms have weakened competition in the already strained housing market, resulting in substandard services and unnecessarily high housing costs for American families," the senators wrote. "It is therefore essential that the department use all of its tools to ensure that renters do not fall victim to corporate landlords and anti-competitive forces."

The senators opened their own investigation into YieldStar in November, requesting information on how the rent-setting software has affected the rental housing market.

They said the company did not provide them with all the information they requested but noted that RealPage's website states its revenue-management software is used for more than 4 million units and factors in lease transaction data for more than 13 million units.

The senators wrote that information provided to them by RealPage also revealed that the use of YieldStar has been most prevalent in some of the regions most heavily targeted by corporate buyers and with the highest rent increases.

"Even the widespread use of its anonymized and aggregated proprietary rental data by the country's largest landlords could result in de-facto price-setting by those companies, driving up prices and hurting renters," the senators wrote. "Given these findings, the DOJ should act to protect American families and closely review rent-setting algorithms like YieldStar to determine if they are having anti-competitive effects on local housing markets that have seen increased institutional investor activity."

RealPage went public more than a decade ago in a stock sale valued at $135.3 million. It was acquired and taken private by private equity investment firm Thoma Bravo in a $10.2 billion deal in 2021.

In a statement provided to The News in response to the senators' letter, RealPage said, "RealPage appreciates the opportunity to work with the senators' offices and, more generally, we are always willing to engage policy stakeholders to ensure an informed and comprehensive understanding of the benefits we contribute to the rental ecosystem."

Principal Deputy Attorney General Doha Mekki said at an antitrust conference in Miami in February that the Justice Department's antitrust division was withdrawing guidance issued between 1993 and 2011 that outlined permissible conduct related to information sharing, Bloomberg Law reported.

"This guidance provided a safe harbor to companies like RealPage, and we now knowbased on the findings of our investigationthat safe harbor may have provided potential opportunities for de facto collusion and price setting," the senators wrote in their letter.

According to Bloomberg Law, Mekki said the increased use of algorithms, the speed of data and the ability of firms to de-anonymize sensitive information require new scrutiny.

2023 The Dallas Morning News.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 9)  Covid-19 vaccine wastage could exceed 50 million by the end of March, the Department of Health (DOH) disclosed on Thursday.

At the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee probe into DOH's vaccine procurement on the pretext of a non-disclosure agreement, panel chairman Sen. Francis Tolentino asked if total vaccine wastage could reach 50.74 million.

I confirm this would be the amount if we already include those to expire until the end of March this year, DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire responded.

Of the 50.74 million wasted vaccines mentioned by Tolentino, 44 million are vaccine doses that have already expired while 6.74 million are those that will expire by the end of this month.

Vergeire also bared that the country had 6,955,350 vaccine doses under quarantine and those that were approaching expiry date.

We are still awaiting from the manufacturers and the FDA [Food and Drug Administration] if these [quarantined vaccine doses] can be allowed to have an extension of the shelf life," she said.

Tolentino then asked Vergiere: Do you agree with me, even if we extend the shelf life of all the vaccines in your inventory, if these will not be used because of vaccine hesitancythey will add up to more than 60 million [vaccines wasted] in the long run?

Vergeire replied in the affirmative and added that the DOH is working to upscale the countrys vaccination program to address the wastage problem.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

San Diego digital marketing outfit SOCi said Tuesday that it raised $120 million in a tough funding environment for startups to bulk up artificial intelligence in its software platformincluding the integration of OpenAI's ChatGPT to respond to online reviews.

The company also will use the additional funding to expand into new markets, including manufactured goods. The money brings the total amount raised by SOCi to $230 million since it was founded in 2012.

SOCi's software targets brands with multiple locations, such as Ace Hardware, Jersey Mike's, Kumon and Ford. It helps them manage and collect data from their search and social media presence through a centralized platformand in particular their reputations on review websites.

The company, led by neuro and data scientists, has been developing a new line of "Genius" products to further tap artificial intelligence and machine learning models to automate digital marketing and decision-making.

As part of that effort, SOCi announced last month that its online review response software toolwhich integrates with major review sites including Google, Facebook, and Yelphas tapped ChatGPT to deliver personalized, relevant responses to each reviewer.

"In an organization that is receiving reviews across thousands of locations, this could take the responsibility and cost of responding out of the hands of thousands of individuals, and dwindle it down to just a handful of individuals at corporate who are reviewing the list of automated responses," said Afif Khoury, chief executive and co-founder of SOCi, in an email response to questions. "The savings and efficiency delivered are unmatched, and more importantly, the customer experience and reputation of the brand are the healthiest it's ever been."

ChatGPT, a generative AI chatbot, has been the buzz of the business world since it was released in November. It can deliver responses to prompts in a thorough, human-like and conversational manner.

But it also has sparked a fair amount of handwringing over potential downsides, such as using it for school homework or writing malicious computer code. Big tech outfits including Microsoft have touted the technology as potentially disrupting Internet search, while others see it as eliminating jobs.

Asked if using ChatGPT to respond to reviewers might alienate them, Khoury said, "ultimately it will be our responsibility to build up AI solutions to deliver not only a responsive experience but one that is customized so that every customer feels heard and gets the attention and answers that they seek."

The company employs 600 workers. The funding round was led by JMI Equity, with participation from Vertical Venture Partners, Blossom Street Ventures and strategic investor Renew Group Private Ltd.the owner of 5-Hour Energy International.

2023 The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Steps of the cookies detector algorithm. Credit: Computers & Security (2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.cose.2022.102873

Only a small percentage of the 500 most visited websites in Spain (which include everything from government sites to streaming and adult content platforms) correctly fulfill the requirements set out in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This is one of the main findings of a study involving researchers from the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), the University of Girona and the Center for Cybersecurity Research of Catalonia (CYBERCAT).

The results, which are published in Computers & Security under a Creative Commons license, were reached using novel automated methods for analyzing web-tracking techniques and compliance with internet privacy regulations.

In addition to the incorrect and non-consensual use of cookies, these analysis algorithms detected the use of web-tracking techniques that are little known to the average user, such as web beacons and technologies based on the browser's digital fingerprint.

Widespread non-compliance with privacy laws

The European Parliament's approval of the General Data Protection Regulation in 2016 was set to forever change how companies, websites and digital platforms manage users' personal data. The European regulation, which was transposed in Spain as the Organic Law on the Protection of Personal Data and Guarantee of Digital Rights in 2018, was supposed to mark a turning point in the protection of citizens' privacy. However, six years later, the actual implementation of this regulation is progressing at a faltering pace.

"We found that websites still have a long way to go to correctly implement the requirements set out in the General Data Protection Regulation," explained Cristina Perez-Sola, who took part in analyzing this issue as a researcher at the UOC's Faculty of Computer Science, Multimedia and Telecommunications. She said, "Many of the websites analyzed inform users of the use of cookies, but either do not wait for their consent to use them or acquire this consent improperly."

For this study, the team of researchers developed several algorithms to analyze the 500 most visited websites in Spain according to the Alexa ranking. The results revealed a high percentage of sites that lack an appropriate form to obtain users' consent for the use of cookies and other data collection tools.

The analysis tools also detected the use of nearly 7 tracking cookies on average per website and 11 web beacons, which are small pieces of code embedded in the site to invisibly collect certain types of information from web traffic. In addition, 10% of the sites analyzed in the study use browser fingerprinting techniques, which are also difficult to detect.

According to Perez-Sola, an expert in web security and privacy, "The purpose of all these techniques is usually to track the online behavior of web users in order to create profiles that can then be used to adjust the advertising that will be shown or the prices that will be offered for services or products." The analysis carried out by the researchers from the UOC (Perez-Sola and Albert Jove) and the University of Girona (David Martinez and Eusebi Calle) shows that only 8.91% of websites that obtain users' consent as required apply this consent successfully in practice.

New algorithms to analyze compliance with the GDPR

Beyond the analysis results, the importance of this research lies in the algorithms used to study compliance with online privacy laws. The sheer number of pages and platforms on the internet makes it imperative to automate the process, as studying each case manually would be infeasible.

Additionally, some of the web-tracking techniques used are extremely hard to detect, with no clear markers to indicate their presence. To overcome these challenges, the researchers developed a proprietary method involving four algorithms and a measurethe Websites Level of Confidenceto assess the state of regulatory compliance.

"Our method uses a combination of automation and manual inspection. The implemented algorithms automatically browse the analyzed websites and take screenshots that are then manually inspected," said Perez-Sola.

"In order to detect web-tracking techniques, we also used a tool developed by the European Data Protection Supervisor called the Website Evidence Collector. This tool is designed to perform privacy inspections on websites and makes it possible to detect the use of cookies, web beacons and browser fingerprinting tools."

Each of the algorithms used by the researchers has a well-defined function:

The Consent Inspector Algorithm (CIA) captures clear images of the website's cookie banners and identifies buttons that should allow users to customize the use of these tracking elements.

The Website Evidence Collector (WEC) gathers information on the different web-tracking techniques being used on each website.

The Cookies Detector Algorithm (CDA) categorizes the cookies that websites use in the browsers without user consent, based on the data provided by the WEC.

The Web Beacons Detection Algorithm (BDA) not only extracts web beacons detected by the WEC, but also identifies browser fingerprinting techniques.

"Our study focuses on analyzing compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation by the most visited websites in Spain," Perez-Sola added. "We selected the 500 most visited websites according to the Alexa ranking and analyzed their use of these web-tracking techniques as well as the information they give to users and the alternative options they provide them with. Finally, we compiled the results of this analysis into a measure, the Websites Level of Confidence, which makes it possible to assess the current state of compliance."

"Understanding the details of the regulations that apply at any given time and knowing how to tell what techniques a website is using are beyond the grasp of most users," she concluded; "Our proposed Websites Level of Confidence (WLoC) measure provides users with insight into the compliance status of the most popular websites and lets them see how it changes over time without the need for legal or technical knowledge."

More information: David Martinez et al, Web-tracking compliance: websites' level of confidence in the use of information-gathering technologies, Computers & Security (2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.cose.2022.102873

Provided by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 9)  Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday launched an entrepreneurship program to provide financial support for women and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

In celebration of International Womens Day, Duterte led the launching of Mag Negosyo Ta Day (MTD) in San Pedro City, Laguna.

Duterte said the MTD program will focus on marginalized sectors such as women, single parents, persons with disabilities, survivors of violence, women from indigenous tribes, displaced overseas Filipino workers, the LGBTQIA+ community, and the unemployed.

It will also serve as the governments response to neutralizing gender inequality in the labor and business sectors.

The role of our local government units in facilitating a business-friendly environment and encouraging the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises is critical to accelerate our post-pandemic recovery, Duterte said.

The MTD program was originally a project of Davao Citywhere Duterte served as mayorand it was adopted by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) for nationwide implementation.

San Pedro City received 150,000 from the OVP for implementation of the MTD program.

Naniniwala ako na ang pagnenegosyo, o entrepreneurship, ay nagbubunga ng mas mahusay na epekto dahil ito ay nagbibigay ng mas maraming kita, lumilikha ng mas maraming trabaho, at tumutulong sa pagbuo ng malusog at masiglang ekonomiya sa ating mga komunidad, Duterte said.

[Translation: I believe that running a business, or entrepreneurship, brings benefits to the society as it offers more income, creates more jobs, and helps build a stronger economy in our communities.]
As more universities are following an initiative to no longer consider hiring on factors other than merit, including Texas A&M's recent announcement, political scientists are weighing in on the subject.

It looks like the Aggies are beginning to take a stance against the false narratives of the DEI agenda. DEI has infected every major area, including state, local and federal government, Carol Swain said before a lecture at Texas A&M University on Wednesday night. It is a close relative of Critical Race Theory, CRT. Here is a secret, equity is not the same as equal opportunity, it is about equal results rather than equal opportunity and non-discrimination.

Texas A&M Young Americans for Freedom hosted a lecture by Swain, a former tenured professor at Princeton and Vanderbilt universities, at the Memorial Student Center. Swain, a Republican, is an award-winning political scientist and former vice chair of former President Donald Trumps 1776 Advisory Commission.

A week ago, Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp directed leaders of its 11 universities and eight agencies to no longer ask job candidates for statements about their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion [DEI] in their applications.

That followed on the heels of Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts office sending a letter instructing public universities and state agencies saying that DEI hiring practices violated federal and state employment laws and barred them from hiring on factors other than merit, as reported by the Texas Tribune.

No university or agency in the A&M System will admit any student, nor hire any employee based on any factor other than merit, Sharp told university leaders.

As colleges, universities and corporations move away from divisive race and gender-based policies, the left will push back, and the people who believe in fairness and equity will have to be ever vigilant, Swain told The Eagle before her lecture began. They will try to continue the strategies, and it is important for people who believe in equality, justice, civil rights laws and our Constitution, to understand what has taken place, understand that they will shift tactics and then be two steps ahead of them.

Before her lecture, Swain said that she believes state-operated colleges such as Texas Tech, North Carolina and New College of Florida are realizing that they have a real problem when it comes to civil rights laws and the Constitution and they may be anticipating that the U.S. Supreme Court would strike down race-based affirmative action, and they may be trying to get ahead of the curve.

I also believe that they are realizing that it has gone too far, she said. That it has become discriminatory against whites and groups that are perceived as unprotected; and that they are opening themselves up to lawsuits."

Swain said her mission in life is to encourage people to realize that a lot things they believe are true, are actually false.

I can confess to having believed and taught a lot of lies as a university professor, so I want people to be willing to rethink that maybe some of the things that they thought were so true, maybe they arent, she said before her lecture. I am hoping people will be truly awakened to truth because I believe there is an independent truth out there to be known, and that it can be discovered. I invite people, regardless of their age, to explore and reconnect to truth, and that truth will resonate with our gut and it wont be something that someone is putting in their head through indoctrination.

Lecture attendee Carl Hasan, a retired Bryan resident, Army veteran and former Bryan school district board member from 1998 to 2010, said he didnt agree with Swains agenda.

I think Dr. Swain, like so many people, speaks too much in absolutes, and uses too few adjectives," Hasan said. "What I mean is, when you say white folks and black folks that is a comprehensive term and that puts the good white folks in with the bad white folks, and it becomes an anomaly and vice versa. We should say some white folks this and some white folks that.

Hasan noticed Swain was born in 1954, the year of the groundbreaking Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case that ruled discrimination in education was unconstitutional.

That is important because it opened up a lot of doors for her," Hasan said. "I think 1972 is when she would have finished school, but 1972 was just the beginning of Texas A&M having females [attend]. ... When Ms. Swain made reference to the law of the land that deserves some consideration because the 13th Amendment was the law of the land. Then 60 years or more of Jim Crow laws ... which disregarded the law of the land.

Swain opened her lecture by describing her childhood and adolescence. One of 12 children born in rural poverty in southwestern Virginia in 1954, she married at 16 and had her first child at 17. In the 1970s, after losing one of her daughters at birth, she became suicidal and while in a mental institution, she said she was approached by a doctor who told her she could do a lot more with her life.

After that encounter, Swain started to regain her sense of self and considered college a possibility. She graduated from Roanoke University with a degree in criminal justice and later attended the University of North Carolina for graduate school. She said she was a Democrat at the time, then later an Independent and, after finding Christianity, became a Republican.

Many of the things we have been told to believe are false, she told the audience. What largely determines our success or how far we go is determined by what we believe about the world, positive change cannot happen if we believe the world is stacked against us and that the ability to change our lives and our world is beyond our control.

After the lecture, a Texas A&M student in the audience asked Swain during the Q&A portion if she thinks academia is salvageable or if it needs to start over.

Most [school] institutions, 98% of the faculty is liberal, and you may think OK, I sent my kid off to a Christian school, they will be safe there," Swain responded. "Think again because those places have been infiltrated. The Marxist agenda was always about infiltration of deception and manipulation. And whether we talk about churches, seminaries, divinity schools and Christian schools, even some of the private academies are pretty much pushing the woke agenda. Because all you need are one or two people on the faculty, or one person strategically placed, and these places are not safe."
Pluckers coming to town in 2024

Pluckers Wing Bar is coming to College Station in 2024.

Restaurant officials announced Tuesday that bringing a location to Aggieland was on their radar for the next year. The Pluckers will be located in University Town Center at the southeast corner of University Drive and Tarrow Street.

Weve been anxious to get a Pluckers location in College Station as it has been highly requested and anticipated, said Kristin McMinn, director of marketing of Pluckers, in a statement. With more than 70 TVs, this will be the perfect spot to watch the game and enjoy some wings.

Pluckers Wing Bar is an Austin-based sports bar chain with over 30 locations in Texas and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Currently, the closest Pluckers location is in Cypress.

Stacey Vasquez, economic development coordinator for the city of College Station, said the plan is for Pluckers to be in a new building.

This has been a long-time effort on the part of our retail recruitment efforts and the work of local brokers, Vasquez said. Pluckers has been on our radar for several years now and we are excited for their location to open in the Heart of Aggieland.

Ex-Blue Bell CEOs fraud charges dropped

United States prosecutors on Wednesday dropped felony fraud charges against former Blue Bell Creameries CEO Paul Kruse, according to the Wall Street Journal and KPRC.

Kruse will instead pay a misdemeanor fine of $100,000 in relation to the Brenham-based creamerys 2015 listeria outbreak, according to a plea agreement filed in federal court in Austin obtained by the Wall Street Journal. Kruses seven fraud charges carried prison sentences of 20 years each.

The settlement confirms what Mr. Kruse has been saying from the very beginning, no one at Blue Bell ever intended to defraud its customers, and we are happy that the government has reached the same conclusion, Kruses lawyer, Chris Flood, said in a statement to the two media outlets on Wednesday.

The company paid more than $19 million after pleading guilty in 2019 to two misdemeanor counts of distributing adulterated ice cream products.

Hotel McCoy coming to CS

Hotel McCoy will open this summer at 30702 Texas 6 South in College Station.

This is the third Hotel McCoy location nationwide. The chain launched in 2018 and has locations in Tucson, Arizona, and Pullman, Washington.

The 52-room art hotel concept will have a saltwater pool, drive-in movie screen, all-local art gallery, full-sized pickleball court, outdoor circuit gym, mushroom art installation, adult-sized playground, life-sized chess board, tree swings and a full bar with tapas plates.

Hotel McCoy officials said there are plans to host concerts, outdoor movie screenings, pickleball tournaments, synchronized swimming shows, bingo nights, comedy shows, artist workshops and paint-and-sips.
Some $5 billion of the states historic $32.7 billion surplus would be earmarked for state employee pay raises, mental health hospitals, border security, flood mitigation projects, Medicaid costs, state debt reduction and other items under a bill that a key Senate committee advanced Wednesday.

Senate Bill 30, by Senate Finance Chair Joan Huffman, R-Houston, would add $11.8 billion to the states current budget, which runs until the end of August. The Senate Finance Committee passed the bill Wednesday.

The proposal includes $5 billion in general revenue made available to budget writers by unprecedented and unanticipated tax revenue left in state coffers as lawmakers entered this legislative session. It also allocates about $1.4 billion in federal recovery dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act.

House Appropriations Chair Greg Bonnen, R-Friendswood, filed his chambers version of this years supplemental budget bill, HB 500, on Tuesday. It is similar to the Senate bill, though not identical.

Both the House and Senate budget bills include $100 million for the first round of state employee pay raises, beginning immediately with more to come in the next two years; $600 million for grants to school districts for safety measures and $400 million for flood mitigation projects.

As promised, SB 30 supports proposals and initiatives that will help keep Texas as the premier state for families and businesses alike, Huffman said in a statement on Twitter.

Both proposals would pump $1 billion into the Employees Retirement System to lower debt payments by offsetting some of Texas unfunded pension liabilities for state employees, which amounted to $14 billion in 2021. They also earmark $2.9 billion in general revenue to fill in gaps in Medicaid funding due to enrollment and rising costs. They also would earmark $3.9 billion to give some energy customers relief on bills that increased after 2021s deadly winter storm caused massive power outages. The full Senate is expected to work out the mechanism for that in the coming days.

Neither bill addresses the notion of property tax reductions this year, a cornerstone of GOP state leaders plans for a chunk of the surplus, for the current spending plan. The proposals for the next two-year spending plan include some $15 billion for property tax cuts.

Legislation supplementing the current budget, which was initially written based on projections made before it passed in 2021, is a routine task each session and allows budget writers to shore up any differences that appeared in costs and actual revenue during the previous two years.

Some $27 billion that would remain in the surplus  the same amount the U.S. has sent in military aid to Ukraine in the last year  is, so far, left out of separate budget proposals for the new budget that starts later this year. So is about $4 billion in federal ARPA funds.

The proposals come as House and Senate budget leaders work through the details of budget bills that propose spending $130.1 billion in general revenue in the 2024-25 spending cycle.
A policeman works at the scene of a shooting attack on Dizengoff street in Tel Aviv, Israel, on March 9, 2023. A gun-wielding Palestinian man opened fire on a busy street in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv on Thursday night, injuring three individuals in what was described by Israeli officials as a "terror attack." Tel Aviv district police chief Amichai Eshed told reporters at the scene that the gunman opened fire at passersby before fleeing the scene, but was soon chased and killed by a policeman and policewoman. (Gideon Markowicz/JINI via Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, March 9 (Xinhua) -- A gun-wielding Palestinian man opened fire on a busy street in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv on Thursday night, injuring three individuals in what was described by Israeli officials as a "terror attack."

Tel Aviv district police chief Amichai Eshed told reporters at the scene that the gunman opened fire at passersby before fleeing the scene, but was soon chased and killed by a policeman and policewoman.

He said that large police forces were searching the city for a possible second person who drove the shooter to Tel Aviv.

Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service said in a press release that three people were injured and taken to a hospital.

Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai, speaking on the N12 TV news, confirmed that the attack took place on the Dizengoff Street, a major street known for its bars and restaurants. The street was crowded on Thursday night at the beginning of the Israeli weekend, while thousands were marching in protest against the controversial government plan to overhaul the judiciary.

The Dizengoff Street has seen other attacks over the years, including one in April 2022, in which a Palestinian gunman opened fire into a crowded bar, killing two Israelis.

Earlier in the day, Israeli troops killed three Palestinian militants during a raid in the occupied West Bank.

Tensions between Israel and the Palestinians have been escalating in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since the beginning of this year. Official Palestinian and Israeli figures showed that more than 70 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces so far, while 14 Israelis have been killed in attacks carried out by Palestinians. 

Police stand guard at the scene of a shooting attack on Dizengoff street in Tel Aviv, Israel, on March 9, 2023. A gun-wielding Palestinian man opened fire on a busy street in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv on Thursday night, injuring three individuals in what was described by Israeli officials as a "terror attack." Tel Aviv district police chief Amichai Eshed told reporters at the scene that the gunman opened fire at passersby before fleeing the scene, but was soon chased and killed by a policeman and policewoman. (Gideon Markowicz/JINI via Xinhua)

Police and emergency service members work at the scene of a shooting attack on Dizengoff street in Tel Aviv, Israel, on March 9, 2023. A gun-wielding Palestinian man opened fire on a busy street in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv on Thursday night, injuring three individuals in what was described by Israeli officials as a "terror attack." Tel Aviv district police chief Amichai Eshed told reporters at the scene that the gunman opened fire at passersby before fleeing the scene, but was soon chased and killed by a policeman and policewoman. (Gideon Markowicz/JINI via Xinhua)

Police work at the scene of a shooting attack on Dizengoff street in Tel Aviv, Israel, on March 9, 2023. A gun-wielding Palestinian man opened fire on a busy street in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv on Thursday night, injuring three individuals in what was described by Israeli officials as a "terror attack." Tel Aviv district police chief Amichai Eshed told reporters at the scene that the gunman opened fire at passersby before fleeing the scene, but was soon chased and killed by a policeman and policewoman. (Gideon Markowicz/JINI via Xinhua)

Police work at the scene of a shooting attack on Dizengoff street in Tel Aviv, Israel, on March 9, 2023. A gun-wielding Palestinian man opened fire on a busy street in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv on Thursday night, injuring three individuals in what was described by Israeli officials as a "terror attack." Tel Aviv district police chief Amichai Eshed told reporters at the scene that the gunman opened fire at passersby before fleeing the scene, but was soon chased and killed by a policeman and policewoman. (Gideon Markowicz/JINI via Xinhua)
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines. March 9)  The local government of Pola, Oriental Mindoro on Thursday said it will discuss possibly filing cases against the owner of MT Princess Empress, the tanker that caused a massive oil spill in the province affecting the livelihood of fishermen and tourist spots there.

Pag-uusapan po ng task force, Pola, Oriental Mindoro Mayor Jennifer Cruz said. Hihingi rin po tayo ng advice sa ating gobernador at congressman.

[Translation: The task force will discuss this. We will also seek advice from our governor and congressman.]

The Philippine Coast Guard along with some locals are currently taking efforts to clean up the oil spill that has affected many towns in Oriental Mindoro. Pola was the first to declare a state of calamity following the incident.

According to Gerry Arances, executive director of Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development, the oil slick is a threat to the Verde Island Passage where a number of marine protected areas are located. Around two million fishermen in the province also rely on this area, he added.

He noted the passage produces around 12 billion annually from fish catch alone, while Oriental Mindoro generated around 3.5 billion in 2019 in terms of tourism that is dependent on its local marine biodiversity.

The mayor said up to 2,000 locals will be hired with the help of the Department of Labor and Employment to help in the clean-up operations.

She also said she hopes experts will be deployed to their area to guide them throughout the process.

Cruz also said the sister-in-law of the owner of MT Princess Empress visited them on Wednesday to offer relief goods.

However, she said she rejected the goods because they were delivered days after the local government received help from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Local officials also have to assess what they currently need, Cruz added.

So far, the mayor said what they urgently need are gears to protect the people who are being deployed to clean up the oil spill.




YORK  A change of plea hearing was held this week in York County District Court for Nathan Hanner, 42, of Geneva, who was accused of threatening to stab a child in the eye with a pen while at a doctors appointment.

According to the affidavit filed with the court by the investigating officers from the York Police Department, the incident took place at a medical clinic in York.

The officers were dispatched to that clinic and when arriving were informed a man was with a child at the clinic and was threatening serious harm to the child through the act of stabbing the child with a pen.

The man in question, who was identified as Hanner, was escorted by police out of the building, and they were informed the child was inside the clinic with nursing staff. The child, who was six years old, was also with an infant in a stroller.

According to witnesses at the clinic (who were quoted in the affidavit), Hanner told the crying six-year-old if she didnt stop crying he was going to write on her face and later told her if she didnt stop crying he was going to stab her with the pen.

According to court documents, Hanner denied saying he was going to stab the child in the eye. He said he was trying to keep the six-year-old from climbing up on the counter and he told her no one was going to help her because if they tried, he would stab them in the eye with a pen.

After Hanner was arrested, police were told the reason Health and Human Services had been involved stemmed from Hanner threatening to blow up the Geneva Hospital.

Hanner was initially charged with making terroristic threats, a Class 3A felony, and committing child abuse, a Class 3A felony.

This week, those charges were amended to one count of misdemeanor child abuse. He is now facing a possible maximum sentence of one year in jail.

Sentencing has been set for April 24.
YORK -- York County Government Day looked a little different this year. The event was held at the National Guard Armory in York, where students assembled at nine different booths and learned about the daily operations of local government.

Logistically it worked better for us to hold County Government day here, said Nick Wollenburg, York County Veterans Service officer and organizer. The schools dont have to worry about transporting kids from the courthouse to the armory for lunch and the offices dont get congested. This year, we have over 60 students from Heartland, York and McCool.

The booths were interactive and educational with door prizes and pop quizzes on the various fields in local government.

Students had the opportunity to explore military equipment and massive machinery. If they were lucky, some students tried on law enforcement tactical gear with the help of York County Sheriffs Captain Josh Gillespie.

Jenny Rees, University of Lincoln Extension educator, spoke to students about the role Extension offices play in providing residents information about crops and water, childcare, livestock, 4-H and education.

Other speakers were Kurt Bulgrin, York County Assessor; Gary Olson, York County Attorney; Chad Red and Greg Heine, York County Roads Department; Maria Scamehorn, York County Emergency Communications; Mary Melby and Kelly Turner, deputy clerk and county clerk; Aaron Alvarez and Skyler Aegerter with the National Guard.

Alvarez said, The students learned about the various weapons used in combat and the benefits of the National Guard, the differences between the National Guard and Army and the training needed. They learned that the National Guard is a way of living and what we do is protect our country. 

Scamehorn said, Overall, today was fun and it was different because the students didnt go into the offices. There were a lot of questions asked about voting and it pleased me to see young people be interested in learning about their local and state government. Overall I think it went well.
YORK  Jay Gilmore, 38, of Waco, is facing possible prison time now that he has been convicted of violation of the states sex offender registry act.

This week, he appeared in York County District Court to plead no contest to the Class 3A felony which carries a possible sentence of three years in prison upon conviction.

Deputies with the York County Sheriffs Department took Gilmore into custody after they were informed he had not properly registered his information, as required as a registered sex offender.

It is noted in court documents that Gilmore is a lifetime registrant of the Nebraska Sex Offender Registry, having had three separate sex offense convictions.

The first conviction is out of the federal court system for receipt and distribution of child pornography with a conviction date of March 1, 2012. Gilmore was sentenced to a term of incarceration which he started on Feb. 16, 2017, and was released on April 30, 2022.

The second and third convictions are out of Lancaster County  both are for third degree sexual assault of a child and the conviction date for both was Oct. 31, 2012. He was sentenced to incarceration which he started on Dec. 5, 2012 and was released on Feb. 16, 2017. There is a note in the case, according to investigating deputies, that Gilmore reoffended the day he registered so the federal sentence started once the state case was completed.

Deputies say in the affidavit filed with the court that Gilmore registered his address at 104 Austin Street in Waco on May 20, 2022 and he verified this registration in July, which is the month of his birth. But deputies said he failed to verify his registration information three months later which made him non-compliant in November.

Investigators initially said Gilmore was eligible for habitual criminal status because he is a convicted felon, a multi-state/source offender, has a conviction for a crime against a child and is a convicted sex offender, and has served two terms of incarceration. They also note he is currently on an active term of federal post release supervision which start on April 30, 2022 and will end on April 29, 2027. However, no allegations were filed with the court, regarding the declaration of Gilmore being a habitual criminal.

Sentencing has been scheduled for April 24.
Paris, TX (75460)

Today

Clear skies. Low near 45F. W winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph..

Tonight

Clear skies. Low near 45F. W winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 9)  More residents in Oriental Mindoro fall sick as the oil spill in the town gets worse, a local chief executive said.

Pola Mayor Jennifer Cruz on Thursday said over 50 residents, including herself, got sick.

Sa loob ng nine days palala s'ya nang palala... at pumunta na s'ya sa mga bato and mga mangroves natin marami 'yung nagkakasakit, Cruz told CNN Philippines The Source.

[Translation: For the past nine days, it has been getting worseit has reached the stones and our mangroves many are getting sick.]

Tapos na ang COVID. Akala namin 'yun na ang pinakamahirap para samin lalo na sa tabing dagat kasi akala nila kikita na sila. Hindi pala kasi after pala ng COVID mas matindi po pala ito kasi ang tagal ng recovery, she added.

[Translation: The COVID pandemic ended. We thought it was the worse, especially for those near the shore because they expected that they would be earning now. But that is not the case because after COVID, the worst thing happened and the recovery would be longer.]

The oil spill happened after MT Princess Empress, which was carrying 800,000 liters of industrial oil, capsized in the waters off Oriental Mindoro. The slick has reached marine protected areas, beach resorts, and shorelines surrounding the province, according to the Department of Tourism.

A number of towns in the province have declared a state of calamity, with Pola being the first to do so.

Cruz said over 3,000 families and 1,700 fishermen were affected by the oil spill. A number of resort bookings were also cancelled following the incident.

Since there is no fish catch, prices of meat and other agriculture goods in the province have risen, she added.

Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development Executive Director Gerry Arances said the impact of the oil spill is horrific since it threatens the Verde Island Passage where a number of marine protected areas are located. Around two million fishermen in the province also rely on this area, he added.

It produces around 12 billion annually just from fish catch, Arances said Oriental Mindoro alone in 2019 lodged around 3.5 billion in terms of tourism which is basically dependent on the marine biodiversity.

As the local government focuses on cleanup efforts, Cruz said up to 2,000 residents will be hired, with the help of the Department of Labor and Employment, to remove the slick.

More protective gears are needed as more people will be deployed for the cleanup efforts. Currently, Pola town only has around 500 personal protective equipment and around 100 gloves and boots, Cruz added.

The mayor urged residents, especially those near the affected areas, to evacuate for their safety.

She also called on the national government to send experts to affected areas to guide residents in the cleanup efforts.

Cruz said the local government is still waiting for the oil control experts that Japan has committed to send to Pola.

Meanwhile, Arances urged the government to tap experts from other countries. He also said laws covering incidents like oil spills must be reviewed to ensure protection of marine biodiversity.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants the cleanup to be completed in less than four months. Cruz said the local government will try its best given the impact of the oil spill.
CARBONDALE  A local artist takes his inspiration from the mundane to inspire himself  and us  to see the world in a new way.

Timothy Thomas paints everyday objects, from houses to street corners. If you didn't know better, you would think his paintings were painted in plein-air, but they are in fact made in the studio.

"Most of my painting heroes are 'plein air' painters. Meaning that they paint outside on location. I have tried to do that but most of the time I fail miserably. So I try to emulate the style in my studio," Thomas said.

Working instead from photographs, Thomas uses fast and loose brush strokes, painting quickly like a plein-air painter who must capture the fleeting light out of doors. "The ultimate goal of my work is to paint a subject that is special to me, but quite normal to everyone else, and attempt to show them why it is so special to me."

Thomas says that he has always drawn and painted but only started taking his art seriously after being married 11 years ago. "It was my wife Tina that saw the potential in what I was working on and she encouraged me and supported me in my efforts," Thomas said.

There is something brooding and pensive about Thomas's paintings. The reason may be that Thomas sees art as therapy, and he relishes the cathartic nature of art may stay off insanity.

"I always say that I became an artist because it's cheaper than therapy (barely)," Thomas said, who believes that there are some people who just need to create. "Whether it is singing or drawing or making films, or making music, some people are born with this deeply rooted innate compulsion to create. So in short, I do it because I have to."

Thomas's art serves his own self-therapy ends but also serves the locals in seeing the places where the live with new eyes  the eyes of an artist.

"I like to paint places and things that are special to me, but ordinary to most everyone else, and then show them why I find it so neat. So, I really like to paint things that I see almost every day, like the SIU power plant or Thai Taste, or a big rock in front of the Dunkin' Donuts that people keep running into. And I think that when other people see these things that they also see everyday depicted in a painting it makes something in their head click and maybe they start to look at those things a little differently too."

The Carbondale Public Library will welcome Thomas for a Southern Illinois themed art exhibit and reception on Thursday, March 23 from 5:30 p.m. -7 p.m., the theme of which will be Southern Illinois. If you live in the area, Thomas says you will be sure to see places you know, but you may see them in a new way.

"I really feel like there is so much interesting, beautiful things all around us every day but most of the time we don't notice it until someone points it out to us. My wife and I love Southern Illinois, Carbondale especially, and I very much enjoy showing other people why it is so special to us," Thomas said.

Thomas's artwork is inspired not only by the interesting geographical features and unique architectures, but the people that make the area so very special and dear to him.

"I have received so much support from this community and gotten so much wonderful advice from some very dear friends and fellow artists," Thomas said. "So I would really like to thank the people of Carbondale and the surrounding area for all of the wonderful support. It means the world to me, truly."

Behind every man there is a woman, and for Thomas it is no different. "And thank you to my beautiful and talented wife Tina. She's the love of my life and I wouldn't be where I am today without her support and encouragement," Thomas said.
The Southern Illinois University School of Medicine will soon be home to a new Behavioral Health Workforce Education Center, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced on Wednesday. The centers goal is to increase the number of behavioral health professionals available statewide. The announcement came amid a slew of announcements from the Pritzker administration, including the news of repurposing and restructuring at the Choate Mental Health Center in Anna.

The new center, which will be housed at the School of Medicines Springfield campus, was created in partnership with the Jane Adams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois Chicago, the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Department of Human Services.

From care portals and universal screenings to improved coordination of service delivery and increased statewide capacity, we are laying out a plan to build the best behavioral health system in the nation, Pritzker said. Were launching the Behavioral Health Workforce Education Center. It will begin with a $5 million annual investment from the Department of Human Services to help both rural and urban areas of our state address the behavioral healthcare crisis to increase access to effective services for all Illinoisans.

The center was established in response to the inability of behavioral health professionals to provide all of the needed services because of a lack of workers, both nationally and in Illinois. The new program is expected to address barriers to recruitment and training new workers, collect data on behavioral health needs, strive to increase diversity in the workforce and expand the capacity of health care provider to meet behavioral health needs.

The School of Medicine will serve as the primary administrative hub for the center working with the University of Illinois Chicago as well as partnering with public and private universities and community colleges across the state.

We have been facing a workforce crisis in mental health for years due to a shortage of behavioral health specialists. Local staffing levels were already critical in rural and small urban communities, and the pandemic made matters worse globally, with a 25% increase in people seeking mental health care, said Kari Wolf, chair of psychiatry at the SIU School of Medicine and CEO of the Behavioral Health Workforce Center. Through the Center, we aim to assess current educational pathways and create additional training opportunities to develop a diverse behavioral health workforce that is distributed across the entire state.

Close A sign warns motorists of the pending dangers of water over the roadway in Cambria after Thursday night's rain left the region in a flash flood watch for hours. Motorists should be cautious about road hazards such as hydroplaning where low-lying land allows for water on the roadway. It is best to slow down and take it easy over wet or flooded roads. The Herrin reservoir spills over onto Grand Road on Friday after a storm dropped 3.45 inches of rain overnight. A residence in Carterville has a creek form in the front yard after the rainstorm on Friday. What looks like a small lake sits in the front yard of a home in the country of Williamson county on Friday after a massive storm swept through the area. A picturesque Herrin neighborhood flooded on Friday after a rainstorm dropped several inches over Thursday night. A residential construction site sits in water after Thursday night's storm. A surging stormwater runoff flows through a Carterville neighborhood Friday afternoon. Drainage into lower lands will continue for days after such a large rainstorm. A Cambria neighborhood flooded on Friday. PHOTOS: See images from the Friday flooding in Southern Illinois A sign warns motorists of the pending dangers of water over the roadway in Cambria after Thursday night's rain left the region in a flash flood watch for hours. Motorists should be cautious about road hazards such as hydroplaning where low-lying land allows for water on the roadway. It is best to slow down and take it easy over wet or flooded roads. The Herrin reservoir spills over onto Grand Road on Friday after a storm dropped 3.45 inches of rain overnight. A residence in Carterville has a creek form in the front yard after the rainstorm on Friday. What looks like a small lake sits in the front yard of a home in the country of Williamson county on Friday after a massive storm swept through the area. A picturesque Herrin neighborhood flooded on Friday after a rainstorm dropped several inches over Thursday night. A residential construction site sits in water after Thursday night's storm. A surging stormwater runoff flows through a Carterville neighborhood Friday afternoon. Drainage into lower lands will continue for days after such a large rainstorm. A Cambria neighborhood flooded on Friday.
BOLINGBROOK  A suburban Chicago teenager pleaded not guilty Tuesday in the fatal shootings of his 17-year-old girlfriend, a 9-year-old girl and the child's father.

Byrion Montgomery, 17, appeared before a Will County judge in Joliet. Montgomery is charged as an adult with multiple crimes, including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and home invasion.

He has been jailed and bail is set at $20 million. The Will County State's Attorney's Office said he would be appointed a public defender.

The shooting in Bolingbrook, about 30 miles west of Chicago, was reported about 8:15 p.m. Sunday. Montgomery was arrested about two hours later.

Seventeen-year-old Samiya A. Shelton-Tillman, 40-year-old Cartez Daniels, and 9-year-old Sanai Daniels were pronounced dead at the scene. Cartez Daniels was shot and stabbed, according to the complaint.

Tania Stewart, 34, was shot but survived. She was in stable condition Tuesday at a hospital. Two boys ages 3 and 14 were in the home at the time but were not harmed.

Police have said Shelton-Tillman and Montgomery dated.

"The violence that occurred is something no one should ever have to endure or worry about," Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta said in a statement. "My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the victims, and my prayers are sent to the victim still in the hospital."

Relatives of the victims told WLS-TV that Sanai was Cartez Daniels' daughter and that he had been engaged to Stewart, who is Shelton-Tillman's mother.

Reed Silva, Cartez Daniels' stepmother, told the Chicago Tribune that he worked as a carpenter.

"He could do anything, mathematically," Silva said. "He loved his family. He loved everybody. He tried to do anything he could for anybody. He was making life better for him and his kids and his family."
SPRINGFIELD  Legislation aimed at protecting children involved in the growing industry of social media influencing is moving through the Illinois statehouse.

The measure, Senate Bill 1782, addresses the rise in so-called "kidfluencer" content found on online platforms. It would change child labor laws to include families who have monetized content featuring minors, and it would require parents to set up a trust account with a percentage of earnings for the minors who participated in such content.

It's a measure that Shreya Nallamothu, a student at University High School in Normal, says is needed to protect kids and teenagers. Nallamothu appeared at the statehouse Wednesday to urge lawmakers to pass the legislation, which is sponsored by Sen. Dave Koehler, D-Peoria, and Sen. Linda Holmes, D-Aurora.

Im 15, Gen-Z, the stereotype kind of rings true: Im always online, on social media and TikTok," she said in an interview. "When Im scrolling, I see these kids' TikTok dances and YouTube videos and their entire lives are being filmed and broadcasted.

It seems very innocent, and for the most part it is  except when these families start making money.

Nallamothu became interested in "kidfluencer" content as part of an independent study course.

I was very surprised to learn in my research about child influencers, that there is nothing in place that guarantees these young children that the income being generated off of YouTube and TikTok, is going to be set aside and kept for them, she said.

Under the legislation, compensation includes any proprietorship, partnership, company, or other corporation assuming the name or identity of that particular individual or family for the purpose of content creation.

Vlogging  creating content shared on an online platform, often in exchange for compensation  "is now an activity that is rampant on the internet, and a lot of it is fine," Koehler said. "But (what) were talking about in this bill, is what happens when a child, their family vlogs them and distributes it and monetizes it."

The measure also creates criteria to differentiate between casual posting and content creation as a form of labor.

Traditional child actors have been protected for a number of years by child labor laws, Holmes said. However, theres nothing on the books to protect these child influencers. Parents should not be able to profit from the work of their children."

One dividing line: whether at least 30% of the compensated video content includes a minor, whether visual or an oral narrative. Another is whether a video generated more than 10 cents per view, a threshold generally achieved when the content is viewed widely.

While nothing in the bill prohibits the minor from engaging in vlogging, it does aim to discourage "kidfluencing" in an effort to protect kids' privacy.

I also cant help thinking of all of these young kids as they start off with all these videos of them, Holmes said. You have videos of them in diapers; you have videos of them plastered all over the internet in all stages of growing up. When they become adults, theres a very good possibility that they are not going to want those videos out there.

The bill also includes provisions that would allow individuals who were featured in content as children the ability to request its removal from online platforms, meaning any public website, application, social or advertising network, search engine and email service.

As someone who has grown up on the internet," Nallamothu said, "I have seen how children are too young to understand the gravity of what theyre being forced to do on vlogs, generating income that they will not have access to.

Sen. Jason Plummer, R-Edwardsville, expressed concerns that the legislation doesn't go far enough to protect child privacy.

It seems like all this horrible information or private information could get out there, and it doesn't fix that, but it just says, oh, make sure you get paid a little bit for it, Plummer said.

Koehler said that he plans to work with the Illinois Attorney Generals Office to ensure the bill provides the proper consumer protections.

I know that theres other issues, but I think whats important too is if we pass the parameters of this and say, you know, heres issues we feel very strongly about and were going to see other states do this, Koehler said. Other states will follow our lead, and then we can see some federal action as well.

Similar legislation has been proposed in states like Washington, but no other states have passed legislation protecting child influencers, the lawmakers said.

The measure was unanimously approved by the Senate Labor Committee with the understanding that amendments will be brought forward to address concerns regarding implementation and furthering privacy protections.

Nallamothu was joined by her family in Springfield.

All those million hours watching YouTube and TikTok, finally led to something meaningful, said her mother, Swathi Kakarala. "I am happy and proud.

Nallamothu said she is looking forward to working with the General Assembly as the bill makes its way through the legislative process. She credited her teacher, Morgan Schmidt, for encouraging her research.
SPRINGFIELD  When I lived in Chicago, not a day went by that I didn't see the city's iconic flag waving somewhere.

Whether it was hanging on the living room wall of a friend's apartment, on flagpoles outside the neat homes in the city's bungalow belt or outside the towering skyscrapers of the Loop, the flag, with its four six-pointed red stars sandwiched between two blue bars on a field of white, is a symbol of civic pride across the whole city and is recognized far beyond its borders.

"You can't walk down the street in Chicago on a summer day without coming across somebody with a Chicago flag tattoo or item of clothing," said statehouse lobbyist John Amdor. "It's (a) way to personalize your expression of the place that you call home."

This stands in stark contrast with the flag of the state of Illinois, which is not so easy on the eyes. Sure, it can be recognized, too. But that's almost entirely because the name of the state is literally emblazoned on it.

State Sen. Doris Turner, D-Springfield, wants to change that, filing legislation that would create a commission to develop new flag designs and, ultimately, make a recommendation on whether the current flag should be replaced.

"If you live in Illinois, probably the last time you even thought about the state flag was when you were in junior high," Turner told me in an interview Tuesday morning. "And then the next time you thought about anything on state government was when you were a senior and you had to pass the Constitution test in order to graduate. And that was it."

"But this will kind of get people involved and have them take more interest in state government, hopefully, and get people energized about Illinois," she said.

The legislation has been appropriately numbered Senate Bill 1818, a nod to the year Illinois became a state. And perhaps it's just a coincidence, but the commission would have 21 members. Illinois was the 21st state admitted to the union.

But the state flag is a more recent phenomenon, first being adopted by the state legislature in 1915 at the behest of Ellen Park Lawrence, an Illinois member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

The current flag features the state seal, which dates to 1868, on a white field. It depicts an eagle with a banner in its beak with the state motto, State Sovereignty, National Union. The bird is also carrying a shield in its talons, with 13 stars and strips representing the original colonies.

It also features the prairie with the sun rising over water in the background. The flag was amended in 1970 to include the state's name below the seal.

Hannah Higgins, a professor of art history at the University of Illinois at Chicago, said the adoption of state flags took off between the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition and World War I as a means of individual states carving out identities from the rest of the country. However, some states, particularly in the South, had flags predating the 20th century.

"If you think about the flag of the state of Texas, the Lone Star State has the Lone Star flag. Like, it makes sense," Higgins said. "The California flag with its weird bear, the California Republic, like it says something about how California sees itself. And I don't think that the Illinois state flag does that really at all."

Higgins said there is "nothing unique" about Illinois' flag, calling it "incredibly boring."

Vexillologists  people who study the history, symbolism and usage of flags  agree. In a 2001 poll of its members, the North American Vexillological Association ranked Illinois' flag 49th out of 72 U.S. state and Canadian provincial flags.

"I agree that it's time to at least address the question of a flag redesign, because it's so generic and nonspecific that when one looks at it, it doesn't particularly mean Illinois  which is why they had to, in 1970, put the word 'Illinois' on it," Higgins said. "That tells you that there's a problem with that design."

And it's not a problem that's gone unnoticed over the years.

Former state Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, now president of the Illinois Railroad Association, has long been an advocate for changing the state flag.

Butler, who is known to wave all kinds of flags outside of his Springfield home, said he's in favor of "a clean flag that's easily recognizable."

"I think the current state flag has some attributes that I like, but also I think we can do something that's more iconic," Butler said. "And when you look at the states that you really recognize for the state flags  Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, South Carolina, Alaska  flags that are iconic and, largely, a lot of times, simple in their design."

Both Amdor and Butler say it doesn't have to be difficult. They have suggested replacing the current flag with the 1918 centennial flag.

Designed by the same person who designed Chicago's flag, the flag features a middle blue stripe on a field of white. There are 10 blue stars on each the upper and lower white bands  representing the northern and southern states at the time Illinois was admitted to the union  and a large white star on the middle blue stripe for the state itself.

Happy Illinois Statehood Day!

202 years ago today we became #21.



In honor of this birthday, how about a gift for our 13 million people?



Let's change our state flag to something more iconic than our state seal on white.



I'm a fan of our 1918 Centennial Flag fitting that role. pic.twitter.com/FwodPmiCIE  Tim Butler (@TimButlerIL) December 3, 2020

If Turner's legislation passes, the commission would establish goals and guiding principles for the redesign and a process for submitting proposals.

It would also create a website to provide historical information about the flag and an online suggestion box so state residents can offer their ideas. Residents would also be able to vote on potential flag designs.

This would all be done in concert with a public awareness campaign.

By September 2024, the commission would need to select 10 flag designs and, finally, submit a report to the legislature by Dec. 3, 2024, offering a recommendation for a revised or new state flag.

The process is modeled loosely after Utah, which established a task force last year to explore a new state flag. After more than 7,000 flag designs were submitted and 44,000 comments received, the state settled on a redesign, which was approved by the legislature earlier this month and takes effect March 9 next year.

"I'm thinking that we can outdo Utah," Turner said.

Turner said she views the effort as "a great opportunity to get people throughout the state energized and involved in state government."

Amdor, a native of Nebraska, said that "as an adopted Illinoisan that kind of embraced the state with the zeal of a convert, I think a state flag is a really great vehicle for expression of state pride and our shared identity."

Butler said he would "love to get a flag where I see people flying it from porches all the time like they do when I go to other states."

There's a common thread here: a desire to stitch together a diverse state often defined and divided by regional differences. This is about more than just a flag. It's about what the flag represents.

"Illinois needs an infusion of pride," Butler said. "We'll never get away from our regionalism The southern part of the state is farther south than Richmond, Virginia, the northern part of the state is farther north than Boston."

"But, at the end of the day, there's a lot of things to be proud of as Illinoisans," he said. "And I think that should be reflected in the flag and something that people want to take pride in."

I'm skeptical Illinoisans will ever share the same cohesive identity or pride that Texans or Californians have for their states.

But a little effort at generating civic pride never hurt anyone. And yes, count me among those who think the state's flag needs a glow-up.

License plate redesign?

Speaking of a redesign, I asked Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias earlier this week if one was in store anytime soon for the state's license plates.

The current plates, featuring red numbers and letters along with a blue-white background including half of President Abraham Lincoln's head and an outline of the Chicago skyline, a farm and the Illinois Capitol, has been in circulation since 2017.

The plates were met with less-than-stellar reviews when they were rolled out, with former Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin labeling them "busy" and "banal" and an "'all things to all people' melange."

Well, they appear here to stay for the time being.

"I don't think that's the first thing on my priority list," Giannoulias said. "And I also have zero creative ability, so I'm the I'm the wrong guy to ask on what the new plate would look like."

Spokesman Henry Haupt later added the office is "reviewing the timeline for a new license plate design."

"The current license plate design was introduced in 2017 with an approximate 10-year replating period to follow before a new redesign would occur," Haupt said. "Any changes in the design would occur with input from law enforcement and the public."

How many state flags do you know? How many state flags do you know? Flag #1 Flag #1: Alabama Flag #2 Flag #2: Alaska Flag #3 Flag #3: Arizona Flag #4 Flag #4: Arkansas Flag #5 Flag #5: California Flag #6 Flag #6: Colorado Flag #7 Flag #7: Connecticut Flag #8 Flag #8: Delaware Flag #9 Flag #9: Florida Flag #10 Flag #10: Georgia Flag #11 Flag #11: Hawaii Flag #12 Flag #12: Idaho Flag #13 Flag #13: Illinois Flag #14 Flag #14: Indiana Flag #15 Flag #15: Iowa Flag #16 Flag #16: Kansas Flag #17 Flag #17: Kentucky Flag #18 Flag #18: Louisiana Flag #19 Flag #19: Maine Flag #20 Flag #20: Maryland Flag #21 Flag #21: Massachusetts Flag #22 Flag #22: Michigan Flag #23 Flag #23: Minnesota Flag #24 Flag #24: Mississippi Flag #25 Flag #25: Missouri Flag #26 Flag #26: Montana Flag #27 Flag #27: Nebraska Flag #28 Flag #28: Nevada Flag #29 Flag #29: New Hampshire Flag #30 Flag #30: New Jersey Flag #31 Flag #31: New Mexico Flag #32 Flag #32: New York Flag #33 Flag #33: North Carolina Flag #34 Flag #34: North Dakota Flag #35 Flag #35: Ohio Flag #36 Flag #36: Oklahoma Flag #37 Flag #37: Oregon Flag #38 Flag #38: Pennsylvania Flag #39 Flag #39: Rhode Island Flag #40 Flag #40: South Carolina Flag #41 Flag #41: South Dakota Flag #42 Flag #42: Tennessee Flag #43 Flag #43: Texas Flag #44 Flag #44: Utah Flag #45 Flag #45: Vermont Flag #46 Flag #46: Virginia Flag #47 Flag #47: Washington Flag #48 Flag #48: West Virginia Flag #49 Flag #49: Wisconsin Flag #50 Flag #50: Wyoming
COLUMBIA  A former utility executive who gave rosy projections on the progress of two nuclear power plants in South Carolina while they were hopelessly behind will spend 15 months in prison for the doomed project that cost ratepayers billions of dollars.

Ex-SCANA Corp. Executive Vice President Stephen Byrne apologized in court Wednesday, saying he thinks about how he let down customers, shareholders, employees, taxpayers and his family almost every day.

The two nuclear plants, which never generated a watt of power despite $9 billion of investment, were supposed to be the crowning achievement of my life, Byrne said. But I failed.

Byrne is the second SCANA executive to head to prison for the nuclear debacle. Former CEO Kevin Marsh was sentenced to two years in prison in October 2021 and released earlier in March after serving about 17 months.

Two executives at Westinghouse, which was contracted to build the reactors, are also charged. Carl Churchman, who was the company's top official at the Fairfield County construction site at V.C. Summer, pleaded guilty to perjury and is awaiting sentencing. Former Westinghouse senior vice president Jeff Benjamin faces 16 charges. His trial is scheduled for October.

Both defense lawyers and prosecutors agreed to delay Byrne's prison sentence until he testifies at Benjamin's trial to make sure he is honest and helpful.

But that isn't in doubt. Prosecutors said Byrne was the first executive to come to investigators after the project was abandoned in July 2017. His careful notes taken in every meeting of who spoke and what was said saved the government years of work unraveling the lies, prosecutor Winston Holliday said.

They are the handwriting of an engineer," Holliday said.

In all, Byrne met with state and federal agents 15 times, sometimes for entire days. He walked them through what happened from the 2008 proposal to build the plants that led to a state law allowing the utility to raise rates so much of the risk fell on customers, to the final desperate meetings in 2017 when it was obvious the project was dead.

His cooperation led U.S. District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis to agree with the defense and prosecution recommendation of a 15-month prison sentence, a $200,000 fine and $1 million in restitution. Federal sentencing guidelines suggest a maximum five-year sentence for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.

Byrne, 63, told state regulators in 2016 that construction of the plants would finish in time to get more than $1 billion in tax credits vital for SCANA and its subsidiary South Carolina Electric & Gas to afford the project. The goal was to reassure shareholders and others that the project, which leaders knew was hopelessly delayed and over budget, was on track.

But unlike other executives, whose sin was greed and wanting to line their own pockets with bonuses, Holliday said Byrne's sin appeared to be pride.

I genuinely believe as an engineer he wanted to build this thing," Holliday said.

The first words Byrne said in court were I'm sorry. He has been a nuclear engineer all his life and said he regrets the role he played in stifling the growth of nuclear power in the United States because the SCANA debacle showed the projects are too expensive and unwieldy.

I failed the nuclear industry as well. What we hoped would be a nuclear renaissance  we put the brakes on it, Byrne said.

Since losing his job in 2018, Byrne has been building houses with Habitat for Humanity. His lawyers said he took classes to be an electrician at a technical college so he could better help the organization.

It is my fervent hope that when I retire I can go on to live a quiet life and no one in here ever hears from me again, Byrne said.
Gabon: At least two people are dead and 28 others missing after a small ferry foundered off the Gabonese coast, a port official told AFP on Thursday. The vessel was carrying 151 passengers and was headed to the city of Port-Gentil from the capital, Libreville.
BEIRUT  The Association of Banks in Lebanon announced in a statement Thursday that on March 14 they would resume their open-ended strike, which they launched in early February, citing "arbitrary judicial decisions."

ABL said it is defending the demands of the sector and protesting against legal proceedings launched against some of its members, which they consider unjustified.

ABL initially suspended its strike on Feb. 24 for one week then renewed it for a similar period on March 3.

Most private and public sector employees are withdrawing their salaries from the banks. ABL's temporary strike suspension also came after Banque du Liban raised the exchange rate of its Sayrafa platform, which is meant to make it more advantageous to purchase dollars compared to the parallel market rate.

ABL's Board of Directors took the decision to resume the strike on March 14 following a meeting held Wednesday evening.

The banks are calling on the judiciary to abandon legal proceedings launched by the prosecutor at the Court of Appeal of Mount Lebanon, Judge Ghada Aoun, against several banks. Aoun is attempting to investigate purported money laundering against two banks that refused to release select officials account information.

They are also calling on Parliament to enact a capital control law, abolish banking secrecy and revise the lawsuits against banks.

Since 2019, Lebanon has been sinking into a deepening financial and economic crisis. Banks have implemented severe, illegal restrictions on deposits, locking many citizens out of their life savings.

Banks also demand the unification of the criteria used for the repayment of loans and the payment of deposits. They denounced in their Thursday statement "new arbitrary judicial decisions ... made in recent days" against some of the banks for the benefit of depositors wishing to recover their deposits in cash dollars.
Private wind farm developers will retain the same right to eminent domain afforded to other energy projects, after Gov. Mark Gordon blocked an attempt by state lawmakers this winter to bring back a wind-specific land use restriction.

Under current state law, companies building energy generation facilities have the right to site some infrastructure  including power lines used to carry electricity away from wind turbines  on private property, even if landowners say no.

The Wyoming Legislature barred wind developers, specifically, from using eminent domain in 2010. The moratorium was renewed in 2011 and again in 2013 before it was allowed to expire in 2015.

House Bill 106, sponsored by Rep. Allen Slagle, R-Newcastle, wouldve reinstated it until 2032. The bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 41 to 20 and the Senate by a vote of 18 to 12 before heading to the governors desk. Gov. Mark Gordon vetoed it on Feb. 21.

Since 2015, there have been instances where a wind developer struggling to reach agreement with a landowner has threatened to force a deal through. But there have been no instances where eminent domain has actually been used, according to Isaac Sutphin, an attorney who spoke before state lawmakers on behalf of the American Clean Power Association.

Sutphin emphasized to the House Agriculture Committee on Jan. 24 that its still illegal for a company to assume control of someones land without trying to work with them first.

Good-faith negotiations, he said, are built into existing law, which contains line after line after line of requirements that are imposed upon a company before they can go to the courthouse and even ask to take someones property. The goal, he added, is to get to yes.

Backers of the bill wanted to make sure private property rights were protected.

The bills opponents did, too.

On both sides, it all boiled down to the same question: Who should have the right to say no to a wind farm?

Those who believe the moratorium should be reinstated are afraid that, without it, landowners could feel compelled to take deals they otherwise wouldnt in order to prevent a company from invoking eminent domain. And those who dont are worried that, with a moratorium in place, any landowner could block development on a neighbors property.

If its a third-party wind developer, you know, this is somebody who doesnt have customers in the state of Wyoming, said Shannon Anderson, staff attorney for the Powder River Basin Resource Council, a landowners group that favored the moratorium. Theres no public purpose for that use of eminent domain. And with that, you shouldnt, as a private party, have the public right of eminent domain in that situation.

In his veto letter, Gordon called eminent domain a delicate and private issue, which should only be deployed as a last resort because most often one party always prevails at the others detriment. But, he added, it remains an important tool recognized in the state constitution.

The duration of the moratorium, Gordon said, gave him pause. So did its focus on wind developers.

Because this bill seems targeted at one industry and deprives other landowners of their right to develop the resources of their land, I cannot let it pass into law, he said in the letter.

He encouraged state lawmakers to revisit the issue and reconsider their approach in the future.

Photos: The wind farms that have sprung up from Wyoming's prairie Wind Farm Wind Farm Wind Technicians Wind Power Wind Technicians Starry Night Wind Farm Wind Farm Chevron Wind Farm Wind Farm Glenrock Reclamation Wind Turbines Wind Turbines Wind Turbines Wind Technicians Wind Technicians Wind Technicians Wind Wind Technicians Wind Technicians Wind Technicians Wind Power Wind Power Wind Power Chokecherry Sierra Madre Chokecherry Sierra Madre Chokecherry Sierra Madre Chokecherry Sierra Madre Chokecherry Sierra Madre Chokecherry Sierra Madre Chokecherry Sierra Madre Chokecherry Sierra Madre Wind Energy Eagles Wind Energy Eagles Wind Energy Eagles Wind Energy Eagles Wind Energy Eagles Wind Energy Eagles Wind Energy Turbines Turbines
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 9)  A seeming failure to bring culprits to punishment was how Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla described the situation in Negros Oriental after the assassination of Gov. Roel Degamo and other killings in the province.

What comes out is a pattern, a pattern of impunity that we did not sense before. It's something that is so new to us, Remulla told reporters on Thursday.

Ngayon talaga [Now], it's very hard to imagine this happening before. But now that this happened, the stories are beginning to make sense that there was a pattern of impunity within the area, he added.

In a chance interview, Remulla said he talked to families of the victims and mayors when he joined President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in visiting Degamo's wake Wednesday night, where they learned about the "real situation" in the area.

Degamo was gunned down inside his home in Pamplona town on March 4, when 10 shooters in military uniforms and bulletproof vests entered his residential compound and opened fire. Eight others were killed and 16 others were hurt.

The justice secretary said there were names mentioned during their visit and some revelations being made about what was happening there for the longest time.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will talk to people to determine the real mastermind.

I think there will be more cases filed about past incidents that were dismissed before, that were not attended to before, but would not constitute double jeopardy on the part of the accused, Remulla said.

So this is not just about nine murders, there will be more cases to be investigated, besides, even the ones, the three cases brought by Attorney [Levi] Baligod on Tuesday, there are more cases pa na kinakailangan tingnan [that should be looked at], he added.

Teves included?

Baligod, who represents the family of one of the victims, filed murder complaints against Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. on Tuesday before the Department of Justice (DOJ) in relation to killings of four people in 2019.

Reporters pressed if Teves is included in the names the NBI will talk to, to which Remulla responded with: Meron pang iba [There are many more]. There are many murder cases that are being rooted about that were mentioned to us that we should investigate further.

When asked if the lawmaker will be investigated, Remulla said: We're investigating everybody who may have something to do with what has been happening in Negros Oriental. Bar none. We're not exempting everybody.

On Wednesday, the DOJ chief said a suspect has identified the possible mastermind but state prosecutors said they have to evaluate it properly.

In an interview with CNN Philippines Politics As Usual, PLtCol Gerard Ace Pelare, spokesperson of Special Investigation Task Group Degamo, said investigators are looking at "intense political rivalry" as a possible motive behind the slay.

Teves, a known political rival of Degamo, has denied involvement in the killing.

In a statement Thursday, the Teves camp called for those concerned to observe sobriety in their pronouncements and they will face the accusations.

It will not serve the ends of justice any by publicly obfuscating the issues prematurely before a thorough investigation in accordance with procedures provided for by law, said Ferdinand Topacio, the lead counsel of Teves.

In the meantime, all must be mindful of the fact that our Supreme Court itself has already said that accusation is not synonymous with guilt, and the Constitution guarantees to every person the presumption of innocence, he added.

In another chance interview, Remulla said Congress gave the lawmaker until Thursday to return to the Philippines from the United States and was not given an extension.

According to a video posted on his Facebook account on Monday, Teves said he is abroad to receive medication.

Kaya inaasahan namin na uuwi na siya kung talagang haharap siya sa ganitong mga usapin na siya'y tinuturo na maaaring kasabwat sa mga nangyaring karumaldumal sa Negros Oriental, the Justice secretary said.

[Translation: Thats why we are expecting him to go home to see if he will really face the issues where hes being pointed as the grim events in Negros Oriental.]
A person arrested by Casper police Wednesday died after apparently suffering a medical event at Natrona County Detention Center, the department said.

The person, who was not identified, fell unconscious after arriving at the jail, police said in a statement.

Although lifesaving measures were immediately employed, the arrestee was pronounced deceased at the scene, police said.

The person was a passenger in a minor traffic crash at the intersection of E and Center streets on Wednesday morning. While investigating the crash, police said they developed probable cause to arrest the person on a drug violation.

Initial investigation shows the arrest was benign, the suspect was cooperative and the arrest required no use of police force, the statement reads.

As part of jail policies, the person was first taken to Banner Wyoming Medical Center for an evaluation. They were seen by medical staff and cleared to be taken to the jail.

After the person went unconscious at the jail, staff from multiple agencies attempted to provide care, police said.

The cause of this fatal event initially appears to be medical in nature and is under active investigation, police said.

Reached Wednesday afternoon, a Casper police official said he could not comment on the matter beyond what was included in the statement.

That investigation will be handled by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the Natrona County Coroners Office. Police said they would also conduct their own internal investigation.
A Casper man who died Wednesday after being arrested by police appears to have passed away during the approximately three-minute drive from a Casper hospital to the jail and was never an inmate, the Natrona County Sheriffs Office said.

Wayne Kenneth Sanchez, 62, of Casper, briefly arrived at the jail following his arrest but was immediately transported to the hospital for a medical evaluation, sheriffs spokesperson Kiera Grogan said Thursday. He was never booked.

As soon as someone comes, they are transported to Banner Health, she said. Anyone who is meant to be booked into the Natrona County Detention Center goes through this process. Its part of routine procedure.

There, Sanchez was evaluated by medical staff, where he was approved to enter the jail.

The arrestee was promptly transported to the Natrona County Detention Center, the Casper Police Department said in a statement. Upon arrival at the Natrona County Detention Center, the arrestee fell unconscious and appeared to be suffering a medical event.

But he was already unconscious and likely dead before he arrived, Grogan said.

Sanchez seems to have experienced a medical emergency during the one-mile drive from Banner Wyoming Medical Center to the jail, immediately after he was cleared by medical professionals.

It appeared that he passed away during transport, Grogan said. They realized he had the medical emergency, physically, in the parking garage outside the jail.

Although officials immediately used lifesaving measures, Sanchez was pronounced dead in the parking lot.

He was a passenger in a minor crash at the intersection of E and Center streets on Wednesday morning.

While Casper police officers were investigating the crash, they developed probable cause to arrest Sanchez on a drug violation.

Initial investigation shows the arrest was benign, the suspect was cooperative, and the arrest required no use of police force, the police department said in a statement.

The cause of Sanchezs death appears to be medical in nature and is under active investigation, the Casper Police Department said.

That investigation is being handled by the Natrona County Coroners Office and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation. Casper police said they would also conduct their own internal investigation.

Casper police could not be reached for comment on Thursday afternoon.
The father of a Wyoming Marine killed in a 2021 suicide bombing in Afghanistan hopes Wednesdays congressional hearing on the Kabul airport attack will lead to accountability.

I knew I was lied to in my house, in my living room, when I got the official report of what happened, Jim McCollum told the Star-Tribune on Wednesday. I said, Just dont lie to me; we are from Wyoming, and we are strong. And the first thing they did was lie to my face.

Current and former U.S. service members who were on the ground during the attack, which killed 13 troops and dozens of Afghani civilians, gave harrowing testimony Wednesday about the alleged negligence and lack of accountability during the U.S. withdrawal from the war-torn country.

The House Foreign Affairs Committee held a hearing Wednesday to examine the Biden administrations handling of the evacuation, including the Aug. 26 attack on Hamid Karzai International Airport as U.S. service members evacuated Americans and Afghans from a Taliban-controlled government.

A single explosive device killed 11 Marines, a soldier, a sailor and 170 Afghan civilians. Dozens more were injured. Among those killed was Marine Rylee McCollum of Bondurant, a tiny community about 45 minutes southeast of Jackson.

McCollum was in Afghanistan on his first deployment when the evacuation began and was apparently manning a checkpoint at the airport in Kabul when the bomb went off. He was 20 years old when he died.

Jim McCollum hopes the hearing will lead to explanations of why we did what we did, he said. He knew Rylee could be in danger as a Marine, and he believes that his son would do what he did 100 more times. Now, McCollum just wants answers.

I have pictures of Rylee all over my house, and I actually stopped at one to talk to him, he said. I told him, You deserve better than this.

There were women in Afghanistan who were able to go to school for the first time and have some sort of life after the U.S. invaded the country, said Jim McCollum. That all crumbled during the U.S. withdrawal.

I shudder when I think of those women, he said. We spit in the face of humanity.

Marine testifies

At Wednesdays hearing, former Marine Sgt. Tyler Vargas-Andrews of California testified. He lost two of his limbs, multiple organs and had 44 surgeries to date as a result of the bombing. He surveyed and reported on Taliban activity from the top platform of a satellite tower near the civilian airport terminals at Abbey Gate, where U.S. forces were screening those trying to flee.

Tens of thousands of people descended upon Abbey Gate, Vargas-Andrews said during the hearing on Capitol Hill. Afghans were suffering from extreme malnutrition, dehydration, heat exhaustion, and infants were dying.

Some Afghans turned away tried to kill themselves on the razor wire in front of us that we used as a deterrent, he said. They thought this was merciful compared to the Taliban torture they faced.

He repeatedly communicated atrocities to his chain of command, but nothing came of it, he said. The state was not prepared.

Four days before the attack, an improvised explosive blew up around the perimeter of Abbey Gate, said Vargas-Andrews. The Taliban was doing a test run.

Intel later confirmed a suicide bomber was in the vicinity of Abbey Gate during the early hours of Aug. 26. The suspected man was spotted as the anomaly in the crowd as the individuals consistently and nervously looked up at our positions in the crowd, he said.

Vargas-Andrews asked his battalion commander if he could shoot, he said. His battalion commander responded, I dont know, he said.

Eventually the suspected individual disappeared into the crowd. He never got an answer from his commanders. To this day, Vargas-Andrews believes that person was the suicide bomber.

Later that day, the Marine was standing against a two-foot canal wall waiting for an Afghan family. He felt a flash and a wave of pressure.

He stopped his testimony to wipe his tears away and quickly muttered God dammit before continuing.

Gruesome scene

I opened my eyes to Marines dead and unconscious laying around me, Vargas-Andrews said. And my body was catastrophically wounded with 100 to 150 ball bearings now in it.

His right arm was completely shredded and unusable, and his lower abdomen was soaked in blood, he said.

My abdomen was ripped open. Every inch of my exposed body except for my face took ball bearings and shrapnelI was awake through most of it screaming, moaning and cursing, Vargas-Andrews said.

Despite this, the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service never interviewed him, he said.

Army medic Spc. Aidan Gunderson, who was also on the ground, said he still carries these horrific scenes of Abbey Gate, even the smell. Mothers carrying dead babies, and the Taliban mercilessly beating people and civilians begging for their lives. He boarded a plane to Kabul on his 21st birthday.

An injured Marine with blood-soaked pants squeezed Gundersons hand after the bombing, looked into his eyes and told him he didnt want to die, he said. Gunderson reassured the man he would be fine, knowing that he might not survive.

Mostly, I think about the 13 Americans killed at Abbey Gate. Their deaths should not have happened. They should be alive today, and I, like many others, should not be forced to carry this burden for the rest of our lives. Please consider the 13, and me, as you continue this investigation, Gunderson said.
Coroner James Whipps identified a person who died in jail Wednesday as 62-year-old Wayne Kenneth Sanchez of Casper, the Natrona County Coroner's Office said in a release Thursday.

Sanchez died in the Natrona County Detention Center after suffering an apparent medical event.

The release also states that next of kin have been notified and an autopsy is being conducted.

Sanchez was arrested Wednesday after a minor traffic accident. During the investigation of the crash, police say they developed probably cause to arrest Sanchez on a drug violation.

As part of policy, Sanchez was taken to Banner Wyoming Medical Center for an evaluation before being cleared to be taken to the jail.

Police said after Sanchez fell unconscious at the jail, staff from several agencies attempted to provide care.

The cause of this fatal event initially appears to be medical in nature and is under active investigation, police said Wednesday.

The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the Natrona County Coroner's Office are conducting an investigation. The Casper Police Department said it would be conducting its own internal investigation as well.
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.
T&T rap legend Make It Hapn (Rayon Bernando) is back in the lab creating new music.

Anybody and their mama that followed the local hip hop scene in the early 2000s knows Make It Hapn is rap royalty.

The Diego Martin-born MC had a ubiquitous flow that earned him snaps and standing ovations everywhere he went, from the quad at The University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine campus to spoken word exposes and open mic nights across the island.
The regional symposium on crime to be held tomorrow and Tuesday is an important step toward addressing the problem facing Caricom countries.

So said Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Dr Amery Browne yesterday.

Trinidad and Tobago will host the two-day symposium at the Hyatt Regency (Trinidad) hotel in Port of Spain.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 9)  The public can now access legislative records, information and services from both Houses of Congress in one online platform called eCongress, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said Thursday.

e-Congress will provide updates on the status of bills, and resolutions and report legislative undertakings to inform the public and encourage citizen participation, Romualdez said during the online platform launch.

The platform also establishes and maintains an integrated and secure digital legislative management system for the Congress of the Philippines, he added.

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco and Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. also signed a memorandum of agreement on the operating details and system maintenance of the online platform.

Romualdez said information and communications technology, among others, will be used to facilitate the eCongress.

In February, the Senate adopted a resolution that seeks to establish the eCongress.

According to the resolution, eCongress will allow both Houses to update their intra and inter-chamber processes to further strengthen coordination between them and facilitate citizen engagement in the legislative process.
During an Easter Sunday break from my column, I was forcibly struck by the disconnect between the official messages about Easter from those clothed with high constitutional authority and the grim reality on the ground.

Many persons would have been engaged in pleasurable activities over the Easter weekend. However, the country remains gripped by fear of violent crime, in respect of which the official messages have long ceased to be comforting or inspiring. How can it be otherwise when, in addition to rampant murder, we are frequently confronted with the results of brutal home invasions?
PHOENIX  State senators gave preliminary approval Thursday to a measure directing the Education Department to come up with a list of books to ban in public schools.

And it wouldnt just include lewd or sexual materials.

SB1700 would require the department, now headed by elected Republican Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne, to also include on that list materials that promote gender fluidity or gender pronouns.

The measure includes similar language on what local school boards and school libraries would be required to remove from shelves.

Parents want to make sure that their children who are innocent, who are impressionable, get to have and hold onto that innocence that they have, said Sen. Justine Wadsack, R-Tucson, sponsor of the measure.

They dont need to be reading about their best friends erection and what it felt like in their hand, she said. Im tired of the normalizing of this perversion.

Wadsacks measure would apply to all K-12 grades in public and charter schools.

Children should not be thinking of these things when theyre in K through 12, she told colleagues. Theres plenty of time for this when they get to college and when theyre outside the purview of their parents.

There was some debate on exactly where the line should be.

Sen. Christine Marsh, D-Phoenix, who is a teacher, said there is content too graphic for the classroom.

But theres also no room in the classroom or in libraries for banning books simply because it upsets one group of people at the expense of so many others, she said.

Marsh said what is likely to be banned are the books that reflect experiences of those not in the mainstream, including gay children and victims of sexual abuse. She said its important that these books be available not only to ensure these children see themselves in literature but also so that others develop empathy for them.

Of particular concern to some was the language on excising materials about gender fluidity and pronouns. Erica Keppler, an activist in the LGBTQ community, told lawmakers that the language in the bill about promoting either makes no sense.

Gender fluidity is a naturally occurring phenomenon that some people experience, no different than being left handed or having curly hair, and something that cannot be promoted, Keppler said.

She objected to it being lumped in with other subjects that would get books on the banned list. Its ridiculous and demeaning to include gender fluidity in the same sentence as pedophilia,  she said.

Elijah Watson, a citizen who testified at a hearing, said he feared the parameters for the Education Department to decide whats not allowed in schools is so broad that it would lead to banning To Kill a Mockingbird, The Great Gatsby, Of Mice and Men and The Color Purple.

But Lisa Fink of the Protect Arizona Children Coalition said her group is more concerned about books she said have shown up in the libraries of the Kyrene and Deer Valley school districts, like Its Perfectly Normal.

Designed for children age 10 and up, that book addresses sexual health and contains sections on puberty, pregnancy and sexual orientation and includes pictures of naked people.

Anastasia Tsatsakis, who lost her bid in November to be on the Vail Unified School District Governing Board, complained about The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, a book about a child from the Spokane Indian Reservations decision to go to a nearly all-white public high school away from the reservation.

That objection caught the attention of Sen. Sally Ann Gonzales, D-Tucson.

I read this book with my grandchildren, Gonzales said. Its a wonderful book.

Tsatsakis said she has nothing against Native Americans but objected to references to masturbation and rape. She said excerpts were read during a school board meeting. I was hoping in the room no one had a small child present because what is in that book is so foul, Tsatsakis said.

I appreciate that was your choice to read it with them, she told Gonzales. It should be a parental choice in a personal environment, not in a school district.

Existing law already bars public schools from referring students to, or using, any sexually explicit materials, said Chris Kotterman, lobbyist for the Arizona School Boards Association.

That law does have exceptions if materials have serious educational value for minors or possess serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value.

Even then, however, schools must get prior written consent from parents for each such book or article. Students who dont get consent have to be provided with an alternative assignment.

Under Wadsacks bill, the state Education Department would review and unilaterally decide for all schools which books are acceptable and which are not.

This is an unprecedented state control of curriculum, the likes of which we havent seen before in Arizona, Kotterman said.

He noted the role politics play. Just this past year, the agency was headed by a Democrat, he reminded lawmakers, referring to Kathy Hoffman, who lost her November bid for reelection as superintendent of schools to Horne.

It will undoubtedly change hands again, Kotterman said. That list will be subject to curation by people who work for that individual.

Marsh had her own take on what will happen once the Education Department posts a list on its website of what is considered inappropriate.

Thats what kids are going to read, she said.

Wadsack said her measure is not an attack on the LGBTQ community.

I have a gay son, she told colleagues. But Wadsack said she has not approved any books that would be wrong for him.
PHOENIX  Arizona voters will get to decide next year whether the state should levy a new $20 fine on each criminal conviction in order to pay an extra $250,000 to the families of police officers, firefighters, EMTs and corrections officers killed on the job because of a criminal act.

The voter referral that received final approval in the state Legislature this week will add to the considerable sum the families of fallen officers already receive from the federal government, state pension plan and individual agencies that provide life insurance to their members. It will also increase the amount people convicted of criminal offenses already pay in surcharges and fees tacked on top of any fine or penalties a judge may impose as part of a sentence.

The measure also boosts criminal penalties for assaulting a first responder.

Advocates who testified in support of the measure they called the Back the Blue Act said it was needed to help recruit new police officers and show that the public supports first responders.

We have reached a point where it is essentially impossible for us to recruit the numbers of officers necessary to provide for basic public safety needs, Sam Stone, chief of staff to Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio, told a Senate committee that considered the measure. And it is now incumbent on our elected officials at every level to take the steps necessary to demonstrate first and foremost to our officers and potential applicants, that they are wanted and needed, welcomed in our cities and towns and counties.

Republican Sen. David Gowan, who sponsored the measure, SCR1006, noted that about four first responders die each year in Arizona as a result of a criminal act.

That $250,000 can go a long way to helping our families of those victims of crime, certainly when there are police officers and first responders who have sworn to defend and protect us, said the Sierra Vista senator.

Critics: Use state surplus instead

Even those opposed to the voter referral said they supported the additional cash benefit. But they thought it was unfair to add to the already-large amount of fees and surcharges added to the fines of people convicted of criminal offenses, most of which are misdemeanors. Instead, they suggested pulling the estimated $2 million a year in new fees expected to be raised from the states general fund, which currently has an estimated $1.8 billion surplus.

I have always supported death benefits for our workers, Democratic state Sen. Lela Alston said during the recent Senate vote.

I do have a problem with this bill, and that is that it creates another fine that is disproportionate to certain members of our population, she said. And it would be a preferable option to me if we were to pay that death benefit directly out of the general fund to the family of the firefighter or police officer who was killed and not do any more fines in our legal system.

The measure was approved by the Senate with only Republican support on Feb. 28; it passed the House on Tuesday with the backing of all 31 Republicans and 16 of 28 Democrats.

The measure does not need Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs signature to be placed on the ballot.

Its not equitable

The referral was opposed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona and other groups that are opposed to what they call excessive penalties.

Hugo Polanco, an ACLU lobbyist, testified against the voter referral in a Senate committee and quoted extensively from former Republican Sen. Michelle Ugenti-Ritas floor speech from last June.

During that speech, Ugenti-Rita lambasted a nearly identical proposal as it failed on the last day of the 2022 legislative session.

Let me tell you what this is about. This is about the people who are behind it just making money  this is an initiative, said Ugenti-Rita, who ran in the Republican primary for secretary of state last year and left the Legislature in January. She said giving added benefits to a family after an officer dies in the line of duty will not restore morale.

This is being sold on something that wont provide  the public with what it wants, which is, you know, our first responders to be accountable, to do their job and of course, to be celebrated for their hard work, she said.

But everybodys a hard worker, Ugenti-Rita continued. I mean, honestly, the trash man and woman, the construction people, daycare people, parents, were all busting our butts and we dont get an initiative on the ballot to set up a fund that we can draw from when something happens to us. Its not equitable.

Last years measure would have levied extra fees on both criminal convictions and on civil infractions like traffic tickets, which Ugenti-Rita singled out for her ire.

This years measure only tacks the extra $20 fee onto criminal convictions.

How the fees are used

The state already adds extra fees and surcharges to convictions that can more than double the amount of the underlying fine in many cases.

The state collected nearly $76 million in extra fees and surcharges in 2018, according to the most recent report from the Legislatures budget analysts. The extra payments required under laws passed by the Legislature or enacted directly by voters go toward funding police, victim services, various health funds and the states Clean Elections fund, which provides public financing for candidates who dont take special interest donations, among a myriad of other uses.

The Legislature would be allowed to spend money for police officer training and equipment, or to boost benefits for injured first responders, if the fund that collects the new $20 fees rose over $2 million.

Compensation for the fallen

Families of law enforcement officers, firefighters, corrections officers and other first responders like emergency medical technicians who are killed in the line of duty already receive a payment of more than $422,000 under a federal program that also provides tuition support for survivors.
PHOENIX  Arizonas Democratic governor has stopped the Republican-led Legislature from banning what has been called critical race theory in public schools.

Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed legislation Thursday that its prime sponsor, Chandler Republican Sen. J.D. Mesnard, says would preclude schools from pushing a destructive and racist ideology, in his words. He contends some students are being taught that America as a whole is as racist country.

But Hobbs, in her 16th veto since the legislative session began in January, said this is a fake political issue.

It is time to stop utilizing students and teachers in culture wars based on fearmongering and unfounded accusations, she wrote. Bills like SB 1305 only serve to divide and antagonize.

I just fundamentally disagree that this bill addresses a real problem that were facing in our schools, Hobbs said during a briefing Thursday with reporters.

Hobbs made it clear that if lawmakers send her similar measures dealing with what she says are fake education issues, they will meet a similar fate.

I urge the Legislature to work with me on the real issues affecting Arizona schools: underfunded classrooms, a growing educator retention crisis, and school buildings in need of repair and replacement, she said.

Mesnard countered: I dont think its a made-up issue. He said parents are very concerned with some of the assignments their kids are coming home with.

He also said its not like approving a bill on banning the teaching of critical race theory takes away focus from other issues. We can multi-task, he said.

Strictly speaking, the vetoed SB1305 does not contain the words critical race theory despite the fact that is how Mesnard and many Republicans refer to it.

Instead, it contains a list of concepts that he, and other Republicans in the House and Senate, said should not be taught in public schools.

These included:

Judging an individual on the basis of the individuals race or ethnicity;

Teaching that one race or ethnic group is inherently morally or intellectually superior to another;

Discussing that an individual, by virtue of race or ethnicity, is inherently racist or oppressive, whether consciously or otherwise;

Saying any individual bears responsibility or blame for actions committed by those of the same race or ethnic group.

The measure said teachers found to run afoul of the provisions would be subject to discipline as the State Board of Education deems appropriate. School districts would have been subject to $5,000-a-day fines.

Critics said that could result in teachers avoiding controversial subjects and refusing to answer questions from students on issues of race and ethnicity.

Hobbs, in response to a question Thursday, said that if students are getting lessons and exercises that divide them up into groups to understand certain experiences, such as being privileged or not, for example, she is sure there is a good reason.

Theyre using curriculum to teach a lesson, Hobbs said. Im not going to question what theyre doing. Im sorry that parents were offended by that, she said of the example posed to her, which some parents had testified about.

Mesnard maintained his bill wouldnt have chilled valid lessons. He said SB1305 specifically listed slavery, the removal of Native Americans from their lands, the Holocaust and the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II as permissible subjects.

But he said the legislation never said that was a full, encompassing list of what could be taught. It would have allowed teachers and invited guests to discuss historical movements, ideologies or instances of racial hatred or discrimination, he said.

But Mesnard said some things are abhorrent and shouldnt be taught, such as telling kids they are responsible for acts done by those of their own race. That made the legislation necessary, he said.

This is an issue that, if you dont nip it in the bud now, you are going to see more and more, Mesnard said. He said he wanted to stop it before it becomes a bigger problem.

He also brushed aside concerns teachers would steer clear of controversial subjects out of fear of being disciplined. Mesnard said his own experiences as a political science teacher at Mesa Community College and Arizona State University convince him there are ways to teach about the history of racism without running afoul of the provisions of SB1305 and the specific list of what the measure would have prohibited.

Even in the case of a complaint that a lesson went over the line, a multi-layered procedure would have to be completed, Mesnard said.
Two Tucson real estate companies have agreed to pay restitution and fines totaling $375,000 to settle state consumer-fraud charges involving rent-to-own deals.

Deed and Note Traders, 881Home and their manager, David Kinas, have signed a consent judgment to settle a 2021 lawsuit alleging the companies defrauded consumers, mainly by failing to disclose underlying mortgages on properties they sold to consumers in rent-to-own arrangements with so-called seller carryback financing, Attorney General Kris Mayes announced Thursday.

The lawsuit alleged the defendants misrepresentations trapped consumers in mortgages they had never bargained, and Kinas and his companies did not always pay those underlying mortgages, resulting in foreclosures in some cases.

Deed and Note Traders and Kinas were previously cited by the attorney general in 2006 for similar activity, and as of 2021 still owed the state $300,000 from a settlement in that case.

The recent settlement requires the defendants pay $350,000 in consumer restitution and $25,000 in civil penalties. Kinas and his real estate companies are also permanently prohibited from selling properties with seller carryback financing.

Deed and Note Traders and 881Home, which filed for bankruptcy in 2007 and again in 2010, will be liable for $350,000 in additional civil penalties if they fail to pay the agreed-upon restitution and penalties by January 2033, according to the consent judgment.

If they do sell any properties, they must use a licensed real estate agent and an independent escrow agent and provide title insurance as part of the sale, according to the consent judgment.

Consumers who are considering purchasing real estate, particularly through a rent-to-own or other installment-sale arrangements, should beware of undisclosed seller carryback or wraparound financing, the attorney general said.

If you believe you have been the victim of fraud, you can file a consumer complaint by visiting the Attorney Generals website, azag.gov, or by calling 520-628-6648 in Tucson, or outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas by calling 800-352-8431.
Catalina Foothills School District drew public criticism, a spokeswoman says, after a principals September 2021 email  which the district says didnt reflect its policies  recently began circulating on social media and was picked up this week by Fox News.

Principal Mark Rubin-Toles of Orange Grove Middle School provided his staff, through the email, with a confidential list of students who had expressed different preferred pronouns and names than those stated in school records.

He wrote that some students on the list were not comfortable with staff sharing the information with their parents or guardians. It is our responsibility to protect student privacy in these matters, Rubin-Toles wrote.

But district spokeswoman Julie Farbarik said Wednesday the instructions in the email do not conform with district practices at any of its schools.

We respect any students preference regarding how they are addressed in school, be it a nickname or a pronoun request, Farbarik said. However, as students are informed, if a parent were to inquire, our staff do not keep this information from parents. Further, we encourage students to discuss these matters with their parents.

Farbarik would not respond to questions about whether Rubin-Toles or other employees had been disciplined in relation to the email.

The controversy erupted about the same time as the Arizona Senate was passing a measure to bar school employees from referring to a student by a pronoun that does not align with their birth sex, unless their parents first provide written permission.

Details in the email

A photo of the Orange Grove Middle School email began circulating on Twitter earlier this month after it was posted by Nicole Solas, a senior fellow at Independent Womens Forum, a conservative nonprofit group that says it is dedicated to developing and advancing policies that ... enhance peoples freedom, opportunities, and well-being.

In her tweet, Solas said she obtained a copy of the email by submitting a public records request. More schools keeping secrets from parents, she said in her tweet.

In a separate tweet, Solas stated that the district did not provide the file, titled, CONFIDENTIAL: pronouns, preferred names ..., that was attached to Rubin-Toles original email.

The district confirmed Wednesday that the subject line in the email read, CONFIDENTIAL: list of students with pronouns & preferred names different than in Synergy. Synergy is a student information system that teachers, parents and students can access through their personal accounts.

In his email, Rubin-Toles wrote, If you are like me, you may have been challenged recently to keep some of our kids pronouns and preferred names straight  and to remember what can and cant be shared with families.

Our goal is to be able to respect these students pronouns, names and privacy consistently across campus, he wrote.

Said Farbarik this week: The practice outlined in his 2021 email was wrong, and (Mr. Rubin-Toles) has expressed regret about that. Unfortunately, media coverage of this incident has stoked a firestorm of hateful messages and comments, mostly from organized critics of public education.

Commenters react

Some Twitter users replied to Solas tweet in agreement, shaming the district for withholding information from parents and accusing the district of grooming the students. Schools should never ever ever be allowed to keep secrets from parents. Thats groomer behavior, one Twitter user commented.

But Farbarik said the district has also received some positive feedback about the email. Some of that has come from current Orange Grove parents thanking Rubin-Toles for creating a safe space as students explore their identities, she said.

Were very sorry to know that the current political environment in our country has resulted in remarkable educators like you being targeted, parents Violeta Dominguez and Matthias Mehl wrote to Rubin-Toles in a statement provided to the Arizona Daily Star by the district. Your outstanding commitment to the wellbeing of all students is one of the main reasons why we chose OG as the middle school for (our child.)

Farbarik referred to Rubin-Toles as a thoughtful and compassionate administrator.

We need gifted people like Mr. Rubin-Toles to work in our schools. We also need our schools and our parents to work together constructively as partners, Farbarik said. To make that happen, we have to model the mindset that we teach our students, where we grow by learning from our mistakes.

Legislature moves to restrict students pronouns

The bill passed earlier this month by the Arizona Senate is now up for consideration by the House of Representatives. Both chambers are led by Republicans.

Introduced by Sen. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, the bill also says teachers and school employees with religious objections cant be forced to use a students preferred pronoun, including in situations where the parents have given permission.

Kavanaghs bill also would put into law that teachers and other school employees may refer to a student by only his or her given name or a nickname commonly associated with the students name of record. He said it would be OK to refer to someone named John as Jack. You just cant call John Jane, he said.

The Senate approval came after a debate between Republican lawmakers, who said the measure is about ensuring student safety and parental rights, and Democrats, who countered that it violates childrens rights and would negatively affect students mental health.
Arizona Attorney General Kristin Mayes has reversed her predecessors decision to block an ordinance that bans landlords in Tucson from rejecting tenants based on their source of income.

Tucsons ordinance does not violate state law or the Arizona constitution, Mayes new opinion released Wednesday stated, citing two legal errors in the one filed by former attorney general Mark Brnovichs in December 2022.

The Source of Income Protection is one of the solutions for the housing crisis in Arizona, said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. I applaud Arizona Attorney General Mayes for reversing the opinion of the previous AG and recognizing that the City of Tucson has the authority as a chartered city to make the decisions that protect our most vulnerable residents.

On Sept. 27, Romero and other members of city council approved the Source of Income Ordinance. It banned housing discrimination based on a persons source of income, which include child support, spousal support, rental assistance, social security or disability insurance, veterans benefits and any other form of governmental assistance.

Council members voted unanimously to approve the change, saying it is necessary because discrimination is rampant against low-income families, seniors, military veterans and people with disabilities who receive Section 8 housing vouchers or other forms of rental aid, the Arizona Daily Star previously reported.

Arizona Speaker of the House Ben Toma previously said the measure violated a statute that prevents local government from placing restrictions on the rental housing industry and requested Brnovich, the attorney general at the time, declare the ordinance unconstitutional, the Star reported.

In December, Brnovich ruled the citys new measure violated a state law that preempts municipalities from regulating the rental housing industry, the Star reported. As a result, Tucson had until Jan. 21 to resolve the violation or have its state shared money withheld.

The City of Tucson suspended the enforcement of the ordinance in January and requested that Mayes reconsider Brnovichs decision.

Mayes new opinion said Brnovichs decision was based on two legal errors. The first error involves an Arizona statute that says a city or town with a population of 350,000 or more may adopt a fair housing ordinance no later than January 1, 1995.

Mayes argued that the statue does not apply to subsequent amendments to a city or towns duly enacted fair housing ordinance.

The second error stems from another statute that prohibits cities or towns with a population of 350,000 or more from enacting ordinances no later that January 1, 1995.

In the report, Mayes said that statute does not impose a third condition on a city when enacting or adopting amendment to fair housing ordinances, rather it operates as an express savings clause for preemption purposes.

Among other things, these legal errors would discourage cities and towns from amending their fair housing ordinances to reflect changes in state and federal fair housing laws, and would undermine all post-1995 amendments made to those ordinances even if the amendments brought the local ordinances into compliance with federal and state law, the report said. These legal errors and their concerning consequences necessitated reconsideration of Investigative Report No. 22-002.

Not everybody is happy with the reversal of Brnovichs opinion. The Arizona Multihousing Association, a statewide trade association for the apartment industry, spoke out against the ordinance.

The Tucson source of income ordinance was unlawful when enacted, was recognized as unlawful by the Attorney Generals Office after a thorough investigation, and it remains unlawful today, Courtney Gilstrap LeVinus, the president and CEO of the association said in a news release. Under this ordinance, families who have invested in real estate are losing control of their own property. Thats unfair and, more importantly, its illegal. We will continue to work protect their property rights. To be clear, our opposition has nothing to do with the source of the income but rather the strings attached. The illegal Tucson and Phoenix ordinances require rental owners to contract with the government to accept Section 8 vouchers, a federal HUD program that has been a voluntary program since its inception. 10,000 rental owners leave the HUD Section 8 program annually due to bureaucratic red tape, late payments and onerous requirements. This compelled government program is wrong for the housing industry and for Arizona.

Due to Mayes new findings, the city is now allowed to proceed with enforcing the housing ordinance.

The Housing and Community Development Department stands ready to welcome new landlords to our program and to provide them with great service. The participants of the various housing programs will have more opportunities to secure housing because of this decision, HCD Director Liz Morales said in a news release.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 9)  Fresh conflicts in the South China Sea may arise as claimants  excluding the Philippines  push ahead with oil and gas projects in areas Beijing claims, according to a new report.

Data from US-based Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) detailed claimants new offshore projects, many of which lie inside China's sweeping "nine-dash" line claim, including sites where confrontations previously took place.

The group warned that these could re-emerge as a primary flashpoint in the disputes.

It also noted that this comes after tensions over hydrocarbons relatively eased between China and Southeast Asian nations last year.

With the China coast guard increasing the frequency of patrols across disputed waters, the prospect of confrontation between Chinese law enforcement and oil and gas operators at many of these locations is high, the think tank said.

The Philippines, China, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam have overlapping claims in the South China Sea, a strategic waterway where trillions of dollars of international trade pass through annually.

The AMTI said China, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia have moved forward with their energy exploration and development projects, while the Philippines continues to suspend all such ventures in contested waters  a policy it adopted in 2014.

According to the report, Manila is the only claimant not developing hydrocarbon resources on the portions of its continental shelf covered by Chinas nine-dash line.

Manila briefly permitted exploration at Reed Bank last spring, but quickly shut it down amid challenges from the China Coast Guard, it said.

Without access to more promising prospects, Philippine operators have turned to redeveloping the Cadlao oil field, an old concession that sits outside of Chinas nine-dash line claim and that last produced oil in the early 1990s, the AMTI added.

It noted Cadlao currently has an estimated five million barrels in reserves  much smaller than Reed Banks estimated five billion barrels of oil and 55 trillion cubic feet of gas.

The South China Sea holds about 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 11 billion barrels of oil in proved and probable reserves, according to estimates from the US Energy Information Agency. In 2012, the US also said there could be another 160 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 12 billion barrels of oil undiscovered in the waterway.

During his state visit to China in January, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told Chinese leader Xi Jinping that the Philippines wants to resume talks on joint oil and gas exploration in the area.

The talks were terminated by the Duterte administration, as it said the objective of developing oil and gas resources was not achieved."

Since the meeting between Marcos and Xi, however, tensions between the two countries over the waters have heightened, with the Philippines' top diplomat saying Beijings aggressive actions against Manila continue on a daily basis.

READ: DFA: Chinese harassment in West PH Sea a daily occurrence
PHOENIX  House lawmakers voted Wednesday to let certain parents bring loaded guns onto school campuses, despite the fact rules and a metal detector keep armed constituents out of their own building.

Existing laws now prohibit loaded firearms on public school, college and university campuses. Senate Bill 1331 would create an exemption saying that prohibition doesnt apply to parents or guardians of students who attend the school, provided they have a state-issued permit to carry a concealed weapon.

The measure, already approved by the Senate, was advanced on a party-line vote by the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee  where the chairman said he was carrying a concealed gun himself. It now goes to the full House.

Sen. Janae Shamp, R-Surprise, said the existing restriction for schools makes no sense. How many criminals pay attention to a law? she asked.

Shamp said her bill would extend the right to carry guns to campuses, from elementary schools up through universities, only to people who have taken the training and who are looking to protect.

That didnt convince Anne Thompson of the group Moms Demand Action, which lobbies for stronger gun laws.

Firearms are dangerous and they can be deadly weapons, she told lawmakers. Allowing guns in schools is an extreme measure that will endanger children, young people, teachers, staff and visitors.

Does make us look slightly hypocritical

Thompson pointed out there are places where guns are not allowed, whether because of federal or state laws. These include polling places on Election Day, secure areas of airports, and detention facilities.

And to that list, add the Arizona House of Representatives  where visitors are required to go through a metal detector and must either leave their weapons in their vehicles or check them with security.

Why would we not give our children the same security? Thompson asked.

Rep. Alexander Kolodin, R-Scottsdale, acknowledged the point.

I agree, it does make us look slightly hypocritical when were running bills like this, he said.

In fact, Kolodin said he would support removing the metal detector, just as the Senate has so that citizens could exercise the constitutional right to keep and bear arms in their House.

Thats not exactly true: While there are no metal detectors at the Arizona Senate, visitors are not allowed to bring in their weapons there, either.

But Rep. Quang Nguyen, R-Prescott Valley, who chairs the Judiciary Committee, said that doesnt mean there are no guns at the Capitol, even beyond those of security officers.

Ive been a CCW holder for probably close to the last 20 years, Nguyen told colleagues. And Im practicing my Second Amendment even today. So I think this whole entire room can be considered to be safe around me.

A similar exception to laws banning weapons in public buildings exists for lawmakers in the Senate.

Debate: Deterrent, or more chaos?

Michael Infanzon, lobbyist for the Arizona Citizens Defense League, told lawmakers theres no reason to believe that permitting carry concealed weapon (CCW) permit holders to bring guns onto campuses would lead to more students being shot and killed at school. Instead, Infanzon cited instances where he said armed individuals helped stop mass shootings.

The presence of firearms in the hands of responsible and trained individuals can act as a deterrent to potential shooters, he said. Infanzon said a study by the Journal of Criminal Justice showed states that license people to carry concealed weapons saw a reduction in violent crime rates.

But Rep. Lupe Contreras, D-Avondale, said simply having a CCW permit, with its four-hour training requirement, hardly prepares people to deal with emergency situations.

He noted testimony on other gun bills by police officers who have talked about the issues they face when being called to an active shooter situation. Contreras said these are adrenaline-filled situations where officers are trying to get people out while focused on finding the shooter.

Ive heard it from them, many a time, that the thought of more people other than the perpetrator, that they dont know about, having a gun within those situations is not safe for them when they go in, he said. With all the chaos going on, they cant depict who the perpetrator is and who is not because theyre going in there to try to save our children and save the people that are in whatever environment.

No permit required to carry concealed guns

Kolodin, in supporting the legislation, said it doesnt go far enough. The way he sees it, carrying a concealed weapon is a constitutional right and there should be no requirement to get a permit to do so.

That actually already is the case.

Arizona adults who have not been convicted of felonies always have been allowed to carry sidearms openly. The right to have a concealed firearm was added in 1994, though that required getting a state-issued permit.

In 2010, however, Gov. Jan Brewer signed legislation allowing any adult to carry a concealed gun.

I believe this legislation not only protects the Second Amendment rights of Arizona cities, but restores those rights as well, the Republican governor said at the time.

But some people still want  and the state still issues  permits, though the requirements have been eased over the years. CCW permit holders still have special privileges, such as the ability to bring their guns into bars and, if this bill becomes law, onto school campuses if they are parents or guardians.

The state has reciprocity agreements with other states, allowing Arizonans to carry their concealed weapons in states that still require permits.

The Department of Public Safety reports there are currently 452,024 active permits in Arizona.

Lawmakers have come to work armed for years

What applies to lawmakers and guns at the Capitol is a bit fuzzier.

In 2007, Karen Johnson, then a senator from Mesa, told Capitol Media Services that she was bringing her .22 caliber eight-shot revolver into the Senate building despite state laws prohibiting weapons in public buildings.

Tucsonan Tim Bee, who was Senate president at the time, acknowledged that lawmakers had been coming to work armed for a number of years, at least since the 1994 law allowed people to carry concealed weapons. But Bee acknowledged it was sort of a dont-ask, dont-tell policy.

Other lawmakers turned aside questions then about their own gun possession with the exception of Sen. Marsha Arzberger, a Willcox Democrat, who said her weapon of choice was a .38 caliber revolver. I carry it everywhere I go, she said.

Four years later, Sen. Lori Klein caused a fuss when she pointed her raspberry pink .380 Ruger at Arizona Republic reporter Richard Ruelas in her office while he was interviewing her about carrying a gun into the Senate. Klein said she was simply showing off the weapon and knew it wasnt loaded.

Both chambers now allow lawmakers to be armed in their buildings.

Howard Fischer is a veteran journalist who has been reporting since 1970 and covering state politics and the Legislature since 1982. Follow him on Twitter at @azcapmedia or email azcapmedia@gmail.com.
CHICAGO  U.S. Army recruiters struggling to meet enlistment goals say one of their biggest hurdles is getting into high schools, where they can meet students one on one. But they received a recent boost from a recruiting advocate whom school leaders couldnt turn away: the secretary of the Army.

During three days of back-to-back meetings across Chicago last month, Army Secretary Christine Wormuth spoke with students, school leaders, college heads, recruiters and an array of young people involved in ROTC or junior ROTC programs. Again and again, she asked, what can the Army do to better reach young people and sell itself as a good career choice?

In blunt sessions, recruiting leaders told her they need more and better access to high school students. But they also said the atmosphere can at times be unfriendly  or worse  with school leaders, many of whom are skeptical that the Army offers a good career option for their students. Im going to use the word hostile, one recruiter told her. Theres no other word to use.

Its not unusual for the Armys top civilian to travel the country, pitching the Army message and checking in on recruiting progress. But the Chicago trip came on the heels of the Armys worst recruiting year in recent history, when it fell 25% short of its 60,000 enlistment goal. Its up to Wormuth and other Army leaders to find creative ways to attract recruits and ensure that the service has the troops it needs to help defend the nation.

All the military services are struggling to compete for young people in a tight job market where private companies are often willing to provide better pay and benefits. Two years of the coronavirus pandemic shut down recruiters access to public events and schools where they could find prospects. And, according to estimates, just 23% of young people can meet the militarys fitness, educational and moral requirements, with many disqualified for reasons ranging from health problems to criminal records and tattoos.

Army leaders say their surveys show that young people dont see the Army as a prime career choice, often because they dont want to die or get injured, deal with the stress of military life or put their lives on hold.

What Wormuth heard in her Chicago sessions was a litany of challenges, from the issue of school access and competition with colleges to confusing Army websites, limited social media and a general lack of public knowledge about the jobs and opportunities that military service can provide.

In a meeting with Pedro Martinez, the chief executive for Chicagos public schools, Wormuth noted the recruiters frustrations and she pressed for answers on how to fix things.

Martinez agreed that when recruiters try to work with individual schools, and a new recruiter comes in or a counselor leaves, theres not always a warm handoff. He suggested working with the central district office instead.

Swiveling to Lt. Col. Shane Doolan, the recruiting battalion commander for Chicago, Wormuth asked if the team deals well with the central office.

No, we really dont have a relationship. And thats what were working on here, Doolan replied, adding that two years of COVID-19 restrictions hampered those efforts. He also said recruiters found a lack of understanding about the Army.

Doolan and other recruiters told Wormuth that they face resistance from teachers unions and school board members who dont see the value in offering students the military as a career option. In some cases, school officials view the military through a post-Vietnam era lens.

Martinez and other school officials acknowledged there is a knowledge gap, but added that for security reasons, principals and counselors are cautious about who gets access to their schools and students.

They also warned that a recruiter who is good at speaking to students may not be as prepared to deal with school leaders. Recruiters, they said, must be able to explain the benefits of military service to those who are gatekeepers to the students.

High school access isnt the only hurdle.

Speaking with college leaders, Wormuth stressed that the Army should not be viewed as their competitor for young people.

The Army is facing a recruiting challenge. Thats what brought me here, Wormuth told a large group of college presidents and leaders at the University of Illinois Chicago. But, she added, it doesnt have to be a choice for kids between the Army and college. Some kids benefit from a little time doing something else.

In some cases, she said, soldiers return to college after serving, or while continuing to serve, and are better prepared to be good students.

Students offered their own views.

In small sessions with members of the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) and the junior ROTC, students laid bare the gaps the Army must bridge to attract others in their generation.

Gathered around tables and in their uniforms, they spoke glowingly about their ROTC experiences: the camaraderie, the support, the leadership skills they get and the confidence they build.

But all too often, they said, their friends question their choices, and, as one said, assume Im going to war. Some noted that at times their parents are reluctant and had concerns about their safety.

In a crowded auditorium at Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, Wormuth came face to face with those perceptions. Young students peppered her with questions about sexual assaults in the Army, homeless veterans, and the use of the military during racial unrest after the police killing of George Floyd.

Flying home after three days jammed with such sessions, Wormuth said the questions from the Whitney Young students, along with similar issues raised in other meetings, reinforce the need for the military to solve some it its more difficult problems.

They asked about sexual harassment. They asked about, are they going to be safe? They asked about barracks, in addition to wanting to know what the benefits are, Wormuth said. That, to me, underscores the importance of us finding ways to solve those problems. Those are real issues and the market research weve done speaks to that.
WASHINGTON  The maker of an unproven drug intended to prevent premature births says it will voluntarily remove the product from the U.S., after regulators signaled plans to follow through on a long-delayed effort to force it from the market.

The drug, Makena, is a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone, which is needed to maintain a pregnancy. It's the only drug with FDA approval to reduce the risk of premature birth.

The removal announcement Tuesday from Covis Pharma comes roughly four years after Makena failed to show a benefit in helping mothers carry pregnancies to term.

Since then the Food and Drug Administration has been moving to get the drug off the market, though Covis has repeatedly appealed for more time to conduct additional research. The injectable drug has become a symbol for the challenges the FDA faces to withdraw a medication when the manufacturer won't do so voluntarily.

Indeed, the timing of the drug's removal remains uncertain. Covis, based in Switzerland, said in its release that FDA regulators rejected its proposal to wind down the drug's use over several months.

The company said that extended off-ramp would give women who are still receiving the drug time to finish their course of treatment, which involves weekly injections starting after 16 weeks of pregnancy.

But the FDA made clear it would continue its internal process to force the drug's removal on its own terms, according to the company. FDA Commissioner Robert Califf is expected to soon decide on the drug's fate, in consultation with the agency's top scientist.

Covis made its proposal to the FDA following an October public meeting at which outside advisers overwhelmingly concluded that Makena hasn't been shown to work and should have its approval revoked. Despite hours of presentations and debate, the panel was unconvinced by arguments from Covis that the drug could be useful for a subgroup of women.

Such hearings are extraordinarily rare and occur only after a drugmaker rejects initial FDA requests to pull its drug.

"While we stand by Makena's favorable benefit-risk profile, including its efficacy in women at highest risk of preterm birth, we are seeking to voluntarily withdraw the product and work with the FDA to effectuate an orderly wind-down," said Raghav Chari, Covis' chief information officer, in a statement.

The company added that it "remains ready to work cooperatively with the agency," to remove the drug, despite disagreement on the timeframe.

About 10% of U.S. births come too early, before 37 weeks, raising the risk of serious health problems and even death in infants. The problem occurs at higher rates among Black women.

The FDA granted Makena accelerated approval in 2011 based on a small study in women with a history of early deliveries. The expedited approval was conditioned on a larger follow-up study to confirm whether the drug resulted in healthier outcomes for babies.

In 2019, results from that 1,700-patient international study showed the drug neither reduced premature births  as originally thought  nor resulted in healthier outcomes for infants.

Despite those results, reproductive specialists  including American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists  have argued for keeping the decade-old drug available while more research is done.

The group said Wednesday its current guidelines will remain in effect until FDA makes a final decision.

"It is critical that other effective interventions be identified to prevent recurrent preterm birth for the health and well-being of our patients and their families, the group said in a statement.
Officials in California are imploring residents to prepare for a powerful storm set to lash the region with torrential rain later this week as the state continues to recover from colossal amounts of snow that trapped mountain communities.

About 16 million people across central and Northern California, including the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento, were under flood watches Wednesday ahead of a storm set to drench the region Thursday with dangerous amounts of rain in most of the places that currently have existing layers of heavy snow from previous brutal storms.

"The combination of heavy rain and snowmelt may lead to flooding," the Weather Prediction Center said. "Creeks and streams in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada will be most vulnerable to flooding from rain and snowmelt."

In response to the ominous forecast, officials in Marin and Monterey counties have begun preparations ahead of the looming storm, which is expected to strike the area as a strong atmospheric river event.

For the Big Sur community in Monterey County, the emergency services office went as far as advising residents and businesses to stock up on essentials that would supply them for at least two weeks. The county has also made sandbags available for residents who need them to protect their property. The Big Sur area, roughly 150 miles south of San Francisco, is one of central California's renowned tourist attractions with picturesque rugged cliffs, mountains and hidden beaches along the Pacific Coast Highway.

Marin County's fire department will have staff prepared for rescues in anticipation of possible flooding, county Fire Chief Jason Weber said.

"Our reservoirs are all full from storms earlier this year. With reservoirs full, we expect our creeks will rise more rapidly with most of the rain becoming runoff," Weber told CNN.

Marin County, where a flood watch is in effect beginning Thursday, is home to one of California's urban search and rescue task forces, and it will make its resources available for other counties as needed, Weber said.

This week's severe weather threat comes as much of California has been hit with several back-to-back rounds of heavy snow that made roads impassable for days and knocked out power for thousands of residents as temperatures dropped.

In hard-hit San Bernardino County, where mountain residents have been trapped in their homes, crews conducted dozens of rescues over the weekend, the county's sheriff's department said on Facebook. On Monday night, the county continued well-checks and community outreach, the sheriff's department said. Despite the removal of large amounts of snow, some roads remained closed early Wednesday.

On Tuesday, volunteer helicopter pilots with the nonprofit Caldart delivered food, water and snow shovels to San Bernardino mountain residents via air due to the encumbered ground accessibility, CNN affiliate KCAL/KCBS reported.

In addition to the heavy snow that overwhelmed the state last week, more than a foot of additional snow has already fallen this week in some mountainous parts of Northern California. And Wednesday is expected to bring more to that region, where lower elevations could see between 1 and 6 inches of snow with isolated totals surpassing a foot of snow across highest elevations of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

The impending atmospheric river event won't be the first this year to lash California. Late last year and into the new year, multiple rounds of heavy rains from atmospheric rivers devastated much of the state -- soaking entire neighborhoods and unleashing mudslides while killing at least 18 people.

Atmospheric rivers are long, narrow bands of moisture in the atmosphere that transport warm air and water vapor from the tropics. They can extend for thousands of miles and dump rain and snow when they make landfall.

The danger of rainfall on top of existing snow

Much of California stands to be impacted by this week's expected atmospheric river.

The Weather Prediction Center says parts of the state have a level 3 of 4 risk -- the second-highest on the center's scale -- of excessive rain Thursday into Friday.

The storm is expected to drop some significant rainfall on top of some heavy snowpacks. The National Weather Service is expecting widespread rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches, with isolated amounts up to 8 inches.

"The uncertainty lies in how much rainfall will be absorbed by the snowpack before there is significant release of that water into the rivers," the Weather Prediction Center said. "It's likely some of the (precipitation) will simply be absorbed into the many feet of snow at the highest elevations, but lower elevations, generally below 5,000 ft, appear most likely to not have the snowpack necessary to absorb the multiple inches of rainfall expected."

Additionally, the threat of heavy rain seeping into deep snowpack could lead to the snow's weight to increase, which can cause roofs to collapse, the prediction center noted. "Affected communities are urged to remove the existing snow from their roofs to mitigate this," the weather agency added.

The-CNN-Wire
DETROIT  U.S. safety regulators turned up the heat on Tesla, announcing investigations into steering wheels coming off some SUVs and a fatal crash involving a Tesla suspected of using an automated driving system when it ran into a parked firetruck in California.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Wednesday it is launching a special crash-investigation team to probe the Feb. 18 crash involving a Tesla Model S and a ladder truck from the Contra Costa County fire department.

The firetruck probe is part of a larger investigation by the agency into multiple instances of Teslas using the automaker's autopilot system crashing into parked emergency vehicles that are tending to other crashes.

The driver of the 2014 Tesla Model S was killed in the crash and a passenger critically injured. Four firefighters were treated for minor injuries, and the $1.4 million ladder truck was damaged.

NHTSA is investigating how the autopilot system detects and responds to emergency vehicles parked on highways. At least 14 Teslas have crashed into emergency vehicles nationwide while using the system.

Automated driving systems aren't always involved in the crashes that NHTSA sends investigators to. For instance, the Ohio State Highway Patrol determined that a Tesla that hit one of its patrol cars in November was "not being operated in any type of autonomous mode" at the time of the crash.

Authorities said the California firetruck had its lights on and was parked diagonally on a highway to protect responders to an earlier accident that did not result in injuries.

Lewis Broschard III, chief of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, said his department is concerned about the risks that inattentive drivers pose to themselves, passengers and first responders.

These unnecessary deaths, injuries, risks to firefighters, and loss of valuable equipment are all preventable," he said, urging drivers to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles.

Recent reports of automobiles that may have been operating automated driving systems crashing into parked emergency vehicles at the scene of an emergency is a serious concern for the safety of our firefighters and paramedics and the public we are serving, said Rob Brown Jr., CEO of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

A NHTSA spokeswoman said she couldn't comment on an open investigation when asked if the Teslas pose a danger to emergency workers.

Earlier Wednesday, the agency posted documents revealing that it's investigating steering wheels that can detach from the steering column on as many as 120,000 Model Y SUVs.

The agency said it received two complaints in which 2023 Model Ys were delivered to customers with a missing bolt that holds the wheel to the steering column. A friction fit held the steering wheels on, but they separated when force was exerted while the SUVs were being driven.

The agency said in documents posted on its website Wednesday that both incidents happened while the SUVs had low mileage on them.

In one complaint filed with NHTSA, an owner said he was driving with his family on Route 1 in Woodbridge, New Jersey, when the steering wheel came off on Jan. 29, five days after the vehicle was purchased. The owner wrote that there were no cars behind him, and he was able to pull toward the road divider. There were no injuries.

It was a "horrible experience," the car's owner, Prerak Patel, told The Associated Press. He said he was in the freeway's left lane when the steering wheel came off and was lucky the road was straight and he was able to stop the car at the divider.

Messages were left seeking comment from Tesla, which is based in Austin, Texas. The company disbanded its media relations department.

A Tesla service center gave Patel a cost estimate of $103.96 to repair the problem. The facility apologized in what appear to be text messages posted on Twitter.

When Patel wrote that he lost faith in Tesla and asked for a refund, the service center removed the charge.

Patel later was given the option of keeping the car or getting it replaced with a new one. Patel said he chose a replacement.

Patel said he's a fan of Tesla CEO Elon Musk and invested a large chunk of his savings in the company's stock, which fell almost 4% Wednesday.

"My kids were a little scared to ride in a loaner Tesla and, as a parent, we are able to restore their confidence," Patel said. He said he hopes Tesla will investigate and improve its quality control "so no other family experiences what we experienced."

Detached steering wheels are not unprecedented. In February, Nissan recalled about 1,000 Ariya electric vehicles because the wheels could come off of the steering column due to a loose bolt.

NHTSA also opened investigations in the past three years into Teslas braking suddenly for no reason, suspension problems and other issues.

In February, NHTSA pressured Tesla into recalling nearly 363,000 vehicles with full self-driving software because the system can break traffic laws. The system is being tested on public roads by as many as 400,000 Tesla owners.

But NHTSA said in documents that it can make unsafe actions such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, going through a yellow traffic light without proper caution or failing to respond to changes in posted speed limits.

The U.S. Justice Department also asked Tesla for documents about the full self-driving and autopilot features.

Tesla says in its owners manual that neither autopilot nor full self-driving can drive the vehicles themselves, and owners must be ready to intervene at all times.

NHTSA sent investigators to 35 Tesla crashes in which automated systems are suspected of being used. Nineteen people died in those crashes, including two motorcyclists.

Since January 2022, Tesla issued 20 recalls, several required by NHTSA. They include one last year for full self-driving vehicles programmed to run stop signs at slow speeds.
COPENHAGEN, Denmark  Scandinavian scientists said Wednesday that they have identified the oldest-known inscription referencing the Norse god Odin on part of a gold disc unearthed in western Denmark in 2020.

Lisbeth Imer, a runologist with the National Museum in Copenhagen, said the inscription represented the first solid evidence of Odin being worshipped as early as the 5th century  at least 150 years earlier than the previous oldest known reference, which was on a brooch found in southern Germany and dated to the second half of the 6th century.

The disc discovered in Denmark was part of a trove containing about 2.2 pounds of gold, including large medallions the size of saucers and Roman coins made into jewelry. It was unearthed in the village of Vindelev, central Jutland, and dubbed the Vindelev Hoard.

Experts think the cache was buried 1,500 years ago, either to hide it from enemies or as a tribute to appease the gods. A golden bracteate  a kind of thin, ornamental pendant  carried an inscription that read, "He is Odin's man," likely referring to an unknown king or overlord.

"It's one of the best executed runic inscriptions that I have ever seen," Imer said. Runes are symbols that early tribes in northern Europe used to communicate in writing.

Odin was one of the main gods in Norse mythology and was frequently associated with war as well as poetry.

More than 1,000 bracteates have been found in northern Europe, according to the National Museum in Copenhagen, where the trove discovered in 2020 is on display.

Krister Vasshus, an ancient language specialist, said that because runic inscriptions are rare, "every runic inscription (is) vital to how we understand the past."

"When an inscription of this length appears, that in itself is amazing," Vasshus said. "It gives us some quite interesting information about religion in the past, which also tells us something about society in the past."

During the Viking Age, considered to be from 793 to 1066, Norsemen known as Vikings undertook large-scale raiding, colonizing, conquest and trading throughout Europe. They also reached North America.

The Norsemen worshipped many gods and each of them had various characteristics, weaknesses and attributes. Based on sagas and some rune stones, details have emerged that the gods possessed many human traits and could behave like humans.

"That kind of mythology can take us further and have us reinvestigate all the other 200 bracteate inscriptions that we know," Imer said.
Cebu City (CNN Philippines, March 9)  Four suspects tagged in the alleged hazing death of a student in Cebu City surrendered to authorities on Thursday, according to local police.

Accompanied by their lawyer, the suspects trooped to the Cebu City Police Office earlier in the day and said they were driven to surrender by their conscience.

"They came forward because they would want to confess on what really happened and what really transpired during the incident," PLtCol Maria Theresa Macatangay told reporters in a briefing. "Today we will determine what [their] degree of participation in that particular event."

Macatangay added that the suspects' move was a result of their continued dialogue with the Tau Gamma Phi  the fraternity both the victim and suspects were affiliated with.

"We're thankful na ngayon nagkaroon sila ng lakas na loob na harapin 'yung mga nangyari (that they found the courage to face the events) subsequent to their initiation," she said.

The police official, however, noted that one more suspect has yet to surrender.

The case was first put in the spotlight last week, when the Public Attorney's Office revealed that the Tau Gamma Phi had been linked to another fraternity-related death in Cebu. The group was also earlier tagged in the controversial death of Adamson student John Matthew Salilig.

Police launched an investigation into the case and warned that charges will be filed "very soon."

Cebu-based journalist Dale Israel contributed to this report.
Restaurant Basque, 114 N. Boston Ave., is offering a special deal for those attending the Tulsa run of the musical Hamilton at the Tulsa PAC.

The restaurant will offer a 10 percent discount for dinner or brunch to those who present their Hamilton tickets upon ordering. The offer is good only for same-day tickets.

Restaurant Basque offers a menu that includes some 30 small-plate appetizers and snacks designed for sharing, such as its signature fried calamari, as well as entrees that include oven-roasted trout with serrano ham and garlic, and apple cider-braised pork belly with Navarran white bean stew.

Restaurant Basque is open for dinner 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, with brunch offered until 3 p.m. For reservations: 918-442-2996, basquetulsa.com.

Featured video:
Barry, an award-winning television series co-created and starring Tulsas Bill Hader, will come to an end with the upcoming fourth season.

The news was confirmed this week by HBO.

Hader stars as Barry Berkman, a hitman who takes a job that requires him to make a hit in Los Angeles, where he joins an acting class taught by Gene Cousineau (Henry Winkler).

Get ready for the jaw-dropping final act, Winkler tweeted Wednesday while posting that the final season will premiere April 16.

Barry has accumulated 44 Emmy nominations so far, including nominations for outstanding comedy series every season so far. Hader and Winkler have won Emmys for their work in the series.
An Illinois man was killed early Wednesday when he fell asleep while driving and his pickup hit a barrier and the side of a tractor-trailer on the Turner Turnpike in Creek County, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported.

Adan Quinones-Acosta, 47, of Aurora, Illinois, was driving east on Interstate 44 about 9 miles west of Bristow when he fell asleep around 6:50 a.m., causing his 2020 Chevrolet Silverado to hit the median barrier wall. That caused the pickup to swerve back onto the road and hit the side of a tractor-trailer, the OHPs preliminary report indicates.

The pickup then ran off the right side of the road and rolled onto the drivers side, the report continues.

Quinones-Acosta was taken to a Sapulpa hospital, where he was pronounced dead from internal injuries, the report says.

Of his four passengers, all also from Aurora and ranging in age from 19 to 23, three were not injured, the OHP reported. The other one was taken to a Tulsa hospital with a head injury and was admitted in good condition, the report states.

The truck driver, a Yukon man, was not injured, the report adds.
A local broker marveled Wednesday at the proliferation of new office buildings in downtown Tulsa.

Its been a very remarkable time to see three brand new buildings built downtown, record rents, said Rick Guild, senior vice president at Newmark Robinson Park.  If someone would have told me these events were going to happen, I would have thought that it would be national tenants that would do this because if a national tenant comes in from Charlotte or New York or L.A., $35 (per-square-foot) rents look cheap.

But these are all tenants that were paying $15, $16, and they are all headquartered here. Its pretty remarkable that a local tenant would see the value of paying twice as much rent to be in a nicer space.

Guild was a speaker at the 25th annual Greater Tulsa Commercial Market Update at Venue 918, the events center at the Greater Tulsa Association of Realtors.

The new buildings he referenced are all structures that have come online in the past several years. They are the 100,000-square-foot Vast Bank facility, the roughly 260,000-square-foot building at 222 N. Detroit Ave., 21 N. Greenwood and the tower at Santa Fe Square.

Leading the tenant migration have been law firms.

Hall Estill now resides at Santa Fe. Pray Walker leases space at 21 N. Greenwood Ave., and Crowe & Dunlevy is based at 222 N. Detroit Ave.

Its really interesting that these law firms are getting these recruits from TU and OU and Texas and they are on month-to-month agreements, and they (the companies) are signing 15-year leases, Guild said. Its that much commitment. Every major law firm has now relocated in downtown Tulsa.

Among the reasons for the moves, Guild said, are opportunities for exterior signage and the chance to work in a more modern and collaborative work environment.

It is a trend that is playing out nationwide, he said.

They are trying to entice their employees to come back to the office, said Guild, referring to the COVID-induced remote-work movement. Its hard to get people to come back. They are going to want to hang out with their dogs and stay home. But these employers are realizing they need that camaraderie.

So the question is, we just got through having this arms race for law firms; are we going to see that same thing for engineering firms? Are we going to see that same thing for accounting firms? I think we are.

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OKLAHOMA CITY  House Speaker Charles McCall issued an ultimatum Thursday on a roughly $800 million education plan awaiting a hearing in the state Senate.

If the Senate tries to amend the bills that would create a school choice tax credit and appropriate $500 million in new funding for public education, the House wont hear any Senate education bills this legislative session, said McCall, R-Atoka.

Amending either bill would amount to trying to sabotage the education package, McCall said at a news conference.

If the Senate actions are to amend those bills, well make it very clear they are voting to kill the legislation, McCall said.

Its rare for major policy reforms to advance through the Oklahoma Legislature without any tweaks along the way.

Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, called the challenge asinine and said his chamber will not be bullied on policy decisions.

He alleged that McCall is setting a trap to blame the Senate if school choice policies fail this year.

If the speakers goal is to kill school choice, hes doing a great job, Treat said.

The author of House Bill 2775 and HB 1935, McCall said his chamber is open to hearing the Senates education ideas, but he said their bills would have to be taken up after the upper chamber sends the House education plan to the governors desk.

Gov. Kevin Stitt and State Superintendent Ryan Walters have expressed support for the House education plan.

HB 2775 proposes $500 million in additional public school funding through $2,500 across-the-board teacher pay raises, $300 million in new per-pupil funding and $50 million distributed according to the Redbud School Funding Act.

HB 1935 would create a $5,000 refundable tax credit for the parent or guardian of a child who attends private school and a $2,500 tax credit for home-school parents. Parents could claim the tax credit for each child who attends private school or is home schooled.

We are not saying no to any of the Senates ideas, but we do not want those two measures amended, McCall said. He called on the Senate to communicate with the House about their education priorities this year and asked for a timeline on when the House education plan will be heard in the opposite chamber.

The Senate is trying to take a methodical approach to budget priorities this year. The significant price tag on the House education plan has to be considered in addition to other priorities such as tax reform and other spending proposals, Treat said.

He noted that Senate Republicans have talked about the House education plan at length in closed-door caucus meetings. As written, the bills dont have the votes to pass the Senate, Treat said. Senate Republicans have been exploring a lot of potential amendments, he said.

My job is pretty simple, Treat said. Its get to 25 votes and trying to figure that out. The path they sent us doesnt get to 25 votes.

Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, introduced a $541 million education plan that includes teacher pay raises, paid maternity leave for educators and more. McCall said Pugh has some great ideas that the House could support.

Theres a lot of overlap in House and Senate priorities. Its just a matter of coming to a consensus, Treat said.

Tulsa-area state legislators and how to contact them Sen. Nathan Dahm Sen. Dana Prieto Sen. Jo Anna Dossett Sen. John Haste Sen. Todd Gollihare Sen. Kevin Matthews Sen. Joe Newhouse Sen. Dave Rader Sen. Cody Rogers Rep. Meloyde Blancett Rep. Jeff Boatman Rep. Amanda Swope Rep. Suzanne Schreiber 032823-tul-nws-davis-dean Rep. Mark Tedford Rep. Scott Fetgatter Rep. Ross Ford Rep. Regina Goodwin Rep. Kyle Hilbert Rep. Mark Lawson Rep. T.J. Marti Rep. Stan May Rep. Monroe Nichols Rep. Clay Staires Rep. Terry O'Donnell Rep. Melissa Provenzano Rep. Lonnie Sims Rep. John Kane Rep. Mark Vancuren Rep. John Waldron Check out our latest digital-only offer and subscribe now
Local officials have been talking about rehabilitating the historic Route 66 Cyrus Avery Memorial Bridge over the Arkansas River at 11th Street for years. And for years, those dreams have been dashed by the price tag  at least $27 million way back in 2005.

On Wednesday, city councilors received an alternative proposal  remove the existing bridge and replace it with a new pedestrian bridge.

We are not proposing in any of our ideas saving anything of the bridge other than possibly those little pieces that are on dry land today. We just dont think it is feasible as it is; there are just too many obstacles to it, Bruce Henley, principal and business unit manager for Dewberry Architects, told councilors during a committee meeting.

Councilors viewed four design options for the bridge  nostalgia deco, contemporary arch suspension, billboard market and agamograph, which uses optical illusion to create that changes when viewed from different angles.

We wanted to take a range of options and approaches, kind of look at this from, again, pie in the sky, big picture, said Eric Vogt, design director for Dewberry, in part because Route 66 means different things to different people. It even means different things to just me.

City Councilor Jeannie Cue is one of four councilors who sits on the Route 66 Commission, which received a presentation on the potential bridge designs earlier this year.

Something has got to be done one way or another with that bridge, Cue said. We feel like we can get the support from the federal designation for funding. The longer we wait, the worse shape we are going to be in. We sure wouldnt want it to collapse and even cost us a fortune for us to go in and try to rehab.

Dennis Whitaker, a staff member for the Route 66 Commission, addressed the concern that the pedestrian bridge, sandwiched between the Southwest Boulevard Bridge and highway bridges to the north, would be loud with obstructed views.

The existing elevation of the historic bridge, you look over Southwest Boulevard.  You dont see it; you look over it, and you see the downstream and the University Tower Apartments, and then with the height of (Interstate) 244. Whitaker said.

You would have something very, very panoramic and much taller there, and you are seeing the historic train bridge and the upstream bending. And counter-intuitively, it is quieter on the historic bridge than it is on Southwest Boulevard or the other bridges.

Henley told councilors it would take at least $2 million  and likely more  to do a comprehensive feasibility study to determine whether and how the bridge could be built and at what cost.

The bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places  a fact that Henley acknowledged could be a potential obstacle.

What we are beginning to hear is maybe the site is historically designated but not necessarily the bridge, which would put a different spin on how you address this, he said.

Speaking after the meeting, Henley said the study would address several factors: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers requirements; National Register of Historic Places requirements; and design considerations.

We are talking about a set of documents that someone could put a hard (cost) estimate on it, Henley said. Currently, no such estimate exists.

Cue left open the possibility that councilors could request that some of the funding be provided as part of the four-year, $609 million Improve Our Tulsa extension the city plans to bring to voters in August.

Our problem right now  is we dont even know what all the needs are, Cue said, adding that its not yet clear what will be on the Capital Improvements Program list that we know needs to be funded that we havent funded.

Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell said the city would be able to submit proposals for funding for its Route 66 projects to the states Route 66 Commission. The commission is making available $6.6 million a year each of the next four years for Route 66 projects across the state.

I am always having conversations about Route 66 across our 400 driveable miles, and that has included conversations about the future of the Cyrus Avery Bridge, Pinnell said.

Samantha Extance, chairwoman of the Route 66 Commission, said the bridge has been on the organizations radar since it was established in 2016.

We continually talk about it, Extance said. At first it was restoration, and that was our really big challenge, and so what we kind of came to was, it is too cost prohibitive to restore to its historic level and for it to be safe enough for people to walk on.

She thanked city councilors for bringing attention to the issue and for their willingness to consider helping fund the feasibility study.

That is where the process has stalled in the past, Extance said.

Dewberry Architects interest in the project goes way back. The firm was selected to design projects for the original Vision 2025 package, including work along Route 66.

We have thought about this for years, and we kind of came up with the idea, had lunch with (County) Commissioner (Karen) Keith one day, and talked about the Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence, Italy, and how you can do a  pedestrian bridge with some economic impact, Henley said.

The Cyrus Avery Memorial Bridge wasnt built in the 14th century, like Ponte Vecchio, but by American standards, its old. Constructed in late 1915 and early 1916, it provided access over the Arkansas River along Route 66  a key part of the citys development and a major reason Tulsa is referred to as the Capital of Route 66.

The density that is going to be on both sides of the bridge now, between the new VA hospital, the new mental health hospital and the existing osteopathic hospital on the east side, and then all of the expansion that is happening at OSU Center for Health Sciences on the west side, it is a food desert, Keith said.

So to create something like the Ponte Vecchio bridge, then you can have your retail, restaurant along that corridor, that little bridge.

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Photos: Renderings for a proposed 11st Street pedestrian bridge Nostalgia/deco option Nostalgia/deco option Nostalgia/deco option Nostalgia/deco option Contemporary arch suspension bridge Contemporary arch suspension bridge Contemporary arch suspension bridge Contemporary arch suspension bridge Billboard Market Billboard Market Billboard Market Billboard Market Billboard Market Agamograph option Agamograph option Agamograph option Agamograph option
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 9)  The World Health Organization (WHO) has dismissed the regional director for its Western Pacific office headquartered in Manila over allegations of misconduct.

In a statement dated March 8, the WHO said the accusations covered the latter half of 2021 and 2022. It did not directly name Dr. Takeshi Kasai in the statement, only referring to him by his title.

In line with the Organizations policy of zero tolerance for abusive conduct, the allegations were investigated and subsequently reviewed in accordance with the normal procedures applicable to all WHO staff members, the WHO wrote.

These procedures resulted in findings of misconduct, it added.

The WHO did not elaborate on the claims made against Kasai, but the Associated Press (AP) reported last year that dozens of staffers have accused him of racist, unethical and abusive behavior, which led to a toxic atmosphere and a culture of systemic bullying and public ridiculing.

In the same article, AP reported that Kasai denied the allegations.

Kasai also said he promptly took steps to communicate with his staff and was committed to making changes to ensure a positive work environment.

Following due process, the WHO said Kasai was provided with copies of all relevant evidence and was given the chance to respond to the allegations.

His contract was terminated after careful consideration of the findings and consultation with the regional committee for the Western Pacific and the executive board, the organization added.

The election cycle for Kasais replacement will begin in April when member states of the region will be invited to submit proposed candidates.

The WHO explained the election itself will occur at a closed meeting of the regional committee in October, and the nomination will go to the executive board for approval.

The United Nations agency also said until the new regional director takes office, Dr. Zsuzsanna Jakab  who has served as officer-in-charge of the Western Pacific region since August 2022, and who was formerly regional director for Europe  will assume the role in an acting capacity.

Kasai, a Japanese doctor, began his term as regional director in February 2019.

Before being appointed to the role, he was director of programme management, the second highest position at the WHO Western Pacific office.

Kasai also served as the WHO representative in Vietnam from 2012 to 2014.
OKLAHOMA CITY  Although Oklahoma voters quashed an attempt to legalize recreational marijuana on Tuesday, support for criminal justice reforms related to low-level cannabis crimes may be growing.

Attorney General Gentner Drummond says the time is right for a discussion about expunging marijuana convictions for nonviolent offenders.

But a Republican lawmaker who has filed numerous cannabis bills said the Oklahoma Legislature needs to prioritize changes to the states medical marijuana program over criminal justice reforms.

In Tuesdays election, all 77 counties rejected State Question 820, which would have legalized recreational marijuana for people age 21 and older. But the question also included criminal justice reforms that would have allowed nonviolent offenders to have certain marijuana convictions reversed and expunged.

While Attorney General Drummond is pleased with the decision voters made in rejecting SQ 820, he believes there is a worthwhile discussion to be had about record expungement for marijuana possession and consumption, spokesman Phil Bacharach said in a statement.

The attorney general aims to find a solution that balances the fundamental need for public safety with Oklahomans support for giving second chances to nonviolent drug offenders, which was evident when voters approved a previous state question that implemented criminal justice reforms, Bacharach said.

At an election watch party Tuesday night, members of the Yes on 820 campaign said they would continue advocating for criminal justice reforms. Michelle Tilley, the groups campaign manager, said the fight now shifts to the state Capitol.

I challenge our Legislature: This is in your hands now, she said. I challenge our governor to please take this seriously.

Although Gov. Kevin Stitt opposed SQ 820, he has been a staunch proponent of criminal justice reforms.

Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform Executive Director Damion Shade said its unlikely that the Legislature will try to enact marijuana law reforms this year, but he said hes cautiously optimistic that lawmakers could take up the issue next year.

During a gubernatorial debate last year, Stitt admitted to trying marijuana when he was younger. Stitt broke the law but wasnt convicted of a crime, Shade said.

What I think we can come together around is there are lots of poor kids from Altus, Oklahoma, and north Tulsa who want the same chance that the governor got, he said. They used recreational marijuana illegally when they were kids, often when they were 18, 19 and 20, and they still have those convictions hanging over them.

Shade said he envisions reforms that would allow for people convicted of marijuana possession with the intent to distribute or other low-level cannabis distribution charges to seek expungement of their convictions. New reforms would work hand in hand with the clean slate law passed last year that will allow for the nearly automatic expungement of many low-level crimes, including simple possession of marijuana, he said.

Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, said Tuesdays election results show that Oklahomans are concerned about the states marijuana black market and want changes to the out-of-control, lackadaisical approach to the regulation of marijuana. The average Oklahoman isnt concerned about criminal justice reform, he said.

I think its a good thing for the industry to see that all 77 counties are frustrated, Fetgatter said. Even some of them need to step back and take a look at what theyre doing and how theyre handling the industry.

Jed Green, the director of Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action, said a lot of medical marijuana proponents are pleased with the outcome of the vote.

If SQ 820 had passed, it would have prompted lawmakers to pass a flood of knee-jerk reaction bills regulating recreational cannabis, he said.

Now the Legislature can focus on fixing the issues its already identified with the medical program, Green said.

Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority spokeswoman Porsha Riley said the agencys mission hasnt changed as a result of the election.

She said she cant predict whether the agency will see a surge in medical marijuana patient applications due to the failure of SQ 820, but she said the OMMA will be prepared if that does occur.

Were working hard on the important job of regulating Oklahomas medical marijuana industry, she said. Our top priority is to promote public health and safety through regulation and enforcement of responsible medical cannabis practices.

Anna Codutti contributed to this story.

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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
Two vacancies on the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board have been filled less than two weeks before an expected vote to determine whether the state of Oklahoma will sponsor the nations first religious online charter school.

The Catholic Church in Oklahoma has applied for state sanctioning and taxpayer funding of St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, which is proposed to serve students in towns without Catholic schools and to expand online course offerings to students in existing Catholic schools.

The matter now looks to be decided at a meeting set for March 21 by a full, five-member Statewide Virtual Charter School Board, as Gov. Kevin Stitt and Charles McCall, speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, just made appointments to fill two remaining vacancies.

Stitts appointee is an administrator at Southern Nazarene University, and McCalls is an Oologah town trustee and chairman of the Rogers County Republican Party.

Board membership had fallen to two after Brandon Tatum resigned from the board in November after accepting employment as Stitts new chief of staff.

Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat recently appointed Nellie Tayloe Sanders of Kingfisher to the board, allowing board meetings to resume in February because a quorum, or simple majority, of the boards membership was in place once again.

In early December, Stitt appointee John OConnor issued a nonbinding advisory legal opinion by the Oklahoma Attorney Generals Office that argued the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board should not abide by the states ban on publicly funded charter schools being operated by sectarian and religious organizations because it could be a violation of the U.S. Constitutions First Amendment. Stitt praised the move, and Oklahoma Catholic leaders, who had been working for 18 months with the Notre Dame Law School Religious Liberty Clinic, saw it as a green light to submit the St. Isidore application in January.

Then last month, Oklahomas new elected Attorney General Gentner Drummond withdrew OConnors December legal opinion and cautioned the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board against sponsoring St. Isidore.

Drummond said the request for such legal advice should have been rejected when it was made in fall 2021 because it came from the Statewide Virtual Charter School Boards executive director rather than the governing board itself after a majority vote.

He also argued that OConnors advice was based on legal precedent involving private schools, not public schools, and said sponsoring a religious charter school run by one denomination would create a slippery slope to use religious liberty to justify state-funded religion.

Speaker McCalls office confirmed to the Tulsa World that he has just appointed William Bill Pearson of Oologah to serve in the Congressional District 2 seat of the board.

Pearson said he has a masters degree in business administration and currently serves as the Rogers County GOP chairman, and on the boards of the local fire protection district and the town of Oologah. He also ran unsuccessfully in 2015 for a seat on the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council.

Ive had a lengthy career of serving my community, Pearson told the Tulsa World on Wednesday. I knew that there was an opening and in Rogers County, we have five state reps. I mentioned to one of them I would be willing (to serve). I saw the governors letter, the former AGs opinion and Gentner Drummond, the current AG, I read his letter. Im willing to sit and listen to additional information and help make a decision.

Asked whether he has made up his mind about the St. Isidore application, Pearson said no.

According to the governors office, Stitt has appointed Scott Strawn to serve in the Congressional District 5 seat of the board, previously held by Tatum, Stitts chief of staff. According the Southern Nazarene University website, Strawn works as vice president for business and finance and as chief financial officer for the private college in Bethany.

Along with Sanders, the two new members will join Robert Franklin, administrator at Tulsa Technology Center, and Barry Beauchamp, retired Lawton Public Schools superintendent, on the virtual charter school board.

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The recent kidnapping of four Americans in Mexico highlights a common practice for many people in the U.S.: traveling to other countries for medical care that either is not available at home or costs a lot less.

The four were abducted  leading to the deaths of two  during a trip to Mexico that one relative said was for cosmetic surgery.

People leave the U.S. for dental procedures, plastic surgery, cancer treatments and prescription drugs, experts say. Besides Mexico, other common destinations include Canada, India and Thailand.

Here's a closer look at the practice.

MEDICAL TOURISM GROWING

Medical tourism has been growing in popularity for years, according to Lydia Gan, an economist at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke who studies the practice.

This travel is popular with people who have no health insurance or plans that make them pay thousands of dollars before coverage begins.

Big employers also sometimes send people covered by their insurance to other countries for hip or knee replacements or bariatric surgery. Some also send people to Mexico for expensive prescription drugs.

Cost is a huge factor. Care in countries like Mexico can be more than 50% cheaper than it is in the United States, according to Jonathan Edelheit, CEO of the non-profit Medical Tourism Association, an industry trade group.

And cosmetic surgeries, like tummy tucks that cost thousands of dollars, are largely uncovered by U.S. health insurers.

Patients also sometimes travel because they can get quicker access to some care outside the U.S. They also may want to seek treatment from a doctor who speaks their language or comes from the same culture.

MILLIONS OF TRIPS

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says millions of U.S. residents travel abroad for care annually.

Researcher Arturo Bustamante estimates that roughly 400,000 people traveled from the U.S. to Mexico each year for care before COVID-19 hit. The University of California, Los Angeles health policy professor said the number dropped under pandemic stay-at-home orders but then quickly rebounded.

Most of the people visiting Mexico for care are Mexican or Latino immigrants living in the United States, he said.

Non-Latino patients mainly cross the border for dental work, to buy prescription drugs or receive care like plastic surgery or some cancer treatments not covered in the U.S.

WEIGHING RISKS

Patients can take steps to lessen risks of receiving care in another country.

They should heed U.S. government travel alerts about their intended destinations, Edelheit said.

Trip safety also can be enhanced if a medical tourism agent works with the patient, Gan noted. Hospitals or care providers often will have someone pick patients up at the airport and take them to their doctor appointment or hotel.

Patients also should do research on care quality before looking at prices, Edelheit said. They should learn where their potential doctor received training and look for any accreditations or certifications.

"They really need to make sure they are going with the best of the best," he said.

The risk for patients may not end after the procedure. If someone has complications after returning home, it may be hard for their U.S. doctor to learn the details about the care received during a trip.

Patients also may find it difficult to sue their doctor or hospital in Mexico, Bustamante said.

"Navigating the system is usually complicated," he said.

____

Best and worst states for health care Best and worst states for health care The 10 states with the best health care The 10 states with the lowest rank for health care Additional findings: Outcome, cost and access data rankings Depending on state, Americans' cost for care can vary significantly Methodology
OKLAHOMA CITY  The Senate passed a bill on Wednesday that would make it more difficult for citizen-led initiative petitions to get on the ballot.

Senate Bill 518, by Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, passed the Republican-majority Senate by a vote of 38-8. It now heads to the House for consideration.

State Question 820, which sought to legalize recreational marijuana, failed to garner voters approval on Tuesday, but voters used initiative petitions to expand Medicaid and legalize medical marijuana  proposals the Legislature did not support  in previous recent state questions that got voters approval.

While critics said SB 518 would make it more difficult to get state questions on Oklahoma ballots, Daniels called it a pro-active measure to make sure the process is reliable and secure.

Initiative petitions are filed with the Secretary of States Office, and the measure would allow the office to charge up to $750 to cover the cost of the required publication of the proposed state question in a newspaper of general circulation.

Also, the bill would increase the protest period for any state citizen to challenge the signatures or ballot title to 20 days from the current 10 days after publication.

In addition, it would increase to at least four from the current laws requirement that at least three of the following five data points  the signing voters legal first name, legal last name, ZIP code, house number, and numerical month and day of birth  on the petition form must be matched to the voters registration file.

Senate Minority Leader Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City, questioned whether the new fee would have a chilling effect on state residents seeking to get something on the ballot, and she said there was no reason to make changes to the current process.

Lawmakers are constantly chipping away at the process and making it harder and harder for the people to do the initiative-petition process, Floyd said.

Michelle Tilley, campaign director for the Yes on 820 campaign, said the secretary of state wanted our input on ways the process could be better and fairer for Oklahomans. Now we see this bill making it harder. It is really outrageous.

Cindy Alexander, co-leader of the Indivisible Oklahoma Direct Democracy Team, issued a press release after the bill was passed in the Senate on Wednesday, saying that Oklahoma already has one of the most difficult and complicated paths to the ballot of all states that have an initiative process.

Since statehood, less than half of the initiative petitions that made it to Oklahoma ballots have passed.

According to the Indivisible Oklahoma Direct Democracy team, these numbers show that Oklahoma citizens have judiciously used the initiative petition process exactly the way the framers of the Constitution intended, the press release says.

Alexander said Indivisible Oklahoma also believes that a requirement for petitions to have additional data points verified will make the process take longer and cost taxpayers more money.

An emergency clause, meaning the bill would become law if and when it is signed by the governor, is attached to the bill.

Alexander said the use of the emergency clause is intended to deny us our constitutional right to a referendum (veto) petition. This is an abuse of power designed to take power from the people.

Mary Bishop-Baldwin contributed to this story.

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CAP Tulsa is one of many child care providers in Oklahoma to receive stabilization grants from the Department of Human Services over the past two years. These grants have helped provide stipends to early care educators, promoting staff retention in a fiercely competitive labor market.

Nevertheless, CAP Tulsa still has over 50 openings across 10 schools. Nearly 40% of child care centers in Oklahoma served fewer children than full capacity due to a staffing shortage  an alarming figure from the National Association for the Education of Young Childrens 2022 national field survey.

The current momentum in the state Legislature for providing salary increases for public school teachers is encouraging and much needed. But lets not forget the early care educators who first teach our states youngest learners how to prepare for school.

The Center for the Study of Child Care Employment convened a group of advocates and policymakers last year to discuss how emergency funding through the American Rescue Plan Act afforded states compelling new ways to support the early childhood workforce.

As in Oklahoma, many early care educators in Vermont received retention bonuses during the pandemic. However, legislators there recognized that more permanent compensation reform is desperately needed. Current work in that state centers on establishing minimum compensation standards and identifying sources of revenue for sustained funding after one-time dollars expire.

Meanwhile, New Mexico is leading the charge, becoming the first state to dedicate permanent funding for child care in order to give all early care educators permanent raises and a wage floor.

The Center for the Study of Child Care Employment participants highlighted the need to adopt a holistic approach to compensation for the child care sector. Compensation reform should advance along with a range of interconnected policies, such as removing barriers to higher education in the field.

Last year, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education launched Inspired to Teach, an employment incentive for future teachers. This program offers Oklahoma students an opportunity to earn scholarships and benefits for completing preparation programs and then teaching in Oklahomas public schools.

Lets expand this innovative investment by including similar supports for future early care educators who are equally committed to our states children.

Along with competitive compensation and access to higher education, we need to ensure that child care workers have access to benefits. The state of Washington covers health care premiums for employees of child care facilities. How can we make similar investments in early care educators across Oklahoma?

Too often, child care workers struggle to provide affordable care for their own children. Oklahoma addressed this issue using pandemic relief funds to make employees of licensed providers automatically eligible for child care subsidies, regardless of household income. However, this benefit expires in June. How can we offer this benefit more permanently?

Stipends are wonderful short-term tools for recruitment and retention, but they do not fix the inequities in compensation, incentives and benefits that have built up over time.

One-time funds have provided tremendous short-term relief, but dedicated funds are urgently needed to sustain the child care sector.

While were discussing salary increases for public school educators, lets also address the needs of the child care workers. Lets encourage our legislators to act boldly to build the capacity needed by working families while helping our youngest children prepare for school.
Apple Inc (AAPL.O) is reshuffling management of its international businesses to put a bigger focus on India, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday citing people with knowledge of the matter.

This shift will result in India becoming its own sales region at Apple, the report said.

The iPhone maker, in a recent earnings call, said India had a record quarterly revenue and strong double-digit growth year-over-year.

Apple is promoting its head of India Ashish Chowdhary to replace the recently retired Hugues Asseman, who was in charge of India, the Middle East, Mediterranean, East Europe and Africa, according to the report.

Chowdhary will now report directly to Michael Fenger, Apple's head of product sales, the report added.

Apple did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the report.
Jinichi Abe grins as he watches diggers working earth near his rice fields, knowing they are returning still more fields to productivity after Fukushima nuclear reactors exploded and sprayed the area with radiation over a decade ago. Even better, Abe knows the rice that he and a cooperative grow will have a steady buyer, and his town of Namie, still struggling to recover from the March 2011 disaster, has a new hope: a venture that turns rice unsellable for consumption due to health worries into low-carbon plastic used by major firms across Japan. Last November, Tokyo-based firm Biomass Resin opened a factory in Namie to turn locally-grown rice into pellets. The raw materials are reborn as low-carbon plastic cutlery and takeout containers used in chain restaurants, plastic bags at post offices and souvenirs sold at one of Japan's largest international airports. "Without growing rice, this town can't recover," said Abe, 85, a 13th-generation farmer, who said the rice - unsellable due to rumours - had been used as animal feed, among other uses, in previous years. "Even now, we can't sell it as Fukushima rice. "So having Biomass come was a huge help. We can grow rice without worries." Takemitsu Imazu, President of Biomass Resin Fukushima shows plastic pellets, that are being produced in a factory line, during an interview with Reuters at its factory in Namie, about 7 km from the crippled Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear plant, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan February 28, 2023. Photo: Reuters Spreading down from the forested slopes of the mountains to the ocean side, parts of Namie lie only 4 km from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant run by Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco), which provided jobs for many  including Abes son and grandson. The plant's chimneys are clearly visible from Ukedo beach, below a primary school gutted by the March 11, 2011 tsunami. The same wave slammed into the nuclear plant, setting off meltdowns and explosions. Namie residents first evacuated inland on March 12 but then, as radiation levels rose, were ordered out of town altogether with little more than the clothes they wore. Nobody was allowed back to live until 2017, after decontamination efforts that left tonnes of radioactive soil stored around the town for years, including in the fields across from Abe's. Some 80% of the town's land remains off-limits and not quite 2,000 people live there, compared with 21,000 previously. There is one major shopping centre, one clinic, two dentists, one combined primary and junior high school - and a dearth of jobs. In better times, there had been a thriving pottery business, and farming, along the coastal plain. "Fundamentally, we want businesses that will create as many jobs as possible - basically, manufacturing," said town official Satoshi Konno, who admits things are "still tough." Since 2017, eight companies have come in, including a concrete plant, aquaculture and an EV battery recycler, generating about 200 jobs. Discussions are underway with others and research institutes may bring still more people. Takemitsu Imazu, President of Biomass Resin Fukushima shows rice in a sack during an interview with Reuters at its factory in Namie, about 7 km from the crippled Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear plant, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan February 28, 2023. Photo: Reuters Hit by four disasters Biomass Resin, whose tidy factory sits on land originally set aside for another nuclear plant, is one of the newest. "Namie was hit by four disasters - the quake, the tsunami, the reactor accident and then rumours about radiation danger," said Takemitsu Imazu, president of Biomass Resin Fukushima. "It's mostly recovered from the quake and tsunami, but the other two are still heavy burdens...By building our factory here, we want to bring jobs and invite people back." A toasted rice aroma hangs around the factory line, where rice is combined with small plastic beads, heated and kneaded before being extruded in thin rods that are cooled and cut into tiny brown pellets. The pellets, either 50% or 70% rice, are then sent to companies which manufacture plastic goods. Rice, combined with small plastic pellets and heated and kneaded, is extruded in long and thin rods before it is cut into tiny brown plastic pellets at a factory line of Biomass Resin Fukushima's factory in Namie, about 7 km from the crippled Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear plant, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan February 28, 2023. Photo: Reuters The plastic isn't biodegradable, Imazu said, but using rice cuts the petroleum products involved - and growing more rice in Namie reduces overall atmospheric CO2. Atomic contamination experts said rice naturally takes up little radioactive cesium. Additional testing has found no rice above strict limits, meaning the plastic is fine too. "There's no safety issue," said Atsushi Nakao, associate professor at Kyoto Prefectural University. "I really regret the rice isn't consumed due to safety rumours, but I also understand it's hard to completely refute aversions." Biomass Resin employs 10 people in Namie, including a 20-year-old who returned, and hopes to expand. It currently uses only about 50 tonnes of Namie rice - the rest of the 1,500 tonnes needed is mainly from elsewhere in Fukushima - but will buy more next year from Abe and his cooperative, grown on the freshly-cleared fields. Abe, whose son will soon retire from Tepco and join him growing rice, is hopeful. "This is an important thing to keep Namie going, a really good thing for the town," he said. Diggers work in a field where contaminated soil from the fallout of the Fukushima nuclear plant was kept and which is now in the works to be converted back to a rice field, next to Jinichi Abe's rice field, in Namie, about 7 km from the crippled Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear plant, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan February 28, 2023. Photo: Reuters

Jinichi Abe grins as he watches diggers working earth near his rice fields, knowing they are returning still more fields to productivity after Fukushima nuclear reactors exploded and sprayed the area with radiation over a decade ago.

Even better, Abe knows the rice that he and a cooperative grow will have a steady buyer, and his town of Namie, still struggling to recover from the March 2011 disaster, has a new hope: a venture that turns rice unsellable for consumption due to health worries into low-carbon plastic used by major firms across Japan.

Last November, Tokyo-based firm Biomass Resin opened a factory in Namie to turn locally-grown rice into pellets. The raw materials are reborn as low-carbon plastic cutlery and takeout containers used in chain restaurants, plastic bags at post offices and souvenirs sold at one of Japan's largest international airports.

"Without growing rice, this town can't recover," said Abe, 85, a 13th-generation farmer, who said the rice - unsellable due to rumours - had been used as animal feed, among other uses, in previous years. "Even now, we can't sell it as Fukushima rice.

"So having Biomass come was a huge help. We can grow rice without worries."

Takemitsu Imazu, President of Biomass Resin Fukushima shows plastic pellets, that are being produced in a factory line, during an interview with Reuters at its factory in Namie, about 7 km from the crippled Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear plant, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan February 28, 2023. Photo: Reuters

Spreading down from the forested slopes of the mountains to the ocean side, parts of Namie lie only 4 km from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant run by Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco), which provided jobs for many  including Abes son and grandson. The plant's chimneys are clearly visible from Ukedo beach, below a primary school gutted by the March 11, 2011 tsunami.

The same wave slammed into the nuclear plant, setting off meltdowns and explosions. Namie residents first evacuated inland on March 12 but then, as radiation levels rose, were ordered out of town altogether with little more than the clothes they wore.

Nobody was allowed back to live until 2017, after decontamination efforts that left tonnes of radioactive soil stored around the town for years, including in the fields across from Abe's. Some 80% of the town's land remains off-limits and not quite 2,000 people live there, compared with 21,000 previously.

There is one major shopping centre, one clinic, two dentists, one combined primary and junior high school - and a dearth of jobs. In better times, there had been a thriving pottery business, and farming, along the coastal plain.

"Fundamentally, we want businesses that will create as many jobs as possible - basically, manufacturing," said town official Satoshi Konno, who admits things are "still tough."

Since 2017, eight companies have come in, including a concrete plant, aquaculture and an EV battery recycler, generating about 200 jobs. Discussions are underway with others and research institutes may bring still more people.

Takemitsu Imazu, President of Biomass Resin Fukushima shows rice in a sack during an interview with Reuters at its factory in Namie, about 7 km from the crippled Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear plant, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan February 28, 2023. Photo: Reuters

Hit by four disasters

Biomass Resin, whose tidy factory sits on land originally set aside for another nuclear plant, is one of the newest.

"Namie was hit by four disasters - the quake, the tsunami, the reactor accident and then rumours about radiation danger," said Takemitsu Imazu, president of Biomass Resin Fukushima.

"It's mostly recovered from the quake and tsunami, but the other two are still heavy burdens...By building our factory here, we want to bring jobs and invite people back."

A toasted rice aroma hangs around the factory line, where rice is combined with small plastic beads, heated and kneaded before being extruded in thin rods that are cooled and cut into tiny brown pellets. The pellets, either 50% or 70% rice, are then sent to companies which manufacture plastic goods.

Rice, combined with small plastic pellets and heated and kneaded, is extruded in long and thin rods before it is cut into tiny brown plastic pellets at a factory line of Biomass Resin Fukushima's factory in Namie, about 7 km from the crippled Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear plant, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan February 28, 2023. Photo: Reuters

The plastic isn't biodegradable, Imazu said, but using rice cuts the petroleum products involved - and growing more rice in Namie reduces overall atmospheric CO2.

Atomic contamination experts said rice naturally takes up little radioactive cesium. Additional testing has found no rice above strict limits, meaning the plastic is fine too.

"There's no safety issue," said Atsushi Nakao, associate professor at Kyoto Prefectural University. "I really regret the rice isn't consumed due to safety rumours, but I also understand it's hard to completely refute aversions."

Biomass Resin employs 10 people in Namie, including a 20-year-old who returned, and hopes to expand. It currently uses only about 50 tonnes of Namie rice - the rest of the 1,500 tonnes needed is mainly from elsewhere in Fukushima - but will buy more next year from Abe and his cooperative, grown on the freshly-cleared fields.

Abe, whose son will soon retire from Tepco and join him growing rice, is hopeful.

"This is an important thing to keep Namie going, a really good thing for the town," he said.
Check out the news you should not miss today: Society -- Traffic police in Ho Chi Minh City have proposed converting the Dien Bien Phu roundabout in District 1 into an intersection with traffic lights in an effort to lessen congestion in this area. -- China has decided to add Vietnam to a list of countries where its companies can take tour travelers to, beginning on March 15, the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism said on Thursday. -- A Poker club in Ho Chi Minh City was discovered organizing illegal gambling under the guise of mind sport on Tuesday, according to police in Thu Duc City, under Ho Chi Minh City. -- Police in Lam Dong Province, located in Vietnams Central Highlands, are investigating a case where a young woman died in a suspended position while doing aerial yoga in a hammock on Tuesday afternoon. -- Doctors at Hung Vuong General Hospital in Phu Tho Province, northern Vietnam said on Wednesday that they had successfully treated a male patient hospitalized with motor paralysis in both legs and urinary incontinence due to a gym injury. -- The ultraviolet index in Ho Chi Minh City and other southern localities will be at a 'very high' level on Thursday, the National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting reported. -- The Phu Yen Province Peoples Court in south-central Vietnam sentenced a man to life in prison on Wednesday for helping another man to murder his debtor in 2021. World News -- The Netherlands' government on Wednesday said it plans new restrictions on exports of semiconductor technology to protect national security, joining the United State's effort to curb chip exports to China, according to Reuters. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!

Check out the news you should not miss today:

Society

-- Traffic police in Ho Chi Minh City have proposed converting the Dien Bien Phu roundabout in District 1 into an intersection with traffic lights in an effort to lessen congestion in this area.

-- China has decided to add Vietnam to a list of countries where its companies can take tour travelers to, beginning on March 15, the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism said on Thursday.

-- A Poker club in Ho Chi Minh City was discovered organizing illegal gambling under the guise of mind sport on Tuesday, according to police in Thu Duc City, under Ho Chi Minh City.

-- Police in Lam Dong Province, located in Vietnams Central Highlands, are investigating a case where a young woman died in a suspended position while doing aerial yoga in a hammock on Tuesday afternoon.

-- Doctors at Hung Vuong General Hospital in Phu Tho Province, northern Vietnam said on Wednesday that they had successfully treated a male patient hospitalized with motor paralysis in both legs and urinary incontinence due to a gym injury.

-- The ultraviolet index in Ho Chi Minh City and other southern localities will be at a 'very high' level on Thursday, the National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting reported.

-- The Phu Yen Province Peoples Court in south-central Vietnam sentenced a man to life in prison on Wednesday for helping another man to murder his debtor in 2021.

World News

-- The Netherlands' government on Wednesday said it plans new restrictions on exports of semiconductor technology to protect national security, joining the United State's effort to curb chip exports to China, according to Reuters.

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The Japanese consul general in Da Nang, Yakabe Yoshinori, on Wednesday visited the headquarters of Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper in Ho Chi Minh City. At the meeting with the Japanese diplomat, Tuoi Tre editor-in-chief Le The Chu expressed his delight at the development of Vietnam - Japan relations in the context that the two countries are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations establishment (1973 - 2023). The newspaper affirmed its willingness to cover Japan's activities during this anniversary. According to Chu, the visits of the prime minister of Japan to Vietnam, the prime minister of Vietnam or high-ranking Vietnamese leaders to Japan always attract the great attention of Tuoi Tre readers. In addition, other topics such as Vietnam - Japan economic relations, job opportunities in Japan, tourism, study abroad, as well as cultural exchange activities between the two countries are also favored by readers. Japanese Consul General in Da Nang Yakabe Yoshinori (right) meets with representatives from Tuoi Tre during his visit to the newspaper office in Ho Chi Minh City on March 8, 2023. Photo: Huu Hanh / Tuoi Tre During the meetup, Consul General Yakabe shared upcoming plans on the 50th anniversary occasion. They include a cultural exchange festival between Japan and Vietnam in Da Nang, and a Hoi An - Japan fest in Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province. Local colleges which teach Japanese language are also working on their plans on exchange activities. The diplomat hoped the anniversary to be an opportunity for the people of the two countries to look back on the history of the Vietnam-Japan relations, with important events such as the story of 700 Japanese veterans who did not return home after World War II, but chose to stay in Vietnam to join the resistance war against the French. Another activity for the celebration is an opera entitled 'Princess Anio,' which will be organized at the Hanoi Opera House in September. Tuoi Tre editor-in-chief Le The Chu (right) and his deputy Tran Xuan Toan during the meeting with Japanese Consul General in Da Nang Yakabe Yoshinori at the newspaper office in Ho Chi Minh City on March 8, 2023. Photo: Huu Hanh / Tuoi Tre Promoting Japan - central Vietnam relations Yakabe also emphasized Da Nangs important strategic position in Japan's 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific' policy. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the Japanese government attaches great importance to strengthening ties with the central region of Vietnam, including Da Nang City. Da Nang is the starting point of the East-West Economic Corridor -- a regional initiative that connects Vietnam with Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar, from Da Nang to Yangon (Myanmar), the Japanese diplomat said. The central region of Vietnam is at an advantage in attracting investment from Japanese enterprises, thanks to its abundant labor source, low labor cost, and reasonable land rent in industrial parks, Yakabe remarked. There are reportedly about 500 Japanese citizens living and 300 Japanese enterprises operating in nine central provinces and cities under the administration of the Japanese Consulate General in Da Nang. The Japanese government wants to further promote the number of Japanese businesses interested in investing in Vietnams central region. Japanese Consul General in Da Nang Yakabe Yoshinori speaks during his visit to Tuoi Tre office in Ho Chi Minh City on March 8, 2023. Photo: Huu Hanh / Tuoi Tre In addition to the importance of economic relations with the Japanese government, Da Nang is adjacent to the East Vietnam Sea, so the city also plays a very important role in terms of security and defense to Japan. In recent years, many ships of Japan's maritime self-defense force and coast guard have visited Tien Sa Port in Da Nang, and more are expected to come in the near future. The Consulate General of Japan in Da Nang affirmed that it will actively promote the development of relations between Japan and the central region, not only in terms of cultural and economic exchanges, but also exchanges on security and national defense, toward more inclusive development. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!

The Japanese consul general in Da Nang, Yakabe Yoshinori, on Wednesday visited the headquarters of Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper in Ho Chi Minh City.

At the meeting with the Japanese diplomat, Tuoi Tre editor-in-chief Le The Chu expressed his delight at the development of Vietnam - Japan relations in the context that the two countries are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations establishment (1973 - 2023).

The newspaper affirmed its willingness to cover Japan's activities during this anniversary.

According to Chu, the visits of the prime minister of Japan to Vietnam, the prime minister of Vietnam or high-ranking Vietnamese leaders to Japan always attract the great attention of Tuoi Tre readers.

In addition, other topics such as Vietnam - Japan economic relations, job opportunities in Japan, tourism, study abroad, as well as cultural exchange activities between the two countries are also favored by readers.

Japanese Consul General in Da Nang Yakabe Yoshinori (right) meets with representatives from Tuoi Tre during his visit to the newspaper office in Ho Chi Minh City on March 8, 2023. Photo: Huu Hanh / Tuoi Tre

During the meetup, Consul General Yakabe shared upcoming plans on the 50th anniversary occasion.

They include a cultural exchange festival between Japan and Vietnam in Da Nang, and a Hoi An - Japan fest in Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province.

Local colleges which teach Japanese language are also working on their plans on exchange activities.

The diplomat hoped the anniversary to be an opportunity for the people of the two countries to look back on the history of the Vietnam-Japan relations, with important events such as the story of 700 Japanese veterans who did not return home after World War II, but chose to stay in Vietnam to join the resistance war against the French.

Another activity for the celebration is an opera entitled 'Princess Anio,' which will be organized at the Hanoi Opera House in September.

Tuoi Tre editor-in-chief Le The Chu (right) and his deputy Tran Xuan Toan during the meeting with Japanese Consul General in Da Nang Yakabe Yoshinori at the newspaper office in Ho Chi Minh City on March 8, 2023. Photo: Huu Hanh / Tuoi Tre

Promoting Japan - central Vietnam relations

Yakabe also emphasized Da Nangs important strategic position in Japan's 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific' policy.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the Japanese government attaches great importance to strengthening ties with the central region of Vietnam, including Da Nang City.

Da Nang is the starting point of the East-West Economic Corridor -- a regional initiative that connects Vietnam with Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar, from Da Nang to Yangon (Myanmar), the Japanese diplomat said.

The central region of Vietnam is at an advantage in attracting investment from Japanese enterprises, thanks to its abundant labor source, low labor cost, and reasonable land rent in industrial parks, Yakabe remarked.

There are reportedly about 500 Japanese citizens living and 300 Japanese enterprises operating in nine central provinces and cities under the administration of the Japanese Consulate General in Da Nang.

The Japanese government wants to further promote the number of Japanese businesses interested in investing in Vietnams central region.

Japanese Consul General in Da Nang Yakabe Yoshinori speaks during his visit to Tuoi Tre office in Ho Chi Minh City on March 8, 2023. Photo: Huu Hanh / Tuoi Tre

In addition to the importance of economic relations with the Japanese government, Da Nang is adjacent to the East Vietnam Sea, so the city also plays a very important role in terms of security and defense to Japan.

In recent years, many ships of Japan's maritime self-defense force and coast guard have visited Tien Sa Port in Da Nang, and more are expected to come in the near future.

The Consulate General of Japan in Da Nang affirmed that it will actively promote the development of relations between Japan and the central region, not only in terms of cultural and economic exchanges, but also exchanges on security and national defense, toward more inclusive development.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
(CNN)  After three years of largely self-imposed isolation on the global stage, China is aiming to up its diplomatic offensive and win back lost ground  all while hardening its public stance toward its superpower rival, the United States.

Qin Gang, Beijings new foreign minister, on Tuesday declared that Chinas diplomacy has pressed the accelerator button, citing the countrys recovery from the pandemic and its resumption of international exchanges.

That outreach will be boosted by a 12.2% increase in the Chinese governments budget for diplomatic expenditure this year. Its a drastic jump from the zero-Covid era that saw Chinas borders mostly shut: In 2020, China slashed its diplomacy budget by 11.8%, before a mild 2.4% increase in 2022.

This years budget, pegged at 54.84 billion yuan (about $8 billion), remains below the pre-pandemic peak, but experts say it marks a significant increase for China to resume and expand its diplomatic engagement with the world. In comparison, in the US, the requested 2023 budget for international affairs listed on the State Departments website was $67 billion.

And the money will be used not only to fund diplomatic trips. According to Chinas Ministry of Finance, the umbrella term diplomatic expenditure covers a wide range of areas, from budgets for the Foreign Ministry, Chinese embassies and consulates, to Chinas participation in international organizations, foreign aid and external propaganda.

Alfred Wu, an associate professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, noted that China is likely to increase its spending on propaganda efforts targeting foreign audiences to service Beijings diplomatic interests  including through Chinese social media apps.

For example, they try to extend influence in different countries, such as Singapore and Malaysia, through WeChat, targeting those who speak the Chinese language, Wu said.

Experts also question whether some of the increase is due to the debt stress and repayment problems faced by countries under Chinese leader Xi Jinpings signature overseas development initiative, known as the Belt and Road.

Even if the interest and principal repayment is suspended, it still creates a large hole, said Yun Sun, director of the China Program at the Washington-based Stimson Center think tank.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road, and Chinese leaders will likely travel the world to talk up its successes, Sun said. That usually means more diplomatic expenditures such as aid and gift packages, she said.

China is set to host the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation this year, after a long delay due to the pandemic. It will also host the first in-person summit between Xi and leaders from five Central Asian countries.

China wishes to catch up and do more to make up for the lost time and opportunities, Sun said.

And China has a lot of catching up to do, at least in terms of stabilizing relations with developed countries.

Global surveys by the Pew Research Center have shown that public opinion toward China in advanced economies has turned precipitously more negative since 2017, due to concerns about Beijings human rights record and military buildup in the South China Sea, with the most dramatic declines between 2019 and 2020.

Since the pandemic, opinions have only deteriorated further, partly due to perceptions that China had mishandled the initial Covid outbreak in Wuhan, according to a Pew survey published last year.

Sharpening rhetoric toward the US

A notable shift in Chinas diplomatic endeavors is a more forceful approach in publicly pushing back against the US  from the very top of the Chinese leadership.

In unusually direct remarks Monday, Xi accused the US of leading a campaign to suppress China and causing its serious domestic woes.

Western countries led by the United States have contained and suppressed us in an all-round way, which has brought unprecedented severe challenges to our development, Xi told a group of government advisers representing private businesses on the sidelines of an annual legislative meeting in Beijing.

Chinas top leader usually avoids directly attacking the US in public even as bilateral relations have deteriorated sharply. He generally refers only to Western countries or some developed nations when making critical comments about Washington.

Xis blunt rebuke of US policy was echoed Tuesday by Qin, the foreign minister, who said US competition with China is in fact all about containment and suppression and a zero-sum game of life and death.

If the United States does not hit the brakes, but continues to speed down the wrong path, no amount of guardrails can prevent derailing, and there will surely be conflict and confrontation, Qin warned.

To longtime observers of Chinese politics, the sharpened rhetoric rings alarm bells for already tense US-China relations, with no off-ramp in sight for deescalation.

It sure feels like the (Chinese) side has decided to level up in responding much more forcefully to what it sees as unfair US accusations and actions, wrote Bill Bishop, author of the Sinocism newsletter.

Now that Xi  the most powerful Chinese leader in decades  has lashed out at the US directly, Chinas entire officialdom and propaganda machine are expected to take note and rigorously follow.

Temperatures are not likely to cool in Washington, either, given the consensus across the aisle to be tough on China and hardening American public perceptions. According to a Gallup poll released Tuesday, a record-low 15% of Americans view China favorably in 2023, a 5% fall from last year and a 38% decrease since 2018. More than eight in 10 US adults now hold a negative opinion of China, the poll said.

Expect US-China to get worse faster, Bishop wrote. I fear we are entering into a much more dangerous period in US-China relations.

Wolf Warrior diplomacy?

Since late last year, some observers have noted Beijings softening tone on foreign affairs as it upped its diplomacy with Western governments, following Xis flurry of meetings with Western leaders at the G20 summit in Indonesia.

The demotion of combative foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian and the promotion of Qin  a measured former ambassador to the US  to foreign minister had been seen by some as a signal China was moving away from wolf warrior diplomacy, the aggressive style adopted by Beijings envoys in recent years.

When asked about that perceived shift Tuesday, Qin criticized wolf warrior diplomacy as a narrative trap.

Those who coined the term and set the trap either know little about China and its diplomacy, or have a hidden agenda in disregard of facts, Qin said. In Chinas diplomacy, there is no shortage of goodwill and kindness. But if faced with jackals or wolves, Chinese diplomats would have no choice but to confront them head-on and protect our motherland.

To Sun, the expert at Stimson Center, the tone of Qins remarks did not come as a surprise  it simply aligns with Chinas established lines on foreign policy, she said. I think it is assertive and spiky, but not as aggressive as wolf warrior diplomacy was.

Wu, the expert in Singapore, meanwhile, said he hadnt observed much of a mellowing in Beijings diplomatic outreach. Qin Gang may be a bit softer than Wang Yi, he said, referring to Qins predecessor who was recently promoted as Xis top foreign policy adviser.

But Wang is the No.1 official in diplomacy. They are still following Xis instruction to show their fighting spirits  to go out proactively to fight hostile forces against China.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "China ups diplomatic offensive with drastic increase in budget  and hardened stance on US"
Several members of the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham Vietnam) have voiced complaints over the long wait times for work permit approval, as well as the lofty requirements and qualifications the Vietnamese government set for foreign workers, according to the head of EuroCham Vietnam's Policy Department. At a meeting held between members of EuroCham Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City authorities on Tuesday, Dang Tuyet Vinh, head of EuroCham Vietnams Policy Department, said that the majority of questions submitted to the organization in regard to work permit procedures are related to the amount of time it takes to complete the required steps to obtain a long-term work permit in Vietnam. Officially, Vietnamese authorities are meant to review applications and issue work permits within ten working days. In reality, however, many foreign workers have found themselves waiting as long as four months. In addition, the lofty qualifications the Vietnamese government requires of foreign workers have made things difficult for many businesses. As per current regulations, foreigners must submit certified copies of their university degrees or equivalent qualifications, as well as proof of at least three years of experience acquired outside of Vietnam related to the job they hope to work in the Southeast Asian country. However, many foreign experts, including some who have held their positions in Vietnam for up to 10 years, fail to meet such requirements. Critics of the policy have pointed out that even tech billionaire Bill Gates would not qualify for a work permit in Vietnam considering he holds no university degree. To solve the issue, Vinh proposed cutting the time it takes to process work permits, while suggesting that the government issue specific, simplified, and consistent instructions on the work permit application process. She also recommended that previous work permits be accepted as proof that a foreigner has experience in their field. Nguyen Van Lam, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Labor, War Invalids, and Social Affairs, said foreign laborers should prepare their personal documents before entering Vietnam. Earlier this month, the city began shortening its work permit processing time, with the wait time for an approval or rejection being cut to seven days and that for the permit to be issued reduced to five days. Lam added that the department will mull over reducing the time required to extend work permits and certify foreigners eligible for such papers from five to three working days. According to EuroCham vice-chairman Jean Jacques Bouflet, the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement has boosted European investments in Vietnam, but such investments could prove ineffective if work permit application procedures remain overly complicated. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!

Several members of the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham Vietnam) have voiced complaints over the long wait times for work permit approval, as well as the lofty requirements and qualifications the Vietnamese government set for foreign workers, according to the head of EuroCham Vietnam's Policy Department.

At a meeting held between members of EuroCham Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City authorities on Tuesday, Dang Tuyet Vinh, head of EuroCham Vietnams Policy Department, said that the majority of questions submitted to the organization in regard to work permit procedures are related to the amount of time it takes to complete the required steps to obtain a long-term work permit in Vietnam.

Officially, Vietnamese authorities are meant to review applications and issue work permits within ten working days. In reality, however, many foreign workers have found themselves waiting as long as four months.

In addition, the lofty qualifications the Vietnamese government requires of foreign workers have made things difficult for many businesses.

As per current regulations, foreigners must submit certified copies of their university degrees or equivalent qualifications, as well as proof of at least three years of experience acquired outside of Vietnam related to the job they hope to work in the Southeast Asian country.

However, many foreign experts, including some who have held their positions in Vietnam for up to 10 years, fail to meet such requirements.

Critics of the policy have pointed out that even tech billionaire Bill Gates would not qualify for a work permit in Vietnam considering he holds no university degree.

To solve the issue, Vinh proposed cutting the time it takes to process work permits, while suggesting that the government issue specific, simplified, and consistent instructions on the work permit application process.

She also recommended that previous work permits be accepted as proof that a foreigner has experience in their field.

Nguyen Van Lam, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Labor, War Invalids, and Social Affairs, said foreign laborers should prepare their personal documents before entering Vietnam.

Earlier this month, the city began shortening its work permit processing time, with the wait time for an approval or rejection being cut to seven days and that for the permit to be issued reduced to five days.

Lam added that the department will mull over reducing the time required to extend work permits and certify foreigners eligible for such papers from five to three working days.

According to EuroCham vice-chairman Jean Jacques Bouflet, the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement has boosted European investments in Vietnam, but such investments could prove ineffective if work permit application procedures remain overly complicated.

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On Mondays Australian Story is a profile of legendary underwater cinematographer, Valerie Taylor, who with husband Ron captured daring shark footage in numerous documentaries.

This is Part I, presented by Leigh Sales.

Underwater explorer, film-making pioneer and trailblazing conservationist, Valerie Taylors life has been one big adventure.

The woman in the pink wetsuit burst onto our TV screens in the 1960s, stunning viewers with rare images of the ocean world.

Her work with sharks is legendary and her advocacy relentless. Shes swum with the most feared sharks in the world and on the rare occasion shes been bitten, has dived right back in.

With her cinematographer husband Ron, she famously worked with director Steven Spielberg on the blockbuster film Jaws, capturing thrilling images of great white sharks in the wild.

They brought the underwater world into the home. The two of them together were just an amazing unit. Both of them were like dolphins in the water, says diving friend Mike McDowell.

Wed never seen anything like it, says friend and Australian Museum Director Kim McKay, recalling their early films.

But few people are aware of her early life above water as the actor who guest-starred in the hit TV series Skippy and trod the boards of Sydneys Ensemble Theatre. Yet a life on stage wasnt exciting enough for Valerie.

I wanted to do other things, she says. I wanted something more adventurous.

Early in her career, Valerie transformed from shark hunter to shark advocate, her special passion  the critically endangered grey nurse.

Now 87 years old, Valerie is unstoppable. Shes still campaigning to protect marine life and is inspiring a new generation of ocean lovers to join her.

This fascinating two-part program does a deep dive into the incredible life of a true pioneer with precious home movies from Valeries childhood and behind the scenes footage from her most influential documentaries.

Valerie showed the world that sharks arent the monsters that people had mistaken them to be, says Leo Guida from the Australian Marine Conservation Society.

Producer: Jennifer Feller.

8pm Monday on ABC.
An app devoted to Australian-made Chldrens TV content has been proposed by the Australian Childrens Television Foundation.

In a submission to the governmentss Prominence Framework for Connected Television Devices Proposals Paper, ACTF claims Australian-made Childrens content is too hard to find and too many recommendations are devoted to titles on overseas streaming services.

Australian Childrens Television Cultures (ACTC) researcher Dr Jessica Balanzategui said: Our audience research with children and parents has found that even in era when children have access to a wide range of different digital devices, they most often watch television on a TV set. Both parents and children find it difficult to navigate smart TV interfaces to discover Australian content, and our research with children 7-9 suggests they even find it hard to identify Australian from non-Australian content. This indicates that the current TV distribution environment is not meeting Australian childrens best interests. It is vital that the child audience is accounted for in any legislation around prominence and discoverability on smart TVs.

The ACTF proposes an Australian Childrens Content App specifically for Australian childrens content, which would be prominently positioned on all smart TVs (and related devices) purchased in Australia.

ACTF CEO Jenny Buckland said: The screen stories we watch influence how we think about others, as well as how we think about ourselves. Quality Australian content exposes children to a range of faces and voices that are genuinely representative of their community.

Australian childrens television is building empathy, kindness, social cohesion, and shared values. Todays children gravitate toward screens during their formative years, right at the time when they are developing their values, identity and self-esteem. It is vital that they are provided with screen content made especially for them, and from a childrens rights perspective, Australia should and could do more to meet the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child requirement that information of social, cultural and linguistic benefit is available to all children via the mass media.
On Mondays Four Corners High Stakes reported by Sean Nicholls exposes the political games of one of Australias most powerful lobby groups.

On Four Corners this week a senior Liberal Party minister speaks out for the first time about the orchestrated campaign to remove him by the powerful Australian gambling lobby.

Comparing ClubsNSW to the United States gun lobby, the NRA, the minister is calling for an investigation into the sectors influence over government.

At a time when legislation around gambling reform is hotly contested, reporter Sean Nicholls and the team trace the history of the political power and influence of ClubsNSW, and the extraordinary deals signed with successive coalition governments guaranteeing favourable treatment.

Insiders tell Four Corners of the fears they have of speaking out against the powerful gambling lobby group with incredible political reach and even deeper pockets.

13th of March at 8.30pm on ABC .
Israeli crime drama Unknowns, and Italian drama Ever After both premiere today at SBS on Demand.

Unknowns

All nine episodes available to stream. In Hebrew with English subtitles.

Unknowns is the story of a group of boys, living on the margins of Israeli society and attending a school for at-risk youth. One day, they become the immediate suspects in a rape investigation. The accusation shakes their already unbalanced world and brings their own share of secrets and betrayals to the surface.

This is a story of cruel and powerful friendship between boys who will sacrifice anything for a chance to break away from their fate.

Stars Yehuda Levi, Shani Cohen, Yaniv Biton and Ofek Pesach.

Ever After

All six episodes available to stream. In Italian with English subtitles.

Ever After tells the intimate yet universal story of Anna (Greta Scarano) and Enrico (Simone Liberti)  a couple who, after their happy wedding eleven years ago, now find themselves in a bitter custody battle for their young son Pietro.
Veteran actor Chaim Topol, best known for Fiddler on the Roof, has died, aged 87.

He died after a battle with Alzheimers disease in Tel Aviv.

Israels president Isaac Herzog described him as a gifted actor who conquered many stages in Israel and overseas, filled the cinema screens with his presence and especially entered deep into our hearts.

Topol, as he was known on screen, playing Tevye in the film and stage versions of Fiddler on the Roof in 1967. He was only 30 when he played the middle-aged father of three teenager daughters but went on to more than 3500 performances, including in Australia in 1997-98 and 2005-06.

Aside from his decades-long stint in various stage and film productions of Fiddler, Topol also featured in The Winds of War, War and Remembrance, Tales of the Unexpected, Seaquest 2032, Queenie and the films For Your Eyes Only, Flash Gordon.

In 2016, Topol was awarded the Israel Prize for Lifetime Achievement, which is Israels highest honour.

Source: Nine
HEPSOR AS

Hepsor Phoenix 2 OU, Hepsor AS group company, and Mitt&Perlebach OU signed a construction agreement on 8 March 2023 for the construction of the Manufaktuuri 7 development project in the Manufaktuuri Quarter in Tallinn. The value of the construction agreement is approximately 18.5 million euros excluding VAT. The construction and sales of the project of 154-apartments and 450 sqm commercial space started already in the third quarter of 2022. The project will be completed at the end of 2024. It is the second stage of the development of a historical residential and commercial quarter. The first phase of the project, Sitsi Ounaaed (269 apartments), was completed in 2019. A total of approximately 500 apartments and 5,600 sqm of commercial space will be built in the quarter that is being developed together with Tolaram Group, Hepsors long-term co-operation partner.

According to Henri Laks, member of the Management Board, the well-thought-out living and commercial environment developed on an industrial site with long and dignified history as well as proximity to green and recreational areas make the project stand out. "We put emphasis on sustainability and environmental awareness in the design of our development projects, and Manufaktuuri 7 is no exception here. A-energy class label, solar panels on the roof of the building, charging points for electric cars, special areas for hobbies and storage on the first floor of the building and exceptional location to promote carless commuting and spending more time in nature are just a few examples of the green thinking environment we offer to the new home buyer. The fact that already approximately 20% of the apartments have been sold under booking contracts or contracts signed under law of obligation indicates that home buyers value both the sustainability of the living environment and the location," said Laks.

Additional information:

In total, the group has five residential development projects under construction and available for sale, with a total of 489 apartments, including Manufaktuuri 7 (154 apartments) and Ojakalda Kodud (101 apartments) in Estonia and Kuldigas Parks (116 apartments) and Marupes Darzs (92 apartments) in Latvia. The sale of the Nameja Rezidence (38 apartments) development project in Riga has started.

Story continues

More information about Manufaktuuri 7 project can be found hepsor.ee/manufaktuur/m7/en/ .

Anneli Simm

Head of Investor Relations

Phone: +372 5615 7170

e-mail: anneli@hepsor.ee

Hepsor AS (www.hepsor.ee) is one of the fastest growing residential and commercial real estate developers in Estonia and Latvia. Over the last eleven years Hepsor has developed more than 1,500 homes and 32,000 m2 of commercial space. Hepsor has been the first real estate developer in the Baltic States to implement a number of innovative engineering solutions that make the buildings we construct more energy-efficient and thus more environmentally friendly. The company's portfolio is comprised of 26 development projects with a total sellable space of 176,000 m2.




Ebeneza Blanche (Picture: Press)

Rising director Ebeneza Blanche has announced plans to unveil his new short film Mathlete, which takes an in-depth look at the unique life of teenagers at a boarding school in Ghana.

The award winning multidisciplinary filmmaker, who is represented by SMUGGLER, has created a semi-autobiographical effort that highlights some of the very real personal hurdles he had to overcome himself when he was sent to boarding school in Ghana despite having grown-up predominantly in the west.

Being a troublesome teenager raised partly in the western world, my mother always said to me Keep on and Ill send you off to Ghana as punishment, he said.

Fast forward and I find myself in Ghana attending boarding school. My experience there was immensely disciplinary and I found it hard to fit in. Despite my family being from Ghana, the surroundings, language and culture were very different from what I was used to. This project was an opportunity for me to shine a light on my experience in the school system in Ghana.

The anticipated short film will be released globally later this month and comes after the director achieved huge acclaim last year for one of 2022s most acclaimed standout music videos; Point and Kill by Little Simz ft. Obongjayar.

Written and directed by Blanche, Point and Kill swept up a total of 13 awards including: Best New Director and Best Styling in a Music Video at the UKMVAs and the Gold Screen Award at Cannes. The video was also nominated for Video of the Year at the GRM Daily Awards and included in the official selection at Tribeca Film Festival  the first time a music video has been chosen in the shorts category.

To date, Ebeneza has worked with an impressive array of other talent, including the likes of Skepta, Wizkid, Joy Crookes and high-end fashion brands such as Chanel, Gucci and Nike.
(CNN)  A Russian bomber fired three hypersonic missiles at the southern Ukrainian port city of Odesa on Monday night, Ukrainian officials said, as part of a barrage that leveled a number of civilian targets including hotels and a shopping mall.

It is not the first time Moscow has deployed its Kinzhal hypersonic missile during its invasion, but it does appear to be a relatively rare occurrence.

Russia said it used Kinzhal missiles Ukraine in mid-March  a claim later confirmed by US officials to CNN  in the first known use of the weapon in combat.

In March, US President Joe Biden confirmed Russias use of the Kinzhal missile, describing it as a consequential weapon  its almost impossible to stop it. Theres a reason theyre using it.

Bidens defense secretary, Lloyd Austin, has downplayed the effectiveness of the missile, telling CBS in March that he would not see it as a game-changer.

And the UK defense ministry has previously said the Kinzhal missile is really just an air-launched version of the Iskander short-range ballistic missile (SRBM), which Russia has used repeatedly in its war on Ukraine.

Heres what to know.

Why the fear and hype about hypersonic missiles?

First, its important to understand the term.

Essentially, all ballistic missiles are hypersonic  which means they travel at least five times the speed of sound. Almost any warhead released from a rocket miles in the atmosphere will reach this speed heading to its target. It is not a new technology.

What military powers  including Russia, China, the United States and North Korea  are working on now is a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV). An HGV is a highly maneuverable payload that can theoretically fly at hypersonic speed while adjusting course and altitude to fly under radar detection and around missile defenses.

An HGV is the weapon thats almost impossible to stop. And Russia is thought to have an HGV in its arsenal, the Avangard system, which Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2018 called practically invulnerable to Western air defenses.

But the Kinzhal, as a variant of the Iskander SRBM, is not an HGV. While it does have limited maneuverability like the Iskander, its main advantage is that it can be launched from MiG-31 fighter jets, giving it a longer range and the ability to attack from multiple directions, according to a report last year from the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

The MiG-31K can strike from unpredictable directions and could avoid interception attempts altogether. The flying carrier vehicle might also be more survivable than the road-mobile Iskander system, the report said.

The same report also noted that the ground-launched Iskander proved vulnerable to missile defense systems during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, during which Azeri forces intercepted an Armenian Iskander.

This suggests that claims of the Kinzhals invulnerability to missile defense systems may also be somewhat exaggerated, the report said.

Does Ukraine have missile defenses?

The United States and its NATO allies are already sending several surface-to-air missiles systems to Ukraine to aid in its defense.

According to a senior US official in March, these additional systems included the Soviet-era SA-8, SA-10, SA-12 and SA-14 mobile air defense systems.

NATO member Slovakia has also sent more modern S-300 missile defense batteries to Ukraine.

In April, the United Kingdom promised 100 million ($123 million) worth of high-grade military equipment, including more Starstreak anti-aircraft missiles. Weeks later, Germany said it would supply 50 anti-aircraft tanks to Ukraine.

And the US is preparing a mammoth $40 billion aid package that would include additional anti-aircraft capabilities for the Ukrainian military.

Why did Putin use the Kinzhal missile?

Use in Ukraine marks the combat debut for Russias Kinzhal system.

On March 18, the Kinzhal aviation missile system with hypersonic aeroballistic missiles destroyed a large underground warehouse of missiles and aviation ammunition of Ukrainian troops in the village of Delyatin, Ivano-Frankivsk region, Russias Defense Ministry said at the time.

US officials later confirmed to CNN that Russia launched hypersonic missiles against Ukraine and were able to track the launches in real time.

The launches in March were likely intended to test the weapons and send a message to the West about Russian capabilities, multiple sources told CNN.

At that point, the war on the ground in Ukraine had become something of a stalemate. Russia may have been looking for victories it could tout.

The UK defense ministry said at the time that Moscow probably deployed the Kinzhal to detract from a lack of progress in Russias ground campaign. Austin, the US defense secretary, used similar language in his CBS interview in March, saying Putin wastrying to reestablish some momentum.

By the end of March, the US assessed that Russian forces were running low on air-launched cruise missiles, according to a US defense official, who said there were indications that Russia was trying to preserve that inventory as part of its declining stocks of precision guided munitions.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "What to know about hypersonic missiles fired by Russia at Ukraine"
Men jailed in Ghana for horrific attack on visiting UK schoolchildren (Image: Newsquest)

THREE men have been jailed for 73 years each over an attack on a group of UK schoolchildren and their teacher in Ghana.

The pupils were on a trip to Africa when armed men broke into their accommodation on December 8, 2019.

At gunpoint, the teenagers and their teacher were seriously sexually assaulted and their possessions were stolen.

Some male victims were assaulted, also held at gunpoint and robbed.

The offenders then fled.

A UK police force, which is not being named to protect the identity of the victims, said all three men were sentenced to 73 years after being convicted of firearms offences, robbery and rape on Wednesday.

The UK police force said Ishmael Akyene, 34, a Ghanaian national, pleaded guilty to 32 offences; Daniel Akpan, 29, a Nigerian national, admitted 32 offences and Mbuotidem Edem Asuquo, 33, a Nigerian national, also pleaded guilty to 32 offences.
THAI NGUYEN  Sunny Optical Technology Group and the leaders of Thai Nguyen Province on Wednesday signed an agreement on investment expansion worth US$2.5 billion under the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang.

China's biggest optical maker has proposed to build an industrial centre with a total investment of up to $3 billion, covering an area of 26-40 hectares in Yen Binh Industrial Park, to manufacture camera lenses and optical equipment for automobiles.

Construction of the facility would take five years upon the granting of an investment license by the local authorities. This is a large-scale investment in the field of electrical optics, serving the automotive industry.

Deputy PM Tran Luu Quang suggested the Chinese group plans to invest in other localities to create its ecosystem in Viet Nam and create favourable conditions for Vietnamese high-tech enterprises to participate in its auxiliary equipment supply chain.

With an investment of $2-2.5 billion, Sunny Group can establish a high-tech research and development centre in Thai Nguyen to apply new technologies in production and to easily transfer the technologies to Viet Nam, Quang recommended.

He requested Thai Nguyen authorities further facilitate the Sunny Groups operations and expressed his belief that such a favourable business climate will prompt Sunny to devise an investment expansion plan in Viet Nam.

Ye Liaoning, chairman of Sunny Group in Ha Noi, wished to receive support from the Vietnamese Government, ministries, and sectors in implementing the project and pledged to strengthen cooperation between Sunny and localities of Viet Nam to help promote the groups business partnerships in the country.

To date, Sunny Group has invested in four projects in industrial parks in Thai Nguyen, Vinh Phuc and Ha Noi provinces. Of which, Sunny Optech's investment in Thai Nguyen is worth $110 million.

From 2010, Thai Nguyen has made spectacular progress to become a bright spot in attracting FDI. It is currently home to Samsung Electronics' largest Viet Nam-based smartphone factory. Up to 2022, the province has 197 valid projects with a total registered investment capital of about $10.4 billion, ranking 11th nationwide.  VNS
HCM CITY  The Embassy of Mexico in Viet Nam and the Museum of Fine Arts of Ho Chi Minh City are hosting an exhibition that displays paintings by Mexico's well-known painter Diego Rodarte.

The exhibition, entitled Buscando Mexico (Exploring Mexico), showcases 32 small-scale oil paintings that feature symbolic places in 32 states or regions of Mexico. It also introduces three large-scale banners and various objects.

Rodarte is an artist with more than 20 years of experience. He has held 14 individual exhibitions in Mexico, the US, France and Poland and has participated in 14 collective exhibitions. His works have been exhibited at international fairs such as the Zona Maco Art Week (Mexico City, 2021) and the prestigious Art Miami International Fair (2021).

Mexican Ambassador to Viet Nam Alejandro Negrin said that in recent years, relations between Mexico and Viet Nam have grown remarkably, especially their bilateral trade. The two countries are currently carrying out negotiations on a comprehensive partnership agreement, with the aim of bringing the nations closer in all areas.

He expected that the exhibition will help Vietnamese people understand more about Mexican culture.

Vietnamese artist and photographer Viet Van said that Rodartes paintings are like emotional and colorful dialogues with viewers, which require a calm and open attitude to appreciate arts and receive new ideas.

The exhibition will open to the public until March 16 at the Museum of Fine Arts of Ho Chi Minh City, 97A Pho uc Chinh Street, District 1. VNS
By Le Huong

A foreign man in a traditional Vietnamese long dress drawing calligraphy at a recent Spring Calligraphy Festival in the Literature Temple in downtown Ha Noi attracted many visitors.

Jean Sebastien Grill is the only foreigner among 50 scholars at the event, and is also the first ever foreigner acting as a calligrapher at the annual event.

20 years ago, I met a Vietnamese French woman, he told Viet Nam News. I visited her house and learned that her culture is very different.

Jean said he has learned the Vietnamese language for seven years by speaking with Vietnamese people, started calligraphy in 2015 and was quickly lured by two noted calligraphers in Ha Noi. He has also learned a lot about Vietnamese traditional medicine.

In 2006, I and my wife came to Viet Nam for the first time, I loved the life here, he said.

Jean took the Vietnamese name Truong Giang because Giang is pronounced like Jean and Truong Giang means a long life.

Jean lived with his family in Ha Noi for six years before moving back to France in 2021.

After a year in France, I found life boring, I cannot meet people at cafes as often as I did in Viet Nam, he said.

Jean said calligraphy is a fine art, which he learnt together with designing.

Drawing calligraphy characters is difficult but I have a passion for it, he said.

With a background in Japanese and Chinese, he could learn the art very quickly after a course lasting 32 lessons.

When I first learned it, I did not know how to control the brush. If you make a wrong stroke, the character will be ruined, he said. Gradually, I practised my wrist, which should be both flexible and hard. The most important thing is practising the heart. I think that with each character drawn, the scholar should express three things: the beauty of strokes, the meaning of the character and the power as well as the charisma of the writer.

Jean said each material presents its own challenge to calligraphers.

To Vietnamese traditional do (poonah) paper, I have to pay a lot of attention as the rough surface can break the strokes. Meanwhile, the soft surface of silk paper can be much easier to draw on, he said.

Jean said normally he drafts the character in a notebook to make sure he chooses the right character, then imagines its size and draws on the surface.

I often consider a surface of a paper as having two halves, the upper is the sky and the lower part is the land. Calligraphy should be laid out well, with bold and light strokes combining in a good balance, he said.

Noble mission

Jean said calligraphy helps nurture his soul.

I have learnt that a scholar not only offers meaningful characters but also transmits spiritual value, bringing wishes to people, he said. Thanks to the art, my spiritual life has been enriched. I understand more profoundly beauty and the peaceful feeling in my heart.

He considers the brushes and ink are a part of a treasure of art.

I have many kinds of brushes for various materials, he said. I take care of them very carefully as a valuable treasure.

Jean said he is happy as people at the event seem to be curious about him. They asked him for calligraphy works, invited him for photos and shook his hands tightly.

I was actually a little nervous as so many people stared at me, he said.

Jean said he was surprised as a man drew a portrait of him at the event.

Many friends of mine came to the Literature Temple to cheer me up, he said. I felt so happy as my acquaintances still remember me.

Jean said he likes bun rieu (fresh vermicelli with sour crab soup) and bun au mam tom (fresh vermicelli with fried tofu dipped in shrimp paste).

Most Vietnamese people are surprised to know that I can eat and I am even passionate about those delicacies, he said.

Jean shared that he likes the slow speed of life during Tet.

There are fewer vehicles than usual, peach blossoms bloom around Sword Lake, he said. I like strolling in this area and admire ancient buildings and temples.

Jean said though he was here during Tet alone, acting as a calligrapher for the first time at a spring festival and meeting many people had made him more cheerful and less lonely than he felt at the beginning of the visit this time.

Spreading Vietnamese culture to French people

When he returned home with his family in 2021, Jean actively introduced Vietnamese culture to his French countrymen. He practised drawing calligraphy and sent the works to his relatives and friends as gifts.

There is a Vietnamese pagoda near my home where I always went to give calligraphy works, he said. Many Vietnamese people were moved by receiving my gifts. Their feelings encouraged me to learn more about Vietnamese culture.

He also practises Vietnamese martial arts with Vietnamese people there.

In France and Viet Nam, life is changing very fast, he said. Our society gets more and more modern. Its a pity if no one continues the values of the preceding generation. As a Viet Nam lover, I think that I have a mission to learn about Vietnamese culture and introduce it to the French.

Jean said he hoped to open a calligraphy class in France for people interested.

Though Im not sure when I will return to live in Viet Nam, I consider this my second homeland, he said. VNS
The Ministry of Finance (MoF) is completing a draft decree on extending the time for paying VAT, corporate income tax (CIT), personal income tax, and land rental this year for enterprises and individuals.

Adjustments drawn up for tax support for enterprises, Photo: Shutterstock

Under the draft, the MoF suggested a 6-month extension of VAT paid during January-May and Q1, and a 5-month similar incentive in June and Q2. The total VAT extended sum from June 1, Q1 and Q2 is estimated to be around $2.8 billion.

The ministry also proposed that payment of CIT would be extended for the temporarily-paid sum for Q1 and Q2 of the tax calculation period in 2023. Specifically, the time for payment extension will be three months as from the date ending the CIT payment time under the tax management law. It is estimated that the value of the payment extension will be around VND42.8-43.6 trillion ($1.86-nearly $1.9 billion).

The MoF, in addition, has submitted to the prime minister for promulgating a decision on a 30 per cent reduction of land and water surface rentals in 2023, as the government did last year.

We will have to continue supporting enterprises and people with more schemes, said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at last weeks cabinet meeting on the countrys 2023 economic situation thus far. Many businesses are still bogged down in difficulties and need much support, which must be implemented as soon as possible.

Last month, the government asked the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) to soon submit to it for promulgation of a new decree on amending and supplementing 2022 legislation on the 2 per cent lending rate support from the state budget for enterprises, cooperatives, and household businesses via commercial banks.

At the start of 2022, the National Assembly allowed the use of a maximum of VND40 trillion ($1.74 billion) for this 2 per cent lending rate assistance package. However, the SBV reported that by late last year, disbursement from this initiative remained at a very slow pace, standing at only over VND134 billion ($5.83 million), or around 0.3 per cent of the total.

The government has also ordered that all related regulations must be regularly reviewed. New measures must be created to help businesses out of difficulties caused by a reduction in markets, contracts, and orders, stated Resolution No.10/NQ-CP released last month. In the meantime, available solutions must be implemented immediately, and new measures must be advanced in order to continue assisting a number of important sectors such as logistics, aviation, tourism, textiles and garments, footwear, and wood production and processing.

According to the General Statistics Office, last year, the number of businesses with halted operations hit 73,800, up 34.3 per cent on-year. In addition, the number of those with halted operations and waiting for dissolution reached 50,800, up 5.5 per cent; while the number of those having completing dissolution procedures sat at 18,600, up 11.2 per cent. On average, each month witnessed almost 12,000 enterprises withdrawing from the market.

In the first two months of this year, the number of enterprises whose performance was halted reached 3,800, up 9.7 per cent on-year. What is more, the number of businesses with halted operations and awaiting dissolution hit about 2.640, up 37.5 per cent; while the number of those having completing dissolution procedures stood at 1,170, down 5.4 per cent.

Taxes and emissions among growing digital concerns The digital economy in Vietnam has strong growth potential, but faces a number of significant hurdles, including losses in tax revenue, infrastructure challenges, and vast carbon emissions.

VCCI suggests delaying corporate tax and land rent payments by six months The purpose of delaying these payments is to help manage cash flows. However, businesses are still required to make full payments to the budget deficit.
(CNN)  Warmer temperatures in the Arctic are thawing the regions permafrost  a frozen layer of soil beneath the ground  and potentially stirring viruses that, after lying dormant for tens of thousands of years, could endanger animal and human health.

While a pandemic unleashed by a disease from the distant past sounds like the plot of a sci-fi movie, scientists warn that the risks, though low, are underappreciated. Chemical and radioactive waste that dates back to the Cold War, which has the potential to harm wildlife and disrupt ecosystems, may also be released during thaws.

Theres a lot going on with the permafrost that is of concern, and (it) really shows why its super important that we keep as much of the permafrost frozen as possible, said Kimberley Miner, a climate scientist at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, California.

Permafrost covers a fifth of the Northern Hemisphere, having underpinned the Arctic tundra and boreal forests of Alaska, Canada and Russia for millennia. It serves as a kind of time capsule, preserving  in addition to ancient viruses  the mummified remains of a number of extinct animals that scientist have been able to unearth and study in recent years, including two cave lion cubs and a woolly rhino.

The reason permafrost is a good storage medium isnt just because its cold; its an oxygen-free environment that light doesnt penetrate. But current day Arctic temperatures are warming up to four times faster than the rest of the planet, weakening the top layer of permafrost in the region.

To better understand the risks posed by frozen viruses, Jean-Michel Claverie, an Emeritus professor of medicine and genomics at the Aix-Marseille University School of Medicine in Marseille, France, has tested earth samples taken from Siberian permafrost to see whether any viral particles contained therein are still infectious. Hes in search of what he describes as zombie viruses  and he has found some.

The virus hunter

Claverie studies a particular type of virus he first discovered in 2003. Known as giant viruses, they are much bigger than the typical variety and visible under a regular light microscope, rather than a more powerful electron microscope  which makes them a good model for this type of lab work.

His efforts to detect viruses frozen in permafrost were partly inspired by a team of Russian scientists who in 2012 revived a wildflower from a 30,000-year-old seed tissue found in a squirrels burrow. (Since then, scientists have also successfully brought ancient microscopic animals back to life.)

In 2014, he managed to revive a virus he and his team isolated from the permafrost, making it infectious for the first time in 30,000 years by inserting it into cultured cells. For safety, hed chosen to study a virus that could only target single-celled amoebas, not animals or humans.

He repeated the feat in 2015, isolating a different virus type that also targeted amoebas. And in his latest research, published February 18 in the journal Viruses, Claverie and his team isolated several strains of ancient virus from multiple samples of permafrost taken from seven different places across Siberia and showed they could each infect cultured amoeba cells.

Those latest strains represent five new families of viruses, on top of the two he had revived previously. The oldest was almost 48,500 years old, based on radiocarbon dating of the soil, and came from a sample of earth taken from an underground lake 16 meters (52 feet) below the surface. The youngest samples, found in the stomach contents and coat of a woolly mammoths remains, were 27,000 years old.

That amoeba-infecting viruses are still infectious after so long is indicative of a potentially bigger problem, Claverie said. He fears people regard his research as a scientific curiosity and dont perceive the prospect of ancient viruses coming back to life as a serious public health threat.

We view these amoeba-infecting viruses as surrogates for all other possible viruses that might be in the permafrost, Claverie told CNN.

We see the traces of many, many, many other viruses, he added. So we know they are there. We dont know for sure that they are still alive. But our reasoning is that if the amoeba viruses are still alive, there is no reason why the other viruses will not be still alive, and capable of infecting their own hosts.

Precedent for human infection

Traces of viruses and bacteria that can infect humans have been found preserved in permafrost.

A lung sample from a womans body exhumed in 1997 from permafrost in a village on the Seward Peninsula of Alaska contained genomic material from the influenza strain responsible for the 1918 pandemic. In 2012, scientists confirmed the 300-year-old mummified remains of a woman buried in Siberia contained the genetic signatures of the virus that causes smallpox.

An anthrax outbreak in Siberia that affected dozens of humans and more than 2,000 reindeer between July and August in 2016 has also been linked to the deeper thawing of the permafrost during exceptionally hot summers, allowing old spores of Bacillus anthracis to resurface from old burial grounds or animal carcasses.

Birgitta Evengard, professor emerita at Umea Universitys Department of Clinical Microbiology in Sweden, said there should be better surveillance of the risk posed by potential pathogens in thawing permafrost, but warned against an alarmist approach.

You must remember our immune defense has been developed in close contact with microbiological surroundings, said Evengard, who is part of the CLINF Nordic Centre of Excellence, a group that investigates the effects of climate change on the prevalence of infectious diseases in humans and animals in northern regions.

If there is a virus hidden in the permafrost that we have not been in contact with for thousands of years, it might be that our immune defense is not sufficient, she said. It is correct to have respect for the situation and be proactive and not just reactive. And the way to fight fear is to have knowledge.

Chances of viral spillover

Of course, in the real world, scientists dont know how long these viruses could remain infectious once exposed to present-day conditions, or how likely the virus would be to encounter a suitable host. Not all viruses are pathogens that can cause disease; some are benign or even beneficial to their hosts. And while it is home to 3.6 million people, the Arctic is still a sparsely populated place, making the risk of human exposure to ancient viruses very low.

Still, the risk is bound to increase in the context of global warming, Claverie said, in which permafrost thawing will keep accelerating, and more people will populate the Arctic in the wake of industrial ventures.

And Claverie isnt alone in warning that the region could become a fertile ground for a spillover event  when a virus jumps into a new host and starts to spread.

Last year, a team of scientists published research on samples of soil and lake sediment taken from Lake Hazen, a freshwater lake in Canada located within the Arctic circle. They sequenced the genetic material in the sediment to identify viral signatures and the genomes of potential hosts  plants and animals  in the area.

Using a computer model analysis, they suggested the risk of viruses spilling over to new hosts was higher at locations close to where large amounts of glacial meltwater flowed into the lake  a scenario that becomes more likely as the climate warms.

Unknown consequences

Identifying viruses and other hazards contained in the warming permafrost is the first step in understanding what risk they pose to the Arctic, Miner at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory said. Other challenges include quantifying where, when, how fast and how deep permafrost will thaw.

Thawing can be a gradual process of as little as centimeters per decade, but also happens more rapidly, such as in the case of massive land slumps that can suddenly expose deep and ancient layers of permafrost. The process also releases methane and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere  an overlooked and underestimated driver of climate change.

Miner cataloged an array of potential hazards currently frozen in Arctic permafrost in a 2021 paper published in the scientific journal Nature Climate Change.

Those possible dangers included buried waste from the mining of heavy metals and chemicals such as the pesticide DDT, which was banned in the early 2000s. Radioactive material has also been dumped in the Arctic  by Russia and the United States  since the advent of nuclear testing in the 1950s.

Abrupt thaw rapidly exposes old permafrost horizons, releasing compounds and microorganisms sequestered in deeper layers, Miner and other researchers noted in the 2021 paper.

In the research paper, Miner labeled the direct infection of humans with ancient pathogens released from permafrost as currently improbable.

However, Miner said she is worried about what she termed Methuselah microorganisms (named after the Biblical figure with the longest life span). These are organisms that could bring the dynamics of ancient and extinct ecosystems into the present-day Arctic, with unknown consequences.

The re-emergence of ancient microorganisms has the potential to change soil composition and vegetative growth, possibly further accelerating the effects of climate change, Miner said.

Were really unclear as to how these microbes are going to interact with the modern environment, she said. Its not really an experiment that I think any of us want to run.

The best course of action, Miner said, is to try and halt the thaw, and the wider climate crisis, and keep these hazards entombed in the permafrost for good.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Scientists have revived a zombie virus that spent 48,500 years frozen in permafrost"
The tourism sector is projected to earn $130-135 billion and create 8.5 million jobs by 2030, contributing 15-17 per cent of GDP and create 8.5 million jobs. Vietnam looks to attract at least 50 million foreigners and serve 160 million domestic tourists by that time

In early 2020, the prime minister approved the national tourism development strategy to 2030, with ambitious goals. By 2030, Vietnam sets a target to make tourism a spearhead and sustainable economic sector and become one of 30 countries with the best tourism competitiveness.

However, after the issuance of the new plan, the tourism industry was hit by the impact of the pandemic. After two years of pandemic, on March 15, 2022, Vietnam restored socioeconomic activities. Although Vietnam was the first country to reopen after the pandemic, we have not taken advantage of it. While Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore exceeded the target of international tourists, Vietnam only received about 3.5 million international visitors, far from the target of five million.

Doan Van Binh, vice president of the Vietnam Real Estate Association (VNREA)

Tourism experts and economists believe that visa barriers should be resolved soon so that tourism can become the spearhead economic sector. When Vietnam opened the border to international visitors, the country only exempted visas for 24 countries, with a visa validity of 15 days instead of 30 days as before. This policy has remained almost unchanged.

In terms of national openness, all countries in ASEAN have more open visa policies. For example, Thailand exempts visa for 65 countries with visa durations of 30, 45, or 90 days. Thailand has just issued a policy to attract the rich and digital nomads, with a visa period of 510 years. EU countries issue Schengen visas according to the travel needs of visitors, usually 90 days, and allow multiple entry and exit.

Except for the United Kingdom, other European countries exempt the visa if visitors already have a Schengen visa. The US grants a one-year visa and has an annual renewal mechanism. Canada grants a visa for up to 10 years, depending on the validity of the visitor's passport. Most Central American, Latin American, and Caribbean countries are visa-free if visitors have a visa to the United States.

Vietnam needs a drastic action plan to boost the attraction of international tourists.

Firstly, it is necessary to change the mindset. Tourism is an integrated economic sector with the participation of both the public and private sectors, the state, businesses, and people. Without one of these links, strategic goals will not be achieved, much like the bureaucratic process of applying for a visa.

Every citizen and business must be a tourism ambassador. It is simply unacceptable that we organise travel fairs around the world to attract tourists to Vietnam but present many difficulties for them in terms of visas, airports, taxis, hotel rooms, the attitude of civil servants, littering, and street thefts.

Second, a competent agency is needed to coordinate the tourism industry. Many countries have tourism ministries. We have the National Administration of Tourism (soon to become the Department of Tourism) under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. However, tourism is a general economic industry. A tourism project can use up to 2,500 products and services, which have spillover effects on 40 other industries in the economy. Tourism involves many state agencies and many branches and fields, so it is necessary to give more authority to the National Administration of Tourism or create a higher-level agency with greater authority for overall coordination.

Third, there should be a clear assignment of responsibilities among the public and private sector to implement the tourism strategy. It is also vital to clarify what the state does and what the private sector does to optimize national resources.

Fourth, the country should be more flexible about visa policies. Eventually, visa exemption is required for most countries. In the immediate future, it is necessary to expand visa exemption for key market countries and apply e-visas and on-arrival visas for the remaining countries.

Vietnam should allow entry for tourism purposes if visitors have been allowed to enter countries that are visa-free for Vietnam. We should consider the intra-ASEAN coordination mechanism based on economic and security cooperation pillars to exploit the common tourism market.

Specifically, if visitors secure visas for one country, they can enter other countries within the bloc. Another suggestion is to extend the visa exemption and visa period to 90 days, according to international practice. We should consider building a long-term visa policy of 510 years for some specific groups of visitors, such as investment groups buying a second-home or digital nomads.

Fifth, Vietnam needs to build a completely new image. It is necessary to build an entirely new marketing and communication strategy, from slogans to videos and images of the country, people, history, culture, nature, and cuisine. One problem is that each locality does marketing and communication separately, failing to make efficient use of resources. We should also find out the core communication points for the whole market, targeting tourism, trade, services, exports, and investment.

Sixth, we should maintain and expand key markets. The Americas should not be considered a key tourist market because of the long distance to Vietnam. Meanwhile, they have many competitive options right within the Americas. In terms of nature, America has the Caribbean, which is one of the global marine tourism centres. There are also many beautiful coastal cities such as Miami, Hawaii (the US), Cancun (Mexico), Rio De Janeiro (Brazil), Varadero (Cuba), and the Amazon Forest. World heritage, cultural festivals, and cuisine are also rich. Visitors can go wintering down to South America and Hawaii, the sunny tropical state with the beautiful beach of Waikiki. Therefore, the number of visitors from the Americas to Asia, including Vietnam, is not much. Vietnam needs to focus on maintaining the traditional key markets of Northeast Asia, Europe, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, intra-ASEAN, and expanding to India and Arab countries.

Last but not least, it is necessary to for Vietnam to build a night economy with corresponding policies to attract tourists to come, stay longer, spend more money, and, most importantly, meet their needs.

For example, Europe and Vietnam have a 56 hour difference in time zone. If we don't have a night economy, what will tourists do? They come to travel, not to sleep. Paris, London, Amsterdam, Ibiza, Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Singapore are centres that attract tourists for the night economy globally from which Vietnam can learn.

VIR to host a roundtable on boosting tourism VIR will hold a roundtable discussion themed "Seeking a boost for inbound tourism" with the participation of both local and foreign experts, who will discuss both the situation and solutions to make Vietnam more attractive to international tourists.

Upbeat prediction for Vietnamese tourism Following a record year of expansion in Vietnam, Jakob Helgen, Marriott International area vice president for Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar, discussed Vietnamese tourism in 2023.
Large volumes of work are ahead for the Vietnamese government and ministries this year, involving how to expand trade and woo more foreign investment.

Diplomatic advances to bolster FDI, illustration photo

Vietnam and India are reported to begin talks on a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) in an effort to boost bilateral trade and investment, especially in the context of robust growth in bilateral trade volumes. A joint working group is set to be founded this year to examine the feasibility of the new deal. The study will then be taken up by the two governments. The outlook is also expected to be debated at a joint meeting between both nations in the next few months.

India-Vietnam trade turnover soared from $5.6 billion in 2016 to $15 billion last year  up 13.6 per cent on-year.

Elsewhere, Vietnam and Israel are set to conclude negotiations of a bilateral FTA within this year when they will celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations, before officially inking the deal in early next year. The negotiations began in 2015.

Once the FTA becomes valid, the trade and investment ties between both countries will flourish, said the Ministry of Industry and Trades (MoIT) Department for Multilateral Trade Policies. In the first eight months of 2022, Vietnams export turnover to Israel hit $548 million and its imports from the Middle Eastern country were worth $941 million.

Israeli trade counsellor at the Israeli Embassy to Vietnam Gal Saf also said, Israeli companies are showing their interest in the Vietnamese market. They hope that the bilateral FTA will soon be signed and take effect so that they can soon benefit from advantages and incentives it can bring about.

Vietnams activities related to trade and investment also involves the country, together with other 11 member states of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), in conducting negotiations with the UK in Phu Quoc Island last week.

Vietnam will continue working with other member states to soon complete negotiations for the UK to join the CPTPP. The UKs membership will bring about wonderful opportunities in trade and investment for all participating nations, said MoIT Minister Nguyen Hong Dien.

On February 20, the government promulgated Resolution No.21/NQ-CP on an action plan to boost economic diplomacy in service of national development towards the end of this decade. We will continue negotiating, signing, and completing an FTA network at many levels in line with the countrys priorities and benefits, read Resolution 21.

Vietnam will also expeditiously consider participating in cooperation frameworks in new sectors such as digital economy, digital transformation, energy transformation, circular economy, green growth, and sustainable supply chains.

The government has ordered relevant authorities to coordinate closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), and the MoIT to take advantage and propose frameworks to strengthen economic and trade cooperation, and specialised cooperation with government agencies and localities of partner countries.

The government will also continue attracting and taking advantage of development resources in terms of finance, technology, and policy consultancy from participation and cooperation in multilateral forums.

MoFA Standing Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Vu told VIR, The diplomatic sector has actively promoted Vietnams economic and trade relations with partners, especially FTA partners; lobbied partners to remove trade barriers for Vietnamese goods; and provided information about partners policies and detected opportunities to expand exports.

Meanwhile, the government has underlined that Vietnam will attract foreign direct investment (FDI) selectively based on ensuring the environment and sustainability.

Priorities will be given to projects with high added values and advanced technology in service of infrastructure development, digital economy, digital transformation, and green growth, said Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang. We will also focus on boosting economic diplomacy to woo high-quality FDI from multinational corporations.

According to the MoFA, in 2023, Vietnam will continue carrying out group-oriented diplomatic activities to attract big projects worth multi-billions of US dollars, in the context of increasing competition in luring this kind of funding in the region.

Group-oriented diplomatic activities in particular and economic diplomatic activities in general are making great contributions to Vietnams efforts in FDI attraction and trade expansion, said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at a recent conference on boosting economic diplomacy.

The MoFA also reported that the diplomatic sector has contributed to helping Vietnam attract a large sum of overseas remittance, at $17.2 billion in 2020, over $18 billion in 2021, and nearly $19 billion last year.

Foreign investment in HCM City up 43 per cent in two months As much as 332.3 million USD in foreign investment was poured into Ho Chi Minh City in the first two months of this year, up 43.1 per cent year on year, the municipal Statistics Office reported.

Vietnam-Japan Joint Initiative plays role in raising Vietnams FDI attractiveness: meeting The Vietnam-Japan Joint Initiative (VJJI) has significantly contributed to improving the domestic business environment and raising Vietnams competitiveness in foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction, an official from the Vietnamese Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) has said.

Around $370 million in FDI inflows flood the real estate sector Foreign capital is pouring swiftly into the real estate market despite the depressing internal environment.
Manufacturers in the southern province of Dong Nai have reflected that since Decree No.35/2022/ND-CP came into effect in July last year, they remain confused about implementing the regulations regarding accommodation for foreign workers.

FIEs frustrated with new abode rules, illustration photo.

Many factories currently have dorms on their campus for their workers. However, the new regulation in Decree 35 asks workers of entire enterprises to live in a concentrated accommodation area within the industrial zones (IZs). In other words, according to the new rules, IZ developers have to arrange particular land in the complex for enterprises to build dorms for their expats, instead of them living in dorms on factories campuses.

A Dong Nai representative of the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam, said at a February meeting that Korean expats often want to live in areas that have international schools to be favourable for their children, such as District 7 or Thu Duc in Ho Chi Minh City.

The distance to their factories is far and the traffic is frustrating, and factories often operate all day and night, thus expats have to stay at the factories to resolve technical troubles, Whan said.

Before the introduction of Decree 35, expats would often take their downtime in private rooms at hotels near manufacturing areas, or in office buildings at the factories.

But Decree 35 requires expats to stay in concentrated abodes in IZs, but we have no such facilities in Dong Nai. As a result, enterprises are forced to book hotel rooms for them, which come at a large cost, he said. Whan has asked the authorities to build concentrated lodgings for foreign workers as soon as possible.

A representative of Samil Vina Co., Ltd., in Long Thanh IZ said that Article 25 of Decree 35 regulates that accommodation establishments must be built on the area of land intended for services of IZs. They must ensure conformance to environmentally safe distance requirements set out in the Law on Construction and other relevant regulatory provisions; and ensure conformance to social security requirements and no adverse impacts on production and business activities inside the perimeter of IZs.

The company currently has dorms for expats on the companys campus. However, because the decree does not allow enterprises to use such accommodation, we had to contact the operating unit of Long Thanh IZ to study land plots to hire or to build dorms  but they say that the land for this has run out, the representative said.

Responding to opinions, Dong Nai Industrial Zones Management Authority acknowledged that current IZs do not have sufficient accommodation built for this purpose. Manufacturers are often proactive in arranging resting places for overseas workers near the manufacturing area of factories and office building areas. Thus, they cannot now comply with the regulations about accommodation as laid out in Decree 35.

Dong Nai is collecting corporate opinions to report to its peoples committee to allow businesses to maintain accommodation at factories for at least the next few months, with the hope a solution can be found.

The same situation is being felt at many other IZs, such as in Haiphong and Nam Dinh in the north of the country.

A representative of Nam Dinh Industrial Zones Management Authority said many large-scale enterprises also built housing for their foreign workers. At present, the local authority is asking these enterprises to restructure their accommodation area for business purposes. At the same time, it is working with the provincial leadership to adjust planning, so that land planned for accommodation can be turned into industrial service land, thus enterprises can maintain accommodation for their foreign workers.

Responding to enterprises concern, Tran Quoc Trung, deputy director-general of the Economic Zones Management Department under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, said that Decree 35 allows enterprises to build housing for foreign workers at land areas planned to be service land area of IZs. If enterprises built housing areas before the decree came into effect, they are still allowed to maintain their buildings.

Industrial real estate faces up to pressures Although it was one of the rare segments to see positive growth in 2022, industrial real estate is forecast to suffer this year due to global macroeconomic uncertainties.

Real estate bailout perilous for system As more than $52 billion is due to banks and bondholders from real estate corporations, not to mention the requirement for additional loans, experts say a purge in the real estate market is unavoidable.

Localities keen to implement advanced industrial parks Localities nationwide are eager to accelerate the construction of industrial parks to welcome new foreign investment capital inflows in 2023.
The majority of the brokerage market is the domain of foreign players, photo Le Toan

According to newly released statistics from the Ministry of Finance, by the end of 2022, more than 92 per cent of the insurance brokerage market share belonged to overseas investors.

The Department of Insurance Management and Supervision (IMS) under the same ministry noted that insurance brokerage activities were carried out mainly in non-life insurance (accounting 46 per cent of the total settlement fee) and health insurance (accounting for 22.38 per cent) last year.

Similar to previous years, property and casualty insurance is still the main business for insurance brokerage, accounting for 48.23 per cent of the total arranged insurance premiums.

According to the IMS, the total insurance premium arranged through brokers in 2022 was estimated at $664 million, up 7 per cent compared to 2021, with total insurance brokerage commission estimated at almost $50 million, up 11.14 per cent compared to the previous year.

In terms of market share, foreign-invested enterprises took up 92.3 per cent, with Marsh, Aon, and Willis Towers Watson making up 87 per cent.

Insurance company representative Anh Phan told VIR, Foreign customers often require a broker to participate in the contract negotiation process, because of their deep expertise in insurance and understanding of international and domestic laws. They should be able to advise and offer comprehensive solutions with the most optimal cost, especially in difficult operations such as property or health insurance.

In fact, according to Phan, most foreign-invested enterprises will require the use of brokers in negotiating insurance policies, while individual customers or domestic companies often refuse to use brokers for cost optimisation.

The prolonged pandemic in recent times has created the need for businesses to buy insurance for their employees as a welfare policy, creating opportunities for brokerage companies. With extensive product knowledge, insurance brokerages took part in consultation in unprecedented matters related to social distancing and medical treatment related to COVID-19, thereby increasing their reputation.

The gradually completed legal corridor is also helping the insurance market in Vietnam attract foreign capital.

With the Law on Insurance Business, which took effect in January, these enterprises now can expand their scope of activities related to insurance contracts, in addition to their main business. They not only provide ancillary services of ordinary insurance but also ancillary services related to insurance contracts at buyers request, including contract and compensation management as well as risk management consultation.

In the past four years, 13 insurance brokerage businesses have been licensed to establish and operate. In 2022, the MoF granted adjustment licences to several insurance brokerage enterprises including SPE, WTW, and Wellbe to carry out insurance auxiliary services.

At the same time, the MoF has officially recognised the participation of foreign investors in insurance brokerage such as Malaysias Malakut Insurance Brother Asia in the establishment of Malakut Insurance Brokerage Vietnam.

The ability to expand helps insurance brokerage businesses to better develop their potentials and strengths, contributing to the increase in service value as well as the professionalism of the Vietnamese insurance market, said a representative from the IMS.

Likewise, regarding the concern whether companies specialising in ancillary insurance may be affected by the expansion of insurance brokers, Truong Minh Cat Nguyen, CEO of TILA Finance, stated that there will be no overlap because each type of business has its own strengths and potential.

In 2023, insurance brokerage and ancillary businesses both have great opportunities to separate the services and products that each party can perform. It all depends on customers habits of using the services, Nguyen emphasised.

According to the Insurance Market Development Strategy to 2030, the regulatory agency will provide detailed instructions on insurance brokerage certificates and insurance auxiliary certificates with the aim of enhancing the sectors quality and promoting the application of IT in insurance activities.

Insurance sector seeks solutions to increase access for all Policymakers, insurers, and experts gathered at the Vietnam Actuarial Conference (VAC) 2022 on November 24 to discuss possible solutions to provide better insurance access for Vietnamese customers.

Insurance groups urged to go public when viable While the life insurance market witnessed strong revenue growth by the end of the third quarter, related concerns are still overshadowing the market as the ability to attract foreign capital, as well as the number of listed insurance companies, are still limited.

AI in insurance - The inevitable trend in digital transformation With digital transformation being an inevitable movement, partnering with insurtech companies is an effective way for insurance companies in Vietnam go faster and smarter in the digital race.
A range of voices were heard at last weeks CCE APAC 2023 forum

French Foreign Trade Minister Olivier Becht last week emphasised Vietnams importance as part of Frances Indo-Pacific strategy and the governments support for strengthening Frances economic presence in the region.

According to Bechts speech at a forum for French foreign trade advisors in Asia-Pacific (CCE APAC 2023) in Ho Chi Minh City, France continues to act as the driving force in advancing EU countries for stronger collaboration with Indo-Pacific countries and organisations.

As a key member of ASEAN, Vietnam hosts nearly 170 subsidiaries of France-based groups, accounting for some 24,000 jobs. French businesses place a significant interest in Vietnams investment opportunities, and want to accelerate the implementation of key economic projects, including the Nhon-Hanoi urban railway route, he said.

On a broader scale, France is striving to ensure that the significance of cooperation between the EU and ASEAN, as well as Indo-Pacific region, is properly represented through the EUs Global Gateway scheme.

This is a new strategy to boost smart, clean, and secure links in digital, energy, and transport sectors and to strengthen health, education, and research systems across the world, said CCE president Alain Bentejac.

For Vietnams infrastructure, some French companies are discussing a highway connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Of course, it is a long-term project because of the distance between the two cities. We believe with international expertise, French corporations could aid Vietnam to realise this goal, Bentejac added.

Cesar Purisima, former Finance Minister of the Philippines, also highlighted the critical role of France at the forum. I think the most important feature of the partnership should focus on the technical and technological transfer between French and Southeast Asian firms and founders by fostering links, mentorship programmes, and collaborative platforms, Purisima said.

France and ASEAN trade counsellors can roll out the least capital intensive but most impactful efforts to contribute to the green economy, he added. Regarding climate change, we are thankful that France has consistently been the global champion of discourse, with the landmark Paris agreement to limit global warming. The Paris Agreement also established a new connection mechanism to help developing countries transition to lower carbon economies and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Experts at the event last week exchanged their thoughts on energy transition, smart cities, and digital healthcare disruption, among others.

Asia depends on a massive amount of fossil fuel. We need to think about the accessibility and price of energy, especially carbon emissions produced as the result of energy production and consumption, said Francois Amman, co-president of Aden Group.

Thierry Blandinieres, CEO of French farming cooperative InVivo, added, If we know how to work intelligently, we can ensure fewer emissions. Food can be produced completely without emissions and energy production can be decarbonised.

Blandinieres added that vertical farms in Singapore are an inspiration. Vertical farms have great potential in Asia due to favourable weather. They allow us to reconnect with the city.

Maia Maniglier, a representative of CCE Japan, shared that Toyota and ENOS construction of a 175-acre smart city at the base of Mount Fuji is also a trailblazer for smart city development as well as sustainable energy advancement. The project is slated to be fully sustainable, powered by hydrogen fuel cells, and moves us closer to making society carbon-neutral, Maniglier said.

At last weeks forum, a representative of French-Italian chipmaker STMicroelectronics, the worlds third-largest maker of microcontroller chips, said there are alluring opportunities in semiconductor production in ASEAN.

As the downstream electronics assembly business expands, we anticipate significant growth and demand for semiconductors in these nations, the representative said. Furthermore, as electric vehicles are gaining popularity, we are putting more emphasis on wide-bandgap semiconductors in order to enable future growth and increase our footprint.

Purisima of the Philippines believed that e-commerce and fintech industries in ASEAN are growing rapidly, and France has been actively involved in this opportunity, which could yield significant potential to drive economic growth.

For example, a few years ago the French government and the Monetary Authority of Singapore signed a fintech cooperation agreement to facilitate collaboration between fintech companies. In 2021, France and Vietnam also signed an MoU to enhance cooperation in digital transformation, he said.

CCE APAC 2023 saw the participation of nearly 500 executives, with the presence of prominent French businesses including Louis Dreyfus, SNECI, Bpifrance, Andros, and Air France, to name a few.
Some workers need to carry out roles in different provinces, adding an extra layer of complexity, Photo: Le Toan

According to Andrea Godfrey, partner of Global Mobility Services at KPMG in Vietnam, before Resolution No.105/NQ-CP expired at the end of 2022, the consultancy noted that compliance with work permits was better than before.

Now, the Vietnamese government is looking to refine the previous legislation, Decree No.152/2020/ND-CP, which is now back in the frame, to better accommodate the current hiring needs of foreign-invested enterprises and representative offices.

Thanks to Decree 152, some issues and irregularities in the issuance of permits were taken away. I think its beneficial to Vietnam that work permits are being issued to people only where there is a need for foreign talent and that talent can then enhance the Vietnamese workforce. So the focus was right. However, some of the clauses in Decree 152 do not reflect the qualifications needed to undertake roles in the current business environment, Godfrey said.

In September 2021, the Vietnamese government issued Resolution 105 to support businesses affected by the pandemic, by easing regulations for issuing and extending certification for work permits. This resolution was a welcome adjustment to the stricter Decree No.152/2020/ND-CP, which went into effect in February 2021.

The difficulties lie with Decree 152 now back in place. Foreign workers are now required to have a bachelor or higher degree relevant to their job position; previously issued work permits are no longer accepted as an affirmation of work experience; and, expatriates must fly to Vietnam to get their passport notarised, which causes extra cost and time. This also lengthens the application process while by law, they must apply for a work permit no later than 15 days before commencement of work in the country.

Although it is overall the right direction, KPMG assessed that some of the specific clauses of Decree 152 are creating difficulties in the current environment.

When foreign corporations want to send their workers to representative offices in Vietnam, they have already assessed carefully the qualification and talent required for the expatriate. Projects may be delayed because they now no longer meet the requirements by the law in order to work in the country, said Dang Duc Giang, director of Global Mobility Services at KPMG in Vietnam.

Giang noted that another challenge that the expiration of Resolution 105 might pose is that expatriates with a work permit issued by a certain province are no longer allowed to be sent to work in another province. The current rules now require the company to apply for a separate work permit in the other province.

Industries that might see the biggest impact include construction and other technical industries, with people that hold operational or maintenance roles, Giang said.

Godfrey added that for provincial authorities that are not used to the process, and it can be difficult to get proper advice as to how to apply for a new permit in another province, as it is an entirely new requirement and no official guidance has been given.

Regardless, Godfrey emphasised that the government has been listening to various representations and is looking at amending Decree 152 this year.

I think theres a recognition that Resolution 105 was helpful and is probably whats needed at this point of time in Vietnam, she said. Ho Chi Minh City Department of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs recently held a meeting with the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam and acknowledged some of the issues that they were facing. But again, its very much dependent on the legal regulations and how they are implemented, Godfrey said.

The experts assessed that compliance is also getting better across all businesses. While the laws are being refined, interpretation and practice now require attention.

For foreign-invested enterprises and representative offices, a concern is that while Decree 152 seems clear in terms of regulation, its interpretation by local authorities varies from province to province, making it very difficult to follow. Its important that not only do the regulations stay consistent and are realistic in the current environment, but that there needs to be a solid direction for practice and application, Godfrey added.
The use of solar power exploded beyond expectations before the pandemic kicked off, photo Le Toan

Last week, at the demand of Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) was requested to explain the accuracy of solar power statistics in the national Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8) for this decade. The MoIT has drafted the PDP8 six times thus far.

Ha also requested that the MoIT again explain the shift from PDP7 to PDP8, with the emphasis on solar and wind power, owing to discrepancies between the MoIT and Government Inspectorate data.

Prior to mid-2022, the inspectorate looked at the adoption of renewable energy power projects in the amended PDP7, with a particular emphasis on solar energy. According to the MoIT, the inspector general believes that only completed projects with undetermined power rates, projects with signed contracts for equipment procurement, and projects under construction with a total capacity of approximately 636MW should be included in the PDP8.

Approximately 30 meetings have been held to discuss and make comments on the draft PDP8 under the leadership of Le Van Thanh, another DPM. The draft PDP8 has been twice accepted by the National Appraisal Council, but the prime minister has not yet authorised it.

In the draft PDP8 that was submitted to the government in 2021, solar power capacity will remain at 8,736MW towards 2030. A number of projects already included in the revised PDP7, totalling approximately 6,200MW, will be delayed until after 2030.

However, at the end of May 2022, the MoIT requested guidance from the government on how to address the total number of solar power projects that have to be postponed until then. These are projects included in planning, approved for investment, or included in planning but not yet approved for funding, with a combined capacity of approximately 4,100MW.

This proposal differs from previous reports, and the prime minister requested the MoITs viewpoint on the direction of processing.

In an explanation provided to the prime minister in July last year, the MoIT recommended deploying about 2,428MW for commercial operation until 2030. With an estimated total investment of around $500 million, the projects or portions of solar power plants whose development has been completed amount to over 450MW. There are about 1,980MW of projects that have been designed and authorised by investors but have yet to be implemented.

The MoIT indicated that the rationale for proposing to continue developing the aforementioned projects is to avoid legal concerns, litigation, and compensation for investors. If these projects are authorised by the prime minister and permitted to continue deployment, the systems total power capacity would reach about 133,900MW by 2030 under the basic plan and 148,350MW under a high-load scenario.

Now, the MoIT wants to continue developing solar power projects with a total capacity of over 4,136MW that are now in the planning stages but have not yet been authorised by investors. These projects are expected to be in the planning stages until 2030.

These projects, according to the ministry, if implemented by 2030, would raise the proportion of renewable energy in the grid by nearly 26 per cent. This impacts the safety and reliability of the power system as well as the economic functioning of existing hydroelectric, thermal, and gas resources.

In March 2021, the MoIT first presented the draft PDP8 to the prime minister. Nevertheless, the calculated plan at the time was not accepted due to deficiencies in the size of power source growth, the structure of power sources, and the illogical regional balance. This results in substantial interregional transmission grid investment.

The plan was confronted with the greatest difficulty of guaranteeing energy supply security and providing sufficient electricity to fulfil the needs of socioeconomic development while improving its quality.

Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien said during a private session of the National Assembly in October 2022 that the PDP8 is sluggish in terms of the move towards sustainable energy sources.

Minister Dien, who has presented a PDP8 draft to the government three times, said, Constructing a PDP8 is like painting over an existing artwork. It has to reconcile the organisation of power sources with the framework of regions and provide coordination between supply, distribution, and planning.

Vietnam hopes to achieve industrialisation by 2030. The MoIT predicts the 2030 electricity demand under three scenarios that correspond to each periods GDP growth.

The MoIT recommends that the PDP8 performs under a high-load scenario with a stockpile of 15 per cent of the power capacity if the growth in large-capacity power sources falls short of the plan by only 85 per cent. This means that the electricity load will increase by 9.84 per cent per year from 2021 to 2025, which corresponds to a GDP growth rate of 7.5 per cent per year from 2021 to 2025 and 8.88 per cent per year from 2026 to 2030, with a GDP growth rate of 7.2 per cent per year from 2026 to 2030.

The installed output of power plants under this option will reach 145,930MW by 2030, exclusive of solar energy and co-generation sources.

According to data compiled by MoIT, 175 solar power projects with a combined capacity of 15,300MW have been approved and are undergoing planning. At the end of 2020, 131 projects with a total capacity of 8,735MW were in operation.

The proposed Power Development Plan VIII draft Vietnams total capacity of power sources would reach 130,370-143,840MW by 2030. Coal-fired power accounts for 28.3-31.2 per cent; gas-fired thermal power (including liquefied natural gas) 21-22.3 per cent; large, medium, and stored hydroelectricity 17.73-19.5 per cent; renewable energy sources (wind, solar, and biomass) 24-25.7 per cent, and electricity imports 3-4 per cent. By 2045, the total installed capacity of power sources will reach between 261,951 and 329,610MW, with coal-fired power occupying 15.4-19.4 per cent; gas thermal power (including liquefied natural gas) 20.6-21.2 per cent; large, medium, and storage hydroelectricity 9.1-11.1 per cent; renewable energy sources (small hydroelectricity, wind power, solar power, and biomass power) 26.5-28.4 per cent; and imports 3.1 per cent. In 2045, the proportion of electricity derived from coal will plummet from 29 per cent in 2020 to between 15 and 19 per cent.

Singapore's SP Group partners with CJ OliveNetworks Vina set up rooftop solar power SP Group and CJ OliveNetworks Vina Co. (CJ ONS) on March 28 announced a partnership to boost Vietnams clean energy transformation through the development of rooftop solar projects.

Vietnamese, British firms develop rooftop solar power systems Vu Phong Energy Group JSC and British power firm Shire Oak International have signed a deal to develop rooftop solar power systems at factories run by the Republic of Koreas Hwaseung Enterprise Co. Ltd. in Vietnam.

Solar power plant officially inaugurated in Quang Binh province The central province of Quang Binh on April 24 officially inaugurated a solar power plant with a capacity of 49.5 MW.

Cooperation for solar power development in Green Park Vinh Phuc clinched Today in Ho Chi Minh City, Nam Binh Xuyen Green Park Co., Ltd.  a member of YSL Group  and SkyX Solar JSC  a member of VinaCapital and EDF Renewables  signed an MoU on investment cooperation for green energy construction in Green Park Vinh Phuc.
The government of Western Australia (WA) has attached special importance to Vietnams role in its Asian Engagement Strategy 2019-2030. Vietnam is a valued trade partner and a key export market for Western Australian iron ore, as well as cattle, wheat and barley.

Representatives of the Australian government, Western Australia and Vietnamese government cut a ribbon to inaugurate the Western Australian Government Investment and Trade Office in Vietnam

With $1.75 billion worth of goods traded in 2021-22, Vietnam is WA's 13th largest trading partner. There are more than 18,000 Vietnamese-born people living in WA, and Vietnamese is the third most commonly spoken language in the state.

The newly established Investment and Trade Representative Office in Ho Chi Minh City will seek to strengthen cooperation between WA and Vietnam and support bilateral investment to explore emerging opportunities and foster mutually beneficial trading relationships.

Roger Cook, Deputy Premier of Western Australia, and Simone Spencer, deputy general director of Strategy and International Connection, announce the establishment of the Western Australia Government Investment and Trade Office in Vietnam

The office will be led by Investment and Trade commissioner for ASEAN, Krista Dunstan, and her team will be a key part of the states expanding international investment and trade network, supported by the $125 million Reconnect WA package, billed as the 'front door' to Western Australia for potential oversea investors.

Australia and Vietnam celebrate the 50th anniversary of our diplomatic relationship in 2023. This presents a unique opportunity to reflect on our achievements and friendship over the past five decades, said Deputy Premier Cook.

From this strong foundation, I am excited about the opportunities our shared future holds, and Im confident in the challenges we can overcome side-by-side. We are determined to continue to strengthen our ties with Vietnam, and through our new Ho Chi Minh City office, we will act on our commitment to deepen this important and valued friendship, he added.

Roger Cook, Deputy Premier of Western Australia, speaks at the announcement event of the Western Australian Premiers University Scholarship and the Western Australian Baccalaureate Programme Grant

In 2022, there were almost 1,300 Vietnamese students enrolled in WA institutions, and it is expected this number will continue to increase as the state government continues to apply many policies and mechanisms that support international students studying and working there, especially for Vietnamese students.

The visit also involves a tourism delegation led by Perth Airport and supported by key WA tourism operators. They hope to open the door for collaboration and initiatives that will promote tourism between Vietnam and the state in the near future.

Deputy Premier Cook expressed his desire and willingness to cooperate with Vietnamese aviation partners, creating conditions to launch direct flights as soon as possible between Vietnam and WA's capital, Perth.
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'The Thorn' Virtual Cinema Event Offers a New Easter Tradition for Families from the Comfort of Home Deemed "cirque meets the Passion," audiences can now stream the faith-based spectacle beginning March 27, with church licensing available now.



TheThorn.com



NEWS PROVIDED BY

Troops & Allies

March 9, 2023



COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., March 9, 2023 /Christian Newswire/ -- This Easter offers a new tradition for families to experience the redemption of Jesus in "The Thorn," through an at-home Virtual Cinema Event. For 25 years, over 1 million people have experienced "The Thorn," a live stage experience of movement arts and visual effects portraying Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Think, cirque meets the Passion.



Click here to view the trailer.



Audience enthusiasm from the live stage show inspired creators to develop an on-screen experience for those unable to attend in person. Beginning March 27, families can now enjoy the unique telling of The Gospel from the comfort of their own homes by purchasing a showtime for $19.99 through the Virtual Cinema Event. The event can be streamed through Chromecast, Apple TV/Airplay, Roku, or HDMI. Learn more here.



"While we wish everyone could experience 'The Thorn' in person, we understand it's not always feasible. We're thrilled to share the live-stage experience through a compelling vantage point only seen on screen. The Virtual Cinema Event is a unique opportunity for families of all ages to experience the Gospel this Easter season, which will surely leave them inspired," said producer John Bolin.



In addition to the Virtual Cinema Event for individual and family viewing, "The Thorn" is available through April 8th for churches, schools, and community licensing via the Faith Content Network. Learn more here.



"Through sound, dance, and visual arts, 'The Thorn' inspires the God-given creativity within each of us while proclaiming the Gospel. Time and time again, we hear from attendees who after experiencing the show with their family and friends, found themselves having conversations about faith they otherwise wouldn't have had. It's deeply rewarding and inspiring to hear from folks on how the 2-hour show sincerely strengthened their faith, or bridged a conversation with their families," said Bolin.



"The Thorn" features a cast of 40 world-class performers who are masters of music, movement arts, and visual effects. Film masters captured the stage performance from a view only experienced on screen, editing down hundreds of hours of 4k footage to allow audiences to feel as though they're immersed in the live performance.



For more details about the Virtual Cinema Event, visit: click here.



For more details about church, school, and community licensing, visit: click here



For interviews and press assets, please contact: Monique Sondag Monique@TroopsandAllies.com 214-536-4319 Lauren Imbody Limbody@TroopsandAllies.com 937-760-6119



About The Thorn

In 1996, while working as youth pastors in Colorado, John and Sarah Bolin and their team created "The Thorn" to communicate to students their unconditional value to God. Designed as an interactive, relevant retelling of the Story of God, "The Thorn" was initially performed to a small audience of high school students. Today, "The Thorn" tours across the country and features professional dancers, actors, martial artists, and aerialists from around the world.



Get Connected:

IG @TheThornOfficial

FB @TheThornLive

TW @TheThornLive



SOURCE Troops & Allies



CONTACT: Monique Sondag | 214-536-4319 | Monique@TroopsandAllies.com



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Baylor Law School does not meet the American Bar Associations diversity requirements for part-time faculty, which could lead to sanctions if the issue goes unaddressed.

The council for the bars accreditation body issued a public notice last month stating Baylor Law is in violation of Standard 206(b) and listing remedial action required by the law school. The standard states law schools shall demonstrate by concrete action a commitment to diversity and inclusion by having a faculty and staff that are diverse with respect to gender, race, and ethnicity.

Baylor Law School Dean Brad Toben said in a statement that he and other law school officials are disappointed by the councils ruling, but they plan to keep focusing on increasing diversity in the school.

Our commitment to increasing diversity among our adjunct faculty goes beyond mere words, Toben said. It is manifested in Baylor Laws actions in past years-in all aspects of our program-and the strategies we are implementing to identify and hire individuals who will increase the diversity in our adjunct faculty.

The notice requires the law school to develop a written plan to get back into compliance with the diversity standard, which must include specific measurable goals, a time table for meeting the goals and a list of resources that will be dedicated to the effort. The law school must also file quarterly reports with the bar association until the council determines Baylor Law is in compliance.

A report required by the bar association shows Baylor Law had 146 non-full-time faculty members for 2021-22, including 100 listed as male, 46 listed as female and 14 listed as people of color. The report also shows Baylor Law had 30 full-time faculty members, including 18 listed as male, 12 listed as female and 3 listed as people of color.

According to the bar association notice, the committee overseeing the associations Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar, its accreditation body, determined during a meeting in February 2022 that Baylor Law was out of compliance with the diversity standard. After that determination, it requested Baylor Law submit a plan of action to come into compliance and send officials for a hearing held last month.

After last months hearing, the council determined Baylor Law remains out of compliance and issued the public notice. The council will hold another hearing on Baylor Law in February next year and weigh further action if it remains out of compliance, according to the notice.

The association also could assign a fact finder to visit Baylor if its quarterly reports do not show progress.
Solid waste pickup

The Waco solid waste department will collect bulky and brush waste from the curbside starting at 7 a.m. Saturday for residential customers in city council District 1, which includes areas in East Waco and North Waco.

Bulky and brush piles must be separated and placed at the curb so it is clear they are intended to be picked up.

Items that will not be picked up include scrap tires, items containing Freon, liquids such as paint, construction materials, roofing materials, tree stumps, pool chemicals, hazardous materials and medical waste.

To be placed on an official pick-up list, email solidwasteinfo@wacotx.gov with your name and address.

For more information, call 254-299-2612. A council district map is available at waco-texas.com/My-Area.

NE Riverside meeting

The North East Riverside Neighborhood Association will have a general meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the East Waco Library, 901 Elm Ave.

The program will include a Womens History Month presentation and community updates.

Food giveaway Saturday

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 1312 Dallas St., will have a food giveaway from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday.

For more information, call 254-495-5292.

Ranger roundup

The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, 100 Texas Ranger Trail, will have its annual Spring Break Roundup from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Texas Ranger reenactors and an actual Texas Ranger will be on hand. Activities are included with regular museum admission.

Texas Ranger Talks are at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Reenactors will be on site from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Lightyear screening

The South Waco Library, 2737 S. 18th St., will offer a free screening of Lightyear from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday.

Participants should bring chairs and blankets to sit on under the stars, and bring their own drinks. Popcorn will be provided.

St. Joseph fish fry

St. Josephs Church, 9646 Elk Road, will have its annual Lenten fish fry from 4:30 to 7 p.m. every Friday through March 31.

Plates cost $12 and are available to go or dine in.

Westphalia shrimp, fish fryWestphalia Knights of Columbus Council No. 13902, 300 Highway 320, will have a drive-thru shrimp and fish fry from 3:30 to 7:15 p.m. every Friday through March 31.

Plates cost $12 and are to go only.

St. Phillip fish fry

St. Philip Catholic Church, 13095 Old China Spring Road, will host a Lenten fish fry every Friday through March 31.

Cost is $12.
WATERLOO  Central Rivers Area Education Agency is hosting a new workshop entitled Arts Integration: Building Awareness through Community Partnerships which will be held at 8 a.m. March 25 at their building at 1521 Technology Parkway in Cedar Falls.

This professional learning module is centered around arts integration instructional strategies. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in various art forms (art, music, theater, and dance) to extend general educational learning. By working with artists and teaching artists, educators will be able to explore definitions of arts integration, plan for implementation, and experience engaging teaching strategies for a variety of students.

The workshop will feature upcoming artist in residence, Quynn Johnson, who begins her residency at Becker Elementary on March 27. Waterloo Schools is excited to welcome both Johnson and Cierra Kaler-Jones this spring for their residencies in Waterloo.

The workshop will also feature multidisciplinary artist Akwi Nji who has worked throughout the country as an artist in poetry, visual art, and performance.

Master teacher artist Christina Farrell will also facilitate a session. Gallagher Bluedorn and AEA staff will provide additional learning opportunities related to hosting teaching artist residencies, building a local teaching artist pool, and how to engage in the work of arts integration.

Additional zoom and in-person learning opportunities will follow throughout the months of April and May. By working with artists and teaching artists, educators will be able to explore definitions of arts integration, plan for implementation, and experience engaging teaching strategies for a variety of student learners.

For more information, contact Travis Gratteau-Zinnel at gratteauzinnelt@waterlooschools.org.

Photos: UNI women's basketball closes regular season with win against Missouri State WBBall UNI vs. Missouri 1 WBBall UNI vs. Missouri 2 WBBall UNI vs. Missouri 3 WBBall UNI vs. Missouri 4 WBBall UNI vs. Missouri 5 WBBall UNI vs. Missouri 6 WBBall UNI vs. Missouri 7 WBBall UNI vs. Missouri 8 WBBall UNI vs. Missouri 9 WBBall UNI vs. Missouri 10 WBBall UNI vs. Missouri 11 WBBall UNI vs. Missouri 12 WBBall UNI vs. Missouri 13
CEDAR FALLS  There was one instance during the Grow Cedar Valley Celebration on Tuesday night when the applause was profound and lasted more than 30 seconds inside the Bien VenU Event Center.

The ovation wasnt for keynote speaker Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, or any of the eight award recipients.

Instead it came after a lengthy tribute put together by KWWL on the impact of Bette Wubbena, the longtime director of events and 32-year employee of the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, Greater Cedar Valley Alliance and Chamber, and Grow Cedar Valley who passed away Dec. 11 at the age of 75.

She was on the minds of the more than 500 people who attended the event as her impact was mentioned on several occasions and through the recognition of the first-ever Bette Wubbena Partner Award recipient.

She worked tirelessly behind the scenes, never seeking any publicity, not looking for any fanfare. If you needed something done, Bette Wubbena was always the go-to person to make that happen, said Ron Steele, KWWL news anchor, in a video tribute.

The tributes came from several who knew her well, including GCV President and CEO Cary Darrah, who noted her institutional knowledge.

She knew everything about our stakeholders, about our events, about the people in the community that helped us drive our mission. And we really depended on that knowledge and that context and that background as we went through planning our events and planning our calendars, she said.

Wubbenas son Mark described his mother as liking to make everyone feel included and feel involved and how that could be felt when going out for drinks, food and laughter after putting on an event.

It was where we got to feel like a family, and thats what mom wanted so much of for the Waterloo/Cedar Falls/Cedar Valley area, is just to feel connected and to work toward a common goal, he said.

That feeling of inclusion and togetherness was demonstrated by 24/7 BLAC, the recipient of the Bette Wubbena Partner Award.

The award recognizes efforts to promote economic growth, employment, and quality of life as well as offering leadership. The award will be given each year to an education institution, nonprofit organization, service club or human service agency.

The 24/7 BLAC Leadership Advancement Consortium aims to increase personal and professional development, stimulating the creation of wealth and financial empowerment and building networks of influence with navigational support for Black professionals.

Kingsley Botchway, the organizations treasurer, pointed out that a staple of Bette Wubbena was bringing people together, community and being inclusive of everyone.

How do we ensure a community for all, and ensure that community is an imprint of what Bette was? he asked those in attendance.

The Black leadership organization shouldnt need to exist, Botchway said. The Cedar Valley needs to walk the path of sharing history, experiences, and moving forward together, he added. It must do more  beyond the usual Black History Month events and casual conversations about racism  to affect change.

The time is now, he said.

Legacy was a common word during the award recipient videos produced by students at the Waterloo Career Center.

There were seven other award recipients, including the Legacy Award for Jane Lindaman, the retired superintendent of Waterloo Community Schools.

According to presenters, she demonstrated continued leadership and contributions to the Cedar Valley in her work to develop the Waterloo Career Center and other initiatives as well as through philanthropy and volunteerism. Lindaman created a positive environment for business expansion and community growth, and enhancing the quality of life for talent recruitment and retention.

The other recipients were:

Cedar Valley Business Leader of the Year Award: Mark Kittrell, president of Eagle View Properties.

Cedar Valley Innovation Award: PicklePlay, an app helping players find local pickleball courts, clubs, events and players.

John Deere Treating Capital Well Award: Lost Island Themepark in Waterloo.

Cedar Valley Business of the Year Award  1-50 full-time employees: AECOM, an engineering firm in Waterloo.

Cedar Valley Business of the Year Award  51+ full-time employees: Fahr Beverage, a beer distributor in Waterloo.

Cedar Valley Economic Inclusion & Diversity Award: Western Home Communities in Cedar Falls for its Jamaican Intern Program.

These people and organizations have led people around the state to take notice of the Cedar Valley, Durham said during her remarks.

Kittrell and Kris Hansen, CEO of Western Home Communities, were early advocates of the work to advance the Cedar Valley, she said.

Durham pointed out how the IEDA was an early supporter of 24/7 BLAC and said she hopes to play pickleball in the future after learning about the app.

She touched on a Courier special section that detailed how early settlers of the Cedar Valley shared a common commitment and determination to build their communities and their lives through hard work, education, and service as well as connecting with each other, and how that vision continues today.

This region has so much to offer from the Cedar Valley trails and parks, to the 3 Pines Farm, to the historic downtown district, the educational and cultural opportunities on the beautiful University of Northern Iowa campus, the museums, and festivals and fun, including Iowas newest theme park, Lost Island Adventure Park, she said. And I am a huge fan of your Habitat for Humanitys Chapter here.
WATERLOO  As a bill banning gender-affirming care for minors made its way to Gov. Kim Reynolds desk, LGBTQ+ advocates in the Cedar Valley raised their voices in opposition to the measure.

The protesters gathered downtown in Lincoln Park on Wednesday night as snow flurries started.

About the same time in Des Moines, Senate File 538 passed in the Iowa House on a 57-39 vote after being approved in the Senate on Tuesday night. If the bill is signed by the governor, transgender minors could not obtain gender-related medical care like hormone replacement therapy, puberty blockers, or gender-affirming surgeries in the state of Iowa.

Lynette and Russell Hartman, a couple from La Porte City who showed up for the rally, were appalled when told the House had forwarded the bill to the governor.

What is happening is frightening, and I want to support (the LGBTQ+ community), Lynette said.

What Iowa is doing right now puts people in danger, Russell said.

Theyre signing death certificates for children, Lynette continued.

This comes days after the Waterloo City Council voted to postpone a discussion on banning conversion therapy in the city  the practice of attempting to change a persons sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

The decision to table passed 4-2, with Councilmembers Jonathan Grieder and Rob Nichols voting against the delay. Officials say the issue will be picked up again after the Legislature has adjourned, which is scheduled to happen at the end of April.

I am sorry that Monday did not go the way that we had hoped, Grieder, who spearheaded the push for the ordinance, said at the rally. I am sorry that I was blindsided, and Im sorry that we were out-hustled by the forces of bigotry and hatred and anti-LGBTQ+.

On Feb. 20, the council held an initial vote to ban the practice, which passed 5-1. Councilmember Dave Boesen dissented, citing potential legal repercussions. The council then unanimously voted against suspending its rules, which required the proposal to go through three readings to gain final approval.

At Mondays meeting, the council chamber  which seats about 30 people  and the adjacent overflow room were filled beyond capacity, leaving standing room only for many of those who wanted to speak on the ordinance before it was tabled.

Leon Begay, an organizer at the rally, said hate groups target transgender children in the community.

We saw them gather to intimidate our city into silence, Begay said. City councilors Boesen, Chiles, Feuss and Wilder postponed this vote on the ordinance.  They left vulnerable youth and kids of this city, they left them feeling isolated. They left them feeling unsupported, and they left them feeling afraid.

One person not involved in the vote Monday night is Ward 4 Councilmember-elect Belinda Creighton-Smith. She won a special election for the seat Tuesday night and spoke at the rally.

Blood has been shed. Too many lives have been destroyed. Too many families have been severed by this notion of individuals who dont conform to a certain way being ostracized and literally socially decimated. Enough is enough, she said.

Together, folks, we have a louder voice. Together we have greater power. Together we have the power to not only dismantle the systems of oppression but to make this community your beloved community that we claim to be.

Another local government official who spoke was Black Hawk County Supervisor Chris Schwartz.

He talked about his late husband, Logun Buckley, who died by suicide in December 2021. Schwartz detailed a piece of trauma Buckley shared with him a few nights before his death  the fact Buckley did not feel comfortable expressing his femininity.

But he said, I just dont feel safe. I dont feel safe in Iowa. Ive never felt safe, Schwartz recounted, adding that the day before Buckleys death he was called a slur.

We know what (being called that) does to us, he said. We know that these years and years of trauma and how that adds up and piles up into somebody, and how a moment of irrationality can wipe away  take away all the beauty  all the decades that were left.

Schwartz went on to detail how instrumental Buckley was in Boesens election campaign. He said he sent an email to Boesen asking him to support the ban on conversion therapy by telling Buckleys story, and that Buckleys aunt underwent conversion therapy.

The only response I got from Dave Boesen? None, Schwartz said, calling him a coward. He asked voters not to let Boesen represent you anymore.

Schwartz said that the community is in fact progressive, but those values need to be reflected in the government.

Right now theyre not standing up for us, he said, referencing the councils rationale for postponing further approvals of the ordinance. We dont wait to see what the state is going to do  the state is descending into fascism.

I can tell you as a young gay kid myself that was beat up and attacked, if I had an example, if I had seen that the City Council was fighting for me  it would have saved me years and years of turmoil and heartache, Schwartz said. And it might have saved my husbands life.
CEDAR FALLS  The Daughters of American Revolution recognized Good Citizens from six area high schools with pins and certificates. Students are chosen based on dependability, service, leadership and patriotism.

All students also were invited to participate in a scholarship essay contest with the subject being How Will The Essential Actions of a Good Citizen Meet the Challenges That America Faces in the Next Decade?
DES MOINES  A proposed ban on gender-affirming care for minors in Iowa is on its way to Gov. Kim Reynolds desk.

Republican state lawmakers passed the ban and other LGBTQ bills over the past two days, putting them en route to Reynolds on Wednesday.

Reynolds office did not immediately respond Wednesday when asked whether she plans to sign the bill into law once it reaches her.

Thousands of Iowans have publicly protested this bill and others that have been moving through the Iowa Legislature over the past week. Students at dozens of schools across the state walked out of classes, and hundreds attended two rallies at the Iowa Capitol this past week, on Sunday and again on Wednesday.

If the bill is signed into law, it likely will be at least temporarily halted by a legal challenge. Similar bills in other states are being challenged in the courts, including in Arkansas, Alabama, Tennessee and Texas.

Republican legislators who proposed and advanced the ban on gender-affirming care say it is necessary to protect children from medical care and treatments when the science is not settled, even though all major medical groups in the U.S. say the treatments are safe and the vast majority of studies show that the care leads to better mental health outcomes.

Studies cited

During debate Wednesday, Rep. Steve Holt, R-Denison, who oversaw the bills movement in the Iowa House, pointed to studies in Europe, including one that says more study is needed on the long-term effects of gender-affirming care.

The study says there is some evidence that individuals who have sex reassignment have considerably higher risks for mortality, suicidal behavior and psychiatric morbidity than the general population.

Our children deserve the time to grow into themselves, to find themselves, to go through phases without medical interventions that are unproven in their efficacy, Holt said. It is for these reasons that I believe we should wait on these life-altering procedures and therapies for children until they are adults.

During debate in the Iowa Senate on Tuesday, Sen. Jeff Edler, R-State Center, who oversaw the bills movement in that chamber, pointed to a study that he said illustrates his concern for the long-term impacts of hormonal treatment.

The 2018 study, which can be found on the American Academy of Pediatrics website, says the long-term side effects of hormonal treatment could include bone density loss and also says more research is needed on those long-term impacts. However, it also concludes the treatments benefit the patients and are generally safe.

Republican Rep. Jeff Shipley pointed to the guidance from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, which says the number of studies is still low, and there are few outcome studies that follow youth into adulthood.

Still, those guidelines recommend puberty blockers and hormone treatment in adolescents with gender dysphoria who meet certain conditions, and the organization vehemently opposes bills like the one passed by Iowa Republicans.

Rep. Austin Baeth, D-Des Moines, who is a physician, noted the preponderance of evidence continues to show that while the treatments sometimes come with side effects, that they are safe, and that studies and physicians that cast doubt on the treatments safety are outliers.

It takes lots of physicians  to come together, looking at all the studies, not cherry-picking them to support an agenda, Baeth said. But looking at the mountain of evidence, the preponderance of evidence, and deciding, what is the most likely answer to this question.

What bill does

The bill would ban doctors in the state from providing puberty blockers, hormones and surgeries to minors under age 18 to treat gender dysphoria.

Doctors who violate the bill would be subject to discipline from a state licensing board, and individuals could bring lawsuits against doctors who perform gender-affirming care.

Minors who are receiving medical treatment now would have 180 days to discontinue that care.

Parental choice

Brian Lohse, R-Bondurant who was one of five House Republicans voting against the bill, said the bill runs counter to the parental choice mantra Republicans frequently champion.

The doctors who testified to lawmakers in February said puberty blockers  medications that stop the onset of puberty  are reversible, while the effects of hormone treatment are mostly reversible. Surgery, which generally means breast reduction, is not reversible.

Doctors also told lawmakers that gender-affirming care is a practice that occurs after months of careful evaluation from multiple doctors, and that parental consent is always involved.

Democrats said the bill is a rash reaction to concerns over the efficacy of the care, noting all major medical organizations in the U.S. support interventions for youth with persistent gender dysphoria. The American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychiatric Association all include gender-affirming care for youth in their guidelines.

Protest

As lawmakers deliberated the bills, a couple of hundred people gathered in the Capitols first-floor rotunda to protest the measures they said would harm LGBTQ youth and strip them of their rights.

Jo Allen, a photographer from Des Moines who is nonbinary, said it is difficult to live in Iowa, given the legislation under consideration. A few speakers at the rally said they are considering leaving the state over the proposals.

Anti-trans bills have nothing to do about privacy but (are) focused on expelling trans folks from public life, Allen said. We are not going anywhere and, despite the bills that you put out against us, we will continue to be our most authentic, trans selves.

Just north of Iowa on Wednesday, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, signed an executive order that protects trans people, families and care providers from a range of legal repercussions for traveling to Minnesota for gender-affirming care, the Associated Press reported.

Walz announced his signing on social media, saying in the post, My message is clear: Here in Minnesota, our LGBTQ+ neighbors will not be denied or punished for seeking life-affirming and lifesaving medical care.

Other bills

The Senate late Tuesday also passed a bill that would prohibit transgender students from using school bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity.

Senate Republicans described the proposal as common sense and a way to ensure the privacy and safety of all Iowa students.

Data overwhelmingly shows that incidents of sexual assault in school bathrooms are rare, and that transgender individuals are far more likely to be victims of sexual assault than non-transgender people, including at schools with prescriptive bathroom policies.

The House was scheduled to debate and is expected to pass legislation late Wednesday that would prohibit schools from teaching topics like gender identity and sexual orientation through sixth grade.

PHOTOS: Iowa LGBTQ Rights Rally at Capitol Iowa LGBTQ Rights Rally Iowa LGBTQ Rights Rally Iowa LGBTQ Rights Rally Iowa LGBTQ Rights Rally Iowa LGBTQ Rights Rally Iowa LGBTQ Rights Rally Iowa LGBTQ Rights Rally Iowa LGBTQ Rights Rally Iowa LGBTQ Rights Rally Iowa LGBTQ Rights Rally Iowa LGBTQ Rights Rally Iowa LGBTQ Rights Rally Iowa LGBTQ Rights Rally
For the third day, another epic drama from Hollywood is unfolding before our eyes. The sequel to the film, which was dedicated to Saddams chemical weapons with a demonstration of test tubes at the UN.

The world, opening its mouth and experiencing a slight gag reflex, looks at the numerous bowel movements of the Western media about who did blow up the Nord Streams after all. And really: who framed Roger Rabbit?

It turns out that the whole thing is in some unknown pro-Ukrainian group. Which (it is especially emphasized) is in no way, well, absolutely, absolutely, not a single wire and switch is connected either with Bandera Kiev, or with Europe zombified by gynecologists, or with America plunged into senile insanity, or with the other Western world that has fallen ill with Russophobic hysteria. Just lone heroes who have come to grips with the damned Muscovites! The new salvation of the world by some inglorious bastards.

It turns out so-so  the actors are mediocre. Obviously not at the level of Brad Pitt and Christoph Waltz. And the director is not the level of Quentin Tarantino. Very poor casting and camera. The script is just boring shit. Stupid American propaganda. Nobody likes it. Even the European inhabitants poisoned by it do not believe. They feel sick, as if they ate pork knuckle with beer.

As the American beacons of freedom of speech and the vassal German mass media who joined them write, the mysterious divers (no other than in black balaclavas over wetsuits) were citizens of Ukraine or Russia. At the same time, they have nothing to do with the Kyiv regime. Especially with the free world.

In general, from no state, here! Citizens of the world. Just fighters with Muscovy. Loners-schizophrenics, such as initiators. The layman is offered a bunch of cheap special effects. Like, six hardened saboteurs, among whom even one femme fatale (and how without her in the film?), Went out on a yacht into the stormy Baltic Sea. They took on board half a ton of explosives, dived beautifully. And then how two huge pipes at the bottom would blow up! And they went into the sunset. Unnoticed. At sea, full of NATO ships and international tracking systems. They also returned the yacht to the owner, cool, but law-abiding!

Here is such a frank low-rated shnyaga category B.

Actually, the film failed immediately after the premiere. Western viewers do not believe it: they ask uncomfortable questions, why did the old version about the Russian trace suddenly begin to turn 180 degrees (or 360, as Granny Burbock thinks?).

And why is it necessary to excuse the Kiev regime so actively, defending its innocence and innocence with foam at the mouth?

The answers are quite understandable, given the current mood of Europeans, who are less and less pleased with the prospect of paying out of pocket for ever new packages of sanctions, arms supplies to Ukraine, an energy crisis and falling living standards in once prosperous countries.

And if the Ukrainian Nazis, and not Russia at all, blew up the gas pipelines, what is the point of supporting them with fire, sword and money transfers? To fool the Europeans brains, it seems that this whole cheap movie was created.

I wonder if there will be a continuation of the action movie? With a plot like this: the same heroes, led by the Polish cannibal Duda, who escaped from a psychiatric hospital, penetrate the bunker of the brave President Ze, who has sniffed white powder. They take him hostage and then accidentally strangle him. For it is not a pity and tired. And then the zombie apocalypse begins in the manner of The last of us.

Wait, stock up on popcorn.

Medvedev

WtR
Weather Alert

.Warming temperatures this weekend are bringing renewed snowmelt and streamflow rises, especially for snow covered terrain below about 7000 feet. Creeks that brought impacts this past week are likely to be problematic again and potentially reach higher levels, especially by late today. ...FLOOD WATCH FOR SNOWMELT REMAINS IN EFFECT 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...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. &&

...WINTER MAKES A BRIEF RETURN THIS WEEK... Another cold storm moves into the region Monday into Tuesday bringing gusty winds, significantly cooler temperatures, and chances for rain and snow showers. * WIND: Gusty southwest winds this afternoon and evening will be even stronger on Monday and Monday night. Please see the Wind Advisories for additional details. Gusty west winds to continue Tuesday and Wednesday as well. * SNOW: The word most of us don't want to hear at this point. Yes, snow will move into the region Monday night into Tuesday morning, mainly in the Sierra from Tioga Pass north, northeast California, and far northern Nevada near the Oregon border. Totals along the northern Sierra crest may reach 5 to 10 inches, with 1 to 4 inches possible in northeast CA west of US-395 and the Tahoe Basin. The question remains how much will stick to roadways given the recent warmth and mid-April sun angle. Expect slowdowns in the Sierra Monday night during the period of heaviest snowfall. Spotty light rain and snow showers are possible into western Nevada. * COLD: Temperatures will drop about 20 degrees by Tuesday, with the winds making it feel that much colder. There is a 50-80% chance of sub-freezing overnight lows Tuesday night and Wednesday night even in lower valley locations. You may want to turn off irrigation and protect exposed pipes, along with any new sensitive vegetation.

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM MONDAY TO 8 AM PDT TUESDAY... * WHAT...Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected. Wind prone locations may see gusts to 65 mph. * WHERE...Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden Area and Lassen- Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties. * WHEN...From 1 PM Monday to 8 AM PDT Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...High profile vehicles may have difficulty along I-80, I-580, and US-395. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Now is the time to secure loose outdoor items such as patio furniture and trash cans before winds increase which could blow these items away. The best thing to do is prepare ahead of time by making sure you have extra food and water on hand, flashlights with spare batteries and/or candles in the event of a power outage. &&
Albuquerque Journal Editor and Senior Vice President Karen Moses will retire this year after 42 years at the newspaper, including six years in the top editor position.

Albuquerque Publishing Co., the Journals parent company, is conducting a nationwide search for her replacement.

Its been an honor to work with so many talented individuals through the years, and be a part of an organization committed to making a difference in New Mexico, Moses said.

Moses, a University of New Mexico graduate, joined the Journals staff as a copy editor in 1981 after one year working at a weekly publication on Chicagos North Shore and three years at the Gallup Independent. She was promoted to city editor in 1989, then assistant managing editor in 1994, before moving up to managing editor  the second-most senior position in the newsroom. She held the managing editor role for 22 years before being named editor in 2017, succeeding Kent Walz, who moved into a senior editor role before retiring at the end of 2021.

Moses is president of New Mexico Foundation for Open Government, past president of the New Mexico Press Association, a graduate of Leadership New Mexico, a board member of the United Way of Central New Mexico and a member of the International Womens Forum-New Mexico.

She has been married to her husband, Doug Oltmans, for nearly 43 years. They have three adult daughters and one grandson.

Moses will retire June 1.
Josue Urrutia has an ear for music.

All his life, hes been influenced by not only the music hes listened to, but the sounds that make up his environment.

The Albuquerque-based musicians family came to the United States during the Family Unity and Parental Notification Act in 1992.

While growing up, his brother got him listening to Elvis Presley. Meanwhile, his mother would sing mariachi music at home.

These elements were the foundation that serves Urrutia today as a full-time musician.

Hes part of the Latin-based band Los Domingueros, which plays locally around New Mexico.

While the band continues to perform, Urrutia took a giant leap recently and began performing solo shows. Hes beginning to perform a locations around the Albuquerque metro area about four to five times a week. His upcoming shows are on Friday, March 10, at Black Angus Steakhouse and then on Saturday, March 11, at Duke City Beaches.

The decision was tough to make because I was making a living working in corporate America, he says. I needed to make a change.

Los Domingueros was started by Urrutia in August 2021.

In June 2021, Urrutia was in a car accident that put him on a soul- searching journey.

At the time, he was playing and singing at parties and local Latin dance events, while going live on Facebook for friends and family to pass the time.

When an opportunity came to play a venue, he thought he was booked as a solo artist and good to go.

The venue owner told him he wanted to book a band and he quickly assembled some musician friends and they pulled together to perform for this first gig. Afterward he immediately started the search for a drummer and guitar player to form an official band.

Urrutia balances both of his ventures in music with great care.

Hes coming up with new ideas for songs for both projects.

Im impatient and I work to make things happen, he says. When I write, my approach is different. I write things I like to sing because my pride is my voice. I let things come naturally. Sometimes I start with a melody, other times, its with lyrics.

Urrutia is in no rush to get material out, though.

Ive had a song thats been running around in my head since November, he says. I wish my pace was better at writing. Last year, I busted out six or seven new songs. Writing songs brings me to life.
SANTA FE  A year after a GOP filibuster killed the bill, New Mexico lawmakers pushed toward final passage Wednesday of legislation that would automate some voter registration and take other steps intended to make it easier to cast a ballot.

The proposal  a priority of Democratic legislative leaders  won Senate approval on a 27-14 vote Wednesday after almost three hours of debate, sending the bill back to the House for agreement on amendments made in a Senate committee.

Sen. Katy Duhigg, an Albuquerque Democrat and co-sponsor of the bill, described the measure as a critical step toward protecting and expanding voting rights in a state that ranks in the bottom 10 for voter registration per capita.

The 47-page bill is designed, she said, to strengthen access to the polls on tribal land, streamline the restoration of felons voting rights and automate voter registration during some Motor Vehicle Division transactions.

It would also establish a permanent absentee voting list and set out requirements for ballot drop boxes.

Adoption of the bill comes as some states push to tighten election laws, and the report of armed watchers at ballot drop boxes in Arizona raised concerns about intimidation.

Our sacred right to vote is under threat, Duhigg said. This is a bill that provides necessary and important updates to our election code.

Sen. Cliff Pirtle, a Roswell Republican who opposed the bill, said New Mexico already makes it easy to participate in elections.

I dont believe anybody was prevented from voting that wanted to, he said.

Wednesdays approval comes just over a year after a Republican filibuster killed a similar bill in the final hours of the 30-day legislative session in 2022. But Democratic lawmakers had time on their side this time, advancing the measure at a steady pace throughout this years 60-day session.

This years bill is less expansive than some versions of the legislation that circulated last year. It doesnt call for allowing 16 and 17 year olds to vote, for example, as last years bill did at one point.

One final step is necessary to send this years measure to Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham  House approval of Senate amendments to the bill, largely technical changes.

It isnt unusual for the two chambers to pass slightly different versions of a bill, then work out their differences or just agree to the others changes.

Senate approval was granted along party lines, with all Democrats in favor and all Republicans present opposed.

Automated registration

Parts of Wednesdays debate focused on a provision in the bill phasing in automatic voter registration during certain MVD transactions, such as when a person presents documents proving citizenship while applying for a drivers license.

The newly registered voters would be told theyve been added to the voter rolls and that theyll get a postcard in the mail allowing them to decline the registration.

New Mexico now has an opt-in system at MVD offices, rather than the proposal for an opt out.

But Republicans said it made no sense to register someone over their objection, especially for people whose religion prohibits political participation. Their attempts to revise that part of the bill failed.

Senate Minority Whip Craig Brandt, R-Rio Rancho, said people who want to register to vote already have plenty of options  online, at the polls, elsewhere.

Weve made it as easy as it could possibly be, he said. I dont understand why we want to force this on people.

Duhigg said MVD customers who opt out through the post card will be treated as if they were never registered in the first place.

Broad changes

Sen. Shannon Pinto, D-Tohatchi, described the bill as a critical step toward safeguarding the voting rights of all New Mexicans. It includes a Native American Voting Rights Act intended to better coordinate access to the polls on tribal land.

As a Native American woman, Pinto said, there were times in state history when she wouldnt have been allowed to vote, much less serve in the Senate.

I think its very important to make sure we continue to make progress and make sure the voices are heard for all people, Pinto said.

Throughout a combative debate, Republicans repeatedly assailed the bill as partisan legislation that didnt reflect their ideas. They sometimes spoke in favor of the Native American voting sections of the bill while opposing other sections.

The bill would:

 Allow voters to sign up once to get absentee ballots before every election.

 Restore the voting rights of felons when they leave custody rather than after they complete probation or parole.

 Require each county to have at least two secured, monitored boxes for people to drop off absentee ballots. State election officials could issue a waiver if the boxes werent practical in a county for security or geographic reasons.

 Make Election Day a school holiday.

 Automate some voter registration at MVD offices.

 Establish a Native American Voting Rights Act.
The proposed merger between Public Service Co. of New Mexico and Connecticut-based energy giant Avangrid Inc. could soon be on the Public Regulation Commissions docket again.

The PRC has endorsed a joint motion that PNM and Avangrid filed Wednesday afternoon, asking the state Supreme Court to dismiss an appeal that the two utilities filed last year against a previous commission decision to reject the proposed merger.

That prior PRC decision, made in December 2021, came from a five-member elected commission in office at that time. But a new three-member commission appointed by the governor took office in January, and it now wants an opportunity to rehear and reconsider the proposed merger.

It serves the public interest and conserves the resources of the court if this appeal is dismissed and the matter is remanded to the commission to allow the commission to promptly rehear and reconsider the (previous) commission order, the joint motion states.

The joint motion follows weeks of speculation that the PRC might support a rehearing, after two of the three new commissioners held four closed-door executive sessions since January to discuss the case.

The third commissioner, Pat OConnell, recused himself in late January from any commission proceedings about the merger because he testified in favor of the deal during PRC hearings in 2021 as a representative of the environmental group Western Resource Advocates, which supports the merger.

In the 2021 hearings, all of the roughly 24 parties intervening in the case either directly supported or did not oppose the merger, except for one lone wolf, Santa Fe-based New Energy Economy, or NEE.

The supporters negotiated a long list of public benefits for customers promised by Avangrid if allowed to acquire PNM in a $4.3 billion all-cash transaction. That included more than $300 million in direct rate relief, economic development funding, and new job creation.

Among other things, it also included checks and balances to ensure that PNM ratepayer interests are safeguarded against undue corporate interest by Avangrid and its parent firm, Spanish company Iberdrola, S.A., plus commitments to maintain post-merger grid reliability, with automatic penalties for violations.

But despite near unanimous support, the commission rejected the merger in a controversial decision that cited concern about potential deterioration in utility service under Avangrid, based on allegedly poor performance by the Connecticut-based companys management of eight electric and gas utilities it operates in northeastern states.

Expedited decisions

In the joint motion, the PRC and the merger partners asked the Supreme Court to expedite its review of, and decision on, the request to remand the case back to the commission.

Normally, the court would permit 15 days for parties in the case  including nine merger supporters and the one opponent, NEE  to respond to the motion, followed by 15 days for the court to issue a final decision. But the joint motion asks that responses be limited to just five days, and that the court decide on the matter within five days after that.

Assuming the case is remanded back to the PRC, the motion says PNM and Avangrid want the commission to annul the previous commissions rejection of the merger and issue a new decision by April 12. That likely reflects the April 20 expiration date on the companies agreement to merge, which their respective boards approved last year.

The PRC, however, did not commit to any specific date for completing commission proceedings if the case is remanded, nor to rejecting or changing the previous commissions order.

The commission has not agreed to, nor made any determinations about whether it will reach a different decision on the proposed merger, the motion says. And, regarding the rehearing timeframe, the commission promised to endeavor to reach a decision and issue its final orderin a timely manner.

In any case, under their current agreement, PNM and Avangrid can extend the merger completion date by three months if approved by their respective boards.

Reactions

Most groups that previously supported the merger are likely to do so again, because the settlement, or stipulated agreement that supporters negotiated with Avangrid in 2021 produced very significant benefits, said Noah Long of the Natural Resources Defense Council.

I think the previous commission wrongly decided against the merger, Long told the Journal. If the new commission can take a fresh look to reevaluate the merits of this case, then its in the states best interest to do that.

A wholistic review of the settlement agreement is critical, because the last commission ignored many benefits, said Cydney Beadles, New Mexico Clean Energy Manager for Western Resource Advocates. Thats because settlement negotiations continued almost up until commissioners were ruling on the case, and many Avangrid concessions went unheard.

I believe errors were made by the last commission, and if the case returns to the PRC, it gives the new commissioners an opportunity to reopen the record to look at all the benefits, Beadles told the Journal. And it gives PNM and Avangrid an opportunity to pull all those negotiated agreements together into a single package to present to the commission.

NEE, meanwhile, says it will fight against reopening the case, beginning with appeals to the Supreme Court to not remand it back to the PRC.

NEE Executive Director Mariel Nanasi said the joint motion violates existing statutes.

They dont have the right to withdraw an appeal and just reconsider it, Nanasi told the Journal. We need to ask what has changed  what new information or evidence has emerged to justify reconsidering the last commissions decision?

NEE is also concerned about any potential expedited timeframe at the PRC, especially as a multibillion-dollar merger that could affect hundreds of thousands of consumers for decades.

Its absurd, Nanasi said. The PRC shouldnt abide by any timeline pushed by PNM and Avangrid. Thats worrisome to me.

Still, PNM Chairman and CEO Pat Vincent-Collawn said the company is pleased with the joint motion.

We appreciate the commissions willingness to join in a request to the court to remand the case to the commission, Vincent-Collawn told the Journal. We look forward to the courts ruling and the possible reconsideration of our merger transaction, which provides significant benefits to our customers, employees and New Mexicos economic future.
The New Mexico chile is the heart and soul of our states culture and the states iconic agricultural commodity. For the past two decades, the New Mexico chile industry has warned us about the decline of the industry, but it has fallen on deaf ears. During the 1990s, the New Mexico chile harvest hovered over 34,000 acres, but fast forward to 2021, and that acreage has decreased drastically to just 8,700 acres. This decrease has been caused primarily by manmade issues through policy development in Santa Fe.

My name is Glen Duggins and I am the owner of Cinco Estrella Chili and president of the New Mexico Chile Association. I recently announced I will no longer be growing chile. My chile is well known in Albuquerque, Santa Fe and across the entire state. In fact, most of you have probably enjoyed eating my chile in restaurants in northern New Mexico. Year after year, I have promoted New Mexico as the chile capital of the world and worked to ensure we retain our chile culture in the state. However, I can no longer do so.

The mandates coming out of Santa Fe have made it too difficult and expensive for me to grow chile in our state. These mandates have killed my business and killed the opportunity for New Mexicans to enjoy Cinco Estrella chile.

I am not alone. Our industry in recent years has seen at least three family-owned processors sell or shut their doors, leaving only a handful of farmers growing chile at any volume. Unfortunately, consumers are more likely to be eating chile grown in Mexico, where worker protection and food safety are not priorities.

Our industry continues to plead with lawmakers that we cannot sustain new environmental regulations or policies that increase the cost of doing business in New Mexico. We strive to produce and process the worlds greatest chile, while always considering the cost of products to consumers. However, we are at a tipping point. Continued over-regulatory policies at the state and federal levels will result in our farmers harvesting less chile, forcing our processors to purchase chile in Mexico. Our New Mexico chile industry is worth saving, but we need policies that allow our farmers to do what they do best  farm. We need policies that allow our processing businesses to grow and provide New Mexico chile products that are affordable for consumers.

Our industry understands the good intentions of the Legislature in its desire to provide medical paid leave for employees, look for cleaner fuel standards and increase minimum wage. However, we can no longer become casualties of those good intentions. Legislation proposed this session is putting more nails in the coffin for New Mexico chile.

I am disappointed every year hearing lawmakers promote New Mexico chile, and supporting bills that create a state aroma and a state song, but those bills do not help our industry. We need laws coming out of Santa Fe that protect our industry, not ones that kill our greatest cultural icon.

A chile story is a memory or moment in ones life of enjoying our states signature crop. The New Mexico Chile Association believes every New Mexican deserves to have a chile story.
Just because a politician says the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act will draw businesses to New Mexico doesnt make it so. The Legislature is going to give Work Force Solutions (WSD) $36.5 million in what amounts to seed money to start the program. WSD is the same agency that paid out over $100 million in fraudulent Workers Compensation claims, and it has shown no remorse, never changed its procedures, and if the lack of news releases is any measure, not collected $1 from those who committed the fraud. This agency cant handle unemployment claims; how will it handle medical leave claims? The bill is a paperwork nightmare.

A small-business employer will have to keep the job open for three months. I ran a business with 20 employees before I retired and having two key employees out at one time under this bill would have been catastrophic. It is impossible now to (find) people willing to work. What chance will a small business have finding someone who will want to work for three months knowing they will be laid off when the regular employee returns? Maybe they will get to collect unemployment.

California has had such a law for some time. I know someone who was employed by one of the largest high-end department store chains in the country in a well-paid job. She took every minute of her paid leave and never returned to work. Because her husband needed a better job to support the family, they moved to Texas. New Mexico doesnt have the population, the diversified employer base or the number of wealthy taxpayers California has. It wont work as promised here.

In two years, the Legislature will be bailing this program out and, in the meantime, New Mexico will have lost more small businesses. Just as they did with cannabis, the legislators behind the NM Paid Medical Leave Act are just blowing smoke.
Theres nothing quite like a bad idea that overtaxes an already stressed system to the point it can no longer do what it was created to do.

The Albuquerque City Council put such an idea into motion last month when it required the Transit Department to start allowing would-be Sun Van riders to self-certify as to their disability this summer.

The Sun Van service was established as an alternative point-to-point transportation system for mentally or physically disabled folks who cant use the regular city bus system.

It is important to note that, even with the current three-step certification process (application, medical diagnosis from a licensed health care provider, in-person interview that can include a functional analysis), the Sun Van program is far from running in fifth gear. A full third of its 84 driver slots are vacant and there are frequent complaints of late or non-arriving service to its overwhelmed call center.

Do you think that will get better by allowing riders to sign up using the honor system?

No other city the size Albuquerque allows self-certification for paratransit riders because such a system is ripe for abuse.

And because the city cannot deny Sun Van trips to anyone eligible, Transit Department Deputy Director Mike Davis says the department has begun cross-training bus drivers to fill in on vans. The problem is that this robs from Peter to pay Paul: The citys bus-driver shortage is so dire that city leaders are planning to suspend or trim dozens of bus routes.

Meanwhile, taxpayers should know Sun Van trips are eight times more expensive than a fixed-route bus service, meaning they should be used by those who have a legitimate need.

The citys 83 Sun Vans have become a vital service for more than 4,000 city residents, people such as 76-year-old Regina Mead, who doesnt drive due to a visual impairment and cant walk to a traditional city bus stop because shes also mobility impaired. She uses the Sun Van up to five days a week to get about town, saying it gives her the freedom and independence to go where she needs to.

So, rather than beef up the current system for disabled riders, the City Council decided to make it a free-for-all June 30. That rightfully concerns people such as Mead, who is also a member of the Albuquerque Paratransit Advisory Board  a volunteer citizen board the city established to advise the Transit Department on paratransit matters. Mead says the City Council did not run the idea of self-certification by the advisory board before putting it into city ordinance.

Theres also a serious federal ramification to the new scheme. Federal regulations require communities with fixed-route transit systems, such as Albuquerque, to also offer transportation service for folks with disabilities. And the travel time has to be comparable to a standard bus.

Davis worries the city wont be able to meet its federal obligation to provide adequate service if theres a surge in Sun Van ridership.

While Councilor Klarissa Pena says the overhaul will help our most vulnerable citizens, Councilor Trudy Jones has it right: Shes worried some people who have other transportation options will exploit a self-certification system to the detriment of those disabled individuals who honestly need it. As Mead says, If anybody can do it, of course, why wouldnt they do it? Its door-to-door travel.

And so, more of the citys truly disabled residents will be left waiting for a ride.

Self-certification will only further stress already strained paratransit and transit systems. The City Council should perform a U-turn before its careless action makes matters worse for some of our most vulnerable residents.

This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers.
SANTA FE  A proposal to prohibit New Mexicans from bringing guns into polling places is headed to the House floor, after winning approval on a party-line vote in its final House committee.

The bill, Senate Bill 44, would specifically bar firearms from being brought within 100 feet of a polling place  or inside. It was brought forward after an election cycle that featured a defeated GOP state House candidate being charged in January with shooting at the homes of several Democratic elected officials.

In addition, Mason Graham, the policy director for Common Cause New Mexico, a group that supports the legislation, said at least one report was received during last years election cycle of an individual armed with a firearm at a polling place, saying such instances can deter some voters from casting a ballot.

However, the legislation drew opposition Wednesday from several Republican lawmakers, who questioned whether it could apply to businesses or homes located adjacent to a polling place.

It seems like its going to cause a lot more issues than its going to solve, said Rep. Andrea Reeb, a Clovis Republican.

But Democratic supporters of the bill said common sense would prevail in such situations, while comparing the bill to a current prohibition against bringing guns into school zones.

The bill ultimately passed the House Judiciary Committee on a 5-4 vote, with Democrats voting in favor and Republicans in opposition.

Meanwhile, the committee also endorsed another firearm-related bill that would make it a fourth-degree crime to knowingly buy a firearm for someone who is not eligible to possess the weapon, such as a convicted felon or a minor.

That bill, House Bill 306, is sponsored by House Minority Leader Ryan Lane, R-Aztec, and backed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. It passed without dissent on a 9-0 vote.

The measures are among a slew of gun safety bills that are still in the mix as lawmakers enter the homestretch of the 60-day legislative session that started Jan. 17.

Several other firearm-related proposals have stalled, however, including a proposed ban on the sale of automatic firearms and hollow-point ammunition.

With just over a week left in this years session, lawmakers are also still weighing a proposal to establish a 14-day waiting period before the completion of a gun sale.

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted Wednesday to approve a waiting period bill with an exception for buyers who have a permit to carry a concealed firearm, sending it on to the full Senate.

The proposal, Senate Bill 427, sponsored by Democratic Sen. Joseph Cervantes of Las Cruces, is similar to a proposal awaiting action by the House, though the House version doesnt have the concealed-carry exemption.
SANTA FE  In 1912, Dona Dolores Lola Chavez de Armijo, state librarian of New Mexico, filed a lawsuit when Gov. William C. McDonald tried to remove her from office.

McDonald claimed that women were unqualified to hold office according to the Constitution and laws of New Mexico.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham trumpeted Armijos courage and resolve during a presentation Wednesday marking International Womens Day, and celebrating New Mexicos Historic Women Marker Program.

Armijo won her lawsuit, which allowed her to keep her job and paved the way for legislation that gave women the right to hold appointed offices in New Mexico.

All of us are making history in our own way, Lujan Grisham, the second woman elected governor of New Mexico, said during the program in the Capitol Rotunda. She called the Women Historic Marker Program an incredible movement that must be moved forward in a multitude of ways.

Armijo is one of the more than 100 women whose contributions to New Mexico in areas ranging from the arts and education to government and science and beyond, are recognized on historic markers throughout the state.

Those honored include San Ildefonso Pueblo potter Maria Martinez (1886-1980); Meta L. Christy (1895-1968), who operated a medical clinic in Las Vegas, N.M., and is recognized as the first Black osteopath in the country; and Sally Rooke (1843-1908), an heroic telephone operator who died at her switchboard while calling people in Folsom, N.M., to warn them of approaching floodwaters.

Betty Downes, chair of the Historic Women Marker committee, said the idea for the program was born on the CS Ranch at Cimarron during a visit with ranch owner Linda Davis.

Linda said, You know, you are standing in the tracks of the Santa Fe Trail,  Downes recalled during Wednesdays program. She said that set the visitors to wondering about women on that historic trail, and caused them to come to terms with the fact women were just footnotes in New Mexicos history.

In 2006, members of the International Womens Forum-New Mexico secured state funding for the Historic Women Marker project. The first markers went up in 2007.

Now, the project is focusing on public outreach, traveling exhibitions and a womens history curriculum in kindergarten through high school in state schools.

Lisa Nordstrum, a seventh-grade history and honors-program teacher at Santa Fe Prep, is already fully engaged in developing the school curriculum.

Nordstrum said theres a big need to teach students about the contributions of women  not only in this state, but also throughout the country.

According to the National Womens History Museum, women are referenced less than11% in state history books, kindergarten-12, she said.

New Mexico Sen. Siah Correa Hemphill said its time to fix that.

We want to make sure we are honoring women across the world who are on the front line fighting for social justice, she said.


KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  A barrage of more than 80 Russian missiles and a smaller number of exploding drones hit residential buildings and critical infrastructure across Ukraine on Thursday, killing six people and leaving hundreds of thousands without heat or electricity.

The largest such attack in three weeks also put Europes largest nuclear plant at risk by knocking it off the power grid for nearly half of the day before it was reconnected. Because nuclear reactors need constant power to run cooling systems to avoid a meltdown, the latest power loss at the Zaporizhzhia plant again raised the specter of a nuclear catastrophe.

Air raid sirens wailed through the night as the attacks targeted a wide swath of the country, including western Ukraine, which is far from the front lines. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the assault that came while many people slept was another attempt by the terrorist state to wage war against civilization.

The Russian Defense Ministry said the strikes were in retaliation for a recent incursion into the Bryansk region of western Russia by what Moscow claimed were Ukrainian saboteurs. Ukraine denied the claim and warned that Moscow could use the allegations to justify stepping up its own assaults.

The Kremlins forces started targeting Ukraines power supply last October in an apparent attempt to demoralize the civilian population and compel Kyiv to negotiate peace on Moscows terms. The attacks later became less frequent, and analysts speculated that Russia may have been running low on ammunition. The last major bombardment was Feb. 16.

The head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency said the Russia-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant lost all external power for 11 hours after its last remaining power line was disconnected following reports of the missile strikes. Rafael Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency emphasized that the incident again demonstrated how fragile and dangerous the situation is for the plant.

Overall, Russia launched 81 missiles and eight exploding Iranian-made Shahed drones Thursday, according to Ukraines chief commander of the armed forces, Valerii Zaluzhnyi. Thirty-four missiles were intercepted, as were four drones, he said. The mixture of munitions makes it harder for air defenses to cope with the onslaught, military analysts say.

Among the weapons were six hypersonic Kinzhal cruise missiles, which are among the most sophisticated weapons in the Russian arsenal, Ukrainian air force spokesman Yurii Ihnat said. Ukraine says its air defenses cannot intercept them.

The Russian Defense Ministry said the barrage hit military and industrial targets in Ukraine as well as the energy facilities that supply them.

The missile strikes took no toll on the armys combat capability, but they played on the nerves of the civilian population of Ukraine, Ukrainian military analyst Oleh Zhdanov told The Associated Press.

In his evening video address to the nation, Zelenskyy struck a defiant tone.

We have already shown what Ukraine is capable of, he said. And no matter how treacherous Russias actions are, our state and people will not be in chains. Neither missiles nor Russian atrocities will help them.

Nearly half of households in Kyiv were without heat, as were many in Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, where the water was also cut on a day when outdoor temperatures were expected to fall to around freezing, local officials said.

Around 150,000 households were left without power in Ukraines northwestern Zhytomyr region. In the southern port of Odesa, emergency blackouts occurred due to damaged power lines.

Viktor Bukhta, a 57-year-old resident of Kyivs Sviatoshynski district, where officials said three people were wounded, said a missile landed nearby in the early morning.

We went into the yard. People were injured, he said. Then the cars caught fire. We tried to extinguish them with car fire extinguishers. And I got a little burned.

Grossi said he was astonished by the complacency of members of the organization he leads in relation to the dangers at the Zaporizhzhia plant.

What are we doing to prevent this happening? Grossi asked the agencys board of directors in a meeting Thursday, according to a statement from the organization.

Each time we are rolling a dice, he said. And if we allow this to continue time after time, then one day our luck will run out.

Grossi and others have called for the plant to be demilitarized, including the withdrawal of Russian troops. The Kremlin, which says its troops are needed to protect the plant, has rejected the idea.

Speaking at the IAEA meeting in Vienna, Russian envoy Mikhail Ulyanov said Moscow supports measures to prevent attacks against the plant. He challenged Kyiv to make a pledge not to shell the facility.

Russia and Ukraine have long traded accusations about their forces shelling the Zaporizhzhia plant.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted that the attack had no military objective, just Russian barbarism.

Smoke could be seen rising from a facility in Kyivs Holosiivskyi district, and police cordoned off all roads leading to it.

Three men and two women were killed in the western region of Lviv after a missile struck a residential area, Gov. Maksym Kozytskyi said. Three buildings were destroyed by fire, and rescue workers combed through rubble looking for more possible victims, he said.

A sixth person was killed and two others wounded in multiple strikes in the Dnipropetrovsk region that targeted its energy infrastructure and industrial facilities, Gov. Serhii Lysak said.

Aside from the hail of missiles, Russian shelling killed six other civilians from Wednesday to Thursday, Ukrainian officials said, including three people at a bus stop in Kherson.

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Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP)  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had to be airlifted Thursday to the countrys main international airport for an overseas trip after throngs of cars and protesters prevented him from driving there.

The demonstrations were part of nationwide protests underway for more than two months against Netanyahu and his governments contentious plan to overhaul the judiciary. Demonstrators made blocking Netanyahus airport route Thursday a centerpiece of their efforts  the optics of the Israeli leader having to make alternate travel plans a win for the protest movement.

The helicopter ride, while avoiding snarling traffic triggered by the protest, could deepen Netanyahus reputation as being out of touch with Israelis at a time when the economy is slowing and the country finds itself torn apart over the governments plan.

Israels figurehead president, Isaac Herzog, who has been trying to mediate a compromise between Netanyahus allies and the opposition, appealed for a solution in a televised speech late Thursday.

What is happening here is a tragedy, he said as protests continued late into the evening.

Herzog, whose role as president is supposed to be as a unifying force and largely above politics, said the draft promoted by Netanyahu should be dropped immediately. It is wrong. It is destructive. It undermines our democratic foundations, he said.

He insisted that weeks of behind-the-scenes talks had brought the sides closer to an agreement. History will judge you. Take responsibility, now, he said.

Speaking later in Rome, Netanyahu appeared to praise Herzogs efforts, saying We are all brothers.

Thursdays protests also disrupted a visit by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, whose schedule was rearranged to keep his engagements close to the airport.

Austin briefly waded into Israels domestic turmoil, repeating at a news conference President Joe Bidens recent comments that the genius of American democracy and Israeli democracy is that they are both built on strong institutions, on checks and balances and on an independent judiciary.

He also noted Biden had stressed the need for building consensus for fundamental changes.

The protesters day of resistance to dictatorship started with crowds descending on the countrys main international airport waving Israeli flags and blocking the road leading to the departures area with their cars.

Elsewhere, protesters blocked main intersections and scuffled with police in the seaside metropolis of Tel Aviv and other cities. A small flotilla of paddleboards and kayaks tried to close off a main maritime shipping lane off the northern city of Haifa. Some protesters barricaded the Jerusalem offices of a conservative think tank helping to spearhead the judicial changes.

Israel is on the verge of becoming an autocratic country. The current government is trying to destroy our democracy, and actually destroy the country, said Savion Or, a protester in Tel Aviv.

The uproar over Netanyahus legal overhaul has plunged Israel into one of its worst domestic crises. Beyond the protests, which have drawn tens of thousands of Israelis to the streets and recently became violent, opposition has surged from across society, with business leaders and legal officials speaking out against what they say will be the ruinous effects of the plan. The rift has affected Israels military, which is seeing unprecedented opposition from within its own ranks.

Later Thursday, the military said it suspended a pilot, identified in Israeli media as Col. Gilad Peled, until further notice, saying he had organized a pilots protest.

Unionizing to synchronize absence from service, though coming from good intentions, is forbidden, said Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar, Israels air force chief.

While some former top commanders have identified with the protesters, a group of 36 retired generals, including two former chiefs of staff, released a new letter saying the army must remain above politics.

We demand that discussion or acts of insubordination be avoided, said the generals.

Netanyahu, who took office in late December after a protracted political stalemate, and his allies say the measures aim to rein in a court that has overstepped its authority. Critics say the overhaul will upset the countrys delicate system of checks and balances and slide Israel toward authoritarianism.

Critics also say Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption, is driven by personal grievances and that he could find an escape route from the charges through the overhaul. Netanyahu denies wrongdoing, and says the legal changes have nothing to do with his trial.

Despite the demonstrations, Netanyahu and his allies have pledged to press ahead with a series of bills that would strip the Supreme Court of its ability to review legislation and give coalition politicians control over judicial appointments.

The protesters main objective Thursday was to complicate Netanyahus journey to the airport ahead of a state visit to Rome. Police, handing out traffic tickets as protesters held signs reading, dictator: dont come back! said they would clear the demonstrators by force if they did not move. There were no immediate reports of serious violence.

Netanyahu, who met Austin before his departure, arrived to the airport in a police helicopter, circumventing the protesters, Israeli media reported. Netanyahus office declined to comment.

Regular flights were not interrupted, an airport spokeswoman said, although some travelers said they had to leave their cars behind the protesters convoy and reach the terminal by foot.

Netanyahu told the Italian daily La Repubblica in an interview before his trip that the protests illustrated a vibrant democracy. But speaking to reporters before takeoff, he suggested the protesters were looking to oust him.

The goal here is to topple a government that was elected democratically, Netanyahu said. We wont let anyone disrupt Israeli democracy.

The police, overseen by ultranationalist National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, pledged to prevent the disturbances and said they had made some 15 arrests.

Protesters descended onto Tel Avivs main highway, blocking midday traffic as mounted police and a water cannon truck hovered nearby. Police allowed the protesters to remain on the highway for over an hour but cleared it in some places by force ahead of afternoon rush hour.

Red billboards festooning the highway read, resistance to dictatorship is mandatory.

Critics say Ben-Gvir, a key ally in Netanyahus coalition government who has dubbed the protesters anarchists, is trying to politicize the police.

Later Thursday, Ben-Gvir removed Tel Avivs police chief over what he felt was a weak response to the protests, according to Israeli media. Police said Avichai Eshed was being reassigned.

Eshed declined to discuss the matter while speaking to reporters at the scene of a shooting attack late Thursday, when a Palestinian gunman opened fire on a crowded street in central Tel Aviv, wounding three people before he was shot and killed.

The shooting came hours after an Israeli military raid killed three Palestinian militants in the occupied West Bank, the latest violence in a year-long wave of Israel-Palestinian fighting that shows no signs of slowing.

Thursdays demonstration in Tel Aviv, the countrys business center and its liberal heartland, was not nearly as large as one last week, when police cracked down on what had otherwise been peaceful protests, lobbing stun grenades and scuffling with demonstrators. Those protests ended with Netanyahus wife Sara being extracted from a ritzy Tel Aviv hair salon where demonstrators had gathered after catching wind of her presence.

Netanyahu and his wife have gained notoriety for enjoying lavish lifestyles and living off the largesse of taxpayers and wealthy supporters.

Some pundits questioned why Netanyahu was flying to Italy for three days at a time of deep national crisis, suggesting the couple were actually traveling to celebrate their wedding anniversary. Netanyahus schedule includes a meeting with Italys prime minister on Friday, but he does not return until Saturday night.

Thursdays visit by Austin, who is on a Mideast tour, was also affected by the protests. His meetings were held at the airport and he did not travel to the Defense Ministry, located in the central Tel Aviv area where protests have been focused.

___

Associated Press reporters Ami Bentov in Tel Aviv, Israel, and Ilan Ben Zion and Isaac Scharf in Jerusalem contributed to this report.
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The new British monarch and his Queen Consort are met with 'Not My King' signs and a barrage of taunts from protesters during a visit to Essex, east England.

Mar 8, 2023

AceShowbiz - King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla was booed and taunted by anti-monarchy protestors on their latest official visit. The royal, 74, and his 75-year-old wife faced demonstrators waving "Not My King" banners and shouting for the monarch to "come over and talk to your critics" when the couple toured Colchester in Essex, east England, on Tuesday, March 7 to mark its newly-obtained status as a city.

75-year-old conspiracy theorist Piers Corbyn, brother of former Labour party leader Jeremy, 73, who is infamous for spreading conspiracy theories about lockdown measures and the Covid vaccine was among them.

The protest was the latest to target Charles from anti-monarchy group Republic, who have vowed to hold a series of protests ahead of and on Charles' coronation on May 6 at Westminster Abbey, London. Footage showed crowds cheering on Charles and Camilla as they arrived at Colchester's Church of Christ the Cornerstone, with boos also ringing out.

Graham Smith from Republic told Mail Online about how they are intent on spreading their message it is "ok to protest against the royals." He said, "Increasingly people are either losing interest in the royals or turning against them."

"Instead of a pointless, expensive, coronation we need a serious public debate. We believe the British public should be asked, 'Do you want Charles or a choice?' The tide is starting to turn against the monarchy and we need a serious debate about its future."

Charles and Camilla ignored the boos and jeers which continued as they arrived at Colchester library, with one of a mob of protestors shouting at them through a megaphone.

Piers told Mail Online he was there to protest against the "Terra Carta" - a charter of green initiatives devised by Charles when he was Prince of Wales. He said, "He signed this document called the Terra Carta which comes from the World Economic Forum."

"It's green gobbledygook. It negates the independence of every country, particularly Britain I am against all the green nonsense he spouts. I'm here about the political stance he has taken. I am not really a monarchist, no, but that's not the issue here."

"It's against his political stance, his connections with the World Economic Forum and the crazy green agenda coming out of it. He's going along with the World Economic Forum policies which have brought us the injection programmes and all those other things happening now."

"I did meet the Queen when I was student president of Imperial College London a long time ago. She was very well informed and communicative. It was good to talk to her actually, I had to entertain her for tea. But I don't think Prince Charles is communicative."

Charles last month faced a protest from Republic, with demonstrators again waving the group's "Not My King" signs when he visited Milton Keynes - and had eggs hurled at him on a tour of York in December.

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A few days earlier, the former 'The Wendy Williams Show' host was spotted walking outside her New York City apartment with her mouth agape and her eyes opened wide.

Mar 9, 2023

AceShowbiz - Wendy Williams looks healthier than ever. The former daytime TV queen was seen looking fit and comfortable during a shopping spree in Beverly Hills after fans suspected she suffers from thyroid eye disease.

In photos surfacing online, the former "The Wendy Williams Show" host was seen wearing a pink Gucci T-shirt and a pair of Daisy Dukes as she went shopping in California over the weekend. To complete her look, she added black sheer tights under the shorts, white fuzzy boots and pink square-shaped sunglasses.

Wendy had her shoulder-length hair straight and down. For her makeup, she looked stunning with vibrant pink lipstick. She also carried a green purse and walked by cameras before apparently getting into a white vehicle.

Wendy's latest sighting came after she's seen walking outside her New York City apartment. At one point, however, she looked surprised or caught off guard, standing with her mouth agape and her eyes opened wide.

Upon learning of her photos, fans quickly expressed their concern, with many alleging that Wendy is suffering from "thyroid eye disease." One person commented, "Thyroid eye disease. Before even thinking about going back to work she needs to take care of herself, go to an endocrinologist and an ophthalmologist."

Another remarked, "She should get her Thyroid condition in check before she does anything else. It's obviously out of control." Someone else chimed in, "thyroid eye disease possibly." A separate social media user said, "The eye bulging is from Grave's disease. Once it happens, there is no fixing it. Wishing Wendy all the best."

The sighting arrived after it's reported that Wendy was filming a mystery project in NYC. Late last month, Page Six reported that the former radio personality filmed the so-called new project at Fresco by Scotto.

A few days later, Wendy herself revealed her desire to be on "The View", alongside Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar and Seth Meyers, in a bizarre rant. "I'm shopping for kitty litter because I have a wax museum in Paris and one in California," she told a fan while she's at a pet shop last month. "I'm going for a week in Paris and then three weeks in California and then immediately fly back," she continued rambling on, "I want to be on TV, stuff like Seth Meyers, Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, 'The View'. Stuff like that."

Wendy hasn't been on screen since her show "The Wendy Williams Show" was canceled in June last year following months-long absence due to health issues. CBS fired her and replaced her show with Sherri Shepherd's "Sherri".

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In a separate social media update, Emma Heming claps back at haters who accuse her of using her 'The Sixth Sense' actor husband's dementia to get her 'five minutes' of fame.

Mar 9, 2023

AceShowbiz - Demi Moore may have a close relationship with her ex Bruce Willis and his wife Emma Heming, but she knows where to draw the line. The actress isn't moving into her ex-husband's home, despite rumors stating otherwise.

On Wednesday, March 8, Emma set things straight on the reports that claimed Demi has moved into the couple's home to help care for Bruce amid his battle with dementia. Denying the claim, the 44-year-old model called it "dumb."

Taking to her Instagram Story to shut down the reports, Emma shared a screenshot of the headline. She then wrote her response, which read, "Let's nip this one in the bud. This is so dumb. Please stop."

It's Radar Online which first reported that Demi has moved in with Bruce, Emma and the couple's two young daughters. "Demi has moved in, and she is not leaving until the very end," a source told the site, noting that the "Ghost" star also stayed with Bruce's family during the pandemic.

"At first no one outside the family could understand what Demi was doing living with her ex and his new wife, but now it makes sense," explained the so-called insider. "Demi has been a rock for the family and is determined to make sure every day Bruce has left on earth will be filled with love."

A rep for the 60-year-old actress has told the site that she hasn't gone all in on the unusual living arrangement, but another source insisted that she "never left" the house since the pandemic nesting.

In other news, Emma has clapped back at haters who accused her of using her husband's dementia to get famous. "I just saw something about me getting my five minutes, which is great," she said in an Instagram video posted on Tuesday. "Which means that you're listening. So I'm going to take my five minutes, and I'm going to turn it into 10 because I'm always going to advocate for my husband."

She added, "I am going to turn my grief and my anger and my sadness and do something good around something that feels less than. So, watch this space because I didn't come to play." She reiterated her message in the caption as writing, "I've sat around quietly for too long and I'm so ready to be embraced by this solid and loving community my family and I find ourselves in while trying to lift them up in return. Let's go."

Emma previously called out paparazzi after Bruce was seen out in public for the first time since he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD). "So this one is going out to the photographers and video people that are trying to get those exclusives of my husband out and about. Just keep your space," she said in a video following their encounter with her husband.

"I know this is your job, but maybe just keep your space," the Malta-born beauty continued. "Please don't be yelling at my husband, asking how he's doing, whatever. The woo-hooing and the yippee-ki-yay's - just don't do it. Give him the space."

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The 'Power' co-creator weighs in after BET's former CEO reveals in her autobiography that she and the network's founder Bob Johnson had a special relationship while they were married to their respective spouses.

Mar 9, 2023

AceShowbiz - 50 Cent can't help reacting to Debra Lee's admission of an affair with BET's founder Bob Johnson. Apparently also taken aback by the bombshell claim made by the businesswoman, the rapper/actor has let out an NSFW comment.

After hearing the news, the "In da Club" hitmaker first posted on Instagram on Wednesday, March 8, "you would not believe what goes on behind the scenes." He then weighed in on Debra's rise in career, allegedly helped by her affair with Bob.

"Wow Deb must got that WAP,He gave her the whole s**t, here you run it bae ! LOL," so he penned, referencing Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion's hit collab "WAP", which stands for "Wet-A** P***y".

Debra comes clean about her affair with Bob in her upcoming autobiography "I Am Debra Lee". Ahead of the release of the memoir, she stopped by "Good Morning America", where she divulged, "I worked for Bob Johnson for 10 years before we had a personal, romantic relationship. He was a mentor and he pushed me and he's responsible for a lot of my success. We did have a relationship while we were both married. We ended up both divorced and then people knew about the relationship. The company knew."

Debra claimed she was threatened every time she wanted to end the relationship. "The downfall of a relationship like that is if you want to get out of it. And that's a part where it came and I wanted to break up," she shared. "I saw it wasn't a long-term relationship. And my job and my career was held over my head. It was like, 'Well, if you want to break up with me, then you can leave tomorrow.' And that was 20 years into my career at BET, so I would have lost everything."

The 68-year-old said she opened up about this relationship because she wanted to enlighten other women who are in the same situation. "That's very much sexual harassment, but it's a different kind of sexual harassment," she noted. "I wanted young women to know that if you're in a relationship that's uneven in terms of the power structure, that it can turn abusive."

Debra said she was glad when Bob left BET for good in 2005 because the constant fear of losing her job was gone. She became Chairman and CEO of the network from 2005 and remained there until 2018.

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The Migos star is said to be in a 'pretty serious' relationship with the beautiful Miami social media influencer and may even go public with their romance soon.

Mar 10, 2023

AceShowbiz - Quavo is reportedly off the market. Nearly two years after calling it quits with fellow hip-hop star Saweetie, the rapper is now said to be in a relationship with beautiful model Erica Fontaine.

The Migos star has apparently been dating the Instagram influencer quietly for some time now. According to Media Take Out, their relationship is "pretty serious" now and the pair may be going public with their romance in the near future.

Not much is known about Quavo's relationship with Erica, but fans curious about the rapper's new boo can find out more about the gorgeous model by visiting her social media account. The influencer, who described herself as a West Virginia University Gymnastics alum in her bio, has been documenting her healthy and fun lifestyle on Instagram.

Erica has often posted workout photos and videos. She also flaunted her toned abs and bikini body in some snaps. Back in July 2022, she showed off her curves in a figure-hugging dress when celebrating her 24th birthday.

Quavo was last in a public relationship with Saweetie, whom he dated from September 2018 until their breakup in March 2021. Following their split, footage of their elevator fight surfaced online, but the raptress claimed that the physical altercation happened in 2020 and wasn't the reason for their split.

In September 2022, Saweetie dodged a question if there was infidelity involved in their relationship. "Did Quavo ever cheat on you?" Yung Miami asked in an episode of "Caresha Please". Without giving a direct answer, the "Best Friend" star made a face while responding, "I think the past is the past and I've moved on since then."

Yung Miami then asked Saweetie if she thought her relationship with Quavo was "toxic." Keeping it respectful despite their split, the "Icy Girl" raptress responded, "I think we had a lot of growing pains together."

"I thought we was gon spend the rest of our lives together," Saweetie then admitted. She added, "With him, I knew it was the one. It was different." When pressed further what caused their split, she deliberately answered, "Just differences."

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The Duchess of Sussex is reportedly delighted as she receives a special surprise from her royal husband to celebrate International Women's Day recently.

Mar 10, 2023

AceShowbiz - Prince Harry has given Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex cupcakes on International Women's Day. The 38-year-old royal - who has been married to the former "Suits" actress since 2018 and now lives in LA with her - has allegedly surprised his wife on the annual feminist holiday on Thursday, March 8 with a dozen vegan desserts as she celebrated with her girlfriends from her Archewell foundation over lunch in West Hollywood.

"She seemed really happy and was laughing a lot. I still can't believe it was her. She's even prettier in real life! [I heard her say] 'This is from my husband. He was asking for everyone!' " a source told PEOPLE.

On the day, Harry - who has children Prince Archie, three, and 21-month old Princess Lili with Meghan - was speaking at at BetterUp's Uplift summit in San Francisco where he paid tribute to the "strong, confident" women in his life.

He said, "For me, personally, I get so much out of helping other people. To be in the service of others is what drives me, what gets me out of bed every day. Then you have kids. Kids ground you. The longer you've been around, the more filters you have in life."

"I've been lucky enough to be surrounded by strong, empowered, confident women all my life. I wish that more women would have higher leadership roles. Less testosterone in the room - which I think would be a good thing."

What's more, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex wished all their followers a Happy International Women's Day with a message on their website as they urged them to "celebrate" women everywhere. The message read, "Happy International Women's day to all of you! Whether donating your time, funds or helping a woman in your community, let's all celebrate the women in our lives today and every day."

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Although women are proving their capabilities in every field, the tech industry is one area where the gender gap is a significant one. According to a report by Dublin-based niche recruitment company, Next Generation, in leading tech companies the general makeup of staff across all roles show an overwhelming male majority. Amazon has 63% of male participation, with only 37% of women participation. Apple, Google and Twitter showed 70% of male employees and just 30% of women employees. Social media applications like Facebook and Instagram represented 69% male, while women representation stood at 31%.

In Part 2 of this report, Adgully will explore why there arent more women in the tech industry, the possible reasons behind this, as well as the required skill upgradation in this field.

Also read:

Part 1: The changing face of women leadership in Digital and tech industry

Speaking about the challenges, Deepa Krishnan, Director- Marketing,Category, Loyalty and Digital, Tata Starbucks, said, Considering that women are the primary caregivers in our society, they face multiple challenges such as taking care of work and home simultaneously and multi-tasking to a greater degree to achieve personal and professional goals.

She added, We at Tata Starbucks try to ensure that our partners (employees) never have to choose between work and home. Since 38% of our workforce at Starbucks is women, including women in leadership roles, we have tried to create a balanced environment where everyone feels comfortable and welcomed. Our programs offer flexible employment options, including a 5-day work schedule, access to Womens Impact Network, extended maternity and sabbatical leave, as well as mentoring and accelerated development programs for key talent. Our All Women stores  a global first initiative  act as a medium to challenge the myths and stereotypes around womens capabilities in leading cafe/ restaurants.

Krishnan further said, We see technology as a great leveller, it offers women flexibility and access. Theres a rising number of women in technology and innovation working at the forefront, driving change and creating solutions for a more equal world.

Giving her perspective on the gender gap in the tech industry, Tarunjeet Rattan, Managing Partner, Nucleus PR, explained, Google images for Men in Tech and Women in Tech and you will find real names from the industry on the first picture in the first search compared to the second or fifth or sixth line for the latter. While populating the web with dummy images is fine, in todays tech savvy world, where are the real women in tech that others entering in the field can seek inspiration from and know that there is so much they can do to and reach the absolute top without letting their own biases get to them? There is so much to be done. And it will be a collective effort. A lot of the uncredited work done by women is available now for people to read, but a corrigendum only got you so much. Today, women struggle with fewer opportunities along with societal biases that the lack of role models plays into diminishing their numbers further as they move up the ladder.

Speaking on the root cause behind this gender gap, Anita Devraj Mookherjee, Head of Brand, Turno, noted, The prejudice begins at an early age  more often than not, it is the family that prevents girls from pursuing STEM careers. As an active career counsellor for high schoolers, I see a lot of girls interested in Technology and Engineering, but are actively being coaxed by their families to take up a more manageable career. Cultural biases like girls should pursue humanities or creative & liberal arts are prevalent even today. Careers in technology are perceived to be tough. And who do these girls have to look up to as role models? The systemic bias that exists in the workplace today also discourages women from applying for positions that are considered not for them.

Whereas Meenakshi Cornelius - CHRO, JLL India believes, "There is an ideal woman image One for All  a hard working professional, a nurturing mother, a caring daughter and daughter-in-law and a supporting wife. One of many restraints I have understood is family responsibilities like getting married, motherhood or about caring for parents and for older children. Been in a care giver role has overwhelmed them without much support and with very few women role models who have done things differently they lack the motivation. Another pressing cause is the Gender equality, 38% of women leave the technology industry within two years in the technology industry, while the momentum may be due to various reasons like compensation, career growth and other organizational policies, etc., most women are seen leaving the industry due to lack of growth in the leadership roles. Other reasons that count in are unconscious bias in hiring, lack of equity in opportunities available to women, fewer assignments to higher visibility projects, not enough skill development and resources and support available to women in tech industry."

According to Zaiba Sarang, Co-founder, iThink Logistics, one of the reasons is a lack of role models for females to look up to in the field of technology, as women are under-represented in this field, making it difficult for women to see a clear career path in this industry. As much as we dislike to admit it, there are still gender stereotypes and biases that we see, as a result of which women are discouraged from pursuing careers in technology, and we can see biased hiring or promotion decisions. It also creates a hostile work environment for women, making it difficult for them to succeed, she added.

Unnati Gajjar, Head of Marketing, Hanu (an Insight Company) also believed that the lack of representation of women in innovation and technology results in a gender gap in this field. She also highlighted certain other issues:

Access to the right kind of job: India tops the world in producing female graduates in STEM. While more Indian women are graduating, there are few who join the workforce. According to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy Pvt, only 9% of the eligible population is employed or looking for a job. About 21 million exited the labour force entirely, particularly women because of not being able to find the right kind of job. This certainly is a problem to be dealt with on multiple layers  creation of white-collar jobs, outreach to missed out workforce and more importantly creation of platforms for equal accessibility. Many tech companies like us run university outreach programs connecting with the graduates directly. We also associate with platforms like Generation.org that brings about equal access to employability for people from different walks of life.

India tops the world in producing female graduates in STEM. While more Indian women are graduating, there are few who join the workforce. According to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy Pvt, only 9% of the eligible population is employed or looking for a job. About 21 million exited the labour force entirely, particularly women because of not being able to find the right kind of job. This certainly is a problem to be dealt with on multiple layers  creation of white-collar jobs, outreach to missed out workforce and more importantly creation of platforms for equal accessibility. Many tech companies like us run university outreach programs connecting with the graduates directly. We also associate with platforms like Generation.org that brings about equal access to employability for people from different walks of life. Lack of growth: Traditionally, a womans career is viewed as short-lived while compared to their male counterparts. Hence, a lot of roles have inherent biases against promoting women leadership in them. Such roadblocks to growth have been common but now fading. Companies are making a conscious effort to build out career paths with equal access and representation. There are training and mentorship programs to guide women to grow further in their career. At Hanu we have special upskilling programs for women who want to restart their career or are returning to work from a break.

Traditionally, a womans career is viewed as short-lived while compared to their male counterparts. Hence, a lot of roles have inherent biases against promoting women leadership in them. Such roadblocks to growth have been common but now fading. Companies are making a conscious effort to build out career paths with equal access and representation. There are training and mentorship programs to guide women to grow further in their career. At Hanu we have special upskilling programs for women who want to restart their career or are returning to work from a break. Cultural aspects: Many traditional industries still have corporate workplaces that perceive women restricted to certain roles only. There are only a handful of industries that have been able to achieve an unbiased view towards women. We must address these pervasive prejudices and barriers to achieve gender equality in all the domains.

Apart from these, there still remain deep-rooted problems of not having pay parity, work-life balance and desired career advancements that discourage women from working.

Changing the gender mix in the technology industry, especially in leadership positions, requires a cultural shift that begins with recognising the value of having women in leadership roles, pointed out Mansi Jain VP and GM, Roposo. He further said, A diverse range of perspectives and ideas benefit products and platforms, making it important to provide equal opportunities for women. Hard skill upgrades are not the solution; instead, a change in mindset and culture is required. Women dont find enough representation of women leaders in the field of technology, which creates a void of mentors and role models and perpetuates the bias that it is a male-dominated field. To address this, InMobi has launched a Women in Tech community that fosters a culture of mentorship and growth to encourage women to become future tech leaders in the company.

Given the current situation, it is essential for not just women, but everyone to acquire skills that are in demand in the tech industry. This includes skills related to data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity. Women also need to develop skills in leadership, communication, and teamwork, which are critical for success in any field.

Richa Telang, Founder and CEO, TrueBlue Advisory, listed some steps that can be taken to address the issue of lower representation of women in the tech industry:

Identify skill gaps: The first step is to identify the skills that are required to work with AI effectively. Companies should assess the skills of their employees and identify gaps in their knowledge and expertise.

The first step is to identify the skills that are required to work with AI effectively. Companies should assess the skills of their employees and identify gaps in their knowledge and expertise. Provide training: Companies can provide training programs to help employees acquire the necessary skills. These training programs can be in the form of online courses, workshops, or classroom training sessions.

Companies can provide training programs to help employees acquire the necessary skills. These training programs can be in the form of online courses, workshops, or classroom training sessions. Encourage continuous learning: Continuous learning is essential to keep pace with the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Companies should encourage employees to engage in self-directed learning and provide resources such as books, blogs, and podcasts to support their learning journey.

Continuous learning is essential to keep pace with the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Companies should encourage employees to engage in self-directed learning and provide resources such as books, blogs, and podcasts to support their learning journey. Foster a culture of innovation: Companies should foster a culture of innovation that encourages experimentation and risk-taking. This can help employees develop a growth mindset and become more adaptable to changes in the industry.

Companies should foster a culture of innovation that encourages experimentation and risk-taking. This can help employees develop a growth mindset and become more adaptable to changes in the industry. Provide opportunities for hands-on experience: Providing opportunities for employees to work on real-world AI projects can be an effective way to upskill them. This can help employees gain practical experience and build their confidence in working with AI.

Siddhyesh Narkar of Wondrlab mentioned five points that will help to gear up women participation in the tech industry:

Digital skills: With the pandemic accelerating the shift to remote work and digital transformation, it is increasingly important for technology professionals to have strong digital skills. This includes proficiency in virtual collaboration tools, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.

With the pandemic accelerating the shift to remote work and digital transformation, it is increasingly important for technology professionals to have strong digital skills. This includes proficiency in virtual collaboration tools, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. Data analysis: The growth of big data and the emergence of artificial intelligence and machine learning have made data analysis skills increasingly important in the technology field. Professionals who can analyze and make sense of large datasets are in high demand.

The growth of big data and the emergence of artificial intelligence and machine learning have made data analysis skills increasingly important in the technology field. Professionals who can analyze and make sense of large datasets are in high demand. Soft skills: With the rise of remote work and virtual collaboration, soft skills such as communication, collaboration, and adaptability have become increasingly important. Technology professionals who can work effectively in virtual teams and communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders are highly valued.

With the rise of remote work and virtual collaboration, soft skills such as communication, collaboration, and adaptability have become increasingly important. Technology professionals who can work effectively in virtual teams and communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders are highly valued. Industry-specific knowledge: As technology continues to be integrated into a wide range of industries, professionals with specialized knowledge in areas such as healthcare, finance, and education are in high demand.

As technology continues to be integrated into a wide range of industries, professionals with specialized knowledge in areas such as healthcare, finance, and education are in high demand. Creativity and innovation: With the pace of technological change accelerating, technology professionals who can think creatively and innovate are increasingly valuable. This includes the ability to identify and solve complex problems, as well as to develop new technologies and applications.

Turnos Mookherjee noted, Initiatives in schools and universities to boost a girls enthusiasm for STEM should be encouraged. Companies need to have a focused retention strategy for women in the workforce for them to get to higher managerial positions. They should aim to give women the flexibility they require through the critical years of their lives  childcare and elderly care years. Having said that, women themselves need to be inspired and stay focused. We need to remember that we are a dominant force, and our voice matters. We need to be the change we want to see  we should raise our hands, vie for those hot jobs, and demand our seat at the table. It is important for us not to be too hard on ourselves and accept that we cannot excel in everything we do and every role that we play.

Rosanne Rodricks, Senior Vice President, Lintas Live, MullenLowe Lintas Group from the PR industry believes, The tech and digital industry is going through an extremely exciting phase. A lot of mar-tech today is about building innovations and experiences without any link to ROI/ driving business. The more tech is able to tie into business results, the more sustainable and secure it will become as an industry and a career choice. With many companies today making it a DEI goal to have more women in tech, I hope to see a lot more women join the industry in the coming years. I believe that tech/digital companies that fastrack making their workforce gender equal will have a massive growth advantage over those that continue to be male dominated.
Effie Asia Pacific is delighted to name Connie Chan, CEO of OMD China and Shubhranshu Singh, VP and CMO of Tata Motors CVBU as Heads of Jury for the APAC Effie Awards 2023. Both experienced judges at the APAC Effies, they return as Heads of Jury to lead the judges in awarding the most effective marketing efforts in the region.



Connie leads a team of more than 300 OMDers across three offices in China (Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai) with a focus on developing strong client partnerships, driving growth and creativity, and inspiring teams. With almost three decades of experience and her sharp business acumen, she has steered OMD China towards growth. Connie is currently the leader for the Omniwomen Chapter in China, where Omniwomen serves as a catalyst for increasing the influence and number of women leaders throughout the Omnicom Group network.



Throughout her career, Connie has proven to be a passionate leader, having established a reputation for strategic leadership that drives positive change and encourages growth. She has developed mentoring programmes within the workplace, as well as mentored start-ups in accelerator programmes and university undergraduates.



No stranger to the APAC Effies, Connie was named Chairman at the inaugural APAC Effie Awards in 2014, and has continued to be on the jury ever since.



On her appointment, she commented, It is always a pleasure to be part of the APAC Effie Awards and this year, I am excited to serve as a Head of Jury. What I love about the Effies is that it is always more than just the amazing work done but how it is grounded in strategy and how effectiveness is achieved across brands and categories. There will no doubt be a lot of outstanding submissions this year, but Ill be looking out for those with great innovation and a clear line of thinking. I am looking forward to seeing marketing effectiveness clearly and appropriately defined for each submission as campaigns are multi-faceted and multi-layered.



Shubhranshu has global brand and category building experience on some of the most admired brands in the world. He has built a celebrated career spanning more than two decades having held leadership positions in global corporations such as Unilever, Visa, Diageo, Star 21st Century FOX, and Royal Enfield. Having been instrumental in encouraging path-breaking work, creating successful IPs, and inspiring large teams to go beyond, Shubhranshu also has international and wide-ranging exposure to brand management, demand creation and customer experience management across diverse categories.



Besides serving as a Head of Jury at the APAC Effie Awards in 2021, he also judged the Global Iridium Effies. He is a prolific writer and a columnist for several publications, particularly on brand design, consumer sociology, technology, and trends. Needless to say, he is as excited about building brands today as he was when he first stepped out of business school.



On his appointment, he said, I am delighted to, once again, be appointed as one of the Heads of Jury for the Asia Pacific Effie Awards. I thank the Effie organisation for this honour. In the past I have had rich learning experiences from the numerous cases and the jury deliberations. The Effie Awards are decided through the most thorough, objective, and transparent process possible. I look forward to it.



As one of the industrys most prestigious awards for marketing effectiveness, the APAC Effies continue to uphold its rigorous standards by celebrating only the most effective marketing efforts within Asia Pacific.



The third group of jurors were also announced this week, the current line-up can be seen at www.apaceffie.com/competition/2023-jury. The remaining Heads of jury and jurors will be revealed soon.
Roku, Inc. announced that Dan Jedda will join the company as Chief Financial Officer, effective May 1. He will report to Anthony Wood, Founder and CEO. Jedda will succeed current CFO Steve Louden, who announced he was leaving Roku last year. Louden will work closely with Jedda to ensure a smooth transition when he departs the company in August.

Since 2020, Jedda has been the Chief Financial Officer at Stitch Fix. He oversees global corporate finance, investor relations, financial planning and reporting, accounting, tax, treasury, and internal audit. Prior to Stitch Fix, Jedda worked at Amazon for 15 years, predominantly as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Digital Video (including Amazon Studios), Digital Music, and the Advertising and Corporate Development organizations. He also oversaw the Digital Video and Advertising Economist and Analytics team.

As our U.S. active accounts approach half of U.S. broadband households, we are thrilled to have Dan join our executive team, said Wood. As we recently shared, we are committed to a path that delivers positive adjusted EBITDA next year, and Roku will benefit from Dans relevant experience and proven leadership as we move through our next stage of growth.

I am excited to join one of the most interesting, innovative, and successful companies in the industry at a pivotal time, said Jedda. I look forward to working with Anthony and team to help continue driving growth, building Rokus position as the #1 TV streaming platform in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and focusing on profitability.

Before his stint at Amazon, Jedda served as a Controller for Toshiba America. He also spent several years at Honeywell and ADC Telecommunications in various business finance roles, including treasury and internal audit. He received a B.A. in accounting and finance from the University of St. Thomas and an MBA from the University of Minnesota.
On Monday, March 6, the Delhi High Court ordered the appropriate authorities to file a first information report (FIR) against the creators of the web series College Romance, which is currently available to stream on the OTT platform TVF.

In the lawsuit against the online series creators, a single-judge panel presided over by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma affirmed the prior ruling. The Delhi police were instructed to file a police report (FIR) against director Simarpreet Singh and performer Apoorva Arora by an additional chief metropolitan magistrate (ACMM).

A common man would "come to the conclusion that the language employed in the online series is vile and obscene which can damage and corrupt susceptible minds, the court claimed in his ruling.

Hence, on the basis of this conclusion, it can be concluded that the web series content will unquestionably be considered unlawful under Section 67 of the Information Technology Act (publishing or conveying any material that is lascivious in electronic form), according to Justice Sharma. She further clarified that the order to file a FIR does not grant power to detain either the petitioner or the accused.

In accordance with certain sections of the Indian Criminal Code (IPC) and Sections 67 and 67A (penalty for publishing or transmitting content containing sexually explicit conduct) of the IT Act, the ACMM directed the Delhi police to file a FIR against the creators of the web series in September 2019. The ACMMs order was changed by an extra sessions judge in November 2020, who stated that the FIR should only be filed in accordance with Section 67A of the IT Act. The most recent decision, made on Monday, March 6, affirmed the ACMMs directive from September 2019.

The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021commonly known as the IT Ruleswere also brought to the attention of the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, urging it to take stricter action against the creators of web series, platform (TVF), and YouTube.

The complainant in the case claimed that the shows Season 1 Episode 5 contained vulgar and filthy language and that it depicted women and girls in a indecent manner.

The male protagonist "uses words describing male and female genitalia and sexual conduct, thereby by words conjuring pictures of a sexually explicit deed, bringing it under the purview of generating prurient feelings by acting, the court further concluded.

The court ruled that the bug of obscene and foul language of Bagga cannot be permitted to poison the language of people, along with the shows male protagonist who goes by the name Bagga.

The petitioners' claims that the shows language or behaviour did not inspire lustful thoughts were rejected by the judge. The court stated that it is necessary to treat seriously the use of vulgar language and bad terms in the public domain and in social media platforms accessible to young children.

Media sites cannot be allowed to legitimise objectionable language, including profanity and vulgar terms, in the garb of change of language with the passage of time, the court said. Nonetheless, the judge stated that the language employed in the series does not satisfy the test of public decency despite acknowledging that courts cannot morally regulate. According to the decision, the majority of Indians prefer to speak and hear civil language.
Dentsu Asia Pacific has announced the appointment of Harsha Razdan as CEO, South Asia, dentsu, effective 1 May 2023. He will be responsible for leading nearly 4,000 talented people across South Asia, uniting teams around dentsus vision to be at the forefront of people-centered transformations that shape society. He will work with leaders to bring this long-term vision to life while building upon dentsus strong reputation of creativity and innovation and delivering excellence for clients.

India has been through the most profound and impressive digital transformation and the future of the digital economy is bright; with new opportunities being generated by the advent of 5G, proliferation of affordable devices, and the development of a new economy accessible to all, said Rob Gilby, CEO APAC, dentsu. Harsha is an exceptional leader with a deep strategic understanding of the competitive landscape. His background in brand building, overlayed with deep knowledge of tech-driven transformation brings formidable cross-capability expertise and will drive growth opportunities in creating a new value ecosystem for clients with consumers at the centre.

Commenting on his appointment, Harsha Razdan said, It is a very exciting time to be leading an agency network in India, especially with the significant progress we are seeing in the digital development of our market and what that means for brands. India is leap-frogging other markets in its adoption and development of new technologies, and its critical that agencies are capitalising on new opportunities for brands to speak to new consumers. I cant wait to get started.

Razdan has over 25 years of experience, having worked across large, global FMCG organisations PepsiCo and Unilever, and consulting practices, including Accenture, where he spent four years in the UK. In all his roles he has consistently delivered growth and excellence for his clients. He joins dentsu from KPMG, where he is a Senior Partner, responsible for overseeing both Clients & Markets and Consumer Markets, Life Sciences & Internet Business. He also sits on the Advisory Leadership team as well as the Global Consumer & Retail leadership team.

Razdan will be based in Mumbai and will report to Rob Gilby, CEO APAC, dentsu.
This Women's Day, Housing.com is taking its commitment to promote women's empowerment to the next level with its latest ad film 'Apna Ghar'. The new Ad Film aims at transforming the perspective of society which uses terms like apne ghar main karna with women. Apna Ghar translates to your own home, though for most Indian women the term is used to refer to a marital home when they are unmarried and their parents home (for married women), leaving them confused as to which house is theirs.





This Womens Day Housing.com decided to explore this avidly used term and its impact on women, leaving them confused about their own place in the world, but in the unique Housing style.



Purchasing a house is one of the most significant decisions a family can make. In the past few years, there has been a paradigm shift in India's home purchase habits. The decision-making process for buying a home has changed significantly, with women playing a major role in the whole process. Today, more women are taking the lead, vis-a-vis the financial load of buying a new home and maintaining the same.



Housing.com has always been promoting the increasing role of women in the home buying or renting journey through their campaigns. Housing.coms TV spot, #GharDhoondnaKoiInseSeekhe was launched in 2019 starring the actors  Kiara Advani and Vicky Kaushal effectively communicating a wifes role during their search for a home sweet home.
Spice Money (subsidiary of DigiSpice Technologies), Indias leading rural fintech that is revolutionizing the way Bharat banks, announced its special womens day campaign Waqt Hai Barabari Ka on the occasion of International Women's Day. With this campaign the companys vision is to become the most preferred platform for women merchants and customers. Spice Money is taking a number of initiatives to achieve this vision, including sensitizing male Adhikaris on the importance of catering to women customers in their localities , and offering instant loan & free IIBF BC/BF certification training to existing and upcoming women Adhikaris.



As a part of this campaign, Spice Money will also be launching two special initiatives for its existing 32,000+ women Adhikaris and prospective future Adhikaris. The first initiative is an instant loan facility (through a partner) that will provide financial support to women Adhikaris who are looking to expand their business or invest in their personal growth. The second initiative is a free IIBF BC/BF certification training, which is a critical necessary training for all banking correspondents, which will empower women Adhikaris with the necessary skills and knowledge to become even more successful. To kick off the campaign, Spice Money has released a video which depicts how Geeta, Pooja, Vineeta, Sujata, and countless other females manage the finances of their households, businesses, etc. in Bharat. From bill payments, money transfers, cash withdrawals to ticket booking alot of activities are carried out by the women of India. This portrays how society has evolved and women are now being encouraged to manage finances, instead of just carrying out household work.

Spice Money's commitment to empowering women merchants and its customers is aligned with the company's larger mission, of promoting social equality and driving financial inclusion to the last mile. The company is confident that its efforts will help it become the most preferred platform for women entrepreneurs and customers. Along with this, the company is also encouraging its male Adhikaris to involve their wives or other female family members, to form a connection with their female customers in their localities. This creates a bond and ease for women to transact eliminating any reluctance, which in turn encourages them to transact.

Sanjeev Kumar, Co-Founder, Executive Director & CEO, said, At Spice Money, we have always believed in empowering women entrepreneurs and customers. Our commitment to this cause is reflected in our initiatives and we aim to further strengthen it with the launch of Waqt Hai Barabari Ka campaign. We are confident that our efforts will position Spice Money as the most preferred platform for women entrepreneurs and customers in rural India. We are committed to promoting social equality and driving financial inclusion to the last mile, and we believe that empowering women is an essential step towards achieving these goals
Authored by Varun Sheth, Co Founder and CEO Ketto Org

When we founded Ketto in December 2012, it was the first donation-based peer-to-peer crowdfunding platform in India. But in the decade that has since passed, Ketto has evolved to become much more than just an online space for fundraisers.

Our purpose is reflected in our name- standing for key to tomorrow, Kettos overarching mission was always to create a better future. We started out with a simple goal- to give people hope and the means to achieve their dreams. Over the years, we saw a number of different fundraisers on our platform, with each campaign leaving us more inspired than the last. Weve seen the magic that happens when communities rally together to support a cause, and I consider myself immensely grateful to be able to say that true to its vision, Ketto has grown to become a network that saves and empowers hundreds of lives every day.

The last few years have seen our company go from strength to strength. We currently employ more than 300 individuals who share a common passion for making a difference, and together with more than 5.5 million donors across 25 countries, weve raised over Rs 11 billion since our inception.

But these numbers alone dont signify our success. In addition to the fundraisers created on the website, were working round the clock to help those who dont have access to or exposure to important resources. In todays world, were surrounded by cries for help.

With multiple projects and partnerships underway, were constantly pushing to forge a viable path to a better future across the board. Weve partnered with numerous NGOs, organisations like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Save the Children, World Vision India, and countless hospitals to raise funds for those in need. Harnessing the power of technology and the internet, our aim is to make it easy to affect large-scale social change.

At Ketto, our team shows up every day to help feed the hungry, educate the uneducated, empower the oppressed, and save lives. Our goal is to make sure no voice goes unheard.

Kettos social impact plans seek to uplift and bolster the lives of thousands across our nation. Together with our community of donors, weve managed to empower XXX women, educate XXX children, feed XXX underprivileged children, rehabilitate and treat XXX animals and save XXX lives.

The impact weve had has been truly inspiring, and only pushes us to do more. Our dynamic and tireless workforce is committed to bringing about change that will make a difference now and in the future. Our vision has remained unwavering, while still allowing us to dream bigger. More than just a crowdfunding platform, Ketto is now on the front lines, striving to create real, effective change that will last for generations.

The smallest actions can have life-changing effects. The faith of our donors is testament to this.

Weve come a long way from where we started in 2012, and weve managed to build a solid community in the process. From doctors to social workers, donors and more- Ketto is lucky to have had the support of a commendable group of people over the years. The road to success is lined with challenges, but the unshakeable spirit of our supporters has made it all the better.

The changes weve made and the lives weve touched have left us invigorated to see where this journey takes us- and hopeful of the breakthroughs we are yet to make. We at Ketto are eagerly looking forward to the future, and are excited about the endless possibilities as we make our way toward a better tomorrow.
Foodtech company Swiggy has courted controversy with its Holi ad for its convenience grocery service, Instamart. Netizens took to social media to slam Swiggy with #HinduPhobicSwiggy. Swiggy Instamart had put out billboard ads that asked people not to pelt eggs at each other in the name of Holi and instead make a meal out of the food item.

The Swiggy instamart outdoor ad featured the photo of a couple of eggs and read: Omelette with a checked box next to it. The ad continued with Sunny side-up with another checked boxed next to it. Then it added Kisi ke sarr par, here the boxed had a red cross mark. #BuraMatKhelo. Get Holi essentials on Instamart, the ad concluded.

This didnt go down well with netizens who asked the foodtech company not to tell them how to celebrate the festival of Holi.

A Twitter user pointed out that Swiggy didnt tell Muslims how to celebrate Eid or Christmas how to celebrate Christmas. Keep your Hinduphobia out of our festivals and let us celebrate Holi the way we want, netizens emphasised.

Now, an ad by Bharat Matrimony, which highlighted the harassment that women face in the name of playing Holi, has also been slammed by a section of the netizens as being Hindu phobic. Incidentally, Holi this year coincided with the International Womens Day, and Bharat Matrimony took the occasion to give out this powerful message.

One would recall that jewellery brand Tanishq, too, had faced netizenss ire a few years ago when it featured women celebs asking people not to burst crackers during Diwali.

Surf Excels Holi ad from a few years back also was slammed by netizens for being Hindu Phobic and even promoting love jihad.
Into its 4th year now, WOMEN DISRUPTORS, brought by Adgully, has become an industry standard in recognising and celebrating the outstanding achievements of women leaders of India from across sectors, who are bringing about a positive and definitive change not just in their organisations, but the industry and society as well.

Over the years, women leaders have proved more than their mettle on their capabilities, crisis handling expertise, leading forward businesses as well as turning obstacles into growth opportunities.

Women Disruptors 2023 comes at an interesting inflexion point when digital and technology are making even deeper inroads than before in all spheres of business as well as our lives.

In order to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable economic growth, women must be actively involved in economic development. Women contribute significantly to the economy through entrepreneurship, employment, and unpaid care work. Broadly, the media has an important role to play in promoting women's economic empowerment and gender equality. A more inclusive and equitable society can be created by highlighting womens contributions to the economy and promoting policies and initiatives that support them. With the growth and development in all the sectors, Adgully hosted a panel discussion during the 4th edition of Women Disruptors on the topic Women and Rising Participation in Economic Development and the Role of Media. The session was chaired by Dipika Singh, Learning Facilitator and Motivational Speaker. The esteemed panellists included:

Kavita Thakur, Vice President - Media, South Asia, Insights Division, Kantar

Krishnarao Buddha, Senior Category Head, Parle

Mithila Saraf, Chief Executive Officer, Famous Innovations

Shalu Zala, Head Brand & Marcom - Enterprise Vodafone Idea Limited

Sonal Shah, National Head - Sales, Zee

Dipika Singh commenced the session by stating that she had both good news and bad news to convey. Dispensing with the bad news first, Singh said, The bad news is that womens participation in the economic workforce has been falling  last year, it was 18%. At the same time, the good news is that the data doesnt take into count the informal workforce. Recently, I heard a very heartening podcast, where this gentleman shared that women in Tier 2 and 3 cities are learning how to apply make-up via YouTube or leverage digital platforms. They are actually offering make-up services for small weddings as well, she pointed out.

Singh noted that a lot of this has been driven by digital creators, but asked the panellists whether organised media saw an opportunity here. Responding to this question, Mithila Saraf said, When it comes to organised media, fundamentally what we all do is storytelling. That is core to changing the narrative in the long term in any economy. What we in organised media narrate while creating more inspiring female role models, goes a long way. Unfortunately, in terms of mainstream television, we are far behind.

She further noted, Today, we know that organised media tends to follow where advertisers money is going. Fintech and e-commerce are two categories that more focused on the Tier 2 and 3 markets.

Speaking about the depiction of gender roles in media, Shalu Zala said, Children often internalise these stereotypical gender roles that they pick up from movies, series, songs, and books that they read. We see that TV often emphasises a lot on being strong, but when it comes to women, its more like being attractive or desirable. Of course, we have been seeing a shift in trends, and a lot of it is from the OTT platforms. We need more realistic characters, we dont want 100% perfect role models but someone with whom we can relate to. I think we should stop trying to create a hero out of every character.

Right from beginning with Zee, we came up with very individualistic characters in terms of protagonists like Tara, Astitva Ek Prem Kahani, and currently as well, if you see the fiction shows, each of them reaches out to the Tier 1 and 2 markets where a woman is portrayed not just as a homemaker, but someone who has different nuances of life and is a reflection of the current woman, Sonal Shah added here.

Giving a marketers perspective, Krishnarao Buddha said, As far as consumption among women is concerned, generally women have been the key influencer across categories. An evolution has occurred within the decade in terms of using technology. Several other initiatives like Zero Balance Accounts, Opening General Yojana, etc., have actually propelled the usage of UPI to smaller towns as well. A clear indication of that is the rapid spread of e-commerce in these towns. Portals like Nykaa and Myntra know that they have significant sections of purchases coming from women. Beside e-commerce, there are a lot many brands targeting women because they see greater opportunities there.

Here, Kavita Thakur turned the spotlight on the issue of womens safety and said, Safety is a prime concern not just in small towns, but in metro cities as well. We are considering womens safety as one of the most important deliverables from an HR perspective. If you work till late, you have a cab, but have we done the last mile connectivity check? Do organisations have clear cut policies about safely dropping off their women workforce home after work?

These are edited excerpts. For the complete discussion, watch below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmcGxJ_AtSo
For forty-five years (1964 to 2009), the United States experienced significant progress in race relations. Thanks to the efforts of individual citizens in their communities throughout all regions of the country, this nation was well on its way to racial healing. In 2008 only 18% of Americans were greatly concerned or worried about the state of race relations in the country as nearly 70% thought that relations between Whites and Blacks were very or somewhat good.

In 2009, the most divisive and societally destructive president in American history, Barack Obama, came into office determined to reverse this trend by manipulating the Black citizenry into abandoning racial harmony by utilizing malicious demonization of the White population. He succeeded in fanning the dying embers of racism into a potential national conflagration.

Thanks to Obama and the medias incessant drumbeat that so-called white supremacy is a major threat to minorities, in particular Blacks, a Washington Post poll in May of 2022 revealed that three quarters of Blacks are worried that they or someone they love will be attacked by a white person -- while the reality is that Blacks perpetrate the vast majority of interracial crime. And nearly as many, 70 percent, believe that half or more of all White people hold white supremacist beliefs.

A Rasmussen poll taken in February of 2023, exposed the inevitable and disturbing reality that only 54% of Blacks think its ok to be White. Race based hatred and discrimination now appears to pervade the bulk of the Black population. This same mindset is also pervasive within far too many of the nations private and government institutions.

Scott Adams, the creator of the Dilbert comic strip, commented on the above poll: If nearly half of Black people are not ok with White peoplethats a hate group. I dont want to have anything to do with them. And I would say based on the current way things are going, the best advice I would give to White people is to get the hell away from Black people. Those comments elicited fierce accusations of racism and unbridled outrage culminating in the cancellation of the Dilbert comic strip in hundreds of newspapers. In a subsequent tweet, Adams said he was making two points: to treat everyone as an individual and to avoid any group that doesnt respect you.

One cannot take issue with Scott Adams as he is pointing out the obvious: race relations have so deteriorated that animosity between the races is on the cusp of degenerating into near irreversible alienation. An outcome that would have been unthinkable to the White and Black activists who sacrificed their lives in the 1960s Civil Rights Movement.

On July 4,1963, as part of a predominantly white crowd of demonstrators intent on desegregating Gwynn Oak Amusement Park outside of Baltimore, I briefly met Michael Schwerner. In August of that summer, unbeknownst to me until many years later, we were both in attendance at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Ten months later he was brutally murdered by the Ku Klux Klan in Mississippi along with Andrew Goodman and James Cheney.

Both Schwerner and Goodman were white and among a considerable number of white citizens who gave their lives in order to permanently stamp out institutionalized discrimination and outright segregation. Untold thousands of others joined in protests, demonstrations and voter drives, oftentimes at great financial and personal cost.

In 1960, nearly 89% of the American population was White. The involvement of a significant percentage of the White population was critical to the success of the Civil Rights Movement. Further, the goal of eliminating all vestiges of institutionalized racism would not have been achieved without the acquiescence of the vast majority of the White population.

The desegregation of Knoxville, Tennessee, for example, was accomplished quickly and without vitriol and violence. Per Robert Booker, one of the Black leaders of the movement: The white community really pitched in. The white community was sympathetic. The white community participated. In parts of the deep South where violence was a common occurrence, it was the pressure from segments of the White population in those areas that ended segregation.

As an incensed participant in the Civil Rights Movement, I can say with certainty that those, Black and White, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the 1960s would be horrified at the racial exploitation and animosity rampant in todays United States.

The determination of a significant segment of Americas White population to right wrongs and live by the tenets of the Declaration of Independence, stretches back to the abolition movements of the early nineteenth century. This determination culminated in a devastating and brutal Civil War. A war in which nearly 400,000 White union soldiers died to end slavery (the equivalent of 6 million today).

As for fictitious white supremacy and the reality of slavery in what is now the United States, a brief history lesson.

Throughout the south in 1860, upwards of 4-5,000 black families owned slaves and supported the Confederacy. In 1655, Anthony Johnson, a Black man, was the first person, Black or White, to outright own an African slave in the colony of Virginia. Further, Blacks during this period could and did own White indentured servants or de facto slaves.

Nor was the so-called White race exempt from slavery in the Americas. During this same period of time, there were untold thousands of Irish slaves in the Americas as the British throughout the seventeenth century sold and transported vast numbers of Irish natives to the plantations in the West Indies and the colony of Virginia. Self-styled modern historians and race provocateurs attempt to diminish this reality by referring to the Irish slaves in the seventeenth century as indentured servants, but their situation and conditions meet the modern definition of slavery.

This nation cannot survive if 41 million Americans who identify as Black are coerced into pitting themselves against 235 million Americans who identify as White. Both groups have much in common, but each needs to stop being manipulated. If not, then American society will assuredly descend into violence and chaos.

First, no one who identifies as White should feel guilty about what their ancestors did or didnt do, as every race or society since the dawn of mankind has mirrored each other in their evolutionary process. The White population must vehemently reject and ostracize those among their number hellbent on fomenting guilt as they are doing so in order to permanently fracture society.

Second, being a descendant of a slave does not qualify one for any special treatment or reparations as virtually every person alive today has an ancestor that was a slave.

Third, and foremost, the Black community must shed the scales from its eyes and cease being gullible pawns and mascots for the race hustlers, social justice warriors, and the Marxists (i.e., Democrats) as the Black population has assented to be viewed by this cabal as nothing more than gullible, ignorant foot soldiers that can be easily exploited.

Graphic credit: Hating Whitey by David Horowitz
Outraged parents in Michigan have created a grass roots response to the hypersexualization of children in their schools. They have created the Great Schools Initiative (GSI) to fight against what is termed rogue sex education.

Rogue sex education is when discussions about sex, gender ideology, the use of pronouns inconsistent with biology, or display of materials such as LGBTQ flags or clothing for cross dressing, etc, occurs in classes other than the approved sex education class. Also, the instructor of the sex education class must be certified in this area.

Michigan law, as based on a 1976 statute (PA 451, Sec. 1507-3), is very clear on this matter. In fact, the MIchigan Attorney General, Frank Kelley, rendered an opinion regarding this in1981:

Parents have a right to review the contents of any course in which family planning or reproductive health are discussed before they exercise their right to have their child excused from the class. School authorities may not avoid the effect of this law by including any sex education instruction in a required class. This is expressly prohibited by law.

Rogue discussions on sexuality are also a violation of federal law, namely the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Under this law, children are not to be outed through polls, quizzes and various other communications about sexuality. Teachers, counselors or administrators have no business encroaching on the privacy and safety of students in this regard.

It is against the law to hold formal or informal discussions about sexual topics or ideologies in required classes such as social studies, science or English classes.

Teachers who promote or engage in this are attempting to circumvent the law.

In response to this, Great Schools Initiative has provided an opt-out form on their website. This would provide opt-out from any class where sexuality is informally or formally discussed or suggested via symbols, objects or pictures. This form was created in collaboration with the Thomas More Society. This is a national team of conservative attorneys dedicated to restoring respect in law for life, family, religious liberty, and election integrity. Based in Chicago, they are a not-for-profit public interest law firm.

GSI correctly states the following:

Human sexuality has always been a very personal and sensitive component of life. And children, who, by definition, are not yet mature physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually are exceptionally vulnerable to the predatory behavior of adults who intentionally violate parental choice and state law.

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is alarmed over GSIs opt out form. Their position is that opt-out only applies to board-approved sex education classes. And schools already have opt-out forms for this as sex education is not mandatory for students or for graduation. However, the MDE said that ultimately the policy for dealing with this needs to be determined at the local district level. They refuse to address the issue of rogue sex discussions.

This opens up local school districts to lawsuits, which GSI and Thomas Moore attorneys are prepared to pursue if necessary to force compliance to law. Their intent, however, is for school boards, administrators and teachers to cooperate in providing for the safety, privacy and parental control of their children.

When children walk into a math or science class and are confronted with pride flags or rainbow banners, it creates curiosity and questioning on their part. Teachers would very easily be drawn into discussing homosexuality and lesbian lifestyles and ideologies. This should not be discussed anymore than the meaning or intimate practices of heterosexual relationships. It should be off limits.

The pushback from the LGBTQ community is that LGBT youth and children need to be affirmed and have a sense of pride for who they are. If not, they are subject to hate crimes, discrimination, depression and suicide. Pride Flags represent, according to their view, diversity, community and love.

The LGBTQ community constantly labels heterosexuals as responsible for the mental health fallout they experience. They complain that, If you only would allow us equal representation, visibility and acceptance, we wouldnt have all the psychiatric problems we experience.

It never occurs to them that embarking on the gay lifestyle they embrace might be problematic enough. One doesnt necessarily need to lay it at the feet of those who promote traditional male-female sexual roles and family structure.

A study was conducted in the Netherlands in 2009. The Netherlands had long been noted as a world leader with respect to gay rights with societal approval of gay marriage as well. Despite this, homosexual Dutch men have much higher rates of mood and anxiety disorders as well as suicide attempts compared to heterosexual Dutch men. It was acknowledged that gay men had achieved socioeconomic, legal and political equality as well as social approval. The persistent mental health problems were disturbing, to say the least, to the studys investigators who were expecting a different result.

With respect to heterosexual activity, we live in an age of the hook up culture, teen pregnancies and an epidemic of STDs ( now known as STIs or sexually transmitted infections). News headlines abound such as Shocking Rise in STIs During Covid Alarms Health Workers, and STD epidemic in US is out of control,warn experts, CDC.

Given the problematic trajectory of gay lifestyles and heterosexual promiscuity, it is no wonder that parents are saying, enough is enough! The hypersexualization of our children needs to stop.

The right to existence for LGBT students in schools is not being called into question. This is not a First Amendment right to freedom of speech issue for the gay community. The idea that marginalized gay students need safe spaces thus justifying open discussions about homosexuality is incredibly one-sided. What about students raised with traditional, heterosexual values? In schools dominated by LGBT ideology, where would the safe spaces be for straight students who reject LGBT lifestyles and ideology for themselves?

A proper balance can be achieved by confining ANY sexual discussions to a designated sex-ed class: LGBTQ, heterosexual, gender fluidity, transgenderism, abstinence, etc. For those who want to engage in ideological mission creep into other classrooms -- it is just a poorly disguised attempt at indoctrination. And parents in Michigan are seeing it for what it is.

Rebecca Behrends, M.D. is a retired E.D. physician and vice president of research for Michigan Citizens for Election Integrity (MC4EI.com).
In So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish (the fourth book in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy "trilogy of six books"), Douglas Adams brutalizes "democracy" in a hilarious exchange:

"On its world, the people are people. The leaders are lizards. The people hate the lizards and the lizards rule the people." "Odd," said Arthur. "I thought you said it was a democracy." "I did," said Ford. "It is." "So," said Arthur, hoping he wasn't sounding ridiculously obtuse, "why don't the people get rid of the lizards?" "It honestly doesn't occur to them," said Ford. "They've all got the vote, so they all pretty much assume that the government they voted in more or less approximates to the government they want." "You mean they actually vote for the lizards?" "Oh yes," said Ford with a shrug, "of course." "But," said Arthur, going in for the big one again, "why?" "Because if they didn't vote for a lizard," said Ford, "the wrong lizard might get in."

That is America's Uniparty system in a nutshell! Republican, Democrat, whatever  they're all lizards. Then someone who doesn't speak lizard comes along  Donald Trump  and the "democracy" loses its collective mind. The Intelligence Community spies on his campaign. The FBI insinuates that he's a Russian spy. The press calls for his removal and incarceration. Unethical prosecutors and judges go after anyone who might be called his friend. The Uniparty harasses him with endless investigations. The Pentagon and agency bureaucrats ignore his lawful orders and spread gossip and lies. The Department of (in)Justice and left-leaning local tyrants persecute his supporters with spurious criminal charges that ruin lives but, more importantly, blare a warning to all Americans: if you dare to vote for a non-lizard, we will target you as extremists, lock you up as insurrectionists, threaten all you hold dear, and terrorize your lives! All this calculated Uniparty and Deep State destruction because so many in Washington so despise the idea of making America great again that they choose to imbecilically slander that notion as racist!

When President Trump took the stage at this year's Conservative Political Action Conference and pledged to "totally obliterate the Deep State" if voters re-elected him, he made it crystal-clear that the war between the people and the lizards will be one for the ages. "In 2016, I declared I am your voice. Today, I add, I am your warrior. I am your justice. And for those who have been wronged and betrayed, I am your retribution." If you didn't already know he was wearing his iconic navy suit, white shirt, and red tie, you'd have thought that Johnny Cash's "Man in Black" had just walked in announcing, "There's a man going around taking names / And he decides who to free and who to blame." He might as well have just admitted to the crowd that he's Batman, looked through the cameras and directly into the watery eyes of the RINOs wobbling in front of their televisions, and roared, "I'm vengeance." It was a great speech, but all I heard was, "Listen to the words long written down / When the man comes around." Just like last year, he won the CPAC straw poll overwhelmingly.

The whole appearance reminded me of his 2017 inaugural address, when he ascended the dais with all of Washington's illustrious Establishment Class seated directly behind him, and proceeded to rip them to shreds before the world:

For too long, a small group in our nation's Capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost. Washington flourished  but the people did not share in its wealth. Politicians prospered  but the jobs left, and the factories closed. The establishment protected itself, but not the citizens of our country. Their victories have not been your victories; their triumphs have not been your triumphs; and while they celebrated in our nation's Capital, there was little to celebrate for struggling families all across our land. That all changes  starting right here, and right now, because this moment is your moment: it belongs to you.

President Trump's Hunger Games speech was an unprecedented attack on the Establishment authorities watching in amazement. While our compromised State media have spent years calling him an "authoritarian," his policies were always glaringly anti-authoritarian. And that's what terrifies D.C.'s nobility.

Sitting next to the Clintons and the Obamas, President George Bush reportedly remarked, "That was some weird s---." His insult was another harbinger of the Deep State's coming war on MAGA and the American people. The lizards could not comprehend any language pledging to put America first. It was as if President Trump had spoken in a foreign tongue. The people, however, understood what he was saying, and his words were music to their ears. "The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer," he promised. "This American carnage stops right here and stops right now," he demanded. The sentences were like drumbeats exhorting Americans to march to one cadence: "The time for empty talk is over. Now arrives the hour of action. ... A new national pride will stir our souls, lift our sights, and heal our divisions."

"January 20th, 2017," President Trump argued, "will be remembered as the day the people became the rulers of this nation again." When he uttered those words, I remember thinking, "All those Uniparty 'elites' seated behind him, smiling their fake smiles, will do anything to put him down." For the last six years, they nearly have. President Trump declared an end to America's oligarchy and the return of political power to the American people, and for the miscreants who occupy D.C., those were fighting words posing an existential threat to their corrupt, cushy, totalitarian control over the nation. Every J6 political prisoner, every parent threatened at a PTA meeting, every pro-life defender targeted, every MAGA-supporter fired, and every conservative censored into silence has paid the price. Until the people submit to lizard rule, the beatings will continue.

Yet here we are six years later, and both President Trump and his supporters still stand. His enemies cannot understand why. They have sullied his reputation, placed him in legal jeopardy, and caused him great financial harm. They have slandered his voters as racists, enlisted government agencies to endlessly harass them, and perverted the legal system to dole out political persecution. They cannot comprehend why Donald Trump won't go away or why MAGA voters have become only more resilient.

The answer is simple. It is the political lizards of D.C. who speak a foreign language, and it is Donald Trump whom the American people understand:

So to all Americans, in every city near and far, small and large, from mountain to mountain, and from ocean to ocean, hear these words: You will never be ignored again. Your voice, your hopes, and your dreams, will define our American destiny. And your courage and goodness and love will forever guide us along the way.

The American people were listening, and for six long years, they have watched the Uniparty and Deep State destroy the country, rather than cede power back to the people. Even during that inaugural address, though, the president had an answer for those saboteurs: "Do not let anyone tell you it cannot be done. No challenge can match the heart and fight and spirit of America." Americans with full hearts, tremendous spirit, and formidable fight agree. No contest worth the effort could ever be easy.

The price of handing over representative government to two parties secretly working in concert is the exclusion of almost all other Americans from ever serving or being heard. To fire the federal bureaucracy and end the federal occupation, MAGA must have the final word.

Image: PAHomepage.com via YouTube, CC BY 3.0.
The Democrats have sent a vivid message to the GOP on their fear of the crime issue, if only the party has the wit to exploit it. They know that the explosion of crime is enough to scare voters into supporting the GOP, and as a result, 36 of the 51 Senate Democrats (70%) voted to overturn the absurd Washington, D.C. "criminal justice reform" bill that would make many murders and carjackings into misdemeanors and overwhelm the court system by allowing jury trials for misdemeanors. Dems know that appearing soft on crime would alienate a broad swath of voters currently living in fear.

Senate votes 81-14-1 to block changes to D.C.s criminal code.



14 Dems voting no:

Booker

Cardin

Duckworth

Durbin

Hirono

Markey

Merkley

Murphy

Reed

Sanders

Warren

Van Hollen

Welch

Whitehouse



Warnock voted present  Andrew Solender (@AndrewSolender) March 9, 2023

As I wrote yesterday, the D.C. City Council attempted to extract its Democrat colleagues in the Senate from the dilemma of having to choose between angering their pro-criminal based by voting yes and scaring the voting public by voting no and appearing soft on crime. They know that should the D.C. law stand, crime in the District, already at levels scaring the public, would explode. But the dopes on the Council failed to understand that they lacked the power to withdraw their stupid bill from congressional review.

Of the 14 who voted no, 6 (Cardin, Hirono, Murphy, Sanders, Warren, and Whitehouse) are up for re-election in 2024. That is 30% of those up for re-election, the same percentage of no votes as for all the Senate Dems.

Caricature by Donkey Hotey, CC BY 2.0 license.
The bloated agency is 0 for 5, but in the words of Michael McCord, the departments own financial executive, I would not say that weve flunked. For context, the pass rate was a mere 39%, after a 28-year preparatory period; whats he using, common core math?

Clearly this guy is unqualified to run the corner lemonade stand, let alone an agency with a nearly $2 trillion annual budget.

This past November, the Department of Defense announced that it had failed its fifth consecutive audit of the five audits the agency has ever undergone. (In fact, it is the only federal agency with such an abysmal record). Now, despite a 1990 requirement for financial transparency, the DoD had a nearly three-decade grace period, and didnt produce audit results until 2018; contrary to what Mr. McCord thinks, 39% is not a passing grade.

Now, House Republicans are poking around. Three days ago, Rep. James Comer and Rep. Pete Sessions sent a letter to the DoDs Lloyd Austin regarding the messy finances. Read below:

The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is investigating the Department of Defenses (DOD) failure to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. In November 2022, DOD failed its fifth consecutive audit, unable to account for sixty-one percent of its $3.5 trillion in assets. The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) also recently reported that DOD continues to fail to accurately account for hundreds of billions of dollars of government furnished property in the hands of contractors. DODs inability to adequately track assets risks our military readiness and represents a flagrant disregard for taxpayer funds, even as it receives nearly a trillion dollars annually.  DODs lax financial management and inability to adequately track weapons, equipment and other defense articles have raised serious concerns about DODs stewardship of taxpayer dollars, especially as DODs budget approaches thirteen figures.

Comer and Sessions requested a briefing on the matter, imposing a deadline of March 13th; yet if we can take any cues from the established precedent (28 years), congressional timelines are just as lax as the DoDs financial [mis]management.

Image: Free image, Pixabay license, no attribution required.
Down in Austin, Texas, education has dominated the legislative session. First, there is a move for school choice. Second, there is a move to have the state take over the Houston School District. Third, to no one's surprise, the other side is playing the race card.

Let's look at school choice, a favorite of Governor Greg Abbott. According to news reports, it's coming:

Abbott is specifically championing education savings accounts, where the state would deposit funds for parents to subsidize the cost of educating their children outside the traditional public education system. The UT-Austin poll asked respondents whether they support "redirecting state tax revenue to help parents pay for the cost of sending their children to private or parochial schools." Oftentimes, school choice is framed around support of "vouchers," which is similar to an educational savings account, except that the money from the state goes to the school instead of the parents.

My guess is that they will get it done, but I'm not sure what the final product will be  i.e., vouchers or savings accounts. In the past, rural parents have opposed choice because they like their schools. In the aforementioned poll, there was no rural divide. I think that's because the governor is visiting rural areas and making parents more comfortable. Some version of school choice will come out of Austin this year.

The other big topic down here is Houston's school district, perhaps Exhibit A of why we need school choice. At the moment, there is talk of the state taking over the district. This is the story:

On the eve of an impending takeover of the Houston Independent School District by the Texas Education Agency, little was said on the topic Friday at the HISD State of the Schools luncheon in downtown Houston. Superintendent Millard House II said "uncertainty looms" regarding the state takeover, but he focused on celebrating recent improvements at Texas' largest school district  one with an enrollment of nearly 200,000 students. In the last 19 months, HISD has made academic strides reducing the number of its campuses with a D or F rating from 50 to 10.

So HISD had 50 campuses with a D or F rating, but now it's only 10? These people don't understand that's called failure. What about the kids in those 10 schools? In the article, a teacher is concerned that the takeover could lead to layoffs. Really? Failed schools don't need to replace their teachers or administrators? What planet do these people live on? In the real world, failure of this magnitude is followed by change, not a continuation of the same people running things.

Of course, a debate or conversation about failed public school districts or school choice cannot happen without the race card: "THE STATE'S HOUSTON ISD TAKEOVER IS UNFAIR, RACIST, AND WASTEFUL." Yes, it's always about racism. What else is new? It seems to me that the best way to help these kids, of whatever color or ethnic origin, is to put them in successful schools where they can be prepared to meet the challenges of an international economy that does not care about pronouns or the 1619 Project.

Education big topic down here.

PS: Check out my blog for posts, podcasts, and videos.

Image: Pexels.
NEWS PROVIDED BY

Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights

March 9, 2023



NEW YORK, March 9, 2023 /Christian Newswire/ -- Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on a very sick celebration:

Most pro-life Americans understand, but do not condone, why some young girls and adult women make a terrible mistake by terminating the baby in their womb. Some make this decision out of fear, or they panic. They need to be ministered to, and that is why the Catholic Church has an outreach program, Project Rachel, that offers them help and guidance.

What pro-lifers don't understand is why anyone would celebrate those doctors who make their living by exploiting women and killing their children. Abortionists are no heroes.

March 10 is Abortion Provider Appreciation Day. According to the Abortion Care Network, the sponsor of this event, they will celebrate "all of the courageous, compassionate people who provide abortion care." They will do so "through love notes, art, acts of kindness and support, messages of affirmation, a giant love-fest Tweetstorm, and more."

There is nothing compassionate or loving about killing the innocent. This infamous day tells us volumes about the character of those who support it. They prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that they are not reluctantly pro-choice. No, they are rabid pro-abortion enthusiasts.

Contact: info@abortioncarenetwork.org
Another International Woman's Day and another day to remember men? The Biden White House did it again. Let's look at the story:

First lady Jill Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken were slammed Wednesday for presenting a biological male from Argentina with an award for women on International Women's Day. This year's annual International Women of Courage Awards ceremony at the White House honored "11 extraordinary women from around the world who are working to build a brighter future for all," according to a State Department press release. Argentinian Alba Rueda was introduced at the ceremony as a "transgender woman who was kicked out of classrooms, barred for sitting for exams, refused job opportunities, subjected to violence, and rejected by her family. But in the face of these challenges, she worked to end violence and discrimination against the LGBTQ plus community in Argentina." Rueda currently serves as Argentina's Special Envoy for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship. The State Department said Rueda had "actively campaigned to change the name of the National Women's Conference to the 'Plurinational Conference of Women and Lesbian, Cross-Dresser, Transgender, Bisexual, Intersex and Non-Binary Persons' to include diverse, dissident, and racialized identities.'"

I guess that Alba the man clicks all the identity boxes. Who knew that the country that gave us tango would give us this madness?

So that's what International Woman's Day has become? Talk about weirdness!

In the meantime, women are fighting oppression in Iran and Afghanistan. They feel neglected and forgotten by Western feminists who are more into "woke" than women fighting for their rights. Maybe men in those countries should dress up as women, shave their beards, do their nails, and march for opportunity. Maybe the West will finally pay attention to what's going on.

PS: Check out my blog for posts, podcasts, and videos.

Image: Screen shot from AP video via YouTube.
Yesterday was International Women's Day. In honor of the occasion, the first lady, Doctor of Education Jill Biden, Ed.D. and secretary of state Antony Blinken, A.B., J.D. co-hosted the 2023 International Women of Courage Awards ceremony at the White House because Biden "wanted to bring the stories of these incredible women to the biggest stage we could, and that is, of course, the White House," declared Karine Jean-Pierre, B.S., MPA, the White House press secretary, who also spoke at the ceremony.

According to the official U.S. Department of State press release issued prior to the ceremony, the recipients are

a group of 11 extraordinary women from around the world who are working to build a brighter future for all. ... Now in its 17th year, the Secretary of State's IWOC Award recognizes women from around the globe who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equity and equality, and the empowerment of women and girls, in all their diversity  often at great personal risk and sacrifice.

A quick reading confirmed that, indeed, the recipients do live up to their outstanding description.

But wait...a deeper reading of the press release and then the ceremony itself revealed that the Biden White House duped us (yeah, yeah, I know) again, because one of the recipients, Alba Rueda, is...a man. Oh, sure, Rueda, who was "assigned" the sex of male at birth in Argentina, but who now "identifies" as a woman, has had/is having some medical procedures and chemical interventions and "presents" as a woman. But DNA is forever.

Biological sex refers to the physical features of a human body (or anatomy). Gender identity refers to one's internal sense of being. That may align more toward being a male, female, or anywhere in between. Some people who identify as nonbinary may not have an internal sense of being a male or female at all! Sex reassignment surgery involves changing a person's anatomy. Whether a person identifies as a male or female shouldn't change after surgery. And it doesn't change their genetics either! ... Whatever set of chromosomes a person has when they are born cannot be changed. This is because chromosomes are in all the cells that make up our bodies. To change a person's chromosomes would mean changing trillions of cells! There aren't any technologies (and probably won't be in the future) that can change a chromosome in all of a person's cells.

But hey, those of you born with with XX chromosomes, biologically known as ladies, women, females, girls  Alba Rueda, born with XY chromosomes  and still has them  is a woman according to the authoritative Dr. Biden and Secretary Blinken.

Or maybe not. S/He, it, they is transgender. What is this new species that even spell check doesn't recognize  yet? The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention informs us that

[t]ransgender is an umbrella term for persons whose gender identity or expression (masculine, feminine, other) is different from their sex (male, female) at birth. Gender identity refers to one's internal understanding of one's own gender, or the gender with which a person identifies. Gender expression is a term used to describe people's outward presentation of their gender. Gender identity and sexual orientation are different facets of identity. Everyone has a gender identity and a sexual orientation, but a person's gender does not determine a person's sexual orientation. Transgender people may identify as heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, or none of the above.

Oh.

Or maybe non-binary. Huh?

The EEOC will incorporate the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) proposal for how to define "X" in a way that promotes clarity and inclusion, as well as safety and privacy for individuals. NCHS's proposed definition of "X," based on user testing performed earlier this year and summarized in a fact sheet issued today, has two parts: (1) "unspecified," which promotes privacy for individuals who prefer not to disclose their gender identity; and (2) "another gender identity," which promotes clarity and inclusion for those who wish to signify that they do not identify as male or female.

Oh again.

So why did Rueda receive this award as a woman when her/his/its/their biology and identity don't match? As Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R-Ark.) tweeted:

Its International Womens Day  a good time to remember that Democrats cant even tell you what a woman is. https://t.co/BPJ1fHhl5u  Sarah Huckabee Sanders (@SarahHuckabee) March 8, 2023

Rueda's inclusion reeks of political correctness. The State Department's description glowingly explains:

Alba Rueda, Argentina's current Special Envoy for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship, was the first Argentine Undersecretary for Diversity Policies in the newly created Ministry of Women, Gender, and Diversity. Ms. Rueda was the driving force behind Argentina's executive order on the transgender labor quota in the public sector which was converted into the Transgender Labor Quota Act. She previously worked in the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights in their National Institute against Discrimination, Xenophobia and Racism (INADI) as well as the Argentine Secretariat for Human Rights.

Etc. and etc.

Will women "identifying" as men be similarly honored on International Men's Day , November 19, 2023, for aiding this year's theme of "Zero Male Suicide"? Will there be another White House ceremony for Alba Rueda and others on March 31, 2023, the Transgender Day of Visibility? Courageous people of all backgrounds want to know.

Image via Pexels.
Anybody watch the "Jill Biden Abroad" special on CNN? The one that featured this breezy headline on the CNN website?

Jill Biden opens up on Africa trip, being first lady, her marriage to the president and a possible 2024 reelection run

That was her big trip to Africa, taken while Joe Biden was drawing attention for stumbling up stairs in eastern Europe.

Seems it couldn't even outrank Andy Griffith reruns in the ratings.

According to Fox News Digital:

The "CNN Primetime" special, branded "Jill Biden Abroad," featured an interview with CNN White House correspondent Arlette Saenz that shed a staggering 43% of viewers of CNN's average 2023 9 p.m. ET viewership. "Jill Biden Abroad" averaged a dismal 368,000 total viewers compared to 2.7 million for Fox News' "Hannity" and 2.3 million for MSNBC's "The Rachel Maddow Show," which both aired in the same time slot. It was CNN's worst weekday performance at 9 p.m. since June 17, 2022, with the exception of Christmas Eve, Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. TBS' midday repeats of "Friends," Investigation Discovery's "Murder Comes Home," "Andy Griffith Show" and "Gunsmoke" reruns on TV Land Classic, Hallmark's decades-old airings of "The Golden Girls" and Lifetime's "Castle" were among Monday's basic cable offerings to outdraw CNN's 9 p.m. ET program. CNN's "Jill Biden Abroad" didn't perform much better among the advertiser-coveted demographic of adults age 25-54, averaging only 84,000 viewers among the key category to lose 42% of the network's 2023 year-to-date average 9 p.m. viewership. On the same evening, "Hannity" averaged 322,000 demo viewers and "Maddow" managed 219,000. CNN recently finished February with historically low viewership, concluding the news-heavy month with its smallest audience among the demo since 2012. It was CNN's worst primetime performance in the category since 2013.

That's nearly half the audience, and that includes the padded numbers "cushion" of people in airports who can't flip the channel. Maybe that's because the audience was treated to tripe like this.

As the Bidens prepare for a possible 2024 presidential campaign, the first lady pushed back on concerns about President Joe Biden's age, citing his recent travel schedule as reflective of his stamina. "How many 30-year-olds could travel to Poland, get on the train? Go nine more hours, go to Ukraine, meet with President (Volodymyr) Zelensky?" she said. "So, look at the man. Look what he's doing. Look what he continues to do each and every day."

The re-election stuff was pure gaslighting. Jill spoke of Joe Biden's "energy level" as president, absurdly claiming that a 30-year-old couldn't make a trip such as Joe's when the reality is, we all know that almost any 30-year-old could. She was in a way echoing Joe, whose defiant "watch me" seems to forget that the audience has been watching him as he stumbles, sleeps, and has bathroom incidents throughout public appearances in and out of Europe.

It didn't help that Jill made her dreary pitch for Joe's re-election in a lavender blazer with green lapels, and jarring heavy black mascara.

It called to mind La Rochefoucauld's maxim 403: "The most dangerous absurdity of old ladies who used to be attractive is to forget that they no longer so."

Look at CNN's poor ditsy dumpling reporter, with that expectant, eager-beaver expression on her face, just nodding along credulously to Biden's old-lady certainties:

Is this the best they've got?

It's an amazing news misjudgment on the part of CNN, which doesn't ask tough questions when it gets exclusive access and can't complain that its audience is shrinking as a result.

Did they ask Jill about her loathing of Kamala Harris? Did they ask her if she runs the White House in Joe's dotage? Did they ask her why she's supposedly a working teacher  at age 69? Did they ask Jill what her involvement with the teachers' union is? Did they ask her why she never bothered to learn even beginner's Spanish despite teaching at schools with high numbers of Hispanic kids? Did they ask her where she gets her taste in clothing?

If they don't want to ask the questions the audience wants to know instead of smile and nod after casting softballs, they can't complain they can't attract even a basic, ordinary weekday average audience. They let the first lady completely control the "narrative" instead, so why would anyone want to pay attention?

What's interesting here is that they spent a lot of money to do it. I went on one of these overseas trips as part of the official press pool once, at the invitation of thenundersecretary of state Tom Shannon, accompanying thensecretary of state Condoleezza Rice to Colombia in 2008. It was a short trip, about three days long, and the distance flown was not far from Maryland, where the official jet took off from, and it came at a hefty price tag of $6,000, not counting accommodations, something I am amazed and grateful my editors at Investor's Business Daily gave the OK to and shelled out for.

You can bet the price has gone up since then, and a five-day trip to farther-away Africa on an official jet would have cost a news agency far more to send an invited correspondent. News agencies shell out a lot for these trips, which is why it's pretty important that they be able to recoup what they spend in ratings or clicks or newspapers sold. It also explains why they have such small attending pools. This one for CNN, featuring Biden walking through African markets, was undoubtedly a huge loser.

What's more, it cost CNN quite a bit of goodwill among the other media organizations.

Politico reports that the trip was basically a rat's nest among the reporters:

When JILL BIDEN arrived last month in Kibera, a large settlement at the center of Kenya's capital city of Nairobi, she interacted with locals as she walked through the slum. The scene provided some of the most moving images of her five-day Africa trip. But no one besides a CNN TV crew was there to capture it. That's because the press pool  the small group of reporters and photographers traveling with the first lady and tasked with sharing information with journalists who aren't there  was positioned hundreds of feet away. The pool was stuck behind large palm trees, out of sight of the first lady who had allowed CNN to shoot exclusive footage of her interactions. The pool members were livid. "The rest of the U.S. and Kenyan pool missed at least four minutes of her visit because, again, we were being held at least a hundred feet away and behind several trees," The Washington Post's JADA YUAN, one of the print poolers on the trip, wrote in an email distributed to the larger press corps. "Pool vehemently objected. The pool had also asked to send two representatives, one US and one from Kenya, to witness the movement and were told no."

This should cost CNN  and Jill  a bit of goodwill among them, too. We haven't seen her on any magazine covers lately.

Who at CNN came up with the idea that Jill Biden had anything interesting to say? Was it an exchanged favor?

What of the claim that CNN was set to become an objective news organization? This interview was pretty much the opposite.

No wonder no one paid attention. I sure didn't.

Image: Screen shot from CNN video via YouTube.
Ron DeSantis's work to protect Florida's schoolchildren from hetero- and homosexual grooming via pornographic books in their libraries and classrooms has provoked outrage and brought nasty labels. (See below for the worst of it.) All of it is completely unjustified. Yesterday, he struck back in a news conference where he performed basic political jujitsu, turning the opponents' momentum against them. The U.K. Daily Mail explains:

Ron DeSantis played a shocking video at the start of his press conference on Wednesday containing sexually explicit content, illustrated and detailed in children's books at various Florida school libraries. The Florida governor had his staff warn the crowd in Tampa, Florida, that the video would show 'material that is sexually explicit in nature and not suitable for children'  and all minors were removed from the room during the roughly six-minute screening. Illustrations from the books included depicting minors engaged in sexual activity and instructions on how to masturbate, engage in sex acts or download apps that make it easier to have 'casual intercourse.' The content intended for children was so graphic and explicit that the live stream from local news stations of DeSantis' press conference was cut on social media. It also earned a 'sensitive content warning' on Twitter.



Twitter via the UKDM.

Bonchie of Red State exclaimed:

I'm not exaggerating when I say that Ron DeSantis executed one of the best trolls of the mainstream media I've ever seen on Wednesday. Forget the fact that I'm a fan of DeSantis as a politician. In objective terms, he took the head off the press with a move that left them absolutely nowhere to go.

From now on, whenever somebody tries to label DeSants as the enemy of freedom, all he has to say is some variant of this:

Look, I showed the public the pornographic material already being forced on Florida's children, and it was so awful that news stations cut their live feed, and social media slapped content warnings on it. And you want to require our children to read this filth? What's wrong with you?

In other words, the media has proven his point. Game. Set. Match.

The very same morning DeSantis was making his point, Ken Burns, the historical filmmaker PBS has been promoting for decades, proved himself a dope with a nearly incoherent rant against DeSantis on a CNN interview:

Filmmaker @KenBurns: "All of these bills that DeSantis and others are doing limit our ability to understand ... It feels like a Soviet system or, you know, the way the Nazis would build a Potemkin village. Tucker Carlson is doing the same thing with the footage from 1/6." pic.twitter.com/ntLySi1P7F  Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) March 7, 2023

David Strom of Hot Air on Burns's disgracing of himself:

Having spent a lot of time around academics and media types I learned years ago that people can be smart, talented, and complete dunces at the same time. Orwell captured that reality with his typical genius, explaining: "Some ideas are so stupid that only intellectuals believe them." (snip) Ken Burns  who at his best is a talented documentarian  proved his intellectual bona fides on CNN, displaying once again that intelligence, wisdom, and even attention to reality are entirely different from each other. He is smart, but an idiot. Burns clearly needs an editor and a fact checker in order to sound coherent  and having enjoyed the Civil War documentary from decades ago I appreciate their good work. Burns is a superb storyteller, as long as he is surrounded by people who know what they are doing. But left to his own devices he spouts nonsense. Burns gets so much wrong in his diatribe, but the ideological incoherence isn't the striking part of his rant. You almost expect that in the way you expect Stephen Colbert to misrepresent his ideological opponents in the most unfunny way possible. Cable news is filled with ideological incoherence and ignorance of the most basic truths. What I didn't expect is his inability to distinguish historical eras. He does, after all, play a historian on TV. Some PBS producer clearly needs to prevent him from speaking without editors in order to preserve his reputation. Ken Burns apparently thinks the creator of Potemkin villages was a Nazi. Hate to tell you Ken, but you were off by a couple of centuries in your history, and a continent to boot. Grigory Potemkin was a Russian minister and lover of Katherine the Great, and the (likely apocryphal) story that he had fake villages built to impress Katherine as she traveled her poor country has nothing to do with the Nazis in any way. There is literally no connection, and even somebody who is only pretending to be historically literate should know that.

The Ace of Spades condensed this critique as follows:

It turns out Ken Burns' practiced air of intellectualism is just as fake and flimsy as a cardboard-walled Potemkin Village  you know, like the Potemkin Villages that the Nazis used to build. ("Potemkin" is obvious[ly] a German word, as all scholars of linguistics can immediately discern.)

While I enjoy Donald Trump's invective against his critics, I believe that DeSantis's lower-key destruction of his opponents reaches potential voters who are turned off by the heat of Trump's passion. If DeSantis is to get the nomination and win the election in 2024, he needs both groups of voters.
We should not be surprised that the New York Times ignored a report on Tucker Carlson's Jan. 6 video disclosures.

If Sen. Chuck Schumer, declaiming on the Senate floor against Carlson, opposed a second showing of Carlson's videos, would it not make sense that the Times understood that it should not inform its base what Carlson reported in his first show on the Jan. 6 videos?

Instead, the Times went with a piece on the ongoing Proud Boys trial, even though a "conundrum" was presented by the fact that the P.B.s were likely not violent at the Capitol and one of the P.B. defendants was not even in Washington, D.C. on that day. (The Times also ran anti-Trump hit pieces on March 6.)

The Times accused Carlson of falsely portraying Jan. 6 as mainly a peaceful protest, also asserting that Carlson promoted the myth propagated by Donald Trump that the 2020 election was stolen. The writers, Luke Broadwater and Stephanie Lai, were careful, however, in not telling readers what the Carlson disclosures depicted.

They provided contrary views from anti-MAGA Republicans in the House and Senate, criticism of Carlson from Capitol Hill police, even support for Carlson from Rep. Elise Stefanik and Sen. Ted Cruz. But not a word about how the Carlson Jan. 6 videos refuted the demprop of the doctored versions of the videos, made available by Democrat propagandists.

But that is what demprop is all about. Bury reality so that the people will be fooled by one's political narrative.

After all, isn't that how Biden got to be president  by the power of the false claims put forward by Biden and his media lackeys like, say, Luke Broadwater? False was the claim that the scandal of Hunter Biden was Russian disinformation. False was the advice from Dr. Anthony Fauci on how to protect against COVID-19. And certainly false is the current claim that Carlson is a Putin apparatchik.

Image: NYT.
Fox News host Tucker Carlson responded to criticism from Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) over releasing footage of the Capitol protests from Jan. 6, 2021.

While speaking on the Senate floor, Schumer accused Carlson of "lying" and "manipulating" his audience by releasing the footage.

"To say January 6 was not violent is a lie, a lie pure and simple. I don't think I've ever seen a prime-time cable news anchor manipulate his viewers the way Mr. Carlson did last night. I don't think I've ever seen an anchor treat the American people and American democracy with such disdain."

Schumer pleaded for Fox News to prohibit Carlson from running a "second segment of lies."

McConnell also denounced the release of the footage, calling it a "mistake." He cited a statement from U.S. Capitol Police chief Tom Manger, who called it "offensive and misleading."

"Clearly the chief of the Capitol Police, in my view, correctly described what most of us witnessed firsthand on January 6," McConnell told reporters.

"It was a mistake, in my view, for Fox News to depict this in a way that's completely at variance with what our chief law enforcement official here at the Capitol thinks," he continued.

In response, Carlson called the criticisms "hysteria," saying the footage is a "threat" to the lies Schumer has told about Jan. 6.

"What you're seeing is hysteria," Carlson said. "Those videos touch a nerve because they're a threat to the lies that Chuck Schumer has been telling for the last 26 months."

Tucker Carlson Responds To Senator Chuck Schumer Calling For Fox News To Censor His Show



"Those videos touch a nerve because they're a threat to the lies that Chuck Schumer has been telling for the last 26 months, and not just Chuck Schumer." pic.twitter.com/ME9NZY1v8H  The Columbia Bugle  (@ColumbiaBugle) March 8, 2023

He also put Republicans on notice who joined in on the criticism.

"They're on the same side," he argued. "The Senate majority leader joins the Senate minority leader. [Sens.] Thom Tillis, Mitt Romney, they're all on the same side, so it's actually not about left and right; it's not about Republican and Democrat."

"Here you have people with shared interests, the open borders people, the people like Mitch McConnell who are living in splendor on Chinese money, the people who underneath it all have everything in common are all aligned against everyone else," he added.

In February 2023, House speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) granted Carlson access to Capitol security footage from Jan. 6.

Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
As many of you know by now, the Android 14 Developer Preview 2 is out. Weve already covered the news, but new bits and pieces are constantly popping up, like the one were here to talk about. Android 14 is bringing a feature called Flash notifications, which is supposed to replace a notification LED light, kind of.

Android 14 DP2 brings Flash notifications feature to the table

LED notification lights were quite popular back in the day, many phones had them. They got phased out over time, though, even though they were immensely useful. Well, this new Android 14 feature will try to make up for it.

This feature is available via the Accessibility panel in Android 14 Developer Preview 2. Once you enter the Flash notifications menu, youll be able to enable Camera flash notification and/or Screen flash notification.

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If you opt for the Camera flash notifications, your phones LED flash will turn on and off briefly once you receive a notification. The flashlight toggle in the phones Quick Settings will also be highlighted to indicate a notification has arrived. There is no option to tweak this setting, however.

Screen flash notifications are more customizable than Camera flash notifications

On the other hand, if you enable Screen flash notifications, youll be able to choose a color youd like for the feature to use. The screen will flash in that color when you receive a notification. There are 12 colors to choose from here.

Weve seen the LED flash notifications on other phones, while the screen flashing seems like a more interesting choice. It would be even more useful if we had more granular settings. If we could set a specific color for a specific app or contact. Who knows, maybe that feature is also coming.

Do note that this feature may not end up in the final Android 14 build, though. It probably will, but theres always a chance Google will scrape it off before it releases a stable build later this year.
TEL AVIV - The Israeli Premier, Benjamin Netanyahu, left for Rome in the early afternoon despite the protests against his judicial reform that tried to impede his departure.



The protests - he said - are "an attempt to bring down the elected government a few months ago in a democratic way and to head toward the 6th election. We will not allow it".



Then he accused the opposition of wanting to bring the country to a state of "anarchy".



On his meeting tomorrow with Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, Netanyahu explained that "there will be the issue of Iran as well as there was with Macron a few weeks ago".



This evening Netanyahu - who left with a long delay from Ben Gurion airport where he met with US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin - will meet the representatives of the Jews in Italy at the Synagogue. Tomorrow morning the Premier will take part in a Forum with Italian companies in the presence of the Minister of Economic Development and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso. Following this he will stop at Palazzo Chigi for an official State lunch and a face to face with Premier Meloni. He will then deliver statements to the press.

Netanyahu will leave Rome, according to the program in the late evening of 11 March, at the end of Shabbat.

Aviation against reform,first punishment 'exemplary'

The first punishment - defined by the media as being of "exemplary nature"- was against the air force reservists that took action against the judicial reform proposed by Netanyahu's government. According to media reports, the Commander of the Israeli Air Force, General Tomer Bar ordered the suspension until further order of a reservist Colonel. Military media specify that during the last days "Colonel G" had become the spokesperson of the protest and held TV interviews.

According to the Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot his remove has already had "enormous consequences". "Colonel G." has years of experience and until a few months ago, specifies the daily, he was the Commnader of the military base of Ramat David, to the North of Israel.

In the mean time the police is conducting the first arrests among protesters that blocked the road traffic in Israel today on different Israeli routes. The arrests, according to public TV, up to now are 24. Other arrests on the Ayalon route in the center of Tel Aviv which is blocked with protesters, appear to be imminent.
Barry Keoghan has criticised British Airways for its bad customer service after losing his suitcase on the way to Los Angeles for the Oscars.

The Irish actor said he was taking tons of sentimental stuff for the show on Sunday and that the airline could not seem to be helpful in one bit.

Keoghan is nominated for best supporting actor at the 95th Academy awards for his role in dark Irish comedy The Banshees Of Inisherin.

In a now-deleted tweet posted on Wednesday, he wrote: Lost my suitcase with @British_Airways and they cant seem to be any way helpful in one bit.

Here in LA for Oscars and had tons of sentimental stuff I wanted to wear and bring with me.

Such bad customer service. Sent me to LAX to tell me they cant help me. Tut tut.

Barry Keoghan is nominated for best supporting actor at the 95th Academy awards for his role in dark Irish comedy The Banshees Of Inisherin (Searchlight Pictures/PA)

Keoghans best supporting actor nod is his first Oscars nomination, and he will go head to head with Banshees co-star Brendan Gleeson in the category.

He previously won the Bafta award for best supporting actor for his performance in the film, in which he plays the dim-witted Dominic Kearney.

The Banshees other stars, Colin Farrell and Kerry Condon, are also nominated at this years Oscars, in the best actor and best supporting actress categories respectively.

The film picked up a total of nine nominations at the ceremony, including a coveted best picture nod.

The 95th Academy Awards will take place on March 12 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Once voted the 90th greatest Israeli of all time, Chaim Topol brought pride to his home country through his long and successful acting career.

Though he starred in multiple films and stage shows throughout his career, it was the role of Tevye in the musical Fiddler On The Roof, first performed on Londons West End, which earned him most acclaim.

Topol performed the role more than 3,500 times on both stage and screen from the late 1960s until 2009.

His portrayal in the 1971 film adaptation earned him a Golden Globe and a best actor Oscar nomination, as well as a Tony nomination for the 1991 musical revival.

Topol was born in 1935 and grew up in a working-class area of Tel Aviv.

The actors portrayal as Tevye in the musical Fiddler On The Roof, first performed on Londons West End, was the role that earned him most acclaim (Ian West/PA)

Among his earliest film appearances was the lead role in the 1964 film Sallah Shabati by Ephraim Kishon.

The play, later adapted for film, depicted the hardships of a Mizrachi Jewish immigrant family in Israel of the early 1960s.

The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and earned Topol the Golden Globe award for new star of the year.

In 1966, he made his first English-language screen appearance as Abou Ibn Kaqden in the big-budget Mickey Marcus biopic Cast a Giant Shadow.

It was then that he landed the role that would shoot him to prominence, as the milkman Tevye in stage-show Fiddler on the Roof, performed at Her Majestys Theatre, in London.

After scoring a major success on the West End stage, Topol later starred in the 1971 film version, which earned him his Oscar and Golden Globe nominations.

Despite being on active service with the Israeli Army at the time, he was granted permission to attend the awards ceremonies.

The actor went on to take the leading role in the musical The Bakers Wife, but was fired after eight months by director David Merrick for unprofessional behaviour.

Topol later starred alongside other contemporary acting greats, including Brian Blessed in 1980s Flash Gordon and Sir Roger Moore in the James Bond movie For Your Eyes Only in 1981.

In 1983, he reprised the role of Tevye in a London revival of Fiddler on the Roof, before going on to play the character during a US tour of the production.

In 1990, he again played the part in a Broadway revival of Fiddler, and was nominated in 1991 for a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical, though he lost out to British actor Jonathan Pryce.

He played the part again in a 1994 London revival, which became a touring production and saw him perform on stages around the world.

In 2005, he was voted the 90th-greatest Israeli of all time, in a poll by the Israeli news website Ynet to determine whom the general public considered the 200 Greatest Israelis.

In January 2009, Topol began a farewell tour of Fiddler on the Roof as Tevye, but was forced to withdraw from the tour owing to a shoulder injury.

He made his last appearance as his famed character in Boston, Massachusetts in November 2009.

In addition to acting, Topol also dedicated his time to charitable causes and founded Variety Israel  an organisation that provides support for children living with disabilities and their families.

He also served as the president of Jordan River Village, a free overnight camp for Israeli children living with chronic or life-threatening illnesses.

In 2015 the actor was awarded the Israel Prize  the countrys most prestigious award  for lifetime achievement and special contribution to society and the state.

In the days leading up to his death, his son told Ynet that the actor had been diagnosed with Alzheimers disease several years ago.

Omer Topol said that his father is an amazing actor who developed all kinds of tactics to cover up the problems that began to arise.

When he won the Israel Prize, his Alzheimers was in its early stages, Omer said.

He spoke wonderfully at the ceremony, and also at other events, and no one even felt it.

Topol is outlived by his wife Galia, who he married in 1965, and the couples three children, daughters Anat and Ady and son Omer.
Infighting within the SNP leadership contest gives the Liberal Democrats the opportunity to resonate with Scots on the important issues, Sir Ed Davey has said.

The Lib Dem leader was speaking as he visited the knife-edge marginal seat of East Dunbartonshire on Thursday, joining the partys candidate Susan Murray on the campaign trail ahead of the next general election.

The constituency is the most marginal in Scotland, with former Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson being unseated by the SNPs Amy Callaghan by just 149 votes in 2019.

Former UK energy and climate change secretary Sir Ed replaced Ms Swinson as Lib Dem leader and is now hoping his party can win back lost seats from the SNP.

Jo Swinson, then the Lib Dem leader, lost her East Dunbartonshire seat at the 2019 general election (PA)

Speaking on a visit to the Energy Technical Academy in Kirkintilloch, he said his party is focusing on issues like the economy and health, while SNP leadership hopefuls battle it out on the constitutional question.

He told the PA news agency: The SNP leadership candidates seem to be arguing amongst each other, talking about independence and separation when voters want to know what they can do about the health service, about the cost of living and about schools.

What Susan Murray, our Liberal Democrat candidate here in East Dunbartonshire, is talking about is exactly those issues.

Were fighting the Conservatives in many parts of England and here in Scotland its the SNP. I think weve got a message which is resonating with voters in the way that the SNP are forgetting them.

Sir Ed said Ms Murray, who is a local councillor in the region, has a fantastic chance of defeating the SNP.

Ash Regan, left, Kate Forbes and Humza Yousaf are contesting the SNP leadership (Andy Buchanan/PA)

SNP MSPs Ash Regan, Kate Forbes and Humza Yousaf are currently in the race to replace Nicola Sturgeon as party leader and Scotlands next first minister.

The contest has seen the candidates take aim at each other during televised debates.

Scottish Finance Secretary Ms Forbes on Tuesday criticised Health Secretary Mr Yousafs record in Government.

She said: You were a transport minister and the trains were never on time, when you were justice secretary the police were stretched to breaking point, and now as health minister weve got record high waiting times.

What makes you think you can do a better job as first minister?

Mr Yousaf, meanwhile, accused Ms Forbes of taking the SNP on a lurch to the right.
Donatella Versace has said she likes powerful clothes that give women confidence and encourage them not to be afraid of showing femininity.

The Italian fashion designer, 67, is due to launch Versaces autumn/winter 2023 collection in Los Angeles on Thursday rather than during Milan Fashion Week because she wants to push herself to try different things.

Her brother Gianni opened the brands first boutique in 1978, and following his murder in 1997 Donatella took over the houses reins.

Donatella Versace (Harpers Bazaar UK/Agata Pospieszynska/PA)

Speaking to Harpers Bazaar UK magazine ahead of the collections debut, she said: Im always nervous. But at fashion week, everybody else shows, so you are one of them.

There, (in LA), its going to be only me. All the attention  if people pay attention  is on this show. I feel I cannot fail. I have to do this perfect.

On her mission to empower women through fashion, Versace later added: Theres no bad taste and good taste.

I like powerful clothes  power in the sense that they can give a woman confidence and make her not afraid to show femininity.

She said that in the 1990s her brother Gianni was designing clothes that were very bourgeois.

Versace said: You had to go with a suit, it had to be grey or whatever, and to be elegant and chic.

It was a mans society. We were not liberated; we were more conservative. But women were not sexy any more.

I tried to do that, to push (Gianni) to do that. To celebrate the womans body, and not be afraid to show real personality.

Donatella Versace (Harpers Bazaar UK/Agata Pospieszynska/PA)

She also spoke about Gianni being criticised at the beginning of his career by Italian journalists who thought he was dressing only super-sexy women.

Speaking about embracing a bolder approach to fashion design, Versace said: You had to be boring and invisible to be chic, and that was not Gianni.

I told him, Listen. We want to be women, we want to be seen and we want to show we are not afraid of what they think about us. Who cares?

I was the one who didnt want to conform to the rest of fashion. To make a woman sexy  it wasnt a bad thing.

Versace said when her brother was at the helm of the fashion brand she was misunderstood as having high heels, blonde hair, just someone to look at and misinterpreted as not having a specific role in the business.

Donatella Versace (Harpers Bazaar UK/Agata Pospieszynska/PA)

She said that the vision for her new collection was time to go back to couture.

A dress that makes you look better and feel more empowered. To not blend in with the rest of the world, Versace said.

The fashion designer also said that it is important for her to use her platform and voice to talk to the young generation because they are always in my mind.

She added: The LGBTQ+ movement, people being very racist, still today, which is unthinkable in this world. And its not just talking about that; one needs to do something about that.
A former actor jailed after admitting assaulting his highly vulnerable mother has had his sentence cut by appeal judges.

Joshua Malin, 35, of Tottenham, north London, was given a jail term of three years and eight months by a judge at the Old Bailey in October.

Appeal judges Lady Justice Simler, Mr Justice Jeremy Baker and Judge Andrew Menary on Thursday cut that term to three years, at a Court of Appeal hearing in London, after Malin argued that the original sentence was excessive.

Malin, who has appeared in EastEnders and The Bill, was not at the appeal hearing but watched on a prison video link.

The three appeal judges heard that Malin had admitted assaulting his mother, Diana Malin, then aged 71, in March 2022, and admitted breaching a restraining order.

They said he had made an early guilty plea and concluded that the totality of his sentence was too high.

Malin had punched his mother, who has a number of health problems, a number of times when she was in bed, appeal judges had been told.

He had a number of previous convictions for assaulting his mother dating back several years, they heard.

Mr Justice Baker said the 2022 attack was the latest in a series of offences of violence and breaches of restraining orders.

He said the attack was truly serious and described Malins mother as highly vulnerable.

Barrister Charles Burton, who represented Malin, had argued that a sentence of three years and eight months was excessive.

Mr Burton told appeal judges that Malin had very deep-rooted issues arising from childhood trauma, had wrongly blamed his mother, and had become obsessed.

He tells me not a day goes by without him thinking about his relationship with his mother and the harm he has caused her, said Mr Burton.

He must separate himself from the past.

Mr Burton added: He is someone who does express genuine remorse for what he has done.

Appeal judges heard that Malin was taking steps to address his problems and Lady Justice Simler urged him to continue that learning process and maintain his good behaviour in prison.
A former junior counsel to the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry has been charged with sex offences.

John Halley, 59, was arrested on February 15 in Caddonfoot, near Galashiels, and has since been charged.

The advocate is set to appear before Livingston Sheriff Court at a date yet to be decided.

Halley was appointed as a lead junior counsel to the child abuse inquiry by its former chairwoman Susan OBrien KC and has done no work for it since October 2016, having ceased to be instructed by it.

The inquiry was set up to look at the abuse of children in care in Scotland and began its work in October 2015. It is now led by Lady Anne Smith, who was appointed in August 2016.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: Around 8.30am on February 15 officers executed a search warrant at an address in the Caddonfoot area, near Galashiels.

An 59-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with sexual offences.

He is due to appear at Livingston Sheriff Court on a later date.

And a spokesman for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said: A report has been received and is under consideration by the Procurator Fiscal.
Matt Hancock was instructed by the Cabinet Office to tone down claims in his memoir that the Covid-19 pandemic originated from a laboratory leak in China, according to leaked correspondence.

Officials warned it would cause problems if he repeated the claim in his Pandemic Diaries and insisted he must make clear he was not reflecting the Governments view, The Daily Telegraph reported.

The changes to the book were made after he submitted the manuscript to the Cabinet Office for review last year  a procedure all former ministers are obliged to follow.

According to the Telegraph, which has obtained tens of thousands of the former health secretarys messages, Mr Hancock had wanted to say that given how cagey the Chinese have been their official version of events should be treated with considerable scepticism.

Global fear of the Chinese must not get in the way of a full investigation into what happened, he wrote in the original manuscript.

In response, the Cabinet Office wrote: This is highly sensitive and would cause problems if released.

Must be clearer that it is supposition rather than revealing any confidential information received from inside government. Should also be clear that this is not HMG views or beliefs.

It also expressed concern about proposed comparisons in the book between the Wuhan Institute of Virology  in the city where the virus first emerged  and the Ministry of Defences research laboratories at Porton Down.

Mr Hancock originally wrote it was just too much of a coincidence that the pandemic started in the same city as the institute.

The only plausible alternative is that the virus was brought to Wuhan to be studied, and then escaped, he wrote in one passage.

The Chinese denials are a bit like us claiming that a random virus just happened to break out near a little place called Porton Down, perhaps because of some badgers. It just doesnt fly.

However the Cabinet Office expressed concern that it could be seized on by the Russians, who had previously claimed the novichok nerve agent used in the Salisbury poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal originated at Porton Down.

The reference to Porton Down is damaging to national security  what is set up as a joke, is one of the attack lines Russia has used against us for the novichok poisoning, as it is only a few miles from Porton Down to Salisbury (which is entirely coincidental  as, we believe, it is that the Wuhan lab is so close to where the first Covid outbreak was recorded), it said.

The disclosure comes after the head of the FBI said last week the agency had assessed that Covid was most likely the result of a lab leak.

In response to the Telegraph report, a Government spokesman said: We would not comment on leaks or private discussions.

A spokesperson for Mr Hancock said: Matt will categorically not comment on national security matters.

The release of this material shows yet again that this unlawful leak of partial information is motivated only by money and an attempt to spin a biased narrative.

This is completely against the public interest, which will be served by the public inquiry.
As Emmanuel Macron prepares to welcome Rishi Sunak to Paris, hopes are high that the first UK-France summit since 2018 will turn the page on years of strained post-Brexit relations.

The Prime Minister will travel to the French capital on Friday for the talks, which will focus on issues including tackling migrant small boats crossings, boosting defence co-operation and energy security.

The French government sees it as an opportunity to reset the cross-Channel relationship.

Our priority is to reconnect and get back into the habit of working together, an Elysee Palace source said.

It comes after several years of heightened tensions between the two nations, featuring difficult Brexit negotiations and bust-ups over fishing rights and migrant Channel crossings.

It hit a low point with the 2021 signing of the Aukus nuclear submarine deal, which saw Australia ditch France in favour of an agreement with the UK and US.

Political turmoil in Westminster and language used by Mr Sunaks predecessors soured the mood. Boris Johnson urged the French to donnez-moi un break, while Liz Truss refused to say whether Mr Macron was a friend or foe when she ran for the Tory leadership.

While Mr Sunak has pursued a more positive relationship with France and Europe since taking office, his trip to Paris is regarded as key in improving it further.

This summit is a very important step in all this recovery process in our relationship with the UK, the Elysee official said.

Its a moment when we demonstrate ambition, determination and a real openness to do more together.

The UK and France are allies with cultural links that span centuries. Our cooperation is vital across a huge range of areas, from supporting Ukraine to our own defence and energy security. It's in that spirit that I am looking forward to working with President @EmmanuelMacron. pic.twitter.com/yBBNoQSdKD  Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) October 28, 2022

The priority for the UK Government is pushing for further joint efforts to prevent migrants crossing the English Channel.

Ahead of his travels, Mr Sunak said he hoped to strengthen and deepen cooperation with France and build on the 63 million agreement announced in November to help prevent crossings.

For Paris, defence and foreign policy would naturally take centre-stage rather than migration, according to Alice Pannier, research fellow at the French IFRI think tank.

Its fair to say that it wouldnt have been the first item on the French agenda if the UK had not pushed that hard, she told the PA news agency.

But, she added, there is an understanding that migration is a domestic politics priority for the UK right now and its something that France has a shared responsibility for.

Mr Sunak, speaking to a select group of reporters during a visit to Dover on Wednesday, highlighted standing up to Russian aggression and supporting Ukraine as one of the issues we want to work closely with our partners and allies on.

The Prime Minister and Mr Macron will be keen on sending signals to Russia and to other potential rivals around the world that the UK and France, as Europes two biggest military players and the two nuclear weapons-armed states, are ready to work together for Europes security and broader international security, Ms Pannier said.

The specialist in UK-Europe relations said the top priority of all for the talks is mending the relationship, updating the partnership, having strong language on some of the very pressing issues.

Historically, UK-France summits happened almost yearly, but the ill feeling has seen a five-year pause since the last one held at the Sandhurst military academy in 2018.

Because of the long hiatus, both sides will be careful not to oversell the outcomes of this meeting, Ms Pannier said.

If it goes well, it will be used as a launchpad to gradually rebuild the relationship to levels that make sense for such two big neighbours.

There was a lot of substance 10 years ago but in the meantime so much has happened on the political level that these two huge neighbours that have so much in common and share so many interests, the relationship has been so underwhelming for the past five to almost 10 years that they have to restart slow, she said.

This will to move on is shared on both sides, so I think its going to be a very positive summit.
Eyewitnesses have told a jury of the chaos after a nine-year-old girl was murdered in a shooting.

Thomas Cashman, 34, is accused of carrying out the attack in Dovecot, Liverpool, which killed Olivia Pratt-Korbel and injured her mother Cheryl Korbel, 46.

Cashman is alleged to have been trying to shoot a man named Joseph Nee, blasting him in the street then following him as he fled into Olivias house further up the street.

He is accused of firing again from a revolver, missing Nee and hitting Olivia in the chest, Manchester Crown Court heard.

A court artist sketch of Thomas Cashman who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of the nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel (Elizabeth Cook/PA)

On the fourth day of the trial the jury of 10 men and two women heard police statements from neighbours of Ms Korbel.

Libby Boylan had just parked up outside her house over the road with her mother Lisa Boylan in the passenger seat when she heard two loud bangs, shortly before 10pm on August 22 last year.

Ms Boylan said: I then heard my mum shout, Oh my God!

I looked behind me, I saw a lad run past my car on my mums side and run onto the pavement in front of my car.

I saw a second male chasing the first male. I heard him saying, Dont lad and continue running.

At some point I heard my mum saying, Hes got a gun.

I then saw this male run into the driveway of a house a few doors down on the road.

The security light came on which illuminated the second male. I then saw him stop running and raise his right hand towards the front door of the house.

I saw he had a small black handgun in a gloved hand then saw a flash and heard another loud bang.

I felt panicky and decided to drive away from this situation.

A few minutes later she drove back to the street just as police arrived.

Cheryl Korbel, centre, the mother of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel, arrives with family members at Manchester Crown Court for the trial of Thomas Cashman (Peter Byrne/PA)

Her statement added: I saw officers run into the address then saw an officer run out of the address carrying a little girl in his arms. I could see her pyjamas were blood-stained.

Im shocked and distressed about the whole thing. I cant get this little girl out of my head.

Her mother, Lisa Boylan, told police she saw the gunman run past her holding a gun out, pointing at the man he was chasing.

She said: I could not believe what was happening in front of me. The male with the gun glared at me as he ran past us. It scared me.

I heard a further three gunshots. We drove away, I immediately phoned the police.

After police arrived she returned to the street and saw police take Olivia from her house.

She added: She wore a white nightie which had a lot of blood all over the neck, all over the chest area. She appeared floppy.

I knew immediately the little girl had been shot.

The whole incident has made me feel sick, Im still in shock and upset.

Adele Maher, another neighbour, looked through her bedroom blinds after hearing two loud bangs and saw one male dressed in black, from head to toe chasing another male who was pleading, Please lad, please.

Mrs Maher said this was immediately followed by, the worst screaming I have ever heard in my life. Women screaming, hysterical, out of control. It threw me into an instant panic. I flew downstairs and was hyperventilating.

Then loads of blue lights and sirens appeared outside.

Rebecca Power was in her bedroom watching a film with her children when she heard two loud bangs and went to the window to see a man outside with a gun chasing a second man.

I reacted by pushing my children away from the window. I grabbed my phone and dialled 999. I was terrified, she told police.

Olivia Heffron, who was at her partners house over the road from Olivias house, said she heard three or four loud bangs in the street outside and went to the window.

She saw one man she thought was holding a gun, pursuing a second man who was saying, What are you doing lad?

Ms Heffron then saw Ms Korbel come out of her house to her front gate, to see what was going on, then run back to her front door.

The first male, Nee, followed, banging on her door, shouting, Help me! Ms Heffron told police.

She then heard a bang and saw a flash.

Afterwards the street descended into chaos Ms Heffron said and she saw her neighbour screaming, shouting, She is dying, shes been shot in the chest. Has anyone got a towel?

Ms Heffron added: I have never seen anyone in such a state of stress before. Officers ran into the house before exiting a few seconds later carrying a child who looked like she had died.

Opening the case earlier this week, David McLachlan KC, prosecuting, told the jury Cashman killed Olivia in a shooting which had gone horribly wrong.

Cashman denies the murder of Olivia, the attempted murder of Nee, wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm to Olivias mother, and two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

The trial continues.
The King sympathised with pet lovers after Ukrainian refugees speedily reunited with their quarantined animals sent videos of appreciation to thank British workers.

Charles visited the headquarters of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (Apha) in Weybridge, Surrey, where experts combat diseases and pests in animals and plants and maintain a surveillance of possible threats.

Agency staff worked round the clock to ensure safety procedures were followed  to keep out threats like rabies  but ensure dogs and cats were quickly returned to their Ukrainian owners welcomed to the UK after fleeing the war in their homeland.

They have received videos of owners being reunited with their beloved pets  a gesture that was described as making the job worthwhile by staff.

The King looks at mosquitos under a microscope during a visit to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (Andrew Matthews/PA)

During the visit, Charles also learnt about the potential threat posed by mosquitos  which may become more prevalent in the UK due to increases in temperature as a result of climate change.

He peered down a microscope at some dead specimens and nearby was a small tent that was home to some live insects.

And he thanked staff for their work, especially their efforts combating Avian flu, which has been kept under control by the testing for the virus in suspect birds 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In an impromptu speech, the King said: Im full of admiration for what you do, what you manage to achieve against these huge challenges in all directions, I know many have been working such late hours for days and days.

So I can only say you are totally heroic, were incredibly lucky to have you battling away for our safety and our future.

Around 2,500 pets have been reunited with their owners and Emily Perry, head of international trading in endangered species and the Ukrainian pets initiative, said they had received videos showing some of those moments.

She said: They lost everything, so to see them being united with their pets we all feel it makes this job worthwhile.

Speaking about the King, she added: He said we all love our pets so he could understand being an animal lover.
British broadcaster GB News has amassed losses of more than 30 million in its first full year on the air, after investing in numerous presenters including Eamonn Holmes and Nigel Farage.

Figures from the news channels company accounts showed that it sunk deeper into a loss in the year to May 2022, after launching the channel in June 2021.

It racked up 30.7 million in a pre-tax loss over the period, on revenues of 3.6 million.

The majority of its revenues  over 2.9 million  came from advertising.

GB News said its directors are satisfied with the results for the year and expect growth in the future performance of the company.

The broadcaster paid more than 11 million in wages and salaries to its staff during the year.

The TV service has invested in a number of Conservative MPs to present shows, with Lee Anderson set to became the latest to host a show on the channel.

He would join fellow Tory politicians Jacob Rees-Mogg, Esther McVey and Philip Davies as a GB News host and contributor.

Jacob Rees-Mogg in the studio at GB News during his new show Jacob Rees-Moggs State of The Nation (Stefan Rousseau/ PA)

Tatton MP Esther McVey earned 58,650 as a presenter in 2022, at an average of just under 900 per episode.

Former UKIP and Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage was one of the first to join the broadcaster as a host of its prime-time Sunday morning show.

It has faced a number of controversies since its launch, including an advertising boycott from several brands like Ikea, Kopparberg and Octopus Energy who decided to pull their adverts from the channel.

Earlier this week, the UKs broadcasting watchdog Ofcom ruled that an episode of the Mark Steyn show, who was a presenter until earlier this year, broke its broadcasting rules and was potentially harmful and materially misleading.

Mr Steyn made an incorrect claim about health data providing evidence of a link between the Covid vaccine and higher rates of infection, hospitalisation and death, Ofcom said.

The TV channel had an average monthly reach of 2.3 million viewers in the year to May.

GB News secured a new 60 million cash injection last year from its existing backers, Dubai-based investment group Legatum Ventures and one of the UKs most prominent hedge fund managers, Sir Paul Marshall.

The funding will help the channel to grow, innovate, and invest in British journalism, it said.

GB News Radio launched at the start of last year and had 415,000 listeners in the third quarter of the year, making it the fastest-growing radio station in the UK market, the company said.

The broadcaster said it is focused on growing its audience and committing to high quality, independent journalism.
A retired university scientist has been jailed for life after being found guilty of beating his former wife to death more than 40 years ago.

Christopher Harrisson, 82, was found guilty at the High Court in Aberdeen on Thursday of murdering his ex-wife, fellow academic Brenda Page.

He forced entry to her Aberdeen flat, which Dr Page had moved to after fleeing their abusive marriage, and killed her by striking her on the head and body.

Christopher Harrisson, now in his 80s, has been found guilty of murder (Crown Office/PA)

Her body was discovered on July 14, 1978 by a concerned colleague and a neighbour.

Harrisson spent decades denying his crime but prosecutors from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) were able to disprove him using DNA examination and forensic techniques.

Biological samples taken from the sheets of Dr Pages bed were re-examined using state-of-the-art analysis.

Dr Pages family said they are delighted with the verdict, adding it has brought justice for an extremely kind, intelligent woman (who had) her whole life ahead of her.

A jury found Harrisson guilty after hearing evidence that Dr Page was terrified of her former husband and had told associates she feared he would one day kill her.

Letters written detailed some of the abuse and in one, Dr Page asked her lawyer to ensure she receive a thorough post-mortem examination should she ever die suddenly.

A letter Dr Page wrote to her lawyer (Crown Office/PA)

Harrisson was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum jail term of 20 years.

In a statement released through Police Scotland, Dr Pages family said: We as a family are absolutely delighted with the verdict of todays trial.

Brendas murder, nearly 45 years ago at the incredibly young age of 32, has affected the family and so many of her friends, work colleagues and of course Police Scotland.

Not a day goes by when we dont think about Brenda and the horrendous ordeal she must have suffered that night. Brenda was an extremely kind, intelligent woman with her whole life ahead of her. It hurts us to think of the great things she would have undoubtedly achieved.

Forty-five years is a long time to be at liberty whilst the family have endured such tragedy, sadness and loss. Reliving these events over and over again each time Brendas case was re-investigated or publicised in the media was difficult to say the least.

We extend our sincerest thanks to Police Scotlands Major Investigation Team (MIT) in Aberdeen and Crown counsel and COPFS for keeping Brendas case open and tirelessly pursuing the justice today has brought.

National procurator fiscal for homicide and major crime, David Green, said: The relatives of Dr Brenda Page have waited a very long time for justice and our thoughts are with them as they come to terms with todays outcome.

Christopher Harrisson took the life of their loved one and subjected them to further torment by maintaining his pretence of innocence for many years.

A man once recognised as a skilled scientist himself has been brought to justice through scientific expertise.

The case has been one of Scotlands longest-running murder investigations and the MIT instigated a re-investigation in 2015 following instruction from the Lord Advocate.

Detective Inspector Gary Winter said Dr Page was never forgotten and they hoped one day her murderer would face the consequences of his actions.

He added: Various improvements in available evidence since 1978 allowed the investigation to progress to trial. Part of this is down to a better understanding of domestic abuse and abusive relationships, which has helped us highlight what Brenda went through over many years.

I would like to thank all those who have assisted with our investigation and in particular those who helped at the time of the murder and the friends and colleagues we revisited during our most recent investigation, many of whom have sadly passed away.
Marriage should be promoted at every opportunity and is a sacred bond between man and woman, a Conservative MP has said.

Nick Fletcher made the remarks after saying census data suggested people living on their own are more likely to have lower levels of happiness and be less financially secure.

Mr Fletcher added that 60% of people living alone are men.

Conservative MP Nick Fletcher speaking in the House of Commons (House of Commons/PA)

The MP for Don Valley has long campaigned for a minister for men in the Government.

He also chairs the all-party parliamentary group on men and boys, which seeks to develop policy on disadvantages and poor outcomes faced by men and boys.

Mr Fletchers initial question during questions to the Church Commissioners asked for details on the steps the Church of England (CoE) is taking to support family relationships, parenting and marriage.

He added: The 2021 Census has shown that people living on their own are more likely to be renting, less financially secure, have lower levels of happiness and higher levels of anxiety.

60% of people living alone are men.

Marriage is a sacred bond between man and woman. Does he agree with me that we should promote marriage at every opportunity and bring back tax allowances to suit?

Conservative MP Andrew Selous, who speaks on behalf of the CoE in the House of Commons, replied: (Mr Fletcher) is absolutely right to look at all the measures that can support marriage given that the UK has 23% lone parent households compared with 13% in the Netherlands.

He is also correct that there is a lower burden of family taxation in France, Germany and the USA.

There will be a range of measures to support marriage in the Archbishops proposals next month, which I hope (Mr Fletcher) will support when theyre published.

Conservative MP Andrew Selous responds to a question from Nick Fletcher (PA)

DUP MP Jim Shannon (Strangford) welcomed Mr Selouss answer, adding: Im one that believes very much in the sanctity of marriage and the importance of marriage.

Ive been married 35 years to a long-suffering wife, Sandra. My mum and dad were married for 60 years, Sandras mum and dad were married for 60 years so we believe in marriage and the importance of it, as others do in this chamber.

What is (Mr Selous) able to do to ensure that those who are having difficulties in marriage can have the Relate discussions to make sure that their marriage can last all of their lives?

Mr Selous replied: Its certainly my hope that the churches across the country will be involved in the best possible marriage preparation but also marriage support because all of us get into bad habits, including (Mr Shannon) and myself, and need little pointers and reminders from time to time.

Conservative MP Sir Peter Bottomley, the Father of the House, joked: Im not sure, Mr Speaker, this is the right place to either advertise virtue or claim vice.

Elsewhere in the session, Labour former minister Ben Bradshaw sought assurances that there would be no backsliding on timescales after the General Synod  the CoEs legislative assembly  last month passed a motion to allow the blessing of same-sex couples in civil partnerships.

Mr Bradshaw added he hoped the pastoral guidance will deal with the issue of priests being allowed to marry and be freed from the current celibacy rules.

The MP for Exeter noted a small number of parishes have begun to withhold their money from their dioceses in protest at these very small steps forward, adding: Isnt it increasingly clear that a small minority in the Church of England will never be reconciled to treating lesbian and gay people equally.

Itd be better to let those people go so the church can focus on the majority of Anglicans in this country who support treating lesbian and gay people equally.

Mr Selous said the pastoral guidance is being worked on, adding: The bishops remain committed to implementing their response to Living in Love and Faith, which the General Synod approved last month.

He said the timing may depend on the July Synods response to the pastoral guidance and prayers of love and faith.

Mr Selous, in respect of the second part of the question, acknowledged the proposals do not go far enough for some and go too far for others before adding: We need to learn to disagree well.
A serving Metropolitan Police officer has appeared in court to deny charges of rape and assault.

Pc Jorden Brown, who is attached to the Central East Command Unit, was charged with rape and three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm in relation to one female victim.

The first alleged assault took place in November 2018, the second in August 2019 and the third in October 2019, the charges state.

Brown, of Orchard Road, Dagenham, east London, is alleged to have committed the rape on February 16, 2019.

The 40-year-old appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Thursday and spoke only to confirm his name and plead not guilty to the four counts.

Brown was wearing a blue jumper over his shirt and tie, and was defended by Rosa Bennathan, with Sarah Lindop prosecuting.

He was granted bail ahead of a trial date on April 8 2024 at the same court.

Judge Rosa Dean said she will try to secure an earlier trial date if it is possible.

The offences are alleged to have happened while he was off duty.

Brown was charged by post on January 6 after the offences were reported to police in October 2019, according to Scotland Yard.

He has been suspended from duty.
Negotiations with health unions have been constructive and will carry on into next week, the Government has said as strike action remains on hold.

Unions representing ambulance workers, physiotherapists, nurses and midwives have been in talks with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) since Tuesday in an attempt to resolve a bitter dispute over pay.

A DHSC spokesperson said on Thursday: The Government, NHS employers and unions representing the Agenda for Change workforce have been holding constructive and meaningful discussions over the past few days, covering pay and non-pay matters.

These talks will continue into next week.

The Government has previously indicated it will only be able to give NHS staff on the Agenda for Change contract  which includes the majority of NHS workers apart from doctors, dentists and very senior managers  a maximum of a 3.5% uplift in next years pay award.

But it has been suggested that there may be some wriggle room on this figure during negotiations, and discussions may be focusing on other issues including staff banding, work hours, pay at the lower pay rates and the way the pay is set each year, it is understood.

Union representatives declined to comment individually on the progress of talks on Thursday, but offered their support for the Governments statement. Both parties have vowed not to give a running commentary during the negotiations.

Four of the unions involved, GMB, Unison, Unite, and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, called off strike action in order to facilitate the ongoing talks.

The Royal College of Nursing also averted strikes at the beginning of March when they entered into pay negotiation with the Government.

The unions directly involved in the talks are Unison; the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy; GMB; Unite; the Royal College of Midwives; and the Royal College of Nursing.

Talks do not involve junior doctors, who will walk out for 72 hours on Monday.
Labour has said there are very serious questions to answer about how a UK supermarket has become embroiled in a major beef fraud investigation.

The National Food Crime Unit (NFCU), part of the Food Standards Agency, has not named the supermarket but said that pre-packed meat and deli products from South America and Europe have been supplied to the retailer and labelled as British.

The investigation involves the review of about 1.3 million documents with products being sold to customers as best British beef, Farmers Weekly reported.

Shadow environment secretary Jim McMahon said in response: We were told the lessons of the horsemeat scandal had been learnt, but unfortunately this investigation could cast that into doubt.

There are clearly very serious questions to answer and its right that an urgent investigation is currently under way.

The NFCU said the retailer in question has now removed all affected products from its shelves.

In 2013, horsemeat was discovered in the food supply chain in products being sold as beef.

Millions of products were withdrawn all over Europe at great cost to the industry and the UK economy.

Andrew Quinn, deputy head of the NFCU, confirmed the agency is investigating a supply of fraudulent pre-packed sliced meat and deli products.

He said: The retailer was notified on the same day that we took action against the food business suspected of the fraud and immediately removed all affected products from their shelves.

The retailer continues to work closely and co-operatively with the NFCU investigation to progress the case against the supplier. This is not a food safety issue but a matter of food fraud.

Any fraud investigations of this nature take time to go through evidence and bring to any outcome, including any potential prosecution. We take food fraud very seriously and are acting urgently to protect the consumer.

At the National Farmers Union (NFU) conference last month, president Minette Batters warned against the possibility of another food scandal, saying: Ten years on from the horsegate scandal, we cannot afford to be so complacent about the risks that continue to exist.

Environment Secretary Therese Coffey later told the conference that the Government has worked hard to ensure biosecurity and that we shouldnt be putting ideas into peoples minds in case consumers are scared off.

Some Tory MPs are reportedly worried that the UKs standards on welfare for pork will be undermined in post-Brexit trade deals (Liam McBurney/PA)

Earlier on Thursday, The Guardian reported that a group of Tory MPs and peers are gearing up to oppose post-Brexit trade deals with Canada and Mexico after raising concerns about the welfare of pigs and cattle in those countries.

Pigs in Canada face castration, ear notching, tail docking and teeth trimming while sows are kept for long periods in stalls where they cannot turn around, a practice banned in the UK, the newspaper said.

At the NFU conference, farming minister Mark Spencer refused to rule out Mexican beef imports, for which he was criticised by the Climate Change Committee.

It said importing such beef would compromise the UKs net zero targets and would be unfair to UK businesses who will have to adopt stringent measures to reduce emissions.

Compassion in World Farming (CWF), an animal welfare pressure group, has also been calling for greater animal welfare standards by visiting Rishi Sunaks constituency in North Yorkshire.

It is asking the Prime Minister and the Government to pass the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill  introduced by former environment secretary George Eustice  and ban exports of live animals.

CWF campaigners have driven from Somerset to Suffolk, Nottinghamshire, the Lake District and Yorkshire where they delivered a petition signed by 27,000 people to Tory MPs offices urging them to push the Bill through Parliament.

Compassion in World Farming has been visiting Tory constituencies to promote a ban on exporting live animals (Compassion in World Farming/PA)

James West, senior policy manager with CWF, said: The Kept Animals Bill has not progressed in Parliament since November 2021 and the Government simply arent making it a priority, despite calls from the British public and NGOs, including Compassion in World Farming, to do so.

By taking our campaign to the doorsteps of those who can advance this Bill, we are making it impossible for them to ignore it any longer.

Live exports cause overcrowding, stress, exhaustion, dehydration, hunger and even death. This cruel trade must end.

Ministers wont take the Kept Animals Bill back to the House of Commons to secure a British live export ban, so we are making sure their constituents know about it.

This legislation has cross-party support and is ready for its final stages in the House of Commons. So, what is the Government waiting for?
Metropolitan Police say they made more than 200 arrests and seized over one million pounds worth of drugs during a week-long crackdown on county lines gangs in London.

From Monday February 27 to Sunday March 5, Met officers charged 105 people with a total of 223 charges, which included 150 drug trafficking charges and 131 charges relating to Class A and B drugs. Additionally, as a result of of the operation, 177 vulnerable people were safeguarded.

In the same period, officers seized 8.3 kilograms of Class A drugs, 37.6 kilograms of Class B drugs, 652,214 in cash, five firearms and 51 weapons which included knives, machetes and swords.

Met Police officers in Croydon at the home of an alleged suspect (Met Police/PA)

Met Police said the operation has also revealed several cases of vulnerable children being preyed on by offenders and used as a commodity.

Instead of criminalising these children, officers work with Rescue and Response to ensure they are safeguarded and supported, the Met said in a statement.

Detective Superintendent Rick Sewart, the lead responsible officer for county lines at the Met, said that county lines  a drug supply model which traffics drugs into rural areas and smaller towns, away from major cities  was intrinsically linked to homicide and serious violence.

He added that 80% of county lines offenders charged with drug trafficking during this financial year had previously been arrested for violence.

Some of the weapons seized by Met Police in London between February 27 and March 5 2023 (Met Police/PA)

County lines networks prey upon children and young people, trafficking them and subjecting them to modern slavery involving horrendous emotional and physical abuse, Mr Sewart said.

Victims are coerced through violence, blackmail and debt bondage, to hold and supply drugs.

Those involved use weapons and serious violence including kidnaps to intimidate and threaten victims.

Additionally, the county lines networks preyed on the vulnerable to fuel Class A drug addictions, he said.

Image from Met Police showing multiple baggies containing a white substance (Met Police/PA)

Earlier this month, the British Transport Police (BTP) warned that teenage boys as young as 13 were being lured with promises of money and gifts to work for drug dealers.

Young people were offered cash, mobile phones, vapes and clothes to take advantage of so-called business opportunities promoted on social media, with BTP officers saying they had seen messages sent out by drug dealers asking who wants to make 500 this weekend? in a bid to draw young people into gangs.

In a survey of 1,500 boys aged 13 to 19 commissioned by BTP, 19% said they or a friend had been offered work by a drug dealer.

The survey, carried out by OnePoll, found that 20% of the boys polled knew someone who sells or transports drugs.

It said that 15% of the teenagers had seen drugs being offered or sold on social media, and 18% at school.
An MP has accused the NHS of abandoning her brain cancer-hit sister during an emotional House of Commons speech.

Labours Siobhain McDonagh fought back tears as she raised the experiences of 61-year-old Margaret McDonagh, a former Labour Party general secretary who sits in the House of Lords as Baroness McDonagh.

The MP for Mitcham and Morden criticised the lack of progress on brain cancer treatment since 2005 in the NHS.

She explained her sister has been on a course of treatment which involves a monthly four-day trip to Dusseldorf, Germany.

Ms McDonagh told the Commons: The numbers that the NHS is currently forsaking and abandoning to international travel, the lucky people who can get the funds to do that, is nothing short of a complete and utter national scandal.

I wonder what my mum, who came here in 1947 to train as the first generation of nurses from Ireland, would say about the NHS abandoning her daughter.

Ms McDonagh earlier explained her sister collapsed in front of her and had a series of fits in November 2021, adding she was later diagnosed with a glioblastoma  the most aggressive and fatal form of brain tumour.

The tumours were later removed and Ms McDonagh praised Dr Paul Mulholland, of University College London (UCL) Hospitals, for being why Margaret is still alive.

Ms McDonagh said her sister could not go through with the available treatment in early 2022 as it would have killed her, noting there are no trials and nowhere to go in this country.

As she explained the trips to Germany, Ms McDonagh said: That might seem an easy thing to do but I have to say to take a seriously ill person on an aeroplane to a hotel with access to no healthcare and no emergency services would be a foolhardy thing to do unless there was nothing else in this country  and there was and is nothing.

She noted there were times when I thought I couldnt get her on the plane given her sister was so unwell, explaining: There was one night when I stayed and stared at her because I didnt think she was going to make it through the night and how would I explain that to anybody?

MPs listen to Siobhain McDonagh as she raises the case of her sister Margaret (PA)

By June last year Lady McDonagh had a scan and the tumours could not be seen and people have sought support from Dr Mulholland given her experiences, MPs heard.

Ms McDonagh said the experiences for others could be different in future, telling health minister Will Quince: Please dont give the NHS any more money, dont give the cancer research charities any more money until they guarantee to you that at least 200 sufferers every year get access to a trial  thats 1,000 patients over the course of a (governments) lifetime.

With those trials we can begin to understand what works and what doesnt work.

And give no money to the NHS trainers until they commit to you that every young doctor training to be a medical oncologist has to go through a course on brain tumour. At the moment there is no compulsory training.

Ms McDonagh said such moves would improve the chances of young doctors taking on the specialism.

Concluding, she said: When I go to bed tonight I will keep my ear open for Margaret, to hear her call my name, and I will get up and I will go into her room and she may well be asleep because Ive imagined she was calling me.

And I accept that. Thats my duty. Its what Ive learnt from my family, what Ive learnt from my faith and what I have learnt from my politics.

I accept my responsibility. All that I want is for the NHS, the cancer research charities, pharmaceutical companies to stand up and accept their responsibility and to give some hope to the 3,200 people who will be diagnosed with a glioblastoma this year.

Deputy Speaker Nigel Evans said: Thats a very brave speech, Siobhain, and please send our love from Parliament to Margaret.

Closing the debate, Mr Quince told Ms McDonagh: Im so very sorry to hear of her experience, which must have been very difficult to share.

She made the point about cancer diagnosis and treatment, and we have come on so much, but I know and recognise that this is not universal across all cancer types and we have much more to do.

On clinical trials and the need to travel abroad, he said: We cant do them all here in the UK. Sometimes I wish we could. It is global competition, but I want to give her my personal assurance that clinical trials are so high on my agenda.

I want to make sure that our United Kingdom has the best environment for clinical trials.
The Government appears to have abandoned plans that would have required non-Irish nationals permanently resident in Ireland to apply for a visa waiver to travel to Northern Ireland.

The provision had been opposed by the Irish government, which had warned that it could disrupt the lives of people across the island who are not Irish or British citizens, particularly those living along the border.

The UK Government has said the new requirement would be smooth, light-touch, and would aim to strengthen our border.

The scheme, which is similar to the visa waiver system used in the US, would result in short-term non-visa visitors to the UK applying for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and providing biometric data.

Irish citizens do not need an ETA to travel to Northern Ireland as they already have guaranteed free movement under the terms of the Common Travel Area.

But non-Irish EU citizens and other international passport holders, including those who live permanently south of the border, would have had to apply for the visa waiver.

However, in an update published by the UK Government on Thursday, it said that among those who will not need to apply for such authorisation include those legally resident in Ireland.

The UK Government said in a statement that individuals arriving in the UK via Ireland, will still be subject to UK immigration requirements, including the need for visitors to have an ETA.

It added: Those legally resident in Ireland will not need an ETA when travelling to the UK from within the Common Travel Area.

The visa waiver system is to be introduced on a phased basis from the end of the year, though details such as the cost of an ETA are yet to be clarified.
Buckingham Palace staff have been told to plan for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to attend the Kings coronation, it has been reported.

Harry and Meghan are being factored into all arrangements including cars, seating in Westminster Abbey, and dining, the Daily Mail newspaper has said.

The couple, who have begun using the titles prince and princess for their children in an alignment with the Palace on the matter, have yet to confirm whether they will attend the historic ceremony on May 6.

Harry and Meghan have not yet confirmed whether they will attend the coronation (Joe Giddens/PA)

It is understood there is no update from the Sussex camp as to whether they will be present for the crowning of Charles and the Queen Consort.

A spokesperson for the Sussexes previously said Harry and Meghan had received email correspondence from the Kings office about the event, but an immediate decision on their attendance would not yet be disclosed.

Officials within the Master of the Households Department and the Lord Chamberlains Office are anticipating their attendance, the Mail said.

Buckingham Palace is yet to comment.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with the royal family on Commonwealth Day in 2020 (Phil Harris/Daily Mirror/PA)

Harry and Meghans relationship with the King and the Prince of Wales has remained troubled in the wake of the publication of the dukes controversial tell-all memoir Spare.

The Kings second son criticised Charless parenting, accused William of physically attacking him and branded Camilla dangerous.

In the three years since the pair stepped down as working royals, the couple have been critical of the royal family and the monarchy, telling their story in their Netflix documentary and in a televised interview with Oprah Winfrey.

It emerged last week that Harry and Meghan have been asked to vacate their UK home Frogmore Cottage, in a move sanctioned by the King.

May 6 is also Prince Archies fourth birthday.
All children across the UK should get free school meals according to a coalition of campaigners who say food should be available in the same way as books, desks and chairs.

More than 40 organisations, unions, councils, politicians and other figures including Henry Dimbleby, co-founder of Leon restaurants and author of the School Food Plan, have joined the call on International School Meals Day.

Campaigners said political parties must remove the stigmatising means testing of children for food in school, and deliver healthy school food for all children  in both primary and secondary schools  by 2030.

It follows an announcement last month by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan of an emergency 130 million scheme to extend free school meals to every primary school pupil in the capital for one year, starting in September, in an effort to help struggling households amid the cost-of-living crisis.

John Vincent, who co-wrote the School Food Plan with Mr Dimbleby, said conclusions they came to a decade ago are as relevant today as then.

He said: We spent a year in 2012 analysing the human, practical and economic realities of school food.

We concluded that good free school meals for all benefits the health and attainment of children and makes economic sense.

And now 10 years on, the evidence from the UK and abroad makes a strong case that all children should have access to free school meals.

Mr Dimbleby said the move could change our country forever.

He said: If you visit a school which has universal free school meals, you can feel immediately that it is the right thing to do. But you dont need to visit, just look at the evidence  from here and abroad  and you will see that the benefits are measurably huge. It would change our country forever.

Organisations supporting the call include the Food Foundation, School Food Matters, Child Poverty Action Group and The Childrens Society.

A film has been made with pupils from Sacred Heart Primary School in Battersea, London, to mark the campaign launch, showing an imagined situation where some children are left without chairs and desks and have to pay to use the school toilet.

Barbara Crowther from the Childrens Food Campaign said: We believe in an education system free at the point of access. We dont means test children for pencils or desks, so why for food?

We dont means test adults or children when it comes to hospital and prison meals, so its perverse that we still insist on this for our children. Many other countries around the world have already realised this and now seeing huge benefits of healthy meals for all.

She said economic analysis by PWC shows a return of 1.71 for every pound invested, and potential economic return of up to 100 billion over a 20-year period.

Currently, households in England receiving Universal Credit must earn below 7,400 a year before benefits and after tax to qualify for free school meals while in Northern Ireland the family earnings threshold is 14,000 after tax and before benefits.

The Scottish Government has committed to providing free school meals for all primary school children, while in Wales the rollout of universal primary free school meals began in September.
Members of a Scottish teaching union have voted to accept the latest pay offer from local authority employers, halting strike action and bringing their industrial dispute to an end.

The Scottish Secondary Teachers Association (SSTA) voted 85.3% in favour of accepting the offer, with 14.7% rejecting it. Turnout was 79.9%.

Under the deal announced by Scottish Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville, teachers earning up to 80,000 will see their pay rise by 6% from April 2022, and then another 5.5% from the start of the 2023 financial year.

A ballot of members of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS)  the largest teaching union in Scotland  is due to conclude on Friday.

SSTA general secretary Seamus Searson said: The membership has determined to accept the latest pay offer.

SSTA Pay Ballot  Vote to Accept The SSTA conducted a formal pay ballot of members on the latest pay offer from the employers (COSLA). Members voted overwhelmingly to accept and brought the SSTA pay dispute and further industrial action to an end.https://t.co/UXsg6CVNIy  SSTA (@SSTAtradeunion) March 9, 2023

Throughout the period of industrial action, the SSTA has taken a measured approach and has been willing to negotiate to find a solution to the pay dispute.

The SSTA is proud to be a member-led union, and the ballot is a fundamental part of our democratic process.

Mr Searson said the SSTA will now push for teachers to receive the backpay they are due as quickly as possible.

He continued: However, the SSTA has a major concern over the unnecessary pay cap; this seems to be an act of political dogma rather than a rational proposal.

The inclusion of this is a considerable barrier in the professional career structure for secondary school teachers.

The career ladder has been stifled for many years, the number of posts of responsibility has been cut severely. Posts such as these are needed in secondary schools as they are essential for good management systems.
Sir Grayson Perry has said he is honoured to have his largest ever exhibition presented by the National Galleries of Scotland.

Grayson Perry: Smash Hits will cover the artists 40-year career, and will be open from July 22 until November 12 at the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh.

It will offer a journey through the main themes of Sir Graysons provocative art, including masculinity, sexuality, class, religion, politics and identity.

He said: I feel honoured, excited and also daunted by the thought of seeing the largest ever exhibition of my work this summer in Edinburgh.

Honoured to be given such an opportunity in such a fine gallery. Excited to share my smash hits with the Scottish audience and the festival crowds.

Dozens of Sir Graysons artworks will form the display (Angus Mill/National Galleries of Scotland/PA)

Daunted because whenever I walk amongst a substantial show of my art, the same thought floods into my head, oh my God the man hours!.

Just one of the grand rooms like those of the Royal Scottish Academy could easily hold two, three, four years of my studio life, such is the density of my works.

These objects contain so much for me, my hopes, my ideas, my lusts, my laughter, my pride, my love.

What they contain more than anything is my time. Forty smashing years.

The exhibition, which will have more than 80 works, has been developed in collaboration with Sir Grayson and the Victoria Miro Gallery.

It will bring together all the artists detailed prints and imaginary maps, and will also feature many of his tapestries  such as the rarely shown Walthamstow Tapestry (2009) which, at 15 metres in length, presents a birth-to-death journey through shopping and brand names.

The exhibition will be the largest ever staged of Sir Graysons work (Angus Mill/National Galleries of Scotland/PA)

New works will also be presented, such as a richly-detailed tapestry, a large woodcut print, and pots and plates which explore themes of national identity.

Objects chosen from his recent Channel 4 docuseries, Grayson Perrys Full English, where the 62-year-old artist travelled around the country to try and uncover what Englishness means today, will also be included.

John Leighton, director-general of the National Galleries of Scotland, said: This exhibition, the biggest Grayson Perry show ever held anywhere in the world, offers a unique opportunity for visitors to discover the scope of the artists practice.

It has been 40 years since Perry first started making his pots and plates, and 20 years since he gained international acclaim when he won the Turner Prize.

It is the ideal moment to celebrate Perrys achievements to date.
The distance electric cars can travel in winter with a fully-charged battery is up to a third less than advertised, an investigation has found.

Magazine What Car?, which tested a dozen electric vehicles (EVs) in cold weather, said it is important that potential owners understand the pros and cons of this technology.

The Funky Cat First Edition by Chinese manufacturer Ora had the biggest discrepancy between the actual and official range of the cars analysed.

It did just 130 miles before stopping, some 33% below the stated figure of 193 miles.

Renaults Megane E-Tech had the second largest difference at 32%.

The car that got closest to its advertised range was the Nissan Ariya, with a discrepancy of just 16%.

The Tesla Model Y was in second place at 18%.

All the cars were fully charged and left outside overnight in temperatures ranging from 0C to 2C, before being driven at a test venue simulating real-world conditions on different types of road until they stopped.

Will Nightingale, who leads What Car?s test team, said: More and more people own or are considering electric cars, and its important that they understand the pros and cons of this technology, especially in terms of how far they are likely to go between charges.

While its common knowledge that cold weather negatively affects battery performance and efficiency  especially if the cars heating system is in use  What Car?s real range testing is designed to give car buyers the clearest possible understanding of how many miles they will typically be able to cover in wintry British conditions.

Despite falling short of their official figures, its still clear that many of these electric cars have the advantage of being cheaper to run than petrol or diesel equivalents, assuming you can charge at home.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said: Car makers are investing billions in developing zero emission vehicles, with improved battery performance, range and charging times, to make them a compelling choice for all drivers.

There will always be a difference between lab tests and real-world use due to variations in conditions and that battery performance, charging times and efficiency are all impacted by cold weather, so range is expected to differ in those conditions.

Meanwhile, Labour said its analysis of planned EV battery production shows that by 2025 the UK is on course to have 10 times less capacity than Germany and 30 times less capacity than the US.

The party has committed to supporting the creation of eight new plants in the UK if it comes to power.

Shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh said: Our world-class car industry can lead the way, but under the Conservatives we are losing the race to build the electric vehicle revolution here in Britain.

Labour will turbocharge electric vehicle manufacturing and bring good jobs back to Britains industrial heartlands.

We will invest in eight new battery plants, and lower sky-high electric costs hampering British industry with our plans for zero-carbon power.

Sales of new petrol and diesel cars and vans in the UK will be banned from 2030.

More than a fifth of new cars sold in the UK last year had a plug.

A government spokesperson said: The UK remains Europes most attractive destination for investment, and we are determined to ensure it remains one of the best locations in the world for automotive manufacturing, too.

Our success is evidenced by the 1 billion investment in Sunderland in 2021, and we are building on this through a major investment programme to electrify our supply chain and create jobs.
Three people have been arrested in connection with the murder of a beautician outside a pub last Christmas Eve.

Elle Edwards, 26, was shot at the Lighthouse pub in Wallasey, the Wirral, on December 24 2022.

Thomas Waring has been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and assisting an offender.

The 20-year-old, from Barnston, Wirral, will appear before Wirral Adult Remand Court on Thursday morning, Merseyside Police said.

A man from Heswall and a woman from Tranmere, both 23, have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder and both have now been released on bail.

Ms Edwards, a 26-year-old beautician, is not believed to have been the intended target of the attack, which happened shortly before midnight.

Connor Chapman, 22, has already been charged with murdering Ms Edwards and is due to go on trial on June 7.
The weight of shellfish caught and landed in the UK has dropped by 44% in the last year, a new analysis by Labour has found.

Vessels 10 metres and under, which tend to fish closer to the shore, brought in 1,813 tonnes in January 2022, but a year later this dropped to 1,012, the opposition party said.

The Governments own figures, compiled by the Marine Management Organisation, showed a drop of 41%.

Labour said the reduction in shellfish catches is having a significant impact on jobs and livelihoods in fishing and coastal communities.

A spokesperson from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said Labours focus on vessels under 10 metres does not paint a complete picture, adding that the number of total fishing landings grew by 6% this January compared to last year.

They said: We know that bad weather was one of several factors affecting the inshore fleet and the figures have no connection with crustacean mortalities in the North East, which took place before the reporting period.

We are backing our fishing communities with 100m to boost growth and opportunities, including for shellfish vessels.

Shadow environment secretary Jim McMahon is to visit fishermen in Hartlepool, Co Durham, on Thursday where the local fishing industry has reported a 95% drop in their catches of shellfish such as lobsters and crabs.

Researchers from Durham, Hull, York and Newcastle universities, commissioned by the North East Fishing Collective, found high levels of pyridine in dead crabs, which was later found to be toxic to them.

Modelling also showed that pyridine would be quickly transported along the north-east coast, with the worst affected areas being Hartlepool and Redcar.

A Government report published in January said it is about as likely as not that a novel pathogen had caused the deaths, though none was identified.

The scientists also said it was unlikely that pyridine had killed the crabs because they found it to be in too small a quantity in the sediment.

Environment Secretary Therese Coffey has rejected calls for any further analysis.

In a letter to Sir Robert Goodwill, MP for Scarborough and Whitby, she said: Given the extent of the analytical work already undertaken, and further advice, I have decided that it is highly unlikely that we will find the cause and so no further analysis will be undertaken by the Government.

In response, Mr McMahon criticised the Government for following a discredited theory in testing whether an algal bloom had caused the deaths, which was disproved in the January report.

He said it is vital that further investigations take place and that dead crustaceans are preserved for testing.

Mr McMahon said: Sixteen months in and fishers are still waiting for Tory politicians to get their act together and stand up for fishing jobs that have run through local families for generations.

The Tory Government and Tees Valley mayor attempting to sweep the crustacean die-offs under the carpet isnt going to fly.

It is vital that further investigation takes place and that existing crustacean samples are preserved and made available for further testing.

The next Labour Government will work alongside our fishing and coastal industries so that they can rebuild after months of Tory dither and delay.

The region deserves better than yet another issue adding to the failed record of a Conservative Government and a Conservative Tees Valley mayor who are big on promises, but small on delivery.
The head of WhatsApp has said he would sooner British users were stopped from using the popular messaging app than allow the Government required it to impinge on their privacy.

Will Cathcart said the company would not comply if the new Online Safety Bill forced it to scan messages for child abuse material, the BBC reported.

The messaging app uses encryption to ensure that even it cannot read users messages.

Our users all around the world want security  98% of our users are outside the UK, they do not want us to lower the security of the product, he said.

Weve recently been blocked in Iran, for example. Weve never seen a liberal democracy do that.

He added: We wont lower the security of WhatsApp. We have never done that  and we have accepted being blocked in other parts of the world.

When a liberal democracy says, Is it OK to scan everyones private communication for illegal content? that emboldens countries around the world that have very different definitions of illegal content to propose the same thing, Mr Cathcart said.

He added: If companies installed software onto peoples phones and computers to scan the content of their communications against a list of illegal content, what happens when other countries show up and give a different list of illegal content?

The Online Safety Bill has been working its way through Parliament since being published in draft form in May 2021.

It is designed to help clamp down on online trolling and illegal forms of pornography by placing more responsibility on the platforms that internet users use.

In January, Wikipedia warned that the Bill could end up limiting freedom of expression.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have praised amazing communities fundraising for families left homeless after the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

William and Kate visited a west London community centre to hear harrowing stories from aid workers, recently returned from the disaster zone, who described desperate scenes of rescuers trying to free trapped people with just hammers.

The visit to meet partner members of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal coincided with the announcement the total had reached 121 million exactly four weeks after its launch.

In a lighter moment, the couple joined two schoolgirls who made hundreds of origami cranes to raise funds for the appeal  and guided the royals as they created the birds from paper.

In the Hayes Muslim Centre the couple were told 30,000 was raised by the local community, with 18,000 from the total collected in just two hours after Friday prayers.

Kate said: Its sad that theres a need to do funding  its amazing there are communities like this here raising (funds).

As a mark of respect the couple removed their shoes and Kate covered her head with a scarf as the centre, which is a resource for the wider community providing cultural, sporting and educational events, is also a mosque.

Islamic Relief aid worker Salah Aboulgasem stressed the hardships on the ground in Syria and Turkey which he has visited regularly in the past four weeks, and how a Syrian schoolgirl died due to a lack of co-ordination.

He told William and Kate about the rescue attempts he had witnessed, saying: Theyre hearing voices underneath and theyre hammering at concrete  youre working but you know youre not going to achieve anything but you continue to do so.

The aid worker added: Across the border we rescued a young girl, there was jubilation  a nine-year-old girl. We then put her into the ambulance waiting.

The Prince and Princess of Wales during a visit to the Hayes Muslim Centre in west London (Arthur Edwards/The Sun/PA)

For 45 minutes there was a road jam because there was no co-ordination  she died in the ambulance. And that just puts into perspective the absence of infrastructure and compounded struggle upon struggle, and the longstanding humanitarian crisis that exists in Syria.

During the discussion William asked if lessons were learnt from events like the earthquake, saying: Do we get better and better at this so each time, unfortunately, one of these things comes along were quicker, were slicker, we get aid to places better  is there a learning process?

Saleh Saeed, the DECs chief executive, replied that his organisation was not just a fundraising platform but best practice was shared across charities so they learnt from each other.

The funds raised by the DEC, which include donations from the King, Queen Consort and William and Kate, are being used to provide emergency shelter, medical care, hot food, blankets, clean water and safe spaces for children in Syria and Turkey where many people still live in tents.

Before they left, William and Kates origami skills were put to the test when they sat down with Dila Kaya, 14, and Lina Alkutubi, 15, who made around 700 paper cranes as part of a fundraising effort for earthquake survivors.

The Prince of Wales makes an origami crane with Lina Alkutubi during a visit to the Hayes Muslim Centre (Arthur Edwards/The Sun/PA)

The princess told them: It must be great for you to do something  because youre so far away, and Lina replied: It was a really great experience. Everyone was so devastated, so this was really important.

The pupils, from Waldegrave School in Twickenham, south-west London, had partially completed a pair of cranes and asked the royals to finish the work, with Kate describing her attempt as a bit lopsided.

The Princess of Wales makes an origami crane with Dila Kaya at the Hayes Muslim Centre (Arthur Edwards/The Sun/PA)

William said his effort looked more like a digger and, glancing at his wifes bird, quipped: Yours has got proper airplane wings  a go faster crane.
US President Joe Biden wants billionaires to pay more taxes. AP Photo/Matt Slocum

US President Joe Biden is proposing a minimum 25% tax bracket for billionaires, per Bloomberg.

He had previously called for a minimum 20% tax for the ultra-wealthy.

Biden is set to release his proposal for the fiscal 2024 budget on Thursday.

US President Joe Biden is once again proposing higher tax rates on billionaires, wealthy investors, and companies in his budget for the 2024 fiscal year.

In his budget request to Congress scheduled to be released Thursday, Biden is calling for a minimum tax rate of 25% on billionaires, Bloomberg reported, citing an unnamed White House official familiar with the proposal. This will be a five percentage point jump over the minimum 20% tax rate that he called for previously. Axios confirmed the information in a Thursday report.

Biden is also proposing doubling the capital gains tax rate to 39.6% from 20%, per Bloomberg. Other changes Biden is proposing include an increase of the corporate tax rate to 28% from 21%, and increasing the top tax rate for Americans earning over $400,000 to 39.6% from 37%, according to Bloomberg.

The US President's proposal came after he renewed his call for minimum billionaire taxes in his State of the Union address on February 7. At the time, he was calling for a minimum 20% tax bracket for the super-wealthy.

"This minimum tax would make sure that the wealthiest Americans no longer pay a tax rate lower than teachers and firefighters," the White House said in a fact sheet ahead of Biden's February speech. It said in the document that billionaires pay an average tax rate of just 8% in a typical year.

Even though Biden has been pushing for higher taxes for ultra-wealthy households since March 2022, the move is likely to face opposition from Republicans, who control the House of Representatives. The US President had been unable to pass tax hikes when Democrats held sway over both chambers.

The budget comes amid a fierce debate in Congress over the debt ceiling  which the Democrats want to raise from $31 trillion before the US runs out of money as soon as July. The ceiling is the maximum amount the government can borrow for expenses it has already approved.

At the same time, the Biden administration wants to raise the country's revenue to fund spending instead of relying on debt. But the Republicans are in favor of cutting spending.

Biden's 2024 budget aims to cut the US deficit by nearly $3 trillion in the next 10 years, Karine Jean-Pierre , the White House press secretary, said at a Wednesday press briefing.

The White House did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment sent outside regular business hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Jimmy Kimmel hosts the 95th Academy Awards. (Photo: ABC/Getty Images)

The last time Jimmy Kimmel hosted the Oscars, he presided over Envelopegate  the infamous incident when Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway incorrectly announced La La Land as Best Picture instead of Moonlight. This year, the late-night host is emceeing the ceremony once again as the Oscars seeks to move on from the moment of notoriety that defined last year's telecast: Will Smith slapping Chris Rock.

And as Kimmel likes to remind everyone, no blows were thrown on his watch, even at the height of the Best Picture crisis. "Nobody got hit when I hosted the show," Kimmel jokes in a new interview with Good Morning America's Lara Spencer. "Everybody was well-behaved at my Oscars!"

While the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences  the group that oversees the Academy Awards  would rather put the Slap in the rearview, Kimmel knows that the audience inside the Dolby Theatre, along with millions more watching at home, are going to be waiting for his take on the Smith/Rock feud. "I think I have some good things to say about it," he teases to Spencer. "It's going to be on everybody's mind: everybody's going to be waiting for that moment. That will be part of the show, but certainly not the focus of the show."

Chris Rock reacts after being hit by Will Smith during the 94th Academy Awards. (Photo: Reuters/Brian Snyder)

This will be Kimmel's third time hosting the Oscars, and he's got a family connection to the 2023 ceremony: his wife, Molly McNearney, is one of the executive producers. That means he's already received the heads up that the proceedings will definitely run long this year, as all of the nominated categories will be featured during the telecast, as opposed to last year's controversial choice to exile some winners to a pre-show presentation.

"This show is going to be so long, you might get to sleep in the next morning," Kimmel joked to Spencer. "There's not a fear, there's a guarantee. Those categories, they take space. Unless the speeches are four seconds long, it's gonna be a lengthy night. But hopefully not a long night."

Among the highlights that Kimmel is personally looking forward to are Rihanna's performance of her Oscar-nominated Black Panther: Wakanda Forever song  "Rihanna is more pregnant than the Super Bowl," he says  and getting to have some fun with Top Gun: Maverick star, Tom Cruise. "I always have fun with Tom. Fun will be had with Tom on Sunday night."

And Kimmel will have a lot more fun without his longtime frenemy, Matt Damon, in the audience. "Matt Damon was not invited, and was not nominated and I hope he's never invited or nominated again," he says of the Bourne Identity star, who he previously goofed on the last time he hosted the Oscars. "I think he should come back when Will Smith comes back!"

The 95th Academy Awards air Sunday, March 12 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Surprise Inspections: The European Commission said it has carried out unannounced inspections of the premises of companies and one association active in the fragrance industry in numerous member states. It is trying to find if theres any collusion linked to the supply of fragrance and fragrance ingredients.

The commission, which did not release the names of those companies and associated that were inspected, added that at the same time the commission has sent out formal requests for information to several companies that are active in the same industry.

More from WWD

The inspection and requests for information concern possible collusion in relation to supply of fragrances and fragrance ingredients, the EC said in a statement. Fragrances are used in the manufacturer of consumer products, such as household and personal care products.

The commission said it has been in contact with the U.S. Department of Justices Antitrust Division, the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority and the Swiss Competition Commission related to this subject. The inspections took place in consultation with them.

The commission officials were accompanied by their counterparts from the national competition authorities of the member states where the inspections were carried out, the EC said.

According to the commission, unannounced inspections are the first step into investigating anticompetitive practices. The commission underlined that such inspections being carried out doesnt mean the companies are guilty and that they do not prejudge the investigations outcome.

There is not a legal deadline to complete questioning into anticompetitive conduct.

Under the commissions leniency program companies that have been involved in a secret cartel may be granted immunity from fines or significant reductions in fines in return for reporting the conduct and cooperating with the commission throughout its investigation, the EC said.

Such reports, the commission said, can be done anonymously.  JENNIFER WEIL

Beauty at the Met: Korean skin care brand Sulwhasoo is looking to make its mark on New York.

As part of its plans to expand its footprint in the U.S., the brand, part of Amorepacific, South Koreas largest beauty company which also owns Tata Harper, just announced a new partnership with The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The yearlong agreement will support a range of museum programs and activities aimed at innovating the ways in which audiences engage with and celebrate global heritage.

This exciting partnership provides critical funding for the museums programming and events. We are extraordinarily grateful to Sulwhasoo for their visionary support of The Mets mission to connect people to art and to celebrate cultural heritage, said Max Hollein, The Mets Marina Kellen French director.

The partnership will be kicked off on March 29, with a celebratory event at The Met. Attendees are set to include Blackpinks Rose, Chinese actress Jia Song and Korean actress Yun-Jung Youn.

Sulwhasoos sponsorship will also include The Mets Women and the Critical Eye panel discussion and reception on April 13, as well as The Mets Apollo Circle Member group, which provides monthly opportunities for young patrons to engage with The Mets curators and leadership, and the Apollo Circle Benefit, the groups annual black-tie fundraiser. Products wont be available for purchase at The Met as part of the partnership.

GaYoon Jung, senior vice president of Sulwhasoo, said: The Met is an iconic destination for art and culture. Sulwhasoo is a pioneer of K-beauty. With our rich history, Sulwhasoo believes in the value of heritage and its contemporary reinterpretation, which shapes who we are today. The partnership between us is a celebration of the power of heritage in a very fast-paced world,something we hope will engage and inspire many people.

Sulwhasoo is currently stocked in Sephora, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Bloomingdales among others in the U.S. Products include Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream, $260, Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum, $210, and Anti-Aging First Care Activating Serum, $110.  KATHRYN HOPKINS

Specialized Wigs: Kim Kimble, the hairstylist behind Beyonces 30-foot braids in Black Is King, is bringing professional-grade tresses to the masses with her first wig line.

She has joined forces with long-standing wig and hairpiece manufacturer HairUWear to create the collection, which is designed specifically for those with textured hair, and spans eight styles in 14 shades, ranging in price from $299 to $479.

Kim Kimble (left) wearing the Jordan wig in shade espresso martini; Laila wig in shade vanilla bean (right).

Coming from film, television and music, Ive found love in creating looks for people; thats a love Ive carried over into creating products, and now wigs, said Kimble, who previously partnered with Walmart in 2021 to launch her namesake hair care line, and shortly thereafter realized an even more acute white space in the wig arena.

The challenge with wigs is trying to make them look natural  Ive seen a lot of my sisters out there with plastic wigs on, and I just knew I needed to do something, said Kimble, who worked to ensure all wigs in the collection incorporated a sheer, blendable lace front, ear tabs and comb attachments for security, and a visible hair part. (For me, thats a thing  Ive got to see a part somewhere, because that makes a wig look natural.)

The launch marks a significant milestone for HairUWear as well; founded in 1968, the company previously had yet to introduce a line geared specifically toward women of color.

Said Michael Napolitano, president of the company: I had been following Kim for a long time, and I knew we needed to speak with her in order to do [this collection] right  shes an authority in her field, and a driver in womens confidence.

Made using the companys proprietary Tru2Life synthetic fibers, the wigs are heat-friendly, incorporate layered highlight and lowlight blends in order to look realistic, and mark the first of many forthcoming drops within the line.

Our expectation is that, by this time next year, we will have an assortment of upward of 20 wigs; were in the process of developing hair extensions and other hairpieces, as well, said Michael Ferrara, chief marketing officer at HairUWear.

While the company did not comment on sales expectations for the collection, industry sources estimate the range, which launches March 14 exclusively at kimkimblehair.com, could do $10 million in sales by the end of 2023.

Theres still an open-wide door to fulfill the types of wigs people want and are going to like at this instant, said Kimble, who counts Zendaya, Shakira and Mary J. Blige among her clientele. The stigma around wearing wigs is fading; especially for women of color, who sometimes change their hair every week, wigs are the easiest way for them to recreate looks they see on their favorite celebrities.  NOOR LOBAD

SHOPPING ESCAPE: Zimmermann will open its 21st store in Honolulu on April 4.

Zimmermann spring 2023

Situated within the Ala Moana Centre, the 3,026-square-foot store was designed by Studio McQualter, with a light interior meant to offer clients an ongoing sense of escapism.

The brand chose to reference local, midcentury modernist architect Vladimir Ossipoffs use of screens to filter light throughout the facade. High ceilings create vast, calm and welcoming rooms, while custom cast plaster corner lights and a midcentury pendant by Diego Mardegan lights the space.

Its very exciting to open our first store in Hawaii, said Nicky Zimmermann, creative director and cofounder of Zimmermann, the Australian brand.

As a young girl, Honolulu was a destination of my first overseas trip with my family so it holds fond memories. Designing the store was a very organic process and really allowed us to embrace feelings of summer and vacation  many qualities that are inherent to our brand. We played with textures, colors and lighting to dream up an inviting and relaxed space for our guests. One of my favorite touches is the lithograph signed by Richard Lindner  a very special piece.

The shop will open with the resort 2023 collection.

Zimmermann has recently opened new stores in Short Hills, New Jersey, Southampton, New York, Naples, Florida, Houston and the Miami Design District.  LISA LOCKWOOD

Florals For Spring: Lucky Brand has stepped outside of the box with its latest collaboration.

The denim brand is partnering with Laura Ashley on a limited-edition collection of womenswear, a 15-piece capsule that fuses the DNA of both brands with patchwork, embroidery and floral patterns added to jeans, dresses, shirts, shorts and jackets to create an heirloom feel.

A look from the Lucky Brand x Laura Ashley collaboration.

Lucky Brand is proud to partner with Laura Ashley, a classic brand with a long history of beautiful craftsmanship, said Lucky Brand chief executive officer Natalie Levy. This collaboration is an exciting opportunity to emphasize our combined commitment to quality, comfort and style while creating apparel people will want to love and wear for a long time.

Key pieces in the collection include a denim corset lined in a pink floral print, mid-rise distressed denim boy shorts and 90s-style loose jeans. Theres also a coordinating trucker jacket and jeans adorned with faded floral accents.

The line also features white denim shortalls with embroidered blue florals and two workwear-inspired sleeveless coverall shorts in floral prints that were pulled from the Laura Ashley archives. The collection also offers a romantic floral midi dress and jumpsuit, a tiered baby-doll dress and two boyfriend-style button-down shirts with floral patches.

Laura Ashley is delighted to see this collaboration come together with Lucky Brand, said Carolyn DAngelo, senior managing director of brand operations for Gordon Brothers and president of Laura Ashley Global. We are excited to work with brands that continue to be inspired by the legacy of Laura Ashley. As we reach our 70th anniversary this year, its amazing to see how this collection reimagines the iconic heritage prints across modern designs. Gordon Brothers acquired the British label in 2020.

The Lucky Brand x Laura Ashley collection will retail for $79.50 to $139 and will be sold starting Thursday in Lucky Brand stores and online at both brands websites.

A second collection is scheduled to launch this summer.  JEAN E. PALMIERI

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LaTavia Washington McGee had an appointment last Friday morning for cosmetic surgery in Matamoros, Mexico on the southern bank of the Rio Grande across from Brownsville, Texas.

Along for the 24-hour ride from South Carolina were Eric Williams, Shaeed Woodard and Zindell Brown, so close knit, people in their hometown of Lake City, said they rarely saw one without the others.

They crossed into Matamoros at 9:18 a.m. Friday, according to Tamaulipas Gov. Americo Villarreal, and were abducted under gunfire, minutes later. They were not seen until Tuesday morning.

Heres what we know so far.

McGee, known as Tay, and the others met in Lake City, near Florence in South Carolinas Pee Dee region, known for agriculture. At various times, prime crops were snap beans, tobacco and strawberries. Its population of about 7,000 is mostly Black. Among its most famous citizens are Ron McNair, one of the astronauts killed in 1986 when the space shuttle Challenger blew up, and Darla Moore, a billionaire and partner of the private investment firm Rainwater, Inc, for whom the University of South Carolinas business school is named.





Matamoros is located in one of six Mexican countries that has been designated do not travel by the United States government due to violence from drug cartels. McGee had tried to comfort her mother about the trip, saying nothing bad had happened on an earlier trip. Her cousin Woodard worked at Monterey Bay Suites in Myrtle Beach, according to his Facebook page. He and McGee both lived in Myrtle Beach most recently. McGee is the mother of six children.





Williams is married and lives in North Carolina with his wife and child. His mother still lives in Lake City. Browns sister, Zalandria Brown, told various news outlets he was apprehensive about the trip. She remembered him saying, we shouldnt go down, the Associated Press reported. The friends range in age from 20s to mid-30s. McGee had had surgery in Matamoros before, friends and family members told various news outlets. They did not specify the surgery.





On Friday morning they were lost and attempting to communicate with the doctors office to find their way when men wearing tactical vests opened fire on their rented van. They loaded McGee, unharmed, into the back of a white pickup truck. Williams, too, was put in the truck bed and Woodard and Brown, shown seemingly lifeless in a video, were dragged across the pavement and dumped in the back.





No firm details have been released on why the foursome was targeted. One report says they were caught in the crossfire of rival drug cartels. Another that they were mistaken for Haitian drug smugglers. Law enforcement officials in Mexico contacted the U.S. government, which traced the tags on the van, and set out to find the South Carolinians, who apparently were moved several times between Friday and Tuesday morning, when they were rescued.





They were found in a wooden house on the outskirts of the city. Woodard and Brown were dead; Williams suffered gunshot wounds to his legs, and McGee was uninjured. McGee and Williams were taken to a hospital in Brownsville, Texas. The bodies of the others were kept for examination. One person, charged with watching the group, has been arrested so far. Officials identified him as Jose Guadalupe N., a 24-year-old Mexican national. They have not said if he is affiliated with the Gulf Cartel, one of the oldest drug trafficking organizations in Mexico with ties to crime groups in Europe, West Africa, Asia, Central America, South America, and the United States.





Zindell Browns sister, Zalandria Brown, watched the video that has been posted on social media and news websites around the globe before the group was found and could pick out each individual. This is like a bad dream you wish you could wake up from, she told ABC News, adding, it is just unbelievable.





Barbara Burgess, McGees mother, told television station WPDE she had talked with her daughter, who was distraught, especially watching her friends die. Burgess said she expected her daughter would fly into the Myrtle Beach airport Wednesday.





Williams underwent surgery in Texas. His wife, Michele, told CBS News that he said hes just glad to be alive. To hear his voice, it was just a lot of crying, she said




President Biden pauses for a moment of silence during a Dec. 7, 2022, event in Washington with survivors and families affected by gun violence. (Susan Walsh / Associated Press)

President Biden will travel to California on Monday for a multiday visit that will include a stop in Monterey Park, the site of one of three mass shootings that rocked the state in January.

Before visiting Monterey Park, Biden will meet Monday in San Diego with Prime Ministers Rishi Sunak of Britain and Anthony Albanese of Australia to highlight the security alliance known as AUKUS. The pact, launched in 2021, aims to help Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines to better counter China in the Indo-Pacific region. The three leaders are expected to unveil details of U.S. efforts to provide Australia with nuclear propulsion capabilities.

On Tuesday, Biden will stop in Monterey Park, where a gunman shot and killed 11 people at a dance studio during a Lunar New Year celebration on Jan. 21. Biden is expected to highlight his efforts to reduce gun violence, but it's unclear whether he will meet with the families of the victims or with Brandon Tsay, the 26-year-old who disarmed the gunman at a second dance club.

Tsay met with Biden last month after traveling to Washington for the State of the Union address, during which the president referred to him as a "hero" and called on Congress to ban assault weapons.

Though he's made international headlines for his life-saving intervention, Tsay said he planned to use the moment of fame to draw attention to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. Tsay's family has partnered with the Asian Pacific Community Fund, a local nonprofit, to support victims' families and members of the community.

The president has repeatedly called on Congress to enact stricter gun control measures, including reinstating the assault weapons ban, which he helped pass as a senator in 1994. The 10-year ban, which expired in 2004, prohibited more than a dozen specific firearms and certain features on guns. It also blocked the "manufacture, transfer or possession" of certain semiautomatic firearms designated as assault weapons.

Democrats renewed a push to pass an assault weapons ban when the party controlled both chambers of Congress last year, but the bill failed to gain enough support in the Senate. Such an effort would face stiff resistance in a divided Congress, where Republicans have shown little appetite for further gun restrictions.

In the absence of more far-reaching reform, the president has touted a bipartisan gun safety bill he signed into law in June. The measure, passed in the wake of a mass shooting at a Texas elementary school that left 19 students and two teachers dead, strengthened background checks for gun buyers between the ages of 18 and 21. It also bolstered an existing law preventing domestic abusers from purchasing guns and funneled federal dollars to help states enact "red flag" laws that allow police to confiscate weapons from people deemed to be a threat to themselves or others.

The law was the first major gun safety bill to pass Congress in three decades. But it falls short of the stricter measures Biden has called for.

With federal reform stalled, some Democrats are seizing on recent mass shootings to tighten gun control at the state level. Michigan Democrats, in control of the state's Legislature for the first time in more than a decade, have proposed a package of nearly a dozen new gun laws after a mass shooting at Michigan State University last month left three students dead and five others injured.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who served California as a senator and state attorney general, traveled to her home state in the days after the January shootings to meet with victims' families. She placed flowers at a makeshift memorial outside Star Ballroom Dance Studio and called on Congress to pass "reasonable gun safety laws."

"Will they do something?" she said of Congress. "That is where we all must speak up and speak to our elected representatives about what we have a right to expect that they will do in the interest of the safety and the security and the well-being of people like those whose lives were ended here.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, center, during a news conference in Sacramento in June. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)

Gov. Gavin Newsom and Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta announced Thursday that the state filed a lawsuit against Huntington Beach, alleging that the city's ban on approving applications for certain types of housing projects is a violation of California law.

The state is also filing a motion for preliminary injunction, which would prohibit the ban from taking effect while litigation is ongoing. Bonta said he was "disappointed" that the state had to resort to a lawsuit.

"California is facing an existential housing crisis, one we should all be acting in unison to solve," Bonta said at a news conference. "Instead, the Huntington Beach City Council has chosen to stifle affordable housing projects, infringe on the rights of property owners and knowingly violate state housing law."

The lawsuit is the latest episode in an ongoing clash over housing between the state and the Orange County beach community, which has been a thorn in Newsom's side since he took office. Newsom called Huntington Beach an example of "what's wrong with housing in the state of California."

"They're Exhibit A, what NIMBYism looks like, and they are not representing the people they claim to represent," Newsom said (using a term for opposition to development derived from the phrase not in my backyard). "This is a waste of time, and they're wasting taxpayer money."

Huntington Beach on Thursday responded by filing a 59-page lawsuit in federal court challenging the states requirement that the city zone for 13,368 new housing units in the coming years.

Huntington Beach City Atty. Michael Gates called the states news conference a bunch of bluster.

Mayor Tony Strickland said during a news conference that neither the state or Gavin Newsom are serious about actually producing more housing.

Their goal is to urbanize quiet private property-owning communities, he said. This lawsuit filed by our city attorney today is the first major step in taking the governor and the state to task over their faulty narratives about housing and their unconstitutional legislative and administrative means of stripping charter cities of their ability to make their own decisions.

The state's lawsuit focuses on a ban that Huntington Beach has established on applications for projects under Senate Bill 9, a new state housing law that makes it easier for homeowners to split their single-family lots and build a duplex on each side for a possible total of four units on one parcel.

The law is part of a broader effort the state has undertaken in recent years to bolster California's housing stock and pave the way for more affordable units. The Huntington Beach City Council on Tuesday also affirmed its policy to stop approving applications for accessory dwelling units, otherwise known as casitas, in-law units or granny flats.

Newsom telegraphed the lawsuit last month when he called out Huntington Beach at a news conference and said he wouldn't hesitate to hold cities "accountable for doing the right thing and providing housing for people at all income levels."

The lawsuit marks the second time the state has taken its housing battle with the city to court. Just weeks after Newsom took office in 2019, the state filed a lawsuit against Huntington Beach and alleged the city violated a state law that requires cities and counties to set aside sufficient land for new residential development.

"The city had ample notice and time to course correct," Bonta said Thursday. "Instead, they chose a path that led us right where we are today. They have asked for this and they have earned this."

Bonta also warned that the lawsuit could be amended to contest Huntington Beach's proposed ordinance to prohibit the approval of any application for a housing development project that does not conform with the city's zoning and general land use plan regardless of state law.

Bonta previously sent a letter warning the city that the ordinance would violate the "builders remedy," a state law intended to crack down on cities that don't meaningfully plan for new housing and to provide a path toward construction of more affordable units.

The law allows developers more freedom to build projects in cities that haven't adequately planned for more housing and are therefore out of compliance with state requirements. Developers are required to set aside at least 20% of their projects for affordable housing, or 100% for middle-income units, but is triggered when local governments fail to submit housing blueprints that detail realistic plans for more development.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis took his fight against liberalism to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis delivered a well-rehearsed blast at California this week, calling it too left, too woke, too expensive.

And as proof, he declared, Californians and residents of other liberal states were leaving in droves for Florida.

If you look over the last four years, weve witnessed a great American exodus from states governed by leftist politicians imposing leftist ideology and delivering poor results, he said Sunday at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.

Is what DeSantis said true? As the saying goes, its complicated.

Here are the best answers available to some of the most important questions about how many people are leaving California.

Are people leaving California in greater numbers than those moving into the state?

Yes, for the first time in many years, California seems to be experiencing a net decline in total population.

The latest California Finance Department figures, which are for 2022, show that the states population dropped by about 211,000 from 2021 out of a total population of 39 million. That was partly because foreign immigration into California remained at relatively low levels and didnt offset the decline in domestic net migration.

Still, as a percentage of the total population, the out-migration to other states is relatively small.

Are more Californians pulling up stakes and heading for the Sunshine State?

Yes, but the numbers should be looked at in context.

After mostly steady annual outflows from California to Florida in the prior decade, the numbers jumped 22% in 2020, according to the most recent available figures from the Internal Revenue Service.

Figures from other sources confirm that the pace of Californians heading to Florida, along with other states, has picked up significantly since the pandemic.

The number of California drivers licenses turned over to Florida were up more than 50% in 2021 and 2022 compared with the average of the prior five years.

But bear in mind that the actual number of people involved is tiny as a share of Californias overall population.

The total of all those moving from California to Florida amounted to 29,000 people, based on changes in drivers licenses. IRS data suggest that the total might be a few thousand more.

Its still a fairly small number, said University of Florida demographer Stefan Rayer.

To put it in numerical terms, its not even one-tenth of 1% of Californias population of 39 million. The numbers are similarly miniscule as a share of Floridas population of



22.2 million.

Is the migration a one-way street, or is there movement from Florida to California?

Its not one-way. Much of Californias loss to Florida was offset by people coming the other way.

For every six Californians who left for Florida last year, five moved into the state from Florida, according to data from Moodys Analytics and the credit firm Equifax.

Who is leaving the state for Florida?

All across the country, not just in California or Florida, Americans who move from one state to another tend to be on the younger side: in their 20s and 30s.

When it comes to Florida, that pattern does not hold, at least not for California.

Almost one-third of Californians who moved to Florida were 50 years or older, compared with about 20% for those moving to all other states, according to Census Bureau data analyzed by Brookings Institution demographer William Frey.

In that regard, older Californians are just following an old and well-trodden path: With its low sales tax and no state personal income tax, cheaper housing and all-around lower cost of living, Florida has been a magnet for older Americans going back a century or more. It has long had appeal to those on fixed incomes because pensions and savings go further there.

Are high-earning, educated Californians moving to Florida?

No one has definitive statistics breaking down jobs and median incomes of those leaving, but studies by the Public Policy Institute of California have shown that, in general, people moving out of the state tend to have lower education and incomes than people coming into California.

In hard-nosed economic terms, thats a net plus for California.

The situation is a little more complicated when it comes to Florida.

Being older and having more established backgrounds, about half of the California migrants to Florida have college degrees and on average are likely to have relatively higher incomes than those moving to some other states.

But economically speaking, older migrants most productive years are usually behind them. So when it comes to Florida, which tends to attract these older people, the loss of education and incomes tends to be less painful for California.

What are other reasons Californians are moving to Florida?

Except for retirees looking to stretch their budgets, the answer is probably not much different from what drives people to move across state lines everywhere.

Jobs, whether a transfer or a new one, are the No. 1 reason people make interstate moves, according to 2022 census survey data.

Second are family considerations, such as a change in marital status or to be closer to other family members.

After that comes housing-related issues  wanting to own a home or find cheaper housing.

Those three factors account for about 85% of the why-move answer from people nationally.

And Walter Schwarm, Californias chief demographer, says housing has become an even bigger issue in recent years for California because the surge in home prices has widened the gap with other states.

Remote work also may be adding some juice to migration, he said.

Californias median sale price for a single-family house was $751,330 in January, almost double what it was in Florida.

Its simply housing, said Wendell Cox, a principal at Demographia, a public policy consultant in Illinois, of the increase in out-migration.

California housing costs are so out of line with the rest of the nation and with what they were historically that middle-income folks cant afford to live there.

What about political ideology and liberal policies, which DeSantis says is the driving force?

Its hard to say for sure.

Surveys asking Californians whether they want to leave the state have found a huge partisan divide, with Republicans overwhelmingly saying theyre interested while Democrats mostly say the opposite.

And those feelings may play a part in some people pulling up stakes, says Eric McGhee, a senior fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California.

But saying youre interested in moving as a theoretical question and actually pulling up stakes and leaving are very different matters.

McGhee and many others at all points on the political spectrum say most people move for basic economic reasons.

The motivation to buy a home somewhere is not based on wokeness, said G.U. Krueger, a longtime housing economist in Los Angeles who has done work for the California Public Employees Retirement System, the nations largest state pension fund.

Its about the life stage people are in  and wokeness is not a stage of the life cycle.

Is there an ethnic or racial aspect to this issue?

Non-Hispanic whites have left California for other states in disproportionately large numbers, and thats particularly so for Florida.

So although whites compose just 35% of Californias population, they accounted for 59% of those who have moved to Florida in recent years, according to census data tabulated by Frey.

The same data show that Florida has considerably less appeal to Californias Black and Asian residents than other states as a whole.

So what does the future hold in the California-Florida battle?

Florida is likely to continue to draw older people and retirees, but just how much it will attract others will depend on what happens with housing prices and economic growth in both states.

Whats new is that Florida has emerged as an alternative for industries that have historically been big in California, said Joel Kotkin, a fellow at Chapman University who has written widely on California demographic, social and economic trends.

That includes tech and the commercial space industry, he said, and expansion of its ports. Inflows of venture capital will help Florida keep growing. Last December, Florida announced $2 billion in investments from asset manager BlackRock.

To some extent, this is a pattern in many parts of the country.

At least in part, thats because, as tech-related industries have evolved and matured  sprouting an endless variety of new goods and services  its no longer necessary for every enterprise to be located in the cities and states where it all began.

Still, few people anticipate a rush of Californians heading to Florida. There are plenty of other alternatives a lot closer, particularly Texas, Arizona and Nevada, which have long been the top three destinations for Californians.

Besides, Kotkin said, Californians never had the motivation to move to Florida for the weather.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
FILE - People walk outside the U.S. Capitol building in Washington on June 9, 2022. Members of the House and Senate were informed Wednesday, March 8, 2023, that hackers may have gained access to their sensitive personal data in a breach of a Washington, D.C., health insurance marketplace. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

WASHINGTON (AP)  Members of the House and Senate were informed Wednesday that hackers may have gained access to their sensitive personal data in a breach of a Washington, D.C., health insurance marketplace. Employees of the lawmakers and their families were also affected.

DC Health Link confirmed that data on an unspecified number of customers was affected and said it was notifying them and working with law enforcement. It said it was offering identity theft service to those affected and extending credit monitoring to all customers.

The FBI said it was aware of the incident and was assisting the investigation.

A broker on an online crime forum claimed to have records on 170,000 DC Health Link customers and was offering them for sale for an unspecified amount. The broker claimed they were stolen Monday. Reached by The Associated Press on an encrypted chat site, the broker did no say whether the data had been purchased and said they could not provide additional data to back the claim. They said they were acting on behalf of the seller, who they identified as thekilob.

Sample stolen data was posted on the site for a dozen apparent customers. It included Social Security numbers, addresses, names of employers, phone numbers, emails and addresses. The AP reached one of the dozen by dialing a listed number.

Oh my God, the man said when informed the information was public. All 12 people listed work for the same company or are family members.

In an email to all Senate email account holders, the sergeant at arms said it was informed that the stolen data included full names of the insured and family members. An email sent out by the office of the Chief Administrative Office of the House on behalf of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called the breach egregious and promised to provide updates. It urged members to use credit and identity theft monitoring resources.

The Senate email recommended that anyone registered on the health insurance exchange freeze their credit to prevent identity theft.

In an emailed statement, Rep. Joe Morelle of New York said House leadership was informed by Capitol Police that DC Health Link suffered an extraordinarily large data breach of enrollee information" that posed a great risk to members, employees and their family members. At this time the cause, size, and scope of the data breach impacting the DC Health Link still needs to be determined by the FBI, Morelle said.

The hack follows several recent breaches affecting U.S. agencies. Hackers broke into a U.S. Marshals Service computer system and activated ransomware on Feb. 17 after stealing personally identifiable data about agency employees and targets of investigations.

An FBI computer system was recently breached at the bureau's New York field office, CNN reported in mid-February. Asked about that intrusion, the FBI issued a statement calling it "an isolated incident that has been contained. It declined further comment, including when it occurred and whether ransomware was involved.

There was no indication the Health breach was ransomware-related.

___

AP Technology Writer Frank Bajak in Boston contributed to this report.
Mexican security officers prepare a search mission Monday for four U.S. citizens kidnapped by gunmen near the border. Two of the Americans were found dead, two were rescued. (Associated Press)

As investigators continued their search for the gunmen who kidnapped four Americans in the border city of Matamoros last week, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador lashed out at U.S. Republican lawmakers who have proposed sending troops into Mexico, telling them that the United States should concentrate on curbing its rampant appetite for illegal drugs.

"Why don't you take care of your young people? Why don't you take care of the serious problem of social decay? Why don't [you] temper the constant increase in drug consumption?" Lopez Obrador asked Thursday at his daily news conference.

Lopez Obrador's unusually sharp comments came two days after Mexican authorities rescued two of the American tourists and discovered the other two were dead. Their March 3 kidnapping in broad daylight just south of the border sparked calls for American intervention in Mexico's fight against criminal groups.

The surviving victims, Latavia McGee, 33, and Eric James Williams, 38, were quickly transported across the border, according to Mexican authorities. The bodies of Shaeed Woodard, 33, and Zindell Brown, 28, were repatriated to the U.S. on Thursday after autopsies in Mexico, officials said.

U.S. and Mexican authorities say they still don't know why the tourists, who entered Mexico so that McGee could undergo a medical procedure, were fired upon by several men, thrown in the back of a pickup truck and hauled away.

On Thursday, law enforcement sources in Tamaulipas state circulated a letter that appeared to be from a local drug cartel that blamed the kidnapping on several rogue members of the group.

The Associated Press cited unnamed sources who said the cartel had turned over five of its members to authorities. That has not been confirmed by Mexican authorities or the FBI, which is helping in the investigation.

Whatever the cause of the kidnapping, it has provoked passionate reactions on both sides of the border, inflaming a long-standing debate about who is responsible for Mexico's rampant violence and the best way to curb it.

Republican lawmakers pointed this week to the kidnapping as further evidence of what they describe as Mexico's lawlessness  and the U.S. need to intervene. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said Wednesday that American soldiers should be authorized to enter Mexico to destroy drug laboratories.

Citing the surge in recent years of American deaths from fentanyl, most of which is smuggled from Mexico, Republican members of Congress had already been pushing a bill that would allow U.S. armed forces to fight crime south of the border. Last month, the attorneys general of 21 states asked the Biden administration to label drug cartels as terrorist groups.

In Mexico, that kind of rhetoric has raised eyebrows.

Mexicans have long complained that their nation has the geographic misfortune of being next to the United States, the world's biggest consumer of illicit drugs and the site of the world's largest stockpile of firearms.

Despite extremely strict firearms laws  there is just one gun store in all of Mexico  the country is flooded daily with weapons smuggled illegally from the United States.

A U.S.-backed effort to confront drug cartels with the Mexican military backfired, leading to an explosion of violence across Mexico that started in 2007 and continues to this day. The Mexican drug war also failed to reduce the quantity of narcotics smuggled into the United States.

Lopez Obrador has frequently criticized Mexico's militarized approach to combating drug trafficking, accusing his predecessors of turning the country into "a graveyard," even though his own crime-fighting strategy hasn't varied much from theirs in practice.

At his news conference Thursday, he dismissed Republican threats of U.S. military intervention as political "propaganda."

To fight the scourge of crime and fentanyl, the president said, the U.S. should look within its own borders.

He blamed lawmakers for taking campaign donations from gun manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies that pushed American doctors to over-prescribe oxycodone and similar painkillers for years despite evidence that they cause addiction.

"We are very sorry for what is happening in the United States, but why don't they attend to the problem?" Lopez Obrador said. "Why don't they fight the distribution of fentanyl in the United States, the cartels in the United States that are in charge of distributing fentanyl?

"Here we do not produce fentanyl and we do not consume fentanyl," he insisted, despite ample evidence to the contrary.

The production of fentanyl in Mexico is well documented  a raid on a drug lab by the Mexican military in Sinaloa state last month yielded 282 pounds of fentanyl powder and 630,000 pills containing the drug. And use of fentanyl south of the border has been rising, along with overall consumption of illicit drugs, although it is nowhere near U.S. levels.

Lopez Obrador, who is popular in Mexico and among many Mexicans living in the United States, threatened to encourage U.S. Latino voters to oppose the GOP if Republicans don't stop their calls for military intervention.

He said his government was launching an "information campaign" to show Mexican Americans and other Latinos "how this initiative by the Republicans, in addition to being irresponsible, is an offense to the people of Mexico and shows a lack of respect for our independence and our sovereignty."

But in Mexico, where Lopez Obrador's party will also face a consequential election in 2024, when voters pick his replacement, many were questioning who gets justice and why.

In this country, where the vast majority of crimes are never solved and there are 110,000 Mexicans who are missing, or "disappeared," the quick rescue of the Americans stung.

Noting "the speed and coordination" of the kidnapping response, television journalist Ana Francisca Vega seemed to speak for many when she lamented this week the "thousands of disappeared Mexicans who have no such luck."

Times staff writer Patrick J. McDonnell and Cecilia Sanchez Vidal in The Times' Mexico City bureau contributed to this report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A local bill changing how Wake County voters elect their county commissioners was unanimously passed in the state House on Wednesday and now heads to the Senate.

House Bill 99 would require members of the Wake County Board of Commissioners be elected by voters in their district starting in 2024, using the current county district lines. In 2026, the board would be expanded by two members who would be elected at-large.

The commissioners are currently elected using residency districts where they must live in their respective district, but the entire county gets to vote for each seat.

Unlike in earlier drafts of the bill, elections for commissioner would remain partisan, with a primary determining each partys final candidates and a general election deciding the winners.

The latest version of the bill represents a compromise between state Rep. Erin Pare, the sole Republican in Wake Countys legislative delegation, and the Wake County commissioners, who are all Democrats.

Wake County is now larger than eight states with a population of nearly 1.2 million people, Pare said on the House floor Wednesday afternoon. Fifty-five percent of the electorate resides in Raleigh and Cary. The purpose of these changes is to strengthen representation on the board for the more suburban and rural communities around the county.

This is good for the people Wake, and its the right thing to do, Pare said.

At the House Rules Committee meeting on Tuesday, Wake County Commissioner Susan Evans, the boards vice chair, spoke in favor of the bill.

We thank Representative Pare for initiating this conversation and for listening to our concerns and those of the community, she said. We appreciate this compromise.

This bill is a local act meaning it does not go to the governor and is not subject to a veto.

Commissioners from North Carolinas largest counties, including Mecklenburg and Guilford, are elected through a combination of at-large and district seats.

Kyle Ingram contributed to this report.
TBILISI, Georgia  Tens of thousands of Georgians occupied the main thoroughfare of the capital, Tbilisi, for the second night in a row Wednesday, holding EU flags and posters protesting a Russian-style draft law that would label some nongovernmental groups and media outlets foreign agents. The law is seen as an attempt to suppress civil society and amplify the governments propaganda that Western partners are not acting in the interests of Georgians.

A man waves a Georgian flag in front of a burning barricade keeping out other protesters, not far from the Parliament building in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Thursday. (Zurab Tsertsvadze/AP)

Some protesters stormed the barricades in front of the Parliament, overturned police cars and blocked the streets. Young people were seen dancing and singing in front of riot police.

Authorities have been using water cannons and tear gas against demonstrators, many of whom they have also arrested. Despite attempts to clear the streets, protesters kept going back until dawn.

After the backlash, the government decided Thursday to withdraw the controversial bill, stating that as the emotional background subsides, we will better explain to the public what the bill was for and why it was important to ensure transparency of foreign influence in our country. Protests are nevertheless set to continue for a third night.

Police use a water cannon to disperse protesters holding an EU flag in front of the Parliament in Tbilisi on Tuesday. (Zurab Kurtsikidze/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock )

At the heart of the controversy is the Georgian Parliament's proposal of two bills that would require nongovernmental organizations and media organizations to register as agents of foreign influence if 20% of their funds come from abroad. Failure to comply would result in fines. The second foreign agent bill also included individuals and legal entities, with more severe penalties, including prison time.

Russia, which has a similar law, looms large in the debate. In 2008 Russia invaded Georgia, a small, mountainous country with about 3.7 million people, and set up breakaway republics loyal to Moscow in South Abkhazia and Ossetia. It was a tactic that Russia's president, Vladimir Putin, would repeat in Ukraine years later.

Protesters clash with police in Tbilisi on Wednesday. (David Mdzinarishvili/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

The Georgian government has leveraged Georgians fear of another armed conflict with their stronger neighbor. Portraying Ukraine as abandoned by the West, the ruling party has styled itself as steering a pragmatic course in avoiding taking Georgia down the same path.

Despite domestic and international calls that it not adopt the bill, Georgian Dream, the party that controls the government, passed the bill in its first hearing on Tuesday as citizens protested outside Parliament.

The future of our country does not belong and will no longer belong to foreign agents or servants of foreign countries, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said on Tuesday, defending the legislation.The future of our country and our people belongs to patriots.

Protesters wave Georgian, Ukrainian and European flags outside Parliament on Wednesday. (Vano Shlamov/AFP via Getty Images)

Georgians are not backing down, and many critics are arguing that the laws pull the country away from its post-Soviet tilt toward liberal democracy and the EU.

This protest is not just about law, Vasil Matitaishvili, the campaign manager of European Georgia, an opposition party, told Yahoo News. (Disclosure: The author of this piece is the stepdaughter of the partys founder.) Its about the choice of every generation of Georgians and our identity. Western civilization, the free world, is our home. This Putin-inspired law is an ugly finale of this government's persistent, years-long trajectory.

The U.S. has been similarly blunt. The U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi called the legislation a dark day for Georgias democracy.

Protesters at a demonstration Wednesday in Tbilisi. (Vano Shlamov/AFP via Getty Images)

In a statement, the U.S. Embassy further said the Kremlin-inspired laws are incompatible with the people of Georgias clear desire for European integration and its democratic development. Pursuing these laws will damage Georgias relations with its strategic partners and undermine the important work of so many Georgian organizations working to help their fellow citizens. The process and the draft laws raise real questions about the ruling partys commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration.

The Georgian Dream party came to power in 2012 promising to normalize relations with Russia, and its electoral program openly stated that Georgia should not serve as a point of confrontation between the West and Russia.

Bidzina Ivanishvili, the Georgian oligarch who heads the party and was prime minister at the time, adopted a policy of strategic ambiguity: advocating EU membership while also avoiding antagonizing Moscow. All the while, the party shuttered independent media and arrested political opponents.

Bidzina Ivanishvili, leader of the ruling party, Georgian Dream, celebrates exit poll results after parliamentary elections in Tbilisi on Oct. 31, 2020. (Zurab Kurtsikidze/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

The governments balancing act appears to have stumbled, however. Last year, the EU gave official candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova but said Tbilisi must first implement a series of reforms.

In a statement this week, the EUs diplomatic agency called the proposed laws a very bad development for Georgia and its people.

It added: The European Union urges Georgia to uphold its commitment to the promotion of democracy, the rule of law and human rights, and recalls the right of people to a peaceful protest.
A Mexican army soldier guards the Tamaulipas State Prosecutors headquarters in Matamoros, Mexico, Wednesday, March 8, 2023. A road trip to Mexico for cosmetic surgery veered violently off course when four Americans were caught in a drug cartel shootout, leaving two dead and two held captive for days in a remote region of the Gulf coast before they were rescued from a wood shack, officials said Tuesday. (AP Photo)

CIUDAD VICTORIA, Mexico (AP)  Someone claiming to be the Mexican drug cartel allegedly responsible for the abduction of four Americans and the killing of two of them has condemned the violence and purportedly turned over its own members who were involved to authorities.

In a letter obtained by The Associated Press through a Tamaulipas state law enforcement source, the Scorpions faction of the Gulf cartel allegedly responsible for abducting the Americans apologized to the residents of Matamoros, the Mexican woman who died in the shooting and the four Americans and their families.

Drug cartels have been known to issue communiques to intimidate rivals and authorities, but also at times like these to do some public relations work to try to smooth over situations that could affect their business.

We have decided to turn over those who were directly involved and responsible in the events, who at all times acted under their own decision-making and lack of discipline," the letter reads, adding that those individuals had gone against the cartel's rules, which include "respecting the life and well-being of the innocent.

A photograph of five men face down on the pavement and bound accompanied the letter, which was shared with The Associated Press by the source on condition that they remain anonymous because they were not authorized to share the document.

State officials did not immediately publicly confirm having new suspects in custody.

A separate state security official said that five men had been found tied up inside one of the vehicles that authorities had been searching for, along with the letter. That official also spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the case.

Last Friday, four Americans crossed into Matamoros from Texas so that one of them could get a cosmetic surgery procedure. Around midday they were fired on in downtown Matamoros and then loaded into a pickup truck.

Authorities located them Tuesday morning on the outskirts of the city, guarded by a man who was arrested. Two of the Americans were dead, one was wounded and the other was unharmed.
A Shasta County resident expresses his concerns about voter fraud before the Board of Supervisors in Redding last fall. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

The Shasta County Board of Supervisors has  upended the countys election process , the Los Angeles Times reported last week, canceling its contract with Dominion Voting Systems. The county could opt to hand-count ballots instead, which would likely delay results and promote more suspicion of elections. One supervisor said he had explored seeking the services of Mike Lindell, the pillow purveyor and prominent conspiracy theorist.

Shasta, a deep-red county in California's far north, has proven vulnerable to causes that are on the national fringe but being pushed by the forces that supported Donald Trump's false election fraud allegations. Militia members and other hard-right activists led a recall of a member of the all-Republican county board last year and have since attained a majority, leading to last week's official endorsement of baseless suspicions about Dominion.

The current state of QAnon and related conspiracy theories is no exception to the old axiom that all politics is local. Since President Bidens inauguration put an end to efforts to keep Trump in office, these theories have trickled down from national to local politics, influencing local officials responsible for crucial policymaking on voting, education and more.

The wide-ranging, baseless set of beliefs known as QAnon portrays Trump as a messianic figure fighting an evil cabal of Democratic elites and Hollywood celebrities who rule the world and molest and murder children. In 2020, adherents coalesced around stop the steal allegations that machines manufactured by Dominion had somehow changed the results in key states. The allegations surfaced in a few states in which Dominion machines were never even used .

A focus on Dominions nefarious ballot alterations and the company's supposed origins in Venezuela  it's actually Canadian  became a mainstay of Trumps refusal to accept the election results. More than two years later, such conspiracies continue to pervade right-wing politics below the national level. At last weekends Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), for example, featured speaker and Arizona gubernatorial race loser Kari Lake continued to argue that the 2022 election was stolen from her.

Such conspiracy beliefs have been promoted by far-right figures such as Lindell and Trump lawyer Sidney Powell and amplified by right-wing media. Research I conducted found 97 QAnon-supporting candidates in the 2020 primaries, with California, Florida, Texas and Arizona leading the country.

The campaigns and their supporters have been shockingly successful at promoting the belief at the grassroots level. Polls by the Public Religion Research Institute and NPR/Ipsos have found that as many as one in three Americans believes key tenets of the QAnon conspiracy theory. Far-right media echo chambers played a crucial role in achieving this level of acceptance of fringe beliefs. We know more about that thanks to Dominions $1.6-billion defamation lawsuit against Fox News.

After Jan. 6, 2021, QAnon influencers pivoted to propaganda on local wedge issues such as the content of K-12 education (especially critical race theory) and trans rights, implying that studying race caused homosexuality and sexual dysmorphia, as I and Sophia Moskalenko describe in our recent book on QAnon. Much of this propaganda appeals to a Republican base comprising groups in which QAnon theories have been enthusiastically embraced, including evangelicals.

Devotees were encouraged to act locally for greatest impact. In particular, they were encouraged to run for local offices, including city and county positions and especially school boards, which entice conspiracy theorists with the promise of extending their influence to future generations. From Michigan to California, dozens of elected local officials have promoted QAnon conspiracy theories like the one surrounding Dominion. Another California county, Kern, kept its Dominion machines last week only after much deliberation.

School boards all over the country are now occupied by people whose social media feeds are packed with calls to patriots and digital soldiers to join the movement and prophecies that nothing can  stop what is coming.  Time magazine investigated school boards in Michigan and Nevada and found, as one student put it, far-right conspiracists or radicals to be infiltrating the most basic unit of American government. Beyond their impact at the local level, these offices often serve as springboards for state and national candidacies.

And beyond hurting childrens education and the rights of trans people and other minorities, these theories undermine our democratic institutions. It should come as no surprise that since its beginnings in 2017, QAnon was amplified by U.S. adversaries such as Russia and China . Conspiracy theories about Dominion, stolen elections and an evil cabal spread at the local level are mirrored by Russian disinformation campaigns at home and abroad. The theories have much the same effect as some of Russias tactics during the 2016 presidential campaign, when its agents created fake Facebook accounts to pit neighbor against neighbor, encourage protests and violence on both sides of controversies, and weaken public trust.

QAnons infiltration of local politics furthers the global goals of malign foreign actors over the long term. Its only by recognizing the hidden motivations and roots of these conspiracy theories that we may begin to inoculate ourselves against them.

Mia Bloom is a professor of communication and Middle East studies at Georgia State University, a fellow with New Americas International Security Program and a coauthor of Pastels and Pedophiles: Inside the Mind of QAnon.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank) speaks with members of the media at the Capitol last month. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times)

Rep. Adam B. Schiff's effort to bolster his progressive credentials in preparation for his statewide bid for Sen. Dianne Feinstein's U.S. Senate seat has hit some resistance on Capitol Hill.

On Monday, the Burbank Democrat withdrew from consideration to join a coalition of progressives in Congress after his application became divisive among the groups members.

Schiff has faced questions about his progressive bona fides, considered a must-have these days for any statewide candidate in California.

He applied in January to join House and Senate Democrats' most liberal group, the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), chair of the CPC, said the timing of the application  as he begins his campaign for Senate against two other members of the group, Reps. Katie Porter of Irvine and Barbara Lee of Oakland  became an issue.

We have two very progressive members who have been in the progressive caucus for some time, Jayapal said, referring to Porter and Lee.

When Schiff was elected to Congress, he was a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of Democratic centrists. He left the group several years ago.

He is a member of the New Democrat Coalition, which touts economic growth and fiscal responsibility. Several members of Congress are aligned with both the New Democrat Coalition and the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Jayapal declined to speculate about whether the application  which would have gone before the CPC's executive board and then its full membership  would have been successful.

It was great that he recognized that [his application] would be a divisive thing to do and he withdrew it, and so I appreciate that, Jayapal said. He has a progressive record. His questionnaire was fine. But I think the timing with the Senate race just bring questions around it.

Lee is a member of the CPC's executive board. Three other Californians in the group's leadership, Reps. Mark Takano of Riverside, Jared Huffman of San Rafael and Jimmy Gomez of Los Angeles, have endorsed Schiff.

Schiff was encouraged to join the group in the last Congress "but deferred until the completion of his Jan. 6 committee responsibilities," said his spokeswoman Lauren French.

"Adam is proud to be a progressive," French said. "After hearing from his colleagues that some were attempting to make his joining this session political, Adam decided to withdraw from consideration until he joins the U.S. Senate."

Schiff has been criticized by far-left Democrats for his record, including opposing progressive caucus budgets and formerly accepting corporate PAC money. He will not accept corporate PAC dollars for his Senate race, his campaign says.

Lee has consistently had one of the most progressive voting records in the House.

The voting records of Porter and Schiff have tracked slightly more closely ideologically, according to GovTrack.us.

In 2019 and 2020, in a ranking of 436 members who sat in the House  with 436th having the most liberal voting record  Porter ranked 359th and Schiff was 367th. Lee was the most liberal at 436th.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw was among those who testified before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works as it investigates last months train derailment and chemical release in East Palestine, Ohio. Along with the rail company chief, the other officials appearing on the panel were Debra Shore, a regional director for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Anne Vogel, director of the Ohio EPA; Richard Harrison, executive director and chief engineer for the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission; and Eric Brewer, the director and chief of hazardous materials response for Beaver County Pennsylvania Department of Emergency Services.

Norfolk Southern came under scrutiny after one of its trains derailed minutes from the Ohio-Pennsylvania border on the evening of Feb. 3, with the governors of both states issuing a joint evacuation order for a roughly 1-mile radius, since 11 of the cars contained hazardous materials. On Feb. 6, Norfolk Southern burned off five tankers full of vinyl chloride in what it said was an effort to avoid a catastrophic explosion, but it resulted in images of a giant toxic smoke plume that quickly circulated on social media. Two days later, residents were urged to return home, despite a lingering smell in the air and reports of symptoms such as dizziness, headaches and rashes.

Related: How dangerous train derailments affect communities like East Palestine >>>

Before Shaw and the environmental officials testified, Sens. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, and Bob Casey, D-Pa., also appeared before their Senate peers. Last week, Brown and Vance introduced legislation that would improve railroad safety in the wake of the derailment, a bill that is co-sponsored by Casey.

Our live coverage has concluded but you can see the highlights of the hearing below.

Live Updates R 'I didn't think we heard as many unequivocal answer "yeses" as I might like to have,' committee chairman concludes (Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images) In his closing remarks, Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del., chairman of the Committee on Environment and Public Works, lamented the lack of straight-shooting answers from Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw during Thursday's hearing. "I'm not a big fan, Mr. Shaw, of 'yes' [or] 'no' answers. That's not usually my style. But I didn't think we heard as many unequivocal answer 'yeses' as I might like to have, and we might want to revisit that at another time," Carper said. Earlier during the hearing, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., accused Shaw of sounding "like a politician" when asked about addressing the health care needs of his workers. Carper also spoke directly to Shaw about a string of recent safety incidences involving Norfolk Southern, including a derailment that occurred earlier Thursday morning. "It's more than disconcerting. It's concerning. And it's a trend that's troubling to me and my guess is it's troubling to you as well," Carper said.

C Norfolk Southern hammered for billions in stock buybacks Numerous committee members, including Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., attacked Norfolk Southern for putting profits over safety, highlighting the billions theyve spent on stock buybacks in recent years. The rail company spent $7.5 billion in 2021 and 2022 in buybacks and have announced plans to spend billions more. When CEO Alan Shaw said that they had invested in safety and it was improving, Markey cited the recent spate of derailments and said, "You are not having a good month." Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, had criticized the company in testimony at the beginning of the hearing, saying, If Norfolk Southern had paid a little more attention to safety and a little less attention to profits, had cared a little more about the Ohioans along its tracks and a little less about its executives and shareholders, these accidents would not have been as bad or maybe not happened at all."

R 'Everything is on the table' when it comes to residents' healthcare needs, Norfolk Southern CEO says (Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Brendan Smiakowski/AFP via Getty Images) Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. pressed Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw about covering the healthcare needs of residents affected by the train derailment, saying, "You talked about covering the needs of the people of East Palestine. Does that include paying for their health care needs? All of their health care needs?" "Everything is on the table, sir," Shaw said in response. Sanders also grilled Shaw over the health care needs of his own employees, some of whom currently have zero paid sick days. "All do respect, you sound like a politician here, Mr. Shaw," Sanders said. "Paid sick days is not a radical concept in the year 2023. I am not hearing you make that commitment to guarantee that to all of your workers." "I'm committed to continuing to speak to our employees about quality of life issues that are important to them," Shaw replied, declining to explicitly endorse guaranteed sick days for his employees.

C Another Norfolk Southern derailment noted during hearing Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., said during his questioning that another Norfolk Southern train had derailed on Thursday morning. According to an ABC affiliate in Birmingham, Ala., the train derailed just before 7 a.m. in Calhoun County. Per the outlet, local authorities said said there were no hazardous materials present and no injuries.

C Graham calls on Biden to visit East Palestine Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said he felt that President Biden should visit East Palestine, Ohio, and ask Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw and Debra Shore, the EPA regional administrator for the area, to join him. Biden was criticized by the East Palestine mayor for visiting Ukraine before he traveled to the site of the accident. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, EPA Administrator Michael Regan and former President Donald Trump are among those who've been to the area in the weeks since the derailment.

A

C Sanders grills Norfolk Southern CEO Under questioning from Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw declined to say he'd support the elimination of Precision Scheduled Railroading, a system instituted by freight rail companies over the last decade meant to increase efficiency and profits by using longer and heavier trains as well as smaller staffs. Shaw did say that since taking over as CEO, he's "charted a new course in the industry." "I said we're going to move away from a near term focus solely on profits," Shaw testified. "And then we're going to take a longer term view that's founded on our engagement with our craft employees who are so critical to our success."

R What chemicals spilled, and how could they affect residents? Five toxic chemicals have been identified around the derailment site:  Vinyl chloride , a colorless and flammable gas, is used to produce plastic for packaging materials and a range of electronic, medical and construction products. Symptoms of exposure include drowsiness, disorientation, numbness and tingling of the extremities and nausea, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Butyl acrylate , a colorless liquid with a strong, fruity odor, is often used to produce various plastics, polymers, coatings and resins. Exposure to the chemical can cause irritation to the eyes and skin, rashes and breathing difficulties, according to the CDC.  Isobutylene , a colorless gas, is used to produce plastics, packaging materials and resins. Exposure can cause symptoms such as dizziness and headache, but a cargo manifest provided to the Environmental Protection Agency indicates that Norfolk Southern saw no signs of breach with the car carrying this chemical  Ethylhexyl acrylate , a colorless liquid that is commonly used to produce plastics and polymers, and ethylene glycol , a synthetic compound used in inks, paint, hydraulic brake fluids and antifreeze, can both cause irritation of the skin and eyes, as well as sore throat and nausea with exposure at high concentrations. Read more from NBC News here.

C Shaw declines to support Railway Safety Act (Photo by Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images) Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw declined to explicitly support the bipartisan Railway Safety Act when asked, saying, "We are committed to the legislative intent to make rail safer." Shaw said he supported tighter standards for tanker cars and more funding for first responders. Previously, the company had opposed additional speed limitations and requiring ECP brakes in a 2015 lobbying disclosure. Norfolk Southern has seen an increase in both profits and accidents in recent years, because it runs longer, heavier trains while cutting the workforce.

C Norfolk Southern promises long-term support Under questioning from Senate Chairman Tom Carper, D-Del., Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw committed to his company staying as long as it takes to make the communities affected by the accident whole, including paying for long-term medical care and environmental testing. Show more
WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden sees funding for crime prevention as a place where the White House and congressional Republicans may find agreement, Shalanda Young, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, said in an interview.

We think theres absolutely room to have bipartisan legislative accomplishments from pieces hes presenting in this budget, Young said. One thing that comes to mind is safer communities. It shouldnt be controversial, it should be bipartisan, to agree that we should have more cops on the beat in this country.

Biden laid out his spending priorities Thursday in the third budget proposal of his presidency.

And while many of the presidents proposals are nonstarters for Republicans, there are several areas in which the White House sees potential for bipartisan agreement, including rail safety and crime prevention, Young said.

House Republicans are expected to release their budget next month, a move that could kickstart more serious discussions with the White House. Biden has, so far, met just once with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., who has called for cuts in spending and a focus on deficit reduction.

Young described Biden's plan to reduce the deficit by $3 trillion, which he would achieve by raising taxes that Republicans oppose on corporations and wealthy Americans, as the beginning of a dialogue.

The presidents budget also includes increased funding for rail safety  $1.5 billion for rail safety improvement grants, for instance  Young said, as concerns about the issue mount following derailment last month in East Palestine, Ohio.

And it just doesnt stop at the budget, Young said. We want to work with Congress on bipartisan legislation to make sure that these railroads are operating safely through these communities. This should not happen in this country.

The White House emphasis on the presidents budget has shifted this year as Biden is expected to announce a 2024 re-election bid. Notably, the White House fact sheet on the budget, a summary of the 182-page document, emphasizes some politically charged issues that werent mentioned in the one distributed last year, including Medicare, Social Security, Republican positions, border security and immigration.

In another shift from Bidens previous budgets, the one this year does not allocate funds specifically for combatting Covid-19. Instead, Biden is requesting $20 billion for pandemic preparedness broadly.

At the same time, the president is asking for more funds to deal with the southern border, including a proposal for a $4.7 billion contingency fund thats designed to allow Customs and Border Protection and ICE to access the money depending on migration flows at the border.

Were saying to Congress, give us tools, triggers, so if migration patterns change, money is released so that we can adequately manage the border, Young said

While the White House sees the presidents budget as an opening salvo in negotiations on federal spending, Biden is maintaining his hard-line position that he wont negotiate with Congress over raising the debt limit to cover money the government has already spent.

The U.S. is expected to reach the current limit in August and would default on its debt if Congress does not pass legislation to increase that amount.

Asked if she can guarantee the U.S. will not default, Young declined to do so.

We need Congress to do its duty to make sure that does not happen, she said. That is why this president has been crystal clear that there is a time and a place to talk about the appropriations process spending. We do that every year.  What we should not do is tank the U.S. economy, the global economy, by playing politics.
Rishi Sunaks proposals to deport asylum seekers without considering their claims amount to a clear breach of international law, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has said.

The government has already admitted that its Illegal Migration Bill may breach human rights law, with the prime minister saying he was up for the fight that is predicted to take place over the matter in British courts.

The bill would impose a legal duty on the home secretary to remove anyone who arrives on a small boat, either to Rwanda or another safe third country, without hearing their asylum claim.

In a statement issued on Tuesday afternoon, the UNHCR said such legislation would amount to an asylum ban ... no matter how genuine and compelling individual cases may be.

The effect of the bill would be to deny protection to many asylum seekers in need of safety and protection, and even deny them the opportunity to put forward their case, the agency added.

This would be a clear breach of the Refugee Convention and would undermine a long-standing, humanitarian tradition of which the British people are rightly proud. We urge the government, and all MPs and peers, to reconsider the bill and instead pursue more humane and practical policy solutions.

Earlier, Suella Braverman was jeered as she told parliament she would not address the laws full legal complexities and admitted that the robust and novel plans may not comply with the Human Rights Act.

In a separate letter to MPs, the home secretary wrote: This does not mean that the provisions in the bill are incompatible with the convention rights, only that there is a more 50 per cent chance that they may not be.

Mr Sunak was bullish about the prospect of legal challenges, batting away questions put to him at a press conference about practical issues pertaining to Britains capacity to detain and deport large numbers of asylum seekers.

He said there was absolutely nothing improper or unprecedented about pursuing laws that might violate the Human Rights Act, and that he and his government believe we are acting in compliance with international law.

Mr Sunak said, without providing evidence, that the new law would deter people from crossing the Channel in small boats, and that it would allow the UK to decide who we bring here and how many.

More than 3,000 people have crossed the Channel so far this year  double the 1,500 seen by the same point in 2022, which was itself a record year.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak says there is nothing improper or unprecedented about pursuing laws that might violate the Human Rights Act (PA)

The UNHCR said that Home Office data  which shows that in terms of nationality, Afghans account for the largest number of those currently making the journey  indicates that the vast majority of small-boat migrants would be granted refugee protection if the UK considered their claims.

Branding refugees as undeserving based on mode of arrival distorts these fundamental facts, the agency added, calling on the government to consider its own concrete and actionable proposals as a way to reduce the demand for small-boat crossings.

In speeches unveiling the bill, the home secretary and prime minister accused boat migrants of jumping the queue and violating fairness, saying that refugees should only arrive on routes that are chosen by the government and subject to a numbers cap.

But the UNHCR said resettlement programmes remain very limited and can never substitute for access to asylum, which people must currently be present in the UK to claim.

The body said the plans undermine the very purpose of the 1951 Refugee Convention, which was approved at the time by all parties in the House of Commons after being ratified by Winston Churchills Conservative government.

The convention explicitly recognises that refugees may be compelled to enter a country of asylum irregularly, the statement added. International law does not require that refugees claim asylum in the first country they reach.

The government has claimed that previous laws and policies would act as a deterrent, but crossings have continued to rise (Data: Home Office)

The UNHCR said that while it is possible to transfer asylum seekers between safe third countries, the UK is not part of any such agreement and the Rwanda deal fails to meet the necessary international standards.

Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, accused the government of worsening the deeply damaging chaos in the Channel with a failure to tackle people-smuggling gangs, collapsing asylum decisions, and a falling number of family reunion visas.

The asylum system is broken and they broke it, she added. They still dont have any return agreements in place ... this bill isnt a solution, its a con that risks making the situation worse.

The Rwanda scheme has failed to start, having been beset by legal challenges, and Albania is the only other nation to have agreed to accept asylum seekers from the UK, after an EU-wide mechanism was lost during the Brexit process.

The UKs immigration detention estate is not big enough to hold a significant proportion of small-boat migrants awaiting deportation, and crossing the Channel to claim asylum was only made illegal on 28 June 2022.

Opposition MPs accused the government of abandoning Afghans who had not managed to board evacuation flights out of Kabul in August 2021. Ms Cooper said that those who attempt to make their own way to the UK will only ever be illegal in the eyes of a government who relied on the sacrifice they made.

Tory MPs have told The Independent they are concerned that the government will struggle to pass the legislation, or bring it into effect, before the next general election, especially if Theresa May makes an intervention.

One said he was pressing ministers to get more returns agreements with other countries, adding: I know we have this deal with Albania, but if we had actually sent loads of people back there I would be shouting about it from the rooftops.
FILE - The Tesla company logo is seen on the hood of an unsold vehicle at a dealership on Aug. 9, 2020, in Littleton, Colo. In a report released Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023, investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board apparently solved the mystery of why no one was found behind the wheel of a Tesla that crashed in Texas two years ago, killing two men. During the April 2021 crash in Spring, Texas, the driver apparently moved to the back seat after slamming into the car's front air bag, deforming the steering wheel in the crash. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

DETROIT (AP)  U.S. investigators suspect that a Tesla was operating on an automated driving system when it crashed into a firetruck in California last month, killing the driver and critically injuring a passenger.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Wednesday it has dispatched a special crash investigation team to look into the Feb. 18 crash in Northern California where emergency responders had to cut open the Tesla to remove the passenger. Four Contra Costa County firefighters had minor injuries.

The probe is part of a larger investigation by the agency into multiple instances of Teslas on Autopilot crashing into parked emergency vehicles that are tending to other crashes.

The $1.4 million ladder truck was damaged in the crash on Interstate 680. The truck was parked to shield a crew clearing another accident, fire officials said.

The driver of the the 2014 Tesla Model S was declared dead at the scene.

NHTSA is investigating how Teslas Autopilot system detects and responds to emergency vehicles parked on highways. At least 15 Teslas have crashed into emergency vehicles nationwide while using the system.

Authorities said the truck had its lights on and was parked diagonally on northbound lanes of the freeway to protect responders to an earlier accident that did not result in injuries.

The fatal accident occurred around 4 a.m., and it took several hours to clear the freeway. The firetruck had to be towed away.

The Model S was among the nearly 363,000 vehicles Tesla recalled in February because of potential flaws in Full Self-Driving a more sophisticated partially automated driving system.

The recall, to be done with an online software update, is aimed at correcting possible problems at intersections and with speed limits.

Despite their names, Tesla has said both systems are advanced driver assist systems and that human drivers must be ready to intervene at all times.

Messages were left Wednesday seeking comment from Tesla, which has disbanded its public relations department.


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YEREVAN, MARCH 9, ARMENPRESS. The Prime Minister of Iceland Katrin Jakobsdottir accepted Armenias invitation to participate in the Womens Role in Promoting Democracy, Peace and Security conference which is scheduled to take place in October 2023.

The invitation was conveyed to PM Jakobsdottir by the Armenian Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Narek Mkrtchyan during a meeting in New York City.

The Womens Role in Promoting Democracy, Peace and Security conference is a joint initiative by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyans wife Anna Hakobyan and the Women Political Leaders organization.

During the meeting with PM Jakobsdottir in New York, Minister Mkrtchyan expressed gratitude for the support by Icelandic companies during the 2020 war in Artsakh, the cooperation and the visit by a group of Members of Parliament from Iceland to Artsakh, the ministry said in a read-out.

They also discussed possibilities for cooperation in labor and social protection, as well as exchange of experience.

Speaking about the protection of womens rights and the necessity for increasing the role of women, Minister Mkrtchyan presented details on the Womens Role in Promoting Democracy, Peace and Security conference organized jointly by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyans wife Anna Hakobyan and the Women Political Leaders organization.

The Prime Minister of Iceland welcomed the initiative and accepted the invitation to visit Armenia in October to participate in the conference.
by Nirmala Carvalho

Periyanayagi Maatha parish in Konankuppam includes a shrine dedicated to Mary built by an Italian missionary. Widows and marginalised mothers are employed at the site; nearby, nuns take care of children with speech and hearing impairment.

Chennai (AsiaNews)  Women's empowerment and caring for disabled children are at the centre of the pastoral work of the Periyanayagi Maatha Marian Shrine, located in Konankuppam, a village in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, built by Italian missionary Fr Costantino Beschi.

"We employ a group of widows and mothers on the margins of society, said Fr Devasagayaraj, head of the largely Dalit Catholic parish.

Now they sell religious items, work in the community kitchen for the poor, do the cleaning, and are also employed as health sanitation staff.

For the clergyman, dignity and economic self-reliance are the priorities. "The women working at the shrine support their families with the small salary they receive, he explained.

"People of good will who visit our shrine also help these women from time to time. Two of them have school-age children; one of whom is supported by the Jesuits of the province of Chennai to continue his college studies.

A disabled person works as the shrines daytime security.

The Morning Star Periyanayagi School, also located in Periyanayagi Maatha parish, Konankuppam, caters to 98 speech and hearing-impaired children aged between 7 and 17 years.

The school is run by three Sisters from the Immaculate Heart of Mary Mother of Jesus congregation in Pondicherry, also known as Pondi Blue Sisters.

These Sisters are heroic in their service to speech and hearing-impaired children and their families, Fr Devasagayaraj said.

The school is completely free. Through music, dance and other activities, the Sisters create a sense of inclusion and help children build strong sense of self-esteem.

Children with this type of problem often not only face the many difficulties of everyday life, but also suffer isolation and lack of opportunities.

It is a challenge to educate children and run a residential school when all the Sisters do not know sign language, Fr Devasagayaraj explained.

"Even more challenging is managing classes of grown children. Here children and young people are all treated equally and this is made possible thanks to donations, he added.

The school staff is almost entirely female, and yesterday, International Women's Day, the parish priest stressed the great service the Sisters perform.
Today's headlines: emergency landing in Nepal for a Shree Airlines plane; for Women's Day, the Pyongyang regime calls for more children for the army; three more Palestinian victims today in the West Bank from an Israeli raid. More than 14,000 Protestant Christians attend Spring Love Festival in Vietnam; more and more Japanese companies leave Russia.

IRAQ

A church in Baghdad, Iraq has been targeted by extremist groups. On the evening of 7 March, some people, currently unidentified, threw Molotov bombs at the entrance doors of the Assyrian cathedral of Mar Giwargis, in the Dora district. The two main doors of the place of worship were damaged, but the fire fortunately did not spread to the building.

NEPAL

A Shree Airlines plane made an emergency landing this morning when a warning light came on indicating a 'fire' in one of the engines. The memory of last January's disaster, possibly due to human error, with dozens of deaths, is still alive in the country. This time the vehicle - bound for Bhairahawa - returned regularly to Kathmandu and there were no signs of fire.

NORTH KOREA

On International Women's Day, the regime authorities called on fellow citizens to give birth to more children so that they could be drafted into the army. For Pyongyang, this is 'the greatest act of patriotism' that can be performed. The message was conveyed at ideology sessions for housewives, where the 'fertility' of North Korean women was also extolled.

ISRAEL - PALESTINE

Another night of bloodshed in the West Bank. Israeli security forces killed three Palestinians near a village not far from Jenin. The military also reportedly carried out a raid in the southern village of Jaba, engaging in a shootout and arresting one person before withdrawing. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Givr applauded the "precise action".

VIETNAM

Over 14,000 believers gathered in Ho Chi Minh City in the past few days for the Spring Love Festival, promoted by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. It was a historic event (900 pastors from 60 denominations were involved) for the evangelicals, who for the first time obtained permission from the Communist authorities to have a foreign speaker outside of a commanded festival.

RUSSIA - JAPAN

The Japanese are also leaving Russia: the company Yanmar Holdings will cease its activities on the Russian market from April, where it sold diesel generators, pumping technology and melting equipment. Over 60 per cent of the Japanese companies have stopped all or part of their activities in Russia, while 35 per cent continue to operate 'as before'.

KAZAKHSTAN

Despite the lack of approval by the local authorities, a public demonstration was held in Almaty in Kazakhstan on 8 March in defence of women's rights. The event gathered more than a thousand people in Gandhi Park, displaying banners and placards calling for the passing of laws in defence of rights and strengthening punishment for violence against women.
Beijing's defence budget reached USD 225 billion. Taiwan responds with a 13.9% year-on-year increase. Japan will double its outlay in five years. Vietnam and Indonesia are not standing idly by. India a danger for China. Australia close to buying nuclear submarines from Washington.

Beijing (AsiaNews) - An arms race is underway in the Indo-Pacific. The growing geopolitical clash between China and the United States, coupled with the example of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, are pushing governments in the macro-region to increase military spending, in what has become a vicious circle.

At the opening of the annual session of the National People's Congress on 5 March, China's outgoing Premier Li Keqiang announced that his country's military spending will grow by 7.2% this year, to around USD 225 billion: a slight increase over last year (+7.1%). This is almost four times less than the US, even though experts have long maintained that the real budget of the Chinese Armed Forces is higher than the official one.

Beijing justifies the growth in military outlays with the need to respond to external attempts to 'stifle and contain' China: a subtle attack on Washington, which is busy pushing back China's rise. Li spoke of the growing threats to national security, especially with regard to Taiwan, which the communist government considers an 'insurgent province.'

For its own defence, Taipei has allocated more than USD 13 billion for the 2023 military budget: a 13.9 per cent increase over last year. A significant portion is earmarked for arms purchases from the US, which is committed by treaty to supporting the island's defence. In September, the Biden administration approved the sale of a .1 billion arms package; Washington green-lighted another 9 million tranche in early March.

China faces other burning situations on its borders, such as the diatribe with Japan over sovereign rights in the East China Sea - for the US, Tokyo is also an asset for the protection of Taiwan.

The Japanese will equip themselves with the ability to counterattack enemy bases in an emergency through a significant increase in the defence budget. The Kishida executive's plan is to double military spending to two per cent of GDP in five years, totalling 5 billion. Of this, USD 5 trillion will be used to purchase from the US missiles capable of being launched from a safe distance and Tomahawk cruise rockets.

Nor are Vietnam and Indonesia, with whom China has territorial disputes in the South China Sea, standing idly by. Hanoi will spend .3 billion on its military build-up in 2023, with a projection to increase to billion in the coming years. In contrast, Jakarta's defence budget will reach USD 13.6 billion this year, up 3.2 billion from 2022.

These numbers are a far cry from those fielded by Beijing, but they signal a trend that only the Philippines seems to be shying away from for the time being, despite the fact that Manila also opposes Beijing's claims to the South China Sea.

In terms of numbers, and 'size', the biggest concern for China should be India, with which it has decades-long border disputes along the Himalayan arc. For the fiscal year 2023-2024, the Modi government has proposed a 13% year-on-year increase in military spending to USD 72.6 billion.

Delhi is part of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), a strategic dialogue forum considered by Xi Jinping to be the embryo of an 'Asian Nato', which also includes the US, Japan and Australia. As Reuters reports, Canberra is in the process of purchasing five Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines from the US. The purchase is part of the Aukus Agreement, the military pact between the US, Australia and the UK in an anti-Chinese context.

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by Nikos Tzoitis

A gift to the Orthodox archbishop wanted by Pope Francis to extol the importance of fraternal relations. They depict two young men and a horse's head. The hope is that this sign of peace between Christians can also be a reference point for Ukraine, where weapons have taken over from dialogue.

Athens (AsiaNews) - In a sober and subdued atmosphere, out of respect for the 60 victims of the terrible train accident that took place a few days ago on the slopes of Mount Olympus, on March 7, three fragments of the Parthenon that were in the possession of the Vatican museums were handed over to Archbishop Ieronymus of Greece.

The official ceremony was attended by Card. Fernando Vergez Alzaga, Governor of the Vatican City, the Minister of Culture of Greece Lina Mendoni, Rev. Emanuel Papamikroulis representing the Archbishop of Greece and the Director of the Vatican Museums Barbara Jatta.

These three fragments, consisting of two youths' faces and a horse's head, the result of looting by the British ambassador Elgin, had been legally acquired by the Vatican Museums in the 19th century.

The decision to donate them to the Archbishop of Greece was made by Pope Francis during his trip to Cyprus and Greece in December 2021, so that they could return to their original location, at the Parthenon in Athens.

This gift by Pope Francis is meant to express the importance and value of charity according to God and at the same time to exalt the importance of the fraternal relations that exist between two sister Churches, also strengthening their path in ecumenical dialogue.

This dialogue must be a point of reference and a sign of peace between Christians, especially at a time when in the not-so-distant Ukraine, weapons have taken over the dialogue between Christians.

Pope Francis emphasised, "beauty must be a source of inspiration and reconciliation in continuous and reciprocal dialogue, to build bridges and silence the din of weapons that have turned the land given to us by the Creator into a place of massacre."

For his part, the representative of the Archbishop of Greece, Rev. Emmanuel Papamikrulis, extolled this gesture of Francis, underlining its many positive implications: it is in fact a tangible proof of our common witness to the Truth and - at the same time - it is a proof of the common will of Christians to walk towards full unity, based on charity, in the context of respect and mutual understanding.

Rev. Papamikrulis added, "this proves that when Christians work together, they can provide answers to historical issues that have been pending for so many years and that can be a source of calamity for all humanity."

As devotees of classical Greek culture have commented, Francis' gesture should also be interpreted as a tribute to the Greek spirit that Christianity, at the foot of the Acropolis, made its own. The Parthenon was meant to represent precisely the convergence of divine wisdom with human thought in search of Truth, in an approach that was later embraced by all humanity.

Archbishop Ieronymus of Greece, in once again applauding the pope's initiative, wished that this gesture would soon find imitators.
Writers on the Range: Chronicle of an abandoned well  one of millions
Mercury Cougar Bullitt

Ford SVT Lightning Bullitt

Ford Crown Victoria Bullitt

Ford Bronco Bullitt

SUV

Ford Taurus SHO Bullitt

His garage included exotic Ferraris, Jaguars, and Porsches and quite a few race cars, including those he used in the 1971 "Le Mans" film. The list included rare and expensive track beasts like the Porsche 917 , Porsche 908, Ferrari 512, and the Ford GT40. However, McQueen never got to own the car he's most often associated with. Yup, I'm talking about the 1968 Ford Mustang GT in Highland Green.Steve drove the 'Stang in the 11-minute-long car chase that turned "Bullitt" (1968) into a blockbuster. The scene has been described as one of the most exciting car chases in film history and revolutionized Hollywood standards at the time. Despite numerous attempts to buy it, McQueen wasn't able to park the now-iconic Mustang in his garage.But I'm not here to talk about the super rare pony (only two were used in the film) that's now worth millions of dollars . I'm here to show you a handful of cool Bullitt-spec Fords that the "King of Cool" would have probably enjoyed. They're just renderings made by Instagram's "jlord8," but prove that FoMoCo could have extended the Bullitt range beyond the Mustang.A Bullitt version of the first-generation Cougar makes a lot of sense since the latter was essentially a slightly re-bodied and fancied-up Mustang with a Mercury badge. The rendering is not a Cougar finished in Highland Blue as much as it's a 1968 'Stang with a Mercury grille, which is a weird choice, but it doesn't look half bad.Anyway, the first-gen Cougar has both the looks and the power to chase a Dodge Charger . Not only was it available with the same 390-cubic-inch (6.4-liter) FE V8 that Steve requested in the Mustang GT, but Mercury also introduced the mighty 428-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) Cobra Jet in 1968.Of course, the Cougar wasn't as popular as the Mustang at the time and that's exactly why McQueen went with a Ford instead of a Mercury, but maybe things might have been different if the "Bullitt" film would have spawned a sequel.The Lightning nameplate is now applied to an all-electric truck , but the badge was previously used on a couple of high-performance versions of the F-150. The first one was built from 1993 to 1995 in response to the Chevrolet 454 SS, while the second variant arrived in 1999 and remained in production until 2004.Kind of a big departure from a muscle car, you say? Well, the SVT Lightning was quite potent thanks to a supercharged, 5.4-liter V8 engine good for 360 or 380 horsepower, depending on the model year. And McQueen had a thing for trucks, especially his 1958 GMC and the 1952 Chevrolet 3800 camper conversion, which he drove a lot.So I'm pretty sure he would have enjoyed a Bullitt version of the early 2000s Ford F-150, especially in Highland Green and with the clean front grille and 1968 Mustang wheels, as seen in the rendering above.Introduced in 1991 and sold from 1998 to 2012 with minimal upgrades, the Crown Vic is a living legend. Sure, it's mostly remembered for its long career as a cab and a police interceptor, but the full-size sedan was just as popular as a civilian rig.Quite potent for the late 1990s and early 2000s thanks to a 4.6-liter V8 (shared with the Mustang) rated at up to 239 horsepower, the Crown Victoria would have made a cool sleeper in a Bullitt suit.Granted, McQueen wasn't crazy about the mundane-looking sedan, but I can definitely see him driving a Highland Green Crown Vic as an undercover cop in a modern rendition of the film.The Bronco emerged around the same time as the Mustang and it was just as influential as the pony car, so it would definitely deserve a Bullitt version. The rendering you see here is not based on the first-gen model, which Steve McQueen likely drove at some point, but it's derived from the fifth-generationThe largest iteration of the iconic hauler, the 1990s Bronco is famous for two things. One is the Eddie Bauer edition, which was loaded with options and sported unique trim inside and out. The other one is the white Bronco driven by Al Cowlings with O.J. Simpson in the back seat during a police chase on Interstate 405. The incident was broadcast live, being watched by about 95 million people in the United States.Needless to say, a Bullitt version would have made the Bronco famous for a different car chase. One with the "King of Cool" inside a Highland Green SUV.A high-performance version of the Taurus, the SHO (Super High Output) arrived almost 10 years late for Steve McQueen, but I'm pretty sure the actor would have loved this beefed-up four-door sedan. Because nothing beats an unassuming sleeper in a color that looks a lot like British Racing Green.The SHO was first introduced in 1989 and was redesigned for the 1992 model year. The rendering you see here is based on the second-generation sedan, which looked sleeker and gained a 3.2-liter V6 with 220 horsepower and 215 pound-feet (292 Nm) of torque.Ford offered a third-gen SHO from 1996 to 1999 and then revived the nameplate in 2010, keeping it in production until 2019. While the latter was the most powerful at 365 horsepower, it's the second-gen version that looks best in Highland Green and riding on 1968 Mustang wheels.
AWD

The E85 and E86 were available in M flavor, and so were the E36/7 and E36/8 of the Z3. That being said, why couldnt BMW revive the M for the G29? Development boss Michael Wimbeck, as in the guy who oversaw the G29 project, says that theres no market for the Z4 M.Wimbeck told our friends at BMW Blog that the suits in Munich considered it, and so did the engineers who developed the G29. But alas, crunching those numbers revealed that pouring millions into the Z4 M would have been in vain. Looking at the G29s sales figures, its easy to understand why BMW nipped the Z4 M in the bud.It's not all doom and gloom, though, because the CLAR-based chassis of the G29 employs similar subframe designs and axle kinematics as the G80/G81 M3 and G82/G83 M4. Its also important to remember that the B58 straight-six turbo of the range-topping M40i variant serves as the basis for the M-specific S58 powerplant.A manual transmission is extremely likely to be added to the Z4 M40i in the near future, joining the ZF-supplied 8HP automatic transmission that we all know and love from so many RWD/vehicles. A spokesperson told BMW Blog that the manual is under consideration, which is the next best thing after a proper confirmation.Looking at the bigger picture, BMW already has a six-speed manual transmission ready to go into the Z4 M40i. Toyota engineered one for the GR Supra , based on the S6-53 from ZF Friedrichshafen. Not an off-the-shelf unit, this box was introduced for the 2023 model year.Currently priced at $44,040 for the four-cylinder turbo with the eight-speed automatic, the GR Supra can be had with the aforementioned six-speed manual only if you upgrade to the six-cylinder turbo. The S6-53 doesnt cost extra over the 8HP despite Toyota having redesigned the center console around the row-your-own transmission.Pricing for the six-cylinder GR Supra kicks off at $53,000 sans destination charge. By comparison, the Z4 M40i costs an eye-watering $65,300 stateside at press time, with the four-cylinder sDrive30i going for $52,800 excluding the $995 destination charge. The 2.0-liter engine of BMW origin is good for 5.2 seconds from zero to 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour), whereas the 3.0-liter six in the M40i improves to 3.9 seconds. BMW sold a rather abysmal 1,567 units of the Z4 in the United States last year, down 33.8 percent from the 2,367 delivered in 2021. The GR Supra fared a little better, clocking 4,952 units, as opposed to 6,830 back in 2021.
Photo: via TeslaNorth

BEV

EV

NHTSA

Photo: Ample

Just think about it for a moment. You probably replaced old batteries in your toys several times as a child. You certainly do that in your kids toys if you have them. If you dont, there are still remote controls, flashlights, and other stuff that need batteries around you. The alternative is using rechargeable cells, but they also eventually need to be replaced because they do not last as much as the equipment they are supposed to power.Now think about your laptop or your cell phone. If you are old enough to remember, mobile phones used to come with removable batteries. When they were not good anymore, wed buy new ones to keep the phone working. That changed when cell phone factories decided the whole thing was disposable and started producing them with no access to the battery. When it dies, you have to replace your mobile. It generally does not pay off to pay to swap the bad cell with a new one.Ironically, this is the perfect metaphor for computers on wheels. Software evolution will already force them to have replaceable computers  like the MCUv1 . However, that is not the only element you thought would last as long as the car that you may have to swap.When the battery pack dies, you should pray for theto still be under warranty. If it is not, youll end up having to try to sell the remaining components on your bricked car to make a buck and buy something else. Buying a new battery pack will not be an option unless you want to keep therunning for sentimental reasons. Tesla advocates frequently urge people with serious problems with their cars to just buy a new vehicle and keep driving  as if everybody had all that cash to spare.When Al Prescott wrote tothat computers in Tesla vehicles were wear parts, I asked why they were not listed as regular maintenance items. Curiously, it did not occur to me at the time that battery packs should also be included in that list. Tesla's German lawyers may have clarified that when they said the companys products were not meant to last more than 130,488 miles (210,000 kilometers) . Thats less than the warranty the company offers for the Model S and Model X: 149,129 mi (240,000 km) or eight years.What if I intend to keep my car for longer? What if all the other components are good enough for it to keep running indefinitely? With Tesla, we already know that is not possible, thanks to Hansjorg von Gemmingen . The German driver put 1 million miles on the Model S P85+ he bought in 2014. During that time, he had to replace the motors (under warranty) 11 or 12 times and the battery pack three times. But what about other BEVs, those that have been properly tested to prevent owners from being the ones discovering all the flaws these vehicles may present?Automakers should seriously start to consider presenting customers with the expected lifespan of the battery packs in their EVs. How many cycles will they endure before dropping below 70% of capacity, which is regarded as the minimum for automotive use? How many miles do those cycles allow? Above all, how much will it cost these customers to put new batteries in their cars?Imagine there was a service that allowed you to always have a perfect battery pack in your BEV. Instead of charging it, you could have the option to swap it for a charged one in an operation that would take only a few minutes  and not several, as charging demands. More than that, imagine that you could use modules instead of a massive battery pack . If you did not need to travel too far, you could have fewer modules, which would make your car lighter and more efficient. Wouldnt that be nice? You probably already know where I am heading here.The deal is that these options already exist. CATL offers Choco-SEBs , and NIO offers Power Swap stations. Ample uses even smaller modules, but they are still in their testing phase if I am not mistaken. I have no idea if their business cases work and how they make money with having to invest in so many extra battery packs. The issue is if they eventually go bankrupt and you are stuck with fewer modules than you really need or with a swappable battery pack that you can no longer swap. The solution for that is a standard module or battery pack for all BEVs. Sadly, we are more distant from that than we are from synthetic and renewable fuels.In a world where all things have a limited lifespan  even this planet  it is only fair that we know how much they will last if we are supposed to buy them. Knowing when you are expected to replace the batteries on your car and how much that will cost is also not asking too much  especially if that is supposed to be your only option in a not-so-distant future. It is beyond me why this subject does not emerge whenever we are discussing the EV shift.
#5 Cool vintage

Photo: Netflix

#4 Going hybrid

Photo: Netflix

#3 Back to gasoline and old habits

Photo: Netflix

#2 All about luxury

Photo: Netflix

#1 Vintage Jaguar

Photo: Netflix

Netflixs You has returned to the giant streaming platform with the second half of the fourth season. Following a completely new format, with a split season, a murder mystery, and Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) trying to stay away from murders, there is one thing that remains constant: Joe drives some pretty awesome cars.His main focus is stalking people, but he doesnt always have to be miserable when he does it. Despite his ridiculous claim in the fourth season that he walked from Egham, Surrey, to South Kensington and Shoreditch, he also gets to drive pretty neat cars.That might not be in line with his character, who doesnt seem to care much about material things, but we are here for it.We will start with one of the cars we see Joe drive most in the shows first season, a red Buick Skylark The vintage car actually belonged to Mooney, the owner of the bookstore where Joe worked, and our favorite villain got the chance to borrow and drive it in most of the episodes.The cherry red vehicle is a 1968 Buick Skylark Custom four-door sedan with a vinyl top, part of the model's second generation, available between 1968 and 1972. The Skylark Custom came with a 350 cu in V8 as standard with a two-barrel Rochester carburetor, good for 230 horsepower.Joe and the Buick Skylark make quite a good team throughout the first season. However, a cherry red vintage vehicle would definitely turn some heads, especially from car enthusiasts. Which could endanger Joe's stalking habits.We all remember that, after killing Beck, Joe moved from New York to Los Angeles to escape his past. And, despite his constant complaints about Angelinos, he swiftly seems to become one himself.At least, when it comes to his driving choices. Because in the tenth episode of season two, we see our villain drive a Toyota Prius when he and Love move to a new neighborhood, pulling up into the driveway behind another Prius, which belonged to Love.Love had opted for a blue Prius that seemed to be from the third generation, meanwhile, Joe had chosen something newer, from the model's fourth gen Since they were expecting their first child, the Prius hybrids made a pretty good and sensible choice.Just one episode later, in the first episode of season three, Joe had seemingly ditched the Prius hybrid the same way he ditches his love interests from one season to another. This time, he was driving a Lexus RX The third season was released in 2021, which coincided with Lexus RX's fourth generation, post-2020 update. However, the Netflix series features an RX before the facelift, available between 2015 and 2019.This time, Joe switched from the hybrid Toyota Prius to a gasoline-powered car, the Lexus RX 350, available both in all-wheel and front-wheel drive, with 295 horsepower (299 ps) and 268 lb-ft (363 Nm) of torque.He and Love still had a Prius , though, allowing him to have his baby with him in the car while stalking his neighbor Natalie.In the fourth season, Joe moved to Paris to find Marienne. But she didnt want anything to do with him, so, in order to protect her, he decided to move to the UK, getting a job as a university professor in a college outside London.His fellow colleague, professor Malcolm Harding, invites him to an elegant party at the elite Sundry House after saving his girlfriend, Kate, from two muggers. Since Joe is all about etiquette, he arrives there in a luxurious car, going for a black Mercedes-Benz S-Class.From other expensive cars, Joe made the most sensible choice: a vehicle that even came with left-hand drive. The car in question seems to be the previous-gen W222 S-Class sedan, on the market until 2021.Luxurious, spacious, and powerful, it's exactly the kind of car Joe needed to blend in with the rich and famous.Do you know that moment when you have to use a vintage car to get rid of a body? Yeah, me neither, nor are the rest of the sane people. But Joe is different, so, in the first episode of season 4, he borrows a Jaguar MK 2.He explains that the classics professor allowed him to use his car "in an emergency," so he decides getting rid of Malcolm is just that. Despite the fact that he had to switch to a right-hand drive.Based on one fleeting shot, the vintage Jag came with a 2.4-liter engine, which was rebranded as the 240 in 1967, and available until 1969. And it seems to be great in an emergency, with plenty of trunk space.
EV

Legendary Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu once wrote, Tactics without strategy is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.Nissan seem to be taking this quote with an extra dose of enthusiasm after it unveiled the X-in-1 approach today. The approach aims to cut down manufacturing and development costs by 30% in the next three years.According to a press release by the Kanagawa-based automaker, the new approach will further increase the competitiveness of its electric and e-POWER vehicles.Based on the new approach, coreand e-POWER powertrain components will be shared and modularized, leading to a 30% reduction in manufacturing and development costs by 2026 (in comparison to 2019).The Leaf automaker has revealed two prototypes based on the X-in-1 approach that covers the 3-in-1 and 5-in-1.The 3-in-1 powertrain prototype modularizes the motor, inverter, and reducer. The Japanese plan to use this approach for their electric vehicles. The 5-in-1 powertrain destined for its e-POWER vehicles further modularizes the generator and increaser.This new approach, which covers the 3-in-1 and 5-in-1, as well as other variants, has been developed to make it possible to produce Nissan EV and e-POWER core components in the same line. The projected result is a dip in manufacturing and development costs.Nissan is not the only automaker looking to lower EV costs by cutting down on manufacturing and developing costs.Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, during an Automotive Press Detroit online event in 2021, emphasized that staying affordable while developing new EVs requires automakers to focus on cost reduction.Different automakers are applying varied strategies to compete in the market and appeal to consumers. Teslas recent price cut strategy might improve its market share stake, but suppliers and infant automakers might shed the most blood in the end.Other than cutting development and manufacturing costs by 30%, Nissan says the X-in-1 approach will have size and weight reduction, ultimately improving performance while, at the same time, reducing noise and vibration.The newly developed motor will cut heavy rare earth elements by 1% or less by weight.Through our innovations in electrified powertrain development, well continue to create new value for customers and deliver 100% motor-driven vehicles  EVs and e-POWER  as widely as possible. Nissan Senior Vice President Toshihiro Hirai said.Backed by its Nissan Ambition 2023, the Japanese automaker aims to strengthen its lineup with 27 new electrified models (including 19 EVs) by 2030.
The other day, the first trailer for Rennervations dropped, and boy, youd best be prepared because the onion-cutting ninjas are out in full force. This applies especially if youre a longtime Jeremy Renner fan, but only if youre up to date with his January 2023 accident and the bad condition it has left him in.Theres bitter irony in launching and promoting a show on social media about renovating and converting vehicles, and traveling, when Renner himself is more or less homebound these days. Hes not blind to the irony, as he posted the other day about the show, joking that, while we enjoyed the footage, he was in the shop now, working on me. Rennervations start with Renner himself  these days, at least.On the first day of the New Year, Renner was out in a PistenBully snowgroomer, clearing snow for himself and his neighbors in Reno, Nevada. He stopped to help a driver stuck in the snow and got out of the snowplow to walk over to the car. Thats when the machine began rolling, so Renner tried to get back in the cab to step on the brakes, but he got stuck and pulled under the tracks, suffering serious injuries to his chest, arms and legs.The accident highlighted the kind of work Renner always did for the community, going out of his way to clear the snow in the area, when authorities couldnt or wouldnt. Renner is one of the good guys, is what were saying, and that is once more in full display on his new show.Renner holds an impressive, 200+-vehicle fleet at his Nevada ranch, and hes spoken about it before. Most of these vehicles are old buses and decommissioned firetrucks, which he buys on the cheap, restores with his own money, and then flips into stuff that can serve the community. Renner always said he was an actor second, and a builder and fabricator first, so stuff like this comes naturally to him.This is what the new Disney+ 4-part series is also about: Renner buying vehicles and then flipping them. The trailer shows a mobile recreational center built out of an old bus, a mobile water filtration system that he personally delivers to Rajasthan, India, and a mobile music room slash recording studio.Celebrity guests (Anthony Mackie, Vanessa Hudgens) occasionally come along for the ride and chip in on a project, and its ok to expect a certain degree of scripted drama, but the trailer hints that Renners work will be pulling focus. Tagged Renovate. Repurpose. Reimagine., Rennervations seems like the feel-good celebrity show that will just about restore your faith in humanity  or Hollywood types, at the very least. And provide some #tinyhome inspiration, too.
Photo: Worth Avenue Yachts

Photo: Worth Avenue Yachts

Photo: Worth Avenue Yachts

Photo: Worth Avenue Yachts

Today, Bleu de Nimes is a fabulous luxury charter vessel thats perfect for traveling in ultimate comfort to some of the most remote locations on Earth. It pampers its guests with things like two jacuzzis, a cinema room, a sauna, a massage room, and gourmet dining.Cool toys, such as Seadoo jetskis and a Yamaha SuperJet, are ready to jump into action, playing around the majestic 237-foot (72.2 meters) mothership. A helipad awaits patiently for a helicopter to touch down, allowing the owner straight access to the outdoor bar and lounge area.Its hard to believe, but this party-ready luxury toy is a rugged military ship at its core. Indeed, it has only kept its original strong bones (the hull and part of the superstructure) but thats enough to ensure Bleu de Nimes outstanding ruggedness, underneath the glamorous makeover.Decades ago, the ships name was Lodestone (RMAS Lodestone A115) operating as a Royal Navy vessel . It had been built in 1980, by Clelands Shipbuilding, and was one of the Navys Magnet-class ships. These degaussing vessels were a type of minesweepers that helped submarines by locating and eliminating magnetic mines.By the end of the 90s, Lodestone was a retired veteran. Luckily, its destiny changed when it was auctioned off. Its owner, a truly experienced yachtsman (and rumored to be a millionaire) decided to turn it into a pleasure craft, because he wanted to own a yacht that would be unlike any other.That was no easy task. At first, the only goal was for the retired ship to be converted to a seaworthy yacht. This initial rebuild took several years and was completed in 2005, with the owner actively participating.The interiors, styled by Pier Vittorio Cerruti, were also completely different from the ships original look. A rich Colonial style made Bleu de Nimes resemble a classic gentlemans yacht from the golden era of yachting. The glossy cherry wood panels and the precious antiques have nothing in common with the vessels military past, but they do complement its imposing structure, spanning over six decks.At first, Bleu de Nimes owner had no desire to add all the glam luxuries of contemporary pleasure craft . He even found swimming pools onboard to be unnecessary. And this worked for ten years, during which the freshly-rebuilt ship was exclusively used by the owners family.However, the former Navy veterans transformation wasnt over. In 2016, it underwent a second rebuild. This included a significant extension of 16 meters (over 52 feet) that brought Bleu de Nimes to its current size, increasing its volume by a whopping 600 GT. And this is when all the bells and whistles were added.The reason for that was simple. After such a long time of private use, Bleu de Nimes was ready to become a luxury charter yacht. By 2020, it was officially compliant with the Passenger Yacht Code (PYC) meaning that it was suitable for charter with 28 guests and a 23-people crew onboard.Although as comfortable and opulent as a superyacht, Bleu de Nimes is more like a cruise ship. Not only is it remarkably spacious (youd rarely see a superyacht with that many guests onboard) but its also built to withstand long, challenging journeys.A 6,000-nautical mile (11,100 km) range is considered top-notch for a yacht. Well, Bleu de Nimes can cover 20,000 nautical miles (over 37,000 km). Its no wonder that it traveled to places like Papua Guinea and Greenland.But its not all about range. This rugged vessel is fitted with autonomous systems and plenty of storage space, allowing it to stay independent at sea for a long time. Another important aspect is stability, because the vessel spends a lot of time at anchor, during its visits to exotic places.And Bleu de Nimes is very stable, according to its captain, Mascia Poma. Just like the ships owner, she has been onboard since the beginning and has witnessed all of the transformations. The yacht is literally her home, because Capt. Pomas family is also onboard. The greatest reward for their hard work and dedication is the discovery of new, wonderful places  something that the former Navy ship excels at.As youd expect, chartering this fabulous yacht requires deep pockets. One week onboard costs at least 490,000 (over $510,000). But its outstanding capabilities also attract different kinds of charter customers. Most notably, in February 2022, it was linked to a historic expedition. It was chartered by Mauritius, for a trip to the disputed Chago Islands in the Indian Ocean, which was the first of its kind in Mauritius history.Despite its many qualities and accomplishments, Bleu de Nimes owner is willing to end this twenty-year love affair. The fully-converted ship is up for grabs, asking for 47 million (just under $50 million). For that price, a lucky new owner could get a superyacht, historic ship, and explorer, all in one  and thats priceless.
Words have the power to destroy and build up. As small as it might seem, your vehicles license plate or bumper sticker could draw more attention than a straight-piped, exotic supercar worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.Ask Floridarian motorist Dillon Shane Webb, who was arrested in 2019 for his famous I Eat A** sticker neatly displayed on the back of his Chevrolet pickup truck Back then, he cited his First Amendment rights, saying the sticker was a way of confessing his love of eating donkeys. At the back of our minds, we all know it was a bunch of baloney.Apart from bumper stickers, license plates are the second most popular method naughty motorists get to sneak in F-bombs.Believe it or not, the need for naughty license plates is so high DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) across the U.S. have dedicated entire teams and departments to scrutinize license plate applications for obscenities.Recently, a vegan in Augusta, Maine, got into a pickle with authorities after a state crackdown on vulgar plates . The motorist, whose license plates contained the word tofu referencing a popular vegan food, was busted for having an obscene license plate.For many years, motorists in Maine have enjoyed having just about any combination of words and letters on their license plates. They got away with words and phrases that wouldnt pass the scrutiny test in other states in the U.S.But recently, the state changed cause and launched a crackdown on obscene license plates.Peter Starosteckis LUVTOFU, which referenced vegan food tofu in his defense, was one of the 274 license plates that were recalled by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles this year. According to the state, his license plate had sexual connotations that could be offensive to other motorists.The new rules ban obscene references to age, race, sexuality, ethnicity, orientation, religion, gender, origin, and disability. The ban also applies to words or phrases that could incite violence or are considered derogatory. Assosiated Press, reported Starostecki claims his license plate was not a clever means of displaying profanity but rather an expression of his love for being a vegan. He insisted his intent was evident since he had several tofu stickers at the back of his car.He was offered another sticker, V3GAN by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, but declined the offer saying he was done with vanity plates.What are your thoughts on vanity plates? Do you think the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles was unfair to Peter Starostecki? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
Last year, in early October, the Japanese automaker became aware of the flying tonneau covers after Toyota Motor North America received a technical report from the field. The company retrieved parts for investigation, but no abnormalities were found. Toyota shrugged it off as incomplete tightening during installation, but still decided to monitor the tonneau cover issue in the field.Come January, a dealer informed Toyota Motor North America that a customer had experienced the very same thing while driving at highway speeds. The following month, the safety boffins finally had the brilliant idea of investigating the securing joint and verifying torque values.Lo and behold, the torque values of certain joints were found to be lower than required to properly compress the lock washer. It was during this time that Toyota received the third field report alleging tonneau cover separation.Subject 2022 and 2023 model year Tundra vehicles feature a tonneau cover that attaches to the front part of the bed. Toyota claims that theres a possibility for the axial force of the joint to become insufficient to retain said cover, with the root cause being the joints design.No fewer than 130,266 trucks have been fitted with the suspect tonneau cover, of which 13 percent are estimated to be at risk of tonneau cover detachment. The trifold hard tonneau cover is listed in the attached document under two part numbers: PT954-34220 for the 5.5-foot bed and PT954-34221 for the large 6.5-foot cargo box.Both are manufactured by a Michigan-based supplier by the name of Extang Corporation, which is a Truck Hero brand. Truck Hero was acquired by an L Catterton-led consortium back in January 2021. There is no remedy available at press time for the flying tonneau covers. Affected owners will receive interim notifications no later than May 3rd (!!!) with instructions to remove the tonneau cover to eliminate the risk of detachment. Final notifications will be sent once the remedy is available.The 2022 and 2023 model year Tundra pickups called back under campaign number 23V-142 were manufactured in the period between November 2nd, 2021 and February 21st, 2023. Precisely 16,408 tonneau covers were installed by Toyota or its dealer network, and 567 were sold over the counter. The Japanese automaker explains that over-the-counter tonneau covers may have been installed on any of the remaining 113,858 trucks.Exclusively available with twin-turbo V6 muscle, the 2023 model year Tundra is presently listed by the build & price tool with a starting price of $37,865 excluding destination charge. All configurations get a 10-speed automatic tranny, and the range-topping powertrain comes in the guise of a hybrid twin-turbocharged sixer.
The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry threatened to disarm and neutralize them as it accused Armenia of continuing to send military personnel and weapons to Karabakh. It also alleged that Russian peacekeepers escorted on Tuesday a convoy of Armenian and Karabakh military trucks along a dirt road close to a section of the Lachin corridor blocked by Azerbaijani protesters since December.

The authorities in Yerevan and Stepanakert were quick to reject the allegations. Moscow has still not reacted to them.

Bellicose rhetoric from any side is counterproductive, Maria Zakharova, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, told a news briefing in Moscow. It does not help advance the peace agenda.

We proceed from the fact that Baku and Yerevan must strictly comply with all the provisions of the tripartite [Russian-Armenian-Azerbaijani] agreements at the highest level, including on ensuring security in Nagorno-Karabakh and using the Lachin corridor, added Zakharova.

The 2020 ceasefire agreement brokered Moscow placed the corridor under the control of Russian peacekeepers and committed Baku to guaranteeing free passage through it.

The Armenian side regards the three-month Azerbaijani blockade of the sole road connecting Karabakh to Armenia as a gross violation of that agreement. It maintains that Bakus desire to set up an Azerbaijani checkpoint there also runs counter to the truce accord.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov similarly indicated Moscows opposition to the checkpoint when he visited Baku last week.

Zakharova on Thursday also said: We also believe that de-escalation of the current situation would be facilitated by official Yerevans active participation in the search for mutually acceptable solutions.

She appeared to allude to Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyans reluctance to hold a trilateral meeting with Lavrov and his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov.

The three ministers were scheduled to meet in Moscow in late December. Mirzoyan cancelled the talks at the last minute in protest against the Azerbaijani blockade of the Lachin corridor.

Lavrov said in Baku that he still stands ready to host the talks. He noted that Yerevan has not yet given its final consent.
Cross-border e-commerce drives high-quality development of Chinas foreign trade

People's Daily Online) 10:34, March 08, 2023

As a new form of foreign trade that develops rapidly, cross-border e-commerce has become a new driving force for the high-quality development of Chinas foreign trade.

The countrys cross-border e-commerce enjoyed rapid development in 2022, the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said recently. The import and export volume of Chinas cross-border e-commerce reached 2.11 trillion yuan (about $294.67 billion) in 2022, up 9.8 percent year on year, according to data from General Administration of Customs.

Customers select merchandise in the Japanese pavilion of the China-Japan-ROK Consumption Zone E-Commerce Experience Center. (Xinhua/Wang Kai)

In late November 2022, Chinas State Council approved the establishment of comprehensive pilot zones for cross-border e-commerce in another 33 cities and regions. It marked the seventh batch of comprehensive pilot zones for cross-border e-commerce set up in the country, bringing the total number of such pilot zones to 165.

Nowadays, these pilot zones have become an ecosystem and carrier for the development of cross-border e-commerce featuring synergetic innovation in institutions, management and services. They have set up information sharing, financial service, smart logistics, credit, statistical monitoring and risk prevention systems, as well as a policy framework centering on the online platform of single window services and brick-and-mortar industrial parks. Besides, nearly 70 items of mature experiences and innovative practices have been promoted nationwide.

Hangzhou, capital of east Chinas Zhejiang Province, is home to the countrys first comprehensive pilot zone for cross-border e-commerce. Over the past seven years, the city has nurtured 49,000 cross-border e-commerce sellers who have registered over 2,000 trademarks overseas and reported a total trade value of more than 100 billion yuan.

In east Chinas Jiangsu Province, the scale of cross-border e-commerce business has increased by more than four times annually in the recent three years, and over 90 industrial parks and incubation bases have been established. In addition, more than 280 overseas warehouses have been built in major markets, including countries and regions participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. The prospering cross-border e-commerce sector has injected new impetus into stabilizing Jiangsus foreign trade.

Thanks to relevant favorable policies, a batch of small and medium-sized foreign trade enterprises are embracing the international market. Chinese coffee machine maker HiBREW, turning from original equipment manufacturer to original brand manufacturer, is gaining a reputation in more and more foreign countries. A smart rangefinder made by Chinese tool producer HOTO reported an annual turnover of $600,000. Fishing gear producer SeaKnight based in Hangzhou has sold its products to more than 200 countries and regions. WEWATCH, a Chinese tech company specialized in LED projectors, saw its export value reaching 40 million yuan from zero in just a year.

A MOFCOM official said cross-border e-commerce has significantly lowered the threshold of international trade and involves large numbers of micro and small-sized entities. At present, over 30,000 enterprises have registered on the online integrated service platform of the comprehensive pilot zones for cross-border e-commerce.

Meanwhile, a growing number of Chinese consumers are buying global products through cross-border e-commerce channels.

Zhou Dongfang, an executive of Hangzhou Haiku Supply Chain Management Co., Ltd. in the Hangzhou Cross-Border E-Commerce Comprehensive Pilot Zone, introduced that the companys delivery orders of parcels of cross-border e-commerce grew 52.3 percent year on year during this years Spring Festival holiday.

JD Worldwide, the cross-border e-commerce platform of Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com, has so far attracted over 20,000 brands from countries and regions including the U.S., Canada, South Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, France, and Germany.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Du Mingming)
The lack of an Executive is having a detrimental effect on investment and the economy in Northern Ireland, the president of the Londonderry Chamber has said.

Northern Ireland is unable to take advantage of the unique investment potential offered through the Windsor Framework, said Selina Horshi, urging the return of devolved government.

Ms Horshi was speaking at the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce Presidents Annual Lunch in the City Hotel, Derry this afternoon.

Themed Celebrating Innovation, the event fell during Derry and Strabane Enterprise Week and celebrated entrepreneurs, SMEs, and micro-businesses across the North West.

More than 200 business leaders, political representatives, and invited guests from across the North West and Northern Ireland were in attendance.

Ms Horshi urged local political representatives to do all they can to facilitate the speedy return of a functioning power-sharing government in Northern Ireland.

Todays lunch was a celebration of the entrepreneurial and enterprising spirit which is endemic in the business community here in the North West, she said.

Weve seen during Derry and Strabane Enterprise Week that there is a strong cluster of start-ups, innovative SMEs, and larger, more established companies here that creates a really exciting ecosystem for businesses to thrive in our region.

What they need, however, is a stable and certain environment to grow in. The ongoing lack of an Executive and Assembly is deeply regrettable once again. Its extremely frustrating, for businesses and communities, that our MLAs have not been able to sit at Stormont and pass positive and progressive legislation for nearly a year.

The recent announcement of the Windsor Framework was a positive step in relations between the EU and the UK and we remain cautiously hopeful that an agreed deal can lead to the restoration of the Executive.

As we approach the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, its important that we recapture the optimism and hope of 1998 to ensure we can deliver prosperity for our businesses and our communities.
McAleer & Rushe in Co Tyrone has been appointed contractor on a project to build 338 homes on a build-to-rent residential scheme in Leith, Edinburgh

Co Tyrone construction firm McAleer & Rushe has won a contract to build more than 300 homes in Edinburgh.

McAleer & Rushe has been appointed by developer Goodstone Living as contractor on the next generation build-to-rent scheme in Leith, Edinburgh.

Waterfront scheme Dockside, designed by 3DReid Architects, will consist of 338 homes spread across four apartment blocks on a 2.4 acre site, with another 1.3 acres of public realm space.

There will be parks and a boardwalk to link up the Albert Docks in the north of Leith with Ocean Terminal, a shopping and leisure hub next to Dockside.

Each apartment has an air source heat pump, so that the scheme is future-proofed for decarbonisation of the electricity supply grid.

There are also plans to allow community groups and enterprises to use some of the available commercial space.

Shane McCullagh, contracts director at McAleer & Rushe, said: Goodstone and McAleer & Rushe share a commitment to making a positive impact in the communities we operate and Dockside is clear evidence of that in action.

"There is synergy between our community and skills approach and Goodstones social value strategy, both of which are grounded in principles of socio-economic elevation, environmental protection and sustainability.

"We will be delivering the project in a way that has long-lasting benefits for residents and local people and we look forward to getting on site.

Lee Hawkins, construction director at Goodstone Living, said the development would help address the shortage of high-quality rental housing in Edinburgh in a sustainable way.

Construction starting at Dockside is also a milestone moment for Goodstone Living as it marks the start of delivery of our planned portfolio of rental communities across the UK.

"All of these schemes will have environmental, social, and governance (ESG), technical excellence and operational management at their core to create both long-term value for our capital partners and next generation rental communities for our residents.

The company has agreed 67m of debt financing with Natwest for the project, which starts construction this month.

McAleer & Rushe, based in Cookstown, is one of Northern Irelands most successful construction companies.

Latest accounts for McAleer & Rushe Contracts UK show it increased pre-tax profits by around 70% to 15m in 2021.
A tourism spokesperson has warned he bureaucracy and potential costs of getting an ETA would mean overseas visitors dropping plans to go north of the border.   Getty Images/iStockphoto
Wind power accounted for 85% of all renewable electricity generated within NI last year.   Getty Images/Image Source

More than half of Northern Irelands total electricity consumption was generated from renewable sources in 2022, according to the Department for the Economy (DfE).

Representing an increase of almost 10 percentage points on 2021, wind power led the charge last year, accounting for 85% of all renewable electricity generated within NI.

And a stormy period even saw renewables supply a record 77% of all electricity consumption here in February 2022, according to the DfE figures published today.

Welcoming the progress, RenewableNI director Steven Agnew said the renewables industry could contribute as much as 5bn to the NI economy by 2030.

But he cautioned that a poor policy environment and lack of devolved government to enact change is risking the impressive gains.

Investment has stalled since 2020 and the contribution of renewals to our electricity supply could go into decline without urgent policy and planning reform, he said.

Its an incredible achievement that shows what can be done, said Mr Agnew. For a long time, many people said we couldnt do it and we have.

Weve much bigger ambitions, 80% by 2030, and ultimately zero carbon electricity by 2035 is the goal, but this is a really great landmark.

RenewableNI director Steven Agnew

The new DfE publication, Electricity Consumption and Renewable Generation in Northern Ireland: Year Ending December 2022, reports on performance against commitments in the NI Energy Strategy Path to Net Zero Energy and the Climate Change Act.

For the 12-month period of January to December 2022, 51% of total electricity consumption in Northern Ireland was generated from renewable sources located in Northern Ireland.

It represents an increase of 9.7 percentage points on the previous 12-month period, and the second highest rolling 12 months on record with 51.6% achieved over December 2021 to November 2022.

We have to put this in context, said Mr Agnew. The majority of the generation this provided, the 51%, was built in the last decade. Very little has been built since 2020, and thats because of a poor policy environment.

The NI Energy Strategy and Draft Offshore Renewable Energy Action Plan offers the potential to bring in the next wave of renewable generation, he said. But we have to deliver on those quickly, and planning is probably our biggest obstacle.

Its taken two to five years to get a wind farm through planning when really, we should be able to do that within 12 months. Were in a climate emergency; we need speed, we need urgency and were not seeing that from our policy environment or our planning system.

There is a risk if we dont continue to develop new renewable projects, that actually that figure starts to go down as older wind farms come off line. We need a planning system that can make decisions quickly, and allow us to build out the new generation needed to meet our 2030 and 2035 targets.

Suspension of Stormont doesnt help.

We do need a government up and running, said Mr Agnew. Some policy can be developed because of decisions made before the Executive collapsed, but we will get to the point where we need legislation and that point is fast approaching.

The renewable industry and others have made a strong case for planning reform. If we can get a minister in place who listens and can see the problems, they can start to drive forward solutions because were not seeing that currently.

While wind is by far the leading source in NI, ultimately the strength of renewables is their diversity, he said. We need a suite of renewables to deliver the energy transition. By 2030, we hope to be going offshore.

Northern Ireland is playing catch up to Great Britain in offshore wind, but from 2030 onwards we can deliver, said Mr Agnew. Were proposing a target of 1GW by 2030; to put that into context, it would almost double our current capacity.

It has huge potential, but we cant lose sight of the fact that it will be onshore wind and solar that will get us to our 2030 targets.

David White, a partner in the energy group at law firm Arthur Cox, believes greater diversity in technologies will be key.

David White, a partner in the energy group at law firm Arthur Cox

Whilst onshore wind undoubtedly still has a very significant role to play, a wider range of sources will be required if the new target of reaching 80% renewable electricity generation by 2030 is to be met, he said.

That will include offshore wind projects, boosted by the ambitions of the Department for the Economy and The Crown Estate to deliver 1GW of energy from this source.

A new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme for Northern Ireland, currently the subject of a public consultation by DfE, will also play a role in attracting further investment in the sector.

Working alongside prospective investors and developers in the space, they consistently tell us that significant challenges to developing new generation remain, such as planning and grid capacity.

Creating the conditions to overcome these will require a joined-up approach from government and the private sector, working together to deliver on the energy transition and an increase in security of supply and price stability.
Roam mixologist Luke Prosser with his new concoction: Photo by Peter Morrison

A Belfast restaurant has named a new cocktail in honour of Oscar-nominated short movie An Irish Goodbye.

And theres an extra special reason why Roam in Callender Street came up with the drink  owner Ryan Jenkins dad Paddy is one of the stars of the Bafta-winning film, playing a priest trying to reconcile two estranged brothers after their mums death.

The cocktail contains Copeland Merchants Quay gin from Donaghadee, sherry, elderflower, rhubarb and apple.

Ryan explained: I wanted to toast the success of the film and my dad. Im really proud of him and the movie.

The film, which also stars Belfast actor James Martin and Seamus OHara, has been nominated for an Academy Award for best short movie.

However, Paddy wont be joining the cast and producers for the glittering awards ceremony in Tinseltown, as hell be in Strabane this weekend playing loyalist Pastor Begbie in the stage version of Give My Head Peace.

But Ryan is hosting a private party for Paddy, his friends and family on Oscars night in a bar he has created in his home.

I call it the Knee-Breakers after the pub in Give My Head Peace, said Ryan.

James Martin stars in Oscar-nominated short film An Irish Goodbye

Read more Oscars spot-light to be on James as he hits red carpet in a leopardskin tuxedo

It was Roam mixologist Luke Prosser who came up with the ingredients for An Irish Goodbye after Ryan and his team thought about using the name.

We like to have specials on offer for a month or so, but An Irish Goodbye is proving really popular and we may make it permanent, added Ryan.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph last week, James, who plays Lorcan in the film, revealed hed be wearing a faux leopardskin tuxedo on the red carpet.

I want to make an impression, but in Hollywood I dont know how well Ill stand out, he joked.

The Banshees Of Inisherin stars Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell have already told James theyll be seeing him at the Oscars.

And Brendan Fraser, nominated for best actor for The Whale, will be keeping an eye out too.

Brendan made a point of coming over to James at the Baftas ceremony and introducing himself, the actors dad Ivan told the Belfast Telegraph.

Hes said he will be seeing James over at the Oscars.

An Irish Goodbye is on iPlayer. It will also be broadcast on BBC One on Monday, March 13 at 11.40pm.
Tour guide Dolores Vischer standing at the entrance to the Oh Yeah Music Centre.

Belfasts punk music legacy is to be celebrated by a new walking tour.

The Belfast Punk Experience  walking tour, workshop and gig is to take place for the first time on March 25 in the Oh Yeah Music Centre.

Participants in the Belfast Punk Experience will explore legendary punk rock sites in and near the Cathedral Quarter, take part in a punk DIY workshop activity, and see a performance by local punk band, Gender Chores.

A light lunch is also included.

It comes as a pop-up punk choir is to feature in Belfasts Saint Patricks Day carnival, and the Good Vibrations Show is set to return to the Grand Opera House in May.

Dolores Vischer of Creative Tours Belfast came up with the tour idea. During the tour, she will share her memories of the old Harp Bar and stories of punk gigs back during punks heyday.

Ms Vischer said: I wanted to develop something that would help to tell the story of punk in Belfast and acknowledge the great music made by bands like The Outcasts, Rudi, Stiff Little Fingers, Ruefrex, Victim and more - as well as introduce people to the excellent punk bands of today.

I love all genres of music, but punk has a special place in my heart. It was just so exhilarating back in 1978-1980 when I was 17 and 18 - and I still really love the energy and righteous anger of punk bands today in Belfast.

Dolores added that she was encouraged to organise the tour by Tourism Northern Ireland.

Tourism Northern Irelands Ciaran Doherty said: Belfast is a city closely associated with punk music and punk has staked out its place in the rich and varied musical heritage of our UNESCO city of music. We are delighted to support this new experience.

Tickets for the Belfast Punk Experience on Saturday 25 March, 12-3pm, are available to purchase now from Visit Belfast, priced at a special introductory offer of 25 (plus booking fee).
Bruce Willis was confirmed to have been living with frontotemporal dementia, by his daughter (Yui Mok/PA)   Yui Mok

The family of US actor Bruce Willis revealing that he had been diagnosed with dementia has meant thousands more visitors to the Alzheimers Society website, the charity said.

The 67-year-old  known for his action roles including playing New York City detective John McClane in Die Hard  was confirmed to have been living with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) by his daughter, Empire actress Rumer Willis, on February 16.

Between February 14/15 and February 16/17, Kate Lee, chief executive of the Alzheimers Society, said Alzheimers.org.uk saw 12,000% more visitors.

Colin Firth features in an emotional TV and radio advertisement about Alzheimers Societys new campaign (Yui Mok/PA)   Yui Mok

She said: Our vow to people affected by dementia is that we will be there, we will provide hope, and we will help you climb those mountains.

But we simply cant reach everyone and thats why were calling on the public to donate. This is not a problem that is going away  the number of people living with dementia is only going up.

Ms Lee was speaking as the charity, which provides support to carers and Alzheimers patients, launched a campaign to highlight the changing nature of intimate relationships following a dementia diagnosis, which has received backing from celebrities.

The campaign features an emotional TV and radio advert, narrated by British actor Colin Firth, who won a best actor Oscar in 2010 for historical drama The Kings Speech.

Meanwhile, photographer Mary McCartney, who is Sir Paul McCartneys daughter, has taken photographs of couples affected by dementia that will appear on billboards from Monday.

Mary McCartney has taken photographs of couples affected by dementia that will appear on billboards from Monday (Ian West/PA)   Ian West

McCartney, 53, said: Ive always been drawn to people and their relationships, focusing my photography on discovering those rare moments of unguarded, emotionally charged intimacy.

Thats why I wanted to be part of this campaign for Alzheimers Society, to visually highlight these relationships and the cherished moments within  moments which become challenged due to dementia.

Among her pictures is one of Caroline Preston, of Derby, and husband Mark, who was 42 when diagnosed with the same condition as Willis.

Broadcaster Richard Madeley, an Alzheimers Society supporter, is also backing the campaign.

The 66-year-old said: My mum had dementia so I know how tough it can be. She died before the illness fully progressed, but my sister and I had direct, personal experience of the growing challenges it presents.

Theres a huge sense of hope thats unmistakably transmitted by the couples involved in this extraordinarily moving campaign  and thats directly thanks to Alzheimers Society. Because of their support, people dont have to face dementia alone.

The Good Morning Britain presenter added: Judy (Finnigan) and I made our own vows all those years ago  to stick with each other in sickness and in health, not knowing what the future held, and not knowing what was or wasnt certain, except for our unconditional commitment to the other.

In a similar way, Alzheimers Society makes an unconditional vow to support anyone affected by dementia.

Willis  who starred in hit films including Pulp Fiction, Armageddon, Moonrise Kingdom, 12 Monkeys and Looper  previously said that he would be stepping away from his successful career after being diagnosed with aphasia, a condition affecting his cognitive abilities.

His family  including his wife, model Emma Heming, former wife and Ghost actress Demi Moore and his five daughters  explained in a statement on the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration website last month that FTD is a cruel disease and can strike anyone.

The condition is an uncommon form of the disease that causes the sufferer problems with behaviour and language, and mostly affects those between the ages of 45 and 65, according to the NHS.
GB News has suffered a 30m loss on its first full year on air after splashing out on presenters including Eamonn Holmes and Arlene Foster .

The British broadcasters accounts sank deep into the red in the year up until May 2022 amassing a total loss of 30.7m since it launched the previous June.

It has shelled out more than 11 million in wages and salaries to its staff during its debut year on air.

Dame Arlene joined the broadcaster in July, 2021, in her first job since stepping down as First Minister and led its Twelfth of July coverage last year.

She will front coverage again this year after BBC NI axed its live broadcast in 2022.

Ms Foster currently hosts a one hour show on the channel which airs every Friday, however her role was expanded earlier this month.

The move will see the former DUP leader become a regular presenter across the channels programming throughout the week and see her participate in making documentaries under the GB News Investigates brand.

Theres no reason to believe the promotion will be affected by the latest financial disclosure by GB News which pulls in an average of 2.3 million viewers a month.

Directors insist they are satisfied with the results and expect growth in the future.

The company declared pre-tax revenues 3.6 million made up primarily from advertising despite a boycott from several brands like Ikea, Kopparberg and Octopus Energy who decided to pull their adverts from the channel.

GB News secured a new 60 million cash injection last year from its existing backers, Dubai-based investment group Legatum Ventures and one of the UKs most prominent hedge fund managers, Sir Paul Marshall.

Breakfast presenter Eamonn Holmes only returned to his slot in January after taking a break from his show role while undergoing back surgery in an attempt to deal with his chronic pain.

The 63-year-old suffered a number of set backs since joining the team in December 2021 including breaking his shoulder following a fall at his Surrey home.

The broadcaster previously claimed he joined GB News because he didn't tick the boxes at ITV anymore, resulting in his options drying up.

The channel recently hired former Cabinet minister Jacob Rees-Mogg to host a chat show, and recruited Christopher Hope from the Daily Telegraph as its head of politics.

The TV service has invested in a number of other Conservative MPs with Lee Anderson set to became the latest to host.

He would join fellow Tory hosts and contributors Esther McVey and Philip Davies.

Ms McVey earned 58,650 as a presenter in 2022 which works out an average of just under 900 per episode.

Former UKIP and Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage was one of the first to join the broadcaster as a host of its prime-time Sunday morning show.

Earlier this week, the UKs broadcasting watchdog Ofcom ruled that an episode of the Mark Steyn show, who was a presenter until earlier this year, broke its broadcasting rules and was potentially harmful and materially misleading.

Mr Steyn made an incorrect claim about health data providing evidence of a link between the Covid vaccine and higher rates of infection, hospitalisation and death, Ofcom said.

GB News Radio was the fastest-growing station in the UK after racking up 415,000 listeners by the third quarter of last year.

The broadcaster said it is focused on growing its audience and committing to high quality, independent journalism.
British broadcaster GB News has amassed losses of more than 30 million in its first full year on the air, after investing in numerous presenters including Eamonn Holmes and Nigel Farage (Kirsty OConnor/ PA)   Kirsty OConnor

British broadcaster GB News has amassed losses of more than 30 million in its first full year on the air, after investing in numerous presenters including Eamonn Holmes and Nigel Farage.

Figures from the news channels company accounts showed that it sunk deeper into a loss in the year to May 2022, after launching the channel in June 2021.

It racked up 30.7 million in a pre-tax loss over the period, on revenues of 3.6 million.

The majority of its revenues  over 2.9 million  came from advertising.

GB News said its directors are satisfied with the results for the year and expect growth in the future performance of the company.

The broadcaster paid more than 11 million in wages and salaries to its staff during the year.

The TV service has invested in a number of Conservative MPs to present shows, with Lee Anderson set to became the latest to host a show on the channel.

He would join fellow Tory politicians Jacob Rees-Mogg, Esther McVey and Philip Davies as a GB News host and contributor.

Jacob Rees-Mogg in the studio at GB News during his new show Jacob Rees-Moggs State of The Nation (Stefan Rousseau/ PA)   Stefan Rousseau

Tatton MP Esther McVey earned 58,650 as a presenter in 2022, at an average of just under 900 per episode.

Former UKIP and Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage was one of the first to join the broadcaster as a host of its prime-time Sunday morning show.

It has faced a number of controversies since its launch, including an advertising boycott from several brands like Ikea, Kopparberg and Octopus Energy who decided to pull their adverts from the channel.

Earlier this week, the UKs broadcasting watchdog Ofcom ruled that an episode of the Mark Steyn show, who was a presenter until earlier this year, broke its broadcasting rules and was potentially harmful and materially misleading.

Mr Steyn made an incorrect claim about health data providing evidence of a link between the Covid vaccine and higher rates of infection, hospitalisation and death, Ofcom said.

The TV channel had an average monthly reach of 2.3 million viewers in the year to May.

GB News secured a new 60 million cash injection last year from its existing backers, Dubai-based investment group Legatum Ventures and one of the UKs most prominent hedge fund managers, Sir Paul Marshall.

The funding will help the channel to grow, innovate, and invest in British journalism, it said.

GB News Radio launched at the start of last year and had 415,000 listeners in the third quarter of the year, making it the fastest-growing radio station in the UK market, the company said.

The broadcaster said it is focused on growing its audience and committing to high quality, independent journalism.
DUP hoisted by its own petard by St Andrews change to designation of First Minister, claims UUPs Empey

Changes to the method of picking the First Minister and Deputy First Minister position were brought in with the St Andrews Agreement

Lord Reg Empey

Liam Tunney Belfast Telegraph Thu 9 Mar 2023 at 21:30
A heroin addict who stole more than 10,000 worth of designer coats from a luxury retailer in Belfast has been jailed for eight months.

Gerard Beirne, a 35-year-old from Dublin, raided Flannels at Victoria Square in the city centre.

Belfast Magistrates Court heard today that staff at the store discovered four coats were missing on December 10 last year.

The stolen goods had a total value of 10,375.

Beirne, with an address at Drumellan Walk in Craigavon, Co Armagh, was identified and arrested after security cameras were examined.

He refused to disclose where the stolen items were, a prosecution lawyer said.

A quantity of heroin for personal use was discovered on him when detained.

Beirne pleaded guilty to charges of theft and possessing Class A drugs.

Defence barrister John OConnor told the court his client is currently in prison for a separate offence but plans to return to Dublin when released.

Unfortunately he was in the grip of an addiction to heroin, but has dried out since hes been in custody, counsel said.

Mr OConnor added that one coat was recovered, but unfit to be put back on sale in the store.

Imposing an eight-month sentence, District Judge Anne Marshall declared: The custody threshold is clearly passed - these were very, very high-value coats.
The UK Government should legislate to outlaw the glorification of terrorism in Northern Ireland, a Commons committee has been told.

DUP MP Carla Lockhart raised concerns about the attendance this week of senior Sinn Fein members at the funeral of republican activist Rita O'Hare.

In response, Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris said that the authority which should be dealing with glorification of terrorism was the Stormont executive.

Mr Heaton-Harris was appearing at the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee which is investigating the impact of paramilitary activity.

Referring to Sinn Fein, Ms Lockhart said that there was a party which would take the First Minister position if Stormont was returned, which was involved in the "continual glorification of terrorism".

The DUP MP referred to comments made by Sinn Fein's Stormont leader, Michelle O'Neill, last year when she said there had been no alternative to IRA violence during the Troubles.

Sinn Fein vice-president Michelle ONeill (left) and party leader Mary Lou McDonald carry the coffin of Rita OHare at her funeral at Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin: Photo by Niall Carson/PA   PA

She also referenced the funeral of Ms O'Hare, who fled Northern Ireland in 1972 having been arrested and bailed in connection with the attempted murder of a soldier the previous year and was later jailed for three years in the Republic of Ireland for involvement in an IRA arms smuggling bid.

Ms Lockhart said: "You only have to think when Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle O'Neill carried the coffin of an on-the-run, someone who was wanted in Northern Ireland for the attempted murder of an Army warrant officer, who had convictions down south as well.

"Can the Secretary of State outline if he has any intention of outlawing glorification of terrorism? Because the terrorism in 1983 is no different to terrorism today.

"I would like to know what the Government intend to do on this because it is encouraging young people to take up arms, get involved in criminality.

"You only have to look at the age of people who are singing 'oh ah, up the Ra'.

"What more can we do, and what more will the Government do?"

Mr Heaton-Harris said there had never been any justification for paramilitary activity in Northern Ireland, and there is none today.

He added: "I do understand that commemoration is an unbelievably complex issue and I have had representations personally from both communities on issues to do with this.

"But it is something that the (Stormont) executive leads on. We should not allow a culture to emerge which glorifies violence in the past, but this is something which sits in the devolved space.

"So maybe the government should get involved but the government which should get involved is the executive."

The powersharing institutions are currently not operating in Northern Ireland due to a DUP protest over the terms of post-Brexit trading arrangements.

Ms Lockhart responded: "With due respect, the individuals that are glorifying the terrorism are part of that executive and are not likely to take action against themselves.

"I believe it would be fitting for the UK Government, who are sovereign in these matters, to take action and to actually introduce legislation.

"We, as a party, sought to bring forward an amendment which would outlaw glorification of terrorism and it was written off by the government.

"It is the Home Office, in my mind, which needs to deal with terrorism and the glorification of it."

The Northern Ireland Secretary said the Home Office played that role in Great Britain.

He added: "I hear exactly what you say about the people you have mentioned but I do recall that 25 years ago there were people equally who had been involved in things we would not have tolerated who then changed into being some of the people who brought peace and stability to Northern Ireland.

"I think it is important to note the united condemnation from all the political parties in the shooting of DCI (John) Caldwell.

"The clear message of opposition that has been sent by all the political leaders in Northern Ireland back to those who seek to drag us back to the dark, horrible days of the past.

"I understand the point and I think the government could do more, but the government which could do more is the executive."
The man died following a single-vehicle crash in the Magheramore area on Wednesday.

Following the collision, the Craiganee Road remain closed but has since reopened.

A police spokesperson said: Officers attended along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. The man sadly passed away at the scene.

The road has since fully reopened to all traffic and our investigation is now underway to establish the circumstances of the collision.

We are appealing to anyone who was travelling in the area, or who may have witnessed what happened or captured it on their dash-cam, to contact officers in the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference 1707 of 08/03/23.

Police also confirmed on Thursday that a woman has died following a crash on the M2 last weekend.
Tributes have been paid to murdered police officer Stephen Carroll 14 years after he was shot dead by the Continuity IRA.

The Police Federation for Northern Ireland shared an image of the late constable enjoying a hot drink while in uniform on social media.

14 years ago our colleague Stephen Carroll was murdered, the Twitter post reads.

Today we remember him and reflect on a colleague who responded to a call to protect the community  because of the cowardly actions of terrorists he never made it home to his family.

Mr Carroll, from Banbridge, was killed on March 9, 2009 while responding to a 999 call in Craigavon.

Two men were convicted in 2012 for the first murder of a PSNI officer.

14 years ago our colleague Stephen Carroll was murdered. Today we remember him and reflect on a colleague who responded to a call to protect the community - because of the cowardly actions of terrorists he never made it home to his family. #neverforgotten pic.twitter.com/24ThcMoVON  Police Federation for Northern Ireland (@PoliceFedforNI) March 9, 2023

Alliance MLA Sorcha Eastwood has also marked the solemn anniversary as she reflected on the murder and the courage of Mr Carrolls widow Kate.

It is always difficult to single out individual incidents but I will always remember Constable Stephen Carrolls murder on this day, she wrote on Twitter.

A tragic day for his family, colleagues and all of us.

"I had the privilege to meet his wife Kate a few years ago and my family were so moved by her.

The devastated PSNI widow laid her only son Shane to rest alongside his late stepfather in May 2020 after the 48-year-old died suddenly at his Katesbridge home.

Read more Pals of jailed ex-British soldier set up DCI John Caldwell shooting

Her husbands death was a catalyst for change in Northern Ireland, with the then First Minister Peter Robinson, deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde standing together outside Stormont Castle to condemn the killers.

Mr Carroll was shot dead in Craigavon two days after sappers Mark Quinsey and Patrick Azimcar died in a Real IRA gun attack at Massereene Army Barracks.

Kate became a high-profile advocate for peace and has continuously called for dissident republican groups to disband.

Following the shooting of DCI John Caldwell in Omagh last month, she appealed to politicians to build a better and safer future and questioned why it takes violence to bring political leaders together.

I remember only too well the horrific moment that knock came to my door, she said.

I was devastated and shocked to my core at the news.

I couldnt comprehend how he could have been murdered at a time when we were promised peace in this country,
Smashed Audi, which it is understood the victims drove to the Royal Valley Hospital to self-attend A&E. Photo: Kevin Scott

Two men who made their way to the Royal Victoria Hospital in a smashed up car were attacked by masked men armed with hammers.

The victims were approached by the gang of up to six men while parked in an Audi car on Conway Street in Belfast at around 3.30pm on Wednesday.

They arrived at hospital almost 30 minutes later which is when police were alerted.

The victims reported that at approximately 3.30pm they were in a parked vehicle in the area when they were approached by approximately 5/6 masked men, a PSNI spokesperson said.

"The men who are believed to have been armed with hammers, subsequently attacked the pair.

"The two men made their way to hospital where they received treatment for their injuries.

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"Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have any CCTV or dash-cam footage that could assist with enquiries, is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 1327 of 08/03/23.

"Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.
Funeral details for a woman who died following a road traffic collision on the M2 on Sunday have been announced.

Jenny Dunlop (59) was seriously injured in the crash, which involved four vehicles on the M2 southbound close the Sandyknowes junction in Newtownabbey.

She was later taken to hospital but has since passed away from her injuries.

A post from Ballynahinch funeral directors Norman McBriar and Son said she died peacefully surrounded by love.

Adored and much loved mother of Matthew, Rebekah, Peter and Susanna, loving mother-in-law of Cheryl and devoted nana to Charlotte and Jacob, the notice reads.

"Dearly loved daughter of Thelma and the late Larry, cherished sister of Roger, Heather-Joy and Jonathan and a dear auntie to all her nieces and nephews.

Her funeral will take place in Stranmillis Evangelical Presbyterian Church on Monday 13th March followed by a committal at Ballylesson Parish Churchyard.

Police alongside other emergency services attended to the scene involving Ms Dunlop shortly after 9.20pm. Parts of the road remained closed for a number of hours.

A police spokesperson said: I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision on Sunday evening or to anyone who may have dash-cam footage that could assist with our enquiries to get in touch.

I am also appealing to the driver of a dark coloured saloon taxi who we believe was in the area at the time of the collision travelling towards Belfast to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference 1663 05/03/23.
A woman who battered her friend 50 times to the head with a claw hammer was today told she will spend the next 16 years in prison without parole.

During a tariff hearing at Belfast Crown Court, Mr Justice O'Hara told 47-year-old Svetlana Svedova that she had brutally attacked fellow Latvian national Ludmila Poletelova in her own home and left her for days before her remains were discovered.

Svedova pleaded guilty last December to the murder of the 61-year-old in what the prosecution had described as a gratuitous and frenzied attack.

CCTV footage of woman disposing of items after beating her friend to death with hammer

The grandmother's remains were discovered in the blood-soaked living room of her flat at Lodge Court in Limavady, Co Londonderry, in April 2021.

Mr Justice O'Hara said Ms Poletelova had come to Northern Ireland around 2009 and worked in a wine bar in Limavady and was described as a quiet lady who kept to herself.

The judge said she had two sons, one who lived in Ireland and the other in Latvia, and was close to both of them, speaking to them regularly. Her family listened to the tariff proceedings by remote link.

In a victim impact statement, one of the sons, Sergei, said he had spoken to his mother on April 18, 2021, just a couple of days before her life was taken.

DI Claire McGarvey updates media as Svetlana Svedova is jailed for battering Ludmila Poletelova to death with a hammer in her Limavady home

Said Mr Justice O'Hara: Ms Poletetova also helped fellow Latvians and eastern Europeans who were struggling in Ireland. Over the years she lent money to some and assisted others in trying to find accommodation.

The sort of dependable lady as she was can be gauged by the way in which her body was discovered. She had an arrangement with her employer who would text her each week what shifts she was required to work.

He sent such a text on Thursday April 22, telling her next shift would be Friday April 23. She did not reply to that text or turn up for work.

As this was out of character, a friend went to her home at 1.15 pm on Friday April 23.

Ludmila Poletelova

That friend found the door to her flat ajar. When she went in, she discovered Ms Poletetova lying dead with blood splatters on the walls, ceilings and also on the television screen.

A pathologist's report stated the victim had died as a result of multiple blows being struck to her head and scalp, probably with a claw hammer.

The autopsy also revealed she had sustained a fractured eye socket and there was extensive bruising to the back of her wrists and hands consistent with her trying to defend herself.

The attack on Ms Poletelova, which involved some 50 blows, would have caused her to die very quickly, probably within 30 minutes at the most.

That death must have been brutal and horrific, added Mr Justice O'Hara.

Read more Woman murdered friend by battering her 50 times with claw hammer, court told

Svedova, who was living at College Court, Limavady, quickly fell under suspicion when she turned up at the wine bar to cover her victim's shift with injuries to her arms and asked if people were blaming her for death.

Her employer called police who later turned up and arrested Svedova on suspicion of murdering her friend.

During interviews with detectives, she admitted she had been at Ms Poletelova's flat that Tuesday but claimed that when she left, her friend was alive and well.

In a pre-prepared statement to police, Svedova said she and the deceased were friends, that Ms Poletelova often lent her money which she paid back and that on Tuesday 20 they had been drinking together  but denied attacking her with a hammer.

The police investigation uncovered CCTV footage which showed the defendant arriving at Ms Poletelova's home just after midday on April 20 and then leaving around 11.30pm that evening carrying two bags.

Images showed one of the bags being put in a bin at a shop and there was strong suspicion that this bag contained the murder weapon which was never recovered.

On Wednesday April 21, the defendant went to a property management company and paid 525 in cash towards her 900 rent arrears.

Mr Justice O'Hara said a forensic analysis of a coat found in Svedova's home along with her glasses and a bag revealed blood which matched that of the deceased.

Despite the overwhelming evidence against her, the defendant continued to deny the charge of murder until she pleaded guilty on December 15, 2022.

There is little or nothing that can be said for the defendant beyond the fact that she eventually pleaded guilty and in all probability she did not go to Ms Poletelova's home with the intention of killing her.

In short, what she did was to beat her friend to death, hitting her with 50 blows to the head with a hammer. She left her body lying in the flat until it was discovered and then turned up to work to cover her shift.

I do not accept that there is any real evidence of remorse and none of the sort I would have expected from a defendant who had murdered a helpful and older friend.

The judge described as false and self-serving' an explanation Svedova gave about murder, saying that Ms Poletelova had spoken about the defendant's family in a critical way which had triggered the attack.

Handing down the tariff sentence, Mr Justice O'Hara added: Sixteen years is the minimum period the defendant will serve in prison and it will be the responsibility of the Parole Commissioners to consider whether she should be released.

Speaking after the tariff hearing at Belfast Crown Court today, Detective Inspector Claire McGarvey said: This was a shocking attack in which Ludmila Poletelova was struck repeatedly and ferociously with a hammer.

Detective Inspector Claire McGarvey (Credit: Pacemaker)

The injuries she sustained included multiple skull fractures due to over 50 blows to the head.

We believe that Svedova went to Ludmilas home during the afternoon of Tuesday April 20, 2021. Its here that the attack, which the defendant claims resulted from an argument, took place.

Ludmila was found dead by a friend, in her own home, on the afternoon of Friday April 23.

Svedova initially denied any wrongdoing and it was only after a thorough investigation and working closely with prosecutors in the Public Prosecution Service, that she eventually pleaded guilty.

The investigation was backed by CCTV footage and forensic evidence.

The PSNI believe that the CCTV footage shows the defendant disposing of items in a bin after the attack, which may have included the murder weapon and blood-stained clothes.

Added DI McGarvey added: Ludmila had lived and worked in the town for a number of years. While she kept herself to herself, she was greatly respected and well-liked within the community.

I would like to thank local people for their assistance with this investigation. Your support has been invaluable.

Furthermore, Ludmilas family have extended their sincere gratitude to those who initiated and supported fundraising to allow Ludmilas body to be returned to her native Latvia.

Today my thoughts are with Ludmilas two sons and two grandchildren who remain heartbroken and distraught by the loss of, and level of violence inflicted upon, their loved one.

Indeed, their torment was prolonged by the defendants delay in pleading guilty.

This was a senseless, cruel and brutal loss of an innocent life, said DCI McGarvey.
Opaque Stormont Brake an apparent unionist or nationalist veto, Heaton-Harriss comments suggest

The Government will be bound to veto new EU laws if 30 MLAs in the Assembly ask them to do so, the Secretary of State has said.
Three streets in west and north Belfast will have new Irish language signage.

It comes as the councils new policy for dual language signage begins to action new signs following months of delay.

Belfast City Councils People and Communities Committee this week agreed new Irish signage for La Salle Drive, off Falls Road at BT12, Hopefield Avenue, off Antrim Road at BT15, and at Suffolk Parade, off Suffolk Avenue at BT11.

In the eight months since Belfast City Council policy on dual language street signs was changed to make thresholds easier, over 600 applications have been made for Irish street signs  with only one having been processed before the three signs approved this week.

La Salle Drive will also have the Irish name Ceide La Salle. 41 occupiers (72 percent) were in favour of the erection of a second street nameplate, while two occupiers (3 percent) were not in favour and 16 occupiers (25 percent) did not respond to the survey.

Hopefield Avenue will also have the Irish name Ascaill Hopefield. 41 occupiers (34 percent) were in favour of the erection of a second street nameplate, one occupier (1 percent) was not in favour of the erection of a second street nameplate, and one occupier (1 percent) had no preference either way. 78 occupiers (64%) did not respond to the survey.

Suffolk Parade will also have the Irish name Paraid Suffolk. 14 occupiers (54 percent) were in favour of the erection of a second street nameplate and 12 occupiers (46 percent) did not respond to the survey.

The translations were authenticated by Queens University, the approved translator for Belfast City Council. There will be a cost of approximately 750 to cover the cost of the manufacturing and erection of the dual language street signs.

Alliance and nationalist parties had bitter exchanges at Belfast Council last week over a proposal to put up Irish language street signs across the whole of the west Belfast Gaeltacht Quarter.

Sinn Fein accused Alliance of slowing down the Irish language along with the DUP, after they opposed a proposal to treat the Gaeltacht as one bulk application, rather than go through the area street by street.

Sinn Fein argue that the move would save money and time in the context of a huge backlog of applications for Irish street signs in Belfast.

On a vote at City Hall, a proposal to agree to a bulk application for dual language signs in the Gaeltacht in principle was carried, with 29 votes in favour and 26 against.

Sinn Fein, the SDLP, the Green Party, and People Before Profit voted in favour, while Alliance, the DUP, the UUP and PUP voted against.

An additional Alliance proposal by Councillor Michael Long to have up to 100 dual language signs approved under the current process by December 20023, was also carried.

Last July councillors agreed the new dual language signage policy would finally be implemented  18 months after the policy was originally given the go-ahead in the chamber.

Sinn Fein, Alliance, the SDLP, the Green Party, and the People Before Profit Party all support the new street sign policy, while the three unionist parties, the DUP, UUP and PUP, are against it.

The new policy means at least one resident of any Belfast street, or a councillor, is all that is required to trigger a consultation on a second nameplate, with 15 percent in favour being sufficient to erect the sign.

Non-responses will no longer be counted as against votes, and there will be an equality assessment for each application.

Up until last July, the policy required 33.3 percent of the eligible electorate in any Belfast street to sign a petition to begin the process, and 66.6 percent to agree to the new dual language sign on the street.

A maximum of five signs was agreed last year to be processed each month. This will be suspended in order to catch up with delivery deficiencies and demand over the last eight months.
Lola James, who died after suffering a serious head injury (Dyfed-Powys Police/PA)   Dyfed-Powys Police

The best friend of a mother on trial over the killing of her two-year-old daughter claims she warned her to get rid of her allegedly aggressive, drug-taking boyfriend before something bad happened.

Kyle Bevan, 31, of Aberystwyth, denies murdering his partners daughter Lola James, four months after moving into the family home in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, south-west Wales.

He is now standing trial at Swansea Crown Court along with the toddlers mother, Sinead James, 30, who is charged with causing or allowing her death.

Lola died on July 21 2020 of catastrophic head trauma, having suffered 101 external injuries and extensive damage to both her eyes. Her brain injuries were compared with those found in car crash victims.

Bevan claims the family dog caused the injuries by pushing her down the stairs.

The jury has been told about a catalogue of injuries the young child suffered while in Bevans care in the months leading up to her death, including twice getting a bloodied nose, a cut lip and grazed chin.

Casey Morgan, a close friend of James, gave evidence on Thursday and said she believed the defendant was controlled by Bevan.

Ms Morgan said Bevan had moved in not long after getting into a relationship with James in early March.

She said he had taken Jamess house key and her debit cards, would not allow her to have a mobile phone and often locked her out of the house and invited others around.

She said she knew Bevan to take amphetamines and other controlled drugs, smoke cannabis and drink heavily.

Two-year-old Lola James was found to have severe injuries (Dyfed-Powys Police/PA)   Dyfed-Powys Police

She said: I didnt like him, I made that clear to Sinead.

I told her to get rid of him and that I didnt want him around my house or my kids.

Ive been in a domestic abusive relationship before and he was showing all the signs. He was controlling. I didnt like it, and you could tell he was on something.

Ms Morgan said she and Bevan clashed about Lola, who she said she loved.

I was there when she was born. I think I was the first to hold her, she said, crying.

She described how James repeatedly called her for help when she said Bevan was behaving aggressively and smashing up the house.

And she said Lola began to stay regularly at her house or with Jamess mother Nicola.

On July 5 Ms Morgan said she went to the park with Lola and her mother and noticed bruising on her legs.

Later she witnessed Bevan being verbally abusive to James and said Lola was screaming saying she didnt want to go home.

Sobbing, Ms Morgan recounted how two days later, on July 7, James asked to come over to her house but Bevan arrived first.

He was foaming by the mouth, his eyes were huge, he didnt look good, Ms Morgan said.

He was aggressive and it was really scary.

She said James arrived with Lola looking petrified.

Then she said Bevan admitted to her and her partner that he had threatened to rape James that morning.

From that day I knew something bad was going to happen, Ms Morgan said

I told her that if she didnt get rid of him he was going to hurt her.

I said, something is going to happen to you Sinead.

The jury was shown messages between the two defendants that were sent while Lola was in hospital in which Bevan was insisting the pair relay the same story about what happened to the police.

Bevan wrote their accounts needed to be bang on.

In one message, Bevan wrote: Well what are you going to say? Sinead this is important like.

James replied: What you told me.

Bevan messaged back: Yeah obviously but you got to get it bang on like. Sinead for f*** sake like.

The court also heard from Bevans mother Alison Bevan who gave evidence via video link from inside the court.

Ms Bevan said her son had been diagnosed with ADHD when he was six, and said he was a bit thick.

She said she was aware of an instance when her son had grabbed Jamess arm and she kicked him out.

Messages between James and Bevans former girlfriends mother were also read to the court in which she told the defendant that Bevan was a danger to children.

The previous owner of the family dog Jessie also took to the stand.

Coral Barker said American Bulldog Jessie had not been aggressive with her four young children, calling her a nanny dog, adding that she liked cuddles and fusses.

When cross-examined by John Hipkin KC, defending Bevan, he asked Ms Barker: Do you know where Jessie is now?

Ms Barker said: She was put to sleep a couple of months ago.

Mr Hipkin said: Was that because she injured someone.

Ms Barker replied: Yes, apparently.

The trial continues.
The Government will not be deflected from measures to tackle migrant small boat crossings in the Channel by EU concerns that they could breach human rights laws, Home Secretary Suella Braverman has said.

EU home affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson told the Politico news website she had warned Ms Braverman on Tuesday that the Illegal Migration Bill violated international law.

The Home Secretary confirmed she had briefed Ms Johansson before she delivered her Commons statement setting out details of the legislation.

But, speaking on ITVs Peston show, she also made clear that the UK was no longer bound by EU rules and was free to set its own migration policy.

I explained to her in quite general terms the measures that we were proposing and she did express to me she thought that they would be unlawful, she said.

I invited her to read the detail, and I am very happy to speak to her about the detail of the Bill.

But we are no longer members of the European Union and so we are free to determine our own borders and migration policy.

We believe our measures to be lawful, proper, necessary, compassionate and the fair thing to do, and thats why were moving forward with them.

Her comments come as Rishi Sunak prepares to travel to Paris on Friday where he is expected to seek further help from President Emmanuel Macron in stopping the migrant boats leaving French beaches.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman (Stefan Rousseau/PA)   Stefan Rousseau

Ministers are braced for legal challenges to the plan to prevent anyone who arrives in the UK by unauthorised means from staying after it has already been denounced by the UNs refugee agency as an effective asylum ban.

Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick acknowledged on Wednesday that they would be deploying some novel legal arguments to defend the measures, but said he was confident they would prove effective.

We are confident that we have got strong legal arguments. They are in some cases new and novel legal arguments. I dont think that should surprise anyone, he told Channel 4 News

These are new legal principles but they are likely to be upheld by the courts.

Meanwhile Ms Braverman has insisted that she had not sanctioned an email sent out in her name accusing civil servants of blocking previous Government attempts to tackle illegal migration.

The message, sent to thousands of Conservative Party members, blamed an activist blob of left-wing lawyers, civil servants and the Labour Party for the failure of previous efforts.

However, Ms Braverman said: I didnt write that email, I didnt see it, and it was an error, really, that it was sent out in my name.

She said she had been incredibly impressed with the dedication and hard work of officials in the Home Office who had been working on the latest measures.

Earlier Conservative Campaign Headquarters (CCHQ), which distributed the email, admitted that the wording wasnt seen by the Home Secretary and said it is reviewing its internal clearance processes.
Infighting within the SNP leadership contest gives the Liberal Democrats the opportunity to resonate with Scots on the important issues, Sir Ed Davey has said.

The Lib Dem leader was speaking as he visited the knife-edge marginal seat of East Dunbartonshire on Thursday, joining the partys candidate Susan Murray on the campaign trail ahead of the next general election.

The constituency is the most marginal in Scotland, with former Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson being unseated by the SNPs Amy Callaghan by just 149 votes in 2019.

Former UK energy and climate change secretary Sir Ed replaced Ms Swinson as Lib Dem leader and is now hoping his party can win back lost seats from the SNP.

Jo Swinson, then the Lib Dem leader, lost her East Dunbartonshire seat at the 2019 general election (PA)   Jane Barlow

Speaking on a visit to the Energy Technical Academy in Kirkintilloch, he said his party is focusing on issues like the economy and health, while SNP leadership hopefuls battle it out on the constitutional question.

He told the PA news agency: The SNP leadership candidates seem to be arguing amongst each other, talking about independence and separation when voters want to know what they can do about the health service, about the cost of living and about schools.

What Susan Murray, our Liberal Democrat candidate here in East Dunbartonshire, is talking about is exactly those issues.

Were fighting the Conservatives in many parts of England and here in Scotland its the SNP. I think weve got a message which is resonating with voters in the way that the SNP are forgetting them.

Sir Ed said Ms Murray, who is a local councillor in the region, has a fantastic chance of defeating the SNP.

Ash Regan, left, Kate Forbes and Humza Yousaf are contesting the SNP leadership (Andy Buchanan/PA)   Andy Buchanan

SNP MSPs Ash Regan, Kate Forbes and Humza Yousaf are currently in the race to replace Nicola Sturgeon as party leader and Scotlands next first minister.

The contest has seen the candidates take aim at each other during televised debates.

Scottish Finance Secretary Ms Forbes on Tuesday criticised Health Secretary Mr Yousafs record in Government.

She said: You were a transport minister and the trains were never on time, when you were justice secretary the police were stretched to breaking point, and now as health minister weve got record high waiting times.

What makes you think you can do a better job as first minister?

Mr Yousaf, meanwhile, accused Ms Forbes of taking the SNP on a lurch to the right.
The collision happened on the A13 in east London (Aaron Chown/PA)   Aaron Chown

A man has been jailed for 14 years after killing a 21-year-old woman when he drove the wrong way on a major arterial road at high speed in a stolen van and crashed head on into an Uber cab.

Ashley Loveday, 39, was behind the wheel of a Peugeot Boxer van when the collision happened on the A13 in east London, early on November 25 last year.

Grace Payne, 21, who had been a passenger in a Toyota Prius Uber vehicle, was killed in the collision.

The driver of the Uber, Sundar Ali, 59, was seriously injured but survived.

Loveday routinely sped that evening at 85mph in 30 and 40 mph zones, up to 97mph in another 30mph zone and at between 70mph and 90mph in a 50mph zone on the A13 while travelling into oncoming traffic.

He also drove through red lights and pedestrian crossings.

A toxicology report found he had cocaine in his system.

The A13 is a major road linking central London with east London and south Essex.

In January, Loveday pleaded guilty to causing Ms Paynes death and causing serious injury to Mr Ali by his dangerous driving.

Loveday, from Avondale Road, Canning Town, east London, also admitted aggravated vehicle taking of the van on or before November 22 last year.

He appeared in the dock at the Old Bailey on Thursday sporting a neck-tattoo and supported by a crutch.

Judge Mark Dennis KC sentenced him to 14 years in prison for causing death by dangerous driving, to two years and eight months imprisonment each for causing serious injury by dangerous driving and aggravated vehicle taking, to run concurrently.

Loveday will serve two-thirds of the sentence before he is released on licence.

The judge told him: Your actions on that fateful night in November last year involved driving at the highest level of dangerousness to others in a prolonged and determined course of dangerous driving, leaving in its wake two victims.

It has caused indescribable anguish for many, and irreparable harm.

It was perhaps only pure chance that others were not also harmed at one stage or another in that dreadful course of driving.

The judge also disqualified Loveday from driving for 19 years and four months from Thursday.

Ms Paynes parents paid tribute to their daughter in a victim impact statement read out by the prosecutor.

They said: Graces death has left us as a family devastated.

We are struggling to come to terms with the fact that our daughter will never be coming home, they added.

Ms Payne was described as a caring, compassionate, bright, funny, bubbly person who loved children and planned to one day retrain from human resources to become a primary school teacher.

The parents went on to say that their daughter graduated from the University of Kent last year with a degree in history and philosophy and had started work with an architectural firm in London.

They added: If Grace was out with a group of friends, it was always said she was the one looking after everyone else, making sure they would get home safely.

Last week, she joined work colleagues on their regular Thursday night out. Tragically, she never made it home.

They believed she was safe when she messaged them that evening telling them she was on her way home, the court heard.

Nothing could have prepared us (for what happened), they said.

The couple added that Christmas time will forever be painful, as they spent the last holiday season preparing their daughters funeral.

Police officers pursued Loveday after the van he was driving activated an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera. Loveday failed to stop or slow down but instead increased his speed when officers started to follow him.

Officers discontinued their pursuit after Loveday joined the A13, deeming it too dangerous to follow him travelling against oncoming traffic.

A number of the officers involved were described as experienced and highly trained and the court heard that they had never seen driving as dangerous.

Rakesh Bhasin, defending, said there was no issue taken on the facts.

The prosecutor told the court that Mr Ali had no chance at all to avoid the defendants vehicle.

The Uber driver was taken to the Royal London Hospital with a wounded spleen and fractures to his right collar bone, left upper arm bone and bone at the base of his right thumb.

The court heard Mr Alis brain function is impaired and that he experiences painful headaches and forgetfulness.

In a victim impact statement, summarised by the prosecutor, Mr Ali said he has lost his income and believes he will never get his physical strength back.

He added that he is traumatised by the incident, especially in relation to what happened to Ms Payne.

Loveday has been before the courts since he was 16, having been convicted of 81 offences on 54 occasions between 2000 and 2022, the court heard.

His previous convictions include aggravated vehicle taking, wounding, affray and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

At the time of the offence, he did not have a driving licence, was uninsured to drive the van and was wanted for breaching court orders.

Loveday has never passed a driving test, the court heard.

Mr Bhasin said his client is extremely distressed over what did and is remorseful.

The court was told the maximum sentence for an offence of causing death by dangerous driving is now life imprisonment, increased from 14 years, for any offence committed after June 2022.

Ellis Williams, district crown prosecutor with the CPS, said: This sentence reflects the severity of Lovedays offending. He chose to indulge in a dangerous high speed vehicle chase, which tragically ended in the death of Grace Payne and left Sundar Ali with serious injuries.

Nothing can bring Grace back but I hope this sentence goes some way to comfort her family at this difficult time.
Mourners leave Hexham Abbey in Hexham, Northumberland after the funeral for Holly Newton. Holly, 15, was found injured following a stabbing in the Priestpopple area of Hexham and later died in hospital (Owen Humphreys/PA)   Owen Humphreys

Bereaved families and campaigners warned lessons are not being learned to deal with violence against women and girls, telling ministers: Warm words are no longer enough.

They stood in silence in the House of Commons public gallery as Labour MP Jess Phillips spent almost five minutes reading out the names of women killed in the UK in the last year, where the primary suspect or known killer is a man.

The MP for Birmingham Yardley mentioned 108 women in total but warned many more deaths are not recorded and others suffer terrible domestic abuse and violence.

Murdered aspiring lawyer Zara Aleena, 35, from Ilford, east London, was among those remembered in the chamber. She was sexually assaulted and killed by a recently released offender in June last year.

The youngest on the list was 15-year-old Holly Newton, from Northumberland, and the oldest was 92-year-old Anne Woodbridge, from Weston-super-Mare.

Ms Phillips, speaking during the annual International Womens Day debate in the Commons, said: I have read hundreds of inquest reports and domestic homicide reviews over the years.

Everyone pushes for lessons to be learned, tells us next time it will be different. It never is.

This week alone I have spoken to a woman whose perpetrator turned up at her home while on bail for trying to attack her with a weapon. A call to the police left her waiting seven days for a response.

Femicide is currently not mentioned in the domestic abuse strategy. This is not OK.

I urge the Government to hurry up and release the long overdue sentencing review into domestic homicide. Theres no reason why we are still waiting. All these women died in the time we have been promised this review.

Ms Phillips added: The families and the Killed Women campaign, who join us here today, would want me to make clear that lessons are not being learned. Warm words are no longer enough.

We honour these women not by reading out their names, not by doing any of the promises that happen in this place, we honour them with deeds not with words.

The families and campaigners in the gallery applauded at the conclusion of Ms Phillips speech.

On gender-based violence, equalities minister Maria Caulfield said clearly, there is a significant problem.

As she closed the debate, Ms Caulfield said the Government is doing great work in improving the experience of women, adding: Rape crisis centres in England and Wales have been awarded a grant to set up a new national phone support line available 24/7 which launched on December 7.

We are providing 27 million to recruit more independent sexual and domestic violence advisors but clearly despite all of that, there is a significant problem. Thats why violence against women and girls was put in the womens health strategy because its not just a criminal issue. Its not just a justice issue.

Ahead of the debate, a mother whose daughter was murdered by her ex-boyfriend has said she and her fellow bereaved will not stop demanding action from the Government to save womens lives.

Julie Devey, who co-founded the campaigning organisation Killed Women, said she feels power in joining together with other affected families, but questioned what she sees as a lack of action to stop the problem.

Her daughter Poppy Devey Waterhouse was brutally murdered by her ex-partner after he failed to come to terms the end of their three-year relationship.

Poppy Devey Waterhouse was brutally murdered by her ex-boyfriend (West Yorkshire Police/PA)   West Yorkshire Police

Joe Atkinson was jailed in 2019 for life with a minimum of 15 years and 310 days as the court heard how the maths graduate was fuelled by jealousy when he carried out the killing of his prodigiously gifted former girlfriend.

Ms Devey said her world came to a halt when she got news of her daughters death, and feels nothing has changed since her name was read out in Parliament in 2019.

She said: We gather here now listening to this years needless death toll and ask where is the action, where is the urgency, where is the justice?

Standing together with other families who have endured similar tragedies, and the solidarity and strength that comes from our connection, feels very powerful.

As bereaved families, we have faced endless failures from the agencies that were supposed to deliver justice for our daughters, or protect our mothers, aunts, nieces and loved ones. We will not stop demanding action from Government to save womens lives. We will be a force to be reckoned with.

The group Killed Women was launched in 2022 and is made up of a number of bereaved families of women killed by men.

The network, representing victims of crimes that span four decades, is calling for an end to the culture of gross negligence that has led to a woman being killed every three days.
Metropolitan Police say they made more than 200 arrests and seized over one million pounds worth of drugs during a week-long crackdown on county lines gangs in London (Met Police/PA)

Metropolitan Police say they made more than 200 arrests and seized over one million pounds worth of drugs during a week-long crackdown on county lines gangs in London.

From Monday February 27 to Sunday March 5, Met officers charged 105 people with a total of 223 charges, which included 150 drug trafficking charges and 131 charges relating to Class A and B drugs. Additionally, as a result of of the operation, 177 vulnerable people were safeguarded.

In the same period, officers seized 8.3 kilograms of Class A drugs, 37.6 kilograms of Class B drugs, 652,214 in cash, five firearms and 51 weapons which included knives, machetes and swords.

Met Police officers in Croydon at the home of an alleged suspect (Met Police/PA)

Met Police said the operation has also revealed several cases of vulnerable children being preyed on by offenders and used as a commodity.

Instead of criminalising these children, officers work with Rescue and Response to ensure they are safeguarded and supported, the Met said in a statement.

Detective Superintendent Rick Sewart, the lead responsible officer for county lines at the Met, said that county lines  a drug supply model which traffics drugs into rural areas and smaller towns, away from major cities  was intrinsically linked to homicide and serious violence.

He added that 80% of county lines offenders charged with drug trafficking during this financial year had previously been arrested for violence.

Some of the weapons seized by Met Police in London between February 27 and March 5 2023 (Met Police/PA)

County lines networks prey upon children and young people, trafficking them and subjecting them to modern slavery involving horrendous emotional and physical abuse, Mr Sewart said.

Victims are coerced through violence, blackmail and debt bondage, to hold and supply drugs.

Those involved use weapons and serious violence including kidnaps to intimidate and threaten victims.

Additionally, the county lines networks preyed on the vulnerable to fuel Class A drug addictions, he said.

Image from Met Police showing multiple baggies containing a white substance (Met Police/PA)

Earlier this month, the British Transport Police (BTP) warned that teenage boys as young as 13 were being lured with promises of money and gifts to work for drug dealers.

Young people were offered cash, mobile phones, vapes and clothes to take advantage of so-called business opportunities promoted on social media, with BTP officers saying they had seen messages sent out by drug dealers asking who wants to make 500 this weekend? in a bid to draw young people into gangs.

In a survey of 1,500 boys aged 13 to 19 commissioned by BTP, 19% said they or a friend had been offered work by a drug dealer.

The survey, carried out by OnePoll, found that 20% of the boys polled knew someone who sells or transports drugs.

It said that 15% of the teenagers had seen drugs being offered or sold on social media, and 18% at school.
The Illegal Migration Bill is designed to stop the boats, the UK Government has said (PA)   Gareth Fuller

No-one who has concern for their fellow human beings should back the UK Governments Illegal Migration Bill, Nicola Sturgeon has said.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman this week outlined plans to prevent anyone who comes to the UK through illegal means from staying in the country.

The move was immediately denounced by politicians within and outside the UK, with the UNs refugee agency claiming it amounts to an effective asylum ban.

On Thursday, outgoing Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon weighed into the controversy, saying the Scottish Government would never support such a Bill.

During First Ministers Questions, she said: Lets be clear  the UK Governments Illegal Migration Bill sets out a clear intention to remove the right to seek refugee protection in the United Kingdom, it is utterly shameful and immoral.

All of us, without exception, should be appalled that the Home Secretary should introduce such a Bill, a Bill that she knows doesnt comply with the Human Rights Act, a Bill which adds to the damage already inflicted on the UKs reputation as a place of refuge, the UKs credibility with international partners and the ability to meet responsibilities under the refugee convention and the European Convention on Human Rights.

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It is a Bill that this Government does not support, will never support, and nobody who has any concern for our fellow human beings should ever support such an appalling piece of draft legislation.

The First Minister also hit out at the opposition, adding: I can still remember a day when Labour would have opposed it tooth and nail in principle and not in the mealy-mouthed way that it has been doing.
The Prince and Princess of Wales are meeting those who have fundraised thousands of the quake relief effort (Alastair Grant/PA)   Alastair Grant

The Prince and Princess of Wales have arrived at a community centre to thank those involved in the aid effort supporting survivors of the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

William and Kate are meeting volunteers at the Hayes Muslim Centre in west London, where members helped raise more than 25,000 through bucket collections and other donations in the aftermath of the natural disaster.

The 7.8-magnitude earthquake and a later 7.5 tremor, which both struck on February 6, claimed tens of thousands of lives in south-eastern Turkey and Syria and reduced thousands of homes and buildings to rubble as people slept.

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The British public have helped the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal raise 121 million  including donations from the King and Queen Consort and William and Kate.

The prince and princess will meet representatives from DEC member charities, including aid workers who have recently returned from the crisis zone in Turkey.

Staff from Save the Children, Islamic Relief, Action Against Hunger, Age International and the British Red Cross will share the latest on the situation and the impact incoming aid is having on communities across the region.

Before leaving, the couple will meet other communities who have made considerable efforts to fundraise as part of the appeal, including the Turkish Womens Association, an organisation based in Richmond which partnered with a local community and a number of schools to raise more than 10,000.
Police in the capital of Georgia have used water cannon and tear gas to disperse demonstrators around the parliament building protesting against a draft law that they say could stifle media freedom and civil society.

Lawmakers on Tuesday approved the first reading of the proposed law, which would require media and non-governmental organisations which receive over 20% of their funding from foreign sources to register as agents of foreign influence.

More than 60 protesters were arrested outside parliament in Tbilisi after the approval.

The measure is similar to one enacted in Russia in 2012 that has been used to shut down or discredit organisations critical of the government.

A protester wearing a Georgian national flag walks toward police lines outside the Georgian parliament building (Zurab Tsertsvadze/AP)   Zurab Tsertsvadze

Opponents see it as potentially obstructing Georgias stated intention of joining Nato and the European Union one day.

The draft law goes directly against the Georgian authorities declared ambition to receive candidate status for EU membership, said a statement from European Parliament members Maria Kaljurand and Sven Mikser, who are top figures in relations with Georgia.

The new laws purpose, under the guise of promoting transparency, is to stigmatise the work of civil society organizations and media, the statement added.

Protest leaders on Wednesday called for demonstrators to prevent parliament members from returning to the building until the measure is withdrawn.

It was to be discussed on Thursday but local media reported that the debate has been suspended.

Parliament speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Wednesday asked for the measure to be assessed by the Vienna Commission on constitutional law of the Council of Europe, the continents leading human rights body.

While Georgias president, Salome Zurabishvili, has said she would veto the bill, its authors say it is needed for the transparency of the work of entities financed by representatives of foreign states.

Parliament can override presidential vetoes.
Mounted police try to disperse demonstrators as they block a motorway during a protest against plans by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government to overhaul the judicial system (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)   Ohad Zwigenberg

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had to be airlifted to the countrys main international airport after protesters stopped him from driving there.

The demonstrations were part of nationwide protests underway for more than two months against his contentious plan to overhaul the judiciary.

Protesters made blocking Mr Netanyahus route to the airport on Thursday the centre of their intensifying efforts to oppose the legal changes, and the optics of the Israeli leader having to make alternate travel plans were a win for the demonstrators.

The helicopter ride, far from the snarling traffic triggered by the protest, was also sure to deepen Mr Netanyahus reputation as being out of touch with Israelis at a time when the country finds itself torn apart over the government plan and the economy is slowing.

An Israeli demonstrator wears a mask depicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a protest against plans by his government to overhaul the judicial system, in Tel Aviv (Ariel Schalit/AP)   Ariel Schalit

Thursdays disruptions also disrupted a visit by US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, whose schedule was rearranged to keep his engagements close to the airport.

Mr Austin briefly waded into the Israeli domestic turmoil during a news conference, where he repeated US President Joe Bidens recent comments that the genius of American democracy and Israeli democracy is that they are both built on strong institutions, on checks and balances and on an independent judiciary.

He also noted that Mr Biden had stressed the need for building consensus for fundamental changes.

The protesters, launching a day of resistance to dictatorship, descended on the countrys main international airport waving Israeli flags, blocking the road leading to the departures area with their cars.

Elsewhere, protesters blocked main intersections and scuffled with police in the seaside metropolis of Tel Aviv and other cities. A small flotilla of paddle boards and kayaks tried to close off a main maritime shipping lane off the northern city of Haifa. Some protesters barricaded the Jerusalem offices of a conservative think tank helping to spearhead the judicial changes.

Israel is on the verge of becoming an autocratic country. The current government is trying to destroy our democracy and actually destroy the country, said Savion Or, a protester in Tel Aviv.

The uproar over Mr Netanyahus legal overhaul has plunged Israel into one of its worst domestic crises.

Beyond the protests, which have drawn tens of thousands of Israelis to the streets and recently became violent, opposition has surged from across society, with business leaders and legal officials speaking out against what they say will be the ruinous effects of the plan.

The rift has not spared Israels military, which is seeing unprecedented opposition from within its own ranks.

Israelis protest against plans by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus new government to overhaul the judicial system (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)   Ohad Zwigenberg

Mr Netanyahu, who took office in late December after a protracted political stalemate, and his allies say the measures aim to rein in a court that has overstepped its authority. Critics say the overhaul will upset the delicate system of checks and balances and slide Israel toward authoritarianism.

Critics also say Mr Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption, is driven by personal grievances and that he could find an escape route from the charges through the overhaul.

Mr Netanyahu denies wrongdoing and says the legal changes have nothing to do with his trial.

Demonstrations were underway across the country as Mr Netanyahu and his allies have pledged to press ahead with a series of Bills that would strip the Supreme Court of its ability to review legislation and give coalition politicians control over judicial appointments.

An attempt by Israels ceremonial president to defuse the crisis through an alternative legal reform has so far been unsuccessful.

The protesters main objective on Thursday was to complicate Mr Netanyahus journey to the airport ahead of a state visit to Rome.

Police, handing out traffic fines as protesters held signs reading, dictator: dont come back! said they would clear the demonstrators by force if they did not move. There were no immediate reports of serious violence.

Mr Netanyahu, who was meeting Mr Austin before his departure, arrived to the airport in a police helicopter, circumventing the protesters, Israeli media reported.

Israeli border police officers disperse demonstrators blocking a motorway (Ariel Schalit/AP)   Ariel Schalit

Mr Netanyahus office declined to comment.

Regular flights were not interrupted, an airport spokeswoman said, although some travellers said they had to leave their cars behind the protesters convoy and reach the terminal on foot.

Mr Netanyahu told the Italian daily La Repubblica in an interview before his trip that the protests illustrated a vibrant democracy. But speaking to reporters before take-off, he suggested the protesters were looking to oust him.

The goal here is to topple a government that was elected democratically, Mr Netanyahu said. We wont let anyone disrupt Israeli democracy.

The police, overseen by ultranationalist national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, have pledged to prevent the disturbances and said they had already made arrests.

Officers on horseback were stationed in central Tel Aviv, where protesters were marching, and a water cannon truck was parked nearby.

Red billboards festooned the citys main motorway, reading: Resistance to dictatorship is mandatory.

Police were dragging away protesters who had descended on the motorway.

Israelis protest in Tel Aviv (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)   Ohad Zwigenberg

Critics say Mr Ben-Gvir, a key ally in Mr Netanyahus coalition government who has dubbed the protesters anarchists, is trying to politicise the police.

Later on Thursday, Mr Ben-Gvir removed Tel Avivs police chief over what he felt was a weak response to the protests, according to Israeli media. Police said Avichai Eshed was being reassigned.

Eshed declined to discuss the matter while speaking to reporters at the scene of a shooting attack late on Thursday, when a Palestinian gunman opened fire on a crowded street in central Tel Aviv, wounding three people before he was shot and killed.

The shooting came hours after an Israeli military raid killed three Palestinian militants in the occupied West Bank, the latest violence in a year-long wave of Israel-Palestinian fighting that shows no signs of slowing.

Thursdays demonstration in Tel Aviv, the countrys business centre and its liberal heartland, was not nearly as large as the one last week, when police cracked down on what had otherwise been peaceful protests, lobbing stun grenades and scuffling with demonstrators.

Those protests ended with Mr Netanyahus wife Sara being extracted from a ritzy Tel Aviv hair salon where demonstrators had gathered after catching wind of her presence.

Mr Netanyahu and his wife have gained notoriety for enjoying lavish lifestyles and living off the largesse of taxpayers and wealthy supporters. Some media pundits questioned why Mr Netanyahu was flying to Italy for three days at a time of deep national crisis, suggesting the couple were actually travelling to celebrate their wedding anniversary.

His schedule includes a meeting with Italys prime minister on Friday but he does not return until Saturday night.

Thursdays visit by Mr Austin, who is on a Middle East tour, was also being affected by the protests.

An Israeli official said Mr Austins meetings were moved to a factory near the airport due to the disruptions.

The protest movement has focused on central Tel Aviv, near the defece ministry. The Israeli official spoke on condition of anonymity under regulations.

Earlier on Thursday, protesting military reservist barricaded the Jerusalem offices of the Kohelet Policy Forum, a conservative think tank that has helped craft the overhaul, with barbed wire and sandbags, and hung a banner outside reading: Kohelet is tearing Israel apart.

Several dozen people, including two former navy chiefs, gathered in the waters off Haifa in kayaks, sailboats and on stand-up paddle boards in a bid to block the citys shipping lane.
Three rockets launched against Ukraine from Russias Belgorod region are seen at dawn in Kharkiv (Vadim Belikov/AP)   Vadim Belikov

Russia has unleashed a massive rocket attack which hit critical infrastructure and homes in 10 regions of Ukraine, the countrys president said.

Officials are reporting at least six deaths in the largest such nighttime attack in three weeks.

Volodymyr Zelensky said the barrage, which came as many people slept, as an attempt by Moscow to intimidate Ukrainians again.

The occupiers can only terrorise civilians. Thats all they can do, he said.

The war has largely ground to a battlefield stalemate over the winter.

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The Kremlins forces started targeting Ukraines power supply last October in an apparent attempt to demoralise the civilian population.

The attacks later became less frequent, with analysts speculating Russia may have been running low on ammunition.

The last major bombardment took place on February 16.

US intelligence does not believe Russia can make major gains on the ground in Ukraine this year because of its large numbers of casualties, its inability to replenish its stocks of weapons and ammunition and poor leadership and morale, Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence, told a US Senate committee on Wednesday.

That may persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to prolong the war, she said.

The latest missile attack left almost half of consumers in Kyiv without heating, with temperatures at around nine degrees centigrade

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In southern Ukraine, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, which is occupied by Russian forces, lost power as a result of the missile attacks, according to nuclear state operator Energoatom.

It is the sixth time Europes largest nuclear plant has been in a state of blackout since it was taken over by Russia months ago, forcing it to rely on diesel generators which can run the station for 10 days.

Hours later, Ukraines power grid operator Ukrenergo said the plant was reconnected to the grid.

Nuclear power stations need constant power to run cooling systems and avoid a meltdown, and fears remain about the possibility of a catastrophe at Zaporizhzhia.

The head of the UN nuclear watchdog expressed alarm at the latest blackout, saying he is astonished by the complacency of the organisation he leads, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

What are we doing to prevent this happening? We are the IAEA, we are meant to care about nuclear safety, director-general Rafael Mariano Grossi told its board of directors in a meeting on Thursday, according to an IAEA statement.

Each time we are rolling a dice, he said. And if we allow this to continue time after time, then one day our luck will run out.

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The agency has placed teams of experts at all four of Ukraines nuclear power plants to reduce the risk of severe accidents.

Air raid sirens wailed through the night across Ukraine, including the capital, Kyiv, where explosions occurred in two western areas of the city. Defence systems were activated around the country.

Overall, Russia launched 81 missiles and eight exploding Shahed drones, according to Ukraines chief commander of the armed forces, Valerii Zaluzhnyi. Thirty-four cruise missiles were intercepted, as were four drones, he said.

Viktor Bukhta, a 57-year-old resident of a damaged residential building in Kyivs Sviatoshynski district, where officials said three people were hurt and apartment windows were shattered, said a missile landed nearby at about 6.45am (4.45am GMT).

We went into the yard. People were injured. They helped. First aid kits were handed out from the cars, he said.

Then the cars caught fire. We tried to extinguish them with car fire extinguishers. And I got a little burnt.

Ukrainian air force spokesman Yurii Ihnat said he could not remember such an onslaught, with Moscow launching a broad variety of missiles, including six hypersonic Kinzhal cruise missiles.

Foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba was scathing about the attack, tweeting: No military objective, just Russian barbarism.

A Ukrainian serviceman smokes a cigarette standing atop a tank near Bakhmut, Ukraine (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)   Evgeniy Maloletka

Kyivs city administration said the capital was attacked with both missiles and exploding drones. Many were intercepted but its energy infrastructure was hit.

Smoke could be seen rising from a facility in Kyivs Holosiivskyi district and police had cordoned off all roads leading to it.

The alarm in Kyiv was lifted just before 8 am (6am GMT), with air raid sirens falling silent after around seven hours.

Private electricity operator DTEK said three of its power stations were hit. There were no casualties but the company said equipment was severely damaged.

Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, was left without running water and heating after 15 missiles hit the region, mayor Ihor Terekhov told the Ukrainian public broadcaster.

Mr Terekhov said electricity shortages also disrupted mobile communications and public transport in the city, as all trams and trolleybuses ground to a halt.

Around 150,000 households were left without power in Ukraines northwestern Zhytomyr region. In the southern port of Odesa, power lines were damaged and emergency blackouts occurred.

Three men and two women were killed in the Lviv region after a missile struck a residential area, Lviv governor Maksym Kozytskyi said.

Three buildings were destroyed by fire and rescue workers were combing through rubble looking for more possible victims, he said.

A sixth person was killed and two others hurt in multiple strikes in the Dnipropetrovsk region which targeted its energy infrastructure and industrial facilities, governor Serhii Lysak said.

Aside from the hail of missiles, Russian shelling killed six other civilians from Wednesday to Thursday, Ukrainian officials said, including three people at a bus stop in Kherson.

In the south, Odesa governor Maksym Marchenko said missiles hit residential buildings and several power lines were damaged in strikes on his region.

He said six missiles and one drone were shot down.

Ukrainian energy minister Herman Halushchenko condemned the missile strikes as another barbaric massive attack on the energy infrastructure of Ukraine, saying in a Facebook post that facilities in Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk and Zhytomyr regions had been targeted.

Ukrainian Railways reported power outages in certain areas, with 15 trains delayed.

Preventive emergency power cuts were applied in Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk and Odesa regions, supplier DTEK said.
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell suffered a concussion after a fall at a local hotel and will remain in hospital for a few days of observation and treatment, a spokesman said on Thursday.

The Kentucky senator, 81, was at a Wednesday evening dinner for the Senate Leadership Fund, a campaign committee aligned with him, when he tripped and fell.

The dinner was at the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC, formerly the Trump International Hotel, Washington DC.

Spokesman David Popp said Mr McConnell is being treated for a concussion and is grateful to the medical professionals for their care and to his colleagues for their warm wishes.

Mr McConnells office did not provide additional detail on his condition or how long he may be absent from the Senate.

Mitch McConnell (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP)   Manuel Balce Ceneta

US President Joe Biden tweeted that he wishes Mr McConnell a speedy recovery and looks forward to seeing him back on the Senate floor.

South Dakota Senator John Thune told reporters earlier on Thursday that he had not spoken to Mr McConnell. He said he was at the dinner and Mr McConnell had delivered remarks as usual.

Evidently it happened later in the evening, said Mr Thune, who had moved on to another reception under way at the hotel and did not see Mr McConnell fall.

In 2019, Mr McConnell tripped and fell at his home in Kentucky, suffering a shoulder fracture. At the time, he underwent surgery to repair the fracture in his shoulder. The Senate had just started a summer recess, and he worked from home for some weeks as he recovered.

First elected in 1984, Mr McConnell in January became the longest-serving Senate leader when the new Congress convened, breaking the previous record of 16 years.

The taciturn Mr McConnell is often reluctant to discuss his private life. But at the start of the Covid-19 crisis he opened up about his early childhood experience fighting polio.

He described how his mother insisted that he stay off his feet as a toddler and worked with him through a determined physical therapy regime. He has acknowledged some difficulty in adulthood climbing stairs.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on the Senate floor on Thursday morning that he had called Mr McConnell and spoken with his staff to extend my prayers and well wishes.

The Senate, where the average age is 65, has been without several members recently due to illness.

Senator John Fetterman, 53, who suffered a stroke during his campaign last year, was expected to remain out for some weeks as he received care for clinical depression.

Senator Dianne Feinstein, 89, said she was taken to hospital last week to be treated for shingles.
Armed police officers near the scene of a shooting in Hamburg (Jonas Walzberg/dpa via AP)   Jonas Walzberg

Shots were fired inside a building used by Jehovahs Witnesses in the northern German city of Hamburg on Thursday evening, leaving several people dead and others wounded, police said.

The shooting took place in the Gross Borstel district, a few miles north of the central area of Germanys second-biggest city.

We only know that several people died here; several people are wounded, they were taken to hospitals, police spokesman Holger Vehren said.

Armed police officers near the scene of a shooting in Hamburg (Jonas Walzberg/dpa via AP)   Jonas Walzberg

He said he had no information on the severity of the injuries suffered by the wounded.

The scene of the shooting was the Jehovahs Witnesses Kingdom Hall, a modern three-story building next door to a car repair shop.

Mr Vehren said police were alerted to the shooting about 9:15pm and were on the scene quickly.

He said that after officers arrived and found people with apparent gunshot wounds on the ground floor, they heard a shot from an upper floor and found a fatally wounded person upstairs who may have been a shooter.

He said police did not have to use their firearms.

Mr Vehren said there was no indication that a shooter was on the run and it appeared likely that the perpetrator was either in the building or among the dead.

Two witnesses interviewed on n-tv television, whose names were not given, said they heard 12 shots.

Police had no information on the event that was under way in the building when the shooting took place.

They also had no immediate information on a possible motive. Mr Vehren said that the background is still completely unclear.

Hamburg Mayor Peter Tschentscher tweeted that the news was shocking and offered his sympathy to the victims relatives.

Jehovahs Witnesses are part of an international church, founded in the United States in the 19th century and headquartered in Warwick, New York. It claims a worldwide membership of about 8.7 million, with about 170,000 in Germany.

Members are known for their evangelistic efforts that include knocking on doors and distributing literature in public. The denominations distinctive practices include a refusal to bear arms, receive blood transfusions, salute a national flag or participate in secular government.
Active service members and veterans have provided first-hand evidence in the House of Representatives about the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan, describing in harrowing detail the carnage and death they witnessed on the ground.

Former Marine Sergeant Tyler Vargas-Andrews testified to Congress about the stench of human flesh under a large plume of smoke as the screams of children, women and men filled the space around Kabuls airport after two suicide bombers attacked crowds of Afghans.

The withdrawal was a catastrophe in my opinion. And there was an inexcusable lack of accountability, said Mr Vargas-Andrews, who wore a prosthetic arm and scars of his own grave wounds from the bombing.

I see the faces of all of those we could not save, those we left behind, Aidan Gunderson, an Army medic who was stationed at Abbey Gate, said.

I wonder if our Afghan allies fled to safety or they were killed by the Taliban.

The initial hearing of a long-promised investigation by House Republicans displayed the open wounds from the end of Americas longest war in August 2021, with witnesses recalling how they saw mothers carrying dead babies and the Taliban shooting and brutally beating people.

It was the first of what is expected to be a series of Republican-led hearings examining the Biden administrations handling of the withdrawal.

Taliban forces seized the Afghan capital, Kabul, far more rapidly than US intelligence had foreseen as American forces pulled out.

Kabuls fall turned the Wests withdrawal into a rout, with Kabuls airport the centre of a desperate air evacuation guarded by US forces temporarily deployed for the task.

The majority of witnesses argued to Congress that the fall of Kabul was an American failure with blame touching every presidential administration from George W Bush to Joe Biden.

Evidence focused not on the decision to withdraw, but on what witnesses depicted as a desperate attempt to rescue American citizens and Afghan allies with little US planning and inadequate US support.

America is building a nasty reputation for multi-generational systemic abandonment of our allies where we leave a smouldering human refuse from the Montagnards of Vietnam to the Kurds in Syria, retired Lieutenant Colonel Scott Mann said before the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Former Marine Sergeant Tyler Vargas-Andrews gives evidence (Andrew Harnik/AP)   Andrew Harnik

He added: Our veterans know something else that this committee might do well to consider: we might be done with Afghanistan, but its not done with us.

Mr Vargas-Andrews sobbed as he told of being thwarted in an attempt to stop the single deadliest moment in the US evacuation  a suicide bombing that killed 170 Afghans and 13 US servicemen and women.

Mr Vargas-Andrews said Marines and others aiding in the evacuation operation were given descriptions of men believed to be plotting an attack before it occurred.

He said he and others spotted two men matching the descriptions and behaving suspiciously, and eventually had them in their rifle scopes, but never received a response about whether to take action.

No one was held accountable, Mr Vargas-Andrews told Mike McCaul, the chairman of the committee.

No one was, and no one is, to this day.

US Central Commands investigation concluded in October 2021 that given the worsening security situation at Abbey Gate as Afghans became increasingly desperate to flee, the attack was not preventable at the tactical level without degrading the mission to maximise the number of evacuees.

However, that investigation did not look into whether the bomber could have been stopped or whether Marines on the ground had the appropriate authorities to engage.

Defence Department spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Rob Lodewick said on Wednesday that the Pentagons earlier review of the suicide attack had turned up neither any advance identification of a possible attacker nor any requests for an escalation to existing rules of engagement governing use of force by US troops.

Mr McCaul has been deeply critical of the Biden administrations handling of the withdrawal.

What happened in Afghanistan was a systemic breakdown of the federal government at every level, and a stunning failure of leadership by the Biden administration, he said.

Last month, US inspector-general for Afghanistan John Sopko concluded again that actions taken by both the Trump and Biden administrations were key to the sudden collapse of the Afghan government and military, even before US forces completed their withdrawal in August 2021.

That includes Donald Trumps one-sided withdrawal deal with the Taliban, and the abruptness of Mr Bidens withdrawal of both US contractors and troops from Afghanistan, stranding an Afghan air force that previous administrations had failed to make self-supporting.

The report blamed each US administration since American forces invaded in 2001 for constantly changing, inconsistent policies that strived for quick fixes and withdrawal from Afghanistan rather than a steady effort to build a capable, sustainable Afghan military.

The witnesses giving evidence on Wednesday urged action to help the hundreds of thousands of Afghan allies who worked alongside US soldiers and who are now in limbo in the US and back in Afghanistan.

If I leave this committee with only one thought its this: its not too late, said Peter Lucier, a Marine veteran who now works at Team America Relief, which has assisted thousands of Afghans in relocating.

An image of Army Staff Sergeant Ryan C Knauss, one of the members of the military killed during the withdrawal of Afghanistan, is displayed during the hearing (Andrew Harnik/AP)   Andrew Harnik

Were going to talk a lot today about all the mistakes that were made, leading up to that day, but urgent action right now will save so many lives.

One of those solutions discussed on Wednesday would be creating a pathway to citizenship for the nearly 76,000 Afghans who worked with American soldiers since 2001 as translators, interpreters and partners.

Those people arrived in the US on military planes after the withdrawal and the government admitted the refugees on a temporary parole status as part of Operation Allies Welcome, the largest resettlement effort in the country in decades, with the promise of a path to a life in the US for their service.

Congress began a bipartisan effort to pass the Afghan Adjustment Act, which would have prevented Afghans from becoming stranded without legal residency status when their two years of humanitarian parole expire in August.

The proposal would have enabled qualified Afghans to apply for US citizenship, as was done for refugees in the past, including those from Cuba, Vietnam and Iraq.

But that effort stalled in the Senate late last year due to opposition from Republicans.

Mr Mann said: If we dont set politics aside and pursue accountability and lessons learned to address this grievous moral injury on our military community and right the wrongs that have been inflicted on our most at-risk Afghan allies, this colossal foreign policy will follow us home and ultimately draw us right back into the graveyard of empires where it all started.
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The Apostle Peter promises to those who repent and are baptized that they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). The Bible tells us Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, You must be born again. The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit (John 3:6-8). Scripture explicitly states that we must first be born again. In order to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, we must be committed to new life in Christ. This is when the real transformation begins. Whats amazing about the Holy Spirit is how we are drawn to it. Before you even choose to become a Christian, the Holy Spirit is at work in you, communicating with you, showing you your sin, and drawing you to Christ. Here are three big ways to experience the Holy Spirit.

Through Understanding

We cant experience the Holy Spirit with limited understanding of the Holy Spirit. To truly understand the Holy Spirit as a gift, its important to understand what the Holy Spirit is. The Holy Spirit is God  not simply a force. It is the third entity of the Trinity, manifested as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, each person itself being God. As a result of this, everyone who has repented and turned their life over to Christ has the power to receive the Holy Spirit. Another important thing to understand about the Holy Spirit is that we cannot see it; however, we can experience the Holy Spirit when we are filled with it. There are a number of verses throughout Scripture that speak on being filled with the Holy Spirit, including:

Ephesians 1:17: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him

Acts 4:8: Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit sais to them, Rulers of the people and elders

Acts 13:52: And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Understanding the Holy Spirit will not only improve your listening of God, but also give you better direction. The Holy Spirit enables us to do things in ways we could never imagine.

By Seeking God

Jesus promises the Holy Spirit will be experienced by those who seek Him. In the Book of John we are told: Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them. By this he meant the Spirit, who those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. This promise was fulfilled at Pentecost, when Jesus followers received the Holy Spirit. This is told in great detail in Acts 2. The account begins with the Holy Spirit descending upon a group of followers who upon receiving it began to speak in tongues. We are told in this account, And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound of heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the houses where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, and the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:1-4). Because the Holy Spirit came down, the Apostles were enabled to spread the good news of Christ, just as Jesus had promised. With the decent of the Holy Spirit, a New Covenant was inaugurated. We know the Holy Spirit is working through us when we are drawn to Christ.

Through the Fruits of the Spirit

In Galatians 5:22-23 we learn about the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. The Bible says against such things, there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23). The fruit of the Holy Spirit is the result of the Holy Spirits presence our lives as Christians. We receive the Holy Spirit the moment we believe in Christ. When we receive the Holy Spirit into our lives, we have a new awareness of Christ, and can begin entering a relationship with Him. The primary purpose of the Holy Spirit coming into our life is change. The Holy Spirits role is to mold us into the image of Christ so that we may live in His likeness.

Another place we can turn to is Matthews Gospel which says, Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. (Matthew 7:17-20). This passage helps us understand the observable behaviors of people who have allowed the grace of the Holy Spirit to be active in their lives. Practicing these fruits can change your life tremendously as we are allowing the grace of the Holy Spirit to be active in our lives.

Experiencing the Holy Spirit is a privilege, given to those who place their faith in Jesus Christ. Once you accept Jesus Christ in your heart, you will receive it. With this privilege comes great responsibility. With the Holy Spirit guiding us, we must seek earnestly to remove ourselves from a context of sin, and obey the commands of God. Our thoughts and our actions should build up the Kingdom of God. Just as the disciples received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, we too as Christians can enjoy the fullness, greatness and power of the Holy Spirit working in our lives. The Holy Spirit also enhances our relationship with God. Accept the Holy Spirit at work in your life today.

Lesli White is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth with a Bachelors degree in Mass Communications and a concentration in print and online journalism. In college, she took a number of religious studies courses and harnessed her talent for storytelling. White has a rich faith background. Her father, a Lutheran pastor and life coach was a big influence in her faith life, helping her to see the value of sharing the message of Christ with others. She has served in the church from an early age. Some of these roles include assisting ministry, mutual ministry, worship and music ministry and church council.
Former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin speaks to reporters after being released on bail by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission where he was summoned for questioning, Kuala Lumpur, March 9, 2023.

Updated at 11:40 a.m. ET on 2023-03-09

Malaysias anti-corruption agency arrested former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on Thursday on allegations of abuse of power before releasing him on bail.

The opposition leader and chief of the Bersatu party must be present in court on Friday as a bail condition, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Azam Baki said.

Muhyiddin will also be charged on Friday with abuse of power and under the money laundering act over funds related to pandemic-relief programs while he was prime minister, Azam earlier said.

Yes, he will be charged tomorrow, Azam told BenarNews while Muhyiddin was being questioned at the commission.

A commission statement said that the former PM will face several charges under Section 23 and Section 4(1) b of the Anti- Money Laundering Act. Section 23 refers to the charge of abuse of power.

The statement added that Muhyiddin was arrested after he arrived at the commission to record his statement on the investigation related to Jana Wibawa project and other related issues. The project was meant to help ethnic Malays during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Muhyiddin, 75, served as prime minister from March 2020 until he resigned in August 2021, a period that spanned the height of the pandemic.

If found guilty, he would become Malaysias second former prime minister tarnished with a corruption-related conviction. Former leader Najib Razak was sent to prison for 12 years in 2022 over the 1MDB financial scandal which brought down his government four years earlier.

Muhyiddin could face up to 20 years and five years in prison, respectively, if prosecuted and convicted of abuse of power and money laundering.

Following his release on Thursday, he said he was not guilty.

The reason is to humiliate me by dragging me to court tomorrow. This selective prosecution is a political move  aimed at crippling and destroying Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional, he said, referring to the party and coalition he leads.

Opposition leader Muhyiddin Yassin gestures while surrounded by supporters and fellow Bersatu party officials at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, Kuala Lumpur, March 9, 2023. [S. Mahfuz/BenarNews]

MACC should have known from the statements gathered, there was no element of power abuse or corruption.  I did not have the power to approve government projects. That power was with the Ministry of Finance.

In November 2022, Muhyiddins coalition contested a bitter general election that ended in a hung parliament. Malaysias king then appointed his rival, Anwar Ibrahim, as prime minister.

Anwars government has been cracking down on corruption and going after officials in Bersatu. Muhyiddin, in turn, has accused Anwar of being out to sideline him and his party as potential threats to his power.

Selective prosecution

Meanwhile, Anwar on Thursday refuted allegations that the investigation into his nemesis Muhyiddin was politically motivated.

I would like to stress here that all who want the country to be clear of corruption must look at cases one by one and see if it is true that these were politically motivated charges, as they have been saying, or are based on fact, he told reporters in Kuala Lumpur.

The prime minister later addressed the case in parliament.

I do not want to take on this role to prosecute, to press or to oppress anybody. I know what is meant by selective prosecution, he said.

They should ask for an explanation from the MACC and the AGC, the questions should be directed to them, he said referring to the anti-corruption commission and the Attorney Generals Chambers.

Muhyiddin served as deputy prime minister under Najib and was sacked from his post in 2015 after he publicly aired concerns about the suspected theft of billions of dollars from the 1Malaysia Development Berhad state fund.

Last year, Anwar ordered a review of multi-billion ringgit government projects approved by Muhyiddin, including COVID-19 aid programs, accusing him of not following proper procedures.

The anti-graft agency chief Azam confirmed last month that the MACC froze several bank accounts held by Muhyiddins Bersatu as part of the agencys investigation into the alleged misappropriation of money.

On Wednesday, Muhyiddin filed a review with the Kuala Lumpur High Court seeking to cancel the actions taken by the MACC against him and his party.

In court documents seen by BenarNews, Muhyiddin said those actions included authorizing MACC officers to freeze bank accounts owned by Bersatu and banning him from travel, adding he was ordered to surrender his passport.

Supporters of Muhyiddin Yassin, head of the opposition Bersatu party, gather outside the headquarters of the countrys anti-graft agency, March 9, 2023. [S. Mahfuz/BenarNews]

Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, Bersatu youth chief, said the party led by Muhyiddin is the main threat to Anwars Pakatan Harapan and the powerful Barisan Nasional coalition.

The best way to kill us was by using selective prosecution against us. The main target is Muhyiddin Yassin. The current leaders are full of vengeance, he said.

The deputy president of the Malaysia Islamic Party (PAS), which is aligned with Bersatu, offered prayers for Muhyiddin.

We have instructed all PAS offices together with friends in Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional to perform special prayers so that Allah will save our leaders, Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said.

This story has been updated to include comments from Muhyiddin Yassin following his release on bail, and from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and other officials.
The JDC Hakuryu-5 drilling rig is in the South China Sea off the coast of Vung Tau, Vietnam, April 29, 2018.

Almost all the claimants in the South China Sea are moving forward with new oil and gas exploration projects this year, heightening the risk of confrontations and even clashes in disputed waters, a new report said.

The report by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington said many of the new exploration projects are inside the so-called nine-dash line used by China to delineate its claims in the sea.

Six parties  Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam  hold overlapping claims with China over parts of the South China Sea.

Last year was comparatively quiet when it came to tensions over hydrocarbons, the report said, warning that with new offshore projects in 2023, oil and gas development could reemerge as a primary flashpoint in the disputes.

China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam are pursuing new oil and gas projects but the Philippines continues to suspend all projects in disputed waters of the South China Sea, which has been policy since 2014, according to AMTI.

China has begun several gas projects south of Hainan Island including two gas fields in the Yinggehai Basin and another two in the Qiongdongnan Basin.

These gas fields are located in areas claimed by both Vietnam and China, the report noted.

Exceeded expectations

Vietnam, which has long been reliant on incomes generated from crude oil exports, said its oil and gas business results have exceeded expectations in 2022.

A report on the Vietnam Energy website said the state oil and gas corporation PetroVietnam surpassed itself in all production and business targets for the year.

The firms total oil production reached 10.84 million tons in 2022 and the gas production reached 8.08 billion cubic meters, the report said.

Vietnam and China have had many disputes over oil and gas activities in the South China Sea in the past. Hanoi accused Beijing of constantly harassing its drilling platforms and pressuring foreign companies to stop working with Vietnamese partners.

Yet the new AMTI report said Russias state-owned Zarubezhneft, which operates Block 06-1 in Vietnams Nam Con Son basin, continues its operation despite the area being patrolled almost daily by the China Coast Guard since mid-2020.

A gas field nearby, Sao Vang-Dai Nguyet, operated by Japans Idemitsu Kosan, has also quietly come online. Idemitsu completed a central processing platform for the project in 2021 and PetroVietnam said it started producing gas in August, 2022.

Besides this, PetroVietnam also began extracting gas from four new wells and fields last year.

Foreign partners such as Harbour Energy, ExxonMobil and ONGC Videsh Ltd. have all held on to their investments in Vietnam, according to the AMTI report.

In view of increasing panic about a military threat from China, its striking that the military response has been confined to saber-rattling  coast guard standoffs and the like, said John Quiggin, professor of economics at the University of Queensland, Australia.

One implication is that the Chinese government is fully aware of the potential costs of starting a war with its neighbors, Quiggin told Radio Free Asia, a news agency affiliated with BenarNews. Another is that the resources in question probably arent worth fighting over.

Chinas harassment

Quiggin has been playing down the importance of the oil and gas reserves in the South China Sea, saying the quantities are smaller than they seem.

However, China seems determined to prevent neighboring states from conducting oil and gas exploration within the areas it claims, despite the nine-dash line being ruled as illegal by a United Nations tribunal in 2016.

In January, Indonesia approved a U.S. $3 billion plan to develop the Tuna gas field at the southern edge of the line. Shortly after the announcement, Chinas largest coast guard vessel was seen navigating near the area, AMTI said.

Similarly, the China Coast Guard has been patrolling near Malaysias exploration blocks off Sarawak.

Despite multiple incidents with the China Coast Guard in recent years, Kuala Lumpur has continued to push ahead on several oil and gas projects in the South China Sea, the AMTI report said.

China Coast Guard ships patrol past a Chinese fishing boat at the disputed Scarborough Shoal, April 5, 2017. [Erik De Castro/Reuters] The Philippines is the only claimant that has not been actively pushing ahead with oil and gas projects.

Manila briefly permitted exploration at Reed Bank last spring, but quickly shut it down amid challenges from the China Coast Guard, the report noted.

Greg Poling, AMTI director, told RFA the reason could be that Reed Bank has experienced so much harassment over the years.

The Philippines has a reasonable expectation that China will more forcefully block new work there than it does elsewhere in the South China Sea, Poling said.

But I think this data suggests that it is probably time for Manila to try again, he said.

At the same time, Quiggin warned that countries in the region shouldnt relax.

Its easy for this kind of confrontation to turn into actual shooting, as has happened on the land border between India and China.
[Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines via AP]

Rescuers stand beside a helicopter as they prepare their search for passengers and crew of Cessna 340A aircraft that crashed on a slope of the Mayon Volcano, at Camalig town, Albay province, southeast of Manila, Feb. 21, 2023.

Philippine search and rescue teams on Thursday found the wreckage of a plane missing since January with all six passengers on board dead.

The Cessna light plane took off from a small airstrip in northern Isabela province on Jan. 24 for a short trip, but never made it to its destination, which the Associated Press news agency said was Maconacon town.

Constante Foronda, head of the Isabela Incident Management Team (IMT), said rescuers found the aircrafts wreckage in the northern Philippines, including the bodies of five passengers and the pilot.

Sadly, there were no survivors, Foronda told an online press briefing Thursday.

The families of the victims have been informed, he said.

Theyre very sad but at least they already have closure, Foronda said.

The wreckage and the bodies were found by a team in the hinterland village of Ditarun, he said.

Authorities were waiting for photographs from the site, but initial descriptions revealed the plane had separated into several parts and some debris was hanging on trees, Foronda said.

With the wreckage found, efforts have shifted to retrieval operations, he said.

Our mode now is no longer rescue but retrieval. It took us 43 search days [to find the wreckage and the victims]. This is the 44th day since the day the plane disappeared, Foronda said.

Engineer Ezekiel Chavez, chief of the Divilacan municipal disaster risk reduction and management office, said the victims were identifiable.

Chavez said team members first found a chair of the aircraft followed by other plane parts and clothes hanging on trees.

The discovery of the missing plane came more than a week after a medical helicopter carrying five people crashed in waters off Palawan province west of the country.

Last month, four people including two Australians were killed when their light twin propeller Cessna 340A aircraft crashed on the slopes of the Mayon Volcano in the eastern Philippines.

In January, two air force pilots died when their plane crashed during a training flight.

Jeoffrey Maitem in Davao and Roel Pareno in Zamboanga contributed to this report.
Takeshi Kasai, the World Health Organizations regional director for the Western Pacific, addresses the media at the start of a five-day annual session in Manila, Oct. 7, 2019.

Updated at 10:06 p.m. ET on March 9, 2023

The World Health Organization says it has fired its influential Western Pacific regional head, Dr. Takeshi Kasai, over allegations of misconduct, amid reports of staff having accused him of abusive behavior bordering on racism.

Based in Manila, WHOs regional office covers almost 1.9 billion people scattered across 37 countries and territories and was very active at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic that ravaged the Philippines and other nations in the region.

Without naming Kasai, WHO said it had received allegations of misconduct during the latter half of 2021 and in 2022.

In line with the Organizations policy of zero tolerance for abusive conduct, the allegations were investigated and subsequently reviewed in accordance with the normal procedures applicable to all WHO staff members, said the statement issued by WHO late Wednesday.

After careful consideration of the findings, and following consultation with the Regional Committee for the Western Pacific and the Executive Board, the Regional Directors appointment has been terminated, it added.

WHO said that Kasai, a Japanese national, was given the right to respond to all allegations, however, these procedures resulted in findings of misconduct.

The firing is a first for the WHO, which has faced accusations of not being transparent about internal misconduct. The decision to let him go followed a two-day special meeting in Geneva of WHOs 34-country executive board.

News agencies quoted WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus referring to the firing of Kasai as an unprecedented and challenging journey for all of us.

Kasai had earlier denied the allegations and rejected the accusation of racism.

I have been hard on staff, but I reject the suggestion that I have targeted staff of any particular nationality, Kasai had said.

Kasai, who started serving as regional director in February 2019, was also the WHOs representative in Vietnam from 2012 to 2014. He was director of program management, the second highest position at the WHO Western Pacific office.

Dr. Zsuzsana Jakab, who has served as officer-in-charge of the Western Pacific Region since August 2022, will replace Kasai until a new chief takes office this year, WHO said.

Jakab has served as the agencys deputy director-general since 2019 apart from working as WHO regional director for Europe.

Earlier this year, a senior U.N. official in New York, Vitaly Vanshelboim, was fired over an investment scandal.

Luiz Loures, former deputy executive director at UNAIDS, was fired in 2019 over sexual assault allegations.

A slew of accusations against Kasai emerged in January 2022, in revelations first published by the Associated Press news agency. An AP investigation indicated that dozens of WHO staff had filed an internal complaint in October 2021.

This report has been updated to clarify information from the statement by the World Health Organization.
On the first day of Hari Hara Krishna's police custody, the special team took him to his sister's apartment in SBI Colony, Moosarambagh. The Abdullapurmet police have been visiting their residence on the fourth floor for the past two days, but their door is reportedly locked. We are looking for them and will come to a conclusion only after questioning the couple, said a police officer. (Representational Image: DC)

Hyderabad: The prime accused in Nenawat Naveens murder case, P. Hari Hara Krishna, an engineering student, had met his elder sister and brother-in-law on February 17 evening before he murdered Naveen. There has been no sign of them since then. They have locked their apartment and have not been seen. A murder weapon Hari Hara Krishna purchased from a hypermarket five weeks ago was found in his bag, and he had allegedly discussed his intention to murder Naveen with his sister and brother-in-law, both of whom are physically challenged.

On the first day of Hari Hara Krishnas police custody, the special team took him to his sister's apartment in SBI Colony, Moosarambagh. The Abdullapurmet police have been visiting their residence on the fourth floor for the past two days, but their door is reportedly locked. "We are looking for them and will come to a conclusion only after questioning the couple," said a police officer. According to police sources, a special team is reviewing CCTV footage and a cyber cell is tracking them down using GPS.

On February 17, Hari Hara Krishna beheaded his friend and collegemate and dismembered the body following a dispute over a girl, and after cutting off each body part, he then sent images of the body parts to the girl. Krishna, the victim Naveen, and the girl were friends when they were in college in Dilsukhnagar studying Intermediate.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin (PTI)

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders from North Indian States had spread rumours about the attack on migrant labourers with bad intentions.

Stalin, while responding to a series of questions under the 'Ungalil Oruvan' programme, said that the rumours started spreading a day after he spoke about the need for a united national-level alliance against the BJP.

"In Tamil Nadu, various state people are living for many periods. They never got affected at any time. For the past few years, many have been coming to Tamil Nadu in search of employment. In Tamil Nadu in any place, these people don't have any problems. But few people created fake videos and spread false news. BJP members from North Indian States did this with bad intentions. You can understand the plot behind the fake news spreaders if you noticed that these were done the very next day after I spoke about the need for a united national-level alliance against the BJP," said Stalin when asked about rumours that Migrant labourers are being attacked in Tamil Nadu.

The Chief Minister further said that there are no such incidents in Tamil Nadu and the delegates from Bihar who visited the state returned with full satisfaction.

"Post this fake news, I enquired and even spoke to Bihar CM Nitish Kumar. There are no such incidents in Tamil Nadu. DGP has given clarification. Even Bihar delegates visited TN and returned with full satisfaction. Tamil Nadu is a state known for 'Vandhorai Vala Vaikum Tamil Nadu' (whoever Comes here, Tamil Nadu would make their life better). Tamil Nadu - Tamils love unity and brotherhood. People who have high thoughts like 'Pirapokkum Ella Vyirukkum' (all men that live are one in circumstances of birth) - 'Yadum Ure Yavaru Kalir' (All the universe is our place and everyone in this universe is our people.) This is well known to the northern state brothers here," he added.

Notably, the issue over the alleged 'attack' on migrants emerged after unverified reports on social media claimed that migrant labourers were targeted in Tamil Nadu.

Amidst the prevailing development on the issue, a team from Bihar led by Balamurugan IAS visited Tamil Nadu to take stock of the matter.

The team visited Tiruppur on Sunday and met the district administration and police officials to know about the actions taken so far in the case. Officials of the Bihar government on Tuesday interacted with Bihar-based migrant workers in Chennai.

When you look at the functions so far, the Governors have only mouths, there seem to be no ears: Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin when asked that the Supreme Court's constitutional session has recently said that the Governor should not interfere in politics.

Last month, the Supreme Court had said the Governor should not enter the political arena.
Tonight's rundown:

 Talking Points Memo: Joe Biden continues to decline with the world watching and remains out of the press reach

 Presidential Historian Larry Cook weighs in on how Bidens relationship with the press compares to past presidents

 US Special Forces have been confirmed to be in Ukraine

 OReilly describes Democrats hosting the DNC in Chicago as Crazy Arrogant

 The trial of Fox News gets underway

 58% of Americans are now living paycheck to paycheck even as inflation begins to cool off

 Smart Life: Utilizing Kelly Blue Book when searching for a new car

 This Day in History: FDR dies in office

 Final Thought: what to do when someone is disrespectful to you

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Sources said the investigating agency found crucial information pointing needle of suspicion to the former Chief Minister. (Twitter)

Vijayawada: The Criminal Investigation Department is said to have found fresh evidence linking the skill development scam to former Chief Minister and Telugu Desam supremo N Chandrababu Naidu even as probe agency arrested former Siemens employee G V S Bhaskar in Noida on Wednesday.

The arrest may put Uttar Pradesh cadre IAS official U Aparna in tight spot as she was brought on deputation as deputy CEO of the A P Skill Development Corporation concealing the conflict of interest to implement the project. Aparna is wife of Bhaskar who was one of the biggest beneficiaries of the routing of State funds through hawala channels. Bhaskar was picked up from his Noida residence and was being shifted to Vijayawada on transit warrant.

Sources said the former Siemens Industrial Software Pvt Ltd, even after knowing that the actual cost of the software to be supplied under the project was Rs 58 cr, manipulated the project report to jack up the cost to Rs 3300 cr. Accordingly, the State government released its 10 per cent contribution amounting to Rs 370 cr.

Sources said the investigating agency found crucial information pointing needle of suspicion to the former Chief Minister. Senior bureaucrat K Sunita, who was finance secretary at that time, refused to release the state component citing three valid reasons. She recommended that a pilot project should first be taken up keeping in view the huge project cost of Rs 3300 cr and State share should not be released before establishing the Siemens Business Centre of Excellence. She also noted that State share should not be released without Siemens spending a single rupee out of the projected 90 per cent grant in aid.

Later, then Chief Secretary I Y R Krishna Rao circulated the file to then Special CS, Finance, Dr P V Ramesh directing him to release the fund with observations in the note file that then Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu gave instructions for release of State share. Ramesh also made an observation in the note file that funds were being released on the instructions of the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary.
Transforming health sector governance and accountability by strengthening implementation capacity

The Government of India and the World Bank have signed two complementary loans of $500 million each to support and enhance Indias health sector development. Through this combined financing of $1 billion, the Bank will support Indias flagship Pradhan Mantri-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), launched in October 2021, to improve the public healthcare infrastructure across the country.

In addition to the national level interventions, one of the loans will prioritise health service delivery in seven states including Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Meghalaya, Odisha, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.

The agreement was signed by Rajat Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance on behalf of the Government of India and Auguste Tano Kouame, Country Director, India, World Bank.

The $500 million Public Health Systems for Pandemic Preparedness Programme (PHSPP) will support the governments efforts to prepare Indias surveillance system to be ready to detect and report epidemics of potential international concern, ensure rapid response, and prevent emergence of pathogens; to enhance Indias capacity to detect pathogens, including zoonotic diseases, to inform Indias bio-security response and commercialisation of new technologies to prevent, detect or treat infectious diseases.

The $500 million Enhanced Health Service Delivery Programme (EHSDP) will support governments efforts to strengthen service delivery through a redesigned primary health care model, which includes improved household access to primary healthcare facilities, stronger links between each household and its primary care facility through regular household visits and risk assessment of non-communicable diseases.
To engage students in training and innovative research aimed at addressing social needs

New Delhi-based Jamia Hamdard University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dalhousie University, Canada, to promote academic and research cooperation between the two universities.

Dalhousie VP Global, Matt Hebb, and Jamia Hamdard University Vice-Chancellor Afshar Alam have signed the MoU by kicking off a partnership that will focus first on collaborations in nursing.

The MoU seeks to establish a collaborative research and degree programme for the nursing students of School of Nursing and Allied Health, Jamia Hamdard.

The coming together of these two institutes of international repute will further increase the quality of research, education and opportunities for students and help them become global citizens, said Hebb.
For next phase of growth which is likely to move towards an IPO

Sri Kauvery Medical Care (India) Limited (Kauvery Hospitals), has successfully raised equity funding of $70 million from private equity (PE) fund managed by IIFL Asset Management Limited (IIFL AMC) for a minority stake.

The Company has been backed by reputed Indian and global investors viz. Lightrock and Dr GSK Velus family office, to achieve its current scale and market positioning. The hospital network offers a high-quality comprehensive care across specialties with a strong focus on cardiology, oncology, neurology, renal sciences, orthopaedics, and organ transplants, amongst others.

The investment holds significance in Kauvery Hospitals next phase of growth which is likely to move towards an IPO tentatively in the next 3 years, which comprises augmenting capacities in Chennai and Bengaluru, along with expansion in chosen clusters within Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. This also marks IIFL PEs maiden investment in the multi-specialty hospitals segment and is also amongst the few minority investments in the multi-specialty space in India in the recent times.

Kauvery Hospitals, one of the leading hospital chains in South India, spearheaded by Dr S Chandrakumar and D. S Manivannan, has built a strong foothold in its focus markets of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over two decades and has emerged as one the leading hospital chains in South India.
The Awards will be presented at a gala function and conclave in Chennai later this year

Dr Murali Panchapagesa Muthuswamy, the Chairman of the Golden Jubilee Biotech Park for Women Society located in Siruseri, Chennai announced the four categories of the 3rd Women in Biotech Awards to celebrate International Women's Day on March 8th, 2023.

Dr Deepanwita Chattopadhyay, Chairperson, IKP Knowledge Park, has been chosen for the Life Time Achievement Award.

Dr Ezhil Subbian, Co-founder and CEO of Bengaluru-based String Bio has been chosen as the Women Entrepreneur of the Year 2023.

The Woman Scientist of the year 2023 has gone to Dr Humira Sonah, Ramalingaswamy Fellow ( Scientist D) at the DBT-National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Mohali Punjab.

The Special Jury Award for the Most Innovative Woman Biotech Entrepreneur in Tamil Nadu is given to Vedavalli Sankaranarayanan, founder and CEO of Plasmaart Resto, incubated at the Golden Jubilee Biotech Park for Women, Chennai. The company has developed an innovative stem cell therapy in Tamil Nadu.

The eminent jury was chaired by Dr Renu Swarup, former Secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), New Delhi along with other jury members, coordinated by the Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE), including Dr Jitendra Kumar, Director, Bangalore Bioinnovation Center (BBC), Dr Anand Anandkumar, Vice President & Treasurer, ABLE, Narayanan Suresh, COO, ABLE; and G S Krishnan, President, ABLE.

The annual Women in Biotech Awards was started by the Chairman Dr Murali Panchapagesa Muthuswamy in 2021 to recognise outstanding women leaders, scientists and entrepreneurs in biotechnology. The past winners include Dr Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Dr Renu Swarup, Dr Gagandeep Kang and Dr Suchitra Ella. The Awards will be presented at a gala function and conclave in Chennai later this year.
The tiger cubs feeding on minced chicken liver, their first such meal after being 'rescued'. (Photo by arrangement)

HYDERABAD: Wednesday night could well turn out to be a make or break with wildlife and forest officials from Andhra Pradesh setting out on their first serious attempt to reunite the four rescued tiger cubs in the forest falling under the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve.

A senior forest department official told Deccan Chronicle on Wednesday evening that it was decided to take the cubs in a cage  appropriately modified to prevent any injuries to the around 3-month-old baby tigresses  to an area some 1.5 km away from where they were picked up by Pedda Gummadapuram villagers on March 6.

Things started looking up on Wednesday for the prospects of a reunification of the mother and cubs after some pugmarks of a tigress were found not very far from where the cubs were found. "We found pugmarks of a tigress in the morning, and in the evening, around 4.30 pm, a villager reported seeing a tiger just around a kilometre from the village. The cubs are healthy, active and normal, and further investigation is in progress, the NSTR Field Director Y. Srinivas Reddy said in a statement.

Later in the evening, the decision was taken to make an attempt to take the cubs into the forest area close to where the tigress was seen. "We are hoping that the tigress that was reported is T-108 -suspected to be the mother  and that she will come and claim her cubs," the senior forest official said.

In all, more than 100 forest department staff were pressed into service to locate the mother, and to make arrangements for a possible reunion. The plan was to take the cubs in a cage and leave them with the cage and its environs being monitored from a distance to see if the tigress returns. Once the officials can confirm it is T-108 (based on the pattern of its stripes) and its behaviour towards the cubs in the cage and their reactions, a final decision will be taken to remotely open the cage.

"We dont know how it will all go, we are hoping for the best," the official told Deccan Chronicle. During the day, when it was discovered that the cubs were no longer willing to drink diluted goats milk fortified with some vitamins, they were offered minced chicken liver. "They competed with each other and finished off between them 250 grams of the meat," the official said.

Earlier in the day, there were some serious concerns about the health of one of the cubs that had not been as active as the other three. Officials confirmed that one cub appeared weaker than the others. Meanwhile, sources said those vested with the responsibility of caring for the cubs, did not follow the NTCA laid down protocol with respect to their care. There was no monitoring of the number of times they fed, urinated or defecated. Every one of these is important to establish their health status. And one of them was definitely weak and could well have contracted some infection," a source said.

Those tending to the cubs even did not know how to bottle feed them with milk and were holding the cubs up vertically instead of the laid down protocol of having them on their four legs while feeding them. The sources said, despite these setbacks, their reunion with their mother is all that everyone involved is waiting for.
Enhanced Vitals Monitoring with Dozees Made-in-India contactless Remote Patient Monitoring and Early Warning System

SRM Global Hospital in Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu, in Tamil Nadu, has entered into a partnership with Bengaluru-based startup Dozee to implement continuous patient monitoring.

Dozee's solution will be implemented at the hospital to improve safety and clinical outcomes by allowing doctors and healthcare workers to monitor patients remotely. As a smart hospital, SRM Global Hospital in Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu, values automation and digitalisation of vital data and operational processes.

Dozee enables healthcare workers to remotely monitor patients vital parameters such as heart rate, respiration rate, blood pressure, SPO2 levels, temperature, and electrocardiogram (ECG). Dozees Early Warning System (EWS) tracks vital parameter trends and alerts healthcare providers to detect patients' clinical deterioration early, enabling timely medical intervention.

The startup uses artificial intelligence (AI)-powered Ballistocardiography (BCG) for contactless vitals monitoring. Dozees technology is patented and made in India, and it has been clinically proven to be 98.4% accurate.

Continuous vital monitoring significantly impacts patient safety, clinical outcomes, and operational efficiency. Research done by independent consulting firm Sattva shows that for every ~100 Dozee connected beds, it can save ~144 lives and ~80% of the time taken for vitals by nurses and reduce ICU Average Length Of Stay (ALOS) by ~1.3 days.
BPCL will be funding and investing Rs 1.84 crore to procure hi-tech surgical equipment

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tata Memorial Centre to provide CSR aid to Homi Baba Cancer Hospital, Sangrur and Homi Baba Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, Mullanpur a unit of Tata Memorial Centre in Punjab.

The MoU signing ceremony took place at an event in Ludhiana in the presence of Sukhmal Jain, Director Marketing of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Doctors of Homi Baba Cancer Research Hospital. They further discussed their common vision of energizing lives which can be leveraged by petroleum business and healthcare together.

In an effort towards improving health and community development, BPCL will be funding and investing Rs 1.84 crore towards the hospitals to procure hi-tech surgical equipment to enable advance cancer treatments which will be made readily available to the underprivileged population at low costs. This will enable cancer patients to avail high end reconstructive surgeries and improve their quality of life.

In line with the vision of the company to energise lives, their CSR initiatives are guided to ensure sustainable development and transform existing challenges into unique strengths that can be harnessed for nation building.
When it comes to birds of love, one rarely thinks of a vulture. Yet this Valentine's Day, that's exactly what So Interactive has done by launching a creative digital campaign in partnership with conservation organisation, VulPro, to raise awareness of the plight of South Africa's vulture population.

When it comes to birds of love, one rarely thinks of a vulture. Yet this Valentines Day, thats exactly what So Interactive has done by launching a creative digital campaign in partnership with conservation organisation, VulPro, to raise awareness of the plight of South Africas vulture population.

People dont tend to have an emotional connection with vultures because theyre often seen as one of the Ugly Five; as scavengers or pests. This negative reputation causes people to overlook them and the important role they play in the environment, while making it difficult for conservation organisations to find the funding and support they need. In reality, vultures play an important role in the ecosystem, preventing the spread of dangerous diseases by quickly removing decomposing carcasses from the environment, which makes conservation efforts to protect them both urgent and necessary!

After reaching out to Kerri Wolter, VulPro founder, weve come to understand just how important vultures are, and how urgently we need to take action to conserve them. We knew we could help VulPro make a difference, says Darren Mansour, founder and digital director of So Interactive.

The campaign launched on Valentines Day and makes a play on the dating experience by featuring different vultures as unique personalities, speaking about themselves as an eligible single would on a dating show. While the campaign is both amusing and engaging, the objective is to inspire people to stop and think about the endangered status of vultures, while inspiring them to donate to VulPro to support the exceptional conservation work they do.

We wanted to make sure the campaign was as memorable as it was amusing. By giving each of the vultures their own personality, we also hoped to be able to show a different side of the species, while showing people how important and easy it is to make a difference, says Mansour.

To make a donation to VulPro, click here: https://www.vulpro.com/donate-2/.
Reddford House Blue Hills in Midrand, Gauteng has appointed Vilandre Lubbe as the new head of campus.

Vilandre Lubbe, new head of campus at Reddford House Blue Hills. Image supplied

With a decade of teaching and educational management experience, Vilandre is passionate about education and is committed to excellence both inside and outside the classroom.

Vilandre is no stranger to the Reddford family where she has held management positions as a coordinator and deputy head at Reddford House for most of her professional career. She started her teaching career at a government school after obtaining her teaching qualification from the North West University of Potchefstroom. Vilandre completed several courses such as Teaching with Technology, Thinking Skills, Reggio Emilia, and Safeguarding in Education.

Vilandre's experience in education stretches from the foundation phase to matric and she has taught various subjects over the years.

In 2020, she relocated to the UK where she spent just over two years in the field of education, gaining international experience. Her focus was on attendance, pastoral care, safeguarding, and discipline. On her return to South Africa she re-joined Reddford House as preparatory teacher at Reddford House The Hills before being appointed as head of campus at Reddford House Blue Hills.

Child-centred approach

Vilandre is a passionate advocate of the school's child-centred approach and continuous drive to be better and innovative, which are key components of its curriculum. She is committed to excellence in all spheres of education and emphasises the importance of the three pillars of the school, which are the foundation of its success, being the academic programme, cultural and sporting activities, and then adds community in addition, which is inclusive and non-denominational.

As the new Head of Campus, Vilandre hopes to achieve stability and continuous growth for the school. She aims to build on the school's established values and ethos while leading the team to provide the students with every opportunity possible to develop optimally, to fuel their passions and to pursue their dreams.

Asked to share her words of wisdom with future generations, Vilandre says, Never give up and never believe anyone who tells you that you are not capable. We all have greatness inside of us.
Recent studies show that 33% of adults globally feel overwhelmed, with a similar proportion of people feeling dissatisfied with their lives. This is closely linked with the upward trend of creative pursuits to destress and millions of adults looking to find happiness outside traditional realms.

Image supplied

From adult colouring, free journaling, to mindful movement - the global shift speaks to a clear desire to disconnect from the status quo and reconnect with ones true self. It is for this reason that Habitas Namibia has crafted an innovative three-night experience that aims to leverage the power of nature to help guests slow down and unlock their true creativity.

A core pillar of our philosophy at Habitas is to nourish the soul. Beyond inviting guests to disconnect, we want to allow guests to experience the true power of nature. This is why weve crafted a short yet powerful experience for guests to channel their creative energy from the natural world at our home in Namibia, says Matheus Amuyela, lodge manager at Habitas Namibia.

The immersive experience takes place at the luxury wilderness getaway, 40 minutes outside Windhoek and a short flight from Cape Town and Johannesburg. The programme is crafted to tap into the power of the arts including captivating safari drives to get up close and personal with nature, free-style painting in the bush, sunrise yoga and meditation, and even a natural spa treatment to completely unwind.

Amuyela further explains that the constant noise of everyday life can make it difficult to hone in on what truly drives you and what kind of creativity lies within you. Three nights is enough to reinvigorate the soul and ignite creativity, but what you leave with you will carry with you forever.

Whether you choose to take the journey alone, take it with a partner, or even a close group of friends it is a holistic reset that allows you to experience some of the best of what the Namibian desert has to offer.

For more, go to https://www.ourhabitas.com/namibia/creativity-unbound/
Style ID Africa, an influencer marketing agency and platform, recently launched an interactive Instagram filter for South African social media users. This filter was used as a key focus to launch Under Armour's Summerized Collection.

The augmented reality project allowed the users to view the collection in its entity using a hologram effect. Style ID Africa carefully selected 10 influencers to help create awareness around the newly released collection, comparing the filter to the real-life fit of the new offering.

Founder and director, Tami Ruschin explains that innovation is one of the many essential elements used in campaigns Social media campaigns are becoming more competitive, and brands are more aware of how powerful technology can be. This allows us to be more disruptive, creative, and innovative with influencer marketing campaigns.

The metaverse as a tool for engagement

Stephanie Gomes, Style ID Africas full-stack developer says, AR can engage customers, enhance experiences, differentiate brands, improve product visualisation, and provide valuable data insights. Gomes further mentions how providing distinctive tangible experiences is one way to keep your audience captivated. It's a unique way to connect with audiences and build brand loyalty in a fun and immersive way, says Gomes.

While metaverse adoption still has its kinks, extended reality such as augmented and virtual reality offer brands an immersive way to connect with audiences. Social media is an incredibly saturated landscape and interactive novelties allow brands to break through the noise. These tools allow audiences to participate in a brands story on their own terms.

For brands seeking to approach the metaverse, House of Instagram has revealed that influencers are the bridge between them and their audiences. For the Summerized campaign, Style ID Africa tapped fitness authorities such as Shimmy Mamabolo, Phelo Mfini, Muriel Mamoepa, and Samantha Shabalala to creatively introduce the new collection to their followers.

When introducing new products to consumers, senior account manager Jodeane Fisher insists that value be the most important factor in content marketing. Millennial and Gen Z consumers not only seek brands with which they identify but they require proof of evidence when it comes to opening their wallets. One thing that really sets Under Armour apart from other performance gear products is the technology and the thought that goes into each product, she adds. I think consumers appreciate understanding who Under Armour is and why its such a great product.

Influencers as creative agents

Influencers were given creative reign and the results were phenomenal, says Fisher. Influencers have the keenest insight into what their audiences want to see and how they prefer to be spoken with. Style ID Africas community of over 35,000 influencers in 10 African countries has allowed the agency to glean patterns and trends in the space. Time again, the most successful campaigns give creators creative control.

Bringing e-commerce to real-life

The filter stemmed from two main ideas that were brought together; Under Armour's Dubai Mall store that features AI & Iso-Chill technology, displaying foot scanners and smart touch screens that will allow customers to browse and compare sizes, price, fit and more details. And the other, hologram projections that showcased Nike and Adidas footwear on the buildings of New York, shares Gomes. Bringing these two ideas together, I thought let's create a holographic projection that users can see in their own homes, where they too can walk up to a board and view product specifications.

Using InDesign to map out the concept and Javascript to develop the interactive features, Gomes published the filter in Meta Spark to be used on Instagram and Facebook. Its a step up for online product visualisation. Users feel more confident when purchasing items online because they have a full 360-degree view of it.

The greatest challenge facing fashion e-commerce is concerns over fit, colour, and quality beyond a computer or cellphone screen. This AR filter solved this problem by not only offering users a chance to see all sides of the product from the comfort of their phones but receiving valuable information about the product DNA.

We leveraged our influencers existing reach to expose the products to those who already know and love Under Armour, and to those looking for quality training gear, adds Fisher.

The campaign approach opted for micro-influencers (creators with 20k-50k followers) as they have some of the highest engagement rates due to their smaller communities allowing them greater room to interact and connect with their audiences. Mfini (22k followers) and Shabalala (40.9k followers) are highly respected as personal trainers and fitness enthusiasts, consistently recommending the best routines, regimens, and products to their followers - because of this, the AR filter empowers them to give their audience greater insight into their decision-making.

People want to know why influencers choose to wear certain products, Fisher says. With performance gear, its not just about looking while trainingit serves a purpose.

While were still far away from widespread metaverse marketing, Style ID Africas extended-realty services powered by influencer marketing offer brands purpose-driven content marketing. To bring your brand into the metaverse, contact Style ID Africa at az.oc.dielyts@ofni.
Ongoing experiences with load shedding impacting on water provision have once again raised the importance of thinking about how we build resilience into our water supply chains. In January 2023, water utilities across South Africa drew attention to the multiple challenges that high levels of load shedding presented to the provision of reliable water services. The City of Cape Town issued a warning about load shedding causing water supply limitations in higher-lying areas, while the City of Johannesburg urged residents to reduce consumption as its water infrastructure took increased strain.

Image source: Kelly L from Pexels

These challenges have focused attention on resilience in those parts of the water supply chain that are close to home  the network of municipal reservoirs and pipes that bring water to the end users. But the concept of resilience also applies to how water resources are managed in distant catchments where water is collected, stored and transferred in bulk to areas where it is needed for human use.

Important lessons were learned from Cape Towns severe drought of 2016-18, by examining resilience along the full length of the water supply chain. In the aftermath of the drought, a study by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) highlighted how a lack of integrated and coordinated management of the catchments supplying water to the city contributed to the crisis.

Catchment Management Agencies

In light of this, it is encouraging that the Minister of Water and Sanitation is in the process of expanding the jurisdiction of the existing Breede-Gouritz Catchment Management Agency to cover all the catchments that make up the Western Capes water supply system.

In South Africa, decentralisation of water management to catchment management agencies (CMAs) is seen as fostering greater inclusion of local water actors, enhancing coordination, enabling local learning and adaptation, and improving decision-making on water resource management. Although establishment of CMAs nationwide has been slow, they have been shown to make a difference in areas where they are functional.

While bringing the management of the water resources in all these Western Cape catchments under one roof will certainly facilitate better integration and coordination, it does not solve the problem entirely. Other organs of state also have functions that overlap with or impact on the management of water resources. This is a prime example of why our Constitution places so much emphasis on the concept of cooperative government  how different parts of government need to work together as an integrated whole across and within national, provincial and local spheres.

Partnership case study

In this instance, there has been much interest in the emerging relationship between the soon-to-be expanded CMA and the Western Cape Government, through its Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP). This stems from the overlaps and complementarities between the environmental management mandate of provincial government and the water resource management function of the CMA.

A partnership between these two entities, one within the national sphere of government and the other provincial, is serving as a case study to test adaptive and collaborative water management practices. In so doing, a model is being developed to enhance cooperative governance between CMAs and provincial governments that can equally be applied elsewhere in the country.

Since the formalisation of the partnership, this level of collaboration has minimised duplication of efforts, improved management of water quality monitoring and improved relationships between the two institutions. The partnership has provided an opportunity to learn and fill in some of the gaps in how CMAs can embrace cooperative governance to improve water resources management. This is becoming more pertinent in the context of the increasing complexity in managing water resources.

Guidelines

Practically, these learnings have been used to develop final.pdf collaborative and adaptive management guidelines for CMAs. The guidelines rest on six partnering stages  from building the foundations through to learning and adapting - and provide insights into how a relationship between a CMA and provincial government could be established and maintained. Understanding each partnering stage helps to strategically guide the use of collaborative and adaptive management practices that are required for effective cooperative governance at catchment level.

Effective partnering, built on collaborative and adaptive practices can address challenges in water resource management and cooperative governance. Effective partnering requires attention to both the structure and the practices, and is about building a culture of willingness, cooperation and trust, while putting in place necessary structures for the effective governance of the water system.

While these guidelines have been developed to support CMAs and provincial government partnerships, based on experience in the Western Cape, the framework and principles could be beneficial to partnerships in other regions, and between other groups, including multiple partners. Building cooperative governance through a partnering framework can overcome the many challenges seen in our water system today, including fragmented water actors and megatrend influences, while increasing resilience in water systems. By actively working together, water institutions are better equipped to navigate complex systems and societal issues.
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The LP844C is a game-changer for businesses, consistently delivering high-performance results for the most demanding industrial environments. And with its unique tabloid/A3 media capabilities and world-class service and support from Printronix, users can increase uptime and enable continuous movement in business-critical situations.

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When the Covid pandemic broke out, we embarked on one of the biggest experiments in modern time: working from home. Over two years later, as we hang out the washing while on Zoom, we're reminded that it hasn't ruined our business. But many of us are still missing water cooler moments, shared office lunches around a big table, and after-work drinks.

Image source: Katarzyna Bialasiewicz  123RF.com

This may be why a growing number of employees around the world prefer a hybrid work set-up, which now includes coworking spaces. Nearly two-thirds of employees worldwide opted for a model that includes working from home, but also the office for seeing colleagues, building rapport, and in-person meetings, according to research by Future Forum. In the US, over half (52%) of workers wanted to have a more hybrid set-up, McKinsey found. In Australia this figure rose to 55%, said a study by Emburse, and to 57% for the Brits, data from Envoy and Sapio Research showed.

But what about employee productivity and well-being? Several studies have also pointed towards the benefits of a hybrid set-up. Workers that adapted this flexible model were 22% happier than their office-bound counterparts, even outlasting them in their jobs, Owl Labs found. Not only were they reported to feel reduced stress, but they had more concentration and better work/life balance, the research showed. Meanwhile a hybrid arrangement allowed workers to improve their health, with over half (56%) reporting better mental health, according to research from Ergotron.

Throw coworking spaces (now hired by an increasing number of organisations for permanent employees, some as an alternative to soaring property prices) into the hybrid mix and the benefits are enormous. According to research highlighted by the US Chamber of Commerce, belonging to a co-working space improved the health of 70% of its members. Nearly the same amount (68%) had better concentration and 64% finished tasks quicker.

Variety of knowledge and skills in one place

Once mainly for freelancers and start-ups, coworking puts everyone into the same pot. Theres plenty of water cooler moments to be had. For instance, you may be a content writer working in the space who suddenly has a tax question. Dont worry, theres three accountants working nearby you. This was a point highlighted only last month in a new study by Harvard Business Review on how coworking is impacting employee well-being. Theres value in the diversity of experiences there, a senior analyst in the US said of using coworking spaces. You meet people that youd otherwise be unable to at a standard office.

As South Africa faces what some have labelled our new pandemic  load shedding - theres also now an extra incentive to work from the office, a coworking space, or even a mountain-top cafe, if you can do it, a few times a week. At Cape Town Office (CTO), our deal includes power and banana bread.

One of the newest members making use of our flexible coworking space is South Africa's online B2B news media, Bizcommunity.com. Since November 2022, Biz CEO, Andre Rademan and a core team have made CTO their home - where individuals or whole departments can get together for a day or whenever they choose, allowing them the option to work remotely or meet as needed. The Biz team is really enjoying the face-to-face interaction in the office, the great coffee, all-day popcorn and views and other free amenities such as meeting rooms and even a recording studio! says Rademan.

If weve learnt anything, as we were continuously told we were going to during the pandemic, surely its that no-one died working from home. But humans werent designed to work from a cave. Both are true, especially in a post-Covid world. The verdict is in. Research now shows that a hybrid model is not only preferred by workers, but it also works. Coworking spaces are already playing a great role in this, and will continue to do so going forward.
New minister in the presidency for electricity, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa announced on Thursday (9 March 2023) the launch of the Resource Mobilisation Fund. This, in support of the president's energy action plan established in July last year.

Source: GIBS Business School. Chairman of the new Resource Mobilisaton Fund.

The RMF is a collaborative effort between government and Business Unity South Africa (Busa).

Chaired by Martin Kingston, the RMF has been established as a public benefit organisation.

To date, a target of R100m has been raised by corporate and philanthropic organisations, both domestic and international - the donors of which are to be named only at the end of next month, Kingston said In a formal media briefing on Thursday (9 March 2023).

Kingston broadcast that the money will herewith "pay for the services required of individuals and organisations".

Kingston is the executive chairman of Rothschild & Co, one of the world's largest independent financial advisory groups, employing 3,600 people in 40 countries across the world.

As chairman of Business for SA, he is also touted as the man leading business's response to Covid-19.

The man leading the RMF

Kingston founded South Africa's Solidarity Fund in March 2020 - an independent, rapid-release vehicle to mobilise resources to assist in the fight against Covid-19.

In April 2020, within the space of 24 hours, the government's chief advisor on Covid-19, Salim Abdool Karim, former finance minister Tito Mboweni, SA Reserve Bank governor Lesetja Kganyago and organised business, represented by the then new umbrella organisation Business for SA, announced an array of initiatives and plans to mitigate against the destructive impact of the coronavirus on public health, the economy and livelihoods.

Efforts led by Department of Health (NDoH) & the National Treasurys Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, in partnership with Business4South Africa (B4SA), an alliance of volunteer resources from across SA business bodies, organisations & companies. https://t.co/agGrVrl1im  Karin April (@KarinApril2) April 25, 2020

In the same year, Kingston approached Webber Wentzel to assist in managing the private sector's response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In December 2020, Webber Wentzel was engaged by the National Department of Health (NDOH) to assist in the drafting of all of the vaccine related agreements which the NDOH was entering. This includes the agreement between the NDOH and the African Union where the AstraZeneca/Serum Institute vaccines were sold to the African Union, the agreement with Jansen (Johnson and Johnson) and that with Pfizer.

"We will be working in support of and in partnership with government as indeed we did during both the initial stages of the vaccination roll-out," Kingston said.

Reducing the severity of load shedding

Said Ramokgopa,"The electricity crisis is the single most important challenge for our society to address. Without an affordable, reliable supply of electricity, business cannot operate, the delivery of essential services is compromised and people's daily lives are disrupted..

"The energy action plan aims to reduce the severity and frequency of load shedding in the short term and achieve energy security in the long term."

Kingston explained that in the run up to the launch of the RMF, President Cyril Ramaphosa approached business to donate technical resources to the National Energy Crisis Committee (Necom) and that business's role will be to source, coordinate and deploy capacity to the government on an expedited basis.

[PODCAST] Martin Kingston - a leading businessman, presents his innovative solutions to tackle the distinct challenges currently facing the nation on #FixSA with @maggsonmedia.



Download the episode below.#Moneyweb #Businesshttps://t.co/31D1bO3SMF  Moneyweb News (@Moneyweb) February 12, 2023

"At this point in time we need to facilitate the procurement of expertise to help implement the energy plan as a matter of urgency so that we can enable a sustainable energy supply and enable economic growth, as well as to address load shedding over a period of time."

Ramokgopa explained that the president's energy action plan has the following key pillars: "The first is to fix Eskom's coal-fired power stations, the second to improve the availability of existing power supply tools to enable private investment in generation.

"Thirdly to accelerate procurement of new capacity from renewables, gas and battery storage and to encourage businesses to invest in rooftop solar power. Lastly to fundamentally transform the electricity sector to achieve long-term energy security."

Kingston added that the RMF currently has four directors and that their responsibility is to act independently of government and business structures, and with the sole interests of the resource mobilisation fund.

Section 30 of the Income Tax fund

"All of the responsibility lies with the RMF Board focusing on fundraising procurement, the appointment of service providers and then the donation of those skills and capacity to government, monitoring and overseeing the budget and ensuring there's an appropriate communication strategy," Kingston said.

The RMF, Kingston said, is mandated to comply with the detailed requirements of Section 30 of the Income Tax Act to obtain and to maintain its PBO status.

"The RMF has received approval from Sars as a public benefit organisation (PBO) for the provision of funds, assets, services, or other resources by way of donation to department of State or administration in the national or provincial or local sphere of government of the Republic."

A promise of transparency

In addition to independently sourcing, procuring and deploying resources as identified by Necom for the energy action plan, the RMF has committed to provide monitoring and evaluation feedback and reports to funders and other stakeholders, Kingston added.

in the meantime Eskom is implementing a detailed generation recovery plan to improve its performance. Ramokgopa confirmed that, "Eskom is focusing on six power stations that contribute the most pollution".

Further details of Eskom's planned roll-out can be read here.
Indonesian Gen Z stylist fascinated by ethnic cultures in China

People's Daily Online) 13:48, March 08, 2023

"China is a treasure-house. The colorful ethnic cultures here are a source of inspiration for me. I believe designs integrating elements of Chinese and Indonesian cultures will absolutely draw great attention," Pei Youshu, a Chinese Indonesian Gen Z stylist who studies in China.

"I like the traditional ethnic dances and costumes of China very much. And I had always wanted to come to China to learn the authentic Chinese culture," said Pei, who is a junior in fashion styling in the College of Film, Television and Media, Guangxi Arts University, in Nanning city, southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Pei Youshu, a Chinese Indonesian Gen Z stylist who studies in China, displays one of his unfinished works. (Photo/Wang Yizhao)

Pei was admitted into the university in 2020. After taking online courses for two years in Indonesia due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he finally came to Nanning in November and embarked on a brand new study journey in the city.

Before he came to study in China, he had visited many cities across the country, including Beijing, Nanjing, Harbin, Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

Since Guangxi has 12 indigenous ethnic groups, and each of them has a unique and brilliant culture, Pei has looked forward to visiting museums and various cities of the region to enjoy ethnic cultures and find inspiration and material for his designs.

In an effort to learn the characteristics of the traditional costumes of China's 56 ethnic groups, Pei watches videos of the traditional costumes and history of different ethnic groups whenever he has time. He has also been taking painting courses in his spare time to accurately express his design concepts.

"I've seen the traditional costumes of the Zhuang ethnic group, and I'm able to make them more exquisite and beautiful without changing the original designs," Pei said with excitement.

Pei Youshu, a Chinese Indonesian Gen Z stylist who studies in China, designs hair accessories. (Photo/Wang Yizhao)

"In recent years, more and more elements of Chinese culture have entered Indonesia and enjoyed great popularity among Indonesians. If Chinese elements can be integrated into the designs of Indonesian costumes and styles, a new fashion trend will emerge," he said.

"Look at this outfit I designed on the basis of China's cheongsam (or Qipao). I added some gorgeous accessories to cheongsam and made it so beautiful," Pei said.

Although Pei is a newcomer to the fashion industry of Indonesia, the young man in his early 20s has already stood out conspicuously and his designs have won many big awards in the industry.

Pei hopes to become an excellent stylist and that his works will be presented on the top stages in China, and then the international stage.

Pei Youshu, a Chinese Indonesian Gen Z stylist who studies in China, makes accessories. (Photo/Wang Yizhao)

Ms. Huang can help me realize my dream," Pei said, adding that Huang Yanbing, one of his teachers in Guangxi Arts University, has provided him with professional guidance and adequate room to fulfill his potential, and made him very confident about the future.

Huang also cares about his life just like his mother, according to Pei, who considers the teacher another "treasure" he has found in China besides the splendid ethnic cultures.

By virtue of the geographical proximity and close ancestral ties between Guangxi and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states, Guangxi has become one of the provincial-level administrative regions in China that has received the most number of students from ASEAN member states.

In 2019, the number of students who came to study in Guangxi from these countries exceeded 10,000 for the first time.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Du Mingming)
Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. (Photo: Twitter)

TIRUPATI: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy took to Twitter on Wednesday and extended his best wishes to women on the occasion of International Womens Day. "The state government will continue to strive for women empowerment," he has said.

In his tweet, the Chief Minister attached an audio visual of a woman volunteer from Chittoor district and hailed her as an inspiration to the society.

"Life of Vanitha, who heroically faced numerous challenges and battled alone for her children, has set an example to society. I wish Vanitha and all the people of the state a happy International Women's Day," the CM tweeted.

Vanitha, the village volunteer from Kommavaripalli, GD Nellore mandal, in her video, thanked the Chief Minister for giving her a pride of place in the society. "After getting married, I gave birth to two girls. My husband and family used to quarrel with me over this, which forced me to leave my in-laws house. I then returned to my parents house along with my two daughters. A few days later, I lost my father and the burden of the family fell on me. At this difficult time, CM Jagan gave me a volunteer job and he also supported my family with Asara, Amma Vodi and Zero interest schemes," Vanitha said.

The woman volunteer also claimed that the money her family received through the welfare schemes has helped her to buy a pair of cows and start selling their milk. She said her two daughters were studying English medium at the GD government school and thanked the Chief Minister for shedding light in her life when she was in a state of confusion and caught in deep troubles.
Furthering your education for tomorrow's working world is more crucial than ever before. A 2019 OECD education report states that the employment rate among 25-64-year-olds in South Africa who hold a tertiary qualification was 85%, a strong indication that tertiary education pays off.

With SAs unemployment rate and competition for jobs at an all-time high, finding the right tertiary institution is more than an important decision  its crucial. But where should you study, and how will you find the time to study while working so that you dont have to step away from your career? The answer is studying online at the Red & Yellow Creative School of Business.

Red & Yellow was started 28 years ago by the founders of Ogilvy in South Africa, with the primary intention of preparing students for the world of work knowing exactly what the market needs. Today the school is a CHE-accredited private higher education institution and is dedicated to providing its students with the best possible education in the fields of design, marketing and creative leadership. And those students go on to lead incredible careers all over the world.

At Red & Yellow, 9 out of 10 students

find gainful employment by the time they graduate.

Red & Yellow offers full-time degrees for school leavers and online qualifications and advanced diplomas for professionals who are looking to upskill themselves. You can explore programmes in marketing and commerce, digital marketing, user-centred design, graphic design and art direction, copywriting, digital content creation, as well as creative leadership courses and qualifications.

There are many key benefits of studying at Red & Yellow that go beyond just achieving a certification. At Red & Yellow, 9 out of 10 students find gainful employment by the time they graduate. Its a testament to the high-quality education and hands-on experience that students receive, as well as the schools well-known reputation of equipping students with notable and future-proof skills for the working world.

The lecturers at Red & Yellow have decades of experience in the creative and marketing industries and are dedicated to passing on their knowledge and expertise to the next generation. They are passionate about teaching and are committed to helping each and every student reach their full potential.

For working professionals, time literally is money. Online qualifications are therefore a convenient and structured way to study and to earn a solid and industry-recognised qualification. With them, you can upskill yourself without having to take time away from your career, and continue to earn while you learn. Red & Yellow online qualifications are taught by industry experts with the most industry-centric and updated knowledge in their field, so you can be sure that you're receiving the latest skill sets that the market is looking for.

Online qualifications on offer include the flagship Advanced Diploma in Digital Marketing, and National Certificates in 2D Animation, Creating Digital Content, Business Analysis and User-Centered Design. From just one year in length, each is designed to give you a thorough, fulfilling and most importantly future-proof education in your chosen field of study.

For school leavers, full-time degrees offered by Red & Yellow are the perfect way to prepare for a successful career in the creative and marketing industries. The BA in Visual Communication and BCom in Marketing (in association with Unilever) are designed to meet the needs of the modern job market and students receive hands-on experience through real-world projects, giving them the opportunity to develop their skills and build their portfolios.

However, you choose to study at Red & Yellow, youll join the ranks of incredible award-winning alumni who have taken home both local and international accolades, including the Loeries, Pendorings and D&ADs.

Faheem Chaudhry Juliet Harding Sibusiso Sitole

The schools alumni include business leaders who have achieved remarkable career success, across the continent and internationally, like Jason Harrison and Faheem Chaudry of M&C Saatchi Abel, Sibusiso Sitole at The Odd Number, and chair of the Loeries Board, Veli Ngubane at Avatar, Dorcas Onyango at Coca-Cola, and Steph van Niekerk at Grey JHB, ranked as South Africas number one creative director and number one copywriter in 2019.

With its reputation for producing highly employable graduates, its industry-centric lecturers, and its track record for launching award-winning creatives, Red & Yellow is the perfect choice for anyone looking to further their education and advance their career.

Now is the time to apply for your choice of online qualification in marketing, design or creative leadership. Don't miss this opportunity to take your career to the next level and join the ranks of successful graduates who have made the most of their education  and kickstarted their bright careers  at Red & Yellow.




Internal documents have revealed that the DHS has a secret domestic intelligence-gathering program that nobody knows about called the Overt Human Intelligence Collection Program.

For years, the Department of Homeland Security has run a virtually unknown program gathering domestic intelligence, one of many revelations in a wide-ranging tranche of internal documents reviewed by POLITICO. Those documents also reveal that a significant number of employees in DHSs intelligence office have raised concerns that the work they are doing could be illegal. Under the domestic-intelligence program, officials are allowed to seek interviews with just about anyone in the United States. That includes people held in immigrant detention centers, local jails, and federal prison. DHSs intelligence professionals have to say theyre conducting intelligence interviews, and they have to tell the people they seek to interview that their participation is voluntary. But the fact that theyre allowed to go directly to incarcerated people  circumventing their lawyers  raises important civil liberties concerns, according to legal experts. That specific element of the program, which has been in place for years, was paused last year because of internal concerns. DHSs Office of Intelligence and Analysis, which runs the program, uses it to gather information about threats to the U.S., including transnational drug trafficking and organized crime. But the fact that this low-profile office is collecting intelligence by questioning people in the U.S. is virtually unknown. The New York Times has now reported that US Intelligence finally admits Havana Syndrome is not caused by a foreign adversary or any weapon You can read more about this topic here.

Related Articles:

Saturday, March 4, 2023 - Report: ICE and the Secret Service Conducted Illegal Surveillance of Cell Phones

Cell-site simulators operate by conducting a general search of all cell phones within the devices radius, in violation of basic constitutional protections. Law enforcement use cell-site simulators to pinpoint the location of phones with greater accuracy than phone companies. Cell-site simulators can also log IMSI numbers (unique identifying numbers) of all of the mobile devices within a given area.

In this age of ubiquitous surveillance, there are no private lives: everything is public. Surveillance cameras mounted on utility poles, traffic lights, businesses, and homes. License plate readers. Ring doorbells. GPS devices. Dash cameras. Drones. Store security cameras. Geofencing and geotracking. FitBits. Alexa. Internet-connected devices.

When you consider all the ways we the people are being bullied, beaten, bamboozled, targeted, tracked, repressed, robbed, impoverished, imprisoned and killed by the government, one can only conclude that you shouldnt trust the government with your privacy, your property, your life, or your freedoms.

Another way the government finds ways to alter online discourse.

Sunday, November 13, 2022 - Department of Homeland Security CISA

The US Department of Homeland Security (HSA) is conducting medical censorship while hiding in plain sight. The website for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has resources to engage vigilante disinformation police to assist HSA in their mission of silencing opinions on COVID-19 and pandemic response.


(Photo by Swedish Coast Guard via Getty Images)

Nearly six months after the Nord Stream pipelines exploded and one month after Seymour Hersh reported that the Biden administration was responsible, US officials have unveiled their defense. According to the New York Times, anonymous government sources claim that "newly collected intelligence" now "suggests" that the Nord Stream bomber was in fact a "pro-Ukrainian group."

The only confirmed intelligence about this supposed group is that US officials have none to offer about them.

U.S. officials said there was much they did not know about the perpetrators and their affiliations, The Times reports. The supposed newly collected information does not specify the members of the group, or who directed or paid for the operation. Despite knowing nothing about them, the Times sources nonetheless speculate that the saboteurs were most likely Ukrainian or Russian nationals, or some combination of the two. They also leave open the possibility that the operation might have been conducted off the books by a proxy force with connections to the Ukrainian government or its security services. (emphasis added)

When no evidence is produced, anything is of course possible. But the Times sources are oddly certain on one critical matter: U.S. officials said no American or British nationals were involved. Also, there is no evidence President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine or his top lieutenants were involved in the operation, or that the perpetrators were acting at the direction of any Ukrainian government officials.

Despite failing to obtain any concrete information about the perpetrators, the Times nonetheless declares that the US cover story planted in their pages amounts to the first significant known lead about who was responsible for the attack on the Nord Stream pipelines.

It is unclear why the Times has deemed their evidence-free lead to be significant, and not, by contrast, the Hersh story that came four weeks earlier. Not only does Hershs reporting predate the Times, but his story contained extensive detail about how the US planned and executed the Nord Stream explosions.

Tellingly, the Times distorts the basis for Hershs reporting. In making his case, the Times claims, Hersh merely cited President Bidens preinvasion threat to bring an end to Nord Stream 2, and similar statements by other senior U.S. officials. In falsely suggesting that he relied solely on public statements, the Times completely omits that Hersh in fact cited a well-placed source.

By contrast, the Times has no information about its newfound perpetrators or about any other aspect of its significant lead.

U.S. officials declined to disclose the nature of the intelligence, how it was obtained or any details of the strength of the evidence it contains, The Times states. Accordingly, US officials admit that that there are no firm conclusions to be drawn, and that there are enormous gaps in what U.S. spy agencies and their European partners knew about what transpired. For that apparent reason, U.S. officials who have been briefed on the intelligence are divided about how much weight to put on the new information. The Times, by contrast, apparently feels no such evidentiary burden.

In sum, US officials have much they did not know about the perpetrators  i.e. everything; enormous gaps in their awareness of how the (unknown) pro-Ukraine group purportedly carried out a deep-sea bombing; uncertainty over how much weight to put on their intelligence; and even no firm conclusions to offer. Moreover, all of this supposed US intelligence happens to have been newly collected  after one of the most accomplished journalists in history published a detailed report on how US intelligence plotted and conducted the bombing.

Given the absence of evidence and curious timing, a reasonable conclusion is not that a Ukrainian proxy force was the culprit, but that the US is now using its Ukrainian proxy as a scapegoat.

As the standard bearer of establishment US media, the Times reporting is perfectly in character. Days after the September 2022 bombing of the Nord Stream gas pipelines, the Times noted that much of the speculation about responsibility has focused on Russia  just as US officials would certainly hope. The narrative was echoed by former CIA Director John Brennan, who opined that Russia certainly is the most likely suspect, in the Nord Stream attack. Citing anonymous Western intelligence officials, CNN claimed that European security officials observed Russian Navy ships in vicinity of Nord Stream pipeline leaks, thus casting further suspicion on Russia, which is seen by European and US officials as the only actor in the region believed to have both the capability and motivation to deliberately damage the pipelines.

With the story that Russia blew up its own pipelines no longer tenable, the Times new narrative asks us to believe that some unnamed pro-Ukraine group, which did not appear to be working for military or intelligence services somehow managed to obtain the unique capability to plant multiple explosives on a heavily sealed pipeline at the bottom of the Baltic Sea.

That narrative is already being laundered through the German media. Hours after the Times story broke, the German outlet Die Zeit came out with a story, sourced to German officials, that claims the bombing operation was carried out by a group of six people, including just two divers. These supposed perpetrators, we are told, arrived at the crime scene via a yacht apparently owned by two Ukrainians that departed Germany. How a yacht managed to carry the equipment and explosives needed for the operation is left unexplained.

The saboteurs somehow possessed the capability to carry out a deep-sea bombing, but not the awareness to properly clean up their floating crime scene. According to Die Zeit, the boat was returned to the owner in an uncleaned condition, which allowed investigators to discover traces of explosives on the table in the cabin. Should this lean pro-Ukraine crack team of naval commandos conduct another act of deep-sea sabotage, they will only need to hire a cleaning professional to get away with it.

As for motivation, we are somehow also asked to forget that Biden administration officials not only expressed the motivation, but the post-facto satisfaction. If Russia invades Ukraine, one way or another Nord Stream 2 will not move forward, senior US official Victoria Nuland vowed in January 2022. President Biden added the following month that if Russia invades... there will be no longer a Nord Stream 2. We will bring an end to it. After the Nord Stream pipelines were bombed, Secretary of State Antony Blinken greeted the news as a tremendous strategic opportunity. Just days before Hershs story was published, Nuland informed Congress that both she and the White House are very gratified that Nord Stream is a hunk of metal at the bottom of the sea.

Not only are global audiences asked to ignore the public statements of Biden administration principals, but their blanket refusal to answer any questions. This was put on display in Washington this past weekend, when German Chancellor Olaf Scholz paid Biden a White House visit. Unlike Scholzs last DC trip, there was no joint news conference. This was understandable: the last time they appeared together, Biden blurted out that he would bring an end to Nord Stream, leaving Scholz to stand next to him in awkward silence. This time around, the two briefly sat before a group of reporters who were quickly shooed out of the room, much to Bidens apparent glee.
Josef Mengele  the Nazi Angel of Death  was hounded to the ends of the Earth by the US and other Western governments in the aftermath of WWII for his sadistic medical experimentation on Jews in his custody during the war.

Thats how America used to treat psychopathic war criminals.

Now, America pays them the highest salary in the whole government, fellates them on television, and lavishes them with $100K per speech in retirement.

We are speaking, of course, of the one and only COVID Warlord Anthony Fauci.

The man was actively engaged in the engineering of a deadly bat coronavirus to make it even deadlier  a process called gain-of-function  in the Wuhan Institute of Virology immediately prior to the pandemic. He used a nonprofit called EcoHealth Alliance to pull it off, as detailed via The Intercept.

Dont take my word for it, or The Intercepts; take the NIHs, which quietly admitted that EcoHealth Alliance had, in fact, received federal funds to conduct the research in violation of the Terms and Conditions of the grant.

Drastic Research reports that Faucis confidant at EcoHealth, Peter Daszak, even courted the government research entity DARPA to conduct the very research in question at the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

All roads lead back to Fauci and a small band of co-conspirators.

The official COVID death toll, if one were so inclined to trust the corporate media and government, stands at 1.13 million.

Those numbers are very likely inflated, so it would be entertaining to put Fauci in a position to downplay the death toll after years of exaggerating it for political expediency.

But, at the very least, conservatively, COVID  the virus Fauci needlessly unleashed on the world  killed hundreds of thousands of Americans.

Killing people without justification is illegal in the United States, as it is in most civilized nations. Its even illegal when its unintentional and arises due to negligence.

Criminal defense attorney Steven Rodriquez explains:

Criminal negligent homicide (more commonly referred to as Involuntary Manslaughter and also referred to as Negligent Homicide) is a crime of causing anothers death through criminal negligence. Criminal negligence involves more than ordinary carelessness, inattention or mistake in judgment. A person acts with criminal negligence when: He or she acts in a reckless way that creates a high risk of death or great bodily injury; and

A reasonable person would have known that acting in that way would create such a risk. In other words, a person acts with criminal negligence when his or her behavior is a gross deviation from the standard of care that a reasonable person would exercise in the same or similar situation. For example, if a driver kills a pedestrian while speeding through a residential area and blowing stop signs, he could be charged with criminal negligent homicide.

To summarize the legal logic:

Fauci funded illicit gain-of-function research at a sketchy Chinese lab working on bat coronaviruses

A novel bat coronavirus escaped from said lab in 2019

1.13 million Americans died from infections of said virus

This is open-and-shut for a competent prosecutor and a jury willing to examine the evidence.

First-degree murder charges for Fauci should also be on the table, but thats a much harder legal bar to clear, as it requires proof of intention and planning. We have the planning element, as described above, but establishing intention to kill is more difficult.

At the very least, in the meantime while his prosecution is prepared, Fauci could and should be brought up on perjury charges since he lied under oath before Congress when he denied that he funded gain-of-function research in the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

Sign the petition to Investigate and Prosecute Anthony Fauci For Apparent Perjury to Congress.

Fauci is a monster who must be prosecuted for the lives he stole  not just to achieve a modicum of justice for his millions of victims, but also as a disincentive for future Faucis who will inevitably come along.

And then we can open up the investigations into the number of people who died due to Faucis promotion of lockdowns, and the fear of the virus. Im talking about people who missed medical procedures and screening, or spiraled into alcohol and drug abuse, or were prevented from exercising in fresh air outside of their homes.

And THEN we can start talking about the vaccines

Ben Bartee is an independent Bangkok-based American journalist with opposable thumbs. Follow his stuff via Armageddon Prose and/or Substack, Locals, Gab, and Twitter.

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Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, Election Commissioners Anup Chandra Pande and Arun Goyal, Deputy Commissioners, and a team of senior officers from Election Commission of India at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru. (Photo: Facebook)

New Delhi: A team of Election Commission (EC) officials led by chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar reached Bengaluru on Thursday to assess the readiness for Assembly elections in the state. Assembly elections in Karnataka are due by May and are likely to be announced soon.

Mr Kumar and two other election commissioners  Anup Chandra Pandey and Arun Goel  are on a three-day visit to Karnataka. After reaching Bengaluru, the EC team held a meeting with Manoj Kumar Meena, the chief electoral officer of Karnataka and other officers at the Vikasa Soudha, the Legislative House in Bengaluru.

During their Karnataka stay, the EC team will interact with the representatives of various political parties to seek their suggestions, opinions and complaints. The team will also attend an international conference on "Inclusive Elections and Elections Integrity", which will see the participation of election commissioners from various democratic countries.

On March 10, the election commissioners will hold a meeting with the deputy commissioners of all the districts regarding the preparation being made for the upcoming elections. Later, the election commissioners will inaugurate an exhibition on elections before flagging off LED vehicles meant for voter awareness.

The election commissioners will hold a press conference on March 11 before flying back to Delhi.

The incumbent BJP and the Opposition Congress are locked in a stiff battle for the 224-member Karnataka Assembly, where no incumbent party has returned to power since 1985.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks to prove the "revolving door" theory that ensured no repeat government in Karnataka in the last 40 years wrong as the BJP tries to revive the magic of 2018. In the last Assembly elections held in 2018, the BJP got 104 seats, the Congress finished second with 80 and the JD(S) ended in third place with 37 seats.

The Congress is confident of dislodging the BJP government in the state and coming back to power. The Congress partys state president of Karnataka D.K. Shivakumar said, "The BJP wont cross the 65-seat mark and the tally may even come down to 40."

Mr Shivakumar has predicted that the Congress will win in 139 seats. "The BJP wanted to conduct elections sooner. But they were unable to do so. Now, the BJP is thinking that, if elections are delayed, it might benefit them," he said.

The Congress main worry in the state can be the AAP and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), both parties making an entry in the Karnataka elections for the first time. Asaduddin Owaisis party had last time supported JD(S) but this time it is trying to expand its footprint in the state.
Work-life balance, flexibility, making a positive impact and career progression. Its a long list, but according to the results of a recent study commissioned by Fiverr on Gen Z and work, all four are priorities for Australians aged between 18 and 22.

But theres something else too: Gen Z employees want their career path to be tailored from day one. They also want plenty of opportunity to move across an organisation  respondents in full-time jobs said they expected to stay in that role for just 21 months.

Oliver Woolrych from Fiverr says young Australians are using the platform to build their skillsets as freelancers.

Employers must take note of Gen Zs customised approach to their careers and adapt their hiring strategies accordingly, says Australian community manager at Fiverr Oliver Woolrych.

Brian Donn, managing director Australia and New Zealand for global software company Ceridian, says its also important to remember Gen Z entered the workforce in the shadow of the pandemic and the resulting upheaval. The organisations 2023 Pulse of Talent report reflects many of the themes in the Fiverr survey, including Gen Zs demand for flexibility.
Is this a sign that I am getting too old to be considered for new employment? I am 49 and have been employed recently, but only on a short-term contractual basis. I am looking to get something more long-term or even permanent, but I am unsure if hearing nothing from employers is down to laziness, under-staffed talent acquisition teams or just the way things are now. It used not to be like this. Is this a new reality of the post-Covid world of work? Is age discrimination rife everywhere now or am I being too paranoid?

Over the last few months, I have been looking for work in my chosen field, whether it be temporary, permanent or contract work and I am finding now that a lot of employers just dont get back to you even when they say that they will following an interview. Or if they do get back, its in the form of a rejection letter.

Answer:

I dont think youre being paranoid. I think age discrimination is still a major problem in many parts of the world, including Australia. I dont generally like to refer back to old Work Therapy columns, but a couple of years ago, I spoke with Ruth Williams from the University of Melbourne, an expert on the relationship between age and the labour market. She told me that it was clearly a problem for older individuals who are being judged without reference to their own personal abilities and qualities.

When I read your question I initially asked myself whether 49 is really that old. But, on reflection, I realised this is beside the point, and probably just another form of ageist thinking. If you have plenty of experience, are capable of doing the job and your date of birth is working against you in the selection process, it doesnt matter whether youre 19, 39 or 69 - theres discrimination at play.

As for recruiters and potential employers not getting back to you, I think youre right: it wasnt like this all that long ago. Under-staffed acquisition teams could well be one reason for your submission going completely unanswered. COVID may have something to do with that, as could the size of the company in question and the priorities of management.

In some cases, it might also be a case of an enormous number of applicants making the job of replying to everyone practically impossible, no matter the size of the acquisition team. But failing to get back to someone by phone after an interview - goodness! Thats incredibly poor form. I cant think of an excuse for that beyond the most extraordinary circumstances. Aside from anything else, its exceptionally rude; it shows no regard for the time and effort it takes to submit a good job application and to prepare for an interview.
She added with a grin: Its actually better when people underestimate you. Then you can prove them wrong. Its all the more satisfying. New Beginnings Zhangs first issue, in September 2021, was called New Beginnings and was produced during quarantine by a group of women, including a little-known photographer, Hailun Ma. It featured a 19-year-old dance student from Beijing Sport University on the cover. Since then, Zhang, who now lives in Beijing, has continued plotting her vision for Vogue and what it can represent in 21st-century China. Zhangs covers have a distinct style. Credit: Instagram/@voguechina Her handle on Instagram, where she has 1.8 million followers, does not say Editor-in-Chief; instead, it says Film Director. (She is working on a screenplay.) Little surprise, then, that one of her most high-profile projects is Vogue Film, a platform to support Chinese women in film. To date, it has produced 11 short films.

Then there is Vogue Open Casting, an annual model scouting program that will go worldwide this year, and the Chinese Craftsmanship Initiative, which facilitates collaborations among international designers, local design talent and traditional Chinese craft communities. Zhang has also spearheaded a mentorship program pairing rising Chinese designers with international names, like Pierpaolo Piccioli of Valentino. Zhangs magazine covers and the content inside are striking, rooted in bold saturated colour and the candid style that initially found her fame as an influencer. A September 2022 digital cover series explored fashions collision with the metaverse; the splashy cover of the December 2022 issue, photographed by Zhang, featured supermodel Liu Wen. Circle of influence ... Zhang (left) with Metas head of fashion, Eva Chen. Credit: Getty In China, male movie stars and influencers  known locally as KOLs  are often more popular than their female counterparts. The cover of movie star Jackson Yee, in a modern interpretation of traditional Beijing Opera characters that incorporated current-season fashion, was Vogue Chinas first solo male cover star. When Margaret was hired, we were all very surprised, said Emma Zhang (no relation to Margaret), a fashion director of Gusto Collective, which helps Western luxury brands navigate expansions in Asia. But it is clearer now, when Generation Z is such a priority consumer, why they wanted someone with a younger perspective and visual style. Her approach is different from what came before. Many see it as a breath of fresh air.

It is a digital native approach that feels, to many in the fashion industry and elsewhere, young and experimental. There is a spotlight on emerging talent, while still revering aspects of Chinese heritage at a time of growing appreciation among many consumers for the countrys cultural history. For Margaret Zhang, Vogue can no longer portray itself as an arbiter that dictates style and trends. That is simply not acceptable to readers anymore, especially in China, where Zhang described the audience as 15 years ahead in consumption of product, content and engagement. Her approach is different from what came before. Many see it as a breath of fresh air. Emma Zhang, fashion strategist The way we engage with our Chinese audience, and increasingly internationally, is by presenting Vogue as a way of seeing the world rather than just as an output platform of content, she said. Yes, we act as a curator, but what is the Vogue lens on life? What access and exclusivity can Vogue provide you with? Its a dialogue, she continued. Vogue in China plays a much greater institutional role than most other markets because its such a young industry and theres so much new talent to embrace and encourage. At the same time, there isnt the same amount of baggage or preconceived notions about what Vogue should and can be. Thats really exciting.

A Cultural Bridge Loading China is so vast that Zhang, who runs a team of 50, said the magazine must produce significantly more content than Vogue editions in other countries. Every social media audience matters  whether Weibo, Douyin (Chinas version of TikTok) or shopping platform Little Red Book  and has different requirements. Print magazines, she said, are viewed more as coffee table collectables than disposable monthly compilations of runway trends or glitzy events. But she also has international markets in her sights, including the Chinese diaspora across the world. In the past year-and-a-half, she said, Vogue had repositioned itself as a cultural bridge  China to the world, the world to China.

Leaf Greener, a former Elle China fashion editor turned creative consultant, questioned whether Zhang was fluent enough in Mandarin to edit a magazine and said that many in the Chinese fashion industry remained sceptical. She asked whether a foreign point of view was what the Chinese market needed at this time. Margaret is trying to break the rules and bring fresh content to the table, Greener said in a phone call. She has some good ideas and is supporting young local designers, but sometimes the execution is really not there. In order to succeed, shes going to need to fix what I see as a major cover problem and aim for diverse as opposed to chaotic styling. I dont think it is where it needs to be to be a world-class fashion magazine. Leaf Greener has been critical of Margaret Zhangs tenure at Vogue China so far. Credit: Getty Zhang thinks her Mandarin skill is sufficient. (She conceded she speaks it rather formally, and lacks local colloquialisms, but added that it had proved very useful for communicating with grandmothers in markets in Shanghai.) She also appears sanguine about naysayers, which she said she has grappled with her whole working life. I would be lying if I said that this job or the task wasnt intimidating, she said. But Ive become used to being the youngest person in the room. Often, Im also the most creative in a business room, or the most business-literate in a creative room. Basically, the odd one out. But two years in, I feel like everything that Ive learned in my career, and all of my different threads of skills, strangely converge for this role.
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K. Kavitha during a hunger strike seeking early passage of the Women's Reservation Bill, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, Friday, (PTI Photo/Ravi Choudhary

HYDERABAD: BRS MLC and Chief Minister K.Chandrashekar Rao's daughter K.Kavitha has raised the political temperature in New Delhi ahead of the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) inquiry in the Delhi liquor scam on Saturday, by rallying support from 18 political parties and various women's organisations for her dharna on Friday demanding the introduction of the Women's Reservation Bill in the current session of Parliament.

Kavitha will lead the protest at Jantar Mantar in the Capital on Friday under the auspices of Bharat Jagruthi, her NGO, to exert pressure on the Narendra Modi-led BJP government at the Centre over the tabling of the Women's Reservation Bill.

At a media briefing in Delhi on Thursday, Kavitha said that leaders from 18 political parties will participate in the dharna, which will be inaugurated by CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury. Kavitha visited Yechury's residence and invited him to the rally.

Following the direction of Chandrashekar Rao, two ministers, Sabitha Indra Reddy and Satyavathi Rathod, flew to the Capital on Thursday evening to join Kavitha's protest in the midst of the Cabinet meeting at Pragathi Bhavan.

However, there was uncertainty over the venue of Kavitha's protest with the Delhi police asking her to change it because the BJP planned a rally against the Delhi liquor scam at the same venue in Jantar Mantar on Friday. However, the BJP changed its venue to Ramlila Ground later, paving the way for Kavitha's rally.

"Over 500 people will go on hunger strike, and over 6,000 have confirmed their presence at the rally," Kavitha stated. Interestingly, Kavitha praised former Congress president Sonia Gandhi for having backed the Womens Reservation Bill during the UPA regime despite leading a coalition government at the Centre.

Responding to questions on the ED summons in the Delhi liquor scam, she stated that she had done nothing wrong and would face the interrogation, but that the BJP-led government at the Centre was using the central investigating agencies to target the BRS because the BJP could not gain a backdoor entry in Telangana.

"We have seen that the BJP has used backdoor entry in nine states, they are unable to do it in Telangana, which is why they are using ED now, but we are not afraid," she emphatically stated.

"Why was the ED in a rush to question me on March 9 and choose a day before my protest? It could have happened the next day as well. When requests were made, well within the law, to the ED to investigate me at my home, they simply refused. If they can do this to a political face, imagine how much a common person, especially a woman, would have to bear with," she remarked.

Kavitha stated that provisions should be created to ensure that women can comply with such investigations at any level, including via video calls and virtually, and that the BRS has resolved to raise and pursue this matter to ensure correct procedures are put in place. "I am a law-abiding citizen, Ill comply and cooperate with the investigation agency as we understand their obligations towards the Centre. But why is BJP leader B.L. Santhosh evading investigation agencies in the BRS MLAs poaching case," she asked.
I was once part of a crew that stole a car accidentally. Being only eight years old, I suppose I was an accessory rather than the perpetrator, but I felt pretty bad about it. It was a white Mazda. A sad, lonely, white Mazda. I can still see it by the roadside, abandoned, tears falling from its headlights.

Uncle Ray and Dad and I had been having a session in The Delatite Hotel in Mansfield. Automotive engineering was embryonic back then and the more beer you had the more simpatico you were with your machine. While sober, a 1961 Land Rover was an incomprehensible bore. After a few looseners it made perfect sense. Same as talking to Tony Abbott, I guess.

Leaving The Delatite, Uncle Ray had driven five kilometres out of Mansfield up the Jamieson road when he went as stiff as a board, transfixed by his rearview mirror.

Blast, he said. The fuzz are onto us. Theyre right up my coit.

Drive slowly, Dad advised. Dont freak out. And if they pull us over tell em youre a rat.
And PARKES. These names were included in a list of five which was published in The Age on 28th February, and, as was stated on that occasion, it will probably be found that Canbera will be the name which will fall from Lady Denmans lips to-morrow afternoon. This opinion is fortified by the fact that the only definite statement which the Prime Minister has made on the subject thus far was to the effect that the Government had decided that, whatever the selection, the name should be a native one. Canbera, is the only one of the three which complies with that decision. It is the native name for the district in which the capital area is situated. It is already known all over the world as the site upon which will be erected the permanent meeting place of the Australian Legislature. It is the name most fancied by a majority of the members of the Federal Parliament, and, in addition to all this, it is pleasant sounding and thoroughly Australian. These reasons are believed to have resulted in its selection. Some significance is attached to the fact that, whilst the name has hitherto been known as Canberra, with the emphasis on the double r, all the official documents which have been issued in connection with to-morrows celebrations have spelt the name Canbera. Walter Burley Griffins design for the Federal Capital of Australia, as shown in his 1913 preliminary plan. Credit: National Library of Australia Although Myola has been strongly advocated in certain quarters, it was not expected that the Government would seriously entertain the suggestion that the capital should be christened with such a name. That expectation has been realised. Soon after the Cabinet met yesterday Myola disappeared from the list, and, although the desire of many people to perpetuate the memory of Captain Cook was approved, the name was not considered suitable for the capital city of the Commonwealth, and it was also eliminated.

Southern Cross is known to have several supporters in the Cabinet, but it is understood that the majority regard it as too long, in addition to which it is already the name of a town in Western Australia. While it may be true that Australia is often spoken of as the land of the Southern Cross, the name certainly does not come within the category of native names. The decision of the Cabinet, already referred to, is also believed to have led to the rejection of Parkes. There is a desire in many quarters that the city should be so named in honor of Sir Henry Parkes, who is regarded by some people as the Father of Federation, and the Prime Minister, has, on more than one occasion, expressed himself in favor of perpetuating the memories of the statesman of the earlier days. To do so in this instance, however, would not be in accord with the decision of his Government to call the city by a native name. A town in New South Wales has already been named alter the veteran statesman. Loading It will be seen, therefore, that of the three names mentioned, the indications point to Canbera as the name of the capital. The foundation stones of the commencement column will be laid by the Governor-General, the Prime Minister and the Minister for Home Affairs, in that order, between 11.30 a.m. and noon to-morrow, at which hour Lady Denman will perform the christening ceremony.

A few weeks ago rain was badly needed in the Capital territory, and it was feared by advocates of the site that the Molonglo River, which has been so much criticised, will be seen in its worst aspect. It was as dry as the proverbial bone. Recent advices from the territory show that the position is now the reverse, and even floods are a probability. SEMI-OFFICIAL STATEMENT. NAME TO BE CANBERA. King OMalley, Minister of State for Home Affairs, favoured Shakespeare. [FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER.]
He wanted to drive his car off the Spit Bridge to escape the mess his life had become. The only time Hamilton wasnt gambling was when he was high, and the best way to feed the machines was to deal a drug everyone seemed to want. I asked myself why are magic mushrooms illegal and providing such a positive benefit to my life and many others, while gambling is legal and is destroying me? he still wonders. I felt that if our laws are evil and dont make sense to me, why the hell would I bother obeying them? Hamilton doesnt know how much he gambled away in 19 years of addiction  but is sure its in the millions.

Hamilton was 36 when he was sentenced in the NSW District Court, and faced 20 years for supplying a commercial quantity of LSD, 15 years for the MDMA and life in prison for the mushrooms. Judge Andrew Scotting, in his June 2022 judgment, detailed Hamiltons path from high achieving Shakespearean-reciting Riverview boy to PR mogul by age 26. Hamilton wants harder restrictions on pokies, calling them a cancer. Credit: Flavio Brancaleone Hamilton had been convicted of striking his friend with a wrench over an ex-girlfriend at age 20, his only instance of violence. Through his 30s he was on multi-day alcohol and drug benders, running Brooklyn Crispy pizza and throwing money into the pokies around Surry Hills.

[Hamilton] did not supply the drugs for profit, but to support his own habit, the judge concluded after reading messages from Hamiltons phone. The messages provide contemporaneous evidence that he was struggling financially as a result of the extent of his drug and alcohol use as well as his gambling. Leading criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro says gambling and drug addiction go hand in glove. Credit: Cole Bennetts Criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro has met Hamilton and said his story is typical of many in the courts. These people are facing financial pressures related to their gambling habit, they get their money legally or nefariously by dealing drugs, and they need to park it somewhere, he said.

Loading In cases of great desperation they find themselves at RSLs and in clubs, in the burbs... where they put a lot through the machines. With gambling and drug addiction the two go hand in glove. Another psychologists report, tendered by Hamiltons lawyers during his sentence, concludes his escalating drug use was probably a coping mechanism for his stress and anxiety. He served four months in prison and the rest of his sentence on a release order after pleading guilty.

Loading The arrest saved Hamiltons life by forcing a stop to his addictions, the doctor told the court, and he turned to stand-up comedy. Hamilton is now preparing for a show at the Melbourne Comedy Festival  the poster depicts him handcuffed and grinning, wearing a prison green uniform. He will perform days after NSW voters go to the polls in the March 25 state election, where pokies reform has taken centre stage. Premier Dominic Perrottet has promised to make all pokies cashless within five years after a damning NSW Crime Commission report found billions in dirty money was vanishing down the slots.

Loading Opposition Leader Chris Minns is more reticent, committing only to a limited trial of a cashless card if Labor wins government. He is being challenged by anti-pokies candidate Troy Stolz in Kogarah. Hamilton said Australians like to mock the United States failures around gun control reform while refusing to grapple with gambling addiction and pokies. Every single part of the technology that goes into these machines is designed to rob you of your money, and your ability to make rational decisions, he said.

Hamilton said cashless cards are a good start, but addicts will find workarounds. Not much will change, he said. He wants the maximum spin on a machine to be reduced in NSW to $5. It is currently $10. The current reform plans are a joke and will do nothing to prevent more lives being lost to the cancer that is poker machines, he said. Lifeline 13 11 14
Crocodiles have been sighted and residents evacuated as floodwaters surge across Queenslands saturated remote north-west communities.

Flood warnings are in place for hundreds of kilometres of the Gulfs inland rivers and creeks as a late-season monsoon trough continues to batter northern Australia.

Crocodiles have been sighted in flooded areas of Queensland (file image). Credit: Queensland Department of Environment and Science/Brenton Gangemi

Rainfall records have tumbled as the deluge lashed Queenslands Far North, potentially isolating remote communities for weeks.

Supplies in the towns of Doomadgee and Burke are running low, with buying restrictions in place on essential food items.
Fourteen school children are in hospital after they and eight of their classmates ate an unknown substance on a morning school bus.

Bluewater State School near Townsville in north Queensland. Credit: Google Maps

Police and the education department are investigating how 22 students, aged between eight and 12, ingested the substance, reportedly in lollies, before feeling unwell upon arrival at Bluewater State School in Townsville.

Paramedics assessed 16 children who were suffering similar symptoms including nausea, little abdominal pain, and lightheadedness.

A lot them were saying, in childrens words, theyre crook in the tummy, they feel like theyre going to vomit and feeling a little dizzy, Queensland Ambulance Service supervisor David Wright said.
The mother of NRL player Payne Haas has been charged with drink driving over a crash that killed three people in the Gold Coast hinterland.

The three family members were killed when Uiatu Joan Taufuas vehicle allegedly veered onto the wrong side of the road and hit their oncoming car at Bonogin on December 30.

Joan Taufua, the sole survivor of the crash, had to be removed from her Mercedes-Benz. Credit: Nine News/AAP/NRL Photos

Susan Zimmer, 70, her partner Chris Fawcett, 79, and Zimmers daughter Steffanie, 35, died in the fiery crash.

Taufua was the sole survivor of the crash and had to be removed from her Mercedes wagon. She was later charged with three counts of manslaughter.
Emergency crews have evacuated a primary school and a council building in response to a gas leak at a town north-west of Melbourne.

Authorities were called after a digger ruptured a large gas main on Halletts Way in the Bacchus Marsh suburb of Darley about 2pm on Thursday.

Emergency personnel respond to a gas leak at Bacchus Marsh on Thursday. Credit: Nine News

A stay indoors warning was issued at 3pm on Thursday.

Police arrived at the scene and evacuated Pentland Primary School, the Moorabool Shire Council building and a music school, all of which are situated between Halletts Way and Wittick Street.
Officers at the states youth detention centre have walked off the job as negotiations over pay and safety with the state government ramp up.

CPSU/CSA Branch Secretary, Rikki Hendon said the lack of responsibility from the state government on workplace health and safety at Banksia Hill Detention Centre was unacceptable.

Vision from inside Banksia Hill Detention Centre where officers use a technique known as folding up to restrain a detainee shocked viewers. Credit: Four Corners/ABC

Health and safety have been at the core of the claims for youth custodial officers, a safe workplace for them means a safer Banksia Hill, she said.

It is time the government started treating its frontline workers at Banksia Hill with the respect they deserve and stop avoiding their responsibility to workplace health and safety.
The days when Australia could be accurately described as a middle power are about to end.

When Prime Minister Anthony Albanese appears at the San Diego naval base alongside his counterparts from the United States and United Kingdom on Tuesday, he will be announcing far more than an upgrade to the nations military hardware.

Australias first nuclear-powered submarines to arrive, sometime in the early 2030s, will be five Virginia-class boats from the US.

Australias role in the AUKUS partnership  beginning with the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines  will transform how the world sees us. It should also transform how Australians see themselves, dispelling the deep-seated notion we are plucky but not hugely consequential players on the international stage.

Only six nations currently possess nuclear-powered submarines. That list includes the worlds two undisputed superpowers (the US and China), a Cold War superpower that remains a global menace (Russia), the worlds most populous nation (India) plus two major economies that once ran vast colonial empires (the UK and France).
A taxpayer-funded staffer for Greens state MPs issued press releases for the embattled Greens-dominated City of Yarra council, exposing a code of conduct loophole that integrity experts want closed.

The parliamentary adviser used his work email to spruik the council and its policies for a year after the November 2020 local government elections, despite the City of Yarra having its own media team.

The City of Yarra became the first Greens-dominated council in 2020 before it imploded.

Parliamentary advisers provide state MPs with advice and support on parliamentary affairs and issues. Unlike ministerial advisers and electorate officers, they are not bound by a code of conduct or explicitly banned from doing party political work.

But integrity experts say the public expects taxpayer-funded parliamentary staff to work on issues pertaining to their MP, not furthering the agenda of party-affiliated officials or councillors.
The Modi government is unable to tolerate the growing popularity of the BRS party and hence making efforts to malign its image, said Tribal Welfare Minister Satyavathi Rathode

Warangal: The BJP-led central government has "intentionally" issued notices through the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to BRS party MLC K. Kavitha, in relation to the Delhi liquor scam probe, state Tribal Welfare Minister Satyavathi Rathode and others said on Wednesday.

"The Modi government is unable to tolerate the growing popularity of the BRS party and hence making efforts to malign its image," she told the media in Hanamkonda.

She said, "When the entire nation is celebrating Women's Day, the BJP government is engaged in a political conspiracy against a woman leader. The BJP is afraid of MLC Kavitha. who announced the start of a movement against the BJP in New Delhi to press for introduction of the Women Reservation Bill in the Parliament. To take revenge, the BJP government sent ED notices to Kavitha."

She added, "The BRS party is not afraid of such actions and we will continue our fight against the BJP and its government."

Panchayat Raj minister Errabelli Dayakar Rao said that by acts like issuing notices to MLC Kavitha, the BJP government at the Centre is hastening its downfall. The BRS party will never stop fighting for the rights of the people, come what may," he stated.

BC welfare minister Gangula Kamalakar alleged that the BJP government was targeting the BRS party. "On a day when women were celebrating Women's Day, the BJP government sought to spoil its spirit and happiness by sending ED notices to MLC Kavitha," he said.

"State BJP leaders say Kavitha will be arrested. How do they know this? Is this not a conspiracy by the BJP," he asked.
A former high school teacher awarded a six-figure payout after years on workers compensation for a mental health injury says she felt constantly punished by the system and would have been happier to see the problem resolved so she could return to work.

Maria, who did not want her surname used, spoke out this week after the Andrews government conceded the current WorkCover model was fundamentally broken.

Maria says her years on the WorkCover system worsened her mental health. Credit: Penny Stephens

More than $1 billion in taxpayer funds have been poured into the system over the past two years to keep it afloat as demand rises, in part due to a spike in mental health injury claims.

But Victorians who have managed to win payouts following drawn-out WorkCover cases have pleaded with the government not to make it more difficult to lodge or maintain mental health claims as part of any overhaul of the scheme.
Berlin: Several people have been killed in a shooting at a Jehovahs Witness church in the northern German city of Hamburg, but the motive for the attack was unclear, police said.

The shooting took place on Thursday night (Friday morning AEDT) in the Gross Borstel district, a few kilometres north of the downtown area of Germanys second-biggest city.

Police officers in special equipment walk through a Jehovahs Witness building in Hamburg, Germany, Credit: AP

We only know that several people died here; several people are wounded, they were taken to hospitals, police spokesman Holger Vehren said.

He said he had no information on the severity of the injuries suffered by the wounded.
New York: A defamation lawsuit is revealing scornful behind-the-scenes opinions by Fox News figures about former US president Donald Trump, including a Tucker Carlson text message declaring, I hate him passionately.

The documents are coming to light at a time of increased tension between Trump and Rupert Murdoch-chaired Fox, the dominant media force appealing to conservatives, as Trump campaigns to regain the US presidency.

Tucker Carlson (left) and former US president Donald Trump, whom he hates, according to recently released documents. Credit: AP

Voting machine manufacturer Dominion Voting Systems is suing Fox News for $US1.6 billion ($2.4 billion), claiming the network broadcast false claims that the company was responsible for fraud in the 2020 presidential election. The case is to go to trial this spring, and a trove of documents related to Foxs actions after the election are being publicly released in advance.

A common theme emerging from the internal documents and depositions is that Murdoch, Fox executives and hosts doubted the election claims being peddled by Trump and his allies, but aired and emphasised them anyway. Fox was growing concerned about a decline in viewership as Trump supporters turned away from the network after it  correctly  called Joe Biden the presidential winner in Arizona on election night.
Wellington: A senior analyst for the New Zealand government has been accused of providing privileged information to the Chinese government by the countrys Security Intelligence Service.

Yuan Zhao, who also goes by the name Jason, says he and his family were detained at Wellington Airport in October by New Zealands Security Intelligence Service (SIS) as they were returning from a holiday in Australia. His phone was seized, and his sons laptop was searched.

Yuan Zhao works as a senior analyst at New Zealands Public Service Commission and has been accused of passing information to the Chinese government  an allegation he denies. Credit: Robert Kitchin/Stuff

The Chinese-born New Zealand citizen has said on a fundraising website, which has since been removed from the internet, that he was then accused of being an insider threat risk because he provided privileged insights and reported to the Chinese government and held close personal relationships with officials of a foreign government in New Zealand.

He said he felt threatened by the SIS, compelled to participate in a voluntary interview in another room while his wife and three children were hostage, and told not to talk about the matter as the SIS could find him anywhere.
Latest News New product could end 'defective' reverse mortgage market Pre-retirement property owners among the beneficiaries, says company

CBA lifts variable rates again, cuts select three-year fixed rates It's the second time in two weeks that the bank has hiked its variable rates for new customers

ASIC has launched court proceedings against two business lending specialists, Green County Pty Ltd and Max Funding Pty Ltd, alleging they issued personal loans without being licensed and without undertaking proper inquiries.

ASIC has alleged Green County and Max Funding did not make reasonable inquiries about the purpose of loans, which led to Green County providing personal loans to certain borrowers, even though neither entity was licensed to provide these personal loans or act as an intermediary.

This resulted in customers not having the benefits of protections under the National Credit Act and Code, ASIC has claimed, and being charged more for loans than they lawfully should have been.

The Credit Act provides important safeguards for consumers who apply for personal loans to protect consumers from unfair lending practices, ASIC Deputy Chair Sarah Court said.

If you are prohibited from providing a certain type of loan because you are not licensed, it is ASICs expectation that there are processes in place to help ensure those loans are not provided.

ASIC said that the two businesses were operating a credit lending model where they were relying on an exemption from the need to hold an Australian Credit Licence, because Green County was requiring prospective borrowers to sign a business purpose declaration.

However, business purpose declarations are ineffective including where a credit provider would have known, if they had made reasonable inquiries about the credit purpose, that the credit was in fact to be applied for personal use, ASIC said.

As part of the court action, ASIC will allege Green County contravened the consumer protection provisions in the National Credit Code by exceeding the 48% annual cost rate cap for certain credit contracts and failing to specify the annual percentage rates for certain credit contracts.

It also failed to specify the total interest payable for certain credit contracts, ASIC said.

ASIC will also allege Ivy Tang Gy Ng breached her duty of care and diligence as a director or officer of these companies and ought to have taken reasonable measures to avoid the companies breaching the Credit Act and the Code.

ASICs allegations of providing personal loans without the proper licence and breaching directors duties are serious. Directors and officers have a fundamental responsibility to take reasonable steps to ensure that their organisations have systems in place to comply with the law, she said.

ASIC said it would be seeking declarations, pecuniary penalties, injunctions, disqualification orders and other orders from the Court, though a court date is yet to be determined.
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We wish to clarify that Chola has not expressed any interest either in the past or present in acquiring Aptus Value Housing Finance, said the company in a statement after media reports that it plans a takeover.

In the third quarter, Cholas assets under management (AUM) was at Rs 95,468 crore, up 31 per cent from the same time last year. Out of this, the majority of Rs 61,285 crore and Rs 19,997 crore came from vehicle finance and loans against property (LAP), respectively. These two contribute to 64 per cent and 21 per cent of the total AUM, followed by home loans (8 per cent) and new businesses (7 per cent).

According to the reports, the two companies started talks after Aptus promoter M Anandan failed to pick a successor in the family to run the business. We hereby confirm that the Company is not part of any such negotiations/events as mentioned in the report, said Aptus in a statement on Wednesday. Anandan was earlier with the Murugappa Group. On Thursday, Aptus shares were down by almost 7 per cent, while that of Chola fell marginally.


About 90 per cent of the airlines fleet of aircraft uses PW engines. About 24 of the airlines 55 planes are grounded due to delays in engine supply by PW. Go First is operating 27 per cent fewer flights in March 2023 than in March 2022 (see table). Indian airline Go First is considering legal action against Pratt and Whitney (PW) for failing to provide compensation after March 2020 for planes grounded due to engine supply delays, sources said on Thursday.



Till March 2020, PW provided spare engines on time, repaired without cost, and provided some compensation. However, the airline has not received anything after that, a source privy to the development said. PWs contract with Go First has three main conditions: PW has to provide a spare engine within 48 hours of an aircraft getting grounded due to its faulty engine; faulty engines have to be repaired free of charge as they are under warranty; and compensation has to be provided to the airline for productivity loss due to grounded planes.





PW and Go First did not respond to queries by Business Standard.

Also Read Go First may sue Pratt and Whitney over reliability issues in their engines Pratt & Whitney opens India Engineering Center facility in Karnataka Go First blames Covid-19, Pratt & Whitney as losses double in FY22 IndiGo Q3: Focus on international destinations lifts outlook, say analysts Did IndiGo miss 'premium economy' flight? Apple-Foxconn Karnataka plant to catalyse manufacturing, deep-tech: MoS IT Bessemer India Capital sells 7.75% stake in Home First Finance for Rs 467cr 'The Great Indian Taste' is back: Reliance relaunches Campa Cola Japan's NTT sees India business growing to $1 bn, commits investments Manipal Health Enterprises set to buy AMRI Hospitals for Rs 2,350 crore



According to Ciriums data, the airline operated 2,084 flights a week in March last year. However, with more planes being grounded in 2022, flight operations have been downsized, with the airline operating 1,642 flights a week. Go First promoter Wadia group infused about Rs 3,000 crore into the airline in the last 20 months, sources said. They have also taken a debt of about Rs 1,300 crore during this period. Sources said the group initially thought fighting with PW will complicate matters. The airline has been asking the engine maker to honour its contractual obligations. Now, one of the obvious ways is to take the legal route, reminding them their obligations," a source said. The airline can file a suit, and is taking legal advice on this matter, sources added.



On November 4 last year, during an investor conference call, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers said, One of the key after-effects of the pandemic in the aviation industry is the supply chain disruptions in aircraft manufacturing and subsequent shortage of spare engines worldwide. This has affected our operations due to grounding of aircraft and has impacted our ability to fully deploy capacity productively. IndiGo is the only other Indian airline that uses PW engines on its A320 planes. According to Cirium, 34 of its planes are grounded due to delays in engine supply from PW. However, IndiGos flight operations have not been affected to the same extent as Go Firsts, as it has a larger fleet of about 300 planes.


The company recently raised its India bets by announcing an investment of $2.5 billion in Maharashtra over the next five years. With this, the total investment by the company touched $4.5 billion. Japanese telecommunications major Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) is betting big on the India growth story as it consolidates its data centre and information technology (IT) services portfolio within India. The Japanese technology major is on course to hit the $1-billion revenue mark in India.



Abhijit Dubey, global chief executive officer, NTT, on his maiden India visit, said India represents the highest growth in terms of geography for the services that NTT provides globally. In 2019, NTT Data announced $2 billion in investments to be spent over five years, of which nearly $1.6 billion was across data centres, submarines, and renewable energy.



NTT - between its data centre business and IT services - has 37,000 employees in India. The global headcount for this is 147,000. India is the eighth largest in terms of revenue for NTT global business. India is in the vicinity to be a $1 billion business for us. Importantly, after Japan, India is the centre where we have the largest employee base, he added.

Also Read Draft Telecom Bill: What does it say, why there is controversy over it Japan's NTT says planning Rs 2,000 cr investment in Bengal data centres Should you buy telecom stocks ahead of the 5G boom? India may emerge as China's alternative for telecom solutions, say experts Spectrum allocation plan may be updated when telecom bill goes live Manipal Health Enterprises set to buy AMRI Hospitals for Rs 2.3K crore Post-Disney+Hotstar exit, a quest for finding HBO's new home from March 31 ADIA may seal $500-million stake deal in eyewear start-up Lenskart HFCL teams up with Microsoft to roll out pvt 5G solutions for enterprises Religare Enterprises to enter ARC business, float QIP in early FY24



NTT Data is the largest data centre services provider in the country and is the second largest player in the IT services segment. In the data centre segment, NTT Datas market share is 22 per cent. India is 3-5 per cent of the $20-billion international business of NTT, which brings the numbers in the range of $700 million.

Growth driver

The company currently has 11 operational data centres, with six more to be added and three under construction.



The demand for data centre services has been increasing. Nearly 70 per cent of the capacity of these data centres has already been pre-booked, added Sharad Sanghi, managing director, NTT India. Edge will be the next growth frontier for NTT. The company is also coming up with Edge data centres in cities like Kolkata, Pune, Nagpur, and Lucknow.


The investment will help Kauvery Hospitals, as the company is called alternatively, to expand business and likely move for an initial public offering (IPO) in the next three years. The chain is augmenting capacity in Chennai and Bengaluru, as it expands in select clusters in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The deal marks IIFL PEs maiden investment in the multi-specialty hospitals segment. Sri Kauvery Medical Care (India), a leading hospital chain in South India, has raised $70 million from a private equity (PE) fund managed by IIFL Asset Management for a minority stake.



IIFL AMC, part of 360 ONE, is one of Indias leading alternative asset management firms with overall alternate assets and public market mandates of more than $7 billion. IIFL PE has assets under management of $3 billion and investment strategies extending from mid-stage venture capital to pre-IPO investments. Established in 1999 as a 30-bed hospital, Kauvery Hospitals now has a network of eight facilities comprising 1,500 beds in six cities: Chennai, Trichy, Bangalore, Salem, Hosur and Tirunelveli. The company said in a statement it is backed by reputed Indian and global investors like Lightrock and GSK Velus family office to achieve its market position. The hospital network offers comprehensive care across specialties with a strong focus on cardiology, oncology, neurology, renal sciences, orthopaedics, and organ transplants, amongst others.



Kauvery continues to provide the best-in-class personalised care with the highest standards of clinical protocols and ethical practices. This is a key differentiator for us, and a primary driver of our growth and profitability across all our existing regions. We look forward to having IIFL PE as a valued partner and leverage from its expertise of growth investments within and outside of healthcare, said S Manivannan, founder and managing director of Kauvery Hospitals. Kauvery is currently in the midst of a fast-paced expansion program, as it plans to reach 1,000 beds each by 2025 in Chennai, Bengaluru and Tamil Nadu clusters. This ramp-up would mean that the network shall comprise 15 hospitals spread across seven cities in South India, with over 3,000 beds and shall likely go for an IPO, in the next 36 months, said S Chandrakumar, founder and chairman of Kauvery Hospitals.
Former Congress MP Ponnam Prabhakar criticises MLC Kavitha over liquor scam, questions investigating agencies' actions. (Photo: Twitter)

Hyderabad: The Congress leaders described the ED summons to BRS MLC and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao's daughter K.Kavitha as a political theatre staged by the BRS, BJP, and the Delhi-based Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Former Congress MP Ponnam Prabhakar remarked that the MLC who had given an impression of being the brand ambassador of Telangana's Bathukamma on the Women's Day had "made all the women hang their heads in shame", while also questioning why the central investigating agencies were being soft on Kavitha.

"When the central investigating agencies summoned Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, then why are they being gentle on Kavitha and offering scope of conducting interrogation at her residence. If the BJP-led Union government was serious, it would have taken action against Kavitha by now. Therefore, it is a political drama enacted by the BJP and BRS to divert attention away from genuine matters of public concern," he claimed in a video statement.

Partys official spokesperson Addanki Dayakar called these "political dramas" played by the BJP, BRS, and AAP's B-Teams, while claiming that such dramas by these parties was only to deflect the people's attention away from serious issues. "There is a BJP hand in the latest developments, where a witness has turned into an accused and is being arrested. The AAP and BRS are the RSS's B-Team, and they exist solely to provide political support to the BJP. They are working in tandem, and by attempting to present themselves as the opposition, the entire episode is gaining a lot of attention," he claimed.

Meanwhile, former PCC president V. Hanumantha Rao, who declined to comment on the ongoing investigation into the liquor scam, believes that politicians who join the BJP will be given a clean chit. "Earlier, when Srujana Chowdary was with the TDP, notices were sent. However, everyone knows what happened to that case, after he joined the BJP. BJP will do anything in its political game plan. It is a known fact that the BJP sends the ED and CBI after the opposition," he said.


Growing up in Mumbai, Kishore Biyani could have kept working at his family textile shop. But he was ambitious and his drive led him to establish Pantaloons, a fashion retailer in 1994. While the initial stores were franchisees, Biyani decided to strike out independently. Biyani began by opening a 10,000 sq. ft. Pantaloons store in Gariahat, Kolkata, in 1997. The company posted a revenue of over Rs 12,200 crore and had 450 stores in the country in 2011. As three Future Group firms go through Indias corporate insolvency process, it is worth looking at the journey of the once-feted retail conglomerate and its founder.



The Future Groups ascent was disrupted by the 2008 economic crisis, which ended several expansion plans and led to some downsizing in several departments. The business got mighty competitors when the Aditya Birla Group and Reliance Industries moved into the retail sector. After his companies defaulted on loan payments, Biyani took the tough decision to restructure Future and hired external help to reduce debt and decentralise leadership. In 2001, Biyani began working on Big Bazaar, a chain of hypermarkets emulating the noise and atmosphere of Indian bazaars. The Future Group was growing fast; Biyani was Indias biggest retailer. The National Retail Federation named him Retailer of the Year in 2009.



As the Future Group looked to be recovering, the coronavirus pandemic struck and shuttered Indias retail sector. Biyanis business tactics of rapid expansion funded through borrowing and immediate diversification, once hailed as bold and visionary, faltered as Future Retail buckled under a debt of Rs 28,000 crore in 2020. Reliance Retail was to purchase Future Retail for over Rs 24,000 crore; but the deal did not materialize due to Biyani's legal tussle with Amazon Inc. This year Biyani resigned as executive chairman and director of Future Retail, the flagship of his group. Within weeks, Future Retail, Future Supply Chain Solutions and Future Enterprises filed for insolvency resolution with the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). The group structure became simple but Biyani was still fighting crises. In 2012, Biyani sold his controlling stake in Pantaloons Retail to Aditya Birla Nuvo Ltd., which is now Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd. The Future Group holdings were renamed Future Retail India Ltd. Biyani did this to focus Future Groups business in just a few retail sectors like food, home, and general merchandise.

Also Read Kishore Biyani resigns as executive chairman and director of Future Retail Ranji Trophy: Bad light costs TN yet again; Sai rues conceding late runs Future Lifestyle seeks shareholders' nod for three special resolutions Jugal Kishore Mohapatra new chairman at Shriram Finance in top-level rejig LIVE: AIIMS Delhi server down, government suspects ransomware attack Reliance Jio buys US-based Mimosa Networks for $60 mn to bolster 5G tech Reliance brings back 50-year-old iconic beverage brand Campa Cola Power Grid Corporation board approves raising up to Rs 900 cr via bonds Axis AMC names B Gopkumar as CEO, Ashish Gupta as chief investment officer Xiaomi India joins United Way to support digi learning for 4,000 students

Biyani, 61, remains the chief executive officer of Future Group. If he can bounce back again, it will be headlines for him again.


Billionaire Mukesh Ambani's Reliance re-launched the 50-year-old iconic beverage brand Campa Cola in a new contemporised avatar as it looks to ramp up its own consumer goods offering to take on competition from Adani, ITC and Unilever.

In January this year, Reliance Consumer Products Ltd, the fast-moving consumer goods arm of Reliance Retail, acquired a 50 per cent stake in Gujarat-based carbonated soft drinks and juice maker Sosyo Hajoori Beverages Pvt Ltd. It had previously acquired the Campa brand from Pure Drinks group for a reported Rs 22 crore.

And now, it has re-launched the Campa brand of beverages.

"The Campa portfolio will initially include Campa Cola, Campa Lemon and Campa Orange in the sparkling beverage category," the company said in a statement, adding the cold beverage portfolio will initially be available in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and will be rolled out across the country in stages.

Campa-Cola was a popular soft drink brand in the 1970s and 1980s but fizzed out with the entry of Coca-Cola and PepsiCo.

Pure Drinks Group was the sole distributor of Coca-Cola in India from 1949 to the 1970s. It launched its own brand Campa Cola in the 1970s, and soon became the market leader in the soft drinks segment. Later on, it introduced Campa Orange, the orange-flavoured aerated drink.

Also Read Pepsi India bottler beats profit estimates on beverage price hikes Kerala govt to get closed-down Coke factory property; protesters up in arms Sprite now a $1 billion brand in India: Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey Will a new, improved Coke Studio succeed? With new tagline, Pepsi ropes in Ranveer Singh as its new brand ambassador Axis AMC names B Gopkumar as CEO, Ashish Gupta as chief investment officer Xiaomi India joins United Way to support digi learning for 4,000 students Infosys collaborates with mobility specialist ZF to revamp supply chain Spotify announces launch of new features including 'Discover Mode' in India Godrej Agrovet inks pact with AP govt to set up edible oils refining plant

The firm, which had two bottling plants in Mumbai and Delhi, sold the beverages with the slogan 'The Great Indian Taste' but lost business in the 1990s with the opening up of the economy.

Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (RCPL), the statement said, is bringing "back 'The Great Indian Taste' with Campa".

The re-launch of Campa is part of Ambani's bid to accelerate penetration into the nation's rapidly growing consumer goods market with Reliance's own versions of products, ranging from soap and shampoo to cookies and cola.

Reliance Retail runs the country's largest network of brick-and-mortar stores with around 17,225 sites, selling everything from groceries to electronics.

It already owns about two dozen consumer goods brands, including the Good Life and Best Farms ranges of staple foods, such as rice and other grains, Snac Tac snacks, Glimmer cosmetics, Yeah! fizzy drinks and fruit juice label Sosyo.

"With this launch, RCPL further strengthens its versatile FMCG portfolio, which comprises heritage brands from Sosyo Hajoori, confectionary range from Lotus Chocolates, Sri Lanka's leading biscuit brand Maliban, as well as daily essentials under its own brands, including Independence and Good Life, among others," the statement said.

RCPL is the FMCG arm and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL).

The launch of Campa portfolio "is in line with the company's strategy to promote homegrown Indian brands that not only have a rich heritage but also boast a deep-rooted connect with Indian consumers due to their unique tastes and flavours", it said.

Speaking on the launch, RCPL spokesperson said, "By presenting Campa in its new avatar, we hope to inspire consumers across generations to embrace this truly iconic brand and trigger a new excitement in the beverage segment. While older family members will have fond memories of the original Campa and cherish the nostalgia associated with the brand, younger consumers will love the crisp refreshing taste".

"With a rapidly evolving Indian market throwing up more consumption occasions, we are truly excited to bring back Campa, which is yet another bold step forward for our expanding FMCG business."



With 50 years of rich heritage, Campa's contemporary cut-through character is set to offer Indian consumers 'The Great Indian Taste' this summer, the statement said.

Five thirst-quenching pack sizes will be offered under the Campa range for several consumption occasions: a 200ml immediate consumption pack, 500ml and 600ml on-the-go sharing packs and 1,000ml and 2,000ml home packs.

The company, however, did not indicate the pricing of Campa.

"RCPL's roll-out of its cold beverage portfolio across India, starting with Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, is aligned with the company's overall vision of offering value and choice to Indian consumers through high-quality products at affordable price points," it added.
Religare Enterprises Ltd (REL) plans entering the asset reconstruction business and make a qualified institutional placement (QIP) to raise Rs 600-700 crore for new businesses, said its leader on Thursday.





REL stock closed 2.4 per cent higher at Rs 158 per share. The Delhi-based financial services group expects to resume lending by Religare Finvest Ltd (RFL), a wholly-owned subsidiary, after paying the last tranche of Rs 400 crore to lenders under a one time settlement (OTS) agreement signed in December 2022. RFLs estimated time for coming out of the corrective action plan (CAP) is about a month after which the non-banking financial company would lend to the MSME segment.



Existing investors supported the company when it was not doing so well. So the primary approach will be to keep existing shareholders' interest in mind and see how much they will like to participate in the offering. The company was open to rope in strategic investors which could add strength, said Saluja. Rashmi Saluja, executive chairperson of REL, said the company has enough resources to support existing businesses but new ventures need capital. We are seriously contemplating to initiate a Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) or preference shares in two-three months at REL level.

Also Read RBI's revised ARC norms improve governance; may shake up industry RAEGR launches MagFix Arc M1050 wireless charging stand for Apple devices Yes Bank approves sale of Rs 48,000 cr stressed loans to JC Flowers ARC MDs, CEOs of ARCs can't have more than 3 terms in office without a cool-off RBI's revised ARC norms: Aircel, RCom debt resolution faces uncertainty Suraksha to infuse Rs 250 cr, arrange Rs 3k cr loan to finish 20,000 flats Kishore Biyani's Future: The rise and fall of India's retail tycoon Reliance Jio buys US-based Mimosa Networks for $60 mn to bolster 5G tech Reliance brings back 50-year-old iconic beverage brand Campa Cola Power Grid Corporation board approves raising up to Rs 900 cr via bonds



Besides insurance, broking and web aggregation, Religare intends to float an alternate investment fund and do wealth management business, said Saluja. RELs key shareholders include International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank groups private investment arm (3.96 per stake), and Motilal Oswal Long Term Equity Fund (3.31 per cent holding). Foreign portfolio investors held 18.79 per cent stake as of December 2022, according to BSE filings.



As for supporting RFL, Saluja said it has enough money garnered through recoveries to sustain business. Its current pool of stressed loans is around Rs 1,000 crore and is looking for recoveries of Rs 50-70 crore per month. About the rationale for entering the asset reconstruction business, she said the group has strength as it has recovered money and returned about Rs 9,000 crore to lenders. The management is confident to start and manage this business.

With RFL OTS, the management has been able to conclude the legacy issues faced by Religare Group on account of fraudulent activities of erstwhile promoters. REL stock on Thursday closed 2.4 per cent higher at Rs 158 per share.
A company statement said the lease arrangement would generate daily rental of about Rs 2 crore (as per the present exchange rate) for SEL - leading to annualised cash accruals of approximately Rs 800 crore.

Swan Energy, through its subsidiary Triumph Offshore Private (TOPL), has signed an agreement to lease out its floating storage regasification vessel to Botas of Turkey, a state-owned natural gas and LNG firm.
At least 168 universities have opted for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for admission to undergraduate programmes so far, up from 90 universities last year, according to officials.

The deadline for application, which is March 12, is also likely to be extended as more universities are expected to select the test for admissions.

The 168 universities include 44 central universities and 31 state universities such as Barkatullah University, Bhopal, Dr B R Ambedkar School of Economics, Karnataka, Cotton University, Guwahati, and Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi.

"There are 27 deemed universities which will admit students based on CUET scores for their undergraduate programmes. Sixty-six private universities too are participating in the common entrance test this year which include Bennett University, Uttar Pradesh, NIIT University, Rajasthan, and UPES, Dehradun," a senior official said.

The exam is scheduled to be conducted from May 21-31.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) in March last year announced that undergraduate admissions will be conducted in all central universities through a common entrance test and not on the basis of Class 12 marks.

Also Read CUET UG 2022 results to be announced today at cuet.samarth.ac.in Hyderabad university admission: Application through CUET extended to Oct 12 CUET 2022: UGC releases tentative timeline for undergraduate admissions CUET-PG 2022 result declared; here's how you can download scorecard CUET-UG results out; NTA says universities will prepare own merit lists DGCA extends deadline for watch duty time limitation norms till Jun 9 Stage-I of GRAP revoked as overall Air Quality Index of Delhi improves Residents near Brahmapuram waste plant urged to stay indoors due to smoke Gem, jewellery exports rise 24% to Rs 28,832 cr in February: GJEPC TN Cabinet decides to pass Bill to ban online gambling, send to Guv Ravi

The undergraduate (UG) admission process in universities will be completed by July 2023 and the new academic session can begin on August 1.

The debut edition of the CUET-UG was conducted in July last year and was marred by glitches, prompting the National Testing Agency (NTA) to cancel the exam at multiple centres. While several students were informed about cancellation a night before the exam, many of them were turned away from centres.

UGC chairperson M Jagadesh Kumar had then said the exam at certain centres have been cancelled following reports of "sabotage".

With 14.9 lakh registrations, the CUET, the common gateway for undergraduate admissions in all central universities, is now the second biggest entrance exam in the country, surpassing the JEE-Main's average registration of nine lakh.

The NEET-UG is the biggest entrance test in India with an average of 18 lakh registrations. While JEE-Mains is a Computer Based Test (CBT) conducted twice a year, the NEET is conducted in pen and paper mode.

There were 21,159 candidates who scored 100 percentile in CUET-UG 2022 of which 12,799 were women.

There were 12 candidates who scored 100 percentile in five subjects. English has the highest number of 100 percentile scorers with 8,236 candidates, followed by political science with 2,065 candidates, and business studies with 1,669 candidates.
An Air India Express flight cabin crew has been arrested by the Customs for allegedly smuggling over 1.4 kg gold through Cochin International Airport near here, official sources said on Thursday.

The crew of Bahrain-Kozhikode-Kochi Air India Express flight was apprehended by the Customs sleuths, who recovered the gold that was wrapped around his hands on Wednesday. Air India Express said the arrested crew has been placed on suspension with immediate effect. The airline said it has zero tolerance for such behaviour and will be taking stern action against the individual including termination of service following receipt of the report from the investigative authorities.
Aam Aadmi Party MLAs Saurabh Bharadwaj and Atishi were sworn in as ministers by Delhi Lt Governor V K Saxena on Thursday in the presence of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhur also attended the oath-taking ceremony.

Atishi will handle education, PWD, power and tourism departments, while Bharadwaj will look after health, urban development, water and industries.

Following the resignations of Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and minister Satyendar Jain, both currently in Tihar jail in alleged corruption and money laundering cases, respectively, two Cabinet berths had fallen vacant.

Sisodia was arrested by CBI on February 26 in connection with alleged corruption in the formulation and implementation of the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy for 2021-22. He is in judicial custody till March 20.

Jain, who is also in judicial custody, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a case of alleged money laundering on May 30 last year.

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President Droupadi Murmu earlier accepted the resignations of Sisodia and Jain.

LG Saxena had recommended the names of Atishi and Bharadwaj to President Murmu for appointment as Cabinet ministers following a recommendation from Kejriwal for their elevation to the Cabinet.

Atishi and Bharadwaj will be attending the Delhi Assembly's Budget Session commencing from March 17 as ministers after their swearing in on March 9, party sources said.

Bharadwaj has been an MLA of the AAP since 2013 and is currently the vice-chairman of the Delhi Jal Board. He was a minister during the brief first term of the Kejriwal government in 2013.

Atishi has been an MLA of the AAP since 2020 and has been associated with the party since its inception. She was an advisor of Sisodia in his education portfolio.
MUMBAI (Reuters) - The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to be comfortable about its balance sheet at the end of March 31, which would give it more flexibility in letting the rupee appreciate, Citi analysts wrote in a note released on Wednesday.

Under a new economic capital framework adopted by the Indian central bank in 2019, it is required to maintain risk buffers at between 24.5% and 20% of its balance sheet.

The RBI considers this buffer during forex interventions, Citi economists said, adding that comfort on the buffer front could mean the RBI will be relatively open to allowing some rupee appreciation.

Citi estimates the RBI's gross forex sales in the first nine months of fiscal 2023 at $189 billion against $96 billion in the whole of fiscal 2022.

"Higher gross sales are likely to generate more profits for the RBI and offset some of the losses in other parts of their portfolio," said Samiran Chakraborty, senior economist at Citi in the note.

Revaluation reserves form a part of the RBI's risk buffer and a depreciated rupee helps with build-up since it implies that the RBI is sitting on gains.

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"The RBI's forex intervention to keep the rupee relatively depreciated against the U.S. dollar has resulted in sufficient buildup of revaluation reserves," noted Chakraborty.

This buildup is sufficient to meet RBI's more stringent risk buffer of 24% without it having to reduce its dividend to the government.

Citi reiterated its call to go tactically long on the rupee against a basket of Asian currencies and expects the South Asian currency to reach 80 per dollar "over the medium term".

Chakraborty pointed out that there has been a sizeable improvement in India's current account outlook, which he thinks "is still under-appreciated by the markets".

(Reporting by Anushka Trivedi; Editing by Janane Venkatraman)
The CBI has taken over the investigation into alleged financial irregularities in the running of the Rajiv Gandhi National Creche Scheme in which the Indian Council for Child Welfare was one of the implementing agencies, officials said Thursday.

The CBI took up the case against unidentified persons under IPC sections of criminal breach of trust and cheating on a reference from the Ministry of Women and Child Development, which had earlier filed an FIR with Delhi Police.

The Delhi High Court had constituted a three-member committee under the chairmanship of the ministry's joint secretary to look into alleged irregularities in the scheme which the Centre implemented till 2016.

According to the Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW), 5,029 creches were functional across the country in 2015-16.

Based on the committee's findings, the high court had directed the Centre to take a view if a probe by an agency like the CBI is warranted or not.

It was pointed out that there were several lacunae in the manner the funds received by the ICCW were distributed to the state councils.

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It is alleged that funds were distributed without reference to the ground situation regarding the number of creches functioning and children enrolled therein for which extra funds were demanded.

The extra funds were with the state councils, and there was no visible effort to refund the additional funds taken.

"The High Court Committee and minutes of EC (ICCW executive committee) show that the existence of creches at ground level was much below of even that reported by the state councils, leaving a huge margin between fund requirement and fund demanded. The use of this margin of funds is not apparent because records are not maintained as per accounting requirements, and also, a large part of the final disbursement is in cash in all places where records have been traced," the FIR points out.

It said the executive committee (EC) of ICCW is the decision-making body and manages its activities.

"It is seen that EC has been aware of the fact that its programmes were not running as per requirement. There has been no sharing of this information. In fact, knowing that the creches or other programmes were not running properly, projection of funds were still made as if all aspects were fully functional," the FIR alleged.

It alleged that the "level of management shown by ICCW" in running various initiatives of the Ministry does not commensurate with requirements.

"Management is seen to be turning more lax in adherence to scheme guidelines pertaining to programmes assigned to ICCW.... The records...show that progress is not as per target in all programmes," the FIR alleged.
Congress workers staged a protest outside a State Bank of India (SBI) branch in Pune city on Wednesday and demanded that Adani group's financial affairs be probed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and also a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).

Pune city Congress president Arvind Shinde and other party leaders participated in the protest outside the SBI branch near Pune collectorate. "Our leader Rahul Gandhi has been demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into the Adani group share crash issue, but no probe has been initiated so far. SBI and LIC's investments in Adani group shares have received heavy losses. Who told LIC and SBI to invest money in Adani group shares?" Shinde asked. He said it was the Supreme Court that ordered setting up of a six-member committee to look into various regulatory aspects for stock markets, including the recent Adani Group shares crash triggered by the Hindenburg Research's fraud allegations. "Was it not the government's responsibility to safeguard common people's money, which is with SBI and LIC? We demand that the Adani group be probed by the ED and the JPC," the Congress leader said. Adani group stocks have taken a beating on the bourses after US-based Hindenburg Research made a litany of allegations, including fraudulent transactions and share-price manipulation, against the business conglomerate. The Adani group has dismissed the charges as lies, saying it complies with all laws and disclosure requirements.
Accompanied by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, Bhupesh Baghel, Thakre will be attending a Haath se haath jodo' meeting at Ambedkar stadium in Karimnagar. (DC)

HYDERABAD: AICC state in-charge Manikrao Thakre will undertake a three-day tour of Telangana beginning with a public meeting in Karimnagar on Thursday. He will have a series of meetings with the partys social media team and other wings over the next two days here.

Accompanied by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, Bhupesh Baghel, Thakre will be attending a Haath se haath jodo meeting at Ambedkar stadium in Karimnagar.

The next day, he will take part in an awareness programme on Dharani at Sultanpur, Peddapalli, along with AICC general secretary Jairam Ramesh. Back in Hyderabad, both of them will interact with state leaders to discuss issues concerning the state politics vis-a-vis the Congress party.

Thakre will meet the PCC social media team to discuss the ways and means to take forward the party message and campaigns across platforms before leaving for Mumbai on Saturday.
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Minister Jagdeeshwar Reddy on Wednesday slammed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party govt for targeting party MLC K Kavitha after she was summoned by ED on March 11 in Delhi liquor policy case.

Speaking to the media, Reddy said that the BJP Government under Prime Minister Modi is targeting Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao-led government in Telangana and Kejriwal-led AAP government in Delhi.

"BJP has been violating the Constitution & misusing the constitutional agencies and trying to suppress the opposition parties," said Jagdeeshwar Reddy, BRS Minister.

"In Kavitha's issue, I have been maintaining that this case is nothing but political vendetta and the case was registered after a BJP MP made allegations," he said.

BRS Minister claimed that they (BJP) are attempting to suppress the AAP govt, and more than that, they're trying to damage CM KCR's morale because he's exposing BJP and PM Modi.

"That's why all this is being done by BJP Govt. These cases can neither harm nor stop us," Minister said.

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Meanwhile, BRS MLC and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao's daughter, K Kavitha, arrived in the national capital to answer summons issued to her in the liquor policy case.

She was asked to appear before the ED on March 9.

Kavitha is learnt to have been asked to depose before the investigators at the ED headquarters in the national capital and record her statement.

According to sources, Kavitha will be made to sit face-to-face with Hyderabad-based businessman Arun Ramchandra Pillai, who was arrested in connection with the liquor policy case on Monday night.

Earlier on Wednesday, the MLC termed the summons as "tactics of intimidation" by the Centre against the Telangana chief minister K Chadrashekar Rao and the BRS, adding that the party will continue to fight and expose the Centre's failures and will raise its voice for a brighter and better future for India.
A judge of a special CBI court on Thursday asked the central probe agency not to restrict its probe into the multi-crore teachers' recruitment scam in West Bengal to just middlemen, and instead try to nab the masterminds of the scam.

Justice Arpan Chattopadhyay made the remarks while hearing the bail petition of three arrested middlemen in the scam -- Kuntal Ghosh, Niladri Ghosh and Tapas Mondal. Out of the three, Kuntal Ghosh is also a state secretary of the youth wing of Trinamool Congress.

"Reaching the masterminds of the scam is extremely crucial. If you cannot reach the main brains behind the scam, what is the point in keeping these accused middlemen in custody for an indefinite period? Is this adding any pace to the investigation process? Have you recorded the statements that you have taken," Chattopadhyay asked the CBI counsel.

In reply, the CBI counsel informed the court that this is a major scam and often the accused persons are making deliberate attempts to mislead the investigators.

"Hence, the investigating officials are taking careful steps. The process of investigating the source and destination of crime proceeds and identifying the different channels is taking time," the CBI counsel said.

Moving the bail plea on behalf of his client, Kuntal Ghosh's lawyer claimed that the main charge against Ghosh is that he accepted money for arranging primary teachers' jobs in state-run schools.

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"But the CBI is yet to provide any substantial evidence to prove this charge. Is this not a failure on the part of the investigating agency," Ghosh's counsel questioned.

Tapas Mondal's counsel claimed that his client is being kept in custody unnecessarily though he has been cooperating with the investigation since the beginning, adding that based on the information given by him, the CBI has nabbed some of those involved in the scam.

The court, however, rejected all the three bail pleas, and extended the judicial custody of Kuntal Ghosh, Niladri Ghosh and Tapas Mondal till March 23.

--IANS

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Public sector Indian Overseas Bank has disbursed Rs 5 crore worth of loans to self help groups during a campaign held in the city recently coinciding with the Women's Day celebrations, the bank said on Thursday.

The women entrepreneur branch of Indian Overseas Bank in the city sanctioned loans worth Rs 1.53 crore during the campaign organised by Chennai-I Region and Chennai II and another financial institution.

Loans to the tune of Rs 502.09 lakh were sanctioned and disbursed to 84 self-help grops across Chennai district, Indian Overseas Bank general manager Shubhendu Kumar Verma along with senior officials participated in the event on the occasion, a press release said here.
Karnataka Lokayukta police are contemplating to challenge the granting of bail to BJP MLA Virupakshappa Madal in the Supreme Court in connection with the alleged bribe for tender scam, sources stated on Thursday.

The sources also revealed that the investigating officers have held meetings with the Lokayukta Justice B.S. Patil in this regard has already begun the preparations. The matter is coming before the Karnataka High Court on March 17 and Lokayukta is also preparing to submit documents, evidence and arguments strongly before the court to dismiss the bail.

Accused BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa will have to appear before the Lokayukta officers on Thursday as the deadline of 48 hours given by the court will get over. Sources said that the accused MLA has reached Bengaluru from his home town to appear for questioning.

The MLA has also brought relevant documents for Rs 6.1 crore cash which was found at his residence during the Lokayukta raids.

His son, Prashath Madal was caught red-handed while allegedly receiving Rs 40 lakh bribe towards the allotment of procurement of raw material to the Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), a public sector unit. Accused MLA was the Chairman of the KSDL and his son was allegedly receiving bribes on behalf of his father.

The authorities had seized Rs 8.12 crore, 1.6 kg gold from the residences of accused BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa and his son Prashanth Madal, who was arrested.

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Karnataka High Court on Tuesday granted interim bail to Madal Virupakshappa. The single bench division court headed by Justice K. Natarajan after granting interim anticipatory bail, directed the accused MLA to appear before the investigation officer within 48 hours of the order.

Meanwhile, the Advocates' Association, Bengaluru objected to the immediate posting of the interim anticipatory bail application of Madal Virupakshappa and expressed serious concern.

In a letter to Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, the Advocates' Association President Vivek Subba Reddy stated that the usual practice in the High Court of Karnataka is that new matters like anticipatory bail take several days and weeks for posting.

--IANS

mka/dpb
Russia launched a huge wave of missile strikes across Ukraine while people slept on Thursday, killing at least six civilians, knocking out electricity and forcing a nuclear power plant off the grid. The first big volley of missile strikes since mid-February shattered the longest period of comparative calm since Moscow began a campaign to attack Ukraine's civil infrastructure five months ago. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said infrastructure and residential buildings in 10 regions had been hit. "The occupiers can only terrorise civilians. That's all they can do. But it won't help them. They won't avoid responsibility for everything they have done," Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in a statement.



Fresh trouble brews for APP's Manish Sisodia as the Enforcement Directorate has arrested him in Delhi liqour policy case. Sisodia was already in jail. The 51-year-old was placed under arrest under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) following his second round of questioning at the Tihar jail, they said. Sisodia is currently lodged in judicial custody after the CBI arrested him on February 26 in connection with alleged corruption in the formulation and implementation of the now-scrapped Delhi liquor or excise policy for 2021-22.

Nepal elects Ram Chandra Poudel of the Nepali Congress as new President.



AAP MLAs Atishi, Saurabh Bharadwaj took oath as Delhi Ministers today.



The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Thursday began the second round of questioning of former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia at the Tihar Jail here in connection with its money laundering probe into alleged irregularities in the Delhi excise policy, officials said. The federal probe agency had recorded the statement of the 51-year-old Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader for the first time on March 7 for about five hours. Nepal elects Ram Chandra Poudel of the Nepali Congress as new President.AAP MLAs Atishi, Saurabh Bharadwaj took oath as Delhi Ministers today.The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Thursday began the second round of questioning of former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia at the Tihar Jail here in connection with its money laundering probe into alleged irregularities in the Delhi excise policy, officials said. The federal probe agency had recorded the statement of the 51-year-old Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader for the first time on March 7 for about five hours.

Bollywood actor and director Satish Chandra Kaushik passed away, Anupam kher informs in a tweet. He was 67. "Actor Satish Kaushik passes away, "Actor Anupam Kher tweets along with a picture of both actors.



Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Minister Jagdeeshwar Reddy on Wednesday slammed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party govt for targeting party MLC K Kavitha after she was summoned by ED on March 11 in Delhi liquor policy case. ...Read More
A major fire broke out at a shopping complex in Odisha's Puri on Wednesday night, police said.

The blaze was first spotted at a garments shop on the first floor of Laxmi Market Complex in Marichikot Chhak on Grand Road around 9 pm, they said.

Some of the 40 shops at the shopping complex were gutted in the inferno, they said, adding that five fire tenders were working to douse the blaze.

Three people, who were stuck on the roof of the building, were rescued in an unconscious state by the firefighters and rushed to the district hospital, police said.

The building, which is located close to the centuries-old Jagannath temple, also houses a hotel on one of its floors. Around 106 tourists from Nashik in Maharashtra were safely rescued from the hotel.

Deputy fire officer Pradeep Kumar Rout said 90 per cent of the fire was brought under control by 10.30 pm.

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The building in the busy neighbourhood also houses a bank on one of its floors.

"We are still unable to ascertain how the fire started," said Puri Sub-Collector Bhavataran Sahu.

Police said they were suspecting an electrical short-circuit may have started the fire.

Puri MLA Jayant Sarangi of the BJP said the district administration has failed in ensuring fire safety systems at the hotels and other establishments in the seaside town.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday said a new wildlife corridor will form between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan after three tigers are released in Madhav National Park (MNP) in MP's Shivpuri district on Friday.

Three tigers will be released on March 10 (in enclosures) at MNP where the deafening roar of the big cats fell silent 27 years ago," he told reporters here.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan along with Scindia and state forest minister Vijay Shah will release a tiger captured on the premises of an institute in Bhopal and two tigresses into enclosures in a bid to revive the big cat population in MNP.

Shivpuri borders Sheopur district which houses the Kuno National Park, the new home of 20 cheetahs brought from Namibia and South Africa. With the reintroduction of three tigers, a wildlife corridor linking MNP, Kuno National Park, Panna Tiger Reserve (all in MP) and Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan will come up, Scindia said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made KNP popular world over with the re-introduction of cheetahs, the Union minister said.

MNP director Uttam Sharma told PTI that a tiger captured from the campus of the Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT) in October will be brought from Satpura Tiger Reserve, while the two tigresses will be brought from Panna and Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserves. The tiger, after its capture in Bhopal, was released in Satpura in October. The three animals, after being kept in separate enclosures for some time, will be released in the wild at MNP which is spread over 375 square kilometres. This is the third time the MP forest department is going to reintroduce a tiger in a wildlife sanctuary following successful reintroductions in Panna Tiger Reserve and Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary in Sagar district, officials said. MNP has a good prey base for big cats, they added. The reintroduced tigers would be radio-collared and three teams have been formed to keep an eye on them, officials said. Additional Principal Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Subharanjan Sen said MNP once had several tigers. But since 2010, no tiger has been seen in the area, local officials said, with wildlife experts blaming hunting for their disappearance. As per reports, tigers from Rajasthan roamed around MNP for some time in 2010-12.
The Punjab Assembly on Thursday passed a resolution recommending the state government to cap the profit margins on medicines charged by private players.

Politicians from both sides of the aisle recommended the state to take up with the Centre the "looting" of people by exorbitantly priced medicines.

Raising the matter in the ongoing budget session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, some members suggested capping of profit margins on medicines, while many others, mainly from opposition, demanded strengthening of the government health sector in the state.

As he moved the resolution in the House, AAP MLA from Chamkaur Sahib, Dr Charanjit Singh, said exorbitant rates of medicines was robbing people of their money forcing many people to sell their properties to afford costly medicines.

Not only chemists, but several known private hospitals are selling medicines at higher prices than MRP, said Singh, adding that the matter was not peculiar to Punjab, but afflicts the whole country.

He said government doctors were not recommending generic medicines, and urged the government to make it incumbent on them to prescribe generic medicines to patients.

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He further said it should also be made mandatory that only salt of medicines should be prescribed without any mention of a drug company.

Having said this, the lawmaker sought from the Centre to frame a concrete policy in this regard to check the malpractice.

Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira said "Private sector health sector is fleecing people like anything."



People especially in rural areas were being financially burdened because of costly healthcare services, which is becoming out of reach of a common man, he said, as he demanded regulation of the private healthcare sector.

Cabinet Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer suggested that the profit margin on medicines should be capped.

He said that costly medical education was also one of the reasons for the expensive medical treatment and suggested that there should be a policy under which some percentage of medical seats in government colleges should be either free of charge or offered at a low fee.

It will not only help poor students to study medical education but will also solve the problem of shortage of government doctors in health facilities, he added.

Participating in the discussion, Punjab Health minister Dr Balbir Singh accused the e-pharmacy sector of indulging in malpractice, and urged the Union Health minister to regulate it.

He said there are 25 'jan aushadhi' centres in the state and approval for opening of 16 more such centres has been given.

The minister urged the MLAs to allow opening of more such centres in their respective constituencies.

He further said the AAP government was making efforts to provide world-class health care services to people of the state.

He said out of 500 Aam Aadmi clinics, 70 per cent were opened in rural areas of the state.
The devastating blaze that broke out at a market complex near the Shree Jagannath Temple here was brought under control in a 24-hour-long fire-fighting operation on Thursday, while about 140 people were rescued, official sources said.

The fire gutted almost all the 43 shops, a bank and a hotel that the Laxmi Market Complex consisted of. However, there was no casualty.

The fire is now under control though smoke was billowing from certain parts of the market complex, said DG, Fire Service, S K Upadhyaya, who visited the site earlier in the day.

Three fire department personnel and three tourists were hospitalised due to exposure to flame and smoke, an officer said.

It was a tough job for the firefighters as there was only one exit and entry point to the three-storied building.

Garments, toys and leather products kept in shops functioned as fuel to the fire and that took a long time to douse the blaze, the officer said.

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Besides 12 fire tenders, 90 fire service personnel, local police and members of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), the administration also engaged a team from the National Fire Service College to fight the inferno.

The college team members were undergoing training at the Odisha Fire and Disaster Response Academy in Bhubaneswar for the last few days. They were rushed to Puri to assist the state fire brigade personnel.

The official said the blaze was first spotted at a garment store on the first floor of Laxmi Market Complex on Grand Road around 9 pm on Wednesday. Though the fire was doused on Wednesday night, it reappeared at about 2 AM.

Altogether 106 tourists from Nashik in Maharashtra were rescued from the hotel in the building and taken to a temporary shelter. Around 30 other people were also brought out from there, he said.

The reason behind the incident is yet to be ascertained, said Minister of State for Home, TK Behera, who rushed to oversee the fire-fighting operation.

He said the shop owners will be compensated following due procedure.

Meanwhile, local BJP MLA Jayant Sarangi claimed that the district administration has failed to ensure the installation of fire safety systems at hotels and other establishments in the seaside town.
The ruling party will take the fight against corruption to the home states of the Opposition leaders who had recently written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi against the political witch hunt threatening India's democracy. (File Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: As the Opposition tries to target the Narendra Modi government over the alleged misuse of the investigative agencies, the BJP has decided to take the fight to the rivals home turf.

The ruling party will take the "fight against corruption" to the home states of the Opposition leaders who had recently written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi against the "political witch hunt" threatening Indias democracy. The BJP, sources said, will hold press conferences in at least nine states, including Telangana, Delhi, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala and Maharashtra to counter the Opposition parties allegations.

The press conferences will be held to justify the investigative agencies move to "fight" corruption and that the government was "not indulging in any political witch hunt".

However, the Opposition is likely to take on the government over the "misuse" of the investigative agencies in the second part of the Budget Session of Parliament resuming from March 13.

While the ED recently arrested Delhis deputy CM Manish Sisodia over the alleged scam in the now rolled-back excise policy, the agency has summoned BRS supremo and Telangana CM K. Chandrashekhar Raos daughter K. Kavitha in the same case. The CBI had questioned RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav recently in the railway "land for jobs" scam.

Among those who signed the letter on Sunday was former Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, RJD leader and Bihar deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan wrote a separate letter.

The letter by the Opposition parties leaders, which was also signed by NCPs Sharad Pawar and BRS K. Chandrasekhar Rao, among others, came days after the arrest of AAP leader and former deputy CM of Delhi Manish Sisodia in the alleged Delhi liquor scam, in which the ED has summoned Mr Raos daughter and MLC K. Kavitha. Telangana is one of the crucial states where Assembly elections are scheduled this year and where the BJP has been desperately trying to expand its organizational base.

BJP leaders, including Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal Suvendu Adhikari, Bihar unit chief Sanjay Jaiswal, his counterpart in Telangana Bandi Sanjay Kumar, among other senior leaders in targeted states, will be taking on the Opposition parties and countering the allegations made in the letters.

In the letter to the PM, the Opposition leaders have also mentioned that ever since the NDA government came to power in 2014, among the political leaders booked, arrested, raided or interrogated, the maximum are from Opposition parties, while the investigative agencies go slow in cases against those leaders who later join the BJP.
The Rajasthan government has issued instructions to all district collectors to make an assessment of crop damage due to unseasonal rains and hailstorms within a week for providing relief to the affected farmers, officials said on Thursday.

Rajasthan Chief Secretary Usha Sharma on Thursday took feedback from divisional commissioners and district collectors about the loss caused to farmers due to unseasonal rains and hailstorms in the state for the last two days.

Sharma instructed the district collectors to get a special 'Girdawari' (assessment) done within the next seven days to assess the damage and send the report to the Disaster Management Department so that the government can provide quick relief to the affected farmers, the officials said.

The chief secretary took stock of the damage caused by rain and hailstorm from all the divisional commissioners and district collectors through video conference on Thursday, they said.

She said that the state government is very sensitive about the loss caused to the farmers due to rain and hailstorm. Taking action, she directed the district collectors to personally send the concerned officers to the fields to ensure special 'Girdawari' and their geo tagging.

Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Aparna Arora, Secretary (Disaster Management and Relief) P C Kishan and Special Secretary (Revenue) Vishwamohan Sharma were also present during the meeting.
Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi on Wednesday sent back the bill to the state government meant to prohibit online gambling and the regulation of online games, passed by the Assembly on October 19, 2022.

The Governor has returned the bill after four months and also sought further clarification regarding the bill from the state government.

Tamil Nadu Law Minister S Regupathy on October 19, 2022, presented a bill in the state assembly to ban online gambling games. The Bill was introduced for banning online gambling platforms including Rummy and Poker.

The Tamil Nadu government in March had stated that they were committed to banning these online platforms and also asserted that they have been making efforts to invoke the laws that serve the said purpose.

On October 7 Governor Ravi promulgated an ordinance to prohibit online gambling and to regulate online gaming in the state.

The government decided to ban online rummy games based on a report submitted by Justice Chandru's led panel and stakeholders' input.

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Earlier in September, Tamil Nadu Cabinet approved the ordinance to ban online gambling.

Following the Council of Ministers' acceptance of the bill to outlaw online gambling, the Governor granted his support and the measure received the assent of Governor Ravi in October.

The Tamil Nadu state government has made two attempts to pass legislation outlawing online gambling in the region and according to that legislation, no supplier of online games can offer online gambling services, permit the gaming of any online gambling that would require the use of cash or other risks or permit the gaming of any online game that violates the rules.
The American intelligence community on Wednesday told lawmakers that it apprehends increased tension between India and Pakistan and India and China with the possibility of a conflict between them.

It also noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is more likely than in the past to respond with military force to Pakistani provocations.

This assessment forms part of the annual threat assessment of the US intelligence community that was submitted to the US Congress by the Office of Director of National Intelligence during a Congressional hearing.

While India and China have engaged in bilateral border talks and resolved border points, relations will remain strained in the wake of the countries' lethal clash in 2020, the most serious in decades, said the report.

The expanded military postures by both India and China along the disputed border elevate the risk of armed confrontation between two nuclear powers that might involve direct threats to US persons and interests, and calls for US intervention. Previous standoffs have demonstrated that persistent low-level friction on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has the potential to escalate swiftly, it said.

According to the report, the crises between India and Pakistan are of particular concern because of the risk of an escalatory cycle between two nuclear-armed states. New Delhi and Islamabad probably are inclined to reinforce the current calm in their relationship following both sides' renewal of a ceasefire along the Line of Control in early 2021.

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"However, Pakistan has a long history of supporting anti-India militant groups, and under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is more likely than in the past to respond with military force to perceived or real Pakistani provocations. Each side's perception of heightened tensions raises the risk of conflict, with violent unrest in Kashmir or a militant attack in India being potential flashpoints," it said.

Responding to a question, the State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said US-Pakistan counter-terrorism dialogue provides an "opportunity for the United States to convey our willingness to work with Pakistan" to address terrorist threats and counter violent extremism, the threats that are in the region, the threats that have the potential to transcend the region as well.

"We have a shared interest in combating threats to regional security. The goal of a stable and secure South and Central Asia free from terrorism depends on the strength of in large part our partnership with Pakistan. The dialogue is a testament to our shared commitment to a resilient security relationship and an opportunity for candid discussion on steps we can take together to counter all terrorist groups that threaten regional and global stability," he said.

"The United States seeks to expand our partnership to address these challenges. Any group that threatens regional and global stability of course is a concern to us. It is something that we discussed in the context of this counter-terrorism dialogue," Price said.
NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India exported 52% less finished steel from April to February than it did a year earlier, as slowing global demand hit shipments, according to government data seen by Reuters on Thursday.

The export volume was lower, at 5.9 million tonnes, despite the government's withdrawal of an export tax in November.

India, the world's second-biggest producer of crude steel, also imports the alloy. In the April-February period it was a net exporter.

Major steelmakers reported a drop in profits in the December quarter, in part because the government in May imposed the tax, which applied to exports of some intermediate steel products, such as bars.

Most steel companies, including JSW Steel Ltd, India's biggest steelmaker by capacity, have projected a pick-up in exports in the current quarter.

Between April and February, India produced 109.35 million tonnes of finished steel, 6.2% more than a year before, the data showed. Consumption rose by 11.6% to 107.2 million tonnes.

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India imported 5.6 million tonnes of finished steel during the period, up 29.5% from a year earlier. Crude steel production was up 3.9%, at 113.44 million tonnes.

(Reporting by Neha Arora; Editing by Bradley Perrett)


The US wants to coordinate with its allies, including India and Europe, so that a subsidy race and glut in the semiconductor space can be also avoided in the future. India and the United States (US) had been working very closely on semiconductors and would on Friday sign a pact on sharing information and commercial opportunities related to it, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said on Thursday.



Amid the global semiconductor chip crisis, countries are chalking out strategies to build resilient supply chains so that they remain unaffected by disruptions such as pandemic or geopolitical tensions. For instance, last year, the US signed the CHIPS Act to strengthen domestic semiconductor manufacturing. In December 2021, India announced a production-linked incentive scheme for development of semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystems. So the discussions that weve (India and the US) had are providing transparency in our initiatives, coordinating and collaborating on how we administer our semiconductor initiatives, said Raimondo, who is on a four-day visit to New Delhi till March 10 to enhance trade and commercial ties between both nations.



The India-US Commercial Dialogue will be held on Friday after a three-year hiatus that will focus on supply chain resiliency and diversification and new emerging areas. Raimondo said the world, including the US, was overly dependent on Taiwan as far as semiconductors were concerned. Were not producing enough semiconductors and were getting them all from either just Taiwan or just packaged in Malaysia, and it exposes us to incredible disruption93 per cent of the worlds most advanced semiconductors are produced in Taiwan. That isn't, by any measure, is stable or resilient, she said at a fireside chat organised by Jesus and Mary College.

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There are also synergies between both nations on semiconductor design and technology. How do we purposefully strategise and plan? For example, India is home to a massive amount of semiconductor design talent. The US leads the world in semiconductor design, we have synergy there. Having said that, you know, this semiconductor supply chain is incredibly complex from rare earth, critical minerals, chemicals, silicon, and actual manufacturing, Raimondo said. The India-US CEO Forum will also take place on Friday with key priority areas such as increasing supply chain resilience, enhancing energy security and reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions, advancing inclusive digital trade, and facilitating post-pandemic economic recovery, especially for small businesses.



FTA and IPEF One of the challenges, she pointed out, was India still had quite high tariffs on certain components that go into semiconductors or other electronics, making manufacturing difficult.



IPEF has four pillars  trade, supply chains, tax and anti-corruption, and clean energy. Out of the 14 member-nations, only India walked out of the trade pillar in September last year as broad consensus had not emerged on issues pertaining to labour, environment, digital trade, and public procurement. India has an observer status as far as the trade pillar is concerned. Raimondo said a trade deal with India was off the table and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) would be more economically impactful than a free trade agreement (FTA).



If we figure it right, it willthat will unleash more job creation in both the countries. We will see a big supply chain, job creation, private investments, she said. The US Congress has said there is no political appetite for FTA with IndiaMy call is that IPEF may prove to be in many ways more economically impactful than FTA. FTA for the past 50 years has been an economic arrangement between two countries, she said, adding that IPEF would be a modern equivalent of an FTA.
Indias focus on snapping up ever higher volumes of Russian crude oil has led to a proportionate decline in import from West Asia. Flows from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have suffered.

Multiple officials and industry executives said Iraq, wants to discuss discounts expected by Indian refiners. Iraq was the largest source of crude oil for India in the first 10 months of the current fiscal year. But imports from Russia are gaining fast and may catch up with Iraq by FY23 end, experts said.
Union minister G. Kishan Reddy. (Photo: @kishanreddybjp)

Hyderabad: Union minister G. Kishan Reddy on Thursday said that there was no need for the BJP or Prime Minister Narendra Modi to target the Kalvakuntla family.

Referring to the Enforcement Directorate summoning BRS MLC K. Kavitha in the Delhi liquor scam probe, he said: "There is no stature or moral right for the Kalvakuntla family members to criticise the BJP government. Kalvakuntla siblings KTR and Kavitha are habituated liars and spread false propaganda against BJP."

Addressing mediapersons in New Delhi on Thursday, Kishan slammed Kavitha for seeking exemptions from the investigating agencies, saying that "all are equal before law".

Kishan Reddy said that the BJP government has been in power since 2014 due to corruption-free good governance. "If Kavitha is found guilty in the liquor scam, she should face the consequences. Family rule and graft by rulers are major obstacles for development," he said.

Questioning why the BJP was being blamed for summons issued by the ED or CBI, he cited arrests of union ministers during the Congress rule as proof of their independence.

"Why are BRS leaders shaking over ED notices? If they are people with integrity, let them prove their innocence," he said.

He slammed Kavitha for trying to get public sympathy by calling for a dharna on the Womens Reservation Bill in New Delhi, over the ED summons. He questioned why Kavitha and her business friends destroyed 10 cell phones each in recent times.

"Kavithas involvement in Delhi liquor scam has shamed people of Telangana. There is no moral right for the BRS leadership to ask for a Womens Reservation Bill as they did not induct a single woman minister in the first cabinet," he said.

Kishan Reddy said that BRS allies, such as RJD and SP, were also against the Womens Reservation Bill.

"The BRS should at least convince its ally MIM over the Bill. The BRS government squeezed the media and democratic values in Telangana and the people of Telangana have decided to oust the BRS from power soon," he said.


Deputy Chairman Kazuyoshi Yoshinaga is departing for personal reasons, the Chinese firm said in a brief exchange filing, without elaborating. He didnt respond to messages seeking comment. AirPods maker GoerTek Inc.s Vietnam business chief is leaving the company, days after the executive outlined how Apple Inc.s Chinese suppliers are likely to move capacity out of the country far faster than anticipated to pre-empt fallout from escalating Beijing-Washington tensions.



The expanding conflict between the US and China  which began with a trade war but expanded to encompass sweeping bans on the exchange of chips and capital  is spurring a rethink of the electronics industrys decades-old supply chain. The worlds reliance on the Asian nation became starkly clear during the Covid Zero years, when Beijings restrictions choked off the supply of everything from phones to cars. Apples suppliers rarely comment on its thinking, in part because of the US companys famous insistence on secrecy across its global supply chain. Yoshinaga didnt disclose Apples strategy or plans to Bloomberg News. Instead, he described how big US names are pressuring their Chinese suppliers to explore alternative production bases beyond the country, such as India and Vietnam.



GoerTek for its part is investing an initial $280 million in a new Vietnam plant while considering an India expansion, Yoshinaga said during last months interview. The iPhone maker itself has kept mum on whether it plans to diversify out of China, which would entail revamping a model Tim Cook pioneered under Steve Jobs before taking over as chief executive officer. The US giant has been careful to avoid suggestions it might reduce its investment in a country where its built an ecosystem centered on companies such as GoerTek and Foxconn Technology Group, which collectively employ millions.
European Union (EU) defence ministers discussed the idea of sending further military support to Ukraine, at an informal meeting in the Swedish capital Stockholm.

"There was increasing consensus around the table that the EU needs to act in order to provide the Ukrainians with more ammunition," Sweden's Minister for Defence Pal Jonson said in a video released after the meeting, Xinhua news agency reported.

The defence ministers discussed a plan by Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, for the EU to reimburse member states who immediately send more artillery ammunition to Ukraine.

Under the plan, member states would also jointly purchase large quantities of ammunition through the European Defense Agency, to speed up deliveries while keeping costs down.

The EU plans to allocate two billion euros ($2.1 billion) from the European Peace Facility to the purchase of ammunition.

"I hope that by our next defense ministers' meeting on March 20 in Brussels we actually will be able to reach an agreement," Jonson said after the meeting.

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--IANS

int/sha


However, Nithyananda is not alone in his attempt to create a nation. There have been many such micronations from all over the world. Google map shows that there are currently nearly 80 such micronations. Just a few days ago Kailasa, the self-declared country founded by self-styled godman Nithyananda, created yet another controversy after its "representatives" attended a United Nations meeting in Geneva last month.



Micronations generally claim a territory, usually a piece of personal property or an uninhabitable tract of land. Britannica describes 'micronation' as an entity that claims to be an independent state but whose sovereignty is not recognised by the international community. Micronations should not be confused with microstates. Microstates are extremely small territories and have very little population but are internationally recognised. For example the Vatican city.



1) Kailasa Here are a few micronations

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In 2019, Nithyananda uploaded a YouTube video and announced that he has set up his own country called Kailasa, dedicated to the "preservation, restoration and revival of an enlightened culture and civilization based on authentic Hinduism". Nithyananda is a self-styled godman who has thousands of followers in India and abroad. In 2010, he was arrested in a sex scandal. With charges of rape and abduction, he reportedly fled India.

2) Kingdom of Ruritania

The Kingdom of Ruritania is a private residence owned by the principals of this micronation. This private residency is described as their embassy in the United States of America. Here's what their website reads:



3) Liberland "Ruritania is an absolute monarchy based upon Divine Right and located between Dresden and Prague. We do not meet the qualifications of the United Nations for unexplained reasons, not that being a member of that organization was ever our goal. We are relegated to a few far-flung embassies and consulates in foreign countries. We hope you will raise your voice with ours and demand that the leaders of the world recognize Ruritania and the sovereignty of our beloved Anastasia, by the Grace of God, Queen of Ruritania!"



"Free Republic of Liberland" is a sovereign state located between Croatia and Serbia. It is a 7 km land referred to as Gornja Siga. The founder and elected head of state is President Vit Jedlicka. Liberland is a constitutional republic with elements of direct democracy. The state has two Vice Presidents and 5 Ministers. The language is English. The Liberland merit is the currency of Liberland." Founded on the motto of "live and let live", this micronation was believed to have been established by Wit Jedlica, a Czech politician and activist, in 2015. Here's what its website says:

4) Rajneeshpuram

The micronation might not have UN approval but has a six-part docuseries called Wild Wild Country, on Netflix. Situated in 64,000 acres of the former Big Muddy Ranch in Oregon, the Rajneeshland found itself at the centre of media attention in the 1980s, due to the group's activities. Rajneesh, an Indian spiritual leader, set up the religious intentional community in the northwest United States, located in Wasco County, Oregon. The micronation had its own police, fire department, and public transport system. It was even incorporated as a city between 1981 and 1988.

5) Principality of Snake Hill

This micronation came up in 2003 after some Australian residents decided to secede from the nation after not being able to pay taxes. According to the principality's official blog, the Australian government filed an "ill-fated land and income suit", which was going to take away all their money. With just over a hundred citizens, they proclaimed Princess Helena as the head of state of Snake Hill.

6) Kalkuta Republic

Kalkuta Republic was the name musician and political activist Fela Kuti gave to his house, declaring it independent from the Nigerian army.



According to the museum's website, the name Kalakuta Republic came from the time Fela spent in prison in 1974 on suspicion of possessing weed. "He was held in a communal cell which his fellow prisoners jokingly called Kalakuta Republic - in Swahili, kalakuta means rascal. The tag had a ring to it which appealed to Fela." the website read. Today the Kalakuta Museum in Ikeja, Lagos is located in the actual three-story house where Fela lived and declared it the Kalakuta Republic in defiance of Nigerias military dictatorship. The poet described it as an independent, self-governing state. Fela lived there with his family until his passing in 1997. The site now turned into a museum is packed with his personal belongings and artifacts relating to his life and career.

7) Principality of Little Scotland

Created in 1977, the Principality of Little Scotland was an Australian micronation created in 1977 by Lindsay (Fergus) Munro and his wife Lilian Munro.



Lindsay (Fergus) Munro declared the independence of a small rural acreage in the Upper Kangaroo Valley. According to the National Archives of Australia, the Munros travelled to Switzerland in 1978 in order to promote an investment scheme linked to the development of Little Scotland as a luxury health spa and eco-tourism destination.

8) The Principality of Baneyest

Located on 136 acres near Granges-les-Beaumont, France. The micronation is based on a supposed irregularity in the Treaty of Romans, 1349.

9) Principality of Freedonia

The Principality of Freedonia tried to establish a libertarian paradise in Adwal, Somalia in controversial circumstances.



10) The Republic of Molossia According to Wikipedia, the Principality of Freedonia was a micronation based on libertarian principles. And was created as a "hypothetical project" by a group of teenagers in the United States in 1992. The project was formalized as a new country project in 1997, with attempts to lease territory in Somaliland. However, these attempts to lease land were rejected.



According to the website the micronation is located in the western United States, a tiny enclave in the State of Nevada, a second enclave in Southern California and a third in Northern California. The Republic of Molossia's website says that it is a sovereign, independent nation, located in and completely surrounded by the territory of the United States. "With a total area of 17,920 sRN (4.5 ha / 11.3 acres), Molossia is one of the smallest nations on earth, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in spirit. A sense of humor characterizes most Molossian people, which, coupled with the casual and comfortable western lifestyle, makes Molossia an enjoyable place to visit," the website reads.

"His Excellency, President Kevin Baugh is the current leader of our nation." the website says.
Jill Biden on Wednesday praised a group of women from around the world, including those who have been protesting against Iran's leaders, for showing courage while fighting for their rights and called on men to "be partners" with women and support them in their cause.

"As much as we need women who are willing to speak up, we need more men who are willing to listen and act," the first lady said.

"We need more men to hold each other accountable when their sisters are being hurt or left behind, she said at a White House ceremony for the 2023 recipients of the International Women of Courage Awards. "We need more men who nurture families, who feed and teach and mentor, who build safer communities. We need more men who know that caring, collaboration and kindness are signs of strength, not weakness.

"Men, we need you to support the women who are fighting for their rights and to lift up those who have been silenced, she continued. Be partners, be partners with women. Become the men of courage' we need. Only then will we be able to build a world where men and women are equal and all people are free."



At the ceremony, held on International Women's Day, Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken presented awards to 11 recipients from Afghanistan, Argentina, Central African Republic, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Poland and Ukraine.

The group includes the first female general to serve in the Mongolian armed forces, along with advocates for protecting indigenous lands in Costa Rica and ending discrimination against people with disabilities in Malaysia and against LGBTQ people in Argentina.

Among them was Yuliia Paievska, a Ukrainian medic who last year recorded reams of harrowing bodycam footage showing her team's efforts to save those who were wounded during Russia's bombardment of the city of Mariupol. Paievska gave the footage to Associated Press journalists, who were the last international team in the city, on a tiny data card.

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The journalists fled Mariupol with the data card and shared the images with the world. Paievska was detained soon after by pro-Russia forces and held for three months.

A new group award, named for Madeleine Albright, who died last March after making history in 1997 by becoming the first female US secretary of state, was given to the women and girls of Iran, who have been protesting against their government since last September.

Nationwide protests erupted in Iran after the September 16 death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in the custody of Iran's morality police. Amini was accused of violating Iran's strict dress code for women by wearing her headscarf improperly.

The International Women of Courage Award, created in 2007 by then-US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, recognizes women who show exceptional courage, strength and leadership while advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equity and equality, and the empowerment of women and girls. More than 180 women from 80-plus countries have received the award since its inception.

Biden moved Wednesday's ceremony from its traditional home at the State Department because she wanted to bring the stories of these incredible women to the biggest stage we could, and that is, of course, the White House," said Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, who also spoke at the ceremony.
BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao speaks to mediapersons at Telangana Bhavan on Thursday. (Photo: Twitter: @BRSparty)

Hyderabad: BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao dubbed the summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate to party MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha, his sister, in the Delhi liquor scam as "Modi summons."

Speaking to mediapersons at Telangana Bhavan on Thursday, Rama Rao said, "They are not ED summons but Modi summons as part of BJP-led government at the Centre's ploy to harass opposition parties. We will not run away like BJP's B.L.Santosh in BRS MLAs poaching case. We will face ED and other central agencies as we have total faith in the country's judicial system."

He charged the BJP with using central investigating agencies such as the CBI, I-T department and the ED as "tools to threaten, harass, and demoralise the political opponents" as well as undermine democracy.

"The BJP government at the Centre has already ordered raids on a dozen BRS leaders so far including ministers, MLAs, MLCs, and MPs. We know that this will not end with Kavitha's summons. They will target more BRS leaders in the coming days. This is nothing but political witch-hunting. We will face them and fight against them through political and legal means," Rama Rao said.

He pointed out that the ED had filed 5,422 cases since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took over in 2014 but secured conviction in only 23 cases. He said 23 cases were booked on Congress leaders, 19 on TMC, 11 on NCP and six each on DMK and BJD, five each on RJD, BSP and SP, three each on AAP, YSRC and INLD, two on CPI(M) and now the BRS was added to the list.

"The meagre conviction rate proves that the BJP government is filing cases only to harass opposition parties. Why are there no cases against BJP leaders," he asked.

The prime charge of the ED in Delhi liquor scam was that the policy was brought to favour somebody. "If that was so, then why was it not applied in the case of the BJP government handing over six airports to Adani Group by changing the policy limiting two ports to any business group, and even after the issue was red-flagged by the Finance ministry and Niti Aayog? Why was it not applied when the coal policy was changed to benefit Adani Group by forcing states to purchase imported coal for power plants from Adani mines in other countries," Rama Rao questioned.

He alleged that the industrialist Gautam Adani was the benami of PM Modi adding that it was not said by an individual but the Sri Lankan government itself. "Recently, Sri Lanka's foreign minister went on record stating that Adani Groups investments in Sri Lanka were a G2G (government to government) deal.

"A Rs 6,000-crore project was given to the Adani Group with the recommendation of Modi. Its a G2G (Gautam2Gotabaya) deal mediated by Modi," Rama Rao remarked, referring to then Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Rama Rao accused the PM of tweaking policies in favour of Adani Group to get contracts.

"The group, in turn, was funding the BJP in the form of bonds or other means to help win elections directly or indirectly by buying MLAs and toppling democratically elected non-BJP governments. The BJP had already toppled nine democratically elected governments since 2014," he alleged.

Rama Rao threatened to impose a ban on a vernacular newspaper and a TV channel. He lost his cool when the reporter of a vernacular channel questioned him on Kavitha's role and shot back: "In Gujarat where there is prohibition, 42 people

died due to consumption of spurious liquor. Do you call it a scam or BJP's scheme? Can your channel show it? Do you have the guts to show it or report it? We know what dramas your channel and newspaper are enacting. We also know when to ban your channel and paper and other BJP mouthpieces," he said.

Journalist unions such as Telangana Working Journalists Federation (TWJF) strongly condemned Rama Rao's remarks and demanded that he withdraw them unconditionally.
Roza Otunbayeva, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan, said that 28 million people, accounting for two-thirds of the war-torn nation's population, will need life-saving humanitarian assistance this year.

The humanitarian need will cost $4.62 billion, the single-largest country appeal ever, Otunbayeva told a Security Council meeting.

Almost half of the Afghan population -- 20 million people -- are experiencing crisis levels of food insecurity, she said, adding that 6 million people are one step away from famine-like conditions.

"Our humanitarian action is challenged by an increasingly complex access and security environment," said Otunbayeva.

The Taliban-run administration's bans against women working in non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are not the only serious obstacles to reaching vulnerable populations, she said, voicing concerns that "national women staff working for the UN will also be banned".

The ban, along with disallowing women from pursuing higher education, will have serious consequences for the Afghan population and for the relationship between the Taliban and the international community, Otunbayeva said.

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She warned that "funding for Afghanistan is likely to drop" if women were not allowed to work.

Otunbayeva also pointed out that the delivery of humanitarian aid is affected by growing concerns about the looming threat of the Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K).

Mitigating such threats will require more concerted and more united member state attention and is clearly an issue that the international community has in common with the de facto authorities in Afghanistan, she said.

--IANS

ksk/


The Migration Advisory Committee, which advises the government on immigration, has recommended that tradespeople including carpenters, bricklayers and roofers should be added to the shortage occupation list, according to a person familiar with the matter. The UK government is drawing up plans to loosen immigration rules to tackle chronic shortages in the construction industry, amid concerns that encouraging Britons to go back to work wont be enough to plug the gaps.



The move, first reported by the Financial Times late Wednesday, risks sparking controversy in the ruling Conservative Party so soon after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak declared a crackdown on illegal migration. The list allows employers to bring in foreign workers on a lower salary threshold than the usual skilled worker level and pay lower visa fees. Ministers are weighing up the proposals from the committee, according to the person.



The number of working age people neither in work nor looking for a job since February 2020 has risen by 520,000, according to the most recent data. Thats set to get worse: By 2026 there will be 726,000 more inactive people in the UK aged between 16 and 64 years old than before the pandemic, the Office for National Statistics said this month. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is expected to outline measures in his budget on March 15 to encourage economically inactive people back into work, but the government believes targeted immigration in key sectors will also now be required.

Also Read What challenges await Rishi Sunak as the new PM of the UK? UK PM Sunak begins Cabinet reshuffle, keeps Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in place Rishi Sunak expected to keep Jeremy Hunt as he readies new UK cabinet UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to arrive in Bengaluru for G20 finance meet 'Inevitable' Britons will pay more tax for stability, say Sunak, Hunt Russia plans to challenge US nominee Ajay Banga to World Bank 25 or 50 basis points will depend on coming economic data: Powell Pak tells IMF about asking China for rollover of $2 bn deposits for next yr IMF board to consider approval of Sri Lanka's bailout package on March 20 Indian-origin UK home minister proposes crackdown on illegal migrants



A government spokesperson said in an emailed statement: We work closely with the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to ensure our points based system delivers for the UK and works in the best interests of the economy, by prioritising the skills and talent we need and encouraging long-term investment in the domestic workforce. Current jobs on the shortage occupation list include health and care workers, civil engineers, vets and architects.

This includes reviewing the shortage occupation list to ensure it reflects the current labor market. The MAC has published its call for evidence and we encourage all interested parties to respond.
HFCL advanced 2.63% to Rs 69.52 after the company announced collaboration with Microsoft to roll out private 5G solutions for enterprises.

In an exchange filing made during market hours today, the company said that with the rapid rollout of 5G in India, enterprises are looking at 5G technology to further their digital transformation.

GSA reports that 41% of private networks being deployed by enterprises are private 5G networks that enable deployment of high-performing infrastructure, which helps boost their connectivity, productivity and operational flexibility.

HFCL has collaborated with Microsoft to create converged private 5G solutions that harness technologies of IoT, cloud, edge computing, AI and analytics to transform industry verticals that include manufacturing, retail & warehouse, mining, education, defence, railways, smart city, etc.

HFCL is deploying one such private 5G enabled industry 4.0 solution as a pilot program using Microsoft Azure public MEC and HFCL 5G indoor small cell, at its optical fiber manufacturing plant in Hyderabad.

Mahendra Nahata, managing director at HFCL, said: "We are very pleased with our collaboration with Microsoft in implementing Industry 4.0 solution in our own factory as a pilot program, using Microsoft Azure public MEC.

Also Read Intellect Design Arena gains on collaborating with AWS Minda Corp rises after collaborating with Daesung Eltec for ADAS technology HFCL gains on bagging orders worth Rs 95 cr Hyundai Mobis introduces "Touring Accessories" and "Tyres" by collaborating with Thule and Apollo Tyres Limited HFCL gains on bagging APOs worth Rs 448-cr from BSNL, RailTel Bandhan Bank Ltd down for fifth straight session Pfizer Ltd slips for fifth straight session JSW Energy declines on profit booking Apollo Pipes board to mull fund raising on 14 March G R Infra emerges as L-1 bidder for Rs 1,248 cr project in Bihar

The best practices and the lessons learnt will act as a playbook to deploy Private 5G solutions for manufacturing and other industry verticals embarking on a similar digital transformation journey.

HFCL is engaged in a diverse telecom infrastructure enabler with active interest spanning telecom infrastructure development, system integration, and manufacture and supply of high-end telecom equipment, optic fibre and optic fibre cable (OFC).

The company's consolidated net profit rose 22.65% to Rs 96.13 crore despite a 10.65% fall in sales to Rs 1,085.84 crore in Q3 FY23 over Q3 FY22.

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Ashok Gajapathi Raju. (PTI)

KAKINADA: Rajamahendravaram MP M. Bharat has found fault with senior Telugu Desam leader P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju for criticising ruling YSRC and its MPs for their alleged inability to secure from centre Special Category Status (SCS) for Andhra Pradesh.

Campaigning for TD MLC north Andhra candidate Chiranjeevi Rao, the senior TD leader told media that in 2019 elections, YSRC chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy had made SCS the main poll plank. Jagan had promised that if given 25 MPs, he would secure SCS by compelling the centre.

"YSRC got 22 MPs. Yet, it has made no impact on the centre," Gajapathi Raju underlined. He said he had resigned as union minister and N. Chandrababu Naidu separated from the previous NDA government over the issue. In this context, the senior Telugu Desam leader called upon people to vote for real peoples representatives and not mediators.

Taking objection to this, the YSRC chief whip in Lok Sabha lashed out at Ashok Gajapathi Raju. Bharat pointed out that the then AP CM had first accepted the special package in lieu of the promised special category status. Naidu then took a U turn. He wondered what Naidu and Ashok Gajapathi Raju had been doing for four years when TD and BJP had been in alliance.

The YSRC MP maintained that his party has kept the SCS issue alive till now. "The ruling party will continue with its efforts to secure SCS for the state and also get implemented promises made in AP Reorganisation Act, 2014," he asserted.

Bharat underlined that the Global Investors Summit at Visakhapatnam has become a success with 13 lakh crore investments coming to AP. He asked opposition parties to welcome the development and indulge in positive criticism about the investments.
Sequent Scientific jumped 13.23% to Rs 70.63 after the company said that it will not acquire Tineta Pharma and the share purchase agreement entered by the company with Tineta and its promoters stands terminated.Earlier on 7 November 2022, the company's board approved the acquisition of 100% stake in Tineta Pharma from its existing shareholders for a consideration to be discharged partly by cash and partly by issuance of equity shares of the company through preferential allotment route. The company signed a definitive agreement for the same purpose.

Sequent post market hours yesterday said that the transaction contemplated under the share purchase agreement has been terminated.

Sequent Scientific is India's largest and amongst the 'Top 20' global animal health companies, backed by global investment firm 'The Carlyle Group' as promoter. The company has 8 manufacturing facilities across Europe, Turkey, Brazil & India with the Vizag site being India's only USFDA approved dedicated veterinary API facility.

The company reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 8.87 crore in Q3 FY23 as against a net profit of Rs 17.12 crore in Q3 FY22. Net sales rose 4.8% YoY to Rs 375.31 crore in Q3 FY23.

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The country's largest airline IndiGo has appointed Mark Sutch as the Chief Commercial Officer for its international cargo business.

From March 1, the carrier said its cargo business CarGo will have two CCOs -- Mahesh Kumar Malik for domestic and Sutch for international segments.

IndiGo inducted its first A321 freighter in November and the second one in December last year. Two more freighters are expected this year.

Sutch was earlier Chief Commercial Officer with CMA CGM Air Cargo based in Marseille. He has also served with Cathay Pacific Airways, including being based for 5 years in Mumbai as the airline's Regional GM for South Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

He is a British and Irish national and has spent most of his career on international assignments, a release said on Thursday.

Sutch said that as the airline's international network and frequency grow, there is an opportunity to build world-class cargo products and solutions using both its A321 freighters and extensive belly capacity.

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IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers said Sutch brings a wealth of industry experience that will support the airline to further expand its CarGo business.

In 2021, the carrier said it would source four A321 ceo planes that will be converted from passenger jets to full freighter configurations.

The airline has more than 300 aircraft in its fleet and operates around 1,800 flights daily.


Ram Chandra Poudel of the Nepali Congress and Subash Chandra Nembang of the CPN-UML vying for the top post. This is the third presidential election in Nepal since the country became a republic in 2008.

Nepalese lawmakers on Thursday voted to elect a new President, the outcome of which could impact the stability of the government headed by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda".

The total number of voters for the election of the President is 882, consisting of 332 Members of the Parliament and 550 members of the provincial assemblies of the seven provinces.

The voting started at 10 am local time at the New Baneshwar-based parliament building here and concluded at 3 pm.



Poudel expressed confidence that the lawmakers will elect him.

Shaligram, the spokesperson of the Election Commission, said 518 Provincial Assembly members and 313 Members of the Federal Parliament cast their votes in the presidential election.

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The tenure of the current president, Bidya Devi Bhandari, will end on March 12. The Election Commission will begin counting of votes at 4 pm and declare the results by 7 pm. "I am fully confident that the members of the federal parliament and provincial assemblies will vote for me. I believe that they will make the right judgment of my long struggle," he said.



The Presidential election is a face-off between two former speakers of the House of Representatives -- Paudel, a candidate backed by the eight-party alliance led by Prime Minister Prachanda, and CPN-UML's Nembang. Paudel, 78, and Nembang, 69, filed their nominations last month.

Nepal's Election Commission said on Wednesday that all preparations for the big-ticket election have been completed.



With the support from eight political parties, Paudel's victory in the presidential election is almost certain. Former prime minister KP Sharma-led CPN-UML, Nepal's second largest party in Parliament, withdrew its support to Prime Minister "Prachanda"-led government following a rift over backing Paudel for the presidential poll.



The vote weightage of a federal MP is 79 whereas that of the provincial assembly member is 48.

The election of the President is held based on a weighted voting system.



Although the post of President is largely ceremonial, Nepal's political parties have lately shown a growing interest in the post owing to the discretionary powers the Constitution accords to the post.

The term of office of the President will be five years from the date of election and an individual can be elected for the post for only two terms.



According to RPP Spokesperson Mohan Shrestha, the Central Working Committee of the party unanimously decided to stay neutral in the presidential election mainly for two reasons: the party advocates constitutional monarchy and it believes that the two candidates that are active in politics cannot play a neutral role as envisaged by the Constitution.

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), which has 14 lawmakers in the House of Representatives and 28 lawmakers in the provincial assemblies, decided to stay neutral in the presidential election.
Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Thursday held the first-ever consultation on the proposed Digital India Act and discussed rules to handle data captured by invasive gadgets like spy glasses and wearable devices.

The draft of the Digital India Act will be firmed up after two more rounds of discussion with stakeholders, the minister told PTI in a virtual interview after the first consultation in Bengaluru.

He said that the draft is likely to be issued in April and it will be followed up with more rounds of public consultation for about 45-60 days before being placed in the Parliament for final approval.

"We have undertaken for the first time ever consultation around the principal architectural design of legislation. The outcome of this consultation will be a draft. The draft in turn will be consulted extensively for a period that will be not less than 45 to 60 days," Chandrasekhar said.

Based on the timelines for consultation, the draft bill is likely to be ready to be placed before Parliament in July.

The minister during the consultation said that he expects the legislation to be in place this year.

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Chandrasekhar said that the legislation has to be in place for the next 10 years to catalyse the innovation ecosystem, protect consumers, be future-proof and future-ready.

"At a time when technology is disrupting so rapidly. There is AI (Artificial Intelligence). There is AI compute, blockchain, there are all types of big disruptive changes underway. That is a time that this legislation has been brought. So this legislation has to be future-ready and it has to be future-proof," Chandrasekhar said.

The minister during the consultation discussed the way law should deal with invasive devices.

As part of online safety and trust principle proposed for the Digital India Act (DIA), the minister sought views of stakeholder on mandating stringent regulation for privacy invasive devices such as spy camera glasses and wearable tech before their entry into market with strict KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements for retail sales with appropriate criminal law sanctions.

"I have put down many points. What should be the law's response to invasive devices like these camera eyeglasses? When somebody with a camera item walks into a room and starts filming you, how should the law deal with that," Chandrasekhar asked.

The minister said that the internet at present is more complex than it was five years ago.

"The complexity comes from the proliferation of new platforms, new devices, and now with 5G, 6G and with IoT, the complexity of the internet is 100-fold more from what it was just five years ago. So the DIA has to deal with that. Detailed answers will come in the draft," he said.

The Digital India Act will replace IT Act, 2000.

The minister said that initial discussions are being held to discuss broad consensus on the principles that are required for Digital India Act.
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Pernod Ricard India (PRI), a global leader in the wine and spirit industry, celebrated the milestone of being a gender equitable organization with more thanin its leadership. Accelerating the realization of the organisations diversity goals for 2030, the company has enhanced its recruitment processes, introduced multiple interventions and programs across its operations in the last two years. As a result, Pernod Ricard India has achieved a significant increase in diversity yardstick with 50% of all new employees being diversity candidates in the last one year. Representing strong, diverse voices and perspectives at every level, the company also markedin over 15 of their 27 manufacturing units in India. Aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and companys 2030 roadmap, this IDE milestone follows a long-standing commitment to driving inclusion of all genders, abilities and other intersectionalities in the workplace.Speaking on this International Womens Day,said, We began our Inclusion, Diversity & Equity (IDE) journey in 2020 with a strong ambition and an aim to set industry benchmarks for more organizations to follow. We believe that promoting an inclusive culture, diversity of thought and equity among our employees can unearth insights that can potentially spur exponential business growth. Our dedication to establishing a diverse workplace through numerous high-impact policies, sensitization and mentorship programs is designed to nurture an environment where employees feel secure, grow, and bring their true selves to work. We are thrilled to have made a strong start and we will continue to further our vision of fostering an inclusive and convivial workplace for people beyond genders.Diversity, Inclusion and Equity is central to Pernod Ricard Indias strategic framework. Setting a stellar example of this commitment, Pernod Ricard India Foundation, the CSR arm of the company, is today being led by 100% diverse workforce constituting women and persons with disabilities (PWD). This year the company has also achieved 70% diversity at shopfloor in its workforce across 8 of 27 manufacturing units in India.Speaking on gender equitable workforce,said, Gender equity is positively correlated with the profitability of a company, value creation and outperforming competitors. Companies with more women on their boards tend to outperform their competitors in return on equity, return on sales, return on capital, share performance, and stock price growth  this is the IDE story at Pernod Ricard India.To further its IDE agenda, Pernod Ricard India has rolled out immersive training sessions, sensitization, and mentorship programs to drive inclusivity and equity across the ecosystem. Initiatives such as gender-neutral washrooms, disability accessibility space, wellness and faith room for employees are part of the larger ID&E goal of the company. To enable an empowering work environment for LGBTQI+ employees, programs such as Redressal Group, Allyship Program with Pride Circle, Employee Resource Group for the community members and Micro-learning Capsule for sharing pride journey have been instituted. Apart from this, the company has also formed IDE Council which is chaired by the MD of the company and focuses on aspects such as career after break, skilling, unique mentorship programs and other inclusivity programs for women and people with disabilities.To make it big this International Womens Day, this council has introduced Back to Spirit initiative for women who have taken a break from their career and want to get back to work. In the next phase, this program will be extended to members of all genders and orientations. Taking cognizance of existing sub-conscious biases against LGBTQI+ community, the company has also worked on modules that educate the employees on language and drama-based training to sensitive employees across the ecosystem. To make the workplace more inclusive for PWDs, the company has structured audits that help in identifying roles for specialized skill opening doors for the community members- while bringing them into mainstream employment.Pernod Ricard India has long been challenging stereotypes and writing its own story in the traditionally male-dominated alco-bev industry. The company will continue to advance diversity narrative by stepping up its efforts to establish a fair, balanced, and convivial workplace.
Propelld, a FinTech startup headquartered in Bangalore that specialises in education financing, recently unveiled its scholarship program with the scholarship pool valued up to INR 1 crore, intended for more than 100+ post-graduate students during the first phase. The scholarship program launched in February 2023 is receiving an overwhelming response across the country. The scholarship application window for the first phase will be open until 15th March 2023, with the results slated for announcement by the 1st week of April. Propelld invites more registration from interested students who wish to avail scholarships.



Students aspiring to pursue a Postgraduate course such as - MBA or PGDM programs - during the academic year 2023-2024 batch will be deemed eligible to apply for a scholarship. Additionally, those encountering financial impediments shall be provided credit lines to fund their fees subject to the terms and conditions.



Speaking about the initiative, Bibhu Prasad Das, Co-Founder of Propelld, said, "We are extremely pleased with an exceedingly positive response from students throughout India. Our objective is to provide comprehensive aid to individuals who exhibit a clear purpose of capitalizing on the opportunities presented to them during their academic pursuits. Through this scholarship initiative, we aspire to actualize the aspirations of numerous deserving students who are eager to pursue their education."



Propelld's primary goal is to democratise education, striving to provide all students with access to high-quality education and making it more affordable for those in need. Few points to note to go ahead with the application process.



Eligibility criteria for the scholarship program include being a student of any Indian university, a post-graduate candidate enrolling in the 2023-24 academic year, and MBA or PGDM students are also welcome to apply.

To apply, interested individuals must register via the scholarship.propelld.com link before the 15th of March, furnish their personal and academic details, and submit the requisite document proofs.
Tata AIA Life Insurance Company Limited (Tata AIA), one of Indias leading life insurers, has been recognized as a Kincentric Best Employer in India for 2022. Kincentric Is a globally renowned platform that showcases organizations which are industry leaders in employee engagement and development.



The win also propels Tata AIA into the Kincentric Best Employers Club, an exclusive group that has just 10 companies till date. Membership in the Kincentric India Best Employers Club is based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes a review of the last three years' certifications and an in-depth analysis of the people processes in place. This evaluation is designed to understand the longevity of the initiatives and practices that member organizations have put in place to create a positive employee experience.



Tata AIA continues to create exceptional employee experiences by reinventing talent practices to meet the changing needs of employees in todays increasingly complex world. The company has been excelling across critical people factors measured as part of the Kincentric Best Employers assessment - employee engagement, organizational agility, engaging leadership and talent focus. This is in the backdrop of challenges being faced by companies globally, around employee turnover and declining engagement levels post pandemic.

Creating a comprehensive employee lifecycle experience through Hire to Retire approach

approach Recruiting for Success to nurture our talent base for future leadership

to nurture our talent base for future leadership Inculcating a constant learning and development mindset across the organization

Recognizing and awarding stellar performance through multiple organization wide platforms

Commenting on this occasion, Kristyl Bhesania, President, and Chief Human Resources Officer at Tata AIA, said, "Being named as a Kincentric Best Employer for the 7th consecutive time, and being recognized as a member of the prestigious Best Employers Club is a great honor for all of us at Tata AIA. It is the perfect barometer that validates our people-centric practices and our firm commitment to our people. I would like to thank all my colleagues who are part of our HR team, our senior leadership team for their contribution and support in this journey.



People have always been one of the core values driving Tata AIA and pivotal to the organizations ethos and culture. This recognition is a testament to our ongoing and consistent efforts to create a work environment that fosters growth, collaboration, and innovation. Employee engagement and well-being are integral to our business strategy. We are also completely committed to continuously improving our people processes to support our employees' growth and development, she added.



Amy Vinh Mumma, Global Culture and Engagement Practice Leader for Kincentric, said Kincentric Best Employers identifies organizations that demonstrate excellence in the workplace, by creating differentiated employee experiences and agile & inclusive cultures that lead to stronger, more sustainable business results. Extraordinary organizations like Tata AIA stand above the rest because they accelerate outcomes through high employee engagement, profound organizational agility, engaging leadership and talent focus. We congratulate Tata AIA on achieving this recognition.

Kincentric, a global HR advisory firm, recognizes Best Employer organizations that have consistently demonstrated their commitment to building differentiated experiences for their employees. It is the seventh consecutive year the Company has received the prestigious recognition of Best Employer since 2016. Kincentric's premium annual assessment evaluates organizations across the industry to identify the Best Employers.

earned the Great Place to Work Certification , a hallmark of Best Workplaces in the country. This recognition is conferred by the Great Place to Work Institute, based on a rigorous work culture assessment process. The recognition requires 70% or more of a company's employees to rate it as a great workplace and is considered among the most prestigious achievements for a people-centric organization. Recently, Tata AIA

This award is testimony to the efforts of Tata AIAs HR and leadership team that constantly strives to meet the needs of its 12,000+ Tata AIA employees by 
Xi stresses enhancing integrated national strategies, strategic capabilities

Xinhua) 08:06, March 09, 2023

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, attends a plenary meeting of the delegation of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the People's Armed Police Force during the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 8, 2023. Xi delivered an important speech at the meeting. (Xinhua/Li Gang)

BEIJING, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday stressed opening new ground for enhancing integrated national strategies and strategic capabilities.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while attending a plenary meeting of the delegation of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the People's Armed Police Force, during the first session of the 14th National People's Congress, China's national legislature.

Consolidating and enhancing integrated national strategies and strategic capabilities has profound significance in building a modern socialist country in all respects and advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts, as well as in achieving the goals for the centenary of the PLA in 2027 and more quickly elevating the armed forces to world-class standards, said Xi.

Highlighting the goal of maximizing China's national strategic capabilities, Xi called for efforts in integrating the strategic layouts, resources and strengths in all areas, in a bid to systematically upgrade the country's overall strength to cope with strategic risks, safeguard strategic interests and realize strategic objectives.

Xi urged efforts to advance collaborative innovation in science and technology, with a focus on independent and original innovation, thus building high-level self-reliance and strength in science and technology at a faster pace.

Strategic capabilities in emerging fields must be bolstered in pursuit of new advantages in national development and international competitions, and the resilience of industrial and supply chains must be enhanced, Xi said.

Xi ordered coordinating the construction of major infrastructure, accelerating the building of national reserves, and making the reserves more capable of safeguarding national security.

Consolidating and enhancing integrated national strategies and strategic capabilities must draw momentum from reform and innovation, Xi stressed, urging more progresses in this regard.

He also called for efforts to foster a sound atmosphere of caring for, devoting to, building and safeguarding national defense among members of the public to pool strengths for consolidating and enhancing integrated national strategies and strategic capabilities and for building a strong country with a strong military.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, poses for a group photo with deputies from the delegation of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the People's Armed Police Force before attending a plenary meeting of the delegation during the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Gang)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The US, India in October 2021, held the 18th meeting of the Counterterrorism Joint Working Group, and in November 2021, India hosted the second Quad counterterrorism tabletop exercise along with Australia and Japan. Representational Image/DC

Washington: The Indian government has made significant efforts to detect, disrupt, and degrade the operations of terrorist organisations, according to the US Bureau of Counterterrorism's 'Country Reports on Terrorism 2021: India'.

"The Indian government made significant efforts to detect, disrupt, and degrade operations of terrorist organisations," the US Bureau of Counterterrorism's report read.

As per the report, in 2021, terrorism affected the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), the northeastern states, and parts of central India. Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Hizbul Mujahideen, ISIS, al-Qa'ida, Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen, and Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh, are the terrorist groups active in India.

A shift was observed in terrorists' tactics in 2021. They shifted towards attacks on civilians and greater reliance on IEDs, including an explosive attack using drones on an air force base.

The US, India in October 2021, held the 18th meeting of the Counterterrorism Joint Working Group, and in November 2021, India hosted the second Quad counterterrorism tabletop exercise along with Australia and Japan.

According to the 'Country Reports on Terrorism 2021: India' report, India responds promptly to U.S. requests for information related to terrorism investigations and makes efforts to mitigate threats in response to U.S. information. Collaborative efforts to disrupt terrorist travel continue and alerts are issued to U.S. authorities for possible threats in the United States and against U.S. interests.

In 2021, 153 terrorist attacks were reported in India's Jammu and Kashmir. The attacks caused 274 deaths which included 45 security personnel, 36 civilians, and 193 terrorists. Other notable attacks included an attack on November 1 in Manipur, in which the People's Liberation Army of Manipur and Naga People's Front killed seven persons in an ambush, including an Indian Army officer and his wife and minor son.

There were, however, no changes in India's terrorism-related legislation in 2021. India expanded the number of state-level Multi-Agency Centers to strengthen sharing of intelligence among state and federal agencies.

According to the official report, India implemented UNSCR 2396 by using watch lists, implementing biographic and biometric screening at ports of entry, and prioritizing information sharing. Pursuant to a bilateral arrangement, the U.S. and Indian governments have committed to collaborating on improving border security and information-sharing capabilities. The U.S. government is still pending a decision from the Government of India on an offer to collaborate on watchlisting assistance.

India is implementing dual-screen X-raying for cargo screening at airport locations.

Significant law enforcement actions by India include a National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Special Court sentencing three Lashkar-e-Tayyiba/Harkat-ul-Jihad-e-Islami terrorists to prison sentences of ten years for weapons smuggling, eight Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh terrorists were convicted for attacks with explosives in Bodh Gaya in 2012.

The NIA through September 2021, investigated 37 cases related to ISIS and arrested 168 people.

India is a member of FATF, the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering, and the Eurasian Group. India's Financial Intelligence Unit-India is part of the Egmont Group. NIA investigated nine cases of possible terror funding, according to the US report.

The Indian Army runs schools, training courses, recruitment drives, medical camps, and emergency services in Jammu and Kashmir to prevent "radicalization".
Yugabyte, the leading open source distributed SQL database company, today announced that it has signed a strategic partner agreement with leading Japanese PostgreSQL professional consulting company, SRA OSS, LLC.

Together, Yugabyte and SRA OSS will accelerate the adoption of cloud-native transactional database technology for enterprise database modernization initiatives in Japan.

SRA OSS brings a wealth of experience in PostgreSQL database implementation and modernization. Yugabytes partnership with SRA OSS has been fueled by an emerging market opportunity to share YugabyteDBs enterprise-grade relational database capabilities and horizontal scalability and cloud native resilience, along with the demand and ambition of SRA OSS to help businesses fully capitalize on database migration from legacy databases.

Both organizations see a growing market opportunity for cloud-native databases in the Japan region. They recognize that enterprise digital transformation efforts are stalling due to the inadequacy of monolithic databases to handle scalability and availability for systems of engagement and systems of record.

The companies also understand that SaaS providers are looking for relational databases that support horizontally scalable and multi-tenancy while their business is growing.

Danny Zaidifard, Vice President of Business Development & Partners, Yugabyte said, We see significant market opportunity as many organizations in the region are accelerating their database modernization plans. Japan has proven to be an innovative, early-adopter economy, and we are delighted to work with the countrys leading PostgreSQL professional consulting company, SRA OSS, who are our ideal partner for this market.

Kaoru Inaba, President, SRA OSS, commented, We are very pleased to build our partnership in Japan with Yugabyte, a leader in distributed SQL databases. Most enterprises are facing scalability and availability challenges in monolithic relational databases, and we have high expectations for YugabyteDB, which meets these enterprise database demands. We also expect Yugabyte Voyager, the end-to-end database migration solution for YugabyteDB, to accelerate our collaborative business.

YugabyteDB is a natural complement to SRA OSSs existing technologies and services, as they align well with the needs of the regions largest and most demanding transactional-driven organizations, which are looking to accelerate their database modernization strategies.

One of Yugabytes 2023 goals is to expand further into important new geographic markets, fuelling the companys growth across Japan. Globally, Yugabyte completed a Series C funding round for $188 million in October 2021, which valued the business at more than $1.3B.

Yugabyte officially established its Japan business in October 2021 and has been accelerating its growth in the region ever since. The companys go-to-market strategy includes the appointment of complementary strategic partners in the region.

About Yugabyte

Yugabyte is the company behind YugabyteDB, the open source, high-performance distributed SQL database for building global transactional applications. YugabyteDB serves business-critical applications with SQL query flexibility, high performance, and cloud native agility, thus allowing enterprises to focus on business growth instead of complex data infrastructure management. It is trusted by companies in cybersecurity, financial markets, IoT, retail, e-commerce, and other verticals. Founded in 2016 by former Facebook and Oracle engineers, Yugabyte is backed by Lightspeed Venture Partners, 8VC, Dell Technologies Capital, Sapphire Ventures, and others. For more info, go to: Yugabyte.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230308005877/en/
The Central Industrial Security Forces or CISF is one of the six paramilitary groups in India that comes under the supervision of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The CISF is the nation's primary armed police force, with its headquarters in Delhi. The CISF was founded in 1969. Since then, India has observed March 10 as CISF Raising Day. Everything you need to know about the CISF Raising Day is as follows:

What is CISF?

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is India's central armed force. CISF was founded in 1969, but on June 15th, 1983, it became what it is today. Safeguarding key government structures and the Delhi Metro are among the CISF's main responsibilities. Also, it is essential for providing airport security.

History of CISF

When an Act was passed by the Indian Parliament, the CISF was founded on March 10th, 1969. Under the CISF Act, the CISF was established with three battalions. To safeguard the nation's industrial installations, the Central Industrial Security Forces were created. Another act of Parliament, passed on June 15, 1983, established the CISF as an armed force. The responsibility of the CISF involves enhancing security at critical government installations as well as other significant institutions.

Significance of CISF

The CISF seeks to protect the nation's airways, shipping routes, and other important infrastructure. One of the significant and distinctive organisations among India's paramilitary forces is the CISF. Almost 300 locations, including airports, nuclear and space stations, and seaports, are currently covered by the CISF. The Delhi Metro is additionally covered in security by the CISF.

Central Industrial Security Force's duties

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is responsible for guarding nuclear power plants, mines, oil fields and refineries, space installations, important ports, airports, hydroelectric/thermal power plants owned and controlled by Central Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), as well as currency note presses that print Indian currency. Offers protection for over 300 industrial facilities and government infrastructure projects around the country. Additionally, it offers consulting services to businesses in the private sector and various government agencies in India. A few CISF battalions assist the police in upholding law and order. The CISF's fire wing provides assistance when industrial accidents occur. Not only this CISF in collaboration with Defence Security Corps (DSC) provides security at India's nuclear laboratories and DRDO establishments.

How is CISF Raising Day Celebrated

For their unselfish devotion, the CISF members receive medals, and the authorities even organise a parade. There are organised demonstrations of martial arts and specialised strikes. The CISF Raising Day is crucial for increasing public awareness and educating people to work more cooperatively with CISF personnel to protect critical institutions. To maintain the nation's peace and security, cooperation with CISF personnel is crucial.

Central Industrial Security Force To Celebrate Raising Day In Hyderabad

On March 12, Hyderabad will host the Central Industrial Security Force's (CISF) annual Raising Day celebrations. This will be the first time, according to officials, that the CISF would celebrate "Raising Day" outside of the national capital of New Delhi. The annual event will be conducted outside of Delhi for the first time, according to a senior CISF officer. It was previously hosted at a CISF facility in Ghaziabad, a suburb of Delhi. "The National Industrial Security Academy (NISA) in Hyderabad will host the celebration this time. The primary guest on this occasion would be Union Home Minister Amit Shah "He stated.
ICAI CA May-June 2023: The Institute of Chartered Accountants will close the Chartered Accountant (CA) May-June 2023 application correction window, tomorrow, March 10. To make the changes in the CA May-June exam 2023 application form candidates need to visit the official website- icai.org.

The application correction window was opened on March 4, 2023. The ICAI CA May-June 2023 application form correction link is available on the home page of the ICAI website. Candidates will have to click on the application correction link and a new page will open where candidates will have to click on the e-services link.

After that enter the necessary login details and click on submit. The ICAI CA May-June application form will get displayed on the screen. Candidates then can make the changes in the form. The form correction window will remain open till 11:59 pm tomorrow. ICAI will release the CA May-June 2023 exam admit card tentatively 15 days before the exam. The Foundation course examination will be conducted on June 24, 26, 28 and 30. The Inter-course examination for Group 1 will be conducted on May 3, 6, 8 and 10 and for Group 2 on May 12, 14, 16 and 18. The final course exam for Group 1 will be on May 2, 4, 7 and 9 and Group 2 will be on May 11, 13, 15 and 17, 2023.
The scientific investigation and evaluation of handwriting, especially concerning human psychology, is known as graphology. This seems to be currently a well-established and increasingly used method of evaluating employees in organisations. Graphology is divided into three approaches: integrative, holistic, and symbolic, which aid in interpreting a person's writing.

There is a profitable professional path available after completing graphology studies. Without a sure, personality is the primary attribute that contributes to achievement in graphology, thus this is not suitable for someone who has a shy nature.

Students with unique pieces of training are given special graphology courses to assist them in developing themselves as competent graphologists. Compensation is the most important limitation for everyone, but because graphologists are often self-employed, profits are completely reliant on how they manage their firm.

Duties

Obtaining sample data of people's handwriting and analysing handwriting patterns.

Letter styles, length, and tilt degrees are all measured.

Calculating however much force the writer applies to the page when penning.

Assessing the writer's mental energy and forming a judgment.

Using several concepts to evaluate handwriting patterns.

Do studies to find information about graphology-related subjects.

Career Prospects

Graphologists are used by business enterprises and consulting firms to select appropriate individuals. Graphologists are needed by judges, authorities, and forensic departments to combat counterfeiting and conclude criminal proceedings by scrutinising criminals' writing samples. These specialists may be needed by schools to assess and support problematic students.

Graphologists advise not just parents but also educators by generating knowledge about the personalities of children. Graphologists in the career advisory sector assist individuals in choosing suitable job possibilities and provide further feedback for personal growth.

Top Institutes that provide Graphology Courses

Mind Zone Institute of Graphology and Personal Development

Institute of Graphology and Personal Success, Pune

Graphology School of India, Bangalore

Institute of Graphological Research, Mumbai

Graphology Research Institute, Mumbai
Lafarge Canada fined for dust pollution

09 March 2023

Lafarge Canada Inc has been fined CAD$200,000 (US$145,395) for breaching the Environmental Protection Act, reports The Intelligencer. In October 2019 clinker dust from the companys Highway 33 cement plant in Loyalist, Ontario, was blown onto cars, homes and lawns in Bath, a village lying 3km away from the plant.

An investigation into the incident, led by the Ministry of Environment, resulted in Lafarge Canada being charged, despite there being no health implications from the dust. Last month saw the Napanee Court in Ontario fine Lafarge, stating, The conviction is for discharging or causing or permitting the discharge of a contaminant into the natural environment, namely clinker dust, which caused or was likely to cause an adverse effect, according to a court bulletin. The company has nine months to pay the fine.





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Bangladesh reports 50% increase in cement export revenue

09 March 2023

Bangladesh has reported 49.7 per cent YoY growth in cement export revenue to US$8.13m in the 8MFY22-23 (July 2022-February 2023). This compares to US$5.43m in the same period a year earlier. According to the Bangladesh Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), this figure also includes minor amounts of salt, stone and related products. Most of the cement exports were shipped to neighbouring countries.

For the full FY22-23, ending 31 June 2023, Bangladesh has set an cement export revenue target of US$11m, up from the US$9.57m earned in the same period in the previous year. This would translate to YoY growth of 15 per cent, according to the EPB.

Bangladesh's total merchandise exports revenue, including cement, reached US$37bn in the 8MFY22-23, 9.56 per cent up on the US$33.84bn seen in the corresponding period a year earlier.

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The Tri-State Bluebirds, a chapter of the Tennessee Bluebird Society, invites the public to attend their 2023 Bluebird Nesting Season Kickoff Meeting on Sunday, March 12 at 2 p.m. at the Joseph Glasscock Community Center, 3536 Tom Weathers Dr. in Red Bank. The meeting features noted Tennessee naturalist Stephen Lyn Bales, who will speak about Bird Courtship.

Tri-State Bluebirds events are free and open to all interested members of the public. For more information, contact: tristatebluebirds@gmail.com.



Diane Shelly, a founding member of the Tri-State Bluebirds, comments: We are delighted to present naturalist and writer Stephen Bales at our Kickoff meeting for the 2023 Bluebird Nesting Season.

As you may have noticed, bird courtship has begun in our area. An estimated 90 percent of all bird species form pair bonds  either a new partnership being formed or existing pairs renewing their commitments. Come to our meeting and learn how birds spend time together. But is it love?A native of Gatlinburg, Stephen Lyn Burns is a natural historian and writer. He was an educator/naturalist for Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville for 20 years and has written over 600 nature related magazine and newspaper articles over the past 30 years. Mr. Bales is also the author of three natural history books: Natural Histories, Ghost Birds and Ephemeral by Nature, all published by the University of Tennessee Press.In March 2021, a group of Chattanooga-area bluebird enthusiasts formed the Tri-State Bluebirds, a new Chapter of the Tennessee Bluebird Society, to encourage bluebird conservation by educating the public, constructing and monitoring bluebird nest box trails, and developing healthy habitats where bluebirds can thrive. For more information, go to the Tri-State Bluebirds Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/142403114502463.
At some point, many folks will buy or sell property, which is why real estate can be lucrative. Because of this, and the prevalence of internet advertising and online listing platforms, scammers are always seeking new avenues to exploit unsuspecting individuals. Land listing scams in real estate have become increasingly common, with fraudsters creating fake listings and luring people into making payments for properties that do not exist. Why are these scams becoming more common, and what can be done to protect your investment?The lack of affordable properties and the desperation of someone looking for a place to live is a leading cause.Criminals create fake listings, often using stolen photos and descriptions from legitimate websites, to lure unsuspecting individuals into making payments for properties that do not exist. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost over $1.9 billion to fraud in 2019, with real estate scams among the top five types of fraud reported.The internet has undoubtedly made a realtor's job easier (anyone remember the paper books that made up our Multiple Listing Service?). But one drawback to our electronic age is the ease that a criminal could exploit online portals. These platforms make it easy for fraudsters to create fake listings and attract potential buyers. The scammers typically ask for payment upfront, using various tactics to convince people to part with their money. For instance, they may offer a property at a price significantly lower than the market value or claim that the property is in high demand and only available for a limited time.This practice has had such an uptick that the U.S. Secret Service has become involved and issued guidance on the matter. They have released information detailing what these schemes entail, along with possible ways to prevent them in the first place.So what does this land scam consist of exactly? The U.S. Secret Service summarizes it as:Criminals search public records to identify real estate that is free of mortgage or other liens and the identity of the property owner. These often include vacant Lots or rental properties. The criminal poses as the property owner and contacts a real estate agent to list the targeted property for sale, and requests it being listed below current market value to generate immediate interest. The criminal, posing as the property owner, demonstrates preference for a cash buyer, and quickly accepts an offer. Then the criminal, posing as the property owner, refuses to sign closing documents in person, and requests a remote notary signing. The criminal, or co-conspirator, also impersonates the notary and provides falsified documents to the title company or closing attorney. At this point, the title company or closing attorney unwittingly transfers the closing proceeds to the criminal. Its important to note that all communication is electronic, not in person.So what steps can people take against this fraud? The Secret Service suggests the following steps: Independently search for the identity and a recent picture of the property seller. Request an in-person or virtual meeting and to see their government issued identification. Be on alert when a seller accepts an offer below market value in exchange for receiving the payment in cash and or closing quickly. Never allow a seller to arrange their own notary closing. Use trusted title companies and attorneys for the exchange of closing documents and funds.Think you might be experiencing this type of fraud? You can report real estate scams to the FTC (www.ftc.gov), or your states attorney generals office.There may be an uptick in recent land scams, but they are far from the only way to be targeted during a real estate transaction. In coming weeks, after we release Februarys Housing Market Statistics, we will revisit some other fraudulent activity and how to remain on guard against them. The risk of online scams can make someone who is interested in buying property wary, but dont let that stand in your way. Just utilize the services of a realtor to help ensure that your property transaction goes smoothly. Realtors work with clients every day and help guide them through the homebuying process. Thats Who We R.
The building at 6401 Lee Highway formerly housing Venue Church has sold for $3,625,000.



The building was purchased by Cumberland Association Of Seventh-Day Adventists, Inc. from Venue Church.



The 3,570-square-foot retail space sits at the intersection of Highway 153 and Lee Highway.

At one time, it was a Sam's Club.
Chattanooga Whiskey today named Tiana Saul as head distiller, succeeding founding head distiller Grant McCracken, who will continue exclusively as chief product officer (CPO).

Ms. Saul began her career with Chattanooga Whiskey in 2015 as the assistant manager at the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery before transitioning to the production team in 2017. Over the next four years, she worked on or helped lead nearly every aspect of the production process.

Ms. Saul shifted her focus to new product development in 2018. She developed a variety of expressions, including barrel-aged gins and infused liqueurs, which helped establish Chattanooga Whiskeys Experimental Single Batch Series as one of the most prolific and innovative collections in the industry. In addition, her blending efforts helped shape two critically acclaimed expressions: the Chattanooga Whiskey Finishing Series and the Bottled in Bond Vintage Series.

As head distiller, Ms. Saul will lead a production team of 15 full-time employees and cover all aspects of production, grain-to-glass.

Over the years, Tiana has shown, among other things, a keen eye for the details, a unique sense of style, and a natural understanding of leadership. She is someone the entire team has always looked up to  in every aspect of what we do, Mr. McCracken said. For those reasons and more, were thrilled to see her in this leadership role.

Ms. Saul said she is beyond excited and honored to embark on this next leg of her spirits journey with Chattanooga Whiskey. I could not ask for a more knowledgeable and passionate team to work with and am grateful for the chance to build off the foundation Grant has laid. I look forward to continuing to push the boundaries of the craft spirits world."

With the promotion of Ms. Saul to head distiller, Mr. McCracken will continue in his role as CPO exclusively, focusing on strategic planning goals related to expansion, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Joining Chattanooga Whiskey as their first Head Distiller in 2014, McCracken led the build out of both the Experimental and Riverfront Distilleries, the creation of a whiskey style known as Tennessee High Malt, and the product transition from the 1816 expressions to the release of Chattanooga Whiskey 91 & Cask 111.

Over his eight years with the company, he has led the release of over 100 unique Experimental and flagship expressions, and, most recently, helped the company achieve the title of Americas Craft Producer of the Year for 2023 by Whisky Magazine.

Mr. McCracken said, Im extremely grateful to have this opportunity to work in the CPO role exclusively. Although I will continue to work with Tiana on high level production matters, I am also excited to help our team start laying the groundwork for what comes next.
Ask most McCallie seniors how they prefer to spend their limited spare time and youll likely hear answers such as video games, watching sports, listening to music or spending every free minute they can find on social media.

Then theres Benjamin Yang, a senior boarding student from Minnesota.

Research is my major activity six days a week, he said this past weekend. I like problem-solving.

Such love of learning has recently paid off in a big way for both Yang and McCallie. The Society for Science has chosen him as one of the top 300 scholars nationwide in the 82nd Regeneron Science Talent Search, which labels itself as the nations oldest and most prestigious science and mathematics competition for high school seniors.

Both Yang and the school will receive $2,000 checks, the schools check to be used for STEM-related activities. Yang will use his money to help pay for college.

And just what science project led him to earn this award from among the 1,949 total high school seniors who entered the contest nationwide?

How microplastics affect lung cells, Yang said. Each time you dry a clothing item that contains microplastics  nylon, polyester or something else  youre releasing these microplastics into the air that can damage lung cells. They cause inflammation and cell death, possibly cancer. Ive been working on this for three-and-a-half years.

This is far from the only area Yang shines. He just posted the fourth-highest score nationally in the opening round of the North American Computational Linguistics Open. Hell soon learn whether or not he has advanced to that competitions later rounds, which seems all but certain. The international linguistics final is slated for Bulgaria.

Its about recognizing patterns, he said of the linguistics challenge. Every question is in a different language. Youre not expected to know the language. Youre trying to find patterns. Linguistics is basically problem-solving for fun.

Just this past weekend found him having fun in Washington, DC, during an American Junior Academy of Science convention, where he again presented his microplastics paper, though it was not further competition.

Of course, Yang has been solving problems of one kind or another with great success since long before he arrived at McCallie at the start of his freshman year. While taking a program at Northwestern thats similar to the Duke TIP program that so many bright young minds are drawn to in the Southeast, Yang made a perfect score on the ACT as an eighth grader.

He has long been a key member of Founders Dorms Big Five Academic Bowl team, especially when the questions turn to Science and literature.

Though this hasnt yet led him to a decision on where to attend one of the 20 colleges hes applied to, he does expect to reach a decision by the end of March, When Ill hear where Ive been accepted.

And just to prove hes still piling up accomplishments those colleges should know about, he recently led McCallies Team 1 to a top eight finish in the statewide Science Bowl competition in Knoxville after helping the Blue Tornado go undefeated (5-0) in the round robin round before bowing out in the second round of the single elimination rounds.

Wrote McCallie science teacher Neal Dexter of the performance turned in by Ani Harsha, Aviral Jain, Tucker Luna, Vibin Vellanki and Yang:  It was heartbreaking because these five seniors most likely would have won the tournament if they had been able to advance to the semi-finals and finals.

But its also heartwarming to hear Yang want to mentor the Team 2 science squad, which is made up of underclassmen, when he recently said, I want to help the sophomores and juniors with their (upcoming) projects.

It is this sense of camaraderie that Yang says hes most enjoyed about McCallie as a boarder living far from home.

This is such a tight-knit community, he said. Just being a part of something. Just the whole boarding experience. Everybody is so incredibly friendly and supportive. Ive enjoyed every minute of it."

It is also this concern for his fellow students that most touches McCallie faculty member Dr. Ashley Posey, who nominated Yang for the science competition.

"For the past two years in our research program, Benjamin has explored the world of microplastics and has developed a research project designed to evaluate the risk of these particles on our lung cells, wrote Posey in an email. I was impressed from the onset watching this student who was truly determined to develop and master his own ideas and project.

Not only was he consistently inquiring and asking critical-thinking questions, but he also encouraged his peers to strive for excellence throughout their time together. In my experience, most students who are striving for excellence themselves, fail to challenge their peers on any material level. This was not what I experienced with Benjamin. He lifts his peers and in doing so ultimately elevates his own work. He easily is a young man who will remain one of the most exceptional students I have had the pleasure to teach and mentor.

Said Yang with a shrug when told of Poseys praise, I just want to keep this program going.


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Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful (KTNRB) will kick off the fourth annual Tennessee River Grand Slam Cleanup Series presented by AFTCO, bringing four major cleanups held within four states. In fact, KTNRBs boats will be cleaning in all four states touched by the Tennessee River at the first two consecutive days of the series.

The fact that well be able to serve four states within our first two cleanups is a testament to how directly this river connects our communities and how litter in one county actually impacts us all, said Kathleen Gibi, KTNRB executive director. Were grateful to our volunteers, our partners, and sponsors like AFTCO, TVA, and TDOT who are giving back to this river community through our Grand Slam River Cleanup Series.



The river cleanup campaign is sponsored by AFTCO (The American Fishing Tackle Company), an outdoor apparel and fishing tackle company that has both sponsored the series and equipped the KTNRB staff with seasonal fishing apparel to stay clean, dry, and comfortable at cleanups through any weather.



Here is the schedule for the Tennessee River Grand Slam Cleanup:



 Friday, March 10 noon  4 p.m. | Iuka, MS / Counce, Tn. / Waterloo, Al. | Pickwick Lake



 Saturday, March 11 10 a.m.  2 p.m. | Buchanan, Tn. / Murray, Ky. | Kentucky Lake



 Saturday, April 1 10 a.m.  2 p.m. | Bean Station, Tn. | Cherokee Lake



 Sunday, April 1 1:30 p.m.  5 p.m. | Jasper, Tn. | Nickajack Lake



With 55,000 pounds of trash removed so far in 2023, KTNRB is on track for its third year in surpassing 100,000 pounds of trash removed in one year. Just last month, the organization hit the milestone of more than 500,000 pounds removed since introducing their first boat to the water in 2019. Last year, KTNRB expanded its fleet by adding a second 26-foot boat.



Each cleanup in the Tennessee River Grand Slam Cleanup Series will be bolstered with the help of the national nonprofit, Living Lands & Waters (LL&W), who will bring three of their 30-foot work boats to supplement KTNRBs two 26-foot work boats. In joining, LL&W will increase the volunteer capacity for each cleanup to 60, therefore upping impact for the river.



Clean water is critical to the health of our fisheries, and we're excited to take part in one of the many collective actions that we must all take to keep our waterways clean, said Casey Shedd, president at AFTCO. It's folks like the volunteers from Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful that inspired our ten percent pledge to protect and conserve, a pledge to donate ten percent of company profits to fishing conservation.



The cleanup series is also supported by funding from TVA and TDOTs Nobody Trashes Tennessee litter prevention campaign. Its also taking place during Keep America Beautifuls Great American Cleanup. Through this far-reaching annual effort, Keep America Beautiful local affiliates host cleanups in more than 20,000 communities, engaging over five million volunteers during March and April.



Volunteers are still needed for each cleanup. To sign up for any of the Tennessee River Grand Slam Cleanup Series events, visit www.KeepTNRiverBeautiful.org/upcomingcleanups.


The end of seasonal holiday jobs in January can be counted as one of the contributing factors that led to higher county unemployment rates across Tennessee for the month. While statewide unemployment numbers are adjusted to consider the impacts of seasonal labor, county unemployment rates are not adjusted.



Each of Tennessees 95 counties experienced an increase in unemployment during January, according to new data released by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. 80 counties reported rates less than 5%, while the remaining 15 counties had rates of 5% or greater, but less than 10%.



Williamson and Moore counties had the states lowest unemployment for the month. Both counties recorded rates of 2.5% in January. That accounted for a 0.3 of a percentage point increase for both counties when compared to their rates in December.



At 9.9%, Perry County had the highest unemployment rate in the state. The countys January number more than doubled its December rate of 4.5%. Cocke County had Tennessee's second-highest rate for the month. Its January jobless number increased from 4% to 7% between December and January but was 0.4 of a percentage point lower than its rate one year ago.



Statewide, Januarys seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 3.5%, the fourth consecutive month at that level.

Across the nation, seasonally adjusted unemployment for January decreased slightly from 3.5% to 3.4%.



A complete analysis of the January 2023 county unemployment data is available here.



Tennessee has more than 80 American Job Centers across the state where job seekers can walk in and receive one-on-one help finding employment. From resume writing to skills training programs, career specialists can help individuals take advantage of all the services available to them. An interactive map can help job seekers locate a job center closest to them.



Job seekers can also find a variety of services online. From a virtual American Job Center to information on adult education programs, it is all available at TNWorkReady.com.



The state of Tennessee will release the statewide unemployment rate for February on Thursday, March 23, at 1:30 p.m. CDT.
The Hamilton County Democratic Party will hold its biennial Reorganization Convention Saturday, March 18, at the Chattanooga Public Library.

According to HCDP Chair Rachel Campbell, convention participants must be registered to vote in Hamilton County and identify as a Democrat. They will adopt HCDP bylaws for 2023-25 and elect officers and Executive Committee members, representing the countys 11 election districts.

This is when we build a political infrastructure as we look toward a very busy 2024 election cycle, Ms. Campbell said. We see some real opportunities to begin turning Hamilton County blue next year. What we do at our convention will lay the groundwork for success at the polls.

Registration begins at 9 a.m.; interested Democrats can also pre-register here.

Convention business will kick off at 10 a.m.  no one will be admitted after that time  and lunch will be served.

Ms. Campbell has announced plans to seek re-election as chair. Other officers running for re-election are Vice Chair Frank Maurizio, Secretary Therese Tuley and Treasurer Alix Thornhill. All of the officers are completing their first HCDP terms.

Members of standing committees will also be appointed and new caucuses will be formed. According to Ms. Campbell, those caucuses will represent the following constituencies: African American, LatinX, Women, Labor, LGBTQ+, and Youth. Its also expected that liaisons to groups representing veterans, the countys rural communities and climate activists will be named.

The caucus model gives all Democrats a place to go and focus on their particular passions and skills, said Ms. Campbell. Not everyone wants to knock on doors or make campaign calls; now well have other things they can do that address their interests and concerns.

The HCDP website -- hamcodems.com  will have updated information going into the convention. The pre-registration link can also be found there.

For more, call 227-0759, or email hcdp.us@gmail.com.
Paul McCartney Is Surprised People Still Want to Hear the Story Behind The Beatles Yesterday

TL;DR:

Paul McCartney is surprised that not everyone knows the backstory of The Beatles Yesterday.

Yesterday was released as a single many years apart in the United States and the United Kingdom.

The tune became far more popular in the U.S. than it was in the U.K.

A vinyl of The Beatles Yesterday | Blank Archives / Contributor

The Beatles Yesterday has an interesting backstory. Paul McCartney said hes surprised hes had to tell that story repeatedly. In addition, he said hes had to tell one anecdote about John Lennon again and again.

A famous music producer was surprised by how much footage of The Beatles exists

In a 2021 Rolling Stone article, Paul and producer Rick Rubin interviewed each other. Rubin is a major producer known for working with artists such as Aerosmith, the Beastie Boys, Kanye West, Lana Del Rey, Lady Gaga, and numerous others. In the interview, Rubin discussed watching the documentary The Beatles Anthology.

Rubin said it was incredible how much footage of The Beatles existed, especially since the band predated camera phones. Theres so much stuff out there, Paul said. But I think thats one of the reasons The Beatles keep going  because you keep discovering another little thing.

Paul McCartney assumes everyone knows the backstory of The Beatles Yesterday

Paul discussed telling certain anecdotes over and over. I always think everyones heard all the stories, he said. As you get older, you think, Am I just repeating all my stories? But I rationalize, well, theres only one answer to the question, How did you meet John?' I cant make another meeting up. I can maybe try and explain how we met in a slightly different way.

Paul said hes talked about Yesterday repeatedly. But Ill still talk to someone and they say, What? You dreamed Yesterday? And so Ill tell the story again, but its like, You sure you havent heard this? But not everyone has.

Paul praised his then-recent documentary McCartney 3, 2, 1. As we go on and the young people come onboard, theres a lot of stuff they havent heard, he said. And I think thats one of the things about 3, 2, 1.

Yesterday performed differently in the United States and the United Kingdom

Yesterday was a huge hit in the United States. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks, staying on the chart for 11 weeks. It reached No. 1 longer than most of The Beatles No. 1 hits.

The track appeared on many compilation albums, including 1962-1966. That album peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and stayed on the chart for 175 weeks.

Notably, Yesterday became a single in the U.S. in 1965 and in the United Kingdom in 1976. The Official Charts Company says Yesterday became far less popular in the U.K. There, it peaked at No. 8 and stayed on the chart for nine weeks. On the other hand, 1962-1966 reached No. 3 in the U.K. and lasted on the chart for 167 weeks.

Yesterday was very popular and fans are still asking Paul questions about it!
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle released a statement that defended the use of royal titles for their two children, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor and Lililbet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor. They cited the childrens birthright for being called prince and princess. This announcement came one day after they revealed Princess Lilibet was christened in their California home.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry | Yui Mok/WPA Pool/Getty Images

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced Lilibets title in her christening announcement

On March 8, 2023, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shared that they had christened their daughter Lililbet Diana. Their press representative shared a statement to Page Six.

I can confirm that Princess Lilibet was christened on Friday, March 3, by the bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, the Rev. John Taylor, the spokesperson said in a statement to Page Six. The event was held at the couples home in Montecito, CA.

People Magazine reports the couple extended invitations to senior royals King Charles III, Camilla Parker Bowles, Prince William, and Kate Middleton. However, none of them attended the intimate home celebration.

After their grandfather became monarch following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in Sept. 2022, Archie and Lilibet were afforded the titles of prince and princess. This rule was under King George V in 1917.

The children did not receive the titles when they were born because they were great-grandchildren of the monarch. However, Prince William and Kate Middletons children did receive titles due to Williams status as the firstborn son of the king of the United Kingdom.

Per the website Royal Central, King George V wrote a letters patent in 1917, which stated the following. The children of the sons of any sovereign shall always hold and enjoy the style title or attribute of royal highness. With their titular dignity of prince or princess prefixed to their respective Christian names or with their other titles of honor.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle released a statement defending their childrens birthright to use these official titles

It was such a privilege to celebrate the 1st birthday of Lilibet with my family and hers! Joy and face painting all around ?? pic.twitter.com/bg3RY6MOEu  Misan Harriman (@misanharriman) June 6, 2022

In a statement, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shared information as to why their children now have formal royal titles. They said: The childrens titles have been a birthright since their grandfather became monarch. This matter has been settled for some time in alignment with Buckingham Palace.

People Magazine reported Harry and Meghan decided their childrens royal would be adopted only in formal situations. They stated they will not be used in everyday settings.

The royal familys official website was updated to reflect the childrens new titles. Prior, it referred to the children as Master Archie Mountbatten-Windsor and Miss Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor. They are now named Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex.

This change contradicts the couples prior wish that their children not have royal titles

When Meghan Markle and Prince Harrys son Archie was born, he was entitled to the courtesy title of Earl of Dumbarton. However, the couple reportedly rejected that title for fear of Archie being teased as he grew older.

During the couples 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, they discussed using titles for their children. At the time, Meghan was pregnant with a daughter Lilibet.

They were saying they didnt want him to be a prince or princess, which would be different from protocol, and that he wasnt going to receive security, Meghan said. This went on for the last few months of our pregnancy where I was going; hold on for a second.

Meghan then said she would have accepted a title for Archie if it meant he would be safe. And its not our decision to make. Even though I have a lot of clarity of what comes with the titles, good and bad, that is their birthright to make a choice about then.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been invited to King Charles IIIs May 6, 2023 coronation, which falls on their sons birthday. However, they have not formally responded to the royal invitation.
Sister Wives star Janelle Brown announced her separation from her husband, Kody Brown, in season 17, but shes been walking away from Kodys embarrassing antics as early as season 2. Heres one moment when she clearly shows how uncomfortable she is with Kodys over-the-top personality.

Janelle Brown, Sister Wives Season 17 | TLC

Janelle and Kody were never a good match

Many Sister Wives fans dont think that Janelle and Kody had a lot in common since the beginning of their marriage. In the familys 2012 memoir, Kody says that his connection with Janelle was never romantic or overtly physical, as was with his other wives. In fact, he and Janelle are technically step-siblings, as Janelles mother, Sheryl Brown, married Kodys father as his second wife.

Initially, Kody was attracted to Janelle because of her intelligence, and they bonded over their intellectual discussions. Janelle made more of an effort to show her affection physically, but that was never the focus of their relationship. As time passed, their relationship solely revolved around the six children they share.

Janelle was embarrassed by Kodys behavior since Sister Wives Season 2

In season 2, Kody returns to his familys ranch in Wyoming with the entire family. During this episode, Kody is joking around with his mom, Genielle Brown. He playfully takes food from her plate. Heres the funny thing about a mother  whats hers is mine. And whats mine is mine, Kody says as he eats half her sandwich with one big bite.

While Genielles sister wife, Sheryl, looks on and uncomfortably laughs. Janelle visibly cringes as she turns and walks out of the frame.

One sister wife fan posted the moment to Reddit with the caption, Janelles been walking away from Kodys garbage since season 2. Another fan commented, I feel secondhand embarrassment for Janelle watching him behave this way. Because we all know he actually does believe that anything that belongs to his wives also belongs to him. Many Sister Wives fans think this is more proof of Kodys narcissistic personality.

Janelle continues to walk away from Kody

In Sister Wives Season 16, Janelle seemed unable to take Kodys behavior any longer. After imposing his strict coronavirus (COVID-19) protocol on the entire family, Janelle was fed up and told him to f*** off. In season 17, Janelle seemed to have lost all ability to play it cool and started separating from the family entirely.

This is why it didnt come as a major shock to fans when she announced her separation from Kody on the Sister Wives Season 17 reunion. For many seasons she had already started walking away from Kodys embarrassing tantrums. After Kodys knife in the kidney freak out, Janelle to Christines side, hugging her. And when Kody raised his voice at her, she grabbed her purse and headed out.

Kody is still upset by how effortlessly she could walk away from the relationship. Still, fans could see this was a long time coming for Janelle, as shes been cringing at Kodys behavior since season 2. Sister Wives fans are eager to see the behind-the-scenes of Janelle and Kodys separation in season 18, rumored to debut in September 2023.
AIRWAY HEIGHTS  Suspects in the death of an infant, formerly extradited from South Dakota and placed in Spokane county jail, have been given a criminal trial readiness call for Mar. 14

Aleksander Kurmoyarov and Mandie R. Miller are currently being held in Spokane County jail each with $1,000,000 bonds according to an Airway Heights police press release.

Kurmoyarov and Miller are scheduled to be tried in criminal court on Apr. 3

Kurmoyarov and Miller were extradited from South Dakota following the filing of a warrant from the Spokane county prosecuting attorney in Dec. 2022.

In December,...
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Women in India have endured often harsh and cruel lives in a society which has long favored boys to girls, sanctioned child marriage, and practiced a dowry system. The government and culture have limited their access to education, employment, and escape from (domestic) violence. What they have accomplished has at times been overlooked or credited to others.

In many instances, Christian women have confronted additional challenges. Christian converts have faced significant persecution from the communities theyve left, and those raised in families who switched faiths a generation or two prior still endure generational pain and trauma related to these hardships.

Nevertheless, numerous Indian Christian women have responded to their circumstances with a strong sense of justice and compassion for others suffering oppression. They have made notable contributions to child rights, social justice, the freedom struggle, nation building, and womens empowerment. Here are four Indian Christian women whose lives of service, ambition, and compassion offer the church imperfect but remarkable role models.

The Social Reformer: Pandita Ramabai Sarasvati (18581922)

People must not only hear about the kingdom of God, but must see it in actual operation, on a small scale perhaps and in imperfect form, but a real demonstration nevertheless.

Pandita Ramabai Sarasvati devoted her life to empowering women and promoting gender equality in 19th-century British-ruled India, a society where patriarchy was deeply entrenched. Although politicians and activists have routinely applauded her relentless efforts to serve the marginalized, they often overlook her Christian faith, which served as the foundation for her life and work.

Though Ramabai was born into a Hindu Brahmin family in the jungles of Karnataka State, she converted to Christianity in her 20s after famine took the life of her husband and spurred a crisis of faith.

In 1882, Ramabai met Father Nehemiah Goreh, an Indian priest, who revealed Christs message of compassion and love to her. When she traveled outside the country, including a trip she took the following year to England to pursue her studies, Ramabai later acknowledged that Father Goreh preached to me from India. His humble sweet voice has pierced my heart.

She also began to read the Bible herself.

I realized after reading the fourth chapter of St. John's Gospel, that Christ was truly the Divine Saviour he claimed to be, and no one but He could transform and uplift the downtrodden women of India, Ramabai wrote, in a quote that is attributed to her. Thus my heart was drawn to the religion of Christ.

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Even prior to her conversion, Ramabai had felt called to care for the vulnerable. In 1881, she founded the Arya Mahila Samaj, a womens organization that advocated for womens education, including the training of female teachers and administrators, and for the elimination of practices such as child marriage.

Herself a widow, Ramabai knew the plight of women who had lost their husbands, and in 1889, she founded the Mukti Mission as a refuge for destitute women, children, and disabled persons. The mission provided shelter, education, and vocational training for women and gave them tools they needed to lead independent and fulfilling lives.

Image: Illustration by Christianity Today

Ramabais care for the communities she served also manifested through her Bible translation endeavors. She learned Hebrew and Greek and in 1905 started translating the Bible into simple Marathi (the native language of Maharashtra) for the people living in rural areas, who found the classical form too difficult. It took her 18 years to complete the translation.

I was hungry for something better than what the Hindu Shastras gave. I found it in the Christians Bible and was satisfied.  How good, how indescribably good! she wrote later. What good news for me a woman, a woman born in India among Brahmans who hold out no hope for the likes of me! The Bible declares that Christ did not reserve this great salvation for a particular caste or sex.

Ramabai's Christian faith also made her a target of criticism and persecution. Many Hindus saw her conversion as a betrayal of her culture and heritage and accused her of attempting to convert others. Despite this, Ramabai remained steadfast in her beliefs and continued to use her faith to promote social justice and equality.

Her legacy continues to inspire women and social reformers in India and around the world. As she wrote, A life totally committed to God has nothing to fear, nothing to lose, nothing to regret.

Pioneering physician:Hilda Mary Lazarus (18901978)

Hilda Mary Lazarus dedicated her life to serving others through medicine and faith.

Born in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, in 1876, Lazarus grew up in a devout Christian family that had converted to the faith two generations before from the Brahmin Hindu background and had suffered significant persecution for doing so.

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Her father, Daniel Lazarus, was a respected educator and author and served as the principal of Canadian Baptist Missionaries (CBM) School, which his daughter attended.

Hilda Lazarus entered Madras University years before the prestigious university officially opened its doors to women in 1915. She later earned a medical degree and gold medal for exceptional work in midwifery from Madras Medical College.

She then pursued further medical education in the United Kingdom, passing exams in London and Dublin, obtaining membership in the Royal College of Surgeons, and specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. Lazarus became the first Indian woman to join the Womens Medical Service (WMS) and worked for the government from 1917 to 1947.

As a doctor, Lazarus supervised hospitals and improved medical services for women and children across India. She trained nurses and midwives, a responsibility that at times required her to learn new languages. She authored a book about her life and experiences in England.

Image: Illustration by Christianity Today

In her late 50s and a year before retirement, Lazarus left the WMS for Christian Medical College (CMC), in Tamil Nadu, becoming its first Indian head. The decision to lead an institution that would clearly face a struggle even to survive at this stage of life was fueled by a deep and strong Christian commitment, later noted Ruth Compton Brouwer, in a piece on Lazaruss legacy.

Not only had [Lazarus] grown up in a home that had implanted an ethic of Christian service, but she had contributed over the years in a variety of ways to the work of medical missions in India, she wrote. Thus, when an opportunity came to help secure a future for a fully professional Christian medical college in an independent India, it seems clear that she felt a sense of vocation to take up that opportunity, notwithstanding the difficulties to be faced.

Lazarus was concerned with not only keeping CMCs standards of care high but also making its Christian commitment central. When there were concerns about proselytization taking place at the hospital, Lazarus did not deny these charges but countered that the patients found the institutions clear religious commitments helpful, noted Arthur Jayakumar in History of Christianityin India: Major Themes.

She seems to have practiced and defended forms of overt evangelism that many medical missionaries had by then eschewed in favor of a more informal approach and the witness provided by their professional and personal lives, he wrote.

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In recognition of her contributions, Lazarus was awarded numerous honors and accolades throughout her life, including the Kaisar-i-Hind Medal in 1942, one of the highest civilian awards in pre-independence India, and the Padma Shri, one of the highest civilian awards in independent India.

Indias First Female Lawyer: Cornelia Sorabji (18661954)

"I am sure God is sending you to your work, my child. Don't be afraid to go in his strength, Florence Nightingale to Cornelia Sorabji in 1892

Cornelia Sorabji had several firsts to her credit. She was the first woman to graduate from Bombay University, the first Indian woman to study law at Oxford University, and the first female lawyer in India. Additionally, she was the first woman to practice law in both India and Britain, a fact that was recognized and honored when a bronze bust of Sorabji was unveiled in London in 2012. (In 2017, she even earned her own Google doodle on the anniversary of her 151st birthday.)

Sorabji was born in Nashik, Maharashtra, to former Zorastrians who had converted to Christianity. Her familyparticularly her father, who later became an ordained ministerhad suffered intense persecution for their faith. Nevertheless, she was fortunate to receive a good education, which was rare for girls at that time.

Image: Illustration by Christianity Today

In 1889, she traveled to England, where she became the first woman to study law at Oxford University. However, she did not graduate, as women could not be awarded degrees until 1920.

After a long struggle, Sorabji became Indias first female lawyer in 1923 and practiced in the Calcutta High Court. Besides fighting gender segregation, which kept women and girls from mixing with men outside their own families, she advocated for social reforms like the abolition of child marriage, protection of widows and orphans, and education for girls. Sorabji worked alongside Pandita Ramabai, and in 1929, she gave up her law practice to devote her time entirely to social work.

She believed that children should be educated to understand and critique their customs so they could modify them, wrote Oxford-educated lawyer Aradhana Vadekkethil. She knew that the law could help drive social change but strongly believed that education had to be done first.

Nevertheless, her work had hard and lonely moments. Over the years, she had to remind herself that God removes mountains, I must have faith in the outcome, and [I] must learn trust in God as recounted in Richard Sorabjis Opening Doors: The Untold Story of Cornelia Sorabji, Reformer, Lawyer and Champion of Women's Rights in India.

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In a letter to a close friend, she confessed, I feel that God would not have made it possible for me to try and get my call and come out again, unless I was meant to try and struggle on a while at this job here.

Though initially an advocate of independent India, she later changed her stance that India should continue to be under British rule to counter Hindu laws to eliminate child marriage and uplift widows and putting an end to the cruelty they were subjected to and thus became unpopular among the nationalist leaders.

Sorabji was also no fan of Gandhi and at one point told him, The missionaries take hundreds of thousands of outcastes under their protection, clothe and educate them, and fit them to stand on their feet. Besides, you are an outcaste yourself now. What credit can be claimed by an outcaste for adopting an outcaste child?

Her relationship with Katherine Mayo, an American journalist who used Sorabjis critiques of Gandhi for her own white-supremacist ends, also led to significant controversy for the Indian lawyer. Sorabji eventually moved to England, where she lived until her death in 1954.

Sorabji was awarded the Kaiser- i- Hind Gold medal (one of the highest civilian awards in pre-independence India) in 190 by the government of India.

The Courageous Peacemaker: Neidonuo Angami (1950Present)

Peace is always in the making. It is not an event. There is no success in peacemaking. It is always in the making.

Neidonuo Angami was born on October 1, 1950, in the midst of conflict. Her home, Nagaland, had declared itself as an independent state, sparking conflict between the Nagas and the Indian military.

Image: Illustration by Christianity Today

The Angamis were a Christian family, like the majority of their neighbors. (The community collectively are known as the Angami Nagas.) Just 200 years ago, the community were headhunters. Since the arrival of American missionaries in the late 19th century, more than 90 percent of the community has embraced Christianity.

From an early age, Angami had to face the challenges of living in a war zone, spending her childhood hiding in the thick jungles surrounding her home to escape the constant gunfire. When she was six years old, her father, who was working as an interpreter with the state administration, was captured and beheaded while on duty. Her widowed mother did her best to raise Angami and her four siblings under difficult economic conditions.

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Despite financial hardships, Neidonuo Angami went on to university and, after graduating, became a police officer and later a teacher.

Together with a few other Naga women, Angami founded the Naga Mothers Association (NMA) in 1984. The organization she led for many years began with a focus on social problems such as drug addiction and alcoholism, as many women bore the brunt of their husbands and fathers deadly habits. It later fought the stigma borne by HIV/AIDS patients (specifically prisoners), but it soon expanded into a space where women attempted to mediate the bloodshed that existed within the community.

NMAs advocacy echoed much of the work women had done for centuries in the community, where at times they entered battlefields to stop fights between Naga intervillage headhunting wars.

At risk to their own lives, through the Shed No More Blood campaign, the NMA brought together groups from the Naga underground and Naga mothers who had gone through terrible pain and sorrow because of the struggle (between the Naga underground and the Indian forces). In 1997, with the trust that NMA built with these men, they negotiated a ceasefire between the insurgents and the federal government.

With no professional skill or support, Angami and her colleagues have built up a successful peace initiative. Today, Naga women have a role and a say in the peace process between the state agencies and the nonstate army. The trust-building process continues even in the midst of fierce violence and suspicion. This year, she is supporting four candidates seeking to become the first women to ever be elected to Nagalands assembly in its 60-year history.

Neidonuo Angami's contributions to society have not gone unnoticed. In 2000, the government marked its appreciation of her role in the peace process by conferring the prestigious Padma Shri on her, and she was one of 1,000 women shortlisted for the Nobel Peace Prize.

In 2022, for her work in combating drug abuse and alcoholism as well as breaking the stigma of HIV and other social evils, Angami was conferred with the prestigious A Kevichusa Citizenship Award 2022, a local prize honoring those who seek the common good of the people.

I was a very seriously traumatized child, she said. She recounted to the audience that her fathers skull was brought home three years after his death, a horror that spurred in her anger, shame, and all this bitterness for a long time.

It is all Gods grace to be recognized again.
China's economic recovery renews impetus for global growth

Xinhua) 08:13, March 09, 2023

BEIJING, March 8 (Xinhua) -- A string of positive signals is coming out China's ongoing "two sessions" -- an economic growth target of around 5 percent for 2023 and reaffirmed commitment to high-level opening up. These have boosted the global business community's confidence in China's continued contribution to the world economic recovery and stability.

When attending a deliberation on Monday at the first session of the 14th National People's Congress, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged efforts to meet the requirements of building a high-standard socialist market economy and promoting high-standard opening up.

A Fuxing bullet train runs on the China's section of the China-Laos Railway on Jan. 27, 2023. (Photo by Xu Zhangwei/Xinhua)

ANCHOR FOR GLOBAL ECONOMIC STABILITY

China's devotion to advancing opening up has reinforced its appeal for foreign companies and investors amid flagging global economic recovery and headwinds of protectionism.

Looking back to the past five years, China has made major achievements in economic and social development, with its GDP growing to 121 trillion yuan (17.5 trillion U.S. dollars) at an average annual rate of 5.2 percent, according to the government work report delivered at the opening meeting of the session on Sunday.

As China steadily pushes forward economic recovery to promote high-quality development, the agenda for 2023 is set to be dominated by one topic in particular: growth.

These days, global financial banks have raised their forecast for the world's second-largest economy in unison. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lifted its projection for China's economic growth in 2023 to 5.2 percent. Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs and other investment banks have also revised upward their forecasts.

"The rebound in China will be a net positive for the economy; the growth effect should dominate," Thomas Helbling, deputy director of the IMF's Asia and Pacific Department, told a February press briefing.

Among the major driving factors for China's social and economic development, sci-tech innovation has a paramount role.

A China-Europe freight train loaded with 1,300 tonnes of flour from Kazakhstan arrives at Xi'an International Port in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Jan. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)

In 2022, China's total expenditure on research and development (R&D) amounted to 3.1 trillion yuan (450 billion dollars), up 10.4 percent year-on-year, maintaining a double-digit growth for seven consecutive years.

George Barcelon, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, noted China has been making headway in strengthening technological innovation, nurturing new drivers, actively solving stranglehold technical problems, and improving the core competitiveness of the manufacturing industry.

"Substantial R&D input on innovation and high technology is critical to moving up the value chain," Barcelon told Xinhua.

Given China's importance for the global industrial chain and value chain, its steady growth will play an irreplaceable part in the stability and growth of the world economy, especially in the post-pandemic recovery, Jorge Marchini, an economics professor at Argentina's University of Buenos Aires, told Xinhua.

SOURCE OF GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

"I encourage our business people to go to China, to do business in China," said Marin Orriols, international area director of the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce. "That's worth it."

Ivan Marambio, president of the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association, shares a similar feeling, saying, "the Chinese market is so important for us!" After he led a delegation to several Chinese cities to meet business partners in early January, Chilean cherry exports to China hit a new high during the 2022-23 cherry season, according to his association.

"We are optimistic about the resilience and consumption vitality of the Chinese market and hope to achieve greater development through the Chinese market," Marambio said.

Also at Monday's deliberation, Xi reiterated the commitment to deepen reform in key areas, make coordinated efforts to put in place a modern infrastructure system and a high-standard market system, and steadily expand institutional opening up.

Given these commitments, the world business community eyes fresh opportunities originating from the country's high-quality development and high-level opening up.

This photo taken on Nov. 9, 2022 shows the first Airbus A321 aircraft produced at the Final Assembly Line Asia (FALA) facility in north China's Tianjin. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

China has long been a strong magnet for foreign investment and trade. Last year, foreign direct investment in the Chinese mainland, in actual use, expanded 6.3 percent year-on-year to 1.23 trillion yuan (about 178 billion dollars), the Ministry of Commerce said in January.

In addition, China's annual foreign trade value hit a record high in 2022, as total goods trade reached 42.07 trillion yuan (6.2 trillion dollars), up 7.7 percent year-on-year, according to China's General Administration of Customs.

For Yu Feng, president of Honeywell China, China's commitment to opening up has injected impetus into the long-term development of foreign companies in the country, including Honeywell.

In 2022, the multinational company deepened cooperation with its Chinese partners in areas such as energy transition, air transportation, intelligent building, and intelligent manufacturing.

"We are confident in the Chinese market's high-quality development and Honeywell's sustained growth in China because of China's comprehensive advantages, which include complete industrial systems, ultra-large market scale, an increasingly optimized business environment, and long-term positive economic fundamentals," Yu said.

ROAD TOWARD WIN-WIN DEVELOPMENT

Ahead of the "two sessions," in a global survey Xinhua conducted on the development of China, more than 95 percent of the respondents agree that China made impressive achievements in the past decade.

The survey found almost 60 percent of the respondents are most impressed by the country's economic development and progress in science and technology.

This aerial photo shows vehicles to be exported at a port in Lianyungang, east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 13, 2023. (Photo by Geng Yuhe/Xinhua)

Besides, development potentials and cooperation chances top the list of the answers to the question -- what the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has brought to their country and region.

In the eyes of Amadou Diop, a Senegalese expert on China, China's modernization and high-quality development offers not only an inspiration but also "a great opportunity for the rest of the world to commit together towards a community of shared future and common prosperity."

"It does not just say it; it materializes it through factual and very important initiatives and programs," he said of the BRI proposed by Xi in 2013.

Over the past decade, China has been sharing its development dividends with other countries by helping enhance the connectivity and accessibility of infrastructure.

From such transport projects as the China-Laos Railway and the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway that galvanize local and regional development to industrial projects such as the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone that have attracted numerous enterprises and investment, the BRI has become a high-quality public good jointly built by all partners, with its benefits shared by the world.

This photo taken on Jan. 14, 2021 shows a view of the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone in Ain Sokhna, Egypt. (Xinhua/Wu Huiwo)

With the participation of over three-fourths of countries in the world and 32 international organizations, the initiative has brought nearly 1 trillion dollars of investment, established over 3,000 cooperation projects, created some 420,000 jobs in countries along the routes and helped lift nearly 40 million people out of poverty, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang told a press conference on Tuesday.

Cavince Adhere, a Kenyan international relations scholar, lauded China for its willingness to share its resources, technologies and expertise to help transform Africa's economies through enhanced connectivity, trade and job creation.

Belt and Road cooperation projects in Kenya like the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway, seaports and roads have injected vitality into East Africa's largest economy, Adhere observed.

"China runs the development process according to the belief that if development takes place in the world and welfare rates rise, conflicts and disputes in the world will decrease, leading to security and political stability," Egyptian economist Waleed Gaballah told Xinhua.

That "will boost growth and development rates worldwide and achieve the well-being of peoples and societies," he opined.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Earlier this year, CT reported on the sexual abuse and spiritual manipulation of Jean Vanier, who violated at least 25 adult women without disabilities over nearly a 70-year period, and did so during prayer and spiritual devotion.

A few weeks ago, Hohn Cho came forward about how elders at Grace Community Church mishandled treatment of women who were abused by their husbands. These names and institutions have been circulated among evangelical communities, among a list of other abusers that have been accused over the past several years.

In some accounts of sexual abuse cases, the story presented to the world is about the abuser rather than the act of courage it took for the survivor to step forwardsometimes for the sake of the survivors privacy and safety. But thats not the case when it comes to the recent film Women Talking, written and directed by Sarah Polley (spoilers ahead).

Polleys film centers on a group of eight women in a religious community left in the wake of sexual violence. The film is adapted from a book with the same title released in 2018 by Miriam Toews. In the book, the author imagines what could have taken place during an egregious yet true event that happened in a Bolivian Mennonite colony back in 2009in which over a hundred women and girls, including children as young as five years old, were drugged with animal tranquilizers and systematically raped by men in the colony.

Throughout the film, the focus stays on the women who were abused. The stylistic choices of the film are sensitive to the topics at hand and aim to keep the survivors stories, dignity, and emotions at the center of the narrative. According to Polley, We never showed the assaults. We dont go deep into that. What we go into is the recovery and the healing and the conversation.

The filmmakers do not include any faces of any of the abusers, and only one of the abusive men is named. This is a deliberate detail to keep the survivors in the center of the story, especially in contrast to how abusers names are the ones so often repeated in mainstream media. This is also a distinct element to the film adaptation, omitting these details from the book.

Instead, Women Talking invites us to witness the thoughts, emotions, and responses of those who were abused. We get the rare opportunity to see a glimpse into the world of survivors, to empathize and sympathize with those harmedand more importantly, to witness them process their faith amid spiritual manipulation.

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The abusers led the women to believe they were possessed by ghosts or demons. As the narrator, who is cast as the voice of one of the survivors, said: They told us that it was Satan. Or the result of wild female imagination.

While the true events took place in Bolivia, the film was shot in Canada. Polleys goal was to make the events portrayed in the movie feel as if they could have happened at any time or in any placesince the films focus was not so much on the setting but on the conversation and the exchange of ideas.

In an interview on the Scriptnotes podcast, the director states that she wanted it to be timeless. I didnt want people to be able to pin these issues which were dealing with in every patriarchal society to some degree or another on this obscure, already misunderstood community.

This movie could not come at a more opportune time for those in the Christian community, as we are being bombarded by stories of sexual abuse at the hands of spiritual leaders.

When asked about why she made the film, Polley said, I [make films] because I feel like I have to and its urgent. I hadnt felt like that about anything in a really long time. I felt like that about this book and working with these people.

In the film, we see the women comparing their stories as well as wrestling with their faith as they process the aftermath of their sexual and spiritual abuse. The abusers tell the women that if they leave the cult, they wont go to heavengaslighting the women into thinking they must choose between their safety and their salvation.

This is seen most evidently in Scarface Janz (Frances McDormand), who stays behind because she is afraid of eternal damnation if she leaves with the others. As Craig Mazin, film and television writer and producer, from Scriptnotes states, Shes so enslaved that she cant imagine being free.

After many hours of conversation in the hayloft of a barn, the other women decide to leave the colony. And although religion is used as a weapon of abuse against the women, their decision to leave is grounded in their faith. As Greta (Sheila McCarthy) says, We are leaving because our faith is stronger than the rules. Bigger than our life.

As Justin Chang writes in NPRs film review of Women Talking,

What distinguishes this survival story from so many others is that, even as it acknowledges the abusive, patriarchal power structure in this religious colony, it still takes seriously the question of spiritual belief: Its the womens faith in God that ultimately empowers them to imagine a better, fairer way of life.

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With many stories about sexual manipulation and sexual abuse in churches and Christian organizations, we often hear about the organizations that have failed and about the leaders who fell short. But we rarely get to hear about the acts of immense courage it takes to even just admit that one has been abused, let alone decide to stand up against a system of abuse.

Women Talking is a film thats designed to start more conversations around abuse stories, especially in the context of faith. It gives us the opportunity to see a spectrum of responses from those abused and provides representation of the survivors behind the scandal. It also shows the emotional and spiritual turmoil that goes into the decision to speak out against abuse.

To me, one of the most impactful moments in the film is when Autje (Kate Hallett) gives a brief monologue, saying We didnt talk about our bodies, so when something happened, we didnt have the language for it. Without language for it, there was a silence, and in that silence was the real horror.

Without the words to explain their experiences, survivors sometimes lack the power to do anything about their abuse. And in a broader sense, this reminds us of how difficult it can be to stand up against abuse when we dont know how. It often takes someone leading by example to get others to act. For every person that stands up against abuse, there are a handful of others who hear that persons story and recognize themselves in it.

In the end, the eight women in the film rely on Philippians 4:8 in choosing to leave their abusers. They knew that, whatever they decided, they must cling to what is good, even if the future was completely uncertain. To cope with this uncertainty, the film ends with the women listing good thingsa literal practice of clinging to what is good.

At the prescreening I attended, I was fortunate to hear Sarah Polley speak about her experience of making Women Talking. I remember her saying that she hoped people leave the theater continuing the conversation that the film started. Personally, I hope this conversation continues in the church.

As Christians, we especially grieve for those who have been spiritually manipulated on top of being sexually abusedfor the ways someone elses sin has harmed them and for the way their trust was broken by those they saw as spiritual leaders.

And for survivors in the context of Christian institutionsfor those who know that their faith is stronger than the forces fighting against themwe pray that they too will have the strength and courage to cling to what is true and good.

Mia Staub is the content manager at Christianity Today.
Former co-worker pushes back on whistleblower's claims about transgender clinic harming children

Whistleblower Jamie Reed's claims that a pediatric gender clinic in St. Louis is "permanently harming" children by rushing to prescribe puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones has been met with pushback from a former co-worker and previous patients at the clinic.

Reed, a former case manager at Washington University Transgender Center at St. Louis Children's Hospital from 2018 to November 2022, stated in a sworn affidavit last month that she witnessed healthcare providers lying to parents about the side effects of taking drugs to transition. She also alleged that the clinic did not track the adverse outcomes patients experienced after leaving the center and that it initiated medical transitions for more than 600 kids from 2020 to 2022.

In response, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced a probe into Reed's allegations that the clinic pushed medical interventions on children, sometimes without their parents' consent. He even requested a moratorium on the clinic's transition services, but the clinic continues to provide services.

Jess Jones, who worked alongside Reed for two years while employed as the center's educational coordinator until 2020, argued that parents with children expressing a desire to transition had raised "red flags" about Reed.

"So I really wish the center had listened to trans people," Jones told The Missouri Independent. "We said: 'This is a person who isn't safe for us.'"

The St. Louis Children's Hospital and Washington University did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment.

Some of the parents that The Independent spoke to, such as Kyle and Rene Freels, claimed that it took months and multiple appointments before their child received puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones, not just a few hours.

As Reed's attorney, Vernadette Broyles, noted, the testimonies shared by The Independent are from parents who had positive experiences at the clinic. Broyles also stated that some patients who detransitioned may feel hesitant to come forward about their past decision.

"It does not surprise me that you would find someone in that honeymoon phase," she said.

The Freels' daughter met with a pediatric endocrinologist in August 2021 and did not receive a prescription for hormones, as their daughter wanted to socially transition first, meaning she wanted to adopt a different name and pronouns. Their daughter attended group therapy sessions, although the parents say she didn't suffer from any mental health issues and received a recommendation for hormones.

A year after the first appointment, their daughter met with the endocrinologist again and received a puberty implant in November 2022, 17 months after voicing a desire to identify as transgender to her pediatrician.

The parents described Reed as "unhelpful," accusing her of preventing them and other patients from obtaining an appointment at the center.

Another mother, Lisa, who declined to share her full name for safety reasons, said that her child, Joey, first had an appointment at the center in August 2019 but had to wait three years before he could go on puberty blockers.

Joey, whose name was also withheld, has had 21 appointments with a psychologist and nine visits with an endocrinologist since then. Joey started taking testosterone after nearly a year of therapy and days before his 17th birthday.

"Everything took a really, really long time to get going," Joey said.

Jones pushed back on Reed's claim that the center provided referrals for sex-change surgeries to minors, stating that the clinic provided information about the surgeons who could perform the procedures but did not offer formal referrals.

The whistleblower's former co-worker also denied allegations that the center coerced parents into having their children transition. Reed recalled in her affidavit how a doctor working at the center would tell parents, "'You can either have a living son or a dead daughter.'"

The Independent claims that Reed clarified to The Free Press that one doctor at the clinic told parents this, and he no longer works at the center.

However, Reed's sworn affidavit states that "clinicians would say this to parents in front of their children" and "that introduced the idea of suicide to the children."

"The suicide assertion was also based on false statistics. The clinicians would also malign any parent that was not on board with medicalizing their children," Reed wrote. "They would speak disparaging of those parents."

Jones said that physicians would present parents with research showing lower rates of suicide associated with "gender-affirming care" when discussing hormones with parents.

Jay Richards, director of the Richard and Helen DeVos Center for Life, Religion, and Family at The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, argued that "Appeals to studies in favor of the benefits of so-called 'Gender Affirming Care' are bluffs, based on the assumption that most people won't look at the details."

Richards, who also serves as the William E. Simon Senior Research Fellow in Religious Liberty and Civil Society at The Heritage Foundation, told CP in a statement that these studies rely on "small, cherry-picked sample sizes." He also asserted that the studies are purposefully designed to prove the benefits of the interventions.

"There are exactly zero long term studies of the effects of the 'gender affirming pathway' for a self-evident reason: doctors have not been doing these interventions on kids for all that long, and long term studies won't even be possible for decades," he stated. "Second, every entity that has done a systematic review of evidence (as opposed to cherry-picking) has found very poor evidence that the benefits exceed the costs."

The policy expert cited various national health authorities, including in Sweden, and even a medical board in Florida, which found a lack of sufficient evidence supporting the idea that affirming gender dysphoria leads to improved health outcomes. The United Kingdom's National Health Service also released guidelines in October discouraging health professionals from being quick to encourage children to socially transition, warning that the child may be going through a "transient phase."

"And one final  logical  point that requires no knowledge of the underlying studies: Even if there were evidence that putting kids on the pathway to sterilization provided short term psychological relief, surely we would be searching madly for a less draconian and destructive alternative," Richards stated. "Instead, gender activists insist this is the only alternative. That doesn't sound to me like a commitment to evidence. It sounds like a commitment to a pre-existing agenda."

As CP reported, a June 2022 analysis released by The Heritage Foundation's Jay Greene found that states where it's easier for youth to receive "gender-affirming care" had an increase in suicide rates around the same time that this intervention became available. The suicide rates were also higher when compared to states with less access to gender-based medical interventions.
Court reinstates Florida law defunding Planned Parenthood

A federal court has reinstated a 2016 Florida law that allows the state to strip taxpayer funding from Planned Parenthood, citing the overturning of Roe v. Wade as justification.

United States District Judge Robert L. Hinkle of the Northern District of Florida issued an order Tuesday in the case of Planned Parenthood et al. v. Joseph Ladapo et al., explaining that an earlier injunction stopping Florida from enforcing the defunding law was based on the presumption that abortion was a constitutional right, which was a precedent created by the 1973 Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade.

The judge noted that Roe was overturned last year by the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, which ruled that states could ban abortion.

The plaintiffs in the case expressed no opposition to the reinstatement of the law, provided that it does not take place before June 1 so that an orderly transition can take place. The defendants agreed to the delay.

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody took to Twitter to celebrate the news, calling the decision a victory in our case about whether Floridians should be forced to fund Planned Parenthood.

The court reinstated what the legislature passed in 2016  a ban on state funds supporting clinics that provide abortions, she tweeted on Tuesday.

In 2016, Florida lawmakers passed House Bill 1411 that prohibited taxpayer money from being used to fund abortion clinics unless the abortions were performed on the basis of rape, incest, or life-threatening medical emergency for the mother.

In August 2016, a court blocked enforcement of the law, with the Florida government declining an effort to appeal the injunction, according to NBC affiliate WJHG.

For us, this means that we're going to be able to continue to provide high quality healthcare services to those communities that need it the most, to low income communities that unfortunately don't have this constant access to reproductive healthcare, stated Kim Diaz of Planned Parenthood at the time, as quoted by WJHG.

Last month, AG Moody announced that she was going to vacate the 2016 injunction, citing the overturning of Roe last year as a justification.

Now that the case at the center of the courts reasoning has been overturned, we are petitioning the court to vacate the courts injunction and allow the will of our states legislative body and the people who elected them to take effect, stated Moody in February.
Newsom cuts ties with Walgreens for not dispensing abortion pill in states where it's illegal

California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that the state is withdrawing from a $54 million contract with Walgreens after the corporation revealed that it would not dispense the abortion pill in certain states where it is not legal to do so.

Under the Democratic governor's directive, the California Department of General Services gave Walgreens a formal notice Wednesday that it's withdrawing from a contractual agreement with the company set for renewal in May.

The contract enabled the state to procure "specialty pharmacy prescription drugs," which are typically used by the state's prison health care system. Walgreens had received $54 million from the state of California under the contract.

"California will not stand by as corporations cave to extremists and cut off critical access to reproductive care and freedom," Newsom declared in a Wednesday statement. "California is on track to be the fourth largest economy in the world and we will leverage our market power to defend the right to choose."

Newsom stated on Twitter Monday that California would no longer do business with Walgreens or "any company that cowers to the extremists and puts women's lives at risk."

California won't be doing business with @walgreens -- or any company that cowers to the extremists and puts women's lives at risk.



We're done.https://t.co/OB10cYfm8H  Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) March 6, 2023

A Walgreens spokesperson told The Christian Post in a Thursday statement that the corporation was "deeply disappointed" by the state of California's decision not to renew a "longstanding contract due to false and misleading information."

"Walgreens is facing the same circumstances as all retail pharmacies, and no other retail pharmacies have said that they would approach this situation differently, so it's unclear where this contract would now be moved," Fraser Engerman, senior director of external relations for Walgreens, stated.

Engerman told CP that the corporation has always maintained that it would dispense the abortion pill in any jurisdiction where distributing the drug is "legally permissible," including California, once Walgreens obtains certification from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

"We will dispense this medication consistent with federal and state laws," he vowed. "Providing legally approved medications to patients is what pharmacies do, and is rooted in our commitment to the communities in which we operate."

Gov. Gavin Newsom's office did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment.

As CP previously reported, Walgreens responded to a letter from 20 Republican state attorneys general promising to take legal action if the company began dispensing the abortion pill in their state by indicating that it would not do so. The letter, led by Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, was signed by the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and West Virginia.

Walgreens, alongside other major retail pharmacy chains, including CVS and Rite Aid, announced that it had taken steps to begin distributing the abortion pill, marked as Mifepristone in the U.S., after the FDA modified restrictions on it in January.

"We are not distributing Mifepristone at this time. We intend to be a certified pharmacy and will dispense Mifepristone only in those jurisdictions where it is legal and operationally feasible," Engerman told CP in a statement last week.

Pro-life advocates have warned that allowing major pharmacy retail chains to dispense the abortion pill threatens the lives of women and their unborn children. Multiple pro-life groups protested at major pharmacy retail stores through the #StopAbortionRx campaign, calling on corporations to "cut ties with the abortion industry."

Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America Director of State Affairs and Midwest Regional Director Sue Liebel told CP in a previous interview that data collection on abortion in the U.S. is "abysmal," criticizing the FDA for deregulating the drug when there is a lack of proper reporting on complications. She also highlighted how reduced medical supervision surrounding the pill could increase a woman's risk of experiencing health complications.

"There's a lot of opportunity here for misuse, including a woman not correctly anticipating the gestational age of her baby," Liebel said, in addition to other complications, such as ectopic pregnancies and RH compatibility.

Following the overturn of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion nationwide last summer, Newsom moved to expand abortion access through a $200 million taxpayer-funded budget package. In September, California launched a $1 million website to direct residents and non-residents to abortion facilities or places where they can obtain the abortion pill.
'God has been drawing Gen Z to Himself': Regent students holding revival worship during spring break

While many students are on vacation during spring break in Virginia, students at Regent University have been engaging in impromptu worship services that include the sharing of testimonies and exhortations from Scripture.

Regent students and others began holding evening worship services last month after some went to Asbury University in Kentucky to participate in the revival there.

Jeff Gossmann, director of Campus Ministries at Regent, told The Christian Post that this week marks spring break for the university, but students, faculty staff and the community continue to meet for spontaneous worship and prayer.

Our Shaw Chapel on campus is open every day this week for unscripted prayer and praise, said Gossmann, It feels like the same quality of spiritual renewal I experienced while at Asbury.

Gossmann traveled to Asbury last month along with a professor and two students to experience the revival gathering for themselves.

We came back excited about what God was doing, not just at Asbury University but at other universities too. We were convinced that the revival was the fruit of something God was doing that was larger than any one school, Gossmann told CP.

It was clear that God has been drawing Gen Z to Himself. Gen Z has suffered so much loss from the pandemic. This revival is like a coming-of-age party for Gen Z. I believe that, through this revival, Jesus is saying to Gen Z, I see you. Welcome to the table.

According to Gossmann, after the small group from Regent returned, the campus community held a Monday evening worship service on Feb. 20, which began at 6 p.m. and continued until midnight.

The positive reception for that evening service led to other evening services being held the next few nights, with students coming and going as their class and midterm schedules allowed.

Throughout the night, the student-led worship would crescendo into heavenly sounds of the worship before the throne. With lifted hands, they raised their voices to sing, often with tears in their eyes, Gossmann recounted, estimating that they had about 200 people worshiping together continuously.

Many students sat on the floor throughout the chapel with their Bibles open, writing in their journals. Each night at least 10 students approached me, asking permission to share a short exhortation from a Scripture the Holy Spirit highlighted during worship. Those words of encouragement were spread throughout the night, occurring every 20-30 minutes.

Regarding the longterm outflowing of the spontaneous services, Gossmann told CP that he believed that revival is not an end in itself, but rather a time when God sovereignly inspires His people by blowing on the embers of their faith.

The result is a hotter fire and a passionate faith that fulfills the purpose God has already given the Church: to make disciples of all nations, he said. We will do the things He has given us to do with greater zeal: well worship, minister the Word, serve, and evangelize with more passion and anointing from the Holy Spirit.

Were not pursuing revival  were pursuing Jesus Christ. He is reviving His Church on university campuses everywhere. Were merely letting down our sails and inviting His Holy Spirit to push us closer to His heavenward calling in Christ Jesus.

Last month, the campus of Asbury became the epicenter for a prayer and worship meeting that went nonstop for about 16 days and sparked similar impromptu services at other universities and secondary schools.
Democrat resigns after comments about disabled children's impact on school budget draws backlash

A Massachusetts Democratic official has resigned from his position as chair of a local Democratic committee after he suggested during public comments at a recent city council meeting that abortion is necessary to offset the cost of providing special education classes and services for children with disabilities.

Michael Hugo, who served as chair of the Framingham Democratic Committee (FDC), issued an apology last Thursday while announcing his resignation. Hugo said he decided to resign after talking with his wife, members of the FDC, and Democrat state Senate President Karen Spilka.

At the Feb. 7 Framingham City Council meeting where Hugo's public comments caused offense, the 11-member council unanimously passed a proclamation to ensure access to abortion for "persons capable of being pregnant" and announced that the city's website would provide a link for residents to file consumer complaints with the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office against pro-life pregnancy centers because they do not provide abortions.

Speaking in favor of the proclamation, Hugo said, Our fear is that if an unqualified sonographer misdiagnoses a heart defect, an organ defect, spina bifida, that becomes a very local issue because our school budget will have to absorb the cost of a child in special education, supplying lots and lots of special services to children, who were born with the defect. Hugo added that he was speaking on behalf of the FDC.

The FDC, whose stated mission is to work for the common good by promoting racial, ethnic, social, and economic equality for the people of Framingham, announced on March 2 that it had received notice of Hugos resignation and announced that Rosamond Hooper-Hamersley and Cesar Stewart-Morales would fill the vacancy.

At an earlier FDC meeting on Feb. 26, members voted on two motions pertaining to Hugo's comments at the city council meeting. While a motion to "endorse the statement from the FDC Executive Committee repudiating the chairs remarks" was passed, a second motion to debate his removal as chair failed.

I thank the committee members for their recent show of support in defeating a motion to even discuss my removal, thus this is of my own volition, Hugo wrote. However, I feel it is what is best for the committee, my loved ones, my emotional and physical health, and our cause and those I serve in my work. While I am stepping down as chair after over a decade of service as an officer, I plan to continue to do the work of the party.

He added: Even though I issued separate apologies to the city council, The Framingham Democratic Committee, and the entire city within hours of the statement, I wish to reiterate that I am sorry for distracting from a major victory for freedom of choice, and for harm to the other-abled community at large.

Hugo and the FDC did not respond to The Christian Posts request for comment.

As the Framingham Source reported last month, Pat Dunne, a former Framingham School Committee member and member of the FDC, who spoke after Hugo, denounced his remarks.

"Im a lifetime member of the Democratic Committee, and the person who wanted to represent us went off the rails on a different direction that was never brought before the Democratic Committee," Dunne said.

"Were not talking about eliminating special education students and the like. Were talking about getting out good information to the people in Framingham. And hes casting a bit too wide for me and thats why I did want to say something."

On Feb. 17, the FDC released a statement addressing Hugo's remarks, condemning them as harmful, misleading and wrong.

In a public apology letter written last month, Hugo acknowledged that his comments were offensive and hurtful. He added that committee members had not reviewed the entirety of his remarks, which were sent before the city council meeting.
Hillsong leaders accused of money laundering, tax evasion, shopping that would embarrass a Kardashian Church spokesperson says claims are 'out of context'

Armed with reams of financial records and genuine Hillsong Church board documents he received from a whistleblower, Andrew Wilkie, an independent member of the Australian Parliament, accused Hillsong Church founder Brian Houston and other leaders, including the newly appointed Global Senior Pastor Phil Dooley, of money laundering, tax evasion and shopping sprees that would "embarrass a Kardashian."

Records from the cash cow Evangelical megachurch network also showed popular American televangelists like Joyce Meyer and T.D. Jakes being paid tens of thousands of dollars in honorariums for engagements with the church. Meanwhile, others like Chris Hodges, founder and leader of Church of the Highlands, received "curious payments."

"Last year a whistleblower provided me with financial records and board papers that show that Hillsong is breaking numerous laws in Australia and around the world relating to fraud, money laundering and tax evasion," Wilkie alleged during his presentation in Parliament Thursday.

He then pointed to a document showing that in 2021, as the world grappled with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, four members of the Houston family jetted off with friends to Cancun, Mexico, for a luxury retreat lasting three days and billed the church $150,000 for it.

"These other documents show former leader Brian Houston treating private jets like Ubers  again, all with church money. For example, in one three-month period, Brian Houston's trips cost $55,000, $52,000, $30,000, $22,000 and $20,000," Wilkie said.

Wilkie alleged that Dooley, who was just anointed as Hillsong's new global senior pastor last month with high praise from the church, allegedly splurged right along with the church's embattled founder.

"The new head of Hillsong, Phil Dooley, has told church followers he only flies economy, but these documents show him clocking up $58,000 in business-class flights for him and his daughter to Guatemala, $42,000 in business-class flights to Mexico and $32,000 in business-class flights from Cape Town to Sydney via the US," Wilkie said. "Hillsong followers believe that the money they put in the poor box goes to the poor, but these documents show how that money is actually used to do the kind of shopping that would embarrass a Kardashian."

Among the lavish spending detailed by Wilkie are a $6,500 Cartier watch for Brian Houston's wife, Bobbie, $2,500 in Louis Vuitton luggage, a $2,500 watch for Phil Dooley, two watches worth $15,000 for Joel and Julia A'Bell, shopping sprees for designer clothes at Saks Fifth Avenue and $16,000 for custom skateboards.

Those close to the church's inner circle also benefited from cash gifts, Wilkie contends.

"For instance, $15,000 for Darren Kitto's 50th birthday, $36,000 for Gary Clarke's 30th anniversary and $4,300 for his 60th birthday, plus up to $30,000 to board members, some of whom allegedly helped cover up the sexual abuse carried out by Frank Houston, Brian Houston's father," Wilkie said.

Wilkie also pointed to "curious payments" made to Chris Hodges, founder and leader of Church of the Highlands, one of the largest churches in America, and Paul de Jong, founding pastor of Life, a multicampus church spread across New Zealand and Australia. Both Christian leaders were part of a team that investigated a 2019 sexual misconduct claim against Houston, which eventually triggered his ouster from the church a year ago.

"There are also the curious payments of $10,000 each to Paul de Jong and Chris Hodges, the external pastors who investigated allegations of Brian Houston's 2019 sexual misconduct in a Sydney hotel room involving a female parishioner," Wilkie said.

The Australian politician pointed to more than $1 million per year going to Hillsong musicians like Brian Houston's son, Joel Houston, for royalties.

"The documents show a $15.7 million loan from Hillsong  very unlikely ever to be repaid which funded the purchase of Festival Hall in Melbourne. At face value, this appears unremarkable, except that this is a commercial venture run by Hillsong's Community Venues company and is ineligible to benefit from tax-deductible church donations. All of this is in the context of the documents also revealing that Hillsong earns $80 million more in Australian annual income than it reports publicly," Wilkie said.

Jakes and Meyer were named in Wilkie's presentation as he accused Hillsong Church of using honorariums to hide income.

"The criminality isn't limited to Australia, as evidenced by these further documents, which show how honorariums are used to disguise income and avoid tax. For example, U.S. pastor Joyce Meyer enjoyed honorariums of $160,000, $133,000, $100,000 and $32,000, and U.S. pastor T.D. Jakes received $71,000 and $120,000, with a staggering $77,000 worth of airfares to and from Australia thrown in," Wilkie said.

"In return, Mr. Houston goes to America and receives  you guessed it  his own eye-watering honorariums. Moreover, sending millions of dollars of Australian charitable donations overseas is illegal in some circumstances," he argued.

Wilkie further alleged that the documents he has in his possession also show that disgraced former Hillsong NYC Pastor Carl Lentz was earning some $220,000 annually, which was mostly tax-free, in addition to "tens of thousands of dollars" to operate his "celebrity green room to cover catering and the cost of gifts for visiting celebrities."

In response to Wilkie's claims, a spokesperson for Hillsong said in a statement shared with media that the church network has been "open and transparent with our congregation about past governance failures, and over the past twelve months we have engaged independent, professional assistance to overhaul our governance and accountability procedures."

"The claims made in federal parliament by Mr Andrew Wilkie are out of context and relate to untested allegations made by an employee in an ongoing legal case," the statement reads. "These allegations, made under parliamentary privilege, are in many respects wrong, and it is disappointing he made no effort to contact us first. If he did so we would have answered his questions and provided him with financial records to address his concerns."

"Hillsong has sought independent legal and accounting advice on these matters since the employee involved in the legal case made these claims, and we believe that we have complied with all legal and compliance requirements," the Hillsong statement continues. "We have filed our defence and will provide evidence at the appropriate time. We cannot do so at this stage due to the ongoing legal case. ... We are fully cooperating with regulatory authorities as part of their enquiries."

Wilkie argued that the whistleblower presented the documents to several watchdog agencies, including the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission, and no action was taken against the church.

"I've verified that these documents are genuine. I'm shocked that, when offered to the ATO, ASIC and ACNC last year under whistleblower legislation, not one of those agencies acted," Wilkie said. "That is a failure of regulatory oversight every bit as alarming as Hillsong's criminality. To remedy this, I now seek leave to table the evidence provided to me by the whistleblower."
Rick Warren shares 3 Bible passages that changed his mind on women pastors

Former Saddleback Church pastor and founder Rick Warren recently laid out three passages from the Bible that led him to conclude that it is acceptable for women to serve in the office of pastor.

Saddleback Church, the California-based megachurch founded by Warren in 1980, was recently expelled from the Southern Baptist Convention for having a woman fill the office of teaching pastor. The church plans to appeal the decision later this year. Since Warren's retirement last year, the church has been led by Andy and Stacie Wood.

In a podcast interview with former SBC Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission President Russell Moore posted Wednesday, Warren said he believes that "we have to approach Scripture humbly" and that "the Church at its best was the Church at its birth."

"This is not a battle between liberals and conservatives. All the liberals left a long time ago. Everybody in the SBC believes in the inerrancy of Scripture," said Warren. "Now we are talking about difference of interpretation."

The best-selling author of The Purpose Driven Life laid out three Scripture passages that led him to conclude three years ago that it was acceptable for women to become pastors.

Warren first cited Matthew 28:19-20. Known as the Great Commission, the passage involves Jesus telling His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."

"We claim that we believe that the Great Commission is for everybody, both men and women are to fulfill the Great Commission," Warren argued.

"There are four verbs in the Great Commission: 'go,' 'make disciples,' 'baptize' and 'teach.' Women are to go. Women are to make disciples. Women are to baptize and women are to teach, not just men."

The second passage he cited was the day of Pentecost, as explained in Acts 2, in which the Holy Spirit came down upon the early church, with those present speaking in foreign tongues.

"We know women were in the room. We know women were filled with the Holy Spirit," said Warren. "We know that women were preaching in languages that other people couldn't hear to a mixed audience. We know women; it wasn't just men; women were preaching on the day of Pentecost."

Warren noted that, in the passage, when the Apostle Peter told the crowd what was happening, he quoted the Old Testament verse of Joel 2:28, which states, "on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy."

His third verse of evidence was John 20:17 when Jesus told Mary Magdalene to tell the disciples about his resurrection, noting that Jesus "chose her to be the first preacher of the Gospel."

Warren added that while he supported women becoming pastors, he stressed that "it doesn't bother me if you disagree with me," noting, "I have to say, I could be wrong."

"For 2,000 years, the Church has debated the role of women in culture, but to make it a litmus test for 'are you a Baptist or not?' is nonsense," he continued.

Warren was asked if Saddleback will appeal the expulsion at the SBC Annual Meeting in June. He replied that while he just wants to "walk away from it," he also felt that he had to do so.

"I need to stand up for the pastors who are scared to death by this inquisition, and I think I need to stand up for the millions of godly Southern Baptist women whose gifts and leadership skills are being stymied," said Warren.

Warren told Moore that while he believed that churches should be expelled from the SBC for "sin, racism, sexual abuse, other sexual sins, things like that," having a woman serving as a pastor should not be one of them.

"We should kick out churches for sin. We should kick out churches that harm the testimony of the convention. This isn't harming the testimony of anybody," he added.

Supporters of the SBC prohibition on women pastors include Owen Strachan, a theology professor at Grace Bible Theological Seminary and a critic of Saddleback's direction on the issue.

In a Facebook comment responding to Saddleback's 2021 announcement that it ordained three women as pastors, Strachan cited 1 Timothy 2:9-15, which includes the verse in which Apostle Paul writes: "I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet."

"Churches that affirm women pastors are opposing the Word of God, and opposing the Word of God means opposing God himself," said Strachan.

"Now is the time to leave and find a sound congregation. Do not delay. There is no spirit of competition in what I write here; what Saddleback is doing grieves me, and I have no doubt grieves many in the congregation."

Warren retired as senior pastor of Saddleback last September, succeeded by Pastors Andy Wood and Stacie Wood, who Saddleback identifies as its teaching pastor.

Last month, the SBC Executive Committee approved a recommendation from the SBC Credentials Committee to label Saddleback and four other churches as "not in friendly cooperation with the Southern Baptist Convention" over their decision to allow women to hold the office of pastor.

SBC's Executive Committee Chairman Jared Wellman said in a statement to Baptist Press that the disaffiliations came because of "the churches continuing to have a female functioning in the office of pastor."

"As stated in the Baptist Faith and Message Article VI, the SBC holds to the belief that the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture," stated Wellman in February.

"These churches have been valued, cooperating churches for many years, and this decision was not made lightly. However, we remain committed to upholding the theological convictions of the SBC and maintaining unity among its cooperating churches."

In the SBC, local churches ordain pastors, not the denomination as a whole.

Last August, prominent SBC theologians Richard Land, Albert Mohler and Chuck Kelley published a statement clarifying the meaning of the word "pastor" to mean "one who fulfills the pastoral office and carries out the pastor's functions." The three men were tasked with writing a study guide for the Baptist Faith & Message when it was revised in 2000.

"[I]t is important to understand that the word pastor was chosen precisely because of its clarity among Southern Baptists. The statement carefully affirms that both men and women are gifted for service in the church, but the role of pastor is biblically defined and is to be held only by men as qualified by Scripture," they stated.

The 2000 Baptist Faith & Message establishes that "pastor" was not to be used to describe every ministerial position within a church.
Christians may doubt these two pro-life arguments

On January 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the landmark case Roe v. Wade that the Constitution granted a fundamental right to abortion. That ruling effectively legalized abortion in all 50 states and ignited a 50-year culture war for the lives of unborn children.

In the decades following Roe, over 60 million children would be aborted. Pro-life advocates would challenge the merits of Roe in several subsequent cases, but each time the court upheld the fundamental right to abortion  until June 24, 2022. In an earth-shattering decision heard around the world, the Supreme Court, in Dobbs v. Jackson, overturned Roe v. Wade and returned the issue of abortion back to the states.

The Dobbs decision was a day of great triumph and jubilation for those who fought for decades on behalf of unborn children. The constitutional battle for the unborn had finally been won, and the culture war had suddenly shifted. It was a Gettysburg moment. In spite of the incredible victory, however, it wasnt long before the culture war shifted to state governments.

In the wake of Dobbs, Christians who had fought for decades to overturn Roe were now faced with new questions: Where do we go from here? What kind of pro-life policy should my state enact? Should there be exceptions for abortion? If so, which ones?

Christians need to consider these questions carefully in light of Scripture. Most evangelical Christians are pro-life, generally speaking. They know the Bible says something about abortion, but they may not know exactly what it says or how to articulate their pro-life position from a biblical worldview. In this article, we will consider a basic biblical case for the pro-life position and what it means for the battles ahead.

A biblical pro-life position

Before jumping into the biblical evidence, we should first consider a basic, logical argument (a syllogism) for the pro-life position. It goes like this:

The Bible considers killing innocent human beings immoral (Exod. 20:13). Abortion is the killing of an innocent human being. Therefore, abortion is immoral.

Most Christians will not dispute 1., but they may doubt 2. and 3. if they are unsure what the Bible says about abortion. Therefore, it is important to demonstrate that 2. is true, and therefore, 3. is also true. In order to do so, we to prove that the Bible sees a continuity of identity between unborn and born states of being. In other words, we need to show that the Bible attributes equal dignity and characteristics to the born and unborn alike. If so, then the unborn are persons deserving of the same respect as other human beings, and therefore, abortion is immoral.

Now, lets look at the biblical evidence.

Gods knowledge of the unborn implies a continuity of identity for each person between unborn and born states of being. For example, the unborn are known by God in the same way He knows the same person later in life (Jer. 1:5; Psalm 139:13; Job 31:15). Also, God has knowledge of the unborn even at the earliest stages of pre-natal development (Ps. 139:16). At times, the terms birth and conception are even used interchangeably for the same person (Job 3:3). Moreover, the Greek word brephos is used both for a child inside the womb and outside the womb (Lk. 1:41, 1:44-2:12, 16: 18:15; Acts 7:19; II Timothy 3:15).

In fact, the Bible consistently refers to the unborn as children (Gen. 25:22-23; Exod. 21:22; Judges 13:2-7; Isa. 49:1; Lk. 1:41, 44, 2:12, 16). For example, Jesus Christ is referred to as a child from the point of conception (Matt. 1:18; Lk. 1:35), and Mary and Elizabeth recognize Jesus as Lord at the earliest stages of development (Lk. 1:43). Did you catch that? The incarnation itself occurs before Jesus actual birth!

These instances, when considered together, indicate that the unborn are persons. They imply a continuity of identity between a persons earliest moments as an unborn child and their later life as a living, breathing adult person.

Consider some additional evidence. The Hebrew word geber can refer to an unborn child, a small boy, or an adult (Ex. 10:10; Deut. 22:5; Judg. 5:30; Job 3:3), implying that the unborn are persons in the same sense that an adult man or a small boy are persons. The Bible also attributes sin nature to the unborn from the moment of conception (Ps. 51:5), and it attributes personal emotions to the unborn (Lk. 1:41, 44). In a negative sense, the punishment for injuring or killing an unborn child was the same as killing an adult human being under the Mosaic Law (Ex. 21:22-23). It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that the Bible considers the unborn as persons deserving of equal dignity and treatment as other human beings.

Why the moment of conception? Three basic reasons

Someone might ask why the moment of conception, and not some other stage of development, is the point when Christians should consider the unborn as persons. Perhaps the Bible simply values the unborn as persons but doesnt specify when (precisely) they become persons. Other articles answer this question in greater detail, but there are three basic reasons to consider the moment of conception as the biblical position.

First, conception is the only time a radical break occurs and a new, biologically distinct entity comes into existence  the sperm and egg fuse to become a zygote. Second, the SLED Test. There are no essential biological differences between an embryo and an adult. The only differences are size, level of development, environment, and degree of dependency (SLED). Third, from the moment of conception, the zygote possesses a human nature. It does not become a human being; it already is a human being and is developing in accordance with its nature. With time, it grows and develops into and through the different stages of human personhood, from zygote to fetus to infant to toddler to teen to adult.

For these reasons, attributing personhood to the unborn from the moment of conception is the most biblical and logically consistent position. Certainly, many policy decisions still need to be made in many states with respect to the limits of abortion and any exceptions for extreme cases (i.e., ectopic pregnancies, life-threatening diseases, etc.), but Christians advocating for pro-life policies should certainly take this evidence into account.

The Bible does not answer every legal question on abortion, but it does give us the basic moral foundation for treating the unborn with the same dignity and respect as other persons. Armed with this basic moral foundation, Christians can advance the pro-life cause in the public square with confidence that their fight for the unborn is both virtuous and worthwhile. For if God cares about the unborn, so should we.

Originally published at the Standing for Freedom Center.
How God answers our prayers when we pray selflessly

Sometime ago I noticed that God was no longer answering my numerous prayers. I had called God to heal my infirmity, help me pay the bills of my family and solve all our problems. But God seemed to be distant. Sometimes I added fasting to prayers with no results. One day the words of James 4:3 came alive in my heart: When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

I came to realize that all my family's prayers were just about ourselves and our family's needs. Nothing else. So, we decided to change the way we pray. We shifted from God provide for all our needs to God use us to meet the needs of the helpless. We came to understand that Christianity is not about us but about the sacrificial lamb that was slain.

I must confess that since then, God has been faithful. Oftentimes when He uses us to meet the needs of the helpless, he also meets our needs. When we trust Him and focus on feeding others, God also feeds us.

When I felt that my family needs a house of our own, we started praying that God should use us to build houses for at least two homeless widows. On the 24th of December last year, we embarked on an outreach to widows, orphans, single mothers, and indigent women in Enugu state, Southeast Nigeria. As we moved from house to house distributing food items, wrappers, and Bibles, we encountered a homeless 74-year-old widow who was living under a tree.

She told us how she had been marginalized, discriminated against, and stigmatized by the relatives of her husband after the death of her son.

We promised her a token to enable her to buy food on monthly basis. We communicated the plight of this widow to Pastor Benjamin Faircloth (President of World Outreach Ministries International) who later responded and volunteered to build a house for this homeless widow.

In January of this year, the fund for the building was sent to us and within two weeks we constructed and furnished a two-bedroom apartment for her. I could not believe the speed at which God answered the selfless prayer of building a house for a homeless widow. The dedication of the building attracted many people from nearby communities who came to see the wonder-working power of God in the life of a rejected, hopeless and homeless widow. I used the opportunity to preach Christ to them.

As I am writing this op-ed, construction is about to start on another building for a homeless 35-year-old widow who breaks stone to generate income to sustain her five vulnerable children. All we need is to make sure that we are not praying amiss.
Iran collaborates with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in conducting checks on nuclear facilities. The UN nuclear agency Director-General Rafael Grossi said that Tehran would submit to verification and monitoring, he added.

Iran Allows Nuclear Watchdog Access

Last Saturday, the UN nuclear agency and the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) concurred on working together. This would cover the full cooperation of both agencies that also covers Tehran's rights and obligations as part of the agreement, said the joint statement, as reported by China Daily.

Tehran indicated it would comply with increased access and information to satisfy the conditions like safety issues and uranium traces. These traces were allegedly found in three sites that were off the radar.

Grossi arrived in Tehran last Friday to discuss with officials of the Iranian government, including President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and AEOI President Mohammad Eslami. Raisi left Tehran and arrived in Vienna to speak at a press conference saying cameras are scheduled to be online at several nuclear sites.

In a previous meeting between Raisi and Grossi, the former expressed that the UN nuclear agency should be professional in dealing with the Iranian nuclear issue. The watchdog head remarked it is a start that could lead back to reinstating the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. In 2015, Tehran was in the nuclear deal but left later, noted AL Jazeera.

Read Also: Saudi's Stand on Russia, Iran Nuclear Deal

A representative for the AEOI, Behrouz Kamalvandi, said that Tehran would not allow access by personnel of the UN watchdog. He made it clear that two days of talks did not include personal access was not mentioned, cited Iran International. He added that no new cams would be placed in Iran's nuclear facilities to clarify that it is not part of any deal.

US Sanctions Tehran for Its Nuclear Facilities

One of the sore points is that Israel and US use this issue arbitrarily to sanction the Iranians. Raisi indicated that the US busted the nuclear deal in 2015, not Tehran. There should be honesty on its part when it reports on the status of its nuclear program and compliance with rules on nuclear power.

The Iranian foreign minister spoke about meeting with Grossi, stressing that safety concerns are part of the concerns. Grossi welcomed diplomacy to end a dispute with any means to push the Vienna talk forward for positive gains. More meetings between Tehran officials and the UN nuclear watchdog are scheduled in Iran to secure talks. The lack of any activity on the Iranian side was remarked.

Sources detail the International Atomic Energy Agency has pushed a resolution supported by the US and its EU allies. They want Tehran to submit to a check for uranium traces which is only one of the west's suspicious motives.

The Iranian government called the claims untrue and said its nuclear program was peaceful. Iran has repeatedly rejected such allegations and emphasized the peaceful nature of its nuclear program. Iran agrees with the IEAE to allow cameras placed in nuclear facilities to be operational again. But the watchdog was warned to be impartial and not listen to others.

Related Article: Iran Accuses US of Influencing UN Rights Body

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6 reasons why revival is not the focus of the New Testament

The Asbury revival has garnered the attention of many. As a result, some pastors and young leaders are looking at this phenomenon as the norm and primary goal of their ministry. However, we must look at revival as a means to an end, not the end itself.

Historically, charismatics have been all in on revival. To them, this term is an all-encompassing word that means a mighty move of God in the Church that spills over into the community and wins the lost. However, we should distinguish between a revival, which has to do with bringing life back to a dead church, and an awakening, which has to do with a massive movement of winning the lost in the surrounding communities of churches.

Of course, we should all believe in revivals leading to significant awakenings of sinners. However, there are many churches and pastors who have no strategy except to wait for a revival. When I read the New Testament, this differs from the apostles focus. The word revival is not used once in the New Testament, even though the need for it in the context of bringing life back to a dead church is implied in several places. (In the book of Revelation, Jesus told the church of Ephesus to come back to their first love. He tells the church of Sardis to wake up and strengthen the things that remain that are about to die. He rebuked the Laodicea church for being lukewarm and admonished them to let Him back in the church (Revelation 2:1-7; 3:1-2; 3:14-20)).

The following are six reasons why we should not put all our focus on revival.

1. Praying for revival implies your church is dead

The focus in the New Testament is not on revival, but on building healthy churches that nurture sheep that reproduce other sheep. Congregations like this continue to grow and expand organically without a revival. Consequently, a pastor whose primary focus is praying for revival in their church is implying that their congregation is dead or dying (which may be the case in many churches).

However, if their church is healthy, praying for a revival in their congregation would be like calling 911 for an EMT person to come and conduct CPR to bring someone back to life whose heart and health are fully functional. Healthy churches should focus on continuing to nurture the flock to present every member complete in Christ (Colossians 1:28).

2. God cannot bring more people into your church beyond your capacity to shepherd them

In Deuteronomy 7:22, God told Moses that he could not give the children of Israel all of the promised lands at once lest the wild animals become unmanageable. Hence, the principle is God will never give you more than you can manage. If God answered most prayers for revival and awakening, it would possibly wreak havoc in many churches that cannot shepherd the needs of these newly saved people.

3. A primary focus of the New Testament is on making disciples, not on revival

Both Jesus and the apostle Paul put their primary focus on disciple-making (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 14:21-28). Many pastors focus on revival but fail to create an infrastructure conducive to making disciples. So what would happen if many people came into their church, but there was no process to mature these new converts?

The unfortunate result would be a lot of spiritual babies being born again who would not be properly disciplined, resulting in many of them falling away.

4. A primary focus in the New Testament is building strong families



According to the guidelines of the apostle Paul, a person is not qualified to be a spiritual leader unless they can manage their household (1 Timothy 3:5). The reason for this is that the Church is a family of families, which is why Paul referred to her as the household of faith (1 Timothy 3:15). Thus, the true gauge of influential congregations is not merely the size of the church, but how strong the marriages and families are in the congregation.

5. A primary focus of the Scriptures is to live productive lives that benefit others



Some pastors and believers get discouraged because theyve never experienced what they deem to be a great revival. This causes them to think that they failed or believe that the favor of God is not upon them. Thus, they only see God in the miraculous, not the mundane. However, the Churchs goal should be to nurture economically productive Christians that love their fellow Christians and become a blessing to the unchurched community (Galatians 6:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12; Titus 2:14; Titus 3:9). This is one legitimate measure of success.

6. Great outpourings of the Spirit are expressed differently based on the context



Our church has seen incredible outpourings of the Spirit throughout the years (including a great move of the Spirit that started several weeks before Asbury). However, we have people with children, waiting for them in our Sunday school, who have extensive work and family obligations. We must dismiss our services at a certain point, even amid a great outpouring. We could not go on for weeks the way the students in a seminary like Asbury could (who likely are single, with no other significant family obligations in life, which enables them to linger in the presence of God for days at a time).

This doesn't mean that the outpouring in our church is any less intense than in Asbury. It just means that the Spirit expects people to bring what they receive in the church to their homes and impart it to their children, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. For this reason, it is probably God who often initiates Spiritual outpourings leading to awakenings amongst single people in colleges. As a result, they can impact other college campuses so that revival and awakening can spread like wildfire to the nation and beyond!

We are beginning a major Jesus revolution that will sweep in this Gen Z demographic.
Introduction

Visiting a then mentor, who had seen several revivals in Pakistan under his ministry, he commented that prophetic preaching would bring revival to Australia. Do we need revival, and what did he mean by prophetic preaching? Let me answer in reverse order.

Prophecy Today

One narrow, though helpful, understanding of prophecy distinguishes forthtelling from foretelling. Paul describes the results of prophesying as upbuilding and encouragement and consolation (1 Corinthians chapter 14 verse 3), without any reference to prediction. The source of our contemporary confusions about prophecy has to do with the place of Jesus. Tragically, many teachers ignore this climactic verse concerning prophecy in the Bible, the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy (Revelation chapter 19 verse 10). Even if a person should accurately announce in advance a natural disaster, if they do so in a way that does not honour the Lordship of Christ in all things (Colossians chapter 1 verse 16), they must be counted as a false prophet (Deuteronomy chapter 13 verses 1-5; 1 John chapter 4 verses 1-6). The testimony/witness of Jesus both originates from Jesus and points to him in a way that is faithful to all the Holy Spirits inspired words in Scripture about the Son of God. I used to teach my students to apply this Jesus test to everything. Many were traumatised by the results. To proclaim and promote the centrality, sufficiency and supremacy of Christ in all things is the essence of prophecy. Our problem is that pastor-teachers have excluded prophetic-teachers.

Pastor or Prophet

Scripture clearly teaches that when Jesus, ascended far above all the heavens11he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry (Ephesians chapter 4 verses 10-12). These five gifts have different emphases. Whilst one expects a pastor/shepherd, in the likeness of Good/Great Shepherd (John chapter 10 verses 11-16; Hebrews chapter 13 verse 20), to be intimately acquainted with the sufferings of the sheep of their flock, the prophetic voice will be focussed on ever enlarging the majesty of the Son of God in the eyes of his Bride. This came out in some comments I emailed to a pastor friend recently.

Completed Humanity

Whereas in a sermon he repeatedly referred to humanity in its weakness and unreliability, my mind was drawn to the perfected humanity of the Son of God. Whereas he seemed to have self-doubts, I was reminded that we the Church in Christ have been brought to fullness (in him who) is the head over every power and authority. (Colossians chapter 2 verse 10). If we look inward, we will become undone by our personal lack of faith, but we are exhorted to look to Jesus as the pioneer and perfecter of faith (Hebrews chapter 12 verse 2). Christ has had faith for us, even when we lack it. Praying before the tomb of Lazarus the Son of God said as our representative, Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me (John chapter 11 verses 41-42). An examination of Jesus prayers reveals something quite remarkable.

A Whole Life

On the threshold of the cross as his soul is destabilised by his impending death, we hear, Father, glorify your name! Then a voice came from heaven, I have glorified it, and will glorify it again. (John chapter 12 verses 27-28). The Father is completely certain Christs work on earth will be completed. This is a certitude the Spirit shares with Jesus who testifies prophetically prior to his Passion, I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. (John chapter 17 verse 4). No wonder Paul boldly testifies, I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. (2 Timothy chapter 1 verse 12).

Conclusion

Those with a prophetic voice see all things through the lens of the finished work of Christ. And so they see that the people of God have come to share all things in him (1 Corinthians chapter 3 verses 21-23). As men and women who see Gods kingdom coming through a telescopic lens prophets see that everything is near. Revival means the whole Church being awakened to share in their seeing. Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. (Ephesians chapter 5 verse 14).
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The Florida ice cream vendor accused of murdering suspected robbers is innocent, says defense lawyer. The trial conducted in Florida last Monday got off to an odd start because the defense argues that there is no way the accused can commit the murder.

Ice Cream Vendor Faces Double Murder Trial

Based on the details of the crime Michael Keetley, 53, is accused of murder on two counts with attempted murder on four counts as well. He was dressed as a police officer when telling several men at gunpoint in a house at Ocean Mist Court in Ruskin to kiss the ground, reported Law and Crime.

He took a long firearm and shot multiple times at the men on the ground that Thanksgiving day. Keetley allegedly executed the prostrated victims. Shot dead are brothers Juan Guitron, 28, and Sergio Guitron, 22, who were called Magic and Spider, noted Tampa Bay. The avenging Keetley wounded three more.

He spent ten years in Falkenburg Road County until he was tried in court based on sources. In 2020, the trial had a hung jury because two jurors wanted to convict him.

John Grant, his defense counsel, explained that it was not his client's fault those who forced him to act as he did, and explained that the state is right about how the shooting was horrific, but the defendant is innocent. While looking at prosecutors, he explained his client is not guilty, then said it is not fair to accuse his client. One of the prosecutors objected to the statement of the defense counsel.

Read Also: Rebecca Bliefnick Shot Dead at Home, Police Looks for Suspect

Presiding Judge Christopher C. Sabella told the defense counsel not to deviate from the facts, but the counsel ended his statement. Grant told the jury that his client is not guilty of the accusations and is innocent instead, stating that the prosecutors were prosecuting an innocent man.

What Happened to Keetley?

In January 2010, Keetley was robbed of $12 and left disabled after. He got shot four times close to his purple ice cream truck but survived. About ten months later, he was looking for vengeance due to his injuries, citing Fox 13.

Prosecutor Jennifer Johnson called him obsessed with revenge when facing jurors from Hillsborough County last Monday. The state said that he researched guns and everything needed to carry out his revenge.

The state did not fully prove that the man shot the victims with his own weapon. There was a mistrial earlier with insufficient proof to connect to the crime. Later the judge sustained the objection and asked for the defense's thoughts.

Several claims of the defense that Keetley could not lift a gun after injuries that would not allow him to carry out his vengeance. A surgeon concurred the injuries prevented what he was supposed to do. The then accused told the investigators that he could not hobble and shoot with a left hand sarcastically.

An ex-ice cream vendor who slew suspected robbers was incapable of the murder, as argued by his defense lawyer. He was not even fit to lift a gun.

Related Article: Alex Murdaugh Cheats Housekeeper's Death via Financial Scams

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Russia said that the Least Developed Countries aim to end poverty as their primary goal during the opening of the UN Least Developed Countries Conference in Doha. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin mentioned practical approaches to beating impoverishment, more stability, with sovereignty to chart its path without interference from others.

Russia Says LDCs Should Be Helped

The Russian Deputy FM Sergey Vershinin attended the summit at Doha last Monday, where he spoke in the forum. Russian Foreign Ministry published his remarks on Telegram, reported Anadolu.

He said these countries require help in "building up production capacity and infrastructure, diversifying trade, as well as ensuring access (of these countries) to innovations and modern technologies." Vershinin added that combined goals are needed to push these developing countries forward with proper assistance.

Why these nations have this predicament and the UN calling it least developed originates in how western countries treated developing nations. These adverse effects have been caused by colonial exploitation, not enough resources, and the poor geographical location of these countries, noted TR Daily News.

Moscow Expressed Support for the Doha Action Program

Vershinin said such overambitious tasks are impractical for such goals. Fund for these developing countries needs about $1 trillion to fund and reach Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9, cited TASS.

These least developed countries need monetary support to sustain the continuously via development assistance. More is needed as many nations need this kind of help in this category, but funds are required.

Read Also: India Lauds Saudi Arabia FM Support in G20

LDCs Need Support in an Era of Economic, Snergy Instability

Vershinin encouraged donors to extend more support to developing countries needing help in this economic period. He called it reprehensible by those trying to influence international assistance that ties these developing nations to their interests, like colonialism, even daring to block the assistance given by the Russian federation via projects that will foster independence from external powers that want to control them.

Poor and undeveloped countries can be pushed around and bullied by more prosperous nations if they want support for anything. Moscow has doubled the official development assistance it offers to about 1 billion per year, and developing countries are getting most of the assistance.

Other kinds of support like debt relief are needed, said Moscow, which has written off about 380 million debts of nations in this category. Other options offered to least developed countries are preferences in trade and education packages to assist them more.

Vershinin reiterated that entities who want to subvert the conference to their political agendas should stop. Help these countries to reach self-sufficiency with proper economic assistance without strings attached.

Indicating the economic struggles of least-developed countries should be the global community's goal. It's the fault of those blaming Moscow for the deteriorating economic condition. He lectured the west to impose sanctions to bring them down.

These reckless actions by those responsible are the authors of all these shortages causing these dilemmas. Russia spoke on behalf of Least Developed Countries that should have programs to deal with poverty.

Related Article: Russian Oil Sold to India Below G7 Price Cap

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Arizona couple caught by police after hiding the body of their teen son, 16, who they said ran away from home. Arrested by the police is Amber-Leah Valentine, her husband, John Imes, with a third individual accused of assault and child abuse connected to the death.

Arizona Couple Deceives Police About Teen Son

In Mohave County, Arizona, the sheriff's office stated the parents told its deputies that February 24 at 10 am was the last time he was seen. About three days later, the body was tipped to be at Kingman in the area of Anson Smith Road and Indian Canyon Road, reported Meaww.

The suspects reside in Kingman City at the 2300 block of Packard Avenue and said their teenage son had run away. On February 28, detectives dispatched to the scene revealed that a dead white male in a blanket was placed in the back of a stone wall, said the Mohave County Medical Examiner's Office. It was a John Doe with an autopsy scheduled to check for the cause of death, noted Fox 2.

The boy's death is unknown, but development came on Thursday when Valentine called the Mohave County office. She said that her teen daughter, 14, had been freed by her. Identified as Richard Pounds, 34, and the female roommate hostage the girl as claimed, but the woman was not charged or identified, cited Law and Crime.

Read Also: Oklahoma Couple Starves Daughter; Missing Son Might Be Dead

Valentine and the girl were brought to the Kingman Regional Medical Center, where Valentine confessed about her son. She informed that she and Imes took the body to the location and said that she lied about the victim running away. The boy was dead at the time the officer spoke to her.

While in the hospital getting treated when the girl told the detectives of the abuse heaped by Pounds. She was shot with a BB gun and got abused too. The Arizona Department of Child Safety has secured the girl as well.

Charges Against Valentines and Imes

Authorities wasted no time apprehending the two for concealing a felony, hiding a dead body when brought to the Mohave County Adult Detention Facility.

The police served a search warrant at their residence to look for evidence about the boy's death and interrogated Pounds and the woman when in police custody.

Right after Pound got charged and arrested for felony child abuse with aggravated assault when placed in the same detention as Valentines and Imes said, the police. But the female was released from now.

Despite the sidebar regarding the abuse of the girl that was settled, matters about the boy's death were still in play.

Last Monday, March 6, the autopsy resulted in more charges against the accused. An Arizona couple resorted to hiding the body of their teen son, whose death is still unknown. Neither of the accused is saying how he died.

Related Article: Texas Mom Stabs 5 Children, Kills 3 During Child Protective Service Visit

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The Obama administrations pursuit of electoral victory in 2012 seems to be based on abandoning private-sector middle-class and white working-class voters. As Thomas Edsall rightly argued recently in the New York Times, the Democrats have become a top-bottom coalition comprising, at one end, highly educated professionalsmany of whom work for government or are beneficiaries of government subsidiesand, at the other end, low-income recipients of government welfare benefits. But this isnt a new model. New Yorkers who remember John Lindsays mayoralty from 1966 to 1973 will recall the devastating impact that a similar top-bottom strategy had on the city.

During the 1965 mayoral race, Lindsay warned against instituting a city income tax, explaining that it would terrify middle-income groups. New York City would then be a city for the very rich and the very poor. But after winning with 43 percent of the vote in a three-way race, Lindsay brought his own warning to fruition. In his very first year in office, the new mayor introduced the city income tax, as well as a commuter tax and a bevy of smaller taxes, to pay for rising public-sector union wages and an ambitious array of social programs, including a doubling of the citys welfare rolls. Here was an early sign of Lindsays attempt to pit the poor against the middle class.

But the top-bottom coalition wasnt truly formed until the following election season, when Lindsay, facing a tough battle, hoped to create a new political allianceblack militants and well-to-do liberalsand to pit it against the remnants of the old ethnic Democratic machine. In 1968, the Lindsay administration turned over the schools in the heavily black Ocean HillBrownsville area of Brooklyn to a group of black separatists, who then fired the mostly middle-class Jewish faculty. As Lindsay administration member Charles Morris later noted, the liberal foundations that bankrolled the separatistsFord, Taconic, and New World among themsaw a chance both to reform education and to create a political alliance of the top and the bottom against the middle. In the ensuing series of bitter teachers strikes, New Yorks cultural elitefrom Dwight Macdonald, Norman Mailer, and Murray Kempton to a host of A-list celebritiescame out for schools that promised, by freeing black children from the stifling fetters of middle-class morality, to let them express their innate capacity for creativity and cooperation.

Rhody McCoy, the leader of the community-controlled school board, was a disciple of Marcus Garvey and Malcolm X. He hired as one of his principals Herman Ferguson, who had been charged with plotting to kill civil rights leaders Roy Wilkins and Whitney Young and was free on bail. Other thugs, led by Sonny Carson, threatened the striking teachers with violence. McCoys minions distributed anti-Semitic leaflets insisting that black children should be taught by black teachers, not by the Middle Eastern murderers of colored people. The Ocean HillBrownsville affair ended with a teachers victorythe dismissed teachers were reinstated and due-process rights reaffirmedbut it shaped the 1969 mayoral election, in which the Lindsay administration faced an enraged middle class.

In that election, Lindsay maintained the loyalty of the citys elites and African-Americans, despite the bitter school strike, the death of 14 New Yorkers in a winter storm in which only Manhattans snow got cleared, and a surge in crimewhich increased by one-third between 1967 and 1969, a year that saw a record-breaking 1,000 murders. The mayor faced off against two Italian-Americans: Mario Procaccino, running as the law-and-order candidate of the white working and middle classes, who narrowly won the five-way Democratic primary; and the soft-spoken and cerebral John Marchi, who won the GOP nomination. Running solely on the Liberal Party line and backed heavily by Wall Streetthe chairman of Goldman Sachs headed his finance committeeLindsay outspent his two opponents combined nearly four to one. Carrying only Manhattan, Lindsay won with 42 percent of the vote. When Alex Rose, the leader of the once largely socialist Liberal Party, was asked if he found his partys alliance with Wall Street disconcerting, he replied that Lindsays reelection represented a moral obligation to continue the cause of racial reform.

New Yorks politics had been reconfigured, as Tom Wolfe recognized in his article Radical Chic, which described a soiree that conductor Leonard Bernstein held in his 13-room duplex penthouse on Park Avenue for the Black Panthers. There, the stylishly leather-clad Panthers mingled with the well-to-do backers of Lindsays mayoral run. Wolfes famed article on the party caught the surrealism of the moment: Wonder what the Black Panthers eat here on the hors doeuvre trail? Do the Panthers like little Roquefort cheese morsels wrapped in crushed nuts this way, and asparagus tips in mayonnaise dabs, and meatballs petites au Coq Hardi, all of which are at this very moment being offered to them on gadrooned silver platters by maids in black uniforms with hand-ironed white aprons. . . . The Panthers spokesman, Field Marshal Don Cox, told the gathering that the Panthers were facing a campaign of extermination led by police authorities in New York and elsewhere that marked the beginning of a fascist takeover of America. When Cox said, We recognize that this country is the most oppressive country in the world, maybe in the history of the world, only one guestthe Hollywood director Otto Preminger, a refugee from Nazi Germanyobjected.

What brought the socialites and the Panthers together was the sense that only the rich and the poor had a claim on righteousness. Only those at the top and the bottom could fully recognize, albeit for different reasons, the sins of American middle-class society. Liberalism had become a matter of style, and the rich were becoming part of the liberal coalition. The middle class was the problemand soon enough, the middle class had a problem with New York liberals. The city, which hemorrhaged 600,000 jobs in the wake of Lindsays second term, suffered a massive emigration of middle-class residents during the 1970s. New York careened into the fiscal crisis of 1975 and near-bankruptcy. The city recovered from those calamities eventually, but the Lefts top-bottom approach in New York has never really changed since.

Now, under President Obama, the top-bottom alliance has gone national. Though the president may, like Lindsay before him, find a way to get reelected, the Democrats will pay a steep price for alienating the middle class.

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Fox News personality Tucker Carlson admitted to a colleague that he "passionately" despised Donald Trump, per a new text conversation revealed as part of Dominion Voting Systems' $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit against the media company.

Tucker Carlson texted a Fox News staffer a message two days before the Jan. 6 Capitol Riot incident, according to Tuesday court documents.

In the text conversation, Carlson said he "can't wait" as "we are very, very close to being able to ignore Trump most nights."

The Fox News host stated: "I hate him passionately, I blew up at Peter Navarro today in frustration. I actually like Peter. But I can't handle much more of this," per The Independent.

The messages were revealed the same day both Democratic and Republican politicians criticized Carlson for showing altered video of the Capitol attack on his program and erroneously reported when it showed a calm gathering organized by "sightseers."

Donald Trump Jr. said on Twitter that he is upset that Tucker Carlson's effort to rewrite the Jan. 6 assault on the US Capitol isn't gaining any support on Fox News.

To support his claim that Carlson's piece is "being quietly buried" by Fox News, Trump Jr. cited a Mediaite report, per Yahoo! News.

Why on earth is the rest of Fox hiding the truth?



Fox News is Completely Ignoring Tucker Carlson's Jan 6 Tapes https://t.co/peT5yKI2C8  Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) March 7, 2023

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Donald Trump Jr. Was Aware of the Jan. 6 Capitol Attack

Notwithstanding his involvement with Carlson's gaslighting effort, Donald Trump Jr. understood the gravity of the situation as it unfolded on January 6.

Trump Jr. told former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows that his father should condemn the riot "ASAP."

"The Capitol Police tweet is not enough," he said, as per the texts retrieved by the Jan. 6 House Committee.

Meadows said that he was pressing then-President Donald Trump to take action as the situation had completely gotten out of control.

In response to the Trump Jr. tweet, critics pointed out that Fox News has already been sued for $1.6 billion for previous misleading statements it made about the 2020 election and its aftermath.

Dominion asserts in its case that Fox News officials and several hosts knew Donald Trump and his supporters' elections conspiracy claims were bogus but decided to air them, BBC reported.

In previous documents, Fox News' billionaire owner Rupert Murdoch admitted that several of the network's stars promoted Donald Trump's bogus allegations that the 2020 election had been rigged.

Related Article: The Donald Trump-Tevfik Arif of Bayrock Group Connection

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The chief executive of the domestic abuse charity Sistah Space has announced her decision to temporarily step down after receiving personal abuse.

Ngozi Fulani said her charity has suffered after one of the late Queen Elizabeth IIs ladies-in-waiting, Susan Hussey, repeatedly asked her where she was really from at a royal reception in November last year.

Speaking yesterday on Good Morning Britain, Fulani said service users and the community have not been able to access the charitys services properly since the incident took place.

She told the programme: The Sistah Space charity has suffered as a direct result. When you think that this was supposed to be for violence against women and girls because of this incident, the violence has been directed to me. The palace hasnt intervened, I think they could have.

So what Ive had to do, Ive now temporarily stepped down as CEO of Sistah Space. Im announcing that now because the service users and the community cant access us properly.

It was horrible, she said. Fulani added that the incident has cost the charity a fortune as it had to pay for its own PR.

She also criticised a statement issued by Buckingham Palace, which said it is deeply sorry for the incident that took place and apologise for the distress and difficulty it caused to Ms Fulani.

Fulani said: Whom are they apologising to? If youre sorry, tell me youre sorry. If youre not, it speaks for itself.

She added she does not regret going public with what happened during the conversation she had with Hussey at the palace.

Im about discussing and making aware of violence against women and girls and Ill go anywhere, at anytime to fight that cause. I didnt expect for that to be directed at me at all.

Sistah Space did not reply to Civil Society News request for comment.

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Social media is known for producing drama. In Twitters case, thats been true as much behind the scenes as on the platform of late. On Monday, the service was hit by the latest in a series of glitches; this one made it impossible for users to post images, and also triggered a popup error about the companys application programming interface, or API, whenever someone clicked on a link. Casey Newton and Zoe Schiffer later reported, in the Platformer newsletter, that the glitch was the result of a lone engineer making a mistake while trying to restrict free access to Twitters APIa decision that the company recently announced, to the frustration of researchers and journalists who depend on access to the API for their work. Then, on Tuesday, Elon Musk, who acquired Twitter last year for forty-four billion dollars, got into a public spat with Haraldur Thorleifsson, an employee who was seeking clarity on whether hed been laid off, with Musk accusing Thorleifsson of doing no work and pretending to have a disability. Thorleifsson has multiple dystrophy and is in a wheelchair, and in the past has been named Icelands Person of the Year. (Musk later apologized to Thorleifsson, who, Musk said, is now considering remaining at Twitter.)

Also on Tuesday, the Wall Street Journal reported that the Federal Trade Commission has demanded that Twitter turn over any internal communications related to Musk, as well as detailed information about staff layoffs; according to documents seen by Ryan Tracy, a Journal reporter, the FTC cited concerns that staff reductions could compromise the companys ability to protect users. In letters sent to Twitter and its lawyers since Musks acquisition of the company, the FTC also asked the company to identify all journalists who have been granted access to company records. This appears to be a reference to the Twitter Files, reports from a number of journalists, including Matt Taibbi and Bari Weiss, that were based on internal documents that Musks Twitter provided to them, and alleged censorship and other improprieties by Twitters former management. According to the Journal, the FTC is also seeking to depose Musk.

Musk responded to Mondays technical glitches by saying that a small API change had massive ramifications. The code stack is extremely brittle for no good reason. Will ultimately need a complete rewrite. After the recent housecleaning in which thousands of employees were laid off, Musk demanded that those left at the company commit to his extremely hardcore vision, which would see them work for long hours at high intensity, or be forced out. Between October, when Musk took control of Twitter, and late January, about eighty percent of full-time workers left the company, Engadget reported, leaving it severely understaffed in some areas. A former employee told the Washington Post that at least six critical systems at Twitterlike serving tweets levels of critical, the former staffer saidno longer have any engineers associated with them. Twitter now has about two thousand employees, down from seven thousand five hundred when Musk took over.

According to NetBlocks, a group that tracks internet outages, Twitter went down at least four times in February alone; in the whole of last year, it experienced only nine outages. Glitches that have stopped users from posting tweets or slowed down their timeline have become much more noticeable than in the past, users and researchers have said. It used to be that youd see smaller things fail, but now Twitter is going down completely for certain regions of the world, Saagar Jha, a former engineer at the company, told the Times. When serious things break, the people who knew the systems arent there.

The glitches at Twitter have had more serious ramifications than merely being annoying (though they have also been that). In February, the Times reported that more than thirty prominent Chinese dissidents and activists had seen tweets and even their entire accounts disappear, according to interviews with nine of them and other evidence, including screenshots. The activists accounts did not appear after a search of their Twitter names, the screenshots showed, though impostor accounts turned up, the Times reported. Three of the dissidents said their accounts had also been suspended with no warning and reinstated only after appeals. The problems were reportedly a result of mistakes in the companys automated systems, which are supposed to filter out spam and state-backed disinformation campaigns.

This week, meanwhile, Marianna Spring, the BBCs disinformation and social media correspondent, reported, based on interviews with Twitter insiders as well as academic data and user testimony, that the company is no longer able to protect users not only from trolling and state-backed disinformation but also from child sexual exploitation, following the layoffs and other changes since Musks acquisition. Twitters former head of content design, Lisa Jennings Young, told the BBC that everyone on her team was fired, and that she resigned. Twitters own research has suggested that safety measures implemented by Jennings Young and her team likely reduced trolling by as much as sixty percent, according to Spring. An engineer who is currently still working at Twitter said nobodys taking care of this type of work now, and compared the service to a building that seems fine from the outside but inside is on fire (though it looks pretty on fire from the outside, too). Spring reported that targeted harassment campaigns aimed at curbing freedom of expression, and foreign influence operations are now going undetected, and that, since Musk took over, there has been a sixty-nine-percent increase in new accounts that follow misogynistic and abusive profiles. Musk did not speak with the BBC but did dismiss its reporting in a snarky tweet.

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Last week, the Journal reported that Twitters revenue and adjusted earnings fell by forty percent in December. The report came after several advertisers cut their spending on the service following Musks acquisition, which led ad revenue on the platform to drop by more than seventy percent in December. Amazon said at one point that it wouldnt pay for ads that ran on Twitter, because the company had not paid the bill for its use of Amazons cloud services, The Information reported. In January, Twitter said that it planned to resume allowing political advertising, but Politico reported this week that, almost two months later, Twitter still doesnt have any of that type of advertising lined up, either.

On Tuesday, Musk told an investment conference that he had had to take drastic measures to improve the companys finances, claiming that without the cuts, it would have gone bankrupt by now. Despite these financial difficulties, however, Twitter managed, at the end of January, to make the first interest payment on a loan that helped finance Musks purchase of the company, according to Reuters, which reported that Twitter recently paid about three-hundred-million dollars to a group of banks to service the more than thirteen billion dollars in financing that went toward the acquisition of the company. Reuters also reported that, last year, Musk initially planned to sell Twitters outstanding debt to investors, only to shelve the idea because investors werent convinced of the companys future viability.

Whether hes ridiculing employees with disabilities or justifying his capricious layoffs, Musks behavior seems increasingly erratic. It would be easy to dismiss it as part of a soap opera that long ago grew kind of tedious. But he remains the CEO of a multibillion-dollar company that continues to play a central role in the information ecosystem. Would-be alternatives such as Mastodon, an open-source network, and Bluesky, which was founded by the former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, have yet to achieve the momentum to dethrone Twitter.

Many of us, then, are still on the platform, where reminders of the Musk soap opera areby designbecoming harder to avoid. Schiffer and Newton reported recently that Musk declared an internal state of emergency after a tweet he posted about the Super Bowl got less engagement than a tweet of President Bidens. On a previous occasion, when an engineer dared to suggest that Musks lower reach was because his tweets arent all that interesting, Musk fired him. After the Super Bowl finished, Musk flew his private jet back to the Bay Area to demand answers about his low-performing tweet, Newton wrote. After being threatened with further firings, according to Newton, Twitter engineers built a system specifically to promote their bosss tweets. The next day, Twitter users opened the app to find that Musks posts overwhelmed their ranked timeline.



Some news from the home front: On Monday, March 20, starting at 10am Eastern, CJR and Columbia Journalism Schools Ira A. Lipman Center for Journalism and Civil and Human Rights will host a one-day exploration of inequality across American society and how its covered in the media. Born in the aftermath of the global racial reckoning that followed the killing of George Floyd, the Inequality Project was conceived of as a pairing of social science and journalism to highlight not only current inequalities in America but their roots and the ways in which these dynamics have been created and recreated over time. The Ira A. Lipman Center for Journalism and Civil and Human Rights commissioned five teams of scholars to research inequality spanning the past hundred years in five distinct areas: housing, criminal justice, wealth, education, and health. Their work has culminated in five seminal reports that will be released and discussed at this conference. The goal is to shine new light on the scale of inequality in America, and to offer journalists a roadmap to better cover the problem. You can RSVP here.



Other notable stories:

ICYMI: Anup Kaphle on Rest of World, three years in

Mathew Ingram is CJRs chief digital writer. Previously, he was a senior writer with Fortune magazine. He has written about the intersection between media and technology since the earliest days of the commercial internet. His writing has been published in the Washington Post and the Financial Times as well as by Reuters and Bloomberg.
The parliament's approval of a bill restricting press freedom and human rights prompted thousands of demonstrators to gather in Georgia's capital for a second day of demonstrations.

The police used a water cannon and pepper spray to remove the protesters on Tuesday. The government reported 50 injured police personnel and damaged equipment, per the BBC.

About 66 individuals were apprehended, including a leader of the opposition who was said to have been manhandled. Wednesday's protest followed parliament's first reading of the legislation.

The proposed legislation "On Transparency of Foreign Influence" purportedly addresses disclosing money flows from outside. However, opponents felt it was a tool for the government to clamp down on opposing voices. The proposed law classifies media organizations as "foreign agents" if they get more than 20% of their money from outside. If they fail to declare themselves as such, they may risk heavy penalties and incarceration.

Read Also: International Women's Day Celebration

West Condemns Russia-Like Georgia Legislation

Critics have referred to a similar rule approved in Russia, where any organization or person getting financial help from outside or under some "foreign influence" is deemed a "foreign agent."

According to Al Jazeera, Georgia's former minister of education, Ghia Nodia, said the bill would certainly impede press freedom in a nation where the government controls most of the media. An EU statement warned that the measure would be "incompatible with EU standards and values" and might have a "serious" impact on its ties with Georgia.

US State Department spokesperson Ned Price warned in February that anyone supporting the proposed law might jeopardize ties between Georgia and the West and Europe, per CNN.

Related Article: US-China 'Conflict and Confrontation' Inevitable

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California authorities are warning residents that a potential storm could result in flooding from massive rain and snowmelt expected to come later this week.

The situation comes as the state continues to recover from large amounts of snow that caused some mountain communities to be trapped. There are roughly 16 million people across central and Northern California, including the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento.

California Storm Warning

On Wednesday, they were under flood watches ahead of a storm set to deliver massive rainfall to the region on Thursday. The dangerous amounts of rain were expected to drop in most areas now experiencing layers of heavy snow from previous brutal storms.

In a statement, the Weather Prediction Center said that a mix of heavy rain and snowmelt brought a risk of flooding to affected regions. It added that creeks and streams located in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada were the most vulnerable to flooding due to rain and snowmelt, as per CNN.

Mrin and Monterey county officials have already started preparing for the looming storm, which they expect will strike the region with the power of a strong atmospheric river event. Specifically for Monterey County's Big Sur community, the emergency services office advises residents and businesses to stock up on essentials that would be enough for two weeks.

Furthermore, county officials ordered sandbags to be made available for residents who need them to protect their property. The Big Sur area is located roughly 150 miles south of San Francisco and is one of central California's famous tourist attractions.

Officials from the Marin County fire department said they have staff prepared for rescue operations in anticipation of potential flooding in the region. Fire Chief Jason Weber added that the department's reservoirs were full from earlier this year's storms.

Read Also: Missing Georgia Man Found Rotting While Rolled in Carpet

Dangers of Potential Flooding

The National Weather Service also placed several parts of Northern and Central California under Level 3 out of 4 flood risk. They noted that there is a possibility for roughly six to eight inches of rain to arrive across various regions of the central California coast and Sierra Nevada below snow levels, according to the Washington Post.

The service wrote a forecast discussion noting that rainfall totals could range from 1.5 to four inches with local peaks of up to six to eight inches. The National Weather Service added that pre-existing saturated soils could not absorb excess rainfall.

Flooding in the area is a significant risk because many rivers run well above average across central and Northern California. These include the Merced River at Stevinson, California, which officials expect to have a record crest of 74 feet on Saturday.

In a statement, AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter said that people and businesses have already started to clean up from the aftermath of previous storms. This means that the latest storm has the potential to become a disaster upon previous disasters and would further complicate the situation, said AccuWeather.

Related Article: Carnival Cruise Death Investigation Update

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Chilean authorities successfully foiled an airport heist where robbers tried to steal $32.5 million in cash aboard a plane for Miami. However, the operation resulted in the death of one security officer and one suspected robber.

The incident occurred after a shootout between law enforcement authorities and the suspects in an airport in the Capital of Chile, Santiago. Authorities said that in the Wednesday incident, roughly ten heavily armed robbers successfully avoided security measures and got to the runway at the Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport.

Foiled $32.5 Million Airport Heist

There, a Latam airlines aircraft was filled with $32.5 million in cash, which was meant to be transferred to an armored truck, said Manuel Monsalve, the Interior Subsecretary. Officials noted a shootout between the two sides that resulted in the death of an employee of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) along with one of the assailants.

Following that, the other robbers fled the area, and authorities found two burned vehicles nearby. In a statement, Monsalve said that the brave actions of the DGAC officials frustrated the suspects, who he said were "highly organized" and "very armed," as per ABC News.

A video was later posted to social media that showed bullet holes in a Delta plane parked beside the Latam aircraft the suspects targeted. There was other footage that appeared to show a moment in the shootout where many gunshots could be heard.

In a statement, DGAC chief Raul Jorquera said that the incident did not cause any risk to passengers near the crime area. Officials noted that the attempted heist targeted money that was supposed to be distributed to several banks in the South American country.

Jorquera added that the attempted robbery would "undoubtedly lead us to revise processes, protocols that must be improved" and force them to rethink many things. The latest incident was not the first time that the airport in Santiago, Chile, was targeted by suspects. Thieves stole some $15 million in 2020 from a warehouse in the airport, six years after a similar $10 million heist.

Read Also: Takeaways for This Year's International Women's Day

Rising Number of Organized Crime

A prosecutor tasked with leading the investigation of the incident, Eduardo Baeza, said that valuable cargo arrived on a Latam plane from Miami that was the target of the suspects. According to Aljazeera, the Brinks security company took the money to its destination, at which point the suspects arrived and were swiftly repelled by security officials.

In recent years, Chile has faced a rising concern for organized crime, and Monsalve noted that the latest incident was "very well-planned." He added that the suspects tied up a security guard and entered the airport using three vehicles. They allegedly broke through a gate and went to the cargo area to search for money.

Separate footage showed a woman who appeared to work at the airport recording the shootout between the officials and the robbers. While gunshots could be heard, Newsweek said one vehicle was seen quickly driving through the area.

Related Article: Georgia Protesters Clash with Police

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TikTok launched Project Clover to alleviate the West's fears that the short-video hosting service is spying on China by providing Beijing with its users' data.

The campaign aims to convince European regulators that there are sufficient oversights domestically to prevent user data from being funneled to the Chinese government. TikTok is now in the process of establishing two European data centers, one located in Ireland. These are meant to segregate the continent's collected information from Chinese systems.

TikTok's Project Clover

Furthermore, the company said it would hire a third party to oversee its European sector to alleviate other nations' concerns. Officials noted that Project Clover echoes the US-focused Project Texas, which seeks to offer some oversight of domestic data collection to the federal government.

The cost of the Project Texas proposal alone is expected to go for more than $1 billion. The worries come as ByteDance LTD, TikTok's parent company, is mandated under Chinese law to share its data with the Chinese Community Party (CCP) whenever requested, as per Fox News.

Due to this obligation, the application has been banned for use on various state-owned electronic devices in several states in the United States and others at the federal level due to cybersecurity concerns.

Congress on Wednesday voted to give US President Joe Biden the power to ban the application as TikTok said that every account held by a user under the age of 18 years is given a default 60-minute daily screen time. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the government was working on solving the TikTok security concerns.

TikTok's new project aims to allow the third party to monitor data flows, which would make it more challenging to identify individual users using only data. The company planned to add "security gateways" to provide an extra layer of control over employee access to European user information and data transfers outside of the region.

Read Also: Takeaways from This Year's International Women's Day

Alleviating Western Nations' Cybersecurity Concerns

The two planned data centers, which cost roughly $1.25 billion yearly, will be powered by renewable energy. TikTok has been working on Project Clover since last year in an attempt to appease demands from Western nations over cybersecurity issues, according to BBC.

Theo Bertram, TikTok's vice-president of government relations and public policy in Europe, said they were ahead of the curve because they are trying to earn Western nations' trust.

TikTok's back has been against the wall over concerns about its security, and it is fighting to prove that it does not pose a national security threat. The executives who unveiled Project Clover repeatedly said they plan to go further than other major social networks to protect their users' privacy.

Bertram said that the proposed project is there to ensure t level of data sovereignty that would go beyond what any other company has done. He said that it also goes beyond what their peers said was even possible, said Politico.

Related Article: Georgia Protesters Clash with Police

@YouTube

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While we wait for the inevitable cracks in the code to expose themselves, generative AI is all the rage across tech with implications across every business. Now you can even get ChatGPT on your Apple Watch.

ChatGPT on your wrist?

The watchGPT Apple Watch app isnt made by Apple and costs $3.99. Once it is installed, youll be able to use natural language or type to ask it questions, which it will answer with results drawn from across the web. The app is also capable of creating lengthier messages, poetry,or even sick notes, on your behalf.

It has its own Complication, which means you can add a little button to the watch face to ask it questions. You can also text, email, or use social media to share those responses; the developer promises that no data leaves the device and that it is working on a series of updates for the app.

Generative AI seems to have upturned the industry. Microsoft has bet big on the tech, Google has accelerated its existing work on Bard, others want in, and many are now attempting to develop their own take on this form of AI. DuckDuckGo even popped OpenAI inside its search engine, while Slack has tucked ChatGPT inside its own service.

OpenAI isnt sleeping and this month announced yet more new APIs for its ChatGPT and Whisper products. Whisper is used by the MacWhisper transcription app I recently raved about.

Does Apple have an answer?

Apples recent internal AI presentation allegedly didnt have an answer to the tech, with Digitimes claiming its appearance is prompting a rethink within the companys own AI teams. That may be true, but the company does have some significant advantages such as the on-processor Neural Engine that it may choose to deploy. Apples AI chief apparently told engineers gathered at Apples own AI event, Machine learning is moving faster than ever, and the talent we have here is truly at the forefront.

It is true that Apple has found really effective ways to deploy AI within critical vertical applications, such as accessibility, photography, or health, but it has not achieved as much in other sectors: Siri, despite its early start, has clearly lost the voice assistant wars, unless Apple knows something we dont.

It might.

Humane Inc, a startup founded by ex-Apple employees, is collaborating with OpenAI on some form of augmented wearable device. An integrated device and cloud platform that will allow us, and others, to create AI-driven experiences that feel natural, fun and needed, explained Humane CTO and ex-Apple alumni Patrick Gates.

Given we think thats the kind of offering Apple wants to build with its forthcoming Reality One AR glasses system, one cant help but wonder if the company has a plan to leverage the huge horde of search information it has already gathered to help deliver Spotlight search results.

Maybe it does, but as of now Apples machine intelligence teams dont seem to wear the crown. Perhaps they dont need to, given that you can already download and install Siri shortcuts that let you use Siri as the front end and ChatGPT to drive the responses. Im convinced Apples AI teams will be taking a good solid look at implementations like this, as well as exploring their own potential paths.

The risk of progress

There are risks to this proliferation. I recently saw US Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt) speak in London. He warned that while discussions around applied AI claim employment opportunities will emerge, he still expects significant turmoil across job markets.

The social impact will be huge, Sanders warns, and though an opportunity to reinvent work and support life-long education exists, the appetite to take that road remains scant. There is perhaps some chance AI may help supply some routes to retraining. Sanders is not an outlier in this expectation. (Even Apples former senior director of AI and machine learning has made warnings like these.)

Elsewhere on the political spectrum, former OpenAI co-founder Elon Musk recently told attendees at the World Government Summit in Dubai, One of the biggest risks to the future of civilization is AI. He thinks AI must be regulated as a result.

Of course, as multiple companies coalesce their AI efforts around OpenAIs tech, the danger exists that the answers it generates could end up becoming homogenous, which may in itself risk creative thinking and diversity.

The increasingly understood need to balance AI with human empathy and creativity inevitably means those core skills will drive enterprises through the digital transformation and become the most sought-after qualities for the future of work.

All the same, while digital twins and cobots (collaborative robots) may be part of the fast-emerging future, in many cases human workers will find themselves training their robot replacements.

Please follow me on Mastodon, or join me in the AppleHolics bar & grill and Apple Discussions groups on MeWe.




China followed the combined theories of geopolitics for its expansion. The "Sea Power" theory raised by Alfred Thayer Mahan from the USA believed those who controlled the sea would control the world; the "Heartland" theory raised by Halford John Mackinder from Britain believed those who controlled Eurasia would control the world; while the "Rim Land" theory raised by Nicholas John Spykman from the US believed those who controlled the rim land would control the world.

To control the Eurasia, Rimland and heartland, China needed to expand its connectivity with the outer world. But due to the rivalry with India, the opportunity of connectivity narrowed down and there came the geopolitical importance of Bangladesh.

Geo-Strategic importance for India Bangladesh is very important to India militarily. Because China can easily close the Siliguri Corridor in Sino-Indian military conflict. Through which India maintains communication with its eastern states. In this situation, India's only option will be to use the territory of Bangladesh to protect its relations with the eastern states.

That is why it is very important for India to have friendly relations with Bangladesh, which is necessary for its security. India is now proposing connectivity of its northeastern part to China via the Chittagong port of Bangladesh, which will also boost further regional integration by complementing the BCIM and the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) corridors.

India now aims to allow limited Chinese investment for boosting connectivity and trade in the northeast by using the BBIN sub-regional hub. This paradigm shift in Indian policies toward the BRI is being considered as the potential for a fresh beginning of India-China regional cooperation centering on Bangladesh, where a critical Bangladeshi port will work as the connecting hub.

Connecting Indias Northeastern States with mainland

Chickens Neck or Siliguri Corridor created the importance of Bangladesh for India. This corridor is one of the most geographical compulsions for India. This narrow corridor separated the whole North Eastern region from the Indian Mainland. Bangladesh creates a broader nexus between the Indian mainland and the North Eastern region.

Because Agartala is 1,650km from Kolkata and 2,637km from New Delhi through Shillong and Guwahati, the journey between Agartala and Kolkata via Bangladesh, on the other hand, is only about 550km. Furthermore, the average distance between Bangladesh's major cities and northeast India is 20km to 300km.

As a result, Bangladesh is always considered crucial for the North-Eastern region's connectivity with mainland India by rail, road, and river routes. Bangladesh played a major role and has immense potential for the development of Indian northeastern states. And among those states, Tripura and Assam are the prominent ones.

Not only that, The northeast region of India is one of the most vulnerable areas in terms of security. The northeastern states are almost detached from the Indian mainland. The terrorists and separatists take the advantage of the "Chicken's Neck" and carried out their insurgent movements in these states. Bangladesh, in turn, has been always by India's side in combating the situation.

China and US fight over Indian Ocean The Indian Ocean is a key trading route for Chinas energy supplies and routes, making it also the theatre of vulnerabilities. Out of the 10, the route to nine of its suppliers is through the Indian Ocean region. Securing these critical Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs) is a key priority for China. And to contain Chinese ascension thhe USA has the similar amount of interst in the India Ocean region. Bay of Bengal is one of the most important areas of the Indian Ocean Region.

Due to its open access to the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh have become significant to both China and the USA. Towards the sea, Bangladesh maintains threeChattogram, Mongla and Payraout of the 12 ports in the Bay of Bengal.

Bangladesh is a prime candidate to partner with China in the hypothesised "String of Pearls" strategy and the formation of the "Maritime Silk Road." The land dimensions of the BRI consist of several interconnected corridors spanning the entire Eurasian continent. Bangladesh is centrally situated along the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Economic Corridor.

Bangladesh also occupies a strategic position along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road with its bustling port of Chittagong as a major maritime hub through the Indian Ocean. Since the inception of the BRI, China with its vast financial clout has launched special initiatives to boost its ties with Bangladesh by pouring billions of dollars into infrastructure projects.

China considers Bangladesh one of the gateways for the Maritime Silk Road (one of the segments of the BRI) that allows China access to the Indian Ocean and beyond. Therefore, China showed a keen interest in building a deep-sea port at Sonadia in Bangladesh.

The country is also a vital geopolitical ally to India, in that it has the potential to facilitate greater integration between Northeast India and Mainland India. Not only that, due to its open access to the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh has become significant to both China and the US.Previously Bangladeshs importance in South Asian geopolitics was largely defined by Sino-Indian rivalry and the Indo-Pak conflict, as India, Pakistan and China all are in the close proximity of Bangladesh. But in the post-cold war era, Chinas growing ambition in the South Asian region and the Bay of Bengal has changed the equation of geopolitics for Bangladesh.China followed the combined theories of geopolitics for its expansion. The "Sea Power" theory raised by Alfred Thayer Mahan from the USA believed those who controlled the sea would control the world; the "Heartland" theory raised by Halford John Mackinder from Britain believed those who controlled Eurasia would control the world; while the "Rim Land" theory raised by Nicholas John Spykman from the US believed those who controlled the rim land would control the world.To control the Eurasia, Rimland and heartland, China needed to expand its connectivity with the outer world. But due to the rivalry with India, the opportunity of connectivity narrowed down and there came the geopolitical importance of Bangladesh.Bangladesh is very important to India militarily. Because China can easily close the Siliguri Corridor in Sino-Indian military conflict. Through which India maintains communication with its eastern states. In this situation, India's only option will be to use the territory of Bangladesh to protect its relations with the eastern states.That is why it is very important for India to have friendly relations with Bangladesh, which is necessary for its security. India is now proposing connectivity of its northeastern part to China via the Chittagong port of Bangladesh, which will also boost further regional integration by complementing the BCIM and the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) corridors.India now aims to allow limited Chinese investment for boosting connectivity and trade in the northeast by using the BBIN sub-regional hub. This paradigm shift in Indian policies toward the BRI is being considered as the potential for a fresh beginning of India-China regional cooperation centering on Bangladesh, where a critical Bangladeshi port will work as the connecting hub.Connecting Indias Northeastern States with mainlandChickens Neck or Siliguri Corridor created the importance of Bangladesh for India. This corridor is one of the most geographical compulsions for India. This narrow corridor separated the whole North Eastern region from the Indian Mainland. Bangladesh creates a broader nexus between the Indian mainland and the North Eastern region.Because Agartala is 1,650km from Kolkata and 2,637km from New Delhi through Shillong and Guwahati, the journey between Agartala and Kolkata via Bangladesh, on the other hand, is only about 550km. Furthermore, the average distance between Bangladesh's major cities and northeast India is 20km to 300km.As a result, Bangladesh is always considered crucial for the North-Eastern region's connectivity with mainland India by rail, road, and river routes. Bangladesh played a major role and has immense potential for the development of Indian northeastern states. And among those states, Tripura and Assam are the prominent ones.Not only that, The northeast region of India is one of the most vulnerable areas in terms of security. The northeastern states are almost detached from the Indian mainland. The terrorists and separatists take the advantage of the "Chicken's Neck" and carried out their insurgent movements in these states. Bangladesh, in turn, has been always by India's side in combating the situation.The Indian Ocean is a key trading route for Chinas energy supplies and routes, making it also the theatre of vulnerabilities. Out of the 10, the route to nine of its suppliers is through the Indian Ocean region. Securing these critical Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs) is a key priority for China. And to contain Chinese ascension thhe USA has the similar amount of interst in the India Ocean region. Bay of Bengal is one of the most important areas of the Indian Ocean Region.Due to its open access to the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh have become significant to both China and the USA. Towards the sea, Bangladesh maintains threeChattogram, Mongla and Payraout of the 12 ports in the Bay of Bengal.Bangladesh is a prime candidate to partner with China in the hypothesised "String of Pearls" strategy and the formation of the "Maritime Silk Road." The land dimensions of the BRI consist of several interconnected corridors spanning the entire Eurasian continent. Bangladesh is centrally situated along the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Economic Corridor.Bangladesh also occupies a strategic position along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road with its bustling port of Chittagong as a major maritime hub through the Indian Ocean. Since the inception of the BRI, China with its vast financial clout has launched special initiatives to boost its ties with Bangladesh by pouring billions of dollars into infrastructure projects.China considers Bangladesh one of the gateways for the Maritime Silk Road (one of the segments of the BRI) that allows China access to the Indian Ocean and beyond. Therefore, China showed a keen interest in building a deep-sea port at Sonadia in Bangladesh.

Diverse interests and the nature of South Asian politics are making the scenario more challenging for Bangladesh

China's western rivals, along with India, are quite aware of this possibility, and have already initiated steps towards building greater ties with Bangladesh. It is also this possibility that has changed Bangladesh's status from decades of geopolitical irrelevance to a key player in shaping the future of Asia.

Moreover, as the Indo-Pacific trade route is one of the major concerns, the Western powers and their Pacific allies also became worried. Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its rapid spread worldwide have also increased Chinas presence both in this region and beyond. As a result, the geopolitical attention of almost all major powers quickly shifted to the Indo-Pacific region.

The US and its European allies started to increase their engagement in this region, and its Indo-Pacific allies such as India, Japan and Australia also started to join in this engagement. Quickly, they inked agreements and pacts to contain China. The revival of Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) between the USA, India, Japan and Australia, the AUKUS pact between the USA, the UK and Australia, and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) are the major agreements inked by the west and its Indo-Pacific allies to contain Chinese presence in this region.

Apart from these initiatives, the European Union and other major powers also clarified their stance on the issues. The USA also increased its presence in the region after Bidens ascension to the presidency, centring its policy on democracy and human rights.

Such diverse interests and the nature of South Asian politics are making the scenario more challenging for Bangladesh. While many consider the balancing between QUAD and China, it has to balance between three great powers, India, China and the USA. Since the Ukraine crisis, Russia is also emerging as a power to consider in this region as it is energy giant and also has a keen interest in this region. Gradually, Russias stake in these geopolitics is also increasing.

Overall, Bangladesh's location, population, economic potential and regional stability make it a significant player in South Asia and a potential hub for regional connectivity and trade. The country's geo-political importance is likely to continue to grow in the coming years, as it continues to develop its economy and promote regional integration and stability.

---

*PhD fellow, International Relations, University of Bucharest

The basic key factor behind the geopolitical importance of Bangladesh is its geographical location. The country shares land borders with Myanmar and India. Due to its geographical position, Bangladesh is a natural link between South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Xi'an to host Asian cultural heritage event

08:31, March 09, 2023 By Wang Kaihao ( China Daily

China will host a high-profile international conference next month to promote cooperation among cultural heritage administrators, conservators and researchers across Asia, the head of the National Cultural Heritage Administration said during the ongoing annual sessions of the country's top legislature and top political advisory body.

Li Qun, director of the administration and a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said in an exclusive interview with China Daily that the conference, the Founding Assembly of the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia, is scheduled to be held from April 24 to 25 in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province.

It will also be the first offline intergovernmental conference focusing on cultural heritage collaboration to be hosted by China since early 2020.

"As the first international mechanism in cultural heritage initiated by China, the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia is a key step in strengthening cooperation among Asian countries," said Li, who is also vice-minister of culture and tourism.

"We're committed to working step by step to turn the alliance into an actual international organization," he added. "Within its framework, we can make more contributions to jointly safeguarding the shared heritage of humankind."

In a keynote speech at the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations in Beijing in May 2019, President Xi Jinping expressed China's willingness to work with other countries to protect Asian cultural heritage and better preserve and sustain civilizations.

Echoing his proposal, a two-day online meeting, the inaugural Asian Dialogue for Cultural Heritage Conservation was held in November 2021, during which the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia was also initiated.

The founding members of the alliance are China, Armenia, Cambodia, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

Li told China Daily that ministerial-level cultural heritage officials and experts from around 30 Asian countries are expected to attend the Xi'an conference.

He said that the founding members had reached a consensus on the statutes of the alliance.

The Xi'an conference will also see the election of the alliance's secretary-general, along with the issuing of its annual plan and guidance on how to apply for funds from the alliance to support cultural heritage conservation.

The Chau Say Tevoda temple in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia, was the first China-hosted international joint restoration program overseas, where work began in 1998.

In the past decade, thanks to the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, which calls for strengthening people-to-people exchanges, Chinese experts have been engaged in protecting and conserving 11 heritage sites in six Asian countries.

This work included restoration of the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Itchan Kala, the inner section of the ancient city of Khiva in Uzbekistan, which was completed in 2019, and the ongoing restoration of the Thatbyinnyu Phaya temple in Bagan, Myanmar.

"A network of cooperation under the framework of the BRI is being established," Li said.

China's experience in applying for UNESCO World Heritage status also contributed to the country's cultural links with other nations.

For example, China cooperated with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in the successful bid for World Heritage status for "Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor" in 2014, which has inspired cooperation on similar programs with other countries.

Li said that China has also offered "multiple technical and intellectual support" to a similar program nominated for World Heritage status, "Silk Roads: Fergana-Syrdarya Corridor", involving Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan in the fields of the management of heritage sites, studies of values, and nominating strategy.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced an end to Walgreen's $54 million contract with the state following the company's decision against distributing abortion pills in 21 states.

The Democratic governor announced on Monday, only days after Walgreens announced that it would dispense abortion medication in the Republican-led states. Newsom said that the state of California would not be doing business with the company anymore so long as it cowers to the extremists that put women's lives at risk.

California's $54 Million Contract with Walgreens

The California governor's announcement is the latest pushback during an already chaotic time for the future of medication abortion. These are used in more than half of all procedures in the United States.

The situation comes as a Texas judge weighs issuing a ban on Mifepristone, the first pill in a two-drug abortion regimen. In response to legal pressure from Republican attorneys in those 21 states, a handful of which retains the legality of abortion, Walgreens decided to partially halt its efforts to sell the drug, as per CNN.

In a statement last week, the company said it plans to become a certified pharmacy and will only distribute Mifepristone in jurisdictions where it is still legal and operationally feasible. On Newsom's announcement, Walgreens declined to comment.

The tension between Newsom and Walgreens, a massive chain with thousands of stores across the United States, is the latest fallout following the Supreme Court's ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade. The decision was handed in June last year and shook national politics ahead of the 2022 November midterms.

Many Democratic lawmakers credited the backlash for helping their candidates in tough, swing state and seat races. It also further complicated relationships between political and business leaders.

Read Also: Tucker Carlson Allegedly Hated Donald Trump

Selling of Abortion-Inducing Drugs

The massive multi-million dollar contract between California and Walgreens is to buy specialty pharmacy prescription drugs for the state's prison health care system. According to Yahoo Finance, these include antiviral and antifungal drugs and medication used for congestive heart failure.

In a statement, Walgreens representative Fraser Engerman said the company was "deeply disappointed" by Newsom's decision. He noted that Walgreens is currently facing the same circumstances as all other retail pharmacies, and none said they would have handled the situation differently.

Engerman added that the company's position has always been that when certified by the FDA, they will dispense Mifepristone in any jurisdiction it is legally allowed to be, including California.

Last month, the group of attorneys general from the 21 states sent a letter to CVS and Walgreens that noted that if they sold the drug, they would violate the Comstock Act. It is an 1873 law that criminalizes sending contraceptives, substances that induce abortion, pornographic content, sex toys, and any written material about these items.

Newsom's tweet comes as he has expressed his support for abortion rights following the Supreme Court's ruling. He has also committed to protecting both women and healthcare providers against potential criminalization, said ABC News.

Related Article: Californian Storm Warning Update

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After the bungled raid that resulted in the death of Breonna Taylor, the Justice Department said on Wednesday that the Louisville Metro Police Department habitually uses excessive force and employs an "aggressive style of policing" against Black individuals.

The damning report provides a frightening picture of the discriminatory and abusive behavior of the Louisville police, reminiscent of behaviors prevalent in other southern communities during the civil rights period.

Breonna Taylor Case

In recent years, investigators uncovered a pattern of police commanders ordering research documenting disproportionate violence against Black Americans, then disregarding or suppressing the results or internal reports. Abuse extended to the treatment of the disabled and even victims of sexual assault.

DOJ determined that Louisville police utilize "unreasonable methods," such as unjustifiable neck restraints, police dogs, and tasers. The police agency executes search warrants without knocking and announcing, according to the report. On Wednesday, as per CNN, Attorney General Merrick Garland released the investigation's findings.

The department officials failed to control the "unacceptable" behavior, according to the report. Over the past six years, the police department has spent more than $40 million over the past six years to settle misconduct charges.

The Justice Department investigated the failed raid that resulted in Breonna Taylor's death. Four current and former Louisville police officers have been charged with civil rights offenses, including detectives who worked on the search warrant and the ex-officer accused of firing indiscriminately into her house, Local News 8 reported.

Kelly Goodlett, one of the former cops, pled guilty to conspiring to forge an affidavit for a warrant to search Breonna Taylor's house and to cover up the forgery by lying to investigators.

Ben Crump, a civil rights attorney representing Breonna Taylor's family and others impacted by police violence, stated that Taylor's family was "encouraged" by the justice department's findings.

Read Also: Mexico Kidnapping: 2 Survivors Back in the US After Horrible Ordeal

DOJ Also Launches Probe For Tyre Nichols' Death

The justice department also launched a probe of "certain procedures and practices" of the Memphis police department in the aftermath of Tyre Nichols' murder at the hands of officers earlier this year.

Five Black cops have been charged with murder and other offenses in the Nichols case. Four fire department workers were also charged. On Tuesday, the top legal officer of Memphis informed the city council that over a dozen fire and police department workers had been terminated.

Authorities stated that 20 hours of additional footage and audio would be available. After Nichols's murder, civil rights advocates have demanded a review of the employment of specialist police units across the United States; the justice department will conduct such an investigation.

The officers implicated in Nichols' killing were former members of the dissolved Scorpion team, whose mission was to pursue violent offenders in high-crime neighborhoods.

Garland said that in Louisville, members of a Viper squad dedicated to combating violent crime "often conducted arbitrary car stops in Black communities." State and federal courts determined that the unit's officers violated residents' constitutional rights, as per The Guardian.

Related Article: Missing Georgia Man Found Dead, Rotting While Rolled in Carpet

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Investigators are probing the unexplained sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines and found a vessel suspected of transporting explosives used in the attacks, German officials said Wednesday.

The German Federal Prosecutor's office stated that a vessel was searched from January 18 to 20, 2019, "in connection with a questionable ship rental."

Nord Stream Pipeline Attack Investigation

"There is a suspicion that the vessel in issue was utilized to transfer explosive devices" to detonate the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines in the Baltic Sea in September.

Explosions have become a sensitive geopolitical issue with significant repercussions for Russia's conflict in Ukraine, Western backing for Kyiv, and Europe's severe decrease in its use of Russian energy. According to NBC News, early suspicions fell on the Kremlin, but ongoing investigations have yielded little clarification.

German authorities stated on Wednesday that their "investigation of the recovered traces and artifacts is underway" and that the German firm that hired the searched vessel is not a suspect. Investigations are underway to determine the nationality and identity of the culprits, who have not yet been apprehended or recognized publicly.

The German authorities' declaration comes after various news sites reported that US intelligence believed a pro-Ukrainian organization may have been responsible. US and European intelligence authorities suspected pro-Ukrainian saboteurs might be involved after it was reported that newly reviewed US intelligence indicated the same, as per NY Times.

Boris Pistorius, the German minister of defense, stated on Wednesday, without elaboration, that the incident may have been a "false-flag operation" to make it look that pro-Ukrainian organizations were responsible.

Germany has shipped more weaponry to Ukraine than any other member of the European Union. While many Germans support the government's actions, some are concerned that delivering weapons into a combat zone may prolong the conflict and perhaps spark a broader war.

Read Also: Why Joe Biden Wants Wealthy Americans To Be Taxed More

Ukraine Denies Role in Pipeline Sabotage

Any indication that the Ukrainian government was responsible for the pipeline attack might hinder Chancellor Olaf Scholz's ability to continue shipping heavy weaponry and training the Ukrainian military.

Immediate suspicion for the attack, which impacted three of the four pipelines comprising Nord Stream 1 and 2, fell on Moscow, but fears about the perpetrators also included Kyiv, London, and Washington.

The incident increased worries about wintertime gas scarcity in Germany. Before the war, fifty-five percent of the gas used in Germany came from Russia. In the months following the invasion, Germany weaned itself off most of the natural gas it was receiving directly from Russia, but the explosions made it plain that there was no turning back.

Per Global News, Ukraine has denied any role in the September attack on the pipes meant to transport Russian natural gas to Germany via the Nord Stream project. Mykhailo Podolyak, a presidential adviser, stated that Ukraine "was in no way engaged."

It is uncertain what caused the explosions on September 26, although it is commonly suspected that the pipelines were assaulted. The attack harmed two pipelines and attacked a vital revenue stream for Russia. At the time of the incident, which occurred months after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, both pipelines were shut down.

Related Article: Carnival Cruise Ship: FBI Opens Investigation on Suspicious Death of Woman

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A new data regulation body that China is reportedly set to create is expected to clarify and establish new data sovereigny rules for multinational companies and accelerate tech-based initatives such as public administration services built on anonymized citizen data.

The new governent body will streamline data governance policies in the country, amid increasing confusion from businesses that deal with multiple bodies presiding over different aspects of data governance within the country's borders, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing sources familiar with the issues.

The Chinese government is dedicated to helping organizations operating in the domestic market, both multinational corporations (MNCs) and local ones, to identify, consume, and protect data for security, privacy, and sovereignty throughout the lifecycle by a range of established regulations such as cybersecurity law (CSL), data security law (DSL), and personal information protection law (PIPL), which is similar to European Unions GDPR, said Charlie Dai, research director at analyst firm Forrester.

The big data bureaus on a provincial level have been established for years, and this national bureau will help in the coordination and governance from a central government perspective, Dai added.

The Cyberspace Administration of China, the countrys Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, as well as the National Development and Reform Commission, all currently share responsibility for data governance in the country.

The final decision to set up the regulatory body is expected to be examined at the annual session of the National Peoples Congress that runs through March 13, according to Wall Street Journal report.

Chinas data watchdog to accelerate digital initiatives

Chinas president Xi Jinping has been promoting the idea of a digital economy in order to compete with other nations globally and the new data watchdog, according to Forrester principal analyst Sam Higgins, will accelerate initiatives such as data-based government online services.

It is important to note that the creation of a National Data Bureau in China mimics the similar establishment of regulatory bodies in the region and the globe intended to help accelerate digital initiatives by better leveraging the vast data resources of governments worldwide, Higgins said, giving the example of Australia creating the National Data Commission in 2021.

In India, the government has said that it will make its identity management and digital payments systems available to other nation via open APIs, under the Indiastack.global project.

When the new data regulator gets a green light, it could become the only Chinese watchdog that looks after issues such as what, if any, data can be exported by multinational companies operating in China and what kind of consumer data can or cannot be collected by businesses in the country.

Over the last two years, the Chinese government has already cracked down on multinational companies by requring them to store citizens data within its borders.

The Wall Street Journal also reported that the new watchdog agency, which is likely to be very similar to Chinas Anti-Monopoly Bureau in stature and management, would have the powers to investigate digital data fraud, cybercrimes and issues such as data-security vulnerabilities.

Several other countries including the US and India have been working on introducing federal data privacy laws.

In 2018, the European Union introduced broad data privacy regulations in the form of its General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), which has become a sort of template for nations around the world.
Notwithstanding international worries about the invasion of Ukraine, China will continue to work with Russia to threaten the United States, US intelligence agencies warned on Wednesday.

China will continue to use its military and other assets to intimidate opponents in the South China Sea. According to the research, it will build on its activities from 2022, which might involve further Taiwan Strait crossings or missile overflights of Taiwan.

US Intelligence Talks About National Security Threats

The People's Republic of China, which is rapidly confronting the United States economically, technologically, politically, and militarily, is "our top concern," according to Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, President Joe Biden's chief intelligence adviser.

To achieve Chinese leader Xi Jinping's goal of establishing China as a great international power, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) "is increasingly persuaded that it must do so at the expense of US strength and influence," Haines stated in her opening remarks.

According to the report, Russia probably does not seek conflict with the United States and NATO. However, the war in Ukraine carries a "great risk" of that occurring. There is "real potential" for Russia's military failures in Ukraine to harm Vladimir Putin's domestic standing, increasing the likelihood of escalation.

Reuters reported that Haines called it "a grinding, attritional conflict" in Ukraine and stated that US intelligence does not anticipate significant territory advances by the Russian military this year.

According to Time, senators also spent a substantial amount of time grilling intelligence experts on the national security threats presented by TikTok, the Chinese-owned social video app used by over 100 million Americans.

Chris Wray, director of the FBI, stated that the Chinese government might potentially utilize TikTok to manage millions of Americans' data and change public perception of the nation should it attack Taiwan.

Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, the ranking Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee, stated, "The greatest threat facing America is not another country."

He accused TiKTok of attempting to "collect our data, manipulate information, poison and feed garbage into the minds" of millions of Americans. While the app was not referenced in the 40-page unclassified report issued by the intelligence community on Wednesday, TikTok is facing heightened attention in Washington.

Last week, the White House supported a new bipartisan Senate bill that would give the Biden administration the authority to ban foreign technology that poses a danger to national security, one of the numerous legislative efforts to restrict the social app.

According to the heads of US intelligence, the US intelligence community continues to remain divided on the origins of the COVID-19 virus. The US Energy Department, which controls a network of national laboratories, had judged with low confidence that a lab leak in Wuhan, China, was the most likely source of the epidemic.

Read Also: Why Joe Biden Wants Wealthy Americans To Be Taxed More

China's Support For Russia

China is contemplating supplying Russia with weapons, ammunition, and drones, according to declassified documents released by the Biden administration at the end of February 2023. China's military assistance would directly enable Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

This public admission, which emerged less than a month after the US military shot down a Chinese spy balloon that was reportedly being used for espionage, further escalated relations between the United States and China.

It also comes when Russia is incurring escalating financial and human costs in its war against Ukraine. These defeats have compelled the Russian administration to seek assistance wherever it can.

Russia has attempted to acquire weapons and other military support from allies such as North Korea and Belarus. Russia has also resorted to neutral nations like India and China to sell its oil and gas and generate more revenue.

China has not officially stated a decision to provide Russia with military assistance. Costly is massive military aid to a faltering army. In 2022, the United States spent nearly $75 billion in assistance to Ukraine. China is considering supplying Russia with military weapons despite the high cost of conflict.

China's economic interests in Russia include money, oil, and commercial potential. The United States effectively pushed a gap between the two nations throughout the Cold War.

Nonetheless, after the end of the Cold War, commercial ties between Russia and China increased. Since February 2022, when Russia initially started a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, China has sought to maintain a "pro-Russia" neutrality.

In other words, China is officially neutral and is not participating in the conflict. However, its government officials continue to parrot Russia's war narrative and propaganda while disregarding what Ukraine tells the world.

China has condemned Western intervention in the conflict. In addition, it has presented a peace plan for the crisis that does not require Russia to remove its soldiers from Ukraine. China has thus far refrained from giving military help to Russia. Changing direction would be a significant break from China's prior stated neutrality posture, as per SFGate.

Related Article: Vladimir Putin Orders To Revise Books for Kids To Worship Invaders

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US Dollar (DXY) Price and Chart Analysis

The US dollar is rangebound ahead of an important US jobs release.

Fed chair Powell is hawkish but reiterates that data remains key.

Recommended by Nick Cawley Traits of Successful Traders Get My Guide

US Treasury bond yields are consolidating their recent move higher ahead of Fridays Non-Farm Payroll report. Recent hawkish commentary from Fed chair Jerome Powell to US lawmakers sent the yield on the rate-sensitive 2-year UST to a fresh one-and-a-half decade high (5.085%) as Powell doubled down on his higher-for-longer rhetoric. Chair Powell, while backing higher rates, continues to say that all rate decisions will be based on the totality of data, leaving himself a little bit of wiggle room if the outlook for the US economy turns lower. Financial markets are now pricing a 76% probability of a 50 basis point hike at this months FOMC meeting, up from around 25% last week.

Recommended by Nick Cawley The Fundamentals of Breakout Trading Get My Guide

Fridays Jobs Report will be closely followed to gauge the strength of hiring in the US. Last months release, saw 517k new jobs created, a huge beat on market expectations, albeit with the data boosted by seasonal adjustments. The market is forecasting 210k new jobs in February and an unchanged unemployment rate of 3.4%. That said, market forecasts for new jobs have been exceeded in the last 10 reports, and some by a fair margin. In July 22, the actual number of 372k was over 100k higher than the market forecast, on August 22 the 528k actual was over double expectations, while last month's 517k was 330k above market expectations. A further heavy beat will send the US dollar higher going into the weekend.

For all market-moving data releases and economic events see the real-time DailyFX Calendar.

The US dollar is currently sitting in the middle of a tight range and consolidating its recent move higher. Tuesdays bullish candle, post-chair Powells testimony, reversed a short-term sell-off and sent the greenback to a multi-week high. The next level of resistance, the 200-dma, is around 125 pips away and is likely to hold unless the NFP numbers beat by a hefty margin. The CCI indicator at the bottom of the chart shows the greenback back in overbought territory.

US Dollar (DXY) March 9, 2023

Chart via TradingView

What is your view on the US Dollar  bullish or bearish?? You can let us know via the form at the end of this piece or you can contact the author via Twitter @nickcawley1.
The news that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have given their children the titles 'Prince' and 'Princess' has revived hopes for a reconciliation between the royal families.

The changes, disclosed on Wednesday after the couple's staff verified Lilibet was christened at their California home last week, might be a positive step for the family, according to experts. It has even prompted expectations that the Sussexes may attend the coronation of King Charles in May.

Archie, Lilibet Given Royal Titles of Prince And Princess

On Friday, a spokesman for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle said that their 21-month-old daughter Lilibet was named "Princess Lilibet Diana" in a private ceremony at their house in Montecito. The King was told of their intentions to utilize the titles before the announcement. After a title dispute, the royals confirm that Archie and Lilibet are now prince and princess, as per Mirror.

According to sources, the King, Queen Consort Camilla, Prince William, and Kate Middleton were all invited but did not attend the baptism. Their absence was more due to logistical issues than a deliberate snub. The source said that the couple's first-born child, Archie, was officially referred to as a 'Prince,' while the royal family's website still refers to them as "Master Archie" and "Miss Lilibet."

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's attendance at the coronation on May 6 has not yet been confirmed. The situation is further complicated because the ceremony will occur on Archie's fourth birthday.

According to The Sun, it is believed that Prince Harry and King Charles decided to give the Duke's children royal titles during conversations following the Queen's burial. After discussions late last year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's children will henceforth be called Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

A spokesperson for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry confirmed that Princess Lilibet Diana was christened on March 3 by the Archbishop of Los Angeles, the Rev. John Taylor. This was the first time in public that Lili was considered a princess.

It is expected that the 21-month-old would use the title in official situations rather than in regular discourse. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are rumored to be adamant about not denying their children their birthright but allowing them to relinquish or retain their titles as they grow older.

As the offspring of a son of a sovereign, Archie and Lili are immediately prince and princess and may now use the HRH style if they so choose. When Archie was born in May of 2019, he was seventh in line for the throne, which placed him too far down the succession line.

While he was a great-grandchild of the monarch, he was not the eldest son of a future king and hence was not automatically a prince. The royal website, which presently displays the children as Master Archie and Miss Lilibet, will be altered to reflect the change, according to Buckingham Palace.

Read Also: Will Smith Hasn't Privately Apologized to Chris Rock Year After Oscar Slap

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle's Attendance on King Charles' Coronation

The controversial couple was invited to the historic occasion in May, but their accommodations still need to be discovered after they were evicted from their Windsor, Berkshire home, Frogmore Cottage. The couple has yet to be granted a new permanent residence, but they are believed to be provided with temporary housing when they return to the United Kingdom.

These may include suites at Buckingham Palace, St. James's Palace, and Princess Diana's old Kensington Palace residence. Apart from such excursions, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will raise their two children at their nine-bedroom property in Montecito, California.

An expert has asserted that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to refer to their children as Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet is an "expected" gesture demonstrating their "priceless" link to the British royal family, despite the Sussexes' previous attacks on the monarchy.

Tessa Dunlop, a royal historian, stated that the couple's choice to use Archie and Lilibet's titles is unsurprising, given that a representative for the Sussexes today referred to their youngest child for the first time as "Princess Lilibet."

She stated that despite Prince Harry's blistering assaults on the royal family in his $100 million Netflix docuseries and explosive book, Spare, the Duke's choice proves he remains a monarchist.

Although Prince Harry, 38, has launched several attacks against the Royal Family in recent months, he has maintained his support for the monarchy, as per Daily Mail.

Related Article: Camilla Parker Bowles To Officially Be 'Queen'

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Picture the scene: an empty chair in a bosses' meeting. 'Where is Jane?' asks the chief executive. 'On "menopause leave",' comes the reply.

'She's been signed off by HR. The office is too hot for her and she gets tired.'

There go Jane's chances of becoming CEO. She will be overlooked for promotion. She has been eternally cast as someone who can't cope with the stresses of the workplace or a high-flying career.

I fear that all Janes entering their 50s are about to be caught up in a new human rights frenzy. Menopausal women are becoming victims  and with victimhood comes patronisation and exclusion.

Yet politicians and celebrities are milking this now- fashionable cause. There have been House of Commons debates, parliamentary committee meetings, TV and radio shows, all talking about what used to be called 'the change'.

I fear that all Janes entering their 50s are about to be caught up in a new human rights frenzy. Stock image of menopausal woman having hot flashes

Menopausal women are becoming victims  and with victimhood comes patronisation and exclusion. Stock image of menopausal woman having hot flashes

Taboo

Public figures from Nicola Sturgeon to Davina McCall have told us  in graphic detail  their own 'menopause story.' Curiously, plenty of men  Sir Rod Stewart and Jeremy Vine included  have had a lot to say about the subject, too.

Bending to such public pressure, this week the Government appointed the country's first Menopause Employment Champion: a former head of talent at a giant recruitment company. Her role is to encourage bosses to help female staff going through the menopause and stop them from quitting the workforce altogether.

On her appointment, Helen Tomlinson said rather chidingly that less than a quarter of UK businesses have a menopause policy. She wants to 'break the taboo' and get everyone talking about what it is.

Of course, the Labour Party  which never misses an opportunity to claim victimhood  has joined the mania. Last month it announced that if it gains power, larger companies will have to publish a 'menopause action plan' and send it to the Government.

The party's apparatchiks have previously opined that women sufferers of 'this health condition' should get paid time off, work in temperature-controlled areas to alleviate hot flushes and be offered new lightweight uniforms for the same reason.

Just a few weeks ago, a British school came under fire for introducing a distinctive 'card' for girls to carry during their period. Labour's idea will mark women out in just the same way at the other end of their reproductive life.

I cringe for each and every one of them if it ever becomes reality. As a longtime champion of menopausal women, I never thought I would say this: enough is enough.

The fact is that menopause is often a thoroughly personal subject for many of us.

Whatever Ms Tomlinson thinks about breaking down stigma, who wants to stand at the water fountain discussing with colleagues their hot flushes, brain fog, a missing sex drive, vaginal dryness and haphazard, heavy periods?

Despite the modern tendency to talk about every intimate detail of our lives (and bodies), there are some aspects of womanhood that should remain private  whether it's at work or dinner parties.

And besides, the experience of menopause is not universal. I cheered when a woman wrote on social media recently: 'Am I the only one who is thrilled with the menopause?'

She added: 'I feel freed from decades of hormones ruling my body. I feel like I've turned the clock back to pre-puberty days. No more ups and downs in mood or being driven by (sexual) desires every month that at times led to bad choices. No more cramps, tampons, pregnancy scares. Is there anyone out there like me?' The answer is yes  and we shouldn't be universally treated as victims.

I have applauded campaigners who have successfully persuaded the NHS to routinely, and cheaply, prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to stop horrible symptoms faced by women in their late 40s and 50s as nature shuts down their reproductive system. And I by no means underestimate the physical symptoms. The Menopause Society found that 45 per cent of women felt that symptoms had a negative impact on their work and nearly half who took time off as a result didn't even tell their boss the real reason.

Yet the solution is so simple. Ask any woman on HRT, she'll tell you it makes her feel energetic, more feminine, and yes, as I have written before, flirty.

The female body is programmed to resist sexual encounters as particular hormones disappear with age. So pills or gels that mitigate this are a welcome treatment.

When I first went on HRT, I couldn't have imagined how life-changing it would be. I had gone to see a Harley Street gynaecologist after a work trip to Moscow, where I was chasing down a British spy with links to the Kremlin.

As I stood near Red Square, my insides threatened to unfold. I made my abrupt excuses to my interpreter, then waddled back with my knees together to patch myself up.

Public figures from Nicola Sturgeon (pictured) to Davina McCall have told us  in graphic detail  their own 'menopause story'

Damaging

I was in my 40s, and thought it was a one-off. It never occurred that I was in menopause, since I'd only recently had a child. But back in London, the same thing happened in an editor's conference. I made my excuses and ran to the door saying I felt unwell.

Julie, the nanny to my toddler son Harry, put her arm round me as I stumbled through the door with a towel wrapped around me  mortified about what had happened.

I told only her and the gynaecologist about my hellish office experience. But the next day I was back at work. What I didn't do was complain to the human resources department that I was a victim.

I didn't shout it was my right to get paid time off and demand that if I made it to work I needed a special uniform and a fan in my office. If I had been so foolish, then I've no doubt my career would have suffered.

Yet menopause activists press on with their damaging agenda. Time off for women going through 'the change' was a key demand of the House of Commons' Women And Equalities Committee in January. The idea was rejected by the Government which  rather controversially  said it would be unfair on men.

Downing Street also dismissed the committee's call  backed up by the British Psychological Society which presumably believes it's akin to a mental condition  to make the menopause a legally protected characteristic under the Equality Act, shielding sufferers from work discrimination.

Extreme

Cue wails of despair from campaigners with the bit between their teeth. Penny Lancaster, the 51-year-old former model who is married to Sir Rod Stewart, retorted: 'The sad thing is that if the workplace doesn't help women with the menopause, they will start reducing their hours, won't consider promotion, and even quit their jobs because of the extreme symptoms it can cause.'

I believe if Ms Lancaster gets her menopause revolution, menopausal women won't even be given the option of promotion in the first place. For who would want to hire a person who is never at work and on full pay  perhaps for years?

Women needing medication (around 15 per cent between 45 and 64 says the Government) deserve it instantly. But training courses for bosses, special office fans and even 'menopause cafes'? Spare us.

In a recent letter to the Mail, a reader wrote: 'There are three of us in our office and we are menopausal women. If we all had time off, there would be no one doing the work. It's just a stage of life that every female goes through. Just manage the symptoms. We are all on HRT and get on with things.'

A poll of 3,800 people conducted by MailOnline in January showed three-quarters agreed with her sentiments.

It's time we all grow up and accept that menopause is part of womanhood.

And we mustn't allow ourselves to be portrayed as victims because we have a female body.
Rarely can the acronym 'RSVP' have been attached to an invitation with greater dread.

And the news that Harry and Meghan are both expected to attend King Charles III's coronation on Saturday May 6 will be greeted with mixed feelings the length and breadth of the country.

Their admirers will be pleased that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been able to fit this event into their fashionable Californian schedule.

And while many of the King's subjects will share my own distaste for the way they have behaved since quitting the Royal Family, most people in Britain will be keeping their fingers crossed and hoping that this dire pair will not spoil a day of national rejoicing.

There's no doubt that many will have been hoping that they would stay put in America.

Rarely can the acronym 'RSVP' have been attached to an invitation with greater dread. And the news that Harry and Meghan (pictured) are both expected to attend King Charles III's coronation on Saturday May 6 will be greeted with mixed feelings the length and breadth of the country

After all, the couple have spent the last three years rubbishing not only Harry's nearest and dearest but the very idea of Royalty.

They have claimed that the Press  which in fact greeted their union with rapture, and made Meghan into a heroine  has been consistently sneering at them.

And in a terrible mixture of crowing self-advertisement and cringing victimhood, they have attacked Britain and its royal heritage.

They use royal status to boost their income

While claiming to love the late Queen, Meghan mocked the formal ceremonial of the court with a caricatured imitation of a curtsey during a televised interview for the nauseating Netflix series that they modestly entitled Harry And Meghan.

Even the Duke, who is to family loyalty what Lord Haw-Haw was to patriotism, could not avoid looking a picture of discomfort as his wife performed an exaggeratedly sweeping bow in a bid to make the monarchy look ridiculous.

At the same time, however, in a display of the grossest hypocrisy, they have used their royal status to boost their incomes and their profiles.

They know perfectly well that no one in California would look twice at a third-rate television actress and a junior-ranking ex-army officer unless they were touched by the stardust of royalty.

It is solely because Harry is the son of Diana and the grandson of Elizabeth II that his wife was asked on to the Oprah Winfrey show, a platform he then shared to malign the traditions of Britain and the family who tried to support him.

And while many of the King's (pictured) subjects will share my own distaste for the way they have behaved since quitting the Royal Family, most people in Britain will be keeping their fingers crossed and hoping that this dire pair will not spoil a day of national rejoicing

Yes, Harry and Meghan will likely be booed in the streets as they approach Westminster Abbey on Coronation Day.

Their very presence will threaten to upstage the King himself.

Television directors and newspaper editors would not be human if they did not see the massive potential offered by the couple's presence at such a global blockbuster of an event.

What is Meghan wearing and how is she using it to send a signal back to her fanbase in the US? Will they be keeping themselves aloof, or will they manage to exchange a few words with William and Kate?

How will the other royals receive them? Who will have to sit next to Meghan? (My bet is on the Earl of Wessex, poor chap. Or maybe Alan Titchmarsh.)

All these completely trivial questions will flit in and out of our minds as we turn on the TV and prepare for a day of spellbinding royal pageantry.

Yet, of course, they had to be invited, and it would be even worse if they did NOT attend. Had they not been offered an olive branch, Oprah Winfrey & Co would have seen it as the ultimate insult by the Royal Family.

It would be proof that the British Establishment was anti-American, snobbish and racist  the only possible reasons, in Prince Harry's universe, for anyone finding his egomaniac wife a pain in the neck.

Besides, if they had not been invited, or if they had chosen not to come, we would have been presented with the nightmare possibility that Harry would be hired by some American television network to provide a running commentary on his father's big day.

His mixture of stupidity, malice and self-obsession would have come splurging out, dishing yet more dirt on his family and on the institution of the Monarchy.

The option of their non-attendance, therefore, would have been far, far worse, than the embarrassment caused by them actually turning up.

Of course, assuming they do arrive in May, there will be concerns they will try to upstage the other royals, and will be especially determined to outshine William and Kate.

Everyone will have to grin and bear it

In time-honoured fashion, they will probably arrange to attend some charity event to advertise how much they care for some section of the community supposedly neglected by the other royals. Or they will be seen hobnobbing with some particularly hot A-listers.

Nauseating as this will be, everyone will have to just grin and bear it.

There remains, however, a number of unanswered questions. It seems overwhelmingly likely that their agreement to attend the ceremony has been negotiated by some third party  whether this was the Archbishop of Canterbury, who knows?

No doubt some sort of 'deal' has been struck. Can it be mere coincidence that, while Meghan cannot call herself Her Royal Highness, 'Buckingham Palace' this week let it be known that it will be permissible to talk of 'Prince' Archie and 'Princess' Lilibet Diana.

Their admirers will be pleased that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been able to fit this event into their fashionable Californian schedule

Is this a signal that negotiations have indeed been going on behind the scenes? If so, it leads to another line of questioning.

Who the blazes do they think they are? And how can they have the barefaced cheek to be 'negotiating', and holding The King over a barrel?

And how can anyone take them seriously, when they have spent the last three years rubbishing not only Harry's family but all the trappings and flummery of monarchy, while desperately wanting to hang on to titles and privileges?

It emerged this week that the little Princess had been recently baptised at Harry and Meghan's home in Montecito, California, by the Bishop of Los Angeles, the Rt Rev John H Taylor, a former chief of staff to President Nixon.

But even this joyful news could not be disseminated without being accompanied by the obligatory victim narrative.

Just for once, this day is not about you

The King and the rest of the family had been asked to attend this momentous event, we were told, but for some reason best known to themselves were unable to attend.

Although there will be many people in this country who will be pleased to see them when they show up at the Abbey, the British people will hope, in the name of common decency, that Harry and Meghan try to behave themselves.

The Coronation is an occasion when the vast majority of the population will be rejoicing. It is not because we are members of the King's fan club.

The coronation isn't primarily about Charles III or about his personality. It is about our country, and the continuity of British history.

Surely this is the time to stop the royal trouble-making, resist the urge to pick quarrels, and instead build some bridges and behave with a bit of humility and good humour.

That said, while we are allowing ourselves some optimism, let's hope that some clever person at Westminster Abbey finds a couple of seats for them which are behind a pillar, out of reach of the television cameras.

Just for once, Harry and Meghan, this day is not about YOU, but about something rather bigger.
Sweet-toothed fans of Krispy Kremes can now get their hands on a whole box of their favourite snack for free.

The doughnut company is inviting customers to pop into their shops across the UK one minute before closing time to pick up a box of four Krispy Kremes, totally free of charge.

Since launching in 1937, the fast food chain has made its doughnuts fresh every day, and the initiative is designed to clear the shelves for the next batches.

To be in with the chance to pick up a box of doughnuts, savvy shoppers must arrive one minute prior to the shops closing time and let a Krispy Kreme employee know that theyre there for the 'Last Minute Box Offer.'

The offer is available until 12th March so those looking for a sweet treat will need to act quickly.

Krispy Kreme has announced that for a limited time it will be offering free boxes of doughnuts in the last minute of the day

The multinational doughnut company has revealed that that in the final minute before shops close for the day, treat-seekers will be able to pick up a fresh and free, last-minute box of four Krispy Kreme doughnuts

Emma Colquhoun, Chief Marketing Officer UK & Ireland at Krispy Kreme said: 'We are committed to having a positive role in tackling food waste, and are already working in partnership with "Too Good To Go", the worlds largest surplus food platform, to reduce food waste.'

She added: 'Were thrilled that were able to offer another way to reduce waste, while also helping customers save money and spread joy.'

Customers were thrilled at the news, with more than 200 followers commenting on Facebook.

The offer is available until 12th March so for those looking for a sweet treat they will need to act quickly

Customers were thrilled at the news, with over 200 followers commenting on Facebook. With many praising the initiative as combating food waste

While they were mainly checking that the offer would be available at their local store others shared their joy at the new offer.

One customer said: 'This was a lovely treat tonight! Thanks Krispy Kreme UK!'

Another happy customer wrote: 'Thank you for our sweet treats for a belated Xmas treat at the theatre.'

Another person added: 'This is a great idea Krispy Kreme UK. It combats food waste and gives people a delicious treat too. Does this include the Woking Krispy Kreme Store?'

And another commented: 'This type of offer could be beneficial for the homeless, and other individuals who use cash instead of contactless payment methods.'

Earlier this year Krispy Kreme revealed that they were adding low calorie options to their already extensive menu.

Krispy Kreme announced the launch of two new doughnuts at just 195 calories each for the New Year - Berry Burst and Lemon Crunch

Krispy Kreme announced the launch of two new doughnuts at just 195 calories each for the New Year.

The two new flavours will sit alongside the iconic Original Glazed, making up a new tempting low calorie trio, and will be available for a limited time until 29 January.

The flavours, Berry Burst and Lemon Crunch has landed in Krispy Kreme shops, supermarket cabinets, Welcome Break, Road Chef, Just Eat, Uber Eats and Deliveroo.

Many doughnut fans online went wild over the tasty bakes, with one commenting: 'Forget the calories I'm going for a dozen all for myself!'

The Berry Burst Krispy Kreme describes itself as fruity, flavourful take on the classic ring doughnut.

It has been dipped in raspberry icing glaze and topped with raspberry flavoured meringue pieces and fruity sugar sprinkles.

While the Lemon Crunch doughnut is dipped in lemon icing glaze and topped with lemon sugar sprinkles and lemon flavoured meringue pieces.

The new 195 KCAL doughnuts will retail at 2.35 each or 10.80 for a six pack of all three low calorie flavours.
Cargo pants are back and better than ever!

All over the streets of Paris this week, fashion insiders have stepped out in elevated versions of the utilitarian bottoms boasting multiple side pockets.

From luxurious fabrics to unexpected colors and chic detailing, the Y2K casual trend has been reimagined by high-end designers like Louis Vuitton, and embraced by style icons around the world.

Cargo pants are back and officially better than ever! All over the streets of Paris this week, fashion insiders have stepped out in elevated versions of the utilitarian bottoms boasting multiple side pockets

Josephine Skriver was photographed outside the Zimmermann show during Paris Fashion Week looking effortlessly stylish.

The Danish model donned a monochromatic ensemble consisting of a white lace bra topped by a sleeveless vest and matching tweed cargo pants featuring a long belt and zipper details.

Her military-inspired bottoms with giant pockets are far from the styles popular in the Delia's catalog from back in the day.

She completed the look with gold earrings beige leather heels.

Once designed for comfort and convenience, today's iterations are not only sleek but styled to perfection by today's top trendsetters, case in point: Tamara Kalinic

The wide-leg bottoms by Louis Vuitton were spotted on multiple attendees of the luxury fashion house's show during Paris Fashion Week

The wide-leg style of bottoms were spotted on multiple attendees at the Louis Vuitton show in various fabrics and colors. One guest wore gold coated canvas denim cargo pants with tweed pockets a matching crop top

Once designed for comfort and convenience, today's iterations are not only sleek but styled to perfection by today's top trendsetters, case in point: Tamara Kalinic.

Outside the Louis Vuitton show, the influencer with a whopping 1.4 million Instagram followers wore a black and white striped tank-top with checkered shoulder straps from the French design house.

She paired the flirty top with Louis Vuitton cotton-linen cargo pants, accented with Heathered-effect linen textured detail on the pockets.

The wide-leg style of bottoms were spotted on multiple attendees at the Louis Vuitton show in various fabrics and colors.

Another guest wore gold coated canvas denim cargo pants with tweed pockets paired with a matching crop top.

A guest outside the Zimmermann show dressed comfortable and still looked achingly chic in textured cargo pants and a matching varsity jacket

Yoyo Cao (also known as her Instagram handle, Yoyo Kulala) kept warm in brown suede cargo pants while walking around the City of Light

In Germany, influencer Annette Weber was spotted modeling beige cargo pants by Second Female for a street style photoshoot

Cargo pants were all the rage in various fabrics and colors with the style set during Paris Fashion Week

The fashion crowd has proved that the functional bottoms can be worked into a look cool enough to capture the attention of a street style photographer.

Yoyo Cao (also known as her Instagram handle, Yoyo Kulala) kept warm in brown suede cargo pants while walking around the City of Light.

The Singapore-based fashion designer and digital entrepreneur paired the trendy bottoms with a brown top and matching puffer vest.

She added a pop of color to her look with a green hooded scarf.

In Germany, influencer Annette Weber was spotted modeling beige cargo pants featuring a drawstring ankle detail by Second Female for a street style photoshoot.

She teamed the slacks with a dark beige trench jacket by Max Mara, and accessorized with Chloe sneakers, a brown Max Mara bag, and Balenciaga sunglasses.

Outside the Balenciaga fashion show, a guest looked polished and pulled together - but still casual, in tan cargo pants, a white blouse, plaid printed boots and a denim jacket.

While Niki Wu Jie looked like a modern day fashion plate at the Chanel show wearing the coveted label from head-to-toe.

The model donned blue faded denim cargo pants with adjustable buckle details, and a pale pink embroidered sequined jacket, accessorized with a black shiny leather and gold chain pendant belt.

She carried, not one, but two Chanel handbags, including a green patent leather micro crossbody and a small brown handheld bag.
Princess Charlene of Monaco looked typically chic in a pale blue suit as she attended an International Women's Day luncheon in Monaco.

The 44-year-old Olympic swimmer looked elegant in the 3,580 Akris suit as she joined the Women in Sport lunch alongside the State Minister of Monaco, Pierre Dartout.

The royal looked sophisticated in the Nadine double-breasted wool lurex dusty blue blazer, costing 2,929.

Charlene paired her blazer with the matching Akris Carla trousers which retails for 658.

She completed her ensemble with Christian Dior black stilettos which she has owned since 2014.

Princess Charlene of Monaco looked typically chic in a pale blue suit as she attended an International Women's Day luncheon in Monaco

The snaps were shared on the Instagram page for Monaco's government and the caption read: 'On the occasion of International Women's Rights Day, H.E. Mr. Pierre DARTOUT organized a lunch chaired by S.A.S. Princess Charlene.

'At the lunch under the theme 'Women and Sport', the Minister of State wanted to recall that in the Principality, the defence of women's rights has been at the heart of the Principal's priorities for many years.

'He also paid homage to women who, around the world, fight for their rights and to make their voices heard, sometimes at the cost of their lives, referring among other things to their situations in Afghanistan, Iran or Ukraine.

'Finally, he expressed his conviction that associating young people was indispensable to building a more equal society and that the theme, chosen this year for March 8 by the Committee for the Promotion and Protection of Women's Rights, demonstrated the Principality's commitment to humanistic values and universal wear by sport.'

It comes Charlene and her husband Prince Albert, 64, prepare for their upcoming appearance at King Charles' coronation in May - after Prince Albert of Monaco became the first European royal to confirm their attendance.

Earlier this year, Monaco's crown prince told PEOPLE, he and his wife Princess Charlene would attend Charles' coronation in May, adding: 'I'm certain that it's going to be an incredible ceremony and a very moving one.'

The 44-year-old Olympic swimmer looked elegant in the 3,580 Akris suit as she joined the Women in Sport lunch alongside the State Minister of Monaco, Pierre Dartout

On the occasion of International Women's Rights Day, H.E. Mr. Pierre DARTOUT organized a lunch chaired by S.A.S. Princess Charlene

Prince Albert of Monaco became the first European royal to confirm their attendance to King Charles' coronation

The event will be amongst the highest profile attended by Charlene since her recent illness, which saw her spending 11 months away from the Mediterranean principality in her native South Africa, undergoing treatment for an unspecified condition.

Albert added: 'We've maintained contact since His Majesty became King, but I haven't talked to him personally since the Queen's funeral.'

The prince, who is looking forward to attending the king's coronation, added: 'I'm certain His Majesty will add his own 'personal touches' to the ceremonies, but what those will be, I'm sure I don't know.'

Prince Albert went onto reveal that himself and his wife Princess Charlene, will definitely be at the ceremony to watch the king's crowning, however their 8-year-old twins Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella might be 'too young'.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have praised 'amazing' communities fundraising for families left homeless after the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

Kate Middleton, 41, opted to recycle an Alexander McQueen black pleated dress, which she first wore to meet with well-wishers in Sandringham after the Queen's death, for the outing at Hayes Muslim Centre in London today.

As a mark of respect the couple removed their shoes and Kate covered her head with a scarf, a black and white veil by Pakistani brand Elan, which is part of a set worn by the mother-of-three when she visited the country in 2019.

During today's engagement, the couple met with representatives from the centre who, through bucket collections and other donations after prayers, have raised over 25,000 for the Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal.

The Prince and Princess also joined two pupils from Waldegrave School; Dila Kaya, 14, Lina Alkutubi, 15, and their teacher Natasha Rustam to help make an origami crane, a symbol of hope and healing during challenging times.

Kate Middleton, 41, made an origami crane, a symbol of hope and healing, with a young schoolgirl today as she met with Londoners who had raised thousands for the Turkey-Syria earthquake appeal

The Princess of Wales wore a floral headscarf as she joined Prince William to meet with volunteers who had fundraised to help communities in Turkey and Syria this morning

Kate opted to recycle an Alexander McQueen black pleated dress, which she first wore to meet with well-wishers in Sandringham after the Queen's death, for the outing at Hayes Muslim Centre in London today

The Princess opted for a black and white detailed headscarf as she arrived at the Muslim centre today.

The piece, which was crafted by Pakistani brand Elan, is believed to have been part of a set worn by the then-Duchess of Cambridge when she visited the country in 2019.

As she departed Lahore, she wore a white tunic from Elan, which featured pretty black detailing, over a pair of white trousers.

The white tunic featured pretty black floral embroidery over it's bodice, sleeves and hem.

While Kate did not wear the scarf with her outfit at the time, it's believed she is likely to have had the veil as part of the set.

The royal mother-of-three kept the rest of her outfit modest for the occasion today, opting for a black pleated dress from her favourite designer, Alexander McQueen.

She has worn Alexander McQueen  one of her favourite fashion brands  on numerous occasions, most notably choosing its creative director Sarah Burton to design her wedding dress.

The Princess also carried her black Grace Han bag, which she has worn on a number of different engagements.

Today, the couple heard harrowing stories with aid workers who have recently returned from the crisis zone in Turkey and described desperate scenes of rescuers trying to free trapped people with just hammers

During the outing today, Kate met with Jess Jorden, six, as well as Inma Lopez from the Red Cross and Jess's mum Esther

The Princess appeared relaxed as she adjusted her veil during the outing in London earlier today

The two schoolgirls, Dila Kaya, 14 and Lina Alkutubi, 15, showed the royal couple how to craft the cranes

Prince William was assisted by one schoolgirl at the centre as he crafted the paper crane, a symbol of hope

Kate said: 'It's sad that there's a need to do funding - it's amazing there are communities like this here raising (funds).'

Salah Aboulgasem, from Islamic Relief's Emergency Response Team said: 'I arrived in Turkey to the worst scenes of destruction I've ever witnessed.

'I met with so many families whose lives were destroyed in an instant. From the onset of the disaster, Islamic Relief teams were on the ground providing instant support, including cash vouchers which are crucial in enabling families to make basic purchases, with dignity.'

Other aid workers who met with The Prince and Princess of Wales included Dan Stewart from Save The Children, recently returned from Hatay in Turkey, plus aid experts Alison McNulty, Operations Director from Action Against Hunger, Mazen Alhousseiny, from Help Age, the local partner of DEC member charity Age International and Inma Lopez De La Cova Pena from the British Red Cross.

Together they discussed with the couple the impact of the disaster on vulnerable groups, such as children and older people and thefcra importance of the incoming aid that is being provided including shelter, food and vital trauma care.

Finally, the couple met with other communities who have made considerable efforts to fundraise as part of the appeal.

During today's engagement, the couple met with representatives from the centre who, through bucket collections and other donations after prayers, have raised over 25,000

The Prince and Princess could be seen chatting with volunteers and community members about the fundraising efforts

As a mark of respect the couple removed their shoes and Kate covered her head with a scarf, a black and white veil by Pakistani brand Elan, which is part of a set worn by the mother-of-three when she visited the country in 2019

Kate adjusted her headscarf as she chatted to other women at the centre in London this afternoon

Elsewhere, the couple spoke with the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) about the recent Turkey-Syria Earthquake appeal

Today, the couple heard harrowing stories with aid workers who have recently returned from the crisis zone in Turkey and described desperate scenes of rescuers trying to free trapped people with just hammers

This included the Turkish Women's Association, an organisation based in Richmond, who partnered with a number of Richmond schools to raise more than 10,000 for the appeal with an event at St Stephen's Church Primary School at the end of February.

Stalls included Turkish coffee, homemade bakes and origami crane making run by pupils from Waldebridge School, which is a symbol of hope and healing during challenging times.

Dr Yeliz Atik, one of the organisers from the Turkish Families in Richmond said: 'When we heard about the devastating earthquake, we felt compelled to assist those affected.

'We started to collect aid to dispatch to Turkiye via trucks and planes, but logistical challenges in the earthquake zone forced us to discontinue sending goods.

'One of our team, Fulya Sensu, inspired us by saying 'If you can't send it, you can sell it,' which motivated us to involve the local community, schools, and businesses and fundraise.

'With DEC's collaboration, we have been able to reach and provide aid to those impacted by the earthquake in Turkiye and Syria and we plan to hold more fundraising events in Richmond in the future.'

In the early hours of Monday 6 February, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit southern Turkey and northwest Syria killing more than 50,000 people and causing colossal damage to housing, infrastructure, schools, and hospitals.

Hundreds of thousands of people have been left homeless and are in need of help.

In response, The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) launched the Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal which is helping to provide life-saving aid to people in the hardest-hit areas, including medical treatment, shelter, food and clean water.

Once inside the centre in London, Kate and William were welcomed by Iman Sufyan Iqbal before meeting with other worshippers

The Princess was enthusiastic as she arrived for the meeting at the centre in London earlier this afternoon

During today's engagement, the couple met with representatives from the centre who, through bucket collections and other donations after prayers, have raised over 25,000 for the Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal

During the outing today, the Princess kept her outfit muted, opting for a black pleated dress and grey coat by Alexander McQueen

The Princess of Wales wore a floral headscarf as she joined Prince William to meet with volunteers who had fundraised to help communities in Turkey and Syria this morning

She appeared in good spirits as she arrived at Hayes Muslim Centre alongside the Prince earlier today, donning a smart grey coat and black pleated skirt for the occasion

The Princess of Wales was elegant in a headscarf as she joined Prince William to meet with volunteers who had fundraised to help communities in Turkey and Syria this morning

The appeal has now reached over 100 million thanks to the generosity of the UK public.

Saleh Saeed, Chief Executive of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) said: 'The Royal family is always incredibly supportive when the DEC has to launch an urgent appeal to help communities affected by a large-scale disaster.

'We were delighted to welcome Their Royal Highnesses Prince and Princess of Wales to Hayes Muslim Centre today to hear from our returning aid workers about the shocking impact of the earthquakes on the lives of people in both Syria and Turkey and the crucial humanitarian assistance that is being provided by the DEC. It was also inspiring to showcase to Their Royal Highnesses a couple of fantastic community fundraising efforts here today.

'The devastation to lives caused by the earthquakes in just seconds is hard to comprehend. The people in Turkey and Syria will need our help to rebuild their lives for many months to come. We are deeply grateful to people across the country who have supported this appeal.'

In February, the Prince and Princess of Wales made a personal donation to the UK's Turkey and Syria earthquake relief fund.

In a tweet signed from William and Catherine, the couple said: 'We have been horrified to see the harrowing images coming out of Turkey and Syria in the aftermath of the earthquakes this week.

'Our thoughts are with the communities affected and we are pleased to support the DEC campaign which will aid the response on the ground.'

Palace sources confirmed the couple had made a personal donation to aid rescue efforts, but it is unknown how much this donation was.

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) separately thanked King Charles III and the Queen Consort for their 'generous donation', which they said would help provide medical aid, food, blankets and other urgent help to survivors.

The visit comes amidst a busy week for Kate, who yesterday visited the snowy Salisbury Plain Training Area to take part in a training exercise with the Irish Guards.

Dressed in military fatigues, boots, gloves and a woolly hat the Princess was almost unrecognisable as she dressed in camouflage kit for the engagement.

With her hair pulled back in a sensible plait, Kate managed to look stylish in camouflage as she got stuck into a battlefield casualty drill during her first official duty as the new Colonel of the Irish Guards.

The piece, which was crafted by Pakistani brand Elan, is believed to have been part of a set worn by the then-Duchess of Cambridge when she visited the country in 2019 (pictured in 2019)

Crouching in the snow, she held the soldier's leg as she was shown how to wrap the wound and check the casualty's vital signs during basic battlefield first aid training.

As she placed a tourniquet  used to stop heavy bleeding  on his calf, the Princess apologised and said: 'It's the first time I've done this'.

The visit today comes as the couple's nephew Archie and and niece Lilibet have officially been recognised as a prince and princess by the King.

The children of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have had their titles updated on the line of succession on the Royal Family's website, where they remain 6th and 7th in line to the throne.

Until 9.30am this morning, the children had been referred to as plain 'master' and 'miss' on the Buckingham Palace webpage. Now they are 'Prince Archie of Sussex' and 'Princess Lilibet of Sussex'.

It came shortly after their California-based parents declared that it is Archie and Lilibet's 'birthright' to be called prince and princess in a new statement defending the decision.

The Duke and Duchess also insisted that the matter had been 'settled for some time' with King Charles - despite only being revealed by the couple yesterday.

A spokesman for Harry and Meghan said: 'The children's titles have been a birthright since their grandfather became Monarch. This matter has been settled for some time in alignment with Buckingham Palace.'

The King is said to have told Prince Harry that his children would be allowed to be called prince and princess in a 'private conversation' after the Queen's funeral last year.

But their 21-month-old daughter Lilibet saw her royal title of 'Princess' used formally for the first time yesterday when the couple told the world she had been christened in California without Charles, Camilla, William and Kate present.
Ian McCorquodale, the son of Dame Barbara Cartland and half-brother of Princess Diana's stepmother, Raine Spencer, has died aged 85.

Born in October 1937, he was the eldest of three children to romance novelist Barbara and Hugh McCorquodale, and was brought up in a Grade II-listed mansion in Mayfair.

His half-sister Raine from his mother's first marriage became Raine Spencer, second wife of the eighth Earl Spencer, the father of Princess Diana. As Diana's step-grandmother, Barbara was invited to attend her wedding in 1981 to Prince Charles in St Paul's Cathedral.

After Dame Barbara's death in 2000, he began publishing The Barbara Cartland Pink Collection  160 previously unpublished manuscripts, as books and ebooks.

And while his mother may have been renowned as the Queen of Romance, he faced his own romantic highs and lows, finally finding love with a former Royal Ballet principal dancer who was 22 years his junior.

Ian McCorquodale, the son of Dame Barbara Cartland and half-brother of Princess Diana's stepmother, Raine Spencer, has died aged 85

And while his mother may have been renowned as the Queen of Romance, he faced his own romantic highs and lows (left, pictured with his first wife Anna Chisholm whom he divorced in the 1990s), before marrying the Royal Ballet principal dancer who was 22 years his junior (right)

He was born in October 1937 and stayed in the London mansion until 1950, when the family moved to Camfield Place, near Hatfield, a 10-bedroom country mansion that had once been the home of Beatrix Potter.

Barbara, who was known as a formidable romantic author, preferred male company over women - and made it known within her family where her affections were.

'I never made any nonsense of the fact that I prefer sons,' she observed, according to the Telegraph.

While she was allegedly frosty with her daughter Raine, she was close with Ian, telling him that as a baby he was like an angel.

He was equally openly affectionate about her, saying: 'I put Mum on a pedestal even though she was dictatorial. And I did what she said because I hated upsetting her.'

He was sent to boarding school at the age of eight, however he was bullied for his long hair which his mother adored.

He would recall how the boys used to call him 'a girl' - but he put up with the taunts because he hated upsetting his mother.

McCorquodale's relationship with his mother remained strong even when he went off to study at Harrow and Magdalene College, Cambridge, when he said she remained the most important person in his life.

He worked for the family printing business after his graduation, later moving to the British Printing Corporation where he worked his way up to sales and export manager.

He was born in October 1937 and stayed in the London mansion until 1950, when the family moved to Camfield Place, near Hatfield, a 10-bedroom country mansion that had once been the home of Beatrix Potter

While she was allegedly frosty with her daughter Raine, she was close with Ian, telling him that as a baby he was like an angel (pictured in 1937 at Ian's christening)

Barbara, who was known as a formidable romantic author, preferred male company over women - and made it known within her family where her affections were (pictured, Barbara with daughter Raine (left), Ian (right) and Glen (centre)

Throughout his life, Ian was his mother's favourite child and he would recall trying his best to never upset her

At one stage, he harboured political ambitions and was shortlisted for a safe Conservative seat.

When his father died when Ian was 26, he found his relationship with his mother grew stronger still.

In 1970, McCorquodale married for the first time to Anna Chisholm, a cousin of the Earl of Rosslyn.

The couple had two daughters, Tara, who works as director of a marketing firm, and Iona.

He and Anna moved into a large apartment overlooking the Thames in London, but he spent weekends in a farmhouse on the Camfield estate, having meals with his mother.

In 1976, his sister Raine married the 8th Earl Spencer, becoming Princess Diana's stepmother.

McCorquodale's relationship with his mother remained strong even when he went off to study at Harrow and Magdalene College, Cambridge, when he said she remained the most important person in his life

When his father died when Ian was 26, he found his relationship with his mother grew stronger still

She was notoriously unpopular with her stepdaughter, although personal letters between the two which were leaked in 2012 appear to show a softer side to their relationship.

In the 1970s, Ian gave up his job in the family-printing business to become fully involved with 'Cartland Inc'.

Barbara wrote a total of 723 books throughout her lifetime, which led to her becoming the most prolific writer of the 20th century.

The devoted son managed his romantic novelist mother's career throughout her life.

He looked after his mother's rights, handled her dealings with publishers, did her research, got her books translated and opened new markets.

Among her many fans was Princess Diana, with Ian revealing he often crossed paths with her before her marriage to Charles.

'I always thought Diana was a very pretty girl. We used to see an awful lot of her when she was a teenager,' Ian said in 2008.

In the 1970s, Ian gave up his job in the family-printing business to become fully involved with 'Cartland Inc'

The devoted son managed his romantic novelist mother's career throughout her life. He looked after his mother's rights, handled her dealings with publishers, did her research, got her books translated and opened new markets

'She was very fond of my mother, and she used to read her books - she was always sent away from here with a book and a packet of biscuits.'

He also bought Debretts Peerage and tried to stem operating losses of 300,000 a year with spin-offs like a Debretts cookbook and a Book of the Royal Wedding.

There were speculations at the time that his relationship with his mother caused a strain with Anna, and the two ended up divorcing in 1993.

'Mum and my former wife didn't see eye to eye on a few things but I didn't worry about the arguments,' he told The Daily Telegraph in 2013.

'Anna and I drifted apart and when I told Mum we were divorcing she said I would soon find someone else.'

So close was his relationship to this mother that he moved back in with her at the family estate of Camfield Place, near Hatfield, Hertfordshire, after the failure of his first marriage.

He later fell in love again, with Bryony Brind.

Brind was 22 years his junior, the former Royal Ballet principal dancer and had previously been romantically linked to Prince Michael of Kent and Oscar-winner Daniel Day-Lewis.

Ian and Bryony ended up marrying, but their marital happiness was overshadowed when Ian had two strokes within the first two years of their marriage

However his mother fell ill, and ended up dying on the day they were due to marry in 2000.

They did end up marrying in September that year, but their marital happiness was overshadowed when Ian had two strokes within the first two years of their marriage.

He walked with a limp and was paralysed down the left side as a result. However Brind cared for him after the strokes.

In an interview in 2008 with Daily Mail, he said: 'The strokes have been quite beastly, but I've been so lucky with Bryony, who looks after me beautifully.

'She went from being a newlywed to a carer. But we love each other very much and we're happy.

'Love conquers all. My mother loved Bryony, she saw her as a Cartland heroine - you could say ours is a real Barbara Cartland story.'

McCorquodale found out after his mother's death that she had spent her fortune - and that she had also left another 160 unpublished manuscripts after her death.

He spent the years following his mother's death single-handedly editing and publishing the 160 manuscripts.

Each month, another breathless read emerged under the banner The Pink Collection, complete with a pink cover featuring a tremulous heroine and brooding hero.

The proud son sought to win back her reputation as the 'Queen of Romance' with the publications.

Brind predeceased him in 2015, while Ian died on February 10 of this year.
Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell was sent to the hospital after tripping in a hotel in a local district last Wednesday. A spokesman for the senator did not add further details.

Senate GOP Leader Hospitalized in Accidental Fall

The senator from Kentucky, 81, tripped while in a private dinner in Washington when the accident happened. Later he was taken to the hospital for medical care, remarked his representative Doug Andres.

His office so far has not given any details on how the senator was doing at the hospital or other inputs on his physical condition. One more concern is how long the injury will sideline him from Senate duties, reported US News.

Senate GOP Leader's Past Injury

In 2019, McConnell tripped, fell at his Kentucky home, and was injured. He got a shoulder fracture from the fall, requiring extra surgery to take care of the shoulder injury. It happened after US Senate began the summer recess, wherein he was working at home for several weeks while recovering,

In 1984, he was elected for the first time, and in January, which marked his term as one of the senate leaders who has served in congress, it will be the longest for anyone with more than 16 years, noted AP News.

McConnell Trips in Hotel

McConnell, as a young boy, had a bout of polio that affected his gait, which is still uneven to this day, cited The WSJ. Whenever he is in the capitol building, he uses the rails going in and out of the Senate Chamber. In 2003 when he had a triple bypass surgery during that time.

Read Also: Finland Concludes NATO Bid Without Sweden

Due to health problems, several senators were not able to vote on some bills under process. But McConnell has kept most of his private and does not speak of it. One of these exceptions was at the start of the coronavirus pandemic when he gave some details.

He spoke of one incident as a young boy when he contracted polio. During this time, he was fighting polio then, and his mother would not allow him to stay on his feet as a toddler. In succeeding years, she helped him with his physical therapy regime. As an adult, the stairs were a problem for him.

The average age in the Senate is 65 years old, and many members have been sidelined by getting sick. Notable are Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa), 53, who got a stroke in a campaign last year and will be out of action. He is now getting help for clinical depression. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif), 90, will be in the hospital for shingles. The illnesses and physical maladies of the democrats have been a headache for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y). A slight lead of only 51-49 is how close they lost the majority.

Republicans are the minor party in the Senate but with fewer members out of action. How long McConnell will not be able to attend on Thursday will impact the votes, and South Dakota Sen. John Thune is second to him. Senate GOP leader goes to the hospital for tripping in a hotel with nothing released by his rep.

Related Article: Swedish Parliament Discusses Anti-Terror Bill for NATO Bid Talks

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A host of absolutely fur-bulous dogs have stepped out at Birmingham NEC for the first day of the 2023 Crufts competition, while their proud owners look on.

Thousands of competitors from around the world - and their indulgent owners - are gathering at the UK's second city for the start of the four-day meet.

The pampered pooches looked ready to show off their skills as they arrived in elaborate ensembles - including leopard print onesies, dinosaur-themed coats and colourful umbrellas.

And their indulgent owners also enjoyed the limelight, putting themselves in some highly unusual positions to coach their pooches who were performing in the arena.

Making a statement, another dog refused to let the bad weather dampen their spirits and donned a bright yellow raincoat ahead of the competition, organised by The Kennel Club.

The pets will compete in agility and obedience tests over the next four days with one pooch being awarded the prestigious Best In Show on Sunday.

Dog owners whose pampered pooches are competing at Crufts have got themselves into VERY unusual positions as they take to the arena at Birmingham NEC to compete for glory

This dog owner showed off her own impressive side-plank skills as her pooch ran around her on day one of the event

A stunning shot! This modelesque pooch showed off their glossy black coat as the camera was on them - although the reason for the purple bandaged ears is unclear

Puppy love! This dog owner showered her dog with affection, giving them a kiss on the chops

Dancing Queen! This pooch cut shapes in the arena as she danced while her owner co-ordinated her steps

Defying gravity! This pooch was captured mid-air as they jumped over a rope held by their owner, who was kitted out in a straw hat with a red bow

And for my next trick! The pooch waited eagerly for the next instruction from their owner

The concentration on this collie's face was immeasurable as they zoomed through the arms of their owner

Man's best friend: This dog stood on his hind legs and rested his front paws on his owner's lap, while the owner put his arm around him

Thrice as nice! Coton de Tulear dogs are groomed during the first day of the Crufts Dog Show at the Birmingham National Exhibition Centre

It's not immediately clear what this woman was doing to this gorgeous labrador, but the pooch seems somewhat disinterested

Pampered pooch! Hannah Scott trims, Rhana, five, a Bichon Frise, during the Young Kennel Club dog grooming competition

Showing off: An Irish Setter and its owner walk around the parade ring during the Birmingham show

An American Cocker Spaniel during the first day of the Crufts Dog Show at the Birmingham National Exhibition Centre

Pampered pet: Daniel, an American Cocker Spaniel, has the hair on his coat straightened before going in the parade ring

Red alert! Echo, an English Cocker Spaniel dressed in a shimmering cape, waits to go in the parade ring

Prepared: A Pomeranian dog is groomed by its owner ahead of being judged at the show

Time for action! Labrador Retrievers take to the show ring during the first day of Crufts

Taking a break! These Hungarian Vizslas looked like they were enjoying a rest while at the Birmingham event

Thousands of competitors from around the world - and their indulgent owners - are gathering at the UK's second city for the start of the four-day meet

A man sits with his Labrador Retriever dogs after they were judged on the first day of the Crufts dog show

Smile for the camera! A dog appears to grin as they pose for a photograph this afternoon

Getting ready: A Bernese Mountain dog is groomed by its handlers before being judged at the competition

Several of the dogs were sporting elaborate outfits - like these red jackets, which look smart and keep the animals warm in the cold March weather

The pampered pooches looked ready to show off their skills as they arrived in elaborate ensembles - including leopard print onesies, dinosaur-themed coats and colourful umbrellas (pictured)

Ready FUR action! A dog in a dinosaur-themed coat looks on during the first day of the Crufts

Working it! A pair of stylish poodles arrive for the first day of the Crufts dog show

What a fur-bulous bunch! These canines looked picture-perfect as they stepped out together for the Birmingham event

These pets were among the hundreds of dogs who arrived at Birmingham's NEC arena today to take part in Crufts

Check them out! This dog wrapped up warm in a fashionable scarf that was also placed over their head while walking in the snow

Here they are! Poodles from the Lah De Dah Dog stand arriving in the snow at day one of Crufts 2023

Big and beautiful! This St. Bernard was the star of the show in a night-time themed onesie

Puparazzi ready! Pooches worked their walk as they were photographed heading into the show

No ruff, just ready! Dogs of all breeds from around the world are in attendance at the show

Double trouble! Scottish Terriers are covered in snow as they arrive for the first day of the Crufts Dog Show

Looking good! One dog sported a bright green and yellow character-themed onesie

Remarkable in red! Scarlet seemed to be the colour for these pets, with both sporting garments in the statement shade

Making a statement, another dog refused to let the bad weather dampen their spirits and donned a bright yellow raincoat ahead of the competition, organised by The Kennel Club

Pretty in pink! This adorable pooch was dressed in a pink jacket embellished with hearts

The pets will compete in agility and obedience tests over the next four days with one pooch being awarded the prestigious Best In Show on Sunday

A dog decked out in purple and yellow leg warmers makes their way towards the arena

Pretty as a picture: A group thought to be of French Mastiffs arrive on the first day of Crufts 2020 at the Birmingham NEC today

Best foot forward: These two dogs looked keen to arrive at the arena while dressed in blue and pink garments

Wrapped up warm: This adorable dog was given an extra cuddle before attending the event

You ain't nothing but a hound dog! Three dogs, thought to be American English Coonhound, arrive for the first day of Crufts

Big fellas! A duo of dogs certainly brought the muscle to the first day of Crufts, which shows toy and working dog breeds

Three of a kind! This pack of pooches looked delighted to be joining their doggy friends for a day out at the Birmingham NEC

Best paw forward: With their coiffed do, this poodle makes their way to the show

Standing to attention: This impressive pooch looked ready for their moment in the spotlight as they arrived at the arena

All wrapped up! These two dogs wore matching onesies and a hat to cover their heads from the snowy weather

Look of love! One dog looked adoringly at their owner, left, while another pooch appeared great in a pattered outfit, right

A dog tries to lick a snowflake as visitors, owners and their dogs arrive in snow showers for the first day of Crufts Dog Show

A young girl and her Labrador Retriever attend the first day of the Crufts dog show in Birmingham

A dog owner with his Korthals Griffon attend the first day of the Crufts dog show

A woman arrives with her dog for the first day of the Crufts dog show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands spread joy as she visited an aid centre for Ukrainian refugees who have fled to Slovakia.

The Dutch royal, 51, spent time at the centre in Poprad - a city in the northern part of the country at the foot of the High Tatra Mountains.

The mother-of-three spent a long time with one little girl, holding her in her arms and hugging her.

She also met countless other children, who seemed to light up around the monarch and clambered into her lap.

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands spent a long time talking to and cuddling Ukrainian refugee children, including this child

The Dutch royal proved her strong maternal instincts as she warmly held the little girl, who in turn wrapped her arms around Maxima's neck

Maxima was joined by her husband King Willem-Alexander, and later the pair visited a church in Spisska Sobota and picturesque park.

The royals were sweetly pictured huddled together under umbrella's in the park in Poprad.

Whlile they were joined my Zuzana Caputova, President of Slovakia and Juraj Rizman, partner of Zuzana Caputova for a walk through the Church of St. George.

Joined by a film crew the foursome met with members of the congregation.

The Dutch Queen was seen signing the church's guestbook.

The visit is part of a three-day state visit to Slovakia by the Queen and her husband Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands.

The mother of three seemed delighted to be engaging with the Ukrainian children, who have been forced to escape the war

The King and Queen were happy to have children sit on their laps as they met with staff at the aid centre

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima visit an aid center for Ukrainian refugees, where they talk to employees and refugees

Queen Maxima visited the Aid Centre for Ukrainian Refugees in Poprad as part of the State Visit of the Dutch Royal Couple to Slovakia

Queen Maxima visited the Aid Centre for Ukrainian Refugees in Poprad as part of the State Visit of the Dutch Royal Couple to Slovakia

During her busy day of visits, the stylish queen wore a thick cream coat.

She accessorised it with large gold earrings and a chunky gold bracelet and wore her trademark dark red nail varnish.

Her blonde hair was swept back and she outlined her eyes with heavy mascara, otherwise keeping her make-up light.

She also sported a light tan gained from a recent trip to the Caribbean.

While at the aid centre Maxima seemed in great spirits as she undertook her royal duties, seemingly delighted to spend time with the children.

Her husband Willem also seemed happy to join in with the action and was photographed with numerous children sat on his lap.

Staff also explained the work they were doing to help the refugees since the Ukraine war began.

For the couple, it was the last day of their three day tour of Slovakia.

The royal couple were snapped in the picturesque setting of a park in Poprad on the third day of their three-day visit to Slovakia

Later in the day Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander were joined by President of Slovakia and Juraj Rizman, partner of Zuzana Caputova to walk through a church in Spisska Sobota

The Dutch royals along with the Slovakian President toured the Church of St. George in Spisska Sobota, Slovakia

Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander looked enthralled in the discussions they had with members of the Church's community

Queen Maxima of The Netherlands and King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands walk through the premises of the Church of St. George in Spisska Sobota

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands seen here signing in the Church's guest book during her visit

Earlier in the tour, the queen wowed in a chic grey ensemble during a visit to Slovakia National Gallery in Bratislava.

The mother-of-three opted for an elegant black cape coat with a matching fascinator.

The queen also added height to her frame with a black stilettos and a matching leather handbag.

Her blonde hair was swept into an up-do under her sophisticated fascinator and she accessorised with pearl drop earrings.

King Willem-Alexander also looked smart in a navy tailored suit which he paired with a white shirt and a yellow tie.

Their tour comes amid a busy period for the couple. Last month, Queen Maxima visited a customer contact centre helping those struggling with energy bills.

The Dutch royal, 51, looked stylish alongside King Willem-Alexander on day two of a three day state visit to Slovakia

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands looked typically chic as she visited a humanitarian service point for Ukrainian refugees on Wednesday in the RAI, Amsterdam

She seemed in high spirits but also eager to learn as she met with staff at the Temporary Emergency Energy Fund, in The Hague.

The popular royal was attentive throughout her visit, where she learnt about the help being given to families struggling with bills.

The fund supports vulnerable households that run into financial difficulties due to high energy prices.

The queen has also been known to help Ukrainian refugees in the past.

In March 2022, she donned an outfit in the Ukraine colours as she was shown around a refugee centre in Amsterdam by members of staff, and met with families who have fled Ukraine.

When the war began, the Dutch royal couple also announced they would house up to 30 Ukrainian refugees in one of their properties - a 15th Century castle.

Eight families, or 20 to 30 people, were then housed in Het Oude Loo, located on the estate of Het Loo Palace in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands.

The decision was made jointly by King Willem-Alexander, the Royal House, the city of Apeldoorn, and the asylum seeker reception organisation COA.

Roughly eight million people have fled Ukraine since Russia invaded.
A 64-year-old woman has slammed trolls as she filmed herself confidently posing in a lacey bra and black underwear.

British TikToker Jean Connolly hit out at haters who she had seen bringing other older women down on social media, remarking that critics can say what they like because they've 'heard all that cr*p'.

'There's been a couple of ladies that were over 60 - like me - one of them dressed like this - bra, pants and a jacket and she got trolled. Like, ridiculously,' the influencer said, posing in her lingerie, with a jacket stylishly thrown over her ensemble.

'And she was really pretty. She wasn't fat like I'm fat.'

Jean, who documents her weight loss journey with her TikTok followers, then explained she had seen a second lady of a similar age who wore thigh high boots and was also hit with nasty comments.

A 64-year-old woman has slammed trolls as she filmed herself confidently posing in a lacey bra and black underwear

She continued: 'But what you don't realise is - you can troll us all you like because when you get past 60...we've heard all that cr*p.

'We are what we are...we are confident.

'So if you don't like it that's fine but just hope that when you're 65 you've got that...you've got the balls to do that.'

The influencer - who revealed that she has only had positive comments in her experience - then expressed her disappointment that a lot of the trolling was done by other women.

'For f**k's sake what's that about,' she said. 'You know, aren't we supposed to like empower each other?'

Jean's comments were flooded with support and positive encouragement.

'Well said! You're fabulous!' one exclaimed.

Another chimed in: 'Good for you girl.'

British TikToker Jean Connolly hit out at haters who she had seen bringing other older women down on social media

Jean has more than 4,400 followers on TikTok, where she posts weight loss content. Her clips have racked up some 16,300 likes

Jean's comments were flooded with support and positive encouragement, with people praising her video

'The trolls love stuff like this, hiding behind their keyboard,' one poster hit out. 'Go for it beautiful lady.'

Other women aged 60 and over shared their own experiences with empowerment.

'You look amazing,' one wrote. 'I am 62. Age is just a number.'

'I'm in my 60's and very proud of it, and I'll wear what the hell I want with confidence,' a second penned. 'Good on you to speak up, and you look amazing!!'

Another revealed: 'I think I am going to do this too. Prove age is a number. Proud of you. x'

The video now has more than 125,100 views.

Jean has more than 4,400 followers on TikTok, where she posts weight loss content. Her clips have racked up some 16,300 likes.
She's the master of navigating every situation with aplomb, but the Princess of Wales suffered a rare awkward moment today while greeting a Muslim community leader.

Kate, 41, joined Prince William, 40, to visit Hayes Muslim Centre in London to hear about community efforts to raise funds for those affected by the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

The awkward moment occurred as the Prince and Princess were introduced to a number of leaders on arriving at the centre, including Iman Sufyan Iqbal.

Prince William shook hands with each of the leaders in turn, and one of the gentlemen also reached out to shake hands with the Princess.

However, Kate then reached out to shake hands with Iman Sufyan, who pressed his hand to his heart instead and bowed his head.

Kate reached out to shake hands with Iman Sufyan, who pressed his hand to his heart instead, bowing his head

The Princess of Wales suffered a rare awkward moment today as she reached out to shake hands with Muslim community leader - who offered a polite traditional greeting instead

The Princess quickly withdrew her hand, and mirrored his gestures by bowing her own head and smiling as she greeted him.

Placing a hand on the heart with a nod or slight bow is considered a polite way for a man to greet a woman in some Muslim traditions.

According to some codes of conduct, a man and a woman won't shake hands unless the woman extends her hand out first and the man is willing to reciprocate the gesture.

Others describe the idea of making physical contact with a female who isn't his wife or a very close relative as 'haram', the Arabic word for a sin.

A similar situation recently arose for Queen Letizia of Spain, while welcoming the Iranian ambassador to the Royal Palace in Madrid.

He was seen shaking hands with her husband King Felipe, but instead bowed his head to the Queen and placed two hands over his heart.

In January, Iran's ambassador to Spain, Hassan Ghashghavi, didn't shake the hand of Queen Letizia but preferred to opt for the polite greeting in his culture

Kate opted to recycle an Alexander McQueen black pleated dress, which she first wore to meet with well-wishers in Sandringham after the Queen's death, for the outing.

As a mark of respect the couple removed their shoes and Kate covered her head with a scarf, a black and white veil by Pakistani brand Elan, which is part of a set worn by the mother-of-three when she visited the country in 2019.

During today's engagement, the couple met with representatives from the centre who, through bucket collections and other donations after prayers, have raised over 25,000 for the Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal.

The Prince and Princess also joined two pupils from Waldegrave School; Dila Kaya, 14, Lina Alkutubi, 15, and their teacher Natasha Rustam to help make an origami crane, a symbol of hope and healing during challenging times.

Once inside the centre in London, Kate and William were welcomed by Iman Sufyan Iqbal before meeting with other worshippers

The two schoolgirls, Dila Kaya, 14 and Lina Alkutubi, 15, showed the royal couple how to craft the cranes

During the outing today, Kate met with Jess Jorden, six, as well as Inma Lopez from the Red Cross and Jess's mum Esther

Today, the couple heard harrowing stories with aid workers who have recently returned from the crisis zone in Turkey and described desperate scenes of rescuers trying to free trapped people with just hammers.

Kate said: 'It's sad that there's a need to do funding - it's amazing there are communities like this here raising (funds).'

Salah Aboulgasem, from Islamic Relief's Emergency Response Team said: 'I arrived in Turkey to the worst scenes of destruction I've ever witnessed.

'I met with so many families whose lives were destroyed in an instant. From the onset of the disaster, Islamic Relief teams were on the ground providing instant support, including cash vouchers which are crucial in enabling families to make basic purchases, with dignity.'

Other aid workers who met with The Prince and Princess of Wales included Dan Stewart from Save The Children, recently returned from Hatay in Turkey, plus aid experts Alison McNulty, Operations Director from Action Against Hunger, Mazen Alhousseiny, from Help Age, the local partner of DEC member charity Age International and Inma Lopez De La Cova Pena from the British Red Cross.

Together they discussed with the couple the impact of the disaster on vulnerable groups, such as children and older people and the importance of the incoming aid that is being provided including shelter, food and vital trauma care.

Finally, the couple met with other communities who have made considerable efforts to fundraise as part of the appeal.

This included the Turkish Women's Association, an organisation based in Richmond, who partnered with a number of Richmond schools to raise more than 10,000 for the appeal with an event at St Stephen's Church Primary School at the end of February.

The Princess of Wales wore a floral headscarf as she joined Prince William to meet with volunteers who had fundraised to help communities in Turkey and Syria this morning

Stalls included Turkish coffee, homemade bakes and origami crane making run by pupils from Waldebridge School, which is a symbol of hope and healing during challenging times.

Dr Yeliz Atik, one of the organisers from the Turkish Families in Richmond said: 'When we heard about the devastating earthquake, we felt compelled to assist those affected.

'We started to collect aid to dispatch to Turkiye via trucks and planes, but logistical challenges in the earthquake zone forced us to discontinue sending goods.

'One of our team, Fulya Sensu, inspired us by saying 'If you can't send it, you can sell it,' which motivated us to involve the local community, schools, and businesses and fundraise.

'With DEC's collaboration, we have been able to reach and provide aid to those impacted by the earthquake in Turkiye and Syria and we plan to hold more fundraising events in Richmond in the future.'
As Hollywood gears up for the Oscars, the Venus/Mars link reminds us that theres nothing wrong with healthy competition. Of course, we have to be careful that harmless contests dont evolve into obsessions with success.

This weekend, innovative Uranus brings the insight to be gracious. Whether were winning or going about our business without acclaim, with self-acceptance we can all feel like prize-winners.

Read more horoscopes from MailOnline.

ARIES

March 21 - April 20

Some of the celebs we follow on social media arent as nice as theyre portrayed. We might feel we know them. But if we spent time hanging out with them theyd soon lose their air of intrigue and awe. Conversely, other folk dont have any claims to fame. Theyre humble and undemanding. Yet theyre so delightful that we should feel blessed to spend time in their company. This weekend, as Mars links with Venus, be extra appreciative of the company you keep. Theres a star in your midst. Just four minutes on the phone could change your life. For your latest week-ahead forecast, call 0906 751 5601.

TAURUS

April 21- May 21

All actions have consequences. The problem is we never know what theyre going to be until after the fact. Yet as a Taurean you have a better idea than most. Theres a reason youre celebrated for your prescience and pragmatism. But even you can be caught out by surprises. And sometimes these can be positive. Youve set a relatively humble process in motion. This weekend, as your ruler, Venus, is empowered by Mars, youll see how its leading to bigger, better things than youd ever imagined. With Venus the planet of love moving into your sign, its time for a positive change. Maximise the energy. Call 0906 751 5602.

Oscar Cainer (pictured) says: 'Of course, we have to be careful that harmless contests dont evolve into obsessions with success'

GEMINI

May 22 - June 22

Dont get angry or harm any living creature. Be compassionate and gentle: show good will to all... avoid malice and pride. This wisdom comes from Hindu god, Krishna. He often shared such wonderful advice whilst driving a chariot into war! Which goes to show the enormity of his knowledge. Its easy to be kind and gentle when lifes calm and easy. The challenge is to remember these attributes in stressful situations. If your patience is tested this weekend, do your best to be your best. This weeks celestial forces bring you the energy and insight to change your life. Find out more. Call 0906 751 5603.

CANCER

June 23 - July 23

Ive got a proposition for you. How would you like to bungee jump from the top of The Shard singing My Way, whilst being filmed and watched on live TV? No? Thats not how you envision spending your weekend? Im not surprised! I mention it because, in comparison, the challenge youre facing looks easier and less scary. Knowing there are worse things to be doing might give you some inspiration. And, by the way, once youve started, not only will it be easier than you think. The Venus/Mars link suggests it might be fun. Your week-ahead, in-depth forecast could be one of the most rewarding calls you make. Call 0906 751 5604.

LEO

July 24 - August 23

If we knew that a project was going to work wed lose the sense of challenge. Without the chance of failure, success wouldnt be as gratifying. So, I need to be careful about your prediction for the weekend. If you knew that any difficulties are going to be easier to deal with (and more fun) than you think, would I ruin your motivation? A bit of uncertainty adds a frisson of anticipation. Dont be too eager to dispel doubt this weekend. A little mystery could lead to a lot of magic. Want to feel more empowered and encourage more luck into your life? Seize this weeks opportunities. Call 0906 751 5605.

VIRGO

August 24 - September 23

With so many duties and responsibilities, its hard to find a moment to think of your own concerns, let alone pursue a dream. Our lives these days are so hectic that its easy to feel disheartened. We get so caught up in our routines that theres no time left for enjoyment. We get pulled into different situations and dramas, and days rush past. And, if we expect things to go wrong, they invariably do. Its not easy to relax and tell yourself that youve done enough. But you have. The skies are encouraging you to treat yourself. Go on! Want to hear some inspiring information about your week? Just pick up the phone. Call 0906 751 5606.

LIBRA

September 24 - October 23

Once weve fallen into a habit, it doesnt take long before we start doing things automatically, with barely a thought about why were doing what were doing. This has its advantages. It leaves our minds free to deal with other complex issues. This weekend, the cosmos offers a chance to change your routine in a way that frees you to be creative. As your ruler Venus, links with powerful Mars, serendipitous forces are working with you. You can find an enjoyable way forwards. As Venus, your ruler, changes signs, it brings a sense of security and hope. To hear this weeks good news call 0906 751 5607.

As Hollywood gears up for the Oscars, the Venus/Mars link reminds us that theres nothing wrong with healthy competition. Stock image used

SCORPIO

October 24 - November 22

How much more pressure can you pile on yourself? Maybe you dont think youre responsible for the list of issues youve got to deal with. Maybe its other people who are adding to your quota of things to achieve. In which case, you absolutely have the right to say no to any more requests. Whether its your desire to help others, or your own high standards, its time for an expectation reset. You can be successful this weekend. But only if you view each challenge as an expression of passion (rather than a duty). In a week of celestial creativity, you can transform your life. For your week-ahead forecast, call 0906 751 5608.

SAGITTARIUS

November 23 - December 21

YOU never seem to run out of dreams to chase. Your motto might even be, Somewhere over the rainbow theres . . . another one! Theres always a mirage to pursue. Your current adventure will bring deep satisfaction  followed by a point where you feel disillusioned. But thats just par for the course when youre the kind of person who enjoys pushing boundaries. This weekend, as long as you retain a sense of perspective, you can put your heart into your mission. Its worth it. To hear how your life could significantly change for the better, call your latest week-ahead forecast: 0906 751 5609.

CAPRICORN

December 22 - January 20

When you look back and assess your past brilliant ideas, you can see that there have been times when youve been passionate about something, only to wonder later why you were so enthused. This weekend, look  from this perspective  at whats currently firing you with enthusiasm. If its worth pursuing, it will benefit from a little probing. If its only a passing whim, it might be better to let it go. Think about your options. You dont want to miss an opportunity by focusing on the wrong thing. Lift your spirits. Change your life. Your four-minute, week-ahead forecast has important news. Call 0906 751 5610.

AQUARIUS

January 21 - February 19

Are you ticking all the boxes and doing everything you need to do? And are you treating yourself well while youre doing it? You need to be sure that youre not underselling yourself. Or settling for an unsatisfactory arrangement. With your ruler, Uranus, in such a strong position, its time to look at valid, viable ways to treat yourself. This weekend, you can have something youd really like. And, if you get your priorities right, youll be able to free yourself from some of your responsibilities and appreciate it. Your week-ahead forecast is jam-packed full of important news. For an in-depth guide, call 0906 751 5611.

PISCES

February 20 - March 20

We all have our strengths and weaknesses. Often, were acutely aware of the latter and dismissive of the former. The trouble with talent is that it comes to us so naturally that its easy to discount. Other people may look at us in awe, but we take our own gifts for granted. As Venus and Mars link this weekend, they bring a chance to show your skills in ways that bring appreciation. You have a talent others lack. If youre generous with your abilities, youll alleviate a stressful situation  and get the recognition you deserve. Do yourself a favour; treat yourself. Theres exciting news in your four-minute forecast. Call 0906 751 5612.

Calls cost 80p per minute plus your phone company's access charge. To report a phone line problem, call 0800 138 9789. Go to cainer.com and join the 5 Star Service for personalised messages, audio, video, discounts on full readings, and more!
Ok, let's start with this picture. This is how I look in photos without the benefit of any retouching, but with the help of some professional makeup  foundation, concealer, blush and lipstick.

It is also clearly, the face of a 65-year-old woman who has not benefited from any, and I mean any, of the anti-ageing, beautifying interventions available to everyone nowadays. No Botox, no fillers, no Profhilo (an injectable hyaluronic acid), no face, neck or eye lift, no laser, no microcurrent treatments . . .

When I look at this picture what do I see? I see a version of me that I don't particularly like. There's me in there somewhere, but the face in front of me is utterly unfamiliar because, in my imagination  the place where my self-image lives  I remain the version of myself I was in my early 30s.

That me does not include the thickening of the jowls under my chin or the downturn at the edge of my lips, which if I don't make a determined effort to smile a fraction, condemns me to appearing sad or disappointed. Nor does it feature the deep pouches under my eyes, which no matter what I do, remain stubbornly in place, and the gulleys that lead from my nose to my lips. My eye lids have lowered and there is a strange dark cavity in the corner of my eye. I don't much love any of this.

And when I look at this picture how do I feel? Not great, but not terrible. I think I look presentable and pleasant  bland words and not ones I would ideally choose to sum up my appearance.

This is how I look in photos without the benefit of any retouching, but with the help of some professional makeup  foundation, concealer, blush and lipstick

My neck isn't too bad on the crepey front and my eyes have the same intensity I was born with  an intensity that often looks furious. I wish I had a slimmer face, but I have wished that all my life, so nothing new there. I have the face of my paternal grandmother, Ethel, who fled what is now Ukraine to Canada at the turn of the last century. Added into that I have the long upper lip of my maternal grandfather, a Home Counties poet.

These are the features I was born with and which I have chosen not to alter or interfere with, even though, and this is the rub, many of the women around me have made a different decision.

Among my friends and work colleagues, a surprising number have chosen to take advantage of the ever-growing catalogue of treatments that can either disguise the advance of years, or change the basic looks they were given. And as more people take up this option, my decision not to becomes more and more unusual.

And yet, I still stand by it  even though, today, it's predicated on something different than when I first made that decision 20 or so years ago.

I became editor of Vogue at the age of 34. It was 1992, a time when, if people talked about having stuff done to their face, it was about face-lifts or plastic surgery. Plastic surgery was what people like my American Aunt Constance had.

Every so often, she'd take herself off to some surgeon when her business was quiet and return to her Beverly Hills bedroom, where she would stay behind a closed door for a few days and emerge just that much brighter-looking, but with a scar behind her ears where you could see the lift.

I became editor of Vogue at the age of 34. It was 1992, a time when, if people talked about having stuff done to their face, it was about face-lifts or plastic surgery

READ MORE: 'I don't feel old, so I don't want to look old': Bucks Fizz's Cheryl Baker admits she is considering having a facelift as she marks her 69th birthday Procedure: Cheryl Baker (pictured in May 2022) has admitted that she is considering having a non-invasive facelift because she doesn't want to 'look old' Advertisement

Plastic surgery was for the Park Avenue wives of wealthy husbands and French women who were in constant rivalry with their partner's mistress.

It wasn't really for us Brits, who tended to rely upon the supposedly lovely complexions that are the benefit of a relatively sunless, intemperate climate.

But shortly after that, by the mid-1990s, things changed. My beauty editors started to mention smaller, less invasive interventions that could spruce up your face. One of my closest friends, a little younger than me, began to experiment with Botox after her first child. There were some who had started to plump up their lips, often with the disastrous effect of the trout pout.

I not only never considered entering this world, but I didn't feel Vogue should support invasive cosmetic intervention either. We should, if possible, encourage women to be happy with what they had.

Perhaps I took a smug intellectual pride in not indulging in such surface enhancements. Or perhaps my formative teenage years with natural-born women role models like Carole King or Joni Mitchell affected this train of thought.

Certainly, part of my aversion to treatments was because I feared the Dorian Gray aspect of it. Once you've committed to Botox or many of the other anti-ageing helpers, you need to keep it up. I worried that, if I should get stuck on a desert island and unable to get my facial fix, I would be horrified by what I would eventually see. But that's pretty illogical. I am not about to be stuck on a desert island, and if I was, I wouldn't have a mirror.

Shunning Botox was, though, a relatively unusual stance from someone editing Britain's leading fashion magazine, where appearance mattered so much.

In my friendship group outside of fashion  many still friends from school  none of us were engaging in this stuff. But in a world where I was constantly being photographed on the front row, or for magazine features or doing TV interviews, it was slowly becoming more obvious that I was an outlier.

As the years passed into the late Noughties, I realised that, by choosing not to engage in what was on offer, people who at one point looked the same age as me, were beginning to look younger.

I care greatly about my appearance. I have never been someone whose identity was deeply rooted in how I looked, but I have always been aware of my appearance having an effect on how I was seen. I considered myself attractive

It was  and still is  all quite covert, however. Although more people were beginning to schedule appointments with beauty therapists in the same way I did my hair appointments, for not only Botox but a myriad of zaps I didn't even know the name of, their visits remained an undercover operation. Names and addresses were exchanged in whispers. To this day, many  in fact most  women don't admit to these interventions. And now? In my 60s? Well, what do I think I'm doing? I could look so much younger, fresher, couldn't I? What's stopping me?

When asked, I say I feel that it is psychologically healthier to come to terms with ageing since, let's face it, it's inevitable. And there is a side of me that thinks it is more satisfactory to make peace with the disintegration of one's looks.

But in writing this piece, I have realised that this is not quite the whole story. It's more complicated than that.

Because, to be clear, I am by no means unvain. I care greatly about my appearance. I have never been someone whose identity was deeply rooted in how I looked, but I have always been aware of my appearance having an effect on how I was seen. I considered myself attractive.

Although I won't put a needle laced with Botulinum toxin (commonly known as Botox), or indeed any other substance or weird electronic contraption near my face, I buy tons of make-up. I have piles of pots and tubes that I hope will improve the face I wake with  serums, concealers, foundations. I must have experimented with every 'illuminating' piece of kit on the market.

And good looks have always been part of my world. Even before I worked in fashion, I have always been surrounded by very lovely looking women  better looking by far than me. My mother was, and still is, at 96, a beauty and my younger sister was always the better-looking sibling. My best friends and general friendship cohort as a young woman and teenager were all fabulously good looking. Naturally so. None of them worked at it.

Although I won't put a needle laced with Botulinum toxin (commonly known as Botox), or indeed any other substance or weird electronic contraption near my face, I buy tons of make-up

I was fortunate in these circumstances that, as my career took off, I recognised it was helpful to have other criteria with which to judge myself other than my looks.

Ageing was harder among those of my friends who were golden girls and didn't have something else that defined them.

During the 25 years I spent at Vogue, I was offered all kinds of treatments by Britain's top dermatologists should I have wanted them. But I turned them all down. The only facial work I had was a lymphatic drainage massage from Vaishaly Patel, a London facialist, who is always offering me improving techniques, which to her frustration I regularly refuse to take up.

My ascetisim didn't stop a wash of irritation when I saw that others were successfully treating themselves to the odd filler or well-applied Botox.

Most of the women I know that have had work done, have had it done well. They don't have frozen faces or ridiculous mouths, and it's only when you compare them with others like me who have steered clear of interference, that you can tell it's not just the genetic lottery that has left them with fewer wrinkles and a tighter jawline.

They don't look radically younger, but they do look fresher  a bit like a room does with a new paint job and flooring.

Most of the women I know that have had work done, have had it done well. They don't have frozen faces or ridiculous mouths, and it's only when you compare them with others

READ MORE: I think I should warn my friend she's had so much Botox her face looks frozen - I'd want her to tell me but people say it's 'none of my business' An anonymous poster, thought to be UK-based, took to Mumsnet to garner opinions on her dilemma regarding her friend's Botox usage (stock image) Advertisement

Curiously, although one might think editing a fashion magazine would create pressure to look good, I now realise it helped insulate me from insecurity. My looks might be diminishing, but I had a great job, an interesting life, a wonderful son.

I didn't love how I looked compared to many of the other stylish women around me, but I didn't much mind either.

At Vogue, I never expected to be regarded as one of the best looking at parties. People paid attention to me because I was important, a fashion VIP, often the host, not because I was the most beautiful person in the room.

It was normal for me to be around women who relied on their looks, and yet not rely on them myself. I suspect, psychologically, that has been helpful  although I know my physical currency has diminished in the eyes of some, I find it easier to accept than I might otherwise have done.

Now, though, nearly six years after leaving the job and creating a new life for myself with a portfolio existence, where I meet different kinds of people and contemplate the years ahead, I feel a little different. A little more vulnerable perhaps. I can no longer shelter under the invisible but powerful carapace of the job title.

In other words, rely on the idea that my looks must be okay because I edit Vogue.

Ageing is not something that takes place at a regular pace. It is subject to dramatic coups de vieux. Your appearance unpredictably takes a dramatic dive. Sometimes it recovers for a bit, but not forever. The reflection in the mirror is a very unreliable narrator. You never know quite what it is going to say.

So why is it that I am not running to a beauty therapist?

We live in an age when even 20- year-old girls are starting to make regular interventions to their face. It's no longer remotely unusual for a 30-year-old to have regular Botox appointments.

Has stubbornly refusing to take any of the measures that are easily available in the 21st century become really quite perverse? Like giving in to elasticated waistbands and soft-soled sandals. Or refusing to wear make-up.

When the option is there to so simply  and probably safely  have a stab at self-improvement, what's my problem?

Possibly, there's an element of laziness. Possibly, I feel safe in knowing that there is no portrait ageing secretly and terrifyingly in my attic.

But more likely I have the confidence of a woman who has never felt pressurised into following trends I don't believe in.

I don't believe that age makes us less valuable, so why should I not be prepared to show my years?

I have always liked the notion of staying 'true' to my 'real face' and, yes, probably have been proud that personality and ideas have been a driving force in my life rather than my appearance.

Why should I cease to trust in the aspects of me that have stood me in such good stead?

Far better to focus on the strengths I undoubtedly still have. Rather than fork out for a never-ending programme of damage limitation procedures that will always leave me wanting the next one. Now, as the wrinkles deepen and the eyelids lower, is not the time to lose sight of that.
The pop-up enraged many after they discovered it was missing the hand cut fries

Hundreds of Aussies queued for more than an hour to get In-N-Out Burger

Frustrated diners have been left furious after discovering one core menu item from the US burger chain In-N-Out was missing at the Melbourne pop-up on Wednesday.

Hundreds of Aussies queued for more than an hour to get their hands on a burger from In-N-Out's pop-up store in Melbourne, but some were less than impressed after they discovered the pop-up wasn't selling In-N-Out's signature hand cut fries.

Instead, the Melbourne food chain had sides of potato chips for $2.

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Hundreds of Aussies have queued for more than an hour to get their hands on a burger from In-N-Out's pop-up store in Melbourne (pictured)

One person wrote on TikTok: 'Why are they serving packet chips/crisps? Doesn't look very good'.

While another added: 'I would have preferred fries'.

A third posted: 'In-N-Out fries are foul anyway that's a win'.

The pop-up, which was open between 9am and 3pm on Wednesday 8 March at Newmarket Hotel in St Kilda, marked the second time the popular food chain has made an appearance on Aussie shores.

And it was no less busy, with clips showing queues snaking around the block of at least an hour long.

People described the scenes as 'crazy', 'insane' and 'ridiculous'.

The pop up store served Double-Double burgers, which are made up of 'double meat and double cheese', for $8 alongside Animal Style burgers and Protein Style burgers.

By midday, the 600 available burgers had already sold out.

The pop up store served Double-Double burgers, which are made up of 'double meat and double cheese', for $8 alongside Animal Style burgers and Protein Style burgers (pictured)

Lawyer-turned-entrepreneur and self-confessed burger expert James Hurlston was the first person to break the news about the pop-up on Instagram.

He wrote: 'Melbourne, you're on. It will be a sell-out. There will be a line-up'.

In-N-Out debuted its first pop up store last year in Perth, with Sydney being its second stop.

By midday, the 600 available burgers had already sold out, and some were disappointed that they came with crisps instead of fries (In-N-Out Burger pictured)

The chain was founded in California in 1948 and there are now more than 350 across the US (US chain pictured)

In the past, there have been kilometre-long queues for the pop-ups, with foodies quick to share snaps of their burgers on Instagram.

The chain was founded in California in 1948 and there are now more than 350 across the US.

At present, there is no permanent outlet in Australia.
A mother has slammed people who think that 'a coffee shop is the same as an office' - as she hit out at a remote worker who was giving 'evil eyes' to her and her toddler.

The frustrated parent confronted the man who she claims was 'rolling his eyes for about ten minutes' during a video meeting, while she sat next to him with her child having breakfast in a busy cafe.

'Toddler was being good as gold in my opinion,' she said, detailing the story on popular UK forum Mumsnet. 'I just had to turn to him and say, "Sorry but this is actually a cafe not an office, if you're in a meeting and need silence you're in the wrong place".'

She said the Teams caller then 'did a big huff, picked up his laptop and walked off trying to find a new table but had to come back as it was too busy'.

Most people flooded the comments with support, saying that if the man wanted silence he could 'lock himself in his bathroom at home', although others were more balanced and said they were both equally entitled to be there.

A mother has slammed people who think that 'a coffee shop is the same as an office' - as she hit out at man on a Teams meeting giving 'evil eyes' to her and her toddler. Stock image used

Explaining her toddler wasn't being naughty, she wrote: 'I get sometimes they can be too loud or badly behaved but they were just sat drinking their juice and having a little babble and sing, occasionally pointing out things they seen. "Cup! Cup!"

'Obviously louder than if I was just sat by myself but really not a disturbance and no louder than any other table of two chatting.'

The mother, under the username Swiftswatch, explained that she grew frustrated with the man's attitude and felt compelled to say something.

'Am I being unreasonable to think I'm not in the wrong here,' the parent questioned.

'I'm really not a confrontational person and normally wouldn't speak up, but a public cafe at breakfast time isn't exactly the place to do a work meeting!

'If people want to rave about working from home then go f**king work from home.

'People out in public don't need to tiptoe around you because you want a change of scenery during the work day while you sit in meetings.'

The frustrated parent confronted the remote worker, who she claims was 'rolling his eyes for about ten minutes' while she sat with her child

Most people flooded the comments with support, hitting out that if the man wanted silence he can 'lock himself in his bathroom at home'

'Not at all unreasonable,' one poster wrote. 'It's a public space, child friendly. Why shouldn't you take your child to a cafe.'

A second chimed in: 'If you want silence a cafe isn't the place for it!'

'No, you're not in the wrong. If they want somewhere to work, they can rent a desk in a co-working space,' a third added.

However, while majority of the comments where vehemently in support of the mother and toddler, a couple of users were more critical.

'Well, unless the cafe has a specific no-laptop policy  which some do, especially the independent ones  neither you nor him are in there for the "wrong" reasons,' one poster explained.

However, while majority of the comments where vehemently in support of the mother and toddler, a couple of users were more critical

'It's all very easy to tell him to "go to the office" but he might not have an office.

'He might be travelling for work. He might be between site meetings. Etc, etc, etc.

'Like it or not, the world is changing and work is no longer confined to "the office".

'Public spaces are for the public  this includes people with kids, but it includes people who are working too.

'The answer is to all try to rub along together as best you can.'

Another comment also said the mother didn't need to be 'rude' to the remote worker.

'You and your toddler have every right to be in a coffee shop doing you and a two year old things at a reasonable volume, which you were,' they wrote.

'So there was absolutely no need for you to say anything.

'Someone "rolling their eyes" is not a reason for to be rude. I think you were, when you spoke up instead of going about your perfectly reasonable business.'
Gen Z and Millennials have moved on from targeting Boomers and have teamed up to turn on Generation X who they describe as being 'the worst of both worlds'.

In a new wave of anger and malcontent, thousands of younger people are turning on their Gen X parents for their 'apathy, social media addiction, closed minds, terrible parenting skills, and out of touch approach to life'.

Gen X is the term assigned to people born between 1965 and 1980, between Baby Boomers (1946-1964) and Millennials (1981-1996).

In a series of posts and TikTok videos, many are bashing Gen Xers for their 'conservative approach and know-it-all attitude' despite making 'no decisions for themselves'.

'Having Gen X parents is worse than Boomer and Millennial parents because they are exactly in the middle, in every possible way,' a man summed up in a video.

Gen Z and Millennials have moved on from blaming Boomers and found that Generation X suffers from the 'worst of both worlds'

Many focused on the gripes they had growing up with Gen X parents.

Alvin, from the US, does his best to ensure his children do not worry about money or bills.

'Kids do not need to know how much is the electric bill or how much money our family has,' he wrote in a post.

'My parents loved to narrate all the costs they had to pay for my living, like education, health insurance, bills, and even braces. It was a constant complaint that I was expensive. Well, kids are pricey!'

Others had similar complaints about Gen X behaviour.

'Gen X will most likely go down as the worst parental group in recent history.'

'They project too much, have a lot of expectations, and don't give enough emotionally,' he said. 'Even further, they blame social ineptitude on technology rather than their parenting skills.'

'The sarcasm that they developed as a defense mechanism to deal with Boomer parents decimates an 8 year old.'

Gen X is the term assigned to people born between 1965 and 1980, between Baby Boomers (1946-1964) and Millennials (1981-1996)

Poll Which is the worst generation? Gen Z Millennials Gen X Boomers Which is the worst generation? Gen Z 1035 votes

Millennials 722 votes

Gen X 145 votes

Boomers 262 votes Now share your opinion





Millennials and Gen Z also dislike that Gen X applies their trademark nihilism to important issues.

'They always invalidate our issues - especially about climate change and LGBTQ issues.'

'Baby boomers are invalidating people and starting trouble, but Gen X is part of the problem as well. They follow their parents, whereas millennials and Gen Z has seen how detrimental the mindset of generations before them has been and tries to incite change.'

The internet has also taken to calling Gen X the 'Karen Generation' after producing a hoard of entitled people who do not trust younger people's authority and who also tend to be racist and anti-queer.

'Gen X is truly just the Karen Generation,' one woman wrote. 'They've never respected a teenager in their life.'

In a new wave of anger and malcontent, thousands of younger people are turning on their Gen X parents for their apathy, social media addiction, terrible parenting skills, and out of touch approach to life

Many specifically complained about the 'Facebook Mum' stereotype.

'Why do these mums spend hours and hours a day just bickering about nothing on Facebook? It's like it's the only thing that gives their life purpose.'

'The worst part is definitely telling all their friends personal details about their children - and posting photos of a child's mental breakdowns online.'

A third said, 'Please slander Gen X more. My parents never matured past high school - just petty bickering and a Facebook addiction.'
The UK's Strongest Teen has revealed how he went from being a skinny teenager to weighing 22 stone.

Joe Oliver, 20, from Warwickshire, won the UK's Strongest Teen and UK's Strongest Under-23s in 2022, before competing at the UK's Strongest Man and becoming the youngest ever semi-finalist.

He was once a slender teenager - but after a six-year journey, he can now deadlift 350kg and is storming through the Strongest Teen and Man competitions, reported The Sun.

Joe, who is 6ft, eats 7,500 calories a day to maintain his strong physique - including seven Weetabix each morning, as well as six eggs, before three portions of chicken and rice or pasta for lunch.

He'll snack on pancakes, bagels or flapjacks before finishing his day with a meal of meat and carbs, alongside a protein shake and peanut butter on toast, according to the publication.

Joe Oliver, 20, from Warwickshire, won the UK's Strongest Teen and UK's Strongest Under-23s in 2022, before competing at the UK's Strongest Man and becoming the youngest ever semi-finalist. Pictured, aged 14

Joe - nicknamed 'The Animal' in competitions - spent his secondary school years playing rugby, and admitted that his strength was also inherited from his father, who 'has always been strong'.

He first prepared for the competitions to prove himself a strongman during the first Covid lockdown; the athlete would flip big tyres and carry firewood at his old rugby club.

Speaking about his routine, Joe said: 'In terms of training, it's really different to standard gym training because everything we do is so awkward.

'Other than a deadlift in Strongman nothing you do is like a barbell. It's all crazy we have atlas stones, logs, tyre flips, and farmer's walks.

Joe, who is 6ft, eats 7,500 calories a day to maintain his strong physique - including seven Weetabix each morning, as well as six eggs, before three portions of chicken and rice or pasta for lunch

He'll snack on pancakes, bagels or flapjacks before finishing his day with a meal of meat and carbs, alongside a protein shake and peanut butter on toast

Joe - nicknamed 'The Animal' in competitions - spent his secondary school years playing rugby, and admitted that his strength was also inherited from his father, who 'has always been strong'

He first prepared for the competitions to prove himself a strongman during the first Covid lockdown; the athlete would flip big tyres and carry firewood at his old rugby club

Following his success last year, Joe (pictured) hopes to qualify for UK's Strongest Man 2023

'Monday to Friday is more basic gym stuff, really heavy with barbells, dumbbells that kind of thing. The weekend is Strongman specific stuff.

'Ahead of competition I have 12 weeks to build the weight and get my body used to lifting heavy. It's pretty ruthless in the way everything you do has to revolve around it.'

Following his success last year, Joe hopes to qualify for UK's Strongest Man 2023.

Discussing his decision to compete in this sport, he previously told SunSport: 'I had a natural ability for it from the start.

'My main attribute in rugby was physical power. Most of my family is quite strong. I went in with the goal of hitting the podium [at the U23s].'
Russia launched a massive missile attack across Ukraine that resulted in the deaths of six civilians, a power outage, and a nuclear power plant that was forced off the grid on Thursday.

The longest period of tranquility since Russia started its effort to destroy Ukraine's civilian infrastructure five months ago was broken by the first barrage of missile attacks since mid-February in the Russia-Ukraine war, per Reuters.

Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, and Odesa were targeted by a barrage of Russian drone and missile attacks overnight,prompting air raid sirens throughout the nation, according to Ukrainian authorities,

The commander of Ukraine's armed forces said that on Thursday morning, Russia had launched 81 missiles into Ukrainian territory, including six kinzhal hypersonic missiles that Ukraine's air force was unable to shoot down, according to CNBC.

In a statement, Ukrainian President Vloldymyr Zelensky said that Russian forces "can only terrorize civilians. That's all they can do. But it won't help them."

He added that Russia will not escape from "responsibility for everything they have done," depicting the Russia missile attack that destroyed residential buildings and civilian infrastructures in 10 regions amid the Russia-Ukraine war.

Read Also: Australia To Purchase Nuclear Submarine

Russia Confirms Revenge Attack

After what Vladimir Putin termed a "terrorist attack" in Russia's Bryansk area, which borders Ukraine, last week, Russia's Defence Ministry said its troops had carried out a "massive retaliatory strike" against Ukrainian infrastructure, per Al Jazeera.

Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of carrying out a "terrorist act" in Russia's Byansk area, within the borders of the two countries, according to an earlier HNGN report.

Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv, said that a series of explosions from the Russian missile attack had damaged the city's electricity infrastructure and wounded many residents.

In his most recent Telegram message, Klitschko claimed that 40% of the city's users are now without heat as a result of unexpected power interruptions after the Russia missile attack.

Related Article: US Intelligence Chiefs on China, Russia Threats



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A young woman has shared the very specific thing she thinks is a 'red flag' in humans and many agree with her.

Ioana, from the Gold Coast, Queensland, said she's wary of those who complain about money and how stressful their life is but continuously adopt pets.

She said people who keep rescuing or buying animals despite not having enough money or time to care for them have 'poor impulse control'.

Ioana said she 'feels bad' for the animals some people bring into their homes to deal with their own stresses.

The Canadian expat, who has been living in Australia for seven years, shared her thoughts in an online video and many viewers sided with her stance.

Scroll down for video

Ioana (pictured) has shared why she thinks people who keep adopting pets even though they complain about their family, kids and money are a big 'red flag' and many agree with her

'You know what I feel like the biggest red flag is in human beings? It's people who are constantly complaining that they can't keep on top of like their family life, their kids,' Ioana said in the TikTok clip.

'They're always complaining about money, they're always broke, and somehow every single week without fail they have a brand new pet.'

She said she knows people with a collection of guinea pigs, snakes, dogs and cats.

'Like no s*** you're struggling Stacey, you keep adding elements to the mix,' Ioana joked.

She said people who keep rescuing or buying animals despite not having enough money or time to care for them have 'poor impulse control'

'It always makes me feel bad for those animals too because a lot of the time they're not well taken care of and to me it just signals poor impulse control that you have to just keep adding critters to the mix to deal with your stress,' she said.

'I just don't feel like that's a very healthy or sustainable way of dealing with your problems.'

Ioana admitted she dreams of owning a 'compound with seven dogs' one day so laughed she could be a red flag herself.

'Is this too niche or do we all know these people??' Ioana captioned the clip but viewers thought her hot take was 'so true'.

'I hope Stacy gets the help she needs,' one quipped.

'Wait how many of these people do you know??' another asked to which Ioana replied: 'At least a handful'.

'Just one Guinea pig is a red flag though,' a third wrote.

'Would love to have more dogs but can't afford them so I just love the two I got even more,' someone commented.
The average cost of a nose job or Brazilian butt lift are up to 80% cheaper across the border

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The recent high-profile kidnapping of four Americans in Mexico exposes the increasingly popular and dangerous trend of medical tourism, experts warn.

The four kidnapping victims, two of whom are now dead, were in Matamoros, in the northeastern Mexican state of Tamaulipas, doing what more than a million Americans do each year  seeking cut-price cosmetic surgery. Though Mexican law enforcement officials have also begun to consider whether the kidnappings were tied to a drug trafficking turf war.

Three of them were accompanying a friend seeking a tummy tuck, which costs roughly $8,800 in the US but is half the price in Mexico. Around 1.2million Americans travel south for affordable care each year, according to Medical Tourism Mexico, nearly double the figure a decade ago.

Many medical experts have connected an increase in trips abroad to unrealistic beauty standards on social media. The Kardashians' trademark curves are often referenced by patients entering plastic surgery consultation rooms.

Some 1.2 US residents travel to Mexico annually to undergo elective surgery at a discount, according to Medical Tourism Mexico, which advertises that patients can save up to 80% on a comparable procedure in the US

Medical tourism comes with security risks in the form of gang violence and organized crime. There are also different global standards for sanitation and safety that some patients will not find acceptable.

Josef Woodman, Chief Executive of Patients Beyond Borders, said: 'With all the cartel activity in Mexico you would think sooner or later one medical tourist would come to harm.'

The four kidnappees, originally from South Carolina, traveled to Matamoros, a city of about 520,000 that sits roughly two miles south of Brownsville, a Texas border town.

The victims' families insisted they had traveled to Mexico for discounted medical care. But an internal government document seen by Reuters that was apparently assembled by Mexican law enforcement on Wednesday said it 'cannot be ruled out' that the kidnapping was linked to drug trafficking.

A DailyMail.com probe found that the victims themselves had prior drug convictions on their records.

Reuters could not ascertain how a drug gang might have known Americans with drug convictions were arriving in Matamoros and it is not clear if Mexican authorities have other evidence that might point to a drug-related motive for the abduction, which occurred in broad daylight.

It is not unusual for Americans to cross into Mexican border towns such as Matamoros, Tijuana, Nogales, and Ciudad Juarez for doctor visits.

Healthcare in Mexico can be up to 80 percent cheaper than in the US.

Some of the most commonly cited reasons for traveling to another country is complex dentistry procedures and cosmetic surgeries such as tummy tucks, nose jobs, Brazilian butt lifts, and face lifts that typically are not covered by insurance in the US.

A Google search for affordable plastic surgery can lead would-be patients to surgery centers worldwide advertising all-inclusive vacation-like packages consisting of hotel bookings, transportation, and private medical monitoring.

While hundreds of thousands of people will travel abroad for a successful surgical procedure, there have been plenty of horror stories describing post-op patients being given substandard care.

Jessica suffered a botched boob job and tummy tuck in Tijuana where she traveled for cheap surgery

Jessica wanted 'bigger breasts' and more skin removed, so she went to Tijuana to have another round of surgeries. The surgeon applied surgical tape directly onto her wounds. When the tape was removed, she was left with scars all over her stomach

A Brit named Sarah embarked on a journey to Turkey last year to have liposuction on her belly and thighs combined with a Brazilian Butt Lift. She was able to get the procedure for about $6,100, a far cry from the $24,000 she would have paid in her home country.

The trip sounded like it would go off without a hitch. She was put up in a luxurious hotel and was promised transport to and from her doctors. Her experience was far from positive. Having first been ignored by nurses after her procedure, Sarah was then forced to walk a quarter of a mile to her hotel while holding a plastic bag connected to drainage pipes from her wounds as bodily fluids leaked out.

Her recovery was not smooth. For a couple of days in Turkey, Sarah described grotesque conditions. When she made it home to the UK, her stitches split while she was sitting down on the toilet, leaving behind deep wounds.

Her doctor with the National Health Service, which oversees healthcare in the UK, said the Turkish medical staff discharged her from the hospital too early. The NHS doctors also told her Turkish doctors stitched up her thighs too tightly, leaving them prone to bursting.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles native Sivan Himmelman, 40, traveled to Tijuana, Mexico in 2021 for a Brazilian butt lift, boob job and liposuction, which would cost her about $6,400.

But when she removed bandages she was stunned to see that her body was 'black and blue' from the top of her thighs to her the top of her chest. The botched surgeries also left her with necrosis - the death of body tissue due to lack of blood supply. She was also diagnosed with an infection leaving her unable to work for months.

Ms Himmelman said she wished she had done more research before going abroad for the discounted surgeries. She is now desperately searching for a plastic surgeon in the US who can repair some of the extensive damage done, which will undoubtedly be a pricy venture.

People take on certain risks when they go abroad for care, and experts stateside urge patients to do thorough research before they leave home.

Dr Lydia Gan, an expert on the subject from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke told DailyMail.com: 'Before they take the trip, they would need to check with the State Department whether going to a country or certain regions, or in this case, Mexico, is safe.'

She added that prospective patients should look for hospitals or clinics that have Joint Commission International accreditation as well as affiliations with top US hospitals, such as Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Harvard University, and Johns Hopkins University.

'A lot of times with good US hospital affiliations as well as the JCI-accredited hospitals and clinics, you are pretty safe,' Dr Gan said.

She went on: 'But then still, never travel by yourself, always take the companion alone. And of course, common sense. Tell people where you're going and keep in touch with family members.'

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also warns of a risk of an antibiotic-resistant infection.

Other security risks exist, too. Many Mexican towns dotting the southern border have been plagued by gang violence as some, such as the area around Tijuana, which borders southern California, are extremely lucrative drug trafficking corridors.

The US State Department has a do not travel warning for US citizens against going to Tamaulipas, the state in which Matamoros is located.

Sivan's infected stomach is pictured. She said: 'I thought that surgery can improve the areas I was insecure about - that it would boost up my confidence and give me the courage to finally live life to the fullest.

The agency based its warning on organized crime activity there, including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault.

Botched surgeries performed oversees takes a considerable toll on the patient's home healthcare system if something goes wrong. In the UK, for instance, the financial burden of caring for patients of defective procedures has reached 4.8million - about $5.7 million - over the last four years.

And while experts on medical tourism point out that a primary motivation for traveling abroad for surgery is to get a life-saving procedure that would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars stateside, there is a well-established link to beauty trends and a quest for better self esteem.

Recent spikes in women seeking cheap breast augmentation abroad, for instance, have been attributed to the so-called 'Zoom Boom'  the demand for aesthetic procedures driven by increased awareness of ones appearance on screen.

Eighty-two patients needed follow-up NHS treatment in 2021 after going overseas for boob jobs, tummy tucks and other procedures.

This was up 44 per cent on the year before, when the pandemic first kicked off and foreign holidays were effectively scrapped for staycations.

Mexico is one of many popular destinations for medical tourists. Others include Thailand, Costa Rica, Colombia, and India.

Cost is a primary driver of medical tourism according to Dr Gan. People also travel for medical care abroad for shorter wait times to see clinicians.

Dr Gan said: 'There's not a long waitlist, like, two weeks down the road, or a few months down the road. It's sometime on the same day or the next day to get an appointment. So nothing beats that.'

Josef Woodman of Patients Beyond Borders, an organization that helps patients plan health journeys abroad, told DailyMail.com that people who travel to Mexico for a wide variety of care save 50 to 60 percent over what they would pay in the United States for an elective treatment.

These are the current travel advisories for Mexico from the US government. Only two states - Yucatan and Campeche - are completely free of advisories

Most medical tourists travel for complex dental care, Dr Woodman said, while around 15 percent travel for cosmetic procedures.

The price differences in procedures between the US and other countries are stark in many cases.

For instance, a facelift in the US would typically cost about $11,000. In Mexico, it can cost as little as $4,000.

A nose job in the US usually runs for about $7,000. In Mexico, the cost comes to about $3,000.

And breast augmentation in the US costs about $6,400 in the US and between $3,800 and $4,200 in Mexico.

The prices are also considerably lower in India, Costa Rica, Thailand, and Colombia.

The global market for medical tourism is rapidly expanding  its current valuation sits at roughly $4.5 billion and is projected to hit 47.72 billion by 2030.

While exceedingly popular among Americans, they take on considerable risks when they embark on trips abroad for critical or cosmetic care.

The American Medical Associations Code of Ethics says: Many medical tourists receive excellent care, but issues of safety and quality can loom large.

'Substandard surgical care, poor infection control, inadequate screening of blood products, and falsified or outdated medications in lower income settings of care can pose greater risks than patients would face at home.

Medical tourists also face heightened travel-related risks. Patients who develop complications may need extensive follow-up care when they return home. They may pose public health risks to their home communities as well.

Foreigners can be vulnerable getting tied up in violence while abroad, but the kidnapping of US nationals in Mexico is unusual.

Josef Woodman said: One of the reasons its ignited such interest and outpouring is because its just really rare. As far as medical tourism goes there are risks but I dont consider them being harmed in the streets or having any harm due to political and social unrest.

Its more clinical risks, making sure you have the right clinic, not wanting to save too much money. There are inferior clinics in Mexico.

Interested patients need to do their homework. That consists of researching doctors and the clinics in which they work. Mr Woodman recommends that people look for healthcare providers in Mexico who have been board certified there.

You also want to look out for a clinic that looks too good to be true. Fifty to 60 percent off in Mexico, thats a good solid savings but when youre cost shopping and see a discount of 80 percent you should be wary. And thats where patients get into trouble.
A medical breakthrough is bringing hope to tens of thousands of people living with Crohn's.

A new daily tablet for the debilitating digestive system condition has gained its first global approval in the UK.

Upadactinib is now poised to become available on the NHS for the 200,000 people whose lives are blighted by its painful and embarrassing symptoms.

Once given full authority, the pill could be prescribed instead of regular injections or infusions or steroids.

It acts by switching off signals in the body which cause inflammation in the stomach and bowel  the cause of the disease's characteristic symptoms.

Student Sinead Burnham, 20, pictured above, was diagnosed with Crohn's when she was 15-years-old. She is now on fortnightly injections to control the condition and believes the availability of once-a-day pill will help some people living with Crohn's

The pill, pictured above, could be prescribed in place of regular injections or infusions or steroids once it has full authority, acts by switching off signals in the body that cause inflammation in the stomach and bowel and trials have shown it could be effective in up to 60 per cent of patients

Trials have shown upadactinib could be effective in up to 60 per cent of patients  allowing some with moderate to severe disease to go into long-term remission.

It has been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which polices the safety of drugs in the UK.

And it has just been recommended the European Medical Agency, bringing it a step closer to availability on the NHS.

Crohn's, an incurable type of inflammatory bowel disease, normally impacts people in their teens and early twenties or in their mid-50s.

What living with Crohn's is REALLY like Student Sinead Burnham was diagnosed with Crohn's when she was 15-years-old and started to experience cramping pains, vomiting and needing to go to the toilet more frequently. Her younger sister Erin had earlier been diagnosed with the condition so the family recognised the symptoms so she was referred to a gastroenterologist for a treatment plan. 'It was very disruptive and, as no-one really talks about it, you are kind of on your own,' says Sinead, 20, from Stoke-on-Trent. 'My dad was subsequently diagnosed with Crohn's and it helps that your family is aware but it can be a frustrating and lonely condition. 'During my GCSEs, I had to go into hospital a lot because I was in so much pain and around A-Levels time I needed a bowel re-section so had to be in hospital for that. Throughout school, I would have to leave early or go in late and missed out on a lot. 'I tended to stay in more than my friends and I gave up sport at school because I was often tired. It causes you to grow apart from people because they do not understand what you are going through and it is a difficult subject to talk about. That makes you feel a bit on your own. 'It's not that people are mean, it is because they have no awareness of Crohn's.' Crohn's & Colitis UK estimates that people living with the condition are twice as likely to experience mental health problems as the general public. Sinead, who is studying radiography at Keele University, is now on fortnightly injections to control the condition and believes the availability of once-a-day pill will help some people living with Crohn's. 'I still get tired but my condition is under much more control now and I try to stay positive and busy to distract myself from when the symptoms are more difficult. I would describe Crohn's disease as frustrating, lonely and painful. 'It is much more than just going to the toilet and people don't really understand what it is like to live with it.' Advertisement

The disease, which affects comedian Pete Davidson and magician Dynamo, causes significant physical, emotional and economic burdens, with patients needing to go to the toilet frequently and struggling with work and relationships.

Other symptoms include crippling stomach pain, diarrhoea, swollen joints, fatigue and depression.

Professor James Lindsay, consultant gastroenterologist at the Royal London Hospital Barts Health NHS Trust, said: 'There have been limited new treatment options approved for Crohn's in recent years and many people struggle to stay in remission.

'This is not a cure but it has the potential to help people gain control of their disease.

'Patients want predictability, to know that they are going to be well for a period of time so they can plan to return to normal life.

'Crohn's has a very high healthcare burden both in terms of direct care costs, drugs, hospitalisations, and indirectly in terms of work productivity, days off sick and inability to live your life to full expectations.

'Getting people better is very good for those costs as well as the physical and emotional benefit for patients.'

The drug is a JAK inhibitor, which is already approved for patients with ulcerative colitis  a similar condition.

It acts by blocking the rogue signals that drive an immune response to attack normal gut bacteria, which is at the core of the inflammation caused by Crohn's.

The MHRA approved the drug for patients who have failed or had an inadequate response to conventional or biological therapies after clinical trials recorded long-term remission from symptoms.

It is currently being assessed by NICE, the drug watchdog that approves medicines for use by the NHS, with a decision expected by the summer.

Sarah Sleet, chief executive of the charity Crohn's & Colitis UK, said: 'There are over 200,000 people living with Crohn's in the UK.

'It's a lifelong condition that causes painful, debilitating symptoms and there is no known cure.

'For some people living with Crohn's, existing treatments may not work, or they stop working over time which is why we welcome the MHRA's decision to approve upadacitinib.

'This is a promising step forward in expanding the treatment options for people living with this condition.'

AbbVie senior vice president, development, regulatory affairs and chief medical officer Roopal Thakkar said: 'The recent recommendation to approve upadacitinib for use in Crohn's is a momentous step, bringing us closer to offering a first-of-its-kind, once-daily oral treatment that can make a difference for people living with this disease.'
Science has moved one step closer to allowing two men to reproduce without the need of a surrogate.

Japanese researchers created seven mice with two male biological parents, using skin cells from a male mouse to form a viable egg and then fertilize it.

They hope this research pushes forward treatments for infertility. But, it also paves the way for men in same-sex relationships to have a child without needing a surrogate - which has happened in increasing numbers recently.

'This is the first case of making robust mammal oocytes from male cells,' Katsuhiko Hayashi of Kyushu University, who led the research, said. He went on to say it could be functional in humans within the next decade

A Japanese research team successfully created seven mice pups using eggs created from the cells of male mice, and fertalized by sperm from other males (file photo)

Researchers, who presented their findings at the Third International Summit on Human Genome Editing in London, wanted to develop a treatment for Turner's syndrome.

The condition only affects women. It occurs when they suffer an X chromosome that is either partially or fully missing in their genetic makeup.

Women generally have two X chromosomes, while men have one X and one Y.

These chromosomes are first developed in the womb, and determine whether a fetus will undergo male or female development.

Women born with just one X chromosome are often infertile, suffer a delayed puberty, are smaller and suffer an increased risk of heart or learning disabilities.

Japanese researchers hope to develop a stem cell treatment to fix infertility associated with the condition.

They created stem cells using eight-week-old mice, picking ones that had dropped a Y chromosome for some reason.

Scientists then manipulated the cells in a way to copy the remaining X chromosome, and create a cell with two X genes - what would usually be considered a female cell.

'The biggest trick of this is the duplication of the X chromosome,' Dr Hayashi said.

They turned those cells into eggs and used sperm from male mice to fertilize them in the laboratory.

The process led to the birth of more than a half-dozen healthy mice pups.

Dr Hayashi told the New Scientist he believes the door is now open to children being born from two fathers.

Now, his team hopes to replicate this same process with human cells.

'Purely in terms of technology, it will be possible [in humans] even in 10 years,' he told The Guardian.

'I don't know whether they'll be available for reproduction.

'That is not a question just for the scientific program, but also for [society].'

Other experts have described the research as ground-breaking, but say there are still long ways to go before two human males can have a child without the need of a woman.

More than 70,000 women in America suffer from Turner's syndrome, or around one in every 2,000.

Demand for surrogates in America has boomed in recent years, partly because of an influx of same-sex couples seeking children.
Surveys already show that more Americans use weed than cigarettes

More Americans now favor legal cannabis over legal cigarettes for the first time in US history, surveys suggest.

About 59 percent of Americans support legalizing marijuana for recreational or medical use, according to an official survey by the CDC.

At the same time, a recent poll by Pew Research found 57 percent of Americans are also in favor of banning tobacco products.

The sea-change is the result of decades of anti-tobacco campaigning combined with a softening of attitudes towards marijuana.

It comes despite mounting evidence that cannabis carries many of the same health risks as cigarettes plus a host of mental health issues.

Results from two polls suggest that support for legal cannabis in the US is now higher than that for cigarettes. The data is shown above

The above shows cannabis use across American states. Twenty-one states and DC have legalized it for recreational use in addition to medicinal use, while nearly all now allow it to be used for medicinal purposes.

There are signs, however, that cannabis may finally be coming up against a brick wall after voters in Oklahoma yesterday voted overwhelmingly to reject recreational pot by 62 to 38 percent.

Tobacco use in the United States has been in decline since the 1960s when evidence first emerged of a link to cancer.

At the time, about two in five Americans smoked cigarettes, but now it is just one in ten. But over the past decade, there has been a marijuana revolution across the US.

The number of weed smokers of all ages has more than doubled in the past ten years to 16 percent. Among the under-30s, it has surged to a record 45 percent.

Some 21 states and Washington D.C. have moved to drop prohibitions on the drug, with Hawaii this week becoming the latest to move a step closer to full legalization.

Poll Are you in favor of legalizing cannabis and banning tobacco? Yes, definitely No, not at all Are you in favor of legalizing cannabis and banning tobacco? Yes, definitely 70 votes

No, not at all 44 votes Now share your opinion





In younger adults, marijuana use is particularly risky because it can harm developing brains by permanently changing their structure, leading to a loss of IQ. It has also been linked to higher rates of mental health problems such as depression.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) asked 6,455 Americans whether they would like all tobacco products to continue to be sold.

Results published last month showed that only 42.7 percent backed this, while the rest said they were opposed.

Older adults were more likely to support the continued sale than youngsters, but no age group had an average of 50 percent or higher.

Cannabis use among those under-30 has now hit a record high, data shows. It is climbing in all age groups as more and more states move to drop restrictions on the drug

This compared to a survey of 5,098 Americans carried out by Washington DC-based pollster the Pew Research Center.

This found that an overwhelming 88 percent of respondents supported the legalization in some sense. Of these, 59 percent said it should be cleared for both medical and recreational use.

Support was highest among younger age groups  up to 72 percent among under-30s  but dropped below half in the over-65s.

Democrat voters were nearly twice as likely to support legalizing marijuana for recreational and medicinal uses compared to Republicans.

In the latest move against the tobacco industry, California became the second state in the country to ban menthol cigarettes  behind only Massachusetts.

This type of cigarette is not as hard on users leading to deeper inhales and, as a result, greater exposure to nicotine and other chemicals in a cigarette.

It is also argued that the pleasant taste of menthol cigarettes tempt people who would not usually become smokers into taking up the habit.

At the other end of the scale, however, restrictions on the sale of marijuana are continuing to be rolled back.

Just this week a bill passed in Hawaii's senate that would allow residents to recreationally use marijuana and carry on them up to one ounce of the drug. It still needs sign-off from the Governor.

But there are now signs that recreational marijuana is finally hitting a brick wall.

Yesterday Oklahoma rejected a bill to legalize the drug.

Its anti-marijuana campaigner and former White House drugs tsar Kevin Sabet called the victory a win for 'public safety and common sense'.

'The industry cannot buy votes and profit off our kids,' he said.

'Despite being vastly outspent [campaigners] worked tirelessly to educate voters about the unintended consequences of legalization ranging from more incidents of impaired driving and workplace accidents to higher youth use rates.'

In November, North Dakota, South Dakota and Arkansas all also voted to block recreational marijuana.

They were three of the five states taking the drug to the polls at that time, with Maryland and Missouri becoming the latest to back the measure.

Only Idaho, Kansas and Nebraska are sticking to their guns and keeping cannabis illegal for both recreational and medical use.

But experts predict that in the coming years, more states will roll back the bans and the law at the federal level could be revoked.

The US cannabis market is already worth some $26.1billion in sales and is on track to reach $44.5billion by 2027, driven by huge profits in California, New York and New Jersey according to research firm BDSA.
Heartbreaking footage tonight lays bare the brutal reality inside Britain's crippled NHS.

Taken by an undercover 999 worker during the busiest days of winter, Channel 4's eye-opening Dispatches documentary captures a series of damning incidents that staff warn have become commonplace.

One of the most harrowing clips featured in the hour-long programme shows the final moments of one man who died of a heart attack following delays in getting him to the right place.

Daniel Waterhouse, the 30-year-old 999 worker who bravely sacrificed his career in order to expose the terrifying reality of life in the NHS, described it as the 'hardest part' of his filming.

Other horrifying clips include that of a 90-year-old woman who lay on the ground outside in freezing temperatures for four hours and a young girl with a dislocated knee-cap who was taken to A&E on a picnic table because of ambulance delays.

Taken by an undercover emergency medical technician during the busiest days of winter, Channel 4's eye-opening Dispatches documentary captures a series of damning incidents that staff warn have become commonplace

Footage shows undercover Daniel Waterhouse taking a man to the Resus unit where the most seriously ill or injured patients are usually dealt with only to find there is no room

Serving his last shift last week after resigning, Mr Waterhouse hopes his evidence will 'help instigate change' and that 'something will be done'.

In January, Mr Waterhouse received a call about someone who had been vomiting and experiencing chest pain for 18 hours.

The man had had two stents, metal or plastic tubes inserted to keep a passageway open, put in before Christmas but had never had a heart attack.

Mr Waterhouse said they knew he needed to be sent to the specialist heart unit at Harefield Hospital in Hillingdon, London.

After being cut off from the operator many times, they were finally told to text heart readings to a cardiologist.

Serving his last shift last week after resigning, Mr Waterhouse (pictured above) hopes his evidence, set to be aired by Channel 4 Dispatches on Thursday night, will 'help instigate change'

They received no response to the text so instead took the patient to Watford General Hospital.

There, they expected medics to be waiting for their arrival due to the severity of the man's condition, but no one was.

Two hours later, Mr Waterhouse received another job  to transport the same man to Harefield as a cardiologist had finally read the man's ECG readings and concluded he was having a heart attack.

'He could have gone three hours earlier to where he needed to be but because of the break down in communication he didn't,' Mr Waterhouse said.

On arrival at Harefield, the cardiologist told Mr Waterhouse: 'The scan they did over at Watford is suggesting the arteries that they put stents in a couple of months ago is blocked, completely blocked. The heart function is not very good at the moment I'm afraid.'

Dye was injected into the man's blood which revealed a lot of the heart tissue muscle was dead and 'there was no coming back from that.'

The man, whose face was blurred to protect his identity  like all of the patients who were covertly recorded  died shortly afterwards and Harefield do not believe delays affected the outcome.

The documentary shows a 90-year-old woman who had fallen over on an icy day in December.

She was classed as a category 2 call, which should be responded to in 18 minutes, on average. But Mr Waterhouse's busy 999 crew didn't get there for four hours.

When the crew arrives, they are seen commenting on the snow before one sees the elderly woman on the ground and says: 'Oh my god. Jesus.'

Mr Waterhouse said: 'Out in the street in front of the house, was lying the 90-year-old lady, who had activated her careline pendant because she had fallen.

'It's two degrees outside, there was ice around the outside. She had been lying out in that temperature since around 1am and it was nearly half five by the time we got to her.

'She was extremely hypothermic, below 34 degrees. Life can't be sustained at that temperature for very long.'

Mr Waterhouse, from Finchley, north London, who qualified as an emergency technician in 2021, records the conditions inside A&E departments across Watford and Barnet

Footage shows corridors jampacked with patients

Having spent so long outside in those temperatures, in pain, Mr Waterhouse said he was shocked the woman 'wasn't already dead'.

She spent two weeks in hospital before being discharged to a care home.

In November, footage shows a young girl who was taken to hospital by her parents on a picnic table after dislocating her kneecap. They claimed they had no choice due to a 20-hour wait for an ambulance.

Mr Waterhouse said: 'We had a family come in who had driven their daughter to A&E themselves after they gave up waiting for an ambulance.

'She had been at a dance lesson and her kneecap had popped out. It was right over to the left of where it should have been.'

The girl can be seen in the clips saying it's cold while under a foil blanket.

Due to extensive ambulance waits, her parents 'got a sort of picnic dining table' and put her on it as 'a makeshift stretcher'.

The 999 crew counts down from three before putting her kneecap back in place, at which point the young girl, who is clearly in extreme pain and distress, lets out a piercing scream.

Mr Waterhouse said: 'Being brought into hospital on a picnic table because there are no ambulances available for 20 hours, that's a horrendous experience for that young girl to have to go through. It's just something you don't expect to see in a developed country.'

Another shocking case detailed in the documentary was of Hannah Houghton, a 36-year-old mother-of-four with cystic fibrosis who died after an 11-hour wait for an ambulance.

Her ordeal wasn't captured by Mr Waterhouse however, as it occurred in Birmingham.

She was found to have flu, pneumonia and septicaemia and was given antibiotics at the hospital.

Her devastated husband told Dispatches: 'I held hands with her and said you'll be alright. I told her I loved her, she said the same.

'I don't even think it was half a minute went by and she had a cardiac arrest.

'I do think things may well have been different if the paramedics had arrived sooner and the antibiotics were administered earlier.'

The documentary also heard about an elderly man, from Essex, who died after handover delays meant it took eight hours for him to be to be operated following a stroke.

Dr Sanjeev Nayak, a consultant interventional neuroradiologist who helped develop the first 24/7 stroke service in the UK, said he felt the man would have 'had a good outcome, may have waked out of the hospital', if the treatment was done sooner.

The Royal College of emergency medicine calculates there were 23,000 excess deaths in 2022 associated with long waits in emergency services.
Rats in New York City are harboring Covid, a study has warned  and scientists are concerned they could infect humans.

Researchers at the University of Missouri trapped 79 rats that emerged from the sewer system at parks in the city.

Tests showed that 13 of the rodents (16.5 percent) had antibodies against Covid, a sign of a previous infection. Four had evidence they were currently infected.

A separate test revealed that rats could be infected with the Alpha, Delta and Omicron Covid strains, showing the rodents can harbor many variants.

With eight million rats living in America's largest city  or about one per resident  experts warned that they posed a serious 'zoonotic disease spillover' risk. When viruses jump between species it raises the risk that they will obtain significant mutations, that could make them more transmissible or deadly.

Rats in New York City's sewers are harboring Covid, scientists warn, and they may even be able to infect humans (stock image)

Dr Henry Wan, a microbiologist at the University of Missouri who led the research, said: 'Our findings highlight the need for further monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in rat populations for potential secondary zoonotic transmission to humans.

'Overall, our work in this space shows that animals can play a role in pandemics that impacts humans.

'It's important that we continue to increase our understanding [of the risks posed] so that we can protect both human and animal health.'

Rats can be exposed to Covid when they come into contact with water also used by humans infected with the virus, which can happen in sewer systems.

The virus may then be able to infect the rats, because the rodents have similar receptors on their cells to those in humans.

Scientists fear that Covid may be able to move into another animal reservoir and then mutate into a more severe version before jumping back into humans.

Some experts argue that this was how the Omicron variant emerged, the currently dominant strain, when rats in South Africa's water systems became infected.

In the study, published today in the journal mBio, scientists said they set rat traps in September and November 2021.

The traps were placed mostly in city parks in Brooklyn that were near wastewater systems. Some were also captured near buildings outside the park boundaries.

All rats caught were from the species called Norway rats, with the Latin name Rattus norvegicus.

Each had blood tests for antibodies against Covid, indicating an infection.

All the rodents were tested for antibodies against Covid, which would indicate an infection. Thirteen tested positive.

Four rats tested positive for proteins from the virus, indicating that they currently had an infection. From each, a partial Covid genome was then recovered.

The scientists also conducted a challenge study, where they exposed a different group of rats to the three main Covid variants  Alpha, Delta and Omicron.

Examination two to four days post-infection showed that each had led to an infection in the rats.

For Omicron, the scientists used the variant BA.5.5  which was behind about one in ten infections at the turn of the year.

Scientists fear that the next major pandemic will come from a disease that spills over from animals into humans.

There are currently mounting fears that a strain of bird flu H5N1 could cross the divide from chickens into people.

This year 11-year-old Bean Narong became the first person to die after catching this type of bird flu at her impoverished village in Cambodia.

The World Health Organization has urged countries to keep an eye on the strain, amid reports it has also evolved to infect mink and sea lions  bringing it one step closer to humans.
A mother died from severe malnutrition after carrying an unborn fetus for around nine years inside her body.

The woman, originally from the Congo, visited doctors in New York complaining of stomach cramps, indigestion and a gurgling sound after eating.

Scans revealed the 50-year-old had a 'stone baby'  a calcified fetus  compressed her intestines, which was attributed to a miscarriage nine years prior.

The rare phenomenon, which has only been recorded fewer than 300 times, occurs when a fetus that is developing outside the womb dies during pregnancy and is not released from the body. It is among many pregnancy complications that have severe longterm impacts on a mother's health.

The patient refused treatment, saying she believed her health condition was related to a 'spell' that someone cast on her in Africa.

The woman, who has not been named, had carried the fetus for nine years. After she was resettled to the US, the mother was offered surgery but refused. She eventually died from malnutrition caused by the fetus blocking her small intestine

Shown above is a scan of the calcified fetus inside the mother. She died 14 months after coming to the US due to severe malnutrition

The woman died 14 months after arriving in the United States.

Doctors said she died from severe malnutrition, or starvation.

In these cases, death may eventually be caused by tissue degradation leading to cardiac arrest or cardiac arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat. Other causes include an infection, brought on by a weakened immune system.

For this woman, the 'stone baby' kept compressing the intestine. This caused blockages, meaning her body was no longer able to absorb vital nutrients  leading to starvation.

Dr Waseem Sous, an internal medicine expert at SUNY Upstate Medical University who reported the case, said the patient 'declined intervention due to fear of surgery and elected for symptom monitoring.'

'Unfortunately, she passed away due to severe malnutrition in the context of recurrent bowel obstruction due to the lithopedion and continued fear of seeking medical care.'

The fetus  which would have been the woman's ninth child  stopped developing inside her at 28 weeks.

But instead of miscarrying, she suffered the condition known as lithopedion.

The condition occurs when pregnancy forms in the abdomen instead of the uterus.

It is an ectopic pregnancy, a term for all pregnancies where the embryo begins to form in the wrong part of the body.

In cases of lithopedion, not enough blood supply reaches the baby, causing the pregnancy to fail.

The body cannot expel the fetus either, leading to potentially deadly complications.

The condition has only been recorded 290 times, with the first dating back to France in 1582.

Some mothers report severe symptoms as a result, but others can live for decades without suffering any signs of the condition.

The sad tale was revealed in a medical report in the journal BMC Women's Health this week.

The mother's early life had seen her uprooted twice, moving from Congo to Burundi and then Tanzania because of conflicts.

In Tanzania, she settled down and had eight children, delivered naturally. Three died shortly after childbirth.

During her ninth pregnancy, she visited a doctor's clinic at a refugee camp after noticing that her baby was no longer moving.

Medics there told her the baby had no heartbeat and recommended that she try to pass it naturally at home and, if this did not work, return in two weeks.

She followed the instructions, but when she returned to the clinic she was greeted by people outside accusing her of 'evil work' and 'killing the baby'.

This led to the mother rushing home and praying, before deciding that she would not seek medical help.

She then carried the dead fetus for nine years and had no contact with medics until her health check six months before being resettled to the United States.

When the mother arrived in the US, she was taken for CT scans which revealed an obstruction in her small intestine and compression of major veins.

It also showed a mass inside the abdomen that was about six by eight inches and contained a skeleton.

Doctors offered her surgery to remove the mass, but she refused  saying the condition was due to a curse someone placed on her in Tanzania.

WHAT IS A 'STONE BABY'? Lithopedion, which is Greek for 'stone baby,' is so rare that there are only around 300 cases of it documented in history. Stone babies can occur as the result of an ectopic pregnancy, or a pregnancy where the fetus develops outside of the mother's womb. When this happens the deceased fetus has no way to leave the body. Instead of allowing the fetus to rot inside the abdomen and expose the mother to potential infection, her body mummifies it. Calcification is essentially an accumulation of salts the human body uses as a barrier against potential infection. Advertisement

She added to doctors: 'I will let you know when I am ready; I am not scared of death.'

Medics did eventually convince her to take antibiotics to help with her stomach complaints and pills to lower her blood pressure.

But she kept refusing surgery. At another appointment, she said: 'I just do not have it in my heart to do.'

Some 14 months after her arrival in the US, she died from malnutrition.

Doctors could not say where the pregnancy took place in the body but they concluded that it was likely outside the uterus.

She was suffering from lithopedion, which can occur when a woman has an ectopic pregnancy, or one where the fetus develops outside the womb.

When the baby dies, it is too large for the body to re-absorb.

As a result, the immune system determines that the dead fetus poses a threat and launches an attack.

This leads to calcium-rich deposits being laid down on the fetus, gradually encasing it in a calcified shell or turning it to stone.

Fetuses in this state can be carried for up to 60 years inside bodies, medical literature says. They may trigger no symptoms and some women do not even realize that they are present.

In another example, a woman in Colombia ended up carrying a dead fetus for 40 years.

The 82-year-old originally thought she was suffering from a stomach bug. But scans revealed the presence of the calcified fetus.

She then underwent surgery to have the dead fetus removed from her body.

Dr Kemer Ramirez at Bogota's Tunjuelito Hospital said at the time: 'This happens because the fetus does not develop in the uterus because it has moved to another place.

'In this case, the abdominal part of the woman is not a viable (place) and this is what happened, a calcified fetus because the body is generating defense mechanisms and it is calcified until it stays there encapsulated.'

A separate case in 2015 was recorded when an elderly woman in Chile was found to have a 50-year-old fetus still inside her.

The woman, who was at least 90, was sent to hospital in the city of San Antonio after suffering a fall.

But X-rays revealed that she was also carrying a fetus, which weighed about 4.4lb (2kg).

Doctors described the fetus as 'large and developed and occupied all of her abdominal cavity'.

It was not removed via surgery, with doctors ruling that this was too risky given the woman's age.
The biggest drop was in people aged 18-22 and those who are less well-educated

IQ points in the US have declined between 2006 and 2018, scientists found

IQ scores in the US have dropped for the first time in nearly 100 years, new research has indicated.

The researchers set out to find evidence that each generation is smarter than the previous, known as the 'Flynn effect'  but they found the opposite.

Scientists from the University of Oregon and Northwestern looked at nearly 400,000 online IQ tests done between 2006 and 2018.

While they did not give the exact drop, they said the biggest decrease was in people aged 18-22 and those less well-educated.

The study was conducted before the pandemic, meaning disruptions to education caused by lockdowns might have worsened it further.

Those aged 18-22 saw the the biggest drop in IQ tests between 2006 and 2018, the study found

The Flynn effect is the notion that IQ scores increase over time, as shown above

Past research suggested one of the reasons could be technology's increasing dominance over our daily lives, shortening our attention spans and making us less inclined to think deeply.

Some experts argue that leaps in technology mean we have access to more information than ever which increase the opportunities for learning and may make us smarter.

The study was published in the journal Intelligence.

Some skills, such as 3D spatial reasoning tests, showed an uptick from 2011 to 2018.

But skills like verbal reasoning, visual problem solving and numerical series tests had all gone down.

It may be that the results 'indicate a change of quality or content of education and test-taking skills within', they wrote in the conclusion.

IQ tests are not a foolproof measure of intelligence and garner criticism because they only look at a few set of skills.

Other studies over the years have demonstrated the Flynn effect may already be in reverse outside of the US.

A study in Finland found that IQs had dropped by two points between 1997 and 2009.

In France, IQ scores decreased by 3.8 IQ points from 1999 to 2009.

Other places including the UK, Norway, Denmark and Australia have discovered similar findings.

Scientists have previously warned that humans may be may be getting worse at thinking because of the internet and social media.

Academic and science presenter professor Jim Al-Khalili said that with so much information coming at us all the time, we can increasingly cope only with bite-sized chunks of knowledge such as short tweets or two-minute videos.

He told MailOnline in April last year that despite our vastly increased scientific knowledge the human brain hasnt got bigger or more efficient or better than it was thousands of years ago.

He added: 'Because we are making use of technology these days, one could argue we are getting dumber.

'Our attention span is shorter, we are not prepared to spend the time to think things through carefully or discuss and debate ideas.'

A previous study suggested that children who spent less than an hour on iPads and other gadgets each day developed better brains than their peers.

Researchers in Illinois found two-year-olds who capped screen time at 60 minutes and engaged in traditional play for at least 15 minutes a day had better executive function than toddlers spent more time on electronics.

They had higher scores than their peers for memory, attention span, decision-making and multi-tasking ability.

It is thought that playing outside or with traditional toys floods the brain with blood, increasing blood vessels and strengthening the neuron connections, allowing children to more easily gain cognitive development.

Staring at electronics, on the other hand, does not stimulate the brain, and is believed to thin the brains cortex, which manages critical thinking and reasoning.

Toddlers in the US spend two and a half hours of time watching TV, iPads, mobile phone or video games a day, on average, figures suggest.

In the UK, Ofcom estimates that three-to-four-year-olds spend three hours a day watching screens.

Childrens screen time is thought to have increased significantly during the pandemic when home-schooling and lockdowns became common.
MEMOIR

TOUCHING CLOTH: CONFESSIONS AND COMMUNIONS OF A YOUNG PRIEST

by the Reverend Fergus Butler Gallie (Penguin 16.99, 192pp)

When Fergus Butler-Gallie was a young curate in Liverpool, he was conducting a Merchant Navy Remembrance Day service by the Mersey. The two-minute silence had been punctiliously observed, and the lady bugler was about to play the Reveille.

It was all going rather well, thought the Rev Fergus, who should have remembered Proverbs, Chapter 16: 'Pride comes before a fall'.

This is the author's third book. The first, A Field Guide To The English Clergy, was basically a history of ecclesiastical oddballs and proved a huge success

Suddenly, there was a powerful gust of wind from behind. As the curate's cassock and the bugler's skirt were hoicked into the air, a huge wave of spray rose from the river. 'The result was that we received an impromptu and ill-directed enema,' he recalls.

With the crowd now helpless with laughter, he and the bugler adjusted their dress with as much dignity as they could muster and carried on with the service.

That incident sums up clerical life, if Butler-Gallie's entertaining book is anything to go by: moments of great solemnity very often punctuated by uproarious mirth.

This is the author's third book. The first, A Field Guide To The English Clergy, was basically a history of ecclesiastical oddballs and proved a huge success.

We do love an eccentric vicar in this country. As some anonymous theologian once remarked: 'If the Almighty had meant us to take the clergy seriously, He wouldn't have made vicars rhyme with knickers.'

Butler-Gallie grew up in a military family and remembers the moment when he told his nearest and dearest that he planned to join the officer corps of the Church of England.

'It's not so different from the Army,' observed his father, thoughtfully. 'The outfit's stupid and the pay's crap. Carry on.'

He was right about the outfit. Putting on a dog collar transforms you from mild-mannered Clark Kent into the Reverend Superman (female superheroes are also available). You can no longer melt quietly into the background: suddenly, you are very visible indeed.

Butler-Gallie grew up in a military family and remembers the moment when he told his nearest and dearest that he planned to join the officer corps of the Church of England

'Eyes were instinctively drawn to me,' says Butler-Gallie. People even started smiling at him in a certain way, a sort of nervous grimace.

And the clergy get asked such extraordinary things. The most frequent inquiry is: 'Why did you become a priest?' But people also wanted to know if budgies go to Heaven and whether he would sprinkle holy water on their knife disposal bin.

He was asked to exorcise a noisy ghost from a flat, only to discover it was a radiator playing up. He conducted a memorial service for the Duke of Rutland's pony and was once mistaken for a drug dealer at a party.

He got off lightly compared to a college chaplain friend, who once called in at a Liverpool pub in his full kit and was immediately pounced on by a hen party, who mistook him for the stripper. They pounced so thoroughly that he lost a button from his cassock.

There are some surprising revelations. Butler-Gallie admits to covering up his dog collar when passing Big Issue sellers when he has no cash. And most vicars, it seems, hate Christmas, which seems fair enough.

During one advent season, Butler-Gallie took part in 50 renditions of Away In A Manger, which is surely against the terms of the Geneva Convention. He once presided over the Fire Brigade carol service, which included the Fire Brigade Dance Troupe dancing topless to O Little Town Of Bethlehem.

8,000 Estimated number of vicarages sold off since WWII Advertisement

The sadder revelation is that not everybody in the Church of England is full of the milk of human kindness. After leaving Liverpool, Butler-Gallie was posted to a church in London.

He'd been warned that it was 'utterly toxic', but wasn't prepared for the year that followed.

'Nothing worked, time was endlessly wasted, vanity and pomposity was the norm,' he says. 'I'd be humiliated in meetings, ignored in public, endlessly gossiped about.' As part of the unseemly squabbling, he was even denied communion at Christmas.

The book ends on a sad note. Unable to find another job in the church, he reveals that he is leaving the ministry: 'By all external Church of England measurements, my career has been a failure.'

Can there really be no place in the church for a thoughtful, Oxbridge-educated, kindly young man with excellent communications skills and a media profile?

Is there an element of envy at his worldly success (even though envy is a sin and so is obviously completely foreign to the CofE)?

A quick Google search reveals that Butler-Gallie is not entirely lost to the Church. He is now assistant chaplain at his old school. And if members of his new flock ask why he became a priest, he'll presumably give the same answer he's always done: 'Black is so slimming.'
Artificial intelligence (AI), a rapidly expanding discipline in cyber security, aims to build smart computers capable of carrying out activities that would typically need human intelligence. This can involve activities like managing traffic or data packets, comprehending the various types of information transmitted, making choices, or even picking up knowledge from experience. Numerous methodologies, including machine learning, deep learning, and neural networks, can serve as the foundation for AI systems.

By automating routine and repetitive tasks, such as handling the same type of incidents that only require simple triggers, AI is proving to be an invaluable tool in the fight against cyber threats. This allows security professionals to concentrate their efforts on more complex and sophisticated threats. AI algorithms can also be used to detect dangers and take appropriate action quickly. They can also be used to find patterns in vast amounts of data that might otherwise go overlooked.

The capacity of AI to identify risks and take action in real time is one of the technology's key advantages in cyber security. By examining the historical data of previous incidents, for instance, AI algorithms can be used to identify and respond to malware, phishing attempts, and other sorts of cyber threats. Essentially, AI can contribute to the data security posture management of an organization.

Making better-informed decisions is another crucial benefit of AI in cyber security. AI systems can find patterns and trends in vast amounts of data that may not be immediately apparent to human researchers. This enables security experts to decide how to respond to cyber threats and stop upcoming assaults with greater knowledge.

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in different cyber Security Areas

The application of artificial intelligence can take place across a wide variety of subfields within the field of cyber security. It will aid in understanding many dangers, such as performing malware analysis, by reviewing historical data, allowing you to make informed choices based on that knowledge. This will not only require some very little or no engagement with humans at all. The usage can be in malware detection, network security, and phishing, as well as new areas that are being discovered every day.

Using AI in Malware Detection

Artificial intelligence (AI), often known as machine learning, is becoming an increasingly significant weapon in the combat against malware.

The use of machine learning algorithms is one of the primary ways that artificial intelligence is being applied to the identification and prevention of malware. These algorithms may learn from prior examples of malware and recognize new types of malware based on their behaviors and other characteristics by analyzing samples of malware that have never been seen before. This makes it possible for security systems to detect new threats and respond to them considerably more quickly than would be possible with traditional signature-based methods.

AI's ability to evaluate massive volumes of data and recognize patterns that might not be immediately apparent to human analysts is the key to its success in identifying malicious software. Security experts may find it easier and more effective to identify and respond to outbreaks of malware if they have this information.

Using AI for Network Security

Network security can benefit from the usage of AI algorithms. The employment of AI algorithms allows for monitoring network traffic, detecting potential dangers in real time, and even making the appropriate decision. This may be of use to organizations in responding to attacks that are caused by vulnerable networks.

A significant amount of data may be analyzed using AI bots. After it has been trained, it may continue to learn and can make the right decisions. In the field of network security, it can evaluate enormous amounts of data and spot patterns and anomalies that human analysts may not notice right away. Some artificial intelligence systems, for example, can be used to recognize strange patterns of traffic or to detect efforts to gain unauthorized access. This enables security professionals to react more swiftly to potential dangers.

Monitoring network traffic and identifying potential risks based on behavior or other features can be accomplished with the assistance of AI algorithms. This has the potential to assist organizations in thwarting threats before such threats even reach their intended target.

Usage of AI in Phishing

Phishing attacks continue to be one of the most prevalent and successful ways cyber thieves use to obtain unauthorized access to sensitive information and systems. Phishing attacks were responsible for the breach of many businesses, and they continue to be used in a significant number of successful attacks on a daily basis. However, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) is assisting enterprises in becoming better able to detect and avoid these kinds of threats.

Phishing assaults can be avoided using AI's machine learning algorithms. These algorithms can be taught and learned from prior phishing attacks and can perform the analysis better than humans. They are able to recognize new phishing emails based on the content and behavior of the emails, even if they have never been seen before. This enables enterprises to discover new phishing risks and respond to them in a much more timely manner than would be possible using manual methods.

Conclusion

Artificial intelligence (AI) is proving to be an effective tool in many other fields, including cybersecurity, which was previously thought to be immune to its benefits. It has the capability of analyzing vast amounts of data without even requiring human input, and it can detect and prevent dangers in real time, depending on the data it collects.

AI is generating unique solutions that have a big impact on the battle against cybercrime. These solutions can be used in the detection and prevention of malware, the security of networks, or the prevention of phishing attacks. We can anticipate that in the not-too-distant future, there will be cybersecurity solutions that are even more cutting edge and efficient, thanks to the ongoing development and evolution of AI.
If you're thinking about buying an electric car, you need to know that they do not like Britain's chilly winters and when temperatures drop they will not perform to the levels quoted.

That's according to a new study published this week - just as parts of the UK have seen degrees plummet and the arrival of snow.

It found real-world ranges of popular electric vehicles (EVs) can fall by up to a third when it's particularly cold outside.

We explain why electric cars don't perform so well in winter conditions.

Winter woes for some EVs: In a new study looking into the impact of colder temperatures on electric car battery ranges, these five models were found to have the biggest shortfall in real-world conditions compared to official figures

A review of 12 battery-powered cars on sale in Britain today found that the worst fell 32.8 per cent shy of its claimed driving range on a full charge in winter conditions.

The least impressive performer among the selection of EVs was China's new Ora Funky Cat, which starts from 31,995 in the UK.

The study - conducted by consumer magazine What Car? - found it could only go for 130 miles before the battery ran flat. That compares to an 'official' figure of 193 miles, which is based on mandatory laboratory tests of every vehicle before they hit showrooms.

The Ora Funky Cat is one of the latest EVs to hit the UK market. The Chinese supermini is claimed to return 193 miles on a full charge, but this winter test found it only managed 130. That's a shortfall of almost 33%

Did you know that colder temperatures have a major impact on electric car range? What Car? says drivers need to know about the pros and cons of EVs before buying one

Other poor performers in winter include the Renault Megane E-Tech, of which two versions were tested by What Car?.

The plug-in French hatchback was found to fall between 30 and 32 per cent below the claimed battery range in the controlled cold-weather tests.

Another notable EVs tested is the MG4 EV - the cheapest family-size electric car on the market today with prices starting from 26,995.

It has an official range of 270 miles, though when tested by What Car? in winter temperatures was found to run out of juice after only 196 miles - that's a shortfall of 27.6 per cent.

Volkswagen's new retro ID.Buzz MPV, which costs from 58,044 in UK showrooms, should go for 255 miles on a full battery but completed only 196 miles during What Car?'s winter test. That's the equivalent of a decline in range of almost a quarter (24.8 per cent).

What Car? tested two Renault Megane E-Tech crossovers. They were found to miss their official range claims by between 30% and 32% in colder conditions

The Cupra Born - essentially a re-badged VW ID.3 - is claimed to cover 255 miles on a fully charge. However, in winter conditions it could only manage 182 miles before the battery ran out

The MG4 EV is one of the most affordable family-size electric cars on the market, but it also didn't perform well in the winter test. It ran out of range at 196 miles, not the 270 official miles promised

In contrast, the EV model found to get closest to its official range in the cold weather study was the 55,890 Nissan Ariya.

However, even Nissan's latest SUV model was 16 per cent shy of its official range figure, covering 269 miles rather than the 322 suggested in the sales brochure and online.

The 52,990 Tesla Model Y Long Range came second in terms of getting closest to its official range, recording a shortcoming of 17.8 per cent from its official 331 miles, having covered 272 miles before the battery ran out.

The average across the 12 cars tests shows the EV winter range is 25 per cent shy of official figures.

Commenting on the study's findings, Will Nightingale from What Car's test team said: 'More and more people own or are considering electric cars, and it's important that they understand the pros and cons of this technology, especially in terms of how far they are likely to go between charges.

'While it's common knowledge that cold weather negatively affects battery performance and efficiency, especially if the car's heating system is in use, What Car?'s Real Range testing is designed to give car buyers the clearest possible understanding of how many miles they will typically be able to cover in wintery British conditions.'

Volkswagen's ID.Buzz has an official range of 255 miles. But in the winter test it could only manage 192. That's a range shortfall of almost 25%

Jaguar's I-Pace costs in excess of 65,000. Yet in winter condition it misses its official range by 24.6%, the study revealed

BMW's i4 saloon has an official full-battery range of 340 miles, but in winter conditions this drops to just 261 miles. That's down 23.4% on what drivers are promised

To ensure the tests were conducted in a controlled manner, all cars were driven at the same time at a test venue chosen to remove any variables that might hinder comparing results.

The 15-mile route simulated real-world driving conditions, taking in 2.6 miles of stop-start urban driving, four miles at a steady 50mph and eight miles at a constant 70mph, What Car? says.

Prior to testing, the tyre pressures were set to the manufacturer recommendation, before the cars were fully charged and left outside overnight for roughly 14 hours in temperatures that ranged from 0 to 2 degrees centigrade.

The cars were then plugged in again to ensure the batteries were full, 'eco' (or the closest equivalent) driving mode was selected, and all 12 EVs were driven in convoy, swapping running order regularly to ensure no benefits were conferred by road position, until they ran out of charge.

All cars ran their heating systems to provide an interior temperature independently verified at 19.5 degrees.

This is the Genesis GV60. On paper it should do 321 miles on a full charge, but in winter conditions What Car? found it could only cover 251 miles - a shortfall of 21.8%

The Mini Electric - which is currently produced in Oxford (though the new version will be built in China) - has an official range of 141 miles but can only cover 114 miles in real-world winter driving

Among the better performers was Tesla's Model Y. Official range for the Long Range version tested is 331 miles, but in winter conditions it could manage just 272 (down 17.8%)

Of all 12 EVs tested by What Car?, this Nissan Ariya got closest to its official range in winter conditions. It ran out of battery at 269 miles in the test, which is 16.4% short of the 322 miles quoted in the sales brochure

Of the 12 EVs reviewed, three had already been tested in real-world driving conditions in the summer, offering an interesting comparison of performance in the two opposing seasons.

These were the Cupra Born, BMW i4 and Tesla Model 3, with the only notable difference in car specification between the two different tests being the BMW running slight larger wheels (20 inches) in the winter assessment compared to the summer test (19 inches).

In the winter test, the average range achieved by the trio was 18 per cent lower than in summer, with the BMW performing worst (261 miles vs 317, a fall of 21.6 per cent) and the Tesla best (272 miles vs 304, a fall of 11.8 per cent).

The Cupra covered 182 miles against 219 in summer, a decline of more than a fifth (20.6 per cent).

It's important that people understand the pros and cons of electric cars, especially in terms of how far they are likely to go between charges Will Nightingale, What Car?

What Car? said manufacturers have their hands tied in terms of quoting official range figures, which are based on controlled measurements taken that are not always reflective of real-world driving styles.

Nightingale added that even with their decline in performance during winter months - and sky-high energy costs - EVs are still cheaper to run than an equivalent petrol car.

'The car makers are obliged to quote the official range figures, because they are set to a criteria laid out by European legislators,' he said.

'However, we believe that our testing is far more indicative of what a typical British driver is likely to achieve, and therefore gives car buyers a better understanding before they make the switch to electric.

'Despite falling short of their official figures, it's still clear that many of these electric cars have the advantage of being cheaper to run than petrol or diesel equivalents assuming you can charge at home  even with the price of electricity so high at the moment.

'The most efficient, the Mini Electric, cost just 8.7p per mile to fuel.

'The most efficient petrol car we've ever tested, a Toyota Yaris, costs 11.2p a mile at today's prices.'

Responding to What Car?'s test, Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders told This is Money: 'Car makers are investing billions in developing zero emission vehicles, with improved battery performance, range and charging times, to make them a compelling choice for all drivers.

'As What Car? says, car manufacturers are required, by law, to test all vehicles of all technologies to the same, repeatable official standard  the WLTP Test  and publish these results within any advertising to help car buyers make comparisons between vehicles.

'What Car? also acknowledges that there will always be a difference between lab tests and real-world use due to variations in conditions and that battery performance, charging times and efficiency are all impacted by cold weather, so range is expected to differ in those conditions.'
Insurer Admiral took a hit as it slashed its dividend after motor claims hurt profit.

Bemoaning one of the most challenging years for decades, the blue-chip firm reported a 39 per cent fall in profits for 2022 to 469million.

That was well below the 485million pencilled in by analysts and Admiral cut its dividend payment 40 per cent to 112p a share. The stock fell 4.1 per cent, or 85p, to 2003p.

Slump: Admiral said it had suffered one of the most 'challenging years' for decades and reported profits of 469m for 2022 - well below the 485m pencilled in by analysts

Admiral has been hit by the soaring cost of car parts, which has driven up the value of claims.

Bad weather also took its toll amid a flurry of claims for everything from burst water pipes during the cold snap to damage caused by Storm Eunice. But it pulled in more customers, while revenue was up 5 per cent to 3.7billion.

Peel Hunt said a decision to hike car insurance premiums by 20 per cent, in response to the rising cost of claims, is a good sign that the UK motor market is returning to some form of discipline.

But the setbacks echoed those at Direct Line, which in January scrapped its dividend after claims surged following the deep freeze in December. It was not all doom and gloom, however.

Hiscox, the Lloyds of London insurer which provides cover for everything from natural disasters to cyber attacks, posted a 38million profit for 2022.

While this was far below the 162million of 2021, analysts had expected a 75million loss. Hiscox rose 5.2 per cent, or 55.5p, to 1128.5p.

The FTSE 100 climbed 0.1 per cent, or 10.44 points, to 7929.92 while the FTSE 250 was down 0.5 per cent, or 104.64 points, to 19,851.97.

Safety barrier maker Hill & Smith hailed the strength of its US businesses after its revenue rose 17 per cent to 732.1million in 2022 while profit jumped 62 per cent to 69.3million.

Stock Watch - Amigo Holdings Amigo Holdings has warned that its attempt to raise 45million from investors remains extremely challenging. The lender has until May 26 to find the funds, otherwise it must wind down the business. But Amigo said it is legally bound to close once it believes the capital raise will fail. So far it has received non-binding indicative interest from investors to the tune of around 25million. The shares, which floated at 275p in June 2018, fell 26.4 per cent, or 0.66p, to 1.84p.

But shares fell 6.7 per cent, or 94p, to 1320p. There was better news for Capita after its string of business disposals showed little sign of slowing down.

As part of efforts to focus on key divisions and cut debt, the outsourcing giant has agreed to sell its Security Watchdog business to Matrix for 14m.

On Monday it secured a 21million deal to sell three of its human resources businesses. Shares dipped 2.1 per cent, or 0.9p, to 41.4p.

Tullow Oil sank 8.1 per cent, or 2.76p, to 31.5p after it warned its cash flow would fall this year as a result of ramping up production off the coast of Ghana.

Wealth manager Quilter rose 3.4 per cent, or 2.98p, to 92.06p after revenue slid 2 per cent to 606million in 2022 but was ahead of the 590million analysts had predicted. A 3 per cent drop in profit to 134million was still 21million above market expectations.

Amte Power, which makes lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery cells for the energy storage and automotive sector, reported a loss of 3.72million for the six months to December 3, which was up from 2.65million a year ago.

The group is investing heavily in developing battery cells that can be used in hybrid electric vehicles, places without grid access and the oil and gas sector. The shares fell 2.9 per cent, or 2p, to 66p.

IP Group, which invests in science and tech-based firms such as Oxford Nanopore, swung to a loss after the value of its public companies plunged 428.5million in 2022.

The company made a loss of 344.5million last year compared to a 449.3million profit the year before.

It sank 4.8 per cent, or 2.95p, to 58.65p.

MusicMagpie appeared to have struck a bad note after it warned that the short-term outlook continues to be challenging.

The company, which helps consumers to buy and sell secondhand CDs and electronics, said an expected post-pandemic slump across its books and disc media categories last year was offset by the growth in its consumer tech business. It tumbled 14.9 per cent, or 5.6p, to 31.9p.
The boss of Hotel Chocolat said the retailer is cautious about customer sentiment ahead of Easter and Mothers Day  due to the soaring cost of living.

The premium chocolate business revealed that sales were lower for the past half-year while profitability also fell, blaming lower international and wholesale revenues.

Angus Thirlwell, the companys co-founder and chief executive officer, hailed recent trading across its stores but he also highlighted continued pressure on consumers.

Cautious: Hotel Chocolat boss Angus Thirlwell hailed recent trading across its stores but highlighted continued pressure on consumers

We remain cautious about consumer sentiment over the upcoming seasonal events of Mothers Day, Easter, Eid and Fathers Day, he said.

The firm revealed that total revenues fell to 129.8million for the last six months of 2022, dropping from 142.9million a year earlier.

Profits dipped to 10.2million from 25.4million in the same period the previous year.
Embattled restaurant chief Andy Hornby plans to close dozens of sites amid questions from investors over his future at the firm behind Wagamama and Frankie & Bennys.

The 56-year-old former banker, who led HBOS to the brink of collapse in the global financial crisis, is in the crosshairs at The Restaurant Group (TRG), where he took the helm in 2019.

Shares are down more than 70 per cent in the past two years, having fallen another 15.4 per cent yesterday as his latest attempt to get investors back on side fell on deaf ears.

Underperforming: Andy Hornby (pictured) - who led HBOS to the brink of collapse - is now in the crosshairs at The Restaurant Group, where he took the helm in 2019

Two shareholders in particular  activists Oasis Management and Irenic Capital Management  are agitating for change.

Hong Kong-based Oasis, which has a 6.5 per cent stake in the company, has threatened to push for the removal of Hornby unless things improve.

Gloomy results will have done little to boost Hornbys standing  though his ability to bounce back is renowned, having picked up plum jobs since his acrimonious departure from HBOS.

In an apparent rebuke to Oasis and Irenic, he insisted he was in constant dialogue with all of our top shareholders and momentum there is good.

Hornby set out a three-year clear plan to boost profits and trim debt at TRG, which operates more than 400 restaurants and pubs.

This involves closing 35 loss-making restaurants, which is likely to amount to around 30 per cent of its Frankie & Bennys and Chiquito outlets.

At the same time, Hornby plans to expand the Wagamama business and its pubs division.

TRG reported losses of almost 50million for 2022 as it was hit by rising energy and food costs.

Hornby said consumer demand was certainly better than we were predicting with sales at 883million, up from 636.6million in 2021.

But the stock market verdict was brutal. Shares fell 15.4 per cent, or 6.96p, to 38.36p.

This will not have gone unnoticed by Oasis and Irenic. Last month, Oasis said more of the same ruinous and devastating share price performance is not an option. Irenic is said to have been pushing for the sale of airport concessions and Brunning & Price gastropubs  a move absent from the plan yesterday.

Hornby is well used to criticism. A damming parliamentary report into the demise of HBOS laid most of the blame at the door of his predecessor James Crosby, who set the course for disaster, but also found that Hornby proved unable or unwilling to change course.

Despite the debacle, Hornby went on to land lucrative jobs after leaving the stricken bank.

He was paid 4.1m for two years work at Alliance Boots before quitting unexpectedly.

Within three months he had a senior job at bookmaker Coral and stayed with the company through mergers with rivals Ladbrokes and GVC.

It is thought he earned an 8million windfall when Ladbrokes Coral was sold to GVC.

His earnings at TRG have not been on that scale, picking up just over 2million between taking the job in August 2019 and the end of 2021.
Darktrace boss Poppy Gustafsson has come out fighting after an attack on the cyber firm by an investor and a subsequent financial probe.

The chief executive dismissed recent distractions, saying Darktrace has the greatest integrity.

It came after New York hedge fund Quintessential Capital Management in January said it was deeply sceptical about its finances and accused it of overstated sales figures.

Recent distractions: Poppy Gustafsson (pictured) dismissed 'the attack by hedge fund Quintessential Capital Management', saying Darktrace has the 'greatest integrity'

Darktrace has since commissioned auditor EY to independently review its financial processes.

Darktrace said revenue for the six months to the end of December was up 36 per cent year-on-year to 219.2million.

Profit climbed 33 per cent to 50.5million, smashing analyst forecasts.

It uses artificial intelligence to help firms detect cyber attacks and vulnerabilities.
EY has put a plan to split its audit and consulting businesses on hold after a backlash from partners at a meeting in New York last night.

Bosses at the Big Four firm shelved plans to put the demerger process to a vote after a meeting of senior partners from its US offices.

The break-up proposal - dubbed Project Everest  has been paused while specialist teams attempt to resolve contentions between different factions.

Break-up on hold: Bosses at EY shelved plans to put the demerger process to a vote after a meeting of senior partners from its US offices

EYs partners at its UK offices are set to be informed on the development at a call today.

In the UK, the consultancy must convince three-quarters of its partners to support the proposal.

A ballot had been expected of partners in April or May, although there have been a few postponements of a vote so far.

A spokesman for EY said: We remain committed to the strategic rationale that underpins Project Everest and believe that a deal can and should be done.
One of Dr Charlie Teo's miracle patients has jumped to the brain surgeon's defence as he faces a medical disciplinary hearing about two surgeries he performed that left two patients with catastrophic brain injuries.

A Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) inquiry is investigating the circumstances surrounding the operations, including concerns patients were offered false hope regarding their chance of survival.

But Monica Lopresti, 24, says the idea of Dr Teo being cold, calculating, reckless and money hungry does not resemble her encounters with the surgeon, and credits the maverick for saving her life.

'We were told by other neurosurgeons that they could not help me. But Dr Teo gave my family and me a chance at life that nobody else could give me.'

In July 2021, she was diagnosed with a benign cystic brain tumour which, because of its location, was likely to lead to brain damage or death.

Surgeons told her that the tumour would be inoperable in Australia.

Young brain tumour survivor Monica Lopresti has revealed the heartbreaking reason she is determined to support maverick 'last chance' surgeon Dr Charlie Teo despite troubling allegations against him

Sadly Monica Lopresti's dad Andrew was too sick to seek out the brilliant but controversial surgeon's help by the time the family knew he was an option (Pictured, Christina, Andrew and Monica Lopresti)

'By the time the neurosurgeons my mum had contacted - seven of them - told me they couldn't operate, I was already losing my eyesight.'

The family contacted Dr Teo, who agreed to operate for an undisclosed fee - but in Spain, as he isn't permitted to work here.

'I've heard the claims that Dr Teo demands $50,000 before a surgery. 'That never happened in our situation. He never even mentioned money in any consultation.

'Of course, nothing is for free in life, but this idea that Dr Teo gets a chunk of the money is just false.

'They can't take someone into hospitals before making payment, so we did make payment prior to surgery. We don't want to talk about the specifics of what it cost our family, other than to say it was worth it.

'People pay thousands of dollars for cosmetic surgery and cars and no one questions that. When a patient spends thousands on life-saving surgery - how can you put a price on it?

'But the money wasn't important to Dr Teo, what was important to him was that we knew the risks of the surgery.'

The operation was completed in August 2022, and the surgery was successful giving Ms Lopresti has been given a second chance at life.

'After my surgery was done, I had quite a few surgeons and nurses approach my mum and I, commenting on how they have never seen such delicate and neat work.

'Dr Teo needed access to the middle of my brain and did that with minimal stitches and a scar that was very neat.

'It just goes to show how he thinks outside the box constantly and is always thinking of the patient.

'It's a scar that I am incredibly proud to have and shows the incredible work of what he does.'

She is able to enjoy the same activities as any other normal young person.

'My weekends look like coffee and walks with friends, or movie nights, and like anyone, I spend my days at the beach and love swimming at Bondi beach.

'I live a pretty normal life, and I have Dr Teo to thank for that. I am convinced he was born to save lives.

Ms Lopresti told Daily Mail Australia that she believes anyone with a potentially life-threatening condition who wants to choose a radical approach should have that opportunity.

'Will future doctors and scientists not be innovative because they are afraid of being shunned by their peers?' Ms Lopresti asked.

'It's hard to understand why patients are being denied the right to choose their surgeon.'

'If it's for your life, or the life of your child, what would you do?'

Two months after being diagnosed with a benign but life-threatening tumour in mid 2022 Ms Lopresti was having surgery performed by Charlie Teo in Spain

Ms Lopresti's own father died of a brain tumour in 2014, but was too sick to seek out Dr Teo's help by the time the family knew he was an option.

He died in 2014, two months short of his 46th birthday, after being diagnosed with a glioblastoma, a fast-growing and aggressive type of brain cancer, only ten months earlier.

'Where my dad's tumour was, it took everything away from him,' Ms Lopresti said.

'He had surgery and six months of chemotherapy and radiation. These treatments caused my dad to gain over 40 kilograms. He was not allowed to work, drive or be unsupervised.'

Six months into the treatment, doctors discovered his tumour had grown and explained to the family that it was time to 'make memories' and keep Mr Lopresti comfortable.

'Our family asked my dad if he wanted to seek another opinion, which would be to enquire about seeing Dr Teo, but he was tired, and his wish was just to spend what time he had left with us.'

Today she believes anyone who wants to choose the controversial surgeon should be allowed to.

'I think it should always be up to the individual person and that the decision should ultimately always be theirs.'

Ms Lopresti said she isn't 'hurt or angry' that her father didn't have the energy to pursue Dr Teo's services.

A relieved Ms Lopresti several days after Dr Teo performed brain surgery on her in a Madrid hospital

Andrew Lopresti (pictured above with Monica) died in 2014, two months short of his 46th birthday, after being diagnosed with a glioblastoma, a fast-growing and aggressive type of brain cancer, only 10 months earlier

Ms Lopresti believes no matter how risky Dr Teo's methods are perceived to be, people with brain tumours should have the right to choose whether or not to have surgery with him

Monica was told a tumour blocking the flow of brain fluid in her brain (the scan at right) could give her brain damage or kill her. By the time she was told by seven neurosurgeons nothing could be done she was already losing her sight

'It was really hard seeing my dad fight this horrible disease and in the end my only wish was for him to be out of pain.

'I miss him, and he will always be a part of my life, but I couldn't be more supportive of the decision that he made, because it is what he wanted, and I will always respect that and will always be proud of how courageous he was during his ten months of battling this disease.'

Dr Teo is set to appear before the HCCC hearing again this month.

'The Dr Teo me and my family know is humble, down-to-earth, empathetic, and sweet - a man who listened far more than most doctors I've come across.

'When I met Dr Charlie Teo, we walked into his room, and I felt like for the first time I was being heard.

'He had a lot of knowledge. He recognised all of my symptoms. He made me feel human.

'All the benefits and risks of surgery were properly explained to me by Dr Teo, and I was able to make an informed choice.'

Ms Lopresti joined the Charlie Teo Foundation's brain cancer fundraising campaign last month, announcing her involvement in an emotional Facebook post.

'I am scared for the future that someone will be diagnosed with a brain tumour and might be left to die,' she wrote regarding the restrictions placed on Dr Teo in late 2021.

Monica Lopresti with her mum Christina, who was refused by seven Australian neurosurgeons before Dr Teo said he could operate

Monica Lopresti wonders if Australia's doctors and scientists will avoid innovation because they are afraid of being shunned by their peers

Strict conditions were placed on Dr Teo by the NSW Medical Council after concerns from his peers that his methods were a risk to the public.

He was banned from performing high-risk surgeries in Australia without written approval from a second independent neurosurgeon, forcing him to work overseas.

Dr Teo is now operating in South Africa and Spain.

'Dr Charlie Teo is a true pioneer with a lot of heart, and one of the only doctors out there raising millions of dollars for brain cancer research.'

Ms Lopresti plans to raise money by walking every day 'in memory of my dad' until the end of May and will even be joined by Dr Teo on a walk.
The Greens have proposed a nationwide rent freeze for the next two years to curb the cost of living crisis - rejecting criticism from some experts that the plan could cause trigger a mass landlord sell-off.

The suggested plan comes amid a national cost of living crisis with rents rising seven times quicker than wages - according to a recent analysis - with shocking examples coming to light of landlords even renting out their balconies as rooms in the major cities for $300 a week.

Max Chandler-Mather, a Greens MP for Griffith in Brisbane's south, argues that the controversial policy would provide renters with some stability and relief amid soaring prices across the board.

The minor party are also calling on the government to end no-grounds evictions as part of its suite of proposals - all of which have been blanked by the Labor government.

The Greens have proposed a nationwide rent freeze for the next two years to curb the cost of living crisis

Labor is instead arguing in favour of its Housing Australia Future Fund, injecting $10billion into building 30,000 more homes in the span of five years - which Mr Chandler-Mather argued would provide little to no relief for tenants.

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia about the housing crisis and the government's response, Mr Chandler-Mather said: 'An emergency two-year freeze on rent increases will give everyday renters' incomes a chance to catch up.'

Earlier this week, Mr Chandler-Mather asked a question to Dr Chalmers, referring to recent analysis which determined renters would pay an extra $10billion to landlords this year in rental hikes.

Poll Should the government consider a two-year rent freeze? YES NO Should the government consider a two-year rent freeze? YES 130 votes

NO 193 votes Now share your opinion





He said: 'Will the government finally agree to do the same for rents and put a freeze on rent increases on the National Cabinet agenda as well as doubling rent assistance in the budget to help stop this mounting crisis?'

Dr Chalmers skirted around the question, instead pointing to Labor's housing fund.

'I don't think it's any secret to anyone in this place that we don't have enough rental properties in this country,' Dr Chalmers said.

'Vacancy rates are incredibly low. Rents are far too high.

'We recognise that Australians are under the pump. We recognise that Australian renters are particularly doing it tough in the context of low vacancy rates and unacceptably high rents.

'The best way to deal with that is to build more properties, and that's what we intend to do.'

Mr Chandler-Mather later described the answer as a non-response.

Max Chandler-Mather, a Greens MP for Griffith in Brisbane's south, highlighted the importance of such a policy after recent analysis determined renters would pay an extra $10billion to landlords this year in rental hikes

'The Treasurer didn't answer my question on the rental crisis because Labor doesn't have a single policy to help the millions of renters facing another $10 billion worth of rent increases this year alone,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'Labor's Housing Australia Future Fund does nothing for renters, locks in half a billion dollars in cuts to housing funding, and will see the shortage of social and affordable housing grow to over 680,000 homes in five years.

And on his Facebook page, Mr Chandler-Mather doubled down on that criticism, stating: 'It's time for Labor to stop making decisions that will make the housing crisis worse.'

But there are vocal critics of such measures, who suggest rent freezes actually put tenants at increased risk of long term homelessness.

Propertyology head of research Simon Pressley spoke about the shortfalls of the proposal when it was first raised, explaining that landlords are unlikely to accept any cap on their earning potential.

'Lots of them are already fed up from being consistently squeezed,' he told Your Investment Property.

'Many landlords will sell and tens of thousands of tenants will be displaced and will have nowhere else to go. When that happens, the blood will be on the hands of politicians who refused to support rental supply policies.'

And while the idea is seductive - particularly for tenants - there are concerns that if landlords all suddenly decide against renting them out, it could spell disaster.

Mr Chandler-Mather told Daily Mail Australia even that would be a win-win scenario, and something his party has considered.

Dr Chalmers skirted around the question, instead pointing to Labor's Housing Australia Future Fund, which plans to build more houses. He instead shifted focus to the Future Fund, saying: 'I don't think it's any secret to anyone in this place that we don't have enough rental properties in this country. Vacancy rates are incredibly low. Rents are far too high'

The Greens' proposal would include taxing vacant properties and phasing out negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions in addition to the rent freeze.

As a result, Mr Chandler-Mather said, 'even where an investor tried to leave their property vacant it would be taxed, pushing them to either sell to a renter or rent out their property.

'At the end of the day many people who want to buy their first home are being locked out by sky-high house prices and wealthy investors hoarding properties.

'If investors don't want to see reasonable caps on rents, they can sell their investment properties and allow a renter to buy their first home.'

Dr Chris Martin, Senior Research Fellow from the UNSW City Futures Research Centre, also addressed the proposal last year.

The national vacancy rate is currently sitting at 0.8 per cent

In an article written for the university, Dr Martin argued housing is often utilised as a means to grow wealth, rather than necessity.

'There should be regulation of rents in principle because everyone needs housing, and the consequences of not having it are dire,' he said.

Mr Chandler-Mather surveyed 500 renters in his electorate of Griffith and found that 75 per cent supported freezing further increases.

He said: 'More broadly we have been overwhelmed with messages from renters across the country encouraging us to keep pushing the government to act.'

As part of the plan, following the two-year freeze, landlords would only be permitted to implement a two per cent increase every second year.

The current rental crisis was put on full display last month when a Sydney landlord advertised his balcony as a room available to rent for $300.

The tiny room, which is barely big enough to hold a single bed, generated 'a lot of interest' according to the landlord, who specified the tenant must be 'one boy' and must list their nationality.

A landlord in Sydney asked $300 a week for balcony he's turned into a makeshift 'room' (pictured, the Facebook advert for the room)
A fish and chip shop has thanked locals for their ongoing support after a customer discovered 'hook worms' in her battered hotdog.

Linzi Aitken posted a photo of her weekend treat to Facebook after finding the stomach-churning creature nestled inside the meat.

She had bought the battered snack from Kiwi Fish 'N' Chips in Helenvale on Queensland's Gold Coast and made the disgusting find after a few bites.

'Be warned Kiwi Fish 'N' Chips Helensvale ... definitely won't be ordering again,' she wrote alongside a photo of the offending hotdog.

The shop reassured customers they have stopped selling the hotdogs due to a 'food quality issue that may have happened in the manufacturing process'.

Linzi Aitken posted a photo of her weekend treat to Facebook after finding what appeared to be 'hook worms' nestled inside the meat (pictured)

She had bought the battered snack from Kiwi Fish 'N' Chips in Helenvale (pictured) on Queensland's Gold Coast - which has said

'We have contacted our supplier and stopped selling them the first time we received the feedback from our customer,' the post said.

The owners of the store apologised for the inconvenience and said they were trying to find a substitute for their usual Primo hotdogs.

They have also communicated the issue to the supplier and manufacturer in case the 'problematic' hotdogs were still being sold elsewhere.

The store later said representatives from Primo had come to take samples for their own investigations on Monday.

The owner of the store, CC Dong, said she has been moved by the staggering number of locals who have thrown their support behind the popular takeaway spot this week.

'I feel much relieved by those kind people and support,' she told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday.

'Really appreciate their kindness. What the lady did is not appropriate in my opinion.

'We did the right thing but her posts are misleading and ruined our reputation.'

The owner said she was yet to receive an update from Primo.

Locals were quick to reassure the owners of the store that they would continue to visit the store (pictured are some of their comments)

The owner of the store, CC Dong, has thanked the dozens of locals who have thrown their support behind the popular takeaway spot (pictured) this week

Locals were quick to reassure the owner, who took over the shop with her husband over two years ago, that they would continue to visit the store.

'Your shop is always clean and the food is good,' one woman wrote.

'I have visited your shop many times and I love your fish and chips,' another said.

'Great food from you on a regular basis. We live just up the road and fish and chips is always lovely,' a third commented.

'Well done in posting this, shows your really care about your customers. Things happen in the food industry, good on you for stepping up,' a fourth added.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Primo for comment.
They traveled to Mexico to accompany McGee for a cosmetic tummy tuck surgery when they were caught in gang crossfire in Matamoros

Four U.S. citizens kidnapped by the Gulf Cartel - Latavia McGee, Eric Williams, Zindell Brown and Shaeed Woodard - had lengthy rap sheets

Four U.S. citizens who were kidnapped in Mexico by the notorious criminal and drug syndicate Gulf Cartel have lengthy criminal rap sheets.

Latavia McGee, Eric Williams, Zindell Brown and Shaeed Woodard traveled to the U.S.-Mexico border town Matamoros on Friday when they were caught in crossfire and abducted. Brown and Woodard didn't survive.

DailyMail.com can reveal that Williams was previously busted for 'distributing crack near a school,' while McGee has been slapped with 'unlawful conduct towards a child,' when her daughter tested positive for amphetamines.

Woodard was charged with the 'manufacturing and possession' of drugs and pleaded guilty, while Brown was also charged for 'possession of marijuana or hashish.'

The four were found in a rundown stash house near a place known as La Lagunona in the town of El Tecolote - about six-and-a-half-miles from where they were taken.

Latavia 'Tay' McGee was previously indicted on March 3, 2016 on five counts of unlawful conduct towards a child, a daughter who was eight at the time

Eric Williams was previously busted for 'distributing crack near a school'

Zindell Brown, who was also killed, was accused of domestic violence in the first degree in July 2019, which was determined as Nolle Pro, which means abandoned

Pictured: Shaeed Woodard. Four U.S. citizens who were kidnapped in Mexico by the notorious criminal and drug syndicate Gulf Cartel have lengthy criminal rap sheets

These are the current travel advisories for Mexico from the US government. Only two states - Yucatan and Campeche - are completely free of advisories

Williams was jailed for 18 months in March, 2017, after being busted 12 months earlier for 'distributing' crack cocaine near a school, his arrest affidavit obtained by DailyMail.com reveals.

He was caught in a sting by a confidential informant working for Lake City police department in South Carolina and nailed by video evidence.

Williams was charged with two counts  distribution of cocaine base around March 1, 2016 and distribution of cocaine base within proximity of a school.

Lake City police Major Patrick Miles wrote on the first court arrest report that Williams 'did, while on Carver Street in the city limits of Lake City, willfully and unlawfully violate the South Carolina Drug law.

'The defendant did distribute a quantity of crack cocaine to a confidential informant working with the Lake City Police Department.

'This violation was recorded audio and video and was investigated by the Lake City Police Department Narcotics Division.'

On the second count report, he added: 'This violation did occur within a half mile radius of Ronald E McNair Junior High School and was in session at the time of this incident.'

Williams was given credit for 60 days time served from his sentence. He pleaded guilty to the two counts, resulting in other indictments against him not being prosecuted.

These included another charge of distributing cocaine on March 1, 2016 to the same informant, with a further charge that this was near the high school.

Another indictment was that on June 3, 2016, Williams possessed crack cocaine with intent to distribute it near a school.

His arrest affidavit for the latter charges read that he was seized for 'outstanding narcotic distribution warrants' and had in his possession 'a prescription pill bottle with 50 Adderall pills the bottle did not have the defendant's name on it.'

The list continued: 'Several small plastic bags containing a white rock like substance which filed test positive for cocaine base which was recovered from the defendant.'

Williams was also charged with having a loaded .22 caliber handgun in his right rear pocket while he was being frisked in a Lake City street for weapons in September, 2015. The affidavit said: 'The defendant is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition by state law.'

A soldier stands guard outside the Forensic Medical Service morgue building awaiting the transfer of the bodies of two of the four Americans kidnapped by gunmen to the U.S. border

The Forensic Medical Service morgue building in Matamoros, Mexico where Brown and Woodard will be repatriated back to the U.S. from

It added: 'This incident did occur in the yard of 345 Scott Street, a location that the defendant does not reside at and a location that officers have received numerous complaints of drug activity and prostitution.'

Williams was a teenager when he was charged with burglary.

How four U.S. citizen's were kidnapped 'by accident' by the 'Gulf Cartel' two returning to America in body bags Wednesday March 1 Latavia 'Tay' McGee, Shaeed Woodard, Eric Williams and Zindell Brown depart Lake City, South Carolina, in a white minivan for McGee's tummy tuck Friday March 3 9:18am: Group arrive at Matamoros a town family and friends said McGee had been to before 11:45am: Group are caught in gang crossfire and abducted by people believed to be connected to the Gulf Cartel Saturday March 4 - Monday March 6 The group were then taken to several different locations according to Mexican officials in order to create 'confusion and avoid rescue' Mexican officials saw video footage of the incident emerge, but did not know they were U.S. citizens at this time A search for the group commenced with the help of U.S. counterparts after they identified American license plates Tuesday March 7 7:30am: The group were found in a stash house near a place known as La Lagunona in the town of El Tecolote about six miles from where they had been abducted Officials identified that two of the Americans from the group, Brown and Woodard were deceased, McGee and Williams survived the ordeal The two surviving Americans were taken to the border near Brownsville, Texas for medical treatment The two deceased Americans were taken to a Forensic Medical Service morgue in Matamoros Wednesday March 8 Family members of the victim's speak out about the harrowing kidnapping Brown and Woodard's bodies are prepared to be repatriated back to the U.S. Advertisement

The arrest warrant says that on January 24, 2002, he was with another man 'who did forcibly enter' a residence by pushing out an air conditioner unit from a bedroom window.'

But Williams was spotted, positively identified and charged with second degree burglary. He was 'committed' to South Carolina's Youth Offender Act for no more than five years, meaning supervision.

Kidnap survivor Latavia Washington McGee was indicted on March 3, 2016 on five counts of unlawful conduct towards a child, a daughter who was eight at the time.

The arrest warrant said the girl tested positive for drugs on March 2, 2016 after a sample of her hair was collected for analysis after social services became involved in the child's welfare.

It stated: 'The child tested positive for amphetamines, cannabinoids, and native THC (marijuana).'

The five counts said Washington placed the girl at 'unreasonable risk of harm, affecting the child's life, physical or mental health or safety'.

Washington was given an original sentence of five years in jail, which was suspended.

She was then given a credit of two served at the State Department of Corrections, put on probation for three years and made subject to random drug and alcohol testing at least four times a year.

Shaeed Woodard, who was killed in the horror, had lengthy drug charge sheet with records showing he pleaded guilty to drugs manufacture or possession in September 2015 and was sentenced to 100 days in January 2016  which was taken as time already served.

The marijuana bust arrest warrant on the street said he was carrying 'several clear plastic bags of various size and weight that is consistent with distribution the marijuana was pre-packaged in several clear plastic baggies.

'The marijuana was recovered from the defendant's during a frisk for weapons.'

Woodard also spent 72 days in jail in 2009 for his part in a burglary after admitting scaling the roof of a building with two others and getting into a store in East Main St, Lake City in January of that year.

The trio had grabbed clothing and were attempting to flee when they were grabbed by patrol cops.

Lt Roger Tilton wrote on the arrest affidavit for the then 19-year-old: 'The defendant and two co-defendants did unlawfully enter the business known as Downtown Fashions the defendant and co-defendants did climb on the roof of the building and enter the store through the air ducts.

'Once inside they placed several items of clothing and apparel into a white trash bag and attempted to leave the store.

'They were apprehended by patrol officers as they fled the area. The defendant admitting his part in this incident.'

Military personnel kept watch at the scene where authorities found the bodies

24-year-old Jose 'N' was arrested in connection with the incident Mexican officials say he was in charge of monitoring the victims

Forensic technicians were seen working at the scene where authorities found the bodies of two of four Americans kidnapped by gunmen

FBI units escort two Brownsville Fire Department EMS Ambulances through Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates with the two surviving U.S. citizens who were kidnapped on March 3

His original sentence for third degree burglary was no more than five years in the State Department of Corrections under South Carolina's Youthful Offenders Act, which was reduced to 18 months on probation with 72 days of time served taken into account. He was also ordered to have weekly drug and alcohol tests for the first six months.

But in October of 2009, Woodard found himself in trouble again for receiving stolen goods with a value less than $1,000. He admitted the offence and in April, 2010 was sentenced to 180 days in the Florence County Detention Center, which he had already served.

An accusation of a violent burglary in July 2007 was handled with a Nolle Pro ruling, meaning it was abandoned.

In March, 2008 he was arrested for having marijuana. Several other drugs allegations were dismissed and not indicted.

He was also accused in the September 2015 of a catch-all charge of distributing, selling or manufacturing a controlled substance near a school, which was dismissed.

Zindell Brown, who was also killed, was accused of domestic violence in the first degree in July 2019, which was determined as Nolle Pro, which means abandoned.

A domestic violence charge in the second degree from the same date was remanded to the magistrates family court in Florence, South Carolina.

The count alleged that he attacked a 'household member' Terrane Moore by 'wrapping a phone cord around her neck and strangling her with it, impeding her breathing and airflow, and causing lasting physical injuries.

A previous domestic violence in the second degree accusation a year before was dismissed and not indicted, according to court documents.

The nightmare trip to Mexico had been for McGee's cosmetic tummy tuck surgery relatives claiming the group traveled together to share the driving load.

Local outlets have reported a fifth had been with the group before she was denied entry at the border for not having the correct identification documents.

Family members of Brown revealed that he had been reluctant to travel south of the border.

'Zindell kept saying, 'We shouldn't go down,' Brown's sister Zalandria said in a phone interview with AP.

Zalandria, who lives in Florence, SC, said his death has been 'like a bad dream you wish you could wake up from.'

'To see a member of your family thrown in the back of a truck and dragged, it is just unbelievable,' she added.

Brown and Woodard's bodies were repatriated back to the U.S. on Wednesday from a Forensic Medical Service morgue in Matamoros.

Pictures from the moment of their capture have started to circulate online showing the group at the back of a vehicle

When rescued - McGee was seen barefoot and covered in dirt - the trauma of the incident evident on her face.

She survived the ordeal with Williams who was shot in the left leg, according to Mexican officials, the others did not survive.

Mexican officials said they believe the incident could have been a case of 'mistaken identity' and could be connected to the notorious 'Gulf Cartel' who are prominent in the region.

At least one person has been arrested in connection with the incident and the surviving Americans were taken to the border near Brownsville, Texas, in a convoy of Mexican ambulances and SUVs on Tuesday.

They were then delivered to U.S. consulate officials.

Williams, who survived with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds to his legs, had not told his wife Michelle that he'd been traveling outside of the country.

'I didn't know that he was traveling to Mexico,' she told WBTW. 'I just knew he was going somewhere to help two friends.'

She said she had not heard from him since Friday, explaining how he texted her in the morning 'and I texted him back immediately.

La Kena or Ciclon 19, the leader of the Gulf Cartel

'He didn't respond,' Michelle revealed.

'He didn't respond to our son either, so I'm going to assume that's when they were ambushed.'

She added: 'I highly doubt they thought this could have happened to them.'

In a press conference on Tuesday afternoon the Governor of Tamaulipas, Americo Villarreal Anaya, who broke news of the two surviving Americans at a separate press conference in the morning, confirmed the identity of the person arrested.

'24-year-old Jose 'N' was arrested. He was in charge of monitoring the victims,' he said, noting the victims 'were found in a house near a place known as La Lagunona in the town of El Tecolote in Matamoros.

'During the three days after the criminal act, the four people were transferred to various places, including a clinic in order to create confusion and avoid rescue work,' he said.

Officials in Mexico would not confirm whether the person detained in relation to the kidnapping is related to the criminal organization 'Gulf Cartel,' which is known to operate in the region.

Mexican officials said that the group arrived in Matamoros at 9:18am and were caught up in the terrifying ambush, hours after arriving in town, at 11:45am.

Tamaulipas State Attorney General Irving Barrios said that information related to the kidnapping surfaced online and that videos and pictures shared by people helped in the rescue.

At the time authorities didn't know that the victims were Americans, he added.

Once officials had identified U.S. license plates on the minivan the group had been traveling in, Mexican authorities reached out to their U.S. counterparts.

The Governor of Tamaulipas, Americo Villarreal Anaya, confirmed the condition of four kidnapped Americans over a phone call during President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's press conference on Tuesday. Two are dead, two alive - one wounded

Lativa 'Tay' McGee was found uninjured after she, her cousin and two friends were kidnapped. The mother-of-five was seen without shoes after surviving the tragic incident along with friend Eric Williams who was shot in the left leg

Mexican authorities are seen here investigating the white SUV McGee and her friends drove to the country in

Mexican authorities said they were able to scan public surveillance cameras in the area to determine 'the number of cartel vehicles that were involved in the attack.'

He said that they scanned medical facilities in Matamoros in hopes of finding the kidnapping victims earlier but to no avail.

Defense Secretary General Louis Sandoval was asked about kidnappings on both sides of the border, especially in the U.S. where victims are then taken into Mexico to seek ransom.

'Tamaulipas has been a state where violence, the presence of groups has been important,' he said.

'It should be noted during the current administration a security strategy was established and very specific objectives were set for Tamaulipas, for the border, to take care of the border.

'The security strategy that was implemented has given very good results, I don't have the stats here right now, but the number of intentional homicides has dropped in Tamaulipas thanks to this strategy.

'The participation of the army, the strategy of the air force has been important.'

Governor Americo Villarreal said that there has been close attention on the incident and medical support was provided to surviving victims while the Mexican president vowed those responsible will be 'punished.'

'Those responsible are going to be found, they are going to be punished,' President Lopez Obrador said.

The Tamaulipas State Attorney General's Office said that the four American citizens were found at about 7:30am Tuesday, four days after going missing.

In the lead up to the rescue, Mexican newspaper Milenio cites law enforcement officials were investigating whether the group was kidnapped by members of the 'Gulf Cartel,' a notoriously violent gang run by a feared leader known as La Kena.

Former Attorney General Bill Barr said the US authorities should treat the gangs the same way they do ISIS when negotiating for Americans' release.

'They are terrorists,' he said during an appearance on Fox News last night.

'The Mexican government is being held hostage by tens of thousands of paramilitary members of terrorist organizations that effectively control Mexico.'

And as spring breakers pack their bikinis and sunglasses to hit the beach in Mexico, the US government has urged citizens to avoid cartel hotspots amid a spike in violence.

'It's pretty close at this stage to a failed narco-state,' he said.

'They can use violence and oceans of cash to corrupt the government. The government has no will, and it doesn't have the ability to deal with the cartels.'

Republican representatives Dan Crenshaw, of Texas, and Michael Waltz, of Florida, recently introduced a bill that would give Biden 'authority to use the U.S. military against these cartels in Mexico.'

In response, Ricardo Monreal tweeted the following yesterday: 'My response to the representative from Texas @DanCrenshawTX is direct and clear: I reject all foreign interference in the internal affairs of Mexico, and also the claim to apply United States laws in our country. It's called 'Sovereignty.' Even if Crenshaw doesn't get it.'

Le Kena leads the Gulf Cartel and is also known as Ciclon 19. His real name is Alberto Garcia Vilano.

Mexican authorities have been hunting him for months and are offering a reward of 2.5million pesos for any information that could lead to his arrest.

White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Monday during a news briefing that the Biden administration had been 'closely following the assault and kidnapping of four U.S. citizens.'

'These sorts of attacks are unacceptable,' she said, adding that U.S. law enforcement was in touch with Mexican authorities, as were the departments of State and Homeland Security.

McGee (pictured) was seen in the back of an ambulance before being transported to Texas after the brutal kidnapping that officials believe was a case of 'mistaken identity'

McGee was seen wiping her eyes with a tissue as Williams - who was shot in the left leg, but also survived the ordeal - was treated in the back of the emergency vehicle

The FBI and Mexican law enforcement are investigating, with the bureau asking the public for information leading to arrests.

The State Department has a 'Do Not Travel' warning in place for Tamaulipas state due to 'crime and kidnapping.'

It said organized crime activity, including gun battles, armed robberies and kidnappings, are common along the border and in Ciudad Victoria.

'Criminal groups target public and private passenger buses, as well as private automobiles traveling through Tamaulipas, often taking passengers and demanding ransom payments,' the warning states.
Women have always been helping usher humanity into a better life since the dawn of time. Even in the past when technology was still in its infancy, women inventors helped lead the charge for us to have the things we normally take for granted today.

However, there are also women in modern times (1946-present) that helped humanity advance technology further.

Here are some of those women inventors that helped make the world a better place through their inventions:

Grace Hopper - First Computer Compiler

Grace Murray Hopper, was an American mathematician, and rear admiral in the US Navy born in Dec. 1906 in New York City, per the National Women's History Museum. She had an interest in engineering at a young age - a trait she carried well into her academic life to become a doctor and professor of mathematics at Vassar College and in the US Navy as a Lieutenant and a member of Harvard's Bureau of Ordnance Computation Project.

People may know that Hopper, along with Howard Aiken, designed Harvard's Mark 1 computer, the first fully functional computer in the world at the time, per the Encyclopedia Britannica. However, what many didn't know is that Hopper was the inventor of the compiler that translated written language into computer code and even coined the term "bug" and "debugging."

Ann Tsukamoto - Stem Cell Isolation

Ann Tsukamoto may not be a familiar name to many people, but her invention, despite being abstract, does the talking for her. Born in the summer of 1952 in California, she attended the University of California San Diego and received her undergraduate degree there, per Novax Network. She then continued her studies at the University of California Los Angeles to become a doctor in immunology and microbiology/

It was thanks to her education that she focused on researching stem cells and formed a team that would later find a way to isolate blood-forming stem cells in 1991, saving many lives back then, now, and in the future, per St. Mary's College.

According to The Inventors, understanding how stem cells grow or how they might be artificially reproduced is vital to cancer research as they serve as the foundation for the growth of red and white blood cells.

Marion Donovan - Modern Diapers

Do you remember those cartoons that have toddlers wearing cloth diapers with safety pins keeping them together? believe it or not, that's what moms would do to keep their babies' refuse from making a mess whenever they have to go. Unfortunately, cloth diapers aren't the easiest to put on and clean, especially when it's all dirty.

Read More: Acer Confirms Theft of 160GB of Data Following Data Breach - Are Customers Safe?

Thankfully, a mother that doubles as an inventor can up with the diapers we grew up with.

Marion Donovan, birth name Marion O'Brien, doesn't look like your typical inventor. According to the Massachusetts Insitute of Technology, she finished undergrad with a BA in English Literature and worked as Assistant Beauty Editor at Vogue Magazine despite being surrounded by machinery and automobile gears during her childhood.

However, being a mother brought the family's innate sense of inventiveness out of her to solve the problem that is keeping cloth diapers from leaking and being soiled too many times as possible.

She then came up with creating a diaper made from pieces of her shower curtain sewn into a waterproof diaper cover with snaps instead of safety pins. This prototype led her to make a diaper from breathable parachute cloth and an absorbent diaper panel to create the basis of the diaper we know today, per the Smithsonian Magazine.

Stephanie Kwolek - Kevlar

Kevlar - has saved many a life be it from the military, police, private security, or your average gamer. This super-strong plastic (simply put) may be strong, but it's light enough to be woven into clothing and other items, providing them a strong protective barrier against slashes, cuts, and punctures, per DuPont.

However, kevlar wouldn't have been discovered without the efforts of one Stephanie Kwolek, whose mind led to the creation of Kevlar.

Kwolek was born in New Kensington, Pennsylvania in 1923 and inherited a love of fabrics and sewing from her mother, though she later became interested in chemistry and medicine in her later years, per Science History.

During her 40s, DuPont asked her to find the next generation of fibers that can perform in extreme conditions. It took quite a lot of effort until she unexpectedly discovered a solution that could be spun directly into oriented fibers of very high strength and stiffness - the basis of Kevlar.

Maria Telkes - Solar Heating System

Having solar power may sound swank, but knowing what to do with that power is something that would be impossible to do without Maria Telkes.

Telkes was born in Budapest, Hungary in December 1900 and studied physical chemistry for her undergrad studies and physical chemistry for her doctorate degree at the city's university, per Al Jazeera and Ecyclopedia.com.

During her early years, she expressed a fascination with capturing energy from the sun - an idea she kept close to her heart since she was a high school student. During World War 2, the US government asked Telkes to create a portable method of converting salt water to clean drinking water, and Telkes made one that uses the sun's heat to vaporize salt water - the first solar still.

She then researched and designed a new solar heating system that converts solar heat into chemical energy through the crystallization of sodium sulfate located inside the walls of the house, producing efficient and cost-effective heat for the entire house to keep it warm even during the cold Massachusetts winter.

Related Article: Women's Month: Here Are 5 Women That Changed the World With Their Inventions
President Biden and Speaker Kevin McCarthy so far have no plans to meet again to talk budget negotiations ahead of a June deadline that could trigger a debt default, the California Republican told reporters.

Biden is set to unveil his budget on Thursday - and the GOP's budget is expected to come out sometime in April.

McCarthy has knocked Biden for blowing past a February deadline to unveil the budget while Biden has pressed the speaker to release his own plans for spending.

'One of the biggest challenges we have is the disappointment of the president being so delayed in doing his budget,' McCarthy said, asked when Republicans would detail their own plans.

'One of the biggest challenges we have is the disappointment of the president being so delayed in doing his budget,' McCarthy said, asked when Republicans would detail their own plans

McCarthy claimed Republicans could not work on their own budget until seeing the Democratic framework. 'We'll analyze this budget and then we'll get to work on our budget.'

McCarthy said he believed there could be 'common ground' but 'there won't be new taxes.' Biden's deficit reduction provisions are expected to rely heavily on new taxes on the wealthy.

The speaker would give no other details about what will be included in the GOP budget or when exactly it would be released.

Biden's White House has hit at Republicans for huddling with former Trump budget official Russell Vought, and Vought confirmed to the New York Times he is advising them on cuts to a 'woke and weaponized government.'

Vought has reportedly proposed a 45% cut in foreign aid, work requirements for Americans on food stamps or Medicaid, and a 43% slash in housing programs and a 29% cut to the Department of Health and Human Services.

McCarthy also said Biden has not called him to set up a second meeting to talk budget - and urged him to do so soon.

'He hasn't reached back out. He told me once that he would,' the speaker told reporters.

'I believe eventually he will but that's a month wasted. That's a month that brings more doubt financial, that's a month that hurts Americans. The sooner we get together, the better off all America will be so looking forward to him being willing to sit down and be able to move this forward.'

Meanwhile Phil Swagel, director of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) gave a full House briefing Wednesday to discuss the budget outlook and implications of the national debt.

Rep. Greg Murphy, R-N.C., told DailyMail.com it a 'good bipartisan meeting' where the CBO director was 'firm that debt is a real problem.'

The nation hit its $31.4 trillion borrowing limit in January, prompting the Treasury to take 'extraordinary measures' to extend the deadline for the government to run out of money until June. Congress must now act to raise the debt limit.

Congressional Budget Office predictions CBO projects US will pay $10 trillion in interest on national debt over the next 10 years CBO projects annual budget deficits will approach $2 trillion between 2024 and 2033, approaching pandemic-era records within the decade CBO said Congress could 'nearly stabilize' growth of federal debt by reducing deficits by $500 billion per year, amounting to a decade-long savings of $5 trillion Biden has said his budget would reduce deficit by $2 trillion over the next decade, mostly through tax hikes on the wealthy The Republican budget is expected to reduce deficit by $1.5 trillion over decade Advertisement

Speaker Kevin McCarthy has insisted the GOP-led House will not agree to increase the debt limit unless there are cuts in the FY 2024 budget. President Biden has stood stalwart against negotiating on the debt limit.

In its annual budget outlook last month, CBO projected interest payments on the national debt would reach $10 trillion over the next 10 years. It found that combined spending on Social Security and Medicare would almost double by 2033 - pushing $4 trillion and making up 10 percent of economic output.

President Biden is expected to release his budget on Thursday -- and he says it will include $3 trillion in deficit reduction, mostly funded by tax increases on the wealthy. House Republicans will release their own budget mid-April. They have been eyeing $150 billion in non-defense discretionary spending cuts to save $1.5 trillion over a decade and hold yearly spending increases to 1%.

In a post on the CBO's website this week Swagel said Congress could 'nearly stabilize' growth of the debt by reducing deficits by an average of $500 billion a year for a $5 trillion savings over the next decade-- far steeper cuts than either party is considering.

Meanwhile House Ways and Means Republicans are drafting a plan B for if McCarthy and Biden maintain their stalemate over the debt ceiling, edging the nation closer to a default.

The committee announced on Thursday it would take up a measure that would allow the Treasury to continue borrowing money to pay interest on the national debt if both parties cannot come to a budget agreement before funds run out -- a sign that suggests they are not entirely confident the two sides will find agreement.
James Fidele, 37, left his son in a hot car for over five hours, leading to his death

A Florida father has been arrested after his two-year-old son died when he left the youngster in a sweltering hot car for over five hours.

Emergency services rushed to the scene in Port St. Lucie after James Fidele, 37, called 911 claiming he forgot to take the toddler out of his SUV on Monday, March 6.

After the child was rushed to a nearby hospital, he was tragically pronounced dead after registering a body temperature of 107 degrees.

Investigators say Fidele admitted he had left the child in the car since 8:00am after dropping his four other children, aged between seven and 15, at school for the day.

He made the nightmarish discovery of the toddler unconscious inside the back of his hot car when he went to retrieve a package from the vehicle at 1:15pm, over five hours after he returned home.

James Fidele, 37, is facing up to five years behind bars after he was charged with leaving his 2-year-old son unattended in a hot car

The toddler was rushed to St Lucie Medical Center, but he was tragically pronounced dead after registering a body temperature of 107 degrees

Despite Fidele being the one to call for the police, investigators say his SUV is equipped with a rear seat reminder alert that would have notified him that he left his child inside.

They also claim that a Ring doorbell camera from one of his neighbors shows that he had 'no urgency' when he found his son in the third row of the SUV's back seats.

Fidele reportedly revealed to investigators that upon discovering the toddler, he was unconscious but still had his eyes open.

An arrest report by the Port St. Lucie Police Department said that Fidele was instructed over the phone to begin CPR on his son while paramedics raced to the scene.

But by the time the boy had been taken to St Lucie Medical Center, he registered a body temperature of well over 100 degrees, leading to his death, the report states.

'This is a very unfortunate and tragic incident, and our thoughts and prayers are with the victim's family during this difficult time,' law enforcement said in a news release.

Following his arrest, Fidele is currently being held at the St. Lucie County Jail, facing charges of leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle causing great bodily harm.

The offense is a felony in the state of Florida, and carries a maximum prison sentence of five years alongside a $5,000 fine.

According to authorities, Fidele said he had been responsible for taking the children to school because he and his girlfriend were sharing a car as his was 'in the shop'.

Despite being told that he had an alarm that would have told him he had left a child in the car, the 37-year-old dad admitted to police he never paid attention to the warning.

According to weather forecaster AccuWeather, the temperature in Port St. Lucie, Florida on the day of the tragedy was up to 83 degrees Fahrenheit.

The tragedy in Port St. Lucie, Florida, unfolded on Monday, March 6

The tragedy is one of more than 1000 such instances of children dying after being left in hot cars in the US since 1990.

Nearly 87 percent of these deaths are children aged three or under, and authorities have pursued criminal charges in 58.2 percent of cases, according to data from The Journalist's Resource.

Janette Fennell, president and founder of nonprofit Kids and Car Safety, told WPBF that the tragedy 'can happen to absolutely anyone'.

However, she insisted that there are measures parents can take to avoid it from happening.

'If you place something in your back seat like your cell phone, or handbag, when youre leaving in the morning with your child, when you arrive at your destination, that will cause you to open up the back door,' Fennell said.

'Look before you lock.'
JK Rowling is explaining herself. It's time her detractors listen.

Her message, as she says in the fourth episode of 'The Witch Trials of JK Rowling' podcast: Transgender identity is real. She is sympathetic.

You'd think this would generate headlines  JK Rowling, public enemy number one of the trans community, countering her critics. But no.

Rowling offers her nuanced thoughts in this podcast, informed by voluminous reading and research and her own past as well: an abused wife, pregnant and in fear for her life, her baby, and her first Potter manuscript, which she says was held hostage by her then-husband.

As a tortured teenager who questioned her own femininity and sexuality. As a woman worried for other women who feel they are being systematically marginalized, threatened, and silenced, but who cannot afford  literally, financially  to speak up.

'Did I want to join the public conversation?' she asks. 'Yes... because I was watching women being shut down. And it was as though there was no woman perfect enough to say her piece.'

She knew well what would happen.

'There were people close to me,' she says, 'who were BEGGING me not to do it . . . they'd watched what had happened to other public figures and there was certainly a feeling of, 'This is not a wise thing to do; don't do it.'

We've never heard Rowling reveal so much of herself and her thought processes, and it's fascinating. What she has to say can't be boiled down to a tweet or a like on Instagram, and hallelujah  someone in the public square courageously demanding conversation and debate. As grown-ups should.

Apparently, the Potter books are no longer regarded as proof, so it must be said: Rowling possesses a sharp, unique, provocative mind. She is all too self-aware. She deserves much more than being treated as a caricature in much of mainstream and social media. Yet even this podcast, a valuable addition to what should be respectful and informed debate, has been dismissed in the usual outlets.

You'd think this would generate headlines  JK Rowling, public enemy number one of the trans community, countering her critics. But no.

Her message, as she says in the fourth episode of 'The Witch Trials of JK Rowling' podcast: Transgender identity is real. She is sympathetic.

'Exhausting,' said Monica Hesse in the Washington Post. Hesse couldn't point to any one thing Rowling has ever said that's transphobic, but the author, Hesse wrote, nonetheless has 'a fuzzy aura of harmful rhetoric.'

New York magazine, Vulture: 'Can Anyone Trust the Witch Trials of JK Rowling?' Podcast critic Nicholas Quah, after listening to just the first two episodes, decried the concept of actually letting Rowling explain herself: 'That Rowling's perspective so utterly dominates the podcast's opening stages is incredibly frustrating,' Quah writes.

Wow. The whole point of this podcast is to examine how the most beloved author of our era has become the subject  I doubt Rowling would ever use the word 'victim'  of an international witch hunt, online and off.

Would Quah have written the same sentence about a complicated, misunderstood man? Displayed  ostensibly anathema to a critic  an already closed mind?

Episode four delves into the surging rates of tweens and teens transitioning  a sudden surge in biological girls identifying as boys especially  and a medical community all too willing to put these children on puberty blockers or remove breasts or alter genitalia without comprehensive psychological evaluations.

Teenagers who later decide to de-transition face very real consequences: Biological girls face infertility. Biological boys may never experience an orgasm. But to investigate social contagion, the valorization some parents take in having a trans child, the phenomenon of detransitioning  the numbers, the reasons why, the ages at which this is most common  is to be transphobic.

Frankly, that's insane. Rowling's not alone here, and there's no doubt her outspokenness is encouraging others.

Take Jamie Reed, a 42-year-old self-identified queer woman, politically to the left of Bernie Sanders, married to a transman, and a recent whistleblower who quit her job at The Washington University Transgender Center at St. Louis Hospital last November.

To investigate social contagion, the valorization some parents take in having a trans child, the phenomenon of detransitioning  the numbers, the reasons why, the ages at which this is most common  is to be transphobic. Frankly, that's insane.

'I could no longer participate in what was happening there,' Reed wrote in the Free Press. 'By the time I departed, I was certain that the way the American medical system is treating these patients is the opposite of the promise we make to 'do no harm.' Instead, we are permanently harming the vulnerable patients in our care.'

Then there's former University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines, speaking out about the essential unfairness of competing against those born biologically male and biological female athletes no longer having their own locker rooms  their own safe space. She said last month that she has received multiple private messages of thanks and endorsement from elite male and female athletes, but is disheartened by their reluctance to go public.

'Now I realize these private thanks,' Gaines said, 'make them responsible for this continuing and advancing as it has.'

You only need to look at the faces of any female swimmer competing against Lia Thomas, a trans female, as they lose and lose again to someone with greater wingspan and lung capacity and upper body strength: The futility, the pain, the utter disconsolation at never having a chance in their chosen sport, one that required enormous personal and financial sacrifice, afraid to express their anger because the mainstream media is cheering this on as a heartwarming story.

JK Rowling is shifting the conversation. The BBC, which airs the series 'Strike' based on Rowling's adult detective novels (published under her pen name Robert Galbraith), apologized twice to the author last month for not defending her against charges of transphobia. They have renewed 'Strike' for a sixth season and have made it clear: The BBC stands with her.

In Finland, Sweden and the UK, there has been a sharp pullback on medical interventions for kids who identify as trans. Last July, Britain's National Health announced Tavistock, the UK's only clinic for transgender youth, would close in favor of new, smaller centers and protocols. Too many children, said Dr. Hilary Cass, head of the Tavistock review, are 'at considerable risk' of depression and impaired mental health. One clinic alone, Cass said, is not 'a safe or viable long-term option.'

Even The New York Times is coming around, recently publishing an op-ed titled 'In Defense of JK Rowling.'

'The campaign against Rowling is as dangerous as it is absurd,' columnist Pamela Paul wrote last month. 'The brutal stabbing of Salman Rushdie last summer is a forceful reminder of what can happen when writers are demonized. And in Rowling's case, the characterization of her as a transphobe doesn't square with her actual views.'

Take Jamie Reed (above), a 42-year-old self-identified queer woman, politically to the left of Bernie Sanders, married to a transman, and a recent whistleblower who quit her job at The Washington University Transgender Center at St. Louis Hospital last November.

The notion that the Times would publish such a defense, rather than fold to woke junior staffers having philosophical seizures on Slack, would have been unthinkable a year ago. Now, top editors at the Times, it seems, have begun regenerating their spinal columns, telling staff that there is now zero tolerance for its own journalists protesting the way the Times covers this issue in all its complexity.

Thank JK Rowling. She's not just encouraging others to summon their courage. She's forcing them to admit -- she has some valid points

In this podcast episode, Rowling addresses the costs not just to biological women but to young kids. Here she shares her own private torment as a confused young girl and adolescent:

'I grew up in what I would say was quite a misogynistic household,' Rowling says. 'Like all young girls, I grew up with certain standards of beauty and ideas of femininity, and I felt I didn't fit into either of those groups. I didn't feel particularly feminine . . . I looked very androgynous at 11 and 12. I had short hair.'

She says she felt the very common anxiety young girls do as their bodies change, as they develop and get their periods, as their bodies become something boys and men observe in new ways  ways that can carry shame or ambivalence, a wish to stop what's happening.

'It's very difficult to cope with that,' Rowling says. 'I questioned my sexuality. I'm thinking, 'Well, I can tell my friends are pretty  does that mean I'm gay?' Which I think is very common. I grew up to be a straight woman, but I've never forgotten that feeling of anxiety around my body . . . Having felt like an outsider in several different ways in my life, I have a real feeling for the underdog. And I have a real feeling for people who feel that they don't fit. And I see that, hugely, particularly, among younger trans people. I can understand that feeling only too well.'

JK Rowling is speaking. The tide is turning. Will her most vehement critics begin to admit fault?
Treasury has admitted the Albanese government's proposed crackdown on franking credits could be seen as a tax hike by stealth in a particularly touchy area for Labor already battling accusations they are breaking electoral promises.

The government introduced a bill last month into parliament that seeks to restrict the ability of companies to distribute franking credits to shareholders as part of an off-market share buyback or capital raising.

Franking credits prevent shareholders from being taxed twice. They offset the amount of tax a share investor pays because the dividends they receive come out of profits, which have already been taxed at the 30 per cent company rate.

The new measures, which will reap $600million, attracted overwhelmingly negative public feedback labelling them a tax increase or 'winding back' of franking credits, according to documents released under Freedom of Information to the opposition.

In talking points for Treasury officials appearing before Senate estimates hearings following the October budget the department admitted 'there were significant concerns raised by the public' in around 2000 submissions.

'Concerns were raised over retrospectivity, policy objective and potential for the legislation as drafted to capture legitimate commercial practices,' the documents say.

'Treasury is considering the issues raised.'

Treasury went on to say that shareholders benefitting from credits attached to off-market could argue the new policy 'is effectively a tax increase or a winding back of dividend imputation'.

Labor's proposals treat off-market share buybacks the same way as on-market buy-backs, which would net the budget $550m a year.

On-market buybacks are when a company buys its shares through an exchange, such as the ASX, whereas off-market buybacks are when a company will offer to buy shares back directly from the shareholder.

Labor's proposals would most potentially affect those living off investment income who are often over 75, superannuation funds and charities.

Anthony Albanese's (pictured with partner Jodie Haydon) government has been accused of breaking another election promise with major changes to franking credits set to be announced

With Labor already copping flak over its proposed increase in superannuation tax the opposition has seized on the new measures, which the former Coalition government proposed but backed away from, as another broken promise.

Shadow treasurer Angus Taylor said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers promised to keep their hands off franking credits to get into office.

'The Prime Minister and the Treasurer went to the election promising Australians that they 'wouldn't touch' franking credits and yet in 10 months they've added two tax grabs on Australian shareholders,' Mr Taylor said.

'This is just another tax on super. Another tax on Australians' retirement savings. And another broken promise on tax.

'Whether it is franking credits or superannuation, Labor can't control its spending and so it's going after the hard-earned dollars of Australians to pay for its pet projects.'

The Albanese government has labelled the new measures as 'integrity' ones that close loopholes mainly exploited by big companies and institutional investors.

'We took into consideration all of the matters raised, including the significant number of campaign replies,' Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones said.

'The vast majority of investors will be completely unaffected, and will continue to receive their franked distributions.'

Aussies aged over 75, Australian super funds and companies, and charities have been found to benefit the most from franking credits

Labor would have cause to be jittery because any tinkering with franking credits could raise the unwelcome spectre of the 2019 election.

Under then leader Bill Shorten Labor was at short odds to beat the Coalition led by its third prime minister in six years, Scott Morrison.

However, it turned into a shock defeat with Mr Shorten himself largely blaming the anxiety raised among retired 'mum and dad' in vestors by Labor's more to end franking credits.

For the the May 2022 election Mr Albanese vowed there would no changes to superannuation.

But late last month, he announced his Labor government would stop Australians with more than $3million in super from being able to make contributions and pay a concessional rate of just 15 per cent, from July 1, 2025 after the next federal poll.
A new mural has already replaced the scandalous bear

A street artist with a reputation for creating controversial murals has described the hatred towards his latest piece as being 'on a new level' after it was defaced just hours after he finished it and he suffered weeks of death threats.

Scottie Marsh, a well-known Sydney artist, addressed the debate around his WorldPride-inspired mural outside Wynyard Station, which depicted a hairy man wearing a leather harness and a teddy bear mask as he drank a White Russian on a dilapidated couch.

The mural was finished by Marsh around February 22 before being splashed with black and grey paint a day later.

Vandals also spray painted 'leave the kids alone' in bright red letters.

Marsh replaced the mural this week with rainbow letters reading 'Art happens' and took to Instagram on Wednesday night to address the controversy.

Scottie Marsh (pictured) responded to critics of his latest artwork on Instagram

The artwork was defaced a day after Marsh finished it in a number of attacks

Wynyard Street's new bus stop backdrop now reads 'ART HAPPENS' written in rainbow over a plain black background

'I accept that people have different tastes, thresholds and values to myself and over time ... I'm going to piss off certain groups, it's part of the process,' Marsh wrote.

While the street artist said labelling it as being in 'poor taste' or asking for it to be painted over were 'perfectly valid positions', death threats and calling him a paedophile were not.

'I'm no stranger to criticism, people attacking my work and even death threats but this has been on a new level,' he said.

Marsh said there was 'no world' in which he could've predicted the response to his mural.

'If Im perfectly honest I didn't think it was a controversial work at all,' he wrote.

'In my opinion you see more nudity and suggestive outfits going for a swim at North Bondi.'

Marsh also revealed the mural was initially supposed to be Russian President Vladimir Putin pictured as a gay 'Bear' - a term of endearment to describe large, hairy gay men - however that idea was vetoed by the building owner.

'The original concept (Putin as a Gay "Bear") was vetoed by the property owner on the day I was to begin painting,' Mr Marsh explained in his response to the outrage

The mural depicted the nearly-naked man wearing bondage, drinking beer with a teddy bear mask near Sydney's busiest bus stop

'The mural was never aimed at or painted for children,' he said.

'In saying that if I had seen the Balenciaga campaign before painting I would have adjusted some of the imagery to avoid that association, sometimes you miss things, thats just the way it goes.'

Marsh said the bear mural was another example of the 'long and shameful history' of linking homosexuality to paedophilia.

'It was in no way my intention to lance that boil on the eve of pride and I feel horrible for anyone who copped sh*t or was triggered by the amount of hate that flooded up to the surface due to this work,' he said.

'Pride is a time for celebration not for pure hate.'

Balenciaga was hit with controversy in November last year after running a global fashion campaign featuring children with stuffed bears in bondage.

Balenciaga faced an eerily similar controversy after a fashion campaign featuring children with stuffed bears in bondage

This isn't the first time Marsh has seen his murals vandalised.

In 2016, his tribute piece to the late George Michael depicted as a Christian saint was quickly covered in black paint in Sydney's inner-west suburb of Erskineville.

A local teen was fined $14,000 and handed 300 hours of community service for the vandalism which the criminal claimed was done to 'defend his religion'.

The following year, Marsh's mural of a near-naked Cardinal George Pell in the neighbouring suburb of Newtown was plastered with white paint following another public outcry.
A man accused of killing his autistic little brother and stabbing his mother in the neck was hesitant to appear in court in case family members were in the public gallery, a court has heard.

Shaun Sanderson, 32, allegedly killed his younger brother Rileigh, 29, and badly injured his mother Catherine, 65, in an attack at their family home in the northern Melbourne suburb of Reservoir on Wednesday.

Emergency services were called just after 8am after Catherine was allegedly found seriously injured at the home and Rileigh with fatal stab wounds at a nearby hospital.

Authorities launched a manhunt to find Sanderson who had allegedly fled the property. He was tracked down near a busy intersection in the nearby suburb of Preston about 2.40pm and arrested.

Rileigh Sanderson (left) and Shaun Sanderson (right) are pictured alongside their siblings

Catherine was rushed from the house to Royal Melbourne Hospital in a serious condition, with severe injuries to her upper body, including stab wounds on her neck.

Rileigh has been hailed a hero after he was allegedly stabbed at the home before running to Resevoir Private Hospital to get help. He was treated by paramedics in the carpark but could not be saved.

The revelation about the 29-year-old's brave final moments comes after Daily Mail Australia exclusively revealed the Rileigh's identity.

Sanderson reluctantly appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Thursday after initially refusing to leave the prison cells beneath the court building.

The court heard Sanderson had not wanted to appear before media or family members - none of whom were physically present within the courtroom.

The court heard Sanderson has been charged with a count each of murder and attempted murder.

He did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody to appear in court again in July to allow prosecutors an extended six-week period to compile the brief of evidence.

Before being taken back down to the cells, Sanderson's lawyer advised the court his client had a history of mental health issues.

'While he's not withdrawing from a drug of dependence, I think it's prudent he be attended to by a custody nurse,' he said.

'There appears to be a history of psychosis and a diagnosis of schizophrenia. He also has some scratches and cuts on his nose and face.'

Rileigh pictured next to Big Brother celebrity Farmer Dave at an event late last year

A local resident told Daily Mail Australia that Rileigh, who lived with autism, was 'such a lovely boy'.

Photos shared on his Catherine's Instagram page show her and Rileigh spending quality time together - purchasing hot chocolates, getting their nails done and travelling overseas.

In one of her last post, she shared a photo of Rileigh grinning as he posed along Big Brother celebrity Farmer Dave.

'Rileigh was stoked to meet Farmer Dave today at the dog show,' Catherine wrote in October.

'Thanks for taking the time to have a photo.'

Tributes have started pouring in online for Rileigh, who has been remembered as a 'beautiful' person.

'Fly high R,' one woman wrote.

'So sad we can't talk about the Richmond Tigers soon.'

Another said: 'Rest in peace beautiful man . I will miss you.'

Shaun Sanderson (pictured) was arrested about 2.30pm on Wednesday after allegedly stabbing his mother and brother

Police are pictured arresting Shaun Sanderson who is accused of fatally stabbing his brother and seriously injuring his mother at a Reservoir home in Melbourne

Sanderson has been charged with murder and attempted murder

Arriving at the home, police initially believed Sanderson was bunkered down inside and they set up a perimeter to try and negotiate with him.

However, they soon realised he wasn't there after storming inside.

Aerial footage showed Sanderson lying in the middle of an intersection with his arms behind his back, surrounded by police.

Earlier, a team of heavily armed police tried to negotiate with Sanderson, demanding through a megaphone that he come outside, before realising he was not home.

Pam Egan, a resident of Willoughby Street, told Daily Mail Australia the family has three sons and a daughter.

'I've spoken to (the family) before going on walks,' she said.

'They are a hardworking family . They're builders, lovely and always friendly.'

Other neighbour said the street is normally 'quiet and nice'.

'We heard the sirens this morning, my neighbour said it happened in the (hospital) car park,' one woman said.

Detectives were seen gathering outside the Willoughby St scene on Wednesday
The woman accused of attempting to run over her partner because he ate one of her hot chips has been released on home detention after claiming that she was assaulted in prison.

The 42-year-old woman, Charlotte Harrison, also claimed her partner, Matthew Finn, had broken into her house and taken items while she was remanded in custody, and later called the prison she was being held at to intimidate her.

Ms Harrison made the claims when she appeared in Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday and was granted release from prison on home detention bail.

Police allege that Ms Harrison hit another car, attempted to run over Mr Finn, and then crashed into a power box on Adelaide's busy Melbourne St on February 26.

Ms Harrison denied claims made by Mr Finn in court on February 28 that the incident was sparked by him taking a chip from her chicken and salad box.

Charlotte Harrison (left), 42, has been granted bail after she was bashed in prison after allegedly trying to run over her partner, Matthew Finn (right), after he asked for a hot chip

'While she has been in custody there have been threats to her life,' Ms Harrison's lawyer David Moen told the court during Wednesday's hearing, reported by the Adelaide Advertiser.

'She was beaten up yesterday, money was demanded of her because of her, I guess, high profile.

'But also the fact that she does have money in her bank account and they are preying upon her and menacing her for money for the phone.'

Mr Moen also claimed that Mr Finn had broken into his client's house while she was in jail and took numerous items.

'The suitcase that was seen, that he was parading around in front of the press, was her suitcase,' Mr Moen said.

Mr Moen also claimed : 'It's apparent that he (Mr Finn) contacted the prison under the guise of a female name last week wishing to threaten and in some way, intimidate my client.'

'Clearly this is not a one-way street.'

Ms Harrison's lawyer, David Moen, told Adelaide Magistrates Court (pictured) on Wednesday that she was bashed because of her 'high profile' and her wealth

Mr Moen also claimed that Mr Finn had broken into his client's house, stealing numerous objects including her suitcase (pictured) before calling her in prison to 'intimidate' her

The couple had a history of 'grievance', Mr Moen told the court.

He claimed that Mr Finn had struck Ms Harrison inside the car before leaving, according to Mr Moen.

During a previous hearing, Ms Harrison alleged that Mr Finn had hit her before she had accidentally pressed the accelerator while performing a u-turn to go to a police station and involuntarily drove at Mr Finn.

She is yet to enter a plea over charges of aggravated endangering life and driving in a reckless or dangerous manner.

Magistrate Ben Sale granted Ms Harrison's release from bail under reasons including it would be 18 months 'at best' before the case reached trial.

She has been placed on home detention bail under strict condition that she be electronically monitored and banned from contacting Mr Finn.

She is set to appear back in court in June.
The head of a pharmaceutical firm who was the first senior executive to be punished for his role in the country's opioid crisis was sentenced on Wednesday to two years in prison.

Laurence F. Doud III, 79, was the CEO of Rochester Drug Cooperative until his indictment by Manhattan prosecutors in 2019.

He turbo-charged the company, sending stock dividends to record highs as revenue topped $1 billion. He also, prosecutors said, deliberately deceived the Drug Enforcement Agency and turned a blind eye to retailers selling the drugs to addicts.

Doud was found guilty last year, and on Wednesday was sentenced by District Judge George B. Daniels to two years and three months in prison.

Laurence Doud III, 79, is seen on Wednesday leaving court in Manhattan following his sentencing

Doud said he did a 'lousy job' of running the company, but did not intend any harm

Rochester Drug Cooperative (RDC) avoided prosecution but paid a $20 million fine

'Laurence Doud cared more about his own paycheck than his responsibility as CEO of RDC to prevent dangerous opioids from making their way to pharmacies, drug dealers, and people struggling with addiction,' said Damian Williams, US Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

'The sentence imposed today holds Doud responsible for shipping massive amounts of dangerous and highly addictive oxycodone and fentanyl to pharmacies that he knew were illegally dispensing those controlled substances and reaffirms this Office's commitment to seeking justice for the many victims of the opioid epidemic.'

Doud was charged alongside the company's head of compliance, William Pietruszewski. He pleaded guilty and testified against Doud.

The company itself entered into an agreement under which the government said it would not prosecute as long as they paid a $20 million fine, followed the law and submitted to five years of supervision by an independent monitor.

Doud told the court on Wednesday he had done a 'lousy job' overseeing compliance with regulations but had meant no harm.

'I had no desire to see anyone hurt,' he said.

'I am forever sorry for the problems that have occurred.'

William Pietruszewski, RDC's head of compliance, pleaded guilty and testified against Doud

The court heard that one pharmacy supplied by RDC sold a 'staggering' number of pills, while another was likened to a 'stick of dynamite waiting for DEA to light the fuse.'

The charges cover the time from 2012 through March 2017.

Doud was charged following an investigation, launched when authorities became suspicious that he was ignoring the law on sales.

In 2006 and 2007 Doud received letters from the DEA stressing that companies like his had a responsibility to report suspicious orders for opioids.

Yet prosecutors found that Doud continued to supply pharmacies even when he knew they were selling to drug addicts.

One pharmacy owner, Michael Paulsen, testified that he used Doud's company to supply his Staten Island firm, which pumped out pills to local addicts.

Regal Remedies in Staten Island was shut down for selling large quantities of opioids

Michael Paulson, owner of Regal Remedies, pleaded guilty and testified against Doud

From March 2016 to September 2019, Paulsen ordered more than 170,000 oxycodone pills for Regal Remedies, in the Arrochar district of Staten Island.

Paulsen dispensed only one-third of those pills with a prescription; the rest were sold to clients, making Paulsen thousands of dollars.

Doud ordered that the shipments continue, saying that he made it clear that he 'didn't care to turn off stores because that would affect the sales of RDC.'

He told staff it was the DEA's role to police pharmacies, and not his company's.

Doud frequently began supplying pharmacies who had been turned down by other suppliers.

Prosecutors sought a 15 year sentence for the 'shattering impact' of his actions.

Doud's lawyers said he was a pinnacle of the local community and was not a dangerous man.

But prosecutors said that was irrelevant.

'It makes no difference whether a dangerous drug like fentanyl or oxycodone comes from a drug dealer, or someone with a medical or business degree,' they wrote.

'White collar drug dealers like the defendant should not receive a break.'
A DJ has unleashed on the 'disgusting' state of all gender toilets she experienced while performing at a club during Mardi Gras celebrations.

The music producer, who goes by the stage name Beks, revealed she went to the bathroom just once in six hours while performing her set at a venue in Darlinghurst in Sydney's inner city - because she couldn't bear the foul stench.

In a video, Beks said while she supported the inclusivity of gender-neutral toilets, men needed to be more considerate of others who use the bathroom after them.

'I don't give a f**k who you identify as but if I have to go in another unisex toilet I'm going to f**king wear pads everywhere,' Beks said in the video.

'Because guys do not know how to p**s in the bowl at the best of times and for women when we go to the toilet it's like having 1,000 useless boyfriends p**sing all over the f**king seat.

'Like if we're going to have neutral unisex toilets, men you need to learn how to p**s in the f**king bowl.'

The DJ's video was viewed more than 10,000 times with many agreeing the state of unisex toilets were at times too much to bear.

'Need a hazmat suit! Sick of stepping on p**s,' one commented.

'Have not and will not use a unisex toilet. Vile idea,' said another.

'I am with you, there are drops all over the floor,' one said.

Beks praised the 'modern inclusivity' of venues allowing uni-sex toilets and said she sees people how they identify themselves, rather than the gender they were assigned at birth.

'When I saw the uni-sex toilets I was so happy about the inclusive representation of gender, but it's at a cost to women,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'It's not about trans women making a mess in a unisex toilet, it's about men not having any respect to keep the space in a way that women don't have to deal with it.'

She laid no blame on the venue and said most of the bathrooms on the floor she was performing on were unisex.

'I love the idea of it, but the reality is it's disgusting,' she said.

'It all just comes back to the fact it's a man's world and they don't have any respect or awareness that women after them have to use those toilets.'

She said she'd seen other women holding their breath while using the toilet on the same night.

In a video shared to her TikTok , Beks said while she supported the inclusivity of gender-neutral toilets, men needed to be more considerate of others who use the bathroom after them

Beks said she believed trans women had the same etiquette as biological females.

'In an ideal world guys will just get better manners, and if they can't adapt to an inclusive world then get them a trough,' she said.

Some fellow TikTokkers disagreed with Beks and said that female toilets were way worse.

One person said they worked part-time as a cleaner at a wedding venue and said 'all staff' agreed the women's bathrooms were always left in a worse state.

'I worked in a shopping centre after I left school, the state of the women's toilet was always worse than the men's,' chimed in another.

'Sorry but as someone who used to work in a very well know club in Sydney, girls toilets are much more disgusting than mens! #facts,' another wrote.

Beks said in her experience that wasn't the case, and said while some of the mess can be left by females, she believed the majority of the uncleanliness was from men.

The DJ had earlier opened up about a trend she noticed at Mardi Gras where straight men would pretend to be gay to lure women.

'I was dancing on my own, and these four guys came up to me as a pack,' she said in a TikTok.

'And one of them said to me, "Oh, do you want to dance?" I said I only dance with gay guys.'

'Now, the reason why I had to say this is because I wasn't getting a gay vibe from him. He said, "I'm not gay, but my best friend is".'

Beks said it quickly became apparent the man was lying to her.

'So I looked at his best friend, and his best friend was staring at a woman who was sexually expressing herself in a very liberated way,' she said.

'The pack drew their attention to this one girl, all four of them focusing on her, and one of the guys grabbed her and pulled her into the circle.

The DJ had earlier opened up about a trend she noticed at Mardi Gras where straight men would pretend to be gay to lure women

'I started filming the guys. One of the guys realised I was filming them so he started dancing with his, like, arm up.'

Beks said she quickly took action as she became terrified over the thought of what they might do to other women.

'I told the security guys. I followed these guys just to make sure they weren't going to prey on any intoxicated women,' she said.

'They were looking for other women that were intoxicated, and I'm just f***ing sick and tired of people being exploited in these situations.

'Like, this is Mardi Gras. Leave everybody alone. It is like one time of the year when like everybody is supposed to be safe.'
Five restauranteurs in Boston's predominantly Italian North End section have launched addendum to their lawsuit against the city's Democratic mayor alleging that she's biased against Italians and white people.

The original lawsuit, filed in the fall of 2022, centered around Mayor Michelle Wu's decree that restaurants in the neighborhood were forced to pay $7,500 in order to be able to obtain an outdoor dining license for the 2022 summer season while it was free in the rest of Boston.

The mayor's office said that in the North End, on-street dining will no longer be allowed and sidewalk dining will be limited to establishments with 'adequate' sidewalk width.

Restaurants in other neighborhoods will pay between $199 and $399 per month, depending on whether or not they have a liquor license, for the right to set up tables outside in 2023.

'It is commonly known that the traditional owner of a restaurant in the North End of Boston is a white male of Italian descent, and the North End is generally regarded (as) the last true ethnic Boston Italian neighborhood,' one section of the lawsuit reads.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu's office said that traffic constraints and noise complaints have left outdoor dining in the North End section impossible in 2023

Restaurant owner Frank DePasquale has said Italian Americans are being 'discriminated against with the new rules

The new plaintiffs are the same plaintiffs who sued Wu's office in 2022 over the decision to curtail Boston's outdoor dining rules.

They are Jorge Mendoza, owner of Vinoteca di Monica; Carla Gomes, owner of Terramia Ristorante and Antico Forno; Christian Silvestri, owner of Rabia's Dolce Fumo; and Patrick Mendoza, owner of Monica's Trattoria.

Another prominent North End restaurant owner, Frank DePasquale, is also giving his support to the campaign.

'Its upsetting for us to be discriminated against. Its a flaw to Italians,' he told the Boston Globe.

In 2022, restaurants in the North End were not allowed to set up outside until May while in the rest of Boston's eateries had patio dining in April.

The $7,500 was allowed to be paid in installments and it was reduced in some cases, depending on restaurant size. The city collected nearly $800,000 as a result.

The group mentions the mayor's All Inclusive Boston Campaign as an example of anti-white and anti-Italian bias as the advertisement included no mention of the North End and did not feature any Italian Americans.

The suit says that the only white men in the ad were Boston Red Sox players.

The group alleges that the North End is not featured on the All Inclusive campaign's website. At the time of writing, there is a North End section live on the site.

The lawsuit goes on to mention Mayor Wu's jokes at the annual St. Patrick's Day breakfast in South Boston in 2022 in which she said: 'I'm getting used to dealing with problems that are expensive, disruptive and WHITE'

In 2022, restaurants in the North End were not allowed to set up outside until May while in the rest of Boston's eateries had patio dining in April

Pat Mendoza, the executive chef of Monica's Trattoria, is among those involved in the law suit. Here he's pictured with actor Steve Carell in September 2022

Bostons outdoor dining program initiated early in the coronavirus pandemic to help drive up business at struggling restaurants has been made permanent, but with some stricter rules to address unique challenges in the citys North End.

'Outdoor dining expanded as a way to keep our businesses open during the pandemic, and has turned into a popular opportunity to enjoy our streets and each others company,' Wu said in a February statement.

The different rules in the North End were in response to the special issues the neighborhood and its maze of narrow streets faces, city officials said.

The North End, which draws visitors from all over the world, has the highest concentration of restaurants in the state, with 95 establishments in just over one-third of a square mile.

Restaurants in other neighborhoods will pay between $199 and $399 per month, depending on whether or not they have a liquor license, for the right to set up tables outside in 2023

The North End plaintiffs are seeking $500,000 in compensatory damage's and $1 million in punitive damages

The lawsuit goes on to mention Mayor Wu's jokes at the annual St. Patrick's Day breakfast in South Boston in 2022 in which she said: 'I'm getting used to dealing with problems that are expensive, disruptive and WHITE.'

The complaint does not mention the punchline of the joke which was: 'Im talking about snowflakes, snowflakes, snowstorms. . . snowflakes.'

Unregulated outdoor dining brings challenges surrounding traffic, access for public safety vehicles, sanitation and residents quality of life. Traffic is expected to be worse this summer with nearby major construction projects.

Nick Varano, owner of Strega restaurant in the neighborhood, was not happy with the citys plan.

'I believe its not very fair, and it puts us at a disadvantage with other neighborhoods in the city,' he told the Boston Herald in February.

'Weve taken what we learned over the last couple years to inform the permanent program, and were committed to working with our neighborhoods to make this program a success,' Wu said last month.

While at least one local resident said that she was relieved by the new rules.

'COVID's done. The restaurants did well before. Theyll do well after. We are a neighborhood, not a district where you go out and dance all night. We want to shop at the CVS and go to the bank without all the outdoor dining,' Darlene Romano told the Globe.

In the same article, the owner of Aquitaine and Metropolis in Boston's South End described the regulations as 'reasonable and appropriate.'

The North End plaintiffs are seeking $500,000 in compensatory damage's and $1 million in punitive damages.
A DC healthcare insurance provider suffered a breach that exposed the personally identifiable information of hundreds of US House members and staff.

The "significant data breach," which happened on Tuesday and may have affected thousands of DC Health Link customers, is already being looked into by the FBI.

The Potentially Compromised Individuals Have Now Been Notified

The FBI is investigating a data breach that affected members and staff of the US Congress after their accounts and sensitive personal data were stolen from the servers of DC Health Link.

US House members, their employees, and their families' health insurance coverage are managed by DC Health Link, Bleeping Computer notes.

"It is important to note that at this time, it does not appear that Members or the House of Representatives were the specific target of the attack," House Chief Administrative Officer Catherine Szpindor writes.

Data for a few DC Health Link users have been made public, the company has acknowledged in a statement, which it has addressed immediately.

The company says that it has already started a thorough investigation and is taking steps to protect the security and privacy of user data while collaborating with forensic investigators and law enforcement.

Additionally, it has been reported that the impacted individuals from the breached information have now been informed in an email from Szpindor.

"Currently, I do not know the size and scope of the breach, but have been informed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that account information and Pit of hundreds of members and House staff were stolen," she also notes.

In a statement, the FBI said that while it is aware of the occurrence and is offering assistance, it does not currently have any additional information to share due to the continuing nature of the investigation, CNN Politics reports.

Read More: US Marshals Service Suffers Ransomware Attack, Sensitive Law Enforcement Data Compromised

The Breach Has Grown To Be A Serious Problem

According to a tweet from the Republicans on the Committee on House Administration, Chairman Bryan Steil is aware of the security hole and is coordinating with Szpindor.

This is to make sure the vendor takes the necessary precautions to protect the personally identifiable data of any affected members, staff members, and their families.

Bleeping Computer, however, found that at least one hacker going by the name of IntelBroker is offering the names of US House members who have been compromised on a hacking forum.

New York's Democratic Rep. Joe Morelle claims that the data breach is heinous and that the FBI found out about it since the material ended up on the dark web.

Approximately 170,000 people are affected, and a sample of the stolen data with the database header reveals that it contains information on significant individuals.

This includes their names, dates of birth, residences, email addresses, phone numbers, Social Security Numbers, and more.

On Monday, March 6, the data was put up for sale, which IntelBroker alleges was stolen as a result of a hack into the DC.gov Health Benefit Exchange Authority.

Congress needs to figure out how to devote more resources so individuals who work with the government can better protect this type of material, in addition to looking into what happened.

According to a CAO spokesperson, the company is deeply concerned about the breach's impact on individuals, which is why it will continue to provide updates from law enforcement to impacted members and staff, CNN Politics writes.

Related Article: Chick-fil-A Reveals That A Months-Long Automated Attack Has Compromised Customer Accounts
A young family about to be kicked out of Australia because their Down syndrome son was considered a too high financial burden on taxpayers have been allowed to stay after the immigration minister personally intervened.

Aneesh Kollikkara, his wife Krishna Aneesh and their two children have called Perth home for the last seven years.

But they were due to deported to India next week after their permanent residency application was denied.

The immigration department assessors ruled their son Aaryan, 10, could cost the health system an estimated $664,000 over a 10-year period due to his mild intellectual disability and Down Syndrome.

Federal immigration minister Andrew Giles bowed to mounting public pressure and exercised his public interest powers to allow the family to stay.

He had been their final resort of being granted permanent Australian residency.

Common sense has prevailed for Aneesh Kollikkara, his wife Krishna Aneesh and their two children

'I was really happy, I was over the moon,' Ms Aneesh told reporters on Wednesday.

'It was such great news I've ever heard, after my kids' birth.

'We can stay here, we can live in this community, we can provide a very good environment for our kids.'

The decision means the family can now access Medicare and apply to become Australian citizens.

The community has rallied behind the family during their desperate fight to stay in .

'Every one of my colleagues, everyone at my kids' school, everyone was supporting us,' Ms Aneesh said.

'I don't know whom to thank, I thank every one of you.'

Both Ms Aneesh and her husband work in critical industries and contribute to Australian society, factors which eventually ensured the outcome went in their favour.

She's a cyber security expert, while her husband is a telecommunications technician.

Aaryan (left) and his eight-year-old sister Aaryasree (right) arrived home from school to the great news that they can stay in Australia

'That public interest criteria goes to the fact that Krishna and Aneesh are performing work in critical industries and the public wants them here,' family representative Suresh Rajan said.

But the People with Disability Australia treasurer slammed the exhausting review process the family was put through as unacceptable.

'We can't put families through this torture where they are denied by the department and then they have to pay a lot of money to go to a tribunal,' Mr Rajan said.

An online petition for the family to stay attracted almost 30,000 signatures within a week.

They insist Aaryam is not a 'burden.'

'Even though Aaryam currently accesses no services, and is unlikely ever to do so, he's been assessed as 'high cost' which seems unfair,' the family states in the petition.

The family of four (pictured) immigrated to Perth from India in 2016 and were days away from being deported

The family can now stay after immigration minister Andrew Giles personally intervened

'By working in critical industries and paying significant amounts of tax, any taxpayer-funded services that Aaryan may require would be well and truly covered by our contributions.

'We are now facing the prospect of leaving our home country and returning to India, which would have a detrimental effect on our children's development.

'We have no family or support network in India and we fear for Aaryan's future. The quality of medical care Aaryan will receive, the stigma he will face and the opportunities he will miss out on worry us.'

Mrs Aneesh added it would have been very difficult for Aaryan and his eight-year-old sister Aaryasree to adjust to life in India.
His contract ended this month but now he won't return with immediate effect

Radio DJ Pat Sharp lost his presenting job last night after reducing a woman to tears by making a crude joke about her breasts at an awards show.

The star of 1990s ITV show Fun House, who was the celebrity guest host, 'humiliated' events boss Lizzy Eaton by joking about 'getting on your t**s' as he handed her a T-shirt with his face on it, which she said made her feel 'violated'.

Greatest Hits Radio, where the 61-year-old has presented a show since 2019, said his contract was due to expire at the end of this month but he will 'not return to the station with immediate effect'.

While hosting at the industry event in London last Friday, Sharp gave Ms Eaton a T-shirt adorned with an old photo of him sporting his trademark '90s mullet captioned: 'Pat Sharp  AS SEEN ON FUN HOUSE  LOOKING SHARP SINCE 1982'.

The ex-I'm a Celebrity contestant then remarked: 'That's the only way I'll get on your t**ts today.'

Radio DJ Pat Sharp was let go from his presenting job last night after 'humiliating' a woman with a joke about 'getting on your t**s' [breasts]' on stage at an awards show last Friday (Sharp pictured at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in central London)

Sharp made the remarks to events boss Lizzy Eaton (pictured) in front of 400 people

'That's the only way I'll get on your t**ts today,' Sharp said after giving Ms Eaton a T-shirt with an old photo of him sporting his trademark 90s mullet

The events director then threw the T-shirt at Sharp and walked off the stage in tears, the Sun reported.

After the incident at the Conference News Agency Awards at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, Ms Eaton slammed Sharp, saying: 'I was publicly humiliated in a sexual nature, by the celebrity host of an industry event, on stage in front of 400 of my colleagues and peers.

'Afterwards I was in complete shock and hadn't really processed what happened. Today I am struggling with it  I feel sad, dirty and, frankly, violated,' she posted on LinkedIn.

'I have worked incredibly hard to earn my reputation and hopefully be an inspiration to other young women in the events industry. Yesterday however, I was belittled, sexualised and objectified in front of hundreds of people I respect.'

Sharp has since apologised and said last night: 'Last Friday, I made a joke on stage which was not well received. I upset one individual in particular and for that I am truly sorry.

'I apologised at the event to anyone who was offended and I have apologised to the individual personally too.'

The DJ has since made an apology, saying: 'Last Friday, I made a joke on stage which was not well received. I upset one individual in particular and for that I am truly sorry'

The event organisers have also apologised which Ms Eaton says she has accepted but she said the 'shame and embarrassment I now feel will be with me for quite some time'.

A peer of Ms Eaton's who attended the awards is said to have 'called out' Sharp publicly after his lewd comment.

She later said to Ms Eaton on social media: 'The message you sent walking off that stage, sent a message to so many of our peers and women: We neither have to and will not tolerate this.

'You stood with such grace and dignity and handled an awful bloody moment with such admirable strength.'
Former President Barack Obama's White House was peppered with questions about Hunter Biden when he joined Ukrainian gas company Burisma's board and kept track of coverage of his Navy Reserve dismissal for cocaine use.

On Wednesday, Politico's Playbook reported on newly released emails from President Joe Biden's tenure as vice president, which were put out by the National Archives as part of a lawsuit filed by American First Legal, a group founded by hard-right Trump immigration adviser Stephen Miller.

In one highlighted exchange, a Russian TV producer named Natalya Usenko who worked for the NTV network praises Hunter Biden's work with Burisma in an email to the vice president's office and then asks for an interview with Joe.

'Mr. Hunter Biden has recently become a member of Committee of Directors of Burisma company. We would like to congratulate him and wish him good luck!' she wrote. 'Would you be so kind to help us to organize an interview with Mr. Joseph Biden so that he could tell us his attitude towards and tell us if it will influence the foreign policy of the USA.'

Shailah Murray, then Biden's communications director, commented to colleagues: 'What a charming letter!'

Hunter Biden's (left) decision in 2014 to join the board of Burisma prompted a flurry of inquiries to then Vice President Joe Biden's office (left), with his spokesperson telling a reporter off-the-record that the White House Counsel's office was never consulted

Politico's Playbook reported Wednesday on emails released by the National Archives that show that President Barack Obama's White House was keeping track of reports about Hunter Biden (pictured) being ousted from the Naval Reserve due to cocaine use

The interview requested was never granted.

The emails show that Vice President Biden's office was blindsided by Hunter Biden's 2014 decision to join the Burisma board.

'What a charming letter!' Biden's then communications director Shailah Murray commented when a Russian TV producer reached out complimenting Hunter's Burisma deal and asking for an interview with Joe

The now president's then spokesperson Kendra Barkoff told ABC's Ann Compton off the record that 'the lawyers weren't consulted because Hunter is a private citizen and the VP has no association wiht this company.'

Compton had pressed the vice president's office on whether the White House counsel's office had been consulted before Hunter signed on.

'OFF the record doesn't help. I would however be willing to use this with or without quoting YOU,' Compton replied to Barkoff.

The Archives released full email conversations involving Hunter Biden - even those with 'off the record' agreements between White House staffers and reporters, Politico noted.

Barkoff also spoke with Hunter Biden at one point about the flurry of inquiries directed at the White House, State Department and U.S. Embassy in Ukraine.

'What exactly are they asking?' Hunter wrote to Barkoff. 'For the time being I'd just refer them to my office. FYI I joined the board of Burisma Holdings Ltd.an independent/private natural gas producer in Ukraine along with the former president of Poland. I think the press release is on their web site.'

Hunter Biden's Burisma business deal opened his father up to a multitude of political attacks and was the basis for former President Donald Trump's first impeachment, with Trump withholding $400 million in Congresionally passed funds for Ukraine's defense, while pushing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to open an investigation into Joe and Hunter.

Now with Republicans in control of the House, House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer is deadset on probing what he calls 'Biden family influence peddling,' focusing on Hunter Biden's business deals in Ukraine and China.
A female thug who bit off another woman's finger and then shared 'grotesque' and 'disturbing' images of herself with it in her mouth on social media has been jailed.

Libby Armstrong, 22, launched an assault upon victim Toni Lough in the toilets of a nightclub in Wallsend, North Tyneside, on September 9 last year.

After being thrown out by bouncers, the two women fought again outside the club and ended up on the ground.

As mother-of-four Miss Lough's hand came towards her, Armstrong bit off part of her finger and then proudly showed off her grisly act on Snapchat.

Appearing at Newcastle Crown Court, Armstrong pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and was jailed for four years, as well as an additional 12 weeks for breaching a suspended sentence.

Libby Armstrong, 22, launched a vicious assault upon victim Toni Lough in the toilets of a nightclub in Wallsend, North Tyneside, on September 9 last year

Appearing at Newcastle Crown Court, Armstrong was jailed for four years after pleading guilty to wounding with intent, as well as an additional 12 weeks for breaching a suspended sentence

Recorder David Brooke KC told her: 'What's most disturbing about the attack, that being bad enough, is in the moments after that you then posed or took pictures which ended up on social media, effectively showing off about it with the tip of the finger in your mouth.

'That's a concerning feature of this offence.'

The court heard Armstrong, of Westerhope, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, has nine previous convictions, including for assaulting an emergency worker and biting a police officer on the leg.

On the day of the attack, both women had been in Manhattans nightclub when Miss Lough was in the toilets waiting for her friend.

Armstrong lunged at her and pulled her hair, dragging her to the ground. Another customer alerted door staff and both women were asked to leave.

Miss Lough was then standing outside the front of the club when Armstrong left through another exit. The court heard Miss Lough went towards Armstrong with hand outstretched and there was another clash.

Graeme O'Sullivan, prosecuting, said: 'Miss Lough ended up on top of the defendant. As her hand went towards the defendant's face she bit onto her ring finger. Miss Lough was screaming at her asking her to stop. She could feel the defendant biting through her finger.'

The top third of her left ring finger, including all of the nail, was completely amputated. Miss Lough, who is left-handed, attended hospital in pain and distress. She also had bruising to her ribs and knee.

On the day of the attack, both women had been in Manhattans nightclub in Wallsend when Miss Lough was in the toilets waiting for her friend

Mr O'Sullivan said: 'After the incident the defendant retained the fingertip and took pictures of herself with the tip in her mouth. She also boasted of her actions on Snapchat and sent the images to her friend.'

When Armstrong was arrested, she lied when asked where the fingertip was, saying it was left at the scene.

In a victim impact statement, Miss Lough said she had been left depressed as a result of the attack and has ongoing issues with her hand. She ended up needing anti-depressants, sleeping tablets and pain killers and lost a stone in weight due to not eating.

She was a sandwich maker and had to quit her job. Miss Lough said: 'I don't want to work with food and I was worried about the public looking at my hand and making comments about it.'

She added: 'It hurts from the slightest touch even when I run my fingers through my hair. I no longer have a strong grip and if anything touches my finger I drop the item.

'If I ever get married the ring would go on the finger and be a constant reminder.'

Matthew Purves, defending, said: 'She would apologise for what was dreadful behaviour and also the lasting consequences of her actions on the victim. She expresses genuine remorse and apologises for the behaviour and consequences.

'It goes well beyond self-defence. On the ground, the defendant explains a moment occurred where the complainant's hand is near her face and she bites down on the finger. At this stage a number of door supervisors intervene and pull the two participants apart.

'What followed is a quite grotesque set of photographs being taken of the fingertip in her mouth. There's no explanation for that.

'The Snapchat video lasted four seconds. It's then shared and other individuals capture it on their phones and input captions on it.'

Mr Purves added that Armstrong had a troubled upbringing and ended up in foster care.
Boris Johnson privately warned Dominic Raab about his conduct, it emerged last night.

The ex-prime minister has also given evidence to the ongoing investigation into the alleged bullying of staff by his Cabinet colleague.

He has reportedly been interviewed by Adam Tolley KC, the lawyer looking into complaints made about Mr Raabs treatment of his staff.

It is not known exactly what Mr Johnson said about the man he appointed, as Foreign Secretary, Justice Secretary and then Deputy Prime Minister.

However, a source told The Daily Telegraph he had privately warned Mr Raab about his behaviour. A spokesman for the ex-PM said last night: It would be inappropriate to comment on an ongoing inquiry.

It is not known exactly what Mr Johnson said about Dominic Raab, the man he appointed as Foreign Secretary, Justice Secretary and then Deputy Prime Minister

The ex-prime minister has also given evidence to the ongoing investigation into the alleged bullying of staff by his Cabinet colleague

And a Cabinet Office spokesman said: Adam Tolley KC is conducting an independent investigation into allegations against Dominic Raab. It would not be appropriate to comment further whilst that is ongoing.

Mr Raab is the subject of eight formal complaints from at least 24 civil servants, covering his time at the Ministry of Justice, Foreign Office and the now-defunct Brexit department.

He has been accused of being rude, nasty and abrasive to junior staff, leaving them in tears and afraid to enter his office.

Although he has insisted he behaved professionally at all times, he conceded last month that he would resign as Justice Secretary if an allegation of bullying is upheld against him.

Jake Berry, Conservative MP and former party chair, said Mr Raab should step aside from Government during the investigation but the minister dismissed this.
She is set to lead a 'Blak sovereignty' movement

Lidia Thorpe has blasted the organisers of a conservative group opposed to the Indigenous Voice to parliament for twice using her photo as part of its 'no' campaign.

'How dare they?' Thorpe said after the Australian Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) included her photos in political ads posted to its social media pages on February 17 and March 3.

The chairman of CPAC in Australia is former ALP president, Liberal party candidate and Indigenous leader Warren Mundine.

The fiery ex-Greens senator has not yet committed to either side of the upcoming referendum.

Both posts claimed the Voice would 'undermine Australia's democratic process' and cause 'racial divide'.

Thorpe has criticised the proposed Voice to parliament as 'powerless' and said 'what's the point' in the Voice if Indigenous lives cannot be saved now.

Lidia Thorpe has blasted the organisers of CPA Australia opposed to the Indigenous Voice to parliament for twice using her photo as part of its 'no' campaign

One of the photos shared by CPAC was Thorpe speaking publicly outside a November 22 federal court hearing, while wearing traditional face paint

However she has not ruled out supporting the 'yes' vote and after the organisation used photos of her in its campaign, Thorpe said she 'does not' support CPAC.

The first picture, posted on 17 February, shows Thorpe in parliament holding a handbag painted with the Aboriginal flag.

It was captioned: 'How will a voice to parliament tackle problems in Indigenous communities? No one knows.'

The other features Thorpe speaking publicly outside a November 22 federal court hearing, while wearing traditional face paint.

A quote by her was added saying Indigenous people 'deserve better than an advisory body'.

It was posted on March 3 during CPAC in Brisbane. Among the speakers were ex-PM Tony Abbott, Brexit champion Nigel Farage and former US Attorney-General Matt Whittaker.

Thorpe quit the Greens in February to spearhead a 'Blak Sovereign' movement.

She has been a vocal proponent of a treaty with indigenous people which would go much further than the Voice.

The chairman of CPAC in Australia is former ALP president, Liberal party candidate and Indigenous leader Warren Mundine

CPAC is an influential organisation and event on the American political calendar where former President Donald Trump is a regular speaker

'This country has a strong grassroots 'Blak Sovereign Movement', full of staunch and committed warriors, and I want to represent that movement fully in Parliament,' Thorpe said.

'It has become clear to me that I can't do that from within the Greens.

'Now I will be able to speak freely on all issues from a sovereign perspective without being constrained by portfolios and agreed party positions.'

The world's first CPAC was founded in 1974 by the American Conservative Union and Young Americans for Freedom.

It has since spread to Brazil, Japan, Mexico and South Korea.

Daily Mail Australia approached Ms Thorpe for comment.
Australia is expected to buy up to five US Virginia class nuclear powered submarines in the 2030's as part of a landmark defense agreement between Washington, Canberra and London, four US officials said on Wednesday.

The agreement, known as the AUKUS pact, will have multiple stages with at least one US submarine visiting Australian ports in the coming years and end in the late 2030's with a new class of submarines being built with British designs and American technology, one of the officials said.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity, given the sensitivity of the subject ahead of a formal announcement on Monday.

The AUKUS pact will have multiple stages with at least one US submarine visiting Australian ports in the coming years and end in the late 2030's (pictured: Joe Biden, left, and Anthony Albanese)

Australia is expected to buy up to five US Virginia class nuclear powered submarines in the 2030's as part of a landmark defense agreement (US nuclear submarine pictured)

The Pentagon referred queries to the White House, which declined to confirm details about any upcoming announcement.

US President Joe Biden will host leaders of Australia and Britain in San Diego next week to chart a way forward for provision of nuclear-powered submarines and other high-tech weaponry to Australia, sources familiar with the plans said.

The spokesperson for British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he would will visit the United States on Monday to meet Biden and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for talks on the AUKUS defense agreement.

Sources familiar with the planning said that trilateral summit would take place in San Diego on Monday to unveil new details of the 2021 AUKUS pact conceived as part of efforts to counter China in the Indo-Pacific region.

The submarine deal is part of a defense agreement between Washington, Canberra and London (US nuclear submarine pictured)

Albanese said before leaving on a visit to India on Wednesday he would visit the United States to meet Biden, but would not be drawn on plans for a summit with Biden and British Sunak.

'I look forward to the continuing engagement that I have with the US administration,' Albanese told reporters before departure for India, without giving a date for his US trip.

Australia's ambassador to the United States Arthur Sinodinos said last week that details of the submarine deal would be announced in mid-March.

San Diego is home to the US Pacific Fleet and a source familiar with the planning told Reuters the trilateral summit could involve a visit to a submarine.

Albanese said before leaving on a visit to India on Wednesday he would visit the United States to meet Biden, but would not be drawn on plans for a summit with Biden and British Sunak

While the United States and Britain have agreed to provide Australia with the technology to deploy nuclear-powered submarines, the three allies have yet to say exactly how the capability will be transferred to Australia, which does not have a nuclear-propulsion industry.

AUKUS will be Australia's biggest-ever defense project and offers the prospect of jobs in all three countries, but it remains unclear whether it will involve a US or a British-designed submarine, or a combination of both, or when the vessels will become operational.

Australian defense industry speculation has centered on Australia opting for a British design, while Sinodinos said there would be a 'genuine trilateral solution.'

Despite an 18-month consultation period since AUKUS was first announced, questions remain over strict US curbs on technology sharing needed for the project.

These are a particular concern for its so-called pillar two dealing with advanced technology programs such as artificial intelligence and hypersonic weapons.

Albanese (left) reached India on Wednesday and will stay until Saturday in the first visit by an Australian prime minister since 2017 (Indian prime minister Narendra Modi right)

British and Australian officials said last week work was still needed to break down bureaucratic barriers to technology sharing in pillar two and the top Pentagon official for Asia, Ely Ratner, referred to 'antiquated systems' governing US technology.

Ratner said these needed to be revised 'and we're in the process of doing so.'

A State Department spokesperson said Washington was 'actively working to reexamine and streamline our processes to optimize our defense trade in the AUKUS context,' and added: 'We do not anticipate any challenges in implementing AUKUS due to US export-control regulations.'

However, despite political will for reform in the Biden administration, experts question how easy it will for AUKUS to avoid the attentions of mid-level State Department bureaucrats duty bound to protect US defense technology.

Ashley Townshend, an Australian Defense expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace think tank, said a new information-sharing agreement would be needed for the submarine program's implementation stage.

'I have no doubt that this will happen,' he said.

'But unless the agreement covers every single technology and defense service that the submarine program will involve, over the course of its lifetime, it won't be immune to bureaucratic and regulatory constraints.'

Some experts believe the AUKUS announcement could include plans to station U.S. and British nuclear submarines in Australia to train Australian crews and fill a capability gap until the new Australia submarines are in service, which is not expected until about 2040.

Albanese reached India on Wednesday and will stay until Saturday in the first visit by an Australian prime minister since 2017.
Home Office civil servants lodged a flood of complaints about Suella Braverman's new asylum policy yesterday, with one suggesting it breaches international law.

A slew of anonymous negative comments came during an online question and answer session for civil servants within the department.

One said they were 'embarrassed and ashamed' of measures in the Illegal Migration Bill, which set out earlier this week how all Channel migrants will be detained and disqualified from claiming asylum.

Another wrote: 'At what point are senior leadership in the Home Office willing to state that breaking international law is not consistent with the civil service code or our values and that we as staff should not be expected to do so in our work?'

A third claimed they were struggling to balance 'my own personal ethical convictions' with the Home Secretary's 'rhetoric and policies'.

Home Office civil servants lodged a flood of complaints about Suella Braverman's (pictured in blue suit) new asylum policy yesterday, with one suggesting it breaches international law. A slew of anonymous negative comments came during an online question and answer session for civil servants within the department

Dave Penman (pictured), leader of the FDA civil service trade union, accused Mrs Braverman of a 'cowardly attack'

The civil service code says workers must 'serve the Government, whatever its political persuasion' and not allow 'personal political views' to influence their work.

A Home Office spokesman said: 'As a department we always encourage the free exchange of ideas and want to thank all colleagues who have been involved in preparations for the introduction of the Illegal Migration Bill.

'While we appreciate there may be a range of views on government policy, all civil servants are bound by the civil service code and its core values: integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality  and it is key that this is upheld at all times.'

It came amid a row over an email to Tory supporters under Mrs Braverman's name that said an 'activist blob of Left-wing lawyers, civil servants and the Labour Party' had 'blocked' past attempts to tackle illegal immigration.

SUELLA BRAVERMAN: The British people have had enough of migrants pouring over the Channel...- READ MORE Advertisement

The Conservative Central Office (CCHQ) email was re-sent five minutes later with the passage removed.

Dave Penman, leader of the FDA civil service trade union, accused Mrs Braverman of a 'cowardly attack'.

He wrote to Rishi Sunak to complain the email was 'factually incorrect' and amounted to a 'direct attack on the integrity and impartiality' of civil servants.

Mike Clancy, boss of the Prospect civil service union, also wrote to the Prime Minister to demand he 'take action' over the message.

He said: 'Blaming civil servants in this way without foundation and without following due process is, we believe, a breach of the ministerial code and playing politics with those dedicated to serving the Government of the day, and is completely unacceptable.'

Downing Street said Mrs Braverman 'did not see, sign off or sanction' the email.

The PM's press secretary said: 'Obviously there would have to be ministerial sign-off usually on things where their name is included on it or it goes out in their name, but in this case the procedure was not followed.'

A Tory party spokesman said it was reviewing its internal clearance processes. Mrs Braverman said of the message: 'It was an error really that it was sent out.'
Thousands of migrants currently housed in hotels could be moved to military bases 'within weeks', it has emerged.

The Home Office is negotiating to secure two sites from the Ministry of Defence.

Conversion of the bases to asylum accommodation centres would allow 'a few thousand' people to be relocated from costly hotels, government sources confirmed.

Existing ex-military housing within former RAF bases at Scampton, Lincolnshire, and Wethersfield, Essex, may need refurbishment but could be brought into use 'within weeks or months', the source added.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, who is local MP for the Essex base, is among those to have objected to its conversion to an asylum accommodation centre.

Existing ex-military housing within former RAF bases at Scampton, Lincolnshire, and Wethersfield, Essex, may need refurbishment but could be brought into use 'within weeks or months' (file image of the RAF base in Scampton)

Home Secretary Suella Braverman (pictured) said at the end of last year that the cost of housing asylum seekers would rocket to 3.5billion in the 2022-23 financial year, up from 2.1billion in the previous 12 months

He wrote on his Facebook page earlier this week that he had spoken with a Home Office minister about the plan, adding: 'I highlighted the remote nature of the site, the limited transport infrastructure and narrow road network and that these factors would mean the site wasn't appropriate for asylum accommodation.'

It emerged in October that hotel costs for asylum seekers - most of whom arrive across the Channel - were running at 5.6million a day.

Costs are thought to have increased since then as more migrants arrived, pushing the number in hotels to 40,000, according to figures disclosed in December.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said at the end of last year that the cost of housing asylum seekers would rocket to 3.5billion in the 2022-23 financial year, up from 2.1billion in the previous 12 months.

The Labour party yesterday, on Wednesday, claimed the Government's asylum reforms would send asylum hotel costs spiralling.

It published research suggesting the new Illegal Migration Bill would lead to rising numbers of migrants in hotels despite their claims being ruled 'inadmissible'.

Labour claimed there would be an 'additional 100,000-150,000 permanently in taxpayer-funded accommodation within five years'.

It calculated the cost would run to 25billion over the period.

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper dismissed the new legislation as a 'con' and added: 'It will mean thousands more people in asylum accommodation indefinitely, with the taxpayer footing the bill because of the combination of their new law and their failure on returns.'

Figures published by the Home Office yesterday, on Wednesday, showed only 15 small boat migrants were deported last month.

So far this year, more than 3,100 migrants have reached Britain by small boat, after last year saw a record 45,700 arrivals.

In all, the Home Office removed 320 people from Britain last month, including 200 foreign offenders who had been handed jail terms of more than 145 years combined. The remainder were other types of immigration offender.
Doctors say the country's youngest are most at risk of serious infection

There has been 8,453 flu cases in first two months of 2023

Rate of flu cases 100 times higher than same time last year

Doctors have issued a warning to the country's most vulnerable as Australia's flu cases rise 100-fold.

In the first two months of 2022, 79 flu cases were recorded Australia-wide.

According to federal health data, this year, in the same period, there have been 8,453 cases, more than 100 times greater than what they were a year ago.

As a result, doctors are urging Australians to book their annual influenza vaccine as soon as possible, with vaccines anticipated to be available as early as this month.

Influenza vastly differs from viruses such as Covid, affecting Australia's youngest demographics the hardest.

Of the patients diagnosed this year, 2,700 were children under 14.

Doctors have issued a warning to Australia's most vulnerable as Australia's flu cases rise 100-fold from the same time last year as doctors say the country's youngest need to get their vaccine

In the first two months of 2022, 79 flu cases were recorded Australia-wide. According to federal health data, this year in the same period there have been 8,453 cases

Melbourne paediatrician Daryl Cheng told SBS News parents worryingly have become more hesitant to vaccinate their children, putting them at greater risk of hospitalisation.

'Flu is a very different beast,' he said.

'It affects kids under five, lands them in hospital and has significantly disproportionate impacts on younger children.

'Vaccination is important. It prevents severe disease and some transmission and it's something parents need to be aware of.'

Last year 56 per cent of patients who were hospitalised with the flu were children under the age of 16.

Young patients who are hospitalised can often end up on ventilators or feeding tubes as the flu wreaks havoc on their immune system and exposes them to secondary infections, such as pneumonia.

'In severe cases, both heart and lung machine support may be required to allow kids' bodies to recover. Unfortunately, some don't recover and a very small proportion die,' Dr Cheng said.

Influenza is vastly different to viruses such as Covid, affecting Australia's youngest demographics the hardest. Of the patients diagnosed this year, 2700 were children under 14

In the last three years, Australia has recorded fewer flu cases largely due to Covid restrictions such as mask-wearing and social distancing, helping keep the number of cases of influenza down

A survey conducted at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne found only half of Australia's children received the flu vaccine in 2022.

It also revealed one in two parents didn't know it was safe to have the flu and Covid vaccines together, and 43 per cent said they believed it wasn't important.

Concerningly, a third of parents also said they were unaware the flu could cause serious illness among children.

In the last three years, Australia has recorded fewer flu cases largely due to Covid restrictions such as mask-wearing and social distancing, helping keep the number of cases of influenza down.

But as the world opens up post-pandemic, there has been a strong resurgence in flu cases, with experts warning the flu season may start earlier this year.

Flu cases in Australia can often be boosted by tourists or travellers returning from Europe and the United State, who see a spike in cases during their winter months

Flu cases in Australia can often be boosted by tourists or travellers returning from Europe and the United State, who see a spike in cases during their winter months.

The vaccine is offered for free to Aussies most at risk including pregnant women, those aged 65 and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and young children.

Chemist Warehouse is advertising its 2023 vaccines will be available for patients by 'mid-March'.
South Africa: Mapisa-Nqakula leads SA delegation to IPU assembly

National Assembly (NA) Speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, is leading a South African parliamentary delegation to the 146th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Manama, Bahrain.

The five-day session of the 133-year-old multilateral organisation will take place at the Exhibition World Bahrain from 11 to 15 March 2023.

The multilateral organisation of 178 Parliaments is scheduled to be attended by representatives of 110 Parliaments, including delegations from countries in conflict situations.

The Assembly will be held under the theme, 'Promoting peaceful coexistence and inclusive societies: Fighting intolerance'.

The theme is informed by evidence that the world is at its lowest ebb of peacefulness in over 15 years because of a series of conflicts, including the War in Ukraine.

Parliamentary spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo, said Mapisa-Nqakula will also be attending as a member of the IPU Task Force for the Peaceful Resolution of the War in Ukraine.

The Task Force is scheduled to meet high-level delegations from both Russia and Ukraine. The parliamentarians will share best practices for promoting inclusivity and peaceful coexistence as prerequisites for resilient, cohesive and democratic societies across the world.

Other special intervention groups of the IPU to provide status reports on efforts to find peaceful solutions to conflicts include the Middle East Questions, and Facilitators on Cyprus, Mothapo said.

In addition to its 'Yes to the Youth' campaign, the IPU will launch the Parliaments for the Planet campaign, designed to place Parliaments at the forefront of fighting global warming by, among others, reducing their carbon footprints, as part of the overall execution of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

Various statutory structures of the IPU will also be meeting during the five-day assembly with members of the multi-party delegation of Parliament serving in each structure to share and advance South Africas position.

These include the thematic Standing Committees on Peace and International Security; Sustainable Development, Finance and Trade; Democracy and Human Rights; as well as United Nations Affairs, Mothapo said.

The South African Parliament delegation includes National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Deputy Chairperson, Sylvia Lucas; NA House Chairperson for International Relations, Cedric Frolick; Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs Whip, Moleboheng Modise; African National Congress (ANC) Deputy Chief Whip, Doris Dlakude; Economic Freedom Fighters Chief Whip, Floyd Shivambu; Inkatha Freedom Party Chief Whip, Narend Singh; and United Democratic Movement Chief Whip, Nqabayomzi Kwankwa.

The Members of Parliament (MP) also include Fikile Masiko from ANC and Dr Annelie Lotriet from Democratic Alliance.

UN Commission on the Status of Women

Meanwhile, Parliaments Multi-Party Womens Caucus (MPWC) Chairperson, Nkhensani Bilankulu, will next week join the South African delegation attending the 67th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW67) taking place at the UN Headquarters in New York, from 13  17 March 2023.

The Commission will this year focus on innovation and technological change and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls.

The session will also review the agreed conclusions of the 62nd session titled, 'Challenges and opportunities in achieving gender equality and the empowerment of rural women and girls'.

The MPWC's principal function is to lobby and influence public policy and decisions to ensure progress in achieving gender equality and at the very least, a more gender sensitive approach to decision making and governance.

International engagements such as the UNCSW67 are important tools in improving members' understanding and effectiveness, working towards establishing standards of parliamentary oversight that may lead to a more gendered approach to accountability in government planning, expenditure and service delivery, Bilankulu said.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2023-03-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Chinese modernization sheds light on developing nations devt model

(Global Times) 08:57, March 09, 2023

Path to modernization offers world an alternative to Western style featuring colonization, pillage

Discussion of Chinese modernization has culminated during this year's ongoing two sessions, with foreign envoys and experts hailing that Chinese modernization has shed light on an alternative development path for nations. The Chinese path of realizing modernization, centering on independence, peace and the public good, provides the developing world an alternative to Western countries' road to modernization, which was achieved mainly via colonization and pillage, experts said.

Moreover, those foreign envoys and experts see hope as China embarks on a new journey and a new stage for development, as the world's second-biggest economy responded to global expectations and reiterated its pledge to work for global development and peace, which has injected much needed vitality to a global economy that is wrecked by COVID-19, unilateralism from certain Western countries and other factors.

Each town has to make its way, but without doubt, the concept of "Characteristics of the Chinese Path to Modernization" helps many of us to clarify priorities and objectives. Modernization has to reach all social sectors, provide common prosperity, allow personal and collective development, and do so in harmony with humanity and the planet we live on, in a sustainable and peaceful manner. In this regard, I want to highlight the Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative, presented by China within the framework of the United Nations, Argentine Ambassador to China Sabino Vaca Narvaja told the Global Times.

Former ambassador of Venezuela to Cuba Adan Chavez told media that his country needs to learn from China about how to achieve great victories like poverty alleviation, one of the greatest achievements China has made.

Chinese modernization has spurred discussions at home and abroad since the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in October 2022. During this year's two sessions, the Chinese modernization blueprint will be fleshed out with specific targets to strive for. As this year marks the first year of this new journey, the new measures that will be unveiled at the two sessions not only matter to China, but to other countries as well.

According to this year's Government Work Report, China will make solid progress in advancing Chinese modernization. "We should, with a focus on key industrial chains in the manufacturing sector, pool quality resources and make concerted efforts to achieve breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields," it said.

In the eyes of Martin Jacques, a visiting professor at the Institute of Modern International Relations at Tsinghua University and a senior fellow at the China Institute, Fudan University, instead of advocating the jungle law of nation-states, where the writ of the strongest reigns supreme, "China propounds new forms of global collaboration," as exemplified by the Belt and Road Initiative and the idea of a community with a shared future for mankind, as the way of the future.

Achieving modernization in a country with a population of more than 1.4 billion will be an unprecedented feat in human history, and Chinese modernization offers solutions to many challenges facing human development, and dispels the myth that modernization is Westernization, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gangsaid during a press conference on Tuesday on the sidelines of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress.

Qin detailed five features of Chinese modernization, which are independence, putting people first, peaceful development, openness and inclusiveness and working hard in unity.

In contrast with Western-style modernization, which is driven by profits and capitalism, and as a result benefits only a small group of people, Chinese modernization is to let everyone usher in such process, Li Haidong, a professor at the Institute of International Relations at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times.

Chinese modernization has broken a myth created by Western countries that wealth can only be created via colonization and pillage, said Li, noting that the Chinese path proves that modernization can be achieved via a peaceful model, and offers an alternative for other developing countries.

Western modernization vs Chinese modernization. Graphic: GT

Eyeing China's development

This year's two sessions, which will lay out the roadmap for implementing the plans of the 20th National Congress of the CPC and the first since China triumphed over COVID-19, has attracted the world's attention. People from many countries say China's development is of great importance to the world and its development experience is worth learning. They believe this year's two sessions herald China's entry to a new development stage that will inject the world with much needed vitality for a global recovery.

I attended the opening ceremonies of this year's two sessions - the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and the 14th National People's Congress (NPC). This is my first time attending the meetings of such important and top-level legislature and advisory bodies of China respectively. They are decisive for the future political development of China, Nepali Ambassador to China Bishnu Pukar Shrestha told the Global Times.

The ongoing sessions hold special importance to the Chinese and the world as they are being held for the first time after China's decisive victory over COVID-19. Therefore, all eyes are now on the two sessions, with many expecting that the sessions will come up with good news for the pandemic and wars-stricken world, Musundali Bhuiyan, a Bangladeshi journalist told the Global Times.

As a committed and responsible global partner, China has also responded to global expectations and reiterated its pledge to work for global development and peace. In the Government Work Report presented to the sessions, China announced its readiness to work with the international community to put into action the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative and promote the shared values of humanity, said Bhuiyan.

More importantly, Bhuiyan said, the report mentioned that China will remain firm in pursuing a strategy of opening up for mutual benefits, making the world more optimistic about a better future. Bangladesh is not an exception in this case. As a strategic partner of China, Bangladesh can also benefit from the decisions to be taken in the sessions.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Silvergate has been an integral part of the crypto world as its leading bank, but it was not enough to keep its head above water. Silvergate Capital Corporation has announced that it will voluntarily liquidate Silvergate Bank amidst recent industry and regulatory developments.

Shutting Down Silvergate

Silvergate Capital Corporation announced that it will be winding down operations for Silvergate Bank in an "orderly manner and in accordance with applicable regulatory processes." The holding company believes that liquidation is the best course of action for the bank.

As it does, the company will repay all deposits to its customers and will look into the best way to resolve claims and preserve the residual value of its assets, which include proprietary technology and tax assets, according to The Verge.

The collapse follows the company's apparent struggle which goes the same for its known clients like FTX and Genesis. Silvergate's earnings report back in January showed that it lost a billion dollars in one quarter brought on by customers withdrawing a total of $8.1 billion.

In its recent documentation, it found that the company was worse off than the quarterly report showed. The corporation also decided to shut down Silvergate Exchange Network, which was used by crypto exchanges like Kraken, Coinbase, and Gemini.

Chair of Senate Banking Committee Sherrod Brown stated that the fall of Silvergate shows "what can happen to a bank when it is over-reliant on a risky, volatile sector like cryptocurrencies," as mentioned in Financial Times.

The shutdown of the leading bank in the crypto world will initiate a significant shift in the industry. Cryptocurrency firms would have to change banks, which could make navigating through digital assets riskier than it already is.

Silvergate has hired Centerview Partners as its financial adviser as well as Cravath, Swaine & Moore as legal advisers. California's state banking regulator will ensure that Silvergate's shutdown will be "safe and expeditious."

Read Also: London Listed as the Most Crypto-Ready City in the World for Business

Issues that may Arise

Although the company's press release is filled with forward-looking statements, they also mentioned that there was no guarantee of it all, seeing as they cannot predict what could happen and what issues may get in the way of winding down.

For one, winding down the bank's operation may not go as smoothly, resulting in a delay in repaying its customers in full. There's also the company's ability to "resolve claims and preserve any residual value of its assets."

The corporation may also encounter obstacles in acquiring applicable regulatory or governmental approvals needed in order to complete its process of shutting down, as well as litigation that could lead to potential liability and restrictions on Silvergate's historical business.

It's also possible that the company may not deliver the results of procedures and documentation in a timely manner, as well as complete the audit procedures with the hired independent registered public accounting firm.

Silvergate Capital Corporation could also experience delays regarding its ability to file for Form 10-K and future Securities and Exchange Commission reports. They warned that the forward-looking statements should not be seen as a representation by the company.

Related: FTX Cryptocurrency Files for Bankruptcy, CEO Bankman-Fried Resigns
The Senate overwhelmingly passed a GOP-led resolution Wednesday night to repeal a Washington, D.C. crime bill that critics labeled soft on crime amid rising crime rates in the nation's capital.

Most of the Senate Democratic caucus joined Republicans, as the final tally was 81 to 14. Those who voted against the move represented the leftwing of the party and included progressive Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders.

The vote came after the chairman of D.C.'s City Council tried to pull back the legislation Monday so it wouldn't get hit with a Senate rebuke.

A number of Senate Democrats pointed to this to excuse their votes.

'Both the city council chairman - who has withdrawn the legislation - and the mayor have suggested that these changes to the D.C. criminal code are not ready for prime time,' said a point statement by Virginia's Democratic Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner.

'We will vote for the resolution of disapproval and urge the mayor and council to work together to create a safer city for all, including the many Virginians who commute to D.C. for work every day,' they added.

The Senate overwhelmingly passed a GOP-led resolution Wednesday night to repeal a Washington, D.C. crime bill that critics labeled soft on crime amid rising crime rates in the nation's capital

President Joe Biden said he would sign the resolution once it passed. That opened him up to criticism from some Democrats because it showed that he wasn't fully committed to D.C. having autonomy, despite saying he supported statehood

Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser was against the D.C. crime bill - which is one of the reasons the White House used to justify why President Joe Biden would sign the GOP-endorsed resolution that would repeal the bill

The Democrats who voted in the affirmative were following in President Joe Biden's lead.

Biden had signaled that he would support the Republican bill to block the measure -  even as his administration took heat for violating its own admonitions about protecting home rule in the city.

The process had already started by the time Council Chairman Phil Mendelson wrote to Vice President Kamala Harris to try and pull the bill.

'Not only does the statute not allow for a withdrawal of a transmission, but at this point the Senate Republican privileged motion will be acting on the House disapproval resolution, rather than the DC Council's transmission to the Senate,' a Senate leadership aide, who told DailyMail.com: 'We still expect the vote to occur.'

The vote wrapped up around 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, concluding an episode that exposed a rift in the Democratic Party over Washington, D.C.'s autonomy.

Without statehood, D.C.'s Home Rule Act allows Congress to review the city's laws.

Mendelson said the Council, which backed the combined changes to the criminal code over the objections of Mayor Muriel Bowser, would modify to the law and submit it to Congress later.

Mendelson suggested that Biden and Congressional Democrats sided with Republicans to make the point that they weren't soft on crime before the 2024 general election.

D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson attempted to pull the bill from the Senate before Wednesday night's vote occurred. He suggested that President Joe Biden and Democrats voting to rebuke it were doing it so they could highlight being tough on crime in 2024 ads

Mendelson wrote Vice President Harris in her role as president of the Senate. Although it was not clear she had the ability to stop a vote, which a leadership aide said was a privileged motion to act on a vote that had already occurred in the House

'This is about next year's campaign,' he said. 'That's what this is about, it's about doing videos that so-and-so senator voted to be soft on crime in the District of Columbia.'

A number of House Democrats who voted against repealing the crime law also expressed outrage at Biden.

Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre had said that 'if the bill comes to the president's desk he will sign it.'

At the same time, she said Biden continued to support D.C. statehood.

'He believes and he has for some time that DC should be a fifty-one state,' she said. The move 'doesnt change that he encourages Congress to pass a bill that makes D.C. a state, and he will sign it.'

But she justified Biden's move by saying that the president cares about the safety of Americans.

'One thing the president believes in is making sure that the streets in America and communities across the country are safe,' said Jean-Pierre. 'That includes D.C.'
The King told Prince Harry that his children would be allowed to be called Prince and Princess in a 'private conversation' after the Queen's funeral last year, it is understood.

Harry and Meghan's 21-month-old daughter Lilibet saw her royal title of 'Princess' used formally for the first time yesterday, giving the first indication that the Sussexes will use the titles for their children.

The move is seen as an olive branch after reports the couple has been 'obsessed' with the idea that the King might bar the children from being prince or princess. Royal sources said Charles would never have 'punished' his grandchildren like that.

It is understood that despite the Sussexes' repeated attacks on the institution of the monarchy and members of the Royal Family, there has been correspondence on the issue between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and royal aides.

Harry and Meghan's children became a prince and princess when the King acceded to the throne, but have remained a plain 'master' and 'miss' on the Buckingham Palace website for the past six months. Early today, that remained the case.

The King told Prince Harry that his children would be allowed to be called Prince and Princess in a 'private conversation' after the Queen's funeral last year. Pictured: Charles III and Prince Harry together at Windsor Castle on the day of the Queen's funeral on September 19, 2022

The move is seen as an olive branch from Charles after reports Harry and Meghan had been 'obsessed' with the idea that the King might bar the children from being prince or princess

A photograph issued by Archewell of Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, after celebrating her first birthday in June last year

The Sussexes at their former home Frogmore Cottahe during their visit to the UK for the Queen's Jubilee in June, pictured

The first picture of the couple's daughter Lilibet was released in a Christmas card on December 23, 2021

Lili was described as 'Princess Lilibet Diana' in a statement from a spokesman for the couple yesterday that confirmed she was christened last in a private ceremony at the Sussexes' home in Montecito, California, on March 3.

A source told the Mirror: 'The appropriate conversations took place ahead of Lilibet's christening.'

While it is understood the title will be used in formal settings, it will not be in everyday conversational use by the couple.

So she will likely still be known as 'Lilibet' in most scenarios.

Lilibet, known as 'Lili' for short, was named as 'Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor' on her birth certificate in California.

Harry and Meghan are understood to be keen to not deny their children their birthright but will allow them the chance to decide for themselves when they are older whether they want to drop or keep using the titles.

The couple's 11million mansion in Montecito, California, where their daughter's christening was held

Tyler Perry at a Los Angeles airport last Friday, on the day he attended Lilibet's christening as her godfather

Less than 24 hours after the baptism, Harry spoke with Canadian 'toxic trauma expert' Dr Gabor Mate during a live-streamed 90-minute interview to promote Spare (pictured)

It will be up to Lilibet whether she wants to describe herself as a princess.

Harry and Meghan's children Archie and Lilibet became prince and princess respectively when King Charles acceded to the throne last September.

However it is only now that the couple have chosen to use the title.

Rules set out by King George V in 1917 mean Archie and Lili, as the children of a son of a sovereign, are automatically a prince and a princess.

Buckingham Palace currently refers to her on the royal website as 'Miss Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor'.

The Palace said its website 'will now be updated in due course' to reflect the titles  making Lilibet a princess.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with their son Archie, and (left to right) the Queen Consort, the King, Ms Doria Ragland, Lady Jane Fellowes, Lady Sarah McCorquodale and the Prince and Princess of Wales at Windsor Castle after his christening in July 2019

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Kate, Princess of Wales, pictured at the Baftas in February, were not at the christening

Previously, at the time of the late Queen's death and the King's accession last year, a spokesman for the King pledged to update Archie and Lilibet's names on the site 'as and when we get information'.

Meghan said in the couple's bombshell interview with US talk show host Oprah Winfrey in 2021 that Archie was not given the title of prince because of his race.

The real reason was that although he was a great-grandchild of the monarch, he was not a first-born son of a future king and so was not automatically a prince.

Lilibet also now has an HRH  Her Royal Highness  style title if she wishes to use it.

However, it also understood that HRH will be 'held in abeyance', which describes a state of temporary disuse.

READ MORE: Harry and Meghan christen Princess Lilibet but King Charles and William did not go Advertisement

Although Harry and Meghan retain their HRH styles, they no longer use them after quitting the working monarchy.

It was previously reported in 2021 that Charles, in a bid to limit the number of key royals, intended, when he became monarch, to prevent Archie becoming a prince.

To do so, he would have to issue a Letters Patent amending Archie's right to be a prince and Lili's right to be a princess.

The couple's statement yesterday said Lilibet was 'christened on March 3, by the Archbishop of Los Angeles, the Rev John Taylor'.

However, Reverend Taylor is actually the Bishop of Los Angeles in the Episcopal Church in the US, which is part of the global Anglican Communion.

The Archbishop of Los Angeles is the Most Reverend Jose H. Gomez, who leads the US's largest Catholic community.

Conducting the ceremony in the US means that Lilibet will not be considered a 'member' of the Church of England automatically.

However, as the Episcopal Church is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, the christening in the US is valid in the UK.

A royal baby does also not need to be christened in a Church of England church to go into the royal line of succession and she could later join a Church of England congregation if she came to Britain.

It is not believed that any other current members of the Royal Family have been baptised by the Episcopal Church.

Meghan was a Catholic growing up before being baptised and confirmed into the Church of England in 2018.

The couple broke with a longstanding tradition by holding the baptism in the US, with royal babies normally christened in a Church of England church.

People magazine reported that there were between 20 and 30 guests at the event, including Meghan's mother Doria Ragland and Lilibet's billionaire godfather Tyler Perry.

The filmmaker had been spotted paying a visit to Harry and Meghan's Montecito home last Friday and at a airport in Los Angeles where he boarded his private jet.

Afterwards guests and family including Doria Ragland danced to a playlist containing songs from Harry and Meghan's wedding reception at Windsor Castle.

A gospel choir also reportedly performed Oh Happy Day and This Little Light of Mine.

Royal journalist Omid Scobie, who is close to the Sussexes, reported that 'King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Kate were invited but didn't attend'.

It is not known whether any other Royal Family members were present.

Right Reverend John Harvey Taylor, the Bishop of Los Angeles, christened the Sussex's daughter Lilibet on Friday

Less than 24 hours after Lilibet's christening, Harry hosted an online Q&A to promote his memoir Spare  and may have had christening guests staying in his mansion while it happened.

Lilibet's brother, Archie, was christened by the Archbishop of Canterbury at St George's Chapel, Windsor, in July 2019.

Royal experts were confounded over the christening arrangements of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's daughter Lilibet, with a question mark over whether the baby's blue-blooded relatives were invited.

Harry and Meghan's friend Omid Scobie claimed King Charles, the Queen Consort ands the Prince and Princess of Wales 'declined' an invitation to attend Lilibet's christening in California last Friday.

Royal author Phil Dampier said: 'Harry and Meghan can try and claim the moral high ground by letting it be known that they invited the King, Queen Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales to the christening but they are just playing games. They know there wasn't a hope in hell of any of them going.

'If they genuinely wanted to build bridges and start a healing process why didn't they come over with their children a couple of weeks before the Coronation and have the christening then?

'It would have been the perfect excuse to start the reconciliation process.'

Writer Richard Fitzwilliam wrote: 'The Sussexes do nothing by accident and this is also an opportunity to remind the world that they are an important part of the royal family.

'King Charles was clearly right in deciding that Archie and Lili should be given what is automatically theirs, whatever difficulties the Palace currently has with their parents.'

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: 'It would be for The Duke and Duchess to confirm who attended their daughter's christening.'

Scobie, who is close to the Sussexes, insisted the King, Queen consort, Prince and Princess of Wales were invited to the ceremony but chose not to attend.

However, the Royal Household has published a packed itinerary of duties over the past two weeks.

A bulletin published on the Royal Family's website shows a busy schedule of duties over the week of February 25 to March 3, which may be a pointed reply to the claim that they 'snubbed' the Montecito christening

The King meets European Commission president Ursula Von Der Leyen at an audience in Windsor Castle last week

A bulletin published on the Royal Family's website showed a busy schedule of public duties from the week of February 25 to March 3, which may be a pointed reply to the claim that they 'snubbed' the Montecito christening.

The list shows how the Prince and Princess of Wales attended the Six Nations Rugby Match between Wales and England at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, on February 25.

The following day, the Princess Royal and her husband Captain Tim Laurence watched the International Rugby Match between France and Scotland at the Stade de France in Paris.

Later events saw the King meet European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen after Rishi Sunak's revised Brexit agreement, while Prince William and his wife visited a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre in Wales  meeting vulnerable service users among a host of other engagements.

Inside 'Princess Lilibet's' christening where Archie 'danced with his sister to a playlist of Harry and Meghan's wedding songs and guests were serenaded by a gospel choir'  but royals didn't attend

BY JESSICA TAYLOR AND HARRIET JOHNSTON FOR MAILONLINE

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle hosted a christening for their daughter Lilibet at their 12million ($14million) mansion in California, it's been revealed today.

The Duke, 38, and Duchess of Sussex, 41, hosted the religious ceremony, which was carried out by the Archbishop of Los Angeles, the Reverend John Taylor, last Friday.

People magazine reported that there were between 20 and 30 guests at the event, including Meghan's mother Doria Ragland and Lilibet's godfather Tyler Perry.

They were serenaded by a gospel choir, who are believed to have performed Oh Happy Day and This Little Light of Mine  a song that was played at Meghan and Harry's wedding.

Meanwhile an insider revealed that after the ceremony, 'attendees were treated to an afternoon of food and dancing  with Archie enjoying a dance with his little sister!'

A spokesman for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex (pictured in their 2021 Christmas card with Archie and Lilibet) has confirmed the couple threw a christening for 'Princess Lilibet' last week at their 12million Montecito home

A source also told the magazine that Lilibet's aunt and uncle, the Prince and Princess of Wales, grandfather King Charles and step-grandmother, the Queen Consort, had been invited to the event but had not attended.

The news of the christening comes amid speculation over whether the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be at the King's Coronation in the UK, after they received an invitation.

A spokesman for the couple confirmed they had been invited to the ceremony on May 6 (the same day as their eldest child Archie's birthday) but did not comment on whether or not they had accepted the invitation.

Details of the warm ceremony may be seen to reflect Prince Harry's disclosure last weekend that he 'smothers' his children with affection.

Lilibet Diana (pictured on her first birthday in 2022) was christened in a ceremony where guests were serenaded by a gospel choir

Tyler Perry (pictured in the Harry & Meghan documentary on Netflix) flew into Santa Barbara to attend the ceremony in his capacity as Lilibet's godfather

In an interview with controversial therapist Gabor Mate, the Duke said: 'It leaves me in position now, as a father to two kids of my own, making sure that I smother them with love and affection.'

He had been referring to claims he made in his bombshell memoir Spare that the Royal Family did not often physically touch one another.

It is perhaps no surprise that the couple hosted the party in their own home, as Meghan has previously discussed her attachment to the property as 'free' and full of 'joy'.

Not many details have been given about decorations at the party, although Harry and Meghan's mansion is reported to be kitted out with chic Soho House candles and the couple boast a grand piano in their sitting room, which was gifted to them by Perry.

Speaking in an interview with The Cut last year, Meghan said of her home: 'We did everything we could to get this house. Because you walk in and go... Joy. And exhale. And calm. Its healing. You feel free.'

One of the first features that Meghan and Harry saw was two palm trees, connected together at the bottom, which the Duke claimed represented the loved-up couple.

'And now every day when Archie goes by us, he says, "Hi, Momma. Hi, Papa,"' explained the Duchess.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (pictured on their wedding day in 2018) threw the ceremony at their Montecito mansion

Few details have been given about the christening but it was held in the plush, chic home of Harry and Meghan in Santa Barbara, California, of which royal fans saw glimpses in the couple's Netflix documentary. Pictured: Meghan with Lilibet as a newborn

Harry also featured in the magazine interview, and briefly explained that he is in the middle of renovations for the home  fixing pipes, for example.

Perry's involvement in the ceremony and as Lilibet's godfather is also no surprise as the couple have been close friends with him since their move to the US and often speak fondly of him.

The Hollywood titan was spotted flying to Santa Barbara last week to meet Harry and Meghan, and reportedly changed into a suit before catching up with them  suggesting the dress code was smart for guests in attendance.

While the guests and the family  particularly little Archie  reportedly danced the afternoon away to a playlist which contained some of Harry and Meghan's wedding songs, it is unclear exactly which tunes were played.

However, friend of the Sussexes Idris Elba, who played a DJ set at their wedding reception in 2018, has previously revealed some details of the music he used at that event.

In an appearance on BBC Radio 1Extra, Elba revealed Meghan had specifically requested he play a mix of Whitney Houston's disco hit I Wanna Dance With Somebody, which he said got the crowd going. Another tune Meghan requested was Still D.R.E by Dr Dre.

A song which was most likely played at the christening party which holds special meaning to the Sussexes is 1960 hit Land of a Thousand Dances, to which the couple had their first dance.

Speaking about their wedding reception in 84million ($100million) Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan, the Duchess said: 'I just really wanted the music to be fun  even our first dance.'

However, if it was on the christening playlist, Harry was most likely the person who requested it, as Meghan joked in the documentary that she 'always get[s] it wrong' when she tries to think of the name of the track.
French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a hike in funding from the UK to stop Channel crossings.

London and Paris are in talks about a longer-term multi-million-pound deal to boost French beach patrols, surveillance and officers to smash trafficking gangs.

It comes ahead of an Anglo-French summit in Paris tomorrow between Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Mr Macron, where Channel migrants will be top of the agenda.

It is the first bilateral summit between France and Britain for five years and both sides are looking to repair relations after bruising rows about Channel migrants, post-Brexit trading agreements and the Aukus submarine deal with Australia.

Elysee Palace sources say both sides are trying to strike a multi-annual financing framework that would put cooperation on a stable footing and allow to better plan our actions.

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a hike in funding from the UK to stop Channel crossings

The PM wants a substantial increase in beach patrols amid fears that more than 80,000 migrants could cross the Channel this year

However, the summit threatens to be overshadowed after Brussels yesterday said it believes Home Secretary Suella Bravermans new immigration Bill to tackle small boats breaks international law.

Ylva Johansson, the European Unions top home affairs official, said she told Ms Braverman that Britain is poised to breach its international obligations.

She told the Politico website: I spoke to the British minister yesterday on this and I told her that I think that this is violating international law.

It threatens to cast a shadow over talks if Mr Macron says the same.

The PM wants a substantial increase in beach patrols amid fears that more than 80,000 migrants could cross the Channel this year.

So far 3,000 have reached the UK following a record 45,000 last year.

Tomorrows summit follows last Novembers 63million agreement under which the UK paid towards a 40 per cent increase in French officers as well as drones, buggies and surveillance equipment.

Both sides agree that doubling the numbers of migrants prevented from leaving the beaches to 80 or 90 per cent would break the people smugglers economic model by making crossings unviable.
A Canadian judge has dismissed a case brought against a man who gave his neighbor a middle-finger salute, describing the gesture as a 'God-given, Charter-enshrined right' and calling the decision to prosecute 'deplorable'.

Neall Epstein, a 45-year-old teacher, was arrested in May 2021 outside his Montreal home following a row with his neighbor Michael Naccache, 34.

Epstein was charged with criminal harassment and uttering threats.

But on February 24, Judge Dennis Galiatsatos dismissed the case and said it had been a mistake to prosecute Epstein.

'To be abundantly clear, it is not a crime to give someone the finger,' he wrote, according to documents obtained by CBC.

'Flipping the proverbial bird is a God-given, Charter-enshrined right that belongs to every red-blooded Canadian. It may not be civil, it may not be polite, it may not be gentlemanly. Nevertheless, it does not trigger criminal liability.'

Judge Dennis Galiatsatos last month dismissed charges of criminal harassment and uttering threats filed against Neall Epstein, 45

Epstein was returning home when he encountered Naccache - who had previously complained about Epstein's children playing outside, at the end of the pandemic.

Naccache swore at Epstein and threatened him with a power tool, making a 'menacing gesture'.

Epstein responded by raising two middle fingers, and carrying on walking.

Naccache alleged that Epstein also made a throat-slashing gesture and said he feared Epstein would come back and try to kill him.

The judge found Naccache's claim that he feared for his life to be baseless.

'On what basis did he fear that Mr Epstein was a potential murderer?' asked Galiatsatos.

'The fact that he went for quiet walks with his kids? The fact that he socialized with the other young parents on the street? If that is the standard, we should all fear that our neighbors are killers-in-waiting.'

Galiatsatos said that he wanted to throw the case out of the window in frustration

The judge described Epstein as a 'caring father of two young daughters who committed no crime whatsoever.'

He called it 'deplorable' that Naccache 'weaponized the criminal justice system in an attempt to exert revenge on an innocent man.'

The judge added that he wished he could literally throw the case out.

He wrote: 'In the specific circumstances of this case, the Court is inclined to actually take the file and throw it out the window, which is the only way to adequately express my bewilderment with the fact that Mr Epstein was subjected to an arrest and a fulsome criminal prosecution.'
The parents of a newborn triplet begged doctors to take him to a different hospital after Lucy Letby allegedly murdered his two brothers within 24 hours, a court heard today.

The distraught couple were desperate for their surviving baby to be moved from the Countess of Chester Hospital to a specialist unit.

Letby, 33, is accused of killing the infants, known as Babies O and P, by injecting air into their stomachs and bloodstream on consecutive days in June 2016.

Manchester Crown Court heard the nurse was 'in pieces' and 'floods of tears' following the death of the second brother, who was awaiting transfer to Liverpool Women's Hospital when he died.

She dressed the two babies in matching outfits and also helped take photographs and make memory boxes following their deaths.

Letby (pictured), 33, is accused of killing the infants, known as Babies O and P, by injecting air into their stomachs and bloodstream on consecutive days in June 2016

After the transport team arrived for Baby P, his parents begged them to take their surviving son, who cannot be named for legal reasons and isn't involved in the trial, instead.

He spent several weeks on the neo-natal unit at Liverpool Women's Hospital before going home.

In a tearful video interview with detectives, which was shown to the jury, the triplets' father said: 'The transport team fought with Baby P, for maybe 10 to 15 minutes. Not long after they arrived he passed away, they couldn't do any more. While they were there we begged for them to take (name of surviving son).

'We said there was no way he's staying at this hospital, you've got to take him, otherwise we'll take him ourselves, but obviously he was too small. They agreed to take him over.'

Before their son was transferred, the court heard, Letby brought his two deceased brothers, who were in special cold cots, to see their parents.

'I'm pretty sure that it was Lucy Letby who wheeled the two boys down to us in the cold box,' the father said. 'I'm sure it was her, 110 per cent.

'She said how sorry she was, she was very tearful and very upset. I'm pretty certain she dressed the pair of them because we'd picked out little matching outfits.'

His partner, the boys' mother, added: 'Lucy was extremely upset and emotional. She was in pieces and almost as upset as we were.

'She brought Baby O and Baby P down to see us in a Moses basket before we left for Liverpool. She dressed Baby P and took pictures of both boys, she was in floods of tears.'

In a statement, the mother said doctors had told them their three identical sons, who had been born seven weeks early, were doing well in the first few days after their birth.

They were good weights  around 4lbs each  she said.

Baby O's sudden collapse and death, on the afternoon of June 23, came like 'bolt out of the blue,' the mother said.

Both parents described an unusual discolouration or rash on both babies' stomachs as doctors tried desperately to save them. The prosecution say this was caused because air had been deliberately injected into their bloodstreams and stomachs.

The jury have been told that a similar 'flitting' rash was also seen on several other children allegedly attacked by Letby, including three others who died.

The triplets' father broke down and sobbed as he described the appearance of Baby O's tummy during the resuscitation.

'All his veins, you could see them,' he said. 'All bright blue, going different colours. His whole body looked like it had really, really bad prickly heat that got worse.'

Referring to the moments before his death, his mother said: 'When we got down to the neo-natal unit it was like deja vu.

'Everyone was running around again. It was chaotic. They appeared to be trying to stabilise Baby P, but he kept collapsing. He looked very similar to Baby O, with the discolouration and prominent veins.'

The couple also described staff 'panicking' and 'pandemonium' during both emergencies. They said they were surprised a student nurse was allowed to feed and care for Baby O and that their sons didn't appear to be given 'one-to-one' nursing.

At one point, when Baby P's lungs collapsed during the resuscitation, his mother said she was 'alarmed' to see a doctor 'Googling' how to perform a particular procedure on a computer.

Letby, of Hereford, denies murdering seven babies and attempting to murder 10 others between June 2015 and June 2016.
Many Aussies have written a joke message when sending money to friends and family.

They use bank transfers as an opportunity to prank their loved ones with a rude or racy message, under the assumption that banks wouldn't read what they write in the description box.

However, a journalist has revealed that everything we write is actually monitored by the bank - with some messages even triggering a security response.

Ali transferred $30 to his sister-in-law to celebrate his nephew's ninth birthday but received this email from the bank

A journalist for ABC News shared the story of one man named Ali, who ran afoul of St George Bank's monitoring team for a seemingly innocuous message.

Ali transferred $30 to his sister-in-law to celebrate his nephew's ninth birthday.

In the description field, he wrote 'Muslim BDAY', as his nephew's surname is Muslim.

However, he was then shocked to receive an email from St.George Bank after its economic and trade sanctions team flagged the bank transfer and demanded he provide more information.

'Please confirm what Muslim refers to,' the email read.

'If [Muslim refers to] an individual please provide Full name, DOB and address.

'St.George  a division of Westpac Banking Corporation (Westpac) have a statutory obligation to ensure that the transactions we process comply with various Australian and international laws including those relating to economic and trade sanctions.

'Please provide the above mentioned information...to avoid this transaction being cancelled or further delayed.'

A journalist for ABC News shared Ali's story - revealing how banks read everything we send to each other

Everything we write in a bank transfer is actually monitored by the bank - with some messages even triggering a security response

Ali was so stunned by the email that he immediately assumed it was a hoax and reported it.

Both he and his sister-in-law live in Australia, leaving him questioning why the bank transfer had attracted the attention of the economic and trade sanctions team.

However, Westpac Group's hoax reporting team confirmed the email was genuine, leaving Ali even more upset.

'Why are they targeting a particular group of religious people? That was a bit upsetting,' he said.

'What other red flags could there have been other than the name Muslim itself?

'Christian, that's a common name as well. Say if it was like, 'Christian's birthday', would they have stopped it as well?'

Ali complied with the request and provided his nephew's full name, date of birth and address.

The bank later apologised to him, but defended its actions to ABC.

A St.George spokesperson said the bank 'provides financial services to businesses and customers in accordance with our legal and regulatory requirements, including Australian sanction laws'.

'To ensure we meet these obligations, St.George will sometimes request more information from customers about certain transactions,' they added.

A St.George Bank spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia: 'St.George Bank provides financial services to businesses and customers in accordance with our legal and regulatory requirements, including Australian sanction laws.

'To ensure we meet these obligations, St.George will sometimes request more information from customers about certain transactions'.
The brother of Mr Universe bodybuilder Calum von Moger has been confirmed dead after he mysteriously vanished - just months after going viral over a bizarre clash with an elderly couple.

Edward von Moger, 28, was filmed in August yelling about Covid vaccines at a couple through their car window by the side of a Victorian road.

The confronting video showed a shirtless von Moger beating on the couple's driver's side window and wing mirror with a boomerang before launching into an expletive-filled rant about Covid-19 vaccines.

Edward von Moger (left) is pictured with his brother, celebrity bodybuilder Calum Von Moger. A desperate search was made to find Edward after he vanished from Geelong, Victoria, on Thursday last week

An enraged von Moger beat in the window of a couple's car with a boomerang while screaming about Covid vaccines in a viral video in August

He was due to be sentenced on Thursday where all charges were withdrawn by prosecutors.

Magistrate John Bentley revealed von Moger had tragically died over the weekend.

'He's deceased. He was a lovely guy ... those charges are struck out. There's press interest in this because his brother is quite famous,' Mr Bentley said.

Daily Mail Australia revealed on Friday a desperate search had been underway to find von Moger after he disappeared from his home in Geelong, 75km southwest of Melbourne.

The 28-year-old was last seen on Laura Avenue, in Belmont, about 8am on Thursday.

A day later, his vehicle was found abandoned 36km away on Ellimatta Road in Anglesea, a small seaside town on Victoria's Great Ocean Road.

His brother Calum made a desperate plea for help to find his brother in an Instagram post on Saturday.

'My little brother Eddie is missing,' he wrote.

'He was last seen three days ago on Thursday, March 2 around 8am.

'Please if anyone has seen or heard ANYTHING from him or has any information on his whereabouts please let me know and contact Geelong Police Station.'

A friend of von Moger revealed on social media he had left a suicide note.

'How sad..full of life only 28 years old,' the post read.

'He was always a happy man. Eddie was planning for his wedding to Harisa and looking forward to it, mental health issues always should be attended to, there should never be a stigma attached to it.'

In the viral video, von Moger could be seen storming up to the couple and screaming through their car window as they were parked by the side of a Victorian road.

He then began beating on the driver's side window and wing mirror, pausing to bizarrely look at his reflection in the mirror.

'You broke my f***ing boomerang,' he yelled as it split in half from the force of bashing on the window.

In the viral video featuring von Moger, breaking his weapon led him to produce another boomerang and saw him become even more enraged.

Seconds later he shattered the wing mirror, ripped the glass out of its mounting and smashed it against the window, shouting 'you c***s, you f***ing piece of s***'.

Australian bodybuilder Calum von Moger (left) is pictured with Arnold Schwarzenegger

With two more punches from his fist and open hand he shattered the window, to the shock of the couple inside, and began his anti-vaccine rant.

'F***ing idiots, you got the vaccine and it didn't bother ya. You both got the f***ing vaccine and it's lost a life,' he appeared to yell.

'Leave me alone,' the man in the driver's seat told him, as the attacker grabbed his shirt.

He then stormed off in a huff, disappearing behind nearby stationary cars.

Von Moger's brother Calum, 31, is a three-time Mr Universe winner who played Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 2018 film Bigger.

Edward von Moger was also a bodybuilder, who appeared in a photo alongside Schwarzenegger

Months earlier in May, Calum made headlines when he he was seriously injured after 'jumping' from the second storey of his home in Geelong, Victoria.

Police were called after reports a man was experiencing a mental health episode, with Calum needing surgery on his spine and spending 11 days in Melbourne's Alfred Hospital.

The incident made international news due to his fame as a bodybuilder and his film career - as well as playing Schwarzenegger, he also starred in Calum von Moger: Unbroken on Netflix and the bodybuilding documentary Generation Iron 2.

Calum von Moger (left) is pictured with Arnold Schwarzenegger, who he played in the 2018 film Bigger

The spinal injury was just the latest in a string of misfortunes to arise in Calum von Moger's life.

Over the past five years, the gym junkie - once dubbed Arnold Schwarzenegger 2.0 - suffered a knee and bicep injury that left him incapacitated for a year, found out he was the father of a little boy named Kairos, and his house in California burnt down.

Shortly after he was released from hospital, he pleaded guilty to possessing a variety of drugs, including testosterone, cannabis and about two grams of methamphetamine- the deadly drug ice.

Those who follow Calum closely online say he hasn't been the same since his bull terrier, Rex, choked to death on a chip in 2021.

Calum moved back to Australia from Los Angeles in October 2021.

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Dominic Perrottet has announced there will be a day of free public transport to make up for Sydney's train network going into meltdown on Wednesday afternoon.

Commuters trying to get home after work on Wednesday were left waiting for nearly two hours after the public transport network's radio system failed.

The NSW Premier said on Thursday a 'fare-free' day would be in store to try and make up for the chaos.

'I've made it very clear to the secretary of the (NSW Transport) department that my expectation is there is a fare-free day to make up someway for what occurred yesterday,' he told reporters.

The Sydney Trains network came to a standstill on Wednesday as frustrated commuters scrambled to find alternative ways to get home. Pictured are commuters waiting for a tram at Town Hall

'I'm really sorry for the inconvenience that many faced yesterday while they were trying to get home to their families, to work, and to catch flights.'

It's not yet known when the day of free public transport will be.

All trains stopped just around 3pm on Wednesday - with the screens at Central Station in the middle of Sydney's CBD coming up completely blank.

Transport NSW were forced to halt all trains due to safety reasons after the Digital Train Radio System failed.

The system was eventually rebooted and grounded trains started running again more than an hour after the issue began.

However, tens of thousands of commuters were left stranded across the city.

People crowded outside Central Station in Sydney's CBD on Wednesday afternoon

Transport NSW initially warned commuters that the issue would affect services throughout the entire afternoon.

Warnings for passengers to 'expect delays' earlier in the afternoon escalated to messages advising commuters to find 'alternative travel options'.

The system failure saw the price of Ubers soar, with trips across Sydney costing commuters almost triple the price.

One commuter posted a screenshot of one trip from the middle of the city to Bondi that was charging $88.21.

More buses were sent into the city to take train commuters left in limbo.

Trains are understood to have been operating normally on Thursday.
A Chinese firm was awarded a multi-million-pound government Covid contract despite officials knowing it was behind several cyber attacks on the NHS, a minister has claimed.

Science minister George Freeman said he was told in 2014 that BGI Group had been hacking Genomics England, a project which uses NHS patient data run by the Department of Health.

But in 2021 BGI Genomics  a subsidiary of BGI group and China's leading genomics research company  won an 11million Covid testing contract.

Mr Freeman said during a Commons debate yesterday: 'We are now in a global race... with hostile actors who wish to use science and technology to undermine us, or to steal our science and technology for their own use. BGI is clearly one.'

BGI Group has strongly denied the claims, saying it has 'never been, and will never be, involved in 'hack attacks' against anyone'.

Science minister George Freeman said he was told in 2014 that BGI Group had been hacking Genomics England, a project which uses NHS patient data run by the Department of Health

In 2021 BGI Genomics  a subsidiary of BGI group and China's leading genomics research company  won an 11million Covid testing contract (Pictured: Technicians at BGI lab)

MPs and peers have previously written to the Government urging it to cease all work with the company over security concerns.

It comes after the US blacklisted several subsidiaries of the company over security concerns about access to genetic data earlier this month.

Genomics England was set up in 2013 to run the 100,000 Genomes Project, which aimed to sequence data from NHS patients with a rare disease, and patients with cancer.

Participants gave consent for their genome data to be linked to information about their medical condition and health records.

BGI Group stressed the firm was not 'state-owned or state-controlled', adding: 'Our lab in the UK has its own local servers, and data processed in the UK remain in the UK and the EU.

'BGI Group's labs meet stringent standards in information security.

'In recognising the UK's global leadership in genomics and life sciences, BGI Group took the strategic decision to invest in the UK before the pandemic.

'During Covid we provided PCR testing kits to the UK. BGI will continue to support the UK in improving the health of people.'
They were the single winner of $40million

The winner of a massive Powerball jackpot has still not come forward to claim the prize which could instantly transform their life.

The lucky punter was made an overnight multi-millionaire after sweeping up the entire $40million Division One jackpot.

But a week after it was announced, Lotterywest is no closer to discovering the identity of the mystery winner, who is believed to be from Perth.

It is understood the winner is a single ticket-holder rather than a syndicate.

The ticket-holder of last week's whopping $40million Powerball has yet to surface

Punters typically have 12 months to claim their lottery winnings

A Lotterywest spokesman said the team was looking forward to hearing from the prize winner.

'It's still early days, so at this stage we encourage all players who may have purchased a ticket in last week's Powerball draw, to check it as soon as possible because you could be our latest multi-millionaire,' the spokesperson told .

Typically, players have 12 months from the date of the draw to claim their money.

In April, 2020, another WA winner took 22 months to claim their winning ticket, sold by Willetton Newsagency, a southern suburb of Perth.

As of October last year there was $22.3million worth of lottery winnings yet to be claimed by ticket holders across the country

The prize winner was however able to take advantage of the 12-month extension for claiming a division one prize, which was put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last October it was revealed $22.3million worth of lottery winnings had yet to be claimed across the country.

NSW punters held more than $9.5million worth of unclaimed prize money from 11 winnings, while Queenslanders had more than $5.5million from nine major unclaimed windfalls.

Western Australian ticket holders from three prizes worth $5.9million remained elusive, and more than $1.2million from two lottery events in Victoria were unclaimed.

Ticket holders have been encouraged to look for old lottery tickets by The Lott, which aggregates Australia's official lotteries.
Instagram is back online.

The popular social media platform is now accessible after a brief hours-long outage that prevented everyone worldwide from using the app and its many features.

Though most people can now access the app again, Meta has yet to address what happened and reveal why the outage happened.

Instagram March 2023 Outage Details

While the exact time the app went dark is hard to tell, popular global monitoring service DownDetector reports that the earliest report about the outage came in at around 5 PM PST. Since then, the number of reports constantly and significantly went up per XDA Developers.

CNN mentioned that Downdector received more than 53,000 incidents of user reports complaining about them being unable to access Instagram at the peak of the outage. Meanwhile, those who did get into the app are having trouble either logging in or posting any content.

Of the people that reported problems with Instagram, 75% had trouble accessing the app, while 14% couldn't post anything. Meanwhile, 11% of the report mentioned that people had trouble logging in to the app, preventing them from accessing their homepage or anything else.

At the time, any attempt to access the site or the app would result in users receiving a message that read, "Sorry, this page isn't available, per CNET.

Read More: Hubble Showcases New View of the Carina Nebula in Latest Photo

Those that could access their accounts found that while the home page is loading properly, Instagram's Explore page is completely down. They also found that some of the app's features and services that did work were either taking a long time to load or were not loading as expected.

While Instagram didn't mention when it became aware of the issue, it took the company allegedly around six hours, or until 11 PM PST, before it could fix the cause of the outage. During that time, Instagram users flooded Twitter to air their grievances using the #instagramdown hashtag, confirming to other people that Instagram was indeed down for the time being.

Instagram's Fix

When Instagram did fix the problem, Downdetector found that Instagram outage reports fell below the 1,000 mark in the US alone. However, reports of issues are still coming in from other parts of the world, such as the UK, Japan, and Australia, whose report tallies only went down to less than 100 reports.

Instagram then posted a tweet through its Instagram Comms Twitter account and updated people on Twitter that it had fixed the issue causing the outage. A "technical issue" caused people to have trouble accessing the app and website.

"We resolved this issue for everyone as quickly as possible, and we apologize for any inconvenience," Instagram added in its tweet.

As of press time, Meta has yet to address the outage Instagram experienced, while Instagram itself has yet to reveal the technical issue that led to the outage people experienced.

Related Article: Meta Tweaks Controversial 'Cross-Check' System For VIPs On Facebook, Instagram
Chocolate, coffee and bananas could disappear from supermarket shelves in less than 30 years because of climate change.

Hotter temperatures threaten the plants that produce chocolate, coffee and bananas and could lead to them becoming scarce, according to the Fairtrade Foundation.

A new report, titled 'Endangered Aisle', has been published by the charity, which supports disadvantaged farmers in developing countries through its Fairtrade mark.

It warns cocoa-growing regions Ghana and Ivory Coast, which produce more than half the world's crop, will become too hot by 2050 to grow the beans the UK relies on for its chocolate.

And within three decades as much as half of the global surface area currently used for coffee farming could no longer be suitable due to climate change, according to analysis by the 3Keel consultancy, which advises on sustainability.

Chocolate, coffee and bananas could disappear from supermarket shelves in less than 30 years because of climate change

More than 90 per cent of Fairtrade Kenyan coffee producers say they are already experiencing the effects - with more erratic rainfall and an increase in pests and diseases.

Three quarters of Britons are aware that global warming is impacting their supermarket shop but only 38 per cent are making changes, say study authors.

READ MORE: Study finds risk of stroke can rise by 10 per cent by having an extra bar of chocolate everyday Advertisement

A spokeswoman said: 'Say goodbye to banana bread, farewell flat whites and ciao to chocolate, as experts warn these products could be off our supermarket shelves as a result of climate change - in as little as the next 30 years.'

Fairtrade Foundation chief Mike Gidney added: 'It's time to wake up and smell the coffee - because it may not be on our shelves forever.

'Today, climate breakdown is making it harder and harder to grow food crops, making our food security ever more vulnerable.

'There is a risk that farmers will have to stop farming.'

Mr Gidney urged UK customers to buy Fairtrade goods so producers receive a fair price that enables them to invest in sustainable farming.

Caitlin McCormack, 3Keel Senior Consultant, which carried out analysis for the report said: 'The UK sources a significant proportion of consumer favourites including bananas, coffee and cocoa from countries that face potential risks to future production, including from changes in the climate and the loss of biodiversity and habitat that provide ecosystem services that are critical to farming.

'It's essential that we work with producers in these countries to help them shift to sustainable and resilient methods of production.'
A pregnant Chicago woman was shot while she was trying to rob somebody in a car, leaving her and her unborn child dead on the street.

Genesis Escobar, 21, was killed after climbing into somebody's car in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood on Monday afternoon, and then demanding money from them.

It's unclear if she was armed with any sort of a weapon.

Police said gunfire erupted from within the car and from outside the car, leaving Escobar with multiple gunshot wounds.

She was then pitched out of the car into a nearby intersection, where the shooters covered her body in cash and left her.

Escobar was seven months pregnant, and friends said she was looking forward to being a mother, according to News4.

Genesis Escobar was wounded several times in a flurry of gunfire as she tried to rob a car

Police at the shooting scene in Chicago's Belmont Cragin neighborhood on Monday afternoon

Nearby resident Iris Alvarez said Escobar had come to visit her daughter around 1pm Monday before the incident.

'She texted my daughter and told my daughter: 'Please help me! I'm in trouble!'' Alvarez told News4. 'But my daughter was sleeping.'

It is unclear what situation Escobar was in.

Alvarez said shortly after they heard gunshots and went outside to see what was happening.

Outside they found Escobar lying in the street and gasping for breath.

Police said Escobar was shot in the back, shoulder and hand while she was inside the car.

Genesis Escobar was seven months pregnant when she was shot and killed

Cops at the shooting scene. Escobar's dying body was covered in cash

Escobar was seven months pregnant when she was killed, and was said to be excited about becoming a mother

Witnesses said she was with a group of people when she attempted the car, and that they also fired shots in the altercation.

Everybody involved in the incident fled the scene after Escobar's body was dumped.

Escobar was taken to a nearby hospital, but later died there.

'They threw a bunch of money on top of her,' Alvarez said. 'I don't know if she was into some kind of trouble.'

'I don't care how much trouble you're in,' said Alvarez. 'I feel that for a person to do that to someone, doesn't have a heart.'

According to the Chicago Police Department's latest report, rapes have shot up by 16 percent so far this year compared to the same time in 2022.

Robberies are also up 13 percent, with aggravated battery and burglaries both up 11 percent.

Theft in the windy city is up 31 percent, and vehicle thefts, specifically, have soared up 143 percent.

Homicides and shooting incidents were the only category to see decreases, falling by 18 percent and 8 percent, respectively.

While overall violent crime is up 52 percent from the same time last year, it's up 102 percent when compared to 2021.
Network Ten are scrambling to replace star political editor Peter van Onselen after he suddenly quit last Friday - but the rumoured salary package on offer may turn off top TV talent from the job.

Award-winning reporter and editor Samantha Maiden is said to head the shortlist to replace him as Ten's political face in Canberra although insiders speculated she may be too expensive for them.

It's understood the troubled broadcaster which has been smashed by plummeting ratings is offering around $150,000 a year for the high profile parliamentary reporter's gig, although Ten deny this.

Daily Mail Australia understands Dr van Onselen, 47, was on close to $300,000 a year as both Ten's political editor and The Project's political analyst before he walked away on Friday.

He is said to have lost his passion for the job and was tired of the regular commute to Canberra, combined with increasing family demands over the next few years.

'For PVO, it's become rinse and repeat and he's just had enough of doing 90-second stories which often aren't even a story,' said one former colleague.

'The place has become such a bin fire, he started becoming a bit embarrassed to have his brand attached to it. Ten doesn't really take politics seriously any more.'

Network Ten are scrambling to replace political editor Peter van Onselen (pictured) after he suddenly quit on Friday - but the cut-price salary package may turn off anyone wanting the job

It's understood the troubled broadcaster which has been smashed by plummeting ratings is offering around $150,000 a year for the high profile parliamentary reporter's gig

Dr van Onselen handed in his resignation at lunchtime on Friday and made his last appearance on the network before bosses deleted his work email address that night.

He quietly removed his affiliation to Ten from his Twitter bio after the federal election in May when he first considered quitting but vowed to stay on to the end of last year.

He will now focus on his role as professor of politics and public policy at University of Western Australia and as a columnist for The Australian newspaper.

He plans to spend more time with his family in Sydney as his two teenage daughters study for their upcoming HSCs, while his busy wife Ainslie is CEO of Chartered Accountants Australia.

Network chiefs are now looking both internally and externally for Dr van Onselen's replacement, with Ms Maiden said to be one of two frontrunners favoured from outside the existing newsroom.

Ms Maiden is a 20-year political reporter veteran and won a Walkley award for exposing Prime Minister Scott Morrison's family holiday in Hawaii during the 2019 bushfire crisis.

Along with Lisa Wilkinson, she also played a key role in revealing the explosive rape allegations of former political staffer, Brittany Higgins.

Award-winning reporter Samantha Maiden (left) is said to be top of the shortlist to replace him as Ten's political hack in Canberra although she may be too expensive for them. Former Fairfax reporter Mark Kenny (right), now a professor at the Australian National University and TV political pundit, is also said to be on Ten's most wanted list

Ten's Canberra reporters Stela Todorovic and Chloe Bouras are also said to be in the running for a step up into the lead political role

Ten's Sydney reporter Ursula Heger, a former press gallery reporter, is said to have been offered the job but is understood to be unwilling to return to Canberra.

Former Fairfax reporter Mark Kenny, now a professor at the Australian National University and TV political pundit, is also said to be on Ten's most wanted list.

But insiders speculate the cash on offer is unlikely to lure either.

Dr van Onselen's departure and an exodus of other staff at Ten has even paved the way for a potential return of press gallery reporter Tegan George.

She has been locked in a long-running legal battle with Ten for more than a year over bullying allegations and alleged sexual discrimination at Ten's Canberra bureau.

But the departure of Dr van Onselen, former executive editor Anthony Murdoch and others, means most of those named in the lawsuit have now left the company.

Ms George is still employed by Ten but has been on sick leave for more than 18 months as she deals with mental health issues in the wake of the row.

Ten, Ms George and her lawyers declined to comment on the speculation.

Peter van Onselen's departure and an exodus of other staff at Ten has even paved the way for a potential return of press gallery reporter Tegan George

Current Canberra reporters Stela Todorovic and Chloe Bouras are also said to be considered to step up into the lead political role.

An insider said: 'My gut feeling is they will try and go for someone internal, downgrading the role and saving money, which I can understand.

'There isnt really any editor role in the top political reporter any more. The news is pre-recorded and the Project no longer uses political commentators on its panels.

'We might as well save the cash!'

A Ten spokesman denied the speculation about the possible candidates and salary package, but confirmed Dr van Onselen's exit and the search for his replacement .

'Peter van Onselen has decided to step aside from his position as Political Editor with Network 10,' said a spokesman.

'PVO, as he is widely known, has been a valued member of the news leadership team at Network 10 since he joined as political editor in December 2018, as well as a familiar face on the desk with The Project.

'Peter has a wealth of experience in the media, politics and academia and we thank him for his contribution to this networks news and current affairs success including spearheading our coverage across two election campaigns, leading the Canberra bureau political coverage and breaking major stories.

'Network 10 wishes Peter all the best for the future and with his return to academia.'
An elderly woman who lived alone in the mountains of California was found dead on Monday after being trapped inside by a historic blizzard that dumped 10 feet of snow in the area.

Elinor 'Dolly' Avenatti, 93, was found by concerned neighbors after her Crestline neighborhood lost power and she was left without access to food for nearly two weeks.

She is just one of 12 Californians who were found dead in the aftermath of the tundra, as meteorologists warn that another storm could bring even more snow starting Thursday night.

As of Wednesday, three people were found dead during welfare checks, and at least one person died in a car crash due to the poor road conditions.

Ten others also died during the storm, officials with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said, but those deaths are not considered to be storm-related because the victims were already under medical care at the time.

Still, county officials say, the slow cleanup from the storm was 'unavoidable.'

Elinor 'Dolly' Avenatti, 93, was found dead by neighbors conducting a welfare check at her Crestline, California home on Monday

Avenatti was remembered Wednesday for her charity and cheeriness, with her neighbor Rhea-Frances Tetley telling the Los Angeles Times she 'was a joy for the neighborhood.

'She was feisty and independent and generous to a fault,' Tetley said, describing how Avenatti was active in senior citizens groups, baked for her neighbors, walked daily before the fierce storm and collected bottles and cans for animal rights groups.

Before the storm hit, Avenatti warned her relatives not to visit citing the dangerous road conditions, her great niece, Valli Bryan Compton, told NBC News.

During that conversation, she said, Avenatti was her usual spry self and spoke of the weather conditions as a 'winter wonderland.'

The power went out once during that call, though, and it took Compton about 20 minutes to get her great aunt back on the line.

Since then, Tetley said, neighbors began checking on her and delivering her food as the power was out in their area for nearly a week.

But when neighbors went to again check on her on Monday  the day their street finally regained electricity  Avenatti did not answer the door.

She was later found dead sitting near her fireplace, with Tetley saying she thinks Avenatti likely froze to death.

The family has not yet received a coroner's report, but seem to agree with Tetley's assessment, noting to CBS News that Avenatti 'was probably confused as well because she was alone and isolated.

'She kept her curtains closed and she often didn't know the time, or if it was night or day.'

Compton added: 'If she hadn't lost power and wasn't trapped in the house, I 99.99 percent believe she would still be here today,

'At least she lived a great life and passed away in her happy place.'

CRESTLINE, CALIFORNIA: Prado Conservation Camp inmates are pictured helping to dig out area residents on Tuesday

TWIN PEAKS, CALIFORNIA: Jessica Neakarse helped re-stock Mountain High Market after a series of winter storms dropped more than 100 inches of snow in the San Bernardino Mountains

CRESTLINE, CALIFORNIA: San Bernardino Mountain residents are seen here lining up for a chance to get some food on March 3

CRESTLINE, CALIFORNIA: Concerned neighbors doled out food to those in need

CRESTLINE, CALIFORNIA: Robert Stange, 73, is seen here searching for essential items like bread and milk following the historic storm

Others have also come forward to talk about losing their friends and family in the wake of the storm as hundreds of residents were left stranded with mounds of snow preventing them from leaving through the front door.

Michelle Hake, president of the Crestline Chamber of Commerce, said her sister had been snowed in for days, alone in her Big Bear City home.

She 'needed medical attention in the midst of the storm, and we could not get that to her,' Hake told the Times.

She said her family called for an emergency welfare check on Monday but 'we were too late,' and deputies with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office found her sister dead just after 9am.

A cause of death has not been determined, but officials ay there were no signs of trauma or suspicious circumstances.

It remains unclear what medical conditions Hake's sister, who she refused to name, was suffering from.

'We were trying to get someone to check on her,' Hake said. 'There were literally no access to get to her; she lives alone. And for so many that are [stuck] in their homes, that is their story.'

Kristy Baltezore also noted she found one of her Crestline neighbors dead after she went to check on her.

She said the woman was not ill and wasn't disabled.

'I know there are people dead,' Baltezore said. 'I see what every single person on that map needs. I know who they are. I know how vulnerable they are.

'This is not good. We still have half our community we haven't made contact with.'

Hake also said she doesn't 'think people know how dire it is right now,' as she told how a neighbor found an elderly man inside his home where 'for the last five days he had been rationing a frozen tamale.'

'We are literally trying to find people like my sister, people whoa re in their homes, and their life is hanging in the balance.'

CRESTLINE, CALIFORNIA: Large mounds of snow trapped resident inside their homes

CRESTLINE, CALIFORNIA: Residents are seen here attempting to shovel out their driveway

CRESTLINE, CALIFORNIA: A man walked past a damaged shop following the storm

SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA: An aerial shot taken on Tuesday shows the depth of the snow

Among those at risk are Crestline resident Terri Lee who told NBC News on Wednesday she has been snowed in for 14 days and will run out of lifesaving medications by Friday for congestive hart failure and pulmonary hypertension.

She said her husband has severe arthritis in his back and is unable to shovel the snow that has built up outside their house.

'It's a scary situation,' Lee said. 'We can't get out of our driveway and we can't open the front door because the snow has piled up so high.'

She estimated that she called the county emergency hotline at least six times asking for help, and also tried calling 911  which just referred her back to the county.

'We were prepared with enough food for two weeks but never expected it would take so long to clear the snow,' Lee said. 'The county had plenty of time to prepare and they did nothing.'

A spokesperson for the county sheriff's office now says Lee's case will be escalated.

TRUCKEE, CALIFORNIA: A police officer trying to make light of the situation held up a sign advertising 'Free Snow'

TWIN PEAKS, CALIFORNIA: Richard Petayo is seen here trying to clear the snow from his driveway

But county officials have so far defended their response, noting that as of Wednesday 90percent of roads had been plowed and sheriff's deputies delivered freeze-dried meals to people who were running out of food.

'We understand that people are not happy about being trapped in their homes,' said David Werf, a spokesman for the county government, claiming: 'This was really unavoidable.

'When you have 10 feet of snow, there is no way to make it disappear instantly.'

Mike McClintock, the battalion chief with the San Bernardino Fire Department, said the area never experienced a snow storm of this magnitude.

'The amount of snow is no shortage of a challenge for first responders and crews.'

When asked by NBC News why evacuations were not ordered ahead of the storm, Werf said they 'were never on the table.

'They were never discussed,' he said. 'Have you ever heard of evacuations before a snowstorm in any part of the country?'

Big Bear City in the San Gabriel Mountains received a record-breaking 80 inches over a seven-day period. Until this year, the most snow recorded in just one week was 58 inches in 1979.

The heavy snowfall left highways were closed to all but emergency vehicles for days as a shortage of tire chains had hampered authorities' response and snow exceeded the capability of plows to clear the roads.

Crews then had to use earth-moving equipment and dump trucks to move the snow, as the National Guard sent search and rescue teams to check residences for anyone still stranded.

By Tuesday, those crews removed more than 7.2million cubic yards of snow from highways, which equals nearly 2,270 Olympic-sized swimming pools, according to the governor's office.

California is expected to be hit by another winter storm Thursday night that could bring even more rain and snow

But the situation is only likely going to get worse as another winter storm is set to pummel the area Thursday night into Friday.

In central California, areas above 8,000 feet  including Yosemite National Park  could see an additional six feet of snow.

Coastal areas like Los Angeles could also see as much as six inches of rain over the coming days.

And in areas with deep piles of snow, the slush may absorb the new rainfall, causing massive snowmelt in some areas increasing the risk of flooding.

'People living near rivers and streams should closely monitor water levels and be ready to move to higher ground if the threat of flooding becomes imminent,' the National Weather Service office in Hanford warned.

'If you live in a flood-prone area or near rivers and streams, now would be a good time to prepare and have an evacuation plan in place in the event high water becomes a threat to your safety.'

Urban areas may see some potential runoff issues, flooding some major highways in the area. The situation will be even worse in cities where storm drains are still clogged with snow following weeks of wild weather.

And adding to the dangers in Northern California are wildfire burn scars  such as those left behind from the Dixie and Caldor fires in 2021  which can exacerbate runoff because they are known to have waxy soil that is water repellant and low vegetation.

That may cause issues like mudslides, landslides and debris flow in the snow-covered mountainous regions of the Sierra Nevada.
Suspected of malicious communications and perverting course of justice

Man from Kidderminster arrested over filming on day Nicola Bulley's body found

A man has been arrested over footage shot from inside a police cordon on the day the body of Nicola Bulley was found in the River Wyre in Lancashire.

The 34-year-old man from Kidderminster, Worcestershire, was arrested on suspicion of malicious communications offences and perverting the course of justice in connection with the investigation to find Ms Bulley, Lancashire Constabulary said.

The arrest relates to footage taken from inside a police cordon on February 19. The force said that the footage was then posted online.

The man was held on Wednesday morning with assistance from West Mercia Police, and has since been released on bail with conditions.

'Our priority is, and has always been, to support Nicola's family and the wider community in St Michael's,' a Lancashire Constabulary spokesperson said.

A man has been arrested over footage shot from inside a police cordon on the day the body of Nicola Bulley (pictured) was found in the River Wyre in Lancashire

Police officers walk in St Michael's on Wyre, Lancashire, as police searched for Nicola Bulley on February 19

The force continued: 'We hope this arrest provides reassurance that we take concerns seriously and will act on them.'

It comes following reports of a number of apparent content creators descending on the village where Ms Bulley went missing.

Experts have claimed social media algorithms that reward and encourage controversial content fuelled the waves of online interest in Ms Bulley's case.

During the investigation, Detective Superintendent Rebecca Smith said social media users had been 'playing their own private detectives'.

Ms Bulley vanished after dropping off her daughters, aged six and nine, at school on January 27 in St Michael's on Wyre, Lancashire.

She was last seen at 9.10am taking her usual route with her springer spaniel Willow, alongside the River Wyre, shortly after dropping her girls, aged nine and six, off at school.

Her phone, still connected to a work call, was found just over 20 minutes later on a bench overlooking the riverbank, with her dog running loose.

A massive police presence descended on the village three weeks ago with dozens of officers, divers, search experts and high-tech equipment including drones.

Specialist searchers including Peter Faulding, who scoured the river using sonar equipment, also spent days in the area.

Police underwater teams along the river Wyre a mile downstream from St. Michael on Wyre, Lancashire

Lancashire Constabulary was widely criticised for disclosing Ms Bulleys struggles with alcohol and the perimenopause two weeks into the search.

And the force faces three external enquiries over the hunt for the 45-year-old mum-of-two in St Michael's on Wyre.

The search lasted 23 days before her body was found by dog walkers in February in the River Wyre, a mile away from where she is thought to have fallen in.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is looking into a welfare visit made to Ms Bulley's family home two weeks before she disappeared.

The search for Ms Bulley and the decision to release information about the mother's alcohol and menopause struggles are also being probed by the College of Policing.

The force was criticised by watchdogs just three months before Nicola vanished.

His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) found Lancashire Constabulary required 'improvement at investigating crime.'

The watchdog also found the force wasn't always carrying out investigations 'timely' and 'thoroughly' and that victims 'weren't always updated on progress'.

HMIC inspections take place annually, with the body finding Lancashire Police showed 'a lack of effective supervision'.

The force failed to rank 'outstanding' in any of the eight areas it was marked in.

Lancashire Police told MailOnline on February 26: 'We acknowledge the findings of the HMICFRS report in which we are graded as good in six areas, and where any areas for improvement were identified work is already underway to address these.'
READ MORE: Rishi Sunak insists he CAN deliver end to Channel boat crossings

The government is planning to fight any challenges from the European Court of Human Rights which would attempt to block the Prime Minister's new immigration bill banning small boats crossing the Channel.

Ministers are putting together a delaying strategy to appeal any ruling the court could make against the UK and to implement the policy anyway during any legal processes.

This could help the government avoid having the leave the ECHR in its entirety.

Reportedly, government ministers believe that even if a final ruling is made against the UK for implementing the legislation, it is unlikely they will be required to implement the judgement immediately, and could ignore it for several years.

This is because figures have suggested that around 40 per cent of leading judgements which are concerned with EU states made in the past decade had not had action taken yet, Whitehall sources told the Times.

The government are planning to fight any challenges from the European Court of Human Rights which would attempt to block the Prime Minister's (pictured at PMQs yesterday) new immigration bill banning small boats crossing the Channel

A group being brought ashore in Dover after crossing the Channel earlier this week

Home Secretary Suella Braverman has said the the government 'very strongly view our proposals as lawful,' when talking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

And PM Rishi Sunak has said he is 'up for the fight' with the ECHR in Strasbourg.

Ms Braverman did however admit to MPs that there is a 'more (than) 50 per cent chance' the legislation may not be compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

The new legislation gives ministers the power to ignore any rulings made against the government's plans to detain and deport all migrants who arrive in the UK on small boats. Therefore, even if a case was lodged with the ECHR the government could still go forward with the plan as the case is heard - which can take three years.

A government source told the Times that they do not want to 'trigger a full-on confrontation with the court' but instead 'the plan is to implement the policy while that process takes place.'

Announcing the plans in the Commons on Tuesday, Ms Braverman said asylum seekers arriving illegally will be detained without bail or judicial review for 28 days before being 'swiftly removed' to their home country or a 'safe third country' such as Rwanda.

They face a lifetime ban on returning once deported and will never be allowed to settle in the country or gain citizenship.

The Bill's feasibility has been questioned as plans such as forcibly removing asylum seekers to Rwanda are mired in legal challenges.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman (pictured) has said the the government 'very strongly view our proposals as lawful,' when talking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a hike in funding from the UK to stop Channel crossings

It comes ahead of an Anglo-French summit in Paris tomorrow between Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Mr Macron, where Channel migrants will be top of the agenda.

It is the first bilateral summit between France and Britain for five years and both sides are looking to repair relations after bruising rows about Channel migrants, post-Brexit trading agreements and the Aukus submarine deal with Australia.

And French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a hike in funding from the UK to stop Channel crossings.

London and Paris are in talks about a longer-term multi-million-pound deal to boost French beach patrols, surveillance and officers to smash trafficking gangs.

Elysee Palace sources say both sides are trying to strike a 'multi-annual financing framework' that would put cooperation on a stable footing and allow to 'better plan our actions'.
Legal costs from the bitter battle over Melissa Caddick's estate are tipped to exceed $1 million as the profits from her assets continue to dwindle.

A group of more than 50 investors fleeced in the Sydney fraudster's Ponzi scheme have banded together to contest claims by Caddick's parents that they should get preferential treatment in the distribution of her estate.

Caddick's investors have already forked out $647,000 on legal fees which include fighting claims from Caddick's husband Anthony Koletti, her parents Barb and Ted Grimley and her brother Adam.

Ongoing legal action is estimated to cost another $440,000, according to documents obtained by the Sydney Morning Herald.

Around $2m has already been drained from the asset pool, currently valued at $7m following the sale of Caddick's Dover Heights mansion, jewellery, luxury cars and other belongings, the publication reported.

Legal fees over Melissa Caddick's estate will likely top $1m. Pictured is Caddick with husband Anthony Koletti before she vanished.

The Federal Court heard $30 million was invested by the out-of-pocket investors and $23.5 million is still owed.

Barb and Ted Grimley (pictured) claim they should get preferential treatment in the distribution of their daughter's estate

On Wednesday, Barrister Nicholas Owens SC represented 54 of the fleeced 55 investors in the court.

The other investor was uncontactable, Justice Brigitte Markovic heard.

The group represented by 'Investor A' will fight the Grimleys' claim they should get preferential treatment.

'My client seeks to fulfil that role ... as a representative for all the out-of-pocket investors,' Owens told the court.

The Grimleys' barrister, Robert Newlinds, SC, had previously challenged the group to 'bring on' the battle.

'If someone wants to contest my clients' propriety claim, I'll say it openly, they should bring it forward,' he said.

The court also heard the group of out-of-pocket investors had agreed to split funds on an equal footing.

It comes as lawyers representing liquidators were given a stern warning about Caddick's 'dwindling' millions.

Melissa Caddick (pictured) has not been seen since she left her Dover Heights mansion without her phone, wallet or keys on November 12, 2020

Around $2m has already been drained from the asset pool currently valued at $7m. Pictured is Caddick's Dover Heights mansion which was recently sold

Vanessa Whittaker, representing the receivers in charge of liquidating the 49-year-old's estate, appeared in the court on Wednesday, asking for clarity surrounding the receivership and distribution of money.

Justice Markovic said the application could not go ahead as she had not had time to go through the 'huge amount' of material provided to her the day prior.

Ms Whittaker told the court it was a 'complicated' matter and asked to adjourn the hearing to another date where she would apply for the proceeds of the sale of the Dover Heights property to be applied to the mortgage of the Edgecliff penthouse Caddick bought for her parents.

The Grimleys claim they paid their daughter almost $1.2 million as partial payment for the apartment's purchase on the condition they would live there rent-free for the rest of their lives.

The court was told there would be different priorities between people who invested money with Caddick before she purchased the Dover Heights property, and another group who invested with her before she bought the Edgecliff property.

'Any claim by the Grimley's (Caddick's parents) will be a priority contest between those other two interests,' Ms Whittaker said.

Justice Markovic said there was no dispute there was only 'so much' money left.

'The report shows all the tangible assets have been realised other than the Edgecliff property,' Ms Whittaker said.

'Receivers hold $8.8million plus Edgecliff.'

Justice Markovic said the fund would be 'fast dwindling' and didn't want a 'festival of lawyers' who were simply getting paid until the money ran out.

There are fears profits from the conwoman's multimillion-dollar assets could be wasted on legal fees after lawyers representing liquidators were given a warning about her 'dwindling' millions (pictured with husband Anthony Koletti)

The matter will return to court on April 28, the day after the deputy state coroner is due to hand down the inquest findings on the disappearance and presumed death of Caddick.

A later hearing will determine whether Caddick's parents can remain living in Edgecliff or whether the penthouse will be sold off to reimburse investors.

Caddick, 49, has not been seen since she left her Dover Heights mansion without her phone, wallet or keys on November 12, 2020.

She was declared dead four months after her disappearance in February, 2021 when a decaying foot was found on a beach 400km south of Sydney.

Since her disappearance, court-appointed receivers Jones Partners have unravelled the conwoman's scam.

Last month, Caddick's Dover Heights home sold for $9.8million.

Bruce Gleeson from accountants Jones Partners, the receivers of Melissa Caddick, said the sale was considered 'a good outcome given the current market conditions'.

The fund received from the sale of the house will go toward repaying investors who were fleeced out of millions of dollars by the missing conwoman.

Justice Markovic said Caddick's assets would be 'fast dwindling' and didn't want a 'festival of lawyers' who were simply getting paid until the money ran out

The settlement for the home successfully took place on January 27, 2023 after being sold on October 28, 2022.

'We believe the sale price achieved is a strong result, given the current market conditions and will make a significant contribution towards the pool of funds available for Investors,' Mr Gleeson said at the time of the sale.

'We are very pleased with the outcome of the sales campaign and the interest received from prospective purchasers.'

Caddick was last seen at the residence in the early hours of November 12, 2020, just one day after ASIC agents and federal police officers raided her home.
More than a dozen children have been rushed to hospital after eating lollies mixed with a 'white substance' allegedly handed out by a bus driver.

A crime scene has been established at Bluewater State School in Townsville in Queensland after up to 22 school children became sick after eating the candy.

The students, aged between seven and 12, were treated for symptoms of vomiting, diarrhoea and intestinal pain after they fell ill just after they arrived to school.

It's understood that six of the students who ate the lollies were hospitalised while the others were assessed by paramedics at about 10am on Thursday.

Townsville Senior Sergeant Jonathan Searle said the bus the students had travelled on was being examined and that the bus driver was being investigated.

A crime scene has been established at Bluewater State School in Townsville in Queensland after up to 22 school children became sick after eating lollies (pictured, police at the school)

Up to 22 students, aged between seven and 12, were treated for symptoms of vomiting, diarrhoea and intestinal pain after they fell ill just after they arrived to the school (pictured)

'From my understanding the children started presenting symptoms within 10-15 minutes of arriving at school,' Sgt Searle told the Courier Mail.

'The children were all on the same morning bus. In my 18 years of service this is the first time I've ever heard of an investigation of this nature.'

In a statement on Facebook just after midday, the school confirmed police are investigating and parents have been informed.

Caregivers received a text message at about 11:30am telling them there had been an incident on 'Bus 7' and that they would be contacted if it regarded their child.

'This is to advise, a number of students have reported feeling unwell after eating lollies given to them by a bus driver before school this morning (Bus 7),' it read.

'We will be in contact with parents whose student is affected.'

Queensland Ambulance confirmed paramedics were called to the school at about 10am and that a number of children were treated for 'minor illness symptoms after they reportedly ingested an unknown substance'.

Parents at the school received a text message at about 11:30am telling them there had been an incident on 'Bus 7' and that they would be contacted if it regarded their child (stock image)

According to its website, Bluewater State School has about 430 students enrolled from Prep to Year 6.

The school said the Department of Education was aware of the incident and that counselling would be made available for staff and students.

'School staff acted quickly to attend to the students while the Queensland Ambulance Service and parents were contacted,' it continued.

'The Queensland Police Service also attended and are investigating. Due to privacy issues the department is unable to provide any further information.

'Bluewater State School holds the safety of students and staff as its highest priority. Guidance or counselling services are being made available for anyone who may require support.'
A snarky local has taken petty to the next level by mocking champion ironwoman Hayley Bateup's personal training business.

A sarcastic sign has been posted at the Gold Coast's Currumbin Alley stairs accusing Bateup of 'owning' them.

The steep set of stairs are used by hundreds of runners and walkers daily and Bateup, along with wife April Zedkulich, uses them as part of her women's fitness business which operates in the beachside park, reports The Courier-Mail.

However one local has objected to the practice, suggesting Ms Bateups group is hogging them.

'Notice to people intending to use these steps for exercise  HAYLEY BATEUP OWNS THEM,' the sign reads.

The sarcastic sign posted at the Currumbin Alley stairs

Super-fit Hayley (with son Banks) is a three-time former Coolangatta Gold winner

'Please limit your use of said steps to times when Mr (sic) Bateup is not there. Narcissistic traits will become evident with noncompliance.'

A photo of the sign was posted on the Currumbin community Facebook page on Thursday and sparked a fiery response from many who jumped to Bateup's defence.

'Oh how pathetic - as someone who trains with Hayley I personally know that firstly she is a registered paying customer of the Gold Coast council to use their grounds and contribute on its maintenance,' wrote local Julie Marshall.

Bateup regularly conducts workouts on the Currumbin stairs and posts the results on social media

Hayley (front left) and wife April run the popular Body Blitz workout club

'Secondly we rarely use these stairs. Thirdly Hayley is the most caring courteous trainer who is mindful of other people training always insisting we move to the right, runner ahead, bike behind in everywhere we go which has been great as it's made me more aware of other exercisers and finally why would someone bother doing this.

'If you have an issue with what you have seen or she's done call her to discuss rather then dramatising on a platform to get the keyboard warriors out.'

Another local David Simons wrote: 'The thing is that Hayley has been training those stairs for 30 years.

'The blow-in trainers are the problem, taking over the (picnic) shelters.

'Hayley is a local hero who provides a much wanted service.'

The thing is that Hayley has been training those stairs for 30 years' claims a local in the athlete's defence

Hayley (right) has laughed off the anonymous sign which objected to her using public stairs

Another commenter suggested the sign was the work of a rival personal trainer who deliberately referred to Bateup as 'Mr' despite the fact she is female.

'Would I be wrong to deduce that another trainer is having a dig at Hayley Bateup and calling her a narcissist? Ok, thats all very funny and clever BUT calling her a he is out of order. A retraction is in order here!' they wrote.

However another woman said she had trained in the park with friends  'just a bunch of mums trying to get fit'  and 'she (Ms Bateup) practically had her group sit on top of us'.

But Bateup, who is also a firefighter, had the final word, laughing off the passive-aggressive sign, saying: 'So funny, I hardly even use the stairs. We actually pay the council to train there but always consider the public.

'I actually find this really funny as I wasn't even there (when the sign was erected). Would be nice if they came to me about this.'
Bruce Lehrmann alleges Channel Ten failed to get in contact him about Brittany Higgins' rape allegations because it tried a wrong number and unused and discarded email addresses.

Mr Lehrmann launched a defamation case last month against the network over a Lisa Wilkinson interview with Brittany Higgins - aired on The Project in February 2021 - in which she first alleged she was raped in Parliament House in 2019.

He is also suing Ms Wilkinson, along with news.com.au journalist Samantha Maiden and its parent company News Life Media, owned by News Corp, for an article featuring the same allegations.

The former parliamentary staffer strenuously denies having any sexual contact with Ms Higgins.

One of his claims in the defamation suit is that both Ten and News failed to contact him for comment prior to broadcasting and publishing the rape allegations.

According to defence documents filed in the Federal Court on Wednesday, The Project's producer Angus Llewellyn made five 'reasonable attempts' to contact Mr Lehrmann - via a phone call, text, and emails to two different addresses, between February 12 and 15, 2021.

However, Daily Mail Australia understands Mr Lehrmann will claim the contact details - which were supplied by Ms Higgins fiance David Sharaz - were either incorrect or long obsolete.

Bruce Lehrmann is suing news.com.au and Channel Ten for airing and publishing rape allegations against him in 2021

Ten has argued in its defence that staff made 'reasonable attempts' to get Mr Lehrmann's side of the story before it broadcast Lisa Wilkinson's (pictured) interview with Ms Higgins

Mr Lehrmann will claim the mobile number Mr Llewellyn tried to call and text had not belonged to him for two years.

It was attached to an old work phone he was given when he started his job at Parliament House. He left that job in March 2019, and subsequently had to surrender the phone and the number.

Ten also tried to contact Mr Lehrmann using a work email address owned by public affairs agency Parker and Partners.

Mr Lehrmann never worked for the agency, and would therefore have never have received that email. He was formerly employed by the Ogilvy Network, which is a partner of Parker and Partners, but a different company.

In any case, Mr Lehrmann was employed by British American Tobacco by the time The Project sent the email. He had left his job at Ogilvy six months prior.

The personal email address Ten used to try and reach Mr Lehrmann was so old it contains an obsolete domain. He created the address more than a decade ago and at the time was not using it.

In his interview with Australian Federal Police over the allegations in 2021, Mr Lehrmann did cite that same personal email address as the one he was actively using.

It is understood Mr Lehrmann will argue he only logged back into that account after the allegations against him aired and found the email from the network in his junk folder.

Channel Ten declined to make a statement when contacted by Daily Mail Australia.

Brittany Higgins (pictured) alleged Bruce Lehrmann raped her in Parliament House in 2019. He denies the allegations

Furthermore, a defence document filed by news.com.au on Wednesday says the publisher didn't attempt to contact Mr Lehrmann at all because they knew he had not responded to the same allegations when contacted by Ten.

The news outlet also said: 'When [Mr Lehrmann] was interviewed by police in April 2021, [he] told police that he had no intention to respond to media enquiries about the alleged rape of Higgins.'

'It is to be inferred that [Mr Lehrmann] would not have responded to any approach for comment by [news.com.au].'

The email to Mr Lehrmann, sent on the afternoon of Friday, February 12, from producer Angus Llewellyn said: 'I'm producing a story for Network Ten's The Project.

'The Project has been informed of an alleged rape of Brittany Higgins perpetrated by you within a minister's office in Australian Parliament House on the evening of 22 March 2019/morning of 23rd March 2019.'

It asked Mr Lehrmann to respond by 10am the following Monday, and contained the question 'Did you rape Brittany Higgins as alleged?'.

Mr Lehrmann pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting Ms Higgins, before the trial in the ACT Supreme Court was aborted due to juror misconduct.

The charges were subsequently dropped by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Ms Higgins' partner David Sharaz (pictured together) had provided Network 10 with Mr Lehrmann's email address

Mr Lehrmann has continually denied any allegation he sexually assaulted Ms Higgins, a former colleague, at Parliament House in March 2019, and filed a defamation claim shortly afterwards.

In the documents filed in the Federal Court on Wednesday, Ten said it would rely on a defence of truth and qualified privilege.

The broadcaster also argues that as its interview with Ms Higgins was broadcast on February 15, 2021 and is therefore more than two years old, Mr Lehrmann's lawsuit is not maintainable as it was filed beyond the one-year limitation period.

Wilkinson has retained her own legal team led by high-profile defamation barrister Sue Chrysanthou SC and has previously filed her defence.

Mr Lehrmann has claimed the segment on The Project carried four false and defamatory meanings including that he raped Ms Higgins inside Defence Minister Linda Reynolds' office and that he left her on the couch in a state of undress.

He was not named in any broadcast or articles, but his statement of claim argues his identity would have been known in political circles and was further ascertainable when he was charged and publicly named in August 2021.

Senior News Corp political journalist Samantha Maiden (pictured) broke the story of Ms Higgins' alleged rape

Ten said the broadcast had an average national audience of approximately 726,728, including 129,000 viewers in Sydney and 193,000 in Melbourne.

Ten said in its defence: 'Had Lehrmann responded to Ten's attempts to contact him, Ten would have included Lehrmann's side of the story, by including his response or the substance of his response, in the matters complained of.

'Depending on the nature of any response from Lehrmann, Ten may have considered offering him the opportunity to participate in an on-camera interview, which could have been included in the matters complained of or considered delaying publication of the matters complained of to give him an opportunity to respond.'

Ten said Ms Wilkinson and six producers were involved in putting together the story.

The network also said its production team communicated with Ms Higgins, starting with an email exchange between Ms Wilkinson and Mr Sharaz on January 18, 2021.

While Ms Wilkinson's defence, which was filed last week, does not mention Mr Sharaz, Ten's defence says that he on several occasions exchanged phone calls, texts and emails with Ms Wilkinson over January 18-20.
Lotte Insurance headquarters in Seoul / Yonhap



By Lee Min-hyung



Lotte Insurance and Meritz Securities are locked in a heated tug-of-war over the brokerage's sale of $160 million (210 billion won) in risky fund products which incurred huge losses. The controversial fund was established in December 2018. The Lotte affiliate invested $50 million in the fund about two months later.



But with Blackstone  the world's leading alternative asset manager which has a close link to the fund  declaring default on the product in 2020, Lotte Insurance ended up reporting losses in all of the invested capital in only about two and a half years.



The non-life insurer argued that Meritz did not fully explain the inherent risk of the fund product. But the securities firm countered, saying that officials from Lotte and Mertiz conducted due diligence of a thermoelectric power plant in Texas for the investment which was used to operate the facility.



Earlier this week, Lotte Insurance brought its complaints to the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) and asked the authority to review possible illegalities in the sales of the fund in which a group of other Korean institutional investors, such as the KDB Life Insurance, Korea Exchange and Korean Teachers' Credit Union, also invested.



Lotte insisted Mertiz did not clearly notify investors of the plant's serious cash-flow problem and the fund's vulnerable collateral structure.



"A document  provided by Meritz before we made the investment decision  did not contain any notification on the possibility of the default stemming from the cash flow sensitivity," a spokesman at Lotte Insurance said.



The reaction came in response to Meritz's argument that Lotte's claim does not make any sense in that the insurer was engaged in the due diligence with the brokerage. Meritz also refuted Lotte's argument, saying that it is not logical for the insurer to say that it was "ill-informed" about the fund product, as it had already invested in other overseas thermoelectric power plants multiple times.



It remains to be seen whether Lotte will file a lawsuit against Meritz.



Following the complaints from Lotte, the FSS launched an inspection into the case. But there is a strong chance of the insurer taking the case to court as Meritz claims no responsibility for the fund loss.



The watchdog is expected to look deeper into whether Meritz gave detailed notification of the riskiness of the fund product to investors ahead of time.


A 'high-profile' prisoner who is the step-brother of the man who kidnapped Cleo Smith has been found dead in his cell in Perth's Hakea prison.

Ashley Bropho, 40, lured a nine-year-old girl from a park in 2022 before exposing himself and assaulting her.

In September, Bropho pleaded guilty to two counts of indecently dealing with a child under 13 and encouraging a child to engage in sexual acts and was set to be sentenced on March 17.

The West Australian reports that inmates at the maximum security prison are believed to have beaten Bropho to death.

Ashley Bropho has been found dead in his cell in Perth's Hakea prison (pictured). Bropho is the step-brother of Terence Kelly, the man who kidnapped Cleo Smith

Bropho was raised in the same house as Cleo's kidnapper. He is the biological grandson of late Aboriginal elder Penny Walker, who adopted Kelly when he was two-years-old

On Tuesday of this week, Perth Magistrates Court heard Bropho said, 'hey kid, come here' before offering her a burger from Hungry Jacks and encouraging her back to his home.

Once inside Bropho's house, the court heard he took Bropho to his bedroom where he exposed himself to her and assaulted her.

Police say his carer then banged on the door interrupting the assault and the girl left with her dog running back to her grandparent's home.

During the hearing, it was revealed Bropho stated that he wanted to stay in jail so he doesn't get in trouble again.

Bropho was awaiting his sentence for luring a nine-year-old girl from a Doubleview park to his home in 2022 before exposing himself to her and assaulting her

Perth Magistrates Court heard Bropho took her to his bedroom where he exposed himself to her and assaulted her before he was interrupted by his carer and the girl ran away

A Department of Justice spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia the 40-year-old Aboriginal man was found unresponsive in his cell just after 8am.

'The prison is assisting the investigation and two units have been placed in lockdown to assist police,' the Department of Justice spokeswoman said.

St John Ambulance paramedics responded to a call at about 8.20am from the maximum security jail in Canning Vale but Bropho could not be saved.

Bropho was raised in the same house as Cleo Smith's kidnapper Terence Kelly.

He is the biological grandson of late Aboriginal elder Penny Walker, who adopted Kelly when he was two years old.

Kelly has pleaded guilty to kidnapping four-year-old Cleo from her tent while she slept with her parents at a campsite near Carnarvon. He will be sentenced at a later date.

Bropho's step-brother Terence Kelly has pleaded guilty to kidnapping four-year-old Cleo from her tent while she slept with her parents at a campsite near Carnarvon

The state-run prison is an all-male facility that the Western Australian government says focuses on 'rehabilitation'.

At least four inmates were set to appear via video link in Perth courtrooms but following the incident, they have all been cancelled.
They say a form of conscription needs to be considered

Defence experts have warned about the threat of China

Defence experts are calling for a form of conscription involving all ages to be considered in the event of a future war - as tensions with China and the West bubble.

Five leading analysts warned about the threat China posed, how that threat could blow up to a full-scale war and how the government had not adequately informed the public about the seriousness of that threat, in a panel hosted by Nine's newspapers.

Conscription and acquiring nuclear weapons were flagged as two serious options for the government to consider by the panel.

They agreed that a form of conscription had to be given seriously thought, which could take both civil and military forms.

'Australia should consider some variety of this option using the strength and energy of Australians to build national resilience in our economy, society and critical infrastructure,' the panel said in a statement.

A panel of defence experts have called for a form of national service to be considered by the government to ready Australia for war (pictured, members of the 2nd Calvary Regiment patrol in Townsville)

They also said that conscription should 'need not be limited to young people'.

France, Sweden and Latvia have either recently reintroduced or expected to introduce some form of conscription.

National service in France is voluntary but will be made compulsory for people aged 16 to 25 by 2026.

Sweden is working to reintroduce conscription of civilians for its emergency services.

Australia currently recruits its defence force on a completely voluntary basis and has not conscripted soldiers since the Vietnam War.

The panel - which consists of former senior Defence official Peter Jennings, foreign policy expert Lavina Lee, former Chief Scientist Alan Finkel, National Institute of Strategic Resilience chair Lesley Seebeck and retired Army major general Mick Ryan - said Australia had to ready itself for war within the next three years.

It was suggested that conscription should 'need not be limited to young people' during the panel's discussion (stock image)

China's President Xi Jinping (pictured) could be prompted to carry out his threat of 're-unifying' with Taiwan sooner rather than later, the experts say

They expressed concern that China was setting its sights on invading Taiwan sooner rather than later and the nation would be dragged into a conflict for which it is woefully unready.

'The need to dramatically strengthen our military and national security capabilities is urgent, but Australia is unprepared,' they said.

'Most important of all is a psychological shift. Urgency must replace complacency. The recent decades of tranquility were not the norm in human affairs, but an aberration.

'Australia's holiday from history is over.'

Experts warned about the the threat China posed and felt the Defence department had been too timid in alerting Australians to the urgent danger of regional conflict (pictured, soldiers of the People's Liberation Army)

Australia's apparent complacency in the face of the looming threat of a war between China and the US over Taiwan, which all five agreed would involve Australia as America's ally, could cost the nation dearly.

Professor Finkel warned Chinese military technology should not be underestimated, which he said the US had done at times.

'You might think if the Chinese were going to attack this region, you'd see the troop build-up, the missile build-up,' he said.

'But what if it was a bio-attack, a virus? You'd see nothing.

'We have to invest in our biosecurity, our cybersecurity, our military hardware as if it might happen tomorrow.'

The five panelists agreed China was serious about its threats to 're-unify' with Taiwan, which the mainland's ruling Communist party regards as a renegade province.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (pictured) is set to receive a major defence review and his government have already announced a number of significant Defence weapons purchases

The panel thought that the Defence department had been too timid in alerting Australians to the urgent danger of regional conflict.

If China were to attack Taiwan, Australia would almost automatically go to war in alliance with the US, the panel agreed.

Australia would be an important regional base of operations and could see 200,000 American troops pouring in.

This raises the threat of Chinese missile attacks on Australia's military and other infrastructure, a dire scenario which was highlighted by the late Senator Jim Molan back in February.

The Albanese government is set to release a major defence review and in the lead-up has announced major upgrades in land and sea-based missiles and naval mines.

Although the Albanese government has thawed relations with China the 2021 AUKUS agreement, which commits Australia to a defence pact with the US and Britain and the purchase of nuclear-powered submarines, remains a source of Beijing's criticism.
A furious passenger has unleashed at Sydney Trains after he was denied entry to an accessible toilet because he 'didn't look disabled'.

Tomas Sargent said he was attempting to use the equal access restroom at Sydney's Central Station on Tuesday night but was stopped by a train worker.

After being told he wasn't allowed to use the toilet, Mr Sargent said he walked upstairs to use a different toilet and was thankfully granted access.

His denial comes after Transport NSW launched its 'Sunflower Program' which attempts to educate employees on disabilities which may not be visible on the surface.

Mr Sargent took to TikTok to complain about the discrimination he faced at the station and urged Sydney Trains to address the issue.

Tomas Sargent attempted to use the equal access restroom on Tuesday night at Sydney's Central Station but was told he wasn't allowed

'For reasons that I won't go into, I have to use the disabled toilet or else I can get panic attacks,' Mr Sargent said in the video.

'So here in Sydney Central I asked the guy to unlock the disabled/unisex toilet.

'He said, "no, no, no. That is for disabled people only".'

Mr Sargent asked the employee how he could be sure he didn't have a disability.

'He said to me, "look at you, you look good man, yeah youre fine - go use the other one",' he said.

'First of all, the fact he said to me "youre clearly not disabled, you look absolutely fine." How ridiculous!'

The incident happened Tuesday night at Sydney's Central Station

Mr Sargent found a nearby equal access toilet with a friendlier employee who let him in.

'Thankfully there is another toilet at the station, I went upstairs and the lady let me in immediately without a question,' Mr Sargent said.

'Which is how it should be.'

Mr Sargent said people needed to be more aware of invisible disabilities.

'People with MS or autistic spectrum disorder or IBS - I actually do have IBS, but thats not my reason for not being able to use the regular toilet - you cant tell that by looking at them,' he said.

'And then theres trauma, people that have had traumatic things - Im not going to say explicitly because I'm sure you've got a pretty good idea of what I mean by that - how insensitive to people like that.'

Those who watched the video by Mr Sargent sympathised with him after hearing about the traumatic exchange.

Mr Sargent proceeded to the upstairs restroom where a different employee immediately granted him access

In the video, Mr Sargent challenged Sydney Trains to discipline the employee in question.

Sydney Trains, if you're watching, it was the downstairs one on 7pm on Tuesday, the seventh of March, he said.

In a response to Daily Mail Australia, a Sydney Trains spokesperson said they were undertaking a thorough investigation of what happened.

'As part of our commitment to inclusion, Sydney Trains has recently implemented the "Sunflower Program" to raise awareness about hidden disabilities and how we can support customers who might need assistance,' the spokesperson said.
At least nine boxes of documents have been taken out of the Boston office of President Joe Biden's personal attorney as the investigation into the president's alleged mishandling of classified information continues.

The documents taken from Patrick Moore, Biden's lawyer and the First Assistant Attorney General of Massachusetts, have not yet been reviewed.

The information was revealed in a letter from the National Archives to Republican Senators Chuck Grassley and Ron Johnson.

'When NARA [National Archives and Records Administration] contacted President Biden's personal counsel on November 3, 2022, to arrange to pick up boxes from the Penn Biden Center in Washington, they informed NARA that Mr. Moore had moved other boxes from the Penn Biden Center to Mr. Moore's law firm in Boston,' the letter states, according to Fox News.

The two conservatives had asked the archives on February 24 how and when they learned about the records that were sent from the Penn Biden Center - a think tank at the University of Pennsylvania where Biden held office space from 2017 to 2019 - to Moore's Office.

At least nine boxes of documents have been taken out of the Boston office of President Joe Biden's personal attorney as the investigation into the president's alleged mishandling of classified information continues

Debra Steidel Wall, the Acting Archivist of the United States, claimed the agency learned about it on November 3 of last year. The DOJ's office of the Inspector General learned the next day.

In the months since the documents were obtained, they have yet to be reviewed to discover if there are any actual classified documents in it.

'NARA staff retrieved nine boxes from Mr. Moore's Boston office,' Wall wrote. 'NARA has not reviewed the contents of the boxes found at Mr. Moore's Boston office.'

Moore was asked to clear out Biden's office in November and found the documents, CNN reported. He then informed the National Archives and Justice Department.

In late January, it emerged that Moore has already spoken to John Lausch, the U.S. Attorney for the northern district of Illinois.

Lausch was initially tasked with investigating the classified material; his job has now been taken over by the special counsel, Robert Hur, who was appointed on January 12.

It is not clear if Moore has been or will be interviewed again by Hur.

Lausch was already known to have spoken to several other Biden aides, including Kathy Chung, Biden's former executive assistant.

The documents taken from the Boston office of Patrick Moore, Biden's lawyer and the First Assistant Attorney General of Massachusetts, have not yet been reviewed

Patrick Moore, Joe Biden's personal attorney, has already spoken to federal prosecutors about classified material found at Biden's DC think tank, it has emerged. It is not yet known if Moore will also be required to speak to the special counsel, Robert Hur

Biden's legal team, after the discovery of the first tranche of documents at his D.C. think tank, talked with the DoJ about having FBI agents present while Biden's lawyers conducted the additional searches.

Ultimately the two sides cut a deal where only Biden's attorneys would do the search and immediately report any findings. They did find more documents - in the garage and 'personal library' of the president's Wilmington home.

It stands in marked contrast to how the Justice Department worked with Donald Trump's legal team. After making repeated requests about classified documents reportedly in the former president's possession, the Justice Department ultimately obtained a federal warrant for FBI agents to raid Trump's Mar-a-Lago home.

Trump and his supporters have roared about the situation, calling it a double standard. Biden's team argues they have been consistently cooperating in their case.

The president, meanwhile, has evaded shouted questions on more than one occasion on the documents debacle since it was first reported.

Timeline of Biden document discovery and initial investigation Nov. 2: Ten classified documents were found at the Penn Biden Center, a think tank in Washington, D.C., by President Joe Biden's lawyers. Nov. 3: The National Archives was notified of the discovery Nov. 4: The National Archives' Office of Inspector General contacted a prosecutor at the Department of Justice and told them that classified material had been discovered at the Penn Biden Center. The documents were secured at an Archives facility Nov. 8: 2022 midterm election Nov. 9: The FBI commenced an assessment to determine whether classified material had been mishandled Nov. 14: Attorney General Merrick Garland assigned the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, John Lausch, to determine if a special counsel was needed Dec. 20: The president's personal attorney informed Lausch that additional documents with classification markings were found in Biden's garage in Wilmington, Delaware. The FBI secured those documents Jan 5: Lausch advised Garland that a special counsel should be appointed Jan. 9: White House publicly announces classified documents from Biden's time as vice president found at the office of his D.C. think tank Jan 12: The president's personal attorney informed Lausch that an additional document was discovered at Biden's Wilmington home Jan. 12: White House publicly announces additional classified documents were found in Biden's Wilmington home Jan. 12: White House counsel Richard Richard Sauber travels to Biden's Wilmington home - finds five more classified documents Jan. 14: White House publicly discloses the documents Sauber found Advertisement

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has also frequently dodged questions during combative and dismissive appearances in the briefing room while claiming Biden takes classified documents 'seriously'.

The GOP has put pressure on Biden and the administration's response to their handling of classified material by promising Congressional investigations and demanding visitor logs from the Wilmington home - which the White House says doesn't exist.

During the meeting with Rutte, the president didn't answer questions from reporters - including one on whether he would speak with special counsel Robert Hur.

Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Hur to investigate the matter.

Law enforcement sources told the Journal that FBI agents may not have wanted to be part of the original search so they could ask for a search warrant at a later date if they found something in their investigation that required it.

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, a Republican of Kentucky, sent a letter to Biden's Chief of Staff Ron Klain demanding access to any visitor logs kept for the Delaware home.

'Without a list of individuals who have visited his residence, the American people will never know who had access to these highly sensitive documents,' he wrote.

The White House has said there are no visitor logs as it is a private home.

Ian Sams, a White House spokesman, held a briefing call with reporters to slam Republicans' probes.

'Their outrage is all pure theater,' he said.

He would not commit to the White House cooperating with the GOP requests for documents and other information.

'We're limited in what we can say during an ongoing DOJ inquiry,' he said, referring to the special counsel's inquiry.

'We'll make a determination about our response in due course, but of course, we're gonna call it out when we see rampant hypocrisy, that that shows a total lack of credibility when it comes to these requests,' he noted.

Sams, who will be the point person to answer questions on any Biden scandals, also wouldn't say if Biden would answer questions from Hur.

'We're not going to get ahead of that process with the Special Counsel and speculate on what they may or may not want or ask for,' he said.

The White House has faced repeated questions over its lack of transparency about when the documents were discovered. They waited about two months - until well past the November midterm election - to announce documents found at Biden's DC think tank before voters went to the polls.

The White House is also under intense scrutiny for waiting two months to publicly react to the discovery of the first batch of classified documents at the Penn Biden Center

Biden's home in Wilmington, Delaware, where an additional tranche of classified documents were found

The counsel's office then made two more announcements - regarding documents found at Biden's garage in his Wilmington home and then a third document found in a room at that house.

White House Counsel Richard Sauber said that because he has security clearance, and Biden's personal lawyers don't, he had gone to the president's home to examine other papers there.

Meanwhile, a special counsel is already reviewing Trump's possession of highly classified materials at his Mar-a-Lago residence. FBI agents searched the residence this summer under a grand jury subpoena after a months-long process seeking to obtain government material.

The White House has consistently emphasized Biden's attorneys found the documents and promptly turned them over to the National Archives, arguing all proper procedures were followed.

In Trump's case, the Archives realized documents from his administration were missing and requested their return.

Trump eventually gave 15 boxes of materials to the agency, which discovered classified documents among them. When federal investigators suspected the former president was holding onto more documents, they got a judges permission to search Mar-a-Lago.

That raid took place in August and turned up more documents.

For his part, Biden previously said he and his staff would cooperate with the investigation. He expressed surprise to discover he had classified documents dating back to when he served as Barack Obama's vice president.

'People know I take classified documents, classified materials, seriously,' Biden said, reading from a prepared statement.

'I'm going to get a chance to speak on this soon, God willing,' he added, as reporters shouted questions.

'We're going to see all this unfold.'
Stark figures reveal one state's overwhelming energy reliance on fossil fuel even as it prepares to shut two major coal power plants.

On Wednesday Sydney 2GB radio host Ben Fordham noted on-air that the city's preceding two hot days, where temperatures climbed up to around 35C, almost led to blackouts in NSW.

He said the state's energy market operator triggered an amber alert to urgently call more power to the grid as it struggled keep air conditioners running.

Fordham said during the 48-hour period coal was the dominant source of power, contributing 68 per cent of the energy used.

The remaining third of power came from gas, which contributed a measly two percent, hydro was five per cent, while wind and solar generated 12 and 13 per cent respectively.

During a two-day heatwave coal proved to still be the dominant source of power for NSW, according to radio host Ben Fordham

Fordham said over past year coal had generated almost 73 per cent of the state's power needs, something not acknowledged by Coalition NSW Energy Minister Matt Kean or his federal Labor counterpart Chris Bowen.

'I think there a few politicians out there who owe us all an apology because the way they have demonised coal and gas has left us all vulnerable,' Fordham said.

'Coal is still the most vital energy source (but) those days are coming to an end.'

Fordham noted the Liddell Power Station in the N SW Hunter Region, which provides around 10 per cent of the state's coal-fired electricity, is set to shut in March.

Fordham was scathing about Australia's energy policies saying politicians owed the public an apology for 'demonising coal'

Australia's largest fossil fuel power plant, the Eraring Station on the NSW Central Coast which provides a quarter of the state's coal-fired energy and 10 per cent of Australia's overall power, is set to close in 2025.

The closure is seven years earlier than previously planned after surprise decision by owner Origin.

'In under two years say goodbye to Liddell and say goodbye to Eraring  there is nothing to replace them,' Fordham said.

'That wipes out about 30 per cent of the power from the grid.

'Blackout warnings are going to be as regular as our traffic warnings on 2GB.'

Fordham said the plan to replace the plants was 'simply embarrassing'

He noted the gas plant being built in the town of Kurri Kurri is a year behind schedule, a proposed 'super battery' will only store about two hours of power for the state and there were major questions over the Snowy 2.0 hydrogen/hydro project.

'No one is suggesting it (the proposed replacements) makes up for the coal plants,' Fordham said.

Fordham predicted as a result of losing coal electricity power prices go up 'as if they are not high enough already'.

The talkback host referred to an article by former ACTU boss and Labor MP Jennie George, which appeared in The Australian on February 15, arguing NSW heavy industry was going to suffer from power shortages when the coal plants shut.

NSW Energy Minister Matt Kean (pictured right at the Rocky Horror Picture Show musical in Sydney in February) was a particular target of Fordham over energy concerns

'Relying on renewables and battery power won't cut the mustard for local industry,' Fordham said.

'We need to keep these coal plants going until renewables are able to carry the load.'

He urged NSW Premier Dominic Perrott to act urgently to make this happen.

Fordham also pointed out Germany has reopened 20 coal plants to get it through the winter, while China and India were adding fossil fuel power in huge amounts.

'The rest of the world must think we are morons,' Fordham said.

'We have this stuff (coal) coming our of ears.

'And the people in charge don't want to use it, what a monumental failure.'
Jim Chalmer's deputy has stumbled through a trainwreck performance in parliament where he was mocked for failing to answer straight questions about super.

Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones was under siege during Question Time on Thursday after waffling through Wednesday's session.

The opposition identified the junior minister as a 'weak link' in Anthony Albanese's team after he struggled to succinctly explain the government's superannuation changes.

So on Thursday he was peppered with six questions about technical aspects of the plan to halve tax concessions from 15 to 30 per cent on Australians with more than $3 million in their super fund.

Mr Jones' answers were mostly an improvement on Wednesday's, though at one point a staffer had to get a note run into the chamber to help him.

However, he stumbled when asked if he could identify any act of parliament with a provision to impose a tax on unrealised gains.

'The object of our change is the ensure we maintain the integrity of our superannuation system. we will ensure as we implement our reforms to the superannuation scheme we will have...' he said.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton was unimpressed with Mr Jones' waffling and heckled him from his seat.

'Can this guy answer a straight question? He doesn't have a clue... if he doesn't know, take it on notice,' he said.

Speaker Milton Dick cut Mr Jones off, warning him he was asked a very specific question and needed to stick to answering it.

'This is a new reform, there is no doubt about it, and it is absolutely true that we are doing things in a different way...' he continued, before Mr Dutton rose to complain.

Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones was under siege during Question Time on Thursday after waffling through Wednesday's session

The opposition leader again demanded Mr Jones answer the question, but was told to sit down as Mr Dick already told the assistant treasurer to stay on topic seconds earlier.

Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts called out 'well done, Dutts' to Mr Dutton and was immediately kicked out of the chamber.

Mr Jones eventually said the answer was corporations tax.

But the trainwreck Question Time continued soon after when Mr Jones was asked 'whether the capital gains tax discount ordinarily applicable for assets held within superannuation is available for either realised or unrealised gains under the governments new super tax?'

He tried to dodge the question by arguing 'as a nonlicensed financial advisor, I can't give financial advice either... here or anywhere else'.

An exasperated Mr Dutton interrupted for a point of order, which was really an excuse to stick the boot in to Mr Jones.

'I have been here 22 years, I thought I had heard it all,' he said, before being told offf by Mr Dick.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton was unimpressed with Mr Jones' waffling and heckled him from his seat

The past two Question Times, held in the absence of the prime minister who is on a tour of India, have been called some of the worst of all time by observers.

The opposition has relentlessly attacked Mr Albanese's plan to cut tax concessions for Australians with super funds of more than $3 million.

A poll showed two-thirds of voters support the changes, which would tax super contributions at 30 per cent for about 80,000 Australians instead of 15 per cent.

Many questions have posed hypotheticals about how the changes could affect various groups, recently focusing on Australians who own their business through their superannuation fund.

Mr Dutton claims Labor is pursuing a 'socialist' agenda with its changes to superannuation and leading Australia to a 'dark place'.

He accused Mr Albanese's government of a cash grab against 'aspirational Australians who've worked all their lives'.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers dismissed Mr Dutton's 'ridiculous scare campaign' as 'hyperventilating hyperbole' that made him worse than disgraced ex-PM Scott Morrison.
Now badly frayed at the edge and looking like a tatty mess

Flag usually changed every month but left a week too long

The Australian flag will fly above Parliament House with a gaping hole in it for up to two more days before it is replaced.

Coalition MPs complained about the damage to the giant Australian flag this week and casual observation reveals its fabric to be badly fraying at the edge.

Speaker Milton Dick explained on Wednesday that the flag was usually changed every month but wild weather prevented it from being done safely.

The flag was left up an extra week and suffered in the elements, and when it was finally clam enough to change it, the equipment broke down.

The giant Australian flag flying atop Parliament House is a tattered mess after wild weather prevented it from being changed

Mr Dick updated parliament on the situation on Thursday, revealing it would take up to two days for the problem to be resolved.

'I understand and recognise the importance of the Australian national flag. I am pleased to advise the process has been expedited to replace the flag,' he said.

'Weather permitting, protocols will be put in place to replace the flag within the next two days.

'Furthermore, alternative options and contingencies for this ever happen again for the future.'

Controversial senator Lidia Thorpe on Wednesday used the tattered state of the Parliament House flag to take a swipe at Australia's history.

Senator Thorpe, a frequent critic of Australia's system of government, which she sees as a colonial hangover hostile to indigenous people, referred to The Queens as 'the colonising her majesty' when taking her oath of office last year.

'Isn't is fitting the colonial flag has a gaping hole?' she wrote on Twitter on Wednesday.

Shadow immigration minister Dan Tehan complained on Wednesday about the state of the flag and demanded Prime Minister Anthony Albanese fix it.

'Parliament will sit today under a flag that flies above Parliament House with a gaping hole in it,' he said.

'I hope Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will be able to fix this... we need to have pride in our institutions, we need to have pride in our parliament, and we need to have pride in our flag.'

Mr Albanese is on a plane to India for a three-day business and security tour with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but Speaker Milton Dick and Senate President Sue Lines promised to sort out the flag issue.

'The national significance and the importance of the Australian flag cannot be overstated,' they said.

'We are aware of the unacceptable condition of the current Australian flag flying above Parliament House.'

High winds and thunderstorms meant the flag couldn't be changed last week, as it usually would be, and suffered in the elements

Their joint statement explained the flag is usually changed on the first Wednesday over every month, from a rotating stable of flags.

However, high winds and thunderstorms meant the flag couldn't be changed last week, as it usually would be, and suffered in the elements.

'Changing the flag is a dangerous and complex undertaking due to the sheer size of the flag and the high wind conditions at that elevation,' they explained.

'Weather conditions must be favourable to ensure a safe changeover can take place. Recent weather conditions have posed an unacceptable risk to the safety for personnel to replace the current flag.

'When there was an opportunity for staff to safely ascend the pole, the lift mechanism experienced a mechanical fault.'

The pair said the lift was undergoing urgent maintenance and the flag would be changed as soon as possible.

Mr Tehan's response appeared to have no comprehension of the safety issues.

'I hope their long list of excuses for the poor condition of the current flag will not delay this happening. Let's also hope we don't go through this again,' he said.

Parliament House's massive flagpole is 81m long and the flag itself measures 6.4m by 12m - bigger than a double-decker bus flipped on its side.
The lawyer who represented the 'QAnon Shaman' in his trial for storming the Capitol on January 6 has called for his client to be released after Tucker Carlson aired previously unseen footage from the riot.

Carlson on Monday night used his Fox News show to broadcast clips showing the so-called Shaman, Jacob Chansley, inside Congress.

Chansley appears to be escorted through the building by Capitol Police officers, while other officers allow the chest-baring, horn-wearing Trump supporter to pass. Carlson used the footage to argue that the rioters were 'sightseers', and 'mostly peaceful'.

Chansley pleaded guilty in September 2021 to civil disorder and violent entry to the Capitol, among other charges. He was sentenced two months later to three and a half years in prison, with the new footage leading to claims he was unfairly portrayed as a violent intruder.

On Wednesday night, Chansley's former lawyer said he had not been shown the footage broadcast by Carlson, which the conservative news anchor said was 'clearly exculpatory'.

Albert Watkins (right) represented Jacob Chansley in court. Chansley pled guilty, Watkins said, without knowing there was footage showing him inside the Capitol

Chansley is seen being followed through the Capitol by a police officer

Jacob Chansley's Former Attorney Albert Watkins says exculpatory evidence was withheld from his client. pic.twitter.com/CxStlyQqQ4  Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) March 9, 2023

'We went through extraordinary efforts on behalf of our client to put him in a position of knowledge,' said Albert Watkins, Chansley's former attorney.

'That's my duty as an agent of the court, to make sure that he knew everything that the government had, good and bad, to put him in that position, to make a learned, informed, voluntary decision about whether to go to trial or take a plea.'

Watkins said it was shocking that the government knew Chansley was 'not violent', yet did not share the footage.

'The government knew,' said Watkins.

'They knew that Jake had walked around with all these police officers. They had that video footage. I didn't get it. It wasn't disclosed to me. It wasn't provided to me.

'I requested it. I filed the requisite pleadings for it. Whether I did or not, they had a duty, an absolute duty, with zero discretion to provide it to me so I could share it with my client.'

Watkins said Chansley 'had tremendous intelligence', and noted he had been diagnosed 15 years before as suffering from mental health issues.

Watkins said he was 'very gentle; very, very articulate.'

He added: 'It's a tragedy. What's happened is truly a dagger in the heart of our American justice system.

'We can't allow it.

'This is about our justice system being so compromised, the very integrity and core of that which we wore as a badge of honor for the entirety of our nation's history, has been rendered a vile disgusting mess by a Department of Justice running amok.'

Tucker Carlson on Monday night released footage from inside the Capitol on January 6, including clips showing the 'QAnon Shaman', Jacob Chansley (above), being apparently 'escorted' through the building

Chansley, with his bullhorn, is seen on January 6, 2021 inside the Capitol

Carlson on Monday defended the rioters.

'They were orderly and meek,' said Carlson of those who stormed the Capitol. 'These were not insurrectionists; they were sightseers.'

Carlson said they 'obviously revere the Capitol', noting they took selfies and 'queue up in neat little lines'.

'Deadly insurrection. Everything about that phrase is a lie,' he said.

'Very little about January 6 was organized or violent.

'Surveillance video from inside the Capitol shows mostly peaceful chaos.

Chansley, a 33-year-old naval veteran from Arizona, was one of the most high-profile figures to enter the Capitol on January 6.

He has been jailed for almost four years for 'obstructing an official proceeding.'

In the footage, Chansley appears to be guided by an official as he wanders the Capitol.

He passes a line of riot police, who make no move to stop him.

Then they escort him to various entrances of the chamber which appear to be locked, and eventually find him an open door through which he vanishes.

'Virtually every moment of his time inside the Capitol was caught on tape,' said Carlson.

'The tapes show the Capitol police never stopped Jacob Chansley. They helped him. They acted as his tour guides.'

Carlson also showed the moments after Officer Brian Sicknick was confronted by the rioters.

Sicknick, 42, died on January 7 - the day after the riot.

Brian Sicknick is seen shortly after the Capitol was breached. Carlson said he appeared 'healthy and vigorous'

Sicknick, who died of a stroke on January 7, is seen during the riot carrying out his duties

Capitol rioter Julian Khater (pictured left) was sentenced to 80 months in prison for his role in the pepper-spray assault of police officer Brian Sicknick (pictured right), who died the day after the January 6, 2021 riot

In April 2021, the DC medical examiner ruled that Sicknick, who was injured while confronting rioters, suffered a stroke and died from natural causes.

'To this day, media accounts describe Sicknick as someone who was, quote, "slain" on January 6,' Carlson said.

'The video we reviewed proves that is a lie.'

Carlson said the officer was 'healthy and vigorous,' and noted he was wearing a helmet.

'So it's hard to imagine he was killed by a head injury,' he said.

'Whatever happened to Brian Sicknick was very obviously not the result of violence he suffered at the entrance to the Capitol.

'This tape overturns the single most powerful and politically useful lie the Democrats have told us about January 6.'

There have been multiple deaths linked to the riot, including four Trump supporters - one of whom, Ashli Babbitt, was shot dead by Capitol Police.

Trump supporters are seen walking through the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Carlson described them as 'sightseers'

Carlson further suggested alleged Capitol Rioter Ray Epps - pictured in red Trump cap - was actually an FBI agent send to stoke violence. Epps denies his claims

Four officers died by suicide in the days and weeks after the riot.

There have also been roughly 1,000 arrests.

The footage comes as Fox News continues to contest a $1.6 billion lawsuit taken out against the broadcasting giant by Dominion, who manufactured voting machines for the 2020 election.

Fox is being sued over claims the network endorsed theories the firm's voting machines were rigged to deliver a Biden win.

The broadcaster's owner Rupert Murdoch was recently deposed over the lawsuit, and said he'd 'liked (Fox) to have been stronger denouncing' the stolen election claims.

Fox news denies the claims made against it by Dominion.
Salim Mehajer had his bid for freedom rejected in minutes

Controversial former politician Salim Mehajer has been dealt a heavy blow after NSW's highest court took just minutes to deny his desperate bid for freedom as he gets set to face trial over choking and domestic violence allegations later this month.

Mehajer, 36, has argued he should be allowed out of prison so that he can prepare for trial, having indicated he will fight a string of serious domestic violence charges.

Sporting a five o'clock shadow and slicked back hair as he beamed in via videolink from Mid North Coast Correctional Facility in Kempsey, Mehajer represented himself in the Court of Criminal Appeal on Thursday.

However, it took Justices Robert Beech-Jones, Peter Garling and Dina Yehia just minutes to dismiss his bid for freedom.

He attempted to argue he should be released because he has no chair in his cell and that he doesn't consider himself a flight risk - because he had previously travelled overseas while on bail.

Controversial ex-deputy mayor Salim Mehajer (pictured) had his bid for freedom thrown out in court within minutes

Mehajer is eligible to be paroled after he was in April 2021 jailed on unrelated charges.

He was found guilty of perverting the course of justice and making a false statement under oath and was first eligible to be released in January.

However, he has not been released because he is bail refused on remand as he gets set to face trial over allegations that he committed domestic violence offences against his ex-partner Melissa Tysoe.

He was earlier this year granted bail by the NSW District Court.

But, in a further twist, the Director of Public Prosecutions made a successful detention application in the NSW Supreme Court.

Mehajer argued he should be allowed out of prison so that he can prepare for trial as he faces domestic violence charges

He is set to face trial over allegations that he committed domestic violence offences against his ex-partner Melissa Tysoe

On Thursday, Mr Mehajer appeared before the Court of Appeal in an attempt to have that decision overturned.

In a hearing which lasted just 16 minutes, he submitted to the court that he did not have a stool in his cell.

Mr Mehajer said he had earlier this month requested a Corrective Services officer come to his cell to inspect for a chair.

'Nothing happened,' Mr Mehajer told the court.

He also denied that he was a risk of going on the run should he be granted bail and proposed a list of release conditions.

'But I just wanted to advise the court that I've previously travelled to 10 countries overseas whilst on bail,' Mr Mehajer told the court.

'And all times I've returned, so I don't consider myself a flight risk.'

Mehajer is accused of assaulting his former partner Melissa Tysoe (pictured) and choked her until she passed out

Without hearing oral submissions from the Crown Prosecution, the three-judge panel went off the bench to consider its decision for approximately four minutes before returning to deny his application.

'I order that the application be dismissed, reasons will be published at a future date,' Justice Beech-Jones said.

Mehajer is also scheduled to make a fresh bail application in Sydney's Downing Centre District Court on Monday.

He is also set to appear before the State Parole Authority board on March 24.

Mehajer is scheduled to face trial on March 27 over allegations he assaulted his former partner Melissa Tysoe and choked her until she passed out.

However, Mehajer is set to defend the charges on the basis he claims she sent text messages to herself from his phone.

Defence barrister Tom Hughes told the Supreme Court last month that she had made the allegations after seeing photos of Mehajer with another woman.
Former FOX News host Megyn Kelly slammed Dr. Anthony Fauci for 'lying' about the origins of COVID-19 as she hit out at the mainstream media who view him as a 'mini-God.'

In the most recent episode of her Megyn Kelly Show, the one-time anchor discussed recently released emails showing that Fauci commissioned a paper to disprove the possibility that COVID originated in a lab  before publicizing the study at a White House news conference weeks later.

She suggested the doctor intentionally lied about the possibility that COVID-19 could have been leaked from a lab in Wuhan, China because the United States was funding gain-of-function research on coronaviruses at the lab.

'He didn't give a s*** where the pandemic originated, because China,' Kelly said.

She also derided the mainstream media for not discussing the recent revelations because they view Fauci as a 'superhero' and a 'mini-God.'

Her rant came as top scientific advisers testified before Congress that there is mounting evidence that COVID originated in a lab, and accused Fauci of trying to cover up the claims.

Megyn Kelly slammed Dr. Anthony Fauci in the latest episode of her Megyn Kelly Show on Wednesday

She suggested the doctor (pictured last year) intentionally lied about the possibility that COVID-19 could have been leaked from a lab in Wuhan, China because the United States was funding gain-of-function research on coronaviruses at the lab

Over the weekend, House Republicans probing the COVID-19 pandemic released bombshell emails showing the former head of the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases both commissioned and had final approval on a scientific paper which claimed it was 'improbable' that the virus leaked out of a lab.

According to one of the authors of the paper, 'Our main work... has been focused on trying to disprove any type of lab theory.'

Then just a few weeks after it was published in February 2020, Fauci cited the paper in a news conference with former President Donald Trump when he was asked about the possibility that COVID leaked from a lab.

He said at the time: 'There was a study recently where a group of highly-qualified evolutionary virologists looked at the sequence... in bats as they evolve and the mutations that it took to get to the point where it is now is totally consistent with a jump of species from an animal to a human.'

'So the paper will be available,' Fauci continued. 'I don't have the authors right now, but we can make it available to you.'

Discussing those revelations in her podcast on Wednesday, Megyn Kelly claimed he 'manipulated' the reporting on the origins of COVID.

'This guy, it's amazing, he's gotten away with this,' she said. 'It's amazing the mainstream media doesn't show more interest in what are clearly lies, they come out every week, but they just love their little Fauci superhero doll.

'Each one of them goes to sleep with it at their bedside every night, and no narrative can be advanced that contradicts it.'

She then mocked Fauci's remarks in the April 2020 press conference, saying: 'Fauci went so far as to basically pretend he didn't know these people' who wrote the report. 'Like "I can't even remember the names of who were on this paper."

At a news conference in April 2020, Fauci cited a study he commissioned to prove that COVID did not originate from a lab

Kelly also suggested that the reason Fauci denied the possibility that COVID could have originated in a lab is because he and the other authors of the paper 'were in bed with China.

'They were protecting China,' she said, as 'the US was funding this whole thing  including what was happening in the Wuhan lab, including gain-of-function research on bat coronaviruses to make them more lethal and more contagious and we didn't want anyone taking a closer look under the hood, that's the truth.

'It was all lies,' Kelly continued. 'Every day we get new emails that show Fauci's been lying and his little virologists who've participated in that Nature article, which they used to slam honest virologists out of saying it was a lab leak.

'It was all a Fauci operation  it was disinformation as the media likes to call it, and you'll hear nothing about this in the mainstream media,' which views Fauci as a 'mini-God,' she said.

'He is a little superhero to the left, and they won't report on this,' Kelly continued.

'He's been lying to us all along, of course his fingerprints were all over the Nature article. He didn't give a s*** where the pandemic originated, because China.'

The United States was funding gain-of-function research on coronaviruses in bats at the Wuhan Institute of Virology prior to the breakout

Security personnel keep watch outside Wuhan Institute of Virology during the visit by the World Health Organization (WHO) team tasked with investigating the origins of the coronavirus disease in 2021

Kelly's remarks came as experts, including a former Biden staffer and Donald Trump's CDC director, testified to the House subcommittee investigating COVID that taxpayer-funded gain-of-function likely caused the virus that came from the Chinese facility.

Dr. Jamie Metzl, a self-identified Democrat who worked for President Biden when he was in the Senate, said he favored the lab leak theory because 'the Chinese government has done everything in its power' to stonewall investigations.

He said China had an 'incentive' to find the animal where Covid-19 had originated while pushing the animal-to-human transmission theory, but hadn't done so.

'Given that the Chinese government has every incentive to find intermediary host, it's very significant that hasn't been found,' Metzl said. 'I think it's very telling after three years we haven't found it.'
The lobby entrance of KB Financial Group's headquarters can be seen through a window in Seoul in this file photo. Korea Times file



By Yi Whan-woo



The Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), the world's largest proxy adviser, has recommended shareholders of KB Financial Group vote against the nomination of an outside director endorsed by the group's labor union, according to industry sources, Thursday.



The ISS' advice came ahead of the annual shareholders' meeting that is scheduled for March 24. If disapproved by shareholders, it will mark the sixth time since 2017 that KB's union failed to get an outside director they endorsed.



On Jan. 30, KB's union recommended Lim Gyeong-jong, who formerly headed Koexim Mandiri Finance co-owned by Export-Import Bank of Korea (Eximbank) in Seoul and Pengelola Investama Mandiri Indonesia in Jakarta, as a candidate for the outside director position.



Accordingly, it submitted a proposal and a letter that authorizes shareholders to decide on Lim's candidacy on its behalf to the KB board of directors.



"And after going over the proposal, ISS said it does not find Lim's expertise cited by the union convincing enough that it can contribute to shareholders' interests," a source said.



The union said Lim is "a figure who has a deep understanding of the banking industry and is also capable of carrying out the job in a fair and objective manner."



In particular, the union highlighted Lim as "the right man to bolster the sales capability and normalize management" of KB Bukopin, a subsidiary of KB Kookmin Bank in Indonesia.



KB Kookmin Bank is the Korean banking group's flagship affiliate.



The ISS' advice is not legally binding. Regardless, KB Financial Group said it is "paying attention to such advice" considering the proxy firm's international reputation and its influence on shareholders.



The ISS also recommended KB shareholders vote against the KB union's demand, which was purportedly aimed at preventing a politically-appointed chairman.



The union said the group should revise its policy and add a new clause that bans any retired bureaucrats who served in the government for the past five years from being appointed as the group's chairman for the following three years.



The demand is in line with growing public concerns over parachute appointees, a term used to describe pro-government and pro-ruling party figures who are appointed in high-level posts at multiple financial institutions, often despite their lack of expertise in the field.



"However, the ISS saw that the union did not provide sufficient evidence in its claim that the government has been trying to influence the group's management," a source said.



The last time the ISS was recommended to vote against a KB union-backed outside director nominee was in 2022.



Back then, former Eximbank Vice President Kim Young-su was picked as the nominee but failed to win shareholders' approval.



Placing more union-backed directors in firms was a key election pledge of former progressive President Moon Jae-in. The plan, however, failed to bear fruit in a majority of the industries here.


Mitch McConnell, 81, tripped and fell at a hotel and was hospitalized, a spokesman for the senator said.

The Senate Republican Leader was attending a private dinner at the Waldorf Astoria, which was recently converted from a Trump property, when he took the spill.

McConnell was admitted to a nearby hospital for treatment, his spokesman Doug Andres said Wednesday night and was confirmed to DailyMail.com by the D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department.

'This evening, Leader McConnell tripped at a local hotel during a private dinner. He has been admitted to the hospital where he is receiving treatment,' he said.

McConnell's office did not provide additional detail on his condition or how long he may be absent from the Senate.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell (pictured Tuesday) tripped and fell Wednesday at a hotel and was hospitalized, a spokesman for the senator said

'At 9:17 p.m., D.C. Fire and EMS was dispatch to 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. That address corresponds with the Waldorf [Astoria],' a press contact for the department told DailyMail.com.

'The call was categorized as a fall  a victim who had fallen. We did transport an adult male from that location to an area hospital,' they added, but said they could not discuss the extent of the injuries.

In 2019, the minority leader, a survivor of childhood polio, tripped and fell at his home in Kentucky, suffering a shoulder fracture.

At the time, he underwent surgery to repair the fracture in his shoulder. The Senate had just started a summer recess and he worked from home for some weeks as he recovered.

Texas Senator John Cornyn was the first to post well wishes for the upper chamber's GOP leader on Thursday morning.

'Sandy and I are praying for Leader McConnell's speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back in the Capitol soon,' he tweeted.

Kentucky Representative Andy Barr wrote: 'This morning, I join my fellow Kentuckians in wishing Leader McConnell a speedy recovery.'

First elected in 1984, McConnell in January became the longest-serving Senate leader when the new Congress convened, breaking the previous record of 16 years.

Before his election to the Senate, he served as judge-executive of Jefferson County, Kentucky from 1978.

The taciturn McConnell is often reluctant to discuss his private life. But at the start of the COVID-19 crisis he opened up about his early childhood experience fighting polio.

He described how his mother insisted that he stay off his feet as a toddler and worked with him through a determined physical therapy regime. He has acknowledged some difficulty in adulthood climbing stairs.

A reporter for Punchbowl News tweeted that McConnell had been attending an event at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, D.C., which recently converted from a Trump property

First elected in 1984, McConnell in January became the longest-serving Senate leader when the new Congress convened, breaking the previous record of 16 years. He is now the third member of the Senate to be hospitalized in the past month

McConnell opened his weekly news conference on Tuesday by saying he fully aligned himself with U.S. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger, who called Carlson's conclusions 'offensive and misleading.' He held up a paper copy of Manger's statement, titled 'Truth & Justice.'

'It was a mistake, in my view, for Fox News to depict this in a way that's completely at variance with what our chief law enforcement official here at the Capitol thinks,' McConnell told reporters.

The longtime Republican leader became the third member of the Senate to be hospitalized in the past month.

The Senate, where the average age is 65, has been without several members recently due to illness.

The office of Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein said she was hospitalized last week to be treated for shingles.

Even the younger members of the Senate have fallen ill in recent weeks.

The Senate, where the average age is 65, has been without several members recently due to illness. The office of Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein said she was hospitalized last week to be treated for shingles

Democrat Senator John Fetterman, 53, who suffered a stroke during his campaign last year, was expected to remain out for some weeks as he received care for clinical depression

Democrat John Fetterman, 53, who suffered a stroke during his campaign last year, was expected to remain out for some weeks as he received care for clinical depression.

Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, returned home after the death of his mother last week, and Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, spent time away from the upper chamber recovering from COVID. They all missed upper chamber votes last week

The Democratic absences have proven a challenge for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., who is already navigating a very narrow 51-49 majority.

The Republicans, as the minority party, have had an easier time with intermittent absences. It is unclear if McConnell will be out on Thursday and if that would have an effect on scheduled votes. South Dakota Sen. John Thune is the Senates No. 2 Republican.

President Joe Biden, who is also an octogenarian at 80 years old, recently had a minor health scare of his own.

President Joe Biden had lesion removed from his chest during a February physical that was found to be cancerous - he is now cancer free; (above) he leaves the White House on Friday afternoon to head to Wilmington, Delaware

A skin legion lesion removed from Biden's chest last month during his annual physical was cancerous, White House doctor Kevin O'Connor announced last week, but added no further treatment is needed.

Biden is already the oldest president in U.S. history, and if he wins another term, he will be 82 at the time of his second inauguration.

The president is not the only member of the family to be diagnosed with skin cancer.

First lady Jill Biden in January had two basal cell lesions removed from her right eye and chest. All cancerous cells were removed.
A woman in her 50s was found dead inside a city home following reports of a disturbance.

Police were called to a home in Kallangur, north Brisbane, at about 12.50pm on Thursday where the woman's body was found.

Detectives declared the home a crime scene and are investigating the circumstances of her death, which they are treating as suspicious.

A 36-year-old man is assisting police with enquiries.

'The 56-year-old female that was found dead was known to the man that is now in custody and were relatives,' Inspector Ben Fadian told reporters on Thursday.

'There was no domestic violence order against the pair but police had attended the address before on other matters.'

Inspector Fadian said first responders had witnessed a 'confronting scene'.

The body of a woman in her 50s was found inside a home in Kallangur (above) following reports of a disturbance

'A member of the public called triple zero and detectives have been conducting door knocks and taking statements of neighbours,' he said.

Inspector Fadian said the man assisting police was known to the woman but did not live at the address.

'The female person and the person assisting police were known to each other, they are relatives, they are not in a relationship, there is no DV order in place,' he said.

He would not say whether they were mother and son.

'I can't confirm that, the matter is still being investigated, the nature of the relationship is still being investigated.'

Police asked anyone with information or dashcam footage of Duffield Road and Winter Road between 9am and 1pm on Thursday to come forward.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

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A non-binary model who is fronting a campaign for one of Australia's most celebrated swimwear brands claims he warned Seafolly the company would be bombarded with threats and abuse.

Deni Todorovic, 34, who was born a man but uses they/them pronouns and identifies as non-binary, is the new brand ambassador for Seafolly.

The move has sparked calls for a boycott of the brand which is known for its glamorous advertisements featuring some of the world's most famous female models including Miranda Kerr, Gigi Hadid, Shanina Shaik and Lara Worthington.

Since the launch of the advertising campaign - which features a bearded Deni posing in lime green Seafolly bikini bottoms and a matching cover-up - the activist has been relentlessly trolled.

But speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia, Deni said such abuse was far from surprising.

'I told Seafolly "I will have people say it's iconic. But I will also have people tell me to kill myself, to burn in hell, that I'm a groomer, and that my mum should be ashamed",' Deni said.

Deni Todorovic, 34, who was male at birth and identifies as non-binary, is fronting a campaign for one of Australia's most celebrated swimwear brands, Seafolly

Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia, Deni said hate comments had been flowing since the campaign went public.

'I absolutely expected that, when I sat down with Seafolly, I prepped them for this.

'I told them, people will say "you're trying to be woke, it's tokenistic". I told them to have a statement ready to go.

'I've done it before with Bonds and David Jones. I feel very supportive and very prepared.

'It all part and parcel of being a trans creator, and just being a trans person in Australia.'

Deni said the slurs directed at transgender people - such as 'groomer' and 'paedo' - echoed the attacks gay men faced in the past.

Writer Alexandra Marshall was one of those who had spoken out against the campaign, saying the swimwear brand was 'mocking women' and said she would boycott Seafolly.

Other trolls also targeted Deni on Instagram, with one saying: 'Since when do women have penises in their bikini bottoms. This is beyond disgusting and Deni you are trying to eradicate biological women. Deplorable'

'Bye @seafolly. Never again. Been buying swimsuits from you for many years. Never again,' she posted on Twitter.

Others targeted Deni on Instagram, with one saying: 'Since when do women have penises in their bikini bottoms. This is beyond disgusting and Deni you are trying to eradicate biological women. Deplorable.'

Hitting back at the comment in a video on their story, Deni said that some women 'do have penises' because not all want - or can afford - genital surgery.

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Deni said the criticism still 'deeply hurt' despite its predictability.

'The proud moment comes when I think about why campaigns like this are so necessary,' Deni said.

Australian models Jesinta Franklin and Lara Worthington have also represented the brand

Supermodel Gigi Hadid (pictured) is one of the best known former faces of Seafolly

Deni is also one of the national ambassadors for Bonds underwear

'We need queer people on TV, in parliament and in power. And not just queer people but trans people - in many parts of the world being a lesbian or gay is seen as okay, but being trans isn't.'

Deni added that there are 'really hectic' laws being passed, including Tennessee banning drag shows.

'Trans people are not exaggerating when we say society is trying to eradicate us, and kill us.

'Trans people are far more at risk, for their safety, for abuse, for safety.

'In the UK 52 per cent of trans people attempt suicide, in Australia, trans people are 15 times more likely to attempt suicide than cisgender people.'

Addressing many comments that 'women are the target customer' for Seafolly, and a that he's part of a 'marketing ploy to cause controversy', Deni said that women have been starring in bikini campaigns for '50 years'.

'This is the first time many people have ever seen a trans person in a bikini, the first time Seafolly have used a trans person in a campaign. Trans people that have never seen themselves in an ad before.

'Can't we hold some space for them? You're trying to eradicate us, we're not trying to take your seat at the table. We're just trying to have a seat. You can give me a three legged seat!'

'Cisgendered heterosexual people all have a proximity to queerness.

'One in four people are queer, so think before you speak, before you tell someone to kill themselves. What are you going to do if you have a queer child? Or your child's best friend is queer? Are you going to kick them out the house?

'Ultimately, how does it affect you if I wear bikini bottoms?' they added.

'Do your research before you come to us and tell us to not exist, and trans erasure has been a thing for a long time.'

Deni's involvement in the Seafolly campaign has sparked backlash from customers

Author and artist Alexandra Marshall (pictured) said it felt like the fashion brand was 'mocking women'

While celebrating the novel use of a transgender model in a swimwear campaign, Deni said seeing the outline of a penis beneath swimmers was hardly new.

'I'm wearing bikini bottoms which are basically Speedos, which, last time I checked, people with penises wear Speedos.

'So maybe you just need to investigate and dig a little deeper as to why me, in a Speedo essentially, feels like an attack on your gender identity, because that's not what I'm trying to do.'

Deni's role as a model for Seafolly was celebrated by a number of celebrities, including the brand's former ambassador Jesinta Franklin.

Many shoppers also left positive comments on Seafolly's official Instagram account to celebrate the campaign.

'As some one who hasn't shopped at Seafolly for years I'll be back now! Love seeing brands be inclusive and that is where I want my money to go,' one woman wrote.

'So amazing to see this, Seafolly. I love to see brands pioneering the celebration of pride and inclusion,' another added.

However, while some praised the brand for presenting a diverse campaign, many more said they would boycott the company.

In 2021, Deni was criticised for turning Melbourne Fashion Week into a 'pride parade' by storming the runway with an LGBT flag and a T-shirt with 'they/them' on the front

Deni has become an increasingly formidable name in Australian fashion over the last few years

Deni's role at Seafolly was celebrated by a number of celebrities, including former brand ambassador Jesinta Franklin, but many more online said they would boycott the brand

'This is a joke. We support diversity and individuals' decisions, but we don't want to see women's clothing that we want to purchase on a male body...' commented one.

'There are other ways to support pride and individuals' choices, but not this way. Sincerely, one of your long-time loyal customers.'

Another wrote: 'As a woman, this is not what I want to look like in a bikini.

'I won't be buying this product. People need to get back to reality. Stop making our world into a circus.'

Due to the negative comments, Seafolly put out a statement condemning the 'hateful language'.

'We are here to celebrate the Australian beach lifestyle and inspire one another to feel confident at the beach,' the brand said.

'In this community, we do not tolerate abusive, offensive, hateful language, trolling, deliberate disruption of discussion, or spam. Please be respectful of each other's differences and remember to always be kind.'

Many women agreed with Seafolly's stance, with one writing: 'I'm so embarrassed for the bigots in this comment section. Imagine writing awful things because a person wearing a swimsuit upsets you.'
A man has been charged with the murder of a woman he knew at a home north of Brisbane.

Emergency services found the body of the 56-year-old woman inside the home in Winter Road, Kallangur about 12.50pm on Thursday.

Paramedics were unable to revive the woman.

'The scene that police and Queensland Ambulance service entered today was very confronting,' Moreton District Detective Inspector Ben Fadian told reporters.

'They are relatives, they are not in a relationship.

'There is no domestic violence order in place and police had been at that address before on for other matters.'

The body of a woman in her 50s was found inside a home (pictured) in Kallangur on Thursday following reports of a disturbance

Police and Queensland Ambulance services entered the home to see a 'very confronting' scene, authorities said (pictured, forensic workers at the scene)

The 36-year-old man, who was charged, will appear before the Pine Rivers Magistrates Court on Friday (pictured, authorities at the scene)

A 36-year-old man was taken into custody before being charged with murder late on Thursday.

Officers attended the property after a member of the public rang 000 to report a disturbance at the address.

Detectives have spoken to that person, as well as neighbours and the woman's relatives.

The property was been declared a crime scene.

The man, who remains in police custody, will appear before the Pine Rivers Magistrates Court on Friday.
An online sample NAPLAN test aimed at Year 3 pupils has stumped Aussie adults yet again, with dozens of participants scoring 0 out of 10.

One third got six or fewer math and English questions right in their quest to see if they're smarter than a Year 3 kid.

Years 5, 7 and 9 also sit NAPLAN with the standardised test designed to track the academic progress of students and their schools.

The average score among the more than 600 tests taken was seven correct answers, which is pretty good until you remember that they're aimed at school children.

The sample quiz from online tutoring service Cluey starts out with a fairly easy one: A teacher gives 5 of her students 10 blocks each. Which of the following can be used to find how many blocks the teacher gave her students?

A. 5+10. B. 5+5+5+5+5. C. 10+10+10+10+10. D. 10+10+10+10+10+10+10+10+10+10.

An online sample NAPLAN (National Assessment Program  Literacy and Numeracy) test aimed at Year 3 pupils has stumped Aussie adults yet again. Pictured is a woman looking at a laptop

With the NAPLAN tests being run from March 15-27, many questioned the need for such mandatory tests to be given out to students.

One Facebook commenter said the test is 'nothing but stress for students and teachers'.

Another wrote: 'To be honest, I don't really care about NAPLAN. I've been told it has absolutely nothing to do with your child's overall grades, it's more to do with measuring the performance of the current curriculum.

'It's a test designed for data collection.'

A third argued: 'Prepping for a test doesn't show what a child is capable of. Let them do NAPLAN then work on the gaps if necessary.'

NAPLAN tests being run from March 15-27, but many adults struggled with a sample test. Pictured are children in a Brisbane school

But Dr Selina Samuels, the chief education officer from online learning platform Cluey, said NAPLAN was more than just a benchmarking assessment.

'Whilst we need to understand how students are progressing academically across the country, it also provides teachers and parents with insight into how an individual is learning,' she said.

'You can then figure out how best to support and challenge students, so they build their confidence and achieve better results with schoolwork going forward.'

She said the objectors to studying for NAPLAN tests may not have taken into account that the skills taught in preparation are useful and wouldn't be forgotten.

'I do agree the stress associated with NAPLAN is entirely counter-productive,' Dr Samuels said.

'But this can be addressed by making sure students have practised enough so they feel confident in showing what they know, and that they understand the format and how to approach test papers.'

NAPLAN tests are being run from March 15-27. Pictured is a sample test question

Cluey Learning's chief education officer Dr Selina Samuels (pictured) said NAPLAN was more than just a benchmarking assessment

For Years 3 and 5 in particular, she said, knowing how to manage time under test conditions can help with anxiety.

'We also find it useful to help students understand how to navigate multiple-choice questions and unpack questions phrased in unfamiliar ways,' Dr Samuels said.

'These are key test preparation skills and are useful way beyond the confines of NAPLAN.

'So, the actual skills students need to demonstrate in these tests are skills that we want all our children to have - they are for life, not just for NAPLAN.'
A heroic dad has recalled the desperate moment he threw himself between a deadly brown snake and his two-year-old daughter.

Jake Coombe, from Tailem Bend about an hour's drive east of Adelaide, saved his daughter Alba from being bitten on Monday, but ended up a victim of the reptile and had to be rushed to hospital.

The pair had arrived home from an outing and Mr Coombe begun to unpack his bags while his daughter played in the hallway.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the infant had caught sight of something in the doorway of the garage and was going to investigate.

Little Alba had locked eyes with an eastern brown snake, a highly venomous species of snake whose bite can kill small children in just minutes.

Quick as a flash, the brave dad grabbed his daughter as the snake went to strike.

As he launched his daughter to safety, the reptile clamped down on his foot and gave him a 'dry bite' - meaning no venom was released.

Jake Coombe, from Tailem Bend about an hours drive east of Adelaide, saved his two-year-old daughter Alba's life on Monday (he is pictured receiving treatment for his snake bite)

Eastern brown snakes are highly venomous, with enough venom to kill a small child

Mr Coombe, who spent a night in hospital, said he keeps thinking about what could have happened to his daughter if he had arrived just a second too late.

'Maybe it would have been a different story if Alba got to it  she could have picked it up and wouldn't have got away so quickly,' he told The Messenger.

'Better me than her, that's for sure.'

Facebook users were quick to applaud the brave dad for his quick-thinking.

'Well done mate. That's a loving courageous act. Get well soon,' one man wrote.

'What an awesome dad. Doing his job protecting his little girl,' another said.

'Super dad. Deserves a beer or two,' a third commented.

Terrifying footage from Snake Hunters Australia showed an eastern brown snake flattening its body to almost half its original width and slithering under a door frame

Residents along the Murray River were recently warned by the SES to be on high alert for snakes as they travelled out of flooded areas.

The close call in South Australia comes just days after a snake was seen flattening itself in order to squeeze under a door at a home in Melbourne.

Terrifying footage showed an eastern brown snake flattening its body to almost half its original height and slithering under a door frame.

Experts recommend buying draught stoppers for external doors and ensuring all doors are a tight fit against the ground to keep the reptiles out.
An official report reveals what many travellers suspected: that Qantas was the most complained-about airline in Australia during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Complaints about Qantas were a third higher than the next most-reported airline.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) was contacted 1,740 times about Qantas in the 2021-2022 financial year.

That was a jump in complaints about Qantas of 68 per cent on the previous year.

An official report reveals what many travellers suspected: that Qantas was the most complained-about airline in Australia during the pandemic

The numbers were collected after a year of supply chain issues and staff shortages.

The most popular types of complaints were issues related to refunds and flight credits for flights cancelled due to pandemic travel restrictions, as well as delayed and cancelled flights in mid-2022.

'As Australia's largest airline [Qantas], and an airline that generally charges a premium to fly, consumers expect a better service,' the ACCC report said.

Problems reported to the consumer watch dog about Jetstar fell 33 per cent from 2020-21 to 544, and complaints related to Virgin Australia fell 27 per cent to 359.

The 1,740 problems reported to the ACCC by passengers in 2020-21 was a 68 per cent jump from the previous year

The ACCC also found airfares have fallen from their 15-year highs, but remain above pre-pandemic levels.

Fares hit a 15-year high in December, 2022.

While airlines increased capacity on domestic routes, travellers were flying less than they did before the pandemic.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce was forced to apologise to customers in an August, 2022 video, after long queues at domestic airports and multiple reports of lost luggage and cancelled flights.

'Over the past few months, too many of you have had flights delayed, flights cancelled and bags misplaced,' Mr Joyce said in the video, which was sent to all Qantas Frequent Flyer members.

'There are good reasons why, but when it comes to what you expect from Qantas, its not good enough.

'On behalf of the national carrier, I want to apologise.'

Two weeks ago, Qantas posted an interim underlying pre-tax profit of $1.43billion in its first return to profitability since the Covid-19 pandemic brought travel to a grinding halt in 2020.

The statutory net profit for the six months to June 30 was $1billion, compared to a $456million net loss a year earlier.

The profit turnaround was delivered despite a 65 per cent increase in fuel costs during the half.

Qantas said domestic flying levels had averaged 94 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, while international capacity also doubled to 60 per cent.
Latvia has started sending cars seized from drunk drivers to the frontlines of Ukraine to be used as military transport vehicles and ambulances, it has emerged this week.

The EU member state began confiscating cars from heavily drunk drivers this year, and as hundreds of vehicles began overfilling impound lots, decided to offer them to Kyiv's war effort.

Riga is openly supporting Ukraine amid Vladimir Putin's invasion, though roughly a quarter of Latvia's population is made up of ethnic Russians.

Eight cars were seen being driven in a snowstorm onto a trailer and out of a state impound lot on Wednesday, destined for Ukraine.

Two hundred cars were taken in just two months from drivers found with blood alcohol levels over 0.15 per cent in the Baltic nation of 1.9 million people.

'It's actually very scary when you realise how many cars are driving around with drunk drivers,' said Reinis Poznaks, founder of the NGO known as Twitter Convoy which has been tasked by the government to deliver the vehicles to Ukraine.

Latvia began confiscating cars from heavily drunk drivers this year and has decided to offer them to Kyiv's war effort

A general view of a trailer loaded with vehicles which were confiscated from drunk drivers, in Riga, Latvia March 8, 2023

Reinis Poznaks, founder of the NGO known as Twitter Convoy, stands in front of a trailer loaded with vehicles which were confiscated from drunk drivers and are destined for Ukraine

Late last year, new legislation was introduced that meant drivers found with 1.5mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood - three times the legal limit - could have their vehicles seized and auctioned.

Public broadcaster LSM said Latvia is battling some of the highest rates of drinking and driving in Europe.

The two-dozen confiscated cars the state has promised to hand to Twitter Convoy each week to send to Ukraine will test the limits of his largely volunteer operation, Poznaks said.

'No-one expected that people are drunk-driving so many vehicles, they can't sell them as fast as people are drinking. So that's why I came with the idea - send them to Ukraine,' Poznaks said.

He laughed as he found a Russian flag pinned in one of the confiscated vehicles, left there by its owner.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and Latvian President Egils Levits shake hands, March 2023

More than 4,300 drivers were found over-the-limit on Latvia's roads last year, police said, and were involved in almost a thousand accidents in 2022

Twitter Convoy has already dispatched about 1,200 vehicles, having announced a plea for donations on Twitter days after Russia's invasion started on Feb. 24 last year.

It raised 2 million euros (1.77 million) for vehicle purchases, renovations, and logistics in 2022.

Latvian Finance Minister Arvils Aseradens said the government was inspired by the success of the NGO to drop attempts to auction the vehicles.

'We said, well, you can take those cars... and (Poznak) says, ''Oh, that's very good!''

'We are ready to do practically anything to support Ukrainians.'

More than 4,300 drivers were found over-the-limit on Latvia's roads last year, police said, and were involved in almost a thousand accidents in 2022.
A dog owner has been left distraught after the sudden death of her beloved puppy Maverick during a routine walk at their local park.

Sheree Hastie had been walking the two-year-old pooch at Oxenford Lake on Queensland's Gold Coast on Friday when he started behaving strangely.

As his concerned owner quickly loaded him into her car, Maverick started to vomit and became 'wobbly' and weak at the knees.

Ms Hastie desperately tried to get her dog treatment for the mystery illness but frustratingly, no clinics were open at the time.

She said Maverick was 'gone' by the time she pulled into her driveway, just 20 minutes after they had left the popular walking spot.

'I'm just trying to get my head around how or why it happened,' she told 7News.

Sheree Hastie (pictured) had been walking her dog Maverick at the Oxenford Lake on the Gold Coast on Friday when he started behaving strangely

Ms Hastie desperately tried to take Maverick (pictured) to the vet to receive treatment for the mystery illness but frustratingly, no clinics were open

Ms Hastie smelt something 'fishy' in the dog's vomit and spotted some 'little chunky bones' which made her think Maverick had ingested something poisonous.

'(It was) something very toxic in order for him to pass so quickly,' she said.

However, new information since the puppy's sudden death has lead her to believe that Maverick wasn't deliberately 'baited'.

Instances of dog baiting in parks across Australia have become common-place in the last few years, with Sydney dog owners put on high alert just last month.

The bait, usually rat poison, is wrapped in food to appeal to dogs and to hide the smell and taste of the poison.

Dogs can suffer lethargy, breathing difficulty, tremors or convulsions or excessive panting or drooling if they are baited.

Without an anecdote, dogs can die within 1-2 hours of being poisoned.

Ms Hastie said her other dogs, Frankie and Ellie, weren't being their usual playful selves after the loss of their brother Maverick.

Ms Hastie has heard of other dogs becoming ill after visiting Oxenford Lake (pictured) with a second dog exhibiting the same symptoms as Maverick during a walk on Sunday

She has heard of other dogs becoming ill after visiting Oxenford Lake, with a second dog exhibiting the same symptoms as her dog during a walk on Sunday.

Unlike Maverick, the other dog survived.

The Gold Coast Council said there is already a sign warning dog owners to keep their animals on a leash at the lake, with others soon to be erected in the area.

Ms Hastie has warned other dog lovers to always keen an eye on their beloved animals after the devastating loss of Maverick.

'I don't want anybody else to go through what we've been through this week,' the distraught owner said.
The ruling Georgian Dream party said it would 'unconditionally withdraw the bill'

Protesters said the proposed bill was inspired by an authoritarian Russian law

Georgia's ruling party said on Thursday it was dropping a controversial 'foreign agent' bill after two nights of furious protests against the law seen as reminiscent of Russian legislation used to silence critics.

Concern has been growing that the ex-Soviet nation, which aspires to join the EU and NATO, is taking an authoritarian turn and maintaining links with Moscow.

The announcement came after two days of large-scale protests, including a rally Wednesday that saw Georgian police fire water cannon and tear gas at thousands of demonstrators and issue a dispersal order.

The Georgian Dream ruling party said in a statement it would 'unconditionally withdraw the bill we supported without any reservations'. It cited the need to reduce 'confrontation' in society.

The bill would have required Georgian organisations receiving more than 20 per cent of their funding from abroad to register as 'foreign agents' or face fines.

A man waves a Georgian national flag in front of a burning barricade as other protesters stand behind not far from the Georgian parliament building in Tbilisi in the early hours of Thursday morning

Police in riot gear face protesters in Tbilisi late on Wednesday night

Ruling party Georgian Dream said in a statement the bill had been 'represented in a bad light and in a misleading way,' adding that it would launch public consultations to 'better explain' the law's purpose after announcing its withdrawal.

A European Union delegation in Georgia immediately cheered the halt, saying they 'encourage all political leaders in Georgia to resume pro-EU reforms.'

Massive crowds had gathered in front of the parliament building in central Tbilisi on Wednesday, holding EU and Georgian flags, and chanting 'no to the Russian law'.

The protesters demanded authorities drop the bill on 'transparency of foreign funding,' which critics said mirrors a law used in Russia to force media and dissenting groups to shut down.

Elene Ksovreli, 16, said Georgians did not want to see their future threatened.

'We will not allow them to make Russia define our future,' she told AFP. 'We, young people, are here to protect our everything.'

Another demonstrator, 72-year-old Aza Akhvlediani, called the country's government 'stupid'.

'I know what's happening in Moscow. They stop every passerby and do whatever they please to them. I think the Georgian government wants the same,' she said.

A police car burns near remnants of the barricade after clashes between demonstrators and police on a street near the Georgian parliament building in Tbilisi in the small hours of Thursday morning

protesters wave the Georgian, Ukrainian and European flags during a demonstration called by Georgian opposition and civil society groups on Wednesday night

In response to the unfurling situation, Washington urged the government to show 'restraint' and allow peaceful protests, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for 'democratic success' in 'friendly Georgia'.

The Kremlin also claimed it was concerned by the mass protests in Georgia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters: 'This is a neighbouring country and even though we do not have relations with Georgia as such, nevertheless, the state of affairs there cannot but arouse our concern.'

Protesters were also out Tuesday after ruling party lawmakers approved the initial draft law on 'foreign agents' in its first reading.

Clashes ensued with police using tear gas and water cannon against the demonstrators.

Police said more than 70 demonstrators had been detained and 50 police officers injured during the protests Tuesday.

Tom de Waal, a senior fellow at Carnegie Europe, said that both the bill and crackdown represented a serious challenge in the politically turbulent country.

'It's a big moment for Georgia, still a democracy, but definitely a struggling one,' he said on Twitter.

In Russia, the Kremlin has extensively used the 'foreign agent' label against opponents, journalists and human rights activists accused of leading foreign-funded political activities.

Georgian authorities have faced mounting international criticism over a perceived backsliding on democracy, seriously damaging Tbilisi's ties with Brussels.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has defended his 'balanced' policy as aimed at ensuring 'peace and stability'.

Russia and Georgia fought a five-day war in 2008.

Georgian President Salome Zourabishvili has expressed support for the demonstrators and vowed to veto the legislation.

Police detain a protester near the Georgian parliament building in Tbilisi, Georgia, Thursday night

The remnants of the barricade burn on a street, not far from the Georgian parliament building in Tbilisi on Thursday evening

'Today is a dark day for Georgia's democracy,' the US embassy in Georgia said after the initial reading of the bill.

According to the ministry, 76 people had been arrested for minor hooliganism and disobeying law enforcement following Tuesday's clashes.

One more person was held for attacking the police, the ministry said.

Georgia applied for EU membership together with Ukraine and Moldova days after Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year.

In June, EU leaders granted formal candidate status to Kyiv and Chisinau but said Tbilisi must implement a number of reforms first.

Plans to join NATO and the EU are enshrined in Georgia's constitution and are supported by at least 80 percent of the population, according to opinion polls.

Georgia's treatment of jailed ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili, whose health has drastically deteriorated in prison, has also drawn international condemnation.

Late last month, European Union member states issued a formal diplomatic warning to Georgia's leaders over Saakashvili's health.




By Yi Whan-woo







Export-Import Bank of Korea (Eximbank) donated cars to charity organizations dedicated to supporting multicultural families in Korea, the state-run bank announced on Thursday.







The lender said it donated a total of 12 cars, one each to charity organizations for migrant wives, their children and other members of multicultural families across the country.







Community Chest of Korea, a Seoul-based non-profit organization, cooperated with Eximbank to choose the charity organizations that need cars.







The donation was made in line with Eximbank's campaign since 2011 to improve the well-being of multicultural families. It has donated cars worth 2.2 billion won ($1.67 million) to more than 100 charity organizations nationwide.







"Eximbank's campaign hopefully can help multicultural families to successfully settle in Korea," Eximbank Chairman and President Yoon Hee-sung said during a ceremony to mark the donation at the bank's headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, Wednesday.







He added, "We as a state-run bank will strive to fulfill our social responsibility through charity campaigns."


An Instagram-famous bodybuilder and fitness label founder has been awarded more than $200,000 after he was injured in a vicious brawl at a beachfront bar.

Clinton Chadwick has succeeded in his lawsuit against Bondi Beach Foods, the owner of the now-defunct bar The Bucket List, and security firm Crossguard Group for failing to prevent the assault.

The founder of Rig Fit Activewear had been at the venue on the afternoon of December 22, 2017 when he became involved in an argument with Stephen Martin.

Justice Michael Elkaim SC said Mr Chadwick had been 'verbally antagonised' when he gave the first shove.

Surveillance footage shows Mr Martin then picked up a nearby metal stool and clobbered Mr Chadwick twice.

Clinton Chadwick (pictured) has been awarded more than $200,000 in damages after an assault at a bar left him with 'psychiatric and psychological impairments'

The Rig Fit activewear founder was injured in a brawl at a Bondi bar with surveillance footage showing his intoxicated attacker picking up a nearby metal stool before clobbering Mr Chadwick twice

Mr Chadwick was taken to St Vincent's Hospital after he was concussed during the brawl

'This patron, Stephen Martin, assaulted (Mr Chadwick) so viciously that he became unconscious,' the Supreme Court Justice said.

'Notwithstanding the plaintiff's state, lying on the ground, the assault upon him continued.'

Mr Chadwick told the court the attack left him with 'psychiatric and psychological impairments' and a lingering stiffness in his neck.

He claimed he was unable to work for a long period, suffered from depressive episodes and became a recluse.

Prior to the attack, the Instagram influencer said he was 'in the prime of (his) life, physically and mentally' with the 'energy of an Energiser Bunny'.

However, the owners of the Bucket List and the security firm argued the bodybuilder had not led the business and fitness focused lifestyle he had painted.

Their lawyers claimed Mr Chadwick had been consuming up to 20 lines of cocaine a week and using steroids to maintain his physique prior to the attack.

Rather than being unable to work, they said he had pursued multiple business interests and earned more than $105,000 by posting pictures of himself to the subscription platform OnlyFans.

Mr Chadwick claimed his Rig Fit activewear business had lost out on hundreds of thousands of dollars due to his injuries, but Justice Elkaim determined it 'was not a viable business'.

'I am also not satisfied that the plaintiff has, for most of the time since the injury, been incapable of producing an income,' he said.

Justice Elkaim noted the bodybuilder's claims of retreating from society were 'contradicted by his continued involvement in social media, his self-promotion and his activities'.

However, he concluded Mr Chadwick was not 'an overtly dishonest witness'.

'I thought him to be a man somewhat deluded by his own image, his capacity to be a successful businessman and his perception of what his future might have been but for the injury,' the judge explained.

He opined Mr Chadwick, who boasted more than 425,000 followers in his prime, had 'post traumatic stress disorder' which was 'gradually resolving'.

The Supreme Court Justice ruled the 'traumatic experience' could have been prevented.

The court heard there was a 'distinct inadequacy in monitoring' drunk people at the bar with 'no security guards available' if there was an incident like the brawl which broke out.

Mr Martin previously testified he was 'too drunk to be there really' but he was not flagged as a concern by the staff on site.

'Properly staffed, there was a real possibility that the fight could have been avoided,' Justice Elkaim said.

The Supreme Court Justice ruled the 'traumatic experience' could have been prevented

But Justice Elkaim noted the bodybuilder's claims of retreating from society were 'contradicted by his continued involvement in social media, his self-promotion and his activities'

The court heard Mr Chadwick (pictured) has made more than $100,000 on OnlyFans

Justice Elkaim awarded Mr Chadwick (pictured on his social media) $200,706.40 for medical bills, past and future economic loss and compensation for his physical injuries as a result of the violent brawl

Justice Elkaim said he was satisfied the influencer's injuries had been caused by a breach of duty on behalf of the bar and security firm.

'It was the responsibility of both defendants to monitor and, if necessary, evict Mr Martin and his group,' he said.

'I am satisfied that both defendants were aware that the Martin group (was) misbehaving.'

He awarded Mr Chadwick $200,706.40 for medical bills, past and future economic loss and compensation for his physical injuries as a result of the violent brawl.

Bondi Beach Foods and Crossguard Group have also been ordered to pay for the cost of the influencer's proceedings.
Barry Keoghan has criticised British Airways for 'bad customer service' after losing his suitcase on the way to Los Angeles for the Oscars.

The Irish actor, 30, said he was taking 'tons of sentimental stuff' for the show on Sunday and that the airline could not 'seem to be helpful'.

Keoghan is nominated for best supporting actor at the 95th Academy Awards for his role in dark Irish comedy The Banshees Of Inisherin.

In a now-deleted tweet posted on Wednesday, he wrote: 'Lost my suitcase with @British-Airways and they can't seem to be any way helpful in one bit. Here in LA for Oscars and had tons of sentimental stuff I wanted to wear and bring with me.

'Such bad customer service. Sent me to LAX to tell me they can't help me. Tut tut.'

Barry Keoghan slammed BA for poor customer service after sentimental items were lost with his luggage

Keoghan has been nominated for the Best Actor Oscar for his role in The Banshees Of Inisherin

British Airways responded with a message: 'We're sorry to hear what happened. Please send us your WorldTracer bag reference number via DM along with as much information as possible so we can take a closer look.

'We may need to ask you a few more questions for data protection.'

After tweeting about his lost luggage Keoghan attracted attention online as other BA customers shared their own stories of suitcase nightmares.

One tweeted: 'Of all the suitcases British airways could lose, Barry Keoghan on his way to the Oscars?! What a PR nightmare.'

Fans on social media wished the actor a 'successful weekend' at the ceremony and shared their own experiences with the airline.

And furious passengers faced chaotic scenes and and confronted British Airways staff at Heathrow Airport on Tuesday after having to wait more than an hour and a half for their luggage.

Passengers arriving into Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 were stuck waiting alongside empty baggage carousels shortly after disembarking their flights on Saturday afternoon.

One member of British Airways staff was reportedly 'almost assaulted' amid a mutiny at the airline's complaint desk.

Others took to Twitter to describe the 'massive delays'.

One said: 'Absolute chaos at Heathrow. Waited two hours for our luggage. No staff to unload bags. Welcome back to the UK.'

Barry Keoghan arrives at the 2023 Bafta awards in London last month

Barry Keoghan picked up the Bafta award for best supporting actor and is a favourite to take the crown at the Oscars too

Keoghan's best supporting actor nod is his first Oscars nomination, and he will go head to head with Banshees co-star Brendan Gleeson in the category.

He previously won the Bafta award for best supporting actor for his performance in the film, in which he plays Dominic Kearney, and was also nominated for the Screen Actors' Guild award.

The movie proved hugely successful and follows the lives of two friends when one abruptly ends their relationship.

The film also sees a nomination for Kerry Condon at this year's Oscars, in the best supporting actress category, as well as for Colin Farrell as best actor.

Banshees picked up a total of nine nominations at the ceremony, including for the coveted best picture award.

The 95th Academy Awards will take place on March 12 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

Everything Everywhere All At Once has bagged the most nominations in eleven categories.

Loose Women star Sophie Morgan has also publicly hit out at British Airways after staff 'broke' her wheelchair

Keoghan's revelations follow a summer of baggage chaos last year as the aviation industry struggled to return to pre-pandemic capacity amid a huge surge in demand for travel abroad.

The airline was also recently criticised by Loose Women star Sophie Morgan, who accused British Airways of 'ignoring' wheelchair users.

Ms Morgan, 37, suffered a T6 spinal cord injury in 2003 when she was involved in a car accident which left her paralysed aged 18.

She revealed on the ITV daytime talk show that her 8,000 wheelchair was 'manhandled by airline staff' during a flight from LA and 'in doing so broke it'.

The TV star had shared a video about her experiences on Tuesday and explained further what she had gone through on the show.

She said: 'Monday night I arrived into Heathrow and the attachment for my wheelchair had been connected up incorrectly.

She added: 'I can't tell you what it makes you feel like. Airlines are deliberately ignoring these stories. There's people who've died because of mistreatment in flying.

'Why can't airlines be designed for everybody? It makes you feel like you're not important, that you're not valued.'

They had attached the chair to the battery powered attachment without permission and untrained staff were unable to separate them, leaving her terrified she might be stuck without it.

Keoghan rose to fame for his performance in The Killing of a Sacred Deer in 2017.

He has since appeared in major blockbusters such as Dunkirk as well as in television roles, including Chernobyl.

Keoghan has previously discussed growing up in foster care and his mother's death following her heroin addiction when he was aged just 12.

He and younger brother Eric were in care for seven years, with the two siblings staying in 13 different homes over this period.

After winning the Bafta earlier this year, he dedicated it to his late mother and his beloved son 'Brando'.

His co-star Farrell presented him with an award in 2018, and said: 'It's really incredible what he has achieved in a few years.

'Anyone who knows Barry can testify to the fact that he has gone through a certain amount of experience in his own personal life.

'He has experienced a certain amount of desolation in his personal life, in his past, things that I would find in my contemplation of such loss, completely insurmountable.'

Keoghan described his most recent role to Vanity Fair as: 'a chance to show that I can come across sinister with a bit of naivety, with a bit of pure soul and honesty.'

He continued: 'I really did want to tackle that. I really did want to push it and bring people into that world of, I can make you feel as well, rather than make you hate me and be sinister and with an absolute, evil demeanor.'

British Airways has been contacted for comment.
British army cuts could be scrapped amid the looming threat of a 'hot' war with Russia.

Ben Wallace is believed to be reviewing plans to slash troop numbers from 82,000 to just 73,000 - which would be the lowest since the Napoleonic era.

The Defence Secretary has been pushing to bolster the military after Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine forced a reassessment of security risks.

The Integrated Review, being published on Monday, is expected to pump another 5billion into the Ministry of Defence budget - although that is around half of what Mr Wallace has been demanding.

The reduction in strength has been condemned by Tory MPs and is now being reconsidered, according to The Times.

Mr Wallace has already warned that the UK faces confrontation with Russia over the coming decade, whether it is 'hot' or 'cold'. China has also been branded a systemic competitor.

It has emerged that the decision to cut the number of main battle tanks from 227 to 148 is being looked at again.

Ben Wallace is believed to be reviewing plans to slash troop numbers from 82,000 to just 73,000 - which would be the lowest since the Napoleonic era

British troops training with hi-tech equipment on Salibury Plain last year

The Defence Secretary has been pushing to bolster the military after Vladimir Putin's (pictured) invasion of Ukraine forced a reassessment of security risks

Rishi Sunak will unveil the updated IR on Monday as he visits San Diego for talks with US president Joe Biden and his Australian counterpart on the AUKUS nuclear subs agreement. MoD sources said figures circulating about the budget settlement and troop numbers were 'speculation'.

A glimpse of the bitter behind-the-scenes clashes over military funding was given by the junior defence minister yesterday.

James Heappey told the Commons Defence Committee: 'There have been some robust exchanges with the Treasury in public.

'And there have been some even more robust exchanges behind closed doors.'

Earlier this week Mr Wallace said he was 'pretty confident' he would receive the investment the armed forces require for the next two year, even though it is set to be significantly lower than the 11 billion he had initially sought.

Despite reported criticism from the UK's allies about its level of military readiness, Mr Heappey insisted: 'I don't think we are a second-tier army.'

But, he added: 'I think that the Secretary of State and I have both made a virtue over the last three years about being very honest about the consequences of decisions taken - perfectly reasonable decisions taken - during the Iraq and Afghanistan years to disinvest in the capabilities that allow you to move large forces quickly.'

Mr Heappey was also pressed by MPs about the supply of warplanes to Ukraine, with calls for surplus RAF Typhoons to be given to Volodymyr Zelensky - in part to encourage other nations to follow suit.

The UK has not ruled out sending Typhoon aircraft to Kyiv while the war with Russia continues, although that was unlikely in the short term given the logistical complexities and the four-to-six month training period required for Ukraine's experienced fighter pilots.

Mr Heappey said: 'It's not quite as binary as 'definitely not now' and 'definitely only in peacetime'. The Prime Minister has said he wants us to look at all options so that that political choice remains available to him.

'The Secretary of State has been very clear that it's not happening now - that's right - but the pilots being trained and the wider work we are doing to deliver on the Prime Minister's ask is all around giving him further political choice if and when that's necessary.'

He added that it was 'eminently possible' the UK could supply Typhoons, or provide RAF cover, to backfill for other nations with more suitable planes - such as Soviet-era Migs or Sukhoi jets held by eastern European states, Sweden's Gripen or various Nato F-16s - for the Ukrainians in the short term.

Defence Committee chairman Tobias Ellwood told the minister: 'I think the message comes loud and clear that Putin is the most destabilising force in Europe at the moment, we have equipment that can help stand up to that.'

Calling for faster action, he said that 'if we don't put this fire out in the next few months, we're going to end up with a stalemate and Putin then does claim victory.
Archie and Lilibet have officially been recognised as a prince and princess by the King, MailOnline can reveal today.

The children of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have had their titles updated on the line of succession on the Royal Family's website, where they remain in 6th and 7th position.

Until 9.30am this morning, the children had been referred to as plain master and miss Mountbatten-Windsor on the Buckingham Palace website. Now they are 'Prince Archie of Sussex' and 'Princess Lilibet of Sussex'.

It came shortly after their California-based parents declared that it is Archie and Lilibet's 'birthright' to be called prince and princess in a statement defending their decision to use the titles.

The Duke and Duchess also insisted that the matter had been 'settled for some time' with King Charles  despite only being revealed by the couple yesterday. His Majesty is said to have told Prince Harry that his children would be allowed to be called prince and princess in a private conversation after the Queen's funeral last year.

A spokesman for Harry and Meghan said: 'The children's titles have been a birthright since their grandfather became monarch. This matter has been settled for some time in alignment with Buckingham Palace.'

 Slide me  BEFORE AND AFTER: Archie and Lilibet are officially 'Prince Archie of Sussex' and 'Princess Lilibet of Sussex'. This is how the royal website looked today before 9am (left) and after (right). Slide to see the change

Harry and Meghan have said that not calling Archie (left with his Dad) and Lilibet (right on her 1st birthday) prince and princess would deny their children their birthright

The King told Prince Harry that his children would be allowed to use the titles in a 'private conversation' after the Queen's funeral last year (pictured)

But their 21-month-old daughter Lilibet saw her royal title of 'princess' used formally for the first time yesterday when the couple told the world she had been christened in California without Charles, Camilla, William and Kate present.

Sources close to the Sussexes had suggested they were frustrated that Buckingham Palace failed to immediately recognise Archie and Lilibet's titles after the Queen's death six months ago.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, and their three children, had their titles swiftly changed when Charles acceded to the throne in September.

But Archie and Lili's were not changed until around 24 hours after the baptism announcement yesterday.

Buckingham Palace sources claimed that they were waiting for Harry and Meghan to make a final decision.

Charles not blocking it  despite the turmoil Harry and Meghan have caused  is seen as an olive branch after reports the couple has been 'obsessed' with the idea that the King might bar the children from being prince or princess.

Royal sources said Charles would never have 'punished' his grandchildren like that.

It is understood that despite the Sussexes' repeated attacks on the institution of the monarchy and members of the Royal Family, there has been correspondence on the issue between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and royal aides.

A source told the Daily Mirror: 'The appropriate conversations took place ahead of Lilibet's christening.'

While it is understood the title will be used in formal settings, it will not be in everyday conversational use by the couple.

So she will likely still be known as 'Lilibet' in most scenarios.

Harry and Meghan are understood to be keen to not deny their children their birthright but will allow them the chance to decide for themselves when they are older whether they want to drop or keep using the titles.

The Sussexes at their former home Frogmore Cottage during their visit to the UK for the Queen's Jubilee in June, pictured

The first picture of the couple's daughter Lilibet was released in a Christmas card on December 23, 2021

The move is seen as an olive branch from Charles after reports Harry and Meghan had been 'obsessed' with the idea that the King might bar the children from being prince or princess

Tyler Perry at a Los Angeles airport last Friday, on the day he attended Lilibet's christening as her godfather

It will be up to Lilibet whether she wants to describe herself as a princess.

Rules set out by King George V in 1917 mean Archie and Lili, as the children of a son of a sovereign, are automatically a prince and a princess - but there were doubts until yesterday whether the Sussexes would use it - and even whether Charles would block it after Megxit.

READ MORE: Harry and Meghan christen Princess Lilibet but King Charles and William did not go Advertisement

The Palace yesterday said its website would be be 'updated in due course' to reflect the titles after the couple's statement.

Previously, at the time of the late Queen's death and the King's accession last year, a spokesman for the King pledged to update Archie and Lilibet's names on the site 'as and when we get information'.

Meghan said in the couple's bombshell interview with US talk show host Oprah Winfrey in 2021 that Archie was not given the title of prince because of his race.

The real reason was that although he was a great-grandchild of the monarch, he was not a first-born son of a future king and so was not automatically a prince.

Lilibet also now has an HRH  Her Royal Highness  style title if she wishes to use it.

However, it also understood that HRH will be 'held in abeyance', which describes a state of temporary disuse.

Although Harry and Meghan retain their HRH styles, they no longer use them after quitting the working monarchy.

It was previously reported in 2021 that Charles, in a bid to limit the number of key royals, intended, when he became monarch, to prevent Archie becoming a prince.

To do so, he would have to issue a Letters Patent amending Archie's right to be a prince and Lili's right to be a princess.

The couple's statement yesterday said Lilibet was 'christened on March 3, by the Archbishop of Los Angeles, the Rev John Taylor'.

However, Reverend Taylor is actually the Bishop of Los Angeles in the Episcopal Church in the US, which is part of the global Anglican Communion.

Conducting the ceremony in the US means that Lilibet will not be considered a 'member' of the Church of England automatically.

However, as the Episcopal Church is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, the christening in the US is valid in the UK.

A royal baby does also not need to be christened in a Church of England church to go into the royal line of succession and she could later join a Church of England congregation if she came to Britain.

It is not believed that any other current members of the Royal Family have been baptised by the Episcopal Church.

The couple's 11million mansion in Montecito, California, where their daughter's christening was held

Meghan was a Catholic growing up before being baptised and confirmed into the Church of England in 2018.

The couple broke with a longstanding tradition by holding the baptism in the US, with royal babies normally christened in a Church of England church.

People magazine reported that there were between 20 and 30 guests at the event, including Meghan's mother Doria Ragland and Lilibet's billionaire godfather Tyler Perry.

The filmmaker had been spotted paying a visit to Harry and Meghan's Montecito home last Friday and at an airport in Los Angeles where he boarded his private jet.

Afterwards guests and family danced to a playlist thought to contain songs from Harry and Meghan's wedding reception at Windsor Castle.

A gospel choir also reportedly performed Oh Happy Day and This Little Light of Mine.

Royal journalist Omid Scobie, who is close to the Sussexes, reported that 'King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Kate were invited but didn't attend'.

It is not known whether any other Royal Family members were present.
The blaze took place in the Montclare neighborhood at around 9pm on Tuesday

The seven-year-old son of a Chicago firefighter whose family were left injured by a blaze at their home has died.

Ezra Stewart was pronounced dead at 6:25pm on Wednesday, a day after he was brought to Loyola University Medical Center with smoke inhalation.

The on-duty firefighter had diverted to his home after hearing there was a call out there and performed CPR on his 34-year-old wife.

Although he was on a different crew to the one sent to the 2500 block of North Rutherford Avenue on Tuesday night, he was driven to the scene by a department member after he heard his address come over the scanner.

When they arrived at the home in the Montclare neighborhood at around 9pm, crews found the firefighter's wife and their three children suffering from smoke inhalation.

Although the firefighter was on a different crew to the one sent to the 2500 block of North Rutherford Avenue on Tuesday night, he was driven to the scene by a department member after he heard his address come over the scanner

The mother and her children were taken from their bedrooms and hospitalized in critical condition, authorities said. The family also have two girls, aged two and seven.

One neighbor said he heard a loud bang and looked out to see flames ripping through the building. He said he called for assistance at that point.

'I was shocked. There was so many firefighters leaving, so many police. It's crazy. It hits so close to home, right across the street,' neighbor Mildred Bran said.

Another neighbor, John Marlovitz, said: 'I heard a pop, looked out my dining room window, and I see flames coming out of the kitchen window. Promptly called the fire department and they were here very quickly. They broke down the front door.'

'The sirens kept coming,' said neighbor Joel Rivera. 'When I looked out, it was just the scene you don't want to see  saw smoke coming from the roof - and the house was on fire.'

Other neighbors came out to watch when more emergency crews showed up and saw the paramedics rapidly performing CPR.

'I went home and I told my wife about what was going on and we prayed for the family,' said neighbor Carlos Gomez.

Photos and video footage from the scene show a fire truck parked on a residential street, with more than a dozen fire and police responders in front of a property.

On Wednesday morning, contractors boarded up broken windows and a door on the home's porch, where an empty stroller remained

The firefighters were huddled together at one point outside of the home to show solidarity with the husband, who works at Truck 55 in Edison Park.

Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford said the blaze started in the kitchen and spread across the property.

Smoke detectors in the house were working, he added.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

On Wednesday morning, contractors boarded up broken windows and a door on the home's porch, where an empty stroller remained.

A deceased pet was seen being removed from the property that morning, according to ABC7.

Later in the day, a fellow firefighter dropped off flowers to show his support.

Alderman of the 36th Ward, Gil Villegas, visited the house on Wednesday morning. He heard about the fire and planned to hand out smoke detectors in the neighborhood to remind residents to update their alarm batteries ahead of the time-change weekend.

'We're praying the wife and children get well and recover quickly,' he said.

Villegas said he spoke to the family recently while canvassing for an election.

'They're a blue-collar, working-class family. The family was just your typical Chicago family in the bungalow beltway. They keep to themselves,' Villegas said.

Ignite the Spirit  a charity established by the Chicago Fire Department  confirmed it is working to create a fund for the family.

A spokesperson for the Chicago Fire Fighters Union Local 2 said they are also working to put together a fund. Additional details will be released at a later date.
A police officer's girlfriend was beaten up by an all-girl gang in a brawl outside a tiki bar that began inside the toilets where one of the attackers lost a false nail.

Abbie Saunders, who is in her 20s, was knocked to the ground before being kicked and punched in the ladies bathroom.

The beating then carried on outside the tropical-themed Hideout bar in Warrington, Cheshire and was only brought to an end because Miss Saunders's police officer boyfriend who had come to pick her up was able to intervene.

Miss Saunders was left with lumps to the back of her head where it hit the ground. She also had scuffs to her knees and scratches to her face and her mobile phone was smashed.

Inquiries revealed the attackers had been out on a Christmas party. Two were later arrested.

Jessica Harrison outside Warrington Magistrates Court admitted assault and must complete 100 hours of unpaid work

Saoirse Daly outside Warrington Magistrates Court - she has been sentenced to 60 hours of unpaid work

At Warrington Magistrates Court, registered carer Jessica Harrison, 19, of Widnes who admitted assault was ordered to pay Miss Saunders 200 compensation and was further told to complete 100 hours of unpaid work.

Saoirse Daly, also 19, from Widnes, was sentenced at an earlier hearing to 60 hours of unpaid work and was ordered to pay 100 in compensation.

Police are still hunting three other women over the assault.

The incident happened last December 4 when Miss Saunders encountered blonde-haired Harrison and dark-haired Daly whilst out drinking cocktails with friends.

Angela Blackmore, prosecuting, said: 'At around midnight, she went to the toilet and was about to go into the cubicle when she realised someone else was in there.

'The female who was in the cubicle said 'What the f*** do you think you are doing?' 'The victim apologised and told her that she had not realised that someone was in the toilet.

'A blonde woman then said, 'What the f*** are you looking at?' and all of a sudden that female and another female with brown hair became involved in an assault in the toilet where her hair was pulled and she was punched to the face.

'She did not realise exactly what was happening. She was taken to the floor.

Miss Saunders encountered Harrison (pictured) and Daly whilst out drinking cocktails with friends

At an earlier hearing Daly's lawyer Simon Dunn said: 'She accepts that there had been an incident earlier in the toilet' (pictured is Daly)

'Another person became involved by entering the toilet, and they stopped the assault and the victim left the toilet.'

The prosecutor continued: 'She messaged her boyfriend Lewis who was picking her up. She started to walk in the direction she believed he was waiting.

'She realised that her phone had been damaged. There was a crack in the corner of the screen that wasn't there before she had been assaulted. She believed it had happened when she was taken to the floor.

'Lewis texted to warn her that a group of females was standing outside near to where she was.

'They seemed to be arguing with the bouncer. She saw the females from the toilet and three others.

'She heard someone say, 'There she is, go and get her'.

'The five women ran towards her and punched her and pulled at her hair, taking her to the floor.

'Lewis arrived and with his help she managed to get the women off her. In a statement, he said he noticed the group of five females started to run towards her as she was walking away from the club.'

The beating carried on outside the tropical themed Hideout bar in Warrington, Cheshire

Lewis said: 'I saw the blonde one and the black-haired one and saw my partner being punched and kicked while she was on the ground.

'I immediately got out of the car and ran over towards them. I pushed the black-haired one with one hand and pushed the blonde-haired one with the other hand. As I pushed the female, she grabbed my glasses and fell back towards the wall.

'I identified myself as a police officer to the females and they started to back off. Two went one way and three went another way.'

Both women had previous convictions for assault.

A probation report on Harrison read: 'The incident itself was just before Christmas, a Christmas party for some friends that she used to work with and one of her good friends, the co-defendant. It was also her birthday a few days after this particular night.

'She met up with them in the bar in Warrington and had consumed some wine before going. She had a good time before going to the loo. Her friend joined her. That is where the first altercation took place with the victim.

'Her friend had an argument with the victim. They left the bar and were outside for about 15 to 20 minutes before the victim followed. That is where the argument continued with the friend being involved.

'Miss Harrison became involved towards the end when she realised that they were continuing the fight. She inappropriately ran over and kicked her while the victim was on the floor.

'She was wearing boots. As soon as she kicked her she realised the significance of what she had done and was horrified. She said she was shocked at what she had done and knew it was bad.

'Very quickly after that, the victim's boyfriend, an off-duty police officer, got involved and arrested Miss Harrison.

'The arrest was difficult and she was very emotive and was kicking out at officers. That is a concern but clearly emotions on the night got to her and she did not control herself in the manner that you would expect.

'She does have a propensity to probably drink too much when she does go out and has not been out since this incident. She said she has always had an issue with anger management and has never really addressed it.'

At an earlier hearing Daly's lawyer Simon Dunn said: 'She accepts that there had been an incident earlier in the toilet. There had been an argument, hair pulling going on and pushing which ultimately resulted in the other matter.

'In the earlier incident, Miss Daly had one of her fingernails pulled from the nail bed. It caused her some difficulties. In the following incident, she was unaware of the three other females around her. It was only after the situation that led to the female being on the floor that the other three arrived.'

Sentencing Harrison, District Judge Jack McGarva said, 'It's a nasty assault involving use of a kick and wearing a shod foot and repeatedly punching. She is very lucky that the injuries were relatively superficial.'
California widower Robert Elmo Lee, 83, has been jailed for life for arranging the murder of a doctor who unsuccessfully treated his wife.

Dr Thomas Shock, 67, was gunned down outside his home on 1 August 2018 after Lee hired hitmen to pursue him.

Lee felt aggrieved when his wife, Bonnie Lee, died after losing her foot to an infection following the doctor's treatment for an ingrown toenail.

Having been found guilty of first-degree murder last year, he was sentenced on Monday to life imprisonment without possibility of parole.

Robert Lee (pictured left) was found guilty of the murder of Dr Thomas Shock (right)

Lee (third from left) is seen with the men he hired in 2018 to kill his wife's podiatrist in August 2018

Bonnie Lee started seeing Shock in 2011 for the treatment of an ingrown toenail.

When the doctor was unable to fully treat the condition, Bonnie had her foot partially amputated.

In 2014, the doctor was accused of gross negligence.

The Medical Board of California found 'repeated negligent acts' by the doctor.

Lee's wife succumbed to an infection in her foot in 2016, dying aged 73.

There was no evidence that Shock's actions caused her death.

Shock conceded the allegations made against him and gave up his podiatrist license following an investigation.

He also retired from Lodi Podiatry, which he had founded in 1985.

Still devastated by the loss of his wife, Lee hired Christopher Costello, then 26, to kill Shock.

Costello introduced Lee to Mallory Stewart, then 27, and Raymond Jacquett IV.

In August 2018, Jacquett drove Stewart to Doctor Shock's house and shot the man dead.

His wife, Nancy, had gone to bed around 9:30pm and fallen asleep listening to a podcast after returning home from a dinner with Shock.

She said she did not hear the three shots reported by a neighbor at 9:54pm.

Police found Shock lying on the ground with gunshots to his arm, chest and head.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Near the body, police found a single piece of paper detailing the Medical Board of California's report.

The paper had Costello's fingerprint on it, leading to his arrest.

A search of Lee's home uncovered other pages of the medical board document.

Lee's friends claimed he blamed Shock for his wife's death and had organized the murder in revenge.

But the pensioner had denied any involvement in the podiatrist's murder.

He nonetheless later told detectives he was 'glad' the doctor was dead.

Christopher Anthony Costello was found guilty for his role in the murder of Dr Shock in 2021

Raymond Jacquett (left) was hired as a getaway driver for the killer, Mallory Stewart (right)

Lee and the three hitmen were arrested in September 2018.

Jacquett was sentenced to 15 years in prison in December 2019.

Costello was found guilty for his role in 2021.

Stewart pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, as well as a weapons charge for shooting Shock, in February 2022.
A new mutiny by Vladimir Putin's 'cannon fodder' troops has seen mobilised men claim they are being sent 'to the slaughter' and that their comrades are committing suicide instead of going to fight.

The reservists allege their officers openly call them 'meat', and say huge numbers of their compatriots have been wiped out in senseless assaults with no support.

In one clip, a group of troops from Kaliningrad harangue their commander and question the whole point of Putin's war in a showdown meeting.

'We are sent to certain death,' they say. 'For who, for what?'

It is just the latest in a long line of Russian troops refusing to obey orders and fight as stormtroopers at the frontline for the pro-Kremlin forces of the Donetsk People's Republic.

A new mutiny by Vladimir Putin's 'cannon fodder' troops has seen mobilised men refusing go to the frontline, claiming they are being sent 'to the slaughter'

In one clip, a group of mobilised troops from Kaliningrad harangue their commander and question the whole point of Putin's war in a showdown meeting

Mobilised troops from the Siberian city of Irkutsk said that despite being drafted as defensive soldiers they were being sent to assault Ukrainian positions on the frontlines with no support

Ukrainian servicemen fire with a 105mm howitzer towards Russian positions near the city of Bakhmut, on March 8, 2023, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine

The Kaliningrad reservists, who were recruited from a Russian exclave that borders Poland and is further west than Ukraine, taunted their commander in a dark, cramped room.

'You don't want us to refuse [to fight]? We better go to ****ing jail. Put everyone in jail, we'll stay there.

'No-one will go there [to the frontline]. How long is it [in jail]? 5, 7 years? 10?

'We don't give a ****. At least we'll be alive and not throwing the rest of our lives away.'

They made it clear they would not refuse to fight to defend Russian territory, as they were drafted to be territorial defence troops. But they declared they would refuse to assault Ukrainian villages.

A 'whole company' of their comrades had died in a week, they said, as they told how men are killing themselves rather than go to the frontline.

'One man went outside, sat on a bench, pointed the gun and blew his brains out,' the commander was told.

'He was walking, saying 'I'm ****ing sick of it, ****ing sick of it. Have you seen that pool of blood?

'He wouldn't go into assault [on the frontline]and instead pulled the trigger. Is that normal?'

They revealed some refusenik comrades had been thrown into improvised jails - pits dug in the ground - for refusing to fight.

The commander was heard saying they were under orders from the Defence Ministry and their complaints were like a 'bone in the throat' of the Russian war effort.

Multiple video appeals to Putin - including from wives and mothers in Kaliningrad - to return their men safely have all been ignored.

Mothers and wives of mobilised from DPR ask Putin to restore order and not send their relatives to the frontline

Another group of fighters made a video appeal to Putin, saying: 'People are dying, this is all that is left of my platoon from the entire company'

Ukrainian combat medics evacuate a wounded Ukrainian servicemen from the front line near Bakhmut, on March 8, 2023, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Ukrainian soldiers in a trench under Russian shelling on the frontline close to the besieged city

Pictured: A map showing rough troop position around the besieged city of Bakhmut. Russian forces are closing in from the north, east and south leaving Ukraine's defenders with just one route (west) to escape. But Russia is suffering horrendous losses due to its 'human wave' tactics

In a separate video, troops from Irkutsk say on video: 'We are being sent to assault fortified districts without any support of the artillery and heavy guns

'In one word, we're sent to slaughter, under mortar fire and artillery...'

Others from Siberia also threaten to mutiny saying: 'We were forced to assault villages, untrained, and with the average age of 40.

'Without reconnaissance, without communications, without anything

'We don't know the maps, this is complete bull****.'

Another group of fighters made a video appeal to Putin, saying: 'People are dying, this is all that is left of my platoon from the entire company.'

A Russian source said: 'The exact scale of mobilised men refusing to fight is hard to quantify but anecdotal evidence indicates the numbers of refuseniks are rapidly growing.

'They see mass deaths from reservist troops being used as cannon fodder, and realise their chances of survival are almost nil.'

Such men are often left to rot without proper food in appalling, overcrowded makeshift prisons.

Russia's tactic of sending wave after wave of underequipped and undertrained men to die on the frontlines has proved somewhat successful in the battle for the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut in Donetsk, which NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Wednesday warned could fall within days.

But the attrition rate in the Bakhmut meat grinder is harrowing - multiple reports suggest hundreds of soldiers on both sides are dying each day, with Moscow incurring horrendous losses as their cannon fodder troops are deployed to soak up Ukrainian bullets.
A row has erupted online after First Lady Jill Biden gave a transgender woman from Argentina a 'Women of Courage' award during an International Women's Day ceremony.

Biden yesterday presented awards to 11 recipients at the White House, one of whom was Alba Rueda, an Argentinian politician who became the first openly transgender lawmaker in Argentina to hold a senior political position in the country.

Rueda, the Special Representative on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity of Argentina's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has spent her political career fighting to end the discrimination of LGBTQ people in Argentina.

But in response to Biden presenting Rueda with the 'Women of Courage' award, social media users have accused the First Lady of 'encouraging the diminishment of women' and 'erasing women'.

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who has been a vocal critic of President Joe Biden, tweeted: 'It's International Women's Day - a good time to remember that the Democrats can't even tell you what a woman is.'

Jill Biden yesterday presented awards to 11 recipients at the White House, one of whom was Alba Rueda (centre with Biden and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken), an Argentinian politician who became the first openly transgender lawmaker in Argentina to hold a senior political position in the country.

Jill Biden congratulates Alba Rueda, the first openly transgender politician in Argentina, as she is honored at the 17th annual International Women of Courage at the White House on Wednesday

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who has been a vocal critic of President Joe Biden, tweeted: 'It's International Women's Day - a good time to remember that the Democrats can't even tell you what a woman is'

Radio host Dana Loesch, a former spokesperson for the NRA, tweeted: 'Nice of FLOTUS to encourage the diminishment of women on "international women's day". Erasing women is abusive'

Sanders has previously said that Biden 'is the first man to surrender his presidency to a woke mob that can't even tell you what a woman is'.

Radio host Dana Loesch, a former spokesperson for the NRA, tweeted: 'Nice of FLOTUS to encourage the diminishment of women on "international women's day". Erasing women is abusive.'

Meanwhile, Karoline Leavitt, the Republican nominee for the House in New Hampshire who lost against Democrat Congressman Chris Pappas in November, tweeted: 'Why are the Democrats working overtime to push the trans agenda?

Other Twitter users said it was 'disgraceful' that Rueda, a transgender woman, received a 'Women of Courage Award.

'There is a war on women,' one said, while another wrote: 'Imagine this sort of thing is a real slap in the face to real women nation wide.'

Another Twitter user wrote: 'Honest question to my followers: Are you okay with this? Are you alright with a biological man getting this award over a biological woman.'

Rueda was presented the award at the ceremony alongside 10 other recipients from Afghanistan, Central African Republic, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Poland and Ukraine.

Among the winners was the first female general to serve in the Mongolian armed forces, along with advocates for protecting indigenous lands in Costa Rica and ending discrimination against people with disabilities in Malaysia.

Rueda, who featured in TIME Magazine's TIME 100 list in 2022 and the BBC's 100 Women list in 2021, served as Argentina's Undersecretary of Diversity Policies between January 2020 and May 2022.

Rueda was born into poverty and came out as transgender at the age of 16. She started to study philosophy at the University of Buenos Aires but she left before graduated because of transphobia there.

Rueda played a 'fundamental role' in the trans labor quote bill that reserves one per cent of public sector jobs for transgender people in Argentina, which came into law in June 2021, the State Department said.

In response to Biden presenting Rueda with the 'Women of Courage' award, social media users have accused the First Lady of 'encouraging the diminishment of women' and 'erasing women'

Rueda and the 10 other women were praised by Biden for showing courage while fighting for their rights and called on men to 'be partners' with women and support them in their cause

Biden stands on stage with the recipients of the 17th annual International Women of Courage (IWOC) Award during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington on Wednesday

Rueda and the 10 other women were praised by Biden for showing courage while fighting for their rights and called on men to 'be partners' with women and support them in their cause.

'As much as we need women who are willing to speak up, we need more men who are willing to listen and act,' the first lady said.

'We need more men to hold each other accountable when their sisters are being hurt or left behind,' she said at a White House ceremony for the 2023 recipients of the International Women of Courage Awards.

'We need more men who nurture families, who feed and teach and mentor, who build safer communities. We need more men who know that caring, collaboration and kindness are signs of strength, not weakness.

'Men, we need you to support the women who are fighting for their rights and to lift up those who have been silenced,' she continued. 'Be partners, be partners with women. Become the 'men of courage' we need. Only then will we be able to build a world where men and women are equal and all people are free.'

Among the group of recipients was Yuliia Paievska, a Ukrainian medic who last year recorded reams of harrowing bodycam footage showing her team's efforts to save those who were wounded during Russia's bombardment of the city of Mariupol.

Paievska gave the footage to Associated Press journalists, who were the last international team in the city, on a tiny data card.

The journalists fled Mariupol with the data card and shared the images with the world. Paievska was detained soon after by pro-Russia forces and held for three months.

Rueda and the 10 other women were praised by Biden (pictured) for showing courage while fighting for their rights and called on men to 'be partners' with women and support them in their cause

Polish journalist Bianka Zalewska (left), Ukrainian medic Yuliia Paievska (center) and Malaysian Senator Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi, hold hands as Paievska is recognized during the International Women of Courage Award ceremony on Wednesday

A new group award, named for Madeleine Albright, who died last March after making history in 1997 by becoming the first female U.S. secretary of state, was given to the women and girls of Iran, who have been protesting against their government since last September.

Nationwide protests erupted in Iran after the September 16 death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in the custody of Iran's morality police. Amini was accused of violating Iran's strict dress code for women by wearing her headscarf improperly.

The International Women of Courage Award, created in 2007 by then-U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, recognizes women who show exceptional courage, strength and leadership while advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equity and equality, and the empowerment of women and girls. More than 180 women from 80-plus countries have received the award since its inception.

Biden moved Wednesday's ceremony from its traditional home at the State Department because she 'wanted to bring the stories of these incredible women to the biggest stage we could, and that is, of course, the White House,' said Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, who also spoke at the ceremony.
Sharp's contract ended this month but now won't return with immediate effect

Events boss Lizzy Eaton said she was 'violated' by 'sexualised' comments

Greatest Hits Radio DJ Pat Sharp joked about getting on woman's t**s at awards

An events company boss says she felt 'sad, dirty and violated' after being 'humiliated' by radio DJ Pat Sharp after he made a crude joke about her breasts at an awards bash.

Mr Sharp who was the celebrity guest host at the industry event, handed Lizzy Eaton a t-shirt with his face on it before joking about 'getting on your t**s' in front of 400 people.

He's since been let go from his show on Greatest Hits Radio after the incident at the Conference News Agency Awards at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London.

Speaking out about her experience, Ms Eaton wrote on LinkedIn: 'I was publicly humiliated in a sexual nature, by the celebrity host of an industry event, on stage in front of 400 of my colleagues and peers.

'Afterwards I was in complete shock and hadn't really processed what happened. Today I am struggling with it - I feel sad, dirty and, frankly, violated.

Radio DJ Pat Sharp was let go from his presenting job last night after 'humiliating' a woman with a joke about 'getting on your t**s' [breasts]' on stage at an awards show last Friday (Sharp pictured at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London)

Mr Sharp made the 'belittling', 'objectifying' and 'sexualised' remarks to events boss Lizzy Eaton (pictured) in front of 400 people

After the incident at the Conference News Agency Awards at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London, Ms Eaton spoke out about her experience in a post on LinkedIn

'I have worked incredibly hard to earn my reputation and hopefully be an inspiration to other young women in the events industry.

'Yesterday however, I was belittled, sexualised and objectified in front of hundreds of people I respect.'

The event organisers have since made an apology which Ms Eaton says she has accepted but she said the 'shame and embarrassment I now feel will be with me for quite some time.'

A peer of Ms Eaton's who attended the event is said to have 'called out' Mr Sharp for his lewd comment.

She later said to Ms Eaton on social media: 'The message you sent walking off that stage, sent a message to so many of our peers and women; We neither have too and will not tolerate this.

'You stood with such grace and dignity and handled an awful bloody moment with such admirable strength.'

'That's the only way I'll get on your t**ts today,' Sharp said after giving Ms Eaton a t-shirt with an old photo of him sporting his trademark '90s mullet

Mr Sharp, the star of 1990s ITV children's game show Fun House, has hosted a show on Greatest Hits Radio since 2019.

He said his contract was due to expire at the end of this month but he will not 'not return to the station with immediate effect'.

The incident took place last Friday at the Conference News Agency Awards, which celebrates the work of events organisers.

While presenting at show, Mr Sharp gave Ms Eaton a t-shirt adorned with an old photo of him sporting his trademark '90s mullet captioned: 'Pat Sharp - AS SEEN ON FUN HOUSE - LOOKING SHARP SINCE 1982'.

The former I'm A Celebrity star then remarked: 'That's the only way I'll get on your t**ts today.'

Ms Eaton, who has been working in events management for more than a decade, then threw the t-shirt at Mr Sharp and walked off the stage in tears, the Sun reported.

The DJ has since made an apology, saying: 'Last Friday, I made a joke on stage which was not well received. I upset one individual in particular and for that I am truly sorry.

'I apologised at the event to anyone who was offended and I have apologised to the individual personally too.'

Mr Sharp (pictured) has since made an apology, saying: 'Last Friday, I made a joke on stage which was not well received. I upset one individual in particular and for that I am truly sorry'

MashMedia, who organised the event, said in a statement: Conference News disavows the statement made by Pat Sharp.

'It was unscripted and does not represent the ideals that we want to promote as a business.

'Were doing our part to support the affected delegate in the aftermath and have requested both a public and private apology from Sharp.

A graduate of the University of Greenwich, Ms Eaton works primarily with organisations wanting to use events for campaigns or to lobby politicians, according to an online bio.

She's previously worked at events specialist Informa Group and PR firm Portland Communications.

The companies she has organised events for include Apple, Google, Facebook and McDonalds.
A TV screen shows a file image of North Korea's missile launch during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, Feb. 20, AP-Yonhap





South Korea and the United States have agreed to intensify their joint efforts to cut off illicit funds being funneled to North Korea's nuclear and missile development programs, the South Korean foreign ministry said Wednesday.







The agreement came in the third U.S.-South Korea working group meeting on North Korean cyber threats held here in Washington on Tuesday.







"South Korea and the U.S. discussed concrete ways to block North Korea's illicit cyber activities such as cryptocurrency heist and overseas deployment of North Korean information technology (IT) workers that have become a major source of hard currency for the North Korean regime," the foreign ministry said of the meeting in a press release.






Shell's former chief executive took home 9.7 million in pay and bonuses in 2022, up 53 per cent on the previous year, the firm's annual report has revealed.

Shell's annual report showed that Ben van Beurden's pay jumped from 6.3 million in 2021, with the 2022 figure including a 2.6 million annual bonus and a 4.9 million long-term shares award on top of his 1.4 million annual salary.

Campaigners found he earned in one year the amount a typical UK worker would earn in six lifetimes - and that his 2022 pay package was 294 times a Briton's average salary.

The spotlight has been thrown on the energy firms after a record-breaking set of annual results from the sector, which comes at a delicate time given the cost-of-living crisis impacting firms, businesses - and families all around the country.

A spokesman for Shell said the chief executive's pay package is 'considered the appropriate quantum for running a group of Shell's scale and complexity'.

Ben van Beurden with his wife Stacey - Mr van Beurden was replaced by Wael Sawan, Shell's former head of gas and renewables, at the beginning of 2023

In 2014 a video was shared of van Beurden doing the 'ice bucket challenge' - water was poured over him by his two young daughters from buckets which were reportedly Veuve Clicquot champagne coolers

Mr van Beurden moved to Holland in 2014 - his villa in Wassenaar was said to have cost him 3.3million at the time

It comes after the oil giant posted a record 84.3 billion US dollar (71.1 billion) profit for 2022 as it benefited from soaring energy prices, branded as 'obscene' at the time amid heavy criticism over the amount of tax paid by the group.

Mr van Beurden was replaced by Wael Sawan, Shell's former head of gas and renewables, at the beginning of 2023.

Non-governmental organisation Global Witness said former Shell boss Ben van Beurden's pay package for 2022 was 294 times the UK's median salary.

Alice Harrison, fossil fuels campaign leader at Global Witness, said: 'Shell's CEO earned in one year what a typical UK worker would earn in six lifetimes.'

She added: 'It's a sign of just how broken our energy system is that Shell and other fossil fuel companies have made record-breaking profits from an energy crisis that's forcing families to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table.

'We're calling on the UK Government to implement a people-first windfall tax in next week's Spring Budget, which includes executive bonuses, and to ensure a rapid transition to homegrown renewable energy sources that are cleaner and cheaper than oil and gas, and better for energy security.'

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has said that the money that oil and gas companies made after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine last February should be helping struggling families.

'It is outrageous that oil and gas bosses are raking in millions in bonuses while families struggle to heat their homes,' he said.

Ben van Beurden's pay jumped from 6.3 million in 2021 to 9.7 million in pay and bonuses in 2022

'Rishi Sunak's refusal to properly tax these eye-watering bonuses and record profits is mind boggling and shows how out of touch he is. It is completely unfair at a time when the Conservative government is choosing to put people's energy bills up.

'Whether it is executive bonuses or soaring profits, the money being made out of Putin's illegal war should be helping struggling families not oil and gas barons.'

The group's annual report also showed Mr Sawan was appointed on a 1.4 million annual salary, in line with his predecessor, plus a potential bonus worth 125 per cent of salary and long-term shares worth up to a maximum potential of 300 per cent of salary.

Bernardus Cornelis Adriana Margriet van Beurden climbed up the ladder after joining Shell from university in 1983.

In 2014, van Beurden became CEO and moved his Australian wife Stacey and four children to the Hague from their home in West London, which sold for 3million, according to The Mirror.

His property in Wassenaar, the Netherlands, was said to have cost him 3.3million at the time, and reportedly had a lawn like a 'billiard table', a sauna, marble floors and a pond. Reports last year said the property was up for sale for 5.5million.

In 2014, a video was shared of van Beurden doing the then popular 'ice bucket challenge'. The footage showed water being poured over him by his two young daughters from buckets which were reportedly Veuve Clicquot champagne coolers.

A spokesman for Shell said: 'The CEO's remuneration package is reviewed carefully on an annual basis against a range of UK and international companies, to ensure reward packages are appropriately positioned against market.'

He added: 'We fully appreciate the difficulties that the cost-of-living crisis is causing many people across the world.

'Shell are taking steps to address it, such as doubling the hardship fund for vulnerable customers of our UK retail energy business.'
A British pensioner has been swept away to his death off the coast of Bali.

A total of seven foreign nationals were dragged into the ocean on Wednesday by the forceful current at one of Bali's most popular spots, Pererenan Beach in the Badung Regency.

Only the 83-year-old British man died, with the other foreign nationals saved by lifeguards.

Local reports said that lifeguards had warned the foreign beachgoers of the strong current, and urged them to move into another area in the water.

MailOnline has contacted the UK Foreign Office for comment.

Only the 83-year-old British man died, with the other foreign nationals saved by lifeguards on duty at the Bali beach (file picture)

It is understood that the seven individuals were all bathing on the beach at the popular tourist location when the incident happened.

At around 4pm local time, a strong current then dragged the seven out to sea.

Despite being a paradise for holidaymakers looking to bask in the Bali sun, there are three permanent ocean currents across the Pererenan beach that pose a serious danger to beachgoers.

One individual at the scene told local publication Fajar Bali: 'The lifeguard officer had sounded a warning whistle to the seven victims while bathing near a permanent current, but they were ignored, so they were quickly dragged away by the current separately.'

A group of four was dragged into the ocean from the southern side of the beach, with a further two swept away from further up the coast, and one from the northern side.

Pererenan beach lifeguards were on duty and acted quickly to try and save the group of foreign nationals.

He received first aid and the on-duty lifeguards performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the man.

All seven people were brought back to shore, but the one 83-year-old British man remained in critical condition.

A total of seven foreign nationals were swept away on Wednesday by the forceful current at one of Bali's most popular spots, Pererenan Beach in the Badung Regency

The man was rushed to Mengwi II Health Center in Tumbakbayuh Village for emergency medical assistance.

'Of the seven victims, one person was declared dead ... a British citizen,' the police chief said.

'The victim was taken to the Mengwi II Tumbakbayuh Health Center to receive medical assistance,' he continued. 'Then the victim was referred to the Mangusada Badung Hospital and declared dead.'
Sir Michael Caine has blasted the 'bull***t' suggestion his 1964 film Zulu incites the far-Right after it was included on a government list of works that may 'encourage' extremism.

The epic war movie, which also starred cinematic greats Richard Burton and Stanley Baker, depicts the 1879 Battle of Rorke's Drift during the Anglo-Zulu war, in which 150 British soldiers successfully held off 4,000 Zulu warriors.

While the soldiers were awarded 11 Victoria Crosses for their efforts, the re-telling of their victory  released 59 years ago  has previously come under fire for alleged 'racist overtones' and 'factual inaccuracies'.

But last month it emerged the classic had been listed as a 'key text' for 'white nationalists' and 'supremacists' by the Government's beleaguered anti-terrorism Prevent scheme.

On Zulu making the list, Sir Michael, 89, told The Spectator: 'That is the biggest load of bull***t I have ever heard', later adding: 'There are no films I wish I hadn't made... I got paid for all of them.'

Sir Michael Caine has blasted the 'bull***t' suggestion his 1964 film Zulu could incite the far right after it was included on a government list of works that may 'encourage' extremism (Pictured: Stanley Baker, left and Michael Caine)

On Zulu making the list, Sir Michael (pictured with wife Shakira), 89, told The Spectator : 'That is the biggest load of bull***t I have ever heard', later adding: 'There are no films I wish I hadn't made... I got paid for all of them.'

The Prevent scheme also singled out comedies Yes Minister and The Thick Of It, the 1955 epic The Dam Busters, and even The Complete Works Of William Shakespeare as possible red flags for extremism.

The list of works came to light following a major review into the 49million-a-year programme by William Shawcross, which warned that it had prioritised countering far-Right activity above tackling the prime Islamist threat.

It also found that it had scrutinised material which 'falls well short of the extremism threshold altogether'.

Sir Michael, a two-time Oscar winner, was 31 when Zulu was released in what was his first major role on screen. He played Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead, an arrogant officer who at first dismisses the Zulu army's capabilities before coming into his own.

Sir Michael revealed he was performing in the West End when he was scouted by a director from the US.

He recalled: 'An American director who was in the audience saw me and gave me a part in the film Zulu as a posh officer. This made me a star and I never went back on the stage again.'

The veteran actor, who has a novel and a film coming out this autumn, said he was so happy when Zulu was released that he cried.

In 2018, campaigners tried  in vain  to stop the film being shown at a charity screening event in Folkestone, Kent, saying it could 'have a negative effect on relationships within the changing and richly diverse communities'.

Sir Michael, a two-time Oscar winner, was 31 when Zulu was released in what was his first major role on screen. He played Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead, an arrogant officer who at first dismisses the Zulu army's capabilities before coming into his own

What happened at Rorke's Drift? How 150 British soldiers held off 4,000 Zulu warriors in 1879 battle On January 11, 1879, a British force commanded by Lieutenant-General Lord Chelmsford invaded Zululand. From 22 to 23 January, on the bank of the Buffalo River in Natal Province, South Africa a 140-strong British garrison successfully defended the Rorke's Drift mission station. The British garrison was commanded by Lieutenant John Chard, Royal Engineers and Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead of the 24 Foot. The Zulus were commanded by Prince Dabulamanzi kaMapande. Lt Chard was the commanding officer and organised the epic defence which saw them defy all odds to see off the 4,000 fierce Zulu warriors. Rorke's Drift inspired the 1964 Hollywood blockbuster starring Stanley Baker and Michael Caine For 12 hours the British repelled the spear-carrying tribesmen with accurate shooting and brutal hand-to-hand combat. The Zulus, known for their bravery and ferocity, were eventually forced to retreat with 350 of their number killed compared to 17 British. The defensive British force was rewarded by Queen Victoria's government with no fewer than 11 Victoria Crosses. The battle was part of the wider Anglo-Zulu war took place during 1879. The conflict began because the Zulu kingdom presented an obstacle to British imperial ambitions in southern Africa. The British invasion of Zululand began on January 11, 1879, with the British seeking an eventual federation in Africa. Source: British Battles.com Advertisement

But leader of the Zulu tribe Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, now 94, who played own his great-grandfather King Cetshwayo in the film, said it should not be viewed through a 21st-century lens.

'Even if the past is uncomfortable, and perhaps especially when the past is uncomfortable, it needs to be examined and unpacked rather than hidden away. Of course race is a central theme in the film', he previously told The Times.

He urged critics of the film to look beyond the view that Africans were depicted as 'savages' and praised the way the community recreated history.

He added: 'When we filmed Zulu, both black and white were recreating a part of history that held tremendous meaning for all of us. Rorke's Drift was only one battle.

'It was preceded by Isandlwana, the greatest military victory of an African nation against the British, and it was followed by the Battle of Ulundi, where our nation was defeated and subjugated.

'What followed was decades of hardship and sorrow. But the spirit of the Zulu nation remains unconquered, and we still thrive in 21st-century South Africa.

'There is still a king on the throne of King Cetshwayo and millions of black South Africans still honour our culture and traditions.

'Whenever that past is remembered it should always be a celebration of our ongoing fight, and victory, against division. That is worth thinking about, as that is the present-day context of the film Zulu.'

The film was among many titles to be mentioned in February's report by Prevent's Research Information and Communications Unit (RICU), which described how far-Right extremists promoted 'reading lists' on online bulletin boards.

The report also reproduced an image being shared on far-Right corners of the internet that listed 'important texts', under pictures of Nigel Farage, the former Ukip leader, and Oswald Mosley, who led the British Union of Fascists in the 1930s.

The taxpayer-funded document included references to The Lord Of The Rings by JRR Tolkien, Aldous Huxley's Brave New World, Joseph Conrad's The Secret Agent, 1984 by George Orwell and the poems of GK Chesterton.

It also referenced films including The Bridge On The River Kwai and The Great Escape.

Works by some of the world's greatest writers were included as examples of warning signs of potential extremism, including Shakespeare, Chaucer, Milton, Tennyson, Kipling and Edmund Burke.

The report even highlighted the BBC's 1990s political thriller House Of Cards, John le Carre's seminal spy trilogy Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, and Sharpe, the ITV drama set in the Napoleonic wars.

Inexplicably, it said the BBC's Great British Railway Journeys, presented by former Conservative minister Michael Portillo, was of interest to the far-Right.

It said the works of fiction were 'key texts' for 'white nationalists/supremacists'

Inexplicably, it said the BBC's Great British Railway Journeys, presented by former Conservative minister Michael Portillo, was of interest to the far-Right

In the wake of the report, historian and broadcaster Andrew Roberts said: 'This is truly extraordinary. This is the reading list of anyone who wants a civilised, liberal, cultured education.

Other books, shows and films on list Beowulf

The Canterbury Tales

The Complete Works Of William Shakespeare

Paradise Lost

The Four Feathers

Lady Hamilton

The Dam Busters

The Bridge On The River Kwai

The Great Escape

Zulu

Civilisation

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

House Of Cards Trilogy

Sharpe

Ray Mears' Bushcraft Survival

David Starkey's Monarchy Advertisement

'It includes some of the greatest works in the Western canon and in some cases  such as Joseph Conrad's The Secret Agent  powerful critiques of terrorism. Burke, Huxley, Orwell and Tolkien were all anti-totalitarian writers.'

Author Douglas Murray obtained the full list and discovered that one of his books had been given a red flag by Prevent.

Mr Murray wrote in The Spectator magazine: 'A number of books are singled out, the possession or reading of which could point to severe wrongthink and therefore potential radicalisation... It seems that RICU is so far off-track that it believes that books identifying the problem that it was itself set up to tackle are in fact a part of the problem.'

He concluded that RICU's work was 'pathetic' and called for 'accountability' for its errors and 'sackings by the score'.

The Shawcross report, published last month, exposed serious failings in Prevent, warning that it applies a 'double standard' to Islamist and far-Right threats.

The 49million-a-year scheme had prioritised countering far-Right activity above tackling the prime Islamist threat, it added.

The report said Prevent had scrutinised Right-wing material which 'falls well short of the extremism threshold altogether'.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman told MPs Prevent had 'defined the extreme Right-wing too broadly, encompassing the respectable Right and the centre-Right'.

House of Cards screenwriter Andrew Davies said: 'It almost seems like a joke. House Of Cards was actually a satirical view of Right-wing politics. This list includes more or less the entire classical canon of literature and some of the very best British television programmes ever made.'

A Home Office spokesman previously said: 'The Home Secretary made clear that Prevent will now ensure it focuses on the key threat of Islamist terrorism, as well as remaining vigilant on emerging threats.

'We've accepted all 34 recommendations and are committed to protecting our country from the threat posed by terrorism.'
A Labour peer who tripped on a plank of wood and smashed his teeth while walking home from the House of Lords has won 22,500 in compensation.

Baron Richard Rosser, 78, fell over outside a building site in west London on the night of September 11, 2017 after leaving parliament and suffered injuries to his face, knees, wrist and hands.

Baron Rosser tripped on the plank of wood which was left outside the house of vape shop chain owner Mohammed Harris Tanvir in Ickenham.

He returned the next day to photograph the scene and find two of his teeth, which were still lying on the blood-stained pavement.

Last week the former trade union leader sued Mr Tanvir, as well as builder Harichandra Patel, for a compensation payout at Central London County Court.

Baron Richard Rosser, 78, fell over outside a building site after tripping over a wooden plank

Both men accepted Baron Rosser was due a payout but blamed each other.

The judge, Recorder Robert Glancy KC, ordered Mr Patel to pick up the bill.

'He was simply walking by the house and tripped because of a plank which was a nuisance and a danger to him,' said the judge in his ruling.

'The wrongdoer was Mr Patel. He, or one of those working for him, had created this nuisance.'

Baron Rosser is a former Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) trade union leader and Labour politician.

He who was made a life peer on his retirement by Tony Blair in 2004 as Baron Rosser, of Ickenham in the London Borough of Hillingdon.

He is currently the Shadow Spokesperson for Transport and Home Affairs for Labour in the House of Lords.

Giving his judgment in the case, Recorder Glancy said Baron Rosser was on his way home from the House of Lords at 9.15pm on the day he was injured.

Baron Richard Rosser sued after sustaining injuries and losing teeth outside a house in Ickenham

He got off the Tube at Hillingdon and walked along the road, carrying his briefcase and a bag of papers.

'As he was walking, his foot suddenly struck a plank of wood,' said the judge.

'Because he was holding his briefcase in one hand and the bag in the other, he was unable to prevent himself falling forwards over the board and falling flat on his face.

'He suffered various injuries to his face, his knees, his wrist and his hands.

'It was dark at the time and Lord Rosser was clearly entirely blameless for this accident.'

The following morning, he retraced his steps early in order to take photographs of the scene of his fall.

'The plank was still in the same position and he could even see where he had tripped and he found two of his teeth on the pavement,' said the judge.

'There was no one around at the time, because the workers on the house had not yet commenced their daily work.'

Baron Rosser subsequently sued both Mr Tanvir, a 'sophisticated and successful' businessman who runs a chain of vape shops, and Mr Patel.

Mr Patel is a 'skilled builder' who had known Mr Tanvir for several years and, at the time, was doing work renovating the property to become Mr Tanvir's family home.

Both men accepted that Baron Rosser was due a compensation payout, but each claimed that the other bore blame in law for what happened to him.

But at the end of a three-day trial this week, Recorder Glancy found that it was builder Mr Patel who was at fault.

It had been Mr Patel or his workers who had left the plank in a dangerous position, said the judge.

He ordered him to pay Baron Rosser 22,500 in compensation.
The grieving mother of a woman violently bludgeoned to death fears her daughter's killer will 'seek revenge' if he is released from prison.

Poll Should Robert Brown be released early from jail? Yes No Should Robert Brown be released early from jail? Yes 25 votes

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Robert Brown used a claw hammer to beat his wife, Joanna Simpson, to death in October 2010 while their two children were in a nearby playroom.

The British Airways pilot then wrapped the 46-year-old's body in plastic sheeting and transported it from her home in Ascot, Berkshire, to a grave he had previously dug in Windsor Great Park, where he buried her.

Brown was acquitted of murdering his estranged wife by a jury in May 2011, but was jailed for manslaughter. The savage killer is due for automatic release in November having served just 13 years of a 26-year sentence.

Joanna's mother Diana Parkes, 84, has battled to block his release. Appearing on Good Morning Britain today, she said: 'I worry about women that he might get involved with. The public. He's going to seek revenge. He's going to blame everybody else but himself.

Mrs Simpson, 46, had filed for divorce from Brown after enduring years of abuse, harassment and intimidation

Just months ago, Brown was still deemed to pose a serious threat to the public, and was kept confined in a category C prison. He was jailed for using a hammer to beat Joanna Simpson to death - before then burying her body in a grave he had dug himself

'He shows no remorse whatsoever. He said he would tell the children why he killed their mother. It is just unbelievable how foul he is.'

Mrs Parkes appeared on GMB with her daughter's friend Hetti Barkworth-Nanton. The pair are calling on Justice Secretary Dominic Raab to intervene and stop Brown from being released.

Just months ago, the ex-pilot - who reportedly considered crashing a plane after the killing - was still deemed to pose a serious threat to the public, and was blocked from being sent to an open jail, instead being confined in a category C facility.

Speaking to GMB co-hosts Ben Shephard and Kate Garraway, Mrs Parkes said she feared for her family's safety if her daughter's killer was released early.

'He told my daughter when he attacked her with a knife in 2007 that he hated our family for the whole of their marriage,' she said.

Hetti added: 'He's already been assessed as a risk  as a critical protection case  so they know he's a risk. Look at the state of probation now. This is not safe.'

Mrs Parkes is due to meet the Justice Secretary later today. She said he had the 'power to review' Brown's case and could prevent the killer's early release.

'It is surely so clear that this would be the right thing to do. I hope and pray he will see sense and help me and my family,' she said previously.

Mrs Parkes appeared on GMB with her daughter's friend Hetti Barkworth-Nanton (right), who said Brown was a 'risk' and that it was 'not safe' to release him into the general public

She has the backing of campaigners and wife of former Prime Minister Carrie Johnson. And she has urged Daily Mail readers to petition their local MPs for Brown to remain behind bars.

Ms Barkworth-Nanton, who is the chairman of the charity Refuge, which supports survivors of domestic abuse, has also called for Brown's release to be blocked.

She said: 'This man is a dangerous misogynist who has shown no evidence of remorse. He subjected Jo to years of abuse, stalking and coercive control before he killed her. Dominic Raab has the power to stop this release.'

Brown will be classed as a 'critical public protection case', meaning he has been assessed as posing a very high risk of serious harm.

Such offenders require high levels of monitoring after their release, but the Probation Service has warned it is struggling to cope with 'unmanageable workloads'.

His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Probation, Justin Russell, said this month that staff shortages were 'severely' affecting the service's ability to manage offenders, including 'those who pose a serious threat to the public'.

Ms Simpson, 46, had filed for divorce from Brown after enduring years of abuse, harassment and intimidation.

On the day of her death, Brown had driven to her home in Ascot before beating her 14 times with a hammer.

Grieving Diana Parkes (pictured) said her daughter's killer, Robert Brown, would 'seek revenge' if he was freed from jail having served just half of his 26-year sentence for the manslaughter of Joanna Simpson in 2010

The Ministry of Justice said Mr Raab would be looking into the case, with a spokesperson adding: 'This was an appalling crime and our thoughts remain with Joanna Simpson's family and friends.

'The deputy prime minister will do everything in his power to keep the most dangerous offenders behind bars and has pledged to give this case his closest personal attention.'
A luxury spa hotel in a rural Leicestershire village has closed to guests and cancelled existing bookings so it can provide accommodation for 250 asylum seekers.

The Best Western Premier Yew Lodge Hotel in Kegworth - which includes a Marco Pierre White New York Italian restaurant - stopped taking reservations two weeks ago after bosses signed an 'exclusive use contract' with the Home Office to house refugees.

Locals have protested over the plans, claiming they were only told about the venue closing days before the asylum seekers moved in.

It is understood several staff have been made redundant as a result of the hotel shutting to members of the public.

Rita Pearson, 75, has lived in the village for 42 years and took part in protests outside the hotel last week with her husband Tony.

The Best Western Premier Yew Lodge Hotel in Kegworth has stopped taking bookings for the foreseeable future

The hotel, which includes a Marco Pierre White restaurant, has been temporarily closed due to an 'exclusive use contract by the Home Office'

A statement on Marco Pierre White's (pictured) website stated: 'Please be advised that the Yew Lodge Hotel in Kegworth, which includes Marco's New York Italian restaurant, has been temporarily closed due to an exclusive use contract by the Home Office'

The retired administrator and grandmother-of-four said: 'I feel we are too small of a village to house 250 asylum seekers.

'We know a lot of people that used to work at the Yew Lodge that have been made redundant.

'We were given hardly any notice about their arrival and so couldn't really do a lot about it before they came. That is why we are complaining now.

'The village of Quorn in Leicestershire went through a very similar thing a couple of months ago where one of their hotels was taken over to house asylum seekers, but because they had Jane Hunt the MP living in the village, the decision was overturned.

'We haven't got an MP or anyone living here to help us like they did so we feel aggrieved in Kegworth about the situation.'

The Best Western Premier Yew Lodge Hotel in Kegworth stopped taking reservations two weeks. Pictured: The food at Marco's New York Italian in Kegworth

Local Kegworth resident Tony Pearson, 73, said: 'There is nothing for them to do here, they have no money and can't work so I don't know what they are going to do all day.'

It is understood several locally-employed staff have been made redundant at the hotel (pictured) as a result of the closure to members of the public

Rita's husband Tony, 73, added: 'There is nothing for them to do here, they have no money and can't work so I don't know what they are going to do all day.'

The first asylum seekers arrived at the hotel at the beginning of the week and it is expected to be full by the weekend.

Mother-of-two Elisabeth Shepherd, 53, said locals were given 'no notice' about their arrival, and said that people were 'frightened, including myself'.

She said: 'A lot of the villagers use the resources at the hotel such as the gym, pool and restaurant and now we've haven't got anything here to use and will have to turn elsewhere for these facilities.

'People found out about the asylum seekers moving into the hotel because their gym memberships were instantly cancelled.'

Marco's New York Italian in Kegworth has temporarily closed as the hotel it's in signed an 'exclusive use contract' with the Home Office

Elisabeth Shepherd, 53, said locals were given 'no notice' about the arrival of 250 refugees

Father-of-four Dave Smith, 54, said: 'Over the last week we have seen quite a few wandering around and personally I just want more information about who they are and what is happening.'

Jane Sutton, 60, said: 'The ratio [of asylum seekers] is supposed to be one inhabitant to 170 and in Kegworth we've got one inhabitant to 17.

'And there is nothing for them to do here and their arrival has really split the village.

'Some people have turned really nasty about it all.'

A statement on the Yew Lodge Hotel's website apologised to guests for any 'inconvenience' caused by the closure of the venue and restaurant.

A statement on Marco's website stated: 'Please be advised that the Yew Lodge Hotel in Kegworth, which includes Marco's New York Italian restaurant, has been temporarily closed due to an exclusive use contract by the Home Office.'

A Home Office spokesperson said: 'The number of people arriving in the UK who require accommodation has reached record levels and has put our asylum system under incredible strain.

'We engage with local authorities as early as possible whenever sites are used for asylum accommodation and work to ensure arrangements are safe for hotel residents and local people.'
Vladimir Putin is hell-bent on restoring the old Warsaw Pact after subjugating all of Eastern Europe including Poland, Hungary and the former East Germany, says a Russian expert.

Professor Grigory Yudin says the dictator's imperialistic ambitions go even beyond recreating the Soviet Union as a single country, amid Putin's on-going invasion of Ukraine - a former Soviet state.

He also wants a new Iron Curtain with multiple free countries - including states in NATO and the EU - brought back under Moscow's hegemony.

The Warsaw Pact was a defence and security agreement that helped Moscow keep countries in Eastern Europe under its iron fist in the Soviet era.

In Putin's logic 'We cannot have the USSR and not have the Warsaw Pact', said Yudin. 'This kind of ideology [is what Putin thinks].'

Vladimir Putin is hell-bent on restoring the old Warsaw Pact after subjugating all of Eastern Europe including Poland, Hungary and the former East Germany, a Russian expert has said

He thinks of Poland, Hungary and others as 'toy countries - let them think they have sovereignty. But in reality they are, of course, our zone of control.'

Political scientist Yudin has warned previously that Putin is set on a 'big war' against NATO, in which swallowing Ukraine and Moldova are only the appetiser.

This is despite Russian forces so far being unable to take the town of Bakhmut despite losing tens of thousands of troops in bloody battles over many weeks.

His aim includes the restoration of the former Germany Democratic Republic, the former communist state that existed from 1949 until 1990, said the professor.

Asked on YouTube channel Bild in Russian if such an 'unthinkable' and 'comedy' outcome was Putin's aim, he said: 'Why do you take this as a joke?

'There is nothing funny about it.

'Of course Putin - as a [KGB] officer who served in East Germany - thinks that it is as stupid to give this territory away, and it should be taken back.

'He has a certain plan on how to do it. I am not saying this plan would work. But look at Germany and that unhealed divide between east and west.

'In very few years you will see a serious question in East Germany, asking who do we want to be with? With the Americans, or is Putin better?' he speculated.

Yudin said that 'it became crystal clear that this is where Putin aimed by the end of 2021, when he bluntly said NATO should get out of Eastern Europe or else face war.

'He is doing exactly what he promised. Of course, he doesn't think these countries have any kind of sovereignty. He has a paranoid anger towards some of them - like Poland,' Yudin claimed.

The Iron Curtain was a boundary that divided Europe into two separate regions after the defeat of Nazi Germany and the Axis allies at end of the Second World War, until the end of the Cold War between the US and its western Allies and the Soviet Union.

The Warsaw Pact - signed in May 1955 during the Cold War - was a treaty to counter NATO, comprising of the Soviet Union plus the then satellite states of Bulgaria, East Germany, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland and Romania.

Berlin was also split in two by the Berlin Wall, which divided the city into West and East Berlin, with the western half being a political enclave controlled by the Western allies, and the eastern half being controlled by East Germany.

Czechoslovakia was later invaded by four Warsaw Pact countries - the Soviet Union, the Polish People's Republic, the People's Republic of Bulgaria and the Hungarian People's Republic - in order to quell an uprising.

Pictured: Russian military vehicles and tanks drive on a road towards Kyiv in Ukraine, March 7, 2022, in the early days of Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine

Pictured: A map showing the Iron Curtain and which countries fell under the USSR's Iron Fist

Albania was a member but withdrew in 1968 after the invasion of Czechoslovakia.

The Russian president his publicly shared his long-held claim that Russians and Ukrainians are part of a single people, and has denigrated Ukraine as an 'artificial state,' which received historic Russian lands during the Soviet times.

Kyiv argues the Russian invasion is a genocidal mission to both rewrite history - including the fall of the Soviet Union, which Putin views as a 'catastrophe' and a tragedy - and to ensure Ukraine cannot draw closer to the West.

Dr Yudin is a professor at the Moscow School of Social and Economic Sciences.
Britain's most famous astrologer Mystic Meg has passed away today at the age of 80, after a 30-year career writing horoscopes and predicting Lottery numbers for the nation.

The iconic astrologer, who shot to fame with her weekly National Lottery predictions, died at 3.45am on Thursday morning. She was admitted to St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London, last month to be treated for flu.

Tributes have poured in for the star, real name Margaret Lake, who lived alone with her seven cats in a three-bedroom flat in Notting Hill.

Meg never married after the 'love of her life' and heir to the Littlewoods football pools empire, Nigel Moores, was killed in a car crash in the south of France in 1977.

As a child she was taught astrology by her Russian gypsy grandmother and started writing horoscopes after penning erotic stories for pornography magazines.

Colleagues say she didn't drink alcohol, only ate vegetables and went to the gym four times a week 'to keep her clairvoyant powers strong.'

Meg shot to stardom when she began offering horoscope readings over the phone in 1989 - a service which broke all BT records.

She became a household name when she began starring on the National Lottery TV show every Saturday from 1994, emerging from a cloud of smoke and using a crystal ball - left to her by her grandmother - to predict who would win the jackpot.

Mystic Meg (pictured) has died aged 80 after losing her battle with a short illness

National Lottery presenters, (left to right, front row) Frank Bruno, Bob Monkhouse and Mystic Meg, celebrating the 100th jackpot draw with past winners (back row, left to right) Bob Westland (3.7m), Ken Southwell (900,000), Elaine Thompson (2.7m), Peter Lavery (10.2m) and Karl Crompton (10.9m)

Her agent of 34 years, Dave Shapland, told the Sun: 'Without any question, she was Britain's most famous astrologer by a million miles.

'Nobody came close to Meg in that respect. She was followed by millions in this country and also around the world.

'She even became part of the English language  if a politician, somebody from showbiz or ordinary people in the street are asked a tricky question they will say ''Who do you think I am, Mystic Meg?''... It shows what an impact she made.'

Piers Morgan today described her as a 'fascinatingly mysterious lady who loved her work with a passion but was rarely seen or heard in public'.

He added: 'I was her editor at the News of the World for several years and she was extraordinarily professional in everything she did. A master of her very popular craft.'

When she was seven, Meg's horoscope predicted she would marry a wealthy man.

But former editor of the Sun Kelvin MacKenzie today revealed she never tied the knot after the 'big love of her life' Mr Moores died in a car crash in the South of France in 1977.

The 39-year-old businessman was worth around 9million at the time of his death.

Adding to the tributes, magician Uri Geller said Meg was 'so identifiable by name and image', branding her 'the quintessential fortune teller who brought mystery and mystique to millions of believers'.

He added: 'She defied the dreary sceptics, as did her fans. Much love and positive energy, Meg, on your onward journey.'

Former world boxing heavyweight champion Frank Bruno also paid his respects on Twitter. He said he and Meg worked together 'a few times on TV', adding that she was a 'charming lady'.

Meg, who was of Romany descent, was born in a maternity home in Lancashire in 1942.

Meg, who was of Romany descent, never married after the 'love of her life', millionaire football pools heir Nigel Moores, was killed in a car crash in the south of France in 1977. (Pictured: Nigel Moores, far right, at his first wedding with then-wife Jean Murray Scott, centre, and his father Cecil Moores)

Meg (pictured as a student) studied English at the University of Leeds and joined the now defunct News Of The World newspaper as a sub-editor, before eventually becoming sub-editor of its weekend supplement Sunday

Meg, pictured here in a riding competition as a child, was an animal lover and owned at least three racehorses

The horoscope reader, real name Margaret Lake, was admitted to St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London , last month with the flu

Piers Morgan today described Mystic Meg (pictured) as 'Britain's most famous astrologer' and a 'fascinatingly mysterious lady who loved her work with a passion but was rarely seen or heard in public'

Andi Peters and Mystic Meg on stage at the Live and Kicking Red Nose Awards show broadcast in 1995

Over the years she also released a number of books including Mystic Meg's Astrolife and Mystic Meg's Lucky Numbers For Love Life And The Lottery (Pictured: Bob Monkhouse and Mystic Meg)

She grew up in a terraced house in Accrington, where she was taught astrology by her Russian gypsy grandmother - although becoming a soothsayer was not her immediate career choice.

Meg studied English at the University of Leeds and earned a teacher's diploma.

She did not become a teacher, however, and joined the now defunct News Of The World newspaper as a sub-editor. She moved her way up and became deputy editor of its weekend supplement Sunday.

She would make the shift to horoscopes in the 1980s, when she changed her name to Meg Markova and became the paper's astrologer - before later rebranding as Mystic Meg.

She then shot to stardom by becoming among the first to offer horoscope readings over the phone in 1989.

Her service broke all BT records and she quickly became the most successful phone-line astrologer in the world.

Meg landed another big break on the National Lottery TV show, which she featured on from 1994.

Each Saturday night the 'seer' would emerge from a cloud of smoke and stare into her crystal ball - left to her by her grandmother - to predict who would win the jackpot.

Her regular spot was dropped by the BBC in a programme shake-up in 1997 but the following year she made a comeback for a sketch alongside presenter Bradley Walsh. In the sketch, Walsh's brother Del, who runs a market stall, tries to convince Meg of his own fortune-telling method - frying sausages.

Magician Uri Geller said Meg was 'so identifiable by name and image', branding her 'the quintessential fortune teller who brought mystery and mystique to millions of believers'

Meg appeared in a series of adverts for the soft drink Oasis in the 1990s and in 2015 was the face of the Grand National's 'You're Guaranteed a Fortune' campaign

Meg grew up in a terraced house in Accrington, where she was taught astrology by her Russian gypsy grandmother - although becoming a soothsayer was not her immediate career choice

Meg's distinctive cloak and black bob hairdo helped make her a household name, and she signed multiple brand deals over the years.

She appeared in a series of adverts for the soft drink Oasis in the 1990s and in 2015 was the face of the Grand National's 'You're Guaranteed a Fortune' campaign.

The animal lover had a keen interest in horses and owned at least three racehorses. She lived alone with her cats and previously said the feline friends had 'found her and moved in'.

In her practice, she worked with runes, crystal balls, I Ching, tarot and numerology. According to astrological charts, Meg's star sign was a Leo.

Over the years she also released a number of books including Mystic Meg's Astrolife and Mystic Meg's Lucky Numbers For Love Life And The Lottery.

A previous Lotto roll-over winner credited Meg with prompting her to check her ticket after she had hidden it in a biscuit tin next to her bed.

According to astrological charts, Mystic Meg's star sign was a Leo. In her practice, she worked with runes, crystal balls, I Ching, tarot and numerology

Meg appeared in a series of adverts for the soft drink Oasis (pictured) in the 1990s and in 2015 was the face of the Grand National's 'You're Guaranteed a Fortune' campaign

After mother-of-four Mary Jones from Gwynedd, north Wales, won 9.3million in 2004. She said: 'I read Mystic Meg in The Sun and it said don't forget to check your lottery ticket. I couldn't believe it when I realised it had come true.'

The astrologer also thanked her lucky stars after she predicted that the racehorse Optimistic would win for her at a prestigious York meeting in 1997.

The Sun's editor, Victoria Newton, said: 'This is devastating news. We have lost an icon. Our brilliant and incomparable Meg was synonymous with The Sun - she was a total legend. We loved her and so did our readers.

'For more than two decades Mystic Meg has been a must-read column and cemented her as Britain's most famous astrologer.

'She was a true professional whose guidance helped our readers daily - our postbag bears testament to this.'
Pro-Moscow authorities in Moldova's separatist region of Transdniestria, which borders Ukraine, have claimed they prevented a terror attack organised by Kyiv against separatist officials.

Security officials said in a statement they had halted 'a terror attack... directed by Ukrainian security services, being prepared against a number of officials,' including Transdniestria's leader Vadim Krasnoselsky.

'The suspects have been detained. They have given confessions,' the report claimed, providing no further information.

The comments were published by Russian state-run news agency RIA Novosti and come on the same day that the Moldovan parliament adopted a declaration condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine, prompting suspicions Moscow was orchestrating a false-flag operation as a pretext to increase its 1,700-strong troop presence in Transdniestria and justify further attacks on Ukraine.

Moldova, a pro-European republic of 2.6 million people located between Romania and Ukraine, has feared that it could be Putin's next target ever since the Kremlin launched its offensive on Kyiv a year ago.

Head of Transdniestria Vadim Krasnoselsky takes part in a ceremony marking the Defender of the Fatherland Day in Tiraspol, Moldova's breakaway region of Transdniestria, February 23, 2023

Ukrainian refugees and Moldovan citizens protest against the war in Ukraine in front of the Russian Embassy in Chisinau, Moldova, 24 February 2023

Moldova has in recent weeks reported 'attempts at destabilisation', with its foreign ministry last month announcing it had expelled two foreign nationals of undisclosed origin from the country, believing they were gathering intelligence for a plot to undermine the government.

A narrow majority of 55 lawmakers in the EU candidate nation's 101-seat assembly today voted for a declaration stating that Moscow's invasion of Ukraine began with the seizure of the Crimea peninsula in February 2014.

The declaration said Russia was waging an illegal, unprovoked and unfounded war of aggression in Ukraine that violated the principles of international law, and echoed calls by Kyiv for an international tribunal to prosecute war crimes.

In late February, Moscow claimed Ukraine was planning an invasion of Transdniestria - allegations that were quickly slapped down by Chisinau and Kyiv.

Moldovan Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu said Russia's 'provocative' comments about a possible Ukrainian attack were untrue.

'The Moldovan authorities have rejected these statements as unfounded, made to manipulate public opinion. The security situation in the region is stable,' he wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

And in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected Moscow's assertion that Ukraine wanted to take over the region.

Zelensky told a news conference that Russia was engaging in constant provocations.

'They clearly understand that we respect the territorial integrity of Moldova and we believe the territory of Transdniestria is the territory of the independent state of Moldova,' he said.

Zelensky said it was 'obvious' Ukraine was not the last country in Moscow's sights and that the Kremlin was thinking about ways to 'strangle' Moldova.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova Nicu Popescu delivers his speech during a press conference to mark one year from the submission of the EU accession application by Moldova, in Chisinau, Moldova, 03 March 2023

Supporters of the socialists party with placards 'peace and quiet', 'ensure peace', 'Moldovans are peaceful people', 'don't scare people' protest in front of Presidency Palace in Chisinau, Moldova, 25 February 2023, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Tensions between Russia and Moldova, which borders Ukraine, have grown sharply since the war began.

The former Soviet republic has protested to Moscow that Russian missiles aimed at Ukraine have entered Moldovan airspace, and that missile debris has landed inside Moldova, and has accused Moscow of plotting to topple the pro-European government in Chisinau.

The country has also suffered energy blackouts after Ukraine electricity exports were interrupted because of Russian airstrikes on critical infrastructure.

Russia has denied the allegation and accused Ukraine and other countries of stoking instability in the Transdniestria region, where around 1,700 Russian troops are based. Chisinau and Kyiv have dismissed the accusation.

The rising tensions between Russia and Moldova amid the war in Ukraine recently led Hungarian airline Wizz Air to indefinitely suspend flights to Chisinau.

'Due to recent developments and the high, though not imminent, risk in the country's airspace, Wizz Air has taken the difficult but responsible decision to suspend all its flights to Chisinau as of March 14,' the group said in a statement.
Australia could be getting a national trial of the four-day work week to see how it improves the lives of those juggling work and caring responsibilities.

A parliamentary committee has recommended a federal government-backed trial of the four-day work week based on the '100:80:100' model, which is where workers keep their entire salary and maintain full productivity despite working 80 per cent of the week.

The pilot would be spread across industries and conducted in partnership with an Australian university.

The four-day week model has been successfully trialled at companies in Australia and overseas, with participants reporting improved productivity, work-life balance, health and wellbeing, and the normalisation of care as part of work.

The pilot has been recommended as one of several measures aimed at helping people strike a better balance between work and care responsibilities.

Australia could be getting a national trial of the four-day work week to see how it improves the lives of those juggling work and caring responsibilities. Pictured is a 20-year-old female hospitality worker

The Senate Select Committee on Work and Care also suggested a Fair Work Commission review of the 38-hour working week, including if stronger penalties for long hours are needed, and installing a 'right to disconnect' outside of work hours.

Under the proposal, employers would be restricted from contacting employees outside of work hours unless it's an emergency.

Committee chair Barbara Pocock said Australia was an international outlier in terms of supporting workers with caring responsibilities.

'We have slipped too far behind,' the Greens senator said.

'And we are paying a price in labour supply, stressed workers and gender inequality.'

Commenting on the four-day work week trial, Senator Pocock said greater flexibility can actually improve productivity.

A committee recommended the '100:80:100' model, where workers keep their entire salary and maintain full productivity despite working 80 per cent of the week. Pictured is a female construction traffic warden

Non-profit organisation Momentum Mental Health has been experimenting with the 100:80:100 model with positive results, with plans to extend the policy beyond the six-month trial period.

The organisation's chief executive, Deborah Bailey, said the shortened work week had both improved productivity and the wellbeing of its staff.

She said workers with caring responsibilities were able to attend appointments and spend time with children or elderly parents without squeezing it in before work or over their lunch break.

'We have found that we have given people the capacity to take on those caring roles and also their productivity has increased,' Ms Bailey told AAP.

She said the productivity boost was made possible by packing more into the standard work day, such as fewer and shorter meetings.

Other proposals in the comprehensive report, which has the support of Labor senators, includes finding a pathway to bump Commonwealth-funded paid parental leave up to 52 weeks.

The Senate Select Committee on Work and Care also suggested a Fair Work Commission review of the 38-hour working week. Pictured is a female bar tender

Other proposals include bumping Commonwealth-funded paid parental leave up to 52 weeks. Pictured are two construction traffic wardens in Sydney

Primary carers are entitled to 18 weeks at the moment but Labor committed to extending the leave entitlements to 26 weeks last year.

The committee also called for higher pay for child care, disability and aged care workers, and a right to predictable, stable rosters.

'Work-life balance is a remote dream for too many,' Senator Pocock said.

'Especially those living the nightmare of last-minute shift changes which make finding care for loved ones or kids impossible.'
A photo released by the official North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) shows the test-fire of a new-type tactical guided weapon from an undisclosed location, released on April 17 2022. EPA-Yonhap



North Korea fired a short-range ballistic missile toward the Yellow Sea on Thursday, Seoul's military said, in the latest show of force ahead of a major South Korea-U.S. military exercise set to begin next week.



The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said it detected the launch from the North's western port city of Nampo at 6:20 p.m. It did not elaborate further.



"While strengthening its monitoring and vigilance, our military is maintaining a full readiness posture in close cooperation with the United States," the JCS said in a text message sent to reporters.



The latest launch came as the allies are preparing to kick off the Freedom Shield exercise set to take place from Monday through March 23. The exercise is to proceed concurrently with the large-scale field training exercise, called the Warrior Shield.






Labour MPs have demanded Britain stump up reparations to Caribbean countries for '400 years of exploitative colonial history'.

Clive Lewis, who was a shadow minister under ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, led the calls for compensatory payments over the impact of slavery.

In a Westminster Hall debate in Parliament, the Norwich South MP urged the Government to enter 'meaningful negotiations' with Caribbean nations.

He warned a failure to do so could put the future of the Commonwealth at risk.

Mr Lewis, whose father is from Grenada, claimed that Britain's former colonies had endured '400 years of the most hideous abuse'.

Clive Lewis, who was a shadow minister under ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, led the calls for compensatory payments over the impact of slavery

Mr Lewis was supported in his demand for reparations by fellow Labour MPs Nadia Whittome (left) and Dawn Butler

He described the issue of reparations as the 'elephant in the room' and insisted it should not be 'dismissed as the obsession of a small group of so-called woke extremists'.

Mr Lewis was supported in his call by fellow Labour MPs Nadia Whittome and Dawn Butler.

But Tory MP Daniel Kawczynski stressed that giving Caribbean states 'tariff-free access' to the UK economy 'is more important than reparations'.

Opening yesterday's debate in Westminster Hall, Mr Lewis acknowledged the debate over Britain's colonial past 'evokes great passion and sometimes anger'.

He told MPs it could be 'triggering' for questions to be asked about 'the very story we tell ourselves and the world around us about who we are and what we represent'.

Mr Lewis compared this to being in a relationship where 'our partners often challenge those notions of who we think we are'.

'The Commonwealth is a relationship between Britain and her former colonies, which, like a partner who has endured 400 years of the most hideous abuse, seek not charity but restitution,' he added.

Mr Lewis suggested the alternative would be 'divorce in the form of growing republican sentiment across the Caribbean'.

'Abusive partners who cannot say sorry cannot change, can never grow and can never develop,' he said.

'Who in their right mind would want to stay in an abusive relationship like that?'

Tory MP Daniel Kawczynski stressed that giving Caribbean states 'tariff-free access' to the UK economy 'is more important than reparations'

Mr Lewis admitted the subject of reparations was 'a difficult issue' for his own Labour Party, adding: 'Especially in the so-called Red Wall seats, where we feel such issues could alienate potential Labour voters.'

But he expressed his hope than an incoming Labour government - with David Lammy as the 'first Caribbean foreign secretary' - would tackle the issue.

Ms Whittome supported Mr Lewis's call for reparations, telling MPs it was the 'right and fair thing to do' because of the wealth that Britain 'extracted' from other nations, but also 'because of our role in the climate crisis, which threatens the very future of the Caribbean'.

Ms Butler, a former minister, said reparations 'are about making amends for centuries of violence and discrimination'.

'A lot of reparation is needed, whether it be economic reparations or an acknowledgement of what happened,' she added.

Mr Kawczynski told the debate that Britain should use its post-Brexit freedoms to increase economic ties with Caribbean countries, which he suggested would be 'more important than reparations'.

He said he and Mr Lewis 'might not entirely agree on the matter' but pointed to his own ancestry in understanding the Labour MPs 'strength of feeling'.

'I would say to him that I have campaigned for many years for compensation for Poland from Germany, because 98 per cent of the city of my birth, Warsaw, was destroyed in 1944,' the Tory MP said.

'The Germans still refuse to pay that compensation, so I entirely understand his motives and strength of feeling.

'I respect that and his right to raise the issue, but I say to him againgently, delicately and irrespective of the differences we havethat I hope we can agree to work together to slash those tariffs and restrictions, which have existed for decades with respect to Caribbean countries and their commercial entities.'

Foreign Office minister David Rutley did not answer the calls for reparation, instead telling MPs: 'We believe that the most effective way for the UK to respond to the cruelty of the past is to ensure that current and future generations do not forget what happened, that we address racism, and that we continue to work together to tackle today's challenges, such as climate change, through the initiatives that I have set out.

'Those need to be hard-hitting initiatives that will make a difference in people's lives and help Caribbean nations move forward.'
Britain is planning to relax rules on foreign workers to allow more into the country to address the UK's chronic labour shortages.

At the same time ministers talk tough on illegal immigration, a swathe of occupations will be added to the 'shortage occupation list' which eases recruitment abroad.

The construction sector is due to be the first part of the economy to benefit, with a bricklayers, roofers, plasterers and carpenters recruited from abroad to address a shortage of home-grown applicants.

The governments migration advisory committee (MAC) could publish a report recommending the change as soon as next week, after the March 15 Budget, the Financial Times reported.

The move has previously been resisted by ministers to help UK workers find work after Brexit. But the country is currently facing a crisis of inactivity in the workforce.

The construction sector is due to be the first part of the economy to benefit, with a bricklayers, roofers, plasterers and carpenters recruited from abroad to address a shortage of home-grown applicants.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman has said the Government will not be deflected from measures to tackle migrant small boat crossings in the Channel by EU concerns that they could breach human rights laws.

The UK has some of its lowest unemployment figures in half a century, but employment has also fallen, with a spike in people being classified as 'inactive'

The number of people off work because of long-term sickness has increased by around half a million since early 2019, figures show

Jobs on the SOL are 'subject to different, more favourable, migration arrangements, enabling employers to access a wider pool of suitable workers, more quickly'.

Roles on it can be advertised at a lower wage than the current 25,600 threshold for skilled work, down to 20,480.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is expected to use his Budget to unveil changes designed to entice or force people back to work.

In January he made a pitch to millions of people who have taken early retirement or have been off work on long-term sick leave since the Covid pandemic to return to work to fill massive skills gaps.

The UK has some of its lowest unemployment figures in half a century, but employment has also fallen, with a spike in people being classified as 'inactive'.

Disability claims are up 70 per cent since the pandemic, with estimates that the annual cost will rise to 8.2billion by 2027.

Labour has told him to pump more money into the NHS to solve the problem, after official statistics showed the ability to work of 1.5million people was being affected by health service waiting times.

The shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves last week cited figures showing NHS waits were costing the Treasury 700million a year in lost tax revenue and businesses 14milllion a week in lost income, a combined 1.4billion a year.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman has said the Government will not be deflected from measures to tackle migrant small boat crossings in the Channel by EU concerns that they could breach human rights laws.

EU home affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson told the Politico news website she had warned Ms Braverman on Tuesday that the Illegal Migration Bill violated international law.

The Home Secretary confirmed she had briefed Ms Johansson before she delivered her Commons statement setting out details of the legislation.

But, speaking on ITV's Peston show, she also made clear that the UK was no longer bound by EU rules and was free to set its own migration policy.

"I explained to her in quite general terms the measures that we were proposing and she did express to me she thought that they would be unlawful," she said.

"I invited her to read the detail, and I am very happy to speak to her about the detail of the Bill.

"But we are no longer members of the European Union and so we are free to determine our own borders and migration policy.

"We believe our measures to be lawful, proper, necessary, compassionate and the fair thing to do, and that's why we're moving forward with them."

Her comments come as Rishi Sunak prepares to travel to Paris on Friday where he is expected to seek further help from President Emmanuel Macron in stopping the migrant boats leaving French beaches.

Ministers are braced for legal challenges to the plan to prevent anyone who arrives in the UK by unauthorised means from staying after it has already been denounced by the UN's refugee agency as an effective "asylum ban".

Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick acknowledged on Wednesday that they would be deploying some "novel" legal arguments to defend the measures, but said he was confident they would prove effective.

"We are confident that we have got strong legal arguments. They are in some cases new and novel legal arguments. I don't think that should surprise anyone," he told Channel 4 News

"These are new legal principles but they are likely to be upheld by the courts."

Meanwhile Ms Braverman has insisted that she had not sanctioned an email sent out in her name accusing civil servants of blocking previous Government attempts to tackle illegal migration.

The message, sent to thousands of Conservative Party members, blamed "an activist blob of left-wing lawyers, civil servants and the Labour Party" for the failure of previous efforts.

However, Ms Braverman said: "I didn't write that email, I didn't see it, and it was an error, really, that it was sent out in my name."

She said she had been "incredibly impressed" with the dedication and hard work of officials in the Home Office who had been working on the latest measures.

Earlier Conservative Campaign Headquarters (CCHQ), which distributed the email, admitted that "the wording wasn't seen by the Home Secretary" and said it is "reviewing" its internal clearance processes.
Tories condemned 'Project Kowtow' today after it emerged Matt Hancock was ordered to tone down claims in his book about Covid leaking from a Wuhan lab.

The former health secretary was reportedly told by the Cabinet Office to tweak passages from his pandemic diaries because they might provoke a backlash from Beijing.

Mr Hancock had intended to say that it was 'too much of a coincidence' to believe the pandemic started in a market not far from a Chinese government's biological research facility.

He pointed out that Britain would have been 'laughed out of town' under similar circumstances, and wanted to write that 'global fear of the Chinese must not get in the way of a full investigation'.

However, Mr Hancock was asked to water down the wording to avoid 'causing problems' with Beijing, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Tory former leader Iain Duncan Smith told MailOnline that the situation showed the government is 'petrified about upsetting China'. He demanded to know who had asked for the changes, and said Mr Hancock should have told the censors to 'get stuffed'.

Matt Hancock was censored by Whitehall officials over his concerns that Covid-19 may have begun from a lab leak in Wuhan, it emerged last night

The changes were made when he submitted the manuscript of his Pandemic Diaries book to the Cabinet Office for review, as all former ministers are required to do.

After the required alterations were made, it was signed off for publication by under-fire Cabinet Secretary Simon Case in November.

The Government has tried to avoid commenting publicly on the suspicion that the deadly virus may have escaped from a laboratory, although in the United States, both the FBI and the Department for Energy now believe the theory is plausible.

In the first of the extracts from his book that the Cabinet Office objected to, Mr Hancock originally wrote: 'Given how cagey the Chinese have been, I think we have to treat their official version of events  still the Wuhan thing  with considerable scepticism.'

He said that if a 'deadly new virus' had emerged in Wiltshire, yet the British 'shrugged off' the fact that it was near chemical warfare research facility Porton Down, 'we'd be laughed out of town'.

'Global fear of the Chinese must not get in the way of a full investigation into what happened,' he urged.

But the published version simply stated: 'Though the international consensus and the Government's position is that the virus originated at the Wuhan wet market, I remain sceptical. There must be a full investigation into what happened.'

In the interim, the Cabinet Office had told Mr Hancock: 'This is highly sensitive and would cause problems if released.'

Mr Hancock was ordered to tone down his comments about the virus's origins because the Government was worried it would 'cause problems' with Beijing

He was told: 'Must be clearer that it is supposition rather than revealing any confidential information received from inside government. Should also be clear that this is not (the Government's) views or beliefs.'

In another section, Mr Hancock originally wrote: 'To me it seems pretty credible. It's just too much of a coincidence that the pandemic started in the same city as the lab, which  by the way, is a full 40 minutes drive from the wet market originally linked to the outbreak.

'The only plausible alternative is that the virus was brought to Wuhan to be studied, and then escaped.'

Mr Duncan Smith said: 'If this is correct then this completely exposes the nature of what has happened in government when it comes to China.

'The government as far as I can see is petrified about upsetting China.

'The truth is there is clear and obvious strong evidence now that the Chinese are responsible for the outbreak from the laboratory.'

'The finger points directly now to China. The reason they don't want to say that is because it leads them into, what are you going to do about it?

'Just imagine if the UK had a laboratory leak like this and we had denied everything, and because of the delay it had spread all over the world they would be demanding reparation.'

Mr Duncan Smith went on: ''Governments play this game of Project Kowtow that desperately doesn't want to confront the Chinese about anything.'

'They cannot wean themselves off China and they don't want to. If this is correct it is another example of the British government and the establishment doing their level best to shut down debate.'

He added: 'I certainly want to know who it was who it was that asked for these changes. Hancock should have turned round to them and said 'get stuffed'. This wasn't official secrets, these were opinions.'
The devastated parents who lost their five-year-old 'princess' after she choked on a cocktail frankfurt have revealed the small device that could have saved her life.

Dedicated mother Sam Lennon stopped to do a quick grocery shop after her daughter Imogen's swimming lesson in regional NSW town Canowindra on January 16.

The five-year-old favourite snack after was a cocktail frankfurt but while driving back to the family dairy farm, she began to choke.

Mrs Lennon described the horror moment she saw her daughter struggling for air.

'She sang out, "Mum", and then she made this horrible gurgling sound and when I looked back, her lips were turning blue,' she told A Current Affair on Thursday.

Five-year-old Imogen (above) choked to death on a cocktail frankfurt in regional NSW town Canowindra on January 16

Mrs Lennon is first aid trained and did everything she could to help Imogen cough up the food.

Now, she's furious a small tool that could have saved her daughter's life is still largely unknown.

The simple device is called LifeVac. It has saved 747 lives worldwide, including 449 children, and was introduced to Australia six years ago.

LifeVac has a suction mask that fits over a person's mouth with a small pump on top.

LifeVac (above) is a airway clearance told that uses suction to pull blockages out of a patient's throat

The person working to clear the blockage stuck in a patient's throat grabs the handle on top of the pump, pushes down and immediately releases - bringing the blockage to the surface.

'To find out there's a product available that potentially could have saved (Imogen's) life, that no one knew about, that does make me angry,' Mrs Lennon said.

Mrs Lennon said half of the frankfurt Imogen was snacking on was lodged in her throat.

Immediately after trying to resuscitate Imogen, Mrs Lennon rushed to Canowindra hospital.

Being a small country town, no ambulances were available and there was no doctor at the hospital.

Two nurses and a cleaner tried to help clear Imogen's airway while her dad, Bill, rushed to her side.

Tragically, little Imogen could not be resuscitated and died at the hospital.

Imogen's devastated parents Sam and Bill Lennon (above) said they tried everything they could to help Imogen before she tragically died at Canowindra hospital

Former paramedic Simon Gould (above) said LifeVac helps clear large blockages that standard first aid can't

'I thought I was dreaming, it was a nightmare,' Mr Lennon said.

Former paramedic Simon Gould said standard first aid procedures aren't always effective for large blockages and urged people to invest in LifeVac.

'Considering we only have a small space of time, we can't muck around and just keep trying the same things over and over again and failing,' he said.

For more information on LifeVac, visit its website.
An elderly Melbourne couple who have been fined $370 for dropping a lolly wrapper out of a car on February 28 say they have been falsely dobbed in by someone with a grudge.

A complete stranger has accused Kim Tran, 74, of littering and now, with very flimsy evidence, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is making the Tran's life hell.

She and her husband Pham say the supposed evidence - a picture of a wrapper on the ground but no person visible - does not amount to anything and it is their accuser's word against them.

Their daughter, also called Kim, is a full-time carer for her parents and said they can't afford to pay the $370 fine for the alleged littering earlier this month.

In the 2021-2022 financial year, the EPA issued more than $3.7million in litter fines in Victoria alone.

Elderly Melbourne couple Pham and Kim Tran (pictured) who've been fined $370 for dropping a lolly wrapper out of a car say they've been falsely dobbed in by someone with a grudge

'I just couldn't imagine her doing it. At home it's, like, spotless clean,' Kim Tran told A Current Affair on Thursday.

Statement by EPA We can't talk about an individual case that is still active. Littering infringement fines are the result of eye witness reports. Anyone can report a littering from a vehicle offence. Once a member of the public reports an incident, the case can proceed with or without photographic or video evidence. As it states very clearly in the reporting process, when reporting an alleged littering offence, if the matter goes to court EPA will require the reporter to be available to appear. The registered owner of the reported vehicle is then issued with an infringement and provided with options on how to challenge or dispute the infringement or nominate someone who may have been responsible for the littering offence. Those options include asking for an internal review of their case where EPA will consider the matter on its merits. If the matter does go to a court, the alleged offender and the person who reported them will be able to present their testimony to allow them full opportunity to present their case and circumstances. EPA's website has all the information about the litter infringement process as well as how to challenge a littering charge. Advertisement

Her parents are Vietnamese migrants who have lived in Melbourne's west for 32 years.

Both have diabetes and high blood pressure made worse by the stress.

'It's hard to believe, it's hard to accept,' that someone dobbed them in,' she said.

When war veteran Mr Tran, 82, got a letter in the post accusing his passenger - which was his wife Kim - of littering from a car window, he said he could not believe it.

The Trans believe they have been targeted by someone with a grudge, who submitted a false reports to the EPA.

They do not deny it is their car in the photo, but they do deny being litterbugs.

Their daughter Kim said her parents 'love this country and this is home for us. They would never do that, they would not break a law or throw rubbish'.

She is helping them with the paperwork, but their only options are to pay the fine, ask for an internal EPA review, or take it to court.

Lawyer Justin Lawrence said the wrapper evidence would never hold up in court.

'That could be a road anywhere, could be a footpath, could be the yard of my kids' primary school.

'There's just no evidence that the person who is accused of throwing litter out of his car, has in fact done that,' the Henderson and Ball solicitor said.

Mr Lawrence said people can submit reports, such as the one causing so much strife for the Trans, to the EPA anonymously.

People with a grudge could use the process to target another person, he said.

'I can't imagine any court in the country being satisfied on the back of two photographs, none of which even shows the accused person.'

The EPA said if a person submits a report of littering, they must then be willing to attend court as a witness to the incident.

But the consequences if the complainant does not attend court hardly amount to a sufficient deterrent against false reporting.

'If you refuse to be a witness at court, we may not accept any future litter reports from you,' the EPA website says.

The Trans have until March 28 to pay the $370 fine, or to challenge it. If they do neither by the due date, $26.60 will be added to their bill and a penalty reminder notice issued.
An Australian man who planned a surprise holiday with a female friend has been humiliated online after he mistakenly booked flights to the wrong country.

Sophie Alice was delighted when Ben Kennedy flew halfway around the world to visit her and then announced he had booked them a bonus trip last weekend.

Ben had intended to whisk Sophie away to the Hungarian capital Budapest but mistakenly bought tickets to the similarly named Romanian capital Bucharest - almost 900km away.

The pair decided to make the best of the situation, producing a TikTok video captioned: 'When you thought you had booked flights to Budapest'.

In the video, which has received over four million views, Sophie is seen standing on the tarmac about to board a RyanAir plane to Romania.

Aussie man Ben Kennedy (left) had intended to purchase flights to Budapest, Hungary, but accidentally bought tickets to the similarly named Bucharest, Romania - almost 900km away

The camera zooms into a boarding sign displaying their alternate destination as the pair repeatedly mouth the word s*** with the voiceover.

Asked repeatedly online whether they went ahead with the trip, Sophie answered: 'Yes we went, of course we went, it was great.'

'It was amazing, I've got a lot of videos to show from Romania so follow along and you'll see. But yeah, absolutely brilliant, loved it.'

The pair decided to make light of the situation with a TikTok video captioned: 'When you thought you had booked flights to Budapest'

Among the highlights that Sophie shared online were a trip to the Bran Castle - often referred to as Dracula's Castle - in Transylvania, eating some delicious food and attending a concert.

Many commenters said inadvertently going to Bucharest instead of Budapest was a good mistake to make.

'Honestly, Bucharest is nicer than Budapest,' one said.

'Budapest is overrated and nobody speaks any english,' another agreed.

'Bucharest is one of the wildest party places totally underrated,' a third said.

Others said they knew people who had made similar travel mistakes with sound-alike destinations.

'Me and my boyfriend went to Budapest last year, he was flying one day before me and he lost his flight for the same reason. He queued for Bucharest,' she wrote.

'My ma near did this. Trying to buy flights to San Diego in California and near ended up in Santiago, Chile,' another wrote.

Sophie shared special moments from the holiday including a trip to the Bran Castle in Transylvania (pictured) eating delicious food and even attending a concert

'That happened to us on Valentines Day, sat waiting for Budapest in the Bucharest line. We never got away,' a third commented.

'Lol my husband thought he booked a flight to the Bahamas and after two hours discovered he was going to Bermuda instead! You are not alone!' a fourth wrote.

The mishap comes just weeks after a New York man made the mistake of booking a flight to Sidney, Montana instead of Sydney, Australia.

Kingsley Burnett had chosen to fly to the airport with code SDY instead of SYD.

'I saw the little plane with like 9 passengers and wondered 'how is that going to get me to Australia,' he told The New York Post.

'That was when I caught onto the mistake I made.'
A top Taliban official has been assassinated by a bomb planted in his office, Afghan police have reported.

The explosion killed Muhammad Dawood Muzamil - the provincial governor of Afghanistan's Balkh province - along with two other officials inside the governor's office in the provincial capital Mazar-e Sharif, local police spokesman Asif Waziri said.

Waziri added that the blast, which he said was a suicide attack, happened on the second floor of Muzamil's office.

'It was a suicide attack. We don't have information as to how the suicide bomber reached the office of the governor,' he concluded.

Some local media reports said more than 30 people were wounded by the blast and were taken to hospital for treatment.

Taliban's Balkh province governor Muhammad Dawood Muzamil was assassinated in his office

A video from the aftermath of the explosion showed considerable damage to the office, with the door blown off its hinges

Taliban officials and fighters are seen inspecting the damage following the blast

A wounded man receives treatment at a hospital after a bomb blast in Mazar-e Sharif, the capital city of Balkh province, in northern Afghanistan, Thursday, March 9, 2023

Zabihullah Mujahid, main spokesman for the Taliban's government, said an investigation has been opened into the incident, but did not provide additional details.

He added later on Twitter that the governor had been 'martyred in an explosion by the enemies of Islam'.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for Thursday's attack, but the regional affiliate of the so-called Islamic State group - known as the Islamic State in Khorasan Province (IS-K) - is a key rival of the Taliban.

The explosion happened moments after the governor arrived in his office, said a man who was wounded in the incident.

'There was a bang. I fell on the ground,' he told AFP, adding that he witnessed a friend lose a hand in the blast.

Authorities deployed extra security at the governorate who forbade journalists from taking photos, an AFP correspondent reported from near the site of the blast.

Muzamil was appointed governor of Balkh last year and has a history of leading crackdowns on IS militants, particularly during his previous posting as governor of the eastern Nangarhar Province.

On Wednesday, he met two deputy prime ministers and other senior officials visiting Balkh to review a major irrigation project in northern Afghanistan, according to a government statement.

IS has emerged as the biggest security challenge to the Taliban government since last year, carrying out attacks against Afghan civilians as well as foreigners and foreign interests.

Taliban fighters stand guard outside the hospital after a bomb blast in Mazar-e Sharif

People stand outside a hospital after a bomb blast in Mazar-e Sharif, the capital city of Balkh province, in northern Afghanistan, Thursday, March 9, 2023

Several attacks have rocked Balkh, including in Mazar-i-Sharif last year, some claimed by IS.

In January, a suicide bomber killed at least 10 people when he blew himself up near the foreign ministry in Kabul, in an attack claimed by IS.

The Taliban and IS share an austere Sunni Islamist ideology, but the latter are fighting to establish a global 'caliphate' instead of the Taliban's more inward-looking goal of ruling an independent Afghanistan.

At least five Chinese nationals were wounded in December when gunmen stormed a hotel popular with businesspeople in Kabul.

That raid was claimed by IS, as was an attack on Pakistan's embassy in Kabul in December that Islamabad denounced as an 'assassination attempt' against its ambassador.

Two Russian embassy staff members were killed in a suicide bombing outside their mission in September in another attack claimed by IS.
A DHL delivery driver who repeatedly stole valuable parcels worth more than 53,000 from his depot has walked free from court because of prison overcrowding.

Steven Black, 54, whose thefts took place within just three months on Merseyside, was told by Judge Stuart Driver KC that it was a 'finely balanced' sentencing exercise.

The judge said that a recent Court of Appeal ruling referred to prison overcrowding, which he said amounts to an emergency and is a reason for suspending prison sentences.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that Black's wife is in poor health and if he was jailed she and their son would be at risk of losing their home.

Kate Morley, prosecuting, said that Black had been employed via an agency as a delivery driver for DHL for about 17 months.

The court heard that investigators became suspicious of Steven Black, pictured, after items started to disappear at times when he was working in the depot at Speke on Merseyside

She added: 'DHL managers were investigating missing parcels sent by Royal Mint that had been going missing since December 2021. Their enquiries highlighted that the parcels were going missing from the Speke depot.

'They had reviewed CCTV footage from the Speke depot from February and 26 April last year and had seen the defendant acting suspiciously, in that he was picking up small packages from the conveyor belt and looking closely at the labels, which contain sender details and sometimes a description.

'They saw him take items from the conveyor belt without scanning them. As a result of that, the defendant essentially became a suspect.'

Investigations revealed that Black had been repeatedly stealing items, including 10 Britannia 10z gold coins worth almost 15,000, and gold jewellery from Bulgaria with a value of 23,588.

His haul also included an Omega watch worth 7,400, a 2,000 ring and a cast silver kilo bar worth 715 sent by the Royal Mint.

Miss Morley told the court that as part of the investigation it was discovered that on April 22 last year a computer tablet belonging to Amazon went missing from the Speke depot and again Black was working on that date.

She said: 'An investigations specialist at Amazon contacted DHL and reported that the device, although only valued at 89.99, held a critical unreleased programme which was of value to the company.

'Its intended recipient was an Amazon employee but it was found that the device had been registered under an email address of julieblack, who is the wife of the defendant. The tablet has not been recovered.'

The court heard that some of the items were recovered but items worth 20,112 are still missing and DHL is liable to pay compensation for items lost or stolen during the courier process.

Black, of Tenbury Close, Salford, pleaded guilty to seven theft offences. Three other theft charges were dropped.

The court heard that a computer belonging to an Amazon employee disappeared from the DHL depot and the company is liable to pay compensation for missing items (stock image)

He was sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to carry out 15 days' rehabilitation activities and 70 hours' unpaid work.

Matthew O'Neill, defending, said that Black has no previous convictions and is now working for another agency as a driver delivering pallets around the North West.

'He can give no explanation how he finds himself before a court convicted of very serious theft matters,' he said. 'He had one or two financial problems but wasn't financially desperate.'

The first theft had been 'opportunistic' and having got away with it he could not control himself and stole other items, added Mr O'Neill.
Two retired Metropolitan Police officers accused of being part of a paedophile ring with a serving chief inspector - who was later found dead at his home - have appeared in court.

Ex-Met officers Jack Addis, 63, from Perthshire, Scotland, and Jeremy Laxton, 62, from Grantham, Lincolnshire, are both charged with conspiracy to distribute or show indecent images of children between January 2018 and July 2021.

The pair's court appearance come after their co-accused, Richard Watkinson, 49, was found dead in Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, on January 12 - the day he was due to appear in court over alleged child sex offences.

Laxton and Addis were arrested and charged following a 'lengthy and complex' investigation into Watkinson, who was a Chief Inspector for the Met's neighbourhoods policing at the West Area Command Unit.

Laxton arrived at Southwark Crown Court wearing a grey suit and red scarf. While his co-accused, Addis, appeared via video-link in a red jumper for the hearing.

Jeremy Laxton, 62, from Grantham, Lincolnshire, is charged with conspiracy to distribute or show indecent images of children between January 2018 and July 2021. He arrived at Southwark Crown Court for a hearing on Thursday morning

Laxton, pictured left in a court sketch, appeared in person at Southwark Crown Court, while his co-accused Jack Addis, 63, from Perthshire, Scotland, attended the hearing via video-link

Laxton is also charged with three counts of making indecent photographs of a child, one count of possession of a prohibited image, one count of possessing an extreme pornographic image, one count of intentionally encouraging or assisting the commission of an offence and one count of possessing a controlled class B drug. These offences are said to have taken place on or before September 1, 2021.

Laxton was arrested in September 2021 while Addis was arrested two months later as part of the multi-force investigation. Both left the Met more than a decade ago.

Prosecutor Edward Franklin earlier said: Police found indecent images of children on a number of devices.

The Metropolitan police investigation found a great number of category A images, still and moving, which could be best described at the high end of category A.

Officers found a hard drive, and that is the centre of conspiracy charge where all three defendants were bringing in material to be shared on to it.

Met officers found Watkinson's body, having attended the address in Saunderton, Buckinghamshire, following welfare concerns on January 12. He had been suspended from duty following his arrest in July 2021.

The body of Richard Watkinson, 49, was found at his home after he failed to report to a police station on the morning he was due to be charged

The Met was facing questions about safeguarding after it was revealed the 49-year-old was a prominent officer in its West Area Command Unit, where he was the schools portfolio lead for neighbourhoods

Thames Valley Police took over investigation of the case and are treating the death as unexplained but not suspicious.

Earlier Commander Jon Savell, from the Directorate of Professional Standards, said: Chief Inspector Watkinson was facing extremely serious and concerning charges, as the result of a painstaking and thorough police investigation.

Before this matter came to light, we had no previous information about these allegations or to indicate the officer posed any risk to the public.

'He had not faced any other criminal or conduct matters during his Met career. He had been suspended from duty since his arrest.

Two other men were also arrested during the course of the investigation and have been charged, their matters will now progress through the courts.

Laxton and Addis were due to enter formal pleas today but the hearing was adjourned until May 25.
Alex Murdaugh used to rub shoulders with South Carolina's legal elite - now he's housed alongside the state's most despicable criminals.

The disgraced legal scion is under 24-hour surveillance in a cramped concrete cell at the the high-security Kirkland Correctional Institution. Prison officials fear his former role as the patriarch of a prominent legal family makes him a target for other inmates.

Meals are brought to the 54-year-old in his cell. On the rare occasions he's given a break from confinement, Murdaugh is escorted by at least one prison officer. He'll spend 45 days housed there while authorities conduct medical tests, mental health checks and 'gather other additional background information'.

Kirkland is one of South Carolina's most notorious facilities. Far from being safe inside the prison's fortified walls, inmates like Murdaugh are under constant threat from the killers, sex offenders and armed robbers they call neighbors.

The shocking absence of law and order within the so-called correctional facility was highlighted in 2017 when two inmates strangled four others after luring the victims into their cell with promises of drugs and cookies.

Alex Murdaugh will spend 45 days under 24-hour surveillance in a cramped cell - with only a steel bed, toilet and sink - amid fears he could be a target for other notorious inmates at the notorious Kirkland Correctional Institution

Kirkland Correctional Center will be Murdaugh's grim new home for the next few weeks as he undergoes evaluation for where to be sent permanently

Alex Murdaugh with wife Maggie and their sons Buster (left) and Paul (right)

The killings were carried out by Denver Simmons, who was jailed for killing a mother and her son, and fellow inmate Jacob Philip, convicted of strangling his girlfriend and her eight-year-old daughter.

Their motive: the pair wanted to be placed on death row because they were fed up with life in the hellhole jail.

One by one, they lured their four victims into their cell then used a broom and electrical cord as weapons to beat and strangle them, hiding the bodies behind a curtain on their bunk. Simmons and Philip then calmly strolled down to the guard station and confessed.

Kirkland inmates have also been known to orchestrate horrific crimes on the outside from within their cells.

Two years ago, armed robber Harvester Jackson used a contraband cellphone to orchestrate the attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend in Columbia, South Carolina.

Jackson was in Kirkland serving a 10-year sentence when he ordered four accomplices to shoot up the victim's home, prosecutors alleged. His ex-girlfriend, who survived the attempt on her life, told investigators it wasn't the first time Jackson had ordered an attack from behind bars.

Denver Simmons and Jacob Philip strangled four inmates during a 30-minute killing spree at Kirkland Correctional Institution in 2017. They lured the victims into their cells and then used a broom handle and electrical cord to beat and strangle them

Armed robber Harvester Jackson used a contraband cellphone to orchestrate the attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend in Columbia, South Carolina, from inside Kirkland prison

Kirkland's notorious reputation was also highlighted by a recent report which found it had the highest death rate of any prison in South Carolina. Between 2015 and 2021, 160 inmates died at the state-run institution.

In second place was Broad River Correctional Institution, which is just a stone's throw away from Kirkland and could be where Murdaugh ends up housed. There were 101 death at Broad River, which houses medium and high-security inmates, across the six year period.

Kirkland is where the vast majority of South Carolina's male prisoners are first sent after they're convicted. After 45 days of assessment there, authorities will decide where Murdaugh should spend his life sentence. His status as a double murderer means he's likely to remain at a high-security site like Kirkland.

In the meantime Murdaugh, who was found guilty of murdering wife Maggie and son Paul, will spend up to 23 hours-a-day in his dingy cell, with only a steel bed, toilet and sink.

Trial attorney Robert Rikard has said that because Murdaugh is 'convicted of a violent crime, he will go to a facility that only houses the violent criminals. The worst of the worst.'

'These are brutal environments and it will be quite a shock after the privileged life he has lived,' said Rikard.

Alex Murdaugh is led out of the courthouse to a waiting prison van to begin his life sentence

The grim conditions are in stark contrast to the privileged world of multi-million dollar homes from the coast to the hunting lands of the Lowcountry he is used to.

Another mugshot of Murdaugh was released yesterday that showed him grinning, shaven-headed and dressed in a yellow prison jumpsuit and white undershirt.

Murdaugh was last week sentenced to two consecutive life sentences after he was found guilty of shooting dead his wife Maggie, 52, and younger son Paul, 22, at the family's hunting estate in Moselle on the night of June 7, 2021.

Kirkland is home to more than 1,700 of the most violent criminals in the state and churns through more than 8,000 prisoners each year for evaluation.

As well as serving as the processing site for all of the state's convicts, it is also home to a specialized maximum-security jail for the most dangerous and violent offenders.

'Kirkland is also responsible for the maximum-security unit which houses some of the most violent and dangerous inmates in the state,' the site's website says.

'Furthermore, Kirkland Correctional Center houses inmates who are in the statewide protective custody program.'

Judge Clifton Newman issued a searing sentencing earlier, describing Murdaugh as a 'monster' who continued to lie even when the evidence was damning.

'This case qualifies under our death penalty statute based on the statutory aggravating circumstances of two or more people being murdered by the defendant by one act or pursuant to one scheme or course of conduct. I don't question at all the decision of the state not to pursue the death penalty.

More than 700 prisoners died in South Carolina's prions and jails between 2015 and 2021. The majority of those deaths occurred at Kirkland

The majority of prisoner deaths in the state occurred at Kirkland (160) and Broad River (101)

This undated file photo provided on July 11, 2019, by the South Carolina Department of Corrections shows the new death row at Broad River Correctional Institution in Columbia, SC

'But as I sit here in this courtroom and look around at the many portraits of judges and other court officials and reflect on the fact that over the past century, your family, including you, have been prosecuting people here in this courtroom and many have received the death penalty, probably for lesser conduct.

'Remind me of the expression you gave on the witness stand. Oh, what tangled web we weave. What did you mean by that?'

'I meant when I lied, I continued to lie,' Murdaugh replied.

'And the question is when will it end? When will it end? And it has ended already for the jury, because they've concluded that you continue to lie and lied throughout your testimony. And perhaps with all the throng of people here, they for the most part all believe or 80, 90 or 99% believe that you continue to lie now when your statement of denial to the court.'

Murdaugh learned his fate in the same courtroom on the circuit that his father, grandfather and great-grandfather tried cases as the elected prosecutor for more than 80 years.

His grandfather's portrait hung in the back of the room until the judge ordered it taken down for the trial.
A TV screen shows a news program reporting with footage of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang, at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Dec. 27. AP-Yonhap



North Korea's launch of a short-range ballistic missile toward the Yellow Sea, located between China and the Korean Peninsula, does not pose an immediate threat to the United States or its allies, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said on Thursday.



"We are aware of the ballistic missile launch and are consulting closely with our allies and partners. While we have assessed that this event does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, or to our allies, the missile launch highlights the destabilizing impact of the DPRK's unlawful WMD and ballistic missile programs," it said, referring to weapons of mass destruction. (Reuters)




PC Ravi Canhye. 46, pictured arriving at court, was suspended from duty by Dorset Police at the time the allegations were made against him and remains suspended

A serving police officer has pleaded not guilty to the rape and sexual assault of one woman and the sexual assault of another.

PC Ravi Canhye, 46, is alleged to have committed eight sexual offences against the women while off duty in April 2022.

He is accused of two counts of rape, one of attempted rape and four of sexual assault against one alleged victim between April 8 and April 11 last year.

He is also alleged to have sexually assaulted another woman during the same period.

Canhye, from Poole, appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court in Dorset on Thursday dressed in a grey suit and dark tie. He spoke only to confirm his name and to enter eight not guilty pleas to the charges as they were read out.

He was suspended from duty by Dorset Police at the time the allegations were made against him and has remained suspended throughout the investigation.

The hearing was presided over by Judge William Mousley KC, who told the defendant: 'You must attend those hearings. If you do not, you will be committing a separate offence for which you can be separately punished.

'When it comes to your trial, if you fail to attend, it may go ahead in your absence, which would not be in your interest.'

The judge released Canhye on bail on condition that he surrenders his passport, does not contact any witnesses related to the case and lives at his home address of Fernhill Close, Poole, or a family address in Horley, Surrey.

He is due to stand trial on September 25 at Winchester Crown Court. A case management hearing will be held at the court on April 6 before the trial, which is expected to last six days.

The case against Ravi Canhye will be heard at a trial in Winchester Crown Court in September

A Dorset Police spokesperson said: 'We understand that charges of this nature will quite rightfully cause concern within our communities. However, due to the ongoing legal proceedings, we are prevented from commenting on this matter any further at this time.

'If anyone has any specific concerns about this case or any sexual offence crimes, please contact Dorset Police where information can be reported and dealt with in the strictest confidence.'

The matter was referred by Dorset Police to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which decided it should be subject to a criminal investigation.

Canhye won a National Policing Award in 2009 as a special constable in Ealing, West London, for his work identifying people with mental health issues.
This is the horrifying moment two burglars rammed into police cars during a chase in a bid to escape being arrested by officers.

Jack Setchell, 23, and Charlie Dunn, 25, were wanted by cops over a series of rural burglaries in North Yorkshire after they stole farm equipment, a quad bike and a Ford Fiesta, having carried out their crimes alongside Kieran Connor, 19, between 2.30am and 8.30am on June 2 last year.

While police were in pursuit the same morning, the duo from Hartlepool, County Durham, reversed a van into two vehicles before smashing a BMW into another.

Both Setchell and Dunn have now been jailed for burglary, theft, and aggravated taking of vehicles, with Dunn also pleading guilty to assaulting an emergency worker.

Shocking footage taken from the dash cams of the police vehicles show the gang driving a stolen white Ford Transit van which was towing a wood chipper.

This is the horrifying moment two burglars rammed into police cars during a chase in a bid to escape being arrested by officers

Jack Setchell, 23, (left) and Charlie Dunn, 25, (right) were wanted by cops over a series of rural burglaries in North Yorkshire after they stole farm equipment, a quad bike and a Ford Fiesta, having carried out their crimes alongside Kieran Connor, 19, between 2.30am and 8.30am on June 2 last year

The van stopped and the wood chipper became loose, but when police approached the van, Dunn sped off - injuring one of the officers in the process.

Dunn then rammed into a second police vehicle involved in the pursuit before crashing the van into a field.

Police found the van empty but shortly afterwards Setchell was seen driving a black BMW which also rammed several vehicles before crashing, which led to their arrests.

Dunn pleaded guilty to one house burglary, three farm building burglaries, one theft of a quad bike, three aggravated taking of vehicles and assaulting an emergency worker.

Setchell pleaded guilty to one house burglary, three farm building burglaries, one theft of a quad bike, and two aggravated taking of vehicles.

Dunn was sentenced to four years and six months in jail while Setchell was sentenced to four years' imprisonment on Tuesday March 7 at York Crown Court.

Connor pleaded guilty last month and the judge acknowledged his 'low intelligence' and that he had been encouraged to commit the crimes.

He was handed a a three-year community order with 300 hours unpaid work and 50 days rehabilitative activities.

Connor, of County Durham, has also been banned from driving for 12 months and must take an extended driving test before driving alone again.

Detective constable Abbi Symes said: 'The series of crimes committed by Dunn, Setchell and Connor on the morning of 2 June last year are shocking and disgraceful.

Footage taken from the dash cams show the gang driving a stolen white Ford Transit van which was towing a wood chipper (pictured). The van stopped and the wood chipper became loose, but when police approached the van, Dunn sped off - injuring one of the officers in the process

Dunn then rammed into a second police vehicle involved in the pursuit before crashing the van into a field

Police found the van empty but shortly afterwards Setchell was seen driving a black BMW which also rammed several vehicles before crashing, which led to their arrests

Detective constable Abbi Symes said: 'The series of crimes committed by Dunn, Setchell and Connor on the morning of 2 June last year are shocking and disgraceful'

'Not only did they ruthlessly target rural communities in Ryedale without any hint of remorse, they also endangered the lives of police officers who were called in to help the burglary and vehicle theft victims.

'In the wrong hands a motor vehicle can be a deadly weapon, and it is plain to see that Dunn and Setchell were more than willing to reverse ram the police vehicles in their effort to evade arrest and escape justice.

'Despite the extensive upset, anger and damage they inflicted that morning, North Yorkshire Police would not let them get away with it.

'Dunn and Setchell are now facing up to the reality of life in prison, and Connor has been made subject to the most severe community order for his role in the offences.'
This is the moment a woman who fatally struck her friend with a claw hammer is believed to have disposed of the murder weapon and blood-stained clothes.

CCTV footage shows Svetlana Svedova, 47, dumping the items in a rubbish bin after hitting 61-year-old Ludmila Poletelova in the head approximately 50 times.

Ms Poletelova was found dead at her home in Lodge Court, Limavady, on April 23 2021 - three days after the 'brutal and horrific' attack.

Svedova, who is from Latvia but moved to the County Londonderry town, was filmed carrying two bags and tossing them into a bin about 12 hours after arriving at her friend's home on April 20, Belfast Crown Court heard.

Prosecutors said they believe the murder weapon was in those bags.

Svedova pleaded guilty to the murder in December last year and was today told she will spend at least 16 years in prison.

Surveillance video shows the moment a woman who fatally struck her friend with a claw hammer left her victim's home carrying bags believed to contain the murder weapon and her blood-stained clothes

Ludmila Poletelova (pictured) was found dead at her home in Lodge Court, Limavady, in April 2021 following the 'brutal and horrific' attack

Svedova told police she had visited Ms Poletolova's home (pictured) the day of the murder and they had drunk 12 cans of beer together, but that she had not killed her

A pathologist's report showed that Ms Poletelova died after sustaining injuries that included multiple skull fractures due to more than 50 blows to the head.

Her body was left lying in her flat until it was discovered about three days later after her employer sent a colleague to her home when she did not turn up for a shift, Mr Justice O'Hara told the court.

During that time, Svedova turned up at work to cover Ms Poletelova's shift and after that 'maintained a complete denial of the murder.'

The judge said her death must have been 'brutal and horrific'.

He told the court that police suspicion quickly fell on Svedova, who turned up at the wine bar to cover her victim's shift with injuries to her arms.

She subsequently told police she had visited Ms Poletolova's home and they had drunk 12 cans of beer together but that she had not killed her.

'I did not kill. I was the last to see her alive,' Svedova told officers during an interview, BBC reported. She added that she had left Ms Poletelova 'safe and well'.

A prosecution barrister also noted that Svedova was caught on CCTV arriving at her friend's home. About 12 hours later cameras captured her carrying two bags that she tossed in a bin.

Additionally, the court was told that Svedova was in rent arrears of 900 and owed Ms Poletelova 800. The day following the murder she paid over 500 to a letting agent, but the defence claimed the funds came from her son.

The footage shows Svetlana Svedova, 47, (pictured) disposing of the items in a rubbish bin after she struck 61-year-old Ludmila Poletelova in the head approximately 50 times

Svedova (pictured with the bags) pleaded guilty to the murder in December last year. She was told today that she will spend at least 16 years in prison

'There is little or nothing that can be said for the defendant beyond the fact that she eventually pleaded guilty and in all probability she did not go to Ms Poletolova's home with the intention of killing her,' Mr Justice O'Hara said during the sentencing hearing today.

'What she did, in short, was to beat her so-called friend to death with approximately 50 blows from a hammer.

'I do not accept there is any real evidence of remorse and none of the sort I would expect from a defendant who had murdered a helpful older friend.'

Mr Justice O'Hara said he had already imposed a life sentence on Svedova but now had to set a minimum tariff on the time she would serve before her case could come before parole commissioners.

The judge said that, even at the end of the 16-year minimum sentence he set, Svedova's release is not guaranteed, as that decision will lie with the parole commissioners.

Responding to the sentencing, PSNI Detective Inspector Claire McGarvey said: 'This was a shocking attack in which Ludmila Poletelova was struck repeatedly, and ferociously, with a hammer.

She added: 'Ludmila, who was from Latvia, had lived and worked in the town for a number of years.

'While she kept herself to herself, she was greatly respected and well-liked within the community.

The judge told the court that Ms Poletelova (pictured), a mother and grandmother, had been born in Russia but spent most of her life in Latvia before moving to Northern Ireland in 2009, and had been employed at a wine bar in Limavady

Pictured: Flowers left at the flat off Main Street in Limavady where 61-year-old Ludmila Poletelova was beaten to death

'I would like to thank local people for their assistance with this investigation. Your support has been invaluable.

'Furthermore, Ludmila's family have extended their sincere gratitude to those who initiated and supported fundraising to allow Ludmila's body to be returned to her native Latvia.

'Today my thoughts are with Ludmila's two sons and two grandchildren who remain heartbroken and distraught by the loss of, and level of violence inflicted upon, their loved one.

'Indeed, their torment was prolonged by the defendant's delay in pleading guilty. This was a senseless, cruel and brutal loss of an innocent life.'

The judge also told the court that Ms Poletelova, a mother and grandmother, had been born in Russia but spent most of her life in Latvia before moving to Northern Ireland in 2009, and had been employed at a wine bar in Limavady.

He said: 'Ms Poletolova was a lady who helped fellow Latvians and eastern Europeans who were struggling in Northern Ireland.

'Over several years she assisted some and helped others to find accommodation.'
A supermarket chain is under investigation for selling meat from South America labelled as 'best British beef'.

The retailer  which has so far not been named  is being probed by the National Food Crime Unit (NFCU), part of the Food Standards Agency.

The supplier has been selling 'large volumes' of pre-packed meat and deli products from South America and Europe.

But meat industry experts said they believe it is unlikely the scandal will be confined to just one supermarket.

The investigation comes ten years after Britain was rocked by the horsemeat scandal, which saw the meat being sold as beef in lasagne and other ready-meals.

The National Food Crime Unit, part of the Food Standards Agency, has confirmed it is investigating the retailer  which it so far has not named (file image)

Concerns over South American beef centre on whether the meat comes from illegally deforested areas. The World Wildlife Fund estimates that production of beef and soy - used mainly as livestock feed - is responsible for more than two-third of habitat losses in Brazil's Amazon and Cerrado regions and Argentina and Paraguay's Gran Chaco region.

Reginald Bevan, deputy head of the NFCU, told Farmers Weekly that a 'massive investigation' was under way into one of the supermarket's suppliers  involving a review of around 1.3million documents  with which the retailer was co-operating.

He said the products were being sold to consumers as 'best British beef'.

The investigation is reportedly looking at only one retailer, which has since pulled the products from its shelves.

The NFCU has not named the supermarket but it is understood that it is not one of Britain's 'big five'  Asda, Sainsbury's, Tesco, Morrisons or Aldi.

Co-op and Lidl both told the Daily Mail that they are not under investigation. Iceland also confirmed it was not the subject of the investigation

Lib Dem environment spokesman Tim Farron told the Daily Mail today: 'This supermarket should be named and shamed.

'British farmers need the backing of supermarkets to get through these difficulty times. Farmers aren't getting the help they need from Government and already face powerful supermarkets who constantly make unreasonable demands.'

Labour were also critical. The party's environment spokesman Jim McMahon MP said: 'We were told the lessons of the horsemeat scandal had been learnt, but unfortunately this investigation could cast that into doubt.

'There are clearly very serious questions to answer and it's right that an urgent investigation is currently underway.

'The next Labour government will support British farmers and food production by ensuring that we buy, make and sell more great British food.'

It is understood the supermarket is not one of the 'big five'  Asda, Sainsbury's, Tesco, Morrisons or Aldi

National Beef Association chief executive Neil Shand said anyone who was caught falsely labelling or adulterating food products should 'have the book thrown at them', while National Farmers' Union president Minette Batters said it 'showed how the system can be abused'.

'Horsegate brought this country, as all food scares do, to a standstill and created a huge level of mistrust,' Mrs Batters told Farmers Weekly. 'We have to learn lessons from that era.'

The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) said: 'It is only today that we have found the product concerned is beef, and it is our belief, given the popularity of sliced cooked beef across all trade channels, that its sale by food fraudsters will not have been limited to a single supermarket.

'The NFCU's current play book has the potential to damage UK overseas trade simply by their policy of a lack of transparency and industry engagement.'

Andrew Quinn, deputy head of the NFCU, told Farmers Weekly the retailer concerned continued to work closely with the investigation, to progress the case against the supplier.

'This is not a food safety issue, but a matter of food fraud,' he added.

'Any fraud investigations of this nature take time to go through evidence and bring to any outcome, including any potential prosecution. We take food fraud very seriously and are acting urgently to protect the consumer.'

The UK imports a relatively small amount of beef and beef products from South America; around 24,000 tons in 2021.

Concerns over South American beef centre on whether the meat comes from illegally deforested areas. The World Wildlife Fund estimated that production of beef and soy  used mainly as livestock feed  is responsible for more than two-third of habitat losses in Brazil's Amazon and Cerrado regions and Argentina and Paraguay's Gran Chaco region.
An 12-foot-long great white shark weighing more than 1,300 pounds has been pinged in the Gulf of Mexico, less than 50 miles from the coast of Florida.

The shark, which is being tracked by research group Ocearch, was located about 43 miles south of St. George's Island at about 11am on March 6.

In the last two years the shark, named Maple, has spent time across the east coast of the US, traveling between the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of St. Lawrence just west of the island of Newfoundland in Canada.

The shark's most recent arrival in the gulf roughly coincides with Spring Break, when thousands of students visit various coastal destinations throughout the US and Florida.

Maple, pictured, was first tagged by non-profit Ocearch in Nova Scotia in September 2021 and logged nearly 10,000 miles traveling between the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of St. Lawrence

The shark was recently located about 43 miles south of St. George's Island at about 11am, less than 50 miles from the cost of Florida (Fort Lauderdale Beach pictured on March 4) where Spring Break is about to begin

Great whites are powerful swimmers that can move at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour.

Maple's proximity to Florida is not particularly out of the ordinary.

'It is not unusual for white sharks to be 43 miles or closer to shore, it all is dependent upon the region,' Paige Finney, a spokesperson for Ocearch, told DailyMail.com.

'Last April Maple was in this same region and a bit closer to the shore of St. George Island,' she added.

Maple was tagged by the ocean research group in Nova Scotia in September 2021 and named after the Maple leaf, one of Canada's national symbols.

Since then she has swum nearly 10,000 miles.

At the time of her tagging she was a sub-adult and 11 feet and 7 inches long, weighing around 1,264 pounds.

Finney said two years on she could well be larger than she was then. Female great whites are larger than males and tend to be an average of 15 to 16 feet long once fully grown.

When she was inspected in 2021, Maple had a wound on the left side of her body which was believed to have been inflicted by another larger white shark.

Maple had a wound on the left side of her body, which was believed to have been inflicted by another larger white shark

The shark's proximity to Florida (beachgoers at Fort Lauderdale on March 4) is not particularly out of the ordinary

Just one day after Maple appeared in the gulf, another nearly 10-foot-long white shark tracked by Ocearch showed up on Florida's other coast.

Juvenile shark Tancook, also initially tagged in Nova Scotia, showed up about 70 miles from Jacksonville Beach.

Ocearch has been been tagging sharks and other animals across the world for more than a decade.

The process involves lifting the shark out of the water and attaching a small satellite antenna to its dorsal fin.

Although the organization has helped to uncover mysteries surrounding the elusive white shark, it has also attracted plenty of controversy.

The non-profit is led by Chris Fischer and core to its operation is a 38-metre shark research vessel which tours the seas, Reader's Digest in Canada reported in 2021.

The great white was recorded in the same region within the gulf, close to the shore of St. George Island

Tancook, a juvenile great white, was also tagged in Nova Scotia (pictured) and pinged about 70 miles from Jacksonville Beach on March 7

A 2,137 pound 15-foot great white is seen on the operating deck of Ocearch's research vessel

Ocearch lures sharks onto a 38-metre ship equipped with a hydraulic lift allowing the shark to be raised out of the water

Many researchers embed tags under a shark's skin with a harpoon while it's swimming or while it's restrained along the side of a boat, according to the publication.

Ocearch lures sharks towards its ship and onto an operating deck which can be raised via a hydraulic lift allowing the sharks to be worked on.

The researchers can then take samples of blood, muscle and even parasites.

In 2016, Ocearch came up against a research team led by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, which had been studying the behavior of great whites along the state's beaches, according to the Scientific American.

When Ocearch arrived later the two groups of researchers came into conflict.

'It is extremely egregious,' biologist Greg Skomal who was leading the state study told the publication.

'All we've done is respectfully ask them to wait. I don't know why they can't.'
A 30-car Norfolk Southern train came off the rails at about 7am Thursday roughly 70 miles east of Birmingham - the third derailment in little over a month

A Norfolk Southern train derailed in Alabama just hours before the firm's CEO was forced to apologize to Congress about last month's toxic waste disaster in East Palestine - its third derailment in little over a month.

Alan Shaw, the chief executive of the embattled railroad, told senators Thursday that he is 'deeply sorry' for last month's incident and that he is 'personally committed' to addressing the disaster.

But the executive declined to comment when his testimony was interrupted with news of a 30-car derailment, which had occurred in an unpopulated wooded area roughly 70 miles east of Birmingham just before 7:00 am that day.

Officials said the train reportedly came off the rails near Iron City Motor Way and Angel Road, and that crews are currently on the ground assessing the wreck.

Fire officials at the scene have since confirmed that, unlike the ordeal in Ohio, the more than two dozen overturned cars pose no danger to the public. The Alabama derailment was Norfolk's third in a matter of weeks, and comes as the company is facing two simultaneous federal investigations over its safety practices.

A Norfolk Southern train derailed in Alabama hours before the company's CEO was forced to give an apology to Congress over last month's incident in East Palestine.

The chief executive of Norfolk Southern, Alan Shaw, told Senators Thursday that he is 'deeply sorry' for the toxic train derailment that occurred last month in East Palestine, Ohio

Citing donations already made to the Ohio town as well as bordering communities in Pennsylvania roughly 1,000 feet from the crash site (seen here the day after the crash), Shaw said in his opening statement that is embattled company is 'determined' to make things right

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island interrupted Shaw's testimony to share news of the derailment.

'I certainly hope that all of your team and the anybody in the vicinity is safe and well,' Whitehouse said. 'You may need to look into that.'

Based on his reaction, Shaw did not appear to know the crash had occurred.

Earlier in the hearing, Shaw began his testimony with an apology to the communities hurt his railroad's February 3 derailment. He vowed to accomplish this task by funding recovery measures for 'as long as it takes.'

Although no individuals were injured or killed in the accident, the aftermath continues to be felt across the small Ohio village, where roughly half of its more than 4,700 residents were forced to leave their homes.

Hazardous chemicals rapidly invaded the air, ground, and water comprising the area.

The EPA and other federal officials have since declared the site safe for occupation, but residents of the small Ohio community have reported experiencing unusual symptoms synonymous with chemical poisoning - such as rashes and burning sensations when they breathe.

More than a month later, the clean-up continues, with Norfolk workers aiding in the effort also falling ill with symptoms that include migraines and nausea.

The highly anticipated Capitol Hill appearance was the exec's first since the disaster, and saw him repeatedly apologize for the high-profile incident.

Still underway, the hearing came mere hours after Norfolk experience its third derailment in a matter of weeks, and after it was revealed the company is now facing another federal investigation for a previously unreported lapse in protocol that transpired last month in North Carolina.

The executive, however, did not speak on the more recent derailment in Alabama, which occurred in an unpopulated wooded area roughly 70 miles east of Birmingham around 7:00am

Officials said the train reportedly came off the rails near Iron City Motor Way and Angel Road, and that crews are currently on the ground assessing the wreck

Fire officials at the scene have since confirmed that, unlike the ordeal in Ohio, the more than two dozen overturned cars pose no danger to the public, with no hazardous materials leaked

The Alabama derailment was Norfolk's third in a matter of weeks, and comes as the company is facing two simultaneous federal investigations over its safety practices

Electing not to address those events, Shaw told lawmakers he is 'sorry' for the impact the initial derailment has had on the people of East Palestine, and those in nearby towns just across the Ohio-Pennsylvania border.

'I want to begin today by expressing how deeply sorry I am for the impact this derailment had on the residents of East Palestine and the surrounding communities,' he said. 'I am determined to make this right.'

'Norfolk Southern will clean the site safely, thoroughly and with urgency. You have my personal commitment. Norfolk Southern will get the job done and help East Palestine thrive.'

Citing donations already made to the Ohio town as well as bordering communities in Pennsylvania roughly 1,000 feet from the crash site, Shaw said in his opening statement that the company is 'determined' to make things right.

Shaw detailed the pledges the company has already made to help the continued cleanup effort in East Palestine, to the tune of $21 million, as well as an additional $7.5 million for neighboring communities in Pennsylvania.

The freighter derailed near the state line between the two states, though residents across the border, unlike those in East Palestine, were not made to evacuate, one panelist tasked with grilling Shaw for the incident - as well as two others involving Norfolk freighters in recent weeks - revealed during the hearing.

Consisting of senators from both states and both parties, as well as members from both the US and Ohio Environmental Protection agencies, panelists for nearly three hours bombarded the exec with questions concerning the disaster, which in recent days has drawn increased federal scrutiny after a string of similar incidents.

The first panel consisted of three senators from the affected states - Democrat Sherrod Brown and Republican J.D. Vance of Ohio, as well as Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania.

Others to attend the highly anticipated meeting included Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who was among those to criticize Shaw for a business acumen he said was centered around profits as opposed to safety.

Citing donations already made to the Ohio town as well as bordering communities in Pennsylvania roughly 1,000 feet from the crash site, Shaw said in his opening statement that the company is 'determined' to make things right

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island interrupted Shaw's testimony to share news of the Alabama derailment - the third in a matter of weeks

Just two days before, the National Transportation Safety Board announced it had opened a special investigation into the safety practices at Norfolk Southern. Another of the company's freight trains derailed near Springfield, Ohio, on Saturday.

It comes as Norfolk is facing yet another probe into its handling of a separate incident that transpired just weeks after the East Palestine derailment.

The previously unreported lapse in protocol allegedly took place 24 days after the accident in Ohio, and involved a similar Norfolk freighter passing through the small town of Stoneville in North Carolina.

Carrying combustible chemical compounds such as ethanol and propane, the train reportedly encountered a malfunction where one of the cars on the nearly-two mile was 'trending hot', but not hot enough to trigger an actual alarm.

Noticing the overheating car, a conductor, wary of a potential explosion, radioed a dispatcher to suggest the train stop and be inspected. The crew reportedly supported this assessment, but dispatch ultimately decided to overrule the crew and continue forward.

Staffers later filed a complaint with the Federal Railroad Administration, saying they were 'shocked' they were allowed to continue some 40 miles south to heavily populated Winston-Salem, despite warnings the hazardous materials could pose a threat not only to the crew, but to adjacent communities.

The revelation comes as Norfolk CEO Alan Shaw is grilled by senators over a series of derailments, where he is expected to apologize.

Ultimately, the train completed its trip without incident - though the Federal Railroad Administration is probing the event as part of a broader 'safety assessment' the embattled transport company, which has seen two derailments in the span of a month, and a Tuesday crash that left a conductor dead.

Those monumental mishaps are currently the subject of an investigation being carried out by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is looking into the safety practices of the eastern US railroad.

As for the new Federal Railroad probe, unveiled Thursday in a complaint obtained by ABC News, the agency confirmed this week its assessment would scrutinize 'operational control center procedures and dispatcher training,' as well as other aspects of Norfolk's safety practices.

Reps who grilled the embattled exec included Ohio senators Sherrod Brown and Republican J.D. Vance, who put aside their bipartisanship to decry Norfolk for the East Palestine incident

Others to attend the highly anticipated meeting included Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who was among those to criticize Shaw for a business acumen he said was centered around profits as opposed to safety

Norfolk and its CEO - seen here in East Palestine late last month - has faced backlash for the string of incidents, which are now the subject of two separate federal investigations centered on the company's safety practices

Norfolk Southern is facing yet another probe into its handling of a separate incident that transpired just weeks after the toxic train derailment in East Palestine . The previously unreported lapse in protocol allegedly took place on February 27, and involved a freighter that passed through this rail station in Stoneville, North Carolina

The additional assessment comes as the company continues to face backlash for the string of incidents - the first of which saw residents of the community East Palestine exposed to an estimated 30,000 truckloads of toxic waste wrought by the wreck.

Norfolk and its CEO, Alan Shaw, has since promised to clean up the waste, while vowing to invest in East Palestine 'for the long-term.'

Amid this backlash, Shaw this week was called before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, where touted t a new six-point safety plan designed to prevent similar derailments.

Less than a day after Shaw was summoned, a 44-year-old Norfolk train conductor was reported dead after the train he was manning collided with a dump truck in Cleveland.

The fatal crash took place less than 90 miles from the site of the East Palestine derailment, and itself transpired days after another Norfolk freighter derailment in Springfield, about 200 miles southwest of East Palestine, where officials are still struggling to clean waste left by the first accident.

That revelation came last week in the form of a letter from labor leaders to the White House and Ohio's governor on Wednesday, that claimed Norfolk knowingly exposed 40 of its workers to harmful chemicals in their haste to address the situation.

Within hours, the letter spurred a meeting between rail union heads and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in Washington, where the February 3 derailment - and Norfolk's still surfacing safety practices - were discussed.

Since then, with Shaw's appearance before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee still looming, the second derailment in Springfield would occur, as well as the fatal crash in Cleveland that killed conductor Norfolk conductor Louis Shuster.

Days before, another Norfolk train derailed in Springfield, about 200 miles southwest of East Palestine, where officials are still cleaning truckloads of toxic waste. The derailment was the second involving a Norfolk train in barely a month, drawing attention to its safety practices

Less than a day after Shaw was called to testify, a 44-year-old Norfolk train conductor was reported dead after the train he was manning collided with a dump truck in Cleveland. The incident marked the third accident in just over a month involving Norfolk freighters

Now, amid growing calls for renewed rail safety regulations - and for Norfolk to be held accountable for the wrecks - yet another incident has come to light, just hours before Shaw's planned testimony.

Taking place in the small North Carolina town of Stoneville, the incident's implications have yet to be seen - though it is likely Shaw will address the incident during Thursday's senate meeting, which is currently underway.
Angry passengers have blasted Virgin Atlantic after they were stranded in Spain for over 30 hours when TWO of their plans developed technical faults.

A flight from Johannesburg to London was forced to make an emergency landing in Barcelona on Wednesday when one of the engines on the 787 Dreamliner developed a fault.

Passengers were told a replacement plane would be sent to pick them up  but when it arrived it too broke down.

Passengers who had already endured a wait of more than 18 hours were then stuck on the jet for a further two hours while the crew attempted to fix the fault.

When that failed, they were taken back to the terminal at Barcelona Airport and told they were be put up in a hotel overnight.

A flight from Johannesburg to London was forced to make an emergency landing in Barcelona on Wednesday when one of the engines on the 787 Dreamliner developed a fault

The flight was due to take off at 3pm UK time  meaning by the time they arrive back at Heathrow Airport they would have faced a 36 hour delay. The original flight from South Africa should have taken 12 hours.

One passenger said:' It was just a complete joke,. We were kept in the dark about everything.

'It was bad enough when we had to land at Barcelona, but we understood there were problems. But for the second plane to develop a problem was just ridiculous. There were a lot of angry people.

Another passenger Paul Smit, 66, said they had received no information from Virgin Atlantic.

He said they were assured the crew from the replacement flight would stay with them when they disembarked from the replacement flight.

Bu the retailer from Leicester said exhausted passengers were abandoned and left to wander the terminal until a member of the local airport staff gave them a voucher for a hotel

The Virgin flight VS450 had left Johannesburg on time, but 10 hours into the flight developed engine problems.

The captain requested to divert to Barcelona where it landed at 5am on Wednesday.

Passengers were told a replacement flight would arrive at 8pm that night from London Heathrow.

But after an 18 hour wait, and settled on the new jet they were informed by the captain that it too had technical issues.

One passenger said they captain announced that they had a problem with their communication equipment, and they were waiting for spare parts to arrive.

He said:' The treatment we have received is just shocking. There was no customer care whatsoever.

'Everyone just wanted to get back to London. The crew were being deluged with questions but they did not have any answers.'

Passengers were stranded for over 30 hours and have since expressed their anger online (stock image)

Some tired of waiting booked their own flights to London but were unable to travel with their luggage.

Many passengers took to Twitter to express their anger while others book their own flights back to Heathrow.

Matt Casey wrote: 'I've phoned, emailed, whatsapped. Nothing works. Someone from your company needs to take responsibility.'

Craig Mach wrote: It's nearly midnight and we can't get to London. I am numb'.

A spokesman for Virgin Atlantic apologized for the delay and said passengers would be leaving Barcelona this afternoon.

The spokesman said:' As a precautionary measure the VS450from Johannesburg to London diverted to Barcelona due to a technical issue. The safety and security of our customers remains our highest priority and wasn't compromised at any point.

'Unfortunately, our recovery flight to London has been delayed and is now due to depart Barcelona later today,

'The majority of our customers have been provided with overnight accommodation ahead of their onward flight We would like to sincerely apologise for the delay and inconvenience caused.'
Arizona State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne has since slammed the move as 'religious prejudice'

She was criticized for opposing the hiring of teachers from a Christian University amid concerns 'biblically minded' beliefs are not safe for LBTQ students

A 'queer, neurodivergent' schoolboard member who frequently wears cat ears has been accused of 'religious prejudice' after she opposed hiring Christian teachers amid concerns they do not offer a safe space for LGBTQ students.

Tamillia Valenzuela hit headlines last week when she lobbied to stop student teachers from Arizona Christian University being hired by the Washington Elementary School District.

Valenzuela alleged the university purported anti-LGBTQ values and claimed 'biblically minded' educators do not 'hold space' for gay and trans pupils.

Her comments have been met with outrage in the district, with one superintendent claiming it was an example of the intolerance she claims to fight against.

'There's nothing more outrageous than religious prejudice,' Arizona State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne told Fox News on Thursday.

Washington Elementary School District board member Tamillia Valenzuela has been accused of 'religious prejudice' after she successfully lobbied to ban the hiring of teachers from a Christian university amid concerns they were unsafe to teach LGBTQ students

He said: 'Prejudice of all kinds has been responsible, in my opinion, for almost all of the evil in the history of humankind.

'The person who raised this on the schoolboard describes herself as a 'neurodivergent queer,' and when she says that she expects people to be tolerant of her.

'I'm Jewish and there's an old Jewish expression: 'He who expects respect has to give respect.'

'And this is an absolutely outrageous violation of people's religious rights.'

Last week Arizona senator Anthony Kern demanded the board member resign over her remarks.

'While we're facing a shortage of teachers Valenzuela is impugning the motives of teachers with certain religious beliefs,' he said in a statement.

'This is not what our country was founded on. This is absolute discrimination and somebody like this should not be making decisions for Arizona and Arizona families.'

But her allies have staunchly defended her stance, with many planning to wear cat ears to a school meeting on Thursday night in solidarity.

Valenzuela describes herself as a 'bilingual, disabled, neurodivergent Queer Black Latina who loves a good hot wing (but only with the right ranch) and things that sparkle.' She adds that she is a 'wife and mother' who has lived in the state for 12 years.

Valenzuela won an election onto the Washington Elementary Governing Board in January in a three-way race with 465 votes. Her term will end in January 2027.

She is regularly pictured wearing a pair of cat ears - though her reason for doing so remains unclear.

Valenzuela describes herself as a 'bilingual, disabled, neurodivergent Queer Black Latina.' She frequently wears cat ears though it is not known why

Some shots on her Facebook page show her in a wheelchair though she does not appear to always use it

Valenzuela lobbied to terminate the contract between her district and the religious university in a board meeting last month

She was even wearing the ears when she lobbied to terminate the contract between her district and the religious university in a board meeting last month.

The contract had been in place for five years.

'My concern is when I go to Arizona Christian University's website, they are committed to Jesus Christ, accomplishing his will and advancements on earth as in Heaven,' she told the board.

'At some point, we need to get real with ourselves and take a look at who we're making legal contracts with and the message that is sending to our community.

'Because that makes me feel like I could not be safe in this school district.'

Valenzuela pointed to a message on the university's website which says it is committed to the 'traditional sexual morality and lifelong marriage between one man and one woman.'

'I want to know how bringing teachers from an institution that is ingrained in their values so directly brings impact to three of your board members who are a part of the LGBT community,' she said.

'Because if we're bringing people in whose mission is above all else to influence people to be Biblically-minded, how does that hold space for people of other faiths?'

Her comments were echoed by fellow board member Kyle Clayton who blasted the university for 'teaching with a biblical lens.

'I, too, echo what Ms. Valenzuela said,' he told the board.

'Proselytizing is embedded into how they teach. And I just don't believe that that belongs in schools.'

The board is set to stage another meeting at 7pm Thursday evening.

Flyers are circulating on social media encouraging allies of Valenzuela to turn up in a pair of cat ears.

Some residents in the district have come out in support of Valenzuela who they say is facing 'racist, homophobic, ablest and fatphobic attacks'

The board has cut ties with Arizona Christian University, pictured

'Board member Tamillia Valenzuela has been facing targeted racist, homophobic, ablest and fatphobic attacks from conservative extremists who've threatened her life,' the post read.

'She needs our support and protection in their meeting. Wear your cat ears.'

On Twitter senator Anthony Kern claimed the school had 'restricted public comments' at the meeting.

'I will have a podium available where EVERYONE will be allowed to speak in SUPPORT of teachers, principals and Arizona Christian University.

Dailymail.com has contacted Valenzuela, schoolboard and the university for comment.
A Texas woman accused of abandoning her two young children in deplorable conditions at their Texas home for weeks was all smiles in the back of a police car when she was arrested in Alabama on Wednesday.

But 31-year-old Raven Yates is now behind bars and faces multiple child endangerment charges after police were tipped off to her location.

Yates is accused of leaving her 12-year-old daughter and her 3-year-old son home alone for nearly seven weeks from September 28 to November 14 without access to enough food and other supplies.

A warrant was issued for Yates in December after the older child called her father in California asking him to send them food because their mother was busy working. When the concerned father discovered Yates was actually in Alabama, without the children, he immediately flew to Texas where he found them home alone.

Raven Yates, 31, was arrested in Alabama after she allegedly left her 12-year-old daughter and her 3-year-old son home alone in Texas for nearly seven weeks without access to enough food

Yates is charged with two counts of abandon endanger child without intent to return. She is in the custody of the Mobile Police Department awaiting extradition back to Texas

The kids survived for two months in this house 30 miles from Houston with no access to food

The Roman Forest Police Department in Texas said they located Yates at an apartment complex in Mobile, Alabama, where she had been staying with a male friend around 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Police said the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Violent Offender Fugitive Task Force had been tipped off to her location.

Yates is charged with two counts of abandon endanger child without intent to return. She is in the custody of the Mobile Police Department awaiting extradition back to Montgomery County, Texas.

The two children are safe with a family member in Alabama, FOX 26 reported.

Roman Forest Police Department in Texas located Yates at an apartment complex in Mobile, Alabama, around 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday where she had been staying with a male friend

Just before Yates was arrested on Wednesday, FOX 26 reporter Sherman Desselle connected with her via her Instagram page where she made various claims about her ex-husband, including that he was 'trying to kill her.'

Yates told Desselle she 'hired a nanny for the children while she was away, and she had to take care of her father who was on life support.'

The woman also claimed her 12-year-old daughter had access to 'thousands of dollars to do and buy whatever.'

According to previous reporting, the children were located after the 12-year-old called her father, who is a producer in California, to ask him to send food.

Police had previous said that the two children have different fathers - with Yates reportedly threatening the 12-year-old by saying the girl's father would take her and leave her brother alone if she told anyone the truth.

But then the father of the girl learned they were home alone after his ex-mother-in-law told him Yates was in Mobile without her kids.

He put two and two together after his daughter asked him to send food regularly because Yates was 'working,' FOX 10 reported.

'No food in the house, everything was empty,' Chief Stephen Carlisle said about the conditions the kids were left in. 'There were some dry beans and spices. That was it.'

Just before Yates was arrested Wednesday, FOX 26 reporter Sherman Desselle connected with her via Instagram where she made claims about her ex-husband, like he was 'trying to kill her'

Despite there being a warrant out for her arrest, the 31-year-old mom was seen active on social media, while the kids were alone, scared, in her two-story house

Somehow, Carlisle said, even with no food on the shelves or in the fridge, the kids appeared healthy - something the police chief said was thanks to the older sibling.

'I guess the 12-year-old was very resourceful,' Carlisle said. 'But she shouldnt have had to do that.'

The chief added that apart from the refrigerator and cabinets being empty, with officers also noticing a 'heavy urine odor coming from the 3-year-old's bed.'

'A 12-year-old cannot take care of a 3-year-old for a long period of time, especially over a month and a half,' Carlisle said, decrying Yates' alleged treatment of the youngsters.

'It's dangerous and irresponsible of a parent. Without medical supplies or ways to get food, that's very dangerous.'

When a warrant for Yates' arrest in December, police say she was 'very active' on social media. She was reportedly making posts about the situation, which resulted in many tips and leads, according to Roman Forest Police Chief Stephen Carlisle.

Posts in the previous months saw the mom make no mention of her kids, with Yates instead using her platform to show off various outfits including lingerie. Her kids, meanwhile, were starving and trying to survive, cops said.

Currently a fugitive from the law, Yates - who in 2018 was featured on Fox's Fugitive Files for attempting to slash a repo man with a box cutter - is thought to still be somewhere in her Mobile, police said Friday upon announcing their ongoing search

In 2018, Yates was featured on 'Fugitive Files' after she attempted to slash a repo man with a box cutter when he tried to repossess her car in her native Mobile, assaulting him with a rubber mallet and fire extinguisher in the process.

Yates fled before MPD could make an arrest, but a traffic charge in Texas soon saw her extradited and charged in Alabama.
Protests have erupted at a Catholic liberal arts college after it slashed ten traditional humanities degrees including theology and English.

Marymount University, outside of Washington, D.C., said 'it would be irresponsible to sustain programs' with low enrollment and 'lack of potential for growth.'

But the 3,000-strong student body are outraged that the institution which prides itself on its Catholic ethos and arts degrees is stripping away its 'foundation and identity.'

Marymount's trustees made the final call on February 24 when they voted unanimously to axe bachelor's degrees in theology and religious studies, philosophy, mathematics, art, history, sociology, English, economics and secondary education. Students are still required to study the subjects as part of the school's core program but can no longer take them as majors.

'The overall atmosphere of the Marymount community right now is just kind of dead, and it's very tense,' sophomore politics major Ethan Reed told Fox News Digital. 'It is just so clear that in every class I'm in, there's a huge elephant in the room.'

Marymount students protest the dismantling of humanities majors from the school curriculum

President Irma Beccerra said it would be 'irresponsible' for the school to continue with programs that 'lack of potential for growth'

Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia, is home to around 3,000 students and was founded in 1950

Demonstrations were held by students and staff last Wednesday, with protesters chanting: 'Respect our choices, hear our voices!'

They also held placards that read, 'Not fair and not inclusive' and 'Students deserve to be heard.'

Reed said students and staff were only informed of the cuts last month and it quickly became a 'really big topic' on campus.

'Cutting portions of the School of Humanities as well as math and art programs would be detrimental to the diversity of our student body,' student president Ashly Trejo Mejia wrote in a letter to the school's president.

'We fear that removing programs will alter the foundation and identity Marymount University was built on.'

But Marymount, which has an endowment of about $58m, said the move was vital to the school's future.

'Universities that will thrive and prosper in the future are those that innovate and focus on what distinguishes them from their competition,' the school wrote ahead of the final decision.

'Digital disruption, economic conditions, and the explosion of low-cost, online course providers have put pressure on universities to reinvent their institutions in order to compete. Students have more choices than ever for where to earn a college degree, and MU must respond wisely to the demand.'

Programs not on the chopping block include fashion design, digital writing, interior design, and communication, among a litany of other majors the school offers.

Students who are currently enrolled in the eliminated majors will still be able to graduate in them, but those enrolling this fall will not be able to choose them as majors.

President Irma Beccerra explained that the cut majors were selected based on student enrollment history.

Nursing accounted for 21 percent of all majors at Marymount in 2021, business admin 15 percent, and information technology close behind at 14 percent.

Demonstrations were held by students and staff last Wednesday, with protesters chanting: 'Respect our choices, hear our voices!'

Students hold placards saying 'save the humanities' and 'we stand with students' at Marymount last week

Students and staff were only informed of the cuts last month and it quickly became a 'really big topic' on campus

Demonstrators outside the school after the trustees axed ten majors

The next top majors in descending order included psychology, health professions and related programs, biology, interior design, criminal justice and political science.

'Over the long term, it would be irresponsible to sustain majors [and] programs with consistently low enrollment, low graduation rates, and lack of potential for growth,' she said.

'Recommendations and decisions on programs marked for elimination are based on clear evidence of student choices and behavior over time.'

But some faculty members said there has been little to no explanation about how cutting those programs would lead to growth for the school.

'The consequences of this 'academic realignment' have not been thought through,' philosophy professor Adam Kovach told ARLnow. 'The administration claims program closures will allow the university to shift resources to grow programs with larger enrollments and to create innovative new programs, but this is all vague and aspirational.'

'We have not heard any definite plan for how to grow,' Kovach said. 'We have not seen evidence these changes will lead to cost savings that could just as well be achieved without closing programs. The strategy appears to be, wreck first and find out what to build later.'

Marymount's trustees made the final call on February 24 when they voted unanimously to axe bachelor's degrees in theology and religious studies, philosophy, mathematics, art, history, sociology, English, economics and secondary education. Students are still required to study the subjects as part of the school's core program but can no longer take them as majors

Students at Marymount University have responded with outrage to the proposal

According to a report, 93 percent of the 91 Marymount students majoring in history, math, philosophy, art, English, sociology, and religious studies, would have gone to other schools had they known the cuts were coming. Their combined school tuition and room and board fees amount to about $2.7million.

Student government president Ashly Trejo Mejia wrote that the proposal made no sense with the values of the school, which she said was built 'on faith, understanding of others, and a deep passion for education.'

Alumna Chesney Allgood - a social studies teacher at Bishop O'Connell High School - characterized the plan as a business decision, and 'a clear demotion of the humanities in the school's curriculum in favor of more profitable programming available at the school.'

Marymount University told DailyMail.com 'while these subjects will no longer be offered as majors, the coursework - particularly in the humanities - is central to our mission and identity as a Catholic university and will remain part of Marymounts core curriculum.'

'As Marymount assesses the evolving higher education landscape, we are called to constantly refine our offerings and approach. While these specific changes are not financially driven, they will provide the University the opportunity to redeploy resources to better serve students and areas of growth. We believe investing in programs that appeal to students and prepare them for highly sought-after professions is not only our mission but our responsibility,' the school added.
Cheongju Medical Center in North Chungcheong Province / Korea Times file



By Jun Ji-hye



Public medical centers located outside of Seoul are suffering serious doctor shortages due mainly to the lower pay and educational standards seen further out from the city.



According to documents submitted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare to Rep. Suh Jung-sook of the ruling People Power Party, 24 out of 35 regional medical centers have failed to meet the necessary quota for doctors as of January this year.



The ratio of vacancies on average is about 18 percent, meaning that each hospital is one out of five doctors short of the necessary amount needed to operate normally.



Unpopular fields such as pediatrics, obstetrics, cardiothoracic surgery and neurosurgery have faced a more serious operating crisis, causing damage to patients in regional areas.



Gyeonggi Provincial Medical Center Ansung Hospital closed its operating room for two months from December to January. It could not recruit an anesthesiologist at the time.



Incheon Medical Center has suspended the operation of its hemodialysis unit after the nephrology doctor quit last year. The hospital has failed to fill the vacancy.





A man enters Incheon Medical Center in this photo taken on June 22 last year. Yonhap
A fifth passenger who was denied entry to Mexico where her four friends were later kidnapped by crime and drug syndicate Gulf Cartel said that she thought they'd been arrested because they were known to 'party and use narcotics.'

Cheryl Orange said that she'd traveled to the southern border with Latavia 'Tay' McGee, Eric Williams, Zindell Brown, Shaeed Woodard for her friend's cosmetic tummy tuck.

Orange's trip came to a sudden halt when she was denied entry because she lacked the proper identification - the four carrying on to Matamoros where they were caught in gang crossfire before being abducted. Only Williams and McGee surviving the ordeal.

In an text exchange with Associated Press, Orange said that her friends were supposed to return after dropping McGee to her 'tummy tuck' and - when they didn't return she grew concerned and alerted police.

It comes as footage of the group driving down to the southern border - filmed in the lead up to the tragic kidnapping - emerged in the wake of their kidnapping.

A fifth passenger, identified as Cheryl Orange, who was denied entry to Mexico where her four friends were later kidnapped by crime and drug syndicate Gulf Cartel said that she thought they'd been arrested because they were known to 'party and use narcotics'

A case report states that Orange 'appeared worried and nervous' and 'an odor of marijuana' had been 'emitting from her person'

Footage obtained by the NCbeat appear to show McGee, Eric Williams, Zindell Brown, Shaeed Woodard and a fifth passenger named Cheryl Orange happily singing as they road trip to the southern border.

Orange stressed to authorities that the group had been at the southern tip of Texas for the cosmetic procedure as lengthy rap sheets emerged of the four members who were hauled into a truck and kidnapped for four days by Mexican crime and drug syndicate the Gulf Cartel.

A case report obtained by NewsNation states that Orange 'appeared worried and nervous' and 'an odor of marijuana' had been 'emitting from her person.'

The report from the Brownsville Police Department also stated that: 'Cheryl did not appear to know the details of Latavia's surgery, but did state that she believed the surgery to be a gluteal augmentation.'

The report continued: 'Cheryl stated that she would not be surprised if her friends got arrested because they are known to party and use narcotics.'

The five friends had driven a rented minivan from South Carolina on Thursday to the southern tip of Texas, according to a police report based on Orange's account. Four of them left Friday morning around 8:00am to go to Mexico.

On the drive south, footage uploaded to Facebook stories show the five friends singing and joking with one another revealing a fifth passenger, now identified as Orange, sleeping in the back.

In one video a person named 'Tay,' a nickname of McGee's, can be heard speaking to another passenger saying 'We're on the way to Mexico b****.'

The video then pans to the other passengers in the car including Orange who can be seen laying next to the passenger filming that NCbeat have identified as Williams.

'Mexico here we come,' Williams is heard saying before laughing and talking about the group pulling into a gas station.

Orange's trip came to a sudden halt when she was denied entry because she lacked the proper identification - the four carrying on to Matamoros where they were caught in gang crossfire before being abducted. Only Williams and McGee surviving the ordeal

In an text exchange with Associated Press , Orange said that her friends were supposed to return after dropping McGee to her 'tummy tuck' and - when they didn't return she grew concerned and alerted police

These are the current travel advisories for Mexico from the US government. Only two states - Yucatan and Campeche - are completely free of advisories

A second video shows the group sharing snacks and laughing while a third video shows the fifth person in the car hiding behind Williams as he films.

It remains unclear at what point during the trip the video footage was filmed - the group in clearly high spirits as they made their way to the Brownsville port of entry.

Woodard's fiance said that he would have been celebrating his 34th birthday on Thursday, according to Fox 29.

What appeared to start as an average road trip between friends quickly turned into a nightmare, when Orange was left on the U.S. side of the border.

A frantic effort to rescue her four friends came after Orange contacted police when they did not return to the U.S. side as expected.

Orange, who did not cross into Mexico with the others, said that her three friends were supposed to return within 15 minutes after dropping off their companion, McGee, for cosmetic surgery in the Mexican border city of Matamoros on Friday.

Orange stayed behind at a motel in Brownsville, Texas, and said she grew concerned as the hours passed and she did not hear from the others.

Orange's statements and the report offer the most detailed account so far of what led to the kidnapping that saw McGee and another friend whisked back to a U.S. hospital Tuesday after Mexican authorities rescued them and found the bodies of their two friends at a wooden shack six-and-a-half miles outside of Matamoros. The attack also left a Mexican woman dead.

Orange told police she didn't cross the border because she didn't have her identification.

She said she could not provide additional details because she was awaiting a call from McGee, who was to be released from a hospital in Brownsville.

The other wounded American, Eric Williams, was also being treated at the hospital for a gunshot wound to the leg. Brown and Woodard died in the attack.

Orange confirmed via text that the friends went on the trip to accompany McGee for cosmetic surgery.

'She simply went for a cosmetic surgery, and that's it. That's all, and this happened to them,' Orange said at the time.

Mexican authorities have said the group was fired on and crashed their van soon after they crossed into Matamoros Friday, as drug cartel factions tore through the streets.

The Americans were hauled off in a pickup truck, and Mexican authorities frantically searched as the cartel moved them around  even taking them to a medical clinic  'to create confusion and avoid efforts to rescue them,' the region's governor, Americo Villarreal, said Tuesday.

Orange told authorities in Brownsville that she had everyone's luggage but had been unable to reach them, according to the police report.

'She tried calling their cell phones but they sound turned off,' the report states.

It said Orange was given a phone number to follow up with criminal investigators on Monday if she hadn't heard from her friends.

Mexican authorities found the group Tuesday in a wooden shack  guarded by a man who was arrested  in the rural Ejido Tecolote area east of Matamoros on the way to the Gulf area called 'Bagdad Beach,' according to the state's chief prosecutor, Irving Barrios.

Family members of Brown revealed that he'd been reluctant to travel south of the border.

'Zindell kept saying, 'We shouldn't go down,' Brown's sister Zalandria said in a phone interview with AP.

Zalandria, who lives in Florence, SC, said his death has been 'like a bad dream you wish you could wake up from.'

'To see a member of your family thrown in the back of a truck and dragged, it is just unbelievable,' she added.

Images from the moment of the kidnapping emerged on social media in which the group of four were seen hauled onto the back of a truck by Gulf Cartel

DailyMail.com revealed lengthy rap sheets for all four victims of the Mexico kidnapping. Woodard was charged with the 'manufacturing and possession' of drugs and pleaded guilty, while Brown was also charged for 'possession of marijuana or hashish'

Brown and Woodard's bodies will be brought home today after being prepared for repatriation at the Forensic Medical Service morgue in Matamoros.

DailyMail.com revealed that Williams was previously busted for 'distributing crack near a school,' while McGee has been slapped with 'unlawful conduct towards a child,' when her daughter tested positive for amphetamines.

Woodard was charged with the 'manufacturing and possession' of drugs and pleaded guilty, while Brown was also charged for 'possession of marijuana or hashish.'

The four were found in a rundown stash house near a place known as La Lagunona in the town of El Tecolote - about six-and-a-half-miles from where they were taken.
That was decades before the notorious trials in nearby Salem, Massachusetts

A Connecticut woman has passionately urged state legislatures to exonerate her ancestor, who was among several women tried and hanged for witchcraft by colonial-era officials in the mid-1600s.

Susan Bailey this week deplored the way her 'ninth great-grandmother' Alice Young was unjustly demonized and urged lawmakers to pass a resolution to exonerate the 34 victims of the state's witch trials from 1647 to 1697.

The effort of Bailey, together with other descendants of the accused, authors and lay historians, reflects Connecticut's effort to come to terms with a dark chapter in its history, and what some campaigners call a misogyny that persists today.

'I speak for myself, my family and all the other families of accused witches, when I implore the legislature to assuage the lingering sorrow of our relatives' terrifying nightmare of being accused, and in some cases hanged,' Bailey said.

Susan Bailey, a resident of Hartford, Connecticut, says her forbear Alice Young never 'signed a pact with the devil to do his bidding'

An accused witch is shown going through the judgement trial, where she is dunked in water to prove her guilt of practicing witchcraft. Many of the people executed as witches were poor, single mothers, several of whom were forced to plead guilty

Speaking at a press conference to galvanize support for the proposal, House Joint Resolution 34, the Hartford resident said there was no evidence that her forbear was a 'satanist' who 'signed a pact with the devil to do his bidding.'

'I'm requesting that the fantasy and superstition of 300 years ago be set aside for logic and reason, in an attempt to atone for the cataclysmic decisions made by those governing Connecticut at that time,' she added on Wednesday.

The state's Judiciary Committee heard testimony about the resolution on March 1, though it remains unclear whether the proposal has enough support to be called for a vote or pass the chamber.

The resolution would exonerate at least 34 people were accused of witchcraft and the 11 people  nine women and two men  who were hanged for the crime, including Bailey's ancestor, Young, the first such execution in 1647.

Young was hanged on the grounds of the Hartford meeting house, now the site of Old State House. Those who dodged the hangman's noose were often forced to flee from their hometowns in fear.

There was no evidence the accused actually practiced witchcraft, said Bailey. They were instead harassed for having an unusual illness, being free-spirited, or were single and owned property that a neighbor coveted.

In some cases, and alleged witch just had a husband who wanted to ditch his wife.

Poll Is it time to exonerate the Connecticut witches? Yes No Not sure Is it time to exonerate the Connecticut witches? Yes 46 votes

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Connecticut's trials began decades before the more famous Salem Witch Trials in Massachusetts, which saw more than 200 people accused of practicing the devil's magic and 20 executed between 1692 and 1693.

Massachusetts has made several efforts to atone  it declared the trials unlawful as early as 1702 and over the generations has exonerated and overturned the convictions of a growing list of accused witches.

Connecticut's trials and executions were the first of their kind recorded in American history.

Campaigners have formed the Connecticut Witch Trial Exoneration Project, a volunteer group that seeks a formal declaration of the innocence of all the accused and money to build a permanent memorial to the victims.

A brick memorializing Alice 'Alse' Young is placed at an installation in Windsor, Connecticut. Young was the first person on record to be executed in the 13 colonies for witchcraft

Connecticut's witch trials started decades before the more famous examples in Salem, Massachusetts, pictured in this engraving

The accused witches were most likely being harassed for having an unknown illness, behaving in a free-spirited way, or were single and owned property that a neighbor coveted. Pictured: a lithograph of the Salem trials

State Representative Jane Garibay says the resolution is about ending 'misogyny'

Critics of the effort say politicians should focus on more pressing issues affecting Connecticut today  such as the number of people languishing behind bars for decades for possessing small quantities of cannabis.

Others question whether Connecticut's current legislature has legal authority to pass judgement on the British administration in the colony, decades before the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776.

State Representative Jane Garibay, who introduced the resolution, acknowledged that the document 'has nothing to do with witchcraft'

'It is about atoning for the misogynistic behavior that led to this tragedy,' she told reporters.

'The victims of these trials were punished simply because they didn't conform to society's standards. It is never too late to right a wrong.'

Graves of several of the 11 Connecticut citizens killed during mass hysteria that erupted across the 13 colonies in the 1600s are seen here. The pardons, like others granted in Massachusetts in recent years, would be posthumous
Germany's top court on Thursday ordered a new sentencing hearing for a German ISIS member who was given 10 years in prison for her involvement in the death of a five-year-old Yazidi slave girl.

Jennifer Wenisch joined ISIS in Iraq and allowed the young girl to die of thirst after she was chained up in the sun for wetting the bed in August 2015.

She and her then husband, an ISIS fighter, had bought the young Yazidi girl and her mother as household slaves.

The initial sentencing that saw her jailed for 10 years in 2021 was considered too lenient by the German public prosecutor.

The 31-year-old defendant, originally from Lohne in Lower Saxony, now risks a higher sentence.

Defendant Jennifer Wenisch arrives in a courtroom for her trial in Munich, October 25, 2021

Jennifer Wenisch, originally from Lohne in Lower Saxony, joined ISIS in Iraq and allowed the young girl to die of thirst after she was chained up in the sun

Germany's Federal Court of Justice threw out an appeal by the woman - who the court identified only as Jennifer W. in line with the nation's privacy rules - but partly approved an appeal by prosecutors.

The court overturned the sentence on Thursday, though not the rest of the verdict, and sent the case back to the Munich state court for a new decision.

The woman was convicted in October 2021 of, among other things, two counts of crimes against humanity through enslavement, in one case resulting in death, being an accessory to attempted murder and membership in a terrorist organization abroad.

The federal court found that Munich judges erred in sentencing the woman for a 'less severe case' of crimes against humanity and overlooked aggravating circumstances.

German law allows for a life sentence in cases where a defendant's actions result in a person's death.

At the trial in Munich, prosecutors accused the woman of standing by as her then husband chained the young Yazidi girl in a courtyard and left her to die of thirst. The court found that she did nothing to help the girl, although doing so would have been 'possible and reasonable.'

She was taken into custody while trying to renew her identity papers at the German Embassy in Ankara in 2016, and deported to Germany.

Her former husband, an Iraqi citizen who was identified only as Taha Al-J., was convicted by a Frankfurt court in November 2021 of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and bodily harm resulting in death. He was sentenced to life imprisonment.

The girl's mother, who survived captivity, testified at both trials.

The German ISIS member was originally given 10 years in prison in 2021 for her involvement in the death of a five-year-old Yazidi slave girl

German law allows for a life sentence in cases where a defendant's actions result in a person's death

Following her conversion to Islam, Wenisch was recruited by the terrorist organisation in mid-2015 to the group's self-styled hisbah morality police. She patrolled city parks in IS-occupied Fallujah and Mosul, armed with an AK-47 assault rifle, a pistol, and an explosives vest.

She was tasked by the group to ensure strict IS rules on dress code, public behaviour, and bans on alcohol and tobacco.

In January 2016, she visited the German embassy in Ankara to apply for new identity papers. When she left the mission, she was arrested and extradited days later to Germany.

Wenisch's initial trial began in April 2019, and is one of the first examples of court proceedings over the Islamic State group's brutal treatment of Yazidis.

A Kurdish-speaking group hailing from northern Iraq, the Yazidis were specifically targeted and oppressed by the jihadists beginning in 2015.

London-based human rights lawyer Amal Clooney - who was involved in a campaign for ISIS crimes against the Yazidi community to be recognised as a 'genocide' - was part of the team representing the Yazidi girl's mother.

Germany has charged several German and foreign nationals with war crimes and crimes against humanity carried out abroad, using the legal principle of universal jurisdiction which allows crimes to be prosecuted even if they were committed in a foreign country.
The Mexican government has identified the woman who was killed by a stray bullet after a cartel opened fire during the kidnapping of four Americans, including two who were later found dead.

Arely Servando, 33, was caught in the middle of last Friday's attack in the northeastern border city of Matamoros when the Gulf Cartel's Scorpions Group intercepted the Americans' minivan.

Tamaulipas Governor Americo Villareal revealed that she was shot while she was standing about a block and half away from where the cartel launched their attack, the tail end of it which was captured on video by a bystander.

Servando was stepping out of a public bus when one of the bullets fired by the cartel henchmen struck her, local media outlets reported.

Mexican national Arely Servando was killed after she was struck by a bullet that was fired by cartel assassins who were kidnapping four Americans, including two who were later found dead, last Friday in Matamoros, Mexico

Latavia McGee is escorted to a pick truck moments after she and three Americans were kidnaped in Matamoros, Mexico

Mexican national Arely Servando was laid to rest earlier this week

She graduated from the National College of Technical Professional Education and worked with children at the Biblical Summer School in Matamoros. She was also vice president of the Association of Young Ambassadors of Pentecostal Power.

The association's president, Priscila Andrade, told Mexican newspaper El Universal that Servando served many roles at the church they attended.

'Arelita, as I affectionately called her, was my vice-president along with many other things,' Andrade said. 'My little sister, best friend and companion.'

The Gulf Cartel turned over five members who allegedly participated in the kidnapping of South Carolina residents Latavia McGee, her cousin Shaeed Woodward, Eric James and Zindell Brown.

McGee and James, who was shot, were rescued from a stash house Tuesday morning. Woodward and Brown and were found dead at the house. Results of their autopsies are still pending.

The assassins were found tied up on a Matamoros street and taken into custody by the police. A spokesperson with the Tamaulipas State Attorney General's Office told DailyMail.com that no charges had been filed and that the group had carried out an operation that disregarded 'cartel rules.'

A note left by the cartel at the site where the assassins were found indicated that the criminal organization was sorry about what had taken place and that the group had carried out an operation that disregarded 'cartel rules.'

Arely Servando was trapped in the middle of a Gulf Cartel attack on a vehicle with four Americans and was struck by a stray bullet and died in the Mexican border city of Matamoros last Friday

A note left by the cartel at the site where the assassins were found indicated that the criminal organization was sorry about what had taken place and that the group had carried out an operation that disregarded 'cartel rules.'

'The Gulf Cartel's Scorpions Group strongly condemns the events of last Friday, March 3 where unfortunately an 'innocent' working mother died and 4 American citizens were 'kidnapped' of which 2 died,' the Spanish-written message read.

DailyMail.com was unable to confirm if Servando was survived by children.

The criminal organization, which has been around since the 1930s, claimed the suspects acted on their own.

Latavia McGee and Eric James were rescued by security forces Tuesday morning

Shaeed Woodard and Zindell Brown, two of the Americans kidnapped in Mexico, were found dead Tuesday

'And for this reason, we have decided to hand over those involved and directly responsible for the facts who at all times acted under their own determination and indiscipline and against the rules that 'The CDG' has always operated, respecting the life and integrity of the innocent,' the cartel said.

'The CDG apologizes to Matamoran society, the relatives of Mrs. Arely, the American individuals and families affected.

'The CDG asks society to be calm because we are committed to not repeating those errors caused by indiscipline and whoever is responsible will pay!!'
A heartbroken dog was found curled up amid the rubble of its home in Ukraine this morning, after its owners were killed in a merciless Russian missile blitz.

The images have been said to speak to the heartache felt by many across the country today, with the dog's owners among at least nine people killed in airstrikes by Vladimir Putin's forces.

Photographs show the little dog, called Elsa, curled up and whimpering on dust-covered bedding in the ruins of her family's home, which was completely destroyed in the pre-dawn 'revenge' strikes.

Three men and two women were killed in the Lviv region after a missile struck a residential area - the first deaths in the far-western city in many months as a result of Russia's ongoing invasion of the Ukraine.

It was there, in a village in the Zolochevsky district, that the devastated pooch was discovered by locals, appearing to mourn the loss of its people.

Photographs show the little dog, called Elsa, lying on dust-covered bedding in the ruins of the family's home, which was completely destroyed in the pre-dawn 'revenge' strikes.

A poignant photograph from the scene shows a young girl leaning down to scoop up the frightened animal to take it so safety

Photos also showed Elsa, who appears to be a Jack Russell, curled up in a ball on what looks like the duvet and bed sheets of her owners.

The little dog was nestled on top of a large pile of rubble, with the building behind it totally blown apart by the Russian missile.

Debris, including bricks and rubble, surround the bedding it's lying on. With its head and ears drooped and tail tucked underneath itself, the pup is clearly distraught.

A second poignant photograph from the scene shows a young girl leaning down to scoop up the frightened animal to take it so safety.

During the touching moment, she is seen carefully wrapping a cloth around the dog, which reports say had injured its paw.

A heart-wrenching video then shows Elsa limping around the demolished home, desperately sniffing the rubble, one presumes, for any sign of its owners.

Bystanders who discover the pooch try their best to comfort it, stroking it and allowing it to search the area.

The images demonstrate the utter devastation to the house, with hardly anything left of the deceased family's home.

Pictured: Locals scour through the rubble of a destroyed house at the scene of the missile strike in Lviv on Thursday

Twisted metal and broken wooden beams show that the structure of the building gave way in the blast, causing much of it to collapse.

One of the walls of the building has totally caved, and looking through the building, it is clear that others are by no means stable. In fact, it no longer resembles a building at all - but rather an abandoned building site.

The fate of the small pooch was not immediately clear, although the clip showing a number of people gathered around her and the outpouring of sadness for her among Ukrainians suggest she will be taken care of.

Many took to Twitter to share the photograph of the dog curled up in the rubble, pointing to the death of its family as one of many examples of Russian atrocities carried out in Ukraine since Putin launched his invasion in February 2022.

As people slept last night, Russia launched 81 missiles against targets across Ukraine, striking 10 of the country's 27 regions.

While the missiles mainly targeted energy infrastructure, civilian sites like the pet's home were also hit.

Police and local residents carry an unidentified body following a Russian strike in the village of Velyka Vilshanytsia, some 30 miles from Lviv, on March 9

Three men and two women were killed in the Lviv region after a missile struck a residential area - the first death in the far-western city in many months as a result of Russia's on-going invasion of the Ukraine

Moscow has said that the strikes were in response to a border incursion earlier this month, referring to claims that Ukrainian nationalists crossed into the southern Bryansk region and killed two civilians, which Kyiv dismissed as a provocation by the Kremlin.

Ukraine said it downed nearly half of the missiles launched by Russia over at least 10 regions, with fighting raging in eastern Bakhmut.

The dog's owners were among the first civilians killed there in a long time. They were among five people killed after a missile struck a residential area, Gov. Maksym Kozytskyi said.

Three buildings were destroyed by fire after the strike and rescue workers were combing through rubble looking for more possible victims.

Footage from the area, some 440 miles from any military battlefield in the east of Ukraine, showed a flattened house and badly damaged buildings nearby.

'At this moment, it is known about four dead. These are four adults. Two men and two women,' Kozytski wrote on Telegram messenger, saying a missile had hit their home in the Zolochiv district west of the city of Lviv. A fifth death was later confirmed.

The strikes also killed three people in Kharkiv, and left Ukraine's second largest city - found in the northeast - without power, water or heating.

A ninth man, who was 34, was killed in the eastern city of Dnipropetrovsk, local authorities said.

'The enemy fired 81 missiles in an attempt to intimidate Ukrainians again, returning to their miserable tactics,' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
Colleagues in the Senate and associates around Washington, D.C. are sending prayers to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell after he was rushed to hospital following a fall at a Washington, D.C. hotel.

McConnell, 81, was hosting a dinner for his Senate Leadership Fund at D.C.'s Waldorf Astoria hotel when he had a fall, according to his office.

Republican Senator John Thune, the number two GOP leader, was at the fundraiser and spoke to McConnell at the reception there.

He said the senator was 'great. He talked. His usual.' Thune left the fundraising reception and McConnell stayed for a private dinner. The fall took place as McConnell was leaving that dinner, in the 9 p.m. hour.

An ambulance took him to George Washington hospital. Thune said he didn't know the extent of McConnell's injuries and hasn't spoken to him since the fall.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell (pictured Tuesday) tripped and fell Wednesday at a hotel and was hospitalized, a spokesman for the senator said. Senators sent wishes for a speedy recovery

President Biden also had a message for his longtime friend and colleague. White House spokeswoman Olivia Dalton declined to read out any phone calls, but read a statement to reporters traveling with the president to Philadelphia on the day of his budget rollout.

'The president and first lady saw the news about leader McConnells hospitalization last night and they are both wishing leader McConnell a swift recovery and sending him their best wishes to get well soon,' the White House said.

Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer said Thursday that he called McConnell this morning, but provided no further details on his condition.

'My thoughts this morning are with my good friend Leader Mitch McConnell, who's recovering in the hospital after an accident last night. This morning I offer a prayer strength and healing for the leader leader and his family,' said Schumer. He said he spoke to McConnell staff members as well to extend well wishes.

'My thoughts are also with leader McConnell's family and his team. I join every single one of my colleagues in wishing leader McConnell a speedy and full recovery,' Schumer concluded.

Although there were no immediate updates on his condition Thursday, several members of his Senate GOP conference issued statements pulling for him.

Texas Senator John Cornyn, a longtime advisor and former party whip, was the first to post well wishes for the upper chamber's GOP leader on Thursday morning.

'Sandy and I are praying for Leader McConnell's speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back in the Capitol soon,' he tweeted.

Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) issued similar words. 'I am praying for a speedy recovery for my friend @LeaderMcConnell. I hope to see you back on the Senate floor soon.

'Lord bless Senator McConnell with a speedy recovery. We pray in your marvelous name,' said Senate Chaplain Rear Adm. Barry Black as he opened Thursday's Senate session.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Barr wrote: 'This morning, I join my fellow Kentuckians in wishing Leader McConnell a speedy recovery.'

McConnell tripped and fell at the hotel, which was previously the Trump Hotel before the Trump Organization sold the lease, and was hospitalized, a spokesman for the senator said.

That came hours after the Senate the Senate voted for a resolution backed by McConnell that would block Washington D.C.'s effort to pass a new criminal code, in a vote that pulled many Democrats to the Republican side on a controversial issue.

On Tuesday, McConnell held up a copy of a letter by the chief of the U.S. Capitol Police, fully associating himself with statements blasting 'offensive and misleading conclusions' by Fox News host Tucker Carlson about January 6 based on Capitol security footage he received.

McConnell was attending a fundraiser for his leadership PAC at the Waldorf, formerly the Trump Hotel

McConnell had a fall in 2019 outside his Louisville home, and appeared with bruised hands in the Senate in October 2020

McConnell (pictured in October 2020), had polio as a child

The Senate Republican Leader was attending a private dinner at the Waldorf Astoria, which was recently converted from a Trump property, when he took the spill.

McConnell previously fell outside his home in Louisville in August 2019. He said at the time he was 'just fine' and tweaked the press for fixating on his bruised hands.

McConnell was admitted to a nearby hospital for treatment Wednesday night, his spokesman Doug Andres said Wednesday night and was confirmed to DailyMail.com by the D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department.

'This evening, Leader McConnell tripped at a local hotel during a private dinner. He has been admitted to the hospital where he is receiving treatment,' he said. His office said it had no further updates Thursday morning.

McConnell appeared at an event in the hotel's Franklin Room ballroom and later hosted a dinner for top donors to his PAC, which has become a powerful force in national Republican politics., CBS reported.

He first appeared in the Franklin Room ballroom at the Waldorf Astoria and hosted a separate dinner afterward in the hotel for the PAC's largest donors.

McConnell's office did not provide additional detail on his condition or how long he may be absent from the Senate.

'At 9:17 p.m., D.C. Fire and EMS was dispatch to 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. That address corresponds with the Waldorf [Astoria],' a press contact for the department told DailyMail.com.

'The call was categorized as a fall  a victim who had fallen. We did transport an adult male from that location to an area hospital,' they added, but said they could not discuss the extent of the injuries.

In 2019, the minority leader, a survivor of childhood polio, tripped and fell at his home in Kentucky, suffering a shoulder fracture.

At the time, he underwent surgery to repair the fracture in his shoulder. The Senate had just started a summer recess and he worked from home for some weeks as he recovered.

First elected in 1984, McConnell in January became the longest-serving Senate leader when the new Congress convened, breaking the previous record of 16 years.

Before his election to the Senate, he served as judge-executive of Jefferson County, Kentucky from 1978.

The taciturn McConnell is often reluctant to discuss his private life. But at the start of the COVID-19 crisis he opened up about his early childhood experience fighting polio.

He described how his mother insisted that he stay off his feet as a toddler and worked with him through a determined physical therapy regime. He has acknowledged some difficulty in adulthood climbing stairs.

McConnell opened his weekly news conference on Tuesday by saying he fully aligned himself with U.S. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger, who called Carlson's conclusions 'offensive and misleading.' He held up a paper copy of Manger's statement, titled 'Truth & Justice.'

'It was a mistake, in my view, for Fox News to depict this in a way that's completely at variance with what our chief law enforcement official here at the Capitol thinks,' McConnell told reporters.

The longtime Republican leader became the third member of the Senate to be hospitalized in the past month.

The Senate, where the average age is 65, has been without several members recently due to illness.

The office of Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein said she was hospitalized last week to be treated for shingles.

Even the younger members of the Senate have fallen ill in recent weeks.

The Senate, where the average age is 65, has been without several members recently due to illness. The office of Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein said she was hospitalized last week to be treated for shingles

Democrat Senator John Fetterman, 53, who suffered a stroke during his campaign last year, was expected to remain out for some weeks as he received care for clinical depression

Democrat John Fetterman, 53, who suffered a stroke during his campaign last year, was expected to remain out for some weeks as he received care for clinical depression.

Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, returned home after the death of his mother last week, and Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, spent time away from the upper chamber recovering from COVID. They all missed upper chamber votes last week

The Democratic absences have proven a challenge for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., who is already navigating a very narrow 51-49 majority.

The Republicans, as the minority party, have had an easier time with intermittent absences. It is unclear if McConnell will be out on Thursday and if that would have an effect on scheduled votes. South Dakota Sen. John Thune is the Senates No. 2 Republican.

President Joe Biden, who is also an octogenarian at 80 years old, recently had a minor health scare of his own.

President Joe Biden had lesion removed from his chest during a February physical that was found to be cancerous - he is now cancer free; (above) he leaves the White House on Friday afternoon to head to Wilmington, Delaware

A skin legion lesion removed from Biden's chest last month during his annual physical was cancerous, White House doctor Kevin O'Connor announced last week, but added no further treatment is needed.

Biden is already the oldest president in U.S. history, and if he wins another term, he will be 82 at the time of his second inauguration.

The president is not the only member of the family to be diagnosed with skin cancer.

First lady Jill Biden in January had two basal cell lesions removed from her right eye and chest. All cancerous cells were removed.
A notorious prisoner who aided and abetted his cellmate's suicide and plotted to slay child killer Roy Whiting is making another bid to win his freedom.

Serial offender Neil Preece-Smith, who a judge once branded 'extremely dangerous,' will go before the Parole Board for a sixth time in the early summer in a fresh attempt to be released on licence.

Preece-Smith had plotted to kill Whiting, who is serving a life sentence for the abduction and murder of eight-year-old schoolgirl Sarah Payne in July 2000, while locked up with him at Category A Wakefield prison in West Yorkshire.

His upcoming parole hearing before a three-person panel will be on the radar of Justice Secretary Dominic Raab, who has made a point of ignoring controversial parole recommendations.

The deputy prime minister has blocked dozens of serious criminals from leaving secure jails as part of a tougher approach to parole instigated last year.

Serial offender Neil Preece-Smith (pictured), who a judge once branded 'extremely dangerous', will go before the Parole Board for a sixth time in the early summer in a fresh bid to be released on licence

Preece-Smith plotted to kill child killer Roy Whiting (pictured). Whiting is serving a life sentence for the abduction and murder of eight-year-old schoolgirl Sarah Payne in July 2000

Preece-Smith will face tough questions from the parole panel as he has a history of aggressive behaviour and serious offending behind bars.

Originally convicted of arson, he hit the headlines in 2016 when he admitted plotting to kill Whiting, one of Britain's most notorious child killers, by using sharpened toothbrushes.

Preece-Smith, now 37, was locked up with evil Whiting at Category A Wakefield prison in West Yorkshire when he plotted the attack.

Whiting is serving a life sentence in the prison for the abduction and murder of eight-year-old schoolgirl Sarah Payne in July 2000.

Preece-Smith confessed at Leeds Crown Court after being found in possession of the weapons on four occasions.

He admitted that he had made them and intended to use them on sex offenders in the prison.

He pleaded guilty to four offences of possession of a prohibited article and was given a two year sentence.

He told Recorder Jeremy Barnett when asked why he had committed the offences: 'There is a person in Wakefield called Roy Whiting and I have threatened him before.'

He added: 'If I come into contact with these people, I will carry out my threat but at the moment I am on F-Wing and I have stability.

'Should I come into contact with a sex offender, I will carry out my threat.'

In 2006, he was sentenced to life in prison for torching an ex-offenders' hostel as he wanted to kill people staying there.

The sentencing judge described him as 'extremely dangerous'.

Later the same year, he was handed a 10-year prison sentence for aiding and abetting his cellmate's suicide at Armley Prison in Leeds, West Yorkshire.

Then aged 26, he stunned an inquest into the death of remand prisoner Michael Clegg, 48, by claiming that he had murdered his cellmate on May 9, 2006.

He told the court via video link from HMP Leeds that he killed Mr Clegg after being pressured by other prisoners to 'deal' with his cellmate, whom they wrongly believed to be a paedophile.

He described how he tied Mr Clegg's ankles and hands using the victim's shoelaces while threatening him with a makeshift knife.

'I ripped up a bed sheet, made a noose, made little cuts with the blade [on his lower back and buttocks], not to kill him, but to make him scared enough to put his neck in the noose.

'Then I gave him three choices: to hang himself, or I would hang him, or I would cut him up.'

He added: 'I helped him on to the pipes... he tried to use his hands to pull himself up but I pulled down on his legs until he was dead. I waited half an hour then pressed the cell bell. '

Preece-Smith told the jury that he pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting suicide because he 'didn't want to get done for a serious charge'.

West Yorkshire Police Superintendent Colin Prime, who led the investigation, told the court he had recommended charging Preece-Smith with murder but the CPS believed there was not enough evidence.

Mr Clegg had been in prison for 12 days and was due to be released to a bail hostel the day after his death.

In 2017, Preece-Smith made multiple phone calls claiming that he had left bombs outside railway stations and in the car park at Wakefield prison.

Preece-Smith, now 37, was locked up with Whiting at Category A Wakefield prison (pictured) in West Yorkshire when he plotted the attack

At Leeds Crown Court, Richard Walters, prosecuting, said Preece-Smith was on the segregation unit, where inmates were allowed to ring The Samaritans if they were in a low mood.

The court heard the inmate used a phone line which was encrypted so conversations could not be recorded.

Judge Sally Cahill, QC, imposed a five-year prison sentence.

A spokesperson for the Parole Board said: 'We can confirm the parole review of Neil Preece-Smith has been referred to the Parole Board by the Secretary of State for Justice and is following standard processes.

'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.'

This comes as Mr Raab in January, stepped in to block Reginald Wilson, now 58, from being transferred to a lower risk prison despite the Parole Board recommending the move.

Aged 26, Wilson carried out one of the most notorious murders in UK criminal history when he randomly targeted doctor David Birkett at his home in Middlesbrough in 1990.

The esteemed dermatologist was bludgeoned to death.
A cheery Meghan Markle enjoyed brunch at a chic West Hollywood vegan hotspot with friends on International Women's Day yesterday - just hours after she and Prince Harry revealed that they wanted Archie and Lilibet to be a prince and princess.

The Duchess of Sussex smiled as she left Gracias Madre on Melrose Avenue, a meat-free and organic Mexican restaurant that claims to be 'born out of love for Mother Earth - and reverence for all mothers'. She was spotted with Ashley Momtaheni, EVP of Global Communications of Archewell.

It came as the Daily Mail revealed Buckingham Palace is making plans for Harry and Meghan to attend the Kings Coronation.

Staff organising logistics for the historic occasion have been instructed to include the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in their programme for May 6, sources have said.

While insiders cautioned the couple has not yet accepted King Charless invitation, the fact that officials within the Master of the Households Department and Lord Chamberlains Office are anticipating their attendance is the strongest suggestion yet that the Sussexes could make an appearance.

The Duchess of Sussex smiling as she leaves Gracias Madre in West Hollywood on International Women's Day. She was accompanied by Ashley Momtaheni, EVP of Global Communications of Archewell

Meghan Markle outside the restaurant in West Hollywood yesterday

The Daily Mail revealed Buckingham Palace is making plans for Harry and Meghan to attend the King Charles III's (pictured today) Coronation

King Charles III looked at mosquitos under a microscope during a visit to the Animal and Plant Health Agency in Addlestone, Surrey, today

Meghan and Harry have not yet accepted the King's (pictured today at Buckingham Palace) invitation but the fact that officials are anticipating their attendance is the strongest suggestion yet that the Sussexes could make an appearance at the Coronation

That is despite spending much of the last three years throwing brickbats at the monarchy as an institution as well as the rest of the Royal Family.

It is likely that negotiations around what events the couple would attend, where they would sit, what they would wear and, of course, their security, will go right to the wire.

Meghan, who was wearing 540 white Valentino mules, a matching 6,000 Chanel bag, a 3,300 Max Mara cashmere coat and 180 Valentino sunglasses, left with two female friends before waving to waiting photographers and saying: 'Have a good day guys - thank you so much'.

After brunch at Gracias Madre, which is well known for its wet burritos - stuffed tortillas topped with tomato sauce - jackfruit tacos and plantain french toast at up to $15 a plate, the duchess jumped into a waiting 4x4 with tinted windows and travelled towards Montecito.

Hours earlier the Sussexes revealed their 21-month-old daughter, who they named 'Princess Lilibet Diana', had been christened at the couple's 11million mansion in California. It is not known if Meghan toasted the announcement with one of the restaurant's 93 types of tequila.

Today Buckingham Palace confirmed Harry and Meghan's decision and updated the line of succession with the new titles, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

Due to its popularity, bookings at vegan Gracias Madre can be hard to come by, but the website promises: 'There is always a seat at Love's table'. Its founders Matthew and Terces Engelhart came under fire from vegans in 2016 when it was revealed that they eat meat.

The Duchess of Sussex is pictured yesterday as she leaves the restaurant Gracias Madre

Meghan Markle smiles as she is photographed outside the restaurant in California yesterday

Gracias Madre on Melrose Avenue, a meat-free and organic Mexican restaurant that claims to be 'born out of love for Mother Earth - and reverence for all mothers'

A Caesar salad at Gracias Madre is a whopping $18 while a starter of chorizo empanadas will set you back $17

Until 9.30am this morning, the children had been referred to as plain 'master' and 'miss' Mountbatten-Windsor on the Buckingham Palace website. Now they are 'Prince Archie of Sussex' and 'Princess Lilibet of Sussex'.

It came shortly after their California-based parents declared it is Archie and Lilibet's 'birthright' to be called prince and princess in a statement defending their decision to use the titles.

How much does it cost to eat at the vegan spot Meghan went to? Meghan Markle enjoyed brunch yesterday at the chic West Hollywood vegan hotspot Gracias Madre on Melrose Avenue. It is a meat-free and organic Mexican restaurant that claims to be 'born out of love for Mother Earth - and reverence for all mothers'. A Caesar salad at Gracias Madre is a whopping $18 while a starter of chorizo empanadas will set you back $17. If you get thirsty you can try a kefir hibiscus ginger soda for $7 or have a glass of CBD Agua Fresca for an eye-watering $12. The restaurant's signature Madre Bowl, which has chipotle roasted sweet potato and sauteed kale, costs a staggering $20. Advertisement

The Duke and Duchess also insisted that the matter had been 'settled for some time' with King Charles  despite only being revealed by the couple yesterday. His Majesty is said to have told Prince Harry that his children would be allowed to be called prince and princess in a private conversation after the Queen's funeral last year.

A spokesman for Harry and Meghan said: 'The children's titles have been a birthright since their grandfather became monarch. This matter has been settled for some time in alignment with Buckingham Palace.'

But their 21-month-old daughter Lilibet saw her royal title of 'princess' used formally for the first time yesterday when the couple told the world she had been christened in California without Charles, Camilla, William and Kate present.

Sources close to the Sussexes had suggested they were frustrated that Buckingham Palace failed to immediately recognise Archie and Lilibet's titles after the Queen's death six months ago.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, and their three children, had their titles swiftly changed when Charles acceded to the throne in September.

But Archie and Lili's were not changed until around 24 hours after the baptism announcement yesterday.

Buckingham Palace sources claimed that they were waiting for Harry and Meghan to make a final decision.

Charles not blocking it  despite the turmoil Harry and Meghan have caused  is seen as an olive branch after reports the couple has been 'obsessed' with the idea that the King might bar the children from being prince or princess.

Royal sources said Charles would never have 'punished' his grandchildren like that.

It is understood that despite the Sussexes' repeated attacks on the institution of the monarchy and members of the Royal Family, there has been correspondence on the issue between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and royal aides.

The Duchess put on a stylish display on International Women's Day yesterday

The Duchess of Sussex was a picture of happiness as she left yesterday

 Slide me  BEFORE AND AFTER: Archie and Lilibet are officially 'Prince Archie of Sussex' and 'Princess Lilibet of Sussex'. This is how the royal website looked today before 9am (left) and after (right). Slide to see the change

A source told the Daily Mirror: 'The appropriate conversations took place ahead of Lilibet's christening.'

While it is understood the title will be used in formal settings, it will not be in everyday conversational use by the couple.

So she will likely still be known as 'Lilibet' in most scenarios.

Harry and Meghan are understood to be keen not to deny their children their birthright but will allow them the chance to decide for themselves when they are older whether they want to drop or keep using the titles.

It will be up to Lilibet whether she wants to describe herself as a princess.

Rules set out by King George V in 1917 mean Archie and Lili, as the children of a son of a sovereign, are automatically a prince and a princess - but there were doubts until yesterday whether the Sussexes would use it - and even whether Charles would block it after Megxit.

The Palace yesterday said its website would be be 'updated in due course' to reflect the titles after the couple's statement.

Previously, at the time of the late Queen's death and the King's accession last year, a spokesman for the King pledged to update Archie and Lilibet's names on the site 'as and when we get information'.

Meghan said in the couple's bombshell interview with US talk show host Oprah Winfrey in 2021 that Archie was not given the title of prince because of his race.

The real reason was that although he was a great-grandchild of the monarch, he was not a first-born son of a future king and so was not automatically a prince.

Lilibet also now has an HRH  Her Royal Highness  style title if she wishes to use it.

However, it also understood that HRH will be 'held in abeyance', which describes a state of temporary disuse.

Although Harry and Meghan retain their HRH styles, they no longer use them after quitting the working monarchy.

Harry and Meghan have said that not calling Archie (left with his Dad) and Lilibet (right on her first birthday) prince and princess would deny their children their birthright

The King told Prince Harry that his children would be allowed to use the titles in a 'private conversation' after the Queen's funeral last year (pictured)

The Sussexes at their former home Frogmore Cottage during their visit to the UK for the Queen's Jubilee in June, pictured

The first picture of the couple's daughter Lilibet was released in a Christmas card on December 23, 2021

The move is seen as an olive branch from Charles after reports Harry and Meghan had been 'obsessed' with the idea that the King might bar the children from being prince or princess

Tyler Perry at a Los Angeles airport last Friday, on the day he attended Lilibet's christening as her godfather

It was previously reported in 2021 that Charles, in a bid to limit the number of key royals, intended, when he became monarch, to prevent Archie becoming a prince.

To do so, he would have to issue a Letters Patent amending Archie's right to be a prince and Lili's right to be a princess.

The couple's statement yesterday said Lilibet was 'christened on March 3, by the Archbishop of Los Angeles, the Rev John Taylor'.

However, Reverend Taylor is actually the Bishop of Los Angeles in the Episcopal Church in the US, which is part of the global Anglican Communion.

Conducting the ceremony in the US means that Lilibet will not be considered a 'member' of the Church of England automatically.

However, as the Episcopal Church is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, the christening in the US is valid in the UK.

A royal baby does also not need to be christened in a Church of England church to go into the royal line of succession and she could later join a Church of England congregation if she came to Britain.

It is not believed that any other current members of the Royal Family have been baptised by the Episcopal Church.

The couple's 11million mansion in Montecito, California, where their daughter's christening was held

Meghan was a Catholic growing up before being baptised and confirmed into the Church of England in 2018.

The couple broke with a longstanding tradition by holding the baptism in the US, with royal babies normally christened in a Church of England church.

People magazine reported that there were between 20 and 30 guests at the event, including Meghan's mother Doria Ragland and Lilibet's billionaire godfather Tyler Perry.

The filmmaker had been spotted paying a visit to Harry and Meghan's Montecito home last Friday and at an airport in Los Angeles where he boarded his private jet.

Afterwards guests and family danced to a playlist thought to contain songs from Harry and Meghan's wedding reception at Windsor Castle.

Royal journalist Omid Scobie, who is close to the Sussexes, reported that 'King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Kate were invited but didn't attend'.

It is not known whether any other Royal Family members were present.
Russians were warned today to take anti-radiation pills and rush to their nearest nuclear bomb shelters after hackers compromised state television servers to broadcast chilling messages.

TV and radio programmes in Moscow and the Sverdlovsk region, including Yekaterinburg city, were interrupted with an alarming message telling citizens a missile strike had been conducted on Russian soil.

The population was urged to take potassium iodide pills, don gas masks to protect themselves and to seek shelter.

The Russian Emergencies Ministry said hacking was responsible for the false alarm - the third such case in the past month but the first in which viewers were warned to take anti-radiation pills.

An ominous map of Russia slowly being covered in red was broadcast into people's homes with the message 'Everyone to the shelters immediately'

A warning to Russians to take anti-radiation pills after a missile strike appeared today on TV channels in Moscow and the Sverdlovsk region

Russian media has been the target of several hacking attacks since Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022

A TV warning accompanied by a blaring siren warned: 'Urgent message. There was a strike.

'Urgently go to a shelter. Seal the premises. Use gas masks of all types.

'In the absence of gas masks, use cotton-gauze bandages. Take potassium iodide pills.

'Keep calm. Should you feel worse, go to the nearest medical facility.'

Hacked screens displayed an ominous map of Russia, gradually covered with red from west to east.

A message below in bright yellow stated: 'Everyone immediately to shelter.'

The screen then showed the instantly recognisable black and yellow radiation warning sign.

A Russian emergencies ministry statement said: 'A false air raid alert was broadcast in Moscow after servers of radio stations and TV channels were hacked.'

There were claims satellite signals broadcasting the TV and radio content were disrupted.

Some commentators claimed this could be a ploy by the Kremlin to warn the public to be ready for war as Putin ramps up his rhetoric amid deep tension between east and west over the conflict in Ukraine.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility, though Russian media has been the target of several hacking attacks since Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

Another high-profile hack recently interrupted the broadcast of President Putin's state of the nation address in Moscow on February 2021

Russia's President Vladimir Putin delivers his annual address before the Federal Assembly at the Gostiny Dvor conference center in Moscow, Russia, 21 February 2023

One such hacking instance last month saw millions of Russians across four time zones told to rush to air raid shelters because of an imminent missile attack as radio broadcasts were interrupted.

The spoof warning claimed: 'An air alert is being announced. Everyone, go to the shelters immediately. Attention! Attention! There is a threat of a missile strike.'

Among the cities affected were Belgorod, Stary Oskol, Ufa, Kazan, Novouralsk, Novosibirsk, Pyatigorsk, Tyumen, Voronezh, Nizhny Novgorod and Magnitogorsk as well as a number of places in the Moscow region.

A spokesman for Gazprom Media, which runs several of the hacked stations, said at the time: 'We are dealing with this issue. This will not happen again in the near future.'

Another high-profile hack recently interrupted the broadcast of President Putin's state of the nation address in Moscow on February 2021.

The web links of main state channels, which are part of All-Russian State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company [VGTRK], were hit by an apparent major hack operation as Putin spoke to lawmakers in Russia's parliament.

Instead of Putin's speech, a notice on screen announced 'Mistake 500' and that 'technical works' were underway.

There was no official confirmation of hacking - but it appeared a major problem had hit the state broadcaster across all 11 of Russia's time zones.

The state-run RIA Novosti news agency later said the outage was the result of a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack, but did not name a suspect.
A senior SNP MP today warned that the party could be torn apart if Kate Forbes becomes leader as she suggested the frontrunner has been indulging in 'dangerous conspiracy theories'.

Mhairi Black, the nationalists' deputy leader at Westminster, lashed out evangelical Christian Ms Forbes over claims she was being persecuted for her faith, saying the idea was 'fanciful at best'.

The Finance Minister started the campaign by saying she would vote against same-sex marriage if there was another vote, and also spoke out against extra-marital sex. She suggested she was the victim of 'illiberal' attacks.

A new poll today suggests she is nonetheless the favourite with the wider Scottish public to replace Nicola Sturgeon as First Minister, though SNP voters narrowly prefer Humza Yousuf, the Health Minister.

Ms Black, who is gay and married her wife last year, is backing Mr Yousaf, said Ms Forbes had 'alienated swathes of the population before shes even started'.

Asked on The Bunker podcast if a Forbes victory could split the SNP, she replied: Honestly I don't know, to tell you the truth. It's very much a wait and see what happens. I wouldn't even want to risk that, that's why I'm backing Humza.

'The idea that Kate is being persecuted, or that there is a witch hunt or unionist media plot against her is utterly fanciful at best and a dangerous conspiracy theory at worst.

Mhairi Black (centre), the nationalists' deputy leader at Westminister, lashed out evangelical Christian Ms Forbes over claims she was being persecuted for her faith, saying the idea was 'fanciful at best'.

The Finance Minister started the campaign by saying she would vote against same-sex marriage if there was another vote, and also spoke out against extra-marital sex. She suggested she was the victim of 'illiberal' attacks from critics.

A new poll today suggests she is nonetheless the favourite with the wider Scottish public to replace Nicola Sturgeon as First Minister, though SNP voters narrowly prefer Humza Yousuf, the Health Minister.

'Holding candidates to account, and scrutinising what they have said themselves  on camera, voluntarily, as a pitch to be the next FM of Scotland  is not abuse.'

The research - carried out ahead of the first UK-wide TV debate of the SNP leadership campaign - found Ms Forbes is neck and neck with rival candidate Humza Yousaf among SNP supporters.

The poll was carried out by Ipsos for Channel 4 News, which will broadcast Thursday night's clash.

It found Ms Forbes, the current Scottish Finance Secretary, is the choice of 32 per cent of Scots to be the next first minister.

Mr Yousaf, the Scottish Health Secretary, is the favourite of 24 per cent of those polled, while the third candidate in the contest, former Scottish community safety minister Ash Regan, is on 8 per cent. Almost a quarter (24 per cent) of all voters want none of them to become first minister.

Among those who voted SNP in the last Holyrood election in 2021, 33 per cent said Mr Yousaf will make the best first minister and 32 per cent opted for Ms Forbes.

More than 1,500 Scots aged 16 and over were questioned between Monday and Tuesday this week for the poll.

It is SNP members who will decide who the party's next leader is - with the winner also becoming first minister after Nicola Sturgeon announced last month she is stepping down.

The ballot of party members gets under way on Monday and will run until March 27, with the winner declared after that.

As well as a number of TV debates, a series of leadership hustings are taking place across Scotland as part of the contest.
A woman wearing a mask passes by an electric board displaying the number of daily COVID-19 cases at Seoul Station, Thursday. Yonhap



By Jun Ji-hye



The government is considering lifting the mask mandate for public transportation soon, as COVID-19 infection numbers have continued decreasing in recent weeks.



The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said Thursday that health authorities have been keenly monitoring the situation after most of the indoor mask-wearing rules were lifted on Jan. 30.



The authorities also consulted with experts about the possibility of further lifting the remaining rules, beginning with the rule for public transportation.



"The announcement about the timing will be made sometime next week," the official said.



Last May, Korea lifted its outdoor mask rule in a major step toward supporting a return to normality.



Then on Jan. 30 this year, the government lifted most of the rules for mask-wearing indoors, allowing people to visit most places, including schools, kindergartens and gyms, without masks.



Nonetheless, masks remain mandatory at hospitals and pharmacies and on public transportation.



Officials noted that a number of experts expressed positive opinions about lifting the mask mandate on public transportation, with some citing that a number of people are still wearing masks even though most indoor mask-wearing rules have been lifted.



According to the KDCA data, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases reported between Feb. 26 and March 4 decreased by 7 percent to 65,539 from the previous week.



The number of seriously ill patients also fell by 21.1 percent to 150 during the period.

Based on the improved figures in recent weeks, the KDCA assessed the degree of risk of the pandemic as "low" for the seventh consecutive week.


A horse-drawn carriage led the funeral procession of a paedophile drag queen who was found dead in an alleyway dressed in full stage costume.

Darren Meah-Moore, 39, was last seen in full face make-up, a luminous green dress, a blonde wig, diamante heels and a matching clutch bag before he went missing.

The drag queen, who performed under the names Crystal Coutoure and CC Quinn, was found dead in a lane close to several nightclubs and bars in Cardiff on January 22, and his mystery death sparked a police investigation.

Moore was previously known as Darren Sewell and had been convicted of child rape in 1999 for an attack on a young boy and was jailed for three years at a young offenders institution.

Mourners reportedly gathered for his funeral procession as roads in Cardiff were closed so his carriage could stop at the city's oldest gay bar.

A horse-drawn carriage led the funeral of a paedophile drag queen whose mystery death sparked a police investigation

He performed under the names Crystal Coutoure and CC Quinn

A post mortem examination found the cause of death was 'pending further investigation' (pictured is the funeral procession)

Moore's hearse was adorned with floral arrangements spelling out 'husband' and 'father' and bright yellow feather boas inside the carriage.

An inquest last month heard his body was found at 7.35pm on January 22 and a 50-year old man was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.

A post mortem examination found the cause of death was 'pending further investigation.'

The coroner adjourned the inquest until the conclusion of the police investigation and any court proceedings.

Moore was found dead in a lane between Windsor Place and Park Lane close to several nightclubs and bars and just yards from Cardiff's main shopping area Queen Street.

A spokeswoman for South Wales Police said: 'Darren was last seen at around 5am dressed in drag and was wearing full face make-up, a luminous green dress, a blonde wig, diamante heels and a matching clutch bag.'

A family tribute after his death said: 'Darren Moore was a loving husband, son, brother, uncle and friend.

'He was always the life and soul where ever he went, he was our social butterfly. He made sure he had a lot of time for people, and never judged others.

'Darren's husband and family want to thank everyone for their support but now need time to grieve and respectfully request privacy at this time.'

Moore was found dead close to several nightclubs and bars and just yards from Cardiff's main shopping area
'I'm responding to the ridiculous statements you made in your opening statement, Jordan retorted

'There is something going on between Congressional Republicans and Elon Musk, said ranking member Rep. Stacey Plaskett (D-Virgin Islands)

The House panel probing the 'weaponization' of the federal government' and the subsequent release of the 'Twitter Files,' kicked off with a fiery start on Thursday as the Republican-led hearing began with sniping attacks between Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and the ranking member, Rep. Stacey Plaskett (D-Virgin Islands).

The chairman's opening statements included a tirade against the 'cozy relationship' between Big Tech and government agencies, with particular ire against Twitter for suppressing a story in 2020 about the release of embarrassing emails and photos from Hunter Biden's laptop.

Jordan claimed that Twitter executives were tipped off that the Bidens would be the target of a 'hack and leak operation' by U.S. government officials, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

'What a coincidence,' Jordan snarked.

Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, left, speaks during a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill, Feb. 9, 2023, in Washington

Twitter is accused of having a cozy relationship with government agencies.

'There is something going on between Congressional Republicans and Elon Musk,' said ranking member Rep. Stacey Plaskett (D-Virgin Islands)

Plaskett retorted that Republicans are pushing a misleading narrative and possess questionable motives.

'There is something going on between Congressional Republicans and Elon Musk,' she said. 'Mr. Chairman, Americans can see through this. Musk is helping you out politically, and you're going out of your way to promote and protect him, and to praise him for his work.'

'Ridiculous!' snapped Jordan as he continued to bicker with Plaskett, who complained that the Democrats didn't get access to letters from the Federal Trade Commission until 8 p.m. the night before the hearing.

The chairman introduced the witnesses, including Substack journalists Matt Taibbi and Michael Shellenberger, who were given access by Elon Musk to review 'voluminous' amounts of Twitter's internal communications on possible working relationships between social media companies and government agencies.

In his opening statement, Taibbi told the panel that he attracted intense public interest when the first 'Twitter Files' reports came out.

'My computer looked like a slot machine as just the first tweet about the blockage of the Hunter Biden laptop story registered 143 million impressions and 30 million engagements.'

Taibbi got the attention of millions of viewers with the first installment focusing on Twitter's internal discussions leading them to censor the Hunter Biden laptop during the 2020 presidential election, as some officials tried to explain it violated its 'hacked materials' policies.

'We learned Twitter, Facebook, Google, and other companies developed a formal system for taking in moderation 'requests' from every corner of government: the FBI, DHS, HHS, DOD, the Global Engagement Center at State, even the CIA.'

Taibbi wrote, 'Undeniably, making such lists is a form of digital McCarthyism.'

'We just saw this with the Covid lab-leak theory. Many of the institutions we're now investigating initially labeled the idea that Covid came from a lab 'disinformation' and conspiracy theory. Now apparently, even the FBI takes it seriously. '

'The First Amendment, and an American population accustomed to the right to speak, is the best defense left against the Censorship-Industrial Complex,' he wrote.

'If there's anything the Twitter Files show, it's that we're in danger of losing this most precious right, without which all other democratic rights are impossible.'

Independent journalist Matt Taibbi testifies before the House committee about the 'Twitter Files'

Journalist Michael Shellenberger testifies about the 'Twitter Files' before the House Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government

President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden. House Republicans have first requested documents from Hunter and James Biden regarding foreign business dealings.
Three man have been jailed for 73 years each for raping and robbing four British schoolgirls and their teacher at gunpoint during a trip to Ghana.

The case, which was deliberately shrouded in secrecy to protect the British children from being identified, ended on Thursday with a statement which even banned the naming of the UK police force involved in case it led to identification of the victims.

The rapes and robberies happened soon after the UK schoolchildren and their teachers arrived on the foreign trip to Ghana. They were in their accommodation when the gang of rapists armed with guns burst into the building.

Local media reported that the school group consisted of six male students, four female students, and two teachers - one male and one female.

The three attackers were named as Ghanaian national Ishmael Akyene, 34, Nigerian national Daniel Akpan, 29, and Nigerian national Edem Asuquo, 33.

A school trip to Ghana which ended with some of the girls being raped, boys held at gunpoint and all having their possessions stolen, has resulted in three Ghanians being jailed for 73 years each. The three men pleaded guilty in Accra (pictured, file photo)

They all admitted to 32 offences, the Ghanaian police said in a statement. Charges include conspiracy, robbery, rape and illegal possession of firearms.

In the statement following the sentencing in Ghana, police said: 'Three men have been convicted and sentenced following an investigation by police in Ghana, which has been supported by a UK police force.

'All three men have been sentenced to 73 years imprisonment each. 23 years for firearms offences, 25 years for robbery offences and 23 years for rape. All of the men will serve their sentences concurrently,' the statement said. This means that the men will serve the highest of the three punishments, which is 25 years.

'All three men pleaded guilty at a court hearing in Accra in Ghana,' the police said.

'The convictions are in connection with an incident, which occurred in December, 2018 in which a group of pupils and teachers from a UK school travelled to Ghana. The school or area where they were from cannot be named for legal reasons.

'Shortly after their arrival, a number of armed men entered the accommodation where the group was staying. The group were held at gunpoint, and the female victims were subjected to serious sexual assaults,' the police said.

Ghana Web also reported that one of the teachers was also raped.

The prosecution said the men were in the guesthouse for about three hours, during which time they attacked the British nationals and stole their belongings. The gang left the property at about 4am with the stolen items.

'The male victims were assaulted and held at gunpoint. Their possessions were also stolen from them before the offenders left the site,' police said.

The court ordered the guilty men to serve their sentences in hard labour. A vehicle was also confiscated from them, as well as other possessions used in the attack.

The case, which was deliberately shrouded in secrecy to protect the British children from being identified, ended on Thursday with a statement which even banned the naming of the UK police force involved in case it led to identification of the victims. Pictured: Accra (file)

The vehicle was used to track two of the men down, as police were able to track a stolen debit card and connect it to two men seen leaving the Green Kia Rio.

Prosecutors said the men had made the victims disclose their PIN codes to their bank accounts, as well as passwords to one of their phones.

Police arrested one suspect first, who led them to the second. The arrested pair then led police to the house of the third, by he managed to escape through the roof of his house and fled to Nigeria. He was later extradited from Nigeria to stand trial.

The victims continue to be supported by specially trained police officers, and other agencies. Ghana Web reported that items and stolen money were returned.
Sir Keir Starmer has been grilled about Labour's asylum plans by an 11-year-old from Iran who made a perilous journey to Britain across the English Channel on a dinghy.

Arvin, who travelled to the UK from Calais in northern France, revealed how he and his family had 'no choice' but to make the 31-mile trip on a small boat.

He quizzed Sir Keir about whether, if he became prime minister, he would work with the French to 'provide a safe route to the UK for genuine refugees like me'.

The Labour leader agreed there should be 'safe passages' for asylum seekers in order to stop criminal gangs cashing in on the 'misery' of those making dinghy crossings.

Sir Keir was questioned about his migration plans by Arvin during an appearance on Sky News show FYI, which will be broadcast at the weekend.

The Labour leader was quizzed by Arvin, an 11-year-old from Iran who made a perilous journey to Britain across the English Channel on a dinghy

Arvin, who travelled to the UK from Calais in northern France, revealed how he and his family had 'no choice' but to make the 31-mile trip on a small boat

Sir Keir Starmer was quizzed about whether, if he became prime minister, he would work with the French to 'provide a safe route to the UK for genuine refugees' like Arvin's family

The Labour leader said there should be 'safe passages' for asylum seekers in order to stop criminal gangs cashing in on the 'misery' of those making dinghy crossings

It comes after the Government this week unveiled new legislation aimed at ending the Channel migrant crisis, with Rishi Sunak having promised to 'stop the boats'.

The Prime Minister has said the Illegal Migration Bill will stop people claiming asylum in the UK if they arrive through unauthorised means.

This means asylum seekers arriving illegally will be detained and face a lifetime ban on returning after they are removed.

They will never be allowed to settle in Britain or gain citizenship.

Mr Sunak has vowed to oversee the 'swift removal' of those who enter the UK illegally.

It comes after the Government this week unveiled new legislation aimed at ending the Channel migrant crisis, with Rishi Sunak having promised to 'stop the boats'

Arvin told the Labour leader: 'I'm from Iran and I'm a refugee in the UK. We ended up in Calais in France and then we had no choice but to cross the English Channel in a dinghy towards England like so many families before us'

But Sir Keir this week branded the new legislation a 'gimmick' and blasted the Government's 'utter failure' to stem Channel crossings.

Campaigners have expressed concerns the only safe routes for claiming asylum in Britain are through limited schemes for those from Ukraine, Afghanistan and Hong Kong.

In his quizzing of Sir Keir, Arvin asked if an incoming Labour government would seek to establish further safe routes for refugees.

'Hi, I'm Arvin. I'm from Iran and I'm a refugee in the UK,' he told the Labour leader.

'We ended up in Calais in France and then we had no choice but to cross the English Channel in a dinghy towards England like so many families before us.

'Mr Starmer, the Government says that they want to work with the French authorities to stop people reaching the UK on a boat like my family did.

'But what about working with the French to provide a safe route to the UK for genuine refugees like me. Would you do that?'

In response to Arvin, the Labour leader insisted that Britain 'should have safe passages' for asylum seekers.

'In this country we've always been very welcoming of refugees for many, many years with different conflicts and things going on in the world,' Sir Keir said.

'We should have safe passages, in answer to the question, for people to get here.

'Going across the Channel in a boat is not a safe route and behind that there are criminal gangs who are running those routes.

'And so they are making money out of the misery of people who are in a desperate, desperate situation.

'So we need safe routes so we don't have unsafe routes like the Channel crossings and we don't allow those gangs to exploit people, put them in that awfully dangerous situation.'

FYI will be available to view on demand on Sky Kids and streaming service NOW om Saturday.

It will also be aired on Sky News at 10.30am, 2.30pm and 4.30pm on Saturday and 10.30am and 2.30pm on Sunday.
Back in July, Stein posted a video of himself haranguing the representative on the steps of the United States Capitol

Political provocateur and satirist Alex Stein is suing Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez for blocking him on Twitter after he heckled her in front of the U.S. Capitol.

Calling the New York Progressive his 'favorite big booty Latina' as she walked into the complex, Stein also shouted about AOC's support for abortion, which he called killing babies.

'She wants to kill babies but she's still beautiful,' he said as he recorded. 'You look very beautiful in that dress. You look very sexy. Look at that booty on AOC.'

'Look how sexy she looks in that dress. Oooh, I love it AOC. Hot, hot, hot like a tamale.'

This is not the first time AOC has been sued for blocking someone on Twitter. She previously apologized to and unblocked former Brooklyn assemblyman Dov Hikind after a lawsuit on similar grounds was decided against former President Donald Trump

The viral interaction with AOC went viral and has since helped Stein bolster his career as an online political satirist.

Stein has harangued other lawmakers on Capitol Hill, including Senator Ted Cruz and Representatives Eric Swalwell and Dan Crenshaw, but, according to Stein, 'None of them moved the needle closer than AOC.'

Mere months after the confrontation, Stein was in talks with conservative network Blaze Media to host his own show. It has since launched under the title 'Prime Time with Alex Stein.'

Consequently, AOC blocked Stein on Twitter, a decision that has now gotten her sued.

Stein's suit on Wednesday cited a federal appeals court decision that ruled against then-President Donald Trump. The court ruled that the former POTUS had violated the constitutional rights of several individuals by blocking them on Twitter.

The appeals court said Trump had acted in his official capacity as president when he made those decisions.

Days following that ruling, which came in November of 2019, AOC apologized and settled a case with former Brooklyn assemblyman Dov Hikind, whom she had also blocked on account of critical responses to her tweets.

She ultimately lifted the block on Hikind and admitted that he 'has a First Amendment right to express his views and should not be blocked for them.'

Stein is hoping for a similar outcome with his suit.

He said he doesn't 'have any hard feelings for AOC,' adding that he is not looking for a monetary settlement out of the case, which was filed in US District Court in Washington, DC.

'I really would like to have her unblock me,' he said, saying that would allow him to 'communicate with her.'

Alex Stein brands himself a political satirist and provocateur. Since his viral interaction with AOC, he has been given a show deal with conservative network Blaze Media

Following their July 2022 interaction, AOC blocked Stein on Twitter, an action for which she is now being sued

Stein often harasses lawmakers on Capitol Hill in order to make viral content. He has also interacted with Ted Cruz, Eric Swalwell, and Dan Crenshaw

If AOC decides to battle the case in court, she would be reopening the same set of issues and arguments that were previously litigated in terms of whether political figures have the right to prevent certain people or groups from following them online.

In 2021, the Supreme Court erased the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that Trump has violated the First Amendment rights of the individuals he had blocked.

The high court ordered the case be dismissed as moot because Trump was, by then, no longer serving as president.

The Supreme Court's order meant that the 2nd Circuit's ruling could no longer be used as a precedent for similar cases in which elected officials had blocked Twitter followers.

Stein's case will also likely be handled differently because it stems from statements he made to AOC in person, not online.

Back in July, AOC tweeted out the video of Stein confronting her on the Capitol steps and called it a 'deeply disgusting incident.'

She added that Stein was clearly in want of 'extremist fame.'

'I was actually walking over to deck him because if no one will protect us then I'll do it myself,' she declared. 'But I needed to catch a vote more than a case today.'

The suit said that Stein blocked AOC 'in retaliation to Mr. Stein's exercise of his First Amendment rights, because earlier that day Mr. Stein, in the context of political commentary and sate, complimented Ms. Cortez.'

'Mr. Stein has a constitutional right to access Ms. Cortezs Twitter account as part of vigorous public comment and criticism,' reads the suit. 'Ms. Cortez's practice of blocking Twitter users she disagrees with is unconstitutional and this suit seeks to redress that wrong.'

Stein's attorney, Jonathan Gross, in an interview, said the provocateur's references to AOC's body were 'satire,' and the reference to her support for abortion 'is obviously political.'

'My client is a political satirist,' he said. 'Political speech, the Supreme Court has said, is the highest level of protected speech.'

Regardless of what Stein said, Gross argued AOC does not possess the legal right to block him on Twitter.

Stein also defended his comments, saying he 'didn't really want to disrespect her.'

'It was the most gracious way I could say it,' he added, claiming he was really 'complimenting her.'

AOC is currently under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for her appearance at the 2021 Met Gala, which included roughly $35,000 of goods and services

Alex Stein said the House Ethics investigation partially inspired him to sue AOC: 'I think ethically, AOC is kind of playing fast and loose'

Stein also said he was inspired to sue AOC after news of the House Ethics Committee investigation into her office that has now extended into her appearance at the 2021 Met Gala.

She has been accused of accepting off-limits gifts in the form of her designer 'Tax the Rich' gown, as well as her handbag, shoes and jewelry for the event. Other items such as transportation, hotel fees, hair and makeup, as well as as an outfit for her boyfriend, also factor into the investigation.

'I think ethically, AOC is kind of playing fast and loose,' said Stein, admitting too that he 'want(s) to get her attention.'
A teachers union in Virginia has been called out for promoting a Black Lives Matter organization that allegedly 'advances racial justice' and tells kids to 'work towards a queer-affirming network.'

The Virginia Education Association released a toolkit last month encouraging members to join the Black Lives Matter At School organization's 'week of Action' which began on February 6.

A recent Wall Street Journal opinion piece accused the union of 'using its pipeline to teachers to promote the teaching of a left-wing political agenda and activism.'

The toolkit reportedly shows how teachers can get around a ban on critical race theory, which has been blocked in dozens of states across the US including Virginia where Gov. Glenn Youngkin banned it in 2021.

The 'week of action' focuses on the organization's 13 principles, which include 'transgender affirming,' 'queer affirming,' 'restorative justice' and 'globalism.'

The Virginia Education Association (VEA) released the toolkit that pushes an initiative called the Black Lives Matter At School Week of Action

A recent Wall Street Journal opinion piece claims the toolkit and the BLM event is how they use its pipeline to 'promote the teaching of a left-wing political agenda and activism'

The VEA's toolkit was released along with the statement: 'Enclosed is Virginia Education Association's Black Lives Matter at School Toolkit to be used as a resource guide for advancing racial justice in Virginia's schools. Black Lives Matter at School is a national coalition organizing for racial justice in education.'

The union encouraged its members to participate and offered an instruction manual 'to be used as a resource guide for advancing racial justice in Virginia's schools,' according to a memo by Taisha Steele, director of the Human and Civil Rights division at the VEA.

The WSJ opinion piece translated 'advancing racial justice' as 'following the highly politicized agenda of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement.'

The column went on to claim that the toolkit materials promote the organization and its principles which include: 'working towards a queer-affirming network where heteronormative thinking no longer exists,' and 'the disruption of Western nuclear family dynamics and a return to the 'collective village' that takes care of each other.'

There are lesson plans in the toolkit that link to resources to discussions about how to analyze the importance/significance of the 13 core principles to their local community and to think about how they can get involved in the BLM movement or other causes.

Artwork created by students during the Black Lives Matter At School Week of Action were compiled in a video tiled 2023 Student Creative Challenge that asks 'How can a school community support you in being unapologetically Black?'

The artwork conveys messages from students on how they support the BLM organization by making 'flags and marching' and 'writing a 'report on a black person.'

Artwork done by students during the Black Lives Matter At School Week of Action

Some of the artwork has messages and images of ways to support the BLM movement

Students shared their own feelings about being black or supporting the BLM movement

Students created art showing their pride for who they are along with calls for a stop to racism

VEA President James Fedderman released a statement about the toolkit:

'As is stated on the first page, the goal of the toolkit is to inspire an ongoing movement of critical reflection and honest conversation on issues of racial justice,' he said in a statement.

'Some people, like Governor Youngkin, find this to be an objectional stance, but we are unapologetic in our support of this goal. As a union of public school educators, we seek nothing more than to present an accurate portrayal of America's past, without which we will not make the progress we so desperately need to make as a nation.'

Sixteen states have banned CRT and 20 are considering a ban. There are six states where a ban has failed to pass and eight states where there is no restriction

Opponents of critical race theory rally outside a school board headquarters in Virginia in 2021

Critical race theory, or CRT, is a way of thinking about America's history through the lens of racism. It centers on the idea that racism is systemic in the nation's institutions and that they function to maintain the dominance of white people in society.

There is no evidence that CRT has been formally adopted into state curricula. But there is ample evidence key education administrators have incorporated the concept into teacher training. And critics have found examples of what they consider to be critical race theory seeping into classroom lessons.

Youngkin's Executive Order 1 defines critical race theory as 'inherently divisive concepts' that portray one race, sex or religious faith as inherently superior, or teach that an individual is inherently racist as a result of his skin color.

The order takes a more limited approach than actions other states have adopted. In Tennessee, for example, lawmakers have banned any instructions that make students feel 'discomfort, guilt, anguish, or another form of psychological distress' because of their race.
Mexican law enforcement agents are investigating the possibility that members of a drug cartel kidnapped four Americans last Friday thinking that they were encroaching on their turf, according to an internal government document seen by Reuters.

DailyMail.com revealed lengthy rap sheets for the four kidnapped U.S. citizens with authorities stating 'drug trafficking' cannot be 'ruled out.'

Two of the Americans, identified by Mexican officials as Shaeed Woodard and Zindell Brown, were found dead on Monday in a wood cabin southeast of Matamoros, the border city in the state of Tamaulipas where the four were abducted on Friday.

Alongside them were their surviving companions, identified as Latavia McGee and Eric James Williams.

Mexican officials, who say they are pursuing various lines of inquiry, drew up a brief document summarizing the abduction of the Americans and biographical information on them. The metadata of the digital document suggested it was created on Wednesday.

Mexican law enforcement agents are investigating the possibility that members of a drug cartel kidnapped four Americans last Friday thinking that they were encroaching on their turf

Two of the Americans, identified by Mexican officials as Shaeed Woodard and Zindell Brown, were found dead on Monday in a wood cabin southeast of Matamoros

It included their names, birthdays and addresses, and details of criminal records. Among them were convictions for drug-related offenses against Brown and Woodard.

In view of the prior convictions, 'it cannot be ruled out that the attack against (the Americans) could be directly linked to drug trafficking operations,' which their assailants believed the Americans could be carrying out, the document said.

Reuters left voicemails and sent messages on social media to people identified by public records as relatives of the four, as well as at a number for Williams, but without response.

A Reuters review of South Carolina state records found that Woodard was convicted five times between 2007 and 2016 of drug crimes. Nearly all were minor offenses, but they included one of manufacturing banned narcotics with the intent to distribute.

Brown was convicted twice in 2015 for possessing small amounts of marijuana or concentrated cannabis, records show.

The records also showed that Williams was in 2017 convicted for the manufacture and distribution of cocaine, though this was not mentioned in the Mexican document seen by Reuters.

Americo Villarreal, governor of Tamaulipas, said during a news conference on Monday that the group had gone to Matamoros because McGee was planning to have some cosmetic surgery done, citing testimony from their relatives and U.S. officials.

Tamaulipas Attorney General Irving Barrios told the same news conference the four were likely mistaken for somebody else, while stressing that other lines of investigation remained open.

Forensic technicians were seen working at the scene where authorities found the bodies of two of four Americans kidnapped by gunmen

24-year-old Jose 'N' was arrested in connection with the incident Mexican officials say he was in charge of monitoring the victims

Military personnel kept watch at the scene where authorities found the bodies

Reuters could not ascertain how a drug gang might have known Americans with drug convictions were arriving in Matamoros.

It is also not clear if Mexican authorities have other evidence that might point to a drug-related motive for the abduction, which occurred in broad daylight.

The document seen by Reuters stated that a faction of the Gulf Cartel had an 'iron grip' on illegal activities in the area, and pointed to members of the group as likely perpetrators of the kidnapping on the basis of intelligence gathered.

Mexico's security ministry did not reply to requests for comment about the document. The Tamaulipas attorney general's office said it did not have evidence to confirm or reject the information. The FBI declined to comment.

Tamaulipas attorney general Barrios said on Monday that Mexico's Gulf Cartel is known to operate in the area but did not explicitly blame it for the kidnapping.

The four Americans passed through Brownsville, Texas, on their way into Mexico last week. A concerned friend of McGee's told Brownsville police on Saturday that she had not heard from the group since Friday morning, and 'would not be surprised if her friends got arrested because they are known to party and use narcotics', according to the police report.

Mexican officials have not yet specified the cause of death of Brown and Woodard. Their bodies are due to be returned to the United States from Mexico very soon.

DailyMail.com revealed that Williams was previously busted for 'distributing crack near a school,' while McGee has been slapped with 'unlawful conduct towards a child,' when her daughter tested positive for amphetamines.

Woodard was charged with the 'manufacturing and possession' of drugs and pleaded guilty, while Brown was also charged for 'possession of marijuana or hashish.'

The four were found in a rundown stash house near a place known as La Lagunona in the town of El Tecolote - about six-and-a-half-miles from where they were taken.

Mexican officials said they believe the incident is connected to the notorious 'Gulf Cartel' who are prominent in the region.

Local Mexican outlets reported five people handcuffed alive were found on the night of March 8, in the streets of downtown Matamoros, Tamaulipas.

Lativa 'Tay' McGee was found uninjured after she, her cousin and two friends were kidnapped. The mother-of-five was seen without shoes after surviving the tragic incident along with friend Eric Williams who was shot in the left leg

DailyMail.com revealed lengthy rap sheets for all four victims of the Mexico kidnapping. Woodard was charged with the 'manufacturing and possession' of drugs and pleaded guilty, while Brown was also charged for 'possession of marijuana or hashish'

They had cardboard signs with them pointing them out as those responsible for the kidnapping of the 'tummy tuck four'.

Earlier this week at least one person had been arrested in connection with the incident.

The surviving Americans were taken to the border near Brownsville, Texas, in a convoy of Mexican ambulances and SUVs on Tuesday. They were then delivered to U.S. consulate officials.

In a press conference on Tuesday afternoon the Governor of Tamaulipas, Americo Villarreal Anaya, who broke news of the two surviving Americans at a separate press conference in the morning, confirmed the identity of the person arrested.

La Kena or Ciclon 19, the leader of the Gulf Cartel

'24-year-old Jose 'N' was arrested. He was in charge of monitoring the victims,' he said, noting the victims 'were found in a house near a place known as La Lagunona in the town of El Tecolote in Matamoros.

'During the three days after the criminal act, the four people were transferred to various places, including a clinic in order to create confusion and avoid rescue work,' he said.

Officials in Mexico would not confirm whether the person detained in relation to the kidnapping is related to the criminal organization 'Gulf Cartel,' which is known to operate in the region.

Mexican officials said that the group arrived in Matamoros at 9:18am and were caught up in the terrifying ambush, hours after arriving in town, at 11:45am.

Tamaulipas State Attorney General Irving Barrios said that information related to the kidnapping surfaced online and that videos and pictures shared by people helped in the rescue.

At the time authorities didn't know that the victims were Americans, he added.

Once officials had identified U.S. license plates on the minivan the group had been traveling in, Mexican authorities reached out to their U.S. counterparts.

The Governor of Tamaulipas, Americo Villarreal Anaya, confirmed the condition of four kidnapped Americans over a phone call during President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's press conference on Tuesday. Two are dead, two alive - one wounded

Mexican authorities are seen here investigating the white SUV McGee and her friends drove to the country in

Mexican authorities said they were able to scan public surveillance cameras in the area to determine 'the number of cartel vehicles that were involved in the attack.'

He said that they scanned medical facilities in Matamoros in hopes of finding the kidnapping victims earlier but to no avail.

Defense Secretary General Louis Sandoval was asked about kidnappings on both sides of the border, especially in the U.S. where victims are then taken into Mexico to seek ransom.

'Tamaulipas has been a state where violence, the presence of groups has been important,' he said.

'It should be noted during the current administration a security strategy was established and very specific objectives were set for Tamaulipas, for the border, to take care of the border.

'The security strategy that was implemented has given very good results, I don't have the stats here right now, but the number of intentional homicides has dropped in Tamaulipas thanks to this strategy.

'The participation of the army, the strategy of the air force has been important.'

The Tamaulipas State Attorney General's Office said that the four American citizens were found at about 7:30am Tuesday, four days after going missing.

In the lead up to the rescue, Mexican newspaper Milenio cites law enforcement officials were investigating whether the group was kidnapped by members of the 'Gulf Cartel,' a notoriously violent gang run by a feared leader known as La Kena.

Former Attorney General Bill Barr said the US authorities should treat the gangs the same way they do ISIS when negotiating for Americans' release.

'They are terrorists,' he said during an appearance on Fox News last night.

'The Mexican government is being held hostage by tens of thousands of paramilitary members of terrorist organizations that effectively control Mexico.'

And as spring breakers pack their bikinis and sunglasses to hit the beach in Mexico, the US government has urged citizens to avoid cartel hotspots amid a spike in violence.

'It's pretty close at this stage to a failed narco-state,' he said.

'They can use violence and oceans of cash to corrupt the government. The government has no will, and it doesn't have the ability to deal with the cartels.'

Le Kena leads the Gulf Cartel and is also known as Ciclon 19. His real name is Alberto Garcia Vilano.

Mexican authorities have been hunting him for months and are offering a reward of 2.5million pesos for any information that could lead to his arrest.

McGee (pictured) was seen in the back of an ambulance before being transported to Texas after the brutal kidnapping that officials believe was a case of 'mistaken identity'

McGee was seen wiping her eyes with a tissue as Williams - who was shot in the left leg, but also survived the ordeal - was treated in the back of the emergency vehicle

The FBI and Mexican law enforcement are investigating, with the bureau asking the public for information leading to arrests.

The State Department has a 'Do Not Travel' warning in place for Tamaulipas state due to 'crime and kidnapping.'

It said organized crime activity, including gun battles, armed robberies and kidnappings, are common along the border and in Ciudad Victoria.

'Criminal groups target public and private passenger buses, as well as private automobiles traveling through Tamaulipas, often taking passengers and demanding ransom payments,' the warning states.
Jackie and Shadow's nest is watched around the clock through a live stream

The eggs were laid in January but abandoned by the pair last week

A famous bald eagle couple in California had their eggs eaten by ravens in front of thousands of people on social media.

The two eggs belonged to Jackie and Shadow, whose nest is livestreamed 24/7 on YouTube via a camera installed by advocacy group Friends of Big Bear Valley.

Thousands watched in distress as two ravens swooped into the nest in the San Bernardino National Forest, broke open the eggs, and started feeding just before 3pm on March 7.

The birds had abandoned the eggs which were laid on camera in early January but took too long to hatch.

Jackie and Shadow originally took turns watching over the eggs while waiting for them to hatch, which ordinarily occurs within 35 days, but gradually lost faith and were even seen squabbling before leaving it behind.

Jackie and Shadow, the famous bald eagle couple from California, had their eggs eaten by ravens on Tuesday

The birds (pictured) are watched by thousands via a camera in their nest that streams to YouTube around the clock

Keen followers of the nest were quick to note that the eggs appeared runny when they were opened, suggesting they may not have been developing, or even fertilized.

'If they developed at all, it was minimal,' Sandy Steers, a biologist and executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley told the LA Times.

Steers has been watching the eagles for more than 10 years.

'The thing to know is, whatever Jackie and Shadow were doing, not being on the nest didn't have an impact on the eggs, because up until when the eggs were 30 days old, they were sitting on the nest full time and trading back and forth,' she said.

'By this time, the egg would've been fully developed, so the eggs had already stopped developing,' she added.

Jackie laid one of the eggs (pictured) on January 11 in their nest in the San Bernardino National Forest

The birds abandoned the eggs in the nest about 120-feet up in the top of a pine tree after it failed to hatch

The running consistency of the eggs led many to suspect they were either developing too slowly or not at all

Shadow has been Jackie's mate since his arrival in 2018 and she has laid eggs to him every year since - some of which fledged and left the valley

Jackie and Shadow's nest sits about 120-feet up at the top of a pine tree in San Bernardino National Forest.

The camera was set up by the group Friends of Big Bear Valley in 2015 and the various inhabitants of the nest have been monitored since.

Jackie hatched in the valley in 2012, according to the group, and in 2017 started occupying the nest with the camera in it.

Shadow has been her mate since his arrival in 2018 and she has laid eggs to him every year since - some of which fledged and left the valley.

Steers explained that this year problems with the eggs might have been caused by low temperatures, but also said it's expected that not all eggs will hatch. Jackie's eggs typically hatch around half of the time.

'I'm always hoping for the best, but when they stopped sitting on [the eggs], it seemed like something was off,' he told the LA Times. 'We'll just have to see what they do next.'
Police have arrested an 18-year-old after he was found with a missing Indiana teen 200 miles away from her home.

Emily Barger, 14, of Georgetown, Indiana, was reported missing on Monday after last being seen with Terry Ross, 18, of Cambry.

Barger was found in a shed behind a residence in Attica - 200 miles away from her hometown - on Wednesday, according to the Attica Police Department. It is unclear if Ross lived in the residence.

Barger was transported back to the police station, where she was reunited with her father, Shawn Barger.

Ross was located by officers walking down Council Street, where he was taken into custody without incident. He was preliminarily charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor under the age of 16.

Barger was found living in a shed behind a residence in Attica on Wednesday, according to the Attica Police Department. It is unclear if Ross lived in the residence

Ross (pictured) was located by officers walking down Council Street, where he was taken into custody without incident

A classmate's mother, who asked not to be identified, told DailyMail.com on Thursday that an anonymous law enforcement source told her that Ross was released from Pendleton Juvenile Correctional Facility late last month. He had been held on charges for aggravated assault and theft of a firearm, according to the mother.

DailyMail.com has reached out to Pendleton for comment.

A Silver Alert - which is typically issued for adults with known cognitive or developmental disabilities - was issued on Tuesday after she was last seen on Monday around 1am in Georgetown as it was believed she was in 'extreme danger.'

On Tuesday, Barger's father took to social media to ask for help locating his daughter.

He said she may be in an 'older [possibly] Chevy truck with a loud exhaust and rusty body.'

On his Facebook page, he wrote: 'Emily Barger if you can see this in any way please come home you are in no trouble and I love and miss you very much.'

Posts from Barger's father and extended family alleged that Barger is with a male companion.

Emily and Terry were found 200 miles away from Georgetown in Attica

He was preliminarily charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor under the age of 16

A Silver Alert - which is typically issued for adults with known cognitive or developmental disabilities - was issued on Tuesday after she was last seen on Monday around 1am in Georgetown as it was believed she was in 'extreme danger'

Her father plead with his daughter to make contact.

'You have tons of family and friends out looking for you wanting to get you home please go to a gas station anywhere and tell them you need to get home call the police or me or anyone just please get home I love you.'

DailyMail.com has contacted Shawn for comment.

Emily Barger, 14, of Georgetown, Indiana, was reported missing on Monday after being last seen with Terry Ross, 18, of Cambry, and has since been reunited with her father
The brother of Britain's most notorious prisoner Charles Bronson is refusing to back his bid for freedom.

Bronson was jailed for seven years in 1974 after being convicted of armed robbery and was given a life sentence for kidnapping prison teacher Phil Danielson in 1999.

The 70-year-old - whose real name is Michael Gordon Peterson - could be released in a matter of weeks after spending most of the past 48 years behind bars after three parole judges started hearing his case at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.

The second day of Bronson's parole review heard Bronson 'feels like the whole system is about humiliating and degrading him'.

The parole hearing - which finished on Wednesday - is the second to be held in public in the UK.

Bronson has compared his parole hearing to 'being on The Apprentice' as the panel heard he would need help if he is ever released from jail because he has never used a cash machine.

His brother Mark Peterson has now said he lost contact with his sibling after 'fake son' George Bamby came on the scene.

He had previously been in support of him getting out so he could see their elderly mum Eira Peterson - who Bronson has referred to as 'Duchess'.

Mr Bamby appeared on ITV's This Morning in 2018 claiming to be Bronson's child and said he had done a DNA test which was a 99.8% positive match.

Mark Peterson, left, pictured with Charles Bronson and their mother, Eira, known as 'Duchess'

'I've had nothing to do with him since he introduced his fake son,' Mark told The Mirror.

Bronson - who now goes by the name Charles Salvador - has had a difficult relationship with Mr Bamby, who also at one stage added Salvador to his own name.

Soon after his TV appearance, Bronson reportedly wrote to a friend to say that he no longer spoke to him - and hadn't for months.

However, it is believed they have made up since.

Freelance photographer Mr Bamby worked with Channel 4 for a recent documentary on their relationship, which included footage of Bronson in his prison cell.

He also said he went to the first day of the open parole proceedings at The Royal Courts of Justice on Monday.

Writing on Facebook, he said: 'I listened to the opening speech from The Parole Head who confirmed that legally they were unable [to] watch the recent Channel 4 documentary. Which me and our legal team knew from day 1 may I add.

'The legal team that I got for Charlie. I walked in there with my head held high as I won't be bullied by people.'

He went on to say: 'Regardless of any trolls I will continue my support for Charlie and keep campaigning for his release. What a lot of idiots don't realise is this public parole hearing is happening because of my 5 years of tireless work.'

Mr Bamby added: 'I decided to leave the parole hearing after 20 minutes as it's his day and his chance for freedom and I didn't want it to be overshadowed by idiots saying that I shouldn't have been there.'

Once dubbed one of Britain's most violent offenders, Bronson has spent most of the past 48 years behind bars, apart from two brief periods of freedom during which he reoffended, for a string of thefts, firearms and violent offences, including 11 hostage-takings in nine different sieges.

Charles Bronson, pictured at the parole hearing, left, is one of the UK's most notorious inmates

Victims included governors, doctors, staff and, on one occasion, his own solicitor.

He was handed a discretionary life sentence with a minimum term of four years in 2000 for taking a prison teacher at HMP Hull hostage for 44 hours. Since then, the parole board has repeatedly refused to direct his release.

The review heard that Bronson has a 'romanticised' view of violent incidents in the past, after he told parole judges how he loved a 'rumble' and enjoyed mass brawls in prison but insisted he has since found solace in art and is a man of 'peace'.

While he found violence 'cathartic' in the past, he now draws on art in the same way, said a psychologist, who has not been named.

She told the hearing she believes Bronson should eventually be moved to a lower security prison with open conditions to allow him to interact with other people and poses 'less of a risk' outside of jail.

Earlier this week, Bronson appeared on camera sat opposite the panel of parole judges, wearing a black suit, white shirt and dark glasses. The 70-year-old was asked if he wished to give evidence to the parole hearing, to which he replied: 'Oh yes, certainly.'

When the hearing was told that Bronson had tried to get someone outside prison to place a bet for him, he told the panel: 'We all love a bet, guv, come on.'
Dance drama inspired by cultural relic unearthed in NW China's Xinjiang staged in Urumqi

People's Daily Online) 09:18, March 09, 2023

The original dance drama "Five Stars Rise in the East" is staged in Urumqi, capital of northwest Chinas Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The original dance drama "Five Stars Rise in the East," inspired by the ancient brocade armband dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 B.C. - 220 A.D.), recently kicked off its tour in northwest Chinas Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang.

The precious armband, one of China's greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, was unearthed in October 1995 at the Niya ruins in Hotan, Xinjiang. The cultural relic has eight Chinese characters embroidered on it that literally translate as "Five stars rise in the East, benefitting China, marking the earliest discovery of the characters for "China" in Xinjiang.

Centering on the "Five Stars Rise in the East" brocade armband, the dance drama is a touching epic about the friendship between a general and two young people in the Han Dynasty. The performance showcases a fusion of different dance styles, including ethnic dance, classical dance, and modern dance.

Since its premiere two years ago, the dance drama has toured seven provinces, attracting an audience of more than 50,000.

(Photos by Wang Changtong, Chen Yan, Ruosc Zou

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Du Mingming)
Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun speaks to reporters at Incheon airport, west of Seoul, before his departure for Washington to meet senior U.S. officials, as well as officials from major think tanks, for talks amid growing concerns over the adverse impact of the U.S. Chips Act on Korean chipmakers, March 8. Yonhap



There exist concerns over the United States' Chips and Science Act that it may require too much information in exchange for U.S. government subsidies, Korea's Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun said Wednesday.



Ahn said he plans to discuss such concerns with his U.S. counterparts after arriving in Washington on a three-day visit.



"The two governments of Korea, the U.S. and their industrial sectors have been working together to build a semiconductor supply chain, but there now exist concerns" due to the recently published details of the Chips and Science Act, Ahn told reporters.



The U.S. announced details of the act last week that will provide up to $52.7 billion in subsidies, along with tax incentives, to chipmakers who set up production facilities in the U.S.



Those that receive U.S. subsidies will be barred from making new investments to produce chips in China for the next decade, while they are required to take part in U.S. research and development projects and share any excess profit.



"This is a highly volatile industry, and so issues related to demanding too much information or restrictions with regard to operations in China may cause serious problems depending on how they are implemented in the future," said Ahn.



Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, the world's leading memory chip makers based in Korea, already have significant semiconductor manufacturing operations in China.



Alan Estevez, under secretary of commerce for industry and security, earlier said the Korean firms will likely have limits to grow to certain "levels" in China under the U.S. act.



He also said the Korean chipmakers will likely be asked to limit the level of advanced semiconductors they produce in China.



"We will try to be as reasonable as possible in those areas," said Ahn. "We will work to explain our business conditions (in China) as thoroughly as possible and create as much safety net as possible so they will not be a problem." (Yonhap)


An elderly man in central California survived on nothing but bread and candy he had in his car for a week after he became stuck in the snow during the recent winter storm.

Jerry Jouret, 81, was recently rescued by California Highway Patrol officers in Big Pine, California a week after he attempted to make the trek back to his home in Nevada.

In addition to surviving on croissants, candy, and a biscotti, the elderly man said he occasionally rolled down his window to eat snow when necessary.

Jouret set out on his way on February 24 - hoping to beat the impending storm - but quickly became stuck in a snowdrift on a desolate highway in the area.

The rescue comes as the state prepares for a 'Pineapple Express' -an atmospheric river storm that originates near Hawaii - that will bring even more heavy rain and flooding.

Jerry Jouret, 81, was recently rescued by California Highway Patrol officers in Big Pine, California a week after he attempted to make the trek back to his home in Nevada

In addition to surviving on croissants, candy, and a biscotti, the elderly man said he occasionally rolled down his window to eat snow when necessary

After the man's family reported him missing, a California Highway Patrol helicopter spotted the man's vehicle and rescued him in what officials called 'a miracle.'

Jouret, a mathematician and former NASA employee, was improperly prepared for the storm, according to local outlets.

He had set out from his mountain home in California in hopes to make it back to his family home in Gardnerville, Nevada before the historic snowstorm hit.

What should have been a three hour drive in good conditions, became a six night, seven day experience.

His grandson, Christian Jouret, told CNN the 81-year-old accidentally veered onto a smaller road and became stuck in the drift.

Throughout the week, the man relied on his light windbreaker, a quilt, and a bath towel to stay warm.

His grandson said he occasionally would turn on his vehicle to warm it up overnight as the temperatures dropped well into the teens.

After his family had reported him missing and snow conditions had eased up, California Highway Patrol officials were able to send out a helicopter to search.

On March 2, while surveying the area, Jouret's car was 'miraculously' spotted in the middle of a snowdrift as officers spotted him waving his arm out of the car's window.

The elderly man was rushed to the hospital but doctors said he showed no signs of hypothermia and he was eventually released hours later.

While speaking with CNN, Jouret said he is recovering but is still traumatized.

This is Jouret's vehicle. The elderly man was trapped inside for six nights

California Highway Patrol 'miraculously' spotted his car in the snow during their search

These are the pilots who searched and found Jouret and his vehicle in the heavy snow

The pilots with California Highway Patrol are now being hailed as heroes for saving the man

The snow conditions throughout the Golden State were horrendous last week. Residents near Mammoth Mountain were buried under 500+ inches from the series of storms

Over the past two weeks, California was pummeled by snow from the top of the state all the way down to San Diego County.

In San Bernardino County, a dozen bodies have been recovered from the snow.

Earlier this week, DailyMail.com reported that desperate residents in the mountains were pleading for help and resources including insulin and baby formula.

Some residents were trapped for two weeks.

'It feels helpless right, and it's kind of a frustrating type of helpless,' said one man who was stranded with his family at their cabin since President's Day.

In a statement Wednesday, one local official shared an update on the bodies discovered after the storms.

'So far, we can only confirm (one), a traffic accident, as weather-related,' San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department spokesperson Mara Rodriguez said Wednesday.

A volunteer in the area told KTLA that she believes this is just the tip of the iceberg.

'Theres going to be a lot more,' said Megan Vazquez. 'Its been very cold here. Its been below freezing, so if somebody didnt have electricity or gas to heat their home, they may have frozen to death. I mean, its shocking.'

Thousands across the state were left without power from the series of storms.

In Southern California, residents and visitors resorted to writing out S.O.S. messages in the snow as they have been trapped for more than a week

San Bernardino County firefighters have been working to dig residents out

Snow has completely buried some residents in the San Bernardino mountain area

This was an S.O.S. message written in the snow in the area

Some areas received more than four feet of snow during the recent round of snow to hit

The news of the bodies discovered in the San Bernardino mountains come as the state prepares for more inclement weather and Pineapple Express flooding.

Forecasters are predicting another storm headed toward The Golden State will bring heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous driving conditions this week.

Rain is expected to move in Thursday evening and continue for 48 hours.

The National Weather Service is predicting a total of 0.75 to 1.5 inches in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

In Santa Barbara County - the home of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle - 2 to 4 inches of rain could trigger mudslides in the area.

Nearby northwest San Luis Obispo County could see more than half a foot.

The rain is worrisome to weather officials who say melting of snow could cause serious flooding issues for some residents, especially those who were buried last week.
Ask a million Brits an impossible question and you'll likely get the same response: 'Who do you think I am love... Mystic Meg?!'

With her jet black bob, snow white complexion and bright red lipstick - often paired with a cape - the iconic astrologer certainly knew how to market herself.

And after more than four decades in the business, including her iconic National Lottery appearances, brand deals and wildly popular columns, the soothsayer's name is now firmly synonymous with seeing into the future.

But reading the stars - and becoming a star - wasn't always on the cards for the 'seer', who passed away at 80 years old on Thursday following a short illness - weeks after being hospitalised with the flu.

Meg, real name Margaret Lake, who was of Romany descent, was born in a maternity home in Lancashire in 1942 and grew up in a terraced house in Accrington.

Her Russian gypsy grandmother - who taught her astrology - believed Meg had a 'talent' to predict the future, and gifted her the famous crystal ball that would become integral to her readings.

With her jet black bob, snow white complexion and bright red lipstick - often paired with a cape - the iconic astrologer certainly knew how to market herself

National Lottery presenters, (left to right front row) Frank Bruno, Bob Monkhouse and Mystic Meg, celebrating the 100th jackpot draw with past winners (back left to right) Bob Westland (3.7m), Ken Southwell (900,000), Elaine Thompson (2.7m), Peter Lavery (10.2m) and Karl Crompton (10.9m)

Meg (pictured as a student) studied English at the University of Leeds and joined the now defunct News Of The World newspaper as a sub-editor, before eventually becoming deputy editor of its weekend supplement Sunday

The ball would gather dust, however, before taking centre stage, as Meg had set her sights on becoming a teacher, and after studying English at the University of Leeds, earned her teaching diploma.

But the fickle hand of fate had other plans for Meg, and she joined the now defunct News Of The World newspaper as a sub-editor, before climbing the ranks to become deputy editor of its weekend supplement, called Sunday.

She would make the shift to horoscopes in the 1980s, when she changed her name to Meg Markova and became the paper's astrologer - later rebranding as Mystic Meg.

But according to accounts from former colleagues, Meg was just as mysterious behind the scenes as she was on screen.

Freelance photographer David Porter, who shot the promotional material for her column, once recalled in the Deptford Pudding blog: 'She hardly ever spoke, and when she did it was in a strange whispered monotone.

'She had the whitest skin I'd ever seen, and seemed to glide silently around the office without touching the floor.'

Meg had hand-selected David to take the pictures, which saw her pose with her crystal ball, a black cat and a landline telephone that was covered in stickers of stars and moons.

He added: 'I thought it was a bit naff, but the picture editor told me the telephone was very important. This was the early days of premium telephone lines, and there were fortunes to be made.'

Meg appeared in a series of adverts for the soft drink Oasis in the 1990s and in 2015 was the face of the Grand National's 'You're Guaranteed a Fortune' campaign

Meg, pictured here in a riding competition as a child, was an animal lover and owned at least three racehorses

And made they were. Meg's phone was ringing off the hook when she launched her phone-line readings in 1989.

Her service broke all BT records and she quickly became the most successful phone-line astrologer in the world.

The success caught the eye of the National Lottery - who she knew would come her way, she later claimed.

The strict vegan - who never smoked or touched alcohol - would start each morning with a cup of hot water and the Racing Post, before drawing a rune to predict what would happen that day.

'Just before the Lottery started, I got the big money rune,' she previously told the New Statesman.

'On that same day, I got a call from National Lottery Live, asking me to make a prediction on the first show. So the runes were right, though the big money was for other people! The prediction I made came true, so I was asked back.'

From 1994, each Saturday night the 'seer' would emerge from a cloud of smoke and stare into her crystal ball to predict who would win the jackpot.

Her 45-second segment attracted a large legion of loyal fans, some more avid than others.

The late stargazer added: 'My most vivid memory of the Lottery is when I was doing my prediction to camera, and out of the corner of my eye I saw a naked man running towards me. The security guard caught him inches before he got in front of the camera. Painted on his back were the words ''Pick my balls''.'

Her regular spot was dropped by the BBC in a programme shake-up in 1997 but the following year she made a comeback for a sketch alongside presenter Bradley Walsh. In the sketch, Walsh's brother Del, who runs a market stall, tries to convince Meg of his own fortune-telling method - frying sausages.

Andi Peters and Mystic Meg on stage at the Live and Kicking Red Nose Awards show broadcast in 1995

Meg grew up in a terraced house in Accrington, where she was taught astrology by her Russian gypsy grandmother - although becoming a soothsayer was not her immediate career choice

Over the years she also released a number of books including Mystic Meg's Astrolife and Mystic Meg's Lucky Numbers For Love Life And The Lottery (Pictured: Bob Monkhouse and Mystic Meg)

Away from the glitz of Saturday night TV, Meg was known to be concerned about her figure and wrinkles - heading to the gym four times a week 'to keep her clairvoyant powers strong.'

She once told the Lancashire Telegraph: 'I take a multi-vitamin, vitamin E, wild yam capsules and co-enzyme Q10. I also take herbal drops, echinacea to boost the immune system and gingko biloba to protect the memory.

'For the last 10 years, my weight has been eight stone. I am glad my weight is in the normal, healthy range for my height... like many people, I always intend to start going to the gym again.

'I try to stay with a vegan style of eating and... try to avoid all animal products. I think about nutrition. I've noticed that when I visit vegetarian shops, none of the customers are overweight.'

Meg lived alone in a three-bedroom apartment in Notting Hill, north London, with her seven cats - who she once said 'found her and moved in'.

Her plans for marriage had ended in tragedy when the 'love of her life' was killed in in a horror car crash in the south of France in 1977.

Nigel Moores - heir to the Littlewoods retail empire - was thrown from the passenger side of a Land Rover as the vehicle somersaulted and burst into flames on a road near Marseilles.

It was a cruel twist of fate after a horoscope reading when Meg was just seven predicted she would be betrothed to a wealthy man. Mr Moores was worth 9million when he died aged 39.

But Meg certainly made enough money of her own through her work, which included multiple brand deals over the years.

She appeared in a series of adverts for the soft drink Oasis in the 1990s and in 2015 was the face of the Grand National's 'You're Guaranteed a Fortune' campaign.

The animal lover had a keen interest in horses and owned at least three racehorses - which she fittingly named Astrodonna, Astroangel and Astronova, after celestial beings.

In her practice, she worked with runes, crystal balls, I Ching, tarot and numerology. Over the years she also released a number of books including Mystic Meg's Astrolife and Mystic Meg's Lucky Numbers For Love Life And The Lottery.

A previous Lotto roll-over winner credited Meg with prompting her to check her ticket after she had hidden it in a biscuit tin next to her bed.

According to astrological charts, Mystic Meg's star sign was a Leo. In her practice, she worked with runes, crystal balls, I Ching, tarot and numerology

Meg appeared in a series of adverts for the soft drink Oasis (pictured) in the 1990s and in 2015 was the face of the Grand National's 'You're Guaranteed a Fortune' campaign

After mother-of-four Mary Jones from Gwynedd, North Wales, won 9.3 million in 2004 she said: 'I read Mystic Meg in The Sun and it said don't forget to check your lottery ticket. I couldn't believe it when I realised it had come true.'

The astrologer also thanked her lucky stars after she predicted that the racehorse Optimistic would win for her at a prestigious York meeting in 1997.

Mystic Meg is so embedded into the fabric of British culture that she is now listed in the Longman's dictionary of modern English, as 'a British clairvoyant'.

Tributes have poured in for the star following her death at 3.45am this morning, as she was branded 'a charming lady' and 'Britain's most famous astrologer'.

The final horoscope reading for Meg, who is a Leo, might offer a silver lining - at least for those who believe in a world after death, as it points to a reunion with her former partner Mr Moores.

Published today, it reads: 'It can be the most routine of routine journeys that takes you towards your soulmate - and you may not realise this straight away.'
The parents of a toddler who was murdered in his car seat in gang crossfire in Oakland, California, say they feel so unsafe in the city and state thanks to woke prosecutors that they're considering leaving for good.

Jasper Wu, who was one month from his second birthday, was killed by a stray bullet while sleeping in his car seat as his mother drove down I-880 on November 6, 2021.

It was 2pm, and rival gangs Chopper City and Eddy Rock engaged in a rolling gun battle.

Jasper Wu was killed by a stray bullet while sleeping in his car seat as his mother drove down I-880 on November 6, 2021

Johnny Jackson, one of the three men charged in Jasper's death, remains in custody. Alameda County DA Pamela Price (right) wants her office to stop prosecuting enhancement charges

An and Jihao Wu are now considering leaving California because they feel so unsafe

Three people have been arrested in connection with the toddler's death, but nearly two years on, they are yet to be sentenced.

Now, Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price is advising her team of prosecutors not to pursue enhancement charges on crimes as part of an effort to 'reduce recidivism'.

It means that any criminal enhancement that could have been applied now likely won't - and will reduce the time Jasper's killers spend behind bars.

Jasper's mother, An Wu, told ABC 7 in San Francisco that it would be the wrong move.

'If that happens, what kind of message are we sending to the public?' she said.

She added that she still 'feels fear' every time she drives through Oakland.

An Wu was driving down 1-880 with Jasper in the backseat when the rival gangs sped past them, spraying bullets

Jasper's father Jihao is comforted by California Highway Patrol Assistant Chief Jason Reardon in December 2022 after the gangsters were charged

Trevor Green, 22, Ivory Bivins, 24; and Johnny Jackson, 28, were charged with Jasper's murder in December.

They are yet to stand trial. A fourth gang member who was involved died in another shootout before he was arrested.

ABC obtained an internal memo from Price's office which describes her desire to 'bring balance back to sentencing and reduce recidivism' by no longer allowing prosecutors to file 'enhancements'.

She has not yet responded to the Wu family's criticism of her plans.

Oakland is a stone's throw from San Francisco, where some of the most progressive changes in the country were made by former DA Chesa Boudin.

Crime and homelessness soared under his watch, with open-air drug markets becoming commonplace.

He was replaced by Brooke Jenkins last year. She has vowed to restore order to the city.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had to be airlifted on Thursday to the country's main international airport after cars and protesters blocked off roads to prevent him from leaving the country.

Protesters used their vehicles to obstruct roads surrounding Ben Gurion airport, where Netanyahu was due to fly to Rome.

The demonstrations were part of nationwide protests underway for more than two months against the government and its controversial plan to overhaul the judiciary. Critics of the legislation, which is already being processed through parliament, say it will politicise the judiciary and lead to an authoritarian government.

These protests are some of the biggest Israel has ever seen, with the blocking of the airport a centerpiece of intensifying efforts to oppose the legal changes.

The optics of the Israeli leader having to make alternate travel plans were considered a win for the protest movement.

Citizens gather to participate in the 'Day of Resistance' rallies to protest the Israeli government plan to introduce judicial changes, in Tel Aviv today

Police officers intervene the protesters as they gather for a 'Day of Resistance' today

An aerial view shows Israelis waving national flags as they protest against the government's controversial judicial reform bill

A man is dressed in a costume in the effigy of Prime Minsiter Benjamin Netanyahu as Israelis protest against the government's controversial judicial reform bill

Citizens gather to participate in the 'Day of Resistance' rallies to protest the Israeli government plan to introduce judicial changes, in Tel Aviv today

A police officer is injured during the protests in Tel Aviv

With Netanyahu forced to jump in a helicopter to make his state visit to Rome, the demonstrators also succeeded in deepening their prime minister's reputation as being out of touch with Israelis at a time when the country finds itself torn apart over the government plan and the economy is slowing.

Thursday's disruptions also took a toll on visiting U.S. Secretary of State Lloyd Austin, whose schedule was rearranged to keep his engagements close to the airport.

Austin briefly waded into the Israeli domestic turmoil during a news conference, where he repeated President Joe Biden's recent comments that the 'genius of American democracy and Israeli democracy is that they are both built on strong institutions, on checks and balances and on an independent judiciary.'

He also noted that Biden had stressed the need for 'building consensus for fundamental changes.'

The protesters, launching a 'day of resistance to dictatorship,' descended on the country's main international airport waving Israeli flags, blocking the road leading to the departures area with their cars.

Elsewhere, protesters blocked main intersections and scuffled with police in the seaside metropolis of Tel Aviv and other cities. A small flotilla of paddleboards and kayaks tried to close off a main maritime shipping lane off the northern city of Haifa.

Some protesters barricaded the Jerusalem offices of a conservative think tank helping to spearhead the judicial changes.

'Israel is on the verge of becoming an autocratic country. The current government is trying to destroy our democracy, and actually destroy the country,' said Savion Or, a protester in Tel Aviv.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin meets Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant at a news conference at Ben Gurion Airport in Lod, Israel, today

Police officers intervene the protesters as they gather for a 'Day of Resistance' demonstration

An aerial view of demonstrators blocking Ayalon highway during 'Day of Resistance' as Israeli forces take security measures

Israelis protest against the government's controversial judicial reform bill in Tel Aviv on March 9, 2023

The uproar over Netanyahu's legal overhaul has plunged Israel into one of its worst domestic crises. Beyond the protests, which have drawn tens of thousands of Israelis to the streets and recently became violent, opposition has surged from across society, with business leaders and legal officials speaking out against what they say will be the ruinous effects of the plan. The rift has not spared Israel's military, which is seeing unprecedented opposition from within its own ranks.

Netanyahu, who took office in late December after a protracted political stalemate, and his allies say the measures aim to rein in a court that has overstepped its authority. Critics say the overhaul will upset the country's delicate system of checks and balances and slide Israel toward authoritarianism.

Critics also say Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption, is driven by personal grievances and that he could find an escape route from the charges through the overhaul. Netanyahu denies wrongdoing, and says the legal changes have nothing to do with his trial.

Demonstrations were underway across the country as Netanyahu and his allies have pledged to press ahead with a series of bills that would strip the Supreme Court of its ability to review legislation and give coalition politicians control over judicial appointments. An attempt by Israel's ceremonial president to defuse the crisis through an alternative legal reform has so far been unsuccessful.

Police, handing out traffic tickets as protesters held signs reading, 'dictator: don't come back!', said they would clear the demonstrators by force if they did not move. There were no immediate reports of serious violence.

Netanyahu told the Italian daily La Repubblica in an interview before his trip that the protests were the manifestation of the vibrancy of Israel's democracy.

But speaking to reporters in Hebrew before takeoff, he suggested the protesters were looking to oust Israel's democratically-elected government.

'The goal here is to topple a government that was elected democratically,' Netanyahu said. 'We won't let anyone disrupt Israeli democracy.'

Citizens block some roads to traffic as they gather to participate in the 'Day of Resistance' rallies to protest the Israeli government

Some citizens are detained during the demonstration in Tel Aviv today

Police officers intervene the protesters as they gather for a 'Day of Resistance' demonstration to protest the Israeli government plan to introduce judicial changes, in Tel Aviv, Israel, today

The police, overseen by ultranationalist National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, pledged to prevent the disturbances and said they had made arrests.

Protesters descended onto Tel Aviv's main highway, blocking midday traffic as mounted police and a water cannon truck hovered nearby. Police allowed the protesters to remain on the highway for over an hour but cleared it in some places by force ahead of afternoon rush hour.

Red billboards festooning the highway read, 'resistance to dictatorship is mandatory.'

Critics say Ben-Gvir, a key ally in Netanyahu's coalition government who has dubbed the protesters 'anarchists', is trying to politicize the police.

'We support freedom of expression but not anarchy,' Ben-Gvir told reporters while touring the airport.
Buckingham Palace is making plans for Harry and Meghan to attend the Kings Coronation, The Daily Mail can reveal.

Staff organising logistics for the historic occasion have been instructed to include the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in their programme for May 6, sources have said.

Insiders caution that there has been no word yet that the couple have formally accepted King Charless invitation, which their spokesman revealed was recently sent to them in California by email.

It is likely that negotiations around what events the couple would attend, where they would sit, what they would wear and, of course, their security, will go right to the wire.

The Duchess of Sussex smiling as she leaves Gracias Madre in West Hollywood on International Women's Day

Staff organising logistics for the historic occasion have been instructed to include the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in their programme for King Charles' (pictured) Coronation on May 6, sources said

Insiders caution that there has been no word yet that the couple have formally accepted King Charless invitation. Pictured: King Charles and Prince Harry at Windsor Castle last September

But the fact that officials within the Master of the Households Department and Lord Chamberlains Office are anticipating their attendance is the strongest suggestion yet that the Sussexes could make an appearance, despite spending much of the last three years throwing brickbats at the monarchy as an institution as well as the rest of the Royal Family.

One source told the Mail last night: Harry and Meghan are being factored into all of the planning... the cars, the seating plans, dining arrangements, everything.

No one knows for certain whether this means they have definitely accepted  it could, of course, be just in case they do  but its clearly not a no. The staff are certainly working on the expectation they are coming. These kind of arrangements have to be made well in advance.

A second source with knowledge of Harry and Meghans thoughts on the issue backed the suggestion they could fly over, saying: The indication is that they are, although there is a lot that needs to be worked through first.

Last night a palace source confirmed the Mails story, saying it was always easier to make plans and provisions that might subsequently have to be dropped than not make any and then suddenly have to get that in motion further down the line.

Meghan Markle outside a restaurant in West Hollywood yesterday

The Duchess of Sussex is pictured yesterday as she leaves restaurant Gracias Madre in West Hollywood

Pictured: Harry speaks to his father as his wife Meghan Markle looks on during Trooping The Colour 2018

A spokesman for the Sussexes revealed last week that they had received an email about the Coronation but added no decision on the couples attendance would be disclosed by us at this time.

An appearance at the first coronation of a British monarch for 70 years would certainly burnish the couples royal credentials. Their time as working royals and relationships with family members have formed the basis of their biggest media deals in the US so far.

News that the couple have decided to start publicly calling their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet is also being interpreted as another sign of their determination to retain an association with the monarchy, despite their relentless attacks on it.

Yesterday the Palace finally updated its website to include the birthright titles of Harry and Meghans children. They are now featured as Prince Archie of Sussex, sixth in line to the throne, and Princess Lilibet of Sussex, who is seventh. The King has seen his grandson, who turns four on the day of his crowning, only a handful of times. He has met Lilibet, 21 months, just once at Queen Elizabeths Platinum Jubilee.

If they do fly to the UK, it is likely that the duke and duchess would attend a minimal number of public events over the three-day celebratory weekend, which is focused around the ceremony at Westminster Abbey on the Saturday. The Royal Family are expected to appear on the balcony back at Buckingham Palace afterwards. It has already been suggested that this will be limited to working royals, avoiding any awkwardness around the Sussexes and the disgraced Duke of York.

However, the King could yet hold out a further olive branch to his estranged son, but that would take a huge act of forgiveness from many family members present. The Prince of Wales is angry about Harrys behaviour, which has seen a series of high-profile media interviews to promote his tell-all memoir Spare.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, pictured last year, previously confirmed they have been invited to the Kings Coronation

The Sussexes could use their visit to the UK to clear out their remaining belongings from Frogmore Cottage (pictured)

But the prince would not stop his brother from attending, nor would he wish to spoil his fathers big day, sources say.

As William will be taking part in the ceremony and his brother will not, it may be that the pair would not even be required to meet. Harry, 38, has been demanding an apology  or at least a full and frank conversation with his father and brother  if he were to attend.

But the Mail revealed last week that Charles, 74, and William, 40, are in no mood to pander to his demands. The Sussexes could use their visit to the UK to clear out their remaining belongings from Frogmore Cottage. They have been given notice to quit by the early summer.
'They are successfully stealing some of our secrets,' warned the ex-official

China's fifth-generation stealth fighter is nearly a direct copy of the F-22 Raptor

Former US defense official accused China of rampant 'thievery' to build the J-20

A former Department of Defense official from the Trump administration has warned that China relied heavily on stolen US technology to build its J-20 Mighty Dragon stealth fighter, calling for greater safeguards on secret weapon systems.

Former Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy James Anderson said China has pilfered US secrets for many years, basing the J-20 on technology from the F-22 Raptor and Joint Strike Fighter program.

'What we know is that because of the espionage efforts, the J-20 is more advanced than it otherwise would be, and that's the important point here,' Anderson told Fox News Digital in an interview published on Thursday.

China's extensive espionage efforts targeting the F-22, which first entered service in 2005, are well documented. In 2016 a confessed Chinese spy was sentenced to 46 months in US prison for stealing designs for the Lockheed Martin fighter jet.

'They have profited greatly from their thievery over the years... They've put it to good use, and they've come up with an advanced fifth-generation fighter,' said Anderson of the Chinese J-20.

The US F-22 and Chinese J-20 are compared above. China is accused of stealing US technology to design its fifth-generation stealth fighter jet

A J-20 stealth fighter jet performs during the 12th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China 2018, in the city of Zhuhai

Former Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy James Anderson (seen in 2020) said the Chinese have pilfered US secrets for many years to create the J-20 fighter

The J-20, which first entered service in 2017, is widely regarded as a direct copy of the F-22.

Aside from the J-20's forward canard wings, the two fighters are visually very similar, and are believed to have similar flight capabilities and armaments.

Experts have said the J-20 represents a massive leap forward in China's ability to project power in Asia, warning it could compete on par with US military technology.

However, Anderson noted that it's 'hard to say, short of actual combat,' how the J-20 would measure up against the F-22 in a real-world confrontation.

The US built a total of 187 F-22s before ending the program in 2011 in favor of the F-35 Lightning II, a fifth-generation fighter jet built by Lockheed Martin under the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program.

JSF was also a known target of Chinese espionage, and in 2009 the Wall Street Journal reported that suspected Chinese hackers had penetrated the program and stolen 'several terabytes of data related to design and electronics systems.'

Anderson said China spent 'well over a decade' targeting the Joint Strike Fighter, and has used stolen elements in the design and construction of the J-20.

Spokespersons for the Pentagon and the Joint Strike Fighter program did not immediately respond to requests for comment from DailyMail.com on Thursday.

J-20 stealth fighter jets perform in the sky during the 14th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition on November 9, 2022 in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province of China

An F-22 Raptor from Joint Base Langley-Eustis is seen in a file photo. The J-20, which first entered service in 2017, is widely regarded as a direct copy of the F-22

China's J-20 (above) is visually very similar to the F-22 aside from the canard wings

Chinese national Su Bin (pictured) was sentenced in 2016 to three years and 10 months in prison for hacking American defense contractors to steal trade secrets on Beijing's behalf

Anderson noted that China's espionage program ranged from advanced cyberattacks to 'old-fashioned' methods such as honey traps and bribes to recruit US contractors, academic researchers, and officials.

'Unfortunately, they've had some success there,' Anderson said in the recent interview.

'It saves the Chinese time and money. In effect, we end up subsidizing a portion of their research and development budget because they are successfully stealing some of our secrets,' he said. 'Ultimately, this puts our men and women at greater risk on the battlefield.'

To date, China is believed to have produced about 208 J-20 stealth jets, and the fighter's capabilities have assumed military and political significance as China grows increasingly aggressive in Asia.

Last April, China started J-20 patrols of the South China Sea, a vast contested waterway that Beijing claims as its own, in an attempt to scare off neighboring nations with competing claims.

The J-20 has also been used in China's repeated patrols over Taiwan, the self-governed island also claimed by Beijing.

In January, a J-20 pilot boasted in Chinese state media that he had penetrated the Taiwanese Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) without being detected or intercepted.

China has also been accused of stealing secrets from the Joint Strike Fighter program, which produced the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter (seen above)

China's state broadcaster revealed J-20's futuristic hanger for the first time in a documentary

According to footage released by China Central Television Station, the J-20 is equipped with four PL-15 mid-range air-to-air missiles and one PL-10 short-range 'combat' missile on either side.

Chinese news site Sohu previously claimed PL-15 was a wing-less missile and 5.7 metres (18.7 feet) long. It was said to boast an impressive range of 400 kilometres (249 miles) and could help PL-15 out-perform F-22.

PL-10, on the other hand, was reported to have exceptional abilities to intercept other missiles.

In a post on the PLA's English-language website, Chinese military expert Song Zongping said the J-20 will 'engage with rivals in the future who dare to provoke China in the air.'

Although China describes the J-20 as an air-superiority fighter designed to engage other fighters in air-to-air combat, Western analysts view it as optimized for anti-access/aerial denial missions, such as targeting communications and support craft.

Through the years, Beijing has firmly denied claims that it incorporated stolen military technology in the design of the J-20.
The mother of a student who was stabbed by an Iraqi immigrant who wanted to commit a serious crime so he could be deported has today hit out at Britain's 'broken' asylum system.

Mother-of-two Corisande Wheeler, 51, said her son Ellis Wheeler, 18, was lucky to be alive after he was knifed in the back as he walked home from a computer science lecture at Solent University, Southampton, last year.

She spoke out after Rebaz Mohammed - who came to the UK illegally on a small boat - was jailed for six years over the horrific attack which was captured on harrowing CCTV footage.

It is understood he came to the UK from Europe on a dinghy soon after he had served a 12-week custodial sentence in the UK for racially aggravated assault when he first visited.

He then targeted Mr Wheeler in a random attack last December because he was disillusioned with life in the UK and believed it would help him get a taxpayer-funded flight home.

Mother-of-two Corisande Wheeler, 51, said her son Ellis Wheeler, 18, was lucky to be alive after he was knifed in the back

This is the shocking moment Rebaz Mohammed stabbed Ellis Wheeler in the back last December

Mrs Wheeler told MailOnline: 'I find it disgusting - the fact he had already served time and wasn't deported and was looking for a paid flight home. The sentence was far too short.'

Hitting out at Britain's immigration policy she said: 'Something needs to actually happen. We have been going round and round in circles and it's just been going on for years - it's been the same thing with each government. This has made me feel more passionate and concerned about it.

'It gets hush hushed. We're not allowed to say what we really think for fear of wokism and racism and all that.

'I don't know what's happened to the country. It's fallen apart and broken.'

Mrs Wheeler told how the family had not been given answers as to why Mohammed - who was a violent offender - had been allowed to roam free unsupervised.

She said: 'It was said in court that he did it because he wanted to be deported. It seems a strange way to go about it and why was he not deported the first time?

'He had already been convicted of battery and other offences and had been in prison.

'Nobody has given us any answers as to why he was able to do this even though he was known to be a dangerous person.

Rebaz Mohammed, 28, (pictured) stabbed Ellis Wheeler, 18, a Solent University student, as he was walking through a park in Southampton hoping it would get him deported back to Iraq

'Why was he able to come over on a boat to start with? Why was he in a hotel? He didn't have a job.

'What happened to my son could have been anybody's fate. If the stab wound had been a couple of inches to the left it would have been his spine. It could have been his neck. It's pretty horrific.'

Mrs Wheeler added: 'No-one wants to go through that. It's been horrific. You just have to draw a line under it and move on and think things could have been a lot worse but it does highlight the situation.

'You hear about this problem needing to be sorted and it's just not happening. We are paying to put people like him up in hotels and this is happening in broad daylight in Southampton.

'It makes you wonder about the safety of everybody going about their business. It was a random attack but that's not particularly comforting.'

Ellis - a first year computer science student at Solent University - underwent emergency surgery after suffering a punctured lung in the attack in Hoglands Park, Southampton which happened days before Christmas last year.

Mrs Wheeler believes her son's life was saved by a quick thinking friend who was luckily passing by and stemmed the flow of blood before paramedics arrived.

Mrs Wheeler - who also has a 15-year-old son - said: 'It was broad daylight at lunchtime.

'He was just on his way back from lectures. He was going back to his lodgings and he had just stopped to get some lunch on the way.

The number of asylum applications spiked last year to 74,751, relating to 89,398 individuals - the highest since 2002

The number of arrivals in small boats peaked at nearly 9,000 a month in the summer

'Luckily he was able to run quickly and it was incredibly fortunate that his friend happened to be there.

'His friend was running late on his way to a lecture, which is not usual for him. He was coming in the opposite direction and his quick thinking helped save Ellis' life.

'He saw him running. He didn't realise what had happened at first but he seemed to know what to do.

'He stemmed the blood and called the emergency services.

'The man remained in the park with his weapon and his friend managed to take photographs.

'The police were quick to arrive - probably because they were aware of him anyway.'

Mrs Wheeler said: 'I had a call from the hospital just as I was decorating the Christmas tree. It was every parent's nightmare. I rushed over there. There were armed police around his curtain. They decided he needed surgery and he was in for five days.

READ MORE: Inside 100-a-night taxpayer-funded Bournemouth beach hotel where Iraqi Channel migrant became disillusioned with life in Britain - so stabbed a teenager in bid to be deported Advertisement

'Luckily he was fairly fit beforehand and physically he has made a full recovery.'

Describing the impact on her family Mrs Wheeler, who lives in Hayling Island, Hants, said: 'We have had a fair amount of family trauma. We are just lucky because things could have been a lot worse.

'My son has gone back to university and he's getting on with it. Luckily he's very resilient. We're made of tougher stuff here.

'He's had to delay his exams which he should have taken in January until the end of this year so will have twice as much to study at the end of this year.

'The sad thing is that he doesn't really tend to go out. He's not one for drinking. He's quite happy to stay in and master his cooking skills.

'He has recovered physically but something like this has to have had an impact. It can't not have an effect.

'The university has been very good. They have offered him counselling and anything that he needs.

'He's a very laid person. He's very gentle and takes everything in his stride. It's been quite difficult to gauge the impact it has had on him.

'I'm pretty sure he would talk to me if he was struggling. He thinks it was lucky and it could have been worse. He's just trying to put it behind him and get on with his course.

A Home Office spokesman said 'Foreign national offenders who abuse our hospitality by committing crimes will face the full force of the law, including deportation at the earliest opportunity for those eligible.'
A neonatal nurse felt 'put out' when murder-accused nurse Lucy Letby insisted a triplet should not be moved to intensive care, a jury has heard.

Letby, 33, is accused of murdering the newborn boy just hours after the exchange on June 23, 2016.

Melanie Taylor, that day's shift leader at the Countess of Chester Hospital, told Manchester Crown Court she had a 'gut instinct' that Baby O might be deteriorating and wanted to move him into the intensive care Nursery One.

The shift leader, who was giving evidence from behind a screen, said: 'I can't specifically remember what it was that I was not happy about but he didn't look as well as when I started the shift.

'I can't remember the reasoning behind it. Sometimes it can be just a gut instinct. Sometimes they (the baby) can present very slight things.

A neonatal nurse felt 'put out' when murder-accused nurse Lucy Letby (pictured) insisted a triplet should not be moved to intensive care, a jury has heard

Letby, 33, is accused of murdering the newborn boy just hours after the exchange on June 23, 2016

'I remember saying it out loud to Lucy.

'I asked whether she felt we should move him into nursery one. She said 'no'. She felt it was OK and wanted to keep him in nursery two and wanted to keep the brothers together.

'I guess it's a joint decision. Lucy was the one looking after him. She knew him and was with him all day.'

Ms Taylor, who hours later found herself working as part of the team trying to save Baby Os life, added: 'With hindsight, I wish I had been a bit firmer. I remember being put out that she was quite insistent. I think because I felt she was undermining my decision.

'She said 'no'. Quite plainly 'no, I don't feel like he should be moved'.

Melanie Taylor, that day's shift leader at the Countess of Chester Hospital, told Manchester Crown Court (pictured) she had a 'gut instinct' that Baby O might be deteriorating. The trial continues on Friday

'I don't think from me it was 'he needs to be moved now'. It was more of a feeling than any hard evidence.

'I had a gut instinct he didn't seem as well.'

Philip Astbury, prosecuting, asked: 'What was the advantage of room one?

She replied: 'Just the ability to have more space if anything was to deteriorate. We have more equipment on hand. We have got the emergency trollies in there.

'The resources are closer to hand and easier to get to.'

Child O was stable and raised no concerns for doctors on the morning ward round, the court heard.

Letby is alleged to have fatally injected air into the circulation of the infant, Child O, during a day shift at the Countess of Chester Hospital's neonatal unit.

Letby was caring for the youngster in nursery room two, a high dependency unit, along with one of his brothers, Child P, who she allegedly murdered the following day.

Ms Taylor told the court her 'gut instinct' came about 'an hour or two' before the first collapse of Child O in the mid-afternoon.

Ms Taylor said she could not recall how she was alerted to the deterioration but that Letby was in room two when she attended.

Child O stabilised before he was moved to intensive care room one where he collapsed again about an hour later but could not be resuscitated.

Ms Taylor told the court she was 'surprised' at Child O's deterioration.

Ben Myers KC, defending, broke in as Philip Astbury began asking the nurse whether the babys fatal collapse had been expected, arguing that there were too many gaps in her knowledge for her to be able to offer an opinion.

He asked the witness: 'Do you recall Miss Letby explained she wanted to keep him (Child O) with his brother?'

'Yes,' Ms Taylor said.

Mr Myers said: 'All other things being equal, keeping them together as far as you can is desirable, isn't it?'

Ms Taylor repeated: 'Yes.'

Letby, originally from Hereford, denies the murders of seven babies and the attempted murders of 10 others between June 2015 and June 2016.

The trial continues on Friday.
A geneticist who was bludgeoned to death by her ex-husband predicted he would get away with murdering her, and he did for 45 years  until today.

Dr Brenda Page, 32, was hit around 30 times on her head, face and body with a blunt chisel-like object and died from blood inhalation at her flat in Aberdeen, on July 14, 1978.

Her ex-husband and fellow scientist Christopher 'Kit' Harrisson, now 82, was convicted of her murder today after a tiny flake of paint found on Dr Page's window helped solve the 45-year-old case.

Two years before her brutal murder, Dr Page told her friend and mentor Dr Adrienne Jessop: 'If he kills me he will get away with it because he is so clever.'

More than 4,000 people were spoken to since Police Scotland first opened the murder investigation and at least 3,000 statements were taken, including 500 since the case was reopened in 2015.

Dr Brenda Page, 32, (pictured) was hit around 30 times on her head, face and body with a blunt chisel-like object and died from blood inhalation at her flat in Aberdeen, on July 14, 1978

Her ex-husband Christopher 'Kit' Harrisson, now 82, (pictured today) was convicted of her murder today

Dr Page divorced Harrisson after he beat her during their abusive marriage. He murdered her before claiming his innocence for 45 years

A tiny flake of paint found on Dr Page's window (pictured) helped solve the 45-year-old case that was first opened in 1978

Murderer Harrisson will most likely die behind bars after being jailed for life with a minimum of 20 years

Dr Jessop said she will 'never forget' what her friend told her and told The Times 'it shattered me'.

Nicol Hosie, 72, was Dr Page's divorce solicitor during her escape from the abusive marriage to Harrisson.

Letters from Dr Page to Ms Hosie described Harrisson's violent temper, death threats and beatings that left her missing clumps of hair.

She also begged Ms Hosie for a 'good post-mortem' if she died suddenly.

Dr Page headed the genetics department at the University of Aberdeen and was one of few women in a leading role in the field of science at the time.

Dr Page wrote chilling letters in which she said: 'If I do depart this earth rather suddenly... please make sure I get a good post-mortem'

However, in her spare time she worked a second job as an escort called Miss Brenda Adams, which led to theories after her frenzied murder that a client had killed her.

These theories were quickly dismissed by police, who reportedly thought Harrisson was to blame but didn't have enough evidence to prosecute him.

He was questioned by Grampian Police but released without charge and left the country to start a new life in the Netherlands.

The cold case was investigated in 2015 and new witnesses and DNA evidence was found that finally secured a conviction for Dr Page's killer ex-husband.

Dr Brenda Page was savagely beaten to death in her flat (pictured) in Aberdeen, where she lived with her three cats

In her spare time she worked a second job as an escort called Miss Brenda Adams, which led to theories after her frenzied murder that a client had killed her, but these theories were quickly dismissed by police. Pictured: The back of Dr Page's flat

Flakes of paint found near her bedroom window (pictured), which had been forced open, were the same as those found on her ex-husband's green mini Metro car

The brutal murderer's conviction finally came after new DNA evidence was discovered. Pictured: Christopher Harrisson's car

Harrisson suggested a blood-stained watch strap (pictured) found at his home in the fireplace was planted

It was suggested that Harrisson forced entry through Dr Page's window with a chisel-tipped object and hid in her wardrobe, waiting for his ex-wife to come home in the early hours of the morning.

He likely attacked Dr Page as she sat or lay on her bed, it was reported.

A friend and colleague of Harrisson, Professor Ian Booth, told police he had taught the murderer how to take apart a window 'bit by bit' the winter before the killing.

Harrisson had claimed he was locked out, so Prof Booth showed him how to gain entry without breaking the glass.

Meanwhile, Flakes of paint found near her bedroom window, which had been forced open, were the same as those found on her ex-husband's green mini Metro car.

He was questioned by Grampian Police but released without charge and left the country to start a new life in the Netherlands. Pictured: Harrisson at around the time of the murder

Additionally, Harrisson claimed in 2020 after his arrest that he never had sex with Dr Page in her flat, which left him at a loss why a sperm sample matching his DNA was found on her bedsheets.

Alex Prentice KC, prosecuting, suggested Harrisson was jealous that Dr Page was meeting other men and so killed her.

During the trial at Aberdeen High Court he said: 'You had accused her of being a prostitute. You flew into an uncontrollable rage. You brutally murdered her.'

Harrisson will most likely die behind bars after being jailed for life with a minimum of 20 years.

In a letter from Harrisson to his Dr Page, he acknowledged 'rages of which you are afraid', and was branded 'bullying and manipulative'.

Dr Page's nephew Chris Ling said outside the court that her family was "delighted" to see justice finally done.

Dr Page headed the genetics department at the University of Aberdeen and was one of few women in a leading role in the field of science at the time

Dr Page's nephew Chris Ling (pictured) said outside the court that her family was "delighted" to see justice finally done

Harrisson, from Aberdeen, told police his ex-wife was a 'brilliant scientist' and spent decades denying his crime but was snared by DNA examination and forensic techniques.

One sperm sample found in bedsheets in Dr Page's flat was 590 million times more likely to have come from Harrisson rather than any other man, the court heard.

Paired with original statements, some still in manuscript from the 70s, and carefully recorded testimonies of witnesses who had since passed away, these breakthroughs became powerful circumstantial evidence.

In one letter, Dr Page asked her lawyer to ensure she receive a thorough post-mortem should she ever die suddenly.

Thousands of documents were re-examined in preparing the prosecution and many witnesses were in their 70s and 80s, giving evidence by live TV link.

Harrisson denied murder but was convicted at the High Court in Aberdeen.

National Procurator Fiscal for Homicide and Major Crime, David Green, said he hoped today's sentence brought some degree of comfort to the family of Dr Page.

Mr Green said: 'The relatives of Dr Brenda Page have waited a very long time for justice and our thoughts are with them as they come to terms with today's outcome.

'Christopher Harrisson took the life of their loved one and subjected them to further torment by maintaining his pretence of innocence for many years.

'Our skilled prosecutors were able to ensure that a jury saw through his callous deception.

'Evidence collected at the time painted a picture of a bullying and manipulative man but it has taken breakthroughs in science and forensics to allow us to prove the case beyond any doubt.

'A man once recognised as a skilled scientist himself has been brought to justice through scientific expertise.'

By the time Harrisson stood trial, many witnesses were in their 70s and 80s, and several gave evidence by live television link.

David Green, Scotland's public prosecution service murder investigations chief, said:

'[We do] not view any unresolved homicide as "closed" and the public should be assured we will not stop seeking justice, no matter how long ago the offences took place.

'I would urge anyone with any information on unresolved murders to report it to the police, confident that we will treat any report we receive with the utmost gravity.

'Harrisson is an old man now but he is finally facing the consequences of his cruelty and violence.'
Retired detective Robert Anzilotti exclusively revealed in an upcoming A&E documentary that he has solved his seventh cold-case linked to serial killer Richard Cottingham - also known as the 'Torso Killer' and 'The Times Square Killer.'

Mary Ann Della Sala, 17, disappeared in January of 1967 after finishing her shift at the Ship-Rite on Essex Street in Hackensack, New Jersey.

Her body was discovered three months later in Jersey's Passaic River, though the case remained unsolved until March 2022, when Anzilotti coaxed a confession out of Cottingham, with whom he had developed a relationship over the years.

The documentary also features never-before-heard audio tapes of conversations between Anzilotti and Cottingham, some of which the killer did not know were being recorded.

Ultimately, Cottingham, 76, would go on to tell Anzilotti that he may have murdered as many as 100 women in the tri-state area in the 1970s.

Serial killer Richard Cottingham is currently serving six life sentences in prison. He was recently sentenced to 25 more years for admitting to five more kills

Mary Ann Della Sala, who Cottingham finally told Anzilotti he'd killed n 1967

Cottingham is currently serving six life sentences after being convicted in the early 80s of five murders across two separate trials in Jersey, and one in New York.

In late 2022, he confessed to the brutal slayings of five additional women, for which he was sentenced to an additional 25 years to life for each victim.

'There are no words to describe how purely evil you are,' Nassau County Court Judge Caryn Fink told the killer, who appeared in court virtually.

Cottingham is likely responsible for dozens more cold case murders to which the police have not successfully connected him. Anzilotti, however, told the New York Post he was 'determined' to 'use my retirement as a tool to get [Cottingham] to talk about more of those [cold] cases.'

'He had teased me over the years that he was responsible for other murders' but never wanted to admit it,' he added.

The killer earned his name because he cut off the limbs of his victims and even beheaded some.

The confirmation that Cottingham killed Della Sala will be explored in the documentary, 'The Torso Killer Confessions,' which airs in two parts beginning on March 9 and ending on March 10. But Anzilotti said the killer's admission was comforting to the victim's family.

'Unfortunately many of [Mary Anns] family have passed, but her brother and sister are still here and Ive spoken to her sister a number of times and made sure her brother knows as well.

'Theyve been more inclined to stay out of the spotlight  but have been extraordinarily supportive of my efforts. Mary Anns sister cried  about not having her big sister around all these years,' he said.

The documentary also features never-before-heard audio tapes of conversations with Cottingham that Anzilotti had secretly recorded.

'He was a very tough nut to crack and remains so today,' said the former detective. 'He only tells you what he wants to tell you and there are plenty of times where he can be misleading. He likes to play games  and gaining his trust was most definitely the biggest priority over the years.'

Robert Anzilotti, who retired as the Chief of Detectives for the Bergen County Prosecutors Office in 2021, reveals his years-long relationship with serial killer Richard Cottingham in the new A&E special: The Torso Killer Confessions

Richard Cottingham, 76, confessed to the brutal murders of five women on Monday, but previously struck a plea deal to only be punished for one. Cottingham, also known as the 'Torso Killer' says he has killed over 100 women. He is currently serving a life sentence in NJ

Cottingham's first known victim was Nancy Schiava Vogel (left), a 29-year-old married mother-of-two who was strangled in her car in 1967. In 1979, Cottingham killed and beheaded Deedeh Goodarzi, 22 (right), inside a Times Square motel in New York

Prosecutor Jared Rosenblatt comforts Darlene Altman, daughter of Diane Cusick, as she reads a statement at a courtroom in Mineola, N.Y. Richard Cottingham, the serial murderer known as the 'Torso Killer,' admitted last year to killing a Cusick, a 23-year-old woman, outside a Long Island shopping mall in 1968

The pair have spent hours together since 2004. In 2010 Anzilotti eventually got Cottingham to confess to the murder of Nancy Vogel, a young mother of two whose naked body was found in the back seat of her car in 1967.

'He always said that was one of his first, but not THE first, of his murders,' said Anzilotti.

'Mary Ann Della Sala disappeared on January 24, 1967, 10 months prior to Vogel, so that's the earliest known killing linked to Cottingham,' he added.

'These victims all need to have someone that tries to be their voice. They can never be forgotten,' he said.

'Mary Ann Della Sala was a 17-year-old who had her whole life ahead of her when this animal snatched her off the street and killed her.

'It's sad that it took this long for us to figure it out, but it also highlights the fact that we don't give up on these cases. I think there's always hope that every case will be solved,' he said.
Yoon Suk Yeol shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during their summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Nov. 13, 2022. Korea Times file





By Kang Seung-woo







A Japanese media outlet reported, Thursday, that the South Korean government has decided to put the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) back on track amid signs of improving ties between the neighboring countries.







The GSOMIA is a bilateral security agreement between South Korea and Japan to share sensitive military and intelligence information. The former Moon Jae-in administration nearly let the pact expire in 2019 in response to Tokyo's tightened controls on exports to Seoul.







However, South Korea conditionally suspended the decision to terminate the agreement, following a resolution passed in the U.S. Senate calling on Seoul to renew it, leaving the pact in a somewhat unstable state, as the South Korean government had said that it could scrap the GSOMIA at any time.







Citing a South Korean government official, the Yomiuri Shimbun said, "As North Korea advances its nuclear and missile development, Japan and South Korea will work to strengthen cooperation in the field of security."







Yoon to hold summit with Kishida in Japan next week Yoon to visit Japan next week for summit with Kishida PM defends forced labor solution to mend ties with Japan It also said the Yoon Suk Yeol administration plans to withdraw the documents that notified Japan of the end of the GSOMIA in 2019 and inform the country that it will withdraw relevant measures it took at the time.



The report came days after the Yoon administration developed a resolution on compensating victims of Japan's wartime forced labor by using a public foundation funded by Korean companies without direct payment from Japan, raising speculation that the plan could clear the way for improving frayed ties.



The forced labor issue has caused Korea-Japan relations to sink to the lowest level since the postwar period because of a 2018 South Korean Supreme Court order for Japanese companies  Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Nippon Steel  to compensate Korean victims who were forced to work for Imperial Japan during its 1910-45 colonial occupation of Korea.



Since taking office in May 2022, President Yoon has been making efforts to normalize the nation's relationship with Japan, based on the importance of trilateral security cooperation with the U.S. against North Korea's evolving threats. Pyongyang ended last year with a record 38 ballistic missile launches in total.



In response to the report, the South Korean defense ministry said it plans to review it in consultation with relevant government organizations in accordance with the progress in Korea-Japan relations.



According to the South Korean presidential office, Thursday, Yoon will travel to Tokyo to meeting Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida March 16 and 17, the news report said, "The two leaders are expected to confirm the importance of the GSOMIA at next week's summit."




President Joe Biden's budget provides $7.3 billion for refugees but only funds an additional 350 border patrol agents to deal with a surge in migrants illegally crossing the northern and southern borders.

Biden's $6.8 trillion plan, which he unveiled on Thursday, makes clear his priorities heading into the next fiscal year.

Included in his plan to hike taxes on the wealthy and corporations to pay for a plethora of social programs is the money for migrants and a mere $40 million to combat fentanyl trafficking, a growing issue of concern for Americans.

US deaths from fentanyl have been on the rise since the 2010s, spiking during Covid-19 and continuing to rise under the Biden presidency. In 2022, 107,000 Americans died of overdose.

President Biden's budget proposal provides $7.3 billion for refugees but only funds an additional 350 border patrol agents - above migrants at the Texas border

But, in a nod to Republicans' call for more border enforcement - an issue they are expected to hammer Biden on in the 2024 election - the president does include funding to fight illegal immigration.

The president's proposal outlines $7.3 billion in funding to the Office of Refugee Resettlement to help respond to the needs of unaccompanied children crossing the border or other humanitarian entrants who need assistance.

His proposal also allocates nearly $25 billion to U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Its only an $800 million increase over the 2023 budget level.

The increased funding comes as Biden administration officials have said they are expecting a surge in migrants crossing the border illegally once Title 42 is lifted on May 11. The pandemic policy, enacted during Donald Trump's presidency, allowed migrants to be returned across the border swiftly.

The administration says it has been working on other policies to help combat the expected surge, including the possibility of a major U-turn in his immigration policy as administration officials weigh reviving a Trump-era policy detaining families who cross the southern border illegally.

Biden's budget proposes a new $4.7 billion contingency fund to help the Department of Homeland Security deal the surges and more than $1.5 billion to tackle the backlog of over 1.8 million cases pending in the immigration courts.

The funding includes $535 million for technology at the border, the $40 million to combat fentanyl trafficking and the funds to hire an additional 460 processing assistants at CBP and ICE.

And the $865 million for ICE would include funds to increase processing for the asylum caseload, work on reducing the requests backlog of immigration benefits, and improve refugee processing.

His budget is likely to be blocked in Congress, and Republicans have already called the plan 'reckless' and a 'road map to fiscal ruin'.

Biden's budget proposal also allocates nearly $25 billion to U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement - above National Guard agents in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, on the Texas border

Biden's budget offers only an $800 million increase over the 2023 budget when it comes to fighing illegal immigration - above two migrants from Ecuador sit after crossing the border into Yuma, Arizona

Biden's attempts to crackdown on illegal immigration as the number of migrants crossing the southern border reaches historic levels.

In 2021, the U.S. saw 1.7 million immigrants come into the country. In 2022, that number rose to more than 2 million.

Additionally he is being sued for a proposed rule that would make migrants ineligible for asylum in the U.S. if they did not first attempt to claim asylum in a country they passed through.

And the immigration problem is growing on the United States' norther border with a surge in migration being seen there.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection transferred 25 extra agents to the northern border earlier this week as the number of migrants crossing in from Canada continues to rise.

While illegal crossings at the southern border remain a larger overall problem, the number of crossings at the north has risen nearly 850% and is causing concern.

It is a problem that works both ways - some migrants are actually sneaking into Canada from the U.S., causing a spike in immigration numbers for America's neighbor to the north.

The Swanton Sector, which includes sections of Vermont, New Hampshire and New York, experienced an 846% increase in apprehensions from October 2022 through this January, compared to the year prior.

President Joe Biden released his $6.8 trillion budget plan on Thursday

Agents apprehended 367 people in January, which they say is more than they encountered since 2011 combined.

The average annual number of encounters in the Swanton Sector over the last dozen years is just 28.

The Swanton Sector is a a 2,200 square mile area with USCBP agents based in Swanton, Vermont.

There is no fencing along the crossing. Much of the area is woods and dirt paths. There is heavy snowfall and wetlands across the region this time of year.

Nearly two-thirds of the southbound migrants arrested by U.S. border agents in the Swanton Sector are from Mexico, according to CBP numbers.
Russia has enough weaponry to keep the Ukraine war going for another two years - even without support from another nation, Lithuania's military intelligence service said today.

'Russia had been accumulating weapons and equipment over the long years of the Cold War,' military intelligence chief Elegijus Paulavicius said and added: 'We estimate that (its) resources would last for another two years of a war of the same intensity as today.'

Russia has a large amount of weaponry stored in its reserves, which would allow them to 'cause enormous damage and increase the costs of restoration,' he said.

Mr Paulavicius noted that the assessment depended on the perspective that no foreign country would provide military aid to Moscow.

However, Russia's weaponry could last even longer than the estimated two years, as there have already been fears that China was supplying drones to Russia after the German magazine Der Spiegel reported in February that Russia was in talks with a Chinese manufacturer to buy 100 prototype ZT-180 drones, delivered by April.

Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin in Moscow

Russian Su-27 jet fighters and MIG 29 jet fighters fly over Red Square during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow on May 9, 2016

The sale of ZT-180 drones, reportedly similar to Iran's Shahed 136 drones which Russia used in Ukraine which Russia is reportedly soon running out of, would mark a significant turn in the war.

North Korea is also rumoured to be supplying artillery shells to Russia in support of its Ukraine invasion, according to claims by the White House.

Russia fired a huge wave of missiles across Ukraine on Thursday as people slept, killing at least nine civilians and knocking out power in an attack Kyiv said included six Kinzhal hypersonic cruise missiles, one of Moscow's most valuable weapons.

The mass strikes on targets far from the front were the first such wave since mid-February and shattered the longest calm since Moscow began an air campaign against Ukraine's civil infrastructure five months ago.

They also briefly forced Europe's biggest nuclear power plant off the grid.

'The occupiers can only terrorise civilians. That's all they can do. But it won't help them. They won't avoid responsibility for everything they have done,' said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, describing strikes that hit infrastructure and residential buildings in ten regions.

Russia's defence ministry said it had carried out a 'massive retaliatory strike' as payback for a cross-border raid last week.

It claimed to have hit all its intended targets, destroying drone bases, disrupting railways and damaging facilities that make and repair arms.

Villagers in Zolochiv in Ukraine's western Lviv region carried a body in a black plastic bag over the rubble of a brick house completely destroyed by a missile.

Oksana Ostapenko said the house belonged to her sister Halyna, whose body was still buried under the rubble with two other family members.

'They still haven't found them. We were hoping that they're alive. But they're not alive,' she said.

Another civilian was reported killed by the missiles in the central Dnipro region. Three civilians were separately reported killed by artillery in Kherson.

Moscow says such hits are intended to reduce Ukraine's ability to fight. Kyiv says the air strikes have no military purpose and aim to harm and intimidate civilians, a war crime.

In the capital Kyiv, a seven-hour alert through the night was the longest of Russia's five-month air campaign.

Moscow confirmed it had used hypersonic Kinzhal - Russian for dagger - missiles in Thursday's attack. Ukrainian officials said it was the first time they had faced so many of the weapons, which Ukraine has no way to shoot down.

Solntsepyok (Blazing Sun) multiple thermobaric rocket launchers during the Victory Day military parade in Red Square marking the 75th anniversary of the victory in World War II, on June 24, 2020

A destroyed Russian armoured personnel carrier (APC) stands on the side of the street in Vovchans'k, Kharkiv region on March 9, 2023

The White House said that the barrage was 'devastating' to see and Washington would continue to provide Ukraine with air defence capabilities.

Russia is believed to have just a few dozen Kinzhals, which fly many times faster than the speed of sound and are built to carry nuclear warheads with a range of more than 2,000 km (1,200 miles).

In his speeches, President Vladimir Putin regularly touts the Kinzhal as a weapon for which the transatlantic NATO alliance backing Kyiv has no answer.

Ukraine said the attacks had knocked out power in various places including to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe's largest, severing it from the grid and forcing it onto emergency diesel power to prevent a meltdown.

It was later reconnected to Ukraine's energy grid, operator UkrenergoIt was later reconnected to Ukraine's energy grid, operator Ukrenergo said.

The plant, which Russia has held since capturing it early in the war, is near the front line and both sides have warned in the past of a potential for disaster. Moscow said it was safe.

Kyiv, the Black Sea port of Odesa and Kharkiv were all hit. Targets stretched from Zhytomyr, Vynnytsia and Rivne in the west to Dnipro and Poltava in central Ukraine, officials said.

Beyond estimates of Russian resources, the Lithuanian intelligence report also suggested that Russia's mobilisation last year showed that support for the war in Ukraine 'is not as big as the regime's propaganda tried to make it seem'.

'Dissatisfaction with the regime's policies is currently taking a passive form: mostly avoiding mobilisation, complaining about poor provision and disarray in the army,' the document said.

It also raised the possibility that Russia's failures on the battlefield, further mobilisation and a sudden deterioration of the economic situation 'would have negative consequences for the stability of the regime'.

Lithuania, a member of both the European Union and NATO, has been a major backer of Ukraine since it was invaded by Russia in February last year.
A Christian street preacher had a conviction for misgendering a trans woman overturned after an appeal court ruling yesterday.

David McConnell, 42, was found guilty of a public order offence by magistrates after he repeatedly called a transgender woman a man while addressing a crowd in Leeds city centre.

He was arrested after police arrived to find him arguing over his views about the LGBTQ community with a hostile crowd of around 100 people. But yesterday a judge at Leeds Crown Court overturned the conviction for causing harassment, alarm or distress.

Recorder Anthony Hawks said Mr McConnell was simply repeating what he genuinely believed to be the Bibles teaching.

We live in a time when free speech is important and vital and we live in a time when peoples attitude towards gender are very different from how they were years ago, he said.

Street preacher David McConnell, 42, was reported to counter-terror police for statements he made referring to a trans person

All these issues need to be properly respected so I make no criticism whatsoever of the crown bringing the prosecution in this case. Mr McConnell, a lettings agent who has preached in public for 15 years across northern England, had been sentenced to do 80 hours unpaid work over the incident in June 2021.

The court heard he was approached by Farrah Munir, 20, and asked: Does God accept the LGBT community? Their interaction was captured on video and viewed in court.

Mr McConnell replied: No, God hates sin. So, this gentleman asked a question...

Members of the crowd shouted: Shes a woman.

The preacher has been criticised for comments he has made about trans and gay people, including saying that homosexuality was an 'abomination'

Mr McConnell, of Wakefield, West Yorkshire, told the crowd: Im fully aware that is a man, you can tell by looking at him that he is a man dressed in womens clothes. Addressing Miss Munir directly in the street, he said: You are not a woman, you are a man.

He also stated that homosexuality was an abomination in the eyes of God.

PC Gareth Burns said that when he arrived an angry mob had gathered and he arrested the preacher partly for his own safety.

Outside court Mr McConnell said he was delighted to be cleared, adding: How I was treated was totally unreasonable and should concern anyone who cares about Christian freedoms and free speech.
The company allegedly gave him supplies in hopes that he would use his influence to encourage the training hospital to purchase more J&J supplies

Just weeks ago, J&J agreed to pay $9.75million to federal and state governments for giving Tannoury supplies to perform overseas operations

Tony Tannoury, 55, of Andover, reportedly received hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of free medical supplies from J&J between 2013 and 2018

A Boston spinal surgeon, who famously ducked out of surgery to take a nap, received free medical supplies from Johnson & Johnson while performing surgeries overseas in a bid to get him to use the devices in the US.

Tony Tannoury, 55, of Andover, reportedly received hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of free medical supplies from the New Jersey-based pharmaceutical company between 2013 and 2018, a whistleblower lawsuit filed by Aleksej Gusakovs revealed.

Tannoury, who famously drew headlines for napping in his car during a surgery in 2016, received at least $100,000 worth of supplies for spinal implants, but Gusakovs - who is a former sales representative for J&J - says the doctor was sent several bags containing $250,000 to $500,000 worth of equipment every three months.

He received the supplies between July 2013 and February 2018, DePuy Synthes - a J&J subsidiary - admitted in January.

Just weeks ago, Johnson & Johnson agreed to pay $9.75million to federal and state governments for giving Tannoury, the head of spinal surgery at Boston Medical Center (BMC), supplies to perform overseas operations. The company allegedly gave him the supplies in hopes that he would use his influence at BMC to encourage the training hospital to purchase more supplies from J&J.

J&J told DailyMail.com in a statement: 'The settlement is not an admission of liability under the Anti-Kickback Statute. DePuy Synthes denies allegations of violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute.'

Tony Tannoury, 55, of Andover, reportedly received hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of free medical supplies from Johnson & Johnson between 2013 and 2018 to use during his overseas operation. The company allegedly gave him the supplies in hopes he would encourage his employer Boston Medical Center (BMC) to use their products more often

Just weeks ago, J&J agreed to pay $9.75million to federal and state governments for giving Tannoury supplies to perform overseas operations

The father-of-three used the supplies while performing surgeries in six Middle Eastern countries - Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates - the Boston Globe reported. The lawsuit said the doctor traveled 'several times a year' to 'perform surgeries for personal financial gain.'

However, Tannoury's lawyer, Thomas Butters, insisted his client never received 'free products supplied by J&J for his surgeries,' the Boston Globe reported.

'It was J&J's responsibility to bill the hospitals for all instruments used. If J&J failed to bill the hospitals for products used during these surgeries, Dr. Tannoury was not aware of this failure, nor did he benefit,' he told the outlet.

The lawyer added that Tannoury 'invented the minimally invasive system' for spinal surgery and traveled globally to 'teach' surgeons to perform it.

BMC also ensured to the Boston Globe that the Lebanese-trained doctor's overseas work did 'not involve' the hospital.

The father-of-three (pictured with his wife and one of his daughters) used the supplies while performing surgeries in six Middle Eastern countries - Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The lawsuit said the doctor medicinally traveled 'several times a year' to 'perform surgeries for personal financial gain'

However, Tannoury's lawyer, Thomas Butters, insisted his client never received 'free products supplied by J&J for his surgeries.' The lawyer added that Tannoury 'invented the minimally invasive system' for spinal surgery and traveled globally to 'teach' surgeons to perform it (pictured: Tannoury with his son and daughter)

Prosecutors, however, alleged J&J was using the free devices as kickbacks to help push their products onto Tannoury and eventually BMC to use on more Medicare and Medicaid patients in Massachusetts. However, by doing so, this would break the Anti-Kickback Statute, which makes it illegal for companies to give doctors free products to use in surgeries covered by government insurers.

'A central component of [J&J's] unlawful strategy to defraud Medicare and Medicaid was to target spinal surgeon Dr. Tony Tannoury...with kickbacks, knowing that he had the influence and ability to drive sales [of J&J products] within BMC,' the lawsuit read.

Gusakovs received $1.8million from the lawsuit, which he filed under the False Claims Act. The Act allows whistleblowers to sue fradulent companies on behalf of the government.

In a separate lawsuit, Gusakovs has claimed J&J fired him over his whistleblower suit.

Tannoury has worked at BMC since 2005 and has been the Chief of Spine Surgery since 2006, according to his LinkedIn. He received his education at Lebanese University, Georgetown University, and the University of Virginia.

Tannoury has worked at BMC (pictured) since 2005 and has been the Chief of Spine Surgery since 2006, according to his LinkedIn. He received his education at Lebanese University, Georgetown University, and the University of Virginia

In 2021, the doctor was fined just $5,000 after leaving a patient on an operating table waiting on emergency ankle surgery to go to his parked car to eat before he passed out and missed the procedure in November 2016.

Tannoury woke up in his car hours after falling asleep and called the hospital. But he was told a chief resident performed the operation he was meant to oversee. It had been a success, despite his disappearance, and he did not return to the hospital until the following day, according to the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine.

Two months later the November 2016 incident was reported to the state board which resulted in an investigation.

Following its investigation the board concluded that Tannoury 'engaged in conduct that undermines the public confidence in the integrity of the medical profession.' In addition to the fine, he was ordered to complete five continuing education credits in 'professionalism' and review regulations for supervising residents, the Globe reported.

Tannoury had to complete five further training sessions, but wasn't be suspended from his job, and could continue to operate.

The incident was not made public until almost five years after it took place.
Senator Mitch McConnell suffered a concussion after he tripped and fell at a dinner at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in downtown Washington D.C. yesterday. He's expected to remain at the hospital for a few days, his office said on Thursday.

'Leader McConnell tripped at a dinner event Wednesday evening and has been admitted to the hospital and is being treated for a concussion,' his communications director David Popp said in a statement on Thursday afternoon.

'He is expected to remain in the hospital for a few days of observation and treatment. The Leader is grateful to the medical professionals for their care and to his colleagues for their warm wishes.'

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell (pictured Tuesday) tripped and fell Wednesday at a hotel and was hospitalized; he has a concussion and will be in the hospital for a 'few days'

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) is recovering at the George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Concussions can be serious, and their recovery often take time. Many professional sporting associations, including the National Football League, are dealing with the dangers of concussions to their players.

The Mayo Clinic recommends 'physical and mental rest' after a concussion. As recovery continues, a doctor could recommend shortened workdays, taking breaks during the day, or having a modified or reduced schedule.

Light activity can usually be resumed a few days after the injury.

McConnell, 81, was hosting a dinner for his Senate Leadership Fund at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in downtown Washington, D.C. when he had the accident.

His office did not provide additional details on his condition or say how long he may be absent from the Senate.

Republican Senator John Thune of South Dakota, the Number Two GOP leader, was at the fundraiser and spoke to McConnell at the reception there on Wednesday night.

He said the senator was 'Great. He talked. His usual.'

Thune left the fundraising reception in the hotel's Franklin Room ballroom while McConnell stayed for a private dinner. The accident took place as McConnell was leaving around 9 p.m.

An ambulance took the GOP leader to nearby George Washington University Hospital.

Colleagues in the Senate and associates around Washington, D.C. sent thoughts and prayers to the long-time senator after his injury. President Joe Biden was one of them.

White House spokeswoman Olivia Dalton declined to read out any phone calls, but read a statement to reporters traveling with the president to Philadelphia on the day of his budget rollout.

'The president and first lady saw the news about leader McConnells hospitalization last night and they are both wishing leader McConnell a swift recovery and sending him their best wishes to get well soon,' the White House said.

McConnell was attending a fundraiser for his leadership PAC at the Waldorf, formerly the Trump Hotel

McConnell had a fall in 2019 outside his Louisville home, and appeared with bruised hands in the Senate in October 2020

McConnell (pictured in October 2020) had polio as a child

Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Thursday that he called McConnell this morning, but provided no further details on his condition.

'My thoughts this morning are with my good friend, Leader Mitch McConnell, who's recovering in the hospital after an accident last night. This morning I offer a prayer of strength and healing for the leader and his family,' said Schumer. He also spoke with McConnell's staff members to extend well wishes.

Several members of McConnell's Senate GOP conference issued statements pulling for him.

Texas Senator John Cornyn, a longtime advisor and former party whip, was the first to post well wishes for the upper chamber's GOP leader on Thursday morning.

'Sandy and I are praying for Leader McConnell's speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back in the Capitol soon,' he tweeted.

Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) issued similar words. 'I am praying for a speedy recovery for my friend @LeaderMcConnell. I hope to see you back on the Senate floor soon.

'Lord, bless Senator McConnell with a speedy recovery. We pray in your marvelous name,' said Senate Chaplain Rear Adm. Barry Black as he opened Thursday's Senate session.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Barr wrote: 'This morning, I join my fellow Kentuckians in wishing Leader McConnell a speedy recovery.'

The Waldorf Astoria, in downtown Washington D.C., hosts many fundraisers and receptions

The Senate, where the average age is 65, has been without several members recently due to illness. The office of Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein said she was hospitalized last week to be treated for shingles

Democrat Senator John Fetterman, 53, who suffered a stroke during his campaign last year, was expected to remain out for some weeks as he received care for clinical depression

President Joe Biden had a lesion removed from his chest during a February physical that was found to be cancerous - he is now cancer free; (above) he leaves the White House on Friday afternoon to head to Wilmington, Delaware

McConnell tripped and fell at the hotel, which was previously the Trump Hotel before the Trump Organization sold the lease.

McConnell has had previous injuries. In October 2020, he was seen walking around the Senate with bruised hands.

In 2019, the minority leader, a survivor of childhood polio, also fell at his home in Kentucky, suffering a shoulder fracture.

At the time, he underwent surgery to repair the fracture in his shoulder. The Senate had just started a summer recess, and he worked from home for some weeks as he recovered.

First elected in 1984, McConnell in January became the longest-serving Senate leader when the new Congress convened, breaking the previous record of 16 years.

The taciturn McConnell is often reluctant to discuss his private life. But at the start of the COVID-19 crisis, he opened up about his early childhood experience fighting polio.

He described how his mother insisted he was off his feet as a toddler and worked with him through a determined physical therapy regime. He has acknowledged some difficulty in climbing stairs in adulthood.

The longtime Republican leader became the third member of the Senate to be hospitalized in the past month.

The Senate, where the average age is 65, has been without several members recently due to illness.

The office of Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein of California said she was hospitalized last week to be treated for shingles.

Even the younger members of the Senate have been ill in recent weeks.

Democrat John Fetterman, 53, who suffered a stroke during his campaign last year, is expected to remain out for several weeks as he receives care for clinical depression.

Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, recently returned home after the death of his mother last week, and Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, spent time away from the upper chamber recovering from COVID. They all missed votes in the last week.

The Democratic absences have proven a challenge for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., who is already navigating a very narrow 51-49 majority.

The Republicans, as the minority party, have had an easier time with intermittent absences.

President Joe Biden, 80, recently had a minor health scare, too.

A skin legion lesion removed from Biden's chest last month during his annual physical was cancerous, White House doctor Kevin O'Connor announced last week, but added no further treatment is needed.

Biden is already the oldest president in U.S. history, and if he wins another term, he will be 82 at the time of his second inauguration.

The president is not the only member of the family to be diagnosed with skin cancer.

First lady Jill Biden in January had two basal cell lesions removed from her right eye and chest. All cancerous cells were removed.
A man was fishing in a Philadelphia park when he caught what looked like an alligator sunning itself on the rocky banks.

Ike Peyton, from Delaware County, then captured the three-and-a-half foot creature with his hands and wrapped its jaws closed with caution tape before reporting it to police.

It was then handed to local animal shelter ACCT Philly, which nurtured it for a day before passing it to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

The small 'alligatorid' has now sparked a debate online, with many suggesting its a caiman, a species native to South America, while others claim it's actually an American alligator.

What's certain is that it's some member of the alligator family - releasing any such animal into the wild is illegal in Pennsylvania.

Ike Peyton (pictured), a fisherman from Delaware County, captured the three-and-a-half foot member of the alligator family with his hands

Peyton wrapped its jaws closed with caution tape before reporting it to the police

The caiman was spotted at about 10am on March 5 in FDR Park in south Philadelphia.

'A lot of people frequent FDR park, especially on weekends,' Sarah Barnett, director of ACCT Philly, told DailyMail.com.

She described how the animal, now affectionately referred to as Cay Man, was taken back to the shelter but had to be housed in her office to save it from preying on other animals in its care.

'The room in which we usually keep non-cats and dogs had turtles and bunnies and guinea pigs. Things that they eat,' she said.

'We're not experts in the alligator-caiman debate, which seems to be a very heated one,' she said. She did however consult a zookeeper friend, who told her he was quite sure it was a caiman.

Barnett said the creature was initially cold, but after they purchased it and installed a specialist heater that day, it started coming back to life.

'He just needed to warm up, once the water warmed up he was more active, he was bright and alert but wasn't running around,' she said.

Sarah Barnett, director of animal shelter ACCT Philly, kept the creature on her office overnight

The creature was transferred to ACCT Philly, a nearby animal shelter, before being handed over to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission the next day

It's not clear exactly how the creature was captured, but one person described on social media how Peyton captured it with his bare hands.

'He came across it sunning itself on the bank while he was fishing, he didnt catch it on his rod or reel it in. He alerted a nearby cop about it, then went back down and picked it up before it could dart into water,' said Megan Fitzsimmons.

In a post on Sunday, ACCT warned people not to release pets into the wild.

'If you have an animal you can no longer keep, including caimans or any other animal that is extremely difficult to humanely house, please reach out to us instead of just letting them go,' it read.
Women in Berlin will be allowed to go topless at the city's public swimming pools, the government announced yesterday.

It followed a discrimination complaint by a female who was not permitted to go topless at a pool in the German capital.

The woman turned to the ombudsman's office at the senate for justice, diversity and anti-discrimination to demand equal treatment.

In reaction to the complaint, the Berliner Baederbetriebe, which runs the city's public pools, decided to change its clothing rules, the senate said.

Ombudsman chief Doris Liebscher said: 'The ombudsperson's office very much welcomes the decision of the Baederbetriebe, because it establishes equal rights for all Berliners, whether male, female or non-binary, and because it also creates legal certainty for the staff at the Baederbetriebe.'

Women in Berlin will be allowed to go topless at the city's public swimming pools, the state government announced (File image)

It followed a discrimination complaint by a woman who was not allowed to go topless in a swimming pool in the capital (File image)

She added: 'Now it is important that the regulation is applied consistently and that no more expulsions or house bans are issued.'

In the past, women who bared their breasts at Berlin pools were asked to cover themselves or to leave the site, and were sometimes banned from returning.

It was not immediately clear when exactly the new bathing rules would be applied.
A man accused of murdering a two-year-old girl while her mother lay sleeping upstairs recorded a video of her limp, unconscious body and told the camera 'She's gone'.

The 'disturbing' footage of Kyle Bevan, 31, from Aberystwyth, attempting to make a visibly injured Lola James stand before allowing her to fall to the floor was shown to a jury at Swansea Crown Court on Wednesday.

Lola died on July 21 2020 of 'catastrophic' head trauma, having suffered 101 external injuries and extensive damage to both her eyes.

The toddler's brain injuries were described by doctors as similar to those seen in high-speed car crashes or falls from a great height, and not consistent with an accidental fall.

Bevan denies murdering Lola four months after moving into the family home in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, south-west Wales, and claims instead that the family pet, an American bulldog, pushed her downstairs.

The 'disturbing' footage of Kyle Bevan (pictured), 31, from Aberystwyth, attempting to make a visibly injured Lola James stand before allowing her to fall to the floor was shown to a jury at Swansea Crown Court

Lola James (pictured) died on July 21 2020 of 'catastrophic' head trauma, having suffered 101 external injuries and extensive damage to both her eyes

He is on trial along with the Lola's mother, Sinead James, 30, who is charged with causing or allowing her death.

Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC said the clip was shot sometime after Bevan carried out a 'brutal and extremely violent physical assault' on Lola in the early hours of July 17.

Taken on his propped-up phone, a topless Bevan can be seen lifting an unresponsive Lola and trying to place her on her feet and get her to stand. He then lets her go and a thud can be heard as she falls to the ground.

Bevan then places Lola back on the sofa where she can be heard snoring, and he walks towards the camera saying 'She's gone. She's gone.'

The video was sent by Bevan in a message to his mother, Alison Bevan, a healthcare worker, at 6.58am.

In transcripts of messages shown to the jury, Ms Bevan urges her son to call the emergency services.

Having first called his mother at 6.40am, it was not until almost an hour later at 7.30am that Bevan messaged his mother asking her to call an ambulance, claiming his phone could not make calls.

Bevan also sent a number of pictures of Lola's face to his mother. These images were displayed in court and showed Lola unconscious with an extremely swollen and bruised head and swollen lips.

Ms Rees said: 'At 6.58am Kyle Bevan sends to Alison Bevan what the prosecution say is a disturbing 22-second film of Kyle Bevan trying to prop up a clearly unconscious and severely injured Lola.

'If this really was an accident why was Kyle Bevan spending time staging a recording like this rather than doing everything he could to contact the emergency services?'

Bevan is said to have also made a number of internet searches for information about babies suffering head injuries, including at 6.30am when he googled 'my 2 year old child has just taken a bang to the head and gone all limp and snoring. What's wrong'.

Ms Rees said it is the prosecution's case that Bevan delayed getting help for Lola in order to 'cover his tracks'.

Casey Morgan, a close friend of James, gave evidence on Thursday and said she believed the defendant was controlled by Bevan.

Ms Morgan said Bevan had moved in not long after getting into a relationship with James in early March.

She said he had taken James's house key and her debit cards, would not allow her to have a mobile phone and often locked her out of the house and invited others around.

The toddler's brain injuries were described by doctors as similar to those seen in high-speed car crashes or falls from a great height, and not consistent with an accidental fall

She said she knew Bevan to take amphetamines and other controlled drugs, smoke cannabis and drink heavily.

She said: 'I didn't like him, I made that clear to Sinead.

'I told her to get rid of him and that I didn't want him around my house or my kids.

'I've been in a domestic abusive relationship before and he was showing all the signs. He was controlling. I didn't like it, and you could tell he was on something.'

Ms Morgan said she and Bevan 'clashed' about Lola, who she said she loved.

'I was there when she was born. I think I was the first to hold her,' she said, crying.

She described how James repeatedly called her for help when she said Bevan was behaving aggressively and 'smashing up the house'.

And she said Lola began to stay regularly at her house or with James's mother Nicola.

On July 5 Ms Morgan said she went to the park with Lola and her mother and noticed bruising on her legs.

Later she witnessed Bevan being verbally abusive to James and said Lola was screaming saying 'she didn't want to go home'.

Sobbing, Ms Morgan recounted how two days later, on July 7, James asked to come over to her house but Bevan arrived first.

'He was foaming by the mouth, his eyes were huge, he didn't look good,' Ms Morgan said.

'He was aggressive and it was really scary.'

She said James arrived with Lola looking 'petrified'.

Then she said Bevan admitted to her and her partner that he had threatened to rape James that morning.

'From that day I knew something bad was going to happen,' Ms Morgan said

'I told her that if she didn't get rid of him he was going to hurt her.

'I said, something is going to happen to you Sinead.'

The jury was shown messages between the two defendants that were sent while Lola was in hospital in which Bevan was insisting the pair relay the same story about what happened to the police.

Bevan wrote their accounts needed to be 'bang on'.

In one message, Bevan wrote: 'Well what are you going to say? Sinead this is important like.'

James replied: 'What you told me.'

Bevan messaged back: 'Yeah obviously but you got to get it bang on like. Sinead for f*** sake like.'

The court also heard from Bevan's mother Alison Bevan who gave evidence via video link from inside the court.

He is on trial along with the Lola's mother, Sinead James (pictured), 30, who is charged with causing or allowing her death

Ms Bevan said her son had been diagnosed with ADHD when he was six, and said he was 'a bit thick'.

She said she was aware of an instance when her son had grabbed James's arm and she kicked him out.

Messages between James and Bevan's former girlfriend's mother were also read to the court in which she told the defendant that Bevan was a danger to children.

The court heard that Facebook messages between the couple showed Lola had suffered injuries while in the sole care of Bevan in the months leading up to her death.

On April 19 2020 Lola is said to have suffered a 'bloodied nose' while James was in a different room.

Ms Rees said: 'Kyle Bevan messages Sinead James to say it could have been worse and how he hoped she had learned not to play on the stairs.'

Around a week later, on April 26, messages show Lola had a grazed chin while in Bevan's care. He blamed it on her having fallen over earlier, calling her a 'crazy kid'.

There are then messages referring to Lola having a cut lip on May 4.

Following the injury Bevan messaged James claiming that Lola had fallen off her bed and bit her lip when he had gone into her bedroom after hearing her crying.

He added: 'Then when I was trying to help her cuz she was bleeding she was making a stupid noise and kicking right off you... Spitting at me and making a horrible noise... The whole thing upset me a bit I only wanted to help her .. feel useless ... and I feel like you don't trust me at all anymore xxxxxx.'

James told Ms Morgan Lola had fallen off the sofa on to the coffee table.

Ms Rees said James also suffered abuse at the hands of Bevan, who was an amphetamine user and prone to violent outbursts.

She said: 'Messaging between the couple in the months leading up to Lola's death, which you will see in the course of the evidence in the case, demonstrate, we say, an escalation of domestic abuse and aggression in the home.

'The prosecution say that Sinead James at very least ought to have known that keeping Lola in this environment was exposing her to a significant risk of serious violence at the hands of Kyle Bevan.

'We say she did nothing to keep Lola safe.

'Instead, on the night of 16th and 17th July 2020 she left Lola in Kyle Bevan's sole care whilst she went to bed with the tragic consequences which we know were to follow.'

James denies she was aware of the risk posed to Lola by Bevan.

Ms Rees said consultant paediatrician Dr Deborah Stalker has said 'Lola's brain and retinal injuries can be explained by abusive head trauma which would include violent shaking'.

'Much of the widespread bruising is, in her opinion, consistent with inflicted blunt trauma rather than accidental injury,' she said.

Ms Rees said Dr Stalker also concluded that 'should Lola have received treatment immediately, the damage to the brain may been less thus increasing her chance of survival'.

The trial continues.
Karl Stefanovic has blasted a judge for booting a breastfeeding mum and her child out of a courtroom.

The Today Show host ripped into the judge and his decision to kick out the pair from Victorian County Court on Thursday.

The judge had told the woman he believed she would be a 'distraction', prompting her to leave the room in tears and leaving her feeling humiliated.

An outraged Stefanovic slammed the judge for how he had treated the mother and shared a blunt message for anyone who agreed with the decision.

Karl Stefanovic has blasted a judge for booting a breastfeeding mum and her child out of a courtroom

'I can't believe in this modern society,' he said on Friday.

'There are going to be people out there who say, 'Oh, well, she could've gone outside somewhere else'. Come off it, what is the big deal?'

She had been observing a matter in the Victorian County Court when the judge told her to leave.

'Madam, you will not be permitted to breastfeed a baby in court,' he said.

'It will be a distraction, and I'll have to ask you to leave.'

Former Olympic skier and politician Kirstie Marshall labelled the decision 'extraordinary and disappointing'.

The topic is particularly close for Ms Marshall after she was told to leave the Legislative Assembly while nursing her 11-day-old baby Charlotte in 2003.

'I thought we, as a modern society, were well and truly past this,' she told Herald Sun.

Melbourne obstetrician Nisha Khot described the incident as appalling.

'We've tried so hard to get past so many barriers for women who want to breastfeed and to have this happen in a court of law is just not acceptable at all,' she said.

'Babies have been breastfed in the parliament of this country and in other parliaments.

'I don't think there is any public space in which breastfeeding a baby should be unacceptable.'

The judge had told the woman he believed she would be a 'distraction' prompting her to leave the room in tears and leaving her feeling humiliated (stock image)

She said breastfeeding had long-term implications for mother and child so anything stopping that could impact their health.

People are not allowed to eat, drink or wear clothing such as sunglasses and hats in court.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women are protected by anti-discrimination laws in areas of public life including work, schools, universities, shops or rental properties.

However, the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission's website does not state whether the legislation applies to court rooms.

The Parenthood chief executive Georgie Dent said it was incredibly humiliating to be asked to leave somewhere because of breastfeeding.

'It creates this impression of some sort of shame around feeding your baby,' Ms Dent said.

'If we police people for that we just increase the isolation that mothers experience and we create a situation where breastfeeding becomes that much more difficult.'

Judges are immune from civil liability on the basis of promoting independence.

The County Court declined to comment.
An Oregon couple were shocked to discover their $1.8m home has a racist 100-year-old clause in its ownership documents stating it cannot be sold to black, Japanese or Chinese people.

Gerrit Koepping and his wife Elisabeth Zeller were stunned when they went to sign the deal on their Lake Oswego home in 2018 and have fought to change the offensive contract.

The couple, who are white, objected to an archaic clause, known as a covenant, which said the property cannot be 'used or occupied' by anyone who is black or of Chinese or Japanese descent, 'except that persons of these races may serve as servants of residents may be employed.'

But at the land registry company and at the county clerk's office they were informed that the document was part of the permanent records of the house which was built in 1969.

'As hateful and hurtful as the language is, it's a legal document I had to sign to buy my home,' Koepping told The Oregonian. 'Not only am I adding my name to a statement of horrible racism, I'm also adding to generations of people.'

Gerrit Koepping and his wife Elisabeth Zeller (left and right) were stunned when they went to sign the deal on their Lake Oswego home in 2018 and have fought to change the offensive contract

The Koeppings $1.8m home on Lake Oswego in Portland, Oregon

The high school teacher tried for three years to remove the clause by contacting the local county's board of commissioners, judges and other local government officials.

In August 2022, he turned to Daniel Nguyen, the first person of color elected to the Lake Oswego City Council and now a Democratic State Representative.

Nguyen, whose parents fled Vietnam after the fall of Saigon, put forward a new bill which would allow homeowners to request new documents without the unlawful agreements.

'I am proud to support this law as a lawful step in empowering Oregon citizens to determine their own role in Oregon history and their role in the community in which they live,' Nguyen told The Oregonian.

He credited Koepping for his resolve, saying he 'has been working on this bill for longer than I even knew it was an issue.'

The new bill is not mandatory and must be initiated by the homeowner.

The old documents will be kept in a separate archive. Koepping, a history scholar, says it is important 'to keep records of the past.'

He was due to head to the Oregon State Capitol in Salem Thursday to testify for House Bill 3294.

The couple objected to an archaic clause, known as a covenant, which said the property cannot be 'used or occupied' by anyone who is black or of Chinese or Japanese descent, 'except that persons of these races may serve as servants of residents may be employed'. An example of a similar document is pictured above, with a stamp over the offensive text

'The work of working to get the language removed shows that as a society we are actively doing something and not just letting the past rule us,' Koepping said. 'It's something we can do to make things a little bit better.'

'Restrictive covenants,' as they are called, became popular throughout the US after the US Supreme Court outlawed racial zoning in 1917.

In 1948, the Supreme Court ruled that states could not enforce the racist restrictions.

However, their impact endured until 1968 when Congress banned them altogether and passed the Fair Housing Act.

Although the Koeppings lakeside home was built in 1969, it sits on land that was founded in 1923 by the Oregon Iron & Steel Company, which drafted the neighborhood agreement.
President Yoon Suk Yeol shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during their summit in New York, Sept. 21, 2022. Courtesy of presidential office



President Yoon Suk Yeol will visit Tokyo next week for a summit with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, his office said Thursday, the first bilateral presidential trip to Japan in 12 years made possible after Seoul announced a solution to a dispute over wartime forced labor.



The March 16-17 trip will be the first such visit since former President Lee Myung-bak traveled to the neighboring country in 2011. Former President Moon Jae-in visited Osaka in 2019, but that trip was for a summit of the Group of 20 nations, not a bilateral visit.



"The visit will become an important milestone for the improvement and development of South Korea-Japan relations," the presidential office said in a statement.



"Through President Yoon's visit to Japan, we hope cooperation across various areas, including security, economy, society and culture, will be expanded in order for South Korea and Japan to overcome the unfortunate history of the past and move toward the future, and that exchanges between the two countries' peoples will be further vitalized," it added.






JPMorgan Chase has been ordered to turn over additional records regarding its CEO amid an ongoing lawsuit involving Jeffery Epstein, which alleges the bank played a part in late financier's now-well-known sex-trafficking ring.

Filed by the US Virgin Islands, the suit contends the New York-based bank knew about Epstein's nefarious behavior for years - and even aided the convicted sex fiend's sordid exploits while willingly turning a blind eye.

Epstein - who died in 2019 while in federal custody in the Big Apple - ran much of his criminal activities out of his compound on Little St. James Island, a private island he owned off the coast that falls in the Virgin Islands' jurisdiction.

The Thursday ruling serves as the latest development to the case, which comes after the Virgin Islands' attorney general Denise N. George said JPMorgan should have known about Epstein's crimes on Little St. James Island. She was fired within weeks.

The bank has moved to dismiss the suit and denied the allegations in the complaint, but was rebuffed by a New York judge on Thursday, who demanded the bank turn over additional documents pertaining to its chief executive, Jamie Dimon, who held the role over the course of Epstein's crimes.

JPMorgan Chase has been ordered to turn over additional records regarding its CEO Jamie Dimon, 66, amid an ongoing lawsuit involving Jeffery Epstein, which alleges the bank played a part in late financier's now-well-known sex-trafficking ring

Filed by the US Virgin Islands, the suit contends the New York-based bank knew about Epstein's nefarious behavior for years - and even aided the convicted sex fiend's sordid exploits while willingly turning a blind eye

In particular, U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff ordered the bank turn over the documents involving the CEO from 2015 to 2019, a span in which it had dropped Epstein as a client.

Rakoff did not explain the reasoning behind his one-sentence order, though it comes less than a day after the bank filed its own lawsuit that seemed to lay the blame on a former executive who had been tasked with keeping Epstein's business at the bank for the better part of fifteen years.

That executive was unmasked in the Wednesday suit as former JPMorgan staffer James 'Jes' Staley, who left the bank in 2013 to become the CEO of Barclays.

The accomplished banker would eventually resign in 2021, while contesting findings gleaned by regulators at the time that unveiled his connection to Epstein.

Identifying Staley - long a friend of Dimon's - as the 'powerful financial executive' accused in a separate Epstein-related suit filed against the bank last year, JP Morgan said he should have to reimburse it for any damages if the allegations in the Virgin Islands suit are found to be true.

The Caribbean territory has claimed that at least one JPMorgan exec knew about Epsteins trafficking of women and teenage girls.

JPMorgan now insists that 66-year-old Staley - who has nearly four decades of experience in the banking and financial spheres - concealed such information from the bank.

The US Virgin Islands is asking damages from the bank for keeping Epstein on as a client, and missing red flags about his more than a decade of misconduct.

The US territory has called Dimon, also 66, 'a likely source of relevant and unique information' about why JPMorgan kept Epstein on as a client, even after he was arrested in 2006 and later indicted by a grand jury for taking part in a child prostitution ring in Palm Beach, Florida.

Pleading guilty, Epstein was promptly sentenced to 18 months in jail, though under a secret arrangement, the US attorneys office agreed not to prosecute Epstein for federal crimes.

While a reason for the ruling was not provided, it comes less than a day after the bank filed its own lawsuit that laid blame on James ' Jes' Staley, a former top executive who had been tasked with keeping Epstein's business at the bank for the better part of fifteen years

JPMorgan now insists that 66-year-old Staley - seen here with Epstein and former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers - concealed such information from the bank. The picture was taken after Epstein was convicted of soliciting prostitution from a underage girls in 2008

Epstein - who died in 2019 while in federal custody in the Big Apple - ran much of his criminal activities out of his compound on Little St. James Island, a private island he owned off the coast that falls in the Virgin Islands' jurisdiction

The Caribbean territory has claimed that at least one JPMorgan exec knew about Epsteins trafficking of women and teenage girls on their island

The late financier would go on to serve the lion's share of his slight sentence in a work-release program that allowed him to leave his cell during the day to go to work in his Palm Beach office and then return at night.

Over the next decade, multiple women would come forward claiming to be Epsteins victims, and attempt wage a legal war to scrap his federal non-prosecution agreement.

One of Epsteins accusers, Virginia Giuffre, wrote in lawsuits that, starting when she was 17, Epstein and his girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, would set up sexual encounters with royalty, politicians, and other rich and powerful men, including Britains Prince Andrew. The men named by accusers would all deny those allegations.

For years, Epstein's behavior would continue to go unchecked, with the mogul - who left behind an estate $600million estate when he died - remaining a JPMorgan client until 2013.

After finding himself indicted on sex-trafficking and pedophilia charges again in August 2019, Epstein took his own life in a Manhattan jail cell while awaiting trial.

Not long after, another unnamed woman came forward alleging that JPMorgan aided Epsteins sex trafficking by allowing him to remain a client and overseeing payment to his many victims.

In a still ongoing lawsuit against the bank, the woman claimed a friend of Epstein sexually assaulted her using aggressive force, but said she was afraid to identify him publicly. On Wednesday, in their own suit, JPMorgan alleged that friend was Staley.

The bank's legal maneuver resulted in Staley being added not only to the womans lawsuit, but the one filed by the U.S. Virgin Islands as well.

It allows the bank the opportunity to argue that Staley should be liable for any damages if the bank is found guilty of knowingly taking part in Epstein's years of depravity.

The lawsuit demands Staley return the wages he was paid while handling Epstein as a client, which could amount to tens of millions of dollars.

JPMorgan declined to comment on any of the cases when contacted Thursday, in the wake of Rakoff's bombshell ruling.

It comes as the bank in recent months accused the U.S. Virgin Islands of going on a 'fishing expedition' in its case against them, pointing to a $105 million settlement the territory was awarded thanks to a separate suit reached with Epstein's estate.

In December, the official who led those talks, former Virgin Islands AG Denise N. George, was fired following months of friction between her and the U.S. territorys governor over the handling of the investigation

The official's suspiciously timed firing further raised eyebrows due to the fact it came just four days after her office sued JPMorgan Chase for its dealings with Epstein, fueling speculation that the suit was the cause.

The Thursday ruling serves as the latest development to the case, which comes after the Virgin Islands' attorney general, Denise George, in December said JPMorgan should have known about Epstein's crimes on Little St. James Island. She was fired in a matter of weeks

One of Epsteins accusers said that starting when she was 17, Epstein and girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell, would set up sexual encounters with royalty, politicians, and other rich and powerful men, including Britains Prince Andrew. The men would all deny those allegations

Lawyers for the US Virgin Islands did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding any of the thee cases, one of which could result in a class action suit over the bank's ties to the former ballet dancer who filed the first suit against JPMorgan.

That woman claims Epstein abused and trafficked her from 2006 to 2013.

On Thursday, Judge Rakoff scheduled a March 16 conference to continue the islands' case against the bank.

While a high-ranking JPMorgan executive, Staley famously visited Epstein in prison after his conviction for prostitution in 2008.

The bank has denied Staley actually went to the prison, saying instead Epstein visited Staley at his office during a work release for his 18-month prison sentence.

After the full extent of Epstein's crimes became known in 2019, Staley initially claimed he and Epstein were little more than acquaintances tied by business.

Later he admitted to having a close professional relationship that he established while running JPMorgan's private bank and asset management division from 2000 to 2009.

Staley became the CEO of Barclay's in 2015, but in 2021 stepped down amidst a probe into whether he had concealed the extent of his relationship with Epstein.

DailyMail.com has reached out to JPMorgan for comment.
Newly-installed ultra low emission zone (ULEZ) cameras in south London have been vandalised as the backlash to the planned expansion of the zone continues to grow.

Four cameras in Abbey Wood, Greenwich, were photographed with their wires cute and lenses painted black as the level of opposition of Sadiq Khan's planned expansion of the ULEZ zone grows, with politicians and campaigners urging him to change his mind.

The London Mayor has said the expansion, set to take place to cover the whole of the capital from August 29, is aimed at reducing the amount of air pollution in London.

The damaged Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera's belong to Transport for London (TfL), and are set to monitor the ULEZ zone.

It comes after an increase of similar instances in the capital, with an extra 300 ANPR cameras recently installed. A further 2,750 will be installed by the official launch date.

Newly-installed ultra low emission zone (ULEZ) cameras in south London have been vandalised

Four cameras in Abbey Wood, Greenwich, were photographed with their wires cute and lenses painted black as the level of opposition of Sadiq Khan's planned expansion of the ULEZ zone grows

Other images have emerged online, showing cameras ripped from their perch and thrown on the ground

READ MORE: No 10 slaps down Sadiq Khan after London Mayor begged PM for yet more money to prop up hated ULEZ expansion Advertisement

Photographs have emerged of a camera in west Sutton, which also had its wires cut, and another in Catford, Lewisham, with a lens painted black in a bid to obstruct its view. Others also show cameras ripped from their perch and thrown on the ground.

Despite the camera's being installed at a rapid pace in most areas, they have not yet been put in place in Bexley, Bromley, Harrow and Hillingdon, whose councils are looking to challenge the mayor in court over the proposals.

Currently, the ULEZ is limited to an area within the north and south Circular roads. Drivers who do not meet minimum emissions standards are charged a 12.50 daily fee for entering the zone. The expansion means this area will be wider.

Londoners can apply for a means-tested grant of up to 2,000 to scrap their non ULEZ-compliant cars or motorcycles. But the decision to push ahead with the expansion during the cost-of-living crisis has been met with outrage

It comes after Honslow council was accused of hypocrisy after backing the expansion - then asking for an exemption for its own 400 vehicles.

Hounslow council deputy leader Katherine Dunne wrote to the London mayor last summer raising concerns that it would not be able to make all its vehicles ULEZ compliant by the August 2023 deadline.

The council is one of 16 outer London boroughs that have supported the mayor's plans to expand the zone, and already has 37 ULEZ cameras installed on its streets.

Photographs have emerged of a camera in west Sutton which had its wires cut

Currently, the ULEZ is limited to an area within the north and south Circular roads

The London Mayor has said the expansion, set to take place to cover the whole of the capital from August 29, is aimed at reducing the amount of air pollution in London

But failing to meet the compliance rules would place further pressure on the authority's budgets, Miss Dunne argued.

Mr Khan has been facing staunch criticism recently over branding some ULEZ opponents as 'far-right' and 'Covid deniers'.

During a heated People's Question Time in Ealing, west London last week, he said: 'Let's be frank, let's call a spade a spade... some of those outside are part of the far-Right, some are Covid deniers, some are vaccine deniers and some are Tories.'

It also emerged that the mayor has asked Transport for London to look into using ULEZ cameras to charge car users in a 'pay-as-you-drive' scheme in the capital.
22 children aged between seven and 12 were affected

A bus driver is being investigated after more than a dozen children were rushed to hospital after eating lollies mixed with a 'white substance' that the driver allegedly handed out.

A crime scene was established at Bluewater State School in Townsville, Queensland, after 22 school children became sick after eating the candy.

The children were treated for symptoms of vomiting, diarrhoea and intestinal pain after they fell ill just after they arrived at school.

Queensland Ambulance said they were called to the school around 10 am and treated multiple children for 'minor illness symptoms after they reportedly ingested an unknown substance'.

By 4.30 pm, 14 children needed treatment in hospital, aged between seven and 11 years of age.

Toxicology reports set to be released today will form a vital part of the investigation.

A Queensland bus driver is under investigation as 22 children fell ill after eating lollies mixed with a 'white substance' that the driver allegedly handed out

Local member for parliament Nick Dametto on the Today show on Friday said multiple children remained in hospital on Friday morning, but all are in a stable condition.

'It must be an absolutely harrowing experience, and my heart goes out to every one of those families,' Mr Dametto said.

'We've been told this morning that the children at Townsville University Hospital who are being treated are in a stable condition, and we hope to see that continue throughout the day.

'The condition of the children long-term has not been determined, and we have not been made aware of that just yet but we can say that the children are stable right now and that's good news for those families.'

Mr Dametto said he hopes the findings from the toxicology reports will be the 'missing key' that can get to the bottom of what happened.

Townsville Senior Sergeant Jonathan Searle confirmed the bus driver is being investigated, and the bus has been moved to a depot to be examined.

A crime scene was established at Bluewater State School in Townsville, Queensland after 22 school children became sick after eating the candy

The children were treated for symptoms of vomiting, diarrhoea and intestinal pain after they fell ill just after they arrived at school, with 14 taken to hospital for further treatment (pictured, police at the school)

'From my understanding, the children started presenting symptoms within 10-15 minutes of arriving at school,' Sgt Searle told the Courier Mail.

'The children were all on the same morning bus. In my 18 years of service, this is the first time I've ever heard of an investigation of this nature.'

On Thursday, caregivers received a text message at about 11:30am informing them there had been an incident on 'Bus 7' and that they would be contacted if it regarded their child.

'This is to advise, a number of students have reported feeling unwell after eating lollies given to them by a bus driver before school this morning (Bus 7),' it read.

'We will be in contact with parents whose student is affected.'

According to Bluewater State School's website, the school has about 430 students enrolled from Prep to Year 6.

Local member for parliament Nick Dametto on the Today show on Friday said multiple children remained in hospital on Friday morning but all are in a stable condition

Townsville Senior Sergeant Jonathan Searle confirmed the bus driver is being investigated and the bus has been moved to a depot to be examined

Bluewater State School said the Department of Education was aware of the incident and that counselling would be made available for staff and students.

'School staff acted quickly to attend to the students while the Queensland Ambulance Service and parents were contacted,' the school said in a statement.

'The Queensland Police Service also attended and are investigating. Due to privacy issues the department is unable to provide any further information.

'Bluewater State School holds the safety of students and staff as its highest priority. Guidance or counselling services are being made available for anyone who may require support.'

Parents at the school received a text message at about 11:30am telling them there had been an incident on 'Bus 7' and that they would be contacted if it regarded their child (stock image)

Education Minister Grace Grace said her thoughts are with the students.

'Our thoughts are with the students involved and the broader Bluewater State School community,' she said in a statement.

'I would like to thank the school staff and emergency services for their quick response to support the students.

'Queensland Police Service investigations are ongoing and I am confident they will get to the bottom of this incident.'
Part of a Chinese rocket used to send military surveillance satellites into space has plunged back to Earth and disintegrated over Texas.

The second stage part of the Chang Zheng 2D 'Long March' rocket, which was launched on June 23 2022, came down over the Lone Star State on Wednesday.

Defense officials told USNI, which revealed the incident, that the segment disintegrated as it hurtled back to Earth at around 17,000 miles per hour.

North American Aerospace Defense Command satellite tracking data indicated the piece of rocket had been in low Earth orbit before it made the 'unscheduled descent'.

Tracking data reportedly shows the rocket was launched as part of a mission to send satellites into space that are meant to collect signals data from the South China Sea.

A photo purports to show the June launch of the Chinese rocket which fell back to Earth and disintegrated over Texas on Wednesday

Tracking data reportedly shows the rocket was launched as part of a mission to send satellites into space that are meant to collect signals data from the South China Sea

A spokesperson for U.S. Space Command said the rocket 'reentered the Earths atmosphere over the southern region of North America at approximately 8:30 pm MT on March 7, 2023.

'There was no physical impact to North America. Rocket bodies, satellites, and meteors reenter over the Earth on a regular basis, and most burn up in the atmosphere.'

The 135-foot rocket was launched on June 23 from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in central China. The Chang Zheng 2D can carry cargo weighing up to 8,000lb into low Earth orbit.

The Long March 2D has a launch cost of $30 million, according to a U.S. government report published in August 2017. The rocket was first launched in 1992 and

The incident is the latest case of a Chinese rocket hurtling back to Earth.

A rocket launched last May scattered debris over the Indian Ocean. At the time, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson accused China of 'failing to meet responsible standards regarding their space debris,' including minimizing risks during re-entry and being transparent about operations.

The remnants of the large, Chinese rocket were caught on a stunning video as it disintegrated over Malaysia before landing in the Indian Ocean in July.

Witnesses initially thought a meteor was falling to Earth but US Space Command confirmed that the debris was part of a rocket.

NASA said Beijing had not shared the 'specific trajectory information' needed to know where possible debris might fall.

It had been feared that the debris could land in Mexico, but it ultimately landed in the ocean, without causing any injuries or damage.

The rocket came hurtling back to Earth over Texas and defense officials are now reportedly searching an area of hundreds of square miles for debris

A picture purports to show the CZ2D Y64 rocket that was launched in June 2022 and fell back to Earth over Texas on Wednesday

The rocket incident comes weeks after a Chinese spy balloon was spotted over the U.S. and shot down by a fighter jet. The balloon triggered a diplomatic crisis between Washington and Beijing and at least three more unidentified objects were shot down in the aftermath

A fighter jet flies near the remnants of the Chinese balloon after it was struck by a missile over the Atlantic Ocean, just off the South Carolina coast near Myrtle Beach, Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023

The incident comes soon after a Chinese spy balloon that was able to drift for days across the United States was downed by fighter jets.

The incident triggered a diplomatic row with China and Secretary of State Antony Blinken canceled a high-stakes trip to Beijing that was intended to ease U.S.-China tensions.

Fighter jets shot down several more unidentified objects in the days after the balloon was downed - including some that were thought to be balloons launched by American hobbyists.
President Biden dubbed Donald Trump 'maybe the future president' to a disapproving audience in Philadelphia where he talked about his newly released $6.8 trillion budget.

'I had a big fight with the former President, and maybe future President. Bless me, Father. Anyway -- all kidding aside,' Biden said, recalling his time on the campaign trail as the crowd at a union hall booed.

While many GOP heavyweights called for the party to 'move on' from Trump in the wake of legal investigations, a lackluster showing in the midterms and his laser focus on his 2020 election fraud claims -- it appears his star power may be returning.

Four polls last week showed Trump taking the lead in a hypothetical matchup between him and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has not yet declared for president.

Biden dubbed Donald Trump 'maybe the future president' to a disapproving audience in Philadelphia where he talked about his newly released $6.8 trillion budget

And though the general election is still over a year and a half away, early polling shows a close race if Trump and Biden find themselves in a rematch- a February poll from Washington Post/ABC News showed Trump leading 48 to 45 percent among registered voters.

Biden has not formally declared his 2024 campaign either but continues to say he will do so. His only declared name-brand primary opponent is self-help author Marianne Williamson.

The president was in Philadelphia to talk about his $6.8 trillion budget - which includes $5.5 trillion in new taxes targeted mostly at the wealthy.

'My budget reflects what we can do to lift the burden on hard-working Americans,' Biden said.

His budget is dead on arrival in Congress, but serves to lay out Democratic priorities as a starting point for negotiations with Republicans.

The president in his speech repeatedly tore into 'MAGA Republicans,' framing Trump through the slogan he coined as the de facto leader of the party.

'MAGA Republicans are calling for defunding the police departments, and defunding the FBI now. That's a good one, I like that one.'

Some right-wing Republicans have called to defund the FBI after accusing it of targeting conservatives and turning a blind eye to Hunter Biden's wrongdoings.

'This is not your father's Republican party, as I said before. MAGA Republicans are threatening to default on the national debt.'

'My budget reflects what we can do to lift the burden on hard-working Americans,' Biden said

People await the arrival of President Joe Biden to speak at the Finishing Trades Institute, Thursday

Trump leads Biden three points in early Washington Post/ABC polling

Nearly an hour into his budget remarks, he reiterated: 'I'm going on too long and I apologize. Let me say this one more time: MAGA Republicans are using the threat of default for the first time in history.'

Biden and GOP Speaker Kevin McCarthy have to hash out a budget agreement and a deal to increase the nation's borrowing limit beyond $31.4 trillion before a June deadline.

The pair have met once, but agreed to talk again to hash out details. On Wednesday, McCarthy slammed Biden for not yet inviting him to the White House again. On Thursday Biden said he would invite the speaker to go 'line by line' and see where they could agree once the GOP budget is out.

'I want to make it clear, I'm willing to make with the Speaker anytime, tomorrow if he has his budget. Lay it down, tell me what you want to do.'
Investigators were on the scene looking into whether the bus or train were traveling at excessive speeds

Dramatic surveillance camera footage captured the moment a train plowed into a school bus, killing two children, in the southern Brazil state of Parana on Thursday morning.

The bus was transporting 25 students and three teachers with the Association of Parents and Friends of the Disabled when the train crashed into it at an intersection in southern city of Jandaia so Sul.

Five students and one teacher were also injured, according to the Jandaia do Sul Fire Department.

Two girls, aged 11 and 15, were declared dead on the scene.

Two girls, aged 11 and 15, were killed in Brazil on Thursday morning after the school bus they were traveling on was hit by a train at an intersection in the southern city of Jandaia so Sul. Five students and one teacher were also injured

A school bus transporting 25 children and three teachers was involved in an accident with a train in the southern Brazilian state of Parana on Thursday morning. Authorities confirmed that two children were killed and that five others and one teacher were also injured

The father of the 15-year-old was on his way to work when he became aware of the accident.

'I ran there and then saw that it was my daughter's bus,' he said.

The footage showed a car on the opposite side of the track coming to a full stop at the intersection as the train approached the area. The bus then could be seen passing over the track when the train smashed into it.

The impact of the crash ejected at least four people out of the bus and left them lying near the side of the tracks.

At least one of the victims could be seen standing up and taking a few steps before falling to the ground and moving in pain.

'We didn't have much to do. Another six victims, including a teacher, were taken in serious condition to hospitals in the region,' fire department chief Wallacy de Souza told RPC television.

A car could be seen on the opposite side waiting for the train to pass by just moments before the school bus driver approached the railroad track, drove over it and was hit by a train. Brazilian authorities said that two children, aged 11 and 15, were declared dead on the scene

The train plowed into the middle part of the bus and its impact caused the ejection of at least four people

One of the injured victims lies on the ground moments after the train hit the school bus they were traveling on

The driver was interviewed by the Jandaia so Sul Civil Police and said that he was unaware that the train was nearing the intersection.

'He confirmed that he did not see the train approaching, and did not even hear a sound, even after a car had stopped on the other side of the street,' police chief Carlos Paravidino told news outlet G1.

The Jandaia so Sul Civil Police is investigating the crash. The Institute of Criminalistics were also at the scene analyzing the accident and were looking into whether the train or bus were traveling at excessive speeds.

Parana Acting Governor Darcia Piana declared three days of mourning.

'The Parana school community is in mourning with this serious accident in Jandaia do Sul,' Piana said in a statement. 'May God comfort the girls' families and may the others soon recover from this accident. The Government of Parana will do what it can to help these people.'
With the kidnap of four Americans in Mexico and rampant drug trafficking, a Texas rancher is issuing this stark warning: it's only a matter of time before the cartels take control of our border towns.

Debi Douglas' lives in Brownsville, Texas, near Matamoros - where four Americans were kidnapped last week by members of the Gulf cartel

Debi Douglas' lives in Brownsville, Texas, near Matamoros - where four Americans were kidnapped last week by members of the Gulf cartel.

The kidnaping was the latest in a string of violent shows of force from the drug gangs that maintain control in Mexican towns and cities, and which are threatening tourism.

Douglas told FOX News that unless the Biden administration fixes up its act, they will soon have the run of American border towns too.

'The Mexican government is afraid of the cartel. If Biden does not do something, this is going to come more into our country.

'And unless we do something, everybody had better get ready.

'The Mexican government is either partially paid off by the cartels or they fear the cartels.

'So the fact that Biden is saying he's going to work with them is absolutely a joke and an insult to the American people,' she warned.

The Biden administration is yet to secure the border sufficiently.

In the last several months, a handful of separate incidents - including the kidnaping and the shooting of a migrant by an elderly Arizona rancher on his land - have crystalized the crisis.

National Guard and military vehicles take part in an operation to transfer two of the four US citizens kidnapped in Mexico's crime-ridden northeast, back to Brownsville in the US

Of the 32 states in Mexico, 30 are currently subject to some form of travel advisory by the US government.

The only two states that are free of them are Yucatan and Campeche, near Cancun.

The advice for Quintana Roo, which takes in Cancun, Playa Del Carmen and Tulum, is to exercise increased caution.

Former FBI Assistant Director Tom Fuentes told NewsNation that even what look like 'safe' resorts may not be as secure as many Americans think.

'While youre on the highway, youre vulnerable. Now, in this case, it sounds like the cartels had set up a checkpoint, basically like a tollgate, that you had to go through them.

'And it sounds like the van tried to run past that. And thats when the cartels opened fire,' he said.

These are the current travel advisories for Mexico from the US government. Only two states - Yucatan and Campeche - are completely free of advisories

Lucky to be alive: Latavia McGee and Eric Williams were rescued from a stash house in Mexico yesterday after being kidnapped. Their two friends were murdered

Nayyera Haq, a former national security adviser, added: 'The majority of Mexico is actually in the control of cartels. The government does not control all the territory there.

'In fact, the government of Mexico for decades has been complicit in ceding control. It is wonderful to travel overseas. It is not the same as traveling in the United States, no matter what the bargain, or what the deal is that you can get.

'You have to understand what life is like for people in the country.'

Senator Lindsey Graham is championing a bill that would allow the US military to enter Mexico and take action

Senator Lindsey Graham is now championing a bill that would allow the American military to enter Mexico and 'stabilize' the ongoing unrest.

'I would follow Bill Barrs advice and get tough on Mexico. Its not just the hostages.

'Number one, Id do everything I could to get them back. Id do what Trump did. Id put Mexico on notice.

If you continue to give safe haven to fentanyl drug dealers, then youre an enemy of the United States.

'I would tell [the] Mexican government, If you dont clean up your act, were gonna clean it up for you,' he said in an interview with Fox News last night.

Military action across the border would require an Authorization for Use of Military Force, which can only be secured if it passes through Congress and is signed into law by the President.
The Los Angeles Police Department is searching for a second suspect involved in the fatal knife attack of a 17-year-old high school student in El Sereno, California.

According to the LAPD, David Anthony Zapata, 32, was arrested Wednesday evening in the stabbing of Xavier David Chavarin, 17, as well as Daniel Villalobos, 33, hours after the attack on the Woodrow Wilson High School student.

Police now say they are searching for a second person who may have driven the vehicle Zapata used to get away from the crime scenes.

The stabbing of the straight-A student happened unprovoked, and video shows Zapata walking through a parking lot toward the teen before drawing a knife out of his pocket.

Chavarin went inside the King Torta restaurant on Valley Boulevard begging for help before collapsing on the floor and dying at the scene, police said.

The suspect, David Anthony Zapata, was taken into custody by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) on Wednesday after a standoff with police at a home in Alhambra

Zapata, 32, is accused of stabbing Xavier Chavarin, 17, and Daniel Villalobos, 33

Chavarin died on the scene, according to police. Witnesses said the teen walked into the restaurant and asked for help before collapsing on the floor

According to officers, a potential second suspect is being sought in the stabbings.

Police did not release a name or description of the person involved.

Officers said they're 'actively pursuing' leads related to the get-away driver.

As of Thursday afternoon, no additional arrests have been made.

In a recent press conference, LAPD officials said that Zapata - who has a history of mental illness - attacked both Chavarin and Villalobos 'without provocation.'

'Both incidents were completely unprovoked,' Detective Ryan Rabbett said. 'These citizens were attacked for no apparent reason.'

Despite his health history, the detective said that is no excuse for the attacks.

'His mental health is no reason for what he did, and I'll simply leave it at that,' he said.

Rabbett said Zapata had seven previous misdemeanor arrests but no felony arrests.

Police say Zapata stabbed Villalobos hours after Chavarin and just 'about a mile and a half away' from the first scene.

Chavarin's family remember him as a smart student who was 'going to graduate with honors'

'Both incidents were completely unprovoked,' Los Angeles Police Department Detective Ryan Rabbett said. 'These citizens were attacked for no apparent reason'

He stabbed Chavarin outside of King Torta, where the student was waiting for his mother to pick him up. The suspect has also been accused of stabbing a 33-year-old man on the same road later that night

Security footage, released by the LAPD, shows the moment just before the teen was stabbed. The suspect can be seen calmly walking through the parking lot toward the student, who is off camera, before drawing a large knife out of his pocket and attacking Chavarin

According to reports, Chavarin was stabbed outside the King Torto restaurant while he was waiting for his mother.

'He never knew this was going to happen. It's one of those cases where he's just at the wrong time, wrong place,' a family friend, Ricky Ramiro, told KTLA.

The LAPD arrested the man on Wednesday after receiving a tip that someone similar looking lived in the Alhambra home.

He had also reportedly caused issues within his own neighborhood.

The LAPD gang and narcotics division barricaded the home on Westmont Drive around 7am and two armored vehicles were brought in to block the surrounding area, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Commander German Hurtado and a crisis negotiator persuaded the man to leave the home after several hours.

A mental health evaluation team, the crisis negotiator, and the man's mother spoke with him on the phone to convince him to come out, the Times reported.

He was taken into custody without incident.

'I don't want to taint the investigation, [but] he is not going to be able to hurt anyone else,' Hurtado said, according to the Los Angeles Times.

A small memorial has been set up for the teenager who was killed in El Sereno last week

Commander German Hurtado and a crisis negotiator persuaded the man to leave the home after several hours. A mental health evaluation team, the crisis negotiator, and the man's mother spoke with him on the phone to convince him to come out

Woodrow Wilson High School Principal Gregorio Verbera said the school was 'saddened' by the student's death and he offered his 'deepest condolences to those who are impacted by this loss, including the student's family, friends and teachers.'

The family has set up a GoFundMe page for Chavarin's funeral, which has already raised $52,276 - surpassing its $25,000 goal.

Anyone with information on the case or the unknown second suspect is asked to call detectives at 213-996-4116.
Former President Donald Trump is expressing well wishes for Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who fell and hit his head Wednesday night at the Waldorf Astoria  the renamed former Trump hotel in Washington D.C.

Trump commented on McConnell, whom he has clashed with repeatedly since January 6 and with whom he hasn't spoken in hears, shortly after it was revealed the powerful Republican leader suffered a concussion from his fall.

Trump was initially reticent when asked about the man who has become a top political nemesis. 'No, I don't know about it. I heard about it from a number of people, but I don't know. I don't know the seriousness of it at all,' he said on a call with a handful of reporters to discuss his new book, Letters to Trump.

Asked for a statement, he responded: 'Well, I don't I disagree with almost everything he does, but I certainly would like him to get well. I want him to be well. I want him to be well. And then get back and be strong.'

'I disagree with almost everything he does, but I certainly would like him to get well,' Trump, former President Donald Trump said of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who suffered a fall at the former Trump hotel

Trump continued: 'It sounds like he took quite a fall. And it sounds like he took quite a fall. And I hope hes going to be fine. I hope hes going to get better quickly. I wish him well. It sounds like it took quite a fall. I hope he's going to be fine. I hope he's going to get better quickly. I wish him well.'

McConnell denounced Trump as responsible for the Capitol riot after January 6. Trump in the past has attacked McConnell online as 'cocaine Mitch' and labeled his wife former Trump cabinet member Elaine Chao as 'coco chow.'

In a fiery speech last week, Trump blasted McConnell as a 'China-loving politician,' during remarks where he told conservative activists: 'I am your retribution.'

'Leader McConnell tripped at a dinner event Wednesday evening and has been admitted to the hospital and is being treated for a concussion,' his communications director David Popp said in a statement on Thursday afternoon.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell (pictured Tuesday) tripped and fell Wednesday at a hotel and was hospitalized; he has a concussion and will be in the hospital for a 'few days'

The former President will include letters he received from presidents, royals including the late Princess Diana, world leaders, celebrities and business executives in his new book, called 'Letters to Trump' (pictured)

McConnell was attending a fundraiser for his leadership PAC at the Waldorf, formerly the Trump Hotel

The Waldorf Astoria, in the same historic federal building developed as a hotel by the Trump Organization, was a hive of GOP activity during the Trump administration

'He is expected to remain in the hospital for a few days of observation and treatment. The Leader is grateful to the medical professionals for their care and to his colleagues for their warm wishes.'

McConnell, 81, was hosting a dinner for his Senate Leadership Fund at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in downtown Washington, D.C. when he had the accident.

The hotel was host to a variety of top Republican events when it had the Trump name while Trump was in the White House. The Trump Organization sold the lease to the property amid the pandemic after Trump left the White House, turning a hefty profit.

Trump's book contains letters from figures ranging from Barack Obama to Queen Elizabeth II and North Korea Dictator Kim Jong Un.
Imagine watching a trial in court and you might picture a bewigged and gowned male figure addressing a jury.

But research suggests that courtrooms of the future could be filled with more women barristers than men.

Twice as many women have applied to study law as men, data sourced from university admissions service Ucas has revealed.

Female applications reached triple figures for the first time last year at 103,575 applicants, compared with 51,865 male hopefuls.

The data, collated by London criminal defence solicitors Lawtons, also found that female applications to all law courses in the UK have risen by 13 per cent over the last three years.

But research suggests that courtrooms of the future could be filled with more women barristers than men.

Dr Adrienne Barnett, senior lecturer in law at Brunel University, said more female undergraduates improves 'collegiality' of students.

She said: 'From my experience as a lecturer, there are certainly a lot more women than men studying law at Brunel Law School.

'The reasons for this are conjecture but I suspect it's because fewer women study the STEM subjects... Comparing my experience of studying law in the late 1970s/early 1980s when there were more male students with the situation now, I think that having more female students enhances the collegiality of the students and peer support.'

Law courses are also proving popular among 18 to 20-year-olds, with more than 15,000 applicants from the age group in the last two years, data obtained by a Freedom of Information request reveals. Northern Ireland has seen the greatest increase in female applications at 7.6 per cent compared with a 5 per cent drop among males.

Overall, applications to study law in the UK have increased by over 17,000 in the past three years.

Nick Titchener, director at Lawtons Solicitors, added: 'The demand for legal professionals in the UK is increasing two-fold... It is essential for prospective applicants to keep an open mind when pursuing a career in law.

'It is important to do your research to ensure you understand the qualifications required for the specific position you want.

'As well as this, you should identify any relevant work experience opportunities that will help you emphasise your commitment to a career in law, such as holiday schemes, mini-pupillages, marshalling or pro bono work.

'The legal industry is competitive yet rewarding and students applying to study in the UK will, in time, help the profession prosper in the years to come'.

According to Government statistics for 2022, women make up 39 per cent of barristers in the UK.
This file photo, provided by the Navy shows enlisted sailors attending a ceremony marking the end of their basic training at the Naval Education & Training Command in Changwon, 398 kilometers southeast of Seoul, Jan. 27. Yonhap



South Korea's Navy plans to shorten enlisted service members' seaborne duty requirement by two months on a trial basis in an effort to attract new recruits, officials said Thursday.



It unveiled the plan as part of "special measures" to boost enlistment amid concerns that the Navy could face a staffing challenge due to the prospects of a troop shortfall caused by the nation's low birthrate, and aspiring sailors' lingering aversion to ship-based service.



The Navy plans to reduce the current mandatory six-month ship duty to four months for enlistees starting service in June, the officials said.



It plans to decide whether to keep the measure in place permanently after running it on a trial basis until October 2024.



In addition to the measure, the armed service plans to reduce enlistees' six-week basic training period to five weeks.



By law, all able-bodied South Korean men must serve in the military in a country that faces constant threats from North Korea. Enlistees are required to serve 18 months in the Army, 20 months in the Navy and 21 months in the Air Force. (Yonhap)


Eight people were killed and others seriously wounded in a shooting at a Jehovah's Witnesses church in Hamburg last night, amid reports that the shooter who is among the dead may have been a former member of the religious community.

Police declared a 'mass casualty incident' following the massacre at the Kingdom Hall church in the Gro Borstel district of Germany's second-biggest city.

Local media outlets reported that the shooting had also left eight people injured. Police said the gunman - who fired through the window before storming the building during a bible study meeting - is believed to be among the dead.

German newspaper Spiegel reported the suspect as being a former member of the Jehovah's Witnesses in his 30s or 40s, that he used a pistol, and was not known to police as an extremist. No other details of the suspected killer were released, and police urged people not to speculate on the motive for the shooting.

Grainy footage released by German tabloid Bild purported to show the shooter firing into the building from the outside. Witnesses said they heard 12 shots.

At least seven people are dead and others wounded after a gunman opened fire in a Jehovah's Witness church in Hamburg. Pictured: Armed police are seen pointing their guns up a stairwell in the church after storming the building on Thursday night

People in the building were seen being ushered to safety by armed police at the scene after someone opened fire inside the church. Reports say at least seven people are dead, with police saying they believe the shooter is among them

The attack happened in Germany's second-largest city of Hamburg, in the Gro Borstel district

The first emergency calls were made around 8.15pm GMT (9.15pm local time) after shots rang out at the building, a police spokesman at the scene said. Police tweeted that 'several people were seriously injured, some even fatally' in the incident.

Police spokesman Holger Vehren said officers were alerted to the shooting and were on the scene quickly. Pictures and video showed armed officers entering the non-descript three-storey building in the northern German city.

After officers arrived, they heard a shot from an upper floor and found a person upstairs who may have been a shooter. Police did not have to use their firearms.

Vehren said: 'We only know that several people died here. Several people are wounded, they were taken to hospitals.'

He had no information on the severity of the injuries suffered by the wounded.

There was no immediate indication that a shooter was on the run and that it appeared likely that the perpetrator or perpetrators were either in the building or among the dead, Vehren said.

An 'extreme danger' alarm was sounded in the area using a catastrophe warning app, but Germany's Federal Office for Civil Protection lifted it shortly after 3am.

'The police measures in the surrounding area are gradually being discontinued. Investigations into the background of the crime are continuing,' Hamburg police tweeted in the early hours of Friday morning.

Police had no information on the event that was under way in the building when the shooting took place. Vehren said that 'the background is still completely unclear'.

Grainy footage released by German media outlets appeared to show a shooter firing shots into a building. The person could be seen outside a window holding an object out in front of him, from which flashes could be seen.

The footage was taken at night from dozens of yards away - across a road and a car park - so it did not offer a full picture of the incident.

'We heard shots,' one unidentified witness told reporters. 'There were 12 continuous shots,' he said. 'Then we saw how people were taken away in black bags.'

After the incident, local media footage showed a large police presence outside the Jehovah's Witnesses' Kingdom Hall, a modern three-story building. Dozens of armed officers decked out in military-grade gear were seen outside.

At least one officer wearing bomb-disposal armour was also seen gearing up.

A police spokesman at the scene said: 'We have no indications of a perpetrator on the run.' He said instead, police have 'indications that a perpetrator may have been in the building and may be even among the dead'.

Pictured: An officer kicks open the door of the three-storey building before storming in

After officers arrived, they heard a shot from an upper floor and found a person upstairs - who may have been a shooter - dead

Pictured: Armed police gather at the scene of the shooting in Hamburg late on Thursday night

Pictured: Police officers gather at the scene of a fatal shooting in Hamburg, Germany. A sign saying JW.com (the website for the Jahova's Witnesses) can be seen on the building

Pictured: A member of the bomb defusing team is seen gearing up near the Jehovah's Witness church, where several people were killed in Thursday night's shooting in Hamburg

Police secured the area following the deadly shooting in Hamburg, Germany, this evening

Ambulances and fire engines rushed to the scene alongside armed police officers

Armed police in bulletproof vests and helmets rushed to the scene along with paramedics and doctors. Officers were seen pointing their guns up a stairwell in the church as they stormed the building, unsure at that stage what awaited them.

The first officers at the scene found several lifeless bodies and seriously wounded people, police said. Hamburger Abendblatt reported that 17 unhurt people, who had been at the event, were being attended to by the fire brigade.

Officers heard a shot in the 'upper part of the building' before finding a body in the area where it rang out, police said. Officers have 'indications that a perpetrator may have been in the building and may be even among the dead.'

The spokesman added that the person uncovered in the upper part of the building was 'possibly' the perpetrator.

'We have found a lifeless person in a community centre in [Gross Borstel] which we assume could be a perpetrator,' Hamburg police tweeted early Friday morning.

'According to the current state of affairs, we assume that there is one perpetrator,' police said in a separate tweet.

Some of the dead reportedly include women. Injured people were initially cared for by paramedics in large-capacity ambulances on the scene.

Police said a church event had been taking place on Thursday evening.

Jehovah's Witnesses had gathered at 7pm for a weekly Bible study meeting - two hours before the shooting - according to local daily Hamburger Abendblatt.

A police spokesman said that at about 9pm local time, one or several unknown perpetrators shot at people in a church, Broadcaster NDR reported.

The spokesman said: 'The dead people all have gunshot wounds.'

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz - a former Hamburg mayor - said Friday his thoughts were with the victims.

'Several members of a Jehovah community fell victim to a brutal act of violence last night,' Scholz tweeted. 'My thoughts are with them and their loved ones.'

The port city's mayor, Peter Tschentscher, expressed shock at the shooting on Twitter. Sending his sympathies to the victims' families, he said emergency services were doing their utmost to clarify the situation.

'The emergency services are working flat out to track down the perpetrators and clarify the background,' he wrote.

Some of the dead reportedly include women. Injured people were initially cared for by paramedics in large-capacity ambulances on the scene

Armed police were at the scene alongside paramedics and other emergency services

Armed police officers were seen on the roads around the scene after the attack

A police spokesman said there was no immediate indication that a shooter was on the run and that it appeared likely that the perpetrator or perpetrators were either in the building or among the dead

Mayor of Hamburg Peter Tschentscher said: 'The reports from are shocking. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims'

The Jehovah's Witnesses community in Germany also expressed deep sadness over the 'horrific' deadly shooting in Hamburg that it said targeted its members.

'The religious community is deeply saddened by the horrific attack on its members at the Kingdom Hall in Hamburg after a religious service,' the Jehovah's Witnesses in Germany association said in a statement. 'Several people lost their lives and others were seriously injured' in Thursday's incident, it added.

There are about 175,000 people in Germany, including 3,800 in Hamburg, who are Jehovah's Witnesses, a US Christian movement set up in the late 19th century that preaches non-violence and is known for door-to-door evangelism.

Police previously said on Twitter that a large operation was under way in the next-door Alsterdorf district. The area is a few miles north of the downtown area of Hamburg, which is Germany's second-biggest city.

Police told people living in the area to stay indoors, adding that streets surrounding the church have been cordoned off.

The emergency alert was posted after the shooting from the Department of the Interior that warned of a 'life-threatening situation' and 'extreme danger' in the area.

Germany has been rocked by several attacks in recent years, both by jihadists and far-right extremists.

Among the deadliest committed by Islamist extremists was a truck rampage at a Berlin Christmas market in December 2016 that killed 12 people.

The Tunisian attacker, a failed asylum seeker, was a supporter of the Islamic State jihadist group.

Europe's most populous nation remains a target for jihadist groups in particular because of its participation in the anti-Islamic State coalition in Iraq and Syria.

Armed police were seen in bullet-proof vests and headgear and were carrying weapons

Police said there was no clear motive yet for the attack and urged people not to spread rumours

Between 2013 and 2021, the number of Islamists considered dangerous in the country had multiplied by five to 615, according to interior ministry data.

But Germany has also been hit by several far-right assaults in recent years, sparking accusations that the government was not doing enough to stamp out neo-Nazi violence.

In February 2020 a far-right extremist shot dead 10 people and wounded five others in the central German city of Hanau.

And in 2019, two people were killed after a neo-Nazi tried to storm a synagogue in Halle on the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur.
The autistic man allegedly murdered by his brother died a hero while saving his seriously injured mother's life, tearful neighbours have revealed.

Shaun Sanderson, 32, allegedly killed his younger brother Rileigh, 29, and stabbed his mother Catherine, 65, in the neck during the frenzied attack at their family home in the northern Melbourne suburb of Reservoir on Wednesday.

Despite being fatally injured, Rileigh managed to flee the scene to raise the alarm at nearby Reservoir Private hospital but died in the car park as locals rushed to help.

'He's not really verbal,' one sobbing neighbour told Nine News. 'He was just trying to get help for his mum.

'I saw him on the floor, and he was bleeding out and there was people around him.

'I saw the lady and I went up to her and my mum's like, "Get me a towel! Get me a towel! She's bleeding..."

'[The mother] was just like, "I gotta find my son. I gotta find my son."'

Autistic Rileigh Sanderson, allegedly murdered by his brother, died a hero while saving his seriously injured mother's life, tearful neighbours have revealed. Pictured, neighbour Zayna Kodsi

Despite being fatally injured, Rileigh Sanderson (pictured) managed to flee the scene to raise the alarm at nearby Reservoir Private hospital but died in the car park as locals rushed to help

Rileigh died from fatal stab wounds just after 8am as paramedics fought to save his mother while police launched a manhunt for his brother after he allegedly fled.

He was tracked down near a busy intersection in the nearby suburb of Preston about 2.40pm and arrested.

Catherine was rushed from the house to Royal Melbourne Hospital in a serious condition, with severe injuries to her upper body, including stab wounds on her neck.

Sanderson reluctantly appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Thursday after initially refusing to leave the prison cells beneath the court building.

The court heard Sanderson had not wanted to appear before media or family members - none of whom were physically present within the courtroom.

The court heard Sanderson has been charged with a count each of murder and attempted murder.

He did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody to appear in court again in July to allow prosecutors an extended six-week period to compile the brief of evidence.

Before being taken back down to the cells, Sanderson's lawyer advised the court his client had a history of mental health issues.

'While he's not withdrawing from a drug of dependence, I think it's prudent he be attended to by a custody nurse,' he said.

'There appears to be a history of psychosis and a diagnosis of schizophrenia. He also has some scratches and cuts on his nose and face.'

Rileigh pictured next to Big Brother celebrity Farmer Dave at an event late last year

Rileigh Sanderson (left) and Shaun Sanderson (right) are pictured alongside their siblings

A local resident told Daily Mail Australia that Rileigh, who lived with autism, was 'such a lovely boy'.

Photos shared on his mother Catherine's Instagram page show her and Rileigh spending quality time together - purchasing hot chocolates, getting their nails done and travelling overseas.

In one of her last posts, she shared a photo of Rileigh grinning as he posed alongside Big Brother celebrity Farmer Dave.

'Rileigh was stoked to meet Farmer Dave today at the dog show,' Catherine wrote in October.

'Thanks for taking the time to have a photo.'

Tributes have started pouring in online for Rileigh, who has been remembered as a 'beautiful' person.

'Fly high R,' one woman wrote. 'So sad we can't talk about the Richmond Tigers soon.'

Another said: 'Rest in peace beautiful man. I will miss you.'

Shaun Sanderson (pictured) was arrested about 2.30pm on Wednesday after allegedly stabbing his mother and brother

Police are pictured arresting Shaun Sanderson who is accused of fatally stabbing his brother and seriously injuring his mother at a Reservoir home in Melbourne

Sanderson has been charged with murder and attempted murder

Arriving at the home, police initially believed Sanderson was bunkered down inside and they set up a perimeter to try and negotiate with him.

However, they soon realised he wasn't there after storming inside.

Aerial footage showed Sanderson lying in the middle of an intersection with his arms behind his back, surrounded by police.

Earlier, a team of heavily armed police tried to negotiate with Sanderson, demanding through a megaphone that he come outside, before realising he was not home.

Pam Egan, a resident of Willoughby Street, told Daily Mail Australia the family has three sons and a daughter.

'I've spoken to (the family) before going on walks,' she said.

'They are a hardworking family . They're builders, lovely and always friendly.'

Other neighbour said the street is normally 'quiet and nice'.

'We heard the sirens this morning, my neighbour said it happened in the (hospital) car park,' one woman said.

Detectives were seen gathering outside the Willoughby St scene on Wednesday
Former President Donald Trump on Thursday said North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un is 'not a happy person' with the Biden administration and explained why he decided to include letters from world leaders he called 'bad' people.

'We have had lots of great letters from lots of great people and not-so-great people, to be honest with you. Some good ones and some bad ones and some that are in the middle. But they're very famous people,' Trump said of the collection of letters he is including in his new book.

He called Kim, who he has previously described as exchanging 'love letters' with him while in office, 'cunning,' he told DialyMail.com and a handful of reporters.

'He was very smart, very cunning, very streetwise. And we, we spoke a lot, actually, we spoke a lot and I think we had really, you know, a great relationship.'

It came during an interview where the former president wished rival Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell well after his fall at the former Trump hotel.

'I disagree with almost everything he does, but I certainly would like him to get well,' Trump, former President Donald Trump said of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who suffered a fall at the former Trump hotel

'But I thought Kim Jong-un is a very, very interesting guy, and we had a good relationship. And I think he's not a happy person right now with respect to the Biden administration,' Trump said.

Trump's book also includes a letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is currently engaged in a brutal war on Ukraine, with Russia launching dozens of missiles at its neighbor overnight.

As he did while in office, Trump spoke of the benefits of 'getting along' with rivals  and once again claimed Putin would not have invaded on his watch. (Putin invaded Crimea in 2014 and continues to hold the territory).

'Getting along with these leaders, when they have great, powerful weaponry and they you know, have war-like countries. You see that going on right now. Getting along is good. I will tell you Russia: zero chance that Russia would have gotten into Ukraine. Zero, it would have never ever happened,' Trump said without otherwise commenting on the recent anniversary of the war Putin unleashed.

'And zero chance that China would have done what they may be doing and we'll have to see what happens with Taiwan. Zero, zero, zero chance. It just wouldn't have happened.

Trump called North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un 'cunning'

His book includes a letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he met in Helsinki during his presidency and accepted his denials of election hacking

Trump referenced concerns China could try to invade Taiwan. 'We'll have to see what happens with Taiwan,' he said

Trump called some of the leaders 'bad ones.' He famously exchanged what he called 'love letters' with Kim

Trump dodged a question about whether the book includes letters that are among materials that were held at Mar-a-Lago before an FBI search last summer.

'We have some great letters, some wonderful letters and some we give out and some we dont. I declassified  I had the power to declassify, do what I wanted to do in that regard as president,' Trump said. 'But we have some great letters, but a lot of these letters were put out anyway.'

He said he kept in touch with 'a lot' of world leaders, but wouldn't say which ones.

'With some I have kept a really good connection. I've had some very good relationships, some really good relationships and you know  you don't just leave and you never speak to somebody again. And I probably would leave it to them to mention who it would be  but a lot of them,' he said.

He mentioned he got an award from Hungary's Viktor Orban. He endorsed the Hungarian prime minister's right wing regime last year.

Trump's book includes letters from figures including Michael Jackson, Oprah Winfrey, and Queen Elizabeth II.

The former President will include letters he received from presidents, royals including the late Princess Diana, world leaders, celebrities and business executives in his new book, called 'Letters to Trump' (pictured)

It doesn't include one from Fox News executive Rupert Murdoch, who is quoted in a. deposition and internal communications revealed in the Dominion Voting Systems lawsuit calling Trump 'increasingly mad' and disbelieving his claims of election fraud. Opinion host Tucker Carlson is seen in documents connected with a court filing calling Trump's post-election behavior 'disgusting.'

Trump said Fox News opinion anchors are 'really good.'

'I think they really like me and I liked them and I think they agree ... People should have the right to express their opinion, especially when they're anchors. And a lot of people when you look at the polls, a lot of people think that that election was rigged and stolen and I happen to be one of them.'

Trump continued: 'I'm a denier. I'm an election denier,' embracing the label.'

Trump predicted his book would do 'very well,' but then allowed it might not surpass his first picture book, Journey Together.

'And this is perhaps a step above or perhaps a step below. I guess we'll see about that,' he said.

Trump also on the call expressed well wishes for Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who fell and hit his head Wednesday night at the Waldorf Astoria  the renamed former Trump hotel in Washington D.C.

Trump commented on McConnell, whom he has clashed with repeatedly since January 6 and with whom he hasn't spoken in hears, shortly after it was revealed the powerful Republican leader suffered a concussion from his fall.

Trump was initially reticent when asked about the man who has become a top political nemesis. 'No, I don't know about it. I heard about it from a number of people, but I don't know. I don't know the seriousness of it at all,' he said on a call with a handful of reporters to discuss his new book, Letters to Trump.

Asked for a statement, he responded: 'Well, I don't I disagree with almost everything he does, but But I certainly would like him to get well. I want him to be well. I want him to be well. And then get back and be strong.'

Trump continued: 'It sounds like he took quite a fall. And it sounds like he took quite a fall. And I hope hes going to be fine. I hope hes going to get better quickly. I wish him well. It sounds like it took quite a fall. It's gonna be fun. It's gonna be I hope it's gonna get better quick.'

McConnell denounced Trump as responsible for the Capitol riot after January 6. Trump in the past has attacked McConnell online as 'cocaine Mitch' and labeled his wife former Trump cabinet member Elaine Chao as 'coco chow.'

In a fiery speech last week, Trump blasted McConnell as a 'China-loving politician,' during remarks where he told conservative activists: 'I am your retribution.'

'Leader McConnell tripped at a dinner event Wednesday evening and has been admitted to the hospital and is being treated for a concussion,' his communications director David Popp said in a statement on Thursday afternoon.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell (pictured Tuesday) tripped and fell Wednesday at a hotel and was hospitalized; he has a concussion and will be in the hospital for a 'few days'

McConnell was attending a fundraiser for his leadership PAC at the Waldorf, formerly the Trump Hotel

The Waldorf Astoria, in the same historic federal building developed as a hotel by the Trump Organization, was a hive of GOP activity during the Trump administration

'He is expected to remain in the hospital for a few days of observation and treatment. The Leader is grateful to the medical professionals for their care and to his colleagues for their warm wishes.'

McConnell, 81, was hosting a dinner for his Senate Leadership Fund at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in downtown Washington, D.C. when he had the accident.The hotel was host to a variety of top Republican events when it had the Trump name while Trump was in the White House. The Trump Organization sold the lease to the property amid the pandemic after Trump left the White House, turning a hefty profit.Trump's book contains letters from figures ranging from Barack Obama to Queen Elizabeth II and North Korea Dictator Kim Jong Un.
President Biden proposed nearly $5.5 trillion in new taxes and the highest personal income tax rate in nearly 40 years.

The $6.8 trillion spending blueprint, which has no chance of passing Congress, calls for raising the top income tax rate from 37 to 39.6 percent.

One of Biden's biggest proposed changes to tax code would be nearly doubling the capital gains tax rate for people earning $1 million or more from 20 percent to 39.6 percent and applying an additional surcharge to fund Medicare, bringing rates up to 45 percent.

Other changes include raising the federal corporate income tax rate from 21 to 28 percent and quadrupling the stock buyback tax rate to four percent.

The budget would grow the national debt from $31.4 trillion to around $51 trillion over the next decade. Still, if enacted, the White House says the deficit would be about $3 trillion lower compared to current spending levels.

Biden dubbed Donald Trump 'maybe the future president' to a disapproving audience in Philadelphia where he talked about his newly released $6.8 trillion budget

WHAT ELSE IS IN BIDEN'S BUDGET $6 billion in support to Ukraine and Europe

$37.7B for nuclear weapons

$17.8 billion for violent crime

5.2 percent pay rise for troops

$40 million to combat fentanyl trafficking

$26 billion to strengthen the border - an $800 million increase over 2023

$535 million for technology at border points of entry

Funds to hire an extra 350 border agents

$3 billion to help poor countries deal with global warming

Funding for 100,000 police officers across the nation Advertisement

The proposal also calls for closing the 'carried interest loophole' for private fund managers and slapping those that have income or assets that add up to $100 million or more with a 20 percent minimum tax on unrealized gains.

Under current law investment fund managers can pay a 20 percent capital gains tax rate on a portion of their incomes rather than being subjected to the 37 percent rate.

The president is also proposing increasing the Obamacare tax from 3.8 percent to 5 percent for those earning at least $400,000 to add to the Medicare Trust Fund. Biden says the new levies would extend Medicare solvency for another 25 years.

That would mean the richest Americans would pay a 44.6 percent federal tax rate on investment income and other earnings.

The proposal called for a 25 percent minimum tax rate on households worth $100 million or more - 0.01 percent of the population.

Biden's budget would also eliminate a tax break for crypto losses and would limit the amount high earners can hold in retirement accounts meant for the middle class like Roth.

It would also eliminate a tax break for real estate investors that currently allows them to avoid paying taxes on real estate gains if they reinvest that in the market as well as eliminating tax breaks for oil and gas companies.

The budget would however expand the child tax credit to pandemic levels - $3,600 for children under six and $3,000 for older children, up from $2,000. It would also expand the earned income tax credit for low-income workers without children.

In exchange for higher taxes, the budget gives a huge injection of funding for social programs such as child care and paid family leave.

Enough for the largest peacetime budget in history has also been proposed - including $842 billion for the Pentagon, a 5.2 percent pay rise for troops, $6 billion in support for Ukraine and Europe and $37 billion on the nuclear weapons program.

There are also billions set aside for a 5.2 percent pay rise for federal workers, support for refugees, more offshore wind farms and a $25 billion investment in border security.

It calls for $688 billion in non-defense discretionary spending - meaning money towards programs that aren't mandatory like Social Security and Medicare. That's a $47 billion increase over last year's budget.
Meghan Markle celebrated International Women's Day with a visit to a homeless shelter for pregnant women, handing out essential supplies to expectant mothers on behalf of her Archewell Foundation.

The 41-year-old mother of two beamed as she hugged a woman wearing a Harvest Home t-shirt - the name of the Los Angeles shelter.

In a $4,000 black cashmere Max Mara coat worn over black cropped trousers and a black woolen sweater, Markle and her team at Archewell distributed baby gifts.

She smiled broadly as she handed out baby clothes, books and toys in photos shared by Omid Scobie, a journalist who acts as her unofficial spokesman and co-authored the book about the Sussexes, Finding Freedom.

The Duchess of Sussex is seen on Wednesday at Harvest Home, a shelter for homeless pregnant women in Los Angeles

Meghan Markle hugs a woman in a Harvest Home t-shirt on Wednesday. She has backed the organization since 2021, urging others to make donations or give their time

Archewell employees are seen preparing a 'pop-up baby boutique', where they handed out baby clothes, toys and books

Scobie said the Archewell team 'hosted lunch from a female owned restaurant and made a donation.'

Harvest Home's website states that its work 'transforms the lives of homeless pregnant women and their children by providing housing, support, and programs that equip women to become great mothers.'

The LA County Health Department reports that each year 5,000 women are homeless at some point during their pregnancy, the NGO says, yet in Los Angeles there are currently less than 70 shelter beds available for pregnant women.

Harvest Home provides 28 of those beds.

In a statement on their website, Archewell said: 'Today, The Archewell Foundation celebrated International Women's Day with a visit to Harvest Home.

'This valuable organization helps provide housing, mental well-being support, and classes to expectant mothers who have faced tremendous challenges including domestic violence, substance use and homelessness. Since being founded in 1985, Harvest Home has supported over 600 pregnant women and their children.

'As an advocate for women's rights and supporter of mothers and families in need, Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex and the Archewell team celebrated the women of Harvest Home by creating a pop up baby boutique, hosting lunch from a female owned restaurant, and making a donation to the organization.

'Happy International Women's day to all of you! Whether donating your time, funds, or helping a woman in your community, let's all celebrate the women in our lives today and every day!'

The Duchess of Sussex smiling as she leaves Gracias Madre in West Hollywood on International Women's Day. She was accompanied by Ashley Momtaheni, EVP of Global Communications of Archewell

Meghan Markle outside the restaurant in West Hollywood on Wednesday

The Duchess of Sussex is pictured on Wednesday as she leaves the restaurant Gracias Madre

Meghan Markle smiles as she is photographed outside the restaurant in California

A Caesar salad at Gracias Madre is a whopping $18 while a starter of chorizo empanadas will set you back $17

Markle has supported the charity for several years.

How much does it cost to eat at the vegan spot Meghan went to? Meghan Markle enjoyed brunch yesterday at the chic West Hollywood vegan hotspot Gracias Madre on Melrose Avenue. It is a meat-free and organic Mexican restaurant that claims to be 'born out of love for Mother Earth - and reverence for all mothers'. A Caesar salad at Gracias Madre is a whopping $18 while a starter of chorizo empanadas will set you back $17. If you get thirsty you can try a kefir hibiscus ginger soda for $7 or have a glass of CBD Agua Fresca for an eye-watering $12. The restaurant's signature Madre Bowl, which has chipotle roasted sweet potato and sauteed kale, costs a staggering $20. Advertisement

On Mother's Day in 2021, she donated supplies to the organization.

She said at the time: 'When we consider how vulnerable any mother feels during the fragile time of pregnancy, we gain perspective about how especially difficult it can be for pregnant women of color and those who come from under-resourced and vulnerable communities.

'I hope you will accept an offer of support to help further uplift Harvest Home's residents.'

And in July of the same year, Archewell partnered with Procter & Gamble and Pampers to donate 'pallets and pallets of diapers' to the charity.

Harvest Home wrote on Instagram: 'These diapers recently arrived at our new Pico-Robertson Home and we could not be more thankful to Archewell Foundation, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and @proctergamble and @pampersus for the incredible donation through their Million Acts of Love Campaign.

'Thank you helping us ensure our resident and alumnae families' needs are met!'

Before visiting the shelter, the Duchess had brunch in West Hollywood with Ashley Momtaheni, EVP of Global Communications of Archewell.

The pair dined at Gracias Madre, a vegan Mexican restaurant on Melrose Avenue.

The restaurant says it is 'born out of love for Mother Earth and reverence for all mothers.'

Wednesday's outing came as the Daily Mail revealed Buckingham Palace is making plans for Harry and Meghan to attend the King's Coronation.

Staff organizing logistics for the historic occasion have been instructed to include the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in their program for May 6, sources have said.

While insiders cautioned the couple has not yet accepted King Charles's invitation, the fact that officials within the Master of the Household's Department and Lord Chamberlain's Office are anticipating their attendance is the strongest suggestion yet that the Sussexes could make an appearance.

That is despite spending much of the last three years throwing brickbats at the monarchy as an institution as well as the rest of the Royal Family.

It is likely that negotiations around what events the couple would attend, where they would sit, what they would wear and, of course, their security, will go right to the wire.
MPs said there are 'very serious questions to answer' about how a UK supermarket has become embroiled in a major beef fraud investigation.

The National Food Crime Unit (NFCU), part of the Food Standards Agency said pre-packed meat and deli products from South America and Europe have been supplied to the retailer and labelled as British.

The investigation involves the review of about 1.3 million documents with products being sold to customers as 'best British beef', Farmers Weekly reported.

The NFCU has not named the supermarket but it is understood that it is not one of Britain's 'big five'  Asda, Sainsbury's, Tesco, Morrisons or Aldi. Co-op and Lidl both told the Daily Mail that they are not under investigation.

Labour's shadow environment secretary Jim McMahon said: 'We were told the lessons of the horsemeat scandal had been learnt, but unfortunately this investigation could cast that into doubt.

'There are clearly very serious questions to answer and it's right that an urgent investigation is currently under way.'

The National Food Crime Unit, part of the Food Standards Agency, has confirmed it is investigating the retailer  which it so far has not named (file image)

'The next Labour government will support British farmers and food production by ensuring that we buy, make and sell more great British food.'

The NFCU said the retailer in question has now removed all affected products from its shelves.

In 2013, horsemeat was discovered in the food supply chain in products being sold as beef.

Millions of products were withdrawn all over Europe at great cost to the industry and the UK economy.

Andrew Quinn, deputy head of the NFCU, confirmed the agency is investigating a supply of fraudulent pre-packed sliced meat and deli products.

He said: 'The retailer was notified on the same day that we took action against the food business suspected of the fraud and immediately removed all affected products from their shelves.

'The retailer continues to work closely and co-operatively with the NFCU investigation to progress the case against the supplier. This is not a food safety issue but a matter of food fraud.

'Any fraud investigations of this nature take time to go through evidence and bring to any outcome, including any potential prosecution. We take food fraud very seriously and are acting urgently to protect the consumer.'

At the National Farmers' Union (NFU) conference last month, president Minette Batters warned against the possibility of another food scandal, saying: 'Ten years on from the horsegate scandal, we cannot afford to be so complacent about the risks that continue to exist.'

It is understood the supermarket is not one of the 'big five'  Asda, Sainsbury's, Tesco, Morrisons or Aldi

Environment Secretary Therese Coffey later told the conference that the Government has worked hard to ensure biosecurity and that 'we shouldn't be putting ideas into people's minds' in case consumers are scared off.

Earlier on Thursday, The Guardian reported that a group of Tory MPs and peers are gearing up to oppose post-Brexit trade deals with Canada and Mexico after raising concerns about the welfare of pigs and cattle in those countries.

Pigs in Canada face castration, ear notching, tail docking and teeth trimming while sows are kept for long periods in stalls where they cannot turn around, a practice banned in the UK, the newspaper said.

At the NFU conference, farming minister Mark Spencer refused to rule out Mexican beef imports, for which he was criticised by the Climate Change Committee.

It said importing such beef would compromise the UK's net zero targets and would be unfair to UK businesses who will have to adopt stringent measures to reduce emissions.

Compassion in World Farming (CWF), an animal welfare pressure group, has also been calling for greater animal welfare standards by visiting Rishi Sunak's constituency in North Yorkshire.

It is asking the Prime Minister and the Government to pass the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill - introduced by former environment secretary George Eustice - and ban exports of live animals.

CWF campaigners have driven from Somerset to Suffolk, Nottinghamshire, the Lake District and Yorkshire where they delivered a petition signed by 27,000 people to Tory MPs' offices urging them to push the Bill through Parliament.

James West, senior policy manager with CWF, said: 'The Kept Animals Bill has not progressed in Parliament since November 2021 and the Government simply aren't making it a priority, despite calls from the British public and NGOs, including Compassion in World Farming, to do so.

'By taking our campaign to the doorsteps of those who can advance this Bill, we are making it impossible for them to ignore it any longer.

'Live exports cause overcrowding, stress, exhaustion, dehydration, hunger and even death. This cruel trade must end.

'Ministers won't take the Kept Animals Bill back to the House of Commons to secure a British live export ban, so we are making sure their constituents know about it.

'This legislation has cross-party support and is ready for its final stages in the House of Commons. So, what is the Government waiting for?'

Lib Dem environment spokesman Tim Farron told the Daily Mail today: 'This supermarket should be named and shamed.

'British farmers need the backing of supermarkets to get through these difficulty times. Farmers aren't getting the help they need from Government and already face powerful supermarkets who constantly make unreasonable demands.'
Priti Patel has urged Rishi Sunak to use a summit with Emmanuel Macron today to push for a deal to let Britain return Channel migrants to EU countries.

The former home secretary said this was crucial to help end the small boats crisis as well as clear a huge backlog of asylum cases.

She urged the Prime Minister to capitalise on the goodwill created through a post-Brexit trade deal for Northern Ireland to convince Mr Macron to broker a bloc-wide migrant returns agreement.

Before Brexit, Britain could send asylum seekers back to countries such as Greece and Italy without considering their case if they lodged a claim there when arriving in the EU.

But UK ministers have not negotiated a replacement for the scheme, known as the Dublin III Regulation.

Priti Patel (pictured) has urged Rishi Sunak to use a summit with Emmanuel Macron today to push for a deal to let Britain return Channel migrants to EU countries. The former home secretary said this was crucial to help end the small boats crisis as well as clear a huge backlog of asylum cases

She urged the Prime Minister to capitalise on the goodwill created through a post-Brexit trade deal for Northern Ireland to convince Mr Macron (pictured) to broker a bloc-wide migrant returns agreement

It means that thousands of asylum seekers are languishing in Britain who could potentially have been deported by now.

Ms Patel also took a swipe at her successor Suella Braverman's plan for tackling small boats by saying that some measures springing from her own Bill, the Nationality and Borders Act 2022, still needed to be implemented.

Mr Sunak will travel to Paris today to meet the French president in the first Anglo-France summit for five years.

In a sign of the importance being placed on it for rebooting relations, he will be accompanied by six Cabinet ministers, including the secretaries of state for foreign affairs, home affairs and defence.

Britain hopes to secure a long-term deal with the EU to return illegal immigrants who cross the Channel.

In exchange the UK would accept refugees from the EU.

But Elysee Palace officials in Paris have suggested Mr Macron will play hardball over the issue, with an agreement not expected because EU leaders want a bloc-wide deal.

Instead, Mr Sunak and Mr Macron appear to be on course to agree a long-term multi-million-pound deal to boost French beach patrols with extra surveillance and officers to smash people-smuggling gangs.

There is scepticism about whether it will provide value for money however because Britain has handed over nearly 200million to France since 2018 to tackle the small boats crisis  yet 45,728 migrants still arrived in Kent last year.

Ms Patel, who was home secretary from July 2019 to September last year, called on Mr Sunak to lobby Mr Macron to broker a returns deal using his key role in the EU.

She said: 'He needs to push for a returns agreement. The EU has been dragging its feet for too long.

Shared global outlook

'They all talk about an EU-wide returns agreement but actually the EU is not speaking with one voice.

'But it's about time they recognised there's a global migration crisis and that everyone needs to work together to solve this, and Rishi needs to go and make that case.

'There's no one single solution to fixing illegal migration and stopping Channel crossings.

'But this is what he should be asking for and it would be key for returning people who have already travelled through a safe country and have no right to be here.

Before Brexit, Britain could send asylum seekers back to countries such as Greece and Italy without considering their case if they lodged a claim there when arriving in the EU. But UK ministers have not negotiated a replacement for the scheme, known as the Dublin III Regulation

Mr Sunak will travel to Paris today to meet the French president in the first Anglo-France summit for five years

'These crossings are dangerous, they're illegal and we've seen the most appalling consequences because of them, so it's right that the Government does everything possible to fix this.'

Other topics to be discussed today include collaboration on nuclear energy and the defence industry.

Among goodwill gestures set to be agreed is a deal to make school trips easier. Mr Sunak said: 'Our deep history, our proximity and our shared global outlook mean that a firm partnership between the UK and France is not just valuable, it is essential.

'From tackling the scourge of illegal migration to driving investment in one another's economies, the work we do together improves the lives of each and every person in our countries.'

The PM's spokesman said: 'It's important that we do secure a [returns] agreement with the EU, and France will be an important component of that.'
The attorney for actor Alec Baldwin has shockingly claimed that the gun the actor used when he fatally shot cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the movie Rust was destroyed by New Mexico's state government.

Alex Spiro dropped the bombshell in the case during a hearing conducted virtually and streamed on YouTube by the court Thursday.

'I think I should tell the court that the firearm in this case, that's a great subject of it, was destroyed by the state,' Spiro said. 'So that's obviously an issue.'

Prosecutors did not respond to or refute Spiro's claim but Heather Brewer, spokesperson for New Mexico First Judicial District Attorney's office, denied the allegation.

'The gun Alec Baldwin used in the shooting that killed Halyna Hutchins has not been destroyed by the state,' Brewer told DailyMail.com Thursday. 'The gun is in evidence and is available for the defense to review.'

'The defense's unexpected statement in the status hearing today that the gun had been destroyed by the state may be a reference to a statement in the FBI's July 2022 firearms testing report that said damage was done to internal components of the gun during the FBI's functionality testing,' she added. 'However, the gun still exists and can be used as evidence.'

Alec Baldwin has denied pulling the trigger, but prosecutors have charged him with involuntary manslaughter for firing the weapon while it was pointed at Hutchins

Alex Spiro dropped the bombshell in the case during a hearing conducted virtually and streamed on YouTube by the court Thursday. Prosecutors did not respond to or refute Spiro's claim

During Thursday's hearing, Spiro added that he'd like to be able to take a look at 'what's left of' the firearm, if there is anything.

The October 2021 incident occurred in a church building at the Bonanza Creek Ranch near Santa Fe, New Mexico when Baldwin's gun fired, with the bullet killing Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza.

Baldwin denied pulling the trigger, but prosecutors have charged him with involuntary manslaughter for firing the weapon while it was pointed at Hutchins.

Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was in charge of the weapons onset. Both she and Baldwin have been charged with involuntary manslaughter and are facing 18 months in prison if convicted.

Court documents obtained by DailyMail.com show Baldwin's attorneys check the 'not guilty' box when asked how he will plead.

He had been facing five years in prison on a gun enhancement to the charge, but that was dropped.

Now, the actor faces a maximum of 18 months behind bars.

Under the terms set by a judge, Baldwin must not drink alcohol or possess firearms.

There is no restriction on his travel, but he must stay in contact with his attorney.

Baldwin shot and killed Hutchins accidentally in October 2021 while filming Rust on the outskirts of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Prosecutors did not respond to or refute Spiro's claim but Heather Brewer, spokesperson, New Mexico First Judicial District Attorney, denied the allegation and said the gun has not been destroyed

Halyna Hutchins was shot dead on the set of the movie Rust in October 2021

'Rust' armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was charged alongside Baldwin in the woman's death

Court documents obtained by DailyMail.com show Baldwin's attorneys check the 'not guilty' box when asked how he will plead.

The movie will resume production in Montana in the spring, shooting at the Yellowstone Film Ranch.

Baldwin will remain in the lead role and will also serve as a producer.

He has always maintained he did not pull the trigger, and that the gun fired spontaneously.

He insists it was the armorer's responsibility to ensure the gun was safe before handing it to him.

Prosecutors in New Mexico and the FBI however say it would have been impossible for the gun to fire without him pulling the trigger.

They say he had been seen pulling the trigger on the same gun in earlier rehearsals and practices.

Baldwin has already settled a civil lawsuit brought by Halyna's widower, Matthew. Her family in Ukraine are also now suing him separately.

Alec and the family nanny were seen enjoying a casual stroll with two of his young children today
A father-of-two has been charged with murdering his mother after she was found dead in her backyard.

Neighbours of Margz Smetheram, 56, called police after hearing a disturbance at her home about 12.50pm on Thursday.

Her body was found at the house on Winter Road in the northern Brisbane suburb of Kallangur soon after, and paramedics could not revive her.

Her son Leonard James Llewellyn Smetheram, 36, was charged with murder on Thursday night and will face court on Friday.

Leonard James Llewellyn Smetheram, 36, was charged with murdering his mother Leonard James Llewellyn Smetheram, 36, (pictured together)

The younger Smetheram is the father of two young children and posed in happy snaps with his mother that she posted in recent years

He allegedly murdered his mother just days after she posted a gushing tribute for his birthday on February 22.

'Happy Birthday to our son Leo. We love you heaps and hope you're having an awesome day my boy,' she wrote.

He is the father of two young children and posed in happy snaps with his mother that she posted in recent years.

Ms Smetheran, who previously lived in New Zealand, recently celebrated 23 years of marriage to her husband Graham, who is not involved in her death.

Police wouldn't confirm how she was allegedly murdered or if a weapon was used.

'The scene that police and Queensland Ambulance service entered today was very confronting,' Moreton District Detective Inspector Ben Fadian told reporters.

The body of a woman in her 50s was found inside a home (pictured) in Kallangur on Thursday following reports of a disturbance

Police and Queensland Ambulance services entered the home to see a 'very confronting' scene, authorities said (pictured, forensic workers at the scene)

'They are relatives, they are not in a relationship.

'There is no domestic violence order in place and police had been at that address before on for other matters.'

Detectives spoke to that person, as well as neighbours and the woman's relatives.

The property was been declared a crime scene.

The younger Smetheram, who remains in police custody, will appear before the Pine Rivers Magistrates Court.
Title goes here

Premeditated: A former British soldier has been charged with the murder of his gay lover in France (file photo)

An SAS veteran has been charged with murder in France after detectives said he had confessed to strangling his gay lover.

Officers arrested Maurice Martin after the passport of hispartner John Bradshaw, 55, was found in a Citroen Berlingo he had sold.

Mr Bradshaw, who was a policeman in Britain before retiring, had been reported missing on August 30 by his daughter.

Martin, 27, who is from Birmingham and had served in Kosovo andIraq, was arrested after selling his van to a local French man - whofound Bradshaw's passport and other papers inside.

The ex-soldier led police to a lake where his boyfriend's body had been dumped in bushes.

Limoges public prosecutor Michel Garrandaux said: 'Martin has been charged with premeditated murder after confessing.

'He said he had transported the body in a van hidden under a tarpaulin. The strangulation happened after an argument.'

Mr Bradshaw's daughter, who has not been named, said the pair had met this year and had settled down together in France.

Crime scene: Cieux Lake in the Limousin region of France, near where John Bradshaw's body was found (file photo)

She lived with them at their flat in the village of Fredaigue, near Limoges in western France.

Neighbour Patrick Besse said of Martin: 'If he hadn't made aconfession, I would find it hard to believe he had done such a terriblething. He didn't speak a word of French, but seemed trustworthy.'

A French judicial official said Martin would go on trial for murder later next year at a date to be set.
Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup, fourth from right, speaks with service members of the Navy's Submarine Force Command at the unit in Changwon, 398 kilometers southeast of Seoul, March 9. Courtesy of Ministry of Defense



Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup visited the Navy's submarine unit Thursday and called on troops to maintain a "full" combat readiness posture, his office said.



His visit to the Submarine Force Command in Changwon, 398 kilometers southeast of Seoul, came amid concerns that North Korea could make provocations in response to a major South Korea-U.S. military exercise set to begin next week.



"You should not only maintain a full combat readiness posture ... on a day-to-day basis but also maximize mental strength to gain a firm will for combat even in the most extreme circumstances," Lee was quoted as saying.



There, the minister was briefed on the command's operational activities, and held a meeting with its members on their working conditions and other issues.






With snow blanketing much of the UK, many Britons will be looking forward to cosying up on the sofa with a delicious takeaway this weekend.

But if you're ordering through the Just Eat app, a new feature could influence your decision.

The food delivery platform is adding carbon ratings in a new trial that aims to encourage customers to choose more environmentally friendly meals.

The traffic light-style rating system will factor in the farming, production, transport and packaging of dishes.

'This trial, with the support of our restaurant partners, aims to empower and educate our consumers on the impact food choices can have on our planet,' said Jaz Rabadia, Head of Responsible Business and Sustainability at Just Eat.

Just Eat is adding carbon ratings in a new trial, which aims to encourage customers to choose more environmentally friendly meals

The ratings range from 'A', which indicates a very low carbon impact, through to E, which indicates a very high carbon impact

Just Eat has joined forces with My Emissions for the trial, which will run across five restaurants in Brighton for the next 12 weeks.

Talk about kelping the environment! Just Eat launches compostable seaweed food packaging - READ MORE Just Eat and UEFA launched 'game-changing' biodegradable package at the Women's EURO final, as part of their drive to tackle plastic pollution Advertisement

The menus for these restaurants - Smoque Burger, No Catch, Brewdog, Fat Pizza and Fat Burgers and Desserts - will feature traffic light ratings next to food items.

The ratings range from 'A', which indicates a very low carbon impact, through to E, which indicates a very high carbon impact.

For example, on the Smoque Burger menu, Smoque's vegan burger, which includes a Moving Mountains plant-based patty, lettuce, red onions, pickles, homemade vegan burger sauce and a fresh seeded vegan bun, has been given an A rating.

In contrast, the restaurant's beef burger has been given an E rating, thanks to its inclusion of a beef patty.

Sepand Sarmadi, Owner of Smoque Burger, said: 'More and more of our customers are becoming aware of the environmental impact of the food industry, with many looking to make more climate conscious food choices.

'We're really pleased to be involved in this project to learn more about the carbon impact of our food and gain insights into customer preferences.'

Just Eat hopes the new labels will help customers to better understand the environmental impact of their food choices.

'We are committed to building a more sustainable future for the food delivery industry,' Ms Rabadia added.

It remains unclear when, or if, Just Eat plans to roll the trial out beyond Brighton.

This isn't the first time Just Eat has shown its green credentials.

Last year, Just Eat and UEFA launched 'game-changing' biodegradable food packaging at the Women's EURO final, as part of their drive to tackle plastic pollution.

The boxes were lined in seaweed and fully recyclable, decomposing in four weeks in a home compost, according to Notpla, who Just Eat worked with on the project.

'A typical takeaway box has synthetic additives added directly into the pulp, making it impossible to decompose,' Notpla's website explains.

'During the composting process, we can observe that, while the board degrades, the coating itself remains completely unchanged.'
A giant seven-foot-long 'demon slaying' sword that lay buried for more than 1,600 years has been found in Japan.

The iron weapon was uncovered in a tomb from the Tomiomaruyama burial mound in Nara, and is believed to have been placed there to help the deceased ward off evil spirits in the afterlife.

Archaeologists discovered a 16-foot-long wooden coffin deep in the mound, which housed the sword and a two-foot-long shield constructed from a mirror.

While many demon-slaying swords have been found in Japan, it is the largest and oldest found in the country.

The 'national treasures' suggest that the individual in the tomb was an elite who may have been in the military.

Archaeologists have discovered a seven-foot-long sword in a 1,600-year-old tomb, which they said was to help the dead fight evil spirits in the afterlife

Since last year, archaeologists have been pulling layers of dirt away from the burial mound that measures 350 feet across and up to 32 feet high.

The mound is known as 'kofun' after the Kofun period of Japanese history when they were built between 300 AD and 710 AD, Live Science reports.

'So far, we have conducted aerial laser surveys (first survey) and excavation surveys (second to fifth surveys), and obtained important results in clarifying the structure of the burial mounds,' archaeologists shared in a press release announcing the discovery.

The survey showed 'ritual' spaces confined within the mound, which led the team to a grave pit where a clay box housing the coffin sat.

'The coffin is believed to have been placed in a deeply recessed portion of the bottom of the grave pit, and a thin layer of clay and sand was leveled about 30cm outside the position where the coffin lid would be placed,' according to the archaeologists.

And inside the coffin were the giant sword and mirror.

The six-inch blade sword, known as dako, was likely never used but only fashioned to be laid with the deceased in the mound.

The iron weapon was uncovered from the Tomiomaruyama burial mound in Nara in a tomb to help the deceased ward off evil spirits in the afterlife

The sword was buried in a layer of clay that still held the outline of the weapon when archeologists found it

The dako sword was designed with an undulating blade reminiscent of a snake and, due to its massive size, the researchers initially thought they had found multiple swords lined up next to each other, reports Kyodo News.

This artifact is also the oldest 'demon-slaying' weapon found in Japan - more than 80 have been found throughout the country.

The mirror, shaped like a tortoise shell and fashioned from copper, was leaning diagonally to match the shape of the clay that covered the coffin lid.

There is a knob on the back and 'other patterns centering on the sawtooth pattern, and it is a bronze mirror like no other,' the team shared.

Archaeologists discovered a 16-foot-long wooden coffin deep in the mound, which housed the sword and a two-foot-long shield constructed from a mirror

The mirror weighs 125 pounds and an X-ray detected tin, copper, and lead. It is also the first ever discovered in a burial mound in Japan

'The surface is smooth and polished, and it is believed to have been made by a Japanese mirror craftsman.'

The mirror weighs 125 pounds and an X-ray detected tin, copper, and lead.

It is also the first ever discovered in a burial mound in Japan.

Within Japanese culture, mirrors are one of the most potent symbols of power, revered as sacred objects representing the gods.

There is also the belief that mirrors connect our world with the spiritual world.

'(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 Kyodo News.

. 'They are masterpieces in metalwork from that period.'
An Alaskan volcano that has laid dormant since 1914 is showing signs of life.

The Alaska Volcano Observatory raised the alert level to advisory status for Tanaga Volcano after detecting hundreds of earthquakes over the past few weeks.

If the volcano were to erupt, the biggest threat would be to aircraft, as jets use the region as a route between North America and Asia.

Geophysicists stationed at the US Geological Survey in Anchorage detected earthquakes as often as two or three minutes each Tuesday afternoon.

And by the evening hours, they raised the Aviation Color Code to YELLOW and the Volcano Alert Level to ADVISORY.

Alaska's Tanaga Volcano last erupted in 194, but a swarm of earthquakes suggests it could blow again

The swarm consisted of small quakes concentrated beneath the summit, but none had been more than magnitude 2.75.

However, experts said this was enough to signal unrest.

John Power, a research geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey stationed in Anchorage at the Alaska Volcano Observatory, said in a statement: 'We started seeing a whole lot of earthquakes occurring, one after the other, several per minute.

'Whether or not this will lead to an eruption is something we cant say at this point in time.

'But we are concerned about it enough that we have gone and elevated the warning level.'

Tanaga Island lies in the Andreanof Islands, approximately 62 miles west of the community of Adak and 1,260 miles southwest of Anchorage.

The volcano stands 5,925 feet high and its last known eruption was in 1914, while others occurred in 763, 1770, 1791 and 1829.

Previous eruptions had ash clouds and viscous lava that moved very slowly away from the mountain, much like at Mount St. Helens in Washington state in 1980.

The Alaska Volcano Observatory raised the alert level to advisory status for Tanaga Volcano after detecting hundreds of earthquakes over the past few weeks

Tanga is an uninhabited island, but jets fly overhead to travel between North America and Asia

While the increase causes concern, Power said earthquake activity will often drop off without eruption.

'It is anybodys guess as to where this particular round of earthquake activity may end up,' he continued.

Tanaga is part of a three-volcano complex on the island and is the tallest of the three.

The volcano sits in the middle, with Sajaka, a 4,443-foot volcano to its west.

Sajaka had an older cone that collapsed into the North Pacific Ocean with a new cone that has emerged.

To the east of Tanaga is Takawangha, a 4,75-foot volcano that is mostly ice-covered except for four craters, the Alaska Volcano Observatory said.
Google's Play Store and Apple's App Store are being flooded with fake reviews that are distorting the popularity of apps, a new investigation has revealed.

Up to a quarter of reviews in the health and fitness section of Google's Play Store were suspicious, while for Apple's equivalent 17 per cent appear fake.

The analysis by consumer group Which? suggests that millions of consumers could be unwittingly handing over their personal data or money to apps that have cheated their way to the top of the world's two most prominent mobile app stores.

Such is the scale of the problem that Which? also found that fake reviews are being openly sold by brokers, who pay Google to appear at the top of its search results.

These services offer bulk downloads, reviews or upvotes to help push apps up the rankings, making them seem more reputable if they have been downloaded a huge number of times.

Apple warned that it will remove apps that havent been 'updated in a significant amount of time', giving developers just 30 days to update them

Such is the scale of the problem that Which? found that fake reviews are being openly sold by brokers, who pay Google to appear at the top of its search results. Very short reviews like those above were very likely to be fake, according to the analysis

One fake review broker site, called reviewlancer, claims to have sold nearly 53,000 reviews and exchanged more than 130,000 reviews.

Another  AppSally  offers review manipulation for many platforms and has featured in previous Which? fake review investigations, while there are also review trading groups on Facebook.

APPLE REVEALS IT REJECTED OR REMOVED OVER 1 MILLION MALICIOUS APPS FROM ITS APP STORE IN 2020 Apple rejected or removed more than 1 million malicious apps from its App Store and stopped more than $1.5 billion in potentially fraudulent transactions in 2020. The US tech giant said its combination of 'sophisticated technology and human expertise' kept customers on its online store safe for the year. Apple also deactivated 244 million customer accounts due to 'fraudulent and abusive activity', and rejected another 424 million attempted account creations for 'patterns consistent with fraudulent and abusive activity'. Advertisement

Which? researchers analysed almost 900,000 reviews across both the App store and Google Play between December 2022 and January 2023.

They also pretended to be developers looking for fake reviews for an app, and were approached by several users offering reviews for as little as 1.70.

Which? created a model based on four red flags  higher numbers of positive reviews, review 'surges' over a short space of time, reviews that are short in length and high subjectivity in five-star reviews.

The analysis revealed that apps on Google Play using paid-for reviews had a significantly higher proportion of five-star reviews  60.5 per cent in the case of one dating app, compared to 9.7 per cent for market leader Tinder.

For the health app, five-star reviews made up 45.8 per cent of reviews, while Garmin  which makes fitness trackers  had just 6 per cent.

The research also showed that one in five (22 per cent) apps in Google Play's games category raised all four of the red flags for suspicious reviews.

It was one in seven (15 per cent) for Apple's equivalent.

Which? said another red flag was the apparent bulk uploads of reviews, where clusters of four and five-star feedback appeared over a few days, before another spike was seen a few weeks or months later.

The researchers said this suggested the app employing a review broker.

In comparison, reviews in well-known apps were found to trickle in constantly.

Rocio Concha, Which? director of policy and advocacy, said: 'Apple and Google are failing to prevent fake and suspicious reviews infiltrating their app stores, leaving consumers at huge risk of being misled into downloading apps that have been boosted through unscrupulous tactics.'

The consumer group recommends that customers sort reviews by a variety of ways rather than just helpfulness or relevancy to avoid manipulated results.

It also suggests that people should be wary of a large number of five-star reviews.

Up to a quarter of reviews in the health and fitness section of Google's Play Store were suspicious, while for Apple's equivalent 17 per cent appear fake

Last year the Competition and Markets Authority opened a formal investigation into Amazon and Google over concerns that neither had been doing enough to tackle fake reviews on their sites.

The government is expected to introduce reforms to combat fake reviews with its Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Bill.

Ms Concha added: 'Our latest findings illustrate why the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Bill is so badly needed in order to tackle fake reviews and the dominance of the tech giants, and finally make consumer protection laws fit for the digital age.'

Apple said that developers who attempted to cheat the system might have their apps removed.

Google did not comment on the analysis but said it had taken appropriate action against review brokers who used its search engine.

AppSally did not respond, while Reviewlancer appears to have been taken down.
Rare treasures pulled from Gold Rush era shipwreck SS Central America, dubbed the Ship of Gold, have sold at auction, including a 32 ounce ingot that went for $138,000.

A trove of items found in the ship that sank off the coast of South Carolina in 1857 due to a hurricane went up for sale at the two-day event.

Items sold included a large 18-karat gold quartz engraved brooch, which went for $49,200. San Francisco businessman Sam Brannan was sending it to his son in Geneva, Switzerland, as a gift to his teacher.

The 32.15 ounce Kellogg & Humbert assayer's California Gold Rush ingot was the highest selling item, while a saloon sign from the ship attracted a winning bid of $13,200.

The auction on March 4 and 5 was conducted in Reno, Nevada, as well as online, by Holabird Western Americana Collections, spanning 422 lots.

A haunting portrait of a young lady was sold in the auction. It is a 19th-century daguerreotype metal plate photograph, the first publicly available photographic process. The item was sold for $73,200

Also sold was a 32.15 ounce Kellogg & Humbert assayer's California Gold Rush ingot (pictured left), which went for $138,000. A large 18-karat California Gold Rush gold quartz engraved brooch (pictured right) sold for $49,200

A haunting a portrait of a young lady found in the remnants of the ship was sold for $73,200.

The 19th century daguerreotype metal plate photograph was captured using the first publicly available photographic process. It is notable for its superb resolution.

The scientific mission recovery team nicknamed the woman 'Mona Lisa of the Deep', after retrieving the photo in 2014 from the seabed amid a scattered pile of the ship's coal. There are no records on her identity.

Fred Holabird, President of Holabird Western Americana Collections, said: 'We had about 7,000 registered bidders, including some from Canada, Europe and South America.

'Many collectors were waiting for these extraordinary items to come on the market since the legendary, submerged ship was located in 1988 and Life magazine proclaimed it America's greatest treasure ever found.

'This was an incredible time capsule of the California Gold Rush era.'

A saloon sign from the ship attracted a winning bid of $13,200

A painting of the legendary Ship of Gold. A trove of items found in the ship that sank off the coast of South Carolina in 1857 due to a hurricane went up for sale at the two-day auction

The 280-foot sidewheel steamship was carrying 21 tons of gold ingots, freshly minted gold coins and raw gold from the California mines when it sank, as well as the personal wealth and belongings of its passengers, 425 of whom died.

The shipwreck was first located in 1988, and there were missions to recover its sunken wealth over the subsequent years.

The Central America steamship ran between Panama and New York, carrying prospectors and their fortunes made in the California Gold Rush.

On its last trip, it held tons of commercial gold valued at around $93,000 in 1857 and passenger gold valued at up to $1.2 million, court experts estimated.

Historians say the ship's sinking triggered a New York banking panic that was part of a larger US financial crisis known as the Panic of 1857.

Holabird said: 'Insurance claims for the loss were paid in the 1850s and the company that discovered and retrieved the treasure starting in 1988 settled with the insurers and their successors in 1998.

'With court approval, California Gold Marketing Group subsequently acquired clear title to all of that remaining treasure as well as all the items recovered in 2014.'

This was the second and final auction of artifacts from the SS Central America.

The first auction of 270 items in December attracted nearly $1 million in winning bids, including $114,000 for the oldest known pair of miner's heavy-duty work pants - or jeans - that may have been made by or for the Levi Strauss Company.

The 165-year-old California God Rush era jeans were manufactured in the 1850s.

The oldest known miner's heavy-duty jeans found yet were the highlight of the first auction. A bidder paid $114,000 for them

Pictured: A wax seal embedded in the lid of an item sold, which went for $99,600 in the first auction

The lid to the oldest known Wells Fargo treasure shipment box was featured in the first auction

The SS Central America sank off the coast of South Carolina in 1857 due to a hurricane. It was sailing from Colon in Panama to New York City and stopped at Havana in Cuba on the way

The miner's work pants feature a five-button fly and are covered in black and brown stains from the trunk it was found in when the wreck was discovered at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.

More than 7,500 bidders from around the world flocked to the auction house in Nevada to battle it out for jewelry, early Brooks Brothers undershirts and the lid to the oldest known Wells Fargo treasure shipment box, among other items pulled from the wreckage.

Dwight Manley, managing partner of the California Gold Marketing Group, consignor of the recovered artifacts, said in a statement: 'Those miner's jeans are like the first flag on the moon, a historic moment in history.

'We can precisely date them because we know the Central America sank during a hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean on September 12, 1857. There are no earlier five-button fly jeans in existence.'

There is disagreement about whether the pants have any ties to the father of modern-day blue jeans, Levi Strauss, as they predate by 16 years the first pair officially manufactured by his San Francisco-based Levi Strauss & Co. in 1873.

Some experts point to historical evidence that suggests links to Strauss, a wealthy dry goods wholesaler at the time, and the pants could be a very early version of what would become the iconic jeans.

However, Levi Strauss & Co's historian and archive director, Tracey Panek, said any claims about their origin are 'speculation'.

'The pants are not Levi's nor do I believe they are miner's work plans,' she wrote in an email to The Associated Press.
It is pretty common knowledge that no one is getting anywhere quickly when they get behind the steering wheel in central London during rush hour.

But a report from TomTom has revealed that it is actually they worst city in the world for congestion at peak times.

It takes drivers an average of 42.5 minutes to travel just 6.2 miles (10 km) in a petrol car, with 43 per cent of that time being the result of traffic.

For comparison, it takes just 32 minutes to drive the same distance in Paris, 28 minutes in Manchester and 25 minutes in Los Angeles.

But coming in second and third place respectively are Bucharest in Romania and Dublin in Ireland, where it takes about 36 minutes for this journey at peak time.

A report from TomTom has revealed that London is actually one of worst cities in the world for congestion at peak times. Pictured: Commuting costs and travel times in 2022 for a 6.2 mile (10 km) journey during rush hour in 50 cities. Dark blue = Travel time, light blue = fuel cost

TomTom has created a report, titled 'TomTom Traffic Index 2022', detailing the fuel consumption, travel times and carbon dioxide emissions of drivers in 50 global cities. Pictured: Time taken to drive 6.2 miles (10 km) in peak time rush hour (dark blue) and when the traffic was lowest (light blue) in different cities

TomTom has created a report, titled 'TomTom Traffic Index 2022', detailing the fuel consumption, travel times and carbon dioxide emissions of drivers in 50 global cities.

CO2 emitted by a commuter in different cities in 2022 London - 907 kg Paris - 837 kg Brussels - 762 kg Oslo - 735 kg Milan - 724 kg Berlin - 724 kg San Francisco - 714 kg Seattle - 687 kg Amsterdam - 656 kg Data is for an average commuter driving a petrol car 6.2 miles (10 km) five days a week for the whole year. Advertisement

Real-time data was collected from 600 million active devices, including sat navs, smartphone apps and telematics systems, and was combined with fuel prices in different countries.

Emissions calculations were made by inputting a vehicle's speed, efficiency and fuel type into a simulation tool developed at the Graz University of Technology.

Thanks to its astronomical travel times, London also ranked first of all cities for highest fuel consumption per mile in 2022.

It took 1.47 litres of petrol or 1.27 litres of diesel to drive just 10 miles (16 km) across the capital - a 2.5 per cent increase on 2021.

'The ongoing train strikes heavily affected levels of traffic congestion, with commuters opting to use vehicles to get around cities in the absence of train services,' said Andy Marchant, a Traffic Expert at TomTom.

'In London specifically, a lack of black cab drivers may also have prompted more drivers into the city.'

Fuel prices in the UK also mean that Londoners are paying 1.79 to drive 6.2 miles (10 km) - more than anyone else in the world.

The next most expensive places to drive this distance were Athens, where it costs 1.66, and Oslo, where it costs 1.64.

On the other hand, the cheapest places to drive 6.2 miles (10 km) are in the USA, with it costing 0.55 in Knoxville, Tennessee and 0.61 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Daily cost of driving 6.2 miles (10 km) in a petrol car (left) or an electric vehicle (right) in European and US cities. Light blue = Money spent on fuel, Dark blue = Money lost to congestion

The 10 highest traffic delay times across the UK in 2022 Impact Rank Urban Area Delay hours per driver Cost per driver 1 London 156 1,377 2 Bristol 91 805 3 Manchester 84 742 4 Birmingham 73 646 5 Belfast 72 636 6 Nottingham 71 625 7 Edinburgh 67 593 8 Hull 68 604 9 Leeds 60 530 10 Leicester 62 551

With an increase in fuel consumption, which is boosted by 33 per cent at rush hour in London, comes an increase in emissions.

An average City worker who drove six miles (10 km) to and from work five days a week in 2022 emitted an extra 272 kg of carbon dioxide by travelling at peak times.

Their total commuting emissions would come to 1,094 kg of carbon dioxide if they drove a petrol car.

Driving the same distance at the same time and frequency would have only released 933 kg in Bristol, 862 kg in Edinburgh, 850 kg in Manchester and 763 kg in Cardiff.

Plus, TomTom's Traffic Index found that consumption of diesel and petrol per mile driven increased in 16 out of 25 UK cities in 2022 compared to 2021.

Mr Marchant said: 'The sheer volume of slow-moving traffic across UK cities, coupled with the UK's antiquated road infrastructure, is having a significant impact on transport emissions.

'Better traffic management based on real-time data intelligence is needed to ensure viable traffic flows and the efficient use of city infrastructure.

'For public authorities in particular, location technologies will be a game changer for transforming how people move around UK cities, supporting our transition to less diesel and petrol consumption and more sustainable transportation.'

An average City worker who drove six miles (10 km) to and from work five days a week in 2022 emitted an extra 272 kg of carbon dioxide by travelling at peak times

London's roads are known to be some of the world's most congested so during the pandemic, the government introduced 'Low Traffic Neighbourhoods' (LTNs).

These areas are protected by a range of measures including physical barriers, including large boxes filled with flowers to block drivers from passing.

They were intended to help reduce emissions and improve air quality in residential areas of London, but have received mixed reviews.

For supporters, LTNs make it far more pleasant to walk or cycle within the zone as the vast majority of traffic has been prohibited from accessing the area.

However some say that they actually make traffic worse, as people are forced to drive more to avoid them, and are merely a new way of fining motorists.

A few weeks ago, a cyclist and a driver headed to Kennington, south London to compare the time it takes to cross its LTN.

It took the bike just eight minutes to make the 1.3 mile journey, but the Cavansite Blue Mercedes C350e nearly 40 minutes.
A survey showed that 40% of people aged 18 to 24 can identify the difference

Most people fail to identify correctly whether a human or AI chatbot wrote text

More than half of people cannot identify whether words were written by AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, new research has shown - and Generation Z are the worst.

Researchers found that 53 percent of people failed to spot the difference between content produced by a human, an AI, or an AI edited by a human.

Among young people aged 18-24, just four in 10 - where people aged 65 and over were able to spot AI content more than half the time correctly.

It comes amid fears ChatGPT and similar bots could threaten the jobs of white-collar workers.

A new survey has shown that only four out of 10 people aged 18 to 24 can spot the difference, while people over 65 are not easily fooled - 52 percent of this group correctly identified AI-generated content

Robert Brandl, CEO and Founder of web tool reviewing company Tooltester, who conducted the latest survey, told DailyMail.com: 'The fact that younger readers were less savvy at identifying AI content was surprising to us.

'It could be suggestive of older readers being more cynical of AI content currently, especially with it being such a big thing in the news lately.

'Older readers will have a broader knowledge base to draw from and can compare internal perceptions of how a question should be answered better than a younger person, simply because they have had many more years of exposure to such information.

'One study from the University of Florida showed that in fact younger audiences are as susceptible to fake news online as older generations, therefore, being young and potentially more tech-savvy is not a defense to being tricked by online content.'

The research also found that people believe that there should be warnings that AI has been used to produce content.

It involved 1,900 Americans who were asked to determine whether writing was created by a human or an AI, with content ranging across fields, including health and technology.

Familiarity with the idea of 'generative AI' such as ChatGPT seemed to help - just 40.8 percent of people were completely unfamiliar with ChatGPT and it's the type that could correctly identify AI content.

More than four out of ten people (80.5 percent) believe that companies publishing blogs or news articles should warn if AI has been used.

Almost three-quarters (71.3 percent) said they would trust a company less if it had used AI-generated content without being clear about it.

'The results appear to show that the general public may need to rely on artificial intelligence disclosures online to know what has and hasn't been created by AI, as people cannot tell the difference between human and AI-generated content,' Brandl said.

'We were surprised to see how easily people considered AI writing a human creation. The data suggests that many resorted to guessing as they just weren't sure and couldn't tell.'

Brandl also said that many in the survey seemed to assume that any copy was AI-generated and that such caution may be useful.

Tools such as ChatGPT are notorious for adding factual errors into documents - and in recent weeks, cybersecurity researchers have warned that they can be used as tools for fraud.

The research comes as cybersecurity researchers have warned of a coming wave of AI-written phishing attacks and fraud.

In tests, people can't tell if ChatGPT or a human wrote the text

The survey involved 1,900 Americans who were asked to determine whether writing was created by a human or an AI, with content ranging across fields, including health and technology

Young people were the most easily fooled, the research found

Cybersecurity company Norton warned that criminals are turning to AI tools such as ChatGPT to create 'lures' to rob victims.

READ MORE: Are YOU smarter than a machine? Try these 11 riddles that ChatGPT ALMOST aced The AI chatbot ChatGPT is the fastest-growing application in the history of the internet with an estimated 13 million daily users - but can YOU match ChatGPTs riddle-solving powers? Advertisement

A report in New Scientist suggested that using ChatGPT to generate emails could cut costs for cybercrime gangs by up to 96 percent.

'We found that often readers would presume any text, be that human or AI, was AI-generated, which could be reflective of the cynical attitude people are taking to online content right now, said Brandl.

'This might not be such a terrible idea as generative AI technology is far from perfect and can contain many inaccuracies, a cautious reader may be less likely to blindly accept AI content as fact.'

The researchers found that people's ability to spot AI-generated content varied by sector - AI-generated health content was able to deceive users the most, with 56.1% incorrectly thinking AI content was written by a human or edited by a human.

Technology was the sector where people could spot AI-generated content easiest - with 51% correctly identifying AI-generated content.

According to analytics firm SimilarWeb, ChatGPT averaged 13 million users daily in January, making it the fastest-growing internet app of all time.

It took TikTok about nine months after its global launch to reach 100 million users and Instagram more than two years.

OpenAI, a private company backed by Microsoft Corp, made ChatGPT available to the public for free in late November.
Californians vacationing at San Diego's Imperial Beach are breathing in sea spray, aerosol particles formed from the ocean, polluted with raw sewage, new research reveals.

Scientists from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography found an estimated 13 billion gallons of polluted water have entered the Pacific Ocean through the Tijuana River since December 28, 2022.

Up to three-quarters of the bacteria floating in the air at the beach come from the aerosolization of raw sewage in the surf zone, suggesting swimmers and surfers are not the only ones impacted.

Sewage flowing from the river into the ocean has been an ongoing problem for more than a decade.

The cities of Imperial Beach and Chula Vista filed a lawsuit against the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), alleging it violated the Clean Water Act and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act by failing to take steps to control coastal sewage pollution.

A settlement was recently reached last month and IBWC agreed to increased cooperation with Mexican water authorities to prevent future sewage spills.

Scientist have found raw sewage particles in the sea spray flowing through Imperial Beach, which comes from polluted water from the Tijuana River. The river runs into the Pacific Ocea

Scientists from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, which is located at the University of California, San Diego, began this research by sampling coastal aerosols at Imperial Beach and water from the Tijuana River between January and May 2019.

DNA sequencing and mass spectrometry was then implemented to link bacteria and chemical compounds in coastal aerosol back to the sewage-polluted Tijuana River flowing into coastal waters.

'Aerosols from the ocean were found to contain bacteria and chemicals originating from the Tijuana River,' according to the team.

Most of the bacteria and viruses found in tainted sea spray are harmless.

However, researchers are further investigating infectivity, exposure levels, and other factors that determine risk.

Lead author Matthew Pendergraft said in a statement: 'This research demonstrates that coastal communities are exposed to coastal water pollution even without entering polluted waters.

'More research is necessary to determine the level of risk posed to the public by aerosolized coastal water pollution.

These findings provide further justification for prioritizing cleaning up coastal waters.'

The raw sewage has led to officials closing Imperil beach (pictured) down for half of 2022

The people of Imperial Beach have been battling the raw sewage problem for quite some time.

The city says the beach area near the pier was closed for around 50 percent of last year and areas further South were closed for 100 percent.

Congress recently passed two bills that give around $400 million to improve water infrastructure on the US - Mexico border, Local 10 News reports.

Mexico has also pledged $144 million to fix pipes at their water treatment facilities.
Australia combines diverse landscapes with incredible one-of-a-kind wildlife, all within easy reach of its vibrant coastal cities.

Get off the beaten track and you can reconnect with nature at a remote lodge in the outback, discover a new appreciation for Australias magnificent flora on a bush walk with an Aboriginal guide or perhaps come face to face with a kangaroo hopping through a vineyard.

Kangaroos are endemic to Australia and you'll find them all across the country

Incredible wildlife experiences await across the country. In Western Australia, on Rottnest Island, cheerful quokkas seem to smile for your camera, while slow-moving koalas give great hugs at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane.

On a hike at Cradle Mountain National Park in Tasmania, tear your eyes away from the dramatic mountain landscape and you may well spot a chubby wombat waddling past, while the beaches of the Great Barrier Reef offer the once-in-a-lifetime chance to see a turtle hatchling dashing for the water.

There are so many ways to explore as well. Hit the trails on a multi-day hike with Great Walks Australia, learn from the Aboriginal guardians of the land, or connect with the countrys most dazzling landscapes with a stay at one of the Luxury Lodges of Australia.

The awesome outback

On an adventure through Australia's Top End, combine Aboriginal culture in Darwin with mesmerising journeys through stark, surreal landscapes.

A three-hour drive west of the capital brings you to Kakadu National Park, blending captivating coastlines with rugged rock formations, crystalline waterfalls with unique wildlife, such as wallabies, wallaroos and the quirky pig-nosed turtle.

Kakadu National Park is a sprawling nature reserve in Australia's Northern Territory

Remote Arnhem Land, due west by car or plane, is home to fascinating rock paintings and incredible birdwatching opportunities, from the colourful rainbow bee-eater to the blue-faced honeyeater and the brown falcon.

To walk the land is to know it, according to Aboriginal culture, so take the road less travelled in these vast national parks. From rugged sandstone formations to crystalline billabongs, and ancient Aboriginal rock art, a three to four-day hike is the perfect way to soak up the majesty of the land.

The striking rock formations at Kakadu are nothing short of amazing

Fly south to Alice Springs and combine serene salt lakes with trips to Mount Conner and an unforgettable sunset over Uluru, just two hours west. For the ultimate view of this sacred monolith, Longitude 131 wilderness camp is made up of tented pavilions scattered among the rust-red landscape. It is the perfect base for exploration, combining unique experiences with a stunning setting, locally inspired cuisine and Aboriginal art.

In South Australia, join Australian Wildlife Journeys to combine outback and coast. Youll stay at remote camps and star-gaze, spot kangaroos and emus, hike to see the geological marvel that is Gawler Ranges National Park, then head to the Eyre Peninsula where youll spot dolphins and swim with a friendly sea lion colony in Baird Bay.

The technicolour reef

Sparkling waters, vibrant coral and intriguing marine life await in the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland's vast, watery wonder.

There are so many ways to explore this unique habitat, from snorkelling expeditions in the crystal-clear waters to setting sail aboard a luxury yacht, or seaplane or helicopter flights above the reef and Unesco-protected Daintree Rainforest.

ReefSleep offers a truly unforgettable way to experience the Whitsunday Islands

In the Whitsunday Islands, peppered through the turquoise waters like gleaming gems, ReefSleep offers an unforgettable experience. You'll spend the night on an elegant pontoon and drift to slip with the Milky Way twinkling overhead and surgeonfish, parrotfish and clownfish swimming below.

Even on the mainland, there is so much to see. Daintree is the world's oldest tropical rainforest, and birdwatchers and hikers will be endlessly entertained by over 430 bird species flitting among the ancient canopies. Arrive in the early morning to spot orange footed brush fowl and emerald ground doves closer to the forest floor.

Scope out the Great Barrier Reef from a mini-submarine and get up close with turtles

For a more culturally rich experience, join an Aboriginal Dreamtime walk at Mossman Gorge, involving an atmospheric smoking ceremony and a walk through the ancient Daintree to spot medicinal herbs, traditional bark shelters, and bush tucker.

For more wildlife adventures, head to Bundaberg's Mon Repos Beach, a four-drive or one-hour flight from Brisbane, to see majestic sea turtles. Visit between January and March, when the hatchlings can be spotted waddling their way to the water.

Beachfront beauty

Dreamy white sands, rugged coves and picturesque port towns lend Australia's extensive coastline a curious charm, while an abundance of idyllic islands and luxury resorts offer glamour for every traveller.

Lord Howe Island is a far-flung paradise less than two hours from Sydney by plane

Combine the fascinating Daintree Rainforest with the isolated beaches and rugged headlands of Cape Tribulation. Take a horse ride along the pristine sands, plunge into the crystalline waters of the Undine Reef, or enjoy spectacular vistas from the summit of Donovan's Range.

In the picturesque Whitsundays, remote island retreats enjoy isolated coves and mesmerising waters teeming with marine life. Take a flight to Hamilton Island to admire Whitsundays' famous heart-shaped island reef. Then plunge below the waters surface to spot the Great Barrier Reef's Great Eight, ranging from clownfish to giant clams, the majestic Maori wrasse to manta rays and potato cod.

The Twelve Apostles is a collection of limestone stacks off the shore of Port Campbell

Or a six-hour drive north of Brisbane, K'gari (Fraser Island) offers exhilarating whale-watching adventures and endless views, with dugongs, turtles and serene rays a common sight in the sparkling waters. Back on land, look out for the pure-bred dingoes that have lived here for some 3,500 years, they can often be spotted prowling the golden shores of the lagoon.

Incredible islands

In South Australia, Kangaroo Island is known to locals as the zoo without fences. Take the ferry from Cape Jarvis, 90 minutes south of Adelaide, and spend a weekend spotting cuddly joeys and rummaging echidnas.

At the 50-acre Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, hand-feed kangaroos and meet wallabies, or escape it all to Southern Ocean Lodge, with just 25 suites set on a clifftop, the luxury lodge set to reopen this year following the bushfires of 2020.

Bay of Fires is just one of the remote walking trails available in Tasmania

Just 78 miles off the coast of Melbourne, Philip Island is home to Australia's largest fur seal colony, with around 30,000 regularly seen hanging around the port and Seal Rocks..

It is also home to the largest Little Penguin colony in the world. Visit at sunset, and youll see the adorable creatures emerging from the water and waddling onto land, known locally as the Penguin Parade.

Heading 150 miles off the coast of Victoria, you'll find Tasmania, the island state where you can follow remote walking trails and combine empty white-sand beaches with dramatic peaks.

On the 40-mile Cradle Mountain Huts Walk through Tasmania's most dramatic National Park, you'll pass glacial lakes, flower-filled moorlands, and secretive rainforests. Admire the towering Dolerite Columns, and spot wombats and platypuses rummaging through the undergrowth. Watch out for pairs of eyes glinting in the night - it could be the elusive Tasmanian devil!

Find out more and book your holiday at audleytravel.com
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You meet people who say Croatia is the new Italy. It used to be a part of the Venetian Republic, so there is logic here.

And Diocletians Palace in Split is one of the greatest Roman monuments. There are suggestions of Italy everywhere. You find spageti bolonjeze on menus and its not too hard to fathom the Italian influence there. But you also find Hrskava riblji zalogaji (Croatian crunchy fishbites), which reminds you how satisfyingly foreign this country is.

Croatia may be the least known, certainly the least understood, country in Europe. As a result, in just two hours from London, it offers an escape sensation that is exciting and profound. The more so if you visit nearly secret islands. And even more so if you find unusually comfortable places to stay when you get there.

Mainland Dubrovnik may be Croatias gift to package trippers, but a few days on the islands of Hvar or Dugi Otok are an experience of terra incognita.

Judith Schalanskys surprise bestseller, Pocket Atlas Of Remote Islands, proved the popular appeal of quiet and isolation in our busy world. Magic counts for a lot. Hvar and Dugi Otok have it.

Island life: 'A few days on the islands of Hvar or Dugi Otok are an experience of terra incognita,' writes Stephen Bayley. Above is the port of Sali on Dugi Otok

Croatia achieved independence only in 1991, after several millennia of battles, invasions, compromises and miscellaneous predations from Greeks, Ottomans, Corsairs and, lately, Serbs.

It is now a country that belongs to the EU but it includes less precise, almost mythic, territories including Istria and Illyria (which features in Shakespeares Twelfth Night, although it is unlikely he ever visited). Or Dalmatia: my destination. Dalmatia is a vanished kingdom like Litva, Sabaudia, Tsernagora and Etruria. Thus, doubly romantic. And its still there.

The plane to Split, a fine modern airport with unusual efficiency, begins its descent near Venice. This reminds you how close Italy is, at least geographically speaking.

Ancona to the west is just 180 miles away. But Italys Adriatic coast comprises fine, long beaches while Croatias is an astonishing spectacle of rugged islands. Seen from the plane, an endless necklace of brown and green in all sizes is strung across a vividly blue sea.

Once, these islands were tips of mountains because in Flintstone days you could walk from Croatia to Italy without getting your felt-bound feet wet.

The sight lets the mind wander to the lyrical and whimsical: Prosperos island in Shakespeares The Tempest, William Goldings Lord Of The Flies, H.G. Wells The Island Of Dr Moreau, Daniel Defoes Robinson Crusoe. They could all be here.

The precise number of islands is a matter of pride and competitive bragging. Of course, it all depends on what you mean by island. Accordingly, estimates differ wildly but, in pursuit of clarity, I got advice from the cartographic department of the UK Hydrographic Office. The answer is: any landform surrounded by water with an area greater than a square kilometre is an island.

If its less than a tenth of a square kilometre, what you are seeing is merely a rock. By this method, Croatia has 1,246 islands.

Stephen writes: 'Judith Schalanskys surprise bestseller, Pocket Atlas Of Remote Islands, proved the popular appeal of quiet and isolation in our busy world. Magic counts for a lot. Hvar [above] and Dugi Otok have it'

Hvar (above right and left) is one of 1,246 islands in Croatia - and is one of the biggest

Hvar is one of the biggest and was one of the Ancients Isles of The Blessed. The eponymous capital is now a notorious party town, a reinvention which began when Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson visited.

Its status as a venue for royal renegades was confirmed when Prince Harry was photographed jumping into a nightclubs pool in 2011. There was a tradition of hoteliers giving the money back if the weather was bad though I think Harry and the boys may have put an end to that nice gesture.

However, my destination is on the other side of Hvar island, somewhere much less visited than Harrys town, nightclub-free and reached from Split by the hotels launch, driven by impossibly handsome, tanned young men in startling whites who serve champagne as we clatter over a roiling, navy blue sea whose consistency looks like oil.

Stari Grad Na Hvaru, the Old Town of Hvar, the Pharos of the Greeks, is where you disembark. It looks as if communist stage designers had been briefed to replicate Portofino. Theres a pretty old town, but prettiness cannot eliminate an undertow of Balkan darkness, even menace.

Saturday morning, feckless boys in the Hemingway Bar do glum Djokovic impressions. A nasty-looking communist-era supermarket threatens. In ample compensation, there is a distinctive strain of Croatian woman as handsome as the boys on the boat: tall, slim, high cheekbones and open-faced with superb posture.

Maslina Resort, a project by a French financier, is on a perfect bay a few moments out of Stari Grad. It is very much a concept, designed by local architect Tomislav Alujevic. His concept is that accommodation is in scattered pavilions while services are buried underground.

These pavilions are, essentially, concrete boxes but integrate nicely into the astonishingly green landscape because they are surrounded by timber slats which muddle light and shade and disguise the brutal structure. As a reminder of the forces of nature, the reception desk is a 14-ton cyclopean lump of stone from the neighbouring island of Brac.

Maslina offers guests wobbly wooden bikes and quotes from Thoreau on the theme of isolation on room keys. The elegant and friendly staff are in chic uniforms and are always willing to engage.

Bozava, which over-enthusiastic tourist authorities describe as a yachting haven, says Stephen, who adds: '"Haven is too lively a word to describe its unreal quietness'

Maslina Resort (above), a project by a French financier, is on 'a perfect bay a few moments out of Stari Grad'

Grilled squid - a delicacy in Croatia

At Maslina Resort they like to say time stands still. Certainly, the isolation is superb. But that word resort is a warning: something ambitious is planned here. Residences are coming soon, witness the cranes.

The pioneering travel writer Norman Lewis lived on the Costa Brava in 1948 and, remembered the changes he witnessed in Voices Of The Old Sea (1984). The first developers arrived from Barcelona and a process began where fishermens wives become chambermaids in high-rise hotels. An invasion of money destroyed the sanctity that made the area popular. Lets hope that doesnt happen here.

To reach Dugi Otok, we returned to Split by a lumbering and tired ferry, a theatre of bad-tempered diesel harmonics, then drove to Zadar, via Sibenik, names that would not be out-of-place in Ruritania.

Lunch en route was at Maskovica Han in Pakostane, a fine place to savour Dalmatias collision of cultures. Winston Churchill said the Balkans produce more history than they can consume. Han was a holiday home fortress built in 1644 by a high dignitary of the sultans court who had a side hustle as an admiral of the Turkish fleet.

Perhaps the western-most Ottoman building, it has been meticulously restored and converted into a deluxe, if somewhat austere, hotel. Blasphemously, the mosque is a restaurant where I ate an excellent pasta with tomato sauce and shredded lamb sausage, drinking a fine white made of Posip, a local grape. The best Croatian wines are very good but production is so small, almost none are exported.

From Zadar, an empty catamaran took us to Bozava, which over-enthusiastic tourist authorities describe as a yachting haven. Haven is too lively a word to describe its unreal quietness.

Dugi Otok means Long Island and if there are police, they are not obvious and road manners are freeform. Half an hour from Bozava, there is Villa Nai 3.3, so-called because in this mild climate there are usually no more than 3.3 days of snow a year. In the well-informed 1968 Companion Guide To Jugoslavia by J.A. Cuddon, Dugi Otok is not even mentioned.

Villa Nai is not so much built into the landscape as constructed out of it. Spoil from the excavations is the structural substance of its eight rooms, each with private access to a saltwater infinity pool.

It is the personal project of Goran Morovic, a prosperous civil engineer who has now become an olive oil evangelist. There are olive trees as far as you can see in every direction, except the direction that points to the startlingly blue sea. The structure of polyphenols, Morovic explained in his olive mill, is identical to ibuprofen. His oil wins international awards.

In the best possible way, there is nothing to do. So you get on Tomass boat for a trip around the Kornati Islands. These are inland waters but lively even in good weather.

After an infinity of archipelago, the skipper, muscular in shades, turns into the tiny harbour of Vrulje. Never have I been anywhere so remote. Accessible only by donkey or boat, the little village is a primal experience. There was just the gentle putt-putt of the rubbish collectors boat, the snuffling of a dog constrained (from I dont know what) by baler twine. Silence. Sea.

A long, battering speedboat ride returning to Zadar gave an opportunity to reflect. Villa Nai 3.3 could not be bettered for isolation, relaxed sophistication and a credible eco philosophy. It is in its way perfect, but be warned that perfection can be boring. Especially in bad weather.

Croatian mainlanders call the island folk boduli, a word suggestive of their primitivism which, of course, is exactly what visitors are seeking. This, despite Dalmatian prosciutto, is not the new Italy, it is the old Croatia. Therefore, marvellous and strange. It is not primitive, it is unspoilt, which is not quite the same thing.

But will an invasion of money make these islands better or worse? Theres a fine line, easily crossed, between development and ruination. As the Dalmatian boduli look at a future of high-value tourism while wanting to retain the quiet mystery of their fabled past, some absurdities arise.

On a building site at Villa Nai 3.3, spoil was being conscientiously re-used to create a helipad. It seemed rude to ask if it was an organic helipad.

Its so fascinating weighing the evidence about the future of Hvar and Dugi Otok, Im in no hurry to make a judgment.

But go now. Secret Dalmatia might not be a secret for much longer.
Rep. Lee Jae-myung, head of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea /Yonhap



Police launched an investigation Thursday into the apparent suicide of former chief of staff of Rep. Lee Jae-myung, head of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, investigators said.



Lee's former aide, surnamed Jeon, was reportedly found dead at his home in Seongnam, south of Seoul, by his family, at around 8: 50 p.m., according to officials.



Authorities believe Jeon, who served as Lee's chief of staff during his term as the governor of Gyeonggi Province, died by suicide.



Besides as Lee's top aide, Jeon had also served as a senior manager of Gyeonggi Housing Urban Development Corp. (Yonhap)


For a short while, LNER had the East Coast Main Line express route between London and Scotland all to itself  then operator Lumo turned up.

Lumo doesnt serve as many stations as LNER, calling only at Stevenage, Newcastle upon Tyne, Morpeth and Edinburgh  but it does have shiny new blue trains that match the 125mph top service speed of LNERs Class 800 Azumas and cost less to ride. So should it be the go-to option for passengers needing to reach those destinations?

Travel experts from The Points Guy UK decided to find out, filming their experiences on board LNER and Lumo services from London Kings Cross to Newcastle. The resulting footage is fascinating  particularly the part when the Lumo crew suggest to the reviewer that he could sit on his chocolate bar to melt it for his croissant

LUMO

Lumo  which offers one standard carriage class  was put to the test by Liam Spencer, who paid 20 for his ticket.

Travel experts from The Points Guy UK pit Lumo (above) against LNER in a train-service head to head on the East Coast Main Line

Lumo offers services between London King's Cross and Stevenage, Newcastle upon Tyne, Morpeth and Edinburgh

Liam Spencer (above) put Lumo to the test, describing his seat as 'harder than usual'

His Class 803 train sets off bang on time, so its a good start, but then he discovers that unless you pre-order, hot food is not available.

When he buys a Dairy Milk bar, he reveals that the crew suggest he sits on it to melt it for his croissant, which he finds slightly baffling.

Another negative was the seat  harder than usual and one that could become uncomfortable on longer journeys.

Liam discovers that if you want hot food on Lumo you need to pre-order it

Baffling: The crew suggest to Liam that he sits on his Dairy Milk to 'warm it' for his croissant

However, hes impressed with the attitude of the crew overall  super-friendly and really lovely. And says that the train was comfortable for the length of the journey [around three hours].

He also notes another positive - that ticket prices can be incredibly low when booked in advance [as low as 9.90] and even cheap on the day.

LNER

LNER offers more frequent services than Lumo and calls at more stations

Putting LNER to the test was Nicky Kelvin, Head of TPG UK, who paid 90 for a first-class ticket

While Liam was contemplating whether to use bottom-power to warm up his Dairy Milk, Nicky was tucking into complimentary fresh and tasty coconut, sweet potato, cauliflower, chickpea and spinach curry - served with peas in aromatic basmati rice (above)

Putting LNER to the test was Nicky Kelvin, Head of TPG UK, who paid 90 for a first-class ticket.

He notes that top-tier ticket-holders have access to a lounge at Kings Cross, which he tells MailOnline Travel was a great place to hang out ahead of boarding the train.

And while Liam was contemplating whether to use bottom-power to warm up his Dairy Milk, Nicky was tucking into complimentary fresh and tasty coconut, sweet potato, cauliflower, chickpea and spinach curry - served with peas in aromatic basmati rice.

Other positives include far more regular services with trains often running every 30 minutes, options of class of service and a loyalty scheme and Amex cashback that can be combined to drive better value.

But he admits that LNER cant match Lumo for price.

To see the full video click here. Sign up to the TPG UK newsletter here - thepointsguy.co.uk/mailing-list.
Amanda Holden has revealed she will 'definitely do one more year' as a judge on Britain's Got Talent.

The presenter, 52, who has been on the ITV talent show for 17 years, told MailOnline her goal is to reach 18 years and jokingly said she never wants to leave.

In an exclusive interview, Amanda said: 'I'll probably be carried out on a stretcher. I mean I'm definitely doing one more year after this.

'If I do 18 years which is what it would be I will feel so privileged and lucky because it was never a job I expected to do this long.

Amanda went on to speak about new judge Bruno Tonioli, who has been full of energy during filming for the show.

'I'll be carried out of BGT on a stretcher!': Amanda Holden has revealed she will 'definitely do one more year' as a judge on Britain's Got Talent

The former Strictly judge, 67, has joined the panel of the ITV talent competition as a replacement for comedian David, 51, who quit after 10 years on the show after he made 'disrespectful' comments about contestants from previous series.

Amanda explained: 'Obviously we have a new judge, Bruno. It was like dropping a berocca in some water and just watching it fizz.

She then squashed 'feud' rumours as she said: 'He'd never seen the show, so it was all new to him. It was nice seeing it through fresh eyes. I think he's really enjoyed it and we've tried to make him feel welcome and he did a good job.'

It comes weeks after Amanda and Alesha reportedly refused to sign contracts for the latest series of BGT.

The duo were said to be furious that new judge Bruno will see his new salary match their own - an estimated 850,000.

According to The Sun Amanda and Alesha sent the latest series into chaos with bosses scrambling to secure the TV favourites ahead of filming in London last month.

A source told the publication at the time: 'Amanda has been on BGT for 17 years, while Alesha is going into her eleventh year. They don't think it's fair a newcomer could walk into the show and be handed the same deal as them'.

Career: The presenter, 52, who has been on the ITV talent show for 17 years, told MailOnline her goal is to reach 18 years

Going on to speak about what viewers can expect on this year's show, Amanda told MailOnline: 'There's been a lot of hilarity, a lot of people using their body parts to play instruments.

'We've had a lot of things you wouldn't normally think are entertaining and funnily enough, even Simon has enjoyed them, he wouldn't have three to four years ago.'

'We've had mountain bikers on stage, we've had people falling out of the sky so it's extraordinary! We've had a couple of things go wrong as you can expect, I can't even think about what genre is going to win.'

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 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.

'He'd never seen the show, so it was all new to him': Amanda went on to speak about new judge Bruno Tonioli, who has been full of energy during filming for the show

Amanda previously said Bruno has 'broken every rule' so far on Britain's Got Talent.

Bruno has been filming auditions alongside fellow panellists Amanda, Alesha Dixon, and Simon, who may need to 'throw out the rulebook' due to his antics.

Amanda told The Sun: 'He's a wonderful ball of energy and in a good way he's already broken every rule. So much so that Simon will probably have to throw out any rulebook this year.

'It's going to be a brilliant series. We've only filmed auditions in London so far but we can't wait to get to Manchester for the first time since the pandemic hit.'

The star also joked: 'My biggest piece of advice is if you're playing a musical instrument through an unusual body part, please make sure you go to the toilet first.'

Bruno reportedly recently threw Britain's Got Talent auditions into chaos when he pressed his Golden Buzzer twice before admitting he'd never watched the show.

The former Strictly judge has joined the panel of the ITV talent competition for as a replacement for comedian David, 51, who left after he made 'disrespectful' comments about contestants from previous series.

Exit: Bruno, 67, has joined the panel of the ITV talent competition as a replacement for comedian David, 51, (left) who quit after he made 'disrespectful' comments about contestants from previous series

Professional dancer Bruno apparently did not realise that the Golden Buzzer, which automatically sends auditionees through to the live finals when pressed, could only be used once, and reacted when the audience began cheering for an impressive act.

Producers are said to have panicked after they were left with a decision of whether to send the hopeful through or cancel Bruno's second buzz.

The source said Bruno then admitted he had never actually watched Britain's Got Talent before, claiming he did not want to be influenced by the judging styles from previous series.

Luckily, the audience saw the funny side and Bruno is remaining on the panel as the new big money signing.
Amanda Holden has revealed her youngest daughter Hollie is set to follow in her showbiz footsteps.

The Britain's Got Talent judge, 52, told MailOnline that the 11-year-old is 'a natural performer' and has what it takes.

In an exclusive interview, Amanda explained: 'I feel like Hollie will do what I do, she's a natural performer.

'People have called her out saying "she's got it" and not just because she's my daughter. She does all her little clubs, and everyone raves about her.'

Gushing over her daughter, she went on: 'She lights up a room, she's miss personality, she's just gorgeous. She's the communicator of the family. She never stops talking!'

'She's a natural performer': Amanda Holden has revealed her youngest daughter Hollie is set to follow in her showbiz footsteps

Star in the making: The Britain's Got Talent judge, 52, told MailOnline that Hollie, 11, (middle) is 'a natural performer' and has what it takes

The TV personality also has an older daughter Lexi, 17, with her music producer husband Chris, 50, who she met in 2003 before they tied the knot in 2008.

Speaking about family life, Amanda said: 'It's hard to get everyone together, we are all so busy. I try to get everyone round a dinner table but there's always a club, so holidays are our quality time.

'We are going away at Easter and in Summer and it's just our quality family time with my favourite people.'

It comes after Amanda said she's making sure her 'A* student' daughter Lexi finishes her education before embarking on her modelling career.

In March 2022, Amanda announced her eldest daughter has signed with Storm modelling agency as she follows in her mother's showbusiness footsteps.

Discussing Lexi's next steps a year on, Amanda exclusively told MailOnline: 'She's been taken on by Storm. She's 17 but I think when she's 18 we'll start looking for her to be in that field. At the minute they are working on her Lookbook.'

When asked about her and Lexi's recent red carpet appearances, the 52-year-old TV personality admitted: 'I'm very mindful of what things we go to.

'We went to the Fashion Awards which was really exciting. So yeah, I want to take her to the right things, the relevant things. She's interested in the fashion side of things.'

Lexi's modelling career won't come in front of her education though, as Amanda said: 'Lexi's an A* student so I don't want her to mess that up and she wants to do it all.'

Family: The TV personality also has an older daughter Lexi, 17, with her music producer husband Chris, 50, who she met in 2003 before they tied the knot in 2008

In an exclusive interview, Amanda explained: 'I feel like Hollie will do what I do, she's a natural performer.'

Amanda celebrated being reappointed as the face of Revive Collagen for the second year running on Tuesday.

The luxury liquid collagen supplement brand, co-founded by Samantha Faiers, brought on Amanda as Brand Ambassador in late 2021 for their sell-out Enhanced Plus collagen.

Amanda swears by the product and credits it for looking and feeling better than ever at 52.

The mother-of-two explained Lexi also takes collagen to look after her skin as she prepared for her modelling career.

Amanda said: 'Lexi takes them too, it doesn't do her any harm. She has amazing skin, obviously she went through a bit of a phase with acne as a teenager, and I feel this is keeping her neutral and supporting her.

'She is amazing at makeup, she's all over TikTok for the tips. She has a very natural look and she just looks beautiful.'

Last year, Amanda revealed her daughter Lexi is joining Kate Moss's modelling agency after they saw pictures of the stunning teen online.

'I don't want her to mess that up': Amanda has revealed she's making sure her 'A* student' daughter Lexi finishes her education before embarking on her modelling career

The Britain's Got Talent judge told MailOnline that Storm, who have propelled the likes of Cara Delevingne, 29, and Cindy Crawford, 56, to catwalk stardom, 'came after' her daughter and it was Lexi's decision to sign on the dotted line ahead of interest from rival agencies.

She said at the time: 'Lexi was approached last year and obviously we were waiting until she was 16 to sign anything. It's something she actually wants to do, so I'm taking the lead from her.

'She's a very quiet girl but she knows her own mind. She's very bright and wants to continue her studies.

'There's no pressure and we'll just see what happens. But finishing her education is very much her plan, she'll have our support whatever she decides to do.'
They recently put on a flirty display in a TikTok video while he was on tour in Sydney.

And Abbie Chatfield and American rapper Yung Gravy have taken their relationship further.

The radio host, 27, confirmed the pair went on an actual date and hinted they went home together.

Speaking on her It's A Lot podcast with her producers Oscar and Lem, Abbie sarcastically said she went to Yung Gravy's Sydney concert 'just for work', but admitted she arrived at the show with him and they went out afterward.

'Obviously I went to Yung Gravy's gig, it was good, I had to go for the radio station, I get forced to go to gigs it's not even that I wanted to go, I was forced to go,' she said.

Abbie Chatfield and American rapper Yung Gravy recently took their relationship further. The radio host, 27, confirmed the pair went on an actual date and hinted that they went home together

Speaking on her It's A Lot podcast with her producers Oscar and Lem, Abbie sarcastically said she went to Yung Gravy's Sydney concert just for work, but admitted she arrived at the show with him and they went on a date afterward

The podcast host, who referred to the rapper as Matt - his full name is Matthew Raymond Hauri - said they didn't go for dinner, but they did grab drinks and he paid for it.

When asked by producer Oscar what they did after having drinks, Abbie let slip that they did in fact go home together, but she tried to back track.

'I wouldn't say dinner, we had a drink...and then we went home.. no sorry, no, we both just left the pub,' she said.

However, Abbie's facial expressions said more than her words as she looked widely at the camera with a cheeky grin as she tried to say that they didn't actually go home together.

Keen for more details, producer Oscar asked Abbie if they kissed with tongue - and she wasn't too hesitant to give up the information.

'I dunno If I can say that,' she said. 'But, no, yeah... we had a little kiss, I think that's fine.'

The revelation comes after the rapper previously told The Kyle and Jackie O Show he wanted to meet the podcast host when he comes to visit Australia, and later a flirtatious TikTok video was filmed.

In the November interview, Gravy said he hoped to go on a date with Abbie, to which radio host Kyle Sandilands responded: 'You and everyone else. Line up, my friend, line up!'

Keen for more details, producer Oscar asked Abbie if they kissed with tongue - and she wasn't too hesitant to give up the information

He even gave Abbie a rose for their first 'date' together

When Gravy said, 'I think we've got a date planned,' Kyle's fill-in co-host Brittany Hockley remarked: 'I have no doubt.'

Elsewhere in the same segment, Kyle asked the Minnesota rapper if Abbie had sent him nudes, and Brittany asked if they'd 'sexted' each other.

Gravy later said he thought the hosts' remarks were 'wack' and disrespectful.

'Hopefully they're close friends 'cause I didn't really like how he [Kyle] reacted to it,' he told The Brag.

At about this time, a public feud exploded between Brittany and Abbie, who accused the KIIS FM star of slut-shaming her on live radio.

At the time, Brittany was filling in for Jackie 'O' Henderson.

While Kyle was the one leading the conversation, Abbie said Brittany was complicit in his 'misogyny' by refusing to speak up.

In the November interview, Gravy said he hoped to go on a date with Abbie, to which radio host Kyle Sandilands responded: 'You and everyone else. Line up, my friend, line up!'

Britt later posted a statement on Instagram in which she apologised for her involvement in the 'misogynistic' jokes, and insisted she had always been an advocate for female empowerment.

'I want to apologise for the undercurrent misogynistic tones that the interview had,' she began.

'The nature of live radio is unpredictable and often unplanned, which was the case with the direction that this conversation took. Live on radio I found myself in a position where Abbie and I were pitted against each other.'

Brittany said she had never intended to offend Abbie and blamed the gaffe on the nature of live radio.
Former Married At First Sight star Mishel Karen has become one of Australia's biggest porn stars since joining OnlyFans in 2021.

And during an appearance on SBS Insight on Tuesday, the 52-year-old grandmother held nothing while back discussing her X-rated career.

'You can subscribe to my page and see me fully naked or masturbating or having sex with twelve people,' she told host Kumi Taguchi.

'It gets very explicit. It's very intimate,' she added. 'I do a video [called] "p***y appreciation" and you get to see every part of my vagina, the outside, I pull it apart.

'You see my experiencing real orgasms with people that I really like.'

Former Married At First Sight star Mishel Karen (pictured) opened up about her OnlyFans career during an appearance on SBS Insight on Tuesday

'You can subscribe to my page and see me fully naked or masturbating or having sex with twelve people,' the 52-year-old grandmother told host Kumi Taguchi

When asked if her family supported her move into the porn industry, the mother of two admitted they reluctantly gave her their blessing due to the 'financial benefit'.

'My mum and sisters don't talk about it,' she said.

'My kids say to me, "You're just going to do whatever you want to do." My son is very supportive because I think he gets from the financial benefit of it.

'My daughter, she wishes I'd do something else, but she's supportive.'

The former police worker revealed she had very few sexual partners before turning fifty because she grew up in a strict, conservative European family.

The one-time beauty queen was married at 20, and even after getting divorced in her thirties was still afraid to fully explore her sexuality.

When asked if her family supported her move into the porn industry, the mother of two admitted they reluctantly gave her their blessing due to the 'financial benefit'

It wasn't until she was home alone during the Covid pandemic that she decided to take the plunge and join OnlyFans.

'During that time I was able to explore who I am and what I want and everything I've missed out [on], and I started to realise, "This is me and I want to do this,"' she said.

'It gives me financial freedom that I've never experienced before in my entire life.

'And once I started doing it I just became more and more confident and it kind of brought out a side of me that I didn't know I had.'

Mishel has become one of the biggest names in the adult industry over the last 12 months.

Mishel is now one of Australia's biggest adult stars and was a headlining performer at Sexpo last year

'It gives me financial freedom that I've never experienced before in my entire life,' she said

She was one of the headline performers at Sexpo in Sydney and Melbourne last year, and has since made the jump from amateur OnlyFans content to professionally filmed pornography.

Mishel is incredibly uninhibited, partaking in lesbian threesomes and selling used underwear to her subscribers.

She previously told Daily Mail Australia she can sometimes earn as much as $50,000 in one month from her job.

Mishel is mum to daughter Eva, 21, who lives with her, and son Sam, who works as a music producer.

Sam welcomed his first child in 2021, making Mishel a grandmother.
Married At First Sight alum Domenica Calarco has revealed last year's cast were constantly vaping on set, even though producers ordered them not to.

The 29-year-old influencer told Pedestrian the brides and grooms were 'vaping anywhere' despite e-cigarettes being banned on set.

'We had our vapes anywhere. The vapes were always in it,' she revealed.

Her co-star Ella Ding, 28, explained vapes were 'just becoming a thing' when their season was being filmed in late 2021, but it was 'the first time I was seeing them' on a regular basis.

'We knew they all had them but we just weren't allowed to have them on set,' she added.

Married At First Sight alum Domenica Calarco (pictured) has revealed last year's cast were constantly vaping on set, even though producers ordered them not to

Dominica said that despite the rules, most cast members would still vape discreetly while filming the show, but these moments would be edited out before going to air.

'Brent [Vitiello] was even vaping at the commitment ceremony. He was sitting next to me,' she added.

It comes after Domenica and Ella called out the 'fake' contestants on this year's season of MAFS.

The former reality stars brutally roasted controversial participants like Bronte Schofield, Harrison Boon and Adam Seed.

Speaking on their podcast Sit With Us, the pair critiqued the 'cold' relationship between Bronte and Harrison.

'I've given up on Bronte and Harrison,' Dom began.

The 29-year-old influencer told Pedestrian the brides and grooms were 'vaping anywhere' despite e-cigarettes being banned on set

'I don't see any physical affection. Like, they walk in holding hands and then it's like, the Red Sea f**king parts and you don't see both of them together until they're sitting down next to each other because their names are there.'

Ella agreed as Dom continued, saying their relationship is as fake as 'Adam's Dior bag'.

'It's as fake as my f**king hair extensions,' she added.

'Well, as fake as my tits and they're pretty fake,' Ella chimed before they both burst out laughing.
A non-binary model who is fronting a campaign for one of Australia's most celebrated swimwear brands has fired back at widespread criticism of the new promotion, insisting 'some women have penises'.

Deni Todorovic, 34, who was assigned male at birth but uses they/them pronouns and identifies as non-binary, stars in the campaign for Seafolly which is known for its glamorous advertisements featuring the world's most famous female models including Miranda Kerr, Gigi Hadid, Shanina Shaik, Lara Worthington, Samantha Harris and Jesinta Franklin.

Deni displayed a full beard while posing in lime green Seafolly bikini bottoms and a matching cover-up for a campaign shoot released just before International Women's Day.

While some praised the brand for presenting a diverse campaign, many more said they would boycott the company.

Deni Todorovic, 34, who was assigned male at birth but uses they/them pronouns, and identifies as non-binary, is fronting a campaign for one of Australia's most celebrated swimwear brands, Seafolly

While many praised the brand's effort in presenting a diverse campaign, others said they will boycott the brand due to the shoot

Writer Alexandra Marshall said it felt like the fashion brand was 'mocking women' and said she would 'never' buy Seafolly swimsuits again.

'Bye @seafolly. Never again. Been buying swimsuits from you for many years. Never again,' she posted on Twitter.

'Since when do women have penises in their bikini bottoms. This is beyond disgusting and Deni you are trying to eradicate biological women. Deplorable,' one person posted on Instagram.

Hitting back at the comment in a video on their story, Deni said: 'Let's be clear about comments like this, yes I see them, and yes they do affect me, but I try not to let them.

In reaction to a comment in a video on their story, Deni said: 'Let's be clear about comments like this, yes I see them, and yes they do affect me, but I try not to let them'

'I'm going to give this person, I think their name is Jodie, a little education.

'Some women do have penises, some trans women don't feel the need to have any kind of gender surgery.

'Some of them can't afford it. Women come in all different shapes and sizes.

'I'm also not trying to eradicate women darling, I'm wearing bikini bottoms.

'I'm wearing bikini bottoms which are basically Speedos, which, last time I checked, people with penises wear Speedos.

'So maybe you just need to investigate and dig a little deeper as to why me, in a Speedo essentially, feels like an attack on your gender identity, because that's not what I'm trying to do.'

In a second comment, the troll added: 'You're happy for a female to miss out on a job because of a man with a penis pretending to be a woman. Wow.'

Deni then replied explaining queer people 'lose out on jobs all the time'.

'First of all I'm not a man pretending to be a woman. Not even close,' they said.

Australian models Jesinta Franklin and Lara Worthington have also represented the brand

Supermodel Gigi Hadid (pictured) is one of the best known former faces of Seafolly

'Second of all, I'm not trying to steal a job from a woman at all. There were so many women involved in that campaign. There were also queer people involved in that campaign.

'Like Thomas who designed that, like me who is non-binary. We miss out on jobs all the time. So let's just have a little bit of nuance before you f****** troll me like this.'

In another clip, Deni praised the campaign and coverage, saying that positive representation of non-binary and trans people is 'life-saving'.

'This is very unexpected and I'm very grateful,' they said.

'Trans people attempt suicide 15 times more than cis-people.

'This little piece of visibility, and Seafolly's incredible reaction to our collab literally has the power to save lives.'

In an earlier post, Deni gushed about making 'history' in a lengthy Instagram post over the weekend.

'This marks the first time iconic Aussie swim giants @seafollyaustralia have worked with a trans ambassador/brand partner,' Deni said.

Deni is also one of the national ambassadors for Bonds underwear

Deni's involvement in the Seafolly campaign has sparked backlash from customers

'As the chief marketing officer [for Seafolly] said in our initial meeting, 'It's the first time of many more to come.' I couldn't be more honoured!'

They added: 'We discussed authentic allyship and have had some very exciting conversations about how the brand can work with community. This is what allyship looks like.'

Deni's role at Seafolly was celebrated by a number of celebrities, including former brand ambassador Jesinta Franklin.

Many shoppers also left positive comments on Seafolly's official Instagram account to celebrate the label's commitment to diversity.

'As some one who hasn't shopped at Seafolly for years I'll be back now! Love seeing brands be inclusive and that is where I want my money to go,' one woman wrote.

'So amazing to see this, Seafolly. I love to see brands pioneering the celebration of pride and inclusion,' another added.

Author and artist Alexandra Marshall (pictured) said it felt like the fashion brand was 'mocking women'

However, some consumers were less than impressed by Deni's role with the brand.

'This is a joke. We support diversity and individuals' decisions, but we don't want to see women's clothing that we want to purchase on a male body...' commented one.

'There are other ways to support pride and individuals' choices, but not this way. Sincerely, one of your long-time loyal customers.'

Another wrote: 'As a woman, this is not what I want to look like in a bikini.

'I won't be buying this product. People need to get back to reality. Stop making our world into a circus.'

Due to the negative comments, Seafolly was forced to put out a statement condemning the 'hateful language'.

'We are here to celebrate the Australian beach lifestyle and inspire one another to feel confident at the beach,' the brand said.

'In this community, we do not tolerate abusive, offensive, hateful language, trolling, deliberate disruption of discussion, or spam. Please be respectful of each others differences and remember to always be kind.'

Many women agreed with Seafolly's stance, with one writing: 'I'm so embarrassed for the bigots in this comment section. Imagine writing awful things because a person wearing a swimsuit upsets you.'

Deni has become an increasingly formidable name in Australian fashion over the last few years.

In 2021, Deni was criticised for turning Melbourne Fashion Week into a 'pride parade' by storming the runway with an LGBT flag and a T-shirt with 'they/them' on the front

Deni has become an increasingly formidable name in Australian fashion over the last few years

The gender-bending socialite is also a national ambassador for Bonds underwear.

In 2021, Deni was criticised for turning Melbourne Fashion Week into a 'pride parade' while working on the event as a stylist and curator.

While Deni was hired to work backstage at the event, they shocked onlookers by storming the runway with a pride flag and a T-shirt with 'they/them' on the front, which overshadowed the models in the fashion show.

Deni's performance reportedly upset fashionistas at the time, with one guest saying their political message 'was being rammed down our throats'.

'The show was all about Deni. The collection, [and] the designers who worked so hard to pull it together, was an afterthought,' one attendee told the Herald Sun.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Seafolly and Deni for comment.
Liberty Poole and Anna-May Robey led the glamorous stars arriving at the The Beauty Works Babes Unite for International Women's Day Event at FireFly in Manchester on Wednesday.

The Love Island stars dressed to impress for the event, with Liberty opting for a black midi dress.

The outfit clung to her curves and showed off her ample cleavage, while she paired it with a brown handbag.

She added a few extra inches of height to her frame in a pair of pointed black lace high heels.

Her blonde tresses were styled in voluminous waves and she added fluttery lashes and a slick of lipgloss.

Looking good: Liberty Poole and Anna-May Robey led the glamorous stars arriving at the The Beauty Works Babes Unite for International Women's Day Event at FireFly in Manchester on Wednesday

LBD: The Love Island stars dressed to impress for the event, with Liberty opting for a black midi dress

Stylish: The outfit clung to her curves and showed off her ample cleavage, while she paired it with a brown handbag

Anna-May looked incredible in a green leather dress with a lacy overlay that tied at the front.

She toted a black clutch bag, while elevating her height in a see-through plastic high heels.

Her brunette locks were loosely waved and she sported a full face of stunning make-up to enhance her pretty features.

She was joined by fellow Love Island star Ellie Spence, who looked stylish in a black minidress.

Her long legs were on full display in the ensemble, while she boosted her height in a pair of silver high heels.

Matching her accessories to her shoes, she toted her essential belongings in a silver handbag.

Ellie kept the cold at bay by wrapping up in a long green leather coat and added a pair of silver hoop earrings.

Her blonde hair was in slick waves and she completed her look with winged eyeliner and pink lipstick.

Also in attendance was Love Island star Lucinda Strafford who put on a leggy display in a denim minidress.

She braved the chilly weather in a black cropped leather jacket while slipping her feet into a pair of strappy silver high heels.

Lucinda added a touch of sparkle to her ensemble by carrying a silver and gold sequinned bag.

Fashion forward: Anna-May was joined by fellow Love Island star Ellie Spence, who looked stylish in a black minidress

Legs for days: Also in attendance was Love Island star Lucinda Strafford who put on a leggy display in a denim minidress

Chic: Taylor Ward looked effortlessly stylish as she arrived in a pair of black trousers with a black bodysuit underneath

Her golden hair was neatly curled and she opted for false lashes and a nude lipgloss to finish her look.

Taylor Ward looked effortlessly stylish as she arrived in a pair of black trousers with a black bodysuit underneath.

The wife of Riyad Mahrez styled it with a cropped black jacket and black and gold high heels.

The WAG wore a light palette of make-up and styled her long blonde tresses in loose waves.
Channel Seven has caused quite the online storm after releasing its controversial cast for the upcoming season of SAS Australia.

Podcasters Brittany Hockley and Laura Byrne are fuming at the casting, saying the likes of Craig McLachlan, Cassie Sainsbury and Anthony Mundine don't deserve to have such a platform and be paid for it.

The Life Uncut hosts are particularly annoyed because the military-style show is known for its redemption storylines that allow 'cancelled' celebrities to crawl back into public life.

'Cocaine Cassie' spent 27 months in prison after being caught smuggling 5.8kg of cocaine out of Columbia in 2017.

Former professional boxer Anthony Mundine previously made hurtful comments about the 9/11 terrorist attacks among other divisive statements.

Brittany Hockley and Laura Byrne are fuming at the cast of SAS Australia, saying the likes of Craig McLachlan and Cassie Sainsbury don't deserve to have such a platform and be paid for it

The Life Uncut hosts are particularly annoyed because the military-style show is known for its redemption storylines that allow 'cancelled' celebrities to crawl back into public life

'Cocaine Cassie' Sainsbury (pictured) spent 27 months in prison after being caught smuggling 5.8kg of cocaine out of Columbia in 2017

A furious Brittany said: 'My problem lies with the people that are only known for being either the most controversial athlete of all time like Anthony Mundine, and people that are literally only known for drug smuggling.

'Literally, the only reason anyone knows [Sainsbury] is for drug smuggling in another country. Cocaine Cassie, [it's] is crazy we have even given her a cute nickname.'

Laura said she was most outraged by actor Craig McLachlan being cast on the show.

In 2018, three cast members that worked alongside him on The Rocky Horror Picture Show in 2014 put forward allegations of indecent assault against McLachlan.

He denied allegations and in 2020 a criminal trial found him not guilty.

After the SAS Australia cast was revealed, one of the women who made allegations against the actor, Christie Whelan Browne, spoke out.

Former professional boxer Anthony Mundine previously made hurtful comments about the 9/11 terrorist attacks among other divisive statements

Laura said she was most outraged by actor Craig McLachlan (pictured) being cast on the show

In 2018, three cast members that worked alongside him on The Rocky Horror Picture Show in 2014 put forward allegations of indecent assault against McLachlan (pictured outside court)

'How do we feel about someone who was charged on multiple sexual assault charges being put back on TV and being referred to simply as a controversial figure?' she tweeted on Monday.

Laura said one of the biggest issues with SAS Australia is it offers a redemption arc for people who should be putting in the work themselves outside of the spotlight.

'The problem with SAS is it offers the redemption arc to people, it allows people who are the criminal or the perpetrator to be seen in light as a victim because they get to humanise themselves,' she said.

'They get to sit there and they get to cry and say how hard the experience was, but they don't let the people who were at the receiving end of the incident do the same thing.'

Brittany added: 'I am all for giving people a redemption arc, I am all for giving second chances, I give people 122 chances, but I do believe there are certain categories that do not belong on TV. They can have a redemption arc privately: be a better person in your own time. These people get paid a good amount of money.'

Laura said one of the biggest issues with SAS Australia is it offers a redemption arc to people who should be putting in the work themselves outside of the spotlight

While Laura believes Cassie should be able to move on from her mistakes, she doesn't deserve to be on the show because she is solely a 'celebrity' due to her crime.

'Do I think that Cassie can have a redemption story? I absolutely do. And do I think people can make mistakes? I absolutely do,' she said.

'My problem is the show puts these people on. It's not like Cassie was an actress or something and doing these cool things before she smuggled the drugs and we are giving her a redemption arc. We're not doing that.

'The only reason she is known is for drug smuggling. So we have plucked her out and put her on the show, pay her, and give her a platform. What is that telling young, impressionable people? That it's okay to do whatever you want because look where you end up.'
Nicolas Cage is certainly on the comeback trail after critically-acclaimed performances in Pig and The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, though he doesn't have any interest in returning to the superhero fold.

The 59-year-old actor received the Variety Legend and Groundbreaker Award at the Miami Film Festival over the weekend, where he reflected on his career.

Cage is no stranger to the superhero world, having starred in two Ghost Rider movies and voicing Spider-Man Noir in 2018's Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, though he recently admitted he's unsure of his future in the superhero franchise.

During a wide-ranging chat with Variety, Cage - who was born Nicolas Coppola, the nephew of legendary director Francis Ford Coppola - admitted he took his stage name from the Marvel character Luke Cage, created by Stan Lee and spoke about his failed 1990s project Superman Lives.

Still, he has no desire to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe in any way shape or form these days.

No superheroes: Nicolas Cage is certainly on the comeback trail after critically-acclaimed performances in Pig and The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, though he doesn't have any interest in returning to the superhero fold

Failed: During a wide-ranging chat with Variety, Cage - who was born Nicolas Coppola, the nephew of legendary director Francis Ford Coppola - admitted he took his stage name from the Marvel character Luke Cage, created by Stan Lee and spoke about his failed 1990s project Superman Lives

No Marvel: Still, he has no desire to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe in any way shape or form these days

'Ive gotta be nice about Marvel movies, because I named myself after a Stan Lee character named Luke Cage. What am I going to do, put Marvel movies down? Stan Lee is my surrealistic father. He named me,' Cage said, when asked about the current state of superhero movies.

He added, 'I understand what the frustration is. I get it. But I think theres plenty of room for everybody. Im seeing movies like Tar. Im seeing all kinds of artistic and independently driven movies. I think theres plenty of room for everybody.'

Though when asked point-blank if he'd be interested in joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe at some point, Cage is fine without it.

'I dont need to be in the MCU, Im Nic Cage,' the actor said plainly.

Aside from his two Ghost Rider movie - which were not set within the Marvel Cinematic Universe - Cage came very close to playing another iconic superhero - Superman.

Cage was attached to star in a project called Superman Lives in the 1990s, and while it never saw the light of day, photos of a long-haired Cage in the Superman suit have spread across the Internet for decades.

There was even a 2015 documentary entitled The Death of "Superman Lives": What Happened? where the key players discussed why the project never happened.

Cage revealed that the studio wanted Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger) to direct, though Cage himself wanted Tim Burton on board.

Nic's name: 'Ive gotta be nice about Marvel movies, because I named myself after a Stan Lee character named Luke Cage. What am I going to do, put Marvel movies down? Stan Lee is my surrealistic father. He named me,' Cage said, when asked about the current state of superhero movies

No need: 'I dont need to be in the MCU, Im Nic Cage,' the actor said plainly

'I said, this has to be Tim Burton. I called Tim and said, "Would you do this?" Tim didnt cast me, I cast Tim, and Tim said yes. I loved what he did with Michael Keaton and Batman and I was a big fan,' Cage gushed.

Cage added that he loved Burton's 1996 film Mars Attacks! though that same film - which lost millions for Warner Bros. - is the same reason the studio was hesitant to bring Burton aboard for Superman Lives.

'These movies that are really weird, that challenge and break ground, they p**s a lot of people off. I think they got cold feet. Theyd spent a lot of money already building the sets and the costume and what have you. But you never know. I dont mean to be cryptic Cage, but you never know!' Cage said.

The movie was in development for around a year and a half, from late 1996 to April 1998, before the studio finally pulled the plug, but Cage enjoyed working on it.

'It was more of a 1980s Superman with like, the samurai black long hair. I thought it was gonna be a really different, sort of emo Superman, but we never got there,' Cage said.

The actor also discussed some of his favorite genres to act in, with his personal favorite being, 'independently spirited family drama.'

'I like movies that take place at home and the struggles we have at home and how were trying to either succeed and become better people or succumb to the pressures of the human experience,' Cage said.

'My other favorite genre, I would say would be horror. Some of the most talented artistic people now are making horror films. I think you can do so much. The reason why science fiction and horror is so important to me is that it gave me a format where I could express some of my more surrealistic and abstract dreams with film performance,' he added.
Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak, right, and his South Korean counterpart Lee Jong-sup, observe a military training drill firing the Korean K9 Thunder howitzer at a training range in Torun, Poland, Feb. 23. AFP-Yonhap



This is the second in a series of interviews with senior politicians in Korea and executives at leading think tanks in Washington over the issue of the country's provision of direct military support to Kyiv as the Ukraine war passes the one-year mark since Russia launched its attack, ending decades of relative stability in Europe.  ED.



Seoul's reticence to offer military aid to Ukraine seen as balancing act with China, Russia





By Kim Yoo-chul



A year ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his unjustified and brutal invasion of Ukraine. The United States and its top European allies including Germany, the U.K. and Poland reacted quickly by providing a high level of security assistance to Kyiv.



South Korean defense companies have so far benefited from an explosive demand for military equipment and arms. In 2022, South Korea's arms exports reached $17.3 billion, up from $7.25 billion a year ago, according to data provided by Korea Eximbank. The Yoon Suk Yeol government aims to make South Korea become one of the world's top four arms exporters by 2027.



What is noteworthy is that the country's recent arms deal with Poland amounted to $12.4 billion, followed by a $1.7 billion deal with Egypt.



According to the agreement signed by Seoul and Warsaw, the second shipment of K2 main battle tanks and K9 self-propelled howitzers will arrive in Poland by the first half of this year.



The Polish government also purchased South Korean FA-50 jets and Chunmoo multiple-launch rocket systems. Two leading South Korean defense companies  Hyundai Rotem and Hanwha Aerospace  are also in talks with the Romanian government to export advanced battle tanks to the eastern European country. But representatives of the companies declined to comment citing the sensitivity of the issue.



Despite South Korea inking a series of major weapons deals with the Poland and Egypt, Seoul is still reluctant to provide lethal aid to Ukraine as current domestic laws that regulate the provision of arms to war zones make it harder to obtain approvals for direct sales or donation of weapons to Kyiv. So far, Seoul has sent several batches of non-lethal military equipment and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.



Since the beginning of Russia's invasion a year ago, Ukraine has been consistent in asking South Korea to provide lethal aid. Now, Seoul is pressured to do more to help Kyiv as Moscow's offensive pushes further into eastern Ukraine with the U.S.' major western allies struggling to provide enough light weapons.





Zack Cooper at American Enterprise Institute, left, and Sarah E. Kreps at the Brookings Institution / Korea Times file



Speaking to The Korea Times, a former White House National Security Council (NSC) official said it is possible for Poland to re-export South Korean weapons to Ukraine if both the Korean and Polish governments agree to do so.



"Poland could, of course, re-export some equipment to Ukraine, if this is permitted by the agreement that Warsaw and Seoul signed governing the terms of the arms deal. But it is worth remembering that many of the K2 and K9 systems will not be delivered for a number of years, so the timing of these deliveries could prove somewhat problematic from that perspective," Zack Cooper, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), who also served in the White House NSC and the Pentagon, told The Korea Times in a recent interview.



Cooper said he believes deliveries of munitions would be easier, assuming that the types of ammunition match Ukrainian needs. "But the basic arms export agreement is likely to govern those arrangements and require approval from both capitals," he responded.



The senior fellow at AEI, where he focuses on U.S. strategy in Asia, added that South Korea's strengths in managing reasonably-priced ground combat systems, including the K2 main battle tank, could potentially help Ukraine indirectly by allowing Poland to provide more equipment and parts to Kyiv in the near-term.



"But in the long term, I think South Korea should acknowledge that a country that has come under attack from an aggressor has the right to self-defense under the U.N. charter and that assistance to such countries should be looked upon favorably in the future," according to the former U.S. official.



South Korea is said to have sent U.S. 155mm howitzer shells to help Ukraine fight Russia. However, the South Korean defense ministry stressed that the U.S. would be the "end-user," without elaborating.



South Korea's pursuit of 'indirect arms sales'



Ambitious arms sales pitches by South Korean arms suppliers have not primarily targeted Ukraine as a lucrative customer, as Seoul remains wary of inciting Russia and China.





Korean K9 Thunder howitzers are seen during a military exercise at a training range in Torun, Poland, Feb. 23. AFP-Yonhap



But countries that were reluctant to send certain military equipment are now changing their positions as the war in Ukraine, which initially started as a regional war, is becoming a generalized global conflict, according to Sarah E. Kreps, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, a Washington, D.C. think tank.



"We're in the second year of a war of attrition that will not have a quick end and more material resources are the difference between whether one country acquiesces or not. Ukraine is not a NATO country, so NATO allies have no treaty commitment to be sending military aid. It's just a matter of realpolitik driving these decisions since if Ukraine falls, then there's a non-zero probability that Putin would expand his ambitions westward," Kreps, also a professor at Cornell University's Department of Government, responded.



Certainly, there's no obligation by non-NATO allies including South Korea to materially help Ukraine. However, Kreps said she views the war has exposed a Cold War-like group of countries: ones aligned with Washington, those loyal to Moscow and ones that are unaligned.



It is in the interest of many countries that Ukraine gains the resources needed to hold off additional Russian offensives this spring, because Moscow still has military advantages and Putin's victory will create further instability in Europe and call into question the effectiveness of U.S. efforts to uphold the rules-based order. South Korea is one of the key countries backing the Biden administration's initiatives in building a rules-based regional order.



"The subtext of some of the urgings by the NATO secretary general might be that if you help us here, we'll help you there. In other words, if you help in Europe now, we'll help if the time comes where you need help in your own neighborhood. South Korea's reticence is easily explained by its geography, not only far less proximate to the region but also having to negotiate a balancing act with China and Russia," according to the fellow.





A Ukrainian serviceman sits in a tank on the frontline near Bakhmut, Ukraine, Monday, March 6. AP-Yonhap
Selena Gomez took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a flashback photo along with some advice she would give her younger self.

The 30-year-old mogul  who was spotted at Carbone this week  wrote in the caption, 'Dear younger me, please dont be afraid to ask for help.'

The post has so far collected more than 7 million likes from her 396 million followers on the platform.

The Texas native continued, 'Today is International Womens Day and I want each of us to be gentler to ourselves.'

She gave fans a call-to-action as she added, 'Write your younger self a @RareBeauty #rarereminder and stick it on your mirror to remind yourself that you deserve the world. Love you.'

Celebratory post: Selena Gomez took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a flashback photo along with some advice she would give her younger self in celebration of International Women's Day

More content: Gomez also appeared in a video for her makeup brand's Instagram account as she shared more life advice

Gomez also appeared in a video for her makeup brand's Instagram account as she shared more life advice.

The reel was also shared in Rare Beauty's Stories with the hashtag '#InternationalWomensDay' and a message.

'This year to celebrate, we're sharing #rarereminders to our younger selves  our Founder @selenagomez kicks it off with one of her own.'

In the clip, the music artist said, 'Something I wish I could tell my younger self is: Appreciate the face and the body that you have.

'May not look like everyone else but you are who you are and be proud of that.'

In the clip Selena's face was beautifully made up using products from her range of cosmetics.

The former child star wore thick, medium-size, silver hoop earrings and pulled her hair into a high bun with a side part.

She was dressed in a white, scoop neck tank top that exposed a delicate cross tattoo on the side of her chest.

Wisdom: In the clip, the music artist said, 'Something I wish I could tell my younger self is: Appreciate the face and the body that you have'

It comes after Selena admitted her 'heart has been heavy' amid claims she has been feuding with Hailey Bieber.

The actress has been caught up in a social media storm after ex-boyfriend Justin Bieber's wife was accused of mocking her online.

Justin has also been accused of throwing shade at the star but has yet to respond.

Selena appeared to address the drama as she took to TikTok on Sunday to call on people to 'be kind' and insisted she 'only wants good for everyone.'

Beneath a video of herself doing a makeup tutorial she penned: 'Thank you and love you all so much. I'm deeply grateful for each and every one of you humans. You make me unbelievably happy.'
Advertisement

Carrie Bradshaw may be learning whether adopting a pet can really heal a broken heart.

Following the death of her husband, Mr. Big, Sarah Jessica Parker's beloved character from Sex And The City, who is hailed as a relationship guru, was seen cradling an adorable tabby cat in her arms amid her rekindled romance with ex-fiance Aidan Shaw (John Corbett).

While filming the second season of And Just Like That, which is slated to premiere this summer, the actress, 57, smiled as she held a kitten on the balcony of her brownstone apartment on the Upper East Side.

As she cozied up to her furry friend, the six-time Golden Globe winner looked incredibly chic in a pink and silver sequined jacket over a beige tea-length dress.

Her golden blonde locks were styled in loose waves and she rocked a glamorous makeup look, which consisted of blush, several coats of mascara and brown eyeshadow.

Over the years, Parker's character never showed much affinity for animals, and infamously lost her then-boyfriend Aidan's dog Pete, who infamously used one of her Manolo Blahnik heels as a chew toy.

New York City's newest cat lady? Sarah Jessica Parker was seen cradling an adorable kitten in her arms amid her rekindled romance with ex-fiance Aidan Shaw (John Corbett)

Later, the fashionista slipped into a chic pink floral dress, which she styled with a structured black blazer and crocheted beret.

Last month, she and Corbett confirmed their character's relationship after they were seen sharing a passionate kiss as cameras rolled.

The Just Like That's Instagram's account shared a photo of them smooching on the street with the caption: 'And just like that Carrie is back on her tip toes.'

Their reunion comes 13 years after he last played the role of the lovable furniture designer in the much-derided 2010 film, Sex And The City 2.

His character was not wearing a wedding ring, and their steamy make out seems to confirm he is longer with his former on-screen wife Kathy.

The last viewers saw of Aidan was back in Sex And The City 2, when he and Carrie unexpectedly crossed paths in Abu Dhabi.

The pair arranged to meet for dinner - despite Charlotte's warnings that Carrie was 'playing with fire' - and shared a clandestine kiss after flirting over appetizers.

Fans were left shocked when the previously loyal Aidan cheated on his furniture-designing spouse - with whom he had sons Tate, Homer, and Wyatt.

Consumed by guilt, Carrie abandoned Aidan at his hotel, and quickly told husband Big, who ghosted her, before presenting her with a black diamond engagement ring.

First pet: While filming the second season of And Just Like That, which is slated to premiere this summer, the actress, 57, smiled as she held a kitten on the balcony of her brownstone apartment on the Upper East Side

Looking good: As she cozied up to her furry friend, the six-time Golden Globe winner looked incredibly chic in a pink and silver sequined jacket over a beige tea-length dress

She later told Charlotte the kiss made her realize how she used to be, 'desperate, needy and chasing after a guy who didn't want me' - referring to Big's toxic and gaslighting behavior towards her in the six seasons and first film, where he jilted her.

John portrayed Carrie's former boyfriend and later on, her fiance, in season three and season four of the hit HBO series.

The pair first met in his furniture store before striking up a romance which left Carrie 'freaked out' due to how smoothly their relationship was going.

A smitten Aidan later proposed to an unsure Carrie, who accepted but would only wear her engagement ring on a chain around her neck.

Stylish: Later, the fashionista slipped into a chic pink floral dress, which she styled with a structured black blazer and crocheted beret

Off the market: Last month, she and Corbett confirmed their character's relationship after they were seen sharing a passionate kiss as cameras rolled

Rekindled romance: The Just Like That's Instagram's account shared a photo of them smooching on the street with the caption: 'And just like that Carrie is back on her tip toes'

Their romance ended once and for all in season four where she admitted she wasn't ready to marry Aidan.

He was seen one last time in season six, when Carrie ran into him and his baby son, with Aidan revealing he had married a fellow furniture designer.

And Just Like That... has followed Carrie's journey as she moves on with her life following the death of her true love Big - leaving the path open for her to reignite romance with Aidan.

Exciting: Their reunion comes over a decade after he last played the role of the lovable furniture designer in the much-derided 2010 film, Sex And The City 2

Moving on together: His character was not wearing a wedding ring, and their steamy make out seems to confirm he is longer with his former on-screen wife Kathy

Fate: The last viewers saw of Aidan was back in Sex And The City 2, when he and Carrie unexpectedly crossed paths in Abu Dhabi

Keeping viewers on their toes: She was last known to have been dating her podcast producer Franklyn

She was last known to have been dating her podcast producer Franklyn.

In 2021, when season one of the Sex And The City sequel was in the works, the actor had teased he would be in the reboot. However, to the fans' dismay, he never appeared in any of the episodes.

AJLT writer Julie Rottenberg and executive producer Michael Patrick King later told Deadline: 'John Corbett should be writing personal apology notes. We didn't say anything.'

Red hot! Cynthia Nixon was also seen shooting And Just Like That on Wednesday

Looking good: The actress, 56, was dressed in character as Miranda Hobbes as she hailed a yellow taxi cab

On a roll: The Sex and the City star accessorized her chic look with a pair of gold hoop earrings
MAFS star Evelyn Ellis says the Andrew Tate she knew on Big Brother UK in 2016 was nothing like the woman-hating 'influencer' he would become years later.

She spoke about her former friendship with the controversial kickboxer - who now faces sex trafficking charges in Romania, which he denies - after a photo resurfaced of the pair on holiday together in Thailand seven years ago.

While many fans speculated the two were an item, Evelyn, 27, told Nova FM's Fitzy & Wippa on Thursday that wasn't true, clarifying she never hooked up with him.

When asked by host Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald about her trip to Thailand with Tate, Evelyn stressed they knew each other long before he launched his career as a professional misogynist.

'Look, I knew Andrew before he was Andrew,' she said.

MAFS star Evelyn Ellis (pictured) says the Andrew Tate she knew on Big Brother UK in 2016 was nothing like the woman-hating 'influencer' he would become years later

She spoke about her former friendship with Tate, who now faces sex trafficking charges in Romania, after a photo resurfaced of the pair on holiday together in Thailand seven years ago

'So before all this he was just old mate Andrew. But I can only take him for face value - at the time he was super nice. Him and [brother] Tristan always treated me with respect,' she added.

The photo of Evelyn and Tate in question was posted on his Instagram account years before he was banned from the Meta-owned social media platform for hate speech.

It showed Evelyn sitting next to the British-American internet personality at a restaurant or bar on the island Koh Samui.

While many speculated that the two were an item, the MAFS bride told Nova's Fitzy & Wippa on Thursday that's not true, and she never hooked up with him

Channel 5 had earlier removed Tate from the Big Brother house for undisclosed reasons.

However, Tate went on to accuse the network of giving him the boot over a an 'edited' video of him beating a woman with a 'felt' belt.

In an unrelated matter, Tate was arrested in Romania on December 29 alongside his brother Tristan, 34, and two women as authorities investigate numerous allegations of sex trafficking and rape. They remain in custody and deny the charges.

During her Fitzy & Wippa interview, Ellis was pushed by the hosts to condemn Tate's statements about women on social media, but she wouldn't say much.

'It's so weird, because it was like overnight he just exploded. I don't remember him,' she said, before Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli interrupted to ask how long she was going out with him for.

'I didn't go out with him,' she said firmly, before explaining they weren't strictly speaking on holiday together when the Thailand photo was taken.

She said she was already in Asia with friends when she discovered Tate was travelling too and they decided to meet up.

The model and marketing manager also spoke about meeting Justin Bieber when she was working as a nightclub hostess in London in 2016.

Photos from the night showed Justin, Evelyn and several other women clambering into a taxi after leaving London's Tape nightclub in the early hours of the morning.

The model and marketing manager also spoke about meeting Justin Bieber when she was working as a nightclub hostess in London in 2016

When asked if she had hooked up with Justin (pictured) or stayed in the contact with him, Evelyn said she couldn't say anything because she'd signed an NDA

'So this was in like my crazy ratbag days. I'm in the clubs, like, every single night and I think I was like 19. Beibs and I locked eyes,' she said.

'I was in London and he sent his security over to grab me. And then he was like, "Hey, do you want to go to the studio with Beibs?" And I was like, "Yeah, I do."

'I don't think he was very happy at this time. Like, I could tell [from] the look in his eyes. He was, like, kind of over life, over all the noise. The aura I got was [he was] just very complacent and, like, placid.'

When asked if she had hooked up with the pop star or stayed in the contact with him, Evelyn said she couldn't say anything because she'd signed an NDA.
Cardi B hyped up her controversial McDonald's brand deal by rocking merchandise inspired her and husband Offset's custom 'meal,' which appeared on the menu last month.

The WAP hitmaker, 30, uploaded a slideshow of ultra racy photos to Instagram on Wednesday, where she modeled torn up versions of the limited edition tees and crewnecks.

In one sizzling snap, the Grammy Award-winner flaunted her ample cleavage through horizontal cut-outs down the front of a white top styled with Daisy Dukes and black leather boots.

She put on a busty display in a follow-up shot donning only a fuzzy cardigan and tiny pink shorts that had a 'Cardi B and Offset meal' emblem printed on one leg.

The post comes after it was alleged that the partnership with her and Offset was slammed by some of the fast food giant's franchisees - amid concerns it will damage the chain's family-friendly image.

Represent! Cardi B hyped up her controversial McDonald's brand deal by rocking merchandise inspired her and husband Offset's custom 'meal,' which appeared on the menu last month

Custom creations: The WAP hitmaker, 30, uploaded a slideshow of ultra racy photos to Instagram on Wednesday, where she modeled torn up versions of the available tees and crewnecks

Busty: In one sizzling snap, the Grammy Award-winner put on a busty display in a follow-up shot donning only a fuzzy cardigan and tiny pink shorts that had a 'Cardi B and Offset meal' emblem printed on one leg

Another sexy image showed Cardi wearing a black 'Nice Buns' hoodie that exposed her chiseled abs.

For an edgy touch, there were safety pins connecting the rips along the neck and shoulder.

She styled the cropped sweatshirt with skintight black hot pants and bizarre denim boots.

The Bodak Yellow rapper posed with her legs wide open as she worked her angles for the camera.

For her final look, Cardi took a seat on the floor of her lavish Georgia mansion in baggy denim pants worn with a tee featuring her and Offset's faces.

Giving nod to their favorite dessert on the McDonald's menu, the T-shirt read: 'the apple of my eye...'

'New merch... link in bio,' Cardi captioned the post.

The collection is available on cardiboffset.com and includes, T-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, beanies and even swimwear.

Every item is under $70, with the most expensive being the hooded sweatshirts which retail for $68.

Lovebirds: For her final look, Cardi took a seat on the floor of her lavish Georgia mansion in baggy denim pants worn with a tee featuring her and Offset's faces

'Nice Buns': Another image showed Cardi wearing a black 'Nice Buns' hoodie that exposed her chiseled abs

She shared the images to promote the merchandise, which can be found on cardiboffset.com

Giving nod to their favorite dessert on the McDonald's menu, one of Cardi's T-shirts read: 'the apple of my eye...'

Cardi and her Migos star husband Offset, 31, announced their partnership - and personalized meal - with McDonalds last month in time for Valentine's Day - but the decision to collaborate with the couple, known for their profanity and sex-laden lyrics, has raised eyebrows.

The couple's official meal features a cheeseburger, BBQ sauce and a large Coca-Cola for Cardi and a Quarter Pounder with Cheese and large Hi-C Orange Lavabust. The couple also share an order of large fries and a hot apple pie to finish out the meal.

According to Fortune, some franchisees have cited McDonald's Golden Arches Code which states: 'Partnerships with celebrities and influencers that have potential risk to damage our brand based on statements they have made or their positions on certain issues aren't permitted.

'Music partnerships associated with content that includes offensive language in the lyrics' are also revealed to be forbidden.

Oh dear: The post comes after it was alleged that the partnership with her and Offset was slammed by some of the fast food giant's franchisees - amid concerns it will damage the chain's family-friendly image

Cardi's iconic 2020 hit WAP (an acronym for Wet A** P****) memorably included more than 40 curse words, and its music video inspired a raunchy TikTok dance trend.

Dick Adams, a former McDonald's restaurant owner and consultant to franchisees told the publication the Cardi B -Offset endorsement was a 'culture shock'.

He said: 'Especially if you're a franchisee and you're 50 or 60 years old and you don't have any kids and haven't been exposed to any types of these lyrics.'

'I have talked to many franchisees who are concerned about it, but it's good for sales and corporate endorses it. I don't think there's a lot of pushback.

Tariq Hassan, McDonald's chief marketing and customer experience officer for the US market told DailyMail.com: 'Across our marketing, we're focused on putting McDonald's at the center of culture. Artist collabs have helped reignite fans' love for our food and fueled significant business momentum, both for the company and our restaurant owner/operators.

'And the reason they've been so successful is that our partners are real fans of the brand themselves  that authenticity is our secret sauce. Cardi and Offset are an iconic couple who have their own date-night tradition at McDonald's that goes back years.

'We're proud to share a little piece of that with customers across the US with our latest campaign, which is about love and celebrating the special moments we all share over McDonald's.'

It was further claimed that franchisees were displeased when rapper Travis Scott collaborated with the fast food brand in 2020 - due to his obscenity-laden lyrics.

The Travis Scott Meal included a Quarter Pounder with cheese with bacon and lettuce, french fries with BBQ sauce dip and a Sprite drink for $6.

DailyMail.com has contacted representatives for Cardi B, Offset and McDonald's for comment.

Raunchy: Cardi's iconic 2020 hit WAP (an acronym for Wet A** P****) memorably included more than 40 curse words, and its music video inspired a raunchy TikTok dance trend

Oh dear: Dick Adams, a former McDonald's restaurant owner and consultant to franchisees told the publication the Cardi B -Offset endorsement was a 'culture shock'

Menus nationwide: It was further claimed that franchisees were displeased when rapper Travis Scott collaborated with the fast food brand in 2020 - due to his obscenity-laden lyrics

After the Super Bowl ad dropped last month announcing their deal, Cardi and Offset shared a snap of them on Instagram teasing the meal, captioned, 'Get ready yall! Cardi B & Offset meal coming 2/14!! @mcdonalds.'

'Let me tell you, McDonald's is date night done right. It doesn't have to be all boujee. Get your date, grab some good food, and have fun, that's it,' Offset said in a statement.

'Whether it's going for a date night or grabbing a bite after late-night studio sessions I'm always asking Offset to take me to McDonald's,' Cardi B said in her statement.

'And now, Offset and I have a meal named after us! I want all my fans to try it  especially with that BBQ sauce,' she added.
Iggy Azalea is rumoured to raking in millions of dollars selling raunchy photos and videos of herself on OnlyFans.

And now the rapper has revealed exactly how she plans to spend her OnlyFans earnings.

Firing back at a gossip account on Twitter, the 32-year-old rapper said that she wasn't planning to use the money on her music career.

'Stop trying to justify what I do with my own body by making this about music,' the Fancy hitmaker snapped.

'I'm spending the money on cars and boats and diamonds. And I don't feel badly about it either.'

She also said that her 'only plan' right now is 'me getting richer'.

Iggy Azalea has admitted to spending her OnlyFans earnings on luxury items, including diamonds and cars

'I'm spending the money on cars and boats and diamonds. And I don't feel badly about it either,' she told a fan

The Australian-born stunner has certainly been living the high life since joining OnlyFans in January.

Last month, she was pictured posing up a storm on a luxury yacht in the Bahamas.

She also bought a new house last month and picked up a Rolls-Royce Phantom worth $AUD1million.

After sharing a pair of photos of herself posing up a storm inside the luxury car, the rapper was forced to hit back at a troll who questioned her finances.

'Probably not a smart financial purchase if you're a rapper that has to start an OnlyFans to supplement your non-existent music income. But hey congratulations!' they tweeted.

Firing back, Iggy wrote: 'I've done 70 sold-out arena shows with Pitbull in the last two years. I sold a portion of my masters for eight figures less than three months ago.'

She added: 'I have the same wealth manager as George Clooney. And yes, an OnlyFans. Youre boring!'

Iggy charges fans $25 a month to access Playboy-inspired photos and videos

Iggy has been open about her eye-watering wealth in recent months after critics accused her of 'falling off' after her last album failed to make the charts.

The Black Widow star sold the rights to her music and publishing catalogue last November to Domain Capital for an eight-figure sum.

This included her signature hit Fancy, along with songs like Kream and her Ariana Grande collab Problem.

After getting backlash from fans on social media for the sale, Iggy clapped back: 'I sold a portion of my catalogue to who I wanted, for an amount that means I dont have to work another day in my life.

'I love y'all down but the masters conversation is a little beyond most of your understanding of business.'

She added: 'It means that a portion of songs I sold to a company who now owns them. In exchange, they paid me what they would have earned in my lifetime, upfront in one lump sum.'

Iggy bought a new house last month and picked up a Rolls-Royce Phantom worth $AUD1million

The 32-year-old rapper recently posed up a storm on a private jet, which she used to shoot OnlyFans content

The Fancy hitmaker has been relaxing on luxury yachts since earning millions on OnlyFans

Less than two months after the sale, the former hitmaker joined OnlyFans and is estimated to be earning millions of dollars from the deal.

She's currently charging subscribers $25 per month, but users have to pay more via upselling to access sexier stuff.

Iggy also offers some interesting extras to high paying customers, including sexually explicit voice messages in which she degrades men over the size of their manhood.

'Men pay me to tell them that they're a piece of s**t,' she boasted on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.

'They'll send me like six hundred dollars just to send a voice note like, "I'd never suck your disgusting little f***ing d**k! Is that even a d**k? I wouldn't even let my dog lick that d**k."

'And they're like, "Ugh. $200. $300." And I'm like, I like this game! I like to sit in bed at night and tell men how [inaudible] and they pay me for it.'
Just like her character Wednesday Addams, Jenna Ortega grew to become extremely fond of her onscreen Nevermore Academy roommate Emma Myers while they were filming their Netflix hit series in the middle of Romania from September 2021 to March 2022.

'She's a sweetheart. She's a real person,' the 20-year-old Cali native gushed on Monday's episode of Armchair Expert With Dax Shepard and Monica Padman.

'We get along so naturally. I'm so easily comfortable around her. I used to wake up every day in Romania and before I was even conscious, I would do voice memos and I would sing her a new song every day, talking about how beautiful and wonderful she was and how she was gonna have the best day ever. I've never had that desire or urge for anybody else.'

Jenna - who admitted to changing lines and being unprofessional on set - said she doesn't think she's ever been 'so protective of somebody' before meeting the 20-year-old Florida native, who plays bubbly werewolf Enid Sinclair.

'I think about her all the time. I only ever want to make sure she's okay and good,' Ortega added.

'She's a sweetheart. She's a real person': Just like her character Wednesday Addams, Jenna Ortega (R) became extremely fond of her onscreen Nevermore Academy roommate Emma Myers (L) while they were filming their Netflix hit series in the middle of Romania from September 2021 to March 2022

The 20-year-old Cali native (M) gushed on Monday's episode of Armchair Expert With Dax Shepard (L) and Monica Padman (R): 'We get along so naturally. I'm so easily comfortable around her'

For her deadpan performance, the former Disney Channel star received nominations at the Golden Globe Award and the Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Tim Burton, Alfred Gough, and Miles Millar's Hogwarts-style Addams Family spin-off went on to become the second-most-popular English-language series on Netflix, which officially renewed Wednesday for a second season in January.

On Tuesday, Jenna confessed to ELLE that she's 'too obsessed with my work' to date as 'the idea of relationships stresses me out.'

'And also being that vulnerable with someone and having to get to know someone that well and having someone see you for all that you are... My brain knows that I don't need to think about that right now,' Ortega explained.

'I hate being googoogaga over a boy. I think it's secretly a pride thing. It's a problem with a lot of female characters, that a lot of them are guy oriented or what they're expressing or emoting is based on a guy's position and a guy's story.'

The American Carnage actress next reprises her role as Tara Carpenter in Matt Bettinelli-OlpinTyler Gillett's Manhattan-set slasher Scream VI - hitting US theaters this Friday - which is the first of the franchise to not include original star Neve Campbell.

Jenna will then make her hosting debut on this week's episode of long-running NBC sketch series Saturday Night Live alongside musical guests, The 1975.

Jenna continued: 'I used to wake up every day in Romania and before I was even conscious, I would do voice memos and I would sing her a new song every day, talking about how beautiful and wonderful she was and how she was gonna have the best day ever. I've never had that desire or urge for anybody else.'

BTS: Ortega said she doesn't think she's ever been 'so protective of somebody' before meeting the 20-year-old Florida native, who plays bubbly werewolf Enid Sinclair

'I think about her all the time. I only ever want to make sure she's okay and good,' the former Disney Channel star added

Scored SAG and Golden Globe nods! Tim Burton, Alfred Gough, and Miles Millar's Hogwarts-style Addams Family spin-off went on to become the second-most-popular English-language series on Netflix, which renewed Wednesday for a second season in January

'I hate being googoogaga over a boy': On Tuesday, Jenna confessed to ELLE that she's 'too obsessed with my work' to date as 'the idea of relationships stresses me out'

Hitting US theaters this Friday! Ortega next reprises her role as Tara Carpenter in Matt Bettinelli-OlpinTyler Gillett's Manhattan-set slasher Scream VI, which is the first of the franchise to not include original star Neve Campbell
Michelle Yeoh has deleted a 'forbidden' Instagram post which may have violated the Academy Awards rules.

The Everything Everywhere All at Once star, 60, re-shared and later removed a post featuring a Vogue article that highlighted the lack of representation at the ceremony, and mentioned fellow Oscars nominee - and two-time winner - Cate Blanchett, 53.

The article, titled 'It's Been Over Two Decades Since We've Had a Non-White Best Actress Winner,' was first shared by Yeoh just hours before Oscar voting was set to end on Tuesday. The star then promptly deleted the post.

The article indicated that Oscars 'are very rarely, if ever, won based on a performance alone' and suggested that the majority of the white Academy voters relate to the actors who look like them.

The post may have violated the Academy Awards' 'References to Other Nominees' rule, forbidding nominees from using 'any tactic' that singles out 'the competition' by name or title.

Rule breaker: Michelle Yeoh has deleted a 'forbidden' Instagram post which may have violated the Academy Awards rules by mentioning fellow Oscars nominee Cate Blanchett; (L) Yeoh pictured 2023, (R) Blanchett pictured 2023

Yeoh and Blanchett are nominated in this year's Best Actress category  Yeoh for Everything Everywhere All at Once, and Blanchett for Tar.

The article - written by Radhika Seth - questioned whether Blanchett needed a third Oscar to add to her collection, even if she might have had a stronger overall performance.

'Detractors would say that Blanchetts is the stronger performance  the acting veteran is, indisputably, incredible as the prolific conductor Lydia Tar  but it should be noted that she already has two Oscars.'

'A third would perhaps confirm her status as an industry titan but, considering her expansive and unparalleled body of work, are we still in need of yet more confirmation?'

The blurb shared by Yeoh went on to state how winning an Oscar for her would be 'life-changing.'

'Meanwhile, for Yeoh, an Oscar would be life-changing: her name would forever be preceded by the phrase "Academy Award winner," and it should result in her getting meatier parts, after a decade of being criminally underused in Hollywood.'

Halle Berry is currently the only woman of color to receive a Best Actress Oscar for her role in 2002 film Monster's Ball.

That means Yeoh's win would make her the second woman of color, and the first Asian woman, to win lead actress.

Post and delete: The article, titled 'It's Been Over Two Decades Since We've Had a Non-White Best Actress Winner,' was first shared by Yeoh just hours before Oscar voting was set to end on Tuesday. The star then promptly deleted the post

Merit based? It questioned whether Blanchett needed a third Oscar, even if she had a stronger performance, and claimed a win for Yeoh would be 'life-changing'; Blanchett pictured with her Oscar in 2014

Nominated: The star is nominated for Best Actress at this year's ceremony for her portrayal of a tyrannical maestro in Tar; Pictured in a still from Tar

Historic: Yeoh is nominated for Everything Everywhere All at Once. Her win would make her the second woman of color, and the first Asian woman, to win in the lead actress category; Pictured in a still

The first and only to do it: Halle Berry is currently the only woman of color to receive a Best Actress Oscar for her role in 2002 film Monster's Ball; Pictured at the ceremony

Yeoh and Blanchett are considered the front-runners in this years Best Actress category, with Blanchett winning the Critics Choice Awards and the BAFTAs, and Yeoh taking home the prize at the SAG Awards and the Indie Spirit Awards.

And everything appeared peachy between the ladies last Saturday at the Spirit Awards, as they were seen sharing a warm hug on the red carpet.

Everything Everywhere All at Once currently leads with 11 nominations and is considered the front-runner for best picture at this year's ceremony.

Blanchett first received an Oscar in 2005, for Best Supporting Actress in The Aviator. It was followed by a win in 2014 for Best Actress in Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine. She is currently nominated for her portrayal of a tyrannical maestro in Tar.

Despite the possible break in rules, Variety reports that Yeoh should 'rest easy' as it is unlikely that she will face any consequences, and citing the recent Andrea Riseborough Oscars grassroots campaign controversy as an example.

After Riseborough received a surprise Oscar nomination for the film To Leslie, the Academy conducted a review, and looked over an Instagram post on the To Leslie official account that also mentioned Blanchett.

They then concluded that the post did not merit for the films nomination to be rescinded, however Academy CEO Bill Kramer stated that social media tactics 'caused concern.'

Yeoh, however, was not bothered by the Riseborough controversy ahead of the Oscars, which will take place on Sunday, March 12.

'The Academy has always prided itself on having regulations and playing by the rules, and if [cheating them] was so easy, it would have been done before. We are always evolving on how to protect our integrity, and I have great faith we will continue to do that,' she said in an interview with BBC's Today, after nominations were announced.
Idris Elba looked sharp at the premiere of his new Netflix film on Wednesday after revealing he would be open to joining the Black Panther franchise.

The 50-year-old English actor hit the red carpet at the premiere of Luther: The Fallen Sun in New York City in an eye-catching pistachio green blazer paired with bold red trousers.

He finished his look with stylish green patent leather loafers to complete the colorful look.

Idris was accompanied by his wife Sabrina, 34, who looked stunning in a bright yellow one-shoulder gown.

The Luther series star discussed joining the Black Panther franchise in a video posted on Wednesday by E! News.

Netflix premiere: Idris Elba looked sharp at the premiere of his new Netflix film on Wednesday after revealing he would be open to joining the Black Panther franchise

Idris said he recently watched a making of Wakanda Forever and found it 'amazing'.

'I'm a big fan of Ryan. I'm a big fan of everyone in that film,' said Idris, referencing Black Panther franchise Ryan Coogler, 36, who directed and co-wrote both Black Panther and its sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

'Ryan is a big draw. If there ever was an opportunity for me to join that franchise, absolutely,' Idris said.

The Wire star got together at the Luther premiere with co-star Andy Serkis, 58, who plays serial killer David Robey in the upcoming film.

Idris can get feedback on being part of the Black Panther franchise from Andy who portrayed Ulysses Klaue in the 2018 film starring the late Chadwick Boseman as the Black Panther.

Andy at the premiere also was joined by his wife Lorraine Ashbourne, 62.

Idris steps back into character as DCI John Luther in the highly-anticipated action flick adapted from the hit BBC series.

Luther: The Fallen Sun also stars Tony Award-winner Cynthia Erivo and is scheduled to be released on Friday on Netflix.

The fifth and final season of Luther was broadcast over four consecutive nights in 2019 on BBC One with the detective being sent to prison in the series finale.

Popular franchise: The 50-year-old English actor praised the team behind the Black Panther franchise, which started with the 2018 film starring the late Chadwick Boseman, shown in a still

Stylish star: Idris hit the red carpet at the premiere of Luther: The Fallen Sun in New York City in an eye-catching pistachio green blazer paired with bold red trousers

Cute couple: Idris was accompanied by his wife Sabrina, 34, who looked stunning in a bright yellow one-shoulder gown

Going strong: Sabrina and Idris have been married since 2019

Idris said he recently watched a making of Wakanda Forever and found it 'amazing'.

'I'm a big fan of Ryan. I'm a big fan of everyone in that film,' said Idris, referencing Black Panther franchise Ryan Coogler, 36, who directed and co-wrote both Black Panther and its sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

'Ryan is a big draw. If there ever was an opportunity for me to join that franchise, absolutely,' Idris said.

The Wire star got together at the Luther premiere with co-star Andy Serkis, 58, who plays serial killer David Robey in the upcoming film.

Idris can get feedback on being part of the Black Panther franchise from Andy who portrayed Ulysses Klaue in the 2018 film starring the late Chadwick Boseman as the Black Panther.

Andy at the premiere also was joined by his wife Lorraine Ashbourne, 62.

Idris steps back into character as DCI John Luther in the highly-anticipated action flick adapted from the hit BBC series.

Luther: The Fallen Sun also stars Tony Award-winner Cynthia Erivo and is scheduled to be released on Friday on Netflix.

The fifth and final season of Luther was broadcast over four consecutive nights in 2019 on BBC One with the detective being sent to prison in the series finale.

One shoulder: The carpet was lit up by Sabrina in a bright yellow one-shoulder gown

Colorful couple: Idris and Sabrina both wore colorful outfits at the premiere

Marvel experience: The Wire star got together at the Luther premiere with co-star Andy Serkis, 58, who has experience with the Black Panther franchise

Fan favorite: Idris stopped to take pictures with his fans at Paris Theatre in New York City

Idris was spotted earlier on Wednesday leaving Live with Kelly and Ryan in New York City in a casual outfit.

He wore a white T-shirt, black leather jacket and grey sweatpants.

Idris completed his outfit with brown sneakers while promoting his latest project.

Casual style: Idris was spotted earlier on Wednesday leaving Live with Kelly and Ryan in New York City in a casual outfit
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Leading man Idris Elba was supported by his glamorous wife Sabrina at the premiere of his new Netflix film 'Luther: The Fallen Sun' in New York City on Wednesday night.

The British heartthrob, 50, hit the red carpet ahead of the screening at the Paris Theater in an eye-catching green blazer styled with bold red trousers.

He slipped his feet into a pair of stylish green patent leather loafers to complete the colorful look.

Elba steps back into character as DCI John Luther in the highly-anticipated action flick adapted from the hit BBC series, Luther.

'Luther: The Fallen Sun,' which also stars Tony Award-winner Cynthia Erivo and Lord Of The Rings alum Andy Serkis, is slated for a Friday, March 10 release on Netflix.

Big night: Leading man Idris Elba was supported by his glamorous wife Sabrina at the premiere of his new Netflix film 'Luther: The Fallen Sun' in New York City on Wednesday night

Going strong: The couple wed back in 2019 after two years of dating

Elba's wife Sabrina, 34, stunned onlookers as she posed for photographs beside him in a yellow one-shoulder gown.

The flowing number pooled at her feet and featured a bejeweled strap that sparkled under the lights.

Sabrina stood on strappy heels and her killer legs poked through a knee-high slit in her dress.

The brunette beauty - who wed The Office star in 2019 after two years of dating - rocked a shiny red manicure and accessorized with a chunky silver bracelet.

Sabrina's cropped brunette hair was swept to one side and she sported a sultry smoky eyeshadow look.

The loved-up duo kept their arms wrapped around one another during their time in front of the cameras.

Ever the charmer, Elba briefly stepped away from his wife to snap selfies with adoring fans at the premiere.

He also got in some photos with co-star Andy Serkis, 58, who plays serial killer David Robey in the forthcoming film.

He looked stylish in a brown suit jacket worn with a classic white button-down shirt and black slacks.

Hunk: The British heartthrob, 50, hit the red carpet ahead of the screening at the Paris Theater in an eye-catching green blazer styled with bold red trousers

Stunner: Elba's wife Sabrina, 34, stunned onlookers as she posed for photographs beside him in a yellow one-shoulder gown

Ready for their close up! The couple also posed for solo shots during their red carpet stint

Fanfare: Ever the charmer, Elba briefly stepped away from his wife to snap selfies with adoring fans at the premiere

Beaming: Elba swooned his fans as he flashed a beaming smile in their direction

The loved-up duo kept their arms wrapped around one another during their time in front of the cameras

Pep in her step: Sabrina stood on strappy heels

A knee-high slit in Sabrina's gown allowed her to showcase her killer legs

Arrival: Elba and his spouse were captured just moments before stepping onto the red carpet

Handsome pair: Illuminated by only street lamps and flashbulbs, the duo still proved to be a handsome pair

Elba was greeted by adoring fans as he arrived at the Paris Theater

Serkis was joined by his wife Lorraine Ashbourne, 62, who flashed the flesh in a see-through blouse styled with black high-waisted pants.

Other attendees included: Laya DeLeon Hayes, Winta Zesu, Kariselle Snow, Yrsa Daley-Ward, Michaela Vybohova, Shanley Caswell, Vika Abbyaeva and Richard Chang.

'Haunted by an unsolved murder, brilliant but disgraced London police detective John Luther breaks out of prison to hunt down a sadistic serial killer,' reads the Netflix synopsis for 'Luther: The Fallen Sun.'

The film has a 2-hour and 10-minute runtime and is slated for a March 10 release.

The UK red carpet premiere took place on March 1 in London, where Elba was also supported by his wife Sabrina and joined by co-star Cynthia Erivo, who was notably absent on Wednesday.

Speaking to Daily Mail's Richard Eden, Elba said that he hopes 'Luther can become its own franchise now and that we duplicate it and make more stories and take it slightly bigger.'

The TV series began in 2010, before ending with its fifth season nine years later.

The fifth and final season of Luther was broadcasted over four consecutive nights in 2019.

Co-star: He also got in some photos with co-star Andy Serkis

Highly-anticipated: Elba steps back into character as DCI John Luther in the highly-anticipated action flick adapted from the hit BBC series; (L-R) Idris Elba, Andy Serkis, Dermot Crowley, Thomas Coombes, Jamie Payne and Neil Cross

Plus one: Serkis was joined by his wife Lorraine Ashbourne, 62, who flashed the flesh in a see-through blouse styled with black high-waisted pants. He looked stylish in a brown suit jacket worn with a classic white button-down shirt and black slacks

Longtime: The couple have been married since 2002

Fabulous: Laya DeLeon Hayes looked fab in a billow high-low dress

Leggy: Winta Zesu and Kariselle Snow put on leggy displays in skimpy looks

Radiant: Yrsa Daley-Ward looked radiant while modeling a vibrant pike midi dress with puff sleeves

Sleek and chic: Michaela Vybohova and Shanley Caswell looked sleek and chic in classic black trousers

Picture perfect: Vika Abbyaeva and Richard Chang looked picture perfect as they took on the red carpet together

Synopsis: 'Haunted by an unsolved murder, brilliant but disgraced London police detective John Luther breaks out of prison to hunt down a sadistic serial killer,' reads the Netflix synopsis for 'Luther: The Fallen Sun'; Elba pictured in the film

Elba previously gave fans a taste of what to expect in the new movie, revealing that it will follow on from his 'haunted' character being sent to prison in the 2019 finale.

'He's done so much to bend the law in order to catch the bad guys that he's ended up in jail,' he told Entertainment Weekly. 'So that's where we start the story. He's contemplating what he's going to do with his life.'

News of the film was confirmed in late 2021 and filming wrapped in April 2022, as confirmed by Elba at the time.

Along with serving as the film's leading man, he is also listed as a producer.
Cole Sprouse was ripped by a number of Twitter users in the wake of controversial remarks he made in an interview about his ex-girlfriend Lili Reinhart on the Call Her Daddy podcast with Alex Cooper Wednesday.

The actor, 30, who dated his Riverdale costar for two years before separating in January 2020, raised eyebrows when he claimed 'almost every one of his girlfriends' have cheated on him, one in a number of surprising sentiments he divulged in the chat.

One user said that the Arezzo, Italy-born entertainer 'has to be so bored with his life that he felt the need to go on the most annoying podcast ever, that is know for slamming others, to talk [about] a relationship thats been over for years!!!'

Another said Sprouse came off as 'very strange' in 'airing out private details about their break up while the show is literally still filming,' 'saying multiple times' that he left Reinhart, 26, and should have done so sooner.

The user asked, 'Hows he doing all that just to go to work the next morning and see her?'

The latest: Cole Sprouse, 30, was ripped by a number of Twitter users in the wake of controversial remarks he made in an interview about his ex girlfriend Lili Reinhart, 26, on the Call Her Daddy podcast with Alex Cooper

Another user noted that Sprouse mishandled the situation from a PR perspective in 'hilarious' fashion, as 'he really went on that podcast to get ahead of everything and thought people were gonna sympathize with him but instead it unleashed so much vitriol and hes getting lashings left and right.'

Some made clear they weren't big fans of the Suite Life of Zack & Cody actor prior to the chat.

'Cole Sprouse has always been lame to me I'm glad everyone is caught up,' one user said, while another described his behavior as 'insufferable.'

While speaking on Call Her Daddy podcast with Alex Cooper, he claimed the pair 'both did a lot of damage to each other'.

Cole was labelled a 'loser' by Twitter users as they called the former Disney star out for 'humiliating Lili on International Woman's Day' with his comments.

The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody star was also heavily criticized for smoking inside throughout the episode as fans claim they got 'second hand embarrassment' from him.

Taking a long drag of his cigarette, Cole told listeners that 'the cliches of dating someone you work with are very much true'.

He said: 'It was really hard. We both did a lot of damage to each other. The work thing got difficult because it was hard to suspend the way we felt about each other and it didn't afford us the luxury of distance to overcome that.

Reaction: One user noted that the interview backfired on Sprouse from a PR perspective

Boredom? Another said that Sprouse needed to move on past the relationship with Reinhart

Perception: Another said Sprouse came off as 'very strange' in 'airing out private details about their break up while the show is literally still filming'

Roundup: Some made clear they weren't big fans of the Suite Life of Zack & Cody actor prior to the chat

Meme: One user compared Sprouse's smoking to a character Fred Armisen played on SNL

'We did a lot of damage to each other': Cole Sprouse has been slammed by fans for 'humiliating' ex Lili Reinhart with interview about their relationship as he smokes indoors

Over: The actor, 30, dated his Riverdale co-star for two years before separating in January 2020, and claimed 'almost every one of his girlfriends' have cheated on him (pictured in 2019)

Happy: Reinhart was snapped at an event in Beverly Hills last fall

'We are good friends now and we work really well together. I'm grateful I got to go through it with her but all the cliches of dating someone you work with are very much true.'

Cole first revealed the pair split 'mutually' but quickly changed his tune admitting 'it was me, I left, it was time'.

He continued: 'It absolutely lasted longer because we worked together. There was a lot of pressure and I think if I had loved myself more I would have left earlier.

'I felt like I had to take care for a lot of people around me. I think the complicated thing is I'm private with my relationship.

'I didn't think the public needed to know about my heartbreak which created a grey airier when I was pictured with other people.'

Cole confirmed the break up in August of 2020, he wrote on Instagram: 'Lili and I initially separated in January of this year, deciding to more permanently split in March.

'What an incredible experience I had, Ill always feel lucky and cherish that I had the chance to fall in love.

'I wish her nothing but the utmost love and happiness moving forward. All Ill say about it, anything else you hear doesnt matter.'

He said: 'It was really hard. We both did a lot of damage to each other. The work thing got difficult because it was hard to suspend the way we felt about each other and it didn't afford us the luxury of distance to overcome that'

'She dodged a bullet': Cole was labelled a 'loser' by Twitter users as they called the former Disney star out for 'humiliating Lili on National Woman's Day' with his comments

Lili came out publicly as bisexual on Instagram later that year.

'Although I've never announced it publicly before, I am a proud bisexual woman,' she shared.

She waited to come out until after their split, detailing on the LGBTQ&A podcast in September: 'I didn't want to put my ex [Sprouse] in a position, it seems like it would have been a little strange to come out when I was in a hetero relationship.'

Cole and Lili first met on set of the CW show Riverdale back in 2016 and fans speculated on their relationship when they got flirty on social media early in 2017 and in interviews together later that same year.

On screen they play Jughead Jones (Spouse) and Betty Cooper (Reihart), two high-schoolers who come from different worlds but find comfort in each other.

Superfans of their hit CW show, were left devastated when the pair called it quits after nearly three years together just before the pandemic.

Cole has since moved on with model Ari Fournier, 23, who he has been with since March 2021.

'The work thing got difficult': Taking a long drag of his cigarette, Cole told listeners that 'the cliches of dating someone you work with are very much true'

'Biggest ick': The Suite Life of Zack and Cody star was heavily criticised for smoking inside throughout the episode as fans claim they got 'second hand embarrassment' from him
Chung Woo-taik, a five-term lawmaker of the ruling People Power Party, speaks to reporters after being chosen as the party's candidate for National Assembly vice speaker during a party meeting at the parliament building in Seoul in this Oct. 25, 2022 file photo. Yonhap



Six lawmakers of the rival parties will visit the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) headquarters later this month at the invitation of NATO's U.S. delegation, officials said Thursday.



Deputy National Assembly Speaker Chung Woo-taik, two lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party and three lawmakers from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea will visit the NATO headquarters as part of a five-day trip to Belgium from March 27-31, according to Chung's aides.



It will mark the first time lawmakers from Asia are visiting the NATO headquarters.






Lionsgate's highly-anticipated John Wick: Chapter 4 held its London premiere on Monday night, along with various press screenings, with critics chiming in with early reactions on social media.

While full reviews are still under embargo until a later date, the early reactions coming through from various critics (compiled by Rotten Tomatoes) are quite positive.

Many critics admitted they were unsure about the sequel's whopping runtime of nearly 3 hours, though the sequel still won over many critics.

Keanu Reeves returns as the title character, with critics praising his performance and also that of franchise newcomer and martial arts legend Donnie Yen.

Some have even gone so far as to call the sequel, directed by Chad Stahelski, as one of the greatest action movies of all time.

Reactions: Lionsgate's highly-anticipated John Wick: Chapter 4 held its London premiere on Monday night, along with various press screenings, with critics chiming in with early reactions on social media

Praise: Keanu Reeves returns as the title character, with critics praising his performance and also that of franchise newcomer and martial arts legend Donnie Yen

SlashFilm's Vanessa Armstrong tweeted, '#JohnWick4 is the best movie I've seen in ages!'

She added, 'It's like a Greek epic that's, yes, full of unparalleled action (and guns), and the set pieces are phenomenal. But it's also about relationships and love.'

'What a breathtaking, heartrending story! I can't wait to see it again,' she concluded.

CinemaBlend's Eric Eisenberg was one of the several critics who was wary of the runtime, but he was clearly won over.

'I had reservations about John Wick: Chapter 4's nearly three hour runtime, but the movie earns it,' he begins.

'It's an epic with smart pacing that never lets the action feel exhausting, and the set pieces are phenomenal. Great cast of series newcomers, but Donnie Yen is the MVP,' he added.

ComicBook.com's Brandon Davis added, '#JohnWick4 absolutely rocks, start to finish. Keanu Reeves finds new ways to impress with stunning action and surrounds himself by incredible franchise newcomers. Chapters 1-3 world-built and Chapter 4 could run with all of it. An epic big screen blast. CINEMA!'

Fresh Fiction's Courtney Howard stated, 'Brawny, bold & badass, #JohnWick4 brilliantly balances vested stakes with an absolutely spectacular, high octane thrill ride. A soaring, searing, scorching chapter in the saga. The wildest time youll have at the movies this year. A pure adrenaline rush.'

Best: SlashFilm's Vanessa Armstrong tweeted, '#JohnWick4 is the best movie I've seen in ages!

Won over: CinemaBlend's Eric Eisenberg was one of the several critics who was wary of the runtime, but he was clearly won over

Rocks: ComicBook.com's Brandon Davis added, '#JohnWick4 absolutely rocks, start to finish. Keanu Reeves finds new ways to impress with stunning action and surrounds himself by incredible franchise newcomers. Chapters 1-3 world-built and Chapter 4 could run with all of it. An epic big screen blast. CINEMA!'

Brawny: Fresh Fiction's Courtney Howard stated, 'Brawny, bold & badass, #JohnWick4 brilliantly balances vested stakes with an absolutely spectacular, high octane thrill ride. A soaring, searing, scorching chapter in the saga. The wildest time youll have at the movies this year. A pure adrenaline rush'

Howard added in another tweet, 'As for the heavy in #JohnWick4, Bill Skarsgard is great at building depth and dimension into his ostentatious, arrogant, weaselly character. Playing an opportunist, Shamier Anderson is skilled at delivering a duality to his role. He's got fantastic Movie Moments with the dog.'

The Playlist's Simon Thompson added, '#JohnWick4 is action cinema at its finest. This breathtaking, bloody and ballistic ballet delivers a bone-crunching crescendo to one of the greatest action franchises of all time. Pure power, #JohnWick4 is as exhilarating as it is exhausting. Reeves' Wick transcends icon status.'

The Wrap's Scott Mendelson added, '#JohnWick4 is, at least from a technical pov, one of the greatest Hollywood action movies ever made. It's visually gorgeous w/ stunningly complicated & creative setpieces. I honestly don't know how they safely did some of these scenes. It's a towering artistic achievement.'

Collider's Therese Lascon added, '#JohnWick4 is an action-packed, bloody, kill-fest, and that's what makes it good! I normally dont love so much action in my movies but Stahelski makes every frame count. Yes, its ridiculous. Yes, its video game logic. Yes, its extra as hell. Yes, I will be watching again!'

Insider's Kristen Acuna added, '#JohnWick4 is a bloody good time. Great action and fight sequences. Donnie Yen is an INCREDIBLE addition to the franchise. He's a highlight of the film. Lots of surprises in this one that's going to deliver a divisive ending. See this one in IMAX.'

Brandon Davis added in another tweet, 'Donnie Yen, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Rina Sawayama are all scene stealers. Each has so much style, charisma, and talent on display to enrich the film as a whole. Chad Stahelski also upped his game and droped one of my favorite action scenes, ever. You'll know it.'

Acuna also seemed to reference possibly the same scene, stating, 'There's one action sequence I kept thinking about long after the film ended thats SO well made. Wanted to rewind and rewatch it instantly. Definitely going to be a fan-favorite. A few of the action sequences in this one will make fans really happy.'

John Wick: Chapter 4 is slated to hit theaters nationwide on March 24.

More praise: Howard added in another tweet, 'As for the heavy in #JohnWick4, Bill Skarsgard is great at building depth and dimension into his ostentatious, arrogant, weaselly character. Playing an opportunist, Shamier Anderson is skilled at delivering a duality to his role. He's got fantastic Movie Moments with the dog;

Cinema: The Playlist's Simon Thompson added, '#JohnWick4 is action cinema at its finest. This breathtaking, bloody and ballistic ballet delivers a bone-crunching crescendo to one of the greatest action franchises of all time. Pure power, #JohnWick4 is as exhilarating as it is exhausting. Reeves' Wick transcends icon status.'

Greatest: The Wrap's Scott Mendelson added, '#JohnWick4 is, at least from a technical pov, one of the greatest Hollywood action movies ever made. It's visually gorgeous w/ stunningly complicated & creative setpieces. I honestly don't know how they safely did some of these scenes. It's a towering artistic achievement'

Action-packed: Collider's Therese Lascon added, '#JohnWick4 is an action-packed, bloody, kill-fest, and that's what makes it good! I normally dont love so much action in my movies but Stahelski makes every frame count. Yes, its ridiculous. Yes, its video game logic. Yes, its extra as hell. Yes, I will be watching again!'

Bloody: Insider's Kristen Acuna added, '#JohnWick4 is a bloody good time. Great action and fight sequences. Donnie Yen is an INCREDIBLE addition to the franchise. He's a highlight of the film. Lots of surprises in this one that's going to deliver a divisive ending. See this one in IMAX'

Favorite: Brandon Davis added in another tweet, 'Donnie Yen, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Rina Sawayama are all scene stealers. Each has so much style, charisma, and talent on display to enrich the film as a whole. Chad Stahelski also upped his game and droped one of my favorite action scenes, ever. You'll know it'
She is busy shooting an R-rated rom-com in Australia.

And Sydney Sweeney stripped down to a yellow bikini as she filmed scenes on a boat in Sydney Harbour with her co-star Glen Powell on Thursday.

The Euphoria actress, 25, was seen packing on the PDA with Glen, 34, before suddenly hitting him in the crotch.

She looked sensational in the floral two-piece, which drew attention to her toned tummy and famously ample chest.

Sydney swept her trademark blonde hair into a ponytail, allowing a fringe to frame her face.

Sydney Sweeney hit her co-star Glen Powell in the crotch as they filmed scenes for their new rom-com on a boat in Sydney Harbour on Thursday

The Euphoria actress, 25, wore a yellow bikini as she filmed scenes alongside her co-star Glen

Meanwhile, a shirtless Glen showed off his ripped abs in a pair of black boardshorts.

After getting punched in the groin, he jumped into the water and Sydney sat on the edge of the boat chatting to him.

Sydney has been spotted around the Harbour City filming her latest project - first in Surry Hills and then in Double Bay.

Her yet-to-be-titled romantic comedy is directed by Will Gluck, who helmed popular rom-coms Easy A and Friends with Benefits.

The pair was seen packing on the PDA before Sydney embraced Glen and hit him in the crotch

Sydney looked sensational in the floral two-piece, which drew attention to her toned body

She swept her trademark blonde hair into a ponytail, allowing a fringe to frame her face

Details of the R-rated film's plot are being kept under wraps, but the cast will include the likes of Bryan Brown, Michelle Hurd, Hadley Robinson and Darren Barnet.

The project is expected to bring AUD$41 million into the New South Wales economy, as well as creating more than 440 jobs for the cast and crew.

'After two wonderful experiences on the Peter Rabbit movies, my family and I have a deep connection to Sydney and Australia,' Gluck told IF of the project.

A shirtless Glen showed off his ripped abs in a pair of black boardshorts

After getting punched in the groin, he jumped into the water and Sydney sat on the edge of the boat chatting to him

Sydney has been spotted around the Harbour City filming her latest project - first in Surry Hills then in Double Bay

Sydney previously admitted she felt 'embarrassed' by her body growing up, telling British GQ: 'I never wanted to change in the locker room. I think that I put on this weird persona other people had of me because of my body.'

'I had boobs before other girls and I felt ostracised for it,' she added.

'So I did play every sport and I studied really hard and I did everything that people wouldn't think I would do, to show them that my body doesn't define who I am.'

She is best known for her racy role on the teen series Euphoria, but she has recently been promoting her latest film Reality.

Reality is based on true events that took place in the life of a woman named Reality Winner in 2017.

Her yet-to-be-titled romantic comedy is directed by Will Gluck, who helmed popular rom-coms Easy A and Friends with Benefits

The project is expected to bring AUD$41 million into the New South Wales economy, as well as creating more than 440 jobs for the cast and crew
Oscar winner Jessica Chastain looked emotional as she emerged from the Hudson Theatre in Manhattan on Wednesday following the final preview of her Broadway play A Doll's House.

The Sacramento native - turning 46 this month - was still wearing her microphone and costume (a dark midi-sleeved, tea-length dress and booties) as she got some air right outside the back door of the stage.

Jessica's character Nora Helmer abandons her husband Torvald (Succession's Arian Moayed) and three children at the end of Henrik Ibsen's proto-feminist masterwork originally set in a small Norwegian town circa 1879.

'It's very, very exciting to me - examining Nora from this modern lens of what a woman in today's society is,' Chastain told Playbill last Friday.

'I like [director Jamie Lloyd and playwright Amy Herzog's reimagining] because everyone is responsible in this version. I hope when the audience comes to see it, they don't see it as, "Oh, this man has oppressed this woman. And he's a bad guy. And now, she's free to go experience the world."'

Opening night tomorrow! Oscar winner Jessica Chastain looked emotional as she emerged from the Hudson Theatre in Manhattan on Wednesday following the final preview of her Broadway play A Doll's House

The George & Tammy producer-star continued: '[Amy] makes it just feel so real and so honest and so personal. The language feels like it belongs to everyone in the room. I find it to be incredibly inspiring to work on. I don't have to manufacture, I don't have to dig deep.

'I can just simply say the words and allow them to take me to places that I hadn't planned out. And that's a gift as an actor, to get that kind of text. I mean it. Whole-heartedly.'

According to THR - the Ambassador Theatre Group amassed $811,261 in its first full week of previews, which started February 13, and it officially opens this Thursday and runs through June 10.

But Jessica - who took a tumble at the SAG Awards - will let one of her two understudies take over the role this Sunday so that she can fly to Hollywood to present the best actor Oscar onstage the Dolby Theatre during the 95th Academy Awards.

It's been over a decade since Chastain made her Broadway debut as Catherine Sloper in The Heiress, which ran for three months at the Walter Kerr Theatre.

On the personal front, the Golden Globe winner welcomed two children via surrogate during her five-year marriage to FIOL co-founder Gian Luca Passi de Preposulo.

Jessica originally met the 41-year-old Italian count in 2012 while he was working as director of public relations for Armani.

Turning 46 this month! The Sacramento native was still wearing her microphone and costume (a dark midi-sleeved, tea-length dress and booties) as she got some air right outside the back door of the stage

Method moment? Jessica's character Nora Helmer abandons her husband Torvald (Succession's Arian Moayed) and three children at the end of Henrik Ibsen's proto-feminist masterwork originally set in a small Norwegian town circa 1879

Curtain call: The Ambassador Theatre Group amassed $811,261 in its first full week of previews, which started February 13, and it officially opens this Thursday and runs through June 10 (pictured March 1)

Chastain told Playbill last Friday: 'I like [director Jamie Lloyd (L, pictured March 1) and playwright Amy Herzog's reimagining] because everyone is responsible in this version. I hope when the audience comes to see it, they don't see it as, "Oh, this man has oppressed this woman. And he's a bad guy. And now, she's free to go experience the world"'

The George & Tammy producer-star (L, pictured March 1) continued: 'It's very, very exciting to me - examining Nora from this modern lens of what a woman in today's society is'
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I Dream of Jeannie star Barbara Eden looked glamorous as ever while attending the Remus Pre Award Tea Time event held at The Beverly Hills Hotel on Wednesday.

The actress, 91, showed off her seemingly ageless visage and fit form in a silk navy blouse, which she paired with black slacks and matching heels.

The Hollywood veteran - who previously opened up about the loss of her son to an accidental heroin overdose -wore her blonde tresses lightly curled, and accessorized her stylish look with a black clutch and a necklace featuring a dark gem in the middle.

Eden got her start guest-starring on several shows in the 1950s like I Love Lucy, Perry Mason and Gunsmoke before her first starring role as Loco Jones in the 1957 series How to Marry a Millionaire.

She continued to work in both movies (Twelve Hours to Kill, From the Terrace) and TV (Burke's Law, Rawhide) before landing her breakthrough role in I Dream of Jeanie.

Looking incredible! I Dream of Jeannie star Barbara Eden, 91, looked glamorous as ever while attending the Remus Pre Award Tea Time event held at The Beverly Hills Hotel on Wednesday

Her signature pose: While on the red carpet the actress did her signature genie pose, with her arms crossed in front of her

Claim to fame: The actress landed her breakthrough role in I Dream of Jeanie, which debuted in 1965, and followed Eden as a genie named Jeannie who is discovered by an astronaut (Larry Hagman). The show ran five seasons to 1970; Pictured in a still

The show debuted in 1965, following Eden as a genie named Jeannie who is discovered by an astronaut (Larry Hagman), which ran for five seasons until 1970.

As for glam, the star opted for dramatic eyelashes and a touch of pink lipstick for the event.

While on the red carpet the actress did her signature genie pose, with her arms crossed in front of her.

Real estate broker Marcel Remus joined her, doing his own rendition of the iconic pose. Remus looked handsome in a grey suit worn over a white T-shirt.

Eden was also seen mingling with The Young and the Restless star Kate Linder, 75, on the red carpet.

Linder looked chic in a navy and silver floral gown, which she paired with sparkling navy heels.

David Hasselhoff's daughter Hayley Hasselhoff, 30, was a bright sight in a vivid red gown with tassel sleeve details.

Hayley wore her blonde tresses in a high ponytail and accessorized with gold earrings. The star sported sparkling eyeshadow on her lids, and big eyelashes drawing attention to her magnetic eyes.

Ageless beauty: The actress showed off her seemingly ageless visage and fit form in a silk navy blouse, which she paired with black slacks and matching heels

Iconic: Real estate broker Marcel Remus joined her, doing his own rendition of the iconic pose. Remus looked handsome in a grey suit worn over a white T-shirt

Mingling: She was also seen mingling with The Young and the Restless star Kate Linder, 75, on the red carpet

Red hot: David Hasselhoff's daughter Hayley Hasselhoff, 30, was a bright sight in a vivid red gown with tassel sleeve details

Blondie: Hayley wore her blonde tresses in a high ponytail and accessorized with gold earrings. The star sported sparkling eyeshadow on her lids, and big eyelashes drawing attention to her magnetic eyes

Stunner: Selling Sunset star Davina Potratz showed off her toned legs in a black and silver mini dress and black heels

Stylish gals: While on the red carpet she posed with Isabella Bond and Marie-Lou Nurk, who also showcased their legs in sultry outfits

Lovely: Gossip Girl star Kelly Rutherford, 54, was a vision in a lengthy white floral dress with bow details. Meanwhile German-American television actress Elisabeth Rohm, 49, was elegant in a monochrome dress with silver heels

Touch of gold: She accessorized the outfit with large gold earrings and a diamond ring

Selling Sunset star Davina Potratz showed off her toned legs in a black and silver mini dress and black heels.

She wore her long brunette tresses parted in the middle and cascading down in curls, and added a pop of color to her looks with light green eyeshadow.

While on the red carpet she posed with Isabella Bond and Marie-Lou Nurk.

Bond showed off her incredible figure in a form-fitting black dress with transparent panels, which she paired with chunky black boots.

Meanwhile Marie-Lou put her toned abs on display in a glittering pink bandeau top, and matching shiny baby blue skirt.

Jason Oppenheim's girlfriend accessorized with a chainlink silver purse and open-toe heels.

Daytime soap opera icon Morgan Fairchild, 73, stunned at the event, wearing an iridescent mint and gold pantsuit.

The beauty paired the look with a gold clutch and matching gold sandal heels. She further sparkled up the outfit with a chunky gold necklace and earrings.

Glamorous: Daytime soap opera icon Morgan Fairchild, 73, stunned at the event, wearing an iridescent mint and gold pantsuit

Sparkling: The beauty paired the look with a gold clutch and matching gold sandal heels. She further sparkled up the outfit with a chunky gold necklace and earrings

Making the rounds: Morgan posed with Marcel at the event

Va va voom! Red Sonja star Brigitte Nielsen, 59, put on an eye-popping display in a plunging bright orange dress with a feather trim

Gossip Girl star Kelly Rutherford, 54, was a vision in a lengthy white floral dress with bow details.

The beauty paired the ensemble with white heels and a matching white purse.

German-American television actress Elisabeth Rohm, 49, was elegant in a monochrome dress with silver heels. She accessorized the outfit with large gold earrings and a diamond ring.

Red Sonja star Brigitte Nielsen, 59, put on an eye-popping display in a plunging bright orange dress with a feather trim.

Brigitte teamed the look with brown-tinted sunglasses and a pair of orange and pink heels.

Brigitte and Marcel were also pictured with German Television presenter Frauke Ludowig at the event.

Inside the fancy soiree Morgan and Barbara sat side by side and were seen catching up.

The iconic ladies were also seen mingling with Marcel and Kate.

Inside: The stars mingled inside as they enjoyed the party

Close: Morgan and Barbara sat side by side and were seen catching up at the fancy soiree
She is known for her age-defying beauty.

And new A Current Affair host Allison Langdon, 43, looked stunning makeup free as she visited a trendy cafe in Bronte, Sydney, on Thursday.

The Channel Nine beauty was barefaced as she grabbed her morning coffee and bumped into outgoing Channel Ten star, Dr Chris Brown.

Ally kept it casual in a navy T-shirt and tied her blonde locks back into a ponytail to show off her clear complexion.

Dr Brown was also casual in a black T-shirt, white shorts and white trainers.

New A Current Affair host Allison Langdon, 43, looked stunning makeup free as she went to a trendy cafe in Bronte, Sydney, on Thursday.

The Channel Nine beauty was barefaced as she grabbed her morning coffee and bumped into outgoing Channel Ten star, Dr Chris Brown

Ally kept it casual in a navy T-shirt and tied her blonde locks back into a ponytail to show off her clear complexion

The pair were spotted chatting and smiling with one another as they enjoyed some downtime from their hectic schedules.

Ally ditched her early morning wake up calls as a Today show host and began her new role as presenter of A Current Affair last month.

During her short time in the hosting chair famously occupied by Tracy Grimshaw for 17 years, Ally's performance is already receiving glowing praise from insiders at Channel Nine.

She has particularly impressed Nine executives with her proactive nature and willingness to go above and beyond.

'Ally has turned the place upside down  it's the birth of a new era with fresh, amazing energy in the building, and it's only been a week!' a source told New Idea.

'She's very hands-on and wants to write her own scripts. She also insists on doing at least six interviews a week.'

Channel Nine confirmed in December that Ally would be quitting the Today Show and replacing outgoing ACA host Grimshaw.

Ally ditched her early morning wake up calls as a Today show host and began her new role as presenter of A Current Affair last month

The pair were spotted chatting and smiling with one another as they enjoyed some downtime from their hectic schedules

Ally hosted her last-ever Today show in December. She broke down in tears as Stefanovic paid an emotional tribute to his 'dear friend' and co-host of almost three years

60 Minutes reporter Sarah Abo has replaced her on Today alongside Karl Stefanovic.

Ally hosted her last-ever Today show in December.

She broke down in tears as Stefanovic paid an emotional tribute to his 'dear friend' and co-host of almost three years.

The mother of two choked up as Stefanovic said she was the perfect fit to step into her late father-in-law Mike Willesee's shoes on A Current Affair.
Isla Fisher admitted she slept with her husband Sacha Baron Cohen while he was dressed as his character Borat, in a resurfaced interview from 2016.

The Australian actress, 47, was a guest on The Late Late Show with James Corden and was jokingly asked a raunchy question by actor Ewan McGregor.

'Has your husband Sacha ever done a character in bed? And if so, which one?' he cheekily asked her.

The former Home and Away star burst into laughter and admitted they had made love while he was dressed as Borat.

'He's had a handlebar moustache and he's been Borat, or he's had Bruno's blonde hair,' she continued.

Isla Fisher admitted she slept with her husband Sacha Baron Cohen (pictured together) while he was dressed as his character Borat, in a resurfaced interview from 2016

The Australian actress, 47, was a guest on The Late Late Show with James Corden and was asked: 'Has your husband ever done a character in bed and if so, which one?'

'Sacha's been in characters visually, but I've never heard [Borat's catchphrase] "woo woo wee woo",' she added.

Cohen achieved global fame in 2006 when he starred in the satirical mockumentary Borat, playing a journalist from Kazakhstan learning about life in America.

Last year, Isla revealed she fell head over heels for Sacha the first time they met.

She appeared on The Project, where host Lisa Wilkinson informed her that her comedian husband had recently claimed it was love at first sight for him, but not for her.

Cohen achieved global fame in 2006 when he starred in the satirical mockumentary Borat, playing a journalist from Kazakhstan learning about life in America

'I don't know why [he said that], he was joking!' the Wedding Crashers star replied, laughing.

'I totally loved him right away. I mean I knew it was definitely love at first sight,' she added.

The pair celebrated their 20th anniversary in December.

Isla and UK-born Sacha met at a party in Sydney in 2002 and married eight years later.
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Halle Bailey and Julia Garner were dressed to the nines on Wednesday night as they led stars at Vanity Fair's 'A Night for Young Hollywood' event in Los Angeles.

Bailey, 22, was red hot in a skimpy scarlet dress that clung to her busty figure and featured daring cut-outs that exposed her taut tummy.

Meanwhile, Garner, 29, went full mod in a white high neck shift dress with large black polkadots on the front.

The quirky number stopped just before the Ozark actress' knees allowing her to show off her funky white go-go boots.

The annual soiree was held at Mes Amis, a swanky LA destination that 'draws inspiration from the golden era of Hollywood.'

Star-studded: Halle Bailey and Julia Garner were dressed to the nines on Wednesday night as they led stars at Vanity Fair's 'A Night for Young Hollywood' event in Los Angeles. The annual soiree was held at Mes Amis , a swanky LA destination that 'draws inspiration from the golden era of Hollywood'

Halle wowed onlookers as she smoldered for the camera in her figure flaunting look.

It flowed to the floor, concealing her shoes from view from shutterbugs.

The Ariel actress's brunette hair was worn in long braids and she accessorized with sparkly earrings.

The natural beauty had a radiant glow and amped up her flirty gaze with black eyeliner and fluffy faux lashes.

Julia delivered Goldie Hawn glam in her retro getup that flattered her Twiggy-esque figure.

The Emmy Award-winner's cropped bleach blonde hair was slicked to one side and secured with black bobby pins.

As for makeup, Julia rocked a glossy nude lip and smoked out eyeliner that made her blue eyes pop.

Her makeup artist topped off the look with peach blush and a bold, sculpted brow.

She was joined by husband Mark Foster, who she wed back in 2019 after less than two years of dating.

Julia posed with one hand tucked in the pocket of her dress and wrapped her arm around the handsome musician, 39.

Wow! Halle wowed onlookers as she smoldered for the camera in her figure flaunting look

Glam: The natural beauty had a radiant glow and amped up her flirty gaze with black eyeliner and fluffy faux lashes

Stunner: The Ariel actress's brunette hair was worn in long braids and she accessorized with sparkly earrings

Mod moment: Meanwhile, Garner, 29, went full mod in a white high neck shift dress with large black polkadots on the front

Details: As for makeup, Julia rocked a glossy nude lip and smoked out eyeliner that made her blue eyes pop

Blast from the past: Julia delivered Goldie Hawn glam in her retro getup that flattered her Twiggy-esque figure

Plus one: She was joined by husband Mark Foster, who she wed back in 2019 after less than two years of dating

Dynamic duo: Julia posed with one hand tucked in the pocket of her dress and wrapped her arm around the handsome musician, 39

Julia Schlaepfer, who starred in the Netflix series The Politician, bared her sculpted abs in a beige mock neck top styled with a matching pencil skirt.

The blonde beauty wore her tresses in swept up curls and paraded around the venue in transparent heels with a chic pointed toe.

Bailee Madison - who stars in Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin - rocked a glitzy red accordion dress as she posed up with her beau Blake Richardson.

Alexa Barajas, Kevin Alves, and Samantha Hanratty posed for a group shot as they took on the red carpet as a trio.

Madison Bailey glittered in a mock neck dress covered in green-gold beaded vine design against nude fabric.

The eye-catching garment hugged the star's figure and coordinated with her shiny gold metallic heels.

The Outer Banks actress' rocked a curly half up, half down style and a glowy makeup look that included a glossy lip and sultry eye.

She put on a loved-up display with her girlfriend Mariah Linney, who she has been dating since 2020.

Beatrice Granno rocked an eye-catching white hooded dress with a plunging neckline that allowed only the banged of her cropped brunette hair peek through.

Lorraine Nicholson looked incredible in a black velvet plunging dress that ruched at the waist.

Ab fab: Julia Schlaepfer, who starred in the Netflix series The Politician, bared her sculpted abs in a beige mock neck top styled with a matching pencil skirt. The blonde beauty wore her tresses in swept up curls and paraded around the venue in transparent heels with a chic pointed toe

Glitz: Bailee Madison - who stars in Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin - rocked a glitzy red accordion dress as she posed up with her beau Blake Richardson

Three is NOT a crowd! Alexa Barajas, Kevin Alves, and Samantha Hanratty posed for a group shot as they took on the red carpet as a trio

Glittery: Madison Bailey glittered in a mock neck dress covered in green-gold beaded vine design against nude fabric. The eye-catching garment hugged the star's figure and coordinated with her shiny gold metallic heels

Glam: The Outer Banks actress' rocked a curly half up, half down style and a glowy makeup look

Lovebirds: She put on a loved-up display with her girlfriend Mariah Linney, who she has been dating since 2020

Nepo hunks: Pierce Brosnan's sons Paris and Dylan looked suave in slacks and suit jackets

Femme: Paris was joined by his girlfriend Alex Lee-Aillo, who stunned in a baby pink dress with a mesh overlay and sheer bodice that highlighted her toned tummy

Beatrice Granno rocked an eye-catching white hooded dress with a plunging neckline that allowed only the banged of her cropped brunette hair peek through

Velvet vixen: Lorraine Nicholson looked incredible in a black velvet plunging dress that ruched at the waist

Classic: She completed the look with black heels and a bold red lip and manicure

Pierce Brosnan's sons Paris and Dylan looked suave in slacks and suit jackets.

Paris was joined by his girlfriend Alex Lee-Aillo, who stunned in a baby pink dress with a mesh overlay and sheer bodice that highlighted her toned tummy.

'Meet the stars of today and tomorrow. This dynamic dozen have captivated us with full-tilt portrayals of icons, heroes, villains, dukes, boxers, brooding chefs, and more. Now, first-time Hollywood cover stars,' according to Vanity Fair.

The iconic magazine described it as the 'after-party of our dreams.'
Chaim Topol, a leading Israeli actor who charmed generations of theatergoers and movie-watchers with his portrayal of Tevye, the long-suffering and charismatic milkman in Fiddler on the Roof, has died at 87 in Tel Aviv, Israeli leaders said Thursday.

The cause was not immediately released, as Topol had battled Alzheimer's disease for years.

A recipient of two Golden Globe awards and nominee for both an Academy Award and a Tony Award, Topol long has ranked among Israel's most decorated actors. Among his roles, he starred as James Bond's foil-turned-ally Milos Columbo in For Your Eyes Only alongside Roger Moore.

More recently in 2015, he was celebrated for his contributions to film and culture with the Israel Prize for lifetime achievement, his countrys most prestigious honor.

Up until a few years ago, he remained involved in theater and said he still fielded requests to play Tevye.

RIP: Chaim Topol, a leading Israeli actor who charmed generations of theatergoers and movie-watchers with his portrayal of Tevye, the long-suffering and charismatic milkman in Fiddler on the Roof, has died at 87 in Tel Aviv, Israeli leaders said Thursday. Pictured in LA in 2009

Topol got his start in acting in a theatrical troupe in the Israeli army in the 1950s, where he met his future wife Galia.

His first major breakthrough was the lead role in the 1964 hit Israeli film Sallah Shabati, about the hardships of Middle Eastern immigrants to Israel. The film made history as the first Israeli film to earn an Academy Award nomination and also gave Topol his first Golden Globe Award.

Two years later, he made his English-language film debut alongside Kirk Douglas in Cast a Giant Shadow.

But the role of his life arrived in the long-running musical Fiddler on the Roof, in which he played the dairyman protagonist, Tevye, a Jewish father trying to maintain his family's cultural traditions despite the turmoil gripping their Russian shtetl.

With his rich voice, folkish witticisms and commanding stage presence, Topol's Tevye, driving his horse-drawn buggy and delivering milk, butter and eggs to the rich, became a popular hero in Israel and around the world.

After years of playing Tevye on stage in London and on Broadway, he scored the lead role in the 1971 Norman Jewison-directed film version, winning the Golden Globe award for lead actor and being nominated for a Best Actor Academy Award. He lost out to Gene Hackman in The French Connection.

Topol played the part more than 3,500 times on stage, most recently in 2009. With the help of heavy makeup and costume work, he first portrayed the much older, burlier dairyman in his 30s and quite literally aged into the role.

Topol faced tough competition securing the role in Jewison's hit film - scores of talents have played Tevye in over a dozen languages since Fiddler on the Roof first appeared. Topol has said his personal experience as the descendant of Russian Jews helped him relate to Tevye and deepen his performance.

Topol played the part of Tevye more than 3,500 times on stage, most recently in 2009. He was pictured in the 1971 film

Topol was nominated for a Best Actor Academy Award for his efforts in the adapted musical

The veteran entertainer was pictured in London at an event in December of 2013

The late entertainer was fondly remembered by a number of people as news of his passing spread.

'RIP Topol. There could only ever be one Fiddler on the Roof,' actor Cary Elwes said. 'What joys I experienced as a child watching him work & spending time with his family. He was truly larger than life. A great husband to his wife, Galia, and a great father to his children. My heart breaks for them.'

Lawyer Arsen Ostrovsky wrote, 'Tradition! So sad, 'Tevye' is gone, as legendary Israeli performer Chaim Topol, dies age 87. May his memory be always blessed and his films & performances continue to entertain and inspire us!'

Said actor Alan Mehdizadeh: 'Because of Topol, Ive wanted to play Tevye for over 20 years, If I Were a Rich Man was my first choice audition song any time it was appropriate (or even if it wasnt). Chaim Topol will always stand as one of the finest character actors to have ever graced the stage & screen.'

The organization Stand With Us said in a tweet: 'We are saddened to learn about the death of Israeli actor Chaim Topol, who passed away this week at the age of 87. Topol became well-known around the world for his portrayal of Tevye in the film version of Fiddler on the Roof. May his memory and legacy forever be a blessing.'

Israeli leaders on Thursday tweeted their memories and condolences to Topol's family.

Israel's ceremonial president, Isaac Herzog hailed Topol as 'one of the most outstanding Israeli actors,' who 'filled the movie screens with his presence and above all entered deep into our hearts.'

Benny Gantz, Israel's former minister of defense, praised Topol for helping Israelis connect to their roots: 'We laughed and cried at the same time over the deepest wounds of Israeli society.'

Yair Lapid, head of Israel's opposition, said Topol taught Israelis 'love of culture and love of the land.'

Topol's charity, Jordan River Village, also announced his death, paying tribute to him as an 'inspiration' whose 'legacy will continue for generations to come.'

The venerated entertainer was pictured in April of 1974 in the U.K.

Topol was pictured in June of 1981 opposite Ali MacGraw in the ABC miniseries The Winds of War

In 2015, Topol was celebrated for his contributions to film and culture with the Israel Prize for lifetime achievement, his country's most prestigious honor

In 2015, on the occasion of accepting the Israel prize for lifetime achievement, Topol traced his meteoric rise from modest beginnings to worldwide fame.

'I wasnt brought up in Hollywood. I was brought up in a kibbutz,' he said. 'Sometimes I am surprised when I come to China or when I come to Tokyo or when I come to France or when I come wherever and the clerk at the immigration says "Topol, Topol, are you Topol?"'

Topol also starred in more than 30 other movies, including as the lead in Galileo, Dr. Hans Zarkov in Flash Gordon and James Bond's foil-turned-ally Milos Columbo in For Your Eyes Only alongside Roger Moore.

But he became synonymous with just one role - Tevye. Pouring his heart out about his impoverished Jewish community over the years, Topol made audiences laugh and cry from Broadway and West End stages.

'How many people are known for one part? How many people in my profession are known worldwide?' he told the AP. 'Im not complaining.'

Yet Topol said he sometimes needed to look outside of acting to find meaning in his life. He devoted much of his later years to charity as chairman of the board of Jordan River Village, a camp serving Middle Eastern children with life-threatening diseases.

'I am interested in charities and find it more fulfilling than running from one (acting) part to another,' he said. 'When you are successful in a film and the money flows, yes, obviously, it is very nice. But to tell you that is the most important thing, I am not sure.'

Topol is survived by his wife, three children and multiple grandchildren.

Actor Cary Elwes called the late entertainer as a figure 'truly larger than life'

Actor Alan Mehdizadeh called Topol 'one of the finest character actors to have ever graced the stage & screen'
Vanderpump Rules star Raquel Leviss revealed she is not focused on defining her relationship with Tom Sandoval, a week after their months-long affair was exposed.

After facing substantial backlash for 'hooking up' with her close friend Ariana Madix's boyfriend, the reality star, 28, explained where she stands with the restaurateur, 39.

'Besides the indefensible circumstances surrounding our relationship, my feelings for Tom have always been sincere and born out of a loving friendship,' she told People.

The former pageant queen continued: 'Knowing how many people we hurt, I need to understand my choices and learn to make better ones.'

'I need to take care of my health, work on self growth and take time to be ok with being alone,' the TV personality stated. 'I care for Tom and I don't want to label anything or predict what lies ahead. Right now I need to heal.'

Prioritizing her health: Vanderpump Rules star Raquel Leviss revealed she is not focused on defining her relationship with Tom Sandoval, a week after their months-long affair was exposed

Her latest interview comes after issuing a public apology to Madix on Instagram.

'I want to apologize for my actions and my choices foremost to Ariana, and to my friends and the fans so invested in our relationships. There is no excuse, I am not a victim and I must own my actions and I deeply regret hurting Ariana,' Leviss wrote.

She went on to say that she has sought out professional help in the hopes she could break the cycle of relationship dysfunction.

Leviss explained: 'I am reflecting on my choices, speaking to a counselor and I am learning things about myself such as my patterns of codependency and addiction to being and feeling loved.

'I have sought emotional validation through intimate connections that are not healthy without regard for my own well-being, sometimes negatively affecting others and often prioritizing the intimate connection over my friendships. I am taking steps to understand my behavior and make healthier choices.'

She went on allege that though she is well-aware that she signed on to be part of the cast of a Bravo reality show, she has fallen out with her social circle, received death threats, and even claims to have been physically assaulted.

Leviss said: 'Although I chose to be on a reality show accepting the good and bad that comes with it, beyond my own actions I have been physically assaulted, lost friendships, received death threats and hate emails in addition to having had my privacy violated.'

The social media influencer finished off her message by declaring that she is in the midst of seeking professional help and is hoping to be the best version of herself at the end of all of this.

Focusing on herself: After facing substantial backlash for 'hooking up' with her friend Ariana Madix's boyfriend, the reality star, 28, explained where she stands with the restaurateur, 39; seen in 2023

Leviss concluded: 'I have begun counseling to end my unhealthy behavioral cycle, learn to set stronger emotional boundaries and learn to protect my mental health. I don't expect sympathy, understanding or forgiveness.

'Right now I must focus on my own health and well-being and as I strive to be a better person moving forward, I will prioritize my mental health and learn from my mistakes.'

Just a day earlier, Sandoval apologized for cheating on Madix in a statement he issued Tuesday evening, days after her name was omitted from his first public comment on the matter.

Sandoval, who was caught cheating on Madix, 37, with Leviss took to Instagram with a detailed statement after receiving blowback in the wake of his affair coming to light.

'I need to take care of my health, work on self growth and take time to be ok with being alone,' the TV personality stated. 'I care for Tom and I don't want to label anything or predict what lies ahead. Right now I need to heal' (pictured in February 2023)

'I want to first and foremost apologize to everyone Ive hurt through this process,' he said. 'Most of all, I want to apologize to Ariana. I made mistakes, I was selfish, and made reckless decisions that hurt somebody I love. No one deserves to feel that pain so traumatically in publicly.'

He continued: 'I can only imagine how devastating this has been for Ariana and everyone around us. I feel really horrible about that. My biggest regret is that I dishonored Ariana. I never meant to disappoint so many people, including our loving family and friends.'

Sandoval said his 'love for Ariana was stronger than any camera could have ever captured' and some of their 'best times together were never filmed.

He added: 'The same goes for some of our biggest struggles. I wish things happened in a different order in our relationship was not severely tarnished, and that it ended with the same respect for her that begin with. I owed Ariana better.'

Sandoval wrapped up in saying, 'I am beyond sad that it ended the way it did. The choices I made hurt so many people.

'I acted in a way that clashes with who and how I want to be. I will continue to reflect and work on myself. I have work to do I always have and I always will.'

In other developments, Sandoval was snapped heading to therapy on Tuesday, amid reports he took his first onscreen kiss with Leviss following his split.

Sandoval was seen at a Los Angeles office that is 'home to many therapy and psychotherapy offices,' insiders told TMZ Tuesday, noting that he spent about two hours inside.

'My biggest regret is that I dishonored Ariana': Sandoval expressed contrition for hurting his partner of nine years in an Instagram statement

The source told the outlet that the meeting wasn't anything out of the ordinary for the reality star restaurateur, who 'was in therapy long before this scandal' in which his longtime relationship with Madix crumbled after it was revealed he had cheated on her with Leviss.

In related news an insider told Page Six on Tuesday that Sandoval and Leviss 'kissed on camera' for the Bravo series amid their 'complicated' relationship while filming at Leviss' apartment in North Hollywood, California on Saturday.

Sandoval's outing came a day after Andy Cohen on Monday said he suspects there could have be something going on between Sandoval and Leviss as far back as last fall, during festivities at BravoCon in New York City in October.

The Bravo host-producer, 54, speculated on the timeframe of the affair - in which Sandoval cheated on longtime girlfriend Ariana Madix - on his Radio Andy show Monday on SiriusXM, as details of the fallout made headlines.

Sandoval was seen playing a set at BravoCon October 15 in NYC. Cohen on Monday said video from he event indicated that Madix - and Leviss - were watching Sandoval intently onstage

He noted that amid the 'reverberating' scandal, video captured at the event indicated that Madix - and Leviss - were watching Sandoval intently as he played with his band at the event in the Big Apple.

Cohen noted that the answers Leviss gave earlier this month on his show Watch What Happens Live, during a quiz sketch with with Scheana Shay, 37, provided an insight into the way she viewed the restauranteur-musician.

'We played a game called the BFF test,' Cohen said. 'I read a statement and both guests answer at the same time and we see if their answers match. I said, "Who's the cuter Tom: Sandoval or Schwartz?" And they both said Sandoval.'

Cohen said that he did not expect Leviss' answer to be Sandoval, based on rumors of romance between her and Schwartz that circulated last year.

'I looked up and said to Raquel, "Oh you said Sandoval, hmm," and then we moved on,' Cohen said.

Andy Cohen spilled on the bombshell affair between Vanderpump Rules costars Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss on his radio show on Monday

Cohen noted that the answers Leviss (R) gave earlier this month on his show Watch What Happens Live, during a quiz sketch with with Scheana Shay provided an insight into the way she viewed the restauranteur-musician

Cohen said that answers Leviss gave to a quiz game favoring Sandoval raised his interest

The answer even caught Shay off-guard, according to Cohen, as 'Scheana's antenna was up' following the revelation from Leviss.

'I'm going through my cards and  Scheana said to Raquel, "You know, I only picked Sandoval because I knew that you were gonna pick Schwartz,"' Cohen recalled. 'And Raquel said, "Well, Sandoval has abs," and kind of shrugged.

'So, you know, that was interesting. And again, I didn't think twice about it.'

Cohen said that he contacted Shay about the aforementioned discussion over the weekend as the cheating story went public.

'I DM'd Scheana over the weekend and I go, "What was that conversation that you guys had about that BFF test?"' he said. 'I thought it was odd.'

Cohen noted how Bravo should re-air that episode, and an episode of WWHL that featured Sandoval and Schwartz that aired last month, noting that 'there was some odd energy between' the business partners during the appearance.

'Schwartz was looking to Sandoval the entire time, almost for guidance on answers,' Cohen said. 'So the big question is: When did Schwartz find out about this?'

Stunner: Madix is seen at Lifetime's A Rose For Her Grave: The Randy Roth Story premiere in West Hollywood last month

Sandoval said in an apology he released on Instagram Sunday that Schwartz was not in the know about the affair until recently, and disapproved of it once he knew the truth.

'Schwartz specifically only found out about this very recently, and most definitely did not condone my actions,' said Sandoval.

Amid the heat of the scandal, Sandoval asked viewers of the show to keep their anger over the situation aimed at him instead of his family, friends and business associates.

'Hey, I fully understand an deserve ur anger & disappointment towards me, but please leave Schwartz, my friends and family out of this situation,' he said. 'Also, Schwartz & Sandy's might have my name on it, but also there are 3 other partners and 20 employees, who especially rely on the restaurant for income for them and their families.'

He continued: 'Just like TomTom, I'm a small part of a much bigger thing. Please direct ur anger towards me and not them. They did nothing wrong.  I will be taking a step back & taking a hiatus out of respect for my employees & partners.'

In the wake of the affair going public, Madix, who deleted her Instagram account, has yet to comment on the events.

Sandoval and Madix were seen earlier this year at a premiere party for the show in LA (seen earlier this year)

Sandoval said in an apology he released on Instagram Sunday that Schwartz was not in the know about the affair until recently, and disapproved of it once he knew the truth

In another related twist to the situation, sources told People Monday that Bravo producers have been in contact with Sandoval ex Kristen Doute, 40, about a potential return to the program.

'Vanderpump Rules producers have approached Kristen to come back on the show to talk about' the situating involving Sandoval, Leviss and Madix,' a source told the outlet adding that Doute has 'had her fair share of ups and downs with Sandoval over the years, but right now she's completely supporting Ariana.'

Doute was fired from the series in 2020 (along with Stassi Schroeder) amid a racism controversy involving former costar Faith Stowers.

Doute was pictured on Tuesday headed to the home Madix and Sandoval shared as cameras rolled on the popular show, to support her friend Madix.

She was pictured wearing a gray sweater with the phrase 'Rock & Love' on the back with a gray plaid top and black leggings and black sandals. She donned brown sunglasses and wore her dark locks down and parted on the sunny day in Southern California.

Doute took to Instagram Stories with a clip in which she said she was 'completely exhausted' by the scandal and the attention surrounding it.

Doute was critical of Leviss amid the report that she kissed Sandoval on camera, 'but her narrative from her crisis PR [team] is that she's now fired because they said she didn't know any better.'

She added, 'Pick a lane b****, and make that lane be not in the United States ... bye girl, bye.'
Chrishell Stause is enjoying a 'girls trip' with her Selling Sunset co-stars to the tropical paradise of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Specifically, the 41-year-old hottie was joined by her BFF Emma Hernan on the tropical abode, which she documented on her Instagram on Wednesday from the flight to the landing.

In her late-night post, Stause slipped into a plunging white dress, and proceeded to put on a catwalk-like display as she made her way seemingly past the hotel pool.

Adding to her Marilyn Monroe vibes, she slipped into gold open-toed heels and wore her voluminous golden hair in a half up, half down style.

Earlier in the day Stause shared a video of hairstylist Braley Leake giving a demonstration of how the ponytail hack 'creates instant volume' by basically, creating a small ponytail just above the main one.

Getaway: Chrishell Stause is enjoying a 'girls trip' with her Selling Sunset co-stars to the tropical paradise of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

He then spins the small ponytail a few times before pulling it through the space between the two ponytails.

In the clips, Stause gives shout out to Leake, as well as makeup artist @kissebynichols and the Meshki fashion brand.

Stause and Hernan also shared a photo of the pair during their flight to Cabo, which is on the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur.

'I love U so much, @chrishellstause,' Hernan wrote above the image of the two stars, as she flashed a beaming smile and peace sign, alongside Stause, who again gave a hint of her cleavage, only this time in a plunging blue, purple and black ensemble.

Both ladies and shared a video of themselves getting playful by jumping up and down on their hotel beds, all while giggling and laughing.

'Oooooooh, Cago, Cabo, Cabo. Look at this view,' Hernan yelled out with excitement, in a reference to the patio just outside the back door.

By the time Stause, who's been a part of the Selling Sunset cast for all six seasons of the show, was all decked out in her Meshki dress, her gal pal had slipped into her red dress for the evening festivities.

Showing their penchant to entertain, the ladies shot a video of themselves doing a fashion reveal that was set to the opening line of Alien Superstar by Beyonce.

'I'm too classy for this world - Forever I'm that girl - Feed you diamonds and pearls,' the former Destiny's Child star could be heard singing, just as Stause made her dramatic appearance into the clip.

They both then wrapped their arms around each other, all while seeming to laugh and play.

Adding to her Marilyn Monroe vibes, she slipped into gold open-toed heels and wore her voluminous golden hair in a half up, half down style

Show time: The reality star could be hear being encouraged to ham it up for the camera

Earlier in the day Stause shared a video of hairstylist Braley Leake giving a demonstration of how the ponytail hack 'creates instant volume' by basically, creating a small ponytail just above the main one. Chrishell Stause struts her stuff in a plunging white gown

Plus one: Specifically, the 41-year-old hottie was joined by her BFF Emma Hernan on the tropical abode, which she documented on her Instagram on Wednesday from the flight to the landing

Tropical getaway: It appears the Selling Sunset stars arrived in Mexico on Wednesday

Showing their penchant to entertain, the ladies shot a video of themselves doing a fashion reveal that was set to the opening line of Alien Superstar by Beyonce

Classy moves: 'I'm too classy for this world - Forever I'm that girl - Feed you diamonds and pearls,' Beyonce could be heard singing, as the ladies struck poses in front of the mirror

Gal pals: Stause and Hernan hugged each other after making their dramatic appearance

Added touch: Stylist Bradley Leake showed the reality star how to do a so-called ponytail hack

Lovin' it: Stause seemed to love her ponytail hack while her stylist gave her step-by-step demonstration

Red hearts: 'I Love U so much,' Hernan wrote along with a photo of her and Stause taking their flight to Mexico together on Wednesday

Girls trip: Hernan also shared a video of Selling Sunset castmates Amanza Smith and Chelsea Lazkani laughing it up during the flight to Mexico

Hernan also took to her Instagram page and shared a video of fellow Selling Sunset castmates Chelsea Lazkani and Amanza Smith hamming it up during the flight to Mexico.

'Cabo 2023... oooooh,' the Boston, Massachusetts native could be heard cheering her gal pals on from behind the camera.

Selling Sunset first premiered on March 21, 2019, and has now run for five seasons.

The series' sixth season is expected to premiere sometime in early 2023.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo presides over a coordination meeting with related ministers to discuss key state affairs at the government complex in Seoul, March 9. Yonhap



Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on Thursday defended the government's solution to resolve a forced labor row with Japan, saying that the decision is aimed at moving relations with Tokyo toward the future.



Han's remarks came days after Seoul announced the decision to compensate the Korean victims of Japan's forced labor through a foundation supported by donations from Korean businesses, not the Japanese companies accused of forced labor during World War II.



The solution was welcomed by the United States and Japan but has drawn strong criticism from victims of wartime forced labor and opposition parties.



"The government's solution is the result of repeated considerations to promote future-oriented Korea-Japan relations while swiftly healing the pain that victims of forced labor have suffered for a long time," Han told a meeting on state affairs.






The dapper sons of Pierce Brosnan - Dylan and Paris Brosnan - showed off their style at the Vanity Fair and TikTok party A Night for Young Hollywood.

Dylan, 26, and Paris, 22, the sons of the Goldeneye star and journalist Keeley Shaye Smith, hit the red carpet at the bash, held at Mes Amis in Hollywood on Wednesday.

The private event is part of Vanity Fair's Campaign Hollywood series spotlighting young actors, musicians and artists, hosted by Halle Berry, Paul Mescal and Julia Garner.

Dylan Brosnan stepped out with a pristine white dress shirt under a black plaid suit coat.

He opted for no tie for his ensemble with his long hair flowing to his chin for the red carpet look.

Stylish son: The dapper sons of Pierce Brosnan - Dylan (above) and Paris Brosnan - showed off their style at the Vanity Fair and TikTok party A Night for Young Hollywood

Paris: Dylan, 26, and Paris (above), 22, the sons of the Goldeneye star and journalist Keeley Shaye Smith, hit the red carpet at the bash, held at Mes Amis in Hollywood on Wednesday.

Dylan completed his look with matching black plaid pants and a pair of black dress shoes for the event.

His brother Paris hit the red carpet with his longtime girlfriend Alex-Lee Aillon, opting for a white dress shirt with a silver chain dangling from his neck.

He also wore a black pinstriped suit coat and matching black pinstriped pants and completing his look with dress shoes.

His girlfriend Aillon opted for a lacy white floral print dress while accessorizing with a necklace and earrings.

She completed her look with sparkling silver heels as she stepped out for the event with her boyfriend.

Their father Pierce revealed in a September 2022 interview with GQ that he dissuaded his sons from pursuing acting, telling them, 'It's hard f***ing work. Its a cross to bear. Youre constructing and destroying yourself.'

To their credit, both Dylan and Paris haven't followed in his footsteps, with Paris working as a model, walking runways for Moschino and Dolce & Gabbana, and Dylan working as a musician.

While attending the GQ Man of the Year party, the sons also opened up about the recent controversy of sort over 'nepo babies' in Hollywood.

Dylan's look: Dylan completed his look with matching black plaid pants and a pair of black dress shoes for the event

Alex-Lee's look: His girlfriend Aillon opted for a lacy white floral print dress while accessorizing with a necklace and earrings

'I think we need to just be grateful for our blessings,' Paris said in a red carpet interview with E!, with his brother Dylan acknowledging how, 'very lucky.'

Paris added, 'It's always gonna be there and we got to recognize it. At the end of the day, we're just grateful to be here.'

Paris did acknowledge that his last name may open some doors, though he admitted he and his brother are trying to, 'pave our own way.'

'Dylan's an amazing musician and I'm painting right now, so we're figuring it out. Taking it day by day,' Paris said.

When asked what the best advice their father has given them, Dylan said, 'Be gracious. Be grateful.'

Paris added their father would also give them daily reminders to, 'stand straight, shoulders back,' adding another nugget of advice from his dad.

'Don't take yourself too seriously. Just have fun,' Paris added.

Their father is coming off his role as Dr. Fate in Black Adam and he'll next be seen in The Out-Laws with Ellen Barkin and Nina Dobrev.
Lucy Liu exuded red carpet glamour as she attended Shazam! Fury of the Gods film premiere in Toronto, Canada.

The actress, 54, made a head-turning appearance in a one shoulder floral patterned mini dress which boasted an eye catching full skater skirt.

She added inches to her frame in a pair of gold towering heels and toted her a coordinated clutch.

The Charlie's Angels star styled her long dark tresses poker straight and accessorised with a pair of chunky gold earrings.

Lucy, who plays Kalypso in the film, was joined by co-star Zachary Levi, 42, who cut a dapper figure in a grey checked suit, which he teamed with a navy open collar shirt.

Dressed to impress: Lucy Liu exuded red carpet glamour as she attended Shazam! Fury of the Gods film premiere in Toronto, Canada

Stylish: The actress, 54, made a head-turning appearance in a one shoulder floral patterned mini dress which boasted an eye catching full skater skirt

The pair were all smiles as they greeted fans and posed for photos ahead of the screening.

The sequel to 2019's Shazam is the first of four DCEU films arriving in 2023, hitting cinemas on March 17.

The film will be followed by The Flash (June 16), Blue Bettle (August 18) and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (December 25).

Zachary - who debunked rumors he was being recast in December - returns as the titular character - the adult superhero that Billy Batson (Asher Angel) turns into, after being gifted amazing powers by a wizard (Djimon Hounsou) in the original Shazam!

Shazam tells the story of Billy Batson and his fellow foster kids who are bestowed with the powers of the gods as they learn how to juggle teenage life with their adult superhero alter egos.

A vengeful trio of ancient gods arrive on Earth in a bid to find the magic stolen from them long ago with Shazam (Zachary Levi) and his allies getting thrust into a battle for their superpowers, their lives, and the fate of the world.

It comes after Dame Helen Mirren revealed that she broke her finger while performing her own stunts on the set of Shazam! Fury of the Gods.

The actress said she was 'incredibly brave' and didn't complain after the incident because she wanted to be a 'real ''stunty'' person'.

Speaking about filming action scenes while on The Graham Norton Show last month, she said: 'I did some of my own stunts, but I broke my finger.

All smiles: The Charlie's Angels star styled her long dark tresses poker straight and accessorised with a pair of chunky gold earrings

Pals: Lucy, who plays Kalypso in the film, was joined by co-star Zachary Levi, 42, who cut a dapper figure in a grey checked suit which he teamed with a navy open collar shirt

Having fun: The pair were all smiles as they greeted fans and posed for photos

Wow: The duo posed on the red carpet with fans who dressed up as the film's characters

In character: The sequel to 2019's Shazam is the first of four DCEU films arriving in 2023, hitting cinemas on March 17 (pictured Lucy Liu as Kalypso)

'I was incredibly brave and didn't say anything or complain because I wanted to be a real "stunty" person.'

Talking about the film in general she went on to say: 'Don't ask me about the plot, it's too complicated!

'We are angry goddesses wearing unbelievably heavy costumes. It was very hot and uncomfortable and in fact Lucy (Liu) said at the end of the first day's shooting, ''They are trying to kill us'' in all seriousness.

'I wanted to do it because I loved the first Shazam. It was sweet and funny. I am not a big superhero type person, but I loved the idea of it and happily signed up for the second one. It is great.'
Chanelle Hayes shared some body-positive snaps to Instagram on Monday as part of her International Women's Day post.

The former Big Brother star, 35, exhibited her 9st weight loss in a cream bikini as the make-up free star sprawled out on the beach and flashed a peace sign.

She was later seen in dark pink gym wear as she posed with her hands on her hips, while other shots were of her close female friends and family members.

One poignant image saw the influencer being cradled by her late mother as a baby, just months before she was murdered in 1988.

Andrea Sinclair was reportedly working as a prostitute when she was strangled and mutilated by double killer Keith Pollard, who was a client, in his Manchester flat.

Looking good: Chanelle Hayes exhibited her 9st weight loss in a cream bikini as she shared body-positive snaps on Monday as part of her International Women's Day post

Chanelle recently lost nine stone after undergoing a gastric sleeve operation in August 2020, which saw her drop from a size 18 to a size 10.

Layering the reel against Whitney Houston's I'm Every Woman, she wrote in her caption: 'Happy International Womens Day! No matter what our circumstances, our joys, our dreams, our past, our future.

'We are women, we are worthy, we should be celebrated just as we are.

'#internationalwomensday #women #appreciation #selflove #girlpower #bestfriends #family #empoweredwomenempowerwomen.'

It comes after Channelle admitted she is often battling 'horrific' pain from osteoarthritis - the most common type of arthritis in the UK.

She was recently diagnosed with the condition, which causes joints to become painful and stiff, and admitted earlier this month that she believes her fluctuating weight was the cause of her condition.

She said on Steph's Packed Lunch: 'I've been up and down with my weight over the years and while I was happier being bigger, I don't think I actually fully understood the implications - I didn't think at 35 I would have arthritis.

'I didn't put being overweight with arthritis, you normally think I might get diabetes, I might get a heart issue, not the correlation between being overweight and obese and then having stress and impact on your joints.

'I wish I'd have kind of taken note of it sooner and being a bit more aware of it, which is why I wanted to come on today.

'It's not body shaming, be whatever size you want to be, but if you've got the knowledge and you understand the correlation between the two, you then make your own decision and it's trying to raise awareness.

Gorgeous: The former Big Brother star, 35, was later seen in dark pink gym wear as she posed with her hands on her hips

Tragic: One poignant image saw the influencer being cradled by her late mother as a baby, just months before she was murdered in 1988

Buddies: Oher shots saw Chanelle (right) with her close female friends and family members

'Im on lots of different medications which Im not really mad about. I'm doing a lot of holistic things. I'm seeing an acupuncturist. I'm doing less medical and more holistic type treatments, and they're talking about steroid injections.'

She candidly admitted: 'I'm fed up with everything. You've caught me on a good day today!'

The star lost nine stone after undergoing a gastric sleeve operation in August 2020, which saw her drop from a size 18 to a size 10.

In an interview with OK! Magazine, Chanelle said: 'I'm 8st now and a dress size 6-8. Last summer, I was around 9st 5lb and before having the sleeve fitted, I was a size 22 and 17st 4lb.'

'I've actually been really stressed with university deadlines and the children's schedules with schools and their dads and I think that's caused the weight loss.

'It means I've got more loose skin, so while I still feel a million times better than I did when I was unhealthy, I'm now thinking, "Maybe I want to do something about this," so I'm considering a tummy tuck.

The reality TV started added: 'I feel like it's ageing me a bit,' before admitting she is also considering a boob lift as she believes her breasts are 'disfigured' after her surgery.

Chanelle underwent her gastric operation in 2020, and explained at the time that the operation was a 'last resort' after battling with her weight for years.

Having fun: She layered the reel against Whitney Houston's I'm Every Woman

Oh no! It comes after Channelle (centre-bottom) admitted she is often battling 'horrific' pain from osteoarthritis - the most common type of arthritis in the UK

Inspirational: She wrote in her caption: 'Happy International Womens Day! No matter what our circumstances, our joys, our dreams, our past, our future'

Following the operation, she explained the reasons for going under the knife, writing on social media: 'It was an accumulation of things: medical issues related to obesity, mental health deterioration, I hardly left the house. I needed a second chance at my health.'

Chanelle was asked if she felt she had any options, to which she wrote: 'Yes definitely. I would have continued eating myself into an early grave had I not tried surgery. It isn't for everyone and I researched it extensively and it changed my life.'

Elsewhere, in her chat about her osteoarthritis, Chanelle revealed it took a long time to get diagnosed.

She said: 'It took ages and ages because you can't it's not something you can diagnose through blood tests.

'I've actually been having pain in my left hip and in my left knee for a long, long time, so it's probably started when I was pregnant with my second son in 2017.

'It's not really improved since then. I then got diagnosed with chronic pain, fatigue and with ME as well, which was managed with certain medications and other treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy.

'But the pain was still so severe, it was waking me up in the night, I can't sit like this for too long, when I drive it flares up, it's just horrific.'

Chanelle continued: 'So I got referred to another physio who then said it might be bursitis let's just get you for a pelvic X ray to make sure and it came back and Ive got it in both hips, but I dont really feel it in my right hip, just my left one, but as Shakira said, "My hips dont lie."'
Andie MacDowell cut an elegant figure as she attended the Hallmark Media Verizon cocktail reception and dinner in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The Four Weddings and a Funeral actress, 64, looked in good spirits as she struck an animated pose for the cameras at the event.

The film star opted for a blue long-sleeved dress with an open collar and a pleared hemline.

Cinching her waist with a matching bow, Andie added height to her frame with a pair of open-toed heels.

The actress complimented her outfit with a silver chian necklace and styled her silver locks into loose curls.

Stunning: Andie MacDowell cut an elegant figure as she attended the Hallmark Media Verizon cocktail reception and dinner in Los Angeles on Wednesday

Event: The Four Weddings and a Funeral actress, 64, looked in good spirits as she struck an animated pose for the cameras at the event

Andie has recently embraced feeling 'more comfortable' with ageing and going for a natural look, letting her grey locks down on many occasions.

She told The Times that she felt relieved after receiving a positive response to the change.

She said: 'I was relieved people werent cruel. They could have been mean to me. But everybody was very loving and kind and I was relieved because I really like it. I feel more comfortable.'

Andie also detailed that she took the plunge despite being told not to make the change, as people around her 'strongly advised against it'.

Explaining: 'People kept saying to me, "Its not time," but I disagreed. I was kowtowing to everybody elses beliefs, but I truly want to be where I am and look my age.'

Back in 2021 when she debuted the 'salt and pepper' look hair, she explained that her daughters even thought she looked like a 'bada**' during an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show.

The actress has embraced ageing gracefully, despite admitting to considering cosmetic surgery on her 'droopy eyelids' - but decided against it when a facialist dubbed them 'perfect'.

Further during her chat with the times, the actress jested: 'Don't look at yourself in a bad light. Explaining: 'I just dont have very many mirrors around. The ones in my bathrooms all have great lighting'.

Looking good: The actress complimented her outfit with a silver chian necklace and styled her silver locks into loose curls

Radiant: Andie added height to her frame with a pair of open-toed heels

Andie recently starred along her daughter Margaret Qualley, 28, in Netflix's Maid in 2021.

Her older daughter Rainey Qualley, 33, is also an actress and releases music under the stage name Rainesford.

The actress shares her daughters and son Justin with ex-husband Paul Qualley who she split from in 1999.
Kate Hudson slipped into a plunging black swimsuit to enjoy an ice bath with a friend on Wednesday.

The actress, 43, could be seen laughing and joking as she climbed out of the freezing tub with a huge smile on her face.

The Glass Onion star added a pair of black socks and penned an inspirational message to mark International Women's Day alongside her friend.

Backdropped by a slow-motion video, she wrote: 'How you love. How you nurture. How you laugh. How you hold space. How you inspire.

'How you take the plunge together! Gets us through it all. Happy International Women's Day to all the women in my life that inspire me daily!'

Braving the cold: Kate Hudson slipped into a plunging black swimsuit to enjoy an ice bath with a friend on Wednesday

Joining her for the bath was friend Angi Greene, who also showed off her figure in a black bikini.

The pair appeared in good spirits as they made their messy exit, dripping with water.

It comes after the star made a trip to New York City for fashion week events in February.

While on her trip out east, the Fool's Gold star spent some time with her family in the Big Apple.

Kate recently opened up about her plans to walk down the aisle with partner Danny Fujikawa, 36, on an episode of iHeartRadio's Table for Two with Bruce Bozzi podcast.

'Right now, planning a wedding feels insane, but I'm excited to plan a wedding, and I go back and forth between a small wedding and a large wedding,' she said.

Kate was previously married to the Black Crowes rocker Chris Robinson, 56, from 2000 to 2007.

'So there's a part of me that wants the big bash, you know?' she said. 'There's, like, two sides to me: the big bash or the small, intimate wedding. I think somewhere in there, I'm going to come up with both.

Having fun: . The actress, 43, could be seen laughing and joking as she climbed out of the freezing tub with a huge smile on her face

Taking the plunge: The Glass Onion star added a pair of black socks and penned an inspirational message to mark International Women's Day alongside her friend

'It'll totally be a destination wedding,' the mom-of-three said. 'It'll be such an adventure that people will really want to have to come to show up.

'To me, those are always the most fun weddings. Like, if you really want to be there, you'll be there.'

She joked: 'If someone's like, "I can't really be there", then I don't want you there. That's all I got right now. That's all I got for the wedding.'

Sometimes she thinks a traditional Japanese ceremony is the way to go. That wedding would honour the heritage of Danny and their daughter Rani Rose, four.

'We do sometimes go back and forth with the traditional Japanese wedding ceremony, which would be really beautiful and quite emotional for Danny, seeing as his dad is gone,' she said.

But the Oscar nominee is sure if friends and family want to see her get married, they will have to travel - whether that wedding is big or small, Japanese or traditional.
She's set to make her way to Cape Town this week to present the final of Winter Love Island.

And Maya Jama appeared in high spirits on Wednesday night as she was snapped departing swanky private members club Laylow in London's Notting Hill.

The presenter, 28, was celebrating a pal's 26th birthday and headed home from the bash in the early hours.

Keeping comfortable for the appearance, she donned a pair of blue joggers with a matching hoodie.

With a tie-dye print and oversized fit, the lounge two-piece was teamed with a pair of white crew socks and beige sliders.

Comfort is key: Maya Jama kept comfortable in a tie-dye tracksuit as she partied at swanky birthday bash in London on Wednesday

Late one: The presenter was celebrating a pal's 26th birthday and headed home from the bash in the early hours

Maya carried a large black tote bag over one arm while making her way out of the west London location, which is a hotspot amongst the A-list.

Her raven tresses were styled into two french braids, while the beauty added a full yet radiant palette of makeup.

The host was celebrating the 26th birthday of her friend, who goes by AxiiLLz on Instagram and boasts 12.9K followers.

Sharing an insight into the evening, she recorded some clips while sat around a table enjoying drinks with a group - who all appeared relaxed for the celebration.

Heading out, she walked alongside another friend, who also opted for a tracksuit look, and was taken home by a chauffeur driven car.

Maya is expected to be jetting to South Africa any day now for the Love Island final, which will take place on Monday 13 March.

It will be her first time hosting the final, after she took over as presenter of the show from Laura Whitmore this series.

She will be coming to ITV2 live from the Cape Town villa to crown this season's king and queen, after a very successful hosting debut.

Co-ord: Keeping comfortable for the appearance, she donned a pair of tie-dye printed blue joggers with a matching hoodie

A look: The lounge two-piece was teamed with a pair of white crew socks and beige sliders

Busy: The host, who left with another friend, was celebrating the 26th birthday of her friend, who goes by AxiiLLz on Instagram and boasts 12.9K followers

Beauty: Her raven tresses were styled into two french braids, while the beauty added a full yet radiant palette of makeup

In style: She was taken home by a chauffeur driven car following the celebration

She has sent temperatures soaring during the last eight weeks with a slew of jaw-dropping looks to host the show - garnering equally as much attention as the contestants themselves.

It's been a jet-setting time for Maya too, as she's also been hot on the celebrity scene while hosting the dating show.

The single stunner recently returned from Paris, where she took in the shows and collections of the city's Fashion Week.

During her stay, she was even spotted partying with Leonardo DiCaprio - fuelling rumours of a romance between the pair after they had also headed out together weeks before.

She was first linked to the actor last month when he was in London for the BAFTAs and Fashion Week, with the pair partying together two nights in a row.

The new Love Island host and Leo were both at Chiltern Firehouse for the actor's pre-BAFTAs party where they rubbed shoulders with the likes of Jamie Foxx, Neelam Gill and Taron Egerton.

A few minutes Maya made her exit, Leo left the same venue at 3.30am and tried to keep a low profile with his head down and face mask.

Then the next night they both attended the same BAFTA afterparty at Annabel's members' club, sponsored by British Vogue And Tiffany & Co.

Leonardo was seen leaving the same after party at Annabel's via the back door in the early hours of Monday morning.

Off soon: Maya is expected to be jetting to South Africa any day now for the Love Island final, which will take place on Monday 13 March
Lottie Tomlinson sent pulses racing as she showed off her incredible figure in a slew of bikini snaps from the Maldives on Thursday.

The influencer, 24, looked sensational as she posed from the picturesque island, where she is currently holidaying with her baby boy Lucky and boyfriend Lewis Burton, 30.

In one snap shared to Instagram, Lottie - who is the sister of One Direction's Louis Tomlinson - could be seen posing in a brown and orange bikini.

The beauty showed off her toned stomach as she offered a sultry stare to the camera.

She sported a natural palette of natural make-up and tied her locks into a tight ponytail away from her face.

Wow! Lottie Tomlinson sent pulses racing as she showed off her incredible figure in a slew of bikini snaps from the Maldives on Instagram on Thursday

She accessorised with gold hoop earrings and left all the attention on her incredible frame.

In another bikini picture, Lottie showed off her body four months after giving birth to her son Lucky in August.

Posing alongside a wooden pillar, she lifted her arm and pushed out her hip.

The beauty opted for a maroon tied bikini with ruffled bottoms.

This time she accessorised with a belly chain and left her blonde locks naturally flowing down her shoulders.

Giving fans a sneak peak into their luxurious trip, Lottie also posed outside their villa pool on the beach.

She threw on a blue bikini and cowboy-style hat as she lifted her hand onto her head.

Once again, she left her blonde tresses natural.

Luxury: The influencer, 24, looked sensational as she posed from the picturesque island, where she is currently holidaying with her baby boy Lucky and boyfriend Lewis Burton, 30

Gorgeous: Lottie showed off her body four months after giving birth to her son Lucky in August

Stylish: Giving fans a sneak peak into their luxurious trip, Lottie also posed outside their villa pool on the beach

The pair are currently staying at the Amilla Maldvies, an independent 5-star luxury resort on a luxury private island.

Pool villas - such as the one Lottie appears to be staying in - typically cost over 1000 a night.

Arriving at the resort a week ago, Lottie also shared some sweet snaps of her son Lucky and partner Lewis.

Lottie looked sensational as she posed for a selfie with her son and flashed a modest amount of sideboob.

Glammed for the evening, she opted for a white dress and soft palette of make-up.

In another picture, Lewis can be seen looking down adoringly at his son, with an idyllic sea background behind him.

Lottie captioned the post: 'feeling so so so so so happy and excited to be here with my beautiful family. a dream'.

Racy! Lottie looked sensational as she posed for a selfie with her son and flashed a modest amount of sideboob

Look of love: In another picture, Lewis can be seen looking down adoringly at his son, with an idyllic sea background behind him

It comes after Lottie made her appearance at London Fashion Week alongside her two sisters Phoebe and Daisy.

The influencer showed off her gorgeous figure in a racy blue cut-out dress as she took to the charity's Fashion Fighting Poverty show, at Phonica in London.

The event was Oxfams third fashion show and aimed to change the perception that second-hand is 'second best', and shine a light on the environmental importance of shopping pre-loved.

Taking to the event, Lottie posed up a storm alongside her family.

She styled her long blonde tresses in beachy waves from a centre parting and accessorised with silver rings.

The beauty added inches to her frame in a pair of white cowboy boots and toted her belongings in a white Diesel handbag.

Phoebe and Daisy looked equally incredible, rocking an all-black ensemble.
A new trailer has dropped for the forthcoming season of Farmer Wants A Wife.

Farmer Brad is introduced as a 32-year-old crop and cattle farmer who has had his heart broken in the new teaser.

The footage, which was posted to the FWAW Instagram page on Thursday, opens on the blue-eyed hunk riding his horse through a field of yellow flowers.

It then cuts to a montage of the beautiful women vying for his heart as they gush over his rugged good looks, with one even claiming he left her breathless.

From there it was revealed one of the blonde women had immediately caught Farmer Brad's eyes.

A new trailer has dropped for the forthcoming season of Farmer Wants A Wife. Farmer Brad is introduced as a 32-year-old crop and cattle farmer who has had his heart broken in the new teaser. Pictured

The video then shows sneak peeks of the dates to come as the lovelorn farmer cosies up to several of the women, even sharing a few steamy kisses.

It ends with a quick look at this year's five handsome farmers walking down a road as host Sam Armytage promises, 'For the first time, every farmer will find real love.'

Armytage, 46, was recently announced as the new host of FWAW, and the decision has reportedly ruffled the feathers of veteran presenter Natalie Gruzlewski.

The footage, which was posted to the FWAW Instagram page on Thursday, opens on the blue-eyed hunk riding his horse through a field of yellow flowers

It then cuts to a montage of the beautiful women vying for his heart as they gush over his rugged good looks

Gruzlewski, 46, will still be appearing on Seven's hit dating show in a 'scaled-back' role as former Sunrise anchor Armytage becomes the new face of the franchise.

'No one saw this coming, least of all Nat. She didn't know the full extent of the role changes until recently - it was a bolt out of the blue!' a source told New Idea.

'Sam has sold herself as the better choice because she maintains she is married to a farmer, grew up on a farm, and therefore more relatable.'

The insider added that while Gruzlewski remains committed to the show throughout 2023, the hosting shake-up could mean she may not return next year.

The trailer ends with a quick look at this year's five handsome farmers walking down a road as host Sam Armytage promises, 'For the first time, every farmer will find real love'
Owen Warner wants to 'keep his hair thinning on hold' and visited the British Hair Clinic in Manchester on Thursday to undergo treatment.

The Hollyoaks star, 23, put landing some of his TV roles down to his good looks but has been left 'conscious' of his receding hairline.

He underwent a platelet rich plasma treatments and used medication, Finasteride, to attempt to prevent losing his long brunette locks and to 'strengthen the hairline'.

The I'm A Celebrity finalist joked he 'doesn't want to go down the route of Hollywood celebrities like Vin Diesel or Dwayne The Rock Johnson, who are completely bald'.

Owen said: 'I'm conscious about my hair just as I am about my general health, better to be healthy and have a good head of hair than to be unhealthy and bald, especially if health and hair can be maintained.

'I'm conscious about my hair': Owen Warner wants to 'keep his hair thinning on hold' and visited the British Hair Clinic in Manchester on Thursday to undergo treatment

'I need to maintain a youthful appearance': The Hollyoaks star, 23, put landing some of his TV roles down to his good looks but has been left 'conscious' of his hair

'I need to keep the hair thinning on hold. I'm young and as an actor who plays certain roles so I need to maintain a youthful appearance.

'I don't want to go down the route of Hollywood celebrities like Vin Diesel or Dwayne The Rock Johnson who are completely bald, it suits them but not sure it would work for me!'

Taking to the clinic's Instagram, Owen gave a glimpse of the treatment he had and also revealed his receding hairline while sat in the chair.

The actor cut a casual figure in a grey hoodie which he teamed with black tracksuit bottoms and a pair of coordinated trainers.

Before undergoing the non-surgical treatment, Owen checked with his surgeon whether it would be easier for him to have a hair transplant.

However, due to his busy filming schedule he wouldn't have the 'downtime available' to recover after so instead is attempting to strengthen his hairline.

He added: 'It's important to be proactive as an actor and not let your appearance deteriorate as essentially our talent and looks help us get the roles we need.'

The actor shot to fame playing Romeo Nightingale in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks back in 2018.

He went on to become a household name in late 2022 when he finished as a runner up in second place on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!

'Keeping the hair thinning on hold': He underwent a platelet rich plasma treatments and used medication, Finasteride, to attempt to prevent losing his long brunette locks
Mourners attending Jordan Dunbar's funeral have been asked to 'add a bright colour' to their outfits to celebrate his life.

The Dublin native, who was known for appearances on First Dates Ireland and My Yellow Brick Road, died 'unexpectedly' at the young age of 29 on Tuesday - the cause of his death remains unknown.

On Friday evening from 6pm to 8pm he will repose at his family home in Donaghmede, Dublin.

Jordan's funeral will take place on Saturday morning at 10am in the Church Of The Holy Trinity, Donaghmede.

It will be followed by a cremation service in Dardistown Crematorium, Santry.

So sad: Mourners attending First Dates Ireland star Jordan Dunbar's funeral have been asked to 'add a bright colour' to their outfits to celebrate his life (stock photo)

Heartbreaking: The Dublin native, who was known for appearances on First Dates Ireland and My Yellow Brick Road, died 'unexpectedly' at the young age of 29 on Tuesday

The funeral mass and the cremation service will both be streamed online.

Mourners have been asked to attend in colourful clothing to 'help Jordan's family celebrate his life'.

The family have also asked for donations to Pieta House instead of purchasing flowers. His family confirmed his funeral plans will be finalised on Thursday.

They said: 'He is predeceased by his loving mam Sharon and uncle Michael.

'He will be sadly missed by his loving dad Albert and Albert's brother and sisters, aunt Michelle, cousin Craig, his second family Gerry, Leeanne and Maria Nolan, his close friends Geena and Megan, relatives and a large circle of friends. May Jordan rest in peace'.

Jordan was one of the contestants on the first series of the Irish dating show First Date and made a memorable impression on viewers.

The TV personality, who worked in a number of hair salons around the Irish capital, later went on to be a part of the makeover series My Yellow Brick Road, which aired in 2019.

Details: Jordan's funeral will take place on Saturday morning at 10am in the Church of the Holy Trinity, Donaghmede, followed by a cremation service in Dardistown Crematorium, Santry

Tragedy: Irish state broadcaster RTE released a statement calling Jordan 'a wonderful talent, gone far too young' (Jordan pictured centre, front)

Ireland's state broadcaster RTE also released a statement on Jordan's passing, saying: 'We are very sad to hear of the death of Jordan Dunbar. Jordan featured on First Dates Ireland and was also a presenter on the series My Yellow Brick Road.

'A wonderful talent, gone far too young. Our deepest sympathies to his loved ones.'

TV production company Coco Television, which produces First Dates Ireland, said: 'Our hearts our broken with the death of Jordan Dunbar, such a talented and beautiful person.

'We first met him on First Dates and he went on to present My Yellow Brick Road on RTE. He was a joy to work with & it was a privilege to know him. Deepest sympathy to all who loved him.'

Several Twitter users paid tribute to Jordan, with one writing: 'I remeber him from my old hairdressers, he was always a nice guy to chat to. My deepest condolences to his family.'

Tributes: Several people paid tribute to Jordan following the news of his passing

Another user said: 'So sorry to hear this, I met Jordan several times and he was always nice and had an infectious joy.'

A third said: 'This is so heartbreaking. May his soul rest in peace,' while a fourth said: 'So sorry to hear this.'

Another user said: 'Heartbreaking to hear the news of Jordan Dunbar. He was a beautiful person within the LGBT community. May he's may his soul rest in peace.'

Another wrote: 'He is such a lovely, genuine person. Rest in peace Jordo.'
Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon, center, new leader of the ruling People Power Party, walks with members of its Supreme Council toward a meeting room at the National Assembly in Seoul, Thursday. Newsis



Biggest culprit of president's popularity problem removed: analysts



By Jung Min-ho



With his close aide taking control of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), President Yoon Suk Yeol has secured  for the first time  a party leadership that shares much of his political vision, according to analysts, Thursday.



Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon, a four-term lawmaker, was elected as the PPP's new chairman the previous day. This means a united and supportive leadership for the president, who has been less popular than most of his predecessors, in part because of a lack of support from his own party.



"The most damaging factor in terms of a president's approval rating is criticism from their own party," Bae Jong-chan, a political analyst who runs Insight K, a consultancy, told The Korea Times. "With the problem now removed, Yoon's popularity is expected to grow."



It may not be accurate to say that the outcome of the PPP leadership race will allow Yoon to strengthen his grip on the party because Yoon, who only joined it a few months before the presidential election, never had what can be called a grip, experts say. Attacked constantly by previous party leaders including former PPP Chairman Lee Jun-seok, as well as the opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) since his inauguration, his approval ratings plummeted to below 30 percent in less than 80 days in office.



Unnerved by the falling numbers, the conservatives, especially hardline members, appeared to coalesce behind the candidate apparently backed by Yoon, according to Bae.



"In the early stage of the race, Kim's approval rating was at about 3 percent. His 53 percent of the vote, in the end, should be interpreted as a vote for the president," he said.



The party also elected five Supreme Council members, including North Korean defector-turned-lawmaker Tae Yong-ho and Rep. Cho Su-jin. All of them are vocal supporters of the president.



Beginning his two-year term, Kim vowed to unite his party to take back control of the National Assembly with an "overwhelming victory" in the general elections next year.





President Yoon Suk Yeol raises his fist during the ruling People Power Party's convention held at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, Wednesday. Newsis
Bam Margera is being accused of leaving his estranged wife Nikki Boyd, 39, with no money, no car and no support for their son Phoenix Wolf, five.

'Unfortunately, Mr. Margera doesnt seem to understand what "supporting your wife and child" means,' her lawyer David Glass told TMZ.

Glass' comments come after Bam, 43, said last week he was 'disappointed' in what Boyd and Glass had publicly said about the Jackass star.

'Nikki has no car, no money, is being evicted from her apartment, and cant afford to send their child to school, while Bam drops $50,000 on bail, and who knows how much on a Las Vegas spree,' Glass continued.

Bam is also facing domestic assault charges for allegedly attacking a woman who is not Boyd but rather his currently girlfriend; she has not yet been named.

Happier times: Bam Margera is being accused of failing to provide spousal support for his ex-wife Nikki Boyd and their son Phoenix Wolf

Splitsville: Nikki is reportedly facing eviction because she allegedly hasn't received spousal support in two months; seen in 2013

The $50,000 is the bail Bam had to post after being arrested on domestic assault charges last week after he reportedly kicked his girlfriend.

He was arrested after San Diego County Sheriff's deputies were called to a home in Escondido, California.

Bam was booked at the Vista Detention Facility on a charge of, 'corporal injury on a current or former spouse, cohabitant, dating partner or fellow parent.'

Two weeks ago, the former pro-skateboarder posted a throwback photo on Instagram of himself with his wife and their son when he was a baby.

'I am very disappointed about what Nikki and her lawyer have said about me publicly as a father,' he captioned the post.

'I love my son more than anything in this world. I have in fact been supporting my son. No one knows my side of the story which makes me sad. But hopefully one day they will.'

Nikki reportedly hasn't received any money from the stunt performer for the past two months ago. At that time, Bam's parents sent her just $5,000, it was claimed by her lawyer.

'Either Bam, or his parents - whoever controls his money - has to provide Nikki with enough money each month so she can care for their son,' Glass said.

Heated rant: Bam has posted several expletive-laden rants on Instagram slamming his ex-wife and her attorney David Glass

Addiction struggles: Bam has struggled with substance abuse and has been in and out of rehab multiple times since 2018, something he has been open about with his fans

Acrimonious divorce: Nikki filed for sole custody of their son in September 2021 amid Bam's substance abuse problems

Bam addressed the claims that he hasn't been paying Nikki in a heated, expletive-laden Instagram post last month.

'David piece of sh*t glass said the breadwinner has to pay 10 grand for Nikki to try to gold dig.'

He also said, 'We are not married idiot! You have to be a resident of Iceland to make it official and we didnt live there,' he wrote.

Nikki filed for a legal separation of marriage on February 14 after nearly 10 years of marriage, though she listed the separation date as September 2021, citing irreconcilable differences.

'Nikki Margera felt compelled to file for legal separation from her husband, Bam Margera, due to his continuing drug and alcohol abuse, erratic behavior and due to his failure to provide support for her and their son,' Glass said in a statement to People.

'Nikki has put everything she has into trying to get Bam to stay sober, and to trying to preserve her family,' Glass added.

Boyd has asked for legal and physical custody of their son Phoenix, with Margera allowed supervised visits on condition they happen in LA County provided he pays the expenses.
Kim Kardashian and her famous siblings may not be on the guest list for the upcoming 2023 Met Gala.

Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour, who oversees the guest list for the annual fashion celebration, has apparently decided on a party free of the KardashianJenners, source told Page Six.

The 2022 event marked the first time that all of the sisters  Kim, Kourtney, Khloe, Kendall and Kylie  had been invited, as well as their mother Kris Jenner.

Vogue did not initially comment on whether Kim and her sisters would be walking the red carpet this year.

A source close to the family claimed that it was false that the reality stars had not been invited to the Met Gala.

Axed: Kim Kardashian and the rest of the KardashianJenner clan are not invited to the 2023 Met Gala, sources claimed to Page Six; seen at the 2022 Met Gala in New York City

All together now: The 2022 event marked the first time that all of Kim's sisters had attended, as well as her mother Kris Jenner (not pictured); (LR) Kylie Jenner, Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian and Kendall Jenner pictured

Despite the claims that the KardashianJenners had not been uninvited, sources said it was unclear whether any would choose to attend even with an invitation.

Last year marked the first time that Kim's sisters Kourtney and Khloe had ever attended the ceremony, but Khloe has claimed that she had other opportunities to walk the red carpet.

In November of last year, the Revenge Body star claimed on her family's Hulu reality show The Kardashians that she had been invited 'in the past,' but she 'just opted not to go.'

'Im not big on red carpets. I think Ive made that very clear,' she said.

At the time, she said that it was the Met Gala veteran Kim who had convinced her to join the rest of the family at the A-list shindig.

Wintour's alleged new selectiveness comes after the event has been criticized in recent years for inviting a lower tier of celebrities, including some influencers.

Kim first attended the Met Gala in 2013 with her then-husband Kanye West, and she later admitted that it was a miserable experience for her.

She arrived heavily pregnant in a jubilant floral dress, but she was savaged on social media for the look, which many users compared to an old-school sofa pattern.

However, she didn't let that deter herself, and she has returned every year since as her public profile has only grown in stature.

Still invited? A source close to the family claimed that it was false that the reality stars had not been invited to the Met Gala; Kim seen at her first Met Gala in 2013

Stunner: Despite being mocked in 2013, Kim has returned every year since, including in 2019 when she debuted a striking Thierry Mugler design (pictured)

Stylish: In 2021 (pictured), she rocked an edgy all-black Balenciaga number, with a full-face covering for the red carpet. She wore a dress previously sported by Marilyn Monroe in 2022

Kim boasted the 'first design in 20 years' from the late fashion legend Thierry Mugler when she arrived at the 2019 ceremony in a shimmering flesh-colored dress that hugged her curves and featured dangling crystals that looked like rain drops.

After skipping 2020 when the event was canceled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, she returned in 2021 with her edgiest look to date: an all-black Balenciaga bodysuit with a long train and a black mask that covered her entire head.

The bondage-style look was a far cry from the more traditional glamour she showed off at last year's ceremony when she wore the dress that Marilyn Monroe famously had on when she sang Happy Birthday to President John F. Kennedy.

However, the move outraged some preservationists who thought that the dress would be damaged if she wore it, though there have been completing claims since about whether or not it was harmed in any way.
Jeremy Renner shared a sweet snap of his 'protector' dog Hershey as he continues his recovery since suffering severe injuries in a New Year's Day snow plow accident near his Lake Tahoe, Nevada home.

The actor, 52, posted a snap of his dog sitting on the bed looking out of the window, with the caption: 'My little protector. Sweet love Hershey.'

The star has been focused on his recovery since the accident but recently featured in the trailer for his new docuseries Rennervations - filmed before he was crushed by a 14,000-pound snow plow.

Renner stars in the Disney+ series in which he enlists his celebrity pals to repurpose vehicles which can serve communities.

The concept of the series is to find decommissioned vehicles like city buses that can be rebuilt to serve a new purpose like a mobile rec center with the help of a team of expert builders.

There for him: Jeremy Renner shared a sweet snap of his 'protector' dog Hershey as he continues his recovery since suffering severe injuries in a New Year's Day snow plow accident

Serious situation: Jeremy has been focused on his recovery since he was crushed by a 14,000-pound snow plow

The four episodes will serve the cities of Chicago, Illinois, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Rajasthan, India, and last but not least his hometown of Reno, Nevada.

In the two-minute trailer Renner says: 'I'm buying these decommissioned government vehicles to help reimagine them to serve the community again, just in a different way.

Renner will also have the help of famous pals including his Avengers castmate Anthony Mackie, Vanessa Hudgens (High School Musical), Anil Kapoor (Mission Impossible) and Sebastian Yatra (Encanto).

Rennervations is set to premiere April 12 on Disney +.

Just a day prior Jeremy was pictured out in public for the first time since suffering multiple severe injuries in a New Year's Day snow plow accident near his Lake Tahoe, Nevada home.

Renner has been chronicling his recovery - which could potentially last for years - ever since surviving the horrifying January 1 accident.

Last week the star said he was doing 'whatever it takes' in his recovery, in video of him improving his leg strength with the help of a Technogym bike.

Renner focused on his left leg as he sat on the chair and pedaled away, using his hand to assist him in the motions.

Taking charge: Jeremy was featured in the trailer for his new docuseries Rennervations

Leading man: The actor stars in the Disney+ series in which he enlists his celebrity pals to repurpose vehicles which can serve communities

Vroom vroom: The concept of the series is to find decommissioned vehicles like city buses that can be rebuilt to serve a new purpose like a mobile rec center with the help of a team of expert builders

Coming soon: Rennervations is set to premiere April 12 on Disney +

Renner also prioritized his 'mental recovery' as he curled up by the fire and cracked open The Book of Awakening, a 'spiritual daybook' written by philosopher, poet, and cancer survivor Mark Nepo.

In the accident, Renner was using his snow-removal tractor to help remove his nephew's car from his driveway at his residence near Reno, Nevada, after it became stuck in snow. However, his snow plow began to slide down a street after the car was towed, which prompted the actor to jump out of its cab.

After he exited the vehicle, Renner realized that it could potentially hit his nephew, who was with him at the time of the incident. The Mayor of Kingstown star then attempted to re-enter the snow plow in order to divert its path but he was pulled under its left side track and run over during the attempt.

Renner was crushed underneath the vehicle and was immediately taken to the hospital while suffering from breathing difficulties and various other injuries.

The Washoe County Sheriffs Office report found that the snow plow may have had various mechanical issues at the time of the incident.

The performer underwent several medical procedures while recovering in the hospital and often expressed his gratitude for his medical team through his Instagram account.

Renner was eventually allowed to recover at home and shared a shot of himself undergoing physical therapy last month.

He also penned a short message in his post's caption that partially read: 'I want to thank EVERYONE for their messages and thoughtfulness for my family and I.Much love and appreciation to you all.'

The actor added: '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.'

Evangeline Lilly, who costarred with Renner in The Hurt Locker, recently spoke to Access and revealed that the performer was in good spirits following the accident.

On the mend: Renner was eventually allowed to recover at home and shared a shot of himself undergoing physical therapy last month

Road to recovery: Renner is doing 'whatever it takes' to recover from the snow plow accident

Toughing it out: Evangeline Lilly, who costarred with Renner in The Hurt Locker, recently spoke to Access and revealed that the performer was in good spirits following the accident

'I expected to sit at his bedside and hold his hand while he moaned and groaned in pain and wasn't able to move. He was wheeling himself around, laughing with his friends. It's a miracle,' she said.

The Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania star commented that the actor was doing well during his recovery process.

'He's made of something really tough, that guy. You've always been able to see that in him, and he is recovering incredibly, and I'm so grateful,' she stated.

Lilly remarked that, although Renner was not fully recovered yet, he had a positive outlook about his future: 'He's got a journey to go through now. That's what nightmares are made out of, and he lived through it, and he's on the other side now.'
Kaia Gerber broke into a run as she headed into a yoga class in Los Angeles on Thursday morning.

The model, 21, was dressed in black joggers a matching sweatshirt and trainers.

She carried a light blue and white tote bag over one shoulder and car and held her phone in her hand.

The daughter of iconic supermodel Cindy Crawford - who is often spotted walking her cute dog - wore her hair parted in the middle and pulled back into a low bun.

A silver chain adorned her neck and she wore black oval-shaped sunglasses.

Running late: Kaia Gerber broke into a run as she headed into a yoga class in Los Angeles on Thursday morning

Kaia has been dating Elvis actor Austin Butler, 31, since November 2021.

The relationship came just one month after Kaia ended her 13-month relationship with Euphoria star Jacob Elordi.

It was the first relationship Austin had since ending his eight year romance with actress Vanessa Hudgens.

Kaia's recent modeling jobs include being on the cover of Vogue China and walking the Off-White FW/22 runway presentation in Paris alongside her famous mother.

Last month, the beauty opened up about how she felt 'lonely' without her family nearby at the start of her career when she was a teenager and modeling gigs took her around the world.

'I'm only 21, and I feel like I've lived a whole life already,' the American Horror Story star told the fashion magazine.

Still, even with the challenges that come with her demanding schedule, the actress said: 'Even when I was really tired, or wanted to go home, or felt lonely, I would remind myself how lucky I was.'

Kaia learned a lot while traveling to places like Paris and Milan for her job.

Casual: She was dressed casually in a black sweatsuit with her hair pulled into a low bun

Love: The daughter of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber has been dating Elvis actor Austin Butler since late 2021

'Having the opportunity to travel taught me so much from such a young age,' she said. 'I got this really amazing education.'

She added: 'I have this catalogue of images that has recorded my growing up. You're growing, and you're changing: your body, what you like, your taste.

'Being surrounded by so many creatives shaped my taste. I'm very much an observer, and I retain a lot.'

As for the wisdom her supermodel mom provided, Kaia recalls being told to 'be on time' and 'take the time to learn people's names.'

All done up: Gerber shared this image last week where she was glammed up while holding her personalized Celine bag; mom Cindy asked where hers was

'Be nice to everyone. If you're not grateful and happy to be there, there's someone who would be,' the five-foot-ten beauty said of lessons her mother taught her.

She luckily found friends in the modeling industry to lean on, and she didn't experience the cattiness and competitiveness she had been warned about.

'I fell into the trap of believing that,' said Kaia of the catfights on the runway that she feels don't really exist.

'Especially at that time, I was really shy,' noted the star.

'I kept to myself, and I was nervous. You're coming from high school girls who are so scary, and so I assumed that that would be the culture.
She has been soaking up the sun in Dubai with her husband Tom Edney and their daughter Orla and has not shied away from sharing a slew of holiday snaps.

And Danielle Armstrong took to Instagram on Wednesday to share even more glamorous snaps from her lavish family getaway.

In one shot, the former TOWIE star, 34, showcased her growing baby bump in a black bralet and flared trousers as she got ready for an evening out.

She let her outfit do all the talking as she kept her accessories simple and kept her essentials in a black handbag with a gold chain strap.

Danielle styled her golden locks loosely in natural waves and accentuated her natural beauty with lashings of mascara.

Stunning: Danielle Armstrong took to Instagram on Wednesday to share even more glamorous snaps from her lavish family getaway to Dubai

Glamorous: After enjoying an evening out on Wednesday, she continued to document her sun-soaked trip on Thursday as she enjoyed a 'date night' with Tom

She lovingly cradled her baby bump as she took a mirror selfie in her stunning ensemble before heading out with Tom and Orla, three.

In another picture, the TV personality posed beside the pool with her husband, who cut a smart figure in black jeans and a grey collared shirt.

He completed his look with a pair of grey loafers as he lovingly cuddled his daughter Orla, while Danielle stood smiling beside him.

On Thursday evening, Danielle continued to document her sun-soaked trip as she enjoyed a 'date night' with Tom.

She looked effortlessly elegant in a plunging pink satin gown from Rat & Boa and accessorised her statement look with a gold pendant.

The expectant mother, who is due to welcome her second child in summer 2023, opted for a high-glamour make-up palette.

She wore her golden locks loosely in voluminous curls and clipped some strands back in a half-up half-down style.

Danielle placed one hand on her blossoming bump as she posed for a mirror selfie alongside Tom, who looked dapper in black jeans and a white polo shirt.

Tom was seen pushing Orla in a pram as they got ready for their evening out amid their luxurious holiday.

Alongside the family snap, Danielle penned: 'Date night +1 as always.'

Family: In one shot, the former TOWIE star, 34, showcased her growing baby bump in a black bralet and flared trousers as she got ready for an evening out

Gorgeous: In another picture, she looked effortlessly elegant in a plunging pink satin gown from Rat & Boa as she posed with her husband Tom and their daughter Orla, three

Her holiday comes after Danielle took to Instagram in January to reveal she is expecting her second child with Tom.

She later shared her relief about not having to keep the pregnancy a secret anymore, and admitted this time around she was quite 'anxious'.

She said: 'I just felt so much more anxious in this pregnancy and you just want the all clear with all the doctors and different scans and all the different tests they run.

'I don't know what it is, but I just really found it hard this time round. So yeah anyone watching this, I just think anything to do with pregnancy.

'I didn't make it a secret to anyone about after we got married, we're probably will try, I'd love to have a baby this year.

'And as soon as I got married people were like "Are you pregnant? Ooh baby number two!" And I'll go into detail another time, but even my experience of trying for a baby I found it really hard. I actually found it really emotional.

'I think it's important that the whole trying for a baby, certain things we were doing, that's a whole other topic.

She continued: 'The news is finally out. I'm so relieved to be able to just be myself, not wearing a baggy top.

'I've had quite a lot of message over the last few weeks of people saying "Are you pregnant?" I think women get a feeling.

'But it's been so hard keeping it in, and keeping it from you friends and family. Even my mum!

'Me and my mum are so close and just to keep that from her for a certain amount of time. It's just hard.'

The TOWIE star officially announced her pregnancy posting a black and white video in January, where she held up three pregnancy tests, admitting: 'I wasn't sure!'

Danielle then shared a kiss with her husband before showing a glimpse of daughter Orla lovingly caressing her growing bump.

Congratulations! Her holiday comes after Danielle took to Instagram in January to reveal she is expecting her second child with Tom

The reality star exclaimed: 'High five big sister!' as the little one beamed for the camera.

Danielle also gave her 1.3million followers a glimpse of her baby's first scan as well as a sweet snap of the family.

'Baby Edney No2... Oh we can't wait to meet you', she penned alongside the post.

She continued: 'We are absolutely over the moon, that we will be adding another bubba to our family summer 2023. I know Orla is going to be the most amazing Big Sister.'
Maya Jama put on a sizzling display as she got party ready for filming Jonathan Ross on Thursday.

The ITV2 host, 28, is about to jet off to South Africa for the Love Island final next Monday and has had a very busy social calendar already this week.

But Maya showed no signs of stopping as she put on a very glamorous display in an Instagram clip.

The TV presenter showed off her ample cleavage in a plunging black waistcoat dress as she pouted for the camera.

Maya's hair-stylist finished doing the final touches to her glossy locks which were styled over to the side in Hollywood waves.

Maya Jama put on a sizzling display as she got party ready to film Jonathan Ross on Thursday

Busty display: The TV presenter showed off her ample cleavage in a plunging black waistcoat dress as she pouted for the camera

She complemented the look with winged eyeliner and a nude lip and cheekily stuck her tongue out for the camera.

It comes after Maya hit the town on Wednesday night to celebrate the 26th birthday of her friend, who goes by AxiiLLz on Instagram and boasts 12.9K followers.

Sharing an insight into the evening, she recorded some clips while sat around a table enjoying drinks with a group - who all appeared relaxed for the celebration.

Heading out, she walked alongside another friend, who also opted for a tracksuit look, and was taken home by a chauffeur driven car.

Maya is expected to be jetting to South Africa any day now for the Love Island final, which will take place on Monday 13 March.

It will be her first time hosting the final, after she took over as presenter of the show from Laura Whitmore this series.

She will be coming to ITV2 live from the Cape Town villa to crown this season's king and queen, after a very successful hosting debut.

It's been a jet-setting time for Maya too, as she's also been hot on the celebrity scene while hosting the dating show.

Playful: She complemented the look with winged eyeliner and a nude lip and cheekily stuck her tongue out for the camera

The single stunner recently returned from Paris, where she took in the shows and collections of the city's Fashion Week.

During her stay, she was even spotted partying with Leonardo DiCaprio - fuelling rumours of a romance between the pair after they had also headed out together weeks before.

She was first linked to the actor last month when he was in London for the BAFTAs and Fashion Week, with the pair partying together two nights in a row.

The new Love Island host and Leo were both at Chiltern Firehouse for the actor's pre-BAFTAs party where they rubbed shoulders with the likes of Jamie Foxx, Neelam Gill and Taron Egerton.

A few minutes Maya made her exit, Leo left the same venue at 3.30am and tried to keep a low profile with his head down and face mask.

Then the next night they both attended the same BAFTA afterparty at Annabel's members' club, sponsored by British Vogue And Tiffany & Co.

Leonardo was seen leaving the same after party at Annabel's via the back door in the early hours of Monday morning.
Cold Case Detectives (ITV):

Rating:

Murder In The Pacific (BBC2):

Rating:

There was a time, not so long ago, when ITV thought genes meant heartthrob Nick Kamen stripping off in a launderette for a Levis ad.

Now, genetic science underpins half the channels primetime schedule. Earlier this week, John Bishop and Hugh Bonneville shared a DNA Journey, and discovered their ancestors were neighbours on a Dublin street 180 years ago.

Cold Case Detectives (ITV) turned to the darker aspects of DNA, testing the clothing of victims in historical crimes and unsolved investigations.

Files from as far back as the 1950s are being reopened, because genetic material that survives in the most minute quantities can now be analysed reliably.

One forensics expert explained that touch DNA leaves traces from the most fleeting contacts. Its no longer necessary to find splashes of blood  the gene genies can extract information from particles of sweat and skin left by a hand on clothing. Even a slap in the face can be enough to deposit genetic evidence on the skin.

Pictured: Senior Forensic Scientist Claire Morse re examines the evidence in the 1959 Carol Ann Stephens murder in ITV's Cold Case Detectives

What the police use today will doubtless be available to us all soon. Its easy to imagine a time, not far off, when a handheld scanner will provide detailed identification of everyone youve brushed up against. No need to look for lipstick on a collar  one quick swipe will reveal when an errant husband has been canoodling with his ex.

Detectives in South Wales were able to arrest a man who raped a woman in a Cardiff park 30 years earlier. Video from a police interview with Anthony Carling, aged 64, showed him squirming helplessly as he was confronted with proof of a crime that he must have assumed could never be pinned on him.

Carling had no choice but to plead guilty  and got a 12-year sentence.

The main part of the programme followed a team on a case that has nagged Cardiff CID for decades: the abduction and murder of six-year-old Carol Ann Stephens, who disappeared while playing with friends on a street near her home in 1959.

Detectives suspected sweets salesman Ron Murray, then 36, who was also thought to have murdered his wife by gassing her as she slept. But the evidence was circumstantial and never enough for a prosecution.

Murray died half a century ago. Demonstrating his guilt with DNA would be a symbolic victory  and a warning to child killers that their evil deeds will never be forgotten or forgiven.

One of the remarkable aspects of another historic investigation, into the 1985 bombing of the Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior in Auckland harbour, is how many of the detectives, witnesses and eco-activists are still around to tell the story.

There was a sense, in the second part of the superb documentary Murder In The Pacific (BBC2), that all of them still felt disbelief at the events.

There was a sense, in the second part of the superb documentary Murder In The Pacific (BBC2), that all of them still felt disbelief at the events

Retired police all agreed thered never been another case to match it in their careers. One garrulous ex-detective, Chris Martin, talked at some length about the impressive equipment that suddenly became available: We were very proud in 1985 to actually own a fax photocopier machine. The resources for that investigation were spectacular.

And a woman at a car rental agency who hired out a camper van to two suspects remembered being agog at the idea they were wanted by police. She decided they must have been poaching trout from a local lake  the most heinous crime she could imagine.

But the shows masterstroke was to produce, in the last seconds, a French special forces veteran  who admitted being one of the bombers. Quite a coup.
Two weeks ago, Dan Walker shocked the nation with a selfie of his bloodied and swollen face following a horrific bike crash.

But the 45-year-old 5News anchor looked like a brand new man at the Ultimate News Quiz in aid of Action for Children at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London on Thursday night.

The newsreader hosted the special charity event alongside his former BBC Breakfast colleague Sally Nugent, 51.

Dressed in a dark blue suit and smart brown brogues, Dan flashed a big grin for the cameras before the star-studded event got underway.

He also marked the occasion by posting a selfie alongside Sally on his Instagram page. Working with this legend tonight at the Ultimate News Quiz, he captioned the upload.

Looking good: Dan Walker was on tip top form as he reunited with his former BBC Breakfast colleague Sally Nugent for Ultimate News Quiz in aid of Action for Children on Thursday night

All smiles: The 5News presenter was in high spirits as he posed with newsreader Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije, 43

Swollen: Dan was left with painful facial injuries after being knocked off his bike last month

Dan was left battered after being hit by a car while he had been riding his bike in Sheffield on February 20.

He announced the terrifying ordeal on Instagram where he shared snaps of his injuries.

At the time, Dan wrote: Not quite the week I had planned but Im on the mend. Im very grateful for all your kind messages & for my family & lovely friends. Im also thankful for the paramedics, the police & the people who looked after me in A & E.

He later addressed an image of his battered face during an appearance on The Jeremy Vine Show.

Im very thankful that Ive healed, he told the presenter. Basically, theres been a few lumps and bumps and grazes all over the place.

Ive got a badly damaged hand. I wont take my trousers off, Jeremy, but Ive got a massive bruise on my right hip at the moment.

Dan said that he was really thankful to the paramedics, police, and those that looked after him in the hospital.

He also revealed the police had informed him that five members of the public had sat with him for 25 minutes until the ambulance turned up.

Ouch: Dan was hit by a car while he had been riding his bike in Sheffield on February 20

The presenter continued: Ive got zero memory of any of that, Jeremy, I cant remember anything the moment I arrived at the roundabout, but its things like that, the goodness of people in difficult situations.

Dan explained that he doesnt remember a lot of what happened during the accident.

He added: I know theres a video doing the rounds but Ive not watched it. I dont want to watch it.'

'I havent got any flashbacks. And I dont really want to have any either.

On the guestlist: Dermot O'Leary, 49, was among the famous faces in attendance on Thursday night

Newly single: Vanessa Feltz, 61, wore an eye-popping pink gown for the charity fundraiser

Putting his knowledge to the test: Louis Theroux, 52, was pictured arriving at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London

Having a laugh: Ed Balls and Rachel Johnson joined forces for a photograph

Im just very thankful that Im here and Im OK and the scans all say that my brain is fine and if I can get out of it with a few lumps and bumps, like I said, Im very thankful.

The Ultimate News Quiz is a charity event that sees an all-star guestlist of television and news personalities compete in the ultimate current affairs quiz.

Dermot OLeary, 49, was among the famous faces in attendance, as well as the newly single Vanessa Feltz, 61, who recently split from her split from cheating Ben Ofoedu, 50.

Documentary maker Louis Theroux, 52, was photographed arriving, while Ed Balls, 56, and Rachel Johnson, 57, also appeared.
Pete Davidson was pictured speaking with police in the wake of his car crash in a residential neighborhood in Beverly Hills on Saturday night.

The 29-year-old former Saturday Night Live star looked calm and collected as he showed some papers to the officer.

Davidson's girlfriend, his Bodies Bodies Bodies costar Chase Sui Wonders, was in the car at the time of the crash, though she wasn't pictured at the scene as Davidson dealt with police.

A source close to Davidson who is familiar with the investigation tells DailyMail.com that he is cooperating with law enforcement and all involved parties.

Police have said that drugs and alcohol were not factors in the crash.

The aftermath: Pete Davidson was pictured speaking with police in the wake of his car crash in a residential neighborhood in Beverly Hills on Saturday night

Taking care of business: The 29-year-old former Saturday Night Live star looked calm and collected as he showed some papers to the officer

Doing the right thing: A source close to Davidson who is familiar with the investigation tells DailyMail.com that he is cooperating with law enforcement and all involved parties

The actor lost control of his Mercedes-Benz in Beverly Hills' Flats neighborhood around 11 p.m.

After it spun out and left the road, the vehicle hit a fire hydrant, which began to spew water into the air, before it crashed into the side of a house.

One image showed the street flooding as firefighters attempted to stop the flow.

Davidson looked relatively relaxed as he chatted with police. He was bundled up in a thick blue coat with his hood up to protect against the chilly night air.

He had on a black shirt underneath, along with matching dark pants.

It wasn't clear from the photos if he might have been going over his insurance or the car's registration while speaking with the officer, who had a flash light out to illuminate them.

Davidson's wrecked vehicle had its lights left on, possibly to help illuminate the scene, and its front end was still tucked into bushes surrounding the house.

One closeup revealed a smashed wooden board that was bent out from where Davidson's car had pushed it in.

MIA: Davidson's girlfriend, his Bodies Bodies Bodies costar Chase Sui Wonders, was in the car at the time of the crash, though she wasn't pictured at the scene as Davidson dealt with police

Details: Police have said that drugs and alcohol were not factors in the crash

Late-night surprise: The actor lost control of his Mercedes-Benz in Beverly Hills' Flats neighborhood around 11 p.m.

Scene of the crash: Davidson's wrecked vehicle had its lights left on, possibly to help illuminate the scene, and its front end was still tucked into bushes surrounding the house

Spent: The sleek gray car had deflated air bags that had deployed at the moment of the crash

The sleek gray car had deflated air bags that had deployed at the moment of the crash, and its windshield was smashed across the passenger side, though it's unclear if an object hit it or if it cracked from the force of the impact.

After police and firefighters had attended to the scene of the crash, Davidson's car was moved back from the house toward the street, which revealed the full extent of the damage.

The driver's side of the hood was significantly crumped from the impact, while the bumper also appeared to be seriously damaged.

There appeared to be some damage to the side of the car and the wheel well.

A tow truck was brought around to the quiet street to pull the wrecked car away.

According to TMZ, a 16-year-old girl  who has not been named  was at home and reading a book when Davidson's car crashed into the house.

Her father told the publication that she initially thought the shuddering from the crash was the result of an earthquake.

The homeowner shared that the impact happened outside of the house's living room, and the collision was strong enough to knock a window out of its frame.

Waterworks: After it spun out and left the road, the vehicle hit a fire hydrant, which began to spew water into the air, before it crashed into the side of a house. One image showed the street flooding as firefighters attempted to stop the flow

Damage: The driver's side of the hood was significantly crumped from the impact

Damage: One closeup revealed a smashed wooden board that was bent out from where Davidson's car had pushed it in

Cracked: The car's windshield was smashed across the passenger side, though it's unclear if an object hit it or if it cracked from the force of the impact

Smashed: The bumper also appeared to be seriously damaged

Phew! Although no one inside or outside the house was injured, a police investigation is now ongoing

Wrecked: There appeared to be some damage to the side of the car and the wheel well

Bump in the night: According to TMZ , a 16-year-old girl  who has not been named  was at home and reading a book when Davidson's car crashed into the house

Caught off guard: Her father told the publication that she initially thought the shuddering from the crash was the result of an earthquake

Major damage: The homeowner shared that the impact happened outside of the house's living room, and the collision was strong enough to knock a window out of its frame

Close encounter: The homeowner added that his daughter had been 'a bit' traumatized by the ordeal, though she did get to meet Davidson before he left the scene

The homeowner added that his daughter had been 'a bit' traumatized by the ordeal, though she did get to meet Davidson before he left the scene. He also noted that he didn't plan to sue the comedian for the damage.

The crash was an unfortunate end to the day for Davidson and his girlfriend, who had started out the day by wrapping up their vacation in Hawaii, before a five-hour flight out to Los Angeles so that he could present on stage at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards.

Although no one inside or outside the house was injured, a police investigation is now ongoing.

So far, neither Davidson nor Wonders have been cited or arrested.

Davidson, who was previously a cast member on SNL, has dated several high-profile women, including supermodel Emily Ratajkowski, since breaking up with Kim Kardashian, 42, in August after nine months together.

Davidson and Sui Wonders met when they worked as love interests on the horror-comedy film Bodies Bodies Bodies in 2021.

The well-received whodunit about a group of wealthy 20-somethings planning a hurricane party at a mansion that turns deadly received an 85 percent fresh rating from critics surveyed by Rotten Tomatoes.

The love birds may have exhibited chemistry on the big screen, but they did not start dating until December 2022.

Acting may have brought them together again as the two also worked together on Davidson's series Bupkis.

The comedy is described on IMDB.com as a heightened, fictionalized version of Davidson's real life.

Moving on: After police and firefighters had attended to the scene of the crash, Davidson's car was moved back from the house toward the street, which revealed the full extent of the damage

Hauled off: A tow truck was brought around to the quiet street to pull the wrecked car away

New romance: The love birds may have exhibited chemistry on the big screen, but they did not start dating until December 2022. They are pictured in here in mid-February in Florida

The actor not only stars in the Peacock series  set to debut later this year  but also serves as a writer and executive producer.

Wonders, meanwhile, has been broadening her horizons professionally modeling for MiuMiu and Chanel.

The Detroit native can be seen next in City on Fire, based on the acclaimed novel of the same name by Garth Risk Hallberg.

She stars as a crime victim in the thriller about a series of fires in 2003 New York City. The show is scheduled to debut on Apple TV+ on May 12.
Some Fitzy & Wippa listeners have vowed to boycott Nova FM's Sydney breakfast show after Kate Ritchie replaced long-serving co-anchor Sarah McGilvray.

The network confirmed on Friday the former Home and Away star was joining Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald and Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli at breakfast, after leaving the Kate, Tim and Joel national drive show.

The move pushed out McGilvray, who had worked at Fitzy & Wippa for more than a decade and was a popular on-air personality.

Now some of McGilvray's most loyal fans have rallied behind her after she was ousted from the role.

Listeners flocked to the comments section below Fitzy & Wippa's announcement post on Instagram to say they wouldn't be tuning in anymore.

Some Fitzy & Wippa listeners have vowed to boycott Nova FM's Sydney breakfast show after Kate Ritchie replaced long-serving co-anchor Sarah McGilvray (pictured)

Several said they were 'disappointed' by the news and upset McGilvray did not get the proper send-off she deserved.

'Where is Sarah,' one listener commented on Fitzy & Wippa's Instagram.

'Loyalty... Sarah deserved more,' another wrote.

'Nope! I won't be listening now! Should have kept Sarah. Bye Nova,' a third added.

The network confirmed on Friday that Ritchie (centre) was joining Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald (left) and Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli (right) at breakfast, after leaving the Kate, Tim and Joel drive show

The move pushed out McGilvray, who had worked at Fitzy & Wippa for more than a decade and was a popular on-air personality. Now some of McGilvray's most loyal fans have rallied behind her on Instagram after she was ousted from the role (pictured)

One fan said McGilvray's sudden disappearance from the show was 'disappointing'.

'How incredibly disappointing and disrespectful. Not even a goodbye or thank you to Sarah. After all those years, how do you not even mention her?' they said.

'I couldn't think of anything worse than listening to Kate every morning.'

Another commented: 'Looks like this is my last day of listening to Fitzy and Wippa.

'Worst decision ever to bring in Kate. I'm sure she is a lovely person but is very irritating on the radio. Bring back Sarah!'

However, some listeners said they were looking forward to hearing Kate on air.

'Great to see Kate back on the airways,' one supporter wrote, while another said they had 'missed' Kate on afternoons.

McGilvray also received plenty of support on her Instagram, where she last posted on International Women's Day.

'Our mornings are not the same without you. Switching stations until you are back (or following you to your next fabulous gig),' one fan wrote.

'Miss hearing your voice Sarah, it's just not the same,' another said.

Several fans said they were 'disappointed' by the news and upset McGilvray did not get the proper send-off she deserved

McGilvray also received plenty of support on her Instagram, where she last posted on International Women's Day. 'Our mornings are not the same without you. Switching stations until you are back (or following you to your next fabulous gig),' one fan wrote

Nova confirmed in a statement on Friday that Ritchie would be joining Fitzgerald and Wipfli on their Sydney breakfast show from March 13.

'I am so excited to be joining Fitzy and Wippa in the very competitive breakfast slot,' Ritchie said.

'I'm a huge fan of the show and Ive been great mates with the boys for years. The past eight years on drive has been an important part of my life but I'm thrilled to take on this new challenge by returning to breakfast radio in my hometown.

'I can't wait to wake up Sydneysiders beside two of the industry's much-loved breakfast announcers.'

Fitzgerald and Wipfli added: 'We've been annoying Kate around the office for over ten years; now we get to do it every morning.

'We are excited for our audience to hear how funny Kate thinks we are. Nova listeners have always loved Kate and now she'll be served up every weekday. Please enjoy your breakfast.'

The announcement comes a day after Ricki-Lee Coulter was confirmed as Ritchie's replacement on the Kate, Tim and Joel national drive show.

Nova confirmed in a statement on Friday that Ritchie would be joining Fitzgerald and Wipfli on their Sydney breakfast show from March 13

The announcement comes a day after Ricki-Lee Coulter (left) was confirmed as Ritchie's replacement on the Kate, Tim and Joel national drive show

Ritchie had been absent from the afternoon slot for months, during which time she entered a rehab facility for alcohol dependency.

Nova FM staff recently spoke of their 'shock' and 'confusion' over McGilvray's sudden exit.

Current and former employees of the radio station told Daily Mail Australia they were blindsided by news McGilvray was being pushed aside, with some only learning about it via the press last week.

One staffer said her departure was 'brutal' for someone who had 'given a decade of her life' to a radio show and was popular with listeners, adding she was 'tossed aside without so much as a proper goodbye'.

'The guys at Nova are baffled. Most people didn't even find out until the stories broke. They had all been asking, "Where is Sarah?" and were confused,' another said.

Nova FM staff recently spoke of their 'shock' and 'confusion' over McGilvray's sudden exit

McGilvray worked on Fitzy and Wippa for 12 years, spending eight of those as a co-host alongside Fitzgerald and Wipfli. Before that, she was a senior producer for the Sydney breakfast program.

Her exit had not been acknowledged on air since she vanished from the show almost four weeks ago after a blow-up with management about her role at the network.

A source with knowledge of the discussion said McGilvray was 'upset and angry' at her bosses for effectively taking her job away from her by bringing in Ritchie as a third host.

Nova execs apparently tried to offer her a 'consolation deal' that would see her take on a 'managerial-type role' within the company, but she rejected it and walked out.
Experts pool wisdom on building resilient cities in an uncertain world

Xinhua) 09:27, March 09, 2023

CHENGDU, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Officials and experts gathered earlier this week at a conference in the southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu to discuss how to build resilient and inclusive cities that are fit for the challenging future ahead.

The conference, Re:Think 2022, was hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Management Committee of Chengdu High-tech Industrial Development Zone.

Beate Trankmann, UNDP Resident Representative in China, said the conference was important and timely, as more than half of humanity lives in cities, which also account for most of human energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

"The changes taking place in cities will have a massive impact on sustainable development globally," Trankmann said, adding that cities are the breeding ground for the kind of innovation, forward-thinking policies and solutions that are needed to tackle 21st-century challenges.

Zhang Yi, Deputy Director-General of the China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchanges, underlined the importance of putting people first and providing solutions with systematic logic and frameworks.

"In addition to intelligent infrastructure, accessible public services and refined social governance through technology, we should also improve cities' self-regulation and self-improvement capacities in the face of emergencies and complex environments," Zhang said.

Achieving carbon peak, carbon neutrality, and embarking on greener and more sustainable development paths have become priorities for more and more cities in the world.

"Cities are home to most of the world's population and have the largest concentration of socio-economic activities. Therefore, it is critical for them to contribute to reducing pollution and carbon emissions," said Tu Ruihe, head of the UN Environment Programme China Office.

By the end of 2022, more than 130 countries had proposed carbon neutrality targets, covering more than 80 percent of the world's population, GDP and carbon dioxide emissions, said He Kebin, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

"Carbon reduction can better cope with severe climate disasters and economic losses caused by conventional environmental problems," said He. "In the era of carbon neutrality, the world economy will gradually shift from relying on energy resources to energy technology. Carbon reduction is also a new driving force for economic development."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
President Yoon Suk Yeol shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida ahead of their summit in Phonm Penh, Cambodia in November 2022. Newsis



By Lee Hyo-jin



President Yoon Suk Yeol will visit Japan next week for a summit with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, the Korean presidential office said Thursday. It will be the first visit to Tokyo for a summit by a Korean leader in 12 years.



The presidential office announced that Yoon and first lady Kim Keon Hee will embark on a two-day trip to Tokyo on March 16 at the invitation of the Japanese government. But the exact date of the summit has yet to be fixed, according to the presidential office.



The scheduled meeting is expected to bring about the restoration of shuttle diplomacy, referring to meetings held by the leaders of the neighboring countries once a year.



Shuttle diplomacy came to an abrupt halt in 2011 as bilateral relations became strained due to renewed disputes over history and territory dating back to Imperial Japan's 1910-45 occupation of Korea.



In a written statement, the presidential office expressed hopes that the summit will "serve as a momentum to boost future-oriented bilateral relations in various fields including security, economy, society and culture as well as people-to-people exchanges."






Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin's daughter Lilly has candidly revealed what it has been like dealing with rumours her famous director father is gay.

The 19-year old told Phoebe Burgess' Under The Gloss podcast she initially felt embarrassed by the chatter after a report came out that the creative genius and his four-time Oscar winner wife slept in separate rooms.

'I did get followed to school, by a truck that was paparazzi  They were bullying my dad there for a little bit there,' she told the latest podcast, titled Lilly Luhrmann: Confessions of a Nepo Baby.

'I specifically remember I was driving in the car, on the radio, this guy was like, "Today we're going to be discussing, is Baz Luhrmann gay? Breaking news, they sleep in two different bedrooms",' she added.

'And I went to school and the kids were like, "Is your dad gay?"

Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin's daughter Lilly has candidly revealed what it has been like dealing with rumours her famous director father is gay. Pictured with her Oscar winning mother Catherine Martin in 2022

The 19-year old told Phoebe Burgess' Under The Gloss podcast she initially felt embarrassed by the chatter after a report came out that the creative genius and his four-time Oscar winner wife slept in separate rooms. Pictured: Baz Luhrmann

'That was the first time I felt embarrassed  Not embarrassed, but more like, "Why are these people talking about my dad?"

'Why are they making fun?' I'm like, "They just have different sleeping schedules".'

Lilly went on to explain the rumours made her realise her upbringing wasn't entirely normal, like other children.

'I mean, Im not traumatised for life by it. Ive gotten over it. Theres worse things to go through. But it was the first time I was aware something was a bit amiss,' she said.

Baz has been married to Catherine Martin since 1997 and the pair share two children, Lilly and son William, who is now 17.

'I did get followed to school, by a truck that was paparazzi  They were bullying my dad there for a little bit there,' Lilly told the latest podcast, titled Lilly Luhrmann: Confessions of a Nepo Baby

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia back in 2014, Baz confirmed that he and Catherine did not share a bed.

'We worked out a long time ago that we both need space. We are surrounded by our teams of staff all day every day, whether travelling, at work and at our homes.

'I was finding I was saying things in passing that weren't properly thought through, things would become fraught. We both needed time to ourselves.'

Baz finished by saying the couple always have a Saturday night date, saying they spend plenty of quality time together.

'We dress up and go to a restaurant or maybe see a show, but mostly we just talk and catch up. It's very much our escape, our quality time together.

'It's very romantic and keeps us grounded and connected,' he added.
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Migrant workers deserve more humane treatment



"A frog does not remember when it was a tadpole," an old Korean saying goes.



Whenever Koreans talk about their country's shift from a beggar to a donor in just two generations, they don't forget to mention workers sent to Germany in the 1960s. And how then President Park Chung-hee cried with Korean miners and nurses who toiled in the European country.



Korea has now become like Germany, at least for about 600,000 migrant workers, mainly from Southeast Asia. However, its treatment of these guest workers is discriminatory at best and inhumane at worst.



Nothing shows this better than a Thai worker's recent death.



Prawa Seningmunchu, 67, was found dead on a hill in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province last Saturday. He had worked at a nearby pig farm for 10 years. He raised about 1,000 pigs almost by himself, cleaning up the pig excrement and helping to birth piglets. His cramped lodging was inside the pigsty, where visitors could hardly breathe due to the smell. Police suspect long, hard work in a harsh environment might have caused his death. The employer did not report his death but dumped the body using a tractor, fearing punishment for "hiring an illegal alien."



In 2020, a Cambodian woman died at a greenhouse due to hypothermia. Last month, a Thai couple was found dead, poisoned by carbon monoxide while sleeping by a wood fire in a room with no heating. Even in cases like these, employers deduct up to 300,000 won ($230) from salaries "for accommodation."



According to civic groups helping migrant workers, verbal and physical abuse are common. Women live with a constant fear of sexual assault. Many don't dream of overtime wages or severance pay. After all, changing workplaces is next to impossible as it requires employers' consent under the Employment Permit System (EPS), which volunteers call "modern-day slavery," favoring employers lopsidedly.



Behind all this inhumane treatment is the consciousness of giving benefits. The reality is the opposite, however. These migrant workers do things few Koreans would, especially at low wages. Koreans can hardly eat their favorite grilled pork belly or raw fish wrapped with lettuce or sesame leaves without migrant workers. These foreigners are neither beneficiaries nor slaves but benefactors.



Under the EPS, migrant workers can stay in Korea for a maximum of four years and 10 months. That's two months shy of the five years required to apply for permanent residency. Korea needs the labor but will not accept them as members of its society. In 2021, the Constitutional Court ruled the system that prohibits migrant workers' change of workplace to be "constitutional" in principle. The tribunal stressed the need to manage migrant workers more efficiently amid the sharp increase of illegal sojourners. That violated international human rights norms and ran counter to the constitutional value of "respecting human dignity."



It is a small surprise then that Korea ratified all nine core conventions of the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights except one  the International Convention on Migrant Workers. Can Korea protest discrimination in the West or Japan?



The Yoon Suk Yeol administration plans to increase the inflow of migrant workers from 69,000 to 110,000 this year. But the plan only talks about how to make them work more for an extended period. There are no details to improve the working environment, including accommodation. "The government only sends administrative orders without confirming their implementation," said Udaya Lai, head of the migrant workers' union.



No country needs foreign labor more badly than Korea, with the lowest birth rate and fastest population aging worldwide. The massive influx of foreigners will inevitably cause some social conflicts. Still, the resultant diversity can help grow this society and its economy.



It depends on how this country can shed its image of being the "Republic of Exploitation" and help realize the Korean dream. We hope 2023 will be the first year to move in that direction.






By Andrew Hammond



French-U.K. relations were often in the "deep freeze" during the prime ministerships of Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, yet this Friday will see the first bilateral summit between London and Paris in five years.



Theresa May was the last U.K. prime minister that French President Emmanuel Macron met with for such a summit, yet even then there was little personal rapport between the two leaders. Predictably, this did little to break the substantive impasse in the U.K.'s then-EU exit negotiations in 2018.



However, it appears that the latest resident of 10 Downing Street, Rishi Sunak, does have significantly warmer ties with Macron. Both assumed their nation's highest public office at a very early age, having had prior jobs as finance ministers, and before that having earned fortunes in the financial services industry.



So Sunak hopes, in this relatively auspicious context, that he can forge a much better relationship with the still-young French president, creating a new era of "entente cordiale." This may be furthered by a potential state visit for King Charles III to France in late March or next month.



The omens for an upturn in ties also appear particularly bright after the agreement over the Northern Ireland protocol last Monday between London, Brussels and the EU 27. If signed off by legislators, this would remove a huge blockage in U.K. relations with Europe.



Specific issues that will be on the agenda at Friday's summit include deepening bilateral cooperation in areas such as climate and energy, the economy, migration and wider shared foreign policy and security goals like Ukraine. There is potential upside in many of these issues from a stronger relationship.



Positive as this all is, however, bilateral ties remain challenging in numerous areas in the post-Brexit era. During those long Brexit divorce negotiations, France had perhaps the most hard-line stance on the U.K.'s exit from the EU club.



This reflects the complex, contradictory relationship that Paris has long had with London in the context of EU affairs. The ardently pro-Brussels Macron, who believes Brexit to be an act of political vandalism to the continent, was frequently accused by U.K. ministers of holding up progress in negotiations.



Macron's Brexit positioning, including his robust stance on precluding future U.K. access to the Single Market, was reinforced by broader French plans to pitch Paris as a competing financial center to London which began in earnest under the presidency of Francois Hollande. This saw former finance minister Michel Sapin and Hollande's Brexit Special Envoy Christian Noyer, a former Bank of France governor, begin openly promoting Paris with key financial firms after the June 2016 referendum.



This has continued under Macron as he hailed the decision to relocate the European Banking Agency (EBA) to Paris from London as a "recognition of France's attractiveness and European commitment." French officials still hope that the EBA's relocation will help bring many thousands more U.K. banking jobs to the French capital which is competing post-Brexit with other financial centers, including Frankfurt, for such employment.



Macron also said that he might seek, post-Brexit, to renegotiate the 2003 Les Touquet migration agreement. This allows the United Kingdom to operate border controls in France and has kept thousands of migrants  heading for Britain  on the French side of the channel.



What France's position on Brexit underlines is how each EU state has distinctive political, economic and social interests that informed their stance on the U.K.'s exit. Thus, while the EU-27 were in general remarkably unified in their negotiations with London, the positions of the individual countries did vary according to factors such as trade and wider economic ties and patterns of migration with the United Kingdom, domestic election pressures, and levels of Eurosceptical support within their populaces.



The divergent and complex positions of EU states thus range from the U.K.'s fellow non-eurozone member, Sweden, whose political and economic interests are broadly aligned with U.K. positions, to countries that have more complicated postures, including France. While the position of Paris has now moderated, especially in the wake of the new Irish protocol deal, the two nations remain misaligned in several key areas, including fishing rights and migration across the Channel in small boats.



This lack of alignment in certain areas will not be helped by the fact that neither leader is in a particularly strong domestic political position. Sunak's government is not popularly elected, while Macron's party lacks an absolute majority in the French legislature.



Taken together, this underlines the likely limits to trying to reconfigure bilateral relations in the short term. While the diplomatic "mood music" is upbeat between the two young leaders, the distinctive post-Brexit interests of each state will make renewing relations complex and challenging.





Andrew Hammond is an Associate at LSE IDEAS at the London School of Economics


Finance minister T. Harish Rao addressed a press conference at Pragathi Bhavan. (Photo: DC)

Hyderabad: The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister K.Chandrashekar Rao on Thursday, decided to extend the Dalit Bandhu scheme to 1.3 lakh families across the state in the second phase in 118 of the states 119 Assembly constituencies, having covered Huzurabad in 2021 and 2022.

The Cabinet also approved a slew of schemes  Gruha Lakshmi to give Rs 3 lakh to each BPL landowner to build a house, writing off loans of previous housing schemes, second phase of sheep distribution and distribution of podu land pattas.

The government said the 125-feet Dr B.R. Ambedkar statue along NTR Marg will be unveiled on April 14, and the Secretariat and Martyrs Memorial would be inaugurated by June 2, Telangana Formation Day.

In the Cabinet meeting held on Thursday at Pragathi Bhavan, the government approved to extend the Dalit Bandhu scheme to 1,100 families each in 118 constituencies totalling 1,29,800 families. The remaining 200 beneficiaries are kept under "Chief Secretary's quota" who will extend the benefit on the directions of the government.

The Cabinet also decided to hold the Dalit Bandhu celebrations on August 16 each year to coincide with the launch of the scheme on August 16, 2021 in Huzurabad.

The Cabinet also approved launching a housing scheme Gruha Lakshmi to extend Rs 3 lakh financial assistance to the BPL families, who own land for the purpose of constructing their own houses.

"Four lakh beneficiaries will be covered under the first phase. The government will extend Rs 3 lakh in three phases to each beneficiary as a grant who will receive Rs 1 lakh in each phase in their bank accounts. They can utilise the amount to construct the house as per their choice," finance minister T. Harish Rao stated after the Cabinet meeting.

"Previous governments used to give just Rs 40,000 to Rs 90,000 to each beneficiary, that too as a bank loan. The BRS government is giving it as a grant and they don't need to repay," he said.

Under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, 3,000 houses will be built in each of the 119 Assembly constituencies in the first phase, while another 43,000 houses will be kept under the 'state quota' which will be allocated by the government depending on the situation and applications received from various sections. Harish Rao said the government had sanctioned Rs 12,000 crore for this scheme.

The Cabinet also approved waiving Rs 4,000 crore loan arrears of 30 lakh beneficiaries of previous governments housing schemes who failed to repay the amount, he informed.

The Cabinet also approved the distribution of sheep under the second phase to the Yadava/ Kuruma community. Of the 7.31 lakh identified beneficiaries, 50 per cent were covered in the first phase from 2018 and the rest will be covered in the second phase. The government sanctioned Rs 4,463 crore for this scheme.

The Cabinet directed the officials to start the distribution from April and complete by August-end. District collectors have been asked to select the beneficiaries.

In addition, the Cabinet approved the distribution of podu lands over an extent of four lakh acres to 1.55 lakh tribals in the first phase. "The process of identification of beneficiaries is going on. So far, 1,55,393 beneficiaries were identified who will be distributed 4,00,903 acres. The patta documents have been printed and ready for distribution. The process of identification of more beneficiaries will continue," Harish Rao said.

The Cabinet has decided to unveil 125-ft tall Dr B.R. Ambedkar statue, considered to be the countrys tallest Ambedkar statue, set up adjacent to the new Secretariat complex on April 14 on the occasion of his birth anniversary. It was decided to mobilise lakhs of Dalits from all the districts for the inaugural event and hold a public meeting after inauguration, which will be addressed by Chief Minister K.Chandrashekar Rao.

Harish Rao stated that the inauguration dates of the new Secretariat and Telangana Martyrs Memorial are yet to be decided. But he said that their inauguration will be done before June 2 as the works have reached completion stage.

The Cabinet also decided to give pattas to people who constructed houses on government lands under GO 58 and GO 59. The cut-off date has been extended from June 2, 2014 to June 2, 2020. Those who constructed houses until June 2, 2020 will be given the last and final opportunity to submit applications for a month.

While pattas will be given free of cost to BPL categories under GO 58, existing market rates will be collected from others under GO 59.

Harish Rao stated that the Cabinet approved Rs 25 crore for the construction of each guest house in Kasi and Sabarimala for the convenience of pilgrims from Telangana.

He said the government has decided to procure paddy from the farmers for MSP in the ongoing rabi season whether the Centre procures it or not. He said the government is planning to open procurement centres in April last week at village-level for the purpose.
Jagan Mohan Reddy laid stress on quality in the works relating to the statue and said that once it was installed, it should be a matter of pride to the city. (Photo: DC)

Vijayawada: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has called for high quality works for the 125 feet-tall bronze statue of Dr B.R. Ambedkar at Swaraj Maidan in the city. The statue would be inaugurated on April 14 to mark the Dalit icons birth anniversary.

The Chief Minister reviewed the progress of the statue works and the arrangements for its installation with deputy CM Kottu Satyanarayana, education minister Botsa Satyanarayana, social welfare minister Merugu Nagarjuna, municipal administration minister Audimulapu Suresh and senior officials at his camp office here on Thursday.

Jagan Mohan Reddy laid stress on quality in the works relating to the statue and said that once it was installed, it should be a matter of pride to the city.

The officials informed the CM that the statue would be installed on an 81-feet pedestal at the Dr BR Ambedkar Smriti Vanam in Swaraj Maidan. Some 352 metric tonnes of steel and 112 metric tonnes of brass go into its making. A 2,000-seat capacity convention centre with spacious parking facility for cars and buses would also be arranged as part of the project.

The CM said the whole project must be presented on a permanent basis. The Smriti Vanam special committee must keep reviewing the progress of works, he said.

The various parts of the statue have arrived from studios and are ready for installation in 13 stages. The civil works of the project are going on and the slab works for the pedestal would be completed by the end of March, officials told the CM.
Minister K T Rama Rao felicitates women entrepreneurs of WE Hub on the occasion of International Women's day in Banjara Hills on Wednesday. The minister also felicitated students of Pallavi Model School on the school's fifth anniversary. (R. Pavan/DC)

HYDERABAD: People from across different strata of society, from girl students to police and politicians to celebrities, celebrated International Womens Day with a slew of events, besides greetings and inspirational messages, on Wednesday.

Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao extended greetings on the occasion and said that women are availing of opportunities in diverse fields, proving their mettle and are becoming a part of the nation-building process.

Actor Mahesh Babu posted on social media: "Celebrating your strength, resilience, and unwavering determination today and everyday. Happy Women's Day to mine all the women!"

Shikha Goel, additional DGP, womens safety wing, posted on Twitter: "To all the women out there..Never pause, Never stop, Never give up.. Wish you all a very happy #InternationalWomensDay @ts_womensafety @TSAHTofficial @Bharosa_TSWSW @TS_SheTeams @TelanganaDGP @TelanganaCOPs."

The State Bank of India celebrated Women's Day at its Koti office by felicitating women from various fields. CGM Amit Jhingran said that women have always been participating in the rise of society by occupying important roles, including President of India, Prime Minister and Speaker of Rajya Sabha.

St Pious X Degree and PG College for Women in Nacharam celebrated Women's Day across a week, from March 2 to March 8, by holding free dental camps, stalls for budding entrepreneurs and flashmobs by students.

Film actor Archana Sastry, speaking to Deccan Chronicle, said, "Women and society have evolved immensely in a good way and many stereotypes and biases that surround minimizing the role of women have been broken. But celebrating Women's Day doesn't just mean celebrating this one day but rather a day to acknowledge and practice and accept the role of women that has been growing and in fact that has been influencing society in a forward-thinking manner, a more growth-oriented and progressive society and thereby, creating a better world."

Google made a doodle display in purple colour with women in different roles  a mother, doctors, leaders and more  with a description that read: "Today's Doodle honors International Women's Day by celebrating many ways in which women support women. The vignettes within each "GOOGLE" letter highlight just a few of the many areas in which women around the world support each other to progress and improve each other's quality of life."

Ramoji Film City also put up a buy one get one free offer on tickets for women till March 31.
Union minister G. Kishan Reddy. (Photo: Twitter/@kisanreddybjp)

HYDERABAD: The BJP on Wednesday expressed fierce objections to the claims made by the BRS leaders, including MLC K. Kavitha, that she was being singled out by the BJP government at the Centre for advocating for women's reservations, while asserting that it had nothing to do with the ongoing investigation into the Delhi liquor scam and that any summonses or probe into the case were the sole purview of the investigating agencies.

Union minister G. Kishan Reddy, state BJP president Bandi Sanjay Kumar, and partys national vice-president D.K. Aruna stated that the ED summons to Kavitha "were a result of her own actions and involvement in the liquor scam". Kishan Reddy, speaking at a campaign meeting for the MLC Teachers constituency in Mahbubnagar, said the BJP never asked Kavitha to get involved in the liquor business, and that his party had no role in what the investigation agencies do in the case. "We never asked her to get into this business. We did not tell her to destroy one phone every day. The CBI and ED file cases and investigate. That is their job. What connection has BJP had with the case," he asked.

Sanjay, addressing the International Womens Day celebrations at the BJP headquarters in the city, slammed Kavitha for claiming that people of Telangana will never "bow down before Delhi rulers. Did Kavitha indulge in illegal liquor deals for the sake of people? Is that ill-gotten money being spent on crop loan waivers, or payment of salaries to the employees?" He said Telangana people "who never bowed their heads before anyone, now have to do so in shame thanks to "KCRs daughters involvement in the liquor scam."

Aruna remarked that it appears that the March 10 protest in the national capital planned by Kavitha was aimed to establish a rationale that the "BRS MLC may hide behind" by alleging that she was being targeted by the Narendra Modi government for taking up the subject of women's reservation.

Nizamabad MP Dharmapuri Arvind said Kavitha "after losing to BJP in the 2019 general elections, and then becoming MLC in nepotism quota is now emerging as a key conspirator in the scam. Her sudden epiphany to fight for the Women's Reservation Bill is just a futile attempt to divert peoples attention." While Huzurabad MLA Etala Rajender said the law will take its own course of action, and recalled how the Chief Minister had said several times that he will not spare even members of his family if they were caught breaking the law, senior party leader Gudur Narayana Reddy said Kavitha has "brought disrepute to women in Telangana". "Instead of fighting for eradication of rampant liquor consumption in the state, Kavitha got involved in the liquor scam," he said, pointing out that due to burgeoning belt wine shops, "thousands of women were becoming widows" every year in the state.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah. (PTI Photo)

HYDERABAD: Union home minister Amit Shah has advanced his Hyderabad visit by a day, and will reach the city on March 11 to attend the CISFs 54th Raising Day Parade and then travel to Kerala for another programme.

Shah and his wife Sonal Shah will take part in the event at CISF National Industrial Security Academy in Hakimpet.

Previously, Shah was scheduled to reach Hyderabad on March 12 and attend a meeting with intellectuals and working professionals in Sangareddy. But the meeting now stands cancelled.

During his last visit to the city on February 10, Shah interacted with senior BJP senior leaders in Hyderabad and discussed the political scenario in the state. On the same lines, he may interact with the partys core committee members on Saturday, sources said.

BJP leaders were tight-lipped about Shahs visit as they did not get an official communique about the same.
AICC leader Rahul Gandhi addresses the Congress' 85th Plenary session (Image Source:PTI)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressing regret in London that democratic parts of the world, including the US and Europe, have failed to notice that a "large chunk of democracy has come undone" in India is wrong for too many reasons.

Mr Gandhi has been voicing his concern about the brutal attack on the structures of Indian democracy and the full-scale assault on its institutions of the country for quite some time now. Several of the examples he cited to buttress his argument have merit: that the press is under attack, as exemplified by the searches by the income-tax department on BBC; that people sitting in high constitutional positions question the principle of judicial review in an attempt to undermine the judiciary and that the minister for justice and law misses no chance to take pot shots at the judiciary and even to challenge it; that important Bills are passed in Parliament with little space for discussion and deliberation. The Election Commission of India is accused of toeing the government line when it announces election schedules.

But Mr Gandhi has forgotten two things: Indian democracy has survived worse before. And the so called defenders of democracy have never ever helped democracies anywhere in the world, including India.

Indian Constitution and democracy came under the worst and most brutal attack under the Emergency declared by a Congress regime headed by Indira Gandhi. The government then denied the press its basic freedoms; handled judges of constitutional courts with vindictiveness; put Opposition leaders in jail under draconian laws and reduced Parliament and the Institution of President into rubber stamps. Fundamental rights were suspended.

But India survived; its democracy, too. Not because the so-called defenders of democracy intervened but the people of India who had "solemnly resolved to constitute India into a democratic republic", and their inheritors, stood in queues and voted the government out. They also put in place a regime that made declaration of Emergency in future a difficult task. They defended Indian democracy, not foreign powers.

The former president of the Congress will do well to go back to history and check how these defenders of democracy have dealt with regimes opposed to them, including India. Despite its firm commitment to the cause of democracy, the US and the West were never sympathetic to India, and instead supported the neighbour which has been under martial law for most part of its existence. They propped up despots who put down even the weakest demands for democracy all over the world. They created and supported religious bigots wherever it suited them, even though some of them later turned out to be Frankensteins.

Mr Gandhi recently undertook one of the most vibrant political activities of our times: a walk from the south to the north of India, covering more than 3,500 kms with a message to unite India against attempts to sow hatred and reap electoral dividends. He has said he met thousands of people who poured their hearts out to him. Mr Gandhi would rather trust those Indians in his efforts to resist the attacks on Indian democracy rather than the self-proclaimed champions of democracy.
Chinese President Xi Jinping. (Photo: AP)

It may have been rhetoric in a motivational speech to the Peoples Liberation Army that lent grim overtones to Chinese President Xi Jinpings speech ahead of his coronation as President for an unprecedented third term later this week. Furthermore, an US intelligence assessment report virtually prophesies an India-China clash on the LAC leading to a wider conflict and nasty repercussions based on its definition of the Russia-Ukraine war as a defining characteristic of the most modern era. It is moot how much of this is scaremongering or byproducts of generals playing war games or plain old China syndrome gripping the West.

An issue that may be of greater concern is the Chinese Presidents call for better use of its resources like technology to enable the winning of wars. The fear of China breaching security with spyware to gather troves of data on everything under the sun through apps like TikTok, much maligned now as a spying tool, and more economical Chinese smartphones that command a huge market share in India, is far more real and immediate as a threat to security as well as a breach of privacy of users.

The scary scenario being projected by the West in the wake of the posturing by China can be traced back to the recent angry outburst from Mr Xi Jinping that the USs strategic moves regarding the Indo-Pacific are aimed at suppressing China. While the expansionist urge of authoritarian regimes is to be sneered at, and not without reason, any further push on the LAC or an invasion of Taiwan remains only within the realm of possibility rather than immediate reality.

And yet, to be prepared to resist any further attempted alteration of the rules-based global order is the duty of sovereign nations. India is paying high enough a price for constant vigilance on two borders with hostile neighbours, but there can be no letting down of guard, however non-imminent any threat appears to be at the moment. But it is not as if the West, particularly the US, is not straining every sinew to derive a strategic advantage or employ modern technology, including artificial intelligence, in their preparedness to fend off threats from China and Russia.




The chief of tire giant Hankook Tire Technology was arrested Thursday on charges of illicit inter-affiliate trading, embezzlement and breach of trust.







The Seoul Central District Court granted a warrant to arrest Hankook Tire Chairman Cho Hyun-bum after holding a court hearing the previous day, citing concerns he could destroy evidence.







The 51-year-old is under investigation for allegedly inflicting financial losses on MKT, an affiliate of Hankook Tire, by forcing it to lend around 13 billion won ($9.84 million) between 2020 and 2021 to financially ailing automobile parts maker Leehan, with whose chief Cho had close ties.







Cho is also suspected of funneling corporate funds worth billions of won for personal use, including the purchase of high-end imported cars and home repairs.







Prosecutors suspect the amount of Cho's embezzlement and breach of trust reaches over 20 billion won.







The chairman also faces charges that he had his company buy tire molds from MKT at an overpriced rate from 2014 to 2017 in violation of the fair trade law that prohibits illicit inter-affiliate trading.







The profits, prosecutors believe, may have gone to Cho and his family. (Yonhap)


The report said the crises between India and Pakistan are more concerning because both are nuclear-armed states. However, Pakistan has a long history of supporting anti-India terrorist groups. Representational Image/By Arramgement

Washington: According to the Annual Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence Community, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is more likely than in the past to respond with military force to perceived or real Pakistani provocations.

The report said the crises between India and Pakistan are more concerning because both are nuclear-armed states. However, Pakistan has a long history of supporting anti-India terrorist groups.

But, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is more likely to respond with military force to perceived or real Pakistani provocations, than it was in the past, the threat assessment report said.

"Crises between India and Pakistan are of particular concern because of the risk of an escalatory cycle between two nuclear-armed states. New Delhi and Islamabad probably are inclined to reinforce the current calm in their relationship following both sides' renewal of a cease-fire along the Line of Control in early 2021," the Annual Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence Community report said.

It further said, "Pakistan has a long history of supporting anti-India militant groups, and under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is more likely than in the past to respond with military force to perceived or real Pakistani provocations."

"Each side's perception of heightened tensions raises the risk of conflict, with violent unrest in Kashmir or a militant attack in India being potential flashpoints," it said.

Interstate conflict, state instability, and other governance challenges pose direct and indirect challenges to US interests at home and abroad, and to its allies and partners.

Rising tensions underpinned by intensifying strategic competition present numerous consequences for US and partners' national security.

Countries' increased military operations across a number of geographic hotspots risk the possibility of inadvertent escalation and the potential for interstate conflict, the statement.

Russia's war in Ukraine coupled with the Covid-19 pandemic has increased poverty, hindered economic growth, and widened inequality, raising the conditions that are ripe for domestic unrest, insurgencies, democratic backsliding, and authoritarianism.

The war in Ukraine has demonstrated how interstate conflict affects not only the parties directly involved, but can have broader cascading security, economic, and humanitarian implications on a regional--and even global--scale. The following are a few of the potential conflicts between states that could spillover with repercussions that may require immediate U.S. attention, the Threat Assesment Report said.

This annual report of worldwide threats to the national security of the United States reflects the collective insights of the Intelligence Community, which is committed every day to providing the nuanced, independent, and unvarnished intelligence that policymakers, warfighters, and domestic law enforcement personnel need to protect American lives and America's interests anywhere in the world.

This assessment focuses on the most direct, serious threats to the United States in the upcoming year.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday raided multiple places across the Valley in a case related to selling MBBS seats to Kashmiri students in Pakistan and using the money to allegedly support and fund terrorism.

Reports said the ED sleuths accompanied by paramilitary CRPF and J&K police raided the houses of Hurriyat leader Qazi Yasir in south Kashmir Anantnag district early Thursday morning.

A simultaneous raid was conducted at the house of jailed Hurriyat leader and chairman of J&K Salvation Movement Zaffar Bhat in Bagh-e-Mehtab area on the outskirts of Srinagar.

Reports said another ED team raided the house of one Syed Khalid Geelani in the uptown Baghat area of Srinagar.

Sources said the raids were conducted in connection with the case of allotting MBBS seats to J&K residents in different colleges in Pakistan.

In August last year, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) of J&K police arrested six persons, including Zafar Bhat in connection with the alleged racket of selling Pakistan-based MBBS seats and other professional courses by Hurriyat leaders and using part of the money generated for terrorism.

From the early 2000s, Hurriyat leaders and other separatists facilitated medical and engineering seats to wards of influential families of J&K, including kids of top government officers, as well as accommodating their own kin in colleges in Pakistan.

During the investigations, it came to the fore that separatists were selling seats designated for orphans of slain Kashmiri terrorists between Rs 10 lakh and 20 lakh each.
Recently, while addressing an election rally in Tripura, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Bangladesh played an important role in the development of Tripura during the tenure of the BJP government. Road and rail connectivity with Bangladesh is gradually getting stronger. Tripura is becoming the gateway to Southeast Asia. Modi also mentioned that electricity is now being supplied to Bangladesh from Tripura.

There is a saying in the South Asian region that if Bangladesh is India-locked, Tripura is Bangladesh-locked. So, the relationship between Bangladesh and Tripura is a long onecivilisational, historical, lingual, and cultural. From time immemorial, the people of Tripura and Bangladesh have shared their problems and prosperity. They share a porous border stretching over 856 kilometers, constituting 85% of Tripuras border.

Tripura and Bangladesh have a special history. During Bangladeshs struggle for independence, the people of Tripura welcomed more Bangladeshi refugees per capita into their homes than in any other civil war situation in history. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas visit to Tripura in 2012 was also significant; since its inception in 1971, no Bangladeshi head of state or government had visited Indias northeast. This visit rebalanced relations between India and Bangladesh.

There are several existing infrastructural projects between Tripura and Bangladesh. The inauguration of Maitri Setu over the Feni River was one of those landmark projects between Tripura and Bangladesh. Tripura will emerge as the gateway to Southeast Asia once the Maitri Bridge, linking Sabroom with Ramgarh in Bangladesh, is thrown open for the public. This bridge is located only 74 km from Chittagong Port. Another project is the AgartalaAkhaura (Bangladesh) railway link, which once completed, will connect Gangasagar in Bangladesh to Nischintapur in India and then connect Nischintapur to Agartala railway station in India.

The scope of trade relations would expand with the introduction of the Agartala-Akhaura railway line. In addition, India also plans to develop an integrated checkpoint and cargo handling facility at Nischintapur, which is the junction point of the Agartala-Akhaura rail link at Tripura. This rail link will reduce the journey time between Agartala and Kolkata by passing through Dhaka instead of Guwahati. The travel time between

Agartala and Kolkata will be reduced to 10 hours from the current 31 hours as it will travel a mere 550 km instead of 1,600. India and Bangladesh currently have four operational rail links between West Bengal and Western Bangladesh: Petrapole-Benapole, Gede-Darshana, Radhikapur-Biral, and Singhabad-Rohanpur. The last two are also notified of the use of Nepalese transit traffic. The present line will not only help people from Agartala but also those from Mizoram, which is 150 km away.

With the completion of these two connectivity projects  the Feni bridge connecting Sabroom, Tripura, with Chittagong, Bangladesh, and the AgartalaAkhaura rail lineTripura will emerge as a well-connected state and will cease to be a landlocked one as it is now. It will connect India, Myanmar, and Thailand through roadways and further trade relations.

Tripuras Maharaja Bir Bikram airport, the third international airport in the landlocked northeastern region, will connect Agartala to Dhaka.

Recently, the Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka, Pranay Verma, has also expressed Indias interest in investing in new airports in Bangladesh to facilitate the connectivity of northeastern states. Air connectivity will not only strengthen the connectivity between Bangladesh, the Indian mainland, and Tripura but also between India and

Asean countries.

Tripura can be a reliable and strategic partner for Bangladesh. It is a better partner for Bangladesh than West Bengal or Assam. There is a key cultural affinity that will make social and intellectual exchanges with Bangladesh more meaningful. Both countries now have a mutual and abiding interest in ensuring that Tripura leads the India-Bangladesh relationship.

For too long, Bangladesh has looked to Assam and West Bengal to engage with India; it must now pivot and look east to Tripura and Mizoram. For Bangladesh, too, Tripura can be the gateway to Myanmar and ASEAN through Mizoram. It is high time India initiated more trade, investments, and connectivity projects between Bangladesh and Tripura.

(The writer is a PhD Fellow, University of Bucharest.)
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KG, BorgWarner NW Inc., BorgWarner Netherlands Holdings (PDS) B.V., BorgWarner Oroszlany Kft., BorgWarner PDS (Anderson) L.L.C., BorgWarner PDS (Changnyeong) LLC, BorgWarner PDS (Indiana) Inc., BorgWarner PDS (Livonia) Inc., BorgWarner PDS (Ochang) LLC, BorgWarner PDS (Thailand) Limited, BorgWarner PDS (USA) Inc., BorgWarner PDS Brasil Produtos Automotivos Ltda., BorgWarner PDS Irapuato S. de R.L. de C.V., BorgWarner PDS Mexico Holdings S. de R.L. de C.V., BorgWarner PDS Technologies L.L.C., BorgWarner Poland Sp. z o.o., BorgWarner Pyongtaek LLC, BorgWarner Romeo Power LLC, BorgWarner Rzeszow Sp. z o.o., BorgWarner Shenglong (Ningbo) Co. Ltd., BorgWarner South Asia LLC, BorgWarner Southborough Inc., BorgWarner Spain Holding S.L.U, BorgWarner Sweden AB, BorgWarner Systems Lugo S.r.l., BorgWarner Thermal Systems Inc., BorgWarner Thermal Systems of Michigan Inc., BorgWarner TorqTransfer Systems Beijing Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Tralee Ltd., BorgWarner Transmission Products LLC, BorgWarner Transmission Systems Arnstadt GmbH, BorgWarner Transmission Systems GmbH, BorgWarner Transmission Systems Korea LLC, BorgWarner Transmission Systems Tulle S.A.S., BorgWarner Trustees Limited, BorgWarner Turbo & Emissions Systems France S.A.S., BorgWarner Turbo Systems Engineering GmbH, BorgWarner Turbo Systems GmbH, BorgWarner Turbo Systems LLC, BorgWarner Turbo Systems Worldwide Headquarters GmbH, BorgWarner Turbo Systems of Michigan Inc., BorgWarner Turbo and Emissions Systems de Mexico S.A. de C.V., BorgWarner UK Financing Ltd., BorgWarner UK Holding and Services Ltd., BorgWarner US Holding LLC, BorgWarner USA Industries L.L.C., BorgWarner United Transmission Systems Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Waterloo Inc., BorgWarner Wrexham Limited, Cascadia Motion LLC, Creon Insurance Agency Limited, Delphi Technologies, Dytech ENSA, Gustav Wahler GmbH u. Co. KG, Haldex, Kuhlman LLC, Kysor Europe Limited, M. & M. Knopf Auto Parts L.L.C., NSK-Warner (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., NSK-Warner K.K., NSK-Warner Mexico S.A. de C.V, NSK-Warner U.S.A. Inc., New PDS Corp., Old Remco Holdings L.L.C., Old Remco International Holdings L.L.C., Remy International, SeohanWarner Turbo Systems LLC, Sevcon, Sevcon New Energy Technology (Hubei) Company Limited, and Transmission Systems AutoForm LLC.

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President Yoon Suk Yeol delivers congratulatory remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony for an S-Oil petrochemical plant in the southeastern city of Ulsan, March 9. Yonhap



President Yoon Suk Yeol attended the groundbreaking ceremony for a 9.3 trillion-won ($7 billion) petrochemical plant in the southeastern city of Ulsan on Thursday, hailing the project as a symbol of the friendship and trust between Korea and Saudi Arabia, his office said.



The "Shaheen project," named after the Arabic word for falcon, Saudi Arabia's national bird, aims to construct a large-scale petrochemical production facility at S-Oil's Onsan industrial complex in Ulsan, 307 kilometers southeast of Seoul.



S-Oil is Korea's No. 3 oil refiner in which Saudi Arabia's state-run oil giant, Saudi Aramco, holds the largest stake.



Yoon marked the start of the project, which was finalized during his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Seoul last November, saying it is a key achievement of economic diplomacy between Korea and Saudi Arabia.



He also promised to drastically improve domestic regulations that do not meet global standards so as to help foreign investment firms freely conduct business in Korea, his office said.



The Shaheen project will build a steam cracking facility and other units to produce basic petrochemical feedstock, such as ethylene and naphtha, for plastics and other synthetic resins.



The project will create 17,000 jobs during peak construction and an added value to the economy worth about 3 trillion won, S-Oil said.



The project is S-Oil's second-phase petrochemical investment after spending $4 billion for the downstream expansion.



S-Oil, 63.4 percent owned by Aramco, has been bolstering its push for petrochemical and other green energy sectors to diversify future growth engines under a carbon neutrality blueprint.





From left to right, Mohammed Y. Al Qahtani, executive vice president of Aramco; Ulsan Mayor Kim Doo-kyum; Hussain A. Al Qahtani, CEO of S-Oil; President Yoon Suk Yeol; Amin Nasser, president and CEO of Aramco; and other officials together throw the first shovel of dirt during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Shaheen Project in Ulsan, 307 kilometers southeast of Seoul in this photo provided by S-Oil, March 9. Yonhap
Two Derry DJs are in India this week to sample the countrys electronic music scene.

Up-and-coming acts, Aaron Thomas and Shay Whelan, have jetted off to play clubs in Delhi, Mumbai and Goa, with their first show kicking off tomorrow night (Friday, March 10) in New Delhi.

Bringing a mix of electro, techno, ambient and psychedelia, the pair have been selected to take part in Delhi- Derry: Together In Sound, a partnership between Derrys Celtronic Festival and New Delhi online radio station Boxout.fm, which aims to build new creative partnerships between artists in Northern Ireland and India.

The collaboration is part of British Councils India/Together: A Season of Culture, a programme of activity to celebrate the relationship between the UK and India through music, theatre, cinema, literature, fashion and visual arts, with the duo following in the footsteps of fellow Derry DJs The Fully Automatic Model, Cartin and Queen and Disco who toured across India late last year.

Aaron (32), who is known for his live shows, mixes dub, industrial and EBM, using analogue synthesizers, drum machines and loop pedals.

This is his first international tour and for him, its a chance to reignite his creativity and focus more on his music.

Aaron said: I initially got involved with Celtronic as a club goer, and it opened my eyes to underground house and techno music.

"I love synthesisers and old analogue music and started buying stuff in my teens, eventually building my own home studio.

"I started playing live sets in 2015 and as time went on getting bigger and better gigs, with some international shows lined up. Unfortunately, just as it was kicking off for me, Covid hit and that all kind of stopped.

I feel a lot more creative now because of this tour and I want to ride that wave. Focusing on my music is now my goal and thats one of the biggest positives to come out of this tour.

With my live shows I try to replicate the best moments that Ive had on the dance floor for other people. Theyre quite bass heavy and distortive, and sometimes can get a bit trippy and psychedelic  and I dont know if this is what the crowds in India will expect.

Prior to last year I knew nothing about the electronic music there, but Im starting to get an idea that it's taken off and is really exciting. Im looking forward to playing shows with Shay and cant wait to make connections with the people out there  that is probably what I value the most.

Meanwhile, Shay (22), who works as a studio engineer at Celtronic, is known for making hard and fast paced techno tracks, swaying from electro to hard house and techno.

He is one of the most exciting emerging producers /DJs in the Northern Ireland music scene and has been touted as one to watch.

Ahead of the shows he said: This is my first-time touring, and not only will it give me great insight into what touring is like, but it will be amazing to experience the culture of India. Im particularly looking forward to Goa as Ive heard so much about it and everyone tells me I will love it.

My experience in India will definitely top anything Ive ever experienced before. Im not sure yet about my set, but Ive got a lot of new material of my own and have been exploring different styles lately  so Ill be trying out some tracks I wouldnt normally get the chance to play in the UK or Ireland.

This collaboration between Boxout.fm and Celtronic began in 2021 through Delhi- Derry: Electronic Connections, when acts from India and Derry were brought together for a two-day livestream with the support of the British Council.

This was followed in the summer of this year when six acts from India performed in Derry as part of Celtronic 2022.

Speaking about the collaboration, Gareth Stewart, Founder of Celtronic, said: All these acts have the potential to be global touring artists, with India a perfect showcase of the diverse sounds of the local electronic music scene here.

"Apart from the chance to visit some of India's finest cities and experience Indian culture, they will get a chance to play some of India's best clubs and festivals and bring their sounds to a whole new audience.

"We hope this will be the first of many cultural exchanges between Derry and New Delhi.

He continued: Since beginning this partnership with Boxout.fm, we have been learning about the scene in India and some of the amazing DJs, producers and live acts from there.

"The scene there seems to be growing at a rapid rate and there is sure to be some global electronic music stars emerging from India in the years ahead. When the six Indian artists including Nash, Stain, Zequenx and Lush Lata performed at Celtronic in the summer, they all went down a storm with Derry audiences.

Also speaking about the collaboration was Jonathan Stewart, Director of British Council Northern Ireland, he said: This collaboration shows the strength of the music scene in Northern Ireland and India, specifically the talent coming out of Derry and Delhi.

"The electronic music scene in Delhi is very much on the rise with Boxout.fm the first platform to showcase alternative music and its related cultures in India, while Celtronic has been a leading electronic festival in the UK and Ireland for the last 20 years.

We are delighted to have been able to support this project from the beginning and hope this collaboration will shine a spotlight on local talent, helping these artists reach new international audiences. We wish both Aaron and Shay the very best of luck with the tour.

To find out more about their work in Northern Ireland visit nireland.britishcouncil.org or follow on Twitter: @BCouncil_NI, Facebook or Instagram.
A County Derry man has been shortlisted in a 'life changing competition to find the UK's best young chef.

The Roux Scholarship is the biggest UK competition for chefs under 30 and previous winners have gone on to head some of the UKs top kitchens and earn Michelin stars.

Ryan Porter, 29, was raised in Magherafelt from the age of five when he moved up from Wexford, and has reached the semi final of the competition.

To go on to win this would be a huge achievement. It would just be one small step to where I want to go and what I want to do but to win this competition it's life changing, it really is, he said.

It would just show that no matter what kind of background you've come from, or what you've done in your life, great things can happen if you truly believe in yourself.

The competition has 18 semi finalists who were selected after submitting written recipes that used striploin of dry-aged beef, a beef offal ingredient and Belgian chicory.

They were submitted anonymously to the judges, who took part in the Recipe Judging day at Roux at The Waterside Inn on 22 February 2023.

The semifinalists will compete in two regional finals which will be held simultaneously on Thursday 9th March 2023 at University College Birmingham and University of West London, Ealing.

This is the last year Ryan will be eligible for the competition.

I believe I can [win it] but it's whoever turns up on the day: anything can happen. You just have to believe in yourself; you can be the best chef in the country but you still might not win it because all that matters is what happens on that day, he said.

No one remembers the semi finalists, no one remembers the finalists, everyone remembers the people who win it like Mark Burchill, two Michelin stars, and Sat Bains, two Michelin stars, he added.

This is the second time Ryan has entered the competition. He reached the final five years ago  only the third person from the North to do so.

This year two chefs from the North are in the semifinal with Dillon Smyth from Antrim also competing.

Journey so far

Ryan moved to England seven years ago seeking out mentors at top restaurants in the country. He is eager to learn various techniques from people who are the best at what they do.

I moved over to England when I was 22 and put myself in the best restaurants I possibly could. I knew that if I wanted to be good at cooking I had to move to England because it had more opportunities and the standard of food was a lot higher.

The standard in Northern Ireland is getting there but it's just a bit behind.

When he moved to England he linked up with Aiden Byrne - the youngest chef to be awarded a Michelin star.

He started cooking in Aiden's pub and lived in a room above it. He did eight months there before moving on to the Michelin star restaurant, Northcote Manor, just outside Blackburn. Here Ryan worked under Lisa Allen, winner of the BBC cooking show Great British Menu, and says it was here he really started to fall in love with food.

After a year there Ryan first entered the Roux Scholarship scholarship competition.

When he lost out in the final Ryan kept striving to improve and started working at the two Michelin star Midsummer House. Here he worked with Chef Daniel Clifford and Head Chef Mark Abbott from Antrim.

After a year he moved on to the two Michelin star Whatley Manor where he worked with Niall Keating who won the Michelin Young European Chef award in 2018.

He left Whatley Manor and started a private dining business but realised that wasn't what he wanted.

He's currently head chef at The Double Red Duke pub in Oxfordshire where everything is fresh and cooked over an open fire.

Goal is to change the industry

The goal for Ryan, with or without the scholarship, is to open his own restaurant with a healthier workplace environment than many of the top kitchens.

There's a crisis in the industry at the minute. There's staff shortages and I believe that's down to how staff are treated  a lot of chefs are bullies. A lot of kitchens are intense and they shouldn't be that way. So I'd like to go on and change that, he said.

And I want to actually show the kids that there is a career in this. I only have one GCSE and some people think if you're not smart and you don't have a degree you go and work in a kitchen.

It's not that job anymore; there's a great career in cheffing and I want to show the kids that and mentor them rather than making them scared to work in a kitchen.

It's not a nice environment to work in. I've seen it myself, I've been in those kitchens. You have to

have a strong will to survive those kitchens and everyone's different, everyone has a different personality so you cant treat everyone the same. That's why I want to change the industry.

If Ryan is successful in the semifinal he will join five other finalists at Westminster Kingsway College in London.

The judges for the final cook-off will be: Alain Roux, Michel Roux Jr, Brian Turner CBE, Andre Garrett, Sat Bains, Simon Hulstone, Rachel Humphrey and Angela Hartnett and an unannounced honourary President of Judges.
The ongoing absence of an Executive and Assembly is having a detrimental effect on investment and the economy in Northern Ireland, Derry Chamber President Selina Horshi has said.

Selina Horshi was speaking at the Derry Chamber of Commerces Presidents Annual Lunch which took place at the City Hotel on Thursday afternoon and was sponsored by AIB Merchant Services.

With the theme Celebrating Innovation, the lunch fell during Derry and Strabane Enterprise Week and celebrated entrepreneurs, SMEs, and micro-businesses across the North West.

The lunch gathered over 200 business leaders, political representatives, and invited guests from across the North West and Northern Ireland.

Professor Liam Maguire from Ulster University delivered a keynote address on the progress and projects of the Derry and Strabane City Deal before a panel discussion on innovation in the North West including representatives from Seagate, Allstate NI, the Western Trust, and Dirty Souls Restaurant.

Selina Horshi reinforced the impact of the ongoing impasse at Stormont as well as acknowledging the recent Windsor Framework as well as the upcoming 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. She urged local political representatives to do all they can to facilitate the speedy return of functioning power-sharing in Northern Ireland.

Derry Chamber of Commerce President, Selina Horshi, said: Todays lunch was a celebration of the entrepreneurial and enterprising spirit which is endemic in the business community here in the North West.

Weve seen during Derry and Strabane Enterprise Week that there is a strong cluster of start-ups, innovative SMEs, and larger, more established companies here that creates a really exciting ecosystem for businesses to thrive in our region. Local entrepreneurs in the North West are adding serious value to the Northern Irish economy.

What they need, however, is a stable and certain environment to grow in.

The ongoing lack of an Executive and Assembly is deeply regrettable once again. Its extremely frustrating, for businesses and communities, that our MLAs have not been able to sit at Stormont and pass positive and progressive legislation for nearly a year. This is even more frustrating in the face of challenges like the cost-of-living crisis which have impacted everyone in our society.

The recent announcement of the Windsor Framework was a positive step in relations between the EU and the UK and we remain cautiously hopeful that an agreed deal can lead to the restoration of the Executive.

As we approach the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, its important that we recapture the optimism and hope of 1998 to ensure we can deliver prosperity for our businesses and our communities.

Hubert ODononghue, Vice President, General Manager, AIB Merchant Services added: AIB Merchant Services were pleased to support the Londonderry Chambers Presidents Annual Lunch. In particular, we resonated with todays theme of Celebrating Innovation. As one of Irelands largest providers of payment solutions, we understand the importance of innovation and developing new ways of rising to challenges.

We were delighted to attend todays lunch and connect with businesses, large and small, from across the North West.
Queens University in Belfast has announced a major series of events to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

The university said a three-day conference next month would bring together key global figures to recognise the importance of the historic peace deal.

Ulster University has also announced a number of events to mark the anniversary, including a tourism summit.

The Good Friday Agreement, signed on April 10 1998, helped to bring an end to the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

The three-day conference at Queens University, titled Agreement 25: The Dynamics of Peace: Reflections on the Achievements, Legacies and Implications of the 1998 Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, will take place from April 17-19.

Professor Ian Greer, president and vice-chancellor of Queens, said: We are delighted to be hosting this event, bringing together key global figures to share their experiences and expertise in peace building.

This signature event to mark the anniversary of the agreement offers the opportunity to reflect upon and recognise the achievements of 25 years ago, which has led to significant progress in Northern Ireland, delivering greater prosperity and a safer and more inclusive society.

We also want to look forward to how we address the major issues impacting society today so we can build on the current peace over the next 25 years. We look forward to an insightful event.

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris said: This conference provides a great opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement 25 years on.

Bringing together young people, business leaders and global political leaders past and present, this forum will provide a chance for architects of the agreement and those benefiting from the Northern Ireland it helped to create to discuss progressing peace and prosperity.

I look forward to supporting this event and collaborating with a number of partners as the Northern Ireland Office delivers its own ambitious programme of activity throughout the anniversary year.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said: We are grateful that Queens University will host this important conference, to offer a moment of reflection on the peace and on remaining challenges.

It brings together people from these islands, and further afield, to consider how we can work together into the future, to fully deliver the potential of the Good Friday Agreement.

The three-day conference will be hosted by Queens in partnership with the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the Global Federation of Competitiveness Councils, Council on Competitiveness, Women in Business, Politics in Action, the Lyric Theatre as well as Hillsborough Castle, where supporting events will also take place, including a programme for schools.

Events during the conference will include a series of reflective panels and an economic summit.

The Ulster University events include a year-long arts programme, a new leadership programme to develop 25 leaders of tomorrow, a youth project to explore the role of journalism and creative writing in the north-west and a tourism summit.

Professor Paul Bartholomew, vice-chancellor of Ulster University, said: Across our research, teaching and community engagement, our varied programme marking 25 years since the Belfast Good Friday Agreement will reflect on the remarkable resilience of our community in sustaining peace, engage with all sectors on the work still to do and prepare the next generation of leaders to see it through.

With partners from isolated rural communities across Northern Ireland to Washington DC, we will be exploring, shaping and developing how, together, we will build a sustainable future for everyone in our society.
The High Street Voucher Scheme failed to comply with equality scheme commitments, a commission has found.

Almost 137 million was spent using Spend Local cards in a Stormont scheme to stimulate the economy following the coronavirus lockdown.

Every adult over the age of 18 was entitled to claim one of the 100 cards.

However, the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland received two complaints from an individual that the Department for the Economy did not fully or properly consider the potential equality impacts of excluding those under the age of 18 from the scheme.

An investigation by the commission found that the department did not undertake its equality screening at the earliest opportunity in the policy development process.

It also found the screening form presented to the minister regarding the scheme included reference to a decision  stated as already made  on the eligibility criteria for age, that the scheme would only apply to those aged 18 and over.

The commission found that given the significance of this criteria for the overall scheme, the minister therefore could not have paid due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity when considering the policy proposal and reaching a decision.

DUP MLA Diane Dodds was the economy minister when the scheme was introduced, and was later succeeded by her party colleague Gordon Lyons.

Geraldine McGahey, chief commissioner at the Equality Commission, said their report outlines several recommendations for the department.

Our investigation in this case identified a number of areas where the Department for the Economy failed to comply with its equality scheme commitments in relation to the equality screening of the High Street Scheme, she said.

The report outlines several recommendations for the department to action. By implementing these recommendations, they will put equality of opportunity and good relations considerations at the centre of their policymaking and service delivery processes, as they are required to do to comply with their Equality Scheme.

We are recommending to the department that an equality assessment is undertaken at the earliest opportunity during its policy development process. Also that they take a clear, consistent approach to this and finalise any screening documentation in a timely manner, before presenting it and all the relevant information to the decision maker for the policy concerned.

All departmental policy officers should implement the screening practices committed to in the departments Equality Scheme and ensure they fully understand the purpose of equality screening.

Ms McGahey said they have asked the department to report back on its progress in implementing the recommendations within six months.

The complaint was backed by the Childrens Law Centre, which said it was the first complaint to the Equality Commission by a person under 18.

Policy officer Claire Kemp described it as a really significant finding.

The Childrens Law Centre repeatedly raised concerns at the time that the Department for the Economy had failed to properly comply with its own Equality Scheme, she said.

We have now been vindicated in that, but unfortunately around 450,000 children and young people have lost out in the meantime.

The frustration now is that while the Equality Commission has made this finding, the young people have still lost out.

The High Street Voucher Scheme was announced in April 2021 and it was clear at that point that the department was intending to exclude under 18s with no basis for doing so. Yet it has taken almost two years to get to this point.

Children and young people suffered during the pandemic like everyone else.

Many of them contributed in the recovery and should have benefited from the High Street Voucher Scheme. Not only that, but providing vouchers to children and young people could have made a big difference in a lot of lives by providing essentials for disadvantaged children at a time when people were facing escalating hardship.

Children and young people are no less deserving than anyone else in our society, yet they are repeatedly failed, forgotten and discriminated against.

This finding should be a reminder to all government departments that they must take their equality duties seriously.

A spokesperson for the Department for the Economy said: The department received the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland report into the High Street Scheme this morning and is currently reviewing its findings and recommendations before issuing its response.
A woman who beat her friend to death with a claw hammer has been told she will spend at least 16 years in prison for the murder.

Ludmila Poletelova, 61, was found dead at her home in Lodge Court, Limavady, in April 2021.

Svetlana Svedova, 47, of College Court in the Co Londonderry town, pleaded guilty to the murder in December last year.

At a sentencing hearing at Belfast Crown Court on Thursday, Mr Justice OHara said he had already imposed a life sentence on Svedova but now had to set a minimum tariff on the time she would serve before her case could come before parole commissioners.

The judge told the court that Ms Poletelova, a mother and grandmother, had been born in Russia but spent most of her life in Latvia before moving to Northern Ireland in 2009, and had been employed at a wine bar in Limavady.

He said: Ms Poletolova was a lady who helped fellow Latvians and eastern Europeans who were struggling in Northern Ireland.

Over several years she assisted some and helped others to find accommodation.

Mr Justice OHara said her body was discovered in April 2021 after her employer sent a colleague to her home when she did not turn up for a shift at work.

A pathologists report showed she had been murdered, with approximately 50 blows struck to her head, most likely with a claw hammer.

The judge said her death must have been brutal and horrific.

He told the court that police suspicion quickly fell on Svedova, who turned up at the wine bar to cover her victims shift with injuries to her arms.

She subsequently told police she had visited Ms Poletolovas home and they had drunk together but that she had not killed her.

Mr Justice OHara said Svedova, who is Latvian, maintained her innocence in the face of overwhelming evidence until she finally pleaded guilty last December.

He added: There is little or nothing that can be said for the defendant beyond the fact that she eventually pleaded guilty and in all probability she did not go to Ms Poletolovas home with the intention of killing her.

What she did, in short, was to beat her so-called friend to death with approximately 50 blows from a hammer, probably on the Tuesday.

She left her body lying in the flat until it was discovered on the Friday. She turned up at work to cover her shift and after that she maintained a complete denial of the murder.

I do not accept there is any real evidence of remorse and none of the sort I would expect from a defendant who had murdered a helpful older friend.

The judge said that, even at the end of the 16-year minimum sentence he set, Svedovas release is not guaranteed, as that decision will lie with the parole commissioners.

Responding to the sentencing, PSNI Detective Inspector Claire McGarvey said: This was a shocking attack in which Ludmila Poletelova was struck repeatedly, and ferociously, with a hammer.

The injuries sustained included multiple skull fractures due to over 50 blows to the head.

Svetlana Svedova sentenced for the murder of Ludmila Poletelova. Full details here  https://t.co/LTYRozv8CE pic.twitter.com/1HMRJBcC3f  Police Causeway Coast and Glens (@PSNICCGDistrict) March 9, 2023

She added: Ludmila, who was from Latvia, had lived and worked in the town for a number of years.

While she kept herself to herself, she was greatly respected and well-liked within the community.

I would like to thank local people for their assistance with this investigation. Your support has been invaluable.

Furthermore, Ludmilas family have extended their sincere gratitude to those who initiated and supported fundraising to allow Ludmilas body to be returned to her native Latvia.

Today my thoughts are with Ludmilas two sons and two grandchildren who remain heartbroken and distraught by the loss of, and level of violence inflicted upon, their loved one.

Indeed, their torment was prolonged by the defendants delay in pleading guilty.

This was a senseless, cruel and brutal loss of an innocent life.
A canine search and rescue group has been recognised at Stormont for its work saving survivors from the rubble after the earthquake in Turkey.

K9 Search and Rescue Northern Ireland, which is based in Bangor, Co Down, assists the coast guard and can help to find missing persons in urban or rural areas.

Rescuers from the group Ryan Gray and Kyle Murray felt obligated to use their skills and expertise to help efforts in Turkey last month, alongside their dogs Max and Delta.

We were chomping at the bit to get going. Every hour that passed we were losing potentially casualties within the rubble, Mr Gray said.

Time is very much of the essence so we were knocking the door down to make sure we could get there as quickly as possible.

K9 Search and Rescue Northern Ireland has aimed to be ready for all eventualities, not just those that occur on the island of Ireland.

We train to do all that stuff so that whenever we go to the likes of Turkey, the dogs are used to it, Mr Gray explained.

Our team has been to LA training with the Americans. Weve also been to Malta. Weve trained with the UK fire service on collapsed buildings so we do a lot of training for this type of event.

The dogs go in helicopters, they work around aircrafts so theyre used to the sound.

However despite the training and preparations for disaster situations, both men expressed their shock at the extent of the damage in Turkey.

Whenever we arrived it was absolute devastation on a scale that we could never have imagined. We trained for the likes of this but this definitely was not within the training remit, Mr Murray said.

We were on sites where we had 250 deceased people below our feet and the smell from that. The heartache from families, mothers crying, looking you to go and search their home.

It had a massive impact on us all.

Mr Gray added: It wasnt really like what you seen on the TV, we had the TV on flat out before we went to try and get ourselves in the right mindframe.

When we landed it was very different, the scale of it is massive, the whole place is just flattened.

The smell of death was everywhere because a lot of people had died.

We were sleeping in a tent at minus 8C at night time, when we did get to sleep. There were no luxuries at all; we were living rough and working 24 hours a day.

Being on the ground with dogs Max and Delta posed a new set of challenges for the canine rescuers.

For the dogs the environment is completely different, the smells are different. In Northern Ireland when were searching for someone it wouldnt be in a collapsed building. It would be in the countryside or in the streets, Mr Gray said.

Over there its all rubble moving under their feet. Its very unsteady, theres lots of dangers like glass and sharp metal sticking out.

Whenever the dogs are going down into the holes underneath the building theres a risk of further collapse and trapping the dogs.

Despite the difficulties, the team from Northern Ireland managed to rescue two people from the collapsed buildings. Mr Murray described the feeling of realising they had found survivors in the rubble.

The chill going down the spine feeling of pure just happiness that we knew that we had got that person. The dogs were 100% right, they knew there was somebody alive, he said.

That feeling of pure excitement in your stomach of butterflies nearly, thinking my goodness were on here, weve got somebody. That feeling is just fantastic as a dog handler.

Alliance Party leader Naomi Long was at the event at Stormont on Thursday.

I thought it would be appropriate for members of the Assembly and their staff to hear a little bit about what happened in Turkey. But also to raise awareness of the work the organisation does, not just here in Northern Ireland but much farther afield, she said.

Myself along with two MLAs are hosting the event here today to thank them for the work theyve done.
Motorola has announced the launch date of Moto G73 5G. The company also teased some specifications of the device. The specifications of Moto G73 that Motorola has teased match the specifications of the Moto G73 Europe variant.

Recently, a tipster, Abhishek Yadav confirmed the specifications and tweeted a sale poster of Moto G73 5G. Lets check out all the details we have so far.

Moto G73 5G Price and availability

Motorola has announced that Moto G73 5G will launch on March 10. The tipster, Abhishek Yadav has leaked the price details, the Moto G73 is going to launch in India at a price of 18,999 according to the leaks. The smartphone is said to be available on Flipkart for sale on March 16 at 16,999 with a limited-time offer.

Moto G73 5G Design

Motorola G73 5G is expected to roll out with a weight of 181g and it is said to be 8.29mm thick. The smartphone will roll out in two colours: Midnight Blue and Lucent White. The screen of the phone will be flat and has a punch-hole cutout on the top reportedly. It is also said to be equipped with an IP52 rating, a 3.5mm headphone jack and dual speakers.

Moto G73 5G Display

The Moto G73 will reportedly feature a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display with a Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate.

Moto G73 5G Performance

The budget phone is expected to be powered by Indias first MediaTek Dimensity 930 processor. The phone is most likely to run on the Android 13 operating system. It will reportedly hold a 5000mAh battery with a fast charging support of 30-watts. The phone has also tipped to feature Bluetooth 5.4, 13 5G bands and 4x4 MIMO.

Moto G73 5G Camera

Moto G73 5G is expected to feature a dual camera setup on the back holding a 50-megapixel primary camera and an 8-megapixel lens. It will sport a 16-megapixel selfie shooter on the front reportedly.

For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in or head to our Google News page.
Ray Zhang, head of AliExpress Korea, gives a presentation to reporters at a press event in southern Seoul, March 9. Yonhap



AliExpress Korea plans to invest about 100 billion won ($75.7 million) in Korea this year, the top executive said Thursday, as the online retailer backed by China's Alibaba Group is pushing to strengthen its presence in the growing cross-border shopping market.



The investment is meant "to offer more attractive products and a better cross-border shopping experience for Korean consumers," Ray Zhang, head of AliExpress Korea, said in a news conference in southern Seoul.



The move came as the Chinese e-commerce platform is seeking to strengthen its partnerships with Korean companies, including Naver, online payment service Kakao Pay and CJ Logistics, to localize services and scale up its business in Korea.



Korea is home to the world's fifth-largest e-commerce market, thanks to its ultrafast internet speed and high internet usage rate among the population. (Yonhap)


Barry Keoghan has criticised British Airways for its bad customer service after losing his suitcase on the way to Los Angeles for the Oscars.

The Irish actor said he was taking tons of sentimental stuff for the show on Sunday and that the airline could not seem to be helpful in one bit.

Keoghan is nominated for best supporting actor at the 95th Academy awards for his role in dark Irish comedy The Banshees Of Inisherin.

In a now-deleted tweet posted on Wednesday, he wrote: Lost my suitcase with @British_Airways and they cant seem to be any way helpful in one bit.

Here in LA for Oscars and had tons of sentimental stuff I wanted to wear and bring with me.

Such bad customer service. Sent me to LAX to tell me they cant help me. Tut tut.

Keoghans best supporting actor nod is his first Oscars nomination, and he will go head to head with Banshees co-star Brendan Gleeson in the category.

He previously won the Bafta award for best supporting actor for his performance in the film, in which he plays the dim-witted Dominic Kearney.

The Banshees other stars, Colin Farrell and Kerry Condon, are also nominated at this years Oscars, in the best actor and best supporting actress categories respectively.

The film picked up a total of nine nominations at the ceremony, including a coveted best picture nod.

The 95th Academy Awards will take place on March 12 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.




gettyimagesbank
Government approval has been given to extend the DART train service to commuter areas beyond Dublin, it has been confirmed.

The Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan, has secured agreement from the Cabinet for the DART+ South West rail project to enter the planning system.

This major public transport project will extend DART trains from Dublin city centre to Hazelhatch and Celbridge train station in Co. Kildare, as part of a wider expansion of DART services in the coming years.

The project will provide a fast, high-frequency and electrified rail service to communities along the route at Islandbridge, Park West and Cherry Orchard, Clondalkin, Adamstown, and Celbridge and Hazelhatch.

Following Government approval today, a Railway Order (planning application) for DART+ South West, covering 20km of new electrified rail infrastructure, will be submitted to An Bord Pleanala by the end of March. Subject to planning permission and final funding arrangements, construction works for DART + South West could commence in 2025, with delivery of the infrastructure by the end of the decade.

In general, train services along the route will at least double in frequency, with up to 11 trains each way per hour at peak times serving stations upon completion of the project. This will increase the number of passengers that can travel to and from Dublin city along the route from circa 5,000 each way at present to 20,000 in future.

The project will see construction of a new station, Heuston West, at Islandbridge, and the quadrupling of rail track between Park West and Heuston. The project involves electrification of the Phoenix Park Tunnel along with the wider route, allowing DART trains to operate between Hazelhatch/Celbridge and Connolly station (and beyond), as well as Heuston station.

DART+ South West is part of the multi-billion euro DART+ Programme which will treble the current DART rail network from 53km to 150km, extending the DART to Drogheda to the north, Maynooth and M3 Parkway to the west and Hazelhatch and Celbridge to the south-west. This will allow many more people to travel conveniently and sustainably by public transport. The number of people living within 1km of a DART station will increase hugely from about 250,000 at present to 600,000 in future.

Minister Ryan said: The Governments approval of DART+ South West today highlights our commitment to invest in high-quality public transport and decarbonise Irelands transport system. This rail project will transform the lives of people living in communities along the route, giving them a fast, reliable and frequent train service into Dublin. It also means that we can move ahead with good, transport led planning, facilitating vital affordable new housing along the route.

"I look forward to the DART+ Programme rolling-out further in the coming years. Well start this with the delivery of the first batch of 90 new DART carriages arriving next year. This will see new DART services between Drogheda and Dublin city from early 2025, before then expanding to other areas including Hazelhatch and Celbridge.

Anne Graham, CEO of the NTA, commented: The DART+ South West project is a key deliverable in the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy and will provide a major upgrade to rail services for passengers living along the rail corridor. This project will be particularly beneficial to commuters, as many of the DART trains will operate to and from Dublin city centre through the Phoenix Park tunnel to Connolly and Grand Canal Dock stations.

Jim Meade, CEO of Iarnrod Eireann, stated: We welcome this decision from the Government which shows clear progress in the roll-out of the ambitious DART+ Programme. DART+ South West will have a major beneficial impact on the quality of the service that we can provide on the Kildare rail line, increasing frequency, reliability and comfort for our passengers.
An appeal is going out to people in Louth, to get ready to raise some dough during Brain Awareness Week this March, to support the work of Acquired Brain Injury Ireland (ABII) and help bake the world a better place.

Community groups, schools, businesses, families and friends across County Louth are invited to host their own Bake for Brain Injury fundraising event in March this year.

Brain Awareness Week is a global campaign to foster public enthusiasm and support for brain science. Nationally the campaign is led by the Neurological Alliance of Ireland together with 30 member organisations, all aiming to promote greater awareness and understanding of the brain and brain conditions, as well as the need for more investment in services, research and prevention.

Bake for Brain Injury is a hugely important event on the Acquired Brain Injury Ireland calendar, enabling the national organisation to raise vital funds to support survivors of brain injury as they work to rebuild their lives.

Every year in Ireland an estimated 19,000 people acquire a brain injury, resulting in life-altering, dramatic change. These injuries happen suddenly and are often traumatic, caused by road traffic accidents, stroke, assaults, concussion and viral infections like meningitis. Because each brain injury is unique, every survivor needs dedicated supports and a tailor-made rehabilitation plan.

Acquired Brain Injury Ireland offers that specialist care. As Irelands leading provider of community neuro rehabilitation for those ages 18 to 65, the organisation supports an estimated 1,100 people annually, as well as their families and carers.

Jonathan Power, Head of Fundraising at Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, led the call for supporters to join the event: "This March were asking County Louth to get behind brain injury survivors. Have a go at baking something new, treat others to your showstopper, or simply join a bake event with friends, family or colleagues.

"We want this years Bake for Brain Injury fundraiser to be the most successful yet, so we encourage you to give what you can to help those impacted by brain injury to rebuild their lives."

Participants can register now to take part in Bake for Brain Injury at www.abiireland.ie. Once registered, supporters will receive a special fundraising pack to help make the event memorable. There is also guidance on how to start fundraising, online or in person.

Join Acquired Brain Injury Irelands local team in Drogheda as they Bake for Brain Injury. Those living locally are also invited to support the Acquired Brain Injury Ireland team working with survivors throughout Louth.

They will host their own bake sale to raise funds for the area on Friday, 24th March from 12pm to 4pm in Lisrath, Ballymakenny Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth. All are very welcome. For more information, contact Jamie Moore on 086 0677878, or simply drop by on the day.

Bake for Brain Injury is one of dozens of events organised as part of Brain Awareness Week 2023. For more information and to register for all the events visit www.abiireland.ie
140,793 has been awarded to 19 projects in Louth under this years Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS), it was announced today by Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD. They are among 556 heritage projects across the country will benefit from a total of 4.5m under this years scheme.

The BHIS is one of two built heritage funding schemes run by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in association with the 31 Local Authorities. The scheme assists owners of heritage structures  including those on the local authorities Record of Protected Structures and those in Architectural Conservation Areas  to meet their obligations to care for their properties by providing match-funded grants of up to 15,000 for standard projects (not involving thatch).

Also included under this years scheme is funding of 500,000 for conservation repairs to eligible historic thatched structures with grants of up to 20,000 available through the scheme. Louth County Council has been awarded 14,392 for three such structures.

The full list of grantees and projects in Louth under the 2023 BHIS are as follows:

Salterstown, Dunleer - Thatching - 7,500

Rampark, Jenkinstown, Dundalk - Thatching 3,642

Whiterath Cottage, Dromiskin - Interior Structural Repair - 3,250

Lisrenny House, Tallanstown - Roof repair, structures & coverings including lead work 11,000

5, Kelso Terrace, St. Mary's Road, Dundalk - Draught-proofing of windows, doors and other openings - 2,691

Clydebank', 58 Castle Road, Dundalk - Draught-proofing of windows, doors and other openings - 3,251

11 Brook Street, Dundalk - Roof repair, structures & coverings including lead work - 2,364

Smarmore Castle, Smarmore, Ardee - Draught-proofing of windows, doors and other openings - 7,000

Kildemock House, Kildemock, Ardee - Draught-proofing of windows, doors and other openings - 10,500

Dundalk Grammar School, The Boarder's House, The Crescent, Ardee Road, Dundalk - External wall repair - External fixture repair - 11,000

57, Castle Road, Dundalk - External fixture repair Draught-proofing of windows, doors and other openings - 6,700

St. Mary's Church, Market Street, Ardee - Rainwater goods repair/replacement - 12,500

Former Parochial House, Dunleer - Draught-proofing of windows, doors and other openings - 12,500

2 The Sycamores, Greenhills, Drogheda - Roof repair, structures & coverings including lead work - 4,750

Canonstown Outbuilding, Buzzard View, Canonstown, Termonfeckin - Roof repair, structures & coverings including lead work - 10,795

Collon Parish Church, Collon - Rainwater goods repair/replacement - 10,000

15, Palace Street, Drogheda - Roof repair, structures & coverings including lead work - 1,750

No. 6, St. Peter's Place, Drogheda - Draught-proofing of windows, doors and other openings - 14,500

St. Patrick's, Scarlet Street (No. 27), Drogheda - Draught-proofing of windows, doors and other openings - 5,100

Welcoming news of the funding, Louth TD Fergus O'Dowd said, it is vital that we do everything we can to protect our local built heritage and safeguard them for generations to come. These grants will also be a welcome boost to the local trades, in particular to trades that specialise in heritage related works.

Speaking today, Minister Malcolm Noonan said: It gives me great pleasure to announce this significant investment in our built heritage which will allow so many owners and custodians of historic and protected structures across the country to complete necessary works to maintain these structures and safeguard them for the benefit of future generations.

I have always stressed the importance of supporting our communities in their efforts to repair, preserve and restore our built heritage. This funding represents a 12.5% increase on last years funding and underlines this Governments continuing commitment to protect and preserve our built environment, in line with the goals set out in Heritage Ireland 2030, the new national heritage plan, which I launched last year.

Minister of State for Local Government, Kieran ODonnell TD, welcomed the announcement, saying: The continued success of the Built Heritage Investment Scheme is down to the hard work of the Local Authorities, particularly the Architectural Conservation Officers, Heritage Officers and planning and administrative staff.

"The relationship between local and central government is also critical to this success and I would like to congratulate all involved in this process. I look forward to seeing results of this funding on various projects within our towns, in line with this Governments commitment to put Town Centres First.

Details of awards granted under the Departments other built heritage scheme, the Historic Structures Fund, will also be announced following assessment in the coming weeks.
As the demand for new housing remains extremely high and recruitment into the trades remains challenging, AMTCE (Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence) says it is delighted to announce a one-day course exclusively for women in 3D concrete printing (3DCP) on Monday 20th March 2023 in Drogheda.

AMTCE says the purpose of this dedicated course is to encourage more women to consider the construction industry as a career option. The course will be delivered by FutureCast on behalf of the AMTCE with the support of the Women in Construction and Quarrying Ireland (WICQI) steering group.

3DCP is a cutting-edge construction technique that has the potential to significantly influence the future of the construction industry. The course is open to architects and their office and technical staff as well as design and structural engineers and building contractors interested in the newest methods of construction.

The course will provide learners with the fundamentals of 3D concrete printing including the equipment, the processes, the materials, and the opportunities that this cutting-edge technology brings.

According to the experts, using a 3D Concrete Printer can deliver the concrete structure for a three-bedroom house in less than a week. Course registration is at https://www.fetchcourses.ie/ course/finder?sfcw-courseId=399595

Martin OBrien, CEO of LMETB and founder of AMTCE, said Without training, having the technology isnt enough. Weve moved into this space and are now providing training for architects, technicians, designers and builders to become familiar with the technology and learn how to use it as a method of delivering housing units.

AMTCE says its courses are delivered by leading industry training practitioners to ensure the highest quality learning experience and outcomes, providing access to the latest technologies, and with small classes to ensure the learners have opportunity for hands on exposure to industry grade training equipment.

AMTCE training courses are provided through Skills to Advance, a national funding policy Framework, available through the ETBs (education and training boards) to support employees and employers in accessing upskilling and reskilling training opportunities.

Caitriona Bergin, chair of the steering group for Women in Construction and Quarrying Ireland (WCQI) said, International women's day is a great opportunity to celebrate women and their achievements all over the globe.

"Women in Construction and Quarrying Ireland are grateful to AMTCE and LMETB Skills to Advance for providing training for women in new careers within the construction industry through this Introduction to 3D Construction Printing course taking place on Mon 20 March 2023. Providing opportunities for women to advance and achieve great things is the best way to celebrate International Women's Day 2023.
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Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) says it is a proud supporter of education innovation and recently held support training for primary and secondary school teachers on utilising a STEAM approach to learning through the NEXT STEP project.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, subjects much in demand as the STEM industry is the fastest growing sector both nationally and internationally. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths.

Research has shown that utilising the arts to introduce students to STEM subjects has been extremely effective in supporting childrens understanding and learning. Teaching science in the context of the arts, humanities and social sciences is now recognised as an important learning aid.

Similarly, the infusion of science and maths into the learning of non-STEM disciplines could strengthen key-competence development in those disciplines. Collaboration amongst teachers is one of the key features of the NEXT STEP project which employs the whole school approach and aims at creating inclusive learning environments that foster competence development for all learners.

DkIT has been involved with the Erasmus+ funded NEXT STEP project which is a Europe-wide collaboration of educators utilising STEAM to support new ways of learning.

Dr Bridget Kelly from the Department of Life Sciences and one of the key drivers of the NEXT STEP Project which is a Europe-wide collaboration, said: Teachers from St Louis Secondary School, Dundalk and St Josephs National School, Kingscourt presented on their experiences developing projects with their classes as part of this project.

"In Dundalk, the Art teacher collaborated with the Science teacher to explore saltwater etchings and printing, developing an understanding of circuits and conductivity.

"In Kingscourt, students developed creative projects on pollinators with a focus on bees. In both instances, the schools completed a self-evaluation for the NEXT STEP project that highlighted how many teachers are already engaged in creative teaching that demonstrates STEAM relationships.

During these educational sessions Paula Walsh, a PhD student and TUTF scholar at DkIT under the supervision of Dr Bridget Kelly, Dr Catherine OConnor and Dr Adele Commins, explored approaches to learning and curiosity with a focus on early years, demonstrating how some of the ideas could be adapted and developed across the education sector to engage learners at all stages.

Participants then explored simple circuits, learning how approaches developed to assist people with particular disabilities can also be integrated into mainstream teaching activities to make learning more engaging. Tasks become games and childrens own curiosity and explorations can find ways of developing ideas in a way teachers may not have imagined.

The events also allowed time for discussion between participants, who reflected on the benefits of working with other teachers and educators and sharing skills. Tom OConnor, Principal of Scoil Phadraig in Kilcurry, commented on the usefulness of the workshops for considering whole school planning and a desire to implement an ethos of STEAM in the school.

Researchers from DkIT will travel to the University of Western Norway later this month to participate in a final series of meetings, workshops and school visits for the NEXT STEP project. They are already collaborating with partners in Greece on another project which will seek to expand on the NEXT STEP project and involve more local schools in an ever-expanding network.
Sinn Fein Councillor Pearse McGeough has described a recent meeting he and Darren ORourke TD (Sinn Fein Spokesperson on Transport) with Flexibus and the campaign group Local Bus Link to Ardee as positive.

The campaign group was set up by Clive Finlay who initiated a petition to bring a bus route through the mid-Louth rural areas of Tallanstown, Reaghstown, Clonkeen to Ardee.

Cllr McGeough said:

I want to thank Mr Finlay for arranging this meeting with our Party Spokesperson on Transport Darren ORourke TD and Flexibus Manager Miriam McKenna. It was a very positive meeting and hopefully we will see some of the existing routes extended to encompass some of these areas but thats only a start.

"There are many older people living in all these areas who are reliant on the goodwill of neighbours or friends with vehicles to take them on errands or to appointments.

Cllr McGeough continued:

This petition has gathered pace as more people from these mid-Louth areas have signed up to it citing rural isolation and a lack of connectivity as reasons for doing so. Rural Ireland has been forgotten by successive governments and while we have TDs in Dublin telling us to think green and protect the planet they fail to provide transport infrastructure or public transport routes through rural areas. They think the country stops at the Dublin county border.

Mr Finlay added:

It was a positive meeting and I felt that Miriam McKenna from Flexibus understood the predicament of rural Louth. When you look at the figures of people from the area using public transport over time the figures dont add up because rural dwellers have done what we have always needed to do: we have bought cars, insurance, tax and all the running costs that go along with it simply because rural transport is unreliable and practically non-existent in some places.

"For example, putting on a bus at 10am is not sufficient to get people to and from work.

At this point in time we are focussing on people who are isolated and are assessing the level of need of public transport for day to day activities. If there was a reliable, adequate public transport system in place, perhaps a rural dwellers first thought wouldnt need to be the purchase of a vehicle.

In conclusion Cllr Pearse McGeough said:

"This is a good campaign and as we become more aware of our carbon footprint and want to play our part we need to have systems in place to allow us to make those changes. We should always ensure that no-one in our society is left behind and connectivity in rural areas is very important to achieve that.

I would encourage everyone in rural Mid-Louth to sign this petition and demand better facilities for rural areas."

The petition is travelling around the county and you can check its whereabouts on the Local Bus Link to Ardee facebook page.
Six people have been rescued from a mountain in Co Kerry overnight amid dangerous conditions as a snow warning has been put in place for the entire island of Ireland.

Kerry Mountain Rescue Team were responding to reports that a female hillwalker had fallen in the eastern part of the MacGillycuddys Reeks.

It then received reports that other hillwalkers were in difficulty and found six people stuck 150 metres from the bottom of a gully.

Conditions on the hill were very poor, rending any approach to the casualties from the bottom of the gully dangerous, it said.

Rescuers climbed to a point above the trapped people and abseiled down to them.

The casualties were secured to haul lines that were used to bring them all safely to the top of the ridge.

Apart from being very cold and fatigued, thankfully none of the casualties were injured and the rescue concluded at approximately 1.30am, it said.

The Irish weather agency Met Eireann has warned that rain, sleet and snow will be accompanied by strengthening easterly winds.

Accumulations of snow are expected in many areas along with icy conditions, it said.

The forecaster warned of possible travel disruption, hazardous driving conditions and poor visibility.

An Garda Siochana advised motorists to take care.

We continue to remind motorists to exercise caution when driving today as visibility and road conditions may be poor in some areas, it said.

The weather has also caused disruption to some Irish rail services and some TFI Local Link bus services have been cancelled in Limerick and Clare.

Meanwhile, horse racing has been cancelled at Thurles Racecourse following a track inspection.

Cork County Council urged caution on roads around Kanturk, Newmarket, Ballydesmond, Freemount, Liscarroll, Dromina and Charleville following snow showers.

A Status Yellow Snow-Ice warning for the Republic of Ireland is in place until 11pm on Thursday, but this will be immediately followed by other warnings from the agency.

A Status Yellow Low Temperature Ice/Warning applies for the whole country from 11pm Thursday until 10am Friday.

Met Eireann said there will be widespread icy stretches during the overnight and morning period.

A Status Yellow Snow-Ice warning will remain in place for Cavan, Monaghan and the province of Munster.

Sleet and snow slowly clearing eastwards on Thursday night and early on Friday with further accumulations of snow expected, it said.

The UK Met Office has applied a Yellow Snow warning to Northern Ireland until 2pm Friday with heavy snow having the potential to cause disruption.
POSCO Center in Seoul / Courtesy of POSCO



By Park Jae-hyuk



The National Tax Service (NTS) has decided to conduct a regular tax audit of POSCO Holdings later this month, causing speculation that it could prompt POSCO Group Chairman Choi Jeong-woo to step down voluntarily before he finishes his term in March next year, according to industry officials, Thursday.



POSCO Group dismissed the speculation, saying this is a routine tax audit carried out by the tax agency once every four to five years. The steelmaking group underwent its previous tax audit in 2018.



The POSCO Group chairman, who was appointed under the Moon Jae-in administration, however, has faced intensifying pressure under the presidency of Yoon Suk Yeol.



The president said earlier this year that "stewardship" is needed at companies with a multiple ownership structure that were privatized after being operated in the past as state-run enterprises. In the capital market, stewardship refers to the interference of institutional investors in the management of the companies they invest in.



KT, one of the companies with a multiple ownership structure, has already been forced to replace its incumbent CEO, Ky Hyeon-mo. He gave up seeking another three-year term, following a severe backlash from the telecommunication firm's largest shareholder, the National Pension Service, as well as from the ruling People Power Party (PPP).



Korea's leading banking groups have also replaced their respective chairmen, as the president urged them to pursue "transparent governance structures."



Against this backdrop, ruling party lawmakers have claimed that POSCO Group also should reform its corporate governance.



"The chief executives of companies with a multiple ownership structure, such as POSCO and KT, should not build their own kingdoms to keep their respective companies under their control," PPP Rep. Kim Sang-hoon said last month.



Considering the fact that Choi's predecessors stepped down in the aftermath of the transfer of political power, uncertainties have grown further about whether he will be able to complete his term.



Choi's predecessor, Kwon Oh-joon, stepped down a few months before the NTS' regular tax audit in 2018. His resignation came after President Moon took office in the aftermath of former President Park Geun-hye's impeachment.



Former POSCO Chairman Chung Joon-yang, who was appointed under the Lee Myung-bak administration, also offered to resign after President Park took office. Chung decided to step down three months after the steelmaker underwent a special tax audit in 2013.



"Even if Choi is willing to finish his term, it could be difficult for him to achieve that goal, considering the intensifying pressure from the government," an industry insider said on condition of anonymity.


Hankook Tire & Technology headquarters in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province / Korea Times file





Hankook Tire & Technology CEO Cho Hyun-bum
EBRD to invest up to 1.5 billion in Turkiyes earthquake-hit region

Response to include credit lines, infrastructure investments and an SME focus

EBRD to support the private sector in recovery and reconstruction

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) plans to invest up to 1.5 billion in Turkiyes south-eastern region over the next two years to address the impact of the devastating earthquakes that took place on 6 February 2023.

The EBRD response aims to support the recovery, reconstruction and reintegration of the regions economy to preserve human capital, livelihoods and jobs in the affected cities.

The Banks response will include board approved 600 million in credit lines to local banks for businesses and individuals directly affected by the earthquakes, as well as new lending to companies participating in recovery and reconstruction efforts in the area, strengthening the private sectors role.

The EBRD will also support the reconstruction of sustainable infrastructure in the affected cities, building on the Banks strong track record of cooperation with municipalities such as Hatay and Gaziantep. It will also focus funds on the reconstruction of the railway network to re-establish connectivity between the south-eastern region and the rest of the country.

The Bank will expand its strong private-sector partnerships and work with companies in various sectors to enable them to continue operating and withstand disruptions to local value chains. It will also help the private sector to adopt new technologies and green principles in planned rebuilding projects.

A key focus of the response package will be small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region. The Bank will provide funding, advisory services and mentorship with a view to repairing damage, building resilience and rebuilding supply chains for businesses in the affected cities.

Arvid Tuerkner, EBRD Managing Director for Turkiye, said: This is one of the most devastating crises seen in Turkiye and Europe, for that matter, in over a century and the impact on the population and the economy is extremely severe. The EBRD is ready to support Turkiye and its private sector in its recovery and reconstruction efforts by building on its strong track record and existing relationships in the country.

The EBRDs response of up to 1.5 billion is substantial and reflects the Banks commitment to Turkiye, particularly in these painful and challenging times, he continued. We will work with the authorities and our partners across sectors to rebuild and reintegrate the regions economy, while strengthening its green credentials, resilience and competitiveness.

The EBRDs response will require additional donor funds and cooperation to support human capital and skills policies, SME advisory, infrastructure project preparation and implementation.

On 6 February 2023, a series of violent earthquakes struck southern and central Turkiye and northern and western Syria, resulting in widespread damage and more than 50,000 fatalities across the region.

The destruction and loss of human life are unmatched in the countrys history. According to World Bank estimates, direct physical damage to the region totals around US$ 34 billion, while the cost of reconstruction could be twice that, requiring significant spending on the government side.

The EBRD is the leading institutional investor in Turkiye, having invested almost 17 billion in the country since 2009, 93 per cent of that in the private sector. In 2022 alone, the Bank invested more than 1.6 billion in the country.
DOWN Syndrome Corks Field of Dreams horticultural project has been honoured at this years Irish Food Writers Guild Food Awards at a gala dinner in Dublin.

From eel, ale, and sheeps milk yogurt to eco-friendly pig farming, the winners of the 30th Irish Food Writers Guild Food Awards (IFWG) are a diverse group that represent a commitment to provenance, sustainability, quality and flavour, said a spokesperson.

With just eight prestigious awards presented, Down Syndrome Cork (DSC) was one of a select few honoured at the 2023 Food Awards for its Field of Dreams project which sees adults with Down Syndrome use horticulture as a catalyst for personal development by learning to grow, harvest and cook their own food.

Director Debbie Kelleher and Horticulturist Nicky Green accepted the award in the Suesey Street Restaurant on behalf of DSC, who were nominated in the Community Food Award category.

We were absolutely thrilled with it, said Ms Kelleher.

Its acknowledging our contribution towards the community, and the added bonus that we provide educational programmes for adults with Down Syndrome.

Field of Dreams was established in 2017 by the Cork branch of Down Syndrome Ireland. The three-acre site in Curraheen, Bishopstown, supports the learning needs of adults with Down Syndrome across the city and county of Cork using horticulture as a catalyst for learning and personal development.

The parent-led project has 420 members and liaises with schools and Universities, providing transition year and horticultural placements.

From seed to plot to plate, participants work together to grow and harvest food, learn about good nutrition and how to cook. Field of Dreams works to enable adults with Down Syndrome to lead fully engaged lives with greater personal independence and self-reliance.

Once they are over 21, there are very little opportunities for them. Our goal from the get-go, was to provide them with educational and employment opportunities, said Ms Kelleher. Weve got 51 students enrolled now.

Employment Support Specialist Margaret Greaney has another 15 adults employed in the charity shop on a pilot training programme. The awards ceremony was very prestigious given that the judges are all renowned food writers, added Ms Kelleher.

Field of Dreams food is all home grown, its chemical free, and its very attractive to the customer. The public can see where its grown, and we have safe farming practises.
Janssen Sciences Ireland, part of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies, is supporting young girls in Cork and Kerry to develop STEM skills through the FIRST LEGO League.

60 girl guides visited the Janssen facility in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, to showcase their LEGO creations. The theme was reimagining the future of sustainable energy, with a focus on ensuring access to affordable, reliable energy.

This is the first time that an Irish Girl Guides FIRST LEGO League event has been held outside of Dublin.

The league challenges young students to design, build, and programme robots using Lego. It encourages teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills, as well as promoting an interest in STEM subjects.

In Ireland, the initiative is organised by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), in partnership with Irish delivery partner, Learnit, and supported by the Science Foundation Ireland discover fund.

Janssens support for the Irish Girl Guides is part of the companys commitment to empowering women in STEM and to advancing diversity and inclusion, through the Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D Programme.

We are thrilled to welcome the Irish Girl Guides to our site and to have the chance to see what they have been working on as part of First Lego League, said Liz Dooley, senior director, global engineering and technology, Janssen Sciences Ireland.

We recognise the importance of providing opportunities to explore and excel in STEM fields.

"By collaborating with the Irish Girl Guides, we hope to empower more young girls to pursue their passions and reach their full potential.

Ladybirds, Brownies, Girl Guides, pictured with Volunteers from Janssen Sciences Ireland, Irish Girl Guides, Learn it Academy, and parents and family members at Janssen Sciences Ireland in Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork at an event marking Janssens support for Irish Girl Guides participating in the FIRST LEGO League.

The Irish Girl Guides is a leading youth organisation, providing a safe and supportive environment for girls to develop confidence and leadership skills.

We are delighted to partner with Janssen to inspire and empower our girls to explore and succeed in STEM fields, said Claire Barkey, CEO of the Irish Girl Guides.
A 60-year-old Mayfield man has spoken about travelling to Spain to have cataracts removed from both eyes in two days.

With optometrists warning this week that over 42,300 people are awaiting eye care in the State, some cataract patients are choosing to fly to one of the worlds leading eye clinics in Spain rather than wait.

Independent Cork South West TD Michael Collins has been helping to ferry patients to the North for over five years, and his service  dubbed Belfast or Blind - has helped almost 4,000 people in that time.

However, with some people not wishing to make what might be multiple bus journeys there for treatment, some pensioners are now voting with their passports to jump four-year HSE waiting lists and getting double cataract surgeries in Alicante in the same week.

Patients travelling to Spain with one Irish healthcare company pay 2,000 per eye, with the HSE reimbursing 1,720 per eye.

Healthcare Abroad helps patients to use the EU Cross Border Directive to access state-of the art treatments and hospitals across Europe.

Billy Sheehan, a former general operative with Cork City Council, told The Echo he had travelled to Spain with Healthcare Abroad and had both cataracts removed in just two days.

I went to see the consultant on the Monday, had one operation on the right eye on the Tuesday and the left eye on the Wednesday. It was unbelievable. I was only there for three days, Mr Sheehan said.

My eyes were very cloudy beforehand. I rang Healthcare Abroad and was out in Alicante within a week. They did all my paperwork and arranged a loan from the credit union.

I had already had my hip replaced six months earlier through the same organisation. They were like angels to me, he said.

I didnt want to go North two or three times. It was easier and faster and cheaper to go to Alicante.

Patients are reimbursed most of the costs of surgery by the HSE under the EU Cross Border Directive, a law brought in across Europe in 2014 which allows all 450 million people in the European Union to access healthcare in another European country.
A MOTORIST who was caught driving without insurance 33 times in the past appealed his sentence of five months for committing the same offence again.

Alan Duggan of Ballinderry Park, Mayfield, Cork, pleaded guilty to the latest offence of uninsured driving and appealed the sentence to Cork Circuit Appeals Court.

Judge Helen Boyle said there had to be a custodial sentence where he continued to drive at a time when he was disqualified.

However, Judge Boyle said she would suspend the last two months of the five-month sentence and added,

That is the best I can do for you.

When the matter first came before Cork District Court, Judge Marian OLeary banned him from driving for eight years as well as jailing him for five months.

Defence barrister, Elaine Audley, said Duggan, 37, had planned to do up a car and sell it and that he and another man were involved in this kind of work together.

Ms Audley said that unfortunately, the other man was unable to work that day and Duggan took a chance and drove the car back from Buttevant to Cork but was stopped by gardai on the way.

When the disqualified motorist spotted the garda checkpoint he turned off the road, then fled on foot and initially denied that he had been driving the vehicle at all.

He has 149 previous convictions.

Ms Audley BL said of Duggan, He spent a lot of his life behind bars and wants to get on with his life now.

He has not had a conviction since 2018. He had a difficult start in life.

He is supportive in the care of his mother.
THE Residential Tenancies Board has been sharply criticised by residents of a Cork suburb over the level of unregistered private rental properties in the area.

Close to 100 unregistered properties in the vicinity of University College Cork were identified as part of the sample check carried out by the Magazine Road and Surrounding Areas Residents Association. The association said more than a third of private rental properties in the UCC area appear not to registered with the RTB.

The residents most recent sample check was carried out in January of this year. It reveals that, of the 270 privately rented properties close to UCC, 99 appear not to be registered with the RTB. The group said 67 of those were first brought to the attention of the RTB back in 2017.

Association chairperson of the Magazine Road and Surrounding Areas Residents Association, Catherine Clancy voiced frustration, saying this is the fifth time in seven years that the organisation has identified high levels of apparent non-compliance.

Read More UCC professor receives prestigious science award

She also expressed concern about what she described as the lack of appetite for enforcement from the RTB.

She, along with a delegation of fellow residents are considering lodging a formal complaint with the Ombudsman.

It follows a letter penned by the association to RTB director Neil Byrne calling for clarity around enforcement issues.

Ms Clancy, a former Lord Mayor, voiced fears about the potential for underreporting of unregistered properties to negatively affect government policy.

There is a black market element to this, given that there is no record of these properties in the rental sector, she said. If the government are to form policies to help them to progress with housing issues they need core stats available to them that are up to date and accurate.

"If we have a complaint for the RTB and the property isnt registered its just going to slow down that whole process. The RTB is the body whose core function it is to register properties but this just isnt happening.

She said it is unfortunate that residents are having to compensate for the shortfalls of the RTB.

All the residents around here have different abilities. One of the residents has taken on the cumbersome job of identifying unregistered properties. We are wondering why there is no appetite for enforcement from the RTB. If a resident has a complaint about an unregistered property they have to send in a letter. Basically, the complainant is left to do all the running.

The Echo has reached out to the RTB for comment.
Lee Jae-yong, third from right, chairman of Samsung Electronics, inspects the company's semiconductor packaging line in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, Feb. 17. Courtesy of Samsung Electronics



By Baek Byung-yeul



Samsung Electronics is recruiting key workers from its rivals and top tech companies around the world, such as TSMC, Apple and Qualcomm, seeking to take the lead in the tech industry, according to the Korean electronics company and industry officials, Thursday.



Samsung, which is trying to bolster its presence in the chip foundry business, recently recruited former TSMC engineer Lin Jing-Cheng as its executive vice president. Spending 19 years at TSMC, the global leader in the semiconductor foundry business, Lin is a specialist in the chip packaging business.



A Samsung spokesman said, "The company hired him recently."



The move is aimed at accelerating the development of advanced back-end processes in which Samsung is actively investing. The back-end process refers to the cutting and packaging of circuits and testing of chip performance and reliability.



The back-end process is becoming more important due to the growing movement in the industry to improve chip performance by advancing the cutting and packaging of circuits and testing of chip performance and reliability, as developments in the production of chips at the micro level have slowed down.



In line with the move, Samsung Chairman Lee Jae-yong visited a plant in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province in February to check the company's capabilities in next-generation semiconductor packaging technologies. There, the chairman emphasized the importance of nurturing experts and investing in future technologies to continue to retain its leadership in the semiconductor business.



"His recruitment can be interpreted as a move by Samsung, the number two player in the foundry business, to strengthen its packaging business by recruiting talent who had worked in the Taiwanese company for a long time," an official in the chip industry said on condition of anonymity.



The company has been struggling with an unfavorable environment, but has recruited prominent experts from top tech firms.



In 2022, Samsung appointed Kim Woo-pyeong from Apple as the head of its Packaging Solution Center at Device Solution America.



To further improve its capability in self-driving technology, Samsung also recruited self-driving chip expert Benny Katibian, who worked for Qualcomm, at the end of 2022. Last month, Samsung Research, an R&D unit of Samsung Electronics, also recruited former Nvidia engineer Kwon Jung-hyun for research in robotics.



"It's a natural thing that happens commonly in the semiconductor industry or ICT industry. If there is anything a company is behind, the company is trying to strengthen the field by bringing in talents from the best companies in the sector," the industry official added.


Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions.

Humans have been drinking coffee for hundreds of years, and in that time the rich, aromatic beverage has become not only a way to start the day, but part of culture all over the world.

Coffee is so much a part of some peoples routine that they couldnt imagine the day without it. But with rising global temperatures due to climate change, the worlds coffee supply is becoming less reliable.

Climate conditions that interfere with coffee yield have become more common in the past forty years, and a new study suggests that global heating is likely to result in interference with worldwide coffee production, The Guardian reported.

With climate change projections showing a continued rise in temperatures in the tropics is likely, we suggest that coffee production can expect ongoing systemic shocks, the authors of the study wrote. As with other crops, a systemic risk to the global coffee trade is posed by synchronised crop failures.

In the study, Synchronous climate hazards pose an increasing challenge to global coffee production, published in the journal PLOS Climate, the researchers looked at how climate factors like rainfall, temperature and humidity affected the dozen biggest coffee-producing countries in the world between 1980 and 2020.

The research team found that the occurrence of climate hazards causing less than ideal growing conditions had increased in all coffee growing regions during the study timeframe. The team also found that five out of six of the most challenging years for coffee cultivation happened between 2010 and 2020.

During any given year, climate hazards such as heatwaves, droughts, frosts and floods can each affect coffee yield, the study authors wrote.

About 90 percent of global coffee production comes from the top 12 coffee growers, including Peru, Mexico, Brazil, Ethiopia, Uganda, Indonesia and Vietnam, reported The Guardian.

Major arabica regions in the far southeast of Brazil and southwest Ethiopia are amongst the least susceptible regions to climate hazards, the authors of the study wrote.

The two main types of coffee in the world, robusta and arabica, have ideal growing temperatures of 71.6 to 82.4 degrees Fahrenheit and 64.4 to 71.6 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively, The Guardian reported.

The researchers discovered that, during the study period, coffee growing regions were inclined to be too cold for optimum coffee cultivation. They also found that currently all regions are too hot, and that most of them never experience too-cold growing season temperatures, the study said.

Lead author of the study Dr. Doug Richardson said the research team was pretty confident that the change in conditions was caused by climate change, reported The Guardian.

Richardson said coffee prices can be expected to increase when there is a shock to supply and not enough of a stockpile to buffer it.

A previous study, Expected global suitability of coffee, cashew and avocado due to climate change, by scientists from Switzerland said new regions are predicted to become fit for growing coffee by 2050.

For example, parts of China, Argentina and the U.S. are likely to become more suitable for coffee growing just as the likes of Brazil and Colombia see their land become less suitable, University of South Wales professor Denis J. Murphy wrote in The Conversation of the earlier study.
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.

In 2019, the U.S. Department of Energy initiated the Waves to Water Prize. The contests goal was to encourage the development of small desalination systems which could help coastal communities in times of climate disaster and recovery and also to help provide clean drinking water to areas where water is scarce. In April of 2022, after 114 teams entered the contest, a winner was crowned: Oneka.

But as competitors were creating their boats, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) was building its own small craft, called the hydraulic and electric reverse osmosis (HERO) wave energy converter (WEC) device, intended in part to mitigate the risk of wave energy tech.

Wave energy is a fairly nascent technology with a very aggressive learning curve, said Scott Jenne, multi-disciplinary research engineer at NREL. By providing it as an open-source design it will give others something to build off of and reduce the learning curve.

The purpose of the competition was to help design a floatable desalination craft that, in times of crisis, can turn salt water into drinkable water using wave energy, and that can be put into action quickly. With 114 entrants, the desalination market is robust.

NRELs HERO WEC hangs suspended over the water at Jennettes Pier in Nags Head, North Carolina. Andrew Simms, NREL



The desalination of water could be a crucial technology for a future where fresh water is increasingly limited. The Carlsbad Desalination Plant in San Diego produces about one million gallons of drinkable water every day, but this is at a huge scale. What NREL and the competitors are building are small-scale devices that are relatively easy to install. And this might help with municipal water needs.

The Carlsbad Desalination Plant at the Encina Power Station in San Diego County, California. Reed Kaestner / The Image Bank / Getty Images

It takes a lot of energy to make drinkable water from the ocean, said Jenne, but using wave energy there is an opportunity to make that water cost effective, emission free, and the natural mixing of a wave climate makes the brine discharge and other environmental effects much easier to manage than some other desalination technologies.

In August 2022, NREL sent the craft back out into the ocean off of North Carolina to explore different technology in the boat, with a third deployment coming soon. There is a lot to learn before small desalination devices can be regularly used.

We are also researching what is needed for technologies that would be more permanent installations for applications like municipal water supply theyll need to be much larger and much more reliable in order to be cost competitive, said Jenne.

One of the other goals of the research at NREL is to see how the device can be scaled up.

Wave Energy technologies actually get more efficient as you increase their size, up to a point, Jenne said. An ideal WEC is about 5-10 times the size of our WEC. You can also put more of them in an array (like a wind farm). Desalination systems are very scalable, you basically just add more membranes.

For now, NREL will put its device back out into the ocean off of North Carolina, as the lab, along with private companies, figures out a way to bring fresh drinking water at small scales to the communities that need it.
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.

A new study led by chemists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that wildfire smoke particles, which can remain in the stratosphere for a year, can cause chemical reactions that deplete the protective ozone layer. The findings occurred during the megafire in Australia in December 2019 to January 2020.

The study, published in the journal Nature, analyzed the atmospheric chemical composition over the Southern Hemisphere at mid-latitudes, including regions over Australia and New Zealand and parts of Africa and South America.

The researchers noted that the wildfire smoke particles created chemical reactions in the stratosphere. They estimated that these reactions caused the megafire to contribute to a 3% to 5% depletion in the ozone in the area studied.

The study model also estimated that the wildfires impacted the ozone layer over Antarctica, widening the hole over the Antarctic by 2.5 million square kilometers by the end of 2020, or widening by 10% of its area in comparison to 2019.

The Australian fires of 2020 were really a wake-up call for the science community, Susan Solomon, study author and professor of environmental studies at M.I.T., said in a statement. The effect of wildfires was not previously accounted for in [projections of] ozone recovery. And I think that effect may depend on whether fires become more frequent and intense as the planet warms.

The wildfires analyzed in the study were the worst ever recorded in Australia, burning tens of millions of acres and emitting 1 million tons of smoke into the atmosphere, as M.I.T. reported.

Solomon and her colleagues previously identified a chemical reaction between chlorine-containing compounds, typically chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and fire aerosols that produced chlorine monoxide, which is known to deplete ozone. So the researchers came back to analyze molecules in the stratosphere following the megafire in Australia.

While the team found that wildfire smoke reactions with hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stratosphere could deplete ozone, they suspect wildfire smoke could react to other chlorine-containing compounds in the atmosphere, especially when considering how long the smoke particles can remain.

Theres now sort of a race against time, Solomon said. Hopefully, chlorine-containing compounds will have been destroyed, before the frequency of fires increases with climate change. This is all the more reason to be vigilant about global warming and these chlorine-containing compounds.

In early 2023, the United Nations reported that the ozone layer was recovering following a ban on ozone-depleting chemicals, and the ozone layer was on track to recover by 2045 over the Arctic, by 2066 over the Antarctic and by 2040 for the rest of the world. But the new research raises concern over wildfire smoke and its link to ozone depletion, especially with the number of wildfires expected to increase by 50% by 2100.

The study was led by M.I.T. researchers Solomon and Kane Stone in collaboration with the Institute for Environmental and Climate Research in Guangzhou, China; the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the U.S.; the U.S. National Center for Atmospheric Research; and Colorado State University.
Chinese economy sail to brighter future

09:32, March 09, 2023 By Han Xin, Ge Mengchao ( People's Daily

The 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's national legislature, opened its first session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 5.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang delivered a government work report at the meeting on behalf of the State Council, reviewing the government's work in 2022 and the past five years and laying out key objectives for development in 2023.

Deputies to the 14th NPC said the country has acted on the general principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability, and improved the quality and effectiveness of development. The new development philosophy has been embraced by the people, and firm measures have been taken to promote high-quality development.

The path of Chinese modernization is unfolding.

Photo taken on Jan. 4, 2023 shows a rural road in Fanchang district, Wuhu, east China's Anhui province. The district has enhanced its efforts to improve road construction in rural areas over the recent years, in a bid to promote rural tourism and contribute to rural vitalization. (People's Daily Online/Xiao Benxiang)

China's economy has posted continuous expansion. Last year, the country's GDP reached 121.02 trillion yuan, or $17.44 trillion, up 3 percent from a year ago. The Chinese economy now enjoys a more solid foundation and higher quality.

New growth drivers are increasingly underpinning China's development. In 2022, China's gross domestic expenditure on R&D for the first time surpassed the 3 trillion yuan milestone, and the value added of high-tech manufacturing grew by 7.4 percent year-on-year, 3.8 percentage points faster than that of the industrial enterprises above the designated size.

China continues to deepen reform and opening up. Zhang Weiyuan, deputy to the 14th NPC and head of Wuhan Hvsen Biotechnology based in central China's Hubei province, said the company enjoyed tax and fee reduction of over 6.6 million yuan last year thanks to tax relief for R&D costs and other policies, which allowed it to focus more on technology R&D.

Effective measures secure people's livelihood. Deputy Ma Yinping, also Party head of Xigouquan village, Linjing township, Zhenyuan county, Qingyang, northwest China's Gansu province, noted that last year, the village applied for a 3.1 million-yuan special fund for building a county-level demonstration project of rural vitalization, and all of the money was invested in infrastructure construction in the village. With this fund, the village paved 4,700 meters of hardened roads and connected 518 households to the roads.

China has beefed up investment in livelihood improvement and worked to meet people's basic living needs. Last year, the per capita disposable income increased by 2.9 percent from 2021 after deducting price factors, which was basically in line with the country's economic growth. Besides, the country has achieved its annual target in the creation of urban jobs.

The 2023 government work report set out the main goals and tasks of economic and social development, including expanding GDP by around 5 percent, creating about 12 million new urban jobs and keeping a 3-percent rise in the consumer price index.

Robotic arms are manufacturing power batteries for new energy vehicles in a workshop of a company in Ganzhou, east China's Jiangxi province, Feb. 8, 2023. (People's Daily Online/Hu Jiangtao)

NPC deputies believe that as long as China forges ahead with enterprise and fortitude, the giant ship of the Chinese economy will surely brave winds, break waves and sail to a brighter future.

The strong leadership of the CPC offers a fundamental guarantee for China's sustained and healthy economic and social development.

"China has gone through remarkable transformations over the past decade. The CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has brought together the Chinese people of all ethnic groups to cope with complicated situations as well as risks and challenges," said deputy Li Zhi, who's also the mayor of Yueyang, central China's Hunan province.

"China will see a stronger impetus for high-quality development as long as it adheres to the leadership of the CPC, pursuing progress while maintaining stability," Li added.

China enjoys a solid material foundation, which supports the country in responding to both internal and external challenges.

"Today's China owns the most complete industrial system and a domestic market with the greatest potential in the world. As an important global manufacturing center, it accounts for 30 percent of the global manufacturing output," said deputy Zhang Lianqi, vice president of the Chinese Tax Institute.

Photo taken on Feb. 26, 2023 shows a shipbuilding base in Xihai'an (West Coast) New Area of Qingdao, east China's Shandong province. (People's Daily Online/Han Jiajun)

This year, a series of major projects have commenced, enterprises are racing to expand their business abroad, and the catering industry is in recovery. They have offered solid support for the country's sound economic development and once again indicate the strong resilience and huge potential of the Chinese economy.

The continuous release of dividends from deepening reform and opening up has created a favorable environment for investment and entrepreneurship.

"Reform and opening up is the source of energy for China's development today," said deputy Huang Maoxing, also vice president of the Fujian Academy of Social Sciences in east China's Fujian province.

He said China should continue reforms to develop the socialist market economy, advance high-level opening up, seek growth momentum from reform and opening up, and maximumly release the impetus for innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity, so as to further stimulate entities.

China will accelerate the building of a new development pattern and consolidate the foundation of economic development.

Only by accelerating the building of a new development pattern can the country enhance its viability, competitiveness, development and sustainability amid foreseeable and unforeseeable risks and challenges, said Zhang Lianqi.

He suggested that China should focus on breaking down the main contradictions and problems that hinder the acceleration by consolidating strengths and minimizing weaknesses, to achieve higher-quality development that is more efficient, equitable, sustainable, and secure.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Du Mingming)
A Ukrainian serviceman smokes a cigarette standing atop on the tank near Bakhmut, Ukraine, Wednesday, March 8. AP-Yonhap



The head of Russia's Wagner mercenary group said on Wednesday his fighters had captured all of the eastern part of Bakhmut, and NATO's secretary general said the rest of the Ukrainian city could fall to the invading army in the next few days.



But as one of the bloodiest battles of the year-long war ground on amid the ruins, Ukrainian defenders  who last week appeared to be preparing for a tactical retreat from Bakhmut  remained defiant.



Ukrainian military and political leaders now speak of hanging on to positions and inflicting as many casualties as possible on the Russians to grind down their fighting capability.



The General Staff of Ukraine's armed forces said in its Wednesday morning report: "The enemy, despite significant losses, continues to storm the town of Bakhmut."



Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin said his fighters, who have been spearheading the assault on Bakhmut, had now captured the city's east. If true, that would mean Russian forces now control nearly half the city in their costly push to secure their first big victory in several months.



"Everything east of the Bakhmutka River is completely under the control of Wagner," Prigozhin said on Telegram.



The river bisects Bakhmut, which sits on the edge of a swathe of Ukraine's Donetsk province that is already largely under Russian occupation. The city center is on the west side of the river.



Prigozhin has issued premature success claims before and Reuters was not able to verify the situation on the ground.



Speaking before a meeting of European Union defense ministers in Stockholm, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Russia was throwing more troops into the battle.



"They have suffered big losses, but at the same time we cannot rule out that Bakhmut may eventually fall in the coming days," Stoltenberg said.



This would not necessarily be a turning point in the war, he added, but it showed "we should not underestimate Russia".



On Tuesday near Bakhmut, a Ukrainian National Guard chief medic who gave his name as Artem told Reuters that all roads out of the city were under constant heavy shelling.



"Ambulances and other vehicles come under shelling and for that reason it is very difficult to evacuate people. There are high losses, and among medics in particular," he said.





A Ukrainian tank fires towards Russian positions at the frontline near Bakhmut, Ukraine, Wednesday, March 8. AP-Yonhap




The AI Seinfeld show 'Nothing, Forever' is back on Twitch The so-unfunny-it's-funny 'sitcom' has been offline since spewing anti-LGBTQ content.

Nothing, Forever, an AI-generated livestream inspired by Seinfeld is back on Twitch after being taken offline for an anti-LGBTQ outburst, Gizmodo has reported. After launching in December, the show (from Mismatch Media) became internet-famous for its Seinfeld-adjacent plots, janky '90s-era video game style animation and terrible (though coherent) dialogue. However, it was pulled over a month ago after violating Twitch's conduct policy banning hate speech around sexual and gender identity.

In the most notorious incident, the AI lead character ("Larry"), went on an offensive rant. "Im thinking about doing a bit about how being transgender is actually a mental illness. 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. But no one is laughing, so Im going to stop."

Shortly afterwards, Mismatch Media cofounder Skyler Hartle explained that the problem started when its OpenAI GPT-3 Davinci model stopped working correctly. The team switched to Davinci's predecessor Curie, believing that OpenAI's content moderation was still active  which was apparently not the case. The offensive outbursts started shortly afterwards.

"We mistakenly believed that we were leveraging OpenAIs content moderation system for their text generation models. We are working now to implement OpenAIs content moderation API (its a tool we can use to verify the safeness of the content) before we go live again, and investigating secondary content moderation systems as redundancies," the team said.

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Problems of moderation and offensive content have plagued AI chatbots since they arrived. Microsoft has experienced it twice, first with its Tay chatbot that turned racist, and later with the Bing Chat search assistant powered by OpenAI tech. The latter was pulled for a time after it started insulting users and outputting incorrect information, while insisting it was right.

Nothing, Forever seems to be working as before, with the same laugh track, engaged viewers (around 3,500 currently) and complete disregard for collision detection  but no offensive outbursts so far. While nothing in the show makes any sense, the fact that AI can generate all the elements in real time is impressive.
Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines testifies before a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on "worldwide threats," on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., March 8. Reuters-Yonhap



China will deepen its cooperation with Russia to try to challenge the United States despite international condemnation of the invasion of Ukraine, the leaders of U.S. intelligence agencies said on Wednesday.



"Despite global backlash over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, China will maintain its diplomatic, defense, economic, and technology cooperation with Russia to continue trying to challenge the United States, even as it will limit public support," they said in a threat assessment released as the Senate Intelligence Committee held its annual hearing on worldwide threats to U.S. security.



The report largely focused on threats from China and Russia, assessing that China will continue to intimidate rivals in the South China Sea and that it will build on actions from 2022, which could include more Taiwan Strait crossings or missile overflights of Taiwan.



"Perhaps needless to say, the People's Republic of China, which is increasingly challenging the United States, economically, technologically, politically and militarily, around the world remains our unparalleled priority," said Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, the main intelligence adviser to President Joe Biden.



To fulfill Chinese leader Xi Jinping's vision of making China a major power, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) "is increasingly convinced that it can only do so at the expense of U.S. power and influence," Haines said.



However, she said U.S. intelligence assesses that Beijing believes it benefits from a stable relationship, despite Xi's recent sharp criticism of the United States.



Xi blamed the west for China's economic difficulties in a speech on Monday in which he accused the United States of leading an international effort to contain China.





Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a session of China's National People's Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Tuesday, March 7. AP-Yonhap
(The Center Square)  Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody called President Joe Biden trafficker-in-chief Thursday in response to a White House spokesperson saying there's no need to designate Mexican cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs).

On Wednesday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters, "Designating these cartels as FTOs would not grant us any additional authorities that we don't really have at this time. The United States has powerful sanctions authorities specifically designated to combat narcotics trafficking organizations and the individuals and entities that enable them."

Jean-Pierre added: "In the last few months alone Treasury has announced a series of actions against cartels that are dangerous to the public safety and we have also taken action that further enables Treasury to sanction foreign persons," referring to the Treasury Department sanctioning members of the CJNG cartel and several Mexican companies linked to it last week, and sanctioning Sinaloa Cartel members and Mexican companies last month.

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares led a coalition of 22 attorneys general last month calling on the president to designate the cartels as FTOs. Last September, Moody also led a coalition of 18 attorneys general calling on Biden to designate fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction. In September, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed an executive order designating the Sinaloa and CJNG cartels as FTOs and called on the president to do the same. None received a response, until Jean-Pierre's comments Wednesday.

In response, Abbott tweeted Thursday, Texas designated Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations last year. I've repeatedly urged Biden to do the same. Now, 2 Americans were shot & killed by cartels just across the Texas border. It's past time for Biden to step up & call these cartels what they are: terrorists.

Abbott's press office also confirmed that he hasnt heard from the president since he hand-delivered a border security plan to him in January listing five actions Biden could take to immediately secure the border.

Moody tweeted the president is now Trafficker-in-Chief citing his failure to secure the border, enabling human and drug trafficking facilitated by Mexican cartels.

In a statement emailed to The Center Square, she said the president preventing the Mexican drug cartels from being designated federal terrorist organizations (which they are) [is] further evidence that he is the Trafficker-in Chief.

She thanked Floridas senior U.S. Sen. Rick Scott and Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, for introducing the Drug Cartel Terrorist Designation Act, which Moody said will do the job Biden refuses to do  protect the American people.

The senators filed the bill on Wednesday to formally designate four Mexican cartels as FTOs: the Reynosa/Los Metros faction of the Gulf Cartel, Cartel Del Noreste faction of Los Zetas, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the Sinaloa cartel. The bill would prohibit individuals from entering the U.S. who knowingly provide material support or resources to these cartels. It also would ban any foreign citizen from entering the U.S. who are members of the designated cartels, or are formally associated with them or who have engaged in terrorist activity relating to them.

For too long, Bidens botched border policies have prioritized criminals and cartels over legal immigration and Americans safety," Scott said. "Dictators, cartels and bad guys around the world know that Biden is a weak appeaser with open border policies. Theyre taking full advantage by trafficking evil drugs like fentanyl across the southern border, poisoning our communities and killing our loved ones. Those who knowingly distribute these highly lethal drugs are declaring war on Americans and deserve to be held accountable and classified as the terrorists they are.

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, who joined the attorneys general coalitions, told The Center Square, The Biden administrations response to the border crisis has been feckless and an abject failure  and Americans are dying as a result.  President Biden must take stronger action to secure the border and protect Americans, and he needs to do it now.

Mexican cartels are assassinating rivals and government officials, ambushing, and killing Americans at the border, and engaging in an armed insurgency against the Mexican government, the coalition argues. This dangerous terrorist activity occurring at our border will not abate unless we escalate our response.

Earlier this year, Biden said his plan to address the fentanyl crisis involved having more drug detection machines, implementing greater inspection of cargo to stop pills and powder [coming in through] the border, working with couriers, like FedEx, to inspect more packages for drugs, and implementing strong penalties to crack down on fentanyl trafficking.
King Charles will praise scientists and researchers at the Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA) for their 'remarkable' work in tackling the UK's worst ever bird flu outbreak.

His Majesty will today (9 March) visit the APHA's site in Weybridge, Surrey to congratulate scientists and staff for their efforts.

Since late 2021, the UK and Europe has been experiencing one of the worst avian influenza outbreaks on record, with tens of millions of poultry culled.

There have been over 330 cases of avian influenza confirmed across the UK alone since October 2021.

Scientists and staff at the government's veterinary base in Weybridge have played significant role in supporting avian influenza diagnostics and disease control.

Their work to tackle the outbreak aims to protect UK animal and public health, but also support international trading relationships.

Today, the King will undertake a full tour of Weybridge, which will involve briefings on some of most difficult animal health diseases the world faces, including bird flu and bovine TB.

He will visit dedicated specialist research laboratories to see genome mapping and a mosquito laboratory where he will learn about APHAs vector-borne disease (VBD) programme.

Also attending the APHA tour, Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christine Middlemiss said the visit was all about recognising the 'remarkable' work of British scientists over the last 18 months.

The scale of avian influenza outbreaks across the UK and Europe has been unprecedented," she said, "Our response has been underpinned by the world-leading science and disease control work carried out at Weybridge.

David Holdsworth, chief executive officer of APHA, explained that the agency's staff "work tirelessly day in day out" to protect the UK.

"They have faced a relentless battle against avian influenza over the last two years. I am pleased to welcome His Majesty The King to Weybridge to meet with APHA staff.

I am proud to showcase our world-leading scientists, field teams and staff and the role they play in protecting the country.

The King's visit comes against the backdrop of a recent report by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) which criticised Defra for 'comprehensively failing' in its management of Weybridge.

MPs who sit on the committee said that the government was not sufficiently prioritising the "significant threat to UK health, trade, farming and rural communities" posed by animal diseases.

The risk of a zoonotic disease was 'real' and the consequences were 'devastating', their report, released in November 2022, said.

Beside the ongoing bird flu crisis, recent animal health threats have included the foot and mouth disease outbreak in 2001.

The UK also faces current and ongoing threats from bovine tuberculosis and potential new diseases including African swine fever (ASF).
The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has updated its rules on the Countryside Stewardship Capital Grants for 2023, with a major announcement regarding payment limits.

Historically, there have been three categories of schemes for which funding could be received from the RPA, each with a grant limit of 20,000 and a total ceiling of 60,000.

The latest update by the RPA has introduced an additional group of schemes with no limit of grant funding for capital items across all four new categories.

These are boundaries, trees and orchards; water quality; air quality; and natural flood management.

A new offer - CS Higher Tier Capital Grants - has been introduced, offering 3-year agreements for capital items which deliver additional environmental benefits without the need for a CS Higher Tier agreement.

Land in a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is now eligible for capital items if the land is already covered by an existing CS or Environmental Stewardship (ES) agreement.

H&H Land & Estates farm business advisor, Chris Gill said updates were good news for farmers struggling to adjust to the governments environmentally focused support for the industry.

This update from the RPA could mean that some larger projects may now be feasible through getting a standalone capital grant," he said.

"Some farm business may have been waiting to enter into a new Countryside Stewardship Mid-Tier for these larger projects, but now that isnt necessary.

"In the current climate of uncertainty I would advise farmers to get in touch with your agent or local office without delay and find out if there is anything which could be eligible for funding on your farm.
Scottish women working in the dairy sector have called for more awareness as to the range of roles and careers available within the industry.

Women working to transform the dairy sector joined an International Womens Day event to discuss the theme break the bias at Holyrood.

The Digital Dairy Chain, led by Scotlands Rural College (SRUC), invited women from the industry to attend the annual Scottish Womens Convention Parliamentary Reception to promote their work.

One of the project's aims is to create more opportunities and access points for women to enter the dairy sector.

The 21 million project also offers individuals involved in the dairy supply chain a range of services to support innovation and productivity through collaboration.

However, Pauline Murray, project manager, said that for the industry to be appealing to new entrants, its range of roles and careers needed to be better showcased.

She said: One of the Digital Dairy Chains aims is to create more opportunities for women to enter the dairy sector.

We invited 19 women working as researchers, project managers, ice-cream producers, farmers and policy advisers to the Scottish parliament to demonstrate the breadth of existing skills and the important role women play in this sector.

We want to help break down the barriers to participation by raising awareness of the support and opportunities projects such as the Digital Dairy Chain are offering women.

Toni Bruce, responsible sourcing specialist at First Milk  one of the Digital Dairy Chain partners - said the co-op was keen to encourage more women into the industry.

"The dairy industry has traditionally been male dominated but women have a vital role to play across the sector," she said.

We are keen to celebrate the amazing contribution that women make every day on dairy farms and throughout the dairy supply chain.

At First Milk, we have a well-established Women in Agriculture group, and we are delighted that participants from this were able to join the event at Holyrood to celebrate International Womens Day.
Politburo Standing Committee member Li Qiang attends a session of China's National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Tuesday, March 7. Perhaps the official closest to Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Li Qiang is widely expected to take over as premier, nominally in charge of the Cabinet and caretaker of the economy. AP-Yonhap



The pro-business track record of the man poised to become China's top economic official will make his term a test of whether he might moderate President Xi Jinping 's tendency to intervene.



Li Qiang, 63, who is expected to be chosen China's premier on Saturday, will have to grapple with a slowdown in the world's second-largest economy, which is dealing with emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, weak global demand for exports, lingering U.S. tariff hikes, a shrinking workforce and an aging population.



Xi, who has bolstered the state sector, has said that he wants the ruling party to return to its "original mission" as China's economic, social and cultural leader. That has been accompanied by tighter control over some industries, more aggressive censorship of TV and pop culture and the spread of a "social credit" system that penalizes the public for offenses ranging from fraud to littering. Xi took China's most powerful role in 2012.



Now, observers are watching whether Li can roll out pragmatic policies during his five-year term. But the process of political decision-making in China is opaque, making analyzing the country's direction a difficult matter for outsiders.



Expectations are based on Li's performance as the party chief of the country's largest city  Shanghai  and as the governor of neighboring Zhejiang province, a hub of small and mid-sized business. And, perhaps more importantly, his close ties with Xi.



Li was quoted as saying in a 2013 interview with respected business magazine Caixin that officials should"put the government's hands back in place, put away the restless hands, retract the overstretched hands."

Li hailed Zhejiang's businessmen as the most valuable resource in the province, pointing to e-commerce billionaire Jack Ma, and he highlighted his government's cutting red tape.



In contrast, Li has also strictly enforced some state controls, including rules meant to prevent the spread of COVID-19. When his local rule has been out of tune with national policies set by the president and his team, he has eventually fallen into step, seen as key to his rise.



Under President Xi, entrepreneurs have been rattled not just by tighter political controls and anti-COVID curbs but more control over e-commerce and other tech companies. Anti-monopoly and data security crackdowns have wiped billions of dollars off companies' stock-market value. Beijing is also pressing them to pay for social programs and official initiatives to develop processor chips and other technology.





Then Shanghai Party Secretary Li Qiang, second from right applauds during a ceremony for the launch of the SSE STAR Market, previously referred to as the Shanghai Science and Technology Innovation Board, in Shanghai, June 13, 2019. AP-Yonhap



A native of Zhejiang, Li studied agricultural mechanization and worked his way up the provincial party ranks. In 2003, he started an executive MBA program at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, common among ambitious party cadres.



Priscilla Lau, a former professor of the university and former Hong Kong delegate to China's legislature, said Li attended her class on Hong Kong's free-market economy for a chamber in the city and said he recalled her class when they met in Shanghai more than a decade later.



"It shows he's very diligent," Lau said.



Li's working relationship with Xi began in the 2000s when the latter was appointed party chief in Zhejiang. Following Xi's eventual move to Beijing and appointment as party general secretary, Li was promoted to Zhejiang governor in 2013, the No. 2 role in the provincial government.



Three years later, Li was appointed party chief of Jiangsu province, an economic powerhouse on the east coast of China, marking the first time he held a position outside his home province. In 2017, he was named party boss of Shanghai, a role held by Xi before the president stepped into China's core leadership roles.



In the commercial hub of Shanghai, Li continued to pursue pro-business policies. In 2018, electric car producer Tesla announced it would build its first factory outside the United States. It broke ground half a year later as the first wholly foreign-owned automaker in China. Even during the strict COVID-19 lockdown in Shanghai last year, the factory managed to resume production after a roughly 20-day suspension, official news agency Xinhua reported.



Tesla vice-president Tao Lin was quoted saying that several government departments had worked almost round-the-clock to help businesses resume work.



"The Shanghai government bent over backwards," said Tu Le, managing director of Sino Auto Insights, a Beijing-based advisory firm.





Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, speaks to Politburo Standing Committee members Wang Huning, left, and Li Qiang during a session of China's National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Tuesday, March 7. AP-Yonhap
Japan's apparel imports from China reached $13.803 billion last year, with jerseys being the top product accounting for 21.15 per cent of the total imports. Trousers and shorts followed as the second most dominant product. China is one of the Far-East nation's prominent suppliers because of its geographical proximity and economic reasons.

Japan imported jerseys worth $2.680 billion in 2022, which constituted 21.15 per cent of the total imports. The inbound shipment of jerseys remained almost stable, with a 1.56 per cent increase from imports of $2.639 billion in 2021. However, 2021's imports were 12.01 per cent higher than the trade of 2020 when it stood at $2.356 billion after a decline of 12.82 per cent due to COVID-19, according to Fibre2Fashions market insight tool TexPro.

Japan's apparel imports from China reached $13.804 billion last year, with jerseys being the top product accounting for 21.15 per cent of the total imports. Trousers and shorts followed as the second most dominant product. China is one of the Far-East nation's prominent suppliers because of its geographical proximity and economic reasons.

Japan's imports of trousers and shorts were $2.085 billion, contributing to 16.45 per cent of the total imports from China. Among the top five products, shirts accounted for 10.72 per cent, innerwear 8.82 per cent, and T-shirts 7.56 per cent of the total. The top five products made up around 65 per cent of the total imports.

Japan's imports from China remained almost stable, with an inbound shipment of $13.804 billion in 2022 compared to the $13.878 billion in 2021. China's imports to Japan were $16.754 billion in 2017, which increased to $16.992 billion in 2018. However, it declined to $15.903 billion in 2019 and $13.342 billion in 2020, as per TexPro.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
Chinas exports of goods have reached a new high, rising by 0.9 per cent year-on-year (YoY) in the first two months of the year to 3.5 trillion yuan (around $506.10 billion), as per the General Administration of Customs (GAS).

The countrys foreign trade of goods, however, fell by 0.8 per cent YoY to 6.18 trillion yuan during the same period. Moreover, Chinas imports of goods stood at 2.68 trillion yuan during the same period, which is down 2.9 per cent YoY.

Chinas trade with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has surged by 9.6 per cent YoY during the first two months of 2023, reaching a total value of 951.93 billion yuan (approximately $137.25 billion), accounting for 15.4 per cent of the countrys foreign trade, said local media reports quoting the General Administration of Customs.

China's exports of goods have reached a new high, rising by 0.9 per cent YoY in the first two months of the year to 3.5 trillion yuan, as per the GAS. The country's foreign trade of goods, however, fell by 0.8 per cent YoY to 6.18 trillion yuan during the same period. Moreover, China's imports of goods stood at 2.68 trillion yuan during that time.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB)
Global business activity grew at its strongest rate for eight months in February, reviving further from the low seen last October, according to the S&P Global purchasing managers index (PMI) surveys based on data provided by over 30,000 companies. India continued to record the strongest expansion among the world's major economies. Growth picked up sharply in mainland China as well.

Both the United States and Europe showed signs of pulling out of downturns.

Global business activity grew at its strongest rate for eight months in February, reviving further from the low seen last October, found the S&P Global purchasing managers' index surveys based on data from over 30,000 firms. India continued to record the strongest expansion among the world's major economies. Growth picked up sharply in mainland China as well

Indias output growth re-accelerated after easing in January to record one of the strongest expansions seen over the past decade. Strong gains were seen in both manufacturing and services in the country.

Growth was led by the service sector, but was also buoyed by a return to growth of manufacturing output, it found. The manufacturing sector reported the first expansion of output for seven months, albeit only recording very modest growth. The factory expansion was nevertheless the strongest since last June.

Companies cited reduced recession risks, a peaking of price pressures, improved supply chains and a reopening of the Chinese economy to all have helped spur demand, notably among consumers, and to have boosted business confidence and hiring, S&P Global said in a release.

At 52.1, up from 49.7 in January, the global PMIcompiled by S&P Global across over 40 economies and sponsored by JPMorgansignalled the first increase in output for seven months and helps allay worries of an imminent worldwide recession, the press release said.

The rise was the largest recorded since last June and indicative of gross domestic product (GDP) rising at a quarterly annualised rate of approximately 2.5 per cent.

In the United States, output rose marginally after seven months of decline, as a modest improvement in service sector activity helped offset a further marked manufacturing downturn.

In the eurozone, output rose for a second successive month, building on the minor gain seen in January to record the strongest expansion since last June thanks to faster service sector growth and a stabilisation of the manufacturing sector after eight months of contraction.

In the United Kingdom, output grew especially strongly, notching up the best performance since last June on the back of reviving growth in both manufacturing and services, the latter enjoying the stronger gain of the two sectors.

Business activity growth in Japan meanwhile ticked higher, with output rising modestly for a second straight month.

Russia saw output revive, with growth hitting a 20-month high despite exports continuing to fall sharply due to sanctions.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - March 8, 2023) - Circa Enterprises Inc. (TSXV: CTO) ("Circa" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an amalgamation agreement dated March 8, 2023 (the "Amalgamation Agreement") with Sicame Canada Holdings Inc. ("Sicame Canada"), and 2023 Sicame Amalco Inc. ("SubCo"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sicame, in connection with the proposed amalgamation of Circa and SubCo (the "Amalgamation"). Sicame Canada and Subco are subsidiary entities of Sicame Group SAS ("Sicame Group"), a worldwide industrial group specializing in products and services related to the transmission and distribution of electrical energy. The Amalgamation, if completed will result in Circa and SubCo continuing as one corporation that is expected to be renamed "Hydel Inc." ("Amalco") and be wholly owned by Sicame Canada. Upon the completion of the Amalgamation, Sicame Canada will be the sole shareholder of Amalco, and the Circa Shareholders (as defined below) will each receive a cash payment from Sicame Canada equal to their pro rata portion of the total consideration paid by Sicame Canada. The total base consideration payable by Sicame Canada in connection with the Amalgamation is $26,500,000, but is subject to a number of adjustments. As a result of such adjustments the total consideration receivable by Circa shareholders will not be definitively known until shortly before completion of the Amalgamation but is expected to be in the range of $2.10 to $2.20 per Circa common share (such adjusted amount being, the "Consideration").

This Amalgamation constitutes a "reviewable transaction" for Circa, as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"), and a "business combination" transaction subject to TSXV Policy 5.9 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("TSXV Policy 5.9") and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("Multilateral Instrument 61-101").

Concurrent with the signing of the Amalgamation Agreement, Circa and Guardian Telecom Ltd. ("Guardian") entered into an asset purchase agreement dated March 8, 2023 (the "Asset Purchase Agreement"), respecting the sale of the Circa Telecom Business (defined below) and related assumed liabilities, to Guardian. This Asset Purchase Agreement has been contemplated in the Amalgamation Agreement and the sale of the Circa Telecom Business is intended to close immediately following the closing of the Amalgamation. The Asset Purchase Agreement constitutes a "related party transaction" subject to TSXV Policy 5.9 and Multilateral Instrument 61-101.

Due to the involvement of certain directors and officers of the Company in the Asset Purchase Agreement, a special committee (the "Special Committee") of independent directors, consisting of Peter Bourgeois, Michael Lowry and Warren White, was established to consider the Amalgamation Agreement and Asset Purchase Agreement without conflict of interest and to negotiate the terms of the agreements.

Cory Tamagi, President and CEO of Circa, stated, "We are pleased to present this proposal to the Company's shareholders, including our largest shareholder, who is supportive of the transaction. Circa's diverse product offering, high quality standards and service are beneficial to its customers and for employee engagement. However, the Company's relatively small public company size and lack of liquidity is not well-suited for trading in the marketplace. The offer by Sicame Canada provides an excellent liquidity event and opportunity for shareholders to realize fair compensation for the underlying value of the Company. We believe that after the completion of the proposed amalgamation, the metals business will benefit from Sicame Group's expertise and global presence in the energy transmission and distribution markets, while the telecom business will be able to focus on growing its markets in the areas of safety, security and protection of critical infrastructure."

Summary of the Amalgamation

Pursuant to the Amalgamation Agreement, Sicame Canada has agreed to acquire Circa, indirectly by way of an amalgamation of Circa and SubCo under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) (the "ABCA"). In exchange for the cancellation of the issued and outstanding common shares of Circa (the "Common Shares") at closing of the Amalgamation, the holders of the Common Shares (the "Circa Shareholders") will receive a pro rata portion of the Consideration, estimated to be equal to approximately $2.10 to $2.20 for every Common Share held. The estimated Consideration equates to an estimated 53% to 60% premium to Circa Shareholders based on the 20-day weighted average stock price.

Completion of the Amalgamation is subject to a number of conditions being satisfied or, where permitted, waived by one or more of Circa or Sicame Canada and SubCo at or prior to closing of the Amalgamation. These conditions include the approval of the Circa Shareholders, together with approval of the Majority of the Minority (as defined below) at the Meeting; approval of the TSXV; the closing conditions of the Asset Purchase Agreement being satisfied or waived; the settlement of any outstanding options or stock option agreements; the receipt of all necessary third-party approvals; and, the satisfaction of certain other closing conditions customary for a transaction of this nature.

There are no finders fees payable in conjunction with either the Amalgamation or the Telecom Transaction.

Details of this arm's-length Amalgamation and the Asset Purchase Agreement will be disclosed in a management information circular of Circa (the "Circular"), which will be delivered to Circa Shareholders and will also be available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. A copy of the Amalgamation Agreement will also be made available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. All Circa Shareholders are urged to read such materials once circulated, as it will contain important additional information concerning the Amalgamation and the sale of Circa's Telecom Business. There can be no assurance that the Amalgamation will be completed as proposed or at all.

Shareholder Approvals, Lock-up Agreements and Closing

It is expected that the special meeting of Circa Shareholders (the "Meeting") to approve the proposed Amalgamation and sale of the Telecom Business will be held virtually on April 10, 2023 and, if approved at the Meeting, it is expected that the Amalgamation would close shortly thereafter.

Implementation of the Amalgamation will be subject to approval at the Meeting by at least two-thirds of the votes cast by all the Circa Shareholders, based on the votes cast by Circa Shareholders present virtually or represented by proxy at the Meeting, and by a majority of the votes cast by disinterested shareholders represented by proxy at the Meeting ("Majority of the Minority"). In relation to this approval, the "minority" holders for the purpose of MI 61-101 are anticipated to include all holders of Common Shares with the exception of Robert Johnston, Cory Tamagi, Angela Hulshof and Darren Epp.

As of the date hereof, The Article 6 Marital Trust created under the First Amended and Restated Jerry Zucker Revocable Trust dated April 2, 2007, Cory Tamagi, Angela Hulshof, Darren Epp and Robert Johnston (together, the "Supporting Shareholders") collectively beneficially own, directly or indirectly, or exercise control or direction over, 4,693,280 Common Shares, which represent approximately 45.8% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares. Each of the Supporting Shareholders have, separately entered into lock-up agreements with Sicame Canada and SubCo under which they have agreed, among other things, to vote in favour of the Amalgamation, and to be restricted by non-solicitation and exclusivity provisions. Forms of the Lock-Up Agreements with the Supporting Shareholders, will be reviewable on the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Fairness Opinion

Sequeira Partners has provided the Special Committee with an opinion to the effect that, based upon its analysis and hypothesis and subject to the full text of the fairness opinion, including the assumptions, qualifications and limitations set out therein, the Consideration to be received by the Circa Shareholders under the Amalgamation is fair, from a financial point of view, to such Circa Shareholders.

Board Recommendation

Upon receipt of a recommendation from the Special Committee, the Board has unanimously determined (with Messrs. Johnston and Tamagi abstaining) that the Amalgamation and the Telecom Transaction are in the best interests of the Company, are fair to the Circa Shareholders and recommends the approval of the Transaction by the Circa Shareholders.

Summary of Telecom Business Asset Purchase Agreement

The Asset Purchase Agreement sets out the terms of the related party transfer by the Company (or its successor, Amalco) of its business related to the telecommunications products, sold under the CircaMax, Guardian Telecom, and Teletics trade names and the shares of Westronic Inc. (the "Circa Telecom Business") as well as the assumption of liabilities related to the Circa Telecom Business, to Guardian (the "Telecom Transaction").

Guardian is a newly incorporated private corporation owned by Cory Tamagi, Nicole Tamagi, Angela Hulshof, Thomas Hulshof, Darren Epp, Joann Hickle-Epp and Robert Johnston. Each of whom is currently a director and/or officer of Circa or the spouse of a director and/or officer of Circa.

The Telecom Transaction is anticipated to close immediately following the effective time of closing of the Amalgamation (the "Telecom Closing"), and at such time, Guardian will pay Amalco (as amalgamated successor to Circa) cash consideration equal to $3,300,000. The purchase price paid at the time of the Telecom Closing will be increased or decreased, dollar for dollar, by the amount by which the actual working capital at the Telecom Closing time differs from the target working capital (as described further in the Asset Purchase Agreement).

The Telecom Closing is conditional on, among other things: the completion of the Amalgamation; obtaining shareholder approval at the Meeting; Cory Tamagi, Darren Epp and Angela Hulshof signing non-competition and solicitation agreements with Sicame Canada; the receipt of all necessary third-party approvals; and the satisfaction of certain other closing conditions customary for a transaction of this nature.

The terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement will be described in greater detail in the Circular which will be available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, and will be delivered to Circa.

Listing

Subsequent to the Amalgamation, Amalco is expected to delist the Common Shares from the TSXV. The TSXV delisting will be subject to satisfying all of the requirements of the TSXV, and additional disclosure will be made as to the timing of the delisting. In addition, it is anticipated that the Company will cease to be a "reporting issuer" under applicable Canadian securities legislation.

Strategic Highlights and Benefits of the Transaction

The Board of Circa believes that the Amalgamation and Telecom Transaction (collectively, the "Transaction") is in the best interests of the Company and is fair to the Circa Shareholders. In particular, this view is based on the below factors:

the Amalgamation provides the Circa Shareholders with cash consideration representing a significant premium estimated to be approximately 53% to 60% for their shareholdings (based on the 20-day volume-weighted average price of the Common Shares);

the absence of strategic alternatives (including maintaining the status quo and pursuing the Corporation's business plan) that would result in superior value creation for the Circa Shareholders when compared to the premium offered to the Circa Shareholders in connection with the Amalgamation;

the fairness opinion of Sequeira Partners that, subject to customary assumptions and limitations set forth therein, the Consideration to be received by Circa Shareholders under the Amalgamation is fair, from a financial point of view, to the Circa Shareholders;

the size of the Circa Telecom Business being insufficient to support a continued public listing if Circa's metals business were to be sold independently;

the Supporting Shareholders, have agreed to vote their Common Shares in favour of the Amalgamation and have undertaken not to solicit any competing transaction;

management of the Company's assessment that the relevant stakeholders (including employees, suppliers and customers), are not expected to be affected by reason of the consummation of the Amalgamation;

the likelihood that the Amalgamation will be completed because, among other things, the Amalgamation is not subject to financing conditions in favour of Sicame Canada; and

the tax and structuring advantages provided by the Amalgamation and concurrent Telecom Transaction.

About Circa Enterprises Inc.

Circa Enterprises Inc. is a public company headquartered in Calgary, Alberta with operations in Alberta and Ontario. Circa designs, manufactures and supplies telecommunications equipment, cable and connectivity products, metal enclosures, electrical equipment, and other goods to customers in the telecommunications, electrical, and construction industries. The outstanding common shares of Circa are listed and trade on the TSXV under the trading symbol CTO. Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

About Sicame

Sicame Group SAS is a global, privately held company based out of France, with operations throughout in over 25 countries on all continents. Sicame Group is a leading European supplier of products and services to the power transportation and distribution markets, which manufactures a broad range of low, medium and high voltage hardware, connectors, safety equipment, and tools and accessories for the transmission and distribution of electricity as well as for other industrial and commercial markets. Over the years Sicame Group has grown organically and through acquisitions and reached over 500 million in revenue in 2022, while maintaining strong profitability.

Sicame Canada is a newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiary of Sicame Group, formed under the laws of Ontario. SubCo is a newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiary of Sicame Canada, incorporated under the laws of Alberta for the purposes of this Amalgamation.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information in this News Release may constitute "forward-looking" information that involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties, future expectations and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. When used in this News Release, this information may include words such as "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "expect", "believe", "plan" and other terminology. In particular, this forward-looking information and forward-looking statements in this News Release includes, but is not limited to, the completion and timing of the referenced proposed, the impact of such acquisition on Circa Shareholders, the financing of the transaction and the future industry growth and success. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on both the views of management and assumptions (such as those relating to the performance of Circa's metals and telecom businesses) that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activities, performance or achievements expressed in or implied by these forward-looking statements. This information reflects current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speaks only as of the date of this News Release. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional information is available in the Company's management information circular, which be made available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

For further information, please contact:

Mr. Cory Tamagi

Director, President and CEO

Circa Enterprises Inc.

(403) 258-2011

Mr. Darren Epp

Executive Vice President

Circa Enterprises Inc.

(403) 258-2011

E-Mail: investor@circaent.com

Website: www.circaent.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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/157772
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 8, 2023) - Plant-Based Investment Corp. (CSE: PBIC) ("PBIC", or the "Company"), announces that further to its press release of February 14, 2023, the Company applied to the Ontario Securities Commission (the "OSC") for a management cease trade order ("MCTO") with respect to its audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2022, annual management's discussion and analysis for the same period and management certifications of annual filings (collectively, the "Annual Filings"). The Company did not file the Annual Filings by the prescribed deadline of February 28, 2023 and the OSC advised that the MCTO was not granted.

The Company confirms that the OSC has issued a failure to file cease trade order against the Company ("CTO") which orders that general trading, whether direct or indirect, of the securities of the Company cease. A copy of the CTO has been posted to the OSC website. The Company has been unable to complete the required filings due to experiencing a difficulty in obtaining appropriate information from third parties.

Despite the CTO, a beneficial holder of a security of the Company who is not, and was not as of the date of the CTO, an insider or control person of the Company may sell securities of the Company acquired before the date of the CTO if: (a) 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 (b) the sale is made through an investment dealer registered in a jurisdiction of Canada in accordance with applicable securities legislation. Holders of the Company's securities are urged to consult with their own investment advisors or legal counsel about the implications of the CTO.

The Company does not expect an interruption of the operations of the Company during the CTO.

The Company anticipates that it will complete the Annual Filings on or before May 8, 2023. Revocation of the CTO is expected to occur within a few days after the Annual Filings are made.

Until the Company has filed the Annual Filings, members of the Company's management and other insiders are subject to an insider trading black-out. The Company confirms that, other than as disclosed in prior press releases and material change reports, there have been no material business developments since the filing of the Company's latest interim financial report.

About Plant-Based Investment Corp.

Plant-Based Investment Corp. is an investment corporation that seeks to provide shareholders long-term total returns through capital appreciation and periodic distributions by investing in an actively managed portfolio of securities in public and private companies that derive a portion of their revenues, earnings or intellectual property-based value from products, equipment, services and/or technologies related to plant-based industries, including the cannabis plant family and its various compounds, the fungi industry (including medicinal, functional and psychedelics), super-foods and/or organic ingredients industries in addition to investing in specialty retail locations, functional medicine and wellness-based clinics and treatment centers.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the Company. These forward-looking statements, by their nature, involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: risks associated with the Company's business plan and matters relating thereto, and risks associated with the Company's investments and financial objectives, as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time to time in the Company's public filings on SEDAR. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.

For further information, please contact:

Plant-Based Investment Corp.

Paul Crath

Chief Executive Officer

T: (647) 660-0566

E: ir@plantbasedinvest.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/157816
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk speaks at the SATELLITE Conference and Exhibition, March 9, 2020, in Washington. After nine days of being locked out of his Twitter work computer, Haraldur Thorleifsson tweeted at owner Elon Musk, Monday, March 6, to find out whether or not he'd been fired. AP-Yonhap



If you're not told you are fired, are you really fired? At Twitter, probably. And then, sometimes, you get your job back  if you want it.



Haraldur Thorleifsson, who until recently was employed at Twitter, logged in to his computer last Sunday to do some work  only to find himself locked out, along with 200 others.



He might have figured, as others before him have in the chaotic months of layoffs and firings since Elon Musk took over the company, that he was out of a job.



Instead, after nine days of no answer from Twitter as to whether or not he was still employed, Thorleifsson decided to tweet at Musk to see if he could catch the billionaire's attention and get an answer to his Schrodinger's job situation.



"Maybe if enough people retweet you'll answer me here?" he wrote on Monday.



Eventually, he got his answer after a surreal Twitter exchange with Musk, who proceeded to quiz him about his work, question his disability and need for accommodations (Thorleifsson, who goes by "Halli," has muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair) and tweet that Thorleifsson has a "prominent, active Twitter account and is wealthy" and the "reason he confronted me in public was to get a big payout." While the exchange was going on, Thorleifsson said he received an email that he was no longer employed.



Late Tuesday afternoon, however, Musk had a change of heart.



"I would like to apologize to Halli for my misunderstanding of his situation. It was based on things I was told that were untrue or, in some cases, true, but not meaningful," he tweeted. "He is considering remaining at Twitter."



Thorleifsson did not immediately respond to a message for comment following Musk's tweet. In an earlier email, he called the experience "surreal."



"You had every right to lay me off. But it would have been nice to let me know!" he tweeted to Musk.



Thorleifsson, who lives in Iceland, has about 151,000 Twitter followers (Musk has over 130 million). He joined Twitter in 2021, when the company, under the prior management, acquired his startup Ueno.



He was lauded in Icelandic media for choosing to receive the purchase price in wages rather than a lump sum payout. That's because this way, he would pay higher taxes to Iceland in support of its social services and safety net.



Thorleifsson's next move: "I'm opening a restaurant in downtown Reykjavik very soon," he tweeted. "It's named after my mom."



Twitter did not immediately respond to a message for comment. (AP)




Evolva Holding SA / Key word(s): Annual Results

Evolva delivers accelerated revenue growth of 57% in 2022 and substantially improved profitability profile



09-March-2023 / 07:00 CET/CEST

Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Ad Hoc Announcement (PDF) PRESS RELEASE | AD HOC ANNOUNCEMENT PURSUANT TO ART. 53 LR Reinach, 9 March 2023 - Evolva (SIX: EVE), a pioneer in the field of natural molecules and industrial biotech, delivered a strong performance during 2022, fully meeting its targets. Total revenue increased by 57% (prior year +40%) to CHF 15.5 million, while product-related revenues even grew by 62% to CHF 14.8 million. Gross contribution margin turned positive and reached 16% for the full year, well in the targeted double-digit range. After 10.9% in 1H 2022, gross contribution margin increased to 21.6% in 2H. As a result of the revenue growth and increased gross contribution margin, EBITDA and Operating Cash Flow also improved significantly. With the organizational transformation achieved in 2022, Evolva has laid out the foundation for continued revenue growth and further increased profitability. Business and corporate highlights Initial focus of the leadership team under new CEO Christian Wichert was on boosting the commercial performance in Flavor & Fragrances. Revenues more than tripled in 2022, giving a clear testimony of the success of these initiatives

Key driver was the successful upscaling of Vanilin and subsequent delivery of commercial batches

Nootkatone and Valencene also showed continuous profitable growth in 2022 and Evolva successfully introduced its new Natural Nootkatone with key European customers, further expanding the addressable market

Health Ingredients has been managed for profitability in 2022 to ensure a positive gross contribution margin

Focus now shifts to boosting the revenues of Resveratrol by targeting attractive new market segments - incl. the prepared launch of Resveratrol for Personal Care

In Health Protection, NootkaSHIELDTM is yielding initial sales from test markets in South East Asia. In addition, Evolva has received prominent support from the US CDC (Centers of Disease Control) for the development of effective nature based products for the US market for tick bite repellency and prevention

Strategic partnership with Grace Breeding to enter the agricultural market for bio-fertilizers based on Evolva's existing precision-fermentation platform to offer nature-based alternatives with favorable ecological footprint (reduced water and soil contamination as well as air pollution)

Significantly strengthened CMO network and realized process technology improvments to create cost efficiencies

Strengthened commercial teams in the USA and Europe Financial highlights Total revenue increased from CHF 9.9 million to CHF 15.5 million (+57%) in 2022

Product-related revenue grew by 62% to CHF 14.8 million, marking an acceleration from the 46% CAGR reached from 2017 to 2021

Gross contribution margin turned positive, reaching 16% for the full year (10.9% in 1H with a sequential increase to 21.6% in 2H)

Flavors & Fragrances experienced buoyant growth of 265%, mainly driven by Vanillin, but also thanks to good sales with Valencene and Nootkatone. Well postioned to expand the addressable market with new product launch of Natural Nootkatone for the EU in 2023 and beyond

Health Ingredients efforts to focus on value and profitability resulted in lower sales

(-32% in 2022). Expected to turn to profitable growth in 2023, supported by new and attractive segments (e.g. personal care)

(-32% in 2022). Expected to turn to profitable growth in 2023, supported by new and attractive segments (e.g. personal care) In Health Protection, NootkaSHIELDTM received prominent support in the USA by a grant from the US CDC (Centers of Disease Control) of USD 540,000

Company remains positive on potential of EVERSWEETTM as sugar replacement although royalty revenues were below expectations in 2022

Reduction of operating expenses by CHF 2.5 million as a result of cost efficiency initiatives

Adjusted EBITDA improved by CHF 9.3 million to CHF -13.3 million (vs. CHF -22.6 million in 2021) driven by revenue growth and increased gross contribution margin

Extraordinary non-cash impairment charge of CHF 17 million booked with the half year numbers

Cash flow from operating activities improved by CHF 10.9 million to CHF -18.9 million

Cash position of CHF 5.1 million at year-end and CHF 16 million of open financing lines Outlook: Positive business momentum expected to continue

Targeting revenue of more than CHF 20 million in 2023 and a gross contribution margin of above 20% in 2023

Further improvement of EBITDA and Operating Cash in 2023

Improved EBITDA and Operating Cash Flow

Mid-term targets confirmed (CHF 45-50 million revenues as well as EBITDA and cash-breakeven in 2025)

Commenting on the full year 2022, Evolva CEO Christian Wichert said: "We demonstrated a strong performance during 2022 while at the same time transforming the organization for commercial success and laying the foundation for profitable growth. Our conservative mid-term plan is largely based on the existing product portfolio and aims at surpassing CHF 30 million in sales in 2024 and to reach a revenue level of between CHF 45-50 million as well as EBITDA and cash breakeven in 2025."

Christian Wichert further added: "We aim to become an industrial biotech leader, providing solutions around natural ingredients addressing the global megatrends of health, wellness and sustainability. Based on our proprietary precision-fermentation platform, we are uniquely positioned to resolve supply bottlenecks of nature. Thanks to our knowhow in process development and our ability of scaling up processes from the lab to industrial production, Evolva is set to benefit from global market trends and ensuing opportunities."

Financial key figures1) CHF million FY 2022 adjusted FY 2021 adjusted FY 2022 reported FY 2021 reported Revenue from contracts with customers 15.5 9.9 15.5 9.9 Product-related revenues 14.8 9.1 14.8 9.1 Direct production costs (12.5) (14.6) (12.5) (15.1) Gross contribution 2.4 (5.4) 2.4 (5.9) in % of product-related revenue 16.0% -59.5% 16.0% -64.7% Research & development revenue 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 Cost of goods sold (excl. direct production costs) (4.6) (4.2) (9.1) (4.2) Gross profit (1.5) (8.9) (6.0) (9.3) Research & development expenses (9.4) (12.8) (23.6) (22.4) Commercial, general & administrative expenses (5.7) (9.5) (10.8) (10.2) Operating loss (EBIT) (21.4) (31.2) (40.4) (42.0) Depreciation and amortization (8.1) (8.7) (8.1) (8.7) Impairment of intangible assets 0.0 0.0 (17.0) (9.6) EBITDA (13.3) (22.6) (15.3) (23.6) Cash position (end of period) 5.1 11.0 5.1 11.0 Extraordinary items (19.0) (10.6) - impairment (17.0) (9.6) - inventory write-off (1.6) 0.0 - others (0.4) (1.0)

1) This table includes references to operational indicators and alternative performance measures (AMP) that are not defined or specified by IFRS. These APM should be regarded as complementary information to and as substitutes to the Group's consolidated financial results based on IFRS. Documentation Results' documentation will be available on the company website at 07.00 CET under this link: https://evolva.com/financial-data/full-year-results/

Webcast and Conference Call information: Evolva will host a conference call with media and the financial community today, 10 a.m. CET.  Registration link for conference call: https://webcast.meetyoo.de/reg/jq3C8QPMpqm7 Following registration, particpants will receive a confirmation e-mail with individual dial-in information.  Webcast link for conference call particpants https://www.webcast-eqs.com/evolva-2022-fy/no-audio  Webcast link to the livestream: https://www.webcast-eqs.com/evolva-2022-fy To ask questions during the Q+A session you must dail in to the moderated telephone conference. A replay will be available after the call on the Evolva website. Important dates 18 April 2023 Annual General Meeting 24 August 2023 Half-year 2023 results Contact Doris Rudischhauser Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications +41 79 410 81 88 dorisr@evolva.com About Evolva Evolva is a Swiss biotech company focused on the research, development and commercialization of ingredients based on nature. We have leading businesses in Flavors and Fragrances, Health Ingredients and Health Protection. Evolva's employees, half of which are women, are dedicated to make the best products that can contribute to health, wellness and sustainability. Find out more at evolva.com and connect with us on LinkedIn . For Evolva multimedia content, please visit: evolva.com/multimedia-library . Disclaimer

This announcement is not an offer of securities into the United States. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and may not be offered, pledged, sold, delivered or otherwise transferred, directly or indirectly, in the United States, except pursuant to an exemption from, or transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. No public offering of securities is being made in the United States. Further, the securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the applicable securities laws of Canada, Australia or Japan or under the applicable securities laws of any other jurisdiction where to do so might constitute a violation of such laws.

This press release contains specific forward-looking statements, e.g. statements including terms like believe, assume, expect or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may result in a substantial divergence between the actual results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and those explicitly or implicitly presumed in these statements. Against the background of these uncertainties readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The company assumes no responsibility to update forward-looking statements or to adapt them to future events or developments.

End of Inside Information
SENS ANNOUNCEMENT

(the "Announcement")

ISSUER



ZCCM INVESTMENT HOLDINGS PLC ("ZCCM-IH")

Incorporated in the Republic of Zambia

Company registration number: 119540000771

Share Code: ZCCM-IH

ISIN: ZM0000000037

BROKER

Pangaea Securities Limited

[a member of the Lusaka Securities Exchange]

Regulated and Licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission Zambia

Telephone Number: +260 211 220707 | Website: www.pangaea.co.zm

AUTHORISATION

Approval for this Announcement has been granted by:

The Lusaka Securities Exchange ("LuSE")

The Securities and Exchange Commission Zambia ("SEC")

ZCCM-IH

DISCLAIMER AND RISK WARNING

The announcement contained herein contains information that may be of a price sensitive nature.

Investors are advised to seek the advice of their investment advisor, stockbroker, or any professional duly licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zambia to provide securities advice.

ISSUED ON: 7 March 2023

ZCCM INVESTMENT HOLDINGS PLC

[Incorporated in the Republic of Zambia]

Company registration number: 119540000771

Share Code: ZCCM-IH

ISIN: ZM0000000037

["ZCCM-IH" or "the Company"]

CHANGES TO THE BOARD

In compliance with Section 3.59 of the Lusaka Securities Exchange Listing Rules ("LuSE Rules"), ZCCM-IH wishes to inform shareholders that Mr Gregory Chomba Kabwe resigned from the Company's Board of Directors ("the Board") with effect from 2nd March 2023. During his tenure, Mr Kabwe served as Non-Executive Director and Chairperson of the Audit Committee of the Board.

The ZCCM-IH Board wishes to thank Mr Kabwe for his contribution to the Company and wishes him well in his future endeavours.

The Board wishes to further announce the appointment of Mrs Masitala Nanyangwe Mushinga as Non-Executive Director on the ZCCM-IH Board. Mrs Mushinga was appointed on 7th March 2023. Mrs Mushinga's experience spans over a decade in public debt policy formulation, implementation, and external debt management. Mrs Mushinga is Acting Director- Investment and Debt Management at the Ministry of Finance and National Planning. Previously she served in various roles within the Ministry of Finance and National Planning including as Assistant Director, Principal Economist- External Debt, Investment and Debt Management and Senior Economist among others. Mrs Mushinga holds a Bachelor's Degree- Development Studies, Major and Economics Minor and a Master's Degree in Economic Policy Management, all from the University of Zambia.

The Board is confident that Mrs Mushinga will contribute to the success of the Company's operations and wishes her all the best in her new role as Non-Executive Director.

By Order of the Board

Charles Mjumphi

Acting Company Secretary

Lusaka, Zambia - 7 March 2023

Sponsoring Broker

Pangaea Securities Limited

(Member of the Lusaka Securities Exchange)

(Regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission)

______________________________________________________________

Tel: +260 (211) 220 707 or 238 709 / 16 Fax +260 (211) 220 925

First Floor, Pangaea Office Park, Great East Road, P.O. Box 30163 Lusaka, Zambia

First Issued: 7 March 2023

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Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-78861-zccm-ih-change-in-directorate-07.03.2023-director-mushinga.pdf
DUISBURG (dpa-AFX) - Kloeckner & Co SE (KCO), a German steel and metal company, reported Thursday that its fiscal 2022 net income declined to 259 million euros from last year's 629 million euros. Earnings per share were 2.54 euros, lower than 6.21 euros a year ago. Adjusted operating income or EBITDA fell to 417 million euros from last year's 848 million euros. Sales for the year increased 26 percent to 9.4 billion euros from prior year's 7.4 billion euros. Based on the positive net income, the company said it will propose a dividend of 0.40 euros per share to shareholders at the Annual General Meeting, down from last year's 1.00 euros. Looking ahead for the first quarter, the company expects adjusted EBITDA will be very considerably higher than in the preceding quarter, at 40 million euros to 90 million euros. The outlook reflects a strong improvement in the macroeconomic environment, a positive price trend and very rigorous net working capital management. Further, Kloeckner issued positive outlook for fiscal year 2023, targeting EBITDA before material special effects at a strong level, albeit below the prior-year figure, which was significantly positively impacted by price effects. The company expects the global steel market to increasingly normalize this year. A stronger demand trend in the Company's key European and US markets is expected to bring a considerable increase in shipments 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.
Ground-breaking blend of multi-orbit assets providing unmatched connectivity service for air, land and sea customers where demand is booming

Showcasing the possibilities ushered in by the proposed Eutelsat OneWeb combination

Regulatory News:

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230308005881/en/

Eutelsat Communications (Euronext: ETL) (Paris: ETL) has signed a multi-orbit agreement with Intelsat to enhance connectivity solutions over Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific, including OneWeb services.

Under this new seven-year multi-million-euro capacity agreement with a progressive roll-out of assets over 2023, leveraging Eutelsat's High-throughput satellites (HTS) in the Ku-band including the recently launched EUTELSAT 10B satellite and OneWeb's constellation, Intelsat will be able to offer connectivity solutions for air, land and sea.

This deal cements a proposed deal previously announced on the EUTELSAT 10B satellite in October 2019 between Eutelsat and Gogo Commercial Aviation, acquired by Intelsat in 2020. The new capacity agreement adds OneWeb's LEO (low-Earth orbit) solution to a larger portion of Eutelsat's HTS GEO (geostationary orbit) assets (EUTELSAT 172B, the coming EUTELSAT 10B, and the future Flexsat), creating a unique hybrid offer that provides Intelsat with enhanced connectivity capacities.

Customers worldwide will be able to benefit from a seamless ubiquitous connectivity service enabled by the combination of the GEO and LEO assets of the three entities: Eutelsat's and Intelsat's GEO fleets coupled with OneWeb's ground-breaking LEO network.

Cyril Dujardin, General Manager of the Connectivity Business Unit of Eutelsat and Ben Griffin, Vice President, Mobility at OneWeb, said: "Eutelsat and OneWeb are proud to collaborate to provide Intelsat with the best connectivity solutions. This truly hybrid approach paves the way for thorough connectivity solutions for all stakeholders, be it in the air, at sea, or on the ground. In all, it will deliver customers the best of both worlds in an integrated seamless approach."

About Eutelsat Communications

Founded in 1977, Eutelsat Communications is one of the world's leading satellite operators. With a global fleet of satellites and associated ground infrastructure, Eutelsat enables clients across Video, Data, Government, Fixed and Mobile Broadband markets to communicate effectively to their customers, irrespective of their location. Around 7,000 television channels operated by leading media groups are broadcast by Eutelsat to one billion viewers equipped for DTH reception or connected to terrestrial networks. Committed to promoting all facets of sustainable development across its business activities, Eutelsat leverages its in-orbit resources to help bridge the digital divide while maintaining a safe and uncluttered space environment. As an attractive and socially responsible employer, Eutelsat assembles 1,200 men and women from 50 countries who are dedicated to delivering the highest quality of service.

For more about Eutelsat go to www.eutelsat.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230308005881/en/

Contacts:

Media

Anita Baltagi

Tel.: +33 1 53 98 47 47

abaltagi@eutelsat.com

Daphne Joseph-Gabriel

Tel.: +33 1 53 98 47 47

djosephgabriel@eutelsat.com

Investors

Thomas Cardiel

Tel.: +33 6 99 07 86 47

tcardiel@eutelsat.com

Hugo Laurens-Berge

hlaurensberge@eutelsat.com

Christine Lopez

Tel.: +33 1 53 98 46 81

clopez@eutelsat.com
PARIS , March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Servier, a global pharmaceutical group, today announced it has entered into a strategic partnership with QIAGEN, a leading global provider of Sample to Insight solutions that enable customers to gain valuable molecular insights from samples containing the building blocks of life, to develop a companion diagnostic test that detects IDH1 mutations. This test will be for use with Servier's marketed and investigational targeted treatments in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).

QIAGEN and Servier are collaborating to develop a PCR-based companion diagnostic test that can be used to rapidly identify AML patients with IDH1 gene mutations. This partnership comes in the light of the published pivotal clinical phase 3 data of the AGILE study which showed that ivosidenib in combination with azacitidine as a first-line treatment for intensive chemotherapy ineligible AML patients with IDH1 gene mutations shows superior results compared to treatment with azacitidine alone.[1] The partnership with QIAGEN will lead to the development of a specific diagnostic test for IDH1 gene mutations with a rapid turnaround time.

Brian Lockhart, Global Head of Companion Diagnostics at Servier, said: "In order to expand the global access for ivosidenib for patients, it is imperative that we leverage a partner such as QIAGEN with an established global footprint in oncology-driven diagnostics, and a proven expertise in companion diagnostics development and approvals."

Jonathan Arnold, Vice President, Head of Partnering for Precision Diagnostics at QIAGEN, said: "We are pleased to support Servier with a companion diagnostic in their mission to propose innovative treatment for IDH1 mutated AML patients. At the same time, we are further strengthening our role in developing companion diagnostics for the ever-growing number of biomarkers being discovered in onco-hematology."

[1] Results from the AGILE study were published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) in April 2022.

Media Contact: presse@servier.com

PDF - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2018929/PR_Servier_announces_partnership_with_QIAGEN.pdf

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1914957/Servier_Logo.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/servier-announces-partnership-with-qiagen-to-develop-new-midh1-companion-diagnostic-test-to-support-serviers-onco-hematology-portfolio-301766138.html
AB "Klaipedos nafta" (hereinafter - the Company) informs that on 08-03-2023 the Company received the Letter of expectations of the shareholder of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania (hereinafter - ENMIN), which owns 72.47 percent of the Company's shares (hereinafter - the Letter of Expectations).

Taking into account the changes that took place at the political and economic level globally and Company's aim to adapt to these changes by diversifying its activities, the Letter of Expectations presented by ENMIN confirms the direction of the changes sought by the Company and enables the Company to purposefully create and implement a long-term strategy.

ENMIN's main expectations for the activities of the Company and its subsidiaries (hereinafter referred to as the Group) and potential directions for diversification of activities:

I. Objectives of ensuring Lithuania's energy independence:

- to ensure that the LNG floating storage and regasification unit "Independence" is acquired into ownership by December 31, 2024 and also ensure smooth long-term operation of the Klaipeda LNG terminal until 2044;

- to make maximum efforts ensuring the physical and cyber security of the Company's managed facilities important for the national security;

- to allocate long-term and short-term capacities of the LNG terminal taking into account the national needs of natural gas supply and ensuring national security;

- to ensure the smooth operation of managed oil terminals and appropriate technical condition of the infrastructure;

- to ensure the conditions for the long-term storage of state oil product reserves.

II. Transformation and international development goals:

- to have a long-term strategy, the implementation of which would ensure consistent growth and competitiveness of the Company in a climate-neutral economy, adapting to the transformation of the European Union's green course. In the strategy, the period up to 2030 should be planned in detail, and the period 2030-2050 should be planned by providing priority directions and business development goals and indicators pursued by the Company;

- to participate in the transformation of the Lithuanian energy sector as Lithuania transitions to green energy and seek to establish itself in the value chain of clean energy;

- the Company must continue to strive to use the available potential - the unique experience and knowledge accumulated during the development of the Klaipeda LNG terminal project and subsequent management of the terminal.

III. Financial expectations:

- the profitability of the Company's activities must not be lower than the indicators set by the Government;

- the Company must maintain a consistent implementation of the dividend policy, and the level of dividends paid by the Company must at least EUR 5 million in the medium term, starting from 2026, and in the long term, as part of the implementation of the Company's long-term strategy, for an annual dividend level of at least EUR 12 million from 2030.

- to seek benefits for the shareholders in the execution of contracts for the transshipment of oil products;

- the Company must ensure consistent and sustainable development of Company's activities, developing existing and new return-generating activities and acquiring the necessary competences.

IV. Group activity principles:

- the Group must conduct its activities according to the highest standards of transparency, governance, ethics and social responsibility. The Company must ensure the efficient operation of the Group, effective supervision and control of the Group's companies;

- the activities of the Group's companies must be based on transparency, operational efficiency, sustainable development, responsibility and values, and the development of the culture of employee health and safety.

V. Accountability:

- in accordance with the good governance practices, accountability is also foreseen, ensuring cooperation between the Shareholder, the chairmen of the Company's collegial bodies and the Chief Executive Officer, by initiative of meetings regarding essential events that took place during the reference period, the implementation of expectations and the progress of the implementation of strategic goals, and other issues of fundamental importance to the continuity of Company's activities; as well as collegial bodies self evaluation of their activities.

The full text of the Letter of Expectation can be found in the attached document.

Annex: Letter on the expectations set by the state for the AB Klaipedos nafta.

Chief Financial Officer Mindaugas Kveksas, +370 46 391 772

Attachment
Swift innovation enables CBDCs to move seamlessly on existing financial infrastructure and efficiently scale for international transactions across more than 200 countries

18 central and commercial banks encourage continued development after nearly 5,000 CBDC-to-CBDC and CBDC-to-fiat simulations over 12-week period

Swift will build beta version for further testing and explore additional use cases in securities settlement and trade finance

Swift today announced further progress on its experimental solution for interlinking Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), reporting that 18 central and commercial banks found "clear potential and value" in the API-based CBDC connector after a comprehensive review.

The cooperative published the findings of the 12-week period of collaborative sandbox testing, in which almost 5,000 transactions were simulated between two different blockchain networks and with existing fiat-based payment systems. Central and commercial bank participants expressed strong support for the solution's continued development, noting that it enabled seamless exchange of CBDCs, even those built on different platforms.

Interoperability is a key strategic focus for Swift, and a key challenge for the financial industry as digital currencies develop. According to the Atlantic Council, more than 110 countries are currently exploring CBDCs, with almost a quarter expecting to launch within the next one or two years1. However, most are focusing primarily on domestic usage, which could lead to a fragmented landscape consisting of 'digital islands'.

Swift announced in October that it had developed a solution to enable CBDCs to move between DLT-based and fiat-based systems using existing financial infrastructure. The sandbox testing was set up so that central and commercial banks could experiment with the solution to validate its effectiveness and share insight to guide its development.

Tom Zschach, Chief Innovation Officer at Swift, said: "Our experiments have shown the critical role that Swift can play in a financial ecosystem in which digital and traditional currencies co-exist. Our API-based CBDC connector has been proven to be robust across almost 5,000 transactions between two different blockchain networks and traditional fiat currency, and we're delighted to have the support of our community in developing it further. Many participants have made clear their desire for continued collaboration on interoperability, and this is particularly pleasing."

Over the coming months Swift will develop a beta version of the solution for payments that can be tested further by central banks. A second phase of sandbox testing will also be held, in which the Swift community can collaborate further with a focus on new use cases, including in securities settlement (such as cross-asset exchange), trade finance, and conditional payments.

Sandbox participants included the Banque de France, the Deutsche Bundesbank, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, BNP Paribas, HSBC, Intesa Sanpaolo, NatWest, Royal Bank of Canada, SMBC, Societe Generale, Standard Chartered and UBS.

Bruno Mellado, Global Head of Payments and Receivables at BNP Paribas, said: "As new clearing alternatives arise with CDBCs, it is important that we as a community leverage the safe and transparent utilities and standards built together with Swift. This paper shows the path to an industrial approach to access new and innovative ways to transact between parties."

Lewis Sun, Global Head of Domestic and Emerging Payments, Global Payments Solutions at HSBC, said: "Interoperability is key to realising the potential of CBDCs to deliver real-time cross-border payments. While interest in CBDCs is growing, so is the risk of fragmentation as a widening range of technologies and standards is being experimented with. Our continuing collaboration with Swift, central banks and other commercial banks provides an invaluable platform to innovate solutions that can bring about faster, cheaper and more secure cross-border payments."

Stefano Favale, Executive Director at Intesa Sanpaolo, said: "When it comes to CBDCs, interoperability becomes a key enabler to avoiding liquidity traps and creating a network effect. We truly believe that Swift, through its experience and capabilities, is the natural market-neutral candidate to support future digital asset developments."

Lee McNabb, Head of Payments Strategy Research at NatWest, said: Collaborating with central banks, Swift and peers has allowed participants to share valuable lessons, as well as our own experiences at NatWest. We believe collaboration and supporting experiments such as this yield promising benefits, and it is a tangible example of how purpose led firms can work together to harness the potential of new technologies and support the industry to deliver instant and frictionless cross-border transactions."

Isabelle Poussigues, Global Head of Cash Clearing Offer at Societe Generale, said: "Our participation in this Swift CBDC sandbox allowed us to concretely envision what CBDC CBDC and CBDC fiat currency interconnection solutions could be and the challenges they bring, while taking advantage of both the existing Swift infrastructure well known for its security and its robustness and the opportunities Swift's enhanced platform can provide."

David Rego, Global Head of Payments at Standard Chartered, said: "An open, interoperable architecture is essential for secure, frictionless, and evolving cross-border payment flows in the digitisation of currencies. Standard Chartered's participation in this sandbox underscores our commitment to innovation, and to bringing future-ready capabilities to our clients."

About Swift

Swift is a global member owned cooperative and the world's leading provider of secure financial messaging services. We provide our community with a platform for messaging and standards for communicating, and we offer products and services to facilitate access and integration, identification, analysis and regulatory compliance.

Our messaging platform, products and services connect more than 11,000 banking and securities organisations, market infrastructures and corporate customers in more than 200 countries and territories. While Swift does not hold funds or manage accounts on behalf of customers, we enable our global community of users to communicate securely, exchanging standardised financial messages in a reliable way, thereby supporting global and local financial flows, as well as trade and commerce all around the world.

As their trusted provider, we relentlessly pursue operational excellence; we support our community in addressing cyber threats; and we continually seek ways to lower costs, reduce risks and eliminate operational inefficiencies. Our products and services support our community's access and integration, business intelligence, reference data and financial crime compliance needs. Swift also brings the financial community together at global, regional and local levels to shape market practice, define standards and debate issues of mutual interest or concern.

Headquartered in Belgium, Swift's international governance and oversight reinforces the neutral, global character of its cooperative structure. Swift's global office network ensures an active presence in all the major financial centres.

1 OMFIF Digital Monetary Institute, Future of Payments 2022 Turning the cross-border payments roadmap into reality, https://www.omfif.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Future-of-Payments-2022-1.pdf

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230308005692/en/

Contacts:

FGS Global

+32 (0)2655 3377

Swift@fgsglobal.com
- CELLEX ECP is now available for reimbursement in Japan for patients who are steroid-resistant or -intolerant and suffering from cGvHD -

DUBLIN, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mallinckrodt plc, (NYSE American: MNK) ("Mallinckrodt" or the "Company"), a global specialty pharmaceutical company, today announced that Japan's National Health Insurance (NHI) system has approved reimbursement for the CELLEX extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) system for the treatment of steroid-resistant or -intolerant chronic graft versus host disease (cGvHD).





"We are very pleased that we have received approval for reimbursement in Japan for the CELLEX ECP System. As a pharmaceutical company focused on improving outcomes for under-served patients with severe and critical conditions, we strive to develop treatment options that address unmet medical needs," said Masatoyo Gunji, Mallinckrodt General Manager of Japan.

Following the approval of the CELLEX ECP System in Japan in late 2020, with the reimbursement approval, healthcare providers in Japan can now begin to prescribe the CELLEX ECP System and treat patients suffering from cGvHD who are steroid-resistant or -intolerant.

The approved uses for the CELLEX ECP System differ depending upon the country. Please refer to each country's Operator's Manuals and labeling for approved uses.

"Chronic graft versus host disease is a highly debilitating disease with a significant impact to the health of these patients with limited treatment options in Japan. The reimbursement approval and subsequent launch of the CELLEX ECP System in Japan represents a crucial milestone that will provide these patients, and their care providers, access to an important therapeutic option where there has been a high unmet medical need," said Lisa French, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals.

About Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease (cGvHD)

Graft versus host-disease is a common complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) resulting in significant morbidity and mortality.1 It can be classified as acute or chronic based on the clinical presentation and the time of occurrence after the transplantation. Signs and symptoms of cGvHD nearly always occur within the first year post transplantation but can occasionally happen several years later.2 In cGvHD, the skin is the most frequently affected organ with manifestations of itchy rash, hyper or hypopigmentation and changes in texture2. However, the disease can affect multiple sites, which may have a major impact upon a patient's quality of life.2,3 Chronic GvHD can lead to debilitating consequences, such as joint contractures, loss of sight, end-stage lung disease, or mortality resulting from profound chronic immune suppression leading to recurrent or life-threatening infections.1

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR JAPAN

Intended Use or Efficacy

This system is used as extracorporeal photopheresis therapy in steroid-resistant or -intolerant, chronic graft versus host disease.

Warnings

Directions for Use:

1. When conducting extracorporeal photopheresis therapy for patients receiving other therapy, exercise caution when changing treatment schedules to avoid increased disease activity that may be caused by abrupt withdrawal of previous therapy.

2. Taking into account the condition of the patient, administer an appropriate amount of anticoagulant through the CELLEX device, as thromboembolic events may occur.

Contraindications / Prohibitions

Directions for Use:

1. Do not re-use (Procedural Kit and Methoxsalen Solution).

2. Do not operate the instrument in the presence of flammable anesthetic gases, external radio or electromagnetic disturbances that may interfere with proper performance of the device. There is the risk of ignition and malfunction.

Applicable subject (patient)

Do not use for the following population.

Patients who cannot tolerate extracorporeal volume loss as the patient has possibility of hypotension and shock disease.

Patients exhibiting idiosyncratic reactions to psoralen compounds including methoxsalen, or possessing a specific history of a light-sensitive disease state.

Patients with aphakia because of the significantly increased risk of retinal damage due to the absence of a lens.

Patients possessing a specific history of a disordered coagulation or patients who have had previous splenectomy as anticoagulants is used during therapy.

Patients during pregnancy and lactation as it is likely to cause harm to the unborn child or suckling infant.

Patients who have white blood cell counts greater than 25,000/mm3.

ABOUT THE THERAKOS CELLEX ECP SYSTEM FOR JAPAN

The CELLEX System delivers extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP), and consists of an instrument, procedural kit, methoxsalen solution and a UVA lamp. ECP was initially developed as a therapy for patients with skin symptoms of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL).

The CELLEX System was designated as a medical device to be introduced early in Japan by the 15th Study Panel on Early Introduction of Highly Needed Medical Devices. This meeting was organized by the MHLW and held on February 17, 2011.

CELLEX was also designated as an orphan medical device by the MHLW on January 18, 2017.

APPROVED USES FOR THE THERAKOS CELLEX ECP SYSTEM

The approved uses for CELLEX ECP differ depending upon the country. Please refer to each country's Operator's manuals and labeling for approved uses.

ABOUT MALLINCKRODT

Mallinckrodt is a global business consisting of multiple wholly owned subsidiaries that develop, manufacture, market and distribute specialty pharmaceutical products and therapies. The company's Specialty Brands reportable segment's areas of focus include autoimmune and rare diseases in specialty areas like neurology, rheumatology, hepatology, nephrology, pulmonology, ophthalmology, and oncology; immunotherapy and neonatal respiratory critical care therapies; analgesics; cultured skin substitutes and gastrointestinal products. Its Specialty Generics reportable segment includes specialty generic drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients. To learn more about Mallinckrodt, visit www.mallinckrodt.com.

Mallinckrodt uses its website as a channel of distribution of important company information, such as press releases, investor presentations and other financial information. It also uses its website to expedite public access to time-critical information regarding the company in advance of or in lieu of distributing a press release or a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) disclosing the same information. Therefore, investors should look to the Investor Relations page of the website for important and time-critical information. Visitors to the website can also register to receive automatic e-mail and other notifications alerting them when new information is made available on the Investor Relations page of the website.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS RELATED TO FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains forward-looking statements, including concerning the use of the CELLEX System including potential benefits associated with its use. The statements are based on assumptions about many important factors, including the following, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements: satisfaction of regulatory and other requirements; actions of regulatory bodies and other governmental authorities; changes in laws and regulations; issues with product quality, manufacturing or supply, or patient safety issues; and other risks identified and described in more detail in the "Risk Factors" section of Mallinckrodt's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC, all of which are available on its website. The forward-looking statements made herein speak only as of the date hereof and Mallinckrodt does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events and developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

CONTACT

Media Inquiries

Heather Guzzi

Green Room Communications

+1 973-524-4112

hguzzi@greenroompr.com

Investor Relations

Daniel J. Speciale, CPA

Vice President, Finance and Investor Relations Officer

+1 314-654-3638

daniel.speciale@mnk.com

Mallinckrodt Pharma K.K.

Junichi Yoshimura

Sales & Marketing, Product Manager

+81 3 6441 3604

junichi.yoshimura@mnk.com

Mallinckrodt, the "M" brand mark and the Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals logo are trademarks of a Mallinckrodt company. Other brands are trademarks of a Mallinckrodt company or their respective owners.

 2023 Mallinckrodt. JP-2300001 3/23

References

1 Filipovich. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant. 2005; 11:945-956.

2 Jagasia. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant. 2015; 21(3): 389-401.

3 Pavletic, et al. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant. 2006;12:252-66.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/167103/mallinckrodt_plc_logo.jpg

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Dove is calling on its global community to post a video to TurnYourBack to the BoldGlamour filter

LONDON, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On Thursday, March 9, Dove is calling on its global community to TurnYourBack to the trending Bold Glamour filter. As the harmful filter sweeps social channels with content creators calling out its dangers, Dove is inviting everyone to join them to take a stand as part of its ongoing commitment to NoDigitalDistortion in any of its advertising or marketing.

"The Bold Glamour filter has now been used over 15 million times, and its popularity certainly doesn't seem to be waning. What might seem like a harmless filter has the potential to cause damage to our mental health and affect our self-esteem," explains content creator and body confidence advocate, Alex Light. "Filters like this create a brand new and unrealistic comparison that blurs the lines of reality and sets a new standard for how we think we should look. It's vital that we push back against these increasingly toxic beauty standards and show young girls that it's OK to be their authentic, beautiful selves. I've worked with Dove for a long time, and I am so proud to work with a brand who not only pledge no digital distortion in their imagery, but continually work to dismantle beauty standards and champion self-esteem in women and girls. I am fully behind their new campaign."

While social media filters can be a source of creativity and self-expression, effects like Bold Glamour dramatically distort reality and reinforce narrow and unattainable beauty standards. Thirty-eight percent of girls say they can't live up to the beauty standards that influencers project on social media, and 80% say they have already applied a filter or used a retouching app to change the way they look in their photos by age 13.

As a result, 48% of girls who distort their photos regularly have lower body esteem compared to 28% of girls who don't.

"Academic studies find that the use of filters and selfie editing are associated with low body confidence, mood, and self-esteem," explains Dr Phillippa Diedrichs, Research Psychologist at the Centre of Appearance Research at the University of West England and body image expert. "Research from Dove found that almost half of girls with lower body esteem feel they don't look good enough without photo editing. Moreover, filters have become part of everyday life for 52% of girls, and 77% try to change or hide at least one part of their body before posting a photo of themselves. This suggests that the cumulative effect of filters and digital distortion over time is creating appearance pressures and low self-worth among girls and young women."

For years, Dove has championed wider definitions of beauty and has taken action towards making social media a more positive place with campaigns like SpeakBeautiful, NoDigitalDistortion, Reverse Selfie/Selfie Talk, and DetoxYourFeed. However, the rise of the new Bold Glamour filter effect is dangerous and reinforces the damaging beauty stereotypes Dove has been working to shatter.

"While social media filters can be a source of creativity and self-expression, Bold Glamour goes beyond 'play.' Tools once only available to professionals can now be accessed by young girls at the touch of a button and without regulation," says Firdaous El Honsali, Global Vice President, External Communications at Dove. "At Dove, we are committed to NoDigitalDistortion in any of our marketing and advertising so that we can support a more positive environment on social media that is representative of real, authentic beauty. When young people distort their images, they distort their minds too. We are calling on our community to join us to turn their backs to the toxic Bold Glamour filter and stand up for real beauty. Because real beauty is bold!"

Dove wants to transform our too often toxic, digitally distorted feeds into a movement to keep beauty real. Take action by posting a video turning your back to the Bold Glamour filter using TurnYourBack BoldGlamour NoDigitalDistortion.

Through the Dove Self-Esteem Project, Dove also offers academically validated and free tools to empower parents and caregivers to help kids navigate social media in a positive way. Created in partnership with the Centre for Appearance Research, the Confidence Kit provides tips on how to make social media a healthy place where kids can flourish and is available for download at https://www.dove.com/uk/dove-self-esteem-project/help-for-parents/confidence-kit-a-tool-to-help-build-positive-body-confidence.html.

The Confidence Kit is part of the Dove Self-Esteem Project's mission to help 250 million kids with self-esteem education by 2030. To-date, the Dove Self-Esteem Project has reached the lives of 94.5 million young people across 150 countries.

Together, let's stop retouching apps from blurring young people's confidence and build positive body image on social media. Join us and TurnYourBack to BoldGlamour.

Dove Research

Research conducted by Edelman Data & Intelligence, a global, multidisciplinary research, analytics and data consultancy between November and December 2020 in US, UK, and Canada.

About Dove

Dove started its life in 1957 in the US, with launch of the Beauty Bar, with its patented blend of mild cleansers and  moisturising cream. Dove's heritage is rooted in care - proof, not promises grew Dove from a Beauty Bar into one of the world's most beloved beauty brands.

Real women have always been our inspiration, and since the beginning, Dove has been wholly committed to providing superior care to all, and to championing real representations of beauty in our advertising, communications and campaigns. Dove believes that beauty is for everyone, and the Dove mission is to ensure a positive experience with beauty is universally accessible to all.

For 65 years, Dove has been committed to broadening the narrow definition of beauty in the work they do. This includes the 'Dove Real Beauty Pledge,' and commitment to:

1. Portray women as they are in real life with honesty, diversity and respect. We feature women of different ages, sizes, ethnicities, hair colour, type and style.

2. Represent individuals with zero digital distortion, with all images approved by the women they feature.

3. Help young people build body confidence and self-esteem through the Dove Self-Esteem Project, the biggest provider of self-esteem education in the world with a goal to educate 250 million young people by 2030.

About the Dove Self-Esteem Project

Dove has a long-standing commitment to creating a world where beauty is a source of confidence, and not anxiety. The Dove Self-Esteem Project, launched in 2004, helps the next generation develop a positive relationship with the way they look so they are not held back by appearance-related concerns and anxiety and can realise their full potential. So far, we've reached the lives of more than 94 million young people across 150 countries. By 2030, we'll have helped 250 million through our educational programmes, making the Dove Self-Esteem Project the largest provider of body confidence education in the world. https://www.dove.com/uk/dove-self-esteem-project.html

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A total of eleven items from Hope and Sesame Sesamemilk (seven items) and RightRice Veggie Rice (four items) are now available through Dot Foods

The largest food industry redistributor in North America, Dot Foods, is the linchpin to US foodservice distribution, reaching more than 4,500 foodservice and wholesale customers

Dot Foods supplies wholesalers and distributors through order consolidation and cross-docking, providing these customers the ability to order as little as a single case of product, delivered within 72 hours, without needing to slot that item into their warehouse

CHICAGO, IL and VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2023 / The Planting Hope Company Inc. (TSXV:MYLK)(OTCQB:MYLKF)(FRA:J94) ("Planting Hope" or the "Company"), a plant-based food and beverage company focused on producing the world's most nutritious and planet-friendly products, is pleased to announce that Dot Foods, the largest food industry redistributor in North America, has elected to carry an additional nine Planting Hope products, including an additional three RightRice shop-keeping units ("SKUs") and six Hope and Sesame SKUs.

"Through our expansion of both Hope and Sesame and RightRice with Dot Foods, we are cracking the code on 'last-mile' distribution to foodservice end-user locations across North America, including major retail and wholesale distribution centers and food preparation locations," said Julia Stamberger, Planting Hope CEO and Co-Founder. "With the introduction of nine additional Planting Hope SKUs into Dot, we can now scale our products quickly to foodservice end-users, where we achieve increased velocities, better margins and terms, and reduced placement costs in new accounts. Dot Foods continues to be a leader in making better-for-you food products available to their customer base, reaching every corner of the food distribution grid in the USA. Foodservice operators from national chain restaurants to local eateries will be able to buy our products through their existing broadline and local distributor partners quickly and easily. Now we can reach every restaurant, cafe and institutional foodservice operator who has been requesting availability of our products, through their own distribution networks."

In its capacity as the largest food industry redistributor in North America, Dot Foods supplies wholesalers and distributors with the products they require for foodservice and retail customers through order consolidation and cross-docking. Dot's distributor customers receive frequent shipments that consolidate many brands and items into their distribution centers, providing foodservice and retail locations with the flexibility to order as little as a single case of product, delivered within 72 hours. Product is often cross-docked, eliminating the need for that product to be assigned a full warehouse slot in a distributor or for that distributor to carry inventory of that item in its buildings. The Dot solution provides a reliable, cost-effective opportunity for distributors to access myriad products and brands that are available in the Dot universe, opening up products to be carried by any of the end-user clients that Dot's 4,500 wholesale clients service across foodservice and retail supply chains.

On November 10, 2022, Planting Hope announced that the Company had become a vendor to Dot Foods, initiating listings through Dot with Original RightRice Veggie Rice in bulk 5lb bags and Hope and Sesame Barista Blend Sesamemilk in 32 oz shelf-stable cartons. Now an additional three RightRice SKUs and six Hope and Sesame SKUs have been added to Dot warehouses as of March 6th, 2023.

In total, 11 Planting Hope SKUs, four RightRice SKUs and seven Hope and Sesame SKUs, are now available to customers across North America through Dot Foods:

"Dot continues to see growth in the plant-based category. Planting Hope has some unique items that will help round out our offering," said C.J. Pilliod, Senior Business Development Manager at Dot Foods. Dot Foods is the largest food industry redistributor in North America, operating across dry, refrigerated, and frozen distribution channels to more than 4,500 end user clients that range from retailers to foodservice distributors and operators of all kinds.

"Truly, a partnership with Dot Foods is the critical 'linchpin' in opening up foodservice distribution in North America across our brands," continued Ms. Stamberger. "We look forward to continuing to build our distribution through Dot with other Planting Hope products with direct applications in foodservice channels, from grab & go to cafes to quick service restaurants to managed foodservice operations at college and university, hospitals, and corporate campuses."

To notify customers that Planting Hope's new items are now available for purchase through Dot, these items will be spotlighted in Dot's weekly customer email the week of March 6th. This 'New from Dot' email features the latest product launches at Dot and reaches all of their wholesale clients and distributors. The new Planting Hope products will additionally be featured in an ad on Dot's wholesale ecommerce site.

About Dot Foods

Dot Foods, Inc. carries 125,000 products from 1,020 food industry manufacturers making it the largest food industry redistributor in North America. Through Dot Transportation, Inc., an affiliate of Dot Foods, the company distributes foodservice, convenience, retail, and vending products to distributors in all 50 states and more than 55 countries. Dot Foods operates 12 U. S. distribution centers, which are located in Bullhead City, Arizona; Modesto, California; Bear, Delaware; Vidalia, Georgia; Burley, Idaho; Mt. Sterling, Illinois; University Park, Illinois; Cambridge City, Indiana; Williamsport, Maryland; Liverpool, New York; Ardmore, Oklahoma; and Dyersburg, Tennessee. Dot's 13th U.S. location will be located in Manchester, Tennessee. Dot Foods' Canadian operations are located in Toronto, Ontario and Calgary, Alberta. A new Dot Foods Canada distribution center is currently under construction in Ingersoll, Canada. For information, visit DotFoods.com.

About RightRice

RightRice is a vegetable-based, protein-rich, lower carbohydrate alternative to white rice that's packed with fiber and complete plant-based protein. RightRice is the first of its kind: a shelf-stable grain that's 90% vegetables (lentils, chickpeas, green peas), and delivers on taste, functionality, and nutrition. With more than 9g of complete protein and 5g of fiber per 50g serving, RightRice provides almost four times the protein and 40% fewer net carbohydrates than traditional white rice, plus it can be prepared in 12 minutes. RightRice is available in Original (unflavored) and pre-seasoned flavor varieties, including Garlic & Herb, Spanish, and Cilantro Lime. RightRice Risotto provides a protein-rich, easy-to-cook alternative to traditional risotto. All RightRice products are made using real herbs and spices, and are plant-based, non-GMO verified, gluten-free certified, and kosher certified. RightRice products are currently sold in more than 8,500 doors in leading retailers across North America, including Whole Foods Market, Wegman's, Kroger, Sprouts, and Publix, and in Canada can be found at Walmart stores. RightRice is ideal for foodservice applications, and is featured on restaurant menus, including CAVA locations nationwide. RightRice has received awards and acclaim since its launch in 2019, including People Magazine's Best Plant-Based Food Award, NOSH's Best New Product, and Sunset Magazine's 2021 Pantry Award, in addition to being highlighted as the Best Alt Grain Grocery Store Swap by goop. RightRice Risotto was awarded Best Sauce/Store Cupboard Product in FoodBev's 2021 World Plant-Based Taste Awards and received the 2021 Eco Excellence Award for Best Gluten Free Product, in addition to being chosen as a 2021 Editors' Pick for Best New Product by Progressive Grocer. For more information visit: www.rightrice.com.

About Hope and Sesame

Hope and Sesame has cracked the code on unlocking the dense nutrition in tiny sesame seeds to create a plant milk that's good-for-you, planet-friendly, and delicious! Sesame is highly sustainable, thriving in arid climates with very little water, is naturally drought- and pest-resistant, and can self-pollinate. Nutritionally comparable to dairy milk, Hope and Sesame Sesamemilk delivers 8g of complete protein per serving (including all nine essential amino acids) - that's 8x the protein in most almond and nut milks and 2x the protein in most oat milks! Developed for and approved by top baristas, Hope and Sesame Barista Blend Sesamemilk froths, steams, and foams like a dream, is great for latte art, and delivers 4g of complete protein per 8oz serving. Sesamemilk is an excellent source of both vitamin D and calcium, and its core ingredient is the ultra-nutritious pulp upcycled from sesame oil extraction. All Hope and Sesame products are vegan, Certified Gluten-Free and Certified Kosher, free from soy and dairy, Non-GMO Project Verified, and Certified by the Plant Based Foods Association. Hope and Sesame Sesamemilk is one of the only plant milks globally that is Upcycled Certified by the Upcycled Food Association. Available in both refrigerated 48 oz bottles (three flavors) as well as shelf-stable long-life recyclable aseptic cartons (seven flavors, including Barista Blend) in both US and Canadian bilingual packaging.

Hope and Sesame products have received myriad industry and consumer awards, and they keep coming: Hope and Sesame Barista Blend Sesamemilk was awarded Best Novel Creamer by Good Housekeeping in their 2022 Best Coffee Awards, won Best Product at Coffee Fest Chicago 2022, received the international Gama 2022 Innovation Award for Best Hospitality Product, and was a finalist for Best Product of the Year at the 2022 Specialty Coffee Awards. Additionally, Hope and Sesame Unsweetened Sesamemilk received the Best Plant Milk award at Hong Kong LOHAS Expo 2023, won Best Milk Alternative and Best Plant-Based Sustainability in FoodBev's 2021 World Plant-Based Food Awards, and signature Chocolate Hazelnut Sesamemilk flavor received the 2020 Sofi Award for Best New Product, Plant-Based Milk from the Specialty Food Association.

About The Planting Hope Company Inc.

Planting Hope develops, launches, and scales uniquely innovative plant-based and planet-friendly food and beverage brands. Planting Hope's award-winning and cutting-edge products fill key unmet needs in the skyrocketing plant-based food and beverage space. The Planting Hope brand family includes Hope and Sesame Sesamemilk, Barista Blend Sesamemilk, and Sesamilk creamers, RightRice Veggie Rice, Mozaics Real Veggie Chips, and Veggicopia Veggie Snacks. Planting Hope products are currently found in more than 15,000 retail doors and 70,000 total distribution points across North America. Founded by experienced food industry entrepreneurs, Planting Hope is a women-managed and woman-led company focused on nutrition, sustainability, and representation.

For more information about Planting Hope please visit plantinghopecompany.com, sign up for Planting Hope news emails HERE and follow on LinkedIn.

An informational webinar on The Planting Hope Company from CEO and Co-Founder Julia Stamberger is available HERE.

To follow the brands on Instagram and Facebook, please visit: @hopeandsesameco, @rightrice, @mozaicschips, @veggicopia.

To find Planting Hope products at a store near you in the United States or Canada, please visit the store locator at each brand website: Hope and Sesame store locator, RightRice store locator, Mozaics store locator. Planting Hope products are also available at plantinghopebrands.com and ecommerce retailers including Amazon.com and Amazon.ca.

Contacts

Company Contact:

Julia Stamberger

CEO and Co-founder

(773) 492-2243

julia@plantinghopecompany.com

Investor Relations Contact:

Glen Akselrod, Bristol Capital

(905) 326-1888 ext. 1

glen@bristolir.com

Media Contact:

Alex Jessup, Jessup PR

(323) 529-3541

alex.jessup@jessuppr.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.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively referred to hereafter as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements that address activities, events, or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will, or may, occur in the future, including statements about the Company's ability to execute on its goals, the timing pertaining to these goals the potential demand for the Company's products, the timing and success of anticipated product launches and distribution of the Company's products, and the Company's business prospects, future trends, plans and strategies. In some cases, forward looking statements are preceded by, followed by, or include words such as "may", "will," "would", "could", "should", "believes", "estimates", "projects", "potential", "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "continues", or the negative of those words or other similar or comparable words. In preparing the forward looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, the assumption that demand for the Company's product will be sustained or increase in accordance with management's projections, that the Company's internal research and analysis is indicative of broader market trends and the Company's anticipated future demand for its products, that changes in consumer preferences in the plant-based food industry will continue in accordance with the Company's expectations, that the Company's current business objectives can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected, and that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner. Although the management of the Company believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any forward-looking statement herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. 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 information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. Risks and uncertainties applicable to the Company, as well as trends identified by the Company affecting its industry can be found in the Company's annual information form dated January 6, 2022 and the Company's continuous disclosure record available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Such cautionary statements qualify all forward-looking statements made in this news release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE: The Planting Hope Company Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/742714/Planting-Hope-Expands-Distribution-Through-Dot-Foods-Accelerating-Availability-of-Hope-and-SesameR-Sesamemilk-and-RightRiceR-Veggie-Rice-to-Foodservice-and-Wholesale-Customers-Across-North-America
FuturaSun relaunches the European photovoltaic supply chain with a new center dedicated to the development and production of PV modules



PADUA, Italy, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FuturaSun, the leading Italian manufacturer of high-efficiency photovoltaic panels, has acquired a 24,000 sqm plot of land in the industrial area of Cittadella (Padua) to establish a new Italian Gigafactory. The facility will reach a 2 GW/year production capacity of high-efficiency photovoltaic modules, manufactured using the most innovative technologies.

With this important step, the company commits to a total investment of 25 million Euros over the next few years.

The project fits into the company's strategic industrial plan, and it follows through on the European mission of rebuilding the European supply chain, with FuturaSun taking the role of one of the main players.

Alessandro Barin, the CEO of FuturaSun, declares, "With this new industrial hub, we believe we can enhance our hometown while also becoming a reference point in the HORIZON IBC4EU project*, a program within the REpowerEU plan and the European Green Deal to revive the Italian and European photovoltaic industrial supply chain in support of continental energy transition strategies."

The new HQ will be designed according to across-the-board environmental and sustainability criteria and will include an R&D center for applied scientific research, a large test-field for product control and improvement, a PV Academy and a training center to recreate the expertise of industry professionals.

FuturaSun was founded in Cittadella in 2008 and has successfully transformed the 2012 photovoltaic crisis into an opportunity. After 15 years of uninterrupted growth, with a Gigafactory already active in China and two others under construction, the company continues in its project to reposition the supply chain, initiating another dream of reviving the Italian district of photovoltaics in Veneto.

About FuturaSun

The Italian company FuturaSun is specialized in the manufacturing of high-performance photovoltaic panels which have passed the most stringent of tests to achieve prestigious certifications issued by laboratories from all over the world. FuturaSun's manufacturing plants are based in China and soon in Italy.

Media Contact

International Press

Andrea Cortese

+39 338 78 07 018

press@futurasun.it

*This project has received funding from the Horizon Europe Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027) under grant agreement No 101084259

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2af8e6eb-ef7c-4f61-ba07-6334e1deaa0d
Golding Capital Partners, one of Europe's leading independent asset managers for alternative investments, has expanded its senior management and partner team with Dorothea Sztopko. In the new role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) she has been responsible since January 2023 for systematically optimising and automating internal processes and for building a new IT structure. By appointing Sztopko, Golding is aiming to establish a target operating model, realise synergies by implementing change management projects, and drive forward the company's transformation process. As in prior years, Golding repeated this dynamic growth again in 2022. A new fundraising record was set, with capital commitments of some 2.1 billion. Total assets under management increased as a result to nearly 13.3 billion another record for the company. In addition to its ongoing international expansion, the main growth driver was high demand for specialist products in the co-investments and secondaries segments.

The strategic expansion of the partner team to include Dorothea Sztopko as new COO reflects both the company's dynamic growth in recent years and its ambitious plans for future development.

"Golding has been building its exceptional success story for more than 20 years. I am delighted to now be part of that, and with my team to ensure that we are well positioned to achieve our strategic corporate goals", says Sztopko, COO at Golding.

She and her team are responsible for establishing a target operating model, for optimising internal procedures, and for continuing the digitisation process. The underlying objective of all the measures is to embed organisational excellence in all areas of the company.

"Our new partner Dorothea Sztopko is a highly qualified and experienced operations expert, and she will make a decisive contribution to achieving our ambitious growth targets. Given that we are expanding our product range, and in view of our further international expansion, best-in-class digital process management and a culture of continuous improvement add value directly for us as a company and for our investors", says Jeremy Golding, founder and managing partner of Golding.

Dorothea Sztopko has two MBA degrees and has more than 15 years experience of digital transformation, operational excellence and change management. For more than ten years she held international board seats and senior management positions in the banking and insurance sector, most recently at Raiffeisenbank International and at ING, a Dutch bank.

Ongoing strong demand facilitates records for fund raising and investments.

Golding continued its successful growth last year in terms of both new capital commitments received and investments. The strong fundraising performance was due to the traditional flagship products, but particularly to dedicated co-investment and secondaries solutions also. Among the successful closings were a specialised secondaries fund, two infrastructure products and most recently a buyout co-investment fund, all of which were significantly oversubscribed.

Building on this success, several follow-on products in the three asset classes, private credit, buyout and infrastructure, are now in the market or at an advanced planning stage. On the investment side, Golding also set a new record in terms of commitment volume across all three asset classes (primaries, secondaries, co-investments), with new commitments of 1.8 billion.

Internationalisation pays off ambitious growth targets again for 2023

Golding can also point to a positive performance in its international expansion. The alternative asset manager attracted new investors from France, Spain, Sweden and Slovenia, as well as its first European managed account mandate from outside Germany. The total volume of commitments from international investors came to nearly 200 million in 2022.

Golding is again aiming for ambitious targets this year. The goal is to raise more than 2 billion in new fund commitments by the end of the year, also from international LPs. They will have a total of nine products in fundraising to choose from in 2023.

Link press photo Dorothea Sztopko

About Golding Capital Partners GmbH

Golding Capital Partners GmbH is one of Europe's leading independent asset managers for alternative investments, focusing on the asset classes infrastructure, private credit, private equity, secondaries and impact. With a team of more over 180 professionals at its offices in Munich, London, Luxembourg, New York, Tokyo and Zurich, Golding Capital Partners helps institutional and professional investors to develop their investment strategy and manages some 13.3 billion in assets. Its roughly 230 investors include pension funds, insurance companies, foundations, family offices and ecclesiastical institutions, as well as banks, savings banks and cooperative banks. Golding became a signatory of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI) in 2013 and has been a supporter of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) since 2021.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230309005417/en/

Contacts:

Further information

Golding Capital Partners GmbH

Susanne Stolzenburg

Director, Head of Marketing Communications

T +49 (0) 89 419 997 553

stolzenburg@goldingcapital.com

PB3C GmbH

Johannes Braun

PR Director Real Assets

T +49 (0) 89 242 0865 36

braun@pb3c.com
LONDON, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ICAEW has launched their latest virtual work experience programme in partnership with HR tech firm, Cappfinity.





The professional membership body, which represents the interests of 195,000 members and students around the world and has 13 offices worldwide, launched its 2023 campaign following the success of its innovative work experience programme in 2021 and 2022.

The week-long programme, which is open to 16 to 17-year-old students at school or college in the UK, is an opportunity to learn more about the fascinating careers of chartered accountants, bust myths regarding the profession and develop young peoples' professional skills.

The programme removes barriers and misconceptions around careers in accountancy, whilst providing students with the opportunity to learn more about themselves and their individual strengths and skills.

ICAEW particularly welcomes applications from underrepresented groups to showcase the various pathways into the career, attract talent and build greater diversity in the profession.

Applicants undergo a two-stage assessment process designed by Cappfinity. Firstly, applicants complete a situational strengths assessment using Cappfinity's Capptivate which is designed to highlight interests and abilities that would facilitate success in role. Candidates also complete a pre-recorded video interview using Cappfinity's Snapshot, a mobile-ready interview platform.

Every applicant receives a personalised feedback report, something we believe every candidate deserves, to understand more about themselves and discover where their personal skills and strengths lie.

The work experience itself comprises of project-based learning modules, including an intro to ICAEW and the ACA qualification, self-insight activities (learning about individual strengths), break-out activities and plenary sessions, culminating in a final group presentation assessed by employer partners and professionals with an interest in levelling up.

Jack Henman, Marketing Manager at ICAEW explained: "We're delighted to have launched this year's virtual work experience programme in conjunction with so many fantastic employers and in partnership with Cappfinity.

"We know there are a lot of misconceptions about accountancy, when in reality no two days are the same, it is a truly fascinating and fulfilling career and we are determined to breakdown any and all barriers to entry.

"Cappfinity's innovative assessment process, using the Capptivate platform not only provides us with information about a student's potential, but it also provides the student with an insight into what a career in accountancy might look like, by using realistic tasks and imagery."

Abi Parker, Account Director at Cappfinity who was part of the final judging panel last year, said: "ICAEW's commitment to widening participation is exemplary. The quality of the presentations I observed as a judge on their final day was very impressive and it was great to see how the students' confidence had grown over such a short period of time.

"The decision to engage with multiple partners to contribute to the work experience programme is a truly market-leading approach, opening up new talent pools earlier to drive interest in the future."

Last year's programme saw high numbers of female students, those from lower socio-economic backgrounds and ethnic minority groups apply. It is hoped that this year's scheme will continue to attract these groups and expand on previous success.

The programme is open to students across the UK and is delivered via a digital format, so there is no need to travel.

If you are a Year 12 (England and Wales), Year 13 (NI), S5 (Scotland) student, or equivalent, you can apply to the work experience programme via the ICAEW Work Experience webpage here: https://careers.icaew.com/work-experience.

About Cappfinity

Cappfinity is the global leader in skills-based hiring and talent mobility solutions. Since 2005, Cappfinity has helped organizations place candidates and employees in positions where they can use their skills and strengths to deliver value and meet business objectives. This is achieved with online assessments, virtual job simulations, robust candidate reports, fast and fair talent matching, hiring, upskilling, leadership development, and succession planning solutions and services.

Cappfinity - Hiring and Talent Mobility Powered by Skills

For more information, visit www.cappfinity.com

About ICAEW

Chartered accountants are talented, ethical and committed professionals. ICAEW represents more than 195,300 members and students around the world.

Founded in 1880, ICAEW has a long history of serving the public interest and we continue to work with governments, regulators and business leaders globally. And, as a world-leading improvement regulator, we supervise and monitor around 12,000 firms, holding them, and all ICAEW members and students, to the highest standards of professional competency and conduct.

We promote inclusivity, diversity and fairness and we give talented professionals the skills and values they need to build resilient businesses, economies and societies, while ensuring our planet's resources are managed sustainably.

ICAEW is the first major professional body to be carbon neutral, demonstrating our commitment to tackle climate change and supporting UN Sustainable Development Goal 13.

ICAEW is a founding member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW), a global family that connects over 1.8m chartered accountants and students in more than 190 countries. Together, we support, develop and promote the role of chartered accountants as trusted business leaders, difference makers and advisers.

We believe that chartered accountancy can be a force for positive change. By sharing our insight, expertise and understanding we can help to create sustainable economies and a better future for all.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2017536/ICAEW_Work_Experience.jpg

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EDINBURGH, U.K., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Illuminate, a data solutions company that provides tools and services that collect and analyse information for key decision-makers, announced today it has successfully completed delivery of its latest telecommunications packet collection systems for one of its key customers in a European country.

Illuminate's Vigilance Packet Collect (VPC) solution is a packet processing system which provides the customer with the ability to identify, monitor, filter, analyse and store enterprise Internet Protocol (IP) data. It also enables customers to utilise their own defined filters to structure the data for further analysis and storage.

The VPC solution will be used as a network packet recorder, collecting enterprise network traffic from the customer's networks. These networks deliver real-time data into Illuminate's Flow Explorer packet broker, where smart logic identifies the source of the traffic. It then filters, aggregates, and backhauls the traffic to the VPC solution and storage devices.

"We are proud that our packet collection solution was selected to support the customer's cyber threat monitoring mission and the critical role it will play in assisting their understanding of any potential threats on their networks," said Dr. Iain Goodfellow, Managing Director, Illuminate. "Illuminate has a proud heritage of monitoring telecommunications mobile networks and delivering actionable information, where it is needed, and when it is needed."

The customer will use VPC to assist with cyber threat analysis and anomaly detection in the networks, to ensure that no sensitive traffic crosses the boundary between networks. It will also provide reach-back capability to firewalls and other intrusion detection systems that are in use.

The VPC has the capability and capacity to collect traffic from networks in real-time and record days' worth of traffic for subsequent retrieval for packet-level analysis. In addition, flow meta data for each network is generated and stored for at least one month, allowing for visualisation, analysis and comparison of the traffic in their networks.

About Illuminate

Illuminate provides data collection and analysis services and software to clients in the defence, intelligence, and federal law enforcement sectors. The company's innovative capabilities include network monitoring, intelligence analysis, cybersecurity, and data engineering. More information can be found at OneIlluminate.com.

Media contact:

Neal Stein

Technology PR Solutions

Ph: (321) 473-7407

nealjstein@techprsolutions.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/illuminate-delivers-telecommunications-packet-collection-solution-to-european-customer-to-assist-in-cyber-threat-detection-301767561.html
The prestigious award ceremony recognizes innovators who are prioritizing product experiences to drive growth

Boston, Massachusetts--(Newsfile Corp. - March 9, 2023) - Akeneo, the product experience company, announced today the winners of the Unlock 2023 PXM Champions Awards. The awards, which are one of the industry's greatest recognitions, honor brands that have built and excelled in using product experience management (PXM) best practices to drive growth and turn challenges into opportunities as they adapt to the evolving omnichannel environment.

The winners were announced at Akeneo Unlock 2023, the PX World Conference, which was held on March 8-9 in Paris. Each recipient outlined in detail how Akeneo's solutions aided in reaching their commerce goals and building exceptional product experiences that drive results.

"We're excited to celebrate this year's PXM Champions, who have proven that prioritizing the product experience drives tangible business outcomes like increasing revenue and reducing returns," said Kristin Naragon, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at Akeneo. "These companies' focus on product experience strategies enabled them to scale their business by reducing manual labor while at the same time delivering more value for customers who expect rich, consistent and accurate product information wherever they browse and buy."

The six award winners for this year are:

Accelerator Award

Kolmi Hopen, a manufacturer of single-use medical devices and personal protective equipment for the industrial and hygiene industries, received the Accelerator Award for utilizing product information as a growth lever, enabling the company to respond rapidly to a spike in demand following the Covid-19 crisis. In partnership with Easycom, Kolmi Hopen leveraged Akeneo Shared Catalogs to reduce dependence on Excel, ease the collaboration process among internal teams and external clients, reduce product data errors and duplications, and enhance productivity among employees. With 154 products, Kolmi Hopen has been able to build strong, personalized product experiences quickly with the use of Akeneo Shared Catalogs.

Expansion Award

DELFINGEN, a leading global supplier in the automotive industry, secured the Expansion Award in recognition of the successful use of Akeneo PIM and Shared Catalogs to expand its business. These Akeneo solutions helped DELFINGEN centralize and streamline its product data management and improve cooperation and productivity across teams, which was crucial for the company to complete a merger with SCHLEMMER. DELFINGEN also launched a new online channel, www.schlemmer.it, with the help of Akeneo, to reach new audiences and address existing small customers more efficiently. This website significantly accelerated growth for the business as it allowed the company to improve customer experiences, increase sales, reduce internal costs, and even reduce its carbon footprint through digital invoices and automated processing of orders.

Global Award

FENDI, an Italian luxury fashion house, won the Global Award for leveraging Akeneo solutions to enrich and manage product information and translation flows worldwide. Led by Alpenite S.r.L., FENDI utilized Akeneo PIM and its direct integration with GlobalLink, to limit the manual workload for employees, reduce reliance on Excel and improve translation workflow, which was difficult prior because there was no integration with any service provider. Now, FENDI's translation workflow is 2x faster and the enhanced enrichment workflow has enforced control on overall quality and decreased overhead time significantly. All steps in the workflow are now correctly defined, associated with the right owner, and well tracked, enabling seamless collaboration and visibility between different departments and the worldwide distributed digital team. These results can now support and power FENDI's goal of expanding its business to the Middle East and Asia as well as other target markets that may arise in the future.

Leadership Award

Arkema, a diversified chemical manufacturer, took home the Leadership Award for adopting Akeneo PIM as a cornerstone of its digital B2B customer experience and accelerating its overhaul of its websites. Arkema aims to become a pure player in specialty materials by 2024, offering sustainable solutions to customers' challenges. But with a catalog of more than 90,000 products, with a high level of complexity, serving 58 countries, Arkema needed a centralized solution to create and generate data for new product lines and deliver targeted content on its sustainable approach. Led by CGI, Arkema implemented Akeneo PIM to deliver uniform, accurate, and compelling product experiences at a global level across all channels, allowing the company to sell products faster, better, and from anywhere. The implementation of Akeneo PIM resulted in better experiences for customers and business units, with time to market being 2x faster and its business becoming future-proofed. Additionally, by combining digital and highly targeted print communication on the whole portfolio, Arkema will be able to save approximately 2.5 million euros by freeing up 8,557 days of employee time.

Experience Award

Smartphonehoesjes.nl, an international e-commerce retailer of accessories for mobile devices, secured the Experience Award for heightened interaction among customers through enhanced images on its product pages. Working closely with Calago, Smartphonehoesjes.nl was able to use Akeneo PIM to ensure that images were automatically connected to the correct products and ensure the images were locally relevant, which drastically improved the customer browsing and buying experience and allowed them to become more competitive against other retailers. This strategic improvement removed 15 hours a week of manual labor for a product management team of two. The team also saw a 10.2% increase in product conversion on its webshops, which highlights the importance of customers being able to browse accurate and relevant product images before purchase.

Ambassador Honor

As part of the announcement, Akeneo also granted an Ambassador Honor to Bowens, a market leader in supplying the largest variety of quality timber and building supplies in Australia. Bowens' new eCommerce coordinator, who was the only person managing the 35,000 products the company offers online, as well as its 220 suppliers, advocated for acquiring Akeneo solutions after using and loving them at her previous job. She was successful in this endeavor and Bowens was able to improve the product content quality online, increase the number of products online, get products listed online quicker, and allow suppliers to enrich content with ease, all thanks to leveraging Akeneo PIM and Akeneo Onboarder. Bowens now has a strategic advantage over competitors and as it more quickly grows its online store and its eCommerce customer journey.

To learn more about Akeneo, please visit www.akeneo.com.

About Akeneo

Akeneo brings a complete and composable SaaS-based solution for managing, orchestrating, activating, and optimizing the entire product record in order to drive compelling and consistent product experiences supporting any route-to-market and the entire customer lifecycle. With its open platform, a leading PIM for product data and asset management, and extensive connected ecosystem with Akeneo App Store, Akeneo Product Cloud empowers commerce businesses to deliver world-class product experiences that unlock growth.

Leading global brands, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, including BASF Group, Canon USA, Chico's FAS and Forever 21 trust Akeneo to scale and customize their omnichannel commerce initiatives. Using Akeneo Product Cloud, companies can activate product experiences in any channel, therefore driving improved customer experiences, increased sales, reduced returns, faster time to market, and increased team productivity.

Contact Details

Akeneo

North 6th Agency for Akeneo

+1 203 518-2348

akeneo@n6a.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/157571
Principal investigator Professor Peter Pickkers to present data at ISICEM on March 21st in Brussels and at the AKI CRRT conference on March 29th in San Diego

A significant reduction in major adverse kidney events by day 90 and no difference in 28-day all-cause mortality was observed after review of the data from all patients in the study

AM-Pharma B.V., an emerging leader focused on developing therapeutics for severe medical conditions, today announced that Professor Peter Pickkers, M.D., Ph.D., principal investigator of the Phase 3 REVIVAL study, will present data from the study at two upcoming scientific conferences. The data from 650 patients with Sepsis-associated Acute Kidney Injury (SA-AKI), will be featured in presentations at the 42nd International Symposium on Intensive Care Emergency Medicines (ISICEM) on March 21st in Brussels, Belgium and at the 28th International Conference on Advances in Critical Care Nephrology AKI CRRT on March 29th in San Diego, CA, USA.

"While a survival benefit was not observed, we demonstrated significant reno-protective effects in SA-AKI patients treated with ilofotase alfa as compared to placebo, which were most pronounced in patients with pre-existing renal impairment. Together with the excellent tolerability profile, these results demonstrate the promising potential of ilofotase alfa as a pharmacological recourse in AKI," said Professor Peter Pickkers, M.D., Ph.D., Chair of Experimental Intensive Care Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, and principal investigator of the REVIVAL study

The global Phase 3 REVIVAL study assessed the efficacy and safety of ilofotase alfa, AM-Pharma's human recombinant alkaline phosphatase, in patients with SA-AKI. The study, which recruited SA-AKI patients from 107 sites in Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, did not reveal any safety concerns but was discontinued for futility based on the primary endpoint of 28-day all-cause mortality after treatment of 650 patients (placebo n=321; ilofotase alfa n=329). A prespecified analysis of the key secondary renal endpoint of Major Adverse Kidney Events by day 90 (MAKE90) indicated a significantly (p=0.031) lower rate of subjects experiencing a MAKE90 event in the ilofotase alfa group (57.2%) compared to the placebo group (64.7 %). This effect was mainly driven by a reduced need for dialysis in the ilofotase alfa treated group.

"Despite missing the primary endpoint, ilofotase alfa has consistently shown that it provides positive effects on kidney function both in our recent Phase 3 REVIVAL study as well as in our Phase 2 STOP-AKI study. The outcomes show that treatment with ilofotase alfa result in substantial long-term benefit for AKI patients, which we plan to investigate further. We look forward to providing further details on our clinical development pathway over the course of 2023," added Erik van den Berg, Chief Executive Officer of AM-Pharma

The presentations will focus on ilofotase alfa's treatment effect on MAKE90, characterized by death up to Day 90, renal replacement therapy (RRT) through Day 28 and on Day 90, >25% drop in eGFR at Day 90, and rehospitalization up to Day 90. The significant beneficial effect observed on MAKE90 was predominantly driven by the decrease in patients requiring RRT (28.2% ilofotase alfa vs 36.4% placebo) and was most pronounced in patients with pre-existing chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Presentation details:

The 42nd International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine (ISICEM), March 21 24, 2023, Brussels, Belgium.

Title: Recombinant alkaline phosphatase for renal protection

Date: Tuesday, March 21 st , 2023

, 2023 Time: 3:35 p.m. CET

Location: 400 Hall

The 28th International Conference on Advances in Critical Care Nephrology AKI CRRT 2023, March 29 April 1, 2023, San Diego, CA.

Title: Ilofotase alfa exerts renal protective effects in patients with sepsis-associated acute kidney injury.

Date: Wednesday, March 29 th , 2023

, 2023 Time: 5:30 p.m. PT

Location: Main exhibit hall

About the REVIVAL study

The Phase 3 REVIVAL study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-arm, parallel-group, multi-center trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of AM-Pharma's proprietary human recombinant alkaline phosphatase, ilofotase alfa, for the treatment of patients with SA-AKI. Patients in the study were randomized to receive 1.6mg/kg of ilofotase alfa or placebo. The primary endpoint of the study was 28-day all-cause mortality. Secondary endpoints included long-term Major Adverse Kidney Events (MAKE), the use of organ support, length of stay in the ICU and 90-day all-cause mortality. Further information on this study can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04411472 (REVIVAL).

About Ilofotase alfa

Ilofotase alfa is a proprietary recombinant alkaline phosphatase, constructed from two human isoforms of alkaline phosphatase, that in multiple clinical trials was shown to be stable and highly active. The recombinant enzyme displays exquisite activity towards dephosphorylating and detoxifying damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), ATP, ADP and other extracellular substrates that drive acute inflammation, coagulation and microvascular ischemia found in kidney following sepsis or ischemia-induced damage. Research has shown that ATP dephosphorylation has a double effect in protecting against kidney injury. When the pro-inflammatory ATP is dephosphorylated, the resulting adenosine further reduces inflammation through the activation of the immunosuppressive adenosine A2a receptor pathway.

About AM-Pharma

AM-Pharma strives to develop medicines for patients confronted with severe medical conditions. Our proprietary asset, ilofotase alfa, is initially being developed for the treatment of patients with acute kidney injury and has been granted FDA fast-track status. With approximately 1,000 subjects evaluated to date in clinical trials, ilofotase alfa has a proven safety profile and a demonstrated kidney benefit. We are a dedicated team driven to bring treatment options to severely ill patients, their families and acute care professionals. Find out more about us online at: www.am-pharma.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230309005027/en/

Contacts:

Investors:

Lars Boesgaard, Chief Financial Officer

l.boesgaard@am-pharma.com

Media:

Trophic Communications

Eva Mulder or Priscillia Perrin

+31 6 52 33 15 79

am-pharma@trophic.eu
Feedzai, the market leader in fighting financial crime with AI, has partnered with UK Finance, the trade association for the UK's banking and financial services sector, to deliver its Annual Fraud Report.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230309005065/en/

UK Finance has chosen Feedzai as the lead sponsor and contributor for the next edition of its Annual Fraud Report. The report highlights the key themes, opportunities and challenges for the UK's banking and finance industry in its continued efforts to protect customers from fraud and is a valuable resource for industry professionals, regulators, and policymakers.

Combining aggregated data supplied to UK Finance by some of its largest banking and financial services members with its industry knowledge, Feedzai will use its analysis to derive insight into the number of cases and the value of fraud losses in the UK. It will also complement UK Finance's long standing industry engagement, with additional analysis and commentary on potential trends as to the prevalence of specific types of scams committed over the period. The report will be published by UK Finance, in partnership with Feedzai, later this year.

Commenting on the partnership, Pedro Barata, Chief Product Officer, at Feedzai said:

"We are delighted to have been chosen by UK Finance as their trusted partner in delivering this year's edition of the Annual Fraud Report. The report represents a vital point of reference for all professionals working to prevent financial crime across the UK and is an important benchmark in tracking the progress of this endeavor. Being a part of this important research will help to build a clearer picture of how all parties can best work together to address financial crime across the UK."

Lee Hopley, Director, Economic Insight and Research at UK Finance, added:

"We are excited to be working with Feedzai on the upcoming edition of our Annual Fraud Report, their expertise in this field make them the perfect partner to deliver additional insight and analysis that makes the report a valuable resource for the industry. The quality of data combined with key insights shared by those experienced in this area makes our Annual Fraud Report a key marker in evaluating the ongoing fight against financial crime."

Feedzai will also be involved in UK Finance's flagship conference, Economic Crime Congress 2023, taking place on Thursday 30 March 2023 at The Brewery, London. The event brings together professionals from across the entire community of those working in financial crime to discuss the most pressing issues affecting anti-money laundering, financial sanctions, fraud protection and data sharing.

Daniel Holmes, Feedzai's expert in Fraud Prevention, will join a line-up of key industry experts at the conference to lead a panel discussion on 'The role of the wider ecosystem: Collaborating to tackle fraud'. The session will focus on looking outside of the financial services sector at other key areas and players within the wider finance and technology industries and explore how all parties can best collaborate on various initiatives towards the united goal of reducing the threat of economic crime.

About Feedzai

Feedzai is the world's first RiskOps platform, and the market leader in safeguarding global commerce with today's most advanced cloud-based risk management platform, powered by machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Feedzai is securing the transition to a cashless world while enabling digital trust in every transaction and payment type.

The world's largest banks, processors, and retailers trust Feedzai to protect trillions of dollars and manage risk while improving the customer experience for everyday users, without compromising privacy. Feedzai is a Series D company and has raised $282M to date. With a valuation of +$1.5B, the company's technology protects 900 million people in 190 countries. For more information, visit feedzai.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230309005065/en/

Contacts:

Roopa Ramaiya, VP of Communications, Feedzai

pr@feedzai.com
Emittent / Herausgeber: ID Finance Investments, S.L. / Schlagwort(e): ESG/ESG

ID Finance Investments, S.L.: ID Finance erhalt seine Verifizierung der CO2-Bilanz fur 2021



09.03.2023 / 11:13 CET/CEST

Fur den Inhalt der Mitteilung ist der Emittent / Herausgeber verantwortlich.









ID Finance obtains its carbon footprint verification for 2021

9th of March 2023 - ID Finance has certified its carbon footprint and obtained the UNE-EN ISO 14064-1:2019 verification, in line with the company's commitment to reduce its environmental impact.

In particular, the certification measures 4 categories:

Direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Indirect GHG emissions from imported energy. Indirect GHG emissions by transportation. Indirect GHG emissions from products used by the organization.

It is the first step to identify the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions related to the company's business activity and to adopt further measures to reduce and compensate them.

ID Finance is already working to undergo an external audit to obtain the carbon footprint verification for 2022 and to receive the Carbon Print Calculation badge of the Spanish Ministry of Environment. This process will be completed in a couple of months.

Besides of increasing its efforts to cut back its CO2 emissions, ID Finance will select several reforestation projects to compensate its footprint and to comply with its objectives of being carbon neutral.

In the past, after receiving the so called COMPENSO badge, ID Finance has been actively involved in several reforestation projects, both in Spain and Mexico, aimed at preserving and protecting ecosystems and its biodiversity, as well as capturing tons of CO2, thus mitigating the climate change.

About ID Finance

www.idfinance.com



ID Finance is a leading finance technology company based in Spain with operations in this country and Mexico. Its main offering is focused on providing retail banking and finance solutions. It is among the few financial technology firms in Spain and Mexico that compensates its carbon footprint. The company is consistently profitable and since its inception in 2015 it has processed around 10 million credit applications. In Spain, ID Finance alternative lending platform has recently consolidated as market leader and keeps constantly growing its customer base. In addition, in 2021 ID Finance launched an additional platform developed with a mix of cutting-edge technology to offer debit, saving and credit solutions to help people achieve financial wellness.

For further information, please contact:

Katia Ballano Goring

PR & Comms manager ID Finance Plazo

katia.ballano@idfinance.com

+34 649 799 327

Veroffentlichung einer Mitteilung, ubermittelt durch EQS Group AG.

Medienarchiv unter https://www.eqs-news.com.



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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2023 / Faraday Copper Corp. ("Faraday" or the "Company") (TSX:FDY) is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, Redhawk Copper Inc., has entered into a Letter of Intent ("LOI") with Proteus Power Development LLC ("Proteus") for the evaluation of a new solar Photovoltaic ("PV") power generation facility and battery energy storage system ("BESS"), (collectively, the "Solar Project"), to be located at the Copper Creek Project in Arizona, U.S.

Paul Harbidge, President and CEO, commented "I look forward to working with Proteus to deliver on our strategy of advancing Copper Creek to be a U.S. domestic producer of 'green' copper. Our recent ranch acquisition enables this important initiative by providing the necessary private land for an industrial-scale, solar-energy project at Copper Creek."

Potential Benefits:

Between 100 and 125 megawatts of solar power and storage of 100 to 400 megawatt-hours of capacity through BESS;

Reduced carbon emissions for Copper Creek production;

Reduced operating costs through a long-term Power Purchase Agreement ("PPA");

Surplus power expected to be fed to the grid to bolster regional energy security, consistent with Arizona's target of increasing clean energy generation; and

Revenue generation through a land-use agreement with Proteus.

Letter of Intent for Solar Project

The LOI sets forth the agreement between Faraday and Proteus ("the Parties") relating to the development by Proteus of a new solar PV power generation facility and battery energy storage system to be located on lands owned and controlled by Faraday. Upon completion of the development of the Solar Project, the Parties anticipate that they will enter, among other things, into:

A long-term PPA pursuant to which Faraday will have the option to purchase renewable energy from the Solar Project; and

A land lease agreement pursuant to which Proteus will lease the necessary land for the Solar Project.

Proteus will develop the project in two phases as described below:

Phase I will focus on the identification of suitable land, electrical interconnections, project layouts, optimal sizing for the PV and BESS, and a high-level project development schedule. Advancement of the Solar Project to Phase II requires the mutual agreement of both parties; and

Phase II will focus on detailed engineering, completion of a permitting plan, necessary permit and utility submissions, and agreement of a final term sheet for the PPA.

About Proteus Power

Proteus was formed in 2021 by industry veterans to develop renewable energy projects across the United States and Canada to help accelerate the transition to a cleaner energy future, financially backed by Pelion Green Future, and is supported through a network of affiliated companies to support these objectives. Their expertise covers the development, construction and operation of renewable energy projects with an initial focus on solar PV and BESS. Their goal is to develop, build and own a portfolio of assets which provide long-term sustainability gains that are both profitable for their investors, landowners, and for the community stakeholders.

Proteus Power has a target to develop and construct between five and ten gigawatts of solar, wind and battery energy storage projects in North America. Once operational, Proteus' projects will be capable of producing enough clean energy to cover the annual consumption needs of over 1.31 million homes and will prevent the release of 2.27 million tons of carbon dioxide per year, equivalent to removing 1.63 million cars from the road.

Their management team of experienced professionals led by Mike Lambros (CEO), Randy Etheridge (COO) and Dan Phillips (Chief Development Officer) has over 80 years of cumulative experience in project development and finance, and over US$7.1 billion worth of transactional experience. The team uses its unique and complimentary skill sets along the entire value chain of solar, wind and battery projects from the development and design to the financing, construction and operation of the assets, in order to deliver optimal results to its stakeholders.

About Faraday Copper

Faraday Copper is a Canadian exploration company focused on advancing its flagship copper project in Arizona, U.S. The Copper Creek project is one of the largest undeveloped copper projects in North America with open pit and bulk underground mining potential. The Company is well-funded to deliver on its key milestones and benefits from a management team and board of directors with senior mining company experience and expertise. Faraday trades on the TSX under the symbol "FDY".

For additional information please contact:

Stacey Pavlova, CFA

Vice President, Investor Relations & Communications

Faraday Copper Corp.

E-mail: info@faradaycopper.com

Website: www.faradaycopper.com

To receive news releases by e-mail, please register using the Faraday website at www.faradaycopper.com.

Cautionary Note on Forward Looking Statements

Some of the statements in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking statements" and are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Faraday to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information specifically include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the anticipated benefits, timing, and benefits related to the LOI entered into between the Company and Proteus, the development of the Solar Project contemplated thereunder and the ability of the Company to enter into definitive agreements with Proteus with respect to the Solar Project.

Although Faraday believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements should not be in any way construed as guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include without limitation: market prices for metals; the conclusions of detailed feasibility and technical analyses; lower than expected grades and quantities of resources; receipt of regulatory approval; receipt of shareholder approval; mining rates and recovery rates; significant capital requirements; price volatility in the spot and forward markets for commodities; fluctuations in rates of exchange; taxation; controls, regulations and political or economic developments in the countries in which Faraday does or may carry on business; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, competition; loss of key employees; rising costs of labour, supplies, fuel and equipment; actual results of current exploration or reclamation activities; accidents; labour disputes; defective title to mineral claims or property or contests over claims to mineral properties; unexpected delays and costs inherent to consulting and accommodating rights of Indigenous peoples and other groups; risks, uncertainties and unanticipated delays associated with obtaining and maintaining necessary licenses, permits and authorizations and complying with permitting requirements, including those associated with the Copper Creek property; and uncertainties with respect to any future acquisitions by Faraday. In addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining, including environmental events and hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding and the risk of inadequate insurance or inability to obtain insurance to cover these risks as well as "Risk Factors" included in Faraday's disclosure documents filed on and available at www.sedar.com.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. This press release is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, a prospectus, an offering memorandum, an advertisement or a public offering of securities in Faraday in Canada, the United States or any other jurisdiction. No securities commission or similar authority in Canada or in the United States has reviewed or in any way passed upon this press release, and any representation to the contrary is an offence.

SOURCE: Faraday Copper Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/742720/Faraday-Copper-Signs-Letter-of-Intent-for-Evaluation-of-a-Solar-and-Battery-Project-at-Copper-Creek
THUNDER BAY, ON / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2023 / Wolfden Resources Corporation (TSXV:WLF) ("Wolfden" or the "Company") is pleased announce that it has reached an agreement with Advance Lithium Corp (TSXV:AALI.V) ("Advance Lithium" or "the Corporation") allowing the Corporation to acquire a 100% interest in Wolfden's Tetagouche Project in the Bathurst Mining Camp of New Brunswick ("the Property").

As per the terms of the agreement, subject to regulatory approval, Advance Lithium will issue to Wolfden 19.9% of its current 83,520,000 issued and outstanding shares. In addition, the Corporation shall spend $3 million and make additional payments in cash or shares totalling $750,000. Wolfden shall retain up to a 2% Net Smelter Return on all claims subject to a buy back option of 1% NSR for $2 million to Advance Lithium. Wolfden shall have first rights of refusal with respect to any claims that are sold, dropped or transferred and a right to an Advance Lithium board seat so long as it maintains a 10% shareholding in the Corporation.

"This is win-win transaction for both companies and allows Wolfden to focus its resources on developing its Pickett Mt Project in Maine, USA," stated Ron Little, President and CEO for Wolfden. "We look forward to working with Advance Lithium to assist in their exploration plans at Tetagouche and in following their progress with their other exciting lithium and precious metal projects as a significant shareholder".

About Wolfden

Wolfden is an exploration and development company focused on high-margin metallic mineral deposits including base, precious and strategic metals. Its wholly owned Pickett Mountain Project is one of the highest-grade polymetallic projects in North America (Zn, Pb, Cu, Ag, Au) and its two nickel sulphide deposits in Manitoba represent significant development projects with the potential to be domestic sources of ethically produced base and critical metals for the expansion of renewable energy in North America.

For further information please contact Ron Little, President & CEO, at (807) 624-1136.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation) that involves various risks and uncertainties regarding future events, including the expected use of the net proceeds of the Financing. Such forward-looking information includes statements based on current expectations involving a number of risks and uncertainties and such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance of the Company, and include, without limitation, metal price assumptions, cash flow forecasts, permit and community and other regulatory approvals, and the timing and completion of exploration programs in Manitoba, Maine, New Brunswick and the respective drill results. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and the Company's plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information in this news release, including without limitation, the following risks and uncertainties: (i) risks inherent in the mining industry; (ii) regulatory and environmental risks; (iii) results of exploration activities and development of mineral properties; (iv) risks relating to the estimation of mineral resources; (v) stock market volatility and capital market fluctuations; and (vi) general market and industry conditions. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. This forward-looking information is based on estimates and opinions of management on the date hereof and is expressly qualified by this notice. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed in the Company's disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada at www.sedar.com. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by applicable law.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Wolfden Resources Corporation

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/742865/Wolfden-Options-Tetagouche-Project-in-New-Brunswick-to-Advance-Lithium
The Acquisition Will Result in Advance Owning 16,896 Hectares in One of the Top VMS Mining Camps Worldwide

Kamloops, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 9, 2023) - Advance Lithium Corp. (TSXV: AALI) ("Advance Lithium" or "Advance" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement with Wolfden Resources Corporation to acquire 100% of Wolfden's claims in the Bathurst Mining Camp (BMC) called the Tetagouche Property ("Property"). This gives the Company a large land package in one of the most important VMS mining camps worldwide.

Tetagouche Property Highlights

Large land package strategically located along key rock packages and structures in the BMC.

45 known VMS deposits in the BMC with 7 on the Tetagouche Property.

Largest known resource (non NI-43-101 compliant) is the Canoe Landing Lake deposit, 22,800,000 tonnes grading 1.82% Zn, 0.64% Pb, 0.56% Cu, 32.23 g/t Ag and 1.17 g/t Au .

Six additional resources (non NI-43-101 compliant) include; Flat Landing Brook deposit, Orvan Brook deposit, Armstrong A deposit, Armstrong B deposit, Rocky Turn deposit and the McMaster deposit.

Numerous base-metal occurrences, mainly explored during the 1960's and 1970's.

Most significant silver deposit in the district, California Lake, occurs along an over 35 km long trend that has the potential to host large scale silver-rich hydrothermal systems.

Key claims near Brunswick No. 12 which is one of the world's premier massive sulphide mines.

The Tetagouche Property can be explored year-round and at reasonable cost given its easy road access and proximity to infrastructure.

The known deposits were explored many decades ago.

Numerous massive sulphide boulders containing high grade Pb-Zn-Ag values as well as significant Cu-Au have been found down-ice off and on the Property. No bedrock source of these boulders has been found to date.

In summary, the known deposits, base-metal occurrences, silver district and claims near Brunswick 6, Heath Steele and Brunswick 12 remain open for modern exploration.

Transformational acquisition for the Company.

Allan Barry Laboucan, President and CEO of Advance Lithium Corp., commented: "We are excited about the opportunity to acquire a large land package in one of the most important VMS mining camps worldwide, with a group of claims that saw most of the work done many decades ago. Many mining camps in Canada are going through resurgence as modern exploration techniques and technology are being applied to make new discoveries including at the Bathurst Mining Camp. With historic resources, a multitude of metal showings and close proximity to producing mines, this package represents a huge opportunity for a major discovery.

"We are pleased to welcome Wolfden as a strategic shareholder, this deal gives them the ability to unlock value from the Tetagouche Property and focus on their key Pickett Mountain project in Maine. In addition to being a 19.9% shareholder of Advance, they will retain royalties and a right of first refusal if we have the expected success in the Bathurst Mining Camp. In addition, they have an outstanding team that will continue to be an important resource for us to advance the projects."

Terms of the Purchase Agreement

Subject to exchange approval, Advance Lithium will issue to Wolfden 19.9% of its outstanding shares. Advance Lithium currently has 83,516,472 common shares outstanding and will issue a share certificate to Wolfden for 16,619,778 common shares at a value of $0.055 each share.

In addition:

Advance shall keep the Property in good standing until CAD$ 3 million has been spent.

Upon each anniversary of the agreement, Advance will make an annual payment of $250,000 to Wolfden in cash or shares of the Company until $3 million has been spent on the property.

Upon completion of exploration expenditures of CAD $3 million on the Property, Wolfden retains the right to maintain its percentage ownership in future financings down to 5%.

Wolfden shall retain a first right of refusal in the event that Advance wishes to sell the Property, or any portion thereof. Wolfden has the option to pay, in whole or in part, in Advance shares at its discretion so long as Wolfden holds a share position of 5% or more.

Wolfden will retain a 2% NSR on claims with no current royalties, of which Advance has the right to buyback 1% for CAD $2 million. On claims with existing royalties, Wolfden will receive a NSR that increases the royalty to 2%, Advance has no buyback right on these claims.

Wolfden has the right to a board seat providing that Wolfden has at least a 10% interest in Advance.

About the Bathurst Mining Camp Project

The 100%-owned Tetagouche Property to be renamed the Bathurst Mining Camp Project comprises 16,896 hectares and is located in the heart of the Bathurst Mining Camp of north-eastern New Brunswick.





Figure 1



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5492/157768_e775bccd746c8a73_001full.jpg

* McMaster, Orvan Brook, Rocky Turn, Armstrong A, Armstrong B and Canoe Landing Lake deposits are all non NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimates and should not be relied upon (deposit tonnes and grade from A. Hamilton, 2015, NI 43-101 report prepared for Wolfden). Tonnes and grade for the Flat Landing Brook, Restigouche, Murray Brook, Caribou, Brunswick No. 6 and Brunswick No. 12 deposits from government of New Brunswick data sources. True width of drill intercepts are estimated at 80% to 90% of drilled length.

Geology & Mineralization

The following is a brief description of the geological setting and nature of the 7 historic massive sulphide deposits located on the Tetagouche property. The resource evaluation of these deposits were completed prior to NI-43-101 reporting standards, they cannot be relied upon, they have not been verified by the company.

Claims cover the northern portion of the Flat Landing Brook Deposit. Portions of this felsic volcanic-hosted deposit on Wolfden ground returned up to 7.7 metres grading 6.8% Zn, 4.7% Pb, 160.3 g/t Ag and 0.19 g/t Au. A historic, non-43-101 compliant resource of 816,500 tonnes grading 4.9% Zn, 0.94% Pb and 19.5 g/t Ag was estimated for the entire zone. This deposit occurs in a similar stratigraphic position as the Brunswick No. 12 deposit.

The Orvan Brook deposit comprises several parallel lenses of fine-grained disseminated to massive banded sulphides, traced over a strike-length of 2.3 kilometres and to a maximum thickness of about 5 metres. The deposit is hosted within feldspar-phyric sericite tuff and graphitic shale of the Spruce Lake formation. Historic resources are reported as 2,690,000 tonnes grading 5.95% Zn, 1.73% Pb, and 0.37% Cu, 72.0 g/t Ag and 1.0 g/t Au.

The Armstrong A deposit consists of two conformable lenses of fine-grained, massive lenses of banded pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite and galena. The host rock is chlorite sericite schist with feldspar and quartz augens of the Ordovician Spruce Lake formation. The deposit sits on the north-south limb of the Tetagouche antiform where the 2 lenses strike north to south and are approximately 91 metres apart. A historic resource for the deposit is estimated to be 3,377,000 tonnes grading 3.26% Zn, 0.42% Pb, 0.29% Cu, 25.37 g/t Ag and 0.41 g/t Au.

The Armstrong B deposit comprises disseminated to massive sulphides hosted within a mixed sequence of ash, feldspar-crystal and lithic-lapilli tuffs assigned to the Spruce Lake formation. It also sits on the north-south limb of the Tetagouche antiform. Intense feldspar-destructive chloritic and sericitic alteration is conformable with the mineralization and is prominent in the footwall to the deposit. A historic resource for the deposit is reported as 488,583 tonnes grading 1.10% Zn, 0.23% Pb, 0.67% Cu, 13.71 g/t Ag and 0.10 g/t Au.

The host rocks for the Rocky Turn deposit are quartz-sericite and sericite-chlorite schist of the Spruce Lake formation. The deposit has been described as a layer of banded pyrite-sphalerite-galena with minor chalcopyrite over a strike length of 183 metres and to a vertical depth of 150 metres. The historic resource for the deposit is reported as 131,000 tonnes grading 8.43% Zn, 2.69% Pb, 0.28% Cu, 101.0 g/t Ag and 3.10 g/t Au.

Sulphides of the Canoe Landing Lake deposit are hosted in graphitic shale and wackes at or near the contact with overlying mafic volcanic and epiclastic rocks, all assigned to the Canoe Landing Lake formation. The sulphide lens has a sheet-like morphology with a strike-length of 1200 metres, thickness of 1-18 metres and a down-dip extent of greater than 900 metres. A historic resource for the deposit is reported as 22,800,000 tonnes grading 1.82% Zn, 0.64% Pb, 0.56% Cu, 32.23 g/t Ag and 1.17 g/t Au. Historic reports have inferred that the Canoe Lake Deposit is a debris flow and the primary massive sulphide has not been found yet.

The McMaster deposit comprises bands of massive and disseminated pyrite and lesser chalcopyrite hosted within chloritic sedimentary rocks of the Spruce Lake formation. The historic resource is reported as 250,000 tonnes grading 0.75% Cu. The strike-length of the deposit is approximately 175 metre and averages about 5 t0 6 metres in width.

Exploration Potential

Orvan Brook deposit was acquired by Wolfden through staking Claim 7904. Historical resources for the deposit (non-compliant with NI-43-101 guidelines) are documented at 2,687,200 tonnes grading 1.73% Pb, 5.95% Zn, 0.37% Cu,72 g/t Ag and 1 g/t Au. After acquiring the deposit, Wolfden completed 21 drill holes testing both the East and West Lenses of the massive sulphide deposit. The widths and grades encountered in these drill holes are comparable to those at the Caribou mine and are suggestive of the existence of an economically significant massive sulphide deposit. Both the East and West Lenses remain open along strike and at depth and warrant further drilling for potential resource expansion.





Figure 2



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5492/157768_e775bccd746c8a73_0002full.jpg

Numerous massive sulphide boulders containing high grade Pb-Zn-Ag values as well as significant Cu-Au been found down-ice to the east of Wolfden's property and a boulder grading 21.17% Pb+Zn was reported on the east boundary of Wolfden's Claim 5042. Assay results from two massive sulphide boulders found on Wolfden's Claim 5042 in 2014 ran 3.88% Pb, 19.80% Zn, 0.33% Cu, 255 g/t Ag and 1.08 g/t Au for sample V10-1 and 4.20% Pb, 20.10% Zn, 0.33% Cu, 286 g/t Ag and 0.89 g/t Au for V10-2. Considering the easterly ice direction, the discovery of high-grade massive sulphide boulders on Wolfden's claims strongly suggests the source of other boulders found down-ice to the east may be from a bedrock source on Wolfden's property.

A prime target area is along the north-south striking mafic/felsic volcanic contact situated to the east of the Armstrong A deposit. This contact represents a continuation of the Orvan Brook massive sulphide horizon. Despite the presence of numerous conductors along this favorable horizon, it has only been tested by a few holes that date back to the 1950's. In order to further evaluate the VMS potential of this horizon, geochemical and gravity surveys are proposed to discriminate conductive zones that may be attributed to massive sulphide mineralization, followed by testing favourable targets by trenching and/or diamond drilling.

The California Lake claims are highly prospective for large scale, breccia type, epithermal silver-gold-base metal deposits. Drilling by Wolfden confirmed the presence of five silver-gold-base metal zones and suggests the potential to add to them.

Highlights of the drill results completed by Wolfden include:

496 g/t AgEq over 5.3 metres from 47.7 metres in hole CL-21-01

866 g/t AgEq over 2.0 metres from 108 metres in hole CL-21-02

160 g/t AgEq over 3.1 metres from 95.8 metres in hole CL-21-04

563.2 g/t AgEq over 0.5 metres from 21.5 metres in hole W-21-01

True widths are estimated at 80-90% of hole length shown with exception of W-21-01, where estimated true width is unknown. Silver Equivalent grades (AgEq) was calculated using metal prices of $20/oz silver, $1.25/lb zinc and $1.00/lb lead. AgEq = Ag g/t + (Zn% x 42.8) + (Pb% x 34.2). No assumed metallurgical recoveries were included in the AgEq calculation as no metallurgical testing has been completed to date.

Rock sample below was provided by Wolfden Resources from surface sampling at the California Lake project.





Figure 3



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The California Lake deposit is the largest of its kind discovered to date in the province and comprises more than seven northeast-trending mineralized structures that have been traced for 1,000 metres along strike and to 150 metres depth. The deposit is open along strike and to depth and is situated at the southwest end of a 17-kilometre trend of epithermal-style precious and base metal mineralization. Advance holds the mineral rights to a land package of 127 square kilometres in this portion of the Bathurst Greenstone Belt.

Woodside Brook has a large silver-arsenic soil anomaly associated with this prospect.

Highlight hole completed by Wolfden:

0.9 m at 347 g/t Ag, 0.70 g/t Au

True width is ~80% of length shown.

Caroll

Highlight hole completed by Wolfden:

8 m at 61 g/t Ag, 0.34 g/t Au

True width is ~80% of length shown.

Bear Creek

Highlights of the drill results completed by Wolfden include:

5.9 m at 353 g/t Ag, 0.34 g/t Au

7.7 m at 175 g/t Ag, 0.66 g/t Au

9.7 m at 146 g/t Ag, 1.52 g/t Au

True widths are ~80% of lengths shown.

Upsalquitch

Highlight hole completed by Wolfden:

6 m at 156 g/t Ag, 731 g/t Sb

True width is ~80% of length shown.

Eastern claim package is located in close proximity to Brunswick 12, Brunswick 6 and the Heath Steele mines and contain massive sulphide mineralization interpreted to lie in the same stratigraphic position as the Brunswick 12 deposit. They cover the key rock packages that host these 3 mines, little work has been completed on them, due to their location and the rock packages the claims remain highly prospective for exploration.

About Advance Lithium Corp. (TSXV: AALI)

Advance Lithium is a junior exploration company focused on acquiring and exploring mineral properties containing precious metals, agricultural minerals and battery metals. The company acquired a 100-per-cent interest in the Tabasquena silver mine in Zacatecas, Mexico, in 2017, and the Venaditas project, also in Zacatecas state, in April, 2018. In March, 2021 Advance Gold acquired 13 salars in central Mexico containing potassium, boron and lithium, enabling it to move into agricultural minerals and the exciting lithium space. In June 2022, Advance Lithium sold its 3% Royalty interest in strategic claims in the Liranda Corridor in Kenya, East Africa, where Shanta Gold Limited is upgrading their resource. The company received from the sale of the Kenya royalty to Orogen Royalties US$120,000 and the Sarape epithermal gold project in Mexico.

For further information, please contact: Allan Barry Laboucan President and CEO

Phone 492-238-5282 (Direct-Mexico Cell)

Email: allan@advancelithiumcorp.com

www.advancelithiumcorp.com

The information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Don Dudek, P. Geo., VP Exploration for Wolfden Resources Corporation who is a Qualified Person' under National Instrument 43-101.

This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward- looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward-based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors should change, except as required by law.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/157768
Kolibri Global Energy Inc. (the "Company" or "KEI") (TSX: KEI, OTCQX: KGEIF) is pleased to provide an update on its activities in its Tishomingo field in Oklahoma.

Start of the 2023 Drilling Program

The location has been built, and the surface pipe has been installed for the first three wells of our 2023 drilling program. The drilling rig started moving in yesterday and is expected to begin drilling in the middle of next week.

The Company's first three wells of the 2023 drilling program will consist of two Caney wells, the Barnes 8-1H and Barnes 8-2H, at 6 wells per section spacing, and one "T-zone well", the Barnes 8-3H. All three wells will be drilled from the same pad and are planned to be fracture stimulated simultaneously. The two Caney wells will be drilled in the heart of our corridor, similar to the five successful wells that we drilled in 2022.

The T-zone is located at the base of the Caney. A few of the Company's earliest non-Woodford wells in the field were drilled in the T-zone using an old completion design and much smaller amounts of proppant. The best of these T-zone wells had a 30-day initial production rate ("IP30") of 748 barrels of oil equivalent per day but had a decline rate that was higher than our Caney wells.

The Barnes 8-3H T-zone well will be completed with our latest generation completion design to evaluate whether a T-zone well can match the economics from our 2022 drilled Caney wells. If successful, T-zone wells have the potential to substantially increase the number of wells we can drill in this field and further add to our recoverable reserves.

Wolf Regener, President, and CEO commented, "We are excited to begin our 2023 drilling program and look forward to building on the tremendous success we had with our 2022 drilling program. Last year was a transformative year for the Company, where we significantly increased our production and cash flow and drilled wells that performed much better than the forecasted Type Curve. Our IP30 rates on the five wells drilled last year were over two times higher than the forecasted IP30 proved curve case utilized by our third-party engineering firm in our December 31, 2021, reserves report. We plan to fund our 2023 drilling program with our existing cash flow, with the potential of drawing down a portion of our outstanding credit facility to manage working capital.

About Kolibri Global Energy Inc.

Kolibri Global Energy Inc. is a North American energy company focused on finding and exploiting energy projects in oil, gas, and clean and sustainable energy. Through various subsidiaries, the Company owns and operates energy properties in the United States. The Company continues to utilize its technical and operational expertise to identify and acquire additional projects. The Company's shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the stock symbol KEI and on the OTCQX under the stock symbol KGEIF.

Cautionary Statements

In this news release and the Company's other public disclosure: The references to barrels of oil equivalent ("Boes") reflect natural gas, natural gas liquids and oil. Boes may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A Boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf:1 Bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. Given that the value ratio based on the current price of crude oil as compared to natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6:1, utilizing a conversion on a 6:1 basis may be misleading as an indication of value. Possible reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves. There is a 10% probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the sum of proved plus probable plus possible reserves. The type curve utilized by the Company's management is the average of the 7 Caney wells that were drilled prior to December 31st, 2021, are located in the Corridor (well names can be found on the Company's Corporate presentation), with lateral lengths normalized to a 4,900 ft lateral length, the other assumptions are the same as in the Company's December 31, 2021 independent reserves evaluation.

Readers should be aware that references to initial production rates and other short-term production rates are preliminary in nature and are not necessarily indicative of long-term performance or of ultimate recovery. Readers are referred to the full description of the results of the Company's December 31, 2021 independent reserves evaluation and other oil and gas information contained in its Form 51-101F1 Statement of Reserves Data and Other Oil and Gas Information for the year ended December 31, 2021, which the Company filed on SEDAR on March 8, 2022.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is used in applicable Canadian securities laws and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of United States securities laws (collectively, "forward looking information"), including statements regarding the timing of and expected results from planned wells development. Forward-looking information is based on plans and estimates of management and interpretations of data by the Company's technical team at the date the data is provided and is subject to several factors and assumptions of management, including that that indications of early results are reasonably accurate predictors of the prospectiveness of the shale intervals, that required regulatory approvals will be available when required, that no unforeseen delays, unexpected geological or other effects, including flooding and extended interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions, equipment failures, permitting delays or labor or contract disputes are encountered, that the necessary labor and equipment will be obtained, that the development plans of the Company and its co-venturers will not change, that the offset operator's operations will proceed as expected by management, that the demand for oil and gas will be sustained, that the price of oil will be sustained or increase, that the Company will continue to be able to access sufficient capital through financings, farm-ins or other participation arrangements to maintain its projects, and that global economic conditions will not deteriorate in a manner that has an adverse impact on the Company's business, its ability to advance its business strategy and the industry as a whole. 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. Factors that could cause the forward-looking information in this news release to change or to be inaccurate include, but are not limited to, the risk that any of the assumptions on which such forward looking information is based vary or prove to be invalid, including that the Company or its subsidiaries is not able for any reason to obtain and provide the information necessary to secure required approvals or that required regulatory approvals are otherwise not available when required, that unexpected geological results are encountered, that equipment failures, permitting delays, labor or contract disputes or shortages of equipment or labor are encountered, the risks associated with the oil and gas industry (e.g. operational risks in development, exploration and production; delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration and development projects or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of reserve and resource estimates and projections relating to production, costs and expenses, and health, safety and environmental risks, including flooding and extended interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions), the risk of commodity price and foreign exchange rate fluctuations, that the offset operator's operations have unexpected adverse effects on the Company's operations, that completion techniques require further optimization, that production rates do not match the Company's assumptions, that very low or no production rates are achieved, that the price of oil will decline, that the Company is unable to access required capital, that occurrences such as those that are assumed will not occur, do in fact occur, and those conditions that are assumed will continue or improve, do not continue or improve, and the other risks and uncertainties applicable to exploration and development activities and the Company's business as set forth in the Company's management discussion and analysis and its annual information form, both of which are available for viewing under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com, any of which could result in delays, cessation in planned work or loss of one or more concessions and have an adverse effect on the Company and its financial condition. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230309005357/en/

Contacts:

Wolf E. Regener +1 (805) 484-3613

Email: wregener@kolibrienergy.com

Website: www.kolibrienergy.com
Study shows over half of U.S. and UK consumers trust a brand more when it organically ranks higher in their search results

More than half (51%) of people place more trust in a brand that ranks high in natural or organic search results than one that appears as a sponsored or paid advertisement, according to a poll of 4,000 UK and U.S. consumers by Botify, the leading performance marketing platform for organic search.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230309005185/en/

(Graphic: Business Wire)

High organic search rankings were cited as one of the top five factors in determining the degree to which respondents trust a brand, alongside positive online reviews (60%); positive media coverage (54%); television adverts (42%) and radio adverts (36%).

Trust in brands always matters. But, during times of economic downturn it is more important than ever, as additional financial factors weigh into shoppers' buying decisions.

In times such as these, buyers are thinking more consciously about their purchases. But when they already have established trust in a brand, over a quarter (28%) of UK and U.S. shoppers say they will stay loyal forever through both good and bad times. To maintain such strong trust, brand investment and quality communications must continue, even more so through tough economic conditions.

While the latest UK and U.S. consumer spending figures highlight shoppers are reining in spending on both sides of the Atlantic, this shift highlights that brands must stay relevant to consumers during the early search and discovery stage and take into consideration the vital role a brand's website plays in building trust.

When looking at a brand's website, the factors consumers say impacts their trust most are;

Accuracy and relevance of content (33%) Easy on-site navigation (32%) Ease of finding products or services (25%)

A poor website experience will also cause a fifth of consumers in the UK and the U.S. to lose trust, according to the research. These findings show that providing consumers with the content they need, when they need it, and in a way that they are happy with, is critical to building trust.

"These findings prove that online experiences greatly contribute to how brands build trust and authority among customers," said Adrien Menard, Co-Founder and CEO at Botify. "Search visibility is a keyelement in creating that trust-particularly during economic challenges. As organic search can generate 3x more return than traditional advertising campaigns, it's a strategic channel marketers should continue investing in to ensure they are found whenever customers are searching to build and maintain trust."

For tips on how to build brand authority using search, read more here.

About Botify

Botify is an enterprise software company focused on enabling the most ambitious brands to leverage organic search as a high-impact, performance marketing channel. Using proprietary first-party data, Botify protects and scales organic web traffic by surfacing deeper insights and understanding behind hidden organic search ROI-offering intelligent opportunities to increase relevant search results, profitability and build better brand authority in parallel and at scale. As the leader in organic search innovation, Botify is trusted by more than 500 of the world's most visible brands, including Expedia, L'Oreal, Crate Barrel, Conde Nast, Groupon, Github, Carvana, FNAC Darty, and The New York Times, all of whom have succeeded in leveraging organic search for exponential, long-term results and revenue growth.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230309005185/en/

Contacts:

Media

Deborah D'Costa (UK) Natasha Koleas (U.S.)

botify@pancomm.com
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2023 / Aton Resources Inc. (TSXV:AAN) ("Aton" or the "Company") is pleased to update investors on the results of further metallurgical testwork from its Rodruin advanced exploration project. Rodruin is located within the Company's 100% owned Abu Marawat Concession ("Abu Marawat" or the "Concession"), in the Eastern Desert of Egypt.

Highlights:

5 composite samples representing the range of oxide mineralisation types at Rodruin underwent further metallurgical testwork investigating both heap leach and conventional CIL technologies. The composite samples were prepared from selected diamond drill half core intervals;

4 samples were selected for whole ore cyanidation leach tests at P 80 grind sizes of -75m and -106m. Test results showed slightly higher gold and silver extractions at the finer grind size. Gold recoveries ranged between 87.7% and 93.4%, after 48 hours of leaching. Silver recoveries ranged from 50.9% to 65.7%. At the P 80 grind size of -75m gold and silver recoveries averaged 90.4% and 59.0% respectively;

All 5 samples were subjected to coarse ore bottle roll leach testing at a crush size P 100 of -8mm. The test results showed average gold recoveries ranging between 66.2% and 75.3%, after 30 days of leaching. Average silver recoveries ranged from 19.3% to 30.8%;

Whole ore and coarse ore bottle roll cyanidation leach tests indicate that all the Rodruin mineralisation types tested are amenable to processing via both conventional CIL and heap leach technologies.

"These metallurgical testwork results from the Rodruin oxides are again very encouraging, following on from the initial scoping level testwork which we undertook in 2021," said Tonno Vahk, Interim CEO. "The gold recoveries are good and indicate that the oxides from all the main mineralised zones at Rodruin will be amenable to processing by both conventional CIL and heap leach technologies. The Company is working towards its planned application for the mining licence at the Abu Marawat Concession in Q3 this year, based on the definition of "commercial discoveries" at both Rodruin and Hamama West, in accordance with our Concession Agreement with the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority. The application will be based on planned mining projects on the oxides at both Rodruin and Hamama West, which will allow for the issuance of a 20-year mining licence, extendable for a further 10 years, which will be transformational for Aton. These latest metallurgical results provide us with the flexibility to evaluate various mining and processing options at Rodruin. Work is progressing on the mineral resource estimates at Rodruin and Hamama West, as well as further metallurgical testwork which is ongoing. In the field we are very close to completing the diamond drilling at Hamama, which is testing previously undrilled oxide mineralisation, and preparations are well underway for a 10,000m RC drilling programme planned to start in May on some of our excellent regional targets."

Metallurgical testwork programme

5 composite samples were prepared from the Rodruin mineral deposit for metallurgical testing, which were representative of the various oxide mineralisation types. This testwork programme was specifically focused on the oxide mineralisation at Rodruin and was designed to follow up on an initial scoping level programme carried out in 2021 (see news release dated August 3, 2021), which indicated that the Rodruin mineralisation is amenable to processing using conventional CIL technology.

Figure 1: Geological plan of the Rodruin area, showing the main mineralised zones

Samples were composited from selected diamond drill half core intervals (HQ and PQ size), to produce total sample weights between 30-45kg. 4 samples were composited from the 4 main mineralised zones, specifically the Central Buttress, Aladdin's Hill NE, and the GF zones, which are represented mainly by variably gossanous carbonate hosted mineralisation, and the Aladdin's Hill zone, which is represented by phyllic alteration (quartz-sericite-kaolinite) hosted mineralisation (Figure 1). A fifth sample was composited from low grade (<0.5 g/t Au) mineralisation from the Central Buttress and GF zones. Details of the samples are provided in Table 1.

Metallurgical sample ID Drill hole ID Zone Mineralisation type Estimated Au grade (g/t) 1 ROMO-001 ROD-052/053/055/084 Aladdin's Hill Phyllic alteration 2.35 ROMO-002 ROD-052/053/055/083/084 Aladdin's Hill NE Gossanous carbonate 1.27 ROMO-003 ROD-062/063/069/078/079 Central Buttress Zone Gossanous carbonate 1.11 ROMO-004 ROD-098/101/102/109 GF Zone Gossanous carbonate 0.61 ROMO-005 ROD-076/083/085/100/102 Central Buttress/GF Zones Gossanous carbonate 0.33 2 Notes: Sample grade estimated from the weighted average assays of the sampled drill core intervals Sample ROMO-005 represented <0.5 g/t Au mineralisation

Table 1: Details of the metallurgical samples

The 5 composite samples were dispatched from Egypt to Wardell Armstrong International Ltd ("WAI") in December 2022, for metallurgical testing at their laboratory located in Cornwall, UK, with testwork commencing in January 2023. The samples were submitted for a process evaluation testwork programme consisting of head assays, XRD analysis, and fine whole ore and coarse ore bottle roll cyanide leach testing.

Head assays

Sub-samples of the 5 composite metallurgical samples were sent by WAI for head assay analysis at ALS Minerals' geochemical laboratory at Loughrea, Ireland, and were analysed for Au (screen fire assay), Ag, Cu, Pb, Zn, As, Fe and S. The results of the head assays are provided below in Table 2:

Head assay results Estimated Au grade (g/t) 2 Metallurgical sample ID Assay (ppm) Assay (%) Au 1 Ag Cu Pb Zn As Fe S ROMO-001 2.42 12.75 1,545 483 644 126 4.18 0.08 2.35 ROMO-002 1.17 9.98 1,110 123 7,050 185 8.26 0.06 1.27 ROMO-003 1.20 20.60 525 1,310 3,060 79 12.75 0.17 1.11 ROMO-004 0.62 6.44 260 516 2,130 17 6.89 0.08 0.61 ROMO-005 0.36 4.56 79 53 3,170 73 12.10 0.09 0.33 Notes: Au by screen fire assay (ALS Minerals. Loughrea, Ireland) Sample grade estimated from the weighted average assays of the sampled drill core intervals

Table 2: Head assay results

The Au head assays measured by screen fire assay showed good correlation with the estimated grade of the composited drill core samples (Table 2 above).

The good correlation in assay results indicates that the composite samples prepared for metallurgical testwork were representative of the drill core intervals sampled.

Mineralogical analysis

The results of the XRD analysis are shown in Figure 2:

Figure 2: Results of XRD analysis

The XRD results showed most of the samples as being gangue dominated. The ROMO-001 composite sample was mainly composed of quartz, and the ROMO-003, ROMO-004 and ROMO-005 samples were mostly composed of dolomite, with iron oxides (hematite and goethite) present. The ROMO-002 composite sample contained a mixture of dolomite, quartz and iron oxides.

Whole ore leach tests

A series of whole ore leach tests were conducted on composite samples ROMO-001 to ROMO-004 to investigate the amount of gold and silver that can be recovered from each sample by means of processing by conventional CIL technology. The whole ore cyanidation leach tests were carried out at P 80 grind sizes of -75m and -106m to determine the effect of degree of liberation on gold and silver extraction. Results are summarised in Table 3 below.

Sample ID Test ID Grind size P 80 (m) Recovery after 48hrs (%) NaCN consumption (kg/t) Lime consumption (kg/t) Au Ag ROMO-001 LT1 106m 87.3 61.5 1.65 0.56 LT2 75m 87.7 65.6 1.47 0.51 ROMO-002 LT1 106m 88.2 48.4 2.22 0.44 LT2 75m 88.7 50.9 2.07 0.45 ROMO-003 LT1 106m 90.8 65.3 1.32 0.24 LT2 75m 91.7 65.7 1.20 0.31 ROMO-004 LT1 106m 91.8 51.6 0.98 0.31 LT2 75m 93.4 53.7 1.09 0.40

Table 3: Whole ore cyanidation leach test results

The test results for the samples leached to a grind size P 80 of -75m showed final gold recoveries to range from 87.7% (ROMO-001) to 93.4% (ROMO-004), averaging 90.4% from the 4 samples, after 48 hours of leaching. Silver recoveries ranged from 50.9% (ROMO-002) to 65.7% (ROMO-003), averaging 59.0%. Leach kinetic profiles indicate that most of the gold was extracted after 24 hours.

The test results for the samples leached to a grind size P 80 of -106m showed final gold recoveries to range from 87.3% (ROMO-001) to 91.8% (ROMO-004), averaging 89.5%, after 48 hours of leaching. Silver recoveries ranged from 48.4% (ROMO-002) to 65.3% (ROMO-003) averaging 56.7%. Leach kinetic profiles indicate that most of the gold was extracted after 24 hours.

Coarse ore bottle roll leach tests

A series of coarse ore bottle roll leach tests were conducted on each of the composite samples to investigate the amount of gold and silver that can be recovered from each sample by means of processing by heap leach technology. The coarse ore bottle roll cyanidation leach tests were carried out at P 100 crush size of -8mm to determine the gold and silver extractions at a fine crush size. Results are summarised in Table 4 below.

Sample ID Metal extraction (back calculated head) BLT1 % Au BLT2 % Au Average % Au BLT1 % Ag BLT2 % Ag Average % Ag ROMO-001 70.2 67.2 68.7 18.9 20.6 19.7 ROMO-002 73.3 75.6 74.5 18.9 19.7 19.3 ROMO-003 74.6 76.0 75.3 37.4 38.8 38.1 ROMO-004 76.7 75.8 76.2 22.3 22.8 22.5 ROMO-005 66.5 65.8 66.2 31.3 30.4 30.8

Table 4: Coarse ore bottle roll cyanidation leach test results

The test results for the samples leached at a crush size P 100 of -8mm showed average gold recoveries to range from 66.2% (ROMO-005) to 76.2% (ROMO-004), averaging 72.2% from the 5 samples, after 30 days of leaching. Average silver recoveries ranged from 19.3% (ROMO-002) to 30.8% (ROMO-005), averaging 26.1%. Leach kinetic profiles indicate that most of the gold was extracted after 10 days.

Discussion of results

The gold head assays reported by ALS correlated well with the estimated composite sample grades, calculated from the weighted diamond drill hole assays, and indicate that the composite metallurgical samples were representative of the sampled intervals.

The mineralogical (XRD) analysis indicates that the samples can be sub-divided into 3 broad categories of mineralisation, as follows:

Sample ROMO-001 represented the phyllic alteration hosted mineralisation from the Aladdin's Hill zone, and was comprised predominantly of quartz, with subsidiary iron oxide and phyllosilicate minerals including kaolinite and sericite (illite and mica in Figure 2), and chlorite. This mineralisation occurs within intensely phyllic altered volcaniclastic sediments and tuffs.

Samples ROMO-003, ROMO-004 and ROMO-005 from the Central Buttress and GF Zones, were comprised predominantly of dolomite, with subsidiary quartz and iron oxide (goethite). These results confirm that the mineralisation represented by these 3 samples occurs within gossanous (iron oxide bearing) carbonate-silica rocks.

Sample ROMO-002 from the Aladdin's Hill NE zone also consisted predominantly of dolomite, with subsidiary quartz, iron oxide (goethite), and chlorite. The increased quartz and chlorite content of this sample relative to samples ROMO-003 to ROMO-005 was indicative of the fact that while the bulk of the mineralisation at Aladdin's Hill NE is again hosted in gossanous carbonate-silica rocks, a minor component of the mineralisation is also hosted in volcaniclastic sediments and tuffs.

Results of the whole ore cyanidation leach tests showed high gold leach extraction for all of the Rodruin oxide composites tested. At a grind size of 75m average gold and silver leach extractions from the 4 samples were 90.4% and 59.0% respectively, while at a grind size of 106m average gold and silver leach extractions from the 4 samples were 89.5% and 56.7% respectively. The grind size optimisation test results indicated that a finer grind size P 80 of -75m resulted in both higher gold and silver leach extractions, however these did not significantly increase at the finer 75m grind size, relative to the coarser 106m grind size. Leach kinetics were very rapid with the majority of the gold extracted after 24 hours of leaching.

Results of the coarse ore bottle roll leach tests showed average gold and silver leach extractions from the 5 samples of 72.2% and 26.1% respectively, at a fine crush size P 100 of -8mm, and after 30 days of leaching. Leach kinetics were fairly rapid with the majority of the gold extracted after 10 days of leaching.

These initial whole ore and coarse ore bottle roll cyanidation leach test results indicate that the oxide mineralisation types from the Aladdin's Hill, Central Buttress Zone, Aladdin's Hill NE, and GF Zones tested in this variability programme will all be amenable to processing via both heap leach and conventional CIL technologies. The coarse ore bottle roll cyanidation leach test results from sample ROMO-005 (<0.5 g/t Au gossanous carbonate hosted mineralisation from the Central Buttress and GF zones) indicate that this low grade mineralisation type is also amenable to processing using heap leach technology.

Exploration activity update

A short c. 1,500m programme of diamond drilling programme at Hamama is expected to be completed this week. Drilling was carried out at the previously largely untested Hamama East and Hamama Central zones, as well as at the Crocs Nose Zone at Hamama West. Results are expected soon, and will be published when they become available.

1,500m programme of diamond drilling programme at Hamama is expected to be completed this week. Drilling was carried out at the previously largely untested Hamama East and Hamama Central zones, as well as at the Crocs Nose Zone at Hamama West. Results are expected soon, and will be published when they become available. Field mapping and sampling is continuing at the company's Abu Gaharish, Semna, Bohlog, Zeno, Sir Bakis and Massaghat regional prospects, ahead of reverse circulation percussion ("RC") drilling programmes planned to commence at the beginning of May, following the Eid-al-Fitr holiday at the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Site preparation for these programmes will commence this week, with drilling starting at the West Garida prospect, 3 km from Hamama West, where Aton intersected high grade mineralisation, returning grades of up to 41.7 g/t Au, in a short 5 hole RC drilling programme in 2022 (see news release dated September 1, 2022).

About Aton Resources Inc. Aton Resources Inc. (AAN: TSX-V) is focused on its 100% owned Abu Marawat Concession ("Abu Marawat"), located in Egypt's Arabian-Nubian Shield, approximately 200 km north of Centamin's world-class Sukari gold mine. Aton has identified numerous gold and base metal exploration targets at Abu Marawat, including the Hamama deposit in the west, the Abu Marawat deposit in the northeast, and the advanced Rodruin exploration prospect in the south of the Concession. Two historic British gold mines are also located on the Concession at Sir Bakis and Semna. Aton has identified several distinct geological trends within Abu Marawat, which display potential for the development of a variety of styles of precious and base metal mineralisation. Abu Marawat is 447.7 km 2 in size and is located in an area of excellent infrastructure; a four-lane highway, a 220kV power line, and a water pipeline are in close proximity, as are the international airports at Hurghada and Luxor. Qualified person The technical information contained in this News Release was prepared by Gary Patrick BSc, MAusIMM, CP (Met), Principal Consultant of Metallurg Pty Ltd. Mr. Patrick is a qualified person (QP) under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. For further information regarding Aton Resources Inc., please visit us at www.atonresources.com or contact: TONNO VAHK Interim CEO

Tel: +1 604 318 0390

Email: info@atonresources.com Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Some of the statements contained in this release are forward-looking statements. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions; by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results in each case could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. 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: Aton Resources, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/742885/Aton-Reports-New-Metallurgical-Testwork-Results-from-Rodruin-Oxides-with-Gold-Recoveries-up-to-934
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.
Armis and Bordeaux & Burgundy have deployed a hyper demand model to fuel its GTM engines, as Armis scales at rapid speed.

LONDON, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bordeaux & Burgundy - the global B2B SaaS marketing agency has announced its appointment by Armis the #1 asset visibility and security company as their preferred marketing & demand generation agency of record. Bordeaux and Burgundy will help the company better scale their global demand generation campaigns and power their journey to a future IPO.

"Our primary focus is to ensure our customers are delighted with our service experience and obtaining the utmost value from the Armis platform that they possibly can. In line with our strategic business goals, we are committed to bringing Armis to IPO. To make this possible, we must be able to scale our marketing engine and related programs rapidly. In partnering with Bordeaux and Burgundy and developing our hyper demand model, we can achieve these goals and deliver for the needs of our prospects, customers & partners at the same time." Said Conor Coughlan, Chief Marketing & Advocacy Officer, Armis.

Armis recently broke the $100m ARR Centaur milestone to become one of the world's fastest growing SaaS scale ups. In its journey to Centaur status Armis beat the records of publicly known SaaS brands such as WIX, Canva & Shopify. Armis is valued in excess of $3.4b & works with Fortune 100 companies such as Colgate Palmolive, DocuSign, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Allegro Micro-systems, Booking.com & many others to offer asset inventory & management, intelligence, behavioral analytics and vulnerability management for all connected devices in an environment regardless if they are being managed or not.

"Armis is a true industry leader, offering game-changing cyber security services to some of the world's largest businesses. Our team is thrilled to play a key role in the company's rapid growth, enabling the team to dramatically increase their market share and prepare for an IPO. We were pleased to be able to partner with Armis' Marketing organization and to work with them to scale our hyper demand generation model, in order to meet their ambitious growth & pipeline needs. We look forward to working with them and going beyond IPO" said Alfie Dawson, Chief Executive Officer, Bordeaux and Burgundy.

In its remit Bordeaux and Burgundy are helping to deliver all ATL, BTL and omni-channel campaigns and to power Armis' related pipeline programs across all target Geos. Since partnering with Bordeaux and Burgundy the company has seen a 250 % increase in the number of demand generation campaigns it is executing and a $500,000 decrease in non-targeted advertising burn. The firm's new business pipeline has increased by 35 per cent and overall time for campaign deployment has reduced by 80 per cent.

"Bordeaux and Burgundy's expertise in scaling SaaS marketing organizations has proven to be invaluable to our team. We were actively seeking a partner who could enable us to scale our Demand Generation model and allow us to grow hyper efficiently" said Conor Coughlan, Chief Marketing & Advocacy Officer, Armis. "With Bordeaux and Burgundy, we found the partnership we were actively seeking. They have in more ways than one become a true extension of our organization. The relationship has surpassed our expectations, allowing us to execute multi-stage/ jurisdictional ARR focused campaigns rapidly whilst remaining highly targeted and focused on our buyer journeys."

Bordeaux and Burgundy support an array of B2B SaaS clients across Europe and the USA. Offering them dedicated demand generation scalability, strategic consulting, and wider SaaS marketing services. Bordeaux & Burgundy are designed to scale any related B2B SaaS firm. If you would like to know more about our global agency, please visit https://www.bordeauxandburgundy.co.uk/ today.

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HFCL is deploying an Industry 4.0 Private 5G solution at its Optical Fibre manufacturing plant at Hyderabad, India for improved operational efficiency and agility

NEW DELHI, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With the rapid rollout of 5G in India, enterprises are looking at 5G technology to further their digital transformation, including the promise of Industry 4.0. GSA reports* that 41% of private networks being deployed by enterprises are private 5G networks that enable deployment of high-performing infrastructure like robotics, drones, sensor-based and AI-based automation, etc. to boost their connectivity, productivity and operational flexibility.





HFCL has collaborated with Microsoft to create converged private 5G solutions that harness new-age technologies of IoT, Cloud, Edge Computing, AI and Analytics to transform industry verticals that include manufacturing, retail & warehouse, mining, education, defence, railways, smart city, etc.

HFCL is deploying one such Private 5G enabled Industry 4.0 solution as a pilot program using Microsoft Azure public MEC and HFCL 5G Indoor Small Cell, at its Optical Fiber manufacturing plant in Hyderabad. Along the fiber production line, HFCL's 5G small cells enable real-time fiber defect detection using video analytics and image processing.

Microsoft Azure public MEC which integrates Azure compute and edge-optimized Azure services with the mobile operator's public 5G network connectivity, analyses this video data in real-time to identify any defects and generates insights for root cause analysis and preventive care. Through this AI-enabled, cloud-connected, low-latency private 5G solution, HFCL is improving the operational efficiency and manufacturing agility of its fiber manufacturing plant.

"We are very pleased with our collaboration with Microsoft in implementing Industry 4.0 solution in our own factory as a pilot program, using Microsoft Azure public MEC. The best practices and the lessons learnt will act as a playbook to deploy Private 5G solutions for manufacturing and other industry verticals embarking on a similar digital transformation journey," said Mahendra Nahata, Managing Director at HFCL.

HFCL's Private 5G solutions bring together key components - 5G connectivity, data collectors & sensors, AI, analytics, edge and cloud platform - to create horizontal and vertical solutions to digitally transform industries. These pre-validated, pre-integrated solutions leverage partnerships with telcos, industry best of breed components and Azure public MEC to deliver highly scalable, rapidly deployable solution for enterprises.

"Microsoft Azure provides seamless and rapid capabilities to roll out Industry 4.0 solutions at scale while solving critical business problems at the operator edge. HFCL can now leverage Azure compute, storage, networking, and AI capabilities for a comprehensive portfolio of private 5G use-cases across industry verticals," said Samik Roy, Executive Director, Corporate, Medium, Small Business, Microsoft India.

HFCL is also using Azure for its Rise with SAP project. Furthermore, HFCL has deployed its Cloud Network Management System (CNMS) on Azure to provide centralized visibility and control of its IO portfolio of communication products.

* https://gsacom.com/press-release/gsa-955-organisations-now-deploying-private-mobile-networks- globally/

About HFCL:

HFCL is a leading technology company specializing in creating digital networks for telcos, enterprises and governments. Over the years, HFCL has emerged as a trusted partner offering sustainable high tech solutions with a commitment to provide the latest technology products to its customers. Our strong R&D expertise coupled with our global system integration services and decades of experience in fibre optics enable us to deliver innovative digital network solutions required for the most advanced networks.

The Company's in-house R&D Centres located at Gurgaon & Bengaluru along with invested R&D Houses and other R&D collaborators at different locations in India and abroad, innovate futuristic range of technology products and solutions. HFCL has developed capabilities to provide premium quality Optical Fiber and Optical Fiber Cables, state-of-the-art telecom products including 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) products, 5G Transport Products, WiFi Systems (WiFi 6, WiFi 7), Unlicensed Band Radios, Switches, Routers and Software Defined Radios.

The Company has state-of-the-art Optical Fiber and Optical Fiber Cable manufacturing plants at Hyderabad, Optical Fiber Cable manufacturing plant in Goa and in its subsidiary HTL Limited at Chennai.

We are a partner of choice for our customers across India, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and USA. Our commitment to quality and environmental sustainability inspires us to innovate solutions for the ever-evolving customer needs.

Visit www.hfcl.com for more information.

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NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2023 / In honor of Women's History Month, we're highlighting 3 female founders of Bacardi who paved a way for women to thrive in an industry historically dominated by men. Discover the HERstory of the fearless women who empowered their families and communities while paving the way for their spirits brands to one day become global icons:

Dona Amalia Bacardi Moreau was a remarkable wife, mother, entrepreneur and matriarch of the Bacardi family in Cuba who dedicated her life to the success of her children and BACARDI rum. She was also the marketing mastermind behind the BACARDI bat: it was her idea to adopt this symbol of good health, good fortune and family unity to her family's rum brand. Today the iconic bat remains one of the most iconic spirits logos in the world.

Anne Rosine Noilly Prat became the sole leader of the NOILLY PRAT French vermouth company in the 1860s, at a time when women rarely took leadership roles for a business. Under her watch, the business grew tremendously to new markets around the world. In her spare time, she was involved in her local Red Cross, created education institutions for children in Marseille, and helped others through a cholera epidemic in 1884.

Jane Dewar dedicated her life to her family's whisky business, all while raising many children who led full lives giving back to their community and becoming involved in business and politics. Jane co-partnered with her son John Alexander to ensure the continuation of DEWAR'S - what we know today as the world's most awarded blended Scotch Whisky.

The journey towards equity continues: our commitment at Bacardi to unleash the potential of current and future female talent is stronger than ever. See why Bacardi was named among Forbes' Top Female Friendly Companies of 2022 here.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Bacardi Limited on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Bacardi Limited

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/bacardi-limited

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Bacardi Limited

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/742922/Womens-History-Month-Bacardi-Spotlights-Fearless-Female-Founders
CAMBRIDGE (MASSACHUSETTS) (dpa-AFX) - Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX) announced the FDA has cleared the Investigational New Drug Application for VX-264, a stem cell-derived, fully differentiated pancreatic islet cell therapy encapsulated into a Vertex-developed, immunoprotective device with the potential to treat type 1 diabetes. The company plans to initiate a Phase 1/2 clinical trial in the first half of 2023 to study the safety, tolerability and efficacy of VX-264 in patients with type 1 diabetes. Bastiano Sanna, EVP and Chief of Cell and Genetic Therapies at Vertex, said: 'We are excited to see our second program in T1D advancing into the clinic and look forward to bringing transformative, if not curative, therapies to T1D patients who are waiting.' For More Such Health News, 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.
Lloyds Banking Group, Maersk, Coop Norge, AXA, EY, Kocho, IPG Group and Span all honoured at Saviynt's London Summit event

Saviynt, a leading provider of intelligent identity and access governance solutions, has announced the winners of its 2022 EMEA Customer and Partner Awards, recognising its most innovative enterprise customers and its highest performing strategic partners in the region. The award winners were unveiled at the company's London Summit event held on 8 March 2023, which brought together partners and customers from across EMEA.

Lloyds Banking Group was named as Saviynt's EMEA Customer of the Year, while Maersk received the EMEA Convergence Award, for its innovative deployment of the Saviynt Enterprise Identity Cloud (EIC) platform. AXA took the EMEA Innovation Award while Coop Norge received the EMEA Time-to-Value Award.

"Lloyds Banking Group, Maersk, AXA and Coop Norge are very deserved winners of the EMEA Saviynt Customers Awards," said Szabi Vig, VP Customer Success EMEA, Saviynt. "They each have a clear vision to innovate, streamline and optimise their identity management strategies in order to boost security and compliance, plus reduce risk, cost and complexity. These four companies are now reaping the rewards for taking a truly industry-leading approach to identity and access governance."

Strategic partner EY picked up the award for EMEA Systems Integrator Partner of the Year, in recognition of key logo wins and for its support of enterprise customers. Top Performing Partner for EMEA West was Kocho, formerly known as Thirdspace. IPG Group picked up the same honour for EMEA East, while Scan received the Fastest Transaction Award, having successfully closed a deal with a major brand in just 18 days.

"Saviynt's strategic partners are central to our ongoing success in the EMEA market; last year alone they helped us more than double our partner-related revenues, so we say thank you and congratulations to our award winners," said Brooks Wallace, Senior VP Sales, EMEA, Saviynt. "Even more importantly, these partners are playing a pivotal role in educating and supporting enterprises as they seek to streamline their identity and access management processes, while at the same time ensure that their operations remain secure and compliant."

"We are delighted to be named as one of Saviynt's most successful partners in EMEA," said Alastair Rees, Director of Alliances, Kocho "The pace of organisational change together with enterprises' increasing reliance on third parties significantly adds to the challenge of managing identities. Saviynt solves these challenges, so we are thrilled to be partnering with its team and continue to see considerable benefit from working together."

Saviynt's London Summit recognises its growing presence and continued commitment to the EMEA market. Identity experts from partner and customer organisations gathered at the event to discuss industry best practices and new capabilities included in the Saviynt Enterprise Identity Cloud platform, a leading cloud-native converged identity platform for workforce, enterprise applications, privileged and third-party identities.

The London Summit followed the Gartner Identity Access Management Summit, which took place on 6/7 March 2023, where experts from Saviynt and representatives from customer organisations shared their identity insights and best practices.

About Saviynt

Saviynt's Enterprise Identity Cloud helps modern enterprises scale cloud initiatives and solve the toughest security and compliance challenges in record time. The company brings together identity governance (IGA), granular application access, cloud security, and privileged access to secure the entire business ecosystem and provide a frictionless user experience. For more information, please visit saviynt.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230309005479/en/

Contacts:

EMEA Media:

Sarah Hankins

Eleven Hundred Agency

T: +44 (0)20 7768 5202

saviynt@elevenhundredagency.com
ABI Research launches its new Electric Vehicle research service to strategically guide the automotive ecosystem through the rapidly expanding EV market opportunity

NEW YORK, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The European Union will soon require all cars sold from 2035 to be zero emissions. China's goal is for 50% of cars sold in 2035 to be new energy vehicles. The United States is aiming for 50% of sales in 2030 to be electric vehicles (EVs). With deadlines looming around the world to ban new sales of Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles, and to prepare to deliver 45 million EVs in 2030 and 71 million in 2035, the automotive industry must promptly address a myriad of challenges, including scaling production, bringing down costs, optimizing battery lifecycles, increasing charging convenience, and managing the introduction of a significant new load to the grid. As the EV market is relatively immature, global technology intelligence firm ABI Research has launched a new Electric Vehicle research service to provide automotive industry players, innovators, and suppliers with actionable research and strategic guidance to tap into this rapidly expanding industry.





"ABI Research's Electric Vehicle research service focuses on EV trends and technologies in passenger, commercial, and two-wheel vehicles. From scaling production to optimizing operation, and facilitating end-of-life, the Electric Vehicle research service will provide holistic coverage of the new materials, chemistries, software, and services powering the zero-emission vehicle revolution," states James Hodgson, Principal Analyst and EV research lead at ABI Research.

The Electric Vehicle research service explores the convergence of key enabling technologies that will drive adoption of EV powertrains at scale, ranging from novel materials and battery chemistries to battery management systems, connected services, and digital twins.

The automotive industry needs to address the broader implications of the loss of the ICE, which has historically served as both a high barrier to entry and a key brand differentiator. Therefore, market incumbents must brace themselves for competition from EV-focused newcomers, as well as finding new means to define and differentiate their own brand in a post-ICE world. The Electric Vehicle research service tracks the emerging supply chain dynamics that are being driven by EV adoption, including vertical integration, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) attitudes to ownership versus partnerships, and the role of Tier One suppliers.

"The EV research service will provide complete coverage across all types of electric vehicles throughout their lifecycle and throughout the ecosystem, helping suppliers navigate the EV transition, take advantage of the opportunities presented, and move quickly to respond to emerging trends," says Dylan Khoo, EV Industry Analyst at ABI Research.

About ABI Research

ABI Research is a global technology intelligence firm delivering actionable research and strategic guidance to technology leaders, innovators, and decision makers around the world. Our research focuses on the transformative technologies that are dramatically reshaping industries, economies, and workforces today.

ABI Research???????????,?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

For more information about ABI Research's services, contact us at +1.516.624.2500 in the Americas, +44.203.326.0140 in Europe, +65.6592.0290 in Asia-Pacific, or visit www.abiresearch.com.

Contact Info:

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MOSCOW (dpa-AFX) - At least 11 people were killed and power at Zaporizhzhia nucler power plant was cut in Russian missile barrage targeting energy facilities across Ukraine.



Nuclear energy operator Energoatom said the last link between Europe's largest nuclear plant and the Ukrainian power grid was cut off in the missile strike.



The facility is now operating in emergency mode with supply from diesel generators to dry out in 15 days.



In an emergency meeting of the board of governors Thursday, Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), called for urgent action to protect the site's safety and security.



'Yet again Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant [ZNPP] is running on emergency diesels - the last line of defence,' Grossi told the meeting.



'This is the sixth time that ZNPP has lost all off-site power and has had to operate in this emergency mode. Let me remind you - this is the largest nuclear power station in Europe.'



The UN's nuclear watchdog sounded alarm in an anguished statement: 'What are we doing? How can we sit here in this room this morning and allow this to happen? This cannot go on.'



In its biggest attack in months, Russian forces launched more than 80 missiles across Ukraine overnight.



Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian missiles hit critical infrastructure and residential buildings across capital Kyiv, Kirovohrad, Dnipro, Odesa, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Zhytomyr and the Vinnytsia regions.



The western city of Lviv was the worst affected where at least five people were confirmed dead.



Yurii Ihnat, spokesman for the Air Force Command of Ukraine, said Russia targeted Ukraine's critical infrastructure using different types of missiles.



In the wake of the attack, Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal called on Western allies to provide more weapons and impose more sanctions on Russia.



Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
Originally published on principal.Com

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2023 / The number of women who own small businesses is increasing, making up a total of 1.24 million of employer businesses (those with employees), according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

And women are hungry for financial education: Investing is the second most popular topic among female customers of Principal.1

So why do women still face worse financial outcomes than men in both the marketplace and the workplace?

Our research shows that women report they have less access to financial products, tools, services, and safeguards than men.2 This disparity in access extends to female-led businesses seeking capital to start or grow their enterprises.3

Principal can help.

Advancing financial inclusion for women globally

Before someone can find a sense of financial security, they must first be included in the system.

With this in mind, we are taking action to help ensure women have an equitable opportunity to succeed by removing barriers and providing financial tools they need to succeed-particularly when starting and running a business.

In 2020, we committed to doubling the number of businesses we support owned by women and people of color, by 2025. We're making meaningful progress toward this goal:

Principal provides capital to fuel growth for women-owned businesses as a First Women's Bank Mission Partne r.

as a r. In Singapore, Aidha , a Principal  Foundation grantee, provides financial education and skill-building to migrant domestic workers and lower-income women .

, a Principal Foundation grantee, . With support from Principal Foundation, FreeFrom builds an ecosystem of support to intimate partner violence survivors. By providing basic needs, access to capital, and professional skill-building through Gifted, their social enterprise, FreeFrom removes financial security barriers unique to survivors.

Principal also helps customers improve financial wellness through useful products and resources, personalized information, and tailored education-including webinars specific to women's financial challenges and goals.

"If the problems are varied and systemic, the chasm can feel unbridgeable," says Jo Christine Miles, director of community relations and Principal Foundation. "But it's not. Policy changes, combined with focused, innovative, capacity-building programs, and expanded access to capital could help more women-owned small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs thrive."

Fostering a deep sense of belonging among women in the workplace

Driving change, of course, starts with core values and aligning employer practices.

In 2022, we conducted a global pay equity study with a third party focused on race and gender. The results: Our management of pay equity ranks best in class among financial services companies reporting pay equity data. We also require all leaders to take unconscious bias training and apply their learnings in everyday decision-making.

Additionally, this is our third year on the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI), which measures companies on key factors including leadership and talent pipeline, equal pay and gender pay parity, inclusive culture, anti-sexual harassment policies, and external brand. Of the 153 financial companies evaluated for their work in 2022, we scored higher in seven out of eight categories.

"These are just a few examples of how we've continued to reinforce a culture of inclusion at Principal," says Miriam Lewis, chief inclusion officer for Principal. "It's feeling you can be your authentic self while at work. When you have that, you have the license to bring your ideas to the table and can focus on the business itself-because you're not thinking about covering up. You're thinking about financial security for all."

That deep sense of belonging is something women at Principal can tap further into as part of the Global Women's employee resource group (ERG)-providing opportunities to connect, develop, empower, and support one another across departments and countries. This newly launched group brings together existing women-focused initiatives and groups under one umbrella to provide greater, unified support and development for women at Principal. The Global Women's ERG kicked off in 2023 through a virtual event in celebration of International Women's Day, March 8.

Empowering more women at Principal

Women make up 54% of our global workforce and 46% of our leadership.4

And when employees need more specific support, they can also access one of six niche women's networks which are supported through the Global Women's ERG such as Women in Technology, Women in Sales, and EnablHER (Women in India).

Women in LatAm, one of the newest networks, focuses on developing women employees in Latin America while providing tools and resources to promote a more inclusive culture. Since their inception in 2021, they've increased the number of job vacancies filled by women by 6% and the percentage of women in executive leadership positions from 36% to 38%.

"Bias, attitudes, and beliefs are the main barriers to female professional development," says Marcela Blaquier, LatAm Strategy and Project Manager for Principal who co-leads the group. "Raising awareness about shared behaviors is a necessary first step toward making change."

Ultimately, our global practice of including women in everything we do is helping us reach our highest potential as a company.

"That's how we get the best out of every employee," Lewis says. "Varying backgrounds and perspectives lead to innovations and better outcomes and solutions for our valued customers."

Learn more about our commitment to inclusion at Principal.

1 2022 Principal Sustainability Report

2 2022 Global Financial Inclusion Index?

3 "21st Century Barriers to Women's Entrepreneurship," Majority Report of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship

4 As of Dec. 31, 2022

Principal Financial Group Foundation, Inc. ("Principal Foundation") is a duly recognized 501(c)(3) entity focused on providing philanthropic support to programs that build financial security in the communities where Principal Financial Group, Inc. ("Principal") operates. While Principal Foundation receives funding from Principal, Principal Foundation is a distinct, independent, charitable entity. Principal Foundation does not practice any form of investment advisory services and is not authorized to do so.

 2023 Principal Foundation.

Insurance products issued by Principal National Life Insurance Co (except in NY) and Principal Life Insurance Company. Plan administrative services offered by Principal Life. Principal Funds, Inc. is distributed by Principal Funds Distributor, Inc. Securities offered through Principal Securities, Inc., member SIPC and/or independent broker/dealers. Referenced companies are members of the Principal Financial Group, Des Moines, IA 50392.? 2023 Principal Financial Services, Inc.

2769084-032023

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Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Principal Financial Group

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NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2023 / Franklin Templeton:

Fiduciary Trust International, a global wealth manager and wholly owned subsidiary of Franklin Templeton, proudly announces that Freda Lam Zietlow, CFA, managing director and senior portfolio manager, has been selected by Women We Admire as one of the honorees on its "Top 50 Women Leaders of San Francisco" list for 2023.

"Freda has established herself as a respected industry leader during her successful 25-year career in investment and wealth management, and is more than deserving of this recognition," said Amy Ko, Fiduciary Trust International's regional managing director for Northern California. "She has excelled as a highly esteemed senior team member in Northern California due to her genuine interest in helping others flourish and her desire to serve-as well as her ability to empathize and inspire team members, professional partners, and clients."

The annual Women We Admire "Top 50 Women Leaders" listing recognizes exceptional women for their achievements, while inspiring others to aim high and continue their journeys toward reaching their full potential.

Ms. Zietlow joined Fiduciary Trust International in late 2019 and has a deep and uncommon breadth of expertise in portfolio management, public and private securities, real estate, and cross-border wealth planning strategies. She has been instrumental in building the firm's business in the San Francisco Bay Area, one of the fastest growing regions for the company.

"I am privileged to be honored alongside so many influential women from different industries in the San Francisco Bay Area," said Ms. Zietlow. "I look forward to continuing to help my colleagues and others in the coming years to be the best they can be, so they can serve our clients, our organization, and our community even better."

Ms. Zietlow leads a number of important programs for Fiduciary Trust International, including the firm's Women Initiative and its Sustainable Investing and Diversity & Inclusion efforts. She is passionate about advancing women in corporate leadership and is an active member of the Women Corporate Directors (WCD) Foundation, How Women Lead, and National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD). Ms. Zietlow also enjoys mentoring young professionals and serving multiple local and international nonprofit organizations as a board member and volunteer.

About Fiduciary Trust International

Fiduciary Trust International, a global wealth management firm headquartered in New York, NY, has served individuals, families, endowments and foundations since 1931. With over $87 billion in assets under management and administration as of December 31, 2022, the firm specializes in strategic wealth planning, investment management and trust and estate services, as well as tax and custody services. The New York-based firm and its subsidiaries maintain offices in Coral Gables, FL, Boca Raton, FL, St. Petersburg, FL, Radnor, PA, Lincoln, MA, Los Angeles, CA, San Mateo, CA, San Francisco, CA, Washington, DC, Wilmington, DE, Reston, VA, and Atlanta, GA. For more information, please visit fiduciarytrust.com, and for the latest updates, follow Fiduciary Trust International on LinkedIn and Twitter: @FiduciaryTrust.

About Franklin Templeton

Franklin Resources, Inc. [NYSE:BEN] is a global investment management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 155 countries. Franklin Templeton's mission is to help clients achieve better outcomes through investment management expertise, wealth management and technology solutions. Through its specialist investment managers, the company offers specialization on a global scale, bringing extensive capabilities in fixed income, equity, alternatives and multi-asset solutions. With offices in more than 30 countries and approximately 1,300 investment professionals, the California-based company has over 75 years of investment experience and approximately $1.4 trillion in assets under management as of January 31, 2023. For more information, please visit franklintempleton.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.





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Contact Info:

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SOURCE: Franklin Templeton

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Gyroscope, founded by PhDs who authored seminal papers on stablecoin design and DeFi risk, is a novel all-weather design approach to solve critical stablecoin issues including risk control, adoption, and sustainability.

GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Gyroscope has raised $4.5M in seed funding to build Gyro Dollars (GYD), a decentralized stablecoin featuring a novel all-weather stablecoin design. The round was co-led by Placeholder VC and Galaxy with participation from Maven11, Archetype, and Robot Ventures, as well as angel investment from Cyrus Younessi, Fernando Martinelli, Hart Lambur, Will Villaneuva and others. A live beta version of the new GYD stablecoin mechanism - Gyro Proto - is now live on mainnet Polygon and is open to all for testing.

A core problem facing the crypto ecosystem is that existing stablecoin designs are either economically unsound, centralized, struggle with risk diversification, and/or overly rely on leverage mechanisms that are notorious for causing instability during harsh market conditions.

Gyroscope was founded by PhDs who authored seminal papers on stablecoin design and DeFi risk including Stablecoins 2.0 , the Decentralized Financial Crisis , and While Stability Lasts . The founders designed the Gyroscope Protocol, a technology for a DeFi infrastructure with a novel all-weather design approach to solve the critical issues facing stablecoins including risk, adoption, and sustainability.

"At present, DeFi is missing a decentralized non-custodial stablecoin that effectively diversifies risk. Our aim is simple: to build a non-custodial stablecoin that actually works and isn't algorithmic. It is designed to be fully backed." said Gyroscope co-founder, Lewis Gudgeon. "As opposed to custodial stablecoins such as USDC or USDT, Gyro Dollars are designed to offer a decentralized, non-custodial alternative with greater diversification in risk - if you care about the core value proposition of DeFi, you should want to use Gyro Dollars. At the same time, in contrast to algorithmic stablecoins which are undercollateralized by design, the Gyro Dollar is designed to be fully reserve backed. The Gyro Dollar provides a much needed new third path between centralized and algorithmic stablecoins."

The Gyroscope Protocol comprises several key innovations , with these use cases .

Full Reserve Design : GYD's reserve aims to diversify existential risks in DeFi to the greatest extent possible by requiring that risks are 'stratified', or isolated from each other. Losses that accrue in one system should not spill over into other connected sub-systems. Unlike existing stablecoins, GYD is set to include many dimensions of risk including geographic risk and smart contract risk.

: GYD's reserve aims to diversify existential risks in DeFi to the greatest extent possible by requiring that risks are 'stratified', or isolated from each other. Losses that accrue in one system should not spill over into other connected sub-systems. Unlike existing stablecoins, GYD is set to include many dimensions of risk including geographic risk and smart contract risk. Dynamic Stability Mechanism : A novel mechanism to govern the minting and redemption of stablecoins.

: A novel mechanism to govern the minting and redemption of stablecoins. Concentrated Liquidity Pools : New AMM pools, including elliptic AMM pools, to allow for highly customized liquidity concentration. These have been in testing on Polygon since September and at the time of writing have been used by more than 600 different addresses with no issues reported in the smart contracts.

New AMM pools, including elliptic AMM pools, to allow for highly customized liquidity concentration. These have been in testing on Polygon since September and at the time of writing have been used by more than 600 different addresses with no issues reported in the smart contracts. New Oracle System : The Gyroscope Protocol's new oracle system is designed from first principles to greatly harden oracle security.

: The Gyroscope Protocol's new oracle system is designed from first principles to greatly harden oracle security. Decentralized Governance : By design, the Gyroscope Protocol requires decentralized governance, including a critical role for stablecoin holders: the protocol is set to feature a new approach to governance known as 'Optimistic Approval'. The DAO was bootstrapped through an industry first sybil resistant game .

: By design, the Gyroscope Protocol requires decentralized governance, including a critical role for stablecoin holders: the protocol is set to feature a new approach to governance known as 'Optimistic Approval'. The DAO was bootstrapped through an industry first . For more information on the All-Weather design, please review Gyroscope's documents and how it is different from other stablecoins .

The Gyroscope stablecoin protocol is currently live as Gyro Proto, a beta release with asset caps for testing purposes on mainnet Polygon. This version showcases critical functionality of the stablecoin design, including the diversified reserve, concentrated liquidity pools and new redundant oracle system. Gyro Proto will soon be followed by the full release of Gyroscope on Ethereum.

Early testers can join the community and provide feedback on the novel mechanisms, while other protocols can make use of the AMM pools and oracle system separately. The Gyroscope project has already gathered a vibrant governance community of early users and stakeholders.

"Gyroscope has developed a novel stability mechanism for stablecoins with its All Weather design approach that we believe can be a foundational element in the future of Stablecoins," said Leland Lee, Investor on Galaxy's Venture arm. "Additionally, the team's years of academic research studying stability in financial systems primes them for innovation in DeFi protocols."

The founding team behind Gyroscope formed a software development company FTL Labs, which comprises forerunning DeFi researchers including Ariah Klages-Mundt , Lewis Gudgeon and Daniel Perez , due to complete PhDs in the area in the next few months. The team also includes Dr Steffen Schuldenzucker , who has a PhD focussed on complexity and systemic risk in financial networks, Jonas Klemm, formerly at the ECB and Jacek Czarnecki, formerly Global Legal Counsel at the Maker Foundation.

"The Gyroscope team has some of the earliest and most thoughtful researchers in DeFi who steadfastly focused on rigorous validation of their mechanism over many years. Ariah, Lewis, Daniel, and Steffen have written some of the highest cited papers in DeFi and have brought the utmost care and detail when reasoning about protocol safety and user security. The Gyroscope protocol brings together many battle-tested ideas together in an elegant manner to expand the overall DeFi market in a safe and secure manner" - Tarun Chitra

About Gyroscope

Gyroscope is a decentralized stablecoin featuring a novel all-weather stablecoin design. The initial development team of the Gyroscope protocol is FTL Labs, comprising PhD candidates Ariah Klages-Mundt, Lewis Gudgeon and Daniel Perez, who authored seminal papers on stablecoin design and DeFi risk. FTL Labs and Gyroscope's mission is to build robust public infrastructure for DeFi, with the central piece being a fully-backed stablecoin with all-weather reserves and autonomous price bounding. Existing stablecoin designs are either economically unsound, struggle with risk diversification, or overly rely on leverage mechanisms that are notorious for causing instability during harsh market conditions. Gyroscope's stablecoin Gyro Dollars (GYD) was built with a novel design system to solve critical challenges in stablecoin design. For more information, please visit https://gyro.finance / or review the documentation .

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SHIJIAZHUANG, China, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from Great Wall New Media:





On the sidelines of the ongoing Two Sessions in Beijing, an old man carrying dry stalks of foxtail millet is quite eye-catching. For him, millet has become an essential part of his life and he will devote his whole life to the cultivation of hybrid millet.

Having a deep affection for millet, Zhao Zhihai, a 64-year-old world-famous agricultural expert from North China'sHebei Province, is lauded as "the father of hybrid foxtail millet" in China. He has been dreaming of bringing foxtail millet to more countries around the world, and particularly to Africa, where millions of people are caught up in food crises of varying severity.

Foxtail millet, as one of the world's oldest cultivated millet varieties, was originated in China. Millet porridge, as a mild-tasting, nutritious food, is quite popular among Chinese people and is particularly good for pregnant women, infants and sick people.

After graduating from Hebei Agricultural University in 1982, Zhao Zhihai began to develop hybrid millet, and has taken this job as part of his life ever since.

After years of hard work including numerous failures in hybrid millet development, the team led by Zhao eventually discovered the key to producing hybrid foxtail millet in the 1990s and accumulated rich experience in developing the high-yielding, drought-resistant grain.

In 2007, the Zhang Hybrid Millet (or Zhangzagu in Chinese), cultivated by the team, which features high yield, drought resistance and adaptability to otherwise barren soils, reaped a record-high output of 810 kilograms per mu (or 12,150 kilograms per hectare).

In the next year, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization introduced a pilot program to grow this hybrid millet in 10 African countries. So far, the grain has been served for years on the dining tables of many Africans in Ethiopia, Mali, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Burundi.

By virtue of the "South-South Cooperation" project, Burundi and Uganda now respectively have 2,000 mu (or 133 hectares) and 3,000 mu (or 200 hectares) of farmland growing the hybrid millet, said Shu Xiaoli, managing director of Zoeve Seed Uganda Company Limited.

Zhao Zhihai said that the hybrid millet is an ideal crop for Africa, as it is tolerant to climate change and suitable for countries with rainy and dry seasons and less fertile soil. Most importantly, it takes a relatively short period of time to ripe, and can well adapt to diverse soil and climatic conditions.

Shu Xiaoli said that they are trying to find ways to turn the hybrid millet into food items in light of the eating habit of Africans and hence expand the sales locally.

Currently, the techniques used to cultivate the hybrid millet have been incorporated into the China-Africa Cooperation Dakar Action Plan for the years 2022-2024.

Hopefully, the crop will help reduce Africans' dependence on food imports and cut average grain prices in their countries, added Zhao.

"China produces 80 percent of the world hybrid millet output, and possesses world-advanced breeding and cultivation techniques," said Zhao.

Zhao said it is a great cause to popularize the hybrid millet in more countries, which can help ease food crisis and benefit local people.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/chinas-hybrid-millet-brings-hope-to-easing-world-food-crisis-301768044.html
Wipro's new product will underpin Menzies' cargo technology transformation to improve business efficiencies, employee experience, and customer service through increased automation.

Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO), a leading technology services and consulting company, announced that it has been selected by Menzies Aviation, the world's largest aviation services company, to transform its air cargo management services.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230309005546/en/

Introducing A World Class Cargo Handling Solution Delivered By Wipro (Graphic: Business Wire)

The partnership will help fortify Menzies' position as the leading cargo handler in the market, enabling the company to grow its services and use of new technologies. It will also accelerate competitiveness while keeping customers, partners, employees, and the environment at the center of this transformation.

Wipro's revolutionary cargo handling product was architected using cloud-native technologies and will address all of Menzies' needs, as well as those of the broader air cargo industry. It was developed to improve business efficiencies, enhance employee experience and customer service through increased automation, and provide critical business insights with best-in-class security.

This product will provide greater visibility of cargo location to both Menzies and its customers, support scanning technology for cargo and documentation, and integrate directly with customers' operating systems, resulting in increased transparency and real-time-tracking. It will also enable new technologies developed for warehouses of the future including robotics, autonomous vehicles and true paperless environments.

Robert Fordree, Executive Vice President Cargo, Menzies Aviation, said:"Following a rigorous tender process for a new warehouse management system, we are excited to announce our partnership with Wipro to drive forward our global technology transformation and ambitious growth strategy. At Menzies, we are committed to investing in innovative solutions, such as our recently launched robotic inventory checks and digitalization of flight packs, and Wipro's platform will ensure we can utilize cutting-edge systems and products in the years ahead."

"This agreement will enable end-to-end digitalization of our operations, process standardization, consistent customer service and enhanced employee experience, which is hugely important in attracting a new generation of cargo professionals. Our teams will be able to utilize an operating system that is more aligned to the look and feel of everyday apps, and our customers will benefit from increased transparency of cargo status, use of automation to speed up processes and improved safety and security procedures," added Fordree.

Omkar Nisal, Managing Director UK Ireland, Wipro Limited, said:"Wipro is delighted to partner with Menzies Aviation, a global powerhouse in aviation services. This collaboration enables us to leverage Wipro's extensive technological capabilities coupled with Menzies' vast cargo-handling and management experience to deliver a product that will help revolutionize the air-cargo industry. We are excited to deliver a modern, contemporary cargo handling solution architected on latest technologies that will support Menzies' air cargo transformation and growth plans. Wipro's new product is radically simple to use through a reimagined user experience paradigm. It will also address the urgent need for improved efficiencies in the supply chain driven by the tremendous growth in e-commerce business, while also improving processes in air cargo. We will continue to leverage Wipro's vast technology prowess and invest in the product to deliver industry leading solutions to Menzies and the air cargo industry."

Menzies will be rolling out the Wipro product to five air cargo locations Bucharest in Romania; Wellington, Christchurch, and Auckland in New Zealand; and Macau in China by the end of 2023, with further plans to fully implement it across Menzies' global network by the end of 2024.

Notes to editors:

About Menzies Aviation

Menzies Aviation has been evolving since 1833 to become the world's largest aviation services company with operations on six continents. Headquartered in London, Menzies provides time critical ground services, fuel services and air cargo services at more than 250 airports in 58 countries, supported by a team of over 35,000 highly trained people. Best in class safety and security are the number one priority every day. For more information about Menzies Aviation, visit menziesaviation.com.

About Wipro Limited

Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO) is a leading technology services and consulting company focused on building innovative solutions that address clients' most complex digital transformation needs. Leveraging our holistic portfolio of capabilities in consulting, design, engineering, and operations, we help clients realize their boldest ambitions and build future-ready, sustainable businesses. With over 250,000 employees and business partners across 66 countries, we deliver on the promise of helping our customers, colleagues, and communities thrive in an ever-changing world. For additional information, visit us at www.wipro.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

The forward-looking statements contained herein represent Wipro's beliefs regarding future events, many of which are by their nature, inherently uncertain and outside Wipro's control. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Wipro's growth prospects, its future financial operating results, and its plans, expectations and intentions. Wipro cautions readers that the forward-looking statements contained herein are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated by such statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding fluctuations in our earnings, revenue and profits, our ability to generate and manage growth, complete proposed corporate actions, intense competition in IT services, our ability to maintain our cost advantage, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which we make strategic investments, withdrawal of fiscal governmental incentives, political instability, war, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our business and industry.

Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, Annual Reports on Form 20-F. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. We may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by us or on our behalf.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230309005546/en/

Contacts:

Bronwyn Torrie, Head of Communications, Menzies Aviation

via Dentons Global Advisors

Dentons Global Advisors, One Fleet Place, London, EC4M 7RA

menziesaviation@dentonsglobaladvisors.com

Tel: +44 (0)7510 385552

Apoorv Perti

Wipro Limited

apoorv.perti@wipro.com
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2023 / Spark Energy Minerals Inc., ("Spark" or the "Company" (CSE:EMIN)(Frankfurt:M1N)(OTC:MTEHF), has entered into a mineral claims purchase agreement dated March 8, 2023, with Talisman Venture Partners, Ltd. ("Talisman" ), pursuant to which the company will acquire from Talisman a 100 percent ownership interest in 6 (six) exploration permits, known as the "Nova Energia" Property, comprising approximately 8,631 thousand hectares (8.6k ha) of surface area in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

The licenses surround Spark Energy's current 3,500 hectare Property.

Peter Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of Spark stated, "Acquiring this land package adjacent to the 3,500 hectares already held by Spark, are highly prospective properties that offer excellent potential." Wilson went on to say, "This package along with the 22k Hectares recently acquired makes Spark one of the largest land holders in the "Lithium Valley" holding almost 34k hectares.

The transaction

Pursuant to the terms of the agreement and in order to complete the transaction, Spark shall pay to Talisman:

$100,000 CDN on signing of the agreement;

Issue Talisman 10,000,000 units of the Company. Each unit will consist of one common share of the Company and an additional warrant giving the unit holder the right to purchase an additional share of the Company at $0.15. The warrant will have a 2 year term attached.

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 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/742941/Spark-Energy-Minerals-Acquires-Nova-Energia-Property-In-The-Lithium-Valley-Brazil-Expands-Land-Holdings-to-34000-Hectares
According to Exactitude Consultancy the Global Vacuum Insulation Panel Market value is expected to reach USD 11.52 Billion by 2029, growing at an 8.1% CAGR of Between Forecast Period 2023 and 2029.

PUNE, India, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The global vacuum insulation panel market is projected to reach USD 11.52 Billion by 2029 from USD 7.75 Billion in 2022, at a CAGR of 8.1% from 2023 to 2029. The vacuum insulation panel market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for energy-efficient building materials and products. VIPs offer superior insulation performance compared to traditional insulation materials, such as fiberglass and foam, due to their ultra-low thermal conductivity and high thermal resistance. This makes them ideal for use in various applications, including building and construction, refrigeration and cooling, and transportation.





The building and construction industry is the largest application segment for VIPs, as these panels can provide significant energy savings in commercial and residential buildings. They are particularly useful in retrofitting existing buildings where space is limited, as VIPs are much thinner than traditional insulation materials while offering superior thermal performance.

However, the high cost of VIPs remains a significant challenge for the market, as they are more expensive than traditional insulation materials. Manufacturers are working to reduce the cost of production and increase the efficiency of VIPs to make them more accessible to a wider range of customers. Overall, the vacuum insulation panel market is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for energy-efficient building materials and products across various industries.

Get a Full PDF Sample Copy of the Report: (Including Full TOC, List of Tables & Figures, and Chart)

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Vacuum Insulation Market Dynamics

This section deals with understanding the market drivers, opportunities, restraints and challenges. All of this is discussed in detail as below:

Drivers

High Demand Across Construction Industry

The construction industry is expected to experience growth due to the increasing demand for vacuum insulation, which, in turn, will pave the way for market expansion. Vacuum insulation panels offer superior insulation performance compared to traditional insulation materials and find use in various applications, including building construction, refrigeration units, and insulated shipping containers. As a result, the construction industry's expansion is a key driving force behind the global market for vacuum insulation panels.

Increased Utilization Across Cooling and Freezing Applications

In addition, the transportation of pharmaceutical products and medicines globally via refrigerated means has played a significant role in the recent upsurge of the vacuum insulated panels market. The demand for vacuum insulated panels has also increased in the cold storage and frozen transportation industry, as larger quantities of frozen food are being transported across long distances, necessitating thermal insulation for extended periods.

Moreover, the expansion of the construction industry has been fueled by rapid industrialization and urbanization. Additionally, the vacuum insulation panels market has grown due to the presence of a large population and highly developed marine transportation infrastructure, despite the heavy weight of vacuum insulation panels.

Opportunities

Stringent Regulations and Adoption of Automated Insulation

Moreover, the implementation of stringent regulations by government and other agencies related to energy conservation provides lucrative opportunities for market players during the forecast period from 2022 to 2029. The future growth of the vacuum insulation market is also expected to be propelled by the adoption of vacuum insulation in automated storage and retrieval systems.

Report Attribute Details Vacuum Insulation Panel Market size value in 2022 USD 7.75 billion Revenue forecast in 2029 USD 11.52 billion Market Growth rate CAGR of 8.1% from 2023 to 2029 Base year for estimation 2022 Historical data 2018 - 2021 Forecast period 2023 - 2029 Quantitative units Revenue in USD Million, volume in units, CAGR from 2023 to 2029 Report coverage Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, trends Segments covered By Core Material; Raw Material; Product; Application and By Region Regional scope North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; MEA Country scope U.S.; Canada; Mexico; Germany; France; Italy; U.K.; China; India; Japan; Brazil; Saudi Arabia Key companies profiled Evonik Industries, Panasonic Corporation, OCI Company Ltd., LG Hausys Ltd., Porextherm Dammstoffe GmbH, ThermoCor, Microtherm, Dow Corning Corporation, Va-Q-Tec AG, Kevothermal, LLC. Customization scope Free report customization with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope.

Request a Free sample pages to learn more about this Vacuum Insulation Panel Market report.

Companies Covered in Vacuum Insulation Panel Market Report:

Evonik Industries

Panasonic Corporation

OCI Company Ltd.

LG Hausys Ltd.

Porextherm Dammstoffe GmbH

ThermoCor

Microtherm

Dow Corning Corporation

Va-Q-Tec AG

Kevothermal, LLC.

Report Benefits

Develop business strategies by understanding the trends shaping and driving the Market.

Drive revenues by understanding the key trends, innovative products and technologies, market segments, and companies likely to impact the Vacuum Insulation Panel Market in the future.

Formulate effective sales and marketing strategies by understanding the competitive landscape and by analyzing the company share of Vacuum Insulation Panel Market leaders.

Identify emerging players with potentially strong product portfolios and create effective counter-strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

Track sales in the global and country-specific Market.

Organize your sales and marketing efforts by identifying the market categories and segments that present maximum opportunities for consolidations, investments and strategic partnerships.

Browse Full Premium Report | Vacuum Insulation Panel Market Analysis with Strategic Developments

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Regional Insights

Asia Pacific is expected to reach USD 4.0 billion by 2024 and emerge as a lucrative regional market during the forecast period. The growth in this region will be attributed to developing infrastructure industry in China. In addition, the construction industry in the region is expected to grow owing to rapid urbanization and increasing government investments in the infrastructural projects.

The industry in will expand at a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period. The U.S. is expected to witness the fastest growth in the regional market owing to booming construction industry.

Key Market Segments: Vacuum Insulation Panel Market

By Core Material

Silica

Fiberglass

By Raw Material

Plastic

Metal

By Product

Flat

Special Shape

By Application

Construction

Cooling and Freezing Devices

Logistic

By Regions

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

South America

Middle East and Africa

Frequently Asked Questions About This Report

How big is the Vacuum Insulation Panel Market?

What is the Vacuum Insulation Panel Market growth?

Which segment accounted for the largest Vacuum Insulation Panel Market share?

Who are the key players in the Vacuum Insulation Panel Market?

What are the factors driving the Vacuum Insulation Panel Market?

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Successful businesswoman to open Louisville staffing market

LOUISVILLE, KY / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2023 / NEXTAFF, an industry leader in providing quality talent for businesses, announced the opening of a new commercial staffing agency location in Louisville, Kentucky.

NEXTAFF Quality Talent Simplified

NEXTAFF logo with tagline

Owned and operated by Miriam Castano, the Louisville staffing office will serve Louisville and the surrounding areas. The office will focus primarily on staffing and recruiting for manufacturing and commercial companies.

"I am thrilled to open my new staffing agency and to have the opportunity to make a positive impact in my community," said Miriam Castano, owner of NEXTAFF of Louisville. "Also, as a female business owner and mother, I hope to be an example for my two daughters that they, too, can achieve success through hard work, dedication and commitment."

"Miriam brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to anything she does. She has very strong connections in the Louisville employment market, which will really help her stand out above the crowd," said Cary Daniel, Co-Founder and CEO at NEXTAFF. "Her previous business experience, combined with the NEXTAFF methodology, offers a powerful combination for meeting the staffing needs of the Louisville area."

"I am looking forward to connecting with our clients and candidates, alike, and placing quality talent in fulfilling job opportunities that meet their and our clients' needs," said Castano.

The office is located at 8304 Preston Highway #3, Louisville, KY. More information can be found at NEXTAFF of Louisville.

About NEXTAFF

NEXTAFF helps companies recruit, screen and hire quality talent through our proprietary X-FACTOR model. Our comprehensive approach is designed to considerably outperform a traditional temp agency supplier model. Each NEXTAFF office is locally owned and operated, which allows our clients to work directly with owners in finding quality employees. NEXTAFF offers a variety of custom staffing solutions in commercial, healthcare and technology verticals.

For more information about NEXTAFF, visit https://www.nextaff.com/. Those interested in franchise opportunities can visit https://www.nextaff-franchise.com/

Contact Information:

Jennifer Walker

Marketing Support

pr@nextaff.com

SOURCE: NEXTAFF

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/742851/Staffing-Industry-Leader-NEXTAFF-Opens-Louisville-Kentucky-Office
LOS ANGELES and SAN FRANCISCO, CA and AMSTERDAM / March 9, 2023 / The Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) and RCGD Global today announce a series of activations to promote sustainable design choices with young designers in support of bringing environmental and social sustainability in the apparel and design world to the forefront of conversation and action. This collaboration will include thought-leading content through RCGD Global's app, a collaboration at the official Pre-Oscars Event in Los Angeles, and a design workshop, with the focus of using data to draw attention to more sustainable practices and design solutions.

The SAC, an independent and impact-creating organization, seeks to lead the industry toward a shared vision of sustainability that is based on a joint multi-stakeholder approach for measuring, improving and sharing performance. RCGD Global is focused on moment to movement, collaborating with respected and mainstream platforms to foster sustainable conversations and action and developing accessible sustainable design solutions which create real effective change. As such, both organizations exist to drive transformation within the industry, meaning there are several natural synergies for collaboration to educate and inspire the designers of the future.

The specific activations will commence with SAC's support of the RCGD Global Annual Pre-Oscars Gala in Hollywood, Los Angeles this month, while the SAC will also be providing regular content to the RCGD Global app, including blog posts, news, podcasts and case studies. The two organizations will also work to collaborate on a design workshop that looks to integrate data from the Higg Index suite of tools to help inform young designers about how to make better sustainable material choices as part of the design process.

Amina Razvi, CEO of Sustainable Apparel Coalition, said: "At the SAC, not only are we working on industry-defining tools that drive more sustainable business decisions, we also help to accelerate industry actions that positively impact people and the planet. One way we help to showcase environmental and social leadership is through unique partnerships that bring greater awareness to the ongoing challenges and great work being done across our industry to help drive positive change. We are excited to be working with the RCGD team. We all agree that a radical transformation of our industry is needed, and, to achieve this, we need to work together."

Samata Pattinson, CEO of RCGD Global, said: "It's clear environmental and social actions are not moving quickly enough, so we are happy to be partnering with the SAC, which represents a good portion of the apparel, textile and footwear industry and is committed to driving positive change throughout the value chain. In our role as a knowledge transfer platform,

RCGD is well positioned to help raise awareness of key topics, challenges and solutions, so as to help future generations understand their role and how positive social and environmental decisions can be made as part of the design process."

About Sustainable Apparel Coalition:

The Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) is an independent and impact-creating organization that aims to lead the industry toward a shared vision of sustainability based upon a joint approach for measuring, evaluating, and improving performance.

As a non-profit organization, it has members from across the apparel, footwear and textile sector, but exists independently outside any one company so that it can drive progress. The SAC's collective action efforts bring more than 280 global brands, retailers, manufacturers, NGOs, academics and industry associations together. They represent about half of the apparel and footwear industry along the whole supply chain - from sustainability pioneers to organizations just getting started.

Before the SAC existed, companies worked in a siloed way, using their own programs and measurements that lacked standardization and an ability to drive collective action. In 2009, Walmart and Patagonia identified this as a serious problem. Joining forces, they brought together peers and competitors from across the sector, to develop a universal approach to measuring sustainability performance and founded the Sustainable Apparel Coalition.

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About RCGD Global:

RCGD Global is a women-led global change-making organization working from 'moment' to movement, bringing global cultural sustainability to the forefront of conversation and action within the fashion and design world. Celebrating its 11th year of the Red Carpet Green Dress campaign initiative at the Oscars, RCGD Global was initially conceived as a design contest by Suzy Amis Cameron (actress, environmental advocate, and author) when faced with the lack of ethical fashion choices while attending global premieres of husband James Camerons' 'Avatar'. The organizations' work has since developed to include collaborations with global and small independent brands, partnerships delivering sustainable design solutions such as regenerative materials, educational work with the emerging design community - including workshops, internships and work experience, and international design contest initiatives. Alongside a consultancy offering, RCGD Global's R & D division delivers thought-leadership work for the industry, working with leading institutions such as Institute for Sustainability Leadership, University of Cambridge and University of California, Berkeley.

RCGD Global works to draw attention to the importance of more sustainable practices in the design world and to be part of bringing those solutions to a global, culturally diverse market. Leading fashion houses including Louis Vuitton, Vivienne Westwood, Armani, Elie Saab, Swarovski, Christian Siriano, Bulgari, Dunhill and Reformation have joined the campaign to create sustainable red carpet wear. Celebrities including Sophie Turner, Laura Harrier, Emma Roberts, Marlee Matlin, Danielle MacDonald, LaKeith Stanfield, Camila Alves, and Naomie Harris have joined the campaign as representatives of its Oscars red carpet green dress initiative. RCGD Global's work has been featured in VOGUE, Vanity Fair, W Magazine, People, The Hollywood Reporter, WWD, Washington Post, Harper's Bazaar, Refinery29, The Guardian, ELLE, LA Times, The New York Times, Business of Fashion amongst others, across over 100 countries.

Helmed by CEO, Samata Pattinson, a prior winner of the Global Design Contest in 2011 with over a decade of experience, Red Carpet Green Dress unveiled its rebrand to RCGD Global in 2022, to fully encompass the multitude of spaces that the organization exists in with a focus on four core pillars:

Collaborating with respected and mainstream platforms to foster sustainable conversations and action

Developing accessible sustainable design solutions which create real effective change

Being part of creating a more socially fair, equitable and representative industry

Helping to find language to create change

Instagram - @rcgdglobal @redcarpetgreendress

Twitter - @rcgdglobal @redcarpetgreend

Facebook - @redcarpetgreendress

RCGD

www.rcgdglobal.com





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Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Sustainable Apparel Coalition

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/sustainable-apparel-coalition

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Sustainable Apparel Coalition

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/742949/Sustainable-Apparel-Coalition-and-RCGD-Global-Partner-To-Promote-Sustainable-Design-Choices
Hauppauge, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - March 9, 2023) - Wizdom Financial, a premier financial advisory firm, has announced the release of its revolutionary financial planning strategies, catered to families in the sandwich generation. The term 'sandwich generation' refers to individuals who are balancing their professional, marital, and parenting duties while simultaneously acting as caregivers to their elderly parents.

The new strategies are designed to enable sandwich generation individuals to plan effectively for their future while continuing to provide support to their loved ones. By fully understanding the specific challenges that these individuals encounter, Wizdom Financial offers customized financial planning solutions that help relieve the pressure of caregiving and help families thrive.

According to Pak Le MBA, CFF, CLTC, Director of Financial Planning of Wizdom Financial, "We recognize that financial planning for the sandwich generation can be particularly challenging. These individuals must often strike a balance between caring for their elderly parents, supporting their own families, and preparing for their own retirement. Our new financial planning strategies have been developed to help them overcome these challenges and help build a stable future."

Wizdom Financial's innovative financial planning strategies include:

Sandwich Generation Planning - Aiding individuals in supporting their families while also caring for their elderly parents.

Financial Planning for Women - Offering bespoke financial planning solutions that cater to the specific needs and obstacles that women face in the sandwich generation.

"Our objective with these new strategies is to provide our clients with the confidence to take charge of their future," added Le. "We believe that by comprehending their aspirations and requirements, we can assist them in revolutionizing their relationship with money and planning for a sound future."

With more than two decades of experience, Wizdom Financial has a history of providing customized financial planning solutions that help clients accomplish their financial objectives.

For further information on Wizdom Financial and their cutting-edge financial planning strategies for the sandwich generation, please visit their website at https://www.wizdomfinancial.com.

Contact

Pak Le

ple@wizdom1.com

516.590.0097

All Securities Offered Through The Investment Center, Inc. Bedminster, NJ, Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services Provided Through IC Advisory Services, Inc. - An SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Advisor Pak Le is a Registered Representative of The Investment Center, Inc. WizdomOne Group and WizdomFinancial Advisors LLC are not affiliated with The Investment Center, Inc. or IC Advisory Services, Inc. WizdomOne Group is a holding company for WizdomFinancial Advisors LLC, WizdomTree Benefit Solutions Inc., WizdomTower Risk LLC, and WizdomCare Senior Solutions LLC. Services provided though WizdomTree Benefit Solutions, Inc., WizdomTower Risk LLC, and WizdomCare Senior Solutions LLC are conducted independent of The Investment Center, Inc. and IC Advisory Services, Inc. According, The Investment Center and IC Advisory Services assume no responsibility for any advice or services provided to you by these entities.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/157858
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2023 / Morgan Stanley:

Originally published on Morgan Stanley Insights

Climate change and gender equity are both top-of-mind sustainability topics for investors. More than 80% of asset owners surveyed currently invest to combat climate change or plan to do so, while close to half are investing, or planning to, in gender diversity, according to the Morgan Stanley Institute for Sustainable Investing's latest Sustainable Signals report.

But many investors may not realize that the issues of climate change and gender equity are highly interconnected. Investors looking to address climate issues holistically, including funding a "just transition" to a low-carbon economy that is fair, inclusive and has decent work opportunities for everyone, should assess and consider targeting solutions at the intersection of climate-related issues and gender equity.

There are three specific areas in which interested investors can help tackle climate change and unlock opportunities for millions of women and girls worldwide:

Water scarcity: In 2020, 1.7 billion people did not have a dedicated, safe water supply.1 This burden is worsening as climate change reduces the amount of available water due to drought, saltwater intrusion and the increasing runoff of pollutants and sediment.2 This has a disproportionate impact on women, who often carry the burden of collecting water for their households, taking them away from education or paid work.3 Natural disasters: Women often take on additional caring responsibilities for those affected by natural disasters often catalyzed by a changing climate, increasing the time they spend on unpaid domestic labor.4 In addition, disruption following natural disasters is associated with higher rates of violence against women and girls. Examples include the 2010 Haiti earthquake and the 2011 Christchurch earthquake in New Zealand, after which there were reports of widespread rape and an increase in intimate partner violence.5 Access to electricity: India illustrates one example of the obstacles that women and girls face when they don't have reliable access to electricity. Grid limitations in India have hampered the transition from coal toward renewable energy sources, and as a result, women and girls are burdened with the collection of solid fuels for heating, lighting and cooking, taking time away from other activities.6 Globally, two million women and children die prematurely each year from illnesses related to indoor air pollution, primarily from cooking with solid fuels.7

How Investors Can Address Climate Change and Gender Equity

By assessing how their investments in climate-related issues might disproportionately affect at-risk female populations, investors have the potential to expand the breadth of their impact. One way for investors to do this is by considering what the Morgan Stanley Institute for Sustainable Investing calls "Scope 3" gender issues for companies, or the impact of a company's operations on women and girls around the world.

For example, investments seeking to modernize grid infrastructure have a primary goal of enabling access to reliable and sustainable electricity to more people, while also reducing carbon emissions. But these investments also have the potential to reduce the time women and girls spend collecting solid fuels for the household, therefore providing more opportunities for paid work or education.

Framing a Gender Company's Footprint

Using a carbon emissions analogy, Scope 1 gender issues are relatively easy to track, but Scope 2 and 3 affect many more women worldwide.

*See chart above

Investors can use this framework above to map a company's footprint on gender issues, while also identifying opportunities to invest on issues at the intersection of climate and gender, especially in the "Scope 3" category. In addition, institutional investors and self-directed retail investors can follow these best practices to address both gender equity and climate change in their investment strategies:

Seek investments explicitly targeting climate-related issues affecting women. Consider how existing investments in climate change or water solutions may affect women specifically. Screen for gender metrics alongside water- and carbon-intensity metrics, especially for investors following exclusionary investing approaches. Ask companies operating in highly water- and/or carbon-intensive industries to quantify, and then reduce, their operational impact on at-risk female communities. Include gender issues in proxy voting guidelines or cooperate with third parties to raise the issue of gender in climate-related investments. Incorporate gender and climate considerations into investment belief statements or fund prospectuses.

Footnotes

1Progress on Household Drinking Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, 2000 - 2020, WHO/Unicef joint monitoring programme. Progress on household drinking water, sanitation and hygiene, 2000-2020: Five years into the SDGs - UNICEF DATA

2 https://www.epa.gov/arc-x/climate-adaptation-and-source-water-impacts

3 https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/unicef-collecting-water-often-colossal-waste-time-women-and-girls

4 World Bank, Gender Dimensions of Disaster Risk and Resilience https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/bitstream/handle/10986/35202/Gender-Dimensions-of-Disaster-Risk-and-Resilience-Existing-Evidence.pdf'sequence=1&isAllowed=y

5 Natural hazards, disasters and violence against women and girls: a global mixed-methods systematic review. BMJ Global Health, May 2021 https://www.bmj.com/company/newsroom/natural-disasters-increase-triggers-for-violence-against-women-and-girls/

6 Supporting Just Transitions in India, March 2021, Climate Investment Fund Project_Report.pdf (teriin.org)

7 UNDP Linkages Gender and CC Policy Brief 1-WEB.pdf

Disclosures

This material was published on March 7, 2023, and has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell any security or other financial instrument, or to participate in any trading strategy. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it. Securities discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. It should not be assumed that the securities transactions or holdings discussed were or will be profitable. Morgan Stanley recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments and strategies and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor.

This material contains forward-looking statements and there can be no guarantee that they will come to pass. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results or indicative of future performance.

Information contained in this material is based on data from multiple sources and Morgan Stanley makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of data from sources outside of Morgan Stanley.

Morgan Stanley makes every effort to use reliable, comprehensive information, but we make no guarantee that it is accurate or complete. We have no obligation to tell you when opinions or information in this material may change.

Because of their narrow focus, sector investments tend to be more volatile than investments that diversify across many sectors and companies.

The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG") aware investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because ESG criteria exclude some investments, investors may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as investors that do not use such criteria. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss in a declining financial market.

The guest speakers at the Sustainable Investing Summit are neither employees nor affiliated with Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC or Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC ("Morgan Stanley"). Opinions expressed by the guest speakers are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley.

Information contained in the material is based on data from multiple sources and Morgan Stanley makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of data from sources outside of Morgan Stanley. References to third parties contained herein should not be considered a solicitation on behalf of or an endorsement of those entities by Morgan Stanley. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on any third-party web site or your use of or inability to use such site, nor do we guarantee its accuracy or completeness. The terms, conditions, and privacy policy of any third-party web site may be different from those applicable to your use of any Morgan Stanley web site. The opinions expressed by the author of an article written by a third party are solely his/her own and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley. The information and data provided by any third-party web site or publication is as of the date of the article when it was written and is subject to change without notice.

 2023 Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Members SIPC.

CRC 5485190 03/2023

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Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Morgan Stanley

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/morgan-stanley

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Morgan Stanley

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/742954/The-Impact-of-Climate-Change-on-Women-and-What-Investors-Can-Do
Program will provide services for underserved students experiencing significant challenges to degree completion

CINCINNATI, OH / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2023 / Duke Energy announced a $100,000 Foundation grant to support regional advancement of the Moon Shot for Equity initiative. This collaborative effort with local higher education institutions is designed to graduate more Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky students from college. The program will provide assistance to underserved students experiencing significant challenges to degree completion.

"Duke Energy is proud to invest in the success of our local students," said Amy Spiller, president of Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky. "It is critically important to acknowledge equity gaps in higher education and take action to reduce those gaps. By supporting today's students, we are ensuring a vibrant economy for the future."

Four local higher education institutions are participating: Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, Gateway Community & Technical College, Miami University Regionals and Northern Kentucky University. The Duke Energy Foundation grant will provide direct assistance to each university as well as support to help with the creation of the online resources portal.

"We are grateful not only for Duke Energy Foundation's generous support, but also for their inherent leadership to support the regional Moon Shot for Equity program," said Dr. Ande R. Durojaiye, vice president and dean, Miami University Regionals, College of Liberal Arts and Applied Science. "With this support, we can ensure degree completion for some of our region's at-risk and underserved community, and accelerate meeting the workforce development needs in the Greater Cincinnati area."

The Moon Shot initiative focuses on four key strategies:

Enhancing access to need-based financial aid. Streamlining transfer pathways by ensuring transferability of college credits between institutions. Coordinating between key university offices and services, from financial aid and career advising to student health and counseling, to promote a holistic care model fostering student success. Eliminating and revising registration holds that are unnecessary and burdensome to students.

For more information on the Moon Shot for Equity program, visit the program website.

View original content here.

Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation contributes more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts and is funded by Duke Energy shareholder dollars. More information about the Foundation can be found at duke-energy.com/foundation.

Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky

Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides electric service to 880,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in a 3,000-square-mile service area, and natural gas service to 550,000 customers in a 2,650-square-mile service area, in Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 28,000 people.

Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy transition to achieve its goals of net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company has interim carbon emission targets of at least 50% reduction from electric generation by 2030, 50% for Scope 2 and certain Scope 3 upstream and downstream emissions by 2035, and 80% from electric generation by 2040. In addition, the company is investing in major electric grid enhancements and energy storage, and exploring zero-emission power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear.

Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2022 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' "World's Best Employers" list. More information is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos and videos. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Contact: Casey Kroger

Office: 513.287.1051

24-Hour: 800.559.3853

Twitter: @DE_CaseyK

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/742963/Duke-Energy-Aims-To-Increase-Graduation-Rates-in-Greater-Cincinnati-With-100000-Foundation-Grant-to-Moon-Shot-for-Equity
RICHMOND, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2023 / AIDE Canada, Canada's leading resource hub for content catered to the autism and neurodivergent communities has successfully concluded its highly anticipated event, The Impossible Conference. The conference took place on March 2-3, 2023, at the Pacific Autism Family Network building in Richmond, BC, and was a resounding success.

The Impossible Conference brought together some of the most prominent leaders and game-changers in the autism community. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share ideas, and learn about the latest trends and practices in the field.

The event featured several keynote speakers, including Cynthia Caroll at ED Autism Nova Scotia, Kevan Gilbert, CEO at Co.School, Sandy Stemp, COO at Reena Foundation, Dr. Nancy Jokinen, Adjunct Professor at UNBC, and self-advocates such as Terri Robson and the influencer Paige Layle who provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the autism community. Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in breakout sessions and workshops, where they could learn from experts in the field and share their own experiences and best practices.

Over the two-day event, attendees explored effective and innovative solutions to improve care for individuals with self-injurious behaviours, improve access to mental health resources in rural and remote regions, represent those who cannot voice their own opinion on complex issues, and hoe to ensure the health needs of older autistic adults are met. Attendees were able to access a strong network of peers, tools, and inspiration needed to drive positive change in their organizations and communities.

"At this conference, amazing self-advocates, parents, service providers, and policy makers worked together and made real progress in solving seemingly impossible challenges. We are thrilled to continue that progress and support our autism and/or intellectual disability community through initiatives and events in the coming year", said Joanna Nefs, CEO at AIDE Canada.

About Us

AIDE Canada, funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada and administered by the Pacific Autism Family Network Foundation, is an initiative focused on offering information and support to neurodivergent individuals and their families and caregivers.

Contact

For press inquiries, please contact: Joanna Nefs, CEO at AIDE Canada Jnefs@aidecanada.ca | Cel.604-928-2433

SOURCE: AIDE Canada

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/742495/Leaders-and-Game-Changers-Come-Together-to-Drive-Positive-Change-for-the-Autism-Community-at-The-Impossible-Conference-hosted-by-AIDE-Canada
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2023 / In a new case study, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) analyzes how Kipster, a Netherlands-based egg producer, has successfully expanded into the US market while maintaining a focus on carbon neutrality, animal welfare, and using surplus food for animal feed. The company has expanded to demonstrate the possibility of its circular business model for animal protein being both viable and profitable in the US, despite differing regulations, operating norms, and consumer cultures.

A circular business model is designed to provide a product that, from source to end-of-life, has a net-zero or net-positive impact on the planet. This can be accomplished through efficiency, reusing or creating value from what would traditionally be considered waste, avoiding virgin material inputs, and/or negating carbon and other resource use.

"There's definitely some skepticism that a truly circular business model for animal protein can work in the US at a large scale. But Kipster has risen to the challenge and is working to prove that it can be done," said Katherine Devine, director of business case development with WWF's Markets Institute. "Importantly, the company has also opened up the doors to show exactly how they are working through these challenges. That kind of transparency is exactly what we need to propel the entire industry forward to a more sustainable future."

Kipster debuted a first-of-its-kind farm in the Netherlands in 2017, with a circular, carbon-neutral, animal-friendly egg production model. In 2021, the company expanded production into the US, reaching select markets in 2022, with additional markets planned for 2023. WWF's case study details how Kipster's practices differ from conventional egg production-including feed sources, animal environments, and raising roosters for meat-and how it has replicated that model in the US.

Sandra Vijn, Kipster's managing director for the US, added: "At Kipster, we're guided by core beliefs that farm animals should contribute to a sustainable and healthy food system; humans must respect the emotions and instincts of farm animals; and that crops should be grown for human food, not for animal feed. We're proof that a business can operate successfully without compromising our principles."

Read the case study here: Kipster's Journey toward US Expansion

Media Contact:

Lorin Hancock, Lorin.Hancock@wwfus.org

About World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

WWF is one of the world's leading conservation organizations, working for 60 years in nearly 100 countries to help people and nature thrive. With the support of 1.3 million members in the United States and more than 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, halt the degradation of the environment, and combat the climate crisis. Visit worldwildlife.org to learn more; follow @WWFNews on Twitter to keep up with the latest conservation news; and sign up for our newsletter and news alerts here.

 Kipster

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from World Wildlife Fund on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: World Wildlife Fund

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/world-wildlife-fund

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: World Wildlife Fund

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/742959/Circular-Business-Model-for-Egg-Production-Proves-Promising-in-US
Regulatory News:

Blue Solutions and Bluebus, subsidiaries of the Bollore Group, and Forsee Power (FR0014005SB3 FORSE) (Paris:FORSE) announce that they have signed two memorandums of understanding to launch two new collaborative projects. On the one hand, Blue Solutions and Forsee Power are initiating the development of 100%-French solid-state battery systems that will be available on the market from 2026. On the other hand, Bluebus and Forsee Power partner to integrate the latest lithium-ion battery systems to expand the range of 6-meter and 12-meter buses, and thus meet all the expectations of the European, Middle Eastern and African markets.

The battery of the future, Made-in-France

The solid-state battery is recognized as one of the most promising approaches. Blue Solutions has been the only company in the world to produce such batteries since 2011. Thirty years of R&D and twelve years of production history have enabled the company to achieve considerable technological and industrial progresses, particularly with lithium metal and polymer electrolytes. Blue Solutions supplies its batteries to renowned manufacturers, as well as to its sister company Bluebus, developing a holistic knowledge of systems as well as vehicle and operating needs.

Forsee Power, expert in smart battery systems, designs and manufactures high value-added lithium-ion battery systems for heavy and light mobility applications. Whatever the charging infrastructure overnight or fast charging or the hybrid mode hydrogen or thermal the European leader's high power and/or high energy solutions meet all the needs of vehicle manufacturers and transport operators.

The new generation of battery cell (GEN4) developed by Blue Solutions and integrated by Forsee Power will achieve unparalleled performance in terms of energy density, it will be able to maintain its capacity throughout its life and will meet the exact requirements of operators and manufacturers in terms of speed of charge, durability, and safety.

On the way to a wider range of 100% electric city buses

Bluebus, French manufacturer of 100% electric buses, will offer in addition to its current LMP range 6 and 12-meter buses equipped with high energy density lithium-ion NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) battery systems FORSEE ZEN PLUS and FORSEE ZEN SLIM. Bluebus will thus be able to meet all the specific needs of its customers and address new market segments.

The precursor of the world's thinnest modular battery, ZEN SLIM is available in modules of 11, 16 or 21 kWh and will equip the 6-meter Bluebus. Thanks to its ultra-thin design, it can meet the most demanding volume constraints.

The new ZEN PLUS battery system launched in 2022 will be used in the 12-metre Bluebus. ZEN PLUS consists of 28 to 32 modules delivering 74 kWh to 84 kWh of energy per pack, and forms an optimal system adapted to the needs of transport lines.

NMC lithium-ion cells, combined with efficient liquid thermal management and addressing all climate zones, offer a lifetime of 5,000 cycles to ZEN SLIM and ZEN PLUS systems. They also offer an extremely competitive total cost of ownership (TCO).

Enhancing French skills for electromobility

The Blue Solutions and Bluebus production sites are located in Ergue-Gaberic in Brittany and employ nearly 500 people in a total area of 20,000 sqm, with respective capacities of 300 MWh and 300 buses per year. The Bluebuses have been awarded the Origine France Garantie label.

Forsee Power employs 350 people in France, including nearly 200 in Chasseneuil-du-Poitou, where the battery systems for the Bluebus will be produced. This state-of-the-art 15,000 sqm industrial site has the capacity to be expanded to keep pace with the growth of the electromobility markets.

"We are very pleased to contribute to the strengthening of the French industry with Forsee Power. In the battery field, we bring our unique solid-state cell technology and will develop with Forsee Power the battery systems of the future. As for the bus market, we are looking to expand our current offer: Forsee Power batteries will help us cover all the specific uses of our customers," says Richard Bouveret, Chairman and CEO of Blue Solutions and Bluebus.

"We are delighted with these partnerships with Blue Solutions and Bluebus, which strengthen our range of battery solutions and the market share of Forsee Power already leader in the electric bus segment in Europe. To decarbonize heavy transport, our R&D teams develop highly modular solutions in a variety of formats that can be fitted to both new electric buses and vehicles already operated by fleets in the case of battery system replacement or retrofit. These collaborations between French manufacturers strengthen the European battery industry and electromobility offer," explains Christophe Gurtner, Chairman and CEO of Forsee Power.

About Blue Solutions

Blue Solutions, an entity of the Bollore Group, is a global designer and manufacturer of all-solid-state electric batteries, based in Ergue-Gaberic (Brittany) and Boucherville (Quebec, Canada). Since 2011, Blue Solutions has been the only company in the world to mass-produce all-solid-state batteries, using Lithium Metal Polymer (LMP) technology, to meet the growing needs of sustainable and low-carbon transport. Blue Solutions production sites have ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications. More information at www.blue-solutions.com.

About Bluebus

Created in 2007 in Ergue-Gaberic (Brittany, France), Bluebus, part of the Bollore Group, is a French manufacturer of 100% electric buses. Available in 6 and 12 meters, these buses are equipped with all-solid-state batteries produced by Blue Solutions. The production sites of Bluebus and Blue Solutions are certified ISO 9001 ISO 14001 and received the Guaranteed French Origin label. The Bluebus range offers zero-emission technology and a silent solution responding to the requirements of public bodies and transport operators for clean and sustainable mobility. Today, more than 530 Bluebus e-buses are in operation around the world. For further information on www.bluebus.fr/en

About Forsee Power

Forsee Power is a French industrial group specializing in smart battery systems for sustainable electric transport (light vehicles, off-highway vehicles, buses, trains, and ships). A major player in Europe, Asia and North America, the Group designs, assembles, and supplies energy management systems based on cells that are among the most robust in the market and provides installation, commissioning, and maintenance on site and remotely. More than 1,800 buses and 100,000 LEVs have been equipped with Forsee Power's batteries. The Group also offers financing solutions (battery leasing) and second-life solutions for transport batteries. Forsee Power and its 650 employees are committed to sustainable development and the Group has obtained the Gold medal from leading sustainability rating agency EcoVadis. For more information: www.forseepower.com @ForseePower

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230309005612/en/

Contacts:

Blue Solutions Bluebus

Cindy Patan, Press Relations Manager

T +33 1 46 96 49 75 +33 7 72 40 49 75

cindy.patan@bollore.com

Forsee Power

Sophie Tricaud, VP Communications IR

Sophie.tricaud@forseepower.com

+33 6 42 72 08 91
Brampton, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 9, 2023) - Star Navigation Systems Group Ltd. (CSE: SNA) (CSE: SNA.CN) ("Star" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has signed a reseller agreement with APS Aerospace Corp. ("APS") based out of Ottawa, Canada.

Star's reseller agreement with APS will provide a complete end-to-end ecosystem of in-flight and post-flight analysis by leveraging APS's 'Flight Data Analysis Suite' such as:

The lumina|FDA which takes advantage of the latest innovations in web technologies and offers advanced Flight Data Analysis.

The lumina|2D which is an engineering analysis tool, that offers an excellent tool for annual maintenance readouts and deep dive investigations.

The lumina|3D which offers a powerful, flexible and highly customizable flight animation solution.

Star prides itself on being the worlds' first Inflight Safety Monitoring System ("STAR-ISMS") which captures, analyzes and transmits flight data in real time from an airborne aircraft. Star has an advanced computer system which has the capability to continuously analyze flight data at the network edge, from onboard computer systems using its proprietary algorithms and software to detect anomalies and exceedances, with the ability to automatically transmit key flight parameters from an airborne aircraft using Iridium satellites and transmit entire black box data, post-flight using cellular GSM.

Anoop Brar, Interim-CEO says, "This strategic relationship will allow Star to provide a complete ecosystem of post-flight data analytics offerings such as Flight Data Analysis (FDA), Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA), 3D replays, Post Flight Events, Safety Event Analysis, etc. We are excited about the opportunity to partner with APS bringing comprehensive aviation solutions to market that are being used by many operators, including Tier 1 and Tier 2 Airlines."

Michael Krebs, VP Sales, APS says, "We are pleased to have formed this relationship with a Canadian technology company that is passionate for innovation and looking to further enhance their Inflight Safety Monitoring system (STAR-ISMS) offerings. The aviation industry can benefit tremendously from continuous inflight analysis to enhance safety and optimize operations. We look forward to working with Star to bring these solutions to the market."

About Star Navigation Systems - www.star-navigation.com

Star Navigation Systems Group Ltd. manufactures the In-flight Safety Monitoring System, STAR-ISMS, the heart of the STAR-A.D.S. System. The STAR-A.D.S. System has real-time capability of tracking, performance trends and predicting incident-occurrences which enhances aviation safety and improves fleet management while reducing costs for the operator. Star's MMI Division (Military and Defence) designs and manufactures high performance, mission critical, flight deck flat panel displays for defence and commercial aviation industries worldwide.

About APS Aerospace Corporation - www.apscorp.ca

APS is an experienced hands-on subject-matter-expert in flight data analysis technologies for accident investigation, accident prevention, operational efficiency and meeting Digital Flight Data Recorder annual regulatory requirements.

Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements in this news release may constitute "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are statements that address or discuss activities, events or developments that Star expects or anticipates may occur in the future.

When used in this news release, words such as "estimates", "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "projects", "will", "believes", "intends" "should", "could", "may" and other similar terminology are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations and beliefs of Star's management. Because forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, actual results, performance or achievements of Star or the industry may be materially different from those implied by such forward-looking statements.

Examples of such forward-looking information that may be contained in this news release include statements regarding; growth and future prospects of our business; our perceptions of the industry and markets in which we operate and anticipated trends in such markets; expectations regarding the operation of our app; and our future revenues.

Material factors or assumptions that were applied in drawing a conclusion or making an estimate set out in the forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, our ability to execute on our business plan, increase visibility amongst consumers and convert users to revenue producing subscribers and the success of the business of our partners. Forward-looking statements involve significant uncertainties, should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be an accurate indication of whether or not such results will be achieved.

Should one or more of these factors or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected.

Accordingly, readers should exercise caution in relying upon forward-looking statements and Star undertakes no obligation to publicly revise them to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law.

NEITHER CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Please visit www.star-navigation.com or contact

Randy Koroll, Chief Financial Officer at 1-416-252-2889 x228

randy.koroll@star-navigation.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/157866


Paris, Amsterdam, March 9, 2023



Press release

Supervisory Board of Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield SE (URW) to proposeJacquesRichier as next Chairman of the Supervisory Board at the URW 2023 General Meeting

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield SE (URW) announces that its Supervisory Board has selected Jacques Richier as its candidate for new Supervisory Board Member to be proposed at the 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 11, 2023. Subject to his appointment, Jacques Richier will assume chairmanship of the Supervisory Board at the conclusion of the meeting, for a 3-year mandate.

A French national, Jacques Richier, 68 years old, is currently the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Allianz France (former AGF), a subsidiary of Allianz S.E., one of the world's largest asset managers and world leading insurers.

The proposal follows a thorough selection process led by Roderick Munsters, Chairman of the Governance, Nomination & Remuneration Committee and Cecile Cabanis, Vice-Chair of the Supervisory Board to propose a successor for Leon Bressler, who has reached the statutory age limit under article 13.4 of the

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield SE articles of association and will end his tenure as Chairman and member of the Supervisory Board at the 2023 AGM.

For further information, please contact:

Investor Relations

Alex Estruch

VP, Chief of Staff to the CEO

+1 424 303 1948

Alex.Estruch@urw.com

Media Relations

UK/Global:

Cornelia Schnepf - Finelk

+44 7387 108 998

Cornelia.Schnepf@finelk.eu

France:

Sonia Fellmann - PLEAD

+33 6 27 84 91 30

Sonia.Fellmann@plead.fr

United States:

Molly Morse - Kekst CNC

+ 1 212 521 4826

Molly.Morse@kekstcnc.com

About Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield is an owner, developer and operator of sustainable, high-quality real estate assets in the most dynamic cities in Europe and the United States.

The Group operates 78 shopping centres in 12 countries, including 43 which carry the iconic Westfield brand. These centres attract over 900 million visits annually and provide a unique platform for retailers and brands to connect with consumers. URW also has a portfolio of high-quality offices, 10 convention and exhibition venues in Paris, and a 3 Bn development pipeline of mainly mixed-use assets. Currently, its 52 Bn portfolio is 87% in retail, 6% in offices, 5% in convention and exhibition venues, and 2% in services (as at December 31, 2022).

URW is a committed partner to major cities on urban regeneration projects, through both mixed-use development and the retrofitting of buildings to industry-leading sustainability standards. These commitments are enhanced by the Group's Better Places 2030 agenda, which strives to make a positive environmental, social and economic impact on the cities and communities where URW operates.

URW's stapled shares are listed on Euronext Amsterdam and Euronext Paris (Ticker: URW), with a secondary listing in Australia through Chess Depositary Interests. The Group benefits from a BBB+ rating from Standard & Poor's and from a Baa2 rating from Moody's.

For more information, please visit www.urw.com

Attachment
Finsbury Growth & Income Trust Plc - Transaction in Own Shares

For immediate release

9 March 2023

FINSBURY GROWTH & INCOME TRUST PLC

(the "Company")

MARKET PURCHASE OF COMPANY'S OWN SHARES

The Company announces that it has today purchased 100,000 of its own shares ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 882.15 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 15,686,853; 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 209,304,450.

The figure of 209,304,450 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
European digital services group SQLI today announces its annual results for 2022, which were approved by the Board of Directors at its meeting, chaired by Philippe Donche-Gay, on 9 March 2023. Audit procedures were conducted on the consolidated financial statements.

In m - IFRS - Audited data 2021 2022 Change REVENUE 225.4 245.9 +9% EBITDA[1] 15.2 22.8 +50% 6.7% 9.3% +2.6 pts CURRENT OPERATING INCOME 13.1 21.5 +64% 5.8% 8.7% +2.9 pts OPERATING INCOME (EBIT) 11.7 16.2 +38% 5.2% 6.6% +1.4 pt NET INCOME 5.3 7.7 +43%

REVENUE GROWTH (+9%)

SQLI accelerated its growth in 2022 with a 9% increase in consolidated revenue, mainly organic, to 245.9m. The implemented measures boosted its business in France, which grew +9.7% (130.7m). The Group's international business (115.2m), up 8.4%, generated nearly 47% of its income.

INCREASE IN EARNINGS FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES (+64%) AND NORMALISED NET INCOME (+100%)

Thanks to this solid business growth, combined with higher margins, current operating profitability improved to 21.5m (8.7%).

There was a significant increase in France, where its current operating profitability rose 3.5 points to 6.7%. With 11.0% profitability, international business was up 2.2 points.

Operating income (EBIT) increased 38% to 16.2m, despite 5.3m in net non-current expenses (including approximately 3.0m associated with the 2022 takeover bid and the long-term incentive plan).

Expenses related to the full refinancing accounted for 1.1m, the net cost of debt (4.0m), and the tax expense (3.4m).

The consolidated net profit was 7.7m compared with 5.3m in 2021. Restated for non-recurring expenses mainly related to the takeover bid and the refinancing, the normalised net profit would double to 11.9m.

LOW NET DEBT/EQUITY RATIO (4%)

SQLI generated 15.0m in free cash flow[2]. This flow includes the partial use of factoring reserves (6.5m) to finance growth and takes into account non-recurring items (takeover bid, refinancing). SQLI therefore had gross cash of 22.2m at the end of 2022.

In February 2022, SQLI completed a full refinancing by issuing a seven-year bullet bond for 28m and fully repaid its 49m in financial debt (syndicated and State-guaranteed loan). The group also negotiated two additional lines of credit (CAPEX credit and 36-month RCF line) for a total of 30m, not used to date, to finance its development.

Net financial debt (excluding IFRS 16) totalled 5m for equity of 110.6m.

OUTLOOK

After a return to normal health conditions, the demand for digital experience services shows no signs of losing steam. Many companies in the B2B sectors still have plans to implement e-commerce and experience platforms and, in particular, marketplaces. In B2C, our large customers need to shift their systems towards more flexible architectures.

SQLI is taking steps to meet these needs with the effective integration of its international subsidiaries, reorganisation by area of expertise in France, and ongoing investment in its development centre in Morocco. Thanks to the financing secured in 2022, SQLI will also be able to make targeted acquisitions.

In this context, SQLI's goal is to maintain its revenue growth and continuously improve its profitability in 2023.

Receive SQLI financial news free of charge by e-mail by signing up at: www.actusnews.com

About SQLI: Founded in 1990, SQLI is a European digital services group that supports major international brands in creating value through Digital. Its creative and technical teams are committed to providing customers, consumers, and users with new and engaging experiences based on the best technologies and methodologies, as well as their skills and convictions. They design, develop, and deploy strong and effective architectures that improve companies' agility, increase their efficiency, and promote their growth. SQLI's 2,100 employees are spread over 13 countries: France, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark, Spain, Morocco, Mauritius, and Dubai. In 2022, the SQLI group generated revenues of 246m. SQLI has been listed on Euronext Paris (SQI) since 21 July 2000.

https://www.sqli.com

Follow SQLI on LinkedIn

Follow SQLI on Facebook and Twitter

[1] EBITDA = earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (excl. IFRS 16)

[2] N et cash flow = operations (28.3m) - investment (3.6m) + IFRS 16 impact (-9.6m)

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Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-78866-sqli_cp_ra_2022_en.pdf
Originally published on TriplePundit.com

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2023 / In 2020, Meta achieved net zero greenhouse gas emissions for our global operations and today, we are supported by 100 percent renewable energy. These are good first steps, but we have so, so much work still to do to become a fully sustainable company.

That was my thought as I arrived in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, for the 27th annual U.N. climate conference, or COP27. Held in November 2022 and dubbed the Climate Implementation Summit, the event gathered leaders from the public, nonprofit and private sectors - the global sustainability community - to debate, celebrate and negotiate global climate action.

Going in, "implement" was the word top of mind as leaders were expected to follow up on ambitious goals set the year before in Glasgow, Scotland. By day eight, however, the word on my mind was "mired." As in: Are we, collectively, moving fast enough?

This year's event had its high points -President Joe Biden's address to world leaders, in which he affirmed the United States' commitment to a low-carbon future, was certainly one. But COP27 missed the mark in some key ways, such as creating financing for developing countries struggling under the financial burden of climate change and creating mechanisms to help more countries reduce emissions. It is also clear we can all do more to measure and report on yearly progress.

At Meta, we believe the private sector has a critical role to play in our global ambitions to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. During a challenging period for the company, focusing on the "true north" of measurable climate action and building climate resilience remains essential to our future and our bottom line.

Year-over-year, our net zero goal remains fixed even as we grow - both in terms of our users today and our plans for the metaverse tomorrow. And along with our net zero ambition, we are progressing related goals, including our aim to restore more water than we consume in our global operations.

Bringing all of this back to COP27, it's clear that we can't do it alone. No one can and, in fact, this is one of my favorite things about working in sustainability: collaboration. As we embark on a new year, Meta remains committed to collaborating with those committed to climate change and continues to expand our network of global partners. Most recently, we've:

Helped launch the Asian Clean Energy Coalition to advance renewable energy procurement in Asia with the World Resources Institute and other technology companies.

Joined with the U.S. State Department, USAID, and other companies in PREPARE Call to Action to the Private Sector on Adaptation.

Announced a new partnership with Stripe, Alphabet, Shopify and McKinsey Sustainability to launch Frontier, an advanced market commitment to help scale emerging carbon removal technologies that are crucial to tackling climate change.

Embraced an Emissions First accounting framework that moves beyond the current approach of megawatt-hour matching and focuses on emissions impact.

And during COP27 itself, were honored to support The Resilience Hub, an inclusively-built virtual and physical space that served as the home to the Race to Resilience campaign. Representing more than 1,500 non-state actors taking action on resilience around the world, the hub hosted more than 60 sessions each with incredible speakers offering their expertise and perspectives as well as live performances, art and culture.

Importantly, too, Meta is supporting and amplifying changemakers on the front lines of the climate fight. After our largest-ever global survey about climate change this past spring painted a picture of deep concern among respondents, we're already seeing meaningful change happen when communities come together. More than 40 million people around the world are part of at least one of the 24,000 Facebook Groups dedicated to the discovery, protection, and appreciation of the earth and our environment.

In the meantime, Meta Sustainability continues to report on its work across our enterprise. As the U.N. High-Level Expert Group report clearly states, integrity matters, which is why our net zero commitments are not only public but are relentlessly tracked and reported each year.

But as the U.N. report notes, a net zero pledge "must contain steppingstone targets for every five years" in line with Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) or International Energy Agency (IEA) pathways as well as "prioritize urgent and deep reduction of emissions across their value chain."

We agree. That's why I look forward to sharing our own specific decarbonization plans in early 2023. And while I look forward to seeing my sustainability peers at COP28 next November as well, I encourage those in the private sector - companies big, small and every size in between - to join us in the climate fight.

Time is literally running out - and we need all of you, and all of your solutions, to make this work.

This article series is sponsored by Meta and produced by the TriplePundit editorial team.

Image credits:Nicholas Doherty/Unsplash and Meta

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Meta on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Meta

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/meta

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Meta

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/742981/Net-Zero-Goals-Moving-From-Why-to-How-to-Now
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2023 / Climate change impacts are growing every year, threatening lives, business continuity, and infrastructure-costing an average of $152.9 billion dollars per year in the U.S. alone (NOAA, 2022). Yet the Architecture and Engineering (A&E) industry still relies on historical weather data as a primary resource for performance analysis, system sizing, and other design decisions, as climate projection data are not available in the formats used by A&E codes, process guidelines, and software. ?

The new report "Climate Forward? How Climate Projections Are(n't) Used to Inform Design" from the University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership (MCAP) and national interdisciplinary design firm HGA, reveals the alarming gap between the current state of A&E practice and climate science.

Currently, energy modelers most often use the Typical Meteorological Year (TMY3) dataset produced by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)- based on past median weather conditions for a given location that is sometimes more than three decades old. Our changing climate makes 'climate normals' less useful for designers, poorly reflecting the range, frequency, and intensity of potential future weather conditions that a building will need to withstand during its lifespan. Key systems and infrastructure globally will continue to be vulnerable unless design standards change to account for changing climate. ?

"We know climate change is here and the past is no longer the best predictor of the future. As we seek to make our buildings more energy efficient and 'climate-friendly', we must also use climate projection data to ensure our built environment is resilient to the climate of the future." say Dr. Heidi Roop, MCAP's Director and a report author. "This report highlights that there is work to do by the climate science community and A&E professionals to ensure we are designing for climate resilience. Clients and professional societies also play a key role in driving a holistic, forward-looking approach to design of the buildings and infrastructure we all rely on."

The research makes a decisive case for the development and promotion of industry standards, mandates (including building codes), guidance and training for using climate projections in A&E applications. It also articulates the critical role for boundary organizations and climate data developers to build partnerships and capacities to bridge this gap alongside A&E professionals.

"Climate Forward?" also addresses the missed opportunity to extend the life of our buildings. Today's sustainable design efforts focus primarily on climate change mitigation-that of reducing carbon emissions. In contrast, MCAP and HGA's research shows how the industry should also shift to design for climate change adaptation-which are a broader set of design measures that factor in the projected climate over the lifespan of the building and systems.?

Lead author of the report, Ariane Laxo, HGA's Director of Sustainability said, "There is tremendous potential in climate resilience services-professional services related to climate change resilience and/or adaptation using climate projection data." She continued, "identifying the right data formats and timescales to factor in the projected climate over the lifespan of the building, landscape, and systems, will dramatically change the way we design to create a more resilient future. Industry associations need to create standards for how to integrate these data into practice, so we are using consistent methodologies."

The climate is changing rapidly. Action must be taken now, and must involve substantive collaboration with climate data developers, boundary organizations, A&E associations and professionals, policy makers, building code & standards bodies, higher education institutions, and any organization that hires A&E professionals. The report concludes with recommended actions that could close the gap between climate science and the A&E professionals who are designing buildings and infrastructure that must withstand climate change.

Read the full report, "Climate Forward? How architects and engineers are(n't) using climate projections to inform design."

Report authors: Ariane Laxo, HGA, Brenda Hoppe, University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership, Heidi Roop, University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership, Patrick Cipriano, HGA and University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership

About MCAP

The University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership (MCAP) is a partnership among university, public, non-profit, and private sector groups organized to support Minnesota's ability to adapt to a changing climate. MCAP conducts cutting-edge climate and adaptation research, champions climate leadership, develops the next generation of adaptation professionals, and advances implementation of effective, equitable adaptation actions across sectors, communities, and levels of government. Learn more about MCAP at climate.umn.edu or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.

About HGA

HGA is a national interdisciplinary design firm committed to making a positive, lasting impact for our clients and communities through research-based, holistic solutions. We believe that great design requires a sense of curiosity-forming deep insight into our clients, their contexts, and the human condition. We are a collective of over 1,000 architects, engineers, interior designers, planners, researchers, and strategists. Our practice spans multiple markets, including healthcare, corporate, cultural, education, local and?federal government, and science and technology. Visit HGA.com or follow us on?Facebook,?Twitter,?LinkedIn, and?Instagram.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from HGA on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: HGA

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/hga

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: HGA

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/742980/New-Climate-Forward-Report-Advocates-for-the-Use-of-Climate-Projection-Data-by-Architecture-and-Engineering-Professionals-to-Inform-Design
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - March 9, 2023) - Eureka Capital Corp. (TSXV: EBCD.P) (the "Corporation") is pleased to announce that it has successfully completed an initial public offering of 5,900,000 common shares of the Corporation ("Common Shares") at a price of $0.10 per Common Share for gross proceeds of $590,000 (the "Offering"). After completion of the Offering, the Corporation now has 9,700,000 Common Shares issued and outstanding.

PI Financial Corp. (the "Agent") acted as the agent for the Offering and in connection therewith, the Corporation granted the Agent and its designated sub-agents, non-transferable options to purchase up to an aggregate of 590,000 Common Shares at a price of $0.10 per Common Share, which may be exercised for a period of five years from the day the Common Shares are listed on the Exchange. In connection with the Offering, the Agent also received a cash commission equal to 10% of the gross proceeds of the Offering, a corporate finance fee, and was reimbursed for its reasonable expenses and legal fees.

Concurrent with the closing of the Offering, the Corporation also granted options to acquire an aggregate of 970,000 Common Shares at an exercise price of $0.10 per Common Share to the directors and officers of the Corporation, which expire five years from the date of grant. For more information, please refer to the Corporation's final prospectus dated January 26, 2023.

The Corporation is a "Capital Pool Company" and intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to identify and evaluate assets or businesses for acquisition with a view to completing a "Qualifying Transaction" under the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange Inc. (the "Exchange"). On March 7, 2023, the Exchange issued a bulletin approving the listing of the Common Shares as of market open on March 9, 2023, and immediately halting trading pending completion of closing of the Offering. The Common Shares will resume trading under the trading symbol "EBCD.P" on March 14, 2023.

Investors are cautioned that trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative.

For further information, please contact:

Eureka Capital Corp.

Minaz Lalani - Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Director

E-mail: Minaz@besure.com

Forward-Looking Information Cautionary Statement

Investors are cautioned that trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative. Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or the Corporation's future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" 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 Corporation's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, the Corporation's stated use of proceeds and its expectation as to the resumption of trading of the Common Shares on the Exchange constitute forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The statement made in this press release are made as of the date hereof. The Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be expressly required by applicable securities laws.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE INC. NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE INC.) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/157872
More Hours of Fun for Friends, Families, and Spring Breakers this Season

DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2023 / This spring, Rainbow Vomit is the place to be seen as the top-rated immersive art experience and voted among the best things to do in Dallas, TX. Located across the street from the historic Fair Park right off the DART, Rainbow Vomit's 2600-square foot space has been wowing patrons since 2019 where they have welcomed more than 100,000 visitors with more than 2500 positive online reviews.

"Every Spring, we see more and more people coming to Rainbow Vomit, may it be as part of a staycation or out-of-town guests who are looking for something unique and fun to do with friends and families, so we have extended our hours to accommodate all," says Deanna Theis, Lead Artist and Curator of Rainbow Vomit, which is designed to transport guests to a captivating world of art, light, and sound designed as a comic book come to life.

Rainbow Vomit's appeal to families has grown exponentially during its four-year tenure in Fair Park. "We continue to see guests of all ages getting into the fun! The little ones love it, the teens go wild for the Tik Tok opportunities, and the adults have the chance to feel like a kid again in our magical setting where guests are encouraged to become the hero of their own comic book experience and capture fun memories in the over 20 Instagram-worthy photo spots located in the exhibit," says Theis.

Year-round, Rainbow Vomit is also a great location for parties, corporate events, and other special functions, including field trips. "Our exhibit provides an experiential artistic setting where students can engage directly with their surroundings and learn about creative expression among various mediums of art," says Theis. The installations were built by a team of over 15 artists and creatives, led by creators Theis, Robert Andrews, and Jason Mendez. The current installation covers 2600 sq ft with multiple different styles of art and features over 10000 LEDs, 3000 Balloons, 300 pounds of cotton, 4 miles of ribbon, and 1 life-sized (magical) unicorn named Gerard! The installations at Rainbow Vomit are often changing, and this Spring will actually be the last chance to ride and take photos with Gerard. For more information, visit www.rainbowvomit.com

DETAILS :

Rainbow Vomit is now open for both public tours and private bookings during the following times*:

Sunday 12:00 Noon - 6:00 PM

Monday 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Tuesday 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Wednesday 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Thursday 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Friday 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Saturday 12:00 Noon - 9:00 PM

*Hours are subject to availability. Please call 469.248.0953 or email bookings@rainbowvomit.com for more information.

WHERE : Rainbow Vomit is located across the street from the historic Fair Park right off the DART at 3609 Parry Avenue, Dallas, TX, 75226 (map).

PRICING :

GENERAL ADMISSION (ALL AGES) $23-$28 Includes entrance for 1 hour into Rainbow Vomit

STUDENTS (13-18 or w/ ID) / MILITARY / SENIOR $20-$25

CHILDREN'S ADMISSION (3-12) $17-$20 each

Children under the age of 3 don't need a ticket

Tickets and times are available here.

More photos are available here.

Please note that all sales are final unless trip insurance is purchased, but transferring to other days is permitted.

Contact:

Rob Andrews

Experience Director

Hello@rainbowvomit.com

Dana Cobb

Media Relations

dana@thevokolgroup.com

615-491-1913 972-955-9747

SOURCE: Rainbow Vomit

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/742990/Dallas-1-Immersive-Art-Exhibit-Rainbow-Vomit-Announces-Extended-Hours-This-Spring
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2023 / Today, Silver Lining announces that its small business technical assistance program, SLAP (Silver Lining Action Plan) is now available in Spanish. The initiative, funded by Wells Fargo, makes goal setting and business planning more accessible for small business owners who want to grow their revenue and their profit.

Silver Lining has supported 14,000+ English-speaking small business owners since it started in 2005. In the last 18 years, the company has dedicated millions of dollars and countless hours to understanding the real needs that small business owners, especially those from marginalized communities, have. Based on those insights, the company has constantly innovated its tech-enabled, data-driven, behavior-change science-based SaaS platform to meet those needs.

Eduardo Placer, Founder and CEO of Fearless Communicators, is a proud son of Cuban immigrants who grew up in Florida speaking Spanish as his primary language. He has been using the SLAP Program in English for 5 years and has grown his business revenue by over 500% in that time. When told that SLAP was being launched in Spanish his immediate reaction was pure excitement. "I am so proud to be part of a community that is making a serious investment to support Spanish-speaking small business owners like me." "Estoy muy orgulloso de ser parte de una comunidad que esta haciendo una inversion seria para apoyar a los propietarios de pequenas empresas de habla hispana como yo."

While there was an outpouring of support for so many marginalized small business owners during Covid-19, the significant majority of the resources made available were in English. It became increasingly clear that the most pressing product priority for Silver Lining, and the community of business owners it supports, was not to add the next set of features into the program but to ensure that the program was fully available in Spanish to help the 4.4+ million Spanish-speaking small business owners in the US who face many challenges but have limited support in their language.

"According to the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the approximately 4.4 million Spanish-speaking SMBs in the United States contribute more than $700 billion to the American economy every year. It is a true testament to the resilience and creativity of these business owners to know that they accomplish so much with so few resources available to them. It is an honor to know that we have created something that can give them access to more structure and support so that they can increase their success. When Spanish-speaking small business owners succeed, so do our communities and the economy. " says Carissa Reiniger, Silver Lining's Founder & CEO.

The launch of SLAP in Spanish is one element of the larger American Small Business Growth Program which is a multi-pronged program focused on changing the US-economy one small business at a time. The program has brought the SLAP Program to over 700 US-based small business owners from marginalized communities in addition to implementing multiple innovation projects and public engagement campaigns to address larger systemic issues that face diverse and underserved small businesses. Launching SLAP in Spanish was a major objective of the first phase of the American Small Business Growth Program and thanks to the catalytic capital from Wells Fargo, Silver Lining has gone through a comprehensive process to translate all elements of the SLAP experience and build the infrastructure to not just make SLAP available in Spanish, but to more easily and efficiently release SLAP in additional languages in the future.

"Having access to a trusted expert in business and financial planning can be a game-changer for a small business owner," said Jenny Flores, head of small business growth philanthropy at Wells Fargo. "At Wells Fargo, we're working to expand the capacity of organizations like Silver Lining to reach more entrepreneurs and accelerate their growth."

Thanks to additional support from Wells Fargo, the first 100 Spanish-speaking small business owners who apply for a spot in the American Small Business Growth Program will get the full program, valued at over $5,000 USD, at a Pay-What-You-Can rate. Organizations that support Spanish-speaking SMBs and small business owners are encouraged to apply now for these spots.

To learn more about The American Small Business Growth Program, please visit: https://smallbizsilverlining.com/wellsfargo

About Silver Lining

Since 2005, Silver Lining has been helping small business owners worldwide build more pro?table and sustainable businesses through their proprietary tech-enabled and data-driven small business growth program - SLAP - the Silver Lining Action Plan. Their proven behavior change science methodology is the modern approach to the age-old problem of growing a small business. Additionally, as part of their commitment to do everything "Small Business First," they created Thank You Small Business - a Global Movement to thank, celebrate and support all small businesses globally, as well as Impact5X, an economic justice initiative to decrease barriers to access for small business owners from marginalized communities. To learn more about Silver Lining, please visit: http://smallbizsilverlining.com

Moe Escario

Silver Lining

moe@smallbizsilverlining.com

Visit us on social media:

Facebook

LinkedIn

Silver Lining expands its small business growth program, SLAP, and is now available in Spanish to help fill the gap in resources for Spanish-speaking SMBs.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Wells Fargo on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Wells Fargo

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/wells-fargo

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Wells Fargo

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/742992/The-American-Small-Business-Growth-Program-Now-Enables-Small-Business-Success-in-Spanish
Originally published in Tapestry's 2022 Corporate Responsibility Report Report

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2023 / Since its launch in 1993 with a collection of six essential handbags, kate spade new york has always been colorful, bold and optimistic. Today it is a global lifestyle brand that designs extraordinary things for the everyday, delivering seasonal collections of handbags, ready-to-wear, jewelry, footwear, gifts, home decor and more. Known for its rich heritage and unique brand DNA, kate spade new york (ksny) offers a distinctive point of view and celebrates communities of women around the globe who live their perfectly imperfect lifestyles.

We believe that women's mental health is a critical component of their empowerment. Our work in women's mental health started in 2013 with our work in Rwanda through on purpose and since that time we have expanded our partnership working to empower women and girls with mental health resources globally.

We aim to reach 100,000 women and girls globally with access to empowerment and mental health resources by 2025.

At kate spade new york we believe that good mental health is a fundamental human right for everyone and we are uniquely positioned to make positive change and impact for women and girls' mental health. With our social impact work, we aim to address a truer, fuller spectrum of a woman's joy by putting mental health at the heart of our women's empowerment work.

In 2021, kate spade new york and its Foundation invested $3 million to support the empowerment and mental health of women and girls with 25 partners globally. In addition, we have continued to use our brand platform to help destigmatize the topic of mental health and bring resources to our employees, customers and community. We aim to reach 100,000 women and girls with access to empowerment and mental health resources by 2025.

SUPPORTING THE BROADER COMMUNITY

For the second year running, ksny partnered with The Trevor Project , the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ identifying young people. The partnership included:

A global shopping event, which reached a maximum donation goal of $157,275.

An internal employee Thank-A-Thon, where employees wrote thank you cards to Trevor Project volunteers, who provide direct support to 150,000+ LGBTQ+ identifying youth each year.

ksny matched donations during the Trevor Project's end-of-year campaign, aiding the non-profit in reaching its goal of raising $100,000. For more on the reach and impact of ksny social impact work, please read the 2021 Social Impact Report .

On World Mental Health Day, ksny launched a co-branded text line with our partners at Crisis Text Line and Kids Help Phone Canada. To connect with Crisis Text Line or Kids Help Phone Canada for free, 24/7, text-based mental health support, text KSHELPS to 741741 in the U.S. or 686868 in Canada.

PARTNERSHIP SPOTLIGHT: ON PURPOSE RWANDA

Since 2013, ksny has partnered with Abahizi Rwanda, an independent, employee-owned, B Corp-certified handbag manufacturer based in Masoro, Rwanda. Abahizi Rwanda employs more than 250 women, providing full-time employment, health benefits and a full spectrum life skills program including access to mental health support for all employees.

In April 2021, ksny continued to broaden its impact in the community of Masoro, Rwanda, through our on purpose initiative by partnering with Isooko Community Development, a Rwandan non-profit dedicated to women's and youth health, education, and economic access. In 2021, ksny contributed $177,000 to Isooko, which in part helped to fund the construction of the Masoro Sport and Learning Center. Abahizi Rwanda is located in Masoro. It's important to not only invest in women but also the communities they call home, for sustainable, long-term impact.

Read more about ksny's social impact work

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Tapestry, Inc. on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Tapestry, Inc.

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/tapestry-inc

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Tapestry, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/743004/kate-spade-new-york-is-Making-an-Impact-and-Changing-Lives
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2023 / St.Martin Agency is a creative concept agency for small business, which is focused on consulting and mentoring to help entrepreneurs through a unique branding methodology. The company was founded by Julia Kushnir, a successful businesswoman and entrepreneur, who started her business in 2011 after traveling around Asia for over a year.

First, Julia opened a wedding salon, which became the most famous in Russia after only two years. Then he delved into the study of marketing and branding and began to help aspiring entrepreneurs. Soon, Julia created her own branding methodology for small businesses and then she opened her creative concept agency. Very soon, she launched her first online course called "Turnkey Creative Concept for Small Business", which was a complete success! The course was attended by 1.5 thousand people, with a lot of positive feedback and growth cases.

St.Martin Agency was founded by Julia's desire to help entrepreneurs with all their branding needs. "I wanted to share my knowledge with others, because I know how important it is at the start of a business! Branding, albeit indirectly, has a very strong influence on the success of a project!", Julia explains.

The business manages to stand out from the crowd because of the high quality of their work. Also, they're very specific to work with small businesses and they specialize in helping them to grow. In addition, they have hundreds of success cases and positive customer reviews, which prove that their service is 5 stars!

In today's society, branding goes way beyond just a logo or graphic element. It is a key part of making a memorable impression on consumers and what allows them to know what to expect from any company. It is also the best way of distinguishing from the competitors and clarifying what it is you offer that makes you the better choice.

Effective branding requires a strategic plan, including clear brand guidelines, as well as alignment as a company on the desired brand identity, and that's exactly what St.Martin Agency's work team does!

Julia is currently working with the Fantel Pro functional medicine platform. She's going to organize the Health Festival, to develop an online school, and to also launch her updated branding course!

If you need assistance with your brand, from creating your initial brand strategy to the visual identity elements, contact St.Martin Agency here!

About St.Martin Agency:

It is a creative concept agency for small business, which is focused on consulting and mentoring to help entrepreneurs through a unique branding methodology. The company was founded by Julia Kushnir.

Contact:

Paula Henderson

561-768-4444

phendersonnews@gmail.com

SOURCE: St.Martin Agency

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/743002/Get-To-Know-StMartin-Agency-The-Creative-Concept-Agency-That-Specializes-In-Helping-Small-Business-With-Their-Branding-Needs
Documentary to Detail the Rescue of FNC's Benjamin Hall Following the Catastrophic Attack in Ukraine in March 2022

FOX News Channel (FNC) will present a documentary on the rescue of FNC's State Department correspondent Benjamin Hall following the catastrophic attack in Ukraine that left him severely wounded. Entitled "Sacrifice and Survival: A Story From the Front Line", the program will air from 9-11 PM/ET on Sunday, March 19th. An extended version of the documentary will drop on FOX Nation following the FNC debut.

Based on Hall's memoir, "Saved: A War Reporter's Mission to Make it Home" which publishes on March 14th, the film will detail the attack that critically injured Hall and resulted in the deaths of FNC photojournalist Pierre Zakrzewski and Ukrainian journalist Oleksandra "Sasha" Kuvshynova while newsgathering in Ukraine in March 2022.

The special will feature, for the first time, the details of Hall's harrowing extraction from Ukraine and the arduous recovery that ensued. With help from nonprofit organization Save Our Allies and the Department of Defense, including Secretary Lloyd Austin and then-Pentagon press secretary John Kirby, along with FNC and the network's Chief National Security Correspondent Jennifer Griffin, Hall was located and evacuated out of Ukraine to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center within 48 hours of the attack.

After 10 days and countless surgeries, he was then transferred to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas where he spent six months with doctors rebuilding his body before returning home to his family in London last August. Throughout the two-hour documentary, viewers will hear first-hand accounts from Hall and those who were integral to his rescue and recovery, including with his wife Alicia Meller, Zakrzewski's widow Michelle Ross-Stanton, best friend Rick Findler, FOX News correspondents Jennifer Griffin, Trey Yingst, and Greg Palkot, Save Our Allies co-founder Sarah Verardo, a number of doctors and surgeons who helped him, among others. Additionally, the program will also unveil never-before-seen video of the moments leading up to the attack, captured by Zakrzewski himself.

FOX News Channel (FNC) is a 24-hour all-encompassing news service and has been the number one network in basic cable for the last six years and the most-watched television news channel for more than 21 consecutive years, currently attracting more than 50% of the cable news viewing audience according to Nielsen Media Research. Notably, Nielsen/MRI Fusion has consistently shown FNC to be the network of choice for more Democrat and Independent viewers, with the most politically diverse audience in cable news. Additionally, a 2021 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index report stated FOX News leads the news industry in both brand loyalty, engagement, and expectations while a 2022 Brand Keys poll showed FNC dominating morning and evening news in customer loyalty engagement. Owned by Fox Corporation, FNC is available in nearly 80 million homes and dominates the cable news landscape, routinely notching the top 15 programs in the genre.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230309005740/en/

Contacts:

FOX News Media Contact

Connor Smith

212.301.3879 or Connor.Smith@FOX.COM
The February edition hosted 80 brands exclusive to MAGIC New York

Over 150 new to show brands displayed next season's collections and immediates

Domestic and international buyers from Free People, Urban Outfitters, ShopBop and ASOS attended

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2023 / MAGIC New York, the premier wholesale fashion event for Modern Sportswear, Young Contemporary and Trend driven fashion, organized by Informa Markets Fashion, successfully concluded February 23. MAGIC New York provides a 360-degree fashion experience for domestic and international retailers to discover new and established brands, build connections and network with industry experts, further growing the east-coast MAGIC community.

Each MAGIC event hosts a new perspective on trend driven apparel, footwear and accessories. Brands and retailers can expect new and exciting experiences, activations and collections all unique to the three host cities. The New York edition of MAGIC offers a more expansive modern sportswear footprint to Las Vegas and Nashville, and over 80 brands exclusive to the New York show.

MAGIC New York highlighted new and emerging collections from Ciel, Love Knits NYC and Blue Bone Jewelry and returning brands like Betsey Johnson, Lucy Paris, FRNCH, Articles of Society, Chinese Laundry and Eileen Fisher. MAGIC New York hosted over 100 new-to-show brands including Barefoot Dreams, MIA Shoes, Bebe, LFD, Sundays Soho and Edit by Nine.

Modern Sportswear brands including Gretty Zeuger, M Rena, Petit Pois, Angela Mara, Julian Chang and Namsar showcased upcoming Fall and Winter 23/24 trends including sheer tops, choker necklaces, animal prints, tulle, feathers and denim on denim, and reinforced existing trends including long cargo skirts and fit and flare denim.

"Brands, business owners and retailers come to MAGIC New York to connect with other members in the industry, reach new clientele and converge with national and international industry representatives," says Jordan Rudow, Vice President of MAGIC. "The fashion community came to MAGIC New York with strong enthusiasm off of the successful Las Vegas event to discover new brands and build those important industry connections that further support and grow their businesses."

The MAGIC continues at the next stop in Nashville at the Music City Center. MAGIC Nashville will highlight the latest in trends in southern fashion April 27-28. Register to attend at www.magicfashionevents.com

ABOUT INFORMA MARKETS FASHION

Informa Markets Fashion a division of Informa Markets, a subsidiary of Informa plc, (LON:INF), connects and inspires the global fashion community through online experiences, industry insights, and worldwide fashion trade events, including MAGIC, COTERIE, PROJECT, and SOURCING at MAGIC. From more effective manufacturing and supply chain opportunities to creative design inspiration and retail on the wholesale floor, Informa Markets Fashion's diverse portfolio supports the entire fashion ecosystem - fostering innovation and driving creativity year-round. For more information on upcoming events, please visit: www.findfashionevents.com

ABOUT MAGIC NEW YORK

MAGIC is a high-energy fashion experience and home to the industry's largest selection of modern sportswear, trend-driven and young contemporary apparel, footwear, and accessories. Fusing scale with curation to drive commerce, creativity, and connections, MAGIC joins a global audience of retail buyers - from big-box to boutique - with influencers, media, and industry thought leaders. More than just events, MAGIC is a deeply rooted community, and a place brands and retailers call home. For more information, please visit: www.magicfashionevents.com.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok to stay connected.

Follow MAGIC New York on social and join the conversation:

MAGICNY

@Magicfashionevents

MAGIC on LinkedIn

Media Contacts:

Kristin Borland

Informa Markets Fashion

press@fashionresource.com

SOURCE: INFORMA MARKETS - FASHION

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/742991/MAGIC-New-York-Highlights-Autumn-and-Winter-Trends-Attracts-Global-Retail-Audience-at-February-Fashion-Event
PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2023 / The Board of Trustees of abrdn Income Credit Strategies Fund (the "Fund"), has declared a cash distribution of $0.328125 per share of the Fund's 5.250% Series A Perpetual Preferred Shares (NYSE:ACP PRA) ("Series A Preferred Shares"). The distribution is payable on March 31, 2023 to holders of Series A Preferred Shares of record on March 20, 2023 (ex-dividend date March 17, 2023).

The Series A Preferred Shares trade on the NYSE under the symbol "ACP PRA", are rated "A2" by Moody's Investors Service and have an annual dividend rate of $1.3125 per share. The Series A Preferred Shares were issued on May 10, 2021 at $25.00 per share and pay distributions quarterly.

Distributions may be paid from sources of income other than ordinary income, such as net realized short-term capital gains, net realized long-term capital gains and return of capital. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. In January 2024, a Form 1099-DIV will be sent to shareholders, which will state the amount and composition of distributions and provide information with respect to their appropriate tax treatment for the 2023 calendar year.

You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund's investment performance from the amount of this distribution.

In the United States, abrdn is the marketing name for the following affiliated, registered investment advisers: abrdn Inc., abrdn Investments Limited, abrdn Australia Limited, abrdn Asia Limited, Aberdeen Capital Management, LLC, abrdn ETFs Advisors LLC and abrdn Alternative Funds Limited.

Closed-end funds are traded on the secondary market through one of the stock exchanges. The Fund's investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor's shares may be worth more or less than the original cost. Shares of closed-end funds may trade above (a premium) or below (a discount) the net asset value (NAV) of the fund's portfolio. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

For More Information Contact:

abrdn Inc.

Investor Relations

1-800-522-5465

Investor.Relations@abrdn.com

SOURCE: Abrdn Income Credit Strategies Fund 5.25% Series a Perpetual Preferred Shares

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/742966/abrdn-Income-Credit-Strategies-Fund525-Series-A-Perpetual-Preferred-Shares-Declares-Quarterly-Dividend
PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2023 / The following abrdn U.S. Closed-End Funds announced today that the closed end funds in the chart directly below will pay the distributions indicated on a per share basis on March 31, 2023 to all shareholders of record as of March 24, 2023 (ex-dividend date March 23, 2023).

Ticker Exchange Fund Amount ACP NYSE abrdn Income Credit Strategies Fund $ 0.1000 AGD NYSE abrdn Global Dynamic Dividend Fund $ 0.0650 AOD NYSE abrdn Total Dynamic Dividend Fund $ 0.0575 ASGI NYSE abrdn Global Infrastructure Income Fund $ 0.1200 AWP NYSE abrdn Global Premier Properties Fund $ 0.0400 FAX NYSE American abrdn Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. $ 0.0275 FCO NYSE American abrdn Global Income Fund, Inc. $ 0.0700 AEF NYSE American abrdn Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund, Inc. $ 0.1000

At the end of each calendar year, a Form 1099-DIV will be sent to shareholders, which will state the amount and composition of each fund's distributions and provide information with respect to their appropriate tax treatment for the prior calendar year. You should not draw any conclusions about any of these Funds' investment performance from the amount of the distributions.

MANAGED DISTRIBUTION POLICY FUNDS

ANNOUNCE DISTRIBUTION PAYMENT DETAILS

abrdn Global Infrastructure Income Fund ("ASGI")

abrdn Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. ("FAX")

The above-noted abrdn U.S. Closed-End Funds (the "Funds" or individually the "Fund"), today announced that the Funds will pay the distributions noted in the chart above on March 31, 2023, on a per share basis to all shareholders of record as of March 24, 2023 (ex-dividend date March 23, 2023).

Each Fund has adopted a distribution policy to provide investors with a stable distribution out of current income, supplemented by realized capital gains and, to the extent necessary, paid-in capital in reliance on an exemptive order granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Under applicable U.S. tax rules, the amount and character of distributable income for each Fund's fiscal year can be finally determined only as of the end of the Fund's fiscal year. However, under Section 19 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") and related rules, the Funds may be required to indicate to shareholders the estimated source of certain distributions to shareholders.

The following tables set forth the estimated amounts of the sources of the distributions for purposes of Section 19 of the 1940 Act and the rules adopted thereunder. The tables have been computed based on generally accepted accounting principles. The tables include estimated amounts and percentages for the current distributions to be paid as well as for the cumulative distributions paid relating to fiscal year to date, from the following sources: net investment income; net realized short-term capital gains; net realized long-term capital gains; and return of capital. The estimated compositions of the distributions may vary because the estimated composition may be impacted by future income, expenses and realized gains and losses on securities and currencies.

Each Fund's estimated sources of the current distributions to be paid and for its current fiscal year to date are as follows:

Estimated Amounts of Current Distribution per Share Fund Distribution Amount Net Investment Income Net Realized Short-Term Gains* Net Realized Long-Term Gains Return of Capital ASGI $0.1200 $0.0060 5% $0.0012 1% $0.0984 82% $0.0144 12% FAX $0.0275 $0.0151 55% - - - - $0.0124 45%

Estimated Amounts of Fiscal Year to Date Cumulative Distributions per Share Fund Fiscal Year** to Date Distribution Amount Net Investment Income Net Realized Short-Term Gains* Net Realized Long-Term Gains Return of Capital ASGI $0.7200 $0.0360 5% $0.0072 1% $0.5904 82% $0.0864 12% FAX $0.1375 $0.0756 55% - - - - $0.0619 45%

* includes currency gains

** ASGI has a 9/30 fiscal year end; FAX has a 10/31 fiscal year end.

Where the estimated amounts above show a portion of the distribution to be a "Return of Capital," it means that Fund estimates that it has distributed more than its income and capital gains; therefore, a portion of your distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur for example, when some or all of the money that you invested in a Fund is paid back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund's investment performance and should not be confused with "yield" or "income."

The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this notice are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The final determination of the source of all distributions for the current year will only be made after year-end. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment experience during the remainder of the fiscal year and may be subject to change based on tax regulations. After the end of each calendar year, a Form 1099-DIV will be sent to shareholders for the prior calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

The following table provides the Funds' total return performance based on net asset value (NAV) over various time periods compared to the Funds' annualized and cumulative distribution rates.

Fund Performance and Distribution Rate Information Fund Average Annual Total Return on NAV for the 5 Year Period Ending 02/28/2023 Current Fiscal Period's Annualized Distribution Rate on NAV Cumulative Total Return on NAV Cumulative Distribution Rate on NAV ASGI3 7.77% 7.03% 12.77% 2.93% FAX -1.29% 10.48% 14.99% 3.49%

1 Return data is net of all fund expenses and fees and assumes the reinvestment of all distributions reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund's dividend reinvestment plan, with the exception of the most recent distribution.

2 Based on the Fund's NAV as of February 28, 2023.

3 The Fund launched within the past 5 years; the performance and distribution rate information presented reflects data from inception (July 29, 2020) through February 28, 2023.

Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about a Fund's investment performance from the amount of the Fund's current distributions or from the terms of the distribution policy (the "Distribution Policy").

While NAV performance may be indicative of the Fund's investment performance, it does not measure the value of a shareholder's investment in the Fund. The value of a shareholder's investment in the Fund is determined by the Fund's market price, which is based on the supply and demand for the Fund's shares in the open market.

Pursuant to an exemptive order granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Funds may distribute any long-term capital gains more frequently than the limits provided in Section 19(b) under the 1940 Act and Rule 19b-1 thereunder. Therefore, distributions paid by the Funds during the year may include net income, short-term capital gains, long-term capital gains and/or a return of capital. Net income dividends and short-term capital gain dividends, while generally taxable at ordinary income rates, may be eligible, to the extent of qualified dividend income earned by the Funds, to be taxed at a lower rate not to exceed the maximum rate applicable to your long-term capital gains. Distributions made in any calendar year in excess of investment company taxable income and net capital gain are treated as taxable ordinary dividends to the extent of undistributed earnings and profits, and then as a return of capital that reduces the adjusted basis in the shares held. To the extent return of capital distributions exceed the adjusted basis in the shares held, capital gain is recognized with a holding period based on the period the shares have been held at the date such amount is received.

The payment of distributions in accordance with the Distribution Policy may result in a decrease in the Fund's net assets. A decrease in the Fund's net assets may cause an increase in the Fund's annual operating expense ratio and a decrease in the Fund's market price per share to the extent the market price correlates closely to the Fund's net asset value per share. The Distribution Policy may also negatively affect the Fund's investment activities to the extent that the Fund is required to hold larger cash positions than it typically would hold or to the extent that the Fund must liquidate securities that it would not have sold, for the purpose of paying the distribution. Each Fund's Board has the right to amend, suspend or terminate the Distribution Policy at any time. The amendment, suspension or termination of the Distribution Policy may affect the Fund's market price per share. Investors should consult their tax advisor regarding federal, state and local tax considerations that may be applicable in their particular circumstances.

Circular 230 disclosure : To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the U.S. Treasury, we inform you that any U.S. tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.

In the United States, abrdn is the marketing name for the following affiliated, registered investment advisers: abrdn Inc., abrdn Investments Limited, abrdn Australia Limited, abrdn Asia Limited, Aberdeen Capital Management, LLC, abrdn ETFs Advisors LLC and abrdn Alternative Funds Limited.

Closed-end funds are traded on the secondary market through one of the stock exchanges. A Fund's investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor's shares may be worth more or less than the original cost. Shares of closed-end funds may trade above (a premium) or below (a discount) the net asset value (NAV) of the fund's portfolio. There is no assurance that a Fund will achieve its investment objective. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

https://www.abrdn.com/en-us/cefinvestorcenter

For More Information Contact:

abrdn U.S. Closed-End Funds

Investor Relations

1-800-522-5465

Investor.Relations@abrdn.com

SOURCE: abrdn U.S. Closed-End Funds

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/742972/abrdn-US-Closed-End-Funds-Announce-Distribution-Payment-Details
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 9, 2023) - Miramis Mining Corp. (the "Company" or "Miramis") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive agreement dated February 22, 2023 (the "Agreement") with Merritt Mining Resources Corp. ("Merritt"), and 1401700 B.C. Ltd. ("Subco"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Miramis. Pursuant to the Agreement, Miramis and Merritt have agreed to combine their respective businesses by way of a "three-cornered" amalgamation in accordance with section 269 of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the "BCBCA"), as further detailed below (the "Transaction").

The Transaction

Pursuant to the Agreement, upon completion of the Transaction which is structured as a three-cornered amalgamation in accordance with the BCBCA, Merritt will amalgamate with Subco, a newly incorporated and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, formed solely for the purpose of facilitating the Transaction. Following the Transaction, the amalgamated company will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, under the name "Miramis Holdings Corp." ("Amalco") and carry on the business of Merritt. It is anticipated that, upon completion of the Transaction: (i) Leighton Bocking, Morgan Good and Jeremy Hanson will serve as the initial directors of Amalco; (ii) Morgan Good will serve as Chief Executive Officer of Amalco; and (iii) Damien Good will serve as Corporate Secretary of Amalco. In addition, it is anticipated that, upon completion of the Transaction, Damien Good will be appointed as Corporate Secretary of the Company and Jeremy Hanson will be appointed as Vice President of Exploration of the Company.

Pursuant to the Agreement, upon completion of the Transaction, among other things: (i) each shareholder of Merritt, other than a dissenting shareholder, is expected to receive one common share in the authorized share structure of Miramis (each, a "Common Share") in exchange for each common share in the authorized share structure of Merritt (each, a "Merritt Share") held by such shareholder at a deemed price of $0.10 per Common Share (with the aggregate number of Common Shares issuable being up to 1,726,001 Common Shares) and all of the issued and outstanding Merritt Shares are expected to be cancelled immediately thereafter; (ii) each issued and outstanding common share in the authorized share structure of Subco is expected to be exchanged for one common share in the authorized share structure of Amalco (each, an "Amalco Share"); and (iii) in consideration for the issuance by the Company of the Common Shares to shareholders of Merritt, other than dissenting shareholders, Amalco is expected to issue to the Company one Amalco Share for each Common Share so issued to such shareholders of Merritt.

Further, following the Transaction, the Company may issue up to 13,265 Common Shares to the holders of certain issued and outstanding common share purchase warrants of Merritt (the "Merritt Warrants") upon the valid exercise of such outstanding Merritt Warrants, subject to the terms and conditions thereof, including the receipt by the Company of the requisite consideration therefor.

The completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of closing conditions, including but not limited to receipt of all required regulatory, shareholder and third-party approvals required to complete the Transaction, including the passing of a special resolution of the shareholders of Merritt approving the Transaction at a special meeting of Merritt which is expected to be held on March 13, 2023. There can be no assurance that the proposed Transaction or other transactions described in this news release will be completed as proposed or at all.

About Merritt Mining Resources Corp.

Merritt is engaged in the exploration and development of mineral properties and has an option to purchase certain mineral claims known as the Nicola East Mineral Property located in British Columbia.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"Morgan Good"

Morgan Good

Chief Executive Officer

T: 604-715-4751

E: morgan@miramismining.com

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements or information. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements and information relating to the closing of the Transaction, including without limitation the issuance of Common Shares and Amalco Shares and the cancellation of Merritt Shares and common shares of Subco in connection therewith, the conditions to completing the Transaction, timing and receipt of all applicable regulatory, shareholder and third-party approvals, the potential issuance of Common Shares upon valid exercise of the Merritt Warrants, Merritt's future plans, the business objectives of Amalco and the Company, the proposed composition of Amalco's board of directors and slate of officers, the proposed appointments of officers of the Company, and other matters. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by management of the Company. As a result, there can be no assurance that the proposed Transaction or related matters will be completed as proposed or at all. Although management of the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information since no assurance can be given that they will prove to be correct.

Forward-looking statements and information are provided for the purpose of providing information about the current expectations and plans of management of the Company relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such statements and information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to complete the Transaction as currently proposed or at all, the ability of each of the Company, Merritt and Amalco to complete its planned future activities and anticipated business plans, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to fund its business activities and plans, the ability of the Company and/or Merritt to obtain applicable regulatory, shareholder and third party approvals of the Transaction and the Company's ability to appoint officers. Other factors may also adversely affect the future results or performance of the Company, including general economic, market or business conditions, changes in the financial markets and changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting the Company's operations and the Company's limited operating history. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and no undertaking is given to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/157920
The Company Also Sets its Extraordinary General Meeting Date and Record Date

Orion Engineered Carbons(NYSE:OEC), a leading global supplier of specialty and high-performance carbon black, today announced that it will hold its 2023 annual general meeting of shareholders on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 2:00 pm Central European Time at the company's office, located at 6, Route de Treves, L-2633 Senningerberg (Municipality of Niederanven), Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The company also set its record date for the admission of the company's shareholders to its annual general meeting to April 6, 2023, at 11:59 pm Central European Time.

In addition, the company announced that it will hold an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 4:00 pm Central European Time at the company's office, located at 6, Route de Treves, L-2633 Senningerberg (Municipality of Niederanven), Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The company also set its record date for the admission of the company's shareholders to its extraordinary general meeting to April 6, 2023, at 11:59 pm Central European Time.

This extraordinary general meeting will be held in accordance with Luxembourg legal requirements, in particular to refresh the Board's five-year authorization received from its shareholders to issue up to five million new shares from authorized share capital and other corporate housekeeping involving changes to the company's articles of incorporation.

The company will also make it possible to attend its annual general meeting and the extraordinary general meeting virtually and to exercise shareholder rights in advance of the meeting by means of remote communication.

About Orion Engineered Carbons

Orion Engineered Carbons (NYSE:OEC) is a leading global supplier of carbon black, a solid form of carbon produced as powder or pellets. The material is made to customers' exacting specifications for tires, coatings, ink, batteries, plastics and numerous other specialty, high-performance applications. Carbon black is used to tint, colorize, provide reinforcement, conduct electricity, increase durability, and add UV protection. Orion has innovation centers on three continents and 14 plants worldwide, offering the most diverse variety of production processes in the industry. The company's corporate lineage goes back more than 160 years to Germany, where it operates the world's longest-running carbon black plant. Orion is a leading innovator, applying a deep understanding of customers' needs to deliver sustainable solutions. For more information, please visit orioncarbons.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance, or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement. New risk factors and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risk factors and uncertainties, nor can we assess the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events, or other information, other than as required by applicable law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230309005466/en/

Contacts:

Wendy Wilson

Orion Engineered Carbons

Head of Investor Relations

wendy.wilson@orioncarbons.com

+1 281-974-0155

William Foreman

Orion Engineered Carbons

Director of Corporate Communications and Government Affairs

william.foreman@orioncarbons.com

Direct: +1 832-445-3305

Mobile: +1 281-889-7833
WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2023 / The American Red Cross celebrates Truist Foundation for its generous donation of $5 million to support the urgent humanitarian needs posed by extreme weather events across the U.S. Truist Foundation, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, is the first corporate partner to commit such a gift in addition to its annual $1 million commitment to Red Cross Disaster Relief.

Truist Foundation's investment will help the Red Cross grow and adapt its capacity to respond to natural disasters and accelerate its ability to prevent and alleviate hardships brought on by these urgent and increasing challenges. These new Red Cross initiatives aim to reduce the number of families falling into poverty after disasters, including the expansion of financial assistance to help those most in need bridge significant roadblocks to recovery and find solutions for safe and stable living environments.

"Natural disasters pose a clear threat to the well-being and stability of our communities," said Lynette Bell, president of Truist Foundation. "Truist Foundation works to ensure the most vulnerable communities receive the direct and immediate support they need to bolster their recovery in the aftermath of a disaster. My hope is that other corporate partners are inspired to follow in our footsteps and support the American Red Cross in this important work."

As extreme weather-driven disasters such as hurricanes, floods and wildfires worsen, more displaced families and communities rely on the Red Cross for help. The organization is often one of the first on the ground during a crisis and serves millions of people in need each year, especially the most vulnerable, who are often disproportionately affected by natural disasters. Furthermore, housing, health and hunger-related services in these communities need greater capacity and stronger support networks to respond.

Through its new Community Adaptation Program, the Red Cross is helping to build resiliency and empower families after disasters by enhancing support in several target areas, which are concurrently at high risk for extreme weather and struggling with socioeconomic challenges. Through the program, the Red Cross is partnering with local nonprofits to strengthen their ability to serve families hit hard by intense, recurring disasters. Inspired by this innovative partnership at the local level, Truist Foundation's commitment will help the Red Cross meet its goal to lessen the impact of future disasters in these communities.

"Stronger and more frequent disasters are repeatedly striking communities across the country, creating unimaginable suffering for vulnerable families," said Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. "As we continue to see these devastating impacts each year, we're so very grateful for Truist Foundation's generosity and partnership as we work to expand our capacity and adapt our services to help people in times of great need."

Truist Foundation has been a member of the Annual Disaster Giving Program - a group of generous corporate partners that donate to the Red Cross in advance of disasters - since its inception in 2020 and has also supported specific Red Cross disaster response efforts regionally and nationally.

About Truist Foundation

Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation's (NYSE:TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. Established in 2020, Truist Foundation makes strategic investments in nonprofit organizations to help ensure the communities it serves have more opportunities for a better quality of life. Truist Foundation's grants and activities focus on building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses. Learn more at truist.com/foundation.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Truist on 3blmedia.com.

###

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Truist

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/truist

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Truist

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/743056/Truist-Foundation-Leads-the-Way-with-5M-Commitment-to-the-American-Red-Cross-to-Grow-Disaster-Response-Capacity
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2023 / Forward Water Technologies Corp. (TSXV:FWTC) (the "Company" or "FWTC") is pleased to announce it has changed its auditors from KPMG ("Former Auditor") to RSM Canada LLP ("Successor Auditor").

There were no reservations in the Former Auditor's audit reports for any financial period during which the Former Auditor was the Company's auditor. There are no "reportable events" (as the term is defined in National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations) between the Company and the Former Auditor.

In accordance with National Instrument 51-102, the Notice of Change of Auditor, together with the required letters from the Former Auditor and the Successor Auditor, have been reviewed by the Company's Audit Committee and have been filed on SEDAR accordingly.

About RSM Canada LLP

RSM Canada LLP provides public accounting services and is the Canadian member firm of RSM International, a global network of independent assurance, tax and consulting firms with 57,000 people in 120 countries. For more information visit rsmcanada.com

About Forward Water Technologies Corp.

Forward Water Technologies Corp. is a publicly traded Canadian company dedicated to saving the earth's water supply using its patented Forward Osmosis technology. The Company was founded by GreenCentre Canada, a leading technology innovation centre supported by the government of Canada. The Company's technology allows for the reduction of challenging waste streams simultaneously returning fresh water for re-use or surface release. The Company's mandate is to focus on the large-scale implementation of its technology in multiple sectors, including industrial wastewater, oil and gas, mining, agriculture and ultimately municipal water supply and re-use market sectors. In addition, the Company has initiated early stage R&D for the treatment of food and beverage process streams.

For more information, please visit www.forwardwater.com.

Contact Information

For more information or interview requests, please contact:

C. Howie Honeyman - Chief Executive Officer

howie.honeyman@forwardwater.com

416-451-8155

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

SOURCE: Forward Water Technologies Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/743070/Forward-Water-Technologies-Announces-Change-of-Auditor-to-RSM-Canada-LLP
NuVision, a Nottingham, UK-based company with a product that speeds up healing of eye conditions, raised 1.1M in further funding.

The round, which brings the total raised by the company to over 5M, was led by MEIF Proof of Concept & Early Stage Fund with participation from Midlands Engine Investment Fund, Mercias EIS funds, Pioneer Group (formerly the BioCity Group), the University of Nottingham

The company intends to use the funds to accelerate the development of its first two products in advance of a Series A investment in the next 12 months.

Founded in 2015 by Dr Andy Hopkinson based on his research at the University of Nottingham, and led by CEO Andy Hill, NuVision is advancing wound dressings made from the amniotic membrane, the sac that surrounds babies in the womb, and are used to help the surface of the eye regenerate and heal. Its first product, Omnigen, a dry, room-temperature stable product that rehydrates on contact with natural moisture from the eye, is already approved for treatment on the NHS and is used in hospitals and private clinics in the UK and overseas. Omnigen may be applied in the operating theatre or, when used in combination with the companys bespoke bandage contact lens, OmniLenz, in the outpatient department or clinic. This enables patients to benefit from amniotic membrane without having to undergo surgery and can enable treatment at an earlier stage in the development of their condition.

FinSMEs

09/03/2023
Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe marks 60th anniversary of Chinese Medical Teams

Xinhua) 09:39, March 09, 2023

Zhu Wei (R), leader of the 19th Chinese Medical Team in Zimbabwe and outgoing chief of the TCM Clinic in Zimbabwe, receives a medal from Zimbabwean Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care Constantino Chiwenga at a ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary of Chinese Medical Teams and to welcome the 20th Chinese Medical Team in Zimbabwe in Harare, Zimbabwe, on March 8, 2023. The Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe on Wednesday held a ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary of sending the first China Medical Team abroad and to welcome the 20th Chinese Medical Team to Zimbabwe. (Xinhua/Tafara Mugwara)

HARARE, March 8 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe on Wednesday held a ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary of sending the first China Medical Team abroad and to welcome the 20th Chinese Medical Team to Zimbabwe.

The event also celebrated the outgoing 19th Chinese Medical Team in Zimbabwe on the successful completion of its year-long mission.

"Today, we are gathering here to commemorate the 60th anniversary of China dispatching its first medical team abroad and the 38th anniversary of the Chinese Medical Team to Zimbabwe," Cheng Yan, charge d'affaires at the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe, said.

Since China dispatched its first foreign medical team to Algeria in 1963, a total of 30,000 medical personnel have treated 290 million local patients in 76 countries and regions. Currently, Chinese medical teams are working at 115 sites in 56 countries around the world, Cheng said.

Since 1985, China has dispatched 20 medical teams to Zimbabwe. Over the past year, the 19th Chinese Medical Team worked in collaboration with Zimbabwe's Ministry of Health and Child Care and related departments to provide medical treatment to Zimbabweans.

He said over the past year, the 19th medical team overcame the difficulties of COVID-19 and devoted themselves to their mission.

"They went to factories, mining areas, villages, and schools receiving more than 11,000 medical consultations, conducted more than 550 surgeries, and rescued more than 120 critically ill patients," Cheng said.

In addition, he said they successfully set up the Zimbabwe-China Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture Center, and provided free acupuncture treatment and training programs to local people.

"Their works have brought actual benefits to Zimbabwean people, which vividly demonstrate the idea of building a global community of health for all," said Cheng.

In addition, he said the 20th China Medical Team will continue to carry forward the spirit of the Chinese medical teams and make new contributions to China-Zimbabwe medical and health cooperation.

"The fruitful medical and health cooperation between our two countries comes from the fact that China and Zimbabwe are good friends, good brothers, and good partners. Following the principles of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith and the philosophy of people-centered development, China has committed to supporting Zimbabwe's national development, improving people's livelihood, and promoting a human community with a shared future through win-win cooperation," added Cheng.

Speaking at the event, Zimbabwean Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care Constantino Chiwenga acknowledged the role that China and the medical team have played in Zimbabwe's fight against COVID-19, noting that "Zimbabwe is very grateful for the provision of personal protective equipment and COVID-19 laboratory testing from the very early stages of the pandemic."

"This gave us the capacity to not only contain the spread of the disease, but also to protect our frontline health workers and the health care systems," Chiwenga said.

In addition, he expressed gratitude to China for providing vaccines to Zimbabwe.

"The first lot of COVID-19 vaccines in Zimbabwe was a donation from the Chinese government in February 2021, and this provided a turning point of a very successful vaccination campaign which is currently at 60.8 percent," Chiwenga said.

In his farewell remarks, Zhu Wei, leader of the 19th Chinese Medical Team, and outgoing chief of the TCM Clinic in Zimbabwe, said the team had contributed to Zimbabwe's health cause.

"We have provided medical services to local people wholeheartedly, promoted the cooperation project of the counterpart hospitals for respiratory and critical care constantly, promoted onsite rescue-first witness training and laparoscopic operation actively, provided TCM acupuncture diagnosis and treatment services for the people of Zimbabwe, and carried out TCM acupuncture and moxibustion personnel training," Zhu said.

"Through the use of medical skills, we managed to interact with the Zimbabwean patients; by understanding the rich and diverse culture of Zimbabweans, communicating with the people became easier and enjoyable," Zhu added.

In addition, he said the China medical teams will continue to come to Zimbabwe and take over the task of their predecessors to provide medical services to the Zimbabwean people.

China and Zimbabwe have a long history of cooperation in the medical field.

To support Zimbabwe's fight against COVID-19, China donated a large number of medical supplies, including a donation of 5 million doses of vaccines to Zimbabwe. Last year, the National Pharmaceutical Warehouse, aided by China, was handed over to the Zimbabwean government.

Members of the 19th Chinese Medical Team in Zimbabwe pose for a photo at a ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary of Chinese Medical Teams and to welcome the 20th Chinese Medical Team in Zimbabwe in Harare, Zimbabwe, on March 8, 2023. The Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe on Wednesday held a ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary of sending the first China Medical Team abroad and to welcome the 20th Chinese Medical Team to Zimbabwe. (Xinhua/Tafara Mugwara)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Fifty years ago, the US Supreme Court passed its famous Roe v Wade ruling, providing abortion rights to women in America. Today, these same rights are being ripped up. The fight to end womens oppression must be a fight for socialist revolution.

On 24 June 2022, nine unelected and unaccountable judges took away the rights of millions of American women over their bodies. They curtailed the right to abortion almost exactly fifty years after it was won in the Roe v Wade Supreme Court ruling.

This demonstrates the precariousness of all rights and benefits for the working class under the capitalist system. The rights that we enjoy are not given to us, once and for all, by our enlightened rulers. They are won by us in struggle, and must be continually fought for.

The struggle over the right to abortion has been an important flashpoint in the class struggle in Poland in recent years, as well as in a number of countries across Latin America. Similarly, the movement to repeal the 8th in Ireland dealt a mighty blow against the establishment.

Why are reproductive rights under attack at the moment? And what does the struggle for abortion rights have to do with the class struggle?

Crisis

These attacks are ultimately linked to the crisis of capitalism. There has been an extremely weak recovery since the crisis of 2008. And then in 2020 another huge economic crisis began, sparked by the pandemic, leading to todays cost-of-living crisis. This has thrown society back decades when it comes to progress for women.

A UN report from last year showed that standards of living have declined in 90 percent of countries. It also showed that this has been the sharpest decline since monitoring began. This means that in general the ruling class is unable to afford reforms.

Because they cannot offer anything but austerity, certain wings of the ruling class have tried to create a base for themselves by whipping up divisive prejudices, to distract workers from their real interests. Reactionary anti-abortion legislation is pushed as part of their culture war, whose real purpose is to divert attention from the crisis of capitalism.

There is a huge resurgence in strike activity in many countries. We have also seen the immense Black Lives Matter movement. There is a big radicalisation to the left amongst the youth and many workers. These attacks on abortion must therefore be placed in the context of class struggle, of turbulence in society, and of mass discontent.

Cynicism

American politicians who push anti-abortion politics do so for cynical ends. They are not pro-life, but pro winning elections.

For example, Ronald Reagan was known for opposing abortion as a pious Christian. Yet when he was governor of California he actually extended the right to abortion in 1967. Similarly, Mitt Romney ran on an anti-abortion programme in 2012; yet in a debate in 1994 with the Democrat Ed Kennedy, Romney argued in favour of abortion rights, and Kennedy argued against.

Historically, the Republican Party actually supported abortion rights. This was for libertarian reasons  they were opposed to government interference in private lives.

It was only in 1978, five years after Roe v Wade was passed, that the Republicans even started to think about opposing abortion rights. Why? Because their former base in Jim Crow segregationist racism was starting to collapse. They needed to promote another divisive prejudice instead, and so they looked to white evangelical Christians.

Even this layer was not anything like as preoccupied with abortion as it is today, however. That only started to happen in the 2000s and especially after 2008, coinciding with the growth of the culture wars in the US. Its no coincidence that all this coincided with the crisis and the inability of the ruling class to offer the American working class any future.

We can see the same thing in reverse with the Democrats. They have increasingly styled themselves as opposed to womens oppression and racism. As their opponents have promoted anti-abortion politics, they have gravitated to pro-choice positions to cultivate their own base. Their support for these causes is entirely opportunistic.

Joe Biden today presents himself as a champion of a womans right to choose. But in the past, he said the opposite, and he has never explained this about-face.

In reality, the Republicans attacks on abortion rights gave the Democrats a boost in the midterm elections. This is what they care about.

If the Democrats really cared about abortion rights, they would at some point in the past fifty years have passed federal legislation guaranteeing the right to abortion, instead of this right being dependent on a court ruling. But theyve never tried to do that, even when they controlled both houses of Congress.

It is to the Democrats advantage to keep holding the threat of abortion rights being taken away over women, so that people vote for them and against the Republicans.

Class question

In the Russian Revolution, women won rights that were much more advanced than what they have in countries like the USA today / Image: public domain

The right to abortion is a democratic, not a socialist right. That is to say, it should be part of the formal democratic rights that bourgeois democracy is based on. Such rights do not mean real equality and freedom are actually attained, because under capitalism material inequality is enormous.

What does it say about capitalism today, that even this legal right cannot be guaranteed? That we are being thrown back into barbaric conditions in which women are being forced to give birth against their will, or to seek illegal abortions in dangerous conditions?

In the Russian Revolution, women won rights that were much more advanced than what they have in countries like the USA today. Yet this took place over a hundred years ago in a backwards economy, and in a deeply religious society.

Russian women won full rights to abortion, made freely available in the public healthcare system, along with more progressive divorce laws than we have today. They won paid maternity leave, which still doesnt exist in the US.

The struggle for abortion rights is more than just a democratic one, however. It is also a class-based one. Removing the right to abortion is actually an attack on working-class women in particular, because rich women can circumvent these legal restrictions.

This is exactly what rich Polish women wanting an abortion do. They travel to Germany or the Czech Republic to have abortions at private clinics. 34,000 women have done this since 2020, when legislation restricting access to abortion was introduced. In the United States, women fly across state lines to get an abortion.

But this is really not possible for most working class women, who cannot afford the flights and the hotel costs, much less private clinic fees, or get the time off work.

Mass movements

It is no surprise that when struggles for abortion rights have broken out, they have had a distinctly working-class character / Image: fair use

It is no surprise that when struggles for abortion rights have broken out, they have had a distinctly working-class character. These movements therefore also have the potential to ignite other class-based struggles, and even to bring down reactionary governments.

Tens-of-thousands of young women and also young men attended protests in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade. There were thousands of smaller protests in cities and towns all across the US, and even solidarity protests across the world.

Despite the size and militancy of these protests, they suffered from a lack of leadership. Given that this is an attack on the working class, the trade unions should have played a leading role in this movement. They should have linked the struggle for abortion to a general struggle for public services for working-class people, and for good, well paid jobs for all. But they didnt.

On 26 October 2020 in Poland, there were 226 demonstrations against the new anti-abortion legislation. Just two days later this had exploded to 460 demonstrations. They called this movement Strajk Kobiet (Womens Strike).

All the key cities were brought to a standstill and even tiny towns had big protests. There were reports of farmers blocking the main roads with their tractors.

Statues of conservative politicians were vandalised, Sunday masses were interrupted, church walls and government buildings were graffitied with slogans like I wish I could have aborted my government, and This is war.

The miners and the nurses unions expressed their support. Tram drivers, bus drivers, and taxi drivers blocked the main roads in the big cities to support the movement.

This expanded into a broader movement against the government and the church. Under this pressure, the official leadership of the movement expanded their demands to much more wide ranging political ones, demanding decent working and living conditions for everyone.

Guatemala

In 2020, a powerful mass movement against an austerity budget emerged in Guatemala. Following this, the same reactionary government moved draconian anti-abortion legislation in 2022, declaring Guatemala the pro-life capital of the world. The same piece of legislation also legalised violence against LGBT people.

This legislation was part of an attempt by this reactionary government to divide the working class that had responded so militantly against its austerity budget. But the plan backfired.

Instead of dividing the working class, this law became the spark which reignited the movement of 2020. At the protests people were burning the Guatemala flag, and other demands began to be raised, such as for the government to resign, and for an anti-austerity budget with increased funding of education and health care.

The healthcare system in Guatemala is particularly underfunded, with just 0.4 doctors per thousand people, compared to the Latin American average of three. The demand for more healthcare exposed the utter hypocrisy of these bourgeois politicians who claim to be pro-life, but who cannot find the money to fund the healthcare system which saves lives.

Thanks to this mass movement, the President made a complete U-turn, suddenly discovering he was opposed to the bill. As we explained above, such rights that benefit the working class are not gifts from above, but victories of mass struggle.

Concessions

The Roe v Wade ruling was a concession by a ruling class that feared a developing movement / Image: Lori Shaull

The Roe v Wade ruling was similarly a concession by a ruling class that feared a developing movement. What was happening in the US at that time? The anti-Vietnam War movement, the black civil rights movement, and revolutionary events all over the world.

These movements were radicalising and learning from each other, and linking up. Roe v Wade was an attempt to nip the danger of a mass movement for abortion rights in the bud. The ruling class didnt want abortion to be seen as a product of a successful political struggle, so they got the Supreme Court to interpret the constitution so as to legalise abortion.

We should be clear. When reforms are granted by the capitalist system, they are still limited. And while we do fight for reforms, we are also aware that they can be taken away at any time. The overturning of Roe v Wade, almost half a century after it was passed, when everyone thought the right to abortion was permanently guaranteed by the constitution, is a very clear example of this.

In fighting for these reforms, we do not put a single ounce of trust in bourgeois institutions to protect and implement them. The overturning of Roe v Wade has taught a very harsh but necessary lesson to millions of ordinary Americans: that their constitution is not sacred or carved in stone, and that their rights are never guaranteed under capitalism.

Material conditions

Finally, we must not understand the question of abortion rights in a narrow legalistic manner. The right to abortion does not guarantee access to abortion.

If it means you have to take days off work unpaid; if you have to drive for 12 hours or more to access a clinic; if you have to use all of your savings or go into debt for a procedure: do you really have access to abortion?

The American Public Health Association found that more than 4,000 US women every year are denied an abortion because they are past the time limit on abortions. The biggest reason why women were too late was because they had to spend time trying to raise money to undergo the procedure, or for the transport costs.

In Canada, which has strong legal rights to abortion, only one-in-six hospitals offer the procedure and these are all in the big cities, forcing miles of travel on women in rural areas. And for some women, this is completely impossible.

Abortion has been legal in the North of Ireland since 2019, but no abortion services have been put in place. In practice, the situation has not changed. Over 200 women travelled to England in 2022 for an abortion; hundreds ordered pills online from unregulated providers; and others simply gave birth because they had no other option.

Colombia decriminalised abortion in 2022, but there are no abortion services in most hospitals. Of the estimated 400,000 abortions carried out every year in Colombia, over 90 percent are performed illegally, in non-medical settings. As a result, 33 percent of abortions in Colombia have complications, compared to 0.1 percent in England.

We therefore demand actually accessible, well-funded abortion services in every local hospital, which are free-of-charge, and which people can access without fear of harassment or intimidation.

Transformation

As Marxists, we don't look at rights in the abstract, but in the real material world in which they can or cannot be realised / Image: Fightback

As Marxists, we don't look at rights in the abstract, but in the real material world in which they can or cannot be realised. This requires looking at society as a whole. Does a woman actually have autonomy? If her choice is between raising a child in crushing poverty and having an abortion, is that a real choice?

In the USA, over half of those who have an abortion live below the poverty line. In England and Wales, women living in poverty are three times more likely to have an abortion as those who are not. There are very similar statistics around the world.

In many countries there is no free, nationalised healthcare. The cost of childbirth itself can be in the tens-of-thousands, and the cost of raising a child under capitalism is very high.

In the UK, the average cost of childcare is 14,000 a year. The average woman in the UK spends twenty hours a week on unpaid child-related household labour. This prevents millions of women from taking part in politics, culture, education, and in society as a whole.

A TUC report in 2016 found that women who had a child were paid 38 percent less by the time they were 40 years old, than women who did not have a child.

Liberal feminists view the fight against oppression as being the struggle for individual rights. But we understand that womens oppression began when class society emerged, and is based on the existence of private property. It can only be truly ended when private property and class society are abolished.

Equal pay legislation has existed in the UK for over 50 years, and yet there is still a 20 percent gender pay gap. Sexual violence has been illegal for many more years than that, yet one-in-four women in the UK experience sexual violence every single year.

We don't need legalistic changes to end womens oppression. We need real material changes. We need socialisation of household labour, such as high-quality, affordable canteens in each neighbourhood. We need free childcare so that women can start a family if they want to, whilst still working and participating in politics, culture, and society in general.

We already have the means to provide all these things, but under capitalism they are privatised, run for profit, and inaccessible to millions.

Socialism

Therefore the struggle for genuine freedom and equality for women is tied to the struggle for socialism  that is, a mode of production in which the key productive forces are publicly owned and democratically run to meet the needs of society as a whole. Only then can we provide the resources required to rid society of the material basis for womens oppression.

Restrictions on abortion rights are attacks on working-class women and on the working class as a whole. We must take the attitude that an injury to one is an injury to all.

We must fight the attempts of the ruling class to divide the working class. Any reform that they try and take away must be fought by the united strength of the working class.

The trade unions must take a lead in the fight against attacks on abortion rights, but also to fight for a fully-funded public healthcare system so rights such as this do not simply exist on paper.

We need to understand that these attacks are a product of the decrepit capitalist system. A system that in general can no longer afford reforms, and is therefore chipping away at the reforms and gains that were won in the past through struggle.

Only a socialist society can guarantee these rights and reforms. Only a socialist society can remove the root of womens oppression  class society itself  and create a future in which oppression is a relic of the past.
Ring Therapeutics, a Cambridge, MA-based life sciences company focused on advancing a gene therapy, raised $86.5M in Series C funding.

The round, which brought total funds raised to date to $230M, was led by Alexandria Venture Investments, Altitude Life Science Ventures, CJ Investment, Rings founder Flagship Pioneering, Invus, Kyowa Kirin Co., Partners Investment, funds and accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., and UPMC Enterprises.

Founded in 2017 by Flagship Pioneering, and led by Tuyen Ong, MD, MBA, Chief Executive Officer (and CEO-Partner at Flagship Pioneering) and Co-Founder and Chairman Avak Kahvejian, Ph.D. (General Partner at Flagship Pioneering), Ring Therapeutics is focused on advancing gene therapy and the nucleic acid medicine space by harnessing the abundant and diverse member of the human commensal virome, anelloviruses. To this end, the company developed the Anellogy platform, which focuses on anelloviruses to potentially treat a broad range of diseases. Through harnessing the properties of these commensal viruses, the platform generates diverse vectors that exhibit both tissue-specific tropism and the potential to be re-dosed.

The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and its development efforts to further advance its Anellogy platform toward the clinic, transforming commensal anelloviruses into life-saving therapies.

FinSMEs

09/03/2023
ufurnish.com, a London, UK-based provider of a search and discovery platform for home furniture and furnishings, raised 3.4M in Seed funding.

Investors in the round, which brought total funding to over 5.2m since the platform launched, include:

The backers included Amanda Burton, Camelia Robu, Caroline Worboys, Ciara McElligott, Jenn Engelhardt, Michele Connolly, Rosaleen Blair, Sara Sullivan, Darren Ryemill, Tony Smurfit, and Pat McCann.

The company intends to use the funds to grow awareness of ufurnish.com as a solution to furniture consumers across the whole of the UK market and expanding the retail partnerships.

Founded by Deirdre Mc Gettrick, ufurnish.com is a search and discovery platform that connects consumers to large and small furniture retailers, all on one website. The shoppers are able to favourite products and receive value added notifications like sales alerts and retailer promotions. In addition, ufurnish.com provides home interior inspiration and practical furnishing advice with tips, style guides and design inspiration.

FinSMEs

09/03/2023
Google One is rolling out new security features and introducing Dark Web Report in the U.S. to improve monitoring of personal info. This follows the recent update with features like Magic Eraser, HDR Video Effect and more.

VPN access now available for all Google One plans

VPN by Google One is available for all Google One plans, so you can browse the internet with peace of mind. Your IP address will be masked, protecting you from hackers and network operators trying to track your activity. Google takes steps to make sure your network traffic cant be linked to your identity.

Dark web report monitors for stolen information

Data breaches have led to an alarming rise in online identity fraud. The dark web, which requires a specific, isnt searchpot for stolen information. Google Ones dark web report helps you scan this part of the web for personal info like your name, address, email, phone number, and Social Security number.

When you enable this service, you can select the info youd like to monitor. If any of it is found, Google notifies you and provides guidance on how to protect it.

Stolen Info: Data breaches lead to an increase in online identity fraud.

Data breaches lead to an increase in online identity fraud. Dark Web: A specialized browser and search engine are required to access the dark web.

A specialized browser and search engine are required to access the dark web. Google One: Scan the dark web for your info and get notified if its found.

Scan the dark web for your info and get notified if its found. Protection: Get guidance on how to protect your info if its found.

The Dark web report offers more than just results matched to your personal info. Youll also find other related info present in data breaches, all of which is handled according to Googles privacy policy. You can delete any info or stop monitoring at any time.

Availability

Google is expanding its VPN access to all of its Google One plans, including the Basic plan starting at $1.99/month (Rs. 160 approx.). The VPN will be available across Android, iOS, Windows and Mac devices, with up to five users able to share the plan. To top it off, U.S. Google One members will also receive the Dark Web report.

Speaking on the announcement, steban Kozak, Director of Product Management, Google One, said
Grammarly has announced a new AI-based feature called GrammarlyGo. It employs generative AI to comprehend context and generate high-quality, task-appropriate writing and revisions quickly.

Introducing GrammarlyGOa new generation in writing. Speed up your workflow with instant drafts, ideas, replies, and revisions in your unique voice.  Beta coming in April: https://t.co/0oXfBmWqMG pic.twitter.com/8E4JKohZMR  Grammarly (@Grammarly) March 9, 2023

The company says that GrammarlyGo will help people and businesses succeed by giving them communication help whenever they need it, whether they are writing something new or editing something they have already written.

The new AI tool, which is based on OpenAIs GPT-3 large language models, will allow users to create entire drafts of writing and convert bullet points to paragraphs by simply providing brief prompts.

It will also provide users with relevant, contextually aware suggestions that take into account personal voice and brand style, allowing them to save time, improve creativity, and get more done.

Individuals and businesses can use GrammarlyGos generative AI to rewrite for tone, clarity, and length; compose high-quality writing; create outlines and brainstorms; and understand the context of an email and instantly draft a response.

GrammarlyGo Features:

Creating high-quality writing with generative AI that understands personal and organizational context, writing style, and goals.

Speed up composition in existing workflows and reduce time spent on revisions.

Enterprise-level data security, user privacy, and responsible AI

Offers unique context to suggest relevant prompts for jumpstarting or improving writing.

It lets you set your preferred voice and a professional role, so the writing it generates is personalized.

Availability

GrammarlyGO will be available in beta in April to all Grammarly Premium, Grammarly Business, and Grammarly for Education (higher education) customers, as well as Grammarly free plan users in the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Poland, and Ukraine.

Regarding the introduction, Rahul Roy-Chowdhury, Grammarlys global head of product said,
The plot thickens! A month after acclaimed American journalist Seymour Hersh released a bombshell report, accusing the CIA of masterminding the bombing of the Nord Stream gas pipelines between Russia and Germany last year, two articles simultaneously appeared in major US and German news publications linking Ukraine to the attack. Not only that, but they claim western secret services knew all along! What are we to make of this?

Up until now, in the west we have repeatedly been informed (as part of a torrent of war propaganda) that Russia committed the attack on Nord Stream.

But in an incredible about face, two major mouthpieces of the US and German ruling class  i.e., Ukraines most important military and political allies  allude to new intelligence that suggests the attack was orchestrated by an ill-defined pro-Ukrainian outfit.

Kyiv was quick to deny any part in the bombing, which constitutes nothing short of a terrorist attack and war crime on civilian infrastructure that condemned countless households in Europe to energy poverty.

Endless lies have poured out of the western media during this war, like gas into the Baltic sea. Accordingly, we should treat these new articles with deep suspicion. In no small part because they are full of holes, vagaries and contradictions. But why this change in the narrative, and why now?

Thank you, USA

When news broke of explosions irreparably damaging the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines in September 2022, Kyiv wasted no time in blaming Russia.

Mykhailo Podolyak, adviser to president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, tweeted that the: gas leak from NS-1 is nothing more than a terrorist attack planned by Russia and an act of aggression towards [the] EU. Russia wants to destabilise [the] economic situation in Europe... The best response and security investment  tanks for Ukraine. Especially German ones.

Some western commentators were more circumspect, saying that it was unclear who was behind this act of sabotage, though most strongly hinted at Russian responsibility, with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warning of a robust and united response to any deliberate disruption of European energy infrastructure.

Others outright pointed the finger at the Kremlin, with Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki calling the damage to Nord Stream an act of sabotage related to the next step of escalation of the situation in Ukraine.

Polands Deputy Foreign Minister added: Sadly our eastern partner is constantly pursuing an aggressive political course If it is capable of an aggressive military course in Ukraine, then its apparent that acts of provocations in western Europe also cannot be ruled out.

Similarly, Gerhard Schindler, the former head of Germanys federal intelligence agency said in an interview with Welt that only Russia can really be considered [responsible], especially since it stands to gain the most from this act of sabotage [our emphasis].

In fact, Russia had nothing to gain from the attack, and much to lose. Its state energy company (Gazprom) was the majority owner of the pipelines; it would need to shoulder the cost of repairs; and the ability to control cheap energy supplies to Europe was an important lever against Ukraines western allies.

Russia strenuously denied its involvement, and in the months since, not a shred of evidence has come to light suggesting it had a hand in the attack.

Moreover, Germany (where Nord Stream makes landfall) was frozen out of a joint investigation conducted by Sweden and Denmark, in whose exclusive economic zones the blast occurred, instead conducting an independent inquiry.

Then, on 8 February, Hersh released a post on Substack, which cited an anonymous source with direct knowledge of operational planning, to accuse the USA of masterminding the bombing.

He says the US cooperated with Norway to plant explosives on the underwater pipelines, under cover of a planned NATO naval exercise in June 2022, then detonated them remotely in September. His report goes into some detail about how the operation was organised, who authorised it, and who carried it out.

Washington dismissed Hershs claims as preposterous and a function of Russian disinformation, mocking his reliance on a single anonymous source. His story (which no major publication would touch, as evidenced by its appearance on a free blog platform) received minimal coverage in the mainstream press.

It is impossible to ignore Hershs point that the US and Ukraine stood to benefit from the sabotage / Image: Marjorie Lipan, Flickr

However, it was impossible to ignore Hershs point that, in contrast to illogical claims of Russian responsibility, the US and Ukraine stood to benefit from the sabotage.

The US had made no secret of always opposing Nord Stream, which was seen as making Europe dependent on Russias energy supplies, and bringing it closer to the Kremlin's sphere of political influence.

Meanwhile, its destruction made the continent more reliant on more expensive American LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas). It also prevented Ukraines European allies (particularly Germany) from seeking an early peace deal with Russia in exchange for the gas taps being turned back on, with both the US and Ukraine keen to keep fighting.

US President Joe Biden even stated at a press conference in February 2022 that If Russia invades there will be no longer a Nord Stream 2. We will bring an end to it.

The likelihood of US involvement was clearly not lost on Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, who tweeted a picture of gas rising from the destroyed Nord Stream pipelines on the day of the attack, with the caption: Thank you, USA.

Shifting the blame

Despite dismissing or ignoring Hershs account in public, it is doubtless that many politicians in the west read it closely, especially those in Berlin.

After all, Germany was the biggest loser from Nord Streams destruction, and its population endured rocketing energy bills in solidarity with Ukraine even before the sabotage. Any hint of involvement by its alleged allies in Washington would be an absolute outrage.

Meanwhile, the German Attorney Generals office has been conducting an independent investigation into the bombing for several months. Who knows what they have turned up?

On Friday 3 March, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met Biden for a top secret war summit. There has been speculation about what they discussed, but the level of secrecy of the meeting (at which no members of staff were allowed) is significant, as is the fact that at the post-meeting public statement, journalists were not allowed to ask questions.

Days later, on 7 March, simultaneous articles appeared in The New York Times and Die Zeit commenting on new evidence of Ukrainian involvement.

We have no way of knowing what Biden and Scholz discussed, but the timing and synchronised release of these articles  clearly following a briefing by the US and German government  is very striking.

We note that the New York Times article also relies entirely on anonymous sources: presumably fed to them by Washington. This is very ironic, given how Hershs account was dismissed by many serious commentators as a conspiracy theory for not naming his source.

The report states that new intelligence reviewed by U.S. officials suggests that a pro-Ukrainian group carried out the attack on the Nord Stream pipelines last year.

It does not elaborate on what this intelligence is, and is careful to note that there is no evidence President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine or his top lieutenants were involved in the operation, or that the perpetrators were acting at the direction of any Ukrainian government officials.

The new intelligence suggests the perpetrators were most likely Ukrainian or Russian nationals and opponents of President Vladimir V. Putin, but it does not specify the members of the group, or who directed or paid for the operation.

However, the cited officials are clear that no American or British nationals were involved. They also suggest the operation might have been conducted off the books by a proxy force with connections to the Ukrainian government or its security services.

So, we have Ukrainian (or Russian), anti-Putin saboteurs, possibly with connections to Kyiv, but not authorised by Zelensky or any top officials.

This extremely hazy profile emphasises a few main points: the US was not responsible; and while the bombers might have been pro-Ukrainian, they were not officially acting under the orders of the Kyiv government.

These revelations seem more geared towards placating Washingtons allies in Europe, and shifting the blame (without blaming Ukraine outright), than anything else.

They knew all along?

On Friday 3 March, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met Biden for a top secret war summit / Image: The White House, Wikimedia Commons

The report in Die Zeit (presented as the result of a joint investigation by a number of German news sources) is more specific in its allegations, though it also omits a great deal of information.

It claims that German investigators have located the vessel that was used to transport the explosives used in the bombing. It says the yacht in question was rented from a Poland-based company, owned by two Ukrainians.

It claims the operation was carried out by a crew of six people (of unknown nationality), using professionally forged passports, who sailed from the German port of Rostock on 6 September 2022, to plant the explosives off the coast of the Danish Island Bornholm. The report claims the yacht was returned to its owner in an uncleaned state, with traces of explosives in its cabin.

Like the American report, Die Zeit cites new intelligence indicating that a pro-Ukrainian group could be responsible, and attributes the destruction of Nord Stream 1 and 2 to a Ukrainian commando. It adds that investigators have not yet found any evidence as to who ordered the destruction.

The article also suggests that the whole thing could be a Russian false-flag operation, stating traces could also have been deliberately laid that point to Ukraine as the culprit. Though it admits investigators have apparently found no evidence that confirms such a scenario.

But the most explosive allegation of all is that a Western secret service is said to have sent a tip to European partner services in the autumn, i.e. shortly after the destruction.

This makes the claim of a false flag totally nonsensical. Why would European secret services receive a tip from the perpetrators from a Russian false-flag operation?

If true, what this article amounts to is an admission that, despite their public accusations against Russia, governments in Europe had intelligence pointing in the opposite direction all along. But, why let the facts get in the way of a good story, as they say.

This line is echoed by an article in the Times, published on 8 March by a journalist based in Kyiv, titled: West kept quiet about Nord Stream attack to protect Ukraine.

It states:

A week after the Nord Stream pipeline exploded, staff at a Scandinavian delegation in Brussels walked out of their embassy intelligence briefing, impressed by the level of detail they had received so soon after the attack. It hadnt been carried out by the Americans, the Russians or the Poles, their intelligence service apparently told them, but by a private venture originating in Ukraine [our emphasis]. They were told this would not be made public and to deflect any questions about why the official investigation into the destruction of the Russo-German pipeline was moving so slowly. The name of the suspected private sponsor, a Ukrainian not affiliated with President Zelenskys government, has been circulating in intelligence circles for months but not revealed.

Another Times article, published on the same day, attributes the sabotage to a small pro-Ukrainian cell a tight-knit private group opposed to the Putin regime but acting independently of the Ukrainian government.

So we have a mysterious Ukrainian commando, and a secretive pro-Ukrainian cell, operating independently of the Kyiv government, in contact with Western secret services, under the orders of persons unknown, to sabotage Nord Stream.

The first question here is: how did a non-state organisation conduct such a sophisticated sabotage operation, using hundreds of kilos of specialised explosives on pipelines hundreds of metres below sea level, in heavily patrolled waters, without anybody noticing?

We can only agree with the assessment of August Hanning, who headed the BND (German Federal Intelligence Service) from 1998 to 2005, who said in September last year:

This operation was obviously carried out in such a professional and complex manner that only well-trained special forces could be considered for its execution.

The reports in Die Zeit and The Times state that Western state agencies knew about the attack immediately after it happened. We wonder if Borrell will make good on his promise of a robust and united response to any deliberate disruption of European energy infrastructure!

Means and motive

Does any of this add up? All the convoluted and conflicting information makes it impossible to be absolutely sure of what transpired last year. But we can make some educated inferences.

Clearly, this bombing could only have been conducted with the support of one state or another. German and Swedish officials said as much at the time, with the latter commenting in September 2022:

"It is very likely that the act is deliberate and that it is not an accident and it is very unlikely that it was done by someone other than a state without being detected first."

So which state was behind the bombing? Despite their attempts to wash their hands of the attack, the USA still had the best means and motive.

Clearly, this bombing could only have been conducted with the support of one state or another / Image: FactsWithoutBias1, Wikimedia Commons

As a Russian official commented wryly in Global Affairs: Strictly speaking, the US administration falls under [the] definition of a pro-Ukrainian group.

It is very unlikely that these reports would have come out in the absence of the awkward questions raised by Seymour Hersh. But if the US was behind the attack, why throw Ukraine under the bus?

Some clues exist in the New York Times article (which we can read in the voice of the State Department).

It notes that any findings that put blame on Kyiv or Ukrainian proxies could prompt a backlash in Europe and make it harder for the West to maintain a united front in support of Ukraine (our emphasis).

This is a not-so-veiled threat to Kyiv. But why? Later, the article says:

Despite Ukraines deep dependence on the United States for military, intelligence and diplomatic support, Ukrainian officials are not always transparent with their American counterparts about their military operations, especially those against Russian targets behind enemy lines. Those operations have frustrated U.S. officials, who believe that they have not measurably improved Ukraines position on the battlefield, but have risked alienating European allies and widening the war [our emphasis].

These operations include: a strike in early August on Russias Saki Air Base on the western coast of Crimea, a truck bombing in October that destroyed part of the Kerch Strait Bridge, which links Russia to Crimea, and drone strikes in December aimed at Russian military bases in Ryazan and Engels, about 300 miles beyond the Ukrainian border [and]... a car bomb near Moscow in August that killed Daria Dugina, the daughter of a prominent Russian nationalist.

In other words, the message from the US ruling class to Zelensky is: stop acting out of turn to provoke Russia and escalate this war, or your western support will dry up.

Small nations: small change

Despite the endless chorus of propaganda from the west of Russias imminent defeat, and total support for Ukraine to regain all of its lost territory, the situation behind the scenes is very different.

In this conflict, which is in reality a proxy war between NATO and Russia on Ukrainian soil, US imperialism calls the shots. It wants to undermine Russia and bring Europe back into the fold, but it doesnt want things to get out of hand.

It also has a sober appraisal of Ukraines actual military situation. Despite Kyivs triumphant claims of its continued success on the battlefield, its forces are currently on the brink of defeat in the eastern town of Bakhmut, which has become a focal point of the war and seen months of bloody attritional combat.

Ukraine has variously dismissed Bakhmuts importance as merely symbolic, while Zelensky has also warned that its fall would give Russian an open door to take the whole of the Donbas. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also admitted on 8 March that the town might soon fall (while also downplaying its importance).

In any case, the serious military analysts in the US understand that total victory for Ukraine (i.e. the recovery of all disputed territory, including Crimea) is far-fetched, and would also pose the risk of escalation to a direct clash between NATO and Russia.

This was put in black-and-white by the RAND Corporation, a libertarian think tank that essentially represents the unvarnished perspective of the US military industrial complex.

In a report titled Avoiding a Long War U.S. Policy and the Trajectory of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict, it bluntly states that an outright Ukrainian victory is very unlikely, and the risk of escalation resulting from a long war is not in Americas interests. It should therefore be avoided, even if that means Ukraine losing territory.

It even suggests that Russia should be enticed to negotiations with the promise of sanctions relief in exchange for a ceasefire. This reflects the thinking of the most cynical and dispassionate wing of the American ruling class.

Zelensky, for his part, would be all-too happy for NATO to become directly involved in the conflict, and has progressively demanded more and more weapons, capable of striking deeper into Russian-held territory  most recently, he has his eyes set on fighter jets.

US imperialism is happy to spend an ocean of Ukrainian blood to pursue its war aims / Image: 7th Army Training Command, Flickr

So far, the US has been very careful to give Ukraine just enough arms to avoid total defeat, but not enough to risk a direct confrontation between Russia and NATO.

Now, it seems to be pinning the Nord Stream bombing on Ukraine (albeit, without directly accusing Kyiv). This serves the dual purpose of denying American responsibility, in favour of a patsy in no position to complain, while also putting Ukraine back in its place.

The convoluted concoction of half-truths, outright lies, and vague accusations over Nord Stream should prove beyond any shadow of doubt that not a single syllable uttered by western imperialism or its prostitute press can be taken at face value.

Whatever exact course of events led to the pipelines destruction, we can say with confidence that the west was involved, lied about it, and is now trying to deflect blame. Meanwhile, US imperialism is demonstrating the truism that small nations are nothing but small change in the hands of the big world powers.

The US was instrumental in provoking this war, and is dragging it out for as long as this suits its interests. As Senator Mitt Romney recently tweeted:

Putins Russia is not our friend and it is Chinas most powerful ally. Supporting Ukraine weakens an adversary, enhances our national security advantage, and requires no shedding of American blood [our emphasis].

US imperialism is happy to spend an ocean of Ukrainian blood to pursue its war aims, and would not hesitate for a moment to betray Ukraine if it became expedient to do so. Nor would it bat an eye about committing a war crime against ostensible allies to achieve its objectives.

Whether the full truth about Nord Stream is ever settled, it is impossible to fully conceal the stench arising from the rotten games of the warmongering capitalists.
UofG academic receives inaugural 'Science, She Says!' award

A University of Glasgow academic, Dr Ornela Dardha, has been awarded the inaugural Science, She Says! award by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI).

The award recognises an outstanding young female scientist, not of Italian descent, who has remarkably contributed to the advancement of science and technology and has strong connections with the Italian scientific community. The award is given to candidates from five regions across the world, with Dr Dardha winning the Europe award. Dr Dardha was awarded during the Italian Scientific Attaches Conference in Padova, Italy on 6 March 2023.

Dr Ornela Dardha with ambassador Angeloni receiving the medal for the Science, She Says! Award

Dr Dardha is a Senior Lecturer in Computing Science. Her research concerns programming language foundations. Her fundamental work "Session Types Revisited" has been awarded two prizes and underpins theoretical and implementation work by several other researchers. She is Programming Languages Theme Lead at the University, and Glasgow Representative for the Scottish Programming Languages Institute. She has been involved in several European research networks that include Italian institutions. She is Science Communication Coordinator for EuroProofNet and Glasgow Site Lead for BehAPI. She currently collaborates with the Universities of Torino and Bologna.

Dr Ornela Dardha (second from right) with the other Science, She Says! award winners, the Principal of the University of Padova (middle), Minister Tajani of MAECI (most right) and Minister Urso of Ministry for Business and Made in Italy (most left)

Dr Dardha spoke about the importance of her research in programming languages and formal verification in an interview with ANSA news (in Italian).

Dr Dardha said about the award: It is an honour to have received the Science, She Says! Award for Europe. I am very grateful to the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for this recognition; not only for recognising my work and scientific contribution, but also for recognising my strong connection with Italy. I am very grateful to Prof Dame Muffy Calder, Prof Margaret Lucas and Prof Simon Gay for nominating me for the award and for their support."
Dubai, UAE, March 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The ever-growing Blockchain technology is slowly making its way into almost every sector of the world. This unique technology is especially transfiguring the education industry with its unparalleled revolutionary potential.



Online educational platforms have been on the rise since the 1900s. The advent of Blockchain technology has thrust these platforms into the spotlight. An amalgamation of this innovative tech with the educational field has created both widespread learning and teaching opportunities for individuals.

What Is Bitcamp?

Although the education sector is one of the largest in the world, it remains scattered and divided. Bitcamp is a superlative educational platform, built on Blockchain technology that brings together students, tutors, and professionals from all over the globe.





The project makes procuring education easy by providing a platform where the exchange of knowledge is possible regardless of wherever in the world a person is situated. At the same time, it creates employment opportunities for individuals who love to teach.

The major features of the Bitcamp platform include:

E-Learning App: Bitcamp believes that access to a world-class education is the right of every individual no matter where a person hails from. To achieve this end the firm has created an E-learning App through which it provides top-notch courses. The firms native token BCM can be used to pay for these courses.

Bitcamp believes that access to a world-class education is the right of every individual no matter where a person hails from. To achieve this end the firm has created an E-learning App through which it provides top-notch courses. The firms native token BCM can be used to pay for these courses. Course and Certificate: Bitcamp also provides the opportunity for users to get admitted to pre-eminent institutions and obtain online world-class degrees. This feature invigorates the concept of online and distance learning.

Bitcamp also provides the opportunity for users to get admitted to pre-eminent institutions and obtain online world-class degrees. This feature invigorates the concept of online and distance learning. Certificate Explorer: Individuals apprehensive about the authenticity of their certificates can make use of Certificate Explorer. This is an online search portal where users can match their certificates with their course IDs to verify their degrees.

Individuals apprehensive about the authenticity of their certificates can make use of Certificate Explorer. This is an online search portal where users can match their certificates with their course IDs to verify their degrees. Crypto Payment: Bitcamp provides a safe, swift, and seamless channel for individuals paying for their courses. This payment mechanism has a great edge over traditional payment methods.

How Bitcamp Works?

The project adopts a fairly simple method of operation. Individuals looking to work with Bitcamp simply have to create an account and enter all the relevant details being asked. The attainment of this information is essential to ensure that only the finest tutors are enrolled. The next step is the creation and deployment of gigs. This is followed by boosting the gigs to allure more students. Once the students are done with the course, the professionals will receive their payments in the form of crypto.

Furthermore, the Bitcamp team has been KYCed and verified by Pinksale. The projects KYC and audit badges can be viewed by accessing the Fairlaunch link. Coinsult, the official audit partner of Bitcamp was entrusted with the task of deploying the companys contract. The audit report can be viewed on the firms website.

The project works in close association with leading crypto platforms such as CoinMarketCap, CoinGecko, A-ADS, Nomics, Coinzilla, and many others. These partnerships are highly beneficial for marketing purposes and provide a minute-by-minute update to investors.

Bitcamp (BCM) Tokenomics

The endurance of any firm is highly dependent on how well the tokenomics is planned. For this reason, Bitcamp after careful consideration and deep pondering has allotted 50% of the initial token supply to the presale, 25.5% to the liquidity pool, 10% for the team, 10% for development, and the remaining 4.5% for marketing. The total supply of BCM is 10 million and the token is non-mintable.

Where To Buy and Store BCM?

The Bitcamp token can be purchased in presale through Pinksale, the firms Launchpad platform. After the presale ends, the BCM will then be available on PancakeSwap for purchase.

The BCM token can be stored on any BEP 20 wallet. Notable wallets that investors can opt for include Metamask and Trust Wallet.

About the Project - Bitcamp

Bitcamp is an ultimate E-learning platform that aspires to rejig the educational sector by using blockchain technology. Bitcamp is a learning platform powered by blockchain which connects professionals, tutors, and students from across the world. Anyone with internet access can study and make money by sharing knowledge on our platform, no matter where they are located in the world.

Furthermore, potential investors and cryptocurrency enthusiasts interested in Bitcamp can visit the projects official website, or read the whitepaper for more details.

Website | Twitter | Telegram | Facebook | YouTube

###

https://bitcamp.app/



Media Contact:

info@Bitcamp.com

Disclaimer:

This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies (including product offerings, regulatory plans and business plans) and may change without notice. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.




Luton, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Exactitude Consultancy, the market research and consulting wing of Ameliorate Digital Consultancy Private Limited has completed and published the final copy of the detailed research report on the Ceramic Sanitary Ware Market.

The Global Ceramic Sanitary ware Market Size is expected to grow at more than 7% CAGR from 2021 to 2028. It is expected to reach above USD 47 billion by 2028 from a little above USD 29.7 billion in 2021. The global ceramic sanitary ware market is projected to experience significant growth in the coming years. Ceramic sanitary ware refers to products such as toilets, washbasins, urinals, and other bathroom fixtures that are made from ceramic materials.

One of the primary factors driving market growth is the increasing demand for modern, stylish, and functional bathroom fixtures. As consumers become more affluent, they are increasingly investing in home renovation and upgrading their living spaces. The demand for bathroom fixtures that are aesthetically pleasing, easy to clean, and durable is expected to boost the ceramic sanitary ware market.

Additionally, the rising trend of green buildings and sustainable architecture is likely to increase the demand for eco-friendly ceramic sanitary ware products. Eco-friendly products that use less water and energy in their manufacturing and operations are becoming more popular among environmentally conscious consumers.

Industry Developments:

September 2021: Asian Granito India Ltd. has opened a 10,000 sq. ft. display center in Kochi, Kerala. The showroom will include the company's latest collection, including grestek, anti-bacterial, special effect tiles, quartz, genius smart PWC, and the latest faucets. With over 1,400 goods, the showcase will include a product line of tiles, sanitary ware, and bath ware. This development will evolve customer preferences and showcase its manufacturing and technological excellence across the globe.

August 2020: In the Kerala market, Star Pipes has launched a product line of sanitary ware goods under the Star Sanitary ware brand. A premium selection of one-piece toilets, wall-hung toilets, wash basins with full and half pedestals, one-piece wash basins, and tabletop wash basins in the style of French and Italian designs are included in the luxurious range of products. The company will adapt to market requirements with these product launches.

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Opportunity for Ceramic Sanitary Ware Manufacturers

Ceramic sanitary ware manufacturers have a significant opportunity to capitalize on the growing demand for modern, stylish, and functional bathroom fixtures. One of the key drivers of this demand is the increasing disposable income of consumers in both developed and emerging markets. As more people have the financial means to invest in home renovations and upgrades, the demand for high-quality bathroom fixtures is likely to increase.

Moreover, with the trend towards green buildings and sustainable architecture, manufacturers have an opportunity to differentiate themselves by offering eco-friendly ceramic sanitary ware products that are energy-efficient, water-efficient, and made from sustainable materials.

In addition, manufacturers can leverage the increasing popularity of online sales channels to expand their reach and increase sales. With the growth of e-commerce, manufacturers can reach consumers in remote locations or those who prefer the convenience of online shopping.

Finally, manufacturers can also explore opportunities in emerging markets where there is a significant demand for affordable and functional ceramic sanitary ware products. As urbanization and disposable incomes continue to rise in these markets, the demand for bathroom fixtures is expected to increase, presenting a significant opportunity for manufacturers who can offer products at competitive prices.





Report Attribute Details Ceramic Sanitary Ware Market size value in 2022 USD 29.7 billion Revenue forecast in 2029 USD 47 billion Market Growth rate CAGR of 7% from 2023 to 2029 Base year for estimation 2022 Historical data 2018 - 2020 Forecast period 2023 - 2029 Quantitative units Revenue in USD Million, volume in units, CAGR from 2022 to 2029 Report coverage Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, trends Segments covered By Type; Technology; Application and By Region Regional scope North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; MEA Country scope U.S.; Canada; Mexico; Germany; France; Italy; U.K.; China; India; Japan; Brazil; Saudi Arabia Key companies profiled Geberit Group, Kohler Co., TOTO Ltd., LIXIL Group Corporation, Roca Sanitario SA, Villeroy & Boch AG, RAK Ceramics, Duravit AG, Duratex SA, and HSIL. Customization scope Free report customization with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope.





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Companies Covered in Ceramic Sanitary Ware Market Report:

Geberit Group

Kohler Co.

TOTO Ltd.

LIXIL Group Corporation

Roca Sanitario SA

Villeroy & Boch AG

RAK Ceramics

Duravit AG

Duratex SA

HSIL

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Report Benefits

Develop business strategies by understanding the trends shaping and driving the Market.

Drive revenues by understanding the key trends, innovative products and technologies, market segments, and companies likely to impact the Ceramic Sanitary Ware Market in the future.

Formulate effective sales and marketing strategies by understanding the competitive landscape and by analyzing the company share of Ceramic Sanitary Ware Market leaders.

Identify emerging players with potentially strong product portfolios and create effective counter-strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

Track sales in the global and country-specific Market.

Organize your sales and marketing efforts by identifying the market categories and segments that present maximum opportunities for consolidations, investments and strategic partnerships.

Regional Insights:

The Asia Pacific market for ceramics was worth USD 21.02 billion in 2020 and has experienced significant growth due to advancements in sustainable technology. China holds the largest market share in this region and is also the fastest-growing country, thanks to government initiatives focused on hygiene, infrastructure development, and research and development.

In Europe, commercial applications such as malls, airports, educational institutions, and offices are driving high demand for ceramics. The growth of the commercial sector, coupled with increasing demand for renovations, is expected to further drive demand in this region.

In North America, the U.S. leads the ceramic-based sanitary ware market, with growth fueled by the expansion of the residential sector. Additionally, changing lifestyles and increasing consumer expenditure have boosted the adoption of renovations, further contributing to market growth in the region.

Key Market Segments: Ceramic Sanitaryware Market

By Type

Toilet Sinks/Water Closets

Washbasins

Urinals

Cisterns

By Application

Commercial

Residential

By Technology

Slip Casting

Pressure Casting

Type Casting

Isostatic Casting

By Region

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

South America

Middle East and Africa

Frequently Asked Questions About This Report

How big is the Ceramic Sanitary Ware Market?

What is the Ceramic Sanitary Ware Market growth?

Which segment accounted for the largest Ceramic Sanitary Ware Market share?

Who are the key players in the Ceramic Sanitary Ware Market?

What are the factors driving the Ceramic Sanitary Ware Market?

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About Exactitude Consultancy

Exactitude Consultancy is a market research & consulting services firm which helps its client to address their most pressing strategic and business challenges. Our market research helps clients to address critical business challenges and also helps make optimized business decisions with our fact-based research insights, market intelligence, and accurate data.

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Luton, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Exactitude Consultancy, the market research and consulting wing of Ameliorate Digital Consultancy Private Limited has completed and published the final copy of the detailed research report on the Concrete Repair Mortars Market.

The global Concrete Repair Mortars Market is expected to grow at 9% CAGR from 2023 to 2029. It is expected to reach above USD 5.18 billion by 2029 from USD 2.38 billion in 2022.

Concrete repair mortars are a type of material used to repair spalling in concrete structures caused by reinforcing corrosion. Because of the qualities of concrete, it is more commonly employed for natural structural faults created by buildings settling and adjusting during temperature changes, as well as damage caused by unanticipated water infiltration. Different types of concrete repair mortars are utilized depending on the application.

The world's population is expected to increase by about 2 billion people over the course of the next 30 years, from 8 billion people today to 9.7 billion in 2050, with a peak of roughly 10.4 billion people in the middle of the 2080s, according to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Contributing variables include an increase in the proportion of people of reproductive age, an increase in human life, an increase in industrialization, and an increase in migration. The fertility rate has undergone major shifts in conjunction with this growth.

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For instance,

In December 2020, Fosroc and ChemTech entered a joint venture for manufacturing and distribution of construction chemical materials. Both companies have 50% stake in the joint venture.

In October 2020, Sika added a new mortar production facility in Chengdu, China. The expansion is expected to improve the distribution network in China. The expansion will help the company to meet the rising demand for mortars in the country.

In October 2020, Lone Star (US) acquired BASF SE Construction Chemicals business and established MBCC Group.

APAC is projected 35% Share to be the concrete repair mortars market during the forecast period.

The significant population expansion in the APAC region is driving the predicted growth in the use of concrete repair mortars in infrastructure maintenance during the forecast period. The large population is putting strain on the existing infrastructure, which is also rapidly degrading due to the usage of substandard materials. During the foreseeable period, these structures will need to be repaired on a regular basis. The market for concrete repair mortars will be driven by these factors.

Increasing pressure on existing infrastructure due to the growing population.

A countrys infrastructure is critical to its development. Roads and bridges, schools, hospitals, and power-producing facilities, such as power plants, dams, production plants, and other similar structures, are all part of the infrastructure. Because of the aging population and the entry of migrants, the existing infrastructure is under increasing strain. China and India have a combined population of nearly 37% of the worlds total population. China and India have respective populations of 1.4 billion and 1.3 billion people. Because of the high population in many countries, the distribution of available resources is inequitable. The current infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and water delivery systems, is overstressed and exhibits symptoms of collapsing due to population growth. As a result, governments in these countries have begun to implement repair and maintenance programs. As a result, the concrete repair mortars market would be driven by the rising population over the forecast period.

Increasing adoption of renewable energy nowadays is likely to propel the market.

The developed country, particularly Europe, has committed to lowering carbon emissions. As a result, their preference for renewable energy sources such as wind and hydropower has shifted. In the United Kingdom, for example, renewable energy sources produce more energy than coal-fired power plants. The country has one of the worlds largest offshore wind farms, which presently provides 10% of the countrys energy demands. Wind turbines are built on enormous concrete foundations that need to be maintained on a regular basis. Due to the EUs aim to lowering its carbon impact, old thermal power facilities are being shut down. Dams and wind turbine constructions require more maintenance on a regular basis than thermal power plants do. Thus, the increasing adoption of renewable energy is expected to create opportunities for concrete repair mortar manufacturers to expand their business, especially in wind turbine and hydropower sectors.

Report Metrics

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 80 Forecast Period 2023 - 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 USD 2.38 billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 USD 5.18 billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 9% Regions Covered North America; Europe; China; Asia; Pacific; Central & South America; MEA Market Drivers The market is expected to rise due to increased investments in housing and transportation infrastructure development, as well as maintenance and rehabilitation of existing building structures.

Concrete Repair Mortars Market Players

R. Meadows, Inc., ARDEX AMERICAS, Garon Products Inc., MC-Bauchemie, The Euclid Chemical Company, Aquafin, Chembond Chemicals Limited, TCC Materials, Pidilite Industries Ltd., Fosroc, Inc., Sika AG, MAPEI S.p.A., Normet are some market key players

These companies have adopted various organic as well as inorganic growth strategies to strengthen their position in the market. New product development, merger & acquisition, and expansion were among the key growth strategies adopted by these leading players to enhance their product offering and regional presence and meet the growing demand for concrete repair mortars in the emerging economies.

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Key Market Segments: Concrete Repair Mortars Market

Concrete Repair Mortars Market by Type, 2023-2029, (USD Million)

PMC

Epoxy Based

Concrete Repair Mortars Market by Application Method, 2023-2029, (USD Million)

Hand/Trawling

Spraying

Pouring

Concrete Repair Mortars Market by End-Use Industry, 2023-2029, (USD Million)

Buildings & Car Parks

Road Infrastructure

Utility

Marine

Concrete Repair Mortar Market Dynamics and Trends

Growing residential construction coupled with increasing pressure on existing infrastructure is boosting the growth of the concrete repair mortar market

The market for the product is anticipated to grow as a result of the rising demand for concrete repair mortar uses in the construction sector for restoring the structural integrity and artistic form of ancient structures. Since residential buildings are built to last longer and have superior structural strength thanks to mortar, it is anticipated that this sector will hold the majority of the market share. Great impermeability, tensile strength, stress resistance, and thixotropy of concrete restoration mortar are anticipated to increase demand as a necessary construction substance over time.

When concrete needs to be repaired, such as for structural issues with buildings brought on by shifts in exceptionally high temperatures, the substance can be helpful. Additionally, it is used to stop internal structural supports from rusting as a result of unwanted water intrusion.

Cementitious concrete mortar is used for brick-based applications such as fences, walls, and walkways. It has several benefits for structures, including reduced internal support rust, corrosion resistance, and moisture absorption. Epoxy concrete mortar is used for high-strength applications such as strengthening concrete, mending cracked or broken concrete flooring, and extending its usable life.

The rising adoption of new technologies is the primary hurdle for the market growth of concrete repair mortar.

concrete repair mortar is gradually getting popularity in the construction industry despite its infancy. Aggregates, water, cement, and bacteria that make limestone are combined to create self-healing concrete, which helps to repair surface fractures as soon as they appear. The material can cover fissures up to 0.08 mm in size.

Numerous uses for dependable and long-lasting construction are included in the market chance for self-healing concrete. The widespread use of self-healing concrete will boost consumer approval and the self-healing concrete industry during the projection period. Infrastructure for residential, business, industrial, and civil purposes is crucial for economic growth.

Therefore, it is anticipated that increasing the lifespan of these structures and lowering upkeep costs will provide numerous opportunities for self-healing goods to enter the market. The growth of the business use of self-healing concrete will depend heavily on the success of pilot projects being carried out all over the globe.

Key Question Answered

What are the growth opportunities related to the adoption of concrete repair mortars market across major regions in the future?

What are the new trends and advancements in the concrete repair mortars market?

Which product categories are expected to have highest growth rate in the concrete repair mortars market?

Which are the key factors driving the concrete repair mortars market?

What will the market growth rate, growth momentum or acceleration the market carries during the forecast period?

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About Exactitude Consultancy

Exactitude Consultancy is a market research & consulting services firm which helps its client to address their most pressing strategic and business challenges. Our market research helps clients to address critical business challenges and also helps make optimized business decisions with our fact-based research insights, market intelligence, and accurate data.

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for your special interest research needs at sales@exactitudeconsultancy.com and we will get in touch with you within 24hrs and help you find the market research report you need.

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FuturaSun relaunches the European photovoltaic supply chain with a new center dedicated to the development and production of PV modules



PADUA, Italy, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FuturaSun, the leading Italian manufacturer of high-efficiency photovoltaic panels, has acquired a 24,000 sqm plot of land in the industrial area of Cittadella (Padua) to establish a new Italian Gigafactory. The facility will reach a 2 GW/year production capacity of high-efficiency photovoltaic modules, manufactured using the most innovative technologies.

With this important step, the company commits to a total investment of 25 million Euros over the next few years.

The project fits into the company's strategic industrial plan, and it follows through on the European mission of rebuilding the European supply chain, with FuturaSun taking the role of one of the main players.

Alessandro Barin, the CEO of FuturaSun, declares, "With this new industrial hub, we believe we can enhance our hometown while also becoming a reference point in the HORIZON IBC4EU project*, a program within the REpowerEU plan and the European Green Deal to revive the Italian and European photovoltaic industrial supply chain in support of continental energy transition strategies."

The new HQ will be designed according to across-the-board environmental and sustainability criteria and will include an R&D center for applied scientific research, a large test-field for product control and improvement, a PV Academy and a training center to recreate the expertise of industry professionals.

FuturaSun was founded in Cittadella in 2008 and has successfully transformed the 2012 photovoltaic crisis into an opportunity. After 15 years of uninterrupted growth, with a Gigafactory already active in China and two others under construction, the company continues in its project to reposition the supply chain, initiating another dream of reviving the Italian district of photovoltaics in Veneto.

About FuturaSun

The Italian company FuturaSun is specialized in the manufacturing of high-performance photovoltaic panels which have passed the most stringent of tests to achieve prestigious certifications issued by laboratories from all over the world. FuturaSuns manufacturing plants are based in China and soon in Italy.

Media Contact

International Press

Andrea Cortese

+39 338 78 07 018

press@futurasun.it

*This project has received funding from the Horizon Europe Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027) under grant agreement No 101084259

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2af8e6eb-ef7c-4f61-ba07-6334e1deaa0d
New York, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Neurology Clinical Trials Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Phase, By Study Design, By Indication, By Region And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2030" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06428240/?utm_source=GNW



Neurology Clinical Trials Market Growth & Trends



The global neurology clinical trials market size is expected to reach USD 8,052.9 million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 5.6% from 2023 to 2030. This is largely attributed to big pharma companies conducting innovative trials in neurology, increased government funding from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), and the high prevalence of neurological disorders worldwide.



Neuroscience continues to receive a healthy investment. For instance, in November 2022, NRG Therapeutics raised Series A funding of USD 18.3 million for the development of mitochondrial therapeutics to treat neurodegenerative ailments such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinsons disease. The adoption of similar initiatives in the future is expected to support market growth.



A significant number of people worldwide suffer from neurological disorders.For instance, as per the statistics from Parkinsons Foundation, every year 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with PD and more than 10 million people are living with the disease around the world.



In terms of Epilepsy, the WHO states that more than 65 million people worldwide are affected by it. The disease is most prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, which account for 80.0% of epilepsy cases. A high prevalence of neurological disorders is expected to boost demand for clinical trials and thus support the market.



Neurology is considered as one of the major areas where clinical trials are conducted.As per the Pharma R&D Annual Review, in 2021, Neurology trials were the third area where clinical trials were majorly focused.



The Pharma R&D Annual Review stated that for neurology above 2,900 drugs were under trial and in the year 2022 the number of drugs for clinical studies in the area of neurology accounted for more than 3,200 active drugs. An increasing number of drugs entering clinical trials in the area of neurology are expected to support the market in the post-pandemic period.



Neurology Clinical Trials Market Report Highlights

 The phase II segment dominated the market and accounted for a maximum revenue share of 46.3% in 2022. A majority number of neurology clinical trials are currently in Phase 2, this is supporting the segment market

 The interventional segment held the largest market revenue share of 96.1% in 2022. A high number of neurology clinical trials conducted through this study design type is promoting the growth of the segment market

 The Huntingtons disease segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR of 6.0% during the forecast period. This is largely due to the fact that there is a high demand for the medicines used for Huntingtons disease worldwide as there are no medications available for treating this disease

 North America dominated the market and accounted for a revenue share of 47.0% in 2022. The rising prevalence of neurological disorders and the presence of a large number of players in clinical trials drive the market in the region. These are some of the key reasons for the high market share

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06428240/?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.



__________________________
Thursday, March 9, 2023



Dear Shareholders and Investors,

On Tuesday, March 7, 2023, we held an Investor Conference Call about Nordic American Tankers Ltd.

The audio replay and a transcript of the call are available and can be distributed to interested parties on request.

Please send an e-mail to Liv-Heidi.Henriksen@scandicamerican.com , who will provide the audio file or transcript.

Sincerely,

Herbjorn Hansson

Founder, Chairman & CEO

Nordic American Tankers Ltd. www.nat.bm

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Matters discussed in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor protections for forward-looking statements in order to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their business. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts.

The Company desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words believe, anticipate, intend, estimate, forecast, project, plan, potential, will, may, should, expect, pending and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, our managements examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records and other data available from third parties. Although we believe that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions, including fluctuations in charter rates and vessel values, changes in demand in the tanker market, as a result of changes in OPECs petroleum production levels and worldwide oil consumption and storage, changes in our operating expenses, including bunker prices, drydocking and insurance costs, the market for our vessels, availability of financing and refinancing, changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, general domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents or political events, vessels breakdowns and instances of off-hires and other important factors described from time to time in the reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the prospectus and related prospectus supplement, our Annual Report on Form 20-F, and our reports on Form 6-K.

Contacts:

Alexander Kihle, Finance Manager

Nordic American Tankers Ltd

Tel: +47 91 724 171

Bjrn Giver, CFO

Nordic American Tankers Ltd

Tel: +1 888 755 8391








Dublin, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "South America Malaria Treatment Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Regional Analysis - by Treatment, Drug Type, Route of Administration, Distribution Channel, and End User" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The South America malaria treatment market is expected to grow from US$ 71.79 million in 2022 to US$ 98.53 million by 2028. It is estimated to register a CAGR of 5.4% from 2022 to 2028.



Rapid Diagnostic Tests is Driving the South America Malaria Treatment Market



RDTs for malaria can improve the quality of management of the disease. RDTs are proven to be highly affordable and effective for public health programs implemented in low-resource settings. RDTs are widely used in remote areas with limited access to microscopy services.

As a result, there has been a rapid rise in the demand for RDTs for malaria. Several RDTs have been developed to test the presence of malaria parasites in blood South Americaples. Identifying and successfully treating malaria in low transmission areas is critical to reduce transmission and achieve complete elimination of the disease. Many companies are engaged in developing a wide range of RDTs with high sensitivities. So, growing rapid diagnostic tests is expected to drive the South America malaria treatment market growth across the region.



South America Malaria Treatment Market Overview



The Brazilian government recently launched the National Malaria Elimination Plan, intending to reduce the number of local malaria cases to less than 68,000 by 2025 and the number of deaths to zero by 2030, as well as eliminate the disease in Brazil by 2035. Brazil is a country that houses the Amazon rainforest, from where most of the malaria cases come. Approximately 99.9% of transmissions in Brazil occur in the Amazon area and 80% in 33 cities.

In 2021, over 137.8 thousand cases were reported. The Brazilian government is investing in treatment, pest control, and technical support to cities and states while also training personnel. The Elimination Plan will work through the Brazilian Unified Health System, based on free diagnosis and treatment, decentralized actions for diagnostic and wide coverage treatment, and using online information systems, multi-sector partnerships, and research networks.

On October 30, 2019, GSK Brazil and MMV announced that the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (AVINSA) had granted the Marketing Authorization Approval under propriety review for the single dose tafenoquine for the medical cure of plasmodium vivax malaria in 16-year-old patients and for the older who are receiving chloroquine for the acute P. vivax infection. Jose Carlos Felner, the president of the GSK's pharmaceutical division in Brazil, said that the approval of tafenoquine in the country is an important step in the fight against neglected diseases such as malaria. This will increase the demand for malaria treatment in Brazil and help eradicate the disease. Thus, the growing technical support by the Brazilian government will fuel the growth of the market.



Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Government and Private Sector's Initiatives to Raise Awareness About Malaria

Market Restraints

Counterfeit Antimalarial Drugs and Subsequent Drug Resistance

Market Opportunities

Extending Pipeline of New Drugs and Vaccines

Future Trends

Rapid Diagnostic Tests

South America Malaria Treatment Market Segmentation



The South America malaria treatment market is segmented based on treatment, drug type, route of administration, distribution channel, end user, and country.

Based on treatment, the South America malaria treatment market is segmented into prescription medications, vaccines, diagnostic tests, and others. The diagnostic tests segment held the largest market share in 2022. The prescription medications segment is further categorized into chloroquine phosphate, artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), atovaquone-proguanil, quinine sulfate (qualaquin) with doxycycline, primaquine phosphate, and others.

Based on drug type, the South America malaria treatment market is bifurcated into branded and generic. The generic segment held a larger market share in 2022.

Based on route of administration, the South America malaria treatment market is bifurcated into oral and parenteral & intravenous. The oral segment held a larger market share in 2022.

Based on distribution channel, the South America malaria treatment market is segmented into direct tender, hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, online pharmacies, and others. The direct tender segment held the largest market share in 2022.

Based on end user, the South America malaria treatment market is segmented into hospitals, specialty clinics, homecare, and others. The hospitals segment held the largest market share in 2022.

Based on country, the South America malaria treatment market has been categorized into Brazil, Argentina, and the Rest of South America. Our regional analysis states that the Rest of South America dominated the market in 2022.

Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 154 Forecast Period 2022 - 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $71.79 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $98.53 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 5.4%

Key Topics Covered:



1. Introduction



2. Key Takeaways



3. Research Methodology

4. SAM Malaria Treatment Market- Market Landscape



5. SAM Malaria Treatment Market - Key Market Dynamics



6. Malaria Treatment Market- SAM Analysis



7. SAM Malaria Treatment Market Analysis - By Treatment



8. SAM Malaria Treatment Market Analysis - By Drug Type



9. SAM Malaria Treatment Market Analysis - By Route of Administration



10. SAM Malaria Treatment Market Analysis - By Distribution Channel



11. SAM Malaria Treatment Market Analysis - By End User



12. SAM Malaria Treatment Market - Country Analysis



13. Industry Landscape



14. Company Profiles



15. Appendix



A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes

AdvaCare Pharma USA LLC

Cipla Ltd

GSK Plc

Lupin Ltd

Novartis AG

Sanofi SA

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd

Viatris Inc

Zydus Healthcare Ltd

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/71wvzz

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
Pune, India, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global nickel cadmium battery market is anticipated to witness progressive growth owing to the surge in demand for cadmium batteries from the automobile industry, especially because they are easily available and cost-efficient. Fortune Business Insights analyses the market in details in its report titled, Nickel Cadmium Battery Market Size, Share and Global Trend By Block Battery Construction (L Type, M Type, H type), By End-User (Consumer Goods, Industrial Equipment, Healthcare Equipment, Automotive) and Geography Forecast till 2030.

Request Free Sample of the Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/sample/nickel-cadmium-battery-market-101338

Drivers and Restraints:

Nickel cadmium batteries or NiCad batteries are rechargeable batteries that use metallic cadmium and nickel oxide hydroxide as electrodes. These batteries are used in photography equipment, portable electronic devices, portable power tools, flashlights, and other devices. Due to their low cost, they are highly preferred worldwide. Currently, nickel cadmium batteries are the most reliable battery systems present in the market. Nickel cadmium batteries are also used for storing energy in solar PV off-grids. The rise in demand for portable devices worldwide, coupled with their reliable and long battery life properties, will boost the nickel cadmium market growth in the forecast period.

As per the current nickel cadmium battery market trends, various segments of the market includes block battery construction, end-user, and geography. With respect to end-user, the market is classified into automotive, healthcare equipment, industrial equipment, and consumer goods.

On the basis of block battery construction, the market is categorized into H type, M type, and L type. While the L type battery is utilized for storing bulk amounts of energy, the M battery type is mainly used for power backup purposes.

Impact of COVID-19:

The coronavirus occurrence has caused the world to a surprising standstill. We understand that this health disaster has negatively impacted various sectors across the globe. Rising support from governments and several companies can help in the fight against this highly infectious virus. There are some industries that are struggling and some are thriving. More or less, nearly every sector is estimated to be impacted by this pandemic.

We are making endless efforts to uplift businesses in this crucial need of the hour. Our expertise and experience can offer enormous benefits to help regain during this global pandemic.

Click here to get the short-term and long-term impact of COVID-19 on this Market.

Please visit: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/nickel-cadmium-battery-market-101338

The report focuses primarily on factors such as:

Growth drivers, restraints, and current trends that will either drive or hamper the market during the forecast period

Mapping of the latest advancement in technology that will help market gain traction

List of significant players operating in the market and their major marketing strategies that will help them gain a competitive edge in the market

Valuable insights to the market that will help players invest accordingly and attract high revenue to the market in the long run

Distribution wise segmentation of the market such as type, application, and other segments.

Regional distribution of the market for better understanding of future opportunities for the market vendors

Regional Insights:

Rise in Offshore and Onshore Activities to Help North America Market Emerge Dominant

Geographically, the nickel cadmium battery market is categorized into Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. Among these, there is a rise in demand for these batteries in North America owing to the vast onshore and offshore exploration activities. This, coupled with the massive demand for commercial and passenger aircraft is expected to accelerate the regional nickel cadmium battery market size in the forecast duration.

On the other side, weather conditions in Europe are extremely harsh, meaning either extremely low or high or very humid. The market in Europe will witness a progressive growth rate on account of thedurability of these batteries and its capability to survive even in fluctuating weather conditions of the region. Thus, there is wide adoption of nickel cadmium batteries uses such as in telecom networks, substations, and the aviation sector in Europe.

As per the report, Asia Pacific is likely to emerge as the fastest-growing region due to various development programs especially in the emerging economies such as China and India. Other factors aiding the expansion of the Asia Pacific market include the expansionof industries such as off-grid PV, aviation sector and telecommunication industry.

On the other side, the Middle East and Africa region is continuously making huge investments in gas and oil projects for increasing their productivity. Additionally, the rise in the installation of renewable energy systems, namely wind and solar systems are expected to fuel the demand for nickel cadmium batteries in the region in the near future.

Quick Buy - Nickel Cadmium Battery Market Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/checkout-page/101338

Competitive Analysis:

Increasing Investments in Setting Up of New Facilities in Existing Plants to Intensify Market Competition

The competitive landscape of the global nickel cadmium battery market is fierce with the presence of many players. Companies are adopting various strategies such as high investments, switching from lead-acid batteries to nickel-cadmium ones, setting new plants, and others in order to stay aheadin the competition.

The Report Lists the Main Companies in the Nickel Cadmium Battery Market:

Exide Industries Ltd.

Shenzhen Nova Energy Co., Ltd

Cantec Systems Canada

Cell-Con, Inc.

GS Battery

Montu Electronics LLP

ZEUS Battery Products

Panasonic

HBL Power Systems Ltd.

ALCAD Ltd

Have Any Query? Ask Our Experts: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/queries/nickel-cadmium-battery-market-101338

Nickel Cadmium Battery Market Segmentation:

By Block Battery Construction:

L Type

M Type

H Type

By End-User:

Consumer Goods

Industrial Equipment

Healthcare Equipment

Automotive

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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 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.

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Pune,India, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The machine learning market size was USD 15.44 Billion in 2021. The market is projected to grow from USD 21.17 Billion in 2022 to USD 209.91 Billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 38.8% during the 2022-2029 period. North America accounted for the maximum share, with over 5.56 Billion of total market in the year. Fortune Business Insights, provide this information in its report titled, Machine Learning Market Forecast, 2023-2029.

Get a Free Sample Research PDF:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/machine-learning-market-102226

Industry Developments:

Amazon Web Services, Inc. launched Amazon Monitron, AWS Panorama Appliance, AWS Panorama SDK, Amazon Lookout for Equipment and Amazon Lookout for Vision, new machine learning services. These services work together to help manufacturing and industrial customers increase operating performance, quality control, security, and workplace protection by embedding intelligence in their manufacturing processes.

Report Scope & Segmentation

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2022 to 2029 Forecast Period 2022 to 2029 CAGR 38.8% 2029 Value Projection USD 209.91 Billion Base Year 2021 Machine Learning Market Size in 2021 USD 15.44 Billion Historical Data for 2018 to 2020 No. of Pages 160 Segments covered Component, Enterprise Size, Deployment, Industry and Geography Machine Learning Market Growth Drivers Increasing Demand in Healthcare Sector to Boost Market

Key Takeaways

The machine learning market has also expanded due to the integration of machine learning in robots.

Growing technological improvements that improve system accuracy are driving market expansion.

Component Analysis: Machine Learning Solutions to Account for the Majority Market Share

Small and mid-sized enterprises are estimated to exhibit a significant growth rate during the forecast period.

Machine Learning Market Size in North America was USD 5.56 Billion in 2021

Browse Complete Report Details:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/machine-learning-market-102226

Drivers & Restraints:

Increasing Demand in Healthcare Sector to Boost Market

The global market for machine learning is predicted to experience substantial growth in the upcoming years, primarily due to the rising need for automated data analysis solutions.

The healthcare sector is among the industries that are highly interested in these applications, which is expected to fuel market growth.

Moreover, the market revenue generation rate is likely to increase due to the development of new technologies and higher investments in technological advancements in developing nations.

Despite these opportunities, technical constraints and a shortage of precision may impede market expansion.

Regional Insights:

During the forecast period, North America is anticipated to dominate the global machine learning (ML) market with the region's share being the highest at USD 5.56 billion in 2021. This is attributed to the significant presence of key players in the region, particularly in the research and development sector, which is expected to further drive market expansion.

Meanwhile, Europe is predicted to experience substantial growth in the near future due to the increasing number of skilled professionals in the industry. Furthermore, the rising demand for artificial intelligence in the services and goods sector is expected to boost growth in the region.

Competitive Landscape:

Innovation Allow Key Players to Hold Highest Market Position

The key market players focus on implementing innovative product development strategies. This allows the key players to adopt advanced technologies, improve their existing products, and develop new product ranges. Forming strategic alliances and partnering with supporting companies allow the key players to increase revenue generation by expanding their business globally.

Have Any Query? Ask Our Experts:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/machine-learning-market-102226

List of Key Players Profiled in Machine Learning (ML) Market Report:

IBM Corporation (U.S.)

SAP SE (Germany)

Oracle Corporation (U.S.)

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (U.S.)

Microsoft Corporation (U.S.)

Amazon, Inc. (U.S.)

Intel Corporation (U.S.)

Fair Isaac Corporation (U.S.)

SAS Institute Inc. (U.S.)

BigML, Inc. (U.S.)

Major Table of Contents:

Global Machine Learning (ML) Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Segments, 2018-2029 Key Findings By Component (USD) Solution Services By Enterprise Size (USD) SMEs Large Enterprises By Deployment (USD) Cloud On-premise By End-user (USD) Healthcare Retail IT and Telecommunication BFSI Automotive & Transportation Advertising & Media Manufacturing Other By Region (USD) North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa Latin America North America Machine Learning (ML) Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Segments, 2018-2029 Key Findings By Component (USD) Solution Services By Enterprise Size (USD) SMEs Large Enterprises By Deployment (USD) Cloud On-premise By End-user (USD) Healthcare Retail IT and Telecommunication BFSI Automotive & Transportation Advertising & Media Manufacturing Other By Country (USD) United States Canada Europe Machine Learning (ML) Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Segments, 2018-2029 Key Findings By Component (USD) Solution Services By Enterprise Size (USD) SMEs Large Enterprises By Deployment (USD) Cloud On-premise By End-user (USD) Healthcare Retail IT and Telecommunication BFSI Automotive & Transportation Advertising & Media Manufacturing Other



TOC Continued

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https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/checkout-page/102226

FAQs

What is the size of the machine learning market?

The Global machine learning market size was valued at USD 15.44 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow from USD 21.17 billion in 2022 to USD 209.91 billion by 2029.

What is the market growth for machine learning market?

The size of the global machine learning market is anticipated to increase throughout the forecast period at a CAGR of 38.8%.

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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

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Marimaca Copper Corp. (Marimaca Copper or the Company) (TSX: MARI) announces the completion of its second independent ESG performance assessment via the Digbee ESG reporting framework, to assist in the evaluation of the ESG performance and current positioning of the Company and the Marimaca Copper Project, located in Antofagasta Region, Chile (the Project).



The Digbee framework is designed specifically for the mining sector and endorsed by leading sector and financial stakeholders. The framework provides an independent, practical and forward-looking basis of assessment for junior mining companies at various stages of project lifecycles. It is aligned to core global sustainability standards and is conducted by a team of internationally recognised, independent, ESG experts with significant experience across the mining and resources sector. The 2022 assessment identifies the Companys achievements to date and provides independent ESG accreditation of Marimacas ESG performance. Marimacas Sustainability Commitments, published in May 2022 and available on the Marimaca website, detail the Companys ethos and vision regarding sustainability.

Highlights

The 2022 assessment provided an overall score of BBB for the Company and the Marimaca Project, an improvement from the BB score assessed in 2021 Many project and corporate scores were ranked at 'A and above

Significant progress has been made by the Company in the past 12 months regarding both ESG governance and operational sustainability milestones: The appointment of a Chief Sustainability Officer and the restructuring of Board Committees to provide a stand-alone ESG committee Secured Water Option Agreement for seawater supply to meet the Projects expected long-term water supply requirements ( see press release dated November 7, 2022 ) This secures LOM water supply while removing the risk for potential adverse impacts of sourcing water from other limited supplies, such as groundwater The Water Option also provides an option to provide a component of the Projects power from certified renewable sources, underlining the Companys commitment to sourcing green power for operational requirements

The assessment underlined the following significant ESG credentials of the Marimaca Project: The geological characteristics of the Project, such as its low strip ratio (1:1), which will allow copper to be extracted and processed using simple, low cost and low ESG impact methodologies Very favourable access to existing critical infrastructure given the Projects unique location Complimented by the presence and availability of relevant mining industry skills and robust Chilean mining industry governance Simple Project ownership structure  100% owned by Marimaca Copper Transparent land ownership structure with the Project area located on Chilean state-owned land No local communities within the Projects expected area of influence, limiting the potential impact of noise, dust, and vibration and meaning no resettlement will be required No wet discharge will be required from the expected heap leach and SX-EW processing activities No Tailings Storage Facility will be required for the SX-EW processing design No Scope 3 emissions generated given expected production of copper cathode which does not require smelting and refining





More information on Marimacas Sustainability Commitments can be found here. Information on Marimacas governance structures can be found here.

Hayden Locke, President & CEO of Marimaca Copper, commented:

Our second Digbee assessment supports and underlines the advancements we have made throughout 2022 to progress our commitment to sustainability, with the objective of developing the Marimaca project as a sustainable mine. The adoption of our Sustainability Commitments and Stakeholder Engagement Protocol and the execution of the water option to secure access to recycled seawater for future operations are highlights from 2022 that underline the significant progress we have made so far. We will continue to execute on our commitments as part of our permitting strategy and development plans to be advanced throughout 2023. I would like to thank Laura and her team for the efforts they have made to progress our sustainability agenda and look forward to continuing this in 2023.

Jamie Strauss, CEO of Digbee, commented:

Our 2022 assessment of Marimaca Copper and the Marimaca project continues to highlight the uniqueness of Marimaca in terms of ESG potential. Marimaca has made good progress in the execution of its ESG commitments in 2022, in terms of management, governance and standards. On a practical level, the recycled seawater supply that it has secured for future operations stands out as an innovative example of how the Company is committed to find sustainable solutions for operational needs. We are excited to see how this will be progressed in 2023 and believe that Marimaca has the potential to further improve its overall ESG credentials.

Figure 1: 2022 Digbee Assessment Corporate Score









Figure 2: 2022 Digbee Assessment Project Score

About the Digbee ESG performance assessment process

Digbee assembles an independent team of suitably qualified Mining ESG experts to manually review submissions against a set of rigorous and standardised scoring criteria. These scores are peer reviewed before being finalised to ensure accuracy and credibility. The overall score is the calculated average of the corporate and project scores. Context scores reflect the inherent risk of where we are operating and there is little that can be done to influence these, whereas the action scores reflect the action being taken by us to mitigate these risks.

Contact Information

For further information please visit www.marimaca.com or contact:

Tavistock

+44 (0) 207 920 3150

Emily Moss / Adam Baynes

marimaca@tavistock.co.uk

Forward Looking Statements

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements under applicable Canadian securities legislation. 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. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Marimaca Copper, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual 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 and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: risks related to share price and market conditions, the inherent risks involved in the mining, exploration and development of mineral properties, the uncertainties involved in interpreting drilling results and other geological data, fluctuating metal prices, the possibility of project delays or cost overruns or unanticipated excessive operating costs and expenses, uncertainties related to the necessity of financing, the availability of and costs of financing needed in the future as well as those factors disclosed in the annual information form of the Company dated March 28, 2022, the final short form base prospectus and other filings made by the Company with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities (which may be viewed at www.sedar.com). Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Marimaca Copper undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements contained herein whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/224f23df-522d-4a25-bd57-5ebcb76968c3

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ac0c539a-e4f9-4c4b-a78a-7e5460a7c557
Dublin, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Certificate in Employee Relations Law?Seminar" conference has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Certificate in Employee Relations Law Seminar is designed to provide participants with a broad base of practical knowledge in all facets of employment law.

The Certificate in Employee Relations Law Seminar provides the most comprehensive, practical, up-to-date employment law training available. This is a 4 day seminar is geared to the real-world needs of human resource professionals, attorneys, and managers. The seminar provides "best practices" insights and information on the full range of employee relations and labor law issues.

The seminar is presented by prominent employment law attorneys who are also excellent presenters. The focus is on the practical implications of the law and what steps participants can take on the job to cope with the complex requirements of the various laws and regulations.

Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM)

The host is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP. This 4 day program has been approved for 29.75 PDCs.

HR Certification Institute (HRCI)

This 4 day program has been approved for 29.75 HR recertification credit hours toward PHR and SPHR recertification through the HR Certification Institute (HRCI).

The seminar provides participants with:

A comprehensive understanding of all of today's significant employment laws and regulations, and the ability to know what to do about them in their own workplace.

The skills to recognize and deal with problem situations and to minimize exposure to litigation by learning what steps and policies to implement in the workplace.

Complete information regarding current and expected future laws and regulations, enabling your organization to anticipate and plan for the future.

Agenda:

Block 1 - Labor Law in the Union & Non-Union Workplace (Monday - Tuesday)

Overview of Laws Governing the Employer-Union Relationship

Analysis of the provisions of the Labor Management Relations Act and other applicable laws.

Practical guide to understanding and successfully dealing with the National Labor Relations Board.

Practical Guidance for Managing Non-Unionized Employees

How to minimize legal risk through good hiring practices

Identification of the most important employment policies

How to use performance evaluations effectively

The keys to avoiding an employment-related lawsuit

How to conduct effective internal investigations

Managing leaves of absence effectively

Why employees unionize-recurring problems in the non-union workplace.

Preventive measures to avoid union organizing efforts.

Changes in the Law and How they Affect You - The Election Process

Examination of election procedures-statutory provisions and NLRB processes.

How to conduct a legal and effective campaign against unionization.

Collective Bargaining

What should management want in a collective bargaining agreement?

How to get what you want out of the collective bargaining process.

Extent of responsibility to bargain in good faith.

The correlation between collective bargaining agreements and employee handbooks.

Strikes and Picketing Activity

Legal limits on strikes, picketing, and employer responses.

Legal remedies and best strategies for dealing with actual or threatened strikes, picketing, and boycotts.

Operating Under a Collective Bargaining Agreement

Living with a collective bargaining agreement.

Making effective use of the grievance procedure.

Preparing for and winning arbitration cases.

Successorship and the Law

Buying a business whose employees are unionized.

Understanding your rights and liabilities in mergers and acquisitions.

Ending the Union Relationship

The decertification process.

Other non-election means through which to legally end the relationship.

Block 2 - Employment Discrimination Law (Wednesday - Thursday)

A survey course that examines legal theories under Title VII and other Civil Rights Acts, including discrimination and harassment based upon race, sex, religion, national origin, age, and disability.

Analyzes race, color and national origin discrimination claims under Title VII and the Post-Civil War Civil Rights Acts.

Examines the various theories of sex discrimination, including such issues as pregnancy discrimination, employee benefits design and equal pay.

Discusses sexual and other types of harassment, investigations and policies employers need to mitigate their risk of liability.

Reviews trends in protecting the rights of persons based on sexual orientation.

Updates religious discrimination issues, including employer obligations to accommodate employees' religious practices.

Strategies and Practical Advice for Dealing with Issues Under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act

A thorough examination of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the effective handling of the disabled employee, including a discussion of the changed standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act.

An analysis of current decisions interpreting an employer's rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

An examination of the Family and Medical Leave Act, its regulations, and recent cases dealing with leave issues.

An Update on Developments in the Law Under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act

An examination of developing legal issues, including disparate impact claims and defenses.

A review of issues associated with employee benefits designs, especially severance benefits.

Resolving Discrimination Claims Without Litigation

Resolving complaints internally and encouraging employees to use your procedures.

Avoiding litigation through binding arbitration.

A discussion of recent court decisions concerning the enforceability of agreements to arbitrate employment claims and class claims.

Litigating Discrimination Claims

A review of the case handling process under EEOC regulations.

How to win your case at the administrative level.

An examination of effective litigation strategies.

Avoidance of retaliation claims.

Settlement strategies, including pre-charge settlements as well as settlements in conjunction with agencies.

An Examination of Affirmative Action

A detailed discussion of voluntary affirmative action trends.

An examination of the requirements of Executive Order 11246 for government contractors.

How to prepare affirmative action plans.

Dealing with the OFCCP effectively.

Update on judicial opinions regarding affirmative action and "reverse discrimination."

Block 3 - Special Issues in Employee Relations Law (Friday)

This block will address specific employment law/labor law issues of interest to participants not covered in Blocks I and II plus up-to-the-minute laws, regulations and court decisions. Topics may include:

Wage and Hour Issues

An examination of the Fair Labor Standards Act and regulations affecting the categorization of employees as exempt from minimum wage and/or overtime premium pay and calculating overtime premium pay under various pay arrangements.

Wrongful Discharge Litigation

An examination of the various theories of recovery arising from employee discipline and discharge. An examination of litigation prevention techniques including practical suggestions regarding employment policies, internal review procedures, and discipline/termination decision making and implementation.

Assessments of effective litigation strategies in response to these developments.

A discussion of post-employment inquiries and the use of separation agreements as a litigation avoidance tool.

Employment-Related Tort Litigation

Defamation claims arising from communications to employees, other employers, customers and others.

Intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Intentional interference with contract or prospective business advantage.

Fraudulent or negligent misrepresentation.

Negligent hiring, supervision entrustment and supervision.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Pros and cons.

Utilization of arbitration agreements.

Features of an effective ADR System.

Substance Abuse in the Workplace

Legal restrictions and considerations in developing and implementing effective policies and programs.

Workplace Privacy Claims

Workplace searches and related issues.

Employee monitoring and pending legislation.

Emerging types of claims.

Protecting Confidential Information

What is protectable.

How to protect it

Speakers

Patrick Scully, Esq.

Partner at Sherman & Howard, LLC

Wayne W. Williams, Esq.

Founder of the Law Offices of Wayne W. Williams

For more information about this conference visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/eva4xn

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.
Dublin, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Switzerland Social Commerce Market Intelligence and Future Growth Dynamics Databook - 50+ KPIs on Social Commerce Trends by End-Use Sectors, Operational KPIs, Retail Product Dynamics, and Consumer Demographics - Q1 2023 Update" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



Social commerce industry in Switzerland is expected to grow by 27.5% on annual basis to reach US$2493.5 million in 2023.



The social commerce industry is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period, recording a CAGR of 18.8% during 2022-2028. The social commerce GMV in the country will increase from US$2493.5 million in 2023 to reach US$7021.1 million by 2028.



This report provides a detailed data centric analysis of social commerce industry, covering market opportunities and risks. With over 50+ KPIs at country level, this report provides a comprehensive understanding of social commerce market dynamics, market size and forecast, and market share statistics.



The research methodology is based on industry best practices. Its unbiased analysis leverages a proprietary analytics platform to offer a detailed view on emerging business and investment market opportunities.

Reasons to buy

In-depth Understanding of Social Commerce Market Dynamics: Understand market opportunities and key trends along with forecast (2019-2028).

Insights into Opportunity by end-use sectors - Get market dynamics by end-use sectors to assess emerging opportunity across various end-use sectors.

Develop Market Specific Strategies: Identify growth segments and target specific opportunities to formulate social commerce strategy; assess market specific key trends, drivers, and risks in the industry.

Scope



Switzerland Ecommerce Industry Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Key Performance Indicators, 2019-2028

Switzerland Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Key Performance Indicators, 2019-2028

Switzerland Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Retail Product Categories, 2019-2028

Clothing & Footwear

Beauty and Personal Care

Food & Grocery

Appliances and Electronics

Home Improvement

Travel

Hospitality

Switzerland Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by End Use Segment, 2019-2028

B2B

B2C

C2C

Switzerland Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by End Use Device, 2019-2028

Mobile

Desktop

Switzerland Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Location, 2019-2028

Domestic

Cross Border

Switzerland Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Location, 2019-2028

Tier-1 Cities

Tier-2 Cities

Tier-3 Cities

Switzerland Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Payment Method, 2019-2028

Credit Card

Debit Card

Bank Transfer

Prepaid Card

Digital & Mobile Wallet

Other Digital Payment

Cash

Switzerland Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Platforms

Video Commerce

Social Network-Led Commerce

Social Reselling

Group Buying

Product Review Platforms

Switzerland Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Consumer Demographics & Behaviour,2022

By Age

By Income Level

By Gender

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/rxo2v5

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.
Orlando, Florida, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Michelle Wargo, Director of Communications for Community Legal Services has been named a Dynamic Do-er in the Ragan Communications Top Women in Communications, Class of 2023. Ragans Top Women in Communications Awards celebrates the female communications professionals who are mentors to future generations, who hold truth to power when necessary and are newcomers excited to make their mark on the industry.

Honorees were recognized at a special award celebration on February 28 at the City Winery in New York City.

Wargo said, It is an honor to have been nominated by my co-workers for this award and to be recognized among such an impressive group of women."

An excerpt of her accomplishments, posted in a special profile on Ragans news website says, Reaching clients in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and in the wake of an emergency rental and housing crisis created a special challenge for CLS... Wargo put together distinct and targeted marketing campaigns for multiple grantors... Her campaigns were so successful in reaching the right clients at the right time that CLS was awarded more funds to advertise its services halfway through the grant period.

CLS Chief Executive Officer Jeff Harvey said, We are very proud of Michelle and her impact. Her innovative use of media is really reinventing how legal aids effectively reach the people we serve in a fiscally responsible way.

About Community Legal Services

CLS is a nonprofit law firm striving to remove barriers to justice by empowering vulnerable communities through legal advocacy and education. As the primary provider of free legal aid for low to moderate-income residents in Central Florida, we provide legal assistance and advocacy to help people obtain the necessities of life: food, shelter, health care, safety, and education.

Ragan Communications

Ragan Communications has been delivering trusted news, training and intelligence for more than 50 years to internal and external communicators, HR professionals and business executives via its conferences, webinars, training, awards, subscriptions and membership divisions. Its daily news sitesPRDaily.com and Ragan.comare read by more than 600,000 internal and external communicators monthly.

Attachments
SAINT LAURENT, Quebec, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a release issued under the same headline earlier today by IntelGenx Technologies Corp. (TSX:IGX) (OTCQB:IGXT), please note that the time of the fireside chat has been updated. The corrected release follows:

IntelGenx Technologies Corp. (TSX:IGX) (OTCQB:IGXT) (the "Company" or "IntelGenx), a leader in pharmaceutical films, will be participating in the 35th Annual ROTH Conference, being held March 1214, 2023 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Dana Point, California.



IntelGenxs President and CFO, Andre Godin, will participate in a fireside chat hosted by Jonathan Aschoff, Ph.D., Managing Director, Senior Research Analyst at ROTH MKM, on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. Pacific Time. Mr. Godin will also participate in one-on-one meetings with investors during the conference.

To arrange a one-on-one with IntelGenx, please email oneononerequests@roth.com or contact your ROTH sales representative to arrange.

About IntelGenx

IntelGenx is a leading drug delivery company focused on the development and manufacturing of pharmaceutical films.

IntelGenxs superior film technologies, including VersaFilm, DisinteQ, VetaFilm and transdermal VevaDerm, allow for next generation pharmaceutical products that address unmet medical needs. IntelGenxs innovative product pipeline offers significant benefits to patients and physicians for many therapeutic conditions.

IntelGenx's highly skilled team provides comprehensive pharmaceuticals services to pharmaceutical partners, including R&D, analytical method development, clinical monitoring, IP and regulatory services. IntelGenx's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility offers full service by providing lab-scale to pilot- and commercial-scale production. For more information, visit www.intelgenx.com.

Forward-Looking Information and Statements

This document may contain forward-looking information about IntelGenx's operating results and business prospects that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Statements that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about IntelGenx's plans, objectives, expectations, strategies, intentions or other characterizations of future events or circumstances and are generally identified by the words "may," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "could," "would," and similar expressions. All forward looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Because these forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, IntelGenx's actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in IntelGenx's annual report on Form 10-K, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov, and also filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities at www.sedar.com. IntelGenx assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.

Source: IntelGenx Technologies Corp.

For IntelGenx:

Stephen Kilmer

Investor Relations

(647) 872-4849

stephen@kilmerlucas.com

Or

Andre Godin, CPA, CA

President and CFO

IntelGenx Corp.

(514) 331-7440 ext 203

andre@intelgenx.com
Pune, India, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global soap market size is projected to reach USD 55.29 billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.0% during the forecast period. Rapid transmission of the COVID-19 infection is set to play a central role in fueling the growth of this market, states Fortune Business Insights in its recent report, titled Soap Market, 2020-2027. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the coronavirus spreads through respiratory droplets and physical contact. Therefore, to avoid spreading the virus through these routes, the WHO along with many other bodies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended regular washing of hands using soap and water. Comprehensive washing of hands kills the virus and this practice is currently seen as the most effective way to prevent transmission among people, especially given that a vaccine for the infection is many months away. Thus, the demand for soaps in all shapes and forms is slated to experience a meteoric rise as the COVID-19 pandemic intensifies and worsens during the course of the current year.

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Soap Market Report Scope & Segmentation:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2020-2027 Forecast CAGR 5.0% 2027 Value Projection USD 55.29 billion Base Year 2019 Soap Market Size in 2019 USD 34.09 Billion Historical Data 2016-2018 No. of Pages 125 Segments Covered By Product Type, By Form, By Application, By Distribution Channel, By Region Soap Market Growth Drivers Product Innovations to Drive Market Growth Rising Awareness Regarding Personal & Household Hygiene to Fuel Product Demand

The Soap Market Report covers potential improvement drivers as properly as the modern-day key of market share, penetration of a number of kinds, technologies, applications, and areas through forecast till 2028.

How will you analyze the competitional analysis between top key players included in the report?

With the aim of clearly revealing the competitive state of the industry, we concretely analyze not only the leading players that have a voice on a global scale but also the regional small and medium-sized players that play key roles and have plenty of potential growth.



Who are some of the key players operating in the Soap Market and how high is the competition in 2023?

Unilever (U.K.)

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (Germany)

Ecolab Inc.(U.S.)

Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. (U.S.)

Natura & Co. (Brazil)

Procter & Gamble (U.S.)

Colgate-Palmolive Co.(U.S.)

Beiersdorf AG (Germany)

Reckitt Benckiser Group plc (U.K.)

Kao Corporation (Japan)

What are the major information sources?



Both Primary and Secondary data sources are being used while compiling the report.

Primary sources include extensive interviews of key opinion leaders and industry experts (such as experienced front-line staff, directors, CEOs, and marketing executives), downstream distributors, as well as end-users. Secondary sources include the research of the annual and financial reports of the top companies, public files, new journals, etc. We also cooperate with some third-party databases.

How Did We Conduct Our Research?

The report involved four notable activities in projecting the current market size. Exhaustive secondary research was conducted to gather data about the parent and peer markets. Our next step included primary research to authenticate these sizing, assumptions, and findings with numerous Handbag industry experts. We have also used bottom-up and top-down approaches to calculate the market size.

Which are the driving factors of the Soap Market?

The soap market growth is likely to benefit from the steadily climbing popularity of organic soaps and soap products. This changing demand trend is driven by the multiple advantages that these types of soaps offer over their traditional counterparts. For example, organic soaps do not contain harmful substances such as paraben and triclosan, which have anti-bacterial properties but are hazardous to the body and the environment as they are made out of petrochemicals. Instead, these soaps are infused with natural ingredients such as Aloe Vera and turmeric, which have natural anti-bacterial properties and cause no harm to the body. Furthermore, organically-produced soaps are rich in natural antioxidants such as essential oils and honey, thereby keeping the skin healthy and nourished as well as slowing down its aging process. Organic soaps offer many more health benefits and as a result, they are being increasingly preferred to regular soaps, especially in western developed countries.

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Which regions are dominating the Soap Market growth?

With nearly 1.5 million confirmed cases and over 86,000 deaths, the US is currently the worst-hit country by the coronavirus pandemic. As a consequence, the demand for soap products is surging in the country, which will enable North America to dominate the soap market share in the immediate future.

In 2019, the market size in Asia Pacific stood at USD 12.63 billion.

Increasing awareness about hygiene and sanitation fueled by the rising literacy rate will be the key factor driving the market in Asia-Pacific and ensuring its prominent position in the market. Furthermore, organizations such as the UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF) regularly conduct awareness campaigns in rural areas to spread awareness about clean hygiene practices and their role in preventing the spread of diseases. In Europe, high hygiene consciousness and demand for personal care products by men are expected to drive the market.

Which segment is expected to lead the global Soap Market during the forecast period?

By Product Type

Bath & Body Soaps

Kitchen Soaps

Laundry Soaps

By Form

Solid

Liquid

By Application

Household

Commercial

By Distribution Channel

Supermarkets/Hypermarkets

Pharmacies

Online Channel

Others (Convenience Stores, Department Stores, etc.)

By Region

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

South America

Middle East & Africa

Soap Market Research Scope:

Global Soap Market size and growth projections (CAGR), 2020-2027

COVID impact on the Handbag industry with future scenarios

Soap Market size, share, and outlook across 5 regions and 16 countries, 2020-2027

Soap Market size, CAGR, and Market Share of key products, applications, and end-user verticals, 2020-2027

Short and long-term Soap Market trends, drivers, restraints, and opportunities

Porter's Five forces analysis, Technological developments in the Soap Market, Handbag supply chain analysis

Handbag trade analysis, Soap Market price analysis, Handbag supply/demand

Profiles of Top leading companies in the industry overview, key strategies, financials, and products

Latest Soap Market news and developments analysis

Competitive Landscape

Fragmented Market Structure to Shape Competitive Dynamics

The presence of a sizeable number of local, regional, and global players has created a fragmented structure in this market. These players are constantly innovating to align their products with the changing consumer preferences and gain an essential edge against other players.

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Detailed TOC of Soap Market Research Report 2023 - Market Size, Current Insights, and Development Trends:

Introduction Research Scope Market SegHouseholdtation Research Methodology Definitions and Assumptions

Executive Summary

Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities Emerging Trends

Key Insights Overview of the Parent/Related Markets Industry SWOT Analysis Regulatory Analysis Recent Industry DevelopHouseholdts - Policies, Partnerships, New Product Launches, and Mergers & Acquisitions

Global Soap Market Analysis, Insights, and Forecast, 2016-2027 Key Findings / Summary Market Size Estimates and Forecast By Product Type (Value) Bath and Body Soaps Kitchen Soaps Laundry Soaps By Form (Value) Solid Liquid By Application (Value) Household Commercial By Distribution Channel (Value) Pharmacies Supermarkets/Hypermarkets Online Retail Channels Others By Region (Value) North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa



TOC Continued!

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Industry Developments:

February 2020: The UK-based cosmetics retailer, Lush Cosmetics, launched its new line of bath and shower products, catering to vegans and themed on Easter. Prominent in this new product range is the avocado-shaped Avo Good Easter soap, which is palm oil-free and has intense skin-moisturizing properties.

Check out more Related Insights by Fortune Business Insights:

Hand Sanitizer Market Size to Hit USD 3.47 Billion by 2028 | Presence of Prominent Players to Propel Market Progress in North America

Liquid Soap Market Size [2021-2027] | Industry Projected to be Worth $28.79 Billion at 5.9% CAGR during Forecast Period

Luxury Hotel Market Size to Hit $238.49 Billion by 2028 | At a CAGR of 10.4%

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Pune India, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global digital MRO market size is expected to gain momentum owing to the increasing replacements of hydraulic braking systems in vehicles during the forecast period. This information is published by Fortune Business Insights in an upcoming report, titled, Digital MRO Market, 2023-2030. The industry is likely to have peerless impacts upon the expansion of the aerospace industry. The development of highly innovative technologies and their utilization for the performance of a wide variety of maintenance activities are likely to have a significant response towards the market growth.

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Digital MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) refers to the integration of digital technologies into the traditional MRO processes in the aviation industry. This integration allows for the automation and optimization of maintenance activities, resulting in reduced costs and improved safety. Digital MRO solutions include predictive maintenance, which uses machine learning algorithms to predict equipment failure and schedule maintenance activities, and digital twins, which are virtual replicas of physical assets that can be used for testing and simulation. Overall, Digital MRO has the potential to revolutionize the aviation industry by increasing efficiency, reducing downtime, and enhancing safety. However, it is important to ensure that these technologies are implemented responsibly and with consideration for potential ethical and privacy concerns.

List of Key Companies Operating in the Digital MRO Market:

Lufthansa Technik

The Boeing Company

Airbus

IBM Corporations

Air France

KLM Engineering

ST Aerospace

SIA Engineering

Honeywell

General Electric

RAMCO Systems

Swiss Aviation Softwares

Delta tech ops

Turkish technik

Hexaware Technologies

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Drivers & Restraints:

The digital MRO market growth is likely to propel, owing to the expansion in the demand for predictive, perspective, and condition based maintenance. A significant rise in the aircraft, engine manufacturers, MRO service providers, and airline companies willing to invest in the upgraded and developed technologies to ease their maintenance structures and manufacturing operations are likely to have a significant hike in the market demand. However, factors such as high installation cost of MRO software, stringent regulatory and authority restrictions may hamper the market.

Market Segmentation:

By Technology

Predictive maintenance

AR/VR

3D Printing

Artificial Intelligence

Big Data

Internet of Things

Robotics

Block Chain

Digital Twin

Others

By Application

Inspection

Monitoring

Part Replacement

Major and Minor Modifications

Mobility and Functionality

Others

By End User

Aircraft OEMs

Engine OEMs

MRO service providers

Airlines

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Regional Insights:

Escalating Digitalization to Prosper the Growth in North America

North America is likely to hold the dominant digital MRO market share owing to the rising aircraft deliveries, tremendous increase in digitalization of MRO among OEMs and aviation sector, expansion in portfolios of MRO, increasing investments by the dominant players, and the rising inclination towards the AI-powered solutions among consumers.

Europe is likely to hold the second-largest share due to the growing expansion in the aerospace industry in the developed countries. These countries have established aviation industries and are investing heavily in the modernization of their aviation infrastructure.

In Latin America, Brazil and Mexico are the largest markets for Digital MRO due to their significant aviation industries. Overall, the Digital MRO market is expected to see significant growth in all regions as the aviation industry continues to adopt digital technologies to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Competitive Landscape:

Technological Innovations to Strengthen Players Market Stances

Presence of dominant market participants and the primary emerging market trends; the industry has moderate to high entry barriers. The design innovations, partnerships, mergers, acquisitions, porters five forces analysis, and insights on regulatory scenarios drive the digital MRO industry.

Industry Development:

February 2021: GMR Group declared their signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (Mou) with Airbus which is likely to navigate them to explore the opportunities across aviation services. The services include aircraft maintenance, component training, and digital & airport services.



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Read Related Insights:

Aircraft Health Monitoring System Market to Hit $4,987.9 Million by 2027; Increasing Adoption of Predictive Maintenance Solutions by Airline Operators to Fuel the Market, Says Fortune Business Insights

Aircraft Lavatory System Market to Hit USD 706.9 Million by 2029 | Aircraft Lavatory System Industry and Exhibit a CAGR of 5.02% During the Forecast 2022-2029

Aircraft Wheel Scanning System Market to Hit $817.0 Million by 2028; Stringent Regulations Governing Aircraft Safety to Foster Strong Growth Prospects: Fortune Business Insights

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.

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New York, NY, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blank Rome LLP is pleased to announce that the Honorable Judith J. Gische has joined the firms Corporate Litigation practice group as senior counsel in the New York office. Judge Gische joins the firm following a distinguished 32 years of service in the New York State Court System, the last 10 of which she served as an Appellate Division Justice deciding appeals in civil and criminal cases arising from the New York and Bronx County Supreme Courts.

We are honored to welcome Judge Gische to Blank Rome, said Grant Palmer, Blank Romes Chair and Managing Partner. Her incredible experience will bring tremendous value to our clients and national litigation team, who will greatly benefit from the wisdom and insights she gained while serving on the bench.

Stephen Orlofsky, partner and lead of Blank Romes Appellate practice, chair of the firms Princeton office, and former U.S. District Judge for the District of New Jersey, added, It is a pleasure to welcome a former fellow judge to our firms formidable litigation team and deep bench of practitioners. I look forward to collaborating with Judge Gische and drawing on her notable appellate litigation experience to continue to better serve our clients.

Prior to her role as an Appellate Division Justice, Judge Gische served as a trial court judge presiding over both bench and jury trials, managing cases through pre-trial discovery and motion practice, and mediating and settling cases on her docket. While on the Supreme Court, her cases involved, but were not limited to, commercial disputes, torts, matrimonial, and real estate matters. Prior to her role on the bench, she served as a private practice attorney, concentrating on commercial, corporate, and real estate matters.

Judge Gische is an excellent addition to our practice, said Larry Buzz Wood, Jr., Partner and Co-Chair of Blank Romes Corporate Litigation practice group and Chair of the firms Wilmington office. Our clients will greatly benefit from her significant experience serving on the bench, where she presided over numerous civil and criminal cases involving a wide range of key industries and areas of focus."

I look forward to growing my practice at Blank Rome and starting this exciting new chapter in my professional career, stated Judge Gische. Over the years, I have been impressed with the firms professional team of strong litigators as well as the firms collaborative and collegial environment. I am eager to return to private practice and provide counsel to clients on their complex litigation needs.

Judge Gische earned both her J.D. and her B.A., magna cum laude, from the from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She is an active member of various bar and legal associations, including the Judicial Section of the New York County Bar Association, the Committee on Procedures for Judicial Discipline of the New York State Bar Association, and the Board of Directors of the Womens Bar Association of New York. She also serves on Chief Judge Janet DiFiores Advisory Committee on Evidence, the Committee on Pattern Jury Instructions Association of Justices of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, the Deans Advisory Committee of the State University of New York Law School at Buffalo, the CLE Board, and the OCAs Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities.

About Blank Rome

Blank Rome is an Am Law 100 firm with 14 offices and more than 650 attorneys and principals who provide comprehensive legal and advocacy services to clients operating in the United States and around the world. Our professionals have built a reputation for their leading knowledge and experience across a spectrum of industries and are recognized for their commitment to pro bono work in their communities. Since our inception in 1946, Blank Romes culture has been dedicated to providing top-level service to all of our clients and has been rooted in the strength of our diversity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, please visit blankrome.com.

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New York City, NY, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Theres no place like homehome is where the heart ishome, sweet homefeeling at home. There are many evocative and iconic expressions about the concept, but what does home in New York City look like today? Opening March 10th, New York Now: Home  the inaugural edition of the Museum of the City of New Yorks new contemporary photography triennial  considers the literal places we dwell and the homes we choose to make, exploring the many facets of contemporary homemaking in and around New Yorks five boroughs. Inspired by the Museums landmark presentation of the same name in 2000, New York Now will occur every three years with different themes. Co-curated by Thea Quiray Tagle, Ph.D., associate curator of the Brown Arts Institute and the Bell Gallery at Brown University, and Sean Corcoran, MCNY's senior curator of prints and photographs, New York Now kicks off the Museums centennial year programming.

"New York City is the world center of photography and has been a source of inspiration for generations of image-makers going back to the advent of the medium itself, says Sarah M. Henry, Ph.D., Robert A. and Elizabeth Rohn Jeffe Chief Curator and Interim Director, Museum of the City of New York. As New Yorks storyteller for a century, Museum of the City of New York has collected and exhibited the best of this work since its founding in 1923. We are excited to launch our centennial celebrations with New York Now, our new series of photography exhibitions that will engage themes and issues of the contemporary city.

Lens-based work has an immediacy, an intimacy, and the power to build a connection between the artist, the subject, and the viewer that is unlike other media, says Sean Corcoran. With this, and future installations of New York Now, we have the opportunity to reflect and promote a range of perspectives and to highlight both established and emerging talents focusing on themes of relevance to New York, New Yorkers, and the experience of urban life.

New York Now: Home is organized in four sections:

Home Crosses Borders explores the experiences of working, finding community, and making home for immigrant and refugee communities in New York City  with works by image-makers including Cynthia Santos-Briones, Alan Chin, and Diana Guerra.

Home Is Chosen highlights queer kinship and the power of creating family formations bound together by choice rather than blood. Featuring images by artists including Richard Renaldi, Laila Annmarie Stevens, and Joana Toro.

Home Is a Haven presents diverse class and race expressions of home, family, and community, with images that challenge the ideal of home as a site of safety and protection from the outside world. Featuring works by image-makers such as Ariana Faye Allensworth and the Anti-Eviction Mapping Project (AEMP); Sara Bennett and Chantal Heijnen & Lou van Melik.

Home Is The Body shares images by artists including Nona Faustine, Cheryl Mukherji, and Dean Majd, who use their bodies and portraiture to grapple with intergenerational trauma and social histories of place.

One of the things that makes New York Now: Homes images distinctive is, in large part, the photographers gaze, says Thea Quiray Tagle, Ph.D., co-curator of the exhibition. The image-makers featured in the exhibition are engaged with their subjects, often working collaboratively with them to share their powerful stories. The results are unique and often underexposed perspectives of making home in New York that we may not see via mainstream media or in contemporary art representations.

Featuring 33 image-makers whose work ranges from social documentary to conceptual, the exhibition celebrates the diversity of what home, family, kinship, and community are  and can be  in New York, now.

The artists featured in New York Now: Home are:

New York Now: Home is the result of the intense curatorial labor of sifting through submissions from more than 1,000 artists who answered a public call for images, as well as nominations for consideration made by the curators, the advisory committeeMichael Famighetti (Editor of Aperture magazine); Nicole Fleetwood (curator, writer, 2021 MacArthur Fellow, and Weldon Johnson Professor in the Department of Media, Culture, and Communication at New York University); Kris Graves (artist and founder of Monolith Editions); Kristen Lubben (curator, writer, and Executive Director of Magnum Foundation); and Brian Wallis (director of the Center for Photography at Woodstock and former chief curator of the International Center for Photography)as well as institutional partners such as Aperture, The Bronx Documentary Center, CityLore, Penumbra, Photoville, and Queens Museum of Art.

An eponymous catalogue, published by KPG | Monolith Editions will be available in March 2023. There will also be programs and talks accompanying the exhibition including, among others:

Picturing Black Femme and Queer Communities in New York Now

Wednesday, March 15, 6:30 PM

In-person

Join New York Now: Home exhibiting artists Naima Green, Nona Faustine, and Laylah Amatullah Barrayn for a conversation about photography as a creative apparatus for shifting dominant narratives, historical representations, and contemporary discourses about Black women, femme and queer folks, families, and communities in New York and beyond. This discussion about the power of critical Black feminist and queer gazes is moderated by Dr. Tanisha C. Ford, Professor of History at CUNY Graduate Center and author of Dressed in Dreams: A Black Girls Love Letter to the Power of Fashion (2019).





New York Now - a discussion

Sunday, April 2 at AIPAD, time TBD

In-person

Curators Sean Corcoran and Thea Quiray Tagle sit down with moderator Kristen Lubben (Magnum Foundation and advisory council member) to discuss practices of home-making in New York and its representation in contemporary photography.

Supporters

New York Now: Home is made possible in part by The Andrew and Marina Lewin Family Foundation, Phillip and Edith Leonian Foundation, Ronay and Richard Menschel, Jennifer and Andrew Marrus, David Dechman and Michel Mercure, William Talbott Hillman Foundation, the Dutch Culture USA program by the Consulate General of the Netherlands in New York, and other generous donors. This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Museum is grateful to members of the Abbott Circle for its generous support of New York Now and the Museums extensive photography collection.





About Museum of the City of New Yorks Photographs Collection

The photographs collection at the Museum of the City of New York consists of more than 400,000 prints and negatives that document New York City and its inhabitants from the mid-nineteenth century to the present. Some of New York's earliest photographic views are represented in the waxed-paper negatives of Victor Prevost, and the proliferation of the medium is exemplified by the Byron Collection of more than 22,000 images chronicling New York life from 1892 through 1942. The collection is a major repository of several noted photographers, including Jacob Riis, whose photographs reveal the Lower East Side's poverty and squalor in the late nineteenth century; Jessie Tarbox Bealss depictions of turn-of-the century bohemian life in Greenwich Village; and Berenice Abbott's stunning Changing New York, a WPA photographic project that documents New York City in the 1930s. Additionally, the Museum's voluminous holdings incorporates the LOOK Magazine photographic archives featuring photographers such as Stanley Kubrick, John Vachon, and Arthur Rothstein; hundreds of images recently gifted by the Joy of Giving Something Foundation; and includes the work of commercial photographic firms such as Irving Underhill, the Wurts Brothers, Gottscho-Schleisner; along with photographic work commissioned by the architectural firm of McKim, Mead and White. Other contemporary holdings include work that examines the citys built environment since the 1950s, including more than 60 photographs from Danny Lyons Destruction of Lower Manhattan series from the late 1960s, a collection of city views by Camilo Jose Vergara, and more 1,000 architectural views of New York by Edmund Gillon during the 1970s and 80s. The lives of New Yorkers on the city streets are documented through the eyes of photographers such as Diane Arbus, Harry Callahan, Martha Cooper, Robert Frank, Leonard Freed, Ed Grazda, Andre Kertez, Helen Levitt, and Jeff Mermelstein.

About the Museum of the City of New York

Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2023, the Museum of the City of New York fosters understanding of the distinctive nature of urban life in the worlds most influential metropolis. Winner of "Best Museum" in Time Out New York's "Best of the City 2021" and multiple American Alliance of Museums (AAM) awards, MCNY engages visitors by celebrating, documenting, and interpreting the citys past, present, and future. To connect with the Museums award-winning digital content, visit www.mcny.org; or follow us on Instagram and Twitter at @MuseumofCityNY and on Facebook at Facebook.com/MuseumofCityNY.

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Farmington, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Robot Operating System (ROS) Market Is Forecasted To Reach US$ 0.7 Billion By 2030; It Is Expected To Grow At A CAGR Of 9.2% During Forecast Period. A robot operating system (ROS) is more than just an operating system. It is also a set of robot middleware, which is a group of software frameworks and tools used to build or set up robotic systems. In a mixed computing cluster, it adds a layer of structured communication on top of the host operating system. ROS doesn't care what language you speak, so it can be programmed in many languages. The messaging layer is where ROS works. That is, it is made up of programming tools and code that help the projector run the code it needs to do its job, as well as the infrastructure to run it, such as messages passed between processes. ROS is made to work with different parts and subsystems that are programmed in different languages. ROS is in high demand because industrial automation is becoming more common in business operations around the world.

Request Sample Copy of Report  Robot Operating System (ROS) Market Size, Share & Trends Estimation Report By Type (Industrial, Commercial), By Application (Healthcare Automotive, Aerospace, Defense Retail, Agriculture, Electronics, Food and packaging, Rubber & plastics Logistics), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030 , published by Contrive Datum Insights.

Recent Developments:

In July 2019 , Yaskawa Electric Corporation launched three new products in the robotic welding space, including an industrial robot with an expanded reach, a new easy-to-use pendant application for arc welding, and an updated work cell for demanding production environments.

, Yaskawa Electric Corporation launched three new products in the robotic welding space, including an industrial robot with an expanded reach, a new easy-to-use pendant application for arc welding, and an updated work cell for demanding production environments. In May 2019, FANUC and Sepro Group entered into an open integration partnership to meet the growing demand for robot/injection molding machine (IMM) packages, improving connectivity between molding machines, robots and automation peripherals.

Market Dynamics:

ROS is being used more and more because people want robots that can do things on their own. Because there are many problems with making software for these robots. According to the 2022 MHI Industrial Annual Report, robotics and automation were used 65.1% of the time in 2021 and are expected to be used 73% of the time by 2025.

Due to their different ways of working and patterns, there is a huge rise in demand for these robots. They are also made with smaller, more precise instructions and directions so that the job can be done quickly and without mistakes or delays. More and more, people want products that can be used in conditions that aren't good for humans, like high temperatures, pressures, and dangerous places that are hard to get to.

With so many new players entering the order fulfillment, warehousing, and logistics markets, ROS-based solutions have a ready market that will last. Also, logistics companies mostly use robots in warehouses because there aren't enough people to work there.

ROS software has been made quickly by market research vendors to support the growth of robotics in business and industry. In April 2021, Canonical and Open Robotics announced that they would work together to provide Robot Operating System (ROS) Extended Security Maintenance (ESM) and enterprise support as part of Ubuntu Advantage, Canonical's service package for Ubuntu.

This partnership helps the robotics community by making ROS robots and services easier to build and package, easier to manage, and more reliable to deploy.

But analytics is where you need to put your attention. Most of the AMR data that is sent to the advanced cloud space to be processed causes cloud build latency and, as a result, makes the cost of the operating system high.

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Scope of Report:

Report Attributes Details Growth Rate CAGR of 9.2% from 2023 to 2030. Revenue Forecast by 2030 USD 0.7 Billion By Type Industrial, Commercial, Others By Application Healthcare Automotive, Aerospace, Defense Retail, Agriculture, Electronics, Food and packaging, Rubber & plastics Logistics, Others By Companies ABB Group, Clearpath Robots, Yaskawa Motoman, Omron Adept Technology, Husarion Inc, Stanley Innovation, Rethink Robots, iRobot Technologies, KUKA AG, Cyberbotics Ltd, Fanuc Corporation 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

Regional Outlook:

Asia-Pacific is likely to have the biggest share of the world market. The demand for robot operating systems in the region is likely to be driven by the growing use of automated processes in the manufacturing industry. Industrial and commercial robots are made in places like Japan, South Korea, China, and Thailand. Also, digital technologies and robotics are used a lot in the automotive and electronics industries in China and India, which means that a lot of people use them there. Also, there are a fair amount of market vendors, which helps keep the demand for robot operating systems in the area high.

During the period of the forecast, Europe is expected to grow a lot. The European Union (EU) Commission wants to set rules for artificial intelligence and robotics in the auto industry so that customers can feel safe and secure. For instance, in October 2019, the UK government said it would give $43.37 million to research into robots. The growth of the market in the area is helped by these funds. Also, the fact that key market players like ABB, KUKA AG, Rethink Robotics GmbH, and Universal Robotics are based in the region makes them compete with each other more and brings in more money for the region.

Key Segments Covered:

Top Market Players:

ABB Group, Clearpath Robots, Yaskawa Motoman, Omron Adept Technology, Husarion Inc, Stanley Innovation, Rethink Robots, iRobot Technologies, KUKA AG, Cyberbotics Ltd, Fanuc Corporation, and others.

By Type:

Industrial

Commercial

Other

By Application:

Healthcare Automotive

Aerospace

Defense Retail

Agriculture

Electronics

Food and packaging

Rubber & plastics Logistics

Others

Regions and Countries Covered

North America: (US, Canada, Mexico, Rest of North America)

(US, Canada, Mexico, Rest of North America) Europe: (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, UK, Nordic Countries, Benelux Union, Rest of 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)

(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)

(Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, South Africa, Rest of the Middle East & Africa) Latin America: (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of Latin America)

(Brazil, Argentina, Rest of Latin America) Rest Of the World

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Coral Gables, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Jan. 2, 1983, Jorge Ramos landed in Los Angeles with nothing but a guitar, a bag, and a passion for storytelling. Ramos, a renowned Mexican American journalist and anchor for the Univision Network, developed a passion for journalism at a young age.

I always wanted to be where history was being made. I wanted to talk to the people making history and tell their truth, he said.

Ramos began his career as a reporter in Mexico City after completing his studies at Ibero-American University, before moving to Los Angeles to work for a Spanish-language television network. The budding journalist, seeking freedom from censorship in Mexico, relied heavily on others for support when starting anew in the United States.

It would have been impossible for me to succeed in this country without the help of other people, he pointed out.

Soon after his time in Los Angeles, the journalist arrived in Miami in 1986 as a television anchor for Univison Network, where he has since become one of the most recognizable faces in journalism.

To supplement his reporting on immigration and international affairs, the journalist pursued a masters degree in international studies at the University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences.

I was covering a lot of international conflicts and I realized that I needed more academic support for what I was doing, he said. It was not enough to just report the news every day. I needed the background, I needed the history, I need the guidance so I could add depth to the work I was doing.

Throughout his career, Ramos has covered a wide range of stories, from presidential elections to natural disasters to immigration issues. And he has conducted numerous interviews with world leaders. He also has been a vocal advocate for immigration reform and uses his platform to shed light on the plight of undocumented immigrants in the United States.

Now, Ramos has returned to his alma mater to offer generous support in appreciation of the support he received decades ago that helped catapult his career in journalism.

With the newly established Jorge Ramos Endowed Scholarship in Communication through the School of Communication, the award-winning journalist hopes to support students on their journey to becoming storytellers and truth seekers.

It is important to support journalists like me, Ramos said. Many, many people helped me when I came to this country and helped me thrive in this country. Among them, many teachers and students at the University of Miami. Now, its my time to give back.

The scholarship will support students on a journalism track.

Jorge's leadership inspires current and future news professionals to serve the needs of our society by asking the hard questions and standing firm in truth and honor, said University of Miami President Julio Frenk. The establishment of the Jorge Ramos Endowed Scholarship in Communication is a testament to his passion for helping students at the University of Miami excel academically and reach new heights as global storytellers and journalists.

Karin Wilkins, dean of the School of Communication, noted that Ramos contribution will help propel and inspire students academic success at the school.

Jorge Ramos gift will help support the needs of our journalism students who are learning the importance of ethical and effective news investigation and production, said Wilkins. His investment in the future of journalism ensures that the next generation of journalists will be ready to cover current events with critical questions, building on strong academic preparation and valuable learning experiences through the School of Communication.

Ramos noted that now, more than ever, supporting journalism is crucial.

When you are checking your phone and you are reading all these tweets and watching TikToks or YouTube, it is hard to know who is telling the truth. Our real mission [as journalists] is to be truth tellers, he said.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Ramos is also an author. He has received numerous accolades for his work, including eight Emmy Awards and the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism. He has been named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People and has been inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Despite his decades-long career and success, Ramos remains committed to his roots and efforts to empower the next generation of journalists by giving back to the community that once supported him.

I still believe that in the era of misinformation and disinformation, I feel the need to support other journalists, he said. At the end, facts matter. Truth matters. I think all of us in the profession have to do as much as possible in order to maintain that reputation of credibility that is incredibly important in the world today.

Attachment
Farmington, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The FinTech Investment Market Size Is Estimated To Be Worth US$ 49920 Million In 2022 And Is Forecast To A Readjusted Size of US$ 113670 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 14.7% During The Forecast Period. Financial technology, also called "FinTech" or "fintech," is a new technology that aims to compete with traditional ways of doing business in the financial sector. FinTech is a new industry that improves financial events by using technology.

Financial Technology, or FinTech, is when technology and financial services are used together. Fintech usually refers to financial solutions that are built on very new and innovative technologies. It's interesting that non-financial startups are leading the fintech ecosystem and shaking up the whole financial industry by focusing on how consumer banking habits are changing. But in the end, financial institutions are the ones who benefit most from fintech.

Request Sample Copy of Report  FinTech Investment Market Size, Share & Trends Estimation Report By Type (Crowdfunding, Peer-to-Peer Lending, Online Acquiring and Mobile Wallets, MSME Services, MPOS, MobileFirst Banking, Bitcoin, Others), By Technology (Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence, 5G, Big Data, Blockchain, Open Banking, Others), By Application (Large Enterprises, SMEs, Others), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030 , published by Contrive Datum Insights.

Recent Developments:

Ant Technology Group Co. Ltd. - The Company builds the infrastructure and platform for the digital transformation of the service industry and likewise offers equal access to green and sustainable finance and other services.

Segment Overview:

Type Insights:

The P2P lending segment made up more than 56% of the market, and it is expected to keep being the leader in the market. P2P lending is one of the most popular ways for borrowers to get loans. It includes borrowers, P2P lending platforms, and investors in the market, so investors can see exactly how risky their investments are.

Application Insights:

In 2020, the large enterprise segment made up more than half of the market, and this is likely to stay the case during the forecast period. Large businesses are using FinTech more and more because e-commerce is becoming more and more popular.

Market Dynamics:

Drivers:

One of the main things that is helping the fintech investment market grow is that banking services are becoming more and more independent. During the forecast period, it is expected that the top banks will come up with strategic ways to deal with competition from fintech platforms, such as developing payment technologies for smartphones. Searching for equity investments is now done online, where many venture capitalists are making investments in the market. Angel List is a big business angel network, and other services help investors get their money back. Bitcoin is an online payment system that uses software and online transactions to make payments. It is a new kind of cryptocurrency that is safe and can be bought with regular money. Peer-to-peer technology makes it possible for people to send and receive Bitcoins. Some companies, like Microsoft, are putting money into virtual currencies, while others, like Apple and Google, are working on online wallets. During the forecast period, the market is likely to be most interested in these factors that drive the use of blockchain technology and digital wallets.

Trend:

The growth of the fintech investment market is driven by key trends like innovation and growth. New York, Silicon Valley, London, and Australia all have fintech startups that are doing well in business. Their clients choose services like tech-assisted payments, currency exchange, crowdfunding, online lending, and wealth management. This gives fintech startups an edge over banks and financial systems that have been around for a long time. In 2011, investors didn't put much money into the Fintech industry because banks were focusing on cutting costs to keep making money after the 2008 global economic crisis. Few people were willing to invest in or use new and innovative technologies. But the current market picture is better because the industry is putting out new technology products. Major banks are helping fintech companies start up, invest in them, or work with them. This trend shows that financial institutions are using digital transformation to boost the value of their brands.

Challenge:

One of the main things holding back the growth of the fintech investment market is privacy and security concerns. Payment service providers may collect personal data and information about their customers to personalise advertising messages and target their most valuable customers. Service providers can use these methods to learn more about their customers' profiles, behaviours, and data mining. But if this information is used without thought, it could hurt the privacy of customers. There are also privacy concerns with location-based services, like offers and services that are based on geo-based information in real time. As the data from smartphones is processed and stored by the vendor, it can be used in bad ways. Because smartphones are used to make financial transactions in real time, data theft, which is common in the virtual world, can cost customers money and hurt the reputation of service providers. People are afraid to trade online because of these risks, which could be bad for the fintech platform market.

Regional Outlook:

The global fintech investment market is split into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa based on where it is. The North American market brings in the most money of any regional market in the global fintech investment market. Existing financial services in the area are at risk because so many new tech support companies have entered the financial services market. Through several fintech networks, some new businesses in the area are starting to offer loans for things like education. This is a big part of why the North American fintech investment market is growing. During the forecast period, there are also likely to be a lot of mergers and acquisitions in the North American FinTech investment market. As open banking and other regulatory changes change the financial services industry in the region, the Asia-Pacific fintech investment market is expected to grow the fastest over the next few years.

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Scope of Report:

Report Attributes Details Growth Rate CAGR of 14.7% from 2023 to 2030. Revenue Forecast by 2030 USD 113670 Million By Type Crowdfunding, Peer-to-Peer Lending, Online Acquiring and Mobile Wallets, MSME Services, MPOS, MobileFirst Banking, Bitcoin, Others By Technology Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence, 5G, Big Data, Blockchain, Open Banking, Other By Application Large Enterprises, SMEs, Other By Companies Oscar, Qufenqi, Wealthfront, ZhongAn, Atom Bank, Avant, Funding Circle, Klarna, Kreditech, OurCrowd, WeCash, H2 Ventures, KPMG 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

Key Segments Covered:

Top Market Players:

Oscar, Qufenqi, Wealthfront, ZhongAn, Atom Bank, Avant, Funding Circle, Klarna, Kreditech, OurCrowd, WeCash, H2 Ventures, KPMG, and others.

By Type

Crowdfunding

Peer-to-Peer Lending

Online Acquiring and Mobile Wallets

MSME Services

MPOS

MobileFirst Banking

Bitcoin

Others

By Technology

Internet of Things (IoT)

Artificial Intelligence

5G

Big Data

Blockchain

Open Banking

Others

By Application

Large Enterprises

SMEs

Others

Regions and Countries Covered

North America: (US, Canada, Mexico, Rest of North America)

(US, Canada, Mexico, Rest of North America) Europe: (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, UK, Nordic Countries, Benelux Union, Rest of 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)

(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)

(Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, South Africa, Rest of the Middle East & Africa) Latin America: (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of Latin America)

(Brazil, Argentina, Rest of Latin America) Rest Of the World

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Crowdfunding Market - The global crowdfunding market size was valued at USD 1.25 billion in 2022. The market is projected to grow from USD 1.41 billion in 2023 to USD 3.62 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 14.5% during the forecast period.

- The global crowdfunding market size was valued at USD 1.25 billion in 2022. The market is projected to grow from USD 1.41 billion in 2023 to USD 3.62 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 14.5% during the forecast period. Machine Learning (ML) Market - The Global Machine Learning (ML) Market Size Was Valued At USD 15.44 Billion In 2021. The Market Is Expected To Grow From USD 21.17 Billion In 2022 To USD 209.91 Billion By 2030, Exhibiting A CAGR Of 38.8% During The Forecast Period.

- The Global Machine Learning (ML) Market Size Was Valued At USD 15.44 Billion In 2021. The Market Is Expected To Grow From USD 21.17 Billion In 2022 To USD 209.91 Billion By 2030, Exhibiting A CAGR Of 38.8% During The Forecast Period. Healthcare Cloud Computing Market - The Global Healthcare Cloud Computing Market Size Was Valued At USD 35.61 Billion In 2022 And Predicted To Surpass Around USD 127.04 Billion By 2030 With A Registered CAGR Of Around 17.2% During The Forecast Period 2022 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
NEW YORK, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gainey McKenna & Egleston announces that it is investigating the officers and directors of Block Inc. (Block or the Company) (NYSE: SQ) for potential breaches of fiduciary duties, waste of corporate assets, and unjust enrichment between November 4, 2021 and April 4, 2022.



A securities class action complaint is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (the Securities Class Action). The complaint in the Securities Class Action alleges that Defendants failed to disclose that: (i) Block lacked adequate protocols restricting access to customer sensitive information; (ii) as a result, a former employee was able to download certain reports of Blocks subsidiary, Cash App Investing, containing full customer names and brokerage account numbers, as well as brokerage portfolio value, brokerage portfolio holdings, and/or stock trading activity; and (iii) consequently, Block was reasonably likely to suffer significant damage, including reputational harm.

On April 4, 2022, Block announced that a former employee had improperly downloaded certain reports of Blocks subsidiary, Cash App Investing, on December 10, 2021. The information in the reports included full customer names and brokerage account numbers, as well as brokerage portfolio value, brokerage portfolio holdings, and/or stock trading activity. As many as 8.2 million Cash App Investing customers were affected. Prior to April 4, 2022, Block had not disclosed this information to shareholders. On this news, Blocks stock price fell by more than 6%, damaging investors.

If you wish to discuss your rights or interests regarding this class action, please contact Thomas J. McKenna, Esq. or Gregory M. Egleston, Esq. of Gainey McKenna & Egleston at (212) 983-1300, or via e-mail at tjmckenna@gme-law.com or gegleston@gme-law.com .
TORONTO, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- March 11 marks the 10th anniversary of the European Unions ban on cosmetic animal testing and on the import of products from countries still conducting such tests. To date 43 countries have stopped animal testing for cosmetics and more bans are on the way thanks to the ongoing work of the Humane Society International. Canada has yet to be added to the list.



If 43 other countries can implement a cosmetic animal testing ban, why cant Canada, asked Liz White, Director, Animal Alliance of Canada. There is very real support for this legislation which is supported by an Abacus Data public opinion survey (commissioned by the Animal Alliance of Canada Fund, January 2023) that showed that people are more supportive of governments that champion animal welfare.

Minister Duclos, you have the support from industry, animal protection organizations, cruelty-free companies and the majority of Canadians. You have the opportunity to stop cosmetic animal testing in Canada now and garner support for your government, said White. We urge you to introduce the legislation immediately and move quickly to make it law.

Background:

Torturous legislative history of a cosmetic animal testing ban in Canada:

S-214, the Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act was tabled in the Senate in December 2015. It passed Third Reading unanimously in June 2018.

April 2019, almost a full year later, S-214 was tabled in Parliament and passed First Reading.

In September 2019 the Liberal government dissolved parliament and called a federal election. All parliamentary business died, including S-214.

In September 2021, the Liberal government again called a federal election. Very little progress was made between the two elections.

In December 2021, the Minister of Health, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, received his Mandate Letter which committed the Minister to introduce legislation to end testing on animals .

In 2022, allied stakeholders, including the Cosmetic Alliance Canada, Humane Society International, Animal Alliance of Canada, Cruelty Free International, Lush and the Body Shop, met with government officials and presented an agreed upon policy approach to restart the legislative process to end cosmetic animal testing in Canada.

It is now March 2023, 10 years after the EUs testing ban, and still no legislation in Canada.



Contact information: Liz White, Director, Animal Alliance of Canada

liz@animalalliance.ca | 416-809-4371 (cell)
MAHE, SEYCHELLES, March 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kristof Schoffling's Move Digital is preparing to help several family offices and governments stay afront of the latest trends in technology. The longstanding digital ledger technology (DLT) company has been closely monitoring the latest surge in interest in several fields including artificial intelligence (AI), Metaverse and gaming, and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs).





Founder and CEO Kristof Schoffling has come to agreements with several established family offices and government agencies to help them navigate these rapidly evolving sectors, particularly Metaverse and gaming where Move Digital holds vast experience. These agreements will expand Move Digital's presence into several new markets and the company is growing its workforce on an ongoing basis to ensure that it can readily provide software solutions and advisory services to its new partners.

Move Digital will work with several family offices across Europe and Asia to help them develop and deploy gaming and Metaverse applications. There has been a significant uptick in interest in these fields and family offices worldwide are scrambling to understand and allocate to these market segments. Move Digital's deep expertise in these areas uniquely positions them to help these offices optimize their entry into these markets. Move Digital will be working with highly credentialed family offices in Melbourne, Tokyo, Zurich, London, and Monaco.

Alongside these activities, Move Digital has also been exploring collaborations with government agencies to help with the development and distribution of CBDCs. Acting as Trade Commissioner of Vanuatu, Kristof Schoffling is particularly interested in how a CBDC will help Vanuatu digitize its financial ecosystem and improve economic activity through implementing more efficient payments.

Move Digital is fully committed to ensuring that every partner they work with has the resources to quickly build along with the knowledge and tools to maximize their presence in the market after launch. Kristof Schoffling intends to further expand their workforce to further smoothen the development process and enable Move Digital to partner with more governments and family offices who are taking on challenging projects in the DLT space.

Social Links

Medium: https://movedigitaltoday.medium.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/movedigitalcom

Media Contact

Brand: Move Digital Limited

Email: hello@movedigital.io

Website: https://movedigital.com/

SOURCE: Move Digital Limited
U.S. forum calls for countries to speed up energy transition

Xinhua) 10:11, March 09, 2023

Haitham Al Ghais (R), secretary general of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), speaks at CERAWeek in Houston, Texas, the United States, March 7, 2023. On the theme of "Navigating a Turbulent World: Energy, Climate and Security," the influential global energy forum CERAWeek is held here from March 6 to 10, focusing on the dual challenges of meeting the world's growing energy demand while reducing emissions. (Photo by Chen Chen/Xinhua)

HOUSTON, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Voices from the Global South are an integral part of the ongoing global energy forum CERAWeek as speakers from the developing economies gather together with other world industry leaders.

Their opinions have added timely importance as the world is facing harsher twin challenges of energy security and transition amid turbulence, observers say.

The five-day event kicked off on Monday under the theme, "Navigating a Turbulent World: Energy, Climate and Security."

More than 7,000 participants, including policymakers, industry leaders, company executives, investors and researchers from over 80 countries and regions, joined the forum, according to the organizer.

"It is necessary to ascertain how dependent finance can be made more reachable to the countries that need them," said Malaysia's Tengku Muhammad Taufik, president and group chief executive officer at Malaysia's state-owned energy firm Petronas.

Taufik said that small and medium-sized enterprises have to deal with harsh realities resulting from climate change, such as frequent flooding and record-high temperatures recently experienced in parts of Asia.

"We are not climate deniers. I want to put this on record. Eight out of 10 countries in ASEAN have got very ambitious nationally determined contributions targets," Taufik said, adding that the big challenge is to "put these aims in order and match them with real pragmatic actions."

The Russia-Ukraine conflict and the 2022 energy market volatility have added a "big catalyst to invest in renewable energy from the energy security point of view," rather than just "investing in renewables because of the sustainability," Liza Mustapha, executive vice president and group chief financial officer of Petronas, said in a separate panel.

She said the company attaches great importance to addressing the energy trilemma of energy security, affordability and sustainability.

There is a need for a "balanced view" on the energy transition in the developing economies since they "have people to feed," said Bharrat Jagdeo, vice president of Guyana, during the CERAWeek.

Even with 10 FPSOs (floating production storage and off-loading) operating offshore in Guyana, "we will be carbon negative," he told the audience.

"The world is hoping to get to carbon negative in 2050, but we are already there. Our forest area is bigger than England and Scotland combined," as a huge carbon sink, he said.

"We have a balanced strategy to develop our oil and gas industry, but we also have strong environmental credentials," he said, "People in Guyana have a legitimate aspiration to a better life."

Jagdeo said international investors are welcome to buy carbon credits in Guyana to back up the protection of Guyana's Amazonian rainforests.

Delegates attend a session titled "Boom Time for Biofuels: New crops, new fuels, new markets" during CERAWeek in Houston, Texas, the United States, March 7, 2023. On the theme of "Navigating a Turbulent World: Energy, Climate and Security," the influential global energy forum CERAWeek is held here from March 6 to 10, focusing on the dual challenges of meeting the world's growing energy demand while reducing emissions. (Photo by Chen Chen/Xinhua)

Haitham Al Ghais (R, back), secretary general of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), speaks at CERAWeek in Houston, Texas, the United States, March 7, 2023. On the theme of "Navigating a Turbulent World: Energy, Climate and Security," the influential global energy forum CERAWeek is held here from March 6 to 10, focusing on the dual challenges of meeting the world's growing energy demand while reducing emissions. (Photo by Chen Chen/Xinhua)

Haitham Al Ghais (R), secretary general of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), speaks at CERAWeek in Houston, Texas, the United States, March 7, 2023. On the theme of "Navigating a Turbulent World: Energy, Climate and Security," the influential global energy forum CERAWeek is held here from March 6 to 10, focusing on the dual challenges of meeting the world's growing energy demand while reducing emissions. (Photo by Chen Chen/Xinhua)

Delegates speak at the session titled "Oil &Gas: Leading for the next decade" during CERAWeek in Houston, Texas, the United States, March 7, 2023. On the theme of "Navigating a Turbulent World: Energy, Climate and Security," the influential global energy forum CERAWeek is held here from March 6 to 10, focusing on the dual challenges of meeting the world's growing energy demand while reducing emissions. (Photo by Chen Chen/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)


PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has set March 18 for Zanu PF primary elections as the revolutionary party girds its loins ahead of this years elections leaving nothing to chance to ensure a resounding victory.

The President said that the primary elections would be held next week with the partys commissariat department putting final touches to the guidelines and rules.

Already, the revolutionary party, which is eyeing five million votes, is in the voter mobilisation and cell verification process, which will give empirical evidence of its power base across the country, while guidelines for the primary elections, the yardstick for its internal democracy are at an advanced stage.

In his address to the 367th Session of the Politburo, which was also attended by deputy secretaries at the partys headquarters yesterday, the President, who is Zanu PF First Secretary, said the members should gird themselves to work with structures in the ongoing mobilisation, work towards the partys thunderous victory in the upcoming 2023 Harmonised General Elections.

The party manifesto is also being finalised as well as other critical aspects related to Zanu PFs internal election road map.

The President also charged his troops who assumed the arduous responsibility of serving in the Politburo to re-commit to tow the correct party line, uphold constitutionalism, ideology, internal democratic practices, as well as rules and procedures of the party.

There is no room for personal, group, district or provincial self-serving interests. You are all now national leaders. We must never be found wanting.

He said at the partys administrative level, preparations for the holding of democratic primary elections should begin in earnest.

We as Zanu PF, we will have our internal primary elections from next week. Equally, all provinces are directed to constitute themselves in readiness for responsive grassroots-based mobilisation campaigns ahead of the Harmonised General Elections. Provinces must further raise the requisite resources for campaigns at their level.

Voter registration and grassroots-oriented mobilisation strategies centred at the cells and villages should continue. Nothing must be left to chance, the President said.

Elections, the President added, offer Zimbabweans, who were liberated by united ZANU and ZAPU, ZANLA and ZIPRA, the opportunity to reject neo-colonialists and their local lackeys.

I commend you all for the ongoing cell verification exercise undertaken across provinces. Organising our people to exercise their sacred right to vote for the defence of constitutionalism, our independence, freedom, and

sovereignty, democracy is everyones responsibility. United as ZANU and ZAPU, ZANLA and ZIPRA, we waged a protracted armed war so that our people can enjoy free, fair and transparent elections. We will defend this right from all neo-colonial threats.

We are aware of the nefarious machinations to attack and discredit our national institutions. As the people of Zimbabwe, let us remain vigilant and not allow ourselves to be hoodwinked by entities who are against the progress, economic growth, peace and unity of our country, he said.

Oiling the behemoth party, whose people-tailored policies have found resonance across the country, attracting new members, some of whom were in leadership positions in the opposition, and numerous affiliate organisations, the President said resources will be availed appropriately to ensure a resounding victory.

All the wings of the party, along with affiliate organisations, will be supported in their political mobilisation programmes based on clear programmes and activities. Our revolutionary mass party knows no other place in politics besides victory, development and success. Zanu PF is geared and ready to mount an electric, thunderous and scientific, people-centred campaign. We are ready for victory. Victory is certain!

2022 saw the establishment and growth of affiliate organisations. The allegiance, loyalty and patriotism demonstrated by this emerging new crop of cadres are undoubtedly complementing the work of party leagues. The multiplier effects of the affiliate organisations must be harnessed for the growth and modernisation of our party.

To maintain this momentum, it is also our collective  the Politburo, leagues and departments of the party  to handhold and nurture new responsibility as members. They must have a deeper grasp of the partys ideology, constitution, values, rules, procedures and principles. Equally, the returnees Dzokai Kumusha, Buyani ekhaya Programme, should be promoted and new members must be welcomed as well as fully integrated across all structures he said.

Turning to the economy, the President said the Politburo must be ever mindful that economic growth is paramount, and that agriculture production and productivity should be accompanied by modernisation and mechanisation, based on the fact that the land reform is irreversible.

He warned some meddlesome countries against owning large tracts of land by way of carbon credits.

Our communities are the rightful custodians of the land, flora fauna, hence matters related to environmental management and conservation including social development should benefit the people of our country.

NGOs must be transparent and accountable in all their activities. We cannot have unknown and faceless Western-owned entities and NGOs, benefiting from our natural resources by way of carbon credits, in some cases with close to 1 million hectares of land in a single province, purportedly under their purview.

As we move towards Vision 2030, our country is evolving, modernising and industrialising. The responsible departments and the Youth League must, therefore, competently promote initiatives and synergies riding on science, technology and innovation, as primary driving forces for development.

Under President Mnangagwa every corner of the country is witnessing tremendous development that leaves no one and no place behind and this will be maintained going into the future

Your responsibility is weighty and must be undertaken with integrity, honesty, unwavering loyalty and patriotism. As we undertake our political work, let us carry the message of hope, peace, unity, love and harmony. We say no to violence. We must be ready and vigilant to confront all the machinations from our detractors head-on.

Before the start of the Politburo, a moment of silence was observed to remember national heroes who passed on recently, namely the late Cde Betty Flora Mutero, Brigadier General (Rtd) Epmarcus Walter Kanhanga and Dr Christopher Chindoti Mushohwe. Herald
Wed Wednesday

82 /48

Windy with times of sun and clouds. Highs in the low 80s and lows in the upper 40s.
Give more slots for Reggae music  Ras Kuuku

Kofi Duah Showbiz News Mar - 09 - 2023 , 16:07

Reggae musician Ras Kuuku is advocating for more slots for Reggae music in the media space and award schemes.

According to him, the genre is not given much attention in Ghana and he feels Reggae music speaks about positive things.

We only have Fa ew slots in our award schemes and I want to plead with awards organisers to give us more. The media can also help project Reggae music by giving us good airtime on both TV and radio he told Graphic Showbiz in an interview.

Ras Kuuku, real name, Jonas Kojo Kurankye said Reggae is a genre that has been accepted worldwide and if we give it a chance here by allocating it more slots, we can cash in on it.

More stories

The likes of Stonebwoy, Samini, Shatta Wale have gotten the recognition outside the country but we can project more artistes if we give the genre more attention here he said.

Ras Kuuku is known for songs like Nwansina, 33&1, Ghetto Youth, Wo, Me Mpeabo, Kwame Nkrumah, I Love You, Mr Government among others

The 2020 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) Reggae Artiste of the Year said Bass Awards, the only scheme which used to honour Reggae artistes in Ghana is no more thus he entreats other outfit to come up with an event to replace it.

I would want another organisation to come up with an award scheme to honour Reggae musicians. Bass Awards did its best but it was short lived. I will be happy if another entity come up with a similar event to honour us, he said.
Nollywood is not a safe place for young girls -Regina Daniels

Graphic Showbiz Showbiz News Mar - 08 - 2023 , 18:19

Nollywood actress, Regina Daniels, has said that Nigerias movie industry is not safe for young girls and urge producers to discourage the act of employing minors.

Daniels, who also doubles as a film producer, gave the advice on her Instagram page recently where she encouraged celebrities, and movie producers, to say no to child labour and keep the industry secure.

I met a 14-year-old girl wearing a short skirt, crop top and working under another young guy on the movie set who claims to be a make-up artist. Her parents are far away in Port Harcourt and she came to Lagos last year.

She sleeps in different hotel rooms with whoever agrees to accommodate her every night and is not willing to go back to her parents. This girl told me that she is here to learn but trust me, I know the industry and it is not a safe place for young girls, she stated.

Reginas husband, Chinedu Nwoko, was on Monday, February 27 declared the winner of the Delta North Senatorial District seat in Delta, Nigeria following its general elections on Saturday, February 25.

Mr Nwoko, also known as Ned Nwoko, scored a total of 92,514 votes to win the elections that took place on Saturday in Nigeria.

He defeated the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Mr Kennedy Kanma, who got 86,121 votes and the incumbent and candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen. Peter Nwaoboshi, who polled 36,816 votes.

The popular actress has since then thanked the electorates for honouring her husband.
Ashaiman: Residents demand justice after military molestation

Benjamin Xornam Glover Mar - 09 - 2023 , 12:33

The traditional council, former members of Parliament and political parties in the Ashaiman area have joined in the condemnation of how the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) reacted after a soldier was reportedly killed in the area at the weekend.

They are therefore demanding that justice should be served those who were attacked and beaten by the military in what seemed to be a retaliatory move.

Graphic Online's Benjamin Xornam Glover reports from Ashaiman that angry residents are demanding justice following the military raid on the community on March 7, 2022

Clad in red head and armbands, the residents, peeved about the action of the soldiers demanded justice for their fellow residents who were molested.

Some soldiers invaded Ashaiman on March 7, 2023 after their colleague was killed in the area on Saturday, March 4, 2023

In a bid to find perpetrators of the said murder, the soldiers took over the streets of Ashaiman to brutalise some residents and arrested 184 suspects.

They have since released 150 people with the remaining 34 in custody.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ghana Armed Forces explained that the operation was sanctioned by the Military High Command and that the suspects would be handed over to Ghana Police for further action.

Ashaiman Lives Matter

Addressing a press conference Thursday (March 9, 2023) under the aegis of Ashaiman Lives Matter opinion leaders in the community, led by the Regent of Ashaiman, Nii Annang Adjor condemned the attack and killing of the young soldier- Sherrif Imoro and the reprisal attacks by the soldiers.

The opinion leaders who addressed the media included former members of Parliament for the Ashaiman constituency, Franklin Winfred K. Aheto, Alfred Agbesi, and the current MP, Ernest Norgbey, a lawyer, Emmanuel Kumadey a.k.a. Lawyer Akokor, the NPP Ashaiman constituency Chairman, Alexander Amanor and the NDC Vice Constituency Chairman, Francis Damasi.

Demands

The opinion leaders while condemning the killing of the 21-year-old soldier, Sherif Imoro and commiserating with the family of the deceased, called on the police to speed up their investigations and bring the perpetrators to book.

They called on the President to immediately set up a committee to investigate the criminal acts of the soldiers and the culprits punished.

The group also called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces to order the immediate release of all residents of Ashaiman that the soldiers were illegally keeping in their custody.

They further called on the President to direct the Minister of Defence to pay for all damaged properties as well as compensation to all innocent victims brutalised by the military in the swoop.

They urged the Assembly to provide street lights in all communities in Ashaiman since darkness was a contributing factor to criminal activities in the area.

The convenors of the press conference called on the media, civic society groups, professional bodies like the Ghana Bar Association, religious bodies among others to join the residents of Ashaiman in condemning the violence and criminal acts of the soldiers.

Consistently and persistently, the Ghana Armed Forces have taken Ashaiman as their training ground for unleashing violence on innocent citizens with impunity. We are saying loud and clear that we have suffered enough and enough is enough, Mr Kumadey told the media.

Rule of law

The Regent of Ashaiman, Nii Annang Adjor condemned the killing of the soldier and the retaliation meted out by the soldiers on the residents.

If we should keep quiet over this, we dont know who will be the next victim. Ghana is a democratic hcountry and human rights and the rule of law must be preserved at all times, he said

The MP for Ashaiman, Ernest Norgbey advised residents in the aftermath of the incident not to take the law into their own hands but trust their leaders in the community to fight for justice on their behalf.

He reiterated his pledge to table the matter before the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament for justice to prevail and compensation paid to the affected persons.

Mr Norgbey said if all those efforts fail, they would be compelled to petition the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and possibly the court for justice to prevail.

Messrs Aheto and Agbesi, past MPs of the Ashaiman Constituency as well as leaders of the NDC and NPP in the Constituency all condemned the incident and the resultant violence unleashed on the people of Ashaiman.
Celebrating International Women's Day - Olam Agri introduces lactation pods for working mothers

Dickson Wolanyo Dotse Mar - 09 - 2023 , 11:36

Olam Agri, a global agribusiness company, has marked International Womens Day with the installation of new lactation pods in its business locations across the country.

The initiative forms part of the companys workforce nutrition goal to ensure that by 2030, all its employees have access to nutrition programmes.

The initiative, in collaboration with the companys womens network Globally Reaching Olam Women (GROW), is introducing self-contained units to provide clean, comfortable, and private milieus to help working mothers express and safely keep breast milk for their babies while at work.

The first phase of the initiative was unveiled at the companys grains factory at Kpone yesterday, during GROWs annual conference for female employees within the organisation.

Safe space

Members of GROW described the launch of the lactation pods as proof that the company recognises the importance of providing a safe and comfortable space for nursing mothers to express breast milk for their babies.

"Supporting new mothers in the workplace is an important step towards creating a supportive work environment.

Providing lactation pods can make it easier and more comfortable for working mothers to continue expressing breast milk while at work, which can have considerable benefits for both the mother and her baby.

We believe that by providing the necessary tools and support, employees will be able to thrive at work," the Head of Human Resourse for Olam Agri in Ghana, Stephen Takyi Adeakye said.

In celebration of International Womens Day 2023, the team in Ghana organised an interactive health forum in which medical experts and professionals engaged working mothers on the importance of good nutrition for babies.

The forum was followed by a fireside chat with the 2022 Journalist of the Year, journalist, Portia Gabor, on her personal experience of achieving a work-life balance as a young mother while pursuing a successful career.

Lactation pod

The lactation pod is among several initiatives implemented by Olam Agri in Ghana to support female employees.

The initiatives include the extension of the maternal policy to four months for female employees, the launch of the "Sparkle your Career Confidence" initiative to inspire young female employees to aspire to great heights within the organisation, as well as special mentorship programmes for female employees, and a comprehensive wellness programme that includes the provision of free PAP tests for women to help in the fight against cervical cancer.

GROW

GROW is a voluntary association of female employees whose core mission is to increase female involvement and promote inclusiveness within the organization.

Since its establishment in 2018, the group has been instrumental in increasing female engagement through various developmental initiatives aimed at promoting an all-inclusive working environment for all employees.
International Womens Day: Ministry advocates protection for females in digital spaces

Elizabeth Konadu-Boakye Mar - 09 - 2023 , 07:35

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection yesterday marked International Women's Day (IWD) with a call on Ghanaians to delve into emerging gender issues and put the spotlight on the importance of protecting women and girls in digital spaces.

A Deputy Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Francisca Oteng Mensah, who made the call, said women and girls could be protected in the digital space by addressing online and information and communications technology (ICT)-enabled gender-based violence and creating a safe space for women in the digital and technological field.

Mrs Mensah, who was addressing some women after a health walk to mark the day, further noted the need to design and implement policies to act on the critical factors that undermined digital development and the advancement of women's participation in spaces where decisions were made on digital matters.

STEM schools

One of such policies, she said, was the introduction of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) bias schools in the country.

The introduction of STEM schools will help students develop key skills, including problem-solving skills, creativity, digital literacy and critical thinking. Seven STEM schools have so far been established and this is one of the measures being put in place by the government to ensure that we embrace equity and promote digital adoption and participation among girls and young women," Mrs Oteng Mensah said.

The deputy minister urged women and girls to make use of the toll-free line of the ministry, which is to help address issues relating to women and children.

"I encourage all to make good use of the innovative platforms by dialling 0800111222 and 0800800800 for the needed support," she added.

Equity walk

This year's IWD, commemorated on the theme: "DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for gender equality", was marked with a health walk from the Kwame Nkrumah Water Park Fountain to the Gender Ministry in Accra.

The IWD is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.

The walk brought together some staff of the ministry, market women, some women traditional leaders and representatives from the United Nations Office, the European Union (EU) and civil societies.

The theme explores the impact of the digital gender gap on widening economic and social inequalities.

It also throws a spotlight on the importance of protecting the rights of women and girls in digital spaces and addressing online and ICT-facilitated gender-based violence.

Significant

The UN Resident Coordinator, Charles Abani, in a speech read on his behalf by the UN Population Fund representative, Dr Wilfred Ochan, said the theme for this year's celebration was significant, as the world now grappled with how to employ new approaches to rebuild all aspects of development after the unprecedented challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He added that the UN was of a strong opinion that with concerted efforts, the persistence gender gap on digital access and barriers to women and girls participation in technology creation and governance could be changed.

"This is critical, as the new opportunities provided by digital technology, such as heightened voice and urgency, expansion of networks and advocacy, gender-responsive digital learning and tech-facilitated agricultural and value addition, access to health care, including sexual and reproductive, will benefit more women and other marginalised groups," Mr Abani said.

The Deputy Head of Delegation at the EU, Pieter Smidt Van Gelder, said there was the need for education and a change in the mindset that women did not belong at the front row of innovation and technological change.

"Women must be an integral part of shaping our increasingly digital world. And several already are, as we witness every day at the EU when interacting with strong and passionate Ghanaian women who drive change and innovation in their communities, country and continent," he said.

Other programmes

A number of organisations and institutions also organised various events to mark the day.

They included the Ghana Armed Forces, the Australian High Commission, which used the day to celebrate Women in Mining, the US Embassy in Ghana, which marked the day with a film festival on: Women in Motion, while the German International Development Cooperation Agency (GIZ) hosted a panel discussion.

GJA Greater Accra

The Greater Accra Chapter of the Ghana Journalists Association saluted all women journalists in the region on the day.

In a statement, signed by the Regional Chairman, Charles Benoni Okine, it said as a chapter, it is oblivious of the pivotal role you play in news gathering and dissemination, sometimes at a peril to your lives, just to ensure that we get the news.

The chapter is not only proud of your exploits but also wishes to encourage you to continue to discharge your duties without fear or favour, it added.

The chapter gave an assurance that the GJA was always ready to stand with all women journalists all the way to ensure that they were not exposed to dangers that could hamper their progress and quest to educate, inform and entertain.

We also hope to see more women placed in higher positions in the various media houses in the region as part of efforts to close the gender gap, the statement added.
Military releases 150 Ashaiman residents from custody

Benjamin Xornam Glover Mar - 09 - 2023 , 07:05

About 150 people, mostly young men, who were arrested by the military in some suburbs of Ashaiman have been released.

According to the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ashaiman, Ernest Norgbey, they were released last Tuesday night.

About 184 residents of the town were arrested and many of them were subjected to severe beatings by the soldiers.

The MP said the leadership of the community would petition the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and also pursue the matter in Parliament.

Sources in the community told the Daily Graphic that a number of the arrested young persons were bussed to Ashaiman last Tuesday night, having spent a greater part of the day in the custody of the military.

Invasion

Some soldiers, in the early hours of last Tuesday, March 7, 2023, stormed the Ashaiman Official Town, Tulaku and Taifa neighbourhoods to carry out a swoop following the alleged killing of a soldier, Sherif Imoro, last Saturday.

The 21-year-old soldier was reportedly killed by unidentified persons near the Amanie Hotel at Ashaiman.

Some reports said he was attacked and stabbed by a gang.

According to one account, the soldier was on his way to his family home.

At dawn last Tuesday (March 7, 2023), some soldiers arrived in army trucks and buses for what they said was a sanctioned operation to fish out the alleged killers of their colleague.

The soldiers allegedly went round the neighbourhood, knocking on peoples doors, questioning them and forcing people to remain indoors.

In the process, some young people were arrested, subjected to beatings and taken away by the military.

Ordeal

Narrating his ordeal to the Daily Graphic, one of the young persons who was arrested, Abas Inusa, said he returned to the community about 11 p.m. after he was picked up and detained by the military.

He said after initial beatings received from the soldiers, who used wires on his back, he, together with others, were bussed to Michel Camp for interrogation.

According to Inusa, from Michel Camp, they were transferred to Burma Camp for further screening.

He said they were denied food while under detention and it was only after the soldiers had finished the screening that some of them were bussed back to Ashaiman.

Another victim, Isaac Nyadi, described as traumatic the experience he went through.

He said he and some of the victims would need psychological support to help them deal with anxiety, fear and depression as a result of the incident.

At Ashaiman Official Town, Worlanyo Adzanku, a man whose three sons were picked up from their home told the Daily Graphic that his sons arrived home at about 11 p.m last Tuesday.

Mr Adzanku, who operates a pharmacy shop, said his sons were given pain killers after they complained of bodily pains.

They (sons) told me they were first taken to Michel Camp but later transferred to Burma Camp for screening after which they were put on a bus back to Ashaiman," he said.

Sanctioned operations

Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has explained that the operation at Ashaiman was sanctioned by the Military High Command.

In a statement issued last Wednesday (Mar 8, 2023), the GAF said the motive was not to avenge the killing of the soldier but rather to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

According to the statement signed by the Director General of Public Relations of the GAF, Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, following the operations at Ashaiman-Taifa and Tulaku in the Greater Accra Region, the military personnel picked up about 184 suspects aged between 21 and 47 years and handed them over to the Military Police and would subsequently be sent to the Ghana Police Service for screening and further action.
Muslim leaders demand vote against draft constitution

Daily Graphic Mar - 09 - 2023 , 12:34

An influential organisation of religious leaders in Mali on Tuesday called on its followers to reject a new constitution being drawn up under the country's junta leadership maintaining the principle of secularism.

The proposal to change Mali's constitution aims to enable the military-run West African nation to return to civilian rule.

The new constitution is supposed to be put to a plebiscite, originally scheduled for March 19, but the junta has made no comment on the timetable amid widespread doubts about the date.

The junta's declared goal is to hold elections in February 2024 that will lead to the restoration of civilian rule.

A constitutional draft received by junta leader Colonel Assimi Goita late last month stated an "attachment to the republican form and to the secularism of the state".

"Secularism is not opposed to religion and to beliefs," the drafts says, adding its aim was to "promote and reinforce living together based on tolerance, dialogue and mutual understanding".

But the Mali League of Imams and Scholars for Islamic Solidarity called Tuesday for the "removal of pure and simple of the word" secularism and for it to be replaced with "multi-confessional state".

It called on all "patriotic Muslims" to vote against the draft constitution in its current form.

Mali is a Muslim-majority country.

AFRICANEWS
Partner CSOs, private sector to address childhood vaccine shortages - RISE-Ghana to govt

Zadok Kwame Gyesi Mar - 09 - 2023 , 16:11

A Bolgatanga based non-governmental organisation (NGO) RISE-Ghana, has urged the government to partner civil society organisations and the private sector to help address the childhood vaccines shortages in the country.

The NGO says the shortages of childhood vaccines in Ghana is likely to derail the gains the country has made in its immunisation drive over the years.

Ghana has been experiencing shortages of some childhood vaccines, a situation the Ministry of Health has said it is working seriously to get it addressed.

In a statement dated Thursday, March 9, 2023, the Executive Director of RISE-Ghana, Alhaji Awal Ahmed Kariama, said the government, particularly the Ministry of Finance to immediately set-up a dedicated account for revenues accruing from the COVID-19 levy to serve as an emergency fund in line with the resource pooling function under the health strengthening systems approach.

He also urged the government to pay attention to the call for public health emergency fund championed by Civil Society groups such as SEND-Ghana as a first step of preventing situations such as the shortages of the childhood vaccines in the country.

RISE-Ghana statement on shortages of childhood vaccines in Ghana

THE HISTORIC CHILDRENS VACCINE SHORTAGE IN GHANA-A WAKE UP CALL TO

SET UP DEDICATED FUND AND ROBUST RISK COMMUNICATION FOR

QUALITY ASSURANCE TO REDUCE RISK OF PANIC AND VACCINE HESITANCY.

For the first time in the history of childhood immunization in Ghana, disturbing news from the Ministry of Health indicated that key live saving vaccine, notably Measles Rubella and the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) are in short supply. A worrying development that is likely to derail the significant gains made over the years that has placed Ghana on the global stage as one of the top achievers in vaccine deployment and coverage.

Whiles commending the Ghana Health Service, the Ministry of Health and its partners such as UNICEF-Ghana, Global Vaccine Alliance for ensuring smooth implementation of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), RISE-Ghana notes with grave concern the recent development and wish to bring to the urgent attention of stakeholders to the following concerns:

1. The Government of Ghana/Ministry of Finance should immediately set-up a dedicated account for revenues accruing from the COVID-19 levy to serve as an emergency fund in line with the resource pooling function under the health strengthening systems approach.

2. Activate strong partnerships between Civil Society, Government, Private Sector and Development partners to roll out a risk communication and education programme to maintain vaccine confidence and mitigate the potential fear and panic.

3. Whiles it is refreshing that, the much awaited and novel National Vaccine Institute Bill has been approved by parliament awaiting Presidential assent, we wish to emphasize that, the GHANA CHILD CANNOT WAIT and we cannot afford to a lose a single child due to this current shortage of much needed vaccines.

4. As the first country in the world to sign on the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCR), Ghana must make good her moral and legal obligation to uphold and promote the best interest of the child in all aspects and especially during this difficult times of global vaccine stress.

5. The call for public health emergency fund championed by Civil Society groups such as SEND-Ghana should be given the urgent and highest level political will it deserves.

6. Lastly, the current trend should be a wake-up call for a national discourse on urgent proposals for Ghana to, in the words of his Excellency President Akuffo Addo we can produce our own vaccines locally.

7. We commend the gallant health work force and stakeholders for their sustained commitment to maintain the gains over the years.

Thank you.

Yours sincerely

Awal Ahmed Kariama

Executive Director
Remove barriers that hinder women - Ghana Armed Forces advised

Justice Agbenorsi Mar - 09 - 2023 , 12:23

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have been advised to remove bottlenecks that hinder the full participation of women in the military.

The Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Major General Richard Addo Gyane, said despite the numerous strides made by the GAF at ensuring the effective participation of women in its operations, there were still barriers such as social roles and infrastructural deficit that needed to be addressed.

The Ghana Armed Forces are placed on a high pedestal in global gender and peacekeeping compensation, flying high the flag of our beloved country.

Despite that, there remain structural and traditional barriers that hinder the full participation of women in internal operations at home, as well as international peacekeeping operations.

Barriers such as gender roles, social inclusion and infrastructure deficits are likely to gradually erode the gains made, he said.

Occasion

Maj. Gen. Gyane was speaking at the Ghana Armed Forces commemoration of the International Women's Day yesterday on the theme: Enhancing GAFs innovative gender equity strides for an inclusive force.

International Women's Day is marked on March 8 every year to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.

The GAF commemoration featured a panel discussion on different topics of interest to help personnel and stakeholder to appreciate the relevant issues of women inclusion into the armed forces.

Maj. Gen. Gyane said his outfit was collaborating with the GAF to provide research and technical support to the military to identify the various barriers to enhance the GAFs capacity to address them.

Strides

The Chief of Staff, General Headquarters, Maj. Gen. Nicholas Peter Andoh, said since the enlistment of the first female into the military in 1958, the GAF had seen an increase in the promotion of women into senior strategic decision making positions.

He said presently, the GAF consisted of about 18 per cent women, a figure above the UN gender parity effort of 10 per cent.

These efforts, he said, had further been bolstered through the GAFs collaboration with Canada through the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations and the KAIPTCs Women Peace and Security Institute.

Through the Elsie Initiative Fund, he said the GAF was undertaking projects such as a media campaign to engage potential female recruits and cadets, construction of 300-bed capacity accommodation for female recruits at the Army Recruit Training centres at Shai Hills and Daboya Training Camp, among others, to enhance effective female roles.

Commitment

The Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Martine Moreau, expressed her governments commitment to support the GAF in its gender mainstreaming efforts and peacekeeping goals.

In line with that, she said the Canadian government, in partnership with the KAIPTC and the GAF, was presently undertaking a garrison tour across the country to raise awareness of gender equality at all levels and to help to prepare leadership and personnel for enhanced gender mainstreaming efforts, in order to advance women throughout the ranks of the armed forces.

Our aim remains to enable all personnel, regardless of gender, to attain their full potential to the benefit of the GAF in becoming an even more effective national institution, she added.

The Gender Policy Advisor to the Chief of Defence Staff, Naval Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, urged all stakeholders to embrace equity for an inclusive force.

The GAF, she said, was developing a comprehensive gender policy to sensitise personnel on gender mainstreaming, among other efforts.
Australia-based Lynas Rare Earths Limited has signed new agreements with Japan Australia Rare Earths B.V. (JARE). The new agreements will further strengthen the Lynas balance sheet and support funding of capital projects designed to meet accelerating global demand for rare earth materials.

JARE was co-founded in 2011 by Sojitz Corporation and Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC); Lynas and JARE are parties to a long-term senior loan facility. Under the new agreements, JARE will provide a contribution of AUD$200 million (US$132 million) and forego the historic US$11.5 million interest due under the loan facility for the period from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2016, which has previously been deferred by JARE.

JAREs contribution will support Lynas ambitious growth agenda, and may include current and planned projects designed to increase production of Light Rare Earth and Heavy Rare Earth materials. As market demand increases, this funding will assist Lynas to meet its objective to grow with the market.

Lynas operates the Mt Weld rare earths mine in Western Australia as well as the worlds largest single rare earths processing plant in Malaysia where it produces high-quality separated rare earth materials for export to manufacturing markets in Asia, Europe and the United States.

Rare earth oxides are mined and initially processed at the Mt Weld Concentration Plant. The materials are then shipped to a 100-hectare advanced materials plant in Gebeng, Malaysia, where the concentrate is separated and processed into high quality Rare Earth materials.

Sojitz and JOGMEC have entered into an agreement with Lynas to supply up to 65% of the HRE (dysprosium and terbium, DyTb) produced by Lynas from Mt. Weld feedstock to the Japanese market. This will be the first company to produce HRE from mine to finished product with a Japanese company involved.

Rare earths, divided into light and heavy rare earths, are used in various industries including the production of magnets for motors for electric vehicles and wind turbines.

LRE supplied to Japan by Lynas from Mt. Weld in Australia is used as the main ingredient to produce magnets for motors. Lynas will expand its LRE production capacity to stably supply LRE in the long term in light of the expected increase in the magnet demand to meet the decarbonization targets.

In addition, Lynas will start the production of the HRE, namely dysprosium and terbium, which is used to enhance the heat resistance of the magnets. The production will support the stable supply of HRE to Japan by diversifying the supply sources which are currently concentrated to China.

In 2011, Sojitz became the sole distributor of Lynas rare earth products in Japan and stably provides rare earths to Japanese customers for various purposes, including magnets. Sojitz aims to deliver adequate rare earths to Japanese markets through this additional contribution, which will enable the company to cater to the domestic HRE demands.

JOGMEC has decided to invest further in Lynas as these projects will contribute to ensuring a stable supply of rare earths to Japan.
Mack Trucks revealed its Mack MD Electric, the companys first electric vehicle in the medium-duty segment of the trucking industry. The MD Electric will complement its highly efficient, diesel-powered MD model sibling, which has experienced growing customer demand since its introduction in 2020.





The addition of a zero-tailpipe emissions battery-electric vehicle (BEV) to the Mack medium-duty lineup also supports the companys long-term sustainability goals.

The MD Electric is the second electric vehicle introduced by Mack Trucks to the industry. The first was the Mack LR Electric (earlier post), which went into production in December 2021.

The Mack MD Electric will be available like its diesel counterpart in Class 6 and Class 7 ratings. The Class 6 model has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 25,995 pounds, and the Class 7 model has a GVWR of 33,000 pounds. Both models are exempt from the 12% Federal Excise Tax (FET). The Mack MD Electric will be produced at Roanoke Valley Operations (RVO) in Roanoke Valley, Virginia, where Mack began production of the Mack MD Series in 2020.

The MD Electrics three-phase Permanent Magnet Synchronous motor and all on-board accessories are powered by Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) Oxide lithium-ion batteries, either in a 150 kWh or 240 kWH configuration. The MD Electric can be charged through AC or DC charging units. The regenerative braking system helps recapture energy from the multiple stops the vehicle makes each day.

Designed with the heavy-duty quality of its diesel-powered counterparts, the MD Electric is available in 4x2 configurations featuring a sharp wheel cut for enhanced maneuverability in tight urban settings.

The MD Series cab design features a short bumper-to-back-of-cab (BBC) measurement of 103 inches, an industry best. Similar to the diesel-powered Mack MD Series, Mack matched the bold look and styling of the Mack Anthem, Macks highway model, as a basis for the MD Electric grille and hood design. The Mack MD Electric will be supported by Mack dealers, many of which are already Mack Certified Electric Vehicle (EV) dealers.

The MD Electric will meet the needs of trucking applications requiring dry van/refrigerated, stake/flatbed and dump vocations. The MD6 model does not require a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) to operate for non-hazardous payloads.

Mack Trucks is part of the Volvo Group.
Stellantis has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) to develop a manufacturing facility in South Africa.

This is an important step in our Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan towards strengthening our leadership in the Middle East and Africa region and becoming a major player in South Africa. The manufacturing site in South Africa will be a new building block in our industrialization strategy that includes the plan to sell one million vehicles in the region by 2030 with 70% regional production autonomy and will bring us closer to our customers needs in the region. Samir Cherfan, Stellantis Middle East and Africa Chief Operating Officer

The manufacturing plant is planned for setup in a South African Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The aim is to complete this manufacturing project by 2025.

Special Economic Zones (SEZs) within South Africa are geographically designated areas set aside for specifically targeted economic activities to promote national economic growth and exports by using support measures to attract foreign and domestic investments and technology.
Breaking with the precedent of past years, Sweetwater County will join the Wyoming Emergency Fire Suppression Account this year.

The Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously during Tuesday's meeting for the county to join the account, which is set up by the Wyoming State Forestry Division. County Fire Warden Jim Zimmerman and Deputy Fire Warden and Fire District No. 1 Fire Chief Scott Kitchner presented to the commissioners to explain the account and the reasons for joining it.

"Basically it's an insurance policy," Zimmerman said. "What it's there for is to mitigate the impact of a...
Canalys released its report on the global wearables market in Q4 and the entire 2022. The numbers revealed 50 million shipped units between October and December, which was a massive 18% decline - the biggest since data is collected and analyzed.

All five major companies - Apple, Xiaomi, Huawei, Samsung, and Google, saw a YoY decline in shipments during the holiday period, and only Cupertino saw annual growth for the full calendar year.

Canalys quoted the challenging macroeconomic environment in Q4 as the main reason for the decline across the board. Apple remained the runaway leader, being the default choice for all iPhone users, while Google managed to stay in second thanks to the Pixel Watch, despite Fitbit devices falling 25%.

Canalys splits the wearables into three categories - Basic band, basic watch, and smartwatch. The differences between them are getting murkier with every new device, and Canalys said smartwatches would grow at around 10%; however, the decline in interest for basic bands would set the total wearables market at a modest 2% rise.

Source
Guam residents have a chance to experience hospitality Mykonos style at the new Anemos, located at SandCastle Guam.

The restaurant's grand opening is Friday and will include a short cocktail reception, six-course meal and after-dinner drinks at Club ZOH.

The restaurant's name, Anemos. means "wind." It sits in an erected tent right outside of Sandcastle. With its large airy windows, guests can enjoy the cool outside air in comfort while they dine.

The menu is curated by chef Stefano Fren, who Owner Mark Baldyga met while visiting Greece with his wife, Christina Baldyga, for her birthday.

The menu includes ingredients shipped to Guam from Greece and promises a diverse selection of seafood dishes, cocktails and deserts.

Those interested in attending the grand opening can contact the Baldyga Group at 671-646-8000 or email info@baldyga.com. For more information, visit bestguamtours.com.
Felons that use a gun in their crimes could face an even lengthier prison sentence if a bill introduced Wednesday becomes law.

Sen. Tom Fishers Bill 79 would make the possession or use of a firearm in the commission of a felony punishable by a minimum of 10 years in prison, on top of any other punishments imposed. The maximum prison time for using a firearm would be 25 years.

Fishers proposal comes on the heels of a string of firearm-related crimes, including the robbery of Q-Mart in Talofofo that saw a cashier shot and a shooting in Hagat that resulted in the death of a man.

The offenders who choose to brandish and use a gun to perpetrate their criminal activities are showing contempt for human life and therefore represent a particular danger to the people of Guam. We need to send a clear message to these criminals that we will not stand for this, Fisher stated in a news release.

Fisher is the lone sponsor of the bill, though he stated he hopes to get the support of all 15 members of the Legislature.

The criminals of this island are not in charge and never will be, the senator stated.
Guam residents experienced rolling blackouts Tuesday and Wednesday evening after the 55-megawatt Cabras 2 generator, which returned to service only a month ago after a $4.9 million overhaul, broke down Tuesday with boiler tube leaks.

One-hour rolling blackouts affected customers between 6 and 9 p.m. Tuesday and 6:48 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday.

The Cabras 1 generator was shut down for maintenance at the time, and the loss of the Cabras 2 generator, combined with limited generating capacity by the 44-megawatt Piti 9 generator, left GPA with a maximum generating capacity of only 221 megawatts Tuesday evening. That is about 30 megawatts short of the peak power demand.

The Cabras 1 generator, which has been down for scheduled repairs, is scheduled to be back online by Friday, according to the Guam Power Authority.

Its unclear how long it might take to repair the Cabras 2 boiler tube leaks and return that generator to service.

Rolling blackouts still were possible Thursday evening, according to the power agency, which stated the Guam Waterworks Authority switched its wells and pump stations to standby generators to reduce the power demand. Large power customers, including the Navy, also have been asked to switch to generator power during peak demand hours, according to GPA.

Unreliable

GPAs legal counsel has said the decades-old Cabras generators are unreliable, even after expensive overhauls. The Cabras generators burn oil to heat water for steam turbines. The generators have miles of boiler tubes.

What seems to happen, because the units are almost 50 years old,  three months later, four months later, the boiler is leaking. Its just never going to get better, GPA legal counsel Graham Botha told the Public Utilities Commission in April 2022, when the commission approved the Cabras 2 overhaul.

Botha said the overhaul was necessary, however, to prevent turbine blade failure, which could put the generator out of commission even longer.

Ukudu power plant

The island will remain vulnerable to blackouts until the new 198-megawatt Ukudu power plant starts operating next year, according to GPA.

Guam residents also experienced rolling power outages last August when the Cabras 2 generator and the Piti 8 generator broke down while the Piti 9 generator was out of service for a scheduled overhaul to convert it to diesel fuel.

Cabras 1 and Cabras 2 are scheduled to be decommissioned in late 2024, after the Ukudu power plant is operating, to comply with federal clean air regulations.

GPA wants to continue to operate the Piti 8 and Piti 9 generators, which now burn ultra-low-sulfur diesel, until 2029.

A project to build a 41-megawatt reserve diesel power plant in Piti recently was canceled due to excessive cost.
Published on 2023/03/08 | Source

Actress Lee Da-hae signed an exclusive contract with K-Star Global ENT, comprehensive content company .

Advertisement

K-Star Global ENT said, "We will do our best as a reliable partner so that Lee Da-hae, who has an attractive visual, atmosphere, and a wide acting spectrum, can show off her capabilities in various areas".

Lee Da-hae debuted in 2002 and starred in various dramas such as "My Girl", "East of Eden", "The Slave Hunters", "Miss. Ripley", "IRIS 2" and more. She was also very active in China and displayed intelligence with her profound Chinese speaking skills. Attention is focusing on what activities Lee Da-hae, who has become a global beauty icon that captivates China beyond Korea, will continue in the future by joining hands with K-Star Global ENT.

K-Star Global ENT includes actors such as Kim Jung-nan, Lee Pil-mo, Jung Sun-kyung, Jang Shin-young, Kang Kyung-joon, Ha Sung-eun, Jeon Young-mi, and Ok Jinuk. In addition to the management business, it is growing into a comprehensive content company by expanding its business area in line with the trend of the times, such as the production of the movie "Audrey", which is scheduled to be released in 2023.
While 61 per cent of respondents to the government-commissioned survey hoped that solving the climate crisis would be among the key goals of the next government, the proportion has decreased by nine percentage points since the previous iteration of the survey, conducted ahead of the parliamentary elections in 2019.

THE PROPORTION of Finns with a positive attitude toward climate action has decreased, reveals Climate Barometer 2023.

Another sign of waning public interest in climate action is that the proportion of people who believe efforts to mitigate climate change are urgently needed has fallen from 83 per cent to 72 per cent during the course of the electoral term.

Kantar Public gathered responses from 1,043 people across the country for the survey on commission from the steering group for central government climate communication.

Although Finns continue to regard fostering the carbon sink of forests as important, the proportion who hope that more attention is paid to logging volumes and forest management practices in order to preserve carbon sink has dropped by 12 points to 71 per cent, according to the survey.

The results also reveal a decreasing readiness to raise taxes on food products with a large carbon footprint, such as meat and dairy, with the share of respondents ready to do so dropping from about 50 to 33 per cent between 2019 and 2023.

The results also reveal a significant change in the other direction, however. Almost three-quarters (74%) of respondents expressed their readiness to reduce electricity consumption at peak demand times, signalling a jump of 12 points from 2019. Additionally two-thirds of respondents stated that they have reduced heat and electricity consumption in recent times.

Paivi Suur-Uski, an expert at Motiva, lauded the public efforts to save energy this winter, viewing that they demonstrate an ability to make the adjustments necessitated by the climate crisis.

Now we should move on to more permanent energy actions, that is, continue renovations that improve the energy-efficiency of peoples homes in the long term and invest in non-fossil heating systems. These energy savings show that we can change our habits quickly, which is an absolute necessity to mitigate climate change, she said.

Although Finns widely perceive climate change as a threat, the majority of respondents also saw opportunities in the green transition. Over two-thirds (68%) of respondents estimated that climate-sustainable solutions will improve well-being in Finland. Four-fifths of respondents also viewed that developing expertise and technological solutions for climate mitigation is a means to bolster the countrys competitiveness.

A number of major investments in green technologies are afoot in Finland.

The responses varied notably based on a number of factors. Attitudes toward climate actions were most positive among women, young people, the highly educated and supporters of the Greens, Left Alliance and Social democrats. Negative attitudes, by contrast, were common especially among supporters of the Centre, Finns Party and National Coalition.

Support for climate actions was also higher among residents of the capital region than those of rural regions.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
New survey results by Tietoevry reveal that Finnish women believe technology can play a significant role in solving the climate crisis, but only a few find the tech industry appealing. Out of the over 1,000 Finnish men and women surveyed in February 2023, 66% of women felt that technology could solve the climate crisis either partially or wholly. However, only 12% of women expressed interest in working in the tech industry. Tietoevry's survey also revealed that the tech industry is still perceived as complicated, with only 26% of women and 37% of men finding it inspiring.

The lack of interest from women in the tech industry is problematic, given the ongoing shortage of skilled workers in the field. In Finland, only 20% of tech experts are women, and this number is not sufficient to close the talent gap. Tietoevry's survey showed that women believed that employers and educational institutions need to do more to encourage women to enter the tech industry. About 40% of women believed that employers are not doing enough to recruit women, while 36% of women thought that educational institutions could do more.

Moreover, many respondents agreed that parents should play a more significant role in encouraging their daughters to pursue a career in technology. About 44% of women and 34% of men surveyed believed that parents were not doing enough to motivate their daughters to choose a tech career.

Tietoevry's Finland's country lead, Satu Kiiskinen, said that various perspectives are crucial in fields such as app development, user testing, and accessibility, and this requires diverse talent. She also pointed out that as part of Tietoevry's responsibility program, the company aims to achieve gender balance by 2030. They have set a target to increase the percentage of women in the workforce to 40% by 2026. In 2022, Tietoevry's female workforce increased by two percentage points to 31% compared to the previous year.

In conclusion, while Finnish women recognize the importance of technology in tackling the climate crisis, only a few see the tech industry as a viable career option. This highlights the need for the industry to make efforts to promote and encourage more women to join the field. Employers and educational institutions should provide more support and guidance to women who are interested in technology, and parents should also play an active role in motivating their daughters to consider tech as a career path. Tietoevry's efforts to increase the number of women in their workforce is commendable and sets an example for other tech companies to follow.

HT
Chinese village woman committed to making renowned chili sauce

Xinhua) 10:15, March 09, 2023

GUIYANG, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Lao Gan Ma, a major chili sauce maker in China, is a must in kitchens for Chinese living overseas.

But it is hard to imagine that Lao Gan Ma was created by an illiterate village woman in southwest China's Guizhou Province and has developed into a time-honored and world-famous brand.

Tao Huabi, the founder of Lao Gan Ma, was the eighth child in her family.

She shared housework at home since childhood. With limited supplies, she went up the mountains to dig wild vegetables, developed condiments, and mixed them with home-grown chili peppers. Her chili sauces were warmly welcomed by the family members.

Since Tao's husband died of a serious disease in the 1970s, Tao shouldered the family responsibility and tried to make and sell traditional food, including fried rice with egg and spicy rice tofu.

"At that time, I did as much work as that of ten men," the 76-year-old recalled. After carrying a heavy pack basket for a long time, she has problems with her shoulders, lumbar spine and feet.

In 1989, following her friends' advice, Tao opened a small restaurant in Guizhou's capital city Guiyang. The shop was small, with a few tables and chairs, but her business went well.

Tao's dishes were tasty and in good measure, and her homemade chili sauce surprised consumers with its unique taste. She would give them some for free when they left.

As a result of the affordable price, Tao did not make much money. Since the restaurant was close to a school, many students came to her restaurant after school. However, as most of these students were not from well-off families, they often could not pay for the meals.

Tao once experienced hunger and poverty and would make some food for the students without economic returns. Over time, the children felt Tao's warmth and named her "Lao Gan Ma," or godmother in English, which was how the chili sauce brand got its name.

As her restaurant became increasingly crowded and the chili sauce ran low, the village woman persisted in sending the sauce for free despite being advised not to do so.

She did not plan to sell chili sauce at first, but one day when the sauce ran out and the number of customers dropped, she decided to sell it.

In 1994, Tao converted the restaurant into a condiment shop. She had built a reputation for giving away chili sauce for free. After opening, the new shop attracted a lot of customers.

Two years later, Tao ran a factory under her nickname "Lao Gan Ma" and specialized in chili sauce production. She decided to use her portrait as the logo and said that this helps remind her to control product quality and that she cannot lose face.

"Doing business demands a practical business, and step-by-step efforts lead to a great business," said Tao.

Over the past 27 years, Lao Gan Ma has developed into one of the largest chili sauce production enterprises in China, with annual sales of billions of yuan (hundreds of millions of U.S. dollars). They export to 130 countries and regions, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Africa.

In November 2022, Lao Gan Ma made it to the final list of the Most-loved China's Brands Amongst Global Consumers at the Boao Forum for Entrepreneurs held in Boao, south China's Hainan Province.

In the stir-frying workshop of Lao Gan Ma, senior workers told Xinhua about the strict material selection standards. Mushrooms are measured by vernier, and soybeans are picked by sieves. To ensure quality, the peppers must pass at least ten tests, including species selection, purchase, and screening, and every pepper can be traced back to its origin.

According to Li Xin, deputy general manager of the company, Lao Gan Ma purchases more than 40,000 tonnes of dried chilies and over 100,000 tonnes of vegetable oil annually and has 110 raw and auxiliary material suppliers. It produces 21 species of chili sauce, including fried chili in oil, spicy chili crisp, and hotpot seasoning, and has helped 200,000 rural households increase their income.

Amid the COVID-19 epidemic, Lao Gan Ma saw a falling income. Even so, the company continues to invest 10 million yuan (about 1.4 million U.S. dollars) every year for market surveys and new product research and development.

In 2022, Lao Gan Ma invested 40 million yuan to replace a cap that uses a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) cover. "The new caps are safer, healthier, and more environmentally friendly, but the cost increased by 0.06 yuan for each bottle or 180,000 yuan for a daily capacity of 3 million bottles," said Si Huaguang, quality engineer of Lao Gan Ma.

"Lao Gan Ma sticks to the chili sauce industry, which shows that grassroots businesses can succeed with perseverance and craftsmanship," said Ma Guangyuan, a Chinese economist.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
(New York Jewish Week) - In 1955, a group of musicians gathered in a Manhattan recording studio and committed to tape 16 tunes. When the LP, "Tanz," was released the following year, it barely made a splash.

Over the years, however, the recording would gain a reputation as a landmark klezmer album, especially during the klezmer revival of the 1970s and '80s. Recorded by the klezmer virtuoso Dave Tarras and a handful of respected New York jazz players, including brothers Sam and Ray Musiker, the record was a groundbreaking mix of the traditional Eastern European Jewish dance music and a jazz...
This 10th-century handprint was found in the moat surrounding Jerusalem's Old City.

(JNS) - A mysterious hand imprint carved into a thousand-year-old rock-hewn moat that was part of the ancient fortifications of Jerusalem has been uncovered next to the Old City's northern wall, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced on Wednesday.

The discovery, which is part of a defensive moat that surrounds the city walls and is likely to date to the 10th century CE or earlier, was made along Sultan Suleiman Street ahead of planned city infrastructure work, the state-run archaeological body said.

The bustling eastern Jerusalem street is built directly over the huge moat measuring at...
Shown here (l-r): Nick Kroll, Wanda Sykes, Mel Brooks, Ike Barinholtz, and David Stassen at the Los Angeles premiere of History of the World Part II.

This article contains spoilers for "History of the World Part II".

(JTA) - In a scene that will soon stream on Hulu, a group of early Christian bishops gathers to set a promotion strategy for their newish religion - to "make the Bible an international blockbuster," as one puts it.

But the plot is unclear: "Who are the bad guys in this story?" asks one. He and his fellow clerics consider two options: the Jews and the Romans.

"Let's make them the Jews, for sure," says a bishop. "They run everything," says another.

And thus the First Council of Nicaea, a gathering in 325 C.E. that is consider...
(JTA)  Judging from the photos and the tweets, it looked like a set of normal Congressional delegations to Israel: Senators posing with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The U.S. ambassador declaring that Bipartisanship is alive and well in Israel!! Pledges of mutual support amid external threats. Sen. Chuck Schumer standing arm-in-arm with Netanyahu, grinning.

But these are not normal times in Israel, where the Netanyahu government is advancing legislation to sap the power of the judiciary, drawing hundreds of thousands of people into the streets in protest. On top of t...
(JTA)  Roger Waters, the Pink Floyd bassist who is a leading proponent of the movement to boycott Israel, has been blocked from performing in Frankfurt after the city called him one of the worlds most well known antisemites.

Waters had been scheduled to perform May 28 at Frankfurts Festhalle, which during the Holocaust was the site of the deportation of 3,000 Jews to their deaths just after Kristallnacht.

The city of Frankfurt noted the historical significance of the concert hall, which it partly owns, in announcing that it was canceling Waters planned concert. It cited W...
Relatives of Palestinian AbdelRahman al-Shaludi, blamed for killing two Israelis in a deadly vehicular attack last month, inspect their family home after it was destroyed by Israeli forces in Silwan neighborhood, eastern Jerusalem on Nov. 19, 2014.

(JTA)  Less than a hour after a terror attack in eastern Jerusalem on Friday killed three people, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a succinct message: Destroy the Palestinian attacker's home.

"Prime Minister Netanyahu has decided to take immediate action to seal and demolish the home of the terrorist," said the statement from Netanyahu's office.

Home demolition orders have almost become a matter of course following Palestinian attacks. They don't usually make headlines, nor do they tend to spark public outcry. For decades, Israel has used the tactic as a routine inst...
(JNS) - An historical marker will be dedicated on Sunday, March 12, in Casselberry to recognize and honor Jewish American actress Hedy Lamarr.

Lamarr is considered by many Hollywood historians as one of the most beautiful and best actresses of the Golden Age of Hollywood. She made multiple films opposite some of the greatest Hollywood male talents-Clark Gable, Walter Pidgeon and Spencer Tracy, to name a few.

She was a Jewish refugee from Austria who escaped the Holocaust after having known Benito Mussolini and Joseph Goebbels before the war in Austrian high society circles.

Most underreport...
Chatting over breakfast is a great way to get to know people in the community. Networking is ideal for business and also good for friendship. The Jewish Chamber offers both with monthly programs that attract a wide variety of ages and professions. Pictured from Coffee Connections on Feb. 15 at Panera Bread in Altamonte Springs are board members Michael Brodsky; Mike Brown; Bree Goldstein, president; and Cindy Horowitz. On March 2 the Jewish Chamber participated in Jewish Heritage Night at the Solar Bears. March 7, the group met for a Purim breakfast at Toojays on Colonial. For more informat...
(JNS)  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met separately on Tuesday with U.S. Sens. Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), stressing to them the importance of the bilateral relationship and that America is the Jewish states greatest friend.

Netanyahu told the lawmakers that despite any disagreements between Jerusalem and Washington, such meetings were an expression of the strength of ongoing bipartisan ties with Israel.

Among the topics discussed were the Trump administration-brokered Abraham Accords and their possible expansion, as well as confronting Iran and...
(JTA)  Ohios department of education is investigating a homeschooling network that claims public schools are run by Zionist scum, teaches kids to say Sieg Heil in class and instructs fellow parents not to give their kids Jewish media content.

These are the more than 2,500 members of the Dissident Homeschool Network, a channel on the social network messaging app Telegram. The dissidents are a group of Nazi parents who share homeschooling lesson plans extolling the virtues of Hitler and white nationalism  while relying on a popular social media account...
Israeli-American terror victim laid to rest

(JNS)  Elan Ganeless funeral was held in Raanana on Wednesday afternoon, two days after terrorists shot him near the Beit Haarava Junction close to Jericho in the Jordan Valley.

He was the biggest gift in our lives. He wanted so much to see the world and all its aspects, said Elans mother, Carolyn, at the funeral. Our loss is a loss for the worldof such a bright, brilliant, emerging star, she continued.

He was so loved, he will be missed so much. We feel like a part of our being has been taken from us.

The gun...
WASHINGTON (JTA)  Biden administration officials will not meet with Bezalel Smotrich, the Israeli finance minister who called for a Palestinian village to be wiped out then backtracked, and who is visiting the United States next week to meet with leaders of Israel Bonds, a U.S. organization.

At least five liberal Jewish groups want the U.S. government to consider barring Smotrich from coming here. Ned Price, the State Departments spokesman, said at Thursdays daily briefing that questions on Israeli ministers travel should be referred to Israel, and that he does not commen...
(JNS)  Several days ago, I returned from attending the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations (CoP or the Conference) leadership mission in Israel, along with the leaders of approximately 20 other American Jewish organizations that are Conference members. The missions sole purpose was supposed to be to learn directly from Israels key elected leaders about vital and serious issues that confront Israel so that American Jewish leaders can be better informed when they address their communities, the media and Congress back in the United States.

It...
(JNS)  One of those Palestinians who the U.S. State Department keeps telling us wants a two-state solution murdered yet another Israeli, this time an American citizen. Elan Ganeles, a 27-year-old in town to attend a friends wedding, was shot dead by a Palestinian terrorist on a highway between Jericho and the Dead Sea.

Im not sure how many people are aware of the number of American victims of Palestinian terror. Since 1970, at least 80 Americans have been killed and 87 wounded in Israel and the disputed territories. During that time, nearly 2,300 Israelis were murdered.

Remember th...
(JNS)  Elan Ganeles of Connecticut was murdered by Palestinian Arab terrorists this week, thus becoming the 147th American citizen to be killed by Palestinians since 1968.

Yet not a single Palestinian Arab terrorist has ever been brought to the United States to stand trial for any of those crimes. Think about that: 147 dead Americans and not one prosecution.

The problem is not that we cant find the suspects. The whereabouts of some of them are already known to the authorities. In fact, the Israeli government has publicly identified some of them as members of the Palestinian security f...
London UK/ Spokane WA - Magnuson Hotels today announced the addition of Wafer 450 to its Independent Collection portfolio. The 31-room hotel located in Santa Clara is the fourth property added to Magnuson Hotels by Californias Stay Cal Hospitality since 2020, and the 19th hotel the group represents in California.

Wafer 450 is located less than 3 miles from San Jose International Airport and Levi's Stadium. It is a short drive away from corporate offices of leading semiconductor companies like Intel, NVIDIA, AMD, and global technology brands Google, Facebook, Netflix and Salesforce. Other attractions nearby include Californias Great America, the Intel Museum, and Mission Santa Clara De Asis, all within a 5-mile radius of the hotel.

Wafer 450 hotel was launched in association with Stay Cal Hospitality, their fourth property with Magnuson Hotels in a partnership that started in 2020.

We are proud to be working with Hiten Suraj and his team at Stay Cal Hospitality toward a long-term, sustainable growth path Thomas Magnuson, CEO, Magnuson Hotels

Every aspect of the hotel design reflects the phenomenal contribution of the semiconductor industry toward the advancement of technology globally. The hotel even derives its name from the latest technology used in the semiconductor industry  a 450mm wafer which was developed here in Silicon Valley. Wafer 450 features superior amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and free parking.

We are happy to have Magnuson Hotels represent and market Wafer 450. In our experience working with the team in the past, we have been impressed by their understanding of the owners perspective and their creative revenue strategies. We are confident that this partnership will only grow stronger in the time to come. Hiten Suraj, owner Stay Cal Hospitality

The Magnuson Hotels Independent Collection has now seen an average RevPAR growth of 29.8% per year over the past 5 years, compared to the USA STR average of 1.7%.

About Magnuson Hotels

Magnuson Hotels has championed the cause of fair franchising for hotel owners since its inception in 2003, helping over 2000 hotels in the USA and UK succeed against some of the biggest brands in the hospitality industry. Magnuson Hotels offers three platforms that do not require mandatory renovations and procurements, long-term contracts or excessive commissions. Magnuson Hotels offers hotels a platform to achieve a non-seasonal 52-week occupancy strategy with comprehensive human support and an OTA-alternative distribution.

Contact for more information
London, England -- The Sustainable Markets Initiatives Hospitality and Tourism Task Force announced today its founding members and new partnerships, which includes 14 global hospitality companies and three leading sustainability and inter-governmental development organisations. The Task Force will drive more sustainable actions in the sector.

Founding members include

Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and Co-chair of Sustainable Markets Initiative Hospitality and Tourism Task Force

Xenia zu Hohenlohe, Co-founding Partner of the Considerate Group and Co-chair of Sustainable Markets Initiative Hospitality and Tourism

Keith Barr, CEO of IHG Hotels & Resorts

Sebastien Bazin, CEO of Accor

Jorg Bockler, CEO of Dorint Hotels & Resorts

Anthony Capuano, President and CEO of Marriott International, Inc.

Katerina Giannouka, CEO of Jumeirah Group

Federico J. Gonzalez, CEO of Radisson Hotel Group

Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality

Chris Nassetta, President and CEO of Hilton

Karl-Heinz Pawlizki, CEO of Arabella Hospitality

Tim Rumney, CEO of BWH Hotel Group GB

Sonu Shivdasani, Founder, CEO and Joint Creative Director of Soneva

Gloria Fluxa Thienemann, Vice-Chairman & Chief Sustainability Officer at Iberostar Group

Sustainability partners and inter-governmental development organisations include

Suzanne Neufang, CEO of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA)

Julia Simpson, President and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)

Zoritsa Urosevic, Executive Director of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)

The Task Force, announced last year at COP15 in Montreal, Canada, is aligned with the Sustainable Market Initiatives Terra Carta which provides a roadmap for the private sector to accelerate the transition to a sustainable future. One that harnesses the power of Nature combined with the transformative power, innovation, and resources of the private sector.

It is co-chaired by the Sustainable Hospitality Alliances Chief Executive Officer, Glenn Mandziuk, and the Considerate Groups Co-founding Partner, Xenia zu Hohenlohe. The Task Force will support efforts that create leadership and collaboration in the hospitality and tourism industry, in the pursuit of tangible, scalable and practical sustainable solutions. This may include building momentum for more transformative solutions in the sectors value and supply chain.

The Task Force aims to leverage existing infrastructure to discover and learn how the industry can accelerate pathways to sustainability making a greater impact. The Task Force members will work collectively to identify and pursue delivery of opportunities to reduce carbon and environmental footprint. The aim is to deliver standardised measurement tools to enable hotels to understand impact and prioritise action on carbon emissions, water, waste and biodiversity and natural capital.

A focus of the Task Force includes research and other sustainable solutions for industry leads, staff, and supply chains to support innovation through system and design thinking. It will support roadmaps for industry-level transition supporting sector focus on achieving net zero before 2050. It aims for the industry to embed water stewardship into decision-making, embed circularity and support zero waste to landfill, including addressing single-use plastics, food waste, and support for biodiversity efforts and regeneration on land and below water. The Task Force also recognises the need to improve access to clean technologies and renewable energy across the sector and in company member operations.

By utilising the Sustainable Hospitality Alliances existing committees and research, alongside the expertise of sustainability and hospitality partners, this collaboration will maximise the collective experience and thought leadership of these networks and enhance alignment.

I welcome our founding members who bring their expertise and knowledge to help build a more sustainable future for the hospitality and tourism industry. By galvanising the conversation around sustainability, we can drive practical and tangible solutions, to push innovation and address the challenges the industry faces. The Task Force aims to collaborate not only with each other, but other Task Forces. With far-reaching value and supply chains, the hospitality and tourism industry are in a unique position to engage and have cross-sector influence. I look forward to working with our members and hope to welcome more leaders to the Hospitality and Tourism Task Force as the industry focuses on pathways to accelerate sustainability. Glenn Mandziuk, CEO, Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and Co-chair of the Sustainable Markets Initiative Hospitality and Tourism Task Force

I am very encouraged by the level of commitment and leadership of the founding members, to our purpose of bringing this industry together with other sectors, already active as part of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, to build a more sustainable future. The hospitality and tourism industry can play a pivotal role, given its crossover with so many other sectors, such as aviation, asset management, shipping, buildings, to mention but a few, in this process. Hence this task force is also key to ensuring maximum alignment in our efforts to overcoming the common challenges our societies and companies face when it comes to climate change. I am honoured to co-chair this group of highly professional and dedicated CEOs and partners. Xenia zu Hohenlohe, Co-founding Partner, the Considerate Group and Co-chair of the Sustainable Markets Initiative Hospitality and Tourism Task Force

About the Sustainable Markets Initiative

In his former role as The Prince of Wales, His Majesty King Charles III launched the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) at Davos in January 2020. The SMI is a network of global CEOs across industries working together to build prosperous and sustainable economies that generate long-term value through the balanced integration of natural, social, human, and financial capital. These global CEOs see themselves as the Coalition of the Willing helping to lead their industries onto a more ambitious, accelerated, and sustainable trajectory. Read more: www.sustainable-markets.org

About Terra Carta

In his former role as The Prince of Wales, His Majesty King Charles III, launched the Terra Carta at the One Planet Summit in January 2021. The Terra Carta serves as the mandate for the SMI and provides a practical roadmap for acceleration towards an ambitious and sustainable future; one that will harness the power of Nature combined with the transformative power, innovation, and resources of the private sector. Currently there are over 500 CEO-level supporters, including the first C40 city of Athens, Greece. The Terra Carta has served as the inspiration for the Terra Carta Design Lab. The Terra Carta is a roadmap for public, private, and philanthropic collaboration and open to all countries, cities, companies, organizations, and schools who wish to support it. Read more: www.sustainable-markets.org/terra-carta.

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A packed house at the ITB Berlin Convention: on Tuesday afternoon three experts presented their assessments of the potential offered by new technologies. Caroline Bremner from Euromonitor International reported on the potential for growth of the metaverse, while Leila Summer, CEO of PlayToChange, explained how ChatGPT can suggest a travel route in just seconds. Professor Dr. Alexander Knauer from the Blockchain Competence Center at the college Hochschule Mittweida, explained that, although blockchain technologies are currently in the hype-phase, it will be two to four years before they are in practical use in the travel sector, making it advisable to become acquainted with them now.

The metaverse, a virtual 3D world in which anyone, as an avatar, can move limitlessly from one place to another, offers a massive potential, according to Caroline Bremner, especially when todays young people have become older. "With regard to payment transactions, customer loyalty programmes and travel operations we face major disruption", Bremner stated. She pointed out that Barbados is already represented by an embassy in the metaverse, and that cities such as Seoul and Helsinki are investing in this new technology.

Polls have revealed that the choice and advance experience of destinations could become the second most widely used form of the metaverse, after gaming. A number of hotels and airlines are already working with metaverse concepts and, once new forms of data glasses and high performance 6G networks become available, Bremner forecasts that the technology will really take off, with Asia setting the pace.

Since November 2022 the number of people using ChatGPT has expanded enormously, Leila Summer reported. The new AI technology is gaining acceptance firstly because it makes it possible to converse with a computer almost as if it were human. Secondly it provides simple access to information, at an unprecedented speed, and moreover the underlying algorithms are constantly learning. It will continue to expand and has the potential to disrupt the way in which we work, Summer emphasised.

However, ChatGPT should be seen less as a threat to jobs but rather as an intensifier and a resource. ChatGPT could help with writing emails, reducing the length of blog posts and preparing product descriptions. This form of AI is also capable of proposing a travel itinerary within seconds. This could benefit end-users and, of course, travel agencies and tour operators.

Blockchain technologies are also here to stay, of this Professor Dr. Alexander Knauer of the Blockchain Competence Center at Hochschule Mittweida, is certain. Work is already in progress at his college on applications for the travel sector. Examples that he gave included that of a mobility concept for a small town that employs blockchain technology to enable potential users to locate scooters, and new blockchain-based travel insurance to provide cover when trains are running late. Alexander Knauer admitted that this technology is currently in the hype phase of the Gartner hype cycle, and that it may take several years before it can really be deployed effectively. Nevertheless he recommended that travel companies should already be investigating this development, not on their own but in partnership with educational institutes, start ups and established companies.

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Chicago, IL (60637)

Today

Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers and windy conditions developing in the afternoon. Morning high of 60F with temps falling to near 40. Winds WSW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Periods of rain and snow showers in the evening transitioning to snow showers late...windy. Low 34F. Winds WSW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of precip 60%. Higher wind gusts possible.
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Ball organizers Alexandra Foradas, left, Veronica Bosley, Andrew Fitch, Kurt Kolok and John Tibbetts at the Elks Lodge. Not pictured are Jennifer Stevens and Shannon McLain Santelli.

North Adams Pride Hosts 'Northern Lights Ball'

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  North Adams Pride is inviting the community to glam it up for the first annual Northern Lights Ball this Saturday.

"The goal of the ball is to not only raise funds for the organization's programing but to also show North Adams and the whole Northern Berkshires that North Adams Pride is here and we are proud and we are loud and proud," Pride organizer Andrew Fitch said. "We can also show everyone a really good time and pull the whole community together, like the demonstration of excellence in coolness and inclusion, I think is the most important part."

The ball offers a chance to support the local LGBTQIA group and to shake off the winter doldrums.

Organizers are decorating Elks Lodge 487 in colorful, uplifting decor to illuminate the party atmosphere that goes hand in hand with its Northern Lights name, Fitch said.

Fellow organizer Kurt Kolok said the name was chosen because the beauty of the northern lights resonates with a lot of people  plus the fact the group is located in the Northern Berkshires made it a fitting name.

In addition to the connections that Pride organizers have with the lodge, they said its central location, and the funky cool environment makes it a great location for the ball.

Participants are encouraged to dress up in costumes and ball attire to dance to mixes by DJ BFG and experience performances by drag queens Vuronika Baked, Mz. October May Lay, Jackie Leggs and Miss Ginger Soulless

In addition, Milz 007 and Mz. October May Lay  New England Ballroom performers and creators of Northampton Vogue Nights  will perform and provide opportunities for partygoers to compete in several ballroom categories.

Organizers don't want anyone to be left out. Tickets are $15 to $55 and buyers can opt to purchase a donation ticket and the local Goodwill store has set aside a section full of glitter and glam outfits for those on the hunt for a cost-effective outfit to wear.

Approximately 116 tickets had been sold as of last week with the goal of 200 to 300 partygoers.

The event has made waves in other areas with some participants making a weekend out of it, coming from Boston and New York's Hudson Valley, Kolok and Fitch said.

Kolok said he had bounced around the Boston area but did not truly feel at home until he moved to North Adams more than two decades ago.

The area's natural beauty, culture, architecture, but most of all the community is what makes it so amazing, he said.

"I think for me, I love the idea of basically being able to show that there are a lot of LGBTQ-plus people in the Berkshires and specifically in North Adams, and that it's a very welcoming community," Kolok said.

"This is home for me. I've really learned in the last couple of years that this is the first place my entire life I felt is truly home, and as a gay person, I think it's a little harder to find."

He has been part of the community and out the whole time and never felt uncomfortable or threatened and that, he said, speaks volumes for North Adams.

The first year that Pride participated in the Fall Foliage parade is what really "hit it home" for Kolok when it came to seeing how welcoming the North Adams is.

As the float came down Main Street, people jumped out of their chairs to dance and cheer with the drag queens to "iconically gay songs," he said.
Weekend Outlook: Pub Crawls, Dances, and More

Berkshire County is hosting a variety of events this weekend including a pub crawl, dances, and more.

Thursday

Cabin Fever Pub Crawl

Various Locations, Pittsfield

Downtown Pittsfield Inc. partnered with Berkshire Mountain Distillers for a pub crawl starting at 5 p.m.

Purchase a $25 "Hunting License" ticket in advance for a tasting of a specific Berkshire Mountain Distillers' product at each pub. Plaid flannel attire required.

Take a picture at the Cabin Fever Photo Booth when picking up your Hunting License at Otto's Kitchen & Comfort

Participating Locations include Otto's Kitchen & Comfort, 101 Restaurant & Bar, Patrick's Pub, Thistle and Mirth, Berkshire Palate, and Methuselah Bar & Lounge.

End the crawl at Methuselah Bar & Lounge for a Cabin Fever Dance Party at 10 with DJ Pup Daddy.

Full pub crawl schedule here

Friday

Exhibition Opening Reception

Installation Space, North Adams

The exhibit "Spectral Strata & Venus Spectra" will open with a reception at 4. The optically driven light, glass, and sound installation was created by Massachusetts College of Art and Design students.

Check out our last article on the Installation Space here.

Nice and Easy Trail Hike

Mount Greylock Visitor Center, Lanesborough

Mount Greylock will be hosting an easy-paced hike this Friday at 1 p.m. weather permitting.

The 1- to 3-mile guided hikes are geared for seniors, but open to all ages. The hiking time varies from 90 minutes to 2 hours.

Be prepared for variable, winter weather, wear appropriate clothing and sturdy boots or snowshoes. Traction devices and trekking poles are also advisable. Bring water and a snack.

Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

For more information, or in case of inclement weather, call the Visitor Center at 413-499-4262 or visit their Facebook

Saturday

Maple Festival

Hopkins Memorial Forest, Williamstown

Learn to tap a tree, and check out a bottling demonstration, some old-time evaporators, and the sugar house from 10 to 1.

While you are there enjoy some pancakes, sugar-on-snow, and participate in a maple taste-off.

Rides to the forest are available from the Paresky Center on campus every 15 minutes.

More information here

The Berkshire Mountain Guitar Summit

Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield

Participate in workshops, demos and a luthiers expo followed by a concert on the Colonial stage starting at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets cost $25 and feature performances by a handful of the region's most beloved guitar heroes.

More information here

Northern Lights Ball

North Adams Elks 487

Dress up in costumes and ball attire and dance to the mixes by DJ BFG with North Adams Pride.

Doors open at 8 p.m. The dance features performances by drag queens including Vuronika Baked, Mz. October May Lai, Jackie Leggs and Miss Ginger Soulless.

The local Goodwill has set aside a section full of glitter and glam outfits for those on the hunt for a cost-effective outfit.

Shire Beer '90s Dance Party

Shire Beer Co., Dalton

Break in the brewery's new sound system with a 1990s themed dance party starting at 9.

The restaurant will be open for dining at 4:30 but dinner service will end early. There is a $5 cover and attendees must be over age 21.

More information here

Apple Tree Pruning Workshop and Cider Tasting

Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield

Celebrate the beginning of spring up in Hancock Shaker Villages orchard starting at 10 a.m.

The event features cider tastings by Berkshire Cider Project and a demonstration and workshop led by former forest health program director for the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Ken Gooch.

Tickets cost $45 or $40 for Hancock Shaker Village Members. More information here

Women Are Awesome Networking Opportunity

Hot Plate Brewing Co., Pittsfield

There will be a casual networking opportunity beginning at 6 p.m. to celebrate Berkshire women who are contributing to the community.

The event will also feature a set by musical duo Melissa Brinton and Elaine More in the brewery's taproom.

More information here

Artist Talk & Book Signing

1327 Mass Moca Way, North Adams

Contemporary realist painter Rod Penner will discuss the process behind some of his most iconic works in the Artist Book Foundation gallery at 11 a.m.

He will also be signing copies of his monograph during this free event. More information here

Start with Art: Faces and Feelings

The Clark, Williamstown

There will be free themed painting talks, gallery guides, and art-making activities geared toward preschoolers starting at 10 a.m.

More information here

Comedy Night

Bright Ideas Brewing, North Adams

Laugh over a drink at Bright Ideas located on the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Arts campus. The comedy evening is hosted every second Saturday of the month starting at 8 p.m.

This event is produced by Iconix Productions in collaboration with Bright Ideas Brewing. Tickets are $10 to $15 and can be purchased here

Hoosick Falls Celebrates St. Patrick Hoosick Falls Armory, Church Street The annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and Irish Festival starts at 1 p.m. in downtown Hoosick Falls, N.Y., with the festival to follow with food, drink, dancers, pipers, and bands at the Armory and further events at local downtown establishments. More information and parade route here.

Sunday

Oscar Watch Party

Gramercy, Williamstown

Walk the red carpet, be interviewed, and enjoy a signature cocktail at an Oscar's watch party hosted by Images Cinema and Gramercy Bistro on Water Street. Free and open to the public; suggested donation is $5 to $25. Cash bar and light fare available.

The event begins at 7 p.m.

Animal Support Project Fantasy Photos

Benson's Pet Center, Pittsfield

Benson's photo op for pets runs from noon until 3. For a $10 donation, pet parents can bring home a 4-by-6 inch framed keepsake. This month's theme is St. Patrick's Day

More information here

Auxiliary Craft Fair & Flea Market

Dalton American Legion

There will be a craft fair and flea market featuring a variety of old and new items sold by local vendors starting at 10 a.m.

More information here

Adams Artist Meet-up

57 Park St., Adams

Network with fellow artists from 3 to 5. More information here

Family Movie Matinee

Mount Greylock Visitor Center, Lanesbourgh

There will be a free showing of the nature-related film "Beavers" by Stephen Low starting at 1.
New Assistant Director Ryan Miller is introduced to the trustees on Wednesday by Library Director Veronica Clark.

North Adams Library Hires Assistant Director

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  The library trustees welcomed new Assistant Director Ryan Miller, who started on Feb. 21.

"We are happy to have him here," Library Director Veronica Clark said at Wednesday's meeting. "He has been meeting with patrons and making connections in the community."

Miller comes to North Adams from New Jersey, where he primarily dealt with adult services and outreach at the New Brunswick Library.

He is originally from West Virginia but actually went to high school in Dalton.

"I am here because I wanted to make it to the Berkshire for many years," Miller said. "So here I am, and I hope to be a valuable asset to this library and the community."

He said he came into the profession later in life and went back to graduate school in 2014. He became a librarian in 2019.

Miller said he is still reading the community and figuring out what the community wants in North Adams in regard to the public library and programming.

He said he was encouraged by the open communication throughout the building and enjoyed the freedom to explore different and new programming. He said he was especially excited about an upcoming job fair in the building.

"A job fair is something that I have wanted to do for years but just never could do," he said. "It seems communication is just much more open here. It is a relief to me."

He said he is not only impressed with the staff and patrons but the physical building and its location in the heart of downtown. He felt this helped make the space a true community hub.

"There is a real pride here in the library, and I am already catching that here," he said.

Also during the meeting, Clark gave a budget update and noted currently the budget is on track. Although, the technology budget seems to be missing.

Chairwoman Tara Jacobs affirmed that the trustees did present this aspect of the budget to the City Council during the last budget cycle.

Clark said she will continue to work with the city to locate the budget line.

She added that she has also blown through the supplies line item. However, this is not a surprise because the line item has not increased since the pandemic.

"We are over budget on supplies and costs are exponentially increasing," she said. "We never raised our supply budget and now we have people in here again. Before we didn't need as much paper products because it was just staff in-house."

Looking forward, Clark said she is working on the fiscal year 2024 budget. Budget requests are due this month.

"I have been digging deep looking for where we have to increase line items," Clark said.

Jacobs advocated at the very least Clark aims for funding levels that will maintain accreditation with the state.

She did acknowledge that the current administration has been supportive of the library budget and hopes that continues.
Pittsfield to Host Free Monthly Walk-In Wellness Clinics

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  The city of Pittsfield's Health Department will be hosting free monthly wellness clinics at designated locations throughout the city.

The clinic, which do not require appointments, will be staffed by the city's public health nurse and will include wellness screenings, medication review, check for mobility issues, diabetes and hypertension management, parent-child health and growth/development, COVID-19 guidance and tests, and nutrition counseling.

The city's social worker, who is also fluent in Spanish, will be on hand to provide information and assistance in the following areas of need: housing/rent, food, utilities, mental health counseling/support, substance use treatment/support, perinatal health resources, child care needs, employment and unemployment assistance, health insurance, and domestic and intimate partner violence support.

There will be a walk-in clinic at the Health Department 1-3 p.m. every Wednesday. The Health Department is located on the mezzanine level at 100 North St. The monthly schedule at other locations is as follows:

9  11 a.m., first Tuesday of the month, Ralph J. Froio Senior Center, 330 North St.

9:30  11:30 a.m., first Thursday of the month, Epworth Arms Apartments, 350 West St.

9 -11 a.m., second to last Wednesday of the month, Christian Center, 193 Robbins Ave.

9-11 a.m., second to last Thursday of the month, Capitol Square Apartments, 379 North St.

8-10 a.m., last Wednesday of the month, South Congregational Church, 110 South St.

For more information, please call the Health Department at 413-499-9411.
Sheffield Land Trust Winter Lecture at Dewey Hall

SHEFFIELD, Mass.  On Sunday March 12 at 2:30pm the Sheffield Land Trust is hosting its 25th Annual Winter Lecture which this year is a slide show and presentation on "Our Changing New England Forests" by Tom Zetterstrom, illustrated by some of his prize-winning photographs.

This will be a hybrid event, with options to attend in person at Dewey Hall in Sheffield or by Zoom through registering ahead of time.

According to a press release:

New England was once covered with trees. Little of that virgin forest remainscleared by settlers for farming, sheep, and making charcoal for lime kilns. Chestnuts and elms succumbed to disease. Oaks and maples, pines and hemlocks now make up much of the forest around us.

Fine art photographer and environmental activist Tom Zetterstrom has been watchingand photographingtrees and forests for 50 years. He'll present selections from his "Portraits of American Trees." He will then discuss methods to protect and sustain forests for future generations.

Everyone is welcome. Admission is free. If you are coming in person, come early, as seating in Dewey Hall is limited.

Masks will be required (we will provide masks for those who don't bring their own).

In place of the Land Trust's famous Afternoon Tea and Refreshments, the Food Committee will give out bags of homemade cookies to take home after the lecture.

For more information visit the Land Trust's website at www.sheffieldland.org , or our Facebook page or email shefland@bcn.net

People who want to view the lecture on Zoom must register in advance to be sent a link, registration is available on the website, Facebook or by email.
In a new report, the Foreign Correspondents Club of China (FCCC) has revealed tough and restrictive working conditions for foreign journalists and media workers operating in China, particularly for those looking to cover sensitive areas. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemns the hostile environment for foreign correspondents and the press established by the Chinese government and calls for all journalists to be able to work without fear of surveillance and harassment.

On March 1, the FCCC released its annual report, titled Zero Covid Many Controls: Covering China in 2022. The report describes the lived experience of foreign correspondents in China through 2022, using qualitative and survey data to provide a comprehensive look at challenges to press freedom in 2022.

Before its revocation in mid-December, coverage was severely impacted by Chinas zero-COVID policy. 63 per cent of respondents experienced obstructions or disruptions to their reporting due to health protocols that did not apply to non-journalist Chinese citizens.

Travel to the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) and other sensitive areas was near impossible. Bureaucratic hurdles, official restrictions and ongoing health protocols resulted in only two respondents travelling to the XUAR in 2022, a 94% decrease from 2021. Of the three respondents who similarly applied to report in the TAR, all were denied. Those who do make it to sensitive areas shared their experience of harassment, censorship and detention from authorities.

Journalists and media workers have struggled to secure visas, with journalists associated with United States-based news outlets often facing extensive delays compared to those working in European or Asian outlets. While foreign journalists are required to attain a J-1 visa, press credentials and yearly residence permits, many bureaus reported significant delays in attaining the necessary documents for select correspondents.

Correspondents continued to experience government surveillance, with a large majority stating that their communications via social media channels such as WeChat were monitored. Surveillance of telephone usage and the use of audio recording bugs were also regularly observed. Over 90 per cent of respondents said their reporting had been affected by suspected and confirmed surveillance.

The IFJ said: Journalists from diverse perspectives and backgrounds are necessary for a healthy, effective, and critical media ecosystem. Heightened barriers, bureaucracy and direct disruptions continue to create a deeply problematic environment for foreign journalists and media workers in China. The IFJ urges the Chinese authorities to respect press freedom and allow all journalists to work without government surveillance and harassment.
Maria Luisa Rogerio has been working as a journalist for 36 years and has covered several elections across the African continent. She is a senior reporter at the newspaper Jornal de Angola, a member of the IFJs Executive Committee and the president of the Ethics Committee in Angola. Luisa looks back on her coverage of the military conflict in Angola and shares tips on how to report safely from conflict zones.

How would you describe the situation of women journalists in the Angolan media?

The situation has improved compared to previous years, but there is still a large imbalance. Of the nearly 3,000 journalists with professional licences in Angola, almost 40% are women, a figure that reflects the parity in the universities and higher institutes that teach journalism and media courses. However, the increase in the number of women in the media is not reflected at management level, where the imbalance is striking. To give you an idea, Radio Nacional de Angola, the group that employs the most journalists, has only one woman director of a news channel. Of the 20 provincial radio stations, only three are directed by women. Of the printed and online newspapers, only one, Metropolitano, of the public group Edicoes Novembro, is run by a woman.

What are the main threats faced by women journalists in your country?

The major threats stem from the growing climate of insecurity that mainly affects large cities. The profession often means that journalists leave late for work, which puts women in a more vulnerable situation, aggravated by the scarcity of public transport in Angola. Stigmatisation, veiled harassment, psychological violence, attacks and abuse committed over the Internet victimise women on a large scale.

What obstacles do women encounter in reaching leadership positions in the media industry?

One of the major obstacles is the lack of feasible public policies for the media sector. Despite the growing number of women in the newsrooms, there is a significant resistance to the appointment of women both at management and even editorial levels. Prejudice, barely disguised machismo and the almost explicit need for women to prove their competence twice over is another impeding factor. On the other hand, the fact that women bear greater responsibility for the home and children, in addition to the large number of single-parent families headed by women, means that many of us are not always in a position to respond to the demands of the profession with the same promptness as our partners.

As a journalist and president of the Ethics Committee in Angola, could you explain the state of press freedom in your country?

Although press freedom and the rights related to the exercise of journalistic activity are clearly enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic, the Press Law and the Journalist's Statute, Angola has experienced some setbacks in terms of press freedom. The laws and political speeches are contradicted by the reality marked by the control of the public media by the public powers, the absence of state incentives to promote the private press as one of the guarantees of pluralism and freedom of expression. The monopolies and oligopolies prohibited by law exist, and paradoxically, the state owns the largest mass media in the country.

The primary threats come from the excessive control and interference of the political power in the management of the media and in the editorial line-up itself. Lately, the country has recorded assaults on the headquarters of the Journalists' Union and the homes of several professionals. Only computers were stolen. The worsening situation led the Union of Journalists to promote, with the support of the main organisations of the class and, of course, the Commission of the Charter and Ethics, an unprecedented march: for the first time in 47 years of independence journalists took to the streets to protest against threats to press freedom.

Why did you decide to cover conflict zones and why do you think it is important for women journalists to do so?

When I started my career, the military conflict was at its peak in Angola. There were very few women journalists in newspapers and, to a lesser extent, women covering politics. Politics was necessarily synonymous with war and dominated the news. Therefore, covering conflict zones or areas of tension came so naturally that before I knew it I was already there. The first time I boarded a military helicopter, I was terrified. I was the only woman, and I was not yet 20 years old. The second time I was deployed to a conflict zone, a colleague decided to replace me. For some reason, at the end, he did not go to the front. The colleagues I was supposed to go with died as a result of the helicopter crash. So I had only two choices: to quit or to continue. I made the latter choice.

I think it is important for women to report from conflict zones because we have the sensitivity and "clinical eye" to see far beyond what our eyes can reach. We can also, with the patience typical of our gender, extract information, insist and seek ways to obtain data for news in a subtle way. At the end of the day, it is important to get that message across because it is clear that women can do as well as men in conflict zones. Bathing in a river, travelling standing on a plane with living, mutilated and even dead soldiers, being the only woman sleeping in a military unit with several hundred men in uniform or losing count of the number of acquaintances killed in combat will be mere details.

You have covered different electoral processes on the African continent, including the general elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in 2018. What security measures did you take to cover those elections? Could you share some security tips for journalists reporting from conflict zones?

Covering the 2018 elections in DRC was an enormous challenge for me, mainly because of the rising tension in the country and because, somehow, Angola is a country involved in the conflict because of its explicit support for the then DRC government. Therefore, in some circles, Angolans were seen as potential enemies.

Establishing a good network of contacts in the DRC was one of the main security measures, along with permanent contacts with the Angolan Embassy and the different election observation missions. Being a woman also meant extra precautions, starting with wearing discreet clothes, trousers and flexible shoes. The experience accumulated as a war reporter in Angola made me take precautions such as choosing rooms located at strategic observation points and leaving in case of need. The telephone numbers of local institutions and international organisations were of great help. Fortunately, there were no major problems. A mobile phone with roaming and a local number were essential to send texts to Angola when the Congolese authorities cut off the internet and communications with the outside world.

Any message you want to convey to women journalists around the world on 8 March?

On the 8th of March I would like to send a message of solidarity and encouragement to all the female journalists in the world. I like to define myself as a survivor because I asserted myself professionally in a country at war and, above all, because I am a woman. In other words, we are resilient by nature. Also, a word of encouragement to young female journalists: don't give up! The path is tricky, with many thorns, but it is worth undertaking this extraordinary journey that we call journalism.
ACI Worldwide, a leading global provider of real-time payments and digital payment software solutions, and Security Bank Corporation (Security Bank), a leading universal bank in Philippines, today announced that the bank has chosen ACI Worldwides Enterprise Payments Platform solution to strengthen its real-time payment capabilities.

Security Bank utilizes ACIs Enterprise Payments Platform to modernize payments infrastructure, bringing Better Banking promise to life

The partnership will see ACI Worldwide accelerate Security Banks digital transformation journey, helping the bank stay ahead of evolving customer and regulatory demands by providing full payment hub capabilities for low- and high-value payments, including payment processing, domestic scheme gateways and SWIFT on ISO 20022 standards on a single platform.

ACI Worldwides cloud-native real-time payment platform and flexible, modern architecture ensure that Security Bank can provide secure services across consumers, merchants and corporate payments with emerging and new payment types. By providing a best-in-class payments solution and global domain expertise, Security Bank will be a market leader in payments innovation in the Philippines and deliver its promise of Better Banking with customer centricity at the forefront.

According to ACI Worldwides 2022 Prime-Time for Real-Time report, the volume of real-time payments in the Philippines continues to grow, with banks encouraging new domestic use cases and domestic fintechs emerging in the market.

The Philippines' payment system is on the verge of modernization, and the integration of its financial structure is essential to ensure significant economic benefits. The partnership between ACI Worldwide and Security Bank is a milestone for the banks payments modernization efforts and enables the bank to play a key role in helping the nation reap the benefits of real-time payments domestically and across the region.

With the Philippine payments system primed for rapid growth, we require a technology platform that is scalable and can be modified as our customers needs and demands evolve. The ACI partnership will enable us to provide our customers with a seamless real-time payments experience, aligned with Security Bank's brand promise of Better Banking, said Stephen John Bell, SVP and Channels Network Group Head at Security Bank Corporation.

ACI Worldwide is the APAC leader in real-time payments transformation. Our robust solutions go from powering country-wide real-time payment ecosystems to interconnecting cross-border real-time payments networks and enabling the integration of different types of payments into a single, unified, intelligent, cloud-native, payment hub. By utilizing ACI Worldwides technology, Security Bank will be able to bring new products and services to customers faster, add new payment alternatives seamlessly and cost-effectively to its existing core infrastructure, and tap into ACI Worldwides payment ecosystem in the APAC region, said Leslie Choo, Senior Vice President, Managing Director  APAC, ACI Worldwide. We look forward to Security Bank providing personalized digital experiences that can cater to ongoing change, complexity and uncertainty.

ACI Worldwide has a successful track record of implementing critical real-time ISO 20022 payments ecosystems and central infrastructures across APAC countries. It provides the central infrastructure for Indonesias BI-FAST, one of the worlds largest real-time payment initiatives, which will incorporate 135 banks as well as merchants and payment service providers when fully implemented.

The company also powers the real-time central infrastructure and the entire bank ecosystem of Malaysias Real-time Retail Payments Platform. Additionally, ACI Worldwide supports Thailands National ITMX with real-time ISO 20022 bulk payments alongside many real-time payment schemes across the region, including Philippines, Singapore and Australia.

Globally, ACI Worldwide covers approximately one-third of the countries that offer real-time payments services, reaching about 1.8 billion people* served by various organizations, including central governments, payment network.

*Data provided by Global Data
At the 58th Anvil Awards held March 8, narzo bags its first-ever Silver Anvil for the entry titled narzo Roundtable Series: An Inclusive Approach to Brand-Building. narzo Philippines wins the accolade at only 7 months old in its first attempt.

Young smartphone brand gets recognized for its nationwide initiative

Winning under the Special Events and Exhibits category, the award recognizes narzos efforts back in September to October 2022 for a collaborative method that involved both Metro Manila and Regional media in the brands drive towards a stronger nationwide presence. The Silver Anvil commends narzo for effectively implementing an inclusive and collaborative approach to establish ties with media nationwide and extend its brand presence in key areas of the Philippines.

From L-R: PRSP Adviser Norman Agatep; narzo Brand Representative Elaine Cruz; narzo PR Carlo Nemo; realme and narzo Marketing VP Austine Huang; Ripple8 Managing Partner Michelle Orosa-Ople; Ripple8 Account Manager Shane Torres; and PRSP VP-External Lady Ochel Espinosa.

We are both grateful and honored to be recognized by the PRSP, says entry proponent Carlo Nemo, narzos Public Relations Officer. Our entire team dedicates this victory to our media partners for their all-out support to our then-fledgling brand, and to the Filipino everyman that fuels narzos mission of bringing Quality Sulit devices in the budget segment.

The Anvil Awards is annually presented by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), and is considered to be the highest symbol of excellence in the field of Public Relations. This years Filipiniana-themed awarding ceremony, dubbed Gabi ng Parangal, was centered around the concept of Isang Habi, or One Weave. It was held at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Newport, Pasay City.

narzo by the numbers

News of the Anvil Award also coincides with narzos seventh month of brand presence in the Philippines. To date, narzo has six smartphone models in its Quality Sulit lineup: starting from the entry-level narzo 50i Prime (PHP 4,499) all the way to the mid-range narzo 50 Pro 5G (PHP 13,999).

The challenger brand also expanded rapidly to both offline and online platforms during its infancy period. As of March 2023, narzo already established a total of 64 physical stores nationwide, with more to follow throughout the year. Most notably, narzo has more branches in the provinces combined than in Metro Manila, enabling it to reach far-flung regions. narzo is also present on e-commerce platforms, including Shopee, Lazada, TikTok, Zalora, and SM Malls Online.

When it comes to social media, narzo recently gained over 36,000 followers on its official Facebook page and over 15,000 members on its growing online community. narzo has achieved multiple sold-out records on Double Digit and Payday Sales, and its models have been included in various Gaming and Budget year-end lists of media publications for 2022.

Whats next for narzo in 2023

narzo Philippines has a lot lined up for its fans this 2023. It remains committed to its goal of providing affordable and reliable technology for the average Filipino, and will continue bringing new smartphone models throughout the year.

In the coming months, narzo will also be hosting a new amateur competition for avid mobile players, featuring a battle royale title to strengthen its gaming affinity. In addition, narzo is also slated for partnerships with local mobility brands this summer.

Stay tuned and follow narzos official Facebook page for upcoming announcements.
U.S. community in shock after record methane leak: The Guardian

Xinhua) 10:47, March 09, 2023

LONDON, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Following the biggest methane leak in Pennsylvania's history -- and one of the worst ever detected in the United States, the local community has been living in shock and fear, The Guardian has reported.

Over the few weeks after the leak happened in November last year, more than a billion cubic feet of methane and other toxins were spewed into the atmosphere from a failed storage well at an ageing fossil-fuel facility run by Equitrans Midstream Corporation on Rager Mountain in Jackson Township, it said on Monday.

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that warms the Earth's atmosphere much faster than carbon dioxide (CO2), and today is responsible for about 25 percent of the heat trapped by all greenhouse gases, it said.

According to some calculations, the Jackson Township leak was equivalent to planet-warming emissions from burning more than 1,080 rail cars of coal or from running 360,000 cars for a year, it said.

The Guardian said the relentless racket and stench caused the local people to suffer severe headaches, lightheadedness, sore throat, burning nose, nausea and sleep deprivation as the company struggled to plug the leak.

"We have major gas infrastructure built out all over the place but don't have the powers or resources to regulate everything that's going on; this is the wild west. It was just a matter of time before something like the huge Rager Mountain leak happened, and it's just a matter of time before the next big one," The Guardian quoted David Hess, former head of the state's department of environmental protection, as saying.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
This publication is designed to introduce the fundamentals of investing in the Indian market and includes a gu...
How exactly did the Indian government monetize the central public sector enterprises (CPSE) holdings over the years? Each year, the government sets targets for disinvestments and for dividends to be earned from the CPSEs. So, broadly, here is how the government basically monetizes its CPSE holdings.

Through minority stake sale (disinvestment)

Through strategic sale (including management change)

Buyback of shares by the company

Dividends paid out by the CPSE

Offer for sale (OFS)

Sale of shares held in the SUUTI (erstwhile US-64) portfolio

Others (which includes sale of enemy shares)

Let us first look at how governments have monetized through dividends

Dividends received from CPSEs

The government, as per the latest mandate to the CPSEs, has asked all these government owned companies to distribute either 30% of the profit after tax or 5% of net worth (whichever is higher) in the form of dividends. This is how the dividends received by the government has stacked up against budget targets over the years.

Financial

Year Dividend Target (Rs in Crore) Dividend Received

(Rs in Crore) Target

Achieved FY2015-16 44,366 30,616 69.01% FY2016-17 77,051 51,852 67.30% FY2017-18 54,810 46,499 84.84% FY2018-19 45,124 43,052 95.41% FY2019-20 48,256 35,543 73.66% FY2020-21 34,717 39,750 114.50% FY2021-22 46,000 59,101 128.48% FY2022-23 43,000* 50,279 116.93%

Data Source: DIPAM, Ministry of Finance (* shows Revised Estimates)

While the new rule of paying at least 30% of net profits as dividends has helped the government better monetize the CPSE holdings, there were other factors too. Firstly, the government has heavily supported PSU banks helping them turnaround. Some of the PLI schemes in areas like defence have been specifically made value accretive for the PSU companies. This has helped these companies to get good order books, better cash flows as well as better valuations. In fact, the improvement in the performance of the CPSEs has also helped in boosting the dividend pay-outs by these public sector companies.

A quick glance at the above table sums up the story. For the last 3 years in succession, the government has exceeded its CPSE dividend target for the year comfortably. In FY23, the dividends paid out by CPSEs to the government are already 117% of the revised full year target with one more month still to go. To a large extent, this is making up for the lower dividends that the government has been getting from the RBI in the form of capital distribution, as recommended by the Bimal Jalan committee.

How government monetized CPSEs via disinvestments

For the government, the disinvestment has included key items like sale of minority stake, Offer for Sale (OFS), buyback of shares and the sale of shares from the government SUUTI holdings. Here is how disinvestments performed versus targets.

Financial

Year Disinvestment Targets

(Rs in crore) Disinvestment Achieved

(Rs in crore) Disinvestment

Target Achieved FY2015-16 69,500 42,132 60.62% FY2016-17 56,500 47,743 84.50% FY2017-18 72,500 1,00,045 137.99% FY2018-19 80,000 94,727 118.41% FY2019-20 1,05,000 50,304 47.91% FY2020-21 2,10,000 32,886 15.66% FY2021-22 1,75,000 13,534 7.73% FY2022-23 50,000 * 31,106 62.21%

Data Source: DIPAM, Ministry of Finance (* shows Revised Estimates)

Here are some of the key takeaways from the disinvestment data above.

The divestment data has been very strong in FY18 and FY19. However, subsequently the performance has been very weak on the disinvestment front.





In FY20, the last few months were almost lost in the COVID battle, which explains why the government ended up with just 47.9% disinvestment target achieved despite the relatively good start.





However, FY21 and FY22 were largely disappointing with just 15.7% and 7.7% target achieved. In both the years, there was a lot of hope built around specific cases like the LIC disinvestment, Air India strategic sale and the government exiting BPCL. LIC eventually happened only in FY23. Air India hardly generated anything for the government while BPCL is still a contentious issue. To add to these problems, uncertain markets and FPI selling also compounded the problem.





In comparison, FY23 looks relatively better. The government had originally set a divestment target of Rs65,000 crore, which was later revised to Rs50,000 crore. The government has already achieved Rs31,106 crore (largely helped by the LIC IPO). The gap from here is likely to be filled, either through the sale of government stake in Hindustan Zinc Ltd or by sale of ITC shares held by the government in SUUTI.

For now, it still remains to be seen how the FY23 gap will be filled up.

How did the mix of disinvestments look like?

While disinvestment proceeds versus targets is a good way to look at the process, another way is to look at the break up. In fact, some interesting trends emerge, if you look at the break up of the divestment story.
2W EV penetration is led by South and West India, while other regions are lagging. In 2Ws, there has been a marked shift in market share away from low-priced low-spec EVs to high-spec models. This has led to significant market-share gain for Ola, TVS and Ather. Players such as Hero Electric and Okinawa have lost substantial market-share. This has coincided with loss of FAME eligibility for these players. The EV space has become very crowded with over 300 three-wheeler (3W) EV makers and 80+ 2W EV makers. Lastly, the industry continues to be fueled by subsidies and a favorable GST regime. If FAME subsidies are withdrawn, manufacturers business economics and customers affordability will get hit. This is evident in the way, volumes of Hero Electric, Okinawa and Revolt have started declining YoY in recent months.

EV penetration up at 5% in 2Ws; PVs lag at about 1%

The penetration of EVs in 2Ws has jumped sharply to more than 5% in recent months, versus about 2% in FY22. The penetration is high in states in South and West India. In PVs, EV penetration is still low at about 1%. With new launches from Tata Motors and M&M, analysts at IIFL Securities expect it to inch up further, albeit at a slow pace. In 3Ws, EV penetration stands at more than 50%, but thats due to proliferation of low-priced e-rickshaws. In trucks and LCVs, penetration is negligible. However, in Buses (a relatively small volume category), penetration has increased to about 6% driven primarily by EV adoption by State transport undertakings.

Big shift in 2W EV market-share

The 2W EV industry has seen a marked shift in market-share from low-priced low-spec models to high spec models. The likes of Ola, TVS and Ather have clocked significant market-share gains. Players such as Hero Electric, Okinawa, Pure EV and Revolt have lost market-share.

Volume uptick for Ola post pricing action; FAME subsidy expiry hurt Hero Electric and Okinawa

After a soft start for Ola post launch in late 2021, the company undertook price actions in the form of lower priced variants and discounts. This seems to have sparked a pickup in volumes in recent months. Ola is consistently clocking close to 20k units per month from October 2022. TVS has also hit the sweet spot with a good product offering and prudent pricing. Ather has scaled up volumes, despite premium positioning and pricing. On the other hand, erstwhile leaders Hero Electric and Okinawa, which together accounted for almost 50% of the market in FY22 are now clocking YoY decline in volumes. This has coincided with withdrawal of FAME subsidies for their models.

Sustainability of growth dependent on subsidies, favorable tax regime

As highlighted by analysts at IIFL Securities in the past, the price and ownership cost parity of EVs versus ICE is driven by subsidies and a favorable GST regime. Had it not been for FAME subsidies and lower GST rate (5% versus 28% for ICE), prices of 2W EVs would have been 60-80% higher versus current levels.

Analysts at IIFL Securities believe that sustainable business model and rise in electrification would be achieved only when cost of production of EVs come closer to ICE. This argument is supported by several 2W EV makers having to scale down production rates and growth plans after FAME subsidies stopped flowing.
Holi, the festival of colours, brings together communities wherein people set aside all differences and embrace each other in good spirits. But a few incidents on the auspicious day bring out the ugly side of humanity.

Representational Image/Shutterstock

In one such development, a 32-year-old man was beaten to death on Wednesday following a fight in south Delhi's Mehrauli area.



Deceased was hit with iron rod

The deceased has been identified as Brajesh Kumar, a native of Khagriya in Bihar. During the fight, the assailants hit Brajesh on his head with an iron rod, a police official told PTI.



The initial probe by the police revealed that a person named Siddharth, known to Brijesh, had gone to purchase shampoo at a nearby shop and had a confrontation with someone there.



Upon Siddarth's return, the person he spat with also followed him with some of his associates and engaged in a fight with Brijesh, Siddarth and another person named Shubham.



As per the officer, the assailants hit Brijesh on his head with an iron rod during the fight.

All accused apprehended by police

The deceased had injury marks on his head, said a senior officer. Brajesh Kumar was rushed to a hospital, where he was declared brought dead.

Representational Image

Legal action is being taken and all accused have been apprehended, police added.



UP youth beaten to death for applying 'gulal'

In another such development, a 27-year-old youth was killed in Uttar Pradesh by some local men following a dispute over applying 'gulal'.



The incident occurred Wednesday afternoon in Mohamada Tola under the Shyamdeora police circle.



Representational Image/PTI

According to reports, Deepak, 27, was dancing when he applied colour on another youth who objected and the two got into a heated argument.



Slowly people collected on the spot and started beating Deepak. The matter seemingly was resolved following the intervention of some elders, but when Deepak was returning home, the accused accosted him on the way and beat him again.



Deepak somehow reached home and went to sleep. When he did not wake up for several hours, his family got worried and took him to the community health centre. The doctors there declared him brought dead.



The police have sent the body for post-mortem. SP Dr Kaustubh told INAS that a named FIR has been lodged against six persons, two of whom have been arrested.



Meanwhile, additional forces have been deployed in the village as tension prevails.



(With inputs from agencies)

For more on news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.


Holi turns horrible for a Bihar family after a six-year-old girl was bleeding profusely amid celebrations. On Wednesday, amid Holi festivities in the village of Rohtas in Bihar, police arrested a man for the alleged rape of a six-year-old girl.



Pexel

As per a report in Hindustan Times, the police claimed that the accused was somebody the young girl knew. At the Holi celebration, he tricked the little girl into coming with him, promising to give her a water gun.



A group of witnesses saw the child bleeding heavily before she began to tell them what had happened.

The local emergency room assessed her but ultimately sent her elsewhere for treatment.

According to the police, two groups of people from the village of Mahuari, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Baghalia police station, got into an argument.

"Heavy police force has been stationed at the village, following high tension between two groups, a police official said.

"The statement of the minor girl will be registered under 164 CrPC. There has been an improvement in the minor girl's condition," police said.

Chief of Police Vinit Kumar said a POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses) Act case had been lodged.

Sexual assault is a pervasive issue in Indian society.

The nation has often responded to rising rape rates with public outcries, protests, and protests, demanding an end to the widespread misogyny that leads males to think they have a right to the bodies of women and girls.

Yet all of these stigmas are cast aside during Holi, the Hindu festival of the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. The multi-day festival's celebrations begin with the lighting of a fire.

The streets of major towns and cities are typically the scene of outdoor events, with blaring party music, bright colors, water balloons, and alcoholic drinks.

While the famous Hindi saying "Bura Na Mano, Holi Hai  (Don't feel bad, it's Holi) captures the festival's spirit, many take it as a pass to cross the line and make others feel grossly uncomfortable.

Representative Image

This laissez-faire mentality allows for a free-for-all of sexual assault and harassment when anxiety levels are down, spirits are high, and people think exploiting women is okay.



Women over the years have complained of heckling, water balloons targeted at her breasts and genitalia, inappropriate groping disguised as a pleasant embrace, and sometimes even violent abuse.

(For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.)


Meta and many other companies joined the International Women's Day celebration yesterday. The parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp posted advice for the "extraordinary women" of the LinkedIn community.

istock

It's ironic because the only advice the tech giant should be imparting is how to help the women who work there earn the same as the men.



Because female employees in the United Kingdom and Ireland at software company Meta are paid substantially less than male employees.

Reuters

The current gender pay gap report for Meta's U.K. and Ireland divisions shows that female employees are paid less than their male counterparts. This holds for both hourly and salaried positions.



Moreover, the company's incentives are lower for women, and men make up a more significant percentage of the company's high-earning employees at the London and Dublin offices serving the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Reuters

In Meta U.K., the typical hourly salary for males is 1, but for women, it is just 92 pence.

Women also get incentives that are 34.8% lower on average than those given to males at Meta, and they make up fewer than 35% of the highest-paid positions.

In 20212022, women earned, on average, 2.1% less than men, and the data suggests that this difference is getting bigger, which shows that gender equality in the workplace is getting worse.

According to Meta's first report on gender equality (2018), women earned 0.9% less than males.

Examining the gap report for Meta's Irish operations is much sadder.

The study, done privately and released in December as part of new laws that went into effect in Ireland last year, found that in 2022, women working in all fields in Ireland were paid, on average, 15.7% less than men.

The gap widens even more when looking at bonus pay, with women receiving an average bonus of 43.3% lower than males.

Here is what Meta said about their 'pay gap':

Meta openly blamed "unequal representation" for their pay disparity.

"We have more men than women working at Meta in technical roles, particularly senior technical roles," the company said in a statement.

They further claimed that the pay for those with these "skills" is higher than for "non-technical roles" and that "the pool of this talent, particularly for more senior positions, continues to be predominantly male."

"This is a challenge faced by all technology companies and many companies in other industries. We recognize that this is a journey, one we are fully committed to, and we believe the actions we are taking now are having and will continue to have an impact on improving the diversity of our workforce," Meta added.

Meta employs around 3,000 people in Ireland and 5,000 in the U.K., or 10% of its worldwide workforce.

Meta said in the report that it wants 50% of its worldwide employees to be women and underrepresented minorities. Yet, its diversity reporting has stagnated.

Since Meta started providing its diversity report in 2018, women have made up 37% of the workforce, an increase of 1%.

The social network business stated it is tackling this representation problem via recruiting, including its "diverse slate approach, and analyzing and assessing its "attract" strategy.

"Last year, we established an external partnership model comprising three flagship partnerships: ColorinTech, Everywoman, and BYP (Black Young Professionals)," Meta commented.

Unsplash

"All these partnerships result in a steady increase in the hiring rates of underrepresented candidates, and we have seen increases in female representation at Meta, including in technical and leadership roles."



(For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.)


Addressing the insurance needs of private equity portfolio companies gives us an extraordinary opportunity to address diverse risks while meeting the demand for efficiency and responsiveness, Waters said. We are very fortunate to get John to facilitate the launch of this business and build out his team.
This is an exciting announcement for us that will provide important benefits to our clients, Kettering said. We will continue to be run by the same experienced management team that is in place today and continue to provide the best products and level of service to our clients. Becoming a member of the Heffernan team has been an absolute pleasure.
Filing a motion to dismiss the following month, Fannie Mae said it had been trying to eject the squatters from its foreclosure property since November 2019. However, this eviction process had been extended after then-governor Tom Wolf ordered an eviction moratorium in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.
Were used to seeing naturally occurring events, whether it be hurricanes, ice storms especially in places where they dont happen as often, as well as torn-down buildings Law said. But this tragedy in Ohio is something different and you must be mindful of the long-term effects on the town. Will peoples businesses be able to bounce back, will the land be deemed toxic and unliveable?
Barry Keoghan has criticised British Airways for its bad customer service after losing his suitcase on the way to Los Angeles for the Oscars.

The Dublin actor said he had brought tons of sentimental stuff for the show on Sunday and said the airline could not seem to be helpful in one bit.

Keoghan is nominated for best supporting actor at the 95th Academy awards for his role in dark Irish comedy The Banshees Of Inisherin.

Posting on Twitter on Wednesday he wrote: Lost my suitcase with @British_Airways and they cant seem to be any way helpful in one bit.

Here In LA for Oscars and had tons of sentimental stuff I wanted to wear and bring with me.

Such bad customer service. Sent me to LAX to tell me they cant help me. Tut tut.

Keoghans best supporting actor nod is his first Oscars nomination, and will go head-to-head with Banshees co star Brendan Gleeson in the category.

Keoghan is nominated for best supporting actor at the 95th Academy awards for his role in dark Irish comedy The Banshees Of Inisherin (Searchlight Pictures/PA)

He previously won the Bafta award for best supporting actor for his performance in the film, in which he plays the dim-witted Dominic Kearney.

The Banshees other stars Colin Farrell and Kerry Condon are also nominated at this years Oscars, in the best actor and best supporting actress categories respectively.

The film picked up a total of nine nominations at the ceremony, including a coveted best picture nod.

The 95th Academy Awards will take place on March 12 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Burma Myanmar Junta Forces Torch Over 80 Homes in Sagaings Myaung Township

A house in Myaung Township is completely destroyed by a junta arson attack / CDSOM

Regime troops raided at least 10 villages and torched at least 89 houses in Myaung Township, Sagaing Region over four days this week, according to local resistance forces.

A spokesperson from Civilian Defence and Security Organization of Myaung (CDSOM) said at least 15 houses from Yathit Village and 74 houses from Chaung Zinn Village were destroyed in the regimes arson attacks.

Residents of Chaung Zin and Yathit villages where houses were burned down by junta troops are now clearing debris and setting up makeshift homes in the daytime. However, they have to flee for their safety when night falls due to the fear of regime drone attacks and artillery strikes, according to local people.

Two columns of regime troops from Light Infantry Battalion 16 and Pyu Saw Htee militia advanced toward Pauk Chaung Village on March 4 at around 3.00 pm and were backed up by another junta column from Kyauk Yit Village, according to witnesses.

Bo Kyar Thit, CDSOM spokesperson, said the local resistance forces in the area joined together and attacked the regime base in Kyauk Yit Village in Myaung Township on March 4.

All local resistance forces in Myaung Township coalesced to ambush the regimes base in Kyauk Yit Village on Saturday night at around 9.00 pm after they occupied Pauk Chaung. The attack took 30 minutes. Two junta police officers were killed during our joint attack and a member of a local resistance group was injured, he said.

The Irrawaddy cant independently verify the claim.

The regime troops conducted raids and fired artillery shells for the next three days, raiding another nine villages across Myaung Township, injuring two resistance forces, he added.

Two members from our organization were injured due to the regimes artillery attack on Tuesday. A civilian from Pauk Chaung Village was also arrested by regime troops, he said.

The regime troops left Myaung Township and moved toward to their base in Kyi Village on Tuesday, according to the local sources.
Burma Myanmar Regime Border Guard Police Desert Their Base in Rakhine State

A border guard police outpost on the Maungdaw-Agnumaw road. / The Irrawaddy

Four border guard police based in western Myanmars Rakhine State have deserted their police outpost with their weapons. The four deserted their base in Myin Lut Village in the south of Maungdaw Township, and junta troops are searching nearby villages for them.

A village administrator from a village close to Myin Lut told The Irrawaddy: I heard the four deserters were new recruits who completed their training two or three months ago. As they took their weapons, [regime soldiers] came and searched potential escape routes and nearby villages. I heard one of the deserters is Karen and the rest are Bamar. [Junta troops] told us to notify them immediately if we spot them in our villages.

Locals speculate that the four deserters might have defected to the ethnic Rakhine armed organization the Arakan Army (AA), who have bases in the nearby Mayu Mountains. The Irrawaddy was unable to reach AA spokesman U Khaing Thukha for comment.

One Maungdaw resident said: It wont be easy for them to escape as none of them are locals. They cant flee towards the west as there is only the sea there. And they cant flee along the road as it is dotted with border guard posts. So they can only flee towards the Mayu Mountains. It is possible that they have taken refuge with the AA.

He added: The border guard police reckon that they attended police training because they wanted to get weapons, and fled soon after the training was finished.

There have been frequent desertions since the coup by military regime soldiers and police in Rakhines Rathedaung, Maungdaw, Kyauktaw and Mrauk-U townships.

Last June, AA spokesman U Khaing Thukha said that over 100 soldiers including officers had defected from the Myanmar military to the AA since the 2021 military takeover.

Myin Lut Village was a settlement of ethnic Rohingya people located some 15 miles from Maungdaw Town. It was designated as a sub-township in 2016, but the entire village was razed in 2017 by the Myanmar military as part of a so-called counter-insurgency operation that forced hundreds of thousands of Rohingya to flee to neighboring Bangladesh.

The village has been empty since then, but in 2019-20 the military established a new border guard police base in Myin Lut.
Burma Thousands Displaced as Myanmar Junta Forces Clash With Karenni Resistance

Pinlaung IDPs receive medical treatment in Pekon on March 7 after fleeing the fighting.

Myanmar regime forces are continuing to clash with a combined force of Karenni Army (KA) and Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) fighters in southern Shan State, with over 5,000 local residents displaced by the fighting.

Clashes broke out again on March 9 near Saung Pyaung Village in Shans Pinlaung Township, where junta troops and Karenni resistance fighters clashed for the first time in the township on February 24.

The KA and KNDF launched an attack on a junta outpost in Saung Pyaung on February 24, where military regime soldiers and pro-junta Pa-O National Army (PNA) fighters are based. Pinlaung Township is part of the Pa-O Self-Administered Zone governed by the Pa-O National Organization (PNO), the political wing of the PNA.

More than 5,000 residents from Saung Pyaung and nearby villages have been displaced by the fighting, according to locals and aid groups.

Clashes broke out again at around 6am near Saung Pyaung, which is located on the border of Pinlaung and Pekon townships. The Karenni groups have captured some villages and so the Myanmar military is now shelling them, said the administrator of a village near Saung Pyaung, who is currently sheltering at a monastery in Pinlaung Town along with hundreds of other refugees.

Thousands more people from Saung Pyaung, Lone Pyin, Taung Mae Thin, Myauk Sa Lone, Taung Sa Lone, Nam Name and Pin Lon villages are also sheltering in Pinlaung Town, as well as in Pekon Township.

Almost two weeks after being forced to flee, the refugees are in urgent need of supplies.

We still need food and medicine, said one displaced female resident of Taung Sa Lone Village whose sister was killed by a regime mortar strike on February 24.

Her family has fled to Pekon Township, where they are receiving help from the Moebye Rescue Team. The team said that some of the refugees from Pinlaung are injured or sick and in need of proper medical treatment and care.

At least three civilians have been killed by regime artillery strikes since the clashes broke out, and another four people injured.

Despite the ongoing fighting, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing visited his ally the PNO leader U Aung Kham Hti on March 7 at his home in Kyauk Ta Lone Gyi Town in the Pa-O Self-Administered Zone, according to regime-controlled media. It is not known what the two men discussed.

However, local observers said that they believed that the regime boss would have been pushing U Aung Kham Hti to help defend the Pa-O Self-Administered Zone. The area is strategically important, as resistance groups from Kayah and Karen states could break through it to reach the Myanmar capital Naypyitaw.

On the day of Min Aung Hlaings visit, the PNA released a statement calling on young ethnic Pa-O people to join the PNA to fight the invaders.

PNA fighters are currently taxing some villages in their area, with residents saying that each household in the affected villages is having to pay 75,000 kyats each.

The Irrawaddy was unable to contact the PNA for comment.
Analysis Fearing US Influence, China Steps Up Engagement With Myanmar Junta, EAOs

Deng Xijun and Min Aung Hlaing in Naypyitaw on March 6, 2023 / Cincds

Chinas appointment of a new special envoy to Myanmar in December last year followed the United Nations first resolution on Myanmar in 74 years, and the US Congress passage of the Burma Act. Observers say it was not a political coincidence.

The Burma Act authorizes funds and technical assistance for anti-junta forces in Myanmar, including EAOs. The US has pledged to continue to support Myanmar opposition forces inside and outside of Myanmar. The UN resolution demands an end to violence and urges the military junta to release all political prisoners, including ousted leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

Chinas new special envoy Deng Xijun met seven of Myanmars ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) in Chinas Yunnan Province in the last week of December. Then he flew to Naypyitaw and met junta chief Min Aung Hlaing. In less than a month, he visited the headquarters of the powerful EAOs including the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the United Wa State Army (UWSA) and the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA). His visit was different from previous ones.

Politics

Interestingly, the Chinese envoy was accompanied by the Mandalay-based Chinese consul. The consul did not participate in talks with the EAOs, and the reason Deng brought the consul along with him was not clear.

Secondly, he visited displacement camps in Laiza, the location of the KIA headquarters in Kachin State. It was followed by reports that China would provide assistance in health and education for EAOs as well as displaced civilians, indicating a new level of relationship between China and EAOs at the border.

Thirdly, Deng echoed his predecessor Sun Guoxiang, and urged EAOs to join peace talks and sign the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). But while Sun said he was acting according to Beijings policy, Deng stressed that his urging of the EAOs came at the request of Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

The flurry of activity by Deng after the US Congress passage of the Burma Act indicates that China does not want to see US aid and influence reaching EAOs based along the Chinese border.

China will be cautious about potential US influence and possible spying efforts that will come along with its assistance. It will use even greater caution now as tensions are rising over the Taiwan issue. This is why China has made a move to cement ties with EAOs at the border and provide them with non-military assistance.

Myanmar people are interested to see whether China will pressure the EAOs to stop fighting the Myanmar military regime, as some of them are fighting alongside resistance forces from central Myanmar.

Of the EAOs based in northern and northeastern Myanmar along the border, only the UWSA and the NDAA have de facto control of their own territories, so it is inevitable that the five others will continue to fight the Myanmar military to achieve greater status.

The Myanmar militarys policy is that EAOs must disband and turn themselves into militias or border guard forces under its control as per the 2008 Constitution. This will not be acceptable to the KIA, the Shan State Progress Party, the Arakan Army (AA), the Taang National Liberation Army and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), which have high political ambitions and relatively strong armies. So, it is important to keep an eye on the moves of the Chinese special envoy in this regard.

Economy

Some Chinese investment projects have come back to life following the activities of the Chinese special envoy, the Chinese ambassador and the consul to Myanmar. The first one is the Letpadaung copper mining project. Around the end of February, junta troops shelled and raided around eight villages near the copper mine. Soon after junta troops were deployed along the road to the mine, 150 to 250 people believed to be Chinese employees of Wanbao Co. arrived at the copper mine in five vehicles from Monywa.

In a May 5, 2022 statement, Wanbao said mining had been suspended since the coup, but employees were paid their basic salaries, and only a maintenance team was working for maintenance of the mines. There have been reports lately that Wanbao is contacting its Myanmar employees to return to work.

The second one is an agreement with Chinese companies to install wind turbines in Ann, Thandwe and Gwa townships in Rakhine, western Myanmar. The project is scheduled to start in December this year and to be completed in 2025.

The Chinese ambassador attended the agreement signing ceremony, and it is the only Chinese investment project officially announced since the coup. The project emerged as a result of the ceasefire between the Myanmar military and the AA in Rakhine.

The third is construction of the Ruili-Mandalay-Kyaukphyu railroad linking Chinas Ruili with Kyaukphyu in Rakhine, an important part of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative. Neither the Myanmar regime nor China have officially talked about the project, but media outlet Frontier Myanmar, citing senior officials of Myanma Railways, reported that the regime and a Chinese company carried out an environmental impact assessment on the railroad construction in 2021-22, and that the first section of the railroad linking Ruili and Mandalay is in the process of being constructed. This is part of the reason China has urged EAOs in northern Myanmar to observe ceasefires and hold talks with the Myanmar military regime.

Shortly after the coup, the Myanmar military granted approval to the China-backed, US$2.5-billion power plant in Meelingyaing in Pathein, Ayeyarwady Region. China has not made any move regarding that project. But it is no coincidence that some Chinese investments have resumed following the trips of the Chinese special envoy this year.

Military

The area along the Chinese border with northern Shan State is overseen by the Myanmar militarys North-Eastern Command. In 2021-22, its presence in the area comprised a light infantry division and seven military operations commands.

Surprisingly, the regime has pulled out three military operations commands or around 30 battalions from the area since early this year, after over 1,000 troops trained by the MNDAAmost of them fighters from central and southern Myanmar who decided to take up arms against the regime following the coupfinished their military training.

Why has the Myanmar military pulled out a large number of troops while its enemy has got over 1,000 new soldiers? Perhaps the regime is taking advantage of the fact that China wants to de-escalate military tensions in northern Shan State for its Ruili-Mandalay railroad.

Thanks to the troops it has pulled out of Shan, the regime has been able to send reinforcements to Kayah (Karenni) State, and Yedashae and Pinlaung, where Peoples Defense Force groups (PDFs) and the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force are active, as well as to Karen State.

Conclusion

The latest developments in politics, the economy and the military situation in Myanmar following the UN resolution, Congress passage of the Burma Act, and moves by the Chinese special envoy, are interesting. Besides the US and the West, China might also consider the steps of the Indian nationalist government, which is blindly supporting the regime to establish a foothold in Myanmar.

After both China and Russia declined to exercise their veto power and block the UNs resolution on Myanmar, the regime came to understand that Russia will not go against China regarding important decisions on Myanmar. Since then, the regime has made moves to improve ties with China, after getting too close to Russia over the past two years. Again, the regime is saying China is Myanmars good neighbor.

The regime might also be considering seeking advantage in the competition between China and India. The regime replaced its foreign minister in February, appointing a former Myanmar ambassador to the US to the post. Political observers suggest the regime is planning to approach the US.

We have seen complicated diplomatic moves alongside hostilities over the past two years. The parallel National Unity Government (NUG) says it is the only government that can guarantee stability and safety for foreign investors.

We need to monitor the policies and moves of US and Western governments that directly engage the NUG and EAOs; of China, which has avoided getting too close to the NUG though it is engaging with both the regime and EAOs in northern Myanmar; and of Russia and India, which are closely cooperating with the regime.

Following his meeting with EAOs, Deng met junta chief Min Aung Hlaing on Monday in Naypyitaw, the second such meeting since the envoys appointment. The two vowed to cooperate in various sectors including the economy. The two discussed the role of China in border security and internal peace in Myanmar. It appears their ties have improved since the previous meeting.

The main question is whether China will turn a blind eye to the wishes of the Myanmar people in its involvement in the Myanmar issue. If it overly focuses on its rivalry with the US and ignores the wishes and popular revolt of the Myanmar people, it will face a stronger response from Myanmar people.

We must pay special attention to Dengs shuttle trips between the junta chief and EAOs in northern Myanmar. According to credible sources from the border, Deng and seven EAOs in northern Myanmar plan to meet soon for a third time, this time collectively.

China has officially supported ASEANs Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar. One of the points is a visit by the ASEAN special envoy to meet all parties concerned. Neither the ASEAN envoy nor the Chinese envoy have yet been able to do this.

If Deng fails to meet all parties concerned and his moves help support the regime politically, economically and militarily, the Myanmar people, especially the armed resistance who are fighting the regime, will not accept it.

If the situation goes on like this, Dengs move will do more harm than good for the Myanmar people, and anti-Chinese sentiment will rise again, which could result in further complications.

Thet Htar Maung is a Myanmar political observer.
Connectivity solutions provider Subco unveiled its plan to deliver a landing for its 9,800 km-long Oman Australia Cable by extending a branch to Salalah, Oman.

Approximately 1,200 km of cable will be installed from the Oman Australia Cables (OAC) branching unit to the new interconnection hub of Salalah, adding a new path from the existing cable which lands in Muscat, Oman.

The planned cable will interconnect with hyperscale cable systems that lead from Salalah into Europe and Africaincluding Meta-backed 2Africa, the Reliance Jio-backed India-Europe Express (IEX), and Google, Sparkle and Omantel-backed Blue-Raman.

Subco claims OACs planned Salalah gateway would enable one of the lowest latency routes from Australia to Europe.

It also claims the Salalah extension provides geographic diversity from west of Australia.

The Salalah extension traverses the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea, avoiding shallow congested and earthquake-prone passages.

By extending this strategically mapped route to Salalah, Subco says its customers will have an alternative secure option via OAC for moving traffic from Australia to the Middle East and Europe.

With a number of other major subsea cable systems interconnecting, or planning to interconnect, at Salalah, we hope to provide our customers with an express gateway for onward capacity from Australia to EMEA, and enable enhanced network performance, connectivity and resiliency for all of Australia, said Subco founder and CEO Bevan Slattery.

Subco is currently in the project planning phase, with the branch landing anticipated to be completed, and the new path operational, by the end of 2024.

This first appeared in the subscription newsletter CommsWire on 7 March 2023.
COMPANY NEWS: Paessler AG, best known for the monitoring software Paessler PRTG, is focused on expanding its presence in the APAC region. Joining the Paessler team are Tobias Jaenchen as vice president APAC and Americas, and Manuela Roth as global channel and key account manager. These new appointments will play a crucial role in driving Paessler's global business strategy.

After studying Computer Science in Berlin and New York City, Tobias Jaenchen embarked on a career in consulting, B2B software sales, and sales management positions for companies such as Oracle, FreeMarkets, Altiris, and Symantec. Jaenchen will focus on developing the sales strategy, organisation, and processes in both APAC and the Americas. He will also work on continuously developing new markets, business areas, customer segments, and partnerships.

Its an amazing experience to join Paessler as APAC vice president and the Americas, says Jaenchen. From day one, I have been impressed by the welcoming and supportive culture of the team. I look forward to working with our APAC customers to help them achieve their IT, OT, and IoT monitoring goals and to make Paessler PRTG the go-to monitoring solution for businesses across this region.

This appointment comes at a special time for Paessler, as the company has worked successfully for years to steadily increase its market share in APAC and to provide the market with opportunities and solutions for digital transformation. In addition to monitoring traditional IT environments, Paessler has continuously expanded its solutions to diverse vertical markets including industrial, healthcare, telecoms, and government.

The company has also appointed Roth as global channel and key account manager. She has over 20 years of experience in key account management, business development, and global channel management. Roth will play a vital role in the growth of Paesslers channel business for Paessler PRTG, including special IIoT solutions for industrial environments expected in 2023.

Paesslers vision for the current year includes a strong focus on channel work and interlocking cooperation with strategic partners. To always achieve the best monitoring results for its customers, Paessler is working on several specialised product extensions that will be launched in 2023. One of these extensions relates to the OPC Unified Architecture and aims to enable consistent, well-managed monitoring between the worlds of OT and IT.

I am excited to have both Tobias and Manuela join our team, says Paessler CEO Helmut Binder. Their knowledge and holistic view of the APAC region and the channel business will bring great value to our company and our customers. We are constantly refining our product portfolio while also supporting our international partners through elevated programs to better serve the market. We work in a spirit of mutual trust with all our partners and will continue to do so.

Roth brings experience in international management roles for different global channel organisations like RS Group, Bechtle, and Insight and has a proven track record in managing large international partners. She will be responsible for driving sales and building strategic relationships with Paesslers channel partners and cross-regional accounts. Her expertise and experience will be instrumental in helping Paessler reach new heights and expand its channel and international large account business.

I am thrilled to be joining the Paessler team and to have the opportunity to contribute to the growth of the companys channel business, says Roth.

Our partners are global players, our client base is global, and Paessler, as an outstanding software company, has been building a global distribution network for years. The team has been incredibly welcoming, and I am excited to work with them to achieve our next goals and drive the companys further success.

About Paessler AG

Paessler believes monitoring plays a vital part in reducing humankind's consumption of resources. Monitoring data helps its customers save resources, from optimising their IT, OT, and IoT infrastructures to reducing energy consumption or emissions  for our future and our environment. That is why Paessler offers monitoring solutions for businesses across all industries and all sizes, from SMBs to large enterprises. Paessler works with renowned partners, and together they tackle the monitoring challenges of an ever-changing world.

Since 1997, when Paessler first introduced PRTG Network Monitor, it has combined its in-depth monitoring knowledge with an innovative spirit. Today, more than 500,000 users in over 170 countries rely on PRTG and other Paessler solutions to monitor their complex IT, OT, and IoT infrastructures. Paessler's products empower its customers to monitor everything and thus help them optimise their resources.
COMPANY NEWS: Atturra (ASX: ATA), a leading advisory and technology services business in designing, implementing, and maintaining IT solutions, is pleased to announce that Atturra Holdings has exchanged a Share Sale and Purchase Deed (SSPD) to acquire Somerville. The upfront consideration is $15m in cash and 1,647,059 Atturra shares, with earn-out/post-completion consideration of up to $2.6m in cash subject to Somerville achieving performance hurdles for the FY23 and FY24 financial years.

The acquisition will now enable Atturra to deliver the entire technology stack from application to infrastructure further accelerating business growth and supporting the expansion of operations into new technologies and markets.

Headquartered in Sydney, with offices in Melbourne and Brisbane, Somerville is a leading provider of enterprise-grade managed services including cloud, connectivity, modern workplace, security, and hardware and software lifecycle management. From the outset, Somervilles business approach has incorporated a company culture determined to satisfy the evolving technology and service needs of its customers. For more than four decades, the company has been delivering innovation and services in everything from support for endpoints and networks to security and cloud platform integration.

During this time, the company invested millions of dollars into its network infrastructure to ensure it has the capability to deliver cutting-edge managed services solutions to clients. This infrastructure is high performance, scalable, and resilient to meet the needs of more than 500 customers, including a strong position in the education sector with its solutions mix which supports over 285 schools in Australia.

CEO of Atturra, Stephen Kowal, said, The acquisition of Somerville will be significant, as it will not only provide Atturra with a broad-based managed services capability to facilitate large end-to-end projects, but it will also strengthen our position within the Australian education sector. We are excited to have the opportunity to bring Somerville into the Atturra fold, as it is a trusted technology partner with over 30 years experience offering solutions that will complement the Atturra offerings. I am particularly excited to have the industry-leading team of Adrian Toole, David La Bozzetta and Craig Somerville join the Atturra team

CEO and Founder of Somerville, Craig Somerville, said, This acquisition represents an outstanding opportunity for Somervilles staff, clients, and partners. Atturra has forged a strong reputation as a well-respected player within the Australian IT services industry, with long-standing client and partner relationships. Our strong focus on delivering quality outcomes to our valued customers will be enhanced by the breadth and depth of offerings that Atturra brings. Atturra opens the door to fantastic career opportunities for our team and the chance to work on a wide range of projects with the larger organisation.

The transaction is expected to complete on or around 31 March 2023, subject to the satisfaction of conditions precedent in the SSPD, including obtaining the change-of-control consents required for Somervilles material contracts.

The SSPD otherwise contains additional provisions (including representations, warranties, and indemnities) considered usual for agreements of this nature.

About Atturra:

Atturra is an ASX-listed technology business providing a range of enterprise advisory, consulting, IT services and solutions with a focus on local government, utilities, education, defence, federal government, financial services, and manufacturing industries. Atturra has partnerships with leading global providers including Microsoft, Boomi, Software AG, OpenText, Smartsheet, QAD, Infor and Solace and its clients are some of the largest public and private-sector organisations in Australia. For more information on Attura visit:.

About Somerville:

Headquartered in Sydney, with offices in Melbourne and Brisbane, Somerville provides a wide range of enterprise-grade managed services across cloud, connectivity, modern workplace and security, and hardware and software lifecycle management. Somerville has clients across several industries including finance, education, legal, insurance, superannuation and automotive.
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The tribunal set up to mete out justice for the worst crimes committed during Colombia's civil war issued its first-ever indictments for child soldier recruitment against former FARC fighters on Wednesday.

Ten ex-members of the guerilla group will face charges for allegedly recruiting minors into their ranks to help fight their bloody decades-long war against the state, the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) tribunal announced.

The FARC, said JEP judge Raul Sanchez, "used recruitment as a political-military strategy for which they promoted and executed the recruitment and use of girls and boys."

The announcement did not specify how many children were affected by the actions of the ten.

Most were recruited in the late 1990s, and then again from 2011 to 2017, when the FARC disarmed under a peace deal struck the previous year.

The judge cited the case of a 14-year-old Indigenous child who was recruited and then executed on suspicion of being an informant.

The ten will also face charges for crimes against humanity, including the use of anti-personnel landmines and kidnappings of members of Indigenous and peasant communities.

"They are also charged with war crimes of homicide... executions without trial, displacement (of people in the path of the fighting) and destruction of the environment," the court said in an announcement.

Since August 2021, the JEP has been investigating more than 18,600 cases of child soldier recruitment during five decades of armed uprising.

These were the first indictments issued for the recruitment of child soldiers, said the JEP.

In January 2021, five senior officials were charged with kidnapping -- of more than 21,300 people between 1990 and 2016.

The five pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

Dozens of former members of the military, including a general, are also under investigation for killing some 6,400 civilians the security forces falsely claimed were rebels.

Under the 2016 peace deal, the JEP can offer alternatives to jail time to people who confess their crimes and make reparations to victims.

The tribunal is expected to hand down its first sentences sometime this year.
JUSTICE INFO: Nearly four years after the Truth and Dignity Commission (IVD) ended its work, what do you think were the most important recommendations in the final report of its "Memory" committee?

ADEL MAIZI: The Commission identified five major components related to the preservation of memory, drawn from three sources: victims' requests during public and private hearings; the national consultation on reparations held by the IVD in 2017; and the proposals of MPs at the time the Commissions annual budget was adopted.

First, we recommended in our final report that sites of serious human rights violations, such as prisons and torture centres, be transformed into "authentic sites" of culture and remembrance. We can cite as examples "Sabbat Edhlam" (The Door of Darkness), a house located in the medina of Tunis, which was used to torture and execute opponents of Bourguiba [president of Tunisia from 1957 to 1987] engaged between 1955 and 1956 in the Youssefist movement [supporters of Salah Ben Youssef, a nationalist activist opposed to Bourguiba]. Theres also the "April 9 Prison", demolished by former President Ben Ali [President of Tunisia from 1987 to 2011] in 2009, six years after the centenary of this place used to detain opponents during the colonial period. We propose to erect a memorial above which would be inscribed the history of the prison and the names of its victims. This vacant lot, as it is today, could house an institution in charge of remembrance. We also thought of a memorial to the disappeared of Jebel Agri (Agri Mountain), in the southeast of the country. It would be to honour the memory of all fallagua [independence activists] and resistance fighters shot by the French army between 1955 and 1956 in this mountainous region of Tataouine because they refused to lay down their arms after the agreements on internal autonomy. Open-air mass graves were found there by members of our Commission during a visit to Djebel Agri.

Secondly, renaming streets, avenues, squares, schools and other public establishments after events or figures of opposition to the authoritarian regimes of Bourguiba and Ben Ali, or the martyrs of the revolution [of 2011]. Many of the victims who spoke at the IVD consultation in 2017 expressed their objection to the fact that a major street in central Tunis pays tribute to Charles de Gaulle, who led France in the 1962 Bizerte War in which hundreds of Tunisians lost their lives.

Third, rewrite the history of violations and transmit it through education, replacing the current unilateral vision with an approach that ensures diverse views. The IVD's archives, in all their forms, are a major resource that can contribute to this goal. Among the good practices here, I noted something cited by the [UN] Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-repetition in a report published in 2020. It is a textbook entitled "History of the Other", published by the Peace Research Institute for the Middle East, which deals in an intelligent way with one of the longest conflicts in the Middle East. In its various chapters, it first presents the Palestinian perspective and then the opposing side's perspective on the same historical facts. It has a blank space left in the centre for students to place their own narrative.

The fourth major recommendation relates to accessing, managing and exploiting the legacy of the IVD: digitized audiovisual archives and internal files of the Commission.

The fifth component of our strategy concerns encouraging any artistic initiative that deals with and documents gross human rights violations.

Given the Tunisian art scene in recent years, it seems artists have already taken on the work of remembrance. Did you expect such a dynamic?

We certainly did not expect a star like actor and producer Dhafer Abidine to take up a theme like transitional justice in the feature film "Ghodwa" (Tomorrow)! What with films, television series, documentaries, plays, photography and novels, it's incredible how much remembrance inspires Tunisian artists. The victims stories sometimes surpass fiction - I think thats what appeals to artists, who often come to ask me where they can listen again to the public hearings and these incredible stories of lives marked by violence and repression. In our final report, we recommended that the public authorities encourage artists to evoke this violent past through works retracing the lives of victims and the circumstances of their deaths, by boosting budgets, creating grants, competitions and prizes for this purpose.

Why have the public authorities not followed these recommendations?

The reasons are many. The old regime of Ben Ali did not completely disappear after the revolution of 2011, I realized during my time at the IVD. Its apparatus came back to power in 2014, following the election of Beji Caied Essebsi as President of the Republic, at the very moment when the IVD started to work. The parliament and the political coalitions formed at the time have only hindered our work.

On the other hand, it seems to me that many Tunisians refuse to face the past. Worse still, some resort to denial and suspicion about the revelations of the IVD. Mistrust of the victims for ideological reasons has also harmed the process. We have not, unfortunately, developed a human rights culture that guarantees respect and dignity for all, regardless of the political colour of our opponent. Furthermore, these recommendations are not binding. Only a combination of Article 148 of the 2014 Constitution [which says that "the state undertakes to implement the transitional justice system in all its areas and within the timeframes prescribed by the related legislation"], which has now disappeared [in the 2022 Constitution] and a decision of the Constitutional Court, which has so far done nothing, could have forced the state to implement them.

Adel Maizi : "Memory is never seen as an independent tool that can change people's perceptions of history."  Instance verite et dignite

In the December 2013 Organic Law on Transitional Justice, only three rather skeletal articles mention the issue of memory. Was this pillar of transitional justice neglected in advance?

I think the provisions on memory/remembrance are characterized by vagueness. The legislator has considered preservation of memory as a secondary matter. Why, for example, does the law give alternatives on where the IVDs legacy should go, either the national archives or an institution dedicated to remembrance? It would have been wiser to decide from the outset. The text does not clearly define either the right to remembrance or the obligations of the state in relation to memorialization. In our final report, we devoted a long paragraph to explaining the contours of this right to remembrance.

But it must be said that the victims do not attach much importance to this pillar of transitional justice either, as their demands generally emphasize financial compensation - something I can understand in view of the precarious situation in which many of them live. As for national and international NGOs, few of them dedicate gatherings and workshops to remembrance. And when this theme is addressed in meetings on transitional justice, it is often linked to revealing the truth or the reform of institutions. It is never seen as an independent tool that can change people's perceptions of history. NGOs prefer to work on projects that have an immediate impact, such as the training of judges for specialized chambers. Remembrance, on the other hand, requires a long term strategy over a long period of time.

As you just recalled, the IVD should, after its work has ended, entrust all its documents and files to the National Archives or a dedicated institution for the preservation of memory. In 2016, the Commission called for the establishment of such an institution, but it was not heard. Why?

This institution should actually have been established from the start of the IVD's mandate in June 2014, because a truth commission starts to receive files, testimonies, property and objects of victims very early. A law creating this structure should have been passed after the 2014 legislative elections. But none of the former victims who became MPs paid attention to it. And even before, at the time of the revolutionary euphoria of January 2011, nothing was done to initiate a memorialization process. Yet all the conditions were there: empathy for former victims, freedom for them to express themselves on social networks and television, the thousand and one projects to launch a museum of the Revolution in Sidi Bouzid and Kasserine. The train of transitional justice started too late in our country. We should have remembered also that politicians need the people to forget some serious things in the past in order to be able to govern...

Where are the archives of the IVD?

Since the authorities have not set up a structure for the study and development of the truth commission archives, it was forced to deliver its 10,000 boxes of archives to the National Archives, and its audiovisual recordings, containing the private testimony of victims, to the Prime Ministers office. The documentary archives, transferred to the National Archives, contain the files of victims' complaints, archives collected during the Commissions investigations and covering its whole mandated period of 1955 to 2013, the decisions of its governance, and documents of the various committees. There are 80,000 gigabytes of audiovisual archives. They contain valuable testimonies recorded during private hearings.

Is it possible to access these two types of archives today?

Currently, there is no legislative framework for the IVD archives. Our final report recommended revising the law on the National Archives, expanding its areas of competence, ensuring the institution's independence from the executive branch and providing it with qualified human resources. The IVD even went so far as to outline the contours of a new law, in line with international standards and better adapted to the specificities of these archives, guaranteeing their security and with precautions against use that would harm witnesses and victims.

During your speech at the Transitional Justice Conference in Tunis from February 23 to 24, you mentioned the "sensitivity" of transitional justice archives. Why are they sensitive?

I call these archives "sensitive" because they embody all the conditions and restrictions inherent in the protection of personal data: data relating to identity and privacy, medical data and security information. Hence the need to manage, process and use them in a different way than ordinary documents. However, these considerations should not hinder the work on remembrance. Referring to comparative experiences, we have recommended rewriting testimonies according to a well-defined protocol, to provide a version with all the sensitive data I mentioned taken out. While this is a daunting task, it is possible if there is political will and awareness of the archives importance, and if resources are allocated to this project. Software and applications can be used to make victims' stories accessible.

If you had to prioritize, what would be the two or three memory preservation projects proposed by the IVD that you think would best help prevent people forgetting and denying Tunisia's violent past?

Today it is crucial to find a new way of teaching history. With new school curricula, it is possible to forge a culture of peace and non-violence, to build a new person who does not, for example, resort to torture to extract confessions. Remembrance is not just about the past, it helps build the future. As urged in the December 2013 the law, the results of the final report should be widely disseminated. A digital version of this document was published in the Official Gazette in June 2020, but today we can't find a trace of it anywhere!
After 10 months after the drunk driving incident, Kim Sae Ron appears in court for the first time.

All eyes are on the actress as the former child star has been charged with violating the Road Traffic Act. The actress was spotted by the media coming in and leaving the Seoul Central District Court on March 8 as she attends her first trial.

Kim Sae Ron Drunk Driving Update: Actress Fined With 20 Million KRW

To recall, the "The Great Shaman Ga Doo Shim" star made headlines after she smashed her car near the Hakdong intersection in Gangnam Seoul, at around 8 am on May 18. The incident caused a disturbance and disruption of business in the neighborhood.

On top of it, public properties such as transformer substations have been affected by the incident.

After months of investigation, the actress attended her first trial after Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office Criminal Division 5, headed by chief prosecutor Choi Woo Young indicted her on charges of Road Traffic Act violation.

According to the media, the prosecution requested the court to sentence her to a fine of 20 million KRW. Meanwhile, her passenger faces fine of 5 million KRW.

At the height of the issue, Kim Sae Ron was suspected of leaving the incident and planned not to take any action after causing inconvenience to the neighborhood.

During the authorities' investigation, the actress refused to have her blood alcohol level measured, and instead, she had her blood drawn at a nearby hospital.

Based on the result released by the National Institute of Scientific Investigation, the 22-year-old star's blood alcohol level was 0.2%, which is said to be above the license revocation level of 0.08 percent.

Kim Sae Ron Admits Charges Following the Trial's Decision

In the same outlet, the "Mirror of the Witch" star expressed her true feelings towards the update of her charges. She "admits" the charges and says that she is "deeply reflecting and regretting" her action. Moreover, she promised, "never commit a crime like this again."

Apart from it, Kim Sae Ron reportedly mentioned during the trial that she was expecting a substitute driver before the incident, and explained why it didn't push through.

"I called the substitute driver and thought it was easy because the road to the call place was a short distance," she recalled.

Kim Sae Ron Faces Consequences Following the DIU Charges

It was previously reported that Kim Sae Ron worked part-time jobs after spending most of her savings for the compensation relating to the incident.

The actress' lawyer mentioned that Kim Sae Ron is "suffering from living difficulties as the head of household," and asked the people to treat the actress with "mercy as much as possible."

To recall, the 22-year-old star dropped out from her upcoming projects, particularly in "Trolley," due to the DIU scandal, and was replaced by Jung Soo Bin of "Rookie Cops" and "Juvenile Justice."
Get ready for a bolder and more daring "The Glory" as its second half is about to hit the screen this March!

Netflix Korea's "The Glory" Part 2 brings revenge to the next level as Song Hye Kyo welcomes Lim Ji Yeon, Park Sung Hoon and more to hell.

'The Glory' Screenwriter Guarantees Improved Drama

At long last, Song Hye Kyo's long awaited revenge in "The Glory" Part 2 is finally coming to Netflix!

"The Glory," which was initially released in December 2022, tells the tragic life of a woman who avenges herself from her abusers by becoming their child's homeroom school teacher.

Song Hye Kyo plays the role of Moon Dong Eun, a school violence victim who plans to take down her perpetrators. She received massive success for her flawless performance, donating the global charts up until this writing.

This March, the Part 2 of "The Glory" is coming, raising fans' excitement! The writer of the series-Kim Eun Sook-also amplifies the tension, saying that the work will have a "soda and mala flavor."

This meant that the work will boast a refreshing yet spicy narrative, respectively, that will surely entice the audience to tune in to the show from beginning to the end.

In an interview with Netflix Korea, Kim Eun Sook assures that the public can expect the second installment of "The Glory" to be even more daring, spine-chilling and bolder than the first one.

Part 2 picks up the pieces where the story left off in Part 1, and finally showcases Moon Dong Eun's wrath and ruthless revenge.

'The Glory' Part 2 Receives 19+ Rating Due To Themes

With the promise of a much riveting season, "The Glory" receives a 19+ rating!

The Korea Media Rating Board categorized Netflix Korea's "The Glory" Part 2 as a show not safe for work nor suitable for younger audiences.

According to the board, the drama contains abuse, violence, smoking, use of drugs, sex and abusive language repeatedly, and even insinuating murder, which is deemed too much for a niche set of viewers.

In fact, the first episode of its first season, which aired in December 2022, also received the same rating due to recurring themes.

Although it alarmed some avid K-Drama fans, many viewers who were anticipating its release couldn't hide their excitement for "The Glory" Part 2 despite its intimidating rating.

Moreover, the drama will also be an hour longer than Part 1 according to the board. The first installment consisted of a total of eight episodes with 385 minutes of running time.

Meanwhile, Part 2 will also release the same number of episodes but will include a total of 450 minutes of broadcast-an evident increase of about 65 minutes.

In "The Glory" Part 2, all loose ends will finally be tied into a flawless knot so don't miss its premiere this March 10 on Netflix!

ICYMI, watch the teaser here.

KDramaStars owns this article.

Written by Elijah Mully.
This week is packed with more intense shows as Song Hye Kyo and Lee Ji Ah are to occupy the weekdays and weekend with their revenge K-dramas, "The Glory" Part 2 and "Pandora: Beneath the Paradise."

'The Glory' Part 2

After almost two months of waiting, Netflix's revenge series "The Glory" is finally firing away with its Part 2.

With the help of Joo Yeo Jeong (Lee Do Hyun), Moon Dong Eun (Song Hye Kyo) gets fiercer and bolder as she is determined to take revenge against her greatest enemy Park Ji Yeon.

Adding interest to the story is Ha Do Young's change of heart as he finally finds out that his wife, Park Ji Yeon, is having an affair.

Moon Dong Eun will finally begin her cruel revenge, but this time, some people will help her fight.

Catch "The Glory" Part 2 on March 10 on Netflix.

'Pandora: Beneath the Paradise'

Marking its debut this March 11, the "Penthouse" star Lee Ji Ah returns with "Pandora: Beneath the Paradise." Sharing the frame with her are actors Lee Sang Yoon, Park Ki Woong, Bong Tae Gyu, and Jang Hee Jin.

The forthcoming tvN drama features the revenge story of a lady, tracking down the truth behind her past after losing her memory. On her return, she realizes that her perfect life was manipulated as part of someone's grand plan.

Lee Ji Ah transforms into Hong Tae Ra, a woman who plots revenge after unveiling a shocking story in her past.

Lee Sang Yoon takes the role of Pyo Jae Hyun, Hong Tae Ra's husband. He is a smart entrepreneur and the new chairman of the IT company, Hatch.

However, his big ambitions come with a price. His wife begins to recall her lost memories, which signals that everything he has worked to establish is at risk of falling apart.

"Pandora: Beneath the Paradise" is scheduled to air on March 11 at 9:10 pm (KST) on tvN.

'Divorce Attorney Shin'

Following its successful premiere, Cho Seung Woo and Han Hye Jin's "Divorce Attorney Shin" is releasing new episodes this week.

After winning Lee Seo Jin's divorce case, Shin Sung Han is about to face another case as he met his potential client in Episode 2.

Catch the delightful journey of Attorney Shin every Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 p.m. (KST) on JTBC.

What are your first watching among this week's new episodes and upcoming K-dramas? Share your replies in the comments!

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars.

KDramaStars owns this article.

Shai Collins wrote this.
Bong Tae Gyu gained mixed reactions after he appeared at the "Pandora: Beneath the Paradise" press conference with a head-turning outfit.

The 41-year-old actor is among the lead stars of the upcoming tvN series, helmed by Choi Young Hoon of "One the Woman." Along with co-stars Lee Ji Ah, Lee Sang Yoon, Jang Hee Jin, and Park Ki Wong, Bong Tae Gyu stole the spotlight with his unique style.

Bong Tae Gyu's Genderless Fashion Attracts Attention

At the press conference, the actor posed alongside his co-stars. However, what stunned the crowd the most was his bold choice of outfit. The actor appeared sporting a black and white look, wearing head-to-toe leather, from his jacket, short shorts, and ankle boots.

To make the outfit look interesting, Bong Tae Gyu capped it off by donning a black necktie and high socks to match the schoolboy look.

On his Instagram, he tagged the Italian luxury brand company, Ferragamo. Over the comments section, fans seemed to adore Bong Tae Gyu's bold outfit and even praised him for having nice legs. Others also expressed how they love the styling, noting that it matched the actor's confidence.

On the other hand, some commented on tvN's Instagram post where one mentioned that he needs to fire his stylist for giving him an ill-fitting clothing.

As for The Penthouse: War In Life" fans, one pointed out that he is still living his character, the eclectic Assemblyman Lee Gyu Jin.

Interestingly, this is not the first time that Bong Tae Gyu wore a head-turning 'fit. As seen on his Instagram, the versatile star is unafraid to express himself through fashion. From printed outfits and vivid colors, Bong Tae Gyu seems to enjoy dressing up.

It is probably one of the reasons why fashion brands adore him. He is the brand ambassador for eyewear Double Lovers and was personally gifted by fashion designer Thom Browne his very own rabbit bag, which is similar to his iconic bag in "The Penthouse: War in Life."

He often carries a Thom Browne's dog-shaped Hector bag that retails for thousands of dollars as he played as the Assemblyman Lee Gyu Jin.

Moreover, he previously mentioned in an interview that he suggested wearing Thom Browne for most of his scenes in the K-drama because it "suits" his character.

'Pandora: Beneath the Paradise' Release Date, What To Expect

Scheduled to premiere this March 11, "Pandora: Beneath the Paradise" follows the story of a revenge-driven woman named Hong Tae Ra, played by Lee Ji Ah, who lost her memory but wants to know the truth behind her past.

She is paired with Lee Sang Yoon, who takes the role of Hong Tae Ra's husband, Pyo Jae Hyun, a presidential aspirant.

Viewers will get to see her revenge after knowing that she has been living a lie, and was orchestrated by someone who has a vengeful plan against her.

"Pandora: Beneath the Paradise" airs every Saturday and Sunday via tvN.
It's the 2000s all over again as Kim Tae Hee makes her much awaited return to the acting scene!

This 2023, the legendary actress is set to show up with the big guns as she challenges herself with a new promising drama project!

Kim Tae Hee Makes Comeback With New Mystery Drama

Three years after her last appearance on the television, Kim Tae Hee stirs buzz in the Hallyu scene with her much anticipated comeback!

This year, Kim Tae Hee takes on the challenge as she returns to prime time with a new thriller project entitled "A House with a Yard."

Based on the novel of the same name, the forthcoming series focuses on the story of a loving housewife whose picture-perfect life turns upside down when she sees illusions of the eerie things that happen inside her "happy home."

Kim Tae Hee landed the main role along with "Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area" actors Lim Ji Yeon and Kim Sung Oh. Details about their characters haven't been disclosed yet.

Despite that, the production unit of the work guarantees a thrilling watching experience as it will be handled by director Jung Ji Hyun, the man behind the sensuous drama "Twenty Five, Twenty One."

Moreover, Kim Tae Hee is also predicted to show off her improved acting prowess in the spine-chilling work, which is believed to be very different from the acting performances she has shown in previous works like "Stairway to Heaven" and "Hi Bye, Mama."

Filming for the upcoming series began in the late half of 2022 with the intention to greet the viewers in the second half of 2023.

Kim Tae Hee Transforms Into Donation Fairy

The forthcoming drama "A House with a Yard" marks Kim Tae Hee's return to the small screen, three years after the resounding success of "Hi Bye, Mama."

Since its conclusion, the legendary actress hasn't appeared in any acting projects and commercial films and although she's active on social media, the public still grew curious about her plans for her career.

In 2022, Kim Tae Hee dedicated her time to helping people in need. She made a heartfelt donation amounting to 800,000 USD worth of KF94 masks to G Foundation, a non-governmental organization.

This simple gesture helped families, growing children and senior citizens be safe from the threat of COVID-19.

In addition to that, Kim Tae Hee also extended her hands to the victims of the wildfire in Uljin, North Gyeongsang Province, which took down hundreds of homes and livelihood.

Kim Tae Hee donated 160,000 USD to the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association to help families rebuild their lives and improve the emergency system in Uljin and other affected areas.

KDramaStars owns this article.

Written by Elijah Mully.
An unexpected friendship between Park Hyung Sik and Jeon So Nee was featured in "Our Blooming Youth" episode 10.

Now that the historical K-drama is past the first part, viewers are about to see exciting scenes between the Crown Prince, Min Jae Yi, Section Chief Han Sung On, and more.

Based on the webtoon "The Golden Hairpin," the 16-part episode series depicts the story of two individuals who are facing a difficult situation.

The Crown Prince, played by Park Hyung Sik is suffering a mysterious curse while Min Jae Yi, played by Jeon So Nee was wrongfully accused, pinning her on the death of her family.

The duo's unique friendship will feature how they managed to get rid of the curse and clear Min Jae Yi's name.

Moreover, "Our Beloved Youth" will also uncover the person behind the Kingdom's chaos.

'Our Blooming Youth' Episode 10 Viewership

As the tvN series airs its 10th episode, the Park Hyung Sik and Jeon So Nee-led K-drama experience a slight boost in rating.

According to Neilsen Korea, "Our Blooming Youth" episode 10 sees a minimal increase from its previous episode.

For the drama's March 7 broadcast, it garnered an average nationwide rating of 3.4 percent while scored 3.8 percent (+0.1%)

Interestingly, viewers may catch the newest episodes of Park Hyung Sik's K-drama "Our Blooming Youth" via TVING and tvN.

"Our Blooming Youth" episode 11 is set to air on March 13 with broadcast every Monday and Tuesday night.

'Our Blooming Youth' Episode 10 Recap

The series features Crown Prince Yi Hwan''s crew along with Min Jae Yi disguised as Go Soon Dol and Section Chief Han Sung On.

Apart from wanting to know who killed her family, she is also helping the royal to find out the mystery behind their family's curse.

Interestingly, Section Chief Han holds a significant key regarding the shaman's warning.

With the information they got from a court lady, they learned that a woman used to visit the shaman before her death.

On the other hand, the young royal summoned the people from Byeokchon after knowing that someone from the village is connected with the shaman.

As the Crown Prince and Min Jae Yi investigate, Yi Hwan seemed to be warming up with Jae Yi as they get closer.

The Crown prince even spoke about being friends with her despite being of the opposite sex. However, he seemed adamant about it given that Min Jae Yi is his best friend's former fiance.
Seol In Ah's comeback drama "Oasis" with Jang Dong Yoon and Chu Young Woo is off to a great start as it scored an impressive score with its pilot episodes.

However, not all feedback is great as the work received criticisms just a week into the work. Here's what happened.

'Oasis' Criticized For Poor Production Quality

KBS2 finally released its brand new period drama "Oasis"!

Starring Seol In Ah, Jang Dong Yoon and Chu Young Woo, "Oasis" tells the story of three individuals who are stuck in the middle of a love pyramid while trying to chase after their dreams and more in the heart of 1990 South Korea.

The series premiered on March 6 and received a nationwide rating of 6.3%, a significantly high score in terms of viewership. In the next episode, the work scored a rating of 5.2%.

Though there's a slight decline, the work is still one of the hottest among newer releases. Unfortunately, "Oasis" didn't only receive positive remarks as it became the subject of criticism.

Many viewers who have seen the first two episodes of the work expressed their regrets and branded the drama as "tacky" due to its old production quality.

Historical works are a recurring theme in KBS2 dramas like "Youth in May" and "Curtain Call" but "Oasis" holds nothing against the mentioned works according to fans.

One fan stated, "Even if it's a period drama, the shabby clothes that looked recycled and tacky sets just ruin the work that even the actors' performances couldn't save it."

The viewers also pointed out the absurd narrative of the main character going to prison for the second lead, which didn't develop smoothly and seamlessly.

However, many viewers argued that "Oasis" is a great drama that touches on the themes of political issues, societal differences and discrimination against the poor.

Since it's only the first week of its entire run, the production unit guarantees that "Oasis" heralds a great watching experience for fans and regular viewers alike.

Seol In Ah on Becoming Oh Jung Shin

A year after the success of her last drama, Seol In Ah returned to the small screen to capture the attention of the viewers once again!

Known for her angelic face and impeccable acting chops, Seol In Ah bags her newest leading role in years, opposite Jang Dong Yoon whom she worked with in "School 2017."

Seol In Ah fell in love with her character Oh Jung Shin because of her amazing interacting skills and ability to control herself in rather serious situations.

"The period drama appealed to me as soon as I learned about it. Maybe I really am into historical dramas," Seol In Ah stated. "I was also drawn to Oh Jung Shin's 360 shift, which encouraged me to accept the offer."

In the series, the bubbly and carefree Oh Jung Shin becomes a reputable and reserved young woman due to an unexpected incident.

Attention is focused on "Oasis" and what it has in store for fans in the upcoming weeks. Catch it every Monday and Tuesday on KBS2 at 9:50 p.m. KST.

KDramaStars owns this article.

Written by Elijah Mully.
Chinese chili planting program leads Pakistani farmers to prosperity

11:21, March 09, 2023 By Song Haoxin ( People's Daily

"It's my first time growing chilies. I was not expecting such a good harvest," said Wahid, a farmer from Pakpattan, Pakistan, while Chinese expert Zhao Jianhua was instructing him to pick the plants.

Looking at the glowing red chilies, the Pakistani smiled with joy.

The seeds of the chilies planted by Wahid and its planting technology were from Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province, which is thousands of kilometers away from where he lives.

Farmers celebrate chili harvest in Pakpattan, Pakistan. (Photo courtesy of the publicity department of the Communist Party of China Pidu district committee in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province)

The seeds were brought to Pakistan over three years ago by Chen Changwei, head of the Sichuan-based company Litong & Food, as well as technicians of the company.

After analyzing the climate, temperature and soil in the country, the company established an international agricultural development corporation together with another company in Sichuan, and started massive chili planting in multiple regions in Pakistan, including Hyderabad, Multan, Kasur, Okara and Lahore.

In 2021, the chili planting program started in the village where Wahid lives, and it struck Wahid after he learned that chili planting is a highly profitable business. In November of that year, the man who originally planted corn tested water in chili planting.

The average income of chili planting is three times that of other crops, which stands at around 1,500 yuan ($215.31) per mu, or 667 square meters.

According to Wahid, farmers joining the program would receive seedlings as well as technical support and guidance on management, picking and drying. After the plants are dried by the farmers and pass quality inspection, they will be purchased by the Chinese agricultural company, he told People's Daily.

Finding that the chili planting business has doubled the previous income, Wahid and several other farmers recently extended their contract for another three months.

During the 2022-2023 planting season, 15,000 acres of chilies were planted by Pakistani farmers in cooperation with the Chinese agricultural company, and the harvest is expected to reach 37,500 tons, said Chen.

Farmers celebrate chili harvest in Pakpattan, Pakistan. (Photo courtesy of the publicity department of the Communist Party of China Pidu district committee in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province)

According to him, the business will generate export value of $45 million and has created thousands of jobs for the local community. Besides, it has also nurtured more than 100 local experts of chili planting.

On the third meeting of the China-Pakistan Joint Working Group on Agriculture held in September 2022, the chili planting program was included on a list of agricultural projects under the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Six demonstration farms that joined the program in Punjab and Sindh provinces reported bumper harvests in the past year. At present, chili seedlings are being planted and transplanted in South Punjab, and soon field management will kick off. The planting in Sindh is also advancing as scheduled. These chilies are expected to enter the Chinese market in June this year.

Gu Wenliang, Agricultural Commissioner of the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, said both China and Pakistan are major agricultural countries, and Pakistan is home to vast fertile and arable land. Over 60 percent of the people in Pakistan are engaged in agriculture-related jobs.

"China has gained rich experience in seed cultivation and crop planting. The two countries see huge potential in agricultural cooperation," Gu said.

Enhancing South-South agricultural cooperation is an important means to cope with hunger, malnutrition, poverty, inequality, and other global issues.

Over the past few years, China has actively launched South-South agricultural cooperation with other developing countries and practically implemented cooperation projects to help more countries and regions improve sustainable agricultural productivity and promote common progress of developing countries.

Chilies harvested in Pakpattan, Pakistan are being dried. (Photo courtesy of the publicity department of the Communist Party of China Pidu district committee in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province)

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Du Mingming)
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In this episode, we welcome Alan Lindemann, an obstetrics-gynecology physician, to discuss the issue of autonomy and treatment for elderly patients. He shares his experiences in the long-term care setting, and the disturbing trend of interpreting do not resuscitate (DNR) orders as orders not to treat a patient. He recounts instances where elderly patients were denied treatment and left to die, despite their wishes to be treated like a younger patient.

Alan emphasizes the importance of respecting patient autonomy and making sure that elderly patients are not denied medical treatment simply because of their age. He shares a heartening story of successfully treating a 95-year-old patient with urosepsis and restoring him to his previous state of health.

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the thin line between do not treat and assisted suicide and the need to ensure that elderly patients are not denied medical treatment based on their age.

Alan Lindemann is an obstetrics-gynecology physician.

He shares his story and discusses his KevinMD article, Breaking the silence: a doctors plea for clarity in end-of-life care.

The Podcast by KevinMD is brought to you by the Nuance Dragon Ambient eXperience.

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Action is being taken in Kilkenny and a number of other counties to crack down on illegal streaming and people using so-called 'dodgy boxes'.

Legal warnings are being delivered in person, by post, and by email to individuals across the country involved in providing illegal access to premium TV content, including from Sky and the Premier League.

The cease-and-desist notices instruct those running the services to immediately cease all illegal streaming activity otherwise risk facing the consequences, including criminal prosecution. They were issued to addresses including Kilkenny, Mayo, Limerick, Meath, Offaly, Dublin, and Wexford between February 28 to mid-March.

The action has begun to have an effect with a number of illegal streaming services already taken down. It is expected more disruption will ensue.

These legal notices form part of a broader targeted campaign in which more action in Ireland will follow to disrupt and shut down organised and sophisticated piracy networks.

Illegal IPTV service providers are a significant problem in Ireland. This is criminal activity, and those involved are not concerned about the risks their streams pose to consumers," says Keiron Sharp, CEO at FACT.

In research carried out last year by cyber security experts Webroot, it was found that of 50 illegal streaming sites analysed, every single one contained some form of malicious content  from sophisticated scams to extreme and explicit content.

FACT and its partners are determined to disrupt these criminal operations and protect consumers.

As well as being illegal, accessing content this way poses serious risks to consumers. Research carried out by Dynata in 2022 shows that almost half (49%) of respondents who illegally stream say they or someone they know has been a victim of scams, ID theft, fraud or data loss.

This action comes as FACT continues to work with law enforcement to crack down on illegal streaming services in the UK, many of which also have customers in Ireland.

In January, FACT and police visited homes across the UK, serving notices to individuals to cease illegal streaming activities immediately and informing users of the associated risks, including criminal prosecution. Just last week, the City of London Police led a crackdown on illegal streaming networks, resulting in arrests in Scotland and London.
Teenage entrepreneurs from Grennan College, St Kieran's College and Colaiste Abhainn Ri will represent Kilkenny at this years Student Enterprise Programme National Finals on Friday, May 5.

It follows today's Kilkenny final held at Lyrath Hotel hosted by Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny. Over 1,000 students from 12 schools took part in the annual programme locally with 130 students making it to the county final. SEE TWO PAGES OF PICTURES IN NEXT WEEK'S KILKENNY PEOPLE



Innovation Award: Shane Harding, Luke Walsh, Cesar Guzman, Keelan Cushen of Easy Clips from Duiske College with teachers Kevin Cheasty & Alison Ruschitzko



In the junior category, the students representing Kilkenny at the national finals are Jane Kelly and Isabelle Doheny from Worry Not at Colaiste Abhainn Ri. They sold polished stones that consumers could use for meditation or to ease anxiety by rubbing.

Cian Holohan and Jack Dooley from HD Horseshoe Designs at St Kieran's College will be representing the county at the finals in the intermediate category. This company sold a variety of ornaments made from repurposed horseshoes.

In the senior category of the competition, Kilkenny will be represented on May 5 by Michael Bookle, Conor Monks, Darragh Dack, Conor Kelly and Isaac Magnez from The Gaming Guard at Grennan College. An Xbox and PlayStation 5 controller accessory that helps players avoid being kicked out of live online games made from 3-D printing.

In the My Entrepreneurial Journey competition, two Colaiste Abhainn Ri students will represent Kilkenny - Ruth O'Sullivan of Shake It Up Ltd in the junior category and Darragh Lyons from Energelz in the intermediate category.

Speaking at the county final, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Pat Fitzpatrick said that what students are learning from the programme is that with the right supports and encouragement, they can take an idea from the classroom and develop it into a real-life business.

"The skills they learn along the way, such as business planning, market research, selling and team-work, will help them become more entrepreneurial throughout their future careers," he said.

Aileen McGrath, Head of Enterprise (acting), of Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny congratulated the students.

We have a very successful Student Enterprise Programme here in Kilkenny with over 1,000 students from 12 local schools taking part this year," she said.

"Our national finalists are excellent ambassadors for the programme and we wish them the very best of luck on Friday, May 5, and we will all hope to be there to support them. In what has been a particularly challenging couple of years for students the programme has offered them an outlet outside of the usual school demands.

The local students will be competing against hundreds of other student entrepreneurs from all over Ireland at the Student Enterprise Programme National Finals, taking place at Croke Park in Dublin on May 5.

Mini-Company Results

Junior Category: Jane Kelly and Isabelle Doheny from Worry Not at Colaiste Abhainn Ri.

Intermediate Category: Cian Holohan and Jack Dooley from HD Horseshoe Designs at St. Kieran's College.

Senior Category: Michael Bookle, Conor Monks, Darragh Dack, Conor Kelly and Isaac Magnez from The Gaming Guard at Grennan College.

My Entrepreneurial Journey Results

Junior Category: Ruth O'Sullivan of Shake It Up Ltd, Colaiste Abhainn Ri.

Intermediate Category: Darragh Lyons from Energelz, Colaiste Abhainn Ri.

Innovation Award: Shane Harding, Luke Walsh, Cesar Guzman, Keelan Cushen of Easy Clips from Duiske College.

The Green Award: Billy O'Keeffe of Growing Crazy from CBS Kilkenny.

Best Commercial Potential Award (Sponsored by MacDonagh Junction): Jody Brooks of Jodys Walking Wonders from Duiske College.

Best Endeavour Award: Beth Keoghan of Cracking Eggs from Presentation Secondary School.

Judges Choice Award

Alex Caffery of Ace Vintage Gaming from Grennan College.

Ellen Lahart and Lucy Dalton of Bone Appetite from Loreto Secondary School.



Special Merit Awards

Best Social Media: Molly Burke of Nannys Knits Colaiste Pobail Osrai

Best Display: Anna Brennan and Diana Latysovic of Tailored Totes from Presentation Secondary School

Best Branding: Will Tynan, Killian Lacey and Patrick Krupinski of Urban Breaky from Castlecomer Community School.

Best Social Enterprise: Anna McGoldrick of Teds Homemade Treats from Presentation Secondary School

New Product Development: Conor Murphy, Afeez Ramoni, Dominik Kraljevic, Hamza El Harrack, Daniel Leahy of Fitness Fan from CBS Kilkenny.

Further information around the Student Enterprise Programme is available from www.studententerprise.ie and by searching #studententerprise on social media.
An National Arts in Nursing Homes Day award of 1000 is going to Mooncoin Residential Care Centre in County Kilkenny for an exciting song-writing project that is being led by musician Liam Merriman.

A multi-artform approach is being undertaken to bring residents creativity to the fore.

The project will culminate with the creation of a piece of music encompassing lyrics captured from reminiscence sessions with residents.

The recording with residents and a short documentary of the project will be screened at a celebratory event on National Arts in Nursing Homes Day.

Now in its third year, National Arts in Nursing Homes Day takes place on the third Friday of May as part of Bealtaine Festival, Irelands national celebration of the arts and creativity as we age.

It showcases the wonderful but often hidden creative activity taking place with residents of nursing homes and in day care centres.

Three innovative arts projects were selected from entries received from nursing homes and care centres across the country.

They are creatively engaging nursing home residents in projects that will be unveiled on National Arts in Nursing Homes Homes Day, 19th May.

The winners of two 500 awards are:

Borris Lodge Nursing Home, County Carlow, who will stage an exhibition of their work as part of their dynamic Borris Lace Exchange Project;

Highfield Healthcare, Whitehall, Dublin, who will engage a local artist to facilitate AZURE  slow, art-looking  sessions with residents living with dementia.

Over the coming weeks, nursing homes across the country will be preparing art-themed celebrations for the Day.

Around 100 nursing homes across the country hosted celebrations in 2022, with 2023 looking to build upon previous years successes.

Nursing home staff, residents, members of day care centres and their families and visitors will participate in celebrations.
The bravery of the men and women defending Ukraine has so impressed a Kilkenny businessman that he has launched an appeal to bring aid to the country.



Jim Harding, from Gowran, travelled to Ukraine earlier this year as part of an Irish aid convoy from Tipeprary, and now has launched his own appeal.

I couldnt come back here, having seen what they are going through, the battles they are fighting, the friends they are losing, and do absolutely nothing, Jim explained to the Kilkenny People.



Ireland as a country may be neutral but the Irish people cannot stand back and see this nation which shares a background eerily similar to our own in terms of famine colonisation and character, defend their country against the worlds second largest military machine without doing everything in our power to help.



Jims appeal is focusing on the vehicles that are needed in Ukraine, especially on the front line and to distribute food and aid.

Speaking to Ukrainians, when he was there in January, Jim said they appear to be pushing back the Russians, but they are doing so at an extremely high cost. They badly want four-wheel vans and ambulances, he said.



The need for ambulances is self explanatory, Jim said, and is central to his aim of saving lives.

Four-wheel drive vehicles are needed to bring people to and from frontline areas. They will bring injured people away from the front and to ambulances and treatment centres. Ambulances are kept back from the frontlines because they cant afford to lose them.

Vans and trucks are also needed to transport food and humanitarian supplies from central depots.

The vehicles needed the most are pickups, for ease of loading and unloading casualties and cargo.



Older but reliable 4wd jeeps are best for them at the moment as they are easier to repair in the field and they are destined for a relatively short life on the front, Jim said.

Those jeeps and vans are sitting all over the country, not being used, they are going for scrap, he highlighted the vehicles his appeal will accept.

For example, one vehicle Jim brought over in January had been sitting in an Irish field for four years. Anything with four wheel drive, it doesnt matter what it is.

As well as the four wheel drives also needed are generators to supply injury stabilisation centres with power, and fire engines which will be sent to areas where they are most needed.



Jim is hoping to team up with another Irish aid appeal to carry medical supplies and first aid kits in the vehicle convoy.

He will need help with fundraising, administration and, eventually, drivers to go to Ukraine.

Before they leave Ireland there will be a need for mechanics to check over the vehicles to make sure they are roadworthy to drive to Ukraine.

Jim is also appealing to local businesses who might come together to sponsor a vehicle or provide financial support.



On a recent similar trip organised by a Tipperary group we drove 17 jeeps and ambulances, generators, medical supplies and warm clothing into Ukraine and delivered them directly to the Ukrainian military, which gave us ample time to chat to many young Ukrainian soldiers about their time and effort in the war. Many explained that they were holding out against the giant Russian Army only with supreme effort on behalf of young men determined to preserve their independence.

One of their difficulties, with which we could help, was getting wounded soldiers back off the front lines to where ambulance crews could reach and rush them to stabilisation centres in preparation for onward journey to hospitals, as getting wounded soldiers medical treatment as quickly was vital for their chance of survival.

The campaign is just starting and Jim is working on the official documentation and registration with local charities in Ukraine for the vehicles and goods he will bring over.

He hopes to travel back, with his convoy of vehicles, in April.

Jim has set up a website, KilkennyUkraine.com, to set out all the details of what is needed by his appeal, and an iDonate page for financial support.

He can also be contacted on 0833340270 or email ireland2ukraine@gmail.com.
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Mostly clear and windy. Low 32F. NW winds at 20 to 30 mph, decreasing to 10 to 15 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear and windy. Low 32F. NW winds at 20 to 30 mph, decreasing to 10 to 15 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.
VANDALIA - The vast majority of Missouri is experiencing a mental health professional shortage, according to data from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administrations.

In rural areas, the professional shortage is exacerbated as patients seeking help battle accessibility issues.

In Audrain County, the Van Far R1 School District is trying to help lessen the crisis by prioritizing students mental health in the classroom.

Van Far serves fewer than 550 K-12 students in Vandalia, a community in northeastern Audrain County. After the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated already existing mental health issues in the community, school leaders decided to make addressing the crisis an explicit priority  outlining this issue in their CSIP, or school strategy plan.

For Superintendent John Fortney, fostering an environment where mental health is addressed and discussed is imperative.

A kid that's in stress or trauma is not going to pay attention to what's happening in class, Fortney said.

Melissa Deimeke, Van Far's special education director and 504 coordinator, said the district's new emphasis on addressing mental health is a great first step.

Still, school administrators said they are far from adequately meeting the communitys needs. While the district has guidance counselors for college and high school planning, Fortney said the school would benefit from a full-time therapist.

It's not realistic for a district of our size to hire its own in-house therapist, because I can't pay I mean, if you're a counselor, you can make a six-figure salary, Fortney said. There's just no way with taxpayer money, I can pay that.

The top two mental health issues for students in the district are anxiety and depression, according to Fortney.

We're working with kids in crisis significantly more in the last couple of years than we probably have ever, Fortney said. Depending on the grade level, sometimes we're seeing substance abuse issues and some self harming. I think cutting has been an issue that [has] started to rise again.

When students are in crisis, Fortney said the on-staff guidance counselors are often forced to triage.

Counselors may be working with a senior on a plan for post graduation, and then all of a sudden, we have a [mental health care] issue, Fortney said. ... They are very much the Swiss Army knife of a school district. They do a little bit of everything and wear a ton of hats. And, then on top of that they're providing those direct services to kids that are in crisis and struggling.

While these counselors do their best to provide immediate support, they are not qualified to treat long-term, systemic mental health issues. To address this, Fortney said hes had to find out-of-the-box solutions.

One of those solutions is looping in additional resources. Fortney said hes attempted to have college students studying counseling complete lab hours at his schools. Hes also enlisted Telehealth resources from the Arthur Center and Clarity Healthcare.

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However, connecting students with long-term care requires parental consent. This is difficult when mental health issues are tinged with stigma.

Unfortunately, in rural communities [mental health] is still kind of that down low thing that people don't necessarily want to talk about, Fortney said. So, when we look at those kinds of issues, it really is trying to convince parents.

For Blaise Stuedle, the high school principal at Van Far R1, sparking discussions about mental health at home is an ongoing battle. He said discussions arent happening often enough at home, if theyre happening at all.

I think once those conversations are started, that our parents and our guardians are kind of taking the lead on those after the conversations are started, Stuedle said. But I'm not sure they understand the best way to start those conversations with their students.

State-financed solutions

District education funds are allocated primarily based on The Foundation Formula (Section 163.031, RSMo). The formula is based on several factors like attendance, local property tax rates, poverty rates and the need for special education. To ensure each student receives a specified level of funding, there is a State Adequacy Target.

Local districts can generate additional funds through voter-approved property taxes. But, for school districts with high-poverty rates, property tax income generation is limited.

Lisa Dierking, the coordinator of school-based mental health for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), said there are other options for rural communities to bolster mental health support.

On Jan. 19, DESE released an administrative memo announcing the allocation of more than $19 million in state reserve funds to establish the School-Based Mental Health Immediate Responsive Services Grant (IRSG).

[The IRSG] grant was pushed out a couple of weeks ago and it's available to every school district and charter schools across the state, Dierking said. The purpose of this grant is to increase student access to mental health resources.

Schools can use these funds for hiring school-based mental health professionals, contracting with community based mental health providers (including telehealth providers) and for reimbursing mileage associated with contracted service appointments.

Van Far R1 has used the grants funds to add a therapist to their staff for the 2023-24 school year.

Applications for the grant close March 10. School districts can apply here.
Hundreds of US House members and staff had their personally identifiable information stolen in a breach of a DC health care insurance service, the House chief administrative officer told lawmakers on March 8 in a letter obtained by CNN.
A lawyer representing one of five Proud Boys members asked a federal judge to throw out the case, saying that federal prosecutors hid "plainly exculpatory" US Capitol security footage played on Fox News host Tucker Carlson's show.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin shakes hands with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant upon his arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, Israel, March 9. Reuters-Yonhap



Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin told Israeli leaders on Thursday to take steps to reduce tensions in the occupied West Bank, amid growing worry in Washington that the situation could distract the allies from their effort to counter Iran.



Austin, who is on a regional tour, landed in Ben Gurion Airport for a visit that had been hastily rescheduled due to a surge in street protests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to overhaul the judiciary.



Hours earlier, Israeli forces killed three Islamic Jihad gunmen in the West Bank, among territories that has seen simmering violence amid the Palestinians' long-stalled goal of statehood.



"Secretary Austin called for a halt in unilateral actions that undermine the enduring goal of two states with Palestinians and Israelis enjoying equal measures of freedom, security, opportunity, justice, and dignity," a Pentagon readout of Austin's meeting with Netanyahu said.



He met Netanyahu at the airport for more than an hour.



The United States is Israel's closest ally and both countries are increasingly concerned about Iran military activities in the region and its nuclear program.



"Secretary Austin is perfectly capable of having conversations about both issues (West Bank and Iran)," said a senior U.S. defense official, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.



But Israel's preoccupation with the West Bank "detracts from our ability to focus on what the strategic threat is right now and that is Iran's dangerous nuclear advances and continuing regional and global aggression", the official said.



He was greeted on the tarmac by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and was due to have a meeting with his counterpart and Netanyahu at a nearby aerospace industry compound.



Austin had originally been due to arrive on Wednesday and stay overnight in Tel Aviv, where Israel's Defense Ministry is based. But those plans were changed due to concern about traffic disruptions from the anti-Netanyahu protests.



"Austin is committed to Israel's security, but one of the dominant ways in which we've been able to work together and strengthen that relationship is because we're two democracies that share values," the U.S. official said, adding that those values included the right to protest.



Flashpoints



Among West Bank flashpoints concerning the United States is the village of Huwara, where the Feb. 26 killing by a Palestinian gunman of two brothers from a Jewish settlement triggered revenge riots by settlers.



The rampage triggered worldwide outrage and condemnation, which was increased when ultra-nationalist Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has responsibility for aspects of the West Bank administration, said Huwara should be "erased."



Smotrich later offered a partial retraction. There has been no sign of any let-up in the violence ahead of the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish Passover festival.



Since the beginning of the year, Israeli forces have killed more than 70 Palestinians, including militant fighters and civilians; in the same period, Palestinians have killed 13 Israelis and one Ukrainian woman in apparently uncoordinated attacks.



The judicial overhaul proposed by Netanyahu would give his nationalist-religious coalition decisive sway in picking judges and limit the scope of the Supreme Court to strike down legislation or rule against the executive.



Dozens of Israeli air force reservists said on Sunday they would not turn up for training in protest against Netanyahu's judicial reforms, a jolt for a country whose melting-pot military is meant to be apolitical. (Reuters)




Angola, IN (46703)

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Windy this evening with rain showers mixing with snow showers overnight. Low 33F. Winds SW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of precip 60%. Higher wind gusts possible..

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Kendallville, IN (46755)

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Rain showers this evening changing to mixed rain and snow overnight. Low 33F. Winds SW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of precip 50%. Higher wind gusts possible..

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Auburn, IN (46706)

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A few rain showers this evening mixing with snow showers overnight. Low 34F. Winds SW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of precip 50%. Higher wind gusts possible..

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To celebrate his birthday, BTS Suga has made a meaningful donation to Turkey-Syria's earthquake victims.

Find out more about his generous deed.

BTS Suga Gives Profound Birthday Donation To Earthquake Relief Efforts in Turkey, Syria

On March 9, non-governmental organization (NGO) Save the Children announced that BTS member Suga has made a generous donation to Turkey-Syria earthquake victims.

Notably, March 9 is also the rapper's birthday. Save the Children revealed that Suga has donated a total of 100 million won, which is equivalent to $75,900 USD. The donation would go to the relief efforts in aiding the earthquake victims and help them towards recovery.

They stated:

"Suga, a member of BTS, has donated 100 million won for emergency relief in Turkey and Syria following its devastating earthquake damage."

Suga shared his thoughts regarding his donation. He expressed sympathy over the survivors who were affected by the calamity, and sent his condolences to victims. Suga also hoped that his donation would be able to aid children who suffered because of the disaster and help them recuperate.

With the donation in hand, Save the Children will make use of Suga's contribution to fund relief materials. These include items such as school supplies, winter blankets, mattresses and other essentials that are important in the stricken areas.

"Many people, families, and children have suffered a great deal of damage from this disaster. I send my condolences to those who were affected by the earthquakes. I hope this donation will be of help to children who experienced this unfortunate occurrence, and be utilized to provide relief goods."

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: BTS Suga Donates $88K to Cancer Patients on His Birthday + Shares Update on His Shoulder Injury Recuperation

On February 6, Turkey and Syria was met by two overwhelming earthquakes (7.8 and 7.5 magnitudes) on the spot. It was followed by two additional waves (6.4 and 5.6 magnitudes) on February 20 and 27.

In the first wave (February 6), BTS's label, HYBE donated 500 million KRW ($388,900 USD) to Save the Children. Meanwhile, members J-Hope and Jimin made generous donations of 100 million each to UNICEF, via the Korean Committee.

Reviewing Through BTS Suga's Other Donations

This isn't the first time Suga has made donations. Suga has also donated to wildfire victims on his previous birthday on March 9, 2022.

He also donated to pediatric cancer patients on March 11, 2021 and a 100 million won for COVID-19 prevention efforts.

On March 9, 2018, Suga had also sent gifts of Korean beef to 39 orphanages under ARMY's name, keeping his promise to fans on a 2014 fan signing event.

A source from BigHit stated:

"Suga made the donation in the name of ARMY instead of his own to show his appreciation to his supporters as he couldn't hold a party to eat meat with them."

What are your thoughts on Suga's birthday donation? Tell us in the comments below!

Read KpopStarz for more K-pop news.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: BTS J-Hope Makes Generous Donation to Support Disabled Children in Celebration of His Birthday

KpopStarz owns this article

Written by Israel Monte
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News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism.
The Commission announced today new funding of 50 million in humanitarian aid for the Southern Africa and Indian Ocean region. These funds will help combat food insecurity and malnutrition, improve access to basic services, enhance disaster preparedness and promote education in emergencies throughout the region. Of the 50 million, 13.3 million are allocated to Madagascar, 25 million to Mozambique, 7.4 million to Zimbabwe, and 4.3 million to Lesotho, Malawi and regional projects.

During his visit, the Commissioner is due to meet the President of Madagascar Andry Rajoelina; the governors of Vatovavy and Fitovinany regions and the directors of the national office for disaster management. The Commissioner will also meet humanitarian partners and Pedro Pablo Opeka, the founder of Akamasoa Humanitarian association, while also visiting the recent cyclone affected areas.

In February 2023, the EU also provided 100, 000 in emergency humanitarian funding to assist those most affected by tropical cyclone Freddy, which made landfall on the eastern coast of the island on 21 February 2023. This year, a new air support operation is being implemented in order to reinforce the capacity of humanitarian actors to reach communities affected by flooding and cyclones. This operation amounts to 1.2 million.

Background

The Southern Africa and Indian Ocean region is prone to disasters induced by natural hazards  exacerbated by the impacts of climate change, environmental degradation and poor natural resources' management  and human-induced hazards caused by armed conflict and violence. Tropical storms and cyclones, floods, droughts and epidemics occur often, rendering the region highly vulnerable to these risks. The 2021/2022 cyclone season resulted in heavy destruction in the region, including in Madagascar and Mozambique. The start of the 2023 cyclone season saw both countries affected again.

In addition to the repercussions from the most recent cyclones, over 2 million people are highly food insecure in Madagascar due to the continuing drought in the Grand Sud. In Mozambique, the security situation in the northern province of Cabo Delgado remains highly unstable, and over 1 million people have been forced to flee their homes. In Zimbabwe, food insecurity is expected to worsen, including due to a decrease in crop production  but also due to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, which has had an impact on the economies of the whole region.

The EU's humanitarian aid will serve to bolster the multi-sector response to climate and human-induced disasters, support Education in Emergencies and strengthen disaster preparedness.

For more information:

EU humanitarian aid to Madagascar

EU humanitarian aid to Mozambique

EU humanitarian aid to Zimbabwe

EU humanitarian aid to the Southern Africa and Indian Ocean region

Zarazeno ct 09.03.2023 12:03:00 Zdroj Evropska komise sk Original ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/api/documents?reference=IP/23/1399&language=en lang en
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
Sukma (Chhattisgarh) [India], March 9 (ANI): An exchange of fire took place between security personnel and Naxalites in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district in which two security personnel got injured on Thursday, the police said.

According to the police, Naxalites have probably suffered heavy losses in the said encounter in which 5-6 Naxalites have also been injured.

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In the encounter, no casualties have been reported but CoBRA202 battalion Inspector Munesh Kumar Meena, and CoBRA208 Battalion constable Amit Modak suffered minor injuries, police officials said.

Both the jawan are stable and have been sent to the headquarters for proper treatment after first aid, they said.

Also Read | Over 10 Million Older Adults in India Likely Have Dementia, Says AI Study.

Separately, an additional team of the Special Task Force (STF), the 208th battalion of the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) and CRPF have been sent for the search operation in the area.

Further details are awaited. (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], March 9 (ANI): Kerala Customs department arrested a crew member of Air India Express for smuggling over 1.4 kg gold at Kochi airport.

A senior Customs official said that a resident of Wayanad, who worked as a cabin crew member of Air India Express airlines was held by Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of the Customs department at Kerala's Kochi airport on Wednesday.

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"The arrested accused was on a Bahrain-Kochi flight. The accused kept the gold wrapped around his hands and covered it under his full sleeves uniform," said a senior customs official.

Air India spokesperson confirmed that a member of the crew on an Air India Express flight IX 474 has been taken into custody following an incident involving smuggling. The said individual has been placed on suspension with immediate effect.

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"Air India Express has zero tolerance for such behaviour and will be taking stern action against the individual including termination of service following receipt of the report from the investigative authorities," he added.

Further details are awaited. (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, Mar 9 (PTI) The CBI has taken over the investigation into alleged financial irregularities in the running of the Rajiv Gandhi National Creche Scheme in which the Indian Council for Child Welfare was one of the implementing agencies, officials said Thursday.

The CBI took up the case against unidentified persons under IPC sections of criminal breach of trust and cheating on a reference from the Ministry of Women and Child Development, which had earlier filed an FIR with Delhi Police.

Also Read | Uttar Pradesh Shocker: 6-Year-Old Girl Raped in Hardoi, Dies on Way to Hospital.

The Delhi High Court had constituted a three-member committee under the chairmanship of the ministry's joint secretary to look into alleged irregularities in the scheme which the Centre implemented till 2016.

According to the Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW), 5,029 creches were functional across the country in 2015-16.

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Based on the committee's findings, the high court had directed the Centre to take a view if a probe by an agency like the CBI is warranted or not.

It was pointed out that there were several lacunae in the manner the funds received by the ICCW were distributed to the state councils.

It is alleged that funds were distributed without reference to the ground situation regarding the number of creches functioning and children enrolled therein for which extra funds were demanded.

The extra funds were with the state councils, and there was no visible effort to refund the additional funds taken.

"The High Court Committee and minutes of EC (ICCW executive committee) show that the existence of creches at ground level was much below of even that reported by the state councils, leaving a huge margin between fund requirement and fund demanded. The use of this margin of funds is not apparent because records are not maintained as per accounting requirements, and also, a large part of the final disbursement is in cash in all places where records have been traced," the FIR points out.

It said the executive committee (EC) of ICCW is the decision-making body and manages its activities.

"It is seen that EC has been aware of the fact that its programmes were not running as per requirement. There has been no sharing of this information. In fact, knowing that the creches or other programmes were not running properly, projection of funds were still made as if all aspects were fully functional," the FIR alleged.

It alleged that the "level of management shown by ICCW" in running various initiatives of the Ministry does not commensurate with requirements.

"Management is seen to be turning more lax in adherence to scheme guidelines pertaining to programmes assigned to ICCW.... The records...show that progress is not as per target in all programmes," the FIR alleged.

(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], March 9 (ANI): To ensure that residents in the national capital can immerse themselves in the festival of colours without fearing for their security, the South District of Delhi Police deployed multiple teams at vulnerable areas for prevention and detection of crimes and ensure a peaceful and joyous celebration of Holi.

Special drives against organised crime and the consumption of liquor in public were carried out in various places within the jurisdictional ambit of South District District, between March 6 and 8, to maintain law and order ahead of and during the festival of colours.

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The objective behind the drives was to control crime and ensure a better security ambience for residents for celebrating the festival of colours.

According to the South District of Delhi Police, during the special drives, 25 bootleggers and a gambler were arrested while 472 persons were bound down under preventive action in different police station areas.

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A total of 12,894 quarters of liquor, 396 halves of liquor, 394 beer bottles and 5 bottles of liquor, 1 scooty, 1 rickshaw and stake money worth Rs 860 in cash were seized.

The dedicated teams sensitised local informers and collected human intelligence. They were also directed to keep a vigil over those in jail or out on bail or parole and do a rigorous background check on those suspected to be involved in criminal activities.

Further, several teams were put together to patrol areas ahead of and during the festival. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Jammu, Mar 9 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Dilbag Singh on Thursday directed officers to take stringent action against harbourers and overground workers of terrorists to end terrorism in the Union Territory.

He also said the UAPA cases should be dealt more efficiently and professionally.

Also Read | Delhi Police Arrest Man for Selling Fake Indian Currency Notes on Social Media From Rajasthan.

Neutralising a terrorist is not enough unless all those involved in harbouring and supporting him are identified and brought to justice, Singh said.

He was chairing a meeting of the Kashmir zone officers at the police headquarters here.

Also Read | Sunny Leone Is Being 'Unnecessarily Harassed' by Cheating Case, Says Kerala High Court.

The meeting was among others attended by Additional Director General of Police, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar, deputy inspector generals of police (south, central and north Kashmir), deputy inspector general, Special Investigation Unit (SIU), and all district superintendents of police through video-conferencing, a police spokesman said.

The police chief directed that stringent action be taken against the overground workers (OGWs) and others providing any kind of support to terrorists.

Property of accused to be seized under law and absconding accused to be declared as proclaimed offender besides initiating action under law, the DGP said.

The meeting, which was also attended personally by ADGP (Coordination), police headquarters, Danesh Rana and IGP (CIV), police headquarters, B S Tuti and other officers, reviewed the progress of under investigation cases besides taking stock of cases under trial, the spokesman said.

The main objective of the meeting is to reexamine and discuss the directions already issued by the police headquarters regarding investigation of cases registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the DGP said.

He stressed on the need for dealing with the UAPA cases more efficiently and professionally.

SIUs have been created to pace up result-oriented investigation in UAPA cases and assist the overall efforts of district police to dismantle the terror ecosystem, Singh said.

Stressing for taking the investigation more seriously and execution of plan of action in each case, the DGP directed for efficient investigation and timely presentation of the chargesheet.

He enjoined upon all supervisory officers to analyse all the UAPA and Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) cases and subsequently start the investigation taking into account their sensitivity.

He directed the district police chiefs to supervise each and every case personally besides involving prosecution officers to mitigate legal and technical lacuna, if any.

The DGP also directed for conducting regular review meetings at different levels to analyse the cases under investigation besides taking additional measures to improve the conviction rate.

Singh also emphasised upon the officers to ensure that the investigation of UAPA cases are foolproof, taking into account every evidence and contemplating trial of cases in order to achieve the desired results.

Pairvi cells have been created at different levels to supplement the investigation process and trail of the cases, he said and directed range DIGs and district SSPs to supervise the Pairvi cells to ensure improvement in conviction rate.

The range DIGs of the Kashmir Zone briefed the DGP regarding the progress of each under investigation UAPA cases through detailed powerpoint presentations, the spokesman said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Faridkot (Punjab) [India], March 9 (ANI): Former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal moved anticipatory bail petitions in the 2015 Kotkapura police firing case in Faridkot district court on Thursday.

The petitions of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders will be heard on March 14 in the court of Additional District and Sessions Judge Rajeev Kalda.

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The JMIC court (Judicial Magistrate First Class) on March 6, issued notices to Badals and other accused in the case and ordered them to appear on March 23.

The case dates back to October 14, 2015, when two people were killed when the police allegedly opened fire on a crowd of protestors at Kotkapura.

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The chargesheet was filed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on February 24 in the Kotkapura firing case. Former Director General of Police Sumedh Saini and other police officials are also accused in the case.

Earlier in December last year, the father-son duo had appeared before the Punjab Police Special Investigation Team probing the 2015 Kotkapura police firing incident that took place against the anti-sacrilege protesters that occurred after the desecration of the holy book of Sikhs in Punjab's Kotkapura on October 14.

In 2015, sacrilege incidents occurred between June to October following the theft of the sacred Guru Granth Sahib from a Gurudwara in Burj Jawaharsinghwala, Faridkot, and the discovery of torn pages from the Holy Book in Bargari, Faridkot.

The incidents caused widespread discontent and outrage amongst members of the Sikh community and there were demonstrations in the state. A similar demonstration was taking place on October 14 in Bahibal Kalan, a village near Bargari, where the police opened fire at the protesters and two people died in it.

Although the families of both the deceased have received compensation of Rs 90 lakh each in the case, they have been demanding punishment for the culprits. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Shimla, Mar 9 (PTI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday said the NHAI has agreed in principle for four-laning of road from Shimla to Matour and Pathankot to Mandi.

While the road project from Shimla to Matour will cost Rs 10,000 crore, the one from Pathankot to Mandi will cost Rs 12,000 crores, he informed.

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Chairing a review meeting with the National Highway Authority of India officials, he said the NHAI will present a concept paper suggesting remedies to minimize and prevent landslides occurring due to expansion of roads in the state and will spend an amount of Rs 300 crore on the same.

The chief minister said strengthening road connectivity in the state was the government's priority and the NHAI should speed up the work on four-lane road projects being executed in Himachal Pradesh.

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He said the state government would provide full cooperation to the NHAI and has simplified various procedures of forest and other clearances and have fixed a timeline for the completion of projects.

He said better road connectivity will increase the footfall of tourists.

He said the state government has decided to develop Kangra as a tourism capital and four laning of these two projects will prove beneficial from the point of tourism.

The detailed project reports of the Pathankot-Mandi four-laning road project should be prepared soon, except for the portion of the road of around 19 kilometers adjoining Mandi town, he said.

Besides, the chief minister also instructed to prepare the DPR of Hamirpur bypass.

The chief minister said the process to provide compensation for the land acquired for these projects has been expedited and necessary instructions have been issued to the deputy commissioners concerned in this regard.

He also urged for cooperation for construction of ropeways, especially Himani Chamunda and Bijli Mahadev Ropeway.

Provision for charging stations at a reasonable distance for electric vehicles in these four-lane road projects should be ensured so that the state government's motto to completely launch electric vehicles in the state could be executed.

Where-ever possible, the NHAI should assure the feasibility for tunnelling to ease traffic congestion and save time of the commuters, he said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], March 9 (ANI): The Indian Air Force on Thursday deployed one Mi-17 helicopter for fighting raging forest fires in Goa, using Bambi Buckets, stated an official release.

"Today's operations have seen this helicopter flying multiple missions dispensing almost 22,000 litres of water to fight the fire," read the official release.

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Further, as per the official release, the Indian Air Force is coordinating with the Indian Navy and the civil administration in combating forest fires in the affected areas of the coastal state.

"Operations shall continue tomorrow. Bambi Bucket operations involve the helicopter carrying water underslung and releasing it over the affected area to douse the fire," the release read further.

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In the recent past, the IAF had also undertaken similar operations in Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Manipur.

Earlier, on March 8, Goa Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane said a detailed inquiry has been ordered into the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary fire.

"An inquiry was ordered after a discussion with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant," Rane informed.

Taking to Facebook and Twitter, Rane said, "Strict instructions are being given to the DCF, and orders are being issued to the deputy conservators of forests (DCFs) in various ranges in all the affected areas. Entry into the wildlife sanctuaries will be prohibited and people will also not be allowed to light wildfires."

"The RFOs and the forest guards posted in their respective areas will have to stay there 24/7 to monitor wildfires," he added.

He further said, "I have instructed the DCF that his team will have to provide an explanation on what happens within the perimeters of a particular wildlife sanctuary."

He stated that he will not allow the destruction of the Mhadei forest, adding that it is the collective responsibility of the department as well as citizens to protect and conserve the local wildlife.

He stated that his ministry has also received in-principle approval from the Defence ministry for additional helicopters to be used in the dousing operations.

It appears, prima facie, to be a man-made incident, the minister had stated. (ANI)

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New Delhi, Mar 9 (PTI) A 22-year-old man was arrested from Rajasthan for allegedly duping people by claiming to have on sale fake Indian currency notes through an Instagram account, police said on Thursday.

Mularam, a resident of Barmer in Rajasthan, defrauded people on the pretext of selling them "good quality" counterfeit banknotes of Rs 100 and Rs 500 denomination, they said.

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Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber) Prashant Gautam said that the accused created an Instagram ID '@fake__currency_indian' and uploaded videos of him dispatching what seemed to be high quality fake Indian currency notes through Amazon parcels.

The accused lured people through these videos and assured them he would provide double the amount of fake Indian currency for their money. He also started taking orders on WhatsApp, he said.

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Mularam used to take payments in his UPI account linked with five bank accounts and used to speak to his targets through VOIP or over WhatsApp only.

After receiving money from his targets, he used to upload a video on his Instagram account showing that he had put all the currency notes in a parcel for dispatch -- but the customers never received any such parcel.

According to police, a probe was initiated after the complaint by the Deputy Secretary to Government of India, Coin and Currency Division under Ministry of Finance, which alleged that an Instagram link https://instagram.com/fake__currency_indian?igshid=NDk5N2NIZjQ= has come to notice, which claims to sell fake Indian currency notes.

After the complaint, the Investigating Officer assigned to the case contacted the accused as a decoy customer and, as directed by the accused, transferred Rs 3,000 through UPI account to his Google Pay number.

The accused assured him that he would send fake banknotes worth Rs 6,000 through an Amazon parcel within 24 hours, but no such parcel was received.

"The accused kept changing his location across various states of India. His movements were tracked to Telangana, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan. Finally, with the help of technical data and field inputs, the fraudster was located at Maitriwara, Raniwara, Jalore district in Rajasthan from where he was nabbed," the officer said.

Mobile phones, fake coupons, and mobile accessories used in the crime were recovered from his possession, he said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], March 9 (ANI): Ministry of Panchayati Raj is convening a consultation meeting with States on online audit and release procedure under 15th Finance Commission to Panchayati Raj Institutions, in New Delhi on Friday, said a press release from the ministry.

The meeting would be chaired by Sunil Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in presence of Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Additional Secretary and Alok Prem Nagar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj. Senior Officers from State Panchayati Raj Department will participate in the meeting along with representatives from Directorate of Local Fund and Audit, the press release added.

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Ministry of Panchayati Raj releases the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) Grants to the States in terms of Ministry of Finance (MOF) Operational Guidelines. XV FC has prescribed that only those States/RLBs having both provisional / audited accounts online in the public domain will receive grants from FY 2021-22. As per XV FC recommendations, for 2021-22 and 2022-23, States should ensure that at least 25% of RLBs have bot provisional accounts for the previous year and audited accounts for the year before the previous year available online in public domain in order to be eligible for the full grants. For 2023-24 onwards, States will receive the total grants due to only those RLBs having both provisional accounts for the previous year and audited accounts for the year before the previous available online in public domain.

XV FC has also stipulated that the constitution of due State Finance Commission (SFC) as necessary condition for release of grants to local bodies from 2024-25. All States which have not constituted due SFC must constitute SFCs, act upon their recommendations and lay the ATR before legislature on or before March, 2024. After March, 2024, no grants will be released to a State that has not complied with the constitutional provision of SFC.

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In this direction, it has been observed that several States are yet to make significant progress. This one day Consultation Meeting is being organized by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj to discuss the issues arising out of these two vital recommendations and to ascertain the strategy and preparedness of States in this regard. In this meeting, States would be sharing their strategy and preparedness in respect of above recommendations. (ANI)

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President of the Communist Party of Spain: Understand China's "two sessions" through whole-process people's democracy

13:10, March 09, 2023 By Wu Sixuan ( People's Daily Online

"China has always been developing a democracy which is widely participated by the people, involving its people in national governance and guaranteeing the consistency of governments at various levels and policies they make," Jose Luis Centella, President of the Communist Party of Spain (PCE), said in an interview with People's Daily Online.

Centella said that to understand China's "two sessions," the annual sessions of China's top legislature and political advisory body, one must understand the whole-process people's democracy and socialism with Chinese characteristics.

This photo taken on March 5, 2023 shows the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China. The 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's national legislature, opened its first session Sunday morning here in Beijing. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen)

The "two sessions" plays an important role in strengthening solidarity and political stability of China, Centella pointed out.

"It has become a political consensus and general will of the public in China that the people are the masters of the country. The democratic system of China is constantly developing and improving, contributing to the overall development of the country and the creation of a better life for the people," he said.

"As a member of the Spanish Congress of Deputies, I visited China in 2015 and communicated with deputies to China's National People's Congress (NPC). I found that the Chinese NPC deputies knew people's problems and needs very well and I was impressed by this," Centella recalled.

Centella pays close attention to China's "two sessions." "I'm always interested in the motions and proposals put forward by Chinese lawmakers and political advisors. I know that they always put people first and take constant efforts to achieve a balanced development among regions in China," Centella noted.

"I'm also very interested in the government work report unveiled during the 'two sessions' and the foreign relations and foreign policy of China this year," Centella said.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up. Centella said that China has rapidly developed over the past 45 years.

"The reform and opening up has not only profoundly changed China, turning it into a modern country with vigorous production activities, strong manufacturing capabilities and robust scientific and technological innovation, but also has had a far-reaching influence on the world," Centella said.

Centella speaks highly of China's efforts and achievements in poverty alleviation and rural revitalization. He has visited China many times since 2000 and witnessed efforts China has taken to eradicate absolute poverty and coordinate urban and rural development.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China's trade in goods with Belt and Road countries grew from $1.04 trillion in 2013 to $2.07 trillion in 2022, with an average annual growth of 8 percent.

The BRI has helped many countries and regions develop mutually beneficial trade relations with each other, built an important channel of connectivity for developing countries and brought new hopes for them. China has provided anti-pandemic materials to 153 countries and 15 international organizations, demonstrating its role as a responsible major country, Centella said.

"China has always been practicing true multilateralism and working with emerging countries to build a multi-polar world with strong economic growth, sci-tech progress and happiness for all people," said Centella.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Du Mingming)
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Amritsar (Punjab) [India], March 9 (ANI): President Droupadi Murmu, who arrived in Punjab's Amritsar for a day-long visit, paid obeisance at Sri Harmandir Sahib.

She prayed for continued development, peace and harmony in the country.

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The President also participated in langar with devotees.

Earlier in the day, Murmu was welcomed by Governor Banwarilal Purohit and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann at the airport.

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Taking to his social media handle, CM Mann wrote, "The President of the country Mrs Draupadi Murmu ji was warmly welcomed on her arrival at Sri Amritsar Sahib... Today we will show President ji a religious, historical, cultural and heritage glimpse at Guru Nagar..."

Her flight back to the national capital took off from Amritsar at 4.30 pm. (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], March 9 (ANI): The Executive Committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) will hold a Special General Body Meeting on March 16 to consider passing a resolution expressing solidarity with the stand taken by the SCBA President relating to the Chambers construction issue in the newly allotted land.

The Executive Committee of SCBA in its meeting held on March 6, 2023, decided that some resolutions need to be put up for consideration before the Special General Body next Thursday i.e. March 16.

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Among the resolution is that members of the Bar will consider passing a resolution to express complete solidarity with the stand taken by the President SCBA in the Court of the Chief Justice of India with regard to the Chambers construction issue in the newly allotted land.

It will also consider issuing an appropriate Show Cause Notice to the concerned members, who have later apologised to CJI and demanded an explanation.

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Senior Advocates Kapil Sibal and NK Kaul have apologised to CJI DY Chandrachud for Vikas Singh's statements later in the court.

Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud on Friday skipped the 'Holi Milan' event organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) where he was invited as the chief guest.

On March 2, there was a heated exchange of words as the Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud lost his calm at the Supreme Court Bar Association president Vikas Singh while hearing a land allotment matter relating to lawyers' chambers.

An exchange of words was witnessed when the SCBA President stressed listing a matter before a bench led by CJI DY Chandrachud.

SCBA President Vikas Singh had apprised the court that they are struggling to get the matter listed for the last six months.

When the SCBA President urged for listing the matter, he also said that they have to take it to the judge's residence if the matter did not get listed.

CJI Chandrachud had lost his temper and questioned the senior lawyer and said, "Is this a way to behave?"

"I will not be cowered down by you," CJI DY Chandrachud said adding that he has been in this profession for 22 years and never allowed himself to be browbeaten by a member of the Bar, litigant or anyone else and will not let that happen in the last two years of his profession.

The SCBA President had also refused to maintain silence. Thereafter, the court said that it will list the matter on March 17 but not as item 1 in the cause list.

During the mentioning of cases, the SCBA president urged the court to list the matter early as the matter is not listed for six months. Senior Advocate said that the Appu Ghar land came under the Apex court premise on the petition by the SCBA but the Bar got only one block. (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, Mar 9 (PTI) The Supreme Court will host the 18th meeting of the chief justices of the Supreme Courts of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states here from March 10 to 12 with a view to developing judicial cooperation among them.

According to a press statement issued by the apex court, the Chief Justices or Chairpersons of the Supreme Courts of SCO member states have been invited to attend the meeting.

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The meeting is likely to witness discussions on Smart Courts' and the future of the Judiciary; Facilitating Access to Justice'; Institutional Challenges facing Judiciary: Delays, Infrastructure, Representation, and Transparency, it said.

The release said the meeting will involve a joint interaction with the Chief Justices/Chairpersons/Judges from the member/observer States and representatives from SCO secretariat and will conclude with the signing of a joint statement.

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"In the active and constantly expanding activities of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the interaction of the highest judicial instances is becoming more and more popular," the statement said.

It added the SCO was created in 2001 on the basis of "Shanghai five" formed by Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Russia and Tajikistan and its main goal is to strengthen mutual trust, friendship and good neighbourliness, encouraging effective cooperation in several areas among the member states.

The SCO members now include China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia constitute the SCO observers while Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodiaand Nepal are the SCO dialogue partners.

"Meeting of the Presidents of the Supreme Courts allows for a constant dialogue on a wide range of issues, giving a new impetus to the development of relations and allowing the development of mechanisms for further improving the work of the judiciary," it said, adding the first such meeting was held on September 22, 2006 in Shanghai.

"Since then, the Institute of interaction between the Chief Justices of the Supreme Courts has occupied a special place in the Organization, significantly complementing an established unique practice of cooperationIndia assumed rotational presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization for a year in September 2022 through the Samarkand declaration last year," it said.

The apex court press statement said Indian participation in the meeting will include the Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, and the judges of the apex court, among others.

(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], March 9 (ANI): In a political development necessitated by Manish Sisodia's arrest in an alleged liquor scam, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj were sworn in as Ministers in the Delhi cabinet on Thursday.

On one side Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj were elevated to the ministerial posts while on the other hand, former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, who was arrested by CBI and is presently lodged in Tihar jail, was also arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the same case after hours of questioning.

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The ED began questioning the senior AAP leader and one of the party's founding members, days after it recorded his statement.

Sisodia was arrested by the CBI in the liquor policy case on February 26 and was sent to 14-day judicial custody on March 6.

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The ED, on Thursday, summoned Bharatiya Rashtriya Samiti (BRS) MLC and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao's daughter K Kavitha for questioning in the liquor policy case.

Sisodia was arrested by the CBI earlier in its ongoing investigation of a case related to alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of the excise policy of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD). Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court sent him to Judicial Custody till March 20.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj were sworn in as Ministers in the Delhi cabinet on Thursday.

The swearing-in ceremony took place in the Auditorium at Raj Niwas, Delhi.

Newly appointed Delhi minister Atishi allotted Education, PWD, Power and Tourism portfolios while Saurabh Bharadwaj got Health, Water and Industries and Urban Development.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena administered the oath to newly inducted ministers.

"In terms of the notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, Atishi Marlena and Saurabh Bharadwaj have been appointed as Ministers in the National Capital Territory of Delhi," read the official statement from the General Administration Department.

This comes after President Droupadi Murmu Tuesday accepted the resignations of former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Minister Satyendar Jain, both currently lodged in Tihar jail in connection with the Delhi excise policy case.

President Murmu on Tuesday appointed Atishi and Bharadwaj as ministers in the Delhi cabinet on the advice of chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, with effect from the date they are sworn in, stated Ministry of Home Affairs.

Kejriwal had forwarded the names to the Lieutenant Governor for their appointment to the Cabinet.

Atishi represents the Kalkaji constituency and has been a key member of Sisodia's education team.

She had also contested the 2019 Lok Sabha polls from the East Delhi constituency and lost to BJP's Gautam Gambhir.

Bharadwaj, the party's national spokesperson, had served the Delhi Jal Board as its vice chairman. The legislator from Greater Kailash was also a minister during the first stint of the AAP government.

The Delhi council of ministers now has a strength of five, including CM Arvind Kejriwal, who does not hold any portfolios.

Sisodia had resigned from his all 18 posts following his arrest in the alleged excise policy scam.

After former Delhi Minister Satyendar Jain's arrest last year, seven portfolios handled by him were shifted to Sisodia, who was looking after 18 departments when he was arrested.He is now lodged in Tihar's jail after Rouse Avenue Court on Monday sent him to judicial custody till March 20.

The excise policy was passed in Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi Cabinet in the middle of the deadly Delta Covid-19 pandemic in 2021.

The Delhi government's version is that the policy was formulated to ensure the generation of optimum revenue, eradicate the sale of spurious liquor or non-duty paid liquor in Delhi, besides improving user experience.

The CBI had filed a case against alleged corruption in the 2021-22 excise policy. The excise policy was subsequently withdrawn by the AAP government.

Sisodia was among 15 others booked in an FIR filed by the CBI. Excise officials, liquor company executives, dealers, some unknown public servants and private persons were booked in the case.

It was alleged that irregularities were committed including modifications in the Excise Policy and undue favours were extended to the license holders including waiver or reduction in licence fee, an extension of L-1 license without approval etc. (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, Mar 9 (PTI) Bad loans of Indian banks are expected to decline 90 basis points to less than five per cent in FY23 and hit a decadal low of sub-four per cent by March 31, 2024, said an Assocham-Crisil Rating study unveiled on Thursday.

The study attributed the decline in gross Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) to the post-Covid economic recovery and higher credit growth.

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It said the biggest improvement would be in the corporate loan segment, where gross NPAs are seen falling below two per cent in the next fiscal from a peak of about 16 per cent as on March 31, 2018.

"This follows significant clean-up of books by banks in recent years, as well as strengthened risk management and underwriting, which has led to higher preference for borrowers with better credit profiles. The steady improvement in corporate asset quality is clearly manifested in key indicators such as the credit quality of bank exposures," Assocham Secretary General Deepak Sood said.

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He observed that the twin balance sheet problem has largely been addressed, creating a situation where the credit growth has started to move up significantly.

"Our banking sector is quite robust even in the midst of continuing global challenges," Sood opined.

The study noted that the gross NPAs in the MSME segment, which suffered the most during the pandemic, may rise to 10-11 per cent by March 2024 from about 9.3 per cent as on March 31, 2022.

While relief measures did help contain asset quality deterioration last fiscal, the segment saw the most restructuring, at about six per cent, compared with two per cent for the overall banking sector, it revealed.

(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, March 9: Jio Platforms, the digital arm of Reliance Industries Ltd, will buy communications equipment maker Mimosa Networks for USD 60 million as it looks to bolster its 5G telecom and broadband services. Radisys Corporation, a subsidiary of Jio Platforms, signed a definitive agreement with US-based Airspan Networks Holdings for acquisition of "Mimosa Networks for USD 60 million on a debt free, cash free basis," the companies said in a statement.

While Jio Platforms is the owner of India's biggest telecom firm, Reliance Jio Infocomm, Mimosa has a portfolio of point-to-multi-point products based on WiFi-5 and the newer WiFI 6E technologies as well as related accessories. "These solutions have use cases in the backhaul requirements for 5G and FTTX/ FWA rollouts," the statement said. "Jio has been a major customer of Mimosa." Reliance Jio Launches 5G Services in 27 Cities in India, Tally Rises to 331; Check Details Here.

The deal comes at a time when countries across the world are looking to move away from Chinese technology. Airspan acquired Mimosa in 2018 to target cost effective fixed wireless access network connections.

Mimosa's product development, manufacturing, and sales teams of 56 employees will continue with Mimosa following the acquisition by Radisys.

Speaking about the transaction, Mathew Oommen, President of Jio, said,

"Over the years, our collaboration with Airspan has resulted in groundbreaking architectures for high-speed connectivity for both the end user and for backhaul applications."

"Acquisition of Mimosa will further accelerate Jio's innovation and leadership in the production of telecom network products that deliver value to consumers and enterprises across the globe with cost-effective, rapidly deployable fixed and mobile broadband," he said.

Eric Stonestrom, Chairman and CEO of Airspan, said the transaction "not only puts a very capable product team with one of the world's most innovative and transformative technology and telecommunications companies, but it also strengthens Airspan's balance sheet enabling the company to pursue 4G and 5G private and MNO networks which have been our main focus."

Reliance Jio Infocomm USA Inc, a wholly owned step-down subsidiary of Jio, is a shareholder of Airspan and maintains a seat on its Board of Directors. PJT Partners acted as financial advisor to Airspan. Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP and Dorsey & Whitney LLP acted as legal advisors to Airspan. Reliance Jio To Bring 5G to Every Indian by December 2023, Says Chairman Akash Ambani.

Covington & Burling LLP acted as legal advisors, and Ernst & Young acted as accounting and tax diligence advisor to Radisys. The transaction is subject to certain regulatory and other customary closing conditions, including the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) review and approval by Airspan's senior lender, and is expected to complete in the third quarter of 2023.

(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], March 9 (ANI): American tech giant Google last month released the first Developer Preview of Android 14, and now the company is back with the second Developer Preview.

According to GSM Arena, a tech news-related website, the new release comes with additional enhancements to privacy, security, and performance, and continues to refine the experience on tablets and foldables.

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Google's official timeline suggests that following this Developer Preview, the first Beta release will arrive in April, followed by three more in subsequent months.

Android 14 Development Preview 2 includes support for enabling apps to access only specific photographs and videos, or access to all of them, or no access at all.

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In Android 14, Credential Manager is a platform API, and this allows apps to sign in using passkeys. In the second DP, there are improvements to the UI styling of the account selector, along with changes to the API based on feedback to DP1, reported GSM Arena.

Apps targeting Android 14, which will be a very small subset initially, will need to grant privileges to start activities in the background.

DP2 comes with optimizations to Android's memory management system, improving resource usage while apps are running in the background. There will also be fewer non-dismissible notifications in Android 14, and there are improved APIs for app stores too.

As per GSM Arena, the second Developer Preview is still, as the name implies, only recommended for app developers to use for app testing. Once the first beta hits next month, consumers will get easier access too. Android 14 Developer Preview 2 is installable on the Pixel 4a 5G and later Google devices. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kathmandu, Mar 9 (PTI) Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on Thursday congratulated President-elect Ram Chandra Poudel of Nepali Congress on his victory in the presidential election.

The 78-year-old leader, a common candidate of the eight-party alliance that included Nepali Congress and Prime Minister 'Prachanda'-led CPN (Maoist Center), defeated his rival Subas Chandra Nebmang of the CPN-UML.

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After winning the election, Poudel reached the PM's official residence at Baluwatar, where he was welcomed by Prime Minister 'Prachanda'. Poudel was accompanied by his wife Sabita Poudel.

Prime Minister 'Prachanda' congratulated the President-elect and honoured him with a Khada (a kind of shawl).

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"I am confident that your tenure as the President of Nepal will be remembered as a guardian of the nation, protector of the Constitution, and pride of the republican system," he said in a tweet.

He also thanked all the lawmakers who voted in the presidential election.

The swearing-in ceremony of the newly-elected President is likely to be held on March 13. He will be sworn-in by Nepal's Chief Justice.

The tenure of the current president, Bidya Devi Bhandari, will end on March 12.

This is the third presidential election in Nepal since the country became a republic in 2008.

Although the post of President is largely ceremonial, Nepal's political parties have lately shown a growing interest in the post owing to the discretionary powers the Constitution accords to the post.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kathmandu [Nepal], March 9 (ANI): The voting is underway at Nepal's Parliament building in New Baneshwar, Kathmandu to elect a new President for the country and the results are expected to release at 7 PM (Local Time).

Election Commission has set up two separate polling stations for federal parliamentarians and the Province Assembly members have been set up in the Hall.

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The Office of the Election Officer has said that the counting of votes would be started after the voting completes at 3 PM (NST) on Thursday and the results announced by 7 PM (NST).

Meanwhile, lawmakers from all provinces have arrived in Kathmandu for the election.A total of 884 members make up the Electoral College, including 275 members of the House of Representatives, 59 of the National Assembly and 550 of the seven provincial assemblies.

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It means, there will be a total weightage of 52,786 votes in the Electoral College, if no seat in the federal parliament and provincial assembly is vacant. A candidate must secure most of the votes to secure the top post.

The weightage of one vote of the federal parliament lawmaker is 79 and that of the Province Assembly member is 48.

Pro-monarchy party to abstain from voting. The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) known for its pro-monarchy instance has decided to abstain from Thursday's Presidential Election.

A meeting of the party's central working committee held on Wednesday decided to abstain from today's voting.

RPP spokesperson Mohan Shrestha confirmed that the central working committee has decided to stay neutral in the presidential election.

"It has been unanimously decided to not participate and stay neutral in the presidential election," Shrestha said.

In today's election, Nepali Congress senior leader Ram Chandra Paudel is supported by eight parties while Subash Chandra Nembang the sole candidate from CPN-UML is expected to be supported by independent lawmakers.

RPP had not supported or proposed any candidate for president. Both Paudel and Nembang had later met RPP Chairman Rajendra Lingden and other office-bearers at RPP's office and sought their votes in the election.

But RPP has decided to abstain from voting on the eve of the presidential election. Most of the central working committee members had opined during Wednesday's five-hour-long meeting that the party should not participate in the presidential election as the party's agenda is the monarchy. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Islamabad, Mar 9 (PTI) The Pakistan government has hiked sales tax from 17 per cent to 25 per cent on select luxury goods, media reports said on Thursday, as the cash-strapped country was taking steps to unlock the USD 1.1 billion tranche of funding from the IMF.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is refusing to release the USD 1.1 billion tranche under the USD 7 billion loan facility unless crucial decisions are made by the government and implemented.

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The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Wednesday issued a Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) for a 25 per cent imposition of General Sales Tax, The News International newspaper reported.

The sales tax hike includes 33 categories of goods covering 860 tariff lines, high-end mobile phones, imported food, decoration items, and other luxury goods, the Dawn newspaper reported.

Also Read | Pakistan Government Increases Sales Tax to 25% on Selected Imported Luxury Items Including Water and Vehicles.

GST has also been imposed on three categories of locally manufactured goods.

Twenty-five per cent GST has also been imposed on three categories of locally manufactured goods, including locally manufactured or assembled SUVs and CUVs, locally manufactured or assembled vehicles having engine capacity of 1,400cc and above, and locally manufactured or assembled double cabin (4x4) pick-up vehicles, the report said.

The FBR has estimated that it can fetch Rs 7 billion by raising taxes on imported luxury goods and Rs 4 billion on locally manufactured vehicles.

Pakistan has already taken most of the other prior actions, which included hikes in fuel and energy tariffs, the withdrawal of subsidies in export and power sectors, and generating more revenues through new taxation in a supplementary budget.

On the IMF's behest, Pakistan unveiled a mini-budget on February 21, raising the GST rate from 17 to 18 per cent to fetch additional tax revenues of Rs 170 billion to unlock the IMF tranche, the report said.

The prerequisites by the lender are aimed at ensuring Pakistan shrinks its fiscal deficit ahead of its annual budget around June.

Pakistan and the IMF have been holding virtual talks after the two sides held ten days of intensive negotiations with an IMF delegation in Islamabad from January 31 to February 9, which failed to reach an agreement on the USD 1.1 billion tranche of funding from the global lender.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar vowed on Thursday that the government was absolutely committed to completing the current USD 7 billion bailout programme with the IMF, indicating that Pakistan could sign the staff-level agreement with the global lender this week. PTI

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Lahore, March 9: Pakistan's investigating agencies are investigating Former spy (ISI) chief retired Lt-Gen Faiz Hamid for alleged corruption, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah revealed, reported Dawn.

While addressing the press conference on Wednesday, the interior minister said that the investigation is underway against the ex-Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) boss and his brother over alleged corruption. Imran Khan Under Threat From Enemy Agencies of Pakistan, Says Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz Sharif called for the retired general's court-martial. In a separate interview with Pakistan's digital news outlet, Maryam Nawaz Sharif demanded strong action against the former ISI DG for his role in getting her and her father convicted in NAB corruption references in 2017, according to Dawn.

Unlike her arch-rival Imran Khan, who is demanding the court martial of the previous army chief, Ms Sharif stopped short of seeking any major punitive action against retired Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, saying that as of now, she wanted to make an example of Gen Hamid.

"I had spoken against Gen Hamid in court when he was the sitting ISI chief for his alleged involvement in getting me and Nawaz Sharif punished. I had evidence against him," she said, referring to former Islamabad High Court judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui's claims that the spy agency tried to prevail on him to issue a verdict of their liking. Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Considering To Visit PTI Chairman, Says Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah.

Reacting to PML-N Vice President's demand, Sanaullah in Wednesday's press conference said that this was a matter for GHQ to decide. "Politicians make demands and express their viewpoint," he said, explaining that a court martial of a former military officer does not fall within the jurisdiction of civil authorities, as per the Dawn report.

After getting the blow of allegations that are being levelled against him, Gen Hamid broke the silence and told a journalist that it is the army chief who calls the shots in the military. Pakistan's Senior journalist Kamran Khan claimed in a tweet that the former ISI chief had reached out to him and provided a response to the allegations being levelled by Ms Sharif.

According to the journalist, Gen Hamid argued that in 2017-18, he was simply a major general in the army and asked whether, under military discipline, a lone officer could topple the government, according to Dawn. He was also quoted by Mr Khan as saying that it is the chief of army staff who has the final say and that all the major decisions -- seemingly a reference to Nawaz Sharif's disqualification and subsequent imprisonment -- were taken by the courts.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Islamabad, Mar 9 (PTI) A court in southwestern Pakistan on Thursday issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against former prime minister Imran Khan in a case of incitement against state institutions.

Quetta police on Monday registered a case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Khan under Sections 153A, 124A, and 505 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016, on behalf of a citizen Abdul Khalil Kakar, for "spreading hate" against state institutions and their offices following his speech on Sunday.

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A judicial magistrate court in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, took up the case and issued the non-bailable arrest warrant.

The court directed the authorities to detain 70-year-old Khan and present him before the court.

Also Read | Pakistan Government Increases Sales Tax to 25% on Selected Imported Luxury Items Including Water and Vehicles.

Khan heavily criticised the state institutions after a botched attempt by police to arrest him from his residence in the Zaman Park area of Lahore on the weekend.

The police raid unfolded after a court in Islamabad had issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against Khan in the Toshakhana case.

Khan has been in the crosshairs for buying gifts, including an expensive Graff wristwatch he had received as the premier at a discounted price from the state depository called Toshakhana, and selling them for profit.

Khan, who has been facing dozens of cases, stated last week that so far at least 76 cases have been registered against him.

Earlier on Thursday, the Lahore High Court (LHC) declared a petition seeking contempt of court proceedings against Khan for his alleged campaign against the institution of judiciary inadmissible.

Justice Shujaat Ali Khan in the verdict on the petition filed by Naeem Qamar remarked that the statements of the PTI chief, prima facie, appeared to be against the judges who belonged to Islamabad.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Jerusalem, Mar 9 (AP) Long-running differences between the Biden administration and Israel over how to stop Iran's rapidly accelerating nuclear programme spilled into public view Thursday, as the U.S. defence secretary discussed Tehran's nuclear ambitions with his Israeli counterpart during a visit to the country.

Even with efforts to revive the landmark 2015 nuclear deal stalled for months, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin insisted in comments in Tel Aviv that diplomacy is the best way to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.

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Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant made no mention of the moribund nuclear talks, instead telling Austin: We must take all measures necessary to prevent Iran from gaining a nuclear weapon. He appeared to suggest that Israel could resort to military action to take out Iran's nuclear facilities.

The Iranian nuclear threat requires us to be prepared for every course of action, Gallant said and repeated twice for emphasis.

Also Read | Nepal Presidential Election Result 2023: Ram Chandra Poudel of Nepali Congress Elected As New President Of Nepal.

The distinction between their statements revealed the countries' different approaches to Iran.

With Biden as his vice president, then-President Barack Obama spearheaded the 2015 nuclear accord, which gave Iran relief from economic sanctions in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu bitterly opposed the deal, saying it did not contain sufficient safeguards and did not address non-nuclear Iranian aggression in the region.

After former President Donald Trump abandoned the atomic accord and imposed crippling sanctions on Iran, Tehran gradually increased its uranium enrichment, expanded its stockpiles of enriched uranium and developed advanced centrifuges. U.N. experts say Iran has enriched uranium to 84% purity, just short of weapons grade, though they say Iran is still months away from the ability to build a weapon.

Biden took office pledging that the United States would rejoin the 2015 nuclear accord and lift sanctions on Iran if Tehran complied with the deal's strict limits on its nuclear program. But attempts to revive the accord have failed.

Israel, meanwhile, has engaged in a yearslong shadow war with its archenemy Iran that has spilled out across the wider Middle East. Since returning to office late last year, Netanyahu has openly advocated military action against Iran. Seeking to roll back Iran's regional entrenchment and slow its ability to enrich nuclear fuel, Israel is believed to have conducted a series of covert sabotage and targeted killing operations.

We must do everything in our power to ensure that the dreams of the ayatollahs are never fulfilled at any cost," Gallant said.

American and European officials have indicated that attempts to revive the nuclear deal have been effectively suspended in the wake of Tehran's violent crackdown on nationwide protests and its selling of armed drones to Russia that have been used in Moscow's war against Ukraine  a decision that has allowed Iran to access unprecedented defense cooperation, including on missiles and air defense" from Russia, Austin alleged.

Russia's war on Ukraine also exposed stubborn differences between the two close allies. Although Israel has sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine, it has refused Kyiv's frequent requests to send air defense systems and other weapons. It also has refrained from enforcing strict economic sanctions for fear of damaging its vital relations with Moscow.

For years, Russia and Israel have enjoyed good working relations and closely coordinated to avoid run-ins in the skies over Syria, Israel's northeastern neighbor, where Russian air power has propped up embattled Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Austin on Thursday appeared to urge Israel to do more to back Ukraine in the grinding war, noting the increasingly close military ties between Iran and Russia.

We're calling on all of our allies and partners to step up now, at this hinge moment in history, he said. Nations of good will, and especially our fellow democracies, must all urgently do their part to help Ukraine fight for its freedom.

When asked by a reporter what it would take for Israel to give Ukraine military aid, Gallant was vague.

We are doing our best, he said. We are doing it with the understanding of Israeli interests in the region. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned the death of veteran actor and director Satish Kaushik, who passed away early Thursday. In a tweet, Modi said, "Pained by the untimely demise of noted film personality Shri Satish Kaushik Ji. He was a creative genius who won hearts thanks to his wonderful acting and direction. His works will continue to entertain audiences. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti." Satish Kaushik Passes Away at 66: Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn Mourn Loss of the Versatile Actor-Director.

Kaushik passed away at around 1 a.m in the national capital, after he suffered a massive heart attack. He was 66. An alumnus of the National School of Drama, Kaushik is remembered for his roles in films like Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron, Mr India, Ram Lakhan and 'Haseena Maan Jayegi' among many others. Satish Kaushik Funeral Update: Anupam Kher, Javed Akhtar, Raj Babbar Spotted Outside Late Actors Residence Ahead of His Last Rites (View Pics).

PM Narendra Modi Mourns the Loss of Satish Kaushik

Pained by the untimely demise of noted film personality Shri Satish Kaushik Ji. He was a creative genius who won hearts thanks to his wonderful acting and direction. His works will continue to entertain audiences. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 9, 2023

Kaushik also directed 'Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja' and 'Prem', two of the costliest films of their times.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 09, 2023 02:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Maharajganj, March 9: A 27-year-old youth was killed by some local men, following a dispute over applying 'gulal'. The incident took place on Wednesday afternoon in Mohamada Tola under Shyamdeora police circle.

According to reports, Deepak, 27, was dancing when he applied colour on another youth who objected and the two got into a heated argument. Holi 2023 Wishes: PM Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi and Other Leaders Extend Greetings As Country Celebrates Festival of Colours.

Slowly people collected on the spot and started beating Deepak. The matter seemingly was resolved following the intervention of some elders but when Deepak was returning home, the accused accosted him on the way and beat him again

Deepak somehow reached home and went to sleep. When he did not wake for several hours, his family got worried and took him to the community health centre. The doctors there declared him brought dead. The police have sent the body for post mortem. When Is Holi 2023? Know Date, Holika Dahan Shubh Muhurat and All About Rangwali Holi Significance, History and Celebrations.

SP Dr Kaustubh said that a named FIR has been lodged against six persons, two of whom have been arrested. Meanwhile, additional forces have been deployed in the village as tension prevails.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 09, 2023 09:21 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Mumbai, March 9: A 23-year-old man was recently arrested by the Mumbai police for allegedly killing his mother in Virar. Police officials said that the accused strangulated his 44-year-old mother to death at their house in Virar East. The incident took place on Wednesday night in Virar's Gandhinagar area of Phulpada. The accused has been identified as Devansh Dhanu.

According to a report in Mid-day, the incident came to light on Thursday when the mother of the deceased informed cops after she saw her daughter's house locked. After being alerted, cops reached the spot and opened the house with the help of neighbours. Mumbai Shocker: Man Randomly Dials Numbers, Sends Obscene Videos and Messages on WhatsApp to Over 100 Women; Arrested.

A police officer said that the woman was found lying dead on a bed in the bedroom of her house. During the investigation, the deceased's mother told cops that her daughter had a fight with her son. She said that her daughter informed her about the fight when the two spoke during a call.

After the incident came to light, the accused, who was on the run was arrested. The accused confessed to his crime. Rajendra Kamble, senior inspector of Virar police station said that the cause of the murder is not known yet. Mumbai Shocker: Drunk Man Rapes Wife, Inserts Plastic Object in Her Private Part in Mulund; Arrested for Unnatural Sex.

"We have registered an FIR and further investigation is underway," he added.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 09, 2023 11:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
You might not immediately think of Mexico when you think of Carnival celebrations. It may not have the world-famous celebrations of Rio de Janeiro, Venice, or New Orleans.

But the country still hosts some Carnival events, and Mexico City is arguably the best place to see this tradition. True, there is not a city-wide Carnival in the nation's capital, but many minor parties are being held in different parts of the city, according to Mexico News Daily.

Mexico City Celebrates Carnivals

Carnivals, introduced by the Spanish early, celebrate diverse cultural heritage and show colonial roots of each city and town.

Communities usually gather to bring joy to the streets through organized activities, which feature colorful dresses and masks that sometimes imitate elite Spanish from Mexican history. Here are some of Mexico City's best Carnival celebrations this March.

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San Francisco Tlaltenco

San Francisco Tlaltenco is one of seven original indigenous pueblos at the Delegacion/Alcaldia of Tlauac in Mexico City. Many of the pueblos in Tlahuac and its neighbor, Delegacion/Alcalda Iztapalapa, celebrate Carnivals every year between Ash Wednesday and Holy Week, the Catholic season of Lent, according to Mexico City Ambles.

Some of these celebrations last for weeks, with different comparsas or parade dance groups taking to the streets on weekends to the tune of brass bands. It is typically celebrated on February 26 but also takes place on weekends in March and April. The best days to visit are March 5 and 12.

San Sebastian Tecoloxtitlan

Traditional Carnival of the village of San Sebastian Tecoloxtitlan is held every year when around 45 comparsas are presented, either charros or costumes with the music of orchestra or band sinaloense, queens, and allegorical chariots. All Events reported. This event is celebrated from March 10 to 13.

Santa Isabel Tola

Like many others, the Santa Isabel Tola colony celebrates carnivals annually. The festival featured performances by traditional Huehuenches and their morass, the hanged man and his widow, the bear, and the carnival queen, before the participants danced their way out of town, according to Fotoperiodismo. Santa Isabel Tola carnival is being held from March 11 to 14.

Santiago Acahualtepec

Santiago Acahualtepec, a municipality in the Iztapalapa Delegation, usually hosts a Carnival celebration, with an estimated 50,000 people lining the streets, according to NTCD.

Music bands and costumes gave life to this carnival festivity, which shows that tradition can be lived peacefully in order for families and participants to enjoy this event, which takes place on March 17.

READ MORE: Mexico's Top 5 YouTube Influencers

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: LIFE IS A COLOURFUL CARNIVAL! Carnival Parade in Mexico City Centro - From Blue Skies & Tamales
The Joe Biden parole that releases large numbers of migrants within the United States was ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge in Florida on Wednesday. The judge criticized the government for making the border a "meaningless line in the sand."

Following a lawsuit filed by Florida, Judge T. Kent Wetherell determined that the administration's release of thousands of migrants into "Parole + ATD" under humanitarian parole violates federal law, according to Fox News.

The Biden administration has "effectively turned the Southwest Border into a meaningless line in the sand and little more than a speedbump for aliens flooding into the country," Wetherell wrote in a blistering opinion piece published on Wednesday.

Wetherell also ruled that the border's effectiveness in deterring illegal migrants had declined due to practices enacted by the Biden administration, such as capture and release.

"Today's ruling affirms what we have known all along, President Biden is responsible for the US border crisis, and his unlawful immigration policies make this country less safe," said Republican Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody following the ruling. He added that while a federal judge has now ordered Biden to do so, his administration must now take legal action to defend the American people by securing the border.

READ NEXT: Joe Biden Dropped F-Bombs as 'Illegal Immigrants Kept Arriving

Joe Biden's Parole Has Released Over 100,000 Immigrants

The government cannot handle the latest influx of migrants because it does not have enough money or jail space, according to the Joe Biden administration.

The verdict on Wednesday has the potential to significantly expand the population of those confined to detention facilities, per Reuters.

Moody filed suit against the Department of Homeland Security in 2021, alleging that the Joe Biden Parole Plus Alternative to Incarceration policy was illegal under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The complaint claims that due to the administration's policies, over 100,000 people were allowed to enter Florida, resulting in high costs for the provision of social services.

DHS may release migrants from detention "on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit," according to federal immigration law.

As the administration considered the congestion of detention institutions a humanitarian issue, they claimed that the 2021 memo was an appropriate use of their discretion.

Wetherell concluded that the policy went against the law, which states that parole consideration must be handled individually.

Florida Taxpayers Shed Over $8 Billion Annually for Illegal Immigrants

A new cost analysis by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) says that long-term illegal immigration, made worse by the Joe Biden administration's two years of unprecedented US border crisis, now costs Florida taxpayers more than $8 billion a year, PR Newswire noted.

The annual cost to the federal, state, and municipal governments is estimated at $182 billion in the research titled The Fiscal Burden of Illegal Immigration on United States Taxpayers.

Florida taxpayers are on the hook for funding K-12 education, medical care, housing, and nutrition aid. Furthermore, Florida provides other pricey perks for illegal aliens, such as in-state tuition at public universities.

The main conclusions of The Economic Cost of Illegal Immigration on United States Taxpayers are as follows:

$5,972,788,206 will be spent on 1.19 million illegal aliens in Florida in 2022 for their benefits and services.

It is projected that around 610,000 children born to illegal immigrants in the United States have cost the government an additional $2,066,534,316.

At a total expenditure of $8,039,322,522, the cost per person is $5,040.

READ NEXT: Canadian Woman Found Dead in Mexico

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: DeSantis: How Florida Should Further Deter Illegal Immigration - From Forbes Breaking News
In public, Tucker Carlson praised Donald Trump and his policies. However, in private, the conservative host had contempt for the former president, as shown by a new filing from Dominion in their lawsuit against Fox News.

Dominion Voting Systems had been releasing their filings of evidence against the Rupert Murdoch-owned conservative outlet, and one of their most recent ones has shown how much Carlson may have hated Trump, as the Fox News host had been seething at the former president in private.

The New York Times has reviewed some of the text messages in Dominion's filings, and it showed Carlson messaging a Fox News staffer just two days before January 6. Carlson told the staffer he was looking forward to ignoring Trump, texting, "We are very, very close to being able to ignore Trump most nights. I truly can't wait."

He then admitted just how much he hated Trump, saying, "I hate him passionately" to the staffer.

Carlson has been under fire for private text messages sent to other Fox News hosts, producers, and executives, which have proven he did not believe what he has been saying on air, ridiculing Trump lawyers Sidney Powell and Rudy Giuliani in private and even calling out their lies.

Tucker Carlson Doubles Down on January 6 Claims Despite Blow to Credibility

Despite all the Dominion filings that showed his private contempt for Trump, Fox News host Tucker Carlson is not stopping in his assertions that the January 6 Riot was "mostly peaceful."

Carlson was handed over 41,000 hours of video of the events that took place on January 6 from House Speaker Kevin McCarthy of California. However, the host featured cherry-picked never-before-seen footage that showed protesters being "peaceful," and not showing the Pro-Trump mob attacking police officers while breaking windows and vandalizing Capitol grounds.

READ NEXT: Tucker Carlson Blasted by Republican Senators for 'B.S.' January 6 Take

According to the Guardian, the family of hero police officer Brian Sicknick, who died a day after the Capitol Insurrection after suffering two strokes, blasted Carlson, saying, "the ongoing attack on our family by the unscrupulous and outright sleazy so-called news network."

Senate Republicans and Democrats, as well as the Capitol Police, came together and also decried Carlson's untruthful and cherry-picked depiction of the events.

White House Says Tucker Carlson is Not Credible

Following his airing of the cherry-picked footage, the White House also chimed in. The BBC pointed out that the Biden administration rarely criticizes journalists, as opposed to Donald Trump, but in a rare case, they did for the Fox News host.

Biden Spokesperson Andrew Bates stated that the White House agreed with Carlson's critics, including the "chief of the Capitol Police and the wide range of bipartisan lawmakers" that "condemned this false depiction of the unprecedented, violent attack".

"We also agree with what Fox News's own attorneys and executives have now repeatedly stressed in multiple courts of law: that Tucker Carlson is not credible," he added. So far, Fox News has not responded to the criticism as the network has refused to address anything relating to the Dominion lawsuit, as well as Tucker Carlson, on air.

READ NEXT: Fox News Was in a Panic After Calling Arizona for Joe Biden

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Tucker Carlson Said He Hates Trump 'Passionately': Legal Filings - The Hill
The escalating gang violence in Haiti has led to the closure of one hospital in the nation's Cite Soleil district in Port-au-Prince.

BBC News reported that the said hospital was operated by the charity Medecins Sans Frontieres, known for its abbreviation MSF. The medical charity Doctors Without Borders noted that the gang violence in Haiti's capital has forced the temporary shutdown of its hospital.

The medical charity added that Haitians looking for treatment had become "collateral victims" of the Haiti gang war occurring just meters from the hospital.

Field communication manager Alexandre Marcou noted that the closure leaves the impoverished neighborhood of Cite Soleil with just one privately run hospital and another MSF operation, which has been reducing its operations, as reported by France 24.

MSF medical advisor Vincent Harris said that their hospital has not been directly targeted by Haiti gangs but has been a "collateral victim of the fighting" ever since the hospital was placed on the frontline.

Marcou noted that one child on oxygen had died in a security room. Patients were delivered to the security room for protection from gunfire around the building.

A 70-year-old man was also shot across from the hospital as he tried to cross the street.

READ NEXT: Haiti Receives Canada's Assessment Mission Team Amid Security Crisis in Nation

Haiti Gang Violence

The United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner noted in its report that extreme violence and gross human rights abuses have sharply increased in Cite Soleil, which was described to be "a living nightmare" for thousands.

Some of the human rights abuses in Haiti include mass incidents of murder, gang rape, and sniper attacks.

Volker Turk, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, said that the findings of the report are "terrifying" and show a picture of how people "are being harassed and terrorized by criminal gangs" for months without the State being able to block it.

The report referred to incidents from July 8 to December 31, 2022, which resulted in 263 murders in Cite Soleil.

The U.N. report also documented at least 57 gang rapes and murders of 95 people, including six children.

Haiti Gangs

One of the Haitian gangs' powerful leaders was identified as Jimmy Cherizier. He is best known by his childhood nickname, "Barbecue."

Cherizier was also sanctioned by the United Nations for "serious human rights abuses" and was the man behind a fuel blockade that caused the chaos and decline of the Caribbean nation, according to PBS News Hour.

The gang leader, who was a former police officer, believed that he was a "revolutionary" advocating against a corrupt government, which left the nation crumbling.

Cherizier, the leader of "G9 Family and Families," said he is not a rapist nor a thief. He added that he is not involved in kidnapping activities.

The G9 leader said that he is just "carrying out a social fight," adding that he is a "threat to the system."

Gang violence in Haiti started to escalate after Jovenel Moise's assassination.

READ MORE: 4 of Haiti President Jovenel Moise's 'Presumed Assassins' Killed, 2 Arrested by Police

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: 'Democracy is dead': how gang violence has paralysed Haiti - from Guardian News
An attempted airport heist of over t $32 million from a plane departing from Miami resulted in the deaths of a security officer and a suspected thief in a shootout in a Chile airport on Wednesday, according to authorities,

Latam Airlines' aircraft was carrying $32.5 million in cash that was being transferred to an armored truck when about ten heavily armed bandits managed to get past security checks and reach the runway, according to Interior Subsecretary Manuel Monsalve, AP reports.

A Directorate General of Civil Aviation, or DGAC worker and an alleged assailant were both murdered in a shootout between the suspected robbers and security guards.

The rest of the thieves ran away. Afterward, a nearby area revealed two burned-out automobiles.

"The brave action by the DGAC officials frustrated the robbery," Monsalve said, noting that the would-be robbers were "highly organized" and "very armed."

Social media videos showed bullet holes in a Delta airliner parked near the targeted Latam plane. Some gunfire can be heard in another video purportedly showing the shootout.

Passengers were not in danger, according to Ral Jorquera, director general of air traffic control.

READ NEXT: Chile Issues Its First Gender-neutral ID Card

Killed Security Officer at Chile Airport Identified

"Valuable cargo arrived on a LATAM plane from Miami which was to be taken by the Brinks (security) company, at which point the subjects burst into the area and were repelled by security officials," said prosecutor Eduardo Baeza, who oversees the investigation.

The three vehicles, driven by the thieves, arrived at the airport in the wee hours of the morning, smashed through a security gate, and made their way to the cargo area.

The 45-year-old Claudio Villar Rodriguez, who worked for the civil aviation agency, and one of the invaders were killed in a gunfight with security forces.

The police were actively searching for the suspects, according to France 24.

President Gabriel Boric promised justice would be served.

"We will pursue... those who put the lives of our compatriots at risk," he said at an event at the presidential palace, adding that the police fully support the fight against these "terrible evil."

Several Chile Airport Heist Have Happened in the Past

The airport has been a previous target of Chile's organized criminal syndicates.

After a string of multimillion-dollar robberies in 2014, the Chilean government banned the itineraries of armored van businesses, AP noted.

The government announced a 15% reduction in commercial routes and the creation of a special team of prosecutors to investigate the over a dozen thefts that had occurred so far that year.

However, two vans containing about $5 million were still robbed.

In the Santiago airport in August of that year, masked gunmen took $10 million from an armored vehicle owned by the US security firm Brinks.

After six years in the same Chile airport, criminals broke into a warehouse at Chile's international airport and made off with $14 million and one million euros.

The terminal's warehouse was broken into using a truck with the emblem of a well-known courier company, according to Oscar Figueroa, prefect of Chile's investigative police.

A business operating out of the warehouse lost its funds after being robbed.

READ MORE: Joe Biden Slammed for Border Crisis After Federal Judge Ruling

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Attempted robbery at Benitez Airport in Chile. Armed confrontation with police - From M.R. Aviation Channel
Two small aircraft collided mid-air near Winter Haven Regional Airport on Tuesday afternoon. Four people have been confirmed dead as a result of the mid-air collision, as both planes crashed into nearby Lake Hartridge soon after.

The Winter Haven Police Department confirmed that search and rescue crews responded to Lake Hartridge immediately after the crash was reported. The lake is located east of the Winter Haven Regional Airport and is where the two aircraft reportedly collided at around 2 p.m. on Tuesday.

Polk County Chief Steve Lester stated that both planes immediately went to the water, according to NBC affiliate, WFLA. Images of the search and rescue operations in the lake have also been released.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd released a statement, saying, "My heart goes out to the families and friends of those who were killed in today's crash." He then implored everyone to keep the families of the victims in their prayers during this difficult time.

The sheriff also noted that the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are now investigating the incident and are looking into why the two planes collided mid-air.

Casualties in Florida Mid-Air Collision Identified

Authorities in Florida have now identified all four casualties in the crash, as well as the models of the aircraft they were flying in and the companies owning them.

The casualties of the crash are pilot Faith Irene Baker, 24, of Winter Haven; Polk State College student Zachary Jean Mace, 19; Randall Elbert Crawford, 67, from Carlisle, Pennsylvania; and Louis C. DeFazio, 78, from Fredricksburg, Texas, who also lives in Winter Haven.

READ NEXT: United Airlines Plane Forced to Return to San Diego After Fire in Cabin

One of the planes was a Piper J-3 Cub seaplane operated by Jack Brown's Seaplane Base in Winter Haven. According to the Associated Press, Crawford and DeFazio were aboard that aircraft.

Meanwhile, the other airplane was a Cherokee Piper 161 fixed-wing plane operated by Sunrise Aviation (Ormond Beach) on behalf of Polk State College. Baker, a flight instructor, and Mace, a college student at Polk State College, were reported to have been aboard that aircraft.

Polk State College, Sea Plane Company React to Florida Plane Collision

Polk State College, which was running one of the aircraft, as well as where one of the people who died was studying, released a statement from Polk State President Angela Garcia Falconetti.

She stated, "Our Polk State College family is devastated by this tragedy," and added that they are extending their deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of those who passed away in the fatal mid-air collision.

According to CBS News, the school also stated that it will offer support programs to its students on campus. These will be available virtually and by phone.

Meanwhile, Jack Brown's Seaplane Base released a statement on social media, stating that they are now working with local authorities, the FAA, and the NTSB as the investigation continues.

The company also paid tribute to the two victims aboard their aircraft, writing, "It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of instructor and dear friend, Lou DeFazio, and fellow seaplane enthusiast and long-time customer of the Base, Randall Crawford, in yesterday's accident."

They also reached out to the families, friends, and the entire Polk State community which have been affected by the accident.

READ NEXT: Colombia: 8 Dead After Airplane Crashes Into Neighborhood

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Four killed after small planes crash mid-air over Lake Hartridge - FOX 13 Tampa Bay
Amid news of the deadly kidnapping of four Americans in Mexico, there were some suggestions floated by Republican lawmakers to label Mexican drug cartels as terrorist groups.

However, the White House argued on Wednesday that doing so would only have "minimal benefits" for the government, adding that it would not grant the United States "any additional authorities that we don't really have at this time," according to Border Report.

Karine Jean-Pierre, press secretary of the White House, noted that the U.S. has powerful sanctions specifically designed to fight narcotics trafficking organizations, such as Mexican drug cartels.

READ NEXT: Mexico: Corpses With Jalisco Cartel Caps Found in Zacatecas Believed to Be Tortured, Killed by Rival Sinaloa Cartel

U.S. Sanctions on Mexican Drug Cartels

In January, the United States announced sanctions on an international operator for the Sinaloa drug Cartel.

The Associated Press reported that the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control blocked the U.S. properties of Jose Angel Rivera Zazueta and two more involved men.

Rivera Zazueta's network "operates on a global scale," especially in countries including the U.S., Mexico, South and Central America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.

It was reported that the Sinaloa Cartel operator worked with a Chinese chemical transportation company, Shanghai Fast-Fine Chemicals, involved with shipping falsely labeled precursor chemicals to Mexican drug cartels.

Rivera Zazueta's associates, namely Nelton Santiso Aguila and Guatemalan national Jason Antonio Yang Lopez, were also sanctioned.

In a more recent occurrence, the U.S. has been more concerned about the current administration's strategies after the violent incident involving four Americans.

The four Americans crossed the border for a medical procedure. Armed men then kidnapped them on their way to Mexico.

Two of the four Americans were found dead on Tuesday, while two others arrived back in the United States on the same day. The surviving victims started receiving medical treatment.

Since then, Republicans have called for tougher measures against Mexican drug cartels.

Mexican Drug Cartels Involved in Kidnapping of Americans

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said in a statement that the four were traveling in a white minivan with a North Carolina license plate.

The AP reported that the bureau offered a $50,000 reward for the victims' return and the kidnappers' arrest.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Monday that suspects were detained after a confrontation but did not offer additional details.

Gulf Cartel was the group that was linked to the kidnapping of Americans. The group has controlled the area of Matamoros since the 1930s.

Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera told New York Post that the Gulf Cartel had been involved in extortion, kidnapping, and protection money.

Correa-Cabrera wrote the book "Los Zetas Inc: Criminal Corporations, Energy and Civil War in Mexico." Some other Mexican drug cartels, like Jalisco Cartel, are also involved in kidnapping as a side activity.

The Jalisco Cartel kidnapped a Mexican colonel in 2022. The official was on vacation at the time, which happened to be the cartel's home base.

READ MORE: El Chapo's Wife Emma Coronel Could Dismantle Sinaloa Cartel

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Should U.S. Label Mexican Drug Cartels as Terrorist Organizations? - From FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth




The kids of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have now officially received their titles of prince and princess after years of uncertainty over the royal titles of Archie and Lilibet.

Harry and Meghan have expressed that they want their kids to be recognized as people connected to the British throne.

The couple noted in the announcement of Lilibet's christening that their daughter will now be known as "Princess Lilibet," TMZ reported.

Buckingham Palace said its website will also be updated for the titles of Lilibet and Archie. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not said anything about Archie.

King Charles III has yet to talk about the titles he granted to his grandchildren. There were earlier reports that the new monarch was considering stripping Archie and Lilibet of their status as he was eager to decrease the number of royal titles and keep those inside the family.

READ NEXT: Meghan Markle Feels 'Excluded' as Palace 'Is Only Fighting for Prince Harry' to Attend King Charles III Coronation

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Daughter Lilibet's Christening

A spokesperson for the Sussexes confirmed to PEOPLE that "Princess Lilibet Diana was christened" in an intimate ceremony at their home in Montecito, California, on March 3.

Rev. John Taylor, the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, blessed the youngest child of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

The duke and duchess reportedly extended an invite to King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Kate Middleton. However, they were not in attendance, according to a source.

An insider told the outlet that there were about 20 to 30 guests at the christening of Lilibet, which included Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland; Lilibet's godfather, Tyler Perry; and one unnamed godmother of the child.

Harry previously told PEOPLE that he wished his children would have a meaningful relationship with the royal family.

"I've wanted a family, not an institution. So... I would love nothing more than for our children to have relationships with members of my family, and they do with some, which brings me great joy," the Duke of Sussex told the outlet.

Harry has also written about the family's final visit with Queen Elizabeth II before her death in his memoir, "Spare."

Harry and Meghan's kids previously had the titles "Master Archie" and "Miss Lilibet."

The Royal Family Rift

According to The Independent, a royal commentator claimed that Prince William and his wife, Kate Middleton, would rather "have Prince Andrew as their neighbor" over the Sussex couple.

This report came weeks after King Charles III evicted the Duke and Duchess of Sussex from their U.K. residence, the Frogmore Cottage, and offered the residence to his younger brother.

However, reports also suggested that Charles is eyeing to extend an "olive branch" and offer a suite in Buckingham Palace to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

A source claimed that Charles was "furious" with his youngest son but that the "King is not a bad man." As King Charles' coronation nears, invitations are being sent out, with Harry and Meghan receiving theirs.

However, Sarah Ferguson has revealed that she has yet to receive the invitation to the coronation. Other coronation matters include some changes to the oil that will be used to anoint Charles and Queen Camilla.

It was reported that the "holy oil" used during the coronation will no longer include ambergris, a solid waxy substance from whale intestines.

READ MORE: Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Royal Titles Could Be 'In Danger' With New Monarch as King Charles - Royal Expert

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Harry and Meghan's Daughter Lilibet Christened at Their Home - From Inside Edition




Ovidio Guzman Lopez appeared Tuesday before a federal judge in Mexico and suddenly claimed that he is not the son of Sinaloa Cartel boss Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman Loera.

According to the Daily Mail, Ovidio made the shocking claim during a video conference hearing to notify him about the formal extradition request by the United States government.

During the five-hour hearing at the Altiplano maximum security federal prison in the town of Almoloya de Juarez in the State of Mexico, he told judge Rogelio Diaz that his arrest was a case of mistaken identity.

"I'm not the person they think I am, that the United States is asking for," Ovidio said.

Alberto Diaz, the head of Ovidio's legal team consisting of eight lawyers, has asked for three additional days to present their argument supporting their claims that he is not El Chapo's son and that the extradition request does not meet the treaty guidelines between Mexico and the U.S.

Ovidio would have to undergo a DNA test to prove his claim that he is not El Chapo's son. Ovidio's legal team is locked in a legal battle to keep him on Mexican soil and block his extradition to the U.S., where he will face charges in a Washington D.C. court that accused him of trafficking drugs.

Ovidio's lawyer said he would file a request for an injunction against his client's extradition. The U.S. formally requested his extradition on February 27.

The U.S. Embassy's legal representative in Mexico presented the extradition request to the foreign ministry and attorney general's office.

Military troops arrested Ovidio at his home in the Jesus Maria community in Culiacan, Sinaloa, last January 5. During the violent operation to capture him, at least 29 people were killed.

READ NEXT: Mexico: Former Security Chief Genaro Garcia Luna Embezzled $745.9 Million From Government Contracts

Ovidio Guzman Lopez and Sinaloa Cartel Boss El Chapo Family

Ovidio Guzman Lopez was born in Badiraguato City in Mexico's Sinaloa state in March 1990. However, he was raised hundreds of miles away from his known father, El Chapo, who was involved in drug trafficking and led one of the most powerful Mexican drug cartels.

Ovidio's family moved to Culiacan when he was 11. His mother, Griselda Lopez Perez, is the second wife of El Chapo, with whom the drug lord had four sons

Griselda reportedly had plans for her youngest son to enter bourgeois society and pursue post-secondary education, according to the New York Post. However, her plan for her child was ruined after Ovidio followed in his father's footsteps.

As young as 18, Ovidio reportedly took over the drug business in 2008 when his older brother, Edgar Guzman Lopez, was assassinated in a Culiacan supermarket.

Even though El Chapo reportedly has 23 children, only Ovidio and his three other sons, known as Los Chapitos, figured prominently in the Sinaloa Cartel's operations.

Benjamin Smith, a professor of Latin American history at the University of Warwick, previously told The Post that Ovidio is not the norm as most cartel leaders want their children to have a good education, and they did not want their kids "to be part of the family business."

Who Are El Chapo's Sons Known as Los Chapitos?

The four sons of El Chapo 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 already 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.

READ MORE: Sinaloa Cartel Network Involved in Fentanyl' Super Labs' Sanctioned by U.S. Treasury

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Otorgan Suspension Definitiva a Ovidio Guzman Contra Orden de Captura en Mexico - From MILENIO




Three police officers were injured in a shooting at the Lincoln Heights neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, on Wednesday night, police said.

According to Fox News, a shootout started when a narcotics team arrived at the 3800 block of Broadway around 4:30 p.m. to serve an arrest warrant. Police said the suspect was not compliant, so officers used tear gas after two hours later.

The suspect shot at officers, hitting three of them. In a press conference on Wednesday night, Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore said one of the officers was shot in the stomach, one in the arm, and the other in the leg.

The officers were reportedly senior officers in the Metropolitan division, and each of them was a member of a K-9 unit.

Moore said they were rushed to a local hospital and were all in stable condition. He added that his team avoided a "potentially deadly situation," and he was "grateful the officers" were okay.

READ NEXT: Los Angeles Man Who Shot 2 Jewish Men

Los Angeles Shooting Suspect Died

Before the initial shooting, police said the man wanted for a felony ran down an alleyway and entered a residence, where he barricaded himself and remained inside for several hours.

Police then set up a perimeter, and a K-9 unit was dispatched to the scene. Authorities repeatedly called out to the suspect, but he refused to surrender.

A tear gas was then used to get him to come out peacefully, but the suspect instead opened fire on the officers, who fired back.

According to KTLA, the suspect returned inside the home, where he remained, as additional police, SWAT teams, and other emergency personnel arrived and surrounded the building.

SWAT personnel approached the residence at about 8:10 p.m., and an elderly man and a kid were removed from the house.

A robot from the LAPD was spotted in the alley behind the residence and eventually broke through the door. Another tear gas was allegedly used at around 8:45 p.m., and SWAT entered the house shortly after.

LAPD Commander Stacy Spell said as the SWAT personnel conducted "a search of that area, they located the suspect, who was at that time non-responsive."

The suspect has not been identified, but he was pronounced dead after being found unresponsive.

Mayor Speaks After the Los Angeles Shooting That Injured Three Police Officers

In the press conference, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said: "Every day, the men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department put themselves in harm's way; tonight is a reminder that the danger is very real."

She noted that she was able to talk with two of the three heroic cops, and they all appeared to be in stable condition, CBS News reported.

"I deeply appreciate their service and let them know that their city stands with them, and I very much look forward to their recovery," the mayor added.

According to ABC News, gun control in California is among the strictest in the country, with numerous regulations being implemented in the wake of recent horrific shootings.

However, in the first few weeks of 2023, the state has already been hit by a spate of mass shootings.

READ MORE: 2 Dead Following a Failed $32 Million Airport Heist

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: 3 Police Officers Injured After Shooting in LA - From Eyewitness News ABC7NY
AEVIS VICTORIA SA / Key word(s): Development of Sales

AEVIS VICTORIA SA  AEVIS VICTORIA achieved consolidated revenues of CHF 1.143bn in 2022, up 27.8% (CHF 895.0m) from prior year.



09-March-2023 / 07:00 CET/CEST

Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

Fribourg, 9 March 2023

AEVIS VICTORIA SA (AEVS:SW)  AEVIS VICTORIA achieved consolidated revenues of CHF 1.143bn in 2022, up 27.8% (CHF 895.0m) from prior year.

Organic growth accelerated to 11.8%, driven by the hotel business.

The Fribourg-based investment company AEVIS VICTORIA SA (AEVIS) achieved revenues of CHF 1.143bn in 2022, up 27.8% from prior year. The excellent results were amongst others driven by normalized conditions for the hotel industry and the consolidation of Hopital du Jura Bernois SA. On a like-for-like basis, organic growth amounted to 11.8%. The Groups various divisions improved their results and the company will propose the distribution of a dividend to the Annual General Meeting.

Swiss Medical Network SA, the Group's subsidiary active in hospitals and healthcare organizations, achieved revenues of CHF 915.8m, up 20.5% (2021: CHF 760.1m). Consolidated over 12 months, Hopital du Jura Bernois SA (HJB) significantly contributed to this revenue increase, organic growth standing at 3.7%. Visana Beteiligungen AG entered into the capital of HJB early 2023, thus reducing Swiss Medical Network's stake from 52% to 35.1%. HJB will therefore no longer be consolidated in 2023. At the same time, Hopital du Jura Bernois SA became Reseau de l'Arc SA, the first real integrated care organization in Switzerland. The partnership with Visana will enable Reseau de l'Arc to offer its own health plan in September 2023, valid from 1 January 2024 and available to all inhabitants of the Jura Arc.

Victoria-Jungfrau AG, the groups hospitality division, grew by 35.1% to CHF 154.5m (2021: CHF 114.3m), with activity returning to levels witnessed in 2019. Organic growth was 30.2% and even 72.9% when excluding hardship indemnities received in 2021. MICE business (meetings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions) is gradually returning to normal but will not reach its pre-crisis levels before 2024. This activity has been largely offset by an increase in the number of individual customers. Since the beginning of 2023, the hotel activity remained solid.

Other revenues (real estate, investments and miscellaneous) contribute by approximately CHF 70m to Group revenues. AEVIS will publish its complete and detailed results on 31 March 2023.

For further information:

AEVIS VICTORIA SA Media and Investor Relations: c/o Dynamics Group, Zurich

Philippe R. Blangey, prb@dynamicsgroup.ch, +41 (0) 43 268 32 35 or +41 (0) 79 785 46 32

Severine Van der Schueren, svanderschueren@aevis.com, +41 (0) 79 635 04 10

AEVIS VICTORIA SA - Investing for a better life

AEVIS VICTORIA SA invests in healthcare, hospitality & lifestyle and infrastructure. AEVISs main shareholdings are Swiss Medical Network SA (90%, directly and indirectly), the only Swiss private network of hospitals present in the country's three main language regions, Victoria-Jungfrau AG, a luxury hotel group managing ten luxury hotels in Switzerland and abroad, Infracore SA (30%, directly and indirectly), a real estate company dedicated to healthcare-related infrastructure, Swiss Hotel Properties SA, a hospitality real estate division, and NESCENS SA, a brand dedicated to better aging. AEVIS is listed on the Swiss Reporting Standard of the SIX Swiss Exchange (AEVS.SW). www.aevis.com.
Evolva Holding SA / Key word(s): Annual Results

Evolva delivers accelerated revenue growth of 57% in 2022 and substantially improved profitability profile



09-March-2023 / 07:00 CET/CEST

Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Ad Hoc Announcement (PDF) PRESS RELEASE | AD HOC ANNOUNCEMENT PURSUANT TO ART. 53 LR Reinach, 9 March 2023  Evolva (SIX: EVE), a pioneer in the field of natural molecules and industrial biotech, delivered a strong performance during 2022, fully meeting its targets. Total revenue increased by 57% (prior year +40%) to CHF 15.5 million, while product-related revenues even grew by 62% to CHF 14.8 million. Gross contribution margin turned positive and reached 16% for the full year, well in the targeted double-digit range. After 10.9% in 1H 2022, gross contribution margin increased to 21.6% in 2H. As a result of the revenue growth and increased gross contribution margin, EBITDA and OpeRating Cash Flow also improved significantly. With the organizational transformation achieved in 2022, Evolva has laid out the foundation for continued revenue growth and further increased profitability. Business and corporate highlights Initial focus of the leadership team under new CEO Christian Wichert was on boosting the commercial performance in Flavor & Fragrances. Revenues more than tripled in 2022, giving a clear testimony of the success of these initiatives

Key driver was the successful upscaling of Vanilin and subsequent delivery of commercial batches

Nootkatone and Valencene also showed continuous profitable growth in 2022 and Evolva successfully introduced its new Natural Nootkatone with key European customers, further expanding the addressable market

Health Ingredients has been managed for profitability in 2022 to ensure a positive gross contribution margin

Focus now shifts to boosting the revenues of Resveratrol by targeting attractive new market segments  incl. the prepared launch of Resveratrol for Personal Care

In Health Protection, NootkaSHIELDTM is yielding initial sales from test markets in South East Asia. In addition, Evolva has received prominent support from the US CDC (Centers of Disease Control) for the development of effective nature based products for the US market for tick bite repellency and prevention

Strategic partnership with Grace Breeding to enter the agricultural market for bio-fertilizers based on Evolvas existing precision-fermentation platform to offer nature-based alternatives with favorable ecological footprint (reduced water and soil contamination as well as air pollution)

Significantly strengthened CMO network and realized process technology improvments to create cost efficiencies

Strengthened commercial teams in the USA and Europe Financial highlights Total revenue increased from CHF 9.9 million to CHF 15.5 million (+57%) in 2022

Product-related revenue grew by 62% to CHF 14.8 million, marking an acceleration from the 46% CAGR reached from 2017 to 2021

Gross contribution margin turned positive, reaching 16% for the full year (10.9% in 1H with a sequential increase to 21.6% in 2H)

Flavors & Fragrances experienced buoyant growth of 265%, mainly driven by Vanillin, but also thanks to good sales with Valencene and Nootkatone. Well postioned to expand the addressable market with new product launch of Natural Nootkatone for the EU in 2023 and beyond

Health Ingredients efforts to focus on value and profitability resulted in lower sales

(-32% in 2022). Expected to turn to profitable growth in 2023, supported by new and attractive segments (e.g. personal care)

(-32% in 2022). Expected to turn to profitable growth in 2023, supported by new and attractive segments (e.g. personal care) In Health Protection, NootkaSHIELDTM received prominent support in the USA by a grant from the US CDC (Centers of Disease Control) of USD 540,000

Company remains positive on potential of EVERSWEETTM as sugar replacement although royalty revenues were below expectations in 2022

Reduction of operating expenses by CHF 2.5 million as a result of cost efficiency initiatives

Adjusted EBITDA improved by CHF 9.3 million to CHF -13.3 million (vs. CHF -22.6 million in 2021) driven by revenue growth and increased gross contribution margin

Extraordinary non-cash impairment charge of CHF 17 million booked with the half year numbers

Cash flow from operating activities improved by CHF 10.9 million to CHF -18.9 million

Cash position of CHF 5.1 million at year-end and CHF 16 million of open financing lines Outlook: Positive business momentum expected to continue

Targeting revenue of more than CHF 20 million in 2023 and a gross contribution margin of above 20% in 2023

Further improvement of EBITDA and Operating Cash in 2023

Improved EBITDA and Operating Cash Flow

Mid-term targets confirmed (CHF 45-50 million revenues as well as EBITDA and cash-breakeven in 2025)

Commenting on the full year 2022, Evolva CEO Christian Wichert said: We demonstrated a strong performance during 2022 while at the same time transforming the organization for commercial success and laying the foundation for profitable growth. Our conservative mid-term plan is largely based on the existing product portfolio and aims at surpassing CHF 30 million in sales in 2024 and to reach a revenue level of between CHF 45-50 million as well as EBITDA and cash breakeven in 2025.

Christian Wichert further added: We aim to become an industrial biotech leader, providing solutions around natural ingredients addressing the global megatrends of health, wellness and sustainability. Based on our proprietary precision-fermentation platform, we are uniquely positioned to resolve supply bottlenecks of nature. Thanks to our knowhow in process development and our ability of scaling up processes from the lab to industrial production, Evolva is set to benefit from global market trends and ensuing opportunities.

Financial key figures1) CHF million FY 2022 adjusted FY 2021 adjusted FY 2022 reported FY 2021 reported Revenue from contracts with customers 15.5 9.9 15.5 9.9 Product-related revenues 14.8 9.1 14.8 9.1 Direct production costs (12.5) (14.6) (12.5) (15.1) Gross contribution 2.4 (5.4) 2.4 (5.9) in % of product-related revenue 16.0% -59.5% 16.0% -64.7% Research & development revenue 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 Cost of goods sold (excl. direct production costs) (4.6) (4.2) (9.1) (4.2) Gross profit (1.5) (8.9) (6.0) (9.3) Research & development expenses (9.4) (12.8) (23.6) (22.4) Commercial, general & administrative expenses (5.7) (9.5) (10.8) (10.2) Operating loss (EBIT) (21.4) (31.2) (40.4) (42.0) Depreciation and amortization (8.1) (8.7) (8.1) (8.7) Impairment of intangible assets 0.0 0.0 (17.0) (9.6) EBITDA (13.3) (22.6) (15.3) (23.6) Cash position (end of period) 5.1 11.0 5.1 11.0 Extraordinary items (19.0) (10.6) - impairment (17.0) (9.6) - inventory write-off (1.6) 0.0 - others (0.4) (1.0) 1) This table includes references to operational indicators and alternative performance measures (AMP) that are not defined or specified by IFRS. These APM should be regarded as complementary information to and as substitutes to the Groups consolidated financial results based on IFRS. Documentation Results documentation will be available on the company website at 07.00 CET under this link: https://evolva.com/financial-data/full-year-results/

Webcast and Conference Call information: Evolva will host a conference call with media and the financial community today, 10 a.m. CET.  Registration link for conference call: https://webcast.meetyoo.de/reg/jq3C8QPMpqm7 Following registration, particpants will receive a confirmation e-mail with individual dial-in information.  Webcast link for conference call particpants https://www.webcast-eqs.com/evolva-2022-fy/no-audio  Webcast link to the livestream: https://www.webcast-eqs.com/evolva-2022-fy To ask questions during the Q+A session you must dail in to the moderated telephone conference. A replay will be available after the call on the Evolva website. Important dates 18 April 2023 Annual General Meeting 24 August 2023 Half-year 2023 results Contact Doris Rudischhauser Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications +41 79 410 81 88 dorisr@evolva.com About Evolva Evolva is a Swiss biotech company focused on the research, development and commercialization of ingredients based on nature. We have leading businesses in Flavors and Fragrances, Health Ingredients and Health Protection. Evolvas employees, half of which are women, are dedicated to make the best products that can contribute to health, wellness and sustainability. Find out more at evolva.com and connect with us on LinkedIn. For Evolva multimedia content, please visit: evolva.com/multimedia-library. Disclaimer

This announcement is not an offer of securities into the United States. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), and may not be offered, pledged, sold, delivered or otherwise transferred, directly or indirectly, in the United States, except pursuant to an exemption from, or transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. No public offering of securities is being made in the United States. Further, the securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the applicable securities laws of Canada, Australia or Japan or under the applicable securities laws of any other jurisdiction where to do so might constitute a violation of such laws.

This press release contains specific forward-looking statements, e.g. statements including terms like believe, assume, expect or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may result in a substantial divergence between the actual results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and those explicitly or implicitly presumed in these statements. Against the background of these uncertainties readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The company assumes no responsibility to update forward-looking statements or to adapt them to future events or developments.

End of Inside Information
Minister Pippa Hackett is bringing Mountmellick Embroidery and the work of a Laois-based potter on her upcoming St Patrick's Day trip to Africa.

The Laois Offaly senator travels to Tanzania and Kenya to represent Ireland as part of the Governments 2023 St Patrick's Day programme which she says is the most extensive international programme ever, to promote Ireland and Irish interests globally.

She spoke about the examples of local crafts she will be bringing.

I am delighted to include the work of Laois-based makers as gifts for the visits during my trip. I am particularly proud to be bringing the work of Dolores Dempsey because of the heritage of Mountmellick embroidery.

Originally inspired by the flora and fauna of the Owenass River, it is the only Laois entry on the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Thanks to the work of Mountmellick Embroidery Museum and Development Association and craftspeople like Dolores is a living heritage craft. I believe it is practiced all over the world.

I am also bringing a vase made by potter, Vale van der Merwe, who is based in Barrowhouse, Laois. I feel there is a contemporary celtic mood to Vales work which, Im sure, will be appreciated by its new owners, she said.

A statement said the Ministers exact trip itinerary is still being finalised but it will include a mix of agriculture and enterprise meetings planned.

The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture hopes it will include a visit to a project with strong Laois links.

I received a wonderful invitation to visit Sr. Mary Kileen, in Nairobi and I understand her project, which works with street children, has strong Laois links. I am looking forward to visiting and learning more and Ill keep you posted, she said.

Minister Hackett is also bringing gifts sourced in Offaly.
Money for environmentally friendly farming is on its way to Laois according to local ministers who have welcomed the news.

Government Minister of State Sean Fleming and Pippa Hackett were pleased with the money the Green, Low-Carbon, Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS).

It provides payments to farmers to help tackle climate change, preserve biodiversity, protect habitats and promote environmentally-friendly farming.

Minister Sean Fleming said farmers in Laois will receive over 315,000 in balancing payments through the 2022 round of the Green Low-Carbon Agri-Environmental Scheme (GLAS).

The Fianna Fail TD said he is very pleased to see this balancing payment commencing ahead of schedule. He said they would be a significant bonus for farmers across Laois.

The GLAS scheme is a very important payment for farm families in order to support them in implementing measures to tackle climate change and preserve habitats and biodiversity on their farmland. Farmers across Ireland are doing their bit to protect the environment and I want to thank Minister McConalogue for his support of farm families in Laois, he said.

Green Party Minister Pippa Hackett said 36,500 farmers in Laois Offaly and around Ireland would benefit.

The fact that these payments are beginning ahead of schedule is a tribute to the work of all involved and is a help for farmers cashflow. Im glad to say that the Department has an excellent record on this in recent times. GLAS payments are an important recognition of participating farmers contribution to environmental achievements, she said.

The Department of Agriculture said payments are being made two months ahead of schedule with 22.1 million to be paid out. A total of 1.35 billion has been paid under the scheme.
Laois student Illan Dunne was presented with a memorial scholarship award by Dublin City University at a ceremony to celebrate memorial and endowed scholarships on Wednesday 1st March.

In total, 44 students received awards named in honour of individuals and organisations who have played a key role in the life of Dublin City University and Irish society.

Illan Dunne from Mountmellick, a former student of Portlaoise College who is currently completing a degree in Economics, Politics and Law at DCU was presented with the Maureen OFarrell Memorial Scholarship.

Originally a trained nurse, Maureen OFarrell focused her energies on her family for much of her life. She was an ardent believer in social justice and the power of education and impressed those values on her three sons.

This scholarship in support of the DCU Access Programme was established in 2022 by her family to honour her memory and passion for education.

Speaking at the event, Joe Quinsey, CEO of DCU Educational Trust commented: Memorial and endowed scholarships make a lasting contribution to the universitys mission to transform lives and societies. By creating opportunities for

doctoral research and opening a door for talented students to excel, thes scholarships help bright young people to fulfil their potential and make their mark on the future.

The 44 scholarship recipients were selected based on different criteridepending on the wishes of those who created the scholarship. These include undergraduate students supported by DCUs Access Programme, postgraduate students in the fields of Biotechnology, Chemistry, Marketing, Law and Journalism, and students with outstanding sporting achievements.
Uisce Eireann, in partnership with Laois County Council, is replacing over 4.5km of aged water mains on the Ballyfin Road, North of Mountrath town with new, modern pipes.

"The upgrade works, which are due to get underway next week, will provide improved water quality and supply for the local community while reducing the amount of treated drinking water lost into the ground due to frequent bursts and leaks," stated Uisce Eireann.

"These works are a critical step in conserving our most precious resource and reducing high levels of leakage which have been a significant source of disruption and outages for customers in Mountrath."

Programme Manager for Uisce Eireanns National Leakage Reduction Programme said, Old and damaged water mains are a huge source of leakage and continue to impact communities right across Ireland, causing low pressure and supply disruption. Replacing these old water mains in poor condition will improve water quality, eliminate existing leaks and significantly reduce the amount of clean drinking water lost into the ground.

I would like to thank the local community in advance for their patience and cooperation during the works. We know based on previous experiences that the short-term inconvenience will be overshadowed by the long-term benefits.

To minimise the impact on the local community, areas of work will be limited to short sections. Traffic management will be in place on Ballyfin Road from Monday, 13 March, in the form of a stop/go system. Works may involve some short-term supply disruptions, however, we will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours-notice and will make every effort to keep any necessary disruption to a minimum.

The works will be carried out on behalf of Uisce Eireann by Ward & Burke Construction Ltd and are expected to be completed by the end of August.

The National Leakage Reduction Programme helps provide a more reliable water supply to Irish communities by reducing high levels of leakage and improving water quality.

Since 2018, its delivery represents an investment of over 500 million to upgrade the underground water network across the country through the delivery of the Leakage Reduction Programme. Uisce Eireann is also investing a further 250 million annually up to the end of 2030 directed at fixing leaks and replacing pipes to provide a more reliable water supply.
Laois Partnership has begun the process of recruiting a new chief who will lead the organization which will be responsible for overseeing the investment of some of the 5.7 million in Laois over the next four years.

The Leader funding company has invited applicants this week for the position of Chief Executive Officer.

Reporting to the board, Laois Partnership says applicants will take responsibility for the strategic and operational management of the organisation.

This is a hands-on role leading a team of dedicated staff where driving decisions and empowering people at all levels will be required.

This is an exciting opportunity for somone passionate about improving outcomes for communities experiencing many challenges and those who are most at risk of poverty and social exclusion, says the organisation.

The Partnership requires applicants to be able to commit to onsite presence as its offices are located in Portlaoise.

The Partnership has been selected as the preferred bidder to administer the next round of Leader grant aid to communities and business in Laois.

Some 5.7 million is allocated to the county through the programme which has been administered by the company for a number of years.

The not-for-profit local development company is a registered charity. More than 40 staff work in the company which moved to a new office in Portlaosie in 2022.

The recruitment process has been necessitated by the departure of CEO Catherine Cowap.

Ms Cowap succeded Ann Goodwin who gave over two decades of work to the partnership idea in Laois. Ms Goodwin was CEO at Laois Partnership until her death in 2020.

Laois Partnership is hosting public consultations throughout March to gather public views on the creation of the new Local Development Strategy for LEADER 2023-2027. This will inform how the money coming down the pipeline will be spent.

A fund of 2 million has been set aside to the two Laois applicants and the 44 other groups around Ireland to assist them with the development of their Local Development Strategies. The other body is the Laois Local Community Development Committee LCDC which operates under the auspices of Laois County Council.

Since its launch in 1991, LEADER has provided rural communities across the European Union with the resources to enable local partners to actively engage and direct the local development of their area, through community-led local development.
Met Eireann has warned of significant snow accumulations in Laois in a new Status Orange Alert.

The forecaster snow/ice warning covers all 12 Leinster counties.

The second highest level weather alert says there will be spells of sleet and snow overnight combined with strong northerly winds. The forecaster warns of "significant accumulations of snow are expected in some areas by morning along with icy conditions".

Met Eireann also outlined the possible impacts as follows.

Very hazardous road conditions

Travel disruption

Poor Visibility

The warning is valid: from midnight on Thursday to 10 am on Friday morning.

A Status Yellow snow-ice warning is also valid for all of Ireland from 3am Thursday to noon on Friday.

It warns of rain, sleet and snow spreading north across Ireland accompanied by strengthening winds. It says accumulations of snow are expected in many areas along with icy conditions. Sleet and snow will likely transition to rain in southern areas for a time.

In its weather forecast Met Eireann says rain, sleet and snow will continue to spread northeastwards to most areas on Thursday with poor visibility and hazardous road conditions in some parts. Afternoon highs of 0 to 3 degrees generally, but significantly milder in southern coastal areas. Northeasterly winds will freshen this afternoon and it will become rather windy for a time this evening.

It says Thursday night will be cold and windy at first with falls of sleet and snow in many areas giving rise to very poor visibility and hazardous road conditions. Met Eireann says the sleet and snow will continue overnight over the eastern half of the country, but it will become drier further west with frost and ice developing under clear breaks. Lowest temperatures of -4 to 0 degrees coldest in the west, with northerly winds gradually easing light to moderate overnight.

Friday will see residual rain, sleet and snow in the east clearing in the morning, giving way to a cold and mostly dry day with sunny spells. Highest temperatures of 4 to 7 degrees in light variable breezes.

It will be dry in many areas to begin on Friday night but with cloud gradually thickening from the southwest. Rain in the southwest will spread northeastwards over Munster and parts of Connacht and Leinster overnight, falling as a wintry mix of sleet and snow initially. Lows of -3 to +3 degrees, generally but locally colder in the northeast where snow is lying and skies remain clearest the longest. Light to moderate southeast breezes will be fresher near west and southwest coasts.

The national outlook is for milder weather over the weekend
Local Enterprise Office Kildare invited Mid-East Tech companies to MERITS - Mid-Eastern Regional Innovation Think Space for Local Enterprise Week and launched their own digital product; an on-demand business accelerator.

The goal of this platform is to serve top growth-stage startups with tailored strategy, export, and leadership training from global industry experts. This content is accessible on demand, anywhere and on any device. Its objective is to help businesses accelerate their ability to grow and export in a learning environment that is customized specifically to their business needs and journey as an entrepreneur.

Speaking during Local Enterprise Week Jacqui McNabb, Head of Enterprise and Economic Development, Kildare County Council said: We have huge ambition to expand the capabilities of this offering, providing an on-demand learning environment for entrepreneurs across multiple sectors. This platform tailors the learning journey to each entrepreneur based on their stage in business, sector and goals.

Much of the video and workbook content was developed in collaboration with Colm Reilly, OCO Global. Dr. Colm Reilly developed the first global accelerator - Sirius program and was involved with the creation of the MENA Hub for the international acceleration of technology companies globally.

When describing the on-demand accelerator Dr Colm said, Just an idea has no value, but this accelerator supports the entrepreneur to create a business that will grow into an organization. He also commented that the number 1 reason businesses fail is timing. The ability of this accelerator to assist and guide the entrepreneur at any time, anywhere is a significant leap in the delivery of the business supports offered by a Local Enterprise Office.

Fin Murphy and his company The StartUp.com are the technical experts behind the platform and co-partners in developing this entrepreneurial development journey.

The journey planner on the platform connects entrepreneurs to resources they may not have been aware of and when they are at the right stage of their development to put into action, said Murphy as he demoed the product in MERITS.

Entrepreneurs can join the on-demand accelerator via app.thestartup.com/kildareleo/ auth

The Mid-East Tech Cluster welcomes anyone active in the region's tech sector. You may be part of a tech start-up, an employee in a tech multi-national, an established business owner or someone with a business idea. This is your opportunity to learn, network and join in the ambition of our region.

The next MERITS event takes place on 23rd March and focuses on recruitment and careers in tech. The following event will take place on 20th April and maps the journey to Enterprise Ireland for a High Potential Start-Up. Visit www.localenterprise.ie/ Kildare/Training-Events/ Online-Bookings/ to book.

Local Enterprise Week is organised every year by the Local Enterprise Offices and supported by Enterprise Ireland, local authorities and the Government of Ireland with over 300 events taking place nationwide this year.
The leader and deputy leader of Sinn Fein are meeting with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on the need for the institutions in the North to be restored without delay.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said there is now absolutely no excuse for a return to powersharing considering the Windsor Framework has been agreed by the European Commission and the UK Government.

Were ready to go, she said.

Ms McDonald said the Irish Government needs to bring a sense of pace, urgency and purpose to getting the Assembly and Executive back up and running.

This is a collective effort and success has always been when weve been working together, she said.

Ms McDonald said Sinn Fein expects to have common cause with Mr Varadkar in making a return to powersharing happen in time for the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

Ms McDonald said while it is reasonable for the DUP to reflect on the Windsor Framework, she added what is not reasonable is to delay.

We too need clarity and certain clarifications, but we are absolutely convinced we can all do that work whilst having the Assembly and the Executive running, she said

Also attending the meeting, Sinn Fein leader in Northern Ireland Michelle ONeill said there shouldnt be any more delays.

We need to be in the Executive today. The DUP walked away, she said.
Leitrim Development Company and The Leitrim Recreation Forum were delighted to welcome Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys T.D, to Drumshanbo on Saturday, March 4 to mark the launch of a new Recreation Strategy for Co Leitrim.



The Strategy completed as a LEADER funded project led by Leitrim Development Company on behalf of the Recreation Forum and its many stakeholders sets out a series of key actions that will ensure sustainable development of Leitrims outdoor recreational infrastructure and facilities for the coming decade.



A detailed consultation process carried out by the Deirdre Lewis of SLR Consultants and Alan Hill Tourism Development Ltd resulted in a focus on six signature projects that will provide the focus for Leitrim Recreation Forum and its partners to be taken to completion in the coming decade.



Among these large-scale projects is the development of the Sligo-Leitrim Northern Counties Railway (SLNCR) corridor, the Greenway development along the Cavan-Leitrim Railway (CLR) corridor, the Carrick-on-Shannon to Battlebridge  Lough Allen Blueway, the Shannon Erne Blueway, the Glenfarne Forest Park and Lough Rinn Rowing Hub.



The Strategy goes on to identify 22 actions for the Forum to develop in the years ahead, including Development/Expansion of the Walking Trail Network, Increasing Participation in Outdoor Recreation, Adding Value for Enterprises, Relationship Management for Access, Encourage Responsible Behaviour in our Outdoors and to host a Recreation Conference to promote all aspects of Leitrims Recreational development.



Speaking at the event, Minister Humphreys stated that Leitrim is now recognised as a leader in Recreational Development in Ireland, being the first County to publish a new county recreation strategy since the launch of a National Outdoor Recreation Strategy in November 2022. The Minister congratulated the Leitrim Recreation Forum and its stakeholders including Leitrim County Council, Waterways Ireland, Failte Ireland, Coillte, many community groups, landowners and the recreation/tourism businesses for taking a co-operative approach to recreational development.



Speaking at the event, Ita Reynolds Flynn, Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council stated that the launch of this strategy is most welcome and will serve as a great asset to the county. She thanked Minister Humphreys T.D. and all the collaborating agents and communities involved in the launch.



Mike Feeney, Chairperson for the Forum expressed gratitude to the members for their commitment to recreational development in Leitrim over the past decade, and looks forward to future cooperation from all stakeholders as we work to reach Leitrims Recreational potential in the next decade.

Pictured above are: Chris Gonley, CEO Leitrim Development Company, Frank Feighan TD, Bryan Fennell, Rural Recreation Officer, Sinead McDermott Leitrim Tourism, Joseph Gilhooly, Deputy Chief Executive LCC, Minister Heather Humphreys, Department of Rural and Community Development, Inga Bock, Donegal Rural Recreation Officer, Brian Smyth, Leitrim Development Company with Luchia Smyth on Penny (the pony) and Blaithin Feely with the bicycle

Picture: Brian Duignan
Vladimir Putin has declared it a national priority to increase birth rates and life expectancy. Russias post-Soviet population decline is accelerating and Putin wants solutions that do not interfere with his efforts to rebuild the Russian empire by military conquest. Going public with the call for solutions is both a desperate and pragmatic effort to fix the problem. Putin has made open criticism of the war in Ukraine a felony and subject to harsh punishment. It is no secret that the Ukraine War is the primary obstacle to reversing the declining birth rate. Couples are reluctant to have children during a war because of the unstable conditions. Raising children is difficult enough in the best of times and becomes much more difficult during a war. The birth rate cannot be changed with threats of punishment and penalties for those who do not comply. Putin may be willing to accept a reasonable, if remotely possible, proposal for using coercion to generate additional births. The last time this sort of thing was tried was the Lebensborn project in Nazi Germany and conquered territories from 1935 to 1945. Lebensborn had some initial success, with a major assist from a declining unemployment rate, and got the German birth rate above the replacement rate by 1939. In wartime, Lebensborn didnt work because it could not overcome the uncertainty factor, the shortage of available young men plus reduced opportunities for couples to form and become parents. The Nazis also tried kidnapping ethnically-correct children from occupied nations who could be adopted and raised as Nazis.

Putin has a very clear preference for more Slavic children.. That means Ukrainian and Belarussian children are acceptable while those from groups that cannot at least pass as Slavic are not. Putin has another problem, there is substantial resistance from military-age Russian men to military service, even if it means leaving Russia. Women of a similar age are also discouraged from having children because of the wartime atmosphere and severe economic problems because of Western economic sanctions. The Nazis avoided this by looting as much food and other resources as they needed, from occupied nations. There was a lot of hunger but few German starvation deaths. Millions of other Europeans starved to death because of this, which was not a problem as far as the Nazis were concerned. This sort of atmosphere is not conducive to having children.

Putin may be out of options here. He tried most of the Lebensborn techniques and had less success than the Nazis. Putin, like the World War II Germans, has been unable to find a solution to wartime birth rate declines.

About seven million Russians have left Russia since Vladimir Putin took power in 1999. The exodus accelerated when he made his rule legally permanent in 2020. The exodus surged again after Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He described this as the first of several conquests that were necessary for Russias national survival. This is not working out well because increased internal repression and external violence have crippled the economy (fewer jobs) while forcing men into the army to fight in Ukraine have led to still more Russians leaving Russia. The departures are substantial and continually reduce the population and percentage of the population that is Russian.

This is all about Putin seeking to increase Russias Slavic population and rely less on migrants from former Soviet states in Central Asia to make up the difference in numbers. This is worse because the ethnic Russians have a much lower birth rate than the new arrivals. This lower birth rate is similar to what is happening in most industrialized nations.

When Putin became the Russian leader in 1999, there were 117 million ethnic Russians who formed 80 percent of the population. The other 20 percent were various less reliable minorities. That included Ukrainians living in Russia. By 2020 there were 109 million ethnic Russians and 34 million non-Russians. That meant 24 percent of the population was non-Russian. In 1999 the total population was 147 million while in 2020 it was 144 million. Russia added the population of Crimea (2.4 million) to the official total but that province belongs to Ukraine and the Ukrainians are now poised to take it back. So far the war has killed over 100,000 Russians and a about half as many Ukrainians.

Currently Russia is forcibly moving over a million Ukrainians to Russia. About ten percent of these forced migrants are kidnapped children who are to be adopted and raised by Russian families as Russians. That might work with the younger children, but those ten or older have been resisting this forced change. Adults want no part of becoming Russian and that is why many were moved to remote (from Ukraine) parts of Russia. This is an ancient Russian practice and usually does not work.

The Russians who have left since 1999 are largely better educated, more affluent and looking for a place to settle for good. In 2022 over half a million of these Russians fled to Europe or Central Asian states that were once part of the Soviet Union. These Russians were fleeing the surprise conscription of young Russians to fight in Ukraine. Putin was conscripting migrants from Central Asia as well as those in Russia as temporary workers. These non-Russians were angry at being forced into the army and many went back to Central Asia when they saw what was happening. Few of these older mobilized men made good soldiers and those sent to Ukraine were often untrained and poorly equipped. Their usefulness in combat was dismal. Some Russians who fled started businesses and the Central Asian governments appreciated this even though the sudden presence of so many Slavic foreigners was not popular. Many of these exiles plan to return if Putin is replaced by someone who is less lethal to young Russians and the economy. This was in sharp contrast to the 1990s, when many Russians living in these former parts of the Soviet Union found themselves under pressure to leave. Now a new generation with no memory of the Soviet Union initially welcomes these affluent and talented foreigners. That welcome did not last long because threats from Putin and the sudden presence of so many Russians created local resistance to the Russian exiles.

The exodus of Russians accelerated after the Russian war on Ukraine began in 2014 with the seizure of Crimea and a partially successful seizure of two provinces in eastern Ukraine. A quicker than expected Ukrainian military response halted the seizure of the two eastern provinces and that led to a shaky ceasefire and pointless peace talks. In February 2022 when Russia sought to conquer all of Ukraine, which also failed and the flight of Russians from Russia accelerated still more.

This aggressive behavior was not popular with many Russians, nor was Vladimir Putin, who became the Russian leader and in 1999 and after about six years decided that Russia needed a more permanent and totalitarian government under his leadership. Putin remained in power despite term-limits and by 2020 had managed to change the constitution to make his long-term rule legal. Putin has displayed considerable talent for political survival. One thing that might bring him down is the continued Russian failures in Ukraine, which Putin still insists is actually part of Russia. The invasion has unified Ukrainians as Ukrainians in ways that no one, Russian or Ukrainian, ever expected. Despite what Putin said, most Russians considered the fighting in Ukraine a foreign war against a very adept and motivated people.

Putin blamed it all on the West, especially the NATO alliance. Ukrainians were not eager to join NATO until the 2014 attack, now they are an unofficial NATO member and expect to formalize that when their NATO-supported war is over. Between 2014 and 2021 NATO provided considerable assistance to transform Ukraines Soviet-era military into a force that thought and fought like NATO troops did. This meant better training and leadership as well as more flexible tactics. This played a major role in the unexpectedly rapid defeat of the Russian invaders and the superior performance of the Ukrainians on the offensive. Because of heavy losses and the poor quality of replacement troops, the Russians find themselves, a year later, outnumbered by better trained, armed and led Ukrainian forces that also have a lot of combat experience. This is why Putin has resorted to attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure (electricity, water and transportation). To do that Russia had to buy cruise missiles from Iran and artillery ammo from North Korea because Russian production capabilities could not replace the artillery munitions fast enough.

Despite government censorship and control over mass media, Russians still find out about what is happening in Ukraine. The government suppressed public protests with mass arrests and jail sentences. That led to clandestine attacks (usually fire bombs) 0n military mobilization officers and lots of anti-war and anti-Putin graffiti. Other Russians simply left Russia. That exodus was so massive and sustained that it has clearly defeated Putins campaign to make Russia more Russian.
This Spring, the Glens centre, Manorhamilton and Irish Hospice Foundation are launching an initiative inviting people to talk and explore what might be created after loss.

In 2016, Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) carried out a national survey where people said theyd like more places to talk about dying, death, and bereavement.

The Glens Centre is offering a sanctuary to those long lived or recently arrived in Leitrim with artist Crona Gallagher.

Building from Death Cafes which invite people to discuss dying, death, grief, and loss, IHF's Compassionate Culture Network uses creative practice to establish safe places where people can talk about loss.



It was started because Irish people reported they wanted more opportunities to talk about dying, death, grief and loss.

Brendan Murray, Director of The Glens, said, As an arts centre it's important to support the exchange of life stories, including that epic part of life - death. We look forward to hosting, helping and supporting Crona Gallagher and our communities as they find appropriate ways to make meaning and to share this work as it develops.

Dominic Campbell of Irish Hospice Foundation said, The Glens Centre, in collaboration with IHF and supported by Creative Ireland, is creating a beautiful and creative space for those suffering a spectrum of losses. All impactful. None too big or too small to be marked.

Crona Gallagher is an award-winning studio holder at Leitrim Sculpture Centre, Manorhamilton where she practices printmaking alongside the written word.



Her fine art print work has been exhibited at national and international level and is held in both private and public collections including Caddebostan Cultural Centre, Istanbul, Awagami International, Japan and Ginestrelle contemporary art in Assisi, Italy among others. Her work has featured in The Annual Exhibition at the Royal Hibernian Academy and the Royal Ulster Academy. In 2018 Leitrim County Council presented her with the award for Outstanding Contribution to the Arts.

An open session to launch the project and invite a discussion of loss takes place on Tuesday, March 14 at The Sextons House, Church Lane, Manorhamilton 11-1pm.

This project in the Glens Centre is part of a larger nationwide IHF initiative as the Compassionate Culture Network aims to use creative practice to establish opportunities for people to talk about loss.

For details: www.hospicefoundation.ie/ccn

Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) is a national charity that addresses dying, death and bereavement in Ireland.

In 2020 IHF began an Arts and Creative Engagement programme during the pandemic with all citizens affected by loss and some impacted by extreme loss. Normal patterns of grieving were disrupted. Care staff beloved and battered. Individual and collective ways of grieving dislocated.

IHF began developing a Compassionate Culture Network (CCN) early in 2021 with the support of the Creative Ireland Programme.



Its aim was to use creative practice to establish places where people can talk about loss. It was started because Irish people reported they wanted more opportunities to talk about dying, death, grief and loss.

The programme centred around seven artist-facilitators, working alongside support workers and with seven venues. IHF funded the artist and support workers directly with provision for learning supports and materials.

All seven partners worked in unique ways according to the artist's ideas, each informed by their local arts and health infrastructures.

The artist-facilitators and support workers worked simultaneously across the nation under the guidance of IHF who brought support and grief awareness, through online training and peer sessions. By July 2023, IHF will have established six more CCNs.
Labour Party Leader, Ivana Bacik recently visited a number of towns and villages across the Sligo-Leitrim constituency, focusing on the struggles being faced by individuals and families in the region.



She introduced local resident, Bernie Linnane, as Labour's new Local Area Representative for the Manorhamilton Electoral Area.



She travelled to the area from Dublin by train, arriving in to Collooney station from where she travelled to the Leitrim village of Dromahair, before concluding the visit with a number of appointments in Sligo Town.



Childcare is a topic that Deputy Bacik has highlighted on many occasions both before and since her election to the Dail in 2021, and she was able to see at first hand the work done by the educators and children who attend the community settings in Dromahair, Lifestart and the Springboard project in Sligo Town.



Deputy Bacik said Health, Housing and Childcare are the three big issues around the country and the constituency. This evening we will be holding a listening meeting at the Clayton Hotel in Sligo and these are the issues that people are bringing to us at these meetings, wherever they are held.



I always like, on these tours around Ireland, to visit childcare and early years facilities. A huge priority for us in Labour is pushing for a universal, fully accessible, public childcare system. An equal Early Years start, equivalent to primary school places.



A guaranteed, state-funded, free pre-school place.

What we're hearing all around, what we heard in Dromahair, and what we heard in Sligo was the huge difficulties providers are having in recruiting and retaining staff, given the low-pay and beauraucracy in the sector.



While in Dromahair, Deputy Bacik also introduced local resident, Bernie Linnane saying Bernie is a great advocate for equality, and especially for women's rights.

With only three women amongst 18 councillors in both Leitrim and Sligo County Councils, both bodies are failing to hear women's voices. Both Sligo and Leitrim County Council need more women's voices. Both Sligo and Leitrim County Councils need more Labour voices.



She added We are seeking to grow and build for support for Labour in Sligo and Leitrim. We have two wonderful Local Area Reps in Nessa Cosgrove in Sligo and Bernie Linnane in Leitrim. We are a Green-Red environmentalist-socialist party and we see that there is a huge appetite for change in the North-West.



Throughout March we are seeking to recruit new members, particularly women, through our 'Sign up a Sister' campaign.

Representative Linnane commented I am proud to have been selected by the Labour Party act as a Local Area Representative, and I can confirm that, pending a selection process by the local party, it is my intention to stand for election at the forthcoming local elections."



The two recent referenda have shown that there is an appetite for change amongst the voters of Leitrim. There is an appetite for an alternative vision, there is an appetite for a fairer, more equal society. I would be honoured to stand for that equal society, to stand for that vision and to stand for change."



Nessa Cosgrove, the Sligo based spokesperson added We have seen first hand today the vital work being carried out by community organisations. The Early Years Services at Dromahair and Lifestart meeting the needs of children and families, along with the team at Sligo Springboard who work alongside families, who sometimes have quite complex needs.



 I would especially like to thank the children at Sligo Springboard from whom we received such a warm welcome.

We met with management, staff and unions at Sligo University Hospital and heard all about the challenges being faced by those working in Healthcare."



Finally, we attended a lively Town Hall style meeting in the Clayton Hotel. This was a listening exercise and Ivana came away with lots of material which will help to inform our manifesto and policies as we face into the next elections."



Concluding, the youth worker said: Accompanying the Leader of the Labour Party, I was proud to see the work that our health, community and voluntary sector workers are engaged in. Not for profit, and often in very difficult circumstances, but for the benefit of the people living in our communities.



We, in the Labour Party, will always stand alongside those workers and speak out on their behalf so that they can continue to serve the needs of our communities.
The Minister for Education has said there will be a reduction to the minimum hours for religion in Irish primary schools as part of the new curriculum.

However, Norma Foley said there will be more autonomy given to schools for flexitime to decide what subjects should be given extra time.

There is flexitime available to schools who will know best what areas need to be augmented. That autonomy is being given to the schools, she added.

Announcing the new Primary Curriculum Framework, Ms Foley accepted there would always be contention when the curriculum is changed but the decision was made after broad consultation with all education partners.

The framework is designed to shape the work of all primary and special schools over the coming years.

She said there was a need for the curriculum framework to be of the 21st century.

Asked about the debate around gender identity being taught in schools, she said leadership on this would come from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCAA) after broad consultation and engagement.

All views are welcome across the partners in education and wider society, she added.

Asked about comments from President Michael D Higgins that sexuality should be taught in schools, Ms Foley said the Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) part of the framework will be developed by the NCAA but that work has not yet commenced.

She said there would be wide consultation on this as well.

Thats the great beauty of what we achieve in education, we do invite the expertise, the views and the input of such a wide range of people, she said.

She said the overall framework had been positively received by education groups, adding that the announcement of the new overarching vision for primary schools was a groundbreaking day for education.

Ms Foley said modern foreign languages will officially be introduced to the primary school curriculum on a staged basis from September 2025, after a pilot involving 700 schools.

She said necessary upskilling would be provided to staff.

Ms Foley also said work is near completion on the first elements of the new mathematics curriculum.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during a ceremony at the Superior Electoral Tribunal in Brasilia, Brazil, March 7, 2023. ADRIANO MACHADO / REUTERS

The symbolic value was strong: On March 4, the Brazilian Senate announced it was reopening to the public. It took many weeks to refurbish the building, designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer and covered with a midnight blue drape after it was ransacked on January 8 by far-right rioters who supported Jair Bolsoanaro. This confirms the return to a semblance of normality in Brasilia.

The event coincides with the commemoration of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's first two months in power following his inauguration on January 1. At the head of a shaken country, the leftist president has maintained an intense agenda and benefited from a kind of sacred union, but he also aroused disappointment and early criticism.

The president first wanted to restore Brazil's international image. The 77-year-old leader met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna in Brasilia. Lula has also made pledges to Washington and in February met with his American counterpart, Joe Biden, at the White House.

Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Biden-Lula meeting: War in Ukraine high on the agenda

No 'jolt' of confidence

On the domestic scene, the former metalworker put all his energy into rebuilding the social programs that his predecessor scrapped. "From now on, the gigantic wheel of Brazil will turn!" he said on February 14, during the relaunch of the social housing program "My House My Life." The goal is to build two million homes by 2026.

At the same time, the minimum wage increased by 1.3%. Households receiving the well-known "Bolsa Familia" (an allowance dependent on certain educational obligations) will now receive an additional 150 reais (27) per child under 6 years of age. At the end of February, the government also reinstated the National Council for Food Security, which is essential to the fight against hunger but had been abolished by Jair Bolsonaro.

Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes "Reducing social inequality in Brazil would appear to be essential for strengthening democracy and weakening extremism"

Fighting against racism, femicide, firearms or in favor of vaccination... the current government wants to distinguish itself in every way from the previous one. "It is a time for unity and reconstruction. This country was destroyed by fascist barbarians. It will take time to get results, but we will succeed. Lula is a father of victory," insisted Bohn Gass, an MP of the Workers Party who is close to the president.

Despite the facade of enthusiasm, the first doubts have already emerged. Far from being unanimous, according to polls, the Lula government is enjoying only 40% favorable opinion. The much hoped-for "jolt" of confidence has not taken place: gross domestic product fell by 0.2% in the last quarter of 2022. For the current year, the outlook is gloomy, with a 1.2% growth forecast by the International Monetary Fund.

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US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin delivers a statement to the press at the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) headquarters near the Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv, on March 9, 2023. GIL COHEN-MAGEN / AFP

Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin, on a visit to Israel on Thursday, March 8, expressed concerns about Jewish settler violence against Palestinians and warned against acts that could trigger more insecurity.

The United States Secretary of Defense held talks in Israel as flaring violence killed three suspected Palestinian militants in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and protesters rallied against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right government.

"I'm here as a friend who's deeply committed to the security of the state of Israel but the US also remains firmly opposed to any acts that could trigger more insecurity, including settlement expansion and inflammatory rhetoric," Austin said.

"We are especially disturbed by violence by settlers against Palestinians so we'll continue to oppose actions that could push a two-state solution further out of reach," he told during a joint news conference with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant.

Read more Israeli democracy undermined by finance minister given de facto authority over West Bank

Thousands of Israelis opposed to Netanyahu's government legal reform plans had blocked roads in and around Ben Gurion airport, near Tel Aviv, forcing a last-minute change of venue for Austin's talks. Just hours before Austin's arrival in Israel, undercover agents of Israel's border police shot dead three suspected Palestinian militants in the West Bank.

The Palestinian health ministry announced the "martyrdom" of three men shot by Israeli forces in Jaba, near the northern city of Jenin.

"We had a very frank and candid discussion among friends about the need to de-escalate, to lower tensions and restore calm, especially before the holidays of Passover and Ramadan," Austin said.

He also called on the "Palestinian leadership to combat terrorism and to resume security cooperation and to condemn incitement."

Netanyahu, who also met Austin on Thursday, said Israel and the US had a "common agenda to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons."

Experts fear further violence particularly around Jerusalem's holy sites during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which begins at the end of this month, and the Jewish holiday of Passover in April.

Since the beginning of the year, violence in the region has claimed the lives of 75 Palestinian adults and children, including militants and civilians. Thirteen Israeli adults and children, including members of the security forces and civilians, and one Ukrainian civilian, have been killed over the same period, according to a tally compiled by Agence France Presse.

Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Israel faces unprecedented revolt of army reservists

Le Monde with AFP
A "TIMELY" surgical procedure would have "avoided the death" of a Limerick man 13 years ago, an inquest heard this Thursday afternoon.

A verdict of medical misadventure has been recorded at the second inquest held for the same person  thought to be the first time in the history of the State.

Michael Daly Snr, aged 65, of Garryowen, Limerick died on April 7, 2010. He had been treated for rectal pain and bleeding for over two and half years and he had a number of surgical procedures carried out in the Regional Hospital (now University Hospital Limerick).

A 2012 inquest found that Mr Daly Snr had died of cardiac failure due to natural causes.

The second inquest into his death commenced on Monday in Kilmallock Court with the deceased's family hoping the "truth will finally emerge and healing can begin".

Among those to give evidence was the former state pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy who took the stand this Thursday.

After the four days of evidence had finished, Limerick coroner John McNamara said, this Thursday, it was "a very complex inquest surrounding the circumstance of the death of the late Michael Daly Snr".

In summarising the evidence, the coroner said Mr Daly Snr unfortunately developed rectal cancer and on August 22, 2007 had cancer surgery. He subsequently developed a "leak" which is a risk associated with this type of procedure.

The surgery was successful and despite an 80% chance of reoccurence the cancer never came back.

"However, following a stoma removal reversal, Mr Daly Snr became unfortunately progressively unwell. It is clear from the evidence and records he had multiple attendances and discharges from University Hospital Limerick through 2008, 2009, 2010.

"Throughout this time his C-reactive protein (CRP) had increased and albumin had decreased which we heard was consistent with chronic inflammation, low blood haemoglobin and an episode of delirium in 2009.

"It is fair to say he underwent a lot of tests and investigations at the hospital. It appears that the cause of his ongoing illness was never established," said Mr McNamara.

The coroner said there were two CT scans taken of Mr Daly's (pictured below in 2008) abdomen and pelvis in 2008 and 2009.

"These are of significance. My independent expert witness gave evidence that the first scan gave rise to significant unexpected findings. In his practice he would have brought this to the attention of the clinician and the case would have been reviewed.

"The radiologist who carried out the CT scans, in his direct evidence said the information he received before carrying out the scans was patchy. He was unaware Mr Daly Snr had been sick a long while. He recommended a multidisciplinary meeting in his report," said Mr McNamara, who added that in the radiologist's direct evidence he "accepted he misinterpreted or misread the scan" having read and heard the evidence of the independent witness.

The coroner said Mr Daly's consultant said if he had this information he would have carried out a defunctioning colostomy immediately.

The independent evidence of an intensivist said it was his opinion that "unresolved infection led to sepsis".

"A colorectal surgeon acting on my instruction gave an opinion that on the balance of probabilities a timely defunctioning colostomy would have avoided death.

"A cardiologist accepted the proposition that sepsis would have been a major contributory factor to death because of the excessive demands placed on Mr Daly Snr's heart.

"Professor Marie Cassidy (former state pathologist) gave evidence this morning that it was a combination of factors at play that led to Mr Daly's death," said Mr McNamara.

The coroner said that on the balance of probabilities "I am satisfied that the appropriate verdict to record is medical misadventure".

Mr McNamara amended Mr Daly's cause of death from cardiac failure due to natural causes to cardiac failure and cardiac disease on a background of recent bowel cancer, surgeries, infection, sepsis and peritonitis.

Mr McNamara thanked the legal representatives, medical and independent witnesses, and gardai.

Doireann O'Mahony BL, on behalf of the Daly family, who had sought a verdict of medical misadventure, thanked Mr McNamara.

"The coroner service is a vital public service and the Daly's family faith in the service has been restored," said Ms O'Mahony.

Mr McNamara made it "abundantly clear" that medical misadventure doesn't carry any connotations of blame of liability.

"I would like to express my condolences to the Daly family. Obviously that is the reason we are here," said Mr McNamara.

Earlier, Conor Halpin SC, for University Hospital Limerick, on behalf of the legal team expressed "our sincerest condolences to Michael Daly Jnr and the family and the extended family on the loss of their father".

More to follow online and in print on the reaction of the Daly family to the verdict
SCOIL na Trionoide Naofa, an amalgamation of the former St Josephs Secondary School and St Fintans Christian Brothers School (CBS) stands on the outskirts of Doon and in the last six months has undergone a world of transformation in a biodiverse and sustainable fashion.

Deirdre Carswell is a teacher at the school who has previously worked in a number of educational institutions around the county and has a keen interest in all things biodiversity and shining a positive green light on the world we live in.

Ms Carswell has already undertaken a great number of biodiverse and sustainable projects at the school along with the help of other staff members and keen students.

In October a biodiversity trail at the school was built with the involvement of staff and students alike at the school all for educational purposes.

The biodiversity trail contains 12 wooden posts with outdoor frames showcasing facts about the animals in and around the schools habitat. A wooden sign for the trail was constructed by the schools woodwork department.

We invited 130 local primary school kids in to do the trail and answer a questionnaire on animal facts, Ms Carswell began.

We called it Biodiversity and Science Day. Six or seven primary schools in total came on the day.

The trail also consists of a polytunnel, used to house plants, where the students have made plant potters and have grown seeds.

An Environment Team consisting of first-year students at the school was created. Those students were tasked with planting daffodils around the campus and according to Ms Carswell they are keen and avid environmental learners.

Woodies DIY also supplied the school with lots of dahlia bulbs which were planted around the school grounds and according to Ms Carswell the students thoroughly enjoyed the educational experience and the hands-on learning.

An Choill Bheag (the Little Forest) is another new installation at the school which sees all different species of trees being planted to furthermore promote biodiversity at the school grounds.

Weve a huge amount going on in regard to biodiversity. Another teacher, Mr OBrien is in charge of horticulture at the school and does tremendous work with the cultivation of plants. He had farm animals and all before Covid, Ms Carswell said.

Scoil na Trionoide Naofa have also begun a joint project with Castletroy College where Ms Carswell previously used to work.

It involves the Green Schools Teams joining together to discuss each of the school's projects and educate one another further on biodiversity, horticulture and sustainability.

Ms Carswell says they plan to meet up at Scoil na Trionoide Naofa soon where the Castletroy College Transition Year students will get to explore the biodiversity trail and will be given the opportunity to complete a questionnaire and quizzes.

I just noticed that there was an awful lot of work being done in schools individually where as no one was sharing it. I have contacts in different schools I worked in and I thought sure why not invite them over and share ideas?

I did it with the Villiers School and the students just loved it. Usually, schools are competing with one another but its lovely to be able to amalgamate them and say that we are all in it together and that it is a global thing. We need to promote it, work together and share ideas, Ms Carswell smiled.

Teaching biodiversity has been something Ms Carswell has done in every school she has taught at over the last 17 years.

When I did my interview here at Scoil na Trionoide Naofa, the principal rang me afterwards and said yeah, youve got the job. Will you set it all up? and I just said okay, Ms Carswell laughed.

Another hope of the Green Schools team at the school is to create flower beds.

Theres just a bit of planning for that as we have to be mindful of the caretakers cutting the grass and we have to make sure that theyll be able to cut around it and it wont disrupt them, she said.

During the conversation with Ms Carswell, she discussed the joy of bringing students together and how they all fell in love with learning about biodiversity and horticulture.

A climate cafe during science week, insect hotels and educating students on lowering their carbon footprint are all initiatives taken on by the Green School's team since September.

What happens is, you have an awful lot of kids who are on their own and they mightn't have many friends so you gather them all up and you bring them together. It builds confidence and self-esteem. Its a lovely way of getting kids involved.

Then suddenly they have loads of friends, Ms Carswell said.

Principal of Scoil na Trionoide Naofa in Doon Helena Foley commented on the work happening at the school.

These students are an inspiration to our entire school community. We are blessed to have such a beautiful natural environment in Scoil na Trionoide Naofa and I am delighted that these students are so environmentally conscious, she said.
AN INVESTIGATION into a fatal kayaking outing in 2019 by the University of Limerick Kayaking Club (ULKC) has found that the trip was not properly assessed for risks.

The 202-page report determined that prevailing conditions of the Caragh River in County Kerry were not suitable for all 27 members to manage, resulting in the death of a young woman, Aisling OConnor (21) from Donegal, the report by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) found.

During the trip, the sub-group of kayakers Ms OConnor was with came into difficulties which resulted in her becoming trapped under a tree branch where she was rendered unconscious and stopped breathing.

Ms OConnor was rescued from the water, resuscitated and transferred to hospital where she subsequently died.

Another kayaker, a 21-year-old male also needed to be resuscitated and was later transferred to hospital where he recovered.

According to the report, each of the kayakers had individual and varying levels of kayaking competencies and skills, instructor and other qualifications and experience.

Members of ULKC in charge of identifying and assessing the risks in advance, and on the day, were insufficiently trained and experienced.

The Upper Caragh River where the trip took place is considered a grade three and sometimes grade four river, meaning difficult or very difficult.

Rivers are graded according to their difficulties for kayaking purposes.

Irish WhiteWater is a well-regarded website that kayakers use to find reports on the conditions of rivers in Ireland.

The descriptive terms used include low-hanging trees, rapids, and a larger grade four rapid.

The incident occurred after 2pm on November 2, 2019 and Met Eireann had a yellow weather warning for rainfall in place from 8am until 11.59pm the same day.

Met Eireann estimates that rain occurred during the day with some heavy outbursts between 7am and 12pm.

This made conditions on the river more difficult than usual.

The report also mentioned that there was a lack of adherence to the ULKC Safety Statement and Trips Policy and Procedure which set out control measures, which led to a lack of accredited training, which led to poor decision making on the day of the excursion.

The various parties involved (ULKC) and the UL Student's Union (now UL Student Life) have made steps to improve safety since the investigation began.
LIMERICK woman Michelle Daly has been appointed as a partner in a top Dublin law firm Matheson's tax department.

A past pupil of Laurel Hill Colaiste FCJ, she completed a Bachelor of civil law degree at University College Cork and a Master of laws (international and European business law) at Trinity College Dublin.

Ms Daly is also a chartered tax adviser.

Her role will be to advise clients in the financial services sector, focusing on a range of matters including the rental of aeroplanes, insurance and the restructure of debt.

Previously, she has spent time working in Matheson's New York office.

Ms Daly becomes one of 14 lawyers whom Matheson has recently promoted to partner across nine different practice areas.

The appointments bring the total number of partners and tax principals in the firm to 121.

Michael Jackson, managing partner of Matheson said: "We are delighted to welcome these 14 skilled lawyers to our partnership. It is particularly pleasing to see such a large and diverse range of practice areas represented in these appointments, something which reflects the broad sectoral composition of our client base and the continued growth and success of the firm across all practice areas."

"These promotions are a further endorsement of Matheson's people strategy and our ongoing investment in talent. They are representative of the breadth and scope of the technical and legal knowledge which is nurtured across the firm. I congratulate them on their appointments, and I look forward to working with them closely over the coming years," he added.
Iran and Russia are becoming closer allies. This includes Russian plans to provide Iran with S400 air defense systems and cooperating with Iran in Syria, where Israeli air strikes have prevented Iran from launching attacks into Israel. At the same time Israel is improving its relationship with Ukraine. This is influenced by its worsening relationship with Russia because of Russias closer relationship with Iran. Israel has been sending economic aid to Ukraine but not weapons. So far.

Russia is obsessed with conquering Ukraine and losing. At the same time, Iran remains obsessed with destroying Israel and losing too. Irans presence in Syria is Israels chief threat, so Israeli efforts to make a peace deal with the Syrian Assad government depend on convincing the Assads that with Israeli help they can survive declaring their independence from Iranian domination. Israel has long recognized this opportunity and in mid-2022 sent Basher Assad an ultimatum that, if he did not cease cooperating with the Iranians (especially the movement and storage of Iranian missiles to Syria), Israeli airstrikes would go after Assad and family members by bombing the many luxury residences (palaces'') used by the Syrian family in and around Damascus. The Assads had earlier denied this degree of cooperation but this time Israel pointed out it was sharing intel with Saudi Arabia and other Arab allies and that means it is a lot more difficult for Assad to get away with lying to the Israelis. Arab nations and Israel were trying to get the Assads to switch sides and the Assads made a decision to stick with Iran without telling the wealthy Gulf Arab states he was hoping would invest in rebuilding the Syrian economy once the war was finally over. The Israelis did not follow through on their threat and it was believed that the Iranian threat to kill Assad and his family was a more compelling offer. The Assads are survivors and apparently continuing their negotiations with Arab nations and Israel. The Iranians are increasingly preoccupied with problems inside Iran as well as their new military alliance with Russia. This makes Iran a participant in the Ukraine war on the Russian side. That makes Iran even more unpopular internationally. Despite that, Iran is determined to hold onto its current power in Syria.

Israel treats Iran as a major threat, especially because of the Iranian presence in Syria though Irans nuclear program is starting to rival that. Israel has been at war with Iran in Syria for nearly a decade, during which Israel carried out hundreds of airstrikes and a few commando operations against Iranian operations in Syria. This cost Iran a lot of lives and money, and is one of the things restive Iranians want to halt by pulling Iranian forces out of Syria and Lebanon. But first the Iranians have to shut down the Iranian religious dictatorship, which, as expected, resists efforts to shut down operations in Syria.

Iran controls irregular forces in Syria along with the more organized Hezbollah in Lebanon and the inept Hamas in Gaza. Iran also has short-range ballistic missiles that can reach Israel and keeps trying to smuggle guided rockets and short-range ballistic missiles into Syria and Lebanon. Hundreds of Israeli air strikes have prevented the guided weapons buildup and formidable Israeli BMD (ballistic missiles defense) systems neutralize the use of missiles launched from Iran. So far the defenses have worked. Israel has now offered to sell its BMD systems to their new Arab allies, and help them use whatever BMD systems they do obtain to keep the Iranian missiles out.

March 7, 2023: In the West Bank, Israeli soldiers raided a house where a suspected Hamas terrorist lived. The suspect was believed responsible for two Israelis last month. The suspect opened fire and was killed in a brief battle, along with five other Palestinians who attacked the soldiers. Another twelve Palestinians were wounded as well as three Israeli soldiers. Palestinian leaders complained about the high Palestinian casualties that occurred when Palestinians in the area attacked the soldiers. As expected, the Palestinians in the south (Gaza) later launched a rocket towards southern Israel. Israeli radar detected the launch but the rocket malfunctioned and landed inside Gaza.

In northern Syria (Aleppo) an Israeli airstrike put the Aleppo airport out of service. This was apparently part of the effort to disrupt shipments of weapons to Syria and Lebanon.

March 5, 2023: In the north (Lebanese border) an Israeli army patrol crossed the border and was confronted by Lebanese troops who physically attacked the Israelis. Before this could escalate, UN peacekeepers arrived and resolved the situation.

March 4, 2023: France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and Britain called on Israel to curb the activities and presence of Israeli settlers in the West Bank. For a decade now the number of Israeli settlers in the West Bank has been increasing. This is partly in reaction to the Israel does not exist strategy of the Palestinians. This backfired by 2013 when an opinion survey showed that 83 percent of Israelis did not believe that returning to the 1967 borders (in a peace deal with the Palestinians) would end the Palestinian terrorism. This is a big shift from 2000, when Israel offered the Palestinians a peace deal that most Palestinians would accept in 2013. But back then the Palestinian leader (Yasser Arafat), facing pressure from Palestinian leaders instead launched a terror campaign against Israel. This was defeated by the Israelis by 2005 but is still sputtering along. After 2005 the Palestinians split into Fatah (more corrupt, less Islamic) and Hamas (less corrupt, more Islamic) factions. Both groups continue to spew death to the Jews messages via their media outlets (with a more moderate tone in non-Arabic pronouncements). In response to the death threats from the Palestinians, many Israelis have backed Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Originally these were efforts by extremist groups to begin the process of annexing the West Bank to Israel. The most extreme of these groups want the Arabs expelled from this territory which, thousands of years ago was part of ancient Israel. The Israeli government has never backed the expulsion idea, but does support the settlements, if only because it makes the West Bank less of a threat to Israel. Israelis are well aware of these Palestinian media messages and have given up hope of making a real and lasting peace deal with the Palestinians. The Israeli goes through the motions to placate foreign allies who disregard Palestinian attitudes towards Israel and insist on a peace deal. Palestinian attitudes since 2013 have been consistently anti- peace. Arafats widow later confirmed that her husband deliberately began the 2000 terror campaign in order to coerce Israel into sweetening the peace deal. Israel would not submit to coercion and fought back. Arafat had long claimed that the 2000 terror campaign was a spontaneous Palestinian response to the Israeli peace offer. At the time, most Palestinians were willing to accept it. But the Palestinian radicals wanted Israel destroyed and nothing less would do. As long as the Palestinians insist that Israel must be destroyed, most Israelis support the Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

March 3, 2023: The Israeli domestic intelligence service (Shin Bet, similar to the British MI5) revealed that it had arrested four members if a Hamas terrorist cell (group) that had received training in Syria and Turkey before returning to the West Bank, where they were arrested.

March 2, 2023: In the West Bank one Palestinian was killed and another wounded during an attack on Israeli soldiers. Since these attacks often involve fire bombs or large rocks, If Israeli troops feel their lives are in danger, they can fire at their attackers and not just into the air.

March 1, 2023: In the north, across the Syrian border in Quneitra and Daraa provinces, Israeli aircraft dropped thousands of leaflets warning Syrians to not cooperate with Hezbollah members who operate intelligence networks and seek to recruit Syrians to work with Hezbollah to network of pro-Iran operatives who would help Iran establish a military presence on the border and attack Israel. The leaflets pointed out that Israeli air and artillery strikes often hit Hezbollah operations near the border. For several years Israel has been increasingly active in attacking their hostile operatives near the border. Since the 1980s the Lebanese Hezbollah Shia militia has been supported financially and with weapons by Iran. That led to the Iranian 2011 order that sent Hezbollah forces into Syria to protect the Shia Assad government and later to take control of the Syrian side of the Israeli border and work with Iranian troops to launch attacks on Israel. Israeli efforts to prevent Iranian forces from operating close to the Israeli border or gaining support from the border population in the border provinces of Quneitra, Daraa and Suwayda have increased. Total population of these provinces in 2011 was 1.4 million but only about 20 percent of that was on or near the border. After the 2011 Civil War began much of the Sunni population fled. How much remains on the border is unclear but is apparently at least 100,000. Only Quentera and Daraa border Israel. Israel has occupied most of Quentera province since the 1967 War and the Israeli controlled area is mostly the Golan Heights. This is the high ground overlooking northern Israel and the Syrians made a major and ultimately failed effort in the 1973 War to retake Golan. Control of the Daraa border with Israel was sought by Iranian forces but Russian and Syrian troops blocked many of the Iranian efforts and are now pushing away Iranian-backed forces already there.

February 27, 2023: The IAEA reports that they found traces of uranium enriched to 83.7 percent, just short of the 90 percent required for nuclear weapons. These samples were found at the Fordow procession facility where uranium is only supposed to be enriched to 60 percent.. This comes at the same time information about an agreement between Russia and Iran for Russia to pay for weapons by supplying highly enriched uranium.

February 26, 2023: In the West Bank two Israelis were killed by Palestinian gunmen. One of the dead held dual Israeli-American citizenship.

February 25, 2023: In the West Bank a Palestinian man was shot dead when he tried to attack an Israeli civilian with a knife. This sort of attack on Israelis, usually with knives or vehicles, usually takes place in the West Bank. This began in 2015 when Palestinian leaders called for suicidal knife terrorism attacks. These attacks soon lost their popularity despite Fatah continuing to encourage these attacks energetically in all the Palestinian media. This can be seen in the number of Palestinian terror attacks disrupted each year. It was 217 in 2014, 187 in 2013, 112 in 2012 and 88 in 2011. In the last decade knife attacks are less common and almost always occur in the West Bank or Jerusalem. Since 1948 some 2,600 Israelis have died from terror attacks inside Israel. Nearly five percent of those dead were foreigners. Palestinian terrorism efforts have never recovered from the defeat they suffered, when Israel adopted new tactics that largely shut down the terror campaign the Palestinians began in 2000. Fatah and Hamas have been trying to revive that effort ever since and have largely failed. The 2022 Israeli deaths are hailed as a great victory while the 70 Palestinians killed during these attacks, especially the many that failed. These attacks are often described by Palestinians as Israeli oppression of peaceful Palestinians.

February 23, 2023: In the south (Gaza) five rockets were fired from Gaza into Israel, where they were intercepted by Israeli air defenses. Later in the day, Israeli air strikes destroyed a Hamas weapons manufacturing facility as well as a weapons storage warehouse.

February 22, 2023: In the West Bank, soldiers sought to arrest three terrorism suspects but the three refused to surrender and opened fire and were killed by return fire. Hundreds of Palestinians then attacked the soldiers and tried to block their withdrawal. More soldiers arrived and nine more Palestinians were killed and over a hundred wounded.

February 20, 2023: Turkish interference in Libyan internal affairs is making the formation of a Libyan national government even more difficult. The UN agrees that the Turkish demands are illegal but refuses to do much about it. That is actually normal for the UN. The United States and European governments are demanding that the UN act but the UN refuses without admitting that it is simply impossible for the UN to obtain enough international support to pressure the Turks to get out of Libya. UN efforts in Libya to help establish a national government have failed and are now seen as part of the problem. The UN still considers its efforts as a positive force in Libya. While most Libyans are ready to form a national government, the UN and Turkey remain the primary obstacles to achieving that. There are other obstacles, like Egypt, which has long been a major factor in Eastern Libya politics because the Egyptians want to look after the many Egyptians who work in Libya as well as keeping Islamic terrorists in Libya from getting into Egypt or smuggling weapons into Egypt.

February 19, 2023: In southern Syria (Damascus) an Israeli airstrike at night damaged a ten-story building in a residential neighborhood that was being used as the headquarters for Iranian and Hezbollah operations in Syria. Iran believed that a building in a residential area would discourage Israel from carrying out an air strike. The upscale residential area is where a lot of senior government officials and their families live. Israeli aircraft used at least two air-to-surface guided missiles for the attack. The building was not completely destroyed, but much rubble fell into surrounding streets and windows in some adjacent buildings were broken. The airstrike took place after midnight when February temperatures are near freezing and not many people are on the streets in residential neighborhoods. Iran tried to use civilians as human shields by placing this headquarters in a residential area and it is unclear if the Syrian government agreed with this policy or were forced to go along. In Gaza the Hamas government regularly puts key military facilities in residential areas and Israel attacks them, usually after first hacking the telephone system to call all the civilians who might be and danger and warning them to leave their building. This reduces civilian casualties and annoys Hamas. The situation is different in Syria where Iranians are an unwelcome guest the Assad government cannot refuse.

February 15, 2023: Iran is converting a container ship to an aircraft carrier. This is complicated by the fact that the superstructure (crew quarters, work spaces and offices) stretches across the ship and is over a hundred meters from the rear of the ship. Using a container ship as a carrier means building an odd shaped flight deck. Reconstruction of the container ship Perarin began about nine months ago and recent satellite photos show an angled flight deck that partially overhangs the hull. The area behind the superstructure is apparently being used as a helicopter landing pad with anti-aircraft guns mounted at the rear of the ship. The new carrier will carry and operate several types of UAVs, including the Shahed 129A. Iran has about three dozen of these and while they look like an American Predator, they are smaller (less than half a ton) and the tech was obtained from reverse engineering an Israeli Hermes 450 that crashed largely intact in a place the Iranians could recover it. The 129A entered service in 2013 and is not used as a cruise missile, like the smaller (less than a quarter ton) Shahed 136 used in Ukraine as a cruise missile. The 129a can carry four Sadid guided bombs. Each of these weighs 34 kg (75 pounds) and has a max range of six kilometers. Accuracy is (at several meters) not as precise as missiles like Hellfire which can hit within a meter of the target, Sadid was proved effective when used in Syria. Operating relatively large UAVs like the 129A from a carrier deck may lead to a few accidents and possible loss of some 129As. This is less of a problem with the smaller UAVs used as cruise missiles on one-way missions. Most of the UAVs carried by the new carrier will be these smaller models. They are built in large quantities and Iran assisted the Russians in building a factory in Russia to produce several types of Iranian UAVs. The larger UAVs are often built in smaller quantities, often no more than 30 or 40. The exceptions are particularly successful models, like the more than 200 Mohajer-6s built since 2018. Irans UAV carrier can carry over a hundred UAVs if most of them are the smaller models used as cruise missiles. The larger UAVs are essential for reconnaissance and surveillance and training operations can be monitored because they have to be held at sea under realistic (windy with rough waters) to be effective. Some Western navies operate large UAVs off carrier decks. Turkey has built an amphibious assault ship with a carrier deck designed for operating large, jet powered, UAVs. The only problem with the Iranian carriers is that they are easy to spot and track by nations (like Israeli) with their own surveillance satellites and warplanes carrying long-range air-to-surface missiles that can be used against ships. Israel also has submarines operating in the region. Iran appears to be converting a second ship (a tanker) into a carrier and apparently has ambitious plans for these new ships. Iran lives in a dangerous neighborhood, made so largely by the mischief Iran creates, and the neighbors, especially the wealthy Arab oil states are heavily armed and well trained to handle whatever Iran aims at them.

February 6, 2023: A massive earthquake registering 7.8, on a scale where anything over six is considered major, devastated the Turkish-Syrian border in northeast Syria. Iran ordered its Islamic terrorists support units (Quds Force) in the area to provide any quake relief they are capable of. Some other Islamic terrorist groups did the same. This has long been a major combat zone on the Syrian side of the border. Most of the earthquake damage took place on the Turkish side. Total deaths are expected to exceed 50,000 and the total won't be known until the massive numbers of collapsed structures, especially in residential areas, are searched. The quake brought a halt to combat in Syria and Turkish military operations in the area as well as the food and other aid for the many civilians trapped in the Syrian Idlib province combat zone. This disrupts the operations of Islamic terror groups in the area. Islamic terrorists in other parts of Syria, particularly near the Israeli and Iraqi borders, reduced or suspended operations because of fears they would be subject to more attacks as a result of the temporary neutralization of Islamic terrorist operations in northern Syria. Israel and Iraq have both sent rescue and relief aid to Turkey.

January 30, 2023: : Israel has developed another, the fifth, version of its Merkava tank. The Merkava 5 was quietly developed, built, tested and deployed in small numbers during late 2022. This was ahead of schedule because the original delivery date was supposed to be early 2023. Like the earlier Merkava models, Merkava 5 is an improved version of the previous model. The 65-ton Merkava 4 entered service in 2005, with an upgraded version appearing in 2011. Further upgrades of Merkava 4 turned out to be so extensive that this version was designated Merkava 5, which weighs the same as Merkava 4. Several hundred Merkava 4 tank deliveries will instead incorporate the Merkava 5 features and enter service as Merkava 5s. This means there will be 360 Merkava 4s and 300 Merkava 5s. The price per tank will also increase from $4.5 million for each Merkava 4 and about $5 million for each Merkava 5. Improvements in the Merkava 5 include a more effective engine along with upgrades to the Iron Vision system that provides the commander a view of what is happening outside the tank. The new version provides a more realistic day/night view of what is outside as well as indications of where enemy fire (bullets or projectiles) hitting the tank is coming from and how best Merkava can respond. This was the result of upgrading the fire-control system. The Trophy APS (Active Protection System) has also been updated to be more effective and incorporate some of the lessons of the war in Ukraine. Israel is the smallest nation in the world to design and build its own tanks. This was the result of the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, which took Israel by surprise and inflicted heavy losses before Israel counter-attacked and defeated Egypt and Syria and their larger number of modern Russian tanks. Israel carefully analyzes the results of each war it fights and makes changes to deal with problems encountered. The 1973 war prompted Israel to start designing and building its own tanks.

January 29, 2023: In eastern Syria (Deir Ezzor province) unidentified armed UAVs attacked a convoy of trucks that had just left Iraq and were moving towards a nearby base used by Iran-backed militias. Many of these militiamen are from Iraq or Lebanon (Hezbollah). Sometimes the UAVs are American but sometimes they are Israeli, which has UAVs capable of doing this and intelligence assets (photo satellites and local informants) to detect and track such Iranian supply convoys. Iraq doesnt care who does it as long as the attacks take place on the Syrian side of the border.

January 27, 2023: In the north (Golan Heights) a Hezbollah agent trying to sneak into Israel from Syria was caught by an Israeli army patrol. The Hezbollah agent was seeking to meet with an Israeli Arab he had recruited to observe and report on Israeli military operations in the Golan Heights. The Hezbollah agent entered Israel twice a month to meet with Israeli Arab operatives to pay him and receive new data they had collected. There were originally two Arab Israelis doing this for Hezbollah but the other operative was killed in May 2022 and Hezbollah continued to pay his widow. While Arab Israelis prosper in Israel compared to Arabs in neighboring states, they do not take advantage of educational opportunities to the extent that Jewish Israelis did. As a result, Arab Israeli income is now about 60 percent that of Jewish Israelis. Arab Israelis are still better off in terms of income and security compared to Arabs in Arab majority nations. Despite that, there has been a growing problem with the loyalty of Israeli Arabs since the 2006 war with Hezbollah. At least fifty Israeli Arabs are known to have joined ISIL and most appear to have died there or otherwise disappeared from view (or at least contact with their families back in Israel). A 2007 opinion survey of Arab Israelis revealed some scary attitudes. For example, 48 percent believed the Hezbollah rocket attacks on northern Israel in 2006 were justified, even though Israeli Arabs suffered a disproportionate number of the Israeli casualties because most Israeli Arabs live in the north. Moreover, half saw the Hezbollah kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers, which triggered the 2006 war, as justified, and 89 percent considered the Israeli attack on Lebanon a war crime while 44 percent believed the Hezbollah rocket attack was a war crime. A third of Arab Israeli high school and college graduates don't believe that six million Jews were killed during World War II, compared to 28 percent of all Israeli Arabs. Arab Israelis also have fears, like the possibility of mass expulsions from Israel (60 percent), or transfer of their communities to a new Palestinian state (62 percent). In fact, 68 percent would prefer to live in Israel even if there were a peace deal that led to the creation of a Palestinian state. Meanwhile, 63 percent of Israel Jews avoid entering Arab towns or neighborhoods, and 68 percent fear civil unrest among Israeli Arabs. Since 2007 these anti-Israel attitudes among Arab Israelis has gotten worse and Hamas, Hezbollah and ISIL try to take advantage of it. ISIL has been the most successful, mainly because it is the most radical Islamic terrorist group and that appeals to the young (especially teenage) Moslem males who are most attracted to Islamic terrorism. In 2020 another Arab-Israeli was arrested and charged with working as a spy for Iran. Police have observed the suspect meeting with Iranian intel personnel and then seeking to recruit other Arab-Israelis to work for Iran and help destroy Israel. Since 2014, and the appearance of ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant), there has been a sharp increase in Arab-Israelis actively working to destroy Israel. Police estimate that over 50 Arab-Israelis have actually made it to Syria and joined ISIL and about as many were detected in Israel or in Turkey before they got to Syria. Not many Palestinians (about a hundred) have actually gone to Syria. At least seven Israeli citizens (all Arabs) have died fighting for ISIL, which considers the destruction of Israel very important and called on Arab-Israelis to join the fight. Many of those who did not want to fight in Syria were receptive to Iranian efforts, via Hezbollah, to recruit Arab-Israelis to serve as spies. In most cases Iran simply wanted a reliable source of basic information any Israeli citizen could pick up by driving around the country or consulting local media. Iran also found that recruiting Arab-Israelis to assist in carrying out attacks inside Israel often worked. These attacks are carried out by Palestinians or Israeli Arabs but organized by Iranian agents in Gaza or Iranian-trained Palestinians in the West Bank. These Arab-Israeli terrorists are the great-grandchildren of the Arabs who decided to remain in Israel in 1948.
A woman who beat her friend to death with a claw hammer has been told she will spend at least 16 years in prison for the murder.

Ludmila Poletelova, 61, was found dead at her home in Lodge Court, Limavady, in April 2021.

Svetlana Svedova, 47, of College Court in the Co Derry town, pleaded guilty to the murder in December last year.

At a sentencing hearing at Belfast Crown Court on Thursday, Mr Justice OHara said he had already imposed a life sentence on Svedova but now had to set a minimum tariff on the time she would serve before her case could come before parole commissioners.

The judge told the court that Ms Poletelova, a mother and grandmother, had been born in Russia but spent most of her life in Latvia before moving to Northern Ireland in 2009, and had been employed at a wine bar in Limavady.

He said: Ms Poletolova was a lady who helped fellow Latvians and eastern Europeans who were struggling in Northern Ireland.

Over several years she assisted some and helped others to find accommodation.

Mr Justice OHara said her body was discovered in April 2021 after her employer sent a colleague to her home when she did not turn up for a shift at work.

A pathologists report showed she had been murdered, with approximately 50 blows struck to her head, most likely with a claw hammer.

The judge said her death must have been brutal and horrific.

He told the court that police suspicion quickly fell on Svedova, who turned up at the wine bar to cover her victims shift with injuries to her arms.

She subsequently told police she had visited Ms Poletolovas home and they had drunk together but that she had not killed her.

Mr Justice OHara said Svedova, who is Latvian, maintained her innocence in the face of overwhelming evidence until she finally pleaded guilty last December.

He added: There is little or nothing that can be said for the defendant beyond the fact that she eventually pleaded guilty and in all probability she did not go to Ms Poletolovas home with the intention of killing her.

What she did, in short, was to beat her so-called friend to death with approximately 50 blows from a hammer, probably on the Tuesday.

She left her body lying in the flat until it was discovered on the Friday. She turned up at work to cover her shift and after that she maintained a complete denial of the murder.

I do not accept there is any real evidence of remorse and none of the sort I would expect from a defendant who had murdered a helpful older friend.

The judge said that, even at the end of the 16-year minimum sentence he set, Svedovas release is not guaranteed, as that decision will lie with the parole commissioners.

Responding to the sentencing, PSNI Detective Inspector Claire McGarvey said: This was a shocking attack in which Ludmila Poletelova was struck repeatedly, and ferociously, with a hammer.

The injuries sustained included multiple skull fractures due to over 50 blows to the head.

Svetlana Svedova sentenced for the murder of Ludmila Poletelova. Full details here  https://t.co/LTYRozv8CE pic.twitter.com/1HMRJBcC3f  Police Causeway Coast and Glens (@PSNICCGDistrict) March 9, 2023

She added: Ludmila, who was from Latvia, had lived and worked in the town for a number of years.

While she kept herself to herself, she was greatly respected and well-liked within the community.

I would like to thank local people for their assistance with this investigation. Your support has been invaluable.

Furthermore, Ludmilas family have extended their sincere gratitude to those who initiated and supported fundraising to allow Ludmilas body to be returned to her native Latvia.

Today my thoughts are with Ludmilas two sons and two grandchildren who remain heartbroken and distraught by the loss of, and level of violence inflicted upon, their loved one.

Indeed, their torment was prolonged by the defendants delay in pleading guilty.

This was a senseless, cruel and brutal loss of an innocent life.
McKeogh Gallagher Ryan, the largest independent group of accounting and tax professionals in the Midwest, are pleased to announce the following promotions in our Limerick office: David Kennedy to Assistant Manager in our General Practice Division; Jane Hughes to Manager and Chloe Hannon to Assistant Manager, both in our Tax Department.

The firm is delighted to acknowledge and reward the hard work and commitment of David, Jane and Chloe with these well-deserved promotions. 2022 was a very busy and interesting year for the firm as the economy and our clients emerged from the pandemic. There were many challenges faced by our team and clients, but also new opportunities arose, and we were delighted to be there navigating a way through with our clients. Having celebrated 10 years in business during the Summer of 2022 we are looking forward to the next 10 years with our enhanced, youthful and forward-looking management team.

PIC: Mary McKeogh, Jane Hughes, Chloe Hannon & Anne Hogan

Speaking about Chloe and Janes promotions Tax Partner Mary McKeogh stated: All the partners are delighted with the contributions Jane and Chloe have made to the firm. Jane was promoted to Assistant Manager last year and quickly proved herself an extremely capable and resourceful manager, with a very busy client load. Chloe joined the firm in 2021 and has quickly established herself as an excellent tax professional  at ease with clients, multi-tasking across compliance and consultancy assignments, and also assisting with training and developing the tax trainees. Both Jane and Chloe work very closely with myself and our Tax Director Anne Hogan, and we are looking forward to their continued success with the firm.

Speaking about Davids promotion Audit Partner Eoin Gallagher stated: David joined the firm as a trainee accountant in 2018 and has, time and again, proven himself an invaluable member of the department. He was a diligent and conscientious trainee and is now a dedicated and adept accountant, calm and clear thinking with excellent people management skills. He is respected by his clients and colleagues alike. He works closely with myself and Senior Audit Manager Aileen ONeill overseeing a very busy audit department and we are delighted he is commencing his management career with us.

Jane Hughes is based in Portarlington, Co Laois. A graduate from Maynooth University, Jane is a Chartered Tax Advisor. As the firms Tax Manager she supervises and manages our large tax department while also working on her own case load of VAT consultancy, succession planning, corporate tax advisory and compliance assignments. Jane is analytical and technical, and brings a clear-thinking positive demeanour to her role.

Chloe Hannon is from Newport, Co Tipperary. A first-class honours graduate from TUS Moylishs Law & Taxation degree, she trained with a Top 6 firm in Limerick and is a Chartered Tax Advisor. As the firms Assistant Tax Manager she works closely with Partner Mary McKeogh and the senior management team, training junior staff and working with our personal and corporate tax clients providing compliance and advisory services. Chloe has an exemplary work ethic, is highly organised and efficient while also being engaging and good humoured.

David Kennedy is from Ballysimon, Co. Limerick and an honours graduate from TUS Moylishs BBS Accounting & Finance degree. He is a Chartered Accountant. As the firms Assistant Audit Manager he works closely with Partner Eoin Gallagher and the senior audit management team on statutory audits, accounts production and audit exempt engagements for a broad range of our corporate clients from pharma and aviation companies to family-owned businesses and manufacturing enterprises. David is a skilled accountant, technical and meticulous, with excellent management skills, liked and admired by his clients and colleagues alike.

PIC: Aileen O'Neill, David Kennedy & Eoin Gallagher

McKeogh Gallagher Ryan celebrated 10 years of business in the Summer of 2022. Reflecting on an eventful 10 years the firm - established in Limerick in 2012 by Partners Mary McKeogh, Eoin Gallagher, and Eoin Ryan  now has 4 partners, with William Lomasney joining the firm in 2017, and large modern offices in Ennis and Nenagh. Our three offices, and nearly 60 staff, means the firm is the largest independent group of accounting and tax professionals in the Midwest.

The firm is also a member of the HLB International accountancy network, with a presence in 157 countries and over 38,000 professionals, extending the firms reach far beyond its geographic boundaries.

ABOUT MCKEOGH GALLAGHER RYAN

McKeogh Gallagher Ryan is a firm of accountants and business advisers run by four experienced financial professionals from the Tipperary/Clare/Limerick region  Mary McKeogh (CTA), Eoin Gallagher (FCA), Eoin Ryan (FCA, CTA) and William Lomasney (FCA, CTA). We are a full-service firm providing audit, tax, advisory and corporate recovery services across Ireland from our offices in Limerick city, Ennis, Co Clare and Nenagh, Co Tipperary, as well as an office in Dublin.

Our clients range from indigenous companies, owner operators, and private individuals to some of the States largest financial institutions and agencies. We have developed specialisms over years advising clients operating in key sectors of the Irish economy including wind + renewable energy, credit unions, agri co-operative societies, leisure + tourism, retail, private healthcare, food + agribusiness, familyowned businesses, hospitality, transport + logistics, security, manufacturing, nursing homes, creches and technology.

Website: mgraccountants.ie

For further information please contact:

Eimear Quin

McKeogh Gallagher Ryan

+ 353 (0)61 20 80 50

equin@mgraccountants.ie

*SPONSORED CONTENT
A Status Orange snow/ice warning is now in place for County Clare and several other counties across the country.

The warning, issued by Met Eireann, came into effect at 11am this Thursday and remains in place until midnight.

"Further spells of sleet and snow today combined with strong east to northeast winds. Significant accumulations of snow are expected in some areas along with icy conditions," it states.

Motorists are being advised of "very hazardous" road conditions in places and poor visibility at times.

Status Orange - Snow/Ice warning for Clare and other parts of the country. https://t.co/8ADyaougbR  Clare County Council (@ClareCoCo) March 9, 2023

There have been a number of road collisions because of the weather and thousands of homes and business are without power - particularly in west Clare.

The largest outage is in the Miltown Malbay area where, according to ESB Networks, more than 1,200 customers are without power. There are also significant outages in Kilkee, Kilrush, Ennistymon and Lahinch.

Crews have been deployed and it's hoped power will be restored later this Thursday.

Separately. a Status Yellow snow/ice warning remains in place for Limerick with reports indicating that the wondrous winter conditions to some, have led to many delays and disruptions for others.

Earlier this Thursday morning, Irish Rail released a statement indicating closures at a platform in Limerick Junction, causing disruptions for train goers. "Staff at Limerick Junction have advised us that platform No.4 is closed due to poor weather conditions."

Staff at Limerick Junction have advised us that platform No.4 is closed due to poor weather conditions. -AD

 Iarnrod Eireann (@IrishRail) March 9, 2023

Schools games across the county were postponed due to the yellow warnings in place by Met Eireann. In a post to social media, Limerick GAA wrote: "Due to today's yellow warning weather all Limerick post primary schools games are postponed and will be rescheduled in the coming weeks."

Schools games Postponed: Due to todays Yellow warning weather all Limerick Post Primary Schools games are Postponed https://t.co/PnkopTGFyP

 Limerick GAA (@LimerickCLG) March 9, 2023

Since just after 9am this Thursday morning, many power outages have been restored across County Limerick in areas including, Askeaton, Glin, Newcastle West and Feenagh.

A scheduled outing has taken place in Cappamore, where approximately 60 customers are due to be affected. This maintenance service is to be completed by 4:30 pm this Thursday afternoon.

The N21 - between Newcastle West and Templeglantine - has also re-opened after it became impassable in the early hours of the morning due to snowfall.

The N21 at Barna is now cleared and no longer impassable for HGV's.  Limerick Council - Comhairle Luimnigh (@LimerickCouncil) March 9, 2023

Local Link services to and from a number of towns and villages in west Limerick have also been cancelled due to the bad weather.

A number of schools in west Limerick are closed today and decisions will be made later regarding Friday morning.

Email your weather photos to news@limerickleader.ie or tag us on social media
MUMBAI : State-owned Bank of Baroda (BoB) on Thursday said its board has approved selling up to 49% stake in wholly-owned subsidiary BoB Financial Solutions Ltd (BFSL).

We advise that the board of directors of Bank of Baroda have approved for divestment up to 49 % of Banks shareholding in its 100% owned subsidiary i.e. BoB Financial Solutions Ltd, and issuance of an advertisement inviting expressions of interest from suitable investors and strategic partners to acquire shareholding of BoB in BFSL," it said in a filing to the stock exchanges.

BoB Financial Solutions (earlier known as BoBcards Ltd) entered Indias credit card market in 1994, four years before SBI Card was launched but lagged its peer and other lenders in card issuances. However, it has grown its base in the last few years owing to an aggressive push.

We arrived too early. We arrived at a time when there was no Cibil (credit bureau). We were very aggressive when the ecosystem for the Indian context was not prepared for a credit card like product. There was a huge default and the management took a call to press the pause button," Shailendra Singh, managing director and chief executive of BoB Financial Solutions Ltd had told Mint in an interview in November 2021.

On Thursday, the bank said that details about the process of transaction and other relevant details will be published on 10 March.
For over a decade Russia has been demonstrating its revolutionary new T-14 Armata tank and declaring that mass production was imminent. The recent collapse of Russian defense production, because of economic sanctions imposed after the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, resulted in revelations about several major cases of corruption in Russian defense production. One of the most embarrassing incidents involved the many deceptions and failures related to the T-14 tank and why it began, and remained, a fraud for so long.

Development of the T-14 began after the failure of an earlier but similar tank failed. This one also used an unmanned turret and other innovations the T-14 inherited. The decision to develop and manufacture the T-14 attracted the attention of senior military and political leaders. The first mistake was the decision to keep the T-14 compact by using the then-new A-85-3 engine. This design was a copy of the German Porsche Tour 212 engine. The A-85-3 was smaller, more powerful and heavier than other tank engines and the T-14 was built around it. That proved to be a major mistake because the A-85-3 was the usual flawed Russian copy of a foreign tank engine (this has happened several times) and there were many reliability problems that were never solved, despite continuing efforts to do so. This meant the A-85-3 engine was more difficult and time-consuming to maintain. Replacing the A-85-3 was not an option because all potential replacements were larger. Pressure from the government to get the T-14 into production led to the construction of a manufacturing plant but the manufacturing equipment was never installed because the money ran out. The T-14 was not ready for mass production and all those built were done so by hand, an approach used to build prototypes that can be developed into vehicles ready for mass production. The T-14 never got that far.

Meanwhile the Russian government pretended that the T-14 was ready for mass production. The T-14 looked impressive and was considered as evidence that Russian tank design continued to be the most advanced in the world. That was an illusion that eventually did not last. While impressive looking, many of the impressive performance features never worked. Not just the engine, but also the new electronic systems. After 2014, sanctions made it impossible to freely import all the electronic components needed for theT-14. Since this tank was never tested in combat, these shortcomings were never revealed. Russia could have sent a few T-14s to Syria to gain some combat experience but never did so. After the 2021 invasion of Ukraine there was talk in the media of putting the T-14 to work. That never happened because all the failures of the T-14 would have been revealed.

In late 2021 Russia released videos of the two prototypes of their new IFV (infantry fighting vehicle) design, the T-15. This was the first evidence that this Armata variant existed. The T-15s looked like a T-14 tank without the turret and the T-15s were described as 48-ton vehicles powered by a 1,500 HP diesel. Max road speed is 70 kilometers an hour (43 miles per hour) and range of 550 kilometers on internal fuel. T-15s were described as having the same armor protection as the T-14 tank. The T-15 never went into production because it was too expensive and the underlying Armata technology did not work.

Cost is preventing the Russian army from getting more than a token number of Armata vehicles. In 2019 the army received twelve T-14 tanks and four BREM tank recovery vehicles for the T-14. These were described as the first production models. There were doubts that these vehicles would appear, given the dire financial condition of the manufacturer and reports of unresolved technical problems with this revolutionary tank design. The most serious problems were thought to be with the electronics, which are more extensive than in any previous Russian tank. It was later discovered that the engine powering Armata was unreliable and unfixable. Meanwhile there were more problems with Armata that were supposed to be fixed by increasing crew size three and installing a toilet in the crew capsule. Because the crew is confined to the armored capsule they have limited visibility even if someone sticks their heads out of one of the two crew entry hatches. Visibility is normally dependent on the cameras installed outside the tank and the reliability of the power supply and electronics that keep those cameras operational. Much of the time the external cameras were not working. Despite all this, the manufacturer was supposed to deliver about 40 T-14s by 2021. This slow production schedule allowed time for developers to solve many of the remaining technical and design problems. That apparently enabled prototype T-15 IFVs, which videos showed performing as well as the T-14. T-14s and T-15s were still being built as prototypes.

Russia supplied production contracts for all this, as well as more loans, to keep the manufacturer from going out of business. Uralvagonzavod (UVZ), the firm that developed the Armata T-14 tank and T-15 IFV, has been bankrupt since 2016 and survived because of state-owned Rostec, a holding company that takes over failing, but essential defense firms, to keep them operating. Uralvagonzavod has produced tanks and other armored combat vehicles since World War II and continued after the war. After 1991, most of those military orders stopped but Russia has learned the hard way that once a lot of these skilled workers are out of work, they use their skills to find new careers or even emigrate, and are virtually impossible to get back later. UVZ obtained enough orders for new armored vehicles or upgrading existing ones in an effort to maintain the workforce that, once lost, is extremely difficult and time-consuming to rebuild.

Uralvagonzavod, like many defense manufacturers of high-tech equipment (vehicles, aircraft, ships, missiles and electronics), had a difficult time staying in business and retaining its skilled workforce after the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991. That meant orders for armored vehicles disappeared. In 2014 the Russian economy and defense budget took major hits from lower oil prices plus Western sanctions resulting from the Ukraine invasion. The situation got desperate for Uralvagonzavod as it was surviving on loans and whatever commercial work it could get. The company gambled on developing and marketing the revolutionary Armata T-14 and T-15 vehicles. Russian leaders were impressed but there was no money to place large orders and there were no export customers either. The government encouraged work on the T-14 because it was a prestige item that proved Russia was still a major defense developer and manufacturer. That was not true but the government was willing to scrape up the cash to make it appear so. Rostec stepped in to buy UVZ and keep it going and work on the T-14 and T-15 IFV version could continue.

That attitude is being exploited by Russia because of much reduced post-Cold War procurement budgets. For example, in early 2021 Russia announced that the army would receive over 400 upgraded tanks and IFVs in the coming year but none will be the new T-14 Armata tank and T-15 Armata IFV. Upgraded tanks like the T-80BVM filled the gap for the missing T-14s. The Armata was a radical new design for tanks and IFVs but too expensive given the defense budgets available. This was due to a 2013 plunge in oil prices that did not recover while the 2014 Ukraine invasion resulted in many economic and trade sanctions. Since then, the Russian replacement program for elderly Cold War era gear has had to settle for more rebuilds than brand new stuff. Russia did announce plans to start building more T-14s in 2022. As of 2023, Armata production is still stalled, but permanently this time because all the problems with the T-14 have been revealed. The T-14 does not work and never came close to working as an effective combat vehicle.

Most of the new tanks the Russian army has received since 2000 have been refurbished and much upgraded T-72B3s. In late 2021 the Russian Army had about 3,000 tanks in service and most (65 percent) were T-72B3s, which you hear little about. Russian troops prefer the T-72B3M over the T-80 and T-90 and few have any personal experience with the T-14. There were more serious problems with the Russian tank forces. When Russian invaded Ukraine in 2022 they had 2,600 tanks and most (1,600) were older models while a thousand were improved and updated tanks which took the Russian tank industry about ten years to produce. More than half the tanks sent into Ukraine were destroyed or captured by the Ukrainians during the first few months of the war. This was a major loss to the Russian army. The T-14 revelations were a minor footnote to the sad state of Russian tank production and usefulness in combat.
New Delhi: Shiseido Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. on Thursday signed a strategic distribution partnership agreement with Global SS Beauty Brands Ltd, a subsidiary of department store chain Shoppers Stop, to expand its brand footprint in India.

Through the partnership, Japans Shiseido Group will officially launch its make-up brand, Nars Cosmetics in India in the second half of 2023. Nars sells colored cosmetics and face products globally.

To be sure, Shiseido sells popular skincare, make-up and fragrance products under the Shiseido, Nars, Drunk Elephant, Cle de Peau Beaute, Narciso Rodriguez, Issey Miyake and Serge Lutens brands. The retailer could stock more products as part of the distribution partnership agreement.

The beauty market in India has evolved considerably" in the last few years with loyal consumers who are actively adding global brands to their collection of beauty products, said Nicole Tan, President and CEO, Shiseido Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.

Shiseido has been present in India since 2001 and focuses on the premium segment.

The move comes as Shoppers Stop is trying to bolster its presence in the beauty market. Apart from selling a wide range of make-up and fragrances through its department stores, Shoppers Stop already operates standalone beauty stores for brands such as Mac, Bobby Brown, Estee Lauder, Clinique, Jo Malone, and Too Faced.

The move is set to intensify competition in Indias beauty market that sees the participation of large retailers such as Nykaa, Myntra, Sephora, and now Reliance-owned Tira.

Beauty is a key strategic pillar for us. Our partnership with Shiseido Asia Pacific is in line with our commitment to bring to customers in India the best of Global brands," said Venu Nair, Customer Care Associate, MD and CEO at Shoppers Stop.

Shoppers Stops wide network and strong omni-channel presence will serve as a springboard for Shiseido, and will allow Nars to launch in India with higher speed and efficiency, Nair added.

More Indian retailers are chasing foreign labels and beauty brands to stand-out in a highly competitive consumer market. Indian shoppers arent stopping eitheryoung consumers, armed with their smartphones are fast consuming short-form content on beauty hacks and product reviews.

In an earlier interview with Mint, Nair had said that for Shoppers Stop, beauty as a category will grow at a pace ahead of the business.Going forward, in terms of expansion (for beauty)we are looking at opening 10 to 15 beauty stores every year. I think the opportunity is to do much more than that, but were being conservative at this point," he said in a January interview.
Mumbai: Citi on Thursday announced the appointment of Bhanu Vohra as the head of its commercial banking business in India.

Vohra, a chartered accountant, will be responsible for the Citi Commercial Bank business in India, addressing banking and financial services needs of emerging large corporates and mid-market enterprises, Citi said in a statement. Based in Mumbai, Vohra will report to Citi India chief executive Ashu Khullar, and in the region to the head of Citi Commercial Bank Asia Pacific Rajat Madhok.

CCB in India banks 45% of the countrys unicorns and is focused on developing deep industry expertise to support clients across healthcare, chemicals, consumer, technology, industrials and digital, as well as multinationals, amongst others," the statement said.

Having joined Citi in 2000, Vohra has held various senior roles, spanning diverse businesses in Citi, both in the Asia Pacific and Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA) regions. He has worked in Citis Global Markets businesses across both regions before returning to India as the country head of the Global Subsidiaries Group in Citis Banking Capital Markets and Advisory (BCMA) business.

Throughout his career at Citi, he has also held positions in Citis Treasury and Trade Services (TTS) business, and Operations and Technology," it said.
NEW DELHI : India is becoming more relevant in terms of designing and manufacturing cutting edge technology and next generation products post-Covid, said Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Union Minister of state for Electronics and Information Technology on Thursday.

Addressing the Deep Tech Summit - Transformation through Indigenous Innovation, organized by MeitY-NASSCOM Centre of Excellence (CoE) - IoT & AI in Bengaluru, the minister said that up till 2014, the IT/ITes sector mostly represented Indias digital economy.

After Prime Minister Narendra Modis government took over, the opportunities in the digital economy space have rapidly expanded and cover areas such as internet consumer tech, AI, data plus economy, electronics, space, automobiles, space. Segments of the economy that were slightly digitised are now racing forward with each building a future on intersection of digitisation and Deep Tech," Chandrasekhar added.

He said that deep tech, electronics and semiconductor sectors and designing and manufacturing of next gen products and devices are going to be significant focus areas for our digital economy, startups and young Indians.

Highlighting the skilling efforts of the Government and the allocation of 8,000 crore for it in the Union Budget, the minister said that the talent inputs that are required to be an enabler for the expansion of the digital economy are in place. In Karnataka alone, 18- 20 lakh youth will be skilled for both blue-collar as well high tech, industry relevant and future ready jobs over the next three years."

Chandrasekhar further said that the Indian digital economy is no longer limited to certain centres of innovation. Innovation and talent are longer restricted to developed centres like Gurugram or Bengaluru but come from new and smaller cities."

Speaking about the new arenas where Karnataka can become a technology hub, the minister referred to the 300-acre plant being put up by one of the Apple Inc suppliers, Foxconn, just outside Bengaluru. This will open new opportunities for the youth and catalyze the electronics manufacturing and Deep Tech ecosystem," he said.
New Delhi: India and the US are set to hold a formal dialogue on semiconductor cooperation, according to US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Raimondo outlined Washingtons desire to work closely with partners like India to reduce supply chain vulnerabilities.

On semiconductors, the United States is overly dependent on Taiwan. 93% of the worlds most advanced semiconductors are produced in Taiwan. By no measure is that stable. Having said that, we never expect to make all the semiconductors we consume in America," she said.

Washington, Raimondo added, was looking to work closely with allies in India and Europe to avoid a subsidy race and secure its supply chains. It is in this context that New Delhi and Washington will discuss semiconductor cooperation. Raimondo pointed to Indian and American strengths in semiconductor design as a possible area of cooperation.

However, high tariffs on certain input components for semiconductors remain a challenge for US business in India, the Secretary went on to say. Besides this, navigating regulatory differences between Central and state regulations is also a challenge.

Secretary Raimondo, who is on a four-day visit to India, is slated to meet her counterpart Minister Piyush Goyal tomorrow. Both ministers, Raimondo said, have agreed to re-launch the India-US Commercial Dialogue. This will be the first meeting under this Dialogue framework in three years.

An additional focus for the two commerce ministers will be the US-India CEO Forum meeting tomorrow.

The US-India CEO Forum was soft-launched by Secretary Raimondo and Indian Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in November 2022," says a statement by the US Department of Commerce.

The forums key priorities include, increasing supply chain resilience; enhancing energy security & reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions; advancing inclusive digital trade; and facilitating post-pandemic economic recovery, especially for small businesses," the statement goes on to say.

During her remarks, Raimondo also said that a Free Trade Agreement with India is off the table". There is no political appetite for an FTA at the moment," she admitted.

Having said that, my hope is that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) will prove to be more economically impactful than an FTA in many ways," she added.

IPEF, which was launched in 2022, is the Biden Administrations signature economic initiative in the Indo-Pacific. The Framework has four negotiating pillars on trade, anti-corruption, green economies and supply chains.

Raimondo pointed out that free trade deals have had a mixed record in bringing economic prosperity to negotiating parties with a number of downsides. She added that initiatives like IPEF are trying to arrive at the modern equivalents of FTAs.

If we do it right, and I believe we will, that will unleash orders of magnitude more job creation than a traditional FTA," she said.
The new multilingual film, currently untitled, starring Prabhas, Deepika Padukone and Amitabh Bachchan, will release in cinemas on 12 January, 2024. The film has been directed by Nag Ashwin and produced by Vyjayanthi Movies.

The south Indian film industry, that has long set the bar for big-budget spectacles with movies like Baahubali, 2.0, KGF: Chapter 1 and RRR, is prepping a slate of exciting films to draw audiences to theatres post pandemic.

Made on budgets of more than 200 crore each, these will be shot in multiple languages including Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, among others and feature a mix of Bollywood and south Indian faces to draw on fan bases across states and geographies. While Baahubali director SS Rajamouli had Ajay Devgn and Alia Bhatt star alongside Jr NTR and Ram Charan in his period drama RRR, Prabhas has a second film titled Adipurush with Saif Ali Khan as the antagonist to be directed by Om Raut of Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior fame.

Trade experts say that post pandemic everyone has realised that big screen experience matters a lot. Be it Baahubali, RRR or Hollywood spectacles like Avatar: The Way of Water, audiences know that the thrill of watching a big-ticket, larger-than-life experience is unmatched, even though OTT (over-the-top) streaming platforms have thrown up compelling content consistently. Further, filmmakers and studios in the south have caught on to the formula of adding a big north Indian star to their cast, like an Akshay Kumar alongside Rajinikanth in 2.0 and releasing the movie in multiple languages.

That discovery probably happened because there are more film fanatics in the south, movie-viewing is like a religion there and they enjoy the big screen experience much more. Plus, bringing multiple language stars together just expands the market for an individual film, makes it more viable and adds to revenue sources like satellite, digital, music and merchandise rights.
Shares of Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL) plunged more than 3% to 1,950 apiece on the BSE in Thursday's early session whereas that of Adani Power and Adani Wilmar surged to hit 5% upper circuit after the stock exchange NSE imposed additional surveillance mechanism (ASM) framework for the Adani Group stocks. Meanwhile, Adani Transmission, Adani Total Gas, Adani Green Energy also surged to hit upper circuit of 5%.

According to an NSE circular, Adani Enterprises, Adani Power, and Adani Wilmar have been included under the short-term additional surveillance mechanism framework from Thursday, following the National Stock Exchange's (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange's (BSE) Monday announcement that Adani Enterprises will exit the framework for short-term additional surveillance measures (ASM).

Three Adani Group firms, including the flagship Adani Enterprises, were placed under the framework of short-term additional surveillance measures by the NSE and BSE last month. The other two businesses listed by the exchanges, in addition to Adani Enterprises, were Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) and Ambuja Cements. Nevertheless, on February 13 APSEZ and Ambuja Cements were excluded from the ASM framework.

The stocks have been rising after the US boutique investment firm GQG Partners' GQG.AX $1.87 billion investment in the Gautam Adani-led conglomerate on Thursday, after facing a sharp fall since January 24, when the US-based short-seller Hindenburg's report was released.

Gautam Adani and his family have prepaid all borrowings backed by his conglomerate Adani Group's shares, senior executives told investors at a meeting in London, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people who attended the meeting.

The investor meeting was part of a worldwide roadshow launched by the conglomerate aimed at reassuring investors that the conglomerate's finances are under control, the report said. Another Bloomberg report earlier in the day said the Adani group has repaid a $500 million bridge loan that was due Thursday.

Billionaire Gautam Adani-led Group has lost around $124 billion since Hindenburg Research accused the Indian conglomerate of alleged stock manipulation in late January. The group has denied the allegations.
Multibagger Manish Goel stock: Shares of Suryalata Spinning Mills Ltd are one of the multibagger stocks that Indian stock market has produced in last one month. This Manish Goel stock has risen from around 3100 to 703, delivering more than 125 per cent return to its shareholders in this time. However, the value investor Manish Goel believes that the BSE listed small-cap stock has much steam left despite doubling shareholders' money in last one month.

Giving 'buy' tag to this multibagger stock, MD & CEO at Multibagger Securities Research & Advisory posted on his blog manishgoelstocks.com, "All other strengths of a stock is useless if the Management Quality and Integrity is doubtful or sub standard. Now, regarding Suryalata Spinning Mills Ltd, there are many financial ratios etc which proves management quality but one unique thing which impressed me was that its Promoters/Management was giving dividends to Public shareholders but they were waiving their own dividend..!! In How many listed companies you find this that Promoters/management is doing more than Public shareholders compared to themselves. I really loved their this act of paying dividend to only Public shareholders."

Fair value of the stock signals more rally?

"All the Financial Ratios are very good and consistently improving. According to (Benjamin) Grahams Formula, fair value of Suryalata Spinning Mills share is coming as 1,167 per share," Manish Goel wrote in regard to the outlook of this multibagger small-cap stock.

Suryalata Spinning Mills share price today is 703 apiece, this means Benjamin Graham's formula suggests that the small-cap multibagger stock sill has the potential to double from current levels.

On fundamentals that may continue to support rally in Suryalata Spinning Mills shares, Manish Goel wrote, "Due to United States ban on Chinas Xinjiang cotton, Indian Textiles Export will get a boost. Turkey is known as hub of spinning mills and it is affected by the earthquake. Therefore Indian Mills are receiving more trade enquiries from Turkey as well as European nations."

Expecting margin benefit for the company due to reduction in cotton prices, Manish Goel wrote, "Cotton prices have reduced 40% from the peak. Cotton prices are raw material for spinning companies and low cotton prices are good for it. The value investor went on to add that China + 1 policy to benefit Indian Spinning companies including Suryalata Spinning Mills.

Boost from Sri Lanka, Pakistan economic crisis

"Unstable political scenario in Sri Lanka and Pakistan, and wage issues in Bangladesh will shift export demand from these economies to garment players in India. These 3 countries command over 7% of Global Export pie," said Manish Goel adding, "Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Australia, UAE and UK which allows up to 90% of Indias exports to enter duty free in these countries will improve Indias position in the Global markets."

Advising this multibagger textile stockholders to hold for more gains, Sumeet Bagadia, Executive Director at Choice Broking said, The stock has been in uptrend for last 17 sessions and shareholders of the textile stock are advised to hold it further with trailing stop loss at 570 apiece levels. Fresh entry is not advised at current levels as the stock is in overbought condition. One should wait for some time and enter around 580 to 590 per share range after the profit booking trigger."

This multibagger small-cap stock is available for trade on BSE and its current market cap is around 300 crore. It ended on Friday with trade volume of 83,346, which is much higher than its last 20 days average volume of 28,420. This means, the small-cap stock has registered spurt in trade volume in recent sessions. It's 52-week high is 703.25 apiece whereas its 52-week low is 272.40 per share.

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, and not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

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After a knee-jerk reaction to US Fed's hawkish comments, the Indian market stabilised on March 8. The Sensex rose by 123.62 points and closed at 60,348.09. Whereas, Nifty gained 42.90 points to close at 17,754.40. On March 9, the indices opened flat on mixed global cues. Investors around the globe are now digesting the higher than expected interest rates for longer duration scenario, while they wait and watch the next set of economic data.

The key market indices have been trading in a range but there are opportunities in some of the stocks as broader market has not corrected as much as the benchmarks. HDFC Securities, has suggested its top fundamental picks for next 3-4 quarters - Ion Exchange (India) Ltd, Sirca Paints India and Syrma SGS Technology.

Recommendation: Buy in 3,400-3,480 band & add on dips in 3,000-3,050 band | Target Price: 3,770 | CMP: 3483.75

We expect IEILs Revenue/EBITDA/PAT to grow at 17/14/15% CAGR over FY22-FY25E, led by increased execution of orders. We believe investors can buy the stock in 3400-3480 band and add on dips in 3000-3050 band (18x Dec24E EPS) for a base case fair value of 3770 (22.5x Dec24E EPS) and bull case fair value of 4020 (24x Dec24E EPS) over the next 2-3 quarters," says HDFC securities.

The company has a specialisation in water and environment management with 50 years of experience. It can progress further in the field of water and wastewater treatment amid rising demand of water. The company is expected to get environment clearance for its resin facility expansion in Q4. Chemicals industry has been working well for the country.

Risks

-Company operations are working capital intensive with receivables of 111 days in FY22.

-Company investment is prone to cyclical uptrend as the engineering and capital goods industries are linked to economic cycles.

-Company is exposed to changes in exchange rate as 31% of its revenue comes from exports.

-Delay in the implementation of government projects. The company is also susceptible to material costs, low shareholding of promoters, seasonality in revenue, etc.

Sirca Paints India

Recommendation: Buy in Rs. 608-625 band and add more on dips in Rs. 545-554 band | Target Price: Rs. 671 | CMP: 634.25

We expect the company to report Sales/ EBITDA / PAT CAGR of 30%/40%/40% respectively over FY22-25E on the back of strong growth across categories," said the stock brokerage firm.

Founded in 2006, Sirca Paints India Ltd, is a major high-end wood coatings company. It runs Sirca brand focused on manufacturing, sales and exports of wood coatings and other decorative paints. Its products are supplied in India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The company growth is led by rapid distribution expansion, hiring of experienced industry professionals, etc.

Risks

-Fluctuation in currency can impact the company's material costs as it directly procures finished goods from Sirca, Italy for one of its products.

-Volatility Raw material prices that are imported from Italy can impact manufacturing.

-There is a risk of premature termination of agreement between Sirca and Sirca S.P.A in 2018. The agreement is valid for 15 years till 2033.

Syrma SGS Technology

Recommendation: Buy in the band of 267-272 & add more on dips to 238-242 band | Target Price: 294 | CMP: 284.15

We think the base case fair value of the stock is 294 (29.5x Dec24E EPS) and the bull case fair value is 319 (32x Dec24E EPS) over the next two-three quarters. Investors can buy the stock in the band of 267-272 (27x Dec24E EPS) and add more on dips to 238-242 band (24x Dec24E EPS)," said HDFC securities.

Syrma SGS Technology holds a specialisation in precision manufacturing of printed circuit board assembly (PCBAs). It has around 13 strategically located manufacturing units in India. It has a global presence in more than 20 countries including USA, Germany, UK. It is also planning to expand its brownfield and greenfield expansion that would double the existing production capacity to 30 assembly lines.

Risks

-Extensive competition from large players in the domestic consumer electronics market.

-The company hasn't entered into many long-term contracts.

-The company can face the heat of raw material prices cost price.

-The company needs to work on its R&D to reduce its exposure to obsolescence risk.

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, and not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
Its almost summer and time to plan for that long-desired vacationfrom choosing the dream destination to booking flights and hotel rooms. But, be ready for pricier flight tickets and hotel bookings, for there is revenge travelling still happening post the pandemic.

Ajay Awtaney, founder, LiveFromALounge.com (LFAL), an Indian aviation and travel-focussed website, says airfares and hotel tariffs are likely to stay high. Besides, in view of events such as the ongoing G20 summit and the Womens IPL, a lot of good inventory (hotel rooms) in certain cities is already out of bounds for most people.

That said, here are a few options to help you get some deals and discounts on hotel bookings.

Holiday in style

According to Awtaney, those looking for deals at leading hotel chains such as the Taj, Marriott and Hilton etc., should book directly on the hotel website. Many such hotels offer festive season or round-the-year offers on direct bookings. Some of these offers may, however, apply to only select properties.

Many large hotel chains have several properties spread across the country offering a wide range of room tariffs. So, as long as you are flexible with your dates and destination, you could get rooms at tariffs that are relatively lower than what one would normally expect for a five-star service experience.

You can also sign up for membership or loyalty programmes offered by different chain hotels. As you accumulate loyalty or reward points with every booking, you can use them to pay for future bookings. But as with any offer, do remember to read the terms and conditions for these loyalty programmes. For instance, certain properties (or brands) of a hotel chain may not be eligible for earning loyalty points. In which case, bookings made at such properties may not fetch you any points. Also, watch out for blackout dates  certain dates (festivals and peak season) on which no offers and promotions apply as these are high-demand days for hotels.

View Full Image Tips to save money.

Apart from loyalty programmes offered by hotel chains, one can also check out the offers by online travel agencies (OTAs). However, these could work differently. For example, over the course of three years, you book 10 nights of stay at different hotels via your account with a particular OTA. Then, you could be eligible for one night of free stay on your next booking.

Credit card offers

You can pocket some discounts on hotel bookings with bank credit cards, too. Awtaney points out that most OTAs such as MakeMyTrip, Cleartrip, Booking.com, Goibibo, etc., offer discounts on bookings made using certain bank credit cards on specific days.

For instance, Axis Bank credit and debit card holders can get a flat 15% (up to 5,000) off on hotel bookings made via Goibibo on Wednesdays. Those with an ICICI Bank credit card can get a flat 14% discount (up to 5,000) on hotel bookings made via MakeMyTrip every week from Monday to Wednesday. As per the Goibibo and MakeMyTrip websites, these offers are on until 29 March.

But its the American Express credit cards that stand out for their offers. With the Amex Travel card, you can get discounted room tariffs or an extra night of stay on a booking for, say, 3-4 nights at many luxury hotels. While some other banks too offer such deals on their credit cards, the curation by American Express is great," says Awtaney. You can find these on the latest offers section on the American Express website.

Apart from discounts on hotel bookings paid for with a bank credit card, many banks also allow you to transfer your credit card reward points to the loyalty programmes of partner hotels and airlines. For example, you can transfer your Axis Bank debit and credit card reward points to the loyalty programmes of hotel partners such as Marriott International (Marriott Bonvoy), ITC Hotels (Club ITC). The transfer ratio varies depending on the bank card you hold. For instance, with Axis Banks Burgundy Private credit card, five reward points get converted into four partner points. And, with its Privilege credit card, 10 reward points get converted into one partner point for Marriott Bonvoy. The transfer ratio is better at 5:1 points for Club ITC with the banks Privilege credit card.

Take your pick from the different offers and deals that are available to travellers. Unlike bank debit and credit cards that entail a charge, many loyalty programmes require only a free sign up. Remember though, with the surge in travel demand, theres only so much that you can hope to save on hotel tariffs.
Congress MP from Wayanad Rahul Gandhi has now made news for his in-conversation session at the Chatham House think tank in London. Talking about foreign policy he said  the principle of foreign policy is unfortunately self interest. At the Chatham House interaction in London, Rahul Gandhi was asked whether he would like to introduce any change to India's foreign policy. Jawahar Lal Nehru's Non-Aligned Movement was cited as an example along with the question. "The principle of foreign policy is unfortunately self-interest and any Indian government would pay attention to that. In answering the question, the first step is what is important to us as a country and what we are trying to do. We are a rural country and making a transition into an urban country. This transition has a huge amount of energy, potential for violence, potential for transformation...if you look at UPA policies, they were all about trying to manage this transition from rural to an urban-connected country. Our foreign policy would follow that," Rahul Gandhi said.

Whats wrong w/what @rahulGandhi said? That foreign policy must serve national self-interest; our overriding priority is the domestic transformation the nation is undergoing, so our foreign policy should support that. That's essentially one of my own arguments in "Pax Indica". https://t.co/Jd9Rr48imw  Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) March 9, 2023

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor replied to a tweet and asked what was wrong with what Rahul Gandhi said. "That foreign policy must serve national self-interest; our overriding priority is the domestic transformation the nation is undergoing, so our foreign policy should support that. That's essentially one of my own arguments in "Pax Indica"," Shashi Tharoor said.

Rounding off his week-long UK tour, Gandhi touched upon democracy in India, Pegasus row, China threat and staying true to his identity as the Opposition leader since 2014, the BJP rule in India. Several of his statements made starting from Cambridge to Chatham House have caused stir and led BJP

Recently, in a conversation with members of the Indian Journalists' Association in London, Rahul Gandhi said that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar does not understand the China threat.
The war in Ukraine continues to be a series of battles with different types of weapons where quantity often counts as much as quality and who has the most ammunition. For the last few months, the Ukrainians have been killing lots of Russians who seek to regain enough lost territory to claim a victory. That Russians strategy has failed so far. The Russians dont have the ability to carry out a large-scale offensive and rely on smaller battles where large numbers of poorly trained and led Russian troops seek to overwhelm smaller numbers of Ukrainian soldiers. Both sides suffer losses, especially from artillery fire. Satellite photos show numerous dead Russians but few of the dead Ukrainian defenders. Defenders have the advantage and the Ukrainians made the most of that to inflict heavy losses on the Russians while suffering fewer losses and falling back slowly.

This is small-scale attrition warfare where the better trained and led Ukrainians are able to keep most of their forces out of combat so they can prepare for a larger scale offensive using Western tanks and longer range guided missiles, bridge building units and mine-clearing troops to overwhelm Russians defenders on a large scale and take back the 17 percent of Ukraine still occupied by Russia. This large-scale offensive warfare is something Russia has never been able to carry out in Ukraine. In late 2022 the Ukrainians carried out two of these operations. The first one started at the end of August 2022 in the northeast (Kharkiv province). By September the Russians were gone because they were taken by surprise and suffered major losses in terms of troops, equipment and territory. In November Russia lost Kherson City in the south, along with half of Kherson province. After these two Ukrainian victories, Russia has only been able to launch small scale attacks.

Since December the Ukrainians have been organizing offensive forces for another major advance. The Ukrainians will not reveal where this offensive force will be used and that uncertainty makes it difficult for Russia to develop an effective defensive strategy.

Another important factor is the length of the front line in Ukraine. It is enormous at about 2,500 kilometers long and only a relatively small number of Russian and Ukrainian troops are available to monitor, much less defend, the entire front. Russian forces in Ukraine are insufficient to man a World War I style front line defense with continuous trench lines. During World War I, the front line in east (Russia) was straighter (about 1,300 kilometers) and manned by millions of troops. This is ten times the number seen in 2022 Ukraine. Even then there were portions of the World War I east front that were patrolled but not manned by troops in trenches. World War I also saw the first use of aircraft on a large scale to maintain a better idea of who was where on the ground. Observer reports were augmented by aerial photographs. In 2022 Ukraine has an advantage in terms of aerial surveillance because of NATO assistance (satellite observation and some special aircraft),. Because of NATO assistance Russia has not been able to obtain air superiority over Ukraine. Both sides can carry out airstrikes but must beware of air defenses on the ground and in the air.

The NATO nations supporting Ukraine did not anticipate this kind of war with Russia and lacked enough of some types of weapons the Ukrainians needed. Anti-aircraft and anti-missile systems are the best example. NATO countries had lots of Stinger (and other similar models) portable anti-aircraft missiles that can be carried by troops but have limited range and capabilities. NATO expected to have air superiority against a possible Soviet invasion of Western Europe, mainly due to large and very effective American air forces. Ukraine needed longer range air-defense systems as well as some BMD (ballistic missile defense) systems to deal with the Russian use of cruise and ballistic missiles launched from inside Russia. NATO nations discovered that they didnt have many of these weapons because of the expected air superiority in a major war. NATO had some BMD systems, but not enough to supply the Ukrainian need to deal with cruise missiles and the occasional Russian effort to achieve temporary air superiority.

Another unexpected (by NATO nations) shortage is artillery ammunition. This has been a common problem since World War II because actual combat requires more artillery ammo than NATO nations can afford to stockpile. The problem is that artillery munitions have a relatively short shelf life. After 15-20 years the chemical components degrade to the point where the ammo is unreliable and must be safely disposed of. Having the peacetime forces firing all this ammo each year for training purposes wears out the artillery weapons. In practice, most nations maintain insufficient stockpiles of artillery ammo and do not maintain manufacturing facilities to produce a lot more of it quickly if there is a war. That sort of thing is expensive and no nation can afford to do it. The many nations of the NATO alliance sent Ukraine almost all the artillery ammunition they had, along with artillery to use it. This gave the Ukrainians an advantage against the Russians, who were not expecting a long war and encountered shortages of artillery ammo before Ukraine did. After a year of fighting, both sides have to limit their artillery use because it will take years for ammo stockpiles to be rebuilt.

Russia lacks the manufacturing resources of the NATO alliance and is not able to keep up with the large assortment and quantity of weapons NATO sends Ukraine. The Ukrainians are gradually receiving new weapons and equipment so they can expel the Russians and end the war. There are delays caused by local politics in the NATO nations supplying the weapons and munitions. The United States has always supplied most of the weapons and supporting services like air power and air transport as well as naval forces.

The Ukraine War is the first time NATO has had to supply a battle against a major force, in this case the post-Soviet Russians. For decades the Soviet threat was very real, with dozens of Russian divisions stationed in East Germany and further back in Ukraine (then a part of the Soviet Union). This attack force contained thousands of tanks and even more artillery, backed up by a large air force. When the Soviet Union went bankrupt and dissolved in 1991, all those Soviet divisions withdrew to Russia where most were disbanded. Most of the tanks and other armored vehicles as well as artillery stockpiles of ammunition were abandoned. Since Ukraine was a major staging area for the second wave of the planned Soviet offensive, Ukraine inherited those stockpiles in 1991 when they became an independent nation. Ukraine also inherited some Soviet nuclear weapons, which they agreed to surrender in return for Russian assurances that they would never attack Ukraine. Russia broke that promise, but the surrendered nuclear weapons were disassembled and the nuclear material used for nuclear power plant fuel. Russia agreed to do the same with many of their nuclear weapons. The Americans paid for most of the nuclear weapon disassembly and Russia received a lot of the nuclear material that had been converted into nuclear power plant fuel.

When Russia attacked in 2014 and invaded in 2022, Ukraine still had a lot of those Soviet era tanks (which they had upgraded) and artillery. Ukraine and Russia were often using the same weapons against each other. Ukraine was able to obtain more and more modern Western weapons that the Russian were unable to match. The Soviet era defense manufacturers largely disappeared in the 1990s because Russia could not afford to keep them going. Russia has developed and built some new weapons but these are not as effective or numerous as what NATO sends Ukraine.

Another problem is that, while the East European nations that joined NATO after the Soviet Union collapsed have recent experience with Russian aggression and unreliability, the original NATO members in West Europe and North America do not, This gives opposition politicians in these countries an opportunity to criticize aid to Ukraine as excessive and more than the donor countries can afford.

This explains why Ukraine hasnt pushed the Russians out of Ukraine by now with the assistance of NATO weapons and munitions. Ukraine knew what they needed and the nearby NATO members agreed with them. But the older and larger NATO members farther way did not, which takes time to deal with and prolongs the fighting in Ukraine. What could have been a relatively quick victory has turned into a slog because of the constant need to plead and scrounge for the needed weapons for Ukraine.
A US intelligence report has raised concerns about the possibility of India retaliating against Pakistan in the event of a terror attack on India or an orchestrated "violent unrest in Kashmir" by extremist groups based in Pakistan.

The annual threat assessment report by the US Director of National Intelligence predicts the possibility of a conflict between India and Pakistan with particular concern due to the risk of an "escalatory cycle between two nuclear-armed states".

Given Pakistan's history of supporting extremist groups, the report acknowledges a higher probability of India responding with military force under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to "perceived or real Pakistani provocations". The report adds that each side's perception of heightened tensions raises the risk of conflict, with violent unrest in Kashmir or a militant attack in India being potential flashpoints.

Also Read: India ditches Pakistan route, to send food supply to Afghanistan through Iran

The report comes at a time when India strongly criticised Pakistan after its foreign minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, brought up the issue of Jammu and Kashmir at a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) debate on women, peace and security.

India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador, Ruchira Kamboj, called Zardari's remarks "baseless and politically motivated" and said that it was "unworthy" to even respond to such "malicious and false propaganda".

In her response, Kamboj dismissed Zardari's remarks as "frivolous" and said, "Before I conclude, let me dismiss the frivolous, baseless and politically motivated remarks made by the delegate of Pakistan regarding the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir."

Also Read: Will Modi become Pakistan's saviour and save it from economic crisis?

The US intelligence report notes that conflicts between India and its neighbouring countries, China and Pakistan, have the potential to spill over and require the immediate attention of the United States.

It highlights that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has emerged as a defining characteristic of the current era, and that China has the capability to directly attempt to alter the global order by changing global norms and potentially threatening its neighbours.

The report also warns about the risk of an armed confrontation between the nuclear-armed India and China due to their expanded military positions along the disputed border. It emphasises that previous standoffs have shown how persistent low-level friction on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) can escalate swiftly.
Axis Asset Management Company has appointed B Gopkumar, the managing director and chief executive officer at Axis Securities, as the new CEO of leading fund house Axis Mutual Fund. Gopkumar takes over from Chandresh Nigam who has stepped down as the CEO of the company.

Axis MF has been plagued by the front-running scandal that came to light when the fund house sacked its chief dealer Viresh Joshi in May 2022 in a shocking case of suspected front-running. This was followed by income tax raids at Joshis premises and Joshi suing his former employer for wrongful termination.

Recently, capital markets regulator Sebi barred 21 entities, including Axis Mutual Fund's former fund manager Viresh Joshi, from the securities market in connection with the front-running case at the fund house.

In addition, the regulator has ordered impounding wrongful gains worth 30.56 crore earned by them through "prima facie" front running activities, according to an interim order.

Front-running refers to an illegal practice in the stock market where an entity trades on the basis of advance information from a broker or analyst before the information has been made available to their clients.

The present proceeding involves the front running of trades of Axis MF (Big Client) deals with a few suspected entities and trading members who have worked in close coordination with each other to front run the trades of the Big Client during the period from September 2021 to March 31, 2022.

During the investigation, Sebi found that entities connected to Joshi, the then chief dealer of Axis MF, were observed to have traded in different securities ahead of the impending orders placed on behalf of the Big Client.

Subsequently, soon after the Big Client's orders were placed, these connected entities squared off their earlier trade positions taken on the exchange platform.

In the process, substantial proceeds of profit were generated in the trading accounts of these connected entities by placing orders ahead of and in anticipation of the price movement of scrips in a certain direction on account of the impending large buy or sell orders of the Big Client, Sebi said.

It was also noted that the trading accounts of the connected entities from which the front running trades were executed were arranged by Sumit Desai, apparently a market operator at the behest of Joshi, as per the 96-page interim order.

Also, Desai had introduced Prijesh Kurani, based out of Dubai, to Joshi and was entrusted with the task of placing the orders for front running the trades of the Big Client in the trading accounts of the connected entities.

The other entities also played an equally vital part in the execution of those prima facie front running trades as they have knowingly lent their accounts to the front runner, Sebi noted.

"The way Viresh Joshi has conducted himself as a dealer of Axis MF in conceiving a fraudulent scheme and executing the said scheme so meticulously over a sustained period in collusion with other unscrupulous entities to front run the trades of his very own mutual fund where approx. 66 lakh unit holders have put an aggregate sum of AUM of 2.52 lakh crore (as on March 31, 2022), it smacks of rampant dishonesty and unfairness on the part of Viresh Joshi and his accomplices," Sebi said.

Accordingly, Sebi restrained 21 entities from buying, selling or dealing in the securities market or associating themselves with the securities market, either directly or indirectly, in any manner whatsoever until further orders.

The order came after the Sebi's surveillance system generated certain alerts indicating that trades by certain suspected entities executed during the period between September 2021 and March 31, 2022 appeared to have been not executed in the normal course of trading. They were apparently in the nature of trades that were executed for front running the trades of Axis MF.

Based on the alerts, Sebi carried out search and seizure operations at several entities, including offices of Axis MF, stockbrokers, and individuals.

In May last year, the mutual fund promoted by Axis Bank had terminated the services of its chief trader and fund manager Viresh Joshi and fund manager Deepak Agrawal,who were facing allegations of front-running.

However, Axis AMC that time did not elaborate on the violations that led to the two fund managers' sacking.

With agency inputs
New Delhi: The Union government tweaked rules on money laundering, putting non-government organizations (NGOs) and politically exposed persons" under tighter scrutiny, significantly widening the range of people and entities whose financial transactions agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate will have access to.

The expanded definitions also included cryptocurrencies under provisions to monitor illicit financial flows.

The rules were disclosed as part of two gazette notifications by the Union ministry of finance late on Tuesday, with the one related to politically exposed persons (PEP) covering individuals working for a foreign country, senior politicians, functionaries of political parties, senior bureaucrats, judges, and military personnel.

For these people as well as NGOs, banks will need to maintain records on the nature and value of transactions, the new rules add, while also laying down the procedure for how this information will be shared, the time for which such data will be retained, and the manner in which identity records of such clients will be maintained by banking companies, financial institutions and intermediaries.

The new rules make it mandatory for banking/financial companies to record transactions of several entities and individuals, who were not earlier included in the PMLA (prevention of money laundering act). The provisions virtually include everyone important in politics, senior government officials and even heads of the states, for financial reporting purposes under PMLA," said a senior official of the Enforcement Directorate, asking not to be named.

To be sure, financial institutions have been required to carry out additional due know-your-customer (KYC) checks for PEPs under Reserve Bank of India guidelines. The new rules now appear to mandate additional transaction recording under PMLA compliances.

The ED is the main agency probing allegations under PMLA.

For NGOs, the new rules add more data retention requirements: every banking company or financial institution must shall register the details of such a client on the DARPAN Portal of Niti Aayog and the records, if not already registered, should be maintained for a period of five years after the business relationship between a client and a reporting entity has ended or the account has been closed, whichever is later."

Experts flagged some concerns.

Manavendra Mishra, partner at Khaitan & Co, said: The amendment aims to broaden the scope of the definition of such a beneficial owner of an entity and provides a revised reporting mechanism. The definition of PEP, however, leaves a lot to interpretation and in the absence of clear markers as to up to what rank, up to how much time after demitting office etc., would an individual be considered a PEP, it would give the authorities too much discretion. Such discretion, if not checked, could easily be misused and it would be best to define the ambiguities left in this amendment."

The tweaks to the PMLA rules, announced in a separate notification, also included those concerning cryptocurrencies, which will now be brought under the ambit of the money laundering watchdog.

These rules brought host of activities carried out for or on behalf of" another person through cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum under PMLA. The notified activities included transactions between fiat currencies and crypto, between one crypto and another, safekeeping of such assets and participating or offering financial services based on these.

In other words, this would cover those who carry out transactions as well as those that offer crypto-based financial services, such as some popular Web3 financial services.

A second official aware of ED investigations said the agency was already investigating several cases related to cryptocurrencies, and the new rules will make legal position clearer for both the agency as well as people indulging in fraud via such modes of digital currency.

A few crypto exchanges were also found allegedly involved in money laundering and ED acted upon them," he said. As on January 2023, ED attached crime proceeds of about 940 crore, arrested five persons and several cases are pending in courts, he added.

The government has lately expressed concerns over irregularities by cryptocurrency exchanges, e-wallets and mobile gaming apps. Several exchanges and apps, such as WazirX and Coinswitch, have been investigated by ED in last one year.

As of now, cryptocurrencies are unregulated in India, though the government has taxed their withdrawals into rupees. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has opposed any measure that can legalise their use as an investment or a currency, saying they can adversely effect the Indian economy.

Experts said the move will bring clarity in combating money laundering and terror financing. Anu Tiwari, partner at law firm Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas called it positive and much needed for Indias growing Web3 industry".

According to the second official quoted above, the notification related to NGOs is also meant to strengthen EDs scrutiny on religious or charitable" NGOs.

Abhimanyu Kampani, partner at Luthra and Luthra Law Offices India, said the amendment broadens the definition of a non-profit organisation to now also include organisations that function for charitable purposes including relief to the poor, education or medical relief etc".

Further, a new category of politically exposed persons (PEP) as defined thereunder, has been added who will be subject to greater scrutiny. Apart from this, the financial institutions shall mandatorily have to register the details of Non-Profit Organisations which are its client on the Niti Aayog Portal and maintain such a record for at least five years," he added.

Crypto industry representatives welcomed the move concerning them. Dileep Seinberg, founder & CEO of crypto-fintech platform MuffinPay said: This is a positive step towards the regulation of the cryptocurrency industry in India. Additionally, this guarantees that all cryptocurrency businesses must include necessary KYC, transaction monitoring, and so on in their processes. Following the enactment of the PMLA, cryptocurrency companies will now be required by law to perform enhanced due diligence."
New Delhi: The ports, shipping, and waterways ministry has provided in-principle approval for eight floating jetty projects -- four each in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said, Our Honble PM Narendra Modi lays high emphasis on providing strong connectivity, which is essential for building a developed India, the installation of these jetties will be a big push for socio economic development of these regions in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and create new avenues for water related tourism and regional trade with more employment opportunities to the local population."

Under the ambit of Sagarmala, the ministry has provided in-principle approval to 4 additional projects, taking the total to 11 floating jetty projects in Karnataka. These projects are located primarily on Gurupura River and Netravati River and shall be used for tourism purposes. bridge.

The other locations are Thannir Bhavi Church, Bangra Kuluru, Kulur Bridge and Jappina Mogaru NH bridge, according to a statement released by the ministry on Thursday.

Additionally, the ministry has provided in-principle approval to 4 floating jetty projects in Tamil Nadu. The projects at Agni Thertham and Villoondi Theertham are located in Rameshwaram which is a renowned spiritual place in India.

The projects are located at Cuddalore and Kanyakumari cater to tourists at these distinguished tourist destinations.

These projects will assist in offering safer, hassle-free transportation to tourists and will lead to the overall development and the upliftment of the coastal community, the statement added.

The ministry, under its Sagarmala Programme, has pushed a number of reforms and initiatives in the maritime industry to strengthen the countrys socio-economic and regulatory environment, according to the statement.

One of the key initiatives of the ministry is to promote and develop a unique and innovative concept of floating jetties ecosystem which when compared to traditional fixed jetties, offers a number of advantages, such as being environment-friendly, having a longer shelf life and modular construction, it added.
Mumbai: The governments move to bring cryptocurrencies under the ambit of anti-money laundering regulations will benefit exchanges dealing in these virtual digital assets and turn out to be a step towards legitimizing their operations, experts said.

On Tuesday, the finance ministry notified that exchange, transfer, safekeeping or administration of cryptocurrencies will come under the ambit of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Having seen multiple investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), crypto exchanges are likely to find it easier to operate as regulation identifies them as reporting entities, bringing them at par with some regulated bodies. The Act defines reporting entity as a banking company, financial institution, intermediary or a person carrying on a designated business or profession.

In order to identify suspicious transactions and eliminate bad actors, the latest notification will now place these exchanges at par with banking company, financial institution, or intermediary," said Alipak Banerjee, leader (international dispute resolution practice), Nishith Desai Associates.

This, Banerjee said, will require crypto exchanges to put rigorous diligence requirements under the PMLA and the Prevention of Money Laundering (Maintenance of Records) Rules, 2005, which prescribe the reporting threshold and the manner in which the reporting has to be done. According to him, while the Supreme Court in a 2020 case affirmed virtual currency exchanges fundamental right to trade and do business, the ED has in many cases treated these exchanges as users and frozen 936 crore until 31 January, as per government data.

A spokesperson for crypto exchange CoinSwitch said the new rules are introduced to prevent misuse of crypto, such as money laundering.

Others said this opens up exchanges to more scrutiny and they need to have records of customer transactions for reporting requirements.

It can safely interpreted from the notification, that exchanges will now have to keep record of each and every customer and transaction dealing in virtual digital assets because if they fail to explain any single transaction, then they might have to face the brunt from ED for directly or indirectly committing the offence of money laundering," said Tushar Agarwal, an advocate in the Supreme Court.

Agarwal pointed out that it cannot be said with certainty whether the government plans to legitimize cryptos or to ban them, just on the basis of this notification. The question about the legitimacy of cryptos, Agarwal said, was also being discussed when the Union budget had said such digital assets will attract 30% tax; however, the ministry clarified later that imposition of tax does not legitimize it.

Crypto assets sector and Web3 sector are relatively new and still evolving. Currently, there are no specific regulations for these sectors," finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed the Lok Sabha in a statement on 13 February.

In fact, asked how the government would ensure protection of customer interests in virtual digital assets, Sitharaman said the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been cautioning users, holders and traders that dealing in such assets is associated with potential risks. RBI governor Shaktikanta Das has voiced his concerns on cryptocurrencies multiple times, citing macroeconomic and financial stability risks.

Experts also said that the governments move would help develop a standardized protocol for crypto regulations and saw it as a step to legalize cryptos in India. This step is seen as a progressive step towards a gradual legitimization of cryptocurrency in India. The question is not about the government keeping a closer watch but whether such transactions or dealings in cryptos be protected and fraud be minimized," said Anushkaa Arora, principal and founder, ABA Law Office.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Shayan Ghosh Shayan Ghosh is a national writer at Mint reporting on traditional banks and shadow banks. He has over a decade of experience in financial journalism. Based in Mints Mumbai bureau since 2018, he tracks interest rate movements and its impact on companies and the broader economy. His interests also include the distressed debt market, especially as Indias bankruptcy law attempts recoveries of billions worth of toxic assets. Read more from this author
The tiny island of Mauritius spent years trying to clean up its image as a base for murky money launderers and shell firms. The short-seller allegations against billionaire Gautam Adani are once again reviving questions about the countrys role as a tax haven for Indias tycoons.

In a report late January that sent Adani stocks on a $153 billion downward spiral, Hindenburg Research said that entities controlled by the tycoons brother, Vinod, or his associates used Mauritius as a conduit for money laundering and share-price manipulation. Though the report mentioned a vast labyrinth" of shell companies from the Caribbean to the United Arab Emirates, it pinpointed offshore firms in Mauritius as having played a pivotal part.

The US-based short seller said 38 firms connected to Vinod were domiciled in the tropical island, located in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Madagascar. Hindenburg claims some were used to reroute money from India that was then used to buy shares in the group, and inflate their stock prices back home. In the five years prior to the bombshell report, Adani equities saw some of their wildest rallies, with flagship Adani Enterprises Ltd. surging almost 2,600%, about 41 times the gain in the benchmark Nifty 50 index.

Staffers at Vinods Dubai offices recently directed requests for comment to the ports-to-energy conglomerates headquarters in India. A representative for Adani Group didnt respond to a request for comment. In its 413-page rebuttal issued on Jan. 29, the group said Vinod has no role in Adani Groups day-to-day affairs. The offshore entities are public shareholders in Adani portfolio companies and innuendoes that they are in any manner related parties of the promoters are incorrect," it said.

While it isnt illegal to register businesses in low-tax jurisdictions like Mauritius, the allegations around the offshore shell firms appear to be a throwback to a time when the tourist paradise featured in a slew of other Indian corporate controversies since the late 1990s. The biggest of them was a stock market scandal that saw a broker drive up prices of select shares between 1998 and 2001.

The accusations against Adani  some reported by local media years before Hindenburg dropped its report  come at an uncomfortable time for Mauritius, which has been attempting to detoxify its financial industry and getting noticed for its efforts: the European Union just last year took it off a blacklist of countries it deems deficient in their anti money laundering and terrorism financing regimes.

Adanis alleged use of Mauritius as a center for shell companies is not unusual in the Indian context," said Bhaskar Chakravorti, the dean of global business at The Fletcher School at Tufts University. What would be unusual is if this happened despite the cleanup efforts, he said. The sheer scale" of whats being alleged by Hindenburg is staggering," according to Chakravorti.

Hindenburgs allegations landed right before a visit to India by Mahen Kumar Seeruttun, Mauritiuss minister of financial services and good governance, to drum up investment. In a February interview with Bloomberg News, Seeruttun said that the Adani Group has complied with all regulations in his countrys jurisdiction and his government will cooperate with Indian authorities on the matter.

We want to uphold our reputation as a jurisdiction of repute and substance," Seeruttun said.

In earlier comments to Bloomberg, Dhanesswurnath Thakoor, chief executive of the nations Financial Services Commission, denied that Mauritius is a tax haven. He said the country complies with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Developments minimum taxation standards with a 15% corporate rate. In comparison, the British Virgin Islands levies no tax.

Corrosive Role

Mauritius-based shell companies have been at the center of at least four major probes by Indian agencies in the past two decades for allegedly being conduits of illegal money. The country has also been accused by the UKs Tax Justice Network group of playing a corrosive role in Africa," inflicting a $2.4 billion tax loss annually.

Commenting this week, Seeruttun said that reports like the one from Hindenburg do create doubts in the minds of some people about Mauritius, but the business community overseas has confidence in its jurisdiction. Predictability, certainty, stability are the key words that they look for, and this is what Mauritius offers," he said.

The origins of Mauritiuss status, which the Tax Justice Network says is a tax haven, can be traced to a treaty it signed with India in the early 1980s to promote trade and investment, where it eliminated double taxation and capital gains levies. At that time, Indian officials didnt foresee that their country would soon abandon its Soviet-style socialist economy and embrace foreign capital.

As the South Asian nation was opening up, Mauritius signed into law an offshore business act in 1992, along with dozens of other bilateral tax treaties, allowing foreigners to set up companies with little disclosure or tax. Despite a headline corporate rate of 15%, for some entities, it effectively meant just 3%.

Combined with Indias cultural ties  two thirds of the islands 1.3 million-strong population are of Indian origin  the treaties allowed Mauritius to become the South Asian nations largest source of foreign investment for some time until the year through March 2018.

The country, which gained independence from the British in 1968, is now one of the wealthiest in Africa. Services make up close to 70% of its $12 billion economy. According to the Tax Justice Network, about 2.3% of global tax haven flows make their way through the island known for its luxury holiday resorts and pristine beaches. That compares with the 6.4% for top-ranked BVI.

Historically the treaty with Mauritius was the standard way to invest into India," said Reuven Avi-Yonah, a corporate and international taxation professor at the University of Michigan Law School. It contained no limits on who the ultimate recipient of the income could be as long as the funds flowed through Mauritius."

Layering of Ownership

As those flows gained momentum, so did suspicions that Indian entities were routing their money via Mauritius, a maneuver called round tripping, which could be used by companies and individuals to evade tax and launder criminal proceedings, according to Arun Kumar, a retired professor who taught at New Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru University. Money trails and ownership from India were obscured by a process of layering" through multiple overseas shell companies, he said.

They were using this web to basically prevent investigative agencies from figuring out whos moving what money and make it look as if these were genuine foreign funds and not round-trip funds," said Kumar, whos authored a book on Indias illicit economy.

Eventually, Mauritius came under global pressure after the Paradise Papers, a trove of documents leaked to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists in 2017, alleged the country was a secretive financial hub that allowed businesses and wealthy individuals to shield their assets and profits from taxation.

For India, a succession of financial scandals and frustration at attempts to make foreign corporates pay more tax led to the two countries in 2016 reworking their treaty. It closed a popular loophole so India could tax short-term capital gains, though zero levies remain on investments held for over a year.

Little Impact

India also tightened rules on so-called participatory notes, which were used to anonymously invest in Indian stocks and derivatives, forcing issuers to verify client identity.

Mauritius reworked some of its tax laws and treaties, supporting in October 2021 a global agreement that introduced a minimum corporate tax rate as well as greater disclosure for businesses with annual revenue above 750 million euros ($791 million).

Those measures did see the Financial Action Task Force  a global watchdog  remove Mauritius in 2021 from its gray monitoring list. Within months, the EU moved to take it off its blacklist.

The steps also meant the waning of Mauritiuss position as Indias biggest source of foreign direct investment. After peaking at $15.9 billion in the year through March 2018, the flows have dropped sharply to $9.4 billion, according to Reserve Bank of India data, relegating the country below Singapore and the US.

The Mauritius route is less appealing now because of both the changes in the law and in the tax treaty," said Avi-Yonah.

Even so, Mauritius remains a popular offshore base for many investors seeking opportunities in some of the biggest markets.

The furor over Adani isnt forcing a reckoning on the islands sandy shores. Lovania Pertab, the chairperson of the local chapter of Transparency International, the anti-corruption group, said nobody wants to wreck its lucrative offshore financial industry. But setting up 38 companies in Mauritius, as Hindenburg alleges Adani did in their report, looks very abnormal," she said.

In Mauritius, nobody is talking about it," she said. They dont want to appear to be India bashing."

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.
A special CBI court has ordered the issuance of letters of request to authorities in Switzerland, Isle of Man, and UAE to furnish details of mining baron and former Karnataka minister Gali Janardhan Reddy's money trail in connection with the multi-crore illegal mining case , according to the news agency PTI.

The order was passed on March 4. Special judge for CBI cases Chandrakala said the application filed under Section 166-A CrPC for judicial assistance to the competent authority in Switzerland is hereby allowed.

The office is directed to issue a letter of request in favor of the competent authority in Switzerland. The office is directed to send the copy of the order and details of the documents to the authority," the order read.

Similar orders were issued with regard to the CBI request seeking details of GLA Trading International Pvt Ltd from authorities in UAE, Singapore, and the Isle of Man.

The court order comes when Reddy, founder of the Kalyana Rajya Pragati Paksha (KRPP) party, is campaigning ahead of state assembly polls due by May.

The federal agency had filed the applications against Gali Janardhana Reddy, G Lakshmi Aruna (since discharged in the case), IAS officer ME Shivalinga Murthy, IFS officer S Muthaiah, K Mehfuz Ali Khan, SP Raju, Mahesh A Patil, and former Ranger Forest Officer H Ramamurthy, PTI requested.

It is seeking details of the incorporation of GLA Trading International in Switzerland, a statement of account of the company in Swiss banks, details of the owners, authorized signatories, bank accounts, and the link of Gali Janardhan Reddy and his family members with the company in question.

It is to be noted that, in the charge sheet it has alleged that the accused persons were involved in illegal mining under a mining lease issued in the name of Associated Mining Company. As per the information provided by the authorities, the real money so gained through the process of illegal mining would form part of the proceeds of crime and absolutely is required to find out and initiate the legal proceedings. Therefore, the information is required as sought," the court noted in its order.

The CBI in its application had stated that Reddy had transacted Iron Ore illegally to the extent of more than 7 to 8 Million metric tonnes during 2009-10.

A substantial portion of the amount was suspected to be parked by the accused one in various countries. Therefore, the issuance of the letter of request is essential to find out the existence of the company and details of bank account in the name of GLA Trading International Private Ltd in Switzerland.

As per the information the entire money so gained through the process of illegal mining would form part of the proceeds of crime and it is necessary to find identify the money and initiate legal action, the CBI added.

(With PTI inputs)
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday presented the state budget in the legislative assembly. This is the first budget of the Shinde-led government and is based on the principles of Panchamrut with five focus points- farmers, women, youth, employment, and environment.

The budget presentation game a day after the Economic Survey of Maharashtra was tabled in the assembly which projected the state to grow at a rate of 6.8%.

Top announcements in the Maharashtra Budget:

1. The Deputy Chief Minister announced an annual cash benefit of 6,000 for the farmers of Maharashtra. The scheme will be on the lines of the Union Government's PM KISAN Yojna and will cost 6,900 crore to the state government.

2. The government will conduct e-panchnama with the help of drones and satellites to assess the damage due to natural calamities like unseasonal rains. Fadnavis announced an insurance cover of 5 lakh for fisherfolks.

3. The government has announced 1,800 cash benefits for farmers of 14 suicide-hit districts.

4. Maharashtra government also announced the fourth comprehensive women's policy under which a girl from the Below Poverty Line (BPL) family will receive 75,000 from the state government till she attains the age of 18.

5. Fadnavis announced more relief for women in form of 50% discounts on travel across the state using the state transport system.

6. The government has also announced the Led-Ladki scheme under which grants will be given to yellow and orange ration card holders for education.

7. For the betterment of working women in Maharashtra, 50 new hostels will be started for working women. Fadnavis announced a hike in the remuneration of Anganwadi workers from 8,300 to 10,000 and of Anganwadi helpers from 5,500 from the existing 4,425 a month.

8. Maharashtra has increased the Mediclaim cover given to BPL families under Mahatma Phule Jivandayee Yojna from 1.5 lakh to 5 lakh. The free treatment of Mahatma Phule Janarogya Yojana has also increased from 1.5 lakh to 5 lakh.

9. The Modi Awas Yojana is set to be implemented to construct 1 million budget-friendly homes in the next three years, at a cost of 12,000 crore. Out of the total, 300,000 houses are planned to be built in the year 2023-24. Additionally, a welfare board for autorickshaws and taxi drivers will be launched in Maharashtra.

10. The Maharashtra government will use a 1,000-acre plot in Nagpur to develop a logistics hub. Fadnavis also informed that 46 km of metro lines have already been operational and around 50 km will become operational this year. The total length of the project is 337 km planned in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Reactions to the Maharashtra Budget:

Cyrus Mody, Founder and Managing Partner at Viceroy Properties also shared his view of the Maharashtra budget and said the 1% duty discount for women homebuyers is a move that is welcomed and revered by the real estate sector. This will empower more women to become homebuyers and thus address a long-due concern of gender disparity."

The allocation of 36000 crore for state-wide infrastructural boost backed by a slew of new airports in Shirdi, Purandar and Chatrapati Sambhaji Nagar along waterways and roadways development will lead to a 10x growth in connectivity to and fro the financial capital, thus resulting in multi-fold growth of housing demand in newer micro-pockets of Mumbai, MMR and overall Maharashtra," Mody added.

The State Budget shows promise in terms of economic development for various communities including by way of 3 lakh homes to be built this year, which will address housing concerns existing in the state. The 1 trillion dollar share of Maharashtra in the 5 trillion dollar Indian economy, as envisioned by the government, will see the real estate market as a solid contributor, owing to consistent demand from homebuyers, redevelopment projects, and commercial projects," Ram Raheja, Managing Director, S Raheja Realty said on the budget.

"There is also added incentive to women homebuyers who will enjoy a 1% discount on stamp duty. Moreover, the growth brought by the mega infra projects for which a sizeable amount has been allocated, will raise the standards of living and sentiments of the people of Maharashtra," Raheja added.

The highlight of the state budget of Maharashtra is the 1% discount in stamp duty for women homebuyers. The move will encourage a sense of homeownership amongst women. The budget was well in line with the infra push announced in the Union Budget. The move towards boosting the infrastructure and connectivity through Maharashtra will open up opportunities for various segments of real estate developments comprising residential, retail, commercial and warehousing. The connectivity boost will drive the rise of new real-estate micro-markets, thus resulting in the emergence of new epicentres of Mumbai and MMR," Nitin Bavisi -CFO at Ajmera Realty and Infra India said.

"During the upcoming fiscal year 20232024, the national-level Economic Survey forecasts a base GDP increase of 6.5% in real terms. Overall, the State Budget has a methodical view of the all-encompassing growth of Maharashtra. With the opportunities that we foresee, it looks promising that the real estate sector will be a key contributor to Maharashtras economy that will be of a significant 1/5th share to the goal of a 5 trillion Indian Economy," Bavisi added.
The nation is mourning the sudden demise of veteran actor and director Satish Kaushik who passed away at the age of 66. He was one of those talented artists who make a place in our hearts through their honest and natural work. Kaushik's co-actors and friends remember him as a witty human being who used to take everything on a light-hearted note.

Satish Kaushik had roots in Haryana but completed most of his higher education from Delhi. He went to the National School of Drama (NSD) and later also joined the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune. Kaushik performed across Delhi in several stage shows before packing up for Mumbai in 1979.

In 2020, Kaushik shared about his journey to Mumbai and how the city gave him many important aspects of his life. I came to mumbai to become an actor on 9th Aug 1979 by Paschim Express.10th Aug was first morning in Mumbai.Mumbai gave Work,Friends,Wife, Kids,Home, Love,Warmth, Struggle,Success,Failures & Courage to live Happily.Good Morning Mumbai & All who gave me more than I dreamt . Thx," Kaushik tweeted.

I came to mumbai to become an actor on 9th Aug 1979 by Paschim Express.10th Aug was first morning in Mumbai.Mumbai gave Work,Friends,Wife, Kids,Home, Love,Warmth, Struggle,Success,Failures & Courage to live Happily.Good Morning Mumbai & All who gave me more than I dreamt . Thx pic.twitter.com/dTuoPmEQKA  satish kaushik (@satishkaushik2) August 10, 2020

After several small but memorable roles in films like 'Masoom' and 'Ram Lakhan' he became a household name after playing Calendar in the 1987 classic 'Mr. India'. His lovable performance with Anil Kapoor took the film to soaring heights and made it one of most loved Hindi films of all times.

Kaushik shared about his first acting project where he acted as one of rowdy boys and even received appreciation for his acting.

"My first acting project in Mumbai was a film called Chakra starring Naseeruddin [Shah] and Smita Patil. It was a very small role and had a very thin and lanky Satish Kaushik. That film had so many people. I played one of the local rowdy boys. After I gave my first shot, Rajkumar Santoshi (first AD) came to me and said good actor yaar. I said thank God at least someone said that!" Kaushik told news platform Indian Express in 2019.

National School of Drama (NSD) also expressed shock over the demise of its greatest alumni" and said Satish Kaushik will be deeply missed and remembered for his contributions to the Indian Film Industry.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad to watch the first day of the final Test match of the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2023 on Thursday. He was welcomed by PM Modi at the largest stadium in the world.

The two PMs will watch the first day of the Test beginning at the Narendra Modi Stadium at Motera on March 9.

#WATCH | Gujarat: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrives at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Prime Minister Modi welcomes him to the venue.



The two Prime Ministers will watch the final match of the #BorderGavaskarTrophy2023 that will begin shortly here. pic.twitter.com/Uv8hevlhzo  ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2023

Albanese earlier expressed his excitement to watch the match with Prime Minister Modi. India is presently leading the Border Gavaskar Trophy series 2-1. The series is named after distinguished former captains, Australia's Allan Border and India's Sunil Gavaskar.

India are retaining the trophy as of now after defeating Australia in the first two Tests and losing the third Test of the 2023 series. If Australia win the fourth Test and the series is drawn, India will retain the trophy as the 202021 series went in favour of the Men in Blue.

Both prime ministers are scheduled to arrive at the Narendra Modi Stadium at Motera in Ahmedabad on March 9 morning to witness the opening day of the fourth Test between Australia and India, after which they will depart in a few hours.

In preparation for a large crowd of spectators, the Ahmedabad police have stationed over 3,000 officers at the stadium and the surrounding areas of the city, according to Neeraj Badgujar, the Additional Commissioner of Police, Sector 1.

Albanese earlier visited the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad and expressed his admiration for Mahatma Gandhi. He paid his respects by removing his shoes and visited the 'Hriday Kunj', a room where Gandhi lived, and observed the weaving of khadi using a spinning wheel. The Ashram presented him with a book written by Australian author Thomas Weber about Gandhi's salt march, a book about his life in Ahmedabad from 1915 to 1930, and a replica of the spinning wheel.

Albanese wrote in the visitor's book that Gandhi's values and philosophy continue to inspire people worldwide. Later, he attended the 'Holi Celebrations' event hosted by the Governor of Gandhinagar, where artists from different states performed traditional dance forms.
New Delhi: The government is planning to expand piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) connectivity to Andaman and Nicobar islands and Lakshadweep islands, two officials aware of the development said.

As part of the plan, cargo ships will transport liquified natural gas (LNG) to these islands where it would be converted to PNG and CNG, one of the two officials cited above said.

There is a thought of providing LNG supplies to Andaman and Lakshadweep. Centre is in talks with Lakshadweep and Andaman administrations. We want to provide CNG (through LNG shipments) which can replace lot of their energy requirements. For Andaman, tankers on ships would be filled at the Kochi terminal," the official said on condition of anonymity.

The Centre is awaiting proposals from administrations of both the union territories to develop city gas distribution (CGD) networks and work will start once approvals are in place, the official added. Supplying piped gas to homes would require distribution infrastructure in place.

Another official said that given the sensitivity attached to the islands and the required security clearances, the project may not be opened up for bidding. Instead it may be directly assigned to a company by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB). Alternatively, the Centre would authorize entities for the CGD network.

Discussions are on whether Centre should authorize or ask PNGRB to make the authorization. It cannot be opened up for everyone," the official added.

Queries sent to the ministry of petroleum and natural gas remained unanswered till press time.

The move aims to replace LPG and diesel with cleaner variants in view of climate concerns. Further, elevated petrol and diesel prices are also expected attract users to CNG, which is used as auto fuel.

The plan is in line with the governments aim to create a gas-based economy, expanding the network of LNG supplies within the country. While work on a National Gas Grid is underway for the mainland, for supply of LNG to these group of islands, the government would take the maritime route and supplies would be shipped from the nearest terminals in the gas grid.

The development comes at a time when the government also plans to set up a trans-shipment hub at Galathea Bay in the Great Nicobar islands. According to the ministry of shipping, the project is expected to complete with an estimated investment of 41,000 crore ($5 billion) including both government and private sector participation. Infrastructure development in both archipelagoes has received a major push from the government, more so, in the Andaman and Nicobar islands given its strategic significance from the command it provides India over the eastern Indian Ocean and the growing interest shown by China in the Bay of Bengal area.

Further, the Andaman islands are also considered to have major hydrocarbon resources. State-run energy major ONGC recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with French giant TotalEnergies to establish a holistic framework for the exchange of each others technical strengths in deep-water offshore, especially in the Mahanadi and Andamans.
Radisys Corp, a unit of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) owned Jio Platforms, will buy Mimosa Networks from U.S.-based IT services company Airspan Networks Holdings Inc for $60 million on a debt-free, cash-free basis, the companies said on Thursday.

Today, Airspan Networks Holdings (Airspan) and Radisys Corporation (Radisys), a wholly owned subsidiary of Jio Platforms Limited (Jio), announced the sale of Mimosa Networks, Inc. (Mimosa) to Radisys for $60 million on a debt free, cash free basis," as per the statement. Reliance Jio Infocomm USA Inc, a wholly owned step-down subsidiary of Jio is a shareholder of Airspan and maintains a seat on its Board of Directors.

Mimosas product development, manufacturing, and sales teams of 56 employees will continue with Mimosa following the acquisition by Radisys and Airspan maintains a reseller channel for specific joint 4G/5G and FWA projects and will continue marketing Mimosa products to some of its customers following the acquisition, the companies added.

Speaking about the transaction, Mathew Oommen, President, Jio said, Acquisition of Mimosa will further accelerate Jios innovation and leadership in the production of telecom network products that deliver value to consumers and enterprises across the globe with cost-effective, rapidly deployable fixed and mobile broadband."

Airspan acquired Mimosa in 2018 to target cost effective fixed wireless access network connections. Mimosa has a diverse portfolio of point-to-point and point-to-multi-point products based on WiFi 5 and the newer WiFi 6E technologies as well as related accessories, such as twist on antennas, PoE Injectors, etc. These solutions have use cases in the backhaul requirements for 5G and FTTX/ FWA rollouts. Jio has been a major customer of Mimosa.
Veteran actor and director Satish Kaushik passed away on 9 March, reportedly from a heart attack. Many noted personalities including PM Modi have mourned the death of the legendary actor. The last rites of Satish Kaushik will be conducted in Mumbai at 5:00 PM.

The funeral card released by the family of Satish Kaushik said, Jai Shree Ram! Cremation procession of Mr. Satish Kaushik ji will take place at 5pm today. The same will proceed from his residency (raj classic. A wing 803/804. Off yari road. Versova. Andheri west) to the Versova crematorium. Below address: Hindu samshan bhoomi. Brihanmumbai mahanagar palika. Jp rd. Versova. Andheri west. Mumbai. Maharashtra 400061 Please keep him and the entire family in your prayers."

The post-mortem report of the actor has revealed that the sudden demise was due to cardiac arrest. "Cardiac arrest for the cause of death of Satish Kaushik. No injury marks over the body. No alcohol was found in his body. No foul play was found. Blood and viscera samples have been preserved and sent for investigation," said sources of the news agency ANI.

Delhi Police also carried out routine proceedings under CrPC Section 174 to ascertain if the death occurred under any mysterious circumstances or of unnatural causes.

Kaushik's manager Santosh Rai brought him to the hospital around 12.10 AM when he complained of breathlessness. The actor was reportedly in Delhi at a friend's place where he went to celebrate the festival of Holi.

PM Modi on Thursday also condoled the demise of Satish Kaushik and called him a creative genius who won hearts. "Pained by the untimely demise of noted film personality Shri Satish Kaushik Ji. He was a creative genius who won hearts thanks to his wonderful acting and direction. His works will continue to entertain audiences. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti," PM Modi tweeted.

Satish Kaushik started his career as a stage actor and performed at various stage shows in Delhi before moving to Mumbai to step up his acting career. He played small roles in various films, but his role as Calendar in the 1987 classic 'Mr. India' made him a household name.

Kaushik also wrote the screenplay for the cult classic 'Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro' and directed hit films like 'Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja' and 'Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain'. He produced films like 'Tere Naam' and 'Milenge Milenge'.

(With inputs from agencies)
Two days into Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses first official visit to New Delhi, it is increasingly clear that the new Australian leaders focus is on economic ties, defence and education.

Trade and investment ties have been a particularly important subject for New Delhi and Canberra in recent years, given that both sides are currently negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Prime Minister Albanese has talked up the economic synergies between the two countries during his time in India.

We have natural resources, we have critical minerals, we have research nous. India has manufacturing scale, has high domestic demand, a growing middle class, and enormous research capacity," said Albanese, who has visited India twice before.

Navdeep Suri, Indias former High Commissioner to Australia, believes that Prime Minister Albaneses optimism for bilateral economic ties may be merited.

This is one of the few relationships where the two governments have moved faster to recognise each others potential than the businesses have. Business has lagged behind the political dynamism the relationship has shown. This might be because business was wedded to the China story, which has been disrupted by certain aggressive Chinese actions. Australian business can also be risk averse," says Suri, who served as Indias envoy from 2015 to 2016.

While weve seen the Gulf sovereign funds and Canadas pension funds invest quite aggressively into the Indian market, the asset-rich Australian superfunds have lagged behind," argues Ambassador Suri.

That may change. Albanese landed in Ahmedabad on Wednesday with what he called the most serious business delegation that Ive seen leave Australian shores" in tow. The new Prime Minister, who took office in May last year, has also spoken publicly of the need to improve Australian business literacy about India.

Defence ties have also taken centre-stage.

My visit reflects my governments commitment to place India at the heart of Australias approach to the Indo-Pacific and beyond," said Albanese, while on board Indias first indigenously built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant.

India is a top tier security partner. The Indian Ocean is central to both countries security and prosperity," said the Prime Minister.

New Delhi and Canberra have built an increasingly close defence partnership over the last decade. Military exercises like AUSINDEX, Pitch Black and Malabar have built greater interoperability between defence services even as agreements like the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement have made joint operations and exercises easier.

Albanese also revealed that India will be invited to participate in Talisman Sabre, an international military exercise hosted by the Australian and American defence forces.

Education cooperation has also been a major focus for Canberra. An education qualification recognition mechanism was agreed to which will allow for Indian university degrees to be recognised in Australia.

The new mechanism means that if you are an Indian student who is studying or have studied in Australia, your hard-earned degree will be recognised when you return home. Or if you are a member of Australias very large Indian diaspora --500,000 and growing -- you will feel more confident that your Indian qualification will be recognised in Australia," said Albanese.

Albanese also reveleased that Deakin University will be among the first foreign universities to set up a university campus in India. The University of Wollongong, he added, was also among the universities looking to set up a campus in GIFT City in Ahmedabad.

He also announced the creation of the Maitri scholarship program.

These are for Indian students to study in Australia for up to four years.The scholarships are part of the wider Maitri program that seeks to boost cultural, educational and community ties between Australia and India," said the Australian leader.

Its a very timely visit and sustains the momentum that weve had in our ties with Australia over the last three years," says Ambassador Suri.

There is now a strong bipartisan consensus in Australian politics for closer ties with India. This was not always the case. Scott Morrison as Prime Minister put a lot of energy in this partnership even though he was not able to come to India himself due to COVID. Albanese has picked up the threads very quickly," adds the veteran diplomat.
Saudi Arabia is asking the U.S. to provide security guarantees and help to develop its civilian nuclear program as Washington tries to broker diplomatic relations between the kingdom and Israel, people involved in discussions between the two countries said.
A day after Chinese President Xi Jinping slammed the United States for suppressing and hampering its growth, Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang made some witty remarks on the "Wolf Warrior diplomacy discourse trap" and that the "Chinese diplomats must dance with wolves." He affirmed that China's diplomacy is full of kindness and benevolence but wolves get in our way.

Gang made these remarks while addressing the annual parliamentary meetings in China, news agency ANI reported.

Gang mentioned his experience when he was appointed as the Chinese ambassador to the United States and how Western media headlined that the "wolf warrior" had arrived. He served in the position from 2021 to 2023 and "now that I've returned and taken up the post of foreign minister, they no longer call me that, as if I've lost something," Qin continued.

The so-called wolf warrior diplomacy" is a discourse trap and people who coin such terms do not understand either China or Chinese diplomacy, they disregard facts and have ulterior motives, Gang added.

"Confucius said over 2,000 years ago that kindness should be repaid by kindness, and that enmity should be repaid by justice. China's diplomacy is full of kindness and benevolence, but when wolves get in our way and attack, Chinese diplomats must 'dance with the wolves' to protect their country," he said.

Around 2019-2020, the term Wolf Warrior Diplomacy" became a buzzword in Western countries, which used the term to describe the style of Chinese diplomacy. The term derived from blockbuster Chinese films points towards the conservative communicative approach that mainland Chinese diplomats usually took prior to 2019-2020.

Wolf Warrior II, starring Wu Jing is a story of special forces officer Leng Feng who assisted Chinese citizens while fighting with brutal foreign mercenaries during the African civil war.

Gang used the term discourse trap" to describe how entrenched the term wolf warrior diplomacy" has become for the US that they are refusing to think and see outside the box or better understand the patterns at hand.

(With inputs from ANI)
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, US warned of threats against the US posed by China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. The US intel agency released its 2023 annual threat assessment report on Wednesday, according to the news agency ANI.

The report also warned of global challenges like climate change, and evolving technologies that could have the potential to disrupt traditional business and society while creating unprecedented vulnerabilities.

The United States is expected to face a "complex" security environment and will need to work to confront two "critical" strategic challenges: rising powers, like China, seeking dominance in the global order, the US intelligence community assessed in its report.

"These two strategic challenges will intersect and interact in unpredictable ways, leading to mutually reinforcing effects that could challenge our ability to respond, but that also will introduce new opportunities to forge collective action with allies and partners, including non-state actors," the report read.

On China, the US intelligence community said the Chinese Communist Party will continue its efforts to make China the "preeminent power in East Asia and a major power on the world stage."

Officials in their report said that Chinese President Xi Jinping, in his third term, will work to press Taiwan on unification and will seek to "undercut US influence" by driving wedges between Washington and its partners", ANI reported.

With regard to Taiwan, the intelligence community warned that the PRC is using "coordinated, whole-of-government tools" as it seeks to assert sovereignty over Taiwan. Reports warned that China may build on its actions from 2022, and include more Taiwan Strait centerline crossings or missile overflights of Taiwan.

Officials also warned that if China succeeds in gaining control over Taiwan, it would have "wide-ranging effects, including disruption to global supply chains for semiconductor chips because Taiwan dominates production of cutting-edge chips."

Officials also warned that Beijing is bolstering its domestic defense production capabilities for Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and advanced conventional weapons. The intelligence community also warned that China is building hundreds of new ICBM silos.

"Beijing worries that bilateral tension, US nuclear modernization, and PLA's advancing conventional capabilities have increased the likelihood of a US first strike," the report states. "Beijing's heightened confidence in its nuclear deterrent is likely to bolster its resolve and intensify conventional conflicts."

And with regard to cyber and technology, the US intelligence community assesses that China represents the "broadest, most active, and persistent cyber espionage threat to US Government and private-sector networks."

Officials warn that China is "capable of launching cyberattacks that could disrupt critical infrastructure services within the United States, including against oil and gas pipelines, and rail systems."

"China leads the world in applying surveillance and censorship to monitor its population and repress dissent," the report states." Beijing conducts cyber intrusions that are targeted to affect US and non-US citizens beyond its borders -- including journalists, dissidents, and individuals it views as threats -- to counter views it considers critical of CCP narratives, policies, and actions."

Officials also warned that China is rapidly expanding and improving its artificial intelligence and big data analytics capabilities, which could expand beyond domestic use.

Shifting to Russia, the US intelligence community warned that Moscow will remain a "formidable and less predictable challenge to the United States in key areas during the next decade but still will face a range of constraints."

"Russia probably does not want a direct military conflict with US and NATO forces, but there is potential for that to occur," the intelligence community assessed. "Russian leaders thus far have avoided taking actions that would broaden the Ukraine conflict beyond Ukraine's borders, but the risk for escalation remains significant."

Officials warn the relationship between China and Russia creates "potential threats in areas such as security collaboration, specifically arms sales and joint exercises, and diplomacy, where each country has used its veto power on the UN Security Council against US interests."

And while China represents one of the greatest threats to US national security, officials said Russia, too, presents "one of the most serious foreign influence threats to the United States," due to its intelligence services and influence tools that seek to sow discord in the US and influence US voters and decision-making, as per ANI reported.

Officials said Iran will continue to threaten U.S. people directly and via proxy attacks, particularly in the Middle East, and remains committed to developing "surrogate networks inside the United States, an objective it has pursued for more than a decade."

Officials say Iran is "not currently undertaking the key nuclear weapons-development activities that would be necessary to produce a testable nuclear device," but warned Tehran has "accelerated the expansion of its nuclear program."

"If Tehran does not receive sanctions relief, Iranian officials probably will consider further enriching uranium up to 90 per cent," the report states.

Iran also represents a "major threat" to US networks and data, due to its capabilities and willingness to conduct "aggressive cyber operations."

The US intelligence community assessed that North Korea is continuing its efforts to enhance its nuclear capabilities, targeting the US and its allies.

Officials warned that North Korea's military "will pose a serious threat to the United States and its allies by continuing to invest in niche capabilities" designed to provide Kim Jong Un with a "range of options to deter outside intervention, offset enduring deficiencies in the country's conventional forces, and advance his political objectives through coercion."

Kim Jong Un remains "strongly committed" to expanding North Korea's nuclear weapons arsenal and maintaining nuclear weapons as a "centerpiece of his national security structure," the report states.

Officials also warned that North Korea's chemical or biological weapons "remain a threat." The report states that the intelligence community is "concerned" that North Korea "may use such weapons during a conflict or in an unconventional or clandestine attack."

(With ANI inputs)
On Wednesday, the White House issued a striking criticism of Fox News host Tucker Carlson, who has been broadcasting misleading portrayals of the January 6, 2021, attack.

As per the media reports, this criticism comes after Carlson's on-air portrayal of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol as a mostly peaceful event, which the White House has called "false."

During Carlsons broadcasts on Monday and Tuesday nights, he showed a compilation of surveillance footage from the January 6 attack on the Capitol and minimized the severity of the violence that took place.

Carlson used the footage to suggest that the attack was a peaceful gathering of tourists who were justified in their doubts about the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.

We agree with the chief of the Capitol Police and the wide range of bipartisan lawmakers who have condemned this false depiction of the unprecedented, violent attack on our Constitution and the rule of law, which cost police officers their lives," Andrew J. Bates, a deputy White House press secretary, said in a statement.

According to Nielsen, Tucker Carlson's Monday show garnered almost 3.7 million viewers, making it the most-watched program on all of cable television.

We also agree with what Fox Newss own attorneys and executives have now repeatedly stressed in multiple courts of law: that Tucker Carlson is not credible," Bates added.

The second part of this statement alludes to the information revealed in the $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit filed by Dominion Voting Systems against Fox News.

This legal action has resulted in the release of extraordinary private communications among the network's executives and hosts.

An article reported on text message conversations involving Fox News host Tucker Carlson, in which he expressed negative opinions about former President Donald Trump.

In one conversation from November 2020, Carlson reportedly called Trump's post-election behavior "disgusting."

In another conversation just two days before the January 6 attack on the Capitol, Carlson expressed his eagerness to ignore Trump in his show, saying "We are very, very close to being able to ignore Trump most nights. I truly can't wait." Carlson also reportedly said "I hate him passionately."

During a press briefing on Wednesday, Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, echoed the criticism of Tucker Carlson's comments on the January 6 Capitol attack, calling them "shameful."

The company claims that Fox News allowed allies of Donald Trump to falsely claim that Dominion had rigged the election in favor of Joe Biden, damaging their economic future.

In a past lawsuit where Fox News was defending Tucker Carlson against accusations of slander, the network's lawyers claimed that his show was composed of "hyperbolic opinion commentary" and that his on-air statements were "figurative or hyperbolic." The lawsuit was ultimately dismissed.

Hey Tucker, if you have to punch a cop on the way in, you're not sightseeing. pic.twitter.com/6YBgKprd1r  The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) March 8, 2023

While some Republicans have praised Tucker Carlson's coverage of the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, others have criticized it.

The House Republican Conference, for instance, called Carlson's segment on the topic a "MUST WATCH" on Twitter.
New Delhi: India and the US are set to sign an accord on semiconductor cooperation, US commerce secretary Gina Raimondo told reporters on Wednesday, adding the two countries had held a dialogue about coordinating semiconductor incentive schemes to prevent a subsidy race and glut in the supply of this vital technology.

Under the memorandum of understanding (MoU), the two countries will share information about commercial prospects in the semiconductor ecosystem and commit to sustaining a discussion to encourage private sector investments. The agreement will also encompass supply chain mapping, technology joint ventures, the development of skills, and research and development partnerships. We are looking for near-term commercial opportunities, but also, were looking here for a longer term strategic opportunity because this isnt a one-year collaboration. We think this is a 5, 10, 20-year collaboration between the US semiconductor industry and India," Raimondo said.

India and the US are seeking to collaborate on semiconductor policies to address supply chain challenges and cut reliance on China. Both countries are separately aiming to spur private sector investments in the critical semiconductor industry, with India launching a $10 billion incentive scheme to lure large investments in chip manufacturing as it tries to build capacity locally.

The discussions weve had are around providing transparency in our incentives and coordinating and collaborating on how we administer our semiconductor initiatives. We are working to prevent over-subsidizing certain areas or subsidizing such that theres a glut of certain kinds of chips," she said.

This is also a huge opportunity, at the get-go here, to share information, coordinate our implementation, map the supply chain together and come up with alignment around our senses of demand for semiconductors and whether more supplies are needed. We basically feel that we can have a greater benefit for both of our countries if we collaborate in the implementation of our chips programs," she went on to add.

Raimondo outlined Americas desire to work closely with partners like India to reduce supply chain vulnerabilities. Speaking at an event earlier on Tuesday, she pointed out that the US had become overly dependent on certain sources of supply for semiconductors like Taiwan. Diversifying supply chains will be a key focus for American firms looking to invest in India.

However, Raimondo also acknowledged that there are presently no investment proposals from American firms in the Indian market.

She also pointed out that high tariffs on certain input components for semiconductors remain a challenge for US businesses in India. Besides this, navigating regulatory differences between central and state regulations is also a challenge. Semiconductor cooperation has captured the imagination of policymakers in New Delhi and Washington. Raimondos announcements on semiconductors come mere months after both countries unveiled the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies. This programme, which will be driven largely by the national security elite in both countries, will seek the cooperation of vital new technologies like 5G, 6G and semiconductors, among others.
Former Pakistan prime Minister Imran Khan has been booked on murder and terrorism charges after a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf rally left one dead and several others injured. The development comes mere days after a non-bailable warrant was issued against him over the Toshakhana case. Police officials had waited futilely at his Lahore residence to arrest the cricketer-turned-politician.

A PTI activist was killed and more than a dozen party supporters were injured during a clash with the police on Wednesday. The pro-judiciary rally had begun outside Khan's residence, with police also firing tear gas and using water cannons while the activists hurled stones.

According to an FIR, 11 police officials were injured in the clash. 400 others have been booked alongside Khan, with the police also arresting over 100 PTI workers. Top party leaders and former ministers such as Fawad Chaudhry, Farukh Habib, Hammad Azhar, and Mahmoodur Rashid have been named in the FIR.

Also read: Pakistan FM absolutely committed to close IMF agreement in next few day

The PTI chief has been in the crosshairs for buying gifts - including an expensive Graff wristwatch he had received as the premier - at a discounted price from the state depository Toshakhana and selling them for profit. A non-bailable warrant had been issued against him last week after the former PM missed a third indictment hearing over the case.

While the police had convened outside his residence, security personnel were told that Khan was unavailable. On Tuesday, the Islamabad High Court suspended the non-bailable arrest warrant till March 13.

(With inputs from agencies)
South Africa: SA to work with BRICS countries to advance African agenda

Through its chairship, South Africa will work with its BRICS partners to advance the African agenda for growth, development and integration and to advocate for the needs and concerns of the Global South.

President Cyril Ramaphosa echoed these sentiments while updating Parliament on state capability for economic recovery and the fight against crime on Thursday in Cape Town.

The President was responding to a question on what strategic focus areas will South Africa advance during its tenure as chair of BRICS.

South Africa is chairing the BRICS group of countries in 2023 under the theme: BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism.

South Africa will host the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India and China at the 15th BRICS Summit from 22 to 24 August 2023.

The BRICS group brings together some 3.2 billion people. After the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement, BRICS is among the largest bloc of countries by total population.

As part of our strategic intent to further advance the African development agenda within the BRICS group, we are inviting several other African leaders to the summit.

One of the priorities during our chairship is to build a partnership between BRICS and Africa to unlock mutually beneficial opportunities for increased trade, investment and infrastructure development.

We are focusing in particular on opportunities that will generate economic growth on the continent, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and infrastructure, the President said.

The President told Members of Parliament that there are great opportunities for BRICS countries to participate in infrastructure development and the AfCFTA by locating production and services activities in the continent and partnering with local companies and entrepreneurs.

Responding to how South Africa will ensure the advancement of the South-South Agenda, President Ramaphosa said that the countrys priorities are responsive to the needs and concerns of the broader global south.

Another strategic priority is strengthening multilateralism, including working toward real reform of global governance institutions and strengthening the meaningful participation of women in peace processes.

Our priorities respond to challenges and opportunities that are shared by South Africa and other BRICS members. They are also responsive to the needs and concerns of the broader global South, he said.

The President shared that one of the founding values of BRICS is the need to restructure the global political, economic and financial architecture to be more equitable, balanced and representative.

He said that BRICS countries agree that the United Nations must remain at the centre of multilateralism and be reformed to make it more effective, inclusive and representative of the global community.

This includes reform of the UN Security Council to ensure that African countries and other countries of the Global South are properly represented and that their interests are effectively advanced.

The BRICS relationship extends beyond the governments. Bodies like the BRICS Business Council, BRICS Womens Business Alliance, BRICS Think Tanks Council and BRICS Civil Forum ensure that the opportunities of this association are explored across society, President Rmaphosa said.

He added that the relationship seeks to promote people-to-people contact, including among youth formations. Among other things, he said, this person-to-person contact enhances travel and tourism between BRICS countries.

In all, there are some 190 meetings and events taking place during the course of this year.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2023-03-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
China donates to preserve nuclear safety

By Wang Qingyun (China Daily) 13:18, March 09, 2023

China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning. [Photo/fmprc.gov.cn]

China's decision to contribute 200,000 euros (about $210,000) through the International Atomic Energy Agency to nuclear safety and security assistance for Ukraine is a concrete step to support the IAEA's efforts to strengthen the safety of Ukraine's nuclear facilities, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said.

Mao made the remark on Wednesday, after the Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Vienna Li Song announced the decision at the IAEA's board of governors meeting on Monday.

In a paper issued last month to state its position on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, China said it opposes armed attacks against nuclear power plants or other peaceful nuclear facilities, urging parties involved to keep them safe.

It expressed support for the IAEA in playing a constructive role in promoting the safety and security of peaceful nuclear facilities.

China also called for promoting international cooperation on nuclear security in the Global Security Initiative Concept Paper.

"We always do what we say," Mao said, speaking of China's decision to contribute.

China will continue to work with the world to build an international nuclear security system that is fair, collaborative and mutually beneficial, Mao said.

It will also continue to promote talks for peace and support the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, the spokeswoman said.

In another development, Mao expressed China's "grave concerns" about reports that US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy will meet Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen in California during the latter's "transit" in the coming weeks.

"We have lodged stern representations with the US side, asking them to make clarifications," Mao said on Wednesday.

China firmly opposes any official exchanges between Taiwan and the US in any form, Mao emphasized.

It firmly opposes any US visit made by "the head of 'Taiwan independence' separatists" in any name and under any pretext, as well as US contact with the separatists in any form, she said.

At a news conference a day ago, Foreign Minister Qin Gang said the Taiwan question is "the core of the core interests of China, the bedrock of the political foundation of China-US relations and the first red line that must not be crossed in China-US relations".

Mao urged the US to abide by the three China-US joint communiques, and deliver on the US leadership's commitment to not support "Taiwan independence", "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan".

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Ram Chandra Poudel, a member of the Nepali Congress, has been elected as the new President of Nepal. Poudel was the common candidate of an eight-party alliance that included Nepali Congress and Prime Minister 'Prachanda'-led CPN (Maoist Center). He received the vote of 214 lawmakers of parliament and 352 provincial assembly members, winning the election with the support of eight political parties.

Poudel earlier expressed confidence that the lawmakers will elect him. "I am fully confident that the members of the federal parliament and provincial assemblies will vote for me. I believe that they will make the right judgment of my long struggle," he said.

Who is Ram Chandra Poudel?

Poudel, born on October 14, 1944, in Bahunpokhari to a middle-class farmer family, has had an impressive political career. He joined politics at the age of 16 and became a founding central member of Nepal Students' Union, the student wing of Nepali Congress, in 1970.

Poudel played an active role in several social movements, including Satyagraha in 1985, People's Movement part I in 1990, and People's Movement part II in 2006. He spent 12 years in jail fighting against the autocratic Panchayat regime.

He was elected to the House of Representatives from Tanhu district for the first time in 1991 and was continuously re-elected from the same district for six consecutive terms. Poudel served in various government positions, including Minister for Local Development and Agriculture Minister. He also served as Speaker, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister for Home, Information, and Communication.

Poudel was the leader of the main Opposition in Parliament from 2008 to 2013 and was honored with the 'Order of the Rising Sun' award from the Government of Japan in 2020. He has authored over a dozen books on democracy, socialism, and agriculture and has written numerous articles in different newspapers.

Poudel holds a Masters Degree in Arts with Nepali language as a major subject and has completed Shastri or Bachelors Degree in Sanskrit. He is married to Sabita Poudel and has four daughters and a son.

(With inputs from agencies)
US intelligence officials believe a pro-Ukrainian saboteur group may have been behind the bombing of the Nord Stream gas pipelines last year, according to The New York Times . Heres a run-through of the many explanations for the mysterious blast:

What are the Nord Stream pipelines?

Nord Stream 1 and 2 are undersea gas pipelines, built to transport cheap Russian natural gas to European countries. While Nord Stream 2 never became operational because of tensions over Ukraine, Nord Stream 1 was a key artery for the supply of Russian energy to Europe. Over the course of a decade, Nord Stream 1 supplied a third of the EUs gas imports from Russia. However, after Moscows invasion of Ukraine, Russia began cutting supplies. In the midst of these tensions, a series of underwater explosions in September damaged both Nord Stream pipelines and caused gas leaks.

What happened in the aftermath?

Recriminations began almost immediately. Sweden said the blasts may have been the result of sabotage. Given the precision with which the bombings were carried out, experts speculated the saboteurs may have been powerful states. Poland blamed Russia for sabotaging the pipelines, an allegation the Kremlin swiftly denied. Moscow, on its part, blamed its Western opponents for sabotaging the pipelines in an effort to further cripple the Russian economy. The sanctions were not enough for the Anglo-Saxons: they moved onto sabotage," said Russian president Vladimir Putin.

What was the economic impact?

There was no immediate disruption to energy flows from Russia to Europe. While many feared the disruption of energy flows would devastate European economies, countries had used Russian gas in the months prior to the bombing to fill their gas reserves. An unusually warm winter also reduced Europes need for energy and staved off disaster.

What are the theories doing the rounds?

Some analysts argue Moscow may be behind it in order to scare Western buyers who have taken to building new pipelines. Others said Western powers had a strong incentive to sabotage given how the pipelines made Europe dependent on Russia. Pulitzer prize winning journalist Seymour Hersh published a report accusing the US of carrying out the bombing with assistance from European allies. Now, The New York Times says US spy agencies suspect pro-Ukrainian groups to have carried out the bombings.

What do the latest investigations reveal?

Hersh said US Navy divers planted explosives near the pipelines which were then detonated by radio-controlled devices. The report was rubbished by the US as complete fiction". The New York Times report, quoting government officials, raises the spectre of Ukrainian involvement. But the same officials are unclear about whether Kyiv had a hand. The report also speaks of disquiet in the US intelligence establishment, which has limited insight into Ukraines covert operations.
In a bold move, the UK government has declared illegal immigration to be a criminal offence. British Home Secretary Suella Braverman, in a clear message to asylum seeker, said, If you enter Britain illegally, you will be detained and swiftly removed."

Now as much as the government justifies the measure as decisive and hopes that it will stop migrants reaching Britain in boats across the English Channel, many have criticized it saying it is not always possible to take the right path. Here is a deeper look at the controversial policy.

Why is UK government moving against it now?

Migration is a global problem that affects millions of people worldwide, and if you closely scrutinize, then the UK receives fewer asylum-seekers than other European nations.

However, for years, migrants have traveled to northern France to reach the UK due to family ties, language, and work opportunities. The Eurotunnel opened in 1994, leading to the formation of crowded makeshift camps, including the notorious "Jungle." Despite efforts to shut them down and increase security, people continued to flow through.

Why are people now crossing by the boat?

When the COVID-19 pandemic all but halted rail, air and ship travel and The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on travel and migration patterns worldwide. As a result of travel restrictions and the closure of borders, many people have been unable to travel through regular channels, leading to an increase in irregular migration.

In the case of the UK, this has resulted in a surge of migrants attempting to cross the English Channel in small boats. As the numbers show, this has been a significant increase in recent years, with over 45,000 people attempting the crossing in 2022 alone.

Who are travelling in these boats?

As per the UK government, these are mostly economic migrants rather than refugees, and points to an upswing last year in arrivals from Albania, a European country that the U.K. considers safe.

The other main countries of origin last year were Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and Syria. Of those whose applications have been processed, a large majority were granted asylum in the U.K.

How UK govt is protesting against it?

Indian-origin Home Secretary Suella Braverman laid out the government's proposals on Tuesday, in an attempt to curb an expected 40,000 people crossing the English Channel this year  a figure that is significantly higher than the few hundreds making the dangerous crossings a few years ago.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday defended his new Stop the Boats" crackdown on migrants saying "Our position is clear, if you arrive here illegally you will not be able to claim asylum."

Will it affect immigrants from India?

The policy may not affect immigrants from India as every Indian applicant follow a legitimate process of immigration under the Skilled Worker Visa, Global Talent Visa, Startup Visa, Innovator Visa, Sole Representative Visa, and Scale-up Visa, comments Ajay Sharma, President and Founder  Abhinav Immigration Services

Due to the country's political stability and geo-political equilibrium, citizens of India do not seek any form of refuge, asylum, or humanitarian aid. On the contrary, India and UK are on the path to introducing more migration opportunities for their people, which is evident from the pathway such as India Young Professionals Scheme."

Why the move is criticized?

United Nations refugee agency has described the moves as "very concerning" and would block even those with a compelling claim. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) representative to the UK, Vicky Tennant, told the BBC that the measure would break international law.

Several celebrities including Emma Thompson, Meryl Streep, Daniel Radcliffe, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and others also voiced against the measure noting The government wants to criminalize desperate refugees for taking what they think is the wrong path. It is not always possible to take the right path

Watch video here:

The real criminal is the UK Government Home Secretary, Suella Braverman. pic.twitter.com/qDw2xohUN5   Pete Paterson #RejoinEU (@PeteTheRef) March 7, 2023

The issue of asylum seekers arriving in the UK is a complex and sensitive one, and it has been a topic of political debate and media scrutiny for some time. The increase in numbers and the high-profile nature of these arrivals has only served to intensify the debate.
Popular social media platform Instagram is now back after a brief outage earlier today. The app was down for thousands of users with more than 30,000 users reporting issues in accessing Instagram on Downdetector.com.

In a Twitter post, Instagram Comms  the platforms PR team said that the outage was caused due to a technical issue which caused people to have trouble accessing the app. The issue, it says, has now been resolved for everyone.

Earlier tonight, a technical issue caused people to have trouble accessing Instagram. We resolved this issue for everyone as quickly as possible, and we apologize for any inconvenience," reads the post shared by the PR team of Instagram on Twitter.

As per the Downdetector outage graph, most of the outages were reported around 7 am (India time). Furthermore, 81% of the users faced issues while using the app while 15% faced issues while using the website and 5% users faced issues while logging in.

The updated outage graph on Downdetector shows that the number of affected users has declined marginally now.

Meanwhile, a meme fest erupted on Twitter as the photo sharing app faced a downtime. Here are some of the wittiest memes shared by users

Me waiting for instagram to come back#instagramdown pic.twitter.com/lkXTghR6mL  Breaking News Worldwide (@FelizKarenP1) March 9, 2023

Everyone pulling up to Twitter to see if Instagram down pic.twitter.com/zhBKi3e5tZ  Jimlly (@ellyrkive) March 9, 2023

Me trying to fix my insta by deleting and reinstalling the app. #InstagramDown pic.twitter.com/3uaKx4MnIe  michelle (@baglifemichiee) March 9, 2023
The website of JandK Operations Pvt Ltd resembles a PowerPoint presentation. The details are sparse and there are no clickable links.

In large fonts, the site poses a few questions: Why does our mobile upload our personal data every 5 minutes?"; why does our mobile come with default apps that cannot be removed?"; why do app stores continue to serve malicious apps?"; can we still trust them?"

The answer to these questions, the website states, is BharOS, or Bharat OS for mobile devices, a locally developed mobile operating system by the company, built for earning trust".

Founded by Karthik Ayyar, a technology enthusiast, and Jaffar Sait, a former cop, the operating system is promising mobile users more freedom and flexibility to choose the apps they need. It was launched with some fanfare on 19 January, by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M).

The startup was registered in Chennai only last January. It was incubated by the IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation, which is funded by the Indian governments department of science and technology. The foundation runs a technology innovation hub focused on sensors, networking, actuators, and control systems.

But more than a month since its launch, little is known about either the company or its product. For a startup that plans to challenge the might of Googles Android mobile operating system one day, the founders are surprisingly reticent to talk about the companys strategy. They prefer to respond by email while V. Kamakoti, the director of IIT Madras, is the current face of the companyhe does most of the talking.

In short, this is what we know. BharOS is in the testing phase. There will be no Android or iOS (Apples mobile operating system) style app store. And initially, organizations that handle sensitive information could be interested in trying it out.

The sparse details havent helped. BharOS, right now, has attracted more skepticism than admiration.

Their question: Will a homegrown mobile operating system, developed by a startup with no app store, be able to rival a company like Alphabet (Googles parent) that spent $39.5 billion on research and development (R&D) and raked in $280 billion in revenue last year? BharOS will have to compete in a space where even Apples iOS has a mere 3.6% market share. Googles Android has an imposing 96% share in India.

The operating system war has already been won. Android has an installed base of billions of devices. For an Indian operating system to win, India will have to do what China did in terms of banning Android completely. But India cannot afford to do what China did," Jayanth Kolla, co-founder and partner at Convergence Catalyst, an advisory firm, says.

The spread of Android and iOS is very deep in the country. Any operating system that is built now needs to have data analytics-led services and solutions at the core. Adoption is often due to the network effect," Kolla adds.

The critics have other concerns. We will come to it in a bit but first, lets look at the people behind the indigenous operating system and the companys operations.

A techie & a cop

According to the Registrar of Companies, JandK Operations has two directors.

Karthik Ayyar has had a long association with IIT Madras. A graduate of the University of Minnesota, he founded OOPS, which in collaboration with the IIT, developed Indias first video conferencing over internet in 1997-98. Around 2005, he started living in Kodaikanal, a hill town in Tamil Nadu, and five years later, developed a long-range wifi to connect his remote home with BSNLs fibre network. He later worked with BSNLs Tamil Nadu circle to provide the same solution to other residents in Kodaikanal. All along, he also contributed to open sourcehis contributions related to secure communication are widely deployed as part of the OpenWrt project, a linux operating system used on embedded devices.

The second director, Jaffar Sait, has little to do with technology. He joined the Indian Police Service in 1986 and speaks five languagesTamil, English, Hindi, French and Malayalam. He has been a cop throughout, working in various roles and districts of Tamil Nadu. One of his postings was that of the director general of police, crime branch CID, Chennai.

We dont know what Saits role is in the company; neither do we know the number of employees the company has, or their credentials. JandK Operations was unwilling to share the number on its rolls.

Other than the normal process, we provide internships to IIT-M students, including the online bachelor of science program," said a company spokesperson when asked about the hiring plans. The person added that while the office of JandK Operations is based in the IIT Madras campus, its employees work remotely".

Karthik Ayyar also did not disclose any investment numbers. Being a private limited organization, we are bound by the agreements with our investors," he said.

What Ayyar is attempting is courageous but not entirely novel.

In 2013, a group of IIT graduates developed Indus OS, a multilingual Android fork.

An Android fork is a legally-modified version of Android built on Googles Android Open Source Project (AOSP). It allows any handset maker or developer to build a custom version of Android without having to pay any license fee to Google or pre-install any of its apps. A forked Android operating system, however, cannot access Googles Play Store.

According to Rakesh Deshmukh, co-founder and CEO of Indus OS, their in-house app store for smartphones, called Indus App Bazaar, currently houses over 400,000 apps and caters to over 200 million users across India. Indus OS has about 100 employees and is now a unit of the Walmart-owned PhonePe.

India also has a couple of locally built desktop operating systems. The Bharat Operating System Solutions (BOSS) Linux was developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Chennai. C-DAC is an R&D organization of the ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY). According to the ministry, BOSS deployments have resulted in indirect savings of over 250 crore by not using proprietary software". The estimated six million users of BOSS include the Indian Navy, the state governments of Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Chattisgarh, Tripura, Punjab, Puducherry, Maharashtra, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Haryana.

Then, there is PrimeOS, meant for laptops targeted at students. Chitranshu Mahanta, the companys co-founder and CEO, claims he has more than three million downloads in 140 countries". PrimeOS, also based on AOSP, cannot access Google Play and so has built its own app store with more than 10,000 fully compatible apps that are specially designed for students".

Nuts and bolts

So, what is BharOS strategy?

The company will initially start catering to government organizations and private sector enterprises.

JandK Operations plans to create a list of approved apps, following which enterprises can pick relevant apps and include it their private (in-house) app stores meant for employees. Private app store services will provide access to a curated list of apps that have been thoroughly vetted and meet certain security and privacy standards of organizations," says Karthik Ayyar.

There are two things that we want. If there is any change in the operating system code, it should make the system fail and not allow it to re-boot," says Kamakoti, the director of IIT Madras. Also, any application that is running on BharOS should be certified by the organization (the user company). They should have complete control over what apps go on a phone. This will give them a sense of confidence and trust," he adds.

Kamakoti claims to have received interest from organizations and very soon, some handset vendors, too, would try the operating system.

While consumers, like you and I, are not a priority at this juncture, Kamakoti says that the end-user model could evolve if some 40-50 million users show interest. Then, handset providers or telco service providers can set up an app store with apps approved by JandK Operations.

What about nurturing the developer ecosystem, like Google and Apple do?

As we open up the platform for app developers, we will find more and more creative apps coming. Those creative apps will essentially make the whole environment more and more vibrant," hopes Kamakoti. He says that BharOS has already ported digital map app MapMyIndia and it hardly took two hours to port it".

Rohan Verma, CEO and executive director at MapmyIndia, says that competition breeds innovation. This is why he is excited to see BharOS offering a different set of features compared to Googles version of Android. Multiple original equipment manufacturers should look at offering phone and device models with BharOS as an alternative option," he says.

According to Verma, many organizations and consumers want a non-Google Android, which gives BharOS an opportunity in this market. The challenge and excitement for a player like BharOS is in doing the innovation that helps in carving out a space for oneself in the market," Verma adds.

Privacy doesnt sell

BharOS challenge will also be to convince critics that it not an Android fork.

Kamakoti argues that BharOS has only used an Android type interface. The company has put in lot more underlying work. New things like the Root of Trust (the foundation on which all secure operations of a computing system depend) and Chain of Trust (verification method to ensure security and integrity) were added, which is not there in conventional Android forks," he explains.

Ayyar adds that software updates will ensure that the device is always running the latest version of the operating system and it has the latest security patches and bug fixes.

Jayanth Kolla of Convergence Catalyst argues that privacy and security are not big selling points in Indiapeople are willing to trade their privacy for functionality and freebies. Apps bring in functionality.

Kolla has a point. Blackberry was once the most valuable company in Canada and the darling of enterprises with its BlackBerry Messenger platform. It was rendered obsolete despite its sharp focus on enterprise security. The company did not have a robust app ecosystem for end users.

Even Microsofts now defunct Windows Phone OS lacked many key apps, which experts cite as one of the main reasons for its failure. Samsungs Tizen OS, on the other hand, is a Linux-based OS that dominates the global smart TV market market but has negligible share in the mobile operating system spaceagain, due to the lack of a robust app store.

According to Prasanto K. Roy, a tech policy consultant, Google benefits enormously from its global scale. The company has invested in Android development, testing, and support for thousands of handset models. It would be very challenging to develop an Indian alternative to Android and have it succeed purely on merit and market forces," he says.

Roy opines that even if the government provides incentives and issues mandates, it will be a non-starter, lead to poorer user experience and severely limit mobile handset options".

S Sadagopan, the former director of the International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Bangalore and chairman of the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing, Kancheepuram, concurs. He believes that BharOS is a good attempt that needs to be lauded" but caveats his statement by adding that the success of any operating system depends not only on the product but also on the product ecosystem. If the developer community hugs and adopts a product and develops apps for the same, the product will fly," he says.

Even the Indian government appears to be aware of the challenges the indigenous operating system will face.

A week after BharOS launch, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Indias electronics and IT minister, tested the system by making video and audio calls. He cautioned that there will be difficulties in this journey...(and)...many people around the world...will not want any such system to be successful."

The makers of BharOS, therefore, will need to show grit and determination. The odds, as of now, are stacked against them.
The woman was found unresponsive during the ship's February 27 voyage to Nassau, Bahamas, according to the FBI. Pictured is a Carnival Sunshine cruise ship in Charleston, South Carolina, in March 2020.
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A 30-year-old woman has been jailed for six months after picking up her 111th conviction for stealing 400 worth of clothing from a Longford department store almost two years ago.

Nora McDonagh, of 45 Rathmullen Park, Drogheda, Co Louth, was found gulty of shoplifting from Dunnes Stores, Dublin Road, Longford on April 10, 2021.

Ms McDonagh was, however, acquitted of carrying out a similar theft at O'Hanlon's Pharmacy, Main Street on the same date.

The accused had pleaded guilty to both incidents at a special sitting of Longford District Court last Thursday.

Nadine Largey, assistant store manager with Dunne Stores, gave evidence of having witnessed up to half a dozen women enter the premises between 6 and 7pm.

She said two of the group were spotted entering a section of the store which had been cordoned off due to Covid-19.

Ms Largey said five of the group left the store and jumped into a blue hatchback with Ms McDonagh following five or ten minutes later.

The court heard the accused was seen leaving with two jackets tied around her waist.

A stock inspection taken the following day put the net value of items taken from the store at 400.

Garda Anthony Scanlon gave evdence of having asked a garda colleague Sgt Vincent Healy if he could single out anyone on CCTV footage taken from the scene, a request which ultimately led to Ms McDonagh's identifiction.

Judge Vincent Deane was later informed by Garda Scanlon of having travelled to Dundalk two weeks later for the purposes of arresting Ms McDonagh. When Garda Scanlon put it to her that she had been identified on CCTV, the accused had nothing to say in response.

In defence, solicitor John Quinn sought a direction for the case to be dismissed, arguing the point that the State's case was simply not strong enough to implicate his client.

There is no prima facie evidence she took the items, he said.

There was no admissions and no property was found on her.

Taking the stand herself, Ms McDonagh flatly denied the charge which had been levelled against her.

I never knew Dunnes Stores sold Canadian Goose jackets worth 400, she said.

That was a jacket I took off in the shop.

Ms McDonagh said she had the jacket which was allegedly stolen underneath a Nike jacket, stressing she had taken it off and wrapped it around her waist as she had begun feeling warm.

Your Honour, I did not steal anything from that shop that day, she contended.

I took no jacket, it was my own jacket.

Judge Deane said there was no doubt in his mind Ms McDonagh was guilty, saying her story of having entered the store with one jacket under the other was not just credible, but farcical.

Ms McDonagh was, nonetheless, found not guilty of stealing over 600 worth of cosmetics and perfumes from O'Hanlon's Pharmacy, Main Street, Ballymahon on the same day of the Dunnes Stores theft.

Prior to delivering sentence, Judge Deane was told Ms McDonagh was a woman with 110 previous convictions, 46 of which were for theft.

The latest of those, Inspector Paddy McGirl said, had been recorded at Dundalk District Court less than a week before last week's court sitting in Longford.

In mitigation, Mr Quinn said Ms McDonagh was someone, who despite her chequered past, was endeavouring to turn her life around.

He said Ms McDonagh was also keen to start a family with her partner, adding: She is trying to change her life and put it (criminal past) all behind her.

Judge Deane sentenced Ms McDonagh to six months in prison, a term she is presently appealing.
Longford County Council hosted a reversal of the existing gender make-up of the local authority with a meeting of 16 women and two men.

At the meeting RTE camera's recorded the historic gathering where the normal gender imbalance was turned on its head. The two female sitting Longford County Council councillors, Peggy Nolan and Uruemu Adejnmi, were joined by Longford women from across the political, community and business landscape.

Monday's get together embraced the theme for International Women's Day 2023, Embrace Equity, the notion that fairness should be at the centre of all representation.

Cathaoirleach Turlough McGovern described himself as blessed amongst women before outlining the six items for consideration by the members, adding: Todays meeting highlights the need to have more womens voices within local government.

Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon explained the items on the agenda are typical topics debated by local authority members. Presentations by Directors of Services on The Community Recognition Fund 2023 and a N4 Mullingar to Roosky Bypass Update were discussed. The meeting attendees gave clear, erudite observation on the agenda topics.

The chamber members could easily have been swapped out for serving members without any perceptible damage to democracy.

The event was part of the WoMeNs (Western Midlands and Northern) Regional Caucus, drawing attention to the imbalance in the composition of Councils and to raise awareness of the role of women in local government.

Attendees included Longford Chamber of Commerce Chair Fiona Fenelon, Longford Older Persons Council Chair Kitty Hughes, Longford PPN Secretariat Francesca Pawelczyk, and an online contribution from New York by journalist Shaunagh Connaire.

Cllr Adejinmi welcomed the members saying: It's certainly welcome to see such diversity in the chamber today.

The event was coordinated through the WoMeNs (Western Midlands and Northern) Regional Caucus: This is an association of the 13 regional councils in the region. The gender balance of councillors in these 13 counties is 45 women and 245 men. That is 15.5% female representation, lower than the national average of 25.5% across Ireland, she recounted.

The objective of the event is to raise awareness of the work and role of women in local government and draw attention to the imbalance in the composition of councils. Cllr Adejinmi said it's important to work together to increase the number of women in politics.

Longford's poor record of electing female politicians to local office is not an anomaly. However the first woman councillor in Longford, Madame Francoise Edgeworth of Edgeworthstown House who was elected to Granard Rural District Council in 1899, was one of the first female councillors in Ireland.

Cllr Colm Murray told the chamber only seven women were elected to Longford County Council since the first local elections in 1920. Cllr Murray referenced the election of Mary Ellen Brady and Phillo Kelly (both elected in the early 70s) as the first females to occupy office at a local level since the foundation of the State.

The event was closed by Cllr Peggy Nolan, who recently passed Maura Kilbride Harkin as the longest serving female on the Longford local authority with 23 years in the chamber. Cllr Nolan told attendees her motivation in politics was fundamental: I based my career on a very simple ethic. That was to ensure Longford gets our share of the national pie.

She urged the women to get involved in local politics: You have something very special to offer. You are all very involved and grounded in our local community. For that I thank you, I thank you for your input, I thank you for your ability and I thank you for your passion. Longford would be a poorer place without what you bring to the table.

She imparted one piece of advice to the gathering: Nobody will put a Number 1 beside your name in a ballot paper just because of your gender. They will do it because they feel you have something to offer. I can say as one of only three elected women in my 23 years on the council I have worked with some amazing, passionate female representatives.

Maura Kilbride Harkin was an example to me and to any woman who wants to go into political life, then Mae Sexton who represented Longford at a national level and someone we can be very proud of. I have sat with only three women on the council, I would love to sit with more women, not because of a gender quota, but because of their passion and their ability.

International Womens Day, first celebrated by the United Nations in 1975 but dating back more than a century, recognises the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women globally. This Wednesday's theme of Embrace Equity was well served at Monday's meeting.
Met Eireann has issued a severe snow and ice warning for the majority of Ireland with more snow and freezing temperatures on the way.

Met Eireann has issued a Status Orange Snow and Ice warning for Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Clare, Connacht, Longford, Louth, Meath, Westmeath.

Met Eireann says Status Orange Weather Warning is given before expected weather conditions that could significantly impact people, property and activity in an area. People in the affected areas should prepare appropriately for the anticipated conditions.

The Status Orange Snow and Ice Warning states that there will be further spells of sleet and snow today combined with strong east to northeast winds. This will bring significant accumulations of snow are expected in some areas along with icy conditions.

UPDATE: Antrim, Armagh, Down added to the list



Status Orange - Snow/Ice warning for Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Clare, Connacht, Longford, Louth, Meath, Westmeath



Valid: 11:00 Thursday 09/03/2023 to 00:00 Friday 10/03/2023



More details herehttps://t.co/BoUueCIxKa pic.twitter.com/Z3cN1dKxJR  Met Eireann (@MetEireann) March 9, 2023

Status Yellow - Snow-Ice warning for Ireland Met Eireann Weather Warning Rain, sleet and snow will spread northwards across the country accompanied by strengthening winds. Accumulations of snow are expected in many areas along with icy conditions. Sleet and snow will likely transition to rain in southern areas for a time. Possible Impacts:  Hazardous driving conditions  Travel disruption  Poor Visibility

Met Eireann is warning of very hazardous road conditions, travel disruption and poor visibility. The warning is valid from 11am today until midnight.

Overnight freezing conditions hit Longford, leaving road conditions hazardous These were the hazardous like conditions motorists faced in Longford this morning as sub zero temperatures hit the county overnight.

A separate Status Yellow Snow and Ice Warning is also in place for Ireland. Met Eireann is warning that rain, sleet and snow will spread northwards across the country accompanied by strengthening winds.

Accumulations of snow are expected in many areas along with icy conditions. This warning is already in place and remains in place until noon on Friday.
Murder accused Stephen Silver had a "seething resentment" toward gardai and the shooting of Garda Colm Horkan was a deliberate action done with the intent of murder," a prosecution barrister has told the Central Criminal Court.

In the closing statement for the prosecution in the trial of Mr Silver (46), of Aughavard, Foxford, Co Mayo, Michael Delaney SC said that Gda Horkan was a well-regarded garda of 25 years service with no disciplinary issues on his record, who had no idea when he signed out his firearm on the afternoon of June 17, 2020, that he would be shot dead with the same gun just nine hours later.

Mr Silver has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Gda Horkan knowing or being reckless as to whether he was a member of An Garda Siochana acting in accordance with his duty at Castlerea, Co Roscommon on June 17, 2020. He has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and the jury have been told the main issue in the trial is Mr Silvers state of mind at the time of the shooting.

Mr Delaney today (Thursday, March 9) told the jury that the unlawful killing of Gda Horkan is not an issue because Mr Silver has pleaded guilty to manslaughter, so he has admitted it was unlawful.

He said that certain matters in the case are clear beyond doubt. He said that Gda Horkan was a serving garda who died as a result of the actions of the accused shooting him, which was unlawful so Mr Silver was at least guilty of manslaughter.

"You cannot rely on what Mr Silver has said in interview or told psychiatrists or what he told the court. Because whether he is well or unwell, he has a tendency to embellish things or to tell outright lies. He has an overarching tendency to tell self-serving accounts, said Mr Delaney.

He said that the accused had told Professor Harry Kennedy a fib as to whether or not he knew Gda Horkan was a garda, by twice saying he thought that Gda Horkan had said Arda when he got out of his car to speak to Mr Silver, something he later admitted was a lie. Mr Delaney said that the accused told Dr Brenda Wright that he only pulled the trigger once, but evidence was given during the trial of the pull pressure required to discharge a shot.

He denied itching for a confrontation with the gardai, but we suggest the evidence suggests the opposite, said Mr Delaney.

He had a seething resentment towards the gardai, something that was reflected in his interview where he said: I have a sh**load of complaints against the gardai, a list as long as my arm.

Mr Delaney also said that at the scene of the shooting, Mr Silver said to gardai: I know what ye did to that black man in America, which Mr Delaney said was a reference to the shooting of George Floyd by American police.

Mr Delaney said that Mr Silver was exercised about a garda raid on the house of his friend, James Coyne. He said that the accused called at Castlerea Garda Station on the day to rant about an elderly man and later did a U-turn outside the garda station, which Mr Delaney said was to provoke a reaction from gardai. He also said that Mr Silvers behaviour in Knockroe estate that night, when he disturbed residents by driving a motorbike loudly around the estate, was inflammatory in nature, daring an armed squad to come down.

Mr Delaney said that the disturbance in Knockroe prompted neighbours to call the gardai station, and Gda Horkans car was seen driving into Knockroe and then leaving, following the same direction that Mr Silver and Mr Coyne had taken. He said there was an inference that Gda Horkan was investigating the disturbance.

The accused would have you believe that for no reason Gda Horkan got out of the car and squared up to him. That doesnt stand up, said Mr Delaney.

He said that Gda Horkan was a serving garda of 25 years, who had no disciplinary issues on his record and was well regarded by his colleagues, and he had been trusted enough by his superintendent to be asked to carry out detective duties.

Does any of that give the sense that he would disregard his duty as a garda and set upon a man in the street, as Mr Silver said? asked Mr Delaney.

He said that Mr Silver had on three occasions during garda interviews agreed with Mr Coynes statement that Gda Horkan had said he was arresting Mr Silver.

"It was only the fourth time that he flipped and said the whole thing was lies and bullsh**, said Mr Delaney, adding that the prosecution was suggesting that Mr Silver had reflected on this and seen difficulty in the word arrest, hence his lame attempt to cast out this part of the statement.

Concerning Mr Silvers account of the struggle between him and Gda Horkan, Mr Delaney said that it seemed implausible that someone trained in the use of firearms like Gda Horkan would pull the trigger in a manner that had no control over the direction of the bullet. He said that Mr Silver struck Gda Horkan on the head at least once with the gun and then shot him ten times, some of those shots fired while Gda Horkan was on the ground.

He fired until the gun was empty. If there had been more bullets in the gun, would he have kept firing? How many bullets until he felt safe in his own mind? asked Mr Delaney.

He said that Mr Silver made a rare slip in garda interviews when, at one point, he was asked how he knew Gda Horkan was a garda and his answer was: Because he told me. Mr Delaney said that Mr Silver then realised his error and said to the interviewing garda: You told me, everybody told me. Mr Delaney said that the first part of Mr Silvers answer was the truth and everything else introduced by Mr Silver were red herrings. He said that Mr Silver has a capacity for performance, for drama.

He told the jury that it had been established beyond reasonable doubt that the accused knew Gda Horkan was a garda acting in the course of his duty, and in taking the gun he attempted to kill or cause serious injury.

Who is the real Stephen Silver? asked Mr Delaney, saying that the evidence given by James Coyne painted a picture showing that what Mr Silver did on that day with regards to driving the motorbike in the estate was not out of character for him.

He said that the evidence of Prof Kennedy was that Mr Silver was not a suggestible person. He said that during the trial, Mr Silver had said he had not read the psychiatrists reports, but he later admitted that he had read the report by Dr Brenda Wright.

There is nothing wrong with him reading the reports, but where you have this additional material emerging, is it possible in reading it that it had an influence on him? said Mr Delaney.

Virtually everything else that happened that day is attributable to his anger with the gardai over the raid on James Coynes house, he said.

He said that remarks made by Mr Silver in his interviews with gardai about being set-up and claiming Gda Horkan had killed himself were all part of a defensive strategy to cast himself as the innocent party.

He was attempting to conceal his guilt, said Mr Delaney.

He said that Prof Kennedy had given evidence that Mr Silver had significant mental capacity at that time of the shooting, including the capacity to form intent. He said that Dr Wright disagreed with this, but she said she could not find anything of a delusional nature in his mind at the time.

Dr Wright said that there was evidence of him having impaired control of emotions. Is this failure on his part to keep a lid on his anger? Is that enough to reduce his culpability for shooting a man more than ten times? asked Mr Delaney.

Mr Delaney went on to say that the prosecution believed that the defence of diminished responsibility should be rejected.

This is a tragic case. When Gda Horkan signed out his firearm that day, he could not contemplate that he would be shot dead by that same firearm nine hours later. Similarly, when Mr Silver got up that morning, he did not know he was going to kill a garda. Fate brought those two men together, said Mr Delaney.

He said that the shooting of Gda Horkan was a deliberate action done with the intent of murder and done with knowledge that he was a garda acting in his duty.

During the trial, the jury heard evidence from Dr Wright, interim clinical director at the Central Mental Hospital, who said it was her view that Mr Silvers illness at the time he killed Gda Horkan was such that it impaired his thinking and his judgement and therefore contributed significantly to his actions at that time.

However, witness for the prosecution, consultant psychiatrist Prof Kennedy told the jury that he found no positive evidence that Mr Silver had suffered a relapse of bipolar affective disorder at the time he shot dead Gda Horkan.

Mr Silver gave evidence during the trial that he believed Garda Horkan was a heavy down from Dublin who was trying to kill him. He said that Gda Horkan was wearing a Tommy Hilfiger jacket and didnt come across as a garda. He gave evidence that a struggle ensued between them before he fell to the ground, and in the process of getting up he felt the gun on Gda Horkans hip.

He had his hand on the gun and I had my hand on the gun and we wrestled. The gun came out; I couldnt tell you who took it out, said Mr Silver.

He said that he felt Gda Horkan was trying to kill me.

I kept shooting until the gun finished and there was no ammunition left, Mr Silver said.

The trial continues tomorrow (Friday, March 10) before Ms Justice Tara Burns and the jury of seven men and five women, when the defence will be delivering their closing statement.
Hundreds of people have marched across Dublin calling for Government action on a range of issues affecting women, including ensuring their safety.

Braving plummeting temperatures, the protesters set off from the Spire, carrying signs with slogans and trans flags.

Some held Iranian flags in solidarity with the Woman, Life, Freedom feminist movement in Iran, sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in Tehran last September.

Chants included womens rights, migrant rights, same struggle, same fight, the women, united, will never be defeated, get your roseries off my ovaries, and two four six eight, separate church and state.

The crowd then gathered outside the Irish Parliament where speakers criticised the jailed social media influencer Andrew Tate and blasted the Governments controversial decision to end the eviction ban at the end of the month.

Activist Ailbhe Smyth told the crowd that at a time when feminist gains seem to be moving backwards, we dont celebrate, we protest.

She said: We protest every International Womens Day because the patriarchal control of women, our lives, our bodies, our freedom, is far from over, and in many parts of the world, even here in Ireland, for many, many women, that battle has barely begun.

I am very concerned, as other speakers have been, about this backlash, this sliding backwards of our rights, propelled by the far-right extremists, fascists and Andrew Tate and his hateful ilk, and we will not tolerate that for one moment, we will stand up against it.

I believe in particular, the future of young women and girls is at stake. We must not only hold on to the gains we made over decades and decades  it is up to us to keep fighting to advance those gains and to ensure womens freedom and equality.

Ms Smyth criticised the Governments decision to end the no-fault eviction ban from March 31, and said the Government had decided to hold a referendum on removing the dinosauric clause in the constitution referring to womens place in the home as a ploy to gain votes.

On International Womens Day, them inside behind me, many of them made very pious and sanctimonious speeches about women and their commitment to equality.

But at the same time, our Government  made up of three big political parties  is bitterly, cruelly and carelessly throwing thousands and thousands and thousands of people out on to the streets.

How dare they end the eviction ban, have they no shame of any kind?

A representative of Akidwa  a national network of migrant women living in Ireland  told the crowd that migrant women who are the victims of domestic violence are especially vulnerable due to the threat of homelessness, uncertainty on their legal status and discrimination.

The crowd was told of transphobic and homophobic hate in Ireland, and heard criticism of a trans-exclusionary brand of feminism.

A representative of Womens Collective Ireland called for public services to meet womens needs, an end to homelessness, an investment in womens health and for care work to be valued.
A Midlands woman has been reported missing in Dublin, with her sister appealing for help.

Gardai are concerned for her well-being and are appealing to the public for assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 26-year-old Mary Lou Nevin.

They say that she is missing from her home in Ballymun, Dublin 11 since the evening of Sunday, March 5.

She was last seen at approximately 6pm.

There is local concern in Mountmellick, where the Nevin family live.

Cavan and Longford communities mourn sad passing of Rhona Rose McKiernan There was much sadness throughout the region following the death of Rhona Rose McKiernan, Killyfana, Redhills, Cavan (age 6).

Her sister is Marguerita Nevin.

"Please if anyone has seen or spoken to my sister please let me and my family no we are very worried and concerned because this isnt like her and so out of character for her please sister contact us or please come home sister Im heartbroken its been 48 hours," she wrote on social media.

Social influencer Hughie Maughan has asked for help to find Mary Lou.

"Shes from Laois but was up staying with me and just went off to the shop and hasnt returned and has barely any contact and none since before 12 Saturday x" Mr Maughan said in a comment on the Missing Persons Ireland Facebook post.

Mary Lou is described as being 57 in height with a medium build, dark hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a navy sweater, black leggings and black and white runners.Anyone with information on Mary Lous whereabouts is asked to contact Ballymun Garda Station 01 666 4400 on the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
An arrest has been made after more than 1.7 million euro worth of currency was seized at Dublin Airport.

The cash was discovered after Revenue officers stopped a passenger who had arrived on a flight from London Gatwick on Wednesday.

A search was carried out where cash  in euro, sterling and US dollars in varying denominations  was found.

The total amounted to 1,780,000 euro.

Revenue said it is suspected the cash is the proceeds of, or intended for use in, criminal activity and is detained by Revenue in accordance with proceeds of crime legislation.

At Dublins Criminal Courts of Justice on Thursday, Revenue was granted a three-month cash detention order.

A Taiwanese national aged in his 50s was arrested and questioned by An Garda Siochana.

This seizure is part of Revenues ongoing work targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity. If businesses, or members of the public have any information, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295 295.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: March 09 2023

BSI Failed to Provide Qualified Homeowners with Mortgage Relief at the Height of the Pandemic and instead Required Them to Make Payments.

New York Attorney General Letitia James today recovered $350,000 for hundreds of homeowners from the mortgage servicer, Servis One, Inc. d/b/a BSI Financial Services, Inc. (BSI), for failing to offer mandated mortgage relief to homeowners who could not make payments at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that BSI encouraged homeowners who faced financial hardships or lost their job during the pandemic to continue making partial payments on their loans and did not offer mandatory relief. As a result of this agreement, BSI will pay $350,000 in penalties and restitution to as many as 160 homeowners in Rochester, New York City, and Long Island who were not offered the relief they were entitled to from BSI.

During the height of the pandemic, as we were grappling with fear, stress, and financial difficulties, these homeowners were denied the basic support they were supposed to receive, said Attorney General James. BSI violated the law and left hundreds of families worrying about keeping a roof over their heads when they qualified for mortgage relief. Todays agreement will put money back into homeowners pockets and continues our efforts to protect hardworking New Yorkers.

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, federal and state authorities passed laws and regulations requiring the mortgage industry to provide temporary assistance to homeowners facing financial hardship. Mortgage loans backed or insured by federal authorities were subject to certain requirements that allowed homeowners facing a hardship to defer their mortgage payments for up to 12 months in 2020 and 2021. New York provided similar assistance to New York homeowners with loans that were not federally-backed, which required mortgage servicers to offer similar relief to homeowners with privately-owned mortgages.

The OAG found that BSI violated the law by failing to provide qualified homeowners mandatory mortgage relief. In one instance, a homeowner told BSI that he had lost his business income due to the pandemic and struggled to make payments. The agent told the homeowner to use his unemployment benefits or reduced income to make partial payments, although the homeowner was entitled to mortgage relief. In other instances, BSI allowed payments to be deferred only on a month-to-month basis, and in at least one instance, BSI told a homeowner that additional relief would be contingent on their willingness to make partial or future payments. In all of these instances, BSI failed to inform homeowners of their rights to defer their mortgage payments for up to 12 months.

Todays agreement requires BSI to provide restitution to certain current and former customers with privately-owned mortgages whose loans were subject to relief requirements. BSI is required to offer forbearance relief to homeowners whose mortgage loans are currently serviced by BSI and who suffered a financial hardship but were initially denied mortgage relief. In addition, BSI will provide restitution of up to two monthly mortgage payments to homeowners whose loans were previously serviced by BSI and who suffered a financial hardship, but who were not offered mortgage relief.

Eligible homeowners will be contacted about this agreement and provided instructions for claiming restitution.

Its disappointing to hear that New Yorkers struggling to keep a roof over their heads were being taken advantage of during a time of both personal and global struggle and grief, said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. Im grateful that we have Attorney General James on our side, fighting for homeowners and the justice they deserve.

The COVID-19 pandemic was more than just a public health calamity, it proved to be an unprecedented financial crisis for countless families  including those who could no longer cover their mortgage costs through no fault of their own. Infuriatingly, however, a number of families in Queens and across the state were unjustly denied the mortgage relief they lawfully should have received, said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. Thank you to Attorney General James for holding BSI Financial Services accountable for its actions and ensuring impacted families receive the restitution they deserve.

Todays announcement by New York State Attorney General Letitia James holds those responsible for cheating Suffolk County residents out of their hard-earned money when they needed it most, said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. The COVID-19 pandemic caused financial burdens to many property owners on Long Island who were not given the support they needed. With this restitution we hope to right the wrongs done at the expense of our residents. I would like to thank the Attorney General for ensuring all qualified homeowners receive the funds they rightfully deserve.

Rochester is grateful to Attorney General Letitia James for fighting for the rights of local homeowners, especially those who were preyed upon during the COVID-19 pandemic, said Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans. As our city and citizens recover from those unprecedented times, it is heartening to know that when our federal and state partners pass laws to protect us, the system works, and those laws are enforced.

Attorney General James asks any homeowner who believes that their mortgage servicer is not offering proper loss mitigation options in the event of an economic hardship to file a complaint online with OAG's Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau or call the office at 1-800-771-7755.

This matter was handled by Assistant Attorneys General Mark Ladov and Franklin Romeo, under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Laura J. Levine and Bureau Chief Jane M. Azia. The Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau is part of the Division of Economic Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Chris DAngelo and is overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: March 09 2023

At 117 years old, the Sheep Pasture Road Bridge needs to be replaced with a new one that can handle the vehicle traffic load of today, not 1906 when it was built," said Supervisor Romaine.

Recently, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine, Highway Superintendent Dan Losquadro, Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich and New York State and local officials held a press conference to call for the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) to replace the Sheep Pasture Road Bridge in Port Jefferson with a span that can adequately handle increased motor vehicle traffic on the top roadway. The new bridge construction will also allow for future third rail electrification expansion below on the LIRR right-of-way and a reconfiguration of the roadway above to reduce the severe angle of traffic. Pictured left to right are Deputy Supervisor/Councilman Dan Panico; Supervisor Ed Romaine; Superintendent of Highways Dan Losquadro; Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich and New York State Assemblyman Ed Flood.

The railroad bridge, which was constructed in 1906, is the responsibility of the MTA while the maintenance of the vehicle roadbed is the responsibility of the Town of Brookhaven. The Town has applied for a $15.8 million grant to make the needed repairs to roadway structure through the BridgeNY Program. The LIRR is also interested in potentially developing a second track along the existing railroad in the future.

In a January 20, 2023 letter to the New York State Department of Transportation (Re: Sheep Pasture Road Bridge Replacement  Town of Brookhaven) Supervisor Romaine outlined the project and the financial commitment for the LIRR (50%), New York State (25%) and the Town (25%). It also stated that under New York State Railroad Law (Section 93), the LIRR must maintain and keep in repair the framework of the bridge (pictured) and its abutments while the Town of Brookhaven is responsible only for the upper vehicle roadway framework. Because of its age and deterioration, the Fire Department is concerned about driving safety equipment over the bridge. The Town of Brookhaven will also be responsible for the BridgeNY 5% match requirement

Supervisor Romaine said, At 117 years old, the Sheep Pasture Road Bridge needs to be replaced with a new one that can handle the vehicle traffic load of today, not 1906 when it was built. This is the type of project that the MTA should be spending money on. Instead, local businesses and municipalities, like the Town of Brookhaven, have been paying the MTA payroll tax since 2008, and we continue to support New York City while our infrastructure needs modernization.

Town of Brookhaven Highway Superintendent Dan Losquadro said, As the local elected official responsible for infrastructure, I am reminded every day of the importance of maintaining safe and reliable roads and bridges. Long Island, specifically Brookhaven Town, has been repeatedly shortchanged by the MTA when it comes to capital infrastructure investment. While the Governor may see Long Island local governments and taxpayers a 'blank check to save her faltering agency, it is imperative that the MTA expend the necessary funds required to replace the Sheep Pasture Road Bridge. This bridge has seen its weight restrictions consistently downgraded by her own NYSDOT due to its poor structural condition, to the point where emergency apparatus should not even cross it. Due to these restrictions, I have been in discussions with the MTA for the past two years and have officially applied for funding through the BridgeNY program even though Brookhaven is only responsible for maintaining the road surface. Brookhaven is doing our part, its time the Governor and the MTA do theirs.

Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich said, "Unfortunately, for many people in my community it feels like the MTA is taking us for a ride. We pay an increasing share of the burden and dont see it coming back in terms of improvements in service and infrastructure. Public transportation is incredibly important, and although we are hopeful, well receive this major grant from New York State, my constituents are calling for a more consistent and substantial commitment to local rail service. We want the MTA not just to repair and maintain structures like the Sheep Pasture Road Bridge, but to move forward on electrification and improve schedules on the Port Jefferson line."

New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo said, "The Sheep Pasture Road Bridge is another example of the MTA neglecting its transportation responsibilities on Long Island, while at the same time, requesting new and higher taxes be placed on already underserved and overburdened Long Island taxpayers, motorists and businesses. The MTA's failure to properly upkeep this span jeopardizes roadway safety and is becoming a real hazard for local residents. The MTA needs to fulfill their responsibilities and fix this bridge."

New York State Assemblyman Ed Flood said, I want to thank Supervisor Romaine for holding this press conference and inviting us here today to discuss the Sheep Pasture Road Bridge. The condition of the bridge is completely unacceptable, and it remains unsafe for local residents and traffic, including first responders carrying heavy equipment. Given the massive state budget, the funding that goes toward other parts of the state and the responsibility of the MTA to uphold the infrastructure, the poor condition of this bridge should have been addressed a long time ago. Through the Bridge NY program, the town has applied for, grants are available to help with costs to complete the necessary repairs. Supervisor Romaine and I will continue pushing for funding until the bridge is repaired or replaced to give residents peace of mind when crossing.
Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: March 09 2023

Michelle Byrd charged in 181 count indictment for allegedly stealing money from trusts that service adults with Cerebral Palsy, stroke victims, and woman who lost her limbs due to medical malpractice.

Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that a Hempstead woman was arrested by Nassau County District Attorneys Office Detective Investigators on indictment charges that she allegedly stole more than half a million dollars from seven trust bank accounts that benefitted people with special needs.

Michelle Byrd, 53, was arraigned Wednesday before Judge Helene Gugerty on one count of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree (a C felony) and 180 counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree (a D felony). The defendant pleaded not guilty and was released on her own recognizance. Byrd is due back in court on April 4, 2023. If convicted of the top charge, the defendant faces a maximum of 5 to 15 years in prison.

This defendant allegedly stole more than $500,000 over the course of several years from trusts dedicated to adults with special needs and used those funds to finance her lifestyle, said DA Donnelly. The victims of this alleged scheme included adults with Cerebral Palsy, stroke victims, and a woman who had lost her arms and legs due to medical malpractice. One victim was forced to sell his home because of the more than $180,000 that was spent down in his account. This alleged conduct violated the trust that these clients placed in their case manager to safeguard their finances and ensure they would continue to receive the necessary care to live their lives.

DA Donnelly said that, according to the investigation, Byrd worked for a Nassau County-based law firm that manages trusts for special needs clients. An attorney at the firm served as a trustee on trust accounts that supported seven clients and was the authorized signatory permitted to make disbursements and manage the beneficiaries bank accounts and transactions. The defendant, a salaried employee, served as a case manager, and was in frequent contact with trust beneficiaries regarding their financial needs.

From 2014 to 2021, the defendant allegedly, without permission or authority to do so, wrote hundreds of checks to herself from seven trust accounts, causing losses of approximately $526,553. It is alleged that Byrd forged the signature of the trustee on checks and forged bank statements to conceal the theft.

In April 2021, one of the trust accounts that Byrd helped manage was transferred to Chase bank. Chase bank emailed checks to the law firms controller for review. On April 7, 2021, the controller received an email of a check for review drawn on a trust, allegedly payable for $2,500 to Byrd, that was purportedly signed by the trustee. The trustee reviewed the transaction, and the check was cancelled. At that point the law firm terminated the defendants employment, and, after a short internal review, referred the matter to the Nassau County District Attorneys Office in May 2021.

Between April 2019 and April 2021, there were allegedly unauthorized checks to Byrd for approximately $99,935 from a trust established to care for a man with Cerebral Palsy living in a group home in New York City. The checks were forged with both the trustees signature and the trustees signature stamp, which the firm used during the COVID-19 pandemic to allow for remote management of the trust accounts.

From August 2018 to December 2020, there were allegedly unauthorized disbursements to Byrd from a trust established to help a woman who lost her limbs due to medical malpractice, for approximately $99,750. Those checks were forged with both the trustees signature and the trustees signature stamp.

In January 2020, the defendant allegedly forged the signature of the trustee on a check for $2,500, payable to Byrd, from a trust that was set up to care for an elderly developmentally disabled man with Cerebral Palsy who resided in an assisted living home.

Between March 2019 and January 2021, there were allegedly unauthorized disbursements to Michelle Byrd for approximately $32,817 from a trust established to care for another adult who is developmentally disabled with Cerebral Palsy. The checks were allegedly forged with both the trustees purported signature and the trustees signature stamp.

Between March 2014 and February 2019 there were allegedly unauthorized disbursements to Byrd from a trust established to assist a woman who suffered a stroke. The checks were all allegedly forged with the trustees signature and totaled approximately $32,317.

Between September 2014 and March 2021 there were allegedly unauthorized disbursements to Byrd from a trust established to care for an elderly, developmentally disabled woman. The checks totaled $71,096. Many of these checks were allegedly forged with the trustees signature and several checks had an unauthorized signature stamp.

Between March 2014 and February 2019 there were allegedly unauthorized disbursements to Byrd from a trust that was set up to care for a wheelchair-bound stroke victim. The checks totaled $180,884 and were all allegedly forged with the trustees signature. Because of the draw down of funds on the victims account, the victims home needed to be sold.

The defendant surrendered to NCDA Detective Investigators on March 8, 2023.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Investigative Counsel Lauren Littman of the Financial Crimes Bureau. The defendant is represented by Xavier Donaldson, Esq.
(Sharecast News) - London stocks were set to fall at the open on Thursday as investors digested US Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell's second day of testimony before Congress and looked ahead to this week's non-farm payrolls.

The FTSE 100 was called to open 15 points lower at 7,915, with another deluge of corporate news out.

CMC Markets analyst Michael Hewson said: "European markets finished the day slightly higher yesterday after Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell clarified his comments from the previous day with respect to what the Fed is likely to do on rates in two weeks' time.

"In a manner of a parent soothing an errant child who is throwing a bit of a tantrum Powell merely restated that the Federal Reserve remains data-dependent and that nothing has been decided when it comes to whether we get 25bps or 50bps.

"The comments helped briefly pull yields lower and pull the US dollar off its highs for the day, but the reality remains that markets are slowly starting to come to the realisation that rates are likely to remain higher for longer and that the terminal rate is also likely to settle at a much higher level."

On the corporate front, Aviva posted a better-than-expected 35% rise in annual operating profit and announced a 300m share buyback, driven by a rise in life and general policy sales.

Profits for 2022 came in at 2.2bn against a company-compiled consensus of 1.75bn and a total dividend of 31p a share was declared, in line with expectations. Aviva upgraded dividend guidance to low-to-mid single digit growth.

Elsewhere, M&G posted a 27% drop in its full-year adjusted operating profits to reach 529m, together with a similar-sized decline in its operating capital generation to 821m.

The investment manager also reported a decline in its Solvency II ratio from 218% for 2021 to 199% in 2022.

However, it recorded a second year of positive net client flows. Management also said that the firm remained on track to achieve its 2.5bn operating capital generation target by 2024.
RIO DE JANEIRO, March 8 (Reuters) - Global oil majors operating in Brazil including Anglo-Dutch Shell and France's TotalEnergies jointly filed an injunction request against a new tax on crude exports, according to a court document seen by Reuters on Wednesday.

Brazil's government has said the tax, which charges 9.2% on the value of oil exports for four months as of March 1, is a way to offset revenue losses stemming from a decision to partially maintain a tax exemption on motor fuels.

"The measure, which was announced without a meaningful dialogue with the industry, casts uncertainty on new investment decisions, affecting Brazil's competitiveness in the exploration and production sector," Shell's local unit said in a statement.

Shell said it is too early to speculate on the potential impacts of the tax because it is unclear whether or not Congress will act to renew it beyond four months.

Other parties to the lawsuit are Norway's Equinor, Portugal's Galp Energia, and a joint venture between Spain's Repsol and Chinese oil producer Sinopec. (Reporting by Ricardo Brito and Marta Nogueira; Editing by David Alire Garcia and Leslie Adler)
(Alliance News) - UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hopes to "strengthen and deepen" co-operation with France on tackling migrant Channel crossings in talks with Emmanuel Macron on Friday.

The PM is aiming for closer Franco-British ties as he prepares to travel to Paris for the first UK/France summit in five years.

But the French president is expected to reject pleas for a bilateral returns agreement.

The UK government is known to want such a deal with Paris, which would allow London to immediately return those arriving on British shores unlawfully from France.

Ahead of his trip, Sunak expressed hope that the UK and France could build on the GBP63 million agreement announced in November to help prevent small boats crossings and target human trafficking gangs.

The PM told a select group of reporters during a visit to Dover on Wednesday: "I was really pleased at the end of last year that we managed to announce the largest ever small boats deal with France, which led to a 40% increase of patrols on French beaches and increased co-ordination between our teams.

"And, in general, a re-establishment of the Calais Group of northern European countries, of which we are a part, to tackle this. Because it is a shared challenge that many countries are facing, we're not alone in facing this challenge.

"So on Friday, hopefully, we can continue to strengthen and deepen that co-operation in those areas."

In comments reported by the Daily Express, Sunak continued: "More broadly, I think there's a range of things that we want to work closely with our partners and allies on  whether it's standing up to Russian aggression and supporting Ukraine, whether it's improving our energy security, or indeed whether it's illegal migration.

"I think there's a range of things where we can productively collaborate with France to the benefit of our country."

The talks come days after Sunak and UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman unveiled the Illegal Migration bill, which would see migrants who arrive in the UK through unauthorised means deported and given a lifetime ban on returning.

As well as new measures to tackle the small boats crisis, Sunak and Macron are also set to discuss defence co-operation, energy security, the conflict in Ukraine and other security challenges around the globe.

There are high hopes that the meeting will turn the page on years of post-Brexit tensions, with the Elysee seeing it as a "very important step" in the "recovery process" of relations.

An expected call between the two leaders, which was due on Monday, did not take place.

source: PA

Copyright 2023 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
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Lycoming College welcomes T. Cole Jones, Ph.D., for the 48th annual Robert H. Ewing Lecture. The event, entitled The Tory Rising: Insurrection in the Revolutionary South, will be held on Thursday, March 23, at 7:30 p.m., in the Trogner Presentation Room, at the Krapf Gateway Center. The event is free and open to the public.

This presentation also shares its title with Jones current in-the-works book. Both the talk and the book examine the topic of the Tory political party during the American Revolution. Specifically, Jones seeks to dissect the British loyalists who fought against the revolutionary Whigs in what would become the American south.

Jones is an associate professor of history at Purdue University, where he also works as an associate professor for their Cornerstone: Learning for Living program.

Jones specialization lies in the history of colonial and revolutionary America, as well as how the war and society during that time continue to impact us today. His most recent book, Captives of Liberty: Prisoners of War and the Politics of Vengeance in the American Revolution (University of Pennsylvania Press, 2020), won the 2021 Society of the Cincinnati Prize from the American Revolution Institute, while also being a finalist for the Journal of the American Revolution 2020 Book of the Year Award.

As mentioned, Jones is working on his next book, titled The Tory Rising: Insurrection in the Revolutionary South, which he has received support for through fellowships from the Virginia Historical Society, the David Library of the American Revolution, the Georgian Papers Programme from King's College London, and George Washington's Mount Vernon. He received his B.A. in history from Duke University, and his Ph.D. in history from John Hopkins University.

The Ewing Lecture Series was established in 1973 to honor Robert H. Ewing for his 27 years of teaching and service at Lycoming College. A revered teacher and friend of the College, his life was characterized by a deep religious faith, a passion for history, and a strong devotion to a liberal arts education. These qualities touched the lives of all who came in contact with him and led his many friends to establish this annual Lecture Series, which seeks to bring distinguished historians to campus to share their expertise with the Lycoming community.
Manchester, VT (05254)

Today

Partly cloudy this evening followed by mostly cloudy skies and a few showers after midnight. Low around 55F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening followed by mostly cloudy skies and a few showers after midnight. Low around 55F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
ESPO:                 ...
MANZINI - Part of operations continued at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) Kwaluseni Campus yesterday despite that some employees engaged in a non-stop (waya-waya) strike over award performance (notching).

While some workers were on strike, junior staff were found working in the administration block. The legal strike comes after a deadlock was reached on the dispute between UNESWA and its employees. In February this year, the Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration Commission issued a certificate of unresolved dispute on the salary adjustment issue.

Refused

UNESWA management had offered its employees a three per cent cost-of-living adjustment (CoLA), but refused to allow staff to notch, yet all along, each CoLA award came with notching. There has been no notching since 2018 due to that the university has declared that there was a shortage of funds. The strike began at 8am where employees from the Kwaluseni, Luyengo and Mbabane campuses downed tools and took to the universitys entrance, to demonstrate while singing and dancing to political songs. Clad in their red T-shirts, the members of the Association of Lecturers, Academic and Administrative Personnel (ALAAP) would be often seen blocking vehicles that wished to enter the universitys premises.

Attend

However, students were seen entering the gate. The workers were heard asking them what they were going to do in the campus as no one would attend to them. The students occasionally went in and out of the university as others stayed on campus. Those who were arriving at the university campus residence had to offload their belongings from their parents or relatives cars at the gate and carry them inside the university residence. ALAAP General Secretary Dr Mduduzi Shongwe said their main concern was notching. He said in the past two years, the workers had been engaging the university on the issue but eventually reached a consensus that both parties did not reach a compromise and a certificate of unresolved dispute was issued.

Our employer has told us that there is no money for notching and does not seem to show keen interest in negotiating, Dr Shongwe said. When a question was posed on whether the workers took into cognition the negative impact that the strike would cause on academic performance, the general secretary said such was inevitable.

It is saddening for employees to work with due diligence but having nothing to show for their good work. We are saddened that students will be inevitably affected, because as we engage on the strike, classes are on standstill since government is refusing to negotiate. But if our needs are not met, there is nothing we can offer students, said the general secretary. He reiterated that their welfare should be prioritised, adding that management would make a plan while they were on. Shongwe said even online classes which were conducted by them had been stopped, while the strike continued. The general secretary said the strike could take even three months if it had to, until their demands were met. UNESWA Registrar Dr Salebona Simelane said most operations, apart from teaching, were not adversely affected. Unfortunately, I can only give you an assessment on teaching activities tomorrow afternoon, he said.
MBABANE  Minister of Agriculture Jabulani Mabuza has called for Members of Parliament (MPS) to stop interfering in the E3 billion Mpakeni Dam tender process.

The multibillion Mpakeni Dam construction project is under the auspices of the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (ESWADE) and the minister has requested legislators to allow the Category A public enterprise to complete the tender process for the project without any interference. A debate on the tender process for the project ensued during the Ministry of Agriculture Portfolio Committee annual performance report presentation, for the financial year 2022/2023 in Parliament yesterday.

Excited

Ndzingeni MP Lutfo Dlamini said the country could not be excited over casual and temporary jobs brought by the construction of the dam, but what was exciting to him was a sustainable business in the form of a joint venture that would empower local companies. His contention was that Parliament could not watch from the sidelines while ESWADE broke the countrys foreign tender policy, which according to the MP, entailed having a joint venture that involved a local company in a project of this nature. Dlamini said parliamentarians were made to feel guilty about stopping the tender process, which could have hired at least 1 300 people as revealed by the minister, yet ESWADE was wrong to pre-qualify the tender process without the approval of the House.

He said they should not have appropriated funding without having given the green light by Parliament as that was wrong and illegal. What we discovered on the pre-qualification was that they had included only foreign companies. We are taking E3 billion and giving it to foreign companies on the excuse that we want emaSwati to be employed and we do not have any assurance on their job security. Is that what we really stand for as legislators? he submitted. Dlamini highlighted that the minister had previously assured the MPs that there would be a joint venture in the project and he made it known that they wanted to see that joint venture happening or the loan for the tender would not be triggered until the assurance was adhered to.

Qualifying his debate, Dlamini said a joint venture meant that the E3 billion funding for the project would be banked in the country and in that way; it would go a long way in stimulating the economy. It is on that basis that we are insisting that it should be a joint venture because if not, the money will be taken by the foreign company to its native country and it would only avail funding for salaries because even the machinery wont be procured here. There must be a joint venture in this project, he insisted. The legislator also highlighted that this loan would be paid by the future generation and it would not sit well with them to know that they were paying for funding that was taken to be invested in a foreign country.

I want to take it that you will respect the foreign policy on tenders of this country and dont get so greedy and disregard it. If the policy has changed, come to Parliament and let us know so that we also recommend companies that are capable of doing the project. If you are going to break the foreign policy, then you will not get the support of Parliament on this project, he said. The MP stated that it had come to his attention that kuyadliswana, and he wondered if the people involved in that had not yet had enough.

Background

Dlamini highlighted that he was a member of the Cabinet team when ESWADE was formed and he needed no lecture about the government entity because he was rich in its background.

I know how good ESWADE is and I know what its intentions were but we never created them to disregard procurement procedures. We cant take the excuse that there is no qualifying liSwati and give so much funding to a foreign company, the same money that will be paid by the taxpayer, he submitted. Kukhanyeni MP Malavi Sihlongonyane held a different view on the matter, stating that to his knowledge, all stakeholders were engaged in the tender process of the Mpakeni Dam construction and all processes were followed. Sithobelweni MP Bhekitje Dlamini submitted that he cared less about the tender process or anything closer to that but he was only advocating for the employment of emaSwati through the project.

Responding to submissions by the Ndzingeni MP, Minister Mabuza appealed to the MPs to leave the procurement process to ESWADE and stop interfering. He submitted that the only time MPs should get in the way of the process was when there was breaching of the procurement processes, which to his understanding, had not been breached thus far. The minister stated that bringing the issue into parliamentary discussions while the process was ongoing was wrong in more ways than one, including that it influenced the decision on which company the tender should go to, as well as clouding a lot of the procedures. ESWADE has done this a number of times, and with all due respect, lets leave them to complete the task at hand and stop disturbing the process of a government parastatal. If it comes out that there was a breach of policy in the tender process, legislators are allowed to bring the responsible persons to account but for now, lets leave it to the responsible entity, he said.

Delayed

Mabuza shouldered the blame on the delay of the project which should have commenced last year, and he stated that had it not been delayed, 1 300 emaSwati would be employed in the dam construction process. Meanwhile, the minister highlighted that the country could have achieved enough food security had the ministry had enough funding. He stated that with adequate irrigation and infrastructure, including the completion of the Mpakeni Dam project, that could have been achieved. He revealed that the limited financial resources allocated to the ministry also posed a challenge and watered down the efforts of the ministry and stakeholders. We still advocate for the allocation of at least 10 per cent of the national budget to agriculture for the execution of core functions of government in the sector, he shared. He highlighted that during the period under review, the ministry constructed eight scoop dams at Mhlangatane and one at Mafutseni. At least half of the MPs, who made submissions during the debate, highlighted the significance of having the scoop dams as a source of irrigation to enhance farming, particularly in the rural areas.
MBABANE  EBC Chairperson Prince Mhlabuhlangene Dlamini has warned those who intend to disrupt the upcoming elections to be ready to face the consequences and be better legally covered.

The Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) chairperson was speaking during the official unveiling of the 2023 General Elections logo and slogan. The unveiling was held at SibaneSami Hotel yesterday. Dlamini stated that the election processes were legal. He said it was fundamentally important to underscore that every aspect of pre to post-elections was legally binding. He stated that all processes and interruptions were also legally binding in the legal enforcement. The prince said when one spoke of a political right, that same person was also speaking about a duty. In light of this, he said there was no right that did not go without responsibility or duty.

Obligation

Every right as a matter of legal principle has a corresponding obligation, so it becomes unfortunate when people propose to exercise an incomplete right, he said. He said people proposed to practise a certain right but failed to execute a duty corresponding to that right. The prince said people should respect other peoples rights as a matter of principle. He said when one infringed on other peoples rights, there were legal consequences. The chairperson said the legal consequences were not declared by either EBC or the government, but by the Constitution and the legal system of the country. For every action that is legal, there is a consequence that follows, he said.

Dlamini said he was mentioning this in order for everyone who intended to exercise any political right, to ask themselves if, by doing so, they were honouring the corresponding duty owed to another person who possessed the same political right. He said what they were all about as EBC and the nation was strictly a constitutional legal process. He said, therefore, all the protections were attached to the enforcement of these constitutional rights, which included political rights and rights to elect and to participate in the elections. Dlamini said the right to participate in elections should not be trampled upon by anyone unless there was a constitutional excuse, not a personal one.

Enforcement

The prince said it was universal that for every legal right, there was law enforcement that conferred effects to that legal right. He said, therefore, it should not be any wonder that when there was any violation of a political or constitutional right, it would go without saying that the law enforcement mechanism that supported those rights should be effected. He said such was not peculiar to Eswatini because it was common cause that the purpose of law was to maintain law and order in society. The prince warned stakeholders, be it domestic and international community, who intended to interact in the upcoming elections, to take heed, to avoid self-fulfilling prophecy. He explained that a self-fulfilling prophecy was when one declared something and went behind the scenes to make that particular declaration come to light. Speaking about the countrys political system, the Tinkhundla System in particular, he said every person had a right to constructively criticise the system. He said unconstructive criticism was more or less related to self-fulfilling prophecy.

He said as such, if the narrative would be that the Tinkhundla System under which the elections were conducted would be a flop by whatever reason, it should not be then that people would participate in fulfilling that prophecy. He said people should not participate in the self-fulfilling prophecy when criticising the Tinkhundla System. Dlamini said it should not be denied that when one spoke of the concept of democratic government that was not a concept native to emaSwati. He said democratic government was not a concept that came from emaSwatis inheritance. He said it should be learnt and the principles that governed it were fixed, stating that it needed to be learnt, unlike things that were native to emaSwati.

Important

The chairman mentioned that it was very important to understand that the entire elections process was related to the establishment of a democratic government. He said it was important for emaSwati in their interactions and as well as during the voter civic education to be mindful of the fact that there were matters that were jurisdictionally confined to elections. Dlamini said the establishment of the democratic government should be broken down into the institution (Tinkhundla System) and the people elected to function the institution. He noted that these were two different interactors and clearly there were two bases of responsibilities. He said there were those of the institution and then there were responsibilities of the individuals put in the system through elections. He said these people were the Member of Parliament (MP), indvuna yenkhundla and bucopho.

He further explained that these people were charged with responsibilities to execute in the context of the institution. Dlamini said sometimes it could be the failure of people elected or the system, notwithstanding the efficiency of the people. He said the failure of the people then necessitated the need for a voter civic education so that then the quality of people who would be voted to Parliament were the very people qualitatively able to manage the system.

Responsible

Dlamini said as responsible emaSwati interacted in a bid to refine their system, they should come clear as to which had failed; the people or the system. He said it was important to distinguish between the two, adding that the elected people had a responsibility to be accountable to their voters. The prince was speaking following the various disruptions that have been witnessed since the voter education exercise started in light of the national elections to be held mid this year. At KaLiba, officials from the EBC had to leave hurriedly after some of the youth of the area had attacked them. They had asked the EBC officials why they visited the area yet their MP, Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza, was behind bars. Also at Somntongo, there was a disruption of the voter education exercise as the residents called for the convening of a national dialogue.

PUDEMO MAINTAINS STANCE

BY MTHUNZI MDLULI

MBABANE  PUDEMO does not want Tinkhundla elections in 2023 or any other time in Eswatini, going forward.

This was stated by the Peoples United Democratic Movement Secretary General (SG) Penuel Malinga during the political partys 10th General Congress held between February 24 to 26, 2023 in Driekoppies, Mpumalanga Province, in a statement released yesterday. Malinga called upon emaSwati to prepare for a defiance campaign to stop any possibility of Tinkhundla elections until negotiations and drafting of a democratic and all inclusive Constitution was in place. We wish to be unequivocal in calling for a genuine multiparty democratic electoral framework as the basis for the election of any government of the country, said Malinga.

Committed

The PUDEMO SG said they were committed to continuing leading and catalysing the mass rebellion of the people across the entire country and to turn their mass power into a coherent irreversible force that was emblematic of a conscious movement for democracy and social justice. Our peoples anger against landlessness will be collectively mobilised to become the seedbed for the total liberation of Eswatini. We are unequivocal that the land belongs to the people and we declared that, said the SG. Meanwhile, Malinga said they affirmed that the struggle was not a spontaneous occurrence of unexpected incidents, but a conscious process towards the building of society, based on respect for fundamental human rights and dignity.

Furthermore, Malinga said the congress delegated all structures of PUDEMO to embark on a massive recruitment drive so that this movement of the people could exist in all villages, townships, cities, factories, educational institutions and its members must actively lead popular peoples struggles for freedom.




A down-and-up 2013 season did not prevent Dan Haren from landing an eight-figure guarantee, as the hurler has officially agreed to a one-year, $10MM deal with the Dodgers. The contract includes a $10MM option for 2015 that vests if Haren throws 180 innings. Haren is represented by Greg Landry of CAA Sports.

Both the guaranteed and the option year base salaries could be boosted significantly by incentives. Haren can make up to $3MM in added cash in 2014 based upon games started and innings pitched, beginning at 24 starts and 150 innings pitched.

Haren, 33, posted a 4.67 ERA with 8.0 K/9 and 1.6 BB/9 in 2013. His peripherals indicated that he deserved better than his ERA indicated, with an xFIP a run lower. Given that Haren isn't particularly old and that he's pitched at least 169 2/3 innings in every season since 2005, $10MM seems like a somewhat low total, particularly in an offseason in which Tim Lincecum got two years and $35MM and Jason Vargas got four years and $32MM. Still, MLBTR's Steve Adams had Haren pegged at one year and $10MM exactly, noting that Haren has already made $61MM in his career and might be willing to take less to stay near his family on the West Coast. Haren made $13MM last season as a member of the Nationals.

On Wednesday, we learned that Haren was talking to the Dodgers. He will join a Dodgers rotation picture that includes Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Josh Beckett and Chad Billingsley, though Billingsley had Tommy John surgery in April, and Beckett's health is also in question. Indeed, Dodgers' GM Ned Colleti says he is still considering adding another arm to the club's mix of starters.

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (via Twitter) first reported the deal. Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reported via Twitter the vesting and incentive mechanisms. Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times tweeted the deal's finalization and final terms.

Charlie Wilmoth and Jeff Todd contributed to this post. Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Luke Voit has been a member of the Brewers organization for just a few weeks. The former home run leader signed a minor league deal a couple weeks ago, getting an opportunity to audition for a roster spot early in Spring Training.

The Brewers will have to make that call relatively early into exhibition play. Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that Voit would be able to opt out of the deal next Thursday if hes not added to the big league roster. According to Sherman, Voits deal would come with a $2MM base salary if he makes the MLB club.

While thats far from an exorbitant sum, it remains to be seen whether Milwaukee feels therell be sufficient at-bats for Voit to warrant a spot. Keston Hiura is on hand as an in-house option with a similar power-oriented skillset from the right side. Hiura has run exorbitant strikeout tallies over the past few years but hes flashed impact power upside. The former ninth overall pick connected on 14 home runs with a quality .222 ISO (slugging minus batting average) in just 80 games last season.

Voit and Hiura are seemingly jockeying for reps as a right-handed complement to lefty-swinging first base/DH options Rowdy Tellez and Jesse Winker. Both Hiura and Voit have actually fared worse against left-handed pitching than righties over the course of their careers. Tellez and especially Winker have had more traditional splits, however, with both handling righties better over the years. While neither Voit nor Hiura has functioned as a traditional lefty masher, they each offer some righty pop to help balance the order.

Adding some power from that side of the dish was apparently a goal for Milwaukee. To that end, Sherman writes that the Brew Crew had checked in with free agent catcher Gary Sanchez earlier in the offseason. Milwaukee subsequently acquired their new backstop, William Contreras, from the Braves as part of the three-team Sean Murphy trade. That swap landed the Brewers five seasons of control over a player they hope to be the long-term answer behind the dish at the cost of center field prospect Esteury Ruiz, who went to Oakland.

Sanchez still has yet to put pen to paper despite reports of interest from the likes of the Angels and Giants in recent months. Hes one of the top unsigned hitters available. Milwaukee no longer has a need for MLB catching, as the duo of Contreras and Victor Caratini will handle the load. Milwaukee brought in Payton Henry from the Marlins in a low-profile trade to serve as the #3 option. Theres no indication Sanchez remains on the radar as a result, though he could be of interest to any number of teams if hes willing to take a minor league deal at this stage of the winter.

A bat-first catcher for most of his time with the Yankees, Sanchez flipped the script to an extent during his lone season in Minnesota last year. He hit 16 homers but with a fairly modest .205/.282/.377 overall showing through 471 trips to the plate. That was among the worst full-season offensive performances of his career but he received roughly average grades for his pitch framing and ball-blocking from Statcast.

While Sanchezs destination is still to be determined, there are no such questions with starter Wade Miley. The Brewers brought him back on a one-year, $4.5MM guarantee shortly after the calendar flipped to 2023. Itll be season number 13 for the 36-year-old southpaw, who acknowledged he thought at points this offseason his career might be over.

I was so unsure at the end of the year for what was next, Miley told Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer. I wanted to get my shoulder healthy. I did a little program right after the season was over and it didnt feel good at all. I did it for four weeks and it was awful. Thats when I went into  I wouldnt call it depressed mode, but I was like its not worth it. At that moment, I was like, I think were done. Me and my wife talked, and I said, I think this might be it.

Miley is coming off a season in which shoulder issues kept him to only nine appearances with the Cubs. Fortunately, he says his arm feels good after an offseason of rest and he felt comfortable giving things another go. Miley figures to take a back-end rotation role in Milwaukee, offering some veteran depth behind Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff, Freddy Peralta and Eric Lauer. That takes on added importance for the Brew Crew after spring injuries to Aaron Ashby and Jason Alexander have thinned the depth beyond Miley and #6 starter Adrian Houser. As for his long-term outlook, Miley told Nightengale I guess as long as (teams) keep calling, Ill keep playing.
China to host Olympic volleyball qualifier in September

Xinhua) 13:20, March 09, 2023

GENEVA, March 8 (Xinhua) -- The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) announced on Wednesday that China and three other countries will host Olympic qualification tournaments in September.

China, Japan and Poland will stage the women's event from September 16 to 24, while China, Japan and Brazil will host the men's counterpart from September 30 to October 8.

The drawing of lots ceremony for the FIVB Road to Paris qualifier events will take place in Lausanne, Switzerland, on March 17.

12 teams per gender will compete at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, with six berths each to be decided upon at the qualification tournaments. The top 24 teams of each gender will be split into three pools to fight for tickets to each group.

The other five places will be selected from the Volleyball Nations League 2024. Host nation France qualify automatically.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Najah University Expo has once again set the bar as one of the largest higher education fairs in the Mena region, with an impressive 24,000 visitors at its 2022 Abu Dhabi and Dubai runs.

Supported by the Ministry of Education in the UAE as a platform to help students prepare for their higher education journey, Najah's resounding success has prompted the announcement of this year's events, taking place from October 8 to 10, 2023 in Dubai and from October 29 to 31, 2023 in Abu Dhabi.

For the past 16 years, Najah has developed its reputation as the definitive destination for providing students with essential resources and insights on admissions, scholarship opportunities, studying abroad possibilities, alumni experiences, and more.

Event's importance

This was evidenced by the extraordinary turnout for the Najah University Expo 2022, which saw 197% and 176% increases in attendance in Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively. School visits also skyrocketed in 2022 with an increase of 470% for Najah Dubai and 607% for Najah Abu Dhabi - a clear indication of the event's importance in the UAE education sector.

Of the 150+ exhibitors from 20 countries, an overwhelming 97% said they were satisfied with visitor numbers and 92% said that Najah is important for their business. It's no surprise that a huge majority - 89% from Najah Abu Dhabi and 85% from Najah Dubai - are likely to return for the 2023 edition, firmly establishing this expo as a must-attend higher education event in the Mena region.

Najah's 2022 exhibitor line-up included universities from the UAE, UK, Canada, USA, Germany, Spain, France, Hungary, Cyprus, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia among others. A packed itinerary of talks designed to explore the higher education experience in more detail was also held at the Success Hub, with over 60 seminar sessions held across both events.

Decision making

Students and parents alike who attended Najah Abu Dhabi and Najah Dubai shared how the expo exceeded their expectations when it came to supporting their decision-making process in choosing the right university for their higher education.

I had a really great time at Najah Abu Dhabi as I was able to find out about many universities from all over the world. I asked questions and received answers to all of them. It has helped me gain a deeper understanding of university life, requirements, and fees/scholarships. I do recommend everyone to visit at some point during high school as it would really benefit you with your future., said Mohammad Imam, a student at Al Nahda National Schools for Boys who attended Najah Abu Dhabi 2022.

Najah is doing a great job by getting so many Universities from different countries on a common platform. It helps to share a lot of good information in a single place, said Tuhindra Verma, a parent visiting Najah Dubai 2022.

Guidance

I would highly recommend this event as guidance for parents, teachers, counsellors, and students. As a teacher and a parent, it facilitated me to find a relevant university for my child. I was able to talk to my year 12 students about what subject they can opt for their majors at either a university in UAE or abroad. said Ayaz Naima, a teacher from Emirates National School who attended Najah Abu Dhabi 2022.

Exhibitors, on the other hand, agree that Najah has become an essential part of their marketing strategy, allowing them to engage with students on a more personal level.

Najah has always been an exciting and beneficial event for us universities. We get a massive opportunity to meet most of the schools all in one go, which is marvellous. Communicating and building further relations with the schools and their senior students is easier for us here along with intensifying our brand awareness. Looking forward to more of Najah next year! said Laila Idris, an exhibitor from Zayed University.

Lot of leads

Eva Lample Marcos, an exhibitor from SEPEI Spain had nothing but praise for the Najah expo. "It was an excellent fair and very well organised. The staff were always on hand to help. Najah definitely exceeded our expectations as we made a lot of leads." she said.

Rodaina Rizk of 51 Campus in Egypt said that the Najah staff has a huge impact on why they are looking to participate again. "The staff is amazing," she said. "They are friendly, helpful and ready to assist with anything you might need. We were also impressed by the number and quality of the attendees."-- TradeArabia News Service
Efia Odo[left] and Sista Afia

08.03.2023 LISTEN

Ghanaian actress, socialite, and musician, Andrea Owusu, known better as Efia Odo, has clapped back at Sista Afia, a fellow Ghanaian musician.

In an interview with Zion Felix, the Jeje hitmaker trashed Efia Odos musical exploits, saying she would never spend her time listening to the jokes being produced by the socialite.

She noted that she will only consider listening to Efia Odos music when she starts being serious and stops using music as a fun game.

"I haven't listened to any of her songs, and I don't regard her as a musician. I mean, Efia is somebody I wouldn't listen to her music. Maybe she is probably doing it for fun or something," Sista Afia told ZionFelix in an interview.

She stressed, "We all know what we want to listen to, and I'm not sure I'll listen to her. Maybe if she comes up with a good song, then I will try to listen, but for now, it is a no."

Speaking on the March 4 edition of Accra-based UTVs United Showbiz, hosted by MzVee, Efia Odo said condemning her music is the least of her worries.

She noted that music is something she has found passion in and will dedicate more time to it regardless of who condemns her efforts.

"Oh, I will never be worried because I do it from a passionate place; I put passion in it so if Ghanaians or some Ghanaians " not regard me as a musician, there are other people who will regard me as a musician.

"So, I keep saying it is not by force. There are so many musicians in this country who started to make music more than five years now but they cannot accumulate 2000 views on YouTube," said Efia Odo.

The back and forth comes after the video vixen recently dropped her first two singles; "Getting To The Bag" and "Roll Over.
A request by Lawyers for Charles Nii Armah Mensah popularly known as Shatta Wale for an out of court settlement in a defamation case filed against him by Lawrence Asiamah Hanson popularly known as Bulldog has been granted.

The artiste manager, Bulldog had sued dancehall musician, Shatta Wale over claims of defamation.

Bulldog who is the plaintiff is seeking damages for the alleged defamation and same for malicious publication of falsehood against him by the defendant.

The series of publication that the Defendant has made and continues to make about the Plaintiff are actuated by plain malice, the writ filed by Bulldog's Lawyer, Justice Srem-Sai said.

In court on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, lawyers of the plaintiff led by Justice Srem-Sai told the court that the parties have started negotiations for settlement and would need a month adjournment.

This, he said is the reason they were unable to file the written submissions as per the orders of the court.

We wish to pray for one more adjournment to attempt settlement and depending on the outcome we may apply formally for extension of time to file our witness statement, Dr Srem-Sai told the court.

Justice Joseph Adu Agyemang Owusu, presiding over the General Jurisdiction 13 of the Accra High Court after listening to the parties encouraged them to settle the matter out of court.

The case has been adjourned to April 18, 2023.

Reliefs

The plaintiff is seeking the following reliefs

1.A declaration from the Court that the series of publications made by the Defendant as particularised in the Statement of Claim are defamatory to the Plaintiff.

A declaration of the Court that the series of publications made by the Defendant in the Statement of Claim are malicious.

An order of the Court directed at the Defendant to on all his social media pages or accounts, make a publication on seven (7) consecutive days of an unqualified retraction of and unreserved apology for the defamatory words that the Defendant has published about the Plaintiff, such retraction and apology to be vetted and approved by the Plaintiff's lawyers.

An order of the Court for perpetual injunction restraining the Defendant, his agents, workmen, assigns and servants from publishing or further publishing any defamatory words against the Plaintiff.

General damages for defamation.

Special damages for defamation.

Punitive damages for malicious publication of falsehood against the Plaintiff.

Cost, and any other orders or remedies that the Court may deem fit.
As expected, citizens were waiting to hear President Akufo-Addos take on the current happenings in Ashaiman when he read the State of the Nation Address in Parliament.

However, throughout his delivery, Mr. Akufo-Addo never for once said anything about the brutalities meted out to Ashaiman residents by the military.

One could argue the speech may have been prepared before the incident, but that cant be justified as he instead took time to congratulate women on International Womens Day, which is being observed today, March 8, which was absolutely right.

The President's posture about the incident seemed to be an affirmation of the Defence Minister, Mr. Kofi Amankwa-Manus earlier statement that government will never apologise for the operation.

Though Mr. Amankwa-Manu claims to acknowledge and sympathise with those affected by the militarys operation in the community, he maintains that the operation was necessary.

"It is only proper that we admit when there are excesses, and in operations of this nature, you may get one or two people who may get carried away.

"So if decent, innocent residents were caught up in this, in my capacity as the Deputy Defence Minister, I will want to apologise for that," he said.

"That of course we will apologise, but, my brother, were not going to apologise for the operations," he added.

He made the comment in his capacity as the nations Deputy Defence Minister while speaking on Accra-based JoyNews PM Express.

This comes after the residents of Ashaiman, a suburb in Ghanas capital, Accra, locked themselves up in their rooms following the invasion of military personnel in the town.

The incident happened after some unknown residents of the town stabbed a military man to death in the community over the weekend.

In an attempt to avenge their colleagues assassination, some uniformed military men stormed the area in the early hours of Tuesday, March 7, and subjected many to torture.

Videos shared on social media captured moments of deep panic and fear as people were seen on the streets receiving lashes on their backs.
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has celebrated all women across the country on the occasion of International Womens Day (IWD).

Speaking in Parliament, the Speaker assured the women of the House of his support.

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate our beautiful ladies here and all ladies in the world for partnering men to get us this far.

I want to assure all the women that I am here for you, the Speaker said.

He continued that: As a result of that, with the request of the women caucus leaders in parliament, I approved a facility for all our women here to proceed tomorrow to reach out to all women in their constituencies and all women everywhere in the world.

He explained that: Honourable members, this is part of the 30 years celebration and I want all the men the Honourable men here to partner the women to make an impact this year.

Today, Wednesday, 8 March 2023, marks IWD.

This years celebration is on the theme DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality.

Source: classfmonline.com
France's National Assembly has rejected a bill to ban politicians found guilty of aggravated domestic violence from working as MPs. The vote followed a tense debate in parliament during which the Justice Minister twice raised his fist in an obscene gesture at the opposition.

The draft law was presented on the eve of International Women's Day by Aurore Berge, the leader of President Emmanuel Macron's Renaissance parliamentary group.

It follows the return to parliament of MP Adrien Quatennens, from the hard-left France Unbowed party, who received a four-month suspended prison sentence for domestic abuse against his partner in December.

Berge's bill targeted MPs found to have perpetrated attacks of aggravated violence against children aged under 15, vulnerable family members, spouses, or for racially motivated domestic violence.

However it was rejected by 140 votes to 113, with 14 abstentions.

Claims of 'opportunism'

Members of the opposition, who accuse the MP of opportunism and riding on the coat-tails of the Quatennens affair, booed a speech she gave on Tuesday.

"I know exactly what I'm talking about when I talk about domestic violence," a visibly shaken Berge told the chamber.

"Listening to interruption after interruption from those of you who question my sincerity on this fight, I cannot let it pass."

Existing laws already provide for a ban on MPs for up to 10 years in cases where a victim is incapacitated and unable to work for eight days or more.

However a judge is able to overrule any such ban.

Read also:
08.03.2023 LISTEN

From the earliest days of computing to the present age of virtual reality and artificial intelligence, women have made untold contributions to the digital world in which we increasingly live. Their accomplishments have been against all odds, in a field that has historically neither welcomed nor appreciated them.

Today, a persistent gender gap in digital access keeps women from unlocking technologys full potential. Their underrepresentation in STEM education and careers remains a major barrier to their participation in tech design and governance. In addition, the pervasive threat of online gender-based violencecoupled with a lack of legal recoursetoo often forces them out of the digital spaces they do occupy.

At the same time, digital technology is opening new doors for the global empowerment of women, girls and other marginalized groups. From gender-responsive digital learning to tech-facilitated sexual and reproductive healthcare, the digital age represents an unprecedented opportunity to eliminate all forms of disparity and inequality.

Wednesday 8th March 2023 is International Womens Day, celebrated annually as a focal point in the women's rights movement, bringing attention to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women. This years celebration is under the theme DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality.

As a Creative Writer and an expert in Multimedia Production, I wish to focus my attention on beating the gender gap in the industry  television and film. A major question I ask industry mates and fellow female colleagues - where do women stand in the film, television and media industry and what pragmatic steps are we taking to close the gender gap?

According to the Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film at San Diego State University , nine percent (9%) of all narrative film directors are women. It is interesting to know that, it is usually the case that directors get to choose their team for their productions. In that case, the cast and crew often mirror who is in that top job.

So what works to change gender diversity? Hire women, it is as simple as that! That appears very simple, however, there are more layers to this problem beyond getting women in the door, including hostile work environments and too many assumptions made about the expectations of women in their career. The solution to the problem begins when you have more women in the room.

There is an assumption of incapability when it comes to women, as opposed to the assumption of capability when it comes to men. This definitely cannot be the case and in recent times, there has been some good news for women when we look at the new streaming content providers like Netflix and Amazon. Women have more leading and prominent roles and for their show, they are regular appearing characters versus traditional film and network television.

Financing is a big challenge for filmmakers and studies have shown that when men and women win at festivals, the male directors get tapped for big-budget studio films, while the female directors do not. To close this gap, we need several organizations to jump into the fray, to help to fund women-directed and produced projects just like in other sectors such as agriculture, trade and others.

Getting stories financed that include interesting roles for women is another challenge and that should be taken into consideration. In addition, there should be affirmative action to create funding to assist women in the industry to build their capacities and add value to themselves in order to achieve some progress and more knowledge.

On a personal level, I will urge people involved in professional events in our industry to book as many women for their panels as men. I can assure them of some fantastic and capable women who will deliver magnificently; they are out here and ready to speak. In addition, shining a light on the gender gap on and behind the screen is one way to keep the pressure on the industry. As the saying goes, what gets measured gets done!

By Alice Senam Nimoh  Appea (Creative Writer & Multimedia Production Specialist)
08.03.2023 LISTEN

Wednesday 8th March 2023 marks this years edition of International Women's Day (IWD 2023), a global holiday celebrated annually as a focal point in the women's rights movement, bringing attention to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.

IWD 2023's campaign theme aims to get the world talking about why equal opportunities are no longer enough. Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.

It is believed that everyone everywhere should have the right to access the transformative power of the internet. Internet access has become an essential part of modern life, necessary to ensure freedom of expression, political participation, health, and other fundamental rights.

Internet access provides an invaluable space where marginalized communities initiate social change and identities are created. However, it is estimated that over sixty percent (60%) of people around the world, most of them being women and girls, continue to be excluded.

As a Cybersecurity Analyst who has risen through the ranks, I have realised that womens chances of benefiting from the advantages of the internet and Information Communication Technology are one  third less than mens and the gender gap means that 200 million fewer women than men are online.

As we strive towards true gender equality, we know that access to the internet is critical for womens empowerment with several benefits including the possibility for women and girls to build social capital through virtual networks and online associations.

Also, providing a public space to make important information on womens rights universally available, supporting women to claim and demand their rights as well as creating new possibilities for education and employment for women and girls in the digital economy.

An important element in the drive to bridge the gender gap is the representation of women in technology fields. Currently, women worldwide are under-represented in the various technology fields. Globally, women make up only one quarter of scientific researchers and only twelve percent (12%) of engineers in the world are women.

The number of women in tech worldwide has continued to steadily rise in recent years; however, the numbers remain very low comparatively. At this current pace, it will take 12 years before women see equal representation in tech. In addition, if you think that sounds bad, at the current pace, it will take more than 200 years until the economic gender gap is closed.

At the end of 2020, women made up nearly 29% of the tech workforce, according to data from AnitaB.org (a global organization for women technologists). Women currently hold only 26.7% of tech-related jobs. Tech firms with more than 10,000 employees report women's representation at 26.2%. The percentage of women in all tech-related careers has actually decreased over the last 2 years.

The drop-off rate for more advanced study in these fields amongst women is generally high due to stereotypes, the dominance of men in IT fields, industrys lack of policies for inclusion of women, and skills gaps in STEM areas.

It is important to relook at our national policies, which focus on women and their career development. National policies should encourage increased access, training and use of the Internet for women and girls. Women should be empowered and encouraged to pursue careers in technology with concrete targets for gender equity in this area.

In addition, the various scholarships and grant programmes should be made available to support women in science and technology training and research, and ICT-related business training programmes should target women to promote and assist women tech entrepreneurs.

Over the years, national ICT plans or strategies include a rhetorical commitment to gender equity, but fail to translate this into concrete, measurable targets backed by resources.

There should be concrete targets for gender equity in ICT access and should be backed by specific programmes that have been allocated an adequate budget, and there should be a plan to collect timely gender-disaggregated data to monitor the target. It should be real action and not lip service!

By Eunice Golloh (President & Founder of Impact Wave Initiative and Chief Executive Officer & President of HKG IT Consulting)
08.03.2023 LISTEN

Igbo Elders Consultative Assembly has ordered for forensic investigations onto allegations of numerous attempts to assassinate the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM in Ebonyi State, Rev Gold Paschal Nwaigwe. This comes as the body frowns at numerous politically motivated death and assassination attempts in the state.

This was part of the resolutions during the last meeting of the forum where the governorship candidate of Allied Peoples Movement Rev Gold Paschal Nwaigwe solicited the assistance the distinguished Igbo Elders to call Governor Dave Umahi to order and allow free reign of political activities in the state.

Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of Igbo Elders Consultative Forum and former governor of Anambra State, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife said that he has discussed the issue of threats to the life of Rev Gold Paschal with Governor Umahi and the former denied any involvement. Dr EZeife cautioned against intimidation of candidates, murders, assassinations and all miscellaneous matters that does not help the advancement of democracy.

Other members of the forum condemned the numerous vases of murder, attacks, arson. disappearances and use of security personnel against opponents which has characterizes the campaign trajectory in Ebonyi State.

The influential elders instituted an undercover investigation to ensure those behind the assassination attempts are brought to book.

Igbo Elders Consultative Forum also warned the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to abide by the rules of the electoral act in Ebonyi State, South East and Nigeria. They said that any attempt to trample on the will of the people especially in the governorship elevations in the manner the presidential elections was conducted, is a panacea for anarchy.

The forum also asked the Labour Party Presidential Candidate , Mr Peter Ob to use all legal means to reclaim his stolen mandate, claiming that the presidential polls was flawed and a slap on Nigerias image.

The Governorship Candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA in Ebonyi State, Prof Bernard Odoh survived assassination attempt three weeks ago, but some of his security details were felled by bullets. He is also currently raising alarm that Governor Dave Umahi wants to use the Police to arrest him few days to the elections on a tramped-up murder charges. He has reported the matter to relevant Igbo Elders and APGA Leaderships who are currently investigating the matter..
AngloGold Ashanti Ghana, Obuasi Mine has once again expressed its commitment towards empowering women and championing the cause of women especially in its operational areas.

The company made this firm commitment when it hosted a women empowerment program at the KNUST-Obuasi campus to commemorate the 2023 edition of the International Women's Day.

International Womens Day is a global day celebrated annually on March 8 as a focal point in the womens rights movement, bringing attention to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.

The celebration also serves as a call to action for gender equality and the empowerment of women globally.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of AngloGold Ashanti Ghana, Obuasi Mine Eric Asubonteng emphasized the company's policy of leaving its host communities in a better state after operation. This, he noted, cannot be achieved without including women in their activities, which is why both males and females are involved in the activities of the Mine.

He pointed out that women constitute approximately 52% of the population hence cannot be ignored when dealing with developmental issues, stressing that International Women's Day is particularly important to AngloGold Ashanti as they are committed to focusing on the development of women.

Touching on the theme for this year's celebrationEmbrace Equity Mr. Asubonteng stressed that although the mining industry is mainly dominated by men, AngloGold Ashanti has made significant strides in increasing the female workforce from 4 to 11% since the start of the redevelopment project in 2018, creating a more conducive working environment.

He added that the company has also increased maternity leave from three to four months, redesigned uniforms to be suitable for women, and provided female washrooms and changing rooms to ensure a comfortable and inclusive work environment. AngloGold Ashanti also encourages women to apply for roles they are capable and competent of filling, as opportunities are available and open to women.

"AngloGold Ashanti has established the Enterprise Development Center at Obuasi Anyinam, where 300 women are trained in their skill development. The Leadership Workshop, established by AngloGold Ashanti, has also trained women in the community to develop leadership skills. Graduate Training and Youth Apprenticeship programs have also seen increased participation by women, with the company committed to continuing this approach and strategy", he averred.

On her part, the Social Development and Gender Superintendent Mavis Nana Yaa Kyei acknowledged that women face challenges in the industry, such as work-life balance, but AngloGold Ashanti is making significant efforts to address this issue. These efforts demonstrate the company's commitment to gender equality and the importance of celebrating International Women's Day.

Ms. Esther Aniful, a Senior High School student who attended the program, revealed that she gained valuable knowledge from the program that changed her mindset, empowered her, and opened her eyes to numerous opportunities available to women.

"My participation in the program has emboldened me to take on new challenges and pursue her goals with confidence", she added.

Asurufie Dorcas, a junior high school student who also attended the program also narrated her experience. She divulged that she discovered how women are capable of holding high positions such as bank managers, engineers, and other professions. She recognized that traditional gender roles and beliefs around motherhood and house chores have often limited women's opportunities to advance in their careers. Dorcas expressed her hope that one day a woman would be elected as the president of the country, highlighting the importance of gender diversity and equity in leadership roles.

In an interview with the SRC Women's Commissioner of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ms. Christiana Acheampong, she emphasized the importance of recognizing and encouraging women to make significant contributions to their communities. She encouraged men to participate in programs that promote gender equality and support women's advancement. Ms. Acheampong stressed the importance of hard work in securing higher positions in various organizations and urged women to maintain good moral values, particularly on social media, and to conduct themselves well in all aspects of life to build a positive reputation. Ms. Acheampong's key takeaway from the program was to let one's actions speak for themselves.
The longstanding disagreement between Sanso community in Obuasi and AngloGold Ashanti over employment seem to have no end in sight.

The community on Wednesday, 8th March, 2023 organised a protest against the mining company over some issues with key among them being employment.

According to the leader of the protest Kwabena Ofori, the community has information that AngloGold is preparing to close a mine pit in the community known as Asuokyi which he said has been the source of livelihood for most of the youth at Sanso.

He alleged that the company claims the presence of the illegal miners from Sanso in the Asuokyi poses danger to the survival of the Mine an assertion Mr. Ofori vehemently refutes claiming that the site has no direct link to AGA's underground site.

"What AGA is saying is completely false. Asuokyi is not connected to underground. Infact, our forefathers used to mine at Asuokyi long before AGA came to Obuasi. So we want everybody to treat this with a pinch of salt".

Mr. Ofori further alleged that AngloGold Ashanti has not been fair to the community during recruitment citing instances where members of the community have gone through interviews yet have not heard anything again rendering them unemployed without any means to take care of their families.

He however appealed to the Ashanti Regional Minister and the Ashanti South Regional Police commander to swiftly intervene since the community will resist any attempt by AngloGold Ashanti to close the Asuokyi site.

Samuel Oduro an Ex- Assembly member of Sanso who spoke with the media alleged that the company through its activities have polluted their water bodies, destroyed their farmlands and caused all sorts of environmental destructions without any compensation.

He stressed that the community initially left all mining sites in the community where they have been operating following a plea from AGA to enable the company woe investors into AGA. But after 2016, it has prevented the people from accessing those sites even though some of them have been left unattended to by AGA.

"We want to send this signal to AngloGold Ashanti and all those involved, we won't leave the Asuokyi site. This is our sourceof livelihood, our means of survival, leaving here means we are going to die. We won't leave", he stressed.
AppGallery, one of the top three app marketplaces, made its second appearance in a row at the Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC), showcasing an extraordinary portfolio of services. This delivered an epic experience for fans of all ages with several product exclusives and engaging activities.

The 11th edition of MEFCC was held from March 3 to 5, 2023, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec). The region's largest pop culture festival offered comic fans an immersive experience from videos to movies, creativity, arts, cosplay and mobile gaming.

AppGallery's fan booth has demonstrated a great engagement among attendees with its commitment to providing VIP users and gamers with the latest trends and best experiences in mobile gaming at the MEFCC. The booth also offered an opportunity to learn more about AppGallery, and offered an immersive experience for visitors to explore and discover a wide selection of the newest and most exciting local and global apps and games available on AppGallery.

Mobile Gaming

Fans also enjoyed thrilling and rewarding Mobile Gaming competitions featuring PUBG and MLBB games at the convention, where they could experience the Huawei suite of products, and preview exclusive game content.

In addition, AppGallery offered a unique opportunity for artistic individuals to showcase their creative abilities by introducing the "Created By Huawei MatePad" workshop. Popular artists created spectacular drawings using Huawei MatePad, which participants and art enthusiasts then replicated using the device.

The event also featured Huawei's top gaming and app partners, including Infinity Kingdom " "- Sawa Group, "PUBG Mobile"-Tencent, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang - Moonton, Lords Mobile  IGG, Zombie Siege - Artal Games, Evony: The King's Return - Flexion Mobile, The Ants: Underground Kingdom - Flexion Mobile, Dragon Raja - Flexion Mobile and Revenge of Sultans  Onemt.

Pop culture festival

"AppGallery is proud to have taken part in the region's biggest pop culture festival to bring a great experience to games, movies, and comic lovers, and deliver them an exciting line-up of innovative attractions. We are extremely pleased with our users' popularity and appreciation for our AppGallery offerings, which demonstrates our commitment to nurturing innovative collaborations and providing them with the best experiences in the region," said William Hu, Managing Director of Huawei Consumer Business Group, Middle East and Africa Eco Development and Operation.-- TradeArabia News Service
The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday extended for one year long-standing sanctions on Sudan, ignoring pleas from Khartoum to lift the measures.

Sudan has repeatedly called for the world body to scrap the sanctions, and an arms embargo, imposed during conflict in the country's restive Darfur region in 2005.

Last month, Russia's top diplomat Sergei Lavrov pledged support for the African nation's call.

But the 15-member Council voted to renew the mandate of the panel of experts tasked with monitoring and implementing the sanctions and embargo until March 12, 2024.

The vote was passed with 13 votes in favor. Moscow and Beijing abstained.

China's deputy UN representative, Geng Shuang, said the sanctions were "outdated and should be lifted because things have improved on the ground."

Ex-strongman Omar al-Bashir was ousted from power in Sudan in 2019, following popular protests, after three decades in power marked by international isolation and crippling US sanctions.

A short-lived transition to civilian rule followed and Washington delisted Sudan as a state sponsor of terror in December 2020, with $2 billion of international aid returning.

But the East African country has been gripped by deepening political and economic turmoil since a 2021 coup led by army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan derailed the transition to civilian rule and halted the aid flow.
Dean of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Professor Vladimir Antwi-Danso has in part, blamed the general indiscipline of Ghanaians for the frequent military brutality meted out to civilians.

Speaking on the back of the Tuesday dawn swoop conducted by some personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces, the security analyst said there has been a recent rise in the cases of indiscipline in the country.

In an interview on the Point Blank segment on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, the security analyst said the circumstance under which the military stormed Ashaiman is questionable but understanding because it is only when the police are overwhelmed that the military will be called in but if you have a scanty police force that is ill-equipped and placed far away from crime, that is what will happen when the military thinks they dont have to wait for the police.

He strongly stressed that what we also have to look at is the very fact of indiscipline in our society. There is so much discipline in our society in such a way that these things are bound to happen if you dont kill indiscipline.

Mr. Antwi-Danso further intimated that there is so much disregard for the constitution, such that, matters hardly get reported to the police of late and that when such happens, the outcome is substantial instances of brutality committed by security personnel all around the country.

If we want to prevent this, then let our society be a constitutional state where we know our rights and our obligations, Mr. Antwi-Danso added.

Residents of Ashaiman on Tuesday, March 7 were brutalised by soldiers over the murder of a young military officer, Trooper Imoro Sherrif on Saturday, March 4, 2023.

Many believed the actions of the military were to avenge the death of their colleague but the Public Affairs Unit of GAF said the swoop was sanctioned by the Military High Command and targeted at criminals.

citinewsroom
The Member of Parliament for North Tongu Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has said President Akufo-Addos unhinged attack of the diplomatic corps during his message on the state of the nation is most repugnant, illogical and intolerant.

President Akufo-Addo while delivering the State of the Nation address in parliament on Wednesday, 8 March 2023, said there is so much freedom of speech in Ghana to the extent that even diplomats partake in the countrys national discourse  something he noted would be frowned upon in those diplomats home countries were the tables turned.

Today, we live in a country in which we enjoy complete freedom of expression, freedom of association, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion and political affiliation.

Indeed, freedom of speech has now reached such heights that even members of the diplomatic corps feel able to join in our national discourse, and pronounce on matters that would be problematic for Ghanaian diplomats in their countries of origin, Mr Akufo-Addo noted.

Nevertheless, Mr Speaker, it seems to me the important thing in our free speech environment is actually to try and hear each other, instead of raising the decibel level of our individual points of view, he told the house.

The Presidents statement followed comments by German Ambassador to Ghana, Daniel Krull, that Germany was ready and willing to help achieve debt relief for Ghana but insisted it will only do that if the government of Ghana would put its house in order.

Daniel Krull had said this after President Akufo-Addo, on Friday, 3 February 2023, urged Germany to encourage China, an ad hoc member of the Paris Club, to support Ghanas debt restructuring efforts.

Reacting to what appears to be a jab at the German Ambassador in the Presidents state of the nation address, Mr Ablakwa in a Facebook post said Mr Akufo-Addo cannot accuse diplomats of joining the national discourse when he was the very person who invited them by begging for debt cancellation after grossly mismanaging the Ghanaian economy.

In Mr Ablakwas view, the President is basically telling the foreign envoys: I desperately need your money and benevolence but not your advice on how to reduce the size of my government and cut down on my extravagant expenditures as the German Ambassador counseled recently.

Mr prayed Mr Akufo-Addos impervious posture does not derail the already difficult bilateral negotiations on Ghanas external debt restructuring.

He added that President Akufo-Addo must definitely win the prize for the worlds most arrogant beggar.

Source: Classfmonline.com
Convenor of the #FixTheCountry Movement Oliver Mawuse Barker-Vormawor says he will write to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) on Thursday, March 9 over the violations of rights of residents in Ashaiman by some soldiers.

According to him, what the soldiers went to Ashaiman, though said to be sanctioned by the Military High Command, is a threat to Ghanas democracy.

For him, the supposed arrest of 184 civilians by the military in last Tuesdays swoop can only be kidnapping.

Therefore, he is going to provide legal representation for each and every resident who fell victim to the military brutalities.

They claim that this was intelligence-led. No intelligence-led operation will lead you to gather 184 citizens at random and release 150 of them. On what basis were those detained to begin with? the lawyer questioned.

They are continuing to hold 34 citizens still. I am going to urge them that if they have any respect for the remnant of this democracy, if they have any respect for themselves, even if the Commander-in-Chief refuses to act, that they release those individuals promptly.

Myself, we are going to write to them because we have taken up the charge and course to provide legal representations to all the victims involved.

Mr Barker-Vormawor was speaking on TV3s Ghana Tonight on Wednesday, March 8.

His reaction comes a day after the Military High Command sanctioned an intelligence-led operation to fish out persons behind the gruesome murder of a 21-year-old military officer.

Imoro Sherrif was stabbed to death in the early hours of Saturday, March 4.

Mr Barker-Vormawor, whose treason trial was heard in an Ashaiman court, said volunteers will be deployed to the town from Thursday through Saturday to gather information in preparing a legal action against the military just like they did in the case of Ejura in 2021.

We are going to make every attempt to sue the Ghana Armed Forces for what they have done.

3news.com
09.03.2023 LISTEN

Pressure group #FixTheCountry Movement want laws to bite hard especially in times of serious infractions like the military did in Ashaiman last Tuesday.

Convenor Oliver Mawuse Barker-Vormawor is calling for the resignation of the Military High Command en masse because they have misconducted themselves and showed themselves incompetent to lead the military in a time of democracy.

He made the demand on TV3s Ghana Tonight on Wednesday, March 8.

The private legal practitioner was speaking in the wake of an intelligence-led operation sanctioned by the Command and conducted in Ashaiman in an effort to fish out killers of a young soldier.

Mr Barker-Vormawor said the action of the soldiers smacks of revenge and he is readying a suit at the courts against the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

It is important that in times of grave brutalities like this, we make our laws speak loud and clear that the national soul of this country is restored, he indicated.

We are demanding the resignation of the entire Military High Command.

He also called on the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice to lead in charging the Command for the violations of the human rights of civilians by the soldiers.

He also said if the president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo , was competent enough as the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, he will demand the resignation Military High Command over last Tuesdays actions.

One hundred and eighty-four persons were arrested after the swoop though 150 have since been released.

3news.com
Former President John Dramani Mahama is calling for compensation for the family of the slain soldier in Ashaiman, and all innocent victims brutalised in the area by personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) following the murder of the young soldier.

While commiserating with the family and officers of GAF over the death of the soldier, Mr Mahama prayed for peace and harmony in the country.

He called on the government and state institutions to immediately step in to address the potentially inflammatory development between Ashaiman and the Ghana Armed Forces.

Mr Mahamas counsel follows a sanctioned military operation in Ashaiman with armored vehicles and a chopper on Tuesday, 7 March 2023, where civilians were brutalized and 182 of them rounded up and handed over to the Military Police.

Some residents out of fear remained indoors all day in what appeared to be an unsanctioned curfew imposed on the town.

The GAF having admitted in a statement that the operation was sanctioned by the Military High Command, however, said it was not to avenge the killing of the soldier, Trooper Imoro Sherrif, but rather, to fish out the perpetrators of the crime.

The GAF stressed that the swoop was not targeted at innocent civilians but was an intelligence-led swoop conducted on suspected hideouts of criminals and crime-prone areas in the general area.

Mr Mahama reacting to the event further said he was deeply saddened by the death of the soldier, at such a young age.

He said as a former Commander in Chief, he appreciates how such unexpected deaths affect the GAF, however, he encouraged them to exercise restraint and allow due process to investigate, apprehend, prosecute and punish the perpetrator(s) of the dastardly act.

He noted that there are obviously many people who live and work in Ashaiman who are innocent of this heinous crime and, therefore, the military must refrain from meting out extra-judicial justice to them.

Source: Classfmonline.com
Private Legal Practitioner, Oliver Mawuse Barker-Vormawor has hit out at the Military High Command over the recent swoop conducted by military personnel in Ashaiman.

Personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces on Wednesday conducted a swoop in Ashaiman and its environs in a man-hunt for some criminals, who are suspected to have stabbed and killed a young soldier, Trooper Imoro Sherrif.

During the operation, over 180 residents were arrested with several of them being subjected to beating and various punishments.

In a press release from the Ghana Armed Forces after videos of the brutalisation went viral, it said the military operation, which was sanctioned by the Military High Command, was not to avenge the killing of the soldier but rather to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

The release also explained that the swoop was not targeted at innocent civilians but was an intelligence-led operation conducted on suspected hideouts of criminals and crime-prone areas in the area.

Speaking to TV3 on the brutalities meted out to residents of Ashaiman by the military, Oliver Mawuse Barker-Vormawor who is Convener of pressure group #FixtTheCountry accused the Military High Command of misconduct.

According to him, the operation conducted by the military is proof that the Military High Command is incompetent to lead the military in a time of democracy.

It is important that in times of grave brutalities like this, we make our laws speak loud and clear that the national soul of this country is restored.

We are demanding the resignation of the entire Military High Command, Oliver Mawuse Barker-Vormawor stressed.

Meanwhile, Oliver Mawuse Barker-Vormawor in a post on Facebook today has demanded the immediate release of all persons in military detention.

In his post, he said, the Ghana Armed Forces must immediately release the remaining citizens they kidnapped. Failing that, they must ensure that they are brought before a judge immediately.
09.03.2023 LISTEN

A group called, Ashaiman Lives Matter, has called on President Nana Akufo-Addo to immediately order the release of all residents of Ashaiman, arrested by personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) in their operation in the area on, 7 March 2023, to fish out persons suspected to have murdered a young soldier in the area.

In a sanctioned military operation in Ashaiman with armored vehicles and a chopper on Tuesday, 7 March 2023, residents were brutalised and 182 of them rounded up and handed over to the Military Police.

Some residents out of fear remained indoors all day in what appeared to be an unsanctioned curfew imposed on the town.

The GAF having admitted in a statement that the operation was sanctioned by the Military High Command, however, said it was not to avenge the killing of the soldier, Trooper Imoro Sherrif, but rather, to fish out the perpetrators of the crime.

Reacting to the event, the Ashaiman Lives Matter group in a statement urged the President to set up a committee to investigate the criminal acts of the soldiers and punish the culprits.

The group also want the President to direct the Defence Minister to pay for all the damaged properties of Ashaiman residents caused by the soldiers and adequately compensate all victims of the military brutality.

The group further condemned the murder of the young soldier, Trooper Imoro Sherrif, and called on the Police to speed up their investigations and bring the perpetrators to book.

In a statement, they also demanded an apology from the President as the Commander-in-Chief of the GAF and called on the Ghana Bar Association, media and civil society to condemn the actions of the soldiers.

Source: Classfmonline.com
Member of Parliament (MP) for the Bolgatanga Central Constituency in the Upper East Region has rejected the claim by President Nana Akufo-Addo that his government has built more roads than any other government in the Fourth Republic.

According to Mr Isaac Adongo, the presidents claim in his state of the nation address to parliament is not a true reflection on the ground.

"If the presidents claim were true, why did Members of Parliament on both sides of the house keep asking the sector minister about the state of their roads?" he argued.

Mr Adongo said MPs keep lobbying for roads because the roads have not been done in sharp contrast to the assertion of the president.

He said MPs keep piling up questions for the minister of roads every day because their roads have not been done.

According to him, the sector minister is dragged to the floor every Friday to answer questions about roads in many constituencies.

"Many of these MPs have not had their roads built since this government assumed office," Mr Adongo said.

Mr Adongo said: "While the MPs are complaining about the state of their roads, contractors are also complaining about not being paid for done work".

He asked: "Everywhere in the world, the capital investment reflects on the economy but what is the reflection of the presidents claims on the economy today?"

In his address, the president said a large amount of the money that the country borrows, goes into road construction and the subject of roads also constitutes a large number of questions that arise in the House of Legislature.

As I go around the country, I hear the pleas for roads, schools, hospitals, and, as the rainy season comes, I wish, as every other Ghanaian does, that we would have built more drains than we have".

"And I wish we had the resources to do more, the president stated.

He stressed: I am proud of the amount of work that we have done, especially in the road sector. Roads constitute the largest number of questions asked in this House by Members of Parliament; a large amount of the monies we borrow are for road construction. Shall we dare stop constructing roads?

President Akufo-Addo noted that his government has constructed more roads than any government under the 4th Republic.

Mr Speaker, I would like to state categorically that this Government has built more roads than any government in the history of the 4th Republic, and Mr Speaker, the details of all these roads are attached in the annex to this Message, he said.

The president further noted that he had to make details of the roads his government has worked on so far available for evidence sake.

I have done so because, last year, when I made a similar pronouncement, I was met with howls and gasps of incredulity from the Minority benches, and so I thought it appropriate, this time, to present it as an annex to the Statement, which will be part of Hansard, he stated.

Source: Classfmonline.com
Former President John Dramani Mahama

09.03.2023 LISTEN

Former President John Dramani Mahama has expressed sympathy over the murder of a military trooper, Imoro Sherif, at Ashaiman in the Greater Accra Region on Saturday, March 4.

Mr. Mahama also commiserated with the bereaved family and the entire Ghana Armed Forces for their loss.

The sad incident, according to the former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, is a hard thing to bear.

"I am deeply saddened by the death of one of our soldiers at such a young age in Ashaiman.

"Lordina and I extend our deepest condolences to his bereaved and grieving family and the officers and men of the Ghana Armed Forces.

"As your former Commander in Chief, I do appreciate how such unexpected deaths affect the Force," said the former president in a portion of his Facebook post on Wednesday, March 8.

The 2020 NDC flagbearer asked the military not to take the laws into their own hands and torture innocent people like they did in the community on Tuesday, March 7.

"However, I encourage you to exercise restraint and allow due process to investigate, apprehend, prosecute, and punish the perpetrator(s) of the dastardly act.

"There are obviously many people who live and work in Ashaiman who are innocent of this heinous crime. The military must, therefore, refrain from meting out extra-judicial justice to them," his post further alluded.

To the innocent citizens who suffered from the military swoop, the aspiring NDC flagbearer showed sympathy.

"I also sympathise with the victims of the torture in Ashaiman as a result of this unfolding death of a serving soldier.

"I pray we find peace and harmony in our dear country, as the government and state institutions immediately step in to address this potentially inflammatory development between Ashaiman and the Ghana Armed Forces, including providing commensurate compensation for all persons affected," Mr. Mahamas post concluded.

Find his full post below;


Dubai-based Seed Group, a company of the Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, has signed a strategic partnership with Italian scale-up BizAway to revolutionise business travel experiences in the region.



As a single, quick solution to book and manage business trips with just a click, BizAway combines the efficiency of technology with a complete travel solution to optimize time and create a memorable business travel experience.



The strategic partnership has been designed to help and guide BizAway in bringing its business travel solutions to the UAE and the region, tending to a growing number of people traveling across the world for work from here. Per this partnership, Seed Group will facilitate BizAway's growth and expansion with guidance on how to reach the right audience, access top decision-makers in the government as well as the private sector, and contribute to making business travel easier and more seamless.



BizAway is a corporate travel agency and technology company based in Italy, Spain, Albania and now UAE, offering an all-in-one platform developed to simplify every aspect of business travel. BizAway was born from a team of developers and professionals specialized in business travel with the aim of facilitating the business travel experience. With constant updates and continuous evolution, the platform guarantees users optimal management of time and available resources on the back of sophisticated yet easy-to-use software.



Hisham Al Gurg, CEO of Seed Group and the Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, said: "Business travel is common in the UAE and the region, given that a number of international and internationally operated organizations have their bases here. In this context, having BizAway's expertise in the region will ease a lot of pain points in business travel.



"BizAway's solutions are designed to support local corporations and the UAE's goal of digitalization perfectly. This gives them an edge and the ability to disrupt the business travel industry in the UAE and the GCC at large, especially when the value of business travel spending in the GCC has been pegged at over $30 billion. We look forward to a powerful association with BizAway."



Luca Carlucci, CEO of BizAway, said: "We are incredibly honoured that Seed Group has selected BizAway to form a partnership with. This allows businesses and corporations in the EMEA region to digitize in the field of business travel. Our company is an innovative leader in the business travel industry, with the goal of redefining the entire experience and offering our customers a superior level of service through the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. Our company's top priority has always been to meet the needs of our customers and provide them with a unique and unforgettable experience."



He added: "We are in line with the UAE's vision of promoting continuous development and the implementation of digital strategies within the country, and we are ready to support companies that want to digitize and optimize their business travel function."



BizAway offers an indispensable tool for managing business trips at 360 in a simple and transparent way, along with travel agency services and travel risk management.



Seed Group is a notable force in the technology, healthcare, hospitality, and telecommunications landscapes in the Middle East. Over the past 20 years, it has formed successful strategic alliances with leading global companies representing diverse regions to accelerate sustainable market entry and presence within the GCC countries.  TradeArabia News Service
France's Senate voted to raise the retirement age by two years to 64 as widespread strikes against the government's controversial overhaul of the pensions system carried into Thursday.

The predominantly right-wing upper house voted by 201 votes to 115 in favour of the decisive article that increases the legal age of retirement by two years.

Liberal politicians voiced anger following the vote.

"Your name will forever be attached to a reform that will set the clock back almost 40 years," Socialist senator Monique Lubin told Labour Minister Olivier Dussopt.

The government insists that raising the retirement age and stiffening the requirements for a full pension are essential if France is to prevent the system from plunging into deficit.

France lags behind most of its European neighbours who have already hiked the retirement age to 65 or more.

The Senate has until Sunday at midnight to complete its consideration and revision of the controversial legislation.

Strike disruption continues in key sectors

The trade unions have vowed to pile pressure on the government by staging further protests and strikes.

National rail traffic was disrupted for a third day in a row Thursday, while up to 30 percent of flights were cancelled as air traffic controllers downed tools.

The National Federation of Mines and Energy CGT union warned of a "great day of energy sobriety" as the Feyzin refinery near Lyon renewed its strike for a further week.

Youth organisations have planned a march through Paris on Thursday afternoon, while there is to be a national day of demonstrations on Saturday.

On Wednesday fuel deliveries, trains and flights were disrupted for a second day following mass rallies on Tuesday that saw at least 1.28 demonstrators take to the streets in the most dramatic show of popular force since 1995.

Eric Sellini, national coordinator of the CGT union federation at energy giant TotalEnergies, said workers at most fuel shipping sites were again on strike.

Upcoming vote

A vote on the reform by both houses of parliament is expected by 26 March at the latest.

The government hopes to be able to push through the bill with backing from the right, without having to resort to the constitutional article known as 49.3, a controversial mechanism that allows the imposition of legislation without a parliamentary vote.

Two-thirds of French voters are against the pensions reform, but around the same number believe it will be implemented, according to an opinion poll published on Monday.
Human rights groups and agencies have expressed alarm at the widening funding gap. WFP's move alone to cut food rations will add significant pressure, said John Quinley of the human rights group Fortify Rights. "The [latest] cuts on food aid will be dire and could lead to significant health consequences for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh."

A looming funding crisis facing Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh underlines the deepening aid shortages and growing unrest in the sprawling camps along the country's border with Myanmar.

United Nations officials have warned of a shortfall of more than 50% in the $876 million needed this year to provide basic food and shelter for nearly 1 million refugees living in one of the world's largest refugee settlements. In a sign of the widening funding gap, the World Food Program in February announced a 17% cut in refugee rations for camp dwellers to $10 a month from $12 per person and issued an emergency appeal for $125 million to help make up the shortfall. Japan recently pledged $1 million in response, but as one WFP official said, "The overall silence has been roaring."

The "ticking time bomb," according to humanitarian agencies and U.N. officials, is the looming drop in overall funding this year to maintain the Rohingya camps amid growing donor fatigue over other urgent demands, including the fallout of Russia's war in Ukraine, worsening humanitarian problems in Afghanistan and the death or displacement of many millions in Pakistan due to flooding and in Turkey and Syria after February's earthquakes.

The US State Department has announced nearly USD 26 million in additional humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, for those people in Burma affected by ongoing violence, and for communities hosting refugees from Burma.

In such a context, the announcement of the United States humanitarian aid to the Rohingyas will raise optimism. Through this, it is expected that the international community will show sincerity in solving the Rohingya problem in Bangladesh and the world conscience will be awakened.

With this new funding, the US total assistance for those affected by the Rakhine State and Rohingya crisis has reached nearly USD 2.1 billion since August 2017, when over 7,40,000 Rohingya were forced to flee to safety in Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh, according to a press statement issued by the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday, during the launch of the 2023 Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis in Bangladesh.

According to the official press statement, the new funding includes nearly USD 24 million for programs specifically in Bangladesh, providing life-sustaining support to nearly 9,80,000 Rohingya refugees, many of them survivors of genocide, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing, and support to nearly 5,40,000 host community members in Bangladesh.

The assistance, according to Blinken, sees to it that children and young adults have access to education and vocational training, provides families with food and clean water, strengthens sanitation systems to prevent the spread of disease, supports the protection of Rohingya refugees human rights and well-being, bolsters disaster preparedness, and helps combat the effects of climate change.

The US urged other donors to contribute robustly to the humanitarian response and increase support to those driven from and affected by violence in Burma.

The United States recognises the generosity of the government and people of Bangladesh and other countries hosting refugees from Burma in the region particularly given that this is the sixth year of this protracted crisis, according to the statement by Blinken.

We are committed to finding lasting solutions to this crisis, including the safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return and reintegration of displaced Rohingya when conditions in Burma allow. An essential step in ending this crisis is ending the military regimes brutal repression of its people and agreeing to a pathway to an inclusive multiparty democracy. We commend our humanitarian partners for the lifesaving work they continue to do every day, read the US Department of State press statement.

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk recently called for a coordinated regional approach to protect the thousands of desperate Rohingya who risk their lives by undertaking perilous sea voyages.

More than 2,400 Rohingya have sought to leave Bangladesh and Myanmar in 2022 alone, and I am deeply saddened that over 200 have reportedly lost their lives on the way. Recent reports indicate that overcrowded and unsafe boats carrying Rohingyas have been left to drift for days on end without any help, Turk said in a statement released by the UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner.

As the crisis at sea continues, I urge countries in the region to put in place a coordination mechanism to ensure proactive search and rescue, the disembarkation of Rohingya refugees on their territories, and their effective protection, he added, noting that some States had already provided assistance.

The High Commissioner for Human Rights called on countries in the region and globally to help Bangladesh support the over one million Rohingya refugees who have sought protection there since 2017.

Clearly, an urgent solution must be found to enable the voluntary return of all Rohingya, with full respect for their dignity and human rights as full and equal citizens of Myanmar, he added.

Since the military overthrew the government on Feb. 1, 2021, the political, economic, and humanitarian crises in Burma have only worsened; according to sources, there have been close to 3,000 fatalities, close to 17,000 arrests, and more than 1.5 million displaced people. The continued scorched-earth effort by the dictatorship continues to do harm and take the lives of innocent people, halting discussions about the return of Rohingya, igniting an escalating military conflict inside of Burma, and fostering insecurity outside of its borders.

Bangladesh continues to house them despite being forced to use a significant portion of her meager resources to cover expenditures and mitigate effects on her economy, society, and environment. In this path of providing humanitarian aid to the Rohingya, Bangladesh is joined by numerous European, British, and American countries.

The United States has contributed the most to the Rohingya crisis so far. The United States of America, in particular, has pledged massive assistance to Bangladesh in its efforts to shelter Rohingyas. Since the crisis, the United States has been the single most important country in providing funds for Rohingya refugees. Since 2017, the United States has provided more than $1.9 billion in humanitarian assistance to people in Myanmar, Bangladesh, and other parts of the region. The United States was the largest contributor to the JRP fund in 2022, accounting for 50.1 percent of total funding.

The United States, United Kingdom and Canada, to date, have imposed sanctions on 80 individuals and 32 entities to deprive the regime of the means to perpetuate its violence and to promote the democratic aspirations of Burmas people.

The United States remains firm in her position that the regimes planned elections cannot be free or fair, not while the regime has killed, detained, or forced possible contenders to flee, nor while it continues to inflict brutal violence against its peaceful opponents. The United States vows to continue to promote accountability for the militarys atrocities, including through support to the UNs Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar and other international efforts to protect and support vulnerable populations, including Rohingya.

The United States is working with ASEAN, the United Nations (following the recent passage of a UN Security Council Resolution on the situation in Burma), and the international community at large to uphold ASEANs Five-Point Consensus, increase diplomatic and economic pressure on the military, and support a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous Burma.

In December 2022, both house of the US legislature has passed a compromise version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), an annual piece of legislation that lays out US defense priorities, serves as a description of US policy towards Myanmar. The fiscal 2023 NDAA includes  USs support to return to the democratic govt., provide non-military assistance to EAOs and PDFs, funds to support the pro-democracy movement, assist in ethnic reconciliation, protect political prisoners and investigate and document atrocities.

In December of last year, 24 of the selected 62 Rohingyas left Bangladesh for the United States as part of the US governments resettlement program. According to the US Embassy in Dhaka, US President Biden reaffirmed the US commitment to welcoming refugees by keeping the total admissions target in the Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions for 2022-23 at 125,000, with a regional allocation of 15,000 for East Asia.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, State Department Counsellor Derek Chollet, Assistant Secretary of the US Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, Julieta Valls Noyes and other top diplomats expressed the same ideology as Bangladesh that the root cause of the Rohingya crisis lies in Myanmar and that safe and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar is the only sustainable solution.

In the quest for a strategic role  India, China, and regional actors have yet to establish a concrete position, despite greater opportunities to extend their strategic presence and establish themselves as regional leaders by engaging in the Rohingya repatriation process and peace talks to end the crisis in Myanmar. Their contributions have been minimal in comparison to what the US has done so far. While the US is strongly supporting Bangladesh on Rohingya issue, unfortunately, China and Indias geopolitical and geo-economic interests in Myanmar leave Bangladesh to manage the Rohingya crisis alone.

Despite increasingly competing aid priorities, the Rohingya crisis should still be core to the international agenda, because nearly 1 million Rohingya genocide survivors still dwell in the darkness," he said. "With no hopes for safe repatriation and under many restrictions, they are reliant on international aid. They have little or no rights as refugees, and aid cuts will result in severe malnutrition and hunger. The highest cost will be paid by the most vulnerable -- women and children.

It would be appreciated if the US administration works with Bangladesh government. It will reflect better mutual understanding between both administrations. The west and well-wishers of the promotors of humanitarian issues can follow the US footprint.

Sufian Siddique

Independent researcher and freelance columnist, Dhaka.
09.03.2023 LISTEN

The basic key factor behind the geopolitical importance pf Bangladesh is the geography of Bangladesh. The country shares land borders with Myanmar and India. Due to its geographical position, Bangladesh is a natural link between South Asia and Southeast Asia. The country is also a vital geopolitical ally to India, in that it has the potential to facilitate greater integration between Northeast India and Mainland India. Not only that, due to its open access to the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh have become significant to both China and the USA.

Previously Bangladeshs importance in South Asian geopolitics was largely defined by Sino-Indian rivalry and the Indo-Pak conflict; as India, Pakistan and China all are in the close proximity of Bangladesh. But in the post cold war era, Chinas growing ambition in the South Asian region and the Bay of Bengal has changed the equation of geopolitics for Bangladesh. China followed the combined theories of geopolitics for its expansion. The "Sea Power" theory raised by Alfred Thayer Mahan from the USA believed those who controlled the sea would control the world; the "Heartland" theory raised by Halford John Mackinder from Britain believed those who controlled Eurasia would control the world; while the "Rim Land" theory raised by Nicholas John Spykman from the U.S. believed those who controlled the rim land would control the world. To control the Eurasia, rimland and heartland, China needed to expand its connectivity with the outer world. But due to the rivalry with India, the opportunity of connectivity narrowed down and there came the geopolitical importance of Bangladesh.

Geo-Strategic Importance for India

Bangladesh is very important to India militarily. Because China can easily close the Siliguri Corridor in Sino-Indian military conflict. Through which India maintains communication with its eastern states. In this situation, India's only option will be to use the territory of Bangladesh to protect its relations with the eastern states. That is why it is very important for India to have friendly relations with Bangladesh, which is necessary for its security. India is now proposing connectivity of its northeastern part to China via the Chittagong port of Bangladesh, which will also boost further regional integration by complementing the BCIM and the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) corridors. India now aims to allow limited Chinese investment for boosting connectivity and trade in the northeast by using the BBIN sub-regional hub. This paradigm shift in Indian policies toward the BRI is being considered as the potential for a fresh beginning of India-China regional cooperation centering on Bangladesh, where a critical Bangladeshi port will work as the connecting hub.

Connecting Indias Northeastern States with Indian Mainland

Chickens Neck or Siliguri Corridor created the importance of Bangladesh for India. This corridor is one of the most geographical compulsions for India. This narrow corridor separated the whole North Eastern region from the Indian Mainland. Bangladesh creates a broader nexus between the Indian mainland and the North Eastern region. Because Agartala is 1,650km from Kolkata and 2,637km from New Delhi through Shillong and Guwahati. The journey between Agartala and Kolkata via Bangladesh, on the other hand, is only about 550km. Furthermore, the average distance between Bangladesh's major cities and northeast India is 20km to 300km. As a result, Bangladesh is always considered crucial for the North-Eastern region's connectivity with mainland India by rail, road, and river routes. Bangladesh played a major role and has immense potential for the development of Indian northeastern states. And among those states, Tripura and Assam are the prominent ones.

Not only that, The northeast region of India is one of the most vulnerable areas in terms of security.The northeastern states are almost detached from the Indian mainland. The terrorists and separatists take the advantage of the "Chicken's Neck" and carried out their insurgent movements in these states. Bangladesh, in turn, has been always by India's side in combating the situation

China and the USAs fight over the Indian Ocean

The Indian Ocean is a key trading route for Chinas energy supplies and routes, making it also the theatre of vulnerabilities. Out of the 10, the route to nine of its suppliers is through the Indian Ocean region. Securing these critical Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs) is a key priority for China. And to contain Chinese ascension thhe USA has the similar amount of interst in the India Ocean region. Bay of Bengal is one of the most important areas of the Indian Ocean Region.

Due to its open access to the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh have become significant to both China and the USA. Towards the sea, Bangladesh maintains threeChattogram, Mongla and Payraout of the 12 ports in the Bay of Bengal.

Bangladesh is a prime candidate to partner with China in the hypothesised "String of Pearls" strategy and the formation of the "Maritime Silk Road." The land dimensions of the BRI consist of several interconnected corridors spanning the entire Eurasian continent. Bangladesh is centrally situated along the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Economic Corridor. Bangladesh also occupies a strategic position along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road with its bustling port of Chittagong as a major maritime hub through the Indian Ocean.

China's Western rivals, along with India, are quite aware of this possibility, and have already initiated steps towards building greater ties with Bangladesh. It is also this possibility that has changed Bangladesh's status from decades of geopolitical irrelevance to a key player in shaping the future of Asia.

Moreover, as the Indo-Pacific trade route is one of the major concerns, the Western powers and their Pacific allies also became worried. Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its rapid spread worldwide have also increased Chinas presence both in this region and beyond. As a result, the geopolitical attention of almost all major powers quickly shifted to the Indo-Pacific region. The US and its European allies started to increase their engagement in this region, and its Indo-Pacific allies such as India, Japan and Australia also started to join in this engagement. Quickly, they inked agreements and pacts to contain China. The revival of Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) between the USA, India, Japan and Australia, the AUKUS pact between the USA, the UK and Australia, and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) are the major agreements inked by the west and its Indo-Pacific allies to contain Chinese presence in this region.

Overall, Bangladesh's location, population, economic potential and regional stability make it a significant player in South Asia and a potential hub for regional connectivity and trade. The country's geo-political importance is likely to continue to grow in the coming years, as it continues to develop its economy and promote regional integration and stability.

Samara Ashrat.

PhD fellow, International Relations, University of Bucharest.
A 21-year-old girl has gone missing after she was swept away by flood at Breman UGC in the Suame Municipality of the Ashanti Region.

The missing girl has been identified as Francisca Amoah Serwaa, a final-year Junior High School student of Suame M/A Basic School.

The girl according to residents was taken away by the flood after she reportedly attempted to retrieve her sandals from a gully in front of her house.

Speaking to this reporter, the mother of the missing girl, Madam Abena Manu said her daughter went missing on Wednesday, March 8, 2023.

She disclosed that all attempts by residents in the area to find the whereabout of her daughter have proven futile.

"Almost the entire youth in our neighborhood came out to search for my daughter upon learning that she has been swept away by the flood.

"The search throughout the night hoping to find her has proved futile," she stated.

The family of the girl has since reported the matter to the police in the area.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has appreciated the management of the National Health Insurance Authoritys (NHIA) technological reinforcement to attain hundred percent electronic claims management by June 2023.

He acknowledged the NHIS in his State of the Nation Address (SONA 2023) on the floor of the House of Parliament, on March 8, 2023.

President Nana Addo thus urged persons yet to sign up for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to take advantage of the digital platform dubbed, MyNHIS and join the Schemes soaring active membership.

He said the introduction of the MyNHIS App coupled with the Mobile Renewal platform will make the Scheme accessible to all residents in Ghana and beyond.

He further talked about the linkage of the Ghana Card with the NHIS card using *929# to enable them to use one card, Ghana card in accessing healthcare services.

MyNHIS App Benefits It is a convenient mobile App solution inaugurated to enable residents in Ghana and beyond to use their Ghana cards and sign up for the NHIS at their own convenience.

MyNHIS mobile App enables corporate clients and other citizens to use their Ghana Cards to register for the NHIS without necessarily visiting any of the NHIA district offices for the same service.

The new App also enables NHIS members to securely pay registration and membership renewal fees from their mobile money wallets, Bank and Visa cards.

The new App issues digitized NHIS cards that provide a mechanism for the NHIA to fulfill its statutory obligations.

Most importantly, the innovation delivers a vastly improved renewal experience to NHIS members as it saves time and money, thereby making the Scheme more accessible to all residents in Ghana and beyond.

It is of utmost importance that Ghanaians home and abroad will take advantage of the newly introduced MyNHIS App to save time, and expenses, increase higher levels of convenience, eliminate data entry errors, and improve efficiency.

NHIA Digitalization enthusiasm

The NHIA is leveraging on the national digitalization drive to shift from a paper to a paperless regime. The Authority is continually building robust homegrown innovations geared towards saving income and improving efficiency.
09.03.2023 LISTEN

I have read an opinion piece written by one Rev Prof John Azumah published in two parts on the 7 and 8 March 2023 editions of Daily Graphic titled "Bawku Conflict: Truth Must Be Told". As a native of Bawku who has witnessed various stages of the conflict (violent and restive periods) since the 80s as a child, I have always maintained that the Bawku conflict is probably the most misunderstood and misrepresented dispute in Ghana. This, in my opinion, explains why the Government and other major stakeholders are having great difficulty in finding a lasting solution to the problem.

Thus, it was very refreshing to see Rev Azumah choose "telling the truth" as the title for his piece. But did he really narrate the truth? And what is the truth? These questions will be the focus of this rejoinder and to make it easier for the reader to do a comparative analysis of the issues raised by Rev Azumah and this article, I have chosen to structure this rejoinder along the same subheadings used by Rev Azumah in his opinion piece. I believe strongly that after going through this piece, the careful reader will come to the conclusion that what has been touted by Rev Azumah as the truth is nothing but fallacies that have been propagated for several years under the famous Nazi principle "Repeat a lie often enough and it becomes the truth".

CHIEFTAINCY, THE MAIN ISSUE

After acknowledging the fact that chieftaincy is the root cause of the Bawku conflict, Rev Azumah proceeded to rehash false assertions that he and some Kusasis have continued to peddle for several years. He said "Mamprusis from the North-East Region claim to be rightful rulers of Bawku because their forefathers were enskinned as Bawku Naba by the chief of Nalerigu or Nayiri during colonial times. Kusasis counter-claim that Bawku is their traditional territory and that Mamprusi chiefs were imposed on them during colonial rule in 1932". It will interest the reader to note that this particular assertion by Rev Azumah is the main fuel and driving force that has been used by some self-proclaimed Kusasis like Dugyeli Hebi who originally is Bissa by tribe to start the Bawku crisis in 1957. It was also the same false assertions that were reintroduced in 1979 by the likes of Cletus Avoka and John Ndebugre to rekindle the Bawku conflict whose fires have been difficult to extinguish. Thus, it is very important to show how this assertion is a fallacy so that the innocent youth who have been deceived into believing they are fighting for their "independence" as propagated by Rev Azumah, Cletus Avoka, et al will know that they are fighting a senseless war founded on false convictions.

A key point of interest is how Rev Azumah disingenuously says "Mamprusis from North-East Region..." just to create a false sense of invasion to justify their so-called war for "independence". In the first place, it should be placed on record that political administrative boundaries have no place when matters of Chieftaincy and tradition are the subject of discussion. Chieftaincy predates the introduction of modern-day administrative boundaries and long before the arrival of the colonialists, there already existed Kingdoms and States in Africa of which the Mamprugu Kingdom was established in the 13th century. In his own assumptions and claims, Rev Azumah who has openly said he is from the Zebilla which is administratively separate from the Bawku Municipality should be the last person to poke his nose into Bawku matters.

But most importantly, is it true that some Mamprusis from North-East Region want control over Bawku which Rev Azumah claims is a Kusasi traditional territory? The anthropologist by name Captain R. S. Rattray in his book "The Tribes of the Ashanti Hinterland" categorically did not mince words when he said that "Bawku is really Mamprusi and NOT Kusase, founded by the ruling class". This fact is re-echoed in all historical records, both oral and written but Rev Azumah and his likes have been in denial of this fact. The Mole-Dagbani Kingdom started right in Pusiga (8-10km from Bawku) by Naa Gbewaa. Naa Gbewaa was succeeded by his son Naa Tusugu (Tohagu) who is the father of the Mamprusis and he consolidated the territories of the Kingdom to as far as present-day Burkina Faso, present day Togo, the entire present-day Upper East and North-East Regions. Whilst moving his capital to Gambaga, Tosugu still maintained control over the ancestral home Pusiga and its surroundings which are part of his Kingdom. In fact, J. K. G Syme in his book "The Kusasis: a short history" clearly stated how Naa Tosugu selected someone to stay and take care of their (Mamprusis, Dagombas, and Nanumbas) father's shrine in Pusiga and how after the death of the caretaker, prospective caretakers had to travel to Naa Tosugu and subsequently his descendants (Nayiris) to appoint a new successor. This explains why if you go to Pusiga today, the caretakers of the Gbewaa shrine swear by Tosugu after Gbewaa. Thus, the ancestral home of Pusiga and its surrounding areas which includes Bawku being under the Mamprugu Kingdom has never been in doubt. The attempt to depict the control of the Nayiri over the ancestral home in Pusiga and Bawku as some people in the "North-East Region" claiming to control Bawku is very disingenuous, especially coming from someone who claims to not only be a professor but also a reverend minister.

Furthermore, the fact that the Bawku chieftaincy (skin) was started by Mamprusis has never been in doubt just as the founding of Bawku was by Mamprusis. The Bawku skin was founded by the 10th Nayiri by the name Naa Atabia who ruled from 1690 to 1740/41. He named the place Bawku in Mamprusi because of the low-lying nature of the place when viewed from the Gambaga escarpment. Indeed, this fact has been corroborated by J. K. G Syme in his book, and he did not mince words when writing about the history of Bawku when he opened the chapter with the statement "The FIRST chief of Bawku was Ali, son of Na Atabia of Mamprusi...". Thus, recent attempts in the 21st century by Rev Azumah to claim that Mamprusis were made chiefs of Bawku by the colonialist in 1932 is not only disingenuous but very laughable. How can the founding of a chieftaincy by Na Atabia who ruled from 1690 to the 1700s be suddenly transmogrified and described as something that was started by the colonialist in 1932? All the records show that Bawku had chiefs who were purely Mamprusis from the lineage of Naa Atabia before 1932. In fact, as of 1932, Bawku had 10 successive chiefs who were Mamprusis. This is clearly captured and demonstrated by J. K. G Syme in his book where he showed the genealogy chart of the Bawku chieftaincy(skin) tracing the lineage of all the 10 chiefs before 1932 to Naa Atabia (1690-1740/1) who founded the skin in 1721. And all the records show that what happened in 1931 was not the founding of the Bawku chieftaincy but rather an elevation of the skin amongst the 18 cantons. The event of 1931 deserves a whole chapter on its own but the following brief factual comments will suffice for now for the purposes of this rejoinder. All the records as captured by the official reports show that there was no compulsion in the selection of the then Bawku Naaba (Naa Bugri Mamboda ) as the head of the canton chiefs in 1931. In fact, evidence shows that it was a unanimous decision of which the rest of the cantons consisting of Mamprusi, Kusasi, Bissa, Bimoba, and Mossi chiefs WILLINGLY chose the 10th Bawku Naaba who was enskinned by the Nayiri in 1921 as their head and that is how come the status of the Bawku skin has been the head of the cantons (now divisions) up til today. All the records capture the event as one with "scenes of enthusiasm" with the then "Kusasnaba (Ayeebo) pleased with the outcome as anyone else". And that the Bawku Naaba came to the 1931 conference as Bawku Naaba because he was enskinned by the Nayiri in 1921 (10 years earlier) as Bawku Naaba.

As such, the 21st-century attempt by Rev Azumah to depict this event as the beginning of the Bawku skin is very disingenuous and a wicked distortion aimed at misleading unsuspecting youth. As indicated earlier, Bawku had 10 successive chiefs before the 1931 event and they were all unambiguously referred to as Bawku Naaba. Furthermore, the attempt and misrepresentation to say choosing the Bawku Naaba as head of the canton chiefs was choosing a head chief for the Kusasis is a fallacy. They are deliberately allowing themselves to be misled by the misnomer earlier chosen by the colonialist to refer to the area as Kusasi. However, as the colonialist themselves acknowledged and confessed in their 1931 Annual report, the Bawku area was "DISTINCTLY Mamprusi". Furthermore, the 18 cantons were not all Kusasi. Binduri, Worikambo, Tanga, Teshie, and Sinnebaga are also purely Mamprusi and their genealogical royal lineages have been clearly traced by J. K. G Syme in his book. Kulungungu is Bissa, Kugri is Mossi, Kpikpira is Bimoba whereas areas like Kusanaba, Binaba, Zebilla, etc were Kusasi with each canton having it's own chief. So the cantons were ethnically diverse all under the jurisdiction of the Nayiri and not Kusasi cantons. But unfortunately, the bizarre narrative of "colonialism" is pushed by the likes of Rev Azumah who as a reverend minister and professor as he claims should have shown fidelity to the facts and not mislead the Kusasi youth into fighting what they wrongly believe is a struggle for independence. A question for Rev Azumah and those on his path is that what are you telling the Bissa cantons and Bimoba cantons who you claim to enskin? Is that also colonialism since divisions like Kulungungu and Kpikpira are purely Bissa and Bimoba respectively?

It will be interesting to note that the reign of Na Atabia who founded the Bawku skin coincided with the reign of Ndewura Jakpa who founded the Gonja Kingdom as well as Otumfour Osei Tutu I who founded the first Asante state. It was also during this period that the chieftaincy and skins of places in the Upper East like Bongo and Nangode were started by two sons of the same Na Atabia. Also, it was a grandson of the same Na Atabia who started the Builsa (Sandema) skin. This is the comparative context that will help the reader understand why the agenda spearheaded by the likes of Rev Azumah is one of destruction and not peacebuilding. It is just like saying the chieftaincy, skins, and stools started during the same period as the Bawku skin be disintegrated and dismantled.

With the facts established above showing how the Bawku skin and its surrounding areas have been from the beginning part of the Mamprugu Kingdom and the falsity of the claim that some people in the North-East are crossing over to Bawku, let's now interrogate his claim that Bawku is part of the Kusasi traditional territory. For the uninitiated, Rev Azumah's claim which is false even on the face of it has been misrepresented severally and repeatedly to appear to be the truth. In fact, there are people who claim to be Kusasis and their first orientation is that Kusasis were created on the Bawku land. They are very ignorant of the fact that all the historical records (oral and written) are replete with evidence that the Kusasis migrated to the Zebilla and Bawku areas from Yuiga, Biengu, Zawga, and Abugre which are all located in presented-day Burkina Faso. This fact has been repeated severally by J. K. G Syme in his book and Addendum and has never been denied by Kusasis. In fact, in a written memorandum submitted by Cletus Avoka and Joseph Abanga on behalf of the Kusasis to the 1984 Committee to Investigate the Bawku Lands Disputes, they admitted this fact stating that Kusasis migrated from Yuiga and Biengu in present-day Burkina Faso in two large groups to settle in the Zebilla and Bawku areas. All these migrations to the Bawku area and Zebilla areas occurred after the founding of the Mamprugu Kingdom by Tosugu when he inherited his father Naa Gbewaa. This fact is clearly stated by J. K. G Syme in his book when he acknowledged that the history of the migrations in Bawku and its surrounding areas he delved into excluded the period of the first founding of the state by Naa Gbewaa. Thus, in so far as the Nayiri's control over the area since the 13th/14th century has been established as above, subsequent migrations by the Kusasis from present-day Burkina Faso to the Bawku area can never be described as owners of the Bawku Traditional territory. In fact, J. K. G. Syme acknowledges this fact when he narrated how the first Kusanaba after migrating from the Kusasi ancestral home in present day Burkina Faso to settle in the present-day Kusanaba had to travel to the Nayiri to pay homage. This clearly showed that he acknowledged the authority of the Nayiri over the area and that he the Kusanaba and his people were migrants/settlers in the area. Unfortunately, these incontestable facts have been hidden by Rev Azumah whilst fallacies are spread to the youth leading them to fight a senseless war built upon false convictions. He does not see the 21st-century usurpation attempts by people (he and his likes) who migrated from present-day Burkina Faso as a problem but pretends to see people who founded Bawku as aliens from North-East Region. On a lighter and funny note, the question Rev Azumah should answer is, between someone from North - East Region and someone from Burkina-Faso who can claim the right of territory in Ghana?

Written by:

Dr. Issah Imoro

Grandson of 12th Bawku Naaba Naa Saa Wuni Bugri (1951 - 1956)

([email protected])
09.03.2023 LISTEN

"His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo led NPP government is committed to rural development to improve the quality lives of people," the District Chief Executive for Gomoa West Hon. Bismark Baise has said.

At a townhall meeting organized by the Assembly to showcase its activities in the District at Gomoa Eshiem last Tuesday, Hon. Bismark Baise Nkum stated that the maiden meeting with the people was to outline a number of development projects and other services that have been executed to improve the standard of living of the people.

He mentioned areas such as education, health, water and sanitation, agriculture, youth employment, commerce and social welfare activities to cushion Persons With Disability and the Aged among others.

On education, Hon Bismark Baise Nkum mentioned the completion of teacher's quarters equipped with kitchen and toilet facilities at Gomoa Hweda, Gomoa Damang and Gomoa Dago to attract more teachers. He added that the District needs more than 400 teachers to fill in vacancies in the basic schools.

"A 2-unit KG block has been built for Gomoa Akenfo, Gomoa Akyempim, Gomoa Dawurampong and Gomoa Antseadze Basic Schools. A 3-unit classroom block has also been constructed for Gomoa Techiman, Gomoa Obiri, Gomoa Akropong No1, and Gomoa Hweda.

"Similarly, a 6-unit classroom block has been constructed for Mumford, Dawurampong Senior High School, Mozano College of Music and a renovated 6-unit classroom block for Gomoa Mampong and Gomoa Koforidua to ease congestion in the classrooms.

"Additionally, a 16-unit classroom block and another 12-unit classroom blocks have been constructed for Apam Senior High and Dawurampong Senior High Schools respectively. An administration block has also been constructed for Gomoa Adaa Technical Institute. It is worthy to note that the student population of Adaa Technical Institute has increased from 34 to 800. The school is providing the best technical education in this part of the country.

"Thanks to our listening President, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, academic standard in Gomoa West District has risen significantly to a higher level due to the provision of educational infrastructure," the DCE stated.

In the Health sector, the Gomoa West DCE shocked the audience with mouthwatering projects to give access to quality healthcare delivery. He mentioned a solar panel facility for Gomoa Eshiem Health Center, a CHPS Compound at Gomoa Enyeme, Appiahkwaa Debiso, Obiri, Antseadze and ongoing construction of health center at Mumford.

"For the first time in many years, proceed from the sale of pre-mixed fuel has been used to construct health facilities for Apam, Dago and Abrekum fishing communities. A 12-seater W/C has also been constructed for Mumford community with funds from sales of pre-mixed fuel.

"An ambulance shed and offices have been built at Gomoa Ankamu to provide emergency healthcare to accident victims because Winneba- Apam Junction Highway is prone to accidents. This is to give quick responses to such incidents when they occur in our vicinity.

"It is worthy to note that all the 78 communities in the Gomoa West District have been connected to the national grid to boost Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, local economy has since improved significantly," he intimated.

Hon Bismark Baise further stated that since 1963, this is the first time Mumford Landing Beach was being constructed for the fishing community in addition to a Police Station to boost security in the area.

He again mentioned the provision of a Telecommunication Mast (Network Pole) for Gomoa Fomena, Gomoa Sampa, Gomoa Obiri and Hweda to improve telephone communication with the families, friends and loved ones outside the community and water reservoir at Gomoa Kyiren to supply portable drinking water for communities in the far west side of the District.

The DCE noted the creation of employment through the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) noting that the number of people employed has increased from 18 to 106 in the area of Community Police Assistant alone.

"The Assembly has also provided working tools for Artisans and Persons With Disability (PWDs) to be self-sufficient. Agriculture mechanization machines are also accessible and affordable for farmers to expand their farms. We have similarly given support for the youth under the Rural Enterprise Programme to attract more people into farming," he noted.

At the open forum, some residents of Gomoa Eshiem hailed the DCE and the Gomoa West District Assembly for the numerous projects aimed at making lives meaningful for the people. They however expressed concern over the lack of drugs at the health center which has affected healthcare delivery.

They also complained about the poor road network in the district and called on the Assembly to at least reshape them to facilitate smooth transportation of goods and services.

Mr. Kwesi Adu, an opinion leader expressed his appreciation on behalf of the people in the community to President Akufo Addo led NPP Government for improving the lives of Ghanaians in the wake of the global economic crisis and called on Ghanaians to exercise restraint as government take steps to improve the economy.

Hon. Bismark Baise Nkum donated 400 school uniforms to be distributed to brilliant but needy children to enable them attend classes regularly. Noted that over 1,000 school uniforms were being distributed to schools in the District to cushion parents financially.
Academic City University College has commemorated this years International Women's Day by urging the government to collaborate closely with academia in implementing proactive measures that enable women to become instrumental contributors to national development.

The university indicated that without such interventions, women may encounter difficulties in making substantial contributions to national development, thereby hindering the achievement of sustainable development goals.

The theme for this year's International Women's Day is Bridging the gender gap in STEM and Academic City chose to challenge the status quo by empowering young girls to dream big and pursue their passions fearlessly. The event brought together over 100 senior high school girls from various schools across the country.

The event featured keynote speeches from accomplished women, including Michelle Amoako, Founder, SEAT CODE LLC; Madam Eva Gyina-Bediako, Director, Ghana Education Study Development Institute; Sarah Odai Amoani, GMB 2022 second runner-up; and Dr. Grace Oletu, Senior Lecturer, Information Systems at Academic City. The speakers shared their experiences and offered advice to the young girls on how to overcome obstacles and achieve success.

Speaking at the event, Ms Shannan Akosua-Magee, Director of Admissions at Academic City, highlighted the importance of empowering young girls to become leaders in their respective fields. "We believe that the future of our society rests in the hands of our young girls. It is our responsibility to provide them with the tools, resources, and support they need to become successful leaders," she said.

According to her "As an institution that is committed to promoting excellence, innovation, and social impact, we believe that empowering girls is crucial to achieving our vision of a better world. We are delighted to celebrate International Women's Day with senior high school girls in Ghana and provide them with the support they need to realize their full potential."

The students expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to learn from successful women in different fields.

"I am inspired by the stories of the successful women who spoke at the event. They have shown me that with hard work and determination, I can achieve my dreams," said one of the students.

Academic City is committed to empowering women and promoting gender equality, and this event is just one of the many initiatives that the university has undertaken to achieve this goal. The university looks forward to continuing to support and empower women in the years to come.
The United Nations refugee agency has criticised a British draft law that would outlaw asylum claims by anyone arriving in the country illegally. The UNHCR has warned that such legislation could violate international law.

The United Nations refugee agency UNHCR said it was "profoundly concerned" by plans that would give the British interior minister a legal duty to deport all migrants entering illegally, such as those crossing the Channel from France in inflatable boats.

And Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, added that he is "deeply concerned at this legislation".

Britain's Conservative government intends to outlaw asylum claims by all illegal arrivals and transfer them elsewhere, possibly to Rwanda, in a bid to stop thousands of migrants from crossing the Channel on small boats.

But, said Turk, the draft law "would allow the UK authorities to detain and remove all those who enter the UK using small boats to cross the Channel, ban their future re-entry to the UK and prohibit them from applying for UK citizenship."

"Such a wholesale ban preventing people from seeking asylum and other forms of international protection in the UK would be at variance with the UK's obligations under international human rights and refugee law," he warned.

Turk said the legislation also raised a number of rights concerns, for example by violating the right of each migrant to an individual assessment. The law may also infringe international bans on the arbitrary detention of immigrants.

London's legislation could also breach rules on collective expulsions and returning individuals to countries where they could face torture, cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment, he said.

"All people compelled to leave their country of origin to seek safety and dignity abroad are entitled to the full respect of their human rights, regardless of their migration status or mode of arrival," he said.

(with wires)
Dagbon Students Association (DASA) Chief for the Tamale Technical University and the Executive Director of Dagbon Advocacy Network, Naa Nurudeen Ibrahim has called on government to consider redeveloping the Kintampo Waterfalls as part of measures to develop tourist sites in the country.

According to him, the annual celebration of the country's independence is meaningless until the country's tourist and historical sites are given a total facelift.

He expressed worried that most of the sites symbolise Mother Ghana, but the leadership of the country watch with unconcern as tourist sites including the Kintampo waterfalls continue to be in a deplorable State.

In an interview after leading students of the Tamale Technical University and members of DASA to the Kintampo Waterfalls as part of the Ghana Month celebration, chief Nurudeen bemoaned the lack of educative programs at the waterfalls aside bathing.

He said the activity at the Kintampo waterfalls shouldn't be only swimming and bathing, but at least different activities must be added to make the place more attractive and accommodating.

He therefore appealed to government and private entities to turn their attention to the waterfalls by restructuring the place, which he believed would attract hundreds of people to the place during festive seasons.

In an interview, some of the students who joined the trip shared mixed feelings about the current state of the waterfalls.

According to them, though they have enjoyed the bathing and swimming, the place needs an urgent facelift.
Prof. Dr Kannan Vishwanatth, Managing Director of Rupus Global Limited

New Delhi (India), March 9:A Rupus Global Herbal & Research & Development Institute, a subsidiary of Hong Kong-basedA Rupus Global LimitedA A will function as a pioneer institute in the area of research, education, conservation, and popularization of Ayurveda medicinal plants. The Institute will be one of Latviaas innovative herbal centers of excellence & first of its kind model to develop as a leading herbal destination for the healthy life of national and international communities. Rupus Global Herbal & Research & Development Institute will promote the establishment of eco and herbal tourism among farmers of Latvia for the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants. The key feature of Rupus Global Herbal & Research & Development Institute will be to its endeavor for the attainment of higher objectives in the field of medicinal plants research is the establishment of the Centre for Medicinal Plants Research.

Announcing the initiatives,A Prof. Dr. Kannan Vishwanatth,A founder chairman of Rupus Global Limited said aThe Baltic state of Latvia, an EU member is a country on the south-eastern coast of the Baltic Sea between Lithuania and Estonia. According to World Economics Research, the population of Latvia is estimated to be 1,8 million with a GDP per capita using purchasing power parity of US 41,474. Rupus Global Herbal & Research & Development Institute will be fundamentally executing Clinical Research, Fundamental Research, Pharmacology Research (Pre-clinical Safety/Toxicity and Biological Activity Studies), Medicinal Plant Research (Medico-Ethno Botanical survey, Cultivation, Pharmacognosy) Drug standardization Research. It is estimated that 122 drugs from 94 plant species have been discovered based on ethnobotanical leads. The local people in the territory of Latvia used medicinal plants to treat different ailments. The knowledge about chemical composition of plants might not be known to the local people, but they knew medicinal plants that were useful to treat many kinds of diseases and health conditions. According to information provided in the records of Latvian folk medicine, oral administration of herbals was the most commonly used, simplest, and fastest route of administration. Many records mentioned that plant leaves, such as plantain, yarrow, aloe, and apple tree leaves were applied directly to fresh wounds or insect or animal bites, as they had properties that reduced inflammation and healing wounds. During Latviaas tenure, its ministry of agriculture has been focusing on the promotion of organic farming, which accounts for 11% of agriculture in the country. Latvia ranks among five EU member states with the highest ratio of organic agriculture against the total area of agricultural land in the countrya.

Rupus Global Herbal & Research & Development Institute will be set up in a phased manner. We are in the process of identifying the land & building the proposed institute with the support of the authorities, to promote herbal medicine among the people, Cultivation of prioritized medicinal plants on farmers land & establishing nurseries with backward linkages for raising and supplying quality planting material. The venture will be built on a public-private partnership. Gradually, we have plans to set up an herbal educational institute, to showcase Latviaas rich farming heritage. Rupus Global Herbal & Research & Development Instituteas objective will be to promote better health through evidence-based Ayurveda principles and practices, to develop the center into a dynamic, vibrant, and model research organization for the undertaking, coordinating, aiding, and promoting research in Ayurveda, to bring-up modern scientific knowledge, technology to explore Ayurveda scientific treasure following prevalent scientific methods & to attain global leadership in research for treatment and prevention of emerging important lifestyle-related disease and health requirement.

Visionary entrepreneur Dr. Kannan Vishwanatth based out of Riga, Latvia is the Founder & Managing Director of our Hong Kong-based pharmaceutical company Rupus Global Limited. He holds a doctorate in Business Management (Ph.D.). Dr. Kannan Vishwanatth is a global opinion maker on contemporary issues & a much sought-after speaker in various international forums. As a Research Scholar, Dr. Kannan has published many research papers & is associated with many top-notch International Institutions as Editorial Reviewer. Dr. Kannan Vishwanatth is a global Citizen & a strong believer in Corporate Social Responsibilities.

Over the years, Dr. Kannan has slowly transitioned away from Corporate World and into philanthropic & academic ventures. Dr. Kannan Vishwanatth is a top academic researcher at the Garwood Innovation Fellow at Garwood Centre of Open Innovation, Haas School of Business Berkeley University of California & Senior Research Scholar at the Latvian Academy of Sciences in Riga. Dr. Vishwanatth further pursued higher studies at the University of Azteca European Programs. Having mastered Chemical Engineering, Vishwanatth started his entrepreneurial journey a decade ago and formed a successful mid-sized pharmaceutical company with a major thrust on API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient). Dr. Kannan Vishwanatth along with Prof. Solomon Darwin, Director, Garwood Center for Corporate Innovation, Executive Director, Center for Growth Markets, Institute for Business Innovation & Dr. Satya Brahma, Chairman & Editor-In-Chief, Network 7 Media Group, Founder & Chairman, Pharma Leaders & India Leadership Conclave co-authored a research book on Smart Villages a A Game-Changing Innovations in Social Engineering in the year 2022.

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09.03.2023 LISTEN

Ghanaians, especially those who patronise the services of commercial sex workers, are currently in despair following a recent report on the hidden agenda of some of the ladies.

Some of these sex workers have confessed to selling used condoms containing sperm to ritualists.

Speaking in an expose dubbed "Sperm Merchants" aired on the Accra-based TV3, some ladies, identified to be sex workers, disclosed that some pastors and evangelists purchase their "goods."

The workers again noted that the used condoms are sometimes purchased by some hotel managers.

One sperm merchant narrated, "I have hotels in Accra where the cleaners supply me with used condoms, then I tip them because I earn much from the used condom sale. I get a chunk of my supply from Labadi."

The sperm merchant added that getting used condoms for her clients "is not a problem. If the buyer is ready now, I will manage to deliver the consignment. If I call my hotel cleaners before night falls, they can deliver about five or ten pieces of condoms containing sperm."

Another sperm merchant said, "I will not mention names, but a lot of the condoms are requested by pastors. Two weeks ago, I delivered some to an evangelist in the Volta region.

"Anytime I go to Kumasi, people come to me for the used condoms containing sperm. I don't know what they use them for, but as long as they pay me, I sell to them."
I am not the least enthused by the cleverly-designed practice by the headmasters and headmistresses of the Ghana Senior High Schools to corruptly enrich themselves.

I am myself a witness to the unnecessarily long list of prospectus issued to the students by their schools.

The long list of items to be purchased by students and inspected by appointed tutors on their arrival at campus is clearly a device for perpetration of silent corruption.

As there was once a silent trade that culminated in the abominable slave trade, so is there today a silent official corruption in perpetuation by the heads of our free Senior High Schools.

Why are students being obligatorily asked to come to school with the following items - broom, hoe, machete (cutlass), mop and scrubbing brush?

How many hoes, cutlasses, mops, etc. does a Senior High School need and what use will they be put to?

For better conveyance of my points to, and comprehension by, the public, let me cite my former Kumawu Tweneboa Kodua Secondary School to buttress my contention.

Tweneboa Kodua Senior High School has currently a student population of about four thousand. If each student is required to bring to school a hoe, cutlass, mop, scrubbing brush, how and where will they be stored?

Will the items be stored in their "chop box", under their bed, or in a purpose-built warehouse?

Will the school need such a volume of cutlasses, mops, brooms, scrubbing brushes and hoes as are required from each student?

From my inquiries, the heads of the institutions do dispose off most of the items by illegal sales to the public through their arranged contacts.

Assuming that is not true, where are the items kept and what is that large quantity needed for?

There are many questions to be answered. There are more questions than answers as regards the disgusting behaviours by the heads of the free SHS.

If this deplorable, questionable and corrupt attitudes by the heads of the schools are not checked, they will soon compel the students to come with axes and spades.

The government's objective for the free Senior High School is being negated by the inherent corrupt attitudes by the heads and management of the schools.

I hear some people say they are paying bribes from Ghs3,500.00 to Ghs7,000.00 before they could secure boarding admissions for their wards.

Why is corruption so endemic in Ghana to the point of corrupting the very flesh and soul of the Ghanaian?

Is the Minister of Education, Mr Adutwum, aware of the corrupt practice by the heads of the schools to defeat President Nana Akufo-Addo's aim for establishing the free SHS education?

Are the Ghana Education Service aware of the corruption in practice by the schools' management?

Sack corrupt heads of schools and stop your lazy and incompetent approach to dealing with malpractices in the schools.

Why has law enforcement become so weak in Ghana to facilitate the thriving of lawlessnesses and corruption in Ghana to dent the image and reputation of Ghana and Ghanaians?

Rockson Adofo

Thursday, 9 March 2023
09.03.2023 LISTEN

Member of Parliament for Kpone Katamanso, Joseph Akuerteh Tettey, has alleged that some of his constituents were forced to consume cow dung and wastewater from a slaughterhouse by some military officers.

According to the MP, the incident was an extension of military brutality on residents of Ashaiman to his area after a soldier was allegedly killed by some unknown persons over the weekend.

In an interview with Citi News Nii Ayikwei, the lawmaker demanded an apology and psychological support for the affected persons.

These military officers dragged and compelled some of the workers at Tulaku to go and drink the waste water of the slaughter House. If you know that place very well, you will be appalled by some of these activities They were also forced to take the faeces of the cattle and that has affected them psychologically.

The MP added that even though he is yet to receive documented evidence from the victims, the behaviour of the soldiers has traumatised his constituents.

Meanwhile, a pressure group  Ashaiman Lives Matter  has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to immediately set up a committee to probe brutalities meted out to residents of Ashaiman by some soldiers.

The group made up of former MP, Alfred Agbesi and current MP Ernest Norgbey in a statement condemned the invasion of Ashaiman by some soldiers who brutalised and arrested over 150 people.

The group is also demanding compensation for victims assaulted by the soldiers.

The invasion followed the death of a young soldier who was stabbed to death by some unknown assailants in the community.

We are currently in a constant state of fear for our dear lives because the soldiers told the residents that it is a Month's Operation and they have instructions from above to put the fear of God in them to avenge the murder of the fallen soldier.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the press we the people of Ashaiman condemn the beastly acts of the Ghana Armed Forces, and we also call for President of the Republic of Ghana His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo Danquah, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces to do same and render an unqualified apology to the Good People of Ashaiman for the criminal acts of his troops.

The group also called on the media, civil society, the Ghana Bar Association, and the clergy among others to condemn the violence and criminal acts of the soldiers.

-Citi Newsroom
Prosecutors in Burundi have charged 24 people with engaging in same-sex acts and inciting homosexuality in others, part of a crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights that has been criticised by the United Nations.

Police arrested 17 men and seven women as they attended a seminar organised by an HIV/Aids charity in the capital, Gitega, in late February, a Burundian activist told French news agency AFP this week.

After ten days of interrogation, all 24 were charged with "homosexual practices and incitement to homosexual practices", Armel Niyongere, who heads the human rights group ACAT Burundi, said on Wednesday.

An unnamed judicial source confirmed the charges, which are punishable by imprisonment under Burundi's 2009 law that makes consensual same-sex acts a criminal offence.

According to AFP's source, neighbours called police when they noticed teenagers entering the office of the non-profit organisation hosting the seminar, MUCO Burundi.

Searches revealed "condoms and documents on the rights of homosexuals at the scene", the source said.

'Growing agitation' against gay rights

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, expressed concern over the case, which he said formed part of "growing agitation against the rights of LGBTIQ+ individuals in many countries, most recently in East Africa".

In his latest update to the Human Rights Council this week, Turk also cited a proposed "anti-homosexuality" bill in Uganda, a revised version of legislation struck down in 2014 that had sought to punish same-sex relations with life imprisonment.

The latest version of the bill, which is expected to be put before parliament shortly, targets the "promotion of homosexuality" as well as non-binary gender identities.

"It is unthinkable that we are facing such bigotry, prejudice and discrimination in the 21st century, holding back development of all members of society," Turk said in reference to the developments in both Uganda and Burundi.

Last week Burundi's president, Evariste Ndayishimiye, called on his fellow citizens "to curse those who indulge in homosexuality because God cannot bear it".

Read also:
Afia Kyeraa, the mother of Imoro Sherrif, the young soldier who was killed at Ashaiman, has said she has lost everything following the death of her son.

Speaking to TV3 during the burial of Sherrif on Thursday, March 9, she said it is not easy for me, I cant help, he was all that I got, he was supposed to take care of his siblings but he is gone.

I dont do any work apart from selling tomatoes so he was my hope. He promised to take care of his siblings.

Imoro Sherrifs remains was transported from the 37 Military Hospital mortuary to the Burma Camp cemetery in Accra for burial.

He was laid to rest on Thursday, March 9.

A number of soldiers were at the cemetery to witness the burial of their 21-year-old late colleague.

Imoro Sherrif was gruesomely murdered on Saturday, March 4.

He was found in a pool of blood near the Amania Hotel in Ashaiman and suspected of being stabbed.

The Military High Command on Tuesday sanctioned an intelligence-led operation to fish out the perpetrators of the crime.

During the operation, several civilians reported brutalities meted out to them.

Soldiers stormed Ashaiman in armoured vehicles

But at the end, 184 persons were picked up and handed over to the Ghana Police Service through the Military Police.

-3news.com
The 21-year-old soldier, Imoro Sherrif, who was reportedly murdered by a mob at Ashaiman, has been laid to rest.

The soldier was buried at the Burma Camp Cemetery in Accra today, Thursday, 9 March 2023.

A number of soldiers were at the cemetery to bid their colleague farewell.

His body had been preserved at the 37 Military Hospital Morgue.

The reason for the murder of the young soldier is unknown.

The late soldier was a trumpeter with the Ghana Armed Forces Band in Sunyani, Bono Region.

He was however in Accra during the last three weeks before his untimely death for a Military course.

The soldier had gone to visit his parents at Ashaiman where he met his untimely death.

Following his death the military in a sanctioned operation stormed Ashaiman where they brutalised residents in an attempt to fish out the perpetrators.

In the dawn swoop, some 182 residents were arrested and handed over to the military police to be investigated.

A section of Ghanaians, including former President John Dramani Mahama, have condemned the attack on innocent civilians in the course of the operation.
The Ashanti Regional Director of Urban Roads, Mr Francis Gambrah, has said the Department will rehabilitate selected roads in Kwabre East and Afigya Kwabre South Districts.

Mr Gambrah said the project is anticipated to span a total of around 20 km of roads within Mamponteng in Kwabre East Municipality and 30km in the Afigya Kwabre South District.

The project is expected to be completed between 18 and 24 months.

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Simon Osei-Mensah, said upon assumption of office, he assessed development projects in the region and realised that the "tallest task" was the road network.

He said the government therefore awarded various contracts to remedy the situation, including Kwabre East and Afigya Kwabre South.

The Minister expressed the hope that, given the history of the current contractors, they would complete the project in time.
The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Ernest Kwamina Addison, has said despite the current economic challenges, Ghana remains a vibrant country, which indicates positive prospects should the macroeconomic indicators improve.

Dr Addison made the point when a delegation from McGill University, Canada, paid a courtesy call on him on Wednesday in Accra.

Dr Addison, who is an alumnus of McGill University, provided an overview of Ghanas current economic situation.

He said although the Bank had encountered challenges with maintaining price stability due to the persistent shocks, an improvement was expected this year.

The delegation interacted with Management on wide-ranging issues in Ghana and the sub-region.

The visit was part of the 12th edition of the Hot Cities of the World Tour organized by the University for its students to provide them with an opportunity to understand and appreciate the operations of the Bank, as well as connect with the alumni.

The leader of the delegation, Professor Karl Moore, said the chosen theme for the year was Taking the future to the future and since Ghana was part of the future, a visit to the Bank of Ghana was imperative.
The 2021 Ghana Population and Housing Census has revealed that the number of Ghanaians leaving the country for other parts of the world for employment, is on the rise.

Statistics from the Thematic Report on Migration 2021 revealed that more than 77% of those leaving the country to seek greener pastures elsewhere fall between the ages of 20-49.

The report further revealed that over 37% of Ghanaian immigrants went to Europe with 23.7% relocating to the Americas.

Presenting the report, Prof. John K Anarfi said more than a third (35.9%) of the migrants moved to settle permanently while 24.9 percent also moved due to marriage/family reunification.

The report also indicated that while the majority of males travel for employment their female counterparts migrate due to reasons related to marriage/family reunification.

The two major reasons for Ghanaians travelling outside the country are to seek for employment and to pursue education/training.

-citinewsroom
Leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe has opined that he does not believe the military personnel that carried out the swoop at Ashaiman this week should be punished.

In his view, the soldiers were only carrying out instructions and should not suffer for it.

Speaking to 3FM in an interview, Dr. Nyaho Tamakloe who is a former military officer proposed that instead, the Minister of Defense should be fired if he refuses to resign.

The Minister of Defense should resign for failing to properly advise the president on the Ashaiman incident. Why didnt he speak himself but his Deputy spoke? If indeed he is in the country, then thats wrong.

The soldiers that invaded Ashaiman shouldnt be punished because they were doing their work per the instructions of their superior officers, Dr. Nyaho Tamkaloe shared.

The Ghanaian statesman added, If for anything at all, it is the superior officers that should be punished. Also, the superior officers took instructions from a higher command that is why I said the minister of defense should resign or be fired but I doubt if the president will do that.

The military early this week carried out a swoop at Ashaiman to fish out the killers of a young soldier identified as Sherrif Imoro.

During the swoop, as many as 184 residents of Ashaiman were picked up as many were brustalised and subjected to various punishments.
09.03.2023 LISTEN

Ghana has launched the 2023 International Womens Day (IWD) celebration under the theme: " DigitAll: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality" together with the campaign hashtag - #EmbraceEquit#.

The event seeks to recognize the contribution of women and girls around the world with a walk through some principal streets in Accra.

The Deputy Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Madam Francisca Oteng Mensah commended the Ministry, Stakeholders and partners for participating in the walk which demonstrates their readiness to embrace gender equity.

She noted that this year's commemoration presents the opportunity to delve into the emerging gender issues concerning technology and innovation.

She disclosed that the National Framework for engaging Traditional Authorities and Faith-Based leaders to address gender inequalities and harmful cultural practices in the country has been developed.

Madam Oteng Mensah added that the Ministry in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) was currently operating the BOAME App and the Orange Support Centre to support the fight against domestic and gender-based violence.

She, therefore, implored Ghanaians to work together to challenge gender stereotypes, gender-based violence and gender biases.

On her part, the Country Representative for Crossroads International, Madam Gifty Volimkarime said the IWD provides an opportunity to reinforce the fact that everyone has a role to play in forging a more gender-balanced world.

She pledged commitment to continue to dedicate resources to the Ministry and all its allies, provide tailored support to grassroots organizations and help develop a progressive mindset to make positive gains for women and girls.

The British High Commissioner, Her Excellency Harriette Thompson, charged all to renew their commitment to gender equality and create a world where women have the opportunity to thrive.

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection held the programme with support from Crossroads International and STAR-Ghana Foundation.
09.03.2023 LISTEN

Ghana and the European Union (EU) have held the 2023 session of the annual Political Dialogue in Accra on Wednesday.

The dialogue envisaged strengthening the existing relations between the two parties and to discuss issues of mutual benefit.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration on Wednesday said the meeting was chaired on the Ghana side by Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia, and on the European Union side by the Head of its Delegation to Ghana, Mr Irchad Razaaly.

It stated, As Ghana's largest multilateral development and trade partner, the EU and its Member States currently finance about half of all Official Development Assistance (ODA) received by the Ghanaian Government. Formalized cooperation between Ghana and the EU began after the first Lome Convention in 1975 and the two parties have enjoyed fruitful economic and political exchanges which have improved and strengthened over the years.

According to the statement, the 2023 Ghana-EU Political Dialogue brought together all the relevant national stakeholders in Ministries, Departments and Agencies and representatives of the EU Member Countries accredited to Ghana to discuss issues of mutual interest in the following thematic areas.

The thematic areas are Micro-economic Situation and IMF-supported Programme, Economic Partnership Agreement and African Continental Free Trade Area, Business Climate, Health and Vaccines, Flagship Programmes, Global Gateway and New EU-Ghana Cooperation, Accra Initiative, Strengthening Ghana's Northern Regions, Maritime Security and EU Coordinated. Maritime Presence, Human Rights, Safety of Journalists, Sustainable Fisheries, Sustainable Cocoa Production, Sustainable Energy, Climate Change, Migration.

Other multilateral issues discussed during the Dialogue included Russia-Ukraine War, Global Economic Crisis and Food Security, it emphasized.
09.03.2023 LISTEN

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) has engaged the National House of Chiefs on the proposed curriculum for Senior High Schools (SHS).

The meeting was to brief the House on the new curriculum and receive inputs from the House before submitting the final document to Cabinet.

The Council is currently reviewing the school curriculum to respond to a national priority of shifting the structure and content of the education system from merely passing examinations to building character, nurturing values and raising literate, confident and engaged citizens.

It has already put out the Standards-Based Curriculum (SBC) for the basic level and has also concluded the curriculum for SHS, which would soon be submitted to Cabinet after the stakeholder engagements.

The Director General of the NaCCA, Prof. Edward Appiah, stated in a presentation that the development of Senior High School (SHS) curricula is essential for producing a skilled workforce that is prepared to support Ghana's development and to fully utilize the potential of the expanding youth population in light of the demographic transition the nation is currently going through.

And so our mandate is to improve teaching and learning using science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at the pre-tertiary level, he noted.

Prof. Appiah indicated that the STEM concept had been integrated into the new curriculum from kindergarten to the pre-tertiary level as part of efforts to promote STEM education in Ghana.

According to Prof. Appiah, the overarching objective is to fulfil Sustainable Development Goal 4 by upholding the nation's essential values of truth, honesty, diversity, equity, discipline, self-directed learning, self-confidence, flexibility and resourcefulness.

Prof. Appiah said the expected results of SHS graduates, are outlined under the following headings: communication, gender equality and social inclusion, learning for life, local and global citizenship, system thinking and anticipatory competency, normative and strategic competency, collaboration competency, critical thinking, self-awareness, and integrated problem-solving competency.

On his part, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, Sefwi Anwiasohene and President of the National House of Chiefs commended NaCCA for seeking the views of traditional leaders, saying that the consultation would go a long way to shape the lives of students.

He said education is the key to the nation's development, so it is important to create a revised curriculum that is job-focused and supports those who are gifted and talented to realize their full potential.
The Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Osei Kyei -Mensah-Bonsu has said the Constitutional Instrument proposed by the Electoral Commission (EC) would deepen the countrys democratic system.

He stated that the proposed exercise was the best way to enhance free and fair elections in 2024.

The Minister disclosed this on Wednesday during a discussion on democracy on Kessben FM in Kumasi.

He stated, The EC together with the National Identification Authority will continue to register eligible Ghanaians for their Ghana Cards till next year.

Mr Mensah-Bonsu pointed out that before voting, one must submit to the rules and procedures.

Article 42 of 1992 of the Constitution says that every citizen of Ghana of eighteen years of age or above and of sound mind has the right to vote and is entitled to be registered as a voter for the purposes of public elections and referenda," he noted.

The EC is proposing a new constitutional instrument through which it intends to make the Ghana card the sole identification document for voter registration.
09.03.2023 LISTEN

The Bono Regional Minister, Justina Owusu Banahene, has lauded Sunyani Technical University for providing a 20% discount on school fees for all female engineering students as from the next academic year.

According to her, this will go a long way to increasing the number of female engineering students at the university and ultimately contribute to the growth and development of the country.

Last month, the Vice-Chancellor of Sunyani Technical University, Ing. Prof. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah, announced that the university will be offering 20 per cent discount on school fees of all female engineering students, beginning from the next academic year.

Speaking at a students-staff durbar held at the Universitys main auditorium, Ing. Prof. Adinkrah-Appiah explained that the move formed part of an affirmative action adopted by management to encourage more females to pursue various engineering courses.

He explained that because STU is a technical university, it usually struggles to get females to study engineering programmes hence the decision to give special consideration to prospective female engineering

Interacting with the media in Sunyani as part of this years International Women's Day, which fell on last Wednesday, March 8th, the Bono Regional Minister noted that STU deserves lots of commendation for taking such a bold step to further push the overall development of the girl-child forward.

She also lauded the efforts of other stakeholders who have contributed to women's emancipation and gender equality and also urged parents and families to educate their children right from an early age on human rights and respect for others opinions.

According to the Minister, Ghana has made significant progress with regard to improving womens standard of living and quality of life.

Women empowerment

The Bono Regional Minister stated that the long advocacy for women's empowerment is never about setting Ghanaians against each other or trying to push some down to lift others up.

It is an absolutely liberal value that you dont push some people down to lift other people up. We want everybody to do better, and we want to see the rise of women in this country help to accelerate the development of the country to ensure that their overall place is maintained, which is good for both women and men.

She believes that the advocacy for womens advancement should not come at the expense of men nor pitching up girls against boys, saying: much as we always want women to rise and play leading roles in society, they must not do so at the expense of others' progress.

Justina Owusu Banahene reiterated that gender equality gives all sexes more freedom and choice at work, at home, and in their relationships.

The Bono Minister said womens advancement is not about conflict but its about recognising that girls and women deserve an equal stake in the economy and society.

She said a change in mindset and behaviour is imperative to uphold gender equality and empower womens equal participation in all spheres, for a fairer and more equitable society.

She noted that the NPP government is committed to addressing the most pressing barriers for women, issues such as increasing investment in gender equality, reaching parity for women at all levels of decision-making and disavowing and changing social norms that perpetuate discrimination and violence against women.
The Cyber Security Authority under the Ministry of Communications has cautioned Ghanaians, particularly internet users, about clicking on unknown links.

The Authority says it has sighted some links that are being disseminated on social media platforms such as Telegram, Instagram, WhatsApp, and others.

These "malicious" links, according to the CSA, claim the former President is sharing an empowerment grant of GHS2,000.

The authority, therefore, urges the general public to ignore the links: https://yournewclaims[.]com/Mahama2023/

https://lyupz[.]com/Mahaha-2023-Grants, which seeks to retrieve sensitive personal information of respondents for fraudulent activities.

"The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has taken note of malicious links in circulation purporting to provide access to a cash grant from a former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama.

"The links are mainly distributed through social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and Telegram.

The current links in circulation include:

1)https://yournewclaims[.]com/Mahama2023/2) https://lyupz[.]com/Mahaha-2023-Grants

"The web page displayed after the links are clicked comes with the message: "Former President John Mahma on February 1st, 2023. Offer a new grant of 2,000 GHS to individuals to support all citizens and empower the youth. My idea for the introduction of this is to make every individual happy and empower our Youth for business and career goals. Get Your Own 2,000 By Filling Out The Form Below. The John Mahama 2,000 GHS New Grant Support for All Ghanaians

"Applicants are to fill out the form below and click on Apply." A form titled "Mahama's Grant Application Form" is also displayed on the webpage for interested persons to submit Personally Identifiable Information (PII).

"The harvested PII may be used for phishing attacks and other online fraudulent activities," read in portions of a statement released by the CSA on Thursday, March 9.
The Minister of Defence, Dominic Nitiwul has stressed that the Ministrys focus is to maintain peace in the country.

The Minister was present on Thursday, March 9, when the Defence Ministry held a meeting with the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament on the recent military swoop at Ashaiman in the Greater Accra Region.

Speaking to the press after the meeting, Dominic Nitiwul made an appeal to the citizenry to respect people in uniform.

I want to thank the people of Ghana. Incidents like this in a country do happen. We are shaping up a country and we are going to have some of these incidents. I will appeal to the people of Ghana to be very respectful of people in uniform. It will help all of us, the Minister of Defense said.

Dominic Nitiwul further assured Ghanaians that he will provide more briefing on the matter next week after his Ministry visits Ashaiman with the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament to gather information on the grounds.

I will not say anything until the committee and us visits the place to ascertain for ourselves. One of the reasons why we are not going immediately is that the investigation is ongoing and we dont want to compromise the investigation, Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul.

The visit to Ashaiman is scheduled to take place on Thursday, March 16.
Minister for Health, Kwaku Agyemang-Manu has once again failed to provide exact timelines for the arrival of essential childhood vaccines.

The Minister addressing Parliament on Thursday, March 9, reiterated his promise that efforts are underway to ensure that vaccines are procured for children in the next few weeks.

Mr Speaker, we are expecting to receive vaccines within two to three weeks. We have done all the necessary arrangements and within two to three weeks we should get vaccines. We have done everything to ensure that we get these vaccines earlier, but it will be very difficult for me to tell you exactly when the vaccines will arrive, Aagyemang-Manu said.

Several queries from Members of Parliament to determine the exact day the vaccines will arrive failed as the Health Minister repeatedly stated that several uncontrolled factors determine when the vaccines will arrive in the country.

Several parts of the country have been hit with a shortage of vaccines in the last few months despite claims by the National Health Insurance Authority that over GH70 million has been released for the procurement of the vaccines.

The Minority in Parliament has described the shortage of vaccines in the country as a clear indication of the government's ineptitude.

The group said despite the allocation of about GH72 million for the procurement of vaccines, the country has been hit with the outbreak of Measles since October 2022 due to the shortage of vaccines.

President Nana Akufo-Addo on Wednesday expressed concern over the shortage of childhood vaccines in the country.

Delivering the state of the Nation Address on Wednesday, the President lamented that the shortage, if prolonged, will affect negatively Ghana's Childhood Immunisation Programme.

He assured that efforts are underway to ensure that vaccines are procured immediately for all children.

Mr. Speaker, I must say, however, that the current shortage of some childhood vaccines in the country has concerned me greatly. This shortage, if prolonged, will affect negatively Ghana's Childhood Immunisation Programme, which has been recognised as one of the most successful in the world. The WHO has only recently expressed worry about a steady decline in measles vaccination coverage globally, because of the concentration on the fight against COVID-19.

By Citi Newsroom
The Chairman of the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament, Kennedy Agyapong has disclosed that the committee will visit Ashaiman next week to engage victims of the military swoop.

A lot of residents in Ashaiman have this week suffered greatly after they were assaulted by military personnel deployed to the community to fish out the killers of a young soldier.

Since videos of the military brutalities went viral, the operation of the soldiers has been widely condemned.

Today, the Defence and Interior Committee in Parliament held a meeting with the Minister of Defence, Dominic Nitiwul.

At the end of the meeting, it has been agreed that the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament will visit Ashaiman to get first-hand information from victims of the military brutalities.

In fact, we met this afternoon behind closed doors with the Defence Ministry and the Military High Command. We have come to an agreement that the members of the Committee, the Ministry of Defence, and the Military High Command will pay a visit on Thursday to Ashaiman to dialogue with the people and the Military High Command, Kennedy Agyapong told the press after the meeting with the Defence Minister.

During the press briefing on Thursday, Kennedy Agyapong expressed sympathies to the victims of the assault in Ashaiman and expressed condolences to the family of the deceased soldier on behalf of the Defence and Interior Committee.

On behalf of the committee we want to sympathize with the bereaved, the young soldiers family and also sympathize with the affected victims, those who were innocently beaten. We also sympathize with the Ghana Armed Forces for our young men taking the laws into their own hands to kill one of theirs. In a situation like this, all we can say is that we need peace. Our mission is to make sure we have peace in this country," the chairman of the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament said.
The Time to Think Foundation, a seemingly vibrant Ghanaian-based charity organization, has once again extended its compassionate arms in the Ghanaian educational sector.

The foundation was the headline sponsor of a Spelling BEE competition held among five basic schools in the Gomoa Central District of Ghanas Central Region.

Participants in the competition held at Gomoa Jukwa, specifically at the Fair View Educational Centre on Friday, March 3, were selected from the lower primary levels (basic classes one to three) of five schools from Gomoa Jukwa, Gomoa Ekuamkrom, and Gomoa Benso.

After an outstanding display of talent throughout the preliminary stage and the semi-finals, Hope International School and Fair View Educational Center battled for the ultimate prize at the grand finale.

Just as expected, the young students from the two finalist schools gave each other tight competition, but the Fair View Educational Center emerged as champions.

Poised to end educational poverty, especially in rural areas, the Time to Think Foundation, among other things, presented citations to the two finalist schools, their training teachers and the participants.

Individual recognitions: the most outstanding student was awarded to Samuel Larbi of the Hope International School, and Benedicta Intsiful of the Fair View Educational Centre was also adjudged the most eloquent.

The two distinguishing students were also given citations each and other unnamed benefits from the foundation.
Hy-Vee opens its new Global Capabilities Centre in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Mar 9 (UNI) Hy-Vee, Inc, a leading US grocery retailer, officially opened its new Global Capabilities Center, Helpful Smiles Technology (HST) Global, in the city on Thursday.

The HST Global team will work in conjunction with Hy-Vees US technology teams to develop and deliver innovative technology solutions that help make customers lives easier, healthier and happier.



Hy-Vee is an employee-owned company operating more than 550 retail business units across the United States with sales of nearly $14 billion annually.

The supermarket chain employs more than 80,000 individuals and is known for its quality, variety, convenience, focus on healthy lifestyles, culinary expertise and superior customer service.

Hy-Vee ranks in the Top 5 Most Trusted Brands in the US and has been named one of Americas Top 3 favourite grocery stores.

In addition to operating more than 285 grocery stores across eight US states, Hy-Vee also operates more than 190 convenience stores and several subsidiaries and divisions.



In celebration of the inauguration, several Hy-Vee executives visited HST Global to meet with employees.



"As we continue to develop new solutions for our customers, we are proud to invest in HST Global and expand our team of talented technology professionals," Randy Edeker, Hy-Vees executive chairman of the board and executive director, said.

"Through our Global Capabilities Center, we will have the ability to create 24/7 operations that allow us to increase product innovation and better serve our customers."



Karnataka Digital Economy Mission Chairman BV Naidu said: "Karnataka is the biggest IT hub in India and home to the fourth-largest technology cluster in the world.

"Bengaluru's rich talent pool and vibrant startup ecosystem will help Hy-Vee enhance business operations and drive technology innovation. It gives me immense pleasure to welcome Hy-Vee to Bangalore and assure them all the support in scaling the Global Capabilities Center."



The company is currently seeking to hire IT professionals who are passionate about technology, innovation and finding solutions to help todays retail consumer.

Hy-Vee partnered with ANSR Inc, the US-headquartered firm that helps companies build and manage high-impact global teams in talent-rich locations across the world.

Lalit Ahuja, Founder and CEO of ANSR said: "As a leading grocery retailer, Hy-Vee is investing in technology to improve the overall customer experience and increase efficiencies within its growing operations.

"Hy-Vees Bengaluru GCC is designed to attract the best talent in India in support of the companys objective of enhancing its customer experience in an extremely competitive retail environment."

UNI BDN SY
The 7th prosecution witness in the Aisha Huang case, Mathew Kwabla Abotsi has revealed that the accused person's illegal activities polluted the Nkyingo stream at Opanin Mensah Nkegbe's village to the extent that she was asked to provide a well for the people.

The witness, who is the assemblyman for Bepotenten electoral area testified that Aisha Huang constructed the well.

Mathew further testified that the activities of Aisha Huang negatively affected the living conditions of indigenes.

In his witness statement, the assembly member stated that Lands that were mined by the accused were not reclaimed and pits were left uncovered. These lands she mined on were farmlands.

The witness also testified that both children and adults have fallen into the pit and lost their lives.

The witness claimed that residents had complained of Aisha Huang extending her mining activities across the footpath of their farms, a situation he testified to have verified.

In court on Wednesday, the prosecution witness disclosed that, during processes to verify claims against Aisha Huang, he saw about twenty mine workers including Ghanaians and Chinese nationals with about six excavators, two washing plants and about four water pumps engaging in mining activities.

According to the witness, his checks revealed that Aisha's mining activities had been extended to where the road used to be and there was an uncovered pit filled with water like a dam close to what was left of the footpath.

The witness claims when Aisha Huang was confronted, she promised to make a new path and cover the dam. He however indicated that even though a new path was created the dam was left uncovered.

Aisha Huang was also alleged to be owing a number of people various sums of money supposed to be payments for acquisition of their farmlands.

But during cross-examination, lawyer of Aisha Huang indicated that the claim that the accused knew the farmers mentioned was untrue.

But the prosecution witness insisted on his claim.
India poised to be 3rd largest construction market in 2-3 yrs: Goyal 15 Apr 2023 | 10:21 PM New Delhi, Apr 15 (UNI) Real estate sector will provide huge business opportunities, generate employment and provide big avenues for startup ecosystem as India is poised to become the 3rd largest construction market in the next 2-3 years, Union Commece Minister Piyush Goyal said on Saturday. see more..

CHEMEXCIL crosses USD 30 31 bn of chemical exports in FY23 15 Apr 2023 | 8:21 PM Mumbai, Apr 15 (UNI) Union Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Anupriya Patel, on occasion of 47th Export Awards ceremony of CHEMEXCIL, on Saturday expressed satisfaction over CHEMEXCIL crossed USD 30 billion of exports in organic and inorganic chemical sector for the Financial Year 2023, of which USD 27 billion of exports were achieved from April 2022 to February 2023. see more..

Botnal makes its debut on Nykaa 15 Apr 2023 | 3:24 PM New Delhi, Apr 15 (UNI) Botnal, a boot-strapped natural, sustainable and gender-neutral skincare brand, has now launched on Nykaa. see more..

From traffic woes to job opportunities: Indian Bike Taxi Sector thrives with Regulatory Support & Tech Innovations 15 Apr 2023 | 2:34 PM Mumbai, Apr 15 (UNI) In line with the goal to smoothen the operations of bike taxis in the country, the Maharashtra government has formulated a six-member committee to draft norms for regulating the operations of online cab aggregator platforms in the state. see more..
Thiruvananthapuram, March 9 (UNI) The concept of Indian Nationalism is quite different from Nazis' "Nationalism" of Germany, Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR) member Member Secretary Prof Sachchidananda Mishra said on Thursday.

Inaugurating the two-day National seminar on 'The Relevance of Sri Aurobindo in Our Times' at the Bharatheeya Vichara Kendram here in connection with the 150th birth anniversary of Sri Aurobindo, Mishra said "While German Nationalism takes pride in assertion of its supremacy and dominance with brute force, the Indian Nationalism does it with love as it has two guiding principles."

Comparing the Nationalism of India with Nazism on the basis of Sri Aurobindo's teachings, he said that the latter is guilty of starting the second word war which resulted in Jewish holocaust while India believes in Nationalism of its rich cultural heritage.

"It is understood that any Nationalism takes pride in assertion of its supremacy and dominance. Therefore, many people disclaim any Nationality and want to be world citizens," he pointed out.

"They don't want to be associated with any country as humanity has no boundary; the love for humanity should not be limited to the citizens of a particular country rather it should go beyond all geographical boundaries," he added.

Pointing out that Sri Aurobindo was a staunch exponent of Indian Nationalism but at the same time he was a true lover of humanity, he recalled the meetings between Sri Aurobindo and Dr Hedgewar before the formation of RSS in 1925.

"In Aurobindo's five dreams, we can clearly pinpoints the differences between Indian Nationalism and German Nationalism."

"The love for the country a person is born in is very natural. This is the foundation stone of nationalism. The first of Aurobindo's five dreams was a revolutionary movement which would create a free and united India. This is the strong statement of Indian Nationalism."

"His second dream was for the resurgence and liberation of the peoples of Asia and her return to her great role in the progress of human civilisation and his third dream was a world-union forming the outer basis of a fairer, brighter and nobler life for all mankind."

"The first dream and the third dream are not contradictory but supplimentary to each other. Here lies the difference between these two types of Nationalism."

"The love for the country we are born in is depicted in the quote of Atharvaveda that is Mata bhumih putro'ham prithivyah, the earth is my mother and I am a son of her."

"This is the basis of nationalism and the first dream of Aurobindo is inspired by it."

The second guiding principle is another famous quote from Sanskrit literature Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the whole world is a family, he said.

"The third dream of Aurobindo is inspired by it. Hence, the Indian Nationalism is very different from German Nationalism."

"For Aurobindo the problems of existence are problems of Harmony. The love for one's own country should not be contradictory to the love of another one's love for their country," he added.

Delivering the presidential address, Bharatheeya Vichara Kendram Director R Sanjayan said the teachings of Sri Aurobindo can find answers to all socio, political, environmental, transnational conflicts, and moral issues facing human society driven by high technology.

He also recalled the contribution of Bharatheeya Vichara Kendram founder director 'Padmavibhushan' P Parameswaran who was an authority on Sri Aurobindo literature and had published a book on Sri Aurobindo in 1977.

The seminar is being organised by the Bharatheeya Vichara Kendram with the support of the Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR), New Delhi.

Bharatheeya Vichara Kendram General Secretary KC Sudhir Babu welcomed the gathering, State Treasurer R Rajeev delivered the vote of thanks, State President Dr CV Jayamani chaired the technical session and Programme Coordinator Dr R Subramony made an introduction to the theme of the seminar.

UNI DS RKM
CBI asked me nearly 56 questions : Arvind Kejriwal 16 Apr 2023 | 11:20 PM New Delhi, Apr 16 (UNI) Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal walked out of Central Bureau of Investigation headquarters after over nine hours of questioning in connection with Delhi excise police case. I gave all the answers of CBI officers whatever they asked, this alleged excise police scam is fake and false, he said on Sunday. see more..

CBI asked me nearly 56 questions: Arvind Kejriwal 16 Apr 2023 | 10:40 PM New Delhi, Apr 16 (UNI) Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal walked out of Central Bureau of Investigation headquarters after nine hours of questioning in connection with Delhi excise police case. see more..

CBI asked me nearly 56 questions, says Kejriwal after coming out of the agency office 16 Apr 2023 | 9:57 PM New Delhi, Apr 16 (UNI) Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal walked out of Central Bureau of Investigation headquarters after nine hours of questioning in connection with Delhi excise police case. I gave all the answers of CBI officers whatever they asked, this alleged excise police scam is fake, he said on Sunday. see more..

LG flags procedural lapses after Delhi Govt calls one-day Assembly session 16 Apr 2023 | 8:36 PM New Delhi, Apr 16 (UNI) After the Delhi government called for a one-day Assembly Session on April 17, in a statement issued by the Delhi Lieutenant Governors office, the LG VK Saxena said the Cabinets recommendation for convening the one-day session has been made without following the due procedure. see more..
Chinese envoy calls for immediate return of Afghanistan's overseas assets

Xinhua) 13:24, March 09, 2023

UNITED NATIONS, March 8 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Wednesday called on the United States and other countries to immediately return the overseas assets of Afghanistan to the Afghan people to protect the rights and interests of women and girls.

After the "Kabul debacle" in 2021, the United States announced that it would freeze some 9.5 billion U.S. dollars in assets belonging to the Afghan central bank, a move some consider "pure looting."

Addressing a Security Council meeting, Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, said the overseas assets "belong to the Afghan people and should be used for the Afghan people."

Citing the ruling by a U.S. judge of the District Court for the Southern District of New York in February that the United States is not entitled to divert Afghan overseas assets for other uses, Geng said this showed once again "the freezing of Afghan assets is unjustified and illegal."

"Today is International Women's Day. On this special day, as we consider the situation of Afghanistan, we cannot help but turn our attention to Afghan women. They are a vulnerable group in Afghan society and the biggest victims of the many years of war and turmoil," he said.

The protection of the rights and interests of Afghan women and girls cannot be achieved without lifting external constraints, Geng said, stressing that unilateral sanctions have become a "heavy yoke" for the survival and development of local women and children and must be lifted without delay.

The United States froze the assets belonging to the Afghan central bank after the Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021 and split the money between humanitarian aid for Afghanistan and a fund for victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Yves here. International Womens Day was yesterday, but it is never too late to clall out Victoria Nuland. Perhaps I am too optimistic, but the fact that shes been more visible in Congressional hearings and public events as Project Ukraine is going pear-shaped gives me hope that shes past her peak influence. Admittedly, Hillary Clinton managed to run on brand fumes for quite a while, so Nuland could still be active on the speaking circuit even when her ability to shape policy has sorely diminished.

By Medea Benjamin, co-founder of Global Exchange and CODEPINK: Women for Peace and co-author, with Nicolas J.S. Davies, of War in Ukraine: Making Sense of a Senseless Conflict; Marcy Winograd, who served as a 2020 DNC Delegate for Bernie Sanders and co-founded the Progressive Caucus of the California Democratic Party; and Melissa Garriga, the communications and media analysis manager for CODEPINK. Originally published at Common Dreams

When President Biden nominated Victoria Nuland as Undersecretary of State, CODEPINK feminists objected to her nomination out of concern she would bring pain and heartache to mothers and daughters as she fomented war in their midst. Instead of promoting diplomacy, Nuland lights matches wherever she meddles, agitating for war in Afghanistan , and now Ukraine.

If feminists remain silent or support this Bush-era neocon simply because she is a woman, Victoria Nuland might just burn down the world in a nuclear fire.

With drones already attacking the Crimean peninsula and long range US rockets on the way, Nulands push to cross another one of Putins red lines only ensures more death, destruction and ecocide in Ukraine.

For the women of Ukraine, the illegal Russian invasion-which Nuland provoked over the years with NATO expansion  has led to heightened sex trafficking and increased gender violence. According to the United Nations and relief organizations, this includes not only rape as a weapon of war, but intimate partner violence and sexual harassment.  With Ukraine under martial law and men aged 1860 forced to the front lines, young women refugees-often unaccompanied-are vulnerable to abuse at border crossings.

The fact that Nuland was given a diplomatic job in the Biden administration in the first place never ceases to amaze because her record reads like a war criminals rap sheet.

Nuland served as Vice President Dick Cheneys deputy national security adviser from 20032005, during the illegal US invasion and occupation of Iraq, a painful chapter in US history that left over a million Iraqis dead and thousands of US soldiers in body bags.

In 2005, Nuland became ambassador to NATO, where she lobbied Europe to participate in the disastrous U.S. occupation of Afghanistan. In persuading other governments the US could win that war, she sold a lie across Europe to prolong a near 20-year occupation that left Afghanistan broke, with six million children and adults at risk of starvation.

In May 2013, Nuland was nominated to act as assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs , where she was supposed to employ diplomacy in relations with Russia, Ukraine and other former Soviet states.

Instead, Nuland and the White House hurled $5 billion taxpayer dollars at Ukraine to overthrow its democratically elected President and engineer a transition government to privatize Ukraine and prepare for war with Russia. After Nuland passed out pastries during the Maidan coup, before President Viktor Yanukovych fled under a hail of bullets, Nuland was caught in a scandal involving a leaked phone call.

On the phone with US ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt, Nuland was secretly recorded saying F .. the EU if the European Union did not approve of her choices to run Ukraines transition government. The West gasped at her use of profanity. The more egregious profanity, however, was her insistence on manipulating the political affairs of another country to provoke Russia.

Nuland has repeatedly stated that she wants to destabilize other regions in Russias nuclear neighborhood: Belarus and Kazakhstan, because they are too friendly with Russia. What critics say she really wants is regime change in Russia, a country of 193 million people, 150 different ethnic minorities and 6,000 nuclear weapons.

What could go wrong?

Nulands mission to sacrifice Ukrainian lives to take back Crimea-annexed by Russia after the 2014 coup-could drag other European nations onto the battlefield to start World War III.

On this International Womens Day, President Biden would be well-advised to fire Victoria Nuland and hire a diplomat who embraces a feminist foreign policy centered around peace.
(Natural News) The moment that hundreds of thuggish Antifa domestic terrorists took over an Atlanta Police training compound that is under construction was caught on video last week and posted online.

A video posted on Facebook showed almost 150 rioters dressed in all black or camouflage and wearing ski masks entering the site of Atlantas future Public Safety Training Facility, also known as Cop City by those protesting its development. They threw commercial fireworks at police officers immediately upon entering, the Daily Mail reported.

Some of the group could later be seen gathering riot shields, as they motioned for others to join them, the outlet noted.

Other footage posted online showed the rioters setting a police surveillance tower on fire, causing smoke to billow nearby. After that, the group proceeded to throw Molotov cocktails at a construction vehicle and fled the scene as it was left burning, the outlet noted further.

A group of violent agitators used the cover of a peaceful protest of the proposed Atlanta Public Safety Training Center to conduct a coordinated attack, the Atlanta Police Department said in a statement. They changed into black clothing and entered the construction area and began to throw large rocks, bricks, Molotov cocktails and fireworks at police officers.

The agitators destroyed multiple pieces of construction equipment by fire and vandalism. The illegal actions of the agitators could have resulted in bodily harm, the statement continued.

The department insisted that officers on the scene exercised restraint and used non-lethal enforcement to conduct arrests, though clearly, as many believe, they would have been justified at using more force  perhaps even deadly force considering the Antifa mob was armed with lethal Molotov cocktails.

With protests planned for the coming days, the Atlanta Police Department in collaboration with law enforcement partners have a multi-layered strategy that includes reaction and arrest, the departments statement noted further. The Atlanta Police Department asks for this weeks protests to remain peaceful.

CNN reported further:

Police and construction equipment were assailed with Molotov cocktails, commercial-grade fireworks, bricks and large rocks, authorities said.

A construction tractor was set ablaze, with smoke billowing into the air, footage from the area shows. At least four other fires burned in and around the fenced site as people dressed in black swarmed both sides of a police barricade before additional officers arrived, surveillance videos released by the Atlanta Police Department show.

Following the incident, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green (R-Ga.) announced that she is sponsoring a bill to declare Antifa as a terrorist organization.

This is domestic terrorism. It was planned for weeks and announced on social media. Antifa are domestic terrorists, and Im introducing my bill to officially declare them a terrorist organization on Tuesday, she wrote on Monday, on Twitter.

On Sunday night, protesters claimed that police arrived at a music festival being held at the site and surrounded the attendees as the sun went down. They allegedly threatened legal observers with arrest. Photos and videos taken at the scene showed police forcing people to the ground and placing them into police vans. Officers have had to deal with thugs and terrorists at the construction site for months.

Seven of those arrests emanated from a violent riot in downtown Atlanta on January 21, sparked by Terans death. Several had ties to Antifa and were charged with domestic terrorism and criminal trespass, the Daily Mail reported further.

The Atlanta Police Department provided a list on Monday that showed 35 people had been detained, with two of them being from Georgia and others coming from as far as Maine and Arizona in the US, as well as Canada, and France. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation will prosecute the charges.

They should get the maximum prison sentence allowed to send a message that this kind of nonsense is no longer going to be tolerated.

Sources include:

CNN.com

DailyMail.co.uk
(Natural News) An alarming study has revealed that being obese in middle age could reduce your lifespan by as much as five years.

Details of the study were published in the journal JAMA Network Open.

Obesity, BMI and comorbidities

For the study, researchers followed nearly 30,000 participants for up to 50 years. Their findings showed that people of a healthy weight died aged 82.3, on average.

However, those in the fat category, or people defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of more than 40, lived for only 77.7.

People who were considered only moderately obese, which is almost 50 percent of adults in the U.S. and at least 25 percent of adults in the U.K, lost nearly two years of their lifespan.

Researchers added that there was hardly any difference in life expectancy between those who were overweight or had a BMI of between 25 and 29.

While the research team from Northwestern University in Chicago did not break down deaths by cause, they explained that obese people are more likely to suffer from comorbidities.

The researchers added that being overweight causes inflammation and fatty deposits to develop in the arteries. This then strains the heart and other vital organs. (Related: Weight gain and diabetes risk: Deep belly fat poses more of a health risk to women than men.)

The estimates from the study are less extreme than earlier studies, which revealed that being morbidly obese can cut life expectancy by as much as a decade.

In the current study, scientists gathered medical insurance data from 29,621 participants older than 65 in 2015. They had previously been recruited to a long-term health study in the 1960s and 1970s.

By December 2015, at least 13,000 of the participants had died.

To analyze death rates by weight status, the participants were separated into groups based on their BMI. Results showed that the fatter someone was, the shorter their life expectancy.

According to the data:

Severely obese people lived to 77.7.

people lived to 77.7. Moderately obese people lived up to 80.8.

people lived up to 80.8. People who were overweight had an average life of 82.1 years.

The scientists also discovered that participants who were obese and overweight had a greater number of morbidity years or the years they lived in ill health.

Data showed that severely obese people lived 10.32 years in ill health, while obese people lived up to 9.8 years in ill health. Overweight people had 7.22 morbidity years, and people of a healthy weight had 6.1 morbidity years.

Scientists also calculated average excess Medicare costs participants paid per their weight classification. Results showed that obese people paid an average cumulative total of $23,396 more in excess costs compared to someone with a healthy weight.

Overweight people paid an average excess cost of $12,390 more than those with a normal BMI.

Dr. Sadiya Khan, the studys lead author, explained that their findings highlight the impact of obesity on the health and life of people and the cumulative cost of the obesity epidemic to society.

Resources and strategies are urgently needed at the individual and population level to address the growing public health challenge of excess weight in the context of an aging population, said Khan.

The scientists acknowledged a number of limitations to their study. One is that Medicare data for conditions can be misclassified and could influence the findings. But given the sample size, the overall risk is low.

Also worth noting is that BMI is not used to diagnose obesity for those who are very muscular can have a high BMI without being fat. However, BMI is still accepted as a useful indicator of weight and health for the general population.

Tips that can help you maintain a healthy weight

If you are obese, overweight, or just trying to maintain a healthy weight, try the tips below to improve your overall well-being.

Savor your meals

Take your time while eating.

Eating slowly can help you savor each ingredient, and it can also help prevent overeating because you will be able to tell when you are already full.

Start meal prepping

Set aside time on the weekends to batch-cook your meals for the week.

Doing this can help you save time and money, especially if you buy lunch at work every day or order food for the family frequently.

Get enough sleep

Being sleep-deprived increases ghrelin, the hunger hormone, and decreases leptin, the satisfaction hormone. Both can contribute to weight gain.

When you dont get enough sleep, you crave more salty and sweet foods. Because when you feel more intense hunger, your cravings for higher energy or higher calorie foods intensify.

Visit FightObesity.news for more obesity-related stories.

Watch the video below to learn how black cumin seed oil can help support a healthy heart.

This video is from the Health Ranger Store channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Consuming too much fast food can cause irreversible brain damage, warn health experts.

Study reveals insufficient sleep linked to increase in unhealthy abdominal fat.

Toxic farmed salmon linked to higher risk of diabetes, obesity.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

EverydayHealth.com

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) A top DC lawyer who served in the Clinton administration, and who allegedly had dirt on the Clinton family, was killed when a private plane she was aboard was hit with turbulence while flying over New England.

(Article by Sean Adl-Tabatabai republished from NewsPunch.com)

The business jet carrying five passengers made an emergency landing at Bradley International Airport in Connecticut on Friday after Hyde collapsed suddenly and unexpectedly after the plane hit some severe turbulence.

Dana Hyde, 55, was rushed to a hospital in Hartford, Connecticut on Friday where she was pronounced dead.

Thegatewaypundit.com reports: Hyde also served as a lawyer on the 9/11 commission.

The FBI and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident.

NBC News reported:

A woman who died after the business jet she was aboard hit heavy turbulence while flying over New England was identified Monday as a prominent Beltway lawyer who once served on the 9/11 Commission. Dana J. Hydes name was released by the Connecticut State Troopers, one of the agencies investigating Fridays emergency landing at Bradley International Airport just north of Hartford. Hyde, 55, who lived in Cabin John, Maryland, was rushed by ambulance to Saint Francis Medical Center in Hartford, where she was pronounced dead, the agency said. Her remains are with the Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner while the FBI and the National Transportation Safety Board investigate what happened aboard the Bombardier executive jet that was traveling from Keene, New Hampshire, to Leesburg, Virginia, before suddenly diverting to Bradley.

Read more at: NewsPunch.com
(Natural News) Koalas are a popular symbol of Australian wildlife. But the Australian government recently declared them endangered after a severe decline in their population because of factors like bushfires, drought, loss of habitat and disease.

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee recommended that the conservation status of koalas be upgraded to endangered in several Australian states and territories: New South Wales (NSW), Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory.

Sussan Ley, Australias environment minister, accepted the recommendation. Ley added that the government also has plans to adopt a national recovery plan for koalas.

Its a cue for governments really to take a stand against continued habitat clearing for koalas. We cant just continue business as usual, said Alexia Wellbelove, the senior campaign manager at Humane Society International (HSI).

In 2022, the Morrison government pledged $50 million to help the species. While the funding was welcomed by environmental groups, it was also compared to a drop in the ocean as long as the root causes of the decline were not resolved.

The Australian governments recovery plan identifies the main threats facing koalas and the actions that are needed to effectively prevent their extinction. Governments arent obligated to implement the recovery plan and ministers cant legally make decisions that are inconsistent with the plan once its been adopted.

According to an alarming New South Wales parliamentary inquiry, koalas would become extinct by 2050 unless the government takes urgent action to preserve and protect their habitat. The Australian marsupial was nominated for the endangered list by the International Fund for Animal Welfare, WWF-Australia and HSI, which have been actively campaigning for their conservation status to be upgraded.

Dermot OGorman, WWF-Australias chief executive, explained that the koala has gone from no listing to being declared endangered on the Australian east coast within only a decade.

He added that this is a shockingly fast decline for one of the worlds most iconic animals. The endangered status is a grim but important decision by Minister Ley. (Related: Endangered reptile species being sold as pets could be in danger of extinction, warn scientists.)

Koala numbers cut by more than half in 20 years

The Threatened Species Scientific Committee has estimated that koala numbers have gone down from 185,000 in 2001 to 92,000 in 2021.

Basha Stasak, the Australian Conservation Foundations nature campaign manager, lamented that Australias national environment laws are very ineffective and that they havent done enough to address the ongoing destruction of koala habitat in Queensland and NSW.

Graeme Samuel, the former chairman of the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission, advised that the responsibility to protect the environment hasnt been carried out by Australian governments. This has then negatively affected the countrys wildlife.

Graemes many recommendations for reshaping the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 included a proposal for new national environmental standards that called for clear results for Australias animal and plant life.

Wellbelove cautioned that until the country enforced strict national environmental standards that specify no-go areas around critical habitat for species such as the koala, habitat destruction will continue and this must be addressed as soon as possible.

Deborah Tabart, the chairwoman of the Australian Koala Foundation, explained that koalas endangered status doesnt mean anything. Tabart criticized the federal government, which was only offering Australias koalas a nice new word.

Tabart warned that if the clearing of the koala habitat continues, a further status change is imminent. In time, koalas may go from endangered to extinct.

Watch the video below to see a video of a koala recorded in the wild.

This video is from The Ape channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Endangered bear species can mimic each others facial expressions to communicate.

Scientists discover toxic metals in reproductive organs of endangered eels.

Deadly pesticides can harm bee populations for generations, study finds.

Sources include:

EcoWatch.com

TheGuardian.com

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) Once again, the far-left legal group the American Civil Liberties Union, has proven that it loves Americas enemies more than it loves tens of millions of Americans.

The ACLU is pushing Congress to refrain from banning the social media platform TikTok, arguing that prohibiting the app, which is owned by China, a foreign nation considered hostile, would infringe upon Americans First Amendment rights.

A TikTok ban would allegedly limit Americans political discussion, artistic expression, free exchange of ideas  and even prevent people from posting cute animal videos and memes, the ACLU said in a letter to lawmakers, said a report by MSN.

Americans have a right to use TikTok and other platforms to exchange our thoughts, ideas, and opinions with people around the country and around the world, the ACLU added.

Congress must not censor entire platforms and strip Americans of their constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression. Whether were discussing the news of the day, live streaming protests, or ??even watching cat videos, we have a right to use TikTok and other platforms to exchange our thoughts, ideas, and opinions with people around the country and around the world, said Jenna Leventoff, senior policy counsel at ACLU, according to the group.

During the first House China Select Committee hearing last month, former Deputy National Security Adviser of the United States Matthew Pottinger warned that Chinese company-linked platforms like TikTok gives the Chinese Communist Party [CCP] the ability to manipulate our social discourse.

TikTok is already one of the most powerful media companies in American history, and its still growing. Its not just dances and kid stuff. Its becoming a major source of news for a generation of Americans, he added.

The social media platform TikTok is widely believed to be a tool for Chinese surveillance and propaganda, disguised as a regular app. It has been flagged as a danger to minors, a national security threat, and accused of meddling in US elections. Recently, the US House Foreign Affairs Committee voted along party lines to pass a bill that would authorize President Joe Biden to ban TikTok and other Chinese-owned apps throughout the country.

On Monday, the White House issued a directive that gave all government agencies 30 days to eliminate TikTok, which is now banned by law from any U.S. government devices, Breitbart News reported.

TikTok really began to face scrutiny after the Trump administration, when the then-president announced plans to ban the app, along with other Chinese apps, from operating in the United States, citing security concerns.

Reddit CEO Steve Huffman called the app out, stating that it was fundamentally parasitic.

Maybe Im going to regret this, but I cant even get to that level of thinking with them, Huffman told the site TechCrunch. Because I look at that app as so fundamentally parasitic, that its always listening, the fingerprinting technology they use is truly terrifying, and I could not bring myself to install an app like that on my phone.

Dont install that spyware on your phone, he added.

Apple recently discovered that TikTok was spying on users through a security loophole in iOS that allowed apps to access the clipboard on users devices secretly. Security researchers Talal Haj Bakry and Tommy Mysk found that TikTok was one of the apps using this loophole, which was set to be plugged in the upcoming iOS 14 update.

Cybersecurity expert Gary Miliefsky, who in 2014 discovered that many of the top mobile flashlight apps in Googles Play store were linked to China, worries that the app may be a scaled-up version of those spyware apps.

If you want to spy on a country, why send in a spy the old-fashioned way? he said. Why not just send in a great app and make it go viral?

Sources include:

TechCrunch.com

NaturalNews.com

Breitbart.com
(Natural News) Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel admitted during a talk with the World Economic Forum (WEF) that the company was already manufacturing Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines as early as 2019, months before the pandemic officially started.

The admission occurred during a Jan. 19 panel session of the WEF 2023 conference in Davos, Switzerland, called State of the Pandemic.

During the session, journalist Sasha Vakulina, who was moderating the panel, asked Bancel to discuss Modernas vaccine development, adoption and scaling with regard to how the company responded to the rise of different coronavirus variants. In his answer, Bancel admitted that the company had already been manufacturing COVID-19 vaccines since 2019, months before the first cases reached Europe and North America.

So the great news versus 2020, where we are today is that we have manufacturing capacity, said Bancel. When the pandemic happened, Moderna had made 100,000 doses in 2019 for the whole year. (Related: Moderna plans to release mRNA vaccines for other diseases, including cancer.)

Furthermore, Bancel admitted that the company knew that there was going to be a global pandemic in 2020.

And I remember walking into the office of my manufacturing and I say, How about we make a billion doses next year?' he added. And they look at me a bit funny and say, What? And I say, Yeah, we need to make a billion dose next year, theres going to be a pandemic.'

Mainstream media outlets defend Bancel, claim his words were misinterpreted

The clip of Bancels admission spread rapidly all over social media in the days and weeks following his statement. Kate Cronin, a spokesperson for Moderna, immediately claimed that it is totally incorrect to suggest that Bancel admitted to the company manufacturing COVID-19 vaccines in 2019.

Furthermore, multiple mainstream media outlets have also come to the defense of the Big Pharma CEO, claiming his words were deliberately misinterpreted.

Sudiksha Kochi, writing for USA Today, claimed that Bancel never specifically said the company made 100,000 COVID-19 vaccines in 2019, writing: Moderna made approximately 100,000 vaccine doses in 2019 across all of the companys products.

Sophia Tulp, writing for the Associated Press, reiterated Kochis claim, pointing out that transcripts of other interviews with Bancel show he has made similar remarks in the past that make it clear the 100,000 doses he mentioned to refers to all of the vaccines Moderna manufactured in 2019. Tulp further claims that people who shared the clip of Bancel were deliberately misconstruing his words.

Social media users sharing this clip to suggest Bancel was admitting to predicting the pandemic, and preliminary producing vaccines, ignore the fact that he does not specify what kind of doses hes discussing when he mentions 2019 production, she claimed. Previous interviews with Bancel in which he makes nearly identical remarks also make clear that hes comparing 2019 doses of any kind of vaccine with the upgraded capacity put into place once the virus began rapidly spreading in early 2020.

But what media outlets fail to point out is that these previous statements from Bancel also show him admitting to developing COVID-19 vaccines before the pandemic.

In one appearance on CNBC in early January, journalist Rebecca Quick commented that in her last meeting with Bancel, during a WEF meeting in early 2020, the CEO admitted that Moderna was already working on a COVID-19 vaccine even though the disease at that point didnt even have a name yet.

I remember  you were talking about how you had actually, you were working on a vaccine for COVID, said Quick. At that point, COVID-19 didnt even really exist in our minds.

I think there was no name at that time, responded Bancel.

For more news about Big Pharma companies, visit BigPharmaNews.com.

Watch the full clip from the World Economic Forum of Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel admitting to producing thousands of COVID-19 vaccine doses in 2019 before the pandemic even began.

This is from the GalacticStorm channel on Brighteon.com.

More related articles:

Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel brags to WEF attendees about predicting a billion dollar pandemic in 2019.

CHURNING OUT DEATH: Moderna CEO wants mRNA vaccine factories on every continent.

GREED PARADE: Moderna plans to sell COVID-19 vaccine for up to $130 per dose  more than 8 times its initial price of $15.25 per dose.

Moderna patented a 19-nucleotide sequence in 2013 that matches the most infectious sequence of SARS-CoV-2.

Moderna developing new mRNA injection to heal damaged hearts, after mRNA COVID vaccines cause heart damage.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

USAToday.com

APNews.com

TheGatewayPundit.com
(Natural News) Half of the worlds population may starve soon, thanks to the Net Zero policies promoted and propagated by climate alarmists across the globe.

The United Nations website defined Net Zero as cutting greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible, with the remaining emissions reabsorbed from the atmosphere by oceans and forests.

According to a paper published by CO2 Coalition, the Net Zero initiatives of governments and private organizations are scienti?cally invalid and will lead to worldwide impoverishment and starvation if implemented.

The papers authors were Professor William Happer from Princeton University, Professor Richard Lindzen of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Gregory Wrightstone. They specialize in climate research and strongly refute the climate emergency cult narrative while warning of the devastating consequences of increasingly radical climate policies.

Humans need green plants to exist and prosper. Plants get the carbon they need from carbon dioxide (CO2) in the air. Other essential nutrients  water, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, etc.  come from the soil. Plants grow better with several times higher CO2 concentrations than present values. As far as green plants are concerned, CO2 is part of their daily bread  like water, sunlight, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other essential elements.

Without CO2, there would be no photosynthesis, no food and no human or other life.

The papers authors stressed that Net Zero regulations and actions are scienti?cally invalid. This is because their proponents fabricate data or omit data that contradict their conclusions; rely on computer models that do not work; rely on ?ndings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that are government opinions, not science; omit the extraordinary social bene?ts of CO2 and fossil fuels; omit the disastrous consequences of reducing fossil fuels and CO2 emissions to Net Zero; and reject the science that demonstrates there is no risk of catastrophic global warming caused by fossil fuels and CO2.

Net Zero is an attack on food supply

The HighWire host Del Bigtree also had strong words against the proponents of Net Zero. He called them globalists disguised as climate change advocates and accused them of deliberately attacking the global food supply and farmers through Net Zero.

Its the farmers, those people that are out there digging the dirt and bringing us our food they are targeting, Bigtree said during an episode of his program. The globalists are literally paying people to shut down their farms to stop growing anything.

A growing coalition of countries, cities, businesses and other institutions are pledging to get to net-zero emissions. The biggest polluters China, U.S., the European Union and other countries have set a net-zero target to cover about 76 percent of global emissions and pledged to take rigorous, immediate action to halve global emissions by 2030.

Investigative journalist Jefferey Jaxen, Bigtrees co-anchor, cited an article from the Toronto Sun saying that Canadian farmers felt ignored as Justin Trudeaus government did not hold any prior consultation on the cut of nitrous oxide fertilizer emissions. (Related: Farmers dismayed by PM Justin Trudeaus push to implement regulated fertilizer reduction policies that would crush food production.)

Read more news about attacks on food supply at FoodCollapse.com.

Watch this video about Net Zero causing global hunger.

This video is from FalconsCAFE Sharing is caring channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

The Highwire with Del Bigtree: Net Zero is a deliberate attack on global food supply.

Nineteen states launch investigations into banks with climate cult ties.

Progress: Woke investing takes major blow after Vanguard bows out of climate alliance.

Say what? Wales to play a leading role in tackling climate change by banning ROAD construction.

Sources include:

Expose-News.com

Brighteon.com 1

Brighteon.com 2
(Natural News) Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that he will appoint an Independent special rapporteur, who he says will have a wide mandate and will make expert recommendations on combating interference and strengthening our democracy amid allegations that his government ignored recommendations from CSIS noting concerns about candidates connections to the Chinese Communist Party.

(Article by Roberto Wakerell-Cruz republished from ThePostMillenial.com)

In the last couple of weeks, Canadians have been reading and hearing a lot about foreign interference by China in elections, Trudeau said.

Trudeau laid out ways that he says Canada has been protecting values of freedom, openness, and dialogue, saying that not every government around the world shares those values. Trudeau said that the Chinese and Russian governments have attempted to interfere in Canadian democracy, as well as institutions, businesses, research facilities, or in the daily lives of our citizens.

Trudeau said that foreign interference was felt in US and Frances elections in 2016 and 2017, respectively.

Today, all political leaders agree that the election outcomes in 2019 and 2021 were not impacted by foreign interference, Trudeau said, but even if it didnt change the results of any of our elections, any interference attempt by any foreign actor is troubling and serious, Trudeau said, calling attempted interference something that is evolving, including with the rise of technology and social media. Trudeau said that his creation in 2017, the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians, was part of the success in fighting foreign interference.

Trudeau says he is appointing an independent special rapporteur who will have a wide mandate and make expert recommendations on combatting interference and strengthening our democracy. pic.twitter.com/WYUoAuo47Q  The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) March 6, 2023

Trudeau said that some have argued strongly that a public inquiry is the necessary next step. Some others have pointed out the flaws and challenges of a public inquiry.

Thats why we will ask the independent special rapporteur as one of the first tasks of their mandate to provide the government with the recommendation as to what the appropriate should be, whether it be an inquiry, an investigation, or a judicial review and what the scope of that work may be, and we will abide by their recommendation, Trudeau said.

Trudeau then announced that $5.5 million would be invested to build capacity of civil society organizations to combat disinformation, adding that disinformation often generated abroad can be a real threat to our elections, and its a threat that the federal government cannot combat alone.

Trudeau announces an investment of $5.5 million to combat disinformation after accusations that the CCP infiltrated Canadian elections pic.twitter.com/UEem4Fwy2E  The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) March 6, 2023

Read more at: ThePostMillenial.com
(Natural News) Democratic gubernatorial candidate for Kentucky Geoff Young noted that the voters he has spoken to are sick of seeing their tax dollars go to Ukraine, and warned that intellectually bankrupt politicians in Washington have made nuclear war a realistic possibility.

In an interview with RT, Young said the time has come for the United States to cut off the supply of arms to Kyiv. Unfortunately, Young isnt holding out hope for federal officials in Washington to come to their senses, believing they are separated from reality. (Related: RINO ALERT: Sen. Graham wants the US to send F-16s to Ukraine and declare Russia a state sponsor of terrorism.)

I think most of them are severely deluded about reality by decades of anti-Russian propaganda in our mainstream media, said Young, pointing to Congress focusing on other priorities, including so-called climate change, which he called totally irrelevant  at this moment when humanity is threatened by a possible nuclear war.

Young is currently up against incumbent Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear for the Democratic Partys nomination for the 2023 governors race. Last year, Young ran as the Democratic nominee for Kentuckys sixth congressional district, running as a self-styled Peace Democrat due to his position against American participation in the conflict. He did not receive Beshears endorsement due to claims that he parroted propaganda regarding the special military operation in Ukraine.

Youngs position regarding the conflict in Ukraine puts him at odds with virtually every notable member of the Democratic Party, including Beshear, who was recently banned from stepping foot in Russia due to his support for anti-Russian sanctions. Young is joined by only a minority of elected officials, including 11 Republicans in the House of Representatives who sponsored legislation to stop the flow of arms to Ukraine.

Biden using Ukraine conflict to strengthen Americas grip over Europe

Young further pointed out that, aside from using Ukraine as its main proxy in a war against Russia, the administration of President Joe Biden is using the war to strengthen Washingtons hold over our European so-called allies.

According to Young, one of the main ways this overarching American goal has spread to Europe is the sabotage of the Nord Stream natural gas pipelines.

The Nord Stream bombing was a part of that strategy, designed to make Germany, the largest economy in Europe, totally dependent on the U.S., said Young. For decades, Washingtons biggest nightmare has been that Germany and Russia would ally, have their economies complement each other  and make the United States irrelevant.

Americas involvement in the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines is well known. American journalist Seymour Hersh recently pointed out how the sabotage incident was likely conducted by the Central Intelligence Agency in collaboration with the Royal Norwegian Navy.

Hersh noted that the attack was largely intended to remove Germanys ability to lift its own sanctions on Russia and resume the wholesale purchasing of Russian gas, which is significantly cheaper than if Germany were to export liquefied natural gas from the United States.

While the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines was perhaps the most significant event in Americas goal to keep Europe within its sphere of influence, Young noted that the ongoing and ever-expanding list of anti-Russian sanctions that the U.S. and its European allies have enacted have also been a significant part of Washingtons strategy.

Unfortunately for the White House, these sanctions have had little effect. But Young noted that the West is still pushing for more sanctions against Russia out of what he called incompetence.

Our leaders are intellectually bankrupt, he said. They dont know what they can accomplish and what they cannot accomplish. Fundamentally, theyre stupid, and they dont have any other ideas.

Learn more about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine at UkraineWitness.com.

Watch this clip from InfoWars featuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky saying Americans will die if his country loses to Russia.

This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

More related articles:

Zelensky and his cronies are trying to cover up a major corruption scandal in Ukraine  what role is the US playing?

Where are the tens of billions being spent in Ukraine really going? Analysis dares to ask the tough questions.

Putin suspends nuclear treaty with the US as Biden pledges more American taxpayer aid and weapons to Ukraine.

Matt Gaetz introduces House resolution urging Biden to end all taxpayer-funded aid for Ukraine.

US, NATO using discredited domino theory to justify sending even more taxpayer-funded arms shipments to Ukraine.

Sources include:

PressTV.ir

RT.com

LPM.org

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) Why anyone would spend years attending law school only to throw it all away over the construction of a police training facility is hard to understand, but that may be exactly what Thomas Jurgens, 28, just did.

Earlier this week, he was one of hundreds of Antifa counterrevolutionaries who invaded the compound, where some in the group threw rocks at police along with commercial-grade fireworks while torching construction equipment with Molotov cocktails, according to reports. His now-deleted LinkedIn page listed him as a staff attorney with the far-left Southern Poverty Law Center, which often lists conservatives alongside hate groups like the Ku Klux Klan, which southern Democrats actually began in the wake of the Civil War, Breitbart News noted.

The New York Post reported further:

Of the 23 people slapped with domestic terrorism charges over the violent protest, Jurgens and only one other man, Jack Beaman, hail from the state of Georgia. Police said the majority of those arrested are from other parts of the US  as well as France and Canada.

The SPLC didnt immediately respond to The Posts request for comment in the wake of Jurgens arrest. In total, 35 violent agitators were nabbed after they attacked the future site of the $90 million police training facility, cops said. It wasnt immediately clear if the remainder of those arrested will also be hit with domestic terrorism charges.

During the violence, protesters reportedly hurled Molotov cocktails, fireworks, rocks, and bricks at police officers. Atlanta Police Chief Schierbaum subsequently characterized the incident as a coordinated attack, and reported that multiple pieces of construction equipment were also set ablaze.

This was a very violent attack, very violent attack, Schierbaum said. This wasnt about a public safety training center. This was about anarchy and we are addressing that quickly.

The Georgia Department of Public Safety has reported that certain left-wing agitators attempted to blind police officers by shining green lasers into their eyes during the demonstration.

Georgias Republican Governor, Brian Kemp, denounced the violence as an act of domestic terrorism.

As Ive said before, domestic terrorism will NOT be tolerated in this state, Kemp said. We will not rest until those who use violence and intimidation for an extremist end are brought to full justice.

Reports indicate that in response to the death of 26-year-old activist Manuel Teran during a police sweep, far-left rioters set fire to a police car and smashed windows of several local businesses in January. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation had stated that Teran was killed in an exchange of gunfire with police that also resulted in a state trooper being wounded, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC).

The protest later turned violent, with rioters setting a police car on fire and breaking into several businesses. The Atlanta Police had to respond to various cases of property damage on Peachtree Street, with the glass doors of the Atlanta Police Foundation being smashed as well.

Antifa is burning down Atlanta right now pic.twitter.com/UH3H8CVV6X  Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 22, 2023

In 2013, domestic terrorist Floyd Lee Corkins II attempted a mass shooting at the Family Research Council (FRC) after the SPLC listed it as a hate group, highlighting the dangerous consequences of the SPLCs practice of listing conservatives alongside legitimate hate groups. Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, has criticized the SPLCs labeling of organizations as hate groups, arguing that it undermines public discourse.

The wickedness of the SPLCs blacklist lies in the fact that it conflates groups that really do preach hatred, such as the Ku Klux Klan and Nation of Islam, with ones that simply do not share the SPLCs political preferences, he wrote in the Washington Post. The obvious goal is to marginalize the organizations in this second category by bullying reporters into avoiding them, scaring away writers and researchers from working for them, and limiting invitations for them to discuss their work.

Sources include:

Breitbart.com

WashingtonPost.com
(Natural News) Since Californias Transgender Respect, Agency and Dignity Act came into effect in 2021, permitting transgender inmates to be housed in facilities in line with their gender identity, 47 biological males have been permitted to transfer to womens prisons while none of the 12 requests by biological females to transfer to a mens facility have been granted so far.

(Article by Mia Ashton republished from ThePostMillennial.com)

Democratic California Senator Scott Wieners SB 132 was enacted in January 2021, granting biological male criminals the right to request transfer to womens prisons based upon a self-declared female gender identity, as well as the right for these males to request to be searched by female prison staff.

The law applies to both male and female inmates alike, but the flow of transfers has so far only gone in one direction. On the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) website, it states that as of Feb. 26, 2023, 349 people housed in male institutions have requested to be housed in a female institution. 47 were approved for transfer, 21 were denied, and 35 changed their minds. The remaining requests are being reviewed.

However, 12 individuals housed in a female institution have requested to be housed in a male institution. None have yet to be approved, but all the requests are under review.

In 2022, the CDCR commissioned The Moss Group, a Washington-based criminal justice consulting firm, to provide long-term policy recommendations to ensure successful continued implementation of SB 132.

Beginning in Jan 2021 California allowed incarcerated men to be housed in womens prisons and gave men a right to insist their bodies be searched by female staff (regardless of whether female staff felt comfortable with this). The requests of these men could not be denied based https://t.co/IViAnCG1zp  WomenAreReal (@WomenAreReals) March 4, 2023

SB 132 gives biological male inmates the right to self-declare a female gender identity and request transfer to a womens prison, but the report indicated that due to the absence of clear training and criteria, there appears to be a presumption of transfer, which is concerning given the serious challenges to safety based on institution type and staffing.

The Moss Group report acknowledges the difference in male and female offending patterns, noting that while there may be similar crimes or institutional misconduct findings present in a womens institution, there may also be distinctions between the scope and scale of those crimes and behaviors.

Indications of a current risk of gender-based violence should be considered a key management and security concern. This is especially important considering the housing and supervision needed to manage such risks.

The report also highlights the imbalance of power created by allowing biological males to have women rehoused based on health and safety issues when that same ability does not appear to be extended to female inmates.

SB 132, Section 4, 2606 (a)(4) allows a transgender person to remove other individuals from a room if safety concerns are expressed. While all housing decisions should be predicated upon safety, this practice creates inconsistency and a perceived imbalance of power in the population, reads the report.

Incarcerated individuals who refuse a cell assignment face disciplinary action. For instance, in practice, if a cisgender woman raises personal safety concerns about having a transgender woman in the room, it was reported by staff and incarcerated individuals that she would be written up and removed from the room.

To be written up means to receive a disciplinary write-up which could lead to time spent in administrative segregation, which the Twitter account @womenarereals describes as the newer, gentler form of solitary confinement.

For my final example (and truly the report is a goldmine please someone more knowledgeable than me read and tweet your own findings. I just have to go to sleep.) lets talk about bed or cell assignments. In prison you have no agency. You generally have no control over where you https://t.co/a7kr87Nepe  WomenAreReal (@WomenAreReals) March 4, 2023

However, the report frames this as being harmful to the biological males housed in the womens estate, rather than the women who are being disciplined for expressing their fear of being housed with males.

This process has had a significant impact on all of the women in the institution. For some, housing stability was disrupted. This often evoked fear on the part of cisgender women and rejection of transgender women triggering a cycle of anger, divisiveness, and loss, says the report.

These dynamics were at times activated by myths, anxiety or fear, and other times by misperceptions and misunderstanding.

The CDRC website explains why inmates are no longer housed based upon the material reality of their sexed body but rather based upon self-declared gender identity. California state law prohibits discrimination based on gender, including gender identity, and the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) expressly prohibits housing decisions based solely on an incarcerated persons external genitalia.

In other words, in order to prevent rapes from occurring in federal prisons, male criminals are permitted to self-declare as female and be housed in womens prisons.

Read more at: ThePostMillennial.com
(Natural News) Spying on Americans isnt just something that the CIA, FBI, and the NSA do  now it appears that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which maintains an Office of Intelligence and Analysis, is doing so as well, according to a new report.

The department secretly maintains a domestic intelligence program that allows agency officials to interview willing Americans without their lawyers present, raising civil liberties concerns, according to Breitbart News, which cited Politico.

The report said that the secret program is called the Overt Human Intelligence Collection Program, and it allows them to interview Americans in prison and jail, as well as illegal immigrants at immigrant detention centers, according to Politico, which added:

Under the domestic-intelligence program, officials are allowed to seek interviews with just about anyone in the United States. That includes people held in immigrant detention centers, local jails, and federal prison. DHSs intelligence professionals have to say theyre conducting intelligence interviews, and they have to tell the people they seek to interview that their participation is voluntary. But the fact that theyre allowed to go directly to incarcerated people  circumventing their lawyers  raises important civil liberties concerns, according to legal experts.

The program, run by DHSs Office of Intelligence and Analysis, has been in place for years, but a specific element was paused in 2021 due to internal concerns. The program is used to gather information on threats to the U.S., such as transnational drug trafficking and organized crime, but its methods of collecting intelligence are largely unknown to the public, Politico noted further.

According to a review of internal documents by the outlet, the program has been described as having questionable legal tactics and political pressure. The documents also reveal widespread internal concerns and the fear of punishment for speaking out about potential mismanagement and abuse.

Based on the report, an anonymous employee mentioned in the internal documents reportedly described the programs office as shady and runs like a corrupt government. Another document reportedly revealed that employees had concerns about the programs activities, which raised several red flags, and they wanted the program to cover the cost of legal liability insurance.

Carrie Bachner, a former DHS undersecretary for intelligence, told Politico that if the Overt Human Intelligence Collection Program indeed exists to question Americans, it is immoral.

I dont know any counsel in their right mind that would sign off on that, or any member of Congress that would say, Thats OK, Bachner said. If these people are out there interviewing folks that still have constitutional privileges, without their lawyer present, thats immoral.

What do they do with that information they collect, and is it legal? Bachner questioned. Where do they store that information?

 Those documents also reveal that a significant number of employees in DHSs intelligence office have raised concerns that the work they are doing could be illegal. https://t.co/Jq6a2lsWHf via @politico  Jonathan Swan (@jonathanvswan) March 6, 2023

The report raised disputes about how U.S. law applied to the programs interactions with American citizens. Many employees were concerned about the legality of the program, and the documents obtained by Politico suggested that there were serious issues with oversight, management, and accountability within the program, Politico noted.

Around 2012, then-NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden revealed that his agency was spying on the electronic communications of all Americans, completely in violation of the agencys mandate. Nothing ever happened; no one was punished, no one was charged, and, certainly, no one went to jail.

Thats why spying on Americans continues to this day, and is increasing across a myriad of federal agencies.

Sources include:

Breitbart.com

Politico.com
(Natural News) The European Union (EU) is fuming over Germanys recent decision to not ban gas-fueled vehicles like the nation was commanded to do by the globalists in Brussels.

The plan was to force Europes economic powerhouse into full compliance with the EUs so-called Green Deal, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality  humans are made of carbon and the globalists consider you a pollutant  by the year 2050. That will apparently no longer happen now that Germany has rejected the plan.

This block is not at the 11th hour or even at the 12th hour, one EU official complained to Politico about Germanys decision to keep gas cars in production. We had a deal, the law was agreed and voted in the European Parliament. If you cant rely on political agreements anymore, it gets really dangerous.

(Related: Germany is well aware of the fact that no economy, including its own, can run successfully without a steady supply of cheap and abundant energy from the earth.)

The EUs Green Deal could collapse entirely if other nations join Germany in rejecting the gas-hating lunatics and their radical green agenda

Because of Germanys last-minute rejection of the proposal, an official vote on it has reportedly been postponed for a later council meeting, the date of which has yet to be announced, according to the Swedish presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Germanys transportation minister indicated this week that his country will not, in fact, support the EUs proposed ban on the sale of new combustion engine cars in 2035, which is what the EU is demanding. He also called for assurances that, should the proposal pass, an exemption will be included for synthetic fuels.

The conservative European Peoples Party group, the largest bloc in the European Parliament, also opposes the ban and is calling on all other member countries to do the same.

The ban will prevent innovation and cost thousands of jobs and will lead to the decline of a core European industry, said Jens Gieseke, the EPP Group lead negotiator on the matter.

The preliminary deal that was reached last year would force automakers to reduce new car emissions by 55 percent in 2030 relative to 2021. They would then have five additional years to completely phase out emissions by the year 2035.

Brussels is hellbent on reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2035. What this really means, of course, is that all emissions are to occur during the highly polluting mining and production process rather than directly from green vehicles that run on batteries instead of gas.

Since the deal had already passed through each stage of the Brussels legislative process, including the approval process enacted by member states, others, including French MEP Pascal Canfin, are furious about this disruption to their green agenda.

If other member states join Germany in opposing the gas-fueled vehicle ban, then other elements of the EUs Green Deal are at risk of not passing. This would potentially kill off the Green Deal entirely, which has the greenies fuming.

The very spirit of European construction is in danger through this incoherent position, Canfin whined to AFP.

In the comments, someone wrote concerning the matter:

So, are we trying to be carbon neutral or are we trying to outlaw what has been the literal engine of technological advancement since the industrial revolution just for sake of being punitive? E-fuels are carbon neutral and use their renewable energy sources to process the fuels. Seems like a winner to me.

The latest news about the clash between the deranged greenies and the economic realists can be found at GreenTyranny.news.

Sources for this article include:

ClimateDepot.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Federal contracting documents reviewed by The Intercept show that U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) is ramping up its efforts to unleash internet propaganda and other deception campaigns online using deepfake videos.

The entity responsible for some of Americas most secretive military operations, SOCOM is also gearing up to hack peoples internet-connected devices in order to eavesdrop on how they respond to said propaganda  will they believe the deepfakes are real?

The news comes at a time of intense global debate over the use of technologically sophisticated disinformation campaigns, their effectiveness on the masses, and the ethics of their use. The United States government is constantly warning about the risk of deepfakes while at the same time deploying them as weapons against the population.

For SOCOM to be using deepfakes in this manner is unprecedented. Never before has any government openly signaled its intentions to use the highly controversial technology as an offensive weapon for unleashing next-generation propaganda.

When it comes to disinformation, the Pentagon should not be fighting fire with fire, says Chris Meserole, head of the Brookings Institutions Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology Initiative.

At a time when digital propaganda is on the rise globally, the U.S. should be doing everything it can to strengthen democracy by building support for shared notions of truth and reality. Deepfakes do the opposite. By casting doubt on the credibility of all content and information, whether real or synthetic, they ultimately erode the foundation of democracy itself.

(Related: The media also uses deepfakes to trick the public into believing lies.)

Pentagon wants to use deepfakes to help soldiers more effectively hunt and kill their targets

According to Meserole, such technology should only be leveraged and used for targeted military and intelligence operations after it has undergone proper review and oversight. As you might imagine, this has not happened with SOCOMs deployment of deepfake weapons technology.

If deepfakes are going to be leveraged for targeted military and intelligence operations, then their use needs to be subject to review and oversight, Meserole is further quoted as saying.

First published in 2020, a pitch document published by SOCOMs Directorate of Science and Technology contains a wish list of next-generation toys, so to speak, that the military-industrial complex hopes to deploy so its most elite soldiers can more effectively hunt and kill their targets using lasers, robots, holographs, and other sophisticated hardware.

Last October, SOCOM released an updated version of this wish list that contains a new section about Advanced technologies for use in Military Information Support Operations (MISO), which The Intercept says is a Pentagon euphemism for its global propaganda and deception efforts.

The one simple paragraph that was added outlines with further clarity SOCOMs efforts to obtain more advanced methods of carrying out influence operations, digital deception, communication disruption, and disinformation campaigns at the tactical edge and operational levels.

SOCOM is also seeking a next generation capability to collect disparate data through public and open-source information streams such as social media, local media, etc. to enable MISO to craft and direct influence operations.

Up until now, SOCOM has mostly operated in the shadows, unbeknownst to the average person. It is comprised of elite units from many branches of the military including the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force, leading the most sensitive military operations in the worlds most lethal nations.

While American special forces are widely known for splashy exploits like the Navy SEALs killing of Osama bin Laden, their history is one of secret missions, subterfuge, sabotage, and disruption campaigns, writes Sam Biddle for The Intercept.

SOCOMs next generation disinformation ambitions are only part of a long, vast history of deception efforts on the part of the U.S. military and intelligence apparatuses.

If you enjoyed reading this story, you will find more like it at Faked.news.

Sources for this article include:

TheIntercept.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) The Russian Navys first frigate armed with a hypersonic missiles has been deployed to the waters around Ukraine.

TruNews host and founder Rick Wiles said the deployment of the Russian Admiral Gorshkov frigate could be a sign that Moscow and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) are ramping up for a big confrontation this coming spring.

Wiles described the Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles carried by the frigate as capable of delivering devastating strikes at sea and on land. According to Russia, these missiles are the centerpiece of Moscows ballistic arsenal.

Wiles co-host, Doc Burkhart, cited an article from the South China Morning Post about the frigates deployment. According to him, things are indeed appearing to be ramping up as the vessel completed a joint exercise with the navies of China and South Africa. There is also the possibility of the frigate joining the Russia-Ukraine war, backing up ground troops.

Citing the Russian state-owned news agency TASS, Burkhardt said the Admiral Gorshkov set off for new waters on Feb. 27 after three days of naval drills on the waters of South Africas Cape Town. The Admiral Gorshkov, the seagoing tanker Kama and other warships of the Russian Northern Fleet took part in artillery drills, minesweeping and maritime rescue operations during the exercises. (Related: Fully armed Russian Navy ships navigate between Britain and Ireland.)

Since 2015, the Russian Navy has been using the Admiral Gorshkov and three other frigates as platforms to test the powerful Zircon hypersonic missiles. The missiles proved to be capable of both penetrating NATO air defense systems and destroying surface targets in Ukraine.

The Admiral Gorshkov was the first Russian warship to be equipped with the Zircon missiles. During the inaugural test firing of the Zircon at the Barents sea in October 2020, the missile reached a speed of Mach 8 and an altitude of 28 kilometers (17.3 miles).

Russia also equipping its submarines with hypersonic missiles

While the TASS report did not mention if the Zircon anti-ship hypersonic cruise missile system was tested during the joint exercises, Chinese military experts said the frigate might be deployed in the Black Sea as reinforcement. Former Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) instructor Song Zhongping was among these experts.

According to Song, the Admiral Gorshkov could deploy the Zircon missiles to support the Black Sea Fleets combat capability. The fleet was significantly weakened when its flagship, the Moskva guided missile cruiser, sank in April of last year. He added that the naval drills in Cape Town also sought to test the frigates long-distance deployment capability.

Meanwhile, Burkhart pointed out that Russia is also growing its nuclear submarine fleet for a potential deployment to Ukraine. Citing a report by the news agency RIA Novosti, he mentioned that Moscow is set to add two nuclear submarines to its naval fleet.

According to the RIA Novosti report, the new submarines are part of the Borei-class submarines that run on nuclear power. The two submarines are also armed with 16 Bulava ballistic missiles, making them a vital nuclear deterrent.

Follow MilitaryTech.news for more news about the Russian militarys missile arsenal.

Watch the TruNews segment featuring Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart discussing the deployment of the Admiral Gorshkov frigate below.

This video is from the TruNews channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Putin sends warship armed with hypersonic missiles into Atlantic, Indian Oceans as U.S. Air Force tests deadly new tactic.

Putin orders first batch of nuclear-armed Poseidon torpedoes produced that can wipe out coastlines.

Russian Navys doomsday submarine can carry 6 Poseidon nuclear torpedoes.

ESCALATION: NATO deploys 30,000 troops, 50 warships for huge war games on Russias border.

UKs Royal Navy shadowed 9 Russian warships in recent weeks.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

SCMP.com
(Natural News) A 30-foot-long secret corridor has been found close to the main entrance of the Great Pyramid of Giza, Egyptian officials announced on March 2.

This discovery within the 4,500-year-old pyramid  the only one still standing among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World  could lead to additional discoveries. An article by Nature issued on the same day as the announcement also mentioned that the corridor answers questions about the purpose of a gabled limestone structure in front of it.

Scientists from the ScanPyramids Project first stumbled upon the finding on Feb. 24 by using cosmic-ray muon radiography. They then fed an endoscope from Japan through a small joint in the pyramids stones, taking pictures of the corridor. ScanPyramids has been utilizing non-invasive technology as well as infrared thermography, 3D simulations and cosmic-ray imaging to look inside the structure since 2015.

Mostafa Waziri, secretary general of Egypts Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), said the corridor was probably made to redistribute the pyramids weight around either the main entrance used by modern-day tourists or another undiscovered chamber.

Five rooms atop the burial chamber of the Pharaoh Khufu in another part of the pyramid are also believed to have been built to redistribute the weight of the enormous structure. Waziri remarked the pharaoh likely had more than one burial chamber.

Were going to continue our scanning so we will see what we can do  to figure out what we can find out beneath it, or just by the end of this corridor, the SCA head told reporters during a media conference in front of the pyramid.

Bigger corridor also discovered inside the Great Pyramid

The Great Pyramid was built as a tomb for Khufu (also called Cheops) about 2560 B.C. on the Giza plateau. Originally standing at 479 feet, the removal of much of its limestone casing reduced its height to 456 feet. (Related: Ancient people used shockingly advanced mathematics to erect monuments based on sacred geometry.)

During the same March 2 press conference, camera footage from the endoscope was released to members of the media. It displayed an empty corridor with walls created out of crudely carved stone blocks and a domed stone ceiling.

Archaeologist Zahi Hawass remarked that the corridor depicted a major discovery that would enter houses and homes of people all over the world for the first time. He added that it might help disclose whether the burial chamber of Khufu still survived inside the pyramid after thousands of years.

In a few months from now we can see if what Im saying is correct or not, said Hawass, who served as antiquities minister for three months back in 2011. He contemplated that there might be something important in the space below the corridor.

The 30-fo0t-long corridor is not the only void found inside the Great Pyramid. Back in 2017, ScanPyramids found a larger void measuring at least 98 feet long. This void, which was discovered using muography, is situated directly above the pyramids Grand Gallery.

Just like the recently discovered corridor, researchers inserted an endoscope into the 98-foot-long void on Feb. 24 to discover its secrets. The team has not found any artifacts inside the longer corridor as of writing, however.

Visit Ancients.news for more stories about Ancient Egypt.

Watch the video below that explains the true purpose of the pyramids of Giza.

This video is from the Beyondtheicea channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Archaeologists discover RARE and possibly the OLDEST gold-covered Egyptian mummy.

Archaeologists uncover remains of mysterious Mayan queen in underground pyramid in Guatemala.

Ancient Egyptian tomb reveals GRUESOME murals of cows being slaughtered.

Secret tunnel system discovered beneath Pyramid of the Moon in Mexico.

Sources include:

Reuters.com

LiveScience.com

BBC.com

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) A coalition of Republican members of the House of Representatives is seeking to rein in fake president Joe Biden, whose regime is trying to sidestep Congress with its planned implementation of the World Health Organizations (WHO) Pandemic Treaty.

On Tuesday, Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Wisc.) introduced a bill co-sponsored by 14 other House Republicans that would force the White House to recognize any binding international instruments on pandemics from the WHO as a treaty. This means that the Senate would have to approve the Pandemic Treaty as opposed to it simply being arbitrarily ramrodded into effect by Biden and his cronies.

The Biden regime is currently in talks with the WHOs Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) about drafting what they are calling a pandemic accord. That accord would force all member nations, including the United States, to hand over full power and control to the WHO during a public health emergency declaration such as another pandemic.

In order to ensure the WHO has nearly limitless authority to control the health protocols of all people during the next false flag disease psy-op, Biden is pushing the WHO to enact this accord without a proper vote, hence why they are calling it an accord rather than a treaty.

The INB held its most recent meeting last week; during those deliberations, Biden envoy Pamela Hamamoto insisted that the White House was committed to the Pandemic Accord as an enduring binding instrument for generations to come,' one media outlet reported about the matter.

The INB negotiations are extremely preliminary, but a draft agreement exists. The state members of the INB have not yet agreed on what, exactly, the instrument should be, so its current iteration is officially titled the W.H.O. Convention, Agreement or Other International Instrument on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, or WHO CA+.'

Be sure to check out the following episode of the Health Ranger Report about how the Pandemic Treaty is in its final stages.

The U.S. Constitution stipulates that treaties, also known as binding agreements with foreign states, hold top legal authority in the country. The supreme law of the land, as the Constitution is also called, further states that two-thirds of the Senate must approve a treaty before the U.S. government can ratify it.

In the past, presidents have sidestepped this requirement by using terms such as executive agreement to describe their international agreements, especially when an opposing political party is in control of the Senate.

The two most prominent international policies of the administration of leftist President Barack Obama  admission into the Paris climate agreement and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA, or Iran nuclear deal)  thus gained legal force without Senate approval despite clearly binding America to international commitments, as a treaty would, reports explain.

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is not a treaty or an executive agreement, and is not a signed document, the Obama State Department insisted in a 2015 letter.

Since the Biden regime is basically Obamas third term in office, it only makes sense that the Pedophile-in-Chief is pulling from the same playbook with its pandemic accord scheme. Tiffanys bill would block this workaround and force Biden and his cronies to play by the rules.

Congress strongly prefers that any agreement related to pandemic prevention  be considered a treaty requiring the advice and consent of the Senate, with two-thirds of Senators concurring, Tiffanys bill states. It also implements certain safeguards that trigger the two-thirds requirement even if the White House comes up with another rebranded version of its pandemic accord scheme.

The latest news about the Pandemic Treaty can be found at Tyranny.news.

Sources for this article include:

Breitbart.com

Radio.NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Britains Defense Select Committee is warning that the UK is now experiencing dangerously low levels of ammunition after sending sizable packages of military aid to Ukraine.

The latest warning is just one in a series of concerns that have been raised in recent months about the current state of the UK military. One former general recently warned that the UK would run out of ammunition after just one day if it had to fight directly against Russia. Now, the MPs sitting on the countrys Defense Select Committee have released a report that illustrates the dire situation facing their military.

According to the report, the UK is dealing with major supply side problems that make it challenging to obtain fresh ammunition. In fact, they predict that it could take more than a decade to replenish their arsenal after sending billions of dollars in military equipment to help Ukraine.

The report said: It is clear that the UK and its NATO Allies have allowed ammunition stockpiles to dwindle to dangerously low levels. The report added that although Russia is also seeing its stockpiles begin to decline, other adversaries are managing to increase their own stockpiles, which puts those who are supplying Ukraine at risk.

This inability to replenish UK stockpiles therefore puts at risk not just our ability to resupply Ukraine but also to counter any threat to our own security, it added.

Two weeks ago, UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace warned that war is coming to the UK and that the country needs to be prepared. He has long been voicing concerns about the state of the British military.

In a recent interview, he warned: Conflict is coming by the end of this decade whether it is a cold war or hot, war is coming.

Wallace is one of many who have been pushing for an increase in defense spending. The Commons Defense Committee is urging the Ministry of Defense to come up with an action plan to shorten the amount of time it will take to restore their munition stockpiles and stave off the threat to national security.

Some defense industry sources told Sky News that the Russian invasion of Ukraine has demonstrated that previous assumptions about what would be needed in order to fight a war fall way too short.

However, it is not just supply problems that the UK military is facing. Previous reports also pointed to the challenges the Royal Air Force would face in fielding planes in a conflict against major powers like China and Russia.

Russian invasion should be considered a wake-up call

Committee chairman Tobias Ellwood said that he believes the Russian invasion should be a wake-up call for the West.

Other nations are also finding themselves in a position where they might not be able to defend themselves should they be attacked directly. For example, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius recently admitted his countrys military would be unable to repel an attack if the country were invaded right now by a foreign power.

We have no armed forces that are capable of defence, i.e. capable of defending against an offensive brutally conducted war of aggression, he stated.

Meanwhile, EU defense ministers are scheduled to meet today to discuss a plan to send a billion euros worth of ammunition to Ukraine amid growing pressure to boost its supplies as fighting rages on around the eastern Ukrainian town of Bakhmut. Intense fighting there has been some of the deadliest and most drawn-out of the invasion so far.

Sources for this article include:

Breitbart.com

News.Sky.com

Today.RTL.lu
According to experts, the fossils of a giant ant queen show that earlier insects had a higher tolerance for cold temperatures.

Huge carnivorous ants swarmed the North American prehistoric forest floors nearly 50 million years ago in search of food.

Queens the size of hummingbirds presided over some prehistoric colonies that existed in what is now the state of Wyoming.

Giant Queen Ant

Even bigger ants than those have never walked across the surface of the Earth. The biggest recorded ant queen was a relative that was discovered in fossil form in Germany. She measured more than 2 inches in length, had wings that spread out over 6 inches, and had the body mass of a wren. It is believed that her army of workers hunted anything that got in their way, possibly even lizards, birds, and mammals.

These ancient insects were probably ectothermic, which means they struggle to survive in the absence of a significant amount of heat in their surroundings, like modern ants. Their body size has a significant impact on how low the temperature can go before they stop thriving.

Animals that can regulate their own body temperature can endure colder climates by increasing their mass and decreasing their skin, whereas animals that must absorb heat from their surroundings benefit from having greater surface area and less volume. For instance, larger ant queens are now found nearer the tropics.

Tolerance to Cold Weather

Researchers hypothesized that this temperate land bridge once had a climate-controlled "gate" in their paper published in The Royal Society in 2011. That door may have opened briefly during intervals of global warming, making it possible for ants and other organisms with cold blood to move freely between continents.

That theory is now complicated by the recent discovery of an ancient giant ant queen's fossil.

It too is a member of the Titanomyrma genus, which also includes the enormous ants that can be found in Wyoming and Germany.

However, this one was discovered in British Columbia, Canada, making it the first fossil of this type to be discovered in such a harsh environment.

Due to its compressed state, scientists are unsure of its size, yet there is a chance it was as large as its Wyoming counterpart.

Also Read: Pokemon Cockroach: New Species of Cockroach Found in Singapore Added to Real-Life Pokedex

Insect Size vs. Weather

The Canadian Titanomyrma cannot be categorized into a specific species because of its poor condition, but it is similar in age to other fossil records of its kind discovered in Wyoming and Europe.

The organism was originally 3 or 5 centimeters long, depending on the direction of compression.

The smaller estimate would reduce it to a size that is 65% smaller than that of its Wyoming counterpart, which supports the theory that giant ants can only pass through the climate gate of the Bering land bridge during times of global warming.

The larger dimension suggests that these ancient giant ants could have managed to cross the land bridge at any time and had greater cold tolerance than previously thought.

The only way to differentiate between those scenarios is to find more fossils, Science Alert reports.

The study by Archibald and his colleagues was published last month in The Canadian Entomologist.

Related Article: New Hummingbird Species with Golden Collar Discovered in Peru
Following similar moves by the US, the Netherlands government is moving forward with plans for new restrictions on exports of advanced chip-making technology to China, which are expected to affect the manufacture of advanced logic and DRAM modules.

The Netherlands export restrictions have been in the works for some time, and on Wednesday the Dutch government posted more information on its plans.

"These new export controls focus on advanced chip manufacturing technology, including the most advanced deposition and immersion lithography tools," according to an announcement by Netherlands-based ASML, a leading global manufacturer of semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

As US-China geopolitical tensions escalate, the administration of US President Joe Biden has implemented controls on exports of semiconductor technology to its chief superpower rival, in order to blunt the development of advanced tech that could be used for military modernization and human rights abuses. The US also has put pressure on its global allies to do the same.

Export controls threaten global supply chain

The US-China chip war puts global enterprises in the crosshairs, since disruption of the supply chain for semiconductors can affect a wide range of technology and consumer goods.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Netherlands Trade Minister Liesje Schreinemacher said that new Dutch export restrictions would impact, very specific technologies in the semiconductor production cycle, according to a BBC report.

"The Netherlands considers it necessary on national and international security grounds that this technology is brought under control as soon as possible," Schreinemacher said, according to the report.

Without naming China or ASML, Schreinemacher mentioned that the Dutch government had considered the technological developments and geopolitical context, when developing the restrictions, the report added.

ASML said that the export controls will require the company to apply for export licenses for advanced immersion DUV (Deep Ultraviolet) used to manufacture semiconductors.

In this regard, it is important to consider that the additional export controls do not pertain to all immersion lithography tools but only to what is called most advanced. Although ASML has not received any additional information about the exact definition of most advanced, ASML interprets this as critical immersion which ASML defined in our Capital Markets Day as the Twinscan NXT:2000i and subsequent immersion systems, the ASML statement said.

Twinscan NXT:2000i delivers superior features for high-volume manufacturing of advanced logic modules and DRAM, according to ASML. Advanced logic modules are particularly for servers, since they are designed to handle large volumes of data and perform complex operations.

The company said it "does not expect these measures to have a material effect on our financial outlook that we have published for 2023 or for our longer-term scenarios as announced during our Investor Day in November last year.

US pressures allies on chip export restrictions

As part of a broader trade war with China, the US had some months ago convinced the Netherlands and Japan join it in banning transfers of some DUV equipment. While ASML is a major manufacturer of the technology, Japan is home to DUV equipment makers such as Canon, Nikon, and Tokyo Electron  making the two countries key to the US plan to nibble away at Chinas dominance in the broader microchip market.

Meanwhile, in an attempt to reduce its reliance on other countries, China is making investments to boost its domestic semiconductor industry.

China will invest an additional $1.9 billion in Yangtze Memory Technologies (YMTC), the countrys biggest memory chip producer, to spur the growth of its domestic semiconductor industry, which is currently being cramped by US sanctions.

The magnitude of the investment shows Chinas effort to boost its struggling home-grown chip industry, which is currently facing constraints on its manufacturing capabilities from the US and other countries.
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Treatments for peripheral artery disease (PAD) were largely developed in men and are less effective in women, according to a review published today in European Heart Journal  Quality of Care and Clinical Outcomes, a journal of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). The paper highlights the biological, clinical and societal reasons why the condition may be missed in women, who respond less well to treatment and have worse clinical outcomes.

Greater understanding is needed about why we are failing to address the health outcome gap between genders. This review encompasses not just biological reasons but also how healthcare services and women's part in society may play a role. All of these elements should be taken into account so that more effective methods of diagnosis and treatment can be targeted at women with PAD." Mary Kavurma, author, associate professor at the Heart Research Institute, Australia

More than 200 million people worldwide have PAD, where arteries in the legs are clogged, restricting blood flow and raising the risk of heart attack and stroke. PAD is the leading cause of lower limb amputation. Evidence suggests that equal or greater numbers of women have the condition, and that they have worse outcomes. This review was conducted to identify the reasons for gender inequalities in PAD. The researchers compiled the best available evidence and used the World Health Organization model for analysis of gender-related needs in healthcare.

The document starts with a summary of gender inequalities in the diagnosis and treatment of PAD. It then outlines the biological, clinical, and societal variables responsible for these gender-related disparities. Regarding diagnosis, PAD is classified into three phases: asymptomatic, typical symptoms of pain and cramping in the legs when walking that are relieved at rest (called intermittent claudication) and chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) which is the most severe stage and can include gangrene or ulcers. Women often have no symptoms or atypical ones such as minor pain or discomfort while walking or at rest. They are less likely than men to have intermittent claudication and twice as likely to present with CLTI. Hormones appear to play a role, as women tend to show typical symptoms (intermittent claudication) post-menopause. The ankle brachial index, which compares blood pressure in the upper and lower limbs, is used for diagnosis but is less accurate in those with no symptoms or smaller calf muscles.

Treatment of PAD includes medication, exercise and surgery. It aims to manage symptoms and reduce the risks of ulceration, amputation, heart attack and stroke. Women are less likely to receive recommended medications than men and respond less well to supervised exercise therapy. Women have lower rates of surgery and are more likely to die after amputation or open surgery than men.

As for the reasons for the above-mentioned inequalities, biological factors may contribute to sex differences in disease presentation, progression and response to treatment. For example, women have a higher risk of blood clots (a cause of PAD) and smaller blood vessels, while oral contraceptives and pregnancy complications have been linked with higher PAD rates.

Clinical factors refer to how patients engage with healthcare services, their relationships with physicians, and the processes in place to diagnose and treat PAD. The paper cites low awareness of the risk of PAD in females among healthcare providers and women themselves. Health staff are less likely to recognise PAD in women compared to men, and women are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed with other conditions including musculoskeletal disorders. Women tend to minimise their symptoms and are less likely to discuss PAD with their clinician. In the last 10 years, just one-third of participants in clinical trials of PAD treatment were women. One reason may be inclusion criteria requiring the presence of intermittent claudication, which is less common in females.

The review identified a number of societal variables that may contribute to gender inequalities in PAD. Lower socioeconomic status is associated with an increased likelihood of PAD and hospitalisation with PAD. In addition, the incidence of PAD is greater in low- and middle-income countries, rising most rapidly in women. The authors note that women have a lower socioeconomic standing than men in most nations in part due to reduced income and education levels, and caring responsibilities. "The higher poverty and socioeconomic disparities experienced by women globally may contribute to increased rates of PAD in women," states the paper.

The authors point to the low proportion of female vascular surgeons and their underrepresentation in leadership roles and PAD guideline writing teams. There is also some evidence that female patients have better outcomes when treated by female clinicians. Co-author Associate Professor Sarah Aitken, a vascular surgeon and Head of Surgery at the University of Sydney, commented: "Whilst we are working on encouraging women to train as vascular surgeons, the current shortfall means that female patients are unlikely to see a surgeon of the same gender, and research, publications and policies may not fully represent the perspectives of women."

Associate Professor Kavurma urged women not to ignore symptoms: "Pay attention to aches and pains in your calves when walking or at rest. Ask your GP how likely it is that you have PAD. Women tend to keep going and attribute sore legs to having a busy life. They need to stop and listen to their bodies."

She concluded: "As a vascular biologist, my top research questions about PAD are: Why are women asymptomatic? Is the disease different between men and women, particularly before menopause? And why do women have worse responses to treatment? Answers to these questions are essential  how can physicians diagnose and treat PAD patients without understanding how the disease develops and whether it's different between the sexes? To improve treatments, we also need clinical trials to be more inclusive of women."

The ESC has been calling for awareness of gender differences in cardiovascular disease since 2008 with a Women in ESC campaign. Numerous activities have followed, including a focus on women and cardiovascular disease at ESC Congress 2011. The ESC hosts the only registry of pregnancy and cardiac disease (ROPAC). In 2022, the ESC Gender Policy was launched, providing targets for inclusion of female cardiologists and cardiovascular scientists in leadership positions and outlining measures to improve gender equality including promoting mentorship and career advancement.
A pilot trial by investigators from Brigham and Women's Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system, tested the nasal administration of the drug Foralumab, an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody. Investigators found evidence that the drug dampened the inflammatory T cell response and decreased lung inflammation in patients with COVID-19. Further analysis showed the same gene expression modulation in patients with multiple sclerosis, who experienced decreased brain inflammation, suggesting that Foralumab could be used to treat other diseases. Their results are published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

We discovered a way to shut down inflammation not only seen in COVID-19, but also in a patient with multiple sclerosis as well as in healthy patients. This is very exciting because not only does our study suggest that this new monoclonal antibody drug is safe and can modulate the immune system without major side effects, but it can also decrease inflammation in multiple realms, so it may be useful for treating other diseases." Thais Moreira, PhD, lead author, assistant scientist, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases at BWH and instructor in Neurology at Harvard Medical School

"Inflammation is a major cause of many diseases," said senior author Howard Weiner, MD, founder and director of the Brigham Multiple Sclerosis Center and co-director of the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases. "Our center has spent decades looking for novel ways to treat disease where there is abnormal inflammation in a way that is safe and effective."

In both COVID-19 and multiple sclerosis, the immune system is overactive. Foralumab, manufactured by Tiziana Life Sciences, is a drug that stimulates regulatory T cells of the immune system, or anti-inflammatory cells, resulting in decreased inflammation. This contrasts with other monoclonal antibodies previously given to treat or prevent symptoms of COVID-19 (such as Evusheld) that target the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which only had activity against specific variants and subvariants.

In 2020, Moreira traveled to Brazil to carry out this study of Foralumab, which was given nasally to 39 patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 infections. Blood analysis showed signs that the patients who received 100ug of Foralumab each day for 10 days experienced less lung inflammation than their counterparts who did not. These findings led the team to carry out a sophisticated gene expression analysis to see how Foralumab was working to modulate the immune response in order to reduce inflammation. This revealed a pattern of three specific genes (NKG7, TGF beB1, and GIMAP7) involved with the anti-inflammatory effects of the drug, not only in the COVID-19 patients from the 2020 study, but also in a patient with multiple sclerosis at Brigham and Women's Hospital and in healthy volunteers as well.

"This is the first nasal monoclonal antibody-;other monoclonal antibody treatments were delivered intravenously and are no longer given as treatment because they are not effective against currently circulating viral variants," said Weiner. "Based on our studies, we expect that Foralumab may work on all variants as it acts on immune effects. This is promising for other diseases because it works on inflammation which is a major driver of many diseases."

Given the limitations of the small sample sizes studied, the team is moving ahead with a placebo-controlled double-blind trial in progressive multiple sclerosis as well as planning a new trial to study long COVID.

"Moreira's discovery of a common pathway and mechanism by which Foralumab modulates the immune system gives us a biomarker that we can use to monitor treatment," said Weiner. "Next, we are going to look at studying the use of Foralumab in long COVID, larger studies of multiple sclerosis, and other diseases such as Alzheimer's disease."
The link between symptoms of COVID-19 and physical inactivity is increasingly evident. An article recently published in the journal Scientific Reports by researchers at the University of Sao Paulo (USP) in Brazil describes a study in which COVID-19 survivors with at least one persistent symptom of the disease were 57% more likely to be sedentary, and the presence of five or more post-acute sequelae of infection by SARS-CoV-2 increased the odds of physical inactivity by 138%.

Although this was a cross-sectional study, the findings underscore the importance of discussing and encouraging physical activity at all times, including during the pandemic." Hamilton Roschel, last author of the study and one of the coordinators of USP's Applied Physiology and Nutrition Research Group

The study was supported by FAPESP and was one of the first to assess the effects of physical activity in the context of long COVID, usually characterized as a syndrome involving symptoms that persist for at least two months after the coronavirus infection has resolved, and that cannot be explained by other health problems.

According to a December 2020 editorial in Nature Medicine, early reports indicated that around three out of every four patients hospitalized because of COVID-19 had at least one persistent symptom six months after discharge.

Methods

In the study, the researchers analyzed data collected by the HCFMUSP COVID-19 Study Group at Hospital das Clinicas (HC), the hospital complex run by USP's Medical School (FM-USP). A total of 614 survivors of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 with an average age of 56 were included in the investigation.

The patients were hospitalized between March and August 2020, and a follow-up protocol was implemented between October 2020 and April 2021 (6-11 months after discharge). They were examined and interviewed to find out how physically active they were and to assess other lifestyle items. They were also asked to report whether they had ten symptoms associated with long COVID, such as fatigue, breathlessness, severe muscle pain, taste and smell loss, and memory impairment, among others.

Participants were classified as physically inactive if they reported less than 150 minutes of at least moderately intense exercise per week, in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. "In our case, exercise included housework and walking, as well as sports," Roschel said.

The more symptoms, the more sedentarism

The researchers performed a number of statistical analyses in search of correlations between symptoms of long COVID and physical inactivity.

Sixty percent of the participants were considered physically inactive, a higher proportion than those found for most regions by the Brazilian Health Ministry in a nationwide survey (Vigitel) conducted in 2020.

Comorbidities were also significant: 37% were smokers, 58% had high blood pressure, 35% had diabetes and 17% were obese. "These are risk factors for severe COVID-19. They were expected to be frequent in the study because all the participants had been hospitalized," Roschel said, adding that 55% had required intensive care and 37% had been intubated.

When they adjusted the results for confounding factors (variables that may affect others in a way that produces spurious or distorted associations), the researchers still found that the presence of at least one persistent symptom was associated with 57% higher odds of sedentarism. "The more symptoms, the higher the likelihood of physical inactivity," Roschel said. When five or more symptoms were reported, the odds of physical activity rose 138%.

Certain sequelae associated with long COVID correlated very closely with physical inactivity, he added. In the adjusted statistical models, the highest correlations were with breathlessness (132%) and fatigue (101%).

"It makes sense to assume that people with this condition experience more difficulty to maintain an active routine," he said. "But it's also plausible that people with a sedentary lifestyle are more subject to these long-term symptoms after recovering from an acute infection. Our study doesn't allow us to infer causality."

Associations and hypotheses

In the article, the authors say physical inactivity "itself may be considered a persistent symptom among COVID-19 survivors". This hypothesis has also been raised by other research groups. A Dutch paper cited in the article describes a study in which 239 recovering patients reported walking significantly less six months after the onset of symptoms than before they contracted the disease.

Roschel also believes, based on other research, that sedentarism may theoretically heighten the risk of long COVID. A study conducted in 2021 and also led by him found that hospitalized COVID-19 patients with more muscle strength and mass (hence probably less sedentary) tended to stay in hospital for less time (read more at: agencia.fapesp.br/35783).

In a later study, the same researchers found that patients who lost more muscle mass during hospitalization for COVID-19 were more likely to develop persistent symptoms of the disease, while also pointing to a probable correlation with higher post-acute COVID healthcare costs (read more at: agencia.fapesp.br/40541).

A study conducted in the United States in 2020 analyzed the prior history of physical activity for 48,440 COVID-19 patients and found the risk of hospitalization, admission to the ICU and death to be highest among those who were consistently inactive.

"Our latest study added information by describing specific correlations between physical inactivity and persistent symptoms of COVID-19. Future research should investigate this association in order to understand the underlying causes," Roschel said.

The connection may be a two-way street in which sedentarism favors long COVID and people with long COVID tend to avoid exercise.

"From a practical standpoint, the importance of physical activity during the pandemic is clearly demonstrated," Roschel said. There are cases in which people who have recovered from the disease should follow medical advice as to the precautions required when undertaking physical exercise, but an active lifestyle should be encouraged as a matter of public health, he stressed. Sedentarism accounts for 9% of all-cause deaths worldwide.
In a recent study posted to the medRxiv* preprint server, researchers assessed the effectiveness of a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) bivalent booster vaccine against severe SARS-CoV-2 infection outcomes.

*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.

Background

In 2022, bivalent SARS-CoV-2 vaccines comprising messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) encoding the spike proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 original strain and the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant were created in response to the advent of new SARS-CoV-2 variants with immune evasion capabilities.

In September 2022, the European Medicines Agency approved the first bivalent vaccines, which were subsequently recommended in Finland to be employed as a booster dose for all individuals aged 65 years or older and those aged between 18 and 64 years with underlying medical problems predisposing them to severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In prior research, bivalent vaccinations have been shown to boost protection against severe disease outcomes. The duration of this protection, however, is still unknown. Hence, research predicting the long-term efficacy of bivalent immunizations is required as policymakers consider recommending a second bivalent booster.

About the study

In the present study, researchers compared the probability of severe COVID-19 outcomes between individuals who were and were not vaccinated with the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine.

The study cohorts involved 1,197,700 individuals aged between 65 and 120 years and 444,683 chronically sick people aged between 18 and 64 years. Before the trial, only a small part of each group was diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 positivity. Almost 58% of the senior cohort and 37% of the chronically ill population were vaccinated against the influenza virus in 20222023. During the trial, 627,378 elderly and 66,871 chronically sick individuals were vaccinated with a SARS-CoV-2 bivalent booster vaccine.

Furthermore, almost one-third of the bivalent-vaccinated persons received Comirnaty BA.1, and the remaining two-thirds were vaccinated with Comirnaty BA.4-5. Bivalent Spikevax vaccinations were utilized in minute dosages.

Results

The median period since SARS-CoV-2 bivalent vaccination at the end of the follow-up period was 75 days among the elderly and 73 days 52 among the chronically ill. In the elderly cohort, the team found 1,721 hospitalizations owing to COVID-19, 1002 deaths because of COVID-19, and 809 mortalities where COVID-19 was a contributory cause. During the initial 14 to 30 days and 31 to 60 days after immunization, a bivalent booster reduced the likelihood of COVID-19-related hospitalization, mortality from COVID-19, and mortality to which COVID-19 was a contributing aspect. The hazard ratio (HR) estimates associated with the aforementioned results were 0.74, 0.74, and 0.42 in 61 to 90 days post-vaccination, respectively.

When classified by age, the HRs for those aged between 65 and 79 and those between 80 and 120 years were comparable. Both the BA.1 and BA.4-5 bivalent vaccinations lowered the probability of severe COVID-19 outcomes with comparable HRs. Among the chronically sick, the team observed hospitalizations owing to COVID-19, 16 deaths because of COVID-19, and 18 deaths wherein COVID-19 was a contributing cause. The estimated HR of hospitalization because of COVID-19 was 0.82 for 14 to 30 days after bivalent immunization and 1.57 for the following 30 days.

In examining negative control outcomes, the team identified 9447 visits to the emergency room owing to injury among elderly persons and 2173 visits among the chronically ill. There was no difference in injury risk between individuals who were and were not vaccinated with a bivalent vaccine. Nonetheless, chronically unwell individuals appeared to have a modestly greater risk of harm.

Conclusion

The study findings showed that bivalent boosters lowered the incidence of hospitalization and death owing to COVID-19 in older persons but not in adults of working age having chronic illnesses. Since symptoms of waning efficacy were detected 60 days after bivalent vaccination, the researchers believe that additional booster vaccines for the elderly could be considered. Given the pandemic condition and economic evaluations, it is necessary to consider the necessity for additional booster vaccinations.

*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.

*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.
In a recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, researchers identified that individuals with a deficiency of myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) and interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK-4) due to an autosomal recessive condition were highly susceptible to developing hypoxemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia when infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Background

The severity of COVID-19 varies according to factors such as age and comorbidities. While most young adults and children experience asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections or develop mild symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infections, less than 10% of COVID-19 patients develop hypoxemic COVID-19 pneumonia, which is severe in 7% of the patients with a 3% mortality rate.

Studies have found that critical COVID-19 pneumonia was linked to errors in toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) and TLR7-dependant type I interferon (IFN) immunity and autosomal recessive deficiency of interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRS7) and interferon alpha and beta receptor subunit 1 (IFNAR1). X-linked recessive deficiency of TLR-7 was also linked to hypoxemic COVID-19 pneumonia in a small percentage of men below 60 years of age and boys below the age of 16.

About the study

In the present study, as part of an international collaboration, the researchers analyzed data from 22 unvaccinated COVID-19 patients with inherited MyD88 and IRAK-4 deficiencies, spanning 17 kindreds across various countries, including Spain, the United States, Germany, Belgium, Canada, Italy, Morocco, and Switzerland. SARS-CoV-2 infections were confirmed based on real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests or antigen tests. The patients were between the ages of two months and 24 years, and four were female.

Data on chest imaging, clinical outcomes, family history, and other risk factors were obtained through patient surveys. Culture results and chest x-rays were recorded in case of concomitant infections. The severities of SARS-CoV-2 infections were classified as mild with non-confirmed pneumonia if the patient was asymptomatic or had only upper respiratory tract infection, moderate with non-hypoxemic pneumonia if no oxygen therapy was required, severe if they experienced hypoxemic pneumonia requiring less than six liters of oxygen, and critical in cases of hypoxemic pneumonia requiring more than six liters of oxygen, intubation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Serum and plasma samples were analyzed for auto-antibodies that neutralized high or low physiological doses of IFN-2, IFN-, and IFN-. Next-generation sequencing of genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequence analysis was performed to screen for other immunological or genetic disorders that could cause hypoxemic COVID-19 pneumonia. Patients were screened for predicted loss-of-function mutations in the 478 genes that were known to be linked to autosomal recessive, autosomal dominant, or X-linked recessive inborn errors of immunity. A transcriptome analysis was also conducted to study the genes involved in the inflammatory responses during infection.

Results

The results reported that unvaccinated individuals with autosomal or X-linked deficiencies IRAK-4 and MyD88 were at a greater risk of developing hypoxemic pneumonia during SARS-CoV-2 infections than individuals of the same age without these genetic deficiencies. These deficiencies were identified as recessive and not co-dominant since heterozygous relatives were not at the same risk of developing hypoxemic pneumonia.

The researchers believe that the IRAK-4 and MyD88 deficiencies impair the TLR-7-mediated ability of plasmacytoid dendritic cells to sense SARS-CoV-2, demonstrated in another ex vivo study. Since the induction of type 1 IFNs through TLR-3 was unaffected in individuals deficient in IRAK-4 and MyD88, it can be concluded that immune responses in the upper respiratory tract against SARS-CoV-2 were highly dependent on the induction of type I IFNs by plasmacytoid dendritic cells through TLR-7.

For individuals with autosomal and X-linked recessive deficiencies of IRAK-4 and MyD88, the risk of mechanical ventilation due to critical hypoxemic pneumonia is also greater than that in age-matched cohorts of the general population, and the risk of hypoxemic pneumonia increases with age. Studies have also reported human herpesvirus 6 infections among patients deficient in IRAK-4 and MyD88.

Conclusions

The findings indicated that individuals deficient in IRAK-4 and MyD88 due to autosomal or X-linked recessive gene variants were highly susceptible to developing hypoxemic pneumonia during SARS-CoV-2 infections. Evidence from other studies on human herpesvirus 6 infections and influenza pneumonia among IRAK-4 and MyD88 deficient individuals suggested they may also be at a higher risk of other viral infections.
The federal covid-19 pandemic protections that have largely prohibited states from dropping anyone from Medicaid since 2020 helped millions of low-income Americans retain health insurance coverage  even if they no longer qualified  and brought the U.S. uninsured rate to a record low.

It also led to a windfall for the health plans that states pay to oversee care of most Medicaid enrollees. These plans  many run by insurance titans including UnitedHealthcare, Centene, and Aetna  have seen their revenue surge by billions as their membership soared by millions.

With states poised to start disenrolling Medicaid enrollees in April who no longer qualify, the insurers hope to retain enrollees who are still eligible and capture those who lose coverage with the Affordable Care Act marketplace plans.

Except for the enrollees themselves, for whom losing coverage could restrict access to care and leave them vulnerable to large medical bills, no one has more at stake than these insurers. The plans have a strong financial incentive to keep their members enrolled because states pay them per member, per month: The more people they cover, the more money they get.

The Biden administration estimates that 15 million of the more than 91 million Medicaid enrollees will fall off the rolls, nearly half because their income exceeds program limits and the rest because they fail to complete the reenrollment paperwork.

Of the people losing eligibility, about two-thirds will enroll in a workplace health plan, health insurers predict, and the other third will be evenly divided between ACA plans and being left uninsured.

The financial ramifications of the so-called Medicaid unwinding for health plans are huge, said Gary Taylor, a securities analyst with Cowen and Co. "It's billions of dollars for these guys," he said of the five largest Medicaid health plans: Centene, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Elevance Health (formerly Anthem), and Molina Healthcare.

Investor-owned companies earn pretax profit margins of about 3% on average from Medicaid managed care, slightly below what they make on ACA marketplace business, he said. So moving members to an ACA plan could boost the profits of these companies.

State Medicaid officials say they need the health plans' help during the unwinding to avert a big jump in uninsured residents. The health insurers could help those who lose Medicaid coverage find other sources, such as the government-subsidized plans offered on the ACA marketplaces.

"In Nevada, our managed-care plans are motivated to keep members enrolled," Sandie Ruybalid, deputy administrator of the Nevada state health department division that oversees Medicaid, told a congressional advisory board in January. "Our managed-care plans are innovative, and we lean on them to help us through this."

Ruybalid said her state doesn't have large marketing budgets, as the giant insurers do, to educate enrollees about how to stay enrolled.

One way some companies hope to make up for their lost Medicaid revenue will be by adding customers to their ACA marketplace plans.

Centene  the nation's largest Medicaid health insurer, with 16 million members  expects to lose over 2 million enrollees during the unwinding. But it expects between 200,000 and 300,000 people who lose Medicaid coverage to sign up for a Centene ACA marketplace plan, CEO Sarah London told investment analysts in February.

In 15 of the 25 states where St. Louis-based Centene offers both Medicaid and marketplace plans, the company will reach out to members about their ACA coverage options.

Although state Medicaid programs for years have used private insurers to control their costs and improve enrollees' health, enlisting the companies for eligibility assistance is new.

Health plans are often in a better position than state Medicaid agencies to connect with enrollees because they are more likely to have their current addresses and contact information, state officials said.

"We don't have direct contact with our members all the time, and health plans have more interaction with them," said Chris Underwood, chief administrative officer for the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, the state's Medicaid agency. Since the state contracts with health plans to help enrollees find doctors or assist with other care needs, it's not a big step to have the plans help with eligibility, he said.

Colorado health officials will do the initial outreach to Medicaid enrollees and will count on health plans to follow up with emails, calls, and texts to those who don't respond, Underwood said. Health plans will also guide enrollees no longer eligible for Medicaid to the state's ACA marketplace, which will reach out to help them sign up.

AmeriHealth Caritas, which has about 2.8 million Medicaid enrollees nationwide, will target community organizations such as churches, homeless shelters, and food banks to deliver the message about the need to reenroll. It will also email, text, and call enrollees to remind them, said Courtnay Thompson, market president for AmeriHealth Caritas' South Carolina plan, Select Health.

She said strategies to reach enrollees will vary by state. Some will try to reassess the eligibility of all members in six months, while others will take more than a year. Some states will share with the plans their enrollees' enrollment status before they lose coverage, and others won't.

UnitedHealthcare, which has about 8 million Medicaid enrollees, said its call center representatives will remind members to reenroll in Medicaid. The company will also put information about the need to reenroll at its network pharmacies and use online advertising such as on Facebook and Google. And it will work with its medical providers to make sure members understand the changes.

"We are very aware of the historical challenges that individuals face when reenrolling," said Tim Spilker, CEO of UnitedHealthcare's Community & State unit. "We are optimistic with the magnitude of the outreach that we will help increase awareness among individuals about what they need to do."
A research team from Monell Chemical Senses Center recently showed that the smell test SCENTinel 1.1 can successfully discriminate between different types of smell disorders. The paper, published in Chemical Senses, also provides evidence that SCENTinel 1.1 is the only direct olfactory test to rapidly identify parosmia, the distorted perception of odors.

Initially developed for population surveillance of smell loss associated with COVID-19, SCENTinel 1.1 is the second iteration of Monell's rapid smell test. Study participants each received a SCENTinel 1.1 test card, which contains three Lift'nSmell patches of which only one has an odor. The test can then be self-administered, and it measures an individual's ability to detect an odor, estimate the odor's intensity, and state its identity. Additionally, SCENTinel 1.1 includes a measure of pleasantness, a key to the test's ability to identify parosmia.

Participants were categorized according to their self-reported olfactory function: 66 were normosmics (had a normal sense of smell), 135 had only a quantitative olfactory disorder (anosmia or hyposmia), and 86 had only a qualitative olfactory disorder (parosmia or phantosmia).

Quantitative smell disorders are characterized by a decrease in the intensity of the odors that an individual can detect, whereas qualitative disorders are characterized by incorrect judgments of the identity of the odor or general reduction in odor pleasantness." Valentina Parma, PhD, senior author, assistant director and assistant member at Monell

SCENTinel 1.1 successfully and accurately discriminated between the three groups of participants. SCENTinel's odor intensity measure was the one that best discriminated between participants with quantitative and qualitative disorders. Namely, participants with quantitative olfactory dysfunction rated odor intensities at lower rates compared to their counterparts with qualitative olfactory dysfunction.

Additionally, both the odor intensity and identification scores discriminated between normosmics and participants with quantitative smell disorders. And finally, the odor detection, identification, and pleasantness measures all discriminated between normosmics and participants with qualitative olfactory disorders.

"With 278 total participants, SCENTinel 1.1 is the first olfactory test that successfully detects parosmia, a qualitative disorder, to be used in such a large group of research participants," said first author Stephanie Hunter, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow from the lab of Pamela Dalton, PhD.

The Monell Center's SCENTinel is a promising tool, yet it just scratches the surface, say the authors, by identifying areas of smell dysfunction that should prompt further medical analysis. With SCENTinel in doctors' hands, "we will no longer miss out on the opportunity to detect insidious disorders that are associated with the loss of smell," added Hunter.

Currently, the research team is actively recruiting for their study to validate SCENTinel against gold standard smell tests to confirm its potential as a rapid screening tool for olfactory dysfunction. "Although validation is imperative, it may not be sufficient to allow for smell testing to be widely used," said Parma. "Olfactory checkups are not yet streamlined into healthcare systems and procedures, but SCENTinel is a tool that lays the groundwork for smell testing to be incorporated into routine medical care and makes universal smell testing a real possibility."

The Monell Chemical Senses Center is an independent nonprofit basic research institute based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1968, Monell's mission is to improve health and well-being by advancing the scientific understanding of taste, smell, and related senses, where our discoveries lead to improving nutritional health, diagnosing and treating disease, addressing smell and taste loss, and digitizing chemosensory data.
Eli Lilly & Co.'s announcement that it is slashing prices for its major insulin products could make life easier for some diabetes patients while easing pressure on Big Pharma.

It also casts light on the profiteering methods of the drug industry's price mediators  the pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs  at a time when Congress has shifted its focus to them.

Insulin has come to embody the perversity of the U.S. health care system as list prices for the century-old drug, which 8.4 million Americans depend on for survival, quintupled over two decades to more than $300 for a single vial. Just because Lilly  which sells about a third of the insulin in the United States  lowers its price doesn't mean all patients will pay less, even in the long run.

Lilly capped the out-of-pocket costs of its most popular insulins at $35 effective immediately, and said that later this year the list price of its "authorized generic" Lispro  which is identical to Humalog, its bestselling brand-name insulin  would fall to $25 a vial. This followed President Joe Biden's State of the Union address, and speeches since, in which he has blamed "Big Pharma" and its "record profits" for the incredible expense of insulin.

David Ricks, Lilly CEO, in interviews March 1 called for other manufacturers to join his company in "taking away the affordability challenges" of diabetes.

Even as Lilly promotes its altruism, this move may actually save it money, said health care analyst Sean Dickson. A federal rule taking effect next year penalizes companies that charge Medicaid high prices, especially for older, branded drugs. Lowering the list price of Humalog would allow Lilly to pay significantly less in rebates to government Medicaid programs that buy the drug.

Drugmakers have long ceased to be the only, or even primary, villain of the insulin price scandal. The three companies that produce nearly all the insulin in this country  Lilly, Sanofi, and Novo Nordisk  posted stagnant or declining revenue from their versions of the drug in recent years despite the steadily climbing list prices they charged. They've even advised investors that they don't see insulin sales as a high-profit area anymore.

But while Lilly is cutting the "wholesale acquisition price," or list price, of its big-selling insulin drugs, "will other 'parties at play' cause this price to increase before it hits my pharmacy counter?" asked Rebecca Kelly of Richmond, Kentucky, who has Type 1 diabetes and is an activist for lower drug prices.

Those parties include gigantic pharmacy benefit managers  owned by CVS Health and insurance giants UnitedHealthcare and Cigna  that have aggressively played the insulin makers off one another in a way that mainly fattened their own accounts, as was revealed in a scathing 2021 Senate Finance Committee report.

In theory, when pharmacy benefit managers negotiate contracts with drug manufacturers on behalf of insurers, they pass along savings to patients. In practice, while the hard-nosed bargaining may benefit the well-insured, it can hurt patients on fixed incomes and others less able to afford their insulin.

To compete for access to insured patients, according to the report, the three insulin makers in the 2010s steadily increased rebates and fees paid to the powerful PBMs, which are owned by or allied with major insurers. This spurred drugmakers to keep raising their list prices, because the more they paid in rebates  calculated as a percentage of list price  the better their placement on insurance formularies, the complex lists of drugs insurers cover for patients.

In other words, the more the insulin makers compete, the more consumers  the unlucky ones, anyway  may pay.

"Insulin is a commodity, so formulary position is everything," said David Kliff, who edits the website Diabetic Investor. "It's like location in real estate."

In 2018, Novo Nordisk, amid public rancor over rising insulin prices, considered a 50% cut, according to the report. But the company's board decided against it, noting that "many in the supply chain will be negatively affected ($) and may retaliate." The company also feared that irate insurers might retaliate against Novo's blockbuster diabetes and weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, which compete against Lilly's Mounjaro.

Sanofi and Novo Nordisk did not directly respond to Lilly's price-dropping move but noted, in statements, that their discount programs already provide cheap insulin for those who need them. Millions of Americans have used these coupons, but patients like Kelly say they come with red tape and can be unreliable.

Lilly declined to respond to a question about how its cut in list price might affect negotiations with insurers, which have come to expect big rebates on drugs with competitively high list prices.

For example, Sanofi paid rebates worth 2% to 4% of its insulin list price in 2013, but 56% in 2018, according to the Senate report. Over that period, Sanofi tripled the price of its Lantus insulin to about $275 per vial. A 2018 study estimated it costs roughly $2 to $4 to produce a vial of analog insulin, the type used by most patients.

Most of the insulin list price increases have gone to PBMs, the go-between companies. For example, Lilly earned about $25 for each Humalog injection pen from 2013 to 2018, while the list price increased from $57 to $106. Net prices have remained stable the past few years and insulin revenues actually declined last year, according to recent Sanofi and Lilly financial reports.

Trade secrecy makes it hard to see which portions of the kickbacks end up as profit or savings for pharmacy benefit managers, insurers, pharmacies, or patients. But patients who are uninsured, are underinsured, or pay high deductibles can end up with whopping insulin bills, because their copayments are tied to the drug's list price.

"The system transfers financial resources from sick patients to healthy, premium-paying beneficiaries, the opposite of what insurance is supposed to do," Erin Trish, co-director of the University of Southern California Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics, told a Senate Commerce Committee hearing Feb. 16.

Medicare beneficiaries, for example, paid a collective $1 billion out-of-pocket for their insulin in 2020, more than four times what they paid in 2007, according to a KFF study. So did many others.

Kelly, a 48-year-old personal trainer, got insulin through her husband's insurance but had to pay out-of-pocket until she met a $5,000 deductible each year. So in 2019, the Kellys dropped the policy and decided to risk the open market. They ended up driving to Canada, where Kelly told KHN she spent $256 on eight vials of insulin that would have cost $2,616 at her local pharmacy. During the pandemic, she used Lilly coupons that enabled her to buy Humalog for $35 per vial, enough for about two weeks.

Despite coupon programs, surveys conducted since 2017 showed that up to a quarter of U.S. patients reported skimping on insulin because of its cost. Some patients have died while trying to ration the drug.

The contrast with other developed countries is stark. Germans with diabetes pay around $5 for a month's worth of insulin. In the United Kingdom, patients pay nothing.

Federal legislation signed into law last year capped out-of-pocket insulin costs at $35 per month for Medicare recipients. At least 22 states and the District of Columbia have set caps on private plans as well.

The three big insulin makers have fought off competition that could lower prices across the board. They've done this, for example, by introducing their own, slightly less expensive "authorized generics," which discourage other companies from entering the insulin market. It wasn't until 2021 that a competitor brought a long-acting "biosimilar" insulin  essentially a generic version of Lantus  to the market, and it has barely made a dent. The company, Viatris, which since sold its product to Biocon Biologics, did win entry to one formulary by creating an essentially identical product, tripling its list price and offering PBMs a big rebate.

These kinds of behaviors have increasingly drawn congressional attention, and drug manufacturing attack ad campaigns.

"Imagine a world where a cheaper product, yet equally effective, has a harder time selling," Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said at the Feb. 16 Commerce Committee hearing. "That's the prescription drug industry."

Still, Lilly's announcement may be a harbinger of better news for the most economically vulnerable people with diabetes.

California has funded a plan to make and distribute its own insulin. Separately, Civica, a nonprofit drug manufacturer, hopes by the end of 2024 to sell insulin produced in India. Civica will bypass benefit managers and provide the drug to any pharmacy that promises to sell it for no more than $30 per vial, said Allan Coukell, its senior vice president for public policy.

Civica plans to produce enough insulin for a third of all U.S. patients, he said.
Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan arrived in Geneva, Switzerland, on the third stop of his Europe visit, to strengthen co-operation between the Department of Justice and international organisations, and promote Hong Kongs legal system.

Mr Cheung first visited the Advisory Centre on World Trade Organization Law where he met its Executive Director Niall Meagher and senior management to exchange views on enhancing co-operation.

He then attended a reception hosted by the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Geneva for a dialogue with representatives to the World Trade Organization (WTO) from different countries and economies as well as business and industry leaders in Europe, with a focus on how Hong Kong leverages its strengths to contribute to the rules-based multilateral trading system.

Addressing the reception, Mr Cheung stressed that Hong Kong, China has always been a staunch supporter of the rules-based international trading system. He also noted that the city has participated in a number of disputes brought by different WTO members, which has helped clarify important legal principles of WTO law and enhance members understanding of international trade law.

Mr Cheung also pointed out that in the case brought by Hong Kong, China against the US in relation to the origin marking requirement imposed on Hong Kong products, the panel established under the WTO Dispute Settlement Body has ruled that such a requirement is inconsistent with the most-favoured-nation treatment requirement under the General Agreement on Tariffs & Trade 1994. The panel also completely refuted the US invocation of a security exception.

This ruling has fully affirmed the status of Hong Kong, China as a separate customs territory within the WTO, he added.

Given that Hong Kongs investment and business environment has become stable and more vibrant following the implementation of the National Security Law, Mr Cheung encouraged enterprises and organisations to set up offices in Hong Kong to take full advantage of the unique strengths and opportunities offered by Hong Kong as the only common law jurisdiction within China under one country, two systems.

After the reception, Mr Cheung called on Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary & Permanent Representative of the Peoples Republic of China to the WTO Li Chenggang, and said that Hong Kong would proactively create strong impetus for the overseas development of its diversified legal and dispute resolution services, consolidating the citys status as the centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region.

Mr Cheung will continue his visit in Geneva before departing for The Hague, the Netherlands.
Cambodia Airways to launch Phnom Penh-Beijing direct flight later this month

Xinhua) 13:41, March 09, 2023

PHNOM PENH, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia Airways is scheduled to launch a direct flight between Phnom Penh and Beijing from March 27 to respond to a rise in travel demand between the two destinations, an airline representative said on Thursday.

Simon Xu, commercial director of Cambodia Airways, said Airbus A320 aircraft will be used to operate between the two destinations three times per week on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from March 27.

He added that the number of flights will be expanded to five times per week on every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday from April 17 onwards.

"The opening of this new route is expected to strengthen trade, investment, culture and tourism ties between the two cities," he told Xinhua. "We hope that this new route will help bring more Chinese tourists, business people and investors to Cambodia."

Several airlines have recently resumed direct flights between Cambodia and Chinese cities since the world's second largest economy optimized its anti-COVID-19 strategy on Jan. 8 and resumed outbound group tours on Feb. 6.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
AFP | Jakarta

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

The death toll from a landslide on a remote Indonesian island rose to 30 after rescuers found more bodies on Thursday, an official said.

The landslide struck Monday on Serasan Island, located in the Natuna region between Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia.

"As of 11:50 am (0450 GMT) today, nine bodies have been found," local government spokesperson Patli Muhamad told AFP.

The bodies were found buried under the rubble and landslide debris at Pangkalan village, Muhamad said, adding that 24 people are still missing.

Muhamad said the poor weather that had previously hampered search and rescue efforts had improved and communication lines were also being gradually restored.

Indonesia is prone to landslides during the rainy season, aggravated in some places by deforestation, and prolonged torrential rain has caused flooding in different areas of the archipelago nation.

Experts say the country's weather-related disasters are likely being made worse by climate change.

The head of Indonesia's National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) Suharyanto, who goes by one name, said the Natuna district government had agreed to relocate dozens of families away from the affected area to mitigate the risks from future disasters.

Meanwhile, floods further south in Banjar district, in the Indonesian part of Borneo, have inundated more than 17,000 houses and disrupted lives for a month.

Neighbouring Malaysia has also been hit with torrential rains and floods. Nearly 41,000 people were evacuated last week in several states of the country.
OTTAWA, ON, March 8, 2023 /CNW/ - Today, to mark International Women's Day 2023, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, announced the recipients of funding under the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES).

This nearly $7 billion initiative is helping remove systemic barriers women face in accessing the financing, resources and networks they need to start up, scale up and reach international markets:

eight new projects approved for $25 million in funding through round 1 of the WES Ecosystem Fund

in funding through round 1 of the WES Ecosystem Fund fifteen organizations selected for $40 million in funding to deliver round 2 of the WES Ecosystem Fund

in funding to deliver round 2 of the WES Ecosystem Fund five organizations approved for $15 million in funding to deliver the Inclusive Women Venture Capital Initiative

The eight approved projects under round 1 of the Ecosystem Fund will provide entrepreneurship training, business acceleration support, networking and mentorship opportunities to help diverse and underserved women across the country reach their business goals.

The recipients of funding under round 2 of the WES Ecosystem Fund will focus on supporting women entrepreneurs in their areas of strengthsuch as the care economy and the retail and service sectorsas well as providing coverage in rural and remote regions and the north.

Since its launch, the WES Ecosystem Fund has helped more than 10,000 women start new businesses and more than 12,000 women grow their existing ones.

Challenges also exist in accessing capital. Globally, women-led startups received just 2.3% of venture capital funding in 2020. Women are also under-represented among equity investors, representing only 15.2% of Canadian venture capital partners and 16.7% of Canadian angel investors.

The funding recipients will develop projects that help women access venture capital funding, increase the representation of women in the venture capital industry and ensure that the venture capital industry is sensitive to gender and potential unconscious bias.

These initiatives build on the historic investments the government has made to support women since 2015, including legislating pay equity, enhancing the Canada Child Benefit, providing special funding to support women entrepreneurs during the pandemic, establishing agreements across the country for provinces and territories to provide $10-a-day childcare, and committing over $530 million for a National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.

Quotes

"This International Women's Day, we're celebrating the incredible talent and achievements of women and the concrete action our government is taking to make sure every woman counts. Time and again, Canadian women have proven themselves to be hard-working and dedicated entrepreneurs, yet many still face barriers to achieving their entrepreneurship dreams. Today's announcement marks another big step toward ending gender bias and helping women from all walks of life bring their talents and skills to market for the benefit of all Canadians."

 The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development

Quick facts

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SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

For further information: Contacts: Shanti Cosentino, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, 343-576-4365, [email protected]; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, [email protected]




Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State on Thursday urged traders in his state to accept the old N200, N500 and N1000 notes.





Akeredolu said this while decrying the rejection of old naira notes by business owners and traders in Ondo.





In a statewide broadcast in Akure, the governor said the rejection of the old naira notes currency was a flagrant disobedience of the law.





Its imperative that I address you today because of the need to halt a self-induced pain currently being experienced by us all in the state.





This is unfortunate and unexpected. Its a flagrant disobedience to the law and the Central Bank directives.





I, therefore, wish to inform you that the rejection of the old N1000, N500 and N200 notes by us will do us no good.





Let us not create needless tension over the matter. Please collect, spend and exchange the old notes without any hindrance, he said.





Akeredolu noted that the Supreme Court has ruled that the old naira notes must continue as legal tender.





The Supreme Court had recently extended the validity of the old Naira notes till 31 December.





The apex court disclosed that the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, must continue to receive the old naira notes from Nigerians.
Former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, has opened up on the advice he gave the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, on how to solve the enmity between him and Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.

Fayose, who admitted that nobody could play God, revealed that he advised Atiku to go to Port Harcourt to resolve with Wike amid the lingering crisis of the PDP but his advice fell on deaf ears.

He disclosed this in an interview with TVC on Wednesday.

Fayose said, Our candidate, Atiku Abubakar invited me and I told him I was going to tell [Nyesom] Wike before I could come. When I told Wike and he said I can go. Somebody said, but youre an older Governor than Wike, but whatever, that is your story. God makes kings, God makes people be leaders, you might be younger, or older as long as hes the leader.

So I went to our candidate in his hotel and I told him, Your Excellency, it would be of great interest if you win the [2023 Presidential] election. I told him these are the demands of these people. I said, please stop saying by the constitution [Iyorchia] Ayu cant be removed.

I advised him, I gave him alternatives to what he should be saying and I told him, the more he mentions this constitution, theyll be reminding you that you arent supposed to be the candidate. How can they hold on to an [Iyorchia] Ayu against Wike, against [ Ifeanyi] Ugwuanyi, against the governor of Abia, against the governor of Benue, and so on?

Even if you tell me that they lost, everyone knows that [Peter] Obi had the East. They werent expecting that a miracle would happen. But the issue is that I told His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, I said Sir, go to Port Harcourt, dont tell anybody, people like me will go and wait for you there, I and Gov. Wike, just provide a few friends that can get a convoy for you to come and park at Governor WIkes gate.

They will come and see us at the gate. We will now sit down there and he will hold Wike and settle the matter. But certain people around Abubakar said no, dont embarrass our Presidential candidate, hes the president in waiting, nobody can feel big, nobody can play God.

Recall that the PDP held its presidential primaries last May this year.

Atiku emerged as PDPs Presidential flagbearer for the 2023 general election.

Atiku defeated Wike after he secured 371 votes, while the governor, who came second, garnered 237 votes.

Wike has been aggrieved with PDPs leadership over Atikus choice of a running mate.

Atiku ignored Wike, who came second during the PDPs presidential primaries, a situation that tore the party apart.

Following his action, Wike called for the resignation of Iyorchia Ayu.

The governor noted that the North could not produce PDPs presidential candidate and the National Chairman.
A train has collided with a passenger bus in the Shogunle area of Oshodi in Lagos state.

The incident took place on Thursday morning.

Witnesses at the scene said the bus was attempting to cross the rail track when an oncoming train rammed into it.





Nigerians please help, a train crash involving a BRT at adekunle fajuyi way Ikeja, weve called emergency lines and none of them are here yet please help!!!!!

- @Holuwa4 #Lagos pic.twitter.com/V919QUGTLj  GIDI (@Gidi_Traffic) March 9, 2023

REPORT: A terrible accident at PWD, ikeja this morning involving a train and a Lagos BRT bus, please, check on your family and loved ones asap!

- @Ifeanyi_Chiukwu

-VIEWERS DISCRETION- pic.twitter.com/eWt0UvFdpP  GIDI (@Gidi_Traffic) March 9, 2023

The train reportedly dragged the bus from Shogunle to the PWD area of Ikeja.

Several passengers were said to be injured in the accident.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that the bus was conveying staff of the Lagos state government to the office.

Report confirmed there are casualties and effort is on to rescue victims to the nearest hospital, LASTMA said.

The agency added that officials are on the scene to do the needful.

Ibrahim Farinloye, a spokesperson for the National Emergency Management Agency in Lagos, told Channels TV that two female staff of the state government died in the accident.

The state government staff bus was trying to cross the PWD/Sogunle rail crossing while the train coming into Lagos from Abeokuta trapped the bus on its rail, he said.




The Federal Government has directed the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau to launch an immediate investigation into the root cause of the collision between a train and a staff bus of the Lagos State Government that occurred in the Ikeja area of the state on Thursday.





The directive was revealed by the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, in a tweet via his handle, @hadisirika.





The minister expressed his condolences to those affected by the tragedy and prayed for a quick recovery for those injured.





Sirika also urged the public to cooperate with NSIBs investigation team.





He wrote, My heart goes out to those who lost their lives in todays train crash and those who got injured as well as the Government and people of Lagos.





Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau experts have been directed to move quickly. We solicit public cooperation as the investigation commences





It was earlier reported that two people were killed and many others injured when a moving train crashed into a BRT bus at the PWD bus stop in Ikeja area of Lagos State on Thursday morning.





The Lagos State Traffic Management Authoritys Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Taofiq Adebayo, affirmed that rescue operations were still underway with many casualties expected due to the fully loaded bus carrying members of staff from Ikotun en route to Alausa, the state secretariat.





An eyewitness who visited the Optical section at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, but preferred not to be named, described the incident as pathetic, saying she saw people drenched in blood being brought in trucks like pure water.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has reacted as a train collided with a BRT bus in the Ikeja area of the State.

Two persons were confirmed dead, and many casualties were recorded as a moving train crashed into a Lagos State Government bus known at the PWD bus stop in the Ikeja area of the state on Thursday morning.

Reacting on his Twitter page, Sanwo-Olu expressed sadness over the incident.

He wrote, I am deeply saddened by the news of the train/bus accident . The vehicle was conveying staff of the Lagos State Government, our staff who serve the state in different capacities. Lets say a prayer for the families and a prayer of mercy and protection for our state.

My thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time. A big thank you to well-meaning Lagosians who immediately joined in rescue efforts.

Our first responders and emergency services are on ground and we will share more information shortly.
Ahead of the March 18 gubernatorial election, the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to allow the use of Temporary Voter Cards, TVC.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu gave the order on Thursday while delivering judgment in a suit filed by two Nigerians seeking the use of TVCs in the general elections when Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) are not available.

According to Justice Egwuatu, the order was made on the grounds that the plaintiffs had been duly registered and captured in INECs database prior to the commencement of the general election.

The judge, however, said he was unable to grant prayer three which was to allow every eligible voter with a TVC to vote because the suit was not filed in a representative capacity.

This suit having not been brought in a representative capacity, I find myself unable to grant any relief pursuant to prayer three of the plaintiffs application.

According to the court, there was no part of the law, both the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act that stated that only PVCs could be used in an election but that the law under Section 47 provided for voters cards.








The South East Council of Traditional Rulers, on Thursday, said it was concerned over a rumoured plot by some desperate politicians to unleash mayhem during the forthcoming governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections.





The community leaders stated this at a press briefing addressed by its Chairman, HRM Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu.





A similar alarm had earlier been raised by the Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP, Enugu State chapter, as well as some opposition political parties in different Southeast States.





Agubuzu, who is also the Chairman, Enugu State council of Traditional Rulers, said the press briefing became necessary as a result of some inflammatory statements by some political actors within the zone.





Text of the press briefing was also signed by HRM Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka, the Obi Of Onitsha, Chairman, Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Joseph Nwabeke, Ezeamara of Eziama Ntigha, Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze E.C Okeke, Eze Imo, Chairman Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers.





The monarchs said they were privy to some rumours circulating in the region that some elements want to apply violence to disturb or disrupt the forthcoming Gubernatorial and State Houses of Assembly elections.





The Royal Fathers are seriously concerned about this development and would like to appeal to all the political parties to know that elections are not do or die affairs and that the beauty of democracy is that people, whether in government or out of government, live in free society.





In view of the above, the South East Council of Traditional Rulers kindly requests all the youth in the South East to conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after the elections.





All the Youth, whether indigenous or not in the South East, should not lend themselves as tools in the hands of political parties for the purpose of causing violence on the election day.





Political parties should honour the peace accord they signed by ensuring that they do not recruit and arm thugs to disrupt the elections.





The Independent National Electoral Commission should be truly professional and impartial in the discharge of their duties before, during and after the elections.





The law enforcement agencies should be equally professional and impartial to promptly and firmly stop or deal with those who try to commit electoral offences, the community leaders advised.





While lamenting that the zone had witnessed unnecessary violence and bloodshed in recent times due to insecurity, they expressed the hope that the forthcoming election would become free, fair, credible and violence-free.





It was reported that traditional rulers at the press briefing included Igwe Julius Nnaji, the traditional ruler of Nike in Enugu State, HRM Igwe Abel Nwobodo, HRM Igwe C.C Afamefuna and HRM Igwe N.C Ilochi.
Senator representing Kano Central Senatorial district, Ibrahim Shekarau has insisted that he will not accept the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Senatorial seat.

The former governor was reacting to his declaration as winner of Kano Central Senatorial district on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party by the Independent National Electoral Commission after the February 25 presidential and parliamentary elections.

The former governor of Kano State who didnt show up to receive the Certificate of Return issued to Senators-elect at the International Conference Centre, Abuja on Tuesday further clarifies that he has since left the NNPP.

His Media aide, Sule Y. Sule made the clarification to journalists on Wednesday that his principal wouldnt collect the Certificate of Return.

We have already made our position clear on the issue. Senator Shekarau is not interested and will not collect the certificate of return. As a matter of principles and personal conviction, Sule said.

Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC declared the former governor winner of the Senatorial election under the NNPP, following the February 25 by the Returning Officer in Kano.
Not less than 26 fishermen have been reportedly killed by suspected fighters of the Islamic States West African Province (ISWAP).

The attack took place in Mukdolo village, Gamborun Ngala, Borno state.

According to Zagazola Makama, a publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the fishermen were ambushed, tortured and killed.

Military sources told the publication that dozens of terrorists on motorcycles invaded the village on Wednesday and shot sporadically.

The sources said at least nine of the fishermen managed to flee while three sustained bullet wounds.

The gunmen were said to have surrounded those unable to escape, subsequently torturing and killing them.

They asked them to lay down. Thereafter, they used their fishing net and wrapped it around them before they started torturing them. After they became unconscious, they opened fire at them, killing them instantly, a source told Zagazola Makama.

The bodies of the 26 fishermen were later recovered during a search and rescue operation by troops who received the news from victims who escaped.

The victims of the attack are expected to be buried on Thursday.

The attack comes a week after the troops of operation Hadin Kai intercepted and killed a commander of the jihadists and some of his fighters in Mukdolo.








The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar III, has advised Nigerians to refrain from inciting comments and threats to life over the just concluded 2023 Presidential elections.





In a statement on Thursday by the Deputy Secretary-General and Director of Administration of the group, Prof. Salisu Shehu and Arc. Zubairu Haruna Usman-Ugwu, he warned those making inciting comments to desist from their utterances as Nigeria remained an indivisible nation.





The group, while commending the leadership and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for their display of professionalism in the conduct of the elections, noted the innovations introduced by the commission, especially the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems, BVAS, has greatly improved the system, though there were daunting challenges experienced.





According to the group, the display of professionalism has not only improved the electoral process but also added to the credibility of the results.





It said there has been outpour of commendations by members of the public, including non-governmental organization and international organizations.





According to the statement, the level of unwarranted provocation and unnecessary heating up of the polity, which are capable of creating disunity and threatening the security of the Nigerian nation, is worrisome, just as it appealed to all Nigerians to exercise decorum, be peaceful, prayerful and law-abiding in the face of the current unwarranted provocations.





The group called on politicians who feel aggrieved by the outcome of the elections to seek redress through appropriate legal channels as provided for in the Electoral Act and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria rather than resorting to violence and unlawful acts.




An Abuja based woman, Blessing Edet has been arraigned before the Federal High Court for allegedly defaming the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel.





The 37-year-old woman pleaded not guilty to the six-count charge filed against her by the Nigeria Police.





The charge read: That you, Blessing Edet, 37, of No. 18 Buchanan Crescent Wuse II, Abuja, on or before April 11, 2020, sent messages with the captioned names of married women/politicians wives sleeping with Governor Emmanuel through your Facebook page.





Also, she was accused of sending a message via her Facebook page with the caption So, we are going dirty. It is time to break the final table, stay tuned.





Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Agriculture, Dr Glory Edet, was the actual First Lady of Akwa Ibom, who has overthrown the real wife of the governor, the police alleged she posted.





The presiding judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed granted Blessing bail in the sum of N500,000 with one surety in like sum.





Also, Edet was ordered to deposit her passport with the court registry or be remanded at Suleja Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of her bail terms.





Justice Ahmed, however adjourned the case till 10 of May for trial.




The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has accused the Supreme Court of obstructing justice for its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.





Recall that the Justices of Abuja Appeal Court on October 13, 2022, unanimously discharged and acquitted Kanu of all charges brought against him by the Federal Government.





The same Court barred the Nigerian government from prosecuting the IPOB leader in any Nigerian Court.





Similarly, Umuahia High Court ordered the Federal Government of Nigeria to return Kanu to Kenya, where he was abducted, tortured, and extraordinarily renditioned to Nigeria.





Despite the ruling, the Nigerian Government has refused to set Kanu free.





However, IPOBs spokesman, Emma Powerful, said the Nigerian Government filed an appeal at the Supreme Court against the rulings of the lower court.





Powerful lamented that the apex court was obstructing justice for the IPOB leader.





A statement by Powerful reads: The global family and movement of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) under the leadership of the prophet Mazi Nnamdi Kanu alerts the public and the international community on the deliberate obstruction of justice by the Supreme Court of Nigeria in the case of Mazi Nnamdi KANU who is illegally detained in DSS solitary confinement.





Nonetheless, the lawless Federal Government of Nigeria refused to obey their own court orders. Instead, they erroneously went to the Supreme Court to obstruct justice by filing an appeal to their own lower courts ruling.





One would have expected the Supreme Court of Nigeria, being a constitutional Court to throw out such erroneous appeal by the lawless Federal Government of Nigeria for their disobedience to the Appeal Court Orders or expedite action on the case bordering on International crime and Human Right abuse.





Instead, they deliberately decided not to fix a date to hear the appeal before them. It has been over 100 days since their federal government appealed the judgment of their Appellant Court, which discharged and acquitted Mazi Nnamdi KANU, yet the Supreme Court has not fixed a date for the hearing.





IPOB and Biafrans perceive the Supreme Court Justices as colluding with the Federal Government to delay and deny KANU justice. Mazi Nnamdi KANU didnt commit any crime prosecutable in Nigeria or anywhere internationally, yet he has been held in solitary confinement by the DSS for over 18 months.





The Nigeria Government, who is in violation of international law of extradition and disobedience of court orders, is enjoying immunity because Supreme Court Justices have decided to trade justice for obedience to the executive arm of the government.
Fidet Okhiria, managing director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), says the driver is to be blamed for the accident involving a train and a bus in Lagos on Thursday.

A train collided with a bus conveying staff of the Lagos government with two people confirmed dead.

Witnesses at the scene said the bus was attempting to cross the rail track when the oncoming train rammed into it.

The train reportedly dragged the bus from Shogunle to the PWD area of Ikeja.

Several passengers were said to be injured in the accident.

Speaking on the incident in a chat with NAN, Okhiria said the driver attempted to cross the rail tracks and beat the train.

He urged Lagos drivers to be careful when driving through the level crossing.

According to the information I gathered at the scene of the incident, they said many cars stopped when they got to the level crossing while the Lagos State Staff Bus driver continued moving, which I dont know why, the NRC boss said.

Maybe the driver thought he could pass before the train got nearer to him. He could not pass, and then the train crushed the bus; that is what we gathered.

The train was coming from Ijoko to Iddo.

Meanwhile, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, has expressed sadness over the incident.

In a tweet, he thanked well-meaning Lagosians who immediately joined in rescue efforts and extended his condolences to the families of the victims.

I am deeply saddened by the news of the train/bus accident. The vehicle was conveying staff of the Lagos state government, our staff who serve the state in different capacities. Lets say a prayer for the families and a prayer of mercy and protection for our state, the tweet reads

My thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time. A big thank you to well-meaning Lagosians who immediately joined in rescue efforts. Our first responders and emergency services are on ground and we will share more information shortly.
Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has threatened members of his constituency to vote only for the candidates of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, or risk not getting any attention from him.

In a video making the rounds on the social media, Soludo was seen telling members of Igbo-Uwku/Aguata 2 State constituency that if they vote another person from another party other than APGA, he would be paying him salaries only.

The governor also said it is only his friend who belongs to the same political party that would have access to him.

Any person who I will work with must be an APGA. If you vote for another person and he wins and comes up to Awka, be assured he will be only collecting salaries. If he collects his salary, he will go home.

Nobody in the House of Assembly builds roads; he does not build hospitals or schools because he does not have the money. I, the governor, am the only one that can do all those things. And it is only the person who is my friend and belongs to the same political party that will have access to me. It is only such a person that can advise me on those works that are to be done.

Yes, that is how it should be. It is only my own that I will answer whenever he calls and listens. If you bring another person from another party, we shall be paying him salaries only. And he should be warned never to come near me asking me to do anything for his people. He should dare not, Soludo said.








Mr Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, Governorship candidate of the Labour Party, LP in Lagos State has chided politicians claiming that the state belongs to Yoruba people.





Speaking while featuring on Channels Television Programme on Thursday, the LP candidate declared that politicians are out to divide residents of the state.





Some persons believed to be supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC had challenged Rhodes-Vivours citizenship of the state.





Contrary to insinuations that Lagos is a no mans land, some APC stakeholders including the former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode had insisted that Lagos belongs to the Yoruba people only.





Rhodes-Vivour who is half Igbo is gaining acceptance among non-Yoruba residents of Lagos State ahead of the March 18 governorship poll.





But according to the LP candidate, politicians make such claims only during elections.





He opined that when social activists including the Yoruba nations agitator, Sunday Igboho were battling with herders who invaded the region some months ago, the politicians were not heard.





He said, Lagos State has been in harmony for a long time. What happens is politicians try to divide us. Let us be wary of politicians who remember that they are Yoruba when it is time for politics.





When Fulani herdsmen were making incursions into Oyo and people like Sunday Igboho, and Rotimi Akeredolu stood up, a lot of politicians in Lagos were quiet. They played politics with it.





When it was time for Amotekun, they were quiet.





They were quiet on so many interests of the Yoruba people because they wanted an alliance with the north. So, they put their political interest above the interest of their people. And all of a sudden, it is election time and they are reminding you that this person does not speak Yoruba.
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The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Monday that juries across the nation must be unanimous to convict or acquit a criminal defendant, outlawing the split verdicts that had persisted in Louisiana since openly racist lawmakers enshrined them in the state Constitution during the Jim Crow era.

In a 6-3 decision that crossed ideological lines, the high court ruled that the Sixth Amendments right to a jury trial implicitly requires a unanimous verdict, and that the previously acknowledged need for jury consensus in federal courtrooms applies equally to state courts through the 14th Amendment.

The decision will mean a new trial for Evangelisto Ramos of New Orleans, who was serving a life prison sentence after being convicted of murder in a 10-2 decision. It will immediately affect scores of other recent criminal convictions and hundreds of pending felony prosecutions in Louisiana and Oregon, the only two states to adopt nonunanimous jury verdicts  in 1898 and 1934, respectively.

Louisianans voted in 2018 to do away with the practice, overwhelmingly passing an amendment to the state constitution requiring unanimous verdicts in future cases.

But the ruling, anticipated by many legal scholars, will still have a major impact here: It appears to hand new trials to as many as 100 Louisiana inmates who, like Ramos, were convicted by split juries and have not exhausted their appeals, according to defense advocates. It will mean all verdicts going forward must be unanimous; the 2019 amendment applied only to trials involving crimes that occurred after Jan. 1, 2019.

The decision will have no immediate impact on a much larger group of inmates that has run out of appeal options.

"We are heartened that the Court has held, once and for all, that the promise of the Sixth Amendment fully applies in Louisiana, rejecting any concept of second-class justice," said Ben Cohen, an attorney at the New Orleans-based Promise of Justice Initiative who brought the case on Ramos' behalf.
Amid a furor last September over the plummeting ranks at the New Orleans Police Department, former Superintendent Shaun Ferguson agreed to adopt a decades-long recommendation to augment the force with 50 new civilian workers. The jobs were posted on the city's job portal in just days.

Nearly six months later, only three people have been hired, according to the New Orleans Civil Service Commission.

Meanwhile, the number of commissioned officers keeps slipping. As of this week, the NOPD had 944 officers, including recruits, which amounts to 30 fewer cops than when Ferguson first announced the civilian hiring push.

At a consent decree hearing on Tuesday, federal monitors said the NOPD is backsliding when it comes to court-ordered reforms around staffing.

"The numbers speak for themselves," said lead federal monitor Jonathan Aronie. "(The NOPD) needs more creative ways to solve their current problems with respect to recruitment and retention."

Meanwhile, the city's homicide rate is tracking higher than last year, which placed New Orleans among the country's most murderous cities. There had been 45 murders as of Wednesday, compared to 42 during the same period in 2022.

A frustrated applicant

One candidate who applied for a civilian job in October said this week that he's been through seven in-person interviews with NOPD supervisors, but still hasn't been hired.

He has years of law enforcement investigative experience and has submitted everything the agency has asked for, including his birth certificate, driver's license, college transcripts, fingerprints, credit reports, a drug screen and a voice stress analysis testsometimes multiple times because the materials are misplaced. He has passed every level of background check.
The New Orleans City Council opens a probe into a pro-Cantrell mailer paid for with city funds, NOLA Public Schools reconsiders the Homer Plessy School move, a judge says 7 years in prison isn't enough for an ex-NOPD officer and more. Here's a look at today's top stories in New Orleans for Wednesday, March 8, 2023.

Did you know that you can now submit your own suggested clues for Clue Dat? Play today, and submit your best ideas!
Xinjiang to increase tech investment

(China Daily) 13:49, March 09, 2023

Visitors browse agricultural products at the seventh China-Eurasia Expo in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, last year. [Photo/China News Service]

More inputs to facilitate high-quality development, accelerate opening-up

The Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region will boost investment in technology to support high-quality development while pushing for higher-level opening-up, the Party chief of the region said.

"With the support of resources, geological advantages and policies, the region should dare to think and act on technological innovation. It should also face difficulties head-on so it can come up from behind in the sector," Ma Xingrui, Party chief of Xinjiang, said during a panel discussion of the Xinjiang delegation at the 14th National People's Congress.

He said that the region's three-year plan to deepen structural reforms in the science and technology sector should be fully implemented. Also, development of core technologies should be enforced.

Xing Guangcheng, also an NPC deputy of the delegation and head of the Institute of Chinese Borderland Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said Ma has attached great importance to technological development and innovation, which are key to Xinjiang's quality development.

"Xinjiang is resource-rich, but such an advantage is no longer sufficient to support the region's quality development. The region must focus on developing high-tech industries, such as microchips," Xing said in an exclusive interview with China Daily. "More important, while the region modernizes its development path, the mindset of Xinjiang officials also must be adapted to new demands."

Ma also said that the region will push for a higher level of opening-up and implement a more proactive opening-up strategy. Furthermore, as a core area of the Silk Road Economic Belt, it will continue to boost development in economic zones and areas surrounding land ports as well as deepen cooperation with neighboring countries.

Xinjiang, which borders eight countries, was an important trade hub on the ancient Silk Road connecting China with Eurasian countries. Since President Xi Jinping proposed the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, the region has made significant progress in functioning as the core area in the Silk Road Economic Belt, Xing said, thanks to transportation infrastructure that was significantly improved in the past decade. Most of the China-Europe freight trains exit China via land ports in Xinjiang and the efficiency has been greatly improved, he said.

In 2022, Xinjiang's export volume reached 246 billion yuan ($35.3 billion), an increase of 64.4 percent year-on-year while the import volume reached 37.2 billion yuan, an increase of 25.3 percent year-on-year, according to data from the local customs bureau.

"It's undeniable that rumors made up by Western anti-China forces on Xinjiang, such as the use of forced labor and carrying out genocide, have affected Xinjiang exploring global markets to a certain degree, but they didn't and won't affect Xinjiang's plan to steadily deepen opening-up and boost high-quality development," Xing said.

Meanwhile, achieving faster economic growth and enabling people from all ethnic groups to live a better life are the best ways to respond to such smearing, he added.

Xing said the region has reached a golden phase for development in the wake of terrorist and extremist activities having been successfully curbed, and there is no time to waste.

Xinjiang once experienced frequent terrorist attacks, which caused great harm to the lives and property of people from all ethnic groups. Since 2014, the region has stepped up efforts to root out terrorism and religious extremism.

"Having no sense of security is the last thing entrepreneurs and investors want to experience in a place. Now, the social situation in Xinjiang has stabilized and security concerns have become a thing of the past. The region needs to step up efforts in creating a good business environment to attract entrepreneurs," Xing said.

Ma, Party chief of the region, said at the panel discussion session that Xinjiang will continue to improve its business environment to support private businesses to thrive in Xinjiang and lighten their burdens.

Xinjiang will boost the development of the oil and gas, coal, grain, cotton, fruit and vegetable industries, which play a key role in China's economic development, Ma said.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Dance fans will be happy to know that Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is gracing the Windy City stage once again.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will perform through March 12 at The Auditorium Theatre in Chicago.

The world class troupe makes a stop in Chicago annually on its tours. Among dancers in the company are Vernard J. Gilmore, who hails from Chicago and Gary native Renaldo Maurice.

Vernard J. Gilmore said he's happy to come back to entertain in Chicago, a city he views as always "multicultural" and vibrant.

Gilmore, who is a native of Chicago's Englewood neighborhood who now resides in New York, said he tries to get back to the city about three times a year to visit family and friends. His grandmother currently resides on the Southeast Side of Chicago.

During this engagement Alvin Ailey Dance Theater will be doing a variety of works, some of them premieres. Three different programs will be presented during the Chicago engagement.

One of the works to be showcased this week in the Windy City will be "Survivors."

It's a ballet about Nelson Mandela and Winnie Mandela," Gilmore said, adding he's honored to be performing it. Gilmore will perform as Mandela in the ballet, which has been restaged from Ailey's original work. Gilmore called the work "moving and emotional."

Also on the program is the dance "Unfold" featuring choreography by company artistic director Robert Battle.

"'Unfold' is one of my favorites," Gilmore said.

The dancer said among other works audience members will see from the troupe on this tour is "The River," "Are You In Your Feelings?," which is a Chicago premiere, "In a Sentimental Mood" and of course Ailey's signature piece "Revelations," which closes every show.

"It's such a motivating and transcendent work," Gilmore said about "Revelations." He said it's very hard to even start to explain what that ballet means as a performer.

Gilmore said it's always an honor to take the stage as an Alvin Ailey company member.

"As a company, we show ourselves in the steps. And it's about reaching people. If you can reach the people, they have been changed," Gilmore said.

FYI: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will perform through March 12 at The Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago. Tickets start at $40. Call 312-341-2300.

PHOTOS: Ballet Hispanico hosts a dance workshop at IUN
HAMMOND  Hammond sixth graders got an inside look at dozens of careers Wednesday during Franklin Elementary School's College and Career Expo.

Nearly 60 companies and community organizations, ranging from firefighters and medical professionals to the U.S. Army and Indiana University Northwest, came to the school to show students what it's like to follow their career paths. Many included demonstrations: Hammond police brought an unloaded gas grenade launcher that the SWAT team uses, and the Dunes Learning Center showed off the animal pelts and bones its staffers use to teach about nature.

Up to 800 students from eight elementary schools across School City of Hammond came, including every sixth grader in the district. Kids from other grades at Franklin attended, too.

For Jackie Minkalis, a school counselor at Franklin who was one of the organizers, the presentations went "far beyond our expectations."

"We could've never done this without the partnership of every single vendor that is here," she said. "Parents who have come through have actually asked if they could just stay and walk the vendor tables without their kids."

Minkalis said she's thrilled with how students interacted with vendors, asking questions and learning about various careers.

"We could not be prouder of our students," she said. "Our goal was to inspire our kids, to know that they can dream big and do more. They can learn more and they can learn how their current mindsets and their current behaviors translate into these amazing careers."

Minkalis knows that many might think sixth grade is early for kids to be thinking about an adult career.

"When I first reach out to vendors they're like 'wait, so it's sixth grade?' It is. Let me explain. So we want our younger students to understand that they have to start putting in some work now. We want them to dream big, and their end goal may change a thousand times between now and their future career, whether that be the trades, manufacturing, colleges, different careers.

"They can change their minds a thousand times. However, they need to start working on those skills now."

Those skills, Minkalis said, include the basic building blocks they learn in elementary school, such as communication, teamwork and attendance. It also helps them learn the importance of receiving a high school diploma.

"Not all of our students in Hammond have the ability or the resources to know what is out there accessible to them and how to get there," she said. "So our concept really was to bring the world to them while at the same time start introducing them to how they can bring themselves to the world."

Mike Sanders had a career in radio before starting freelance video production for corporations, live events and individuals. He called the fair "a blast."

"I knew it was going to be big, but I didn't know it was going to be this big," he said. "So it's great to see the community come out like this."

Sanders brought his camera, a monitor and a livestream setup. As students walked by, he pointed the camera at them so they could see themselves on the monitor and showed them how to add visual effects, put their name in a banner below the video and turn it from a home video into a professional production.

"A lot of kids watch a lot of YouTube, they consume a lot of media," he said, "but don't know that they can do it too."

Sanders was impressed that the students were starting so early: "If I had something like this when I was a kid, I think I'd be emperor of the world."

One student, Isaiah Jordan, called the event "lit."

"It's fired up," he said.
HAMMOND  With shelters and nonprofits sprinkled across the Region, accessing homelessness resources in Lake County can be a difficult task, especially for someone in crisis.

Elena Luna Magallanes works with the Autism Society of Indiana as the northwest area assistant manager for direct care services. There is no specific homelessness resource coordinator, so she often faces barriers when connecting people with housing.

"Without having a starting point and a structure, it makes it really complicated," she said.

In spring 2021, Hammond received $1,765,004 through the federal HOME-American Rescue Plan Program. The initiative distributed $5 billion to help municipalities across the country address housing insecurity. In Northwest Indiana, funding went to East Chicago, Gary, Hammond and Lake County.

Magallanes and Ray Kozlowski, a conference leader for St. Casimir Church, told the Hammond Redevelopment Commission meeting Tuesday that HOME-ARP money should go toward some sort of resource coordinator or intake specialist position.

According to Hammond's draft HOME-ARP spending plan, the city would use $523,753 on supportive services, $400,000 on tenant-based rental assistance and $400,00 on the development of affordable rental housing.

Kozlowski noted that City Rescue Mission is the only men's shelter in Hammond.

Denise Donahue of Gatehouse Recovery Home for Women said her organization can barely pay its bills. Gatehouse has been in Hammond for a year and a half; the nonprofit provides housing, food and transportation for women in recovery. Gateway applied for city funding but was not selected.

"I know you only have so many dollars to go around, but these are Hammond women, 17 of them, that need a place to live," she said. "I'm asking you to reconsider."

Every year, the state conducts a "Point-in-Time Count" in an attempt to measure Indiana's homeless population. The 2022 tally showed 272 unhoused people in Lake County; in 2021, it had 106. The 2022 count for Porter, LaPorte, Jasper, Newton, Pulaski and Starke counties was 234, collectively.

Hammond Common Councilman Mark Kalwinski, D-1, said the city needs a shelter for homeless veterans. Census data show that 3,337 Hammond residents are veterans. The 2022 PiT listed 59 unhoused veterans, and 40% were considered "chronically homeless."

Gary and Hobart have veteran housing, Kalwinski told the commission. "It's Hammond's turn to step up."

Hammond's draft HOME-ARP spending plan is available at gohammond.com (click Departments, then Community Development; scroll to the bottom and click on Latest News, then the "public input sought" link, then scroll to "download"). The city will accept public comment until 4:30 p.m. March 27 via email at millero@gohammond.com or via U.S. mail at Hammond City Hall, Room 314, 5925 Calumet Ave., Hammond, IN 46320.

Gary's proposed HOME-ARP spending plan is available at gary.gov (click on Departments, then Community Development, then the "Home ARP" link under Our Programs). Written comment can be submitted via email at kmcclam@gary.gov or via U.S. mail at City of Gary Community Development Department, 401 Broadway, Suite 300, Gary, IN 46402. A public hearing is scheduled for 4 p.m. March 13 at Gary City Hall.

PHOTOS: Hammond hosts annual MLK Day commemoration Hammond's annual Martin Luther King commemoration Hammond's annual Martin Luther King commemoration Hammond's annual Martin Luther King commemoration Hammond's annual Martin Luther King commemoration Hammond's annual Martin Luther King commemoration Hammond's annual Martin Luther King commemoration Hammond's annual Martin Luther King commemoration Hammond's annual Martin Luther King commemoration Hammond's annual Martin Luther King commemoration Hammond's annual Martin Luther King commemoration Hammond's annual Martin Luther King commemoration Hammond's annual Martin Luther King commemoration Hammond's annual Martin Luther King commemoration Hammond's annual Martin Luther King commemoration Hammond's annual Martin Luther King commemoration Hammond's annual Martin Luther King commemoration Hammond's annual Martin Luther King commemoration Hammond's annual Martin Luther King commemoration Hammond's annual Martin Luther King commemoration
LAPORTE  The gloves seem to be off in the fight against an effort by the city to annex a residential and industrial area.

For well over a year, Mayor Tom Dermody has spearheaded a push to annex the 39 North Conservancy District along Ind. 39 between the city limits and Indiana Toll Road.

At the City Council meeting Monday, 39 North Conservancy District attorney Shaw Friedman urged city officials to renegotiate a water agreement.

Friedman said the considerable growth within the district since the city began providing water has been a positive for both sides.

Im just as confused as anyone as to why the city would abruptly choose not to come to the table after 26 years of an amicable relationship with good results for both friends, he said.

Under the current agreement, the city provides water to customers in the district. The district owns the water lines.

However, the city says the lines no longer have capacity to provide an adequate supply of water to fight a major fire because of higher demand on the system from increased development since the conservancy was formed more than 20 years ago.

In August 2021, the City Council set a deadline of May 4, 2025, for the district to improve water capacity or the agreement would expire.

Friedman said the district is attempting to obtain grants to help pay for construction of a water tower to increase water pressure. He said more water pressure is only needed to service growth.

Let us be perfectly clear. The districts water system is able to adequately serve current residential, commercial and industrial customers, he said.

Friedman said more water pressure is not needed to fight a major fire because that service is provided by the Center Township Volunteer Fire Department.

Dermody said the district keeps dragging its feet on a matter it should have addressed a long time ago, but the city is already in a position to pay for upgrading the water system in exchange for annexation.

The only plan they have is to ask us for our plan, he said.

He believes customers in the district will be served better from the citys Fire Department tapping into a system that would provide a more reliable source of water.

The township volunteer fire department relies on tanker trucks.

Dermody believes tanker trucks carry a safety risk because they hold a limited quantity of water, and trucks have to keep coming in during a major fire to maintain adequate supply.

He also said growth in the district is not possible because of a city ordinance prohibiting new utility customers from outside LaPortes corporate boundaries. The purpose of the ordinance, adopted in 2016, is to encourage future development to pursue annexation.

State law requires municipalities to have majority support of property owners within a targeted area for annexation. Dermody said the city has been talking with customers in the district about the water issue to determine which way they want to go.

We have to ask the question we ask residents, that we ask business owners. What is the value of the 39 North Conservancy District now? Lets not wait until something happens, he said.
Ian Falconer, who had built a successful career designing opera sets with David Hockney and drawing covers for The New Yorker when he turned a character he had originally created as a Christmas gift for a niece into Olivia, a childrens book about a rambunctious piglet that became a publishing sensation, died on Tuesday in Norwalk, Conn. He was 63.

His lawyer and agent, Conrad Rippy, said the cause was kidney failure.

Mr. Falconer hit the childrens book jackpot in 2000 with Olivia, which was named a Caldecott Honor Book and remained on the childrens picture book best-seller list of The New York Times for 107 weeks.

He introduced his young heroine with understated drawings in gray, black and red.

This is Olivia, the first page read, under a drawing of the piglet singing from a book titled 40 Very Loud Songs. She is good at lots of things.
10. And finally, a run on Girl Scout cookies.

The Raspberry Rally  a crispy raspberry-flavored cookie coated in chocolate, which was released last week  has already become one of the countrys most sought-after snack foods. Just a few hours after the cookies became available, customers bought out the entire supply.

Now, as cookie fans look for a way to get their hands on the new flavor, resellers are charging as much as $30 for boxes that typically sell for $5. The Girl Scouts national organization said it was disappointed to see unauthorized resales of a cookie whose sales are intended to fund troop activities.

Have a wildly popular evening.

Brent Lewis compiled photos for this briefing.

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JPMorgan Chase sued a former top executive on Wednesday and wants him to pay up if the bank is found liable for having provided banking services to Jeffrey Epstein, the financier who died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.

The bank filed a third-party complaint against the former executive, James E. Staley, in connection with a lawsuit that the government of the U.S. Virgin Islands filed against it in federal court late last year. JPMorgan has also been sued by an unidentified woman who says that she was a victim of Mr. Epsteins sex trafficking and that the bank did nothing to stop the operation.

JPMorgan said in the filing that Mr. Staley, better known as Jes, should have to reimburse it for any damages if the lawsuits allegations that he knew about Mr. Epsteins trafficking of teenage girls and young women were proved true and he had concealed it from the bank.

Image James E. Staley worked for JPMorgan Chase from 1979 to 2013. Credit... Debra Hurford Brown/Barclays

The bank, the nations largest, filed the indemnification claim against Mr. Staley while denying allegations that it should have known about Mr. Epsteins activities. It filed a motion last month to have the two lawsuits dismissed.
Like the Republican Party more broadly, Fox wants and needs the support of Trump fans, who both dominate party primaries and form the core of Foxs viewership. And like the party, Fox has found it difficult to quit Mr. Trump even as his manic efforts to relitigate his defeat have hobbled the party in subsequent elections.

Fox News has been the most trusted and watched source of information for conservative America for decades, and its frequent symbiosis with the Republican Party is well established. But the internal documents released in recent days have provided an unprecedented glimpse into network decision-making as its dual imperatives  to keep its base audience of conservatives satisfied and meet its promise to maintain journalistic standards of fairness and factuality  came into conflict as never before.

No figure is more central to that conflict than Mr. Carlson. Ever since taking over Foxs 8 p.m. hour in 2017, Mr. Carlson had maintained a carefully calibrated distance from Mr. Trump, using inflammatory segments about a border invasion and the replacement of native-born Americans by immigrants to appeal to Mr. Trumps base  while minimizing how often he discussed Mr. Trump, whom he regarded as erratic and undisciplined. We are very, very close to being able to ignore Trump most nights, Mr. Carlson texted with staff members in early January 2021, adding, I hate him passionately.

But in the months after the Jan. 6 attacks, Tucker Carlson Tonight doubled down on a pro-Trump narrative that both Mr. Carlson and his bosses knew was rooted in a lie. According to a New York Times analysis, in 2021 nearly half of Mr. Carlsons shows  more than 100 episodes  featured segments downplaying the Capitol riot, casting the insurrectionists as innocent citizens seeking legitimate redress for election fraud, and suggesting the riot itself was a false flag operation orchestrated by federal law enforcement to entrap Trump supporters.

His efforts to rewrite the events of Jan. 6 again took center stage this week, just as reams of emails, texts and deposition transcripts from the Dominion suit revealed that the networks hosts and executives knew they were peddling lies to their own viewers.
The governor of California said on Wednesday that he would not renew a multimillion-dollar contract with Walgreens, after the pharmacy chain announced that it would not make an abortion pill available in 21 states that had threatened legal action.

The governor, Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, said he had directed the California Department of General Services to notify Walgreens that it would withdraw a planned renewal of the contract that was supposed to take effect on May 1. He said the state had paid Walgreens $54 million over the life of the contract, which allowed it to get specialty prescription drugs that were mostly used by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

California will not stand by as corporations cave to extremists and cut off critical access to reproductive care and freedom, Mr. Newsom said in a statement.

Walgreens has found itself in the middle of the intense political and legal debate over abortion rights since the Supreme Court last year overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that established a federal constitutional right to abortion. After Republican attorneys general in 21 states threatened legal action against pharmacy chains that sold the abortion pill mifepristone, Walgreens said it would not distribute the drug in those states.
Pasta alla gricia (above) is one of those spectacular, simple dishes that is so emblematic of Roman cooking. Youll find it on the menu in almost every trattoria in Rome, where the dish is beloved by locals as well as tourists. And it couldnt be easier to make at home. Take a few really good ingredients, treat them with care and youll end up with a mind-blowing meal that transcends the basic-seeming mix of cured pork, cheese, pasta and pepper. Its like magic.

The recipe is arguably foundational, as Ali Slagle explains for her salami pasta alla gricia, and transforms depending on what direction you take it in. Add tomato for amatriciana, add egg for carbonara or remove the pork for cacio e pepe, she writes.

Sarah DiGregorio has a fantastic new recipe based on the flavors of pasta alla gricia, but applied instead to velvety soft butter beans. Made in a slow-cooker, the beans are gently stewed with pecorino and pancetta until they are tender and become imbued with brawny flavor from the cured meat. Serve it with a bitter greens salad and maybe a glass of your favorite Italian red wine, and youll have a feast that can transport you straight to the Roman trattoria of your dreams.

Also full of beans  in the positive, energetic way  is loubia from Nargisse Benkabbou. A Moroccan white bean stew seasoned with warm spices including paprika, ginger and turmeric, it makes for a satisfying meal that happens to be vegan. Or try a pot of Tunisian lablabi, a thick chickpea soup with harissa. You could serve either with a sliced orange and persimmon salad to add juiciness and tang.
Bert I. Gordon, the professed king of the monster movies whose B pictures featured giant rats, giant spiders, giant grasshoppers, giant chickens, a colossal man and 30-foot teenagers laying waste to everything in sight, died on Wednesday in Los Angeles. He was 100.

His daughter Patricia Gordon confirmed the death.

As anxieties over nuclear testing and the effects of radiation swept postwar America, Mr. Gordon embarked on a low-budget filmmaking odyssey that turned mutated monsters loose on the hapless world. Despite the fact that his movies featured stars like Ida Lupino and Orson Welles, and despite the eye-catching apocalyptic titles and lurid posters, he generated many flops, a few minor hits and largely negative reviews. He also generated a cult following.

In the 1950s and early 60s, his monster movies were perfect for drive-in theaters, where audiences took in wildly improbable plots, silly dialogue and crude special effects: locusts overrunning a miniature city, a gigantic rat hovering over a girl in a negligee, Ms. Lupino being eaten by vast mealworms.
Courteney Cox does come back as the opportunistic reporter Gale Weathers and, as is tradition, gets punched in the face with panache. Theres also a return of the character Kirby Reed (Hayden Panettiere) from Scream 4, which may have some people scrambling to read plot summaries on Wikipedia. These callbacks clutter up the movie even if they provide opportunities for those who binge watched the series on Paramount+ to horrorsplain to their friends and family.

Scream has always been as much of a whodunit as a slasher, so more characters do provide opportunities for misdirection, but the problem here is not just an excess of people. Its the feeling of the past and the future weighing down the present: the past in how film-nerd chatter gets dutifully shoehorned in (theres nothing as funny as the post-kill line I still prefer The Babadook from the fifth Scream), and the future in how some characters just wont die because, well, that would mess up Scream 7 and Scream 8. You also get the sense that Sidney, who is mentioned multiple times in the script, is handled diplomatically because the filmmakers hope to lure her back for later movies.

This is the curse of franchise filmmaking. Just because the movie-fan character Mindy (Jasmin Savoy Brown)  who delivers the traditional monologue establishing the rules to survive  draws attention to this issue doesnt make it go away.

Self-awareness will not fix plausibility or pacing issues or make your movie scarier. It could help a comedy, though, and perhaps thats the best version of these movies, which would suggest that the filmmakers lighten up and ignore the die-hard horror nerds altogether, along with the snooty critics from The New York Times. Hows that for meta?

Scream VI

Rated R for bloody jabbing, stabbing, gabbing. Running time: 2 hours 3 minutes. In theaters.
Mr. Adams has argued for fiscal restraint as the city faces an uncertain financial outlook and substantial budget deficits in the coming years. Ms. Adams wants to avoid cutting programs that help working-class New Yorkers, and some budget experts say that the citys finances are not as dire as the mayor has predicted.

Without criticizing the mayor by name, Ms. Adams repeated her opposition to his budget cuts on Wednesday, focusing on a theme of People Over Everything. Mr. Adams, who was seated in the audience, has proposed significant funding cuts across city agencies, including reducing the budget for 3-K by $567 million.

Proposals in a speech are meaningless if they are not consistent with budget decisions, she said. Our budgets must match  investing in early childhood education programs like 3-K; our libraries as neighborhood resource hubs; our world-class CUNY institutions as centers of opportunity; and our city agencies and its workers who deliver essential services to our communities.

Ms. Adams outlined proposals to improve economic mobility, housing and safety, though she did not mention policing and instead highlighted programs like supportive housing and mental health services. She urged the Department of Education to stabilize and expand the 3-K program and called for offering half-price MetroCards to New Yorkers with incomes below 200 percent of the federal poverty level  a proposal that could nearly double the number of people who are eligible.

She also proposed building new apartment buildings in open spaces within public housing developments and vowed to address a staffing crisis in city government that has affected services like housing vouchers and food stamps, formally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
ORLANDO, Fla.  Its midday on Saturday in Orlandos Greenwood Cemetery, and just up an incline from an algae-covered pond a group of students encircle a grave. Many are holding a book  some clutching it to their chests the way a preacher holds a Bible.

That book, A History of Florida Through Black Eyes, was written by Marvin Dunn, an emeritus professor at Florida International University, who is among those gathered. He quiets the group before telling the gripping story of the man beneath the tombstone. The man was Julius July Perry, a Black voting rights activist who was killed  arrested, then dragged from jail by a white mob and lynched  on Election Day in 1920 during the Ocoee Massacre, the culmination of a tragic chain of events set in motion, according to accounts, by a Black man attempting to vote.

The stop at the cemetery was part of the second Teach the Truth tour, a field trip to historic Black sites in Florida, organized by Dunn in response to the threat to teaching comprehensive Black history posed by the anti-woke hysteria of the Republican governor, Ron DeSantis.
Mr. Kennedy is associated with Albany the way Coney Island is associated with franks. Born to an Irish Catholic family that had lived there for more than five generations, he worked as a journalist for the Albany Times-Union before embarking on a career as a novelist. His only real separation was the few years he spent as the managing editor of an English-language newspaper in Puerto Rico.

In 1975, he published Legs, the first in a trio of novels known as the Albany Cycle. The meticulously researched account of the charismatic Mr. Diamond and his misdeeds was followed by Billy Phelans Greatest Game and Ironweed. Mr. Kennedy was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Ironweed in 1984, and the novel was made into a movie in 1987 starring Jack Nicholson and Meryl Streep.

The Dove Street property, which is in the Center Square historic district, was a boardinghouse when Mr. Diamond moved in not long before his death, registering under a false name because he had been warned by local police officers to stay out of town. Albany, and particularly the political boss Daniel P. OConnell, did not want any part of his mayhem  the booze-smuggling, the truck-hijacking, the shoot-em-ups in bars. According to Mr. Kennedy, the police tipped off a couple of reporters who appeared at the crime scene and checked out Mr. Diamonds corpse before investigators showed up. By that time, he said, the Times-Union had already set the type for the headline:

JACK DIAMOND SLAIN IN DOVE ST. HOUSE; KILLERS WEAPON FOUND.

Image The author William Kennedy outside the house at 67 Dove St. that he bought in 1984. It was a boardinghouse in 1931 when Diamond was shot and killed there, in a case that was never solved. Credit... Jake Hill of Immersion Factory LLC

Mr. Kennedy bought the house in 1984 with the Hollywood producer Gene Kirkwood. The two men were working with the director Francis Ford Coppola on a film version of Legs that was to star Mickey Rourke and for which Mr. Kennedy has written a screenplay. Dropping by to pay homage to the property, they noticed a for sale sign in the window and decided to split the $80,000 price. They had intended to use the house for production offices and filming, but the movie never got off the ground. Mr. Kennedy eventually bought out Mr. Kirkwoods share and is currently working on a wish-fulfilling novel in which Legs does find its way to the screen.
PARIS  Paris Fashion Week, and with it the whole monthlong show circus, ended on Tuesday just as one of the largest labor strikes of the year took place in France, halting transport and other services and causing chaos, to protest President Emmanuel Macrons plans to raise the retirement age.

Editors  the ones who hadnt already changed their departure reservations  scrambled out of the Miu Miu show, panicking about getting their planes home, even as Miuccia Pradas visions of eccentric policy nerds in gray cardigans, horn-rim glasses and sheer pencil skirts that revealed the waists of pantyhose were dancing in their heads. Sometimes, under the dowdy sweaters, models wore only crystal-spangled briefs. Sometimes it was turtlenecks and hoodies under oversize jackets, sometimes 1950s-era halter-neck sheaths. Always, they tucked their handbags neatly into the crook of their arms, even when their hair looked like it was standing on end.

I am thinking too much about whats happening around us and how, Mrs. Prada said with a sigh, as her guests rushed for the exits. But I cant leave fashion like some place of nonsense. Basically, I think we have to dress for thinking, for doing things and so on.

Or maybe half-dress, as if someone woke up with a brilliant idea, pulled on the clothes nearest at hand, was so excited she forgot the bottoms and then rushed out the door with serious bed-head to make it happen. Either way, she wasnt just dreaming about strange party fashions, as Mrs. Prada said.
Konstantin, the aspiring playwright in Anton Chekhovs The Seagull, dreams of inventing new forms for the theater. Sensitive, moody and a bit ridiculous, Konstantin isnt exactly a mouthpiece for the great Russian author, although Chekhov was himself out to innovate and reform. His chamber drama, filled with unheroic, frustrated figures propelled by lifes bitter ironies rather than melodramatic flourishes, proved too much for the plays first audience to bear.

Now a canonical work, The Seagull remains devilishly tricky to pull off, however, not because Chekhovs theatrical form still confounds, but because of the difficulty of corralling an acting ensemble to play off each other with naturalness and ease while slipping between Chekhovs shifting and overlapping emotional registers.

In a surprisingly traditional staging of The Seagull that opened on Monday at the Berlin Schaubuhne, Thomas Ostermeier ceded the floor to the actors, in a production that was free of the directorial interventions or distractions that classic works are often subjected to on German stages. Instead, this production largely came to life with the purest and most economical of theatrical means: the individual and collective performances of the 10-person cast. (The Schaubuhne staging is also far tamer than The Seagull/Woodstock, NY, Thomas Bradshaws irreverent adaptation, which is transposed to the Catskill Mountains and is currently playing Off Broadway.)

That approach may seem surprising for Ostermeier, a director best known to New York audiences for his furious and exuberantly messy reimaginings of Shakespeares Richard III and Hamlet at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. But Ostermeiers more recent work has largely gone in a tamer, more conventional direction. And so it was with this Seagull, which had precious little to do with discovering new forms.
WASHINGTON  A Marine sergeant who survived a suicide blast in Kabul and an Army medic who tended to those on the scene tearfully told Congress on Wednesday that they sustained physical and mental scars during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, putting a human dimension on a grim chapter for the Biden administration as Republicans opened an inquiry into what went wrong.

During a six-hour hearing on Capitol Hill, members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee heard the searing accounts and engaged in a bitterly partisan debate about who was to blame for the botched withdrawal  branded a moral injury and moral failure by Republicans, Democrats and the witnesses who testified  which left 13 American service members and scores of Afghans dead.

Every inch of my exposed body, except for my face, took a ball bearing, Marine Sgt. Tyler Vargas-Andrews told lawmakers, crying as he talked about how his body was ripped open by the Aug. 26, 2021 blast at the international airport in Kabul. The 11 Marines, one sailor and one soldier that were murdered that day have not been answered for.

Aidan Gunderson, a former Army specialist, described how he tended to injured service members and the bodies of Afghans who had fallen while trying to cling to the landing gear of planes taking off from the airport, and tried to help stranded civilians enter the airport.
WASHINGTON  President Biden plans to travel next week to Monterey Park, Calif., where a gunman killed 11 people at a dance studio in January, to call for tougher gun control measures amid a spate of mass shootings throughout the United States.

Mr. Biden will visit the Southern California city on Tuesday, according to a White House official who was not authorized to speak publicly about his plans. The trip is part of a West Coast swing that will begin on Monday in San Diego, where he will meet with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of Britain and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia, and end in Nevada.

This week, the Gun Violence Archive, a nonprofit research group, said the United States had surpassed 100 mass shootings, defined as one in which at least four people were killed or injured, since the beginning of the year.

The official did not say if Mr. Biden planned to visit the site of the shooting or meet with Brandon Tsay, the young man who stopped Huu Can Tran, 72, from entering his familys dance studio about 20 minutes after Mr. Tran killed 11 people at a nearby ballroom in January. Mr. Tsay was a guest at Mr. Bidens State of the Union address last month, in which the president called for a ban on assault weapons.
The online health insurance marketplace for members of Congress and Washington, D.C., residents was subjected to a hack that compromised the personal identifying information of potentially thousands of lawmakers, their spouses, dependents and employees, according to a letter from House leaders informing their colleagues about the breach and a memo from the Senates top security official.

The Capitol Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation informed Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Republican of California, and Representative Hakeem Jeffries, Democrat of New York and the minority leader, of the attack on the D.C. Health Link marketplace. Federal investigators had been able to purchase personal information about members of Congress and their families on the dark web because of the breach, the letter said.

Right now, our top priority is protecting the safety and security of anyone in the Capitol Hill community affected by the cyber hack, Mr. McCarthy and Mr. Jeffries wrote on Wednesday, calling the incident an egregious security breach.

The Office of the Chief Administrative Officer will be in contact with important resources including credit and identity theft monitoring services, which we strongly encourage you to utilize, the lawmakers wrote.
That is predicted to change on Thursday when the cold front departs and a warm atmospheric river from the tropics is expected to arrive. Warmer temperatures may help melt the snow drifts but could also strain roofs with additional weight if the snow absorbs water.

In San Bernardino County, the recent run of blizzards has slammed the mountain towns that are popular vacation destinations for Southern Californians and hubs for retirees. Mr. Dicus said the fact that a large share of homes are unoccupied for much of the time has made it extra challenging for emergency workers to determine whether there might be someone who needs help inside.

We cant knock on the door and then kick down the door if nobody answers, he said.

Still, Mr. Dicus said that 700 firefighters, 60 law enforcement officers, search-and-rescue teams and volunteers were going door to door trying to make contact with as many of the areas roughly 40,000 residents as possible. He said that there were 90 pieces of heavy equipment helping to clear snow. Over the past week, he said county roads had been plowed, allowing residents to travel to the regions only open grocery store and other businesses, and crews were working to open up private access roads and driveways.

We have plenty of boots on the ground, he said. I do believe we have a good handle on the situation as we speak.

Still, local officials have said that the storms overwhelmed them and that they learned too late how heavy the snow would be. Dan Munsey, the fire chief of San Bernardino County, said last week that the weather came in much worse than has ever been anticipated in Southern California.
MATAMOROS, Mexico  About 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Claudia said she was working in her office when she heard a staccato of sharp cracks  pop-pop-pop. She peeked outside to find heavily armed men shooting at a white minivan.

She saw a body being dragged along the street and ducked to avoid windows. Claudia, who grew up in the area, insisted that she be referred to only by her first name for fear of retribution.

At an elementary school nearby, the teachers, who are used to the sound of bullets outside, yelled at students to hit the floor, another witness said.

The chaos that unfolded at the busy, three-way intersection in downtown Matamoros, Mexico, might have been remembered as just a distressingly common act of violence in a violence-ridden border town  except this time, the victims were American.
Even as Ukrainian and Russian leaders predicted that the fall of Bakhmut could open the way for a broader Russian offensive, the U.S. intelligence chief said Wednesday that the Kremlins forces were too depleted by a year of war to wage such a campaign.

The chief of the Wagner mercenary group, which has spearheaded the grueling, street-by-street Russian assault on Bakhmut, the besieged city in eastern Ukraine, said on Wednesday that his forces had taken the eastern part of the city. Seizing the rest would allow Russia to accelerate its offensive across more open terrain, he said.

The world has not yet met a well-prepared Russian Army, their units possessing all of the possible modern equipment that have not yet joined the battle, the Wagner chief, Yevgeny V. Prigozhin, said in a video message, speaking next to a World War II memorial in Bakhmut as explosions thundered in the distance.

Similarly, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine said in a CNN interview that we understand that after Bakhmut they could go further. He said, It would be open road for the Russians after Bakhmut to other towns in Ukraine.
Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Wednesday declined an invitation to visit Ukraine from President Volodymyr Zelensky, who, in an interview with CNN, suggested that a trip to Kyiv might challenge the House leaders assumptions about military aid.

The exchange comes as some of Mr. McCarthys fellow Republicans in Congress are questioning, or opposing, the large sums of aid that the United States has provided to Ukraine. In two House committee hearings last month, which were held just a few days after the anniversary of Russias invasion, concerns over the tens of billions of dollars that the United States has sent to Kyiv intensified, with lawmakers from both parties expressing doubts about future aid packages.

Mr. McCarthy has to come here to see how we work, whats happening here, what war caused us, which people are fighting now, who are fighting now, Mr. Zelensky said in the interview with CNN. He added that if Mr. McCarthy visited Ukraine, I think it would help him with his position.

But the House speaker swiftly turned down the request. I will continue to get my briefings and others, but I dont have to go to Ukraine or Kyiv to see it, Mr. McCarthy told CNN. And my point has always been, I wont provide a blank check for anything.
The score, by Jeff Berman, contains electronic soundscapes, as well as two original songs written by him and Garfield that tap into her experience of being a chaplain. One song at the start, she said, acts as a little container for the stories of my patients.

There is an unspoken relationship between the words patience and patient in Invisible Project. The real work of a chaplain, Garfield said, is to almost become invisible. It comes down to how present she can be, how well she can listen. She finds it difficult to discuss her experiences without it seeming performative. If she needs to talk about that work, she knows she can do that with other chaplains. At this point, its too soon and too hard to reflect on whats happened.

But I do think that this dance is a dance that is not shying away from the experiences weve been through, she said.

Its a crystallization of certain acts: noticing, listening, attending. What if, Garfield wonders, the processes behind making a dance and being a chaplain were simply how everyone lived? Its the work, she said, of being a human being.

And despite the seriousness of that work, Garfield remains herself  sharp, irreverent and always questioning. Even though Im a Buddhist, I dont believe in reincarnation, she said. I dont believe in anything. The whole meditation thing is extremely annoying, because its been brought to us with, you know, this is how you will become peaceful and you will change your mind. And its not that. Its really about, Oh, rage! Hello, rage.
Mr. Kohn was then in charge of the New York office of John Carl Warnecke, a prominent architect based in San Francisco, and he recruited Mr. Pedersen to join him there. Mr. Kohn had previously persuaded Sheldon Fox, an architecture school classmate from the University of Pennsylvania, to join him at Warnecke. There, the three men set about trying to expand the firms presence on the East Coast.

But a lot of the work Mr. Kohn had hoped to generate didnt materialize, and he decided he would be better off on his own. He persuaded Mr. Pedersen to join him as a design partner and Mr. Fox to oversee the firms business affairs, and the three went into business as Kohn Pedersen Fox at the depth of New Yorks economic troubles in the 1970s.

It was a frightening time, Mr. Pedersen recalled. We had about enough money to survive for three months. We even worried about the long-distance phone charges for all of Genes calls trying to get work.

Triumvirate at the Top

With the extroverted Mr. Kohn as impresario and the public face of the firm, the more reflective Mr. Pedersen at the drawing board, and Mr. Fox managing the business side, the three constituted an unusual but effective partnership between the commercial and the creative, and KPF prospered despite the challenging economy.

The firms first commission was the conversion of an armory on West 66th Street in Manhattan into studios for ABC Television, finished in 1977. That led to a second, entirely new building next door for ABC, which was completed two years later. When Capital Cities bought ABC in 1985, Mr. Kohn quickly established a relationship with the new owners, and before long the company was commissioning more buildings from KPF. Eventually the site grew to become an entire ABC campus of production studios as well as a new corporate headquarters, all designed by KPF.

From the beginning, Mr. Kohns aspirations went beyond Manhattan. Another early commission was in Philadelphia, the city where he was born, and where in 1983 the firm built the One Logan Square complex, with a low, sprawling wing sheathed in granite that contained the Four Seasons Hotel and a 30-story office tower of granite and glass behind it. The combination was an attempt to fit a commercial program into the classical, civic setting of Logan Square.
In 2018, Malene Barnett  an artist, textile designer and community builder  attended a prominent event for the New York City design industry in which not one Black creative professional was represented in the many panels and presentations. That year, she founded Black Artists + Designers Guild.

What began as an online directory of architects, artists and furniture, interior and textile designers  so no one could make excuses that were hard to find, Ms. Barnett said  has flourished into a nonprofit centered on Black imagination and collective action with more than 100 global members.

To spread the organizations message of creative liberation and activism, a 20-by-45-foot mural called Facing Futures has been hand-painted on a building at the intersection of Berry and North 12th Streets in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. A collaboration with Lamar Advertising and Colossal Media, it will remain on view through April.

The mural, with its six nonbinary portraits and six signature colors inspired by the vegetal dyes used in African textiles, also appeared last month on 375 digital billboards, from Buffalo, N.Y., to Los Angeles.
In a love letter from 1745 decorated with a doodle of a heart shot through with arrows, Maria Clara de Aialde wrote to her husband, Sebastian, a Spanish sailor working in the colonial trade with Venezuela, that she could no longer wait to be with him.

Later that same year, an amorous French seaman who signed his name M. Lefevre wrote from a French warship to a certain Marie-Anne Hotee back in Brest: Like a gunner sets fire to his cannon, I want to set fire to your powder.

Fifty years later, a missionary in Suriname named Lene Wied, in a lonely letter back to Germany, complained that war on the high seas had choked off any news from home: Two ships which have been taken by the French probably carried letters addressed to me.

None of those lines ever reached their intended recipients. British warships instead snatched those letters, and scores more, from aboard merchant ships during wars from the 1650s to the early 19th century.
Last month, The New York Times reported on an ultrarare medieval Hebrew Bible that was headed to auction with a record-smashing estimate of up to $50 million.

The reaction was swift.

Why are they handling this without cotton gloves? Shame on them, one reader wrote in the comments section, referring to photographs showing someone touching the worn pages.

This photo is disturbing, wrote another. Why is this person touching such an old book with ungloved hands?

The alarmed tweets and emails kept rolling in. At the same time, a silent scream of exasperation arose at rare book libraries around the world.
Welcome to Best of Late Night, a rundown of the previous nights highlights that lets you sleep  and lets us get paid to watch comedy. Here are the 50 best movies on Netflix right now.

Fox News and Frenemies

New documents released as part of the defamation lawsuit filed by Dominion Voting Systems against Fox News revealed that the popular host Tucker Carlson sent several denigrating texts about former President Donald Trump. In one text, Carlson wrote of Trump, I hate him passionately.

Oh, my God, it turns out the Trump hatred was coming from inside the house! Seth Meyers said.
In the Name of God: A Holy Betrayal

When to watch: Now, on Netflix.

This eight-part Korean documentary series (in Korean, with subtitles or dubbed) spotlights four different new religious movements and the leaders who used their positions of tremendous influence to exploit and abuse their followers. The stories and footage here are horrific; one woman plays an audio recording of her own rape, and the filmmakers do not censor crime-scene photos. But the use of disturbing material doesnt feel lurid and instead serves as an important record of the facts. There are a lot of documentaries right now about high-control groups and dangerous, charismatic ringleaders, but Betrayal stands out for its breadth of coverage and the severity of the suffering it depicts.
This article is part of our Design special section on how the recent push for diversity in design is changing the way the world looks.

Calling attention to commonplace accessories, humdrum crafts, misplaced masterpieces and blithe inequities is a focus of much contemporary design scholarship. We see it on a global scale in several new books.

Image

In The Full-Length Mirror: A Global Visual History(Reaktion/University of Chicago Press, $35, 271 pp.), Wu Hung, a professor at the University of Chicago, recounts how reflective glass did more than cater to vanity over the millenniums.

An ancient Chinese ruler known as the Muddle-Headed Marquis was buried with a bronze mirror trimmed in paintings of fierce beasts, which he was convinced would bring prosperity and dispel evil and inauspiciousness. Mirrors enabled wealthy ancient Romans to observe their bodily functions in bathrooms and bedrooms. Louis XIVs henchmen used industrial espionage to steal Venetian mirror-making formulas, which called for toxic layers of mercury. And American abolitionist photographers posed formerly enslaved people alongside mirrors. The simultaneous face and profile views made for emotionally powerful photos, which were sold for the benefit of schools for Black children.
Lachlan Murdoch, whose family controls the Fox media empire, issued a full-throated show of support on Thursday for Suzanne Scott, the chief executive of Fox News Media, as the cable channel faces a $1.6 billion defamation suit that has generated a cascade of unflattering revelations about its inner workings.

I just think Suzanne Scott has done a tremendous job, Mr. Murdoch said at an investor conference in San Francisco, his first public remarks since Fox News has come under intense scrutiny over its handling of spurious claims of voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election.

The brand is incredibly strong. The core business is incredibly strong, Mr. Murdoch said, pointing to Fox Newss significant ratings advantage over its rivals CNN and MSNBC. Its a credit to Suzanne Scott and all of her team there. Theyve done a tremendous job of building this business and running this business.

Ms. Scotts future at Fox News has been the focus of some recent speculation. The defamation suit, filed by Dominion Voting Systems, argues that Fox News leadership allowed stars like Jeanine Pirro and Lou Dobbs to air rank falsehoods about rigged voting machines that ruined Dominions business. Rupert Murdoch said in a deposition that any of his executives who knowingly allowed lies to be broadcast should be reprimanded, maybe got rid of.
Dafna Linzer, the executive editor of Politico, is stepping down from her role just a year after joining the company.

In an email to staff, Matthew Kaminski, the publications editor in chief, said that Ms. Linzer had decided to leave Politico later this month.

We have always been aligned on the goal of making Politico the worlds premier source of news on politics, policy and power. But we saw ourselves diverging over the best way to get there, Mr. Kaminski wrote. Dafna and I first began discussing the possibility of this move last December.

Ms. Linzer, a former managing editor for politics at NBC News and MSNBC, joined Politico in March 2022, shortly after the publication was bought by Axel Springer, a German media behemoth, for more than $1 billion.
In late 2020, Rupert Murdoch was holed up in the English countryside with his now ex-wife, far from Fox News headquarters in Midtown Manhattan. The pandemic seclusion left him bored, he recently said in a deposition, with little to do but write stupid emails.

Those stupid emails now make up an extraordinary paper trail that has exposed the inner workings of Mr. Murdochs Fox media empire, revealing how he shapes coverage at his newspapers and cable networks and interacts with some of the most powerful figures in the Republican Party.

People who have worked with Mr. Murdoch said he never did much of his most important business over email. He preferred whenever possible to convey his wishes in person. But the pandemic changed that, leaving a trove of emails that lawyers for Dominion Voting Systems have used to build their $1.6 billion defamation case against Fox News.

Fox Corp declined to comment for this article.

Im a journalist at heart. I like to be involved in these things.

During his deposition in the case, Mr. Murdoch said the journalist in him liked to be involved in news stories. He meant it. In the days after the 2020 presidential election, Mr. Murdochs emails show, he was especially interested in using some of the news organizations he owns  including The New York Post and Fox News  to pressure President Donald J. Trump to stop talking about voter fraud. As Mr. Murdoch testified, he thought Mr. Trump looked like a bad loser.
A former Goldman Sachs banker convicted last year for his role in the looting of billions of dollars from a Malaysian sovereign wealth fund was sentenced to 10 years in prison by a federal judge in Brooklyn on Thursday.

The former banker, Roger Ng, was convicted of bribery and money-laundering charges in April after a nearly two-month trial that shined a light on the role that Mr. Ng and others at Goldman had played in an international bribery scandal. The authorities said the scheme was engineered by a Malaysian businessman, Jho Low, who was also indicted along with Mr. Ng but was now a fugitive believed to be living in China.

Mr. Ng, a former managing director for Goldman in Asia, is the only person to go to trial in the United States over the scandal that looted more than $4 billion from the 1Malaysia Development Berhad fund, better known as 1MDB.

Roger Ng was a central player in a brazen and audacious scheme that not only victimized the people of Malaysia, but also risked undermining the publics confidence in governments, markets, businesses and other institutions on a global scale, Breon Peace, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said in a statement.
NAIROBI, Kenya  Hannah Wanjiru was plagued by dizzy spells and headaches for years. After a half-dozen costly trips to the doctor, she was finally diagnosed with high blood pressure. It took two more years  and some fainting spells  before she started to take medication. By then, her husband, David Kimani, had been shuttling between doctors himself and ended up with a diagnosis of diabetes, another condition the couple knew nothing about.

They might have wished for different diseases. Not far from their small apartment in the Kenyan capital, there is a public hospital where treatments for H.I.V. and tuberculosis are provided for free. Posters for free H.I.V. prevention services paper the streets in their low-income neighborhood.

There is no such program for high blood pressure or diabetes, or for cancer or chronic respiratory conditions. The health systems in Kenya and much of sub-Saharan Africa  and the international donations that support them  are heavily weighted to the treatment of communicable diseases such as H.I.V. and malaria.

Sometimes I go to have my sugars tested and I wait all day and I am almost fainting right there in the lineup, said Mr. Kimani.
Lukas Gage blew into the Tower Bar in West Hollywood like a ragged ocean breeze. He had come straight from Punta Mita, Mexico, where he was vacationing with the celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton. But Gage forgot his passport at the resort, causing him to miss his return flight to Los Angeles, and had to book alternate passage to Orange County, whence he took an Uber the 50 miles north to make it to this interview on time.

And hence he was still wearing his travel clothes: a cutoff Pulp Fiction T-shirt, baggy gray sweatpants and beat-up checkered Vans, paired with an enormous Old Navy zip-up hoodie and several items of beaded jewelry that he had bought in Mexico.

Still, he managed to arrive at 12 on the dot, not a single minute late.

That the 27-year-old finds himself here, talking about his burgeoning TV and film career at one of the industrys favorite haunts  the kind of place with a no-photos policy and $24 cocktails  is the product of a similar dogged resolve.

The youngest of four boys raised by a single mother in the San Diego suburb of Encinitas, Gage moved to Los Angeles at 18 to pursue acting after a brief stint at the University of Oregon, where he got in a gruesome fight trying to protect a friend. I have all these scars from where I had to get my face put back together, he said. Maybe, selfishly, I needed a reason to get out.
Movies have never quite figured out what to do with Idris Elba. Imposing, charismatic and dauntingly intelligent, Elba has so far been most memorable on television  his intense, thoughtful style feeding on the intimacy and character-building patience of episodic storytelling.

Over five seasons on the BBC show Luther (2010-19), he played the titular London copper as a troubled, morally conflicted genius with an aversion to rules and an ongoing infatuation with a slinky psychopath (brilliantly played by Ruth Wilson). All wounded eyes and wool overcoat, Luther lumbered wearily from one grisly crime scene to another, losing loved ones and nabbing a series of increasingly implausible adversaries. Throughout, the character was a magnetic constant; the shows problem was always finding villains worthy of him.

And thats exactly where Luther: The Fallen Sun (directed by Jamie Payne and written by the shows creator and sole writer, Neil Cross) trips, falls and never recovers. The inexplicable choice of a smirking Andy Serkis as the murderous David Robey, a cyber-sicko with limitless resources and incalculable mental issues, elicits more chuckles than chills. Decked out at one point in a velvet blazer and turtleneck, hair teased into the likeness of a dead stoat, Robey is less demented sadist than disco king. The scene where the diminutive devil  hopping and hooded like the killer in Dont Look Now (1973)  fights the towering Luther on a subway platform is nothing less than ludicrous.
Few movies capture the surreal comedy and engulfing horror of the money-driven world as piercingly as Stonewalling. A cool, quietly brilliant heartbreaker, it tracks a 20-year-old Chinese woman facing a series of seemingly impossible hurdles. Shes trying to learn English, struggling to make money and straining to please her boyfriend, who treats her like a rehab job with him playing the role of the project manager. Its 2019 when the story opens, and shes just trying to get by; its early 2020 when it ends, and everyone is wearing masks.

Lynn (Yao Honggui) and her boyfriend, Zhang (Liu Long), are shacked up in a hotel in the city of Changsha in Hunan province. The two seem fairly settled in their relationship or at least committed; happy would be a stretch. Theyre learning English at a school where Lynn is a faltering beginner, and shes also studying to become a flight attendant. Theres talk that they might live abroad, but right now theyre making ends meet as gig workers. He DJs and models clothes for a suit company, posing in videos that are posted online; she models for a jewelry store, standing outside it with a smile and in a princess get-up, tiara and all.

Lynns life takes a stark turn after she follows a tip from one of the stores workers about another job, a seemingly friendly gesture that sends her down a twisting, progressively strange path. The filmmakers Huang Ji (whos from China) and Otsuka Ryuji (Japan)  a wife-and-husband team who live in Japan  fluidly roll out the story piecemeal with scenes of everyday life and using realistic dialogue to fill in the blanks. But they also hold information back. Youre usually alongside Lynn and know what she knows, whats happening and why, though sometimes youre ahead of her; on occasion youre both in the dark.

The jewelry-store worker puts Lynn on to a sketchy agency that arranges human egg donations. I have quick job, she tells Lynn, 20,000 yuan a pop (just under $3,000). Despite understandable concerns about her health, Lynn pursues the job and enters a mercenary world in which wealthy buyers shop for prospective donors with desirable qualities. Is your nose real, one client asks a donor, tapping a manicured finger on the young womans face. You half-expect the client to to check her teeth. Lynn only avoids this degradation because after the agency checks her out, the broker tells her that shes pregnant.
Naturally, the war is a sham, justified by some dusty religious text that deems unicorns evil, a myth that the repressed Bluey latches on to with notable zeal. Flashbacks to his troubled childhood  his parents divorce, his mothers death  give reason for his power-mongering and jealous ways, his malice metastasizing despite Tubbys generous supply of brotherly affection.

The film has clear touchstones: it draws from the humanism and worldbuilding of Hayao Miyazaki, particularly Princess Mononoke and its civilization versus nature allegory  paying tribute as well to that films black-sludge-covered demons and ghoulish ape clan. In the brief unicorn sequences, whose animation style leans more toward the expressionistic, there are parallels with the forsaken doe in Bambi. But Unicorn Wars is forcefully provocative, trying too hard to push buttons at the cost of more nuanced explorations of masculinity and power. For Vazquez, a pile of cartoon corpses makes enough of a point.

Unicorn Wars

Not rated. In Spanish, with subtitles. Running time: 1 hour 20 minutes. In theaters and available to rent or buy on most major platforms.
Barnard College of Columbia University, one of the most prominent womens colleges in the United States, announced on Thursday that it had chosen Laura A. Rosenbury, the dean of the University of Florida Levin College of Law, to serve as its next president.

Ms. Rosenbury became the first woman to serve as dean of Levin College of Law, in Gainesville, Fla., in 2015. She also taught classes in feminist legal theory, employment discrimination and family law.

As a scholar who has long studied the laws role in the construction of gender, I am excited to be part of an institution that has a deep history of studying gender in all of its complexity, said Ms. Rosenbury in an interview.

Ms. Rosenbury will be installed as president on July 1, 2023, when Sian Beilock steps down to join Dartmouth College as its first female president. Ms. Beilock has led Barnard since 2017.
Sheldon Thomas, in a sharp suit, black tie and with his long dreadlocks tied behind him, walked freely with his arm around his grandmother Thursday for the first time in nearly 20 years. To the sound of applause, they headed from a Brooklyn courtroom into the world.

Just minutes before, Mr. Thomas, 35, had listened as a prosecutor with the district attorneys office outlined the lies, misdirections and dismissals by those in power that persuaded a jury to put him behind bars. He had been charged and sentenced to 25 years to life for a murder of a 14-year-old boy that prosecutors now say he did not commit.

As he listened Thursday, Mr. Thomas leaned slightly forward, his eyes fixed on the wood paneled wall in front of him. When it was his turn to speak  after the judge had declared him a free man  Mr. Thomas paused for a moment first.

Ive waited a long time for this day to happen, he told the court, and theres so many times that I was in my cell, I would think of this moment  what I would say, who would be there.
President Bidens budget plan, released on Thursday, routes about $1.2 billion to two of the biggest transit projects in New York City: the Second Avenue Subway extension and new train tunnels under the Hudson River.

Because the funding was already allocated in the $1 trillion infrastructure bill that was signed into law in 2021, it does not require additional congressional approval, said Senator Charles Schumer, Democrat of New York and the majority leader. Mr. Bidens full budget blueprint, his first released under a divided Congress, will be subject to lengthy negotiations in the House and Senate and stands little chance of becoming law.

The amount is a fraction of what the projects are expected to cost in total, but they will allow for more work to be done on design and planning, Mr. Schumer said in an interview. The allocation also demonstrates the federal governments commitment to the completion of the projects, he said.

The red tape is gone and these projects are full steam ahead, Mr. Schumer said.

Nearly $500 million is set to go toward the planned extension of the Second Avenue Subway to East Harlem, a project estimated to cost $7.7 billion. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which operates the subway, is asking the federal government to cover about $3.4 billion of the total, said Nuria Fernandez, administrator of the Federal Transit Administration.
Last fall, as show No. 13,781 of The Phantom of the Opera came to a close, the applause overpowered the thundering music. The members of the orchestra, packed into the pit under the stage, could not see the crowd, but they could hear and feel them.

The standing ovation brought Kristen Blodgette, the shows associate conductor, to tears. She held her red-nailed hands in prayer, in gratitude to the musicians.

Andrew Lloyd Webbers smash hit  the longest-running musical in Broadway history  is scheduled to give its final performance at the Majestic Theater next month. These days, since the announcement of the closing last September, the musical feels more like a rock concert, said Kurt Coble, a violinist with the show.
Topol, the Israeli actor who took on the role of the patriarch Tevye, the soulful shtetl milkman at the center of Fiddler on the Roof, in his late 20s and reprised the role for decades, died on Thursday at his home in Tel Aviv. He was 87.

His son, Omer Topol, confirmed the death. He said in an email that his father had Alzheimers disease, which had caused his health to deteriorate over the last year.

Topol  born Chaim Topol, he used only his surname throughout much of his professional life  came to international renown heading the cast of the 1971 film version of Fiddler. Its director, Norman Jewison, had chosen Topol, then a little-known stage actor, over Zero Mostel, who had created the part on Broadway.

The film, for which Topol earned an Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe Award, made him a star. For much of the late 20th century he would be, in the words of The Jerusalem Post in 2012, Israels most famous export since the Jaffa orange.
A federal ballot measure like this has never been held in our country. A referendum would ask Americans to focus on the proposal rather than on a candidate or political party. Theres reason to believe that a direct vote could help us solve our health care quagmire. In a recent survey, about two out of three Americans said it was the governments responsibility to provide universal health coverage. Another study conducted in my home state showed the same, with seven out of 10 Texans declaring universal health coverage important.

It wont be easy. Scholars have indicated that it may take multiple election cycles, along with volunteers collecting millions of signatures across the country, to achieve such a monumental feat. Americans are already split about how private insurance would figure into the equation. If history is any indication, those who benefit from our bloated system  the large corporations that keep American consumers in a stranglehold  would brew confusion about the plans in an effort to resist any change.

If the referendum resulted in a majority of yes votes, it would send a clear message to Congress and the president: Build us a universal health care system. The hard work of constructing that system and a way of paying for it would start there. Medicare for All, as proposed by Senator Bernie Sanders, would eliminate private insurance that duplicated what was offered in the single-payer system. This standard insurance would eliminate patients out-of-pocket expenses and make it harder for hospitals and doctors to cherry-pick those with more lucrative insurance. Multiple iterations of single-payer plans have sprung from Medicare for All, including some that would preserve private insurance. An altogether different plan, a public option, would preserve Americans choice to buy private insurance. The drawback would be that without a mandate, health care gaps would most likely still exist.

Controlling health care costs is a problem that has long confounded Americans. For this reason, I favor something different, a public health care system modeled after the one Ive worked in for the past 12 years. The system provides health care directly  without the middleman of insurance  to nearly half its patients. When it bills a patients insurance, the system does so at a reasonable rate, on par with what Medicare pays.

As a resident, I rotated through private hospitals and saw how easy it is to default toward more expensive treatment. In a public system, doctors like me work on salary without financial incentives to overutilize tests or procedures, which further keeps costs in check and patient outcomes top of mind. The lack of a profit motive allows the system I work in to focus on providing quality care while cutting costs. In fact, in 2022, Ben Taub Hospital and the public system saved more than $1.8 billion in health care costs. This amounts to $2.30 in health care cost savings to Harris County taxpayers for every $1 in county taxes collected.
From a child's earliest age, independence is extolled as a virtue, with doing things on your own as proof of maturity. I celebrated my daughter when she was little for picking out her books herself. She always wanted to go on the monkey bars without help and swung and did tricks until her hands were blistered. Now that shes 12, I cheer her for taking herself home from school on the train and for climbing by herself at a gym for hours.

So, yes, some independence is worth honoring. But other strains are not as positive. For instance, being required to be independent when we are ill and without adequate health insurance coverage is not to be recommended. Neither is having to take care of our children entirely on our own, in the silo of our immediate family, without a state-supported nursery in sight. And going into debt for simply covering the cost of our own or our childrens college education is far from salutary.

But because Americans are taught that we must go it alone, we often force ourselves to slog through these  and other crucial human experiences  in solitude. And when we do get assistance, we may feel we must play down the help we receive from our government, our families or our neighbors.

The we here is we Americans, as the notion we must do without support is ingrained in our nations culture. Our most toxic myth is our pull yourself up by your bootstraps individualism. In extreme cases, we see even asking for help as something to avoid at all costs, which can be deadly, as in the rising suicide rates of older men in this country who are some of the least likely to ask for psychological assistance. Or we sometimes still call leaning on our close friends and partners codependence, even after a pandemic raised depression and anxiety to record levels. We also are regularly told by self-help manuals that we need to look only to ourselves to achieve mental well-being, even though that state inevitably  and biologically  requires social connection.
This began largely with the Common Core, instituted in 2010 during the Obama administration. While glorifying STEM, these nationwide standards, intended to develop a 21st-century work force, also took care to de-emphasize literature. By high school, 70 percent of assigned texts are meant to be nonfiction. Educators can maximize the remaining fiction by emphasizing excerpts, essays and digital material over full-length novels. Immersing children in the full arc of storytelling has largely gone out that window as novels have increasingly been replaced by short stories  or shorter yet, by texts.

The Common Core killed classic literature, as Diane Ravitch noted in 2018.

So what do kids read instead? To even be considered, a work must first pass through the gantlet of book bans and the excising of those books containing passages that might be deemed antiquated or lie outside the median of student body experiences. Add to that the urge to squelch any content that might be deemed triggering or controversial, the current despair over smartphoned attention spans and the desire to reach students where they are. Toni Morrisons short first novel, The Bluest Eye, a coming-of-age story, tends to be assigned over her longer, more intricate, more provocative  and to this reader, anyway, richer  novel Beloved.

The assumption is that kids arent discerning or tough enough to handle complexity or darkness, whether its the nastiness of Roald Dahl or the racism and sexism in 19th-century fiction, and that they cant read within context or grasp the concept of history. But kids adopt the blinkered veil of presentism  the tendency to judge past events according to contemporary standards and attitudes  only when adults show them how.

Citing the need to appeal to fickle tastes with relevant and engaging content, teachers often lowball student competence. Too often, this means commercial middle grade and young adult novels such as The Lightning Thief and The Perks of Being a Wallflower, or popular fiction like The Outsiders, or on the more ambitious end, accessible works of 20th-century fiction like To Kill a Mockingbird  all engaging novels that kids might read on their own  in lieu of knottier works that benefit from instruction and classroom discussion. The palpable desperation to just get students to read a book doesnt come across as the kind of enticement that makes literature soar.

Those books that remain are read in a manner seemingly intended to leach all pleasure from the process. Even apart from the aims of the Common Core, the presiding goal is no longer instilling a love of literature but rather teaching to the test and ensuring students reach certain mandated benchmarks. In recent years in New York State, for example, skills like information literacy appear to be given priority over discussions of literature.
William J. Arnone

Washington

The writer is C.E.O. of the National Academy of Social Insurance.

To the Editor:

President Biden is absolutely correct in seeking a small tax increase for those making more than $400,000 in order to preserve Medicare until 2050 and beyond.

The additional 1.2 percent these wealthy people will pay in increased taxes is a small amount to ask in order to help keep the Medicare fund solvent for many years to come. Our children and future generations are counting on us to do the right thing, and we must not let them down.

Marvin Woll

Raleigh, N.C.

To the Editor:

President Biden is right to defend Medicare as a rock-solid guarantee of medical insurance for retired and disabled Americans. He is right to celebrate that the federal government will finally start negotiating lower prescription drug prices and call for expansion of that program. And he is right to call on Congress to raise taxes on rich people to help pay for Medicare.

But with intransigent Republicans in control of the House of Representatives, he also needs an executive branch strategy for strengthening Medicares finances. He should start by standing up to the behemoth health insurance corporations that are defrauding Medicare and overcharging it, according to one estimate, upward of $25 billion a year through the Medicare Advantage program.

The Biden administration has proposed some modest reforms. But it has the legal authority to do much more. Medicare Advantage was supposed to save taxpayers money compared with traditional Medicare. But it never has. To protect the trust fund, the president should stop the waste, fraud and abuse perpetrated by these corporations.
When it comes to student loans, Mr. Bidens people do not believe they are just lawlessly winging it. As they see matters, Mr. Bushs Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2003, usually called the HEROES Act, gives them a legal basis for clearing out those loans. The law permits the secretary of education to waive or modify student loan provisions during a national emergency.

But claiming the vast authority Mr. Biden does is really a stretch. The point of the HEROES Act was to make sure soldiers didnt get their school finances tangled up in red tape while fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq. It was quite specifically aimed at four classes of people: active-duty military; activated National Guard members; those serving or living in disaster areas; and those who suffered direct economic hardship as a direct result of a war or other military operation or national emergency, as determined by the secretary. To a layman, that last category implies war wounds or something just as grave. To the education secretary, Miguel Cardona, it is apparently vague enough to provide interpretive leeway. It cannot have been meant, however, to let him dispose of 2 percent of G.D.P. as he sees fit.

The loan canceling authority of 2003 was supposed to be time-limited, but Congress extended the expiration date, then made it permanent in 2007. President Obama made limited use of the HEROES Act. President Trump used it to call a student loan pause at the height of the Covid pandemic in 2020, when his term had less than a year to run.

The difference with Mr. Bidens plan is one of scale and timing. Mr. Trumps pause cost $5 billion per month, though the Biden administration has extended it several times, bringing the total cost beyond $100 billion. Canceling some $400 billion outright is an intervention of a different order. Whats more, Mr. Biden is claiming these special powers by invoking a pandemic emergency that is three years old  an emergency that in other contexts (like his interview with 60 Minutes in September) he declares has passed. Mr. Trump did something similar by using terrorism to justify a 2017 travel ban a decade after the peak of the war on terror.

There are obvious reasons that the head of the executive branch, impatient with congressional constraints, might seek the occasion of an emergency to just start ordering people around. In a less obvious way, Congress  the branch of government that is supposedly seeing its powers usurped  has reasons to collude in emergency rule, too. Student loan relief is a hard issue for a politician to read. Ignoring millions of 20- and 30-somethings who live in debt drudgery might cost you their votes; helping them might cost you the votes of all the over-40s who feel that they paid their dues and that younger people should too.
This article is part of our Design special section on how the recent push for diversity in design is changing the way the world looks.

In 2020, Jomo Tariku, a furniture designer who was born in Kenya and raised in Ethiopia and who had a second career as a data scientist with the World Bank, was preparing to give a lecture at Princeton University. Combing through the websites of 161 international furniture companies, he found that of the 4,399 designers that these companies employed, by his reckoning, only 14, or 0.03 percent, were Black.

It was a statistic heard round the world. Black Lives Matter activism had been catalyzing efforts to diversify design. After decades of designing handmade furniture in Springfield, Va., near Washington, and struggling for notice from manufacturers that could put the designs into production, Mr. Tariku suddenly became a star.

His Meedo chair, modeled on a hair pick, was acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. His three-legged Nyala chair, inspired by an antelope, is among the five pieces he contributed to the film sets of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Recently, he arranged his first licensing deal.

It took me 30 years to get here, said Mr. Tariku, 54, and I dont want it to die with me. He said he is intent on boosting the careers of other Black designers, like those in the Black Artists + Designers Guild, a nonprofit platform and mentorship organization that he helped to get off the ground in 2018.
On a recent morning, Irene Neuwirth, who had trekked from Los Angeles to Christy Rillings studio on West 38th Street in Manhattan, chattered brightly as Ms. Rilling fitted her for the gown she planned to wear on Oscars night. Ms. Neuwirth, a jewelry designer with an enthusiastic Hollywood following, emerged in her street clothes from behind a screen, exhilarated to have had a voice in the gowns creation.

I love this feeling of couture, its so personal, she said. You want to be in control of the way you look.

She had settled on a pink velvet evening column, a synthesis of her own aesthetic and the resolutely low-key style Ms. Rilling cultivated years ago.

In 2008, when Ms. Rilling opened her studio, the country was in a recession. People werent really prepared for that, she said. I had to find ways to make things that were elegant, not flashy. Nobody wanted to peacock around.
So, said the tour guide, midway through our trip to Jamaica. What are you really looking for?

It was a good question. In most of the places we went, our group of four women had been welcomed, warned and flirted with. But, we were rarely asked many questions about the nature of our trip. Wed flown in from England and the United States in mid-November, just before high season, intending to see the country over the course of a month, while staying in and visiting as many locally owned businesses and guesthouses as we could.

Traveling from the east of the lush island to the west, and mostly avoiding the tourist hot spots of Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Negril, we sought out places that were the opposite of what Jamaica, and many Caribbean islands, have become known for: resort-style luxury that doesnt always offer locals a significant slice of the tourism pie. As a granddaughter of Jamaican immigrants, the search had special resonance for me.

When people come to the Caribbean, theyre being funneled into this journey of the airport to the resort, and thats all they see of the country, said Riaz Philips, the author of the award-winning cookbook West Winds: Recipes, History and Tales from Jamaica. Usually, if you follow the money trail of that passage, it doesnt lead to any tangible benefits for the people who live and work in those countries.
The move was heralded as a model for reparations for Black Americans, and was believed to be the first time in American history that the government returned property to a Black family. The decision was especially closely watched in California, as the state is currently spearheading the nations most ambitious reparations effort.

But this year, things got more complicated. The Bruces announced they were selling the property back to Los Angeles County for $20 million. The land is zoned for public use, so they couldnt easily develop it. And investing the proceeds from the sale would allow them to build up the generational wealth that they were stripped of nearly 100 years ago, they said.

Though the sale was a personal decision, it hasnt entirely been seen that way. The Bruces choice to sell has led to a debate nationwide about how exactly reparations should and could work across the U.S., and has disappointed activists and others who had been so heartened by the lands return to the family, my colleague Clyde McGrady recently reported.

Bruces Beach is now part of a national narrative about what is owed to Black people in America for past injustice  and what Black people owe to one another in the larger quest for reparations, Clyde wrote.

Clyde interviewed Silvester and Laurie Johnson, who didnt know the Bruce family, but visited Bruces Beach in December on a trip to Los Angeles from Seattle. The Johnsons said they felt that, as a Black family, they were part of the larger struggle for justice, and therefore part of the Bruce story, too. They were saddened by the familys decision to sell, they told Clyde.
A dangerous winter storm was dumping heavy precipitation over large swaths of California on Friday, raising the risk of significant flooding and pushing cities to issue evacuation warnings.

The storm, known as an atmospheric river, began on Thursday and was forecast to bring heavy rain and snow over parts of the state through the weekend. Central California was expected to be hit the hardest, and considerable flooding impacts were possible across portions of the central coast and the San Joaquin Valley, forecasters said.

As of Friday morning, most of Californias more than 39 million residents were under a weather warning or advisory, and dozens of counties were under a state of emergency. The number of power outages was also rising.
LANSING, Mich.  Democrats in Michigan pressed ahead with a torrent of liberal measures on Wednesday, the boldest assertion yet of their new political power since taking full control of state government this year for the first time in four decades.

In the course of a single afternoon and evening, and despite loud objections from many Republicans, the Michigan House of Representatives voted to repeal a right-to-work law loathed by labor unions, expand background checks for gun purchases and enshrine civil rights protections for L.G.B.T.Q. people in state law. On the other side of the Capitol, the State Senate voted to repeal an abortion ban that is unenforceable but still on the books. Some of the legislation must still be voted on in the other chamber, and all of it would have to be signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, to take effect.

The rapid-fire votes were possible only because Michigan Democrats narrowly won a trifecta  control of both legislative chambers and the governors office  in last years election after spending much of the prior decade on the lawmaking sidelines.

Republicans swept into power in Michigan in the 2010s and quickly remade the state in their image, just as they did in Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin and beyond. By 2018, Republicans had full control of 26 statehouses. But Democrats have steadily rebuilt their state-level strength in the last few years, with full control now in 17 capitals  their most since 2009 and up from only six in 2017. Republicans control 22 states, including Nebraska, where the unicameral Legislature is officially nonpartisan.
The 6-year-old who shot and injured his first-grade teacher at an elementary school in Virginia in January will not be charged, but a prosecutor said that he was still deciding whether others could face criminal charges.

The boy shot the 25-year-old teacher once with a handgun in a classroom at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News at about 2 p.m. on Jan. 6, leaving her with life-threatening injuries and renewing calls for restrictions to keep guns out of the hands of young people.

The Commonwealth attorney, Howard E. Gwynn, told NBC News on Wednesday that a child that young would not understand the legal system. The prospect that a 6-year-old can stand trial is problematic, he said.

He did not respond to repeated calls and an email requesting comment on Thursday.

In a statement released by the Newport News Police Department on Thursday, Mr. Gwynn said he had received the results of the investigation several weeks ago, including three binders and hours of police body camera footage.
While the goal is deterrence, another danger is that China will view the AUKUS weapons arrangements as a provocative move by the United States and its allies to constrain China by any means necessary  and prepare for potential war. Xi Jinping, Chinas leader, might then rush advances of his military, as well as take more aggressive actions in the region to prepare for an armed conflict.

I dont think theres any doubt that China sees this as confirmation that Australia is well on the way to signing up for Americas containment strategy, said James Curran, a historian of U.S.-Australia relations at the University of Sydney. But does China see this as a credible deterrent? I think theres a question mark over that.

However, U.S. intelligence agencies have not been able to determine Mr. Xis exact intentions with Taiwan in the near future. He and other Chinese leaders have consistently said Taiwan must be brought under Chinese Communist Party rule. But he has not explicitly stated a timeline for that, while a few U.S. military officials have said recently that they think the United States and China could be at war over Taiwan soon.

U.S. officials have also been monitoring modernization efforts by the Chinese military to establish dominance in other waters around the region, including in the South China Sea, most of which China claims as its territory. U.S. officials say China also intends to project military power with a robust naval fleet in the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, the Persian Gulf and beyond.

China is trying to build military bases and naval ports around those bodies of water, U.S. officials say. It already has a base in Djibouti, on the Horn of Africa, and has been aiming to build ones or establish naval access to ports in Cambodia, Equatorial Guinea and the United Arab Emirates, according to an annual worldwide threat assessment released by U.S. intelligence agencies on Wednesday.
The budget blueprint President Biden is releasing on Thursday is dead on arrival in the Republican-controlled House. But its presentation marks the beginning of a long and convoluted process in Congress to set a budget for the federal government and then fund it.

The presidents budget, traditionally submitted in January or February of each year, essentially amounts to a messaging exercise in which the White House outlines its policy priorities. But the Constitution vests the power of the purse with Congress, and it falls to lawmakers to approve the spending levels of government agencies and programs.

In theory, funding the government takes place in two major stages. First, lawmakers on the Budget Committees coalesce around a budget resolution  a blueprint laying out an overall spending ceiling and a revenue floor. Then, after Congress approves a budget resolution, it falls to lawmakers on the Appropriations Committees to allocate federal dollars, following the blueprint.

Here is a step-by-step overview of the process, and why it will be so fraught.

Step 1: The president submits his budget to Congress.

In addition to setting an aspirational top-line number, federal agencies prepare detailed documents outlining requests in support of their programs, projects and activities.
On a recent Sunday morning at Elmbrook Church, a nondenominational evangelical megachurch in Brookfield, Wis., Jerry Wilson considered the far-off matter of his vote in 2024.

Its going to be a Republican, he said, but I dont know who.

In 2016 and 2020 he had voted for Donald J. Trump. He did accomplish a lot for Christians, for evangelicals, Mr. Wilson, 64, said. But hes got a lot of negative attributes, and they make you pause and think, you know? Id like to see what the other candidates have to offer.

White evangelical voters were central to Mr. Trumps first election, and he remains overwhelmingly popular among them. But a Monmouth University poll in late January and early February found Ron DeSantis, the Republican governor of Florida who has not declared his candidacy for president but appears to be Mr. Trumps most formidable early rival, leading Mr. Trump by 7 percentage points among self-identified evangelical Republican voters in a head-to-head contest.

It was an early sign that as he makes a bid for a return to office, Mr. Trump must reckon with a base that has changed since his election in 2016  and because of it.
Section 702 authorizes the government to collect, without a warrant and from American companies like Google and AT&T, the private messages of targeted foreigners abroad  even when they are communicating with Americans. The F.B.I.s ability to search for information about Americans in the repository of intercepted messages has been a focus of controversy.

Elected to Congress in 2015, Mr. LaHood is a former federal counterterrorism prosecutor and the son of Ray LaHood, who was also a Republican member of Congress from Illinois and later served as transportation secretary in the Obama administration.

Mr. LaHood provided no further details about the incident. But he was scathing in his remarks to the committee, calling the queries about communications involving a member of Congress an egregious violation that betrayed trust in government surveillance power and could be seen as a threat to the separation of powers.

At the same time, he made clear that he still believes that Congress must reauthorize Section 702, which he praised as a vital tool for combating a broad range of foreign threats. Citing F.B.I. abuses, he told a lineup of witnesses that the government needed to do more to build trust with the public and Congress to win the laws extension.

This careless abuse of this critical tool by the F.B.I. is unfortunate, he said. Ironically, I think it gives me a good opportunity and a unique perspective on whats wrong with the F.B.I. and the problems that the F.B.I. has.
WASHINGTON  The chief executive of Norfolk Southern told Congress on Thursday that he was deeply sorry for the effects of the train derailment last month in East Palestine, Ohio, but stopped short of promising to pay for long-term damage to the community, as senators pressed him for answers about safety measures and the possible environmental consequences from the accident.

Appearing before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee about five weeks after one of his companys trains carrying hazardous materials skipped the tracks and ignited a fire, Alan H. Shaw, the chief executive, fielded questions from angry senators in both parties about how far Norfolk Southern was willing to go to improve rail safety and address the fallout from the disastrous derailment.

I am determined to make this right, said Mr. Shaw, whose apologetic tone turned defensive at times during the hearing as senators in both parties vented their concerns. Norfolk Southern will clean the site safely, thoroughly and with urgency. You have my personal commitment.

But he declined to endorse bipartisan rail safety legislation introduced last week, which would strengthen notification and inspection requirements for trains carrying hazardous materials and increase fines for safety violations by rail carriers. It is unclear whether the bill will have enough support to make it through the closely divided Senate, where most major legislation needs 60 votes to advance, or the Republican-led House.
As far as her husband knows, Rebecca Blank threw a party with strawberries and champagne only once in her life.

It was the spring of 2010, and Ms. Blank was then the under secretary of commerce for economic affairs. Her guests were statisticians and economists in the civil service, the sort of people who write public reports on out-of-pocket medical expenses.

But they were not celebrating a technocratic victory so much as a moral one: the first major overhaul of the governments system for measuring poverty in nearly 50 years.

The result was a powerful new statistical view of Americas poor, one that was far more accurate and that quantified the value of social welfare programs, blunting criticism that they had no effect.
Cyclone Freddy, which has already hit several countries in southeastern Africa and caused 21 deaths as of Thursday, was on track to be declared the longest-lasting tropical cyclone on record  beating the previous record of 31 days  as it continued its path of ruin across the region.

After traversing the Indian Ocean, the cyclone has caused most destruction bouncing between the island nation of Madagascar, where it has left 11 people dead, and Mozambique, on the African mainland, where 10 have been killed. It has already boomeranged back to hit Madagascar a second time, and is now expected to return to Mozambique by Saturday.

The cyclone is unusual not only because of its longevity and route but also because it has undergone six separate rounds of rapid intensification.

By Thursday morning, Freddy had been downgraded to a severe tropical storm, but forecasters said that they expected it to power up again, becoming a cyclone once more by the time it returns to thump into the Mozambican coastline.
Nigeria has postponed state elections that had been scheduled for Saturday, heightening popular anger and cynicism over whether the country can conduct a fair vote only two weeks after a presidential election tainted with technical malfunctions and allegations of fraud.

Since the declaration a little over a week ago that the governing partys candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had won the presidential election, Africas most populous nation has spiraled further into economic and political paralysis.

Now the countrys electoral commission has moved the election for the countrys powerful state governors back by a week, saying it needs more time to reset digital voting machines used for the first time in the presidential election last month. The vote for governors is now scheduled for March 18.

The postponement of the election for 28 of the countrys 36 state governors is just the latest challenge faced by Nigeria, a country of 220 million people that has been plagued by fuel scarcity, a cash crunch and multiple security crises.
Facing mounting pressure from protesters, Georgias governing party said on Thursday that it had decided to withdraw proposed legislation on foreign agents that critics said mimicked a Russian law used by the Kremlin to thwart opposition news media and civil society.

The decision came after a second straight night of large protests in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, with riot police officers using tear gas, water cannons and stun grenades to disperse a crowd after midnight. In a statement on Thursday, the police said they had detained 133 protesters on charges of petty hooliganism and disobedience during the two days of protests.

It was not immediately clear whether the governing party intended to scrap the legislation or was merely delaying it to assuage protesters. The party, Georgian Dream, said in a statement that once the emotional background subsides, it would work with the public to explain the need to ensure transparency of foreign influence in Georgia.

Many opposition members celebrated the decision but vowed to continue protests on Thursday night.

In its statement, the party blamed the political oppositions lying machine for stirring up protests against the legislation by attaching to it the false label of Russian law.
BERLIN  Several people were killed and several more were injured in a shooting in a Jehovahs Witness hall in Hamburg, Germany, on Thursday night, in a rare mass shooting in the country.

The police, including tactical and bomb disposal units, were on the scene late Thursday, and the injured were rushed to local hospitals.

Little was immediately known about the assailant, and the Hamburg police said early Friday that they believed there was just one. A police spokesman indicated that the attacker might be among the dead.

All we know is that several people died here and that several people have been injured and have been brought to hospitals, Holger Vehren, a Hamburg police spokesman, said.
Ukrainians have received billions in military aid, including Patriot missile systems from the Americans, training from the British and a pledge of Leopard 2 tanks from the Germans. Now, they are getting cars seized from Latvian drunken drivers, too.

The government of the Baltic former Soviet nation, where staunch support for Ukraine is partly driven by fears of Russian aggression, has already provided significant military and other aid to Ukraine, including Stinger surface-to-air missiles. But the pledge of seized cars, which can be used to deliver supplies or move medical personnel, is a more unconventional step to help Ukraine fight off Russias invasion.

They will be in better hands, said Reinis Poznaks, who leads a charity that was tasked by the government to deliver the vehicles to Ukraine.

On Wednesday, Latvias state revenue service, which keeps records of state property, posted on Facebook a picture of cars loaded on a truck in the countrys snow-covered landscape, noting that they would no longer be driven on Latvian roads by their former owners  drunk drivers.
Russias biggest aerial attack in weeks hit targets across Ukraine on Thursday, using a complex barrage of weapons. Ukraines Air Force said that among them were six of Russias air-launched hypersonic missiles, known as Kinzhals, or Daggers  the most used in a single wave since the war began a year ago.

Here are the major questions raised by the use of the new missiles.

First, what are hypersonic missiles?

Hypersonic missiles are long-range, highly maneuverable munitions capable of reaching speeds of at least Mach 5  five times the speed of sound, or more than a mile a second. That speed renders traditional air defense systems essentially useless, because by the time they are detected by ground-based radars, they are already nearly at their target.

China and the United States are in a race to develop and deploy hypersonic missiles. Other countries are also working on the technology, including Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, India, Iran, Israel, Japan, North Korea and South Korea.

How does the Kinzhal work?

The typical hypersonic vehicle carries its warhead to the lower boundary of space atop a traditional long-range missile. After separation, it uses gravity to gain tremendous speed on the descent back to earth. The vehicle may be an unpowered gliding craft, or it may be a cruise missile that uses gravitational acceleration to ignite a special scramjet engine that carries it hundreds of miles farther.
The head of the United Nations atomic watchdog expressed astonishment on Thursday about international complacency over safety at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in southern Ukraine, where several hours earlier Russian shelling had again cut power to the plant and left workers resorting to using backup generators to maintain safety.

It was the sixth time the Zaporizhzhia facility, Europes largest nuclear plant, needed to move to its emergency power supply since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine a year ago, according to Rafael Mariano Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the U.N. watchdog. He described the use of generators there as the last line of defense against a possible nuclear accident.

In a fiery statement to the agencys board of governors on Thursday, Mr. Grossi urged immediate action to restore security at the plant, which Russian forces occupied shortly after invading the country a year ago.

What are we doing? he said, according to the agency. How can we sit here in this room this morning and allow this to happen? This cannot go on. He added, I am astonished by the complacency.
A new wave of mass demonstrations against a government plan to limit judicial independence swept across Israel on Thursday, with protesters restricting road access to the countrys main airport hours before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew to Italy.

Thousands of demonstrators, some of them in a convoy of tractors, disrupted traffic in several cities, and others sailed a flotilla of boats through a maritime shipping lane near a major port.

More than 20 protesters were arrested, according to Kan, the Israeli public broadcaster. Some demonstrators parked their cars on an access road to the airport, Ben-Gurion International, near Tel Aviv, slowing the entry of passengers and prompting the police to warn that the cars would be towed.

The disruption coincided with a trip to the country by Lloyd J. Austin III, the U.S. secretary of defense, who was visiting the Middle East, and it prompted Israeli officials to move meetings between him, Mr. Netanyahu, and Yoav Gallant, Israels defense minister, to the airport to allow the participants to enter and exit the site by helicopter.
A Spanish court recently ordered a Malaga businessman to pay his ex-wife 204,000 euros as compensation for unpaid domestic work done in the home during the 25 years they were married.

A woman who dedicated 25 years of her life to supporting her entrepreneur husband and taking care of their two daughters was recently granted 204,000 ($215,000) in compensation for all her unpaid work. The couple married in June of 1995, when they were in their twenties, and signed a separation of assets the very next month. The document basically stated that each spouse retained exclusive ownership of property acquired during the marriage. This turned out to be a lot more beneficial to the husband, who started multiple businesses, while the wife took care of their two young daughters and did all the domestic work.

Photo: Daiga Ellaby/Unsplash+

She was his shadow, working behind him so that he would grow professionally and become something, the womans lawyer told the court. She spent all that time focusing on her family. In order for her husband to focus on his business projects, she stayed with the girls, and they never hired any outside help.

The family ended up moving to different municipalities around Malaga, based on the needs of the husband, but when he refused to pay for her 16-year-old daughters higher education, forcing her to work to pay her tuition, the wife finally got fed up with the situation and filed for divorce in 2020. Only because of the signed separation of property, the husband retained most of the valuable assets, while she only got the rights to half of a house they owned together.

Knowing that her ex-husband was left with valuable assets like a profitable olive oil farm, luxury cars and other real-estate, while she had nothing to show for all the work she put in during their 25 years of marriage, the woman decided to sue for compensation in December of 2020.



She, like many other women, has spent her entire working life dedicated to her daughters while her husband had time to develop his professional career, lawyer Marta Fuentes said. And it is important that this is recognized, that the time they have dedicated to their family and not to their professional life has value.

After two years of litigation, a Malaga judge granted the wife 204,000 euros in compensation for her unpaid domestic work during the 25-year marriage, which the womans lawyer said represented the calculated minimum interprofessional salary for the 25 years. The sentence also includes 1,000 euros monthly alimony for the two daughters and a 500 euro pension for their mother. The husband has already announced his intention to appeal the decision.
In order to prevent his drunken son from getting behind the wheel of his BMW and possibly causing an accident, a Spanish man vandalized the vehicle, smashing the windows and denting its metallic body with a pickaxe.

A fathers love for his children is usually very strong but it can manifest in unusual ways. Take this story of a 60-year-old man from Logrono, Spain, who went to extreme lengths to make sure that his inebriated son doesnt get behind the wheel of his black BMW and potentially cause a tragedy. Last week, local police received calls about a man vandalizing a vehicle parked on a public road in Logrono by smashing it with a pickaxe. A squad driving toward the reported location of the incident, noticed a white van fleeing the scene and managed to pull it over. Inside were an elderly man and a visibly drunk younger passenger.

While questioning the two suspects, police learned that they were father and son and that the elderly male was indeed responsible for vandalizing the BMW, which just happened to belong to his intoxicated 32-year-old son. The 60-year-old explained that he had tried to convince his child not to drive drunk, but to no avail. Fearing that he could cause a serious accident, he had no choice but to make sure he had no car to drive.

After a violent altercation with his son, the man reportedly grabbed a pickaxe and started smashing the windows of the BMW, puncturing the tires and even puncturing the metal body. After finishing the job, the pair got into the older mans van and drove away when they heard the police car sirens.

| La #PoliciaLocaldeLogrono denuncia por un delito de danos a un individuo que habia provocado varios destrozos en un vehiculo que estaba estacionado en la via publica y que era propiedad de su hijo.  Mas info: https://t.co/dxvXdQTvNh pic.twitter.com/nEXhl5lnfl  Ayuntamiento Logrono (@AytoLogrono) March 1, 2023

The events occurred in the early hours of last Sunday when, thanks to citizen participation, the agents were informed through the 092 emergency number that a man with a pickaxe was destroying a BMW brand vehicle that was parked in the street, police sources said.

Its unclear whether the two men suffered any consequences, considering the reason for the vandalization, but the Logrono police department tweeted the story and it immediately went viral.
Welcome to Tuckers Tea Party Dont believe what your eyes saw or what your ears heard. That was Tucker Carlsons message to the viewers of his March 6 program that featured highly sanitized clips of the Jan. 6 Capitol Hill riot.

The Swanson frozen foods heir called the insurrectionists sightseers who were being escorted through the building by Capitol Hill police.

They were mostly peaceful and meek with a small percent that was violent.

What hogwash. By presenting this world of alternative reality, Tucker shows he has nothing but disdain for the intelligence of his audience.

Nine people died, including four police officers by suicide, because of the five-hour struggle with a mob estimated to be in the 10K range.

NBC News reported that about 140 police officers were assaulted by Tuckers meek sightseers.

Sixty of them pleaded guilty to assaulting law enforcement officers, 106 of those attacks were with deadly or dangerous weapons.

New York Senator Chuck Schumer called Carlsons program one of the most shameful hours we have ever seen on cable television.

With disregard of the risks and knowing full well he was lying, lying to his audience, Fox News host Tucker Carlson ran a lengthy segment last night, arguing that the Jan. 6 Capitol attack was not a violent insurrection, said Schumer.

The Majority Leader said hes never seen a prime-time cable TV personality attempt to manipulate his viewers the way the Carlson did.

But Tucker doesnt operate in the fact-based world. His mission is to keep spinning his audience, so it doesnt defect to Newsmax. Shameless Tucker will go as low as it takes.

Spineless Speaker of the House skips the Big Show. California Congressman Kevin McCarthy is the guy who gave Carlson thousands of hours of footage of the Capitol Hill carnage in what he claims was in the spirit of transparency.

He wanted the public to view Carlsons show so they could make up their minds about what happened on Jan. 6.

Theres no argument about what happened on Jan. 6, 2021. It was carnage and chaos in quest of preventing the certification of the 2020 presidential election.

What did McCarthy, who sold his soul to the right wing of the GOP, expect Carlson to air?

He certainly wasnt going to focus on the activities of the almost 1,000 people who have been charged with crimes for their actions.

And the kicker: McCarthy claims he didnt watch Carlsons show. He lit the fire and then fled the scene of the inferno.

Time for a rebrand at Fox News. Media Matters for America on March 3 filed a complaint with the FEC against Fox Corp. for making an illegal corporate contribution to Donald Trumps campaign.

That followed news that Fox chairman Rupert Murdoch provided the Make America Great Again PAC information about then-presidential candidate Joe Bidens advertising schedule through a private, and secret direct communication.

This distribution is diametrically opposed to Fox Corp.s regular press activity, broadcasting news programming through television and radio outlets and online publications, says the complaint. Murdochs secret conveyance of the Biden advertisement is even less like press activity than a cable casting company sending campaign flyers in its bills, and neither can be protected by the press exemption."
Wally Brewster

The Dominican Republics Ministry of Tourism has hired Patino, Brewster & Partners for crisis communications and brand management consulting.

PB&P is the firm of Wally Brewster, who served as US ambassador to the Dominican Republic from 2013 to 2017.

Brewster and his partner, Bob Satawake, bought a residence in Casa de Campo, La Romana, after his term as ambassador.

Casa de Campo was the DRs first luxury resort when it opened about 50 years ago.

The Ministry has a one-year contract with Brewsters firm that calls for a $30K monthly retainer.

The pact renews automatically for another year unless it is terminated by either party via a 30-day written notice.

Nearly 1M tourists arrived in the DR in February, which was up 17 percent from 2022 and nine percent from the pre-pandemic 2019 level.

The Miami Herald on Feb. 22 ran an article that was headlined, Is the Dominican Republic a safe vacation spot in 2023? Maybe not right now.

The story noted that the US State Dept. has a level 2 travel advisory on the DR, which calls for travelers to exercise caution in the DR due to crime.

The advisory noted that the development of a professional tourist police corps, institution of a 911 system in many parts of the country, and a concentration of resources in resort areas means these tend to be better policed than urban areas like Santo Domingo.
Met Eireann has issued a severe snow and ice warning for the majority of Ireland with more snow and freezing temperatures on the way.

Met Eireann has issued a Status Orange Snow and Ice warning for Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Clare, Connacht, Longford, Louth, Meath, Westmeath. A second Status Orange Warning for Leinster has also been issued for Friday.

Met Eireann says Status Orange Weather Warning is given before expected weather conditions that could significantly impact people, property and activity in an area. People in the affected areas should prepare appropriately for the anticipated conditions.

The first Status Orange Snow and Ice Warning states that there will be further spells of sleet and snow today combined with strong east to northeast winds. This will bring significant accumulations of snow are expected in some areas along with icy conditions.

UPDATE: Antrim, Armagh, Down added to the list



Status Orange - Snow/Ice warning for Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Clare, Connacht, Longford, Louth, Meath, Westmeath



Valid: 11:00 Thursday 09/03/2023 to 00:00 Friday 10/03/2023



More details herehttps://t.co/BoUueCIxKa pic.twitter.com/Z3cN1dKxJR  Met Eireann (@MetEireann) March 9, 2023

Status Yellow - Snow-Ice warning for Ireland Met Eireann Weather Warning Rain, sleet and snow will spread northwards across the country accompanied by strengthening winds. Accumulations of snow are expected in many areas along with icy conditions. Sleet and snow will likely transition to rain in southern areas for a time. Possible Impacts:  Hazardous driving conditions  Travel disruption  Poor Visibility

Met Eireann is warning of very hazardous road conditions, travel disruption and poor visibility. The warning is valid from 11am today until midnight.

A separate Status Orange Snow and Ice warning for Leinster comes into place at midnight and remains in place until 10am on Friday. It warns that there will be spells of sleet and snow overnight combined with strong northerly winds. Significant accumulations of snow are expected in some areas by morning along with icy conditions.

A separate Status Yellow Snow and Ice Warning is also in place for Ireland. Met Eireann is warning that rain, sleet and snow will spread northwards across the country accompanied by strengthening winds. Accumulations of snow are expected in many areas along with icy conditions. This warning is already in place and remains in place until noon on Friday.
A FERBANE native was among three TUS students who showcased their culinary talents at the recent Chef of Ireland competition in the RDS, Dublin, at CATEX, bringing home gold and silver medals.

Students Martin Duffy, Liam Martin, and Kayleigh Jade Hannon competed against student chefs from across the country to win the coveted prizes.

Martin Duffy, now in his first year of a BA in Culinary Arts, won gold in the Chocolate Sculpture category for his chocolate windmill sculpture, which he created as part of his Advanced Pastry module.

It was a lot of work, a lot of preparation, but it was really, really worth it, he said, explaining that hed put at least 150-200 hours" in behind the scenes preparing for his first ever culinary competition.

With 25 years culinary experience under his belt, however, Martin is certainly no stranger to the kitchen and is currently employed as the head chef of the 4-star Athlone Springs Hotel.

The Ferbane native, now living in Athlone, returned to education last year on a part-time basis to fulfil his dream of earning a degree and going on to become a culinary lecturer.

Culinary arts lecturer Kevin Ward, himself an award-winning chocolatier, mentored Martin throughout the competition process and called CATEX a hugely positive experience for the students.

All of our students and their mentors have put in hours of work outside of class time in order to hone skills to a level required for international competition. This includes attending extra technical sessions in their discipline areas, he explained.

Competitions like this give students an opportunity to experience the culinary practice far removed from the usual routine - giving students a chance to learn self-management, practice flexibility and build teamwork skills.

Liam Martin, currently in his second year of a Higher Certificate in Culinary Arts, also enjoyed huge success at this years CATEX competition, claiming a silver medal for the second time in a matter of weeks with his contemporary take on Sole a la Polanaise.

The budding chef, who competed in the Fish category, also represented TUS on the national stage at the 25th Knorr Student Chef of the Year competition in Dundalk recently.

Talking about the benefits of getting that real-word experience before heading out into the hospitality industry, Liam said its absolutely crucial for student chefs.

You learn so much from doing these competitions. Its just a completely different experience, and Id recommend anyone to do it, the Athlone native said.

Liams mentor culinary lecturer John Killeen explained how partaking in competitions gives students a huge amount of confidence.

Student chefs get the rare opportunity to experience being on a level playing field with more experienced peers, helping to give them a new level of confidence to take forward in their careers, he said.

Just interacting with participants and the jury helps a student chef get their name out to industry professionals and helps them learn how to carry themselves as professionals while networking.

Kayleigh Hannon, from Roscommon town, also took home a silver medal for her unique sage-infused butternut squash prawn risotto.

Kayleigh, who is a chef working in the Darkhorse Bar and Restaurant in Athlone, is currently pursuing a Certificate in Culinary Arts at TUS via Springboard.

On receiving the silver, she agreed it gave her great confidence and said aside from being great fun, the competition makes you see your own ability.

It gives a clearer vision of what your strong points and weaker points are and what you can do to improve yourself, Kayleigh explained, adding that shes looking forward to heading back next year to try for the gold.

Department of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure head Dr Emma Reardon said she was thrilled for the students successes at the CATEX Chef of Ireland competition and congratulated staff who were involved in this triumph.

This exemplifies the Department of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisures commitment to active learning, where students learn by doing, she said.

This hands-on approach to learning ensures TUS culinary graduates are among the most sought-after in the country with the relevant knowledge and skills employers are looking for.
Offaly County Council is appealing to those who have unoccupied properties to offer them as temporary homes for those fleeing war in Ukraine.

The renewed call is part of a government initiative, led by local authorities, to make use of unoccupied houses, apartments or holiday homes to house Ukrainian people and families.

A tax-free recognition payment of 800 per month is available for properties used to house those arriving from Ukraine.

More than 70,000 people have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine seeking safety and the vast majority need accommodation. Under the Offer a Home programme, Offaly County Council will take offers of houses, apartments or holiday homes for temporary accommodation, liaise with owners to assess suitability, and arrange for their use by Ukrainian people and families.

Property owners can offer homes at gov.ie/offerahome or by contacting the local authority in which the property is located. Those who offer a property can expect to be contacted by the local authority within 5 working days of making their offer and an assessment of the property will be carried out by the local authority shortly after. The assessment is to ensure the property is habitable and to get some details so it can be matched to the most appropriate person or family.

Anybody who offers a property will be able to check the status of their offer at any stage through the website gov.ie/offerahome.

This is a call for stand-alone properties that are not occupied by others. Properties should be in liveable condition and, ideally, available for at least 6 months.

While rent will not be payable to those who offer properties, a tax-free recognition payment of 800 per month is available from the Department of Social Protection to those who offer accommodation to Ukrainians.

The Offer a Home programme began in late November last year and to date, more than 28 offers have been made to Offaly County Council.

Appealing to the people of Offaly to offer unused properties, Director of Services, Sharon Kennedy outlined: The welcome Irish people have shown to those arriving from Ukraine has been exceptional, and we are so thankful to those who have already offered homes. We know that people are very anxious to help where they can so were appealing to anybody who has a suitable property and hasnt been able to offer it before now to please consider getting in touch with us to find out what is involved.

We understand that it can be daunting to offer a property to someone you dont know. That is why local authorities will work with you throughout the process and be there to offer support while your property is being used.

If you have a property that is otherwise going to be empty over the coming months, please consider offering it for those who badly need a safe home for a while, Ms Kennedy concluded.

To offer a property or for more information, visit gov.ie/offerahome.
John David Caudwell is a British billionaire businessman who founded the now defunct mobile phone retailer Phones 4u. He also invests in fashion, real estate and other industries, and chairs Caudwell Children, a children's charity, and Caudwell LymeCo, promoting chronic Lyme disease beliefs in the UK.
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Outrage, grief grip Palestinians after 6 killed by Israel forces in Jenin

Xinhua) 15:20, March 09, 2023

A Palestinian protester throws a stone at Israeli security forces during clashes following a protest over the killing of six Palestinians, in the West Bank city of Hebron, on March 8, 2023. Outrage and grief prevailed in the Palestinian territories on Wednesday, a day after six Palestinians were killed and 26 others injured during an Israeli raid near the West Bank city of Jenin. (Photo by Mamoun Wazwaz/Xinhua)

RAMALLAH/GAZA, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Outrage and grief prevailed in the Palestinian territories on Wednesday, a day after six Palestinians were killed and 26 others injured during an Israeli raid near the West Bank city of Jenin.

Streets were almost empty and most stores were closed in West Bank cities, as a general strike was staged in response to the call from Palestinian factions to mourn the six Palestinians killed on Tuesday in the Jenin Palestinian refugee camp.

Issam Bakr, the coordinator of national and Islamic factions in Ramallah, told Xinhua that the strike was staged "to condemn the killing of six Palestinians in the Jenin refugee camp."

Thousands of Palestinian mourners on Wednesday attended the funeral held for five of the victims in the Jenin refugee camp amid anger and grief. The sixth victim was buried in a cemetery in the city of Nablus.

The funeral participants, led by many armed men, waved Palestinian flags while masked men threatened to retaliate for the killing of the Palestinians.

The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) which rules the Gaza Strip, called for escalating "armed resistance" against Israel following the Israeli killings of Palestinians in Jenin.

Earlier Wednesday, the Israeli military bombed a military facility that belongs to Hamas militants in the southern Gaza Strip after a roadside bomb was detonated against an Israeli armored vehicle in the area, according to Palestinian and Israeli sources.

Palestinian sources told Xinhua that the Israeli troops stationed on the eastern border with the Gaza Strip fired two tank shells at a lookout post of the Al-Qassam Brigades in the southern Gaza Strip, but no injuries were reported.

An Israeli military spokesman said in a statement that there were reports that an explosive device was detonated near a military force at the Gaza Strip border that was carrying out military activity west of the security fence.

He added that there were no casualties among the Israeli forces, while the tanks responded by bombing a Hamas military site.

Meanwhile, Israeli public radio reported that the Israeli military asked Israeli farmers to evacuate the areas near the border fence adjacent to the southern Gaza Strip, hours after Palestinian militants fired a rocket at dawn at Israel.

Ahmed Al-Mudallal, a member of the Political Bureau of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement, said in a statement that "there can be no truce with the Israeli occupation" as long as Israel "commits massacres in the West Bank."

The tensions between Israel and the Palestinians have been escalating in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since the beginning of this year. Official Palestinian and Israeli figures showed that more than 70 Palestinians have been killed this year so far, while 14 Israelis have been killed in attacks carried out by Palestinians.

A Palestinian protester throws a stone at Israeli security forces during clashes following a protest over the killing of six Palestinians, in the West Bank city of Hebron, on March 8, 2023. Outrage and grief prevailed in the Palestinian territories on Wednesday, a day after six Palestinians were killed and 26 others injured during an Israeli raid near the West Bank city of Jenin. (Photo by Mamoun Wazwaz/Xinhua)

Israeli security forces aim their weapons at Palestinian protesters during clashes following a protest over the killing of six Palestinians, in the West Bank city of Hebron, on March 8, 2023. Outrage and grief prevailed in the Palestinian territories on Wednesday, a day after six Palestinians were killed and 26 others injured during an Israeli raid near the West Bank city of Jenin. (Photo by Mamoun Wazwaz/Xinhua)

A Palestinian protester pulls a burning tire during clashes with Israeli security forces following a protest over the killing of six Palestinians, in the West Bank city of Hebron, on March 8, 2023. Outrage and grief prevailed in the Palestinian territories on Wednesday, a day after six Palestinians were killed and 26 others injured during an Israeli raid near the West Bank city of Jenin. (Photo by Mamoun Wazwaz/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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Giant steps is what you take: Advances in cardiovascular care over forty years of research

Gerard Wilkins is a graduate of Otago Medical School who returned to Dunedin from Boston in 1989 as a Clinical Academic and Consultant Cardiologist in a Joint Clinical role at Dunedin Hospital. His research interests are wide, including new medical device research, exercise physiology studies with members of Heart Otago Research group, rural health outcomes, genetics, selenium and experimental models of cardio-renal physiology. He has participated in more than 50 multi-centre international outcome studies of new therapies that have re-shaped clinical cardiology. He has pioneered many new cardiology procedures in New Zealand such as coronary and carotid stenting, and transradial and transapical interventional approaches. Due to a passion for his role as an academic teacher, he has received numerous teaching awards from medical students and is recognised internationally for his academic and technical contributions to interventional and structural heart disease through academic meetings and live case demonstrations. He has held numerous leadership positions in Dunedin Hospital and national organisations.

This lecture will be followed by light refreshments, tea, coffee and juice.

Livestream

This event will be livestreamed from 5:25pm, Tuesday 21 March 2023, at the following web address:

Streaming link for Professor Gerard Wilkins's IPL

Test your connection to the streaming service here

Date Tuesday, 21 March 2023 Time 5:30pm - 7:30pm Audience Public,All University Event Category Health Sciences Event Type Inaugural Professorial Lecture

Campus Dunedin Department Medicine (Dunedin) Location Castle 1 Lecture Theatre, Dunedin Cost Free Contact Name Anna Poole Contact Email anna.poole@otago.ac.nz

Save this event
Thursday 9 March 2023 11:09am



Professor Christine Winterbourn and Professor Mike Murphy at the Matai Haora Centre for Redox Biology and Medicine symposium held in February 2023.

Leading lights in the field of oxidative stress and health research took centre stage at a day-long symposium at the University of Otago, Christchurch recently.

The Department of Pathology and Biomedical Sciences newly-named Matai Haora  the Centre for Redox Biology and Medicine (formerly known as the Centre for Free Radical Research) held the symposium to celebrate winning the University of Otagos Group Research Award for 2022. The event also marked the 50th anniversary of the Centres founding publication.

The symposium, held on 24 February 2023 in the campus Rolleston Lecture Theatre, kicked off with a mihi whakatau by kaumatua Rangihau Te Moana, followed by an overview of the Centres scientific whakapapa and revealing of its new name by Director Professor Mark Hampton.

Dean and Head of Campus Professor Suzanne Pitama presented Matai Haora research staff with the University Group Award, in recognition of the Centres outstanding research performance at international level.

Speakers then presented current mahi in the Centres three main areas of research; infection and inflammation (Professor Tony Kettle, Dr Nina Dickerhof, Grace Borichevsky, Heather Shearer); cancer (Professor Margreet Vissers, Dr Christoph Goebl, Tess Featherston, Carlos Smith-Diaz, Dr Martina Paumann-Page); and ageing (Associate Professor Liz Ledgerwood (Biochemistry Dunedin) and Te-Rina King-Hudson).

A session titled Then and Now was an opportunity for four former students, Dr Kristin Brown (University of Melbourne), Dr Andrew Cox (University of Melbourne), Dr Tim Harwood (Cawthron Institute) and Dr Melanie Coker (Christchurch City Council) to discuss their own career journeys.

Professor Christine Winterbourn completed this session, reflecting on the huge changes in science shes witnessed during her 50-year involvement with the University of Otago, and her role in establishing the Centre five decades ago. She was the first woman to win Aotearoa New Zealands top science accolade, the Rutherford Medal.

One legacy of Professor Winterbourns remarkable scientific achievements is the annual campus Winterbourn Lecture  held this year at Matai Haoras one-day symposium.

Professor Mike Murphy, one of the worlds leading scientists in mitochondrial research, presented the Winterbourn lecture with his talk Mitochondrial superoxide in cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Programme Leader at the University of Cambridges Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Professor Murphy worked at Otago University through the 1990s, where he developed MitoQ  a mitochondria-targeting antioxidant which holds promise for the prevention of heart disease and other diseases of ageing.

His lecture focused on his Cambridge groups investigation into the damage to our body following a heart attack or stroke, when oxygen returns to the cells deprived due to the blockage of blood vessels. He discussed new treatments his team are developing to reduce this damage. He also paid homage to the research work of Professor Winterbourn and other Matai Haora colleagues and the influence their research continues to hold for him.

Matai Haora consists of six principal investigators and several experienced research fellows who have combined their expertise in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology and cell biology to investigate how free radicals and antioxidants work inside the body and how this knowledge can be used to diagnose and treat human disease and maintain optimal health.

During the symposium, Professor Hampton presented gifts to Otago University student Charles Cave for his fundraising efforts for the group last year, and to Lincoln High School students Elsie Duncan and Jorja Quinn, who donated the prize money they earned from winning a high school science fair to the research team.

The celebration also included a display of the Free Radical gown, embroidered with the name of every student who has completed their PhD within the Centre.



The Free Radical gown, embroidered with the name of every student who has completed their PhD within Matai Haora Centre for Redox Biology and Medicine.

The University Group Award was judged on performance in the last five years. During this time the Centres researchers published more than 100 papers in internationally peer-reviewed journals, and earned more than $15 million in competitive external funding, predominantly from the Royal Society Marsden Fund and the Health Research Council. Professor Hamptons talk also highlighted the importance of small funding agencies, including the Canterbury Medical Research Foundation and public donations that were used to support emerging researchers and test new ideas that led to larger project applications.

Matai Haoras win was the second consecutive University of Otago Group Award for the Christchurch campus. Although not awarded in 2021, the Department of Medicines Christchurch Heart Institute picked up the award in 2020.
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Photo: (Photo : LEON NEAL / Getty Images)

This day marks International Women's Day 2023.

The United Nations chooses a theme each year for International Women's Day, and for 2023, the theme is "DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality."

This year's theme aligns with the priority theme for the upcoming 67th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW-67).

The theme highlights the importance of technology and innovation in advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls in all aspects of their lives.

Innovation and technology for gender equality

The United Nations recognizes and celebrates women and girls who champion transformative technology and digital education during the observance of International Women's Day.

According to UN Women, IWD 2023 will focus on the impact of the digital gender gap on widening economic and social inequalities. The event will also highlight the need to protect women and girls' rights in digital spaces and address online and ICT-facilitated gender-based violence.

Involving women and other marginalized groups in technology leads to more innovative solutions that meet women's needs and promote gender equality.

However, their exclusion from the digital world has caused a loss of $1 trillion from the GDP of low- and middle-income countries in the past decade, according to the UN Women's Gender Snapshot 2022 report.

This loss will increase to $1.5 trillion by 2025 without action. Solving this problem requires addressing online violence, which a study of 51 countries found that 38 percent of women had personally experienced.

The digital gender divide has left women behind in terms of access to technologies and digital skills, resulting in growing inequalities.

The advancement of digital technology presents significant opportunities to address development and humanitarian challenges and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda.

Read Also: Mississippi Mom and Babies Thriving After Rare Quintuplet Birth

Gender equality through technology

AS reported that the UN is urging investment to increase women's participation in STEM fields.

To encourage wealthy governments to allocate funds towards this goal, UN Women has drawn attention to the economic loss from excluding women and girls in the digital space and STEM fields.

Addressing the root issues that perpetuate gender inequality is crucial to resolving this problem.

Women comprise around 70 percent of the global poor and over two-thirds of the world's illiterate population, which are barriers to their integration into the digital economy and STEM occupations.

It is much harder to become an engineer or attend secondary school when living in extreme poverty and lacking access to elementary education.

Focusing resources on building lasting institutions that enhance access to quality education and an economic system that ensures no one is subjected to extreme poverty would have tremendous benefits for innovation.

Additionally, as per CNN, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that progress towards gender equality is disappearing before our eyes, addressing the Commission on the Status of Women.

To achieve gender equality, Guterres urged collective and urgent action, including increasing

employment opportunities for women and girls, education, and income, particularly in developing nations in the Global South, and promoting their participation in science and technology.

Related Article: Lawsuit Against Texas Claims Abortion Bans Violate Women's Rights to Health, Equality
Photo: (Photo : CHENEY ORR / Getty Images)

Florida's Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed a 6-week abortion ban through a new bill.

Bills have been proposed by Florida's Republican-led legislature that would forbid abortions after six weeks of pregnancy but would make exceptions for victims of rape and incest.

However, those seeking these exceptions would be required to provide official documentation proving that they were victims of the crime.

Florida's proposed 6-week abortion ban

According to NBC, under current Florida law, abortion is prohibited after 15 weeks of pregnancy except in cases where the mother's life is in danger or if the fetus has fatal abnormalities, but it doesn't allow exceptions for rape or incest.

The proposed SB 300 bill intends to restrict abortion even further by prohibiting it at six weeks of pregnancy, often before people realize they are pregnant.

Under the new bill, individuals who got pregnant due to rape or incest can have an abortion until the 15th week of pregnancy, but they must provide proof of their victimization, such as a restraining order, police report, medical record, or other court order or documentation, which can be challenging to obtain.

Additionally, the new bill includes exceptions to save the mother's life and for fetuses with fatal abnormalities before the third trimester, but the latter requires certification from two doctors in writing.

The bill also aims to prevent government entities and educational institutions from using public funds to support people who want to travel outside the state for an abortion.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has expressed his support for the proposed 6-week ban, saying that Florida is pro-family and pro-life during his state of the state speech in Tallahassee.

According to Reuters, before this bill, DeSantis signed a 15-week ban in April that reduced the time frame when abortions were legal in the state to 24 weeks of pregnancy.

However, following the Supreme Court's decision in June to overturn Roe v. Wade, DeSantis has promised to expand pro-life protections.

He recently indicated that he would sign the six-week ban into law if it were presented to him.

Read Also: Walgreens Responds to Republican Attorneys General, Will Not Dispose of Abortion Pills in 20 States

Abortion in Florida with SB 300

Democrats, including White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre, heavily criticized the proposed abortion ban in Florida.

According to Jean-Pierre, millions of women in both Florida and neighboring states with stricter abortion laws rely on Florida as a place where they can access abortions.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year, patients from all over the U.S. Southeast have been traveling to Florida to end their pregnancies.

More than a dozen states have already implemented abortion bans since the ruling. In 2022, the number of out-of-state abortion patients in Florida increased by 38 percent compared to the previous year, according to Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration data.

Politico reported that if approved, Florida would join six other states, including Iowa, Georgia, North Dakota, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Oklahoma, that have already passed 6-week abortion bans.

Additionally, the proposed bill allocates up to $30 million for the Florida Department of Health to create a statewide parenting support network. This network would expand state-funded services to support pregnant people who give birth within a year.

However, the measure also includes a provision prohibiting doctors from using telehealth services to consult with patients about treatment with abortion medications.

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Photo: (Photo : Pexel/Karolina Grabowska)

Kids from same-sex parenting convey good or better home lives and outcomes as compared to the ways of heterosexual parents, a study reveals.

Recent research, "Family Outcome Disparities Between Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Families," published in the BMJ Global Health Journal, looked into children's development and studied the comparison between those raised by gay, lesbian, queer, or transgender parents with those raised by heterosexual parents.

Findings showed that children who grew up with LGBTQ couples have better psychological adjustment, especially the ones in their preschool age. It was also found that these kids display and enjoy much better relationships with their parents.

Other outcomes were the same for both families

On the other hand, regarding relationship satisfaction, parental mental health, family and parenting stress, and physical health, the study showed the same outcomes from same-sex and heterosexual families.

According to the researchers, the poor family outcomes were due to social risk factors such as insufficient social support, stigma and discrimination, and marital status, The Hill reported.

"The next step is to integrate multiple aspects of support and multilevel interventions to reduce the adverse effects on family outcomes with a long-term goal of influencing policy and law making for better services to individuals, families, communities and schools," the research concluded.

The study was created because of the significant increase in the number of children raised by untraditional, sexual minority parenting. Analyzed data came from 34 different research works from countries where same-sex marriage is legal. Sixteen of the 24 studies became part of the meta-analysis.

Read More: Gay Parents Vs. Straight Parents: Does It Make A Difference?

'Champion equality'

Studies on children in same-sex families showing better outcomes are not new. One study in 2020 by the American Sociological Review found that these kids outperform those raised by heterosexual parents when it comes to school outcomes.

The researchers utilized data from the Netherlands, the first country to legalize same-sex marriage. They gathered data from 2,786 children raised by lesbian couples, 185 raised by gay male couples, and over one million who grew up under different-sex parents.

The findings implied that children with same-sex parents from birth outperformed those with different-sex parents by .139 standard deviations based on test results. Further, the former continued to outperform the latter during secondary education.

The study also showed that children who grew up in same-sex families are five percent more likely to graduate than kids in heterosexual families.

Researchers concluded that literature on children's outcomes being raised by parents under the sexual-minority group lack "statistical power and the inability to distinguish children born to same-sex parents from children of separated parent," as they only rely on small and selective samples as compared to their study that has over a million data coming from a country which has long embraced same-sex parenting.

Related Article: Same-Sex Parenting: Pope Francis Rejects Gay Marriage But Accepts Gay Parents, Argues Gay Group Supporter
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With Apple's CEO stating last month that he thinks that the market "will be a little rough in the short term," this morning's supply chain rumor is a little hard to take at face value. According to The Elec, pricing for Apple's first OLED iPads to be released next year could cost consumers as much as 60% to 80% more than today's pricing. Patently Apple posted a supply chain report last week that claimed that pricing for the iPad Pro could be more than double. Clearly prior to going into price negotiations with Apple this summer, Samsung and LG Display are trying set expectations high.

According to industry sources, Apple is considering to charge around $1,500 for the 11-inch model and $1,800 for the 13-inch model depending on storage choices.

Compared to the current iPad Pro lineup, the 11-inch model is more than 80% more expensive and the 13-inch model more than 60% more expensive. The basic price of the 11.0-inch iPad Pro, which is an existing liquid crystal display (LCD) model, is $799, and the basic price of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which is a mini LED-LCD model, is $1,099.

The OLED iPad price estimates of $1,500 (11-inch) and $1,800 (13-inch) are higher than the prices of some MacBooks (notebooks) currently on sale. The basic price of the 13.6-inch MacBook Air with the M2 chip is $1199, and the basic price of the 13.3-inch MacBook Pro with the M2 chip is $1299. On the other hand, it's lower than the base price of $1999 for the 14.2-inch or 16.2-inch MacBook Pro with the M2 Pro or M2 Max chip.

The industry reaction to $1500 and $1800 is split in two. Interpretation as "a reasonable level of increase even considering that it is an Apple product with a high loyal customer base" and "iPad is not as loyal as the iPhone and there are many substitutes, so it is difficult to maintain sales of the existing iPad Pro lineup with It will be difficult, for example.

OLED iPad price estimates from current industry sources may change in the future. Since OLED for iPad, which LG Display and Samsung Display plan to supply, is still in the development stage, the panel price has not been decided. Panel procurement costs account for the largest portion of material costs.

It is known that Apple, LG Display, and Samsung Display are discussing the supply price of OLED panels for iPad at around $270 for the 11-inch model and $350 for the 13-inch model. It is two to three times higher than the existing 10-inch low-end IT product OLED panel supply price of $100 to $150.

OLED for iPad has increased supply price by introducing new processes such as two stack tandem (two light emitting layers) structure, low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) thin film transistor (TFT), and hybrid OLED structure (glass substrate + thin film encapsulation). It is inevitable. Negotiations on the specific price of OLED for iPad are expected to begin in the summer.

For more on this, read the full report by The Elec.

The advanced two-stack display technology without a doubt will cost Apple more and those price increases will be passed on to their customers. However, unless Apple has other technologies to justify price hikes of 60-80%, fans are likely to find that pill hard to swallow. Yet the price increase rumor may have come from the likes of Samsung prior to beginning negotiations with Apple this summer. At the end of the day, this rumor is likely a staged negotiation tactic, with final pricing coming in much less than are rumored today.
But, first, these items are (relatively) newly up on the website of the Interpreter Foundation:

Interpreter Radio Show  February 26, 2023

The 26 February 2023 installment of the Interpreter Radio Show is now available at your convenience, at no charge, and for your listening pleasure. Moreover, it has been freed from commercial and other interruptions, so that your enjoyment may be unalloyed. In this episode, Steve Densley and Mark Johnson are joined by Jan Francisco and Jeff Lindsay to discuss Jans recent article in Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship, Elias: Prophet of the Restoration. The New Testament in Context portion of this show, for Come, Follow Me New Testament lesson 13, covering Matthew 13, Luke 8, and Luke 13, will be posted on Tuesday, February 14.

The Interpreter Radio Show can be heard on Sunday evenings from 7 to 9 PM (MDT), on K-TALK, AM 1640 or, if you prefer or if (probably because of your location) you have no other option, you can listen live on the Internet at ktalkmedia.com.

Come, Follow Me  New Testament Study and Teaching Helps: Lesson 12, March 13  19: Matthew 1112; Luke 11  I Will Give You Rest

As he regularly and generously does, Jonn Claybaugh has provided a set of concise notes for students and teachers of this years Come, Follow Me curriculum.

The New Testament in Context Lesson 12: I Will Give You Rest

In the 19 February 2023 Come, Follow Me segment of the Interpreter Radio Show, Bruce Webster, Kris Frederickson, and Martin Tanner joined together to discuss New Testament lesson 12, I Will Give You Rest, covering Matthew 1112, and Luke 11. If you missed it at the time, or even if you didnt, you can now access their discussion. It was recorded and archived for you, and is now available online. The other segments of the 19 February 2023 radio show can be accessed at https://interpreterfoundation.org/interpreter-radio-show-february-19-2023.

The Interpreter Radio Show is broadcast live each and every Sunday evenings between 7 PM and 9 PM (MDT), on K-TALK, AM 1640. My own preferred method of listening, however  when Im able to listen live  is to dial it up on the Internet at ktalkmedia.com.

By the way, too: If youre looking for video help in your study and/or teaching of the New Testament Come, Follow Me curriculum this year, here are a couple of great resources:

Bible Videos by Book of Scripture

Teaching with The Chosen

Now, though, I turn once again for deliciously horrifying material to the Christopher Hitchens Memorial How Religion Poisons Everything File. And, once again, it doesnt disappoint!

First, I received in the mail a publication from LDS Philanthropies that showed up squarely in the Hitchens File. One article in it, on page three, is titled The Church of Jesus Christ Gives $32 Million to the World Food Programme. Apparently, the WFP  which is headquartered in Rome, Italy  is the worlds largest humanitarian organization, and the Churchs gift will help to fight hunger. In fact, the funds will help provide critical food and emergency support to 1.6 million people  including mothers and young children  in nine countries: Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Haiti, Kenya, northeast Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen. This extraordinary donation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints could not come at at more critical time, said WFP Executive Director David Beasley. With millions of people starving today, WFP is working hard to deliver food, help, and hope  and this life-saving contribution allows us to do just that.

Are you sufficiently traumatized yet? Dont you wish that the Church had no financial reserves?

On another page of the publication, page four, there are some interesting statistics about what is called Humanitarian Aid Fund 2021 Initiatives:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints engaged in 3,909 humanitarian projects in 188 countries in 2021. This outreach, an increase from 2020, included $906 million in expenditures and 6.8 milliion hours of voluntary service.

Under Global Humanitarian Initiatives appear the following:

1.74 million people helped through clean water and sanitation projects. Over 600,000 students served through education initiatives. 135 mobility projects in 57 countries and territories. 104 food security projects worldwide

Under Emergency Response, I found

80 million pounds of food donated Over 105,000 individual donors at Church-sponsored blood drives 199 emergency response projects in 61 countries and territories. 585 COVID-19 projects in 76 countries and territories

By now, Im sure that your blood is already boiling with righteous indignation. These theistic outrages should not be allowed to continue! Still, Im not done yet. Under Missionaries, Member Volunteers, and JustServe for 2021, I located the following:

58,981,915 pounds of goods recycled by Deseret Industries 137,458 participants in self-reliance groups 62,000 new local community volunteers registered through JustServe 11,329 welfare and self-reliance missionaries and long-term volunteers 9,054 Deseret Industries associates served 2,800 addiction recovery program meetings per week in 30 countries and 17 languages 2,500 new organizations registered on JustServe

Are you still standing on your feet? You havent yet swooned? Okay. This appeared in a note below the foregoing:

In all projects, collaboration was key. To provide support for those in need, the Church worked with many organizations, including Concern Worldwide, Catholic Relief Services, UNICEF USA, Water For People, WaterAid, CharityVision, and Lions Club International Foundation. The initiatives improved food security and clean water and sanitation systems. They also enabled better access to vision care, immunizations, wheelchair and mobility assistance, and maternal and newborn care for thousands of people worldwide. Gatways to quality education were provided by the Churchs own Perpetual Education Fund, Benson Scholarhip program, BYU-Pathway Worldwide, EnglishConnect, and programs designed for refugees and displaced persons around the world.

I realize that, by now, I may well have overburdened your fragile nerves. Perhaps I shouldnt have unloaded so many horrors on you all at one time. But Im out of control, and so Im going to hit you with yet another appalling link that may well leave you reeling:

Perspective: Why even secular people should worry about Gen Zs lack of faith: Its not just religion that young adults are shunning. Theyre also less likely to volunteer, donate to charity and value pluralism
Calvin Claims That the Catholic Church Requires Formal Confession of Every Venial Sin (!)

This is an installment of a series of replies (see the Introduction and Master List), starting with #56, to portions of Book III of Institutes of the Christian Religion, by early Protestant leader John Calvin (1509-1564). I utilize the public domain translation of Henry Beveridge, dated 1846, from the 1559 edition in Latin; available online. Calvins words will be in blue. All biblical citations (in my portions) will be from RSV unless otherwise noted.

Related reading from yours truly:

Biblical Catholic Answers for John Calvin (2010 book: 388 pages)

A Biblical Critique of Calvinism (2012 book: 178 pages)

Biblical Catholic Salvation: Faith Working Through Love (2010 book: 187 pages; includes biblical critiques of all five points of TULIP)

John Calvin: Catholic Appraisal (Web Page)

Calvinism & General Protestantism: Catholic Critique (Web Page)

*****

III, 4:15-18

*****

What say the Roman theologians? That all persons of both sexes, so soon as they shall have reached the years of discretion, must, once a year at least, confess all their sins to their own priest; . . . (III, 4:15; my bolding and italics)

. . . that all sins are to be enumerated . . . [is a thing] impossible to bear. Are all sins to be enumerated? But David, who, I presume, had honestly pondered with himself as to the confession of his sins, exclaimed, Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults, (Ps. 19:12); and in another passage, Mine iniquities are gone over my head: as a heavy burden they are too heavy for me, (Ps. 38:4). He knew how deep was the abyss of our sins, how numerous the forms of wickedness, how many heads the hydra carried, how long a tail it drew. Therefore, he did not sit down to make a catalogue, but from the depth of his distress cried unto the Lord, I am overwhelmed, and buried, and sore vexed; the gates of hell have encircled me: let thy right hand deliver me from the abyss into which I am plunged, and from the death which I am ready to die. Who can now think of a computation of his sins when he sees Davids inability to number his? (III, 4:16; my bolding and italics)

By this ruinous procedure, the souls of those who were affected with some sense of God have been most cruelly racked. First, they retook themselves to calculation, proceeding according to the formula given by the Schoolmen, and dividing their sins into boughs, branches, twigs, and leaves; then they weighed the qualities, quantities, and circumstances; and in this way, for some time, matters proceeded. But after they had advanced farther, when they looked around, nought was seen but sea and sky; no road, no harbor. The longer the space they ran over, a longer still met the eye; nay, lofty mountains began to rise, and there seemed no hope of escape; none at least till after long wanderings. They were thus brought to a dead halt, till at length the only issue was found in despair. . . . The dreadful voice, therefore, was always heard pealing in their ears, Confess all your sins, and the dread thus occasioned could not be pacified without sure consolation. Here let my readers consider whether it be possible to take an account of the actions of a whole year, or even to collect the sins committed in a single day, seeing every mans experience convinces him that at evening, in examining the faults of that single day, memory gets confused, so great is the number and variety presented. (III, 4:17; my bolding and italics)

. . . they are wholly occupied with the enumeration of their sins . . . Nor does it belong to the priest to know for certainty whether or not a sinner is loosed, but to Him from whom acquittal is asked; since he who only hears can ever know whether or not the enumeration is full and complete. (III, 4:18; my italics)

Now, the edition I cite is dated 1559, which was the year of the definitive Latin edition of the Institutes. It was then translated into English by Henry Beveridge in 1846. But the writing comes from 1559. Calvin had been writing treatises against the decrees of Trent as far back as 1547. So he was certainly aware of Session XIV of the Council of Trent (25 November 1551), which occurred eight years earlier, and produced On the Most Holy Sacrament of Penance and Extreme Unction. Chapter 5: On Confession, states:

. . . our Lord Jesus Christ, when about to ascend from earth to heaven, left priests His own vicars, as presidents and judges, unto whom all the mortal crimes, into which the faithful of Christ may have fallen, should be carried, in order that, in accordance with the power of the keys, they may pronounce the sentence of forgiveness or retention of sins. . . . Whence it is gathered that all the mortal sins, of which, after a diligent examination of themselves, they are conscious, must needs be by penitents enumerated in confession, . . . For venial sins, whereby we are not excluded from the grace of God, and into which we fall more frequently, although they be rightly and profitably, and without any presumption declared in confession, as the custom of pious persons demonstrates, yet may they be omitted without guilt, and be expiated by many other remedies. . . . in the Church nothing else is required of penitents, but that, after each has examined himself diligently, and searched all the folds and recesses of his conscience, he confess those sins by which he shall remember that he has mortally offended his Lord and God: whilst the other sins, which do not occur to him after diligent thought, are understood to be included as a whole in that same confession; for which sins we confidently say with the prophet; From my secret sins cleanse me, O Lord. (my bolding and italics)

See the vast difference there? Calvin sets up the straw man / myth of the supposed obligation of all Catholics to confess to a priest absolutely every sin, whether mortal or venial. But we see that the Council of Trent  eight years before the final Latin edition of his Institutes, which I am utilizing(in translation)  commanded no such thing (and even minimally catechized Catholics today understand this). It was and is only mortal sins that were and are required to be confessed to a priest.

Calvin, in III, 4:28: ten sections later, writes about the Catholic distinction between mortal and venial sins, which he calls an absurd distinction which Catholics use in order to insult and trifle with God. He disagrees with it (despite the fact that it is massively biblical), but thats beside the point. Catholics do believe in mortal sin, so in a critique of our views on confession, which always involve this very distinction, Calvin must take it into account, if he is to honestly research and intelligently criticize our view in this regard.

If the Catholic Church and Catholics believe in two major categories of sin, and the Church commands only the confession of sins in one of the two categories, thats obviously not a demand to confess all sins (down to stealing from the cookie jar), is it? Calvin knows all this. He is engaging in sophistry and mythmaking of the most contemptible and inexcusable kind. I took him to task over his arguments regarding this issue, over ten years ago: Mortal and Venial Sin (vs. Calvin #56) [2012].

Its easy to make something hideous and ridiculous and to mercilessly mock it, when the thing is a fictional invention of ones own imagination, aint it? But is it honest and ethical to do so? Shame on Calvin. This is deliberate lying, and I fail to see how anyone could possibly think otherwise, because John Calvin wasnt stupid.

***

Practical Matters: Perhaps some of my 4,200+ 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: Historical mixed media figure of John Calvin produced by artist/historian George S. Stuart and photographed by Peter dAprix: from the George S. Stuart Gallery of Historical Figures archive [Wikimedia Commons / Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license]

***

Summary: John Calvin argues that Catholic confession requires a comprehensive confession of every sin, no matter how small. I prove that Trent taught otherwise.
This is an installment of a series of replies (see the Introduction and Master List), starting with #56, to portions of Book III of Institutes of the Christian Religion, by early Protestant leader John Calvin (1509-1564). I utilize the public domain translation of Henry Beveridge, dated 1846, from the 1559 edition in Latin; available online. Calvins words will be in blue. All biblical citations (in my portions) will be from RSV unless otherwise noted.

Related reading from yours truly:

Biblical Catholic Answers for John Calvin (2010 book: 388 pages)

A Biblical Critique of Calvinism (2012 book: 178 pages)

Biblical Catholic Salvation: Faith Working Through Love (2010 book: 187 pages; includes biblical critiques of all five points of TULIP)

John Calvin: Catholic Appraisal (Web Page)

Calvinism & General Protestantism: Catholic Critique (Web Page)

*****

III, 16:1; 17:1; 18:4

*****

We dream not of a faith which is devoid of good works, nor of a justification which can exist without them: the only difference is, that while we acknowledge that faith and works are necessarily connected, we, however, place justification in faith, not in works. . . .Christ, therefore, justifies no man without also sanctifying him. These blessings are conjoined by a perpetual and inseparable tie. Those whom he enlightens by his wisdom he redeems; whom he redeems he justifies; whom he justifies he sanctifies. But as the question relates only to justification and sanctification, to them let us confine ourselves. Though we distinguish between them, they are both inseparably comprehended in Christ. Would ye then obtain justification in Christ? You must previously possess Christ. But you cannot possess him without being made a partaker of his sanctification: for Christ cannot be divided. Since the Lord, therefore, does not grant us the enjoyment of these blessings without bestowing himself, he bestows both at once but never the one without the other. Thus it appears how true it is that we are justified not without, and yet not by works, since in the participation of Christ, by which we are justified, is contained not less sanctification than justification. (III, 16:1; my bolding and italics)

I think we have already put it out of the power of our calumniators to treat us as if we were the enemies of good worksjustification being denied to works not in order that no good works may be done or that those which are done may be denied to be good; but only that we may not trust or glory in them, or ascribe salvation to them. (III, 17:1; my bolding and italics)

The Bible teaches us (fifty times!) that works play a key role in whether one is saved and allowed to enter heaven or not. What is most striking about the fifty passage is that faith alone is never mentioned as the cause for salvation. Faith by itself is mentioned but once: in Revelation 21:8, which includes the faithless among those who will be damned for eternity. Even there it is surrounded by many bad works that characterize the reprobate person. If Jesus had attended a good Protestant seminary and gotten up to speed on His soteriology, Matthew 25 would have read quite differently; something like the following:

Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to whether they had Faith Alone. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to whether they had Faith Alone.

Instead, we hear from our Lord Jesus all this useless talk about works, as if they had anything to do with salvation! Doesnt Jesus know that works have no connection to salvation whatsoever, and that sanctification and justification are entirely separated in good, orthodox evangelical or Calvinist theology (He showed His ignorance again in talking about only works and not faith with the rich young ruler)?

Maybe our Lord Jesus attended a liberal synagogue. Why does Jesus keep talking about feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, inviting in strangers, clothing the naked, visiting prisoners, and being judged according to their deeds? What in the world do all these works have to do with salvation? Why doesnt Jesus talk about Faith Alone??!! Something is seriously wrong here.

The Bible  contra Calvin  directly ties sanctification with justification and/or salvation: Psalm 7:8, 10 . . . judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness and according to the integrity that is in me. . . . My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart. Matthew 19:16-17, 20-21, 23 And behold, one came up to him, saying, Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life? [17] And he said to him, . . . If you would enter life, keep the commandments. . . . [20] The young man said to him, All these I have observed; what do I still lack? [21] Jesus said to him, If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me. . . . [23] And Jesus said to his disciples, Truly, I say to you, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. [24] Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. Acts 15:8-9 And God who knows the heart bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us; and he made no distinction between us and them, but cleansed their hearts by faith. The Greek word for cleansed used here is katharizo. It is used many times in the Gospels in reference to the cleansing of lepers (e.g., Mt 10:8; Lk 7:22). Acts 26:18 to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me. [Phillips: made holy by their faith in me] Romans 2:6-7 For he will render to every man according to his works: [7] to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; . . . Romans 2:13 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. Romans 6:22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the return you get is sanctification and its end, eternal life. 1 Corinthians 1:30 . . . our righteousness and sanctification and redemption; 1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.

2 Thessalonians 2:13 . . . God chose you from the beginning to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.

Hebrews 10:10 And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Hebrews 10:14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. Hebrews 13:12 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Revelation 20:13 . . . and all were judged by what they had done.

Let us not suppose, then, that the Holy Spirit, by this promise, commends the dignity of our works, as if they were deserving of such a reward. For Scripture leaves us nothing of which we may glory in the sight of God. (III, 18:4)

Romans 2:10 but glory and honor and peace for every one who does good, . . . Romans 5:2 . . . we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 3:18 And we all, . . . are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; . . . 2 Thessalonians 2:14 To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, [see many more such passages]

Its either Holy Scripture or Calvin here. Ya pays yer money and ya makes yer choice. As for me, I will always choose inspired revelation over the false traditions of men that contradict it.

For related reading, see my multi-part debate with Brazilian Calvinist Francisco Tourinho:

Justification: A Catholic Perspective (vs. Francisco Tourinho) [6-22-22]

Reply to Francisco Tourinho on Justification: Round 2 (Pt. 1) [+ Part 2] [+ Part 3] [7-19-22]

Biblical Justification: vs. Francisco Tourinho (Round 3, Pt. 1) [10-20-22]

***

Practical Matters: Perhaps some of my 4,200+ 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: Historical mixed media figure of John Calvin produced by artist/historian George S. Stuart and photographed by Peter dAprix: from the George S. Stuart Gallery of Historical Figures archive [Wikimedia Commons / Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license]

***

Summary: John Calvin, typically of almost all Protestants, separates sanctification formally from justification & salvation. The Bible (I provide 14 passages) disagrees.
Chukwuemeka Nnaji, the coordinator for the dynamic ambassador for the Labour Party in Ghana, has called on the Supreme Court of Nigeria to save the country from imminent collapse over the results of the just-ended presidential elections.



According to him, the declaration of the candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, as the winner of the 2023 Nigerian presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cannot stand because the election was rigged.



Speaking in a panel discussion on GhanaWeb's 'The Lowdown' programme, Chukwuemeka explained that the IReV system, which was supposed to be used in the collation of the results for the elections broke down, allowing governors in some states to manipulate the election results.



"The court of Nigeria should come to the aid of Nigeria because Nigeria is on the verge of collapse... This election was full of deceit.



"Before this election, we were told to support our candidates and vote. You will be hearing something like, get a PVC because INEC told everybody that our votes would count. People really turned out, but their vote did not count.



"What happened was that INEC shit their servers before the election, and nobody and nothing could be connected, and the votes of the people were rewritten in the states; the governors took over. And all the states Obi won were turned against him," he said.



He added that if the court fails to overturn the verdict of INEC, the people of Nigeria will explore their second option, which is to face the oppressors in the face.



About Nigeria elections:



On Wednesday, March 1, the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, declared Bola Tinubu as the winner of the election and president-elect.



Bola Tinubu polled 8,794,726 votes, as against his rivals Atiku, who polled a total of 6,984,520 votes, and Peter Obi, who scored 6,101,533 votes.



Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has headed to the Supreme Court to prove that his party won the 2023 presidential election.



Speaking during a press conference held in Abuja on Thursday, March 2, Peter Obi expressed his readiness to challenge the "rascality" of the Independent National Electoral Commission.



According to Obi, the election did not meet the electoral process that was promised by the INEC following the irregularities, and illegalities that occurred during the election.







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
Ghanaian lawyer and politician Joyce Bawah Mogtari has called on the government to reduce the enormous import duties on sanitary pads and other products for women, as she reminded everyone that girls and women bleed.



Mrs. Bawah stated this in a social media post when celebrating International Women's Day today, March 8, 2023.



She wrote on Twitter, "On International Women's Day, I salute our women and girls!



"I choose to commemorate this day by reminding each and every one of us that girls and women bleed and call on government to walk its talk by removing import duties on sanitary towels and products," she stated.



The politician also added that the government should make conscious efforts to ensure Ghana produces its sanitary products at affordable prices to enable easy access to clean pads for girls and women.



"Government must also take steps to ensure that we produce sanitary products at cheaper and more affordable rates here in Ghana to ensure that our vulnerable girls and women can have access to clean pads as we #EmbraceEquity," she advised.

















Source: ghanaweb.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The mother of the Ghana Armed Forces personnel, Trooper Sherrif Imoro, who was allegedly killed by a mob in Ashaiman, has spoken out for the first time.



Speaking to journalists in Accra, Afia Kyerah said that she was devastated by the death of her 22-year-old son.



She indicated that she was unaware that her son was coming home from camp, citinewsroom.com reports.



According to Afia Kyerah, Sherrif did not have any friends in Ashaiman.



"Sherrif didn't have any friends; he was always with me, some neighbours were always teasing me for turning him into a mummy's boy.



"I had no idea he was coming to Ashaiman, I had no idea he would die like this, his death is so painful, I'm sad and devastated," she is quoted to have said.



The death of the 22-year-year trooper triggered military brutalities in Official Town, a suburb of Ashaiman.



The Ghana Armed Forces, in its justification of the action of the military personnel, said that the victim was in Accra from his base in Sunyani to visit his parents.



"Trooper Sherrif, who is stationed in Sunyani, was in Accra on a course and had sought permission to visit his parents in Ashaiman, where he grew up, but was found in a pool of blood in the early hours of Saturday near the Amania Hotel in Ashaiman.



"GAF wishes to state categorically that the military operation, which was sanctioned by the Military High Command, was NOT to avenge the killing of the soldier but rather to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous crime," parts of a statement signed by the Director General of Public Relations, Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, read.



But the Member of Parliament for Ashaiman Constituency, Ernest Henry Norgbey, has said that Sherrif came to visit his girlfriend, who has been arrested for questioning by the army.



Soldiers conduct swoop in Ashaiman



Some soldiers invaded Ashaiman in the early hours of Tuesday, apparently in search of the murderers of their young colleague.



Several videos of the incident captured by some residents went viral on social media.



In some of these videos, personnel hit and brutalised those outside their rooms.



The incident happened on the dawn of Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at Official Town in Ashaiman.







Source: ghanaweb.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The mother of the 22- year old soldier whose alleged murder triggered military brutalities in Ashaiman, Afia Kyerah has described her sons death as very painful.



According to her, she is devastated by the death of her son.



She revealed that she had no idea her son was visiting Ashaiman after taking a sick leave from his base in Sunyani in the Bono Region.



The death of Sheriff Imoro sparked serious brutalization of residents of Ashaiman by the military on Tuesday, March 7.



Afia Kyerah told a section of the media that Sherrif didnt have any friends, he was always with me, some neighbours were always teasing me for turning him into a mummys boy. I had no idea he was coming to Ashaiman, I had no idea he will die like this, his death is so painful, Im sad and devastated, the mother said.



The 22-year-old soldier with the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) in Sunyani in the Bono Region was reportedly stabbed to death by unknown attackers on Saturday dawn.



The soldier was said to be returning from his girlfriends house in Taifa, a suburb of Ashaiman and heading toward his residence at Zongo-Laka in Ashaiman when the unfortunate incident occurred.



Military personnel stormed Ashaiman on Tuesday, March 7, and brutalised anyone they came across following the supposed murder of the military officer.



Many Ghanaians who have expressed their angst over the happenings in Ashaiman, described it as disappointing and sad.

Source: dailyguidenetwork.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has disclosed that Government will in the year 2023, commission some three Community Mining Schemes as part of efforts towards the fight against illegal small-scale mining populaly known as galamsey.



The President who was addressing the Nation on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday 8th March, 2023, gave the assurance that his government will continue the fight against galamsey with the support of the security agencies, in the short-term.



He added that "However, we are determined to promote responsible small-scale mining through Community Mining Schemes. So far, sixteen (16) of these Schemes have been commissioned, with three (3) more to be commissioned by the end of this year. All these Schemes are supported with Gold Katchas, pieces of equipment designed to help small-scale miners to extract gold from the ore without the use of mercury"



His Excellency the President also noted that in 2021, he launched the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme which has so far employed several youth in the production of seedlings and reclamation of degraded mined lands. Currently, he continued that reclamation is ongoing with over one thousand hectares (1,000ha) of degraded lands in Ashanti, Eastern and Western North Regions reclaimed.



Touching on Goverment Dept Operations, he said Goverment is seeking and implementing some original and innovative ideas to try and solve the countrys dept problems, mentioning the Gold Purchase Programme by the Bank of Ghana and Gold for Oil Policy as examples of creative uses of the countrys resources which he opined are already bearing fruit.



He explained further that these policies are aimed at achieving two results that are critical to the health of our economy. "Firstly, they will help us preserve foreign exchange, especially the US dollar, and secondly, they will enable us to stabilise the price of oil products such as petrol and diesel on the domestic market. We have already seen some success on both fronts with the price of US dollars and petroleum products falling since we announced the Gold for Oil policy and began to implement it."



Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in his concluding statements urged Ghanaians to believe in themselves, and in their capacity to overcome the problems that are before the country. He encouraged "This is a phase, and, with every fibre of my being, I am certain that this too shall pass. We have done it before, and we will do it again".



Meanwhile, speaking in an interview with the media on the sidelines of the State Of the Nation's Address, (SONA) the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor applauded the President for inspiring a lot of hope in his address.



He expressed his joy on the fact that the President did not pretend to the needs and difficulties of Ghanaians but faced the realities of the times. Adding however that "By and large we have a government that is on top of issues and not so long in the future, government will fix the situation and take the country back to the days of economic growth and development."



The SONA is in accordance with Article 67 of the 1992 constitution which states that the President shall deliver a message on the State of the Nation to Parliament at the Start of each session and before the dissolution of Parliament.

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 U.S. Embassy Ghana is commemorating International Womens Day across Ghana, highlighting U.S. support for women and their essential role in Ghanaian life, culture, education, politics, and economy.



In honour of International Womens Day and Womens History Month, the U.S. Embassy, Alliance Francaise Accra, and Goethe-Institute Ghana are hosting the Women in Motion Film Festival in Accra from March 8-17.



The eight nights of films begins tonight (March 8) and will highlight themes including human rights, economic empowerment, motherhood, and womens role in society and politics, as well as female social and political heroes.

All films are free and open to the public. Many feature panel discussions.



Ghanaian-American filmmaker, U.S. Department of State Arts Envoy, and professor at Georgetown University (Washington, DC) Ms. Akosua Adoma Owusu will participate in the film festival and lead a filmmaker workshop at the University of Media, Arts, and Communication National Film and Television Institute with female film students March 9-10.



United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Ghana Mission Director, Kimberly Rosen will speak at an International Womens Day event focused on the growing role of women in international and cross-border trade in Ghana.



Rosen will highlight USAIDs work to enable women to participate in cross-border trade, including training more than 300 women traders on the Integrated Customs Management System, which helps speed processing of cross-border transactions.



In Tamale, Northern Region, USAID will host a mini-fair for female-led agribusinesses in the region, connecting them with information and resources. As of February 2023, through USAID, the U.S. Government has facilitated nearly $193 million in financing for more than 25,000 agribusinesses in Ghana.



The American Corner Agbogba will host two U.S. Fulbright Scholars for a discussion on women, digital innovation, economic empowerment, and education with local entrepreneurs, activists, and high school students tomorrow.



Finally, as part of Flintlock 2023, U.S. Special Operations Command Africas multinational military training exercise, in Daboya, Savannah Region, SOCAF Civil Affairs and Medical personnel will partner with the Ghana Armed Forces, Boresah Royal Foundation, and Daboya District Executives to conduct a medical outreach event and a womens peace and security event with the local community.



The medical event will provide treatment to up to 2,000 local residents and deworming for 3,500 school children. The Womens Conference will seek to empower local stakeholders to tackle challenges related to the unique needs of women in Ghanaian society. Both events serve to build relationships and trust between the armed forces and civilian communities while addressing civil vulnerabilities.

Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline/[email protected]









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Former President John Dramani Mahama has urged the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to ensure that the military refrain from meting out extra-judicial justice.



Commenting on the Ashaiman incident following the killing of a soldier - Sherrif Imoro, and the subsequent release of soldiers into the Ashaiman area by the Military High Command to go and fish out the perpetrators, Mr Mahama urged the military to exercise restraint and allow due process to investigate, apprehend and punish.



The operation by the military has been described as abusive as some innocent people who found themselves in the area were beaten by personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) who stormed the area at dawn Tuesday and allegedly attacked residents.



According to eyewitnesses, the armed soldiers stormed the community and attacked residents, arrested some of them following the killing of a soldier last Saturday.



Mahama's statement

"I am deeply saddened by the death of one of our soldiers, at such a young age, in Ashaiman," Mr Mahama said in his statement issued Wednesday evening.



"Lordina and I extend our deepest condolences to his bereaved and grieving family, and the officers and men of the Ghana Armed Forces."



"As your former Commander in Chief, I do appreciate how such unexpected deaths affect the Force."



"However, I encourage you to exercise restraint and allow due process to investigate, apprehend, prosecute and punish the perpetrator(s) of the dastardly act.



Mr Mahama said there were obviously many people who live and work in Ashaiman who are innocent of this heinous crime.



"The military must, therefore, refrain from meting out extra-judicial justice to them," he added.



"I also sympathise with the victims of of the torture in Ashaiman as a result of this unfolding death of a serving soldier.



"I pray we find peace and harmony in our dear country, as the government and state institutions immediately step in to address this potentially inflammatory development between Ashaiman and the Ghana Armed Forces; including providing commensurate compensation for all persons affected, he added.



Ashaiman operation was sanctioned by Military High Command, 184 suspects in custody

The Ghana Armed Forces has explained that Tuesdays operation at Ashaiman following the killing of a soldier, 21-year-old Sherrif Imoro was sanctioned by the Military High Command.



In a statement issued Wednesday (Mar 8, 2023) dawn, the GAF said the motive was not to avenge the killing of the soldier but rather to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous crime.



Following the operations at Ashaiman-Taifa and Tulaku in the Greater Accra Region, the military personnel picked up about 184 suspects aged between 21 and 47 years old and have since handed them over to the Military Police and subsequently to be sent to the Ghana Police Service for screening and for further action, the GAF said in the statement.



One of the victims of the Ashaiman military operation, which was sanctioned by GAF high command and 184 suspects in custody

During the course of the swoop, the personnel seized 29 slabs and 57 mini slabs of suspected indian hemp and amnesia among other forms of the narcotics, the statement from the GAF signed by Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, Director General of Public Relations of the GAF said.



Ashaiman operation was sanctioned by GAF high command, 184 suspects in custody https://t.co/XzpUd5YXbu pic.twitter.com/OhG0MwznDL



The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) also wishes to place on record that the swoop was not targeted at innocent civilians but was an intelligenceled operation conducted on suspected hideouts of criminals and crime-prone areas in the general area, he added.



GAF however acknowledges that regrettably some innocent persons might have been caught up in the operation and consequently suffered some distress due to the location they found themselves at the time, it added.



GAF accordingly wishes to urge the general public to provide useful information, support the security agencies in weeding out criminals and miscreants from our communities and to desist from shielding and conniving with such suspects in order to curb criminal activities in the country, GAF added.





Ashaiman operation was sanctioned by GAF high command, 184 suspects in custody https://t.co/XzpUd5YXbu pic.twitter.com/UwjqwmfGr5  GraphicOnline (@Graphicgh) March 8, 2023







Ashaiman operation was sanctioned by GAF high command, 184 suspects in custody https://t.co/XzpUd5YXbu pic.twitter.com/2PL5wow7yR  GraphicOnline (@Graphicgh) March 8, 2023





What happened



The soldier who was allegedly killed by a mob at Ashaiman Taifa last Saturday, has been identified as 21-year-old Sherrif Imoro.



He was a member of the Ghana Armed Forces Band, a trumpeter and was stationed at Sunyani in the Bono Region.



He was in Accra for a military course and in the last three weeks, had been visiting the parents in their home at Ashaiman every Friday.



Last Friday would have been the third time he was going home and was reportedly confronted by a gang who killed him.



The late Sherrif Imoro

Sherrif Imoro

Sherrif Imoro was born at Ashaiman on June 3, 2001, according to his father - Awudu Imoro.



He enrolled in the Ghana Armed Forces in October 2021, was trained at Daboya and was posted to Sunyani after passing out.



According to his father, he had his primary and junior high school education at Ashaiman and senior high school at Akwamuman SHS and completed in 2017.



Slain soldier incident

Last Friday, he was on his way home and there was heavy traffic in the area, so he alighted at Ashaiman Taifa near the court building.



It was around that area that he met his death at the hands of his attackers.



Some reports suggest the gang mistook him to be a robber.



Father's narrative

Explaining the circumstances and giving a brief background about his son, the father, Awudu Imoro said in early January this year, Sherrif phoned his mother and informed the family that he was going to be in Accra in the first week of February for a course.



Sherrif according to the father told them that when he arrived in Accra, he will get the opportunity to visit them in the house on a Friday, and so in the last three weeks, he had been coming home every Friday.



Military arrests

On Tuesday afternoon it came out that more than 72 people had been arrested and taken into custody by the soldiers who stormed Ashaiman Tuesday dawn.



The Member of Parliament for Ashaiman, Ernest Henry Norgbey, said he had been informed that the soldiers took the people they arrested away.



The MP said the soldiers after the dawn operation left the area, the soldiers had left but around midday, he received a phone call that another batch of military men had trooped into the Ashaiman constituency.



"Actually I spoke to the police commander and he told me on authority that there are military guys still in the constituency, all over the constituency molesting innocent residents," he said.



He said the constituents were worried about the modus operandi of the military, "because you see armoured cars, you see military vehicles, you see helicopters, which means that this thing has been sanctioned by the higher authority and so everybody is handicapped in this matter.



"So we are just calling on them to call back their men to the barracks because these people that they are molesting, they are innocent people, I'm not sure they know anything about the killing of the military guy," the MP said.



Ashaiman: Soldiers beat up civilians after alleged mob killing of soldier

The Ashaiman neighbourhood of Taifa was on Tuesday dawn forced into a self-imposed curfew after some soldiers reportedly stormed the area, following the alleged killing of a soldier over the weekend.



The soldier was reportedly killed by a mob in Ashaiman at the weekend.



Photos and video of the said soldier was shared on social media after the incident.



Some reports said he was attacked and stabbed by a gang. The soldier was reportedly on his way to his family home.



Soldiers reaction

On Tuesday dawn (March 7, 2023), some soldiers numbering not less than 20 stormed the area.



They questioned anyone they came across and reportedly beat them up.



This forced people to lock themselves up in their homes, fearing they will be beaten up by the soldiers.



Some eyewitnesses have recounted their experience on social media.



Some said they saw the soldiers around 2am.



One person said he woke up around 4am to see that the area which was usually busy around that time with many shops opened was still very quiet.



His assumption was that it was as a result of the downpour but when he stepped out, he saw some soldiers on the stretch, there were no vehicles moving.



He saw soldiers approaching so he quickly rushed back into the house and locked the gate.



He said his brother later told him he woke up earlier and saw soldiers beating up some other people.



"My mother owns a shop by the roadside and should have been opened by now but as we speak, all shops are still closed," he said.



He said he saw that vehicles passing by were stopped, male passengers dragged out and beaten up, "you people kill our colleague", some of the soldiers reportedly said.



Another eyewitness said the said soldiers knocked on doors and anybody who came out allegedly received some slaps.



The Assemblyman for the area reportedly sent out a message advising residents to avoid certain routes.



He said he counted not less that 20 armed soldiers on foot, who were



What happened with mob killing of soldier?

The incident of the mob killing of the soldier received varied reactions at the weekend.



Some had alleged that the young soldier was on his way to his home when he was attacked by a gang.



Some had alleged that he was stabbed to death by the mob.



Photos from the incident scene showed the lifeless body of the victim, who was in what seemed to be a torn trousers in military camouflage colours.



His military cap and a white cloth had been used to cover his face. Also, his bag in military camouflage colours was lying close to the body.



The Ghana Police and the Ghana Armed Forces are yet to comment on the incident.



2017 Denkyira-Obuasi incident

In 2017, a similar incident happened at Denkyira-Obuasi in the Central Region where during a morning health walk, a military officer, Major Maxwell Mahama was killed by a mob.



Below is a copy of the GAF statement



MILITARY CONDUCTS SWOOP AT ASHAIMAN TARGETED AT KILLERS OF YOUNG SOLDIER



Personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) on Tuesday 7 March 2023, conducted a swoop in Ashaiman and its environs in a man-hunt for some criminals, who are suspected to have stabbed and killed a young soldier (Trooper Imoro Sherrif) in the early hours of Saturday 4 March 2023, at Ashaiman-Taifa.



Trooper Sherrif, who was stationed in Sunyani, was in Accra on a Course and had sought permission to visit his parents at Ashaiman where he grew up, but was found in a pool of blood in the early hours of Saturday near the Amania Hotel in Ashaiman.



GAF wishes to state categorically that the military operation, which was sanctioned by the Military High Command, was NOT to avenge the killing of the soldier but rather to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous crime.



Following the operations at Ashaiman-Taifa and Tulaku, the military personnel picked up about 184 suspects aged between 21 and 47 years old and have since handed them over to the Military Police and subsequently to be sent to the Ghana Police Service for screening and for further action.



During the course of the swoop, the personnel seized 29 slabs and 57 mini slabs of suspected indian hemp and amnesia among other forms of the narcotics.



The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) also wishes to place on record that the swoop was not targeted at innocent civilians but was an intelligenceled operation conducted on suspected hideouts of criminals and crime-prone areas in the general area.



GAF however acknowledges that regrettably some innocent persons might have been caught up in the operation and consequently suffered some distress due to the location they found themselves at the time.



GAF accordingly wishes to urge the general public to provide useful information, support the security agencies in weeding out criminals and miscreants from our communities and to desist from shielding and conniving with such suspects in order to the curb criminal activities in the country.

Source: graphiconline.com









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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has reminded Ghanaians to bear in mind that democracy is not a static achievement but a process that needs continuous nurturing.



We must remind ourselves that in our countrys political history, it is the restoration of Parliament to its proper place that has always symbolised the restoration of power to the people, he added.



President Akufo-Addo made the call when he delivered a message on the State of the Nation to Parliament in Accra yesterday.



Symbol

He described Parliament as the symbol of democracy and its values, saying that the country had chosen to travel on the path of democracy and at the heart of that journey was the idea that the government could only govern with the consent of the people.



He said after 30 years of democratic practice, Ghanaians might be tempted to take it for granted and that there was a need to remind all, including the young ones with no personal recollection, of the struggles that got to this point in its development.



In the same way that only a small percentage of our population can recall life under colonial rule, similarly the memory of dictatorship, one-party rule and military rule is receding into the dim past and the struggles that have brought us so far are disappearing into the recesses of history, President Akufo-Addo added.



However, he said because Parliament, directly represented the citizens, it would always be a reminder of those struggles.



He said the early years of the return to democracy were fraught with challenges but the years had seen the deepening of democratic culture to a point where a candidate of the Minority side in Parliament, presided as the Speaker.



Doomsday

President Akufo-Addo noted that given the way the numbers shaped up in this House after the 2020 elections, many cynics and sceptics predicted a doomsday scenario for this Parliament.



He said instead of a meltdown, Ghanaians had witnessed considerable cooperation and unity of purpose among all parties and factions.



This is to a large extent a measure of the maturity of our political culture and democracy. We will need even more of such bi-partisan maturity to meet the challenges confronting us at this time, he added.



Free speech

President Akufo-Addo said the country currently had complete freedom of expression, freedom of association, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion and political affiliation.



He said the freedom of speech had now reached such heights that even members of the diplomatic corps felt able to join in the national discourse and pronounce on matters that would be problematic for Ghanaian diplomats in their countries of origin.



Nevertheless, it seems to me the important thing in our free speech environment is actually to try and hear each other, instead of raising the decibel level of our individual points of view, he added.







Source: graphiconline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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About 150 people, mostly young men, who were arrested by the military in some suburbs of Ashaiman have been released.



According to the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ashaiman, Ernest Norgbey, they were released last Tuesday night.



About 184 residents of the town were arrested and many of them were subjected to severe beatings by the soldiers.



The MP said the leadership of the community would petition the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and also pursue the matter in Parliament.



Sources in the community told the Daily Graphic that a number of the arrested young persons were bussed to Ashaiman last Tuesday night, having spent a greater part of the day in the custody of the military.



Invasion



Some soldiers, in the early hours of last Tuesday, March 7, 2023, stormed the Ashaiman Official Town, Tulaku and Taifa neighbourhoods to carry out a swoop following the alleged killing of a soldier, Sherif Imoro, last Saturday.



The 21-year-old soldier was reportedly killed by unidentified persons near the Amanie Hotel at Ashaiman.



Some reports said he was attacked and stabbed by a gang.



According to one account, the soldier was on his way to his family home.



At dawn last Tuesday (March 7, 2023), some soldiers arrived in army trucks and buses for what they said was a sanctioned operation to fish out the alleged killers of their colleague.



The soldiers allegedly went round the neighbourhood, knocking on peoples doors, questioning them and forcing people to remain indoors.



In the process, some young people were arrested, subjected to beatings and taken away by the military.



Ordeal



Narrating his ordeal to the Daily Graphic, one of the young persons who was arrested, Abas Inusa, said he returned to the community about 11 p.m. after he was picked up and detained by the military.



He said after initial beatings received from the soldiers, who used wires on his back, he, together with others, were bussed to Michel Camp for interrogation.



According to Inusa, from Michel Camp, they were transferred to Burma Camp for further screening.



He said they were denied food while under detention and it was only after the soldiers had finished the screening that some of them were bussed back to Ashaiman.



Another victim, Isaac Nyadi, described as traumatic the experience he went through.



He said he and some of the victims would need psychological support to help them deal with anxiety, fear and depression as a result of the incident.



At Ashaiman Official Town, Worlanyo Adzanku, a man whose three sons were picked up from their home told the Daily Graphic that his sons arrived home at about 11 p.m last Tuesday.



Mr Adzanku, who operates a pharmacy shop, said his sons were given pain killers after they complained of bodily pains.



They (sons) told me they were first taken to Michel Camp but later transferred to Burma Camp for screening after which they were put on a bus back to Ashaiman," he said.



Sanctioned operations



Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has explained that the operation at Ashaiman was sanctioned by the Military High Command.



In a statement issued last Wednesday (Mar 8, 2023), the GAF said the motive was not to avenge the killing of the soldier but rather to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous crime.



According to the statement signed by the Director General of Public Relations of the GAF, Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, following the operations at Ashaiman-Taifa and Tulaku in the Greater Accra Region, the military personnel picked up about 184 suspects aged between 21 and 47 years and handed them over to the Military Police and would subsequently be sent to the Ghana Police Service for screening and further action.

Source: Graphic.com.gh









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Featured Video
Former President John Dramani Mahama wants the government to intervene to resolve the impasse between the military and residents of Ashaiman before the situation escalates.



Military personnel besieged Ashaiman on Tuesday dawn following the killing of a member of the Ghana Armed Forces Band, Sherif Imoro, 22.



He was in Accra for a military course and in the last three weeks, had been visiting his parents in their home at Ashaiman every Friday, multiple media sources said.



It was during one of his visits that he was reportedly confronted by a gang that killed him.



Reacting to the development on Facebook on Wednesday (8th March), John Mahama condemned the killing of the soldier, adding that the government must compensate all affected persons.



I am deeply saddened by the death of one of our soldiers, at such a young age, in Ashaiman.



Lordina and I extend our deepest condolences to his bereaved and grieving family, and the officers and men of the Ghana Armed Forces.



As your former Commander in Chief, I do appreciate how such unexpected deaths affect the Force.



However, I encourage you to exercise restraint and allow due process to investigate, apprehend, prosecute and punish the perpetrator(s) of the dastardly act, Mahama wrote on Facebook.



Adding that, "I pray we find peace and harmony in our dear country, as the government and state institutions immediately step in to address this potentially inflammatory development between Ashaiman and the Ghana Armed Forces; including providing commensurate compensation for all persons affected.

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
A police officer, Detective Sergeant Bright Armah, with service No.42810, came to the rescue of a passenger who had reportedly been thrown out of a commercial vehicle on the Accra-Kumasi Highway after his health condition deteriorated during a journey.



Armah, who is stationed at the Apedwa police station, in the East Akim District of the Eastern Region, found the said passenger on the side of a road and offered to immediately help by taking him to a nearby health center.



According to a Starr FM report, the distressed passenger identified as Henry Owusu Agyemang Ankobea in his 40s believed to be traveling from Asante Bekwai to Accra was allegedly removed from the vehicle he was aboard after his health condition worsened and was gasping for breath.



The good samaritan police officer offered to help at a time most passers-by were afraid to assist for fear of the unknown.



Armah narrated his side of the incident to Starr News: About 4:30pm, I came across a sick passenger whom according to eyewitnesses was abandoned by a commercial vehicle he was aboard at Apedwa Junction.



"They assisted him to cross the road to the other side of the road but fell on the ground dying but the people around were afraid and helpless.



"So when I got there I hired a taxi and rushed him to Apedwa Health Center but was referred to Kibi government hospital in the evening around 8:00pm. He had some GHC300 in his pocket so I used part of it for the medical expenses, Detective Sergeant Armah told Starr News' Eastern Regional correspondent.



Unfortunately, the passenger died whiles on admission at the health facility and even before his relative, a military officer, would arrive at the hospital.



So I called the family members, I called one man who gave his identity as Military officer and said the man was his cousin.



"Unfortunately, the man died at dawn before the arrival of the family members the next morning and the body deposited at Kibi mortuary, the police officer said.







Source: ghanaweb.com









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Featured Video
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in his State of the Nation Address before Parliament today, March 8, has expressed his contentment with the transformations in the education sector since the introduction of his free Senior High School policy and the free Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative.



TVET is aimed at equipping students who prefer to gain knowledge and training in technical and vocational education.



Addressing the nation, the President touted his government achievements in the education sector saying "it is a well-known fact that, in this administration, TVET and STEM feature frequently in all conversations about education. Technically and vocational education are being given the place of honor they deserve".



He contined that "since the realignment in the introduction free TVET, enrolment in TVET schools has increased from 13000 in 2021 to 47000 today and all the indications are that this is a trend that will continue. In 2022, the TVET service recruited 3400 staff, the highest in the history of TVET in Ghana to accommodate this development. I was told last week about one young person who was placed in Achimota School in the current school placement exercise and has turned it down to go to a STEM school".



"I'm proud of the additional educational infrastructure, especially the provision of ultramodern classroom blocks for several schools which are equipped with laboratories, ICT centers and libraries. The establishment of 10 STEM centers across the country including one in Accra to aid the study of engineering and robotics", he added.



President Nana Addo was pleased with the level of work in the sector.



"I think we are making progress. The strides we are making in education are already changing lives and changing the narrative. As at this year, nearly 2 million young people have benefited from the free SHS policy. Predictions that the policy will lead to a lowering of standards proved wide, very wide of the mark; on the contrary, the results under the free SHS has shown a systematic improvement. As a result, 2 million young people have either found a way to further education, training apprenticeships or employment because of the free SHS policy."











Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Former National Communications Officer of the largest opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Solomon Nkansah, has described former President John Mahama as a problem for the party.



According to him, the ex-president who led the NDC to two consecutive electoral defeats in the 2016 and 2020 elections has not learned any lessons from what led to the defeat and is on the same path, which will ultimately end the party in another defeat in the upcoming 2024 election.



Solomon Nkansah, speaking on the Ghana Kasa show on Kasapa 102.5FM/Agoo TV on Wednesday, accused Mr. Mahama of taking the NDC party for granted and challenged the former leader to tell the party members what his plans are for the party.



"Mr. Mahama has not changed; he's taken the party for granted, believing that at all cost, the party members will vote for him to become flagbearer. Who told him that? When he had the opportunity to speak to party members during his campaign launch last week, he spoke to party members one percent and spoke to Ghanaians ninety-nine percent. It was a diversion because he didn't have a message for NDC members.



He added: "If it's John Mahama who'll emerge as flagbearer, then the party has a lot of work to do to win the 2024 election. This is because the grassroots members of the NDC have no hope and confidence in what will become of them if the party wins power in 2024.



"Mahama has no plan to build a strong NDC party; that's why he's unable to speak out because if he does, we'll hold him to account. Branch and constituency executives should not vote for somebody who does not show them how he plans to grow the party."



Former President John Mahama launched his campaign to become the NDC's flagbearer for the 2024 elections last week in Ho, the Volta Regional capital.





Source: kasapaonline









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The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has condemned the brutal attacks by the military from Michel Camp on some residents of Ashiaman following the alleged killing of a soldier last weekend.



The Director of Communications of NPP, Richard Ahiagbah in a post on his Twitter page said We must condemn the conduct of some military personnel circulating on social media, where they are brutalizing residents of Ashaiman for the crude murder of a soldier. Two wrongs dont make a right. We are a country of laws; lets allow the laws to work. #Ghana #GhanaMonth.



The NPP reactions follow condemnations from a section of netizens speaking against the conduct of the soldiers for invading Ashiaman and going on a rampage on some innocent citizens.



So far over 180 youth in Ashiaman are currently been held at Michel Camp after being arrested by armed soldiers on Tuesday.



A suburb of Ashaiman known as Taifa on Tuesday dawn was forced into a self-imposed curfew after some soldiers reportedly stormed the area.



The soldier was reportedly killed by a mob in Ashaiman at the weekend.



Initially, photos from the incident scene showed the lifeless body of the victim, who was in what seemed to be torn trousers in military camouflage colors.



His military cap and a white cloth had been used to cover his face. Also, his bag in military camouflage colors was lying close to his body.



The 22-year-old deceased soldier who was stationed in Sunyani came to Burma Camp for a course and asked for permission to visit the mother in Ashaiman.



He went to Ashaiman on Saturday and visited the mother.



Sources said after the visit he took the opportunity to visit a lady friend in the evening and on his way back to his mothers place at about midnight was killed with his phone taken away.



Intelligence suggests his killing might have been premeditated.



The Member of Parliament for Ashaiman, Ernest Henry Norgbey, who confirmed the arrest of some of the youth by the soldiers said 72 persons per the briefing given me by the Assembly member for the area have been taken into custody by the soldiers.



According to him, But as I speak to you the police commander just told me that 72 persons are an understatement and that they are more than that, they [soldiers] are still arresting people when you go certain areas of the community.



The MP further confirmed to Citi Fm, that the soldiers after the dawn operation left the area, but around midday, he received a phone call that another batch of military men had trooped into Ashaiman.



I spoke to the police commander and he told me on authority that there are military guys still in the constituency, all over the constituency molesting innocent residents, he said.



He explained that the constituents were worried about the modus operandi of the military.



Because you see armored cars, you see military vehicles, you see helicopters, which means that this thing has been sanctioned by the higher authority and so everybody is handicapped in this matter, he added.



So we are just calling on them to call back their men to the barracks because these people that they are molesting, they are innocent people, Im not sure they know anything about the killing of the military guy, the MP said.



Soldiers Attack



The soldiers reportedly, numbering not less than 20 stormed the area to question anyone they came across and reportedly beat them up.



This forced people to lock themselves up in their homes, fearing they will be beaten up by the soldiers.



Some eyewitnesses, who recounted their experience on social media said they saw the soldiers around 2am.



A victim said he woke up around 4am to see that the area which was usually busy around that time with many shops open was still very quiet.



He assumed that it was a result of the downpour but when he stepped out, he saw some soldiers on the stretch, and no vehicles were moving.



He saw soldiers approaching so he quickly rushed back into the house and locked the gate.



He said his brother later told him he woke up earlier and saw soldiers beating up some other people.



Another eyewitness said the said soldiers knocked on doors and anybody who came out allegedly received some slaps.

Source: dailyguidenetwork.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Former President John Dramani Mahama has said that the debate by Members of Parliament (MPs) will bring out all the issues with the State of the Nation Address (SONA) that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo just delivered in Parliament.



Asked whether what President Akufo-Addo delivered reflected the real state of affairs in the country, Mr Mahama who was in Parliament on Wednesday March 8 to listen to the address told TV3s Komla Klutse that It is for the MPs to debate. The president has fulfilled his constitutional obligation, you might not agree on all the points but he has done what he is expected to do. The rest of the debate is left to the Members of Parliament.



Asked again whether President Akufo-Addos language and diction appealed to the conscience of the people, he answered It is not for me to judge, I think in the debate it will all come out.



President Akufo-Addo in the address said among other things that the government called for an audit into the spending of Covid funds.



Assuring Parliament that the funds were utilized properly, he said Mr Speaker, it was government that asked for the COVID funds to be audited, and I can assure this House that nothing dishonorable was done with the COVID funds.

The responses from the Ministers for Health and Finance, on January 23 and 25, 2023, respectively, have sufficiently laid to rest the queries from the Auditor Generals report, and I believe any objective scrutiny of these statements from the Health and Finance Ministries would justify this conclusion.



He further gave a breakdown of how the funds were utilized.



We provided five hundred and eighteen million cedis (GH518 million) of grants and loans to micro, small and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) through the NBSSI, now the Ghana Enterprise Agency, in which three hundred and two thousand, five hundred and fifteen (302,515) enterprises benefitted, of which sixty percent (60%) were women-owned.



These were MSMEs that were in distress as a result of the pandemic. For some traders, the receipt of one thousand cedis (GH1,000) made the difference between the ruin of the household and survival.



In addition, fifty-eight thousand and forty-one (58,041) health workers were employed to supplement the existing health sector workforce. Subsequently, all of them have been absorbed as permanent workers in the health sector. Frontline health workers were also granted fifty percent (50%) tax relief for the period. Was that something to regret? We should be forever grateful for the work that so many people did to keep all of us safe. All households enjoyed free water supply and huge discounts on electricity bills, because access to water was a necessity to ensure people adhered to hygiene practices, and access to electricity was important as everybody was encouraged to stay at home. It also provided an economic cushion to protect lives and livelihoods at a time of difficulty. Today, the government support for utility bills is being projected by some as a waste or to use that word, so beloved of some commentators, profligate.



This comes in the wake of a recent audit report on Covid spending issued by the Auditor General.



The Auditor-General report stated that During our review, we noted that senior management staff and other supporting staff of the Ministry of Information paid themselves a total amount of GH151,500.00 as COVID-19 risk allowance for coming to work during the lockdown.



It further indicated that the Ministry of Health (MoH) entered a contract signed on 15 December 2021 for the supply of 26 Toyota Hiace Deluxe Ambulances valued at US$4,049,460.12 out of which US$607,419.02 was paid to vide PV No. IPF 22-007 of 2 September 2022 is to be delivered by 15 January 2022.



However, the report said, the ambulances remained undelivered as of 28 November 2022.







Source: 3news.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Host of Peace FMs morning show 'Kokrokoo', Kwami Sefa Kayi has sent a strong message to crusaders of coup d'etat to let the military assault on residents at Ashaiman give them an inkling of what a coup in Ghana will look like.



Kwami Sefa Kayi, affectionately called Chairman General, warned against having a coup d'etat in the nation, stressing a coup is no joke.



Some military officers invaded the Ashaiman community following the death of a young military officer who was allegedly murdered by some unidentified assailants.



The officers clad in their military uniform and conveying their armored vehicles to the community pulled the residents from their homes and lashed them mercilessly.



Every resident caught in the area received a slice of the military beatings during the sanctioned operation.



Commenting on the issue on Thursdays edition of Kokrokoo, Mr. Sefa Kayi admonished the persons who having been advocating that a coup should happen in Ghana to take a cue from the Ashaiman-military incident and desist from making such seditious statements.



Those who feel that a coup is a joke, this should give them a fair idea. Those who wake up and say we need a coup , I hope this will give them an indication that a coup is nothing good. It is not good!, he cautioned.













Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Ghanaian actor and television personality, David Dontoh has made an appearance in the latest episode of popular drama crime series, Snowfall.



Dontoh, 59 joined the cast in the third episode titled Door of No Return in season 6 which was shot in Ghana and sheds light on the Atlantic Slave Trade.



The photos which were shared on Snowfalls Facebook page on the 6th of March to coincide with Ghanas independence anniversary features the veteran actor along with Leo and Wanda who play lead roles in the series.



This episode sees Leon and Wanda elope to Ghana in the pursuit of greener pastures but return to a much different world than they had left behind.



David Dontoh (Likem) who plays the role of a tour guide in this episode takes the duo on a historical journey through the Cape Coast Castle. He recounts the stories of slave trade and colonialism in that era leading to the heinous acts meted against fellow blacks.



Later in the episode, Leon and Wanda tie the knot in traditional Kente and gold trinkets on the sandy shores of Ghana as Likem officiates the ceremony.



David Dontoh is not new to international productions of this nature having worked on award-winning movies and television series including Beasts of No Nation, Coming to Africa and BBCs Screen Two.



Set against the infancy of the crack cocaine epidemic in Los Angeles, Snowfall is an FX drama that has captured the hearts of viewers since 2017.

Source: 3news









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Sadiq Abdulai Abu, former CEO of 3Media Networks and candidate for the Okaikoi Central seat in parliament, has intimated that the creative sector may provide significant wealth for the nation if it is correctly handled.



He said that the government shouldnt play about with the business because it has the capacity to support economic development while speaking on Adom TVs Showtyme with Andy Dosty.



He added that the creative industries create work for millions of people in other countries, so they should be fully exploited.



The creative industry has the potential to generate about $5b. It doesnt have to be toyed with. We have to empower it. Multimedia alone is a part of the creative industry, you are employing about 1,000 people directly and others indirectly, so which government wouldnt want to create that?







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.

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Air Transat aircraft are seen on the tarmac at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport in Montreal, on Wednesday, April 8, 2020. Transat AT Inc. reported a $56.6-million loss in its latest quarter compared with a loss of $114.3 million a year earlier as its revenue more than tripled. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
Defence Minister Anita Anand greets Canadian Forces personnel at CFB Kingston, in Kingston, Ont., Tuesday, March 7, 2023. Anand says Ottawa will fast-track the purchase of anti-tank, anti-aircraft and anti-drone weapons for the Canadian military with a mechanism last used during the war in Afghanistan. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
Laurent Lamothe, a former prime minister of Haiti, speaks during an interview in Miami Beach, Fla., Wednesday, July 7, 2021. Lamothe is accusing Canada of using unverified Google searches to target him and other political elites, in a case that demonstrates the lack of transparency in Canadas sanctions regime. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Lynne Sladky
The TikTok startup page is displayed on an iPhone in Ottawa on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023. Ontario says it is banning the social media app TikTok on government-owned devices.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
Fighter jet soars into sky for flight training

China Military Online) 15:42, March 09, 2023

Fighter jets attached to an aviation brigade of the Air Force taxi on the runway before takeoff for a high-intensity flight training exercise in early February, 2023. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Cui Baoliang)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
888poker Steps Up War Against AI in Poker; Refunds Almost $300K in 2022

March 09, 2023 Matthew Pitt Editor

888poker takes game integrity seriously, so much so that the online poker giant invests heavily in technology and staff employed to detect fraudulent activity, including collusion and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) such as Real Time Assistance (RTA) software. The vast investment and hard work certainly paid off in 2022, with 888poker refunding close to $290,000 to more than 6,800 of its customers deemed to have been cheated at the tables last year.

RTA tools range from simple charts to complex solving software that shows users the most game-theory optimal (GTO) play to make in any given scenario. Such tools have been around for several years but are becoming increasingly complex and accurate. In September 2020, Fedor Kruse, a then-popular streamer and professional poker player, was outed by his former roommates for using RTA while grinding cash games. Kruse went from playing $0.50/$1 cash games to taking shots in $200/$400 games in the space of 12 months. That is how powerful RTA can be.

UK Players Benefit The Most From the 888poker Refunds

888poker is stepping up to the plate and taking on RTA users head-on. Last year, 888poker refunded $287,292 to 6,801 players. The money recovered and redistributed represented a 32% year-on-year increase, showing that whatever 888poker is doing in the war against AI is working.

Players from the United Kingdom were the most affected. Some 18% of those 6,801 refunds went to players hailing from the United Kingdom; they received a combined $50,379. Germany came in second with refunds worth $38,997, with Canada third with $38,614 given back to its players.

What Is Real-Time Assistance (RTA)? Is it Legal?

Player Vigilance Aids 888poker Detection Methods

While 888poker uses advanced techniques to detect and confirm the use of AI and RTA in its games, the online poker site's customers play an important role, too. 888poker acts on every report made to its customer support team, so if you play at 888poker and see something untoward, report it and they will act on it.

"Our continued progress in tackling bots is crucial in ensuring that 888poker continues to provide an enjoyable, safe, and level playing field for all our players," Matan Krakow, Head of Poker Offering at 888poker said, "This has been driven not only by our increased investment in our detection capabilities but also through the continued support and cooperation of our players, who have an important role to play in helping provide us with vital information about players they think are using AI and RTA."

"We will continue to do all in our power to ensure we keep poker fun and fair as part of our Made to Play strategy, and listening to our players will be a key factor to progress on this front."
888poker: Vivian Saliba's Top 5 Tips for Building an Online Bankroll

March 09, 2023 PokerNews Staff

Vivian Saliba is a professional poker player, streamer and 888poker ambassador and know's a thing or two about building an online poker bankroll.

Saliba understands that there will be some people out there that would like to hop onto the virtual felt but are a bit hesitant to risk lots of money. So, the tournament and Pot-Limit Omaha specialist has relayed some top tips to help fledgeling poker players build their first online bankroll without doing too much damage to their pockets.

Play Freerolls

Playing freerolls is the easiest way to build an online bankroll without risking any of your money. You can practice, learn, put in volume and win without spending a single penny on freeroll tournaments.

There are several freerolls in the 888poker lobby every single day. And during the site's marquee festivals, you can even win tickets to major events, which could allow you to boost your bankroll even more.

888poker players can also get access to special freerolls by visiting the 888poker Stream Team member's Twitch channels, so be sure to keep an eye out on those broadcasts to get the passwords to these events.

And what's even better for PokerNews readers is that we've partnered with 888poker to offer some great added value freerolls in March. The freerolls are password protected, and the passwords can be found in our exclusive PokerNews Discord Channel.

888poker Ambassador Kara Scott Breaks Down Tips For Your First Live Poker Tournament

Participate in Contests

888poker regularly shares contests and promotions across their social media channels, where tickets, buy-ins and more are up for grabs.

Want a chance to win tournament tickets? #  888poker (@888poker)

If you win one of the tickets up for grabs, you'll likely have the chance to play in a higher buy-in tournament than you usually would, and even just getting the min-cash in one of those events could propel you on your poker journey.

888poker Ambassador Vivian Saliba Falls Short of Mystery Bounty Festival Title

Complete Challenges

If you explore the 888poker lobby, you'll often find incentives and challenges that will help you add to your bankroll.

By participating in leaderboard contests and challenges, you could win tickets, buy-ins and other prizes. Again, this is another avenue to play bigger events with more eye-popping prize pools.

Another way to find extra value is to use special deposit codes, which can help stretch your bankroll further with extra bonuses. For example, if you download 888poker via PokerNews and create your free account. 888poker will give you a free $88 worth of cash game and tournament tickets  this is a free 20 for residents of the United Kingdom  just for reaching this stage.

Your first deposit is matched 100% up to $400 as a releasable bonus. You have 90 days to release as much bonus as you can. Contact 888poker support for more details.

Start Slow

Building a bankroll to be proud of doesn't happen overnight, so take your time.

Play smaller buy-ins until you're ready to move up in stakes. It's also one of the optimal ways to find out if you have the skills for higher-stakes poker games.

Exclusive PokerNews 888poker Freeroll Passwords for March

Risk Management

Risk management is a key factor in building your bankroll. The more funds in your poker purse compared to the buy-ins you are playing will reduce the chances of your balance being $0.

Of course, you could take some shots, and if that doesn't pay off, you could start again at the bottom. However, the idea is to evolve and increase your bankroll constantly.

It's much better to play 100 $1 tournaments than one $100 tournament, volume is key, and it lets you get the most out of your bankroll. And remember, you should play safe and within your limits.
The deadline to file your taxes is fast approaching. Whether you do them by yourself, go to a tax clinic or hire a professional, navigating the tax system can be complicated. Experts recommend that you ask as many questions as you need during the process. The deadline is Tuesday. Filing for an extension isn't ideal, but if you need one you can get it and then you'll have until October to file your taxes. Experts recommend pulling together all of the documents you need and then giving yourself a chunk of time to sit down and get it done. Read moreHaven't filed taxes yet? Don't panic. Here's what to know
Police are looking for a missing rifle after a deputy left his firearms in the parking lot.

Around 9 p.m., a uniformed deputy with the Aiken County Sheriffs Office stopped in a parking lot in the 1900 block of Augusta Road to assist a motorist with a tire, according to a media release from the Aiken County Sheriffs Office.

While helping to change the tire, the deputy removed all his equipment from the rear of his patrol car, which included a shotgun and Colt M4 rifle, the release said.

The deputy left the area after changing the tire without ensuring that he had repacked all the equipment, and it was later discovered he left the firearms in the parking lot, the release said.

Video obtained by investigators shows a male pick up the firearms and walk away, the release said.

With assistance from a tipster, investigators were able to recover the missing shotgun on March 1, but they are still searching for the missing rifle.

Anyone with information that would help to recover the missing rifle is asked to call the Aiken County Sheriffs Office at 803-648-6811.
Moncks Corner, SC (29461)

Today

Showers and a possible thunderstorm during the evening will give way to partly cloudy skies after midnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 54F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Showers and a possible thunderstorm during the evening will give way to partly cloudy skies after midnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 54F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%.
For the fourth time in two years, the design of a proposed 300-unit apartment building in Charleston failed to win initial approval.

The city's Board of Architectural Review voted 3-1 March 8 to deny Augusta-based development firm Southeastern's latest rendering of a planned seven-story structure at 295 Calhoun St. near the peninsula's hospital district.

The board rejected the project as basically the same design presented in 2021 with "incremental" improvements.

"We are seeing the same presentation for the sixth iteration," said BAR member Seaton Brown. "There is not an overall improvement. We want a project we can all get excited about. I don't think this building meets that threshold."

Karo Wheeler, who during last month's meeting signaled a willingness to move the project forward, noted her disappointment that the latest design did not address some of the board's main concerns over the structure's singular mass.

"I was hoping for a big impact, but it is only incremental unfortunately," she said.

Luda Sobchuk took it a step further.

"We need a different design altogether," the BAR member said.

Board chairman John Robinson held the lone vote in favor of not rejecting the latest design.

"The applicant has been responsive to some comments and not others," Robinson said.

James Meadors abstained from voting, saying the applicant offered choices in the new design, such as balconies versus bricking, that he didn't believe the board should have to make.

After the latest rejection, Southeastern CEO Vic Mills remained guarded in his comments.

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"We will weigh our alternatives," he said.

The building proposal includes 13,800 square feet of retail space, 357 parking spaces, two pools, waterfront boardwalk and westside park. Mills also plans to address some of the flooding in the medical district through infrastructure improvements.

Several people spoke in favor of the planned project across from Roper Hospital. It's at Calhoun and Halsey streets next to Alberta Long Lake.

They called it a benefit to the city and an improvement to a blighted block where a building was demolished after an affiliate of Southeastern bought the 2.1-acre property from the Medical University of South Carolina three years ago for $12 million.

"Aesthetically, it's beautiful and it fits in with what's going up around the city," Wentworth Street resident Kathy Crawford said.

David Cooper of Gadsden Street called it "a beautiful, well-thought-out design. The design we have today is much better than when it started."

Preservationists continued to rail against the proposal.

"It's a square mass wrapped around a parking garage," said Erin Minnigan of the Preservation Society of Charleston. "It's the same concept ... with a few cosmetic changes."

Justin Schwebler of the Historic Charleston Foundation also opposed the project and urged the board to deny conceptual approval because of the building's "height, scale and mass."

Mills trimmed the eighth floor off the building and made other recommended changes before the meeting on Feb. 8, when the board deferred a vote on the project to see what changes the developer could incorporate into the project.

"On the massing issue, unfortunately it stayed the same," Wheeler said.
Concert season is upon us in Charleston, with indoor and outdoor venues alike ramping up for the good weather that is already shining down on us.

Already this year there have been some major announcements, from a quickly sold-out Umphrey's McGee show at The Windjammer to Pitbull playing North Charleston's Riverfront Park.

And of course there are plenty of local music festivals set to grace us with ample elevated tunes, like the Charleston Bluegrass Festival, High Water Festival, High Tide Festival, Cultura Festival and Riverfront Revival.

Here are 23 other already-announced 2023 concerts to have on your radar as you look forward to spring and summer shows. My recommendation: get your tickets sooner rather than later. And please enjoy my song puns (I'm sorry).

Mt. Joy

WHAT: The Windjammer is hosting three nights in a row of festival favorite indie folk-rock outfit Mt. Joy on the outdoor beach stage in April. This band typically sells out, so snag those tickets now if you want to revel in that "Silver Lining" and listen to hits like "Astrovan" on the beach with perfect "Strangers."

WHEN: 7 p.m. April 6-8

WHERE: The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms

PRICE: $70

MORE INFO: the-windjammer.com/event/mt-joy-5

Pat Benatar + Neil Giraldo

WHAT: At 70 years old, Pat Benatar is still rocking. The "Heartbreaker" hitmaker who asked fans to "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" and declared that "Love is a Battlefield" (who's also a four-time Grammy Award winner) will perform with husband Neil Giraldo.

WHEN: 8 p.m. April 19

WHERE: North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Drive

PRICE: TBA

MORE INFO: northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com/events/detail/pat-benatar-neil-giraldo

Alice Cooper

WHAT: "School's Out" for summer, and it's time to "Feed My Frankenstein" at the Alice Cooper show. With a career spanning five decades, Cooper still takes the stage in his tight black leather pants and a top hat.

WHEN: 8 p.m. May 15

WHERE: North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Drive

PRICE: $56.50+

MORE INFO: northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com/events/detail/alice-cooper-1

Kenny Chesney

WHAT: Kelsea Ballerini will open for country superstar Kenny Chesney. "When the Sun Goes Down," it could be "You and Tequila" and Kenny at this show.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. May 25

WHERE: Credit One Stadium, 161 Seven Farms Drive, Daniel Island

PRICE: $111+

MORE INFO: creditonestadium.com/event/kenny-chesney-i-go-back-tour-with-kelsea-ballerini

Dave Matthews Band

WHAT: Dave Matthews, who played at the Music Farm when he was just a teenager, will rock out for two nights in a row this summer on Daniel Island. "The Space Between" two other concertgoers belongs to you if you snag a ticket for this.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. June 2-3

WHERE: Credit One Stadium, 161 Seven Farms Drive, Daniel Island

PRICE: $59+

MORE INFO: creditonestadium.com/event/dave-matthews-band-2

Futurebirds

WHAT: This Athens alternative rock band will take the "Rodeo" to the beachfront stage on Isle of Palms for two nights in a row in May. Psych rock outfit Leon III will open the show.

WHEN: 7 p.m. June 2-3

WHERE: The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms

PRICE: $35 advance, $40 day of show

MORE INFO: the-windjammer.com/event/futurebirds-on-the-beach-stage-thursday

Los Lobos + Taj Mahal + North Mississippi Allstars

WHAT: Three stellar bands are joining forces for this star-studded show at one of Charleston's newest outdoor venues, The Refinery. Tex-Mex zydeco act Los Lobos are joined by blues musician Taj Mahal and Southern rock group North Mississippi Allstars. "Come on, Let's Go" for "One Time One Night" only.

WHEN: 5:30 p.m. June 3

WHERE: The Refinery, 1640 Meeting Street Road

PRICE: $60 general admission, $100 VIP

MORE INFO: ticketweb.com/event/los-lobos-taj-mahal-north-the-refinery-tickets/12976425

Boz Scaggs

WHAT: Boz Scaggs is "Out of the Blues" with his newest album, though his hits hail back to his days in the Steve Miller Band when he decided to "Take the Money and Run" and "Fly Like an Eagle."

WHEN: 8 p.m. June 7

WHERE: Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St.

PRICE: $79.50-$99.50

MORE INFO: charlestonmusichall.com/event/boz-scaggs-2

REO Speedwagon

WHAT: You "Can't Fight This Feeling" anymore. You've got to get tickets to REO Speedwagon, the rock band from '66 that will "Keep on Loving You" through the decades. "Roll with the Changes" as you're "Ridin' the Storm Out." It's "Time For (You) to Fly" to the Performing Arts Center for this show.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. June 13

WHERE: North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Drive

PRICE: $64+

MORE INFO: https://bit.ly/3kYJvrv

Rebelution

WHAT: The Good Vibes Summer Tour is coming to town with Rebelution, Iration, The Expendables, Passafire and DJ Mackle. The "Sky is the Limit" at this multi-act show that'll have you "Feeling Alright."

WHEN: 5:30 p.m. June 15

WHERE: Credit One Stadium, 161 Seven Farms Drive, Daniel Island

PRICE: $32-$52

MORE INFO: creditonestadium.com/event/rebelution-good-vibes-summer-tour-2023

Parliament Funkadelic feat. George Clinton

WHAT: After Parliament Funkadelic's fearless leader George Clinton announced he was going to stop touring in 2019, he's back again with the band at 81 years old. Clinton revolutionized R&B during the '70s, twisting soul into funk and adding influences from artists like Frank Zappa, Jimi Hendrix, and Sly and the Family Stone. It's time to "Give Up the Funk" and "Do That Stuff."

WHEN: 8 p.m. June 16

WHERE: The Riviera Theater, 227 King St.

PRICE: $67+

MORE INFO: therivierachs.com/shows/parliament-funkadelic

Lady A

WHAT: The country music group from Nashville, Tenn., is sure to bring the "American Honey" to town for "Just A Kiss."

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. June 24

WHERE: Charleston Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St.

PRICE: $53+

MORE INFO: gaillardcenter.org/events/lady-a

Fleet Foxes

WHAT: Firefly Distillery hasn't officially released its full concert schedule yet, but I couldn't help but give an early shout-out to this show. Don't get a case of the "Helplessness Blues." Get tickets now for these atmospheric folk balladeers at one of the Lowcountry's premier outdoor venues.

WHEN: 5:30 p.m. doors June 24

WHERE: Firefly Distillery, 4201 Spruill Ave.

PRICE: $49.50+

MORE INFO: fireflydistillery.com/live-music

Eric Church

WHAT: Eric Church will hold a two-night stand in town, first with Ashley McBryde & Red Clay Strays and then with Parker McCollum & Morgan Wade. Get ready for a "Drink in My Hand" and "Hell of a View."

WHEN: 7 p.m. June 29-30

WHERE: Credit One Stadium, 161 Seven Farms Drive, Daniel Island

PRICE: $73+

MORE INFO: creditonestadium.com/event/eric-church-the-outsiders-revival-tour-with-ashley-mcbryde-red-clay-strays

Five For Fighting

WHAT: Brendan James will open for piano-based soft rock balladeers Five for Fighting, the act who "Chances" are, you know for "Superman" and "100 Years."

WHEN: 8 p.m. July 2

WHERE: Music Farm, 32 Ann St.

PRICE: $29.50 advance, $35 day of show

MORE INFO: musicfarm.com/event/five-for-fighting

The Smile

WHAT: The English rock band starring Radiohead members Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood with drummer Tom Skinner will bring "The Smoke" for this show. "We Don't Know What Tomorrow Brings," but maybe it'll be tickets to The Smile.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. July 2

WHERE: North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Drive

PRICE: $59+

MORE INFO: northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com/events/detail/the-smile

Chris Stapleton

WHAT: The All American Road Show is coming to town with Chris Stapleton, Margo Price and Allen Stone. It's time for a glass of some "Tennessee Whiskey."

WHEN: 7 p.m. July 13

WHERE: Credit One Stadium, 161 Seven Farms Drive, Daniel Island

PRICE: $78+

MORE INFO: creditonestadium.com/event/chris-stapleton-all-american-road-show-with-special-guests-margo-price-and-allen-stone

Slightly Stoopid

WHAT: Slightly Stoopid's tour with Sublime with Rome and Atmosphere & The Movement is coming to North Charleston. Get a little "Closer to the Sun" at this show.

WHEN: 5 p.m. Aug. 3

WHERE: North Charleston Coliseum, 5001 Coliseum Drive

PRICE: $21+

MORE INFO: northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com/events/detail/slightly-stoopid-1

Jason Aldean

WHAT: Hop on your "Big Green Tractor" and blast that "Dirt Road Anthem." Jason Aldean is coming to town for his Highway Desperado tour.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 4

WHERE: Credit One Stadium, 161 Seven Farms Drive, Daniel Island

PRICE: $43+

MORE INFO: creditonestadium.com/event/jason-aldean-highway-desperado-tour-2023

Mary Chapin Carpenter

WHAT: It's not "Quittin' Time" just yet. Just channel that "I Feel Lucky" energy when vying for these tickets at the Charleston Music Hall. You might be saying to your partner "Shut Up and Kiss Me" once you snag those seats for the country icon.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 9

WHERE: Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St.

PRICE: $49.50-$75

MORE INFO: charlestonmusichall.com/event/mary-chapin-carpenter

Tyler Childers

WHAT: He has a song called "Charleston Girl." Need I say more? This Tyler Childers concert with special guests S.G. Goodman, who is playing High Water Festival, and Abby, is certainly going to be one for "All Your'n" friends and you to attend.

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Aug. 19

WHERE: Credit One Stadium, 161 Seven Farms Drive, Daniel Island

PRICE: $173+

MORE INFO: creditonestadium.com/event/tyler-childers-send-in-the-hounds-tour-with-special-guests-s-g-goodman-abby

The Doobie Brothers

WHAT: On their 50th anniversary tour, The Doobie Brothers are bringing their groovy, bluesy R&B-infused rock hits to town. It's time to "Listen to the Music" as The Doobie Brothers are "Takin' it to the Streets" and riding that "Long Train Runnin' " to the "Black Water" of Charleston. I will most definitely be there with my dad.

WHEN: 8 p.m. Sept. 9

WHERE: Credit One Stadium, 161 Seven Farms Drive, Daniel Island

PRICE: $33+

MORE INFO: ticketmaster.com/event/2D005E5797463834

Tegan and Sara

WHAT: On their CryBaby Tour, twin sister pop duo Tegan and Sara will get "Closer" to "Back in Your Head" with their live music showcase.

WHEN: 8 p.m. Sept. 27

WHERE: Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St.

PRICE: $39.50-$55

MORE INFO: charlestonmusichall.com/event/tegan-and-sara
COLUMBIA  South Carolina school districts are legally required to turn in copies of their annual audit report to the S.C. Department of Education by Dec. 1 each year, but more than three months after that 2022 deadline, Richland County School District Twos report isnt finished.

Since it missed its deadline by more than 60 days as of Jan. 30, South Carolina law directs the state superintendent of education to put the 28,500-student district under fiscal watch, which means increased oversight over its finances.

However, the state is waiting to formally make that designation until it can actually inspect the districts audit report, in case the contents warrant a more serious designation like a "fiscal caution" or "fiscal emergency," the department's Deputy Superintendent of Strategic Engagement Laura Bayne said on March 8.

The district doesnt expect anything in the audit to "reflect poorly" on Richland Two, according to Harry Miley, district senior chief officer for finance and operations.

But even if the district turns in a spotless audit, Bayne said it will still get the "fiscal watch" designation due to the report's tardiness.

The department will require "routine" check-ins between district and department representatives to make sure next year's audit is on time, and the district will have to submit a "recovery plan" for the department's approval. That document will detail how the district plans to fix the problems which lead to the "fiscal watch" designation.

Miley said March 7 that the delay was due to the need for district staff to cooperate with the state inspector generals 2022 investigation into the district, which took up the time they would usually use to assemble the annual audit report.

"There's only one reason we were late, and that's because of the inspector general's visits and investigation," Miley said.

That explanation was the same as the one he gave to the districts board of trustees at a Jan. 31 board workshop. At the same workshop, Miley told the board he expected the report would be done by the end of that week.

District spokeswoman Ishmael Tate said March 7 that the district will be done with it any day now.

The audit had been managed by Shelly Allen, Richland Two's former chief financial officer who resigned Jan. 27. That departure "put (the district) behind" on the report, Miley said.

Richland Two isn't the only district in the Palmetto State that was late on its audit. Seven districts in the state did not meet the deadline this year, Bayne said, with three of them  Richland Two, Hampton and Jasper  also missing the following 60 day window. But Richland Two's situation is distinct because the district is already in the hot seat after coming under fire in late 2022 in a scathing inspector general's report that noted serious financial accountability problems.

Beyond the states financial designation, the late audit report could also negatively affect the districts accreditation and lead to sanctions related to federal funding, according to a Jan. 10 letter then-State Superintendent Molly Spearman sent to district officials.

Richland Two Board Chairwoman Lindsay Agostini said she was concerned about the possible consequences the district could face.

I am anxiously waiting for it to be reported to us, she said about the report.

She added that one of her priorities for the upcoming budget planning season is to get the district a new budget software system, to hopefully avoid similar issues in the future.

The inspector generals investigation, which Miley said delayed the audit report, was the first of its kind into an S.C. school district. It resulted in a November 2022 report that highlighted board factionalism and issues with district policy, as well as financial oversight lapses.

When the department places Richland Two under additional financial scrutiny, whether it be through a watch or a more severe designation, it will be joining its neighbor, Richland County School District One.

Spearman placed Richland One on a fiscal watch in December after a monthslong review found significant problems with the districts employee purchase-card program.

Richland Two is currently without a permanent superintendent. The district's board unanimously voted on Jan. 17 to accept former Superintendent Baron Davis' sudden resignation, and later signed a $615,000 settlement agreement, which included $75,000 to settle "all disputed claims."

The district's chief instructional officer, Nancy Gregory, is serving as interim superintendent as a board committee starts working to find a long-term leader.
LEXINGTON  A 13-year-old Lakeside Middle School student will be charged with "disturbing schools" after two Lexington County high schools received social media threats the morning of March 8, Lexington police say.

River Bluff and Gilbert high schools were placed in "secure" status around 11 a.m., but not locked down because the threat was outside the school building, said Lexington County School District One spokeswoman Libby Roof.

A statement from the Lexington Police Department said the student sent a threatening message, with a photo of him holding what looked like a handgun, to a student at River Bluff High School.

The pictured weapon turned out to be a pellet gun after law enforcement found the student, who police say also threatened Gilbert High School, off campus.

"We understand how stressful this is on our students and employees and are doing everything we can to limit the disruption while balancing the need to take the necessary precautions," Gilbert High Principal Jacob Nelson wrote in an email addressed the school's students, employees and families.

The March 8 threats come a day after River Bluff and White Knoll high schools faced bomb threats through a tip line March 7. They were not evacuated, but placed on a "hold," Roof said, which means the halls were cleared as law enforcement officers searched the building.

Roof emphasized the serious nature of threats against schools, calling them "concerning" and "frustrating."

"It's a criminal offense," she said.

Schools across the Columbia area faced nearly a straight week of threats in early February, which at their height disrupted classes for 16,500 students, or about 15 percent of total public school enrollment in Lexington and Richland counties.
COLUMBIA  A former Fort Jackson recruit who hijacked a school bus with kids on it in 2021 was found not guilty through an insanity plea on March 9.

Jovan Collazo was suffering from a mental disorder that made him unable to distinguish moral and legal right from wrong, two evaluations found. An initial screening upon his arrest found he had schizophrenia and was making delusional statements.

Collazo will spend no more than 120 days in a Department of Mental Health facility receiving treatment, Judge Debra McCaslin ruled.

On May 6, 2021, New Jersey native Collazo left the Fort Jackson barracks with an unloaded rifle before jumping the fence, crossing Interstate 77 and finding a school bus in a nearby neighborhood, deputy solicitor Dan Goldberg told the judge.

Collazo boarded the Richland County District 2 bus, which had 18 students on it, and shouted, "Drive! Drive! Come on, drive!" while pointing his rifle at the driver. Collazo later added, "Get out of town, now!" He promised not to hurt anyone on the bus, Sheriff Leon Lott told reporters at the time, and no one was injured in the incident.

After the bus traveled about 4 miles, Collazo told the driver to stop and had everyone exit the bus. Collazo then asked the driver how to operate it, drove about another mile, then gave up and left on foot, Goldberg said.

At the time, Collazo was trying to get back home to New Jersey under the belief that someone was coming after him. He was arrested on charges of armed robbery, carjacking, presenting and possessing weapons, and kidnapping.

While Collazo has been in custody at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, he has started receiving antipsychotic medication, which has helped with his delusions, attorney Elizabeth Pringle said.

Before trying to steal the bus, Collazo had similar delusions in which he thought someone was trying to kill him, Pringle said. He was 23 at the time of the incident, which is a common age for the onset of schizophrenia, she said.
JAMES ISLAND  Charleston Water System is investigating a sewer main break on Harborview Road that poured unknown amounts of wastewater into James Island Creek.

This is the second time in three years that a break occurred in this area.

Environmentalists say the repeated frequency, combined with current bacteria concerns, suggest better system maintenance is needed, along with riddance of septic tanks adjacent to the creek.

A contract diver discovered on the afternoon of March 9 that two pipes had separated, causing the leak.

A fisherman notified the water utility March 8 of the underwater break in the water below the Julian Thomas Buxton Jr. Bridge. It took time for inspection crews to get to the site because of the tides, but the pumps were turned off shortly after, said Mike Saia, a spokesman for the utility.

Shutting off the pumps eliminated the release of additional wastewater into the water system.

This sewer main manages wastewater from a broad area of the James Island Public Service District and parts of unincorporated Charleston County. The same one broke about three years ago in the marsh but closer to Plum Island. It took a number of days to repair.

The breaks are a big concern, said Andrew Wunderley, executive director at Charleston Waterkeeper.

"It's an established problem with bacteria pollution at James Island Creek from human sources and other sources, as well," he said. "Any additional bacteria discharge in a creek is a concern of course."

Charleston Waterkeeper consistently tests the quality of a number of waterbodies in the Lowcountry, including James Island Creek. The waterkeepers sample for bacteria as an indicator of the possible presence of pathogens.

Persistently high bacteria levels have been identified in the James Island Creek, mainly in the Folly Road area. Wunderley said any input of bacteria is a problem.

It is a challenge for iron pipes to survive long-term in soft environments like the marshy parts of Charleston. Saia said Charleston Water System is considering grant funding to help replace the James Island pipes that have seen two breaks in three years.

This notion is good progress, Wunderley said, "but I think we need to accelerate that project."

"Whatever needs to be done to bump that up in the priority list, they need to be thinking about it," he added.

A vactor truck was on site March 9 to pump down the wet wells and pump stations at both sides of the break. Because of this, no additional wastewater will spill into the creek, Saia said. The utility is working on a plan to repair the pipes.

People are urged to avoid swimming, fishing or using the area for other recreational activities until further notice.

Interruptions to customers' service is not expected while assessments and repairs are made. No road closures have been announced.

In the meantime, people can do like the fisherman on March 8, and report possible main breaks. It's helpful in identifying them and stopping the wasterwater spills.
GREER  Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport has added a budget airline to its runways.

Avelo Airlines announced it will offer nonstop service from the Upstate to Tweed-New Haven Airport in Connecticut and Orlando International Airport in Florida starting this summer using Boeing 737 aircraft.

The Houston-based, low-fare airline became the seventh available at the airport, joining Allegiant, American, Delta, Silver Airways, Southwest and United.

Avelo one-way tickets can start as low as $49. Service to Orlando will start on June 7 with flights on Wednesday and Saturday. On June 23, those days will transition to Monday and Friday. Flights to Connecticut will begin on June 22 with service available twice a week on Thursday and Sunday.

Avelo launched in April 2021 and has since flown 15,000 flights. It was supposed to offer flights from Charleston International Airport to Orlando starting last June but canceled the service before it began.

Avelo's arrival adds to a number of route additions and passenger capacity at GSP in 2023.

United recently phased in larger aircraft for its routes to Denver, Houston and Chicago, and added a third aircraft for its route to Newark.

Delta added a second daily flight to Detroit and moved to a larger aircraft for flights to Atlanta.

Silver Airways increased service to Orlando and Tampa from two times a week to three in January. The Florida-based airline was added to the airport lineup in March 2021.

As of Jan. 9, Contour Airlines pulled out of the Upstate airport, nearly two years since it announced it would offer nonstop flights to Nashville.

Late last year, American Airlines announced its plan for two additional nonstop daily flights from GSP to New Yorks LaGuardia Airport. The flights will start May 5.
A new state-supported scholarship at the Medical University of South Carolina could help keep top students in the state and also address health care needs in rural and underserved areas, proponents said.

The legislature's House Ways and Means Committee added $5 million for the SCFirst Scholarship to its budget, which should be voted on next week. MUSC had been seeking $10 million but is going to match whatever state funding it gets with private donations.

The chairman of the House budget-writing committee said he supports MUSC getting the full $10 million it requested. But the proposal to be debated on the House floor starting March 13 had to be in balance. Ways and Means Chairman Bruce Bannister said he expects state revenue updates for the coming fiscal year to change next month, giving legislators more money to work with before the budget is finished.

"We anticipate that will be a substantial number and by the time the budgets finished, like the difference between $10 and $5 (million), well be able to fix," said Bannister, R-Greenville.

MUSC has not benefited from lottery funding for scholarships the way other South Carolina universities have because that funding was intended for undergraduate programs, said Chief of Government Affairs Mark Sweatman.

That has hurt its ability to attract some students from the state, he said.

"Weve seen a lot of our applicants in the past, those that wanted to go to MUSC first, weve seen them go out of state with full-ride scholarships," he said. "And you certainly cant blame those students."

That some top students are being incentivized to go to better offers elsewhere, "they're not wrong about that," said House Assistant Majority Leader Jay West, R-Belton. "I think we need to keep our best and brightest in state."

Exact numbers are hard to determine because state databases don't track students that way. But at the MUSC College of Medicine, among students who initially accepted and then chose to go elsewhere, one of the big reasons cited was the dearth of scholarships available, said Charlotte Kerr, director of admissions.

First-year in-state medical school tuition at MUSC is $37,500 a year, and then varies by year after that, with potentially a $150,000 price tag over four years.

The issue is particularly important for the rural and underserved areas of the state, which the scholarship program will pay close attention to.

"Its hard to go to rural areas when you have a huge debt burden," Sweatman said, and the prospects of making that up are more difficult.

Scholarships would help free students from that so "you are going to be more likely to go back to your rural area, back to your hometown and serve rural and underserved patients. And thats the goal of this," he said.

It is a big area of need for the state that the scholarship could help address, West said.

"I think it is tremendous in helping us address the deficit of medical care in the rural areas," he said. "And I think it is an innovative solution."

It helps the state overall as well, Bannister said.

"Everything were doing related to nurses, doctors, medical school costs, residencies, all of that is to incentivize the doctors to stay here," he said. "We feel like if theyre doing residencies and going to school here, weve got a chance of keeping them."

Of those who completed residencies in South Carolina from 2011 to 2020, 57.3 percent of those doctors stayed to practice in South Carolina, according to data from the Association of American Medical Colleges. But that rises to 75-80 percent if they also went to medical school in the state, Sweatman said.
Summerville, SC (29483)

Today

Showers and a possible thunderstorm during the evening will give way to partly cloudy skies after midnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 54F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Showers and a possible thunderstorm during the evening will give way to partly cloudy skies after midnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 54F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
The Individual Income Tax due date is Tuesday, April 18. If you have a tax bill and are worried you can't pay, the South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) wants you to know that you have options. Read moreWhat to do if you can't afford to pay your taxes
SCRANTON  Dozens of people gathered in this small Pee Dee community to sing, mourn and pray after four natives of nearby Lake City were attacked and abducted in Mexico last week.

Two died in the violent encounter in Matamoros, just across the Texas border. Another was shot several times, with the fourth reportedly having not suffered serious injury.

"This could have been any of us," Pastor Herbert Godwin said from the pulpit at Word of God Outreach Ministries, where community members gathered March 8 for an evening vigil to offer prayer and support for the victims and their families. "This could've been any of our children, it could've been my son or my daughter. So we didn't come here tonight to point fingers or judge anybody, but yet we're going to pray that God will hold these families, that God will be bless these families at this time."

The kidnapping came after five friends had rented a van and traveled to Brownsville, Texas. One member of the group, Latavia McGee, was going to Matamoros for cosmetic surgery.

The fifth friend, Cheryl Orange, stayed behind in a Brownsville motel while the others crossed the border March 3 to take McGee to her surgical appointment. Accompanying her were Zindell Brown, Shaeed Woodard and Eric Williams. Brown and Woodard died in the attack. Williams was shot.

Orange told The Associated Press in a text message that her three friends were supposed to return within 15 minutes of dropping off McGee for the surgery. When they didn't return, Orange notified Brownsville police.

"She simply went for a cosmetic surgery, and that's all. That's all and this happened to them," Orange texted.

The group encountered drug cartel factions as they entered Matamoros, Mexican authorities reported. They were fired upon and crashed. They then were pulled out of their rented van and hauled away in a pickup.

Mexican authorities on March 7 found the Americans stowed at a wooden shack east of Matamoros. The bodies of Brown and Woodard were found outside. Williams and McGee were found inside.

The survivors and bodies of the slain have been returned to the United States.

Inside the service at the church in Scranton, a small town in southern Florence County, deacon Frank Burgess of St. Matthew Holiness Church in Lake City said of the families of the victims: "When they're mourning, I'm mourning."

"That's the reason why I'm here tonight," Burgess said. "I'm not only here for myself, but I know what prayer will do, especially if we come together."

Burgess yielded the pulpit to John Singletary, an elder at Word of God who delivered a 4-minute, 5-second prayer. His voice projected loud enough to be heard in all corners of the building.

Over those minutes, Singletary drew applause and responding cries of "Amen" as he forcefully prayed for peace and understanding amid the confusion that has reigned in Lake City and beyond over the kidnappings and killings.

"Father, for your word declares, oh God, that when one rejoice, we all should rejoice."

Amen.

"And the word also declares that when one weeps, we should all weep."

Amen.

"So Father, we come tonight, God, at this prayer vigil, oh Lord, Father God, we are rejoicing, oh God, God, for the lives that were found."

Amen.

"And Father God, we are weeping oh Lord, Father God, with the lives that were lost. And God we are asking you in the name of Jesus, oh God, to do like only you can."

Journalists from across the state and nation traveled to attend the vigil.

The horrifying incident in Matamoros prompted what could be the most national attention Lake City has seen since the death of native son Ronald McNair, who was aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger when it broke apart in flight on Jan. 28, 1986.

McNair is heavily memorialized in his hometown, with a junior high school and stretch of U.S. Highway 52 named in his honor. His remains are interred at a memorial park next to the Lake City Public Library.

And just as McNair's death precipitated change at the federal level, so might the deaths of Woodard and Brown.

Gov. Henry McMaster on March 9 called the two hostages deaths tragic and said he has been in touch with law enforcement about the investigation. McMaster said he has not been in touch with the victims families.

He blamed the Biden administrations border policies for the incident.

The Mexican government has also been taken hostage by these cartels, which have gotten stronger and stronger as our border has become wide open, the governor said. The responsibility for that lies directly at the feet of the Biden administration, which has done nothing to stop the flow into this country. The cartels will get more brazen.

His comments came in response to the deadly kidnapping that happened on Mexican soil.

Shortly after speaking with family members of the four South Carolinians involved in the Matamoros incident, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham a day earlier said that he plans to introduce legislation to designate Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

"Drug cartels in Mexico have been terrorizing Americans for decades," Graham said during a press conference. "We're going to unleash the fury and might of the United States against these cartels. We're going to destroy their business model and their lifestyle because our national security and the security of the United States as a whole depends on us taking decisive action."

In addition to the bill designating cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, Graham said he would introduce an authorization for the U.S. military to use force to destroy cartel laboratories and networks.

Graham stood next to a display board listing nine Mexican drug cartels to be designated foreign terrorist organizations, including the Gulf Cartel. That cartel is based out of Matamoros, a city of 540,000 in the northeastern Mexican state of Tamaulipas just south of Brownsville, Texas.

Tamaulipas is one of six Mexican states the U.S. State Department recommends Americans not travel to due to heavy incidence of crime and kidnapping in the area.

Someone claiming to be the Mexican drug cartel allegedly responsible for the abduction of the four Americans has condemned the violence and purportedly turned over its own members who were involved to authorities.

A person said to be involved with the Gulf cartel released a letter stating that the criminal organization has condemned the violence and turned over those responsible to Mexican authorities. The letter, given to the AP through a Tamaulipas state law enforcement source, states that the Scorpions faction of the cartel allegedly responsible for the deadly incident apologized to the residents of Matamoros, a Mexican woman who also died in the shooting, and the four Americans and their families.

Drug cartels have been known to issue statements to intimidate rivals and authorities, but also at times in public relations efforts to try to smooth over situations that could affect their business.

"We have decided to turn over those who were directly involved and responsible in the events, who at all times acted under their own decision-making and lack of discipline," the letter reads, adding that those individuals had gone against the cartel's rules, which include "respecting the life and well-being of the innocent."

A state security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said five men had been found tied up inside one of the vehicles that authorities had been searching for, along with the letter.

Alexander Thompson contributed from Columbia. The Associated Press also contributed to this report.
Goose Creek, SC (29445)

Today

Thunderstorms early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low near 55F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low near 55F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
The Nigerian government has asked a London High Court to deliver judgement in its favour in the controversial Process and Industrial Developments (P&ID) gas deal.

The government in closing arguments at a trial earlier in the week urged the court to overturn an arbitration award in favour of P&ID which has now accrued interest worth $11 billion.

The company claimed it entered into an agreement with Nigeria to build a gas processing plant but the deal collapsed because the Nigerian government did not fulfil its end of the bargain.

But Nigerias lawyer, Mark Howard, told the court that P&ID obtained its contract by telling repeated lies and paying bribes to officials.

Mr Howard alleged that the company financially induced top Nigerian government officials including those who chaired the government technical committee that reviewed the gas plant contract and several others.

He alleged also that lawyers in the Nigerian team during the arbitration proceedings were bribed.

Background

The P&ID controversy dates back to January 2010 when the company signed a gas supply and processing agreement with the Ministry of Petroleum Resources on behalf of the Nigerian government.

Under the terms of the agreement, P&ID was to build and operate an Accelerated Gas Development project to be located at Adiabo in the Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State. The Nigerian government was to source natural gas from oil mining leases (OMLs) 123 and 67 operated by Addax Petroleum and supply to P&ID to refine into fuel suitable for power generation in the country.

However, P&ID alleged that after signing the agreement, the Nigerian government reneged on its obligation after negotiations were opened with the Cross River State government for the allocation of land for the project.

It added that attempts to settle out-of-court with the Nigerian government failed.

Trial

In its argument, the Nigerian government said that there is a picture of industrial-scale bribery and corruption with regard to the contract.

This was not some incidental, minor contract on the side. It was fundamental to P&IDs way of doing business, Nigerias lawyer argued.

He added that the firm had real-time access to Nigerias privileged materials, many of which were obtained through back-channels.

The Nigerian government accused the firm of suppressing vital evidence, bribery, and perjury among others to win the arbitration.

The two lawyers who acted for P&ID in the arbitration proceedings, Trevor Burke and Seamus Andrew, were also accused of breaching their obligations to the court by ignoring evidence of their clients corruption.

As with the corrupted officials and legal advisors of FRN, so too was the integrity of Mr Andrew and Mr Burke compromised, Mr Howard submitted.

They were offered life-changing sums of money, contingent upon success in the claim, which induced them to look past evidence of blatant corruption (most obviously in the form of the FRN privileged documents) in the hope of reaching their promised pots of gold. They did so at the expense of their professional obligations.

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The catchphrase Yes, Father has gained currency in Benue State as a maverick Roman Catholic priest bids to dislodge the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from power in the state.

Hyacinth Alia, 56, ditched his cassock last year and emerged as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

The PDP has ruled the North-central state since the return of democracy in 1999, except in 2015 when the incumbent governor, Samuel Ortom, was elected on the platform of the APC. But Mr Ortom 2018 returned to the PDP which had denied him its governorship ticket in 2015 and was reelected on the partys ticket.

Emmanuel Jime, a former member of the House of Representatives, flew APCs flag in 2019 but failed to recapture the governors seat for his party.

For the 11 March governorship poll, Mr Alia is locking horns with Titus Uba, PDPs flagbearer and the current Speaker of the state House of Assembly.

Although there are other candidates like Herman Hembe (LP), Joseph Waya (APGA), Bem Angwe (NNPP) and James Mede (SDP), the political barometer shows the contest is squarely between Messrs Alia and Uba.

Alia and Ubas emergence

When Mr Alia expressed his partisan interest, in line with its Canon laws, the Catholic Church in Benue suspended him from his eucharistic duties.

But he soldiered on and clinched APCs ticket with the tacit support of George Akume, a former governor and current minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Mr Alias emergence triggered a multiplicity of suits from other aspirants, including a former Attorney-General of the Federation, Michael Aondoakaa, a veteran politician, Barnabas Gemade; and Terhemba Shija, a professor. But the Supreme Court affirmed the priests candidacy on 17 February, clearing the coast for his participation in Saturdays showdown.

Interestingly, Messrs Alia and Uba both hail from Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue North-east senatorial zone.

Unlike the APCs flagbearer whose candidacy emerged through a direct mode of primary election, Mr Ubas candidature was a product of a micro-zoning arrangement in the PDP within the Zone A senatorial district. The development pitched Mr Uba against the states deputy governor, Benson Abounu, who is from Benue South senatorial zone.

Following Mr Ubas victory over Mr Abounu, Mr Ortoms former chief of staff, Terwase Orbunde, defected to the APC. Another key contender for the PDP ticket, Dennis Ityavyar, a professor, resigned from his duty post as education commissioner. Mr Ityavyar had been said to be Mr Ortoms preferred aspirant.

PDP stalwarts said Mr Uba was Iyorchia Ayu, the PDP National Chairmans preferred candidate.

The Ortom-Ayu war

Governor Ortoms long-drawn battle with Mr Ayu had its impact on the outcome of the presidential and National Assembly elections of 25 February in the state. The PDP lost the presidential election and two senatorial seats to the APC.

The governor and the national leadership of the party had been on a warpath following Atiku Abubakars emergence as its presidential flagbearer. Mr Ortom belongs to a group of five dissident governors of the PDP, the G5. They have been clamouring for Mr Ayus resignation on the grounds that he and Atiku come from the northern region.

Mr Ortom, who had declared his support for Labour Partys presidential candidate Peter Obi, lost his bid to represent Benue North-west senatorial district.

Similarly, a former governor of the state, Gabriel Suswam, lost his reelection bid for Benue North-east senatorial zone.

The height of the political upset was the victory of APCs presidential standard-bearer and president-elect, Bola Tinubu, in Benue.

Some stalwarts of the PDP blame the losses on Mr Ortoms conflict with Mr Ayu. They are of the view that Mr Suswams supporters would work against Mr Ubas interest at the polls.

Determinants in the polls

As the Benue electorate head to the polls, a number of issues will be tugging at their hearts as they cast their ballots.

Irregular payment of civil servants salaries and a humongous backlog of pensions have blighted Mr Ortoms eight-year rule.

The near collapse of public primary and secondary education, especially in rural areas of the state, and the displacement of Benue citizens from their ancestral homesteads, remain key issues during the elections.

A Nigerian-born U.S.-based professor of political science, Pita Agbese, believes Mr Ortoms awful leadership,his refusal to pay salaries and pensions benefits, will doom any candidate chosen by him.

In a conversation with PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Agbese said the Ortom-led administration had no infrastructural development of any kind. Roads are in a complete state of disrepair even as new ones were not built. Schools are in shambles with many of them having leaking roofs and crumbling walls. No hospital was built anywhere in the state.

Mr Agbese, a fierce critic of Mr Ortoms government, said Mr Alias candidacy in the polls is a complete repudiation of everything Ortom.

Gauging the political temperature in Benue, the varsity don said the 25 February presidential and National Assembly elections were a pointer to Mr Ubas defeat at the polls.

He noted that PDPs loss of two senatorial seats and 11 out of 12 seats at the House of Representatives to the APC shows Mr Ubas imminent defeat.

This complete and utter rejection of the PDP by Benue voters should worry Ortom and Uba.

Since 2017, sentiments of Fulani herders attacks on agrarian communities dominated public discourse in Benue. It was a major campaign issue during the presidential election, owing to the huge number of displaced persons living in squalid conditions across the state.

Ortoms usual bogeyman, Fulani terrorists, is not working the magic it did for him four years ago, Mr Agbese said of the president-elects victory in Benue despite the anti-APC sentiments largely driven by PDP supporters.

APCs organising secretary in Benue, James Ornguga, naturally agreed with Mr Agbese that Mr Alia and APCs chances at the polls are quite bright.

Mr Ornguga, a staunch APC mobiliser in the state, argued that the Catholic priest embodies the yearning of a new Benue of progress and development.

He boasted of Mr Alias popularity across sociopolitical and ethnic divides of the state. For him, Saturdays election will be a celebration of democracy for Benue residents whom he said good governance had eluded for nearly eight years.

Mr Ornguga said the APC governorship candidate would win the election.

But, PDPs publicity secretary in Benue, Bemgba Iortyom, insisted Mr Uba is the candidate to beat.

Mr Iortyom described the PDP governorship candidate as a tested and trusted leader in the state going by his position as Speaker of the State House of Assembly.

He attributed landmark achievements to the Ortom administration in the areas of infrastructure and human resource development.

He dismissed public criticisms on issues of salaries and pensions backlogs, saying the problems were inherited from the Suswam regime.

In the build-up to the 2015 general elections, Mr Ortom as a candidate of the APC pledged to redress Mr Suswams failure to pay workers salaries and pensions.

But sooner than later, Mr Ortom was bitten by the unpaid salary bug, accumulating several months of salaries, especially for primary school teachers.

But another PDP mobiliser, John Ikwulono, said Mr Uba is acceptable across Benue.

He trashed APCs victory in the presidential election. Mr Ikwulono, who was a deputy local government chairman of Agatu, argued that the issues during the presidential election were different from the forthcoming state elections.

The issue of insecurity, for instance, dominated the presidential election because it is the sole duty of the federal government to protect lives and properties, which the APC-led government failed to live up to, Mr Ikwulono said.

He said Mr Uba holds the key to a greater Benue, expressing optimism for the PDPs success on Saturday.

Saturdays showdown may throw up two scenarios  APCs 2015 victory and Benues 1992 governorship mandate.

Mr Ortoms populist campaign in 2015 catapulted him into the Government House, due to PDPs imposition of Terhemen Tarzoor (Nigerias High Commissioner to Namibia), as the partys governorship candidate despite being unpopular.

Thirty years ago, Moses Adasu, a Roman Catholic priest, won Benues governorship election, but his government was short-lived as it was sacked by the Sani Abacha military junta in 1993.

For Saturday, 11 March, it will either be a test case for the buzzwords  Yes, Father  to translate to the highest number of votes for Mr Alia to enable him to attend to the urgent needs of development or elect Mr Uba, an engineer for Benues social re-engineering.

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The struggle for the creation of Ebonyi State from Abia and Enugu states brought the people of Afikpo and Abakaliki together on a common mission of what they called political emancipation.

The Afikpo bloc consists of five local government areas in their new state today, namely Afikpo North, Afikpo South, Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo. They now constitute Ebonyi South Senatorial Zone.

The Abakaliki bloc now has eight local government areas spread across two senatorial zones. They are Ebonyi North comprising of Izzi, Abakaliki, Ebonyi and Ohaukwu local government areas; and Ebonyi Central which has Ezza North, Ezza South, Ikwo and Ishielu local government areas.

However, two power blocs have formed in Ebonyi South, namely Afikpo and Ohanivo. The Afikpo bloc is made up of Afikpo North and Afikpo South local government areas, which used to be one Afikpo local government area in the old Imo and Abia states before the creation of Ebonyi State.

The Ohanivo bloc includes Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo local government areas which were once the old Ohaozara local government area in the old Imo and Abia states before the creation of Ebonyi State

The two blocs have a Federal House Of Representatives Constituency each, namely Afikpo North/South and Ohaozara/Onicha/Igbo.

But in Abakaliki, it is not that straight forward. The zone is subdivided into clans rather than political blocs.The clans are Ezzaezekuna (Ezza), Ikwo Noyo(Ikwo), Izzi Nnodo (Izzi), Ngbo/Izzia, Igbo-Esa, Korri and Agba.

Now, Ezza, Ikwo and Izzi are the three biggest clans in the Abakalikii bloc and are seen as the major clans while the rest are seen as minority clans.

Geographically, the Ezzas are in Ezza South and Ezza North local government areas and make up a sizable percentage of Ishielu local government area. They share the local government area with Igbo-Esa, Agba and Korri clans. They are also one half of Effum town, one of the three major towns in Ohaukwu local government area. However, due to their nomadic nature, there are minority Ezza communities in virtually almost all the local government areas in the state

Ngbo/Izhia clans are predominantly in Ezzamgbo and Ngbo towns, the other two major towns in Ohaukwu local government. The Korri are also found in Effium town with a sprinkling in a few other places, while Agba people are predominantly found in Agba town in Ishielu local government area.

The Izzi are the predominant clan in Izzi, Abakaliki and Ebonyi local government areas in Ebonyi North.

Charter of Equity

In the runup to the 2015 general elections, a former governor of the state, Martin Elechi, said though the founding fathers of the state who led the push for the states creation drafted a charter of Equity, they did not get around to signing and ratifying it. Mr Elechi, who hails from Ikwo local government area, led the founding fathers to push for the states creation.

However, Abakaliki and Afikpo have a gentlemans agreement to share and rotate power between their two blocs. They agreed that whenever one bloc gets the governorship position, the deputy will go to the other bloc. For example, Governor David Umahi is from Ohaozara in Ebonyi South (Afikpo bloc) while his deputy, Kelechi Igwe, is from Ikwo (Abakaliki bloc).

Mr Elechi is from Ikwo while his two deputy governors, Chigozie Ogbu (2007-2011) and Mr Umahi (2011-2015) are from Onicha and Ohaozara respectively all in Afikpo bloc.

With the Abakaliki bloc having two senatorial zones, one of the zones which didnt get the deputy governorship or governorship position always gets the third highest political position in the state, which is the Speaker of the state House of Assembly.

In 1999, Sam Egwu from the Ngbo/Izhia clan took the governorship position. After him, Mr Elechi from Ikwo served two terms before handing over to Mr Umahi from Ebonyi South zone. With Mr Umahi set to complete his second term in May, it was expected that power rotation among the three zones would start afresh since the three zones have had their turns.

However, there arose controversy, division and disagreement over where the new cycle of rotation should start from. Note that the previous arrangement was made easy by the fact that the PDP was the dominant party in the state. However, the defection of Governor Umahi to the APC meant the PDP lost control of the state and became an opposition party. It, however, retained a larger proportion of stakeholders who control the localities.

For Saturdays election, the PDP surprisingly nominated Ifeanyi Odii, from Onicha in Ebonyi South as its candidate against the charter of equity and gentlemans agreement the zones had.

On the other hand, the APC nominated Francis Nwifuru, the current Speaker of Ebonyi House of Assembly while the All Progressive Grand Alliance chose Bernard Odoh who is from Ezza North in Ebonyi Central.

This meant that the three zones each has a candidate in the election.

The candidature of Mr Odii has been faulted by the Abakaliki bloc who have a larger number of the voters. Their grouse is that he is not only from the South but also from Ohanivo bloc where the present governor comes from.

Their argument is that even if the rotation is to start from the South, the Afikpo bloc should take it.

However, in the Abakaliki bloc, the emergence of Messrs Odoh and Nwifuru is seen as an opportunity for the PDP and Odoii to clinch the seat. This is because the two candidates are expected to divide the votes of Abakaliki bloc and help Mr Odii to emerge victorious if he can garner majority of the votes in Ebonyi South zone and some votes from minority clans in the Abakaliki bloc.

The Izzi, in backing Mr Nwifuru, argue that since the rotation started from Ebonyi North, it should re-start from the zone and that means the clan should produce the next governor since Ngbo/Izhia has had its turn The Ezza clan, however, disagrees, arguing that since it is a new cycle, it can start from any of the two zones, hence their decision to back their son, Bernard Odoh.

The Candidates

Mr Nwifuru, who represents Izzi West constituency in the State House of Assembly, is a core loyalist of Governor Umahi. He has been the Speaker of the Assembly for seven years now.

The zoning permutation favours him and his party. The APC with the prodding of Mr Umahi shared all the positions equitably. It zoned the deputy governorship to Afikpo and the senatorial seat to Ohanivo in the South.The party gave the speakership position to the Central zone, while zoning the Senate seat to Ezza clan and the House of Representatives seat to Ikwo.

Mr Nwifuru is seen as the anointed successor of Governor Umahi, a toga he has laboured to wean himself of, insisting that he is an independent mind who will not be controlled by the outgoing governor if voted in.

His party did well in the National assembly election but that cannot be the yardstick for determining who will win the governorship.

PDP

The PDP is battling to stay in touch with APGA and the APC in Ebonyi State. The party lost the governorship seat for the first time in its history in Ebonyi in 2020 when Governor David Umahi decamped to the APC. However, the party remains strong in the state as it has eight of the nine National Assembly members from the state and more than one-third of the state Assembly members who refused to defect with the governor.

However the PDP was soon beset with infighting in the lead up to the primaries. The situation worsened after the primaries as those who lost out decamped to the APC, APGA or LP.

A few others who stayed back also vowed to work against the party from within in the presidential and National Assembly elections. The result was a total rout of the PDP in the elections. It won only one National Assembly seat while its presidential candidate came third in the state behind the Labour Party and APC candidates.

In the senatorial election, the APC cleared the three seats up for grabs. The APC also won three of the six House of Representatives seats already announced. The PDP managed to get the Afikpo North/South federal constituency seat while the Labour party got the other one with one seat yet to be announced.

Although APGA did not get any seat, its senatorial candidate convincingly won Ezza North council which is the stronghold of its governorship candidate.

It is believed that Ezza North/Ishielu constituency election which has not been announced will likely be won by the party as its lead seems too large to be overturned by the other parties.

Alarmed by the results, the PDP and its governorship candidate, Ifeanyi Odii, have been scrambling throughout last week to steady their sinking ship.

Mr Odii has since Monday been meeting various stakeholders of the party from the various local government areas in the state on the way forward.

The APC, led by Senator-elect for Ebonyi South and incumbent governor, Mr Umahi, though upbeat and buoyed by the results, has also been holding several meetings and re-strategising ahead of the Saturday elections.

The partys chairman, Stanley Emegha, said that it cannot afford to rest on its oars as it was evident from the presidential and National Assembly election that the Labour Party and APGA are a strong force in the state.

From the look of things, it appears that the APGA candidate, Mr Odoh, is poised to win at least three of the four local governments in Ebonyi Central zone.

The Ebonyi North zone, if the results are to be believed, is totally APC, while in the South, APC and PDP may share the spoils.

The implications of this is that the APC may have the day.

The ouster of LP popular governorship aspirant, Edward Nkwegu, at the Supreme Court during the week has dampened the growing popularity of the party.

The court-declared candidate of the party is an unknown quantity, hence the party is not expected to do well in the election.

However, Mr Odii and the PDP may spring surprises at the election. This is because many Labour party candidates and stakeholders are former PDP members who left the PDP after its acrimonious primaries.

Many of them, who enjoyed the support of some PDP stakeholders during last weeks election, are set to return the favour to the PDP in the governorship election.

That notwithstanding, the feeling now in the state is that the election is that of the APC and its candidate, Mr Nwifuru, to lose.

Mr Nwifuru is also boosted by the zoning formula in the state, which greatly favours him and his party.

He is from Ebonyi North, the zone which last produced the governor some 24 years ago. Since then, the other two zones took their turns in Mr Elechi (Central) and Mr Umahi (South).

Many in the state believe it is Ebonyi Norths turn. The PDP candidate, Mr Odii is from South which will be completing its turn in May, with many saying it will amount to great injustice to Ebonyi North if he were to win.

Despite the permutations and arguments, the election may go down as the tightest in the history of Ebonyi State and the result may signal a turning point in the political development of the state.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has postponed the governorship and state houses of assembly elections by one week.

The elections earlier scheduled for Saturday 11 March will now hold on Saturday 18 March, the commission said in a statement by its spokesperson, Festus Okoye, on Wednesday night.

The first round of the elections  the presidential and national assembly elections  held as scheduled on 25th February.

The statement said the postponement was to make for adequate timing to reconfigure the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) ahead of the governorship and state assembly polls.

The Presidential Election Tribunal had restrained the commission from tampering with all sensitive materials including the BVAS  used in the conduct of the presidential election following the request by the the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, respectively, who rejected the outcome of the presidential election.

The opposition candidates, who came second and third respectively, rejected the emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Tinubu, as winner of the election and called for the conduct of another round of elections or be declared the winner.

In preparation of a suit to challenge the outcome, they approached the court seeking permission to inspect all sensitive materials and restrain INEC from tampering with them.

While INEC approached the court on Monday to seek permission to reconfigure the BVAS, the request was only granted on Wednesday, two days to the initial date of the governorship election.

While the ruling of the Tribunal makes it possible for the Commission to commence the preparation of the BVAS for the Governorship and State Assembly elections, it has come far too late for the reconfiguration to be concluded, Mr Okoye said in Wednesdays statement.

Consequently, the Commission has taken the difficult but necessary decision to reschedule the Governorship and State Assembly elections which will now take place on Saturday 18th March 2023. By this decision, campaigns will continue until midnight of Thursday 16th March 2023 i.e. 24 hours before the new date for the election.

INEC said the decision was taken to ensure that there is adequate time to back up the data stored on the over 176,000 BVAS machines from the Presidential and National Assembly elections and then to reconfigure them for the Governorship and State Assembly elections.

The commission, however, stated that it is not against any litigants inspecting the election materials, promising to grant them all the access they require to pursue their cases in court.

However, we wish to reiterate that the Commission is not against litigants inspecting election materials. Consequently, it will continue to grant all litigants access to the materials they require to pursue their cases in court.

We wish to reassure all political parties and candidates that the data from the Presidential and National Assembly elections will be backed up and available in INEC cloud facilities, including the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV). Political parties can apply for Certified True Copies of the backend data of the BVAS. Also, the results on the BVAS will continue to be available on the IReV for interested parties to access.

But for the latest postponement, the 2023 general election would have gone down in history as the first election held as scheduled since 2015.

In 2015, INEC postponed the elections by six weeks when the security agencies stated that they were embarking on a six-week special operation against Boko Haram insurgents in the North-east and would not be available for the elections.

In 2019, the election was postponed hours to the commencement of the election, due to logistics and operational problems.

Read the full statement by INEC below.

INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION PRESS RELEASE RESCHEDULING OF GOVERNORSHIP AND STATE HOUSES OF ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS

Following todays ruling by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (EPT) on the reconfiguration of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) used for the Presidential election held on 25th February 2023, the Commission met to assess its impact on the Commissions preparations for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections scheduled for Saturday, 11th March 2023.

Nigerians would recall that on 3rd March 2023, the Presidential EPT had given an ex-parte order for some political parties to inspect materials used for the Presidential election, including the forensic inspection of over 176,000 BVAS used in the election which are located in INEC LGA offices across the country.

The Commission approached the Tribunal to reconsider the order, given that the BVAS Systems were to be deployed for the Governorship and State Assembly elections and that the lack of a clearly defined timeframe for the inspection could disrupt the Commissions ability to conduct the outstanding elections. For instance, the BVAS can only be activated on the specific date and time of an election.

Having been used for the Presidential and National Assembly elections on 25th February 2023, it is necessary to reconfigure the BVAS for activation on the date of the Governorship and State Assembly elections.

While the ruling of the Tribunal makes it possible for the Commission to commence the preparation of the BVAS for the Governorship and State Assembly elections, it has come far too late for the reconfiguration to be concluded. Consequently, the Commission has taken the difficult but necessary decision to reschedule the Governorship and State Assembly elections which will now take place on Saturday 18th March 2023. By this decision, campaigns will continue until midnight of Thursday 16th March 2023 i.e. 24 hours before the new date for the election.

This decision has not been taken lightly but it is necessary to ensure that there is adequate time to back up the data stored on the over 176,000 BVAS machines from the Presidential and National Assembly elections held on 25th February 2023 and then to reconfigure them for the Governorship and State Assembly elections.

This has been the practice for all elections, including the period when the Commission was using the Smart Card Readers. However, we wish to reiterate that the Commission is not against litigants inspecting election materials.

Consequently, it will continue to grant all litigants access to the materials they require to pursue their cases in court. We wish to reassure all political parties and candidates that the data from the Presidential and National Assembly elections will be backed up and available in INEC cloud facilities, including the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV).

Political parties can apply for Certified True Copies of the backend data of the BVAS. Also, the results on the BVAS will continue to be available on the IReV for interested parties to access.

We thank Nigerians and friends of Nigeria for their understanding as we continue to deal with these difficult issues and navigate these challenging times. Barr. Festus Okoye National Commissioner & Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee Wednesday 8th March 2023

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

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Two women have died after a Lagos State government staff bus was crushed by a moving train at PWD/Shogunle in Ikeja on Thursday.

According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), several staff members of the state government were injured in the incident.

Two adult female staff of the State Government dead and several injured evacuated.

The state government staff bus was trying to cross the PWD/Sogunle rail crossing while the train coming into Lagos from Abeokuta trapped the bus on its rail, NEMA said in an update.

Reckless driving

Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, in a statement said their investigation revealed that the cause of the accident was reckless driving of the staff bus driver.

Investigation gathered revealed that the immediate cause of the incident was due to reckless driving on the part of the BRT bus driver while trying to beat the train traffic signal before the moving train rammed into the BRT bus, the statement reads.

Unfortunately, two adults were confirmed dead and several people seriously injured.

The injured victims have been administered first aid treatment by the agencys medical team (paramedics) and LASAMBUS officials, well stabilized and being transported to the trauma center at LASUTH Ikeja for further treatment.

The agencys LRT at Cappa alongside LRT at C3, LRU paramedics at C3, Onipanu, Cappa, LASAMBUS officials, Nigeria Police Force, LASTMA, LNSC and Nigerian Army are responders present at the scene of incident.

More Pictures:

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Troops of 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Calabar, deployed for Operation Akpakwu, have rescued the Commissioner for Women Affairs in Cross River State, Gertrude Njar, from captivity.

The spokesperson of the brigade, Dorcas Aluko, a captain, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Calabar.

The commissioner was kidnapped on 1 February in Mayne Avenue area, Calabar South. It is unclear when the rescue operation took place.

Acting on actionable intelligence on the victims whereabouts, troops laid a tacit ambush for the kidnappers around Peter Effiong Creek, Messembe, Jebs.

The gallant troops tactically sprung an ambush to take the kidnappers by surprise, while on a search of the victim.

In the ensuing melee, the criminals abandoned the victim and fled into the creeks, Aluko said.

She added that the troops were on the trail of the fleeing criminals.

According to Aluko, the victim was receiving medical treatment, after which she would be discharged.

READ ALSO: APC to challenge its Cross River North defeat in court

The Commander 13 Brigade Nigerian Army commends troops for their gallantry and urges them to sustain the tempo against all criminal elements in the Brigades Area of Responsibility.

Members of the public are also encouraged to continue providing timely and accurate information on criminal activities within their vicinities, the spokesperson said.

(NAN)

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The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyanya, Abuja, has sentenced a businesswoman, Mercy Yusuf, to 10 years imprisonment for a fraud involving a multi-million-naira property.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said in a statement on Thursday that the court convicted and jailed Ms Yusuf on Tuesday.

In the statement signed by its spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, EFCC said Ms Yusuf was convicted alongside her company, M Properties Limited, on the charges of fraudulently obtaining $298,000 and N40million from another firm, Bacab Properties Limited.

The statement said Ms obtained the money from the victim under the false pretence that she was the beneficial owner of Plot 1721 Jahi District Cadastral Zone B08, Abuja.

The judge, E. Okpe according to the EFCC, held that the prosecution had proved the case with four counts against the defendants beyond reasonable doubt.

The court therefore convicted the defendants on all the counts and sentenced them to 10 years imprisonment on counts 1 and 2, and two years imprisonment on counts 3 and 4.

The sentences are, however, to run concurrently, implying that Ms Yusuf will be in jail for a period of 10 years being the longest prison time imposed by the judge.

The court further ordered the convicts to make restitution in the sum of $298,000 and N41 million to the nominal complainant.

READ EFCCS FULL STATEMENT

Justice E. Okpe of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Nyanya, Abuja on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 convicted and sentenced a property owner, Mercy Yusuf and her company, T.M Properties Limited to 24 years in prison for fraudulently obtaining the sum of $298,000 (Two Hundred and Ninety Eight Thousand United States Dollars) and N40 million ( Forty Million Naira) from Bacab Properties Limited under the false pretence that she was the beneficial owner of Plot 1721 Jahi District Cadastral Zone B08, Abuja.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC had on October 20, 2021 arraigned the convicts on a four counts charge that bordered on obtaining money by false pretence, forgery and using false documents as genuine. They had pleaded not guilty to the charges, prompting the commencement of trial.

In the course of the trial which commenced on February 1, 2022, the prosecution called six witnesses and tendered 14 documents that were admitted in evidence as exhibits. At the close of the prosecutions case, the defendants opened their defence on November 1, 2022, with the first defendant testifying on behalf of herself and the 2nd defendant.

The Final written addresses were adopted by the prosecution and defence on March 6, 2023 and the matter was adjourned to March 7, 2023 for judgment.

Delivering Judgment on Tuesday, March 7, Justice Okpe held that the prosecution had proved the case against the defendants beyond reasonable doubt. The court therefore convicted the defendants on all the counts and sentenced them to 10 years imprisonment on counts 1 and 2, and two years imprisonment on counts 3 and 4.

The sentences are, however, to run concurrently. The court further ordered the convicts to make restitution in the sum of $298,000 (Two Hundred and Ninety Eight Thousand United States Dollars) and N41 million to the nominal complainant.

Wilson Uwujaren

Head, Media & Publicity

09/03/2023

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There are strong indications that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will postpone the Governorship and States Houses of Assembly elections scheduled to hold on Saturday, 11 March.

Multiple sources hinted on Wednesday night that the elections may be shifted by one week to 18 March.

The election is the second round of the 2023 General election that started with the presidential and national assembly election conducted on 25 February.

The postponement, which is yet to be confirmed, may not be unconnected to the commissions inability to reconfigure the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) machines ahead of Saturdays election due to a court order.

The commission was still meeting at its headquarters in Abuja at the time of this report.

INECs National Commissioner for Voter Education, Festus Okoye, did not respond to calls placed to his line and a text message request for clarification.

The Court of Appeal had granted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP) and their respective candidates, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obis request to inspect all sensitive materials used in the conduct of the recent presidential election.

Both the PDP and LP have rejected the election which INEC declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Tinubu, as winner. They called for the conduct of another round of elections.

In preparation of a suit to challenge the outcome, they approached the court seeking permission to inspect all sensitive materials.

The court also restrained INEC from tampering with them.

While INEC approached the Court on Monday to seek permission to reconfigure the BVAS, the request was only granted today (Wednesday), two days to the election.

The presidential election left Nigerians dissatisfied with logistical and technical challenges denting the smooth conduct of the elections in many part of the country. The major glitch was the failure of the commission to upload all polling units results to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) Portal.

Preliminary reports of several observer groups have also noted that the commission performed below expectation, in an election many hoped will be a game changer in the countrys electoral history.

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

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President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Nigeria on Wednesday after a four-day trip to Doha, Qatar, where he participated in the 5th United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, LCDs.

At the UN conference in Doha, Mr Buhari joined the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, and other world leaders to mobilise political will, solidarity and actions to transform LCDs.

The conference was aimed at finding sustainable solutions to the challenges of poverty, food insecurity, hunger, weak infrastructure, poor health facilities and climate change, among other problems.

The president, as usual, used the opportunity of the trip to foster closer relations with foreign leaders and promote the nations engagements at regional and global level.

He also met with Nigerian professionals residing in Qatar.

On arrival in Katsina, Mr Buhari was received at the Umaru Musa YarAdua International Airport by Governor Aminu Masari and his cabinet members and he proceeded to his hometown, Daura, via a chopper.

Garba Shehu, Mr Buharis spokesperson, in a statement on Wednesday, said the Emir of Daura, Faruk Umar Faruk and members of the Emirate Council were at the helipad to welcome the president.

Mr Shehu said the president would remain in Daura until after the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.

(NAN)

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The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, has a substantive Vice Chancellor.

Olusola Kehinde, an alumnus of the University of Ibadan and Professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics, has been ratified by the institutions Senate as the institutions seventh substantive vice-chancellor.

The appointment, according to the university, was confirmed at a special meeting of the Governing Council, which was held on 7th March.

According to a release signed by the Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Bola Adekola, and made available to journalists by the Head, Directorate of Public Relations, Kola Adepoju, Mr Kehindes appointment follows a keenly contested competition for the position.

Mr Kehinde was said to have emerged as the best among 14 candidates who jostled for the position.

Promises

The universitys Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Umar Ahmed, while announcing the appointment was said to have charged the new helmsman to work assiduously to uplift the standard of the institution and ensure that the university continues to soar higher globally.

In his response, Mr Kehinde was said to have appreciated the council for finding him worthy of the appointment and the trust reposed in him.

He promised to implement all the programmes highlighted in his vision document presented during the appointment process.

He also promised to keep promoting peace, quality and cutting-edge researches by putting in all his energies to make FUNAAB a 21st Century university in a short time.

New VCs profile

Born on 22nd December, 1964, Mr Kehinde, a native of Gbagura, Abeokuta North Local Government Area (LGA), attended Abeokuta Grammar School, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta South LGA from 1976 to 1981.

He later proceeded to Ogun State Polytechnic (now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic), Ojere where he obtained his Higher School Certificate (HSC).

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The new vice-chancellor was awarded a Bachelor and Master of Science Degree in Agricultural Biology as well as a Doctor of Philosophy (Plant Breeding and Genetics) from University of Ibadan, in 1987, 1990 and 1994 respectively.

He joined FUNAAB as an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Plant Breeding and Science Technology in 1994 and rose through the ranks to become a Professor on 1st October, 2007.

A former Dean, College of Plant Science and Crop Production between 2009 and 2011, Mr Kehinde was in 2021 appointed the universitys Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development). He was also appointed an acting Vice-Chancellor of the institution at the expiration of the tenure of his predecessor.

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Advocates for inclusive democracy have expressed concerns about the low number of women, youth and persons with disabilities elected into the National Assembly.

They raised the concerns on Thursday during a workshop organised by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) on the outcome of the 25 February presidential and National Assembly elections.

The theme of the workshop was Reflection on inclusive practices of political parties in the 2023 Presidential and National Assembly Elections: Implication for future.

The event featured presentations by different civil society organisations working on inclusive democracy.

The results of the elections showed a general decline in female representations at the National Assembly.

Although women representation in the 360-member House of Representatives increased by two from 13 (3.6 per cent) in the current 9th session to 15 in the recent elections, it declined in the 109-member Senate from eight (7.3 per cent) to three.

Speaking on the decline in the number of women elected into the federal parliament, the Director of Democracy and Governance at the National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Adewale Aderemi, said democracy is not complete unless it is inclusive.

He stated that there is a relapse in terms of representation of these (vulnerable) groups that we have mentioned in the coming government.

Mr Aderemi, a professor, announced that there is an ongoing effort by NILDS and WFD to develop a scientific framework to determine inclusion by political parties.

We seek to work with political parties to develop scientific parameters for measuring inclusivity in all the political parties. If your party is not measuring up, with evidence, we can look you in the eyes and say that your practices are not inclusive as a political party.

That will be the end goal of the project we have with WFD. Until we make our process inclusive, we have not gotten to the end of our democratic journey, he stated.

In his remarks, Adebowale Olorunmola, the country representative WDF, said inclusion by political parties must extend to all vulnerable groups.

He said there is a need to review the electoral process to determine how the process has excluded any disadvantaged group.

This gathering is to enable us to reflect on the presidential and National Assembly elections which were held on 25 February. It is important to note that election is not what happened on Election Day, election is what happens throughout the election circle.

When we are doing our reflection, let us cast our minds back to the process through which candidates emerged on the ballots. How inclusive was the process? Let us look at the campaign, how inclusive was the campaign? When you talk about the process of the emergence, the conditions that are attached, does it promote inclusion? he said.

Ene Ede, the chief facilitator of Equity Advocacy, in her presentation said political parties must do more to improve the situation.

Ms Ede noted that women, youth and PWD had a poor outing in the 2023 polls. As short term measures, she stated that they can go for the low-hanging fruits by taking up appointments as aides and getting mentored in the process for future elections.

She said efforts must be made to ensure affirmative action to bridge the gap.

Another facilitator, Jide Ojo, explained that deficiency can only be addressed through quotas and affirmative action.

The way to go is to have affirmative action and quota system so that you know that if you are going to have 10 positions, three minimally will be women.

In Uganda, they have a provision in their constitution in section 76 that promotes the inclusion of women; women have reserved seats across the parliament in Uganda.

They have 10 seats reserved for the military and out of these 10 seats, two must be women. And then there are five seats reserved for the youth, of which one must be a woman. Five seats are reserved for labour workers, one must be a woman and five for PWD, one must be a woman.

This deliberate and intentional act has made Uganda have many high female representations in parliament, he stated.

PREMIUM TIMES had in a report predicted this decline being experienced due to the reduction in the number of female candidates fielded by the 18 political parties.

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Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos has suspended political campaigns and declared three days of mourning for those who died in the accident involving a train and a state staff bus at PWD/Sogunle area of the state on Thursday.

He also declared that all flags be flown at half-mast to mourn the victims of the train crash for the next three days.

Background

Six persons have died in the accident, Mr Sanwo-Olu, said while giving an update at Lagos state University Teaching Hospital on Thursday.

He also said that 85 passengers, including dependents of the staff, were involved in the accident.

Two women were immediately declared dead after a Lagos State government staff bus was crushed by a moving train.

About 79 passengers suffered various degrees of injuries.

Mourning

The governor said that all civil servants will work till 12 p.m. on Friday before returning home to their loved ones.

This morning, I will be instructing the Head of Service to declare a half-day of work tomorrow, meaning that by 12 oclock tomorrow, people should be asked to leave work, so that we can jointly mourn our staff and loved ones, Mr Sanwo-Olu said.

I have also instructed all our Lagos and political flags to be raised at half mast for the next three days. We are also declaring a three-day mourning for us as a state so that we can mourn our staff deeply and visit family members just to commiserate with them.

I will also be suspending my campaign for the next three days. There will not be any form of public engagement or any form of campaigning during this period.

While reacting to reports that treatment of the victims were delayed, Mr Sanwo-Olu said health workers responded to the victims swiftly.

Emergencies of this magnitude had to be easily profiled. The tents were quickly set up, it was not there before. And they were able to immediately determine what level of injuries were sustained by different passengers. Some have been sent to surgeries while some are in ICU and some have been treated, he noted.

Mr Sanwo-Olu thanked his two major contenders in the governorship race: Olajide Jandor Adediran of the PDP and Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of LP for visiting the scene and sympathising with the victims and relatives.

He also called for blood donations across different state government medical facilities.

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An American university, the Massachusetts Institute Technology (MIT), has said the governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, attended the school.

The management of the school told PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday that Mr Rhodes-Vivour obtained a Masters Degree in Architecture after studying at the institution between 2005 and 2008.

The school was reacting to reports circulating on social media suggesting that the governorship candidate did not attend the university.

Mr Rhodes-Vivour has been at the centre of a certificate forgery allegation after an email that purportedly emanated from the office of the Registar of MIT appeared on social media claiming that the candidate did not attend the institution.

The email quoted Nathaniel Hagee, a coordinator at MIT academic record office, that there was no record Mr Rhodes-Vivour graduated from the university.

The mail was alleged to be a response to an enquiry made by a Nigerian on the educational status of Mr Rhodes-Vivour.

Mr Rhodes-Vivour had via his Twitter handle reacted to the forgery allegation as fake news and another attempt by his opponents to divert attention from issue-based campaign.

It has been brought to my attention that the purported email below is in circulation with respect to my degree from @MIT

This is untrue and another failed strategy the opposition is using to divert your attention from having an issue-based campaign, he tweeted.

On Wednesday, PREMIUM TIMES contacted the MIT records office and spoke with Mr Hagee via telephone. He requested us to write a mail on the subject.

This medium immediately followed up as directed and got a response from Mr Hagee that all questions should be directed to MITs News Office,. He also did not deny or confirm the authenticity of the email circulating online.

When PREMIUM TIMES contacted MITs News Office, Sarah McDonnell, Deputy Director, Media Relations, responded that Mr Rhodes-Vivour indeed attended the school and earned a Masters degree.

Thank you for reaching out. The MIT Registrars Office can confirm that Mr Rhodes-Vivour attended MIT from 2005 to 2008 and earned a Master of Architecture degree, Ms McDonnell wrote.

This newspaper then followed up with another email to Ms McDonnell, asking if the initial email that claimed that Mr Rhodes-Vivour did not attend the school emanated from the record office.

In her response, MIT spokesperson confirmed the authenticity of the mail, noting that it indeed emanated from MIT. She, however, claimed that the record office initially ran a search using a variation of Mr Rhodes-Vivours name that did not match the information in MITs database.

The MIT Registrars Office was initially asked to search for a variation of Mr Rhodes-Vivours name that did not match the information in their database. Upon further review, they can confirm that Mr Rhodes-Vivour attended MIT and earned a Master of Architecture degree, as I shared in my earlier email, she said..

Mr Rhodes-Vivour is contesting against the incumbent governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and 13 other candidates.

His party, the LP, is popular among young people.

During the 25 February presidential election, the LP presidential candidate, Peter Obi, defeated the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, in the state.

Mr Tinubu, a former governor of the state, who is the political godfather of Governor Sanwo-Olu, suffered a humiliating defeat in a state he had politically dominated for over two decades. However, he subsequently won the presidential election.

Following its victory in the presidential election in the state, the party believes it will win the governorship election come 18 March.

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The Defence Headquarters says the troops of the armed forces nabbed eight political thugs at Okehi in Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State during the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Musa Danmadami, made this known at the bi-weekly news briefing on the operations of the armed forces on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Danmadami, a major general, said the thugs were arrested in an attempt to disrupt the electoral process in the area.

He said the troops recovered three pump action guns, two locally fabricated AK 47 rifles, six locally made assorted guns and two daggers.

Mr Danmadami said the troops of Operation Safe Haven had on 26 February, arrested five suspected cattle rustlers and recovered 35 rustled cattle at Lobirin village in Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

He added that the troops also on 4 March, responded to an attack on Angwan Lilu in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State and engaged the criminals in a firefight.

He said the encounter led to the recovery of several weapons from the criminals who fled.

In Benue State, Mr Danmadami said the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke conducted a raid operation to Utange village in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, neutralising two bandits and recovered a cache of arms and other sundry items.

In the same vein, troops conducted fighting within Zaki-Biam town in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area and arrested seven terrorists.

Preliminary investigation revealed that suspects have been involved in criminal activities within the local government area.

Troops also recovered AK47 rifle, 19 locally made pistols, one dane gun, two machetes and four mobile phones from the terrorists.

Accordingly, within the weeks in focus, troops in the North-central Zone recovered five AK47 rifles, three pump action guns,19 locally fabricated pistols and three dane guns, he said.

According to him, six locally made assorted rifles, 163 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 17 empty cases of 7.62mm ammunition, two machetes, two wristwatches, seven mobile phones and 35 rustled cattle were recovered.

Troops also neutralised two terrorists and arrested seven suspected terrorists as well as eight political thugs.

All recovered items, arrested terrorists have been handed over to relevant authority for further action, he said.

(NAN)

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At 66, he remains a calm, thoughtful debater and fun to be around. He has inspired and challenged millions of people, especially the young and the young at heart across ethnic and party-lines, to believe. With an extraordinary sense of humour, a rock-solid wife and a heart of faith, his best years of service to God and country still lie ahead.

Trying to fit him into a mold can be sometimes problematic. I have always thought of him as a teacher and mentor. And later, only much later, as a friend. For over three decades he has been more than enough in each of these roles.

My path with Dr Yemi Osinbajo, as he then was, first crossed at the University of Lagos when he was a lecturer at the Faculty of Law and I was a student at the Department of Mass Communication in the same university. Just a busybody trying to indulge my fantasy of becoming a pocket lawyer, I met him out of curiosity.

One of his students and good friend of mine who passed on many years ago, Sunday Okoli, fondly called Harry, gave the impression that the Law Faculty had four of the universitys biggest talisman  Jelili Omotola, Oyelowo Oyewo, Amos Utuama and Yemi Osinbajo.

One day, I strayed into one of Osinbajos classes in what can only be described as ambulatory trespass. I was struck by his charm, ease of delivery and how his students connected with him. I thought to myself as I snuck out, with a lecturer like this, perhaps I should have studied law? I never returned to his class but that encounter stayed with me.

I followed him through the many pleasant stories Harry told of him but our paths never crossed again until many years later when he was appointed Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos by Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In 1999, Lagos was a mess. A big mess.

Although the city still retained its vibrancy and boisterousness as the countrys commercial capital, years of neglect and centralised government had robbed it of vital energy, threatening to bury it in crime and filth.

To make matters worse for a new government at the time, a nasty turf war between the PDP-controlled central government and the six AD states in the South-West (including Lagos), meant that any serious attempt at clean-up, which obviously required significant resources from the centre, would be a tug of war.

President Olusegun Obasanjo, smarting from the humiliation of the 1999 election in which he was roundly rejected by his home base, the South-West, was not in any mood to do Lagos or any other state in the region any favours.

The mission to clean up, rebuild and renew the city (among several other election promises made by Tinubu) would require tough, even brutal, political engagement; no less than it would also involve soft skills, especially a prudent and robust use of the law, to clear landmines and claw back vast subnational territory long appropriated by the unitarist state, rendering the federating units mere appendages of the centre.

Perhaps one of the most remarkable legal battles of all in Osinbajos time in Lagos was in the case of Attorney General of Lagos State v. Attorney General of the Federation 2004, a feisty and protracted legal tango in which Lagos sought to recover local government funds seized by Obasanjo, after his futile attempt to crush and capture Tinubus government in an electoral heist that claimed five of the six states in the South-West region for the PDP.

It was in the pursuit of this latter part that Osinbajo, a member of Tinubus outstanding cabinet at the time, had to deploy his legal genius in public service for the first time outside the classroom.

Leading human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, once told me that even though political activism will continue to be a major tool to restructure Nigeria, the progress made through legal activism has been largely understated.

Before Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike made VAT a court issue, challenging the right of the Federal Government to collect the taxes from the state, Lagos had been there in its quest to expand its income and the relative autonomy of the constituent states by testing the law.

Osinbajo led Lagos in a series of litigation to claw back swathes lost to federal meddling in areas such as the creation of local governments, physical planning, title registration, registration and production of vehicle number plates and casino licensing. In the area of physical planning and title registration, specifically, the court ruled that the Federal Government has no land. The Land Use Act vests ownership and control of land in state governments.

In a ruling in 2019, in a case earlier originated by Lagos State when Osinbajo was AG, the state also secured a judgement that upheld its right to charge and collect consumption tax from hotels, restaurants and event centres within the state.

The judgement is based on the principle that the power to impose consumption tax is on the Residual List. This judgement was also given against the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), which deemed that it had the right to collect those taxes.

These battles on legal interpretations of the Constitution are not cut and dried. The dispute that arose over the right of control of inland waterways between the federal and state governments, for example, was fought in court for over 10 years, before a ceasefire was brokered between the National Inland Waterways Authority and Lagos State.

Perhaps one of the most remarkable legal battles of all in Osinbajos time in Lagos was in the case of Attorney General of Lagos State v. Attorney General of the Federation 2004, a feisty and protracted legal tango in which Lagos sought to recover local government funds seized by Obasanjo, after his futile attempt to crush and capture Tinubus government in an electoral heist that claimed five of the six states in the South-West region for the PDP.

That recovery effort, in the words of Osinbajo, made Lagos to start thinking like a sovereign. It set the tone for raising the states Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from around N600 million monthly in 1999 to N45 billion as of 2021.

It also set the tone for Osinbajos performance on the bigger stage.

Osinbajo has been the Buhari governments face-of-the-youth, rallying them, speaking to and for them on all things  from crypto to ICT and innovations. Surely, in a country where people under 40 form about 65% of the population, these exertions are more than insignificant contrivance.

Have you seen him lately? His hair has greyed not a little since he became vice president eight years ago. Which is a little surprising considering that former President Goodluck Jonathan, himself a former Vice President, once said a vee pees job is essentially to read newspapers.

Or to quote first US Vice President, John Adams, who described his office in a letter to his wife as, the most insignificant contrivance ever put together by man.

But thats precisely the source of Osinbajos festering grey hair. In the last eight years, the job of Nigerias vice president has been anything but a spare. He has been acting President, during which time he took a few of the most consequential decisions.

His office has been at the heart of Nigerias first attempt to develop a social safety net programme. When COVID-19 hit with its depredations, the database from the safety net programme came in handy.

Osinbajo has been the Buhari governments face-of-the-youth, rallying them, speaking to and for them on all things  from crypto to ICT and innovations. Surely, in a country where people under 40 form about 65% of the population, these exertions are more than insignificant contrivance.

Im not so sure how meaningful his knowledge of the law and expertise in jurisprudence has been to this government. One thing he has been passionate about, which the government has flaunted, however, is the Ease of Doing Business. Its largely to his credit that Nigeria has improved from a ranking of 169 (out of 190 countries) in 2016 to 131, two years ago.

I have sometimes wondered what is next for him, after he leaves office. Of course, he has a thriving law practice from which he was extricated to serve as Buharis running-mate one fateful morning in December 2014 after an appearance in a case at the Supreme Court, Abuja. If he returns to his Chambers in Lagos, it may well be a holding place.

At 66, he remains a calm, thoughtful debater and fun to be around. He has inspired and challenged millions of people, especially the young and the young at heart across ethnic and party-lines, to believe. With an extraordinary sense of humour, a rock-solid wife and a heart of faith, his best years of service to God and country still lie ahead.

He is not only a teacher, mentor and friend. He is, above all, a leader for all times.

Azu Ishiekwene is Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP.

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Some business owners in Enugu State have continued to reject the old naira notes for transactions despite the Supreme Court judgment validating them, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

Many business owners, who spoke to NAN on Thursday in Enugu, said they were yet to receive directives from the appropriate authority to start collecting the old N500 and N1,000 notes again.

They said it would be difficult to spend the old notes because many residents were rejecting the old notes as well.

A tricycle rider, Uche Ossai, said he had not started collecting the old notes because he would find it difficult to spend them as many fuel stations were still rejecting them too.

A food vendor, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said she would not collect the old notes because nobody was ready to collect them from her.

The transporters have refused to collect the old notes of N500 and N1,000; so you do not expect me to collect it from others because it may end up being a waste to me, she said.

A provision shop owner at Mayor Market, Jude Okoye, told NAN that he preferred his customers to pay him electronically than to receive the old naira notes from them.

A salon owner, Jacinta Nweke, told NAN that the staff of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) refused to collect the old naira notes from her when she wanted to pay her hospital bills.

When I went to UNTH to pay for my hospital bill after seeing the doctor they refused to collect the old notes from me, telling me they have not received a directive from the appropriate authority, he said.

A resident of Achara layout, Gloria Okoroafor, said the tricycle rider, who brought her home, refused to collect the old notes from her recently.

She added that the tricycle rider said that it was only the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that could collect it as he had not heard from the CBN telling people to start receiving it.

(NAN)

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The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State have rated Governor Ademola Adeleke differently as he marks his first 100 days in office.

Apart from rating his performance low, the APC also accused Mr Adeleke of mismanaging N90 billion.

The acting Chairman of the party in the state, Tajudeen Lawal, said Mr Adeleke has made no mark in the state, likening him to the proverbial snake that passes through the top of a rock without any significant sign of a passage.

Mr Lawal said this was despite the fact that the administration has received and spent N90 billion in revenue.

Mr Lawal said apart from the regular monthly allocations to the state from the Federation Account totalling N15 billion, the administration also received about N11 billion from Siftas; N5 billion from NG CARES and N6.7 billion Federal Government parastatal tax liability in the last three months.

He also claimed that the new administration received another N3.2 billion for a Nigeria for Women project; and N4.9 billion for State Ease of Doing Business Reforms, among others.

Although disputed by the government, Mr Lawal also recalled that the immediate past government of Gboyega Oyetola left N14 billion in the state coffers.

The APC acting chairman further accused Mr Adeleke of mismanaging N30 billion belonging to the 30 local government areas of the state.

The most dubious of the superfluous projects is the N16 billion so called Digital Economy with no clear cut understanding of what the administration wants to spend N16 billion on.

We want to state clearly here for the knowledge of the people of the state that the so-called Osun Tech Revolution project that Adeleke inaugurated with fanfare three days ago is a scam skillfully orchestrated to swindle the state as it isnt a new project.

It was Oodua Infraco that was given its approval by the President Buhari Muhammed administration which had earlier approached the government of Oyetola for the approval of the government right of way which was joyously granted free of charge as it was found out that it would be beneficial to the people of the state. It was for lack of anything tangible to showcase that is making Adeleke to fraudulently roll out the drums, counting the same as part of his achievements under the 100 days of his administration.

The telemedicine that Adeleke was busy talking about is like building something on nothing as majority of the inhabitants of the state are ruralites who cannot afford internet-compliant telephone sets. How will this set of people access telemedicine? The only way of taking care of the health of the rural people is by strengthening primary health care system.

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The project is a scam as a certain level of physical contact is needed for observation and inspection in order to achieve effective healthcare service delivery.

But in his response, the acting chairman of the PDP, Adekunle Akindele, faulted the assessment, saying the governor has performed better than his APC predecessors.

Governor Adeleke is a man of due process and rule of law who subjected all governments financial transactions to public financial regulations.

He is not like the former government which breached all known procurement rules, circumvented financial regulations and foisted an opaque financial management system on the state.

The PDP boss accused the APC of exhibiting ignorance about telemedicine, digital economy and the performance of Governor Adeleke in the last 100 days.

Mr Akindele also denied the claim that the state had received N90 billion under Mr Adeleke, adding that even the people know that their governor is not a thief.

He continued: Reading through the APC statement, you feel a party uneducated with stone age mentality about broadband fiber optic, the imperative of access to health care through mobile phones, the new governance mantra of people first in disbursement of public fund, the focus on people-impacting projects like the ongoing 332 boreholes projects across the wards, the life giving impact of ongoing statewide medical surgeries with targeted 18,000 beneficiaries among others.

Because the APC under Mr Oyetola ran a sadistic, anti-people and anti-labour movement, its leadership cannot see the clearance of the half salary and pension challenges as achievements. The APC rejoices in inflicting pains on the workers and the people of the state and so the party is dazed and in disarray by the wonderful performance of Governor Adeleke across the sectors.

Osun people should know that for four years, former Governor Oyetola refused to allow the laying of broadband fiber optics for Osun state. Under three months, Governor Adeleke approved an MOU and flagged off the laying of the broadband internet connectivity cable. The project to be financed by telecom investors will interconnect Osun state without the state patching a kobo.

To the stone age operatives of APC , expanding internet access in Osun state through the fiber optic project has no meaning. For Osun to now have the first state ICT Policy, State Tech innovations policy and domestication of the national start up act are no achievements. But the educated and enlightened world and citizenry are full of praise for Governor Adeleke for achieving these feats.

The APC team is dazed and confused. All what Mr Oyetola said cannot be done are been achieved and implemented by Governor Ademola Adeleke. The reason principally is that the PDP government is not a thieving government; his Excellency is committed to a transparent management of state resources. He blocked all leakages in revenue generation and redirected disbursement of public funds to areas of needs of the people, Mr Akindele said.

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Six persons have now been confirmed dead in the accident on Thursday involving a moving train and Lagos State staff bus in PWD/Sogunle, Ikeja, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor has said.

Mr Sanwo-Olu, while giving an update at Lagos state University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) after the incident on Thursday said that 85 passengers, including dependants of the staff, were involved in the accident.

Two women were immediately declared dead after the bus was crushed by a moving train.

The governor said that 29 persons suffered serious injuries, 42 suffered moderate injuries while eight persons suffered mild injuries.

Unfortunately we have recorded six fatalities, two were brought in dead from the site while we have four additional deaths in LASUTH, Mr Sanwo-Olu said.

85 passengers were in the bus from the immediate statistics that was conducted and to separate various degrees of injuries 42 were classified as moderate injuries, 29 were classified as serious injuries while 8 were mild injuries.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said the driver of the bus was reckless in his driving and has been arrested by the police for questioning.

At about 7:30 in the morning a bus number 33, which is one the Lagos state staff bus. This morning bus number 33 moving towards from Isolo and heading towards Alausa with 85 passengers, mostly civil servants, with a few dependents had a very fatal accident at the rail crossing around PWD in Sogunle, he said.

The driver, Im told, has handed himself over to the Lagos State police command. So hes currently with the police command and so we have not been able to ask him questions and inquiries about what happened.

Mr Sanwo-Olu noted that there is enough blood to treat the victims while he encouraged the public to donate more blood to the hospital bank.

The governor is seeking reelection in the 18 March governorship race.

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LAS VEGAS, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) presented its 2023 William W. Tipton Jr., MD, Leadership Award to Alex Jahangir, MD, FAAOS.

The Tipton Leadership Award recognizes AAOS members who have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities that have benefitted the orthopaedic community, patients and/or the American public. The award honors and celebrates the life, accomplishments and qualities of the late William W. Tipton Jr., MD, an orthopaedic surgeon, educator and former AAOS chief executive officer.

AAOS recognizes Alex Jahangir, MD, FAAOS, with highest leadership award, honoring a career devoted to public health in the city of Nashville.

"The greatest honor of my professional career is receiving the William W. Tipton Jr. Leadership Award. Ours is a specialty that disproportionately produces many leaders in our practices, our communities and our nation. I am extremely humbled to be recognized as a Tipton honoree when so many other leaders in orthopaedics are equally deserving," Dr. Jahangir said.

Inspiring community action

Dr. Jahangir, a professor and vice chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) in Nashville, Tenn., has not only made an impact in the field of orthopaedic surgery through his practice, but has also made a lasting impression on his community by simultaneously heading the Nashville COVID-19 task force during the height of the pandemic. While serving as chair of the Metropolitan Board of Health Nashville, Dr. Jahangir was named chair of the Metropolitan Nashville COVID-19 Taskforce by Mayor John Cooper. He remained in that role for two years, while simultaneously continuing his practice at VUMC.

Throughout his service on the task force, Dr. Jahangir implemented new policies and practices that helped better protect public health, including establishing city-wide COVID-19 testing and vaccination services. According to William T. Obremskey, MD, FAAOS, professor of orthopaedic surgery at Vanderbilt, "One of Dr. Jahangir's most significant collaborative initiatives was his work early in 2021 with Nashville's three major tertiary medical centers  VUMC, HCA Healthcare/TriStar Division and Ascension Saint Thomas  to develop the state's first-ever regional transfer coordinating center between these three friendly, but fierce competitors."

Established in January 2021, the Middle Tennessee Transfer Coordination Center was designed to help regional hospitals around Nashville manage bed shortages due to the pandemic and seamlessly transfer patients to larger facilities as needed. "As a result of Dr. Jahangir's team-building efforts, not one resident had to seek inpatient care outside of middle Tennessee  even as the Delta and Omicron variants raged  which undoubtedly saved countless lives," Dr. Obremskey said.

Leading by example

Dr. Jahangir immigrated from Iran to Nashville as a child in the 1980s. His father also practiced medicine in Nashville at Meharry Medical College, American's largest historically Black medical school. Dr. Jahangir attended the University of Tennessee for medical school, and completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at the Campbell Clinic in Memphis, Tenn. He then completed an orthopaedic trauma fellowship at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minn.

Dr. Jahangir has a track record of investing his time and energy into the city of Nashville and the state of Tennessee. He serves on the boards of several organizations working to improve the lives of Tennesseans, including the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation, Center for Nonprofit Management, NashvilleHealth, and the University School of Nashville. He is highly recognized and awarded by his community. Among his honors are the Nashville Chamber of Commerce's Spirit of the Region Award; the Nashville Public Education Foundation Distinguished Alumni Award; the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Spirt of the Dream Award; and VUMC's 5 Pillar Award. The Nashville Business Journal named Dr. Jahangir to its Power 100 list in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

"As both an orthopaedic and civic leader, Dr. Jahangir continues to guide teams of all shapes and sizes to make lasting impacts on countless lives. He has taken the fundamental characteristics that define a successful orthopaedic surgeon  to think fast, build trust and make order out of chaos  and brought them out into the larger world," Dr. Obremskey said.

After receiving the award at the AAOS 2023 Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Dr. Jahangir said: "I am keenly aware that I have been able to make contributions to my profession, institution and community because of the generous support of many mentors and colleagues who have encouraged me throughout my orthopaedic career. I am committed to embodying the high standards of leadership that our profession demands."

About the AAOS

With more than 39,000 members, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is the world's largest medical association of musculoskeletal specialists. The AAOS is the trusted leader in advancing musculoskeletal health. It provides the highest quality, most comprehensive education to help orthopaedic surgeons and allied health professionals at every career level to best treat patients in their daily practices. The AAOS is the source for information on bone and joint conditions, treatments and related musculoskeletal healthcare issues; and it leads the healthcare discussion on advancing quality.

Follow the AAOS on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

SOURCE American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Headquartered in Australia , the company maintains a range of global clients across Australia , Southeast Asia and Europe

Trellis Data's technology is currently deployed to multiple sectors, including government, defense, law enforcement, and logistics

Entry into the US market is the result of investment from Ultratech Capital Partners

ARLINGTON, Va., March 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Advanced machine learning company Trellis Data announces its entry into the United States, opening an office in Arlington, VA, after a new round of funding Ultratech Capital Partners, a specialist US investment arm of Damazein Family Office. The new round of funding catalyzes Australia-based Trellis Data's US market entry and supports further deployment of its AI technology already in use across government, defense, law enforcement, and logistics sectors.

Leading machine learning company Trellis Data is expanding to the United States

Trellis Data's new round of funding marks its first international office, expanding upon its current client base spanning Australia, Southeast Asia and Europe.

According to Michael Gately, CEO of Trellis Data, "Trellis Data is leading the way in trusted AI by providing real-time explanations for deep neural networks. Our explanation technology is cutting edge and sits at the core of our Trellis Intelligence Platform (TIP), producing results across all our models and data types."

TIP has been developed with a wide user base in mind. With a 'no-code' approach to machine learning solutions, TIP is designed to make building models faster and easier, helping organizations to use AI to solve more complex business problems.

"At Trellis Data we want to democratize machine learning. We believe you shouldn't have to be a data scientist to leverage the power of AI and produce meaningful results. Our technology is already a proven success in Australia, and we're excited to bring our innovative, disruptive solutions to customers in the United States. Trellis Data is ideally positioned to lead the growth of the sector," added Gately.

Trellis Data specialises in using computer vision for object detection, as well as understanding natural language processing to produce highly accurate speech-to-text and translation. By partnering with its customers and service providers, the company delivers AI technology that can tackle complex real-world problems.

For example, as part of its suite of practical solutions:

Trellis Data has developed sophisticated scene text reading models to streamline logistics operations by scanning hard-to-read surfaces and autonomously identifying shipping containers, trucks, and pallets.

Trellis Data aids law enforcement by enhancing surveillance through highly accurate transcription and translation models that can listen for defined keywords and phrases faster than real-time.

In a world first, Trellis Data is also helping to protect Australia's agriculture sector from biosecurity threats as part of a trial to use advanced object detection models to detect invasive plants and pests.

"The opportunities of machine learning are now being realized around the globe and organizations are demanding AI tools that are straightforward to use, that can integrate with existing enterprise systems, and, most importantly, produce results they can trust. We see immense opportunity to expand our technology adoption in the United States," Gately said.

"The US is a key market for the growth of machine learning. This expansion means our existing clients with operations in the US will benefit from having our team on the ground, and US-based companies will have access to the world-leading machine learning and artificial intelligence we provide."

About Trellis Data

Trellis Data delivers the world's most sophisticated machine learning that can be trusted, on an easy to use Machine Learning platform. Our core product is the Trellis Intelligence Platform (TIP) - an enterprise-scale, deep learning platform that enables both deep learning experts and non-expert users to solve complex problems by creating, training, and deploying trusted deep learning solutions. TIP is delivered as a Software-as-a-Service that spans the end-to-end requirements for organizations seeking to use machine learning.

For more information, contact [email protected]

SOURCE Trellis Data
Artwork will be inspired by Hawai'i's Pledge To Our Keiki

HONOLULU, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of more than 15 years of service in the Hawaiian Islands, Alaska Airlines is partnering with Hawaii-based illustrator, Shar Tuiasoa of Punky Aloha Studio to design our second special-edition painted aircraft in honor of the Aloha State. The artwork for the new aircraft will reflect Hawaii's Pledge To Our Keiki and will be revealed later this year.

Tuiasoa is an acclaimed illustrator and author known for her bold, colorful, and strikingly modern graphic style that showcases Polynesian heritage. Punky Aloha Studio is Tui'asoa's illustration studio where she creates illustrations for murals, books, magazines, and product packaging. The Hawai'i-born artist has worked with Amazon, Disney, Target, AT&T, Sephora, The New York Times and many other recognized companies.

"I'm excited to partner with Alaska Airlines to design a powerful message in a unique way to a global audience," said Tui'asoa. "I'm honored to draw inspiration from our keiki (children) who have pledged their commitment to malama 'aina (care for the land) and hope that the end result will motivate others to do the same."

The desire to work with Tuiasoa has been on the minds of employees for a while now, with Alaska's employee-led Pacific Islander Alliance (one of the company's 12 Business Resource Groups) having passionately advocated for her work as a skilled artist proudly representing Hawaii and Pacific Islander culture.

"With the recent retirement of our first Hawaii-themed livery, we are thrilled to work with another local artist to honor our connection to the Islands," said Daniel Chun, Alaska Airlines' Hawaii director of sales, community, and public relations. "We love Shar's work, and we share many of the same values and commitment to Hawaii. It's our goal to not just paint an airplane, but to carry the message about being a mindful traveler and invite our guests to join us in caring for Hawai'i and the many places we live and fly."

Last year, Alaska partnered with Hawaii non-profit, Kanu Hawaii and signed the Pledge To Our Keiki  an invitation for residents and visitors to give back during their time in the Islands. Students from schools across the state created the Pledge as a commitment to respect and care for the island places they call home so that future generations can continue to enjoy all that Hawai'i has to offer. This week, Alaska joined Kanu Hawai'i, Hawai'i Governor Josh Green, Superintendent of Education Keith Hayashi and other partners in a conference to support the launch of the Pledge To Our Keiki throughout Hawaii's public schools.

In 2013, Alaska painted our first Hawaii-themed airplane after hosting a statewide "Paint-the-Plane" contest for local students, in partnership with the Hawaii State Department of Education and Hawaii Association of Independent Schools. Dubbed the "Spirit of the Islands," the unique paint theme depicted Hawaii's cultural diversity and was designed by a local artist and Honolulu high school junior Aaron Nee. Nee's design was selected from among more than 2,700 submissions by students across the Hawaiian Islands. After nearly a decade of flying throughout Alaska's route network, the Spirit of the Islands was ready for a repaint and the livery was recently retired.

About Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines and our regional partners serve more than 120 destinations across the United States, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica and Mexico. We strive to be the most caring airline with award-winning customer service and an industry-leading loyalty program. Alaska is a member of the oneworld global alliance. With the alliance and our additional airline partners, our guests can travel to more than 900 destinations on more than 20 airlines while earning and redeeming miles on flights to locations around the world. Learn more about Alaska at news.alaskaair.com and follow @alaskaairnews for news and stories. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group.

About Punky Aloha Studio / Shar Tui asoa

Shar Tuiasoa is an illustrator and business owner based in Kailua, Hawaii, where she was born and has lived for most of her life. After studying fine art for six years at Windward Community College on the island of Oahu, she ventured off to California and earned her BFA in illustration from Laguna College of Art and Design. She started Punky Aloha Studio in 2018, and has worked with clients including Guess, The New York Times, AT&T, Hawai'i Business Magazine, Hawai'i Magazine, Foodland, Honolulu Museum of Art and more. To learn more about Shar, follow her on Instagram at @punkyaloha or visit her website at punkyaloha.com.

SOURCE Alaska Airlines
CHICAGO, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Van Lines, one of the world's largest moving companies, has identified the best places to raise a family in 2023. When families choose to relocate to a new city, they must consider affordability, safety, education systems, and accessibility. Making the choice about which city is best for a family to move to can be very difficult without all this information at hand. To facilitate this decision for families, Allied Van Lines has compiled data from each U.S. state to determine which cities are the most ideal place for families to live. This data was analyzed to calculate the top 25 cities in the United States to raise a family. The list of the best cities to raise a family created by Allied Van Lines can be used as a tool for families who are relocating and wish to find a city that is best suited for their needs.

To calculate which cities were the best for families, Allied Van Lines analyzed ten metrics including, population, cost of living, unemployment rates, median household income, violent crime rates, property crime rates, child and dependent care costs, walk and bike scores, and public-school performance scores.

Out of the 25 cities chosen, the best place to raise a family in 2023 was Cary, North Carolina. Tweet this

The data that was analyzed when compiling the list of best cities for families was taken from several different sources, including Census.gov, Bestplaces.net, Walkscore.com, Niche.com, and Numbeo's cost of living database. Allied Van Lines developed a comprehensive scoring methodology used to weigh these different factors to give each U.S. city a score of how ideal it is for family living.

Out of the 25 cities chosen in the list by Allied Van Lines, the best places to raise a family in 2023 was Cary, North Carolina followed in order by Frisco, Texas, Naperville, Illinois, McKinney, Texas, and Virginia Beach, Virginia.

"When families choose to relocate, there are many factors they must consider when deciding which city is best for their family," stated Steve McKenna, Vice President and General Manager of Allied Van Lines. "This list was created to simplify that decision for these families. We have compiled a collection of the top 25 cities for families to live in the United States this year based upon several important deciding factors."

Allied Van Lines has been named a leader in providing relocation services to corporations, consumers, government agencies, and non-profit organizations worldwide, with over 400 agent locations in North America. The moving company has been voted as America's Most Recommended Moving Company by Women's Choice Awards for five consecutive years and is an established global brand of SIRVA, Inc. As one of the leaders in the moving van industry, Allied Van Lines has the data and research tools required to analyze relocation patterns in the United States. The company's recently released article, "The Best Places to Raise a Family in 2023" can be viewed by visiting https://www.allied.com/moving-resources/tips/best-places-to-raise-a-family-in-america.

For more information about Allied Van Lines, go to https://www.allied.com

About Allied Van Lines

Established in 1928, with more than 400 agent locations in North America, Allied Van Lines is an experienced leader in household goods moving and specialized transportation services. Allied is a leader in providing relocation services to corporations, consumers, governments, and non-profits around the world. Voted as America's Most Recommended Moving Company for five consecutive years by Women's Choice Awards, Allied is one of the world's largest moving companies and an established global brand of SIRVA BGRS, Inc. For more information about Allied Van Lines, visit allied.com. Allied Van Lines, Inc., U.S. DOT No. 076235.

SOURCE Allied Van Lines
Ripley is the Highest-Performing American Kerosene Engine Ever Built

DENVER, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ursa Major, America's leading privately funded company focused solely on rocket propulsion, today announced a milestone in the development of its redesigned "Ripley" rocket engine: successful hotfire tests. The test campaign showed the integrated Ripley engineincluding turbomachinery, oxidizer-rich preburner, and additive-manufactured copper thrust chamber assemblyfiring as a complete system in flight-like conditions.

Ripley has the highest "Specific Impulse," or I sp , a measurement of fuel economy, of any American kerosene rocket engine in history.

Watch: Hotfire tests for the Ripley engine at Ursa Major headquarters in Berthoud, Colorado. A Ripley engine on the test stand prior to a hotfire test at Ursa Major's facility. Ursa Major tests the Ripley engine at its headquarters in Berthoud, Colorado.

"This hotfire test campaign is a critical milestone for Ripley as we move into full-scale development and production," said Brad Appel, Chief Technology Officer at Ursa Major. "The new 50,000-pound-thrust design is in response to growing market demand for this medium-lift thrust class."

Customers using Ripley will save years of time and millions of dollars while benefitting from best-in-class performance and reliability.

The first iteration of the Ripley engine hotfired in 2021 with 35,000 pounds of thrust. Ursa Major increased the thrust to 50,000 pounds to better suit medium-class launch vehicles.

Ursa Major tests its engines at its one-of-a-kind facility in Berthoud, Colorado, which houses engine design, manufacturing, and testing all in one place. To date, Ursa Major engines have accumulated more than 60,000 seconds of run-time.

Unlike other propulsion systems, Ursa Major engines are designed to be used on multiple vehicles and for various use cases, creating efficiencies that help customers get to launch faster without relying on foreign-made technology or incurring the high cost of building engines in-house.

Connect with Ursa Major on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

About Ursa Major

Ursa Major is America's leading privately funded company focusing solely on rocket propulsion, bringing high-performance, staged combustion engines to market for space launch and hypersonic applications. Ursa Major customers, ranging from "New Space" startups to enterprise-level aerospace leaders and the U.S. government, get to flight faster, more reliably, and cost-effectively. The company employs the most sought-after engineers from top space programs and universities. Headquartered in Berthoud, Colorado, Ursa Major was named one of the best places to work by Built in Colorado three years in a row. For more information, visit www.ursamajor.com. For downloadable images and videos, visit https://www.ursamajor.com/media#downloadable-assets.

Media Contact

Perch Partners for Ursa Major

[email protected]

310.289.3515

SOURCE Ursa Major
Acquisition extends platform and expands talent network to help companies build better teams globally

NEW YORK, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Andela , the global network for remote technical talent, has acquired Qualified , the leading technical skills assessment platform to identify, qualify, and certify top engineers. Andela's global talent community will also expand with the addition of more than 3.6M engineering users via Codewars , an online community powered by Qualified that enables technical talent to compete and improve their practical coding skills in gamified challenges.

"With the Qualified acquisition, Andela expands and accelerates our ability to source and expertly assess talent," said Jeremy Johnson, founder and CEO of Andela. "Labor marketplaces are constrained by inefficiencies between supply, demand and quality Qualified allows us to address those inefficiencies by providing the certified right talent at the right time. Companies will continue to trust that talent sourced through Andela has the needed skills regardless of where they live and work."

Jake Hoffner, the Co-founder and CEO of Qualified, added, "The tech industry has historically relied on hiring practices that have proven to be ineffective. The expanded platform will allow companies to create hiring processes for software engineers that are predictive of their on-the-job performance. In addition, we provide companies and our growing tech community a bigger, broader, and better opportunity to connect globally."

About Andela

Andela is a global talent network that connects companies with vetted, remote technical talent in emerging markets. The Andela platform helps companies scale their engineering teams up to 70% faster than internal recruiting, with a 96% match success rate. Hundreds of leading brands like GitHub, Cloudflare, and ViacomCBS trust Andela to help build better teams quickly and cost-effectively. With a talent community in over 170 countries, Andela is backed by investors, including Generation Investment Management, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Spark Capital, and Google Ventures.

For more information about Andela, visit andela.com .

About Qualified

Qualified.io is the world's most effective platform for assessing software engineers. Industry-leading companies like Klarna, Facebook, and Zoom reap the benefits of assessing and training talent at scale through Qualified.io's developer-focused platform. Built from the same team behind the developer community Codewars, Qualified.io is backed by investors such as Cornerstone OnDemand, Social Capital, and Dalus Capital. Mark Miller , Managing Partner, GHP Advisors served as an advisor to Qualified.io on the transaction.

CONTACT: Carlos Carrascal, [email protected], +1 469 638 3278

SOURCE Andela
Airline passenger group's lawsuit sought to compel the FAA to enact the seat size minimums required by the 2018 FAA Reauthorization Act

WASHINGTON, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On Friday, a three judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit denied FlyersRights.org's mandamus petition seeking to compel the FAA to enact the minimum seat size provision of the 2018 FAA Reauthorization Act. Section 577 of the 2018 FAA Reauthorization Act states that the FAA "shall issue regulations that establish minimum dimensions for passenger seatsincluding minimums for seat pitch, width, and length, and that are necessary for the safety of passengers."

FlyersRights.org filed this mandamus petition to compel the rulemaking after more than two years had passed since Congress' 2019 deadline for this rulemaking. The appeals court agreed with the FAA's contention that the statute is optional if it believes that seat standards are not currently necessary to ensure passenger safety.

Paul Hudson, President of FlyersRights.org, explained, "The decision is unfortunate and disappointing. The court substituted the word 'if' for the word 'and' in the statute requiring minimum seat size standards by October 2019. The law does not say that the FAA can ignore the statutory command if the FAA feels current seats do not pose a health or safety threat. Now, less than half of people can fit in economy seats without encroaching on their neighbor or suffering serious health risks."

Hudson continued, "Congress made it clear that minimum seat standards are needed now. The FAA used a narrow definition of safety that included emergency evacuations but excluded passenger health, crash safety, and personal privacy."

FlyersRights.org filed the mandamus petition in January 2022, requesting the court to set a deadline for the FAA's minimum seat size rulemaking. The FAA previously denied a 2015 FlyersRights.org rulemaking twice, in 2016 and 2018, claiming that seat size did not affect emergency evacuation times. In 2017, the D.C. Circuit reprimanded the FAA for relying on secret data to reach its conclusion that seat size does not and would not matter for emergency evacuations. In 2021, the DOT Inspector General found that the FAA had used inaccurate information in its 2018 denial of FlyersRights.org's rulemaking petition on remand, falsely claiming that the secret evacuation tests conducted by airplane manufacturers had tested for shrunken seats, when in fact, only one test was conducted at 28 inches or lower.

On October 5 2022, FlyersRights submitted an updated rulemaking petition calling for seat standards that allow 90% of the public to safely fit in airline seats rather than the current 50%. The FAA's request for comments on the effect of seat sizes on emergency evacuations garnered more than 26,000 comments within three months.

To view FlyersRights.org's minimum seat standards rulemaking petition, visit https://flyersrights.org/f/flyersrights-files-minimum-seat-rulemaking-with-the-faa

To view the DOT Office of Inspector General Report, visit https://www.oig.dot.gov/sites/default/files/FAA%20Oversight%20of%20Aircraft%20Evacuations%20Final%20Report%20-%2009-16-20.pdf

To view the FAA's request for comments on the effect of seat size on emergency evacuation, visit https://www.regulations.gov/document/FAA-2022-1001-0001

FlyersRights.org maintains up to date passenger rights information at www.flyersrights.org/know-your-rights/ and also provides passengers with legal information and appropriate contacts by phone, 877-FLYERS-6 and by email, [email protected].

FlyersRights.org, established in 2007, is the largest airline passenger organization. It publishes a bi-weekly newsletter, operates a free hotline for airline passengers 877- FLYERS6, advocates for passenger rights and interests, represents passengers on the FAA Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee dealing with air safety and maintains a staffed office in Washington, D.C. See: FlyersRights.org or https://twitter.com/FlyersRights. Media line 800- 662-1859. FlyersRights.org, 4411 Bee Ridge Road, 274, Sarasota, FL 34233

SOURCE FlyersRights.org
Fans enjoyed the on-site gaming competitions, creative workshops and indulgence at the AppGallery booth

DUBAI, UAE, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- AppGallery, one of the top three app marketplaces, made its second appearance in a row at the Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC), showcasing an extraordinary portfolio of services, to deliver an epic experience for fans of all ages with several product exclusives and engaging activities. The 11th edition of MEFCC was held from March 3rd to 5th, 2023, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC). The region's largest pop culture festival offered comic fans an immersive experience from videos to movies, creativity, arts, cosplay, and mobile gaming.

AppGallery brings its A-game to the Middle East Film & Comic Con, stirring excitement among mobile gamers

AppGallery's fan booth has demonstrated a great engagement among attendees with its commitment to providing VIP users and gamers with the latest trends and best experiences in mobile gaming at the MEFCC. Our booth also offered an opportunity to learn more about AppGallery, and offered an immersive experience for visitors to explore and discover a wide selection of the newest and most exciting local and global apps and games available on AppGallery. Fans also enjoyed thrilling and rewarding Mobile Gaming competitions featuring PUBG and MLBB games at the convention, where they could experience the Huawei suite of products, and preview exclusive game content.

In addition, AppGallery offered a unique opportunity for artistic individuals to showcase their creative abilities by introducing the "Created By HUAWEI MatePad" workshop. Popular artists created spectacular drawings using HUAWEI MatePad, which participants and art enthusiasts then replicated using the device. The event also featured Huawei's top gaming and app partners, including Infinity Kingdom " "- Sawa Group, "PUBG Mobile"-Tencent, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang - Moonton, Lords Mobile  IGG, Zombie Siege - Artal Games, Evony: The King's Return - Flexion Mobile, The Ants: Underground Kingdom - Flexion Mobile, Dragon Raja - Flexion Mobile and Revenge of Sultans  Onemt.

''AppGallery is proud to have taken part in the region's biggest pop culture festival to bring a great experience to games, movies, and comic lovers, and deliver them an exciting line-up of innovative attractions. We are extremely pleased with our users' popularity and appreciation for our AppGallery offerings, which demonstrates our commitment to nurturing innovative collaborations and providing them with the best experiences in the region.'' said Mr. William Hu, Managing Director of Huawei Consumer Business Group, Middle East and Africa Eco Development and Operation.

AppGallery is the official Huawei app and game distribution platform, and it comes pre-installed on all Huawei smartphones. On the other hand, AppGallery is available to download directly from the official website for all other Android smartphone brands.

About AppGallery - Top 3 App Marketplaces Globally

AppGallery is a smart and innovative ecosystem that allows developers to create unique experiences for consumers. Huawei's unique HMS Core allows apps to be integrated across different devices, delivering more convenience and a smoother experience  and this is part of our wider "1+8+N" strategy at Huawei.

Huawei's vision is to make AppGallery an open, innovative app distribution platform that is accessible to consumers, and at the same time, strictly protects users' privacy and security while providing them with a unique and smart experience. Being among the top 3 global app marketplaces, AppGallery offers a wide variety of global and local apps across 18 categories, including navigation & transport, news, social media, and others. AppGallery is available in more than 170 countries and regions with over 580 million monthly active users. Huawei has partnered with 5.4 million registered developers across the globe.

For more information, please contact:

Suzanne Kanianthra, Golin

Adnan Wahidi, Golin

[email protected]

[email protected],

0559688297

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2017608/Huawei_Mobile_Services_AppGallery.jpg

SOURCE Huawei Mobile Services
Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery invites students pursuing graduate medical degrees, who plan to serve rural areas, to apply for the financial award

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Rhys Branman, MD of Little Rock announces the opening of the second annual Arkansas Rural Health Scholarship . The financial award is intended to provide support to students pursuing a medical-related degree in Arkansas, who hold an additional interest in practicing in rural areas of the state. The winner will be able to use the cash award toward costs related to their pursuit of a medical education.

Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery invites first-year students pursuing graduate medical degrees, who plan to serve rural areas, to apply for the Arkansas Rural Health Scholarship.

"We're thrilled to once again offer this scholarship for outstanding Arkansans pursuing medicine and hope it will serve to encourage our very best students to provide care for patients in rural areas, where providers can be difficult to find," said Dr. Branman.

Arkansas residents (attending any college or university) who are both pursuing a degree in a medical specialty and are committed to practicing medicine in an underserved or rural area of the state are encouraged to submit an application for the $2,500 scholarship. The application is currently available online , and can be accessed via a computer or smartphone. Applicants will be required to submit original essay-style responses in addition to a letter of reference that speaks to their journey as medical students.

Students pursuing the following eligible degrees are invited to apply:

Doctorate (MD, DO, DPM, DDS, DMD, DPM, DMD, OD, PsyD, PharmD, DCM, DS, DPT, DSN, PhD, DNP)

Nursing (RN, NP, CNM, CRNA, LPN)

Master's (MPH, MM, MMS, MN, MNA, MPharm, MPAS, MSN, MSM)

Physician's Assistant (PA, PAC)

The Arkansas Rural Health Scholarship offers the award on flexible terms: funds from the scholarship can be applied to a variety of costs associated with the student's education, like tuition, textbooks or supplies, computers, transportation, housing, and campus expenses. The scholarship's straightforward application process is designed to reduce logistical barriers for its applicants.

The practice's scholarship committee will accept applications via the practice's website through 5:00 p.m. CST on June 2, 2023. A recipient will be chosen whose application materials and references demonstrate adherence to the scholarship requirements, a passion for serving rural Arkansas, and an affinity for medicine; the recipient will receive the scholarship as a cash prize to be applied to costs of education in the fall 2023, spring 2024, or another upcoming semester.

"A dedicated physician can make an enormous difference in their community. We're proud to play a small part in fostering the next generation of providers, who will be sure to have an important impact on our state," commented Dr. Branman. "We're looking forward to reading students' applications."

About Dr. Rhys Branman: Dr. Branman is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon in Little Rock, Arkansas, and a member of the Arkansas State Medical Board. Dr. Branman is certified by both the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Board of Maxillofacial Surgery, and serves as a Board Examiner for the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Branman is beloved by his patients for his caring bedside manner, surgical skill, and commitment to safety. His practice, Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center, is located at 10809 Executive Center Drive, Searcy Building Suite 100, Little Rock, Arkansas 72211; (501) 227-0707. For more information, visit www.littlerockcosmeticsurgery.com/ .

Media Contact: Dr. Rhys L. Branman, Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center, (501) 227-0707.

SOURCE Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center
PHILADELPHIA, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ --After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Asendia USA returns to the tradeshow scene this month, exhibiting at the Prosper Show being held March 13  15 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

As the Prosper Show is attended by established marketplace sellers, Asendia USA will share its expertise in global shipping solutions for marketplaces selling worldwide. Asendia USA is uniquely positioned to help marketplace sellers reach more consumers around the globe and improve conversion rates while simultaneously increasing margins. By offering shoppers a more flexible choice of options for international shipping, marketplaces can increase their global shopper base and secure repeat business by improving customer satisfaction.

Improving customer satisfaction for shoppers is key for online marketplaces  we can help. Tweet this

Asendia USA's e-commerce experts will also be available at the Prosper Show to speak with sellers who have put sustainability at the top of their priorities. International shipments through Asendia are 100% carbon neutral, making Asendia USA a perfect fit for sellers looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

"While several organizations have planned in-person tradeshows over the past year, we felt it would be beneficial to give the industry time to settle in and get back into the swing of things. We feel confident that the Prosper Show will be a well-attended event where we'll engage in meaningful conversations with marketplace sellers who can benefit from the unique global shipping solutions we offer," says Douglas Longobardi, Executive Vice President, Sales, Asendia USA.

Alex Galinsky, Enterprise Account Manager for Asendia USA, says, "I'm excited for the opportunity to speak with marketplace sellers at the Prosper Show about how we can help them be more competitive in the global selling space. Improving customer satisfaction for shoppers is key for online marketplaces  we can help."

Prosper Show attendees can learn more about Asendia USA's solutions for global marketplace sellers by visiting Booth #227. www.asendiausa.com

SOURCE ASENDIA USA, INC
Ahmed to lead the association effective March 2023

DALLAS, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Association of Dental Support Organizations (ADSO), the premier association leading the business of dentistry, announced today the election of Dr. Sulman Ahmed as the association's new President. Dr. Ahmed has served on the ADSO Executive Committee for five years. As ADSO President, Dr. Ahmed will advance the association's commitment to improving oral health in the United States by making high-quality dental care more accessible.

Dr. Sulman Ahmed, Founder, Chairman and CEO of DECA Dental Group

"Stepping into this role is an honor and I am thankful to have been selected by my peers for this position, especially at a time when our industry is at a critical inflection point," said Dr. Ahmed, Founder, Chairman and CEO of DECA Dental Group. "Alongside the rest of our executive leadership team, we will build upon the work of previous leaders to continue bridging the gap to bring all dentists  from individual practices to large groups  together as we expand access to quality dental care and improve the oral health of communities across the country."

As president, Dr. Ahmed plans to prioritize furthering the association's mission of supporting dental practices through research, education and advocacy.

"We are fortunate to have Dr. Ahmed as ADSO's leader during such an exciting time in our industry. While we face economic and workforce challenges, we have so many opportunities to grow, thrive and mold the industry for the future," said Andrew M. Smith, Executive Director, ADSO. "Dr. Ahmed, a clinician representing the next generation of dentist leaders, is well suited to lead ADSO as we work to elevate dentistry, position DSOs as the preferred practice model and drive value for our members."

Dr. Ahmed will be a keynote speaker at ADSO's annual summit later this month in Orlando, Fla.

About DECA Dental Group

DECA Dental Group is a Dallas-based clinician founded and clinician led dental service organization started by Founder, Chairman & CEO Dr. Sulman Ahmed. The company has been delivering high-quality dental care to patients since 2008. DECA is actively expanding its footprint coast-to-coast under the Ideal Dental brand. DECA's culture is founded on a patient-centric model. The company is guided by its vision to be the premier provider of all dental services under one roof while being the first choice for dentists and staff seeking a partner for growth, innovation, and learning. To learn more, please visit decadental.com and myidealdental.com.

About Association of Dental Support Organizations

The Association of Dental Support Organizations (ADSO) is a non-profit organization comprised of more than 40 member companies and more than 100 industry partners. ADSO represents Dental Support Organizations (DSOs) before the public, policymakers, and the media. ADSO members enable supported dentists to focus on their patients and expand across dental care while maintaining the highest standards of business and professional ethics. The organization's members operate in 44 states and provide the highest level of non-clinical support to more than 13,000 dentists across the country as well as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

For more information, visit www.theadso.org.

SOURCE DECA Dental Group
MEXICO CITY, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S.A.B. de C.V.(NYSE: ASR; BMV: ASUR) (ASUR), a leading international airport group with operations in Mexico, the United States, and Colombia, today announced that its General Annual Ordinary Shareholders' Meeting will be held on April 26th, 2023 and announced the agenda for the meeting.

The following is the complete text of the call to assembly for the shareholders' meeting:

CALL TO ASSEMBLY FOR ORDINARY ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE

SHAREHOLDERS OF GRUPO AEROPORTUARIO DEL SURESTE, S.A.B. DE C.V.

By resolution of the Board of Directors adopted at the meeting held on the 9th of March 2023 and pursuant to the provisions of Articles 36, 37 and other provisions of the bylaws of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S.A.B. de C.V. (the "Company") and Articles 181 and 183 of the General Corporations Law ("Ley General de Sociedades Mercantiles"), the Company's shareholders are hereby called to attend the Ordinary Annual General Shareholders' Meeting (the "Meeting"), which will take place at 10 o'clock a.m. on the 26th of April 2023, at the Company's offices at Bosque de Alisos No. 47-A 4th floor, Colonia Bosque de las Lomas, 05120, Mexico City, Mexico, in order to discuss the following matters:

A G E N D A

Presentation and, if applicable, approval of the following:

Report of the Chief Executive Officer, in accordance with Article 172 of the General Corporations Law and of Article 44, subsection XI, of the Securities Market Law ("Ley del Mercado de Valores "), accompanied by the independent auditor's report, in connection with the operations and results for the fiscal year ended the 31st of December 2022 , as well as the Board of Directors' opinion of the content of such report;

Report of the Board of Directors in accordance with Article 172, subsection b, of the General Corporations Law, which contains the main policies, as well as the accounting and reporting criteria followed in the preparation of the financial information of the Company;

Report of the activities and operations in which the Board of Directors intervened, in accordance with Article 28 IV (e) of the Securities Market Law;

Individual and consolidated financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year ended the 31st of December 2022 ;

Annual report on the activities carried out by the Audit Committee of the Company in accordance with Article 43 of the Securities Market Law and report on the Company's subsidiaries. Resolutions thereon; and

Report on compliance with the tax obligations of the Company for the fiscal year ended the 31st of December 2021 , in accordance with Article 76, section XIX of the Income Tax Law. Resolutions thereon.

Proposal on and, if applicable, approval of the application of the Company's results for the year:

Proposal for increase of the legal reserve;

Proposal by the Board of Directors to pay an ordinary net dividend in cash from accumulated retained earnings in the amount of $9.93 ( nine pesos and ninety-three cents , Mexican legal tender) payable in May 2023 , and an extraordinary net dividend in cash from accumulated retained earnings in the amount of $10.00 ( ten pesos and zero cents, Mexican legal tender) payable in November 2023 , for each of the ordinary "B" and "BB" Series shares. Resolutions thereon; and

Proposal and, if applicable, approval of the maximum amount that may be used by the Company to repurchase its shares in 2023 pursuant to Article 56 of the Securities Market Law; proposal and, if applicable, approval of the provisions and policies regarding the repurchase of Company shares. Resolutions thereon.

Ratification, if applicable, of the administration by the Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer for the fiscal year of 2022 and appointment or ratification, as applicable, of (i) the persons who comprise or will comprise the Board of Directors of the Company, once assessed as independent, as applicable, (ii) the Chairperson of the Audit and Corporate Practices Committee, and (iii) the persons to serve on the Nominations and Compensations Committee of the Company; determination of corresponding compensations. Resolutions thereon.

Appointment of delegates in order to enact the resolutions adopted at the Meeting and, if applicable, to formalize such resolutions. Resolutions thereon.

Subject to the provisions of the paragraph immediately following this one, in order to have the right to attend the Meeting, the shareholders shall (i) be registered on the Company Shareholder Register, or provide other proof of ownership of Company shares or the corresponding certificates in accordance with the Mexican Stock Market Law. The Shareholder Register will be closed three working days prior to the date set for the Meeting, that is, on the 21st of April 2023; and (ii) have obtained their admission pass.

In order to have the right to attend the Meeting, at the latest on the working day before the Meeting (i) the shareholders shall deposit at the Company's offices, with S.D. Indeval, S.A. de C.V., Institucion para el Deposito de Valores ("Indeval"), or with another financial institution, their share certificates or the receipts or other proof of deposit issued by any such institutions, and (ii) the brokerage houses and the other depositaries at Indeval shall present a list containing the names, addresses, nationalities and number of shares of the shareholders that they will represent at the Meeting. Upon receipt of such documents, the Company shall issue an admission pass to the shareholders and/or deliver the forms that they may use in order to be duly represented at the Meeting pursuant to subsection III of Article 49 of the Securities Market Law. In order to attend the Meeting, the shareholders shall present the corresponding admission pass and/or form.

The shares deposited at the Company by the shareholders for the purposes of attending the Meeting shall be returned when the Meeting has ended, upon the delivery of the deposit receipts issued to the shareholder or attorney-in-fact for such shares.

The shareholders may either attend the Meeting personally or be represented by a person or persons duly authorised in accordance with the terms of Article 49 subsection III of the Securities Market Law or by any other form of representation granted pursuant to the law.

Furthermore, please be advised that the supporting documentation for the adoption of the resolutions of the Meeting hereby convened, and the application previously mentioned, shall be placed at the disposal of the shareholders at the Company's offices fifteen days prior to the date of the Meeting.

Mexico City, 9th of March 2023

____________________________________

Rafael Robles Miaja

Secretary of the Board of Directors

About ASUR:

Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S.A.B. de C.V. (ASUR) is a leading international airport operator with a portfolio of concessions to operate, maintain, and develop 16 airports on the American continent. The company operates nine airports in the southeast of Mexico, including Cancun Airport located in the biggest tourist destination in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America; as well as six airports in northern Colombia, including Medellin international airport (Rionegro), the second busiest in Colombia. ASUR also holds a 60% stake in the capital stock of Aerostar Airport Holdings, LLC, operator of Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico. The airport in San Juan is the main point of entry to the island for international flights and continental flights from the U.S.; it was the first and is currently the only airport in the United States to have achieved a successful public-private partnership under a pilot program implemented by the FAA. Based in Mexico, ASUR is traded on the Mexican Bolsa (BMV) under ticker symbol ASUR, and on the NYSE under the symbol ASR. One ADS represents ten (10) B-series shares. For further information, visit www.asur.com.mx

SOURCE Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S.A.B. de C.V.
BEIJING, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Autohome Inc. (NYSE: ATHM; HKEX: 2518) ("Autohome" or the "Company"), the leading online destination for automobile consumers in China, today announced the publication of its 2022 Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG") report. It highlights the Company's ESG strategies and accomplishments with respect to sustainable operations, while setting a framework for its future ESG goals and practices.

The report introduces Autohome's long-term ESG commitment and details Autohome's ESG performance in 2022 in key areas including corporate governance, product responsibility, management foundation, talent development, green operation and public welfare caring.

"We will continue to work hard to promote green car buying behaviors among consumers while helping our customers innovate and thrive as we improve their digital marketing capabilities, reduce costs and increase efficiency," commented Mr. Quan Long, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Through our unremitting efforts to promote the industry's carbon reduction activities, we believe we are well-positioned to realize our double carbon goal while driving the ecological development throughout China's automotive industry."

To view the report in full, please visit the website of investor relations of the Company or access the report at: https://autohomeinc.gcs-web.com/static-files/3b6e77e4-49af-4430-8780-6d881981f2bb.

About Autohome Inc.

Autohome Inc. (NYSE: ATHM; HKEX: 2518) is the leading online destination for automobile consumers in China. Its mission is to engage, educate and inform consumers about everything auto. Autohome provides occupationally generated content, professionally generated content, user-generated content, and AI-generated content, a comprehensive automobile library, and extensive automobile listing information to automobile consumers, covering the entire car purchase and ownership cycle. The ability to reach a large and engaged user base of automobile consumers has made Autohome a preferred platform for automakers and dealers to conduct their advertising campaigns. Further, the Company's dealer subscription and advertising services allow dealers to market their inventory and services through Autohome's platform, extending the reach of their physical showrooms to potentially millions of internet users in China and generating sales leads for them. The Company offers sales leads, data analysis, and marketing services to assist automakers and dealers with improving their efficiency and facilitating transactions. Autohome operates its "Autohome Mall," a full-service online transaction platform, to facilitate transactions for automakers and dealers. Further, through its websites and mobile applications, it also provides other value-added services, including auto financing, auto insurance, used car transactions, and aftermarket services. For further information, please visit www.autohome.com.cn.

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. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will", "expects", "anticipates", "future", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates" and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Autohome's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Autohome's filings with the SEC and announcements on the website of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and Autohome does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:

Autohome Inc.

Investor Relations

Sterling Song

Investor Relations Director

Tel: +86-10-5985-7483

E-mail: [email protected]

The Piacente Group, Inc.

Jenny Cai

Tel: +86-10-6508-0677

E-mail: [email protected]

In the United States:

The Piacente Group, Inc.

Brandi Piacente

Tel: +1-212-481-2050

E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Autohome Inc.
NEW YORK, NY , March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- AXA XL's Americas Marine insurance business has promoted four on its Americas Marine insurance team including Brett Musser to Head of Marine Liabilities for the Americas; Ken Mueller to Head of Inland Marine, Shawn Langenegger to Inland Marine Central Zone Leader and Allison Jolls to Product Lead - Marine Liabilities.

Commenting on the appointments, Mike Perrotti, Chief Underwriting Officer for Marine in the Americas said, "The marine industry inherently has some very unique and challenging risks. That's why having such seasoned underwriting resources, like Brett, Ken, Shawn and Allison are highly valued by our clients. Their promotions are well-earned. Over the last few years, all have played influential roles in building our liability and inland marine capabilities resulting in profitable books of business. We're excited to see this momentum continue in 2023."

Mr. Mueller steps into the role previously held by Mr. Perrotti, who was promoted to lead the Americas Marine team in August 2022. Based in Atlanta, he assumes underwriting management responsibility for AXA XL's Inland Marine business which includes products to address construction, motor truck cargo, logistics, and warehousing risks, among others.

Based in Chicago, Mr. Musser previously served as the Central US Zonal Marine Leader. In his new role, he assumes responsibility for AXA XL's Marine Liabilities insurance businesses throughout the Americas, focused on developing tailored liability insurance solutions for specialized marine businesses. He joined AXA XL from CNA in 2020.

Previously Inland Marine manager for South Central, Mr. Langenegger expands his role for all of Central US Zone for Inland Marine. Based in Dallas, he will be a key point person to brokers and clients throughout AXA XL's Central US Zone, including Chicago and the Great Lakes region.

Previously Senior Underwriter, Ms. Jolls is assuming a more strategic underwriting management role for AXA XL's Marine Liabilities book across the US. She began her marine insurance career as a recreational marine underwriter before expanding to commercial marine underwriting and developing her concentration in Hull and Liabilities.

AXA XL's Marine insurance offerings include Inland Marine, Ocean Cargo, Blue and Brown Water Hull, P&I, as well as Excess and Primary Marine Liabilities.

Follow AXA XL on LinkedIn.

ABOUT AXA XL

AXA XL, the property & casualty and specialty risk division of AXA, provides insurance and risk management products and services for mid-sized companies through to large multinationals, and reinsurance solutions to insurance companies globally. We partner with those who move the world forward. To learn more, visit www.axaxl.com

ABOUT AXA XL INSURANCE

AXA XL Insurance offers property, casualty, professional, financial lines and specialty insurance solutions to mid-sized companies through to large multinationals globally. We partner with those who move the world forward. To learn more, visit www.axaxl.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/795347/AXA_XL_Logo.jpg

SOURCE AXA XL
WASHINGTON, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Confectioners Association announced today that Tony Jacobs, president of Bazooka Candy Brands, will assume the role of Chair of the NCA Board of Trustees for a two-year term. Jacobs most recently served as Vice Chair and will take over for departing NCA Board Chair Barry Rosenbaum, president of Nassau Candy Distributors.

"Tony's keen understanding of policy and politics, and his knowledge of the industry make him an incredibly effective thought leader for our industry," John Downs, NCA president and CEO, said.

"I am honored to take on this role to advocate on behalf of hundreds of confectionery companies and the nearly 58,000 American workers they employ," Tony Jacobs, president of Bazooka Candy Brands, said. "In a challenging environment, our industry remains strong and vibrant as consumers, now more than ever, want treats in their lives. I look forward to working with the NCA membership and staff to ensure the continued strength of this cherished industry."

Jacobs served as the association's political action committee chair and was instrumental in building an effective and successful CandyPAC. Prior to leading Bazooka Candy Brands, Jacobs worked for more than a decade in marketing roles at Nabisco, Unilever and Dr Pepper Snapple Group. A native of New Jersey, Jacobs earned his B.A. in political science from The George Washington University and an M.B.A. from The Darden Graduate School of Business Administration at the University of Virginia.

NCA also announced additional appointments to its Board of Trustees. Jerry Hagedorn, executive vice president of Barry Callebaut will serve as Vice Chair of the NCA Board. Five industry representatives will join the Board, including:

Carrie Abbott , Newfangled Confections

, Newfangled Confections John Kretchmer , American Licorice Company

, American Licorice Company Rob Nelson , Elmer Chocolate

, Elmer Chocolate Stephanie Stuckey , Stuckey's

, Stuckey's Steve Gohde , The Allan Sullivan Company

NCA represents more than 400 member companies in the confectionery industry from multi-national, global manufacturers to small, family-owned businesses. Together, the confectionery industry spans the entire country and plays an important role in the U.S. economy. With more than 1,600 manufacturing facilities across all 50 states, the industry provides thousands of good-paying jobs, and it supports hundreds of thousands more beyond that. In fact, for every job created in confectionery manufacturing, another 11 are supported in related industries, creating a 1:11 multiplier effect.

About the National Confectioners Association (NCA):

The National Confectioners Association is the leading trade organization for the U.S. confectionery industry, which generates $42 billion in retail sales each year. NCA advocates for an environment that enables candy makers to thrive and works to ensure that chocolate, candy, gum and mints are celebrated for their contributions to culture, society, the economy and everyday moments of joy. The industry employs nearly 58,000 workers in more than 1,600 manufacturing facilities across all 50 states and supports an additional 635,000 jobs in related fields. The U.S. confectionery industry has made a commitment to increasing transparency, providing more portion guidance options and educating consumers about the role of confectionery in a happy, balanced lifestyle. Learn more at CandyUSA.com or follow NCA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Contact:

Lauren Boland

[email protected]

Director of Communications

330-571-3693

Carly Schildhaus

[email protected]

Senior Manager of Public Affairs

516-776-8082

SOURCE National Confectioners Association
COPENHAGEN, Denmark, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BioInnovation Institute (BII), an international non-profit foundation, incubating and accelerating world-class life science research, today announces that it has accepted a new project into its Bio Studio program to develop an engineered mycoprotein meat alternative. Called 'Yummowia', the project is a spin-out from the Technical University of Denmark and will be led by Professor Irina Borodina.

The project takes its name from Yarrowia, the yeast chosen by Prof. Borodina as a meat alternative because of its combination of biological properties and its ease of engineering.

BII's Bio Studio program supports world-leading entrepreneurial Principal Investigators (PIs) who want to translate their innovative research ideas into new solutions to the benefit of planetary and human health.

BII will support the project with an in-kind grant of up to 1M EUR per year for a project period of up to three years as well as with business development expertise, intellectual property support, access to investor network, and both wet lab and office infrastructure.

Current meat production is causing a myriad of problems. The immense environmental, ethical, and health-related implications of meat consumption mean we need meat alternatives that can meet consumers' high standards (delicious, nutritious, and affordable). Today, they cost more, taste worse, or both. The current market for meats is estimated at 1.4 trillion USD, plant-based meats represent less than 0.5% of this.

Thus, the goal of this project is to create an initial minimum viable product (MVP) of a holistically engineered mycoprotein meat alternative. The MVP will demonstrate the potential of this platform technology and serve as the basis for fundraising and the establishment of the spin-out company at the end of the project. The concept developed here will grow into a globally accessible, delicious, nutritious, and affordable food source, that can be produced without negatively impacting the planet or the people and animals who live on it.

Principal Investigator Professor Irina Borodina of the Technical University of Denmark specializes in yeast metabolic engineering. Prof. Borodina co-founded BioPhero, the bio-based agricultural pheromones company. After founding BioPhero Prof. Borodina served as CEO and CSO before the company was acquired by FNC corporation in 2022 for 200 million USD.

Professor Irina Borodina, Principal Investigator at the Technical University of Denmark said: "We are delighted to be collaborating with BII to translate our research into a product. Meat alternatives currently available on the market are highly processed, inherently costly and lack complex flavor. Our vision is to create food products, tailor-made on the molecular level to provide the desired flavor, texture, and nutrition people are accustomed to, but also to support several of the UN sustainable development goals, having a positive impact on the planet."

Louise Clemmensen, Director of Science Strategy at BII, commented: "We are pleased to add the Yummowia project to our Bio Studio portfolio, drawing on Irina's successful track record and expertise as an innovative and entrepreneurial Principal Investigator. Synthetic biology holds potential to exploit and develop new resources to produce sustainable, affordable and nutritious foods and tapping into a global meat alternative market that is set for exceptional growth in the coming years."

Tue Rasmussen, Entrepreneur-in-Residence heading up the Yummowia project, added: "My personal focus is impact, and Yummowia is addressing a space with significant societal and environmental effects, and there is also an untapped commercial potential. Our food systems account for more than 30% of the global greenhouse gas emissions, and with a continuously growing population combined with a staggering rise in the number of people living with food insecurity, we must rethink how we can produce food in a more planet-friendly way."

The Bio Studio program is a recently established BII program with the ambition to build and run a leading life science company creation facility in Europe. This latest project joins collaborations announced last year with the Danish Cancer Society, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Imperial College London, and Institute of Protein Design at University of Washington.

Since its inception in 2018, BII has supported 80 start-ups and projects with EUR 65 million alongside the venture capital, industry and business expertise it provides to help them accelerate to the next level. In total, BII's start-ups have raised over EUR 333 million in external funding from both local and international investors. Recent company successes include Adcendo, Stipe Therapeutics, Twelve Bio, Octarine Bio, and Cirqle Biomedical.

Read more about the Bio Studio program here.

About the BioInnovation Institute Foundation:

At BioInnovation Institute (BII), we accelerate world-class life science start-up innovation for the benefit of people and society. As a non-profit institute, BII operates the company creation programs, Bio Studio, Venture Lab and Venture House, to support life science start-ups with knowledge, network, infrastructure and funding of up to 3M EUR per projects and 1,8 M EUR per start-up. With our expertise, network, funding, and infrastructure, we empower startups to succeed and believe in the transformative power of life science innovation. Read more on www.bioinnovationinstitute.com

About the Technical University of Denmark:

DTU is a vibrant elite technical university, recognized for its high level of international research and its sought-after graduates. Through collaboration, its staff and students reach out to the world and work across disciplines to create value, welfare, and growth by developing technologies that work in a globalized world, transcending social and cultural differences.

For almost two centuries DTU, Technical University of Denmark, has been dedicated to fulfilling the vision of H.C. rstedthe father of electromagnetismwho founded the university in 1829 to develop and create value using the natural sciences and the technical sciences to benefit society. Read more https://www.dtu.dk/english/about

SOURCE BioInnovation Institute
Rise in population, surge in urbanization, increase in the disposable income of people, and a wide range of advantages offered by blended cement drive the growth of the global blended cement market.

PORTLAND, Ore., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Blended Cement Market by Type (Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC), Portland Slag Cement (PSC), Composite cement, Other), by Application (Precast construction, Cast-in-place construction), by End user industry (Building Construction, Infrastructure): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031". According to the report, the global blended cement industry generated $301.2 billion in 2021, and is anticipated to generate $462.1 billion by 2031, witnessing a CAGR of 4.2% from 2022 to 2031.

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https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/13515

Prime determinants of growth

Rise in population, surge in urbanization, increase in the disposable income of people, and a wide range of advantages offered by blended cement drive the growth of the global blended cement market. However, the availability of alternate materials and heavy price fluctuations of raw materials such as limestone restrict the market growth. Moreover, expanding construction projects and infrastructure developments present new opportunities in the coming years.

Covid-19 Scenario

The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the global blended cement market, owing to implementation of the global lockdown which decreased the demand for blended cement.

The COVID-19 pandemic had shut down the production of blended cement and reduced the demand from various industries.

However, the market has already recovered in the post-pandemic.

The Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period

Based on type, the Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) segment held the highest market share in 2021, accounting for more than two-fifths of the global blended cement market, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. This cement is an affordable choice and highly resistant to alkaline reactions and marine corrosion. However, the composite cement segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 4.7% from 2022 to 2031. Composite cement is a newly developed material that uses two or more types of natural Pozzalon-based materials, such as fly ash and granulated blast furnace slag, to create high-strength concrete using cement as a binder to increase the strength and durability of concrete.



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The building construction segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period

Based on end user industry, the building construction segment accounted for the largest share in 2021, contributing to nearly three-fourths of the global blended cement market, and is projected to maintain its lead position during the forecast period, owing to growth in population and rapid urbanization, particularly in emerging economies has have helped the construction industry to witness growth in recent years. The new construction projects are expected to increase the demand for blended cement, owing to their strength, environment friendly, and cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, an increase in government investments in housing projects is projected to lead to increase in demand for blended cement during the forecast period. However, the infrastructure segment is expected to portray the largest CAGR of 4.5% from 2022 to 2031.

The cast-in place construction segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period

Based on application, the cast-in place construction segment accounted for the largest share in 2021, contributing to nearly three-fourths of the global blended cement market, and is projected to maintain its lead position during the forecast period. Blended cement is used for the cast-in place construction owing to its various features such as superior performance advantages, improved workability, durability, strength and better construction. It is also weather resistant, enhances efficiency and reduces the amount of energy used, and generates lesser pollutants and carbon emissions. However, the precast construction segment is expected to portray the largest CAGR of 4.5% from 2022 to 2031. The surge in investment in the building and construction industry due to various government sponsored public housing programs has recently boosted the demand for precast construction.

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 three-fifths of the global blended cement market, and is likely to dominate the market during the forecast period. Asia-Pacific includes majority of developing countries, such as India, Vietnam, and Indonesia, which exhibit lucrative opportunities for the blended cement market. Moreover, growth in infrastructure development in emerging countries, such as India and China, is anticipated to cater to the growth of the blended cement market. However, the LAMEA region is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 5.1% from 2022 to 2031, owing to the growing construction industry in different LAMEA regions.

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Leading Market Players: -

Ambuja Cements Ltd,

CEMEX S.A.B DE C.V.,

Holcim,

HeidelbergCement AG,

UltraTech Cement Limited,

Anhui Conch Cement Company Limited,

Buzzi Unicem SpA,

China National Building Material Company Limited,

Dalmia Bharat Limited,

CRH plc

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Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Allied Market Research
Blue Line Aviation has scrapped plans to further invest in their Johnston County expansion plan, and will invest elsewhere.

SMITHFIELD, N.C., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Line Aviation, North Carolina's largest flight school, has announced plans to immediately cease all investment in their previously announced expansion in Johnston County.

Those expansion plans which have now been scrapped included a hotel, an additional flight school building, a dormitory and other flex space on land that sits adjacent to JNX Airport.

Blue Line Aviation invested significant funds to purchase, plan, annex, and rezone a 14 acre parcel.

The flight school now recognizes that the JNX Airport cannot support the additional growth that the expansion would provide. This comes on the heels of an intensifying legal battle between Blue Line and the Airport as well as the FAA finding the Airport in violation of multiple Grant Assurances designed to prevent discriminatory practices.

As a result, the company is canceling the development project at JNX, putting the land up for sale, and putting its development dollars and energy into a new location.

Blue Line founder Trey Walters says "We are disappointed that the dispute with the Johnston County Airport has led to mistreatment of our company, which is a tremendous asset to the community. Unfortunately, their actions leave us unable to invest a single additional penny at this location as well as require us to cease expansion hiring and relocate jobs and resources to another location. We hope that the airport authority will reflect on its actions and treat other investors better in the future."

Mr. Walters continues "While we were optimistic about our future growth in Johnston County the unfortunate reality left us no choice. We are going to take our lessons learned here and invest our future growth efforts elsewhere into a location that shares in our vision of excellence, innovation and integrity."

More details on Blue Line's new location and fleet expansion will be released in the coming weeks.

For more information about Blue Line Aviation, please visit www.bluelineaviation.com

About Blue Line Aviation

Blue Line Aviation, established in 2012, is one of only a few flight schools in the world to provide quality flight training programs at an accelerated pace. In as few as five and a half months, students can go from no experience to fully confident and certified pilots, fully prepared for a career in aviation. Schedule a tour of our new state-of-the-art facility (located at 3149B Swift Creek Road, Smithfield, North Carolina) and let your new career take flight. For more inquiries and additional information, please visit our website, find us on social media, or contact Ashley Tucker, our Vice President of Sales and Marketing, at (919) 578-3713 ext. 305.

SOURCE Blue Line Aviation
First Annual Giving Report Released

Company Donates $15.8 Million in Food and Monetary Giving

NEW ALBANY, Ohio, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bob Evans Farms, Inc. is pleased to announce the release of its first-ever annual giving report, highlighting its philanthropic activities over the past two years. The report showcases the company's significant work in establishing charitable focus areas and enhancing its presence in the communities it serves.

"At Bob Evans Farms, we believe that giving back to our communities is not only a responsibility but also an honor. That's why, over the past two years, we have been actively giving back through volunteering, board service and strategic corporate giving," said Bob Evans Farms President and CEO, Mark Delahanty. "In total, we donated $15.8 million in food donations and monetary giving, plus our employees donated hundreds of hours in community service."

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the company's monetary giving increased by 3% from 2021 to 2022. The Bob Evans Farms Foundation, managed by The Columbus Foundation, distributed more than $1.4 million in monetary donations to key philanthropic partners over the past two years.

Additionally, the company significantly increased its food donations, donating over $14.4 million in fair market value products to food banks and other food-based nonprofits in this two-year period; including an increase of 132% from 2021 to 2022, providing much-needed help to families adversely affected by the downturn in the economy.

"Our goal is to make our giving more impactful by focusing on organizations that support diversity, equity, and inclusion," said Cassandra Binkley, Bob Evans Farms senior manager of community, engagement & philanthropy. Our philanthropic pillars - Community, Education, Food and Nutrition, Health and Wellness, and Military - each have strategic goals to guide our efforts."

Furthermore, Bob Evans Farms employees volunteered 525 hours to the company's causes over the past two years, further solidifying the company's commitment to giving back.

To learn more about the Bob Evans Farms philanthropic pillars and the impactful work done in the past two years, click here to read the full report on the company's website.

About Bob Evans Farms, Inc.

Bob Evans Farms delivers quick-to-table, farm-inspired food that makes mealtime a little bit easier and a lot more delicious. Founded in 1948 by Bob Evans, the company originated as a sausage business and has since expanded to include wholesome, feel-good favorites such as mashed potatoes and macaroni & cheese products, representing the #1-selling refrigerated dinner sides in the United States. Bob Evans Farms is also a leading producer and distributor in the refrigerated and frozen breakfast categories with a product portfolio spanning the flagship Bob Evans brand, as well as Simply Potatoes, Egg Beaters and Owens Sausage, sold in grocery stores across the country. The company is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, and is owned by Post Holdings, Inc., a consumer-packaged goods holding company. For more information, visit bobevansgrocery.com.

* SOURCE: IRI Total US MULO Latest 52 W/E 01/29/23.

SOURCE Bob Evans Farms, Inc.
Airline publishes flight schedule through Nov. 4, 2023 , offering up to 4,575 flights a day;

Adds more international service from Kansas City, Mo. ;

Plus, Southwest goes to the Northwest from Long Beach with nonstop service to Boise, Idaho , and Portland, Ore.

DALLAS, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) today is preparing for October travel by extending its flight schedule through Nov. 4, 2023, and making the airline's robust flight schedule available for booking at Southwest.com.

Kansas City Travelers Have More International Options

On the heels of Kansas City, Mo., opening its new state-of-the-art terminal last week, Southwest is boosting its international offering with the addition of two nonstop routes.

Effective Oct. 7, 2023, Southwest will offer seasonal service on Saturdays between:

Kansas City, Mo. and Montego Bay, Jamaica*

Kansas City, Mo. and Cabo San Lucas/Los Cabos*

*Subject to government approval

Both new routes complement the carrier's existing service between Kansas City and Cancun which seasonally adjusts to daily service beginning Oct. 5, 2023.

Long Beach Sees Southwest Growing to the Northwest

Southwest continues bringing more service to its Long Beach, Calif., Customers. Today, the airline added two new destinations for Southern California travelers linking them to the Pacific Northwest.

Effective Oct. 7, 2023 Southwest will offer the nonstop service on Saturdays and Sundays between:

Long Beach, Calif. and Boise, Idaho

Long Beach, Calif. and Portland, Ore.

The airline is also celebrating today's start of daily nonstop service between Long Beach and Kansas City, and will soon inaugurate service between previously announced routes including:

Beginning Date Travel between

Long Beach and Frequency July 11, 2023 Colorado Springs, Colo. El Paso, Texas Daily Daily July 15, 2023 Orlando, Fla. Saturdays Sept. 5, 2023 Albuquerque, N.M. Daily Previously announced service

More Flights Landing in Denver

Southwest is bringing more flights to Denver. Already its busiest airport operation, the carrier will grow even more with seven additional flights in October, offering up to 310 departures a day beginning on Oct. 5, 2023. As Southwest looks ahead to the fall, it's also preparing to begin nonstop service on Saturdays between Denver and San Jose, Costa Rica, which launches this weekend.

Early Fall Getaways

Several nonstop routes return to the Southwest Airlines route map beginning Oct. 5, 2023. To view a list of these flights, please visit this link on the airline's newsroom, swamedia.com.

These flights, and the carrier's full schedule, can be purchased today at Southwest.com.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.

Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 121 airports across 11 countries. Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline1. Based in Dallas and famous for an Employee-first corporate Culture, Southwest maintains an unprecedented record of no involuntary furloughs or layoffs in its history. By empowering its more than 66,0002 People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among as many as 130 million Customers carried a year. That formula for success brought industry-leading prosperity and 47 consecutive years3 of profitability for Southwest Shareholders (NYSE: LUV). Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship. Southwest is also continuing to develop tangible steps toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, including offering Customers an opportunity to help the airline offset its carbon emissions. To be part of the solution, visit Southwest.com/wannaoffsetcarbon.

1) U.S. Dept. of Transportation most recent reporting of domestic originating passengers boarded

2) Fulltime-equivalent active Employees

3) 1973-2019 annual profitability

SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.
Anthony Spencer will oversee sales in the national life insurance carrier's Georgia region

CANTON, Mass., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company, a national provider of insurance solutions for individuals and at the workplace, today announced the appointment of Anthony Spencer as Regional Sales Director in its Distribution and Business Development department. Spencer will oversee workplace sales in the Georgia region for the life insurance carrier.

Anthony Spencer will oversee workplace sales in the Georgia region for the life insurance carrier. Tweet this Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company announces the appointment of Anthony Spencer as Regional Sales Director in Georgia.

"We're excited to have Anthony part of the Workplace Solutions sales team," said Joshua Police, Executive Vice President  Distribution and Business Development at Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company. "With his experience, expertise and network of producer relationships he will be an important asset for growing the Boston Mutual Life presence in the Georgia markets."

Spencer has an extensive background in sales and business development, and brings more than 20 years' experience to Boston Mutual Life. Prior to joining Boston Mutual Life, he served as District Sales Manager at Colonial Life in Atlanta. Spencer holds a bachelor's of science degree in business management from Catawba College in North Carolina.

"Boston Mutual Life has a great brand story, customer journey and quality product offering. I'm looking forward to sharing the brand, customer experience and product portfolio with our producer partners and customers in the region," said Anthony Spencer, Regional Sales Director  Georgia at Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company.

To contact a Regional Sales Director in Georgia, click here. To learn more about Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company, please visit https://www.bostonmutual.com/ .

About Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company

Founded as a progressive life insurance company in 1891, Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company is a national carrier that provides insurance solutions designed for working Americans and their families, as well as enrollment and billing options at the workplace. With offices based in Canton, Massachusetts, and Omaha, Nebraska, as a mutual company, Boston Mutual Life is dedicated to acting in the best interests of its policyholders, producers, employees, and its communities. For more information, please visit www.bostonmutual.com or contact your Boston Mutual Life representative. Follow the company on Facebook (/BostonMutualLifeIns) or LinkedIn (/company/boston-mutual-life-insurance).

Media Contacts

Meredith D'Agostino

Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company

[email protected]

(800) 669-2668 x276

Boston Mutual Life News Desk:

[email protected]

SOURCE Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company
Participants will research and develop a solution to a challenge in the legal field

PROVO, Utah, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BYU Law, a global law school focused on leadership and innovation in the legal field, today announced that it will hold the inaugural Design Thinking Competition on Saturday, March 11 at its campus in Provo, Utah. Organized by the school's Law, Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship (LITE) Group in conjunction with the LawX legal design lab, the one-day, hackathon-style competition will introduce students to problem solving with design thinking, enable them to showcase their skills, and allow them to connect with peers and experts who share their interest legal industry innovation.

"BYU Law students have really embraced the notion that user centered design and legal technology is poised to play a role in the future of the legal field," said Shawn Nevers, Deputy Director of the BYU Law Library and the faculty advisor for the LITE Club. "We expect our students to be at the forefront of solutions to some of the world's toughest legal problems, and we look forward to seeing how the Design Thinking Competition contributes to this innovation."

This year's Design Thinking Competition is open to BYU Law students with plans to expand the competition into an annual event that welcomes competitors from other law schools. Since 2018, BYU Law has participated in the Global Legal Hackathon, the largest legal hackathon in history. BYU Law's team from the 2022 competition is currently competing in the semifinals with their creation of an app for uploading images with metadata in areas of conflict to preserve evidence of war crimes.

"I'm excited about this opportunity for students to showcase their innovation-related skills. Ultimately, our goal is that when employers hire from BYU Law, they know they're hiring someone who can thrive as the practice of law evolves," said William Emery, a second-year BYU Law student who is on the 2022 Hackathon team, and spearheaded this student-led club and competition.

Eight teams of four students will be asked to create a solution that addresses the goal: In two years' time, pro se litigants will be able to comfortably, and competently navigate the legal processes by themselves. Teams will participate in lightning demos to research existing self-representation products, sketch possible solutions, and storyboard their sketches into a step-by-step plan to present to the judges as a protype. A panel of judges, including Dr. Elliot Cain, Chief Legal Futurist at Filevine, BYU Law Professor Dane Thorley, Pamela Beatse, Utah State Bar Access to Justice Director, Eric Vogeler, LawX Director, and Danielle Dallas, BYU Law career advisor, will judge the student teams by assessing their pitch, prototype and processes. David Wang, Chief Innovation Officer at Wilson Sonsini, will be speaking to the student participants about the importance of innovation in the legal profession. The event is supported by sponsors Estate Guru and Filevine.

Launched in 2017, LawX is a design-thinking class in which BYU Law students seek to address an access to justice legal issue one semester at a time, whether through a change in policy, process, or product. The students utilize design thinking to research, ideate, prototype and test a solution in a fast-paced environment. LawX projects have generated several technology-based legal solutions, including SoloSuit to fight debt collections in court without a lawyer, Hello Landlord to improve landlord-tenant communication, and Goodbye Record to address flaws in the expungement process.

BYU Law is located along Utah's Wasatch Front, which has been dubbed "Silicon Slopes" for its rich entrepreneurial environment, attracting technologists, venture capitalists, incubators and ambitious students. The school offers a wide variety of opportunities and legal tech training for students who are interested in leveraging their tech skills in the service of society and the improvement of the practice of law.

About BYU Law School

Founded in 1971 with its inaugural class in 1973, the J. Reuben Clark Law School (BYU Law) has grown into one of the nation's leading law schools  recognized for innovative research and teaching in social change, transactional design, entrepreneurship, corpus linguistics, criminal justice and religious freedom. The Law School has more than 6,000 alumni serving in communities around the world. In its most recent rankings, National Jurist recognized BYU Law as the #1 best-value law school in its 2021 ranking. BYU Law also earned its highest U.S. news ranking to date, coming in at No. 23 in the U.S. News 2023 Best Graduate School rankings. For more information, visit https://law.byu.edu .

SOURCE BYU Law
CALIFORNIA LOCOS has partnered with the CSUF branch of the Prison Arts Collective to have custom skateboards designed by incarcerated women at C.I.W. in celebration of International Women's Day.

LOS ANGELES, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A limited collection of blank CALIFORNIA LOCOS skateboards has been donated to the participants of the Prison Arts Collective (PAC) to be custom designed and auctioned off in honor of International Women's Day. The collection of skateboards will be delivered to the California Institution for Women on March 8th for the participants to paint in honor of the women in their life. This project has been inspired by the recent collaboration between Mary Anna Pomonis and CALIFORNIA LOCOS, curated by Locos's founder Dave Tourje and creative director, Nano Nobrega. The skateboard auction goes live on the website on March.25th and ends April 2nd. Auction winners will be announced and contacted on April 3rd.

The participants in the Prison Arts Multidisciplinary Art Class at California Institution for Women Prison in Chino. Art and Social Justice Teaching team with creative director Nano Nobrega from the California Locos. Front: Left to right, Kimby Ruiz, Mary Anna Pomonis, Jasmine Solei Young-Lynch, Back: Abdullah Alnajaar, Komari White, and Shima Roohani.

The painted skateboards for auction will be featured on californialocos.com, with 100% of proceeds benefiting PAC. The funds raised will be used to buy art supplies, hire future student interns, and expand the program by adding new program sites.

ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP:

This collaboration between The California Locos and The Prison Arts Collective /Art 382:Art and Social Justice creates meaningful pathways for CSUF students to connect directly to underserved communities through service-learning, CSUF PAC provides teaching internships for CSUF students in the COTA and specifically the area of Art Education.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA LOCOS:

CALIFORNIA LOCOS was founded in 2011 by L.A. artist Dave Tourje when he called upon his best friends in art, Chaz Bojorquez, John Van Hamersveld, Norton Wisdom, and Gary Wong to form the multicultural group that reflected the L.A. subcultures of surf, skate, rock, graffiti, punk and fine art. To keep up with the CALIFORNIA LOC OS, connect with the brand at www.CaliforniaLocos.com and on Instagram: @californialocos

ABOUT PRISON ARTS COLLECTIVE:

Prison Arts Collective expands access to the transformative power of the arts by providing programming in prisons and for communities impacted by incarceration. PAC envisions a collaborative and inclusive society where everyone has access to the arts to promote wellbeing and empowerment. PAC is composed of a diverse team of teaching artists including first-generation college students, system impacted individuals, and other members of marginalized communities. PAC also supports successful collaborations between public entities, with an emphasis on partnerships with the state university system and state corrections agencies. To connect with PAC visit https://www.prisonartscollective.com/ or visit @prison_arts_collective on Instagram. Additionally, to keep up with the CSUF PAC chapter follow @artandsocialjusticecsuf on Instagram.

PRESS CONTACTS:

Michelle Irwin

323-595-3302

[email protected]

Jasmine Young-Lynch

[email protected]

SOURCE California Locos
$21 million in funding to expand permanent supportive housing and programs to address homelessness

ORANGE, Calif., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Reflecting CalOptima Health's commitment to Orange County's vulnerable population of people experiencing homelessness, the Board of Directors approved awarding $29.9 million in grants to 29 organizations, including its first-ever funds for permanent supportive housing. Eight community partners will receive a total of $21 million for the acquisition, construction and upgrades of more than 400 total housing units.

CalOptima Health's grants are tied to participation in the Department of Health Care Services' Housing and Homelessness Incentive Program (HHIP), which allows the agency to fund permanent supportive housing. HHIP aims to prevent and address housing insecurity for Medi-Cal members by ensuring those experiencing homelessness have a clear path into housing and can access the services needed to remain housed. In addition to funding major projects, grants were also awarded for expanded community-based services that will strengthen Orange County's ability to respond to the continuing homeless crisis.

"These grants will deliver life-changing resources for many individuals and families in Orange County who have struggled to navigate the complex system of homeless services and housing," said Michael Hunn, CEO of CalOptima Health. "Simply put, housing is health. CalOptima Health is honored that $21 million of this funding will go toward permanent supportive housing. By providing stability, permanent housing becomes the very foundation for accessing medical and behavioral health services."

The Salvation Army Orange County was awarded the single largest grant at $4.1 million. "Today is a momentous day," said Major Nesan Kistan, CEO of the Tustin-based organization. "Our partnership with CalOptima Health makes it possible for The Salvation Army to continue to bring hope to thousands of unhoused individuals in Orange County, some of whom have been suffering from chronic homelessness for more than 15 years. This generous grant will allow us to complete the construction of 72 units of permanent supportive housing and accelerate the completion of our brand-new Wellness Center at the Center of Hope. The Wellness Center will care for and serve thousands of individuals experiencing homelessness from across our community for many years to come. We thank CalOptima Health for their commitment and leadership in serving the unhoused in Orange County."

Midway City-based grantee American Family Housing will build a 111-unit residential community for eligible households experiencing homelessness. "These funds position us to create the infrastructure for a health care system that looks at the whole person and takes into consideration the real-life experience of people who have experienced homelessness in Orange County," said Milo Peinemann, CEO of American Family Housing. "This landmark investment supports a more balanced approach to health care for those who are chronically homeless. People with serious health needs make up the vast majority of the population of people who experience homelessness. We can better tackle homelessness if we address how our health care system handles their social determinants of health."

Grantees in two other categories  capacity building and equity  received a total of $8.9 million. Capacity building grants will help organizations expand the availability of their housing navigation services, such as by adding staff and other resources. Equity grants are designed to enhance programs delivering homeless services for underrepresented populations, such as children, older adults, transgender individuals and certain ethnic groups.

Latino Health Access received a $500,000 capacity building grant. Chief Program Officer Nancy Mejia, MPH, MSW, of the Santa Ana organization said: "This grant will expand our Health and Housing Promotor program to provide an additional 300 housing navigation support services to OC residents to remain in and/or connect to permanent housing. We will also expand our capacity to identify, inform and refer community members facing housing insecurity by building the capacity of Latino Health Access promotores (community health workers)."

Laguna Beach-based Friendship Shelter received capacity building and capital grants. Executive Director Dawn Price concludes: "CalOptima Health is leading the way in our state in assessing our system's needs and swiftly moving these funds into the community. In return, we are eager to accept the responsibility to ensure that these funds go to work immediately to have the intended impact."

Furthermore, CalOptima Health intends to award additional grant funding for permanent supportive housing later this year, based on future HHIP incentives received from the state. "We are just getting started making the kind of transformational changes needed to reach and uplift our community's most vulnerable," said Kelly Bruno-Nelson, Executive Director of Medi-Cal/CalAIM, who is leading the team spearheading efforts in support of whole person health.

About CalOptima Health

A county-organized health system, CalOptima Health provides publicly funded health care coverage for low-income children, adults, seniors, and people with disabilities in Orange County, California. CalOptima Health's mission is to serve member health with excellence and dignity, respecting the value and needs of each person. CalOptima Health serves nearly 974,000 members with a network of more than 9,400 primary care doctors and specialists and 45 acute and rehab hospitals.

ORGANIZATIONS SELECTED AND AWARD AMOUNTS

Capital Grantees Funding Award American Family Housing $2,951,660 City of Anaheim/Anaheim Housing Authority $2,000,000 Community Action Partnership of Orange $98,340 Friendship Shelter $3,850,000 Korean Community Services dba KCS Health Center $2,500,000 Orange County Housing Finance Trust $4,000,000 Pathways of Hope $1,500,000 The Salvation Army Orange County $4,100,000 Capital Grant Total $21,000,000



Capacity Building Grantees Funding Award City of Anaheim $200,000 Community Action Partnership of Orange $79,203 Families Forward $275,128 Family Assistance Ministries $350,000 Friendship Shelter $197,608 Grandma's House of Hope $50,000 Latino Center For Prevention And Action In Health And Welfare dba Latino Health Access $500,000 Lutheran Social Services of Southern California $250,000 Orange County United Way $1,588,215 PATH www.epath.org $883,637 Pathways of Hope $280,000 Radiant Health Centers $474,490 Southland Integrated Services $450,000 Thomas House Temporary Shelter dba Thomas House Family Shelter $254,033 Capacity Building Total $5,832,314



Equity Grantees Funding Award Access California Services $498,427 Alianza Translatinx $221,600 Asian American Senior Citizens Service Center $300,000 Colette's Children's Home $350,000 Family Promise of Orange County $300,000 Grandma's House of Hope $80,000 Homeless Intervention Services of Orange County $370,000 Orange County Family Justice Center Foundation $82,860 South County Outreach $130,000 StandUp for Kids $198,024 The Eli Home Inc. $175,000 WISEPlace $315,400 Equity Grant Total $3,021,311

SOURCE CalOptima Health
SAN FRANCISCO, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Canary Technologies , the hospitality industry's leading guest management system, has been named to Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for 2023. Canary was the only hotel technology company selected as this year's awards highlight the businesses at the forefront of their respective industries.

With a significant staffing shortage in the hospitality industry, Canary has invested heavily in new and existing product development to help hoteliers do more with less. This has included significantly expanding the capabilities of the company's Contactless Check-In, Upsells, and Messaging solutions, and developing a new Digital Tipping product that has experienced rapid adoption at all types of lodging properties.

Canary now supports more than 20,000 hoteliers in more than 75 countries and is recognized as the industry benchmark for innovative guest-facing solutions. Canary's hotel partners make more money, improve the guest experience, and reduce front desk work.

Many of the most common technologies deployed by hotels are based on legacy solutions that have not seen significant or innovative updates in the past decade. Canary's products modernize the standard hotel technology stack with a comprehensive suite of guest-facing, user-friendly solutions under one roof.

"We are extremely proud that Canary has been named to Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies list for 2023," said Harman Singh Narula, Co-Founder at Canary Technologies. "This recognition speaks volumes about our amazing team and the real-world value our products provide to our hotel customers. From creating more streamlined and personalized check-in processes to helping hoteliers improve employee retention with Digital Tipping, Canary is leading the charge to modernize hotel technology and we're honored to be counted among so many other leaders in innovation."

"What a strange and thrilling year it has been to honor this year's Most Innovative Companies. This year's list compiles some of the most cutting-edge groundbreakers who are changing our world every single day, from legacy organizations like McDonald's to upstarts like MrBeast and institutions such as NASA. Everyone on this list does something completely, uniquely different, yet, they all have one thing in common: innovation," said Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan.

Fast Company will host its third annual Most Innovative Companies Summit on April 19 and 20.

About Canary Technologies

Canary Technologies is modernizing the hotel tech stack with the first mobile web end-to-end Guest Management System and its award-winning Digital Authorizations solutions. Digitizing everything from post-booking through checkout, Canary is trusted by more than 20k hoteliers in more than 70 countries, including Four Seasons, Choice Hotels, Radisson Hotels, and Ace Hotel Group. Canary's hotel management software helps hotels eliminate paper processes, boost revenue with upsells, raise staff efficiency, ensure PCI compliance, improve the guest experience, and reduce chargebacks and payment fraud. Learn more at canarytechnologies.com.

About Fast Company

Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication Inc., and can be found online at www.fastcompany.com.

Contact:

Liang Zhao

Vansary

[email protected]

(505) 720-6933

or

Julia Wakefield

Vansary

[email protected]

(305) 962-0736

SOURCE Canary Technologies
StoreDot calls for more car companies to adopt the mindset and agility of start-ups and to work more in tandem with groundbreaking technology companies to enable and accelerate innovation and global EV market growth

StoreDot's CEO observes varying approaches in automotive manufacturers and their willingness to adopt new innovative battery technologies

OEMs that reevaluate traditional introduction timelines will stay ahead of the curve and pave the way for the seismic shift to electrification that the world needs

StoreDot remains on target for mass production readiness of '100in5' battery cells next year delivering at least 100 miles of range in just five minutes of charging

HERZLIYA, Israel, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- StoreDot, the pioneer of extreme fast charging battery technology for electric vehicles, is encouraging global electric vehicle manufacturers to adopt more of a start-up mindset in order to bring transformational charging technologies onto the market quicker.

Doron Myersdorf, StoreDots CEO

StoreDot is now on track for mass production readiness of its 100in5 silicon-dominant extreme fast charging batteries next year, delivering a range of 100 miles (160 km) in just five minutes of charge. StoreDot's XFC battery solution solves the key 'charging anxiety' barrier to EV mass adoption. However, the company's CEO is urging some automotive manufacturers to re-evaluate their traditional technology introduction timelines in order to accelerate the adoption of these game-changing batteries into new vehicles, benefitting customers while enabling a swifter uptake of EVs.

Traditionally, global car companies are locked into sequential prototyping and testing processes with timescales that fit the familiar long cycles of ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicle development. However, leading car companies can embrace new practices and leverage a swifter development mode enabling the introduction of the latest technologies to market faster through collaborations with startups and scaleup-ready businesses such as StoreDot.

Dr Doron Myersdorf, StoreDot CEO "We are working with many global OEMs and it's clear that some are already changing their mindset to adopt advanced battery technologies faster. But not every OEM behaves like this, and I believe the entire EV industry will benefit from accelerating its processes and timelines if we are going to collectively undertake the seismic shift to electrification that the world needs."

"With a typical 5-year cycle to implement any new battery technology, we are encouraging global automotive manufacturers following traditional processes to adjust their methods and mindset to more agile business practices when evaluating and implementing innovative technologies. Testing of new technologies such as StoreDot's Extreme Fast Charge  XFC  cells can be a strict, sequential, and laborious process that assumes a certain level of technology maturity. The upshot is that our game-changing batteries might not get into the hands of car buyers in a timely fashion. As charging anxiety is one of the main barriers to EV adoption, such conservative processes can have consequences for the entire battery and vehicle ecosystem and its ability to vastly and quickly improve the world in which we live."

"Of course, car makers must not ignore crucial elements such as safety and reliability testing, which are a given. But in my experience, some OEMs are still rigidly sticking to testing regimes that hinder the ability to take advantage of battery breakthroughs. Some parts of the automotive industry are currently being held back and will continue to be so unless we all adopt the agility of start-up concurrent engineering practices."

StoreDot's '100inX' strategic technology roadmap remains on track and with better OEM process alignment it can reach the market faster. XFC technology features 100in5, 100in3 and 100in2 of miles per minute of charging - three generations of StoreDot technologies of silicon-dominant anode, semi-solid-state and post-lithium. The roadmap confirms that the timings for these to enter mass production and adoption will be delivered over the coming decade with 100in5 to be commercially ready as soon as next year, 100in3 by 2028 and 100in2 by 2032.

StoreDot's XFC battery cells are currently being evaluated by 15 global automotive manufacturers.

About StoreDot:

StoreDot is the pioneer and leader of extreme fast charging (XFC) electric vehicle batteries that overcome the critical barriers to mainstream EV adoption  range and charging anxiety. The company has revolutionized the conventional Li-ion battery by designing and synthesizing proprietary organic and inorganic compounds, optimized by Artificial Intelligence algorithms, making it possible to charge an EV in under ten minutes  the same experience as refuelling a conventional combustion engine car.

Through its '100inX' product roadmap, StoreDot's battery technology is delivering 'Range on DemandTM': 100 miles charged in 5 minutes in 2024, 100 miles charged in 3 minutes by 2028, and extreme energy density solution enabling 100 miles to be charged in 2 minutes by 2032. StoreDot's strategic investors and partners include Daimler, BP, VinFast, Volvo Cars, Polestar, Ola Electric, Samsung, TDK, and its manufacturing partner EVE Energy. In 2022, the company achieved a world first by demonstrating a live extreme fast charging of an EV battery cell in 10 minutes. StoreDot is on target for mass production readiness of 100in5 technology by 2024.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2018720/Doron_Myersdorf__StoreDot_s_CEO.jpg

SOURCE StoreDot
KINGSEY FALLS, QC, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Cascades is pleased to announce that it has joined the United Nations Global Compact, the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative. In so doing, the Corporation joins thousands of organizations around the worldincluding 189 in Canadathat are committed to responsible and transparent business practices to create a better world.

Cascades joins the United Nations Global Compact (CNW Group/Cascades Inc.)

The Global Compact calls for companies to align their strategies with the United Nations' universal principles that advance societal goals in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment, and anti-corruption. It also requires organizations to take concrete actions to advance the 2030 Global Agenda, which encompasses the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Lastly, in joining the Global Compact, organizations must publish an annual report detailing the actions they took to operate responsibly and support the SDGs.

"Our membership in the United Nations Global Compact is a logical extension of our commitment to sustainability, and we are very pleased to join today a group of companies that share our values and objectives," said Mario Plourde, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Cascades has always operated with a deep commitment to its environmental, social and, more broadly, societal impact. Over the years, we have built our reputation on concrete, innovative actions that our employees can be proud of. We are honoured to be ranked 20th in the world's most sustainable corporations according to the Corporate Knights Global 100."

"In building its latest sustainability plan, Cascades aligned itself with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. That's why the selected targets contribute to 10 of the 17 global goals that rally governments and organizations around the world. Our commitments, respectful of the planet, solutions driven, community minded and people focused, enable us to drive positive change for the benefit of our customers, the communities we operate in, and the planet," said Hugo D'Amours, Vice-President, Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainable Development.

About the United Nations Global Compact

Launched in 2000, the UN Global Compact is the largest corporate sustainability initiative in the world with more than 15,000 companies and 3,000 non-business signatories based in over 160 countries, and more than 70 local networks.

About Cascades

Founded in 1964, Cascades offers sustainable, innovative and value-added solutions for packaging, hygiene and recovery needs. The company employs approximately 10,000 people, who work in a network of nearly 80 production units in North America. With its management philosophy, half a century of experience in recycling, and continuous efforts in research and development as driving forces, Cascades continues to deliver the innovative products that customers have come to rely on, while contributing to the well-being of people, communities and the planet. Cascades' shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol CAS.

SOURCE Cascades Inc.
CHICAGO, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The cell dissociation industry is expected to experience significant growth over the next few years, driven by advances in cell culture technology, the increasing use of stem cells in research and drug discovery, and the development of novel cell-based therapies. As the demand for high-quality cell dissociates grows, the industry can expect to see more investments in developing new cell dissociation techniques, such as single-cell isolation, nanotechnology-based cell disruption, and micropipette-based cell dissociation. Additionally, the development of new automation tools and technologies to improve consistency and efficiency of cell dissociation processes are expected to drive future growth. In the coming years, the industry can also expect to see advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning, which could further revolutionize the cell dissociation industry.

Cell Dissociation Market in terms of revenue was estimated to be worth $0.6 billion in 2023 and is poised to reach $1.4 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 17.8% from 2023 to 2028 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. Key drivers of the cell dissociation market include, growing use of tissue dissociation products in mammalian cell culture and expanding cell therapy production facilities. The mammalian-based capacity for recombinant proteins grew yearly at 10.8%, whereas recombinant microbial-based capacity grew at 3.0% yearly. As cell culture is an integral part of developing mammalian-based recombinant therapeutics, the uptake of cell dissociation products is expected to increase with it.

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Browse in-depth TOC on "Cell Dissociation Market"

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Cell Dissociation Market Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2023 $0.6 billion Estimated Value by 2028 $1.4 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 17.8% Market Size Available for 20212028 Forecast Period 20232028 Forecast Units Value (USD Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered Product, Tissue Type, Application, End User, and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and MEA Report Highlights Updated financial information / product portfolio of players Key Market Opportunities Advancements in non-enzymatic tissue dissociation Key Market Drivers Increase in recombinant therapeutics sourced from mammalian cells

Enzymatic dissociation products accounted for the larger share of the cell dissociation market in 2022

Based on the product, the cell dissociation market is segmented enzymatic dissociation products, instruments & accessories, and non-enzymatic dissociation products. In 2022, the enzymatic cell dissociation products segment accounted for the highest revenue. Uptake of cell dissociation enzymes is expected to increase attributed to increasing cell-based research activities.

By tissue type, the connective tissue segment accounted for the largest market share in 2022

Based on the tissue type, the cell dissociation market is segmented into epethilial tissues, connective tissues, and other tissues such as muscles tissues and nervous tissues. The connective tissues is the dominant segment of the cell dissociation market in 2022 and is also expected to grow at the fastest pace through 2023-2028. In the past few years, extensive research has been performed to achieve a granular understanding of connective tissue structures.

Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are the largest end-users of the cell dissociation market

Based on end-users, the cell dissociation market is segmented into research & academic isntitutes, pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies, and other end users. The pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are the key end users of the cell dissociation market, with highest revenue share in 2022. Increasing insvestments by pharmaceutical companies to develop stem cell-based therapies is expected to strengthen the adoption of cell dissociation products.

North America dominates the global cell dissociation market

The cell dissociation market is segmented into five major regional segments, namely, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. In 2022, North America accounted for the largest share in the cell dissociation market, which is attributed to increasing investments in the development of novel cell-based therapies.

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Cell Dissociation Market Dynamics:

Drivers:

Increase in recombinant therapeutics sourced from mammalian cells Growing focus on personalized medicine cGMP approvals for new cell therapy production facilities

Restraints:

High cost of cell-based research

Opportunities:

Advancements in non-enzymatic tissue dissociation

Challenges:

Limitations associated with dissociated cell culture

Key Market Players:

The cell dissociation market is moderately consolidated in nature with prominent market players such as Merck KGaA (Germany), Danaher Corporation (US), Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (US), Corning Incorporated (US), Becton, Dickinson and Company (US), STEMCELL Technologies (Canada), PromoCell GmbH (Germany), Miltenyi Biotec (Germany), ATCC (US), HiMedia Laboratories (India), PAN-Biotech (Germany), CellSystems GmbH (Germany), AMSBIO (England), Neuromics (US), VitaCyte, LLC. (US), ALSTEM (US), Biological Industries (Israel), Gemini Bio (US), Innovative Cell Technologies, Inc. (US), Central Drug House (P) Ltd. (India), Worthington Biochemical Corporation (US), Capricorn Scientific (Germany), Abeomics (US), and Genlantis, Inc. (US).

Recent Developments

In 2020, Miltenyi Biotec launched automated and closed adherent cell culture solutions on CliniMACS Prodigy.

In 2020, Merck The company expanded its Life Sciences production facilities in Danvers, Massachusetts , and Jaffrey, New Hampshire (US).

, and (US). In 2020, STEMCELL Technologies partnered with CollPlant to secure CollPlant rhCollagen for STEMCELL's use in cell culture applications.

In 2021, Danaher (Cytiva) partnered with Diamyd Medical, wherein Diamyd selected Cytiva's FlexFactory platform for making precision medicine type-1 diabetes vaccines.

In 2021, Danaher (Cytiva) collaborated with the Government of Telangana ( India ) to strengthen the biopharma industry in India with new labs.

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Cell Dissociation Market Advantages:

Increased Efficiency: Cell dissociation reagents provide a more efficient and reliable method for dissociating cell samples, which can significantly reduce processing time and improve the quality of the results.

Higher Yields: Cell dissociation reagents are designed to maximize cell yield, allowing for more effective downstream applications such as flow cytometry and immunological assays.

Improved Quality: Cell dissociation reagents help to ensure that cells are undamaged during the isolation process, thereby resulting in higher quality samples.

Cost Effective: Cell dissociation reagents provide a cost-effective solution, as they are typically less expensive than traditional methods.

Greater Flexibility: Cell dissociation reagents offer greater flexibility in terms of the types of cells that can be isolated, allowing for a wider range of downstream applications.

Cell Dissociation Market- Report Highlights:

The value chain analysis, ecosystem analysis, and regulatory scenario are added in the market overview chapter.

The new edition of the report provides updated market breakdown with detailed analysis on tissue types.

The new edition of the report provides updated financial information till 2022 (depending on availability) for each listed company in a graphical representation. This would help in the easy analysis of the present status of profiled companies in terms of their financial strength, profitability, key revenue-generating region/country, and business segment focus in terms of the highest revenue-generating segment.

Recent developments are helpful to understand market trends and growth strategies adopted by players in the market.

Tracking product portfolios of prominent market players helps to analyze the major products and applications in the cell dissociation market. The new edition of the report provides an updated product portfolio of the companies profiled in the report.

Market evaluation framework, market share analysis and competitive leadership mapping have been added in competitive landscape chapter of the report.

The competitive leadership mapping has been updated considering recent developments in the company evaluation matrix.

Related Reports:

Cell Culture Market - Global Forecasts to 2028

Regenerative Medicine Market - Global Forecasts to 2027

Cell Lysis Market - Global Forecasts to 2026

Microcarrier Market - Global Forecasts to 2026

Cell Isolation Market - Global Forecasts to 2025

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Members of the new leadership group support social and emotional learning as an important set of skills all students need to succeed

TURNERS FALLS, Mass., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Center for Responsive Schools, a worldwide leader in social and emotional learning, has launched the Superintendents' Council for Social and Emotional Learning (SCSEL).

The mission of the Superintendents' Council for Social and Emotional Learning is to raise awareness of the importance of social and emotional learning (SEL) and champion social and emotional learning as a key component of high-quality education for all students. Members of the SCSEL recognize social and emotional learning as a key factor in creating optimal learning environments in schools.

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the cornerstone of all Center for Responsive Schools programs and products. Tweet this

According to SCSEL member Dr. Tony Watlington, superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia (PA), "Kids who are in a better social and emotional learning space have better relationships, are more likely to communicate with their teachers and peers, and we can mitigate issues related to school safety."

The council's inaugural in-person meeting was held in Kissimmee, Florida, on January 2931. Members of the first cohort of the SCSEL include superintendents from Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia.

"The superintendents on the council represent a diverse group of school leaders from all over the country," said Dr. Lora Hodges, president and CEO of Center for Responsive Schools. "Whether they are from large districts or small ones, rural settings or urban ones," Dr. Hodges continued, "All the leaders on the council share the firm belief that social and emotional learning is vital to student success."

The partnership between CRS and SCSEL has three goals. First, SCSEL members will be leading voices advocating for the growth of SEL in schools where it already has a presence and its expansion into more schools. Members will also engage with other superintendents and leaders who value academic, social, and emotional success and want to leverage SEL in their own schools. Lastly, SCSEL members will bolster awareness of the programs, products, and services of Center for Responsive Schools, which has been providing comprehensive SEL solutions for more than forty years.

Dr. Carol Kelley, superintendent of Princeton (NJ) Public Schools, shared, "Schools can be at the center of the work related to SEL. This includes destigmatizing the focus on mental health supports and helping people to realize that without this strong foundation, you can't really get to the academics."

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the cornerstone of all Center for Responsive Schools programs and products. In recent years, there has been a marked increase in schools' interest in SEL implementation as more school districts recognize the importance of educating the whole child.

About Center for Responsive Schools, Inc.

Center for Responsive Schools (CRS) , a not-for-profit educational organization, offers professional development, curriculum and books and resources to support academic, social and emotional learning. CRS is the developer of Responsive Classroom , a research-based education approach associated with greater teacher effectiveness, higher student achievement and improved school climate, and of Fly Five , a comprehensive social-emotional learning curriculum for kindergarten through eighth grade. CRS Publishing, the independent publishing arm of Center for Responsive Schools, creates inspiring yet practical books for educators and students to support growth, learning and success in and out of school. For more information about CRS, visit crslearn.org .

SOURCE Center for Responsive Schools, Inc.
Wisconsin-Based Members Using Centivo Visited Primary Care and Specialty Physicians More and Experienced Fewer ER and Inpatient Visits Than Industry Benchmarks

BUFFALO, N.Y., and MILWAUKEE, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Centivo ("the Company"), a new type of health plan for self-funded employers anchored around leading providers of value-based care, and the Business Health Care Group ("BHCG"), a Wisconsin-based coalition of employers, today announced key cost savings from Centivo's 2022 healthcare spend analysis of the BHCG-Centivo High-Performance Health Plan offering in Wisconsin. In a state with the 4th highest hospital prices in the country and a market where 81 percent of surveyed residents worry about their ability to afford healthcare, the results are especially significant.

The analysis highlighted that High-Performance Plan members used their health benefits more efficiently to support better outcomes, including increased primary care visits (+35 percent) and specialist visits (+15 percent), resulting in fewer inpatient admits (-8 percent) and emergency room visits (-17 percent).

"The real Centivo differentiator is we run a very strong primary care-guided model that supports behavior change, driving not only cost savings, but also healthier outcomes," said Centivo Chief Actuary Dave Osterndorf. "Centivo's high-performance program, initiated in collaboration with the BHCG, was designed to encourage members to get the right care at the right time and place, with benefits rewarding patients with dramatically less out-of-pocket costs and strong physician relationships, resulting in a guided process to optimal care."

In 2022, changes in how members sought out and accessed medical services resulted in significant savings for BHCG member employers and their health plan members. Wisconsin BHCG member employers saved 23 percent compared to Artemis Health's nationally recognized industry benchmark, while their employees paid an average of $700 per year in annual out-of-pocket claims costs, compared to the national average of over $1,650. Additionally, this strong primary care physician-guided model influences the way plan members seek ongoing care, leading to long-term sustained cost savings for employers, as plan members access more appropriate and preventive care.

Centivo's High-Performance Health Plan Results in Wisconsin versus Industry Benchmarks













Metric Centivo High-Performance Health Plan Nationally Recognized Benchmark (Moderately Managed) Percent Difference Nationally Recognized Benchmark (Loosely Managed) Percent Difference Total Medical Costs (per member, per month) $350.72 $455.88 -23 $548.31 -36 Primary Care Physician Visits (per 1,000 members) 1,745 1,297 +35 1,352 +29 Specialist Visits (per 1,000 members) 908 791 +15 794 +14 Inpatient Admits (per 1,000 members) 41 44 -8 49 -17 Emergency Room Visits (per 1,000 members) 100 121 -17 145 -31

Centivo's analysis is based on claims from Wisconsin-based members enrolled in the Company's High-Performance Health Plan incurred from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2022, and includes a reserve for claims incurred, but not yet reported or paid, by year-end.

"Centivo's primary care physician-centered model has influenced how members engage with their health plan benefits, leading to less inappropriate spending, enhanced decision-making and an overall better healthcare experience," said BHCG Executive Director Jeff Kluever. "Wisconsin employers are constantly looking for new ways to improve healthcare quality and cost efficiency. We are proud to work with Centivo and our health system and provider group partners on our joint mission to enable healthier plan member outcomes through coordinated value-based care."

Centivo's High-Performance Health Plan model is anchored around leading providers of value-based care committed to patient access and quality, cost-effective care. This alignment with top local health systems brings with it market-leading pricing that further supports significant employer savings. Networks also include Centivo's proprietary virtual primary care practice, one of the first to receive the National Committee for Quality Assurance's Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition.

About Centivo

Centivo is an innovative health plan for self-funded employers, with a mission to bring affordable, high-quality healthcare to the millions of workers who struggle to pay their medical bills. Anchored around a primary care-based Accountable Care Organization (ACO) model and fully integrated with one of the nation's first virtual primary care practices to receive the National Committee for Quality Assurance's Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition, Centivo typically saves employers 20 percent or more compared to traditional U.S. insurance carriers. Employees also realize significant savings through its free primary care, predictable copays and no-deductible benefit plan design. Centivo partners with companies employing over 50 people  from mid-sized organizations to the Fortune 500. For more information, visit centivo.com .

About the Business Health Care Group (BHCG)

The Business Health Care Group leverages member employer purchasing power and knowledge to lead change. The organization creates value through innovative, shared strategies to improve health care quality and cost efficiency for employers, employees and the community. BHCG membership is available in Wisconsin and also nationwide for employers accessing BHCG best-in-class strategic partners. Visit BHCGWI.org to learn more.

SOURCE Centivo
BEIJING, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The ongoing first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, gathers 2,977 deputies from an array of professions and backgrounds. Among those national legislators, 281 are from the armed forces, forming the largest group of lawmakers at this year's meeting.

Chinese President Xi Jinping takes part in one of the military delegation's plenary meetings during each year's NPC session to discuss military issues.

On Wednesday, while attending a plenary meeting of the delegation of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the People's Armed Police Force during the first session of the 14th NPC this year, his 11th such attendance, Xi stressed the importance of opening new ground for enhancing integrated national strategies and strategic capabilities.

To that end, efforts must be made to draw momentum from reform and innovation, emphasized Xi, urging more progresses in this regard.

Building up strategic capabilities

In the report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in October, China has vowed to further modernize its national defense and the military.

The country will enhance the military's strategic capabilities for defending China's sovereignty, security, and development interests and see that the armed forces effectively fulfill their missions and tasks in the new era, said the report.

At Wednesday's plenary meeting, Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said that consolidating and enhancing integrated national strategies and strategic capabilities has profound significance in building a modern socialist country in all respects and advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts, as well as in achieving the goals for the centenary of the PLA in 2027 and more quickly elevating the armed forces to world-class standards.

Highlighting the goal of maximizing China's national strategic capabilities, Xi called for efforts in integrating the strategic layouts, resources and strengths in all areas, in a bid to systematically upgrade the country's overall strength to cope with strategic risks, safeguard strategic interests and realize strategic objectives.

Xi urged efforts to advance collaborative innovation in science and technology, with a focus on independent and original innovation, thus building high-level self-reliance and strength in science and technology at a faster pace.

Strategic capabilities in emerging fields must be bolstered in pursuit of new advantages in national development and international competitions, and the resilience of industrial and supply chains must be enhanced, he said.

Before addressing the meeting, the president listened to thoughts and suggestions shared by six military deputies who spoke about defense technology capability, major infrastructure construction and national defense education for the public.

In his address, Xi ordered coordinating the construction of major infrastructure, accelerating the building of national reserves, and making the reserves more capable of safeguarding national security.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-03-08/Xi-attends-plenary-meeting-of-delegation-of-PLA-armed-police-1i0Cgn1PUY0/index.html

SOURCE CGTN
AUSTIN, Texas, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ChartPath, a leading EHR solution for long-term and post-acute care practices, today announced plans for a new automation platform that will allow clinicians and caretakers to select from a menu of helpful solutions and integrations tailored to their unique business and care needs.

ChartPath has improved the post-acute care experience through an easy-to-use software that maximizes efficiency and profitability to give physicians more time to focus on care. With the new automation platform, users can choose the technology features most aligned to their practice style and patient requirements, allowing providers to save time, improve accuracy, and increase patient safety.

Among the most notable benefits users of the new platform will enjoy are:

Spending less time on their EHR with more time to focus on patients;

Reduction of errors and elimination of repetitive work;

The ability to make more informed care decisions, faster; and

Access to multiple applications in one place, without needing to log in and out of several different point solutions.

"It's exciting to see the positive impact that tech innovation has on the healthcare setting, especially for the dedicated providers in long-term and post-acute care," said Buzz White, CEO of ChartPath. "The new automation and self-select capabilities in ChartPath are further testament to our ongoing commitment to those providing crucial care in the LTPAC community.

With the goal to create smooth transitions in and out of post-acute care facilities, ChartPath's EHR system makes the job easier for providers in skilled nursing homes, assisted living, home health, and rehabilitation centers. The intuitive platform is designed with patients in mind and fosters communities around healthy decision making.

Since its inception, ChartPath has grown to support over 250 practices, partner with more than 4,000 users, and has driven over 7 million encounters. To learn more about ChartPath, its unwavering mission and market-leading products, visit ChartPath.com.

About ChartPath

ChartPath is a custom-built EHR system designed for long-term and post-acute care (LTPAC) practices. Based in Austin, the healthcare technology provider develops tools to serve physicians and patients and ultimately elevate the quality of care. The frictionless software is easy to use  from coding and billing to patient management and RCM  underpinned by world-class 24/7 support. ChartPath's top priority is to maximize practice efficiency and profitability by reducing the time and energy clinicians spend on technology and process. To learn more, visit ChartPath.com.

SOURCE ChartPath
SHANGHAI, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- China Clean Expo 2023, organized by IM Sinoexpo and supported by ISSA  The worldwide cleaning industry association, China Tourist Hotel Association, China Commerce Association for General Merchandise, China Architectural Culture Centre and China Chamber of Commerce of I/E of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-products (CFNA), will return to Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC) on March 28th  31st, 2023.

As a comprehensive flagship exhibition in the cleaning industry, China Clean Expo covers a wide range of exhibits, including cleaning equipment & accessories, cleaning tools & agents, restroom supplies, air purification & epidemic prevention, building facility maintenance & management, smart cleaning systems, laundry equipment & products, environmental sanitation facilities & products etc. you can truly experience all segments of the cleaning industry chain at China Clean Expo.

This year, China Clean Expo is expected to draw 400+ exhibitors, 50+ forums, competitions and demonstrations will take place on the show floor, and 200+ industry leaders from property, cleaning and air purification sectors will share cutting-edge information. As an important sub-show of Hotel & Shop Plus, China Clean Expo is going to share 100,000+ high-quality buyers attracted by Hotel & Shop Plus.

Industry Leaders Gather to Start a New Chapter of Cleaning in Post-epidemic

With the optimization of the COVID-19 prevention and control measures and the official implementation of the new customs epidemic prevention policy, personnel exchanges have gradually become normal, and domestic and international business communications have sprung up like mushrooms. China Clean Expo show will continue to provide one-stop environmental sanitation solutions for hotels, hospitals, schools, office buildings, tourist attractions and other commercial properties, as well as residences, municipal construction projects, factories, and public facilities. China Clean Expo is going to welcome 30+ excellent ISSA members and numerous globally and nationally well-known companies this year.

Newly forged Smart Cleaning Hall Helps You Grasp Industry Trends

In recent years. Smart cleaning has become a new hotspot in the development of the international cleaning market, and the application of smart cleaning equipment has promoted the upgrading of the cleaning industry. China Clean Expo 2023 follows closely and acts abiding by the trends, a smart cleaning experience hall is specially set up to bring together well-known smart cleaning brands at home and abroad, display cutting-edge technologies, and jointly present the charm of cleaning industry empowered by AI technology. In the smart cleaning hall, smart cleaning exhibitors will lead the audience to understand the upgrading and transformation brought by smart cleaning to the industry through vivid product explanations and demonstrations.

Products Displaying in Parallels with Various Events to Enhance Visiting Experience

China Clean Expo is more than just a professional platform for displaying cleaning products and technologies, an event themed Intelligence and Craftsmanship Series Activities will be held concurrently, the event will invite outstanding leaders at home and abroad and expert from ISSA to discuss and share ideas on cleaning, property, air purification, laundry, disinfection and epidemic prevention etc. Various forms of activities such as forums, speeches, competitions, and demonstrations will be staged in turn, through professional knowledge sharing, live demonstrations and case studies, audience will have a better understanding of the latest developments in the industry from multiple dimensions.

Co-located with Hotel & Shop Plus, Get Ready to Harvest More Business Opportunities

Hotel & Shop Plus and sub-show China Clean Expo will be held concurrently, and the two parties will share synergy effects. Nationwide industry buyers from the following sectors including property management company, contract cleaning company, public facility management company, commercial real estate, general merchandise, shopping mall owners and hospitality group etc. get together to discover new business opportunities by cross-industry communication.

China Clean Expo Looks Forward to Meet You at SNIEC in March

From March 28 to 31, 2023, China Clean Expo will return to Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC), and it will draw the attention of cleaning industry by then. If you want to watch innovative cleaning products and technologies in person, expand your business network, unlock high-quality purchasing opportunities, and obtain leading international cleaning concepts, then China Clean Expo 2023 is a must-see annual industry event for you.

Visitor pre-registration is open. Register now for FREE ticket here:

https://reg.chinacleanexpo.com/en/user/register?utm_source=official&utm_medium=prnewswire&utm_campaign=registration_open

For more information , please go to www.chinacleanexpo.com/en or follow China Clean Expo on Twitter @ CCE_cleanexpo, Facebook @ CCEChinaCleanExpo, and LinkedIn @ china-clean-expo.

About China Clean Expo

Launched in 2002, China Clean Expo is the one-stop cleaning solution provider for commercial, institutional and industrial facilities. Exhibit categories include cleaning equipment and accessories, tools and chemical agents, restroom supplies, indoor air purification, epidemic prevention, facility management, smart cleaning, laundry, and environmental sanitation. As one of the sub-shows of Hotel & Shop Plus, China Clean Expo has the unique advantage of visitor resource from hospitality and commercial space sector. Recognized as the must-attend event for cleaning industry in China, China Clean Expo is the right place to connect with cleaning suppliers and buyers from China and all over the world. For more information, please go to www.chinacleanexpo.com/en.

About Hotel & Shop Plus

Hotel & Shop Plus is China's leading trade show catering to hospitality and commercial space industry. Serving as one-stop sourcing platform for hotels, restaurants, clubs, retail shops, shopping malls and other commercial properties, the mega event is consisted of 8 sub-shows spanning exhibit categories from architectural decoration, engineering design, lighting, intelligent products to hotel amenities, furniture, cleaning, facility management, smart retail and franchise. By presenting the latest products and innovative brands, Hotel & Shop Plus is leading the way in construction and operation of hotels and commercial space. Learn more at www.hdeexpo.com

About IM Sinoexpo

Shanghai Sinoexpo Informa Markets International Exhibition Co. Ltd (IM Sinoexpo) is a leading event company in China, the joint venture founded in 1998 by Informa PLC and Shanghai Sinoexpo International Exhibition Co., Ltd. Headquartered in London, Informa PLC is the world's top trade show organizer listed on FTSE 100. The total exhibition rented area annually by IM Sinoexpo is over 1,500,000 sq.m, (accounted for 1/10 of Shanghai's total exhibition rented area in 2019), creating multiple trade opportunities for nearly 1 million buyers worldwide. Developed since 2016, our online business now includes 8 major B2B platforms, 5 B2P sourcing mini-programs and 1 application. The total number of employees is near 500. For more information, please visit www.imsinoexpo.com/en\

SOURCE IM Sinoexpo
BOISE, Idaho, March 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Clearwater Analytics Holdings, Inc. ("Clearwater Analytics" or the "Company") (NYSE: CWAN), a leading provider of SaaS-based investment accounting, reporting, and analytics solutions, today announced the pricing of its underwritten secondary public offering of its Class A common stock priced at a price to the public of $15.00 per share. The offering consists of 13,000,000 shares of Class A common stock to be sold by certain affiliates of Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe (collectively, the "Selling Stockholders"). The Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the Company's Class A common stock by the Selling Stockholders. The Selling Stockholders also granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 1,950,000 shares of Class A common stock at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions. The Company's Class A common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "CWAN." The offering is expected to close on March 13, 2023, subject to customary closing conditions.

J.P. Morgan is acting as lead bookrunner and representative of the underwriters for the offering, with Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, RBC Capital Markets, SVB Securities, Wells Fargo Securities, Credit Suisse, William Blair, Oppenheimer & Co. and Piper Sandler acting as additional bookrunners for the offering. D.A. Davidson & Co., Loop Capital Markets, AmeriVet Securities, Penserra Securities LLC, R. Seelaus & Co., LLC and Siebert Williams Shank are acting as comanagers for the offering.

The shares of Class A common stock in this offering are being offered pursuant to an automatically effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 8, 2023. A preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to and describing the terms of the offering was filed with the SEC and is available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. The final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to and describing the terms of the offering will be filed with the SEC and may be obtained, when available, from: J.P. Morgan Securities, LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, by telephone at (866) 803-9204, or by email at [email protected]; or by accessing the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Any offers, solicitations or offers to buy, or any sales of securities will be made in accordance with the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

About Clearwater Analytics

Clearwater Analytics (NYSE: CWAN), a global, industry-leading SaaS solution, automates the entire investment lifecycle. With a single instance, multi-tenant architecture, Clearwater offers award-winning investment portfolio planning, performance reporting, data aggregation, reconciliation, accounting, compliance, risk, and order management. Each day, leading insurers, asset managers, corporations, and governments use Clearwater's trusted data to drive efficient, scalable investing on more than $6.4 trillion in assets spanning traditional and alternative asset types.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on management's beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management. Forward-looking statements include information concerning the closing date of the public offering, the underwriters' exercise of their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock, the Company's possible or assumed future results of operations, business strategies, technology developments, financing and investment plans, dividend policy, competitive position, industry, economic and regulatory environment, potential growth opportunities and the effects of competition. Forward-looking statements include statements that are not historical facts and can be identified by terms such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "seek," "should," "will," "would" or similar expressions and the negatives of those terms, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control, that may cause the Company's actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the SEC on March 3, 2023, and in other periodic reports filed by the Company with the SEC. These filings are available at www.sec.gov and on the Company's website. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Also, forward-looking statements represent management's beliefs and assumptions only as of the date of this press release and should not be relied upon as representing the Company's expectations or beliefs as of any date subsequent to the time they are made. The Company does not undertake to and specifically declines any obligation to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company.

SOURCE Clearwater Analytics, LLC
LOS ANGELES, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- To meet the increasing mental health needs for post-9/11 veterans, service members, and military families in the greater Los Angeles region, Cohen Veterans Network (CVN) today officially opened a clinic in Torrance, its third in California.

This effort is another step toward CVN meeting the $275M commitment set forth by financier-philanthropist Steven A. Cohen to help reduce veteran suicide and increase care for service members and military families throughout the country.

A ribbon-cutting marks the grand opening of The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at VVSD, Los Angeles in Torrance, California.

More than 52,000 post-9/11 veterans, 6,000 active duty service members, and 10,000 military family members in Los Angeles County will be eligible for care by trained clinicians at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at VVSD in Torrance, located at 20800 Madrona Ave., Suite C-100. Care is additionally available to the more than 1 million veteran and military community members across the state of California via CVN Telehealth, face-to-face video therapy.

"Many veterans, service members and their families in California may face mental health challenges that require comprehensive mental health care. As a result, we are here to support them in those challenging times through our Cohen Clinics," says CVN President & CEO Dr. Anthony Hassan. "This new clinic in Torrance enables us to further deliver on our proven success from across the country, and to continue expanding our ability to provide accessible, evidence-based mental health care to the military community."

"When someone raises their hand, we need to be there to serve them," says Medal of Honor Recipient and CVN Ambassador Ryan Pitts. "This clinic is a lifeline to the military community, and I urge anyone in need to utilize this resource for help."

Since its inception in April 2016, CVN has built 23 Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinics across the country and has treated more than 50,000 clients. CVN will open a 24th clinic in Oklahoma City, OK later this year.

The Cohen Clinic at VVSD, Los Angeles was launched after successful Cohen Clinic openings in San Diego in 2019 and Oceanside in 2022. CVN's partner for the three California clinics is Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD). VVSD has served veterans since 1981 and is dedicated to "Leave No One Behind."

"Partnering with Cohen Veterans Network to bring high-quality mental health care to veterans, active duty military, and their families expands our continuum of care so that we are meeting people wherever they are on their respective journeys," said VVSD President & CEO Akilah Templeton. "Strengthening individuals and helping to build strong families is good for the community. When people feel better, they do better and we all benefit from that."

Also joining in today's ceremony were City of Torrance Mayor George Chen, as well as representatives for Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, U.S. Congressman Ted Lieu and U.S. Congresswoman Maxine Waters. The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce also joined in the celebration by leading an official ribbon-cutting to mark the opening.

CVN offers targeted, client-centered therapy for a variety of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, PTSD, anger, grief and loss, family issues, transition challenges, relationship problems, and children's behavioral problems. Learn more about how the network cares for clients here.

About Cohen Veterans Network: Cohen Veterans Network (CVN) is a 501(c)(3) national not-for-profit philanthropic organization for post-9/11 veterans, active duty service members and their families. CVN focuses on improving mental health outcomes, operating a network of outpatient mental health clinics in high-need communities, in which trained clinicians deliver holistic evidence-based care to treat mental health conditions. It was established in 2016 by philanthropist Steven A. Cohen with a commitment of $275 million to build the network. There are currently 23 Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinics nationwide. Learn more about CVN.

About VVSD: Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD) is a nonprofit serving all veterans since 1981 and is dedicated to "Leave No One Behind." Each year, VVSD provides services to thousands of military veterans throughout San Diego (County), CA. For more than 41 years, VVSD has provided military veterans with services including: Mental Health Services, Housing - Temporary & Permanent, Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation, Employment & Training, Temporary Financial Assistance, Support for Senior Veterans, Homeless Court, and Support for Veterans Families - Women and Children. For more information, please visit www.VVSD.net.

SOURCE Cohen Veterans Network
VANCOUVER, B.C., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Computer Vision market size reached USD 11.90 Billion in 2022 and is expected to register a CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period, according to the latest analysis by Emergen Research. The increasing demand for automation across industries, advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, and the growing need for surveillance and security systems are some key factors driving the growth of the Computer Vision market.

The integration of computer vision technology in various applications, such as autonomous vehicles, industrial automation, and healthcare, is expected to fuel the growth of the market. The demand for automated solutions in manufacturing and logistics is driving the adoption of computer vision technology to enhance operational efficiency, minimize errors, and reduce costs.

Governments across the globe are also investing in the development and implementation of computer vision technology for surveillance and security purposes. The technology is being utilized for real-time monitoring of public places, detecting criminal activities, and identifying potential security threats. For instance, the Chinese government has deployed millions of surveillance cameras that use computer vision technology to monitor citizens in public spaces.

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Drivers:

The growing demand for autonomous vehicles and advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning are expected to drive the growth of the Computer Vision market. Computer vision technology is essential in the development of self-driving cars and drones as it enables them to perceive and interpret their environment accurately.

The healthcare industry is also adopting computer vision technology for various applications such as medical imaging and diagnostics. The technology is being used to analyze medical images, detect diseases, and identify abnormalities.

The retail industry is also leveraging computer vision technology to enhance customer experience and optimize operations. The technology is being used to track customer behavior and preferences, manage inventory, and detect fraudulent activities.

Restraints:

The lack of skilled professionals and the high cost of implementation are some key factors restraining the growth of the Computer Vision market. The complexity of the technology requires skilled professionals, which are currently in shortage in the market. Additionally, the high cost of implementing the technology is a significant barrier for small and medium-sized businesses.

Growth Projections:

The Computer Vision market is expected to register a CAGR of 6.7% over the forecast period and revenue is projected to increase from USD 11.90 Billion in 2022 to USD 22.76 Billion in 2032. The increasing adoption of computer vision technology in various industries, such as healthcare, retail, and automotive, is expected to drive the growth of the market.

The demand for surveillance and security systems is also expected to fuel the growth of the market. The technology is being utilized in public places, airports, and other high-security areas for real-time monitoring and threat detection.

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Current Trends and Innovations:

The computer vision market is witnessing exponential growth due to the increasing adoption of AI and deep learning technologies across various industries. Computer vision technology uses artificial intelligence algorithms to analyze and interpret visual data from the real world, enabling machines to perceive and understand their environment. With the rising demand for automation and digitalization across industries, computer vision has become a crucial tool for businesses to improve their efficiency and productivity.

One of the key trends in the computer vision market is the growing use of deep learning algorithms for object detection and recognition. Deep learning models are capable of identifying objects in real-time with high accuracy, making them ideal for applications such as autonomous vehicles, surveillance systems, and facial recognition. Another trend is the development of cloud-based computer vision solutions, which offer greater scalability and flexibility to businesses looking to implement computer vision technology.

The computer vision market is also witnessing significant innovation in the field of 3D vision technology. 3D vision enables machines to perceive depth and spatial information, making it possible to create 3D models of objects and environments. This technology is finding applications in areas such as augmented reality, robotics, and industrial automation.

Strategic Initiatives:

Major companies included in the computer vision market report are Intel Corporation, Cognex Corporation, Basler AG, National Instruments Corporation, Keyence Corporation, Omron Corporation, Sony Corporation, Texas Instruments, and Teledyne Technologies.

In September 2022 , Intel Corporation announced the launch of its new Movidius Myriad X VPU, a powerful vision processing unit designed to enable the development of AI-powered computer vision applications. The Myriad X VPU offers advanced features such as real-time video analysis, deep neural network processing, and support for multiple sensors, making it ideal for applications such as surveillance, drones, and robotics.

, Intel Corporation announced the launch of its new Movidius Myriad X VPU, a powerful vision processing unit designed to enable the development of AI-powered computer vision applications. The Myriad X VPU offers advanced features such as real-time video analysis, deep neural network processing, and support for multiple sensors, making it ideal for applications such as surveillance, drones, and robotics. In August 2022 , Cognex Corporation, a leading provider of machine vision systems, announced the acquisition of Vidi Systems, a provider of deep learning-based image analysis software. The acquisition is expected to strengthen Cognex's position in the computer vision market by adding advanced deep learning capabilities to its product portfolio.

Overall, the computer vision market is expected to continue growing at a rapid pace, driven by the increasing demand for automation and digitalization across industries. With the development of more advanced AI and deep learning algorithms, as well as the continued innovation in 3D vision technology, computer vision is set to become an increasingly important tool for businesses in the years ahead.

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Scope of Research

Report Details Outcome Market size in 2022 USD 11.90 Billion CAGR (20232032) 6.7 % Revenue forecast to 2032 USD 22.76 Billion Base year for estimation 2022 Historical data 20192021 Forecast period 20232032 Quantitative units Revenue in USD Billion and CAGR in % from 2023 to 2032 Report coverage Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends Segments covered component, product type, application, and region Regional scope North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, 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, UAE, South Africa, Turkey, Rest of MEA Key companies profiled Alphabet Inc., Cognex Corporation, Intel Corporation, Keyence Corporation, Matterport, Inc., NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS CORP., Omron Corporation, Sony Group Corporation, Teledyne Technologies Inc, and Texas Instruments Incorporated Customization scope 10 hours of free customization and expert consultation

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Segments Covered in Report

For the purpose of this report, Emergen Research has segmented the global computer vision market on the basis of component, product type, application, and region:

Component Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2019-2032)

Hardware



Software

Product Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2019-2032)

Smart Camera-Based



PC-Based

Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2019-2032)

Quality Assurance & Inspection



Positioning & Guidance



Measurement



Predictive Maintenance

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MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Covalon Technologies Ltd. (the "Company" or "Covalon") (TSXV: COV) (OTCQX: CVALF) an advanced medical technologies company, today is delighted to announce that Martin Goldfarb has joined its Board of Directors.

Brian Pedlar, Covalon's CEO, said, "I am very pleased to welcome Martin Goldfarb back on Covalon's Board. Martin has been a significant, longstanding shareholder of Covalon, and I look forward to once again benefiting further from his unique insights and experiences."

Martin Goldfarb said, "I have been an enthusiastic investor in Covalon for over a decade. I love that Covalon successfully innovates in the healthcare arena  saving lives by developing new medical technologies. I look forward to contributing to Covalon's further progress. I sincerely believe there is much more that can be achieved by Covalon for patients, healthcare providers, and shareholders alike."

Mr. Goldfarb is well-recognized as a successful entrepreneur and a leading expert in the study of human behavior as it relates to the marketplace and society. As an officer, director, and investor in both public and private companies, Mr. Goldfarb has been instrumental in brand and strategic development, management mentoring, and the creation of value, ultimately leading to substantial return on investment.

Mr. Goldfarb is Chairman of Almada Inc., President of Goldfarb Ventures, private equity companies, and Principal at Goldfarb Intelligence Marketing.

In 1966, Mr. Goldfarb established Goldfarb Consultants, a market research consulting firm. Over the next thirty years, he proceeded to grow the company and to establish Goldfarb Consultants as a leader in the field of market research. Starting in Toronto, he built Goldfarb Consultants into an international company with 26 worldwide offices. Mr. Goldfarb sold Goldfarb Consultants in 1998.

Mr. Goldfarb has consulted to a number of national and international organizations. He also served as official pollster to the Liberal Party of Canada from 1973 to 1992. He was formerly Co-Chair of Kantar (WPP's market research division).

Mr. Goldfarb is Chairman, President and CEO of The Goldfarb Corporation, a TSX and then a NEX Board of the TSX Venture Exchange company, until it became a private corporation in 2011. He is a director of NoNO Inc., a pharmaceutical research company.

He was also Director and Chairman of Dayforce, a workforce performance software company until its sale. He was Chairman and Director of SMK Speedy International Inc (publicly listed) until its sale in 2004. Under Mr. Goldfarb's guidance, Speedy Muffler King became a strong and successful brand in France, Belgium and Germany. He was Director, investor, and non-executive Chair of Jempak until its sale. Mr. Goldfarb is former Director and Chairman of Workbrain and former Director of Altamira and Noma Industries Limited. He was a founder of Fast Company magazine.

Mr. Goldfarb co-authored "Marching to a Different Drummer" in 1988 and "Affinity: Beyond Branding" in 2010.

Mr. Goldfarb has a B.A. in Anthropology and an M.A. in Sociology from the University of Toronto. In 2009, Mr. Goldfarb was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from York University. He is an inaugural recipient of the University College, University of Toronto, Distinguished Alumni Award.

In 1998, Mr. Goldfarb was designated an Officer of the Order of Canada in recognition of his pioneering work in the market research industry and philanthropic activities.

Mr. Goldfarb sits on the Toronto General and Western Hospital Foundation board and is a member of the hospital's Peter Munk Cardiac Centre Innovation Committee.

Mr. Goldfarb's appointment to Covalon's Board of Directors is subject to TSX approval.

For those interested in learning more about Covalon's solutions, visit www.covalon.com or follow Covalon on LinkedIn , Facebook , Instagram or Twitter .

About Covalon

Covalon Technologies Ltd. is a patient-driven medical device company, built on the relentless pursuit to help the most vulnerable patients have a better chance at healing. Through a strong portfolio of patented technologies and solutions for advanced wound care, infection prevention, and medical device coatings, we offer innovative, gentler, and more compassionate options for patients to heal with less infections, less pain, and better outcomes. Our solutions are designed for patients and made for care providers. Covalon leverages its patented medical technology platforms and expertise in two ways: (i) by developing products that are sold under Covalon's name; and (ii) by developing and commercializing medical products for other medical companies under development and license contracts. The Company is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, having the symbol COV and trades on the OTCQX Market under the symbol CVALF. To learn more about Covalon, visit our website at www.covalon.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.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements which reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events. The forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan, "estimate", "expect", "intend", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events, or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will" or "will be taken", "occur", or "be achieved". In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts, but instead represent management's expectations, estimates, and projections regarding future events. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the factors described in greater detail in the "Risks and Uncertainties" section of our management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations for the year ended September 30, 2022, which is available on the Company's profile at www.sedar.com, any of which could cause results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Investors should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, further events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

SOURCE Covalon Technologies Ltd.
WASHINGTON, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA will provide coverage of the agency's SpaceX Crew-5 mission return to Earth from the International Space Station, beginning with undocking coverage live at 12 a.m. EST on Saturday, March 11. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to undock from the space station at 2:05 a.m., to begin the journey home.

The return and related activities will air live on NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency's website at:

The SpaceX Crew-5 members are seated inside the Dragon Endurance crew ship atop the Falcon 9 rocket before launching to the International Space Station from the Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A in Florida. From left are, Mission Specialist Anna Kikina from Roscosmos; Pilot Josh Cassada and Commander Nicole Mann, both NASA astronauts; and Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Credits: NASA

https://www.nasa.gov/live

NASA and SpaceX are targeting 9:19 p.m. Saturday for a splashdown that will wrap up a nearly six-month science mission for NASA astronauts Josh Cassada and Nicole Mann, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Koichi Wakata, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Anna Kikina.

Following conclusion of undocking coverage, NASA coverage of Crew-5's return will continue with audio only, and full coverage will resume at the start of the splashdown broadcast. Real-time audio between Crew-5 and flight controllers at NASA's Mission Audio stream will remain available and includes conversations with astronauts aboard the space station and a live video feed from the orbiting laboratory.

The Dragon spacecraft, named Endurance by the agency's SpaceX Crew-3 astronauts on its maiden voyage, will autonomously undock, depart the space station, and splash down Saturday at one of seven targeted landing zones in the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Florida. The spacecraft also will return time-sensitive research to Earth.

NASA's SpaceX Crew-5 return coverage is as follows (all times Eastern and subject to change based on real-time operations):

Saturday, March 11

12 a.m.  NASA TV hatch closure coverage begins for ingress and 12:15 a.m. hatch closing

1:45 a.m.  NASA TV coverage resumes for 2:05 a.m. undocking

8:15 p.m.  NASA TV splashdown coverage begins

8:25 p.m.  Deorbit burn

9:19 p.m.  Splashdown off the coast of Florida

11 p.m.  Return to Earth media teleconference from NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston with:

Steve Stich , manager, Commercial Crew Program, NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida

, manager, Commercial Crew Program, NASA's in Joel Montalbano , manager, International Space Station, NASA Johnson

, manager, International Space Station, NASA Johnson Sarah Walker , director, Dragon Mission Management, SpaceX

, director, Dragon Mission Management, SpaceX Hiroshi Sasaki , vice president, JAXA

To participate, media must contact the NASA Johnson newsroom by 5 p.m., Thursday at: [email protected] or 281-483-5111. Those following the briefing on social media may ask questions using #AskNASA.

See full mission coverage, NASA's commercial crew blog, and more information about the mission at:

https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew

SOURCE NASA
B NOBLE brings a high-quality, Black-owned cannabis brand to Curaleaf's 58 retail locations in the Sunshine State

NEW YORK, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) ("Curaleaf" or the "Company"), a leading international provider of consumer cannabis products, today announced the expansion of its B NOBLE partnership across Florida. Products from the high-quality, Black-owned cannabis brand will be available at Curaleaf's 58 dispensaries across the state.

B NOBLE is a for-profit, cause-based cannabis brand founded by Hip-Hop pioneer, filmmaker, visual artist and cannabis advocate, Fab 5 Freddy. In partnership with Curaleaf's corporate social responsibility program, Rooted in Good, the B NOBLE brand launched in 2021 and became the Company's first large-scale, social equity-focused venture. The brand has expanded its complete suite of advocacy-based products to nine states. At launch, B NOBLE will introduce the following strains at Curaleaf dispensaries throughout Florida:

Lady Madonna (hybrid): A fruity, uplifting combination of well-known strains Gushers and Strawberry Banana.

A fruity, uplifting combination of well-known strains Gushers and Strawberry Banana. PB Souffle (indica): Marked by dense purple flowers with a sweet, creamy aroma.

With every B NOBLE sale, ten percent of the proceeds will be donated to GreenBook Academy , a group that aims to create job opportunities for everyone through education. Greenbook's online multi-language, expert-led educational platform provides comprehensive career-based curriculums, firmly believing that education is a crucial factor in promoting diversity and inclusion in the cannabis industry.

"We are thrilled to expand our B NOBLE partnership into Florida, and we know this market will celebrate the brand's cause-based mission," said Matt Darin, CEO of Curaleaf. "With a growing adult population and a thriving medical market, Florida is one of the most promising areas for cannabis in the U.S. B NOBLE's thoughtfully crafted products coupled with its mission to address the impact of the War on Drugs make it a perfect fit for the Curaleaf and the Sunshine State alike."

"GreenBook Academy is honored to partner with Curaleaf and is grateful to receive proceeds from B NOBLE's Florida sales," said Noemi Perez, founder of GreenBook Academy. "B NOBLE's mission to create a more inclusive industry by addressing the harmful effects of the War on Drugs aligns with GreenBook Academy's mission and we look forward to working together to build a brighter, more inclusive future for the U.S. cannabis industry."

Patients in Florida can participate in Curaleaf's revamped rewards program earning loyalty points for every dollar spent that can be redeemed for savings on future purchases made at any Curaleaf-operated dispensary. This applies to all B NOBLE products across the country, which are sold in nine of the 19 states that Curaleaf operates in.

For more information regarding B NOBLE's products, availability and partnerships, please visit www.B-NOBLE.com .

About B NOBLE

B NOBLE is a for-profit, cause based cannabis brand. Founded by Fab 5 Freddy [Yo! MTV Raps, Grass is Greener], B NOBLE aims to help liberate Americans that are and have been incarcerated for non-violent cannabis related charges. Bernard Noble was sentenced to 13 years of hard labor for carrying less than two joints worth of cannabis and was released after spending seven years behind bars. It is a landmark case that demonstrates the impact of severe U.S. laws on cannabis, and Bernard's story represents one of the 600,000 people each year who are arrested for cannabis possession and suffer collateral consequences as a result of the War on Drugs. For more information, please visit www.B-NOBLE.com .

About Curaleaf Holdings

Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) ("Curaleaf") is a leading international provider of consumer products in cannabis with a mission to improve lives by providing clarity around cannabis and confidence around consumption. As a high-growth cannabis company known for quality, expertise and reliability, the Company and its brands, including Curaleaf, Select, and Grassroots provide industry-leading service, product selection and accessibility across the medical and adult-use markets. In the United States, Curaleaf currently operates in 19 states with 147 dispensaries and employs nearly 5,500 team members. Curaleaf International is the largest vertically integrated cannabis company in Europe with a unique supply and distribution network throughout the European market, bringing together pioneering science and research with cutting-edge cultivation, extraction and production. Curaleaf is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol CURA and trades on the OTCQX market under the symbol CURLF. For more information, please visit https://ir.curaleaf.com .

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This media advisory contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forwardlooking statements or information. Generally, forward-looking statements and information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or, "proposed", "is expected", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements and information concerning the launch of B NOBLE in Florida. Such forward-looking statements and information reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the company with respect to the matter described in this new release. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which are based on current expectations as of the date of this release and subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Additional information about these assumptions and risks and uncertainties is contained under "Risk Factors and Uncertainties" in the Company's latest annual information form filed March 9, 2022, which is available under the Company's SEDAR profile at http://www.sedar.com, and in other filings that the Company has made and may make with applicable securities authorities in the future. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as to the date of this press release and we undertake no 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. We caution investors not to place considerable reliance on the forward looking statements contained in this press release. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this news release.

INVESTOR CONTACT

Curaleaf Holdings, Inc.

Camilo Lyon, Chief Investment Officer

[email protected]

MEDIA CONTACT

Curaleaf Holdings, Inc.

Jordon Rahmil, Sr. Director of Corporate Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE Curaleaf Holdings, Inc.
NEW YORK, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of a series celebrating Women's History Month, Cure, a healthcare innovation campus in New York City, announced it will host a fireside chat with Laurie H. Glimcher, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute ("Dana-Farber"). Moderated by Cure Chief Executive Officer, Seema Kumar, the discussion on March 16 will focus on progress toward the Cancer Moonshot initiative, on the heels of President Biden's recent pledge to improve cancer care and cut the death rate from cancer by at least 50% over the next 25 years. The discussion will also delve into the role of women in science, women in the workforce, and cancer care equity.

At the special CureX event, Dr. Glimcher will be joined by Gregory A. Petsko, Ph.D., Professor of Neurology at the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital. The event will take place at Cure, 345 Park Avenue South on Thursday, March 16 from 4:30  6:30 PM EST.

"Cure is a special venue, engaging on the most pressing topics of the day, during an unprecedented period of innovation and opportunity in healthcare," said Dr. Glimcher. I appreciate the opportunity to participate in the CureX series and look forward to a stimulating discussion on a range of topics from women in science to equity and improvement in cancer care."

Although death rate from cancer has declined by more than 25 percent in the past decades, cancer remains the number two cause of death in America second only to heart disease, and more research is needed to advance cancer detection, treatment and care.

"Cure is committed to engaging with the world's leading experts and influential changemakers to drive conversations about the grand challenges in healthcare, including cancer," said Seema Kumar, chief executive officer, Cure. "A preeminent female leader with a storied career in oncology and cancer care, Dr. Glimcher brings invaluable perspectives on health equity and the promise of the Cancer Moonshot initiative. We look forward hosting her, as part of our CureX series, which feature Cutting Edge Conversations About Your Health."

Dr. Glimcher is an accomplished doctor, researcher, professor, and corporate executive. She has served as the first female President and Chief Executive Officer of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute since 2016. She is also a member of several of the most distinguished scientific and medical societies in the United States and serves as a board director and advisor to numerous pharmaceutical and life sciences companies. Throughout her career, Dr. Glimcher has been a staunch advocate for improvements to medical education, health policy, and diversity, equity and inclusion.

Participants can register here. The in-person event will be held at 345 Park Avenue South in New York City. A livestream of the event will also be made available upon virtual registration.

Stay connected with Cure on LinkedIn for future CureX events.

ABOUT CURE

An affiliate of Deerfield Management located at 345 Park Avenue South in New York City, Cure is an innovation campus boasting laboratories, lecture, and office space, as well as technology and other amenities for innovators across the healthcare industry, including academic institutions and other nonprofits, to accelerate their novel work. For more information, please visit https://cure.345pas.com/

SOURCE Cure Experience
WASHINGTON, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The DC Police Union formally applauds the work and bipartisan passage of House Joint Resolution 26: Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022 (H.J. Res. 26).

"Tonight, 81 U.S. Senators joined the House and made a bold step forward to reduce rhetoric and restore justice for victims of crime in our nation's capital," stated DC Police Union Chairman Gregg Pemberton. "On behalf of the nearly 3,500 members of our union, I express our formal thanks and heartfelt appreciation for this vote supporting public safety and justice for crime victims."

H.J. Res. 26 supports D.C. Mayor Bowser's veto and sends this dangerous piece of legislation back to the D.C. City Council so community stakeholders and public safety experts can be brought to the table to draft new legislation that will adequately address rising crime in the District.

"I am grateful to President Biden's indication that we will sign this bill, as we know that this legislation goes too far and sends the wrong message to violent, repeat criminal offenders," he added.

The passage of H.J. Res. 26 marks the first time in 30-plus years that Congress has been forced to step in and provide necessary checks and balances to the D.C. City Council. Since this Act was passed on an emergency basis in D.C., the MPD has lost over 1,200 police officers replacing just 700. The loss of experienced and seasoned officers cannot be understated.

Chairman Pemberton continued, "This resolution is an important first step in the right direction to restore justice for victims of crime and an important move towards repealing pro-criminal legislation. But our work is not yet done. There is a dangerous shortage of officers in the Metropolitan Police Department, and further action will be necessary to improve retention and restore recruitment so we can protect the capital with professional, honest, and courageous officers."

CONTACT: Joe Cameron, Modern Cartographers, for DC Police Union, (774) 306-1300.

SOURCE DC Police Union
United States Patent No. 11488489 covers Emmersion's innovative process for assessing language proficiency and optimizing personalized learning

AMERICAN FORK, Utah, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Emmersion , the leader in certifying language ability through artificial intelligence and developer of the TrueNorth language assessment , announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued U.S. Patent No. 11488489 to the company, which covers its adaptive language learning method. Emmersion's patent remains in force until 2038, and will play a key role in the development of new solutions that accurately assess and improve language skills through personalization.

About the patent

Conventional approaches toward language learning often involve studying languages in a static fashion by using textbooks and study guides. While traditional forms of learning can be helpful, they do not provide the critical immediate feedback that shows students how well they are progressing, nor do they provide in-the-moment instruction that is tailored toward a learner's unique skill set.

Emmersion's patented language learning method was developed to address these shortcomings. First, the invention tests and analyzes responses to prompts to determine a learner's language proficiency. The technology then automatically adapts to their knowledge level and provides an additional prompt that is designed to further test their skills. By constantly adapting and assessing proficiency, Emmersion's patented method creates a more effective learning process and better addresses the specific needs of users to help them master their target languages.

"Our newly awarded patent recognizes the years of innovation that our team has invested in developing accessible ways for anyone to quickly understand how much progress they have made while learning new languages," said Dr. Jacob Burdis, Director of Product Development at Emmersion and the primary inventor listed on the patent. "We look forward to using our adaptive method to build on our world-class assessments and ensure that users know exactly how proficient they are throughout their language learning journeys."

Emmersion's state-of-the-art assessments

Emmersion's platform has conducted millions of automated assessments for corporate and educational institutions, including The World Bank, Randstad, Columbia University, Brown University and the University of Pennsylvania, providing valuable data on language proficiency scores.

Its AI-powered TrueNorth Speaking and Writing Assessments are used for reliable, pre-employment language screenings in 15 minutes so that companies can hire the perfect candidates for the right roles. Additionally, TrueNorth helps companies measure progress for existing employees who are participating in corporate language learning initiatives. The verbal exam is the world's first fully adaptive speaking assessment and covers nine languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, Mandarin, Portuguese and Tagalog. Educational institutions use WebCAPE , Emmersion's adaptive placement exam, to measure learners' reading, grammar and listening skills in seven languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Mandarin and Russian.

About Emmersion

Founded in 2015, Emmersion is a rapidly growing technology company located in American Fork, Utah. With a mission to close the global communication gap, the company focuses on helping organizations be smarter with their global language strategy. It has developed AI-driven, fully automated language assessments that provide accurate and immediate reports in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Mandarin, Japanese, Russian and Tagalog. With over 700 customers around the world, Emmersion's cloud-based, AI technology automates assessment processes and provides the most accurate results. Emmersion joined the IXL Learning family in 2022. Learn more at www.emmersion.ai.

Press Contact

Eric Bates

IXL Learning

[email protected]

SOURCE IXL Learning
CHICAGO, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Energy Efficient Motor Market is projected to reach USD 59.3 billion in 2028 from USD 41.7 billion in 2023 at a CAGR of 7.3% according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. An energy efficient motor is a type of electric motor that is designed to consume less electrical energy while providing the same level of output as a standard motor. Energy-efficient motors help achieve significant energy savings, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and lower operating costs due to the longer lifespan of these motors.

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Browse in-depth TOC on "Energy Efficient Motor Market"

168 - Tables

59 - Figures

214 - Pages

Energy Efficient Motor Market Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Size USD 59.3 billion in 2028 Growth Rate 7.3% of CAGR Largest Market Europe Market Dynamics Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities & Challenges Forecast Period 2023-2028 Forecast Units Value (USD Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered Installation Type, Type, power output rating, efficiency level, end user, application and Region Geographies Covered Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and South America Report Highlights Updated financial information / product portfolio of players Key Market Opportunities Rising industrialization and decarbonization initiatives Key Market Drivers Government initiatives encouraging adoption of energy efficient motors

The industrial market, by end user, is expected to be the most significant end use market during the forecast period.

In the industrial sector, energy-efficient motors are used in a variety of applications, such as pumps, compressors, fans, conveyors, and processing equipment for achieving improved energy efficiency, lower operating costs, reduced downtime, enhanced performance, and increased system reliability. Many companies have investing in energy efficient technologies to achieve their targets to minimize their greenhouse gas emissions. This is anticipated to propel the demand for energy efficient motors in the industrial end user segment.

HVAC, by application, is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Energy-efficient electric motors are used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) solutions, especially in commercial buildings, especially for maintaining good indoor air quality and providing thermal comfort. HVAC systems are based on the laws of thermodynamics, and principles of fluid mechanics and heat transfer. The most commonly used motors in HVAC applications are induction motors; three-phase for commercial/industrial premises, and single-phase for certain smaller installations. The growth of the HVAC market is propelled by rapid industrialization and urbanization, which has enhanced the need to maintain air quality in indoor spaces like offices and manufacturing units, and growing demand for energy-efficient devices.

Europe segment is expected to be the second fastest-growing region in the Energy Efficient Motor Market

With the massive power usage by electric motors, Europe has been at the forefront of the adoption of energy-efficient motors. Rules on eco-design for electric motors and variable speed drives are mandatory for all manufacturers and suppliers wishing to sell their products in the European Union. The Regulation on Electric Motors and Variable Speed Drives (EU) 2019/1781 was adopted on July 1, 2021, replacing the Regulation on Ecodesign for Electric Motors (EC) No 640/2009. The new regulation has a broader scope and covers single-speed, 50Hz, 60 Hz or 50/60Hz, induction motors with 2 to 8 poles, with single-phase or three-phase input, rated output between 0.12 kW and 1000 kW, rated voltage from 50 V to 1,000 V, and rated on the basis of continuous duty operation and direct on-line operation.

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Energy Efficient Motor Market Dynamics:

Drivers:

Lower life cycle costs than traditional motors Government initiatives encouraging adoption of energy-efficient motors Increasing adoption of energy-efficient motors in industrial sector

Restraints:

High price of energy-efficient motors

Opportunities:

Rising industrialization and decarbonization initiatives Growth of robotics and automation

Challenges:

Limited awareness about benefits of energy-efficient motors Supply chain disruptions

Key Market Players:

Some of the major players in the Energy Efficient Motor Market are Regal Rexnord Corporation (US), ABB (Switzerland), Siemens (Germany), Wolong Electric Group Co., Ltd (China), and Nidec Corporation (Japan). The major strategies adopted by these players include acquisitions, sales contracts, product launches, agreements, alliances, partnerships, and expansions.

Recent Developments

In April 2022 , Nidec Corporation introduced SynRA motors for usage in commercial pumping and HVAC equipment with IE4 and IE5 ratings.

, Nidec Corporation introduced SynRA motors for usage in commercial pumping and HVAC equipment with IE4 and IE5 ratings. In August 2022 , ABB announced that it will purchase Siemens low voltage NEMA motor business. With manufacturing operations in Guadalajara, Mexico , this acquisition provides a well-regarded product portfolio, a longstanding North American customer base, and an experienced operations, sales, and management team.

, ABB announced that it will purchase Siemens low voltage NEMA motor business. With manufacturing operations in , this acquisition provides a well-regarded product portfolio, a longstanding North American customer base, and an experienced operations, sales, and management team. In March 2022 , Siemens invested in existing and new sites in Texas and California that develop electrical equipment for critical infrastructure systems, including EV charging, data centers, and industrial installations. This investment advances the company's commitment to supporting the next generation of American infrastructure.

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Browse Adjacent Markets: Energy and Power Market Research Reports & Consulting

Related Reports:

Electric Motors Market - Global Forecast to 2027

Servo Motors and Drives Market - Global Forecast to 2027

Electric Traction Motor Market - Global Forecast to 2027

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.

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MarketsandMarkets INC.

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SOURCE MarketsandMarkets
PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Discover the convergence of fashion and art at Art Fusion's Artist Night featuring two-time Emmy Award winner, Alan Teitel. For a distinctive and exceptional artistic expression, explore Teitel's fractal art, which uses math as the basis to create visually stunning digital images. UltraSlo, based in Port Washington, NY, offers a diverse range of clothing, home goods, and fine art prints up to 3 meters that are created by Teitel himself.

Stunning Ultra-Hi resolution fractal one of a kind prints by Emmy Award winner Alan Teitel are on display at the ArtFusion Gallery in the Art Distrect of Miami. Buyers of either of the 2 prints can also have an NFT as authentication of their purchase. Stunning Ultra-Hi resolution fractal one of a kind prints by Emmy Award winner Alan Teitel are on display at the ArtFusion Gallery in the Art Distrect of Miami. Buyers of either of the 2 prints can also have an NFT as authentication of their purchase. (Center Images)

Discover the Fractal Art of Alan Teitel

Moreover, UltraSlo is a part of Art Fusion's Artist Night event in Miami, where you can connect with other art enthusiasts and collectors and experience Teitel's impact on the art world. This event celebrates fine art and creativity and immerses you in complex patterns and colors that will leave you amazed. This exciting event has something for everyone, from discovering Teitel's unique approach to creating images using math to connecting with like-minded individuals in the art community.

Teitel's fractal art takes you on a visual journey through intricate patterns and mesmerizing colors, providing a rare artistic expression that combines technology with creativity. Whether you're an avid collector or someone who simply appreciates beautiful artwork, you'll enjoy this celebration of fine art and creativity at Art Fusion's Artist Night in Miami. The event features live music, cocktails, and hors d'oeuvres, and you can meet Teitel himself and connect with other artists and collectors from all over the world.

Art Fusion's Artist Night in Miami

Art Fusion's Artist Night is not just an event; it's an opportunity to become a part of a vibrant community that shares your passion for beauty and innovation. If you want to experience Teitel's incredible artwork firsthand and become part of his artistic legacy, visit UltraSlo. The store offers a wide range of clothing, home goods, and fine art prints up to 3 meters that are created by Teitel himself. Each piece of artwork is created using randomized mathematical formulas, making them truly unique creations that cannot be replicated. By purchasing from UltraSlo or attending Art Fusion's Artist Night in Miami, you'll be supporting an innovative artist and becoming part of his artistic legacy. So, why not immerse yourself in beauty and innovation today?

Visit Art Fusion

Visit UltraSlo now .

Art Robert

UltraSlo Studio

Port Washington, NY

516-413-7900

[email protected]

SOURCE UltraSlo Studio
Sanctions against Sudan outdated: Chinese envoy

Xinhua) 16:45, March 09, 2023

UNITED NATIONS, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Sanctions by the United Nations Security Council against Sudan have been proved outdated and should be lifted, a Chinese envoy said on Wednesday.

The 15-member Security Council Wednesday decided, with a vote of 13 in favor and two abstentions (China and Russia), to extend through March 12, 2024, the mandate of the Panel of Experts charged with assisting its Sudan sanctions committee.

Adopting resolution 2676 (2023), the council also expressed its intention to review the sanctions in light of progress achieved by the government of Sudan on several key benchmarks. The United States is the penholder of the draft resolution.

In an explanation of the vote, Dai Bing, charge d'affaires of China's permanent mission to the United Nations, said that the Security Council sanctions on Darfur in Sudan, which began in 2004, are aimed at ending the armed conflict in Darfur and helping Sudan return to peace and stability.

He noted that the Sudanese transitional government and the armed opposition signed the Juba Peace Agreement in 2020, and the UN-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) completed its mandate and withdrew from Darfur at the end of the same year.

"Those positive developments pointed to a fundamental shift for the better in the situation in Darfur, and the fact that the Security Council sanctions against Sudan are outdated and should be lifted in light of the improved circumstances on the ground," Dai said.

He pointed out that keeping those sanctions in place is not only untenable in the context of the country's political and security realities, but also limits the government's security capacity, negatively impacting its ability to maintain stability in Darfur and protect civilians and combat crimes there.

The draft resolution on Wednesday endorses two benchmarks for the adjustment of sanctions, which Dai said appears to be a roadmap for lifting sanctions, "but in practice it is neither realistic nor feasible."

China and some members initially proposed discussing benchmarks aimed at creating the conditions for lifting sanctions as soon as possible.

"But discussions in the Security Council over the past two years led us to believe that the members concerned have no intention of lifting the sanctions and instead want to make them permanent by setting benchmarks that can never be met," Dai said.

"The draft resolution introduced by the penholder does not address our concerns in that regard," he added.

The envoy also reiterated China's call for a comprehensive assessment of the existing Security Council sanctions regime and the formulation of clear and feasible exit criteria.

Sanctions are an important tool entrusted to the Security Council by the UN Charter, originally intended to create conditions for the political settlement of relevant issues, he said.

But in practice, sanctions have increasingly become a substitute for diplomatic efforts and even a means of political pressurization for some countries, said Dai, noting that some individual member has abused its penholdership to impose its national position on the Security Council.

"The Security Council should conduct periodic reviews of relevant sanctions, and once the criteria are met, sanctions should be adjusted or lifted timely," he said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Latest AARP research attaches $5.6 billion to the estimated 440 million hours of unpaid care that family caregivers provided in 2021.

JACKSON, Miss., March 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The unpaid care provided by the 470,000 caregivers in Mississippi is valued at $5.6 billion, according to new state data available in AARP's latest report in the Valuing the Invaluable series. This is a $900,000 increase in unpaid contributions since the last report was released in 2019. The report highlights the growing scope and complexity of family caregiving and highlights actions needed to address the many challenges of caring for parents, spouses, and other loved ones.

"Family caregivers play a vital role in Mississippi's health care system, whether they care for someone at home, coordinate home health care, or help care for someone who lives in a nursing home," said AARP Mississippi State Director Kimberly L. Campbell, Esq. "We want to make sure all family caregivers have the financial, emotional and social support they need, because the care they provide is invaluable both to those receiving it and to their community."

AARP Mississippi provides support to family caregivers and the loved ones who depend on them for care. In 2015, AARP Mississippi worked to pass The Caregiver Act, one of the first states to do so.

AARP Mississippi also has urged lawmakers to pass a caregiver tax credit to bring much needed financial relief to family caregivers who pay for expensive care to help their loved ones live at home.

Read the full report for national and state-by-state data on the economic value of unpaid care by family and friends.

Resources and information on family caregiving are available at aarp.org/caregiving.

About AARP

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Ronda Gooden

[email protected]

601-209-1812

SOURCE AARP Mississippi
SaaS-based service will allow banks to benefit from fast deployment of a highly flexible and comprehensive sustainability-linked lending solution designed in tandem with ESG lender banks

LONDON, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Finastra today announced the availability of its ESG Service, a cloud-native SaaS solution that streamlines sustainability-linked lending. Open and scalable, ESG Service facilitates the integration of sustainability performance target criteria into ESG pricing for both Finastra Loan IQ and other back-office systems in the market.

Sustainability-linked loans utilize complex pricing structures with multiple moving parts that need to be tracked against the sustainability targets outlined in the credit agreement. This can tie up resources and limit banks' scope in terms of ESG product offerings and introduce risks associated with manual processes. Having an automated solution for managing the KPIs and ESG pricing changes of sustainability-linked loans enables banks to grow these lending portfolios efficiently at scale and minimizes the risks tied to manual processes.

Transaction volumes for sustainability-linked loans have increased considerably in recent years as part of a broader push towards ESG-focused financing. Following a record volume of ESG financing totaling $1.6 trillion in 2021, sustainable loan volumes held up in 2022 despite the challenging macroeconomic environment that saw reduced capital markets activity across asset classes.

"A shift in the mindset of corporate stakeholders, investors, customers and employees is pushing banks to adopt a more sustainable business model and this is driving demand for sustainability-linked loans," explained Simon Thorogood, Senior Director, Corporate and Syndicated Lending, Finastra. "This creates a huge opportunity for banks to grow revenues and become leaders in the space, with borrowers looking for banks to help shepherd them through their ESG journey. Finastra's ESG Service offers banks a well-defined, transparent and automated solution for managing ESG performance and the associated pricing adjustments, creating a more seamless experience for clients.

Furthermore, with complex and constantly-evolving ESG regulations on the horizon, having a centralized store of data will greatly aid banks in being able to efficiently and accurately meet their regulatory obligations in terms of meeting the relevant disclosure requirements."

ESG Service is a dedicated application designed to support sustainability-linked loan pricing. As a cloud-native SaaS solution that uses open APIs, it provides a high degree of flexibility to support varied deal structures, and offers extensibility for inclusion of new capabilities and partner applications. It also has scope to add additional pricing components, beyond interest and ongoing fees, and the ability to support multiple transaction processing systems that require loan pricing adjustments.

By providing an automated means for tracking ESG performance and the related margin changes  which can be consumed directly in the relevant servicing systems via APIs  the service will deliver significant benefits to users across the middle and back office, including credit managers, borrowers and sustainability coordinators.

Find out more about Finastra's ESG Service here.

About Finastra

Finastra is a global provider of financial software applications and marketplaces, and launched the leading open platform for innovation, FusionFabric.cloud, in 2017. It serves institutions of all sizes, providing award-winning solutions and services across Lending, Payments, Treasury & Capital Markets and Universal Banking (Retail, Digital and Commercial Banking) for banks to support direct banking relationships and grow through indirect channels, such as embedded finance and Banking-as-a-Service. Its pioneering approach and commitment to open finance and collaboration is why it is trusted by ~8,600 institutions, including 90 of the world's top 100 banks. For more information, visit finastra.com.

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SOURCE Finastra
ALPHARETTA, Ga., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Flip Electronics has signed an authorized inventory sales agreement with Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) to offer traceable, factory certified semiconductor products. ADI is a global semiconductor leader that bridges the physical and digital worlds to enable breakthroughs at the Intelligent Edge. ADI combines analog, digital, and software technologies into solutions that help drive advancements in digitized factories, mobility, and digital healthcare, combat climate change, and reliably connect humans and the world.

"Flip is innovating the world of semiconductor distribution by moving excess products to worldwide locations with increased visibility and access," said Tara Hadsell, Sr. Director of Global Channel at ADI. "I am delighted to work with Flip Electronics to increase our inventory agility for customers by making our products available through this platform."

"Adding ADI to our product portfolio of industry-leading manufacturing partners is a very exciting option for our clients. ADI has long been a leader in the analog space," said Jason Murphy, CEO at Flip Electronics. "The long lifecycles of many applications, including analog and mixed-signal products, make ADI a critical component for Flip's focus on providing an authorized source for long-term support of parts at the end of their respective life cycle. Not all applications and designs evolve at the same pace as new technology advances. OEMs turn to Flip to source these products and support them as an ECIA-authorized distributor."

About Flip Electronics

Based in Alpharetta, Georgia, Flip Electronics has been an authorized distributor of obsolete semiconductors and electronic components since 2015. Flip works closely with their OEM and contract manufacturer clients considering every aspect of the logistics and supply chain process, delivering exceptional solutions suiting clients' needs. These services help avoid costly shutdowns and provide customers with confidence in knowing they are not dealing in the grey market. With industry-leading suppliers, knowledge, and supply chain management expertise, Flip assists clients in the sourcing, pricing, and delivery of all their component needs. In addition, Flip's focus on global trends in manufacturing makes it a leader in the electronics industry. Learn more at Flipelectronics.com , call 800.958.4578, or email [email protected] .

Media Contact:

Al Maag

[email protected]

602.363.6038

SOURCE Flip Electronics
NEW YORK, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The food safety testing market size is forecast to grow by USD 9,209.62 million between 2022 and 2027, and the growth momentum will be accelerating at a CAGR of 7.84% during the forecast period. The growth of the market is driven by factors such as the increase in the involvement of government agencies, the growing importance of food safety standards, and the rising demand for analytical instruments in the food and beverage industry. However, changes in food regulations will affect market growth. For more insights on the historic data (2017 to 2021), and forecast market size (2023 to 2027)  Request a report sample

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Food Safety Testing Market 2023-2027

Key Growth Driver

The growing importance of food safety standards is one of the major factors driving the growth of the market. Governments across the world are increasing the stringency of regulations on food products to ensure the safety of consumers. For instance, in Europe, the EFSA has set the maximum level of zearalenone in cereals intended for human consumption to be 75 ug/kg and 50 ug/kg for bread, pastries, and biscuits. Similarly, in India, the FSSAI has published rules and regulations and specified permissible limits for heavy metals in food products. Such regulations are fostering the growth of the global food safety testing market.

Regional Analysis

By region, the global food safety testing market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of World (ROW). North America will account for 41% of market growth during the forecast period. Factors such as the increase in the budgetary allowance for food safety in the US and rising concerns regarding foodborne diseases are driving the growth of North America's food safety testing market.

Company Profiles

The food safety testing market report includes information on the key products and recent developments of leading vendors, including:

ADPEN Laboratories Inc. - The company offers food safety testing process designed with analytical support which includes routine quality control analysis, FDA/customs detained imported food products analysis, and seafood species identification testing in order to meet industry regulation and compliance.

- The company offers food safety testing process designed with analytical support which includes routine quality control analysis, FDA/customs detained imported food products analysis, and seafood species identification testing in order to meet industry regulation and compliance. Agilent Technologies Inc. - The company offers food safety testing which provides analytical testing at every step along with the supply chain to ensure food safety and quality meet the industry standard.

- The company offers food safety testing which provides analytical testing at every step along with the supply chain to ensure food safety and quality meet the industry standard. ALS Ltd. - The company offers testing, inspection, auditing, and consulting services to dairy producers, food manufacturers, and drink manufacturers for a wide range of food products.

- The company offers testing, inspection, auditing, and consulting services to dairy producers, food manufacturers, and drink manufacturers for a wide range of food products. AsureQuality Ltd. - The company offers poultry feed and egg testing in order to check for nicarbazin, coccidiostats, and anticoccidials compounds.

Competitive Analysis

The competitive scenario categorizes companies based on various performance indicators. Some of the factors considered include the financial performance of companies over the past few years, growth strategies, product innovations, new product launches, investments, and growth in market share among others. Request a Sample

Market Segmentation

By type, the market is segmented into meat and poultry, fruits and vegetables, processed foods, dairy, and others.

By technology, the market is segmented into rapid and traditional.

By geography, the market is segmented into North America , Europe , Asia , and Rest of World (ROW).

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What are the key data covered in this food safety testing market report?

CAGR of the market during the forecast period.

Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the market between 2023 and 2027

Precise estimation of the size of the food safety testing market and its contribution to the parent market.

Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior.

Growth of the market across North America , Europe , Asia , and Rest of World (ROW).

, , , and Rest of 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 food safety testing market vendors.

Food Safety Testing Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 7.84% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 9,209.62 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023(%) 7.0 Regional analysis North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of World (ROW) Performing market contribution North America at 41% Key countries US, Canada, Germany, UK, and China Competitive landscape Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled ADPEN Laboratories Inc., Agilent Technologies Inc., ALS Ltd., AsureQuality Ltd., Bio Rad Laboratories Inc., bioMerieux SA, Bureau Veritas SA, Campden BRI, Cotecna Inspection SA, Element Materials Technology Group Ltd., EMSL Analytical Inc., Eurofins Scientific SE, FoodChain ID Group Inc., Intertek Group Plc, Merieux NutriSciences Corp., Microbac Laboratories Inc., Neogen Corp., Perkin Elmer Inc., RJ Hill Laboratories Ltd., and Romer Labs Division Holding GmbH 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.

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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 Technology



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 food safety testing market 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 18: Historic Market Size  Data Table on Global food safety testing market 2017 - 2021 ($ million)

4.2 Type Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 19: Historic Market Size  Type Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million)

4.3 Technology Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 20: Historic Market Size  Technology Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million)

4.4 Geography Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 21: Historic Market Size  Geography Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million)

4.5 Country Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 22: Historic Market Size  Country Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million)

5 Five Forces Analysis

5.1 Five forces summary

Exhibit 23: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2022 and 2027

5.2 Bargaining power of buyers

Exhibit 24: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers  Impact of key factors 2022 and 2027

5.3 Bargaining power of suppliers

Exhibit 25: Bargaining power of suppliers  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.4 Threat of new entrants

Exhibit 26: Threat of new entrants  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.5 Threat of substitutes

Exhibit 27: Threat of substitutes  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.6 Threat of rivalry

Exhibit 28: Threat of rivalry  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.7 Market condition

Exhibit 29: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2022 and 2027

6 Market Segmentation by Type

6.1 Market segments

Exhibit 30: Chart on Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 31: Data Table on Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%)

6.2 Comparison by Type

Exhibit 32: Chart on Comparison by Type



Exhibit 33: Data Table on Comparison by Type

6.3 Meat and poultry - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 34: Chart on Meat and poultry - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 35: Data Table on Meat and poultry - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 36: Chart on Meat and poultry - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 37: Data Table on Meat and poultry - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

6.4 Fruits and vegetables - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 38: Chart on Fruits and vegetables - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 39: Data Table on Fruits and vegetables - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 40: Chart on Fruits and vegetables - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 41: Data Table on Fruits and vegetables - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

6.5 Processed foods - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 42: Chart on Processed foods - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 43: Data Table on Processed foods - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 44: Chart on Processed foods - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 45: Data Table on Processed foods - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

6.6 Dairy - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 46: Chart on Dairy - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 47: Data Table on Dairy - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 48: Chart on Dairy - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 49: Data Table on Dairy - 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 ($ million)



Exhibit 51: Data Table on Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



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 ($ million)



Exhibit 55: Data Table on Market opportunity by Type ($ million)

7 Market Segmentation by Technology

7.1 Market segments

Exhibit 56: Chart on Technology - Market share 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 57: Data Table on Technology - Market share 2022-2027 (%)

7.2 Comparison by Technology

Exhibit 58: Chart on Comparison by Technology



Exhibit 59: Data Table on Comparison by Technology

7.3 Rapid - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 60: Chart on Rapid - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 61: Data Table on Rapid - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 62: Chart on Rapid - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 63: Data Table on Rapid - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

7.4 Traditional - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 64: Chart on Traditional - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 65: Data Table on Traditional - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 66: Chart on Traditional - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 67: Data Table on Traditional - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

7.5 Market opportunity by Technology

Exhibit 68: Market opportunity by Technology ($ million)



Exhibit 69: Data Table on Market opportunity by Technology ($ million)

8 Customer Landscape

8.1 Customer landscape overview

Exhibit 70: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria

9 Geographic Landscape

9.1 Geographic segmentation

Exhibit 71: Chart on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 72: Data Table on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%)

9.2 Geographic comparison

Exhibit 73: Chart on Geographic comparison



Exhibit 74: Data Table on Geographic comparison

9.3 North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 75: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 76: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 77: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 78: 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 79: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 80: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 81: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 82: 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 83: Chart on Asia - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 84: Data Table on Asia - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 85: Chart on Asia - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 86: Data Table on Asia - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.6 Rest of World (ROW) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 87: Chart on Rest of World (ROW) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 88: Data Table on Rest of World (ROW) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 89: Chart on Rest of World (ROW) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 90: Data Table on Rest of World (ROW) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.7 US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 91: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 92: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 93: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 94: 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 95: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 96: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 97: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 98: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.9 UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 99: Chart on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 100: Data Table on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 101: Chart on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 102: Data Table on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.10 Canada - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 103: Chart on Canada - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 104: Data Table on Canada - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 105: Chart on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 106: Data Table on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.11 China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 107: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 108: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 109: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 110: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.12 Market opportunity by geography

Exhibit 111: Market opportunity by geography ($ million)



Exhibit 112: Data Tables on 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 113: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2022 and 2027

10.4 Market trends

11 Vendor Landscape

11.1 Overview

11.2 Vendor landscape

Exhibit 114: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation

11.3 Landscape disruption

Exhibit 115: Overview on factors of disruption

11.4 Industry risks

Exhibit 116: Impact of key risks on business

12 Vendor Analysis

12.1 Vendors covered

Exhibit 117: Vendors covered

12.2 Market positioning of vendors

Exhibit 118: Matrix on vendor position and classification

12.3 ADPEN Laboratories Inc.

Exhibit 119: ADPEN Laboratories Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 120: ADPEN Laboratories Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 121: ADPEN Laboratories Inc. - Key offerings

12.4 Agilent Technologies Inc.

Exhibit 122: Agilent Technologies Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 123: Agilent Technologies Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 124: Agilent Technologies Inc. - Key news



Exhibit 125: Agilent Technologies Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 126: Agilent Technologies Inc. - Segment focus

12.5 ALS Ltd.

Exhibit 127: ALS Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 128: ALS Ltd. - Business segments



Exhibit 129: ALS Ltd. - Key news



Exhibit 130: ALS Ltd. - Key offerings



Exhibit 131: ALS Ltd. - Segment focus

12.6 AsureQuality Ltd.

Exhibit 132: AsureQuality Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 133: AsureQuality Ltd. - Product / Service



Exhibit 134: AsureQuality Ltd. - Key news



Exhibit 135: AsureQuality Ltd. - Key offerings

12.7 Bio Rad Laboratories Inc.

Exhibit 136: Bio Rad Laboratories Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 137: Bio Rad Laboratories Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 138: Bio Rad Laboratories Inc. - Key news



Exhibit 139: Bio Rad Laboratories Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 140: Bio Rad Laboratories Inc. - Segment focus

12.8 bioMerieux SA

Exhibit 141: bioMerieux SA - Overview



Exhibit 142: bioMerieux SA - Product / Service



Exhibit 143: bioMerieux SA - Key offerings

12.9 Bureau Veritas SA

Exhibit 144: Bureau Veritas SA - Overview



Exhibit 145: Bureau Veritas SA - Business segments



Exhibit 146: Bureau Veritas SA - Key news



Exhibit 147: Bureau Veritas SA - Key offerings



Exhibit 148: Bureau Veritas SA - Segment focus

12.10 Campden BRI

Exhibit 149: Campden BRI - Overview



Exhibit 150: Campden BRI - Product / Service



Exhibit 151: Campden BRI - Key offerings

12.11 Cotecna Inspection SA

Exhibit 152: Cotecna Inspection SA - Overview



Exhibit 153: Cotecna Inspection SA - Product / Service



Exhibit 154: Cotecna Inspection SA - Key offerings

12.12 Element Materials Technology Group Ltd.

Exhibit 155: Element Materials Technology Group Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 156: Element Materials Technology Group Ltd. - Product / Service



Exhibit 157: Element Materials Technology Group Ltd. - Key offerings

12.13 EMSL Analytical Inc.

Exhibit 158: EMSL Analytical Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 159: EMSL Analytical Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 160: EMSL Analytical Inc. - Key offerings

12.14 Eurofins Scientific SE

Exhibit 161: Eurofins Scientific SE - Overview



Exhibit 162: Eurofins Scientific SE - Business segments



Exhibit 163: Eurofins Scientific SE - Key news



Exhibit 164: Eurofins Scientific SE - Key offerings



Exhibit 165: Eurofins Scientific SE - Segment focus

12.15 FoodChain ID Group Inc.

Exhibit 166: FoodChain ID Group Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 167: FoodChain ID Group Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 168: FoodChain ID Group Inc. - Key offerings

12.16 Intertek Group Plc

Exhibit 169: Intertek Group Plc - Overview



Exhibit 170: Intertek Group Plc - Business segments



Exhibit 171: Intertek Group Plc - Key news



Exhibit 172: Intertek Group Plc - Key offerings



Exhibit 173: Intertek Group Plc - Segment focus

12.17 Merieux NutriSciences Corp.

Exhibit 174: Merieux NutriSciences Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 175: Merieux NutriSciences Corp. - Product / Service



Exhibit 176: Merieux NutriSciences Corp. - Key offerings

13 Appendix

13.1 Scope of the report

13.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist

Exhibit 177: Inclusions checklist



Exhibit 178: Exclusions checklist

13.3 Currency conversion rates for US$

Exhibit 179: Currency conversion rates for US$

13.4 Research methodology

Exhibit 180: Research methodology



Exhibit 181: Validation techniques employed for market sizing



Exhibit 182: Information sources

13.5 List of abbreviations

Exhibit 183: 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.

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SOURCE Technavio
WASHINGTON, March 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto (KKC) is proud to announce that Allison Herren Lee is joining the firm as Of Counsel. Lee was nominated to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission by President Donald Trump, and her appointment was unanimously approved by the U.S. Senate. She served as Commissioner from July 2019 until her term expired in July 2022. President Biden appointed Lee as Acting Chair of the SEC, and she served in that position from January 21, 2021, to April 17, 2021.

Upon stepping down in 2022, her colleagues on the Commission praised Lee's work, stating: "She has been a champion for stronger climate disclosures, whistleblower protections, and individual accountability for violations of the securities laws."

As a Commissioner, Lee's public statements on the SEC whistleblower program demonstrated her respect for the critical role Dodd-Frank whistleblowers play in protecting the public interest:

"[N]early every day has provided us with an opportunity to appreciate the contributions of whistleblowers. Often, they display extraordinary bravery to expose fraud and wrongdoing, and to shine light in some very dark places. In doing so, they reinforce our fundamental values  that the rule of law matters, and no one is, or should be, above the law."

Former Commissioner Lee brings to Kohn, Kohn and Colapinto's practice a wide range of expertise essential to protecting investors. Before being appointed Commissioner, Lee had over twenty years of experience as a securities law practitioner. In addition, she taught courses on financial regulation and corporate law. She worked in various roles at the SEC, including as counsel to Commissioner Kara Stein and as Senior Counsel in the Division of Enforcement's Complex Financial Instruments Unit. She also served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, handling criminal prosecution of the federal securities laws.

"I look forward to working with Kohn, Kohn and Colapinto and the whistleblowers they represent to bring accountability to Wall Street, protect investors, and ensure that the Dodd-Frank whistleblower programs fully advance the rights of whistleblowers, as intended by Congress," former Commissioner Lee said. "I am excited at the opportunity to work with internationally recognized experts in whistleblower law and serve the public interest," Lee added.

"Allison's expertise in securities law and how these laws effectively hold fraudsters accountable is unsurpassed. Unquestionably, her willingness to represent whistleblowers will make Wall Street more accountable. Her presence as a legal advocate for whistleblowers will help deter corporate wrongdoing. Our entire team at Kohn, Kohn and Colapinto is honored to have the opportunity to work with and learn from her," said Stephen M. Kohn, a founding partner of Kohn, Kohn and Colapinto.

Geoffrey Schweller

Public Relations and Communications Coordinator

Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto

[email protected]

This release was issued through WebWire. For more information, visit http://www.webwire.com.

SOURCE Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto
Television and radio personality, EZ Street, Among Speakers

WASHINGTON, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 29th, hundreds of participants are expected to gather on the National Mall for the Annual Friendship Place Walk  A Walk to End Homelessness hosted by Friendship Place. The fun, family-friendly 1.5 mile event will be emceed by EZ Street from 96.3 WHUR in Washington, DC and will include local businesses, congregations, as well as students from local schools and universities.

2023 Friendship Place Walk to End Homelessness

This year's Friendship Place Walk will feature notable figures in the fight to end homelessness including Ward 3 Councilmember Matthew Frumin, and other key leaders around the region. The event's headline sponsor is AT&T.

"It's incredibly touching to see so many people show how much they care by coming to join us," says Friendship Place President & CEO, Jean-Michel Giraud.

The event begins at 9:30 AM at The National Mall at the corner of 17th Street and Constitution Avenue. To register, visit http://friendshipplacewalk.org or sign up at the event.

Proceeds from Friendship Place Walk will benefit Friendship Place's work to address homelessness with innovative programs that empower participants to rebuild their lives. Friendship Place is the region-wide leader in the movement to end homelessness with effective, nationally recognized, and award-winning services.

About Friendship Place

Using innovative, customized, person-focused programs, Friendship Place empowers participants to rebuild their lives, find homes, get jobs, and reconnect with friends, family, and the community, permanently. In 2022, Friendship Place prevented or ended homelessness for more than 4,400 people, including over 600 children and 750 veterans.

Media Contact

Julyann Moon

Media, Marketing & Communications Interim Director

Friendship Place

[email protected]

SOURCE Friendship Place
Award-Winning Solar Roof Meets Highest Fire Safety Standards: Company Dedicated to

Producing the Safest, Most Durable Solar Roof on the Market

LOS ANGELES, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- GAF Energy's Timberline Solar, the world's first nailable solar shingle, has been approved for installation in Los Angeles County after a multi-month review and evaluation by the Research Section of the Department of Public Works Building and Safety Division. The review confirmed that Timberline Solar meets or exceeds the County's 2023 Codes for Electrical, Residential, Building, Green Building, and Existing Building, as well as the 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards. Timberline Solar, which launched in 2022, remains the only solar roof covering to be certified to UL 7103 as a Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Roof Covering. Timberline Solar meets a Class A fire rating under UL 790 and ASTM E108, reflecting the highest possible standard for fire resistance. GAF Energy, a Standard Industries company and the leading provider of solar roofing in North America, produces Timberline Solar at the company's R&D and manufacturing facility in San Jose, California.

"In designing Timberline Solar, we put safety and durability first. We know that is what homeowners care the most aboutand, as a team, we are committed to making the safest and most durable solar roof on the market," said Martin DeBono, President of GAF Energy. "In the last year, Timberline Solar has been approved for tough standards in wind, snow, and fire."

The Timberline Solar Energy Shingle (ES) boasts an industry-defying depth of less than a quarter inch and integrates with traditional shingles to create a sleek and attractive look. Timberline Solar meets a host of rigorous third-party safety standards covering both roofing and solar. The innovative solar roof has received more than 30 design and innovation awards and honors.

Consumers interested in learning more about Timberline Solar can visit: https://www.gaf.energy/timberline-solar

About GAF Energy

GAF Energy is transforming the solar and roofing industries to generate energy from every roof. A Standard Industries company, GAF Energy works with North America's largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer, GAF, to offer homeowners elegant, roof-integrated solar options through a national network of roofer partners. The company's leading product, the Timberline Solar roof system, incorporates the world's first nailable solar shingle to create an attractive, durable, and reliable solar roof. Timberline Solar is the most-awarded solar shingle in the world. Since its launch in January 2022, it has received more than 30 awards, including from CES, TIME, Fast Company, Popular Science, Green Builder, Good Housekeeping, and the National Association of Home Builders. GAF Energy develops and assembles its products at its R&D and manufacturing facility in San Jose, California.

SOURCE GAF Energy
The Vonore-based molded fiber company has hired David van der Linden as vice president of capital projects and Ryan Mello as project construction manager

VONORE, Tenn., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Genera, a manufacturer of domestically sourced and produced ag-based pulp and molded fiber products, announced today that it has added two key members to lead the company through an anticipated building expansion beginning this year.

Genera continues its anticipated building expantion with the hiring of Ryan Mello (left) as its project construction manager and David van der Linden as its vice president of capital projects.

Genera has hired David van der Linden as its vice president of capital projects, responsible for leading the strategic development, execution, and business integration of large-scale capital expansion projects. Ryan Mello will serve as Genera's project construction manager to supervise the company's planned growth and ensure safety and quality.

Genera was acquired in 2022 by Ara Partners, a private equity firm that specializes in industrial decarbonization investments. As part of the purchase, Ara committed up to $200 million in additional capital to support rapid expansion of the company's sustainable pulp and packaging business.

"We are excited that David and Ryan have joined the Genera team," said Dr. Kelly Tiller, CEO of Genera. "These high-caliber hires are critical for Genera to successfully complete a suite of expansion projects supporting continual growth. Their expertise is vital to advance the business analysis, construction management and strategic development, planning, and execution of these projects."

Van der Linden has spent his career as a program, project and operations manager for large and diverse companies throughout the United States, Australia and New Zealand. He has a background in the infrastructure, chemical, petrochemical, mining and medical device industries and has extensive experience in program and risk management, strategic development and in the planning and implementation of multiple world-scale projects.

Mello has more than 10 years of experience in the construction management field and has been in charge of the planning, design management and construction administration of large public works projects across the United States, including facilities, roads, and bridges. He has been responsible for several end-to-end design management projects and has expansive knowledge in all facets of construction from technology to methodology.

As a part of its acquisition by Ara Partners, Genera has committed to expanding their sustainable pulp and packaging business throughout the United States. This growth strategy has resulted in the hiring of several new key positions to develop the company's innovative, tactical planning and commercial success.

For more information about Genera, visit https://generainc.com.

About Genera

Genera, a Tennessee-based ag fiber manufacturer, works to simplify supply chains with domestically sourced and produced ag-based pulp and molded fiber products. Partnering with local farmers, Genera provides a sustainable farm-to-finished product solution for a wide array of applications, including compostable food service tableware, to-go containers, packaging, paper, tissue and more. To learn more about Genera, please visit https://generainc.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Heather Ripley

Ripley PR

865) 977-1973

[email protected]

SOURCE Genera
DUBLIN, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Application Delivery Controller Market: Analysis By Form Factor (ADCaaS, Software Virtual Appliance, and Appliance), By End-User (IT and Telecom, Retail, Healthcare, Government, BFSI, and Others), By Region Size and Trends with Impact of COVID-19 and Forecast up to 2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global application delivery controller market was valued at US$4.79 billion in 2022. The market value is expected to reach US$9.40 billion by 2028.

An application delivery controller (ADC) is a network component that manages and optimizes how client machines connect to web and enterprise application servers. In general, a controller is a hardware device or a software program that manages or directs the flow of data between two entities.

Years ago, the application delivery controller market was high-end-only, as all ADCs were application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) based and inherently expensive. Today's ADC devices provide a mix of high-end products for major e-commerce sites, as well as the midmarket and SMBs with lower performance demands and budget constraints. On the other hand, the pandemic has also positively influenced the demand for ADCs as the adoption of cloud computing has accelerated. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of approx. 12% during the forecasted period of 2023-2028.

Market Segmentation Analysis:

By Form Factor: The report provides the bifurcation of the market into three form factors: ADCaaS, Software Virtual Appliance, and Appliance. ADCaaS held the highest share of the market. As workloads have shifted, and continue to shift, to cloud platforms, form factors by which ADC functionality is delivered also continue to shift from appliance-based to software- and cloud-based. Moreover, the amount of traffic flowing through data centers worldwide is expected to increase in the coming years. This would propel the market growth for ADCaaS.

By End-User: The report further provides the analysis based on end-users: IT and Telecom, Retail, Healthcare, Government, BFSI, and Others. IT and telecom held the highest share in the market, whereas BFSI is expected to be the fastest-growing segment in the forecasted period. Cloud computing offers modern telecom businesses scalability, flexibility, security, and operational efficiency at a low cost. Owing to this benefits, telecom industry is increasing the adoption of cloud computing and hence the need for ADC is increasing. On the other hand, spending on the 5G infrastructure would also boost the growth of the ADC market in the coming years.

By Region: The report provides insight into the application delivery controller market based on the regions namely, North America , Europe , Asia Pacific , Latin America , and Middle East & Africa . North America held the major share of the market in 2022. Whereas, Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forthcoming years. In the US, the ADC market is flourishing owing to the sharp rise in cybercrimes, massive adoption of the Internet of Things, and rollout of 5G networks. Moreover, data traffic is also increasing in the US. The data traffic generated per minute of use would increase significantly in line with the expected uptake of gaming, XR, and video-based apps.

, , , , and & . held the major share of the market in 2022. Whereas, is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forthcoming years. In the US, the ADC market is flourishing owing to the sharp rise in cybercrimes, massive adoption of the Internet of Things, and rollout of 5G networks. Moreover, data traffic is also increasing in the US. The data traffic generated per minute of use would increase significantly in line with the expected uptake of gaming, XR, and video-based apps. UK businesses are steadily adopting a cloud-first approach, and a growing number of companies would move a large majority of their IT to the cloud in the coming years. The UK government has also been strongly supporting the adoption of cloud technologies. The increase in cloud adoption would support the growth of the ADC market in the UK in the coming years.

According to the World Bank, the pandemic has led to increased use of digital payments in Asia Pacific region. In India , more than 80 million adults made their first digital merchant payment after the start of the pandemic, while in China over 100 million adults did. The increase in digital payments has further led to an increase in the adoption of application delivery controllers.

Market Dynamics:

Growth Drivers:

The global application delivery controller market growth is predicted to be supported by numerous growth drivers such as rapid growth of data centers, increasing number of internet users, growing IT services spending, rise in penetration of applications, advantages of application delivery controller, growth of SMEs, and many other factors.

With the advent of DevOps, application teams are getting more aggressive and are rolling out applications at an unprecedented volume and speed. New applications in an enterprise-grade environment need to be able to scale to handle traffic from hundreds or thousands of users, and they demand high availability. Enterprises leverage ADCs to improve the reliability, security, and performance of applications.

Challenges:

However, the market growth would be negatively impacted by various challenges such as difficulty in managing dynamic change requests, etc.

Trends:

The market is projected to grow at a fast pace during the forecast period, due to various latest trends such as increasing adoption of cloud applications, the advent of 5G networks, the shift from hardware ADC to software /VDAC, the rise of DDoS attacks, etc. ADC platforms mitigate and create a line of defense against DDoS attacks. With the capabilities of SSL offloading, ADCs can find out the potentialities of DDoS attacks based on SSL traffic as the servers and applications are not exposed. Thus, the rise in DDoS attacks is expected to increase the growth of the ADC market in the forthcoming years.

Competitive Landscape:

The global application delivery controllers market is competitive in nature. The key players in the global application delivery controllers market are:

Amazon.com, Inc. (Amazon Web Services, Inc.)

F5, Inc.

Radware Inc.

Fortinet, Inc.

Microsoft Corp. (Microsoft Azure)

A10 Networks, Inc.

Cisco Systems, Inc.

Progress Software Corporation (Kemp Technologies)

Evanssion

Barracuda Networks, Inc.

Citrix Systems, Inc.

Array Networks, Inc.

NFWare

In 2022, the top five vendors (AWS, F5, Citrix, Google, and Microsoft) held approximately 80% share of the market. By 2022, AWS controlled almost two-thirds of the ADCaaS market. In AWS's revenue, ADC functionality offered by third-party infrastructure providers was being incorporated into new application development on the same platform on which applications were being developed.



Key Topics Covered:





1. Executive Summary



2. Introduction



3. Global Market Analysis



4. Regional Market Analysis



5. Impact of COVID-19



6. Market Dynamics

6.1 Growth Drivers

6.1.1 Rapid Growth of Data Centers

6.1.2 Increasing Number of Internet Users

6.1.3 Growing IT Services Spending

6.1.4 Rise in Penetration of Applications

6.1.5 Advantages of Application Delivery Controller

6.1.6 Growth of SMEs

6.2 Challenges

6.2.1 Difficulty in Managing Dynamic Change Requests

6.3 Market Trends

6.3.1 Increasing Adoption of Cloud Applications

6.3.2 The Advent of 5G Networks

6.3.3 Shift from Hardware ADC to Software /VDAC

6.3.4 The Rise of DDoS Attacks



7. Competitive Landscape



8. Company Profiles

Companies Mentioned

Amazon.com, Inc. (Amazon Web Services, Inc.)

F5, Inc.

Radware Inc.

Fortinet, Inc.

Microsoft Corp. (Microsoft Azure)

A10 Networks, Inc.

Cisco Systems, Inc.

Progress Software Corporation (Kemp Technologies)

Evanssion

Barracuda Networks, Inc.

Citrix Systems, Inc.

Array Networks, Inc.

NFWare

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/jma773

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

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SOURCE Research and Markets
SEATTLE, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Global D2C ethnic wear brand Shobitam, founded by Aparna & Ambika with a deep sense of purpose and big bold vision to democratize ethnic fashion globally commemorates its 4th year anniversary. Launched on the same day as Women's Day, the brand through its unique fashion concept has over the last 4 years adorned the wardrobes of tens of thousands of fashion forward customers in over 40 countries who love to infuse traditional with the contemporary. Shobitam has successfully grown to become one of the fastest-growing D2C ethnic fashion brands. They have consistently focused on innovating with new designs and ideas to make Indian weaving accessible and elegant. Their journey started with just 20 products that were listed on Etsy1, and today they have over 2000+ products available on their website by closely working with over 540+ weavers across 19 cities in India.

Aparna and Ambika, Co-founders of Shobitam. The latest collections at Shobitam promise to bring together trend and tradition, and are absolute must-haves!

Aparna Thyagarajan, Co-founder, Shobitam said, "We are extremely proud and grateful to everyone who has put their trust in Shobitam and showered us with immense love. Shobitam has made great strides and has big plans for this year, and none of this would be possible without the support of our artisanal community and customers. We are looking to expand, with many more product offerings in the pipeline, and have a few interesting offerings planned for the upcoming wedding season and kids collections in the coming months. We are in discussions with similar category brands about expanding our product offerings and bringing the best of the best under one roof."

Shobitam is goal-driven to make ethnic wear available and affordable worldwide. They sell an experience of ethnicity that is personal to every Indian with the nostalgia and the feel of an ethnic wear brand. They recently collaborated with BITS Pilani to open Shobitam Centre for Women Entrepreneurship and acquired fashion brand 'House of Blouse' as part of its expansion strategy. The brand recently took home 3 awards in the apparel & fashion category: India Fashion Forum 2023 Excellence in Women's Wear, Most Admired D2C brand in Women's Apparel & Fashion & Retail Startup Award organised by Retailers Association of India.

About Shobitam: Founded by fashionistas and creative sisters Aparna and Ambika in Seattle, Shobitam is building a world-class ethnic fashion brand that is elegant, affordable, and available globally. Powered by a passion for fashion, an interest in designing them, and a drive to make them available to all, Shobitam's mission is to help people look good, do good and feel good. Working closely with weavers across India, Shobitam designs unique collections and makes a difference in their lives with deep impact. They sell through their global online platform to tens of thousands of customers across 40+ countries, offering beautiful selections with quality, prices, and 5-star service! Customer Obsession is at the core of Shobitam's experience and you can see it reflected in their 7000+ 5 Star Customer Reviews. https://shobitam.com

Name of Media Contact: Aparna Thyagarajan

Phone: +1-510-709-6753

Website: https://www.shobitam.com

Instagram: @shobitam

SOURCE Shobitam
Three-Day Conference Welcomes Attendees from Around the World for the Latest Research and Community Building

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CureDuchenne, a global nonprofit committed to finding and funding a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, announced its FUTURES National Conference will be held from April 20-23, 2023 in San Diego, California. FUTURES is a three-day event focused on bringing education, connection and hope to the Duchenne community. The annual event will take place as a hybrid event, offering attendees a chance to participate both online and in-person, at the Marriott Marquis & Marina.

This year's event theme is Bright Futures, placing importance on the acceleration of critical research, improvement of care and quality of life for all, and fostering a community that supports one another and takes on the future together. CureDuchenne will offer insightful and interactive presentations on a variety of relevant topics, including the latest research and therapies for individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, insight from industry thought leaders, social events for the whole family, a gaming lounge, and more.

"As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we can't wait to connect with families and our healthcare community to share important research, have thoughtful discussions on emerging approaches to care, and spend quality time together," said Debra Miller, founder and CEO of CureDuchenne. "We are at a critical time with potentially transformative therapeutic treatments coming over the horizon and we have much to share."

Returning keynote speakers Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray will share new insights and inspiration from their latest accessible journey through the Camino de Santiago. "Our experience during last year's FUTURES conference connecting with families, parents, caregivers and individuals with Duchenne was hugely impactful," said Justin Skeesuck. "We're excited to share new stories this year that will hopefully help encourage others to find and foster purpose no matter the circumstances." Skeesuck and Gray's inspiring story of their 500-mile trek through the rugged terrain of northern Spain, with Patrick and others pushing Justin in a custom-made wheelchair, was told in an extraordinary documentary titled I'll Push You.

The event will kick off on Friday, April 20, with a "CURE" theme, featuring an engaging keynote panel with industry leaders, including Kevin Flanigan, MD, director of the Center for Gene Therapy at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Carsten G. Bonnemann, MD, senior investigator with the National Institutes of Health, Emil Kakkis, MD, PhD, Founder, president and CEO of Ultragenyx, and more. They will discuss the successes, learnings, challenges, and future of Duchenne research. Research sessions will highlight gene therapy and gene editing, RNA-targeted therapeutics, and muscle preservation and anti-inflammatory treatment approaches. Saturday will highlight "CARE," with healthcare providers discussing the most critical advancements and recommendations in their specialties, as well as breakout sessions for caregivers of individuals with Duchenne of all ages, including sessions for adults with Duchenne. Sunday will close the three-day conference with a "COMMUNITY" focus, highlighting family support, overcoming everyday challenges, and clinical care, research and mental health for female Duchenne carriers.

Throughout the weekend, CureDuchenne will offer on-site childcare and activities for the whole family, including a gaming lounge for kids and a hangout lounge for adults with Duchenne. In-person registration fee is $100 per adult, with $50 early-bird pricing available until March 13, 2023. Virtual attendance is free of charge. There is also no charge for adult individuals with Duchenne and children under 16 years of age.

For registration information, full agenda and details, please visit cureduchenne.org/futures.

About CureDuchenne

Twenty years ago, CureDuchenne was created with one goal: to find and fund a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the leading genetic killer of young boys. Today, CureDuchenne is recognized as a global leader in research, patient care, and innovation for improving and extending the lives of those with Duchenne. CureDuchenne's innovative venture philanthropy model has advanced transformative treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, including 17 projects that advanced to human clinical trials and multiple projects to overcome the limitations of exon-skipping and gene therapy. In addition, CureDuchenne contributed early funding to the first FDA-approved Duchenne drug, pioneered the first and only Duchenne physical and occupational therapist certification program and created an innovative biobank and data registry, accelerating research toward a cure. For more information on how to help raise awareness and funds needed for research, please visit cureduchenne.org.

SOURCE CureDuchenne
DUBLIN, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Open Banking Market and Trends 2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

After the UK, Germany occupies a dominant position in the open banking market

Although the UK is the leader in open banking implementation and development, other countries such as Germany, France, Sweden, and the Netherlands are also making progress. Especially in Germany, the foundation has been laid to develop a strong open banking ecosystem, with the country having the second-highest number of home-regulated third-party providers as of June 2022, as mentioned in the new report.

Moreover, the number of passport third-party providers in Germany reached a triple-digit count during the same period. As of 2021, a majority of the third-party providers in Germany offered both account information and payment initiation service, with this share being higher compared to the entire EEA region. Furthermore, the share of countries in the EEA that are approved to provide third-party services in Germany also saw a slight increase from 2019 to 2021.

The number of third-party providers in Germany reached a triple-digit value as of June 2022, thereby reducing the gap between the EEA and Germany. More than three-quarters of countries in the EEA have the authority to provide third-party services in Germany, with Lithuania at the top of the list, followed by France and the Netherlands. One challenge that remains is providing stable and standard APIs.

Unlike its European counterparts, open banking in Asia-Pacific is mainly market driven, with Australia being the exception

After Europe, Asia-Pacific is the region with the highest number of open banking platforms and products as of 2021.

The growth of open banking in the region is due to consumers' willingness to share their data, as outlined in the new report. In Asia-Pacific, countries such as Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore are some of the early adopters of open banking.

In 2022, Australia aims to implement consumer data rights for the energy sector that will ensure further growth of open banking in the country. Singapore has robust and dynamic legislation in place for the development of open banking. New Zealand also plans to launch a similar consumer data rights initiative like in Australia by the end of 2022. Moreover, countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines are also making progress in the development of open banking initiatives.

Questions Covered:

What are the emerging trends that are changing the global open banking market?

What is the forecasted transaction value of open banking enabled payments in 2026?

What are the main objectives of organizations for introducing open banking?

What was the transaction value of payments via open banking in South Korea in 2021?

A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes

Bank of Korea (BOK)

DBS

Promsvyazbank

Sberbank

Tinkoff Bank

Countries Covered:

Australia

Brazil

Canada

Germany

India

Mexico

Russia

South Korea

UK

USA

Key Topics Covered:

1. Management Summary

2. Global

Overview of Trends And Development in Open Banking, September 2022 (1 of 2)

(1 of 2) Overview of Trends And Development in Open Banking, September 2022 (2 of 2)

(2 of 2) Open Banking Market Size, in USD billion, 2022 & 2026f

Value of Global Payments Facilitated by Open Banking, in USD billion, 2021 & 2026f

Number of Open Banking Products and Platforms, by Regions, Q2 2022

Annual Growth of API Products, by Regions, in %, Q4 2021

Share of Fintechs Built on Banking & Finance APIs That Focus on SMEs, in %, Q3 2022

Share of Fintech Products Built on Banking & Finance APIs That Would be Used For Addressing Issues of Financial Inclusion, in %, Q3 2022

Breakdown of APIs, by Category, in % of Total API Products, March 2022

Share of Banks That Are Using Open API Specification Standard to Describe Their API, in %, Q1 2022

Share of Financial Institutions That Regard Open Banking as a "Must Have" for Their Organization, in %, 2021 vs 2022

Top Areas Where Open Banking Will Have the Largest Impact, in % of Financial Professionals, 2021 vs 2022

Top Impact Due to the Introduction of Open Banking, in % of Financial Institutions, September 2022

Top Monetization Strategies After the Introduction of APIs, in % of Banks, 2021e

Overview of Open Banking Service Providers incl. Description of Services Provided, September 2022

3. Europe

Country Ranking by Open Banking Ecosystem Development, September 2022

Overview of The Open Banking System, by Country, incl. Improvements, September 2022 (1 of 3)

(1 of 3) Overview of The Open Banking System, by Country, incl. Improvements, September 2022 (2 of 3)

(2 of 3) Overview of The Open Banking System, by Country, incl. Improvements, September 2022 (3 of 3)

(3 of 3) Share of Financial Executives Who Had a Positive Attitude Towards Open Banking, in %, 2019 vs 2021

Share of Financial Executives Who Believe Open Banking is a Revolution of The Banking Industry, in %, 2021

Share of Financial Executives Who Already Invested or Plan to Invest in Open Banking in the Next 12 Months, in %, March 2022

Share of Financial Executives Who Indicated That Their Level of Investment Increased as a Result of The Pandemic, in %, March 2022

Share of Financial Executives Who Indicated Payment Initiation Services (PIS) to Be The Most Important Open Banking Use Case to Invest in For Their Business, in %, March 2022

Top Benefits of The Payment Initiation Services, in % of Financial Executives, March 2022

Top Drivers For The Adoption of Payment Initiation Services (PIS), in % of Financial Executives, March 2022

Top Barriers to The Adoption of Payment Initiation Services (PIS), in % of Financial Executives, March 2022

Attitudes Towards User Awareness in Introduction of PIS, by Country, in % of Financial Executives, March 2022

Number of Third-Party Providers, January 2020 , March 2020 , June 2020 , September 2020 , December 2020 , March 2021 , June 2021 , September 2021 , December 2021 , March 2022f

, , , , , , , , , March 2022f Areas Planned to Use Open Banking, in % of Financial Executives, March 2022

4. Asia-Pacific

Regional

Overview of The Open Banking System, September 2022

Breakdown of Top Bank API Products, by Category, in % of Total API Products, Q2 2022

Breakdown of Fintechs in Open Banking and Open Finance Creating Products to Reduce Financial Exclusion, by Region, in %, Q2 2022

5. North America

USA

Share of Financial Institutions That Regard Open Banking as a "Must Have" for Their Organization, in %, 2021 vs 2022

Breakdown of Open Banking Strategies Among Banks, by Year, in % of Bank executives, 2021 vs 2022e

Share of Financial Institutions That Believe Shared Data Infrastructure Will Become a Key Strategy for Open Banking and Open Finance, in %, 2021 vs 2022

Share of Banks That Have Already Deployed or Plan to Deploy the Following Technologies, in %, 2021 vs 2022

Share of Credit Unions That Have Already Deployed or Plan to Deploy the Following Technologies, in %, 2021 vs 2022

6. Latin America

Regional

Breakdown of Top Bank API Products, by Category, in % of Total API Products, Q2 2022

Value of Fintech Sector Investments, in USD billion, 2020 & Q1-Q3 2021

Share of Fintechs, by Country, in % of Total Fintechs, 2021

7. Middle East & Africa

Overview of The Open Banking System, September 2022

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/4zkysj

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

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SOURCE Research and Markets
Company Surpasses $10 Billion in Net Sales

ST. LOUIS, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Graybar, a leading distributor of electrical, communications and data networking products and provider of related supply chain management and logistics services, today reported record company performance in 2022, including record net sales, income from operations and net income.

Last year, Graybar's net sales increased 20.2%, growing from $8.8 billion in 2021 to $10.5 billion in 2022. Graybar's income from operations for 2022 was $653.8 million, an increase of 59.3% from 2021. Net income attributable to Graybar finished at $452.9 million, a 72.6% increase from the previous year.

"I am very proud of our outstanding performance in 2022," said Graybar Chairman, President and CEO Kathleen M. Mazzarella. "Thanks to the extraordinary work of our employees, we finished the year with record results and surpassed $10 billion in sales for the first time in our company's history. As we look to the future, we will continue to manage our business wisely, invest in growth and explore new opportunities to strengthen our long-term position as a leader in supply chain innovation."

Graybar, a Fortune 500 corporation and one of the largest employee-owned companies in North America, is a leader in the distribution of high quality electrical, communications and data networking products, and specializes in related supply chain management and logistics services. Through its network of more than 300 North American distribution facilities, it stocks and sells products from thousands of manufacturers, helping its customers power, network, automate and secure their facilities with speed, intelligence and efficiency. For more information, visit www.graybar.com or call 1-800-GRAYBAR.

Media Contact:

Tim Sommer

(314) 578-7672

[email protected]

SOURCE Graybar
GREENSBORO, N.C., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Greensboro College has partnered with Reading Connections, a local not-for-profit dedicated to serving the more than 80,000 people in Guilford County who struggle with basic literacy skills. They've created a Career Pathway program for immigrants and refugees, a two-part initiative where adults develop English language skills, such as reading, writing, and speaking before enrolling in a nationally recognized online healthcare certification program through the college.

In part one, students will attend Reading Connections classes to learn core concepts, vocabulary, and English communication skills needed for success in their healthcare training and in their subsequent career at a healthcare provider. In part two, students enroll in one of 12 online healthcare certification programs offered through Greensboro College while concurrently completing literacy classes at Reading Connections, thereby better ensuring successful completion of training.

The online healthcare certifications (powered by MedCerts) and approved as non-credit programs at Greensboro College include:

Dental Assistant

EKG Technician

Healthcare Administration

Health Unit Coordinator

Healthcare IT Technician

Medical Assistant

Patient Care Technician

Pharmacy Technician

Phlebotomy Technician

Physical Therapy Aide and Administration Specialist

Sterile Processing Technician

Surgical Technologist

"Our goal with The Innovation and Workforce Development Program at Greensboro College is to prepare individuals to advance and succeed in their careers," said President Lawrence D. Czarda. "At the same time, we aim to meet the growing employer workforce demands in the Piedmont Triad area. Our partnership with Reading Connections allows us to make good on both aspects of our mission."

An estimated 1.5 million health care jobs were lost in the first two months of COVID-19 and health care employment remains down 1.1%, approximately 176,000 jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics .

About Greensboro College

Greensboro College, located in Greensboro, N.C., is a private institution founded in 1838 that provides undergraduates with a liberal arts education grounded in the traditions of the United Methodist Church. For more information, please go here .

About Reading Connections

Reading Connections, Inc. is a Triad non-profit that provides free small group and one-on-one instruction in English as a Second Language, Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, Family Literacy, and Digital Literacy, as well as workforce preparation and training classes. To learn more, go here .

SOURCE Greensboro College
ELITE Status Is Earned by Medical Centers That Have Completed 10 or More GammaTile Therapy Brain Tumor Procedures in the Past Year

TEMPE, Ariz., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- GT Medical Technologies, Inc. announced its latest roster of ELITE Brain Tumor Centers that have received the distinction for completing 10 or more GammaTile Therapy procedures in 2022.

This year's ELITE inductees are AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute (Florida), Brooke Army Medical Center (Texas), North Carolina Basnight Cancer Hospital (North Carolina), Tampa General Hospital (Florida), UT Health San Antonio (Texas), UT Southwestern Medical Center (Texas), and Westchester Medical Center (New York).

These hospitals join the existing ELITE brain tumor specialists from 2020-2021, including ECU Health Medical Center (North Carolina), Emory Healthcare (Georgia), HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center (Arizona), M Health Fairview (Minnesota), Mayfield Brain & Spine (Ohio), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York), NorthShore University Health System (Illinois), Piedmont Atlanta Hospital (Georgia), and The University of Kansas Health System (Kansas).

GammaTile ELITE institutions share GT Medical Technologies' purpose of improving the lives of patients with brain tumors. These distinguished medical centers are each committed to excellence by putting the quality of life for their patients first and embracing evidence-based innovation.

"GammaTile allows patients to have their brain tumors treated in one fell swoop. Given that the radiation sources are implanted at the time of surgery, patients are spared the hassle of returning to the hospital for traditional radiation," said Simon Hanft, MD, Chief of Neurosurgical Oncology at Westchester Medical Center. "It gets their treatment started immediately. No more waiting for life-prolonging treatment--it all begins now."

GammaTile Therapy features a bioresorbable, conformable, 3D-collagen tile embedded with radiation sources. It is implanted in the last five minutes of brain tumor removal surgery. The sustained, controlled, and therapeutic dose of radiation immediately begins targeting tumor cells, sparing healthy tissue. Patients receive their radiation treatment while going about their daily life, without the necessity of daily trips to a medical center for external radiation. Over time, the tile naturally resorbs into the adjacent tissue with no need for additional surgery to remove it. GammaTile Therapy is shown to improve local tumor control, which can extend a patient's life.

"GammaTile is a game changer for those with recurrent or newly occurring brain tumors, as it offers innovative options not previously available to patients," stated John David, MD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiology in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Fla. and Radiation Oncologist and Director of Brachytherapy Services at Tampa General Hospital. "Because it emits internal radiation in the specific area of the tumor, GammaTile has the ability to prevent the growth of residual cancer cells."

GammaTile was FDA-cleared in 2018 for recurrent malignant brain tumors, including recurrent high-grade gliomas, glioblastomas, meningiomas, and brain metastases. In 2020, the FDA expanded that indication to include newly diagnosed malignant brain tumors. Since becoming available, hundreds of patients across the United States have received the Therapy. A map of GammaTile centers is available at GammaTile.com.

"There are over 80 hospitals offering GammaTile to their patients with brain tumors and 20 of those hospitals are designated ELITE," said Matt Likens, president, and CEO of GT Medical Technologies. "We commend these ELITE centers for offering advanced technologies like GammaTile that are helping patients live longer while improving their quality of life."

About GT Medical Technologies, Inc.

Driven to raise the standard of care and improve the lives of patients with brain tumors, a team of brain tumor specialists formed GT Medical Technologies with the purpose of improving the lives of patients with brain tumors. FDA-cleared GammaTile is Surgically Targeted Radiation Therapy (STaRT) that treats patients with all types of newly diagnosed malignant and recurrent brain tumors. This "one-and-done" treatment eliminates the need for one to six weeks of daily external beam radiation therapy, allowing patients to go about their daily lives, without the burden of additional trips to the hospital or clinic for ongoing treatment. Since its full market release in the United States in March 2020, GammaTile has been offered in more than 80 hospitals, with more centers being added each month. For more information, visit www.gtmedtech.com and follow @GammaTile on Twitter and LinkedIn.

About Tampa General Hospital

Tampa General Hospital, a 1,040-bed, not-for-profit, academic medical center, is one of the largest hospitals in America and delivers world-class care as the region's only center for Level l trauma and comprehensive burn care. Tampa General Hospital is the highest-ranked hospital in the market in U.S. News & World Report's 2022-23 Best Hospitals, and is tied as the third highest-ranked hospital in Florida, with seven specialties ranking among the best programs in the United States. Tampa General Hospital has been designated as a model of excellence by the 2022 Fortune/Merative 100 Top Hospitals list. The academic medical center's commitment to growing and developing its team members is recognized by two prestigious Forbes magazine rankings  first nationally in the 2022 America's Best Employers for Women and sixth out of 100 Florida companies in the 2022 America's Best Employers by State. Tampa General is the safety net hospital for the region, caring for everyone regardless of their ability to pay, and in fiscal year 2021, provided a net community benefit worth more than $224.5 million in the form of health care for underinsured patients, community education, and financial support to community health organizations in Tampa Bay. It is one of the nation's busiest adult solid organ transplant centers and is the primary teaching hospital for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine.

With six medical helicopters, Tampa General Hospital transports critically injured or ill patients from 23 surrounding counties to receive the advanced care they need. Tampa General houses a nationally accredited comprehensive stroke center, and its 32-bed Neuroscience, Intensive Care Unit is the largest on the West Coast of Florida. It also is home to the Jennifer Leigh Muma 82-bed neonatal intensive care unit, and a nationally accredited rehabilitation center. Tampa General Hospital's footprint includes 17 Tampa General Medical Group Primary Care offices, TGH Family Care Center Kennedy, TGH Brandon Healthplex, TGH Virtual Health, and 21 TGH Imaging powered by Tower outpatient radiology centers throughout Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Palm Beach counties. Tampa Bay area residents also receive world-class care from the TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track network of clinics. To see a medical care professional live anytime, anywhere on a smartphone, tablet or computer, visit Virtual Health | Tampa General Hospital (tgh.org). As one of the largest hospitals in the country, Tampa General Hospital is the first in Florida to partner with GE Healthcare and open a clinical command center that provides real-time situational awareness to improve and better coordinate patient care at a lower cost. For more information, go to www.tgh.org.

About Westchester Medical Center's Neurosurgical Oncology Solutions

Westchester Medical Center's neurosurgical oncology program consists of specialists in neurosurgery, neuroradiology, radiation medicine, medical oncology and neurology, as well as supportive care in nursing, neuropsychology, rehabilitation medicine and social services. Those interested in a consultation with a WMCHealth neuro-oncology specialist should make an appointment by calling 914.493.2363.

Media contact:

Lori Kagan

[email protected]

SOURCE GT Medical Technologies
EVRY, France and TOULOUSE, France, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- GTP Bioways, a CDMO dedicated to biotherapeutics manufacturing, and Texcell, a CRO specialized in viral safety, assay development, and GMP banking, join forces to provide comprehensive services to biopharmaceutical companies. With this unique partnership, the two French players aim at offering end-to-end services to support the development of innovative therapeutics worldwide.

This partnership between two French industry players brings together a recognized know-how in process development and GMP manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals and a trusted expertise in viral testing, viral clearance, and bioassays. Through this unique collaboration, GTP and Texcell aim to provide comprehensive support to biopharmaceutical companies throughout their clinical development.

This partnership results from a long-lasting business relationship between the two companies. "Texcell and GTP Bioways share the same business philosophy. We are both science-driven and customer-centric companies and believe in empathy, integrity, and transparency to build the success of our customer's programs. It is thus quite natural that our long business relationship turned into a deeper partnership," says Alain Sainsot, president of GTP Bioways.

"We are delighted to partner with GTP Bioways. Texcell and GTP Bioways have similar customers and our services are very complementary. Together, we are able to propose to our customers a comprehensive, structured offer from pre-clinical to clinal phases," comments Eric B. Henriet, president and CEO of Texcell.

Within the partnership, GTP Bioways provides biomanufacturing capabilities as well as extensive expertise in process development both using mammalian and microbial hosts. GTP Bioways is one of the few CDMOs in Europe able to support biotech companies with services ranging from cell line development to aseptic filling. GTP Bioways' teams have been involved in the bioproduction industry as a service provider for more than 20 years, supporting the clinical development of hundreds of innovative therapies.

"With the opening of two additional GMP bioproduction units in Toulouse this year, we are strengthening our position as a key CDMO in Europe," says Alain Sainsot.

From a service laboratory at the renowned Pasteur Institute in Paris in 1987 to an international CRO, Texcell has supported thousands of pharmaceutical and biotech companies in their journey to ensure the safety of their products, from preclinical stages to commercialization.

With offices and laboratories in France, China, Germany, Japan, and the United States, Texcell provides an international footprint to the partnership.

As Eric B. Henriet stated: "We work closely with our customers to ensure, thanks to our longstanding expertise and technologies, the highest standards of virus safety for their therapeutic products, with confidence and safety. Together, we help protect the health of patients around the world."

With this partnership, GTP Bioways and Texcell wish to reinforce their support to biopharmaceutical companies worldwide in helping them hasten their time to clinics and to market.

About GTP Bioways

GTP Bioways is a CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation) offering integrated manufacturing services to support biopharma companies from preclinical to commercial production of their innovative therapies. Our expertise and capabilities cover the manufacturing of biologics (mammalian  from 10 to 1000L  and microbial  up to 350L), antibody-drug-conjugates, and nanodrugs. Drawing on our expertise in solving tough client problems, we strive to offer a tailored approach, finely tuned to overcome each specific challenge.

GTP Bioways operates four sites in France and employs 130 collaborators. The company expects to generate a turnover of 25M in 2023.

www.gtp-bioways.com

About Texcell

Texcell is a Contract Research Organization that specializes in viral testing, viral clearance, bioassays, in vivo testing, and GMP cell banking, for R&D, GClP, GLP, and GMP projects.

The Texcell group employs 140 people in France, the United States, Germany, and Asia (China and Japan) and counts customers worldwide. To sustain its continuous growth, Texcell will inaugurate in 2023 two new laboratories, in the United States and in China.

SOURCE Texcell
FOSHAN, China, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hiconics, a green energy brand of the Midea Industrial Technology , exhibited its MINERGY, HiEnergy, and WISDOM Series residential energy storage products at the ENEX held in Kielce Fairground, Poland on March 8, 2023. At the exhibition, the three-phase and single-phase solutions to Hiconics'new generation of HiEnergy Series Residential Energy Storage System, made their overseas debut.

In addition to the popularity of its precursor among European users, the new generation of HiEnergy Series ESS features high efficiency and much enhanced battery safety for safe operation. The new product, which features "Legos" quick connection technology and ground-breaking battery pack aerosol technology, can avoid the potential risk caused by traditional wire connection and prevent fire to greatly improve the safety of household users. In compliance with IP65, it can be installed outdoor and work stably in the extreme environment with a temperature of -25-60 to tolerate extreme weather conditions outdoors and ensure more stable supply of electricity to households.

In addition to the new generation of the HiEnergy Series, Hiconics also exhibited all of its MINERGY and WISDOM Series products. The all-in-one solution to the MINERGY Series products, which features low noise and high efficiency, and the split solution to the WISDOM Series products, which meets the needs of energy storage of 6.9-69 kWh through various connections such as DC, AC and hybrid couplings, can provide flexible solutions to meet various household electricity demands.

Based on Midea's diverse product lines, Hiconics's residential energy storage products can be well matched with Midea's competitive products such as air conditioner and heat pump, to fabricate a green and energy-saving household suit under the brand of "E-home" and provide a one-stop environment solution for users. Supported by the great strength of the Midea Industrial Technology in global R&D network and hierarchal R&D system, Hiconics will promote technological upgrading of green energy-related industries by continuously developing household energy storage products and solutions, in order to improve household users' experience in using more optimal, environment-friendly and low-carbon energy.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2029371/image_5023294_19864809.jpg

SOURCE Midea Industrial Technology
Highmark Wholecare captures top prize in Government Products category

PITTSBURGH, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Highmark Wholecare won a Gold Stevie Award in the category of Government Products Sales Team of the Year at the 17th annual Stevie Awards for Sales and Customer Service. A Gold Stevie Award is the highest recognition an individual or organization can receive in the awards competition.

Members of the Highmark Wholecare sales team at The Stevie Awards gala event on March 3, 2023. Gold 2023 Stevie Winner for Sales and Customer Service

The Stevie Awards for Sales and Customer Service are the world's top honors for customer service, contact center, business development and sales professionals. The Stevie Awards organizes eight of the world's leading business awards programs, including the American Business Awards and International Business Awards.

Winners were announced at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on March 3 during a gala event attended by more than 400 professionals from around the world. More than 2,300 nominations from 49 nations and territories, submitted by organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry, were considered in this year's competition. Winners were determined by the average scores of more than 170 professionals worldwide on seven specialized judging committees.

"Highmark Wholecare is thrilled and honored to receive the 2023 Gold Stevie Award for Government Products Sales Team of the Year," said Brian Corrigan, sales director, Highmark Wholecare. "This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone within our sales organization and the strong support we receive from our executive leadership team. Highmark Wholecare is a community-based health care organization that enhances the lives of the community members we serve on a daily basis. As a sales team, we are thankful for the role that we play in helping others."

The sales team promotes and sells Highmark Wholecare's Medicare Advantage Dual Special Needs products. Accomplishments from this past annual election period, include almost doubling year-over-year production, which allowed Highmark Wholecare to maintain the top market share position in Pennsylvania. The team also doubled its year-over-year attendance at community events and launched a new field sales initiative that included conducting private and public seminars, state-wide dental tours and partnering with county housing authorities.

"The nominations we received for the 2023 competition illustrate that business development, customer service and sales professionals worldwide, in all sorts of organizations, have continued to innovate, thrive and meet customer expectations," said Maggie Miller, president, Stevie Awards. "The judges have recognized and rewarded their achievements, and we join them in applauding this year's winners for their continued success."

About Highmark Wholecare

We believe in caring for the whole person in all communities where the need is greatest. We see a future in which everyone has equal opportunity to achieve their best health. Through our leading Medicaid and Medicare programs, we are coordinating health care that goes beyond doctors and medicine that helps members achieve not just physical health, but also delivers whole person care. Our team members are helping to drive this new kind of health care for our 410,000 Medicaid and Medicare members in collaboration with a network of 29,000 primary care physicians, specialists, hospitals, and other ancillary providers. We are also committed to supporting our neighbors through our many community outreach and engagement programs.

About the Stevie Awards

Stevie Awards are conferred in eight programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com.

SOURCE Highmark Wholecare
AUSTIN, Minn., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hormel Foods - the makers of the Rosa Grande pepperoni brand - and The World Pizza Champions, America's #1 Pizza Team, are once again joining forces to bring pizzerias all over the country a mouth-watering pepperoni experience. The two pizza powerhouses are ready to wow pizza topping connoisseurs with Rosa Grande pepperoni, the must-have pepperoni brand for the pizza world.

Hormel Foods - the Makers of the Rosa Grande Brand - and The World Pizza Champions Team Up to Bring Unmatched Innovation to Pizza Toppings Hormel Foods - the Makers of the Rosa Grande Brand - and The World Pizza Champions Team Up to Bring Unmatched Innovation to Pizza Toppings

"We are thrilled to announce our partnership with The World Pizza Champions team," said Colby Strilaeff, Rosa Grande pepperoni brand manager for Foodservice at Hormel Foods. "We are continuing to look for ways to make sure our portfolio of pizza toppings focuses on quality, diverse offerings, and innovative products in the industry. Working with The World Pizza Champions team which includes some of the top pizzeria owners/operators from around the country has proven to be a very mutually beneficial partnership for both of us. We look forward to continuing to expand our partnership in the years to come."

"The World Pizza Champions partnership with Hormel Foods is truly that, a partnership. The people of Hormel Foods have championed pizza for years, and The World Pizza Champions are proud to continue working with such a supportive, dedicated, and forward-thinking partner," said Mike Bausch, president of The World Pizza Champions. "We're excited about what the future holds, not only in promotions and product feedback but also in charitable works and outreach."

As two key players in the pizza industry, the partnership with the makers of the Rosa Grande brand and The World Pizza Champions provides only the best and most innovative toppings to consumers, including the Happy Little Plants brand plant-based pepperoni. The World Pizza Champion team members work for the common good of the craft and are united by the shared goal of setting an industry-wide standard of excellence in all aspects of the art of pizza making. By partnering with a select group of high-quality distributors and manufacturers, The World Pizza Champions team members are carefully selected from among world champion competitors and acclaimed industry leaders. Inclusion on the team is through invitation only and is based on skill, character, compatibility, and selfless effort on behalf of the industry.

ABOUT THE WORLD PIZZA CHAMPIONS

The World Pizza Champions, America's #1 Pizza Team, was founded by Tony Gemignani, Michael Shepherd, Siler Chapman, Joe Carlucci, Ken Bryant, and Sean Brauser. Since its inception, The World Pizza Champions team has grown into a U.S. based non-profit, multinational group made up of elite pizza professionals. Through international competition, educational outreach, public demonstrations, and community-based service the team is dedicated to promoting pizza making as a respected craft and viable career choice. For more information about The World Pizza Champions, please visit https://www.worldpizzachampions.com.

ABOUT HORMEL FOODS  Inspired People. Inspired Food.

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a global branded food company with over $12 billion in annual revenue across more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include Planters, SKIPPY, SPAM, Hormel Natural Choice, Applegate, Justin's, WHOLLY, Hormel Black Label, Columbus, Jennie-O and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named on the "Global 2000 World's Best Employers" list by Forbes magazine for three years, is one of Fortune magazine's most admired companies, has appeared on the "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list by 3BL Media 13 times, and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement  Inspired People. Inspired Food.  to bring some of the world's most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com and http://csr.hormelfoods.com/.

Contact: Hormel Foods Media Relations The World Pizza Champions

507-434-6352 510-427-6979

[email protected] [email protected]

SOURCE Hormel Foods Corporation
The 186-unit property currently serves approximately 250 lower-income and moderate-income residents. Most recently renovated in 2020, Rica Vista includes amenities such as a swimming pool, playroom, fitness center, laundry facility, and grilling/picnic area. The acquisition of the property was financed with the National Equity Fund as well as subordinate financing from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative via the Bay's Future Fund.

"Lincoln Avenue Capital is proud to work with the Alameda Housing Authority to preserve and expand access to quality homes at Rica Vista for decades to come," said LAC CEO Jeremy Bronfman. "This agreement signifies our deep commitment to ensuring long-term affordability for families and individuals in communities like Alameda where our impact is most needed."

Before its acquisition, Rica Vista operated as a fully market-rate property. Its conversion serves as a prime example of "Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing" (NOAH) that is increasingly rare across the nation and especially in California. The new regulatory agreement will ensure 55 years of affordability at the property, offering affordable housing units in the surrounding area for the long-term.

"The mission of the Housing Authority is to provide quality affordable housing alternatives to all Alamedans," AHA Executive Director Vanessa Cooper said. "The partnership with Lincoln Avenue Capital will allow more low- and middle-income people to live and work in the City of Alameda."

About LAC: Lincoln Avenue Capital is one of the nation's fastest-growing developers, investors, and operators of affordable and workforce housing, providing high-quality, sustainable homes for lower- and moderate-income individuals, seniors, and families nationwide. LAC is a mission-driven organization that serves residents across 22 states, with a portfolio of 119 properties comprising 20,000+ units.

About AHA: For over 80 years, The Housing Authority of the City of Alameda (AHA) has provided a range of housing assistance to low-income households. The primary goal of the Housing Authority is to provide quality, affordable, and safe housing in the City of Alameda. Our programs include Housing Choice Vouchers, Project-Based Vouchers, specialized housing assistance, family self-sufficiency, affordable real estate development, resident services, and management of AHA owned property.

SOURCE Lincoln Avenue Capital
LAS VEGAS, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- At this year's American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Annual Meeting, held March 7 to 11 in Las Vegas, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) presented new research on a variety of topics in orthopedic surgery, including studies related to minimally invasive surgery, racial disparities, and opioid alternatives for pain management in spine care.

What follows are some highlights from the meeting:

Intravenous versus Oral Administration of Acetaminophen Perioperative to Instrumented Lumbar Fusion: A Single-Center, Randomized Controlled Trial

In patients undergoing certain orthopedic surgeries, giving intravenous (IV) acetaminophen for pain relief has been shown to have fewer side effects and potentially lower risk than opioids but is associated with higher costs than oral acetaminophen. In this single-center, randomized controlled trial, investigators led by Darren R. Lebl, MD, MBA, and Celeste Abjornson, PhD, prospectively evaluated clinical outcomes of IV versus oral acetaminophen after circumferential lumbar fusion. One hundred patients between the ages of 18-85 were randomly assigned to one of the two groups (50 in each) and were included in the study. There was a specific dosing regimen that started within the three hours prior to surgery and continued for the next 48 hours. Patients were able to access supplemental opioid analgesics as needed. The researchers found that morphine consumption was significantly lower for the IV acetaminophen group compared with the oral acetaminophen group within the first 48 hours post-operatively. The average daily morphine usage after 48 hours for those who received the IV acetaminophen regimen was also significantly lower. The research suggests that IV acetaminophen is a safe and effective supplement to opioid-based pain management after surgery, and that it provides a promising option for pain control.

Authors: Gregory Paschal; Fedan Avrumova; Philip Paschal; Ellen M. Soffin, MD, PhD; Joseph Nguyen; Federico P. Girardi, MD; Andrew A. Sama, MD; Frank P. Cammisa Jr., MD; Darren R. Lebl, MD, MBA; Celeste Abjornson, PhD, (HSS)

Racial Disparities in Outpatient Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion and Cervical Disc Replacement

Recent reports have suggested disparities within cervical spine surgery, including lower utilization rates and worse perioperative outcomes for Black patients. In this retrospective cohort study, a team led by HSS resident Troy B. Amen sought to assess whether these disparities also exist for outpatient cervical spine surgery. Using data collected by the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program between 2010 and 2019, the team looked at patients who underwent primary anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or cervical disc replacement (CDR) and stratified them by race and ethnicity. They categorized procedures as inpatient or outpatient based on length of stay. They found that, overall, Black patients were significantly less likely to undergo ACDF (5.9%, vs. 10.6% of white patients) as well as CDR (19.9%, vs. 26.1% of white patients) as outpatients. Between 2010 and 2019, these disparities increased, even when adjusting for other factors. The findings highlight the need for renewed intervention by orthopedic surgeons and policymakers to address inequalities in outpatient care.

Authors: Troy B. Amen; Patawut Bovonratwet, (HSS); Samuel S. Rudisill (Rush Medical College); Lauren Barber; Yusef Jordan, (HSS); Abhinaba Chatterjee (Weill Cornell Medicine); Jung Kee Mok (UNC Chapel Hill); Nathan Varady; Sheeraz Qureshi, MD, MBA (HSS)

Improving Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Ambulatory Surgical Center Utilization for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

Although racial and ethnic disparities within the field of spine surgery have been documented, the link between the recent emergence of ambulatory surgical centers and access to these procedures in the outpatient setting isn't known. A study led by HSS resident Troy B. Amen sought to assess disparities in the use of these outpatient surgical centers among white, Black, and Hispanic patients having spine surgery. The investigators also looked at how racial differences have changed between 2015 and 2018. Using data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project New York State Ambulatory Database, the researchers looked at differences in same-day discharges in patients having anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). They found that during this time, Black and Hispanic patients were significantly less likely to undergo ACDF surgery at an ambulatory center compared with white patients, but that these disparities lessened over time. They note that these improvements are encouraging and may help counteract previously documented disparities in spine surgery in the inpatient setting, although additional research is needed to confirm that.

Authors: Troy B. Amen, (HSS); Abhinaba Chatterjee (Weill Cornell Medicine); Sheeraz Qureshi, MD, MBA (HSS)

Predictors of Non-improvement After Minimally Invasive Lumbar Spine Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery of the lumbar spine is associated with good clinical outcomes, but a small number of patients may not improve, or may even worsen, after this surgery. A study led by HSS research fellow Junho Song sought to identify predictors of patients who are not likely to improve. The study included 448 patients who underwent minimally invasive transforaminal interbody fusion, laminectomy, or microdiscectomy at HSS between 2017 and 2021. At follow-up of at least six months after surgery, the patients were categorized as better, the same, or worse. A total of 66 patients reported no significant improvement; among these, 35 patients reported worsening after surgery, and the rest reported no change. Patients who did not fare as well were more likely to be older or obese. The researchers found that smoking was also a factor for those who didn't do as well, likely due to changes in metabolic systems and local vasculature caused by tobacco use. The investigators say these findings provide valuable evidence that may be useful for improving the selection of patients to undergo minimally invasive spine surgery. They may also help to establish clearer patient expectations for those undergoing this procedure.

Authors: Junho Song; Pratyush Shahi; Kasra Araghi; Robert Kamil; Dimitra Melissaridou; Sidhant Singh Dalal (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences); Daniel Shinn; Sheeraz Qureshi, MD, MBA; Sravisht Iyer, MD (HSS)

Robotics Reduces Radiation Exposure in Minimally Invasive Lumbar Fusion Compared to Navigation

For minimally invasive spine surgery, navigation and robotics technologies have helped reduce surgeons' exposure to ionizing radiation. Studies have compared radiation exposure during surgery using robotics or navigation to procedures using traditional fluoroscopy, but none have compared robotics and navigation to each other. This study compared the two techniques in terms of fluoroscopy time and radiation dose for minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF). The study included 111 patients in the robotics cohort and 133 patients in the navigation cohort. The investigators, led by HSS research fellow Pratyush Shahi, found that for both one- and two-level TLIFs, the fluoroscopy time for surgical procedure, total fluoroscopy time, and total radiation dose were significantly less with robotics compared to navigation. For one-level TLIFs, the overall time of radiation exposure was also lower. Overall, time in the operating room was similar, with robotic procedures lasting longer but requiring less time for setup and image capture. Based on these findings, the investigators say robotic surgery leads to a significant reduction in radiation exposure both for the surgeon and the patient compared to navigation, but multicenter prospective trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Authors: Pratyush Shahi, Sidhant Singh Dalal (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences); Junho Song; Daniel Shinn; Robert Kamil; Kasra Araghi; Sheeraz Qureshi, MD, MBA (HSS)

SOURCE Hospital for Special Surgery
COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Imperium Predictive Analytics, the leader in AI energy predictive technologies, headquartered in Columbus, OH, announced that they have signed a multi-state retail operator as well as a leading manufacturing printer.

Hollywood Imprints, one of the premier printing firms in the Midwest, with clients that include, Rogue, Homage, The Ohio State University, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Relay for Life, as well as printing for multiple Super Bowls, Stanley Cups, World Series, and other collegiate and professional sports, is the latest addition to the Imperium umbrella.

"One of the reasons we wanted to work with Hollywood Imprints is that they have a phenomenal story of moving to Columbus from San Diego and starting this firm from zero almost two decades ago. They are proudly family-owned and are huge supporters in the local community across various charities. We simply wanted to help in the way we know best  lowering energy costs with our proprietary AI predictive platform," said Arthur Kaplan, Partner and Chief Sales Officer with Imperium.

BJ "Elvis" Doss, Owner at Hollywood Imprints said, "To paraphrase the original Elvis, 'Ambition is a dream with a V8 engine,' and our growth in the Columbus community has been nothing short of epic. I'm glad to have the team of experts at Imperium by my side to cut certain costs so I can keep delivering the best quality products to my clients worldwide."

In the retail sector, on a multi-state franchisee operator, Imperium has signed RXP Wireless, a leading premier Verizon retailer serving 6 states across 51 locations. Most retailers, whether it be in the food or goods sectors, do not consider energy as a cost that is meaningful or one that they can mitigate. However, after completing an in-depth analysis on the portfolio, an annual savings of over 20% was shown and realized upon contract execution.

Nick Lessells, Founder and COO with Imperium, expands on their recent clients' success by stating the obvious. "We simply have the best self-developed AI platform in the energy sector and news is starting to travel fast. With the current momentum in client onboarding and retention, we are poised to triple our revenue by year's end."

About Imperium Predictive Analytics

Imperium Predictive Analytics is a leading proprietary AI data-driven platform for the energy sector and its users. Imperium has built a scalable cutting-edge product based on transparency, accuracy, efficiency, and ESG in mind. For more information, please visit thisisimperium.com.

SOURCE Imperium Predictive Analytics
BRUSSELS, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The European Union launched the second phase of its Import Control System 2 (ICS2), the new advance cargo information and risk management platform, to protect against security and safety threats from goods entering the EU.

From 1 March 2023, all air carriers, freight forwarders, express couriers, and postal operators involved in the transportation of goods by air to or through the EU1 must provide a complete set of Entry Summary Declaration data on the goods, prior to their arrival at the EU external border. They must do this through the ICS2 system, which is gradually replacing the EU's existing Import Control System (ICS) between 2021 and 2024. Air carriers currently filing advance cargo information into the Import Control System (ICS) will fully phase out from that system as soon as they start filing this data into ICS2.

The second phase of ICS2 introduced new data requirements and processes to be complied with, prior to transporting the goods from a third country and before their arrival at the European Union's external border. Failure by affected economic operators to obtain the necessary data from their clients and to provide it to ICS2 will lead to actions by customs authorities to enforce compliance prior to and on arrival at the external border. Please consult our website for additional information on these important changes.

In case economic operators are not ready to comply, they need to make a request to start filing into ICS2 at a later date during the time-limited deployment window. They should do this through the Member State where the EORI2 number of the economic operator which will be used for the advance cargo information filing is registered. The deployment window, if granted, allows the economic operators to become operationally ready for ICS2 Release 2 after 1 March 2023. However, to ensure a smooth transition from Release 1 to Release 2, and to facilitate trade operations, the deployment window for each business model and the order in which different types of economic operators connect to ICS2 Release 2 will be aligned across all Member States, as defined in the relevant transition strategy. Member States can grant the deployment window up until 2 October 2023.

If economic operators are not ready by the set deadline, and do not provide the data required under the ICS2 system, consignments and freight will be stopped at the EU borders and the goods in question will not be cleared by the customs authorities.

For more information

More information about ICS2 and Release 2 is available on the European Commission's webpage here.

ICS2 in detail

The ICS2 programme has been prepared in close collaboration between the European Commission, Member States' customs authorities, and business. It enhances customs supervision of goods prior to their transport in a third country and arrival at EU external borders. It provides improved data quality, improved customs risk management and a better risk-based approach to customs risk mitigation measures and external border controls. This enables EU customs to identify threats earlier and to intervene at the most appropriate point in the supply chain. The ICS2 programme and the new tools also help to better target a wide range of unsafe goods found in small e-commerce parcels.

In Release 1, ICS2 focused on postal and express consignments coming to or through the EU by air. In this release, a subset of the Entry Summary Declaration (so called pre-loading advance cargo information - also known as "PLACI") must be provided before the goods are loaded onto the aircraft bound for the EU, to enable customs to detect immediate threats to aviation security.

With ICS2 Release 2, from 1 March 2023, air cargo general consignments are also subject to the PLACI filing and to the complete set of data of the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) prior to their arrival. The filing can be provided in one single complete ENS filing, if all the necessary data is available to the party that files and assumes the responsibility for bringing the goods into the European customs territory. Alternatively, it can be done with multiple filings, where more than one partial ENS filings are submitted by different actors in the supply chain. In case of multiple filings, each filer is responsible for ensuring that their own filings are submitted in a timely, accurate and complete way. However, it is the responsibility of the air carriers to work closely with their contracting parties, and the responsibility of the latter parties to work with their clients in the supply chain, in order to ensure that all ICS2 ENS filing requirements are met. You can check the relevant pre-arrival data filing requirements in this factsheet. Before economic operators start filing ENS in ICS2 Release 2, they must verify that their system is compatible with the ICS2 business processes and filing requirements. They need to do this through the mandatory self-conformance testing procedure. A detailed factsheet is available to explain these requirements.

One further release of ICS2 will complete this important reform: Release 3 will include maritime, rail and road modes of transport from 1 March 2024.



1 All EU Member States, as well as Norway, Switzerland, and Northern Ireland

2 Economic Operators Registration and Identification

SOURCE European Commission
The 2023 Patient Experience Awards gala recognizes the contributions and commitments of Inception family members; the annual summit brings together fertility leaders to discuss advances and research in fertility care.

HOUSTON, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Inception Fertility (Inception), the largest provider of comprehensive fertility services in North America, announces today the winners of its 2023 Patient Experience Awards, presented at the 2023 Annual Inception Physician Summit, a gathering of Inception physicians and team members across its expansive family of brands, that celebrates their contributions to providing aspiring parents with the highest level of professional, individualized care. The 2023 Patient Experience Awards winners were part of Inception's family of brands, which includes the clinical network, The Prelude Network.

The annual summit also serves as an opportunity for Inception members to collaborate on best practices for patient care, define the future of Inception, and to continue moving the industry forward through advancements in science, medicine, and individualized patient experience. Panel sessions included topics related to mental health in fertility care, discussion of groundbreaking research studies, and using technology to drive the patient and employee experience, among others. The Physician Summit was sponsored by leading technology and medical companies committed to furthering the fertility industry, including main sponsors, LabCorp and Organon, and CooperSurgical, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Eversana, Cigna, HUB, Igenomix, AON, MTownsend Interests, and eIVF Practice Highways.

The 2023 Patient Experience Awards ceremony was sponsored by leading medical companies that are just as committed to exceptional patient care and outcomes, including main sponsor LabCorp; digital sponsor IV Interactive, and supporting sponsor IVFCRYO. This year's awards include the Patient Experience Leader Award, CEO's Patient Experience Emerging Leader Award, Patient Experience Tenet Leaders Awards, Patient Experience Outstanding Practice Award, and the Patient Experience Legacy Award.

"Inception Fertility is so proud of the work and energy our family members bring to those aspiring parents who look to us to help them build their families, whether it's providing financial counseling, educating on family building options, or providing the highest caliber of medical care," says TJ Farnsworth, Founder and CEO of Inception Fertility. "We are honored to have these committed individuals as part of the Inception team and recognize their achievements in elevating the patient experience and, ultimately, Inception's global leadership."

Patient Experience Award

Presented with the Patient Experience Leader Award was Danielle Gagnon, Ultrasonographer with Reproductive Medicine Group (RMG) in Tampa, Florida. Gagnon received this award because of her genuine, empathetic, and compassionate approach to patient care. This extends to her fellow team members, who acknowledge her collaborative spirit and eagerness to guide them in any situation, helping them to provide exceptional care.

CEO's Patient Experience Emerging Leader Award

The CEO's Patient Experience Emerging Leader Award , which recognizes an individual dedicated to providing excellent patient experience in every interaction, was presented to Cody Robb, Embryologist at Aspire Fertility San Antonio in San Antonio, Texas. Robb's colleagues refer to him as a collaborative and encouraging team member who is a leader in the embryology lab. He is recognized for his expertise and his ability to approach hard conversations with patients in a comforting and supportive manner.

Patient Experience Tenet Leaders Awards

Inception recognized members the organization for categories within the Patient Experience Tenet Leaders Awards, which showcase the efforts of individuals in areas directly correlated to elevating the patient experience, including safety, compassion, show and efficiency. The winners of the 2023 Patient Experience Tenet Leaders Awards include:

Patient Experience Outstanding Practice Award

Aspire Fertility Austin was recognized with the Patient Experience Outstanding Practice Award for setting the gold standard in patient experience, demonstrating an unyielding and infectious energy, exuding a team spirit that shares the common mission of providing compassionate care, and their heightened level of employee engagement.

In a touching moment, Inception also honored Beth Bean, Director of Revenue Cycle at Inception with the Patient Experience Legacy Award. Bean leaves behind a legacy of going above and beyond in every patient interaction and set an example for her team members.

About Inception Fertility

Inception Fertility (Inception) is a family of fertility brands committed to helping build families. Built by patients for patients, Inception's purpose is to achieve the highest bar in experience, science and medicine in an effort to enhance each patient's experience and achieve better outcomes.

Inception's medical experts are leading pioneers in fertility care. Our doctors are some of the first to use breakthrough assisted reproductive technologies (ART)  including in vitro fertilization (IVF), preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and fertility preservation services  and they continue to lead the industry by building on these technologies by thorough development, research and thought leadership.

Through its growing family of national organizations  which includes The Prelude Network, the fastest-growing network of fertility clinics and largest provider of comprehensive fertility services in North America; Pathways Fertility, clinics that provide affordable, individualized and high quality care; MyEggBank, one of the largest frozen donor egg banks in North America; Bundl Fertility, a multi-cycle fertility service bundling program; HavenCryo, a long-term reproductive preservation and storage solution provider and NutraBloom, a premium lifestyle brand with expertly formulated supplements to support individuals' health and wellness goals for preconception  Inception is working to deliver on its promise to push the envelope of what is possible for exceeding patient expectations.

Media Contact:

Mia Humphreys

239-297-6592

[email protected]

SOURCE Inception Fertility
DUBLIN, March 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Biomass Market in India 2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



Biomass installed capacity in India stood at 10,205.61 MW in FY 2022, which was 8,295.78 MW in FY 2017, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.76% during the FY 2017 - FY 2022 period.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched various programs for the promotion of efficient technologies for using biomass in different segments of the economy to ensure derivation of maximum benefits. Under the biomass power and cogeneration initiative, bagasse-based cogeneration in sugar mills has been implemented for the effective exploitation of biomass.

Maharashtra had 5,272.84 Mega Watt (MW) of installed bioenergy in FY 2022, followed by Uttar Pradesh (4,385.78 MW), Karnataka (3,804.30 MW), Tamil Nadu (2,085.40 MW), and so forth.

The biomass bagasse segment holds the third position in terms of generating renewable energy. In FY 2022, the biomass power installed capacity stood at 10205.61 Megawatt (MW). The biomass bagasse segment holds 92.44% share by the capacity installed in India as of FY 2022 and the non-bagasse segment holds 7.56% in FY 2022

Key market influencers



The Indian energy system, along with the global trend, is moving away from fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas as measures are taken to prevent climate change, which has prompted the development of new energy sources to fill the gap.

One of the causes of the closure of biogas plants is the decline in the number of farm animals in rural regions, which prevents the supply of the contracted quantity of waste to plants.



Governmental initiatives:

An agreement between The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and businesses or institutions to enable the establishment of 5,000 Compressed Biogas Plant facilities by FY 2024 with a total capacity of 15 MT of CBG per year was signed as part of a policy on biofuels to encourage the blending of ethanol in vehicle fuel.

According to the Government's policy on biomass utilization, each gigawatt of capacity at 7% co-firing requires close to 0.25-0.3 million tons of biomass pellets.

By 2030, by replacing 50-100 million tons of coal with biomass, the thermal power sector's pollution might be reduced by 90-180 million tons.

Key Topics Covered:



Chapter 1: Executive summary



Chapter 2: Socio-economic indicators



Chapter 3: Introduction

3.1. Market definition and structure

3.2. Source wise backup of renewable energy generation

3.2.1. RE Generation backup for FY 2021

3.2.2. RE Generation backup for FY 2022



Chapter 4: Market Overview

4.1. Biomass installed capacity based on historic data (FY 2017 - FY 2022)

4.2. Top 10 states with maximum bio energy installed (as of November 2022)



Chapter 5: Market Segmentation

5.1. Share of Biomass in installed power capacity (FY 2021 and FY 2022)

5.2. Biomass power generation in Million Units (MU) FY 2021 vs FY 2022

5.3. Bagasse power generation in MU FY 2021 vs FY 2022



Chapter 6: Market Influencers

6.1. Market drivers

6.2. Market challengers



Chapter 7: Government Initiatives

7.1. Government Initiatives



Chapter 8: Market Trends

8.1. Market Trends



Chapter 9: Competitive Landscape

9.1. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited

Company information

Business description

Products/services

Key people

Financial snapshot

Key ratios

Key financial performance indicators

Key business segments

Key geographic segments

9.2. Indian Oil Corporation Limited

9.3. Reliance industries Limited

9.4. Tata Chemicals Limited

9.5. Altret Industries Private Limited

9.6. G-Energetic Biofuels Private Limited

9.7. Khanda Biofuels

9.8. Southern Online Biotechnologies

9.9. Universal Biofuels



Chapter 10: Recent Developments

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/qufxf5

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.

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SOURCE Research and Markets
Leverages Infosys Cobalt to implement a unified ERP platform and enable data-driven demand planning and agile inventory management

FRANKFURT, Germany, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, today announced that it has collaborated with mobility specialist ZF to revamp its multi-echelon supply chain with SAP Integrated Business Planning (SAP IBP) and Infosys Cobalt. Through this engagement with the aftermarket division of ZF, Infosys has implemented SAP IBP for demand planning and inventory optimization.

Infosys was chosen to assist ZF on this transformation journey for its proven expertise in SAP IBP implementation and a plethora of in-house tools and accelerators, backed by efficient teams. As a part this initiative, Infosys leveraged its hybrid agile implementation methodology to replace multiple legacy demand planning tools at ZF Aftermarket, with a unified, global SAP platform. Further, by facilitating two-way flow of business-critical data between the new platform and external systems, Infosys has helped facilitate complex operations planning with complete automation of safety stock. The implementation has helped bring about advanced demand forecasting, collaborative planning, improved responsiveness and efficiency, transparency, and interactive user experience across ZF Aftermarket's supply chain.

Rainer Scheuring, Vice President IT AC Market and Materials Management, ZF Friedrichshafen AG said, "Based on the holistic IBP planning approach and the guidance of our implementation partner Infosys, we built the foundation for improved availabilities and reduced inventories within our multi-echelon supply chain."

Jasmeet Singh, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Manufacturing, Infosys said, "The ability to forecast demand and optimize inventory is a key competitive advantage, in today's era of increased macroeconomic and geopolitical complexities. We are delighted to have collaborated with ZF and helped make their supply chain more resilient and intelligent by leveraging Infosys Cobalt. Our extended collaboration will continue to accelerate this leading automotive supplier's ambitious digital transformation strategies and equip them with the agility and flexibility they need to deliver world-class products to their clients."

About ZF

ZF is a global technology company supplying systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology, enabling the next generation of mobility.

ZF allows vehicles to see, think and act. In the four technology domains of Vehicle Motion Control, Integrated Safety, Automated Driving, and Electric Mobility, ZF offers comprehensive product and software solutions for established vehicle manufacturers and newly emerging transport and mobility service providers. ZF electrifies a wide range of vehicle types. With its products, the company contributes to reducing emissions, protecting the climate, and enhancing safe mobility.

With some 157,500 employees worldwide, ZF reported sales of 38.3 billion in fiscal 2021. The company operates 188 production locations in 31 countries. Read more: https://www.zf.com/mobile/en/homepage/homepage.html

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."

SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE in Germany and other countries. Please see https://www.sap.com/copyright for additional trademark information and notices.

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SOURCE Infosys
Increasing competition for skills and capabilities and ever-evolving risk landscape put talent in the spotlight

MENLO PARK, Calif., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The internal audit profession faces stiff competition for talent, especially talent capable of addressing a broadening array of risk topics and well-versed in emerging technologies that can drive the function into the future, according to Protiviti's 2023 Next-Generation Internal Audit Survey.

The survey found that 43% of chief audit executives (CAEs) and senior internal audit leaders report a lack of access to the talent they need. The findings also reveal that internal audit leaders view the ability to 1) recruit qualified candidates and 2) retain talent as their top priorities for the year ahead.

In a tight labor market, the internal audit function has not been spared in the war for talent. Tweet this

"In a tight labor market, the internal audit function has not been spared in the war for talent, especially with heightening expectations of internal audit functions related to innovation, transformation and other hot topics," said Andrew Struthers-Kennedy, global leader of Protiviti's Internal Audit and Financial Advisory practice. "This talent shortage comes as internal audit is expected to take on a greater role in helping companies navigate choppy waters created by changing risks, emerging regulations and shifts in business priorities. It's vital that audit leaders develop strategies to attract, retain and train qualified people while keeping their foot on the gas when it comes to evolving their function and maximizing their relevance for the future."

The Protiviti survey identified that the most acute talent shortages are in high interest areas of machine learning and AI, with only 31% of CAEs and directors of auditing citing confidence that they have access to people with the necessary talent and skills. A majority of the organizations surveyed feel they lack necessary talent in assurance, dynamic risk assessment, continuous monitoring and process mining. The rapid and continued pursuit of data and technology enablement, across all industries and organization types, has intensified competition for technology-capable talent along with the need to upskill or retrain internal auditors.

"The gaps in internal audit talent and technology maturity are closely related. Difficulties in recruiting and retaining people with technology skills are impeding the internal audit function's ability to innovate and deliver greater value to its stakeholders. Working through these challenges requires creativity, commitment, persistence and widespread support, and  in turn will fortify the internal audit function's relevance in the eyes of the board, the C-suite and the rest of the business," said Angelo Poulikakos, a managing director with Protiviti and global leader of the firm's Technology Audit and Advisory practice.

Aside from recruiting, upskilling and retaining talent, 36% of surveyed CAEs and directors of auditing noted the rising cost of wages as a top concern for the internal audit organization today, and 34% noted the challenges of building and maintaining a culture focused on delivering relevance and value amid hybrid and remote working models.

Among survey respondents, training and developing staff is the most-cited strategy for securing talent and skills. There is a disconnect, however, as the organizations reporting the highest levels of next-generation internal audit maturity have pursued alternative strategies to secure access to talent, including co-sourcing arrangements and rotational and guest auditor programs, as a critical supplement to hiring and training activities.

Within many internal audit organizations, the use of co-sourcing is increasing in an effort to access external resources and enhance the internal team. This is especially true for difficult-to-find technology skill sets.

The Protiviti benchmarking survey polled 573 executives in November and December 2022, including CAEs, audit directors and managers across industries globally. More than 60% of respondents' companies have revenues of $1 billion or more.

Survey Resources Available

The survey results are available in an online report titled, "Achieving Audit Relevance," in addition to an executive summary and infographic that highlight key findings. Protiviti will host a complimentary one-hour webinar on April 11, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. EDT to further explore the survey results. Speakers include Struthers-Kennedy, Poulikakos and Esther Delgado, a Protiviti managing director in the Internal Audit and Financial Advisory practice in the UK. To attend the webinar, please register here.

About Protiviti

Protiviti (www.protiviti.com) is a global consulting firm that delivers deep expertise, objective insights, a tailored approach and unparalleled collaboration to help leaders confidently face the future. Protiviti and its independent and locally owned Member Firms provide clients with consulting and managed solutions in finance, technology, operations, data, digital, legal, governance, risk and internal audit through its network of more than 85 offices in over 25 countries.

Named to the 2022 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list, Protiviti has served more than 80 percent of Fortune 100 and nearly 80 percent of Fortune 500 companies. The firm also works with smaller, growing companies, including those looking to go public, as well as with government agencies. Protiviti is a wholly owned subsidiary of Robert Half (NYSE: RHI). Founded in 1948, Robert Half is a member of the S&P 500 index.

Protiviti is not licensed or registered as a public accounting firm and does not issue opinions on financial statements or offer attestation services.

Editor's note: Photos and infographic of survey results are available upon request.

SOURCE Protiviti
WASHINGTON, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, RiskExec, a subsidiary of Asurity Technologies, LLC ("Asurity"), announced its fair lending analytics SaaS-based platform has been selected by Ironhorse Funding LLC ("Ironhorse"). Ironhorse is a leading provider of innovative, full-credit spectrum finance solutions to enthusiasts and dealers in the motorcycle, powersports, RV and marine markets. Ironhorse will utilize the RiskExec platform to assist in achieving fairness throughout the consumer lending process.

Ryan Tobin, Ironhorse's Director of Compliance said, "We chose the RiskExec platform because having access to real-time, out-of-the-box analysis of potential disparities in pricing and underwriting will help us further our commitment to maintaining fairness throughout our lending process. We evaluated other solutions and RiskExec's features and capabilities truly stood apart from the rest and met all of our requirements."

RiskExec is a SaaS platform that helps lenders of all types  banks, mortgage companies, credit unions, auto finance companies, credit card issuers, and digital lenders  achieve fair lending compliance. RiskExec provides insights and analytics that enable its users to proactively monitor, measure, and manage their progress against regulatory compliance standards as well as their performance against self-defined organizational goals and objectives. This best-in-class solution quickly geocodes, runs edit checks, and utilizes statistical models to apply gender, race and ethnicity classifications to financial records for analysis and review.

"We are excited and fortunate to have Ironhorse as a new partner," said Dr. Anurag Agarwal, RiskExec's president. "The regulatory environment is evolving quickly so it's important for us to provide our clients with solutions that are innovative, scalable, and flexible, so that they can better serve their customers, remain compliant, and enhance their competitive edge in the marketplace."

RiskExec's Fair Lending solution has been adopted by a variety of auto and consumer lenders looking to increase efficiency across very broad loan portfolios, making it the industry-leading SaaS solution for Fair Lending Compliance.

For more information on RiskExec, contact us at [email protected] or (202) 765-2150.

About Asurity and RiskExec

Asurity delivers automated compliance solutions to the mortgage, retail banking, and consumer lending industries. RiskExec is one of Asurity's leading SaaS-based products, combining the best of compliance expertise with state-of-the-art software for reporting and analytics to help lenders meet demanding regulatory requirements and business objectives. RiskExec is embraced by financial institutions for compliance or other uses in mortgage, retail banking, auto lending, student lending, and other forms of credit and deposit products. Asurity also offers Propel, an all-new, highly configurable solution for the dynamic preparation of compliant mortgage document packages, and RegCheck, which provides comprehensive compliance checks against loan-level data pulled from any integrated LOS. For additional information about Asurity and its suite of SaaS compliance solutions, please visit www.asurity.com.

About Ironhorse Funding LLC

Ironhorse Funding is a premier financial services platform serving the motorcycle, powersports, RV, and marine markets with a full suite of services to dealers, distributors, and OEMs in these markets, as well as direct-to-consumer lending. Ironhorse Funding's vision is to be the leading provider of innovative, full-spectrum finance solutions to enthusiasts and dealers in the powersports segment. The company works through its hundreds of dealership partners across the United States as well as directly with consumers. To learn more, visit https://www.ironhorsefunding.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Asurity Contact:

Era Williams

Director of Marketing

(214) 257-1763

[email protected]

Ironhorse Contact:

Amy O'Hare

SVP of Marketing and Communications

(978) 993-7080

[email protected]

SOURCE Asurity
Customers can get 20% off menu-priced pizzas all day long on Pi Day

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Jet's Pizza loves any reason to celebrate pizza. On Tuesday, March 14 Jet's will be celebrating pizza and math. It's Pi Day which means Jet's is offering up a delicious deal.

On Tuesday, March 14, Jet's Pizza Customers who order online can receive 20% off all menu-priced pizzas, using code 314DAY. This offer is available for one day only, for both pick-up and delivery.

Jet's Pizza Hand-Tossed Round Jet's Super Special

While you make think the only way to celebrate Pi Day is with a round pizza, Jet's is breaking the rules of mathematics by letting customers celebrate with more than just their hand-tossed rounds. Customers can also order Jet's iconic Detroit-Style Pizza, NY Style, Thin Crust, Seasoned Cauliflower, and Gluten-Free Crust

"At Jet's we love to celebrate anything we can so we knew we couldn't pass up Pi Day without some kind of deal," said John Jetts, President and CEO of Jet's America, Inc. "It's a fun way to show customers we appreciate their support by offering these fun deals on holidays like this one."

For a menu and store hours, go to jetspizza.com.

About Jet's Pizza

Jet's Pizza is based in Sterling Heights, Michigan. It was founded as Jetts Party Shoppe and Pizzeria in 1978 by brothers, John and Eugene Jetts. Since then, it has now grown to over 400 stores in 20 states. Jet's Pizza is known for its Detroit-style, deep-dish pizzas, and fresh, high-quality ingredients. Every morning the dough is prepared by hand, premium mozzarella is grated, vegetables are hand-cut, and sauce is made with fresh vine-ripened tomatoes mixed with Jet's proprietary spice and herb blend.

Media Contact: Gabriella Galloway

Jet's America

586-795-8403

[email protected]

SOURCE Jet's Pizza
Implementation of government programs to raise the standard of K12 education around the world and the rise in use of learning analytics in the educational sector as a result of quick technical advancements drive the growth of the global K12 education market.

PORTLAND, Ore., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "K12 Education Market by Type (Public, Private), by Deployment Mode (Cloud, On-Premise), by Application (High School, Middle School, Pre-Primary School and Primary School), by Spend Analysis (Hardware, Software, Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031." According to the report, the global K12 education industry generated $103.5 billion in 2021, and is anticipated to generate $525.7 billion by 2031 witnessing a CAGR of 17.7% 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.

Drivers, restraints, and opportunities:

Implementation of government programs to raise the standard of K12 education around the world and the rise in use of learning analytics in the educational sector as a result of quick technical advancements drive the growth of the global K12 education market. However, shut down of schools due to the sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic hampered the growth of K12 education industry. On the other hand, adaptive learning is gaining traction due to its advantages, such as provision of opportunities for formative assessment, emphasis on mastery-based learning, efficient feedback mechanisms, and idea mapping. These factors are expected to produce ample opportunities to accelerate the K12 education market growth in the coming years.

Download Sample Report: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/47850

COVID-19 Scenario:

The COVID-19 epidemic had a significant impact on almost every sector of life, including schooling. A majority of countries, including the United States , closed their schools in March 2020 , as lockdown mechanisms were developed to halt the spread of the virus.

, closed their schools in , as lockdown mechanisms were developed to halt the spread of the virus. Numerous challenges arose as educators transitioned from traditional face-to-face learning to digital platforms for remote teaching, needing quick responses and changes to policy and procedures to provide equitable and appropriate remote learning to all students.

Governments all across the world worked to develop open-source e-learning solutions so that all kids can receive an education regardless of their technical limitations. As a result, the COVID-19 epidemic had a prominent impact on the K12 schooling market.

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The private segment to rule the roost during the forecast period

Based on type, the private segment contributed to the largest share of nearly three-fifths of the global K12 education market revenue in 2021 and is expected to retain its dominance by 2031. This is because one of the innovations that the global education system has universally accepted and made mandatory for private schools is the K-12 model. In grades K-12, there is a lot of teacher-student interaction, with the teacher encouraging a lot of question-and-answer sessions, assignments, and other activities to help students develop advanced learning habits. However, the public segment would portray the fastest CAGR of 18.5% during the forecast period. K12 online public schools are attempting to provide a personalized and high-quality education with instructions from state-certified teachers to help the students reach their full potential.

The on-premise segment to dominate in terms of revenue during the forecast period

In terms of deployment mode, the on-premise segment garnered the highest share in 2021, holding nearly three-fifths of the global K12 education market revenue, and is expected to retain its dominance by 2031. This is because it's definitely possible to maintain a high level of security with an on-premises solution for schools. On the other hand, the cloud segment would portray the fastest CAGR of 18.4% during the forecast period. Cloud computing's powerful and affordable features are available to K-12 school districts. These features provide numerous benefits to schools, including reduced data storage costs, elimination of the need for expensive hardware, and improved access and mobility.

The hardware segment garnered the major share in 2021

Based on spend analysis, the hardware segment contributed to the largest share of around half of the global K12 education market in 2021. E-learning and software solutions provide integrated corporate resource planning tools that allow for the creation of better courses and more effective delivery of classes. On the other hand, the software segment is projected to dominate in terms of revenue and portray the fastest CAGR of 19.4% during the forecast period. This is because, software solutions provide institutions with well-organized enterprise resource planning systems that assist faculty members in developing better courses and effectively managing classrooms and schools.

North America region to exhibit a noteworthy revenue growth in 2031

By region, North America accounted for the highest share in 2021, holding more than two-fifths of the global K12 education market revenue, and is expected to maintain a progressive growth during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the region's rapidly developing education system a strong emphasis on reducing the administrative burden on teachers, massive spending on EdTech, an enhanced need for personalized learning in classrooms, and the rise in demand for intelligent solutions to improve students' school achievement. On the other hand, the market in the Asia-Pacific region would portray the fastest CAGR of 19.2% during the forecast period. This is due to the widespread adoption of online learning by millions of students in the region. Several countries from the region have made their entire K-12 curriculum available online.

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Leading Market Players:

Adobe Systems Inc.

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd

Oracle Corporation

Cengage Group

BLACKBOARD MEDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

Microsoft Corporation

Smart technologies

International Business Machines Corporation

D2L corporation

Pearson media company

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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.

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SOURCE Allied Market Research
KANAZAWA, Japan, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Researchers at Kanazawa University, report in JACS Au how they have developed operando scanning ion conductance microscopy to allow simultaneous measurements of changes in the anode surface topography of a lithium ion battery during use, as well as the varying ion concentration with depth. Combining both types of information should help researchers evaluate the correlation between the two to design better batteries.

Lithium ion batteries dominate the energy storage sector from the scale of small portable devices to electric vehicles and even grid-scale electricity suppliers. Research is constantly ongoing to improve their energy density, charging speed, lifetime and safety, among other attributes. Here an understanding of not just the changes that go on in lithium ion batteries but how different parameters might interact can be extremely advantageous. Now researchers led by Yasufumi Takahashi and Takeshi Fukuma at Kanazawa University in Japan report simultaneous measurements of topography and ion concentration profiles by developing their operando scanning ion conductance microscopy (operando SICM). The combined data they retrieve can enable evaluation of correlations between the two parameters for improving future battery performance.

As Takahashi and Fukuma list in their report on the work, several processes are involved in the charging and discharging of lithium batteries, including the transport, solvation or desolvation, and intercalation of lithium ions, as well as structural changes and expansion in the electrodes, and the formation and deposition of by-products. These all occur out of equilibrium under applied electric potentials. 'Capturing such multi-step and time-dependent changes with a relevant spatiotemporal resolution enables optimizing the operating conditions', they point out highlighting design features that might benefit such as the structure of electrodes and separator, and tailoring additives to ensure proper solidelectrolyte interphase formation. As a result, numerous techniques have been used to investigate how both the surface topography and the ion concentration change of the anode/cathode during charging/discharging, all with different limitations.

A key advantage of SICM is that it can measure surface morphology and properties, including changes in ion concentration with depth in the electrolyte. Until now, however, no-one had retrieved simultaneous topographical and ion concentration data of a battery during charging and discharging.

The SICM uses a nanopipette containing an ionic solution as the scanning probe. The nanopipette acts as a probe and monitors changes in ion current from which it is possible to visualise ion concentrations as well as the distance to a surface. To take both measurements simultaneously, the researchers made a number of adjustments to the hardware and software so that they could independently control the battery and scanning probe electrode potentials. They also had to deal with various complicating factors such as the decrease in effective potential due to uncompensated solution resistance and the different settings of the potentiostat and amplifier used in the adjustments.

With these modifications, they were able to perform simultaneous topography and ion concentration profile measurements with a spatial resolution that exceeds optical microscopy. They were able to identify reversible phase changes during charging and discharging, as well as structural changes that were not restored on discharging the anode  a potential source of degradation. The researchers conclude that their 'Operando SICM has the potential to unveil the lithium ion battery's non-equilibrium mechanism and bottleneck processes such as dendrite formation by correlative analysis of the dendrite formation and ion concentration for optimizing the separator structure'.

Background

Scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM)

The SICM is a scanning probe technique where a nanopipette uses as the probe. It monitors ionic current. As the gap between nanopipette and surface decreases, there is less space for ion flow, inhibiting the current and thus allowing users to control nanopipette-sample distance, as well as to get a measure of the topography. A hopping mode, where measurements are taken as the nanopipette is lowered and retracted can be used to avoid contact with the sample. The ion current also gives a measure of the ion concentration. However, while both modalities are possible, until now no-one has successfully retrieved both types of data simultaneously.

Yasufumi Takahashi and Takeshi Fukuma made a series of modifications to their SICM that allows them to collect ion concentration profile and topography information at the same time. They have successfully demonstrated their "operando SICM" on a lithium ion battery during charging an discharging, highlighting its potential to evaluate correlations between topographic and ion concentration changes to engineer better batteries.

Related Image

https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/fig-en_1.png

Caption : Volume change monitoring during the CV of the graphite anode by Operando SICM. (a) Scheme of the single point measurement. (b) Time course of the potential, height, state of charge, carbon anode current, and SICM current during the CV. (c) Scheme of the continuous one-line scanning measurement. (d) Time course of the one-line height image, carbon anode current, and SICM current during the CV. The sweep rate was 0.3 mV/s. (e) SICM ion current XZ images, where the image points are shown in Fig. 5d. Hopping amplitude and the falling rate of SICM were 2000 nm and 30 nm/ms, respectively. The nanopipettes radii were 50 nm and filled with 1.0 M LiClO 4 in EC / DEC = 1 / 2 (v/v). The height monitoring was acquired by applying the constant voltage of 0.7 V vs. Li/Li+.

 2023 Takahashi, et al., JACS Au

Reference

Yasufumi Takahashi, Daiko Takamatsu, Yuri Korchev, and Takeshi Fukuma. Correlative analysis of ion-concentration profile and surface nanoscale topography changes using operando scanning ion conductance microscopy, JACS Au, February 27, 2023.

DOI: 10.1021/jacsau2c00677

URL: https://doi.org/10.1021/jacsau.2c00677

About Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI)

https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/

Nano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI), Kanazawa University is a research center established in 2017 as part of the World Premier International Research Center Initiative of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. The objective of this initiative is to form world-tier research centers. NanoLSI combines the foremost knowledge of bio-scanning probe microscopy to establish 'nano-endoscopic techniques' to directly image, analyze, and manipulate biomolecules for insights into mechanisms governing life phenomena such as diseases.

About Kanazawa University

http://www.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/e/

As the leading comprehensive university on the Sea of Japan coast, Kanazawa University has contributed greatly to higher education and academic research in Japan since it was founded in 1949. The University has three colleges and 17 schools offering courses in subjects that include medicine, computer engineering, and humanities.

The University is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan in Kanazawa  a city rich in history and culture. The city of Kanazawa has a highly respected intellectual profile since the time of the fiefdom (1598-1867). Kanazawa University is divided into two main campuses: Kakuma and Takaramachi for its approximately 10,200 students including 600 from overseas.

Contact



Hiroe Yoneda

Senior Specialist in Project Planning and Outreach

NanoLSI Administrative Office

WPI Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI)

Kanazawa University

Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +81 (76) 234-4550

SOURCE Kanazawa University
Ford Motor Company Fund and 1863 Ventures expand investment in women's ambitions to start and scale local businesses

KANSAS CITY Mo., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, and 1863 Ventures awarded a collective $50,000 in business grants to three women-owned social enterprises based in the metropolitan area. The winning entrepreneurs of the HERImpact Kansas City Pitch Competition will leverage the cash prizes and business development support to scale their businesses.

"Companies founded not only by women, but women of color have a fail rate less than the national average, and yet they account for a small fraction of venture capital raises. Programs such as HERImpact signal to the broader investment community that it is imperative to fund women entrepreneurs," said Melissa Bradley, Managing Partner and Founder of 1863 Ventures. "Ford Motor Company Fund is vigilant of the capital and resources women-owned enterprises need, and I along with my team at 1863 Ventures are privileged to steward HERImpact. We are proud to extend funding to this year's pitch competition winners."

The public "Shark Tank"-style event took place at the Bloch School of Management at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. The women founders presented their businesses to a panel of judges, including Yisel Cabrera, Ford Fund's Senior Manager of Economic Mobility, Melissa Bradley, and Davin Gordon, Program Officer at the Hall Family Foundation. Winners were decided based on five criteria they demonstrated: 1) solve a community problem; 2) have a sustainable business model; 3) feature a product or service differentiated with a clear value proposition; 4) have a capable founding team with experience to lead; 5) evidence market traction. The winning social enterpreneurs are:

1st Place: $27,500 prize - Nikkie Affholter, Founder of Tirza Design

Tirza Design is fashion with purpose, committed to empowering women who have survived human trafficking and other forms of abuse achieve education, economic independence, and healing. Tirza Design offers exclusively local survivor-made jewelry, homegoods, other fair-trade goods. Every purchase supports survivors and invests in the fight to end human trafficking and exploitation.

2nd Place: $12,500 prize - Kristan Chamberlain, Founder of KC Can Compost

KC Can Compost is a forward-thinking enterprise with a triple bottom line. KC Can Compost's vision is to generate revenue by advancing a systematic infrastructure for organics collection that can be applied across commercial and residential sectors.

3rd Place: $5,000 prize - Veronica Alvidrez, Founder of ParaMI

ParaMI is a women-owned apparel and home goods brand that brings representation to Latinas in the midwest.

Audience participation was encouraged as an additional $5,000 prize was awarded by over 150 fan votes in the "Audience Choice" category. ParaMI Founder Veronica Alvidrez also received this commendation.

"Through [HERImpact], we can continue to empower survivors and fight trafficking locally and around the world through dignified employment and direct job skill training," said Nikkie Affholter, Founder of Tirza Design. "It was a privilege to stand alongside courageous women leading in impact in Kansas City."

In the U.S., women started 49% of all businesses in 2021 . However, 2022 year-end data shows that startups with all-women teams received just 1.9% (around $4.5 billion) out of the $240 billion in venture capital funding, which is less than the 2.4% all-women teams raised in 2021.

Established by Ford Motor Company Fund and 1863 Ventures, HERImpact is designed to uplift women social entrepreneurs and scale their businesses. Since 2017, Ford Motor Company Fund has invested more than $400,000 in women-led, conscientious enterprises and provided business development resources to more than 500 entrepreneurs in Detroit, Washington, D.C., Miami and Kansas City.

About Ford Motor Company Fund

As the global philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, Ford Fund focuses on providing access to essential services, education for the future of work and entrepreneurship opportunities for under-resourced and underrepresented communities. Ford Fund's partnerships and programming are designed to be responsive to unique community needs, ensuring people have equitable opportunities to move forward. Harnessing Ford's scale, resources and mobility expertise, Ford Fund drives meaningful impact through grantmaking, Ford Community Centers and employee volunteerism. For more information, visit fordfund.org or join us at @FordFund on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter .

About 1863 Ventures

1863 Ventures is a leader in providing culturally competent accelerator programs, non-dilutive financing, and mentorship to Black, Latino, and other historically underestimated entrepreneurs. By addressing the unique needs of this demographic, 1863 Ventures assists entrepreneurs in transforming high-potential business ideas into high-growth, profitable companies that generate jobs and wealth for their communities. For more information, visit 1863ventures.net or follow @1863ventures on Instagram , Twitter and LinkedIn .

SOURCE 1863 Ventures
LAS VEGAS, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) announced Texas orthopaedic surgeon, Kevin J. Bozic, MD, MBA, FAAOS, as its new president for 20232024. Dr. Bozic will assume the position following the AAOS 2023 Annual Meeting in Las Vegas this week. The new role marks Dr. Bozic's third year of a four-year term of volunteer service on the Board of Directors.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) announced Texas orthopaedic surgeon, Kevin J. Bozic, MD, MBA, FAAOS, as its new president for 20232024.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Bozic said, "I consider it one of the greatest privileges of my professional career to have the honor and pleasure of serving as the 91st president of the AAOS. We are living in unprecedented times in health care; society is looking to us as physicians to lead transformative change that will allow our health system to deliver on its promise of improving the health of the populations we are so fortunate to serve  and, in the process, create a more sustainable system that allows us to focus on improving the lives of our patients, thus bringing joy back into our practices."

Dr. Bozic is the inaugural chair of surgery and perioperative care at the Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin. He is an internationally recognized leader in orthopaedic surgery and value-based healthcare payment and delivery models. Since coming to Austin, he has built a department with more than 250 faculty across a broad array of surgical disciplines, all focused on the Dell Med mission of revolutionizing the way people get and stay healthy by developing new models of person-centered, multidisciplinary care that reward value; and educating leaders who will transform healthcare.

Prior to joining the Dell Med, he was the William R. Murray Endowed Professor and vice chair of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine and core faculty of the Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies. He holds a Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering from Duke University, where he graduated magna cum laude, and an MD with Thesis degree from UCSF. He completed his orthopaedic surgery residency training in the Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program, and additional fellowship training in adult reconstructive surgery from Rush University Medical College. Dr. Bozic also holds a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School, where he continues to serve as a senior institute associate in Professor Michael Porter's Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness.

Dr. Bozic's clinical practice is focused on the management of patients with hip and knee arthritis and painful hip and knee arthroplasties. He has more than 20 years of experience as an adult reconstructive surgeon performing simple and complex primary and revision hip and knee arthroplasty.

"Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to advocating for changes to the health system that make it easier for orthopaedic surgeons to focus on the aspects of the job that we enjoy the most  improving the lives of our patients  rather than the inherent, crushing administrative burden and misaligned incentives of our current health system which contribute to physician burnout," Dr. Bozic added. "As president of the AAOS, I look forward to working with our Board of Directors, our talented staff and our many committed physician volunteers to build on the AAOS' reputation as a leader in health system transformation that aligns our incentives with those of our patients. Because when our goals, responsibilities, professional duties and incentives are aligned with those of our patients, everyone wins."

Dr. Bozic has extensive research and policy experience in the field of value-based health care, centered on implementation and evaluation of value-based payment and delivery models. His research has been funded by the Agency for Health Care Research & Quality, the National Institutes for Health, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF). He is actively involved in numerous regional and national health policy initiatives, including the Health Care Payment Learning Action Network and the Yale Center for Outcomes Research & Evaluation Performance Measurement Group. He is the co-founder and former chair of the California Joint Replacement Registry, past chair of the American Joint Replacement Registry, and a former member of the Agency for Health Care Research & Quality Effective Health Care Stakeholder Group. Among his many AAOS volunteer positions, Dr. Bozic previously served as a member-at-large on the AAOS Board of Directors and chaired both the Research and Quality Council and the AAOS Health Care Systems Committee.



Dr. Bozic has received numerous awards throughout his distinguished career, including the UCSF Exceptional Physician of the Year Award; the OREF Clinical Research Award; the American Bone & Joint Surgeons Marshall Urist Young Investigator Award; the American Association of Hip & Knee Surgeons James A. Rand Young Investigator Award and Lawrence D. Dorr Award; the American Orthopaedic Association American-British-Canadian Exchange and North American Traveling Fellowships; the Orthopaedic Research Society William Harris Award; the Hip Society John Charnley Award; and the Knee Society Chitranjan Ranawat Award.

Dr. Bozic lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife, Christi, and daughters Ava, Alexa and Alanna.

About the AAOS

With more than 39,000 members, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is the world's largest medical association of musculoskeletal specialists. The AAOS is the trusted leader in advancing musculoskeletal health. It provides the highest quality, most comprehensive education to help orthopaedic surgeons and allied health professionals at every career level to best treat patients in their daily practices. The AAOS is the source for information on bone and joint conditions, treatments and related musculoskeletal healthcare issues; and it leads the healthcare discussion on advancing quality.



Follow the AAOS on Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn and Instagram .

SOURCE American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Easy Reader readers vote Kinecta as the South Bay's Best Credit Union for the third year in a row

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- For the third year in a row, Kinecta Federal Credit Union was voted Best Credit Union in the South Bay in Easy Reader's 2023 "Best of the Beach" poll. The Easy Reader's annual online poll asks the community to vote for their favorite places to do business, shop and dine in the South Bay and surrounding areas. The "Best of the Beach" designation recognizes Kinecta's commitment to serving the South Bay community.

"Kinecta has been serving the South Bay community for over 80 years, and we are honored to yet again receive this award from such a popular local news outlet as the Easy Reader," said Keith Sultemeier, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kinecta. "It means a lot to us to have this designation come directly from the community we serve and affirms our commitments to our members, community and employees are in the right place. Congratulations to all our team members for making this wonderful recognition possible!"

Kinecta has branches in California, New York, New Jersey and Florida, including nine in the South Bay. Throughout its history, the financial institution has been devoted to enriching its members' communities and during 2022, Kinecta, its subsidiaries and employees donated over $1,200,000 to charitable causes, volunteered over 6,300 hours and participated in more than 200 community events.

For more information about Kinecta, visit www.kinecta.org.

About Kinecta Federal Credit Union

Headquartered in Manhattan Beach, California, Kinecta Federal Credit Union is the country's 35th largest credit union, with assets of $6.7 billion and more than 270,000 members from coast to coast. Banking the Southern California area for more than 80 years, with additional branches in New York, New Jersey, Northern California and Florida, Kinecta offers its members a full range of financial products from banking, lending and insurance to wealth management services. Kinecta has been recognized by the Mortgage Bankers Association as a recipient of its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Residential Leadership Award, and received the Best of Show award granted by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Technology Council. Residents of Rochester, NY, voted Kinecta as a finalist for Best Credit Union in the Democrat & Chronicle's annual Rochester Choice Awards in 2022. Forbes awarded Kinecta as a top-ranked credit union in California on its America's Best Credit Unions in Each State 2022 List. Kinecta has 29 locations, and its members can use a network of more than 5,800 shared branches and access over 85,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide. For more information on Kinecta, visit the website and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Ryann Checchi, Interdependence PR

[email protected]

708-420-4776

SOURCE Kinecta Federal Credit Union
Pacsun to Debut Princess Polly Best Sellers in Select Stores Nationwide and Online

LOS ANGELES, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, leading specialty retailer Pacsun announced their official partnership with trendsetting brand Princess Polly. This exclusive partnership is Princess Polly's first foray into wholesale. Initially rolling out in 15 doors, Pacsun will offer Princess Polly best-selling apparel at select stores nationwide, including its Soho, NY flagship store and three of Pacsun's newest locations, Fashion Island in Newport Beach, CA, Fashion Valley in San Diego, CA and Lenox Square in Atlanta, GA, as well as online at Pacsun.com. The full list of launch locations is listed below.

Princess Polly at Pacsun Princess Polly at Pacsun

Previously only offering a physical footprint at pop-up locations, this is the first time that Princess Polly will be available through an omnichannel retailer, both instore and online. A variety of pieces will be showcased in dedicated presentation areas within Pacsun stores, giving two communities of highly engaged, avid customers physical access to more of their favorite brands. A larger assortment of Princess Polly will also be available on Pacsun.com with a broader store roll out to follow.

"At Pacsun, part of our core mission is to give consumers and our community continued access to the best brands, curated products, and collaborations, and we look forward to doing this in a big way by offering them premier access to Princess Polly for a continued period for the very first time, while introducing their community to Pacsun's current and emerging brands," said Brie Olson, Co-CEO at Pacsun.

"We're thrilled to partner with Pacsun on Princess Polly's first wholesale agreement," said Wez Bryett, Co-CEO of Princess Polly. "We know that our customer frequently shops at Pacsun, and we're excited to offer more ways for new and existing customers to shop Princess Polly in stores and online."

The largely Gen Z audience can tune into both brands TikTok accounts at 3PM PST/6PM EST for an exclusive live look at the range from the Fashion Island location via a livestream shopping experience.

Southwest

Fashion Island, Newport Beach, CA

Fashion Valley, San Diego, CA

Brea Mall, CA

Topanga, CA

Scottsdale, AZ

Midwest

Mall of America, MN

Woodfield Mall, IL

North

Soho, NY

Roosevelt Field, Uniondale, NY

King of Prussia, PA

Fashion Place Mall, Murray, UT

Southeast

Lenox Square, Atlanta, GA

International Plaza, Tampa, FL

University Town Center, Sarasota, FL

Aventura Mall, FL

Imagery can be accessed here .

About Princess Polly

Princess Polly is a global online fashion powerhouse, creating both clothes and content for its audience of trendsetters. As industry pioneers, the Princess Polly digital space is constantly evolving, offering customers an unparalleled online shopping experience. With an in-house team of designers and creatives, avid customers keep coming back for the latest looks, exclusive designs and timeless trends. The brand's bold focus on environment, community and diversity continues to solidify its position as the go-to destination for the mindful and highly engaged generations. Founded in 2010, Gold Coast, Australia. Follow @princesspollyboutique on Instagram and @princesspolly on TikTok.

About Pacsun

Pacsun is a leading specialty retailer offering a cross section of emerging brands and trending fashion through the lens of youth culture. Throughout the contemporary, streetwear and active lifestyle markets, Pacsun partners with the best brands to offer curated collections, rare and exclusive products, and creative collaborations on every level. Founded in 1980, Newport, CA. Curated in Los Angeles. Follow @pacsun on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and TikTok.

SOURCE Pacsun
FREMONT, Calif., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Leopard Imaging Inc. (Leopard Imaging), a global leader in intelligent embedded camera design and manufacturing launched its new state-of-the-art camera LI-ADL-ADP-IMX415-MIPI-081H based on Intel Atom processors x7000E Series, Intel Core i3 processors and Intel Processors N-Series..

Leopard Imaging Announces Intelligent Embedded Solutions Collaborating with Intel Tweet this Leopard Imaging Announces Intelligent Embedded Solutions Collaborating with Intel

Founded in 2008, Leopard Imaging has supported thousands of well-known companies in advanced imaging solutions with its experienced engineering teams, high-quality manufacturing capabilities in both "Made in U.S.A" and offshore, and quality management certifications such as IATF16949 for the automotive industry and AS9100D for the aerospace industry.

Powered by Intel processors, Leopard Imaging has designed, manufactured cameras, developed camera driver software, and provided image tuning for global customers in robotics, edge AI, industrial machine vision, and autonomous machines applications.

Intel Atom processors x7000E Series and Intel Core i3 processors [CD17] break new ground for x86 processors in the 6W to 15W base processor power range. Built with the same Efficient-cores and Intel UHD Graphics as 12th Gen Intel Core processors, the series supports Intel Advanced Vector Extensions 2 (Intel AVX2) and Intel Deep Learning Boost (Intel DL Boost) for accelerated deep learning inference and media processing.

"We are very excited collaborating with Intel," said Bill Pu, president and co-founder of Leopard Imaging. "We are looking forward to meeting our partners and more high technology companies who are seeking advanced image solutions at Embedded World 2023."

The Leopard Imaging U.S. and European team will be at Embedded World March 14 - 16 at Nuremberg Convention Center in Nuremberg, Germany. Please reach out for meetings at the event.

About Leopard Imaging Inc.

Leopard Imaging is a global leader providing high-definition embedded cameras and AI-based imaging solutionsfocusing on core technologies that improve image processing in automotive vehicles, aerospace vehicles, drones, IoT, and robotics. A partner of Intel, an elite member of the NVIDIA Partner Network, and a member of the AWS Partner Network, Leopard Imaging works closely with the most established sensor companies in producing advanced camera solutions for global customers. With original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and original design manufacturer (ODM) services, Leopard Imaging provides camera solutions for the most established organizations. Company Mission: Intelligent Vision for a Better World. Company Vision: To Be the World Leader in Intelligent Vision.

Press Contact

Cathy Zhao

[email protected]

+1 408-263-0988

Intel, the Intel logo, and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries.

SOURCE Leopard Imaging Inc.
BEIJING, March 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from chinadaily.com.cn:

The consensus of the people of China and the US is that the two countries cannot have conflict, confrontation or war, said Lin Songtian, president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

Lin, who recently concluded his visit to the US, said he felt during the visit that the bright prospect of people-to-people exchanges between China and the US. Working together toward better future is the only choice, he added.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. Lin said the BRI has become the most important public product of international cooperation in the world today. CPAFFC will give full play to its strength in people-to-people exchange and enable the BRI to benefit the people, enhance friendship, and build consensus.

In this year's two sessions, he will make proposals about modernizing the friendship associations' governance system and governance capacity and better telling of China stories.

Watch the video to find out more.

https://youtu.be/EaUmtVQ_x0c

SOURCE chinadaily.com.cn
The Untold Story of the Greatest Club in the World

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- West Productions is proud to present, "The Cavern Club: The Beat Goes On." A story of a club that remains the beating heart of Liverpool's iconic music scene and quite rightly takes its position on the world's stage. Presented and narrated by Paul McGann (Luther) and with contributions from the likes of Sir Paul McCartney. This is a unique documentary feature, telling the untold, colorful story of the self-proclaimed 'greatest club in the world.' The documentary is available for streaming on Peacock as of March 8th.

The documentary is available for streaming on Peacock as of March 8th. Tweet this "The Cavern Club: The Beat Goes On" is now streaming on Peacock! Presented and narrated by Paul McGann, The Cavern Club: The Beat Goes On is a unique documentary feature from LA Productions, telling the untold, colorful story of the self-proclaimed 'greatest club in the world.'

The Cavern Club was founded in 1957 by young jazz aficionado, Alan Sytner, who sought to recreate the headiness of his beloved jazz clubs in Paris. Famous for being the venue that hosted The Beatles 292 times, the club survived two closures and was tragically demolished, only to be rebuilt brick-by-brick. After many highs and lows, the club is back to its former glory, hosting artists like Adele, Jessie J, and the Arctic Monkeys.

This documentary follows several other Liverpool West Productions releases on the iconic Liverpool music scene. Films include " It Was Fifty Years Ago Today ,"a 50th Anniversary documentary about the Beatles and their journey to fame, and " Adele: 30 Greatest Moments " on the artist's rise to becoming Adele.

Stream the film from our partner Peacock here: https://bit.ly/CavernClubMovie

About Liverpool West Productions

Liverpool West Productions is a production and distribution house committed to projects of passion. From music and travel to culture and comedy, Liverpool West's film offerings include anything outside the realm of narrative feature film. Founded by a music lover, Liverpool West's name honors the birthplace of The Beatles and the cultural transformation that followed. Find our films streaming on all major platforms from all connected devices.

Connect with Liverpool on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay up to date on all of the latest releases.

For more information, visit https://liverpoolwestproductions.com/

Press Contact:

Liverpool West Productions

[email protected]

SOURCE Liverpool West Productions
Investment will be used to develop innovative technology that protects customers' identities and personal data online

Lloyds Banking Group will support Yoti in developing a new, reusable digital identity proposition that will help combat the growing risks of identity fraud

LONDON, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lloyds Banking Group has invested 10 million in digital identity company Yoti, an investment which supports the development of innovative technology to keep people safe online, tackle the ever-growing risks of identity fraud, and give people more control over their personal data.

Lloyds Banking Group invests 10 million in digital identity company Yoti

Yoti offer a range of digital identity solutions that make it simple for people and businesses to protect themselves online. This includes a free Digital ID app, which gives individuals a safe and instant way to prove their identity from their phone, with no need to show ID documents or share an excessive amount of personal data. Digital IDs are a UK government-approved form of identification for right to work, right to rent and criminal records checks. Yoti's Digital ID is also accepted as proof of age at UK cinemas,and for the sale of lottery tickets, energy drinks and tobacco. Businesses across a range of industries - from financial services and retail to gaming and e-commerce  are already seeing the benefits of Digital ID services.

The investment from Lloyds Banking Group will support Yoti's development of a new reusable digital identity proposition that will complement Yoti's existing solutions. Set to launch later this year, this will give users a more private, secure and convenient way to prove their identity.

Kirsty Rutter, FinTech Investment Director at Lloyds Banking Group, said: "We are thrilled to be supporting Yoti and their experienced, passionate team with their work to further protect people online, through developing and growing digital identity solutions.

"We know how important fintechs and technology partners are for delivering better outcomes for our customers and this investment represents another step forward in our plans to strengthen the UK's financial ecosystem and is a crucial part of how we help Britain prosper."

Robin Tombs, CEO at Yoti said, "I'm delighted to announce Lloyds Banking Group's significant investment in Yoti. The combination of their expertise in financial services and our digital identity solutions will bring security to even more businesses, people and communities. We will make it easier and safer for individuals to prove who they are and enable businesses to have more trust and confidence in the identity of their customers."

The investment in Yoti is Lloyds Banking Group's second investment of 2023, following a successful round of investments in 2022. These investments are headed up by the Group's recently formed Fintech Investment team, which focuses on identifying and exploring opportunities for investment into fintech at Seed to Series B.

Notes to editors:

With a reusable digital identity, individuals only need to verify their identity once and then share verified details in seconds, without needing to show their ID documents each time. Individuals can just share the details they need and nothing else - giving them greater control over their personal data. With individuals pre-verified, organisations can have greater confidence and trust in who they are dealing with.

About Lloyds Banking Group

Lloyds Banking Group is the largest UK retail and commercial financial services provider with around 26 million customers and a presence in nearly every community. Our main business activities include retail and commercial banking, general insurance, and long-term savings, provided through well recognised brands including Lloyds Bank, Halifax, Bank of Scotland, Scottish Widows.

Our purpose is helping Britain prosper. We have served Britain through our products and services for more than 320 years, across every community and millions of households. Our success is interwoven with the UK's prosperity, and we aim to help Britain prosper by operating as a responsible, sustainable, and inclusive Group.

About Yoti

Yoti is a digital identity technology company that makes it safer for people to prove who they are, verifying identities and trusted credentials online and in-person. They now provide verification solutions across the globe, spanning identity verification, age verification, document eSigning, access management, and authentication and leading facial age estimation. Over 13 million people have downloaded the free Yoti Digital ID app across the world. It is available in English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese and Polish. Yoti is certified to ISO/IEC 27001:2013 for ID Verification Services, ISAE 3000 (SOC 2) Type 2 certified for its technical and organisational security processes. For more information, please visit www.yoti.com.

[email protected]

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2019115/Yoti_Lloyds.jpg

SOURCE Yoti
Highlights: Large Roman bronze Cupid, gold-handled Greek iron sword, Ancient Qurans, 18th C. book compilation featuring the works of 12th C. poet Jamal Al-Din Abu Muhammad Nizami

LONDON, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As any collector of fine objects would attest, you can never have too much of a good thing. London's premier source for exquisite ancient and cultural art, Apollo Art Auctions, agrees with that sentiment, which is why they've organized two separate and distinct gallery sales in mid-March to accommodate an abundance of recently consigned treasures.

Exceptional Greek Chalcidian tin-bronze helmet, circa 500-300 BC, the bowl forged in one piece and featuring high-arched eyebrows, horizontal neck protection and a short, teardrop-shape nose guard. Almost 100% of the tin plating remains. Weight 955g (2lbs 2oz). Estimate 7,500-15,000 ($9,010-$18,020) Islamic gold ring with orange carnelian intaglio and turquoise inlays, Middle East, circa 1100-1500 AD. Engraved with rearing animal on underside of box bezel. Intact, beautiful example. XRF fluorescence analysis confirms metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and no modern trace elements. Weight: 14.38g. Estimate 2,000-4,000 ($2,405-$4,810)

The first sale, on March 12, is a 553-lot offering titled Ancient Art, Antiquities & Coins. Following closely on March 15 is a magnificent 339-lot selection of Islamic Art. Both sessions feature authentic antiquities, relics and artworks that have been personally curated by Apollo Art Auctions' experts under the supervision of gallery director Dr Ivan Bonchev, PhD, University of Oxford.

The opening session encompasses a broad range of art and artifacts from Classical Europe, Egypt and the Near East, India and China. The catalogue is divided into sections specifically devoted to Classical and Egyptian antiquities; coins, medieval works of art, and Asian works of art.

Several Greek and Roman bronze statuettes and figures are worthy of special note. Dominating the group is a sizable 235mm/9.25-inch Roman Cupid statuette dating to circa 100 AD. Similar to an example in the Walter Art Museum's collection, this statuette comes to auction with a 10,000-20,000 ($12,010-$24,024) estimate.

From the mysterious world of Ancient Egypt, a limestone false door of lintel fragment from the Fifth Dynasty, circa 2645-2323 BC, is profusely inscribed with hieroglyphs. This remarkable survivor is similar to an example held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection. Estimate: 8,000-12,000 ($9,610-$14,415)

Top lots in the Ancient Armor category include a circa 400-300 BC Greek Hellenistic iron sword with a gold handle, estimate 8,000-16,000 ($9,610-$19,220); and a wonderfully preserved circa 500-300 BC Greek Chalcidian tin-bronze helmet estimated at 7,500-15,000 ($9,010-$18,020).

The March 15 Fine Islamic Art sale includes early works in pottery, glass and bronze from the people and empires of Nishapur, Seljuk, Mamluk, Safavid and many others. The manuscript portion of the sale is especially noteworthy, with its very rare and precious museum-quality Qurans and pages.

Leading the group is a colorful late-18th-century work suited to a connoisseur's collection. It is a combination of different works of fiction originally composed by the famous poet Jamal Al-Din Abu Muhammad Nizami (d. 1217 AD). Profusely decorated with many detailed illustrations and illuminations throughout, it shows people in Uzbek and Persian attire as well as others whose clothing reflects elements of the Ottoman Empire. The line of provenance includes private UK ownership and a prior sale at Christie's. Estimate: 60,000-120,000 ($72,170-$144,240)

More than two dozen Qurans and a similar number of individual pages and Islamic prayer books are entered in the auction. A large and especially beautiful circa-1800 North Indian Quran is decorated throughout all its pages, which are framed with gold leaf and bordered in blue and red ink. It is illuminated with sumptuous carpet pages displaying detailed, multicolored floral decoration and gold roundels. Estimate: 30,000-60,000 ($36,090-$72,180)

View the fully illustrated auction catalogue and sign up to bid absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers. For questions about any item in the sale, call the London gallery on +44 7424 994167 or email [email protected]. Online: www.apolloauctions.com

Media Contact:

Dr. Ivan Bonchev, PhD.

+44 7424 994167

[email protected]

SOURCE Apollo Art Auctions
NEW YORK, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lucky Brand, the free-spirited, Americana-inspired premium denim and lifestyle brand, launched a limited-edition women's fashion collaboration with Laura Ashley, known worldwide since 1953 for its quintessential British-inspired style and iconic floral prints.

Lucky Brand x Laura Ashley

The collaboration brings together the DNA of both brands for a nostalgia-infused range celebrating self-expression for a new era. The pieces will appeal to longtime brand fans and introduce new shoppers to each line's hallmark styles. The signature Lucky Brand styling and Laura Ashley's rich history in textile design are the touchstones of the 15-piece collection.

"Combining Laura Ashley's iconic British designs with Lucky Brand's classic American style creates a one-of-a-kind look that reflects the best of both beloved brands," said Penne Cairoli, President of Laura Ashley, Inc. (Americas).

Embellished with patchwork, embroidery and floral patterns, the jeans, dresses, shirting, shorts and jackets will appeal to shoppers looking for unique and distinct pieces, nostalgia-driven fashion, and styles with a more handmade, heirloom feel.

"Lucky Brand is proud to partner with Laura Ashley, a classic brand with a long history of beautiful craftsmanship," said Lucky Brand CEO, Natalie Levy. "This collaboration is an exciting opportunity to emphasize our combined commitment to quality, comfort, and style while creating apparel people will want to love and wear for a long time."

A collection standout is the festival-ready denim corset lined in a pink floral print, as well as the mid-rise distressed denim boy shorts, and the '90s-style loose jeans, which set the tone for the denim offerings. Ideal for seasonal transitional dressing, a coordinating trucker jacket and jeans adorned with faded floral accents can be worn separately or together for a double-denim look.

With warm weather around the corner, the line also features spring-ready white denim shortalls with embroidered blue florals and two workwear-inspired sleeveless coverall shorts in charming floral prints pulled from the Laura Ashley archives. The collection is topped off with a romantic floral midi dress and jumpsuit set the stage for feminine styling, which includes a pair of floral corset blouses, a tiered baby-doll dress featuring complimentary prints, and two boyfriend-style relaxed button-down shirts with floral patches.

"Laura Ashley is delighted to see this collaboration come together with Lucky Brand," said Carolyn D'Angelo, Senior Managing Director, Brand Operations, Gordon Brothers & President, Laura Ashley Global. "We are excited to work with brands that continue to be inspired by the legacy of Laura Ashley. As we reach our 70th Anniversary this year, it's amazing to see how this collection reimagines the iconic heritage prints across modern designs."

With prices ranging from $79.50 to $139, the Lucky Brand X Laura Ashley collection is available now in Lucky Brand stores and online at luckybrand.com and lauraashleyusa.com. This release is one of two capsules, with a second collection launching this summer.

ABOUT LUCKY BRAND

WEAR LUCKY. FEEL LUCKY. Lucky Brand was founded in 1990 with a spirit of reinvention. Rooted in premium denim, Americana and self-expression, our brand is for the free-thinkers and the optimists who don't take life too seriously. Our denim and lifestyle wares portray personality through perfectly imperfect, often American heritage inspired details that bring levity to any look, or situation. Wear Lucky and make good fortune. Feel lucky, and you'll find it. Shop Lucky Brand in freestanding store locations across North America, select department stores and on luckybrand.com.

ABOUT LAURA ASHLEY

Established in London in 1953, Laura Ashley is one of the world's best-loved fashion and home furnishings brands. Currently, Laura Ashley offers a complete range of lifestyle products, including home furnishings and accessories, women's sleepwear and accessories, children's apparel and hospitality experiences. For additional information, visit www.lauraashleyusa.com .

ABOUT GORDON BROTHERS

Since 1903, Gordon Brothers (www.gordonbrothers.com) has helped lenders, operating executives, advisors and investors move forward through change. The firm brings a powerful combination of expertise and capital to clients, developing customized solutions on an integrated or standalone basis across four services areas: valuations, dispositions, operations and investments. Whether to fuel growth or facilitate strategic consolidation, Gordon Brothers partners with companies in the retail, commercial and industrial sectors to put assets to their highest and best use. Gordon Brothers conducts more than $70 billion worth of dispositions and appraisals annually. Gordon Brothers is headquartered in Boston, with over 30 offices across five continents.

SOURCE Lucky Brand
Legal guide to nation's top attorneys recognizes 4 from Dallas trial firm

DALLAS, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Four lawyers from the trial firm Lyons & Simmons, LLP are among the Lawdragon 500 Leading Consumer Plaintiff Lawyers for 2023. Firm founders Michael Lyons and Christopher Simmons, along with partners Christopher Carr and Stephen Higdon were lauded for their success in obtaining big results in significant cases.

In December of 2022, the attorneys secured a $10.1 million jury verdict after proving "willful and wanton negligence" on the part of a joint-venture North Texas hospital in treating a woman who was left a paraplegic due to delayed ER treatment and ignored policies. In Texas, medical malpractice cases involving emergency treatment require meeting this heightened standard of negligence to establish healthcare liability. The case was selected among the nation's Top 10 verdicts of 2022 by Courtroom View Network, which streamed the trial live.

Lyons & Simmons also obtained the largest-ever personal injury verdict for a conservative West Texas county, despite going into trial with a number of difficult liability facts. The team's success on behalf of its client resulted in the firm earning the Dallas Trial Lawyers Association's 2021 John Howie Award for "the relentless pursuit of justice in the face of adversity."

With an established track record of handling large, nationally recognized cases that impact public safety, Lyons and Simmons currently serve on the Plaintiff's Executive Committee for the multi-district litigation addressing the liability of those responsible for the Astroworld Festival tragedy. Ten were killed and thousands of others injured in a crowd crush incident during the Nov. 5, 2021, concert in Houston.

Lawdragon's 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers recognizes the lawyers who stand on the front line of justice by taking on the toughest cases. Selection is based on peer assessment and independent research of an attorney's record of securing positive verdicts and settlements.

About Lyons & Simmons, LLP

Dallas-based Lyons & Simmons, LLP is a trial boutique representing clients in wrongful death, personal injury, products liability, and complex "bet-the-company" business litigation matters across the country.

Media Contact:

Rhonda Reddick

800-559-4534

[email protected]

SOURCE Lyons & Simmons
On-demand virtual tutoring available 24/7 for students at school or home

IRVING, Texas, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Students, teachers, and administrators alike at Manara Academy District are reaping the benefits of a successful partnership with Paper , a leading Educational Support System. Manara Academy District partnered with the company so that students in grades 4 through 12 could gain access to unlimited, 24/7 academic support, including on-demand, virtual tutoring, and a writing review center  all at no cost to students and families.

Students at Manara Academy District in grades 4-12 are receiving unlimited, 24/7 on-demand academic support and virtual tutoring through a partnership with Paper, a leading Educational Support System. To date, 99.7% of Manara Academy District students have taken advantage of the service, resulting in more than 1000 hours of live tutoring sessions and writing review. Manara Academy District is a top-rated, public charter school district with three campuses: Arlington STEM Academy, Irving Elementary, and Learning Academy in Irving.

Since September 2022, more than 99.7% of Manara students have taken advantage of the service, resulting in approximately 1000 hours of live tutoring and writing review. According to Manara Academy Superintendent Denise Sudan, the support system also helps address teacher shortages.

"Paper tutoring has allowed our teachers to support small group independent instruction while they differentiate within the classroom," said Sudan. "At times, it can be like having an extra teacher in the classroom. Students do not have to wait to get immediate help if their teacher is supporting another child or group of students. Students can access a one-on-one tutoring session at school or home and move forward with their learning task."

Paper instantly connects Manara students to skilled tutors who help them study for tests, complete assignments, learn foreign languages, develop their math and reading skills, and even prepare for college or a career. Students can also upload written work ranging from book reports to resumes, or even college applications to receive detailed feedback. Paper currently supports more than three million students in over 300 unique school districts across 40 U.S. states and Canada.

"Paper is proud to support the Manara Academy community," said Philip Cutler, Paper co-founder and CEO. "We are thrilled with the results of the partnership so far, with nearly the entire student base taking advantage of our educational support system.

Manara students have completed 1,969 tutoring sessions at an average of 26 minutes each. Math was by far the most popular subject during these sessions."

Another advantage of the support system is that teachers and administrators can review student activity and track progress on the Paper platform. With handy reporting capabilities, they can pinpoint areas where students need help and where they are excelling.

"We're pleased that nearly all of our students are actively participating in tutoring sessions," added Sudan. "The way students engage in the Paper tutoring process has been particularly helpful, as it encourages students to problem solve and think independently with guided support from a skilled tutor."

About Manara Academy District

With campuses located in Arlington and Irving and its district office located at 8113 Ridgepoint Drive, Suite 202 in Irving, Manara Academy District is a top-rated, public charter school district with three campuses: Arlington STEM Academy, Irving Elementary and Learning Academy in Irving. As one of the most diverse schools in Texas, the district has a Superior "A: rating from Charter FIRST and a "B" rating from the Texas Education Association. The Superintendent is Denise Sudan and Board Members are Dr. Ehap Sabri, Sadak Shaikh, Dr. Ali Shaqlaih, Jaszeer Mohammed, Brandy Schott, and Iyad Al-Nachef. For more information about enrollment, career opportunities, or school programs, visit www.manaraacademy.org

About Paper:

Mission-driven educators founded Paper to help all students reach their full potential and gain confidence in life. Paper provides an unlimited, on-demand Educational Support System (ESS) that includes 1:1 virtual tutoring, a Review Center for writing assignments, Major Clarity college and career support, and Paper Missiona math gamification tool to hone essential skills. Paper's highly qualified educators provide an instructional framework emphasizing inquiry-based learning to empower students to pursue lifelong learning and prepare for life after school. Multilingual academic support is available in English, Spanish, French, and Mandarin. Paper supports over three million students in over 300 unique school districts across over 40 U.S. states and Canada. Learn more or request a demo at paper.co.

Contact: Rhonda Price

(561) 371-9407

SOURCE Manara Academy District
Enjoy the Sausage and Ultimate Magnifico pizzas and the popular Pepperoni Magnifico starting at just $9.99*

TOLEDO, Ohio, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Marco's Pizza is rolling out two mouth-watering pizzas, the Sausage Magnifico and the Ultimate Magnifico. The two limited-time offers feature a NEW sliced Old World Sausage and include a symphony of bold flavors and crispy, sizzling meat toppings, delivering two classic, quality pizzas at a price-point that won't break the bank.

Reminiscent of an authentic meat-topping pizza you'd find on the menu of a classic pizzeria, Marco's Pizza is the only QSR pizza brand currently offering the NEW Old World Sausage topping pizzas on its menu.

Marcos expands Magnifico line with two bold-flavored, mouth-watering LTO pizzas.

"Pepperoni Magnifico is our signature product and a hallmark for the brand," said Chief Experience Officer, Steve Seyferth, at Marco's Pizza. "Spinning off this great creation, we wanted to craft a wider range of bold tastes that appeal to sausage and pepperoni lovers alike which led us to upgrading the Sausage Magnifico and the Ultimate Magnifico recipes with our NEW Old World Sausage."

Marco's bold-flavored Sausage Magnifico is loaded with two types of sausage  NEW Old World Sausage and a classic Italian sausage  and finished with a signature sprinkle of romesan seasoning and a garlic-flavored crust, creating a multi-sensory pizza experience that is a sausage lover's dream.

The NEW bold Old World Sausage, the hero of the Marco's Sausage Magnifico pizza, is inspired by the bold flavors of traditional, sliced Italian sausage, offering an authentic taste. Sausage connoisseurs can appreciate the thinly sliced Old World Sausage with its crispy, curled edges along with the subtle kick of heat that lingers, ensuring a tasty sausage morsel with each bite.

The Ultimate Magnifico is topped to perfection with NEW bold Old World Sausage and signature Old World Pepperoni, along with both classic Italian sausage and pepperoni. To top it all off, the Ultimate Magnifico is garnished with romesan seasoning, smothered with three fresh signature cheeses, original sauce, atop a freshly baked, golden, garlic crust. To spice things up, Marco's Ultimate Magnifico will also be available in pizza bowl form, sans the crust!

For more information about Marco's Pizza and to find your nearest location, please visit www.marcos.com or download our mobile app available on the App Store or Google Play.

ABOUT MARCO'S PIZZA

Marco's Pizza is one of America's Top 10 Favorite QSR Brands according to the 2022 Market Force Information Study. Headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Marco's Pizza is the fastest-growing pizza brand in the United States**. Marco's was founded in 1978 by Italian-born Pasquale Giammarco and thrives by making high-quality pizza with fresh ingredients, known for its dough made from scratch and its three fresh signature cheeses. The company has grown from its roots as a beloved Ohio brand to operate over 1,100 stores in 34 states with locations in Puerto Rico and the Bahamas. Most recently, Marco's Pizza was ranked No. 51 on Entrepreneur Magazine's 2023 "Franchise 500" ranking. Other recent accolades include a high ranking on Newsweek's 2023 "America's Best Customer Service" in pizza chains list, ranked No. 40 on QSR's Top 50 and has been featured six consecutive years on Nation's Restaurant News' prestigious "Top 500" ranking.

* Limited time only. Check marcos.com for Magnifico Pizza prices and to receive the promo code for discount. Prices do not include extras/additional toppings. Pricing and participation may vary.

** Marco's Pizza is the fastest-growing pizza brand based on year-over-year unit growth, according to 2021 NRN Top 500 U.S. Restaurant Ranking LSR Pizza Segment.

SOURCE Marco's Pizza
LAS VEGAS, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) presented its 2023 Humanitarian Award to Mark S. Myerson MD, FAAOS, of Denver, Colo.

The Humanitarian Award honors members of the AAOS who have distinguished themselves through outstanding musculoskeletal-related humanitarian activities in the U.S. or abroad. Dr. Myerson was recognized for his work providing foot and ankle care to underserved communities around the world.

Mark S. Myerson MD, FAAOS, receives AAOS Humanitarian Award for international work providing foot and ankle deformity care to underserved communities.

"I have always believed that humanitarian service is not an option, but our obligation," Dr. Myerson said. "Receiving the AAOS Humanitarian Award far surpasses my professional and academic achievements, and I am incredibly proud and honored to represent our orthopaedic community in these continuing endeavors."

In 2000, Dr. Myerson founded Steps2Walk, an international volunteer organization which provides both surgical care and education about foot and ankle deformities to underserved regions worldwide. The organization began as a fundraising effort to bring international surgeons to the U.S. for continued education before expanding to host educational and surgical programs worldwide.

Steps2Walk programs are hosted in regions that are identified based on critical need for treatment of foot and ankle deformities. The organization's volunteer faculty comprises more than 250 international foot and ankle specialists who attend annual programs around the globe to share education with local orthopaedic surgeons and treat complex cases.

During these multi-day programs, visiting surgeons provide surgical care to patients with complex deformities and give lectures and hands-on educational sessions to local orthopaedic surgeons and residents. Visiting surgeons work with local surgeons to develop surgical plans for the complex cases they treat while on-site.

"In the western world, we are blessed by opportunity, whether it applies to education or access to timely, affordable and skilled healthcare," Dr. Myerson said. "For many years, Steps2Walk has maintained a dual commitment  to perform life-changing foot and ankle surgeries on individuals in underserved communities around the world and, simultaneously, to educate surgeons in those regions."

This year, Steps2Walk will hold programs in Pakistan, Mexico and Namibia, among 14 other locations. To date, the organization has performed more than 1,400 surgical operations, trained more than 500 orthopaedic surgeons, and hosted programs in more than 24 countries. Despite the complexity of the cases the group treats, all the care provided is free to patients.

As well as being the founder, Dr. Myerson serves as president of Steps2Walk and personally participates in many of the missions, serving in both roles in a volunteer capacity. He served as medical director of the organization from 2000-2016 while still in clinical practice. In 2016, he left his high-volume clinical practice to focus full-time on Steps2Walk.

"Together, Dr. Myerson and Steps2Walk have created opportunities for hundreds of orthopaedic foot and ankle specialists across the globe to work in a humanitarian capacity," said Kenneth J. Hunt, MD, FAAOS, associate professor and director of foot and ankle orthopaedics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. "Participating in a Steps2Walk program is a life-changing experience, a unique pilot light of passion for more volunteer efforts. Mark has never sought remuneration or fame for this program but has worked tirelessly to run the program, fundraise and restore mobility to many."

In addition to his humanitarian accomplishments, Dr. Myerson has also had a robust academic and professional career. He is an internationally recognized leader in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery who has contributed to more than 300 peer-reviewed publications and has authored six textbooks. He is frequently invited to international forums to present on an array of foot and ankle topics. He is a past president of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society and was medical director of the Foot and Ankle Institute at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Md., prior to his full-time work with Steps2Walk. Dr. Myerson continues to serve as a visiting professor in the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

About the AAOS

With more than 39,000 members, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is the world's largest medical association of musculoskeletal specialists. The AAOS is the trusted leader in advancing musculoskeletal health. It provides the highest quality, most comprehensive education to help orthopaedic surgeons and allied health professionals at every career level to best treat patients in their daily practices. The AAOS is the source for information on bone and joint conditions, treatments and related musculoskeletal healthcare issues; and it leads the healthcare discussion on advancing quality.

Follow the AAOS on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

SOURCE American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Agreement Comes After Workers Undertake Lengthy Strike

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, March 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Teamsters Local 959, which represents 195 Matanuska-Susitna Borough (Mat-Su) school bus drivers, attendants, and monitors, has reached an agreement with Durham School Services on a new contract following months of negotiations and a four-week strike. This is the first contract Local 959 workers have ratified with Durham.

"Day in and day out, Mat-Su Valley bus drivers battle Alaska's weather to get students to and from school safely  and they deserve to be compensated fairly. The newly ratified contract should serve as the latest example of how hard Teamsters fight for their fellow members," said Matt Taibi, Teamsters Passenger Transportation Division Director.

"From higher wages to guaranteed hours and increased safety protocols, this new contract is a huge win for Local 959 members," said Gary Dixon, Local 959 Secretary-Treasurer. "These workers deserve to have compensation and benefits that are competitive with other districts in the state  and now, they do. We are grateful to our members and negotiators for holding the line and securing this immensely important deal for Mat-Su Valley bus workers."

The new three-year contract includes increased wages that are retroactive to the beginning of the school year and will make Mat-Su Valley competitive with Anchorage; a $1,500 signing bonus; guaranteed minimum hours for drivers, attendants, and monitors. A process to address safety concerns which was badly needed.

On January 31, Mat-Su school bus workers voted to authorize an unfair labor practice strike. Student safety was a top concern for drivers and Durham neglected to address safety-related issues in their offer to Local 959. The failure to address workers' concerns led to an overwhelming vote to authorize a strike.

"We wanted a fair contract and Local 959 helped us get one," said Debbie Mullin, Mat-Su Valley school bus driver and Local 959 member. "We are excited to continue to support our community by getting the kids to school and back safely."

Teamsters Local 959 represents 5,000 workers in a wide variety of industries in Alaska. For more information, go to akteamsters.com/

Contact:

Patrick FitzGerald (907) 230-8809

[email protected]

SOURCE Teamsters Local 959
Winner of the prestigious Women in Sustainability Leadership Award at Greenbuild, Atlanta in 2019, CEO & co-founder of arbnco, Maureen Eisbrenner now joins the WSLA Alumnae Group as a board member.

PLYMOUTH, Mich., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- arbnco Ltd., global energy efficiency and decarbonization SaaS company based in the US and UK, announce CEO and co-founder, Maureen, joins the WSLA Alumnae Group as a board member. WSLA is a community of some of the world's most influential women working for the planet and people across architecture and the built environment. The WSLA award, previously received by Hilary Clinton, Bea Perez, among others, is now in its 10th year. It recognizes women in the corporate field who have taken transformative steps towards sustainability and demonstrated bravery in the workplace.

Maureen leads a disruptive software company providing tools for commercial buildings owners to reduce their carbon emissions and plan their journey to zero carbon operation. Under Maureen's direction, arbnco has expanded across sectors and geographies. Working with some of the largest clients in the world such as Southern Company in the US and Centrica in the UK, the company continues to reinvest in research and development and bring the best sustainability prop-tech solutions to the market.

"It is an exciting time to be a woman in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Medicine (STEM). It inspires me to see the number of brilliant women dedicated to sustainability, especially the ones I have the honor to work with on my team. I am really looking forward to seeing what the future holds for sustainability and the women who drive its importance."

President and chairman of the board at WSLA Alumnae Group, Rochelle Routman commented "I am delighted to have Maureen Eisbrenner join the WSLA Alumnae Group Board of Directors. Maureen, a member of the WSLA class of 2019, is a successful businessperson and the capabilities that helped her grow her own business will be of great help to this non-profit organization as it continues to grow in prominence. Welcome Maureen! While Lisa Colicchio, Vice President said "We are pleased to have Maureen join the WSLA Board. Her experience and enthusiasm will be instrumental as we advance our strategy planning to celebrate our 10th year anniversary this year".

About arbnco Ltd

arbnco Ltd. is a privately-held SaaS company providing data analytics to major utilities and CRE clients throughout the United States and United Kingdom. We remain steadfast in our focus on improving the performance of commercial buildings, one of the largest sources of energy usage and global carbon emissions and are critical to enabling a pathway to Net Zero. [email protected], arbnco.com, +1 (313) 326-3006

About WSLA Alumnae Group

The WSLA Alumnae Group, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, is a community of past Women in Sustainability Leadership Award winners: over 95 of the most influential women* trailblazers who have become a powerful force in the profession of creating a more sustainable world.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2029593/arbnco_Logo.jpg

SOURCE arbnco
STOUGHTON, Mass., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Melmark has teamed with Maggiore Construction Corporation along with Roth and Seelen, Inc. to design and build a new Melmark New England school facility in Stoughton, Massachusetts. Groundbreaking for the school building, which will provide state-of-the-art and fully accessible special education learning and recreational environments, took place on Tuesday, January 24, 2023.

Melmark's cross-divisional senior leadership team gathered to take part in a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Melmark school building in Stoughton, Massachusetts.

The new school is scheduled to open in May. Melmark's New England division currently serves 132 students at its Andover school and the new school opening in Stoughton will serve up to 84 students, providing new opportunities for school districts, students, and families in need of clinically sophisticated educational services. The new school will also increase job opportunities for those seeking to work with highly skilled leaders in special education.

Melmark New England day schools are fully approved and licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and serve students, ages three to 22, who require an intensive, individualized educational approach with a behavioral framework designed in an educationally appropriate learning environment. Students who attend Melmark schools typically have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and other intellectual and developmental disabilities, which may be secondary to complex behavioral profiles. Melmark New England is a member of the Massachusetts Association of 766 Approved Private Schools (MAAPS).

"This is a poignant time in the history of Melmark, this is a project that was slated to start during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are thrilled to stay focused on the needs of families in our communities. We are collaborating with school professionals, families, and other stakeholders to share information about the opportunities our new school will make available, as we are keenly aware of the critical, growing need for the evidence-based services we offer. The new school building will support spacious, intentionally designed classroom environments with innovative tools for learning and skills building. This growth in MA reflects our mission and strategic goal to serve children in diverse and inclusive communities who need and deserve Melmark's specialized special education services to reach their best outcomes," said Rita M. Gardner, M.P.H., LABA, BCBA, CDE Melmark President and CEO.

The opening of a new Melmark day school in Stoughton coincides with Melmark's 25th anniversary year serving children and adults in New England. The highly specialized special education services Melmark is renowned for have already received a warm welcome from parents and educators in the region who are aware of the critical need for clinically sophisticated special educational services in the area.

The new building will be a 31,000 square foot, one-story structure designed to meet the student population's accessibility needs and ADA requirements. The new building will provide grade-level access to classrooms and other resources in 14 classrooms, clinical support spaces, offices, and fully accessible restrooms. A lunchroom will provide more meaningful social interaction opportunities for students, and offer a larger space for professional development and training as Melmark continues to emphasize commitment to its highly skilled and diverse workforce.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, Gardner shared her pride as a founding leader of Melmark New England and thanked the generous donors bolstering the organization's financial commitment to this new building and the gold standard Melmark is known for in the field of evidence-based special education services. "Melmark is a transformational place for many students and their families. The staff we employ are highly skilled, well supported, and their mission-first dedication to students is unmatched," said Gardner. She added, "We believe every child has a right to their Free and Appropriate Public Education and we are extraordinarily proud to provide exceptional educational services for students in New England."

Melmark is a not-for-profit human service organization providing clinically sophisticated evidence-based special education, residential, vocational and therapeutic services for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders, developmental and intellectual disabilities, acquired brain injuries and other neurological and genetic disorders. All specialized special education services are based on the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and are designed based on each student's individual needs.

Recognized as one of the leading providers in the country, Melmark has a combined staff of over 1,200 at its service divisions in Pennsylvania, New England, and the Carolinas and serves 500 individuals from across the country. To learn more, visit www.melmark.org .

Maggiore Construction Corporation provides skilled construction management and property development services for commercial, residential, industrial, and specialty markets in New England. Visit www.maggiore.co for more information.

Roth & Seelen, Inc., is a full-service architectural firm specializing in new construction, renovation, and interior design projects for educational, institutional, corporate, and commercial clients. Visit www.rothseelen.com for more information.

SOURCE Melmark; Melmark New England
HSINCHU, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Metanoia Communications Inc. ("Metanoia"), in collaboration with NXP Semiconductors NV. ("NXP"), announces that HFCL has selected Metanoia's 5G-NR RF transceiver, NXP's Layerscape and Layerscape Access family of processors for HFCL's All-in-One 5G 2T2R Indoor Small Cell to deliver outstanding and reliable 5G cellular indoor coverage. Together, the Metanoia RFIC and NXP processors provide exceptional small form factor and capability for HFCL to deliver over 1 Gbps aggregate throughput, making it ideal for 5G in-building solutions and for Private 5G networks, e.g. hospitality, MDU, campus and more.

HFCL is a leading technology enterprise offering a wide range of next-generation communication products and integrated solutions both in India and abroad. Its 5G portfolio includes 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) and Transport products which caters to the needs of communication service providers (CSP), enterprises and industry verticals.

"5G Small Cells are an integral part of HFCL's growing 5G RAN portfolio to help telcos improving 5G coverage and enabling private 5G solutions for digital transformation of various industries. For our 2T2R Indoor Small Cell platform we are happy to choose Metanoia's 5G-NR RFIC that provides HFCL with maximum flexibility to deliver a wide range of 5G Indoor Small Cell solutions across frequency bands & form factors which caters to our customer needs both in India and globally." said Mahendra Nahata, Managing Director, HFCL.

Metanoia RFIC, MT3812, is uniquely suited to performance driven and price sensitive 5G Small Cell or RU applications. MT3812 is a low power Sub-6GHz 22 RFIC which supports up-to 200 MHz bandwidth in Transmit and Receive TDD modes, and 400 MHz in DPD mode.

"We are proud that HFCL has selected Metanoia's for our world class 5G RFIC to combine with the high performance NXP Layerscape Access platform. Metanoia's growing line of integrated 5G products provides high performance, low cost & low power 5G solutions to enable 5G massive deployments worldwide" said Dr. Stewart Wu, President and CEO of Metanoia. "Metanoia is thrilled to support HFCL as they bring future products to their targeted 5G markets".

NXP's high performance Layerscape family of multicore processors and 5G NR programable baseband processors are part of NXP's antenna-to-processor portfolio for accelerating 5G deployments, which delivers advanced performance and security for infrastructure, industrial, and automotive applications.

"The advanced capabilities of NXP's Layerscape family and our broader 5G portfolio support the wide-ranging needs of 5G network deployments," said Jeff Steinheider, Vice President and General Manager, Industrial Edge, NXP. "The collaboration with Metanoia and HFCL has created a differentiated 5G small cell solution that will help expand 5G coverage and drive new 5G use cases."

About Metanoia Communications, Inc.

Metanoia based in Hsinchu, Taiwan has contributed to the development of several generations of semiconductor SoC solutions for wireline Broadband and is now focusing in bringing new products to the 5G NR Markets.

For more information please visit www.metanoia-comm.com.

SOURCE Metanoia Communications Inc.
MADISON, N.J., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Century 21 Real Estate LLC , a subsidiary of Anywhere Real Estate (NYSE: HOUS), announced at its One21 Experience Global Conference that Sam Baydoun of CENTURY 21 Curran and Oberski in Dearborn, Michigan has received the prestigious honor of being inducted into the CENTURY 21 Dick Loughlin International Hall of Fame (IHOF). Baydoun was recognized thanks to his dedication to the advancement of real estate professionals and commitment to giving back. He was honored at the 2023 One21 Experience, the CENTURY 21 brand's global networking and learning event.

Sam Baydoun, CENTURY 21 Curran & Oberski, Inducted into the CENTURY 21 Dick Loughlin International Hall of Fame

The CENTURY 21 Dick Loughlin International Hall of Fame is presented to the most elite independent sales professionals in the CENTURY 21 System. To be considered, sales associates must be affiliated with the CENTURY 21 System a minimum of 10 years, with eight years at CENTURION level production, including the current year.

"Sam is truly an amazing individual who has dedicated his life to serving others, from the extraordinary experiences he delivers to his real estate clients to the efforts he makes supporting those in need throughout his Michigan community" said Michael Miedler, president and CEO, Century 21 Real Estate LLC . "He exemplifies what it means to be an integral member of the communities he and his team serve every day."

A member of the CENTURY 21 System for over 35 years, Sam was a CENTURION producer in 2022 who is committed to elevating the real estate profession throughout the state of Michigan. He has served as president of the Dearborn Area Board of REALTORS and was recognized as REALTOR of the Year twice over the past twenty years. In addition, he continuously goes out of his way to help those in need as an enthusiastic supporter of Habitat for Humanity and the Boys and Girls Club in Detroit and most recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, personally sponsoring, hosting and serving lunches to first responders as a thank you for their service.

"There is no better CENTURY 21 brand ambassador than Sam," explained Adam Oberski, Broker Owner of CENTURY 21 Curran & Oberski "He serves as a leader and mentor to not only the affiliated agents throughout our company but to the broader Dearborn community. I could not imagine someone more deserving of this honor and look forward to watching him achieve even more success in the future."

To learn more about the CENTURY 21 value proposition, or to join the ranks of the relentless, please go to century21.com/about-us/contact/media .

About Century 21 Real Estate LLC

The approximately 149,000 independent sales professionals in approximately 13,600 offices spanning 85 countries and territories in the CENTURY 21 System live their mission every day: to defy mediocrity and deliver extraordinary experiences. By consistently chasing excellence, giving 121% and always elevating, the CENTURY 21 brand is helping its affiliated brokers/agents to be the first choice for real estate consumers and industry professionals worldwide. Century 21 Real Estate has numerous websites to help answer specific consumer needs. They are century21.com, century21.com/global, century21.com/commercial, century21.com/finehomes and century21.com/espanol.

Century 21 Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Anywhere Real Estate Inc. (NYSE: HOUS), a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation, and settlement services.

2023 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. CENTURY 21, the CENTURY 21 Logo and C21 are registered service marks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. Century 21 Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.

Contact:

Erin Siegel

Century 21 Real Estate LLC

[email protected]

SOURCE Century 21 Real Estate LLC
Phase 2 study assesses safety and efficacy of topical pravibismane in subjects suffering from moderate infections associated with chronic diabetic foot ulcers

BOZEMAN, Mont. and VANCOUVER, BC, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Microbion Corporation today announced that a Phase 2, randomized, controlled study has been initiated to assess the safety and efficacy of topical pravibismane for the treatment of subjects with moderate infections of chronic diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). DFU infections are a serious complication of diabetes associated with significant morbidity and mortality. DFU infections are the most frequent diabetic complication requiring hospitalization and may lead to lower extremity amputation if the infection fails to resolve. In 2018, approximately 8.25 million hospital discharges associated with diabetes were reported, including 154,000 for lower-extremity amputation.1 Estimates of 5-year mortality for DFU, minor and major amputations range from 30.5% to 56.6%.2 With the increasing global prevalence of diabetes, novel treatments for DFU infection represent an increasing global unmet need.

In this current Phase 2 exploratory study, Microbion plans to enroll 54 subjects with chronic moderate DFU infections, comparing 12 weeks of pravibismane treatment plus standard of care versus standard of care treatment alone. The study's main objective is to assess the safety and tolerability of topical pravibismane, while the secondary objective is to explore key signals of efficacy demonstrated in an earlier study. These efficacy endpoints include complete wound closure, reduction in the number and extent of amputations, reduction in wound size, and resolution of infection. This study is being conducted at select wound care sites in Texas and California, and potentially other U.S. sites in the future. More information about the study can be found on Clinicaltrials.gov (identifier number: NCT05174806).

In a previous Phase 1b randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial treating patients with chronic moderate to severe DFU infection, three weeks of topical pravibismane treatment plus standard of care demonstrated a numeric 85% wound size reduction compared to 30% for placebo plus standard of care. Pravibismane also demonstrated a numeric 6-fold reduction in ulcer-related amputations (2.6% in the pravibismane group vs. 15.4% in the control group). Pravibismane was safe and well-tolerated at all doses.

This current study is funded, in part, by a $2.1 million award from the Naval Medical Research Center, Naval Advanced Medical Development (NMRC-NAMD) through CUBRC, Inc. and the Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC).

Pravibismane is the first in a new class of anti-infective drugs demonstrating broad-spectrum potency against a wide range of multidrug-resistant bacteria, and biofilms ubiquitous in DFU infections and widely recognized as one of the leading causes of treatment failure. Topical pravibismane has been safe and well-tolerated in five clinical studies involving over 325 human subjects.

"We are extremely excited to have initiated this Phase 2 study and we're very pleased that subject enrollment has exceeded our projections, demonstrating the unmet medical need of patients with DFU infections," said Karim Lalji, Chief Executive Officer of Microbion Pharma Corp. "In addition to expanding our safety and tolerability data with topical pravibismane, this study was designed to further explore efficacy signals identified in our Phase 1b study, including pravibismane's impact on closing wounds and lowering risk of amputation. With the successful initiation of our latest study, we move closer to fulfilling Microbion's commitment to providing patients and stakeholders with new solutions to treat this debilitating complication of diabetes."

"We are delighted to be working with Microbion in this randomized clinical study to assess the effects of topical pravibismane in chronic diabetic foot ulcer infections," said Dr. Anna Sanchez, DPM, President of Bio-X-Cell Research, LLC, and a participating clinical investigator in the study. "One of the biggest unmet needs are advances to treat infection and accelerate healing in people with diabetes. Our hope is that this innovative approach will advance our ability to treat high-risk patients and prevent amputations."

"We are excited to evaluate topical pravibismane's efficacy in closing wounds and reducing the need for amputations in our patients suffering from chronic diabetic foot ulcer infection," said Dr. Shawn Cazzell, DPM, FAPWCA, FAPWH, Chief Medical Officer, Division of Chronic Wound and Podiatric Research at Limb Preservation Platform, Inc., and a participating clinical investigator in the study. "Given the growth of diabetes in our aging population and rise in DFU infections, novel agents, such as topical pravibismane, are needed to bolster the armamentarium for simple to use treatment options that manage infected, chronic ulcers and their associated biofilms to advance healing."

Approximately 28.5 million adults in the US are diagnosed with diabetes, of which 15  25% are at risk of developing foot ulcers.1,3 More than half of diabetic foot ulcers become infected.4 DFU infections remain the most frequent diabetic complication requiring hospitalization and are the most common precipitating event leading to lower extremity amputation.5 Furthermore, recent studies suggest that many DFU infections are caused by bacteria in a biofilm mode.5 The direct cost of diabetes in the U.S. in 2017 was $237 billion, of which one-third of these direct costs were attributable to care for diabetic foot disease.2

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Diabetes Statistics Report website. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/index.html. Accessed March 8, 2023 . Armstrong , DG et al. Five year mortality and direct costs of care for people with diabetic foot complications are comparable to cancer. J Foot Ankle Res. 2020;13:16. doi: 10.1186/s13047-020-00383-2 Lavery LA, Davis KE, Berriman SJ, et al. WHS guidelines update: Diabetic foot ulcer treatment guidelines. Wound Repair Regen. 2016;24(1):11226. doi: 10.1111/wrr.12391 Armstrong , DG, Boulton, AJM, and Bus, SA. Diabetic foot ulcers and their recurrence. N Engl J Med. 2017;376:2367-75. doi: 10.1056/NEJMra1615439 Lipsky et al. Guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of foot infection in persons with diabetes (IWGDF 2019 update). Diab Metab Res Rev. 2020. e3280. doi: 10.1002/dmrr.3280

About Microbion

Microbion is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing a new class of therapeutic compounds to improve the lives of patients with rare and serious diseases. Microbion's lead drug candidate, pravibismane, is the first product in this new class and has multiple novel mechanisms of action offering unique potential to address the unmet needs of chronic and severe health conditions. The Company is advancing inhaled pravibismane in Phase 1 clinical development for the treatment of chronic lung diseases, including non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and cystic fibrosis-related lung infections. Topical/local pravibismane is in Phase 2 development for the treatment of chronic wounds and orthopedic infections. Pravibismane has received backing from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, NIH, US DoD, and CARB-X with over $21 million in grants. The FDA has granted pravibismane with Orphan Drug, Fast Track, and QIDP designations.

For more information visit: www.microbioncorp.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain of the statements made in this press release are forward-looking, such as those, among others, relating to the success of clinical development of pravibismane and preparation for potential commercialization. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those anticipated, including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties related to: our ability to enroll patients in our clinical trials at the pace that we project; the size and growth of the potential markets for pravibismane or any future product candidates and our ability to serve those markets; our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval of pravibismane or any future product candidates; and our expectations regarding the potential safety, efficacy or clinical utility of pravibismane or any future product candidates. Actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected or implied in these forward-looking statements. Microbion Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

US Government Funding Disclaimer

Efforts described herein were partially sponsored by the Government under Other Transactions Number W81XWH-15-9-0001. The U.S. Government is authorized to reproduce and distribute reprints for Governmental purposes notwithstanding any copyright notation thereon. The views and conclusions contained herein are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as necessarily representing the official policies or endorsements, either expressed or implied, of the U.S. Government.

SOURCE Microbion Corporation
Mixed-Use Community Adds 194 Apartment Homes, Retail to Charming Eastside Atlanta Locale

DECATUR, Ga., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mill Creek Residential , a leading developer, owner-operator and investment manager specializing in premier rental housing across the U.S., today announced that move-ins are underway at Modera Decatur , a contemporary mixed-use apartment community in the thriving eastside Atlanta community of Decatur.

The five-story midrise, which features 194 apartment homes and approximately 24,250 feet of ground-floor retail space, expands the northern block of Downtown Decatur and boasts one of the most walkable locales in the metropolitan area. A one-block walk from historic Decatur Square, the community has a superb Walk Score of 95 and features large floor plans, with apartment home interiors approximately 15% to 20% larger than standard market-rate homes.

"Decatur is one of the most charismatic locales in the Atlanta area and continues to become an even more attractive living destination," said Patrick Chesser , senior managing director of development in Atlanta for Mill Creek. "Decatur has the unique character of a small town situated in a big city. Residents will have access to a wide array of music, arts and food attractions within walking distance and easy access into the key points of interest of Metro Atlanta."

Situated at 163 Clairemont Avenue, Modera Decatur is built to meet green building standards established by the National Association of Home Builders. The community sits 750 feet from the Decatur Marta Station, which provides rapid connectivity to Midtown and the greater metropolitan area. Within Decatur, residents will have access to a diverse contingent of restaurants and bars, the popular DeKalb Farmers Market and several seasonal culture events, such as the Decatur Art Festival and Decatur Lantern Parade.

Modera Decatur is positioned approximately five minutes from the Clifton Corridor, which is home to four of Atlanta's top employers. That includes Emory University, Emory Hospital, Egleston Hospital and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters, which combine for nearly 50,000 employees. The community is also a 15-minute drive via Ponce de Leon Avenue to Ponce City Market, the Atlanta Beltline and the employment centers of Midtown and Downtown Atlanta.

Modera Decatur offers one-, two- and three-bedroom homes with select den layouts available. Community amenities include a stylish rooftop deck with stunning city views, resort-style swimming pool with tanning ledge, community courtyard and coffee bar, resident clubhouse with gathering spaces and demonstration kitchen, coworking spaces with leasable smart working offices, pet park and spa, and a 24-hour club-quality fitness studio with a professional training staff, steam room, dry sauna and TRX stations. Residents will also have access to a climate-controlled package room, controlled-access garage parking, EV-charging stations, dedicated bike storage and the option to schedule package deliveries directly to their home.

Apartment interiors include a variety of deluxe features, including gourmet kitchens with custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, subway-style tile backsplashes, wood plank-style flooring, nine- and 10-foot ceilings, designer lighting, full-sized washers and dryers, and a smart home package that includes keyless entry, USB ports and smart thermostats. Bathrooms include dual entries, dual vanities and quartz countertops. Homes also feature large windows for ample natural light, private patios or balconies and movable kitchen islands.

About Mill Creek Residential

Mill Creek Residential Trust LLC is a national rental housing company focused on the development, acquisition and operation of rental communities in targeted markets nationwide. The national company, headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida proactively develops, acquires, constructs and operates communities through its seasoned team of real estate professionals in offices across the United States. Mill Creek is building its portfolio in many of the nation's most desirable markets in Seattle, Portland, the San Francisco Bay area, Southern California, Phoenix, Denver, Dallas, Austin, Houston, South Florida, Tampa, Orlando, Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte, Raleigh, Washington, D.C., New Jersey, New York, and Boston. As of September 30, 2022, the company's portfolio is comprised of 125 communities representing over 33,875 rental homes that are operating and/or under construction. For more information, please visit www.MillCreekPlaces.com .

Media Contact

Stephen Ursery

LinnellTaylor Marketing

[email protected]

303.682.3945

SOURCE Mill Creek Residential
Mitsubishi Motors ranks first among 18 mass-market brands, second overall

With a 30-point increase over the 2022 score, Mitsubishi Motors posted the largest year-over-year improvement of any mass market marque in the Study

In addition to number-one Mass Market Brand, Mitsubishi Motors earns new Mass Market SUV segment award

All-encompassing effort by MMNA and dealer partners across every touchpoint of the customer relationship results in steady climb to the top

FRANKLIN, Tenn., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time in the 43-year history of the J.D. Power U.S. Customer Service Index (CSI) Study, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) ranked first in the mass-market segment in the annual study of customer satisfaction with service at new-vehicle dealerships. Announced today, 2023 CSI results have Mitsubishi scoring highest among 18 mass-market brands, and second overall. Mitsubishi's 2023 CSI score of 884 was 14 points higher than its nearest rival, and represented a 30-point year-over-year improvement, the greatest among all mass market brands.

Mitsubishi Motors tops the mass-market segment in JD Powers 2023 Customer Service Index Study

"From our in-house staff at MMNA, to our field reps across the country, to all of our dealer partners nationwide, we've all dedicated ourselves to giving Mitsubishi Motors customers the best experience possible," said Mark Chaffin, President & CEO, MMNA. "Our hard work has paid off  both for us and our customers. After we finished tenth in the mass market segment in the Study in 2018, it made us question everything that we were doing. Now to see us ranking first among all mass-market brands in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. CSI Study, well, this is truly an accomplishment worth celebrating. Thanks and congratulations to the entire team on this milestone achievement."

New this year, the J.D. Power U.S. CSI Study includes model segment rankings to provide even more granularity about the service experience based on customer preferences, vehicle use and more. Mitsubishi Motors not only earned the J.D. Power Award for ranking first among all Mass Market Brands evaluated, the three-diamond brand also took top honors in the new Mass Market SUV segment.

Mitsubishi Motors' top ranking in the 2023 U.S. CSI study is the realization of a multi-year effort focused on improving its corporate and retail operations to encompass every touchpoint of the customer relationship with their vehicle as well as the shopping, purchase and service experiences. Mitsubishi's 30-point year-over-year improvement  the most of any mass market brand in the study  capped a climb from tenth place in mass-market in 2018. The brand's CSI success follows two straight years of year-on-year retail sales growth, and the successful launches of the brand's award-winning Outlander and Outlander PHEV flagship vehicles1.

The annual J.D. Power U.S. CSI Study examines customer satisfaction with maintenance and repair service at new-vehicle dealerships. Owners of one to three-year-old vehicles are surveyed regarding their most recent dealership service experience for both in-warranty and customer-pay service work. The study examines satisfaction in five measures of service experience  Service Initiation, Service Advisor, Service Facility, Vehicle Pick-up and Service Quality  to calculate Overall CSI scores.

For more information on the full lineup of Mitsubishi vehicles, visit MitsubishiCars.com.

For more information on MMNA, visit media.mitsubishicars.com.

Disclaimers

1. Outlander has been named to Ward's 10 Best Interiors list, Outlander PHEV has been named Green Car Journal's Green SUV of the Year and Puros Autos Latin Flavor SUV of the Year, among other awards

ABOUT MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Through a network of approximately 330 dealer partners across the United States, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is responsible for the sales, marketing and customer service of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles in the U.S. In its Environmental Targets 2030, MMNA's parent company Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has set a goal of a 40 percent reduction in the CO2 emissions of its new cars by 2030 through leveraging EVs  with PHEVs as the centerpiece  to help create a sustainable society.

MMNA has its headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee, as well as corporate operations in California, Georgia, Michigan, New Jersey, Texas, and Florida.

For more information on Mitsubishi vehicles, please visit media.mitsubishicars.com.

Contact

Jeremy Barnes

Senior Director, Communications and Events

[email protected]

Mobile: 714-296-1402

SOURCE Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
Major franchise agreement awarded to successful Oklahoma entrepreneur kicks off 2023 on a high note for the legacy brand

FORT WORTH, Texas, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mr Gatti's Pizza, the beloved pizza restaurant chain, confirmed today plans to open 17 new, franchised units across Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri over the next six years. The development is part of the brand's ongoing initiatives to grow its national footprint to bring its famous pizza and unique gaming experience to more families and pizza fans.

"Mr Gatti's is on an incredible growth trajectory right now, with 130+ restaurants open and in development across 12 states," said Travis Smith, vice president of marketing at Mr. Gatti's Pizza. "This deal is significant for both the number of locations awarded and the expansion of our brand's presence in key markets, particularly Oklahoma, where we're re-entering after seven years."

The franchise owner and experienced restaurant operator behind the 17-unit deal is Brent Swadley, who is passionate about the Mr Gatti's brand and "food first" commitment to quality. Swadley is the founder and president of Swadley BBQ, the largest BBQ provider in the state of Oklahoma, with eight stores, a catering kitchen and Swadley's Emergency Relief Team.

"I grew up with Mr Gatti's and it's an honor to now join the MGP family," said Brent Swadley. "Mr. Gatti's has an incredible leadership team dedicated to restoring and growing the brand with a continued focus on using high-quality ingredients and providing exceptional service in a food-first, family-centric atmosphere."

For more information about Mr Gatti's Pizza franchise, visit gattispizzafranchise.com

About Mr Gatti's Pizza

Mr Gatti's Pizza, based in Fort Worth, Texas, first opened its doors as The Pizza Place in Stephenville, Texas, in 1964. With a move to Austin in 1969 also came a name change, which paid tribute to the wife of founder James Eure's maiden name: Gatti. By the 1970s, the chain was experiencing dramatic growth having introduced the idea of high-quality dining and gaming combined in a single location. Mr Gatti's has become a household name in the markets we serve. James Eure's vision is now represented by more than 130 restaurants open and in development operating throughout Texas and the Southeastern U.S. More information is available at mrgattispizza.com or by calling 817-546-3500.

For more information, contact:

Marcella Winfiele, BizCom Associates

832-314-8565 | [email protected]

SOURCE Mr Gatti's Pizza
WASHINGTON, March 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Administrator Bill Nelson will broadcast his annual State of NASA remarks at 3 p.m. EST on Thursday, March 9. The event will air on NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency's website.

The State of NASA address coincides with the Biden-Harris Administration's fiscal year 2024 budget proposal release earlier in the day and will include top-level information. The President's full budget proposal for NASA and supporting information will post online about 10 a.m. EDT, Monday, March 13, and the agency will hold a follow-up media call.

In his remarks Thursday, Nelson will highlight the agency's plans to explore the Moon and Mars, monitor and protect the planet, sustain U.S. leadership in aviation and aerospace innovation, drive economic growth and promote equity and diversity within the agency and across the nation, while inspiring the next generation of explorers for the benefit of humanity.

On Monday, NASA's Associate Administrator Bob Cabana and Chief Financial Officer Margaret Vo Schaus will host a media teleconference at 1 p.m., to discuss the Biden-Harris Administration's fiscal year 2024 funding request for the agency. Senior leaders from each of NASA's mission directorates also will be available during the call.

Audio from the budget briefing will stream live on NASA's website.

Media interested in participating in the teleconference must RSVP no later than two priors to the start of the call to Abbey Donaldson at [email protected].

The schedule of activities is based on the president's budget release on Thursday and is subject to change. The budget proposal for NASA and supporting information will be available at:

https://www.nasa.gov/budget

SOURCE NASA
FORMER GLOBAL PRESIDENT OF COTY LUXURY AND L'OREAL SENIOR EXECUTIVE TO LEAD FRAGRANCE BRAND DURING ITS NEXT CHAPTER OF GROWTH

NEW YORK, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NEST New York, a leading fragrance lifestyle brand, announced the appointment of Edgar Huber as Chief Executive Officer, effective March 1. Huber brings to NEST more than 30 years of executive leadership experience at several leading consumer products companies managing some of the most recognizable brand names in global beauty, apparel, and lifestyle.

NEST NEW YORK NAMES EDGAR HUBER CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Huber most recently served as Global Chief Commercial Officer of Consumer Beauty, Luxury, and Professional Beauty Products at Coty, Inc., and, prior to that, as President of Coty Luxury, during which time the company became the worldwide leader in prestige fragrances. Before joining Coty, Huber served as President and CEO of the iconic American lifestyle brand Lands' End from 2011 to 2015. Beginning in 1992, he worked at L'Oreal for more than 15 years in various brand and market leadership positions managing a portfolio of global beauty brands that included Lancome, Kiehl's Since 1851, YSL Beauty, Giorgio Armani Cosmetics, Ralph Lauren Fragrances, and Viktor & Rolf. Huber started his career at Mars, Inc.

"I am very excited to join NEST New York and partner with its Founder Laura Slatkin, the talented NEST team, and lead investor groups North Castle Partners and Eurazeo to expand this beautiful brand to its full global potential," said Edgar Huber. "As a longtime admirer and customer of the brand, I have had my eye on it for many years. NEST has become a deeply beloved, sought-after brand that is uniquely positioned in the fragrance market to attract and delight new customers all over the world."

"To say that I feel privileged and honored to welcome Edgar Huber as NEST's next CEO is a broad understatement," said Laura Slatkin, Founder and Executive Chairman of NEST New York. "Edgar is a strategic and highly respected business leader whose impressive experience, global gravitas, and proven track record will surely put NEST on the fast track to achieving our ambitious growth plan. I am very much looking forward to partnering closely with Edgar as we embark on this journey together."

Huber succeeds Maria Dempsey who served as CEO of NEST since January 2019 and departs the company for a new opportunity. Commenting on Dempsey's tenure as CEO, Slatkin said, "I am very grateful to have had the experience of working with Maria Dempsey. Under her leadership, company revenues more than doubled and NEST became a stronger, more profitable brand with an enviable company culture in which our employees feel supported, appreciated, and inspired. I wish her all the best in her future endeavors."

"We are thrilled to partner with Edgar who brings his extraordinary experience and capabilities to the NEST organization as we execute on a shared vision to grow the brand into an international fragrance powerhouse," said Hemanshu Patel, Partner at North Castle Partners. "He is highly regarded as a values-based leader who we believe complements Laura and the existing team extremely well."

Huber is a Senior Advisor at Blackstone Group and a Board Director at Supergoop! He earned a Master of Business Administration from Wirtschaftsuniversitat Wien (Vienna University of Economics and Business), Vienna, Austria, and holds management-related certificates from the HEC Paris International Management Program, the INSEAD and CEDEP General Management Program, and the Senior Leadership Program at Harvard Business School. Huber lives in the New York City area with his wife and daughter.

About NEST New York

NEST New York is a fast-growing, leading fragrance lifestyle brand offering a full range of innovative and award-winning home, fine, personal care, and fragrance technology products. Launched in 2008 by fragrance authority Laura Slatkin, NEST products have captured the hearts and households of so many people. In 2022, North Castle Partners, a consumer-focused private equity firm, purchased a majority stake in the brand. NEST is known for its outstanding product quality, extraordinary fragrances, and timeless, classic design. The brand's products are sold through a growing network of beauty specialty stores, luxury department stores, boutiques and spas, and the brand's online hub NESTNewYork.com.

SOURCE NEST New York
DUBLIN, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Next Generation Network OSS and BSS Market by Infrastructure, Components, Applications, and Services 2023 - 2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Building upon coverage for over sixteen years, the report Next Generation Network OSS and BSS Market by Infrastructure, Components, Applications, and Services 2023 to 2028 provides the most comprehensive coverage of NGN OSS/BSS including opportunities driven by 5G, data analytics, and IoT.

Select Report Findings:

The overall global NGN OSS/BSS market will reach $91.2 billion by 2028

by 2028 Authentication and authorization will reach $9.8 billion globally by 2028

globally by 2028 Billing automation and settlement will reach $8.7 billion globally by 2028

globally by 2028 NGN OSS/BSS in mobile networks will reach $53.3 billion globally by 2028

globally by 2028 Global 5G networks will account for $13.1 billion of NGN OSS/BSS by 2028

of NGN OSS/BSS by 2028 NGN OSS/BSS support for IoT solutions will reach $23.7 billion globally by 2028

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the drivers and issues related to the technical and business aspects of the next-generation OSS BSS market, deployments, and operations issues, and quantitative analysis with forecasts for anticipated growth through 2028 including the following emerging areas:

IoT Platforms, OSS and Billing, Data Management

5G Operations Support including Network Slicing Management

Mobile Edge Computing including Infrastructure, Apps, and Services

The report includes specific recommendations for Next Generation Network OSS BSS vendors, CSPs, Enterprise, and infrastructure suppliers for 5G and IoT systems and solutions.

Questions answered in the report include:

What changes will take place in the OSS/BSS vendor landscape?

How will NGN affect current OSS/BSS architecture and modules?

How will emerging technologies impact the legacy OSS/BSS systems?

How will NGN OSS/BSS systems need to support the Internet of Things (IoT)?

What kind of transformation will take place in legacy OSS/BSS to the next generation systems?

What will be the implications of NGN OSS/BSS in terms of managing telecom business operations?

What are the impacts on managed and cloud services including social media, business intelligence, and analytics?

The Next Generation Network OSS BSS market provides capabilities that have become an absolute requirement for Communication Service Providers (CSP) of all types including integrated legacy carriers (fixed, wireless, and cable/Internet), Multiple System Operators (MSO), and Over-the-Top (OTT) providers.

When we first began coverage of the Next Generation Network OSS BSS market in 2007, it was driven largely by two things: (1) The need to consolidate operational support and billing as well as (2) Prepare for next-generation IP-based networks and services. While these are still two very important reasons for CSPs to leverage NGN OSS BSS platforms, there are now many more reasons:

Fifth Generation (5G) Cellular: Requirements for Next Generation Network OSS BSS market support for Network Slicing in 5G, both in terms of administration of slice allocations (including SLA) as well as billing for slices and usage. CSPs will also require Next-Gen OSS BSS for support of massive IoT systems enabled by 5G.

Internet of Things (IoT): Presenting many issues and opportunities, IoT will require operational support for intermediation between networks and systems. In addition, IoT Billing and Settlement represents a significant near-term growth area for the Next Generation OSS BSS market. Longer-term, IoT Authentication and Authorization and the use of Blockchain will also emerge as a key area reliant upon NGN OSS.

Next-Generation Apps and Services: As a result of 5G in particular, there will be many next-generation services, many of which will be highly immersive such as the Virtual Reality market. New business models will emerge for VR and other next-gen apps that will require Next Generation Network OSS BSS support. For example, CSPs will need to support virtual identity as well as bridge the virtual and real worlds with Mixed Reality offerings. These areas will require operational support.

Report Benefits:

Technical evaluation of OSS and BSS in next-generation networks

Identify market potential by service components of OSS/BSS functions

Understand the market dynamics regarding legacy vs. next generation

Understand the drivers and timing for evolution to next-generation OSS/BSS

Understand opportunities for NGN OSS/BSS in support of IoT networks and data

Identify companies and their services, products, and solutions for next-generation OSS/BSS

Identify emerging technologies, third networks, and standards supporting solutions for next-generation OSS/BSS

Recognize the opportunities for next-generation OSS across many different service, solution and product categories

Detailed market forecasts for OSS/BSS including IoT Billing, Settlement, Authentication, and Authorization 2023 to 2028

Key Topics Covered:

1.0 Executive Summary

2.0 Introduction

2.1 What is Next Generation Network?

2.2 NGN vs. Existing Networks

2.2.1.1 Packet Network

2.2.1.2 Transport Technologies

2.2.1.3 Independent Technologies

2.2.1.4 Unfettered Access

2.2.1.5 Mobility

2.3 What is NGN OSS BSS?

2.4 NGN OSS BSS Market Drivers

2.4.1 Increasing Interests from Telecom Operator and Solution Vendors

2.4.2 Enhanced Performance with Access Technologies

2.4.3 Reduction of Excessive Dependency of Vendor Solution

2.4.4 Positive Impact on Return on Investment

2.5 NGN OSS BSS Market Challenges

2.5.1 Requirement of Large-Scale Capital Expenditure to Deploy the Solution

2.5.2 Operational Challenges

2.5.3 Integration of Private Networks and Applications with Public Networks

2.5.4 Quality of Service Disparities

2.5.5 Regulatory Challenges including National Security and Competitive Policies

2.5.6 Carrier Business Models, NGN Challenges, and Role of CSPs

3.0 Legacy vs. Next Generation OSS and BSS

3.1 NGN OSS BSS

3.1.1 NGN OSS BSS Functions and Components

3.1.2 NGN OSS BSS Architecture

3.2 NGN OSS BSS Stakeholder Roles

3.3 NGN OSS BSS Managed Service Model

3.4 NGN OSS Architecture

3.5 Legacy OSS Architecture

3.5.1 Telecommunication Management Network

3.5.1.1 TMN 4-layer Model

3.5.1.2 FCAPS Model

3.5.2 Simple Network Management Protocol

3.5.3 Common Management Information Protocol

3.6 Frameworx

3.6.1 Framework to Integrate Customization Demands

3.6.2 NGOSS Terminology

3.6.3 Technology Neutral Architecture

3.7 Core Framework

3.7.1 The Application Framework

3.7.2 Business Process Framework

3.7.3 Information Framework

3.7.4 NGOSS Compliance Tests

3.7.5 The NGOSS Lifecycle

3.7.6 APIs and Interfaces

3.7.7 OSS/J

3.7.8 Middleware

3.7.9 Service Delivery Platforms

3.8 Service Oriented Architecture

3.8.1 Service Oriented Application Protocol

3.8.2 Web Services

3.8.3 Extensible Markup Language

3.8.4 Enterprise Application Integration

3.8.5 Enterprise Service Bus

3.8.6 Model-Driven Architecture

3.8.7 Information Technology Infrastructure Library

4.0 Important NGN OSS/BSS Technology Considerations

4.1 Fifth Generation Cellular

4.2 Artificial Intelligence

4.3 Big Data and Telecom Analytics

4.4 Computing Evolution

4.4.1 Cloud Computing

4.4.2 Multi-Access Edge Computing

4.4.3 Next Generation Computing

4.5 Datacenter Evolution

4.6 Device Evolution

4.6.1 Connected Devices

4.6.2 Embedded Intelligence

4.6.3 Wearable Technology

4.7 Digital Transformation of Smart Infrastructure

4.7.1 Smart Homes

4.7.2 Smart Buildings

4.7.3 Smart Cities

4.7.4 Smart Workplace

4.8 Immersive Technologies

4.8.1 Augmented Reality

4.8.2 Virtual Reality

4.8.3 Mixed Reality

4.8.4 AR, VR, MR, and Big Data

4.8.5 Haptic Internet

4.9 Internet of Things and Machine to Machine

4.9.1 IoT BSS to Manage Complexity and Monetization

4.9.2 Smart Revenue Sharing Model

4.9.3 IoT OSS BSS Architecture

4.10 Network Operator Infrastructure Evolution

4.10.1 Network Function Virtualization and Software Defined Networks

4.10.2 Carrier Ethernet and Lifecycle Orchestration

4.10.3 Wireless Network Evolution

4.10.3.1 Wide Area Network Evolution

4.10.3.2 Low-Power Wide Area Networks

4.10.4 Wireless Network Optimization

4.10.4.1 The Move to Heterogeneous Networks

4.10.4.2 Self Organizing Networks (SON)

4.10.4.3 Next Generation Radio Access Networks

4.11 Service Delivery Evolution

4.11.1 Over the Top Service Delivery Model

4.11.2 Programmable Telecom, Open Source, and Telecom APIs

4.12 Solutions for Enterprise and Industrial Segments

4.12.1 Industrial Automation and Robotics

4.12.2 Teleoperation, Digital Twins, and Cloud Robotics

4.13 Technology Convergence

5.0 NGN OSS/BSS Value Chain Analysis

5.1 Legacy OSS BSS and the Multi-Vendor Market

5.2 NGN OSS Market: Plug N Play

5.3 NGN ISS BSS M&A Analysis

5.4 NGN OSS BSS Solutions and Offerings

5.4.1 OSS BSS Managed Services

5.4.2 OSS BSS COTS Products

5.4.3 Pure OSS/BSS Vendors

5.4.4 Composite Vendors

5.4.5 Core Strength BSS Vendor

5.4.6 Core Strength OSS Vendor

5.5 Legacy OSS to NGN OSS BSS Transformation

6.0 Cloud-based Billing for Telecom Companies

6.1 Cloud Creates Opportunities for OSS/BSS

6.2 Transformation Journey to Cloud Billing

6.3 Cloud versus On-Premise Billing

6.4 Billing Platform Features

6.5 Telecom Billing Service Types

7.0 Telecom Cloud Billing Case Studies

7.1.1 Convergent Billing Solution

7.1.2 Next Generation Billing Solution Implementation

7.1.3 Telecom Resellers Connect Integrated Billing

7.1.4 Prepaid and Post-paid Real-time Billing and Customer-Care System

7.1.5 End-to-End Charging and Billing Solution for Wireless Broadband

8.0 NGN OSS/BSS Company and Solution Analysis

9.0 NGN OSS BSS Market Forecast 2023 - 2028

10.0 Conclusions and Recommendations

11.0 Appendix One: 5G Network Slicing Market Analysis and Forecasts

12.0 Appendix Two: 5G IoT Market Analysis and Forecasts

13.0 Appendix Three: IoT Billing & Settlement Market Analysis and Forecasts

Companies Mentioned

Accedian

Accenture

Advanced VoIP

advantage360

AdvOSS

Alcatel-Lucent

Amdocs

Aricent

Aruba Networks

ASC technologies

Ascom Network Testing

AsiaInfo

Astellia

Avotus

Azure Solutions

Bill Perfect , Inc.

, Inc. BSG Clearing Solutions

CBOSS

Centina Systems

Cerillion Technologies

Cherwell

Cisco

Comarch

Comptel Corporation

Convergys

CSG International

CustomCall Data Systems

cVidya

Digital Route AB

Dorado Software

Elitecore Technologies

Enghouse Networks

Ericsson

ETI Software Solutions

Evolving Systems

EXFO

Formula Telecom Solutions

GE

H2O by Overgroup

Hewlett-Packard

Huawei Technologies

IBM

InfoGix

Infovista

INOC

Intec

Intraway Corporation

ItsOn

Juniper Networks

Kapsch CarrierCom

Level 3 Communication

LogiSense

LogNet System

Matrixx Software

MaxBill

MDS

MEF

MegaSoft

Metratech

MindCTI

Mobinets

MycomOSI

Nakina Systems

Netadmin Systems

NetBoss Technologies

NetCracker Technology

Netformx

Neural Technologies

NMSWorks Software

Nokia Networks

Ontology Systems

OpenCloud

Openet

OpenVault

Operax

Oracle

OSSera

Overture Networks

Peter Service

RAD

RAO Infosystems

Redknee

Ribbon Communications

Sandvine

SAP

SevOne

Sicap

Sigma Systems

Skyline Communications

Sonus Networks

Spirent

Subex

SynchronOSS

Tail-f Systems

Telarix

Telco Systems

TEOCO

TIA

UBIqube

Ushacomm

VAS-X

Ventraq (NetPlus)

Veryx technologies

VPIsystems

WebNMS

Xalted

XINTEC

Xura

ZIRA Ltd.

ZTE Corporation

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/t6cik9

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SOURCE Research and Markets
The National Sleep Foundation Marks the 25th Anniversary of Sleep Awareness Week by releasing important new public health findings from its annual Sleep in America Poll

WASHINGTON, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- To kick off the 25th anniversary of its Sleep Awareness Week which runs March 12-18, the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) has released new findings from their annual Sleep in America Poll. This year focused on exploring the important connection between sleep health and mental health in the general US adult population. The Poll found that adults with good sleep were also likely to be free of significant depressive symptoms. In fact, over 90% of adults with very good sleep health also reported an absence of elevated depressive symptoms.

The Poll focused on the important connection between sleep health and mental health in the general US adult population. Tweet this (PRNewsfoto/National Sleep Foundation)

Additional key results from the research show:

Almost 7 in 10 adults (65%) who are dissatisfied with their sleep experience mild or greater levels of depressive symptoms.





People with difficulties falling or staying asleep just 2 nights a week have higher levels of depressive symptoms than those without sleep difficulties.





50% of all adults who sleep less than the NSF-recommended 7-9 hours per night experience mild or greater levels of depressive symptoms.





Over 90% of adults who engage in high levels of healthy sleep behaviors, including the basics of NSF's Best Slept Self, have both good sleep health and report no significant depressive symptoms.

"In the day-to-day execution of our sleep health mission, we give lots of simple, evidence-based and consensus-driven tips and tools to help people get enough of the quality sleep they need. For this year's Poll, we were compelled to look again at the connection between sleep health and mental health conditions like depression," said John Lopos, National Sleep Foundation CEO.

Sleep health is critical to our overall health and well-being. This year's Sleep in America Poll findings come at a crucial time when the United States continues to address a national mental health crisis. Other leading public health organizations including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognize mental health as a critical issue facing our nation today.

An annual survey, the Sleep in America Poll is one of the longest-running records capturing U.S. perceptions, attitudes, and trends in sleep health. For the first time, this year's research combined a variety of sleep health tools, including NSF's validated Sleep Health Index and Sleep Satisfaction Tool, and its Best Slept Self Questionnaire, to assess the nation's sleep, and the PHQ-9 to evaluate depressive symptoms.

"One unique aspect of this year's research was how we combined NSF's multiple validated measures of the population's sleep health with an established measure of depressive symptoms to examine the link between sleep health and depressive symptoms in the general population," said Joseph Dzierzewski, PhD, Vice President of Research and Scientific Affairs at the National Sleep Foundation. "As a licensed clinician, I'd say there's never been a more important time to think about the strong connection between our sleep and mental health. Being your Best Slept Self can have meaning beyond sleep."

Sleep Awareness Week 2023 is sponsored through unrestricted funding and support from Primasun, Avadel, Eisai, Inc., Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Apnimed, Asleep, AYO, Harmony Biosciences, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals US Inc., NLS Pharmaceutics Ltd., Purecare, Samsung Health, Wayfair, and Higi. Additional collaborators include National PTA, Mental Health America, National Organizations for Youth Safety, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Sleep Research Society, and Drowsy Driving Prevention Project who help to promote NSF's sleep health messages.

For more sleep health information and to learn ways to help be your Best Slept Self, visit www.theNSF.org.

If you're still not getting the sleep you need after taking some basic steps, or if you have lasting symptoms, it's a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider. That's especially true if you are having challenges with your mood or feelings of depression. You are not alone. For anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, please seek care. Contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

About the National Sleep Foundation

The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation dedicated to improving health and well-being through sleep education and advocacy. Founded in 1990, the NSF is committed to advancing excellence in sleep health theory, research and practice. TheNSF.org  SleepHealthJournal.org

About the Sleep in America Poll

The Sleep in America Poll is the National Sleep Foundation's premier annual review of current sleep topics. The Poll was first conducted in 1991 and has been produced since 2018 by Langer Research Associates. The full Sleep in America Poll findings, including methodology, can be found at theNSF.org/sleep-in-america-polls/.

SOURCE National Sleep Foundation
Program Builds on Octane's Fast, Easy Experience with VIP Member Rewards and Service

NEW YORK, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Octane (Octane Lending Inc.), the fintech revolutionizing the buying experience for major recreational purchases, announced that it launched Octane Preferred , an innovative business-to-business (B2B) loyalty program with exclusive benefits. The multi-tiered program builds on Octane's fast and easy digital experience and is available to its over 4,000 enrolled powersports dealers.

Octane Preferred members receive white glove treatment and exclusive benefits, including early access to new products and customizable marketing tools that help dealers drive sales. Dealers earn status by funding deals through Octane's in-house lender, Roadrunner Financial, Inc. , and benefits increase with each tier of loyalty earned. Dealers can see the full list of benefits in their personalized dashboard and track their performance and progress to the next tier. Currently, Octane Preferred has two tiers, with more tiers and benefits rolling out in the coming months.

"We're thrilled to reward dealers for their business with our experiential loyalty program that adds VIP service and exclusive benefits to the speed and ease dealers already receive from Octane," said Onaisa Landis, Vice President of Marketing at Octane. "Octane Preferred is just one of the many ways that we're using innovation and technology to provide a better user experience and lead the industry forward."

After piloting Octane Preferred with a pool of select dealers in 2022, the program went live nationwide in March 2023. During the pilot, exclusive membership benefits saved dealers over 200,000 minutes spent processing funded applications. At the same time, Octane saw a 5% increase in retention among dealers in the pilot program.

Powersports dealers in the United States who do not currently offer financing through Roadrunner Financial can become eligible for Octane Preferred by enrolling here .

About Octane:

Octane  is revolutionizing recreational purchases by delivering a seamless, end-to-end digital buying experience. We connect people with their passions by combining cutting-edge technology and innovative risk strategies to make lifestyle purchaseslike powersports vehicles, RVs, and outdoor power equipmentfast, easy, and accessible.

Octane adds value throughout the customer journey: inspiring enthusiasts with our editorial brands, including Cycle World and UTV Driver , instantly prequalifying consumers for financing online, routing customers to dealerships for an easy closing, and supporting customers throughout their loan with superior loan servicing.

Founded in 2014, we're a remote-first company with over 30 OEM and 4,000 dealer partners. Visit www.octane.co .

Octane  is a registered service mark of Octane Lending, Inc.

Media Relations: Shannon O'Hara

Senior Director of Corporate Communications at Octane

[email protected]

Investor Relations: Kartik Kothari

SVP of Corporate Development and Investor Relations at Octane

[email protected]

SOURCE Octane
Q3 GAAP Earnings per Share $0.68 , Non-GAAP Earnings per Share $1.22

, Non-GAAP Earnings per Share Q3 Total Revenue $12.4 billion , up 18% in USD, up 21% in constant currency

, up 18% in USD, up 21% in constant currency Q3 Cloud Revenue (IaaS plus SaaS) $4.1 billion , up 45% in USD, up 48% in constant currency

, up 45% in USD, up 48% in constant currency Q3 Cloud Infrastructure (IaaS) Revenue $1.2 billion , up 55% in USD, up 57% in constant currency

, up 55% in USD, up 57% in constant currency Q3 Cloud Application (SaaS) Revenue $2.9 billion , up 42% in USD, up 44% in constant currency

, up 42% in USD, up 44% in constant currency Q3 Fusion Cloud ERP (SaaS) Revenue $0.7 billion , up 25% in USD, up 28% in constant currency

, up 25% in USD, up 28% in constant currency Q3 NetSuite Cloud ERP (SaaS) Revenue $0.7 billion , up 23% in USD, up 26% in constant currency

, up 23% in USD, up 26% in constant currency Oracle Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.40 per share, up 25% from $0.32

AUSTIN, Texas, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Oracle Corporation (NYSE: ORCL) today announced fiscal 2023 Q3 results. Total quarterly revenues were up 18% year-over-year in USD and up 21% in constant currency to $12.4 billion. Cloud services and license support revenues were up 17% in USD and up 20% in constant currency to $8.9 billion. Cloud license and on-premise license revenues were unchanged in USD and up 4% in constant currency to $1.3 billion. For the third quarter of fiscal 2023, Cerner contributed $1.5 billion to total revenues.

Q3 GAAP operating income was $3.3 billion. Non-GAAP operating income was $5.2 billion, up 8% in USD and up 11% in constant currency. GAAP operating margin was 26%, and non-GAAP operating margin was 42%. GAAP net income was $1.9 billion, and non-GAAP net income was $3.4 billion. Q3 GAAP earnings per share was $0.68 while non-GAAP earnings per share was $1.22. Without the impact of the U.S. dollar strengthening compared to foreign currencies, Oracle's reported Q3 non-GAAP earnings per share would have been 5 cents higher.

Short-term deferred revenues were $8.6 billion. Operating cash flow was $15.5 billion during the trailing twelve months.

"Oracle's non-GAAP earnings per share growth hit the high end of our guidanceup 13% in constant currency to $1.22," said Oracle CEO, Safra Catz. "Our strong quarterly earnings growth was driven by 48% constant currency growth for the total revenue of our two cloud businesses, infrastructure and applications. Oracle's cloud businesses now exceed $16 billion in annualized revenue. We remain the overwhelming market leader in Cloud ERP with approximately 10,000 Fusion ERP customers and over 34,000 NetSuite ERP customers. Our technically advanced and highly differentiated Gen2 infrastructure business continues to be in a hypergrowth phaseup 65% in Q3 in constant currency."

"Since June of last year when we acquired Cerner, that business has increased its healthcare contract base by approximately $5 billion," said Oracle Chairman and CTO, Larry Ellison. "We have signed a diverse set of new and expanding domestic and international customers including: the US Department of Defense, the US Department of Veterans Affairs, Hospital Groups in a dozen US States, multiple hospitals in the United Kingdom, multiple Provinces of Canada, the Australian Defense Forces, multiple hospitals in Puerto Rico and multiple countries in the Middle East. While we are pleased with this early success of the Cerner business, we expect the signing of new healthcare contracts to accelerate over the next few quarters."

Oracle also announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.40 per share of outstanding common stock, reflecting a 25% increase over the current quarterly dividend of $0.32. Larry Ellison, Oracle's Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Technology Officer, and largest stockholder, did not participate in the deliberation or the vote on this matter. This increased dividend will be paid to stockholders of record as of the close of business on April 11, 2023, with a payment date of April 24, 2023.

A sample list of customers which purchased Oracle Cloud services during the quarter will be available at www.oracle.com/customers/earnings/.

A list of recent technical innovations and announcements is available at www.oracle.com/news/.

To learn what industry analysts have been saying about Oracle's products and services see www.oracle.com/corporate/analyst-reports/.

Earnings Conference Call and Webcast

Oracle will hold a conference call and webcast today to discuss these results at 4:00 p.m. Central. A live and replay webcast will be available on the Oracle Investor Relations website at www.oracle.com/investor/.

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.

"Safe Harbor" Statement: Statements in this press release relating to Oracle's future plans, expectations, beliefs, intentions and prospects, including statements regarding our expectations for growing the Gen2 infrastructure and Cerner businesses, are "forward-looking statements" and are subject to material risks and uncertainties. Risks and uncertainties that could affect our current expectations and our actual results, include, among others: our ability to develop new products and services, integrate acquired products and services and enhance our existing products and services; supply chain constraints and third-party manufacturing and logistics delays; significant coding, manufacturing or configuration errors in our offerings; risks associated with acquisitions; the COVID-19 pandemic; economic, political and market conditions; information technology system failures, privacy concerns and cybersecurity breaches; unfavorable legal proceedings, government investigations, and complex and changing laws and regulations. A detailed discussion of these factors and other risks that affect our business is contained in our SEC filings, including our most recent reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q, particularly under the heading "Risk Factors." Copies of these filings are available online from the SEC or by contacting Oracle's Investor Relations Department at (650) 506-4073 or by clicking on SEC Filings on the Oracle Investor Relations website at www.oracle.com/investor/. All information set forth in this press release is current as of March 9, 2023. Oracle undertakes no duty to update any statement in light of new information or future events.





















ORACLE CORPORATION





















Q3 FISCAL 2023 FINANCIAL RESULTS

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS



($ in millions, except per share data)

























Three Months Ended February 28,

% Increase







% Increase (Decrease)









% of

% of (Decrease) in Constant







2023 Revenues 2022 Revenues in US $ Currency (1)



REVENUES

















Cloud services and license support $ 8,923 72 % $ 7,637 73 % 17 % 20 %





Cloud license and on-premise license 1,288 10 % 1,289 12 % 0 % 4 %





Hardware 811 7 % 798 8 % 2 % 4 %





Services 1,376 11 % 789 7 % 74 % 80 %





Total revenues 12,398 100 % 10,513 100 % 18 % 21 %



OPERATING EXPENSES

















Cloud services and license support 1,980 16 % 1,305 13 % 52 % 54 %





Hardware 244 2 % 244 2 % 0 % 2 %





Services 1,215 10 % 669 7 % 81 % 87 %





Sales and marketing 2,150 18 % 2,004 19 % 7 % 10 %





Research and development 2,146 17 % 1,816 17 % 18 % 20 %





General and administrative 402 3 % 335 3 % 20 % 22 %





Amortization of intangible assets 886 7 % 279 3 % 217 % 217 %





Acquisition related and other 37 0 % 20 0 % 90 % 95 %





Restructuring 78 1 % 19 0 % 311 % 337 %





Total operating expenses 9,138 74 % 6,691 64 % 37 % 39 %



OPERATING INCOME 3,260 26 % 3,822 36 % (15 %) (11 %)





Interest expense (908) (7 %) (667) (6 %) 36 % 36 %





Non-operating expenses, net (134) (1 %) (315) (3 %) (57 %) (57 %)



INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 2,218 18 % 2,840 27 % (22 %) (17 %)





Provision for income taxes 322 3 % 521 5 % (38 %) (35 %)



NET INCOME $ 1,896 15 % $ 2,319 22 % (18 %) (13 %)



EARNINGS PER SHARE:

















Basic $ 0.70

$ 0.87











Diluted $ 0.68

$ 0.84









WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:

















Basic 2,698

2,670











Diluted 2,776

2,754













































































































(1) We compare the percent change in the results from one period to another period using constant currency disclosure. We present constant currency information to provide a framework for assessing how our underlying businesses performed excluding the effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations. To present this information, current and comparative prior period results for entities reporting in currencies other than United States dollars are converted into United States dollars at the exchange rates in effect on May 31, 2022, which was the last day of our prior fiscal year, rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the respective periods. Movements in international currencies relative to the United States dollar during the three months ended February 28, 2023 compared with the corresponding prior year period decreased our total revenues by 3 percentage points, total operating expenses by 2 percentage points and operating income by 4 percentage points.























































































ORACLE CORPORATION









































Q3 FISCAL 2023 FINANCIAL RESULTS RECONCILIATION OF SELECTED GAAP MEASURES TO NON-GAAP MEASURES (1) ($ in millions, except per share data)















































Three Months Ended February 28,

% Increase (Decrease)

in US $ % Increase (Decrease) in

Constant Currency (2)





2023





2023



2022





2022

GAAP Non-GAAP GAAP Non-GAAP







GAAP

Adj.

Non-GAAP



GAAP

Adj.

Non-GAAP













































TOTAL REVENUES

$ 12,398

$ -

$ 12,398



$ 10,513

$ -

$ 10,513

18 % 18 % 21 % 21 %











































TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES

$ 9,138

$ (1,925)

$ 7,213



$ 6,691

$ (992)

$ 5,699

37 % 27 % 39 % 29 %



Stock-based compensation (3)

924

(924)

-



674

(674)

-

37 % * 37 % *



Amortization of intangible assets (4)

886

(886)

-



279

(279)

-

217 % * 217 % *



Acquisition related and other

37

(37)

-



20

(20)

-

90 % * 95 % *



Restructuring

78

(78)

-



19

(19)

-

311 % * 337 % *

OPERATING INCOME

$ 3,260

$ 1,925

$ 5,185



$ 3,822

$ 992

$ 4,814

(15 %) 8 % (11 %) 11 %

OPERATING MARGIN %

26 %





42 %



36 %





46 %

(1,006) bp. (397) bp. (955) bp. (371) bp.

INCOME TAX EFFECTS (5)

$ 322

$ 439

$ 761



$ 521

$ 209

$ 730

(38 %) 4 % (35 %) 9 %

NET INCOME

$ 1,896

$ 1,486

$ 3,382



$ 2,319

$ 783

$ 3,102

(18 %) 9 % (13 %) 13 %

DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE

$ 0.68





$ 1.22



$ 0.84





$ 1.13

(19 %) 8 % (14 %) 13 %

DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON

SHARES OUTSTANDING

2,776

-

2,776



2,754

-

2,754

1 % 1 % 1 % 1 %





















































































(1) This presentation includes non-GAAP measures. Our non-GAAP measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable GAAP measures, and should be read only in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. For a detailed explanation of the adjustments made to comparable GAAP measures, the reasons why management uses these measures, the usefulness of these measures and the material limitations on the usefulness of these measures, please see Appendix A.











































(2) We compare the percent change in the results from one period to another period using constant currency disclosure. We present constant currency information to provide a framework for assessing how our underlying businesses performed excluding the effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations. To present this information, current and comparative prior period results for entities reporting in currencies other than United States dollars are converted into United States dollars at the exchange rates in effect on May 31, 2022, which was the last day of our prior fiscal year, rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the respective periods.











































(3) Stock-based compensation was included in the following GAAP operating expense categories:

























































Three Months Ended



Three Months Ended

















February 28,

2023



February 28,

2022

















GAAP

Adj.

Non-GAAP



GAAP

Adj.

Non-GAAP













Cloud services and license support

$ 114

$ (114)

$ -



$ 55

$ (55)

$ -













Hardware

5

(5)

-



4

(4)

-













Services

39

(39)

-



17

(17)

-













Sales and marketing

158

(158)

-



113

(113)

-













Research and development

517

(517)

-



421

(421)

-













General and administrative

91

(91)

-



64

(64)

-













Total stock-based compensation

$ 924

$ (924)

$ -



$ 674

$ (674)

$ -





















































(4) Estimated future annual amortization expense related to intangible assets as of February 28, 2023 was as follows:



Remainder of fiscal 2023

$ 869



































Fiscal 2024

2,995



































Fiscal 2025

2,283



































Fiscal 2026

1,620



































Fiscal 2027

664



































Fiscal 2028

635



































Thereafter

1,641



































Total intangible assets, net

$ 10,707











































































(5) Income tax effects were calculated reflecting an effective GAAP tax rate of 14.5% and 18.4% in the third quarter of fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively, and an effective non-GAAP tax rate of 18.4% and 19.0% in the third quarter of fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively. The difference in our GAAP and non-GAAP tax rates in each of the third quarter of fiscal 2023 and 2022 was primarily due to the net tax effects related to stock-based compensation expense and acquisition related and other items, including the tax effects on amortization of intangible assets, partially offset by the net deferred tax effects related to an income tax benefit that was previously recorded due to the partial realignment of our legal entity structure.

* Not meaningful





























































ORACLE CORPORATION















Q3 FISCAL 2023 YEAR TO DATE FINANCIAL RESULTS CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS ($ in millions, except per share data)



















Nine Months Ended February 28,

% Increase



% Increase (Decrease)





% of

% of (Decrease) in Constant



2023 Revenues 2022 Revenues in US $ Currency (1) REVENUES













Cloud services and license support $ 25,938 72 % $ 22,562 74 % 15 % 20 %

Cloud license and on-premise license 3,627 10 % 3,339 11 % 9 % 14 %

Hardware 2,424 7 % 2,328 7 % 4 % 8 %

Services 4,129 11 % 2,371 8 % 74 % 82 %

Total revenues 36,118 100 % 30,600 100 % 18 % 23 % OPERATING EXPENSES













Cloud services and license support 5,606 16 % 3,778 12 % 48 % 53 %

Hardware 780 2 % 718 2 % 9 % 13 %

Services 3,448 10 % 1,984 7 % 74 % 82 %

Sales and marketing 6,544 18 % 5,811 19 % 13 % 17 %

Research and development 6,397 18 % 5,254 17 % 22 % 24 %

General and administrative 1,179 3 % 953 3 % 24 % 27 %

Amortization of intangible assets 2,712 7 % 882 3 % 207 % 208 %

Acquisition related and other (2) 140 0 % 4,707 16 % (97 %) (97 %)

Restructuring 359 1 % 89 0 % 303 % 340 %

Total operating expenses 27,165 75 % 24,176 79 % 12 % 15 % OPERATING INCOME 8,953 25 % 6,424 21 % 39 % 54 %

Interest expense (2,550) (7 %) (2,051) (7 %) 24 % 24 %

Non-operating expenses, net (386) (2 %) (348) (1 %) 11 % 10 % INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 6,017 16 % 4,025 13 % 49 % 75 %

Provision for income taxes 833 2 % 497 1 % 68 % 96 % NET INCOME $ 5,184 14 % $ 3,528 12 % 47 % 72 %















EARNINGS PER SHARE:













Basic $ 1.93

$ 1.30







Diluted $ 1.88

$ 1.26





WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:













Basic 2,692

2,711







Diluted 2,757

2,800





















































































(1) We compare the percent change in the results from one period to another period using constant currency disclosure. We present constant currency information to provide a framework for assessing how our underlying businesses performed excluding the effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations. To present this information, current and comparative prior period results for entities reporting in currencies other than United States dollars are converted into United States dollars at the exchange rates in effect on May 31, 2022, which was the last day of our prior fiscal year, rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the respective periods. Movements in international currencies relative to the United States dollar during the nine months ended February 28, 2023 compared with the corresponding prior year period decreased our total revenues by 5 percentage points, total operating expenses by 3 percentage points and operating income by 15 percentage points. (2) Acquisition related and other for the nine months ended February 28, 2022 included the impact of litigation related charges totaling $4.7 billion.











































































ORACLE CORPORATION









































Q3 FISCAL 2023 YEAR TO DATE FINANCIAL RESULTS RECONCILIATION OF SELECTED GAAP MEASURES TO NON-GAAP MEASURES (1) ($ in millions, except per share data)















































Nine Months Ended February 28,

% Increase (Decrease)

in US $ % Increase (Decrease) in

Constant Currency (2)





2023





2023



2022





2022

GAAP Non-GAAP GAAP Non-GAAP







GAAP

Adj.

Non-GAAP



GAAP

Adj.

Non-GAAP













































TOTAL REVENUES

$ 36,118

$ -

$ 36,118



$ 30,600

$ -

$ 30,600

18 % 18 % 23 % 23 %











































TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES

$ 27,165

$ (5,794)

$ 21,371



$ 24,176

$ (7,578)

$ 16,598

12 % 29 % 15 % 33 %



Stock-based compensation (3)

2,583

(2,583)

-



1,900

(1,900)

-

36 % * 36 % *



Amortization of intangible assets (4)

2,712

(2,712)

-



882

(882)

-

207 % * 208 % *



Acquisition related and other

140

(140)

-



4,707

(4,707)

-

(97 %) * (97 %) *



Restructuring

359

(359)

-



89

(89)

-

303 % * 340 % *

OPERATING INCOME

$ 8,953

$ 5,794

$ 14,747



$ 6,424

$ 7,578

$ 14,002

39 % 5 % 54 % 11 %

OPERATING MARGIN %

25 %





41 %



21 %





46 %

380 bp. (493) bp. 504 bp. (446) bp.

INCOME TAX EFFECTS (5)

$ 833

$ 1,457

$ 2,290



$ 497

$ 1,680

$ 2,177

68 % 5 % 96 % 12 %

NET INCOME

$ 5,184

$ 4,337

$ 9,521



$ 3,528

$ 5,898

$ 9,426

47 % 1 % 72 % 8 %

DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE

$ 1.88





$ 3.45



$ 1.26





$ 3.37

49 % 3 % 74 % 9 %

DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON

SHARES OUTSTANDING

2,757

-

2,757



2,800

-

2,800

(2 %) (2 %) (2 %) (2 %)





















































































(1) This presentation includes non-GAAP measures. Our non-GAAP measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable GAAP measures, and should be read only in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. For a detailed explanation of the adjustments made to comparable GAAP measures, the reasons why management uses these measures, the usefulness of these measures and the material limitations on the usefulness of these measures, please see Appendix A.











































(2) We compare the percent change in the results from one period to another period using constant currency disclosure. We present constant currency information to provide a framework for assessing how our underlying businesses performed excluding the effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations. To present this information, current and comparative prior period results for entities reporting in currencies other than United States dollars are converted into United States dollars at the exchange rates in effect on May 31, 2022, which was the last day of our prior fiscal year, rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the respective periods.











































(3) Stock-based compensation was included in the following GAAP operating expense categories:

























































Nine Months Ended



Nine Months Ended

















February 28,

2023



February 28,

2022

















GAAP

Adj.

Non-GAAP



GAAP

Adj.

Non-GAAP













Cloud services and license support

$ 319

$ (319)

$ -



$ 145

$ (145)

$ -













Hardware

13

(13)

-



11

(11)

-













Services

99

(99)

-



49

(49)

-













Sales and marketing

433

(433)

-



328

(328)

-













Research and development

1,448

(1,448)

-



1,188

(1,188)

-













General and administrative

271

(271)

-



179

(179)

-













Total stock-based compensation

$ 2,583

$ (2,583)

$ -



$ 1,900

$ (1,900)

$ -





















































(4) Estimated future annual amortization expense related to intangible assets as of February 28, 2023 was as follows:



Remainder of fiscal 2023

$ 869



































Fiscal 2024

2,995



































Fiscal 2025

2,283



































Fiscal 2026

1,620



































Fiscal 2027

664



































Fiscal 2028

635



































Thereafter

1,641



































Total intangible assets, net

$ 10,707











































































(5) Income tax effects were calculated reflecting an effective GAAP tax rate of 13.8% and 12.3% in the first nine months of fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively, and an effective non-GAAP tax rate of 19.4% and 18.8% in the first nine months of fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively. The difference in our GAAP and non-GAAP tax rates in the first nine months of fiscal 2023 was primarily due to the net tax effects related to stock-based compensation expense and acquisition related and other items, including the tax effects on amortization of intangible assets, partially offset by the net deferred tax effects related to an income tax benefit that was previously recorded due to the partial realignment of our legal entity structure. The difference in our GAAP and non-GAAP tax rates in the first nine months of fiscal 2022 was primarily due to the net tax effects related to stock-based compensation expense and acquisition related and other items, including the net tax effects for litigation related charges (refer to Appendix A for additional information), and the net tax effects on amortization of intangible assets, partially offset by the net deferred tax effects related to an income tax benefit that was previously recorded due to the partial realignment of our legal entity structure.

* Not meaningful















































































































































ORACLE CORPORATION













Q3 FISCAL 2023 FINANCIAL RESULTS CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS ($ in millions)



















February 28, May 31,





2023 2022 ASSETS







Current Assets:









Cash and cash equivalents $ 8,219

$ 21,383



Marketable securities 550

519



Trade receivables, net 6,213

5,953



Prepaid expenses and other current assets 3,714

3,778





Total Current Assets 18,696

31,633

Non-Current Assets:









Property, plant and equipment, net 16,345

9,716



Intangible assets, net 10,707

1,440



Goodwill, net 61,499

43,811



Deferred tax assets 12,153

12,782



Other non-current assets 12,220

9,915





Total Non-Current Assets 112,924

77,664

TOTAL ASSETS $ 131,620

$ 109,297

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT







Current Liabilities:









Notes payable and other borrowings, current $ 5,415

$ 3,749



Accounts payable 1,610

1,317



Accrued compensation and related benefits 1,736

1,944



Deferred revenues 8,598

8,357



Other current liabilities 5,521

4,144





Total Current Liabilities 22,880

19,511

Non-Current Liabilities:









Notes payable and other borrowings, non-current 86,396

72,110



Income taxes payable 11,335

12,210



Deferred tax liabilities 6,814

6,031



Other non-current liabilities 6,107

5,203





Total Non-Current Liabilities 110,652

95,554

Stockholders' Deficit (1,912)

(5,768)

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT $ 131,620

$ 109,297











































ORACLE CORPORATION











Q3 FISCAL 2023 FINANCIAL RESULTS CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

($ in millions)

















Nine Months Ended

February 28,



2023 2022 Cash Flows From Operating Activities:







Net income $ 5,184

$ 3,528

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:







Depreciation 1,810

1,409

Amortization of intangible assets 2,712

882

Deferred income taxes (1,253)

(983)

Stock-based compensation 2,583

1,900

Other, net 487

82

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:







Decrease in trade receivables, net 460

652

Decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets 515

71

Decrease in accounts payable and other liabilities (783)

(683)

Decrease in income taxes payable (453)

(661)

Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues 256

(643)

Net cash provided by operating activities 11,518

5,554

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:







Purchases of marketable securities and other investments (921)

(10,134)

Proceeds from sales and maturities of marketable securities and other investments 552

25,735

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (27,721)

(132)

Capital expenditures (6,782)

(3,088)

Net cash (used for) provided by investing activities (34,872)

12,381

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:







Payments for repurchases of common stock (1,150)

(15,654)

Proceeds from issuances of common stock 759

357

Shares repurchased for tax withholdings upon vesting of restricted stock-based awards (1,040)

(1,011)

Payments of dividends to stockholders (2,586)

(2,603)

Proceeds from issuances of commercial paper, net of repayments 1,874

-

Proceeds from issuances of senior notes and other borrowings, net of issuance costs 33,494

-

Repayments of senior notes and other borrowings (21,050)

(5,750)

Other, net 49

(439)

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities 10,350

(25,100)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (160)

(251)

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (13,164)

(7,416)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 21,383

30,098

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 8,219

$ 22,682







































































ORACLE CORPORATION Q3 FISCAL 2023 FINANCIAL RESULTS FREE CASH FLOW - TRAILING 4-QUARTERS (1) ($ in millions)

























Fiscal 2022 Fiscal 2023





Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4





















GAAP Operating Cash Flow $ 15,325 $ 10,255 $ 10,396 $ 9,539 $ 10,542 $ 15,073 $ 15,503

























Capital Expenditures (2,761) (3,118) (3,805) (4,511) (5,168) (6,678) (8,205)

























Free Cash Flow $ 12,564 $ 7,137 $ 6,591 $ 5,028 $ 5,374 $ 8,395 $ 7,298

























% Growth over prior year 9 % (41 %) (49 %) (63 %) (57 %) 18 % 11 %















































GAAP Net Income $ 13,952 $ 10,262 $ 7,560 $ 6,717 $ 5,808 $ 8,797 $ 8,373

























Free Cash Flow as a % of Net Income 90 % 70 % 87 % 75 % 93 % 95 % 87 %















































(1) To supplement our statements of cash flows presented on a GAAP basis, we use non-GAAP measures of cash flows on a trailing 4-quarter basis to analyze cash flow generated from operations. We believe free cash flow is also useful as one of the bases for comparing our performance with our competitors. The presentation of non-GAAP free cash flow is not meant to be considered in isolation or as an alternative to net income as an indicator of our performance, or as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity.



























































































ORACLE CORPORATION

Q3 FISCAL 2023 FINANCIAL RESULTS

SUPPLEMENTAL ANALYSIS OF GAAP REVENUES (1)

($ in millions)





































Fiscal 2022









Fiscal 2023





Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 TOTAL

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 TOTAL



REVENUES BY OFFERINGS

























Cloud services $ 2,461 $ 2,667 $ 2,791 $ 2,890 $ 10,809

$ 3,579 $ 3,813 $ 4,053

$ 11,445



License support 4,910 4,887 4,846 4,722 19,365

4,838 4,785 4,870

14,493



Cloud services and license support 7,371 7,554 7,637 7,612 30,174

8,417 8,598 8,923

25,938



Cloud license and on-premise license 813 1,237 1,289 2,539 5,878

904 1,435 1,288

3,627



Hardware 763 767 798 856 3,183

763 850 811

2,424



Services 781 802 789 833 3,205

1,361 1,392 1,376

4,129





Total revenues $ 9,728 $ 10,360 $ 10,513 $ 11,840 $ 42,440

$ 11,445 $ 12,275 $ 12,398

$ 36,118

































AS REPORTED REVENUE GROWTH RATES

























Cloud services 19 % 22 % 24 % 19 % 21 %

45 % 43 % 45 %

45 %



License support 1 % (1 %) (3 %) (5 %) (2 %)

(1 %) (2 %) 0 %

(1 %)



Cloud services and license support 6 % 6 % 5 % 3 % 5 %

14 % 14 % 17 %

15 %



Cloud license and on-premise license (8 %) 13 % 1 % 18 % 9 %

11 % 16 % 0 %

9 %



Hardware (6 %) (9 %) (3 %) (3 %) (5 %)

0 % 11 % 2 %

4 %



Services 8 % 7 % 7 % 3 % 6 %

74 % 74 % 74 %

74 %





Total revenues 4 % 6 % 4 % 5 % 5 %

18 % 18 % 18 %

18 %

































CONSTANT CURRENCY REVENUE GROWTH RATES (2)

























Cloud services 18 % 22 % 26 % 22 % 22 %

50 % 48 % 48 %

49 %



License support (1 %) (1 %) 0 % (1 %) (1 %)

4 % 4 % 3 %

4 %



Cloud services and license support 5 % 6 % 8 % 7 % 6 %

20 % 20 % 20 %

20 %



Cloud license and on-premise license (9 %) 16 % 4 % 25 % 12 %

19 % 23 % 4 %

14 %



Hardware (7 %) (8 %) 1 % 2 % (3 %)

5 % 16 % 4 %

8 %



Services 7 % 7 % 11 % 7 % 8 %

84 % 83 % 80 %

82 %





Total revenues 2 % 6 % 7 % 10 % 7 %

23 % 25 % 21 %

23 %

































CLOUD SERVICES AND LICENSE SUPPORT REVENUES

























BY ECOSYSTEM

























Applications cloud services and license support $ 3,041 $ 3,149 $ 3,187 $ 3,235 $ 12,612

$ 4,016 $ 4,080 $ 4,166

$ 12,262



Infrastructure cloud services and license support 4,330 4,405 4,450 4,377 17,562

4,401 4,518 4,757

13,676





Total cloud services and license support revenues $ 7,371 $ 7,554 $ 7,637 $ 7,612 $ 30,174

$ 8,417 $ 8,598 $ 8,923

$ 25,938

































AS REPORTED REVENUE GROWTH RATES

























Applications cloud services and license support 8 % 9 % 8 % 6 % 8 %

32 % 30 % 31 %

31 %



Infrastructure cloud services and license support 5 % 5 % 3 % 1 % 3 %

2 % 3 % 7 %

4 %





Total cloud services and license support revenues 6 % 6 % 5 % 3 % 5 %

14 % 14 % 17 %

15 %

































CONSTANT CURRENCY REVENUE GROWTH RATES (2)

























Applications cloud services and license support 7 % 8 % 10 % 9 % 8 %

37 % 35 % 33 %

35 %



Infrastructure cloud services and license support 3 % 5 % 7 % 5 % 5 %

7 % 9 % 10 %

9 %





Total cloud services and license support revenues 5 % 6 % 8 % 7 % 6 %

20 % 20 % 20 %

20 %

































GEOGRAPHIC REVENUES

























Americas $ 5,321 $ 5,736 $ 5,849 $ 6,774 $ 23,679

$ 7,192 $ 7,786 $ 7,671

$ 22,649



Europe/Middle East/Africa 2,784 2,953 3,014 3,260 12,011

2,691 2,895 3,067

8,653



Asia Pacific 1,623 1,671 1,650 1,806 6,750

1,562 1,594 1,660

4,816





Total revenues $ 9,728 $ 10,360 $ 10,513 $ 11,840 $ 42,440

$ 11,445 $ 12,275 $ 12,398

$ 36,118































































(1) The sum of the quarterly information presented may vary from the year-to-date information presented due to rounding.















(2) We compare the percent change in the results from one period to another period using constant currency disclosure. We present constant currency information to provide a framework for assessing how our underlying businesses performed excluding the effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations. To present this information, current and comparative prior period results for entities reporting in currencies other than United States dollars are converted into United States dollars at the exchange rates in effect on May 31, 2022 and 2021 for the fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 constant currency growth rate calculations presented, respectively, rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the respective periods.









































APPENDIX A

ORACLE CORPORATION

Q3 FISCAL 2023 FINANCIAL RESULTS

EXPLANATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES

To supplement our financial results presented on a GAAP basis, we use the non-GAAP measures indicated in the tables, which exclude certain business combination accounting entries and expenses related to acquisitions, as well as other significant expenses including stock-based compensation, that we believe are helpful in understanding our past financial performance and our future results. Our non-GAAP financial measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable GAAP measures and should be read only in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. Our management regularly uses our supplemental non-GAAP financial measures internally to understand, manage and evaluate our business and make operating decisions. These non-GAAP measures are among the primary factors management uses in planning for and forecasting future periods. Compensation of our executives is based in part on the performance of our business based on these non-GAAP measures. Our non-GAAP financial measures reflect adjustments based on the following items, as well as the related income tax effects:

Stock-based compensation expenses : We have excluded the effect of stock-based compensation expenses from our non-GAAP operating expenses, income tax effects and net income measures. Although stock-based compensation is a key incentive offered to our employees, and we believe such compensation contributed to the revenues earned during the periods presented and also believe it will contribute to the generation of future period revenues, we continue to evaluate our business performance excluding stock-based compensation expenses. Stock-based compensation expenses will recur in future periods.

: We have excluded the effect of stock-based compensation expenses from our non-GAAP operating expenses, income tax effects and net income measures. Although stock-based compensation is a key incentive offered to our employees, and we believe such compensation contributed to the revenues earned during the periods presented and also believe it will contribute to the generation of future period revenues, we continue to evaluate our business performance excluding stock-based compensation expenses. Stock-based compensation expenses will recur in future periods. Amortization of intangible assets : We have excluded the effect of amortization of intangible assets from our non-GAAP operating expenses, income tax effects and net income measures. Amortization of intangible assets is inconsistent in amount and frequency and is significantly affected by the timing and size of our acquisitions. Investors should note that the use of intangible assets contributed to our revenues earned during the periods presented and will contribute to our future period revenues as well. Amortization of intangible assets will recur in future periods.

: We have excluded the effect of amortization of intangible assets from our non-GAAP operating expenses, income tax effects and net income measures. Amortization of intangible assets is inconsistent in amount and frequency and is significantly affected by the timing and size of our acquisitions. Investors should note that the use of intangible assets contributed to our revenues earned during the periods presented and will contribute to our future period revenues as well. Amortization of intangible assets will recur in future periods. Acquisition related and other expenses; and restructuring expenses : We have excluded the effect of acquisition related and other expenses and the effect of restructuring expenses from our non-GAAP operating expenses, income tax effects and net income measures. We incurred expenses in connection with our acquisitions and also incurred certain other operating expenses or income, which we generally would not have otherwise incurred in the periods presented as a part of our continuing operations. For all periods presented, acquisition related and other expenses consisted of personnel related costs for transitional and certain other employees, certain business combination adjustments including certain adjustments after the measurement period has ended, and certain other operating items, net. For the nine months ended February 28, 2022 , acquisition related and other expenses substantially consisted of litigation related charges totaling $4.7 billion that we generally do not expect to recur, and we consider the $4.7 billion of litigation related charges to be outside our ordinary course of business based on the following considerations: (i) the unprecedented nature of the litigation related charges including the nature and size of the damages awarded; (ii) the dissimilarity of this litigation and related charges to recurring litigation of which we are a party in our normal business course for which any and all such charges are included in our GAAP operating results and non-GAAP measures; (iii) the complexity of the case; (iv) the counterparty involved; and (v) our expectation that litigation related charges of this nature will not recur in future periods; amongst other factors. Restructuring expenses consisted of employee severance and other exit costs. We believe it is useful for investors to understand the effects of these items on our total operating expenses. Although acquisition related and other expenses and restructuring expenses may diminish over time with respect to past acquisitions and/or strategic initiatives, we generally will incur certain of these expenses in connection with any future acquisitions and/or strategic initiatives.

SOURCE Oracle
Texas-based IP litigator's global successes for clients reflect the firm's strong momentum

HOUSTON, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With a strong record of litigation and dispute resolution successes for leading-edge global technology companies, Tammy Terry is the new leader of the litigation team at Osha Bergman Watanabe & Burton LLP, the intellectual property law firm's executive committee said today.

A partner at OBWB since 2010, Terry is a 20-year litigator and registered patent attorney with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. She represents companies in a variety of industries and disciplines, including the oil and gas sector to consumer electronics to medical devices. The trademark prosecution part of her practice focuses on developing, customizing, and optimizing domestic and global branding strategies for clients in industry, including established and emerging technologies, fashion, and the arts.

Osha Bergman Watanabe & Burton LLP Managing Partner Jeffrey Bergman said, "Tammy's election as head of our litigation team reflects both the excellent results she provides for her clients around the world and the collective expertise that distinguishes OBWB in the intellectual property law field. Because of Tammy and our diverse global team, we have strong momentum in the litigation area."

Based in Houston, Terry has trial experience in a wide range of complex commercial litigation cases, including patent litigation, copyright infringement, trademark infringement, and trade secret misappropriation cases. Her experience includes jury trials in federal and state court, Section 337 investigations before the International Trade Commission, proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board and Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, and advising and representing clients in mediations, arbitrations, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. She also represents clients in alternative enforcement actions, including Amazon's Patent Evaluation Express (APEX) Program (formerly known as the Utility Patent Neutral Evaluation (UPNE) Program.

"Leading as 'advocates of innovation' is at the heart of our firm's principles," Terry said. "I'm grateful for this new opportunity to extend our litigation team's successes for our clients by delivering excellent service to them every day, all over the world. Within the firm, I am also committed to strengthening our team and finding even better paths forward."

Bergman added, "Beyond the client successes Tammy has achieved, we are proud of her efforts to foster inclusivity among intellectual property trial lawyers. In a practice area not historically known for gender diversity, Tammy strives to help improve the workplace and opportunities for others, starting with leading by example with delivering extraordinarily good results for her clients."

In 2019, Terry was named to the "Top 50 Women in PTAB Trials" List by the PTAB Bar Association. Other professional honors for Terry include "Top Lawyer" by H Texas Magazine (2016-2020) and "Texas Rising Star" by Texas Super Lawyers (2008-2009).

Terry's professional memberships include the International Trademark Association (INTA), Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPO), Association Internationale pour la Protection de la Propriete Intellectuelle (AIPPI), American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), American Bar Association  Intellectual Property Litigation Section.

About Osha Bergman Watanabe & Burton LLP

Osha Bergman Watanabe & Burton LLP (OBWB) is a full-service intellectual property law firm with a global reach. Our expertise in intellectual property law and IP-intensive industries coupled with our client-focused culture enables us to deliver a premium level of quality, value, and service. At our strategically located offices in the United States, France, Dubai, Japan, and China, we offer clients assistance with patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, and unfair competition. At OBWB we strategize, prepare and file, negotiate, license, enforce and defend, and facilitate monetizing intellectual property assets. OBWB was ranked a "Best Law Firm" in patent law and litigation-patent by U.S. News  Best Lawyers for 2023. For more information, please visit www.obwbip.com.

Contact: Erin Powers, Powers MediaWorks LLC, for Osha Bergman Watanabe & Burton LLP, 281.703.6000.

SOURCE Osha Bergman Watanabe & Burton LLP
CHICAGO, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Paessler AG, best known for the monitoring software Paessler PRTG, is focused on strengthening and expanding its presence in the Americas as a part of its overall global business strategy. Tobias Jaenchen, Paessler's newly appointed vice president of sales for both the Americas and APAC, will play a crucial role in driving the company's growth in the North American market by serving as the liaison at the company's German headquarters to address US and Canadian customer needs.

Tobias Jaenchen, Paessler AG's vice president, sales for the Americas and APAC.

After studying Computer Science in Berlin and at CUNY in New York City, Tobias Jaenchen embarked on a career in both the United States and Europe in consulting, B2B software sales, and sales management positions for companies such as Oracle, FreeMarkets, Altiris, and Symantec. As a member of Paessler's global leadership team, he will be the voice for the North American market and will focus on developing Paessler's sales strategy, organization, and processes, and continuously developing new markets, business areas, customer segments, and partnerships.

"I am thrilled to work with Paessler's North American customers to help them achieve their IT, OT, and IoT monitoring goals and to make Paessler PRTG the go-to monitoring solution for businesses," says Tobias Jaenchen, vice president, sales, Americas and APAC. "From day one, I have been impressed by the welcoming and supportive culture of the Paessler team and look forward to bridging communications and sales strategies between Germany and the US and Canada so that we can better serve our North American customers."

Paessler has worked successfully for years to steadily increase its market share and to provide the North American market with opportunities and solutions for digital transformation. In addition to monitoring traditional IT environments, Paessler has continuously expanded its solutions to diverse vertical markets including industrial, healthcare, telecoms, and government.

In 2023, Paessler is also focused on innovative and new offerings, such as various product extensions and specialized solutions for the Internet of Things and industrial environments (IIoT). Unlike the current downsizing trend in the tech market, Paessler plans to continue further growth in its headcount by hiring for strategic leadership positions.

"We are excited to welcome Tobias to our team. His expertise will be invaluable as we continue to expand our reach and offerings across the globe," says Helmut Binder, CEO of Paessler. "Our customers find themselves at the intersection of new demands and rapid growth in their IT, OT, and IoT environments, and the aftermath of the pandemic has put additional pressure on the reliability of corporate IT, and Tobias' new role will help alleviate challenges to their growth."

ABOUT PAESSLER AG

Paessler believes monitoring plays a vital part in reducing humankind's consumption of resources. Monitoring data helps its customers save resources, from optimizing their IT, OT, and IoT infrastructures to reducing energy consumption or emissions  for our future and our environment. That is why Paessler offers monitoring solutions for businesses across all industries and all sizes, from SMBs to large enterprises. Paessler works with renowned partners, and together they tackle the monitoring challenges of an ever-changing world.

Since 1997, when Paessler first introduced PRTG Network Monitor, it has combined its in-depth monitoring knowledge with an innovative spirit. Today, more than 500,000 users in over 170 countries rely on PRTG and other Paessler solutions to monitor their complex IT, OT, and IoT infrastructures. Paessler's products empower its customers to monitor everything and thus help them optimize their resources.

Learn more about Paessler and its products at www.paessler.com

SOURCE Paessler AG - The Network Monitoring Company
The two iconic Pauls collaborate to show guys and gals how to party like the People's Champ  and they're bringing the party to one lucky fan's hometown, too

LOUISVILLE, Ky., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Calling all spirits and hip-hop lovers! Paul Masson Brandy, known for bringing great flavor and impeccably smooth taste to the party for over 100 years, is offering music fans across the nation the chance to "Party with Paul"  aka party with Grammy-nominated rapper and "People's Champ" Paul Wall while sipping cocktails from Paul Masson Brandy.

Paul Masson Brandy and Houston Rap Icon Paul Wall Invite Fans to Party with Paul

One lucky fan and their closest friends will get to enjoy a private party in their hometown where Paul Wall will perform his biggest hits like "Still Tippin," "Grillz," and "Break Em' Off." The "Iceman" will stock the bar with his favorite Paul Masson offerings, and even top off the epic celebration by presenting the winner with a custom set of grillz from his very own outfitter, Johnny Dang & Co.

"We're thrilled to be inviting consumers to Party with Paul for this once-in-a-lifetime experience," said Jess Scheerhorn, avid Paul (Wall and Masson) fan and brand director at Sazerac. "Smooth, flavorful and affordable, we like to think of Paul Masson Brandy as the 'Party's Champ,' and that connection made a partnership with the 'People's Champ' even more of a no brainer for us. Whether enjoying Paul Masson over ice in a glass, neat, or mixed in a cocktail, there is no wrong way to Party with Paul."

The hitmaker will also promote Party with Paul to his 1+ million social media followers. "For years Paul Masson Brandy has been my go-to spirit when I want to kick back with friends and family, so it's no coincidence we're launching this right before my birthday on March 11 - I really DO party with Paul Masson on the regular!" said Paul Wall. "There's nothing better than connecting with fans, performing music and just generally having a good time, and I can't wait to bring the party to someone's hometown later this year."

From March 9  March 31, 2023, consumers aged 21+ can visit www.PartyWithPaulMasson.com to enter for their shot to win the chance to Party with Paul.*

The Party with Paul campaign arrives as Paul Masson Brandy also releases its new Coconut, Chocolate, Fruit Punch, Grape, Vanilla, and Watermelon flavors, available in stores now. Additionally, consumers still have access to the classic VS and VSOP flavors, as well as Paul Masson's top-selling flavors including Peach and Apple. "Our consumers desired something fresh and we're not a brand to shy away from a challenge," Scheerhorn remarked. "Our full range of innovative flavor offerings guarantee there's something everyone at your party is sure to love."

Follow Paul Masson Brandy on Facebook and Instagram for more information and future news.

*For official sweepstakes rules, please visit www.partywithpaulmasson.com

About Paul Masson Brandy

Paul Masson Grande Amber Brandy is crafted with over 100 years of knowledge to provide versatility and a superior taste experience. From the oak-aging process to the care in selecting only the finest grapes, Grande Amber upholds the illustrious heritage of Paul Masson. For more information, visit www.PaulMasson.com.

About Paul Wall

Rapper, DJ, and Entrepreneur Paul Wall is one of Texas's most successful independent musicians. Wall's 2005 release of his major album "The People's Champ" debuted on Billboard Magazine's Top 200 in the #1 spot and quickly reached platinum status. In 2007, Paul Wall received a Grammy Nomination for Best Rap Performance as a Duo or Group for his feature on the song GRILLZ with Nelly and Jermaine Dupri. Paul Wall is also an avid entrepreneur. In 1998, Wall partnered with the now world-famous jeweler, Johnny Dang, to sell custom gold grillz. The duo has built up an iconic clientele of celebrities worldwide and sells over 100 grillz daily out of their lavish Houston jewelry store.

Paul Wall was coined "The People's Champ" for his constant work within underprivileged communities in Texas. After Hurricane Harvey, Wall And his wife Crystal opened the doors of Crystal's fitness studio to gather supplies and donations for people affected. Each summer, Wall hosts a Back2School backpack drive to help encourage enthusiasm for going back to school.

Contact:

Jelisa Chatman

Associate Public Relations Manager

[email protected]

SOURCE Sazerac
DUBAI, UAE, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Petal Ads, formerly known as HUAWEI Ads, a leading advertising platform by Huawei, one of the world's largest technology providers, has introduced an exclusive Ramadan Ad Campaign bundle designed to help businesses and brands in reaching a highly targeted audience throughout the holy month. Petal Ads is a fast-growing and industry-leading mobile ad platform for publishers, advertisers and marketers who want to drive growth and reach untapped and valuable new audiences. Huawei has a long history of responding to the demands of local markets in order to satisfy customer expectations.

Petal Ads gives back this Ramadan so every business can enjoy a superior ad experience

During the Ramadan period of 2022 the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region's total user traction surged by 53%. According to a survey conducted by *AdColony in the UAE, 63% of people prefer using apps to shop during Ramadan, and 66% of respondents said they have bought products after seeing the advertisements, which shows the popularity of mobile apps. In-app shopping habits have become mainstream in the Middle East and Africa and e-commerce merchants have already geared up and are ready to increase their orders. In addition, as a result of last year's Ramadan's campaign launched by Petal Ads, advertising investment in the region grew by 447%, while the number of active advertisers has doubled-up.

Now, the 2023 Ramadan Ad Campaign from Petal Ads enables all businesses and brands to enhance their ad experience. For a limited time only, Petal Ads offers a special Ramadan package throughout the period of Q1 2023. By taking advantage of this incredible offer, businesses and brands have the opportunity to stand out from the crowd, with premium, exclusive ads spots on Huawei's own media (such as AppGallery, HUAWEI Video, HUAWEI Music, Petal Search etc.), each with over 100 million MAUs, guaranteeing high viewability and brand safety. Petal Ads' in house DMP allows customers to precisely reach their relevant audience, by targeting users based on their location, demographics, and interests, while complying to users' privacy and consent in consuming Ramadan related content.

In addition to Huawei's own media, Petal Ads provides extra coverage within the major third-party apps and media in the MEA region. As of December 31, 2022, Petal Ads has cooperated with advertisers spanning 200+ industries, with more than 53,000 apps worldwide having integrated Ads Kit. AppGallery will also launch a Ramadan Special Collection, showcased under the Featured Tab, offering users quick access to Ramadan and Eid related apps. By creating an AppGallery Campaign assignment, advertisers' apps will be displayed in this collection within their respective categories and ranked according to the bidding.

William Hu, Managing Director of Huawei Consumer Business Group, Middle East and Africa Eco Development and Operation, stated: "Petal Ads is constantly helping businesses connect more effectively with users, during the month of giving, by offering a unique audience and using advanced targeting. We make our ads affordable and adaptable to different markets while prioritizing user privacy. Our ads reach users anytime, anywhere, creating a smarter and more engaging era for mobile advertising. We'll keep using the latest AI, machine learning, and big data advancements to expand our platform."

Petal Ads, Huawei's revolutionary next-generation advertising platform, enriches ads with premium features and distributes them with pinpoint precision to users throughout the whole Huawei ecosystem and beyond, maximizing the effectiveness of any advertising budget. Viu and ChicPoint are shining illustrations of how Petal Ads delivers results. Petal Ads' capabilities has helped Viu, an online streaming service that delivers premium content on-demand, connect with a larger audience and facilitated its 47% business growth on HUAWEI Ecosystem in the past year across MENA region.

Petal Ads also supported ChicPoint's launch campaign in the Gulf region (Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait) with a suite of promotional features on AppGallery, including feature cards, top banner cards, and rankings. Through the partnership, ChicPoint, a cross-border mobile e-commerce platform, has boosted their organic downloads and increased their monthly revenue by 40%.

For more information about Petal Ads' Ramadan offer, please reach out to [email protected]. You may also visit the platform's dedicated website here.

About Petal Ads

Petal Ads is a paid presentation service provided by Huawei for pan-ecosystem partners, delivers a broad array of mainstream ad formats to more than 730 million global Huawei device users. With a mission to enhance, the state of mobile advertising Petal Ads gives Huawei ecosystem partners the opportunity to transmit key information and provide quality services on a vast new scale, by serving as a bridge to Huawei device and Huawei Mobile Services users. With a data footprint that combines both branded Huawei demand as well as external advertisers, marketers have exclusive access to significant global user base of Huawei device users, who are currently not being serviced through similar technologies. Powered by Huawei built HMS Core that has a presence in over 170+ countries and regions, 96,000 R&D employees globally, and 580 million users, Petal Ads is committed to bringing digital to every person, home, and organisation to create a fully connected, intelligent world. More information on Petal Ads can be found here:

https://ads.huawei.com/usermgtportal/home/index.html#/

To learn more, please contact: [email protected]

For more information, please contact:

Suzanne Kanianthra, Golin

Adnan Wahidi, Golin, [email protected], [email protected], +971 55 968 8297

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2018745/Ramadan_PR_Petal.jpg

SOURCE Petal Ads
NEWARK, N.J., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- PLM Fleet, the nation's largest technology-driven refrigerated fleet management company, is honored to win the New Jersey Top Workplace Award in 2023. This is the fourth consecutive year PLM has earned this recognition.

PLM Fleet earns NJ 2023 Top Workplace award for fourth consecutive year

The award is based on anonymous surveys sent to all NJ-based employees to determine a company's commitment to their staff, customers, and mission. Administered by a third party, the employee feedback measures 15 culture drivers critical to the success of any organization. The results reflect employees' satisfaction with their employer.

"Earning the New Jersey Top Workplace award is a testament to our exceptional team," said Keith Shipp, President and CEO. "At PLM Fleet, we have a strong culture of receiving employee input, lean quality-based process improvement initiatives, and a working environment in our Newark office that allows employees to have a great work life balance while being accountable to serve our customers and achieve results."

Now in its 51st year, PLM continues to innovate and implement new ways to improve customer efficiency and employee satisfaction. PLM's new computerized inspections of leased vehicles and digital markers on assets streamline and integrate operations to initiate and monitor service requests.

PLM TrustLink SaaS track and trace solution for improving customers operations, and delivering on the 3T's of Transparency, Traceability and Trust within the cold supply chain, has been voted top Food Chain Technology provider in 2022. The solution is designed to assist customers in improving operations while meeting the needs of the FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act section 204. These enhancements are freeing up time for our customers and associates to be more productive in their work.

About PLM Fleet

PLM Fleet is the largest nationwide, technology-driven company dedicated to refrigerated trailer leasing and cold supply chain solutions. Located in the state-of-the-art fleet solutions center in Newark, NJ, PLM has 32 locations nationwide and over 13,000 refrigerated trailers. Visit plmfleet.com to review all the financing, technology and services that help our customers improve fleet and product lifecycle efficiencies and cost savings in the cold supply chain.

Media contact:

Linda Hadley

PLM Fleet 862-229-6502 [email protected] plmfleet.com

SOURCE PLM
LAKELAND, Fla., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Poets&Quants for Undergrads, a leading online publication for undergraduate business education news, ranks Florida Southern College's Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise at No. 44 on its list of the Best Undergraduate Business Schools of 2023.

Florida Southern jumped 24 spots in this year's rankings to No. 44, the highest ranking in the five years that FSC has made the list. FSC debuted at No. 83 in 2019.

Poets&Quants Names FSC's Barney Barnett School of Business a Top Undergraduate Program

Florida Southern is one of only three schools in Florida to be included in this year's rankings. The College is the second highest-ranking private institution in the state, and is positioned ahead of business powerhouses such as Carnegie Mellon's Tepper Business School and Eller College of Management at University of Arizona.

"Poets&Quants are particularly unique rankings as they were launched to help students make the best possible choice for undergraduate business education," explains Dr. Michael Weber, dean of FSC's Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise. "Our inclusion on this prestigious list is validation of our program quality by industry experts."

Considered the most comprehensive assessment of undergraduate business programs, Poets&Quants ranks schools using admissions standards, career outcomes, and firsthand student experiences. This year, Poets & Quants surveyed graduates of the Class of 2020 on aspects of faculty availability, extracurricular opportunities, and accessibility of the alumni network.

The Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise appeals to future business leaders with the highly personalized, hands-on opportunities the faculty provide.

"Faculty are vital to students. They serve as instructors and mentors," says Katie Sharp, an accounting major from Iota, La. "They connect us with opportunities to apply what we're learning and provide a network that will help us get good jobs in the future."

As an undergraduate, Sharp has been able to travel abroad, mingle with leaders of Fortune 500 companies, intern with an international accounting firm, and secure a job there for when she graduates in December.

The exceptional preparation FSC graduates receive is not only noted by guidebooks such as Poets&Quants, U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction but is also accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Less than five percent of the world's business programs hold this prestigious accreditation and those that do produce highly skilled graduates and more desirable graduates in the job market.

About Florida Southern College

Founded in 1883, Florida Southern College is the oldest private college in the state. The College maintains its commitment to academic excellence through 70+ undergraduate programs and distinctive graduate programs in business administration, education, nursing, and physical therapy. Florida Southern has a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, is an award-winning national leader in engaged learning, and boasts 30 NCAA Division II National Championships. Florida Southern is ranked at #8 among the "Best Regional Universities in the South" by U.S. News & World Report in its 2022 "Best Colleges" guide and is included in The Princeton Review's 2023 Best 388 Colleges guide and the "Fiske Guide to Colleges 2023." The 2022-2023 Colleges of Distinction guidebook praises Florida Southern's AACSB accredited Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise alongside the College's School of Education and its Ann Blanton Edwards School of Nursing and Health Sciences. Poets&Quants, U.S. News & World Report, Fortune, and The Princeton Review further laud the Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise and the Ann Blanton Edwards School of Nursing and Health Sciences as foremost programs in the nation for business and nursing education. Home to the world's largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, FSC has appeared on The Princeton Review's top 20 "Most Beautiful Campus" national listing for 13 consecutive years. Connect with Florida Southern College.

www.FLSouthern.edu

SOURCE Florida Southern College
Grand opening March 15; first 100 guests at Herald Square location entered to win free Pollo Campero for a year*

DALLAS, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pollo Campero, the Guatemalan-born fast casual restaurant specializing in uniquely flavorful chicken and a diverse menu, opened its first Manhattan location today at 601 Eighth Ave., near Port Authority, with another slated for next week at 966 Sixth Ave. in Herald Square.

A grand opening celebration is planned for March 15 at the Herald Square location, featuring a day of family fun and giveaways.

The first New York City-area Pollo Campero opened in Corona, Queens, in 2004. The brand now has 11 area locations, with another opening coming soon. The new Manhattan restaurants will serve Campero's internationally beloved fried and grilled chicken made from family recipes passed down from generation to generation, along with delicious chicken sandwiches, empanadas and Camperitos, plus sides like Yuca Fries and Campero Beans. Everything is available for individual, family and catering occasions.

"The busy Herald Square and Port Authority areas offer fantastic locations to introduce Manhattan to Pollo Campero's delicious and unique menu," said Campero USA Managing Director and COO Luis Javier Rodas. "We're planning an additional location at Midtown East in the coming weeks, providing even more opportunities for people in the area to experience Pollo Campero."

The March 15 Herald Square grand opening celebration starts with a ribbon-cutting at 11 a.m. Pollo Campero will welcome the community for a day of fun, featuring an appearance from brand mascot Pollito and free samples of Pollo Campero's flavorful chicken, drinks, desserts and more. Additionally, the first 100 guests in line at 11:30 a.m. that day will have a chance to receive free Pollo Campero for a year.*

The new Herald Square and Port Authority restaurants offer dine-in, delivery and to-go service. Hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.

For more complete menu information or to sign up for Pollo Campero's loyalty program, please visit https://us.campero.com/.

*Winner receives two free individual meals per month for 12 months. Restrictions apply.

About Pollo Campero

Family-founded in Guatemala in 1971, Pollo Campero is a fast casual restaurant specializing in uniquely flavorful chicken and a diverse menu offering individual and family meals made with quality ingredients. Using family recipes passed down from generation to generation and a fried chicken recipe that is considered a national treasure of Guatemala, Pollo Campero offers tender, juicy fried chicken and slow-marinated, citrus-infused grilled chicken that is always fresh and prepared daily. Pollo Campero also offers sides inspired by the brand's roots in Latin America. Since its beginnings as a small, family-owned restaurant, Pollo Campero has grown to more than 350 restaurants around the world. To learn more about Pollo Campero, visit https://us.campero.com/ and follow the flavor on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Media Contact:

Kendra Byrd

[email protected]

817-329-3257

SOURCE Pollo Campero
NEW YORK, March 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Credit Suisse Group AG ("Credit Suisse" or the "Company") (NYSE: CS), and certain officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, and docketed under 23-cv-01297, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired Credit Suisse securities between December 1, 2022 and February 17, 2023, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants' violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials.

If you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired Credit Suisse securities during the Class Period, you have until May 8, 2023 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

Credit Suisse, together with its subsidiaries, provides various financial services in Switzerland, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and Asia Pacific. The Company offers wealth management solutions, including investment advice and discretionary asset management services; risk management solutions, such as managed investment products; and wealth planning, succession planning, and trust services.

In October 2022, Credit Suisse began experiencing a sharp increase in customer outflows, or withdrawals of client funds, after a series of quarterly losses and risk and compliance failures significantly decreased the Company's American Depositary Share ("ADS") price.

On December 1, 2022, Credit Suisse's Chairman, Defendant Axel P. Lehmann ("Lehmann") stated in an interview with Financial Times that customer outflows had not only "completely flattened out," but had, in fact, "partially reversed."

The following day, in an interview with Bloomberg Television, Defendant Lehmann reiterated his previous statements, reassuring investors that as of November 11, 2022, customer outflows had "basically stopped".

Following Defendant Lehmann's statements, Credit Suisse's ADS price rose $0.29 per ADS, or 9.36%, to close at $3.38 per ADS on December 2, 2022.

The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operations, and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) contrary to Defendant Lehmann's representations in December 2022, the sharp increase in customer outflows Credit Suisse began experiencing in October 2022 remained ongoing; (ii) accordingly, Credit Suisse had downplayed the impact of the Company's recent series of quarterly losses and risk and compliance failures on liquidity and its ability to retain client funds; (iii) as a result, Credit Suisse had overstated the Company's financial position and/or prospects; and (iv) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

On February 9, 2023, Credit Suisse issued a press release announcing its 2022 financial results. The press release revealed that, contrary to Defendant Lehmann's prior statements, large customer outflows had continued through year-end 2022. Specifically, the press release reported customer outflows of 110.5 billion Swiss francs in the final three months of 2022, a figure which far exceeded market expectations.

On this news, Credit Suisse's ADS price fell $0.56 per ADS, or 15.64%, to close at $3.02 per ADS on February 9, 2023.

Then, on February 21, 2023, Reuters reported that the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority was reviewing Defendant Lehmann's previous comments regarding customer outflows.

On this news, Credit Suisse's ADS price fell another $0.10 per ADS, or 3.31%, to close at $2.92 per ADS on February 21, 2023.

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
EQT Life Sciences, Droia Ventures, and Sanofi Ventures led the round

Financing supports clinical activities for Company's two lead programs in ALS and pipeline development

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- QurAlis Corporation, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing breakthrough precision medicines for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases with genetically validated targets, today announced it has closed an oversubscribed $88 million Series B financing, bringing the total funds raised to $143.5 million. The financing was led by EQT Life Sciences, investing from the LSP Dementia Fund, Sanofi Ventures, and Droia Ventures, with participation from the ALS Investment Fund and existing investors LS Polaris Innovation Fund, Mission BioCapital, INKEF Capital, Dementia Discovery Fund, Amgen Ventures, MP Healthcare Venture Management, Mitsui Global Investment, Dolby Family Ventures, Mission Bay Capital, and Sanford Biosciences.

The proceeds from the financing will fund clinical development of QRL-201 and QRL-101, the Company's lead product candidates in ALS. In addition, the financing will support ongoing and planned research, as well as the advancement of QurAlis' pipeline with therapeutic candidates that target specific components of ALS and genetically related frontotemporal dementia (FTD) pathology and defined ALS patient populations based on both disease-causing genetic mutation(s) and clinical biomarkers. As part of the Series B financing, Cillian King, Ph.D., managing director at EQT Life Sciences, and Laia Crespo, Ph.D., partner at Sanofi Ventures, will join QurAlis' board of directors.

"This financing reflects significant investor confidence in the science behind QurAlis' next-generation precision medicines, world-class team, and commitment to bringing new therapies to patients suffering from ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases," said Anne C. Whitaker, chair of QurAlis' board of directors.

"We are fortunate to be funded by this outstanding group of investors who share our commitment to patients with neurodegenerative diseases and our vision to halt disease progression and significantly improve outcomes," said Kasper Roet, Ph.D., CEO and co-founder of QurAlis. "This financing round recognizes our scientific track record and will help us advance the clinical development of our two lead programs in ALS and robust pipeline through near-term value-creating milestones. We are breaking through the barriers of science in our quest to bring much-needed precision therapies to patients."

"QurAlis stands out as a leader in the field of neurodegenerative diseases with its next-generation precision medicines and genetically validated targets," said Philip Scheltens, M.D., Ph.D., head, EQT Life Sciences' LSP Dementia Fund. "We are extremely excited to join this distinguished group of investors supporting this world-class team to advance what we believe could become life-changing treatments for patients and their families."

QRL-201 is a first-in-class therapeutic product candidate aiming to restore STMN2 expression in ALS patients. STMN2 is a well-validated protein important for neural repair and axonal stability, the expression of which is significantly decreased in nearly all ALS patients. QRL-201 rescues STMN2 loss of function in QurAlis ALS patient-derived motor neuron disease models in the presence of TDP-43 pathology. QRL-201 recently entered the clinic in the first-ever clinical trial to evaluate a therapy that rescues STMN2 in people with ALS (ANQUR; NCT05633459).

QRL-201 is the second program in QurAlis' pipeline to enter the clinic recently. In December 2022, QurAlis announced the Company initiated dosing of QRL-101 in a first-in-human Phase 1 clinical trial (NCT05667779). QRL-101 is a first-in-class selective Kv7.2/7.3 ion channel opener for the treatment of hyperexcitability-induced disease progression in ALS.

About QurAlis Corporation

QurAlis is trailblazing the path to conquering amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases with genetically validated targets with next-generation precision medicines. QurAlis' proprietary platforms and unique biomarkers enable the design and development of drugs that act directly on disease-causing genetic alterations. Founded by an internationally recognized team of neurodegenerative biologists from Harvard Medical School and Harvard University, QurAlis is advancing a deep pipeline of antisense oligonucleotides and small molecule programs including addressing sub-forms of ALS that account for the majority of ALS patients. For more information, please visit www.quralis.com or follow us on Twitter @QurAlisCo.

SOURCE QurAlis
PENSACOLA, Fla., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Regenative Labs (Regenative), a leading HCT/P manufacturer, is pleased to announce the publication of its new paper , "The Durability and Efficacy of Cryopreserved Human Umbilical Cord Tissue Allograft for the Supplementation of Cartilage Defects Associated with the Sacroiliac Joint: A Case Series," with Dr. Albert Lai of Desert Pain Specialists.

Written by a team of translational experts, this paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of Wharton's Jelly applications in supplementing tissue issues within the refractory sacroiliac (SI) joint in 38 patients. This data comes at an opportune time, as the current standard of care for SI joint pain only addresses the symptoms, using methods such as pain medication, braces, or SI fusion. Costs can range upwards of 30k for a fusion, and the cost of pain management continues to rise as treatment does not address the root cause of the pain. With the number of surgeries rising each year, it is necessary to implement intraoperative and perioperative protocols that offer minimally-invasive alternatives to arthroscopic repair of the SI joint, such as Regenative's Wharton's Jelly applications.

The research methodology consisted of an observational recording of the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), which measure pain, stiffness, and physical function. No adverse events or adverse reactions were observed in the 38 patients. Statistically significant improvements in NPRS and WOMAC scores of the affected SI joint were reported after 90 days.

"We are delighted to see this important research published," said Tyler Barret, CEO of Regenative Labs. "This paper represents a significant contribution to the field of regenerative medicine, and we are proud of the hard work and dedication of Dr. Lai and the entire team."

The paper's topic was previously shared with the media , and the publication of the full paper is expected to generate further interest and discussion around the topic within the regenerative medicine community.

"We hope that this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of the importance of applications of Whaton's Jelly for supplementing missing or damaged tissue, and that it will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers," concluded Barret.

The paper is now available online at MDPI and is expected to be widely cited and discussed in the coming months. For more information about the paper or to speak with one of its authors, please contact Regenative Labs on their website.

About Regenative Labs: Regenative Labs produces regenerative medicine products to address the root cause of a patient's conditions using Wharton's Jelly innovations rather than masking the pain with other treatments. Regenative Labs works closely with scientists, physicians, hospitals, and surgery centers to constantly monitor and improve patient progress and outcomes for new product development. Formed by veteran industry professionals familiar with daily challenges of innovations in healthcare, the company provides non-addictive, non-invasive options for patients. Regenative Labs' expert product research and development team complies with FDA guidelines of minimal manipulation for homologous use. The company adheres to AATB and FDA guidelines. Learn more at Regenative's website: www.regenativelabs.com

About Dr. Albert Lai: A southern Californian native, Lai completed his medical training at Tufts University where he subsequently served as a clinical instructor. Lai is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He also holds board certifications in Pain Medicine and Independent Medical Examiners. Lai has served as the managing partner at the offices of Desert Pain & Rehabilitation Associates based in Rancho Mirage for the past 8 years and as medical director of Centers of Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine in Placentia, California. Learn more at Desert Pain Specialists' website: https://desertpain.com

SOURCE Regenative Labs
Wood Lavine was University's First Fulbright Scholar

WESTON, Mass., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Regis College has named the university's new Division of Professional Studies after a dedicated alumna and lifelong Regis supporter Theresa "Terry" Audette Wood Lavine '53. The Theresa Wood Lavine Division of Professional Studies launched with ten microcredentialing programs that directly address workforce and labor shortages in the health care sector. Additional programs in software development, data science, and cybersecurity were launched last month.

Wood Lavine's lifetime giving to Regis totaled $1.7 million, including a realized bequest intention of $1.5 million following her passing in 2021. She was Regis' first Fulbright Scholar, traveling to Germany to participate in the international exchange program. In the Fall 2014 issue of Regis Today, Wood Lavine said "the Fulbright and Regis opened my eyes to the world"and she credited her experience abroad with helping to launch a successful, 30-year career as a global consultant. Her work included negotiation, business development, and liaison for Mobil Corporation and other major international organizations primarily in Africa and the Middle East.

"Terry was an extraordinary woman, a force to be reckoned with, and she truly loved her alma mater," said Regis President Antoinette M. Hays, PhD, RN. "Her generosity to Regis will make an incredible difference for decades to come and I am honored that her name and legacy will forever be a part of Regis College. As the namesake of our new Division of Professional Studies, Terry's name will inspire those seeking to enhance their career opportunities or complete their undergraduate degree programs."

Wood Lavine's cousin, Christopher Moore, spoke on behalf of several family members after the division was officially dedicated in her name.

"Terry had a quiet, intellectual confidence about herself, in a very humble way, and it really allowed her to accomplish so many things in her life," said Moore. "We are very proud of Terry's accomplishments, we're very proud of her generosity, and we are pleased that this division has been associated with her and that her legacy will live on and that she will be able to give back for generations. We look forward to hearing wonderful things from Regis and its graduates."

The Wood Lavine Division of Professional Studies provides students with the capabilities and skills required to fill in-demand job vacancies across the region's health care and information technology (IT) sectors.

"For nearly 100 years, Regis College has been proud to meet the needs of the times by offering innovative learning opportunities to traditional undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students as well as those who began a degree program, but did not finish," said Hays. "The new Wood Lavine Division of Professional Studies reinforces our commitment to providing pathways for upward social mobility and addressing critical workforce development needs in New England and beyond."

The United States Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that over 176,000 workers have left the healthcare industry since the COVID-19 pandemic began in February 2020. Regis' new programs intend to help alleviate this crisis by directly working with industry partners on initiatives that drive talent acquisition, skills growth, employee retention, and upward mobility.

David Rudder, PhD, the university's inaugural Dean of Professional Studies, started in his role in January. "I am happy to be working with Regis faculty, students, and industry partners to create academic programs that are rigorous, accessible, and meet the needs of the community and the workforce," said Rudder. "I'm honored to lead a division named after a successful global leader in her field."

Regis College's new certificate programs are open for enrollment now and offer training in high demand health care and IT disciplines.

Health care certificates offered:

Allied Health Professional

EKG Technician

Health Unit Coordinator

Healthcare IT Technician

Medical Assistant

Patient Care Technician

Phlebotomy Technician

Pharmacy Technician

Physical Therapy Aide

Sterile Processing Technician

Information Technology certificates offered:

Cybersecurity Professional

Data Science Career

Software Developer Career

About Regis

Regis College is a coed, Catholic university 12 miles west of Boston in Weston, Mass. With over 3,600 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students enrolled on campus and in fully online graduate programs, Regis provides an academically rigorous education within the schools of nursing, arts and sciences, business and communication, and health sciences. The Young School of Nursing at Regis has consistently been recognized by the National League of Nursing as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education. In line with Regis' mission of providing innovative, industry-focused learning opportunities, the university offers academic partnerships with hospitals and local employers, a clinical dental center in Waltham, Mass., and bachelor's completion and accelerated nursing programs at its campus in Lawrence, Mass. The university's 20 NCAA Division III athletic teams compete within the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC). Inspired by the social justice values of its founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston, Regis engages with service initiatives within the local community and around the world. Visit regiscollege.edu to learn more.

SOURCE Regis College
REI Co-op members can now access their annual Co-op Member Reward and special discounts for March  including 20%-off promotion



SEATTLE, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op is marking the distribution of its annual member reward with additional ways for members to save and get outdoors. Active REI co-op members* can now find their Co-op Member Rewards for purchases made in 2022 reflected in their respective accounts, which is typically 10% back on last year's eligible full-price purchases**. REI Co-op Member Rewards are immediately redeemable for purchases made online, in-stores or via the app.

REI Co-op members can now access their annual Co-op Member Reward and special discounts for March  including 20%-off promotion

This year's Co-op Member Reward comes with deep deals for members. From March 17-27, members can score an additional 20% off on one full price item; and an extra 20% off on one REI Outlet item using coupon code "MEMBER23" at checkout. Additional offers, including exclusive collections and savings on REI adventure travel trips, will also be coming to members this month.

"We're excited to give back to and honor our members  a community of 21 million strong that's transforming the co-op and the outdoors, for the better," said Clay Walton-House, REI divisional vice president for membership. "For every member who joins the co-op, we donate $5 to REI's Cooperative Action Fund, which supports nonprofits and projects that protect, and expand equity in the outdoors."

REI is a different kind of company. Along with many attributes that make REI a special place, including being a member-owned co-op, and investing in nonprofits dedicated to the outdoors, the Co-op Member Reward is an annual benefit that gives profits back to the source. Last year, REI gave a total $234 million back to its members.

REI Co-op Mastercard holders can earn an additional 5% back in rewards. Members will receive a notice with their reward via mail or email. They can also check their account to view their award, which is redeemable now through Jan. 5, 2025.

"As an 85-year-old co-op, helping our members get the best value continues to be a top priority," added Walton-House. "Whether it's the annual Co-op Member Reward, additional savings for REI Co-op Mastercard holders that add up quickly, member-only discounts, or trading in your used gear via Re/Supply (REI's used gear ecosystem), there are many ways we work to reduce the cost of outdoor participation so our members can focus on fueling their outdoor passions."

Beyond the reward, REI Co-op members will have access to several promotions for items purchased between March 17 - 27, including:

20% off on one full-price item from REI (in-stores, online or via customer service), using coupon MEMBER23 at checkout***

An extra 20% off on one item from REI Outlet (REI.com/outlet), using coupon code "MEMBER23" at checkout***

30% off Co-op Cycles Kids Bikes, and 10% off Co-op Cycles DRT 1.0 and 1.1, Gen E 1.1 & 1.2

50% off select REI Co-op Brand backpacking tents and sleeping bags

Up to $700 in savings on select REI adventure trips, with 10% off guided adventures for Great Smoky Mountains Backpacking, New River Gorge Hiking and Camping, Alaska Hiking Plus-Wrangell-St. Elias, Colorado Ultimate Adventure and Point Reyes National Seashore Multisport. Visit rei.com/adventures/h/deals for more information

in savings on select REI adventure trips, with 10% off guided adventures for Great Smoky Mountains Backpacking, New River Gorge Hiking and Camping, Alaska Hiking Plus-Wrangell-St. Elias, Colorado Ultimate Adventure and Point Reyes National Seashore Multisport. Visit rei.com/adventures/h/deals for more information REI members receive early access to new products from brands like Oboz Katabatic, Salomon Sense, Marmot and REI Co-op

The deals will also be available to new members who join the co-op. For a one-time fee of $30, anyone can become an REI Co-op member and receive these promotions. Lifetime membership benefits also include free U.S. shipping, special member offers, access to Re/Supply used gear, as well as member pricing on shop services, classes, and experiences. Earnings for eligible products purchased in 2023 will be reflected on next year's reward.

The co-op relaunched its membership program last spring in support of its 50-million-member community vision. Among the changes, REI made a commitment to donate $5 to the REI Cooperative Action Fund for every membership purchased. The Fund supports organizations committed to building a new outdoor culture and improving the health and well-being for all people.

Additional information

*Only active REI Co-op members receive a Co-op Member Reward notice. To be an active member, you need to make net merchandise or shipping purchases (purchases minus credits and returns) of at least $10 per year, unless you joined during that calendar year.

**10% is typical for the Co-op Member Reward, but not guaranteed. Co-op Member Reward is based on eligible net qualified purchases, which exclude REI Outlet items, sale, clearance, discounted items, used gear, gift cards, REI classes, tours and events, shipping charges, service fees (e.g., rentals, labor, shop services), membership fee, REI Cooperative Action Fund donations, postage, event tickets, passes or registrations, government agencies and sales tax.

*** Visit REI.com/coupon for coupon details and exclusions. Visit rei.com/membership for more information.

About the REI Co-op

REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation's largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 21.5 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 181 locations in 42 states and the District of Columbia. If you can't visit a store, you can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. REI isn't just about gear. Adventurers can take the trip of a lifetime with REI's active adventure travel company that runs more than 100 itineraries across the country. In many communities where REI has a presence, professionally trained instructors share their expertise by hosting beginner-to advanced-level classes and workshops about a wide range of activities. To build on the infrastructure that makes life outside possible, REI invests millions annually in hundreds of local and national nonprofits that create access toand stewardthe outdoor places that inspire us all.

SOURCE REI
Insurance coverage and financial hardship are top barriers to psychiatric care for BIPOC communities

Psychiatric and addiction care innovator now offers in-network coverage for Cigna members in New York , New Jersey , and Florida on path to reaching 10,000 BIPOC patients

NEW YORK, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ReKlame Health , a provider of culturally competent, affordable and empathetic behavioral healthcare for BIPOC communities, today announced that it has joined Cigna as an in-network mental healthcare provider in New York, New Jersey, and Florida. ReKlame is now in-network with all of the nation's leading insurance plans, including Optum, United Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Oxford and Oscar. The Black-founded and Black-led company brings high-quality telepsychiatry and addiction medication management to historically undertreated BIPOC communities.

As the country grapples with a mental health crisis , people of color are experiencing mental health and addiction issues more acutely . Factors such as cultural stigma , medical discrimination , wealth gaps , and a scarcity of mental health providers that are Black, Latinx, or Indigenous all contribute to the crisis. Those who do seek care face an additional roadblock where only 59% of psychiatrists accept insurance in comparison to the 80% national average of primary care physicians.

ReKlame Health , a New York State-certified Minority-Owned Business Enterprise, provides high-quality and accessible addiction management and behavioral healthcare to those who have been underserved by the nation's healthcare system. ReKlame creates customized plans that integrate multiple modalities to treat patients holistically. ReKlame's team of providers is trained in cultural competency for behavioral health so their patients can feel safe, seen, and heard. Because cost is a major barrier to care for Black Americans, ReKlame Health provides cash pay visits at half the national average and also offers a sliding scale based on need + income in addition to accepting most major health insurance plans.

ReKlame has experienced major growth over the past year, highlighted by its expansion to serve patients in New Jersey and Florida . ReKlame Health will continue to expand its care by accepting Medicaid by the end of the year.

"ReKlame Health is a mission-driven company that is advancing behavioral health equity by lowering barriers to access care for an underserved population," said Evans Rochaste NP, founder and CEO of ReKlame Health. "By joining Cigna's network, we're now able to reach thousands more BIPOC patients who are in dire need of mental health and addiction care services."

ReKlame is actively hiring clinicians in New York, New Jersey and Florida. Clinicians interested in working at ReKlame can visit www.reklamehealth.com/careers/

About ReKlame Health

ReKlame Health provides culturally competent, affordable and empathetic behavioral healthcare and addiction management for BIPOC communities. A psychiatric-led and tech-enabled practice, ReKlame treats a range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, addiction, ADHD, trauma and mood disorders. ReKlame provides in-network access from the nation's largest commercial insurers, including Optum, United Healthcare, Oxford, Oscar, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna, and offers competitive pricing for cash-pay visits.

SOURCE ReKlame Health
2,100+ items will be sold from Ritchie Bros.' Las Vegas site & simulcast to its booth on the show floor

LAS VEGAS, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Next week Ritchie Bros. will be at CONEXPO/CON-AGG in Las Vegas, NV, the largest equipment trade show in North America. At its booth in the West Hall (#43001), Ritchie Bros. will be presenting its full suite of services, designed to help fleet owners manage the entire equipment lifecycle, from purchase through disposition. The company will also be showcasing its online auction expertise with an unreserved auction, simulcast from its Las Vegas auction site to the CONEXPO-CON/AGG show floor.

More than 2,100 items will be sold in the March 17 unreserved auction, including 140+ excavators, as well as loader backhoes, dozers, motor graders, and more. All items will be sold without minimum bids or reserve prices. Bids in the auction can be made online while viewing the action from the booth at the show.

"We are excited to be working with CONEXPO-CON/AGG to bring our unreserved auction experience directly to the show floor," said Matt Ackley, Chief Marketing Officer, Ritchie Bros. "We will have our auctioneers conducting the online sale and will be simulcasting the event live to our booth at CONEXPO/CON-AGG. Also on display, will be some of the new tools and data we use that enable us to attract buyers from all over the world. We can't wait to see you all at the show!"

Visit Ritchie Bros.' booth at CONEXPO/CON-AGG

Ritchie Bros. will have brand experts at its booth (West Hall #43001) at CONEXPO/CON-AGG to explain all its services, insights, and solutions, including data and technology from Rouse Services; parts procurement technology from SmartEquip; transportation solutions and services from Veritread; financing from Ritchie Bros. Financial Services, and so much more.

The company is also hosting a seminar on the Future of Asset Management and Liquidation, hosted by Doug Rusch, Managing Director of Rouse Sales. The informative session will be held on Tuesday, March 14 at 10:45-11:45am at CONEXPO/CON-AGG.

If you would like to organize a meeting with Ritchie Bros. at CONEXPO/CON-AGG, use the linked form.

About Ritchie Bros.

Established in 1958, Ritchie Bros. (NYSE: RBA) (TSX: RBA) is a global asset management and disposition company, offering customers end-to-end solutions for buying and selling used heavy equipment, trucks and other assets. Operating in a number of sectors, including construction, transportation, agriculture, energy, mining, and forestry, the company's selling channels include: Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, the world's largest industrial auctioneer offering live auction events with online bidding; IronPlanet, an online marketplace with weekly featured auctions and providing the exclusive IronClad Assurance equipment condition certification; Marketplace-E, a controlled marketplace offering multiple price and timing options; Ritchie List, a self-serve listing service for North America; Mascus, a leading European online equipment listing service; Ritchie Bros. Private Treaty, offering privately negotiated sales; and sector-specific solutions GovPlanet, TruckPlanet, and Ritchie Bros. Energy. The Company's suite of solutions also includes Ritchie Bros. Asset Solutions and Rouse Services LLC, which together provides a complete end-to-end asset management, data-driven intelligence and performance benchmarking system; SmartEquip, an innovative technology platform that supports customers' management of the equipment lifecycle and integrates parts procurement with both OEMs and dealers; plus equipment financing and leasing through Ritchie Bros. Financial Services. For more information about Ritchie Bros., visit RitchieBros.com.

Photos and video for embedding in media stories are available at rbauction.com/media.

SOURCE Ritchie Bros.
CHICAGO, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ryerson Holding Corporation (NYSE: RYI), a leading value-added processor and distributor of industrial metals, announced its participation at the following upcoming investor conferences:

J.P. Morgan Industrials Conference in New York City ; March 15  16

in ;  16 Bank of America Global Metals, Mining & Steel Conference in Barcelona ; May 16  18

in ;  18 KeyBanc Industrials & Basic Materials Conference in Boston ; May 30  June 1

Jim Claussen, Ryerson's Chief Financial Officer, stated "Following the successes of our multi-year capital structure transformation, which was highlighted over the past year by retiring the final $300 million of our outstanding high-yield debt and returning more than $120 million to shareholders through repurchases and dividends, we look forward to updating investors on Ryerson's Next Phase Targets."

Ryerson is a leading value-added processor and distributor of industrial metals, with operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and China. Founded in 1842, Ryerson has around 4,200 employees in approximately 100 locations. Visit Ryerson at www.ryerson.com.

SOURCE Ryerson Holding Corporation
Seasoned CFO Brings Unparalleled Expertise in Corporate Finance Strategies That Drive Scale, Simplify Processes and Empower Organic and M&A Growth for Independent Wealth Management Enterprises

INDIANAPOLIS, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sanctuary Wealth, home to the next generation of elite advisors, announces the appointment of David Vaughan to the firm's Executive Leadership Team as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). After a comprehensive search, Vaughan was chosen to fill the vacant CFO position, reporting directly to Adam Malamed, CEO of Sanctuary Wealth. With close to 30 years of experience across the independent wealth management industry, Mr. Vaughan has established a respected track record of developing and implementing effective organic and M&A-based growth strategies, with an emphasis on strong bottom line results that enable significant reinvestment in the business.

"I'm delighted that David agreed to bring his extensive independent wealth management experience and skills to Sanctuary," said Malamed. "Having worked together for more than 10 years while David was with Ladenburg Thalmann, I have seen his abilities, work ethic and integrity firsthand. He has a deep understanding of how carefully planned and impeccably executed corporate finance strategies can exponentially scale an independent wealth management business, while simplifying complex processes and facilitating future growth. He will be an invaluable asset to our already strong Executive Leadership Team as we continue to grow Sanctuary into the firm of choice for sophisticated independent and breakaway advisors and practices."

Key Role in Strategy, Mergers & Acquisitions, Risk Management

In his role as CFO Vaughan will be responsible for managing all of Sanctuary's financial operations, including accounting, budgeting and financial reporting. He will play a key role in strategic decision-making, M&A, risk management and ensuring regulatory compliance. Vaughan will also be responsible for managing relationships with external stakeholders, such as Sanctuary Wealth investors and lenders. Additionally, he will oversee financial planning and forecasting to help leadership make informed decisions about future investments, capital expenditures, and growth opportunities.

"We've been looking to add this critical role to our Executive Leadership Team for more than six months," said Robert Walter, Co-President, Sanctuary Wealth. "Our patient and deliberate search has now paid off. As soon as we had the opportunity to meet with David, we knew he was the person we needed to help ensure that Sanctuary continues to hit our strategic goals and remains the premier destination for advisors looking to be independent but not alone."

Vince Fertitta, Co-President of Wealth Management, Sanctuary Wealth, added, "We are excited to welcome David to the firm and are looking forward to aligning his corporate finance expertise with our mission of driving growth for our Partner Firms. This includes leveraging David's proven expertise in guiding and structuring mergers and acquisitions. His knowledge will be instrumental in expanding our ongoing success with investing in M&A deals alongside our Partner Firms, to drive accelerated growth for our Partner firms."

Sanctuary's Strong Financial Position Provides Robust Future Growth Foundations

"I'm excited to be joining an organization with Sanctuary's momentum, and am thrilled to be working with Adam again," said Vaughan. "Sanctuary is in the strongest financial position in its history, both well-capitalized and growing. This provides a uniquely robust foundation for me to utilize as a springboard in creating and implementing strategies to help Sanctuary and its advisor partner firms realize additional revenue opportunities, while increasing efficiencies. As the firm continues to grow, we will be able to provide an even greater service experience for Sanctuary partner firms and their clients."

Vaughan was most recently CFO at Axos Clearing, where he directed multiple teams serving more than 70 broker-dealers and over 220 RIA firms. Prior to that he spent more than 27 years with Securities America, previously a subsidiary of Ladenburg Thalmann, where as CFO he led the accounting/finance, fee and commission billing, internal audit and risk management departments. Vaughan has a BBA in accounting from Creighton University's Heider College of Business and an MBA from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

About Sanctuary Wealth

Sanctuary Wealth (sanctuarywealth.com/) is the advanced platform for the next generation of elite advisors, who have the entrepreneurial spirit to build and own their own practices and desire the freedom to deliver the tailored service their clients deserve. Sanctuary Wealth's ecosystem of partnered independence provides a complete technology and operations platform, as well as support from a community of like-minded advisors and the resources of invaluable affiliated businesses. Currently, the Sanctuary Wealth network includes partner firms in 28 states across the country with approximately $25 billion in assets under advisement. Sanctuary Wealth includes the fully owned subsidiaries; Sanctuary Advisors LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser, Sanctuary Securities, Inc. a FINRA member broker-dealer as well as Sanctuary Alternative Holdings, Sanctuary Asset Management, Sanctuary Insurance Solutions, Sanctuary Global, and Sanctuary Global Family Office.

CONTACT: Michaela Morales

JConnelly

973 224 7152

[email protected]

SOURCE Sanctuary Wealth
Leading apparel supplier plans to employ 1,000 workers in Ashland, VA

RICHMOND, Va., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SanMar Corporation, a leading supplier of wholesale accessories and apparel, today shared the addition of a new distribution center in Ashland, Virginia. The facility is SanMar's ninth distribution center in the United States and marks a major initial investment in the Greater Richmond area.

The new Ashland facility comprises 1.1 million square feet of capacity. Located approximately 16 miles north of Richmond, VA, the property will significantly contribute to SanMar's robust domestic network. The company hired its first employees in Ashland in February and will grow to nearly 1,000 employees as the location is built out to its full capacity.

"We're excited to add to our SanMar team here in the Ashland area," said Brian Thompson, Vice President, Distribution at SanMar. "We've already hired our first 40 new employees and are in full swing building out our operations."

SanMar is more than just a t-shirt company  it sees t-shirts as a blank canvas that can unite a team, tell a story or express a passion. As the industry leader in promotional apparel, SanMar lives by a refreshingly simple philosophy: Be Nice and Tell the Truth. This is how the company has done business for more than 50 years. Today SanMar works with major apparel manufacturers worldwide and has grown to more than 5,000 employees across the US, working with those same simple values in mind.

This new location will be SanMar's largest distribution center and serve as the flagship facility for the company's East Coast distributions. The company has committed a minimum investment of $50 million to bolster its deep inventory and shipping capabilities, and its longstanding commitment to meeting the needs of customers nationwide with reliable service.

"In deciding the right spot for our facility, labor market and logistics are important  but our people are at the heart of everything we do," said Jeremy Lott, CEO of SanMar. "When we met the people in this community it became clear this is the right culture fit as we expand for future growth. We are thrilled to call this community a home to the future of the SanMar family for many years to come."

SanMar's mission to create positive change spans several high-impact social responsibility initiatives and substantial investments in environmental stewardship, including sustainable apparel and ambitious company-wide targets to cut emissions in global operations. Learn more about SanMar's social responsibility initiatives at Canvas for Good.

For more information, visit SanMar.com.

ABOUT SANMAR

At SanMar Corporation, we do more than make and sell t-shirts. We build meaningful connections that elevate lives. As the largest supplier of wholesale imprintable clothing and accessories in the United States, our products, and the connections they create impact organizations, individuals, and the world we live in. It all started more than 50 years ago with a business philosophy that has held true since day one: Be Nice and Tell the Truth. Family owned and operated, SanMar is based in Issaquah, Washington, with nine distribution centers nationwide and apparel from more than 30 celebrated brands.

SOURCE SanMar
Signing ceremony of the strategic partnership between Seed Group and BizAway on February 20, 2023, at Seed Group Headquarters in Dubai

DUBAI, UAE and MILAN, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Seed Group, a company of the Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, has welcomed Italian scale-up BizAway as its new strategic partner with an aim to empower and revolutionize business travel experiences for customers in the UAE and the region. As a single, quick solution to book and manage business trips with just a click, BizAway combines the efficiency of technology with a complete travel solution to optimize time and create a memorable business travel experience.

Signing ceremony of the strategic partnership between Seed Group and BizAway on February 20, 2023, at Seed Group Headquarters in Dubai

The strategic partnership has been designed to help and guide BizAway in bringing its business travel solutions to the UAE and the region, tending to a growing number of people traveling across the world for work from here. Per this partnership, Seed Group will facilitate BizAway's growth and expansion with guidance on how to reach the right audience, access top decision-makers in the government as well as the private sector, and contribute to making business travel easier and more seamless.

BizAway is a corporate travel agency and technology company based in Italy, Spain, Albania and now UAE, offering an all-in-one platform developed to simplify every aspect of business travel. BizAway was born from a team of developers and professionals specialized in business travel with the aim of facilitating the business travel experience. With constant updates and continuous evolution, the platform guarantees users optimal management of time and available resources on the back of sophisticated yet easy-to-use software.

Hisham Al Gurg, CEO of Seed Group and the Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, said, "Business travel is common in the UAE and the region, given that a number of international and internationally operated organizations have their bases here. In this context, having BizAway's expertise in the region will ease a lot of pain points in business travel.

He added, "BizAway's solutions are designed to support local corporations and the UAE's goal of digitalization perfectly. This gives them an edge and the ability to disrupt the business travel industry in the UAE and the GCC at large, especially when the value of business travel spending in the GCC has been pegged at over USD 30 billion. We look forward to a powerful association with BizAway."

Luca Carlucci, CEO of BizAway, said, "We are incredibly honored that Seed Group has selected BizAway to form a partnership with. This allows businesses and corporations in the EMEA region to digitize in the field of business travel. Our company is an innovative leader in the business travel industry, with the goal of redefining the entire experience and offering our customers a superior level of service through the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. Our company's top priority has always been to meet the needs of our customers and provide them with a unique and unforgettable experience."

He added, "We are in line with the UAE's vision of promoting continuous development and the implementation of digital strategies within the country, and we are ready to support companies that want to digitize and optimize their business travel function."

BizAway offers an indispensable tool for managing business trips at 360 in a simple and transparent way, along with travel agency services and travel risk management.

Seed Group is a notable force in the technology, healthcare, hospitality, and telecommunications landscapes in the Middle East. Over the past 20 years, it has formed successful strategic alliances with leading global companies representing diverse regions to accelerate sustainable market entry and presence within the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

About BizAway

BizAway was born in January 2015 with the goal of simplifying the management of business travel for companies. Its founders, Luca Carlucci (CEO) and Flavio Del Bianco (CTO), combined their passions for travel and technology to create proprietary software capable of offering an agile and flexible service.

Thanks to its digital platform, BizAway offers customized solutions to streamline business travel management, improve productivity, and lower costs for companies. The company has offices in Italy (Spilimbergo and Milan), in Spain (Barcelona and Vigo) and Albania (Shkoder).

Since its creation, BizAway has achieved considerable success, with a team of over 160 employees, over 500,000 bookings and more than 10 million euros in savings for the over 800 companies it works with (including BDO, Menarini, Telepass, Chiliz, Scalapay and the European Judo Union). For more information, visit https://bizaway.com/en/

About Seed Group

Over the past 20 years, Seed Group has formed strategic alliances with leading global companies representing diverse regions and industries. These companies have propelled their business interests and goals in the Middle East and North Africa region through the support and strong base of regional connections of the Seed Group. The Group's goal is to create mutually beneficial partnerships with multinational organizations and to accelerate their sustainable market entry and presence within the MENA region. Seed Group has been a key point in the success of all its partners in the region, helping them reach their target customers and accelerate their businesses. The Private Office was established by Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum to directly invest in or assist potential business opportunities in the region, which meet The Private Office's criteria. For more information, visit www.seedgroup.com .

BizAway Media Contact

Tommaso Urban

+44 20 3868 7502

[email protected]

Seed Group Media Contact

Nomarie Jean Lacsamana

+971 4 373 5068

[email protected]

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2018976/Seed_Group_BizAway.jpg

SOURCE Seed Group; BizAway
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- New data reveals a strong return for senior travelers is expected in 2023, a demographic that had been largely dormant in previous years due to the pandemic.

According to travel insurance marketplace squaremouth.com , senior travelers comprised nearly half of all customers in 2019, before dropping to just 16% of travelers in 2020.

Now, Squaremouth's share of travelers aged 60+ has more than doubled, rising by 125%.

Older Generations Return to Traveling

Travelers ages 60+ account for the largest travel demographic for the first time since the start of the pandemic, reflecting pre-Covid travel trends

Percentage of Travelers Across Age Groups



% of Travelers Age Band Dec. 1, 2022 - Jan. 31, 2023 Dec. 1, 2021 - Jan. 31, 2022 Dec. 1, 2020 - Jan. 31, 2021 Dec. 1, 2019 - Jan. 31, 2020 0 - 34 28.12 % 35.93 % 40.37 % 23.22 % 35 - 49 19.39 % 25.69 % 27.54 % 15.24 % 50 - 59 15.55 % 16.53 % 15.64 % 15.21 % 60+ 36.93 % 21.86 % 16.45 % 46.32 %

Older Travelers Concerns Are Changing

As the travel landscape continues to evolve, so do the concerns of travelers.

Seniors remain the most concerned demographic when it comes to contracting Covid-19 while traveling, despite a 21% drop in searches for Covid-related coverage over the past year

Senior travelers search more for policies with medical coverage than any other age demographic

Comparison Of Search Filter Usage Across Age Groups



% of All Searches Filter Name 60+ 50-59 35-49 1-34 Coronavirus Pandemic 31.15 % 28.71 % 25.57 % 25.24 % Emergency Medical 17.38 % 14.92 % 11.74 % 11.26 % Medical Evac 13.96 % 11.62 % 8.71 % 7.86 % Trip Interruption 13.83 % 13.41 % 10.03 % 9.77 % Cancel For Any Reason 11.68 % 13.80 % 13.28 % 13.00 %

Methodology: Squaremouth analytics compared travel insurance policy sales for insured trips purchased between Dec. 1 and January 31 from 2019 to 2023, to establish senior travel trends.

About Squaremouth: Squaremouth.com has insured over 3 million travelers. Using Squaremouth's intuitive quoting and comparison engine, award-winning support team, and verified customer reviews, travelers can save time and money to find the best travel insurance policy for their trip.

Media Contact: Kylie Morgan, [email protected]

SOURCE Squaremouth
VANCOUVER, BC, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The global sensor market size reached USD 222.07 Billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.9% during the forecast period, according to a recent report by Emergen Research. The market is primarily driven by the increasing demand for IoT devices, growing investment in R&D activities, and the adoption of automation across various industries.

Sensors are devices that detect and respond to changes in their surroundings. They are used in a wide range of industries, such as automotive, healthcare, aerospace, and consumer electronics, to name a few. The increasing adoption of automation across various industries, along with the growing demand for smart devices, has led to an increase in demand for sensors.

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Drivers:

The automotive industry is one of the primary end-users of sensors, and the market is expected to witness significant growth due to the increasing adoption of electric vehicles and autonomous vehicles. Additionally, the implementation of safety features, such as airbags and collision avoidance systems, in automobiles is driving the demand for sensors.

The healthcare industry is another major end-user of sensors, and the market is expected to grow at a significant rate due to the increasing adoption of IoT devices and the growing demand for remote patient monitoring systems. The use of sensors in wearable devices, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, is also contributing to the growth of the sensor market in the healthcare industry.

The adoption of Industry 4.0 and the increasing use of automation in manufacturing processes are driving the demand for sensors in the industrial sector. Sensors are used in various applications, such as predictive maintenance, quality control, and inventory management, among others.

The market is also expected to witness growth due to the increasing investment in R&D activities. Companies are focusing on developing advanced sensors that are more accurate, reliable, and energy-efficient. For instance, researchers are working on developing sensors that can detect early signs of diseases, such as cancer and Alzheimer's, which can help in early diagnosis and treatment.

The sensor market is expected to witness significant growth in the Asia Pacific region due to the increasing demand for smart devices and the rapid growth of the automotive industry in countries such as China and India. North America and Europe are also expected to witness significant growth due to the increasing adoption of automation and the growing demand for IoT devices in these regions.

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Restraints:

However, the high cost of sensors, along with the lack of standardization in sensor technologies, is expected to restrain market growth to some extent. Moreover, the increasing concerns over data privacy and security are expected to hinder the adoption of sensors in various applications.

Current Trends and Innovations:

The sensor market is undergoing rapid advancements as a result of the increasing demand for automation and the internet of things (IoT) technologies across various industries. Sensors are used to detect and measure physical parameters such as temperature, pressure, light, sound, and motion, among others. The Global Sensor Market is expected to reach USD 523.26 Billion in 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.9% during the forecast period (2022-2032).

The need for increased efficiency, accuracy, and reliability in manufacturing processes is driving the adoption of sensors in various industries, including automotive, healthcare, consumer electronics, aerospace and defense, and industrial automation. In addition, the rising demand for smart homes and smart cities is driving the growth of the sensor market. Sensors are widely used in smart homes and buildings for security, environmental control, and energy management purposes.

The healthcare industry is also witnessing a significant adoption of sensors for remote patient monitoring, telemedicine, and medical imaging applications. Wearable sensors, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, are gaining popularity among consumers for monitoring their health and fitness levels.

In terms of innovation, the development of nanotechnology-based sensors is one of the major trends in the sensor market. Nanosensors offer several advantages such as high sensitivity, specificity, and selectivity, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, including medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and food safety. In addition, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies with sensors is expected to revolutionize the sensor market, enabling real-time data analysis and decision-making.

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Strategic Initiatives:

Major companies included in the sensor market report are Texas Instruments Incorporated, STMicroelectronics N.V., NXP Semiconductors N.V., TE Connectivity Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH, Honeywell International Inc., Infineon Technologies AG, Analog Devices, Inc., Omron Corporation, and Siemens AG.

On December 22, 2021 , NXP Semiconductors N.V. announced the launch of its new sensor fusion software for autonomous driving applications. The software, called NXP S32G2 Vehicle Network Processor, combines radar, lidar, and camera sensor data to enable advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving functions.

, NXP Semiconductors N.V. announced the launch of its new sensor fusion software for autonomous driving applications. The software, called NXP S32G2 Vehicle Network Processor, combines radar, lidar, and camera sensor data to enable advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving functions. On February 14, 2022 , Siemens AG announced the launch of its new IoT-based sensor solution for monitoring the condition of critical infrastructure such as bridges, tunnels, and dams. The solution, called Senceive, uses wireless sensors and cloud-based analytics to detect and alert potential structural issues in real-time, enabling proactive maintenance and repair.

In conclusion, the sensor market is experiencing significant growth and innovation, with the adoption of nanotechnology, AI, and ML technologies expected to drive further advancements. The strategic initiatives of major companies in the sensor market are focused on developing new solutions that enable real-time data analysis, automation, and remote monitoring for various applications across industries.

Scope of Research

Report Details Outcome Market size in 2022 USD 222.07 Billion CAGR (20232032) 8.9 % Revenue Forecast to 2032 USD 523.26 Billion Base Year for Estimation 2022 Historical Data 20192021 Forecast Period 20232032 Quantitative Units Revenue in USD Million and CAGR in % from 2023 to 2032 Report Coverage Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends Segments Covered Type, technology, end-use, and region Regional Scope North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Country Scope U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, UK, France, Spain, BENELUX, Rest of Europe, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Rest of APAC, Brazil, Rest of LATAM, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, and Rest of Middle East & Africa Key Companies Profiled Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP, Infineon Technologies AG, Microchip Technology Inc., NXP Semiconductors, Panasonic Corporation, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., STMicroelectronics, Sony Corporation, TE Connectivity, and Texas Instruments Incorporated Customization Scope 10 hours of free customization and expert consultation

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Segments Covered in Report

For the purpose of this report, Emergen Research has segmented the global sensor market based on type, technology, end-use, and region:

Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 20192032)

Radar Sensor



Optical Sensor



Biosensors



Touch Sensor



Image Sensor



Pressure Sensor



Temperature Sensor



Proximity & Displacement Sensor



Level Sensor



Motion & Position Sensor



Humidity Sensor



Accelerometer & Speed Sensor



Others

Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 20192032)

Complimentary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS)



Microelectromechanical System (MEMS)



Nanoelectromechanical System (NEMS)



Others

End-Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 20192032)

Electronics



Information Technology (IT) & Telecom



Industrial



Automotive



Aerospace & Defense



Healthcare



Others

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Marine Corps Veteran & Multi-Unit Operator Brian Weinstein to Bring Anti-Aging Franchise to Loudoun County

ORLANDO, Fla., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Serotonin Centers, an emerging anti-aging/longevity franchise that is rapidly expanding nationwide, has secured an agreement to develop four franchise locations in Northern Virginia. While the Serotonin Centers site selection team is looking into potential sites throughout Loudoun and Fairfax County, the company has identified Sterling, Ashburn, Great Falls, and Reston as prime markets for the new franchise locations.

Serotonin Centers exterior image

The new Serotonin Centers franchises will be operated by Brian Weinstein, a Marine Corps veteran who brings years of business operations experience as the owner of two successful senior home-care franchises. Weinstein said he is excited to expand his franchise brand portfolio with the addition of Serotonin Centers  the nation's first franchise brand to enter the anti-aging and hormone treatment space. With a tiered membership model, Serotonin Centers offers a lineup of next-level wellness and longevity treatment options, including cutting-edge hormone restoration, aesthetic enhancement, weight management, immunity recovery treatments and much more.

"Much in the same way that my senior-care businesses exist to improve quality of life, owning multiple Serotonin Centers franchises gives me an opportunity to extend that mission in a different way to a wider demographic of people," Weinstein said. "Serotonin's anti-aging products and services empower people to live longer, quality lives. I'm incredibly excited to be entering this booming niche of the health market through my investment in Serotonin Centers."

Eric Casaburi, founder and CEO of Serotonin Centers, said Weinstein is ideally suited as a multi-unit owner of the fast-growth franchise.

"Having owned and operated successful franchises with a passion for helping others achieve optimal health, Brian is a perfect fit for Serotonin Centers," Casaburi said. "These are the types of qualities we are seeking in entrepreneurs around the country to invest in our groundbreaking anti-aging brand."

Since opening its first location in Windermere, FL and then launching the franchise opportunity in 2021, Serotonin Centers has attracted interest from entrepreneurs around the country. The brand has already signed seven multi-unit development agreements for 43 new franchise locations, extending across the East Coast from Orlando and Southwest Florida, to Central New Jersey, Nashville, Southeast and Northern Virginia and Boston.

To learn more about Serotonin Centers and its franchising opportunities, visit www.serotonincenters.com/franchising/.

ABOUT SEROTONIN CENTERS

Aptly named after the hormone that's function is to stabilize human's feelings of well-being and overall happiness, Serotonin's longevity and anti-aging concept provides members the road map for maximizing wellness and healthspan. The anti-aging brand intersects the expertise of both medical practitioners and health coaches in a concierge eco-system under one roof to slow down the human biological clock and extend the prime years of looking and feeling your best. Those interested in investing in a Serotonin Center can visit serotonincenters.com/franchising/ for more information.

SOURCE Serotonin Centers
PARIS, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Servier, a global pharmaceutical group, today announced it has entered into a strategic partnership with QIAGEN, a leading global provider of Sample to Insight solutions that enable customers to gain valuable molecular insights from samples containing the building blocks of life, to develop a companion diagnostic test that detects IDH1 mutations. This test will be for use with Servier's marketed and investigational targeted treatments in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).

QIAGEN and Servier are collaborating to develop a PCR-based companion diagnostic test that can be used to rapidly identify AML patients with IDH1 gene mutations. This partnership comes in the light of the published pivotal clinical phase 3 data of the AGILE study which showed that ivosidenib in combination with azacitidine as a first-line treatment for intensive chemotherapy ineligible AML patients with IDH1 gene mutations shows superior results compared to treatment with azacitidine alone.1 The partnership with QIAGEN will lead to the development of a specific diagnostic test for IDH1 gene mutations with a rapid turnaround time.

Brian Lockhart, Global Head of Companion Diagnostics at Servier, said: "In order to expand the global access for ivosidenib for patients, it is imperative that we leverage a partner such as QIAGEN with an established global footprint in oncology-driven diagnostics, and a proven expertise in companion diagnostics development and approvals."

Jonathan Arnold, Vice President, Head of Partnering for Precision Diagnostics at QIAGEN, said: "We are pleased to support Servier with a companion diagnostic in their mission to propose innovative treatment for IDH1 mutated AML patients. At the same time, we are further strengthening our role in developing companion diagnostics for the ever-growing number of biomarkers being discovered in onco-hematology."

Under the Master Collaboration Agreement, QIAGEN will develop and validate a real-time PCR-based in vitro diagnostic test that can be used to detect IDH1 gene mutations in whole blood and bone marrow aspirates in AML.

The companion diagnostic will run on the QIAGEN Rotor-Gene Q MDx device, which is widely used by labs worldwide. QIAGEN's experienced regulatory teams will support clinical validation of the companion diagnostic and its approval in the US, the European Union and Japan.

Fabien Schmidlin, Global Head of Translational Medicine at Servier, concluded: "Early biomarker testing for an IDH1 mutation has grown in importance for targeted therapies and can play a critical role in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This partnership with QIAGEN will help us further our mission to improve outcomes for patients with AML who test positive for an IDH1 mutation in both the relapsed/refractory and newly diagnosed intensive chemotherapy ineligible setting and for investigational purposes in AML patients in the front-line setting."

Press contact

Sonia Marques (France): [email protected] I Tel. +33 (0)1 55 72 40 21

Julia Ferreira (U.S.): [email protected] I Tel. 857 262 3852

About Servier

Founded to serve health, Servier is a global pharmaceutical group governed by a Foundation that aspires to have a meaningful social impact, both for patients and for a sustainable world. With its unique governance model, it can fully serve its vocation with a long-term vision: being committed to therapeutic progress to serve patient needs. The 21,400 employees of the Group are committed to this shared vocation, source of inspiration every day.

As a world leader in cardiology, Servier's ambition is to become a renowned, focused and innovative player in oncology by targeting hard-to-treat cancers. That is why the Group allocates over 50% of its R&D budget to developing targeted and innovative therapies in oncology.

Neuroscience and immuno-inflammatory diseases are the future growth drivers. In these areas, Servier is focused on a limited number of diseases in which accurate patient profiling makes it possible to offer a targeted therapeutic response through precision medicine.

To promote access to quality care for all at a lower cost, the Group also offers a range of quality generic drugs covering most pathologies, relying on strong brands in France, Eastern Europe, Brazil and Nigeria.

In all these areas, the Group includes the patient voice at each stage of the life cycle of a medicine.

Headquartered in France, Servier relies on a strong geographical footprint in over 150 countries and achieved a revenue of 4.9 billion in 2022. More information on the new Group website: servier.com

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TIBSOVO IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND INDICATION FOR U.S. PATIENTS

INDICATIONS

TIBSOVO is an isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) inhibitor indicated for patients with a susceptible IDH1 mutation as detected by an FDA-approved test with:

Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

In combination with azacitidine or as monotherapy for the treatment of newly diagnosed AML in adults 75 years or older, or who have comorbidities that preclude the use of intensive induction chemotherapy

Relapsed or Refractory AML

For the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory AML

Locally Advanced or Metastatic Cholangiocarcinoma

For the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma who have been previously treated

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: DIFFERENTIATION SYNDROME IN AML

Patients treated with TIBSOVO have experienced symptoms of differentiation syndrome, which can be fatal. Symptoms may include fever, dyspnea, hypoxia, pulmonary infiltrates, pleural or pericardial effusions, rapid weight gain or peripheral edema, hypotension, and hepatic, renal, or multiorgan dysfunction. If differentiation syndrome is suspected, initiate corticosteroid therapy and hemodynamic monitoring until symptom resolution.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Differentiation Syndrome in AML: In the combination study AG120-C-009, 15% (11/71) of patients with newly diagnosed AML treated with TIBSOVO plus azacitidine experienced differentiation syndrome. Differentiation syndrome is associated with rapid proliferation and differentiation of myeloid cells and may be life-threatening or fatal. Symptoms of differentiation syndrome in patients treated with TIBSOVO included noninfectious leukocytosis, peripheral edema, pyrexia, dyspnea, pleural effusion, hypotension, hypoxia, pulmonary edema, pneumonitis, pericardial effusion, rash, fluid overload, tumor lysis syndrome, and creatinine increased. Of the 11 patients with newly diagnosed AML who experienced differentiation syndrome with TIBSOVO plus azacitidine, 8 (73%) recovered. Differentiation syndrome occurred as early as 3 days after start of therapy and during the first month on treatment.

In the monotherapy clinical trial AG120-C-001, 25% (7/28) of patients with newly diagnosed AML and 19% (34/179) of patients with relapsed or refractory AML treated with TIBSOVO experienced differentiation syndrome. Of the 7 patients with newly diagnosed AML who experienced differentiation syndrome, 6 (86%) patients recovered. Of the 34 patients with relapsed or refractory AML who experienced differentiation syndrome, 27 (79%) patients recovered after treatment or after dose interruption of TIBSOVO. Differentiation syndrome occurred as early as 1 day and up to 3 months after TIBSOVO initiation and has been observed with or without concomitant leukocytosis.

If differentiation syndrome is suspected, initiate dexamethasone 10 mg IV every 12 hours (or an equivalent dose of an alternative oral or IV corticosteroid) and hemodynamic monitoring until improvement. If concomitant noninfectious leukocytosis is observed, initiate treatment with hydroxyurea or leukapheresis, as clinically indicated. Taper corticosteroids and hydroxyurea after resolution of symptoms and administer corticosteroids for a minimum of 3 days. Symptoms of differentiation syndrome may recur with premature discontinuation of corticosteroid and/or hydroxyurea treatment. If severe signs and/or symptoms persist for more than 48 hours after initiation of corticosteroids, interrupt TIBSOVO until signs and symptoms are no longer severe.

QTc Interval Prolongation: Patients treated with TIBSOVO can develop QT (QTc) prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Concomitant use of TIBSOVO with drugs known to prolong the QTc interval (e.g., anti-arrhythmic medicines, fluoroquinolones, triazole antifungals, 5HT3 receptor antagonists) and CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase the risk of QTc interval prolongation. Conduct monitoring of electrocardiograms (ECGs) and electrolytes. In patients with congenital long QTc syndrome, congestive heart failure, or electrolyte abnormalities, or in those who are taking medications known to prolong the QTc interval, more frequent monitoring may be necessary.

Interrupt TIBSOVO if QTc increases to greater than 480 msec and less than 500 msec. Interrupt and reduce TIBSOVO if QTc increases to greater than 500 msec. Permanently discontinue TIBSOVO in patients who develop QTc interval prolongation with signs or symptoms of life-threatening arrhythmia.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome: Guillain-Barre syndrome can develop in patients treated with TIBSOVO. Monitor patients taking TIBSOVO for onset of new signs or symptoms of motor and/or sensory neuropathy such as unilateral or bilateral weakness, sensory alterations, paresthesias, or difficulty breathing. Permanently discontinue TIBSOVO in patients who are diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

In patients with AML, the most common adverse reactions including laboratory abnormalities (25%) are leukocytes decreased, diarrhea, hemoglobin decreased, platelets decreased, glucose increased, fatigue, alkaline phosphatase increased, edema, potassium decreased, nausea, vomiting, phosphate decreased, decreased appetite, sodium decreased, leukocytosis, magnesium decreased, aspartate aminotransferase increased, arthralgia, dyspnea, uric acid increased, abdominal pain, creatinine increased, mucositis, rash, electrocardiogram QT prolonged, differentiation syndrome, calcium decreased, neutrophils decreased, and myalgia

the most common adverse reactions including laboratory abnormalities (25%) are leukocytes decreased, diarrhea, hemoglobin decreased, platelets decreased, glucose increased, fatigue, alkaline phosphatase increased, edema, potassium decreased, nausea, vomiting, phosphate decreased, decreased appetite, sodium decreased, leukocytosis, magnesium decreased, aspartate aminotransferase increased, arthralgia, dyspnea, uric acid increased, abdominal pain, creatinine increased, mucositis, rash, electrocardiogram QT prolonged, differentiation syndrome, calcium decreased, neutrophils decreased, and myalgia In patients with cholangiocarcinoma, the most common adverse reactions (15%) are fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, cough, decreased appetite, ascites, vomiting, anemia, and rash. The most common laboratory abnormalities (10%) in patients with cholangiocarcinoma are hemoglobin decreased, aspartate aminotransferase increased, and bilirubin increased

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Strong or Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Reduce TIBSOVO dose with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. Monitor patients for increased risk of QTc interval prolongation.

Strong CYP3A4 Inducers: Avoid concomitant use with TIBSOVO.

Sensitive CYP3A4 Substrates: Avoid concomitant use with TIBSOVO.

QTc Prolonging Drugs: Avoid concomitant use with TIBSOVO. If co-administration is unavoidable, monitor patients for increased risk of QTc interval prolongation.

LACTATION

Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for adverse reactions in breastfed children, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with TIBSOVO and for 1 month after the last dose.

Please see Full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING for AML patients.

1 Results from the AGILE study were published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) in April 2022.

SOURCE Servier Pharmaceuticals
NEW YORK, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Following announcement covered by Korea Herald, South Korean vegan cosmetics brand Siita said Thursday (Mar 2nd) that it has been recognized as one of the first zero waste companies globally by a sustainable fashion and lifestyle platform affiliated with the United Nations.

The Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network is an UN-hosted online platform for industry stakeholders, NGOs, and governments to seek collaborations and report progress for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Siita was introduced as one of the model cases that have introduced eco-friendly innovations in the fashion and lifestyle sector.

"Siita is the only company in the world that decomposes products made of plastic. All Siita products are fully decomposed and return to nature," the platform said.

This is the first time that a South Korean company has won recognition from the platform, Siita said.

The platform especially highlighted Siita's own plastic decomposition system.

The company collects all product containers that are made of biodegradable plastic to make them into organic compost.

Compared to existing facilities using microorganisms, the technology lowers the costs, while the processing period which usually takes about six months is also cut in half.

The organic compost is supplied to neighboring farmhouses, a win-win between the company and the local community.

Bloomberg and IBTimes described Siita's technology as having "changed the paradigm for solving environmental problems." Vogue even referred to the company as "the Apple of cosmetics."

"It is a great honor to be named as a model case for sustainability," said a Siita official. "We will continue to offer eco-friendly solutions and to invest in sustainability under our goal of 'keeping Earth alive.'"

SOURCE Korea Herald
WASHINGTON, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Regan Zambri Long PLLC is pleased to announce that six of our Washington, DC car accident lawyers have been named to the 2023 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumers Lawyers guide.

The Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers list is an elite group of plaintiff attorneys from all over the United States. According to the guide, every lawyer named to the list was recognized because "they bring justice to individuals (or groups of them) for a physical harm they have suffered, as opposed to one that is chiefly financial."

The following attorneys have been named to the list:

President and Senior Partner Patrick M. Regan

Senior Partner, Vice President, and Founding Member Salvatore J. Zambri

Senior Partner Victor E. Long

Partner Jacqueline T. Colclough

Partner Paul J. Cornoni

Partner Amy S. Griggs

Since opening its doors 25 years ago, the DC medical malpractice attorneys at Regan Zambri Long PLLC have garnered respect from their clients as well as their peers. With over $1 billion in record-setting verdicts and settlements, the firm has routinely been honored by well-respected legal organizations and publications throughout the country. Our attorneys have been named Best Lawyers in America by Best Lawyers and Washington, DC Super Lawyers by Super Lawyers magazine.

Regan Zambri Long has been named a Tier 1 Law Firm in Washington, DC for Medical Malpractice Law-Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation-Plaintiffs in 2023 by U.S. News and World Report and holds an AV preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

About Regan Zambri Long PLLC

Washington, DC personal injury law firm Regan Zambri Long PLLC strives to provide legal representation of the highest caliber to our clients. Focusing primarily on personal injury law, we passionately advocate for those who have been negligently injured. For more information, visit https://rhllaw.com .

Media contact:

Wendy Lindars

[email protected]

202-960-4596

SOURCE Regan Zambri Long, PLLC
After Selling Out 100 Free Flights, Sling is Now Offering 200 Free Flights.

LOS ANGELES , March 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sling Pilot Academy is hosting their unprecedented "100 Free Flights" event for high school and college students to encourage them to consider a career as an Airline Pilot. Pilots are not required to have a college degree and can be earning $100,000 in their first year as an Airline Pilot, just 2 years after starting training. The training portion takes only 9 months. And, thanks to their Elite Partnership with SkyWest Airlines, Sling Pilot Academy students have the opportunity to be hired by the world's largest regional carrier and receive a $15,000 tuition reimbursement. Students are eligible for hire after graduating from the Academy and building their flight hours as a flight instructor. At the "100 Free Flights" event, Sling will also announce the details of a new half million dollars in scholarships to provide 180 lucky winners with an avenue into an aviation career.

100 Free Flights to High School and College Students Tweet this Sling Pilot Academy Offers 100 (now 200!) Free Flights for High School and College Students

Additionally, to encourage more women and minorities to become pilots, members of Women in Aviation, The Ninety-Nines, Professional Asian Pilot Association, Latino Pilot Association, and other multicultural associations will be on hand to share experiences and explain why pilots enjoy one of the most incredible careers out there. Lunch will be served by The Habit Burger Truck and the Western Museum of Flight will be open to share some of the rich history of aviation (free for the day).

Each of the 100 students will receive:

A free Introductory Flight Lesson - take the controls and fly the airplane

A free Simulator flight session

A Pilot logbook to log airplane and simulator time (counts towards Pilot Certificate)

A 1-hour presentation by SkyWest Airlines, the largest regional airline in the world, on the state of the airline industry and the pathway from High School to career

A tour of the Sling Aircraft manufacturing facility where students will have the opportunity for a hands-on aircraft build experience

According to Boeing's Pilot Technical Outlook forecast there will be a demand for 2.1 million new commercial aviation-related jobs from 2017-2036, with 637,000 of them Pilots, which translates to 31,850 Pilots per year. This means that 87 new Pilots are needed EACH DAY to meet the huge pilot shortage that is often to blame for frequent flight cancelations.

Contact: www.slingpilotacademy.com

Youtube B-Roll: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8zM99Xz_f0

Media contact Luis Vasquez: 310-421-6479, [email protected]

SOURCE Sling Pilot Academy
Sonata Software becomes the latest Sinequa Global Gold Services Partner to help data-driven organizations accelerate innovation

BANGALORE, India , March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sonata Software, a leading Modernization and Digital Engineering company, has announced that it has signed a Global Gold Services partnership agreement with Sinequa, the leading enterprise search cloud company. This partnership enables Sonata to offer its customers a powerful intelligent search solution on which knowledge-intensive organizations can support enterprise-wide search and develop customized domain and situational applications.

In January 2020, Encore Software Services, a Sonata company, entered into a Gold Services Partnership agreement with Sinequa covering the United States. Since then, Encore has successfully implemented Sinequa's Search Cloud Platform for customers in pharmaceutical, manufacturing, banking and insurance and created a Sinequa Center of Excellence in Chennai, India with certified consultants to provide high quality implementation services to its global customers.

"We are proud to see our partnership with Sinequa expanding beyond United States. It's a testimony of our strong collaboration in delivering distinctive set of innovative search solutions to our customers and enabling them to achieve superior customer service, along with an enhanced digital experience and optimized operational capabilities," said Samir Dhir, MD and CEO, Sonata Software.

Sinequa helps the world's largest and most complex organizations improve information discovery and knowledge management with intelligent search solutions. Sinequa's AI-powered search platform, optimized for Microsoft Azure, connects unstructured and structured data with a unified search interface to provide insights using deep learning, state-of-the-art natural language processing, knowledge mining and neural search. Sinequa delivers an optimal set of features and capabilities needed to accelerate the building and scaling of any insight application for the most complex and high-value use cases. The platform has been designed from the ground up to respect all security protocols and content access rights without compromise.

"Sinequa is proud to welcome Sonata and the team from Encore Software Services as our Global Gold Services Partner. Sonata brings experienced experts to implement and quickly customize our Search Cloud platform, allowing customers to extract new and useful business insights from the vast quantities of available data," said Alexandre Bilger, CEO, Sinequa.

"Sinequa's 200+ connectors, SBA Framework with Starter Apps enable us to deploy enterprise search solution for our customers in a matter of weeks that would have taken us many months to deliver without it," said Prasanth Kedarisetty, Sr Vice President at Sonata Software.

About Sonata Software

For more information, press only :

Nandita Venkatesh,

Sonata Software Limited

CIN- L72200MH1994PLC082110

A.P.S. Trust Building,

Bull Temple Road, N.R. Colony

Bangalore 560004, India

Tel:+91806778199

[email protected]

Logo : https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/689012/Sonata_Software_Logo.jgg

SOURCE Sonata Software
This strategic alliance projects the operation of these plants by 2024, which in total will have the capacity to extract 20,000 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent per year.

HOUSTON, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- March began with good news for Sorcia Minerals and International Battery Metals (IBAT), as both companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the arrival of direct lithium extraction plants in South America in 2024. In total, these will have the capacity to produce 20,000 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent per year, re-injecting over 90% of the brine extracted from the salt flat.

This technology -the only one in the world validated at industrial level- will come to South America to change the paradigm of lithium extraction, which until now has been carried out through large evaporation pools installed on the salt flats.

In addition to having re-injection, a fundamental element to avoid generating water imbalance in the salt flats or harming the surrounding communities, these plants can extract lithium with an efficiency of up to 90%, which is highly superior to current systems. In this way, the extraction of this mineral can be done in a more effective and sustainable way.

Daniel Layton, CEO of Sorcia Minerals, says he is very pleased with this agreement. "With this technology we will allow lithium to be part of a circular economy, being sustainable from its extraction to its industrial use. We are very happy to be able to take these plants to South America during 2024, since the best salt flats in the world are there to exploit this mineral, always in a sustainable and long-lasting way. We already have the technology and now we are working to enter the Chilean and Argentinian market with this direct extraction and reinjection system. We are sure that we can be an influential player so that these countries can take full advantage of their salt flats, but always being environmentally responsible", says the executive.

For the last four years Sorcia Minerals has conducted geophysical studies in four salt flats between Chile and Argentina. These have shown great potential for lithium exploitation with Direct Extraction Technology. The company is already in the last stage of drilling in Antofalla salt flat, in the Province of Catamarca, Argentina, where they plan to start production during next year.

SOURCE Sorcia Minerals
New Drag Reduction Kit designed to reduce fuel burn rate and lower carbon emissions intensity

DALLAS, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Aero Design Labs (ADL) announced the first revenue flight with its proprietary drag reduction kit installed, has been flown on a Southwest Airlines 737-700 aircraft. Aero Design Labs founder and Executive Chairman Lee Sanders was among the Customers on the historic flight that was recently operated from Dallas to El Paso with the kit installed.

Southwest will be running a network evaluation of drag reduction kits installed on five of its 737-700 aircraft to measure fuel efficiency. ADL's drag reduction kit is designed to reduce the amount of drag on the aircraft, resulting in reduced fuel burn rate and lower carbon intensity.

"This is exciting news for our entire team at Aero Design Labs who have worked diligently over the last several years to bring this important innovation to fruition," stated Jeff Martin, Aero Design Labs President and CEO. "We are delighted that Southwest has chosen to test our kits on five of its aircraft, and we are confident they will be able to take advantage of the reduced fuel burn rate and lowered carbon emissions intensity our kits provide."

"As Southwest Airlines continues to seek opportunities to improve fuel efficiency, which reduces our carbon emissions intensity and helps us address our environmental footprint, we are partnering with ADL to test modifications to five of our 737-700s with the goal of reducing our fuel burn rate on a per aircraft basis," said Chris Monroe, Southwest's Senior Vice President of Finance, Treasury, and Sustainability. "In our constant search for new ways to operate more efficiently and safely, we look forward to this trial of ADL's innovative and proprietary drag reduction kit."

"Our work on these retrofit kits represents the first of what will be many opportunities with other aircraft types as we continue our research and development," commented Chris Jones, Aero Design Labs' Chief Commercial Officer. "Airlines the world over have expressed interest in our programs, and we are working diligently to develop modifications for numerous aircraft types. We applaud and thank Southwest for seeing the value our kits can provide."

About Aero Design Labs L.L.C.

Founded in 2015, Aero Design Labs (ADL) leads the way in the research, development and installation of drag reduction kits for airline fleets globally. ADL modifications to airlines' existing fleets can result in fuel savings and the potential for billions of pounds CO2 to be prevented from entering the atmosphere.

Media inquiries: Richard Bartrem [email protected]

Sales inquiries: Chris Jones [email protected]

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.

Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 121 airports across 11 countries. Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline1. Based in Dallas and famous for an Employee-first corporate Culture, Southwest maintains an unprecedented record of no involuntary furloughs or layoffs in its history. By empowering its more than 66,0002 People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among as many as 130 million Customers carried a year. That formula for success brought industry-leading prosperity and 47 consecutive years3 of profitability for Southwest Shareholders. Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship.

1) U.S. Dept. of Transportation most recent reporting of domestic originating passengers boarded

2) Fulltime-equivalent active Employees

3) 1973-2019 annual profitability

Media Contacts:

Visit the Southwest Newsroom at swamedia.com for multimedia assets and other Company news.

Media Relations Team: (214) 792-4847, option 1

SOURCE Aero Design Labs
Small Business Administrator of the United States Isabella Casillas Guzman to Deliver Opening Remarks

DUBLIN, Calif., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- TriNet (NYSE: TNET), a leading provider of comprehensive human resources solutions for small and medium-size businesses (SMBs), is partnering with Inc. Magazine to bring TriNet PeopleForceX to SXSW 2023. The event, taking place at Inc. Founders House at SXSW, will feature an inspiring discussion with TriNet Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, and Chief Communications Officer Michael Mendenhall and Inc. Magazine Executive Editor Diana Ransom, centered around the Path to Purpose: How Company Culture and Your Brand Creates Customer Loyalty.

Special SXSW 2023 Edition of TriNet PeopleForceX on Saturday, March 11 Live from Inc. Magazines Founders House

This special SXSW edition of TriNet PeopleForceX, an extension of its award-winning TriNet PeopleForce conference, will be held Saturday, March 11, at 4:20 p.m. CT and will feature opening remarks by SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, the voice in President Biden's Cabinet for America's over 33 million small businesses.

"We are absolutely thrilled to be a part of Inc. Magazine's Founders House, to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that drives SMBssomething that we at TriNet live and breathe every day," said Michael Mendenhall, TriNet, SVP, CMO and CCO. "Additionally, it is an honor to have Administrator Guzman, one of our country's biggest champions of small businesses, join us from Inc. Magazine's Founders House at TriNet PeopleForceX during SXSW."

The Inc. Founders House at SXSW 2023 is a one-of-a-kind hub for the driven people starting, running, and growing businesses. The curated experience will feature sessions with star entrepreneurs, complimentary food, and networking with like-minded SMBs.

Registration for the event is here.

About TriNet

TriNet (NYSE: TNET) provides small and medium-size businesses (SMBs) with full-service HR solutions tailored by industry. To free SMBs from HR complexities, TriNet offers access to human capital expertise, benefits, risk mitigation and compliance, payroll, all enabled by industry leading technology capabilities. TriNet's suite of products also includes services and software-based solutions to help streamline workflows by connecting HR, Benefits, Employee Engagement, Payroll and Time & Attendance. From Main Street to Wall Street, TriNet empowers SMBs to focus on what matters mostgrowing their business and enabling their people. TriNet, incredible starts here. For more information, visit TriNet.com or follow us on Twitter.

SOURCE TriNet Group, Inc.
Union Honors Legacy, History of Women Teamsters

WASHINGTON, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a statement from Anthony Rosa, Director of the Teamsters Human Rights and Diversity Commission:

"Women have long played a critical role in the fight for social and economic justice in the United States of America.

"During Women's History Month every March, the Teamsters are proud to celebrate the courageous women throughout history who fought to improve the lives of workers.

"Thanks to fierce Teamster women like Clara Day, Marie Kemple, and Mazie Lanham, more workers have been able to organize and gain the benefits of Teamster representationincluding higher wages, better benefits, workplace protections, and opportunities to make a positive impact in the workplace.

"While progress in both women's rights and workers' right have been made, more work remains. We look forward to working alongside the present-day heroines of the labor movement to secure justice for all workers.

"From all of us at the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Happy Women's History Month."

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.2 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org to learn more. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

Contact:

Matt McQuaid, (202) 624-6877

[email protected]

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters
LAS VEGAS, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Franchise Association (IFA) named Steve Leibsohn, a multi-unit Wetzel's Pretzels (Wetzel's) owner, as a 2022 Franchisee of the Year. Leibsohn, who operates over 35 bakeries across Arizona, was honored at the 63rd IFA Annual Convention in Las Vegas.

Steven Leibsohn - International Franchise Association's Franchisee of the Year

Leibsohn has been a dedicated Wetzel's Pretzels franchisee and brand ambassador for over 25 years, growing his pretzel footprint throughout the Grand Canyon State one deliciously sweet and salty bakery at a time. Since 1998, Leibsohn has been serving up handheld happiness to Arizonans across a plethora of Wetzel's flexible formats, including malls, Walmarts, stadiums and food trucks. Leibsohn started his Wetzel's story with his first bakery in Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall and was immediately successful from day one. Recognizing the incredible demand, simple operations and snack industry leading AUVs, he quickly expanded across the desert. Now, with over 35 locations and counting, Leibsohn and Wetzel's are synonymous with shopping trips and are a staple during events at Chase Field and The Talking Stick Resort Arena.

"Steve has always been an incredible team player, with an entrepreneurial spirit that channels the ambitious nature of the Wetzel's Pretzels brand," said Jennifer Schuler, CEO of Wetzel's Pretzels. "As a valued partner for decades, his consistent growth across a diverse range of store formats speaks volumes of his commitment to the brand. We're proud of his many accomplishments and the impact he's made in both his local community and the greater franchise network."

Leibsohn has always generously invested his time and resources to support worthy causes and aspiring entrepreneurs. As a committed philanthropist, community involvement comes second nature to Steve, who spearheaded a partnership with No Kid Hungry. Thanks to his dedication to this charity alone, Wetzel's Pretzels was able to donate more than $100,000 to fight childhood hunger. Steve also mentors new franchisees, helping to build the next generation of leaders.

"Joining the Wetzel's family over 25 years ago was the best decision I ever made," said Leibsohn. "When you find a franchisor you trust, a brand you believe in and a product that guests can't get enough of, 'work,' feels a lot more like fun. I'm humbled to be acknowledged by the IFA and look forward to continued growth in the restaurant industry."

The Franchisee of the Year Award recognizes leading franchise owners whose outstanding performance and contributions help protect, enhance and promote the franchise business model. Recipients are selected for their service to their communities, fostering a strong and vibrant workforce, opening the doors for career growth and entrepreneurship, and supporting their fellow franchisees.

"This is the highest honor we bestow on individual owners, with its recipients representing the very best in franchising," said Matthew Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association. "We're proud to celebrate local business owners like Steve Leibsohn who exemplify the power of franchising and its positive contributions to communities around the world."

For additional information about the Wetzel's franchise opportunity, visit .

About Wetzel's Pretzels

Providing a fun, fresh take on soft pretzels, Wetzel's Pretzels was founded in 1994 by Bill Phelps and Rick Wetzel in Pasadena, California. Drawing fans to its mouthwatering, portable snacks that are hand-rolled, baked fresh and served hot from the oven, word quickly spread about the delicious West Coast brand. Today, Wetzel's Pretzels has grown to more than 370 bakeries, including premier locations like Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort and Universal CityWalk, continuing to cultivate fanatics around the world with its SoCal vibes and "gram-worthy" snacks. Its cult-like following includes famous fans like Ben Affleck, Billie Eilish, Jimmy Kimmel, Kim Kardashian and Meghan Trainor. As the nation's leading pretzel chain, the franchise was recently being named to Franchise Business Review's 2023 Top Food Franchises list and included on Entrepreneur's Top 50 Franchise Companies Doing the Most to Champion Diversity list for its Access to Equity Program, which makes franchise ownership more accessible for women and ethic minorities. Jennifer Schuler, the brand's first female CEO, was also recognized by Nation's Restaurant News as one of the "Most Influential CEOs in the Restaurant Industry" and Kim Freer was named to Entrepreneur's Top 50 Franchise CMO Gamechangers list.

About the International Franchise Association

Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world's oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the approximately 790,492 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.4 million direct jobs, $825.4 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and almost 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development.

SOURCE Wetzels Pretzels
Two ARVO presentations will feature research results from the company's preclinical research in Corneal Nerve Repair and Myopia

STUART, Fla., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Stuart Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage ophthalmic biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for the treatment of anterior segment, refractive and posterior segment eye disorders, today announced that it is sponsoring two research poster presentations by researchers at Vanderbilt University and the University of Rochester at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Annual Meeting, which will take place from April 23-27, 2023, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Stuart, Florida

Session: Corneal Neuropathy and Ocular Pain (Session Number 138)

Poster Title: Repairing the Corneal Nerve Bed using Collagen Mimetic Peptides

Presenter: Lauren K. Wareham, PhD, Vanderbilt University

Date: April 23, 2023

Time: 12:00 PM to 1:45 PM CDT

Presentation Number: 716 - B0401

Authors: Lauren K. Wareham, Joseph M. Holden, Olivia Bossardet, Robert O. Baratta, Brian J. Del Buono, Eric Schlumpf, George W. Ousler, and David J. Calkins

Dr. Wareham will present in vivo research results demonstrating corneal and trigeminal nerve repair capabilities of Collagen Mimetic Peptides (CMPs) under development by Stuart Therapeutics for anterior segment indications including dry eye disease, neurotrophic keratitis, and other corneal dystrophies. The results show significant improvement in corneal nerve and tissue health in an atropine / desiccation chamber damage model as a result of treatment with certain CMPs, the active ingredient in the company's ST-100 drug candidate for dry eye disease. This research shows for the first time that CMPs are capable of repairing and restoring the neural circuit between the corneal nerves and the lacrimal nerve and lacrimal gland. The research was conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute,Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Session: Mechanisms of Refractive Error and Eye Development (Session Number 142)

Poster Title: Second Harmonic Generation Microscopy of Rat Scleral Remodeling by Collagenase and Reparative Collagen Mimetic Peptides

Presenter: Daniel Savage, MD, PhD, University of Rochester

Date: April 23, 2023

Time: 12:00 PM to 1:45 PM CDT

Presentation Number: 849 - C0532

Authors: Daniel Savage, Jiaxi Zhou, James A. Germann, Robert O. Baratta, Brian J. Del Buono, Eric Schlumpf, and Susana Marcos

Dr. Savage will present ex vivo research demonstrating significant recovery of collagenase-digested rat scleral tissues through the use of CMPs to restore scleral tissue integrity and organization through collagen repair and reorganization. This research is the first opportunity to demonstrate the ability of CMPs to reorganize disrupted structural scleral collagen, in work conducted at the Center for Visual Science, Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester.

About Stuart Therapeutics, Inc.

Stuart Therapeutics, founded in 2017 and based in Stuart, Florida, is the leader in the development of ECM-targeting therapeutics for disease treatment. Its platform technology, PolyCol, is a portfolio of synthesized collagen mimetic peptides designed to specifically bind to and repair disease- or injury-damaged helical collagen structures. This activity results in both a repair of collagen structures and a restoration of homeostatic cell signaling, with positive effects on cell growth and proliferation and reduction in inflammation. These effects occur rapidly in treated tissues, and Stuart Therapeutics has extensive research results in a variety of anterior and posterior segment ophthalmic disease indications. For more information, visit www.stuarttherapeutics.com.

CONTACT:

Eric Schlumpf, President & CEO

[email protected]

SOURCE Stuart Therapeutics
Self Care+ helps members in their everyday lives, beyond the claims process

WELLESLEY, Mass., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sun Life U.S. is broadening access to health services by enhancing its group life insurance portfolio with AbleTo Self Care+, an on demand, digital wellness program designed to help build everyday resilience and support emotional and mental health. Sun Life members and their families can use Self Care+ at their own pace, and the program provides tailored content and activities to help them reach their wellness goals. The addition of Self Care+ is part of Sun Life's continued expansion of its health-related products and services that complement the member's health insurance and drive improved health outcomes.

"We are committed to broadening access to more benefits and services with virtual programs that meet people where they are," said David Healy, senior vice president, Group Benefits, Sun Life U.S. "Self Care+ allows us to support our members and their families beyond the claim process, in their day-to-day lives. After the strong interest we've seen in AbleTo's behavioral health program as part our disability services, I'm thrilled to offer another AbleTo support program to our clients."

Employers have the option to add Self Care+ with Sun Life basic or voluntary Life insurance. Self Care+ is available anytime, anywhere, and provides access to digital tools, including mood and habit tracking, meditations, and wellness content rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) methods. Participants can learn ways to manage stress, change negative thoughts, maintain better boundaries, build healthy habits, and become more resilient and in control. Self Care+ will be available alongside Sun Life's other life insurance services, which include emergency travel assistance, identity theft protection and financial planning.

"We want to help our employer clients be there for their employees by offering benefits and services that provide valuable support year-round," said Sheila Sokolski, assistant vice president, Product Management, Sun Life U.S. "AbleTo is a trusted partner in offering programs that help people live healthier lives, and Self Care+ complements our growing portfolio of benefit services that support members' health and wellness."

"Everyone can benefit from convenient mental wellness support to reduce daily stress and build resilience. We're thrilled to offer Sun Life members and families an engaging, evidence-informed solution to support their journey toward positive emotional well-being," said Steve Bewley, AbleTo's Chief Executive Officer.

Sun Life is continuing to build out programs and services within its benefits offerings that are accessible to more members and help them achieve better health outcomes. Sun Life first partnered with AbleTo in 2022 to offer virtual behavioral health support to members receiving short-term disability and/or critical illness benefits due to a cancer diagnosis. Other care support programs for Sun Life disability members include integrative, virtual care for those with neck or back issues, or long COVID-19. Sun Life's Health and Risk Solutions business offers Health Navigator, a healthcare navigation service provided through personal care advisors to help people get the right diagnoses and access the right care for their specific medical needs. Sun Life is also the largest provider of Medicaid dental benefits through its DentaQuest business, expanding oral healthcare access to underserved communities.

About Sun Life

Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of December 31, 2022, Sun Life had total assets under management of C$1.33 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com .

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping more than 50 million Americans access the healthcare and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. Sun Life U.S. and affiliated companies in asset management employ approximately 5,500 people in the U.S. Group insurance policies are issued by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (Wellesley Hills, Mass.), except in New York, where policies are issued by Sun Life and Health Insurance Company (U.S.) (Lansing, Mich.). For more information visit our website and newsroom .

About AbleTo

A pioneer in telehealth, AbleTo has revolutionized the way people access quality mental healthcare. Delivering over 2 million patient sessions, AbleTo provides structured, high-quality and high-impact mental healthcare to people, when and where they need help most. The company's dynamic suite of solutions leverage data and analytics to align each person's unique needs with a highly personalized program that offers the right blend of human and digital support. A nationwide network of more than 2,300 trusted providers, skilled in clinically rigorous treatment, delivers this tailored care through a remote platform backed by over a decade of experience. AbleTo's outcomes-focused approach is proven to improve both behavioral and physical health and lower overall medical costs. For more information, visit AbleTo at www.ableto.com and follow AbleTo on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Media contacts:

Devon Fernald

Sun Life U.S.

781-800-3609

[email protected]

Christine Kim

AbleTo

[email protected]

Connect with Sun Life U.S.

https://www.facebook.com/SLFUnitedStates

https://www.linkedin.com/company/sun-life-financial

https://twitter.com/SunLifeUS

SOURCE Sun Life U.S.
Coastal Recreation Hill Day grassroots attendees will meet with the Biden administration and more than 120 congressional offices to drive action to protect the nation's coasts

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., March 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 9-10, the Surfrider Foundation and leaders of the coastal recreation and tourism industry will present custom surfboards with hundreds of signatures from coastal enthusiasts to congressional officials and the Biden administration during Coastal Recreation Hill Day to urge federal protection of the ocean and coasts for all people. Representing the largest grassroots network of coastal recreation users in the nation, attendees will meet with more than 120 congressional leaders to advance comprehensive policies to prevent plastic pollution, protect clean water and drive climate action.

"Protecting and enjoying the world's ocean, waves and beaches are paramount to Surfrider's mission," said the Surfrider Foundation's Senior Environmental Director, Zach Plopper. "To reflect this commitment, Surfrider will be presenting surfboards, signed by hundreds of volunteers and coastal enthusiasts from around the country, to our members of Congress and federal agencies during this year's Coastal Recreation Hill Day. The surfboards represent the people who are dedicated to defending clean water on our beaches, reducing plastic pollution in our ocean, protecting marine habitats and ensuring our coasts are resilient to a changing climate."

The Surfrider Foundation's Coastal Recreation Hill Day efforts will consist of 155 attendees with 37 regional delegations that represent 23 coastal states and territories across the nation. It will also incorporate support from eight industry organizations and notable attendees, including Cathey Curtis, General Manager of ROXY; Vipe Desai, Executive Director of Surf Industry Members Association (SIMA); and Patagonia surfing ambassador Otto Flores. The coalition will meet directly with leaders from the White House, Department of Interior, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

"Healthy coasts are critical for the surf and outdoor recreation industry, which employs thousands of people across the U.S.," said Executive Director of Surf Industry Members Association, Vipe Desai. "Surfrider's Coastal Recreation Hill Day provides a valuable avenue to engage directly with our elected officials in Congress and the Biden administration to make the case for advancing stronger protections of these ecosystems and recreational opportunities."

During Surfrider's Coastal Recreation Hill Day, attendees will urge federal support for:

Legislation that bans easily littered single-use plastics and establishes protections for frontline communities near plastic production facilities

EPA funding appropriations of $15 million for BEACH Act Grants Program to test beach water quality and the full authorized level of $3 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to stop sewage pollution at the source

for BEACH Act Grants Program to test beach water quality and the full authorized level of for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to stop sewage pollution at the source Nature-based and ocean climate solutions legislation that advances proactive adaptation, prohibits new offshore drilling, enhances coastal resilience and funds essential NOAA programs

For more information on Surfrider's Coastal Recreation Hill Day or to find a nearby chapter and get involved, visit Surfrider.org .

About the Surfrider Foundation

The Surfrider Foundation is a nonprofit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world's ocean, waves and beaches for all people through a powerful activist network. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over one million supporters, activists and members, with more than 200 volunteer-led chapters and student clubs in the U.S., and more than 800 victories protecting our coasts. Learn more at surfrider.org .

SOURCE Surfrider Foundation
LONDON, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tetragon today announces the commencement of a tender offer to purchase a portion of its outstanding non-voting shares for a maximum aggregate payment of $25,000,000 in cash. The tender offer, which was initially announced by Tetragon on 3 March 2023, will be conducted as a "modified Dutch auction" with shareholders able to tender their Tetragon non-voting shares at prices ranging from and including $9.25 up to and including $11.00 per share. The tender offer is expected to expire at 11:59 p.m. (ET) on 6 April 2023, unless extended or terminated earlier. J.P. Morgan Securities plc (which conducts its U.K. investment banking business as J.P. Morgan Cazenove) will act as dealer manager for the tender offer and Computershare Investor Services PLC will act as tender agent for the tender offer.

Eligible shareholders will be able to indicate how many Tetragon non-voting shares and at what price or prices within the specified range they wish to tender. Based on the number of shares tendered and the prices specified by the tendering shareholders, J.P. Morgan, as dealer manager, will determine the lowest price per share within the range that will enable Tetragon to purchase $25,000,000 in value of Tetragon non-voting shares, or a lower amount if the tender offer is not fully subscribed. All shares purchased by Tetragon in the tender offer will be purchased at the same price. If, based on the determined purchase price, more than $25,000,000 in value of shares are properly tendered and not properly withdrawn, valid tenders made below the determined purchase price are expected to be accepted in full, except in the limited circumstances described below, while valid tenders made at the determined purchase price will be subject to proration. However, if the pro rata reduction of the number of shares eligible to be purchased at the determined purchase price is insufficient to reduce the value of the shares to be purchased to $25,000,000, then none of the shares tendered at the determined purchase price will be purchased, and instead there will be a pro rata reduction in the purchase of shares tendered at the next highest price below the determined purchase price to the extent necessary to reduce the value of shares purchased to $25,000,000. The determined purchase price, as well as the proration factor (if applicable), is expected to be announced on or about 11 April 2023, and Tetragon expects the purchase of shares in the tender offer would be settled promptly thereafter.

The tender offer is not conditioned upon the receipt of any minimum number of shares being tendered.

This release is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to buy nor the solicitation of an offer to sell any shares of Tetragon. The full details of the tender offer, including complete instructions on how to tender shares, are included in the offer to purchase which is available on Tetragon's website at the following URL:

https://www.tetragoninv.com/shareholders/share-repurchases

Shareholders should read carefully the offer to purchase because it contains important information. Shareholders may obtain electronic copies of this document free of charge by calling Computershare at +44 37 0707 4040. Shareholders are urged to read these materials carefully prior to making any decision with respect to the tender offer.

Contacts:

Computershare: +44 37 0707 4040

About Tetragon:

Tetragon is a Guernsey closed-ended investment company. Its non-voting shares are listed on Euronext in Amsterdam, a regulated market of Euronext Amsterdam N.V., and also traded on the Specialist Fund Segment of the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange. Our investment manager is Tetragon Financial Management LP. Find out more at www.tetragoninv.com.

Tetragon: Yuko Thomas Investor Relations [email protected] Press Inquiries: Prosek Partners [email protected] +44 20 3890 9193 +1 212 279 3115

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements are made based upon Tetragon's expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting Tetragon and therefore involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and Tetragon's actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity may differ materially and adversely from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the day they are made and Tetragon does not undertake to update its forward-looking statements unless required by law.

This release contains inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation (2014/596/EU), or EU MAR, and of the UK version of EU MAR as it forms part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act (as amended).

This release does not contain or constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction. The securities of Tetragon have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to U.S. persons unless they are registered under applicable law or exempt from registration. Tetragon does not intend to register any portion of its securities in the United States or to conduct a public offer of securities in the United States. In addition, Tetragon has not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and investors will not be entitled to the benefits of such Act. Tetragon is registered in the public register of the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (Autoriteit Financiele Markten) under Section 1:107 of the Dutch Financial Markets Supervision Act as an alternative investment fund from a designated state.

ANY DECISION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TENDER OFFER SHOULD ONLY BE MADE ON THE BASIS OF AN INDEPENDENT REVIEW BY AN ELIGIBLE SHAREHOLDER OF TETRAGON'S PUBLICLY AVAILABLE INFORMATION. NEITHER J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES PLC NOR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES ACCEPT ANY LIABILITY ARISING FROM THE USE OF, OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION AS TO THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF, THIS ANNOUNCEMENT OR TETRAGON'S PUBLICLY AVAILABLE INFORMATION. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE IN ITS ENTIRETY WITHOUT NOTICE UP TO THE CLOSING DATE.

In the United Kingdom, this announcement is being distributed to, and is directed at, only (a) persons who have professional experience in matters relating to investments who fall within the definition of "investment professionals" in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended; (b) high net worth companies, and other persons to whom it may otherwise lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005; or (c) persons to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in an investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000) in connection with the tender offer may otherwise lawfully be communicated or caused to be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). The tender offer is available only to relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this announcement or any of its contents. Persons distributing this announcement must satisfy themselves that it is lawful to do so.

J.P. Morgan Securities plc, which is authorised by the UK Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority in the United Kingdom, is acting exclusively for Tetragon and for no one else in connection with the tender offer and will not be responsible to anyone (whether or not recipient of the tender offer) other than Tetragon for providing the protections afforded to the clients of J.P. Morgan Securities plc or for providing advice in relation to the tender offer.

SOURCE Tetragon Financial Group Limited
NEW YORK, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Law Firm of Tamara N. Holder, LLC., a nationally recognized firm focusing on institutional abuse and women's rights, announced today the retention of Rubenstein Public Relations (RPR) as its agency of record.

Founded in 2005 by Tamara Holder, her practice concentrates on employment discrimination, worker equality, sexual harassment, and institutional abuse cases. Tamara has represented clients in cases against Twin Peaks Restaurants, NorthShore University Health System, and Amazon.

Tamara is a women's rights lawyer, civil rights attorney, and workplace discrimination lawyer who has also served as a progressive legal analyst on Fox News.

"The Law Firm of Tamara N. Holder, LLC is honored to work alongside Rubenstein PR, the industry-leading public relations firm," said Tamara Holder. "I look forward to building a strategic and impactful relationship advancing women's rights in the global workplace."

RPR's long-standing media relations and expertise in legal representation will bring thirty-plus years of combined experience in corporate messaging and brand positioning to highlight Tamara's incredible career in bringing a voice to victims of institutional abuse and standing up for women's rights.

"Tamara Holder has built an extraordinary career standing up for her clients, challenging some of the most recognizable companies around the country," said RPR President Richard Rubenstein. "Her skilled background and tireless advocacy is a much-needed voice representing women seeking justice."

About The Law Office of Tamara Holder, LLC.

Founded in 2005 and based in Chicago, The Law Firm of Tamara N. Holder, LLC., is a boutique national recognized practice focused on institutional abuse and women's rights. Recognized by The Chicago Sun Times as "One of 50 People Who Make Chicago a Better Place," Tamara has built a career focusing on justice for the voiceless, advocating for women's rights and ending institutional abuse in the workplace.

About Rubenstein Public Relations

Rubenstein Public Relations (RPR) is an independent, New York-based communications agency headed by veteran publicist and respected brand architect, Richard Rubenstein. For more than three decades, RPR's intensive media relations approach and dedicated team of senior practitioners have helped clients build brand equity and reach their target audiences. The firm specializes in brand messaging development, media relations, crisis communications, and thought leadership positioning. RPR has a proven track record in executing successful public relations campaigns for leading corporate, real estate, technology, healthcare, social impact, luxury consumer, entertainment, and hospitality brands across the globe.

SOURCE Rubenstein PR
Strategic move strengthens Beachy Beach, one of the region's most respected independent brokerages, and increases The Premier Property Group's presence in key Bay County markets

MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Premier Property Group, Northwest Florida's largest independent residential real estate brokerage and an affiliate of Luxury Portfolio International, today announced that it has acquired a significant interest in Bay County, Fla.-based Beachy Beach Real Estate, one of the region's most recognized, locally owned independent real estate brokerages. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The Premier Property Group acquires a significant interest in Beachy Beach Real Estate. From left: Jason White, Partner & COO, The Premier Property Group; Karen Smith, Broker/Owner, Beachy Beach Real Estate; Keith Flippo, Founding Partner, The Premier Property Group (not pictured: Garrett McNeil, Partner & CEO, The Premier Property Group). (PRNewsfoto/The Premier Property Group)

The deal marks the Walton County-headquartered company's extensive expansion into neighboring Bay County -- which is anchored by Panama City Beach and home to Tyndall Air Force Base -- and furthers its long-term growth trajectory in the State of Florida and across the Southeastern United States.

Founded in 2008 by Keith Flippo and Bob Parks, The Premier Property Group  composed of more than 100 agents and staff -- has been a leader in luxury sales throughout the region since the company's inception, consistently ranked among the top Brokerages in the Florida Panhandle. The company has been a go-to for buyers and sellers along the Emerald Coast, including South Walton, 30A, Destin, Niceville, and Panama City Beach.

Beachy Beach Real Estate, established in 2010 by Broker/Owner Karen Smith and headquartered in Panama City Beach, will continue to operate under its current name and branding -- but now benefits from the combined strength of The Premier Property Group, catapulting the company to No. 1 in the rankings of Bay County's independent brokerages.

"Today's acquisition marks the union of two legacy brands -- each with deep local roots -- and underscores our shared commitment to strategically expanding our influence throughout the region," said Flippo. "We have long admired Karen (Smith) and her team at Beachy Beach Real Estate. Both companies share the same values and are equally focused on the future. Together, we will be stronger in our local markets, equipped to serve our new and existing clients with an even greater commitment to excellence."

"We are proud to be partnered with The Premier Property Group," said Smith. "Joining forces provides our company with a unique opportunity for growth and gives us more access to market-leading tools, strategies, and the sharing of best practices. In the current real estate marketplace, this is a logical next step for our brokerage. It allows us to unite with an industry leader and be backed by its tremendous depth and resources, as well as its extensive knowledge of the market."

Smith, with more than 20 years of industry experience, is regarded for her leadership, expertise, and wide-reaching community involvement. She will continue to lead Beachy Beach Real Estate and, together with her existing executive team, will oversee day-to-day operations. Beachy Beach Real Estate has earned a reputation as one of the area's most distinguished full-service brokerages, offering a broad spectrum of residential and commercial real estate services throughout Panama City Beach, Panama City, 30A, Lynn Haven, and surrounding communities. The company, which has over 100 local real estate agents and staff, generated more than $400 million in sales last year.

"This acquisition solidifies our position as the region's leading independent real estate brokerage firm and is a testament to our belief in the future strength of the Bay County market," said Garrett McNeil, Partner and Chief Executive Officer of The Premier Property Group. "In a time when few acquisitions are occurring, we have singled-out and capitalized on an important opportunity to expand our presence in Panama City and Panama City Beach, increasing our market share and successfully setting up our companies for the next several decades of growth."

"This is a key transaction for The Premier Property Group as it aligns with our strategy of identifying fellow market leaders who share in our vision and bring the right culture and exceptional reputation to our enterprise," concluded Jason White, Partner and Chief Operating Officer of The Premier Property Group. "We are nothing short of thrilled to partner with Karen and her team and welcome them into the family, and we look forward to the exciting momentum that's ahead."

About The Premier Property Group

The Premier Property Group is the largest locally owned, independent real estate firm in Northwest Florida. A consistent leader of sales in the region, the agency has been ranked in the top 10% of luxury sales by the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors since its first year of operation. The Premier Property Group spans the breadth of the real estate industry, offering experienced and knowledgeable agents in residential, commercial, and new developments across Okaloosa, Walton and Bay counties. The Premier Property Group is additionally an esteemed member of both Luxury Portfolio International and Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, the global leader in real estate sales. Visit premierfl.com.

About Beachy Beach Real Estate

Headquartered in Panama City Beach, Beachy Beach Real Estate has more than 100 real estate agents and staff operating throughout the Bay County area, including the communities of 30A, Destin, Panama City and beyond. Led by Broker/Owner Karen Smith, the full-service company is revered for its marketplace excellence and commitment to community. Visit beachybeach.com.

CONTACT:

Caroline Underwood

Kreps PR & Marketing

[email protected]

305-588-7108

SOURCE The Premier Property Group
TAIPEI, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from The Icons:

The Strong Generation comes from the Baby Boom generation and have experienced high education, industrialization, globalization, securitization, and digitalization. They have hopped on the train of economic rise and possessed two-thirds of the wealth in the society. According to statistics, the median age of Taiwan's population was 23.1 in 1980 while that of other countries, such as France, the U.S., Japan, and the U.K., was over 30.

Dr. Chun-Cheng Wu, currently the President of Jet-Go Consulting Group and the Chairman of Strong Generation Association.

According to a report recently published by The Icons, Dr.Chun-Cheng Wu, the Chairman of Strong Generation Association (stronggeneration) warns that in 2025 Taiwan will become an ultra-aged society in which one in five would be more than sixty-five years old, transforming the demographic structure from a pyramid into an inverted pyramid. Consequently, Dr. Wu came up with a slogan two years ago, "the spring of the Strong Generation," which he called a liberation movement for the highly-aged.

"It will start from Taiwan," said Dr. Wu. "It is foreseeable that this kind of collective awakening would have an impact on countries whose median age is similar, such as China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia. Then it will spread to the Western nations. Despite the variety of global issues, we will not stop making this world a better place with the revolution of 'the spring of the Strong Generation."

Chun-Cheng Wu: It Starts from "Education"

Last October, the latest book written by Chun-Cheng Wu, "The Spring of the Strong Generation: Nine Predictions on the Liberation Movement of the Highly-aged People," became the bestseller on Books.com.tw, the largest online bookstore in Taiwan, after one day since its release. His book focuses on ageing and low birth rate, offers solutions to those problems and mentions four topics  individual awakening, cultural activation, policy arousal, and industry arising. Besides, he boldly raised essential questions and proposes recommendations to ten government ministries which are relevant to the issues of the Strong Generation, inviting people to contemplate and discuss.

Chun-Cheng Wu remains devoted to the training courses of "Strong Generation Speaker" in Taiwan. His goal is to train 1,000 lecturers, and "it is crucial to let the Strong Generation be aware of the importance of themselves and discover that this revolution is not to become the new generation's enemy but to create a better positive cycle in which their needs will be considered and turned into business opportunities for the youth."

The Strong Generation Uses Their Social Influence on Magnifying the Energy of ESG

Chun-Cheng Wu mentioned three foundations on which the elaboration of the Strong Generation is based: personal social responsibility, corporate social responsibility, and government social responsibility; these three elements would be the keys to motivate the Strong Generation.

In addition, Chun-Cheng Wu has some suggestions for business owners and corporations regarding the social responsibility in ESG. "While your employees are becoming the Strong generation, how do you reassign their duties? While your customers are becoming the Strong Generation, how do you redesign your products and services? These are the things business owners cannot neglect as the Strong Generation is coming," Chun-Cheng Wu pointed out.

Last, Chun-Cheng Wu appealed that everyone in different generations who is embracing the trend of the Strong Generation must face it, feel it and explore it with an open mind since its energy would be much more powerful than anyone can imagine.

Dr. Chun-Cheng Wu is currently the President of "Jet-Go Consulting Group" and the Chairman of Strong Generation Association

SOURCE The Icons
Interested attendees can get tickets to either event at HatchDetroit.com

DETROIT, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Aspiring entrepreneurs have submitted their businesses to compete in the 2023 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown, and the process to narrow down the top applicants is now underway! It will soon be the public's turn to participate and support entrepreneurs seeking to open their own brick-and-mortar retail businesses in Detroit, Hamtramck or Highland Park.

The 2022 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown Top 10 finalists.

Today, TechTown announced that tickets are now available for two key contest events: the Top 10 Reveal and the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest Hatch Off. Tickets and details for each event can be found at HatchDetroit.com. The Top 10 Reveal will be held at TechTown Detroit on April 4, while the Hatch Off will take place at the Wayne State Industry Innovation Center on April 26.

"This is the chance for our community to get a glimpse at what the future of the city's small business landscape could look like," said Christianne Malone, assistant vice president for economic development at Wayne State University and chief program officer of TechTown Detroit. "We've reimagined the Top 10 Reveal event and are excited to showcase these incredible entrepreneurs, then let the community decide which business they want to see open in Detroit, Hamtramck or Highland Park."

The four-month contest, which kicked off in early January, includes two rounds of public voting  Top 10 and Top 4  allowing the community to vote for their favorite business to win the $100,000 grand prize from Comerica Bank, as well as a package of accounting, legal, IT and public relations support from TechTown and their partners.

"At this stage in the contest, it's vital for these budding entrepreneurs to debut their business concepts in front of the community that could potentially be frequenting their businesses once they open," said Linda Nosegbe, Comerica Bank National Community Impact Manager. "These two events give our top candidates the chance to debut their business plans while also providing the greatest opportunity for the public's voice to be heard in which business they want to see join their community."

TOP 10 REVEAL

April 4; 5-8 p.m.; TechTown Detroit

Over 150 applications were submitted to the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest, and on April 4 the Top 10 business concepts will be revealed.

Attendees of the Top 10 Reveal will get to know the 10 semifinalists via a fireside chat from 5-5:45 p.m. followed by an open house from 6-8 p.m. where they can mix and mingle with the entrepreneurs. The event will feature a cash bar with complimentary small bites provided by Hatch alumni businesses. Tickets are free at HatchDetroit.com with a suggested donation to support Hatch Detroit and TechTown.

Public voting to narrow down the semifinalists from 10 to four will begin April 5 at noon and run through April 12 at noon. Community members can vote for their favorite businesses once per day by visiting HatchDetroit.com. Additional opportunities to vote in person will be announced at a later date.

COMERICA HATCH DETROIT CONTEST HATCH OFF

April 26; 6-9 p.m.; Wayne State Industry Innovation Center

The final four contestants will have a chance to make one last pitch, "Shark Tank-style," in front of a panel of judges and attendees at the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest Hatch Off. A winner will be crowned and receive the $100,000 grand prize, courtesy of Comerica Bank. The event will feature a cash bar with complimentary small bites provided by Hatch alumni businesses. Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased at HatchDetroit.com.

Public voting for the Top 4 will begin April 24 at noon and run through the completion of the pitch competition at the Hatch Off. Community members can vote for the business they want to see win it all once per day at HatchDetroit.com. New this year, the Hatch Off will be live streamed at HatchDetroit.com and the Hatch Detroit Facebook page, so that those unable to attend in person can still participate in crowning the winner.

KEY COMERICA HATCH DETROIT DATES:

April 4: Top 10 Reveal

April 5: Top 10 voting begins at noon

April 12: Top 10 voting ends at noon

April 13: Top 4 announced

April 24: Top 4 voting begins at noon

April 26: Hatch Off with winner announcement

Comerica Bank, a subsidiary of Comerica Incorporated, has served Michigan longer than any other bank with a continuous presence dating back over 173 years to its Detroit founding in 1849. It is the largest bank employer in metro Detroit and has approximately 4,500 employees (FTE) statewide. With one of the largest banking center networks in Michigan, Comerica nurtures lifelong relationships with unwavering integrity and financial prudence. Comerica positively impacts the lives of Michigan residents by helping customers be successful, providing financial support that assists hundreds of charitable organizations, and actively participating in Detroit's downtown revitalization. Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA) is a financial services company strategically aligned by three business segments: The Commercial Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth Management. Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Comerica, Twitter: @ComericaBank and Instagram: @comerica_bank. Download new Comerica Bank corporate logo.

TechTown is a nonprofit business service organization that provides programs, education and resources for early- to growth-stage small businesses and tech entrepreneurs. By building bridges for entrepreneurs to succeed, TechTown is accelerating an inclusive economy for Detroit and Southeast Michigan. Since 2007, TechTown has supported 5,371 companies, which created 2,277 jobs and raised more than $385 million in startup and growth capital. For more information, visit techtowndetroit.org.

Hatch Detroit supports both existing and new retail initiatives in the cities of Detroit, Highland Park and Hamtramck. Hatch Detroit, now part of TechTown Detroit's small business services programming, was founded in 2011 to give residents and aspiring entrepreneurs an opportunity to have a voice in neighborhood retail development and joined TechTown in 2022. Hatch Detroit provides funding, exposure and mentoring in support of its alumni entrepreneurs. With support from Hatch Detroit, 50 alumni have opened businesses. They employ over 500 people and have invested over $13 million in economic development. To learn more, visit hatchdetroit.com.

SOURCE Comerica Bank
TIW Capital Group has won the 'Excellence in Operational Consulting and Product Innovation' in Asia for the year 2022. The felicitation ceremony was held at the Palm Jumeirah  Waldorf Astoria in December 2022 in Dubai.

LONDON , March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Brand Awards is an annual event held by Global Brands Magazine (GBM), an international publication headquartered in the UK. The award aims to recognize global brands achieving excellence in performance across a broad range of sectors while keeping their readers updated on key trends surrounding the branding world. TIW Capital Group was evaluated based on customer service, satisfaction, digital innovation, strategic relationships and new business development.

Commenting on TIW Capital Group winning the awards, Jay Kumar, Director of Global Brands Magazine, said, "We are so impressed by TIW's ability to innovate and strive for excellence. Consulting in today's day and age is an increasingly difficult field, with new problems arising. It is important to be able to provide tailor-made solutions for clients depending on the various issues that arise in today's unpredictable market. TIW manages to meet all of its customers' needs while also providing future-proof solutions that help its customers navigate through difficult situations. TIW has managed to take the consulting business to new heights. From constant innovation to setting the benchmark for customer satisfaction, TIW Capital Group has proved us again that under the right leadership, anything is possible. We congratulate them for another successful year and hope they continue to be trendsetters."

Commenting on winning the awards, Mr. Mohit Ralhan, Chief Executive Officer of TIW Capital, said, "I am humbled and thank Global Brands Magazine and everyone who has been involved with me in my journey. TCG is honored with this award and the global recognition which gives me and my team an immense pleasure and great motivation to become better in each aspect of our work. We take immense pride in serving the needs of our investors and clients through our innovative approach to both investment strategies and consulting frameworks. This award is a great way for us to know that we are on the right track.

TIW Capital Group (TCG) with offices in Singapore, Dubai, Bahrain and India is a Global Asset Management company with business interests in Absolute Return Income Funds, Buyout / Private Equity, New Technology / Quant Investments, Consulting, Single Family Office Management, Family Governance and Intergenerational Wealth Transfer. TCG is proud to serve investors across 28 countries offering multiple investment products across the risk-return spectrum. Currently, TCG is managing an AUM of SGD 250 million. TCG has been a recipient of multiple awards in the past. In 2021, they have received awards for 'Most Innovative Private Equity Buyout Fund' and 'Excellence in Sustainable Turnaround Investments' by Global Brands Magazine, The United Kingdom. TCG's India Buyout Fund recently received an award from the Business Fame Magazine as 'The Most Innovative Buyout PE Fund of 2022 Focusing on Margin Expansion Strategy in Portfolio Management'."

About TIW Capital Group

TIW Capital Group (TCG) with offices in Singapore, Dubai, Bahrain and India, is a Global Asset Management Company that has an Absolute Return Dollar / Pound Fund with Multi-Asset Multi Geography Strategy primarily investing in developed markets. TCG also has varied business interests in Buyout / Private Equity, New Technology / Quant Investments, Consulting, Family Office Management, Family Governance, and Intergenerational Wealth Transfer. TCG is proud to serve investors across 28 countries. As the role of a fiduciary, TCG's focus is to increase the wealth of investors through trust and integrity of decision-making. The professionals constituting the team have, between them, many decades of Buyout, Fixed Returns Investments, and a plentitude of industry experience.

TCG's investment technique breaks the orthodox investment models, by adding a hands-on investment tone and an 'Operating Consultant Approach'. Investor's capital conservancy and security is the fundamental principle on which the portfolio strategy is designed and therefore risk management forms the core of its investment philosophy. Currently, TCG is managing SGD 250 million AUM with Multi-Asset and Multi Geography Buyout and Fixed Return Funds.

Mr. Mohit Ralhan is the Chief Executive Officer of TIW Capital. He is a regular speaker / moderator in various industry forums.

Website: www.tiwcg.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tiw-capital-group

About Global Brands Magazine (England)

Global Brands Magazine (GBM) has been at the forefront, bringing news, views, and opinions on brands shaping the future of their industry. The Magazine focuses on the world's top brands, showcasing their strategies and success stories. The magazine covers a wide range of industries, including fashion, beauty, technology, and more. It is targeted towards business executives and marketing professionals, offering insights and analysis on brand building and management. Each year, GBM develops a series of awards for companies that stand out, and have a unique vision, exceptional service, innovative solutions, and consumer-centric products among their industry leaders. The Magazine has over 9.5 million visitors and 14 million page views per month, making it one of the best online magazines in the world. The Magazine also has a strong presence on social media with over 20k+ Facebook likes, 10k+ Instagram followers, 25k+ Twitter followers, and 3k+ LinkedIn followers.

About the Global Brand Awards

The Global Brands Awards is an annual event that recognizes and celebrates the achievements of the world's leading brands. The awards recognize brands in various categories, including innovation, sustainability, customer experience, and more. The awards are designed to highlight the best practices in branding, marketing, and customer engagement and to provide recognition and exposure for the winning brands. The awards ceremony typically involves a gala event attended by business leaders, marketing executives, and media representatives.

Over 20k companies were evaluated last year, and winners were honored at an awards ceremony. The 10th Global Brand Awards Night was held at the Waldorf Astoria, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. This event marked the presence of nearly 100 companies with around 150 delegates from across the globe. The event marked the presence of several dignitaries from across industries like Banking, Insurance, Financial Services, Education, Healthcare, Hospitality, Logistics, and many more. To learn more about our awards, visit the awards section on our website

To nominate your company or your business leader for the Global Brand Awards 2023, please click on the link below:

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SOURCE Global Brands Publications Limited
MOBILE, Ala., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 1, 2023, the personal injury law firm of Tobias & Comer Law, LLC obtained a $7 million jury verdict for a mentally incapacitated young man who was sexually assaulted while a patient at AltaPointe Health System, Inc.'s, BayPointe Children's Psychiatric Hospital in Mobile, Alabama.

The assault occurred in November 2019 when another minor patient was unsupervised and entered the victim's room where he remained for over 8 minutes behind a locked door. AltaPointe personnel walked in on the assault as it happened and placed the victim in a "timeout room" for 18 hours before transferring the victim for a sexual assault nursing examination at a local hospital.

The jury found that AltaPointe did not meet the standard of care necessary to protect a patient from sexual assault and neglect. Further, the jury found that AltaPointe violated the standard of care in its treatment of the patient in the hours after the attack.

The trial team was led by Bryan Comer and Lacey Smith of the Mobile, Alabama-based law firm Tobias & Comer Law.

"The jury saw the evidence that was presented and through its verdict found that AltaPointe's conduct recklessly disregarded our client's rights," said attorney Bryan Comer. "AltaPointe breached the standard of care that was required under Alabama law. This verdict sends a strong message to the community that there are serious cracks in our mental healthcare system and that we need further discussion about the larger issue of mental health in our communities."

The jury deliberated for 2- hours before the verdict was read in Mobile County Circuit Court. The jury unanimously decided for the plaintiff and awarded $3 million in compensatory damages and $4 million in punitive damages.

"The people of Alabama, and across the country, need to have assurance that their children are safe when seeking much-needed mental health care," said attorney Lacey Smith. "What happened to our client should never happen to another child in AltaPointe's care or anyone else's. The punitive damages awarded by the jury, based on the evidence presented and the Court's instruction on the law, confirm the serious nature of the facts of the case."

Tobias & Comer Law, LLC, is a Mobile, Alabama-based personal injury law firm known for effective and compassionate representation for the injured. The firm has been successful in cases involving catastrophic injury and death, representing victims in all manner of personal injuries; maritime injury, wrongful death, defective products, trucking accidents, alcohol and drug related injuries, medical malpractice, automobile accidents, and premises liability. For more information, please visit www.tobiascomerlaw.com.

For more information, contact:

Jennifer Evans

251-432-5001

SOURCE Tobias & Comer Law, LLC
MELBOURNE, Fla., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tomahawk Robotics, the leading innovator of common control solutions for robotics, is proud to announce the availability of their edge processor, KxM, in the Azure Certified Device program. The KxM has been tested for functionality and interoperability, ensuring that KxM is compatible with the Microsoft reference configuration. This will enable customers to get their edge solutions up and running quickly with hardware and software that has been pre-tested and verified to work with Azure applications.

KxM has been tested for functionality and interoperability, ensuring that KxM has used the Microsoft configuration. Tweet this KxM provides users with a ruggedized platform to ingest large amounts of data for high-speed body-worn computation at the tactical edge, reduce cognitive load, and fuse raw intelligence data for real time decision making.

The KxM provides users with a ruggedized platform to ingest large amounts of data for high-speed body-worn computation at the tactical edge, reduce cognitive load, and fuse raw intelligence data to enable real-time decision-making. Compatible with the Nett Warrior architecture, the KxM can host a federated TAK/ATAK server while performing AI-based video classification.

"Having KxM included in the Azure Certified Device program gives our customers the ability to accelerate their edge compute projects. The KxM is designed to solve the difficult problems of tactical networking, while providing next-generation AI-enhanced capabilities for the modern warfighter," said Colin Brodmerkel, Sr. Business Development Manager for Tomahawk Robotics. "Being in the Azure ecosystem, our customers will be able to reduce the effort required to implement their unique solutions and assist in their digital transformation initiatives to quickly and securely collect, process, and transmit data at the tactical edge."

About Microsoft Azure Certified Devices

In the pursuit of simplifying and accelerating IoT projects, companies are looking for effective ways to choose and connect the right set of devices, assets, or sensors to the cloud. To jumpstart IoT projects with confidence, customers are looking for certified devices and platforms that are tested for readiness, compatibility, and usability. By choosing an Azure-certified device, you can save time and effort on project specs and RFP processes by knowing in advance what devices and offerings will work with Azure IoT.

About Tomahawk Robotics

Tomahawk Robotics is the leading innovator of common control solutions that transform how humans and unmanned systems work together to make the world safe and more secure. Our products and technology safeguard users working under the most extreme and stressful conditions. Designed from the ground up with the user in mind, Kinesis is the only multi-domain, cross-architecture, AI-enabled control system that unlocks intuitive interaction with remote environments from across the room or around the world.

tomahawkrobotics.com

CONTACT:

[email protected]

SOURCE Tomahawk Robotics
BERLIN, March 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Trip.com Group shared its vision of 'Reconnecting the World' at ITB Berlin, the largest international show for the travel and tourism industry.

Trip.com Group is in attendance in force at the first in-person ITB Berlin after a two-year hiatus, with representatives from eight Trip.com Group business lines, including accommodation, flights, attractions, marketing and partnerships.

Ray Chen, SVP and CEO of Accommodation Business at Trip.com Group, delivering a keynote speech on stage on Reconnecting the World at ITB

Ray Chen, Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Accommodation Business at Trip.com Group, delivered a keynote speech to an in-person audience of over 400 people that was livestreamed to viewers around the world.

After his keynote speech, Ray Chen said: "There is a lot of reason for optimism. Our latest financial results show we are making solid headway as we enter 2023 and look toward complete recovery.

"Trip.com Group has long been preparing for the reopening of China's borders to enable the return of mass inbound and outbound travel, which will have a huge economic benefit for the global travel and tourism sector.

Released yesterday, Trip.com Group Q4 financial results show a strong return to form. Overall hotel bookings on the Group's global platforms outperformed the pre-pandemic level for four consecutive quarters. On a constant currency basis, overall air-ticketing revenue from Trip.com Group global platforms in Q4 also fully recovered to the pre-pandemic level.

Demand for China's outbound travel surged in Q4. Searches for outbound flights departing from mainland China hit a three-year peak following the downgrade of COVID-19 to a Class B infectious disease and China's reopening in December. Such encouraging data reveals increasing consumer confidence in January and February 2023.

Meanwhile, according to Trip.com Group data, flight bookings for outbound travel from mainland China to Europe in February 2023, increased by 59%, compared to January 2023 and it rose by an impressive 405%, compared to 2022.

Ray Chen, commenting on the outlook, said: "As the industry adapts to the maturation of post-pandemic trends and capacity lags, we must continue to work with partners to enable the release of pent-up demand.

"We are excited to be back in Berlin for ITB to reconnect with partners and industry fellows to further share ideas and trends that continue to shape travel."

As part of the strategy to support the recovery of travel and tourism, Trip.com Group launched a series of livestream activities promoting regional destinations to Chinese travelers. The first session that focused on Thailand, and was joint hosted by the Director of the Thailand Tourism Authority, generated GMV of US$5.7 million and sold over 20,000 room nights through a total of over 10,000 bookings.

Trip.com Group's strong attendance at this year's ITB Berlin follows ITB Asia held in October last year where Trip.com Group also had a significant presence and Boon Sian Chai, Managing Director and Vice President (International Markets) at Trip.com Group, delivered a keynote.

About Trip.com Group

Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission "to pursue the perfect trip for a better world". Find out more about Trip.com Group here: group.trip.com

SOURCE Trip.com Group
New Partnership Aims to Support Citizen Scientists with AI tools and Build Trust in Water Quality Monitoring Across the Globe

NAPLES, Fla., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- True Elements, a pioneer in water intelligence and Waterkeeper Alliance, a global network of community-based clean water advocates in 47 countries who use citizen science to advance clean, healthy, and abundant water for all people and the planet, today announced a partnership to build water quality transparency, data collection, management, and insights that support the public as well as community, regional, and state watershed stakeholders in driving collective action to protect shared water resources.

The partnership has the potential to provide over 300 Waterkeeper Alliance groups access to True Elements' advanced scientific and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities that aggregate, normalize, index, analyze, and forecast water quality data. The organizations will initially collaborate on use cases in the U.S. and will learn from those results to eventually support Waterkeeper groups in communities across the globe.

"Water intelligence is at the heart of developing solutions to the water crisis as citizen scientists play an increasingly important role in data collection and trust building among watershed stakeholders," says Kim Patrick Kobza, CEO of True Elements. "The partnership between True Elements and Waterkeeper Alliance will help give those citizen scientists a more effective voice. We thank Waterkeeper Alliance for placing their trust in us, and look forward to building the foundational standard for technology enabled collective action."

True Elements water data platform aggregates, normalizes, and indexes hundreds of complex data sets from publicly available sources and translates that data into easy to understand scores and visualizations. Now, Waterkeeper citizen scientists will be able to add their verified data to True Elements' platform, creating a more comprehensive database that produces easy to understand information a wide variety of watershed stakeholders can share, use, and trust.

"Waterkeeper groups are boots-on-the ground advocates who live and work in impacted communities, which means that we are uniquely positioned to help bridge data gaps and work with key stakeholders to provide a more complete picture of the health of local water resources," added Marc Yaggi, CEO of Waterkeeper Alliance. "The public deserves transparency in response to threats from climate change, pollution, and hazardous accidents such as the recent East Palestine, Ohio train derailment. Our partnership with True Elements, and their AI capabilities, is a big step toward building a more comprehensive and state of the art process for real-time water quality monitoring."

During the initial phase of the partnership, Waterkeeper groups will determine a specific region on which to focus data collection and analysis. True Elements capabilities will support Waterkeeper Alliance and its member groups in this focus area to better understand water quality issues and use data points to drive collective action to protect and steward water resources.

True Elements and Waterkeeper Alliance will publicly kick off the new partnership during a special panel session at the upcoming UN Water Conference titled, "A New Era in Water Intelligence Driving Collective Action" later this month in New York.

About True Elements

True Elements provides deep, clear water intelligence that clarifies water and watershed complexity to help leaders make accurate, effective decisions to address their water challenges. True Elements applies a sophisticated, patent pending scientific and AI lens to multiple layers of disparate watershed data to produce deeper, clearer, more holistic insights into watershed dynamics. We turn those insights into clear visualizations and scores for more reliable analysis, forecasting and sound decision making. To learn more about True Elements, visit www.trueelements.com or follow us on LinkedIn .

About Waterkeeper Alliance

Waterkeeper Alliance is a global movement uniting more than 300 community based Waterkeeper Organizations and Affiliates around the world, focusing citizen action on issues that affect our waterways, from pollution to climate change. The Waterkeeper movement patrols and protects over 2.75 million square miles of rivers, lakes, and coastlines in the Americas, Europe, Australia, Asia, and Africa. For more information, visit waterkeeper.org .

True Element Media Contact:

Krystal Pleasant

Senior Director, Communications and Marketing

[email protected]

Waterkeeper Alliance Media Contact:

Lori Harrison

Director, Communications and Marketing

[email protected] , +1.703.216.8565

SOURCE True Elements
DUBLIN, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "U.S. Car Wash Services Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Tunnels, Roll-over/In-bay, Self-Service), By Mode Of Payment (Cash Payment, Cashless Payment), And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The U.S. car wash services market size is expected to reach USD 23.78 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 5.5% over the forecast period.

Daily schedules continue to become increasingly hectic, and growing focus towards vehicular maintenance, drive to reduce operating costs and rise in sustainable car washing methods emerge as key factors propelling the U.S. car wash service industry. It is further fueled by investor interest in major segments due to minimum labor requirements, high volumes, and quick returns.

Environment-friendly car wash services continue to gain popularity among consumers in the U.S. Traditional car washing uses 15 to 80 gallons of water per vehicle, but sustainable car washing practice uses 8 to 70 gallons per vehicle when equipped with water reclamation or filtration technology. As professional car cleaning services provide apt washing solutions, consumers abstain from washing cars themselves as it can get messy & time-consuming, and the substantial use of chemicals can be costly.

Furthermore, a rise in disposable incomes has led to higher spending on professional car washing. The speed and convenience that such car washing services offer often result in unwillingness on the part of consumers to undertake car washing on their own. Post-pandemic, there is a growing tendency towards sanitation. Consumers are spending high amounts on various cleaning methods such as anti-viral, anti-bacterial sanitization, steam disinfection, and many more.

Consumers who use their vehicles regularly for commutes form the majority of the consumer base for such car washing services. They show an increased preference for tunnel washing systems owing to their high automation, efficiency, and customization. Sensor-controlled gates, and touchless or soft-touch washes, are new technological advancements that will pop up soon in various new car washing establishments.

The location of the car wash service company also plays a key role in its success. Consumers prefer a car wash setting that is located on a busy street, and easy to locate. Additional factors such as quality of cleaning supplies, user experience, advertising, curb appeal, performance, speed, and price play a huge role in consumer purchase decisions and affect their loyalty towards a brand.

Companies operating in this market, continue to build a wide distribution network, to expand their consumer base. Various players partner with other companies in the network to tap industries ancillary to the car washing sector. Large base dealers and distributors in the market inhibit increased penetration of car wash services in different business segments. The usage of online portals and websites is increasing traction in the car wash services market due to robust growth in the e-commerce industry. This has also encouraged cashless payment systems at car washing services, a trend further boosted by the millennial population.

U.S. Car Wash Services Market Report Highlights

The roll-over/in-bay segment is anticipated to dominate the market during the forecast period share owing to the growing penetration of auto dealerships in the car wash industry which is leading to the installation of automatic wash facilities. Easy customer interaction, user-friendly interface, and requirement for small spaces are factors propelling this segment

Cashless mode of payments is projected to account for a larger share in terms of revenue in the forthcoming years. An integrated payment system simplifies the management of the business, tracks supplies easily, helps capture consumer data and opens up multiple payment methods. Moreover, millennial customers expect the availability of convenient payment methods such as cards, mobile payments, and tokens

Further technological developments in on-demand car washing services are also impacting the market. The advancing technology in the sector continues to implement ideas that reduce friction and manual vehicle prepping and produces cleaner cars more efficiently. Touch-free and hybrid car washing are the technologies that will further propel the market

Key Topics Covered:



Chapter 1. Methodology and Scope



Chapter 2. Executive Summary



Chapter 3. U.S. Car Wash Services Market Variables, Trends & Scope



Chapter 4. Consumer Behavior Analysis



Chapter 5. U.S. Car Wash Service Market: Type Analysis & Estimates

5.1. Type Analysis & Market Revenue Share, 2021 & 2030

5.2. Type Analysis & Market Volume Share, 2021 & 2030

5.3. Tunnels

5.4. Roll-over/In-bay

5.5. Self Service



Chapter 6. U.S. Car Wash Service Market: Mode of Payment Analysis & Estimates

6.1. Mode of Payment Analysis & Market Revenue Share, 2021 & 2030

6.2. Mode of Payment Analysis & Market Volume Share, 2021 & 2030

6.3. Cash Payment

6.4. Cashless Payment



Chapter 7. Competitive & Vendor Landscape Analysis

7.1. Key players, recent developments & their impact on the industry

7.2. Key Company Categorization (Key innovators, Market leaders, Emerging players)

7.3. Vendor Landscape



Chapter 8. Company Profiles

Companies Mentioned

Driven Brands, Inc.

Tommy's Express

Splash Car Wash

Zips Carwash

Autobell Car Wash, Inc.

Quick Quack Car Wash

True Blue Car Wash

Magic Hands Carwash

Wash Depot

Mister Car Wash

SSCW Enterprises (Super Star Car Wash)

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/kcueg0

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.

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Research and Markets

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SOURCE Research and Markets
The Fund is seeking to raise $25 million from accredited investors and strategic institutional investors

IRVINE, Calif., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Vertimass announced today that it has launched a Series C investment opportunity with the goal of establishing a commercialization platform for its breakthrough biofuel technology.

"Vertimass is nearing the commercial introduction of its novel technology, which can be rapidly implemented to produce jet, diesel, gasoline, and LPG fuels from biomass," explained Vertimass Chairman William A. Shopoff. "This unique investment opportunity will allow investors to support the scale-up of Vertimass technology and help move the company forward to commercial use, while potentially earning a return on their investment."

In a 506(c) private placement, the minimum investment is $100,000 and is only open to accredited investors. Series C investors will become entitled to an annual, accruable, non-compounded 8% preferred return, although not guaranteed.

Series C proceeds will be used to provide working capital for the Company to establish the commercialization platform, including completing scale-up with Technip Energies; qualifying gasoline and sustainable aviation fuels; identifying, designing, and building the first stand-alone plant; and expanding the laboratory and library of intellectual property.

Accredited investors* interested in this opportunity should contact [email protected].

Vertimass President and CEO Dr. Charles Wyman noted, "Vertimass has the potential to substantially expand the use of sustainable transportation fuels that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy security and domestic economies. The unique catalyst technology produces low-cost sustainable fuels that are compatible with the existing transportation infrastructure and offer a very low carbon footprint."

Vertimass has secured several awards and key partnerships over the last few years, including:

December 2022 , Vertimass is part of a European consortium that received a $1.35 million award from the Danish Government.

, Vertimass is part of a European consortium that received a award from the Danish Government. February 2022 , Vertimass and World Energy announced a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the development and application of Vertimass Technologies to produce renewable fuels.

, Vertimass and World Energy announced a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the development and application of Vertimass Technologies to produce renewable fuels. January 2022 , UGI Corporation signed a 15-year agreement to use Vertimass technology to produce renewal fuels.

, UGI Corporation signed a 15-year agreement to use Vertimass technology to produce renewal fuels. January 2022 , Vertimass and European Energy completed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to integrate technologies for capturing carbon dioxide and converting it into hydrocarbon products around the world.

, Vertimass and European Energy completed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to integrate technologies for capturing carbon dioxide and converting it into hydrocarbon products around the world. October 2019 / August 2017 , Vertimass secured two Department of Energy Awards totaling approximately $3.4 million to accelerate commercialization.

For more information please visit: www.Vertimass.com

About Vertimass Technology

Vertimass technology sustainably produces vital jet, gasoline, and diesel fuels and chemicals from ethanol, methanol, and other renewable alcohols with high yields that can dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to sourcing these products from petroleum. The simplicity of the Vertimass single reaction system results in low capital and operating costs. The compatibility of Vertimass fuels and chemicals with the existing infrastructure makes possible production of low-cost, low-carbon fuels for everything, everyone, and everywhere. This Consolidated Alcohol Deoxygenation and Oligomerization (CADO) technology originated from Oak Ridge National Laboratories operated by UT-Battelle, with Vertimass obtaining worldwide exclusive rights in 2014 and advancing the technology for commercial applicability.

Through a simple bolt-on of Vertimass technology, existing and future ethanol producers can break through the blend wall that currently limits ethanol use in gasoline. And the low cost Vertimass bolt-on opens up entirely new jet, diesel, and chemical markets. In addition, application of Vertimass technology to produce fuels and chemicals from methanol and other alcohols made through capture of carbon dioxide from ethanol production, electrical power generation, cement manufacture, and other operations can further reduce greenhouse gas footprints. Beyond lowering carbon footprints, jet, diesel, and gasoline fuels and chemicals derived from renewable alcohols can improve strategic security, rural economies, and international competitiveness.

About Vertimass LLC

Vertimass LLC is based in Irvine, California with the mission to develop and widely license breakthrough technologies that substantially expand production of sustainable transportation fuels and chemicals that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy security and domestic economies. Commercialization of proprietary Vertimass technology can overcome the blend wall that currently impedes expansion of ethanol production from multiple sources of biomass and open up large new markets for aircraft and heavy-duty vehicle fuels and for chemicals not currently amenable to ethanol or other alcohols. For more information, visit http://www.vertimass.com/.

This is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Such an offer may only be made by means of an offering document that must accompany or precede this information. There is no assurance that this strategy will succeed to meet its objectives. All investments have risk, including loss of investment; please see the risk factors section of the offering document. Securities offered through Shopoff Securities, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC.

*Visit the following SEC website for more information on what an accredited investor is: SEC.gov | Accredited Investor

Risk Factors

An investment in Vertimass must be considered speculative. There are no guarantees of distributions or returns, and an investor may lose all or part of their investment. There are various risks related to an investment in Vertimass which are described in the Private Placement Memorandum. These risks include:

Emerging Growth Company: The Company is an emerging growth company that is not yet profitable, is without significant operating history, and may experience significant losses for some time after the Offering.

Expectations of Future Losses: The Company is not currently profitable.

Failure to Achieve Targeted Raise: As discussed above, the Company is seeking to raise up to an additional $25 million for use as working capital through the Offering (the "Targeted Raise"). In the event the Company is unable to raise up to the Targeted Raise, it may not be able to fund its operations as it presently anticipates.

Illiquid Investment: Members of the Company are not permitted to withdraw their investment from the Company and therefore may have to bear the economic risk of an investment in the Company for a substantial period of time.

No Assurance of Additional Capital: The success of the Company depends upon receiving significant funding from the net proceeds of this Offering, as well as additional financing.

No Assurance of Distributions: Members may not receive any cash distributions.

Changes in Fuel Prices: In recent years, the price of ethanol has been less than the price of petroleum-based fuels, which increased demand for ethanol and other comparably priced alternative fuels. However, the price of ethanol and petroleum-based fuels can drastically change over time so it is difficult to predict how fuel prices will be in the future. Securities Form CRS.

Contact:

Jill Swartz

Spotlight Marketing Communications

949.427.1389

[email protected]

SOURCE Vertimass LLC
SAN FRANCISCO, March 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Vial , a global tech-first CRO providing next-generation clinical trial management services, announced the addition of Egilius L.H. Spierings, MD, Ph.D., to Vial's central nervous system (CNS) scientific advisory board (SAB). Dr. Spierings will work closely with the company's leadership team to shape the scientific strategy of Vial's Neurology CRO products and services.

"We are thrilled to have Dr. Spierings join Vial's CNS SAB and share his extensive experience in clinical research for neurological treatments, particularly migraine and chronic pain. We believe he will be a tremendous asset to our Neurology CRO," said Simon Burns, CEO and Co-Founder of Vial.

"I am delighted to join Vial's CNS SAB. I believe that together, we can bring a wealth of experience and unique perspectives to create a novel approach to running clinical trials," said Dr. Spierings.

Dr. Spierings is the Founder, Medical Director, and Investigator at MedVadis Research Corporation. He also serves as the Medical Director of The Boston Headache Institute at Boston PainCare. Dr. Spierings trained as a pharmacologist and neurologist specializing in headache medicine. He previously served as a professor on the faculty of Harvard Medical School and Tufts University Schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine.

With over forty years of experience, Dr. Spierings has contributed to over 300 publications and run over 400 clinical trials. He was also involved in the development of sumatriptan, the first of its class used to treat migraine.

To learn more about Vial, visit our website .

See the full release here .

About Vial: Vial is a next-generation CRO powered by technology that promises faster and higher-quality execution of trials for less cost. The Vial Contract Research Organization (CRO) delivers on the promise of more efficient trials through its innovative technology platform that powers trials end-to-end from site startup to database lock. Vial's technology platform combines modern, intuitive eSource , EDC , and ePRO into one connected system, streamlining site processes and enabling considerable efficiencies. Vial operates across multiple Therapeutic Areas ( Dermatology CRO , Ophthalmology CRO , Oncology CRO , Gastroenterology CRO , Neurology CRO , and Cardiology CRO ). Vial is a San Francisco, California-based company with over 125 employees.

SOURCE Vial
After 29 years with the Committee, Bob Stafford has stepped down; Vidalia Onion Committee to hire new Executive Director.

VIDALIA, Ga., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Vidalia Onion Committee (VOC) announced today that its long-time Manager, Bob Stafford, has officially retired. His last day as the Executive Director of the Vidalia Onion Committee (Committee) was January 1, 2023, after working with the Vidalia Onion Committee and the Vidalia Onion Business Council for 29 years. The Committee will now be looking to fill his position with a new Executive Director.

In 1994, Stafford was brought onto the Vidalia Onion Committee as a Compliance Officer to assist the development of a compliance plan. He then went on to work side-by-side with VOC members for audits, along with product labeling and other rules and regulations to maintain the strength of the Vidalia onion trademark. In his time conducting audits, Stafford saw the needs of each farmer and knew he had experience to address and provide support for them in his role on the Committee. Stafford also spent much of his time keeping a good rapport with consumers, often engaging with them directly on their experiences with Vidalia onions. He was selected to manage the VOC in 2017.

In his 29 years on the VOC, Stafford has achieved numerous accomplishments. In 2009, he was elected to the Vidalia Onion Hall of Fame, an award granted by the Committee to honor individual leaders for their character and contributions to the growth and success of Vidalia onions. He also spearheaded efforts to distinguish which farm each Vidalia onion comes from on the label. Stafford also worked to implement the royalty fee for including Vidalia onions in processed foods, ensuring funds are utilized for Vidalia onion trademark protection and promotion.

"Over the course of my career working with the Committee, my fondest of times have been with the Vidalia onion growers," said Stafford. "I joined the VOC in 1994, working under a 10-day timeframe on the compliance plan, and 29 years later, I'm finishing up with them now. I've been very proud to have a hand in the Vidalia onion trademark and of all the advancement we've made on our research and promotion to produce a quality sweet Vidalia onion that consumers seek out."

Much of Stafford's work has been in conjunction with his role as Director of the Vidalia Onion Business Council, which he joined in the late 1990s. He has spent a lot of time partnering with the Georgia Department of Agriculture and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to execute Federal Marketing Order No. 955. Stafford will remain a consultant on the Vidalia Onion Business Council until that position is filled.

"Bob's dedication to the Vidalia Onion industry has been invaluable to our industry," said Cliff Riner, Chairman of the VOC. "He has been a major driver for improving our market and our brand's quality through his support of research, promotion, and unifying the industry. Bob worked behind the scenes all for the glory of the Vidalia Onion and the growers, not his own. We are extremely grateful for his service and his family's commitment to our industry."

The Vidalia Onion Committee is now seeking a new Executive Director. For those interested in the position, they can learn more and apply here.

"I've worked in many areas of the Eastern part of the country, and I've never seen a group work as closely together as Vidalia onion farmers do," said Stafford. "It's just a very special, unique situation to be part of and I've been so happy with the program we've put together."

About the Vidalia Onion Committee

Because Vidalia onions are sweetly unique, farmers united to seek legal protection for their crop and its name. Federal Marketing Order No. 955 was established in 1989, to stipulate where the crop can be grown and help with research and promotion of Vidalia onions. The Vidalia Onion Committee administers FMO No. 955 and authorizes production research, marketing research and development and marketing promotion programs. This federal program along with Georgia state laws that protect the Vidalia trademark have provided a legal framework for the industry. So, you can try to grow a sweet onion elsewhere, but you cannot call it a "Vidalia," unless it is from Georgia! For more information, visit VidaliaOnion.org.

For more information contact:

Chelsea Blaxton

912-537-1918

[email protected]

SOURCE Vidalia Onion Committee
MALIBU, Calif., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Capital Company announced that it recently arranged and closed $24,000,000 of financing for the Crowne Plaza Union Station located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, within America's first Union Station. The hotel is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The property is adjacent to the Indiana Convention Center and is connected via over-air walkway to Lucas Oil Stadium. The full-service, upscale Crowne Plaza features 273 rooms, including 26 original Pullman Traincar sleeping rooms named and decorated after famous personalities from the early 1900s.

Lobby Entrance Traincar Rooms

The financing was funded by an affiliate of a European-based investment bank. The loan was competitively bid by several lenders, who were drawn to the market, the strong sponsorship, and the performance of the asset. The 10-year, fixed-rate financing will be used to fund a significant renovation project to upgrade the hotel with a modern, clean, and chic aesthetic. The PIP will solidify the property's position in the market.

This is the second time Vista Capital has financed the asset in the last eleven years. "Despite volatile capital markets," Selbert added, "the borrower benefited from Vista's ability to structure simple long-term, fixed-rate financing that would often be funded via a complex and expensive floating-rate bridge loan. The financing will enable the ownership group to undertake a large improvement to the property at a very dynamic time in Indianapolis."

About Vista Capital Company

Vista Capital Company is a Los Angeles-based, real estate investment banking firm that arranges financing for hotels. As a real estate capital intermediary, Vista procures capital for their clients through a comprehensive and systematic process.

Contact: Zak Selbert

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 310.499.1212

Web: www.vistacapitalcompany.com

SOURCE Vista Capital Company
LOS ANGELES, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Vitalacy, Inc. announced today that Ron Whitfield has agreed to join its Board of Directors. Ron brings a wealth of experience and connections to global technology companies in segments of Cloud, Telco, Enterprise and SaaS through a successful career in business development, sales and strategy. He will be focused on forming strategic alliances to scale positive impacts on patient safety as Vitalacy enters a new stage in growth.

Ron Whitfield - Vitalacy Board Member

Whitfield worked at Intel Corporation for 20 years in roles of Global Director of Market Development & Director of Sales. He has been an entrepreneur for 10 years and held several leadership positions with verticals to healthcare care management. Over 2 years ago he formed the first business development program for Intel Ignite, a startup accelerator with offices in Tel Aviv, Munich, and Boston. Whitfield assists founders and management teams on forming strategic partnerships to scale business and set up several of those relationships leading to successful strategic partnership agreements and also an exit.

"The addition of Ron Whitfield to our Board of Directors provides important strategic considerations for the Company. His enormous experience in partnership strategy and industry connections will be a great asset," remarked Janel Raanan, CEO and Cofounder of Vitalacy. "We look forward to drawing further on his insights and experience as Vitalacy embarks on the next phases of growth to enhance our technology and strengthen patient safety efforts. We are thrilled to welcome him to the team."

Whitfield commented: "Vitalacy has an impressive and unique suite of products with a team motivated to help others, while having a clear path to business growth. I'm energized by their development pipeline to improve more spheres of patient outcomes and deliver hospitals and patient care organizations reduced costs and improved patient outcomes. I see so much potential in their technology."

Vitalacy is a patient safety technology company based in Los Angeles, Calif., partnering with hospitals to fight against healthcare-acquired conditions. Automated technology solutions improve patient outcomes, protect the workforce, and promote quality and safety measures that save lives. By gathering hand hygiene compliance data in real-time, the company gives hospitals an accurate and comprehensive picture of baseline performance, as well as the tools to improve performance and reduce infections.

For media inquiries, contact Haley Dukelow, VP of Operations, at [email protected]

SOURCE Vitalacy
SHENZHEN, China, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As a digital Fintech service exporter with 33 years of industry experience, Waton Securities International, established in 1989, is committed to empowering traditional finance with innovative technology. Leveraging its experience in business expansion, user operations, and financial ecosystems, the company provides a one-stop Broker Cloud service that has already served a dozen of licensed financial institutions worldwide. Hong Kong is widely regarded as a leading city for financial innovation, with both domestic and foreign securities companies and asset management institutions consistently expanding their number and wealth management scale. Against this backdrop, Waton Securities International is focused on reducing the IT costs of financial institutions, improving efficiency, and strengthening risk management through technological solutions.

"Our Broker Cloud service primarily provides clearing and settlement services for peer securities companies and one-stop IT platform solutions for the securities industry. It can help the clients have a digital customer information management system without an IT team and provide customers with an advanced APP operation experience. By using our Broker Cloud service, customers can invest directly in A-shares, Hong Kong stocks, and US stocks, regardless of their location," said Kai Zhou, "The trading system is the underlying infrastructure, where IPO subscription, margin trading, securities lending and borrowing, and customized financial instruments outside the exchange are all built on top of it. Our mission is to help international securities companies build their own trading systems at low cost. We have business teams available in New Zealand and the UK currently ready for negotiating with corporate clients." Waton Securities International is committed to helping international securities companies upgrade their trading systems, thereby providing a convenient channel for overseas investors to invest in the Chinese stock market and US stocks. "These local securities companies have long been deeply rooted in the local securities market and have their own customer groups. Our strategy is to help them achieve their goals by building up trading system competitiveness."

It is reported that Waton Securities International has established a strategic partnership with Amazon Web Services to provide financial digital services for global financial securities companies and institutions.

SOURCE Waton
PALO ALTO, Calif., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Healint, the developer and owner of Migraine Buddy  the world's largest migraine tracking and research platform used by more than 3 million people  is announcing a collaboration with the University of Geneva.

Prof. Katarzyna Wac, Director of the Quality-of-life technologies lab and mQoL Living lab, at the University of Geneva:

"This collaboration with Healint is a great opportunity for our lab to get data that would not be available anywhere else," said Prof. Wac, "and we expect to help Prediction Research improve".

"Working with the Geneva University Quality of life technologies is a wonderful opportunity! For the past 10 years, we, at Healint, have been gathering new types of data for the patient community, to improve communication on the efficacy of treatment, search for relief, and for the improvement of evaluation of Quality Of Life. This exploratory work with the university of Geneva will allow us to bring a new understanding on the dramatic domino effect we face before and during migraine attacks!" Francois Cadiou, CEO at Healint.

For this world first, the Migraine Buddy, 45.000 Migraine Buddy volunteers shared nearly 1 million events associated with the attacks, and 69 dimensions are associated per event, which constitutes:

(i) Sensors, sleep, weather, to use as much as possible automation

(ii) Self-report, we explain to our doctor, such as the level of pain, the drug we took, etc.

(iii) Some information allowing to group users in a relevant way and ensuring non-discrimination in the results (year of birth, sex, and gender, etc)

The objective of the study will support "precision medicine", with a new method of evaluation of prediction of relief provided molecules (drugs) combined with the actions taken during an attack, such as sleep, staying in a dark room, cold showers, etc. The study also aims to isolate what triggers and contexts lead most often to a migraine attack on the next day.

Two approaches are being explored the auto persistence of Migraines and their covariation with the amount of sleep, and the Bayesian Hierarchical Modelling and Clustering of migraine attacks.

Every patient and every attack is different. A specific treatment may work for some but not for all. Hence the need to take a "precision medicine" approach. The first part of the study will focus on making a prediction when a certain molecule will be the most helpful based on individual characteristics, with the ultimate goal to recommend medication based on the users' history and symptoms.

The second part of the study aims to model the migraine disease progression through the use of Markov chains. Markov chains are memoryless stochastic processes describing a sequence of possible events. Hidden Markov models will complement the approach and take into account the possibility that hidden variables and hidden states influence further states in the model when predicting migraine days. It is well accepted that the full mechanism of migraine attacks is far from being understood, hence the relevance of an approach allowing one to cope with the unknown.

Healint's objective is to help research and promote a better understanding of migraine to improve disease management. For this project, the data and support from Healint the time allocated, and the resources provided by Healint are sponsored by the migraine-buddy users' subscriptions to its migraine app.

About Healint

Healint Pte. Ltd is a leading healthcare technology company that is transforming how patients manage chronic diseases related to the central nervous system or the immune system, and how companies conduct clinical trials. Leveraging the latest innovations in software, data science, and user experience design, Healint puts healthcare in the hands of patients and empowers them to be active participants in the discovery of new treatments. Healint helps companies conduct virtual studies to increase the quality of the data collected by lowering the barriers of entry for qualified patients. The company's first global program - the Migraine Buddy platform and its apps - has over three million engaged users.

Find out more at www.healint.com

Media Contact:

Name: Bo Zhang

Email: [email protected]

Contact number: +65 8657 9176

Designation: VP, Business Solutions

SOURCE Healint Pte Ltd
VANCOUVER, BC, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Yaletown Partners (Yaletown), is pleased to announce the final close of its Innovation Growth Fund II (IGF II) at its hard-cap of $200 million, representing a 50% increase from its predecessor fund, IGF I, in 2019. The fund received strong support from both existing and new global institutional investors, including pension funds, asset managers, and select family offices. With the final closing of IGF II, active funds under management by the firm now exceed $450 million.

IGF II continues the firm's successful strategy of financing technology companies enabling the modernization of industries, including transportation and logistics, industrial processes, energy infrastructure, data infrastructure and real assets. Yaletown calls this the Intelligent Industry. By enabling the convergence of technologies such as artificial intelligence, edge computing and automation, with broader themes of connectivity, digital transformation and electrification, Yaletown's portfolio is creating substantial and innovative operational efficiencies that deliver excellent financial returns for customers while also reducing climate impact. This is the cornerstone of Yaletown's climate resilient growth strategy.

"Our team has deep experience in navigating economic and technology cycles, both up and down, and our established sector expertise offers our companies a steady hand during uncertain times," said Salil Munjal, Managing Partner at Yaletown, "We are grateful to our investors for trusting Yaletown as we continue to expand our platform across North America. We look forward to working with companies scaling up and creating a digitally led future for industry that results in strong ROI for their customers, enabling climate resiliency and generating excellent returns for the fund."

Yaletown has invested in 75+ technology-driven companies across North America, developing a strong roster of portfolio companies , and has a total enterprise value exposure that exceeds $10Bn. Current portfolio companies include GoBolt , a technology enabled and sustainably focused logistics provider committed to providing carbon negative deliveries; EdgeQ , which is delivering the world's first 5G software-defined base station on a chip, thereby enabling the cloud at the edge and complex real-time actionable insights for industry; and climate tech unicorn, Group14 , a global manufacturer and supplier of advanced lithium-silicon battery technology and contributor to the world's transition towards an all-electric future; and ClimateAI, the world's first enterprise climate platform designed to predict the physical risk of climate change on assets and devoted to using tech to support resilience for lives, livelihoods and nature. Yaletown had four exits in 2022, including Circle Cardiovascular Imaging and Tasktop Technologies.

About Yaletown Partners

Yaletown invests in emerging-growth technology companies that enhance sustainability and productivity for industrial and enterprise customers by enabling the digital transformation of capitally intensive industries. Our Innovation Growth Funds help technology companies to scale and become market leaders, while prioritizing growth that is climate resilient. Yaletown is backed by leading institutional investors, including pension funds, asset managers and family offices.

SOURCE Yaletown Partners
YICHANG, China, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Yichang, a city in central China's Hubei Province, is the main orange producing area in China and one of the cradles of orange on earth. In 2021, the output of orange in Yichang reached 4,046,900 tons, close to one tenth of the country's total output.

Orange has become the top specialty and competitive agricultural industry in Yichang and a pillar industry for farmers to increase their income. Yichang orange industry mainly features three well-known varieties, which enjoy high reputation at home and abroad.

Attracted by Yichang's fame as China's "Orange City", Thomas Ramsey, professor from College of Foreign Languages with China Three Gorges University, made a visit recently with his friend Tian Shidou to explore the culture and innovation behind Yichang's orange, and feel its vivid and extraordinary development, according to Yichang Three Gorges International Communication Studio.

They made their first stop at Shuitianba Township, Zigui County, which is located at 30 degrees north latitude and on the banks of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River.

Surrounded by green hills and gurgling rivers, the township is a most suitable area for oranges to grow. They visited Zheng Jiayu, a famous local orange photographer who has been following the industry's development closely.

According to Zheng, local people, building on the characteristics of mountainous terrain, have learnt to use aerial ropeways and ground double-track orchard transport planes to replace manpower with machinery, so that local oranges could be shipped out of the region and even China at a quicker pace.

Besides, local people use grass cultivation techniques to develop green manure in fields and ladders to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, contributing to the region's green development.

All the year round, one can see fresh oranges hang over trees in Yichang, making a unique scenery. This is partly thanks to Deng Xiuxin, an academician with the Chinese Academy of Engineering who devoted himself to orange research and cultivation.

Through scientific and technological innovation, Yichang can produce oranges all year round. Tom and Tian set their second stop at Jiuwan Creek orange seedling breeding base, the largest high-quality orange seedling germplasm bank in the Three Gorges Reservoir area.

The base is home to more than 100 top-quality domestic and foreign orange varieties. After several years of cultivation by researchers, the top-notch fruit varieties with the best fruit type, color and sugar content can finally be screened out.

Looking at the dizzying seedling varieties in the base, Tom and Tian couldn't help but marvel at the huge scientific and technological input within these small fruits.

In Yichang, oranges are not only fruits, but also ingredients for cooking dishes and raw materials for deep processing. In Zigui County's Qugu industrial park, oranges are processed into orange wine, cakes, vinegar, snacks, canned food and other products. Famous Hubei dishes like orange-flavored beef and stewed bacon are also served with preserved orange peel.

The orange industry has made full use of the fruit, from its flower, fruit, peel to pulp remaining, with zero material waster thanks to the industrial chain's development.

At their exploration's last stop, Tom and Tian were drawn by an old man who leveraged livestreaming to boost orange sales. The man named Zhou Gongshou is a fruit farmer in Zigui County. At 67 years old, he refused to retire like elders in urban areas, but insisted to keep learning new tricks, promoting local oranges via Internet technologies.

Nowadays, with the support of the local government and Internet platforms, many fruit farmers like Zhou have embraced a new life via the Internet. These efforts have expedited the sales of oranges out of the mountains, turning them into golden eggs for local farmers.

Image Attachments Links:

Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=438742

Caption: Yichang: China's "Orange City"

SOURCE Yichang Three Gorges International Communication Studio
BEIJING, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from China Daily: The city of Yichang, which is located in the central province of Hubei and the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, has made marked progress in curbing pollution, cleaning up heavy industry and raising environmental awareness as it strives to become an exemplar of protecting the nation's mother river.

The latest survey shows the number of Yangtze finless porpoises living in the Yichang section of the Yangtze has grown to 23, up from five in 2015, according to a local official.

An aerial view of Yichang city in Hubei province.

The critically endangered freshwater dolphin species, known as the "giant panda of the water", is seen as a barometer of the ecological condition of the Yangtze River basin.

Over the past five years, Yichang has made notable achievements in managing wastewater outlets, reducing pollution by ships and repairing the ecosystems along the Yangtze, among other aspects.

As of October, Yichang had finished the on-site investigation, monitoring, tracing and naming of 1,973 wastewater outlets along the Yangtze River and Qingjiang River basins, and had renovated 1,677 of them, according to the local Sanxia Daily newspaper.

The Qingjiang River, spanning 423 kilometers, is a tributary of the Yangtze.

Yichang boasts a thriving shipping industry. It has been promoting the green growth of the industry by optimizing ship designs and adopting clean energy, among other measures.

In 2022, Yichang built 125 ships with a gross tonnage of 360,000 metric tons, accounting for more than half of Hubei's total. Among the vessels, 28 are powered by new energy.

Yichang has set up a task force to renovate shore-to-ship power facilities on ships. Sixteen ships were renovated in 2020, 76 in 2021 and 207 in 2022.

Assuming that each of those ships used a 40-kilowatt diesel generator for 10 hours on average every day before the renovation, the 299 ships can now reduce their collective fuel consumption by 9,269 tons and carbon dioxide emissions by 27,807 tons annually.

Yichang has also been making efforts to raise environmental awareness throughout communities.

From this year onward, the city will celebrate the Yichang Yangtze River Protection Day on April 24.

Wang Yunguo, a resident of Yichang's Yiling district, has built a laundry sink next to his house. The laundry wastewater flows into a septic tank on the side, Sanxia Daily reported in November.

Previously, the family of five did their laundry in the stream in front of their house. Wang decided to build the sink after his granddaughter, a middle-school student, told him that the phosphate in the laundry detergent would pollute the water.

Zhang Jianhua, head of Yiling's education authority, said the district has been exploring methods to raise environmental awareness among residents. Stepping up environmental education for schoolchildren is seen as one of them.

For businesses in Yiling, the local government is urging them to fulfill their environmental duties in production processes, production techniques and other aspects of business.

SOURCE China Daily
Cairo, March 9 : Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi has called for exerting intensive international efforts to achieve calm in the Palestinian territories amid the rising Israeli-Palestinian tensions.

Sisi made the remarks on Wednesday during his talks with visiting US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a statement issued by the Egyptian presidency.

The meeting focused on a number of regional and international issues, including the decades-long Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the statement said.

Sisi also called for halting unilateral measures and escalation in the conflict, while reaffirming the two-state solution as "the pathway toward achieving just and comprehensive peace for the benefit of the peoples of the region".

During the meeting, also attended by Egypt's Defence Minister Mohamed Zaki, Sisi emphasised "Egypt's commitment to further intensifying cooperation with the US in an array of areas, particularly in the military and security fields, the statement said.

Austin expressed Washington's appreciation of Egypt's key role in the Middle East as "a rational and responsible stabilising force", while underlining the US commitment to further strengthen its cooperation and strategic partnership with Egypt, particularly the defense cooperation.

Austin's visit to Egypt came following his visits to Jordan and Iraq where he met with leaders of both countries.
Washington, March 9 : Eric Garcetti may soon, and finally, be on his way to New Delhi to take office as the US Ambassador to India, nearly two years after his nomination was announced by the White House.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted 13-8 to approve his nomination on Wednesday, setting up a vote by the full 100-member Senate, which may not prove as difficult as it has been for him to get this far.

Two Republican senators voted with all 11 Democrats on the committee to clear Garcetti, who may get the full Senate's approval with similar bipartisanship.

President Joe Biden nominated Garcetti, a former mayor of Los Angeles and once - rising star in the Democratic party, as ambassador to India in 2021. He had his confirmation hearing as well, but he never got a vote of the senate committee as objections rose to his handling of a case of sexual harassment by his right-hand man in Los Angeles.

The nomination stalled and was deemed returned to the White House, which, however, did not send it back or name a replacement in 2022.

With the new Congress in place in January 2023, the White House re-sent the nomination.

But fresh trouble loomed. Republican senator Marco Rubio announced a hold on Garcetti's nomination along with a bunch of others, including Rich Verma, who has been named to be a deputy secretary of state, and Geeta Rao Gupta as ambassador at large for global women's issues. An individual senator's hold usually means an up-and-down vote of the full Senate would be needed.

With Garcetti's nomination stalled and the Biden administration refusing to name a nomination, observers of the bilateral relationship wondered if this was a manifestation of a deeper problem between India and US, because this was possibly the longest America has not had an ambassador in New Delhi.

This prolonged period of no-ambassador also coincided with extraordinary delays in issuance of USA visas in India, with the waiting period for first-time applicants for business and tourism visas reaching two years at its worst (it's been cut down considerably now).

Relations between the two countries were in an overdrive with President Biden putting the Quad front and center of his Indo-Pacific strategy early in his administration, resulting in several virtual and in-person meetings bilaterally with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and multilaterally, with counterparts from Japan and Australia.

At his confirmation hearing, Garcetti had vowed to "double-down on our efforts to strengthen India's capacity to secure its borders, defend its sovereignty, and deter aggression" - music to ears on Raisina Hill - he also plans to raise thorny issues such as the Indian purchase of the Russian S-400 air defence missile system, human rights and democratic values.

Comparisons are odious, but Garcetti's political clout and proximity to the White House had put him ahead of most of his recent predecessors. Also, he is widely expected to run for White House, given his credentials: Hispanic descent, top Democratic operative, a top operative in a presidential campaign, Rhodes scholar at Oxford and alumnus of London School of Economics.

Fifty one-year-old Garcetti is close to the White House and was once considered a potential member of the Biden cabinet but the same allegations that came up during his confirmation hearing had come in his way.
Stockholm, March 9 : European Union (EU) defence ministers discussed the idea of sending further military support to Ukraine, at an informal meeting in the Swedish capital Stockholm.

"There was increasing consensus around the table that the EU needs to act in order to provide the Ukrainians with more ammunition," Sweden's Minister for Defence Pal Jonson said in a video released after the meeting, Xinhua news agency reported.

The defence ministers discussed a plan by Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, for the EU to reimburse member states who immediately send more artillery ammunition to Ukraine.

Under the plan, member states would also jointly purchase large quantities of ammunition through the European Defense Agency, to speed up deliveries while keeping costs down.

The EU plans to allocate two billion euros ($2.1 billion) from the European Peace Facility to the purchase of ammunition.

"I hope that by our next defense ministers' meeting on March 20 in Brussels we actually will be able to reach an agreement," Jonson said after the meeting.
Mumbai, March 9 : Veteran Bollywood actor-writer-director Satish Kaushik - remembered as 'Calendar' in the film "Mr. India" - passed away at 67 late on Wednesday.

His friend and another legendary actor Anupam Kher shared the news in a tweet early Thursday.

Born in Haryana, Kaushik was an alumnus of the NSD and the FTII, and started his film career in the early 1980s.

He penned the dialogues for the 1983 classic "Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron", which acquired a cult following over the years.

He is known for his comic roles as 'Calendar' in "Mr. India", "Pappu Pager" in "Deewana Mastana" among many others.

Kaushik also gave sterling performances in other films like "Ram Lakhan" and "Saajan Chale Sasural".

He directed Sridevi's film, "Roop Ki Rani, Choron Ka Raja" and later "Prem", both disasters, but he got his big hit with "Hum Aapke Dil Me Rehte Hain" and also "Tere Sang", among many others.

Many Bollywood personalities have paid tributes to the multifaceted artiste after learning about the news of his demise.
Berlin, March 9 : Germany has pledged 26 million euros ($27.6 million) to UN Women in 2023, the country's Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) said.

The funding for the United Nations' entity for gender equality and the empowerment of women has almost doubled since two years ago, BMZ was quoted by Xinhua news agency as saying.

When women have equal rights, there is less poverty and hunger and more stability in the world, said Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Svenja Schulze. "It is therefore worthwhile to strengthen the rights, resources, and representation of women and girls." Germany's announcement came on International Women's Day, celebrated annually to highlight the women's rights movement and bring attention to issues such as gender equality, and violence and abuse against women.

"The world is facing numerous crises," said UN Women's Executive Director Sima Sami Bahous on Wednesday. Catastrophes such as the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the energy crisis "affect everyone, but women and girls are the hardest hit", she stressed.

In Germany, nearly three out of four women do not think they have equal opportunities with men, according to a survey published by YouGov on Wednesday. Particularly large differences were perceived at the workplace.

Although the gender pay gap in Europe's largest economy has been declining in recent decades, the average hourly wages of women were 4.31 euros, or 18 per cent, lower than those of men in 2022, according to the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis).

"The pay gap is closing far too slowly," Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Hubertus Heil said on Tuesday. "Equal work deserves equal pay." (1 euro = $1.06)
Los Angeles, March 9 : Search crews in California, the most populous state of the US, are working to rescue residents stranded in the state's mountain communities by recent heavy snow.

After the latest round of winter weather, the average water equivalent in the snowpack covering California's mountains ranges from 40 to 46 inches, almost double what the area typically sees this time of year, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a report by USA Today.

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in 13 counties last week, after brutal winter storms trapped residents with feet of snow, including in the hard-hit San Bernardino County.

The heavy snowfall combined with high wind gusts have prompted avalanche warnings across parts of the central and southern Sierra Nevada.

Officials knew the San Bernardino County mountains were going to be hit by a bad storm days before an unprecedented blizzard rolled in, but they found themselves unprepared for the historic amount of snow and the disruptions it would bring, said a report of Los Angeles Times.

Forecasters said more snow and rain are expected to arrive in Northern California later this week, followed by potential flood concerns.
Los Angeles, March 9 : The Salt Lake City Police Department has confirmed that officers arrested a 65-year-old man accused of robbing a bank in the US city, who reportedly demanded $1 from employees earlier this week "in an attempt to be sent to a prison".

The man, identified as Donald Santacroce, on Monday entered a bank near 300 South Main Street in Salt Lake City, the capital and most populous city of the western US state of Utah, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the Salt Lake City Police Department.

The suspect demanded money from bank employees and refused to leave the bank. He was booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on one count of robbery, said the department in a news release.

Officials didn't say how much Santacroce had demanded from bank tellers in the news release.

Santacroce gave a teller a note that stated, "Please pardon me for doing this but this is a robbery. Please give me $1. Thank you", reported a local news outlet, KSL-TV, citing a police booking affidavit.

The teller gave Santacroce a dollar and then asked him to leave. Santacroce instead told the teller to call police, the report added.

"Donald said he had done this because he wanted to get arrested and go to federal prison. Donald stated that if he gets out of jail, he will rob another bank and ask for more money next time trying to get the desired result of going to federal prison," the arrest report states, according to the report.

The Salt Lake City Police Department did not say what the suspect's motive may have been in the news release.

This is not the first $1 bank robbery in the country. James Verone, an unemployed, uninsured 59-year-old man, robbed a bank in North Carolina of $1 in 2011 to get health care in prison.

In another similar case, a 50-year-old homeless man reportedly robbed a bank in Oregon for $1, then waiting for police to arrest him so that he would get medical attention in 2013.
Washington, March 9 : A six-year-old boy who shot his teacher at a school in the US state of Virginia will not be charged because "the child is too young to understand the legal system".

The incident had taken place on January 6 at the Richneck Elementary School in the city of Newport News, about 112 km south of the state capital Richmond, the BBC reported.

Speaking to NBC News on Wednesday, Newport News Commonwealth's Attorney Howard Gwynn said that his office would not seek charges against the boy, adding that the "prospect that a six-year-old can stand trial is problematic" .

"Our objective is not just to do something as quickly as possible... Once we analyse all the facts, we will charge any person or persons that we believe we can prove beyond a reasonable doubt committed a crime," he was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, the 25-year-old teacher Abigail Zwerner is suing the school district after she was shot through her hand and upper chest following what police described as an "altercation" with the first-grader.

According to the police, the child brought the gun in his backpack and the firearm was legally purchased and belonged to the child's mother.
New Delhi, March 9 : Actor-director Satish Kaushik was last seen at Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi's Holi party in Mumbai, where he was being his usual smiling self, his very presence a source of joy for others.

Breaking the news of Satish Kaushik's sudden demise, Anupam Kher poured his feelings into his tweet: "I know 'death is the ultimate truth of this world!' But I never thought in my dreams that I would write this thing about my best friend #SatishKaushik while alive. Such a sudden full stop on a friendship of 45 years!! Life will NEVER be the same without you SATISH! Om Shanti!" Kangana Ranaut was also one of the first Bollywood celebrities to take to social media to express the feelings of a number of others when she tweeted: "Woke up to this horrible news. He was my biggest cheerleader, a very successful actor and director #SatishKaushik ji personally was also a very kind and genuine man. I loved directing him in 'Emergency'. He will be missed. Om Shanti!" Sonu Sood, highlighting the goodness of Satish Kaushik, said: "When I came to Mumbai, Satish ji was the first director I met. He was so warm and humble. Gave a few lessons of life that will always stay with me. RIP SIR. Will miss u always." Madhur Bhandarkar wrote: "I am so shocked to hear the demise of actor-director Satish Kaushik ji, who was always vibrant, energetic and full of life. He will be missed immensely by the film fraternity & millions of admirers. My deepest condolences to his family members." In another heartfelt message, Abhishek Bachchan wrote: "Shocked to hear of the passing of our beloved Satish Kaushik ji. A most gentle, kind and loving person. Always happy and smiling. A huge loss to our industry. Rest in peace dearest Satish uncle. We will all miss you." Acclaimed screenwriter Raja Sen summed up Satish Kaushik's life beautifully in his tribute: "He wrote, he directed, and he tickled us unforgettably. Satish Kaushik has tragically left us, but his work will live on and on. What characters, what comic timing, what poignancy, what lines ... Salaam, Satish ji. You are an inspiration. Smile on."
Kiev, March 9 : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that "we don't have any confidence" in his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, since the latter "doesn't hold his word".

The Ukrainian leader made the remarks to CNN in an interview on Wednesday night amid intense fighting in Bakhmut, which according to Zelensky will pave an "open road" for Russian troops to capture key areas if they are able to seize the besieged eastern city.

Regarding talks with the Russian side, Zelensky said that they cannot currently envisage a situation in which he would meet Putin.

"We don't have any circumstances to talk to the Russian Federation president because he doesn't hold his word," he told CNN.

"We don't have any confidence in him. Russia should leave our territory. And after that, we're happy to join the diplomatic tools. In order to do that, we can find any format with our partners just after that." While defending his decision to keep Ukrainian forces in Bakhmut, the President said: "This is tactical for us... We understand that after Bakhmut they could go further. They could go to Kramatorsk, they could go to Sloviansk, it would be open road for the Russians after Bakhmut to other towns in Ukraine, in the Donetsk direction. That's why our guys are standing there." Although Bakhmut does not hold significant strategic value in itself, its road connections to Kramatorsk and Sloviansk -- two densely populated, industrial urban hubs to the northwest -- mean those cities could be next in Russia's crosshairs if they are able to take control.

After being pounded by Russia for over seven months, Bakhmut Deputy Mayor Oleksandr Marchenko has said that there were just a few thousand civilians left living in underground shelters with no water, gas or power.

"The city is almost destroyed... There is not a single building that has remained untouched in this war," he was quoted as saying.

But Ukrainian troops have also mounted a dogged defence of the area, stalling Russia's progress.

Zelensky told CNN that his motivations to keep the city are "so different" to Russia's objectives.

"We understand what Russia wants to achieve there. Russia needs at least some victory, a small victory, even by ruining everything in Bakhmut, just killing every civilian there." He said that if Russia is able to "put their little flag" on top of Bakhmut, it would help "mobilise their society in order to create this idea they're such a powerful army".

In the interview, the Ukrainian leader also spoke about how he and his family are dealing with the ongoing war, which completed a year on February 24.

"My daughter joined the university and she studies there, and my son is attending school in Ukraine. They're both in Ukraine. They're very much like other Ukrainian kids. We live with sirens.

"We want victory. We don't want to get used to war, but we got used to the challenges. Everyone wants one thing -- to end the war," he told CNN.
Srinagar, March 9 : Enforcement directorate (ED) officials on Thursday were conducting raids at nine places in Kashmir in connection with the MBBS seats allotment racket to locals in different colleges of Pakistan.

Official sources told IANS that the sleuths of ED started raids at the places, including three in Srinagar district in connection with the allotment of MBBS seats to residents of J&K in different colleges in Pakistan.

These raids are also reportedly going on in Anantnag district as well.

Local police and the CRPF are assisting the ED officials in carrying out these raids.

Details are awaited
New York, March 9 : An Indian-origin professor at Babson College has filed a lawsuit against the business school in Wellesley, Massachusetts, for allegedly subjecting her to gender and racial discrimination.

Lakshmi Balachandra, an associate professor of entrepreneurship, said despite her research record, expressed interest, and service to the college, she was denied numerous leadership positions and opportunities for more time to conduct research and write, The Boston Globe reported.

"Babson favours white and male faculty and predominantly reserves awards and privileges for them," says the complaint filed in the US District Court in Boston.

As a consequence, Balachandra said that she lost career opportunities and faced economic losses, emotional distress, and harm to her reputation because of mistreatment and administrators' failure to investigate her concerns.

Balachandra, who joined Babson's faculty in 2012, called professor and former chair of the college's entrepreneurship division Andrew Corbett as one of the "primary direct perpetrators of the discriminatory work environment".

In her lawsuit, she alleged that Corbett often lost his temper with her and other women staff.

The suit mentioned that he only allowed her to teach required courses in entrepreneurship despite her requests to teach electives, which she had taught previously at MIT Sloan School of Management and Harvard Business School.

While Corbett could not be reached for comment, a Babson spokesperson told The Boston Globe that it "takes concerns or complaints seriously and has well-established protocols and resources in place to thoroughly investigate and address them".

"We look forward to addressing this through the legal process." The lawsuit mentions that Corbett said in an annual review that Balachandra's teaching was "disorganised" and that she was "not a great teacher", after consulting student evaluations.

Such reviews, according to Balachandra, are widely known to be biased and problematic.

The professor said that when she tried to discuss the reviews with Corbett, he "became hostile and began yelling, stating that Balachandra had no right to question his judgment", The Boston Globe reported citing the lawsuit.

Balachandra has also filed a charge of discrimination with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, according to her attorney Monica Shah.

She is currently on leave for a fellowship at the National Science Foundation, and is seeking unspecified damages.
Mumbai, March 9 : Bollywood actor-director Satish Kaushik, who passed away aged 67 late on Wednesday, had attended a Holi party hosted by Javed Akhtar and his wife-actor Shabana Azmi at their home in Mumbai.

On Tuesday, Satish Kaushik had shared a series of pictures on Instagram as he celebrated the occasion with his friends from the Hindi film industry. In the pictures, the actor is posed with Ali Fazal, Richa Chadha and Javed Akhtar. He was seen posing for the pictures in an orange coloured T-shirt and white pants.

He captioned the image: "Colourful Happy Fun Holi party at Janki Kutir Juhu by @jaduakhtar @babaazmi @azmishabana18 @tanviazmiofficial.. met the newly wed beautiful couple @alifazal9 @therichachadha @mahimachaudhry1 wishing Happy Holi to everyone #friendship #festival #colours #swipe left." According to reports, the actor, who has given memorable characters such as 'Calendar' from 'Mr. India', 'Pappu Pager' in 'Deewana Mastana' among many others, died due to heart attack.
Berlin, March 9 : Multiple European leaders spoke in favour of gender equality on International Women's Day, which is marked annually on March 8.

In Germany, Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for women to have equal rights "in all areas of life, whether at work, in the family, or in politics", reports Xinhua news agency.

Meanwhile, Italy's first-ever female Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that it was the country's "duty to knock down the hurdles that do not allow all women to be able to express their priceless potential to the full".

Pedro Sanchez, Prime Minister of Spain, underlined that his government promotes "laws in favour of true and effective equality between men and women".

On Tuesday, Spain passed a parity law requiring that women and men each make up at least 40 per cent of boards of directors at major companies, as well as in the government's cabinet.

In France, social media sites paid homage to many of the country's best-known female icons.

President Emmanuel Macron took the opportunity to praise the writer and activist Gisele Halimi, nearly two years after her death at the age of 93.

"Our republic is freer, livelier, and fairer thanks to you," he wrote.

However, the day was also marked by protests in some countries.

In Italy, demonstrations in Rome emphasized the rising number of femicides in the country, with protesters calling on police to do more to protect women.

Protesters in Germany called on the country's government to do more to advocate for women's rights in the developing world.

Meanwhile rallies in Spain focused on issues from consent to education and transexual rights.
Athens, March 9 : The Greek government has announced a set of measures aimed to improve the safety of railway system in the wake of the deadly train collision last week that resulted in 57 deaths.

"Suffering must be followed by catharsis," Giorgos Gerapetritis, state minister responsible for infrastructure and transport, told a press briefing on Wednesday.

He also apologised for the worst railway tragedy in Greece, pledging swift steps to complete all necessary works to upgrade the system and prevent such accidents in the future, reports Xinhua news agency.

The Minister announced an increase in the state budget to address understaffing and shortage of railway equipment.

He said the government would step up procedures to fill in the gaps in the signaling network and upgrade the safety system.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has also publicly acknowledged the state's chronic mistakes for the state of the railways system.

Also on Wednesday, thousands of protesters hit the streets of Athens and other cities across the country as labour unions called a 24-hour nationwide strike over the tragedy.

According to police estimates, approximately 30,000 people took to the streets in central Athens, calling for "justice" and "modern and safe public transport".

Similar protests were held in several other cities, including Thessaloniki in northern Greece.

They were organised by the umbrella union of civil servants ADEDY, labour unions of mass transportation, and students' and teachers' associations among others.

Many of the crash victims were university students returning to class after short holidays.

"Me and my friends would take this train route very often. If it was someone I knew (among the victims), if it were me, obviously I would want someone to come here and shout for me," Lefteris, a student of physiotherapy told Xinhua during a protest in Thessaloniki.

"As a mother, what happened hurt me a lot. I feel huge disappointment, tremendous rage," said Fotini, another protester.
Jaipur, March 9 : In a shocking case, unidentified miscreants morphed the pictures of a woman judge here and demanded Rs 20 lakh, threatening to bring 'disgrace' to her and her family, police sources said.

The woman judge has registered a complaint in Jaipur at the Sadar police station.

In the complaint, she alleged that the pictures were taken from social media and were morphed and turned obscene. They were sent to the woman judge in an envelope in court itself. The blackmailer sent a parcel with three morphed pictures in courtroom. Later, he sent the same on her government residence also. Both parcels carried threatening letters and asked for a sum of Rs 20 lakh.

The woman judge in the complaint said that her steno in court brought a parcel on February 7 which had sweets and an envelope. It had three pictures edited. One of the pictures was cross marked and had obscene remarks written on them. It also had her husband's phone number. The blackmailer had picked the picture from her social media account.

On February 27, the same parcel was sent to her residence which carried the same stuff that was sent to her office.

The judge in her complaint said that she feels someone is chasing her and had the entire information of her daily schedule as well as her children's schools.

Rajendra Chaudhary, president, Rajasthan Judiciary Officers Association said, "We demand strictest action in this matter from the High Court administration and DGP." It needs to be mentioned here that judges have been threatened earlier too. In 2021, Bundi district and session judge was threatened of dire consequences. Also in the same year, a threatening letter was dropped at the residence of Judge Ajay Kumar Sharma who was hearing the case of the Jaipur bomb blast.

Further details are awaited.
Johannesburg, March 9 : South Africa's Department of Health said that the ongoing violent and disruptive strike by public sector workers has impacted more than 40 healthcare facilities in the country.

"There are a number of major hospitals in six provinces that have been affected by this violent strike," Foster Mohale, the department's spokesperson, told Xinhua news agency on Wednesday.

The strike by the National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union started on Monday as the workers demanded a 10-to-12-per cent salary increment, but the administration had only put forward an offer of less than 5 per cent.

Some striking employees were obstructing ambulances from bringing patients to hospitals, while some were locking the canteens where patients were served food, Mohale said.

"We are concerned about patients dying. Health workers should know that they are essential workers, and they should not be embarking on strikes," he said, adding that some hospitals were releasing patients because no one was available to care for them.

"Any form of violence and intimidation directed at health workers, patients, and infrastructure is condemned in the strongest terms," he said.
Kolkata, March 9 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) probing the multi-crore teachers' recruitment scam in West Bengal seems to be now entering the second phase of investigation focusing on the Bengali cinema link.

The central agency sleuths have summoned Tollywood actor Bonny Sengupta aka Anupriyo Sengupta in connection with the multi-crore scam. The actor has confirmed to the ED that he will be going to the agency's office at the central government office (CGO) complex at Salt Lake in the northern outskirts of Kolkata during the current week.

Repeated attempts by IANS to contact Sengupta for his comments failed.

Sources said that the name of the actor surfaced following the cross-checking of the documents of Kuntal Ghosh, the arrested youth Trinamool Congress leader, who is currently in judicial custody.

Sources said that Sengupta will be questioned on whether there had been any financial transaction between him and Ghosh, and if yes for what purpose.

Sengupta made his acting debut in the Bengali movie 'Borbaad', which was directed by Raj Chakraborty, popular film director and current Trinamool Congress legislator from Barrackpore Assembly constituency in North 24 Parganas district. Sengupta is the grandson of Sukhen Das, a popular actor-director of yesteryears in Tollywood.

Already, a production house, christened Novkatha Initiative and owned by Ghosh, had recently started producing music videos and web-series. From cross-checking different documents seized from his possession, the ED sleuths have come across clues that a part of the scam proceeds were invested in the production process and are interrogating Ghosh to get more details on this count.
Ghaziabad, March 9 : A couple in Ghaziabad died due to alleged suffocation after inhaling gas leaked from a geyser, said a police official.

The deceased have been identified as Deepak Goyal (40) and Shilpi (36) who resided in Agrasen colony Phase-1 of Muradnagar.

The bodies have been sent for post-mortem.

According to the police, the couple went to the bathroom to shower after playing Holi on Wednesday, at around 4 p.m.

Their two children alerted the neighbours when the couple did not come out after an hour.

Police officials added that neighbours opened the door which was locked from the inside and found the two unconscious.

They were rushed to Yashoda Hospital where they were declared brought dead.

The hospital sent a memo to Muradnagar police station, following which a team reached the spot and started investigation.

A police official said that he felt suffocated when he entered the bathroom, due to a cylinder and a geyser present inside.

He said that there was no arrangement for ventilation and the glass on top of the door made for ventilation was also closed.

Deepak had recently opened a paint chemical factory in Ghaziabad while Shilpi was a housewife.

The deceased are survived by two children, aged 12 and 14.
Kolkata, March 9 : As the figure of deaths of children getting admitted to hospitals with Adenovirus-type syndromes is increasing, a team from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has arrived in West Bengal to review the situation.

The central team is expected to hold meetings with the top officials of the state health department and also expected to make a visit to the hospitals from where the deaths of children with related symptoms have been reported.

The visit of the central teams is happening a day after the chairperson of West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights (WBCPCR) Sudeshna Roy and the commission's advisor Ananya Chakraborty Chatterjee visited two hospitals in Kolkata reporting child deaths and reviewed the situation.

After reviewing the situation both expressed satisfaction over the treatment and the infrastructure facilities at the pediatric division of the hospitals where they made surprise visits. Both of them claimed that the rate of admission with severe symptoms has declined during the last few days. The two state-run hospitals where they made the surprise visits were Calcutta Medical College & Hospital and BC Roy Children's Hospital.

Incidentally, the maximum reports of child deaths have been reported from the Kolkata-based hospitals. According to the state health department sources this due to the increased instances of referring children with symptoms by the district hospitals.

The department has already issued an advisory for doctors, especially paediatricians, to take special care of children being admitted with flu-like symptoms, especially those aged two years or below since they are most vulnerable to being affected by adenovirus.

In wake of the alarming situation, the Health Department has cancelled all the leaves of staff for an indefinite period.

Special outdoor units have been opened at state-run hospitals with special paediatric units, so that such cases do not have to wait at the general outdoor units.

Three days ago, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that 19 deaths had been reported. Contrary to her statement, sources from hospitals said that the death figure was much higher.
London, March 9 : In a breakthrough, Japanese scientists have created mice with two biological fathers, an advance that can pave the way for new fertility treatments in humans.

The team led by scientists at the universities of Kyushu, and Osaka in Japan made the mice using eggs from male skin cells, The Guardian reported.

The novel technique can help two men to have children together. And also help in treatments for severe forms of infertility, such as Turner's syndrome, where one copy of the X chromosome is missing or partly missing.

"This is the first case of making robust mammal oocytes from male cells," Katsuhiko Hayashi, from Kyushu was quoted as saying.

Hayashi presented the development at the Third International Summit on Human Genome Editing at the Francis Crick Institute in London on Wednesday.

Previously, scientists have created mice that technically had two biological fathers, and also mice with two mothers. However, this is the first time eggs have been cultivated from male cells.

In the study, yet to be published, Hayashi and the team transformed a male skin cell with the XY chromosome combination, into an egg, with the female XX version.

Male skin cells were reprogrammed into a stem cell-like state to create so-called induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. The team then deleted the Y-chromosome and replaced it with an X chromosome that was "borrowed" from another cell to produce iPS cells with two identical X chromosomes, the report said.

"The trick of this, the biggest trick, is the duplication of the X chromosome," said Hayashi. "We really tried to establish a system to duplicate the X chromosome." The cells were then cultivated in an ovary organoid which replicated the conditions inside a mouse ovary.

After fertilising the eggs with normal sperm, the team obtained about 600 embryos. These were then implanted into surrogate mice, resulting in the birth of seven mouse pups.

The efficiency of about 1 per cent was lower than the efficiency achieved with normal female-derived eggs, where about 5 per cent of embryos went on to produce a live birth, the team said.

The baby mice appeared healthy, had a normal lifespan, and went on to have offspring as adults, the report said.

"They look OK, they look to be growing normally, they become fathers," said Hayashi.

Scientists now look to replicate the new findings with human cells. Hayashi, who is internationally renowned as a pioneer in the field of lab-grown eggs and sperm predicted it is possible in the span of a decade "Purely in terms of technology, it will be possible (in humans) even in 10 years," he said.

"I don't know whether they'll be available for reproduction," he said. "That is not a question just for the scientific programme, but also for (society)."
New Delhi, March 9 : With peak summer season round the corner, the Union Ministry of Power held a high-level review meeting to ensure there is no load-shedding.

Power Minister R.K. Singh, while presiding over the meeting, asked the power companies to ensure that there is adequate flow of supply.

Singh asked all stakeholders to closely monitor the situation and take proactive actions to meet the electricity demand during the coming months.

The minister directed the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) to ensure that a fair and transparent mechanism is devised for allocation of coal to various states.

Senior officials from the Union ministry of railways, coal and power attended the review meeting, which was held earlier this week.

The railway ministry assured the availability of enough racks for transport of coal.

The power ministry has directed NTPC to run its 5,000 MW gas-based power stations during the crunch periods of April and May.

In addition, 4,000 MW of additional gas-based power capacity would be added by other entities for availability during the summer months.

GAIL has already assured the power ministry of the necessary supply of gas during the summer months.

As per the CEA estimates, the peak electricity demand is expected to be 229 GW during the month of April, when the electricity demand is the highest in the country.

The demand then tapers off as monsoon season picks up from the southern part of the country and covers the whole country over the next three to four months.

As per estimates, the energy demand is expected to be 1,42,097 MU during April, the highest in 2023, before coming down to 1,41,464 MU in May and further declining to 1,17,049 MU during November.
New Delhi, March 9 ( The Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) will exhibit the ethos and essence of democracy to as many as 39 young leaders from eight countries under its 'Gen-Next Democracy Network Programme'.

As part of its insightful initiative to groom the future leadership in the new emerging world, the ICCR is showcasing the 75-year-long democratic journey of India to these young delegates from Chile, Ecuador, Nigeria, Switzerland, Kenya, Mexico, Suriname and New Zealand in its ten-day programme till March 15.

To commemorate 75 years of India's Independence, as a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, the ICCR has so far hosted seven batches of Gen-Next Democracy Network Programme for 158 young leaders from 43 democratic countries who have been demonstrated the prominent tourist places and cultural heritage of various states in India.

The Gen-Next Democracy Network Programme celebrates 75 years of Indian independence with 75 democracies across the world with a view to displaying India's contributions in addressing global issues and its egalitarian worldview within the confines of democratic spirits.

These young delegates are from the ruling, opposition or other key parties, budding entrepreneurs, and rising leaders in their respective countries.

The ICCR said the main aim behind the Gen-Next Democracy Network Programme was to acquaint these young leaders with India's culture, heritage, development and the 'idea of India'.

On Wednesday, these delegates experienced the soul and spirit of Holi, the most colourful festival of India.

They will be interacting with the Assam Chief Minister and visit various places. Besides several significant locations in Assam and Meghalaya, these delegates will also be visiting Parliament, Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya in Delhi and Taj Mahal and Agra Fort in Agra.

The ICCR will also evince the resilience of democracy in India and the spirit of its citizens who have, despite all hardships as a developing nation, imbibed the democratic spirit.

This programme includes meetings with institutions, think-tank cultural groups, research forums, NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders. They will interact with young leaders, senior ministers and bureaucrats, academia, civil society, and other stakeholders.

These young leaders will be visiting local government institutions, meeting senior leadership of state governments, and interacting with scientists, engineers, and professors.

According to the ICCR, the Gen-Next Democracy Network Programme is a means to greater collaboration among democracies of the world and will establish India's already well-known credentials as the largest democracy in the world.
Kiev, March 9 : The latest series of Russian airstrikes on Thursday hit several major cities across Ukraine, from Kharkiv in the north, to Odesa in the south and Zhytomyr in the west.

Kiev Mayor Vitaly Klitschko,said explosions had taken place in the western and southern districts of the capital city, adding that emergency services were at the targeted areas, the BBC reported.

Klitschko said cars were burning in the courtyard of one residential building and he urged people to stay in shelters.

Odesa Governor Maksym Marchenko confirmed that mass missile attack struck an energy facility in the port city, adding that residential areas were also hit but no casualties.

Meanwhile, "about 15" strikes hit Kharkiv city and region, with "critical infrastructure facilities" and a residential building targeted, regional administration chief Oleg Synegubov said.

Other regions targeted by the strikes include Vynnytsia and Rivne in the west, and Dnipro and Poltava in the centre.

Many areas were also left without electricity as a result.

The strikes come amid intense fighting in Bakhmut, which according to President Volodymyr Zelensky will pave an "open road" for Russian troops to capture key areas if they are able to seize the besieged eastern city.

Although Bakhmut does not hold significant strategic value in itself, its road connections to Kramatorsk and Sloviansk -- two densely populated, industrial urban hubs to the northwest -- mean those cities could be next in Russia's crosshairs if they are able to take control.

After being pounded by Russia for over seven months, Bakhmut Deputy Mayor Oleksandr Marchenko has said that there were just a few thousand civilians left living in underground shelters with no water, gas or power.

"The city is almost destroyed... There is not a single building that has remained untouched in this war," he was quoted as saying.

But Ukrainian troops have also mounted a dogged defence of the area, stalling Russia's progress.
Patna, March 9 : More than two dozen people were arrested following a clash between two groups during Holi celebrations in Bettiah district of Bihar, police said on Thursday.

Around 10 men were injured in the incident which took place late on Wednesday evening at Madhopur village under Majholia police station.

Upendranath Verma, the SP of West Champaran, said that more than 2 dozen people were arrested in this regard. Strong action will be taken against those found involved in any kind of hooliganism.

A group of people were playing loud music and celebrating Holi. When they crossed a local mosque, allegedly stones were pelted on them. It soon turned ugly with both sides involved in violence.

Though a 60-year-old man died during the clash, the local police claimed that he died of a heart attack.

"We have sent the body for post-mortem in GMCH. The actual cause of the incident will be ascertained only after the report. A large number of police force has been deployed at the village to avoid any untoward incident. The situation is under control," Verma said.
Today's story is from Assam: Help at sight for women, children hit hard by annual floods in Assam's Dhemaji. Image Source: IANS News

Today's story is from Assam: Help at sight for women, children hit hard by annual floods in Assam's Dhemaji. Image Source: IANS News

Today's story is from Assam: Help at sight for women, children hit hard by annual floods in Assam's Dhemaji. Image Source: IANS News

Today's story is from Assam: Help at sight for women, children hit hard by annual floods in Assam's Dhemaji. Image Source: IANS News

Dhemaji : , March 9 (IANS/ 101Reporters) For most of the days between May and September, Mitali Dole of Medhipamua village in Dhemaji district of Assam lives in uncertainty. Residing in one of the most flood-prone districts with a population of over 6.86 lakh (Census 2011), she is on alert day and night, gauging the water level in the Brahmaputra.

"We stock dry food and stay indoors. Once the water level or speed of flow increases, we shift to a safer place as our bamboo houses may collapse. In case of severe floods and widespread damage, we spend several weeks at the relief camp set up at a higher elevation," she says.

According to the Council on Energy, Environment and Water 2021 report, Assam ranks first among the climate vulnerable states in India. Medhipamua is dominated by Mising tribals, also known as the 'River People' as they are believed to have migrated from Arunachal Pradesh to settle on the banks of the Brahmaputra. They reside in 'chang ghor' or stilt houses, built mostly from bamboo at a height of six to eight ft.

Though houses may remain dry during floods, sanitation is a challenge. The brick and mortar toilets are situated outside their homes at the ground level, and get submerged when the floodwater arrives.

"In extreme situations, we women are forced to relieve ourselves at one corner of our houses as toilets become unusable. We try to take our boats to places that are dry and at a higher elevation, but that is not possible all the time," admits Sunita Dole, whose house is barely 300 m from the riverbank.

"We always have this nagging fear that someone might see us attending to nature's call. At night, we also feel insecure wading through the floodwaters in the dark," she adds.

Her statement shows that though the state government has been setting up shelter homes/relief camps, providing services of midwives and operating anganwadis in relief camps, there is scope for more work.

Flood-only toilets The sanitation woes prompted NGO Rural Volunteer Centre (RVC), which has worked extensively with flood-affected communities, to collaborate with UNICEF to offer a solution. After multiple delays during the Covid-19 period, two common concrete toilets and a tubewell were built with the help of villagers in Medhipamua by November last.

Located on a raised platform on an unused plot just across the road, it is barely a minute's walk from the houses. Unless extremely necessary, these toilets should be used only during floods. For the rest of the time, people should use their individual toilets.

"We built this common utility as it is not possible to construct an elevated toilet for every house. The raised platform has enough room to accommodate 70 to 80 families when the village faces inundation," says RVC director Luit Goswami.

"These toilets give us a sense of dignity. Women and adolescent girls feel embarrassed defecating outside. They are close to our homes, so we do not have to depend on anyone to reach there," Mitali says.

With floods affecting the livelihood opportunities, migration of men in search of work to southern states have increased. Often, women and children are left behind at home, which make them a priority in building community-resilience mechanisms.

"In case of an emergency, the first responders are always the community. So, it is important to impart safety skills to them. Women and children need to be empowered to face any eventuality," says RVC block coordinator Dharam Raj.

Child-friendly spaces In Ajarbari village of Mukhtiyaar gram panchayat, Nitul Hajong, a college student, takes classes for flood-affected children.

"Schools are shut for weeks or even a couple of months depending on the severity of floods. This hampers studies. To make things easy for primary school children, some of us conduct regular classes," Hajong says.

The classes are held at a Child Friendly Space (CFS) that forms an important part of the flood relief camp in the locality. Launched in Dhemaji and Majuli districts as a pilot in 2017, the CFS has since become an integral part of the relief camp management process in the state. It operates as per the guidelines set by Assam State Disaster Management Authority and can serve as both anganwadi centres and other educational facilities.

The CFS helps children to tide over physical and psychosocial distress caused by floods. They are encouraged to learn coping strategies by socialising with others under adult supervision. "The idea is to provide a safe space, so that the trauma of frequent floods and disasters does not hamper the growth and learning opportunities of children. Here, health officials also take care of their nutritional needs," says Goswami.

Sishu sabhas In 2019, the State Institute of Panchayat and Rural Development, RVC and UNICEF collaborated in Bahir Jonai and Sille panchayats of Dhemaji to organise the first ever gaon sishu sabha, wherein children were asked to rake up the issues they face during disasters.

Sishu sabhas were proposed as an annual event to help children, who form one of the most vulnerable sections of the society. The event, to be held in schools in the presence of teachers and panchayat leaders, could not be organised in the subsequent years due to COVID-19 lockdown. The discussions right now are more about the problems they face and less solution-centric because the initial intention is to make them vocal.

A similar sabha was organised in December at Lai-Mekuri gram panchayat, where the students highlighted issues ranging from infrastructure to education before the panchayat officials.

Kalyum Doley, a student of the government high school in Lai-Mekuri, spoke about how technology can help in improving education. "We faced Covid-19 and we also deal with floods yearly. Our education is affected as classes remain shut for long. So, we (students) suggest a learning app that will help us study even if schools remain shut," she makes her point clear.

"Drinking water is always an issue after floods. As students, we are taught that unclean water causes several diseases. We urge the elders to commit to clean water facilities all year round," Munu Bodo, another student, was heard saying.

"Participation of children is of utmost importance to understand how they feel or react to a situation. We now plan to replicate Dhemaji's sishu sabha model in other districts of Assam," says Goswami.

Besides sishu sabha, school children in Dhemaji district are also participating in mock drills. In Bera Milan ME School in Rabha Kathani Malbhog, which has 134 students enrolled, one session every Saturday has been dedicated to disaster management and related teaching under the Saturday for Resilience Programme.

"Living in a disaster-prone area, it is important that the students learn and understand the practical aspects of dealing with them. So, we conduct mock drills on safe evacuation during earthquakes twice a month. On other Saturdays, we discuss a disaster and impart basic knowledge on it to children," says Jintu Kumar Gogoi, an assistant teacher at the school.

Through all these initiatives, the government and other supporting agencies hope to make the next flood season a bit better for the people of Dhemaji.

(Tazeen Qureshy is a Bhubaneswar-based journalist and a member of 101Reporters, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters.)
New Delhi, March 9 : The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday conducted raids at the premises belonging to two separatist leaders -- Hurriyat Conference's Qazi Yasir, and J&K Salvation Movement chairman Zaffar Bhat in connection with a Prevention of Money Laundering case.

The case is related to the MBBS seats allotment racket to residents of Jammu and Kashmir in different colleges in Pakistan.

According to information, the ED team along with local police conducted raids this morning at the house of Mohammad Akbar Bhat alias Zaffar Bhat.

Another team of ED raided the house of Hurriyat leader Qazi Yasir in Anantnag's Qazi Mohalla.

A total of nine premises were being raided.

As of now the ED has not commented on the matter.
United Nations, March 9 : Roza Otunbayeva, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan, said that 28 million people, accounting for two-thirds of the war-torn nation's population, will need life-saving humanitarian assistance this year.

The humanitarian need will cost $4.62 billion, the single-largest country appeal ever, Otunbayeva told a Security Council meeting.

Almost half of the Afghan population -- 20 million people -- are experiencing crisis levels of food insecurity, she said, adding that 6 million people are one step away from famine-like conditions.

"Our humanitarian action is challenged by an increasingly complex access and security environment," said Otunbayeva.

The Taliban-run administration's bans against women working in non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are not the only serious obstacles to reaching vulnerable populations, she said, voicing concerns that "national women staff working for the UN will also be banned".

The ban, along with disallowing women from pursuing higher education, will have serious consequences for the Afghan population and for the relationship between the Taliban and the international community, Otunbayeva said.

She warned that "funding for Afghanistan is likely to drop" if women were not allowed to work.

Otunbayeva also pointed out that the delivery of humanitarian aid is affected by growing concerns about the looming threat of the Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K).

Mitigating such threats will require more concerted and more united member state attention and is clearly an issue that the international community has in common with the de facto authorities in Afghanistan, she said.
Washington, March 9 : The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has accused the police department of Louisville, Kentucky, of depriving people of their rights under certain laws.

In a report published on Wednesday, the DOJ alleged that the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government (Louisville Metro) and the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) "engage in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives people of their rights under the Constitution and federal law", reports Xinhua news agency.

The Department said the LMPD uses excessive force; conducts searches based on invalid warrants; unlawfully executes search warrants without knocking and announcing; and unlawfully discriminates against Black people in its enforcement activities, etc.

The Louisville Metro and the LMPD are also said to have discriminated against people with behavioural health disabilities when responding to them in crisis.

LMPD officers shot and killed Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old Black woman, in her own home while executing a search warrant on the night of March 13, 2020, but there was no evidence of any crime.

She was hit with six bullets.

"The findings are deeply troubling and sobering," the BBC quoted Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta as saying.

Attorney General Merrick Garland said: "This conduct is unacceptable. It is heartbreaking... It is also an affront to the vast majority of officers who put their lives on the line to serve Louisville with honour." The DOJ blamed the findings on deficiencies in policies, training, supervision and accountability that contributed to LMPD and Louisville Metro's unlawful conduct.

Officials opened their investigation on April 26, 2021.

Following her death, Taylor's name became a rallying cry during months of racial justice protests around the US in the summer of 2020.
Quito, March 9 : Ecuador has registered 2,958 dengue cases and two deaths this year, mainly in the coastal provinces of Guayas, El Oro and Manabi, the Public Health Ministry said.

There has been an increase in the number of cases in recent weeks due to the floods in tropical provinces, said Francisco Perez, undersecretary of national health surveillance of the Health Ministry, at a virtual press conference.

"However, this dengue outbreak is not any bigger than previous years. It's within expectations," Xinhua news agency quoted Perez as saying.

Of the total cases reported as of March 4,125 patients showed "warning signs", and seven were in severe condition, he added.

The Ministry is working with local officials to eliminate mosquito breeding sites through fumigation and other measures.

Dengue is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes.

Severe dengue is a leading cause of serious illness and death in some Asian and Latin American countries, according to the World Health Organization.
Gurugram, March 9 : Pallavee Srivastava, a postdoctoral fellow at Cardiff University, UK, plans her lab work to ensure that she picks up her son from playschool on time. The microbiologist is working on metal-microbe interaction to isolate microbes in sludges that can clean up the environment.

"My guide and colleagues understand that I have the responsibility of a six-year-old child. We plan our meetings accordingly," says the single mom.

Back at the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Goa, her faculty members and PhD guide provided an enabling environment during her pregnancy.

"When I got back after maternity leave, my guide provided me with a room to express breastmilk and allowed me to store it in her home refrigerator. She gave me the confidence that I can be both a good scientist and mother, that I do not have to pause one to be the other," shares Srivastava.

Like her, several women pursuing research have to balance PhD/postdoctoral research and parenting. How successful they are rests heavily on enabling institutional systems, social/familial support and gender-sensitive policies.

It was not smooth sailing for Madhulika Kushwaha (34), a PhD in environmental sciences. Her first child was born in 2018, in the fourth year of her doctoral studies at the Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala. Kushwaha availed the University Grants Commission (UGC)-mandated eight-month maternity leave.

"A PhD is challenging work, and it gets even more so with a pregnancy," says Kushwaha, whose second baby arrived after her thesis submission.

Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, she lacked family support in Dharamshala. "I took a break after the PhD to be around my toddlers," says Kushwaha, who plans to apply for the Department of Science and Technology (DST) fellowship schemes for women.

Hema Banagere Prakash (37), a postdoctoral fellow at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru, applied for the DST Women Scientists programme to get back to research in observational astrophysics, after childcare responsibilities, post-partum setbacks, sudden loss of a parent and Covid-19 lockdown dashed her chances as a postdoc in California.

Hailing from rural Karnataka, she studied in government schools and pursued her passion for astronomy with her father's support and encouragement.

"I have invested 15 years in research. However I'm not sure what will happen after the three-year Women Scientist fellowship. Unless I get a faculty position that ensures a dedicated lab and research support, the uncertainty will continue," she says.

The stories of these three scientists illustrate some of the challenges women face in pursuing scientific research while raising children. Supportive structures exist, but they offer ad-hoc support and fall short of ensuring sustained growth of career, financial security and the independence and investment that good science demands. As a result, several quit research to take up industry jobs.

Number crunching According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE 2019-20), women comprised 49 per cent of the total enrolment in higher education in all disciplines. Of this, 0.5 per cent took up doctoral studies. Of the total PhD level degrees awarded in the year, around 44 per cent (all disciplines) went to women.

A closer look at the data showed mathematics had 63.9 per cent female students at the postgraduate level, which dropped to 45 per cent at doctorate level. Chemistry, which saw the highest number of PhD registrations in sciences, had 57.6 per cent female students for PG and 42 per cent for PhD.

The situation is even more stark in engineering and technology, which has 70.8 per cent male and 29.2 per cent female students at the undergraduate level. The Institutes of National Importance (largely science and tech) that contributed to 23 per cent of the doctorates had the lowest male to female ratio among students. Moreover, in faculty positions, there were only 18 women for every 100 men. This has a direct bearing on the proportion of women in hiring committees and other decision-making roles. In August 2021, the government informed the Lok Sabha that only 16.6 per cent of those involved in scientific research in India are women.

"Getting an academic job that allows a scientist to continue research work is a huge effort," says Professor Mousumi Das, a physicist and faculty member at the IIA.

"In many cases, we see that women who are able to climb the academic ladder -- finish their PhDs, do a postdoc, preferably abroad, and get a faculty position on returning -- are the ones without kids." Women Scientists Programme

The DST's Women Scientists Programmes acknowledge the barriers and break in career that women may face due to marriage, migration, pregnancy and other challenges typical to the gender. They offer three categories of fellowships in the 27-57 age group for pursuing postdoc studies after facing a career break.

Women involved in research in frontier areas of science and technology can apply for a three-year fellowship, which can be availed any number of times. It is competitive and has strict eligibility and selection criteria. Women scientists say that while it offers a stopgap arrangement to continue research, the scheme does not factor in growth in career and financial remuneration commensurate with seniority and experience, as all awardees get a fellowship amount of nearly Rs 55,000 per month.

The total project cost of Rs 30 lakh accounts for small equipment, contingencies and consumables. However, research also requires investing in a dedicated lab and equipment, which is not possible with this fellowship.

Moitreyi Banerjee, who worked on cell culture-based molecular biology at the Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, is a DS Kothari Postdoc Fellow at Goa University's biotech department. She became a mother during her PhD, and is presently pursuing her second postdoc.

"For Women Scientist programmes, you have to find a mentor with matching criteria for the project and your expertise, with an existing, well-equipped lab," she says.

"My first postdoc was in Goa University's zoology department, now I am in the biotech lab... If we work on different project areas every three years, it will hamper expertise-building and growth. I should have been an assistant professor by now, but do not know what my future holds after two years when my fellowship ends," she adds.

'Gap years' and challenges If a new mother chooses to take a break, the discontinuity and ensuing "gap" in research and publication of papers can have a lasting impact on her career. Faculty appointments are a direct reflection of successful doctoral and postdoctoral opportunities.

Former IIT Roorkee Director A.K. Chaturvedi says a few criteria/conditions in hiring or selections for awards should be relaxed for women. In 2017-18, Chaturvedi was instrumental in removing timing restrictions for female students in IIT Roorkee campus, thus making all facilities accessible 24A7, just like their male counterparts. "We also relaxed the age limit for women from 40 to 42 years for the Institute Research Fellowship for IITR faculty, and tried to include women in faculty selection committees," he says.

"The research metric today is publication of papers, and a gap may be disadvantageous," says Jyutika M. Rajwade, a senior scientist (category F) at Agharkar Research Institute, Pune. She completed her PhD 27 years ago, while carrying her baby to full term, but the real challenge was finding a way to continue her research after. The postdocs she now mentors, continue to face similar challenges, she says.

Societal biases In a positive move, in December 2021, UGC announced one-time maternity/child care leave for women for up to 240 days in the entire duration of MPhil/PhD. However, springing back to work is not always easy. "It took me almost three months to realign and start writing my thesis!" recalls Rajwade.

"A PhD demands out of the box thinking. Some disciplines, like theoretical physics and mathematics, require a lot of solitary thinking. This is especially hard with a baby around," says Das.

"She stresses on creating supportive structures and more opportunities for women, and the need to challenge biases." "Everyone is thinking about the baby, which is natural. But in the long run, the woman may lose out," she says.

GATI for gender parity Acknowledging the need for gender advancement in STEM at the institutional level, the DST launched the GATI (Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions) pilot in 2020-21. The GATI charter makes it a moral imperative for all institutions to provide equal opportunity at all levels, by way of policy, practice, action plans and by promoting a culture for change.

Pranita Sarangi, faculty in-charge of GATI at IIT Roorkee, one of the 30 institutions that are part of the pilot launched in August 2021. "GATI aims at creating a better environment, supportive systems and policies that facilitate gender-supportive career growth and remove barriers to get to leadership positions," she says.

Its self-assessment process involves extensive data collection from all facilities for research, professional support, induction process and decision-making. It is the Indian equivalent of Athena Swan Charter, a framework used globally to support inclusion, diversity, equity within higher education and research.

(This piece was originally published by Rukhmabai Initiatives, an endeavour by 101Reporters to make Indian STEM more inclusive)
Kolkata, March 9 : Noted lawyer of Supreme Court and Calcutta High Court, Samaraditya Pal died at a hospital here on Thursday morning. He was 84.

He is survived by his wife Justice Ruma Pal (retired), a former judge of the Calcutta High Court.

Besides practicing at the Supreme Court and the Calcutta High Court, Pal -- popular as Bacchu Pal in the legal fraternity -- had also authored a number of books on law and Indian Constitution like Law Relating to Public Service, The Law of Contempt-Contempt of Courts and Legislatures and India's Constitution-Origins and Evolution.

He represented Tata Motors Limited in the famous case against the West Bengal government on land acquisition for small car Nano Project at Singur in Hooghly district.

Once he recollected that after his wife became the Judge of Calcutta High Court, he removed his chamber to a different location from the residence they used to reside on moral and professional grounds.

They too avoid attending the same public programme on many instances.

Veterans of the legal fraternity in the city recall how the deceased lawyer was specially caring about his juniors, where he often allowed them to argue matters in extremely important cases.

Expressing his condolences, the West Bengal law minister, Malay Ghatak, who is himself a practicing lawyer said that Late Samaraditya Pal was a moving encyclopedia of law and Indian Constitution in the true sense.
New Delhi, March 9 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national President J.P. Nadda will attempt to thwart the infighting among the state leaders on his visit to Karnataka on Thursday.

Amid the election preparations, many senior state BJP leaders have expressed serious displeasure on the high command's decision of appointing former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa as the Chairman of the state's election campaign committee.

The decision was based on the report of the survey conducted by the BJP to assess the state's electoral math and chances of victory.

The leaders opposing the decision include big leaders of the Lingayat, Vokkaliga and OBC communities, ministers in the Bommai government and national office-bearers, which has added to the high command's concerns.

Nadda will inaugurate the Vijay Sankalp Yatra in Bengaluru around 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, following which he is scheduled to address a public meeting at the Government College ground.
Patna, March 9 : Janata Dal (United) has dissolved its Nagaland unit after a newly-elected MLA extended unconditional support to BJP on Thursday.

The Nagaland Assembly election concluded recently where JD(U) contested on 8 seats and managed to win one. The newly-elected MLA Jwenga Seb has given unconditional support to BJP.

Abhishek Jha, the official spokesperson of JD(U) said: "Our's is a principled party. We contest every election on the face of Nitish Kumar and voters have faith in him. This is the reason why we are winning elections in other states too. Electorate in Nagaland were also inspired by the policies of Nitish Kumar and JD(U) and hence they voted for our candidate. Now, the candidate has decided to give unconditional support to BJP and is against our policy and strategy. Hence, the party has decided to dissolve the Nagaland unit," Jha said.

"Nitish Kumar has prepared a structure of Mahagathbandhan in Bihar and he is also making efforts for the opposition unity in the country as well. So, BJP is scared and hence making attempts to hurt the Opposition," Jha said.

Responding to it, Ejaz Ahmed, the spokesperson of RJD said: "BJP does not believe in democratic structure of the country. It is involved in horse trading." Nikhil Anand, the spokesperson of BJP said: "Nitish Kumar is ambitious but his party members lack faith in him. The sole MLA of Nagaland who gave the support to BJP is a prime example of it. Nitish Kumar is also losing credibility in politics. This is the reason why JD(U)'s seat and percentage of votes are less than Lok Janshakti Party (LJP-Ram Vilas)."
Kiev, March 9 : Visiting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have called for the extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which expires on March 18.

This is the UN chief's third visit to Kiev since Russia launched its ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

On July 22, 2022, Russia and Ukraine separately signed a document in Istanbul with Turkey and the UN to allow Ukraine and Russia to export grain and fertilizer to ensure supplies to global markets amid the Russia-Ukraine war.

The deal, due to expire on November 19, 2022, was extended for another 120 days.

The UN chief has repeatedly called for the deal's further extension.

In a joint press conference with the President on Wednesday, Guterres said the Black Sea Grain Initiative, agreed last July in Istanbul, has provided for the export of 23 million tonnes of grain from Ukrainian ports.

"It contributed to lowering the global cost of food and has offered critical relief to people, who are also paying a high price for this war, particularly in the developing world.

"Indeed, the Food and Agriculture Organization's Food Price Index has fallen by almost 20 per cent over the last year. Exports of Ukrainian -- as well as Russian -- food and fertilizers are essential to global food security and food prices.

"I want to underscore the critical importance of the rollover of the Black Sea Grain Initiative on March 18 and of working to create the conditions to enable the greatest possible use of export infrastructures through the Black Sea, in line with the objectives of the initiative," he was quoted as saying.

On his part, Zelenksy also stressed the importance of the initiative for global food security.

"The continuation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative after March 18 is critically necessary for the whole world," he said.

The Secretary-General reiterated that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a violation of the UN Charter and international law.

"The sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine must be upheld, within its internationally recognized borders," he added.
New Delhi, March 9 : Bharat Matrimony's latest video commercial on the occasion of Holi has sparked debate, with several people accusing the matrimonial website for hurting their religious sentiments.

The video released on March 8, also marked as International Women's Day, shows how harassment faced by women during Holi leads to trauma and stops them from celebrating the festival of colours.

Bharat Matrimony tweeted the 75-second clip video with the caption: "This Women's Day and Holi, let's celebrate by creating safer and more inclusive spaces for women. It's important to acknowledge the challenges that women face in public spaces and create a society that truly respects their well-being - today and forever." The video shows a woman with her face covered in different colours, who washes her face to get rid of the Holi colours.

Underneath her colourful face are shown bruises. And the captions reads: "Some colours don't wash away easy." "A third of women who've faced this trauma, have stopped playing Holi." Twitter users called out against the matrimonial website for hurting religious sentiments, and linking a festival with an important issue.

"You guys are absolutely disgusting. How dare you link a social message with the Hindu festival of Holi," wrote a user.

"It's disappointing to see that you're equating our festivals with harassment. Let's celebrate diversity and respect each other's culture and faith. Let's spread love, not hate," wrote another.

"#BoycottBharatMatrimony Shame on @bharatmatrimony for using a Hindu festival like #Holi to run their social awareness agenda," another user tweeted.

Even as the video soon became viral and triggered a massive outcry, some also came in support of the ad.

"This is indeed very brave of @bharatmatrimony. Festivals cannot and should not be a traumatic experience. Respect and Consent is vital and what better than the #WomensDay to send this message out to all those men who abuse, harm and disrespect women," tweeted one user.

"Some people are very angry on this video. But thanks to @bharatmatrimony for raising this sensitive topic. Illiterate people can neither understand nor want to understand," tweeted another.

A day earlier online food delivery app Swiggy was also called out by netizens over a billboard ad for Instamart.

The billboard features eggs and reads, "Omelette; Sunny side-up; Kisi ke sarr par. #BuraMatKhelo. Get Holi essentials on Instamart."
Chennai, March 9 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin Thursday alleged that rumours of migrant workers from Bihar being attacked in the state, had emanated a day after his call for opposition unity against the BJP.

Responding to questions during the 'ungalil oruvan' or 'one among you' programme, Stalin attributed the rumours to the BJP leaders of northern India.

"Some BJP leaders in North India have shared these rumours with ulterior motives. For so many years workers from the northern states have been here happily and of late their numbers have increased further because they have no problem here. But someone has created fake videos to mislead that the migrant workers were attacked," the chief minister said.

Stalin said that a detailed inquiry into the issue had found that migrant workers were not facing any problems in Tamil Nadu. He said that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has been apprised of the facts.
New Delhi, March 9 : Homegrown smart wearables brand Fire-Boltt on Thursday said it has invested $1 million in the Vietnam market.

The company recent forayed into the South-east Asian market, where it commenced its operations in Singapore and Vietnam region.

With this investment in Vietnam, Fire-Boltt said it aims to boost its operations in the country and gain a strong foothold in the market.

"Just like India, Vietnam is also a price-sensitive market so our target is to provide the most affordable and feature-loaded products to our consumers, without compromising on quality," said Arnav Kishore, Founder and CEO at Fire-Boltt.

Fire-Boltt has a strong presence in the Indian market and is among the top four best-selling smartwatch brands globally.

Fire-Boltt is incubated and backed by Savex Technologies in the country.

For its Singapore and Vietnam operations, Fire-Boltt has partnered with SmartechSG Pte Ltd.

"Fire-Boltt products are packed with the most advanced features and considering the average income of Vietnamese people, their prices are extremely reasonable," said Nguyen Chu Minh Duc, a company spokesperson.

"Fire-Boltt is also planning to expand its operations to Indonesia and Malaysia in the coming months", he added.

In 2022, Fire-Boltt came fourth in the India market, with a strong 250 (on-year) growth and shipping 2.2 million units, according to IDC.
Canberra, March 9 : Australia has reported a 100-fold increase in influenza cases through the first two months of the year, according to the Department of Health, Department data has revealed that there were 8,453 confirmed influenza cases through the first two months of 2023 -- up from only 79 in the same period in 2022, reports Xinhua news agency.

Among the cases, 2,700 were children under 14, accounting for nearly one-third of the total.

The spike has been attributed to an increase in international travel, with people on return from northern hemisphere holidays.

There were more than 220,000 flu cases in Australia in 2022 and 308 deaths, both the highest figures since 2019 after Covid-19 restrictions drove cases down in 2020 and 2021.

More than half of the cases hospitalized for treatment in 2022 were younger than 16.

In order to protect the health system from a "double blow" of a spike in flu and coronavirus cases, some state governments in 2022 made influenza vaccinations free for people but has not announced plans to repeat the scheme.

Bruce Willett, vice president of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, said when flu vaccines become available from mid-March, every Australian should consider inoculation.

"While flu has a strong seasonal bent -- it tends to be a late winter thing -- of course, it does occur all year round," he was quoted as saying on Thursday.

"It can be a significant illness for under-fives and even life-threatening."
Kochi, March 9 : Union Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan on Thursday slammed Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for his silence on the ongoing problem of smog that has engulfed the commercial capital of Kerala - Kochi -- for the past eight days.

"During Covid time, we all saw how Vijayan used to give a daily class on how to tackle Covid, but now where has he disappeared when Kochi residents find it tough to even breathe. It's unfortunate that even the media is silent on Vijayan's absence," said Muraleedharan and asked, "if Vijayan wass hiding in the smoke".

The Kochi Corporation has been unable to do anything substantial to control the toxic haze and smog due to a fire at the Brahmapuram garbage dump and waste plant location, even when fire tenders are working hard to douse the fire and control the smoke.

The Kerala High Court has given an ultimatum to the authorities and has asked the government to submit an action plan on Friday.

"The Minister for Local Self Government, M.B.Rajesh said things will be brought under control within two days when the fire broke out. Now, he is also not able to see the real reason. Why Kochi residents are suffering is because of handing over this waste treatment to a company that has no experience in handling this and their qualification was, it belonged to the son-in-law of veteran CPI(M) leader Vaikom Viswan," added Muraleedharan.

The fire, which began last week at the waste plant at Brahmapuram, had led to a dip in air quality in the commercial capital of the state.

Due to the huge smoke cover over several areas, the data on the Kerala Pollution Control Board website shows PM2.5 and PM10 particulate levels in the air in Kochi which is above the prescribed standards.

The beleaguered residents have been asked to wear N-95 masks if they venture out, and schools have asked children in the lower classes to remain home.

"None will forget how the youth wing of the CPI(M) and DYFI top leaders protested in Delhi a few years ago when a fire broke out in Amazon forests. The leaders, who protested then now occupy key positions but are surprisingly silent when Kochi residents are finding it difficult to breathe," slammed Muraleedharan.
Ahmedabad, March 9 : Left-handed opener Usman Khawaja hit his third fifty in the series and stitched an unbeaten 77-run stand with Steve Smith as Australia reached 149/2 in 62 overs against India at tea on the opening day of the fourth Test at Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday.

In what was the first wicketless session of the series, Khawaja read the conditions well, which were batter-friendly and capitalised on loose deliveries. Like Ravindra Jadeja bowled down the leg and Khawaja was quick to paddle through fine leg for four. When the left-arm spinner pitched it short, Khawaja was quick to rock back and pull for four more.

On the other hand, Smith played very cautiously and played late to get his boundaries through slash, clip and pull shots. A patient Khawaja brought up his 22nd Test fifty when he slammed Mohammed Shami past second slip for four. He and Smith remained unbeaten on 65 and 38 respectively to get the session in Australia's favour and frustrate India, who even got Shreyas Iyer to bowl some part-time leg-spin and play the waiting game for long in the hope of a breakthrough.

Earlier, the day began with a returning Mohammed Shami being wayward and conceding eight byes, with Australia electing to bat first on a pitch which had some up-and-down bounce. India were almost given a breakthrough when Umesh Yadav drew the outside edge from Travis Head, but wicketkeeper KS Bharat dropped a sitter, adding more to his nightmarish start with gloves.

Head began to attack from the 11th over, driving off Umesh straight down the ground before smashing a wide delivery through backward point for collecting a brace of fours. He continued to feast on poor deliveries from Umesh by hitting three boundaries with ridiculous ease.

The flow of boundaries continued as Khawaja clipped Ashwin down leg, before going on backfoot to pull Ravindra through square leg. Post drinks break, India finally had a breakthrough as Head miscued slog to mid-on off Ashwin.

Though Khawaja put loose deliveries from Ashwin through the on-side, India were successful in getting another wicket as Marnus Labuschagne chopped one onto his stumps off Shami, departing for a single-digit score. From there the bowlers kept things tight for India, as in the last ten overs they gave away only eight runs till the morning session came to a close.

Brief scores: Australia 149/2 in 62 overs (Usman Khawaja 65 not out, Steve Smith 38 not out; Mohammed Shami 1-31, Ravichandran Ashwin 1-32) against India.
Pilibhit : , March 9 (IANS) Leopard behaviour will be a part of a study by experts and scientists at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).

The experts will also study reasons for leopards straying into human habitations, incidents of which have been on the rise.

They will investigate whether the noise pollution in the cities is adversely affecting their innate senses.

Kaushik Banerjee, a senior scientist in the tiger cell at the Dehradun-based WII, has emphasised the need for a microscopic study to find ways to avert the man-leopard conflict in cities.

"We know that the leopards stray to far-off destinations scrounging for prey but why they go to cities is not known. In almost every case, the forest department had no option but to rescue the feline as it never went back to the wild," he said.

According to experts, since leopards are smaller in size and weight in comparison to other wild cats such as tigers, they tend to be pushed out of the wild. The leopards have adapted to survive in different situations and prey on dogs and pigs.

The secretary general of Global Tiger Forum (GTF) in India, Rajesh Gopal, said, "The heedless disposal of the household waste around human settlements in city areas attracts the feral street dogs and pigs which make for easy prey for the leopards, which is why they stray for long periods. This situation calls for civic awareness and action of the municipal authorities as well as the pollution control board." Leopard attacks have been reported in several city areas from Greater Noida, Meerut, Bareilly, Lakhimpur Kheri and Pilibhit over the past two years.
San Francisco, March 9 : Tech giant Google has informed its employees via an email that fewer of them will be promoted to more senior levels this year as compared to the past.

"The process is manager-led and will be largely similar to last year -- though with our slower pace of hiring, we are planning for fewer promotions into L6 and above than when Google was growing quickly," the tech giant said in an email that was viewed by CNBC.

The L6 distinction refers to the first layer of the workforce which is considered senior and normally consists of people with roughly ten years of experience.

The tech giant said it will be promoting fewer people to senior roles "to ensure that the number of Googlers in more senior and leadership roles grows in proportion to the growth of the company." "If your manager believes that you are ready to be promoted, they will nominate you," it added.

The company said in the email that employees in technical roles who wish to "self-nominate" themselves will have a "short window of time" between March 6 to March 8 to do so.

The changes come as the company is implementing a new performance review system called Google Reviews and Development (GRAD), which will lead to more employees getting low-performance ratings and fewer receiving high marks, the report said.

On January 20, Google CEO Sundar Pichai had confirmed in a letter to employees that about 12,000 people will be laid off globally, accounting for more than 6 per cent of the total workforce.
New Delhi, March 9 : A day ahead of the hunger strike here to demand for the introduction of the Women's Reservation Bill in the current session of Parliament, BRS leader K. Kavitha on Thursday praised Sonia Gandhi for pushing the bill during the UPA tenure.

Kavitha has invited 18 political parties, including Congress to join the one-day hunger strike to press the demand. She said around 6,000 people will come and her organisation Bharat Jagruti Manch has reached out to the like-minded parties and organisations.

"I salute Madam Sonia Gandhi for having backed the Women's reservation Bill despite leading a coalition govt at Centre," she said.

Kavitha said she has spoken to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and General Secretary K.C. Venugopal to send a representative to the protest.

The BRS leader, who is pushing for the women reservation bill, has to appear before the ED in the Delhi excise policy scam case. She has written to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) that she will appear before the agency on March 11.

Kavitha has written the letter in response to the notice issued by the ED asking her to appear before it on March 9.

The daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, Kavitha had earlier apparently requested for a week's time to appear, but the ED rejected her request, and subsequently she sent another letter.

A statement in this regard was issued from Kavitha's office late Wednesday night.

"I, being a responsible Indian citizen, and as a woman of this Nation wish to exercise my rights provided under the law," she wrote.

"Further, I fail to understand as to why I have been summoned at such a short notice. It seems that certain political motives have been masquerading in the name of investigation. I categorically say that I have nothing to do with the present investigation.

"As stated, being a social worker and having prior commitments, I had already planned my schedule for the upcoming week, and the abrupt rejection of my request seems to be motivated by reasons best known to you, which demonstrates that it is nothing but 'political victimisation'," Kavitha said.
New Delhi, March 9 : The National Commission for Women has asked DGP Rajasthan to personally look into the allegations of mistreatment and assault levelled by Pulwama martyrs' widows and conduct an inquiry into it.

In a letter, the commission has also sought a detailed asked Action Taken Report from the police.

"NCW India has taken cognizance. Chairperson @sharmarekha has written to DGP Rajasthan to personally look into the matter and conduct an inquiry into allegations of mistreatment and assault levelled by the women against police officials. Detailed ATR must be apprised to NCW", the commission said in a tweet.

The family members of the jawans killed in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack have been sitting on a dharna for the past few days over the alleged assault by police personnel when they tried to march towards the chief minister's residence to put forth their grievances.

Manju, the wife of Pulwama martyr Rohitash Lamba, alleged that the police threw her as if she was a gunny bag when she was going to meet the Chief minister.

"Unable to bear the torture by the police, I have been on an infinite hunger strike since March 4 and the Chief Minister will be responsible if something happens to me," she had said.
Kabul, March 9 : The governor of Afghanistan's northern Balkh province was killed in a blast that targeted his office in Mazar-i-Sharif city on Thursday, the spokesman of the Taliban-run government in Kabul confirmed.

"Unfortunately I have received information that Hajji Mullah Mohammad Daud Mazamil was killed in a blast organised by enemies of Islam," Mujahid said in a tweet.

According to police, the blast took place at 9.27 a.m. on the second floor of Mazamil's office when a suicide bomber blew himself up, killing himself and two others including the Governor.

Two more people, including a civilian, were injured in the attack.

This is the first time that the armed elements opposing the Kabul regime has targeted a high profile official since the Taliban assumed power in Afghanistan in August 2021.

No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Kanpur, March 9 : The Indian Institute of Technology in Kanpur is now making its presence felt in the dessert business by giving a healthy twist to our quintessential sweet -- laddoos.

These organic laddoos are being prepared by 150 farmer families and are now sold in 22 cities -- including Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Indore, and others.

IIT-K is involved in quality control, packaging, and distribution of these laddoos.

Besides the sweet, the premier institute also helps the farmer families sell nutritious 'hareera' (a nourishing beverage) in different states under its "Unnati" project.

Rita Singh, a convener of this project, said, "The delicacies first became popular among the students in the institute. As the demand grew, we started selling laddoos -- made from alsi (flax seeds), til (white and black sesame seeds), and gond (edible gum) -- in several cities. Now, we are seeking the help of our former students who have settled abroad to expand the business in overseas markets." The Unnati project was launched eight years ago in five villages of Kanpur's Bithoor region to encourage scientific agriculture and impart quality education to village children through smart classes.

In the last one year, some 150 farmer families from 10 nearby districts have joined the initiative.

Scientists of institute have also been promoting organic farming and creating awareness among the farmers.

"Our idea was to teach the farmers about natural farming, small processors, buyers, and technology. Of course, we want to preserve our traditional recipes as well," said Rita.

The institute has big plans for the organic produce business to provide the farmers with maximum possible benefits.

IIT-K is also leveraging the blockchain technology to help the business flourish.

"With the help of the blockchain technology, buyers will get to see the field or house where the food product was prepared. We started with selling organic products through WhatsApp but are moving to the next level. The entire process is being streamlined. Our products will be available under brand name Unnati. This will help the farmers immensely," Rita said.
New Delhi, March 9 : Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena felicitated 10 women police officers for their exceptional work on the occasion of International Women's Day, an official said on Thursday.

The women officers were handed over a Prashasti Patra and a cheque for Rs 20,000 each at a ceremony held at a ceremony held at Rajniwas on Wednesday.

L-G Saxena expressed happiness and appreciated all the achievers and gave a chance to each police officer to share her experience.

Delhi Police Commissioner, Sanjay Arora, the Special CP Dependra Pathak and other senior police officers were present on the occasion.

The Additional CP (Traffic), Geeta Rani Verma, ACP Renu Lata, Inspector Neelam Tomar, Sub-Inspector (SI) Preeti, SI Mohini, Assistant SI Sunita, Head Constable (HC) Archana, HC Reena and HC Rekha Kumari were felicitated by LG.

A senior police official said that SI Preeti was instrumental in the arrest of the top most wanted and rewarded gangster Ashok alias Pardhan and his aide, Sandeep alias Kala Jathedi and his crime partner Anuradha alias Lady Don alias Revolver Rani in a separate operation.

"She provided technical assistance to the team in identifying and tracing the location of the culprits of the RPG attack at Intelligence Headquarters in Mohali Punjab," said the official.

The SI Mohini is presently posted at police station Cyber, North-West district and she had busted a gang of fraudsters with the arrest of three accused who cheated innocents on pretext of providing 'Pradhan Mantri Mudra Loan' at discounted rates.

"A fake call center was also busted by her with the arrest of six accused who duped innocents on pretext of 'renewal of Driving License' at discounted rates," the official added.
New York, March 9 : Indian-American Democrat Kannan Srinivasan announced his candidacy for the 26th District of the Virginia House of Delegates with 20 major endorsements and support of elected officials and residents across the district.

The 26th House District includes the South Riding and Brambleton areas, and stretches from the Dulles Greenway to the southeastern corner of Loudoun County.

"My experience in both the public and private sectors will serve the residents of Loudoun and Virginians across the Commonwealth well," said Srinivasan, who had previously filed to run for the 27th District.

"I will fight for our public schools, stand up for gun safety, and protect abortion rights," he said in his campaign announcement.

In 2019, Srinivasan unsuccessfully ran against Republican Loudoun County Treasurer Roger Zurn.

A Loudoun resident for almost 25 years, Srinivasan immigrated from India in 1993, according to his campaign.

As a young man, Srinivasan was hit by a truck and was denied medicaid assistance. He now serves as vice chair of the Virginia State Medicaid Board, and has helped to expand Medicaid to cover more than two million Virginians.

"Kannan Srinivasan has been a public servant for years. I enthusiastically endorse his candidacy for Virginia State Delegate and will do all I can to help him become a member of the Virginia General Assembly," Loudon County Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall said.

Srinivasan served in Loudoun Fiscal Impact Committee, which helped him learn the drivers of Loudoun's growth and the multitude of needs to support the growth. He currently serves as a Commissioner in Loudoun Economic Development Advisory Commission where his focus is on helping Loudoun diversify its economy.

Born to parents who were school teachers, Srinivasan says he believes in education being the greatest equaliser and the best investment for our community's future.He completed his Bachelors in Commerce from University of Madras.
Bengaluru, March 9 : A student of Malleshwaram Pre University College, who was insisting to be allowed to write examination wearing burqa, was counselled by principal after which she agreed to remove it and appeared for the exam, here on Thursday.

The board exams for the Class 12 students have commenced across the state.

Students have appeared for their exams for Kannada and Arabic subjects.

The student was insisting till the last minute that she should be allowed to write exams wearing hijab.

Though authorities rejected her requests, the student remained adamant. However, the Principal, who was on examination duty, spoke to the student and told her about the rules.

He also told her how important it is for her to write exams, after which she agreed to remove it, sources in education ministry stated.

Education Minister B. C. Nagesh has said many times that students wearing hijab or any attire which symbolises religion will not be allowed to write exams.
New Delhi, March 9 : A shopkeeper, who was shot at by unidentified assailants in south Delhi's Ayanagar area on Holi, succummbed to his injuries at a hospital on Thursday, a police official said.

Police said that on Wednesday, a police control room (PCR) call was received at 7.58 p.m. stating that a person was injured after five rounds were fired from a pistol near House No. 30, Balka Chowk in Ayanagar.

"Acting on the call, a police team rushed to the spot. The injured was identified as Surender, a local resident who owned a small grocery store next to his house," Deputy Commissioner of Police, South, Chandan Chowdhary said.

"The injured was rushed to the hospital where he has passed away during the treatment on Thursday," said the official, adding that section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code has been added in the case.

"Further investigation is in process and police teams are scanning CCTV cameras in the area to crack the case and nab the accused" the official added.
Amritsar, March 9 : On her maiden visit after becoming President, Droupadi Murmu on Thursday arrived in Punjab's holy city of Amritsar, and paid obeisance at the Holiest shrine of Sikh religion, Golden Temple, where she was presented with a robe of honour.

Tight security arrangements were made in the city for the President's day-long visit.

Accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) chief Harjinder Singh Dhami, she paid obeisance inside the sanctum sanctorum of Harmandir Sahib, popularly known as the Golden Temple.

She also mingled with a couple of devotees and chatted with them for a brief period as Gurbani played in the backdrop.

Before paying obeisance inside the sanctum sanctorum, she was taken around the temple by the officials of the SGPC, the apex religious body of the Sikhs, and was also shown Shri Guru Ram Dass Langar Hall.

The President partook 'langar' served by the community kitchen at the Golden Temple She later visited Jallianwala Bagh, Durgiana Temple and Bhagwan Valmiki Ram Tirath Sthal.

At the Jallianwala Bagh, hundreds of Indians were killed in 1919 on the orders of the then British General Dyer.

On arrival, Punjab Governor Banwari Lal Purohit and Chief Minister Mann welcomed her.
San Francisco, March 9 : Elon Musk-run Tesla is facing a preliminary probe by the US' National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) into 120,000 Model Y cars (2023 models) as reports surfaced about steering wheels dangerously falling off while driving.

The agency said it was aware of at least two incidents in which the wheel detached from the steering column in 2023 Model Y cars.

According to a filing posted on NHTSA's website, the affected vehicles were delivered to owners without the "retaining bolt that holds the steering wheel in place".

The NHTSA is assessing "the scope, frequency and manufacturing processes associated with this condition".

Tesla recently "recalled" more than 321,000 vehicles for a software glitch and deployed an over-the-air (OTA) firmware update to correct the anomaly in tail lights that may cause false fault detections.

It also recalled almost 30,000 Model X vehicles over an issue that could cause the front passenger airbag to improperly deploy in "low-speed" collisions.

In September last year, the electric car-maker recalled around 1.1 million vehicles to prevent drivers from getting pinched by the windows while being rolled up.

The windows in these Tesla cars would not recognise certain objects while closing, which could result in "a pinching injury to the occupant".

In May, Tesla physically recalled 1,30,000 cars to fix touchscreen issues caused by an overheating central processing unit (CPU).

The company also paused the rollout of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) beta software in the US and Canada until a firmware update can be issued to address a safety recall.

Despite a rocky takeover of Twitter which saw Tesla stock tumbling by over 60 per cent, Tesla made more money than ever in 2022, as total revenue grew 51 per cent to $81.5 billion and net income more than doubled to $12.6 billion.
Guwahati, March 9 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said the authorities would take strict action against anyone engaging in anti-national activities.

The Chief Minister's remark came following the detention of a suspected "Pakistani agent" in Morigaon, identified as Baharul Islam.

"Action would be taken against all those implicated in treason against the nation," Sarma said.

"Assam Police have continued the crackdown on anti-nationals around the state along with the NIA," he added.

Islam was detained by the CBI on Tuesday night on suspicion of being a Pakistani agent and having links with terror-related activities.

The police said the CBI conducted a raid in Moirabari area of Morigaon.

Islam was allegedly supplying SIM cards to Pakistani intelligence organisations.

The CBI has seized two laptops and a number of documents from his possession.

An official said that he operated a mobile phone store at Saruchala Bazar in Morigaon district.

According to officials, a lawsuit has been filed, and further legal action will be taken.
Mumbai, March 9 : 'Shark Tank India 2' judge Aman Gupta recently attended the wedding of OYO CEO Ritesh Agarwal and shared a picture from the marriage.

However, what caught the attention of everyone was seeing 'Shark Tank India season 1' judge and businessman Ashneer Grover in the same photograph.

As they both clicked together for the first time after Ashneer left the business reality show, it grabbed the eyeballs of social media users.

Aman posted the picture on his Instagram handle and wrote in the caption: "Wishing you a happy married life @riteshagar. Asking on behalf of millions of Indians:- I hope the honeymoon is also at one of the Oyo Rooms" After Aman's post, many social media users reacted. One of them wrote: "Uff Ashneer-aman in one frame 1! How much we missed you both" Another mentioned: "So happy to see ashneer and you together." In the picture, Aman, his wife Priya, Ashneer, and his wife Madhuri Jain can be seen posing with other couples. Ashneer also posted the same picture on his Instagram handle and wrote in the caption: "Wish you a happy married life @riteshagar and Geetansha! Lovely party !!" After the announcement of 'Shark Tank India 2' judges, Ashneer unfollowed Aman and other judges stating that he is not interested to know about the show or BTS moments from it as he is no longer part of 'Shark Tank India' .

Ashneer, accused of misappropriation of funds by BharatPe, was removed from the positions of the company.

He was also not included among the panel of judges of the second season of the business reality show. Although, he was among the judges in the first season of 'Shark Tank India'.

So, after leaving the show, this was the first time Aman and Ashneer were captured in one frame.
Islamabad, March 9 : The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) on Thursday prohibited the broadcasting and re-broadcasting of content pertaining to the conduct of sitting high court and Supreme Court judges on electronic media with immediate effect, the media reported.

In the prohibition order, the regulator referred to previous directives wherein all licencees were directed to "refrain from telecasting any content against state institutions", Dawn reported.

The authority noted that despite repeated directives, satellite television channels were "persistently discussing the conduct of honourable judges of superior courts and orchestrating a vilification campaign through airing slanderous allegations", Dawn reported.

It said that airing any sort of content which prima facie refers to the conduct of judges or is against the superior judiciary is a sheer violation of the authority's laws and judgements of the apex court.

Pemra also gave a reference to Article 68 of the Constitution in its order. The law states: "No discussion shall take place in [Majlis-e- Shoora (Parliament)] with respect to the conduct of any Judge of the Supreme Court or of a High Court in the discharge of his duties." "Therefore, the competent authority i.e. chairman Pemra, in exercise of delegated powers of the authority vested in Section 27(a) of the Pemra Ordinance 2002 as amended by Pemra (Amendment) Act 2007, prohibits broadcast/rebroadcast of any content pertaining to conduct of Honourable sitting judges of High Court and Supreme Court, in any manner, on electronic media (news bulletins, talks shows etc.), with immediate effect," the order said.

The authority also directed all satellite TV channels to ensure that an effective Time Delay Mechanism is put in place and an "impartial editorial board" is constituted.

In case of non-compliance, the licence will be suspended under Section 30 of the Pemra Ordinance, 2002 without any show cause notice in the public interest, the order said, Dawn reported.
Ranchi, March 9 : The Jharkhand Police arrested two zonal commanders of the banned Maoist organisation CPI(M) from Latehar district on Thursday.

The two have been identified as Sanjeevan and Kundan, who carried rewards of Rs 10 lakh and Rs 5 lakh respectively.

According to sources, the two commanders along with around 20 of their cadres fled the area last year during Operation Octopus, jointly run by the police and security forces at Buddha Pahad, a stronghold of Maoists in Jharkhand.

The police had received information that the two were active in different areas of Latehar district to unite Maoist supporters.

The police have not officially confirmed their arrest yet.

Both the commanders are residents of Latehar's Matlaong and have over 20 cases registered against them in other districts apart from Latehar, including Palamu and Chatra.

Several Maoists operating in the area have been arrested since the surrender of Naveen Yadav, a Maoist commander, in January.
Hyderabad, March 9 : Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. T. Rama Rao said on Thursday described summons issued to BRS MLC K. Kavitha by the Enforcement Directorate in Delhi excise policy case as "Modi summons".

Rama Rao, who is brother of Kavitha, slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP-led government for misusing central agencies to harass opposition leaders.

Talking to reporters, he said Kavitha would appear before the ED and cooperate with the agency unlike BJP leader B. L. Santosh, who tried to avoid questioning by the SIT of Telangana in the case of alleged attempt to poach BRS MLAs.

He also targeted the Prime Minister for indulging in crony capitalism.

He alleged that ED and CBI raids on opposition parties were aimed at eradicating democracy in the country.

KTR, who is also a cabinet minister, alleged that the central agencies have become puppets in the hands of the Modi government.

He alleged that 11 leaders of BRS have been implicated in false cases. "Why none of the BJP leaders are being summoned by the central agencies. Is everyone in the BJP a brother of Raja Harishchandra," he asked.

Alleging that the BJP-led government at the Centre has become synonymous with "unscrupulous rule" and "dishonest" investigating agencies, he said that 95 per cent of the raids by the Central agencies were on leaders of opposition parties.

He claimed that conviction was only in 23 out of 5,400 cases registered by the ED against the opposition leaders during the last nine years.

The BRS leader alleged that industrialist Gautam Adani has a link with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said though the LIC and SBI lost Rs.13 lakh crore, both the Prime Minister Modi and the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman remained tight-lipped.

KTR questioned the PM why he was silent on allegations against him on Adani. "We are saying Gautam Adani is a proxy of Narandra Modi. Will he take a lie detector test? Does he have the guts to come in front of the country," he asked.

BJP's double engine means one engine is Modi and the other engine is Adani. "Modi is a political engine, Adani is an economic engine," he said.

--IANS ms/

A
Ahmedabad, March 9 : Oreva Group is yet to release the first installment of compensation to victims of the Morbi Bridge suspension bridge collapse, the Gujarat High Court, which has initiated a suo motu case in the tragedy, was told on Thursday.

A suspension bridge over the Machchhu River collapsed on October 30, killing 135 people, including 35 children.

As Oreva Group Director Jaysukh Patel's counsel told the court that as he is in jail, the company could not release the compensation amount, the High Court orally asked the company to see that the first installment is paid to victims' families by March 22 and posted the matter for further hearing on March 27.

The state government has filed an affidavit in the court informing it about the precautionary measures it has planned to take for other bridges and cross-drainage works.

It has informed the court that "from now onwards, bridges will be inspected by no less than a Deputy Executive Engineer level officer, first time before monsoon sets; a proper file will be maintained of inspections; subsequently, even the Executive Engineer will check bridges in his or her respective areas before and after the monsoon." The government also informed the court that specialised bridges will be inspected invariably by Superintendenting Engineer, once after the monsoon.
Hanoi, March 9 : Vietnam imported 1.93 million ton of gasoline and oil products in the first two months this year, up 43.1 per cent from a year earlier as costs jumped 56.3 per cent to $1.7 billion, local media reported on Thursday.

Gasoline and diesel consumption is expected to trend higher along with the economy as Vietnam is recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, said the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Vietnam's crude oil imports more than doubled in the period to 1.78 million ton worth $1.1 billion, according to the General Statistics Office.

Earlier this year, the Ministry asked fuel importers to increase their purchases to ensure a stable supply for the local market until the end of the first quarter after Vietnam's largest oil refinery cut production by 20 to 25 per cent in the first half of January due to a technical problem, Xinhua news agency reported.

Despite having a network of 38 distributors and 17,000 gas stations, Vietnam was faced with an acute shortage of fuel last year, forcing hundreds of petrol stations in major cities to shut down or limit sales.

Vietnam currently has two domestic refineries producing 70 to 80 per cent of the country's fuel needs. The government is looking into the possibility of building a third refinery with a full capacity of processing 9 million ton of crude oil per year in the northern Ninh Binh province, according to the Ministry.
March 09 : Bollywood stars Anupam Kher, Javed Akhtar, Raj Babbar and other celebs arrived at Satish Kaushik's residence in Mumbai to pay their last respect.

Anupam Kher interacted with team NewsHelpline and expressed his sheer shock, he said, Day before yesterday Id met him, he was at my place. We spoke every day, it is very hard to process all this right now. Ive known him all my life, it is hard to find a person like him, I am in shock right now. I got a call somewhere 2 in night that he passed away, I was sleeping, I am sad and shocked

Actor and politician Raj Babbar arrived with Nadira Babbar and their son Aarya Babbar. Actor Anup Soni was also spotted outside his residence.

The mortal remains of Mr India star, who died on Wednesday following a heart attack, will be brought to Mumbai today (March 9) for final rites.

Satish Kaushik was in Delhi at his farmhouse with his manager at the time, when he started facing trouble in his breathing. He called his manager, who rushed him to hospital. He suffered a heart attack while on his way to the hospital.

A day before his death, Satish Kaushik celebrated Holi with his industry friends at Javed Akhtar's residence in Mumbai.

Satish Kaushik was an actor, director, producer, comedian and screenwriter. He is known for his roles as Calendar in Mr India, Pappu Pager in Deewana Mastanaand Chanu Ahmed in Sarah Gavron's British film Brick Lane. Also, he won the Filmfare Best Comedian Award twice - in 1990 for Ram Lakhan and in 1997 for Saajan Chale Sasural.
New Delhi, March 9 : The Special Cell of Delhi Police has arrested a 22-year-old conman from Rajasthan for allegedly selling Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) of Rs 100 and Rs 500 denominations through his Instagram ID and WhatsApp, an official said on Thursday.

The accused has been identified as Mularam, a resident of Barmer in Rajasthan.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police (IFSO), Prashant Gautam, said that a complaint was received from the Deputy Secretary of Coin and Currency Division, Government of India, alleging that an Instagram ID has come to their notice on which FICN was being sold.

"Acting on the complaint, the police contacted Mularam posing as a decoy customer. The investigating officer transferred Rs 3,000 through UPI to the accused's Google Pay number after the latter assured him that he would send Rs 6,000 in exchange," said the DCP.

"On the basis of technical evidence, efforts were made to trace the accused. Mularam was finally nabbed from Maitriwara in Rajasthan's Jalore district," the officer said.

During interrogation, Maturam told the police that after trying his hands in a few ventures unsuccessfully, he started to deceive people on the pretext of helping them join a Gigolo club.

"After luring people to join the Gigolo club, he collected money from them and thereafter never responded to them by changing his mobile number," the DCP said.

The technical analysis of his mobile phone revealed that he has so far cheated two persons on the pretext of making them join the Gigolo club.

"In 2021, he started deceiving people on the pretext of selling fake currency notes through his Instagram ID. Maturam uploaded some videos on his Instagram where fake Indian currency was displayed. He uploaded these videos to show his victims that the currency notes which he will supply to them look genuine," said the officer.

"The accused used to speak to his targets through WhatsApp calls only. After receiving payment from his target, he used to upload videos on his Instagram showing that he has put all those currency notes in a parcel for dispatching it to the victim, which he never did," Gautam said.
Bengaluru, March 9 : A groom escaped from his car while he was stuck in a traffic jam, a day after returning to his house from his wedding in the Mahadevapura police station area in Karnataka's Bengaluru district, police said.

According to police, the incident had taken place on February 16.

After searching for the groom for two weeks, the bride's family lodged a complaint in this connection to help them find the former.

Police said that the newly-wed man earlier had an affair with a woman and the latter had threatened that she would publish their private photos and videos on the social media.

It is suspected that fearing shame, the groom had disappeared.

The bride's family told police that her husband hailing from Chikkaballapur district had told them about the blackmail by his former lover.

The bride had assured the man that she and her family would support him under any circumstances.

In spite of this, when the couple were returning from the church, their vehicle was stuck in a traffic jam for 10 minutes. As soon as the car stopped, the newly-wed man got down from the car and escaped.
Bengaluru, March 9 : Karnataka "bribe for tender" scam prime accused and BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa appeared before the Lokayukta investigation officer here on Thursday.

Virupakshappa, who was given a deadline of 48 hours by the Karnataka High Court to present himself to the investigating agency, appeared before the investigation officer Anthony John.

Lokayukta sources said that John has already begun the investigation and was questioning the MLA regarding the case.

The MLA's son and government official Prashanth Madal was caught red-handed while accepting a Rs 40 lakh bribe at his office and arrested. In the following raids, the Lokayukta sleuths have found Rs 8 crore at offices and residences of the accused.

It was alleged that Madal was receiving money on behalf of his father Virupakshappa, who was the Chairperson of the Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Ltd (KSDL), public sector enterprise.

The money was allegedly paid towards allotment of a tender for procurement of raw materials. The Karnataka High Court had granted interim bail to the BJP MLA.

The celebrations following granting of bail to the BJP MLA raised debate and became national news.
New Delhi, March 9 : The World Uyghur Congress has been nominated by parliamentarians from Canada and Norway for the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize for its contributions to human rights and shedding light on Chinese repression of the Uyghur people in the far western region of Xinjiang, according to a media report.

It's the first time the Germany-based group has been nominated for the prestigious prize, RFA reported.

China has faced intensifying international criticism for treatment of the 11 million predominantly Muslim Uyghur people, whose culture, language, religion, dress and food is distinct from those of the Han Chinese majority, the reports said.

The United Nations' human rights office had issued a damning report in August last year that highlighted widespread arbitrary detentions and other actions by China that it said may constitute crimes against humanity.

The United States, the European Parliament and the legislatures of several other Western countries have declared that the abuses, including the arbitrary detention of an estimated 1.8 million Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities, constitute genocide and crimes against humanity, RFA reported.

The World Uyghur Congress has "made a crucial contribution in drawing international attention to the overwhelming campaign of physical, religious, linguistic, and cultural repression currently being waged by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) against the Uyghur and other Turkic people in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China, a campaign that many parliamentarians define as genocide", wrote Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe, a Canadian member of parliament, in the nomination letter, RFA reported.

Brunelle-Duceppe joined fellow Canadian parliamentarian Sameer Zuberi, who is the chair of the Subcommittee on International Human Rights, and Ane Breivik, leader of the Liberal Party of Norway, in nominating WUC.

WUC President Dolkun Isa said that it is a great honour for his organisation to be nominated for Nobel Peace Prize.

"This is despite China's incessant demonisation to conflate our peaceful international advocacy for Uyghur rights with terrorism and separatism," he told Radio Free Asia.

"Through decades-long global efforts to demonise the WUC, China has attempted to put roadblocks to our advocacy work and silence our voice in the world, thus continuing its ongoing crimes against the Uyghur people unabated."
New Delhi, March 9 : The Aam Aadmi Party's Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj were on Thursday sworn-in as ministers of the Delhi government.

Lt Governor V.K. Saxena administered the oath to ministers in the presence of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at a swearing-in ceremony held at Raj Niwas. President Droupadi Murmu had accepted their appointments on Tuesday.

The new ministers have been inducted after Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Health Minister Satyendar Jain resigned last week. Atishi has been allotted the portfolios of Education, PWD, Power and Tourism, while Bharadwaj has been assigned the responsibility of Health, Water and Industries and Urban Development.

Congratulating both the new ministers, Kejriwal said: "I have full hope that the way Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain were doing good work for Delhi, following their footsteps, these two new ministers will do good work".

Bhardwaj, after being sworn-in, said: "Under the circumstances in which the Centre conspired and put our two big leaders and ideal elder brothers - Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain in jail, today we have to manage their work. Just like after Lord Rama went on exile for 14 years, his younger brother Bharat took care of his responsibility, we both will take care of in the same way. When Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain come back, they will take back their responsibilities." Atishi said: "Being the younger sister of Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain, I will take care of their work. We will not let the work of the people of stop. Education and health are the two most important projects for Arvind Kejriwal. We have got a big responsibility and that too in a difficult time." She added further that till Sisodia and Jain come back, it is her responsibility to handle this front. "We hope that both of them will be released from jail soon," she said.
Ahmedabad : Australia's Usman Khawaja raises his bat to celebrate scoring a century during the first day of the fourth cricket test match between India and Australia at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday, March 9, 2023.(Photo:Raj Kumar/IA Image Source: IANS News

Ahmedabad : Australia's Usman Khawaja raises his bat to celebrate scoring a century during the first day of the fourth cricket test match between India and Australia at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday, March 9, 2023.(Photo:Raj Kumar/IA Image Source: IANS News

Ahmedabad, March 9 : A scintillating unbeaten century from Usman Khawaja helped Australia finish day one of fourth Test on a commanding 255/4 against India at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday.

After Australia elected to bat first on a nice batting pitch, Khawaja kept his calm, played late and with soft hands to hit 15 fours in his 251-ball stay for 104 not out at the crease to notch up Australia's first century of the ongoing tour, which came on the last over before stumps He had useful partnerships of 61, 79 and 85 with Travis Head, Steve Smith and Cameron Green, who remained unbeaten on 49 off 64 balls at stumps, and helped Australia get a slight upper hand in the match through his feasting on the second new ball.

The pitch at Ahmedabad was in complete contrast to surfaces in the first three Tests:- offering little assistance for India's bowlers, though they did pick four wickets. They had to then resort to control and even short-ball barrage to keep Australia in check, which didn't happen thanks to Khawaja's critical hundred and Green's late onslaught against second new ball.

The day began with a returning Mohammed Shami being wayward and conceding eight byes, as pitch showed signs of up and down bounce. India were almost given a breakthrough when Umesh Yadav drew the outside edge from Travis Head, but wicketkeeper KS Bharat dropped a sitter, adding more to his nightmarish start with gloves.

Head began to attack from the 11th over, driving off Umesh straight down the ground before smashing a wide delivery through backward point for collecting a brace of fours. He continued to feast on poor deliveries from Umesh by hitting three boundaries with ridiculous ease.

The flow of boundaries continued as Khawaja clipped Ashwin down leg, before going on backfoot to pull Ravindra through square leg. Post drinks break, India finally had a breakthrough as Head miscued a loft to mid-on off Ashwin.

Though Khawaja put loose deliveries from Ashwin through the on-side, India were successful in getting another wicket as Marnus Labuschagne chopped one on to his stumps off Shami, departing for a single digit score. From there the bowlers kept things tight for India, as in the last ten overs they gave away only eight runs till the morning session came to a close.

For Khawaja, anything fuller or on pads was met with a neat glance. There were no premeditated strokes or sweeps on offer. He rarely attacked outside the off stump, but made full use of anything coming overpitched in the afternoon session, which was also the first wicketless session of the series.

Like Jadeja bowled down leg and Khawaja was quick to paddle through fine leg for four. When the left-arm spinner pitched it short, Khawaja was quick to rock back and pull for four more. On the other hand, Smith played very cautiously and played late to get his boundaries through slash, clip and pull shots.

A patient Khawaja brought up his fifty when he slammed Shami past second slip for four. He and Smith frustrated India, who even got Shreyas Iyer to bowl some part-time leg-spin and play the waiting game for long in the hope of a breakthrough. India's persistence paid off in the final session as Smith tried to push defensively off Jadeja sans footwork. But he got an inside edge onto the pad, and was hard enough to dislodge the stumps.

Peter Handscomb tried to be the enforcer with delightful back-to-back boundaries off Umesh's short balls. But Handscomb's promising stay at the crease came to an end when Shami beat his outside edge to send the off stump on a cartwheel ride.

Khawaja and Green capitalised on fuller deliveries from Ashwin and Jadeja to hit five boundaries collectively, before India took the new ball from 81st over. In the first over with a new ball from Umesh, Green was comfortable in cutting and driving off him.

Shami's delivery on pads was tucked by Khawaja through square leg, while Green pulled and drive through mid-off to take two boundaries in the 85th over. Khawaja got his 14th Test century by clipping Shami through square leg, with a wide smile and leap of joy showing his happiness on reaching three-figure mark at the stroke of stumps.

Brief Scores: Australia 255/4 in 90 overs (Usman Khawaja 104 not out, Cameron Green 49 not out; Mohammed Shami 2/65, Ravindra Jadeja 1/49) against India
Quetta : , March 9 (IANS) A local court in Quetta on Thursday issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan in a case registered against him under multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), media reports saaid.

The judicial magistrate issued the arrest warrant and directed the authorities to present the former Prime Minister in court, Geo News reported.

An FIR was registered at a police station in Quetta against Khan for the comments he made against state institutions and their officers during a speech on Sunday.

Complainant Abdul Khalil Kakar had registered the complaint at the Bijli Road police station against the PTI chief.

Kakar had alleged that the PTI chief's statement was an attempt to destroy public peace and order.

In a speech on Sunday, the PTI chief had come down hard on the "state institutions" after a team of Islamabad police had arrived at his Zaman Park residence to arrest him in connection with the Toshakhana case.

The deposed Prime Minister - who was ousted from power in April last year - vented his rage while addressing party workers and supporters at his Zaman Park residence in Lahore who participated in the 'Jail Bharo Tehreek' (court arrest movement), Geo News reported.

In his fiery speech, the PTI Chairman said that he had neither kneeled before any institution or person, nor would let the nation do so.

Khan said it does not matter if the government places his name on the exit control list (ECL), as he has no intention of leaving the country, Geo News reported.

Berating the former Army chief, Khan alleged that Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa imposed a group of criminals on the country through a conspiracy.

The deposed premier also said that he was being dragged into the courts in fake cases.
Bhubaneswar, March 9 : A massive fire has broken out at a market complex in Odisha's Puri city affecting many shops and business establishments, an official said on Thursday, adding no casualties, however, were reported.

Fire-fighters were rushed to the spot to douse the fire which broke out on Wednesday evening at Laxmi Market Complex in Puri.

The fire-fighting operation was underway on Thursday as well.

According to local residents, the fire had started at a readymade garments store on the first floor of the shopping complex. The flames then went on to spread to other shops and floors in the building.

A short-circuit is suspected to have caused the fire. However, the exact reason is yet to be ascertained.

The shopping complex also houses a hotel and a bank on the upper floor.

A massive cloud of smoke emanating from the building is affecting the fire-fighting operation, a Fire Department official said.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has directed special relief commissioner Nikunja Dhal to ensure that all assistance (temporary shelter, food, medical treatment, transport etc.) to the persons affected by the fire is provided.

An official said that over 130 devotees and tourists from Maharashtra's Pune and Nasik have been safely rescued.

Food, shelter and other assistance is being provided to them, an official said.

Minister of State for Home, Tusharkanti Behera and Fire Service DG, Santosh Upadhyay on Thursday visited Puri and took stock of the situation.

"We suspect that the fire broke out due to a short-circuit. At least 43 shops are there in the old building complex. The fire service team is working to douse the fire. I hope it will be brought under control soon," said Behera.

He said that an investigation will be done to check whether fire safety norms were followed or not.

As the entry and exit gates are very close to the next building and there is no entrance to the building from both sides, it is difficult to enter into the complex, said Upadhyay.

"Still, we are making all efforts to douse the flames at an earlier possible time without any injury or casualty," he said.

As plastic and cloth stores are there inside the building, huge clouds of smoke are coming from the buildings, the DG said.
Mumbai, March 9 : Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the finance portfolio, presented a Rs 547,450 crore budget for 2023-2024 showing huge fiscal and revenue deficits, here on Thursday.

As per the budget estimates, the state plans to spend Rs 547,450 crore with an estimated revenue receipts of Rs 449,522 crore over a revenue expenditure of Rs 465,645 crore, resulting in a revenue shortfall of Rs 16,211 crore - down from Rs 24,353 crore over 2022-2023.

The state remains at the lead in fiscal reforms, consistently maintaining the revenue deficit below 1 per cent of the state gross domestic product (SGDP).

The state government has also succeeded in keeping the fiscal deficit below 3 per cent of the SGDP, and the fiscal deficit for 2023-2024 is estimated at a whopping Rs 95,500.8 crore - up from Rs 89,598 crore over 2022-2023.

Fadnavis said that the budget is based on five major goals - 'Panchamrut' - covering the farmers, inclusive development, infrastructure, employment and environment.

Accordingly, he has allocated Rs 29,163 crore for sustainable farming and prosperous farmers; Rs 43,036 crore for inclusive development of all sections of society, including women, children, tribals, BC/OBCs; Rs 53,058.55 crore for infrastructure development with substantial capital investment; Rs 11,658 crore for competent, skilled jobs creation for the youth; and Rs 13,437 crore for environment-friendly development.

The budget's outlay for scheme expenditures has been fixed at Rs 172,000 crore, including Rs 13,820 crore for Scheduled Caste Plan and Rs 12,655 crore for Tribal Sub-plan, besides announcing several new corporations for different communities to boost their economic development, said Fadnavis.

The state's debt burden, as per the latest RBI report, stood at Rs 6.8 lakh crore till March 31, 2023, standing behind Tamil Nadu (Rs 7.53 lakh crore) and Uttar Pradesh (Rs 7.1 lakh crore).
Ramallah, March 9 : Three Palestinians were killed on Thursday by Israeli soldiers in the village of Jaba, south of the northern West Bank city of Jenin, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

Palestinian security sources and eyewitnesses said that an Israeli Army team targeted a Palestinian vehicle and opened fire at three Palestinian militants in the car after an exchange of fire between the two sides, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Israeli Army said in a statement that Israeli forces raided the village of Jaba to arrest suspects wanted for attacks on their soldiers. The suspects opened fire on the Israeli forces, who responded with fire and killed three.

On Tuesday, an Israeli Army team stormed the Jenin refugee camp and killed six Palestinians and wounded several others during a military operation aimed at arresting Palestinians wanted by Israel.

The tensions have flared between Israel and the Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since early January.
Patna, March 9 : A woman allegedly killed her paramour with the help of her husband in Bihar's Begusarai district.

The deceased, Rupesh Kumar Yadav (35), was having an affair with the woman for the last three years.

On Wednesday, the woman invited Rupesh on pretext of a party on Holi and killed him, an official said.

Deceased's father Naresh Yadav lodged a complaint with the police, saying: "Rupesh received a call around 11 a.m. on Wednesday after which he left home. We thought he was going to play Holi with his friends but when he did not return home till late in the night, we started searching for him." "When we asked some of his friends on Thursday, they revealed that he went to the house of that woman for a mutton-pulao party. When we went there, the woman and her husband were not in the house," Naresh said.

"We informed the local police. After a few hours, his body was found adjacent to a road near Pratappur village," Naresh said.

"Preliminary investigation reveals that he was beaten to death. The deceased's father has named the woman and her husband in the complaint. The accused are at large. The reasons for his murder not been ascertained yet. The deceased is a native of Pratappur village," said an officer of Dandari police station of the district.
Islamabad, March 9 : Pakistan's Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said on Thursday that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is "satisfied" with Pakistan's actions but the staff-level agreement cannot be signed this week, media reports said.

"We seem to be very close to signing the staff-level agreement, hopefully in the next few days," Dar said in his address during a seminar, Geo News reported.

However, the Finance Minister, while citing his experience of completing 12 reviews of the "one and only" IMF programme Pakistan completed, shared that "it has taken longer than it should have" for Islamabad to complete the pending ninth review.

"I think we owe to this nation that we show seriousness, we deliver, and we demonstrate to the world that we can honour the sovereign commitments no matter who made those," said Dar.

He also assured that his team is "absolutely committed" to complete the programme to the "best" of its ability, Geo News reported.

While berating the previous Imran Khan-led government, Dar shared the situation of the economy when the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government left in 2018.

The minister said that it pained him to see the economy fall to the rank of 47 in 2022 after it was predicted that Pakistan would join G20 by the end of 2030, Geo News reported.

Dar also highlighted that the Pakistan Stock Exchange's (PSX) market capitalisation was over $100 billion but dropped to $26 billion in the last few years.

"Another serious issue that we should be pondering about is the debt sustainability of Pakistan," said the Finance Minister, adding that it was under $30 trillion in 2018 and has now climbed to $55 trillion in 2022.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 9 : In new startling allegations, Kerala gold smuggling and Life Mission cases prime accused Swapna Suresh on Thursday claimed that she was offered a large sum of money purportedly on behalf on the state's ruling CPI-M to handover all the evidence she has and relocate to north India or even abroad.

In a Facebook Live session, she claimed that she has been offered Rs 30 crore by Kannur resident Vijaya Pillai who said that he has come on the instruction of the CPI-M.

"This happened three days back and I was called by this Pillai a few times. So I went with my children to a hotel in Bengaluru. He said that I should leave Bengaluru for either Haryana or Jaipur and should hand over all the evidences for which I would be given money to rehabilitate myself," she alleged.

Swapna Suresh then said that Pillai told that CPI-M state Secretary M.V. Govindan is very angry and said if she doesn't agree to this settlement, then there will be no more such talks.

"Govindan has said that I should come and tell the people that I was lying all the time. Then I was offered Rs 30 crore and a duplicate passport so I can have a new life in Singapore," she alleged.

"I was also told that (UAE-settled billionaire businessman) M.A. Yusuf Ali and (another Middle East-based businessman) Ravi Pillai have also been served a notice to appear before the Enforcement Directorate," she said.

She went to allege that Pillai informe her that since Yusuf Ali is a hugely influential person and has shares in a few airports in Kerala, she might be trapped by placing contraband in her luggage.

"They either want me to leave and if not, put me in jail for three years by placing contraband in my luggage. I have made up my mind that from now on my only aim in life is to bring out the truth about (Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi) Vijayan and his entire family who have huge business interests and how they are using these businessmen - Yusuf Ali and Ravi Pillai - as their 'benamis' (proxies)," she claimed.

"Death is sure for me, but Swapna Suresh has only one father and will fight till the last. With the present ED probe, truth has started to come out slowly and I will not withdraw from what I am doing now till I see the truth comes out. Govindan wants to kill me. So even if I am not there, my lawyer and my family will take the fight forward," she alleged.

Meanwhile State BJP president K. Surendran said now it is time for Govindan to come clean on the allegations.

"What we should look into is... Swapna first said about M.Sivasankar, the former Principal Secretary to Vijayan and senior IAS official and see where he is now (in jail), then she said about C.M. Raveendran (Assistant Private Secretary to Vijayan) who has been questioned extensively by the ED. So none can say, what she has said is false . Let the authorities take this forward and bring out the truth," he said.
New Delhi, March 9 : With the arrest of three men, including the mastermind, the Intelligence Fusion & Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit of Delhi Police on Thursday claimed to have busted a gang of cyber criminals, which defrauded banks in a planned and systematic manner by exploiting the vulnerability in the Aadhaar updating process.

The accused have been identified as Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, a resident of Delhi, Birender Kumar Ram, a native of Bihar, and Kuldeep Dahiya from Haryana.

The officials said that the trio managed to open numerous savings accounts online using fake documents under fictitious names and availed different categories of loans amounting to over Rs. 2.5 crore from the HDFC Bank, besides getting more than 10 cars financed through different banks.

Vijay was the mastermind of this racket.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (IFSO), Prashant Gautam, said that a complaint was received from HDFC Bank, which said that the bank has identified 15 savings accounts opened online in the names of different persons who availed loans from the bank which remain outstanding/unpaid, while the account holders are not traceable.

"During investigation, the police found that the accused recently got a Thar SUV booked at a Mahindra showroom in the Patparganj Industrial Area under the fake identity of Ramesh Verma and with a false address in Ghaziabad. The vehicle was financed by Axis Bank and the police were told that the 'purchasers' will come to take the delivery of the SUV on February 28," said the DCP.

Vijay and Birender were apprehended at the time of taking the delivery of the SUV booked on forged documents.

On interrogation, Vijay revealed that he was to hand over the vehicle to his associate Kuldeep, who was continuously calling him on WhatsApp.

On Vijay's instance, Kuldeep was apprehended from near the Bahadurgarh border.

"Vijay used to sell such fraudulently obtained vehicles to Kuldeep at 40 per cent of showroom price. The accused had opened more than 20 bank accounts, while over 10 cars were sold by Vijay using this method," said the DCP.

Vijay used to get fake Aadhaar cards prepared of targeted persons with the promise of sharing the proceeds of crime.

"During interrogation, Vijay said they manipulated the Adhaar updating process by replacing fingerprints of the left hand with fingerprints of the right hand and by putting coloured contact lenses in the eyes to dupe the biometric process of recognising retina. These revelations are being verified," said the DCP.
New Delhi, March 9 : Microsoft's AI-powered Bing search engine has surpassed 100 million daily active users, as ChatGPT's integration into Bing has helped the company grow its usage within a month like never before.

Its rival Google Search engine has more than 1 billion daily active users.

"We are pleased to share that after a number of years of steady progress, and with a little bit of a boost from the million plus new Bing preview users, we have crossed 100 million daily active users of Bing," said Yusuf Mehdi, Corporate Vice President and Consumer Chief Marketing Officer at Microsoft.

Roughly one third of daily Bing preview users are using AI chat daily.

"We're seeing on average, roughly three chats per session with more than 45 million total chats since the preview began," Mehdi announced.

About 15 per cent of Chat sessions are people using Bing to generate new content demonstrating they are extending search to creativity, he said.

"We are also pleased to see the new Bing start to be used on mobile phones given the release of our new Bing Mobile app," he added.

"On the small screen, Answers and Chat, now with voice input, are much more helpful, and have led to a 6X increase in the daily active users from pre-launch levels," he said.

The tech giant has increased conversation limits on Bing AI to 10 chats per session and 120 total chats per day.

Earlier, these conversations were limited to 6 chat turns per session and a total of 100 per day.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Pendry Residences West Hollywood "Whether its for multiple generations or a young couple, Millennials or Baby Boomers, we are witnessing a pronounced expansion of second home collectors around the globe, all with a common motive: to create foundations for a life well lived.

Today, Montage Residences and Pendry Residences, a distinct portfolio of exclusive private Residences in storied settings across the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean, announces $1.1 billion in branded residential sales transactions in 2022. With record-breaking sales in two major California marketsLaguna Beach and West Hollywoodin addition to strong momentum across new development projects such as The Residences at Montage Cay and Pendry Residences Tampa, Montage International celebrates a milestone year at the forefront of a new era of real estate investment.

We experienced incredible success this past year for our growing real estate portfolio that offers highly personalized living plus the expertise in preserving buyers assets for generations, said Tina Necrason, executive vice president, residential. Our branded offering has proven highly resilient during economic uncertainty due in part to our 20-year tenure in the market. There is significant value in our legacy locations, not only for early-stage projects but also for the impactful appreciation over time.

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For additional information on residential opportunities across the collection, please visit http://www.distinctlivinghome.com. To learn more about Montage Hotels & Resorts, please visit http://www.montagehotels.com and follow @montagehotels on social. To learn more about Pendry Hotels & Resorts, please visit http://www.pendryhotels.com and follow @pendryhotels on social.

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About Montage Residences

Montage Residences is the esteemed collection of residential communities within Montage Hotels & Resorts, the ultra- luxury hospitality management company founded by Alan J. Fuerstman in 2002. Designed to serve affluent and discerning homeowners, Montage Residences offers a distinctive lifestyle that embodies the authenticity of each coveted destination paired with sophisticated touches tailored to each residents personal desires and individual tastes. Living spaces reflect distinguishing characteristics captured through stunning locations and genuine sense of place, while signature services and amenities are seamlessly delivered to provide the most carefree lifestyle for every resident. The Montage Residences portfolio includes: Laguna Beach, CA, Deer Valley, UT, Kapalua Bay, HI, Palmetto Bluff, SC, Healdsburg, CA, Los Cabos, MX and Big Sky, MT. A future collection of Montage Residences is planned for La Quinta, CA and The Abacos, Bahamas. For additional information on residential opportunities, please visit http://www.montageresidences.com.

About Pendry Residences

Pendry Residences is a bespoke collection of private, whole ownership residential offerings at select Pendry Hotels & Resorts, a new luxury hospitality brand from Montage International. Pendry combines inspired design with a celebration of culture and authentic service. Created for cultured and discerning homeowners, each residential offering infuses a unique perspective on contemporary style that blends with the arts and local community. The Pendry Residences portfolio includes: West Hollywood, California and Park City, Utah. Projects under development include: Natirar, New Jersey; La Quinta, California; and Tampa, Florida. For additional information on residential opportunities, please visit https://www.pendry.com/residences/.
Volunteers work alongside artist Edgar Israel Camargo to revitalize Jonas the whale Alebrijes at North Riverside Park Mall. Photo courtesy of Keeping Moments Photography.

NORTH RIVERSIDE PARK MALL ANNOUNCES CARTONERIA: THE MEXICAN TRADITION OF PAPER MACHE EXHIBITION

Alebrijes: Creatures of a Dream World comes to North Riverside Park Mall for restoration, in conjunction with Mexican Cultural Center DuPage

North Riverside Park Mall announced today that it is partnering with the Mexican Cultural Center DuPage to revitalize select Alebrijes from the 2022 Cantigny exhibition. The works will be on display at the mall as part of the Cartoneria: The Mexican Tradition of Paper Mache from now through May 7, 2023. The exhibition celebrates Mexican culture and the folk-art format seen primarily in Mexico City. The community is invited to participate in this one-of-a-kind exhibition with paper mache, painting and creature restoration alongside the artists from 11 a.m.  1 p.m. each Saturday in March.

The Cartoneria exhibition picks up where the successful presentation at Cantigny Park left off, said, Jeanne Heller, marketing director for North Riverside Park Mall. We are thrilled that North Riverside Park Mall guests have the opportunity to see three of the original artists at work restoring their creations before they head to their permanent locations.

Cartoneria is a Mexican Folk art form that involves the creation of decorative items using paper and cardboard. The term comes from the Spanish word carton, which means cardboard. The process of cartoneria typically involves shaping and gluing layers of paper into the desired form, and then painting the finished product. Cartoneria artists often work in family or community workshops, passing down techniques and styles from generation to generation. Cartoneria is a broader and more recognized artform that includes the art of Alebrijes (pronounced ah-leh-bree-hehs) which refers to imaginary creatures that possess elements from different animals. They originated in the 1930s from the vivid dreams of Mexico City artist Pedro Linares. The artistic tradition of alebrijes gained popular exposure in the United States with Coco, the 2017 Disney/Pixar film.

The exhibition at North Riverside Park Mall features three artists-in-residence restoring 22 paper mache sculptures that vary in size with some being larger than a typical SUV. The art pieces were previously housed outdoors at The McCormick Foundations Cantigny Park for six months, and the elements of nature took a toll on the paper and paste creations. Some pieces will be completely stripped of existing paper mache, exposing the wire frames.

Artist Edgar Israel Camargo is in residence at the mall from now through April 5 and will be joined by artists Perla Miriam Salgado Zamorano and Alejandro Camacho Barrera from March 15 through April 19. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn paper mache and help restore several of the pieces under the guidance of the artists. Following the restoration all 22 sculptures will travel to other institutions for display with some being showcased as a permanent installation.

Visitors to North Riverside Park Mall can experience this one-of-a-kind exhibition from now through May 7, 2023. Guests will have the opportunity to participate with paper mache and creature restoration from 11 a.m.  1 p.m. each Saturday in March.

For more information about North Riverside Park Mall, its stores, upcoming events and more, visit http://www.northriversideparkmall.com.

About North Riverside Park Mall

North Riverside Park Mall was purchased in 2004 by The Feil Organization, a national real estate developer and manager based in New York City. Founded over 50 years ago, The Feil Organization has developed, acquired or managed more than 20 million square feet of retail, commercial and industrial properties. North Riverside Park Mall boasts 130 national and boutique stores, services and eateries.

About Mexican Cultural Center Dupage

The Mexican Cultural Center DuPage exists to share art, culture and community in DuPage County and greater Chicagoland. The nonprofit organization encourages engagement and promotes Mexican heritage through cultural, ethnic and civic activities designed to educate and inspire the Mexican community and the community at large. MCC DuPage is located in West Chicago and hosts regular exhibitions and events. For more information, visit mccdupage.org.
Van Leeuwen x Hidden Valley Ranch Ice Cream

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, the nationally beloved brand known for its made-from-scratch dairy and vegan ice cream, has announced the launch of seven new spring flavors to be sold exclusively at Walmart locations nationwide. In honor of National Ranch Day, the launch features an exclusive new ice cream collaboration with Hidden Valley Ranch, the original and #1 selling ranch brand. The full lineup of new flavors includes Hidden Valley Ranch, Sweet Maple Cornbread, Blood Orange Chocolate Chip, Carrot Cake, Strawberry Shortcake, Honey Graham Cracker and Limoncello Cake.

Were so excited to debut this new series of flavors and unveil what is possibly our most surprising ice cream yet: Hidden Valley Ranch, said Ben Van Leeuwen, Co-Founder and CEO of Van Leeuwen Ice Cream. We have done some creative collaborations and cant wait for Walmart shoppers to try this new and exciting flavor along with our other Spring specials.

While ranch ice cream may not be the typical pairing for the popular condiment, the Hidden Valley Ranch x Van Leeuwen flavor delivers a surprisingly tasty twist on the sweet treat. The ice cream boasts the savory flavors of ranch, including buttermilk, flavorful herbs and a touch of sweetness, creating a delicious treat that pairs perfectly with salty snacks.

We know that Hidden Valley Ranch goes with just about everything  pizza, carrots, French fries  but ice cream is a first for us, said Rachel Garrison, Associate Director at Hidden Valley Ranch. We are so excited to partner with Van Leeuwen, the expert in limited-edition, premium flavors, to bring together this creamy mix of savory and sweet. Insider tip? Top your scoops with crushed pretzels or potato chips for a perfect salty crunch.

All Spring flavors will be available at 3,500 Walmart stores nationwide to purchase for $4.98. This limited release will only be available March 20 through May 28.

NEW EXCLUSIVE FLAVORS:



Hidden Valley Ranch: Hidden Valley is more than America's favorite ranch dressing, it's a way of life. It goes with just about everything - pizza, carrots, french fries. But it's never tried to go with ice cream. Until now.

Sweet Maple Cornbread: Who can resist maple ice cream with pieces of honey cornbread? No one that we've met. Well, maybe Joe but he wears white after Labor Day and doesn't love puppies.

Blood Orange Chocolate Chip: This sweet cream ice cream doesn't feature swirls of regular orange, it features swirls of blood orange, which everyone knows is the cool orange. And only the cool oranges are accompanied by dark chocolate chips.

Carrot Cake: Every health expert will say that carrots are good for you. So according to transitive law, carrot cake is good for you. And we never break the law. So this cheesecake ice cream with pieces of carrot cake is good for you. Court's adjourned.

Strawberry Shortcake: The goodness in this flavor includes cold-ground vanilla, jam from Oregon-grown strawberries, and pieces of shortcake. And when theres this much goodness, its good for you. Probably.

Honey Graham Cracker: What's the best part about a pie? Definitely the crust. Thats the only right answer. Especially when the crust is graham cracker. So that's why this makes us happy - brown sugar ice cream with pieces of graham cracker pie crust and swirls of honey.

Limoncello Cake: Nothing makes us happier than this Limoncello Cake Ice Cream. Because we're fancy. And wannabe Italians. And think that lemons don't get their fair share of the spotlight in ice cream. So we added in pieces of sweet brown sugar cake to this bright lemon ice cream. Favoloso!

For more information about Van Leeuwens new exclusive Walmart flavors and to keep up on all things Van Leeuwen, follow the brand on Instagram @vanleeuwenicecream or visit http://www.vanleeuwenicecream.com. For more from Hidden Valley Ranch, follow the brand @hidden.valley or visit hiddenvalley.com.

About Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

Founded in 2008, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream started out of a yellow scoop truck on the streets of NYC by Ben Van Leeuwen, Pete Van Leeuwen and Laura ONeill. With a mission to make good ice cream from good ingredients that makes you feel good, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream has innovated beyond the original dairy recipe with vegan ice cream and ice cream bars, unique and eclectic flavors, and more. With 41 scoop shops across the country, Van Leeuwen ice cream is also available for purchase in grocery stores and nationwide shipping. To keep up with everything Van Leeuwen, follow the brand on Instagram @vanleeuwenicecream or visit http://www.vanleeuwenicecream.com.

About Hidden Valley Ranch

Hidden Valley Ranch is the nations original ranch dressing brand and was founded in 1954 by Steve Henson. Hidden Valley Ranch has unleashed Americas favorite ranch across all mealtime and snacking occasions, offering the bottled Hidden Valley Original Ranch in many varieties and in more forms for fans to enjoy the ranch flavor they love. The Hidden Valley Original Ranch Seasoning and Salad Dressing Mix Shaker is perfect for bringing ranch flavor to weeknight dinners, Hidden Valley Homestyle Ranch Seasoning makes great-tasting restaurant ranch attainable at home, Hidden Valley Ranch Secret Sauce serves up restaurant inspired flavors at home and Plant Powered Hidden Valley Ranch is Dairy Free with the great taste you expect. Hidden Valley Ranchs products can be found in grocery retailers across the country.
"We attribute our success to our people, who have been instrumental in growing the organization at such a rapid pace," said President and Managing Partner Jared Boudreaux.

Vector Controls and Automation Group (Vector CAG), a leading manufacturing representative, distributor, and valued partner for application solutions, is proud to celebrate its 10th anniversary. In commemorating the milestone, Vector CAG held a 10-year anniversary celebration at its state-of-the-art Process Training Unit Customer Center.

Established in 2013 and headquartered in Pearland, Texas, Vector CAG resulted from six companies merging into one entity to bring more value to its customers and manufacturing partners. Vector CAG provides top offerings for instrumentation and automation, analytical, mechanical, and service solutions nationally across a diverse range of industries, including oil and gas, food and beverage, chemical and petrochemical, water and wastewater, power, and more. Vector CAG partners with best-in-class manufacturing companies to offer expert technical support and packaged turnkey solutions to the marketplace.

Vector CAGs commitment to finding the best possible solution and delivering a world-class customer experience is what sets us apart, said President and Managing Partner Jared Boudreaux. Since its inception, we have tripled our employment and been awarded Top Work Places by the Houston Chronicle for the last five years. We attribute our success to our people, who have been instrumental in growing the organization at such a rapid pace. We want to thank our customers who have given us the opportunity to earn their business. We appreciate our manufacturing partners for supporting us through good and challenging times. Im excited to see how our evolution as a company will impact the next ten years.

Learn more about Vector CAGs history, visit http://vectorcag.co/3IXNT1Y

About Vector Controls and Automation Group

Since in 2013, Vector CAG has partnered with best-in-class manufacturing companies representing top products and solutions in the industry. With a focus on excellence and quality, Vector CAG offers a comprehensive range of products and solutions across instrumentation and automation, analytical, mechanical and service application solutions and are a single source of equipment for customers in Oil and Gas, Chemical and Petrochemical, Food and Beverage, Power, Life Sciences, and Water/WasteWater Industries. Vector Controls and Automation Group is passionate about solving the most difficult applications and delivering a world-class customer experience. Discover more, visit http://www.vectorcag.com and follow us on LinkedIn.
I couldnt be more excited to be part of the new, combined team set and ready to help MemberMouse make history.

Today, software company Caseproof announced its Jan. 23 acquisition of WordPress enterprise-level membership plugin MemberMouse. MemberMouse and Caseproofs flagship product MemberPress will remain separate products serving distinct markets. Expansion plans are in place for both plugins.Like all Caseproof products, MemberMouse is now part of the Awesome Motive Growth Accelerator led by digital entrepreneur Syed Balkhi.Developer Eric Turnnessen founded MemberMouse in Aug. 2009 to serve online businesses ranging in size from small to enterprise. In the acquisition announcement Caseproof CEO and MemberPress founder Blair Williams said he plans to leverage what he considers the plugins greatest strength: large-scale membership functionality. MemberMouse has an extensive and powerful tool set for building membership sites that would rival any enterprise-level service []. Im really just beginning to scratch the surface here.

Caseproofs MemberPress plugin is the worlds top-selling WordPress membership and monetization tool. It is designed primarily for online creators and entrepreneurs. Williams said the decision to acquire MemberMouse was based, in part, on a desire to serve a larger market: Caseproofs goal [...] is to offer the best revenue-generating tools for WordPress. Broadening our scope and exploring the space is one of the ways were forging ahead to meet that goal.

Several reporting and marketing features he believes differentiate MemberMouse from other membership tools in the large-scale space were also factored in Williams decision. He said, Weve got a tagging system that literally lets you automate a choose your own adventure-style buyers journey, and an automated upsell system thats like having an AI consumer psychologist on auto-dial []. I can hardly contain myself when I start thinking about the possibilities. Williams said MemberPress and MemberMouse will take cues from one another in the interest of expansion and development but will remain separate. They serve distinct groups and are certainly distinct products. The great thing is that the individual teams and products are amazing and can learn so much from one another. I can already tell theyre going to make each other stronger and better.

I couldnt be more excited to be part of the new, combined team set and ready to help MemberMouse make history, Williams said.

About Caseproof: In 2004 developer Blair Williams formed Caseproof LLC in the state of Utah. The company has built numerous software products, including Pretty Links, Easy Affiliate, and ThirstyAffiliates, for clients and the public. Its flagship product MemberPress is the worlds most widely used monetization and membership plugin for WordPress. MemberMouse, the product familys newest addition, is an enterprise-level membership plugin.
The Milwaukee Office of Sunbelt Business Advisors, the place to go to buy or sell a business, is pleased to announce the hiring of Mathew Breselow.

Sunbelt Business Advisors of Wisconsin http://www.sunbeltwi.com has experienced incredible growth this past year and continues to add top-quality trusted advisors to its team of M&A professionals.

Mathew brings a wide range of business consultative ideas to the table. Having owned multiple businesses and being in banking for 17 years, he brings a unique perspective to these transactions. Understanding how business transactions are financed helps maximize a sellers potential. He is a resource to our customers, helping them package their loans and present them with banks interested in financing the business acquisition, said Stacie Krajcir, Sunbelt COO.

Mathew has extensive experience in financing business transactions, including conventional financing and 5.5 years of SBA lending. Having banked hundreds of deals over the years, he has experience in the manufacturing, fabrication, welding, agriculture/farming, and real estate industries. His contacts in the banking, accounting, consulting, and legal arenas help buyers and sellers accomplish their goals. Mathew has earned the prestigious CMSBB (Certified Mainstreet Business Broker) designation, a challenging accomplishment for brokerage professionals.

As the Finance Director at Sunbelt Business Advisors, I utilize my industry experience to help buyers realize their dreams of owning a business. Becoming pre-qualified for SBA or Commercial financing establishes if a buyer is eligible for bank financing and aids the seller in reaping the most from the sale of their business. This trilateral strategy maximizes all parties goals and allows transactions to close promptly and transparently, said Mathew Breslow, Valens M&A.

About Sunbelt Business Advisors of Wisconsin:

Sunbelt Business Advisors of Wisconsin has been working with business owners for 20 years. Helping them to define the right exit strategy and execute that strategy. The Sunbelt team has decades of experience across multiple industries helping business owners navigate the sale or acquisition process.. Sunbelt understands that each business is unique, and they strive to serve as a valued resource and trusted advisor from initial consult to closing support.

For additional information, visit http://www.sunbeltwi.com

LinkedIn

Press Contact for Sunbelt Business Advisors of Wisconsin

John Kohl

john@affilium.com
Wildcat Distilling Co. Team "I thought we could use some of the corn we grow to make whiskey and become a family-run distillery. That is why we say we Till, Mill, Distill our whiskey" - Alissa Nelson

Wildcat Distilling Co. actually started eight years ago as Alissa Nelson, who also serves as Creative Director was sitting in a cubicle at work daydreaming about not being in a cubicle anymore and back on the farm when the idea came about. "I thought we could use some of the corn we grow to make whiskey and become a family-run distillery. That is why we say we Till, Mill, Distill our whiskey."

As with any new whiskey entrepreneurial adventure, there has been a lot of experimenting with the distillation process which is Brad Lemke's job as Master Distiller. Soon they had their trademark product "Harvest Moon" which combines apples and cinnamon and makes an excellent signature drink called the Iowa Mule. Additional whiskeys include Honey Moon and Woodshed Red; all three can be purchased at Liquor Stores around Iowa.

The other partners in this new adventure make this a true family affair with Amanda Lemke as General Manager and your hostess at the Wildcat Distilling Co. Tasting Room. Tony Nelson is the Director of Sales and Marketing who has been busy working on the licensing and alcohol sales processes with the State of Iowa.

Additional whiskeys that are available are called small-batch whiskeys. They include the Plow Point and Tillman's, which can be preordered and have a special label added.

Recently they introduced the Planter's Pride Whiskey, a custom batch of whiskey using grain provided directly from your farm or from their farm. It makes a fantastic gift and keepsake for whiskey lovers.

The Planter's Pride custom whiskey has been so popular that it has created another opportunity for the Wildcat Distilling Co. where they produce custom whiskeys for businesses to give to clients and customers.

And now with the new Wildcat Distilling Co. Tasting Room open in Webster City, it is time to celebrate with the community by hosting a Webster City Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Members Ribbon Cutting on Thursday, March 16th starting at 4:00 pm.

The community celebration will continue on Friday, March 17th, and Saturday, March 18th with events for the public to enjoy.

On Friday, March 17th, they will be celebrating St. Patty's Day by opening from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm to the public. Special Irish music and special signature Irish drinks will be available.

The Grand Opening will be Saturday, March 18th as they celebrate Brad Lemke, Master Distiller's birthday by opening from 3:00 to 10:00 pm. Specially designed commemorative t-shirts will be available for the first 50 people along with birthday cake, while it lasts, and special signature drinks.

Starting March 23rd they will have regular hours for the public on Thursdays from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Fridays from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and Saturdays from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and starting in April they will add Wednesdays from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. On the first Saturday of every month, the Tasting Room will be closed for Guided Tastings and will open to the public at 4:00 pm.

Wildcat Distilling Co Tasting Room is located at 626 2nd St. Webster City, IA 50595. To learn more, visit http://www.wildcatdistillery.com, call 515-524-6018, or email info@wildcatdistillery.com. Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Capabilities of the eG Enterprise observability solution "With this release, eG Enterprise has gone from strength to strength. There are advanced capabilities for monitoring, enhancements to reporting to aid with troubleshooting, and to empower IT staff to quickly and effectively troubleshoot and resolve issues", said George Spiers, Founder of EUC UK.

eG Innovations, a leading provider of user experience monitoring solutions, announced today the general availability of the latest release of its flagship product, eG Enterprise v7.2.

The last few years have forced dramatic changes in the IT landscape. Digitization of customer and supply-chain interactions has accelerated by 3 to 4 years and organizations across verticals and sizes are relying on IT even more than before. This has increased the demands on IT operations teams, said Srinivas Ramanathan, CEO of eG Innovations.

Modern IT infrastructures include digital workspaces to support hybrid work styles and unified communication technologies like Microsoft Teams and Zoom for collaboration. Cloud, container and SaaS technologies are also being adopted at a rapid pace. IT monitoring tools have to adapt to this changing world. Domain expertise, automation capabilities and simple usage model and interface are essential for success. At the same time, IT admins are having to answer new types of questions  around usage and cost, and play a more important role than before in delivering ROI for organizations. This is where the shift from IT monitoring to observability is happening, said Ramanathan.

eG Enterprise v7.2 is a complete observability solution for modern IT technologies. Domain-specific monitoring capabilities continue to be at the core of the solution, but are now augmented with capabilities to monitor security aspects of IT, to automate resolution of problems, to report on unused and wasted cloud resources and so on. Enhancements in this release cover all key focus areas of modern IT:



Enhanced Monitoring for Multi-Vendor Digital Workspaces: eG Enterprise now provides the most comprehensive range of monitoring, diagnosis and reporting capabilities for any digital workspace. Whether you are using one or more of Citrix, VMware Horizon, AWS AppStream 2.0, AWS WorkSpaces, Microsoft RDS, or Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktops, you get a consistent set of dashboards and reports with eG Enterprise. New support also covers Citrix Linux Desktops, Windows 365 Cloud PCs, multi-vendor GPU usage, IGEL endpoints and physical endpoints. Get a consistent set of dashboards and reports across these diverse technologies.

Deeper Insights into Web Application Performance: eG Enterprise web application simulator has been made simpler to use and now supports TOTP-based two factor authentication, dynamic Captcha and also handles untrusted SSL certificates. Real user monitoring (RUM) enhancements include support for all modern browsers and improved user-centric perceived performance metrics. Full support for monitoring Node.JS applications on VMs and container platforms is now available. Transaction tracing has been extended to support .NET Core applications.

Expanded Coverage for End-to-End, Unified Monitoring: Cloud monitoring support has been expanded to cover a whole range of AWS and Azure services including AWS Trusted Advisor, AWS Resource Usage, AWS S3, AWS Billing, AWS Connect, AWS API Gateway, Azure Advisor, Azure Quota Usage, Azure Activity Logs, Azure Log Analytics, Azure Firewall and VPN Gateways and more. New dashboards are available for AWS and Azure monitoring as well. For container environments, Red Hat OpenShift integration is available now and support for monitoring CRI-O worker nodes is available. Several new network device types are supported. Storage monitoring includes support for monitoring Cohesity, Panzura and HPE StoreOnce. A number of Apache and other middleware technologies are also supported in this release.

Enhanced Monitoring for Enterprise/SaaS Applications. SAP monitoring has been extended to support development/cloud environments such as SAP Neo (Cloud Platform) and SAP BTP Cloud Foundry, SAP HANA XS (app/web server) and Lumira (visualization). Support for modern authentication is included in Microsoft O365 monitoring. Real-Time Call Quality Analytics for Microsoft Teams is now provided using webhooks integration. User-specific usage metrics are now available to the helpdesk for quick troubleshooting. Mail paths can now be tracked as part of synthetic monitoring. These insights are especially useful in hybrid email deployment scenarios and can provide indications of where slowness in mail delivery lies.

eG Enterprise v 7.2 also includes several architectural improvements.



Admins have the ability to push agents from a central location and a single command deployment of agents on Windows and Linux is supported.

A new Incident management panel has been introduced with the ability to clearly highlight the root-cause of problems from their effects.

Remote Control Action permissions can now be assigned per user. The set of commands available to each user is configurable.

The eG Mobile App functionality has been enhanced to make it as functional as the browser interface. SSO integration with Active Directory and SAML is also supported.

Additional ITSM integrations with TOPdesk, ServiceNow ITOM, Freshdesk and BMC Remedy are supported. Support for multiple ITSM tools on a single manager is also available.

The eG Enterprise monitoring solution moves from strength to strength with the latest release of the product, said George Spiers, Founder of EUC UK and a Citrix Technology Professional. The product has advanced its capabilities of monitoring the core components and has enhancements to reporting that aid with troubleshooting and benchmarking service health and performance over time. It also empowers your help desk staff and technicians to more quickly and effectively troubleshoot and resolve issues with new Remote Control Actions, reducing the requirement to escalate tickets to higher levels of support which would only take up more resource and increase the time a users productivity is being impacted, added Spiers.

eG Enterprise v7.2 is available as fully managed SaaS - it is fully multi-tenant and self-provisioned. Enterprises and MSPs can benefit from many self-service options that automate and accelerate the provisioning of the system. eG Innovations remains committed to feature parity for users with data compliance and regulatory requirements who wish to deploy and maintain their own installation on-premises or in a cloud or hosting location of their choice.

For more details, see Observability for Modern IT with eG Enterprise v7.2 (eginnovations.com)

About eG Innovations

eG Innovations is dedicated to helping businesses across the globe transform IT service delivery into a competitive advantage and a center for productivity, growth, and profit. Many of the world's largest businesses use eG Enterprise technologies to enhance IT service performance, increase operational efficiency, ensure IT effectiveness, and deliver on the ROI promise of transformational IT investments across physical, virtual, and cloud environments. Visit us at http://www.eginnovations.com or on Twitter at @eGInnovations.
I am delighted to be partnering with Tillo to build a compelling business proposition and help realize their huge potential in this important, fast-growing finance sector.

Tillo, the award-winning platform that empowers innovators to evolve acquisition and loyalty initiatives using the power of digital gift cards, has today announced that Michelle Beyo, a leading fintech and payments expert, has joined its Advisory Board to drive its growth within the banking and finance sectors in both the US and UK.

As founder and CEO of FINAVATOR INC  an award-winning Payments and Future of Finance consultancy. Beyo is an expert in Payments Innovation, Sales Acceleration and Open Banking Strategy and has helped organizations across many different industries. FINAVATOR INC has worked with banks, credit unions, key global fintechs, payment networks and technology companies to drive innovation through strategic partnerships.

The appointment is designed to drive Tillos expansion into the emerging fintech sectors, specifically, neobanks, BNPL and open banking/embedded finance, enabling these organizations to embrace the customer acquisition and loyalty capabilities of digital gift cards to connect their consumers to brands they love in a cost neutral or profitable way.

Michelle has an exceptional track record of helping organizations like Tillo to maximize their potential across the finance sector, commented Alex Preece, CEO and Co-Founder at Tillo. We see enormous benefits within the fintech sector in the US and UK for driving customer acquisition and long-term relationships using the power of gift cards. Drawing on Michelles experience and expertise will enable us to help them to accelerate growth.

Tillo has already transformed the rewards and gift card industry and has recognised the enormous opportunity that exists within the fintech industry in the US and UK, said Beyo. I am delighted to be partnering with them to build a compelling business proposition and help realize their huge potential in this important, fast-growing finance sector.

About Michelle Beyo

Michelle Beyo is the CEO and Founder of FINAVATOR, an award-winning Payments and future of finance consultancy. She is also a TEDx Speaker, WEDO United Nations speaker, Money 20/20 Rise Up alumni, board advisor to Open Banking Expo and the President and a Board Member at the Open Finance Network of Canada (OFNC).

With over 20 years of extensive industry experience, Michelle started FINAVATOR as she is passionate about payments and financial inclusion. She has helped to drive innovation across the retail and payments space, and supported the growth of industry leaders across North America. Michelle Beyo has won multiple awards including the Top 30 Best CEOs in 2021 by The Silicon Valley Review, Women in Fintech Global Powerlist 2021, Most Influential Leader in FinTech Consulting 2020  Canada by Corporate Vision.

For further information, visit https://www.finavator.com/

About Tillo

Tillo enables businesses to supercharge sustainable and profitable growth through an innovative platform that uses the power of gift cards to connect consumers to the brands they love. It means businesses can tap into new, lucrative and exciting revenue streams to acquire new customers and reward loyal ones.

Our platform resolves two business headaches in one creative solution, so our customers, their customers, and thousands of global businesses can flourish. We work with over 2,000 brands, in 16 currencies across 36 markets and have processed over 2 billion-worth of gift cards.

For further information, visit http://www.tillo.io
Jack was a printed circuit board industry icon, which was recognized by his election to the IPC Hall of Fame in 2006.

High Density Packaging (HDP) User Group announces the Jack Fisher Technical Excellence Award to honor the memory of Jack, who passed away on January 20, 2023.

Jack served as an HDP Facilitator for more than 18 years and was a major contributor to the growth of HDP over the course of his tenure.

Jack was a printed circuit board industry icon, which was recognized by his election to the IPC Hall of Fame in 2006. His expertise and experience will be missed by members and staff alike, said Larry Marcanti, Executive Director of HDP User Group.

The Jack Fisher Technical Excellence Award will be awarded to HDP members who best exemplify the standards set by Jack over the course of his stellar career.

The eulogy given by Larry can be seen here: https://youtu.be/lZGMvZP5FDU

Jacks obituary: https://www.pressconnects.com/obituaries/bps136484

About HDP

HDP User Group (http://www.hdpug.org), a global research and development organization based in Round Rock, Texas celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, is dedicated to reducing the costs and risks for the Electronics Manufacturing industry when using advanced electronic packaging and assembly. This international industry-led group organizes and conducts R&D programs to address the technical issues facing the industry, including design, printed circuit board manufacturing, electronics assembly, and environmental compliance. HDP User Group maintains additional offices in Singapore and Tokyo.

For more information, visit HDP User Group on the Internet at http://www.hdpug.org or contact Madan Jagernauth at madanj@hdpug.org, phone number +1 561.501.1567.
Auction of Washington Wines' TOAST! Industry Award winners in 2022 The Auction of Washington Wines promotes awareness and growth of the Washington wine industry while benefiting the community, with ongoing contributions to three beneficiaries. Since its inception in 1988, the organization has raised more than $59 million.

The Auction of Washington Wines returns for its 36th year of fundraising in 2023, announcing a full calendar of wine events and auctions in April and August. Wine industry leader Annette Alvarez-Peters is the Auction of Washington Wines honorary chair for 2023.

The Auction of Washington Wines promotes awareness and growth of the Washington wine industry while benefiting the community, with ongoing contributions to three beneficiaries: Seattle Childrens, Washington State Universitys Viticulture and Enology Department, and the AWW Industry Grant Partner, Vital Wines.

The auction returned to a full slate of in-person events for the first time in three years in 2022, raising more than $4.2 million. Since its inception in 1988, the organization has raised more than $59 million.

Auction of Washington Wines 36th Annual Fundraising Events Season

April 18-23: Wine Country Celebrations Online Auction (join bidding here)

April 18: Wine Country Celebrations Vintner Dinner at Matthews Winery, Woodinville (tickets here)

April 20: Wine Country Celebrations Vintner Dinner at Fiction @ J. Bookwalter, Richland (tickets here)

April 22: Wine Country Celebrations Vintner Dinner at Cairdeas Winery, Chelan (tickets here)

August 9-12: Gala Online Auction

August 10: TOAST! Industry Awards at Chateau Ste. Michelle

August 11: Winemaker Picnic & Barrel Auction at Chateau Ste. Michelle

August 12: Gala at Chateau Ste. Michelle

The 2023 program begins in April with the Wine Country Celebrations Online Auction, as well as three Vintner Dinners at Washington wineries in Woodinville, Richland, and Chelan. The Wine Country Celebrations Online Auction, which runs from April 18 through 23, features two-day wine country getaways and AVA-specific travel, coveted bottle lots, private tasting experiences, and more.

Tickets are now on sale for the Wine Country Celebrations Vintner Dinners, which offer an exclusive experience for guests to dine alongside winemakers in three different Washington wine regions. On April 18, Matthews Winery in Woodinville hosts the first Vintner Dinner featuring wines from Matthews Winery, Baer Winery, and Quiddity Wines. The second Vintner Dinner takes place on April 20 at Fiction @ J. Bookwalter in Richland, in the Columbia Valley AVA.The final Vintner Dinner is at Cairdeas Winery in the Lake Chelan AVA on April 22, featuring wines from Cairdeas and Amos Rome Vineyards.

This summer, the Auction of Washington Wines returns with the Gala Online Auction from August 8 to 12. The Washington wine community gives generously to ensure there is something for everyone included in this annual auction, with unique wine packages, wine-themed items, and incredible winery experiences up for bid.

On August 10, the Auction of Washington Wines recognizes emerging and diverse leaders at the TOAST! Industry Awards, held at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville. The awards honor individuals who have worked for the betterment and continued success of Washington wine. Last years award winners included Bob Betz, MW, for a Lifetime Achievement Award, winemaker Shae Frichette of Frichette Winery (Emerging Leader), wine grower Dick Boushey (Award of Distinction), and writer Sean P. Sullivan (Wine Industry Champion), among others.

The Winemaker Picnic & Barrel Auction is the largest celebration of Washington wine in the Auction of Washington Wines calendar. This takes place on August 11 on the beautiful grounds of Chateau Ste. Michelle, and provides an opportunity to meet Washington winemakers as they pour wines from across the state. Tasting bars at the picnic feature more than 100 wines paired with gourmet food stations from top local restaurants. The Barrel Auction is the focal point of the picnic, featuring 30 wineries pouring samples of a yet-to-be-released wine up for bid.

The Auction of Washington Wines Gala on August 12 is the marquee fundraising event for the 2023 season. The Gala is held at Chateau Ste. Michelle, and promises a spectacular evening celebrating Washington wine. A social hour with a luxury wine bottle auction opens the evening. Guests sit at winemaker-hosted tables for a four-course dinner created by local chefs. The Gala offers exclusive auction items in a live auction, and the party continues under the stars at the Gala After-Party.

The Auction of Washington Wines team is proud to champion the Washington wine industry while supporting the work of our three philanthropic partners, said Jamie Peha, Executive Director of Auction of Washington Wines. Our mission has never been more important, and as the industry grows and changes, we look forward to welcoming newcomers to experience it at its best and join our loyal patrons at this years incredible series of events.

The Auction of Washington Wines is thrilled to announce the honorary chair for 2023 is Annette Alvarez-Peters. The honorary chair is selected every year based on their contribution to the Washington wine industry. The longtime wine buyer for Costco Wholesale, Alvarez-Peters sits on the Board of Directors for MISA Imports and Crimson Wine Group. She is recognized globally as a top leader in the wine industry, and serves in advisory and mentorship roles for Wine Unify, Women of the Vine and Spirits, and Batonnage Forum.

The Auction of Washington Wines Industry co-chairs are Linda and Cam Myhrvold, who have both served on the Foundation Board for Seattle Childrens. The Auction of Washington Wines Community co-chairs are Laura and Ian MacNeil, who have supported the Washington wine industry since 1996.

ABOUT AUCTION OF WASHINGTON WINES

The Auction of Washington Wines supports the growth and raises awareness of the Washington wine industry while benefiting the greater community through fundraising events. The auction has raised more than $59 million since its inception in 1988. Washingtons premier wine auction uplifts the states wine industry and raises funds for Seattle Children's, Washington State Universitys Viticulture and Enology Department, and Vital Wines, a nonprofit winery that provides much needed medical care to vineyard workers. Key supporters for 2023 include Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, the Seattle Times, PNC Bank and Southern Glazers Wine and Spirits. For more information visit auctionofwawines.org.
One of the barriers to crypto adoption has been the lack of an easy and convenient way to load funds onto an account or wallet to spend or invest. We've made it a priority to remove that barrier with a myriad of funding options."

CoinZoom, a leading U.S based fintech company and cryptocurrency exchange, has added both Apple and Google pay as funding options on its iOS and Android apps. Customers utilizing the regulated exchange can now fund their accounts, access a range of free or low-cost financial services and purchase cryptocurrency with the tap of a button.

One of the barriers to crypto adoption has been the lack of an easy and convenient way to load funds onto an account or wallet to spend or invest, said CoinZoom CEO, Todd Crosland. Weve made it a priority to remove that barrier with a myriad of funding options including debit cards, credit cards, ACH deposits, wire transfers, cash deposits and now Apple Pay and Google Pay. Its extremely user-friendly to deposit and transfer funds on our platform from your phone  and then spend or invest your money in a range of forms from dollars to crypto. You can also purchase NFTs on our marketplace on your phone in seconds with Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Post-pandemic, digital wallets backed by debit cards have become the fastest growing preference for payment across smartphone users - hitting all the preferences for contactless, better budgeting, security and convenience. Younger consumers especially are rewiring their payments to include more mobile payments, more Buy Now, Pay Later options and are looking for better rewards for their everyday spending.

For many, crypto is seen as a great leveler. They do not see themselves or their lives depicted in traditional finance ads or marketing  and see the fiat system as unfairly biased to those who already have many advantages. Crypto does not have these pre-set judgements  and even a small step into this asset class is seen as a path to a seat at a fairer, more inclusive table. said Crosland, who founded the CoinZoom business in 2018.

A good example of where blockchain technology has a natural advantage is remittances. This industry charges 6% fees on average globally - which is a total revenue over $40bn at a market value of $672.46bn in 2021 (World Bank). That revenue exceeds the total GDP of more than 90 countries across the globe. Blockchain can enable digital transfers to be instant, low cost and direct  no cash pick-up, no 3-day to a week delay and no eye-watering fees. CoinZoom users can send USD and crypto domestically or internationally to other users instantly, for free through ZoomMe.

It was our best-kept secret but now it is gathering pace as economies around the world harden and word of mouth spreads, said Crosland. We have seen growth of 746% over the second half of 2022 as more and more people discover the service.

About CoinZoom

CoinZoom has customers in 200 countries and is emerging as a next-generation fintech provider  encompassing a digital ecosystem that offers solutions for every kind of money from cash to crypto. The team's vast experience is in providing superb trade quality, customer-focused tools, and technology that rewards customers financially and helps them build confidence in emerging asset classes like crypto. CoinZoom offers services in buying, selling, sending and spending Bitcoin, Ethereum, and over 40 top digital currencies. CoinZoom's premier product is its CoinZoom Visa card, which allows customers the ability to instantly convert crypto to fiat and spend it at over 53M merchants globally. CoinZoom also offers global customers a premier Peer-to-Peer payments system called ZoomMe. CoinZoom customers can send fiat and crypto anywhere in the world, instantly for free. The team's decades of experience in financial technology security are equally important in safeguarding customer funds and customers' digital currency positions. CoinZoom is a U.S. registered Money Services Business with FinCen. CoinZoom is also a U.S. registered Money Transmitter, available for trading in 48 states. CoinZoom also has subsidiaries in Australia and Ireland. CoinZoom Australia PTY LTD is registered as a Digital Currency Exchange with AU.
Concluding DRIVE will not only validate Cxbladder in a Veterans cohort, but also double as the first clinical validation of Cxbladder Detect+ in any patient cohort.

Cancer diagnostics company Pacific Edge (NZX, ASX: PEB) today announces its key activities and highlights at the 87th Annual AUA Southeastern Section (SESAUA) meeting to be held March 15-18 in Amelia Island, Florida.

The SESAUA meeting is the largest of the AUA sectional meetings, hosting urologists and other urological experts from the nine southeastern US states, Panama, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. As a key theme at this years conference, discussion will include a focus on leading strategies for the evaluation and management of urologic oncology patients, including those with bladder cancer.

Taking the podium, Pacific Edge will host a Symposium, scheduled for 12pm EST Thursday March 16, on the current and future use of molecular biomarkers in the detection and surveillance of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). The session, led by Pacific Edge VP of Medical Affairs, Dr. Tamer Aboushwareb, will feature a keynote address from Dr. Sia Daneshmand, Professor of Urology and Director Clinical Research at the Keck School of Medicine, USC, and will culminate in a panel discussion including Q&A from the audience.

Alongside the Symposium, Pacific Edge will lead a Principle Investigator Meeting for the DRIVE study  a study focused on Cxbladder validation in a veterans cohort across multiple VA sites for which it plans to conclude enrolment in 2023. With the objective being to support the streamlined completion of the study, trial coordinators will use the session to share successes and address challenges linked to recruitment. Concluding DRIVE will not only validate Cxbladder in a Veterans cohort, but also double as the first clinical validation of Cxbladder Detect+ in any patient cohort, says Dr. Aboushwareb. Validation of Cxbladder Detect+ remains one of our most important commercial milestones as the company looks to seek coding, coverage and pricing in the coming months.
We invested in OneRep to protect our frontline workers, such as doctors and nurses. OneRep became an important part of our initiative to better shield employees and executives from outside threats that can occur online and in person.

OneRep, a privacy protection company that removes unauthorized personal profiles from the web, today announced it has launched an upgraded Corporate Plan, including a re-imagined admin platform. The new Corporate Plan was ayear in the making and came in response to expressed needs of business customers; it was built with customer collaboration to address those needs.

Today, people-search sites, such as White Pages, MyLife and Spokeo, make a business out of selling peoples private, sensitive informationall made discoverable with a simple Google search. Anyone can Google an employee's name and easily find their personal information (i.e., street address, phone number, email, relatives, and many more details). As a result, employees can become exposed to annoyances such as spam communication as well as more serious dangers of identity theft or home invasions. Addressing this problem should be the top priority for an organizations privacy and security team.

Fraud and scams against employees are rampant, as are violent attacks and harassment. Executives and employees at all levels are vulnerable. An exposed employee poses risks to companies as a weak link that can compromise the organization's security systems, said Dimitri Shelest, CEO and founder of OneRep. And that ultimately leaves the business focused on threat management rather than growth.

OneRep works with companies to remove employee information by scanning 190+ websites to find where the individual is exposed. Their fully-automated platform then erases personal information from these websites and continuously monitors them, giving employees and the organizations they work for peace of mind.

All employers have an obligation to protect workers, especially those in jobs that inherently put them at riskhowever, all employees need protection. This launch will help make it easy for companies to add privacy protection to their employee benefits programs. Other features of the upgraded Corporate Plan include:



Streamlined team management and user insights

Staff-change management, e.g., easy off-boarding for terminated employees

Flexibility in supporting individual employees and families

Simplified user onboarding

Removal results analysis

24/7 technical and user support for organizations and employees

Sleek, modern user interface

Intuitive actions

"We invested in OneRep to protect our frontline workers, such as doctors and nurses. OneRep became an important part of our initiative to better shield employees and executives from outside threats that can occur online and in person, said Brian Phillips, Director, Protection Services at Molina Healthcare.

The new Corporate Plan and platform enhancements are now available for companies and their employees. This launch is another example of OneReps commitment to helping foster a positive work environment, where individuals feel safe, valued and respected.

About OneRep

OneRep is a technology company that automates the removal of unauthorized private listings from the web to help people restore privacy. For businesses, the OneRep technology can be offered as a benefit  a way to help employees and customers stay private online, leading to safety in real life. Founded in 2015, OneReps mission is to provide people an affordable way to protect their privacy. For more information, visit http://www.onerep.com.
Lamborghini Dallas Earns 2023 DealerRater Lamborghini Dealer of the Year Award We are truly honored to represent Lamborghini in North America and winning the U.S. award 12 years in a row reflects our long-term commitment to delivering excellence, stated John Hrad, General Manager

Lamborghini Dallas has been awarded 2023 Lamborghini Dealer of the Year Award for the U.S. by DealerRater, a leading car dealer review and reputation management platform and company of Cars.com Inc. (NYSE: CARS). The Dealer of the Year Award recognizes auto dealerships across the U.S. and Canada that consistently exceed consumer expectations across all dimensions of the dealership experience, including speed, transparency, trade-in and financing experiences, and more.

DealerRater.com, which collected more than 1.1 million customer reviews in 2022, provides a dealership with real-time feedback on their customers' experiences. The dealers and their teams that excel are ones who adapt quickly to evolving shopping expectations and step up to meet consumer needs with outstanding service. This past year, Lamborghini Dallas stood out among its peers for providing a top-notch experience, said DealerRater General Manager Jamie Oldershaw. Car shoppers' interactions with dealerships begin and end online, which is why it is imperative for dealers to think about how they provide exceptional service at every stage of the car shopping journey. The most successful dealers like Lamborghini Dallas understand the value of a quality virtual showroom that carries over into the in-store experience and then concludes with the shopper sharing their feedback with others through an online review. This approach is what differentiates our award-winners from their competition.

DealerRater helps dealers build their online reputation and connect shoppers with their top salespeople virtually to ensure that the experience is established before the shopper walks through the doors. Award-winning dealers encourage their car shoppers to leave reviews that will help build a dealer's online reputation and ultimately generate new customers.

Lamborghini Dallas has demonstrated consistently high ratings for customer satisfaction, placing it in the top of its class. We are thankful to have been awarded the 2023 DealerRater Lamborghini Dealer of the Year Award for the U.S., said Ken Ambrose, President and COO, Boardwalk Auto Group. We have a great team here at Lamborghini Dallas with service excellence being our top priority. We also have the best clients and without them, this award would not have been possible!

Our Lamborghini clientele have an extreme attention to detail and the highest expectations which makes the significance of this award even more special for our team, added John Hrad, General Manager, Lamborghini Dallas. We are truly honored to represent Lamborghini in North America and winning the U.S. award 12 years in a row reflects our long-term commitment to delivering excellence.

DealerRater Dealer of the Year Award Methodology

The DealerRater Dealer of the Year Awards are presented annually to the top U.S. and Canadian car dealers with 25 or more reviews based on categories such as customer service, quality of work, friendliness, pricing and overall experience, key drivers of repeat and referral business. The scoring algorithm considers the dealerships average DealerRater star rating as well as the total number of reviews written about the dealership during the 2022 calendar year.

Visit DealerRater.com for a full list of winners, U.S. and Canada.

ABOUT DEALERRATER

DealerRater, a Cars.com company, is a leading car dealer review and reputation management platform that empowers dealerships to efficiently grow their brands by accelerating, automating and amplifying positive review generation across digital channels. By offering a product suite that allows qualified dealerships to manage their digital presence and build and maintain their online reputation, DealerRater helps dealers drive new customer connections every day, achieve higher SEO rankings and, ultimately, generate higher-quality leads that close, faster.

Founded in 2002, DealerRater reviews cover 44,000 U.S. and Canadian dealerships, including a network of more than 5,000 Certified Dealers, that reaches an audience of more than 34 million consumers each month.

ABOUT LAMBORGHINI DALLAS

The all-new Lamborghini Dallas showroom includes an extensive range of factory Automobili Lamborghini exterior and interior finishes, along with intricate details that help make a dream build come to life. The newly updated Lamborghini service center makes Lamborghini Dallas one of the largest service centers in the country, including 20 service bays, a top-of-the-line alignment rack, and a tire installation machine. Lamborghini Dallas clients enjoy the confidence of knowing that their Lamborghini is in the hands of certified experts. Additionally, Lamborghini Dallas has a custom display of official Lamborghini merchandise that is available for purchase.

With the opening of the brand-new Lamborghini Dallas showroom in 2022, our clients Lamborghini experience has been elevated. Lamborghini Dallas is part of Boardwalk Auto Group, one of the premier auto groups in North America. Lamborghini Dallas is located at 601 S. Central Expressway in Richardson, Texas. For more information visit LamborghiniDallas.com.
Announcing the Juni Tutor Bot for homework help, leveraging AI and human tutors The distinctive combination of Juni Learning's technical team, proprietary data for tailoring broad AI models for education-specific needs, and Juni's experience in live instruction make the Juni Tutor Bot uniquely equipped to help students achieve their academic goals.

Juni Learning, a leading provider of online education solutions, today announced the launch of Juni Tutor Bot, an AI-powered online tutoring solution to help students achieve academic success. Juni Tutor Bot is available today exclusively on Discord, a popular voice, video, and text communications platform.

The bot is available 24/7 and free to access on Discord, making it flexible and convenient for millions of students who already use Discord today. Students simply send a text question like How do you solve 5x = 10 for x or a photo of the problem they need help with to the bot in Discord, and receive an immediate response with step-by-step guidance. If students need more help, they can request assistance from a live Juni Tutor in the Juni Study Room Discord server. The bot supports a range of topics, including math and science like Algebra, Calculus, Biology, and Chemistry, as well as humanities like Economics, English, and Spanish.

Junis proprietary technology makes Juni Tutor Bot more suited for homework help specifically than broad models like OpenAIs ChatGPT alone. By incorporating large language models (LLMs) to cover a wide surface area for understanding and creating natural language, computational engines to accurately solve math problems, and additional unique fine-tuning, Juni Tutor Bot can effectively solve a broad range of questions with conversational language akin to a human tutor. This multi-pronged and modular approach of integrating multiple foundational AI technologies sets Juni Tutor Bot apart.

This technical expertise and years of experience with live instruction also uniquely position the Juni team to fine-tune a model purpose-built for homework help and student learning. Over the years, Juni has employed thousands of expert tutors from top universities across the US and taught hundreds of thousands of classes. Now, the company is leveraging those learnings to build and enhance Juni Tutor Bot, and accelerate human-in-the-loop tuning and feedback for the best student experience.

Generative artificial intelligence offers an unprecedented opportunity to address student needs and learning gaps, and most importantly, help students of all backgrounds excel. There are almost 35 million college and high school students in the US alone, and many students are falling behind in reading and math as per the latest NAEP report card due to the lingering effects of the pandemic. Meanwhile, ChatGPT reached almost 100 million users within 2 months of its release and became the fastest-growing consumer application of all time, highlighting the demand for digital assistants in everyday use.

The Juni team is constantly improving the bot to meet diverse learner needs. Academic honesty and safety are also critical components of the student experience, and students must abide by their schools honor code when using the bot. Juni also moderates usage by incorporating live tutors to monitor student questions and behavior when using the bot. Students learn how to safely leverage AI tools to accelerate their learning, a critical skill in the 21st century.

"We believe that every student deserves access to high-quality education and personalized support," said Vivian Shen, CEO of Juni Learning. "Juni Tutor Bot is our solution to make homework help and test prep more accessible and effective for all students. The distinctive combination of Juni Learning's technical team, proprietary data for tailoring broad AI models for education-specific needs, and Juni's experience in live instruction make the Juni Tutor Bot uniquely equipped to help students achieve their academic goals."

Students use Discord every day to study with their friends and connect with each other across the world. With Juni Tutor Bot, students can now directly access educational resources and homework help directly in Discord, said Cherry Park, Head of Platform Ecosystem Marketing at Discord. This is a massive unlock for students everywhere and just the beginning for what AI can do for learning and studying communities on Discord.

Juni Tutor Bot is also a valuable resource for teachers, especially with looming teacher shortages and wider learning loss gaps. Overstretched educators can provide students with extra support through Juni Tutor Bot and get extra bandwidth back to focus on other critical tasks. Over time, Juni Tutor Bot's personalized feedback and instant response capabilities also help teachers tailor their instruction more effectively for individual students. By working together with teachers, Juni Tutor Bot can provide a comprehensive and effective learning experience that benefits both students and educators.

Juni Tutor Bot is available now on Discord, which can be accessed through Juni Learning's website at https://junilearning.com/juni-tutor-bot/.

About Juni Learning

Founded in 2017, Juni Learning is an award-winning provider of online education solutions, offering personalized learning experiences to students around the world. As a leader in STEM education, Juni helps students of all ages and levels achieve their academic and career goals through innovative technology and expert instruction. The company is backed by top leaders and investors in technology including Y Combinator, Forerunner Ventures, and Pear VC. The company is headquartered in San Francisco. For more information, visit Juni Learning's website at https://junilearning.com/

About Discord

Founded in 2015, Discord is a voice, video, and text communications platform that brings people together over shared experiences and gives everyone a place to belong. With over 150 million monthly active users across 19 million servers, Discord helps friends and communities of all sizes come together to hang out and explore their interests. Discord offers a premium subscription called Nitro that gives users special perks like higher quality streams and fun customizations.
ClimateHaven, the newly established New Haven-based climatetech incubator, today announced the appointment of Ryan Dings as its Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Dings previously served as the Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel of Greentown Labs, a climate technology incubator in Somerville, MA. Prior to that, he held the same role for Sunwealth, a solar investment fund. In December 2022, he joined Connecticut Innovations as a venture partner in its new $100 million dollar ClimateTech Fund.

We dont have every solution needed today to meet the challenges presented by climate change, which is why supporting climatetech entrepreneurship is so critical role for helping us get to carbon neutrality, said Dings. ClimateHaven has an incredible opportunity to tap into the deep well of brilliance and entrepreneurial talent that exists at Yale University and in New Haven and support startups that have the potential to scale globally.

ClimateHavens Board of Directors is delighted to appoint Ryan to serve as its founding CEO, said Josh Geballe, Chairperson of the ClimateHaven Board of Directors and Managing Director of Yale Ventures. His commitment to entrepreneurship and experience in climate technology and finance will be invaluable as we build the foundation of this organization.

ClimateHaven will support early stage climatetech entrepreneurs through a combination of incubation, accelerator programming, and access to networks of people, partners, and places startups need to scale. The incubator has established its initial location at 770 Chapel Street, where it has executed a lease on 10,000 square feet of office and prototyping space, with the option to expand to upwards of 30,000 square feet. ClimateHaven has retained the New Haven-based architecture firm, Atelier Cho Thompson, to assist in the design and upfit of its initial location. Work will continue through the spring in preparation for welcoming the first startups into its community this summer as well as a grand opening event this fall.

ClimateHaven is joining a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in New Haven and will put Connecticut on the map as a climate tech solutions hub, said Cortney Renton, ClimateHaven Board Member and Executive Director of CitySeed. The addition of ClimateHaven to this community will open up new possibilities for a more sustainable and equitable future, rooted in our city's strong entrepreneurial spirit."

In addition to Geballe, Renton, and Dings, ClimateHavens founding Board of Directors include Stuart DeCew, Executive Director for the Yale Center for Business and the Environment; Konstantine Drakonakis, Managing Venture Partner of Connecticut Innovations ClimateTech Fund; Katie Dykes, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection; Sara Harari, Associate Director of Innovation at the Connecticut Green Bank; Jason Price, Founder and Chairperson of the Board of NXTHVN; Claudia Reuter, Director of the Robert Innovation Fund at Yale University; and Caroline Tanbee Smith, co-Founder of Collab.

ClimateHaven will provide a preview of its 2023 plans at the Connecticut Climate Tech Social Kickoff taking place on March 29th in partnership with Connecticut Innovations. Dings will share his vision for ClimateHaven and detail opportunities for involvement at the event.

Climate change is the unique challenge that unites both moral imperative and economic opportunity, Dings continued. I cant think of a better organization and a better group of folks with whom to join to support entrepreneurs committed to solving this challenge and creating prosperity for themselves, their teams, and the communities they serve.

To register for the March 29 event, visit the Connecticut Innovations events page.

About ClimateHaven:

ClimateHaven is a community of climatetech entrepreneurs and the passionate people that support them. Based in New Haven, Connecticut, ClimateHaven provides incubation space, accelerator programming and valuable partners for startups that will deliver the solutions we need to propel us towards carbon neutrality and create a healthy planet for all. For more information, visit https://www.climatehaven.tech.


Along with my four fellow board members, I will work tirelessly to represent the best interests of the people of Gladwyne.

David Shulick is proud to announce his election to the Board of Directors of the Northwood Community of Gladwyne, Pennsylvania.

The nonprofit corporation is responsible for the grounds, roads, infrastructure, and all aspects of fiscal operations, maintenance, and management. With an annual budget that exceeds six figures, the five members of the board of directors negotiate contracts, execute contracts, and enforce a series of rules, regulations, bylaws, and contracts.

David Shulick spoke to his excitement regarding this position, saying, As someone who cares deeply about the health and wellbeing of the Gladwyne, Pennsylvania community, Im honored to serve in this role.

Along with my four fellow board members, I will work tirelessly to represent the best interests of the people of Gladwyne, continues David Shulick.

Community members who are interested in sharing their thoughts regarding future initiatives of Gladwyne, Pennsylvania are encouraged to reach out to board members.

About David Shulick:

David Shulick works as the Director of Corporate Affairs & Analysis for a privately held manufacturing and B2B company after many years of practicing law and operating his own businesses. Over the years, David Shulick has been honored to work with some of the greatest minds in the Philadelphia region and beyond. David Shulick is deeply committed to community, cultural, and educational initiatives. David Shulick has an extensive service record with recognized organizations including being a benefactor for the U.S.C. Spielberg Shoah Foundation and a board member of the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association and Operation Understanding. David Shulick is a recipient of a United States Congressional Accolade and Philadelphia Mayoral Award for workforce development initiatives.


Through their Vertical Bridge Charitable Network (VBCN) employees prepared meals for Hurricane Ian victims with Meals of Hope. In September 2022, Hurricane Ian hit our home state of Florida unbelievably hard, and VBCN immediately took action to assist with recovery efforts, said CEO and Co-Founder, Alex Gellman.

Vertical Bridge REIT, LLC (Vertical Bridge) the largest private owner and operator of communications infrastructure in the United States, today announced that it has surpassed $9.5 million in cash donations and 5,100 hours of volunteer time since launching its employee-managed community philanthropy program, Vertical Bridge Charitable Network (VBCN), in 2014.

In 2022, VBCN gave more than $2 million to over 145 organizations, including $125,000 to Hurricane Ian relief efforts, $140,000 to Music Movement to support children and young adults with autism, and over $100,000 to Habitat for Humanity. VBCN also partnered with DonorsChoose.org, providing employees the opportunity to donate more than $50,000 to school projects of their choice.

Giving back to the communities where we live and work has always been one of Vertical Bridges core values, said President and COO, Ron Bizick. Were proud of our employees' continuing commitment to drive these efforts and empower them to support causes that are important to them and their community.

VBCN held its first annual National Volunteer Week in April 2022, giving employees a chance to choose from a number of volunteer opportunities. The team also joined together to help feed individuals and families by volunteering with Meals of Hope and Empty Bowls of Naples during the companys all-employee meeting in July.

In September 2022, Hurricane Ian hit our home state of Florida unbelievably hard, and VBCN immediately took action to assist with recovery efforts, said CEO and Co-Founder, Alex Gellman. We are committed to continuing our community outreach to support those impacted. When theres a need, our team will always step up to help.

To help alleviate the devastation in Florida from these storms, VBCN added several non-profits to its recipients list, including World Central Kitchen, Farm Share Inc., YMCA of Englewood and the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida.

VBCN also has long supported many other non-profits, including Warriors4Wireless, Tower Family Foundation, South Florida Audubon Society, and DigDeep, which brings clean running water to families in the Navajo Nation. Since its inception, VBCN has donated time and money to more than 740 meaningful causes.

About Vertical Bridge

Vertical Bridge REIT, LLC is the largest private owner and operator of communications infrastructure and locations in the United States, with a portfolio of more than 500,000 sites, including over 11,000 owned and master-leased towers and the nations largest and tallest portfolio of broadcast tower sites. The Companys sites spread across all 50 states and Puerto Rico and are comprised of towers, rooftops, billboards, utility attachments, convenience stores and other locations in support of wireless network deployments. In addition to colocation, Vertical Bridge offers build-to-suit, edge data centers and in-building wireless network solutions.

Based in Boca Raton, Florida, Vertical Bridge was founded in 2014 and is led by a senior management team with over 400 years of collective experience in tower infrastructure and related sectors. Vertical Bridge became the first tower company in the world to reach net-zero emissions, gaining CarbonNeutral certification in 2020. For more information, please visit https://www.verticalbridge.com/.
Mr. Gulian continued, ASR Healthcares skilled technicians and technology center expands our geographical footprint to include Atlanta with our existing Philadelphia and San Francisco locations, allowing us to provide exceptional service nationwide.

ASR Healthcare provides equipment that is critical to the highest level of patient care, transforming workflows through technology and associated services. John Homonek, ASR Healthcare founder, commented, With our long-standing history and reputation, we are pleased to be part of the Futura Healthcare team as they share similar standards of quality service and culture. Futura Healthcares CEO, David Gulian, shared, Being able to serve our customers nationally is crucial during the current economic challenges our healthcare customers are facing, due to staffing shortages and supply chain delays. This acquisition will enable our teams to work together to better serve our customers. This is Futura Healthcare's fourth acquisition in the last 18 months.

Futura Healthcare is a trusted industry partner delivering end-to-end healthcare advisory, consulting, and technology solutions. We are vendor agnostic and help healthcare institutions achieve their strategic goals of improved patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and enhanced clinician engagement.

As a single-source partner, we deploy best-of-breed technologies and integration services  from mobility technology and advisory consulting services. We are the largest healthcare mobile solution and service provider in the nation supporting 1 in 3 hospitals nationwide, with over 600,000 IT assets, and have defined healthcare technology best practices to improve quality of care and outcomes for over 20 years. Renovus Capital Partners, a Philadelphia-based private equity firm specializing in the Knowledge and Talent industries, invested in Futura in 2020.
MCI USAs convention division is pleased to partner with the Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Society, providing registration services for its International Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Symposium.

MCI USA is looking forward to working with VECCS on its annual event, the International Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Symposium, said Chris Williams, SVP, Registration & Housing, MCI USA. This partnership gives us the opportunity to use our innovative registration and housing platform, OneSystem Plus, to deliver an efficient, tailored solution that will enhance the experience of the client as well as the registrants.

VECCS purpose is to promote the advancement of knowledge and high standards of practice in veterinary emergency medicine and critical patient care. The International Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Symposium features over 40 hours of continuing education on topics such as resuscitation, leadership, wellness, surgery, toxicology, clinical pathology and more.

For over 30 years, MCI USAs convention division has been providing registration, housing, lead cultivation, and business intelligence solutions to events of all sizes and complexity around the world. MCIs registration and housing services are powered by OneSystem Plus, the industrys most complete and customizable registration and housing platform.

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ABOUT MCI

MCI is a global engagement and marketing agency. We design human-centric solutions that unleash the power of people to deliver innovation and growth for our clients. Our offering includes live & virtual events, strategic & digital communications, consulting & community solutions. We help brands, companies, associations and not-for-profits solve their challenges, bringing their people together to shape their tomorrow. MCI is an independently owned company headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, with a global presence in 60 offices across 31 countries. http://www.wearemci.com

MCIs U.S. headquarters is in the Washington, D.C., area with offices in New York, Baltimore, Dallas, and Chicago. http://www.wearemci.com/en-us


"We are honored to hand over the legacy we have built to Storelocal and look forward to seeing everything their team creates going forward. MiniCo Executive Mike Schofield

MiniCo Insurance Agency LLC (MiniCo) announced today that it has finalized the sale of its Publishing Division, effective March 1, 2023, to Storelocal Media Corporation (Storelocal).

Its very exciting, said Travis Morrow, Storelocals CEO, Mini-Storage Messenger is not about just a magazineits what it represents to the industry. We view Mini-Storage Messenger and its annual Self-Storage Almanac as more than a group of publications. Its a communications platform in a relatively small industry that has been around essentially since the beginning. Theres endless opportunity.

MiniCo created the first self-storage industry trade publication with the launch of Mini-Storage Messenger in 1979. As the original voice of the self-storage industry, the company went on to innovate informational and educational resources for the industry including the landmark Self-Storage Almanac, Self-Storage Buyers Guide, Self-Storage Development Handbook, RV & Boat Storage Development Handbook, Self-Storage Expense Guidebook, and periodicals such as Self-Storage Now and Self-Storage Canada.

Under MiniCos leadership, the division also became the publisher of choice for a large number of leading self-storage industry experts seeking to share their knowledge and expertise with a global audience.

MiniCo executive Mike Schofield commented, As MiniCo moves into its sixth decade of service to the self-storage community, we deeply appreciate the industry professionals, advertisers, and many dedicated team members who have all contributed to the remarkable innovation and high level of professionalism represented by our publishing operations. We are honored to hand over the legacy we have built to Storelocal and look forward to seeing everything their team creates going forward.

About Storelocal Media Corporation

Storelocal Media Corporation is a division of Storelocal, a membership organization of independent self-storage operators. Storelocal is headquartered in Newport Beach, CA. For more information, visit: Self Storage.coop.

About MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC

MiniCo was founded in 1974 as a provider of specialty insurance products for the self-storage industry. Today the company is one of the largest program administrators in the United States, offering multiple specialty property and casualty insurance products for a variety of unique industries and exposures. MiniCo is a Jencap company. For more information, visit: MiniCo.com.

Media Inquiries:

Christa Van Zant

Marketing Manager

christa.vanzant@jencapgroup.com

602-678-3568
NAIFA wholeheartedly supports opportunities for Americans from all communities to succeed as insurance and financial services professionals and also to achieve financial security and economic prosperity.

The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) is pleased to announce NAIFAs 8th Annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Symposium on May 22, 2023, in Washington, D.C. Presented by NAIFAs Talent Development Center, the Symposium will focus on the importance of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the insurance and financial services industry to provide opportunities for financial security to all Americans.

NAIFA wholeheartedly supports opportunities for Americans from all communities to succeed as insurance and financial services professionals and also to achieve financial security and economic prosperity, said NAIFA CEO Kevin Mayeux, CAE. Many NAIFA members are recognized thought leaders on DEI issues and initiatives, and it is our honor to bring them together with others for NAIFAs 8th Annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Symposium. NAIFA has made leading DEI initiatives and programs, such as this one, a key component of our NAIFA 2025 Strategic Plan. Greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in insurance and financial services strengthens our industry, our association, and our country.

NAIFAs 8th Annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Symposium provides participants with a forum to discuss strategies for creating and promoting diversity in the financial services industry. The event also serves as a resource for insurance and financial professionals as part of NAIFA's goal to provide financial security for all Americans.

The symposium will present sessions from the lens of how agents and advisors can better utilize political engagement to further advance their practices and will gauge the extent to which we are making progress in bringing more advisors into the industry.

Cecily Tomlinson, Co-Founder of NAIFA DEI partner Diversity in Government Relations, will kick off the program with an examination of the state of DEI in government.

Then, Alexander Alonso, PhD, SHRM-SCP, Chief Knowledge Officer of the Society for Human Resource Management, will discuss the state of DEI in the workforce.

Next, we will welcome a panel discussion on the state of African American advisors featuring Omari Jahi Aarons, Executive Director and COO of the National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA); Amir Ali, Co-Founder and CEO of Aurelius Consulting Group, Inc.; and Pierre Greene, MBA, Registered Representative of Financial Capitol Solutions.

Attendees will then hear from national disability, DEI, and ABLE expert Sara Hart Weir on advocacy for the fair treatment of Americans with disabilities.

Next, we will hold a panel discussion featuring NAIFA Diversity Champions: Christopher Gandy, LACP, Founder and CEO of Midwest Legacy Group; Stephen Kagawa, Founder and CEO of The Pacific Bridge Companies; Aprilyn Chavez-Geissler, LACP, First Executive Vice President of Gateway Insurance Group, Inc.; Brian Haney, CLTC, CFS, CFBS, CIS, LACP, LUTCF, RFC, CAE, Founder and CEO of The Haney Company; and Evelyn Gellar, LUTCF, RICP, CLTC, FSCP, CDFA, Managing Director of Forest Hills Financial Group.

Finally, keynote speaker Marques Ogden will present "Diversity & Inclusion  The Success Cycle Creates Healthy DEI.

Thank you to our sponsors Northwestern Mutual, OneAmerica, and Cambridge.

The 8th Annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Symposium will kick off the annual Congressional Conference, NAIFA's signature advocacy event. Attendees of the symposium are also encouraged to register for the Congressional Conference, which will include advocacy and grassroots training, policy briefings, and presentations by Washington insiders on the afternoon of May 22. The highlight of Congressional Conference is the May 23 Day on the Hill, featuring grassroots meetings by state and district delegations with Senators and Representatives.
Concrete built to last: The concrete tunnel sections of the 65.1 km Delhi Metro Phase 4 expansion in Delhi, India were waterproofed using the crystalline products of the Penetron System. Proven in similar municipal projects around the world, using the Penetron System enhances the durability and impermeability of the concrete.

The February 2023 completion of the $59 million expansion of the Delhi Metro Rail network in Delhi, India, is the latest phase of construction for Indias largest rapid transit system. The Penetron System was extensively used to ensure the durability of the underground concrete structures.

Delhi is both a city and Indias national capital territory, and one of the countrys largest urban agglomerations with over 18.3 million inhabitants. The city of Delhi consists of Old Delhi, the historic city, and New Delhi, the capital of India since 1947. The national capital territory embraces Old and New Delhi and the surrounding metropolitan area, as well as adjacent rural areas, which are served by the Delhi Metro system. Operated by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), the Delhi Metro is the largest rapid transit system in India, with a total network length of 391 km (243 miles), and 12 metro lines serving 286 stations.

DMRC awarded the DC-06 project of the 65.1 km Delhi Metro Phase 4 expansion to the Hindustan Construction CompanyVensar Constructions Company (HCCVCCL) joint venture in 2020. HCC-VCCL carried out the construction of twin tunnels from the Vikaspuri Park Shaft to the Vikaspuri Ramp near Keshopur Station, and a new underground station at Krishna Park Extension, extending the Magenta Line (Line 8).

Penetron India collaborated with the HCC-VCCL project engineers to provide a durable concrete waterproofing solution, in particular for the tunnel sections and the new Krishna Park Extension underground station, explains Sushil Kathar, Managing Director of Penetron India. The contractor chose our products thanks to superior performance at the dosage specified for this project when compared to competitive waterproofing products.

PENETRON ADMIX was used to treat 51,000 m3 (66,700 yds3) of concrete mix for the tunnel walls and roof, as well as the foundation slab and walls of the new underground station. PENEBAR SW-45, swellable waterstop strips, were used to seal the resulting construction joints of the base and roof slab. PENETRON, a cementitious integral crystalline waterproofing slurry, was applied to 3,800 m2 (41,800 ft2) of the Krishna Park Extension underground station roof slab. Once applied, the active ingredients in Penetron's crystalline products create a non-soluble crystalline formation throughout the pores and capillary tracts of the concrete to optimize waterproofing protection.

Proven in similar municipal projects around the world, using the Penetron System enhances the durability and impermeability of the concrete, adds Sushil Kathar. It also provides concrete with the ability to self-heal and seal cracks up to 0.5 mm wide, substantially reducing maintenance and repairs.

The Penetron Group is a leading manufacturer of specialty construction products for concrete waterproofing, concrete repairs, and floor preparation systems. The Group operates through a global network, offering support to the design and construction community through its regional offices, representatives, and distribution channels.

For more information on Penetron waterproofing solutions, please visit penetron(dot)com or Facebook(dot)com/ThePenetronGroup, email CRDept(at)penetron(dot)com or contact the Corporate Relations Department at 631-941-9700.
The Prem Rawat Foundation has given over $6 million to a variety of partner NGOs in 44 countries to help victims of natural disasters, war and other traumas. Photo courtesy of World Central Kitchen. You are giving people a helping hand when they need it the most.

Thanks to the generous support of donors from across the world, The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF) has been able to provide $375,000 in humanitarian aid for earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria.

On February 6, a pair of strong earthquakes left millions of people in these two countries in need of food, shelter, medical care and other necessities. TPRF aid is helping address these needs through partnerships with three other nonprofit organizations who are in strong positions on the ground to help people who need it the most.

TPRF gave a grant of $125,000 to CESVI to provide tents, blankets, psychosocial support and other necessary aid.

We at CESVI are deeply grateful for havingonce againTPRF at our side to respond to this humanitarian catastrophe. Thanks to the precious support of TPRF and its donors, CESVI is going to provide life-saving aid to thousands of vulnerable people by distributing tents, blankets and warm clothes, says Roberto Vignola, CESVI Deputy General Manager. Moreover, CESVI is going to support the people in need of psychosocial assistance due to the heavy trauma caused by the earthquake, the loss of their loved ones and days and nights spent under the rubble.

TPRF also gave a grant of $125,000 to World Central Kitchen (WCK) to provide nourishing meals to those in need. The aid helped WCK mount the quickest response the world-renowned organization has ever scaled, already providing over 7.5 million meals to hungry people across the region.

In addition, TPRF gave a grant of $125,000 to Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) to provide emergency medical care, hygiene kits, medicines and other supplies and services.

Its difficult to comprehend the devastation these earthquakes have caused, and our hearts go out to all those who are suffering from this catastrophe, says Linda Pascotto, TPRF Board Chair. Thanks to all of you who donated to TPRF to support this humanitarian effort. You are giving people a helping hand when they need it the most.

Since Prem Rawat founded TPRF in 2001, it has given over 175 grants totaling over $6 million to a variety of partner NGOs in 44 countries to help victims of natural disasters, COVID-19, war and other traumas.

The humanitarian grants are just one of the ways that TPRF fulfills its mission of advancing dignity, peace and prosperity across the globe.

TPRFs Food for People program has provided over 5.2 million nutritious meals, clean water and educational opportunities to underserved children and elderly adults in India, Nepal and Ghana.

TPRF also offers the Peace Education Program, an innovative series of video-based workshops that have helped over 300,000 people in over 80 countries discover their own inner strength, hope and peace.

Registered as a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization, TPRF has earned the highest rankings from independent evaluator Charity Navigator for financial responsibility, transparency and accountability.

Learn more about The Prem Rawat Foundation here.
CBN gummies and oils for sleep are seen here along with Relax CBD oil, THC gummies and a terpene-only tincture for relaxation. Sleep is so important for mental and physical health and we hope our CBN gummies and oils as well as our Hawaiian CBD with relaxing terpenes can help.

Rare Cannabinoid Company has announced special offers on sleep products of extra strength CBN gummies, CBN oil tinctures and Hawaiian Choice Relax CBD Oil for Sleep Awareness Month this March.

At least 40 million Americans suffer from a sleep disorder, according to the National Sleep Foundation, and CBN gummies and oils may be able to help.

What is CBN? CBN (cannabinol) is one of dozens of rare cannabinoids found in hemp and cannabis. Formed when THC degrades due to age or heat, CBN is believed to be the most sedative cannabinoid. Many people report using it to help them fall asleep, stay asleep and get a good night's rest.

"Sleep is so important for mental and physical health and we hope our CBN gummies and oils as well as our Hawaiian CBD with relaxing terpenes can help," said a company spokesperson.

Rare Cannabinoid Company's March Sleep Awareness Month deals are:

Receive a FREE Packet Of CBN Gummies With Every Purchase of $75+ (Each gummy contains a very large amount of CBN (30mg) as well as 10mg CBD for the entourage effect. 5 gummies per packet.

Buy One Pure CBN Oil Tincture, Get One 50% Off | 500mg CBN in certified organic MCT coconut oil | Buy CBN Oil

Buy One CBN:CBD Blend Oil, Get One 50% Off | 1:1 Blend of CBN and Premium Full Spectrum Hawaiian CBD | Buy CBN CBD

Buy One Hawaiian Choice Relax CBD Oil, Get One 50% Off | 750mg Broad Spectrum Hawaiian CBD, Terpenes: Myrcene, Linalool, Terpinolene | Buy Relax CBD Oil

Rare Cannabinoid Company's products are unique in the high potency of rare cannabinoids used in their oils and gummies. For example, their CBN gummies are very strong as they contain a three-to-one blend of CBN to CBD (30mg CBN and 10mg CBD per gummy). This is much higher than most other brands and all products are produced in a cGMP-certified facility and third party lab tested.

Rare Cannabinoid Company recommends combining CBD and CBN gummies and oils for sleep with their THC gummies for added effects. THC gummies are made with oil naturally extracted from hemp containing Delta-9-THC, as well as high levels of cannabinoid CBC (cannabichromene) for mood improvement and CBD.

The premium Hawaiian brand offers the largest selection of naturally occurring cannabinoids including THCV(tetrahydrocannabivarin) for appetite suppression and energy, CBG (cannabigerol) for occasional pain and inflammation, and CBDV (cannabidivarin, which is being studied for autism spectrum disorder, ADHD and more.

Products are sold in about 400 locations across the United States, Asia, and South America as well as online.

Brick-and-mortar locations interested in stocking Rare Cannabinoid Company and Hawaiian Choice products can fill out an application at Wellness Orders.
OceanTomoBidAsk.com This modular e-nose technology overcomes limitations of traditional point sensors and allows detection of toxic agents in a wide area.

Ocean Tomo announces the auction of Toxic Agent Detection System patents, available as lot 169, on the Ocean Tomo Bid-Ask Market.

The lot 169 patent auction consists of 17 issued patents and open applications that cover a system to detect toxic agents in the air. The patents cover a broad geographic region including the United States and countries in Asia Pacific, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East. The patents include:



System for surveillance of an area within which people move

System for surveillance of an area where there is circulation of people

System for monitoring an area within which people move

The subject technology is called e-nose, which provides the surveillance of any area with the need to promptly detect the presence of toxic agents in the air to raise a subsequent alarm. This invention overcomes limitations of traditional point sensors (usually chemical or optical) and allows detection of toxic agents in a wide area by continuous monitoring, with high sensitivity and selectivity of the toxic substance, and with low cost and complexity. According to J.S. Held Environmental Health and Safety Vice President William (Bill) Zoeller, whose expertise includes indoor air quality, observes, the application for this technology, including surveillance of airport terminals, railway stations, port terminals, malls, plants, and other public sites, addresses significant health, safety, and homeland security risks. Mr. Zoeller continues, the ability to promptly detect and alert the presence of toxic agents in the air is crucial to avoid immediate harm to human health and allows protective measures such as evacuation.

Compared to technologies in other products on the market, the subject patented technology provides system modularity, greater accuracy and lower production costs. The present invention relates to a system for surveillance of an area in which people or goods move (for example, airport or sea-port terminals, railway stations, large department stores, shopping centers, industrial plants, etc.) or at specific locations sensitive for security of an internal area that are difficult to access; for example, air intake and conditioning ducts, in order to detect the presence of toxic agents or explosive precursors in the air. Specific use cases for the patents include homeland security, for monitoring airport terminals, port terminals, railway stations, malls, and industrial facilities; safety, aiding with air monitoring in critical plants, research sites, public spaces; and health, gas analysis modules for medical applications.

Lot 169 provides an attractive opportunity for the acquirer to build upon a ready-to-use patent portfolio for strategic purposes in the digital scent market. This market is expected to grow from $1B in 2021 to $1.5B in 2026 at a CAGR of 9.2%.

To request bidder credentials or to receive further information on this portfolio available on the Ocean Tomo Bid-Ask Market, contact Chris Bruce at Christopher.Bruce@JSHeld.com or +1 312 327 8022.

About Ocean Tomo, a part of J.S. Held

The Ocean Tomo Bid-Ask Market (OTBA) was built to further enhance Intellectual Property (IP) liquidity and transaction transparency. OTBA serves a broad community of active buyers and sellers, providing a platform to purchase or sell patents and patent applications globally. This market is supported by Ocean Tomo Transactions and affiliate international voice brokers.

Established in 2003, Ocean Tomo provides Financial Expert, Management Consulting, and Advisory services related to intellectual property (IP) and other intangible assets; corporate accounting investigations; regulatory and reporting obligations; solvency and restructuring; and contractual or competition disputes. Practice offerings address economic damage calculations and testimony; accounting investigations and financial forensics; technology and intangible asset valuation; strategy and risk management consulting; mergers and acquisitions; debt and equity private placement; and IP brokerage. Subsidiaries of Ocean Tomo include Ocean Tomo Investments Group, LLC, a registered broker-dealer.

As a part of J.S. Held, Ocean Tomo works alongside more than 1500 professionals globally and assists clients  corporations, insurers, law firms, governments, and institutional investors  on complex technical, scientific, and financial matters across all assets and value at risk.

J.S. Held is a global consulting firm providing technical, scientific, and financial expertise across all assets and value at risk. Our professionals serve as trusted advisors to organizations facing high-stakes events demanding urgent attention, staunch integrity, clear-cut analysis, and an understanding of both tangible and intangible assets. The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services, products, and data that enable clients to navigate complex, contentious, and often catastrophic situations.
Fukuoka SDGs registration program transcosmos Fukuoka area holds SDGs study sessions for employees covering topics of diversity management, gender equality, etc. as a way to raise awareness about the SDGs, and forms teams and carries out various activities under HATARAKI GOKOCHI Lab.

transcosmos inc. is proud to announce that the company has become a registered business under the Fukuoka Prefecture SDGs Registration Program.

Under the Fukuoka SDGs Registration Program (no translation available: https://www.pref.fukuoka.lg.jp/contents/sdgs-touroku.html), Fukuoka prefecture announces companies and organizations in the prefecture that are actively working towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and introduces how their activities contribute to achieving the SDGs, thereby supporting such companies and organizations.

In Fukuoka prefecture, transcosmos has six locations including the Kyushu office, and operates various businesses including contact centers, digital marketing, e-commerce, and business process outsourcing (BPO) services. MCM Center Tenjin and MCM Center Hakata - both registered to the Fukuoka Prefecture SDGs Registration Program  and MCM Center Hakata Higashi, which opened in January 2023, have created job opportunities for more than 2,300 people through their contact center business. As a business with its footprints in Fukuoka prefecture, transcosmos supports the prefecture's concepts - a sustainable society and a society where diverse people can play an active role - and registered to the program. transcosmos has also submitted an application for the registration for MCM Center Hakata Higashi, and is currently waiting for approval.

transcosmos Fukuoka area holds SDGs study sessions for employees covering topics of diversity management, gender equality, etc. as a way to raise awareness about the SDGs. In addition, led by employees, the transcosmos Fukuoka area forms teams and carries out various activities under HATARAKI GOKOCHI Lab, an initiative aimed at making workplaces even more pleasant for employees (no translation available: https://www.trans-cosmos.co.jp/fukuoka/). Pursuing employee happiness at workplaces and making the work environment even better for all, the activities include park and sidewalk clean-ups near office buildings, work social events to foster positive communication among employees, and more.

With the aim of spreading and serving SDGs activities in Fukuoka prefecture, transcosmos will drive its key initiatives and partnership with various parties.

transcosmos SDGs Declaration  Commitment to achieving the SDGs

 Policy towards achieving the SDGs

Guided by the basic tenet of our Fundamental Management Philosophy  Client satisfaction is the true value of our company, and the growth of each of our employees creates the value that shapes our future  we will contribute to achieving the SDGs through corporate social responsibility activities and our businesses underpinned by people & technology.

 Key initiatives towards achieving the SDGs



Fairness, Partnership, and Contribution to Local Communities

We will share our management philosophy and goals, offer security and compliance training to all employees on a regular basis, and ultimately contribute to our clients and society through fair business practices.



Human Rights, Equality and Labor Practices

We will offer diverse training programs to support employee career advancement and up-skilling to allow our diverse people to fully showcase their abilities at the workplace.



Industry and Technology

We will contribute to increasing efficiency in society as a whole by promoting customer touchpoint digitization for our clients.



Environment and One Health

We will comply with our corporate policy, Guidelines for Preventing the Spread of Novel Coronavirus Disease, and promote a good balance between business activities and wellbeing of our employees and local communities.

 Partnership towards achieving the SDGs

We will aim to realize a digital society by promoting the implementation of manned chatbot and AI-powered chatbot at customer touchpoints together with our clients. We will also contribute to building a vibrant society where diverse people play an active role by driving a shift to a home-based contact center model.

*transcosmos is a trademark or registered trademark of transcosmos inc. in Japan and other countries.

*Other company names and product or service names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of respective companies.

About transcosmos inc.

transcosmos launched its operations in 1966. Since then, we have combined superior "people" with up-to-date "technology" to enhance the competitive strength of our clients by providing them with superior and valuable services. transcosmos currently offers services that support clients' business processes focusing on both sales expansion and cost optimization through our 172 bases across 28 countries/regions with a focus on Asia, while continuously pursuing Operational Excellence. Furthermore, following the expansion of e-commerce market on the global scale, transcosmos provides a comprehensive One-Stop Global E-Commerce Services to deliver our clients' excellent products and services to consumers in 46 countries/regions around the globe. transcosmos aims to be the "Global Digital Transformation Partner" of our clients, supporting the clients' transformation by leveraging digital technology, responding to the ever-changing business environment. Visit us here https://www.trans-cosmos.co.jp/english/
The program supports USOSM surgeon partners like Dr. Normund Auzins, pictured here. Top left: patient before treatment. Top right: after. Photo courtesy of the nonprofit Free to Smile. Im proud to work for a company that supports such great human purpose.

U.S. Oral Surgery Management (USOSM)  a specialty management services company that exclusively serves premier oral and maxillofacial surgeons  is excited to announce the USOSM Medical Mission Reimbursement Program, effective immediately.

USOSM deeply appreciates the passion our surgeon partners have for helping those in need, including sharing their expertise and compassion on domestic and international medical mission trips, said USOSM President and CEO Richard Hall. It is our hope that this program will support our surgeon partners, who are already giving so much of their time and expertise, motivate others to give back, and ensure that all participants keep it going by teaching others, as they serve.

Historically, USOSM surgeon partners have been active participants in medical mission trips. Having a dedicated reimbursement program funded by USOSM is designed to enable more participation, with less of a personal financial burden for its surgeon partners. In addition, the program aims to provide guidance on organizing and implementing medical mission trips.

I recently came back from a mission trip to Guatemala, and it was an amazing experience. I was one of four surgeons there, treating 35 patients ranging from around a year old to 14. We were mostly treating unilateral lips and cleft palates. These are often life-changing surgeries, and Im honored to have been a part of that, said Dr. Normund Auzins, a USOSM surgeon partner with Columbia Oral Surgery & Implants.

Having outside support is so important, continued Dr. Auzins. It can allow us to do more and makes the whole process easier.

To be eligible for reimbursement, the mission trip must be aligned with USOSMs medical mission philosophies. It must be medically related and within the scope of oral surgery and facial reconstruction, the majority of time must be spent on mission work, and most importantly: the mission must include a teaching/knowledge sharing component.

Sharing knowledge is essential because it helps ensure that the mission trip continues to give back to the community in a significant way, long after the trip itself. Im proud to work for a company that supports such great human purpose, said Maureen McCann, vice president of strategic initiatives and facilitator of the USOSM Medical Mission Committee. Everyone at USOSM has a true passion for patient care. Its one of our core values, and were really living those values through this committee and through these dedicated surgeon partners, who are committed to making a difference through medical mission work.

Only USOSM surgeon partners are eligible for reimbursement. Interested surgeons can contact USOSM for complete eligibility requirements and other information.

Headquartered in Irving, Texas, USOSM has partner practices spanning 24 states. A shared services organization, USOSM collaborates with premier oral and maxillofacial surgeons to offer a partnership solution for continued and accelerated practice success. USOSM provides operational, marketing and administrative support services, reinvests resources, and applies best practices to improve clinical and financial performance and produce steadier, more profitable growth for all. For more information, visit https://www.usosm.com/.
Award-winning author-illustrator, fine artist, and designer Ian Falconer, best known as the creator of witty picture books about headstrong, precocious piglet Olivia, died of natural causes on March 7 in Rowayton, Conn., with his family at his side. He was 63.

Falconer was born August 25, 1959, in Ridgefield, Conn., to Alexandra and Bruce Falconer and was the oldest of three children. Growing up, he attended the Long Ridge School in Stamford and the Cambridge School of Weston in Massachusetts, both.,progressive independent schools where Falconer could explore his interest in art. After high school Falconer studied art history at New York University for two years before transferring to the Parsons School of Design to study painting. He then left New York for Los Angeles when he transferred to Otis Art Institute.

In Los Angeles, Falconer began assisting David Hockney with designs for opera costumes and sets. The two formed a close bond and collaborated professionally for many years. In addition to opera, Falconer moved on to designing sets for theater and ballet including such diverse productions as Stravinskys Scene de Ballet for New York City Ballet, Firebird for Boston Ballet, and the Atlantic Theater Companys Off-Broadway production of David Sedariss The Santaland Diaries.

By 1996, Falconer was again living in New York and pursuing illustration projects alongside his theater work. He landed the cover illustration for the July 8 issue of the New Yorker, the first of more than 30 covers he would create for the magazine.

Later that same year, Falconer crafted a small book featuring a story and drawings of a pig to gift his three-year-old niece Olivia at Christmas. The present was a hit, and with warm encouragement from his family and friends, Falconer decided to develop his holiday gift idea into a full-fledged picture book. He initially showed his work to an agent who was receptive, but Falconer became discouraged when the agent and a few editors suggested they find an established author to write a text for his illustrations. Id made this character and this story, and I really didnt want it to be illustrated by Ian Falconer, he said in a 2000 interview with PW. He filed the project away for nearly three years, until Atheneum editor Anne Schwartza fan of his New Yorker workcontacted him asking if he might want to illustrate a childrens book or have anything to show her. And I had Olivia, he told PW.

Schwartz was bowled over by the picture book dummys sophisticated images of the energetic pigs adventures, rendered in black and white and accented with splashes of red. Atheneums Anne Schwartz Books published Olivia to great acclaim in 2000. The book quickly became a bestseller and received a 2001 Caldecott Honor. Falconer followed up with seven more bestselling outings for Olivia, wrapping in 2017 with Olivia the Spy.Last year, he expanded his childrens book oeuvre to include a new entryTwo Dogs (HarperCollins/Michael di Capua Books), a picture book starring dachshund brothers Augie and Perry with very different personalities and whom Falconer said are loosely based onand named forhis twin nephews.

Anne Schwartz, v-p and publisher of Anne Schwartz Books at Random House Childrens Books, was Falconers first editor, beginning with her acquisition of Olivia during her tenure at Simon & Schuster Childrens Books. She offered this tribute: Ian wasnt only a keen observer of kids, he was very much a kid himself, in the best sense, she said. He was curious about everything, sweet, wickedly hilarious, empathic, deeply creative. Id like to think that his incomparable work is a reminder to all of us in the industry that a picture book doesnt need to be visually flashy or noisy to resonate with kids. It just needs to be true.

Editor Michael di Capua, who worked with Falconer on his final book, recalled: In 2000, the year the first Olivia book was published, I accosted Ian Falconer at a party and blurted out something like this: Olivia is the only book ever published elsewhere that I wish Id published myself. He looked at me as if I were a madman, possibly because I hadnt identified myself, and I immediately dashed away. Not long after, Conrad Rippy, Ians devoted friend and lawyer, brought Ian and me together in a more relaxed manner, and our friendship flourished. Soon we agreed that we would eventually work on a book together. In 2019, that day finally came. Ian, Ann Bobco, and I plunged into our collaboration on Two Dogs, Ians last book. And what a passionate, fruitful collaboration it was! Ian was a joy to work with, and the three of us were shamelessly proud of the finished book. Ian is gone way too soon. Thats painful. There should have been more of his incomparable books.

Ann Bobco, Falconers longtime collaborator, shared this remembrance: As the art director book designer for all eight of Ian Falconers Olivia picture books I brought continuity to them all, spanning some 18 years and four editors. Anne Schwartz hammered Ian with the importance of having the text in place before the art came into play. Since Ian was such a visual thinker, he had a hard time keeping that in mind as he worked. He and I were similar in that way of thinking. We loved to throw out ideas for two pages worth of a visual gag and see where it might fit into a nascent story arc. Or come up with a whole new section that felt visually quite strong, but which had nothing to do with what came before it or after. It drove every editor crazy but was nearly always solved.
Ben Sevier has been promoted to executive v-p, from senior v-p, at Grand Central Publishing Group, in addition to his role as publisher. Consequently, Sevier announced that Beth de Guzman has been promoted to senior v-p and deputy publisher for the Grand Central Publishing division, and Leah Hultenschmidt has been promoted to publisher of the Forever imprint.

"In his six years at the helm of GCP, Ben has steadily and confidently expanded the strengths and skills of this great publishing division," Hachette Book Group CEO Michael Pietsch wrote in a statement. "Under his leadership, GCP has brought in a slew of bestselling novelists, including Harlan Coben, Patricia Cornwell, Steve Berry, Iris Johansen, Lisa Gardner, and Colleen Hoover, while advancing the careers of established authors like David Baldacci, Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child, and Sandra Brown. He has recruited and nurtured an excellent editorial team and expanded the range of GCPs publishing expertise."

In his own note to staff, Sevier wrote that "Guzman has had an almost unparalleled impact on GCP since joining in 2001." In addition to founding the Forever imprint, Guzman helped "establish the imprint as a leader in romance and womens fiction publishing and a reliable driver of revenue and profit for the company," said Sevier. "She has been digital and paperback publisher, working with all of Grand Centrals editors to expand their books opportunities in those formats, especially across our industry-leading roster of bestselling thriller and suspense authors."

In her new role as deputy publisher, Guzman will serve as Sevier's second in command, as well as the main liaison for sales on behalf of GCP's five imprints: Grand Central, Forever, Twelve, Legacy Lit, and Balance.

"She will represent GCP to most central HBG resources, serving as the first point of contact for operations, audio, pricing, Hachette Speakers Bureau, library and academic marketing, and will supplement the imprint marketing teams on certain HBG Marketing Strategy initiatives," wrote Sevier, adding that she will continue working directly with authors James Patterson and Michael Connelly.

Hultenschmidt joined GCP as editorial director nearly a decade ago, "helping to manage a fast-growing list and acquiring and editing a big number of titles," said Sevier. Her marketplace acumen and her collaborative spirit has maximized the frontlist and backlist opportunities for the imprint.

"Over the years, her editorial star has shone brighter and brighter, most notably with the acquisitions of Abby Jimenez and Natasha Lester, both of whom quickly became New York Times bestsellers and two of Forevers most profitable authors," said Sevier. "In her new role at the helm of Forever, the imprint will benefit even more from her mentorship and leadership."
South Africa: Electricity Minister launches Resource Plan to accelerate Energy Action Plan implementation

Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says collaboration between government, business and society is imperative if South Africa is to overcome the current electricity crisis gripping the nation.

The Minister was speaking during the launch of the Resource Mobilisation Fund (RMF) on Thursday afternoon.

The RMF is a collaborative effort between government and Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) to provide resources and expertise that will assist government to fully implement the Energy Action Plan.

The establishment of the Resource Mobilisation Fund is a significant step in this regard. It is only through a collective national effort that we will be able to end load shedding and enable our economy to grow.

The RMF is an example of the collaborative approach between government and social partners which the President has always prioritised. Most importantly, it shows what we can achieve if we roll up our sleeves and go beyond debate and discussion to engage in real, practical action on the issues that confront our society, he said.

Ramokgopa explained that the fund is expected to play a critical role in assisting government to implement governments Energy Action Plan (EAP) with more drive.

The RMF will provide crucial expertise and resources to turbocharge the work of NECOM [National Energy Crisis Committee] and ensure that we put the best minds in our country and indeed across the world to work on this problem.

The tremendous support which this initiative has already received from businesses and philanthropies alike is evidence that we can work together as Team South Africa to get our country back on track. We look forward to a strong partnership with the RMF as we move to ensure swift and full implementation of the Presidents plan, he said.

Minister Ramokgopa said although the RMF comes as a boon for turning around the current energy crisis, government has already been hard at work to bring more urgently needed megawatts onto the power grid.

Some of the work done includes:

Eskom is implementing a detailed Generation Recovery Plan to improve its performance, focusing on six power stations that contribute the most to load shedding.

The licensing threshold for embedded generation projects has been removed which has opened the way for private investment in electricity generation.

A new determination for close to 15000 MW of new generation capacity from wind, solar, and battery storage has been published and project agreements for 2800 MW from bid windows 5 and 6 have been signed.

A Request For Proposals for 513 MW of battery storage has been released which will be followed shortly by the release of Bid Window 7.

The Minister of Finance has announced significant debt relief for Eskom totalling R254 billion, as well as a substantial fiscal support package, which includes tax incentives for businesses and households to invest in rooftop solar.

Red tape has been cut and the regulatory requirements for energy projects has been streamlined to reduce the time that it takes for new generation capacity to the grid  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2023-03-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Chinese leaders aspire to global economic, political, and even spiritual leadership. But unless the Chinese Communist Party relaxes its suffocating restrictions on civil society, Chinese citizens wont be able to fulfill their creative and human potential. Without independent assessments of the utility and moral integrity of its policies, no government can understand its errors and make changes, and keep its own power in check.

Free access to information strengthens society, but in 2017, Chinese leader Xi Jinping explained that the [CCP] manages the media by putting all media at all levels under the leadership of the party.

Censorship disadvantages the Chinese people in comparison to their counterparts in democratic societies. They are deprived of full access to scientific facts, historical and social scientific research, and the humanistic contributions and political debates that broaden our thinking and allow informed reflection on the challenges and possibilities of life in society. Instead, most of the Chinese people have access only to what the state allows. All public information and opinion are shaped in ways that putatively ensure the stability of the regime, not reflecting the objective reality of events.

Xi, now safely ensconced in a third term as top leader of the Communist Party, is using this year's session of China's rubber-stamp parliament, the National People's Congress, to push structural changes that would tighten party control over security, intelligence, scientific and technological institutions, as well as over financial institutions--consolidating more political power in his hands. This will also choke the flow of information.

In this Oct. 16, 2022, photo, delegates applaud as Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks during the opening ceremony of the 20th National Congress of China's ruling Communist Party held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China. Credit: AP In free societies, schools and universities have been incubators for new ideas and techniques, and for the development of individual character. But in China, education and research at all levels has been co-opted to control the peoples knowledge and understanding through propaganda, according to official directives on adhering to political standards and strengthening and improving ideological and political work at the primary, secondary, and university levels.

Xis support for think tanks with Chinese characteristics serves as an evidence for the suppression of independent research and thought. According to an Opinion published in 2015, the basic principle is to adhere to the Partys leadership. In August 2019, an independent think tank promoting economic liberalism and constitutional democracy was shut down because it was deemed unregistered and unauthorized.

Clearly, the CCP-ruled government is afraid of independent research and thought it cannot control. Since its release in November last year, ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence application, has amassed over 100 million users, and aroused a flurry of activity as engineers race to incorporate AI into their products. In China, Baidu is trying to keep pace with its Ernie Bot. But restrictions imposed by censorship and surveillance put it at a severe disadvantage. Chinas industrial sector and overall economy is the loser.

Security officers march in Tiananmen Square near the Great Hall of the People before a session of China's National People's Congress in Beijing, China, March 7, 2023. What is even worse is how the Chinese state imposes itself on the moral and spiritual life of the people. Despite being peaceful and non-political, religious movements not under state control are ruthlessly persecuted; in 2022, for example, more than 10,000 members of the Church of Almighty God were arrested, with over 3,000 tortured and 14 killed, according the Churchs records. China has become the worlds worst abuser of religious freedom, violently suppressing other minority communities like Falun Gong, Buddhism, and, in a region-wide program of incarceration and torture in Xinjiang, Islam.

Protestant Christianity is growing faster in China than anywhere on Earth, by about 10 percent annually. Today there are about 38 million believers, up from 22 million just a decade ago. If this trend holds by 2030, China could be the worlds most Christian nation.

Because the government insists on being the sole source of authority and meaning for the Chinese people, the authorities feel threatened by this dramatic development, itself a sign of the spiritual vacuousness of Marxist materialism. Against the growth of religious denominations, the government has responded with violent crackdowns and persecution, as well as by clumsy efforts to insert state ideology and propaganda into Christian houses of worship.

Following a 2017 regulation, the State should actively guide religion to adapt to socialist society and practice the core values of socialism. In April 2016, at the National Religious Work Conference, Xi stated: Providing active guidance for the adaptation of religions to socialist society is to guide religious believers to love the motherland and the people, safeguard the unity of the motherland and uphold the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party and the socialist system. At another conference in 2021, Xi stressed the need to guide religious figures and believers to cultivate and practice the core values of socialism.

In this June 4, 2018 photo, a painting of the Last Supper is displayed next to posters quoting China's constitution on religious freedom in a house church shut down by authorities near the city of Nanyang in central China's Henan province. Credit: AP The CCP degrades and subjugates historical faiths, attempting to make them into propaganda tools, as Stalin did with the Russian Orthodox Church. But in claiming to construct a spiritual civilization, and pretending socialism is a religion, Xi has drawn upon a language of religious idealism, and thus inadvertently validated their moral power. In Tibet, so many images of Xi saturate daily existence that party bosses claim many Buddhists consider him a living Bodhisattva.

By promoting the belief that he is some form of deity, Xi is mimicking, and revealing his envy of the transcendental faith he has tried to stamp out. But while arrogating to himself unlimited power in both the political and spiritual realm, unconstrained by civil society and democratic institutions, he has also set China on a course that is dangerous to itself, and to other societies.

Aaron Rhodes is Senior Fellow at the Common Sense Society and President of the Forum for Religious Freedom-Europe. Cheryl Yu is Senior Researcher in China and human rights at the Common Sense Society.
Venerable Soy Sat has called on the government to restore social ethics.

Soy Sat, 72, a Cambodian monk staging a peace walk across the country, was arrested in Battambangs Moung Ruessei district.

A Buddhist monk walking across Cambodia to urge the government to restore social ethics was defrocked following his second arrest in a week by authorities worried about his supposed ties to opposition politicians.

Police arrested Venerable Soy Sat in Battambang provinces Moung Ruessei district on Thursday and took him to a local temple where he was defrocked for being affiliated with the opposition Candlelight Party, said fellow marcher Sim Mao.

They also arrested marcher Cheat Kamara, but later released him after Soy Sats defrocking.

The chief monks told Venerable Soy Sat that monks are supposed to eat and practice religion and not be involved with politics, Cheat Kamara told Radio Free Asia.

Soy Sat said monks are supposed to pay attention to society and advocate for good social ethics and harmony, he added, calling the monks arrest a brutal action.

Police asked Soy Sat to return to Phnom Penh and get permission from the Ministry of Interior to continue his march through Battambang province, but the monk refused, according to In Kongchit, a provincial coordinator for the Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights, or Licadho.

Venerable Soy Sat refused to go back, so he was defrocked, he told Radio Free Asia.

Also detained in Pursat

The 72-year-old began his latest march on March 1. He was also stopped for several hours on Tuesday and questioned by police in Pursat province. Earlier that day, Soy Sat had accepted a food donation from Candlelight Party Vice President Rong Chhun, who was in the area for a party meeting.

Soy Sat told officials on Tuesday that he did not participate in Rong Chhuns party meeting. He also said the march wasnt tied to any political party.

During a previous peace march in early February, Soy Sat walked with Rong Chhun and other demonstrators from Phnom Penh to Pursat. They had permission for that march from the Interior Ministry.

Several days later, he was expelled from his pagoda in Kampong Speu province by the pagodas chief, who accused him of incitement and of trying to destroy peace.

Buddhist monks, who occupy their own social class in Cambodia and are given a great deal of respect by the public, frequently participate in demonstrations, but defrocking them is unusual.

The move comes less than five months ahead of an election showdown between the opposition Candlelight Party and Prime Minister Hun Sens ruling Cambodian Peoples Party. In the run-up to the vote, authorities have been arresting opposition figures on what critics say are politically motivated charges.

Support for the CPP has fallen in the past decade amid chronic corruption within the party and the government, which opponents say has led to human rights violations, deteriorating social ethics and a culture of impunity.

RFA could not immediately reach Battambang provincial police chief Sat Kim San for comment on the monks latest arrest.

Translated by Samean Yun for RFA Khmer. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Matt Reed.
An activist douses herself with red paint in front of the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, calling the government to allow greater freedom of women to honor International Women's Day on Wednesday, March 8, 2023.

Cambodia and Laos declared Wednesdays International Womens Day a holiday as leaders sought to highlight improvements in the status of women, but activists across Southeast Asia said much progress was still needed in protecting women, who regularly face discrimination and threats of violence.

Although the Ministry of Womens Affairs encourages female victims to seek help from local authorities, those requests are often ignored, said Chak Sopheap, director of the Cambodian Center for Human Rights.

She raised examples of women activists who have faced violence from security personnel while fighting to uphold their rights, including workers striking to demand better wages and working conditions at the NagaWorld Resort and Casino in the capital. Authorities have violently clashed with the mostly female workers on multiple occasions, leaving several injured.

The government must free women it has detained for promoting their rights, including Cambodian-American lawyer Theary Seng, Nagaworld union leader Chhim Sithar and CNRP activists York Neang, Lanh Thavry, Mom Sambo, Kim Tola and Pen Mom, said Mu Sochua, a deputy vice president of the banned Cambodia National Rescue Party.

More female journalists in prison

Paris-based Reporters Without Borders issued a statement Wednesday calling for the immediate and unconditional release of imprisoned women journalists throughout the world, singling out two reporters from Vietnam and Myanmar.

Pham Doan Trang displays the books she wrote that were banned by the Vietnamese government, in an undated photo from her Facebook page. The group highlighted the case of Pham Doan Trang, who it awarded its Press Freedom Prize for Impact in 2019, noting that the activist and journalist had been moved to a prison 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) south of Hanoi in an attempt to suppress any reporting about her state of health, which is critical.

Trang was arrested on the charge of "propagandizing against the State" in October 2020 and sentenced to nine years in prison in December 2021. She had been accused of speaking with foreign media, including Radio Free Asia and the BBC, allegedly to defame the government with fake news.

Reporters Without Borders also highlighted the case of Myanmar freelancer Htet Htet Khine, who has been held in Yangons notorious Insein Prison since August 2021.

She was sentenced twice to three years of imprisonment with hard labor on charges of inciting hatred and violence against the armed forces for reporting the violence they used after taking power in a February 2021 coup.

Former BBC reporter and presenter Htet Htet Khine in an undated photo. Credit: Htet Htet Khine/Facebook Vietnam ranked 174th out of 180 countries on Reporters Without Borderss 2022 World Press Freedom Index and is the worlds fourth largest prison for journalists after China, Iran and Belarus.

According to the group, of the 550 journalists and media workers who are currently imprisoned worldwide, 73  more than 13%  are women, a proportion that has doubled in the past five years.

Human trafficking must stop

In Laos, an official who works on womens issues told RFA that womens rights are a priority for the government.

Human trafficking and violence against women must stop, and those who commit these acts must go to jail, the official said, asking not to be named. The laws that protect women should be strongly enforced.

But while the roles and rights of women in Laos have become better respected and protected in recent years, many Lao women  especially those in the countrys remote areas  are poor, uneducated, and easily victimized by human traffickers for the sex trade and forced labor in countries like Thailand and China.

Vendors wait for customers at the main tourist market in Luang Prabang, Laos, Feb. 2020. Several women who spoke with RFA said the countrys gender imbalance is gradually improving. Credit: AFP And while the United Nations Development Program has commended Laos for having one of the worlds highest proportions of women in parliament, it noted that very few women hold power in other government institutions.

The UNDP also notes large inequalities in some regions, with women systematically denied the same work rights as men.

It cited sexual violence and exploitation, unequal division of unpaid care and domestic work, and discrimination in public office as huge barriers.

Red paint

Also on Wednesday, about 20 youth activists gathered in front of the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh calling on the Thai government to drop charges against Thai Tantawan Tawan Tuatulanon, Orawan Bam Phupong, and other Cambodian women rights defenders.

The activists held a mediation session and doused their bodies with red paint to draw attention to their cause.

To honor women's day, the government needs to encourage the women who are environmental activists, politicians or union leaders, said Kim Chhilinshe. They are being detained for crimes that they didn't commit.

The joint statement by the National Unity Governments Ministry of Women, Youth and Childrens Affairs and the National Unity Consultative Councils Coordinating Committee on Gender Policy said the junta had also detained 3,125 women, 11 of whom received the death sentence and 15 life imprisonment.

Helping, not hurting

In Cambodia, a number of women activists and politicians have been arrested due to their activism, said Am Sam Ath of rights group Licadho. He said they should have been encouraged to work to promote human rights and serve society instead of being arrested.

"I want to see women [activists and politicians] who are being detained get their sentences reduced and pardoned so they can return to their families and to help develop the country," he said.

Cambodian workers participate in an event to celebrate International Women's Day with a theme of "Support women and girls for the justice of all," on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Credit: Associated Press Lim Mony, a senior staffer with the rights group Adhoc who is working to promote the rights of women, said the government should encourage women to work freely. She also called for an end to political discrimination against women.

We have to understand that they are helping society rather than working against the government, she told RFA. They are working for the sake of the national interest.

Attempts by RFA to reach government spokesman Phay Siphan about the NGOs concerns went unanswered Wednesday.

Translated by Samean Yun and Sidney Khotpanya. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster.
Officers stop Elizabeth Tang outside the prison where her unionist husband is serving time for 'illegal' protests

Labor unionist Elizabeth Tang was wearing black clothing in a possible show of solidarity with the 2019 protest movement, outside the Hong Kong prison where her husband Lee Cheuk-yan is imprisoned when she was stopped by police.

Hong Kong police on Thursday arrested a prominent labor activist on suspicion of "collusion with foreign forces" under a draconian national security law that criminalizes public dissent, according to multiple media reports in the city.

Police arrested veteran labor unionist Elizabeth Tang, 65, who is married to jailed opposition politician Lee Cheuk-yan, on suspicion of "colluding with foreign forces to endanger national security," according to the English-language South China Morning Post.

Officers stopped Tang, who was wearing black clothing in a possible show of solidarity with the 2019 protest movement, outside Hong Kong's Stanley Prison, where Lee is currently serving time for "unauthorized assembly" in connection with protests in 2019 and 2020, the Beijing-backed Wen Wei Po newspaper reported.

The paper said the charges against Tang were likely linked to her work with the pro-democracy Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions she set up alongside Lee and other activists in 1990, which had been in receipt of overseas funding.

Lee is currently also awaiting trial under the national security law for "incitement to subvert state power" in connection with his leadership of the 32-year-old Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, which stands accused of acting as the agent of a foreign power alongside its other leaders, barrister Chow Hang-tung and veteran rights lawyer Albert Ho.

The Alliance organized annual vigils for the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen massacre in Hong Kong's Victoria Park for three decades before the event was banned under the ongoing crackdown on dissent in the city. The group was among several prominent civil society groups to disband following investigation by police under the national security law that took effect from July 1, 2020.

They are framing her

Tang's arrest came after she set up a news research center affiliated with the Confederation of Trade Unions and after she left for the United Kingdom at the end of September 2022, the Wen Wei Po  which is owned by Beijing's Central Liaison Office in Hong Kong  reported, without explaining why she had returned.

Current affairs commentator Sang Pu said Tang's arrest shows that the authorities continue to pursue political opposition figures using the law.

Pro-democracy activist Lee Cheuk-yan holds placards as he arrives at a court in Hong Kong, April 1, 2021. Credit: Associated Press





"They are framing her, saying she harmed national security," Sang said. "Basically, they want to wipe out their political opponents."

"Everything I know of Lee Cheuk-yan and everything I have heard about Elizabeth Tang leads me to believe that they never had overthrowing the People's Republic of China as their goal," he said. "This crackdown under the national security law is targeting important figures in the pro-democracy camp and the labor movement.

Sang said the couple married in 1985 and formed the Confederation of Trade Unions five years later.

"They have devoted a lot of effort to helping workers in Hong Kong, and to the international labor movement," he said. "What does that have to do with endangering national security?"

"How is helping foreign domestic helpers in labor disputes relevant to national security?"

Lee's current jail terms are related to his attendance at rallies on Aug. 18 and Aug. 31, 2019, at the height of the protest movement, and to his participation in a Tiananmen massacre vigil on June 4, 2020, after the event had been banned.

He was arrested on Jan. 1, 2021, as he released a balloon bearing a slogan calling for the release of political prisoners near the Legislative Council.

Plunging democracy ranking

Hong Kong recently plummeted to 139th place in a global survey of democracy by the V-Dem research institution at Sweden's University of Gothenburg.

Hong Kong's scores relating to electoral democracy, political participation, media censorship and academic freedom had all fallen sharply since the last report in 2012, contributing to the low score, which is now in the bottom 20-30%, the report found.

U.S.-based Hong Kong Democracy Council executive director Anna Kwok welcomed the report.

"The most worrying thing is that Hong Kong has lost so many media organizations that can tell the truth, so it's hard to get the news of what's happening in Hong Kong to the rest of the world," Kwok said.

"The report ... also showed us that the winding back of freedom and democracy isn't only happening in Hong Kong," she said. "It's a problem faced by people all over the world."

Veteran activist and consultant to the Hong Kong Democracy Council Sunny Cheung said the closures of pro-democracy media outlets like the Apple Daily, Stand News and Citizen News under national security probes in recent years had contributed to the rapid decline in the city's freedoms.

"The media used to be some of the best in the region, but now it has suddenly been suppressed," Cheung said. "If the government goes ahead with [further national security legislation] and a "fake news" law ... and other draconian legislation like an online security law ... this is going to increase the sense of fear and turbulence and fear in Hong Kong."

Sunny Cheung, activist and consultant to the Hong Kong Democracy Council, says the Hong Kong government media used to be some of the best in the region, but now it has suddenly been suppressed." Credit: AFP file photo

The U.S.-based think tank Freedom House said in a survey of global freedoms released on Thursday that the space for dissenting views had greatly diminished in Hong Kong under the national security law.

"In Hong Kong, following Beijings imposition of the draconian National Security Law in 2020, authorities began pursuing national security and sedition charges against both political activists and ordinary residents for expressing dissent, for example by playing protest songs, clapping in court, or putting up posters," the report said.

"Those demanding democracy in places like ... Hong Kong ... desire ... the freedoms and the institutions that will allow them to create a better life and a more just society over time," it said.

China now ranks eighth from the bottom in the V-Dem study, and is the world's most populous "closed autocratic" country, according to the definitions in the study.

Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster.
The Chinese Communist Party plays a leading role in promoting authoritarian norms around the world as some leaders show a willingness to collaborate in spreading new forms of repression, according to a report from Washington-based think tank Freedom House.

However, even as democratic freedom suffers global setbacks, fundamental rights continue to have an appeal and capacity for renewal in places like Myanmar, where people have shown they are willing to risk their lives in pursuit of freedom, the report found.

Among the 56 countries listed as Not Free around the world, North Korea, China and Myanmar were listed as among the worst of the worst. Additionally, out of 39 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, nine were listed as not free and 13 were deemed only partly free.

Political rights and civil liberties declined across the region as authoritarian forces moved to consolidate their power, the report said. The trend was most dramatic in Afghanistan and Myanmar, where elected civilian leaders were forced from office.

The report noted the arrests in early 2022 of prominent pro-democracy politicians in Hong Kong who took part in primary elections to consolidate the democratic opposition. They continued to be detained through Decembers Legislative Council balloting  something that Freedom House said underscored Beijings success in dismantling the territorys semi-democratic institutions.

Crackdowns in Asia also affected journalists and civil society movements, especially in countries whose institutions were already vulnerable, the report said.

China, Myanmar

In China, one of the worlds most restrictive media environments, journalists faced heightened scrutiny and rigorous political indoctrination when attempting to renew their press licenses, and even individuals who engaged in solitary forms of protest were punished with prison sentences, it said.

The biggest contraction in freedom took place in Myanmar, which has seen the widespread arrests of civilian political leaders following the 2021 military coup detat, Freedom House said.

Over a thousand people have been killed as security forces crack down on pro-democracy protests, and thousands of others have been thrown in jail and tortured, the report said. The military authorities imposed curfews, repeatedly shut down the internet, raided universities, and searched for human rights defenders and pro-democracy activists to arrest.

The countrys recent turmoil is another sign that international deterrents against antidemocratic behavior are losing force, the report said. However, Freedom House noted that a widespread civil disobedience movement against the military coup has persisted in the face of violent reprisals.

Resistance has denied the military regime legitimacy and crippled its ability to function as a government, reflecting both the peoples commitment to democracy and the power it gives them to shape events.

In Singapore, authorities forced one of the few independent news outlets to close after its license was suspended. And in Thailand, authorities expanded their ability to prosecute people for publishing news that could incite fear in the public.

A security officer stands guard after the second plenary session of the National People's Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. Credit: AFP





Chinas leading role

Worldwide, the enemies of liberal democracy are accelerating their attacks as regimes have become more effective at co-opting or circumventing the norms and institutions meant to support basic liberties, and at providing aid to others who wish to do the same, the report said, noting that there have been 16 consecutive years of decline in global freedom.

The leaders of China, Russia, and other dictatorships have succeeded in shifting global incentives, jeopardizing the consensus that democracy is the only viable path to prosperity and security, while encouraging more authoritarian approaches to governance, it said.

The Chinese Communist Party offers an alternative to democracies as a source of international support and investment, helping would-be autocrats to entrench themselves in office, adopt aspects of the CCP governance model, and enrich their regimes while ignoring principles like transparency and fair competition, the report said.

At the same time, the CCP has used its vast economic clout and even military threats to suppress international criticism of its own violations of democratic principles and human rights, for instance by punishing governments and other foreign entities that criticize its demolition of civil liberties in Hong Kong or question its expansive territorial claims.

Freedom House pointed to a Marriott hotels refusal to host a November 2021 World Uyghur Congress gathering in the Czech Republic, saying it preferred to observe political neutrality. New Zealands Parliament also refrained from identifying Beijings actions in Xinjiang province as a genocide after the trade minister said such language could hurt economic relations with China.

Turkey was once a haven for Uyghurs fleeing China, but the country has increasingly shifted its stance to meet Beijings demands by making it more difficult for Uyghurs to obtain permanent residence permits, the report found.

Edited by Malcolm Foster.
Human rights lawyer Wang Quanzhang embraces his wife, Li Wenzu and the couple's young son, Wang Guangwei, after Wang was released from prison in 2020. Credit: Wang Quanzhang

State security police surrounded the home of rights activist Li Wenzu and her rights lawyer husband Wang Quanzhang on International Womens Day, as a U.S.-based rights group hit out at the country's intimidation and harassment of dissidents.

They sent people to start blocking our door, and not allowing us to go out, from about 5 a.m., Wang said from the couples home in Beijings Shunyi district on Thursday. They used open umbrellas and shone their flashlights at our security cameras to stop themselves being captured.

Our camera shot some blurry footage of them, and found out later that theyd stuck some kind of medicinal plaster over the lens, he said.

But the harassment didn't stop there, said Wang, a prominent target of a nationwide police operation that detained hundreds of rights lawyers, law firm staff and activists starting on July 9, 2015, and who later sued the authorities over his treatment in detention.

At around 7:30 a.m., they started knocking on the door, he said, adding that when he had opened the door to speak with them, they said they were there due to special circumstances, as it was International Womens Day.

There were around 20 of them, front and back, with several of their vehicles parked outside the door, said Wang, who also found that the tires of his car were flat on the same day.

This happened on Human Rights Day last year too, so Im even more sure that someone is doing this stuff deliberately, he said. Other lawyers [in my chat group] told me they had also found their tires punctured.

Li Wenzu, wife of Chinese rights lawyer Wang Quanzhang, poses for a picture in Beijing, April 12, 2018. Credit: Reuters





Passport application denied

The harassment of Wang and his family comes as the ruling Chinese Communist Party steps up stability maintenance measures during the annual meeting of the National Peoples Congress in Beijing.

But fellow rights activist Wang Qiaoling said she believes the harassment could be linked to the fact that Li, who won the Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law in 2019, had planned to file an administrative review against her denied application for a passport, to mark International Women's Day.

We were planning to go to the Beijing municipal government to submit an application for an administrative review [of that decision], which is actually a pretty common legal procedure, Wang Qiaoling said. I dont understand why they had to go to such lengths [to stop it].

As the state security police stood guard over Wang and Li, a report from the U.S.-based think tank Freedom House showed that China remains at the bottom of its global survey of freedoms, one of the few countries to have been described as "Not free" for five consecutive decades.

China ranks near the absolute bottom in terms of overall political rights and civil liberties, according to the Freedom in the World 2023 report, which described the country as unmatched in its ability to deploy technology in the service of a surveillance state. Those who criticized the party received severe penalties.

It said no country could match the scale and sophistication of the Chinese surveillance state.

Residents activities are invasively monitored by public security cameras, urban grid managers, and automated systems that detect suspicious and banned behavior, including innocuous expressions of ethnic and religious identity, the report said.

Those identified as dissidents can face consequences including forced disappearance and torture, it said. Protesters continued to encounter pervasive surveillance, abusive interrogations, and intimidation at the hands of authorities.

Zhou Fengsuo, executive director of the U.S.-based rights group Human Rights in China, said there is still plenty of resistance to abuses of power by the government, citing the white paper movement of November 2022 that prompted a swift retreat from the rolling lockdowns, mass quarantine and compulsory testing of supreme leader Xi Jinpings zero-COVID policy.

On the one hand, the Chinese Communist Party stepped up controls and concentrated its power, and its darkness reached a peak, Zhou said.

But on the other hand, there was also unprecedented resistance to trouble the waters, particularly in the second half of the year, he said. Eventually, that culminated in the white paper movement of late November.

Translated by Luisetta Mudie.
Army troops have arrested seven people who were using the internet in a tea shop in Myanmars northernmost Kachin state as the military tightens its curfew on a township with a strong ethnic militia presence.

Around 20 soldiers entered the shop on Tuesday night and started beating the owner, his wife and daughter, and four people who were drinking tea there. All seven were taken into custody, according to a Hpakant town resident who didnt want to be named for fear of reprisals.

The shop was about to close when the troops came in a car and arrested them, said the local. Someone told them the daughter was sharing political posts on Facebook.

The local said the family who owned the Shu Daung Thit Tea Shop were Soe Naing; his wife Nan Kyin; and their daughter Shoon Lae Soe. The four customers have not been identified.

He told RFA the family had been selling tea in Hpakant for almost 30 years and described them as honest people. He said he didnt know where the troops had taken them.

Its believed the raid was sparked by fighting between junta troops and Kachin Independence Army joint forces, which broke out the previous morning near a police station in Hpakant.

Locals said a 40-year-old woman called Khin Ma and her 10-year-old daughter, Moe Pwint Phyu, were hit by bullets during the battle, although it's not clear which side fired them.

Both mother and daughters injuries are not serious, said a woman who also declined to be named.

It would be better if they were treated in Myitkyina [townships] hospital but they had to go to the Hpakant hospital as they were afraid of fighting on the way.

The local said the junta had been firing heavy artillery on Hpakant town in recent weeks and arresting many civilians.

Hpakant is a center for gold and jade production in Myanmar and home to many businesspeople, traders and miners. It has also attracted a lot of Chinese investors who are believed to pay taxes to the ethnic Kachin militia in order to operate mines safely.

The junta issued a curfew in Hpakant town shortly after it staged a coup in Feb. 2021 and has started enforcing it strictly this year. RFA data show that troops arrested nearly 200 civilians in the town and nearby villages this month and are still holding 40 of them.

RFA called Win Ye Tun, the junta spokesman for Kachin state seeking comments on the arrest but no one answered.

Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn.
Former Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama is pictured after casting his vote in national elections in Suva, Fiji, Dec. 14, 2022.

Former Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama was charged with abuse of office, the public prosecutor said Thursday, the latest setback for the strongman leader who held sway over the Pacific island country for nearly two decades.

Bainimarama and Fijis top police officer are accused of stopping a 2019 police investigation into complaints of financial mismanagement at the University of the South Pacific, according to the prosecutors statement.

Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho, who was suspended in January, and Bainimarama are alleged to have arbitrarily and in abuse of the authority of their respective offices, terminated an active police investigation, said Christopher Pryde, the director of public prosecutions.

Bainimaramas 16 years in power ended in December after his Fiji First Party dropped below 50% of the vote in national elections, allowing opposition parties to form a coalition government led by former Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. Both men are former coup leaders  Rabuka in the late 1980s and Bainimarama in 2006.

A purge of Bainimarama appointees from important public positions has followed the first change in government in Fiji since Bainimaramas coup, along with a slew of investigations into alleged abuses of office and a promise by Rabuka to remove restrictions on the media.

Fiji, a linchpin nation in a region increasingly contested by major powers, has a burgeoning relationship with China while maintaining close security ties with the United States and countries such as Australia and New Zealand.

Fijis ties with China blossomed after New Zealand, Australia and other countries sought to punish Bainimarama and his government for the 2006 coup.

Bainimarama left office grudgingly and stayed in the official prime ministers residence for several weeks after Rabuka was confirmed as Fijis new leader by a vote in parliament.

Bainimarama was suspended from parliament in February for three years after accusing the countrys president of failing to follow the constitution, which gives the military a guardian role over the nations politics.

On Wednesday, Bainimarama resigned from his seat in parliament so it could be filled by another politician from his party. He said he would return to grassroots political campaigning and would remain leader of Fiji First.

We will engage more actively outside Parliament with our Fiji First supporters and the growing number of unsatisfied Fijians who are now questioning their decision to vote for parties that seem to be not delivering on their promises, he said in a video address.

Pryde, the public prosecutor, said investigations into the university case were ongoing.

The police have also been requested to undertake further investigations into other matters arising from this case and more charges may be laid against other suspects in due course, he said.

BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated news organization.
China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam are pursuing new projects this year.

JDC Hakuryu-5 drilling rig in the South China Sea off the coast of Vung Tau, Vietnam April 29, 2018.

Almost all the claimants in the South China Sea are moving forward with new oil and gas exploration projects this year, heightening the risk of confrontations and even clashes in disputed waters, a new report said.

The new report by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington D.C. said that many of the new exploration projects lie inside the so-called nine-dash line that China uses to delineate its claims in the sea.

Six parties  Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam  hold overlapping claims over parts of the South China Sea but Chinas claims are by far the largest, nearly the entire area.

Last year was comparatively quiet when it came to tensions over hydrocarbons, the report said, warning that with new offshore projects in 2023, oil and gas development could reemerge as a primary flashpoint in the disputes.

China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam are all pursuing new oil and gas projects but the Philippines continues to suspend all projects in disputed waters of the South China Sea, which has been policy since 2014, according to AMTI.

Chinas deep-water Haiyang Shiyou oil rig is pictured at 320 kilometers southeast of Hong Kong in the South China Sea, May 7, 2012. Credit: Xinhua via AP

China has begun several gas projects south of Hainan Island including two gas fields in the Yinggehai Basin and another two in the Qiongdongnan Basin.

These gas fields are located in areas claimed by both Vietnam and China, the report noted.

Exceeded expectations

Vietnam, which has long been reliant on incomes generated from crude oil exports, said its oil and gas business results have exceeded expectations in 2022.

A report on the Vietnam Energy website said the state oil and gas corporation PetroVietnam surpassed itself in all production and business targets for the year.

The firms total oil production reached 10.84 million tons in 2022 and the gas production reached 8.08 billion cubic meters, the report said.

Vietnam and China have had numerous disputes over oil and gas activities in the South China Sea in the past. Hanoi accused Beijing of constantly harassing its drilling platforms and pressuring foreign companies to stop working with Vietnamese partners.

Yet the new AMTI report said Russias state-owned Zarubezhneft, which operates Block 06-1 in Vietnams Nam Con Son basin, continues its operation despite the area being patrolled almost daily by the China Coast Guard since mid-2020.

A gas field nearby, Sao Vang-Dai Nguyet, operated by Japans Idemitsu Kosan, has also quietly come online. Idemitsu completed a central processing platform for the project in 2021 and PetroVietnam said it started producing gas in August, 2022.

Besides this, PetroVietnam also began extracting gas from four new wells and fields last year.

Foreign partners such as Harbour Energy, ExxonMobil and ONGC Videsh Ltd. have all held on to their investments in Vietnam, according to the AMTI report.

In view of increasing panic about a military threat from China, it's striking that the military response has been confined to saber-rattling  coast guard standoffs and the like, said John Quiggin, professor of economics at the University of Queensland, Australia.

One implication is that the Chinese government is fully aware of the potential costs of starting a war with its neighbors, Quiggin told RFA, Another is that the resources in question probably aren't worth fighting over.

Chinas harassment

Quiggin has been playing down the importance of the oil and gas reserves in the South China Sea, saying the quantities are smaller than they seem.

However, China seems determined to prevent neighboring states from conducting oil and gas exploration within the areas it claims, despite the nine-dash line being ruled as illegal by a UN tribunal in 2016.

In January, Indonesia approved a U.S.$3 billion plan to develop the Tuna gas field at the southern edge of the line. Shortly after the announcement, Chinas largest coast guard vessel was seen navigating near the area, AMTI said.

Similarly, the China Coast Guard has been patrolling intensively near Malaysias exploration blocks off Sarawak.

Despite multiple incidents with the China Coast Guard in recent years, Kuala Lumpur has continued to push ahead on several oil and gas projects in the South China Sea, the AMTI report said.

China Coast Guard vessels patrol past a Chinese fishing vessel at the disputed Scarborough Shoal, April 5, 2017. Credit: Reuters/Erik De Castro





The Philippines is the only claimant that has not been actively pushing ahead with oil and gas projects.

Manila briefly permitted exploration at Reed Bank last spring, but quickly shut it down amid challenges from the China Coast Guard, the report noted.

Greg Poling, AMTI director, told RFA the reason could be that Reed Bank has experienced so much harassment over the years.

The Philippines has a reasonable expectation that China will more forcefully block new work there than it does elsewhere in the South China Sea, Poling said.

But I think this data suggests that it is probably time for Manila to try again, he added.

At the same time, Professor John Quiggin from the University of Queensland warned that countries in the region shouldnt relax.

It's easy for this kind of confrontation to turn into actual shooting, as has happened on the land border between India and China.
Vietnam on Thursday published a white book declaring that Hanoi respects and ensures freedom of religion, but unregistered religious groups told Radio Free Asia that they are not free to worship and that in fact the government oppresses them.

The publication, by the Committee for Religious Affairs, said that "there is no discrimination against beliefs and religions or conflicts among religions" and "followers of different beliefs or religions live in harmony in the community of ethnic groups in Vietnam."

All religions are equal before the law and that the government does not discriminate against any religious beliefs, it said.

No individuals or religious organizations, which operate in compliance with the law, are prohibited, one clause states.

Compliance with the law includes registering the religion with the government. Currently the government has recognized 36 religious organizations belonging to 16 religions that include Buddhism, Catholicism, Protestantism, Caodaism, Hoa Hao Buddhism, Islam and Bahai.

Those belonging to unrecognized religions are not allowed to operate freely. Hanoi considers the unregistered groups to be illegal and law enforcement has prevented these groups from meeting or carrying out religious rituals or ceremonies.

Registration denied

"The government often says [religious] organizations and groups need to register themselves to be recognized and operate in compliance with the law. However, even if we try to register, they will never approve, said the Venerable Thich Khong Tanh, a key member of the Sangha of the United Buddhist Church of Vietnam which has been banned and persecuted by Hanoi since 1975.

If we register, [the government] will force us to do this and that, to follow their system and make commitments [to them], he said. If our registration is rejected and we continue to operate, they will find an excuse to arrest us.

Tanh said the government routinely persecutes independent religious groups and supports only the groups it has established or was able to tame.

In recent years, RFAs Vietnamese Service has covered the governments destruction of several religious establishments belonging to the United Buddhist Church of Vietnam, including several pagodas.

Local authorities in the southern coastal province of Ba Ria-Vung repeatedly threatened to dismantle the Thien Quang pagoda if followers refused to join the government-endorsed Vietnam Buddhist Church.

In the central province of Gia Lai, local authorities destroyed the Son Linh pagoda last year and have forbidden the abbot to rebuild.

"The monks at the Sangha of the [United Buddhist] Church sought permission to conduct religious rituals, but they [the local authorities] refused, said Tanh. They will only permit it if we join the state-owned Buddhist Church.

Minority rights

The local Tuoi Tre Newspaper cited the white book as saying that "citizens are completely free to follow or not follow a belief or religion. The government ensures the religious activities of ethnic minority people that make up about 14 percent of the population."

But RFAs Vietnamese Service has documented repeated harassment of followers of the Central Highlands Evangelical Church of Christ, an unrecognized religious group that has many ethnic minority members from that region.

The church members are forbidden from conducting religious rituals and ceremonies on Sundays and even on Christmas Day.

Last year, an ethnic Hmong family of 13 were expelled from their village in the northern province of Nghe An for their Protestant beliefs. Village authorities opposed to the religion pasted notices on the familys homes ordering them not to follow non-Hmong religions.

Prisoners rights

Another claim in the white book is that the government ensures prisoners' freedom of belief and religion and has provided 54 prison libraries nationwide with nearly 4,500 copies of 17 religious books.

The Venerable Thich Khong Thanh, who has been imprisoned three times with a total of 10 years, told RFA that when he was in prison, he and others were persecuted.

"When I was reciting and chanting Buddhist scriptures, and some priests were praying, they came to suppress and made us incommunicado, said Thanh. They even confiscated all the Bibles and religious books people had sent us."

Nguyen Van Dien, a Catholic who completed a 6-year prison term in late February, said that despite his request, he had been unable to see a priest while serving his sentence.

However, he was allowed to receive Bibles sent in by his family if the books were printed by the state-owned Religious Publishing House.

Meanwhile the families of activists Truong Van Dung and Bui Tuan Lam told RFA that they were not allowed to send religious books to the activists. Both are under investigation on the charge of "disseminating anti-state materials."

In December, the U.S. State Department included Vietnam in its Special Watch List for engaging in or tolerating severe violations of religious freedom.

Two weeks later, a Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs representative said that the U.S. action was "based on biased assessments and inaccurate information about freedom of belief and religion in Vietnam," and that Vietnam was willing to discuss openly and frankly with the United States in a spirit of mutual respect.

Translated by Anna Vu. Edited by Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster.
A Russian court is expected to deliver a verdict in the trial of journalist Vladimir Kara-Murza, who faces 25 years in prison on charges of treason and spreading false information, which he denies. Rights groups say the trial is an attempt by the Kremlin to persecute one of its most prominent critics.

The Moscow City Court is scheduled to deliver a verdict in the trial on April 17, just over a year after Kara-Murza, who twice nearly died after what he says were deliberate poisoning attacks, was arrested on the charge of spreading "false information" about Russia's armed forces.

In August, Russian authorities added the charge of involvement in an "undesirable" foreign organization, and in October they added the treason charge for the 41-year-old's public criticism of the Russian authorities in the international arena.

The trial was delayed last month after his lawyer told the court his client's health had "significantly deteriorated." A certificate from the medical unit of Kara-Murza's detention facility stated he was being treated for polyneuropathy, which he says is a result of the poisonings.

"Vladimir Kara-Murza has been detained, prosecuted, and is facing a monstrous prison term for no more than raising his voice and elevating the voices of others in Russia who disagree with the Kremlin, its war in Ukraine, and its escalating repression within Russia," Hugh Williamson, Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said in a report ahead of the verdict.

"The Kremlin's persecution of Kara-Murza, which is part of its efforts to demoralize and quash civic activism, should be condemned in the strongest possible terms," he added.

In his final statement to court on April 10, Kara-Murza, who Amnesty International has designated a "prisoner of conscience," said the level of opaqueness about the charges against him surpassed the trials of Soviet dissidents in the 1960s and 1970s, and the language used against him was reminiscent of the 1930s, when Soviet citizens were arrested on fabricated charges and put on show trials.

Kara-Murza, a longstanding proponent of democratic values and a vocal opponent of the current Russian government, said he was jailed for his political views, "for speaking out against the war in Ukraine, for many years of struggle against (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's dictatorship."

"Not only do I not repent of any of this, I am proud of it," he said, adding that he looks forward to a day "when those who kindled and unleashed this war, and not those who tried to stop it, are recognized as criminals."

Russia adopted a law criminalizing spreading "false information" about its military shortly after it sent troops into Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

Kara-Murza is the latest in a string of opposition activists, reporters, and others who have been arrested and prosecuted under the legislation amid a growing Kremlin crackdown on civil society.

Kara-Murza was a key advocate for the U.S. Magnitsky Act, which sets out sanctions for human rights violators in Russia. He has also called for sanctions to be imposed on culpable Russian officials.

On March 3, the United States designated six people, including three judges, for sanctions due to their role in Kara-Murza's detention.

The late U.S. Senator John McCain was a proponent of Kara-Murza's efforts, and Kara-Murza served as a pallbearer at McCain's funeral in 2018.
Global freedoms declined for a 17th consecutive year in 2022 as the struggle for democracy approaches a turning point amid a curtailment of freedom of expression in countries such as Russia and Iran.

Human rights watchdog Freedom House said in its annual report on freedoms around the world, released on March 9, that the number of countries to score zero for freedom of expression rose on the year to 33 from 14, with media freedom coming under pressure in at least 157 countries and territories during 2022.

The report showed the Nordic countries of Sweden, Norway, and Finland were the most free in the world with scores of 100, while Tibet Syria, and South Sudan were the worst, scoring only 1 point. Turkmenistan placed next to last with a score of 2.

"The most serious setbacks for freedom and democracy were the result of war, coups, and attacks on democratic institutions by illiberal incumbents," it said.

The report singled out Russian President Vladimir Putin's "authoritarian regime" for launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 "in a bid to scuttle that countrys hard-won democratic progress."

"Whatever false justifications for this war of aggression have been promulgated by the Kremlins state-controlled media, its clear purpose is to remove the elected leadership in Kyiv and deprive Ukrainians of their fundamental right to free self-government," the report, which ranks Russia as "not free," said.

"In his desire to destroy democracy in Ukraine and deny Ukrainians their political rights and civil liberties, Putin has caused the deaths and injuries of thousands of Ukrainian civilians as well as soldiers on both sides, the destruction of crucial infrastructure, the displacement of millions of people from their homes, a proliferation of torture and sexual violence, and the intensification of already harsh repression within Russia," it added.

The decline in freedoms in Russia appeared to influence its neighbors as well, the report showed, noting that three decades after the fall of the Soviet Union, "authoritarianism dominates Eurasia."

The report showed that no formerly Soviet countries were designated as "free," aside from the three Baltic states -- Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia, all of which are European Union and NATO members.

"This lack of democratic governance has destabilized the region, as strongman rulers use military force to lash out at their neighbors and smother domestic dissent," the report said.

In addition to Turkmenistan lingering at the bottom of the table, Tajikistan had a score of 7, followed by Belarus and Afghanistan (8) and Azerbaijan (9). Uzbekistan and Iran had scores of 12, while Russia scored 16 points.

"The limited space for free media in Eurasia has diminished further due to new criminal laws and legislative restrictions," the report said.

Still, it lauded the countries of the Caucasus and Central Asia for "declining to recognize Russia's annexation of Ukrainian territory" and for complying with international sanctions imposed against Russian banks.

The same, however, could not be said for Belarus, Freedom House noted.

Belarus, which authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka has closely aligned with Russia during the war against Ukraine, was tied for eighth worst in terms of freedoms, sharing the spot with Afghanistan, which saw Taliban militants seize power in 2021 after international forces withdrew from the country.

On the other end of the report, Kosovo was praised for being one of the most improved countries in terms of freedom, being given the designation as "partly free."

Freedom House noted that while Iran, which has been roiled by unrest over a lack of freedoms and poor living conditions for almost a year, holds elections regularly, "they fall short of democratic standards" due in part to the influence of the hard-line Guardian Council, an unelected body that disqualifies all candidates "it deems insufficiently loyal to the clerical establishment."

"Ultimate power rests in the hands of the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and the unelected institutions under his control. These institutions, including the security forces and the judiciary, play a major role in the suppression of dissent and other restrictions on civil liberties," it said.
Georgia's ruling party has withdrawn its controversial "foreign agents" law after protesters clashed with riot police for a second night on March 8. Windows were broken and police used water cannons on demonstrators outside the parliament building in the capital, Tbilisi. Critics say the law would impact freedoms in the country and have likened it to legislation in Russia that has restricted the work of independent journalists and democratic institutions.
TBILISI -- The planned rollout of Georgian legislation to ensure "transparency of foreign influence," which critics say reflected some of the ruling coalition's more dangerous instincts, went up in smoke and tear gas this week.



After two nights of violent protests, the Georgian Dream party said it was withdrawing the controversial "foreign agents" bill from parliament, adding that it would hold consultations to "better explain" the law's purpose in the future.



So how did the Georgian government get it so wrong?



Pushing Too Quickly



The violent protests in Tbilisi were sparked by the ruling party's hastily organized vote on the bill, which has been compared to Russia's 2012 law on the designation of "foreign agents."



After months of warnings from the draft law's opponents, the chairman of the Georgian Dream faction in parliament, Mamuka Mdinaradze, proposed a vote on the bill's first reading late in the day on March 7, two days earlier than previously indicated.



Mdinaradze has been an especially divisive figure since he allowed a visiting Russian lawmaker to sit in his speaker's chair during a legislative session in 2019, sparking violent protests and a brutal crackdown outside parliament.

The vote, which was adopted in its first reading, was another sign of a rushed process that looked designed to avoid debate and accountability by a party that has governed in uncompromising fashion since the 2012 elections, its first after its founding by Russia-linked billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili.



The legislation was drafted by members of the populist People's Power, a political party founded last August by Georgian Dream party defectors who still support the ruling majority.



Its backers only this week requested that the Venice Commission, the Council of Europe's advisory body of legal experts, read the bill and offer their nonbinding views on its constitutionality.



By suddenly announcing that the bill was being "unconditionally" withdrawn, Georgian Dream deescalated the current crisis -- but tensions are likely to persist over the ruling party and its opponents' competing visions for the heavily polarized Caucasus country and its nearly 5 million residents.



Underestimating Domestic Anger



Georgian Dream and its People's Power offshoot have variously dismissed opponents to the law as members of a "radical opposition" or an out-of-touch NGO sector.

Even before the bill landed in parliament, Georgian Dream Chairman Irakli Kobakhidze doubled down after one lawmaker's characterization of the bill's fiercest critics as "spies" and "church detractors," a transparent effort to mobilize supporters of the reactionary and politically powerful Georgian Orthodox Church. According to OC Media, a Tbilisi-based news website, anonymous social media pages were also amplifying those characterizations.



With such accusations against potential opponents, it's possible that Georgian Dream and its People's Power partners might have miscalculated the likely reaction once the bill reached a vote.



Former parliamentary deputy and constitutional law expert Vakhtang Khmaladze said that the ruling party was perhaps unaware that the younger generation would be willing to step up in a moment of crisis.



"This is a strong desire for change, more freedom, and as few restrictions as possible...in the new generation. This desire is much stronger than in the older generation," Khmaladze told RFE/RL's Georgian Service. "The government didn't count on [such] an intense, quick, and emotional reaction among young people."



Moreover, he said, even those who didn't fully understand the "transparency of foreign influence" bill in any detail comprehended its significance.



The government also failed to see that "the level of public trust in the opponents of these bills was, in general, higher than in those who supported the bills," according to Khmaladze.



Repercussions In The West



Arguably, the Georgian Dream government became something of a thorn in the side of the European Union long before this bill.



Two years ago, it took mediation from Brussels to forge an agreement -- later abandoned -- to get Georgian opposition lawmakers to even attend parliament following October 2020 elections that they said were unfair.



Former President Mikheil Saakashvili is still in prison, with his allies saying he is seriously ill. He was joined in custody nearly two years ago by opposition leader Nika Melia, before the EU itself posted bail to secure Melia's release in a case much derided by Brussels.



And last year, Tbilisi's failure to meet its commitments on political and other reforms were highlighted by the European Council's decision to grant candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova but not Georgia.



The "foreign influence" bill has only sullied Georgia's reputation further. Foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and countless other EU officials have lambasted the bill and warned of its potential impact on Tbilisi's relations with the bloc.



The United States also expressed its "deep concern," saying the bill's adoption would "potentially undermine Georgia's Euro-Atlantic integration."



And following the late-night unrest on March 7, the EU's language got even more blunt, with European Council President Charles Michel saying he was "strongly concerned about developments in Georgia" and that the "adoption of this 'foreign influence' law is not compatible with the EU path which [the] majority in [Georgia] wants."



The EU delegation in Tbilisi immediately hailed the abandonment of the legislation. "We welcome [the] announcement by the ruling party to withdraw draft legislation on 'foreign influence.' We encourage all political leaders in [Georgia] to resume pro-EU reforms, in an inclusive & constructive way and in line with the 12 priorities for Georgia to achieve candidate status."



Too Close To Putin's Example?



In Georgia, anti-Russian sentiment can often be strong. Russian troops still control around one-fifth of Georgia's territory, most of it taken during a lightning war in 2008 that was ostensibly about breakaway efforts in two northeastern republics, Abkhazia and South Ossetia.



Georgia has recently seen a massive influx of foreigners as tens of thousands of Ukrainians flee the Kremlin's unprovoked war on their country, and tens of thousands of Russians escape the draft or just a country at war.



So, it's an awkward time to be introducing a law that is almost universally seen as an approximation of Russian "foreign agents" legislation, which has been widely criticized for facilitating a crackdown on NGOs, independent media, and critics of the Kremlin.

After Georgian and U.S. critics of the Georgian Dream party's bill pointed to similarities with the Russian law, Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the "Kremlin has absolutely nothing to do with it."



With Russia's continuing war on Ukraine, Olesya Vartanyan, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, argued that Tbilisi "sees powerful and worrying parallels" in its own relationship with Moscow. While there is conspicuous support among the public for Ukrainians, the government is worried that "if it upsets the Kremlin, [Georgia] may be left to face the consequences alone." Thus, Georgian Dream has taken a cautious approach to the war, refusing to publicly support Ukraine or join Western sanctions on Russia.



The public's impatience with that kind of caution sparked major protests in June 2022 over the ruling Georgian Dream's failure to enact the kind of reforms that Brussels has demanded to get Tbilisi's EU bid back on track.



Whatever Moscow's imprimatur on the Georgian bill, it was widely known as "the Russian law" and seen as just the kind of creeping authoritarianism that Russian President Vladimir Putin has inspired in at least a handful of post-Soviet republics.



Anastasia Mgaloblishvili, of the Berlin-based liberal democratic think tank Scripts, described the introduction of the "foreign agents" law as part of a Russian "clandestine victory" in the Kremlin's "gray-zone operations against Georgia."



Not Keeping Their Promises



Constitutional law expert Khmaladze suggested there was another factor, too, in the bill's demise. "The government didn't even consider the people's acceptance [or rejection] of lies," Khmaladze said.



He pointed to the announcement early on March 7 that the bill wouldn't be voted on for at least two days, prompting the crowd of demonstrators outside parliament to disperse. Then "they suddenly changed their decision and started debating it," Khmaladze said. "The authorities probably thought that [the demonstrators] would never come back, but instead we saw that this lie intensified the desire to protest."

He's not the first person to accuse Georgian Dream of acting in bad faith on an issue of crucial importance for the country.



Hans Gutbrod, a transparency expert, likened the party's actions to disgraced former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych's about-face on EU integration efforts at the end of 2013, which prompted the Euromaidan street protests and set off a decade of political turmoil and war for Ukraine.



"It is squarely bad faith," Gutbrod tweeted atop a thread that laid out why he thought so. "You can sensibly call it the 'we can repress anyone we like' law."



Critics point to other key moments in recent years in which Georgian Dream has failed to keep its promises. In 2019, following the brutal dispersal of protests over the Russian lawmaker's appearance in parliament, Georgian Dream founder Ivanishvili pledged to implement one of the protesters' demands in the 2020 election: proportional representation with a zero threshold for entry to parliament. It never happened.



Then there was the deal European Council President Michel mediated between Georgian Dream and the opposition in April 2021 to break the opposition boycott of parliament. By the end of July, party Chairman Kobakhidze had announced that Georgian Dream was exiting the agreement.
Tens of thousands of protesters have returned to the streets of the Georgian capital for a third straight day of demonstrations despite the ruling Georgian Dream partys pledge to withdraw its controversial "foreign agents" legislation from parliament.

Protesters on March 9 again gathered outside the parliament building in the capital, Tbilisi, where they waved Georgian, Ukrainian, and EU flags and shouted anti-government slogans and called for early parliamentary elections.



The protests began on March 7 as parliament took up the "foreign agents" legislation backed by Georgian Dream and passed it on first reading. Critics have warned that the bill, which would force civil society organizations that receive more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad to be classified as "foreign agents," mirrors Russian legislation and could push the country toward authoritarianism.



The March 7 demonstrations were marked by violent clashes between protesters and security forces, leading to the detention of at least 77 people and injuries to about 50 police and security officers.

Protesters returned to the Georgian capitals center on March 8, and were again forcefully dispersed by security forces using tear gas, stun grenades, and water cannons.



In the face of the protests and sharp criticism from the West, Georgian Dream announced in a statement on its website early on March 9 that it would kill the legislation, saying: "As a party of government responsible to every member of society, we have decided to unconditionally withdraw this bill that we supported."



But the protests resumed that evening, with participants calling on the government to formally denounce the bill and to release all those detained.



The Georgian Interior Ministry later announced that all protesters who were detained near the parliament building on March 7 and 8 had been released, but that investigations into acts of violence were continuing.



The Interior Ministry said following the March 7 violence that protesters had hurled Molotov cocktails and stones at security forces, and while there appeared to be no such cases of such violence on March 8, there were reports that a police vehicle was overturned.

On the evening of March 9, President Salome Zurabishvili sent a message of support to demonstrators via a video address.



"First and foremost, I want to congratulate the whole of society on this first victory of its kind, Zurabishvili said. I welcome these correct steps taken by the government -- the fact that they announced the withdrawal of this draft law.



The government, Zurabishvili said, should take into account the true power of the people. What we've seen on the streets of Tbilisi -- that unity. If we're a democratic country, it shouldn't be that the government and parliament do not take into consideration the voice and the will of the people."



She added that there is distrust toward the government as we pursue our European path, but that the will of the people was plain to see.



Opposition parties wrote in a joint statement on March 9 that the protests would continue in lieu of guarantees "that Georgia is firmly on a pro-Western course." Georgia's opposition has often criticized Georgian Dream for being too closely aligned with Moscow, which backs separatists in the breakaway Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.



Wedged in the Caucasus between Russia, Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, the country of 3.7 million people has experienced several bouts of political upheaval since leaving the Soviet Union in 1991 to become independent.



"The protest is not just about the bill, but about the Russian nature of the Georgian Dream. There is no trust toward them or their word, and track record serves as the empirical proof. There is no legal mechanism to withdraw the draft," Helen Khoshtaria, founder of the Droa party, said on Twitter.

Ilhan Kyuchyuk, a member of the European Parliament for the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), said: "I welcome the pledge of the Georgian Dream to withdraw their dangerous Kremlin-inspired foreign agents law but we will keep watching until it is actually withdrawn in Parliament."



President Zurabishvili has said she would veto the bill, although parliament could have overridden her veto.



The introduction of the legislation prompted rebukes of Georgia from several corners, including diplomats from the European Union and the United States.



News that Georgian Dream had pledged to withdraw the bill was welcomed by the West.



"The Georgian people have, once again, spoken clearly that the only choice for Georgia is a secure and prosperous European future," the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi said in a statement.



The EU's delegation to Georgia said in a tweet that it welcomed the announcement by Georgian Dream, after saying previously that the partys actions raised serious questions about the prospects of democracy in Georgia.



"We encourage all political leaders in Georgia to resume pro-EU reforms, in an inclusive and constructive way and in line with the 12 priorities for Georgia to achieve candidate status," it said.



Georgia has been moving toward joining the European Union but EU officials said the "foreign agents" law would complicate the country's membership path. Last year, the bloc declined to grant candidate status to Georgia, citing stalled political and judicial reforms.

With reporting by AP and Reuters.
A major new investigative report by the team of imprisoned Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny charges that the Moscow mayor's office has spent billions of rubles since 2018 through a "slush fund" to promote the image of Mayor Sergei Sobyanin.

But in addition to pro-Kremlin media personalities such as RT chief editor Margarita Simonyan and her husband, pro-Kremlin commentator and producer Tigran Keosayan, the report revealed that millions of dollars from the fund went to prominent figures in liberal Russian circles, including television personality and former presidential candidate Ksenya Sobchak and Aleksei Venediktov, the former chief editor of the shuttered Ekho Moskvy radio station.

Venediktov has confirmed that a company owned by him received about 700 million rubles ($9 million) from the mayor's office to publish a series of magazines on the history of Moscow's numerous districts. In a Facebook post on March 8, Venediktov wrote that the project was terminated when President Vladimir Putin's government labeled him a "foreign agent" in April 2022, adding that "I personally did not earn one kopeck on this project, but I consider it an excellent educational initiative."

"I leave all the insinuations, assumptions, and suppositions on the consciences of those who insinuate, assume, and suppose," Venediktov wrote, noting that he had discussed the project in a BBC interview in April 2020.

However, the March 7 report by Navalny's banned Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) alleges that the money from Sobyanin's office was connected with Venediktov's vocal public support for Russia's electronic voting system, which opposition figures have charged is opaque and a tool of Kremlin election falsification.

The report provoked a strong reaction within liberal Russian circles, with people like Putin foe and former oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky accusing the FBK of launching a "witch-hunt," and political analyst Kirill Rogov calling it a "vendetta" against Venediktov.

"It is good that by publishing today's investigation, Navalny's team has managed to get the liberals feuding," political commentator Abbas Gallyamov, a former Kremlin speechwriter, wrote in a sarcastic Facebook post. "God forbid anyone should think they are capable of uniting!"

'A Big Political Mistake'

On March 9, Venediktov returned fire and published a letter to European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell from top Navalny aide and FBK head Leonid Volkov requesting that the EU lift sanctions against prominent Russian banker Mikhail Fridman and his business partners in the Alfa-Group financial holding.

"We do not believe that they were somehow connected to the Putin's regime [sic] or that they should be held responsible for his crimes," Volkov wrote in the letter dated October 14, 2022.

Around the same time, Fridman -- who has called for "the bloodshed to end" in Ukraine without directly blaming Russia -- offered to transfer $1 billion of his personal assets to an Alfa-Group bank in Ukraine if the United Kingdom agreed to lift sanctions against him.

The previous day, Venediktov published the text of a letter signed by numerous Russian liberals -- including Volkov -- addressed to Borrell and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and making a similar request to lift sanctions against Alfa-Group managers. Volkov denied signing the letter, writing on Twitter that his signature had been "Photoshopped."

Almost immediately after the October letter appeared, however, Volkov -- who was designated a "foreign agent" by the Russian government on the same day in April 2022 as Venediktov -- acknowledged he had written it and said it was a "big political mistake."

Volkov announced that he was suspending his work with the FBK and his "public political activity," and offered his apologies to Navalny and his FBK colleagues. He said he had "exceeded his authority" by signing the letter in the name of the FBK instead of in a personal capacity.

He added that he had taken the action in the hopes that the selective lifting of sanctions could create splits within Russia's ruling elites and hasten the demise of Putin's government.

"It is painful to see how this story is being used by Putin's friends of all types to try to sully Navalny, who has been illegally held in prison under torturous conditions for more than two years," Volkov wrote on Telegram.

"We must not forget about the main thing: for more than a year there has been a criminal, insane, full-scale war, launched by Putin, and there is nothing in the world more important than ending that war, which can only be done by defeating Putin," he wrote.

Journalist Yevgenia Albats wrote on Twitter that Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) must be enjoying the spectacle of the infighting from its offices on Moscow's Lubyanka Square.

"All of Lubyanka is watching from the stalls, reading the posts of Volkov, Venediktov, and [journalist Sergei] Parkhomenko while throwing in information, scandalous tidbits, and stolen letters," Albats wrote. "Come on, liberals! There is a war. Kyiv is being bombed again. Eight people died overnight. Putin is going on the attack and the liberals respond by throwing crap at one another."

'Parks And Public Benches'

For the FBK report, Navalny's team examined more than 100,000 bank transactions connected to a tax-payer-funded "autonomous noncommercial organization" run by Sobyanin's office called My District (Moi Raion).

"Although it looks like a harmless municipal initiative," My District is really Sobyanin's "slush fund and a slush fund for United Russia in Moscow," the report states, referring to the ruling political party that is a key element of Putin's vertical power structure. "The mayor's office transfers to it huge sums of money, almost 14 billion rubles ($184 million) just in 2021."

My District money went to numerous projects seemingly aimed at promoting Sobyanin and connecting his name and face to many of the development projects being carried out in the capital, it says.

Commercial organizations controlled by Simonyan, Keosayan, and their relatives were allegedly given nearly 250 million rubles ($3.2 million) in 2021 to produce online shows that promoted Putin and United Russia, as well as the ongoing war against Ukraine, while serving as platforms for commercials advertising new schools, parks, galleries, and sporting facilities built under Sobyanin's supervision, the records examined by FBK show.

Other pro-Kremlin media outlets such as LifeNews, the Telegram channel Mash, and the nationalist social-media network Tsargrad also received money from the fund for content promoting Sobyanin, the report alleges, including posts on Twitter, Telegram, and other social media.

The goal, according to FBK, was to create the "fiction" of a liberal flourishing under Sobyanin.

"Under the banner of reconstruction, cultural projects and various 'incubators,' they stole a lot of our money," the FBK report claims. "And they spent it on completely destroying our elections, bribing so-called liberal journalists, and destroying our last political freedoms while diverting our attention with parks and public benches."

Sobyanin's office has not commented publicly on the report.

The FBK report comes as Moscow prepares for a mayoral election in September in which Sobyanin -- a prominent member of Putin's ruling elite and a top United Russia official -- is expected to seek and be awarded a third term.

Navalny has been in custody since he returned to Russia in January 2021 following treatment abroad for a near-fatal nerve-agent poisoning he says was carried out by Russian security agents at Putin's behest, and is now serving a long prison term on charges he dismisses as politically motivated. He ran unsuccessfully against Sobyanin in 2013, receiving 27 percent of the vote in a count his supporters say was falsified.

Hundreds of millions of rubles went to various Kremlin-connected political consultants, purportedly for public-opinion polling on issues such as the extent to which Muscovites worry about tick-borne illnesses, the FBK report says. But in reality, it claims, the money was used to back purportedly "independent" candidates in Moscow's 2022 municipal elections with the intent of creating an illusion of democracy while also fracturing the anti-establishment vote.

Written by Robert Coalson based on reporting by RFE/RL's Russian Service
When the Taliban returned to power in 2021 in a lightning military insurrection that toppled Afghanistans internationally recognized government, the country immediately fell into diplomatic isolation.



Two of Kabuls neighbors to the north, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, chose a different route, putting the hard-line groups fractious history with the former Soviet Central Asian republics aside and prioritizing engagement over criticism and pressure.



But a giant canal project in Afghanistan now taking shape that the Taliban is pursuing at a rapid pace is giving the two water-stressed countries doubts about whether strategic patience with the Islamic fundamentalist group will yield rewards.



If you look at other projects that have involved Afghanistan and Central Asia somehow, there has often been a win-win element, Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili, founding director of the Center for Governance and Markets at the University of Pittsburgh, told RFE/RL.



But the Qosh Tepa Irrigation Canal, which will divert large volumes of water from the dwindling transboundary Amu Darya River, is a very different case.



This is very much zero sum, because water is a finite good and there dont seem to be any benefits for Afghanistans neighbors here, said Murtazashvili, adding that she expects the Central Asian countries to pursue a lot of quiet diplomacy on the project that will add to the pressures faced by outsized agricultural sectors already battling climate change and historical mismanagement.

But the Taliban will be probing to see how far it can go, Murtazashvili said, something she suggested its downstream neighbors will have to get used to.



If the first Taliban [regime that ruled most of Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001] was weighed down by insurgency and in some ways never really behaved like a state, Taliban 2.0 seems to really like the idea of projecting state power, Murtazashvili said.



Old Project With New Momentum



The stated dimensions of the irrigation canal that workers started digging last spring are enough to understand why the downstream countries have concerns.



With a length of 285 kilometers and a width of some 100 meters, experts believe it could draw a significant portion of the Amu Daryas flow while irrigating 550,000 hectares of land.



An Afghan civil servant with knowledge of the project told RFE/RLs Uzbek Service that work on the second of three stages of the project that began in the spring of 2022 is expected to begin in the coming months, with more than 100 kilometers already dug and visible from space.



The plan to irrigate land in northern Afghanistan is not new.



Farid Azim, an official at the National Development Company overseeing its construction, pointed out last year that Afghanistans first president, Mohammad Daud Khan, had a similar vision in the 1970s.

The project was most recently pursued by the U.S.-backed administration of President Ashraf Ghani -- which the Taliban overthrew less than two years ago.



A press release issued by the United States Agency for International Development from 2018 marking the launch of a Washington-funded feasibility study for Qosh Tepa described a 200 kilometer-long canal serving a cultivated catchment area of 500,000 hectares.



Developing Afghanistans agriculture sector provides great potential for employment and economic growth, then-U.S. Ambassador John R. Bass said in the release.



But the project was not a pressing concern for neighbors, primarily because political infighting and chronic instability in northern Afghanistan had made it impractical.



Bismellah Alizada, a researcher at Londons School of Oriental and African Studies, told RFE/RL that Rashid Dostum, who was the Afghan first vice president from 2014 to 2020, was among the influential politicians with concerns about the project.



One of those concerns was that it would be used to benefit and resettle members of the politically dominant Pashtun group to which President Ashraf Ghani belonged, Alizada said.



Dostum -- an ethnic Uzbek warlord -- long enjoyed strong ties to the regime in Uzbekistan and was even reported to have fled there when the Taliban captured Mazar-e Sharif, overwhelming forces jointly under his command before the group advanced on Kabul.

Members of Dostums exiled Junbish-e Milli party have reiterated these concerns more recently, but the reality is that the Taliban has no opponents capable of preventing it from forging ahead with giant public works projects, Alizada said.



More obvious obstacles are technical capacity and cash, with billions of dollars in funds belonging to Afghanistans central bank frozen after the Taliban takeover. That would make it hard for the cash-strapped Taliban to finance a project whose first phase cost nearly $100 million, according to reports.



But Graeme Smith, a senior consultant for the International Crisis Groups Asia Program, said the Taliban has a strong political will to finish off projects begun by the former government with Qosh Tepa the biggest that the group has revived so far.



With their very limited resources, the Taliban have prioritized [Qosh Tepa], said Smith, expressing skepticism that the Islamic fundamentalist group would pay attention to its neighbors concerns.



The Taliban is a nationalist movement intensely focused on their domestic constituencies, Smith said.



I think its fair to assume they will continue governing with a strong focus on issues inside the country and less regard for concerns outside, he told RFE/RL.



Games Of Leverage



Taciturn Turkmenistan has so far said nothing about the canal project.



But a Turkmenistan-based hydrologist speaking in March to RFE/RLs Turkmen Service on condition of anonymity called the project not a problem, but a disaster.



RFE/RL correspondents in the closed authoritarian country reported this year about severe water shortages in Turkmenistans Soviet-built Karakum Canal, which is four times the length of the one the Taliban is seeking to complete.



The World Resources Institute in 2019 ranked Turkmenistan as one of 17 countries in the world with extremely high water stress. Uzbekistan and Afghanistan were placed in the next highest category. Central Asia as a whole depends on rivers that rise in mountains, where many glacier stocks are being depleted by climate change.



Tashkent, whose own Moscow-imposed, cotton-growing legacy is one of the chief causes of the Amu Daryas demise, has been more proactive on Qosh Tepa.

According to the Talibans deputy prime minister for economic affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the topic was among those broached by Uzbek presidential envoy and former Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Komilov when he was in Kabul last month for talks on economic cooperation.



Komilov was cited by Baradars office as saying that Uzbekistan was ready to work with the Islamic emirate (the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan) through technical teams in order to maximize the benefits of the Qosh Tepa canal project.



Uzbekistan provided no comment to that effect in its release on the talks, but President Shavkat Mirziyoev -- in a national address in December -- flagged Qosh Tepa as a concern as he touched on the problem of desertification.

At the moment, we consider it necessary to conduct practical talks on the construction of a new canal in the Amu Darya basin with the interim government of neighboring Afghanistan and the international community based on international standards and taking into account the interests of all countries in the region, he said.



We believe that this approach will be supported by our neighbors.



Mirziyoevs preference for dialogue over threats on transboundary water use has been welcomed by the neighborhood since predecessor Islam Karimov passed away in 2016.



This appears to have worked with upstream Kyrgyzstan, where successful border negotiations saw Uzbekistan granted de facto control of a strategic reservoir located inside Kyrgyz territory, albeit not without a rash of political discontent in Kyrgyzstan.

And although authoritarian Karimov virulently opposed the construction of giant hydroelectric dams in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, Mirziyoev has given both his blessing, with Tashkent even attaching itself to Kyrgyzstans Kambar-Ata-1 project as a partner -- a move that will give it a hand in upstream management.



Qosh Tepa, however, is becoming a source of public anxiety in Uzbekistan.



With the volume of the Amu Darya water [already] decreasing, Afghans will take a quarter of its water through this canal, complained Uzbek academic and outspoken government critic Khidirnazar Allakulov in an interview with RFE/RLs Uzbek Service.



Instead of solving the problem, the Uzbek government takes the Taliban to Samarkand, dressing them and presenting them with gifts. The government bows to Afghanistan.. Not only the current generation, but also future [Uzbek] generations can be endangered by the water problem, Allakulov said.



Regular exchanges between the Turkmen and Uzbek governments and the Taliban predated the fall of the Ghani government, and Turkmenistan was among the first countries in the world to accept a Taliban-appointed ambassador.

But in line with the international community as a whole, neither has recognized the new regime in Kabul.



This only complicates what Alizada calls the legal lacuna between Afghanistan and its former communist neighbors, since Kabul had not previously signed treaties with them on transboundary management.



And while Afghanistan is keen for more trade opportunities and relies on its northern neighbors for supplies of electricity for several provinces, there are other areas of these bilateral relations where the Taliban feels it has real leverage, Alizada argued.



For the Central Asian countries, I think the number one concern is hard security, especially with the regions history with transnational extremist groups. The Taliban will continue to use assurances on security in negotiations with these countries going forward.
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.
Instagram

Around 27,000 People Complained about Instagram being down Since morning on Down Detector

NEW-DELHI: Social media platform Instagram remained down for many users on Thursday (March 9) morning. Around 27,000 people have complained about Instagram being down since morning on the outage tracking website Down Detector.

Notably, About 50 percent of people said they were having trouble accessing both the Instagram application and website, while about 20 percent complained that they were having trouble logging into the platform.


Delhi HC Rebukes Makers of TVF's Webseries College Romance over obscene language

'This will also affect the School Children'- High Court

NEW-DELHI: The Delhi High Court has termed OTT platform TVF's web series 'College Romance' as obscene, filthy, and vulgar. The HC said that there is a need to frame appropriate laws or guidelines to regulate obscene language or content on social media, OTT platforms. While hearing the case, Justice Swaran Kanta Sharma said that she herself had to watch the episode with earphones, because the kind of language used in it, if heard in public, people would be shocked.

Justice Swaran Kanta Sharma said, "I watched the episodes of this series with headphones in my chamber. No one uses such language in public nor does she talk like this in her family. she said the court notes that it is definitely not the language that the youth or citizens of this country use for communication."

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Justice wrote in her order that the court has reached the conclusion that the director of the series Simarpreet Singh and actor Apoorva Arora are liable for the action under Section 67 and Section 67A. The Delhi High Court upheld the order of the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, in which the court ordered the Delhi Police to register an FIR against the accused.

The Delhi High Court stated in its order - 'This language has been described as the language of college going students. This will also affect the school children and it will become normal in the coming days. The new generation always learns from their older generation, in such a case if school students also start speaking such obscene language then it will be very bad for the society.'




Congress MLAs Stages a Walkout in Punjab Vidhan Sabha during Budget Session

'Sidhu Moose Wala's Parents Should Get Justice As Soon As Possible', Says Raja Warring

CHANDIGARH: On the fourth day of Budget Session in Punjab Vidhan Sabha, a fierce debate was witnessed between the opposition Congress and the ruling party. Amidst uproar between the opposition and the government over the law and order situation in Punjab, the Congress MLAs walked out of the House over the matter of Sidhu Moose Wala murder case in the Vidhan Sabha.

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After walking out of the House, the Congressmen staged protest outside Vidhan Sabha. Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring strongly raised the demand of Justice in Sidhu Moose Wala murder case. He said that the real killers of Moose Wala are still roaming around and those who are in jail are not being killed. Raja Warring said that Sidhu Moose Wala's parents should get justice as soon as possible.

He further said that Sidhu's parents are protesting outside the Vidhan Sabha and demanding justice. Although the government has arrested many accused, but the gangsters and other accused who have been named by Sidhu's parents have not been caught yet. The Congress party also raised slogans against the Punjab government outside the house. Notably, Tripat Rajinder Singh Bajwa was sitting in the House while the rest of the Congress leaders walked out.

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Jalandhar Rural Police

The Police Recovered 25 grams of Heroin & 230 Drug Pills from two Drug Smugglers

JALANDHAR: Jalandhar Rural Police has cracked down on drug traffickers. The police have arrested four drug smugglers from different locations. Reportedly, Heroin, drug pills, drug money worth Rs. 20,500 have also been recovered from their possession. The police have also seized the car and motorcycle of the arrested smugglers.

Staff police station Bilga has arrested two youths who used to smuggle heroin in an Alto car number PB-20C-6060. DSP Phillaur, Jagdish Raj said that ASI Anwar Masih of Bilga police station was on patrol towards Sangowal. They witnessed a car and on the basis of suspicion, the staff stopped the car and searched Satveer, a resident of Sangowal. 11 grams of heroin was recovered from his left pocket. Drug money worth Rs 20,500 has also been recovered from Satveer, which he had brought by selling drugs. 136 drug pills were recovered from Satveer's partner Surinder alias Shindi resident of Sangowal.

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The police of Jandu Singha police station under Staff District Jalandhar have recovered 25 grams of heroin and 230 drug pills from two drug smugglers. Giving information, DSP Sarabjit Roy said that ASI Paramjit Singh, in-charge of the police post, along with the staff had blockaded Y Point. He witnessed a motorcycle number PB-08 EC-0186 which were trying to escape. While running away, the motorcycle-riding youths took out polythene envelopes from their pockets and threw them away. The police chased and arrested both Krishna and Lovepreet alias Sukha. 25 grams of heroin and 230 drug pills have been recovered from their possession.
HIV AIDS

As per a 2019 report, more than 6,081 people died of AIDS in Punjab in 11 years

MOHALI: The Rapid surge in HIV AIDS cases has wreaked havoc in the state. The number of reported HIV cases from the year 2022 to January 2023 is staggering. After the menace of drug addiction, now, the report shows that the youth of Punjab is getting engulfed under the grip of HIV.

If we talk about the data from 2022 to January 2023, then 10,109 cases have been registered. Which is a huge number. Out of which 88 cases are of minors below 15 years of age. The same 10,021 cases were found in people above 15 years of age. These include 8155 males and 1847 females, while 19 are transgender, 56 boys and 32 girls.

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Most of these cases have been registered in Ludhiana district. 1711 cases have been reported in Ludhiana. Patiala is followed by 795 HIV positive cases. If we talk about Moga, 712 cases have been identified from there. The condition of other districts is also getting worse.

Notably, The Drug addiction is already the major cause of concern for the state government. Along with this, taking in view the rapidly increasing number of HIV-positive people, the administration is getting more worried about the people's health. So far, it has not been revealed that what is the reason for the rapid increase in the number of positive cases? According to a 2019 report, more than 6081 people have died of AIDS in Punjab in 11 years.
After more than 30 years of churning out gourmet sausages from around the world, T&H Prime Meats and Sausage will be closing its doors on East Mission Road on Saturday. But its owner vows to return.

Dave Krohn, who bought the business in 2014, said his lease on the property expired in November but the landlord gave him a few extra months to find a new location. Unfortunately, finding a commercial kitchen that meets his needs has been harder than expected and he ultimately ran out of time.

Ive probably looked at 50 places over the past eight months and couldnt find anything that met the zoning and special requirements placed on us by the state, county and city, Krohn said. Im negotiating for a place right now but even if were able to move there it will be six months at least before we can get it open.

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Krohn said that the old-fashioned, white-walled butcher shop has operated in the lot at 735 E. Mission Road for 40 years. It started out as a grocery store, then was renamed TLC Meats, and eventually T&H Meats.

Over the years, the aging, red-roofed structure across the street from Mission Hills High School hadnt kept up with code and zoning requirements. Krohn said his landlord may need to bulldoze the building if it proves too expensive to repair.

T&H Prime Meats and Sausage employee Nick Rodrigues prepares Moroccan lamb sausages at the butcher shop in San Marcos in 2015. (Don Boomer / U-T File )

Krohn said hes been telling his customers about the impending closure and is planning to update progress on a new store via email and the stores Facebook page (facebook.com/tandhsausage/). Hes negotiating for space in a building at 1355 Grand Ave. in San Marcos, but isnt certain that it will meet the strict code and zoning requirements for working with raw meat.

Because of the uncertainty about the future, Krohn said he will have to let go his longtime staff to seek jobs elsewhere. But all of them  including butcher Armando Salazar, who has been at the shop for 40 years  have promised to return when T&H reopens.

On Friday morning, the shops meat case and freezers were still chock full of the one-of-a-kind products that have brought T&H more than 50 awards over the years. A 25 percent off sale, and buy-one-get-one-sausage deal is under way through 5 p.m. Saturday to clear out the existing inventory.

Shopper Dorothy Young of Vista was shocked on Friday morning to learn about the impending closure when she showed up at 9:30 a.m. to buy her favorite product, the Moroccan spiced lamb sausage she uses in her homemade lentil soup. She stocked up on the product to tide her over until the business finds a new home.

I really like their sausage. Its not like the packaged sausage you see at other stores. Its really hard to find lamb and theirs is very good quality and so flavorful, she said.

The Moroccan lamb sausage is one of more than 40 sausage varieties sold at the store. Other top sellers include the cherry bomb, chicken pesto, hot Italian, Swedish potato, pork apple, bratwurst, turkey apricot, spicy Cajun and sweet onion.

The sausages were the creation of the shops former owner, Jacob Kappeler, who ran the shop for 20-plus years before selling it to Krohn in 2014 so he could retire to Washington state.

Born in Switzerland, Kappeler studied meat and sausage-making in Europe. When he emigrated to the U.S. in the 1960s, he brought along dozens of old-world sausage recipes, including one that dates to the 1600s.

Krohn is a former Camp Pendleton Marine who served two tours in Iraq, including time in Fallujah in 2004. He was a culinary school graduate working at a high-end D.C. restaurant when the Pentagon was hit on 9/11. After four years in the Marine Corps, Krohn returned to the culinary world.

He said hes heartbroken to close the store but hopes his customers will come back when he reopens.

Its been a really hard time but we will be back, he said. Its just going to take a while.

pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com
Houseware, the worlds first warehouse-native revenue engine for SaaS companies today came out of stealth with a $2.1M seed funding round led by Tanglin Venture Partners. The round also saw participation from GTMfund, Better Capital, and prominent angel investors from leading SaaS businesses, including Snowflake, Stripe, Carta, Zendesk, Superhuman, and others. Houseware will use the funding to grow its customer base, expand its team, and double down on alliances with partners like Snowflake to scale its offerings. The company is actively hiring engineering and design talent in India and plans to double its headcount this year.

SaaS businesses worldwide have been under intense scrutiny due to drifting macroeconomic conditions over the past year as they seek to establish sustainable business models. Yet, a key means to unlock growth and revenues remain in the hands of the few: the data teams. Houseware helps commercial and revenue teams make better and faster decisions using their rich data store. The company is on a mission to address access and usability of data through apps, empowering a wider audience in companies beyond data and engineering teams.

Data and metrics have come into sharp focus over the past 6 months across SaaS businesses with board meetings now seeking answers to the cost of customer acquisition, which lead channels are working the best, or how product usage links to churn. Investors are focused on solid unit economics and the path to profitability, so that a lot will depend on hard-core, disciplined, top-decile business execution. Houseware plans to address these questions for the ecosystem to shape the next decade of SaaS, fuelled by sustainable growth and profitability concepts, said Divyansh Saini, Co-founder & CEO of Houseware.

BITS Pilani Alumni Divyansh Saini and Shubhankar Srivastava sought to flip the value of the cloud data warehouse from data and engineering teams to the revenue function in SaaS companies. Hence, the eponymous name "Houseware" was born in 2021, literally flipping the word "Warehouse."

Having spent the previous 5 years working at the intersection of data and go-to-market teams in SaaS companies, Divyansh Saini observed that the world of tables, columns, rows, schemas, and metrics that drive the business is completely broken today. The true identity of a user, customer, invoice, or transaction is split across hundreds of point solution tools spread across an organization, such as Stripe, Salesforce, Mixpanel, Gainsight, etc. These tools' plaguing and overpowering nature mean that simple questions like how many users do we have? have been left unanswered and key initiatives dropped.

Sankalp Gupta, Partner at Tanglin Venture Partners who led the round, said, Houseware is building at the cusp of two really broad markets - the modern data stack and system of records like the CRM inside SaaS companies. Divyansh and Shubhankar are exceptional founders with deep product thinking. At Tanglin, weve been fortunate to have partnered with them early in their journey and look forward to supporting them as they create a seismic shift in this low NPS, deep TAM market. 

Houseware enables SaaS businesses to create a true new-age CRM built on the cloud data warehouse for the modern world. Houseware combines the power and depth of the modern data stack (tools like Snowflake) with the beauty and agility of the best of consumerized SaaS (tools like Notion). The unique combination now enables teams to move from simply consumers of data to creators of data-first use cases across the revenue function.

Executives across the revenue function are under tremendous pressure to find avenues for growth. Metrics and access to these insights to run experiments are at the heart of this problem. Houseware is becoming mission-critical across our users, with up to 30% using the product daily, added Divyansh Saini.

During my time as a GTM operator at various SaaS companies, I would have loved something like Houseware. The experience of being able to run with use cases across different segments is powerful for any scaling SaaS company looking to find their alpha (and now even more critical during this downturn), says Scott Barker, Co-founder & Partner at GTMFund.
Successfully trading stocks requires more than just knowledge of the stock market. It also requires a reliable partner that can provide guidance and resources to ensure success. With so many prop firms available, knowing which is best for your needs can be challenging. In this article, Traders Union experts outline the key criteria necessary to select a prop firm that will maximize profits and help you reach your financial goals.

Unlock Profits

Traders are always looking for new ways to unlock profits in their trading. A Prop Firm and Traders Union can be highly beneficial by providing access to exclusive resources, tools, and strategies that help traders maximize their profits.

Prop firms provide capital to traders in exchange for a share of the profits made from trades. In addition, these firms typically offer access to advanced trading platforms and analytical tools as well as risk management advice and training opportunities, all of which can help traders unlock greater profit potential than if they were trading on their own.

The Traders Union is an online community of professional traders who share ideas, strategies, and insights into the trading world. Members also gain access to discounted rates on products from leading brokers and exclusive educational content from some of the best minds in the industry.

Research Reputation

Research reputation is a significant component of successful prop trading. A prop trading firm's research department is integral to the business's success. Research teams often provide traders with insights into the market, enabling them to make informed decisions and maximize their returns.

A well-managed research team can help a prop trading firm build a competitive edge against its peers by providing unique information and analysis not available elsewhere. In addition, by identifying trends and opportunities as soon as they arise, research teams can give their traders an edge in generating profits.

Consider Financing Options

SurgeTrader is a great platform for investors with access to a wide range of financing options. According to SurgeTrader reviews , users have found that the website is easy to use and offers several features which make it easier for them to find the optimum financing option for their investments.

SurgeTrader's comprehensive financing options enable users to access multiple sources of funds, such as equity, debt, and venture capital. With this flexibility, investors can easily select the right financing combination according to their investment objectives. Customers have also praised the platform for its user-friendly interface and educational resources, which help them understand different financial instruments better. Furthermore, its integrated analytics tools allow investors to evaluate various scenarios to identify the most suitable funding solution for their needs.

Analyze Commissions & Fees

Prop firms, or proprietary trading firms, rely heavily on commissions and fees for their survival. It is, therefore, essential for them to understand the nuances of these items and how they affect the bottom line. In addition, analyzing commissions and fees can provide insight into areas of improvement so that prop firms can increase profitability while still providing top-notch services to clients.

When analyzing commissions and fees, it is important to first look at the costs associated with each trade made by a client. That will give a good idea of what type of commission structure should be in place to remain competitive while maximizing profits. It's also important to consider any additional costs associated with processing trades, such as clearance fees or exchange fees, that may also need to be factored in.

Evaluate the Services Provided

When selecting a prop firm, it is important to evaluate its services. For example, a prop firm typically provides trading capital and expertise to aspiring traders looking to profit from the stock market. In addition, prop firms offer various services, including funding, educational resources, and risk management tools. When evaluating these services, potential clients should consider the fees associated with each service and how much support they will receive from the prop firm.

Before signing on with any prop firm, traders should research their background and experience to understand what success stories exist within their network. They should also look into positive and negative customer reviews to ensure they're making an informed decision when choosing which services best suit them.

Check Regulatory Requirements

As a prop firm, it is important to be aware of the regulatory requirements associated with your business. It is essential to stay connected and up to date on the most recent regulations that could affect how you operate. Adhering to the rules set forth by relevant governing bodies can help ensure that your firm remains compliant and in good standing.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) sets industry standards for broker-dealers and other financial firms, including prop firms. FINRA's regulations are designed to promote investor protection and foster fair competition in markets worldwide. Prop firms must adhere to FINRA guidelines and be registered with the organization to do business legally in the United States.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right prop firm can make or break a trader's success. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly research different firms and their offerings and determine which best suits your trading style and goals. Remember that you should always consider the type of capital requirements each firm has and the various commissions they charge. Additionally, ensure the firm is reputable and has a good track record in customer service.
Fantastic fifties from Harleen Deol and Sophia Dunkley coupled with Ashleigh Gardner's three-fer propelled Gujarat Giants to 11-run win over Royal Challengers Bangalore and their first win of WPL 2023 at the Brabourne Stadium, here on Wednesday.

Electing to bat first, Sophia set the tone for Gujarat's big total through a breath-taking 65 off 28 balls, including slamming fastest fifty of the tournament in 18 balls. In her blazing knock, she slammed 11 fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 232.14.

Once she fell, Harleen shined to ensure Gujarat didn't lose momentum. From being 18 off 17 at one point, she impressed everyone with her timing and placement to score 67 off 45 balls, hitting nine fours and a six at a strike-rate of 148.89.

For the third consecutive time in the competition, Bangalore's bowling was taken apart, barring Shreyanka Patil and Heather Knight taking four wickets while conceding 49 runs off six overs between them. Their fielding and catching wasn't up to the mark too.

With immense pressure of chasing 202, Sophie Devine came out all guns blazing, slamming eight fours and two sixes in her 45-ball knock while sharing a 54-run opening partnership with Smriti Mandhana and a promising stand of 43 runs with Ellyse Perry for the second wicket.

Heather Knight also landed some big blows to keep Bangalore in the hunt. But Gujarat taking five wickets after the half-way stage meant Bangalore ended up at 190/6 in 20 overs and are now rooted to the bottom of points table.

After playing eight consecutive dot balls, including a maiden in the opening over, Sophia got off the mark with a nice scoop over fine leg off Ellyse. She then went after Megan Schutt in the next over by hitting two boundaries.

Despite Megan taking out Sabbhineni Meghana in the third over, there was no stopping Sophia. She chipped and clipped off Renuka Singh Thakur for two boundaries, but the pick of the shots was a well-timed inside-out lofted six over extra cover.

Sophia went on to make full use of anything coming in the slot from Preeti Bose, smashing three fours and six, to reach her fifty in 18 balls and take 23 runs off the fifth over. The carnage continued as Sophia pulled off Ellyse for four, before slog-sweeping and whipping off Shreyanka Patil for six and four respectively.

Her knock came to an end when Shreyanka, coming from over the wicket, got the right-handed batter to mistime a loft to long-off. Harleen took over by getting some exquisite timing on her punch, sweep, pull and pick-up shots.

Bangalore continued to take wickets as Heather got Ashleigh to be stumped easily from behind by Richa Ghosh. Dayalan Hemalatha timed her two fours and six, before slicing to short third man off Heather.

But there was no stopping Harleen as she brought up her fifty in 35 balls with a pull over short fine leg off Ellyse, followed by pulling and slapping well to collect back-to-back boundaries. She even got a life when Preeti dropped her catch in the 17th over. But ran out of support from the other end as Annabel Sutherland holed out to long-off while Sneh Rana was run-out in the 19th over.

Harleen was finally out in the final over when a full ball from Shreyanka crashed into the stumps. A boundary down the ground from Sushma Verma on her first ball took Gujarat over 200.

In reply, Smriti got Bangalore's chase off to a solid start by hitting two boundaries off Tanuja Kanwer in the second over. Sophie joined the party by slashing and pulling off Kim Garth to collect back-to-back fours, with Smriti ending the over through her trademark cover drive.

Sophie upped the ante by pulling off Ashleigh for four while clipping, bringing a forehand smash and slap down the ground against Annabel for a hat-trick of boundaries in the fifth over.

Bangalore lost Smriti in the fifth over when she miscued a heave to mid-on off Ashleigh. Though they slowed down a little, Ellyse hit five delightful boundaries to give much-needed acceleration to Bangalore's chase.

Just when it looked like Ellyse would shift gears, Mansi Joshi took her out as the right-handed batter gave a simple catch to backward point. Though Richa stumps were left in a mess against Ashleigh, Sophie continued to march forward.

As Kim made a return to the bowling attack in the 13th over, Sophie took a brace of boundaries through mid-wicket and long-off, before getting her fifty in 36 balls. After slogging off Tanuja over deep mid-wicket, Sophie pulled off Annabel into the same region. But on the very next ball, she holed out to long-on.

Despite losing Sophie, Heather reverse-swept and chipped over cover off Ashleigh. She then tore into an erring Annabel, hitting a hat-trick of well-timed fours in the 17th over. From the other end, Kanika Ahuja took two boundaries off Sneh Rana, but was stumped off Ashleigh in the 19th over.

Annabel took out Poonam Khemnar on the first ball of the last over, and despite Shreyanka hitting a six and four respectively, she was able to defend 24 in the final over as Gujarat got off the mark in points table.

Brief Scores: Gujarat Giants 201/7 in 20 overs (Harleen Deol 67, Sophia Dunkley 65; Heather Knight 2/17, Shreyanka Patil 2/32) beat Royal Challengers Bangalore 190/6 in 20 overs (Sophie Devine 66, Ellyse Perry 32; Ashleigh Gardner 3/32, Annabel Sutherland 2/56) by 11 runs.
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Mere weeks after JPMorgan Chase & Co defended Jes Staley against accusations he knew about Jeffrey Epsteins sex crimes, the bank is accusing the former senior executive of deception  blaming him for its dealings with Epstein and seeking to recoup eight years of compensation.

The firms sudden turn against its former private banking chief  who went on to run Barclays  unfolded at federal court in Manhattan this week. JPMorgan accused him of concealing an inappropriate relationship with Epstein and vouching for the sex offenders character to keep him as a client.

JPMorgan accused Staley of concealing an inappropriate relationship with Epstein and vouching for the sex offenders character to keep him as a client. Credit: Bloomberg

The banks court filings demand Staley hand over all of his compensation from 2006 through 2013  a figure surpassing $US80 million ($121 million). They also argue he should bear the cost of any payouts in two lawsuits accusing the lender of facilitating Epsteins crimes.

Staleys acts of disloyalty occurred repeatedly, lasted for years, and persisted despite numerous opportunities to correct them, JPMorgan wrote.
When moviegoers saw Sharon Stones character in Basic Instinct cross her legs and briefly expose her genitalia during a police interrogation, the infamous scene helped cement her as a 90s sex symbol in what critics hailed as a star-making performance.

But the memorable moment, which Stone has long claimed not to have known about during the filming, had a more significant and painful impact on her personal life decades later, Stone said this week: it cost her the custody of her young son.

Sharon Stone with her son Roan Joseph Bronstein in July 2021. Credit: AP

In an interview on the Table for Two podcast, Stone claimed that judicial prejudice unfolded during her 2004 divorce case when the presiding judge asked her then-four-year-old son, Roan, if he knew that his mother starred in sex movies.

I lost custody of my child, Stone told host Bruce Bozzi on Tuesday (US time). The judge asked my child, my tiny little boy, Do you know your mother makes sex movies?
While Im being so brutally honest, I should mention that on several occasions, I have told people that I had COVID-19 so I wouldnt have to hang out with them. VOTE: Everything Everywhere All at Once Best Director A lot of people dont know this, but the director of a movie is usually the least useful person on a set. They literally just bumble around, forgetting peoples names and breaking expensive equipment. Especially if the director is Steven Spielberg. Or so I hear. Also, I promised my wife I was going to learn CPR but I havent done it. Ive got the instructional DVD, but I just havent gotten around to watching it. The box has been sitting on a shelf for 11 years. Thankfully, in that time, no one near me has required resuscitation, or wed all have been in big trouble.

VOTE: Ruben Ostlund (Triangle of Sadness) Best Actor I dont officially recognise movies with fat suits in them. So, thanks to Elvis and The Whale, this whole category is disqualified. In university, I once sang along to Total Eclipse of the Heart so loudly in my dorm room that people became worried about me. Reports were filed. It was a particularly emotional time and I found a lot of comfort in Bonnie Tylers soaring vocals Turn around

VOTE: Paul Mescal (Aftersun) Best Actress Andrea Riseborough controversially enlisted the help of famous friends to lobby for her nomination in the supposedly underwhelming To Leslie. But the real dirty secret is that To Leslie is the best movie of the last 50 years. Andrea Riseborough in To Leslie, the best movie since the 70s. Also, I have eaten an entire log of pre-made chocolate chip cookie dough in one sitting.

And when I say sitting, I dont mean sitting, because I was standing. In front of the fridge. And when I say standing, I mean hunched. And when I say in front of, I mean inside. VOTE: Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All at Once) Best Supporting Actor I have been a tremendous Judd Hirsch (The Fabelmans) stan since he played Saul in Fear on Trial in 1975. He is a master and Brendan Gleeson (The Banshees of Inisherin) has been ripping off his acting style for decades. Judd Hirsch in The Fabelmans. Brendan Gleeson wishes he was this grumpy.

Ive been telling people that I meditate but I dont. During lockdown, I tried to develop the practice, but it didnt take. And yet I maintained the facade. Why? I guess I want (need?) the respect and admiration of strangers. And I guess I dont want to admit that deep down, Im probably a little bit of a quitter. Wow. That one stung. This is not easy. VOTE: Ke Huy Quan (Everything Everywhere All at Once) Best Supporting Actress

Brutally Honest Confession #1: Kerry Condon (The Banshees of Inisherin) hasnt made a good movie since How Harry Became a Tree in 2001. Brutally Honest Confession #2: I am not 100 per cent sure who Kerry Condon is. Kerry Condon. Maybe? Credit: Getty Images Brutally Honest Confession #3: During a regrettable two-week stay at a summer camp when I was 12, I ran into someone whod bullied me in school. When he said I looked familiar, I pretended not to understand or speak English. I was just a boy and I was afraid. Theres more:

Whenever my wife asks me how far away I am, I always say 15 minutes. Loading Whether Im half an hour away or two hours, my answer is always the same. I can be in my pyjamas, still in bed, trapped under something heavy and I will always say that Im just 15 minutes away. Im in the car. (Im not.) Im coming around the corner, I can see you. (I cant.) Im parked right in front of you, dont you see me? (Im not, she cant.) Its obviously not a great system but I dont know how to stop. I frequently pretend to be friends with Martin Scorsese. I say that hes a family friend from New York and I grew up going to his house and that I gave him the idea for Goodfellas. I say that I used to call him Uncle Marty and he called me Nicky Little Shoes and that he bought me my first fedora and we still go to Disney World every year.
The franking credits battle has returned as the government tries to limit the way Australian listed companies can issue them, and the Coalition accuses the government of breaking a promise.

Franking credits compensate shareholders for the tax companies pay on profits. Often, only part of a companys profits is paid to shareholders as dividends, with the rest kept to grow the business.

Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services Stephen Jones says dividend imputation is not there for corporations to exploit. Credit: Rhett Wyman

However, company tax is paid on the entire profit, so franking credits become trapped on companies books. Investors who have little income on which they pay tax, particularly self-funded retirees, love franking credits as they effectively add up to 30 per cent  the company tax rate applying to big companies  to the value of the dividends they receive.

Superannuation funds also pay low levels of tax to the Australian Taxation Office on behalf of their members, making franking credits particularly valuable.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi just spoke of his concern about attacks on Indian temples in Australia at a joint address with Anthony Albanese.

It is unfortunate that over the last few weeks we have been receiving regular news of attacks on temples in Australia, Modi said.

It is only natural that this kind of news is very worrying and distressing for everyone in India.

Narendra Modi said he had raised the vandalism of Hindu temples in Australia with Anthony Albanese. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

I expressed these feeling and concerns to PM Albanese and he has assured me that the safety of the Indian community will be a special priority for him.

His remarks follow the defacing of three Hindu temples in Melbourne in January with anti-Hindu slogans.

The Indian High Commission in Canberra said at the time it strongly condemns the deeply disturbing incidents of vandalism, including of three Hindu temples in Melbourne in recent weeks.

The frequency and impunity with which the vandals appear to be operating are alarming, as are the graffiti which include glorification of anti-Indian terrorists, it said in a statement.
If rumours are true, A-League club Melbourne Victorys hardcore fans and the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman could soon have more in common than a shared comfort with violence.

In 2021, Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund took control of perennial Premier League mediocrities Newcastle United, in a bid to usurp Qatar and the United Arab Emirates as the Middle Easts foremost sportwashing petro-state.

Now bloated with blood money, Newcastle United wants to compete with UAE-backed powerhouses Manchester City (whose City Football Group own Victorys crosstown rivals Melbourne City) by establishing a global network of clubs.

There are rumours that Saudi Arabias Mohammad Bin Salman wants to buy Melbourne Victory. Credit: John Shakespeare

And, according to chatter in New York Times-owned sports publication The Athletic, Newcastle and their Saudi backers have their eyes on the group of clubs owned by Miami-based private equity crew 777 Partners. That group includes Melbourne Victory: 777 bought a minority stake last year, and recently got approval from the clubs shareholders to take control within five years.
Expert says Australia well-governed

Australian-born Professor K. C. Wheare, visiting from Oxford University, told the Royal Empire Society today that Australia was still among the relatively few well-governed countries in the world. In 1929 Australia, though a well-governed country, was a little-governed country. On my return in 1949 I was particularly impressed by the quality of the higher Civil Service at Canberra  The Government service had recruited a collection of men of great capacity.

Passengers on Watsons Bay buses scared

Mr. R. Murray Robson (Lib. Vaucluse) said in the Legislative Assembly yesterday that he had been told by dozens of his constituents that they were physically scared by the speed of the Watsons Bay buses, especially down the hill past Rose Bay Convent into Dover Road. He said that should the three British experts, who recommended an increase of 15 per cent in bus speeds, attend the public meeting at Rose Bay next Monday, they would see how popular they are.

Opera house plan

May I support the view of your correspondent (Herald, March 7), wrote Opera House of Balmoral in a letter to the editor. The State Theatre has such an opulence and grandeur that its ultimate use as an opera house must have been in the minds of its original projectors. The misty vision of an opera house on the site of Mrs Macquaries Chair may remain such for the full term of our brilliant conductor.
Sydney cherishes its public pools. But some of its residents have better access than others.

In Randwick, residents have a choice of nine ocean or man-made pools, ranging from historic Wylies Baths to the modern Des Renford Aquatic Centre. There is a council-managed bathing spot for every 17,200 people; by 2041, theyll need to squeeze in an extra 1700.

In Penrith, there are two council-run pools; they are far more crowded. Theres one per 108,000 people, and by 2041 that will grow to 135,000 people for each swimming spot, according to NSW Department of Planning figures.

Daniyah Duran is among those missing out on swimming classes because there are not enough pools. She is pictured with her father Ronald where there would be an aquatic centre if Blacktown Council could afford to build it. Credit: Wolter Peeters

In the rapidly growing Blacktown council area, there are five public pools; thats one per 77,000 residents. The population is growing so fast that unless more are built, there will be 100,000 people per pool in less than 20 years.
A corrupt former Queensland mayor has avoided jail time, with a judge sentencing him to community service for misconduct in public office.

Earlier this week, Luke Smith appeared in the Brisbane District Court, accused of offences while he was mayor of Logan, south of Brisbane.

Luke Smith leaves court with family after his sentencing. Credit: Cloe Read

Smith pleaded guilty on Tuesday to receipt of a secret commission by an agent and failing in his obligation to update his register of interests.

The offences related to a boat, which Smith had bought from the directors of a company, SKL Cables, and subsequently had not declared on his register of interest.
Australia is expected to buy up to five Virginia-class nuclear submarines from the United States under the AUKUS pact, defying repeated warnings that US shipyards were stretched to full capacity and could not sell any boats to Australia.

In the longer term, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to announce Australia will acquire a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines based primarily on a new British design in a major victory for his British counterpart Rishi Sunak.

Australia will acquire boats based on the Astute-class submarines in the long term and Virginia-class submarines from the US to fill a capability gap. Credit:

Albanese will appear at the San Diego Naval Base on Tuesday with Sunak and US President Joe Biden to announce details of the project.

Albanese has said the nuclear-powered submarines  which can travel longer distances underwater than conventional vessels  will be the single biggest leap in our defence capability in Australias history.
Independent senator Lidia Thorpe has alleged that she quit the Greens because she was bullied and undermined by several of her party room colleagues, saying she lodged a written complaint about her treatment with leader Adam Bandt and the parliaments workplace misconduct support service last year.

The Aboriginal Victorian senator split from the Greens last month and moved to the crossbench to lead a black sovereignty movement as an independent, claiming at the time she wanted to speak freely on issues without being constrained by party positions.

Senator Lidia Thorpe has alleged she was bullied by Greens senators before she quit the party last month. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Thorpes defection came after months of ongoing divisions with her colleagues over the Greens position on the Voice to parliament  a proposal which she had heavily criticised as the partys First Nations spokeswoman while her fellow MPs were eager to support it.

But in an interview on Thursday that ends the understanding between Thorpe and Bandt not to discuss the circumstances around her exit, Thorpe said differences over the referendum were not the key reason for her departure, alleging that she quit because a number of Greens senators had caused a lot of harm to her.
Anthony Albanese is set to announce Australias most significant defence acquisition in the nations history, procuring two types of nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS pact in a move that has surprised experts and raised fears of cost blowouts and delays.

The prime minister is expected to use a visit to San Diego next week to announce Australia will buy up to five Virginia-class submarines from the US, defying repeated warnings that American shipyards were stretched to full capacity and could not sell any boats to Australia.

They are expected to arrive some time in the 2030s and could require Australia to spend billions of dollars to expand Americas shipbuilding capacity, on top of paying for the submarines.

Australian Strategic Policy Institute analysts have previously estimated the submarine project could cost as much as $170 billion.
Those suspicious about the trajectory of Australian democracy might need no convincing, but now the very symbol of the nation has been shredding before our eyes.

Oh, dear.

How did the poor thing reach such a despondent state that it would barely be out of place on the yardarm of a ship emerging from a hurricane? Credit: Rhett Wyman

The massive flag that flies 24 hours of every day above Parliament House, background to a thousand televised gusts of political commentary, has become a tattered thing, torn and holed and woebegone.

Has our economy, ripped by inflation and assaulted by the Reserve Bank, come to this, that we can no longer afford to replace our distressed flag?
A long-running review into voter fraud that threatened to send 46,000 people back to the polls in Melbournes northern suburbs ended Thursday when a tribunal found Merri-beks councillors were properly elected.

However, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal accepted former Labor councillor Milad El-Halabi, who has pleaded not guilty to criminal charges, was elected through fraud.

Former Merri-bek councillor Milad El-Halabi (left) and wife Dianna arrive at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday. Credit: Jason South

VCAT vice-president Michael Macnamara did not suggest who was behind that fraud, but found that on the balance of probabilities, El-Halabi did benefit from it and was not duly elected.

El-Halabi, his wife, Dianna, and daughter Tania have been committed to stand trial on allegations they stole ballots from letter boxes in the Glenroy area and fraudulently filled them out when he contested the north-west ward of Merri-bek Council  then City of Moreland  in the 2020 local government elections.
Washington: The US intelligence community assesses that China doesnt want a military conflict over Taiwan even as its determined to bring the independently governed island under its control, officials told a House of Representatives hearing on Thursday.

Its not our assessment that China wants to go to war, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines told the House Intelligence Committee as part of an annual briefing on worldwide threats faced by the US.

Taiwanese soldiers take part in military exercises in January simulating a possible intrusion by Beijing. Credit: AP

Central Intelligence Agency Director William Burns testified at the same hearing that President Xi Jinping has been sobered by US and allied support for Ukraine in response to Russias invasion a year ago.

Thats something that President Xi has to weigh as he comes out of Zero COVID, tries to restore Chinese economic growth, tries to engage with the rest of the global economy, Burns said.
Tokyo: Most people would agree that drinking out of a restaurants communal soy sauce bottle is disgusting. But is it criminal?

Its a question that may soon go before Japanese courts after the police arrested three people linked to a viral video of a young man showing little regard for hygiene in one of the countrys popular conveyor belt sushi restaurants.

Inside a sushi conveyor belt restaurant in Japan. Credit: Savannah Rivka/CC/Wikicommons

Called sushi terrorism by some, the stunt is one of several that have lit up Japanese social media recently, provoking a national wave of revulsion and a panicked reaction from some of the countrys largest sushi chains, which worried about the impact on sales.

In the video that motivated the arrests, a young man with bleach-blond hair grabs sushi off a conveyor belt and devours it. He then upends a bottle of soy sauce into his mouth.
Former prime minister Kevin Rudd says China would not welcome Australias AUKUS alliance and has warned of an accidental war breaking out between US and China.

Rudd voiced his concerns about mounting tensions between the US and China and said the relationship was at risk of escalating.

Rudd, Australias incoming ambassador to Washington, said Australia  as an ally of the United States and a strategic partner of China  should work to help repair relations between the superpowers.

His comments come after Chinese President Xi Jinping criticised the US this week, stating: Western countries, led by the US, are implementing all-round containment, encirclement and suppression against us.
Kyiv/Zolochiv: Russia has fired a huge wave of missiles across Ukraine as people slept, killing several people and knocking out power in an attack Kyiv said included six Kinzhal hypersonic cruise missiles, one of Moscows most valuable weapons.

The mass strikes on targets far from the front on Thursday (Ukraine time) were the first such wave since mid-February and shattered the longest calm since Moscow began an air campaign against Ukraines civil infrastructure five months ago.

Villagers clear the rubble after Russias night rocket attack ruined private houses in a village in Zolochevsky district in the Lviv region. Credit: AP

They also briefly forced Europes biggest nuclear power plant off the grid.

The occupiers can only terrorise civilians. Thats all they can do. But it wont help them. They wont avoid responsibility for everything they have done, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, describing strikes that hit infrastructure and residential buildings in ten regions.
The Oort cloud is a shell of icy bodies that surrounds the solar system.

It begins beyond the Kuiper Belt and even beyond the influence of the suns magnetic field, technically in interstellar space . There may be billions, or even trillions, of objects in it, and some are so large that they count as dwarf planets .

Many long-period comets originate from the Oort cloud. Almost all objects that have approached the inner solar system from the Oort cloud are comets made of frozen gas and dust. But in 2022, as Space.com previously reported , researchers identified an unusual rocky object coming from the Oort cloud.

When the objects in the Oort cloud interact with passing stars , dust clouds or even the weak gravitational tidal forces created by the Milky Way galaxy , they may spiral inward toward the sun, according to a 2019 article in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics . Or, the objects may be cast completely out of the solar system into distant regions of space.

Although the Oort cloud's existence was first proposed in the 1950s, its extreme distance from Earth still makes it challenging for scientists to identify objects within it.

Oort cloud FAQs answered by an expert

We asked Karen Meech, an astronomer and astrobiologist who specializes in the study of comets a few frequently asked questions about the Oort cloud.

Karen Meech Social Links Navigation Astronomer, Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawaii. Karen Meech is an astronomer and astrobiologist who specializes in the study of comets and how these small bodies can help us understand how habitable planets form.

What is the Oort cloud made of? The Oort cloud is a collection of comets, small km-scale icy (and perhaps rocky) left-overs from the process of solar system formation . It is a spherical collection of bodies orbiting the sun.

How did the Oort cloud form? Stars are formed out of clouds of gas and dust in interstellar space that begin to collapse and flatten into a disk. During this time grains of dust and ice come together and grow larger over time. When objects grow as big as the giant planets, any smaller (km-scale) bodies called planetesimals, that come close to the giant planets get their orbits perturbed. Sometimes they get directed into the inner solar system, but other times they get thrown outward, eventually getting trapped in the Oort cloud.

How big is the Oort cloud? The Oort cloud extends inward to about 2000 AU (where an AU is the average Earth-sun distance), and out to about 200,000 au.

Where is the Oort cloud?

Artists rendering of the Kuiper Belt and Oort cloud. (Image credit: NASA)

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Because it's so far away, the Oort cloud is difficult to study. But according to NASA , the inner edge of the Oort cloud is likely between 2,000 and 5,000 astronomical units (AU) from the sun . One AU is the average distance between Earth and the sun : about 93 million miles (150 million kilometers). That means that, compared with Earth, the Oort cloud begins 2,000 to 5,000 times farther away from the sun.

The outer edge of the Oort cloud  which researchers predict could be 10,000 AU, or even 100,000 AU, from the sun  might reach nearly halfway between the sun and its nearest stellar neighbor, Proxima Centauri.

Most objects that orbit the sun orbit on the same plane, like the planets, the asteroid belt and the Kuiper Belt. Their orbits keep all of those objects generally in one flat disk around the sun. But the Oort cloud is likely a full sphere surrounding the solar system, like a thick-walled bubble of ice chunks in space.

Who discovered the Oort cloud?

In the 1950s, Dutch astronomer Jan Oort suggested that some of the comets entering the solar system might come from the icy shell that is now named after his work, according to NASA .

Oort and other astronomers noticed that two types of comets travel through the solar system, the European Space Agency (ESA) explains (opens in new tab). Those with short periods, many of which might be seen more than once in a lifetime, stem from the Kuiper Belt, a ring of icy particles near the orbit of Pluto . Longer-period comets  with orbits of hundreds, thousands, millions, or even billions of years  probably come from the more distant Oort cloud.

What's in the Oort cloud?

The trillions of objects in the Oort cloud are likely made primarily of water, methane and other ices, according to a 2003 paper (opens in new tab) in the journal Icarus.

Many Oort cloud objects could be pristine chunks of the sun's early life, formed right at the beginning of the solar system and then pushed by gravity to the outer reaches. Researchers suggest that these comets could provide insight into the environment in which the early Earth evolved, according to NASA.

But not all of the objects out there are the same. The Oort cloud is always changing, and on occasion, some of its residents are permanently booted out of the system through interactions with passing neighbors, according to NASA. Meanwhile, the sun may also capture new inhabitants from the revolving shells surrounding other stars.

Notable Oort cloud objects

The comet Hale-Bopp captured the attention of millions when it traveled in from the Oort Cloud to pass near the Earth before returning to its distant home. (Image credit: J. C. Casado)

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Hale-Bopp is a long-period comet that traveled from the Oort cloud. Visible for nearly a year and a half in the late 1990s, it passed within 122 million miles (197 million km) of Earth.

Halley's Comet is also believed to have come from the Oort cloud, although it is now a Kuiper Belt object.

Sedna is a dwarf planet thought to be three-quarters the size of Pluto; it may be the innermost object in the Oort cloud. Discovered in 2003, Sedna has a wildly elliptical orbit that takes it far beyond the Kuiper Belt. The dwarf planet will approach perihelion  its closest point to the sun in the next 11,000 years  in 2073, according to a 2021 paper in the journal Advances in Space Research.

Is the Kuiper Belt the same as the Oort cloud?

No, the Kuiper Belt is different from the Oort cloud. Like the Oort cloud, the Kuiper Belt is a source of comets and is made up of a collection of mostly unknown objects in the outer solar system. However, the Kuiper Belt is a concentrated disk (or belt) of these objects and orbits on roughly the same plane as the planets, rather than the bubble-like shell that researchers think makes up the Oort cloud, according to ESA (opens in new tab).

The Kuiper Belt is also much closer to the sun than the Oort cloud is, stretching from about 30 to 55 AU, according to NASA (opens in new tab). That makes the closest possible objects of the Oort cloud about 36 times farther away than the farthest objects of the Kuiper Belt.

What's beyond the Oort cloud?

Space! All the rest of it.

Additional resources

For more on comets and comet research, watch this PBS show (opens in new tab) about the ESA spacecraft Rosetta and its attempt to "catch" a comet. Or, check out this tool from The Sky Live (opens in new tab) that provides information about how to see interesting comets from where you are. And to experience comet-hunting yourself, read " Comets in the 21st Century: A Personal Guide to Experiencing the Next Great Comet! (opens in new tab)" (IOP Concise Physics, 2019).

Bibliography

European Space Agency. (2004, February 27). Jan Hendrik Oort: Comet pioneer. https://www.esa.int/About_Us/ESA_history/Jan_Hendrik_Oort_Comet_pioneer (opens in new tab)

European Space Agency. (2002, April 17). Relationship of the Kuiper Belt to the Oort cloud. ESA/Hubble. https://www.spacetelescope.org/images/opo0204i/ (opens in new tab)

Gibb, E. L., Mumma, M. J., Dello Russo, N., DiSanti, M. A., & Magee-Sauer, K. (2003). Methane in Oort cloud comets. Icarus, 165(2), 391-406. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0019-1035(03)00201-X (opens in new tab)

NASA. (2022, December 15). Kuiper Belt. NASA Solar System Exploration. https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/solar-system/kuiper-belt/overview (opens in new tab)

NASA. (n.d.). Oort cloud. NASA Solar System Exploration. Retrieved February 28, 2023, from https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/solar-system/oort-cloud/overview (opens in new tab)

Torres, S., Cai, M. X., Brown, A. G. A., & Zwart, S. P. (2019). Galactic tide and local stellar perturbations on the Oort cloud: Creation of interstellar comets. Astronomy & Astrophysics, 629, A139. https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/201935330 (opens in new tab)
The Social Democratic Party (PSD) President, Marcel Ciolacu, said on Thursday that the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) parliamentarians submitted to the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova a bill by which the authorities in Chisinau will transfer free of charge to the Metropolitan Church of Bessarabia, within the Church Romanian Orthodox, the building of the former Theological School from the inter-war period.

"Justice is being served for the Metropolitan Church of Bessarabia! The authorities in Chisinau will transfer the building of the former Theological School from the inter-war period to the Metropolitan Church of Bessarabia, within the Romanian Orthodox Church, free of charge. I thank the PAS parliamentarians for submitting this bill and I hope that it to be adopted as soon as possible. After 30 years of discrimination and injustice, justice is finally being served for the Metropolitan Church of Bessarabia, which is the only faith-based alternative in the Republic of Moldova to the church directly subordinated to the Moscow Patriarchy. It is a historical and moral reparation against of the injustice done to the Metropolitan Church of Bessarabia, which was banned when the Soviets came to power and whose properties were confiscated, nationalized or destroyed by the communists," Ciolacu wrote on Facebook.

He added that, in the future, the Metropolitan Church of Bessarabia - under the protection of the Romanian Orthodox Church - "will occupy its well-deserved place in society" and will be able to fully contribute to the formation of the spiritual and cultural education of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova. AGERPRES
MEP Corina Cretu on Thursday told Agerpres that she signed, along with other members of the European Parliament, a request to the European Commission to establish an institution to guarantee the respect of children's rights in all member states of the Union.

"It was the idea of several members from the political groups in the European Parliament generated by the fact that there is currently no body or committee, neither in the European Parliament nor at the level of the European Commission, which has over 30 agencies, dedicated exclusively to children's rights. And considering the fact that we are in the week dedicated to women, we had this initiative to request, on the one hand, the President of the European Parliament, Mrs. Roberta Metsola, but also Mrs. Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, to have at the level of the European institutions an entity/ institution to ensure that, in general, children in the Member States have their rights observed. Because child poverty is widespread and, unfortunately, worsening in Europe: 25pct of children are at risk of poverty or social exclusion, and poverty affects every aspect of children's lives, living conditions, education, personal and professional development, plus exploitation through work of children," said the European deputy.

Corina Cretu stated that the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, has become a supporter of this idea and considers it natural that at least at the European Parliament, probably at the human rights committee, there should be a subcommittee dedicated to children.

The MEP maintains that such an institution is necessary, because children are the most vulnerable and always pay the most during crises and conflicts.

"From this point of view, this approach and this new institution that deals not only with the member states, but also with the accession countries is very important. For example, in Ukraine alone, since the Russian invasion, at least 6,000 Ukrainians children have been kidnapped and deported or detained in Russia, and basically the European Union can do absolutely nothing for the time being from this point of view," said the European MEP.

In addition, Corina Cretu pointed out, the situation of children in Romania, from rural areas, is also worrying.

"One in 10 children does not currently attend any educational institution. (...) It is very important for Romania to know that there is also a European institution that supervises whether the respective state takes care of its children. (...) In all country reports, the EU officials mentioned poverty among children in rural areas in Romania," Corina Cretu emphasized.
Her Majesty Margareta, the Custodian of the Romanian Crown met on Wednesday in Stockholm with the ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland, Liliana Gutan.

The meeting took place at the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in Stockholm and was attended by Jonathan Eyal, member of the Royal Council, and Her Majesty's chancellor Ionut Demetriad."We had an exchange of views, we had a pragmatic exchange of views and planning, drawing pragmatic objectives for the future. Her Majesty reiterated that she is a full supporter of the Republic of Moldova's European cause, she is one of the main advocates and the main royal voice for the citizens of the Republic of Moldova and we are going to implement several joint projects, starting with economic projects, especially cultural projects and humanitarian projects," ambassador Liliana Gutan said at the end of the meeting.According to her, the visit of Her Majesty Margareta and Prince Radu to Sweden is very important for the Republic of Moldova, in the context of the support offered by the Royal House."In this context, the voice of the Royal House of Romania in relation to the Royal House of Sweden represents a unique channel of dialogue, which cannot be replaced by an elected political official and in this context it is a strong voice especially for the Republic of Moldova. The Republic of Moldova's cause does not have so many disinterested advocates, and Her Majesty and His Highness the Prince are its main advocates. We are very happy that they have a strategy to visit and synchronize their messages with the upcoming EU presidencies and royal houses. We are talking about Spain, and they will discuss the same with the British Royal House on supporting the cause and assisting humanitarian projects in the Republic of Moldova," concluded the Moldovan ambassador to Sweden.
The minister of National Defence, Angel Tilvar, participated on Tuesday and Wednesday in the informal meeting of EU defence ministers, which took place in Stockholm, Sweden, where he reiterated our country's support for Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, informs the Ministry of National Defence (MApN).

"We had a meeting that reaffirmed European unity in terms of solidarity with Ukraine," Tilvar said, according to the source.During the meeting, defence ministers had a substantive discussion on the overall impact and consequences of the Russian Federation's illegal and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as the prospects for the European Union's engagement in support of Ukraine."We also condemned on this occasion the military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, pointing out that this action constitutes a threat to the European and Euro-Atlantic security architecture. I welcomed the important role of the European Union and its comprehensive and structured response to Ukraine's needs, in particular regarding the effectiveness of the EU Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace, and the relevance of the European Union Military Assistance Mission in Ukraine (EUMAM)," said the Romanian minister.The Romanian official highlighted the impact of the conflict in Ukraine on the entire Black Sea region, stressing the need to support the Republic of Moldova in the face of the Russian Federation's threat by strengthening its resilience."We believe that this instrument is extremely important for supporting not only Ukraine, but also exposed states in the Black Sea region, such as the Republic of Moldova. Two assistance measures have already been adopted for a total of 47 million euros for the benefit of the Government in Chisinau," said the Romanian minister of Defence.Angel Tilvar also spoke of the need for an integrated approach in relation to malign foreign influences, from a broader security perspective. In this regard, he stressed "the importance of effective communication to counter the propaganda of various international actors against the EU and European states". He also highlighted the relevance of measures tailored to the needs of partners to ensure real support and to maximise the EU's external action.
A series of four original concerts of pan flute, bansuri and tabla, which bring together traditional music from Romania and India, will be organized, between March 17 and 21, by the "Rabindranath Tagore" Cultural Centre with the support of the Indian Embassy in Bucharest and the Indian Ministry of Culture in Oradea, Timisoara, Cluj-Napoca and Bucharest.

According to a press release sent to AGERPRES on Thursday, the series of concerts - called "Suflet. Peisaje muzicale din Carpati si Himalaya" [Soul. Musical landscapes from the Carpathians and Himalayas - editor's note] - will take place in Oradea on March 17, at 7.00 pm, at the State Philharmonic; Timisoara - March 18, 7.00 pm, at the Capitol Hall; Cluj-Napoca - March 19, 7.30 pm, at the Student Culture House; Bucharest - March 21, 7.00 pm, at the Dalles Hall.

The concerts will illustrate the diversity and musical richness of the two countries, from doina to dhun, from hora to hori, from sarba to raga.

"Through the confluence of wind instruments from the two cultural spaces, the artists will delight the audience with surprising interpretations of their beloved pieces from Romanian folklore, along with a repertoire inspired by Indian seasons and festivals," the same press release states.

Narcisa Baleanu, who will play the pan flute and sing, while representing the traditional songs from the Mehedinti area, as an artist especially involved in preserving traditional music, will bring before the audience the most representative musical expressions of the Romanian soul.

Bhaskar Das, one of the young masters of Indian classical music on the bansuri, will reproduce the ancestral spirit of Indian civilization with his bamboo flute and Amit Mishra, on the tabla, will add dynamism and strength to the entire musical presentation with his percussion instrument.

Entrance tickets can be purchased from eventbook, billete.ro, from the Humanitas, Carturesti bookshops and from the ticket offices of the Oradea State Philharmonic and the "Banatul" Timisoara Philharmonic. AGERPRES
Her Majesty Margareta met, on Thursday, with the director general of the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Andrea Ammon, and with the Romanian employees of the institution, as a last point on the agenda of the visit of the Royal Family of Romania to the Kingdom of Sweden.

The Crown Custodian was accompanied to the meeting by the Romanian ambassador to Sweden, Daniel Ionita, minister-counselor at the Romanian Embassy, Traian Sarca, chancellor of Her Majesty's House, and Ionut Demetriad, advisor to the Cabinet of the Crown Custodian.

In the first part of the meeting, Andrea Ammon gave a brief presentation of the ECDC activity, an institution whose main objective is to strengthen Europe's defense systems against infectious diseases.

Later, Her Majesty Margareta and Ambassador Daniel Ionita met with the Romanian employees of the institution.

"Your work is very important for our health and for our future. I think we need to bring science including in our way of development in society and your voices are important", said the Romanian ambassador to Sweden to the Romanian employees.

The visit to ECDC represented the last item on the agenda of the visit that the Royal Family of Romania made this week to the Kingdom of Sweden. AGERPRES
Her Majesty Margareta and Prince Radu had, on Thursday, in Sockholm, a meeting with Anna Hagg-Sjoquist, the president of the Swedish Red Cross.

Her Majesty Margareta, president of the Romanian Red Cross, was accompanied to the meeting by Iulian Bobarnea, vice-president of the Red Cross, Daniel Ristea, minister-counselor at the Romanian Embassy, Traian Sarca, chancellor of Her Majesty's House, and Ionut Demetriad, adviser at the Cabinet of the Custodian of the Crown.

"It is a very important visit for the Romanian Red Cross, considering that there is a very old collaboration, dating back to the 90s, with the Swedish Red Cross. Today, at the meeting, we tried to recall those collaborative projects that we had in the past, but especially to lay the foundations for the new ones, the projects that will take place in the next period in Romania, with the support of the Swedish Red Cross. These are, first of all, projects dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities, but especially to supporting people who I come from Ukraine. (...) Her Majesty, the president of the Red Cross Romania, participated in this meeting and first of all thanked those who supported us, from here, from the headquarters of the Red Cross Sweden, greeted this collaboration that we have had for many years. She was also fascinated by the programs that the Swedish Red Cross runs both locally and internationally, especially in terms of supporting of the population of Ukraine," Iulian Bobarnea said at the end of the meeting.

Also on Thursday, during the morning, the Custodian of the Crown and the Prince Consort met with Christian Danielsson, Secretary of State for European Affairs within the Bureau of the Swedish prime minister. AGERPRES
Two men have been detained for 24 hours because they would have sent from Spain 25 kilograms of cannabis and hashish via a courier company to Romania.

"Policemen with the Bucharest Brigade for Combating Organized Crime - the Ilfov Service for Combating Organized Crime, together with the Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) prosecutors - Central Structure, documented the crime activity of two persons suspected of introducing into the country dangerous drugs and trafficking dangerous drugs," a release of the General Inspectorate of Romanian Police (IGPR) sent to AGERPRES on Thursday informed.

In both cases, it was noted that the suspected persons would have traveled to Spain where they would have purchased from more than 10 kilograms of cannabis and one kilogram of hashish, namely approximately 10 kilograms of cannabis, which they would have packed and shipped via a courier company to Romania.

"On 8 March, the suspected persons were caught red-handed by the criminal investigation bodies while picking up, from Bucharest, the parcels sent from Spain, in which the dangerous drugs were concealed, which were intended for sale to consumers in Bucharest and Ilfov county," the quoted source shows.

On Thursday, the DIICOT prosecutors - Central Structure ordered, in the two distinct cases, the detention, for 24 hours, of the two persons investigated for committing the crimes of introducing dangerous drugs into the country and trafficking dangerous drugs.

"Today, the judge of rights and freedoms of the Bucharest Court was notified, with the proposal of their preventive arrest for 30 days," the IGPR mentions.

The relevant support was ensured through the Special Operations Directorate of the Romanian Police and the Technical and Forensic Bureau within the DIICOT.
The first Francophone International Congress of Medicine and Stomatology in Romania for students and young doctors takes place between 8 and 12 March, at the "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy (UMF) in Iasi.

Rector of the "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Viorel Scripcariu stated that throughout these five days, 250 scientific activities are organized with the participation of 150 speakers from the country and abroad and 800 participants.

According to the quoted source, the event is organized by the students of the Medical Association of Francophone Students in Iasi.

"It is impressive and, at the same time, a beautiful and symbolic coincidence that the first edition of the congress takes place during the Francophonie Month, this year when we celebrate 30 years since Romania's accession with full rights to the International Organization of Francophonie and 15 years of Francophone medical higher education at the UMF Iasi. Moreover, our University is recognized as an important pole of Francophonie in Romania, with 1,500 students studying on the French language teaching lines, of whom 850 are French students. The UMF Iasi is also a titular member of the Francophone University Agency, an international association that brings together 1000 higher education and research institutions from all over the world, and the University's Academic Success Center has been, for many years, an open window to the values of Francophonie. But our University is more than a vibrant multi-cultural space which is open to the challenges of the future, it is also a benchmark for medical training in the French language. This congress, unique in Romania, is the living proof that here, at the UMF Iasi, Francophone students benefit from a quality higher medical education," UMF Rector Viorel Scripcariu stated. AGERPRES
As many as 76,100 travelers of whom 7,282 Ukrainian nationals, entered Romania on Wednesday, the General Border Police Inspectorate (IGPF) reports.

Approximately 161,600 people, Romanian and foreign nationals, and over 50,200 means of transport underwent border checks at all of Romania's crossing points on Wednesday.The number of Ukrainians who crossed into Romania since the pre-war date of February 10 is 3,705,317, the IGPF said.As part of the specific activities at crossing points and the green border, the border police found 53 illegal acts (28 infractions and 25 contraventions) committed by both Romanian and foreign citizens. The value of the seized undeclared goods amounts to approximately RON 203,000.Fines worth over RON 26,300 were also issued.17 foreign citizens who did not meet the legal requirements were denied entry to the country, and 16 Romanian citizens were also not allowed to leave the country for various legal reasons.
The Government approved in its Thursday's meeting a draft law regarding Romania's participation in the capital increase of the Council of Europe Development Bank.

The normative act approves the increase of the capital held by Romania as a member of the Development Bank of the Council of Europe with the amount of 46.49 million EUR of invested capital and 13.128 million EUR of paid-up capital, in accordance with the provisions of Resolution of the Board of Directors no. 463 (2022).

"The increase in the paid-up capital will be paid in four annual installments equal to 3.282 million EUR each, in the period 2023-2026. The payment of the paid-up capital is ensured annually from the state budget, through the budget of the Ministry of Finance", informs the Government.AGERPRES
The researchers found that more frequent social activity was associated with longer overall survival. For overall survival during five years of follow-up, adjusted time ratios (TRs) were 1.42 in the group participating in social activity not monthly but sometimes, 1.48 in the group participating not weekly but at least once/month, 2.10 in the group participating not daily but at least once/week, and 1.87 in the group participating in social activity almost every day versus never. From five years to up to 17 years of follow-up, adjusted TRs for overall survival were 1.05 in the group participating not monthly but sometimes, 1.64 in the group participating not weekly but at least once/month, 1.23 in the group participating not daily but at least once/week, and 3.04 in the group participating almost every day versus never.
THURSDAY, March 9, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- It happens to everyone: you climb into bed, hoping for a good nights rest. Yet, sleep remains elusive.

Your mind can't slow down. You need to go to the bathroom. You hear every noise in the house. You need to fall asleep. Now.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, most adults need at least seven hours of sleep a night. But it's hard to reach that goal if you struggle to slip into slumber in the first place.

So, how to go to sleep fast? Try incorporating the following tips and tricks.

Melatonin and magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral found in many foods you eat, including leafy green vegetables. It may support the function of the neurotransmitters related to sleep. The Cleveland Clinic suggests trying 200 milligrams of magnesium glycinate or magnesium citrate supplements about 30 minutes before bed to help with sleep.

Meanwhile, melatonin is a hormone your brain produces in response to your exposure to light. It helps your body set its sleep-wake cycle. Per the Mayo Clinic, melatonin production decreases due to aging, and this decrease can shorten your sleep. Melatonin is available as a supplement and is considered safe for short-term use. Johns Hopkins recommends starting with a small dose of 1 to 3 milligrams before bed.

Before starting any new supplement, it is essential to check in with your primary care provider.

Meditation

Meditation may be the answer if stress and anxiety keep you awake. The Sleep Foundation states that meditation techniques are intended to promote a more relaxed response to a persons stressful thoughts and feelings. There are many free guided meditations available on the internet. Box breathing may also help you relax. The Sleep Foundation outlines the steps for box breathing:

Starting after an exhale, inhale slowly through your nose while counting to 4. Hold your breath for another count of 4. Slowly exhale through your mouth for a count of 4. After exhaling, hold your breath for one final count of 4. Repeat this breathing pattern as needed.

Lower blue light exposure

Electronics late into the evening can lead to sleep disturbances because of mental stimulation and blue light, said Dr. Sanjeev Kothare, of Northwell Health, in New Hyde Park, N.Y. Blue light can suppress melatonin secretion and interfere with your sleep-wake cycle.

Harvard University recommends avoiding bright screens for two to three hours before bed. Blue light-blocking glasses are also recommended when using electronic devices later in the evening. Consider making the bedroom a screen-free room. The Sleep Foundation recommends using night-time mode on portable electronic devices, reducing the emission of blue light and dimming the displays brightness setting.

Cut the caffeine

Kothare recommends avoiding caffeine after 2 p.m. Caffeine has a long half-life, meaning it takes a while to leave the body. This can lead to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Caffeine isnt just found in coffee. Four ounces of milk chocolate have the caffeine equivalent of a half cup of coffee, while green tea, kombucha and energy drinks all contain caffeine.

Create a better sleep environment

Creating an environment conducive to rest can improve your sleep. Dr. Fariha Abbasi-Feinberg, a sleep specialist at Millennium Physician Group in Fort Myers, Fla., recommends making sure the bedroom is cool, dark and quiet. Sometimes white noise, such as a fan, can help. Consider using blackout blinds or drapes to limit the room's light and setting the temperature a few degrees lower than usual to create the optimum sleep environment.

Eat earlier rather than later

Time your food intake  your last big meal of the day should be at least two to three hours before bedtime. Mount Sinai recommends a small bowl of yogurt or cereal low in sugar if you are hungry closer to sleep. A warm, non-caffeinated beverage may also help you unwind before bed.

Limit alcohol and drug use

Kothare recommends avoiding alcohol and other drugs for better sleep. Alcohol acts as a sedative and may cause you to fall asleep faster. Yet, alcohol is known to disrupt the sleep cycle. The Cleveland Clinic explains that as alcohol starts to metabolize, the sedative effect diminishes. You will wake up easily and more often in the latter half of the night. You will also not experience deep REM sleep and will wake up groggy.

Seek medical advice if needed

Abbasi-Feinberg recommends seeking medical care if your sleep issues interfere with your ability to function during the day or cause you to be drowsy while driving or at work.

SOURCES: Fariha Abbasi-Feinberg, MD, sleep specialist, Millennium Physician Group, Fort Myers, Fla.; Sanjeev Kothare, MD, child neurology, epilepsy and sleep medicine, Northwell Medical, New Hyde Park, N.Y.
After years of being abandoned at a bank and a 16-month search to find its rightful place, a Purple Heart has found its proper home.

The four children of Kenneth R. Wiest of OFallon, Illinois, finally received the esteemed military decoration that was found in 2019 in an abandoned safe deposit box in OFallon, Illinois.

Dad was a good soldier, a loyal friend and dedicated father, said Andrea Wiest Schone, youngest of Weists four children, who attended a presentation ceremony this week in Springfield.

Purple Hearts are awarded to members of the U.S. military who were injured or killed while serving.

The medal search involving Weists award was spearheaded by the office of Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs.

In November 2021, Frerichs released a list in of 11 Purple Hearts that had been left in safe deposit boxes across the state. The treasurers office received them as part of the offices unclaimed property program.

Originally, Frerichs office had only the barest of bones when it came to information: Just the surname Wiest, and that the medal had been forwarded to the treasurers office in October 2019.

But after months of research, the effort paid off and Wiest was identified as the recipient.

An Army specialist, Wiest earned the medal while serving in Vietnam, where he was wounded by enemy fire while inside a helicopter. He also served later in the Gulf War, and service medals from that campaign also were returned.

Wiest, who died in 1998, was born in 1950 in Pennsylvania and then moved to Mascoutah as a boy. After graduating from Mascoutah High in 1968, he went into the Army and was sent to Vietnam.

After leaving the military, he worked as an analyst for the Department of Defense. He also was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church in OFallon, the treasurers office reported.

My brother and sisters are grateful to have these medals that honor his legacy, said Schone, who lives in OFallon, Missouri.
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ST. LOUIS  Its important to remember when Missouris elected Republicans made the decision to try to crumple up the U.S. Constitution and toss it in the trash bin of history.

It was after the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School on Dec. 14, 2012.

Thats the day 20 children and six adults were slaughtered by a madman with an assault weapon. The nation was horrified  most of us anyway. But some Republicans believed the conspiracy theories pushed by radio talk show host Alex Jones that the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, was a false flag operation, that those children didnt actually die.

About a month later, then-President Barack Obama signed 23 executive actions seeking to begin a national debate on gun safety. Most of the executive orders were in line with ideas that a majority of Americans, regardless of party, believe in  like directing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to study gun violence as the public health problem that it is.

But the presidents swift action fed another invented Republican narrative: Obamas coming for your guns. And so almost immediately, the effort began to pass the so-called Second Amendment Preservation Act in Missouri.

On Tuesday, U.S. District Court Judge Brian C. Wimes declared the latest version of the SAPA unconstitutional. It was not a close call.

The measure seeks to nullify federal gun laws. It makes Missouri law enforcement officials civilly liable if they work with federal officials to enforce such laws. It wreaked havoc on task forces that are common in Missouri, with local, state and federal law enforcement officers hamstrung by the laws bizarre provisions.

Thats why the Department of Justice went to federal court to overturn the law. Two lawsuits in state court, including one filed by St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones and St. Louis County Executive Sam Page, are pending.

At best, this statute causes confusion among state law enforcement officials who are deputized for federal task force operations, and at worst, is unconstitutional on its face, Wimes wrote. While purporting to protect citizens, SAPA exposes citizens to greater harm by interfering with the Federal Governments ability to enforce lawfully enacted firearms regulations designed by Congress for the purpose of protecting citizens within the limits of the Constitution.

In 2013, the first time a version of this law was passed, there was a lone Republican in the Missouri House who stood to oppose it. State Rep. Jay Barnes was a Republican from Jefferson City. He dedicated his life to defending the Constitution, in law and in public service.

Our Constitution is not a Chinese buffet, Barnes said in casting his lonely but courageous vote.

That law would pass the Legislature but was vetoed by Gov. Jay Nixon, a Democrat. Lawmakers kept tinkering with it and waiting for the right moment to pass it, which came along in 2021.

By then, the Constitution had become a blur to most elected Republicans. These days, theyre banning books, erasing American history, telling women what they can do with their bodies and turning people in the LGBTQ community into second-class citizens.

When it comes to keeping our children safe in school buildings, or theaters, or malls, or synagogues and churches, there should be no room for partisan ideologues to hijack the debate. More than 10 years after Newtown, though, there are cracks in the right-wing conspiracy machine.

Jones has lost about a half-billion dollars, and counting, in libel lawsuits brought by the parents of the dead children. Last year, following another massacre of children  this time in Uvalde, Texas  a bipartisan gun safety bill passed Congress. It expands background checks and includes incentives for red-flag laws, which are intended to keep guns from people with mental health issues, such as the man who killed Alexzandria Bell and Jean Kuczka at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School in south St. Louis. Police had visited the shooter previously. His parents wanted them to take his guns. Missouri law wouldnt allow it.

Now, thanks to Wimes and Congress, law enforcement officers could have more options at their disposal.

Missouri politics being what it is, Attorney General Andrew Bailey, a Republican, has vowed to defend the law and appeal it all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Its a waste of time and money, and a distraction from whats really at play here.

Yes, the children of Sandy Hook Elementary were real and they died brutal deaths. No, Obama wasnt taking your guns, and neither is President Joe Biden. And yes, the people charged with law enforcement in this country, the ones who are behind the various lawsuits to overturn SAPA, want bipartisan solutions to help reduce gun violence.

In St. Louis, police are begging lawmakers to help them be able to take guns from kids on the street, to reduce gun violence, to protect Missouri citizens. Earlier this legislative session, Republicans said no.

How many dead kids will it take to change their minds?
ST. LOUIS  The family of a St. Louis-area Lyft driver killed in 2021 after immigrating to the United States from Ghana filed suit this month claiming Lyft fails to protect its drivers.

Lisa Newman filed a wrongful death suit in St. Louis County Court March 1 in the death of her husband, Elijah Newman, 45, of St. Peters, who was driving for Lyft on the night of April 15, 2021, when he was shot and killed.

A customer, Torion Wilson, 19, of St. Louis, faces a pending first-degree murder charge in Newmans death. Charging documents allege an email address set up by Wilson had been linked to a series of earlier carjackings targeting ride-hailing drivers in the area before the killing.

The suit argues Lyft is negligent in its lack of protections for drivers.

Despite Lyfts safety measures to ensure the safety of passengers, Lyft provides little safety measures to protect Lyft drivers from their passengers, the suit states.

The suit argues Lyft doesnt alert drivers when they are entering high-crime areas, does not allow them to be armed or carry a firearm and offers drivers no safety devices such as partitions between the front and back seats.

A request for comment to Lyft was not immediately returned Thursday.

Newman was a father of five whose kids lived in his hometown of Tema, Ghana, his friend Elizabeth Hylton of St. Peters, told the Post-Dispatch in 2021.

After coming to the U.S. a decade before his death, he moved to St. Peters from New Jersey in February 2021 to start a new chapter, Hylton said. Newman applied for jobs in information technology, hoping to eventually buy a home and bring his family to St. Peters to live with him.

Attorney Nuru Witherspoon is representing his wife, Lisa Newman, in the suit.

Newman is among a series of cab and ride app drivers targeted and killed during their work in the St. Louis area. Taxi driver Dewight Price was killed during an April 2022 carjacking attempt by teen customers in Hazelwood. Cab driver Richard Lilie Jr. was killed by a customer in October 2019 while working in north St. Louis County. A driver for Laclede Cab, Boris Iouioukine, was killed by a customer during a June 2018 St. Louis carjacking. And in September 2016, Laclede Cab driver Timothy Grice was killed in St. Louis Central West End neighborhood.
UPDATED with new details on killing, names of three who died

LINCOLN COUNTY  With his four children in the home, a man fatally shot his father-in-law and his wife Wednesday night, then shot and killed himself at a home near Foley, authorities said.

Phillip Lee Foland's four children, ranging in age from 15 to a baby younger than 1, ran to a neighbor's home for help, unharmed. The children notified police, said Lincoln County Sheriff Rick Harrell.

The triple shooting was reported about 8:15 p.m. Wednesday at a home in the 2500 block of Highway W, west of Foley.

"Some of the children saw bits and pieces" of the attack, Harrell said in an interview Thursday with the Post-Dispatch. "Everybody saw something."

Foland, 56, killed his wife, Lauren Jennings Foland, 38, and her father Scott Preston Causey, 72, inside the home they all shared, Harrell said.

Deputies found Lauren Foland and Scott Causey dead in the home. Phillip Foland was suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was taken by helicopter to a hospital, where he died.

The children are now safe and in protective custody, Harrell said.

The sheriff said investigators were trying to learn the motive for the attack.

Phillip Foland had a few traffic tickets but no history of violence, the sheriff said, and police were never called to the home before about any violence.

The only criminal history Phillip Foland had was a misdemeanor drug charge in Texas years ago, Harrell said.
ST. PETERS  A man charged with shooting a woman during a purse snatching outside a St. Peters Schnucks grocery store remains at large, police said Wednesday.

Tyrone Miller Jr., 24, of OFallon, Illinois, is charged with first-degree assault, attempted robbery and armed criminal action, but has not been arrested in the case.

Charging documents allege Miller walked up to a 52-year-old woman who was sitting in the passenger seat of a vehicle about 8 p.m. March 3 while her husband was loading groceries into the car in the parking lot of the Schnucks at 48 Plaza 94. Miller is accused of shooting the woman in the ear while attempting to steal her purse.

The womans husband told St. Peters police Miller he heard his wife yell: No! before the sound of gunshots, court documents say.

The husband then spotted a man getting into a silver SUV and called 911.

The woman was taken to a hospital where she was considered stable by Sunday.

St. Peters police matched latent fingerprints on the victims car to Miller, who was also suspected in a string of similar purse snatchings, including a robbery outside a Diergergs grocery store in Shrewsbury. He has not been charged in any of those cases.

A silver Honda SUV owned by Avis Car Rental that police believe Miller used in the crimes was found abandoned Sunday in East St. Louis.

Court records show Miller pleaded guilty in St. Clair County to felony counts of domestic battery and unlawful restraint in March 2021.
ST. LOUIS  The day after voters cast ballots in historic primaries to choose the next Board of Aldermen, the results of one race were still up in the air. And the results of another had insiders thinking about the next mayors race  in 2025.

City elections officials spent the day hurrying to find and count provisional ballots in hopes they could resolve a tie in the 9th Ward, which includes the Central West End and the Grove.

Michael Browning, a grant specialist at Washington University, claimed the top spot in the contest, one of the most closely watched in the city. He received 1,003 votes, representing support from 49.78% of ballots.

But Aldermen Tina Pihl and Mike Gras were tied for the second spot in the April run-off, with 868 votes apiece. And it wasnt entirely clear how the deadlock would be broken.

Elections board staff spent the day on Plan A: retrieving and reviewing provisional ballots cast by people who didnt have proper ID at the polls Tuesday. If staff could match the signatures in the ballots envelopes to valid registrations, the ballots could count and tip the balance.

By days end, Democratic elections director Ben Borgmeyer said staff had found some ballots from Ward 9 and begun reviewing them, but had no results to announce.

He noted military absentee ballots could come in as late as Friday.

But if that doesnt work, things could get murky.

Republican director Gary Stoff said the new, voter-approved ordinance establishing nonpartisan approval voting in the city is no help. And this is the first time the issue has come up since its passage, so officials dont have any precedent to follow.

A provision in state statute concerning ties in primary elections says a tie in a partisan primary can be resolved with a special election or, if candidates agree to it, by drawing lots. But Stoff said it wasnt clear it would apply, and wasnt keen on picking names out of a hat.

I hope it doesnt come to that, he said.

Pihl said shes staying focused on her campaign and work as an alderman while the process plays out. Theres no reason to stop, she said.

Gras said hes not thinking too much about tiebreaker scenarios, either. That sounds like a mess, he said.

But he also said the whole debacle might have a silver lining for the ward. A little bit of drama builds excitement, he said. Hopefully that drives higher turnout in April.

Across town, Alderman Cara Spencer was enjoying a very different result that had tongues wagging about her making another run at the mayors office.

Spencer, who lost to Mayor Tishaura O. Jones by 4 percentage points in a clash of prominent progressives two years ago, came back Tuesday with an impressive showing. She won support from a higher percentage of voters than any other candidate with opposition.

At the same time, data analyst Shedrick Kelley, who appeared formidable after giving another incumbent a scare two years ago  and whom Jones endorsed  finished third and missed the run-off.

In an interview Wednesday, Spencer stressed that shes focused on working for voters in the new 8th Ward, which runs from downtown and the near north riverfront all the way to the northeastern corner of Carondelet.

But her rhetoric would also fit neatly into a citywide mayoral campaign.

She said she wants to fight for downtown, which has been hobbled for years by high-profile shootings, drag racing and late-night mayhem that has at times fostered a sense of lawlessness in the heart of the region. She said she wants to fight to improve city services at a time when the administration is struggling to provide them. And she said she wants to fight to reverse the loss of population and businesses from the city in recent years.

The comments recalled similar remarks at a recent forum, where 8th Ward candidates were asked how they would work with Jones.

Kelley said he thought the mayor was moving the needle on key issues. Former Alderman Ken Ortmann said he would work with Jones just like anyone else in government who could help the ward. But after Spencer said she had worked with Jones on a number of issues, she ran down the citys problems with things like trash pickup and population loss. We have to change some things, she said.

If Spencer does end up running for mayor, shell have a decent start on fundraising. Shes brought in more than $100,000 so far in this race, and says she hasnt made a single phone call.

The aldermanic race isnt over yet, of course. Spencer, who received support from roughly 74% of voters on Tuesday, will face Ortmann, who got 29%, in the general election April 4.

And Ortmann hopes to make it a race. Were not going to lay down, he said.
JEFFERSON CITY  The biggest single building project in Gov. Mike Parsons budget  $859 million to widen three sections of Interstate 70  will have to be pared back if lawmakers divert funds to other highways, a top transportation official warned this week.

Wed have to reconsider the scope, Missouri Department of Transportation Director Patrick McKenna said Tuesday during a House Budget Committee hearing. We would probably cut down,  but it would just be a reduction in scope.

Parsons plan would dedicate $859 million to add lanes through Boone County in central Missouri, and extend the sections with three lanes in the suburban Kansas City and St. Louis areas.

The proposed I-70 spending represents nearly 20% of the proposed $4.8 billion MoDOT budget for the coming fiscal year, but the cost is substantially less than improving the entire interstate. Widening I-70 to three lanes in each direction would cost an estimated $2.7 billion.

Still, lawmakers are raising concerns, while seeking to divert funds to other projects.

In subcommittee work, amendments to take $48 million from the I-70 plan passed, with the money being redirected to a five-mile project on Interstate 44 in Springfield and an environmental impact study for improvements to the entire Interstate 44 corridor.

Lawmakers have control of how much is dedicated to I-70 because Parson is tapping the bulging general revenue surplus  estimated to be $4.9 billion on June 30  to fund it. The main source of MoDOT funding is off-limits to lawmakers, but that could change.

The House has voted in favor of a state constitutional amendment that would give lawmakers control of the state road fund. Currently, money from fuel taxes, license fees and vehicle sales taxes to maintain highways stand appropriated without legislative action.

The proposed constitutional amendment now goes to the Senate where, if approved, it would be put on a statewide ballot.

During the hearing, Rep. Scott Cupps, R-Shell Knob, peppered McKenna with questions about how I-70 was chosen over other projects, such as I-44.

Is this something that stems from the fact that I-70 does go through what I have coined as being the bureaucrat bubble? Cupps asked.

Cupps, who drives a truck, said he doesnt believe the congestion on I-70 outside urban pinch points is as bad as it is on I-44.

There are several reasons I-70 is getting priority, McKenna said. It is the oldest interstate highway in the state system and more in need of general reconstruction. An environmental study done 20 years ago is faster to update than an entirely new study.

And the plan proposed by Parson is based on available resources and identified needs. It does not fund the entire project, McKenna noted.

They looked at those very things on those rural stretches of I-70, McKenna said of Parsons staff And they didnt believe that at this time adding general revenue for those specific sections would be the right way to go.

Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Missouri Independent maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jason Hancock for questions: info@missouriindependent.com. Follow Missouri Independent on Facebook and Twitter.
CAHOKIA HEIGHTS  Attorneys representing a group of Cahokia Heights residents are seeking summary judgment in a lawsuit alleging the city is violating the Clean Water Act by allowing sewage to overflow into the Mississippi River, including as recently as last month.

Summary judgment, they say, would mean that at least part of the residents lawsuit, filed in August of 2021, will not have be decided by a jury, freeing up legal resources and hopefully leading to quicker repairs to the sewer system. The trial is currently scheduled for October 2024.

We dont really need to go to trial over this. The court can just rule that the Clean Water Act has been violated, and we can just then focus on how to remedy that problem, said Courtney Bowie, managing attorney with Earthjustice, a nonprofit environmental law organization representing residents.

The part of the lawsuit seeking compensation for damages to homes and neighborhoods from sewer overflows would still continue towards a trial, Bowie said.

The federal Clean Water Act protects the water quality of the nations waterways. According to the motion for summary judgment, filed last week, at least one cleanout pipe on North 82nd Street in the city has been spilling sewage since at least 2008, documented more than 90 times by inspectors in the past four years.

The sewage flows between homes to stormwater ditches that eventually lead to the Mississippi River as well as the 80-acre Grand Marais Lake in Frank Holten State Recreation Area. The lake is used for fishing and boating.

The latest sewer overflow was noted by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency inspectors on Feb. 9 after nearly an inch of rainfall. Sewage was not only flowing from the 82nd Street pipe, but also bubbling up from a ditch a couple blocks away and flowing into stormwater ditches.

Cahokia Heights Mayor Curtis McCall Jr. did not respond to requests for comment.

In February 2020, the Post-Dispatch first wrote about the flooding and sewer overflows plaguing the town of Centreville, one of the poorest cities in the country, sitting in view of the Gateway Arch just 15 minutes from downtown St. Louis.

Residents shared stories of worsening damage to their homes over the past 20 to 30 years. Lift stations designed to move sewage were broken and flooded. Residents tried repeatedly to get local officials to make repairs, but were met with finger-pointing among public agencies and temporary fixes.

Residents formed Centreville Citizens for Change, which, along with about 30 other residents, eventually filed the federal lawsuit in July 2021. Centreville has since merged with the cities of Alorton and Cahokia to become Cahokia Heights.

Also in August 2021, EPA issued an administrative order requiring Cahokia Heights to submit a plan to identify and address sanitary sewer overflows in the city.

The city has made progress on eliminating sewer overflows during dry weather, improving staffing and developing maintenance programs, according to a statement by the EPA.

The order is intended to address the most immediate issues with the sewer system and investigate and plan for long-term, system-wide fixes that are likely to take many years to complete, an agency spokeswoman said.

City officials have been trying to seek money to rebuild its wastewater system. In August 2022, about $21 million in state funding was promised for improvements, with nearly $10 million to immediately go towards repairing 35 lift stations and more than 9,000 feet of sewer lines.

The money, however, comes with oversight measures requested by residents to make sure it is being spent properly on long-term fixes, which has delayed delivery of the funds.

Bowie said while the city laments about the expense of repairs, her clients have been stripped of the generational wealth they could have accumulated in their houses.

Im not sure my clients are in position to want to hear about the citys inability to fix the problem, she said, when they have done what they were expected to do in terms of paying their taxes, paying their bills and buying their homes.
Last fall, several articles covered state Rep. Kevin Windhams proposal to create a St. Louis County land bank to address the growing problem of vacant and abandoned property in his district. Critics were quick to point out issues with the St. Louis city and Kansas City land banks. But if they read the legislation (House Bill 587) that was voted unanimously out of the Missouri House Local Government Committee on Feb. 21, they would see that the proposed land banks would be very different from those in St. Louis and Kansas City. Even better, the legislation would help cities and counties across the entire state use new tools to combat vacant and abandoned property.

The legislation, introduced in partnership with Rep. Bill Owen, RSpringfield, contains three key features that would set new land banks apart from existing land banks and address factors that have caused other land banks to struggle.

First, theres inventory control. In both Kansas City and St. Louis, every tax-delinquent property is offered at a public tax-sale auction, and every property not sold at auction is transferred to the land bank. As a result, the land banks absorb an overwhelming inventory of properties, especially during economic downturns when more taxes go unpaid and fewer buyers show up to bid at auction. The proposed St. Louis County land bank, however, will have control over which properties enter its inventory.

The legislation allows the tax collector to select which tax-delinquent properties would be eligible to enter the land bank. It could be one property, or it could be a hundred properties. Owners would then get multiple warnings and an opportunity to redeem by paying their taxes. Only unredeemed properties would go to auction, and only those that dont sell at auction would be transferred to the new land bank. This new system would create a lean and strategic land bank, leaving behind the old model, where bloated land banks are forced to take title to all abandoned properties. The new system would allow the county to work with local leaders and community members to strategically target long-abandoned problem properties and give them a fresh start.

Second, theres clear title. Perhaps an even more important distinction is that this legislation would allow the county to use a court-supervised tax sale process. A court-supervised system would substantially increase the likelihood that the title to the property is clean and insurable when it goes up for tax auction or enters the land bank. This means buyers can get the financing they need and get started on repairs without facing legal roadblocks, whether they buy at auction or buy from the land bank.

Third, theres funding. The proposed legislation offers multiple new revenue streams for land banks. Proper funding is key to the success of any land bank. Maintaining and marketing vacant properties is a big and expensive job.

Without adequate resources, land banks are set up to fail. Lack of funding has been a chronic issue for St. Louis citys Land Reutilization Authority, whose only source of revenue comes from the sale of its properties.

New land banks would have multiple sources of revenue. One is tax recapture. Once a land bank property is sold to a private owner and that owner starts paying the property taxes, that tax money would go to the land bank for the first three years after the sale. After that, it would go back to the local taxing authorities.

Another revenue source is late fees. In St. Louis County, the collector can choose to add a late fee of up to 5% for all delinquent taxes to fund its land bank. Another source is bidder fees. If a buyer places the winning bid at a tax auction, the buyer would pay an additional $200 bidder fee to fund the local land bank.

Today there are thousands of abandoned properties in St. Louis County. That problem isnt going to fix itself. A smart, calculated intervention is needed to stem the tide of property abandonment in St. Louis County. HB 587 is exactly that: measured, minimalist, and market-based. Its a needed tool if the county hopes to effectively combat its vacant property problem.

Kevin Poe is executive director of The Housing Partnership. Tyrone Turner is board chair of the Spanish Lake Community Development Corporation. Chris Krehmeyer, president and chief executive of Beyond Housing, also contributed.
Visit one of our kindergarten classrooms on the first day of school and know that many of those children will not still be classmates at the end of sixth grade. Walk a hallway of a north side middle school one year and make note of the faces you see. You will likely recognize some of them strolling a school hallway on the south side later that year.

Unfortunately, our children change schools frequently during their education. Many St. Louis city public school children dont finish the school year in the same classroom they started, let alone stay in one school for all of elementary, middle or high school.

This movement of students either in or out of a school mid-year is extremely high in St. Louis. During the last full school year before the pandemic, nearly four-in-10 of our school children were mobile. Few schools were immune, with more than half of them seeing 20% to 50% of students withdraw or transfer.

St. Louiss 38% average mobility is higher than anywhere else in Missouri. All schools in our surrounding counties as well as Kansas City have lower rates.

For students, a move is often not a one-time event. Many students change schools several times over the course of their K-12 education.

This churn in and out of our schools is harmful to all our childrens learning. If a student changes schools multiple times during elementary school, that student can fall a full school year behind stable peers. But this doesnt affect just the children who swap classrooms. It negatively impacts the classmates left behind as well as the social bonds and friendships made among children, which are so vital to their development. If a child returns year after year, it gives teachers the best chance to help a struggling student catch up academically and socially. Our teachers instead must adjust the syllabus because they dont know how long theyll have with each student.

The churn also isnt contained within any of our school systems. A student may start the year in one charter school, move to a traditional district school, and be in a different charter school the next year. Among our children are many who dont know their address because its constantly changing.

The more stable children are, the better they perform academically and in life as a whole.

Public education in St. Louis, as with most big cities, is built around a system of choice. Its the world we operate in and the landscape we compete on to run the best schools in St. Louis. As school leaders, we will compete when the situation is right and come together for a common good when the moment demands. The hypermobile nature of our families goes beyond healthy competition.

We have to create systems to reduce mobility. This is why the schools we lead have joined in forming the St. Louis Research-Practice Collaborative, a partnership between education providers and university researchers to drive data-backed improvements in schools. Unlike typical research endeavors, this work is guided by the needs of educators who ask the questions that researchers seek to answer. Weve asked them to focus first on student mobility. The research partnerships findings will lead to new strategies to connect with students and their parents before they slip out our school doors.

The common narrative of traditional school districts versus charters isnt accurate. This is not the first time weve worked together as school leaders and through partnerships like the St. Louis Research-Practice Collaborative, it wont be the last. We may compete to run the best schools, but none of us will succeed if we fail to keep our children in a stable school environment.

Were sharing our data with other school leaders and researchers in order to get a clearer understanding of the issue. What it shows so far  that nearly every classroom in the city is affected by high mobility as children move from school to school  should serve as a rally cry. Student mobility has many causes and multiple elements: employment, transportation, housing, and health care all play a part.

Our schools cant fully address student mobility alone. Well need help beyond the school walls to come up with solutions. Strong schools build community, but we cant build strong schools with you, the community.

Nicole Williams is the interim superintendent of St. Louis Public Schools. Candice Carter-Oliver is the chief executive of Confluence Academies. Kelly Garrett, executive director of KIPP St. Louis, also contributed.
The current price to pay in terms of prison time for killing two people in St. Louis is dropping fast, and there are bargains to be made as long as Kim Gardner occupies the Circuit Attorneys Office. Damariol Byrd is the latest beneficiary of the fire sale resulting from Gardners managerial incompetence. He probably should be serving a life sentence for the cold-blooded murder of two people in 2020 but instead will be serving a paltry 15 years.

Byrd admitted the killings were voluntary. Witnesses saw Byrd shoot the two victims then flee the scene. The initial charges in this case were first degree murder along with weapons charges. In the hands of a properly prepared prosecutor, this should have been a slam dunk. Instead, as Judge Timothy Boyer made clear on separate occasions, the Circuit Attorneys Office was the picture of bungling incompetence.

As the Post-Dispatchs Katie Kull reports, Byrd was originally supposed to go on trial last November, but the prosecution waited until six days before trial to turn over 54 pages of documents containing evidence, including Byrds cellphone data, that his attorneys had requested months earlier. Because of that delay, Boyer sanctioned the prosecution and pushed back the trial date to January.

At that point, in the middle of jury selection, defense attorneys complained that they still hadnt received an arrest report they requested nine months earlier. That led to more delays. Not only was discovery late, it was twice disclosed on the eve of trial, Boyer wrote in his second sanction of the prosecution, blaming the Circuit Attorneys Office for the delays.

The victims family members were so frustrated at the prospect of Byrd facing reduced charges that they began yelling in court. Assistant Circuit Attorney Chris Desilets acknowledged their frustration. Theyre not happy, he said.

A case that should have been fairly straightforward for the prosecution to prove instead wound up being bargained down to two concurrent 15-year sentences. Why? Its clear prosecutors werent prepared  as indicated by their failure to hand over basic evidence to the defense. The lack of preparedness has been cited time after time to explain why Gardners prosecutors have had to drop cases and then refile, which has allowed criminals to walk free long enough to endanger law-abiding St. Louisans and visitors.

Last week, a Post-Dispatch review found that Gardners office has lost about half the number of prosecutors she had when she took office in 2017. Prosecutors cumulative experience levels are now about a third of 2017 levels. The shortages mean prosecutors are overloaded, resulting in inattention to detail and forcing them to negotiate-down the charges just so they can clear caseloads.

Thats not justice  its officially sanctioned impunity. Which is why state intervention to relieve Gardner of cases like Byrds is essential to put this city back on a law-abiding track.
ARwall and Webster University Bridge the Gap Between Education and Virtual Production Technologies With New Virtual Production Facility

Webster University has become the first university in the Midwest to have a state-of-the-art virtual production facility thanks to a unique partnership with ARwall, a Metaverse 100 XR technology company.

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Webster University has become the first university in the Midwest to have a state-of-the-art virtual production facility thanks to a unique partnership with ARwall, a Metaverse 100 XR technology company. ARwall also partnered with the leading LED manufacturer Absen, which enabled them to provide Webster Universitys School of Communications with superior quality tools at an optimum price.

A Top Virtual Production Facility for a Top Film and Photography College

Webster University takes a direct and hands-on approach with student programs, and it has been ranked in the Top 50 Best Colleges in Film and Photography in the U.S. by Niche.com. Recognizing the current talent crisis in the production industry, Eric Rothenbuhler, Dean of the School of Communications, said, Virtual production is now an integral part of the overall production landscape, so future professionals should learn these techniques in the same ways as they learn about photography, lighting, editing, and other filmmaking processes. The industry is always evolving, and we want to ensure our students have access to cutting-edge, innovative tech that will set them up for success in their careers.

When asked about some of the key reasons that Webster University chose ARwall to partner with for the delivery of their virtual production stage, Rothenbuhler said, We looked at several companies and ARwall was one of the easiest to work with, right from the start. Working with them, we were also able to get the Absen LED wall, the server, software, and installation as a package, and all at a reasonable price. They have continued to be very supportive and easy to work with.

The virtual production facility has already been put to good use by students. As soon as the wall was built in mid-October, 10 students and two faculty members began meeting in a class every Wednesday night to learn the system and experiment with its capabilities, Rothenbuhler said. By the end of the semester, eight weeks later, they had shot several scenes and produced a sample reel.

Rothenbuhler elaborated on how the new facility has taken student and faculty projects to the next level. We started this semester with three classes scheduled regularly in the Sound Stage with the wall and other classes ready to go there for specific assignments, he said. We have also added Unreal Engine for Filmmakers components to our Film, Television, and Video Production courses. Weve been teaching Unreal Engine in our Game Design courses for several years, of course. Some of the students who were in that first course last fall are producing their own work on the wall now, for senior projects and other independent work. One of my faculty colleagues is also using the virtual cinema system in his own new production, set entirely in an imagined world with 3D-generated actors.

A Fruitful Webster University and ARwall Collaboration

Webster University's School of Communications worked directly with ARwall to build a virtual production facility which best fit the schools program and the professional development needs of its students. At ARwall, we dont have a one-size-fits-all service, said Rene Amador, ARwall CEO and Co-Founder. From initial concept to final delivery, we offer specialist XR consulting. We identified the needs of Webster Universitys space and planned curriculum, acknowledging that, to help their students get to a production-ready level, they needed access to the latest virtual production technology and the freedom to experiment and make their boundless ideas into a reality. In addition, our partnership with LED manufacturer Absen meant that the university was able to access professional-grade tools. This includes a 20 x 12 ft. 1.5mm pitch Absen AX Pro LED wall, combined with our ARFX Pro Server System.

When asked how the ARwall and Absen partnership came together, Amador said, We have had a longstanding partnership with Absen, having previously worked with them on a stage installation for Soapbox Films. We knew that their AX Pro panels provide the best quality solutions for virtual production filmmaking, something weve partnered with Absen on for over a year to achieve. Some of the key technological benefits include accurate color reproduction, anti-glare matte finish, high 7680Hz refresh rate for excellent cadence and motion blur, and HDR10 equivalent dynamic contrast; all of which make final images more detailed and realistic, equipping students with the best tools to bring their stories to life. ARwall brings its award-winning software and server tech, ARFX Pro, to complete the illusion.

Frank Ren, Chief Technology Officer, Absen, elaborated on how LED technology is often used in conjunction with XR projects to complement and enhance XR for creators and users, specifically for the new virtual production studio. Webster University is utilizing Absen's AX1.5 Pro cabinets which is a fine pitch portable tile dedicated for the use in Virtual Production, he said. It is able to reproduce the wide Color Gamut of content designed for cinema use. This product is capable of supporting many features that Virtual Production LED Walls need to have such as multiple frame rates, frame remapping, and high frame rate content. The AX1.5 Pro has great performance on many well-known film camera models to prevent scan lines from appearing in the content. It uses our IMD (Integrated Mounting Device) pixel technology to increase the contrast ratio and limit the amount of moire effect in camera movements.

Regarding specific uses of Absen tech for the new virtual production facility, Ren said, The directors are able to see the filming environment on set and make real-time adjustments that will significantly improve production communication and efficiency. The cast is also able to see the scene in real-time to be able to react and make acting adjustments on the fly. Time, energy, and money can be saved for both set changes that need to take place and travel budgets for some productions. The LED wall can bring recorded videos of a city into a studio. Light from the LEDs will be present and can be used as a backlight to reflect off the talent's bodies authentically.

Absen Ensures That What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG)

Massive virtual scenes can be shot in a small local production studio, and multiple scenes can be shot at once using Frame Remapping, Ren said. The talent will act, and the cameras will pick up only the different video at its refresh rate. Postproduction time and reshoots are greatly reduced as the majority of the production time will be used during the pre-production phase instead of building the entire virtual world for the entire production. There is no limit to the imagination. A director and/or studio can design whatever they can imagine for a production and play it on the LED Wall.

Ultimately, this new collaboration between top-tier tech companies with a top-tier film and photography college is an essential step towards bridging the gap between education and virtual production technologies and ensuring that the next generation of talent enters the professional industry better prepared than ever.

Page 1
AMSTERDAM--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of a- (Excellent) of Fortegra Europe Insurance Company Limited (FEI) (Malta). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect FEIs inclusion as a member of the lead rating unit of Fortegra P&C Group, which has a balance sheet strength that AM Best assess as very strong, as well as adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

FEI is strategically important to Fortegra P&C Group as its carrier for European warranty and specialty motor insurance business. Fortegra Financial Corporation (FFC) is a U.S. insurance group specialising in program underwriting for personal and commercial lines property/casualty business. FEI, established in 2018, is a Malta-incorporated startup subsidiary of FFC with a track record of financial and operational support from FFC.

FEI plays a strategically important role in expanding FFCs operations into Europe. FEI shares branding and management with its parent. FFCs support was demonstrated by multiple capital contributions to FEI between 2019 and 2022, and AM Best expects that it will provide further capital support as needed.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Bests website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Bests Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Bests Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Bests Credit Ratings, Bests Performance Assessments, Bests Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Bests Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright  2023 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230309005582/en/

Victoria Ohorodnyk

Associate Director

+31 20 308 5432

[email protected]

Angela Yeo

Senior Director, Analytics

+31 20 308 5421

[email protected]

Christopher Sharkey

Manager, Public Relations

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159

[email protected]

Al Slavin

Senior Public Relations Specialist

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5098

[email protected]

Source: AM Best
NORFOLK, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BAE Systems recognized the best suppliers and subcontractors to its Ship Repair business during a Partner2Win Supplier ceremony. More than fifty companies that successfully supported the maintenance of U.S. Navy ships and commercial vessels in three ports during 2022 were honored.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230309005594/en/

BAE Systems recently honored executives from eight companies that represented its top subcontractors and small businesses for the companys U.S. Navy and commercial ship repair work in 2022. (Credit: BAE Systems)

BAE Systems Partner2Win program is a collaborative partnership between the companys three shipyards in Jacksonville, Florida; Norfolk, Virginia; San Diego, California, and a vast network of naval and commercial ship repair suppliers across the country.

Our ship repair operations are enhanced by the support of great suppliers. In 2022, we delivered more than 60 repair and modernization projects, providing U.S. Navy sailors and commercial mariners with quality work performed safely in our shipyards, said Paul Smith, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems Ship Repair. The combined effort with our supplier base formed a true partnership for performance. I extend my sincere thanks to all of our supply chain partners and applaud those who have earned our Partner2Win Supplier Awards.

This years top ship repair supplier awards went to American Scaffold, Inc., of San Diego, California; and Vallen Distribution Inc., of Belmont, North Carolina.

American Scaffold, a full service scaffold company, is the subcontractor of the year for the entire BAE Systems Ship Repair enterprise. American Scaffold provided scaffold and containment systems to all three shipyards, ensuring safe working conditions and controls to protect employees and the environment.

Vallen Distribution, an indirect materials distributor, is the business material supplier of the year. In 2022, Vallen installed and managed consumable parts vending machines throughout the Norfolk shipyard to reduce parts retrieval time. For the three shipyards, Vallen was a trusted partner in helping to oversee indirect inventory.

The following companies were recognized in addition to American Scaffolding and Vallen Distribution as stand-out award winners:

BAE Systems Jacksonville Ship Repairs Small Business of the Year  Atlantic Marine Cleaning of Jacksonville, Florida;

BAE Systems Jacksonville Ship Repairs Subcontractor of the Year  East Coast Repair & Fabrication, LLC of Chesapeake, Virginia;

BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair Small Business of the Year  EMS Industrial, Inc. of Madison, Wisconsin;

BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair Subcontractor of the Year  Marcom Services, LLC, of Portsmouth, Virginia;

BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair Small Business of the Year  AMP United LLC of Dover, New Hampshire; and

BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair Subcontractor of the Year  International Marine & Industrial Applicators, LLC, of Spanish Fort, Alabama.

BAE Systems is a leading provider of ship repair, maintenance, and modernization services to the U.S. Navys fleet of combatant ships in their homeports, as well as refit and hauling services for commercial and privately-held vessels. The company operates three full-service shipyards in California, Florida, and Virginia, and offers a highly skilled, experienced workforce, seven dry docks and railways, and significant pier space and ship support services.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230309005594/en/

Karl Johnson, BAE Systems

Mobile: 757-375-5086

[email protected]

www.baesystems.com/US

@BAESystemsInc

Source: BAE Systems
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- (Block Height: 780,050)  Cathedra Bitcoin Inc. (TSX-V: CBIT; OTCQX: CBTTF) (Cathedra or the Company), a Bitcoin company that develops and operates world-class bitcoin mining infrastructure, is pleased to announce that further to the Companys press release dated February 22, 2023, the Company expects to settle a portion of the outstanding principal amount of Debentures (as defined below) equal to C$2,500,000 into 18,518,518 common shares of the Company (the Shares). The Shares will be issued at a deemed price of C$0.135 per Share. The debt is payable to certain debenture holders (the Debenture Holders) in respect of 3.5% senior secured convertible debentures of the Company due November 11, 2024 (the Maturity Date) in the aggregate principal amount C$25,000,000 issued to the debenture holders on November 11, 2021 (the Debentures). The aggregate principal amount outstanding as of the date hereof is $22,395,679.20.

The Debt Settlement is subject to completion of definitive documentation. The Company expects that the proposed Debt Settlement will assist the Company in preserving its cash for working capital. The remaining principal amount of Debentures outstanding following the Debt Settlement will continue to bear interest at a rate of 3.5% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears on the last day of March, June, September and December of each year until the Maturity Date.

All securities to be issued pursuant to the Debt Settlement will be subject to a four month and one day hold period from the closing date of the Debt Settlement. The Debt Settlement is subject to the receipt of regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSXV.

About Cathedra Bitcoin

Cathedra Bitcoin Inc. (TSX-V: CBIT; OTCQX: CBTTF) is a Bitcoin company that develops and operates world-class bitcoin mining infrastructure.

Cathedra believes sound money and abundant energy are the fundamental ingredients to human progress and is committed to advancing both by working closely with the energy sector to secure the Bitcoin network. Today, Cathedras diversified bitcoin mining operations total 247 PH/s and span three states and five locations in the United States. The Company is focused on expanding its portfolio of hash rate through a diversified approach to site selection and operations, utilizing multiple energy sources across various jurisdictions.

For more information about Cathedra, visit cathedra.com or follow Company news on Twitter at @CathedraBitcoin or on Telegram at @CathedraBitcoin.

Cautionary Statement

Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. 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

This news release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws that are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. The information in this release about future plans and objectives of the Company, are forward-looking information. Other forward-looking information includes but is not limited to information concerning: the Debt Settlement, the approval of the TSXV, the intentions and future actions of senior management, the intentions, plans and future actions of the Company, as well as the Companys ability to successfully mine digital currency; revenue increasing as currently anticipated; the ability to profitably liquidate current and future digital currency inventory; volatility of network difficulty and, digital currency prices and the resulting significant negative impact on the Companys operations; the construction and operation of expanded blockchain infrastructure as currently planned; and the regulatory environment of cryptocurrency in applicable jurisdictions.

Any statements that involve 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 information and are intended to identify forward-looking information.

This forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time it was made, and involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. The Company has also assumed that no significant events occur outside of the Companys normal course of business. 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 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 information. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking information other than as required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230309005732/en/

Media and Investor Relations Inquiries

Sean Ty

Chief Financial Officer

[email protected]

Source: Cathedra Bitcoin Inc.
Updates long-term revenue targets to reflect durable Consumer demand and accelerating Degrees growth

Expects to achieve positive Adjusted EBITDA in 2024

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Coursera (NYSE: COUR) will hold its first Investor Day, today, March 9, 2023 at 7:00 a.m. PT / 10:00 a.m. ET to present an updated view of the companys long-term strategy, key initiatives, and financial targets.

Emerging technologies and globalization are transforming the labor market, requiring individuals and institutions to keep up with skills at an unprecedented speed and scale, said Coursera CEO, Jeff Maggioncalda. We believe the rise of industry micro-credentials and the growing demand for flexible, affordable, and job-relevant degrees represent a global opportunity to better serve learners seeking to unlock their career at every stage.

Financial Targets

During todays event, Coursera will affirm its 2023 outlook and discuss its updated financial targets, including:

25-30% Revenue growth in the long-term

58-63% Non-GAAP gross margin in the long-term

Positive Adjusted EBITDA in 2024

15-20% Adjusted EBITDA margin in the long-term

In 2024, we expect our Degrees segment revenue growth will accelerate to more than 25% year-over-year, reflecting strong enrollment trends in programs designed for working adults, said Ken Hahn, Courseras CFO. We believe our differentiated business model, including multiple levers of growth with operational efficiencies, will allow us to achieve positive Adjusted EBITDA in 2024 while investing in our long-term strategy.

Webcast Information

As previously announced, the Investor Day will begin at approximately 10:00 am ET in New York City. Presentation materials and access to a live webcast of the event are available in the Events & Presentations section of our Investor Relations page at investor.coursera.com. For those unable to listen to the broadcast live, an archived replay will be accessible in the same location for one year.

Disclosure Information

In compliance with disclosure obligations under Regulation FD, Coursera announces material information to the public through a variety of means, including filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), press releases, company blog posts, public conference calls, and webcasts, as well as via Courseras investor relations website.

About Coursera

Coursera was launched in 2012 by two Stanford Computer Science professors, Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller, with a mission to provide universal access to world-class learning. It is now one of the largest online learning platforms in the world, with 118 million registered learners as of December 31, 2022. Coursera partners with over 300 leading university and industry partners to offer a broad catalog of content and credentials, including courses, Specializations, Professional Certificates, Guided Projects, and bachelors and masters degrees. Institutions around the world use Coursera to upskill and reskill their employees, citizens, and students in fields such as data science, technology, and business. Coursera is a Delaware public benefit corporation and became a B Corp in February 2021.

Key Business Metrics Definitions

Registered Learners

We count the total number of registered learners at the end of each period. For purposes of determining our registered learner count, we treat each customer account that registers with a unique email as a registered learner and adjust for any spam, test accounts, and cancellations. Our registered learner count is not intended as a measure of active engagement. New registered learners are individuals that register in a particular period.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to financial information presented in accordance with GAAP, this press release includes non-GAAP gross margin, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA margin, each of which is a non-GAAP financial measure. These are key measures used by our management to help us analyze our financial results, establish budgets and operational goals for managing our business, evaluate our performance, and make strategic decisions. Accordingly, we believe that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results in the same manner as our management and board of directors. In addition, we believe these measures are useful for period-to-period comparisons of our business. We also believe that the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures provides an additional tool for investors to use in comparing our core business and results of operations over multiple periods with other companies in our industry, many of which present similar non-GAAP financial measures to investors. However, the non-GAAP financial measures presented may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies due to differences in the way that these measures are calculated. These non-GAAP financial measures are presented for supplemental informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for or in isolation from financial information presented in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools.

Non-GAAP Gross Margin

We define non-GAAP gross margin as GAAP gross profit excluding the impact of stock-based compensation, restructuring charges, and payroll tax expense related to stock-based activities divided by revenue. We believe the presentation of this adjusted operating measure provides useful supplemental information to investors and facilitates the analysis and comparison of our operating results across reporting periods.

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin

We define Adjusted EBITDA as our GAAP net loss excluding: (1) depreciation and amortization; (2) interest income; (3) other (income) expense, net; (4) stock-based compensation expense; (5) restructuring charges; (6) income tax expense; and (7) payroll tax expense related to stock-based activities. We define Adjusted EBITDA margin as Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue.

A reconciliation of our non-GAAP guidance measures (non-GAAP gross margin, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA margin) to the corresponding GAAP guidance measures is not available on a forward-looking basis without unreasonable effort due to the uncertainty regarding, and the potential variability of, expenses that may be incurred in the future. Stock-based compensation expense-related charges, including employer payroll tax-related items on employee stock transactions, are impacted by the timing of employee stock transactions, the future fair market value of our common stock, and our future hiring and retention needs, all of which are difficult to predict and subject to constant change.

Special Note on Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as: accelerate, anticipate, believe, can, continue, could, demand, estimate, expand, expect, intend, may, might, mission, objective, ongoing, outlook, plan, potential, predict, project, should, target, will, would, or the negative of these terms, or other comparable terminology intended to identify statements about the future. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: Courseras ability to deliver the in-demand skills and branded credentials, including micro-credentials, desired by both individuals and institutions for todays digital jobs; Courseras mission to provide universal access to world-class learning; the demand for online learning; anticipated features and benefits of our customer and partner relationships and our content and platform offerings; the anticipated utility of non-GAAP financial measures; anticipated growth rates and enrollment trends; and our financial outlook, future financial performance, long-term strategy, and expectations, among others. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: our ability to manage our growth; our limited operating history; the relative nascency of online learning solutions and risks related to market adoption of online learning; our ability to maintain and expand our partnerships with our university and industry partners and to create opportunities with new partners; our dependence on our partners for content available on our platform; our ability to attract and retain learners; our ability to increase sales of our Enterprise offering; our ability to compete effectively; the COVID-19 pandemics impact on our business and our industry; regulatory matters impacting us or our partners; risks related to intellectual property; cybersecurity and privacy risks and regulations; potential disruptions to our platform; risks related to international operations, including regulatory, economic, and geopolitical conditions, and our status as a B Corp, as well as the risks and uncertainties discussed in our most recently filed periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and subsequent filings and as detailed from time to time in our SEC filings. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that the future results, levels of activity, performance, or events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur. Moreover, neither we nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements relate only to events as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements except to the extent required by law.

Source Code: COUR-IR

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230309005459/en/

For investors: Cam Carey, [email protected]

For media: Arunav Sinha, [email protected]

Source: Coursera
New integrated solutions help clients solve todays challenges and prepare for whats next

MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- CrossCountry Consulting, a leading business advisory firm, today announced the successful launch of its Future Ready platform, an innovative approach to how the company serves its diverse client base, including CFOs and private equity sponsors, through integrated solutions and transformative technologies.

Todays CFOs are increasingly driving strategic enterprise-wide initiatives, in addition to leading a high-performing finance function that helps guide the future success of the business. To successfully execute this growing portfolio of responsibilities, CFOs and their C-suite peers need to promote agility across the organization and leverage innovative technology to drive new insights and efficiencies. As a leading provider of specialized finance, operations, and technology advisory services, CrossCountry is uniquely positioned to partner with them to solve their most pressing business challenges and help set the foundation for future success.

Over the past few years, the world has changed in a way that has forever altered the corporate landscape. Our focus remains on helping organizations create better business value through innovative solutions that result in profitability and long-term sustainability, said Erik Linn, CrossCountry Consultings Co-Founder and Managing Partner. This evolution of our solutions is about helping our clients navigate todays challenges and prepare for whats ahead.

We are passionate about the concept of the future ready business. In todays economic climate, it is imperative that companies are operating efficiently while also understanding what transformational strategies, technologies, and risk-mitigation plans are required for long-term success, said Neil Smith, Consulting Practice Lead at CrossCountry Consulting. We will continue to adapt to the ever-evolving landscape in order to drive measurable results for our clients and collaborate with them to capitalize on future opportunities.

Partnering with Fortune 500 companies, emerging-growth market leaders, and leading private equity sponsors, CrossCountry creates present and future enterprise value for its clients through tailored integrated solutions across three core domains:

Accounting and Risk: The firm enables the finance function to anticipate and respond to complex regulatory and reporting requirements with solutions spanning technical and operational accounting, process optimization, risk and compliance, cybersecurity, privacy, and ESG reporting.

The firm enables the finance function to anticipate and respond to complex regulatory and reporting requirements with solutions spanning technical and operational accounting, process optimization, risk and compliance, cybersecurity, privacy, and ESG reporting. Technology-Enabled Transformation: With efficient cost structures, unified enterprise planning, and data-driven, people-led transformations, CrossCountry accelerates enterprise performance through finance transformation, strategic cost improvement, technology optimization, and digital innovation.

With efficient cost structures, unified enterprise planning, and data-driven, people-led transformations, CrossCountry accelerates enterprise performance through finance transformation, strategic cost improvement, technology optimization, and digital innovation. Transactions: With expert support for divestitures and carve-outs, mergers and acquisitions, and IPO readiness, CrossCountry efficiently leads organizations through the transaction lifecycle to achieve maximum deal value and minimized risk.

As part of the Future Ready platform launch, the company also introduced updated branding and a new website. Visit CrossCountry Consulting to learn more.

About CrossCountry Consulting

CrossCountry Consulting is a leading provider of specialized finance, operations, and technology advisory services. As a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies, emerging growth market leaders, and private equity sponsors, the firm solves todays most pressing challenges and creates present and future enterprise value through accounting and risk capabilities, technology-enabled transformation, and transaction solutions. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., CrossCountry has employees across the United States and in strategic international locations. With an unwavering commitment to providing a better experience, they are regularly recognized as a best place to work. Learn more at crosscountry-consulting.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230309005331/en/

Lea Hutchins

[email protected]

Source: CrossCountry Consulting
Company honored with Government Industry Gold Award, and EndaceProbe Wins Security Investigation and Security Platform Top Spots

AUSTIN, Texas & AUCKLAND, New Zealand--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Packet capture authority Endace today announced that it had won three gold Cybersecurity Excellence Awards in the following categories:

Gold Winner, 2023 Cybersecurity Industry Solution Award: Government

Gold Winner, 2023 Cybersecurity Product/Service Award: Security Investigation

Gold Winner, 2023 Cybersecurity Product/Service Award: Security Platform

"We congratulate Endace for the recognition as an award winner in the 2023 Cybersecurity Excellence Awards," said Holger Schulze, CEO of Cybersecurity Insiders and founder of the 600,000-member Information Security Community on LinkedIn, which organizes the 8th annual Cybersecurity Excellence Awards. "With over 800 entries in more than 300 award categories, the 2023 Cybersecurity Excellence Awards program is highly competitive. All winners reflect the very best in innovation and excellence in defending against today's evolving cybersecurity threats."

These prestigious awards from Cybersecurity Insiders validate our innovation and leadership in packet capture, said Stuart Wilson, CEO of Endace. Were honored that Endace, the EndaceProbe Analytics Platform and enterprise-class packet capture are acknowledged as a crucial factor in security infrastructure  delivering scalable, deep forensics for more accurate security investigations.

About Endace:

Endace specializes in high-speed, scalable packet capture for cybersecurity, network and application performance. The open, EndaceProbe Analytics Platform lets customers record a 100% accurate history of activity on their network and can host network security and performance monitoring tools that need to analyze real-time or historical traffic. Endaces Fusion Partners provide pre-built integration with the EndaceProbe platform to accelerate and streamline incident investigation and resolution.

For more information see www.endace.com or follow Endace on Twitter and LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230309005350/en/

[email protected]

USA: Kimber Smith-Fidler

mobile +1-775-298-5260

Asia Pacific: Mark Evans

mobile +64-21-494 850

EMEA: Leah Jones (The CommsCo)

+44 203 697 6680

Source: Endace
The Premier Event for the Fintech Community

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Fintech Nexus USA 2023, the leading event for the fintech industry, is set to take place at the Javits Center in NYC on May 10-11, 2023. The event will bring together top executives, innovators, investors, and experts to network, learn, and discuss the latest trends and developments in fintech.

Fintech Nexus USA will feature a packed schedule of keynotes, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities, covering a range of topics, including digital banking, fraud, credit & underwriting, payments, lending, financial health, embedded finance, fintech investing and more.

The event kicks off with keynote Stephanie Cohen, Global Head of Platform Solutions, Goldman Sachs, while Simon Khalaf, CEO, Marqeta will make his first stage appearance since being appointed to lead Marqeta. He will speak about Why Embedded Finance Holds the Keys to Modernization. View all speakers.

In addition, discussions around fraud solutions will be prominently featured during the Fraud Fight Club track in partnership with About Fraud; Deloitte will again sponsor the popular Women in Fintech Networking and Luncheon; and one startup will be crowned PitchIt champion in the annual PitchIt at Fintech Nexus USA startup competition.

Fintech Nexus USA 2023 is a must-attend event for anyone in the fintech industry, said Bo Brustkern, Co-Founder & CEO, Fintech Nexus. The event provides a platform for attendees to network, learn, and share ideas with industry leaders and experts, and were excited to bring together such a talented group of individuals for this years event in the financial capital of the world.

The Fintech Nexus Industry Awards, which recognizes and celebrates the achievements of the most outstanding individuals and organizations in the fintech space, will close out the event. The awards will be presented during a gala on May 11, 2023 at the Edison Ballroom, NYC at 6pm EST.

For more information about Fintech Nexus USA 2023, visit fintechnexus.com/usa.

About Fintech Nexus:

Fintech Nexus is a diversified media company providing essential knowledge, connections and inspiration to the entire financial services industry, creating a link between traditional finance and the future of finance. Popular offerings include: News, Events, Podcasts, Webinars, Whitepapers and our credentialed educational courses.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230310005007/en/

Media:

Christopher Tedrick

Fintech Nexus

Director of Marketing

[email protected]

Source: Fintech Nexus
Documentary to Detail the Rescue of FNCs Benjamin Hall Following the Catastrophic Attack in Ukraine in March 2022

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- FOX News Channel (FNC) will present a documentary on the rescue of FNCs State Department correspondent Benjamin Hall following the catastrophic attack in Ukraine that left him severely wounded. Entitled Sacrifice and Survival: A Story From the Front Line, the program will air from 9-11 PM/ET on Sunday, March 19th. An extended version of the documentary will drop on FOX Nation following the FNC debut.

Based on Halls memoir, Saved: A War Reporters Mission to Make it Home which publishes on March 14th, the film will detail the attack that critically injured Hall and resulted in the deaths of FNC photojournalist Pierre Zakrzewski and Ukrainian journalist Oleksandra Sasha Kuvshynova while newsgathering in Ukraine in March 2022.

The special will feature, for the first time, the details of Halls harrowing extraction from Ukraine and the arduous recovery that ensued. With help from nonprofit organization Save Our Allies and the Department of Defense, including Secretary Lloyd Austin and then-Pentagon press secretary John Kirby, along with FNC and the networks Chief National Security Correspondent Jennifer Griffin, Hall was located and evacuated out of Ukraine to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center within 48 hours of the attack.

After 10 days and countless surgeries, he was then transferred to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas where he spent six months with doctors rebuilding his body before returning home to his family in London last August. Throughout the two-hour documentary, viewers will hear first-hand accounts from Hall and those who were integral to his rescue and recovery, including with his wife Alicia Meller, Zakrzewskis widow Michelle Ross-Stanton, best friend Rick Findler, FOX News correspondents Jennifer Griffin, Trey Yingst, and Greg Palkot, Save Our Allies co-founder Sarah Verardo, a number of doctors and surgeons who helped him, among others. Additionally, the program will also unveil never-before-seen video of the moments leading up to the attack, captured by Zakrzewski himself.

FOX News Channel (FNC) is a 24-hour all-encompassing news service and has been the number one network in basic cable for the last six years and the most-watched television news channel for more than 21 consecutive years, currently attracting more than 50% of the cable news viewing audience according to Nielsen Media Research. Notably, Nielsen/MRI Fusion has consistently shown FNC to be the network of choice for more Democrat and Independent viewers, with the most politically diverse audience in cable news. Additionally, a 2021 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index report stated FOX News leads the news industry in both brand loyalty, engagement, and expectations while a 2022 Brand Keys poll showed FNC dominating morning and evening news in customer loyalty engagement. Owned by Fox Corporation, FNC is available in nearly 80 million homes and dominates the cable news landscape, routinely notching the top 15 programs in the genre.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230309005740/en/

FOX News Media Contact

Connor Smith

212.301.3879 or [email protected]

Source: FOX News Channel
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. (TSX: GFP) (GreenFirst) will host a conference call to review its fourth-quarter and fiscal 2022 financial results on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 8:30am (Eastern). The results are scheduled to be released at the close of trading on March 14, 2023.

The live webcast of the earnings conference call can be accessed via telephone: (+1) 416 764 8658 or (+1) 888 886 7786 or via web http://momentum.adobeconnect.com/greenfirstq4/. A replay of the webcast and presentation slides will be available on GreenFirsts website following the conference call. Please visit GreenFirsts Investor Relations website at greenfirst.ca/investors at the end of the day on March 14, 2023 to view the earnings release prior to the conference call.

About GreenFirst

GreenFirst Forest Products is a forest-first business, focused on sustainable forest management and lumber production. The Company owns 7 sawmills and 1 paper mill across Ontario and Quebec. GreenFirst is a significant lumber producer in Canada having an annual lumber production capacity of 905MMfbm, with a goal to increase. GreenFirsts mills are located in rich wood baskets proudly operating over 9.1 million hectares of FSC certified public and private Canadian forestlands (FSC-C167905). The Company believes that responsible forest practices, coupled with the long-term green advantage of lumber, provide GreenFirst with significant cyclical and secular advantages in building products. GreenFirsts long-term vision is to be a leader in the global forestry industry.

For more information, please visit: www.greenfirst.ca.

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Investor Relations

(416) 775 2821

Source: GreenFirst Forest Products Inc.
The acquisition expands the medical communitys access to high-quality, trusted, peer-reviewed content on cannabinoid-based therapy.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Haymarket Media, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has acquired the American Journal of Endocannabinoid Medicine (AJEM)a peer-reviewed journal focused on cannabinoid medicine. Haymarket is making an additional investment in AJEM to increase its engagement with healthcare professionals (HCPs) and fulfill its mission to educate and inform the medical community on cannabinoid-based therapy.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230309005712/en/

Physicians are not trained in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in medical school. Yet, they are increasingly tasked with caring for patients using cannabinoid-based medicineoften in conjunction with other pharmaceuticals. AJEM fills this knowledge gap and provides the medical community widespread access to high-quality, trusted, peer-reviewed content.

It was important for us to find the right partner to continue AJEMs journey, says Ken Watkins, Brand Director of AJEM. Haymarkets healthcare presence allows us to broaden our reach and offer content to physicians in a way that is familiar to them, and in a language that they speakthe language of science. We are committed to publishing the latest peer-reviewed research and medical education on the endocannabinoid system as a therapeutic target, says Watkins, who founded and launched AJEM in 2019.

Adding a peer-reviewed medical cannabis journal to our portfolio reinforces our commitment to educating physicians and positions Haymarket for leadership in this emerging therapeutic area, says Lee Maniscalco, CEO of Haymarket Media, Inc.

AJEM joins the Haymarket Medical Network (HMN) and will benefit from the divisions digital expertise in delivering relevant and timely clinical content to a broad audience of HCPs. The future of this therapeutic pathway is bright and I am excited that Haymarket will provide clinicians the opportunity to engage with evidence-based research on cannabinoid medicine, says Mike Graziani, President of Haymarkets Medical Communications Group.

I am delighted to be a part of such an intelligent, collaborative effort. Haymarkets resources will allow us to finally provide much-needed endocannabinoid education to those on the front lines of medicine, says Leslie Apgar, MD, Editor-in-Chief of AJEM.

For more information or sponsorship opportunities, contact Ken Watkins, Brand Director. For manuscript submissions, contact Meg Block Roloff, MPH, Senior Managing Editor.

About the American Journal of Endocannabinoid Medicine

The American Journal of Endocannabinoid Medicines (AJEM) mission is to educate healthcare professionals on medicines that engage with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). By presenting clinical research on the role of the ECS in achieving homeostasis and as a therapeutic target, AJEM seeks to improve the practice of evidence-based cannabinoid medicine. AJEM publishes peer-reviewed original research manuscripts and research interpretation, news, and opinion pieces from thought leaders in the field. AJEMs renowned Editorial Board members assist in the peer-review process and are a diverse group of experts with experience in various cannabinoid medicine disciplines. To learn more, visit www.ajendomed.com.

About Haymarket Medical Network

Haymarket Medical Network reaches healthcare practitioners through a multichannel environment with more than 20 unique brands offered across multiple formatsweb, app, print, and live events. Its interconnectivity allows users to move from brand to brand to discover the relevant content they need to make practice-related decisions. The network includes renowned drug database MPR and an expanding portfolio of websites that deliver valuable content covering specific therapeutic areas such as Cardiology Advisor, Neurology Advisor, Infectious Disease Advisor and Cancer Therapy Advisor. To learn more, visit www.haymarketmedicalnetwork.com.

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Ken Watkins, Brand Director

[email protected]



Meg Block Roloff, MPH, Senior Managing Editor

[email protected]

Source: Haymarket Media, Inc.
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Plaintiff Deon Jones achieved a historic victory this morning, when a federal jury in California delivered a unanimous verdict in his favor. The jury found that a Los Angeles Police Officer used excessive force in violation of Mr. Jones Fourth Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution when the officer shot Mr. Jones in the face with a rubber bullet on May 30, 2020, during a demonstration in Los Angeles that occurred in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. The jury awarded Mr. Jones $250,000 in damages for the injuries he sustained and $125,000 in punitive damages.

Following a seven-day trial, the jury found that the police officers shooting was malicious, oppressive, or in reckless disregard of Mr. Jones rights. The trial featured extensive evidence, including body-worn camera videos that captured the events of the day. The evidence included videos showing the police officer on trial using excessive force against Mr. Jones and other innocent protesters. The trial also included testimony from eyewitnesses of the shooting as well as LAPD officers and other witnesses who testified that the officer violated LAPDs use of force and other official policies.

Todays verdict puts law enforcement on notice that there will be serious consequences if they abuse their authority by using their weapons against innocent protesters in violation of their Fourth Amendment rights.

Orin Snyder of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, the lead attorney for Mr. Jones, said:

Deon Jones filed this case to hold the defendant accountable for shooting him in the face with a rubber bullet at a protest without any justification on May 30, 2020. Justice has now been done. The defendant is being held accountable. We are grateful to the Court and the jury for their time and attention to this important case. We are proud to have stood with Mr. Jones during this long-fought battle to vindicate his constitutional rights. The jury today sent a strong message that there will be consequences if the police abuse their authority and commit acts of violence against innocent protesters.

About Gibson Dunn

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is a leading international law firm. Consistently ranking among the worlds top law firms in industry surveys and major publications, Gibson Dunn is distinctively positioned in todays global marketplace with more than 1,800 lawyers and 20 offices, including Abu Dhabi, Beijing, Brussels, Century City, Dallas, Denver, Dubai, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Munich, New York, Orange County, Palo Alto, Paris, San Francisco, Singapore, and Washington, D.C. For more information on Gibson Dunn, please visit our website.

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Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

[email protected]

Source: Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Home Instead honored by Franchise Times, Entrepreneur, and Canadian Franchise Association

OMAHA, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Home Instead, the worlds leading provider of in-home care for older adults, has earned prestigious accolades from Franchise Times, Entrepreneur, and the Canadian Franchise Association for its leadership, reinforcing the companys standing among elite franchise opportunities.

Franchise Times named Home Instead to its Top 10 franchises to buy and the leader in the Aging America category. Entrepreneur included Home Instead in its inaugural Hall of Fame for being among its Franchise 500 for 26 consecutive years. The Canadian Franchise Association recognized Home Instead for innovation and giving back to the community.

These honors and awards reflect the Home Instead commitment to our owners and our communities, recognizing our ability to serve the growing population of aging adults through the creation of outstanding opportunities for entrepreneurs, said Seth Sternberg, CEO of Honor, the parent company of Home Instead. We have a strong team at the corporate level that supports our company goals as well as the local operators of our franchises.

Franchise Times Top 10 Brands to Buy

Home Instead was named as one of the Top 10 brands to buy in the Franchise Times annual Zor Awards.

Franchise Times named Home Instead the top brand to buy in the Aging America category, citing the companys well-known brand name, established position in the market, and responsive and supportive corporate structure.

In producing the annual Zor Awards, Franchise Times conducts research to identify contenders in each category drawn from its Top 500 database. Contenders are evaluated based on metrics such as profitability for the franchisee, publicly available financial information, knowledge of management teams, recent media coverage, and other information shared in each brands franchise disclosure document.

Entrepreneur Hall of Fame

Home Instead has been named to the inaugural class of inductees to Entrepreneurs Hall of Fame.

Home Instead earned the distinction of being named to this elite Hall of Fame class by consistently ranking in Entrepreneurs Franchise 500 list for the past 26 years, surpassing the required 25 years of excellence. Only 49 companies made the Hall of Fame.

Entrepreneurs Franchise 500 list is compiled annually using various metrics, including cost and fees, support, size and growth, brand strength, and financial strength/stability, based on franchisor disclosures. Businesses are scored based on 150 data points, and the highest-scored franchises earn a place on the Franchise 500.

Canadian Franchise Association

The Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) recently recognized Home Instead and profiled Ontario owner Greg Bechard for the innovative care and charitable service provided to communities across Canada.

For potential franchisees, the CFA listed many positives in Home Insteads business model, including franchisee-driven initiatives, quality assurances, and training. The CFA also noted Bechards contributions to the charitable organizations across Ontario, including the Alzheimers Society, Etobicoke Support Services, and CANES Community Care, among others.

For more information on Home Instead, including details about franchise opportunities, visit franchises.homeinstead.com.

ABOUT HOME INSTEAD, AN HONOR COMPANY

Home Instead, Inc. and its parent company, Honor, are expanding the worlds capacity to care. With the worlds largest home care network and the most advanced care platform, Honor and Home Instead are revolutionizing care for older adults, their families, and Care Professionals. Home Instead, Inc. is the premier home care franchisor through its network of independently owned and operated Home Instead franchise businesses. Combined, the network has more than 100,000 Care Professionals across 13 countries, meeting the growing needs of millions of older adults and their families worldwide. For more information, visit joinhonor.com and homeinstead.com.

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Dan Wieberg

Telephone: 402.575.5970

[email protected]

Source: Home Instead
The Italian flag carrier will be the first full service airline in Europe to join the ground-breaking programme by Inmarsat and European Space Agency (ESA)

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Digitally-connected flights to and from Italy will be available from this summer, as ITA Airways rolls out the European Space Agency (ESA) and Inmarsats ground-breaking Iris data link technology to the cockpits of its full aircraft fleet, contributing to airspace modernisation in Europe.

ITA Airways will be the first full service carrier in Europe to join Iris. The programme enables aircraft to fly more fuel-efficient routes by providing digital satellite communications to complement VHF data link, which is nearing a capacity crunch in congested airspace. Without fast and reliable data links between aircraft and the ground, air traffic managers cannot unlock the 8-10% reduction in CO2 emissions identified by EUROCONTROL from improved Air Traffic Management (ATM). Iris will allow ATM players to better anticipate and collaborate to maximise airspace use, reducing the impact of disruptions for passengers while reducing emissions.

The Italian national carrier will equip its full fleet of new Airbus A320neo and A330neo aircraft deliveries with Inmarsats SwiftBroadband-Safety (SB-S), the award-winning platform flying on more than 230 aircraft globally, which powers Iris. Its aircraft will also play a significant role in Iris demonstration flights, which will take place across European airspace supported by 14 Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) during 2023.

This news comes as five more airlines have now equipped aircraft with Inmarsat SB-S, after Airbus Light Cockpit Satcom (LCS) terminal became available to order in December 2022. Current SB-S users include Virgin Atlantic, Jet2, and Transavia Airlines, in addition to ITA Airways and easyJet.

Across the seven European airlines, 72 aircraft deliveries with Airbus LCS installed are anticipated during 2023-2024. Iris-capable Inmarsat terminals across many more of Europes commercial airlines will further support the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) masterplan.

Alessio Leone, Head of Camo Operations, at ITA Airways said ITA Airways was born to guarantee Italy quality connectivity with a strong focus on the environmental impact through an important investment made in a homogeneous and technologically advanced fleet, which in 2026 will be made up of 80% of new generation aircrafts becoming the greenest fleet in Europe. We are proud to join the Iris programme, which is fully in line with our growth strategy as it reflects two of the core pillars of ITA Airways: sustainability and innovation. ITA Airways is the first full service carrier in Europe with a new fleet fully equipped with this cutting-edge technology by Inmarsat Aviation, delivering operational and environmental benefits.

Joel Klooster, Inmarsat Aviations Senior Vice President of Aircraft Operations and Safety, said We are delighted to welcome ITA Airways as the second airline to join Iris, coming only months after easyJet was announced as the first airline. This shows the impressive momentum that continues to build around the programme as it heads towards commercial service introduction in Europe this year, followed by a full global rollout. Iris will mark a transformational step-change in air traffic management, delivering operational and environment benefits for airlines and the aviation industry as a whole, while also enhancing the flight experience for passengers.

Javier Benedicto, Acting Director of Telecommunications and Integrated Applications at ESA, said: We are proud to support the space-enabled digitalisation of Europes skies, which will help to make aviation greener. ESA developed the Iris system in partnership with Inmarsat and we welcome ITA Airways as the first full service carrier and the second airline to sign up to use it. Investing in space improves life on Earth.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

ITA follows easyJet, which became the first airline to join the programme last June.

ABOUT ITA AIRWAYS

ITA Airways is a company totally owned by the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance for the exercise of business in the air transport sector. ITA Airways aims at creating an efficient and innovative air carrier that will become a reference point in providing Italy with quality connectivity both in terms of international destinations, thus boosting tourism and foreign trade, and within the Country, also taking advantage of the train-air integrated mobility. ITA Airways will place the best customer service at the center of its strategy (through a strong digitization of processes that ensure a best-in-class experience and personalized services), combined with sustainability, in its environmental (new green and technologically advanced aircraft, use of sustainable fuels), social (equality and inclusion for a gender-neutral company) and governance (integration of sustainability into internal strategies and processes) aspects. ITA Airways is a member of SkyTeam alliance as of October 2021.

ABOUT INMARSAT

Inmarsat delivers world leading, innovative, advanced and exceptionally reliable global, mobile communications across the world  in the air, at sea and on land - that are enabling a new generation of commercial, government and mission-critical services. Inmarsat is powering the digitalisation of the maritime industry, making operations more efficient and safer than ever before. It is driving a new era of inflight passenger services for aviation, while ensuring that aircraft can fly with maximum efficiency and safety. Furthermore, Inmarsat is enabling the rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) and enabling the next wave of world-changing technologies that will underpin the connected society and help build a sustainable future. And now Inmarsat is developing the first-of-its-kind, multi-dimensional communications network of the future, ORCHESTRA.

In November 2021, Inmarsat and Viasat announced the planned combination of the two companies, to create a new leader in global communications.

For further information, follow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram.

ABOUT IRIS

Iris benefits airlines and ANSPs by bringing the bandwidth and reliability to allow digital exchanges between the aircraft and ground systems. System-to-system digital communication enables flights to be managed more efficiently through trajectory-based operations. These 4 Dimensional Trajectory-Based Operations (4D TBO) improve the management of airspace capacity, unlocking operational efficiency for airlines by avoiding holding patterns, accessing improved routes and optimum altitudes, and using continuous climb and descent pathways. The additional datalink capacity provided by SB-S will also power a host of onboard digital applications, such as AI flight profile optimisers and real-time weather applications.

European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification of ESSP as the Communication Service Provider for the Iris data link service is nearing completion, and will mark the first air navigation service provider to own a pan-European certificate that allows cross-border delivery of air traffic management services.

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Inmarsat

[email protected]

ITA Airways

Nicolo Mardegan

Head of Communication and Institutional Relations

[email protected]

Source: Inmarsat
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- LinkLive, a leading cloud-based Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) provider, has partnered with Kasisto, creators of KAI, the leading digital experience platform for the financial services industry, to embed KAI into the LinkLive platform. This deeper partnership of two best-in-class platforms will accelerate the adoption of both platforms at financial institutions across the U.S. and help these clients to deliver exceptional customer experience through every digital channel.

We are very excited to embed KAI into the LinkLive library of AI capabilities and to expand the digital customer service features for our clients, said Perry Price, CEO of LinkLive. By combining the secure, digital-first nature of LinkLive with the intelligence of KAI, we enable our customers to deliver personalization at scale, reduce costs and maintain the human touch essential for regional banks and credit unions.

This partnership is ideal for financial institutions facing challenges on three fronts: staffing shortages, high customer expectations and the potential for a recession. The combined experience of LinkLive with KAI will provide significant opportunities for revenue protection in the form of digital labor and savings to the bottom line.

While ChatGPT has been getting much attention lately, LinkLive and Kasisto use AI to address the specific needs of financial institutions and help them to save an estimated $70 million between now and 2025, according to Insider Intelligence. The broad set of LinkLive AI features also integrate other solutions to deliver an enhanced digital experience to enterprises and small businesses, and offer many use cases for automating sales, service and support interactions.

I cant overstate the importance of conversational AI and the ability to bring two leading solutions together. Were thrilled about the opportunity to integrate our KAI-powered virtual financial assistant, Gabby, in support of our human interactions using LinkLive every day, said Brad Waldhoff, CIO of First Financial Bank NA in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Current customers indicate that KAI manages 90% of digital conversations without human intervention, which can lead to 40% reduction in call volume. Now, agents can spend their valuable time focused on building the human connection that drives excellent customer engagement.

LinkLive is focused on AI that matters. Weve met the need by delivering conversational AI with strong partners such as Kasisto  and with other partners focused on critical engagements in similarly regulated industries, such as healthcare automation for scheduling and care triage, said Pat Reetz, Chief Product Officer at LinkLive. We see significant opportunity with agent assist and automated content analytics. As a result, LinkLive integrates generative AI with conversational AI and other partners such as ChatGPT, Amazon Sagemaker, Amazon Lex, and other Speech Analytics and Large Language Models to modernize the agent and supervisor experience.

About LinkLive | https://linklive.ai/

LinkLive makes and secures intelligent customer connections to help organizations drive exceptional customer experience and automate interactions. The company develops electronic messaging application services, including a best-in-class Contact Center as Service (CCaaS), using its unique SAFEc architecture to create the first all-in-one cloud-based engagement platform that provides secure, compliant communications for all mediums: voice, texting, video conferencing, co-browse, mail, file share, appointment scheduling, and a digital office in one pane of glass. Our vision for the future is to combine our applications of artificial intelligence and DCS to formulate a complete customer engagement platform (CEP). LinkLive products are compliant with GLBA, SEC, SOC2, HI-TRUST, Sarbanes-Oxley, and HIPAA requirements. For more information visit linklive.ai. Follow LinkLive on Twitter and LinkedIn.

About Kasisto | https://www.kasisto.com/

KAI is the leading digital experience platform for the financial services industry. Kasistos customers include J.P. Morgan, Westpac, Standard Chartered, TD, and Manulife Bank, and credit unions such as Meriwest and Valley Isle  and many more. These financial institutions chose KAI for its proven track record in driving business growth and improving customer experiences. The platform is engaging with millions of consumers around the world, all the time, across multiple channels, in different languages, and is optimized for performance, scalability, security, and compliance. KAI is built with the deepest conversational AI portfolio in the financial industry and is tightly integrated into the fintech ecosystem through partnerships with proven technology providers such as FIS, NCR, Q2 ,and others. Kasisto is headquartered in New York City, with offices in Silicon Valley and Singapore. Kasisto Singapore Pte Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kasisto. For more information, visit kasisto.com. Follow Kasisto on Twitter and LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230309005044/en/

[email protected]

Source: LinkLive
Mythics unparalleled performance and power consumption is redefining the possibilities for edge AI inference

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Mythic, the pioneering AI processor company with breakthrough analog compute-in-memory technology, has raised $13 million in a new round of funding. Mythics existing investors Atreides Management, DCVC, and Lux Capital contributed to the round, along with new investors Catapult Ventures and Hermann Hauser Investment (which is led by Hermann Hauser, one of the founders of Acorn Computers and the father of ARM semiconductors). Mythic also announced the appointment of its new CEO Dave Fick, who co-founded the company and previously served as CTO.

This investment will help Mythic bring to market its next-generation M2000 series product, which builds on the legacy of Mythics M1076 Analog Matrix Processor (Mythic AMP) that is 10X more cost and power-efficient than digital solutions. Mythics M1076, which is already shipping to high-profile customers like Lockheed Martin, was the industrys first to achieve 33ms latency on full HD high-accuracy object detectors like YOLOv5, while running in a cost and power envelope suitable for edge systems. With its unmatched efficiency and performance, Mythic is ushering in the next era of AI innovation for defense applications, enterprises, industrial environments, smart cities, the smart home, and beyond.

Mythics technology is truly one of a kind with our analog computing approach that offers huge leaps in performance and efficiency compared to digital processors, not to mention substantial cost benefits. This new funding will help us accelerate our path forward to help companies to unlock the full potential of edge AI inferencing, said Dave Fick, co-founder and CEO at Mythic. Mythic has already seen strong demand for the M1076, so were confident that our next-generation processor will be widely adopted in computer vision applications like smart robots, security cameras, drones, and AR headsets. The potential for analog computing is truly limitless.

Mythic delivers best-in-class power and performance thanks to its analog compute-in-memory (CIM) architecture that uses high-density analog memory to store neural networks completely on-chip  unlike digital solutions which need to swap data on and off chip. This density combined with integrated computation allows Mythic to deliver the same level of performance as a desktop GPU, in a platform thats more compact, power-efficient, and cost-efficient. As a result, Mythic can bring powerful edge AI inferencing to everything from low-cost drones and tiny doorbell cameras to immersive AR headsets and huge robots.

Despite being prevalent in our daily lives, the vast majority of AI workloads still run on expensive, power hungry processors in the cloud, said Rouz Jazayeri, managing director of Catapult Ventures. The future of AI applications will run on the edge and will require high performance, low latency, and low cost compute all in a low power footprint. Mythic's Analog Matrix Processor is strongly positioned to lead this transition and help unlock a whole new set of Edge AI applications thanks to their world class power and cost efficient architecture.

While Mythics technology is ideal for a wide range of applications, what is especially notable is the transformative impact it will have on public safety. Mythics powerful analog compute architecture can process full-resolution video at the edge  rather than having to send all the information to the cloud  so security cameras and drones can detect threats in real-time. Mythics compact and power-efficient platform also allows drones to fly for longer and go higher, and its powerful computer vision processing allows objects that are smaller or farther away to be identified more accurately.

At Lockheed Martin Ventures we want to take smart risks by investing in advanced computing capabilities that our customers can adopt and expand to outpace complex threats within a rapidly evolving landscape, said Chris Moran, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Ventures. As geopolitical tensions continue to rise, it is imperative that we continue to work with our customers in identifying their needs and supporting companies that can scale technologies that keep the U.S. and its allies in front of those threats.

Mythic has raised $178M in funding to date. Under Daves leadership, the company recently restructured to be more capital efficient by keeping the development of Mythics key differentiating technology in-house with a tight-knit team. The company plans to further grow its headcount in 2024 as the M2000 series nears production.

To learn more about Mythic, please visit: https://mythic.ai/

About Mythic

Mythic has developed a unified hardware and software platform featuring its unique Mythic Analog Compute Engine (Mythic ACE) to deliver revolutionary power, cost, and performance that shatters digital barriers preventing AI innovation at the edge. The Mythic Analog Matrix Processor (Mythic AMP) makes it much easier and more affordable to deploy powerful AI solutions, from the data center to the edge device.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230309005131/en/

Media

Allison DeLeo

Racepoint Global for Mythic

[email protected]

Tel.: +1(415) 694-6711

Source: Mythic
WILD LIFE Is Set To Premiere Theatrically Nationwide, Beginning on April 14 in New York City, Washington, D.C., and more.

The Highly Anticipated Conservation Documentary Will Have Its Broadcast Debut on National Geographic Channel on May 25 and Streams Next Day on Disney+

[poster art here]

VIEW TRAILER LINK HERE

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, National Geographic Documentary Films and Picturehouse announced that WILD LIFE, the latest documentary film from Academy Award-winning directors Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin (Free Solo), will open in theaters nationally this April. Following the theatrical release, the film will have its broadcast debut on National Geographic Channel on May 25 and will stream next day on Disney+. The film had a surprise screening at the 2022 Telluride Film Festival and will screen as part of the 2023 SXSW Film Festival on March 12, 2023.

With this announcement, National Geographic Documentary Films and Picturehouse released the first trailer for WILD LIFE, which spotlights former Patagonia CEO and president and co-founder of Tompkins Conservation, Kristine Tompkins, on an epic, decades-spanning love story as wild as the landscapes she has dedicated her life to protecting. After falling in love in midlife, Kris and outdoorsman and entrepreneur Doug Tompkins left behind the world of the massively successful outdoor brands theyd helped pioneer  Patagonia, The North Face and Esprit  and turned their attention to a visionary effort to create National Parks throughout Chile and Argentina. WILD LIFE chronicles their journey to effect the largest private land donation in history.

The film spans decades of entrepreneurial and conservation work and serves as a stunning look into the unbelievable professional and personal highs and lows of Kristines life. Shot all across the wilderness of Chile, in conjunction with archival footage, the film is ripe with lush cinematography and poignant moments. The film also chronicles Kris and Dougs close relationship with Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia, and Kris time working in the early days of his climbing gear company, Chouinard Equipment, which quickly evolved into the conscious outdoor adventure brand that we know today as Patagonia.

Kristine Tompkins stated, Jimmy and Chai have honored Dougs and my lifes work in a profound, moving way. I am grateful. I can only wish that WILD LIFE offers a semblance of hope and reminds anyone who sees it that whoever you are and wherever you live you can make a difference in this world. Our work at Tompkins Conservation  restoring the planet by creating parks on land and sea and rewilding  is constant and ongoing.

Chin and Vasarhelyi noted, As filmmakers, we have always loved telling stories about human potential and the power of the human spirit. We love examining what humans can achieve when they commit to the impossible. Kris and Doug lived extraordinary lives, leaving everything behind to find meaning and love. Through their journey, they created the biggest private land handover in history, protecting almost 15 million acres of land against insurmountable odds. Conservation at this level and scale changes the world. We are so excited to share this story.

Picturehouse will open WILD LIFE theatrically in select cities, beginning on April 14 in New York City and Washington, D.C., with the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Austin, Denver, Boulder, Portland, Seattle, Miami, Bozeman and Salt Lake City dates to follow.

DATE CITY April 14 NEW YORK WASHINGTON, D.C. April 19 SAN FRANCISCO/SAN RAFAEL April 21 SF BAY AREA EXPANSION (Oakland, San Jose, Santa Cruz) LOS ANGELES PASADENA VENTURA ORANGE COUNTY April 29 AUSTIN DENVER BOULDER May 5 PORTLAND SEATTLE BOZEMAN MIAMI SALT LAKE CITY

National Geographic Documentary Films previously released the Academy Award-, BAFTA- and seven-time Emmy Award-winning film Free Solo and the Academy Award-nominated and Emmy-winning film The Cave. In 2022, they released Oscar- and BAFTA-nominated Fire of Love, two-time Sundance Award-winner The Territory, critically acclaimed Retrograde as well as the short film The Flagmakers, all of which were shortlisted for a 2023 Academy Award. In 2021, they released BAFTA nominees The Rescue and Becoming Cousteau, and three-time Emmy Award winner The First Wave. Other critically acclaimed films under the banner include Fauci; Torn; Ron Howards Rebuilding Paradise and Emmy-nominated We Feed People; Sundance Audience Award winners Science Fair and Sea of Shadows; Emmy winners LA 92 and Jane, both of which were included in the top 15 documentaries considered for an Academy Award in 2017; and Dupont Award winner Hell on Earth: The Fall of Syria and the Rise of Isis.

About National Geographic Documentary Films

National Geographic Documentary Films is committed to bringing the world premium, feature documentaries that cover timely, provocative and globally relevant stories from the very best documentary filmmakers in the world. National Geographic Documentary Films is part of a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and the National Geographic Society. Our diverse films reach millions worldwide across National Geographic channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO) and direct-to-consumer platforms Disney+ and Hulu. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 135 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers  and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. Recent films include the Academy Award  and BAFTA nominated Fire of Love, three-time Emmy Award winner The First Wave, two-time Sundance award-winner The Territory, BAFTA nominees The Rescue and Becoming Cousteau, and Academy Award  and BAFTA winner Free Solo. For more information visit films.nationalgeographic.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

About Picturehouse

Picturehouse is a Los Angeles-based film marketing and distribution company led by CEO Bob Berney and COO Jeanne R. Berney. The company acquires, markets and distributes global content across all platforms. Originally formed in 2005 as a joint venture between Time Warner's HBO Films and New Line Cinema, the Picturehouse brand has a long history of storied excellence. For more information visit picturehouse.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

About Little Monster

Little Monster Films is an Academy, BAFTA, and multiple Emmy Award-winning production company founded by Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin. Our mission is to capture humanity at its best, aiming to reflect a diverse world both in front of and behind the camera. We present grounded narratives with intensity and depth while showcasing the extraordinary among us who push the limits of human potential. Our most recent film THE RESCUE won the Peoples Choice award for best documentary at the Toronto International Film Festival, was nominated for a BAFTA, and won three News & Documentary Emmys. Previously, our groundbreaking film FREE SOLO was awarded a BAFTA and the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2019. The film also received seven Emmy awards. Our film RETURN TO SPACE landed on Netflixs Top 10 upon release and was nominated for an Emmy. EDGE OF THE UNKNOWN WITH JIMMY CHIN, a ten-part series of transformative stories from the world's greatest adventurers, premiered on Disney+ this fall. Upcoming projects include a National Geographic docuseries called PHOTOGRAPHER; and NYAD, a scripted biopic starring Annette Bening and Jodie Foster for Netflix.

About Tompkins Conservation

Founded by the late Douglas Tompkins and cofounded by Kristine Tompkins, Tompkins Conservation is protecting and restoring wild beauty and biodiversity by creating national parks, bringing back species through rewilding and fostering regenerative economies via its offspring organizations, Rewilding Argentina and Rewilding Chile. For more than three decades, the nonprofit has protected approximately 14.8 million acres of parklands in Chile and Argentina through the creation or expansion of 15 national parks in those countries, in addition to two marine protected areas of 30 million acres. Through active rewilding, the organization is bringing back over a dozen species that are in critical numbers, endangered or locally extinct. In 2015, a kayaking accident in Patagonia took Doug's life. The couple is amongst the foremost conservation philanthropists in history.

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National Geographic: Nora Gordon / [email protected]

Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis: [email protected]

Source: National Geographic
The Company Also Sets its Extraordinary General Meeting Date and Record Date

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Orion Engineered Carbons (NYSE: OEC), a leading global supplier of specialty and high-performance carbon black, today announced that it will hold its 2023 annual general meeting of shareholders on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 2:00 pm Central European Time at the companys office, located at 6, Route de Treves, L-2633 Senningerberg (Municipality of Niederanven), Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The company also set its record date for the admission of the companys shareholders to its annual general meeting to April 6, 2023, at 11:59 pm Central European Time.

In addition, the company announced that it will hold an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 4:00 pm Central European Time at the companys office, located at 6, Route de Treves, L-2633 Senningerberg (Municipality of Niederanven), Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The company also set its record date for the admission of the companys shareholders to its extraordinary general meeting to April 6, 2023, at 11:59 pm Central European Time.

This extraordinary general meeting will be held in accordance with Luxembourg legal requirements, in particular to refresh the Boards five-year authorization received from its shareholders to issue up to five million new shares from authorized share capital and other corporate housekeeping involving changes to the companys articles of incorporation.

The company will also make it possible to attend its annual general meeting and the extraordinary general meeting virtually and to exercise shareholder rights in advance of the meeting by means of remote communication.

About Orion Engineered Carbons

Orion Engineered Carbons (NYSE: OEC) is a leading global supplier of carbon black, a solid form of carbon produced as powder or pellets. The material is made to customers exacting specifications for tires, coatings, ink, batteries, plastics and numerous other specialty, high-performance applications. Carbon black is used to tint, colorize, provide reinforcement, conduct electricity, increase durability, and add UV protection. Orion has innovation centers on three continents and 14 plants worldwide, offering the most diverse variety of production processes in the industry. The companys corporate lineage goes back more than 160 years to Germany, where it operates the worlds longest-running carbon black plant. Orion is a leading innovator, applying a deep understanding of customers needs to deliver sustainable solutions. For more information, please visit orioncarbons.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance, or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement. New risk factors and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risk factors and uncertainties, nor can we assess the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events, or other information, other than as required by applicable law.

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Wendy Wilson

Orion Engineered Carbons

Head of Investor Relations

[email protected]

+1 281-974-0155

William Foreman

Orion Engineered Carbons

Director of Corporate Communications and Government Affairs

[email protected]

Direct: +1 832-445-3305

Mobile: +1 281-889-7833

Source: Orion Engineered Carbons S.A.
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Sprinklr (NYSE: CXM), the unified customer experience management (Unified-CXM) platform for modern enterprises, today announced that the company has been named a Challenger in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Conversational AI Platforms report.

Sprinklrs digital-first approach to customer service is helping industry leaders unify their contact center to reduce costs and enhance customer experiences. Sprinklr Service is powered by a proprietary AI engine for the enterprise built on the only Unified-CXM platform.

Sprinklrs conversational AI capabilities, including Live Chat and AI Agent Assist, help agents instantly address urgent queries and receive suggestions for appropriate responses.

According to a Gartner Peer Insights review, Sprinklr worked with us to develop game changing Conversational AI led chatbots which provided us with a first mover advantage. In evaluating other technologies for social listening & chatbots, I have found Sprinklr always coming ahead of the competition. Sprinklr has to be a benchmark for others to follow in the social media support space!" - Senior Advisor, Product Management.

Conversational AI is the essential technology for any company that wants to solve customer inquiries quickly at scale while reducing support costs, said Sprinklr Founder and CEO, Ragy Thomas. Sprinklrs unified, digital-first approach to customer service is radically different. We believe that our recognition by Gartner is a reflection of the investment weve made in artificial intelligence to help brands understand customer feedback in real time across 30+ digital channels. This year we will continue to innovate as we challenge the legacy players in enterprise customer service.

Additional Information:

To learn more about Sprinklr Service, please visit: https://www.sprinklr.com/products/customer-service/

To download the Gartner report, please visit: https://www.sprinklr.com/gartner-conversational-ai-2023/

Gartner Disclaimer:

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally, MAGIC QUADRANT and PEER INSIGHTS are registered trademarks of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

Gartner Peer Insights content consists of the opinions of individual end users based on their own experiences with the vendors listed on the platform, should not be construed as statements of fact, nor do they represent the views of Gartner or its affiliates. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in this content nor makes any warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this content, about its accuracy or completeness, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in our research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About Sprinklr

Sprinklr is a leading enterprise software company for all customer-facing functions. With advanced AI, Sprinklr's unified customer experience management (Unified-CXM) platform helps companies deliver human experiences to every customer, every time, across any modern channel. Headquartered in New York City with employees around the world, Sprinklr works with more than 1,000 of the worlds most valuable enterprises  global brands like Microsoft, P&G, Samsung and more than 50% of the Fortune 100.

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Press

Austin DeArman

[email protected]

Source: Sprinklr
Initiative would follow neighboring cities adoption of laws guaranteeing legal protections for housekeepers

RANCHO PALOS VERDES, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, Terranea Resort Housekeepers and their community allies launched a ballot initiative, the Hotel Worker Protection Ordinance, that would require hotels to provide fair compensation to hotel housekeepers and ensure legal protections for housekeepers from threatening conduct from guests when they work alone in guest rooms. The ordinance would require:

Panic buttons with a security guard on call, mandatory training and security protocols to protect hotel housekeepers from sexual assault and threatening conduct by guests and others

Fair pay when hotel housekeepers are made to clean an excessive number of guest rooms

A $25.00 minimum wage for hotel housekeepers and other hotel workers with an annual increase in wage to reflect the cost of living

In recent years, similar laws have gained traction and now protect housekeepers in Los Angeles, Long Beach, Santa Monica, Glendale, West Hollywood, and, most recently, Irvine.

In November 2019, as reported by the LA Times, the Terranea Resorts ownership contributed more than a million dollars to defeat a similar ballot initiative which would have protected housekeepersa group made up predominantly of immigrant women of colorin Rancho Palos Verdes. Undeterred, the resorts housekeepers and their community allies are returning to finally win the legal rights they have been demanding for years.

Across the tourism sector, we are seeing housekeeping workers being forced to take on even more burdensome workloads, even as business returns to pre-pandemic levels. RPV should follow the many other cities that have enacted laws guaranteeing housekeepers get fair pay for their work and protections against threatening conduct, said Nico Gardner-Serna, a member of the Rancho Palos Verdes community.

In recent years, multiple women, including 2017 Time Person of the Year Sandra Pezqueda, have alleged they experienced sexual harassment and other misconduct while working at the Terranea Resort. The resort is owned by Lowe, led by Robert and Michael Lowe, and JC Resorts, which was recently accused of sexual harassment by women workers at a country club the firm manages.

I felt there was no respect or protection of my rights at Terranea, says Sandra Pezqueda. Rancho Palos Verdes workers and community members know that we need to strengthen our laws to prevent abuse in the tourism industry.

Community members and California NOW, the Feminist Majority, and the California Democratic Party have pledged to boycott the Terranea until women workers are treated with dignity and respect.

The Terranea is a pariah. They spent more than a million dollars so that they would not be legally required to respect basic legal rights for their workers, many of whom are women. They used the pandemic to fire their employees, discarding them like they were disposable, even as their owners, like Robert J. Lowe, continue to amass wealth from the hotel, stated Lorena Lopez, director at UNITE HERE Local 11. This law would protect the welfare of housekeepers who make the owners of hotels like Terranea so wealthy.

In April 2020, at the outset of the pandemic, Terranea fired most of its employees, including those who had worked at the hotel from its opening. Terranea workers led the fight to win SB-93Californias right to return to work lawensuring that the Terraneas workers had a legal right to return to work at the hotel. The Office of the Labor Commissioner, led by Lilia Garcia-Brower, investigated complaints from workers alleging violations of the recall law. As reported by the LA Times, after the DLSE cited the company for allegedly violating the law, the Terranea agreed to pay more than $1.5 million to 53 workers laid-off at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic whom the agency alleged it had failed to recall, or timely recall.

UNITE HERE Local 11 is a labor union representing over 32,000 hospitality workers in Southern California and Arizona who work in hotels, restaurants, universities, convention centers, and airports

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PRESS CONTACT:

Maria Hernandez | 623-340-8047 | [email protected]

Source: UNITE HERE Local 11
STRASBOURG, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News:

Transgene (Euronext Paris: TNG) (Paris: TNG), a biotech company that designs and develops virus-based immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer, announces the appointment of Dr. John C. Bell and Dr. Pedro Romero as key scientific advisors.

John and Pedro are world leaders in cancer immunotherapy, and will bring considerable expertise to Transgene, said Hedi Ben Brahim, Transgenes CEO. Were privileged to have them on board and look forward to working with them as we take the next important steps in the clinical development of our oncolytic virus and therapeutic cancer vaccine candidates.

John C. Bell is an internationally renowned expert in using oncolytic viruses (OVs) to treat cancer. He formed, and continues to lead, the Canadian Oncolytic Virus Consortium, a trans-Canadian, multidisciplinary group developing virus-based cancer therapeutics. He is the Scientific Director of BioCanRx, a Network of Centers of Excellence developing and clinically testing novel immunotherapeutics for the treatment of cancer. He is a co-founder of OV biotechs Jennerex and Turnstone Biologics. John is a senior scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI), a research institution affiliated with the University of Ottawa and the research arm of The Ottawa Hospital. John launched his independent research career in the Department of Biochemistry at McGill University. His research program has been continuously funded by peer-reviewed grants for over 30 years and he has authored over 400 publications.

He completed his post-doctoral studies at the Medical Research Council in London, England and received his PhD in virology and immunology at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada.

Pedro Romero is Professor at the Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, where he has worked since 2003, focusing on tumor immunology and cancer immunotherapy, particularly on the biology and dynamics of cytolytic CD8 T lymphocyte (CTL) responses. He is also Editor-in-Chief of the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer.

Previously, Pedro researched at the Department of Medical and Molecular Parasitology at New York University School of Medicine before joining the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (LICR), Epalinges, Switzerland, in 1989. In 2001, he became division Head of Clinical Onco-Immunology at the LICR in Lausanne.

Pedro holds a number of patents and has coauthored more than 320 original research articles describing his scientific works in peptide-based immunotherapy and T cell responses, several of them in Science or Nature.

In 2001, Pedro won the Robert Wenner prize from the Swiss Cancer League on Applied Cancer Research, to complement other honors he received.

Pedro obtained his MD at the School of Medicine of the National University of Colombia in Bogota.

***

About Transgene

Transgene (Euronext: TNG) is a biotechnology company focused on designing and developing targeted immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer. Transgenes programs utilize viral vector technology with the goal of indirectly or directly killing cancer cells.

The Companys clinical-stage programs consist of two therapeutic vaccines (TG4001 for the treatment of HPV-positive cancers, and TG4050, the first individualized therapeutic vaccine based on the myvac platform) as well as three oncolytic viruses based on the Invir.IO viral backbone (TG6002, BT-001 and TG6050).

With Transgenes myvac platform, therapeutic vaccination enters the field of precision medicine with a novel immunotherapy that is fully tailored to each individual. The myvac approach allows the generation of a virus-based immunotherapy that encodes patient-specific mutations identified and selected by Artificial Intelligence capabilities provided by its partner NEC.

With its proprietary platform Invir.IO, Transgene is building on its viral vector engineering expertise to design a new generation of multifunctional oncolytic viruses. Transgene has an ongoing Invir.IO collaboration with AstraZeneca.

Additional information about Transgene is available at: www.transgene.fr

Follow us on social media: Twitter: @TransgeneSA  LinkedIn: @Transgene

Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. The occurrence of any of these risks could have a significant negative outcome for the Companys activities, perspectives, financial situation, results, regulatory authorities agreement with development phases, and development. The Companys ability to commercialize its products depends on but is not limited to the following factors: positive pre-clinical data may not be predictive of human clinical results, the success of clinical studies, the ability to obtain financing and/or partnerships for product manufacturing, development and commercialization, and marketing approval by government regulatory authorities. For a discussion of risks and uncertainties which could cause the Companys actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the Risk Factors (Facteurs de Risque) section of the Universal Registration Document, available on the AMF website (http://www.amf-france.org) or on Transgenes website (www.transgene.fr). Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and Transgene undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230309005572/en/

Transgene:

Lucie Larguier

Director Corporate Communications & IR

+33 (0)3 88 27 91 04

[email protected]

Media: MEDiSTRAVA Consulting

David Dible/Sylvie Berrebi/George Underwood

+44 (0)203 928 6900

[email protected]

Source: Transgene
Indiana residents who qualify for Managed Long-Term Services and Supports coverage will have access to UnitedHealthcares comprehensive plans

INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Indiana has been recommended by the state of Indiana, Family and Social Services Administration, as one of four managed care organizations to administer its Pathways for Aging (Pathways) program.

Pathways is a new Indiana program that will serve Medicaid beneficiaries who are 60 years and older. This includes members who are aged, blind or disabled; members who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid; those living in a nursing facility; or those who are receiving long-term services and supports (LTSS) in a home or community-based setting. Additionally, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Indiana will continue to serve individuals who receive coverage through the existing Hoosier Care Connect (Aged, Blind and Disabled) program.

We are honored to evolve our partnership with the state to develop a robust Pathways program that delivers value-based, high-quality, person-centered solutions to the diverse needs of our members, said Chris Callahan, chief executive officer, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Indiana. We look forward to working with the state, providers and community-based organizations to enhance access to care, reduce disparities, improve outcomes and ultimately make the health system work better to help people live healthier lives.

LTSS programs offer a wide range of medical, functional and social services available to support people with routine daily activities due to aging, chronic illness or disability. The Pathways program will provide access to these services to approximately 100,000 individuals who qualify in the state.

UnitedHealthcare serves about 1 million people in Indiana enrolled in employer-sponsored, Medicare and Medicaid benefit plans, with a network of 148 hospitals and about 38,000 physicians and other care providers statewide.

About UnitedHealthcare

UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people live healthier lives and making the health system work better for everyone by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. In the United States, UnitedHealthcare offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 1.5 million physicians and care professionals, and 7,000 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. The company also provides health benefits and delivers care to people through owned and operated health care facilities in South America. UnitedHealthcare is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified health care company. For more information, visit UnitedHealthcare at www.uhc.com or follow @UHC on Twitter.

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Urko Lapedriza

UnitedHealthcare

952-251-6342

[email protected]

Source: UnitedHealthcare
TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Yugabyte, the leading open source distributed SQL database company, today announced that it has signed a strategic partner agreement with leading Japanese PostgreSQL professional consulting company, SRA OSS, LLC.

Together, Yugabyte and SRA OSS will accelerate the adoption of cloud-native transactional database technology for enterprise database modernization initiatives in Japan.

SRA OSS brings a wealth of experience in PostgreSQL database implementation and modernization. Yugabytes partnership with SRA OSS has been fueled by an emerging market opportunity to share YugabyteDBs enterprise-grade relational database capabilities and horizontal scalability and cloud native resilience, along with the demand and ambition of SRA OSS to help businesses fully capitalize on database migration from legacy databases.

Both organizations see a growing market opportunity for cloud-native databases in the Japan region. They recognize that enterprise digital transformation efforts are stalling due to the inadequacy of monolithic databases to handle scalability and availability for systems of engagement and systems of record.

The companies also understand that SaaS providers are looking for relational databases that support horizontally scalable and multi-tenancy while their business is growing.

Danny Zaidifard, Vice President of Business Development & Partners, Yugabyte said, We see significant market opportunity as many organizations in the region are accelerating their database modernization plans. Japan has proven to be an innovative, early-adopter economy, and we are delighted to work with the countrys leading PostgreSQL professional consulting company, SRA OSS, who are our ideal partner for this market.

Kaoru Inaba, President, SRA OSS, commented, We are very pleased to build our partnership in Japan with Yugabyte, a leader in distributed SQL databases. Most enterprises are facing scalability and availability challenges in monolithic relational databases, and we have high expectations for YugabyteDB, which meets these enterprise database demands. We also expect Yugabyte Voyager, the end-to-end database migration solution for YugabyteDB, to accelerate our collaborative business.

YugabyteDB is a natural complement to SRA OSSs existing technologies and services, as they align well with the needs of the regions largest and most demanding transactional-driven organizations, which are looking to accelerate their database modernization strategies.

One of Yugabytes 2023 goals is to expand further into important new geographic markets, fuelling the companys growth across Japan. Globally, Yugabyte completed a Series C funding round for $188 million in October 2021, which valued the business at more than $1.3B.

Yugabyte officially established its Japan business in October 2021 and has been accelerating its growth in the region ever since. The companys go-to-market strategy includes the appointment of complementary strategic partners in the region.

About Yugabyte

Yugabyte is the company behind YugabyteDB, the open source, high-performance distributed SQL database for building global transactional applications. YugabyteDB serves business-critical applications with SQL query flexibility, high performance, and cloud native agility, thus allowing enterprises to focus on business growth instead of complex data infrastructure management. It is trusted by companies in cybersecurity, financial markets, IoT, retail, e-commerce, and other verticals. Founded in 2016 by former Facebook and Oracle engineers, Yugabyte is backed by Lightspeed Venture Partners, 8VC, Dell Technologies Capital, Sapphire Ventures, and others. For more info, go to: Yugabyte.

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Yugabyte Japan

[email protected]

Source: Yugabyte
By Barani Krishnan

Investing.com -- A bipartisan group of U.S. senators want to reintroduce legislation to fight price fixing in oil by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, or OPEC, a news release on the effort said on Wednesday.

The No Oil Producing and Exporting Cartels Act, or NOPEC, bill aims to improve fairness and stability in the global oil market by allowing the U.S. federal government to take action against price fixing by OPEC, the release said.

Weve seen time and again how OPEC has colluded to set global oil prices, bringing uncertainty and high prices to consumers around the globe, Chuck Grassley, a senator with the Republican party, was quoted saying of the initiative jointly sponsored by fellow Republican senator Mike Lee and two Democratic senators  Amy Klobuchar and Dick Durbin.

The senators said OPEC needs to know that the United States was committed to stopping its anti-competitive behavior and that they intend to send a clear message to the oil cartel that its days of illegally pricing and distributing petroleum products are numbered.

Competition in international oil markets helps ensure that American families pay fair prices at the pump, Klobuchar said.

But current law has made the Justice Department powerless to stop the 13 largest oil producing countries from manipulating prices and driving up costs. This bipartisan legislation would allow U.S. antitrust laws to be enforced against these oil producers. No one is above the law. Yet, OPEC continues to demonstrate its willingness to engage in illegal, anticompetitive, and extortionary means to enrich its members at the expense of consumers. It's time to change that.

The Senate has repeatedly tried to police OPEC over the years with the NOPEC law, stopping each time after the cartels leader Saudi Arabia threatened to retaliate by over-pumping oil and flooding the market to cause a price crash that would sink U.S. oil drillers.

In 2020, after a brief row with Russia during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, Saudi Arabia went on a massive production, helping to drive U.S. crude prices to minus $40 per barrel at one point and sending scores of smaller-sized producers in the United States out of business.

The Saudis and Russians later resolved their differences and the broader OPEC+ alliance of 23 oil producers that they jointly lead has been cutting output for almost three years now. Brent the global benchmark for crude prices, hit 14-year highs of above $130 a barrel a year ago on supply concerns, and currently trades at around $85.
Positive high-level results from the ADAURA Phase III trial showed AstraZenecas TAGRISSO (osimertinib) demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in overall survival (OS), a key secondary endpoint, compared to placebo in the adjuvant treatment of patients with early-stage (IB, II and IIIA) epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated (EGFRm) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after complete tumor resection with curative intent.

In May 2020, AstraZeneca announced TAGRISSO demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in disease-free survival (DFS) in this setting. In September 2022, updated results demonstrated a median DFS of nearly five and a half years.

Per the ADAURA trial protocol, patients on placebo that recurred with metastatic disease had the opportunity to receive open-label TAGRISSO.

Roy S. Herbst, MD, PhD, Deputy Director and Chief of Medical Oncology at Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, and principal investigator in the ADAURA Phase III trial, said: These new survival data for osimertinib reinforce the unprecedented ADAURA disease-free survival results and confirm its potential to extend patients lives in early-stage disease. The ADAURA results provide powerful evidence that osimertinib offers the best possible care for patients with early-stage EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer who historically faced high rates of recurrence and previously had no targeted options after surgery.

Susan Galbraith, Executive Vice President, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, said: The ADAURA trial brought the first targeted medicine to patients with early-stage EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer. Today, these exciting overall survival results validate adjuvant TAGRISSO as the standard of care in this setting and reinforce the importance of early diagnosis and testing for EGFR mutation in lung cancer.

The safety and tolerability of TAGRISSO in the ADAURA trial were consistent with its established profile and no new safety concerns were reported.

These new ADAURA OS results in the early-stage resectable setting add to the extensive body of evidence for TAGRISSO in EGFRm NSCLC which has now shown a statistically significant and clinically meaningful OS benefit in both the early adjuvant and late-stage metastatic settings. The data will be presented at a forthcoming medical meeting.

Each year there are an estimated 2.2 million people diagnosed with lung cancer globally with 80-85% of patients diagnosed with NSCLC, the most common form of lung cancer.1-3 Approximately 25-30% of all patients with NSCLC are diagnosed early enough to have surgery with curative intent.45 Further, 73% of patients with Stage IB and 56-65% of patients with Stage II disease will survive for five years.6 This decreases to 41% for patients with Stage IIIA and 24% for patients with Stage IIIB disease, reflecting a high unmet medical need.6

AstraZeneca has several ongoing registrational trials focused on testing TAGRISSO in earlier stages of lung cancer, including in the neoadjuvant resectable setting (NeoADAURA), in the Stage IA2-IA3 adjuvant resectable setting (ADAURA2), and in the Stage III locally advanced unresectable setting (LAURA).

TAGRISSO is approved to treat early-stage lung cancer in more than 90 countries, including in the US, EU, China and Japan, and additional global regulatory reviews are ongoing. TAGRISSO is also approved for the 1st-line treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFRm NSCLC and for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic EGFR T790M mutation-positive NSCLC in the US, EU, China, Japan and many other countries.

AstraZeneca has a comprehensive portfolio of approved and potential new medicines in development for patients with lung cancer. In addition to these results, the Company has also announced today positive results from the AEGEAN Phase III trial of durvalumab in combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery and as adjuvant monotherapy after surgery in Stage IIA-IIIB resectable NSCLC.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

There are no contraindications for TAGRISSO

Interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis occurred in 3.7% of the 1479 TAGRISSO-treated patients; 0.3% of cases were fatal. Withhold TAGRISSO and promptly investigate for ILD in patients who present with worsening of respiratory symptoms which may be indicative of ILD (eg, dyspnea, cough and fever). Permanently discontinue TAGRISSO if ILD is confirmed

Heart rate-corrected QT (QTc) interval prolongation occurs in TAGRISSO-treated patients. Of the 1479 TAGRISSO-treated patients in clinical trials, 0.8% were found to have a QTc >500 msec, and 3.1% of patients had an increase from baseline QTc >60 msec. No QTc-related arrhythmias were reported. Conduct periodic monitoring with ECGs and electrolytes in patients with congenital long QTc syndrome, congestive heart failure, electrolyte abnormalities, or those who are taking medications known to prolong the QTc interval. Permanently discontinue TAGRISSO in patients who develop QTc interval prolongation with signs/symptoms of life-threatening arrhythmia

Cardiomyopathy occurred in 3% of the 1479 TAGRISSO-treated patients; 0.1% of cardiomyopathy cases were fatal. A decline in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 10% from baseline and to <50% LVEF occurred in 3.2% of 1233 patients who had baseline and at least one follow-up LVEF assessment. In the ADAURA study, 1.5% (5/325) of TAGRISSO-treated patients experienced LVEF decreases 10% from baseline and a drop to <50%. Conduct cardiac monitoring, including assessment of LVEF at baseline and during treatment, in patients with cardiac risk factors. Assess LVEF in patients who develop relevant cardiac signs or symptoms during treatment. For symptomatic congestive heart failure, permanently discontinue TAGRISSO

Keratitis was reported in 0.7% of 1479 patients treated with TAGRISSO in clinical trials. Promptly refer patients with signs and symptoms suggestive of keratitis (such as eye inflammation, lacrimation, light sensitivity, blurred vision, eye pain and/or red eye) to an ophthalmologist

Postmarketing cases consistent with Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and erythema multiforme major (EMM) have been reported in patients receiving TAGRISSO. Withhold TAGRISSO if SJS or EMM is suspected and permanently discontinue if confirmed

Postmarketing cases of cutaneous vasculitis including leukocytoclastic vasculitis, urticarial vasculitis, and IgA vasculitis have been reported in patients receiving TAGRISSO. Withhold TAGRISSO if cutaneous vasculitis is suspected, evaluate for systemic involvement, and consider dermatology consultation. If no other etiology can be identified, consider permanent discontinuation of TAGRISSO based on severity

Aplastic anemia has been reported in patients treated with TAGRISSO in clinical trials (0.07% of 1479) and postmarketing. Some cases had a fatal outcome. Inform patients of the signs and symptoms of aplastic anemia including but not limited to, new or persistent fevers, bruising, bleeding, and pallor. If aplastic anemia is suspected, withhold TAGRISSO and obtain a hematology consultation. If aplastic anemia is confirmed, permanently discontinue TAGRISSO. Perform complete blood count with differential before starting TAGRISSO, periodically throughout treatment, and more frequently if indicated

Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating TAGRISSO. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with TAGRISSO and for 6 weeks after the final dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception for 4 months after the final dose

Most common (20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were leukopenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, diarrhea, anemia, rash, musculoskeletal pain, nail toxicity, neutropenia, dry skin, stomatitis, fatigue, and cough

INDICATIONS

TAGRISSO is indicated as adjuvant therapy after tumor resection in adult patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test

TAGRISSO is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test

TAGRISSO is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic EGFR T790M mutation-positive NSCLC, as detected by an FDA-approved test, whose disease has progressed on or after EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy

Please see complete Prescribing Information, including Patient Information for TAGRISSO.

You may report side effects related to AstraZeneca products by clicking here.
FILE PHOTO: People walk past a booth of BYD's subsidiary FinDreams Battery, at the 2022 World Robot Conference in Beijing, China August 18, 2022. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang

BEIJING (Reuters) - China's BYD Co, the world's leading seller of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids, on Thursday announced discounts on some models, intensifying competition in the biggest auto market.

The discounts will be for buyers who place orders for the Song Plus and Seal models between March 10 and March 31, the company said on its social media account.

In return for an 88 yuan ($12.64) deposit, buyers for a Seal EV can get 8,888 yuan deducted from the price, while for Song Plus models, the discount is 6,888 yuan.

BYD, with its Dynasty and Ocean series electrified models, was China's best-selling passenger car brand in February, outselling Volkswagen for the second time in four months, retail sales data from China Merchants Bank International showed.

It sold 34,621 Song Plus SUVs and 14,372 Seal sedans in the first two months, according to China Passenger Car Association.

BYD's new discounts follow price cuts announced by Tesla in early January.

The car association data showed Tesla sold 39,710 Model Ys and 21,056 Model 3s in January and February combined.

($1 = 6.9612 Chinese yuan renminbi)

(Reporting by Zhang Yan, Meg Shen and Ethan Wang; Editing by Jason Neely and Barbara Lewis)
FILE PHOTO: The logo of Swiss bank Credit Suisse is seen in front of an office building in Zurich, Switzerland October 26, 2022. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo

By Stefania Spezzati

LONDON (Reuters) - Credit Suisse's head of regulatory compliance, Julian Gooding, is leaving Switzerland's second-biggest bank as part of a sweeping overhaul involving thousands of job cuts, people with knowledge of the departure told Reuters.

Gooding was one of the most senior managers in compliance, overseeing anti-fraud measures as well as matters relating to market conduct and investors protection, said the two people, who asked to remain anonymous.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Gooding had been in the role since January 2022 and previously held senior positions as general counsel in various parts of the bank.

Gooding declined to comment when reached on LinkedIn.

The sources said Gooding's departure is not related to Thursday's postponement by Credit Suisse of the publication of its annual report.

Gooding, who has spent about 18 years at Credit Suisse, reported to Nita Patel, the group chief compliance officer, and his responsibilities will be reassigned, the sources added.

Credit Suisse is cutting 9,000 jobs as part of a restructuring plan announced in October to restore profitability after a series of scandals and losses that have drawn regulatory scrutiny and undermined investors confidence.

Last year, the Swiss bank posted its biggest loss since the global financial crisis of 2008 and warned of more pain to come after customers pulled an unprecedented 110 billion Swiss francs ($117 billion).

Gooding's tasks will be assigned to Roger Senteler, chief compliance officer for the wealth management unit, and Alain Bieger, chief compliance officer for the Swiss bank division, the people said.

Patel plans to hold a global town hall meeting with compliance staff later this month, they added.

Separately, Credit Suisse said on Thursday it was delaying its annual report after a last-minute call from the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which raised questions about its earlier financial statements and related controls.

($1 = 0.9386 Swiss francs)

(Reporting by Stefania Spezzati. Editing by Elisa Martinuzzi and Alexander Smith)
FILE PHOTO: The new GM logo is seen on the facade of the General Motors headquarters in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., March 16, 2021. Picture taken March 16, 2021. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook/File Photo

By David Shepardson and Nathan Gomes

(Reuters) -General Motors Co on Thursday said it was offering buyouts for most of its salaried employees and expects to take a pre-tax charge of up to $1.5 billion to cover the costs.

The announcement comes as layoffs by U.S. companies in the past two months touch their highest since 2009, with the tech sector accounting for more than a third of the over 180,000 job cuts announced.

The largest U.S. automaker in January disclosed a $2 billion cost cut target, including reducing employment through attrition.

Under the terms of the staff reduction plan, all U.S. salaried employees with at least five years of service and all global executives with at least two years of service will be offered lump sum payments and other compensation to exit the company, GM said.

GM CEO Mary Barra said in a memo to employees seen by Reuters that the automaker was outlining the "biggest opportunities to reduce our structural cost" including reducing "vehicle complexity and expanding the use of shared subsystems between existing internal combustion engine and future electric vehicle programs."

She also cited decreasing discretionary spending and "reducing salaried staff through attrition, primarily in the United States."

"By permanently bringing down structured costs, we can improve vehicle profitability and remain nimble in an increasingly competitive market," Barra wrote. "Now more than ever, we need to have a mindset of taking cost in everything we do. It needs to be built into our culture."

GM expects to take the bulk of the charge in the first half of 2023.

GM, whose shares fell 4.3%, had 58,000 salaried employees at the end of 2022.

Eligible employees interested in the voluntary program must sign up by March 24 and those agreeing will leave GM by June 30. Barra added "taking this step now will help avoid the potential for involuntary actions."

The buyouts are separate from job cuts the company made last month.

A GM executive in February said the company was cutting hundreds of executive-level and salaried jobs. Peer Ford Motor Co said it planned to eliminate 3,800 product development and administration jobs in Europe in the next three years.

(Reporting by Nathan Gomes in Bengaluru, Joseph White in Detroit and David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Arun Koyyur, Anil D'Silva and Mark Porter)
By Maggie Fick

PUURS, Belgium (Reuters) -U.S. drugmaker Pfizer is ready to launch its respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine for both older adults and pregnant women in the United States and Europe later this year, executives said on Thursday.

Both Pfizer and British drugmaker GSK have RSV vaccines they hope to launch in the United States and Europe this year, pending regulators approval.

We are anticipating approval in both the U.S. and Europe in time for rollout in the fall, Kena Swanson, Pfizer head of viral vaccines research & development, told a media briefing at the company's biggest manufacturing and packaging site globally.

RSV is a leading cause of pneumonia in infants and the elderly, and decades of research have finally resulted in the two successful vaccines Pfizer and GSK are racing to introduce.

Some 14,000 people die annually in the United States of the lower respiratory tract disease caused by the virus, and analysts see a multibillion-dollar market for the vaccine by the end of the decade.

A GSK executive on Wednesday told Reuters that it was also ready to launch its RSV vaccine for older adults in the United States this year without supply constraints.

Neither company would say how many doses of their vaccines they intended to have ready for their respective launches.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to approve both vaccines for people aged 60 and above by May, while an FDA decision on the use of Pfizer's vaccine for pregnant women is due in August. The EU's decision, which could pave the way for the vaccines to be introduced in the UK as well, are due in the second half of the year.

Annaliesa Anderson, Pfizer head of vaccines research & development, told the same briefing that the company anticipates a population of about 4 million pregnant women annually in the United States who could eventually receive its RSV vaccine, though the market will take time to shape.

She later told Reuters that the so-called "tripledemic" that hit the northern hemisphere this winter may have at least temporarily raised awareness of RSV, which despite its dangers for the very old and very young is not well known by the public.

"In the U.S. (this winter), the pediatric hospitals were full of babies all with RSV..., it certainly hit the news and people were much more aware," she said.

Given how contagious the virus is, the best way to protect infants from contracting the virus and becoming severely ill is by vaccinating their mothers during pregnancy, Anderson said.

GSK last year voluntarily stopped its clinical trial of its own RSV vaccine on pregnant women and is currently only pursuing the use of its vaccine on older adults, a company spokesperson told Reuters on Thursday.

(Reporting by Maggie Fick; editing by Jason Neely, Jane Merriman and Mark Porter)
Atlas Global Brands today announced that it has completed most of its key integration activities following the completion of its business combination on December 30, 2022

Operational Synergies from corporate restructuring estimated to generate $2.5M in annualized savings to enable more efficient execution of the companys international growth strategy

EDMONTON, ALBERTA, CHATHAM, ONTARIO and TEL-AVIV, ISRAEL, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Atlas Global Brands Inc. (Atlas Global or the Company) (CSE: ATL), a cannabis company with expertise across the value chain, announces that it has taken the necessary steps to leverage the combined capabilities across its six businesses following the completion of a business combination, involving Atlas Biotechnologies Inc., AgMedica Bioscience Inc. and Cambrosia Ltd. (Cambrosia) and the concurrent acquisition by Cambrosia of a 51% interest in each of Tlalim Pappo Ltd., Pharmacy Baron Ltd., and R.J. Regavim Ventures Ltd.  privately held operating cannabis pharmacies in Israel by reducing its aggregate workforce by approximately 20% and implementing a plan to reduce overlapping third party spending across the group.

The actions taken today were necessary to align our operational strategies and unlock a sharing of best practices across our newly formed organization, comments Bernie Yeung, CEO of Atlas Global. These changes were not taken lightly but were necessary to enable the organization to move forward in a more cohesive manner, allowing us to accelerate our growth plans on the international stage through operational efficiencies.

By leveraging the combined capabilities of the six operating units, the combined effect of workforce reduction, and elimination of cost redundancies is estimated to generate savings of $2.5M on an annualized basis over the ensuing 12 months, streamline the Companys operating model and align with the Companys overall international growth strategy.

About Atlas Global

Atlas Global is a global cannabis company operating in Canada and Israel with expertise across the cannabis value chain, including cultivation, manufacturing, marketing, distribution, and pharmacy. Atlas currently distributes to eight countries: Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Israel, Norway, Spain, and the United Kingdom. In addition to a differentiated product mix, Atlas operates two licensed cannabis facilities  one with EU-GMP along with three medical pharmacies in Israel. In addition, as previously announced on February 7, 2023, and February 27, 2023, the Company has entered into definitive agreements (together, the Definitive Agreements) to acquire one Trading House and majority interests in two additional purpose-built cannabis pharmacies in Israel, and an additional licensed cannabis facility in Canada with GACP and CUMCS certifications. Learn more by visiting: www.atlasglobalbrands.com

Contacts

Bernie YeungChief Executive Officer 1-844-415-6961[email protected]

Alyssa Barry Media and Investor Relations 1-833-947-5227[email protected]

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. 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 information in this news release is based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including assumptions that the estimated cost savings of the restructuring will be realized, that the Definitive Agreements will not be terminated and the transactions contemplated thereby will be completed in accordance with their terms.

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, including that the estimated benefits of the restructuring will not be achieved, that the conditions to completion of the transactions contemplated by the Definitive Agreements will not be satisfied or that one or more of the Definitive Agreements will be terminated.

Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for the Companys management to predict all risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on Companys business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking information.

The forwardlooking statements set forth herein concerning the Company reflect management's expectations as at the date of this news release and are subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forwardlooking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Source: Atlas Global Brands Inc.
The Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of Siauliu Bankas AB (the head office address: Tilzes str. 149, Siauliai, Lithuania, the company code 112025254) (hereinafter referred to as the Bank) shall be convened on 31 March 2023.



Meeting location - at Head office (3 floor, Azuolu meeting room), Tilzes str. 149, Siauliai.

Meeting starts at 15:00 (registration starts at 14:00) (Lithuanian time)

The Meetings accounting day  24 March 2023 (the persons who are shareholders of the Bank at the end of accounting day of the General Meeting of Shareholders or persons authorized by them, or the persons with whom shareholders concluded the agreements on the disposal of voting right, shall have the right to vote at the General Meeting of Shareholders).

The day of accounting of rights  17 April 2023 (shareholders will use the property rights arising from the decisions adopted at the general meeting of shareholders in proportion to the number of shares held at the end of the day of accounting of rights).

The Meeting is initiated and convened by the Management Board of the Bank.

Agenda of the Meeting

Presentation of the consolidated annual report. Presentation of the audit companys conclusion. Comments and proposals of the Supervisory Council. Approval of the financial statements for 2022. Allocation of the Banks profit Determination of the procedure for the acquisition of the Bank's own shares. Change of the payment conditions of the contract with the independent audit company KPMG Baltics UAB. The amendment of the Bank's Article of Association. The amendment of the Banks Remuneration Policy.

Draft resolutions and other information

Draft resolutions on the agenda of the meeting, documents to be submitted to the General Meeting of Shareholders and information related to the implementation of shareholders' rights are published on the Bank's website www.sb.lt in the section Bank Investors / Meetings. For the entire period starting no later than 21 days before the meeting the following information and documents will be available there:

notice of the convening of the meeting;

the total number of the Bank's shares and the number of voting shares on the day of convening the meeting;

draft resolutions on agenda issues and other documents to be submitted to the meeting;

general ballot paper form (to be filled in .pdf);

instructions for filling in and submitting the general ballot paper to the Bank;

the form of a power of attorney to represent the shareholder.

Proposals to supplement the agenda

The shareholders holding shares that grant at least 1/20 of all votes, shall have the right of proposing to supplement the agenda of the Meeting by providing the Meeting draft resolution on each additionally proposed issue or in case no resolution is required - the explanation. Proposals to supplement the agenda and any accompanying information must be submitted in writing. The proposals to supplement the agenda with the additional issues shall be submitted till the 17 March 2023, 17:00 (Lithuanian time). In case the agenda of the Meeting is supplemented the Bank will report on it no later than 10 days before the Meeting in the same ways as on the convening of the Meeting.

Proposals of draft resolutions

The shareholders holding shares that grant at least 1/20 of all votes shall have the right of proposing new draft resolutions on the issues already included or to be included in the agenda of the Meeting. The proposals shall be submitted in writing. They may be submitted to the Bank by 31 March 2023 12:00 (Lithuanian time).

Questions on the agenda

The shareholders have the right to submit questions to the Bank in advance related to the agenda of the meeting. Questions may be submitted by shareholders no later than by 29 March 2023 17:00 (Lithuanian time). The Bank will answer the submitted questions to the shareholder prior to the meeting, except for those related to the Bank's commercial secret and confidential information.

A power of attorney

The shareholders' authorized persons shall submit a power of attorney confirmed by the established order. The power of attorney issued by the natural person shall be notarized. A power of attorney issued in a foreign country must be translated into Lithuanian and legalized in the manner prescribed by law. Representative can be authorized by more than one shareholder and shall have a right to vote differently under the orders of each shareholder.

The authorization of a shareholder to vote for another natural or legal person on behalf of the shareholder at the meeting may be granted by electronic means. Such power of attorney is not subject to notarizing. The power of attorney issued through electronic channels must be confirmed by the shareholder with a qualified electronic signature developed by safe signature equipment and approved by a qualified certificate effective in the Republic of Lithuania. The shareholder shall inform the Bank on the power of attorney issued through electronic communication channels by e-mail [email protected] no later than by 17:00 (Lithuanian time) on the last business day before the meeting. The power of attorney and notification must be in writing.

A shareholder holding shares of the Bank acquired in his/her own name but in the interests of other persons must disclose to the Bank the identity of the final customer, the number of shares to be voted with and the content of the voting instructions submitted to him/her or another explanation regarding the participation and voting at the general meeting of shareholders agreed with the customer.

Participation and voting

Shareholders and authorized persons who will physically attend the meeting will vote with voting cards they would receive at the meeting registration.

The Bank recommends shareholders and shareholders' authorized persons to take the opportunity to vote in advance in writing by completing a general ballot paper . The General ballot (fileable .pdf) and instructions will be available on the Bank's website www.sb.lt in the section For Bank Investors / Meetings no later than 21 days before the meeting. The completed general ballot paper must be signed by the shareholder or a person authorized by him. If the general ballot paper is signed by a person authorized by the shareholder, a document confirming the right to vote must be attached to it. Duly completed ballot papers received by 15:00 (Lithuanian time) on the day of the meeting will be considered valid.

Document delivery

All documents submitted to the Bank by the shareholder or his/her authorized person (general ballot paper with attached documents (if such must be attached), proposals on the agenda, questions) may be submitted to the Bank in the following ways:

Paper documents (originals or certified copies) could be presented in writing to the Secretariat on business days or by sending them by mail at the address: Siauliu Bankas AB, Tilzes street 149, LT-76348 Siauliai , Lithuania Physically signed, scanned documents could be transferred via the Bank's internet bank (if the shareholder is its user). When logging in, choose Other Services / Messages / +New message / fill in fields Category: Securities, Subject: GSM, Message: Ballot paper / Upload the scanned document / Submit. Electronic documents signed with a qualified electronic signature are submitted to the Bank (e.g., via Dokobit platform) indicating the Bank as a participant (recipient) according to the e-mail address [email protected]

Scanned documents, submitted via internet bank (method 2) and electronic documents signed with an electronic signature through an electronic signature service provider (method 3) may be submitted only those, which are signed by the person providing it. In this way, for example, an authorized person cannot submit to the Bank a shareholder's power of attorney or other document giving the right to vote for a shareholder.
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DELTA 9 CANNABIS INC. (TSX: DN) (OTCQX: DLTNF) (Delta 9 or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has completed the installation and implementation of its new fully-automated pre-roll manufacturing equipment at the Companys Winnipeg, Manitoba facilities, significantly increasing the Companys capacity to manufacture pre-rolled cannabis products. The Company is also pleased to announce that the pre-roll automation project has been funded in partnership with the Canadian Agricultural Partnership AG Action Manitoba program, through a Contribution Agreement for $175,000, or 25% of the overall project cost.

The expansion in pre-roll manufacturing capacity marks a significant milestone for Delta 9. In 2022 we produced and sold over 1 million cannabis pre-rolls, generating over $2.3 million in revenue, said John Arbuthnot, CEO of Delta 9. We anticipate that the new automated pre-roll equipment will allow Delta 9 to produce up to four million pre-rolls per year with significantly lower manufacturing costs and improved contribution margins from the sale of pre-roll products. We want to thank the Government of Manitoba for their partnership in this investment through the AG Action Manitoba program.

The Company plans to add multiple strain specific and innovative cannabis pre-roll products to its portfolio in 2023 and views the pre-roll segment as a key growth driver for the Companys wholesale cannabis business.

The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a bilateral agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of Manitoba which oversees the AG Action Manitoba program (the Program). The Program funds investments in the Manitoba agriculture sector with a directive to enhance the diversification, competitiveness, and sustainability of the agriculture, agri-food, and agri-product sector by accelerating the pace of innovation in the Province of Manitoba.

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 www.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 (i) statements relating to the Companys plans to increase sales of cannabis pre-roll products, (ii) the Companys plans to realize improved manufacturing costs and contribution margins and (iii) the Companys plans to introduce new cannabis pre-roll products. 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 30, 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
SAINT LAURENT, Quebec, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IntelGenx Technologies Corp. (TSX: IGX) (OTCQB: IGXT) (the "Company" or "IntelGenx), a leader in pharmaceutical films, will be participating in the 35th Annual ROTH Conference, being held March 1214, 2023 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Dana Point, California.

IntelGenxs President and CFO, Andre Godin, will participate in a fireside chat hosted by Jonathan Aschoff, Ph.D., Managing Director, Senior Research Analyst at ROTH MKM, on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at 11:30 p.m. Pacific Time. Mr. Godin will also participate in one-on-one meetings with investors during the conference.

To arrange a one-on-one with IntelGenx, please email [email protected] or contact your ROTH sales representative to arrange.

About IntelGenxIntelGenx is a leading drug delivery company focused on the development and manufacturing of pharmaceutical films.

IntelGenxs superior film technologies, including VersaFilm, DisinteQ, VetaFilm and transdermal VevaDerm, allow for next generation pharmaceutical products that address unmet medical needs. IntelGenxs innovative product pipeline offers significant benefits to patients and physicians for many therapeutic conditions.

IntelGenx's highly skilled team provides comprehensive pharmaceuticals services to pharmaceutical partners, including R&D, analytical method development, clinical monitoring, IP and regulatory services. IntelGenx's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility offers full service by providing lab-scale to pilot- and commercial-scale production. For more information, visit www.intelgenx.com.

Forward-Looking Information and Statements

This document may contain forward-looking information about IntelGenx's operating results and business prospects that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Statements that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about IntelGenx's plans, objectives, expectations, strategies, intentions or other characterizations of future events or circumstances and are generally identified by the words "may," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "could," "would," and similar expressions. All forward looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Because these forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, IntelGenx's actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in IntelGenx's annual report on Form 10-K, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov, and also filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities at www.sedar.com. IntelGenx assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.

Source: IntelGenx Technologies Corp.

For IntelGenx:

Stephen KilmerInvestor Relations(647) 872-4849[email protected]

Or

Andre Godin, CPA, CAPresident and CFOIntelGenx Corp.(514) 331-7440 ext 203[email protected]

Source: IntelGenx Technologies Corp.
GUELPH, CANADA, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lunatics is a group of like-minded individuals committed to restricting the availability of Luna Classic. The hyper-deflationary LunaticsToken, built on the Binance Smart Chain, aims to disrupt the cryptocurrency industry. Its primary goal is to establish a trustworthy environment in which investors may deposit their money. The project team intends to restore trust in the crypto industry by providing consumers with a safe place to store their money.

After a huge success on the BNB Smart Chain (BSC), Lunatics Token (LunaT) is all set to launch on the Ethereum Chain. The Fairlauch presale will commence on March 12, 2023 at 5PM UTC.

Further details about the presale can be found here.

Metaverse Partnership - Exodus: Our Universe

Lunatics Token has partnered with Exodus: Our Universe, a new and exciting metaverse, to create an entire island known as Lunatics Island. This island will feature a 4 square kilometer city and 4,900 plots to choose from to live and build upon. Investors will have the opportunity to rent retail spaces either in the city or on the beach to open their own stores, bars, discos, and more. This partnership will provide an unparalleled metaverse experience for Lunatics Token investors and users.

Benefits

Lunatics Token provides a plethora of services and incentives to its investors. The project has already created a decentralized exchange (DEX) and a crypto wallet, with future plans to create a lending/borrowing protocol, lottery, staking, NFTs, and a variety of other DeFi utilities.

The Lunatics Banking system will also offer debit/credit cards as well as a lending/borrowing mechanism, bridging the gap between crypto and fiat. The project has been audited, completely doxxed, and KYC certified, and it is listed on CoinMarketCap and CoinGecko.

Lunatics Token is a potential addition to the crypto and metaverse realms, with over 100k social media followers, a verified presence on different platforms, and a dedicated LuniShop clothing shop and LuniSpace social media platform.

Tokenomics

LunaticsToken tokenomics include a 10 billion burn at launch, a 20% private sale with a vesting period, 35% presale tokens, 20% liquidity, and 15% future development and centralized exchange (CEX).

The initial circulating supply of tokens was 90 billion. There is also a 1% maximum wallet and transaction limit in place to prevent any single party from having too much power over the coin. Furthermore, there is no transfer tax when moving Lunatics Tokens from one wallet to another, giving investors flexibility.

LunaticsToken has carefully crafted its tokenomics to align with its goal of reducing the supply of Luna Classic. Each transaction on the Binance Smart Chain incurs an 8% tax, with 1% added to liquidity, 1% burned to intensify the deflationary aspect, 2% allocated for marketing, and 3% as a reward to Luna Classic holders. Furthermore, a 1% Treasury/Delegate/Burn tax is paid out by the contract.

As the LunaticsToken gains more popularity, the tokenomics will provide incentives for holders to remain committed to burning Luna Classic and contributing to the Lunatics community's growth.

Transparency and Security

When it comes to its investors, LunaticsToken prioritizes transparency and security above everything else. The team has gone to tremendous measures to provide various levels of security, including the use of multi-signature for contract ownership, marketing, and burn wallets.

Furthermore, the staff has been completely doxxed and has undergone the KYC verification procedure, giving investors confidence that they are working with trustworthy people. ContractChecker also audited the project's contract, and additional audits are planned in the future. LunaticsToken hopes to create community trust and give investors with peace of mind by prioritizing these security procedures.

Why Binance Smart Chain?

With Binance holding the majority of the Luna Classic supply and with low gas fees, the Binance Smart Chain seems the obvious place to start this journey. With their contract developer, Krakovia, coding their contract and safeguarding the community in mind, tokens for future development and exchanges have been locked.

About the Project - Lunatics Token

LunaticsToken seeks to build a community of like-minded individuals committed to lowering the supply of Luna Classic. The initiative is based on mutual trust and respect, and holders are rewarded with Luna Classic until the supply is depleted. The team is dedicated to rebuilding trust in the crypto field by establishing a secure and transparent investment environment.

Furthermore, potential investors and cryptocurrency enthusiasts interested in Lunatics Token can visit the projects official website or check out their social platforms for more details.

Website | Twitter | Telegram | Discord | Reddit | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | DEXTools

###

Exodus: Our Universe

Tymor Davies

[email protected]

https://exo-universe.io/

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this release is not investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is recommended that you practice due diligence (including consultation with a professional financial advisor) before investing or trading securities and cryptocurrency.

Russel Robinson Lunatics Token lunaticsat lunaticstoken.com

Source: Lunatics Token
FOSTER CITY, Calif., March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Motiv Power Systems, the leading innovator of EV trucks and buses driving the backbone of modern commerce, today announced an expansion of its partnership with Purolator, Canadas leading integrated freight, package, and logistics solutions provider. Following its successful rollout of five Motiv-powered electric trucks in 2021, Purolator has ordered an additional 55 electric delivery vehicles for deployment in 2023 in London, Ont., Vancouver, B.C., and Quebec City, Que.

Expanding our partnership with Motiv Power Systems represents Purolators growing EV deployment and leadership across Canada, said Chris Henry, Director, National Fleet at Purolator. After a successful experience with our first order, were excited to partner together on this next phase that will help us execute on our commitment to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

Since converting five of its step-vans to Motiv Power Systems electric vehicles in 2021, Purolator has reduced 47 tonnes of C02e over the 45,000 miles travelled  with with an uptime of 97%. This first iteration of the partnership was so successful that Purolator won the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo Fleet Award in the leading carrier category in 2021.

With this second order, Purolator will continue to make progress towards its 2030 goal to reduce its Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions by 42%. As the first Canadian courier company to nationally launch fully electric curbside delivery trucks, Purolator has also established itself as a proven leader in energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and landfill waste reduction. With its repeat order from Motiv Power Systems, Purolator is continuing to move last-mile delivery toward a cleaner future.

Another element of the strengthened partnership includes deploying more Motiv Power Systems employees into Canada to continue to provide superior customer service, maintenance, and support for Purolator drivers. This also includes training Purolator drivers on Motivs electric vehicles to foster synergy between their drivers, service networks, and the Motiv team.

Our partnership with Purolator has not only driven quantifiable operational and maintenance cost savings, but has also provided their drivers with a healthier and more comfortable driving experience, said Tim Krauskopf, CEO of Motiv Power Systems. The drivers are proud to be the first of their kind  providing service to all of the people and businesses on their routes in electric, quiet, non-polluting trucks. They now represent part of the solution to the climate crisis.

Motiv has worked with Purolator to form a no-compromises approach to transform their fleet. EV delivery vehicles drive the same routes with the same carrying capacity and durability as before. Acceleration to highway speeds, even when loaded, is faster than their gasoline counterparts. The batteries, controls, and motor are hidden where the engine is normally found  the main difference being no tailpipe. And fueling happens every night via a simple plug-in.

To learn more, visit: www.motivps.com

About Motiv Power SystemsFounded in 2009 and headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, Motiv Power Systems delivers medium-duty 2-6 ton payload commercial battery-electric trucks and buses, along with charging infrastructure and guidance for deploying commercial fleets. Specializing in step vans, shuttle buses, and box trucks, Motiv is a leading provider of daily-use zero-emission vehicles for moving people and moving goods that are the backbone of urban commerce with 98 percent uptime and intense customer-driven focus. The companys solutions not only offer fleets up to 85 percent operations and maintenance cost savings but also provide operators and riders a healthier and more comfortable experience without polluting the communities they serve. For more information about the companys products, services, or career opportunities, please visit motivps.com.

About PurolatorPurolator Inc. is Canadas leading integrated freight, package and logistics solutions provider. Delivering its customers promises since 1960, Purolator continues to expand its reach and renowned service levels and reliability to more people, more businesses and more places across the country and around the world. Purolator is proud of its Canadian heritage and is focused on sustainably positioning itself for future growth and success. Purolator is also committed to contributing to the well-being of the communities it serves and where more than 14,000 of its employees live, work and play. For more information, visit purolator.com.

Contact

LaunchSquad for Motiv Power Systems

[email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c886e3a3-d31c-458a-a708-13938af0bbd8

Motiv Power Systems EPIC4 electric delivery vehicle for Purolator Purolator has ordered an additional 55 electric delivery vehicles for deployment in 2023 in London, Ont., Vancouver, B.C., and Quebec City, Que.

Source: Motiv Power Systems
NOVAGOLDs Chairman Dr. Thomas S. Kaplan and Daniela Cambone, Editor-at-Large and Host of The Daniela Cambone Show at Stansberry Research, had a wide-ranging discussion spanning geopolitics, history, markets, investment strategy, gold opportunities, and NOVAGOLDs 2022 achievements.

Our President and CEO, Greg Lang, summarizes the many advancements of NOVAGOLDs 50%-owned Donlin Gold project in 2022, including its outstanding safety performance with zero lost-time incidents at site and the 141-hole, 42,331-meter drill program that returned numerous high-grade gold intercepts and good grade continuity, which exceeded expectations.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. (NOVAGOLD or the Company) (NYSE American, TSX: NG) has published its 2022 Annual Report (the annual report). This years annual report features a special conversation between NOVAGOLDs Chairman Dr. Thomas S. Kaplan and Daniela Cambone, Editor-at-Large and Host of The Daniela Cambone Show at Stansberry Research. Their discussion covers a broad range of topics including geopolitics, history, markets, opportunities for gold and gold equities and their macro impact, central banks as the largest buyers of gold  both presently and historically  and the corresponding potential upside for the premier go-to development stories in safe jurisdictions like NOVAGOLD, along with the 2022 achievements that reinforced its Tier 1 profile. The interview was recorded at the New York Stock Exchange on November 29, 2022, with a full transcript available in the annual report and via this video link.

In the annual report, President and CEO Greg Lang summarizes NOVAGOLDs numerous achievements from 2022, including the Companys outstanding safety performance and the remarkable results from Donlin Golds largest drill program in 15 years, which returned not only good grade continuity but among the highest-grade gold intercepts in the gold mining industry. Mr. Lang highlights the strong, time-tested relationships with Donlin Golds Alaska Native Corporation partners  Calista Corporation and The Kuskokwim Corporation  with whom the Company is committed to responsible and sustainable development in the Yukon-Kuskokwim region. In addition, Mr. Lang provides an overview of NOVAGOLDs robust financial position and the path forward in 2023.

The 2022 annual report is available on NOVAGOLDs website here.

If you would like to receive a hard copy by mail, please send an email request to [email protected].

NOVAGOLD welcomes comments, questions, or suggestions about the annual report and related information. Please send your feedback to [email protected].

NOVAGOLD Contacts:

Melanie HennesseyVice President, Corporate Communications

604-669-6227 or 1-866-669-6227

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This media release includes certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively forward-looking statements) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as expects, anticipates, believes, intends, estimates, potential, possible, and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results will, may, could, would or should occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on several opinions, estimates and assumptions that management of NOVAGOLD considered appropriate and reasonable as of the date such statements are made, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that may cause the actual results, activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding the anticipated timing of certain judicial and/or administrative decisions; the 2023 outlook; the timing and potential for an updated feasibility study on the project; our goals and planned expenditures for the remainder of 2023; ongoing support provided to key stakeholders including Native Corporation partners; Donlin Golds continued support for the State permitting process; the potential development and construction of Donlin Gold; the sufficiency of funds to continue to advance development of Donlin Gold, including to a construction decision; perceived merit of properties; mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates; Donlin Golds ability to secure the permits needed to construct and operate the Donlin Gold project in a timely manner, if at all; legal challenges to Donlin Golds existing permits and the timing of decisions in those challenges; whether the Donlin Gold LLC Board will continue to advance Donlin Gold up the value chain; the success of the strategic mine plan for Donlin Gold; the outcome of exploration drilling at Donlin Gold and the timing thereof; and the conversion of Galore Creek into a mine and the receipt of $25 million due in July 2023 from Newmont Corporation and the $75 million contingent payment from Newmont. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, intentions, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead represent the expectations of NOVAGOLD managements estimates and projections regarding future events or circumstances on the date the statements are made.

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include the need to obtain additional permits and governmental approvals; the timing and likelihood of obtaining and maintaining permits necessary to construct and operate; the need for additional financing to explore and develop properties and availability of financing in the debt and capital markets; the coronavirus global pandemic (COVID-19); uncertainties involved in the interpretation of drill results and geological tests and the estimation of reserves and resources; changes in mineral production performance, exploitation and exploration successes; changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls or regulations and/or changes in the administration of laws, policies and practices, expropriation or nationalization of property and political or economic developments in the United States or Canada; the need for continued cooperation between Barrick and NOVAGOLD for the continued exploration, development and eventual construction of the Donlin Gold property; the need for cooperation of government agencies and Native groups in the development and operation of properties; risks of construction and mining projects such as accidents, equipment breakdowns, bad weather, disease pandemics, non-compliance with environmental and permit requirements, unanticipated variation in geological structures, ore grades or recovery rates; unexpected cost increases, which could include significant increases in estimated capital and operating costs; fluctuations in metal prices and currency exchange rates; whether or when a positive construction decision will be made regarding Donlin Gold; and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in NOVAGOLDs most recent reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, particularly the "Risk Factors" sections of those reports and other documents filed by NOVAGOLD with applicable securities regulatory authorities from time to time. Copies of these filings may be obtained by visiting NOVAGOLDs website at www.novagold.com, or the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, or at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements contained herein reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections of NOVAGOLD on the date the statements are made. NOVAGOLD assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

NOVAGOLD's 2022 Annual Report To read the full report or watch the Chairman's interview, please visit www.novagold.com/investors/financials

Source: NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.
CENTREVILLE, Va., March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Parsons Corporation (NYSE: PSN) announced today that it will host its Investor Day at the New York Stock Exchange in New York City on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at 9:00 am ET. Parsons executives will present the companys vision, strategy, key business initiatives, and financial goals.

Analysts and institutional investors who are interested in attending the live event should register through the companys investor relations website: https://www.parsons.com/investor-day/. Access to a live webcast of the event can be obtained through the investor relations section of the company's website. Participants should go to the website at least 15 minutes before the live event to download and install any necessary software.

Speakers at the Investor Day will include Carey Smith, chair, president and chief executive officer (CEO), Matt Ofilos, chief financial officer (CFO), and the presidents from each of Parsons four business units: Defense and Intelligence; Engineered Systems; Connected Communities; and Mobility Solutions.

About ParsonsParsons (NYSE: PSN) is a leading disruptive technology provider in the national security and global infrastructure markets, with capabilities across cyber and intelligence, space and missile defense, transportation, environmental remediation, urban development, and critical infrastructure protection. Please visit Parsons.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook to learn how we're making an impact.

Media Contact:Bryce McDevitt+ 1 703.851.4425[email protected]

Investor Relations Contact:Dave Spille+ 1 703.775.6191[email protected]

Source: Parsons Services Company
Coral Gables, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Jan. 2, 1983, Jorge Ramos landed in Los Angeles with nothing but a guitar, a bag, and a passion for storytelling. Ramos, a renowned Mexican American journalist and anchor for the Univision Network, developed a passion for journalism at a young age.

I always wanted to be where history was being made. I wanted to talk to the people making history and tell their truth, he said.

Ramos began his career as a reporter in Mexico City after completing his studies at Ibero-American University, before moving to Los Angeles to work for a Spanish-language television network. The budding journalist, seeking freedom from censorship in Mexico, relied heavily on others for support when starting anew in the United States.

It would have been impossible for me to succeed in this country without the help of other people, he pointed out.

Soon after his time in Los Angeles, the journalist arrived in Miami in 1986 as a television anchor for Univison Network, where he has since become one of the most recognizable faces in journalism.

To supplement his reporting on immigration and international affairs, the journalist pursued a masters degree in international studies at the University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences.

I was covering a lot of international conflicts and I realized that I needed more academic support for what I was doing, he said. It was not enough to just report the news every day. I needed the background, I needed the history, I need the guidance so I could add depth to the work I was doing.

Throughout his career, Ramos has covered a wide range of stories, from presidential elections to natural disasters to immigration issues. And he has conducted numerous interviews with world leaders. He also has been a vocal advocate for immigration reform and uses his platform to shed light on the plight of undocumented immigrants in the United States.

Now, Ramos has returned to his alma mater to offer generous support in appreciation of the support he received decades ago that helped catapult his career in journalism.

With the newly established Jorge Ramos Endowed Scholarship in Communication through the School of Communication, the award-winning journalist hopes to support students on their journey to becoming storytellers and truth seekers.

It is important to support journalists like me, Ramos said. Many, many people helped me when I came to this country and helped me thrive in this country. Among them, many teachers and students at the University of Miami. Now, its my time to give back.

The scholarship will support students on a journalism track.

Jorge's leadership inspires current and future news professionals to serve the needs of our society by asking the hard questions and standing firm in truth and honor, said University of Miami President Julio Frenk. The establishment of the Jorge Ramos Endowed Scholarship in Communication is a testament to his passion for helping students at the University of Miami excel academically and reach new heights as global storytellers and journalists.

Karin Wilkins, dean of the School of Communication, noted that Ramos contribution will help propel and inspire students academic success at the school.

Jorge Ramos gift will help support the needs of our journalism students who are learning the importance of ethical and effective news investigation and production, said Wilkins. His investment in the future of journalism ensures that the next generation of journalists will be ready to cover current events with critical questions, building on strong academic preparation and valuable learning experiences through the School of Communication.

Ramos noted that now, more than ever, supporting journalism is crucial.

When you are checking your phone and you are reading all these tweets and watching TikToks or YouTube, it is hard to know who is telling the truth. Our real mission [as journalists] is to be truth tellers, he said.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Ramos is also an author. He has received numerous accolades for his work, including eight Emmy Awards and the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism. He has been named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People and has been inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Despite his decades-long career and success, Ramos remains committed to his roots and efforts to empower the next generation of journalists by giving back to the community that once supported him.

I still believe that in the era of misinformation and disinformation, I feel the need to support other journalists, he said. At the end, facts matter. Truth matters. I think all of us in the profession have to do as much as possible in order to maintain that reputation of credibility that is incredibly important in the world today.

Attachment

Megan Ondrizek University of Miami 3052843667 [email protected]

Source: University of Miami
Shell plc published Annual Report and Accounts09 March 2023

This announcement has been re-published to correct the headline category on the earlier announcement, published at 7am on March 9, 2023. All other information remains unchanged.

Shell plc published its Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended December 31, 2022.

The 2022 Annual Report and Accounts will be submitted to the Annual General Meeting to be held on May 23, 2023.

The 2022 Annual Report and Accounts can be viewed online or downloaded in .pdf format from March 9, 2023 at www.shell.com/annual-publications.

In compliance with article 9.6.1 of the Listing Rules, on March 9, 2023, a copy of the 2022 Annual Report and Accounts was submitted to the National Storage Mechanism. This document will shortly be available for inspection at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism. In compliance with section 5:25m(5) Financial Markets Supervision Act the Annual Report and Accounts was submitted to the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM). The AFM publishes the report in its public register.

Printed copies of the 2022 Annual Report and Accounts will be available from April 17, 2023, and can be requested, free of charge, at www.shell.com/about-us/annual-publications/order-printed-annual-report.

Shell plc will also file its Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2022, with the US Securities and Exchange Commission today. The Form 20-F will be available for download from www.shell.com/investors/financial-reporting/sec-filings.html or www.sec.gov.

This announcement is made in accordance with DTR 6.3.5R(1A).

Additional InformationFor the purposes of complying with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules (DTRs) and the requirements imposed on issuers though the DTRs, information required to be communicated in unedited full text was included in the 2022 Annual Report and Accounts. This was submitted to the National Storage Mechanism in unedited full text on March 9, 2023 and will shortly be available for inspection. Furthermore, the 2022 Annual Report and Accounts are available at www.shell.com/annual-report.

Enquiries

Shell Media Relations International: +44 20 7934 5550 Americas: +1 713 241 4544LEI number of Shell plc: 21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70Classification: Annual financial and audit reports

Source: Shell plc
BURLINGTON, Ontario, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sodexo Canada, is pleased to announce Johanne R. Belanger, FCPA, FCA, as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Johanne brings over 20 years of senior executive experience across multiple industries in Canada and the USA. With roots as a CPA, her career spans a large spectrum of industries including healthcare; tourism and hospitality; distribution; and meetings & events industries.

Johannes business acumen in the food services and hospitality markets gives Sodexo an edge in our growth strategy. Her energy and creativity will propel our Canadian teams, imparting more agility and accountability through effective, caring, and inclusive leadership, said Sarosh Mistry, President and CEO, North America.

Johanne was most recently the President of Healthcare and Senior Living at Compass Group Canada leading transformational change through a global pandemic. Her previous appointments included: Vice President, Field Marketing North America with Marriott International; President & CEO at Destination Toronto and President, Canada with Freeman Audio Visual Services.

As a purpose driven leader, Johanne has been recognized internationally for her passion and commitment to developing and recognizing women in leadership. Amongst several awards, she was recognized by Women in Tourism & Hospitality with the 1st Katie Taylor Economic Empowerment Award and by NY MOVES Magazine as one of the 25 Power Women in 2017.

Johannes personal values and passions, along with her transformative and collaborative leadership style, align with Sodexo Canadas purpose of being a people-focused organization committed to operational excellence and elevating the client experience.

With 7,000 employees, from chefs to district managers to all the support teams, and beyond, Im honoured to lead the Canadian team. Together we will continue fueling and advancing our commitment to clients creating memorable experiences and innovative solutions, said Belanger.

About Sodexo Canada

Sodexo delivers a wide range of customized solutions, designed to optimize work and living environments. Sodexo has been providing food and facilities management services in Canada for over 40 years, with a focus on enhancing safety, work process and well-being. Sodexo is a market leader in Canada. Sodexo has been recognized as a top employer for the past seven consecutive years. Sodexo is proud to have created the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation, an independent charitable organization that has raised over $3 million to fight hunger and donated more than one million meals to at-risk youth across Canada since 2007. Sodexo is included in the CAC Next 20, CAC 40 ESG, FTSE 4 Good and DJSI indices.

Key Figures

7 000 employees

1 million consumers served daily

Recipient of Canada's Greenest Employer Awards 2022

Recipient of Canada's Diversity & Inclusion Employer Awards 2021

RE 100 Achievement (renewable energy)

Contacts

MediaStephanie Aubin+1 514 402-1839[email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/78ceba02-3d6c-420d-9210-4b8003bf561b

Sodexo Canada announces Johanne Belanger as new CEO Sodexo Canada announces Johanne Belanger as new CEO

Source: Sodexo Canada
SIERRA BLANCA, TX, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire  Texas Mineral Resources Corp. (OTCQB: TMRC)

Phase 2 geophysical surveying was successful in identifying 16 drill targets within a 9.4 acre area.

All potential targets lie within 100 feet of the surface.

Target dimensions conform with known ore bodies historically mined in the Alhambra Mine with veins and faults within the immediate area.

Blackhawk silver project complements the continued successful development of the Round Top heavy-rare earth and critical mineral project in Texas.

Texas Mineral Resources Corp. (TMRC), is pleased to announce that it has conducted a 3rd Phase of electro-magnetic surveying based on continued analysis of the highly encouraging Phase 2 Time Domain Electro-Magnetic (TDEM) survey of high-grade silver veins in the Black Hawk District, Grant County, New Mexico. This 3rd Phase survey is focused on the area of the highest population of significant anomalies detected by Phase 2.

TMRCs press release of Nov. 30, 2022 described the objective and partial results of Phase 2 of the Time Domain Electro-Magnetic survey conducted at the historic Alhambra Mine in the Black Hawk mining district, Grant County, New Mexico.

Numerical analysis completed since November has continued to yield positive results. Electrically conductive anomalies identified by this analysis conform to known geologic structures. It is thought that these anomalies represent either metal (native silver) or metallic minerals. The only electrical conductors commonly occurring in nature are metals and metallic minerals, saline water and graphite. Geologic conditions at Black Hawk effectively rule out saline water and graphite.

Phase 3 is a follow-up TDEM survey over the prime area of interest. This survey was designed to extend the depth capability of the method by employing larger current loops and higher power. Current loops have been designed to enhance definitions of anomalies outlined by phase 2. This 3rd phase of field surveying has now been completed and data is being processed.

Continued Exploration

Diamond drilling will be the 4th phase of the project. Owing to the abundance of near surface targets, less than 120 feet deep, a small, man-portable, diamond drill can be used. This type of drilling minimizes cost, surface preparation and logistics and allows the density of drilling necessary to define these small, high value targets.

Dan Gorski, TMRC CEO, states: Although geophysics is an indirect exploration tool whose purpose is to identify drill targets, these targets must be regarded as unproven until they are verified by drilling. However, TDEM is, in our opinion, the most direct of geophysical methods and is the least likely to produce false positive results. We believe there is a high probability that the electrical conductors thus far seen are in fact metal or metallic minerals.

Given the outstanding geophysical results of the Phase 2 geophysics, we have decided to delay seeking expanded funding for the New Mexico silver project until we have completed the analysis of the Phase 3 geophysics, the results of which we believe could lead to potentially greater and lower cost funding options, said Anthony Marchese, Chairman. Additionally, we are very pleased with the development of the Round Top heavy-rare earth and critical mineral project in Texas. Our operating partner, USA Rare Earth, appointed a new highly qualified CEO in November 2022 with a background in the specialty chemical and lithium business and we have every reason to believe his leadership and expertise will guide the project to a successful conclusion.

About Texas Mineral Resources Corp.

Texas Mineral Resources Corp.'s primary focus is to develop and commercialize, along with its joint venture operating partner USA Rare Earth LLC, the Round Top heavy-rare earth, technology metals, and industrial minerals project located in Hudspeth County, Texas, 85 miles southeast of El Paso, in which TMRC owns a 20% interest and USA Rare Earth owns an 80% interest. Additionally, the Company is developing other domestic mining projects in precious and industrial metals as well as critical minerals. In particular, TMRC is developing a New Mexico silver project, which if successful, could lead to a joint venture with Santa Fe Gold. The Companys common stock trades on the OTCQB U.S. tier under the symbol TMRC.

Cautionary Note to Investors

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") limits disclosure for U.S. reporting purposes to mineral deposits that a company can economically and legally extract or produce and that are compliant with SEC Industry Guide 7. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the proposed project in the Black Hawk Mining District as contemplated in the letter agreement contains any mineral deposits that will ever be converted into resources or that any inferred mineral resource or measured and indicated resources exists or is economically or legally mineable. The proposed project does not contain any known proven or probable ore reserves or mineral resource compliant with SEC Industry Guide 7 reporting standards. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure set forth in TMRCs latest reports filed with the SEC.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the potential development, economic feasibility, resource, grade and other mineralization characteristics, and drilling and exploration methods that may be utilized in potential exploration of the Black Hawk Mining District project. When used in this press release, the words potential, plans, indicate, expect, intend, hopes, believe, may, will, if, anticipate, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include, among others, uncertainty of mineralized material and mineral resource estimates, risks to projected and estimated economics not reflecting actual economic results due to the uncertainty of mining processes, potential non-uniform sections of mineralized material, potential mining hazards and accidents, changes in equipment and labor costs, changes in projected mineral prices and demand, competition in the mining industry, risks related to project development determinations, the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities, potential effects on the Company's operations of environmental regulations, risks due to legal proceedings, liquidity risks and risks related to uncertainty of being able to raise capital on favorable terms or at all, as well as those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's latest annual report on Form 10-K as filed in November 2022 and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements.

Company Contact:Texas Mineral Resources Corp.Anthony Marchese, ChairmanE-mail: [email protected]Twitter: @TexasMineralRes

Source: Texas Mineral Resources Corp
By Svea Herbst-Bayliss

NEW YORK (Reuters) -C. H. Robinson Worldwide, the largest U.S. freight broker, is in advanced talks to name former United Parcel Service Inc (UPS) chief operating officer Jim Barber as chief executive officer after the departure of Bob Biesterfeld, two sources familiar with the discussions said.

Barber, who spent nearly 35 years working at package delivery company UPS before retiring in early 2020, joined the C.H. Robinson board as a director late last year.

He would take the top job after Biesterfeld, who had been with the company for two dozen years and served as CEO for 3-1/2 years, was fired. A regulatory filing in early January described Biesterfeld's departure as an "involuntary termination by the company."

A spokesperson for the company said there is "no update" on the search, noting "the CEO role at C.H. Robinson is a great job with enormous potential. The Board is committed to conducting, and is underway on, an open and inclusive search to find our next CEO."

Barber could not be reached for comment. The sources spoke about the CEO selection process on the condition of anonymity to describe private discussions.

The company's stock price moved higher, rising more than 3.5% at one point, and exchanged hands at $105.03, up 2.31% in late morning trading.

The company tapped Scott Anderson, who had been the company's board chair, as its interim CEO. Search firm Russell Reynolds was hired to find a permanent replacement and Anderson signaled he was not interested in the position, the filing said.

Roughly a year ago Ancora Advisors reached an agreement with the company, which is valued at $12 billion, for two board seats in return for not launching a board challenge. As part of the settlement the company agreed to form a strategic planning committee.

Last year Reuters reported that Danish transport and logistics company DSV A/S was interested in buying C.H. Robinson's business unit that specializes in arranging international cargo transport on behalf of shippers.

From the beginning, Barber has been seen as a strong CEO candidate, investors said and industry analysts wrote in notes after he was appointed to the board. He spent several years as President of UPS' international operations.

(Reporting by Svea Herbst-Bayliss; Editing by Mark Potter and Josie Kao)
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - March 8, 2023) - Circa Enterprises Inc. (TSXV: CTO) ("Circa" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an amalgamation agreement dated March 8, 2023 (the "Amalgamation Agreement") with Sicame Canada Holdings Inc. ("Sicame Canada"), and 2023 Sicame Amalco Inc. ("SubCo"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sicame, in connection with the proposed amalgamation of Circa and SubCo (the "Amalgamation"). Sicame Canada and Subco are subsidiary entities of Sicame Group SAS ("Sicame Group"), a worldwide industrial group specializing in products and services related to the transmission and distribution of electrical energy. The Amalgamation, if completed will result in Circa and SubCo continuing as one corporation that is expected to be renamed "Hydel Inc." ("Amalco") and be wholly owned by Sicame Canada. Upon the completion of the Amalgamation, Sicame Canada will be the sole shareholder of Amalco, and the Circa Shareholders (as defined below) will each receive a cash payment from Sicame Canada equal to their pro rata portion of the total consideration paid by Sicame Canada. The total base consideration payable by Sicame Canada in connection with the Amalgamation is $26,500,000, but is subject to a number of adjustments. As a result of such adjustments the total consideration receivable by Circa shareholders will not be definitively known until shortly before completion of the Amalgamation but is expected to be in the range of $2.10 to $2.20 per Circa common share (such adjusted amount being, the "Consideration").

This Amalgamation constitutes a "reviewable transaction" for Circa, as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"), and a "business combination" transaction subject to TSXV Policy 5.9 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("TSXV Policy 5.9") and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("Multilateral Instrument 61-101").

Concurrent with the signing of the Amalgamation Agreement, Circa and Guardian Telecom Ltd. ("Guardian") entered into an asset purchase agreement dated March 8, 2023 (the "Asset Purchase Agreement"), respecting the sale of the Circa Telecom Business (defined below) and related assumed liabilities, to Guardian. This Asset Purchase Agreement has been contemplated in the Amalgamation Agreement and the sale of the Circa Telecom Business is intended to close immediately following the closing of the Amalgamation. The Asset Purchase Agreement constitutes a "related party transaction" subject to TSXV Policy 5.9 and Multilateral Instrument 61-101.

Due to the involvement of certain directors and officers of the Company in the Asset Purchase Agreement, a special committee (the "Special Committee") of independent directors, consisting of Peter Bourgeois, Michael Lowry and Warren White, was established to consider the Amalgamation Agreement and Asset Purchase Agreement without conflict of interest and to negotiate the terms of the agreements.

Cory Tamagi, President and CEO of Circa, stated, "We are pleased to present this proposal to the Company's shareholders, including our largest shareholder, who is supportive of the transaction. Circa's diverse product offering, high quality standards and service are beneficial to its customers and for employee engagement. However, the Company's relatively small public company size and lack of liquidity is not well-suited for trading in the marketplace. The offer by Sicame Canada provides an excellent liquidity event and opportunity for shareholders to realize fair compensation for the underlying value of the Company. We believe that after the completion of the proposed amalgamation, the metals business will benefit from Sicame Group's expertise and global presence in the energy transmission and distribution markets, while the telecom business will be able to focus on growing its markets in the areas of safety, security and protection of critical infrastructure."

Summary of the Amalgamation

Pursuant to the Amalgamation Agreement, Sicame Canada has agreed to acquire Circa, indirectly by way of an amalgamation of Circa and SubCo under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) (the "ABCA"). In exchange for the cancellation of the issued and outstanding common shares of Circa (the "Common Shares") at closing of the Amalgamation, the holders of the Common Shares (the "Circa Shareholders") will receive a pro rata portion of the Consideration, estimated to be equal to approximately $2.10 to $2.20 for every Common Share held. The estimated Consideration equates to an estimated 53% to 60% premium to Circa Shareholders based on the 20-day weighted average stock price.

Completion of the Amalgamation is subject to a number of conditions being satisfied or, where permitted, waived by one or more of Circa or Sicame Canada and SubCo at or prior to closing of the Amalgamation. These conditions include the approval of the Circa Shareholders, together with approval of the Majority of the Minority (as defined below) at the Meeting; approval of the TSXV; the closing conditions of the Asset Purchase Agreement being satisfied or waived; the settlement of any outstanding options or stock option agreements; the receipt of all necessary third-party approvals; and, the satisfaction of certain other closing conditions customary for a transaction of this nature.

There are no finders fees payable in conjunction with either the Amalgamation or the Telecom Transaction.

Details of this arm's-length Amalgamation and the Asset Purchase Agreement will be disclosed in a management information circular of Circa (the "Circular"), which will be delivered to Circa Shareholders and will also be available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. A copy of the Amalgamation Agreement will also be made available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. All Circa Shareholders are urged to read such materials once circulated, as it will contain important additional information concerning the Amalgamation and the sale of Circa's Telecom Business. There can be no assurance that the Amalgamation will be completed as proposed or at all.

Shareholder Approvals, Lock-up Agreements and Closing

It is expected that the special meeting of Circa Shareholders (the "Meeting") to approve the proposed Amalgamation and sale of the Telecom Business will be held virtually on April 10, 2023 and, if approved at the Meeting, it is expected that the Amalgamation would close shortly thereafter.

Implementation of the Amalgamation will be subject to approval at the Meeting by at least two-thirds of the votes cast by all the Circa Shareholders, based on the votes cast by Circa Shareholders present virtually or represented by proxy at the Meeting, and by a majority of the votes cast by disinterested shareholders represented by proxy at the Meeting ("Majority of the Minority"). In relation to this approval, the "minority" holders for the purpose of MI 61-101 are anticipated to include all holders of Common Shares with the exception of Robert Johnston, Cory Tamagi, Angela Hulshof and Darren Epp.

As of the date hereof, The Article 6 Marital Trust created under the First Amended and Restated Jerry Zucker Revocable Trust dated April 2, 2007, Cory Tamagi, Angela Hulshof, Darren Epp and Robert Johnston (together, the "Supporting Shareholders") collectively beneficially own, directly or indirectly, or exercise control or direction over, 4,693,280 Common Shares, which represent approximately 45.8% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares. Each of the Supporting Shareholders have, separately entered into lock-up agreements with Sicame Canada and SubCo under which they have agreed, among other things, to vote in favour of the Amalgamation, and to be restricted by non-solicitation and exclusivity provisions. Forms of the Lock-Up Agreements with the Supporting Shareholders, will be reviewable on the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Fairness Opinion

Sequeira Partners has provided the Special Committee with an opinion to the effect that, based upon its analysis and hypothesis and subject to the full text of the fairness opinion, including the assumptions, qualifications and limitations set out therein, the Consideration to be received by the Circa Shareholders under the Amalgamation is fair, from a financial point of view, to such Circa Shareholders.

Board Recommendation

Upon receipt of a recommendation from the Special Committee, the Board has unanimously determined (with Messrs. Johnston and Tamagi abstaining) that the Amalgamation and the Telecom Transaction are in the best interests of the Company, are fair to the Circa Shareholders and recommends the approval of the Transaction by the Circa Shareholders.

Summary of Telecom Business Asset Purchase Agreement

The Asset Purchase Agreement sets out the terms of the related party transfer by the Company (or its successor, Amalco) of its business related to the telecommunications products, sold under the CircaMax, Guardian Telecom, and Teletics trade names and the shares of Westronic Inc. (the "Circa Telecom Business") as well as the assumption of liabilities related to the Circa Telecom Business, to Guardian (the "Telecom Transaction").

Guardian is a newly incorporated private corporation owned by Cory Tamagi, Nicole Tamagi, Angela Hulshof, Thomas Hulshof, Darren Epp, Joann Hickle-Epp and Robert Johnston. Each of whom is currently a director and/or officer of Circa or the spouse of a director and/or officer of Circa.

The Telecom Transaction is anticipated to close immediately following the effective time of closing of the Amalgamation (the "Telecom Closing"), and at such time, Guardian will pay Amalco (as amalgamated successor to Circa) cash consideration equal to $3,300,000. The purchase price paid at the time of the Telecom Closing will be increased or decreased, dollar for dollar, by the amount by which the actual working capital at the Telecom Closing time differs from the target working capital (as described further in the Asset Purchase Agreement).

The Telecom Closing is conditional on, among other things: the completion of the Amalgamation; obtaining shareholder approval at the Meeting; Cory Tamagi, Darren Epp and Angela Hulshof signing non-competition and solicitation agreements with Sicame Canada; the receipt of all necessary third-party approvals; and the satisfaction of certain other closing conditions customary for a transaction of this nature.

The terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement will be described in greater detail in the Circular which will be available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, and will be delivered to Circa.

Listing

Subsequent to the Amalgamation, Amalco is expected to delist the Common Shares from the TSXV. The TSXV delisting will be subject to satisfying all of the requirements of the TSXV, and additional disclosure will be made as to the timing of the delisting. In addition, it is anticipated that the Company will cease to be a "reporting issuer" under applicable Canadian securities legislation.

Strategic Highlights and Benefits of the Transaction

The Board of Circa believes that the Amalgamation and Telecom Transaction (collectively, the "Transaction") is in the best interests of the Company and is fair to the Circa Shareholders. In particular, this view is based on the below factors:

the Amalgamation provides the Circa Shareholders with cash consideration representing a significant premium estimated to be approximately 53% to 60% for their shareholdings (based on the 20-day volume-weighted average price of the Common Shares);

the absence of strategic alternatives (including maintaining the status quo and pursuing the Corporation's business plan) that would result in superior value creation for the Circa Shareholders when compared to the premium offered to the Circa Shareholders in connection with the Amalgamation;

the fairness opinion of Sequeira Partners that, subject to customary assumptions and limitations set forth therein, the Consideration to be received by Circa Shareholders under the Amalgamation is fair, from a financial point of view, to the Circa Shareholders;

the size of the Circa Telecom Business being insufficient to support a continued public listing if Circa's metals business were to be sold independently;

the Supporting Shareholders, have agreed to vote their Common Shares in favour of the Amalgamation and have undertaken not to solicit any competing transaction;

management of the Company's assessment that the relevant stakeholders (including employees, suppliers and customers), are not expected to be affected by reason of the consummation of the Amalgamation;

the likelihood that the Amalgamation will be completed because, among other things, the Amalgamation is not subject to financing conditions in favour of Sicame Canada; and

the tax and structuring advantages provided by the Amalgamation and concurrent Telecom Transaction.

About Circa Enterprises Inc.

Circa Enterprises Inc. is a public company headquartered in Calgary, Alberta with operations in Alberta and Ontario. Circa designs, manufactures and supplies telecommunications equipment, cable and connectivity products, metal enclosures, electrical equipment, and other goods to customers in the telecommunications, electrical, and construction industries. The outstanding common shares of Circa are listed and trade on the TSXV under the trading symbol CTO. Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

About Sicame

Sicame Group SAS is a global, privately held company based out of France, with operations throughout in over 25 countries on all continents. Sicame Group is a leading European supplier of products and services to the power transportation and distribution markets, which manufactures a broad range of low, medium and high voltage hardware, connectors, safety equipment, and tools and accessories for the transmission and distribution of electricity as well as for other industrial and commercial markets. Over the years Sicame Group has grown organically and through acquisitions and reached over 500 million in revenue in 2022, while maintaining strong profitability.

Sicame Canada is a newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiary of Sicame Group, formed under the laws of Ontario. SubCo is a newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiary of Sicame Canada, incorporated under the laws of Alberta for the purposes of this Amalgamation.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information in this News Release may constitute "forward-looking" information that involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties, future expectations and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. When used in this News Release, this information may include words such as "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "expect", "believe", "plan" and other terminology. In particular, this forward-looking information and forward-looking statements in this News Release includes, but is not limited to, the completion and timing of the referenced proposed, the impact of such acquisition on Circa Shareholders, the financing of the transaction and the future industry growth and success. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on both the views of management and assumptions (such as those relating to the performance of Circa's metals and telecom businesses) that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activities, performance or achievements expressed in or implied by these forward-looking statements. This information reflects current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speaks only as of the date of this News Release. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional information is available in the Company's management information circular, which be made available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

For further information, please contact:

Mr. Cory Tamagi

Director, President and CEO

Circa Enterprises Inc.

(403) 258-2011

Mr. Darren Epp

Executive Vice President

Circa Enterprises Inc.

(403) 258-2011

E-Mail: [email protected]

Website: www.circaent.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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/157772
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 9, 2023) - Elemental Altus Royalties Corp. (TSXV: ELE) (OTCQX: ELEMF) ("Elemental Altus" or "the Company") announces that it has entered into a binding agreement (the "Agreement") to acquire an additional 0.025% effective net smelter return ("NSR") royalty (the "Royalty") on the producing Caserones Copper-Molybdenum mine ("Caserones"), located in the Atacama region of northern Chile, for consideration of approximately US$2M in cash (the "Acquisition"). Elemental Altus now holds an effective 0.443% NSR royalty on Caserones.

Acquisition Highlights

Immediate revenue from additional uncapped royalty on the producing Caserones copper mine

Acquisition increases the effective royalty held by the Company to 0.443% NSR

Caserones is owned and operated by industry leader JX Nippon Metals and Mining (" JX Nippon ")

") Bolsters the Company's existing diversified revenue base in leading mining jurisdictions

Acquisition will be completed in combination with existing joint royalty holders

Frederick Bell, CEO of Elemental Altus, commented:

"We're delighted to add to our cornerstone, cash-paying Caserones copper royalty in Chile, further expanding our peer-leading revenue profile. Acquiring uncapped, revenue generating royalties on long life assets is central to our core philosophy and the Caserones mine, operated by industry leaders JX Nippon, will continue to add value for our shareholders over many years to come."

Terms of the Acquisition

The Caserones mine is subject to a 2.88% NSR royalty created in a 2009 agreement between SCM Minera Lumina Copper Chile S.A., as purchaser, and Compaia Minera Caserones ("CMC") and Sociedad Legal Minera California Una de la Sierra Pena Negra ("SLM California"), as vendors. CMC and SLM California originally held the mineral concessions that cover the Caserones deposit. Ownership of the 2.88% NSR royalty is currently divided between CMC (32.5%) and SLM California (67.5%). SLM California's sole current purpose is to distribute its royalty income to its shareholders as dividends and pay Chilean taxes on its income.

Elemental Altus has agreed to purchase an additional 1.289% ownership in SLM California for cash consideration of US$2,004,302 pursuant to the Agreement with existing shareholders of SLM California. The Acquisition equates to an effective purchase of a further 0.025% NSR interest, increasing the Company's NSR interest to 0.443%.

Caserones Mine Overview

The Caserones mine is a large, open-pit porphyry copper-molybdenum deposit, located within a 170km2 land package at an elevation of approximately 4,300m above sea level in the borough of Tierra Amarilla, in the Atacama region of northern Chile. The mine is approximately 15km from the border with Argentina, 162km southeast of the city of Copiapo and 800km north of the capital, Santiago.

Located at the southern end of the well-documented Maricunga mineral belt, the geology of Caserones comprises an Early-Miocene porphyry system associated with a cluster of dacite porphyries and breccias intruding Palaeozoic granitic, volcanic, and metamorphic rocks. Caserones has a well-developed supergene enrichment profile of oxide copper and secondary chalcocite that overlies hypogene sulfide (chalcopyrite-molybdenite) mineralisation.

The mine is owned and operated by Sociedad Contractual Minera Lumina Copper Chile ("MLCC"), an indirect 100% owned subsidiary of JX Nippon of Japan. It produces copper and molybdenum concentrates from a conventional crusher, mill and flotation plant, as well as copper cathodes from a dump leach, solvent extraction and electrowinning plant and has been in operation since 2014.

On behalf of Elemental Altus Royalties Corp.

Frederick Bell

CEO and Director

Corporate & Media Inquiries:

Frederick Bell, CEO

Direct: +44 (0) 7554 872 794

[email protected]

www.elementalaltus.com

Elemental Altus is a proud member of Discovery Group. For more information please visit: www.discoverygroup.ca or contact 604-653-9464.

TSX.V: ELE | OTCQX: ELEMF | ISIN: CA28619K1093 | CUSIP: 28619K109

About Elemental Altus Royalties Corp.

Elemental Altus is an income generating precious metals royalty company with 11 producing royalties and a diversified portfolio of pre-production and discovery stage assets. The Company is focused on acquiring uncapped royalties and streams over producing, or near-producing, mines operated by established counterparties, as well as generating royalties on new discoveries. The vision of Elemental Altus is to build a global gold royalty company, offering investors superior exposure to gold with reduced risk and a strong growth profile.

Qualified Person

Richard Evans, FAusIMM, is Senior Vice President Technical for Elemental Altus, and a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure contained in this press release. For additional technical and scientific information in respect of the Caserones royalty, please refer to the Altus Strategies plc's technical report titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report Caserones Copper-Molybdenum Mine Royalty Region III, Chile" dated May 20, 2022, with an effective date of February 28, 2022, a copy of which is available under Alts Strategies plc' profile at www.sedar.com.

Notes

Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements

This news release contains certain "forward looking statements" and certain "forward-looking information" as defined under applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "plans" or similar terminology.

Forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the date that the name change is expected to become effective, whether shareholders will be required by their broker to exchange their issued certificate for a new certificate or take any other action in connection to the name change, the Company's ability to deliver a materially increased revenue profile with a lower cost of capital, the future growth, development and focus of the Company, and the acquisition of new royalties and streams. Forward-looking statements and information are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies.

Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of Elemental Altus to control or predict, that may cause Elemental Altus' actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein, including but not limited to: the impact of general business and economic conditions, the absence of control over the mining operations from which Elemental Altus will receive royalties, risks related to international operations, government relations and environmental regulation, the inherent risks involved in the exploration and development of mineral properties; the uncertainties involved in interpreting exploration data; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities; the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with Elemental Altus' expectations; accidents, equipment breakdowns, title matters, labour disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions in operations; fluctuating metal prices; unanticipated costs and expenses; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, commodity price fluctuations; currency fluctuations; regulatory restrictions, including environmental regulatory restrictions; liability, competition, loss of key employees and other related risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of important factors which could cause actual results to differ from forward-looking statements, refer to the annual information form of Elemental Altus for the year ended 31 December 2021. Elemental Altus undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements and information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking statements and information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement or information can be guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/157729
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 9, 2023) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: VGANF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leading consolidator of emerging food brands is pleased to announce the signing of an area development agreement for the province of Ontario for the opening of 20 franchised restaurants of Lettuce Love Caf, a wholly owned subsidiary of Happy Belly Food Group.

"After closing on Lettuce Love Cafe just five (5) months ago, we have had a chance to work with its people, their food, and successfully integrate its operations within our Happy Belly ecosystem," said Sean Black, Chief Investment Officer of Happy Belly. "It has all the elements of a growth brand that is now ready for franchising in an asset-light model for Happy Belly, the exact same model we operated with Mucho Burrito, Extreme Pita, and Pur Blendz. To help launch Happy Belly's franchising program, we brought in an Area Developer that we worked with previously on multiple brands to establish over 25 franchise locations across Ontario. I am very pleased to announce Scott Grandin as our Area Developer for Lettuce Love here in Ontario. Scott brings another key element to our team that will enable Happy Belly to accelerate unit growth. It is a lot of fun putting the band back together as we maximize the value of our assets with both organic and inorganic growth."

"When Sean Black and I spoke about franchising opportunities within Happy Belly's portfolio, the opportunity to get in early was very appealing. I have a long and successful working relationship with Sean and the board members of Happy Belly, so I could not be happier that they are bringing the team back together to build yet another successful restaurant and franchising company. I see very strong demand from consumers and franchisees in the QSR plant based sector so the timing was perfect to join an emerging brand like Lettuce Love in a sector that is emerging," said Scott Grandin.

Happy Belly has been looking to identify our growth brand within the plant based QSR sector so the addition of Lettuce Love Cafe in the fall combined with today's move into franchising gives us the opportunity to expand our QSR division.



Lettuce Love Cafe is the first of many brands within the Happy Belly Portfolio that is planned to be offered for franchising in 2023. For franchising inquiries please see www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contact us at [email protected].

About Lettuce Love Cafe



Lettuce Love was created solely with your health in mind for delivering delicious meals, smoothies & treats. Ingredients and products used are sourced from sustainable, fair-trade, non-GMO sources, are local and organically farmed when available. We proudly prepare all our menu selections fresh, at the time they are ordered to provide the maximum nutritional benefits. Often surprising and seducing hard core carnivores with many of our vegan and gluten free dishes, Lettuce Love Cafe, offers a warm welcome to everyone.

Lettuce Love

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About Happy Belly Food Group

Happy Belly Brands

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Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: VGANF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leading consolidator of emerging food brands.

For more information please visit: www.HolyCrap.com, www.YamChops.com, www.LumberHeads.com, www.HealWellness.ca, www.LettuceLoveCafe.com, www.LadyGlazeDoughnuts.com, www.PirhoGrill.com, and www.HappyBellyFG.com.

Happy Belly Food Group

Shawn Moniz

Chief Executive Officer

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT:

www: www.happybellyfg.com or email [email protected]



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 press release, which has been prepared by management.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur, and include the future performance of LumberHeads Food Co. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the business plans for Happy Belly described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are posted on www.sedar.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/157838
The Customer has renewed its subscription for Plurilock's high-margin software offering.

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 9, 2023) - Plurilock Security Inc. (TSXV: PLUR) (OTCQB: PLCKF) and related subsidiaries ("Plurilock" or the "Company"), an identity-centric cybersecurity solutions provider for workforces, is pleased to announce that the Company has signed a contract renewal for its flagship software platform, 'Plurilock' with an overseas fintech company (the "Customer").

The Customer delivers fintech solutions including payroll and health benefit management. According to the terms of the contract, the Customer has renewed its subscription for the cloud security functionality of the Plurilock platform, which includes Access Control Management.

"We are pleased to renew a contract for our high-margin solution with an existing customer in the fintech industry," said Ian L. Paterson, CEO of Plurilock. "With a sizable customer pipeline, we intend to maintain a strong business relationship with existing clients. Overall, this contract renewal attests to the robustness of our platform in providing advanced cybersecurity with an emphasis on zero-trust principles."

About Plurilock

Plurilock provides identity-centric cybersecurity for today's workforces. The Plurilock family of companies enables organizations to operate safely and securely while reducing cybersecurity friction. Plurilock offers world-class IT and cybersecurity solutions through its Solutions Division, paired with proprietary, AI-driven and cloud-friendly security through its Technology Division. Together, the Plurilock family of companies delivers persistent identity assurance with unmatched ease of use.

For more information, visit https://www.plurilock.com or contact:

Ian L. Paterson

Chief Executive Officer

[email protected]

416.800.1566

Roland Sartorius

Chief Financial Officer

[email protected]

Prit Singh

Investor Relations

[email protected]

905.510.7636

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") related to future events or Plurilock's future business, operations, and financial performance and condition. Forward-looking statements normally contain words like "will", "intend", "anticipate", "could", "should", "may", "might", "expect", "estimate", "forecast", "plan", "potential", "project", "assume", "contemplate", "believe", "shall", "scheduled", and similar terms. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, actions, or developments and are based on expectations, assumptions, and other factors that management currently believes are relevant, reasonable, and appropriate in the circumstances. Although management believes that the forward-looking statements herein are reasonable, actual results could be substantially different due to the risks and uncertainties associated with and inherent to Plurilock's business. Additional material risks and uncertainties applicable to the forward-looking statements herein include, without limitation, the impact of general economic conditions, the success of the Company in obtaining new or extended contracts or orders; the Company's ability to maintain existing customers or develop new customers; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquisitions of other businesses and/or companies or to realize on the anticipated benefits thereof; and unforeseen events, developments, or factors causing any of the aforesaid expectations, assumptions, and other factors ultimately being inaccurate or irrelevant. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect the Company's forward-looking statements. Many of these factors are beyond the control of Plurilock. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as at the date hereof, and Plurilock undertakes no obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in its most recent Annual Information Form. They are otherwise disclosed in its filings with securities regulatory authorities available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/157841
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 9, 2023) - T2 Metals Corp. (TSXV: TWO) (OTCQB: AGLAF) (WKN: A3DVMD) ("T2" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the completion of processing and interpretation of the existing airborne and surface geophysical database for the Company's Sherridon project situated within the prolific Flin Flon/Snow Lake volcanic hosted massive sulphide ("VHMS") mining camp in central western Manitoba.

T2 Metals received an extensive archive of prior exploration data from Joint Venture partner Halo Resources Ltd. In addition to geological and drilling information, the data includes gravimetric, magnetic, VTEM and VLF-EM datasets, which is now incorporated into a comprehensive geophysical model. Based on this model and geological knowledge from drilling and mapping, T2 Metals' geologists are designing a drilling program, planned for Q3 2023. Drilling will test for mineralization down dip and along strike from T2 Metals' historical resources in the Sherridon district, and target previously undrilled or under tested mineralization identified in the current reinterpretation program.

T2 Metals is particularly encouraged by the success of other explorers in the Flin Flon/Snow Lake VHMS region in Manitoba/Saskatchewan, in particular Foran Mining Corp at McIlvenna Bay, with the discovery of previously unknown copper-zinc deposits through deep drilling targeted by modern downhole EM. This exploration strategy has not been applied at Sherridon, and the rapid improvement in downhole EM provides a strong discovery opportunity.

The Sherridon site is serviced by all-weather roads, a railroad, network power and the small community of Sherridon/Cold Lake, situated only 65km northeast of the Flin Flon mining/metallurgical complex (see Figure 1).

"Although the Sherridon archives were well organized, assessing the data provided proved to be a major task due the size of the dataset and magnitude of past mining and exploration," said Mark Saxon, CEO of T2 Metals Corp. "By re-processing and interpreting airborne and surface data we are now well positioned to move ahead with a drilling program that will seek to expand on historical resources and provide new discoveries."

Past exploration activity peaked with the investment of Halo Resources Ltd between 2006 and 2012, however the available data begins with mining records from the Sherritt Gordon (Sherridon) deposit which produced 7.74 million tons at an average grade of 2.46% Cu, 2.84% Zn, 0.6 g/t Au and 33 g/t Ag (Goetz & Froese, 1981) from two orebodies with a combined strike length of 4.8km. Sherridon was the first mine opened by Sherritt Gordon Mines Limited, now Sherritt International Corp. Investors are cautioned that historical production is no guarantee of future results.

Based on exploration completed by Halo Resources Ltd the resources for Bob, Lost, Cold, and Jungle deposits total-

Indicated: 6.55 Mt at 0.85% Cu, 1.22% Zn, 0.37 g/t Au and 7.4 g/t Ag and

Inferred: 15.86 Mt at 0.69% Cu, 0.84% Zn, 0.28 g/t Au and 5.8 g/t Ag

Mineral Resource estimates are based upon Bloom, L., Healy, T., Giroux, G., Halo Resources Ltd. 2010, Sherridon VMS Property, Technical Report NI43-101 - November 22, 2010, available at www.sedar.com. Mineral Resources were estimated at a net smelter return (NSR) cut-off of US$20 per tonne and US$45 per tonne for open pit and underground respectively. Metal prices used were US$3.00/lb copper, US$1.05/lb zinc, US$1,000/oz gold and US$15.00/oz silver. Metallurgical recovery factors assumed were 92% for copper, 83% for zinc, 65% for gold and 57% for silver.

The Mineral Resource estimates were prepared under the direction of, and dated and signed by, a Qualified Person as defined in accordance with NI 43-101 and CIM Definition Standards. The data, information, estimates, conclusions and recommendations were consistent with the information available at the time of preparation. The terms "mineral resource", "measured mineral resource", "indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource" are defined in NI 43-101 and recognized by Canadian securities laws. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be upgraded to mineral reserves. T2 Metals has received the exploration and drilling data, but has not independently confirmed the Mineral Resource estimates. Halo has indicated that no Mineral Resource estimates were completed subsequent to those provided in Table 1.

T2 Metals is focused on copper, nickel and lithium acquisition, exploration and development within the major mining belts of western North America. The Company continues to target under-explored areas, including the Sherridon, Lida and Cora projects where post-mineralization cover masks areas of high geological prospectivity in the vicinity of major mines.

Technical Background

Any references to the terms "ore minerals", "mineralization" or "mineralized zones" are purely for descriptive purposes and are not intended to be interpreted as or relied upon for any resource or economic evaluation of the project at this time. Although historic exploration data was generated by reputable companies applying practice of the day, T2 Metals Corp cannot verify the data or determine the quality assurance and quality control measures applied in generating the data. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that the exploration history is fully captured. Additional drilling may have been undertaken, however the Company has not been made aware of or obtained additional data. Accordingly, the Company cautions that the exploration data reported in this news release may not be reliable. Readers are cautioned that a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 has not completed sufficient work to be able to verify the historical information, and therefore the information should not be relied upon.

The qualified person for the Company's projects, Mr. Mark Saxon, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists, has reviewed and approved the contents of this release.





Figure 1: Existing infrastructure at Sherridon, Manitoba



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7326/157799_39c9f05514c6380c_0001full.jpg

About T2 Metals Corp (TSXV: TWO) (OTCQB: AGLAF) (WKN: A3DVMD)

T2 Metals Corp is an emerging copper and precious metal company enhancing shareholder value through exploration and discovery. T2 is focused on the Sherridon Project in Manitoba, the Lida Project in Nevada, and the Cora Project in Arizona.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD,

"Mark Saxon"

Mark Saxon

President & CEO

For further information, please contact:

t2metals.com

1305 - 1090 West Georgia St., Vancouver, BC, V6E 3V7

[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 Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information set out in this news release constitutes forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "intend", "could", "might", "should", "believe" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based upon the opinions and expectations of management of the Company as at the effective date of such statements and, in certain cases, information provided or disseminated by third parties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, and that information obtained from third party sources is reliable, they can give no assurance that those expectations will prove to have been correct. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from results contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such risks include uncertainties relating to exploration activities. When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/157799
LAS VEGAS, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) presented its 2023 Diversity Award to Mary I. O'Connor, MD, FAOA, FAAHKS, FAAOS. The Diversity Award recognizes members of the AAOS who have distinguished themselves through their outstanding commitment to making orthopaedics more representative of, and accessible to, diverse patient populations. A nationally recognized leader who has championed diversity in medicine, surgery and orthopaedics, Dr. O'Connor is professor emerita of orthopaedics at Mayo Clinic, as well as past professor of orthopaedics and rehabilitation at Yale School of Medicine. She is co-founder and chief medical officer of Vori Health, an award-winning, nationwide, virtual specialty medical practice designed to treat musculoskeletal pain more effectively.

"I am honored to receive the AAOS Diversity Award and accept it on behalf of all who are striving to make our profession one that provides the best care for every patient. We know that health disparities are real and impact those we serve," Dr. O'Connor said. "Our continued efforts to increase the diversity of our profession and address our own biases remain essential to progress."

After competing as a U.S. Olympic rower, Dr. O'Connor completed her orthopedic residency and fellowship in orthopedic oncology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., during a time when few women were accepted into training programs. She was invited to join the staff at Mayo Clinic in Florida and wore many leadership hats throughout the organization, including enterprise-wide medical director of the Office of Integrity and Compliance; chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery in Florida; medical director for development in Florida; and member of the Florida Executive Operations Team. In 2015, Dr. O'Connor was named the inaugural director of the Center for Musculoskeletal Care at Yale School of Medicine and Yale New Haven Health. In 2021, she transitioned from academic medicine to entrepreneurship as co-founder of Vori Health.

Dr. O'Connor has accomplished many "firsts." She was the first female member of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS), the International Society of Limb Salvage (ISOLS), the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) and the first female surgeon in The Knee Society. She has also served as president of the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons (ABJS), AAHKS, ISOLS, MSTS and the Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society (RJOS). She is a former member of the Advisory Committee on Research on Women's Health at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md. and is previous chair of the AAOS Women's Health Issues Advisory Board and the AAOS Diversity Advisory Board.

According to Lisa K. Cannada, MD, FAAOS, orthopaedic trauma surgeon from Jacksonville, Fla., working at Novant Health Orthopaedic Fracture Clinic and Hughston Clinic: "Dr. O'Connor has been a leader in the active recruitment of diverse individuals into the field of orthopaedic surgery over the past 20 years. She has served as a role model for women in orthopaedics and other walks of life. She has clearly demonstrated that orthopaedics is not just a specialty for men and that including women improves our ability to care for our patients."

Since its inception in 2010, Dr. O'Connor has chaired the Executive Leadership of Movement is Life, a multidisciplinary coalition which seeks to eliminate racial, ethnic and gender disparities in musculoskeletal health, and leads the Annual National Caucus on Musculoskeletal Healthcare Disparities. Her efforts led the successful transition of Movement Is Life to a 501c(3) entity in 2022, a strategy that will support expansion of community interventions and health equity programs.

While publishing extensively on research focused on limb salvage in the management of sarcomas, Dr. O'Connor's academic efforts also include investigating gender differences in outcomes related to joint replacement surgery; sex difference in knee osteoarthritis; and the use of stem cells to potentially treat osteoarthritis. She writes a popular quarterly column in Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research entitled, "Equity360: Gender, Race, and Ethnicity." With the goal of supporting women to address bias and disparities in their own health care, she authored the book, "Taking Care of You: The Empowered Woman's Guide to Better Health" (Mayo Clinic Press 2022).

"I remain hopeful that each of us will commit to providing more care, and more equitable care, for the underserved," Dr. O'Connor said. "Let us reach out to engage community leaders and partner with them to address local health inequities. Not only must we be part of the solution, we should also be leaders in these efforts. Only together can we make musculoskeletal care better and more equitable for the communities we are honored to serve. We are all brothers and sisters together on this journey."

About the AAOSWith more than 39,000 members, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is the world's largest medical association of musculoskeletal specialists. The AAOS is the trusted leader in advancing musculoskeletal health. It provides the highest quality, most comprehensive education to help orthopaedic surgeons and allied health professionals at every career level to best treat patients in their daily practices. The AAOS is the source for information on bone and joint conditions, treatments and related musculoskeletal healthcare issues; and it leads the healthcare discussion on advancing quality.

Follow the AAOS on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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SOURCE American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
iPipeline Ecosystem's Solutions Create Operational and Supervisory Efficiencies to Simplify the Process of Helping Clients Benefit from Annuities

EXTON, Pa., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- iPipeline announces that Advisor Group, the nation's largest network of independent wealth management firms, has chosen to harness iPipeline's AFFIRM for Annuities order entry system to optimize annuity transactions for financial professionals.

The Advisor Group network consists of more than 11,000 financial professionals associated with eight wealth management firmsFSC Securities Corp., Royal Alliance, SagePoint Financial, Securities America, Triad Advisors, and Woodbury Financial Services, American Portfolios and Infinex. Through this relationship, financial professionals affiliated with Advisor Group will gain access to iPipeline's Order Entry system to digitize their business and enhance the agent and user experience.

The AFFIRM for Annuities order entry system will enable advisors to:

Reduce Not in Good Order (NiGO) transactions.

Immediately identify which contracts are eligible for withdrawals and subsequent paymentswithout the need to conduct extensive research.

Seamlessly route annuity orders to existing compliance and suitability queues using robust application programming interface (API) and messaging capabilities.

Accommodate various rules, forms, and transmission changes, and quickly adapt to regulatory updates.

"The iPipeline ecosystem strengthens the ability of financial professionals to better serve clients choosing annuities in an ever-evolving marketplaceby increasing efficiency and decreasing risk," said Robert Powell, Vice President of Sales and Wealth Management at iPipeline. "We continue our drive to innovate, further improve, and personalize the overall annuities experience. Our order entry platform will empower Advisor Group to expand its financial professional base, its client base, and its business, through simplifying the often complex and expensive processes associated with annuities."

"Investment in cutting-edge technology is a crucial element of our ongoing commitment to our sales force, and to growing and differentiating our offering," said Leslie Ayers, Chief Supervision Officer at Advisor Group. "iPipeline's digital solutions and platforms will help us provide even more effective supervision and regulatory compliance for our financial professionals, while at the same time, making it so much easier for them to do business on the annuities side."

About iPipelineiPipeline is building a comprehensive digitized ecosystem for the life insurance and wealth management industries, which will enable millions of those who are uninsured or under-insured to secure their financial futures as part of a holistic financial planning experience. The firm is working to optimize all application and processing workflowsfrom quote to commissionand consolidating them within one of the most expansive straight-through processing platforms, significantly reducing paper, saving time, and increasing premiums and placements for insurance agents. iPipeline is also committed to offering premier subscription-based tools to help financial institutions and advisors automate and digitize financial transactions, comply with regulations, and seamlessly incorporate life insurance and annuities into client accounts.

The iPipeline digital ecosystem incorporates one of the industry's largest data sets to enable advisors and agents to optimize their businesses. Since its establishment in 1995, iPipeline has facilitated 1.5 billion quote responses, $32 billion in savings on printing and mailing costs, the collection of 55 billion premiums, and the protection of 25 million lives. iPipeline operates as a unit of Roper Technologies (NYSE: ROP), a constituent of the S&P 500 and Fortune 500 indices. For more information, please visit https://www.ipipeline.com/.

About Advisor GroupAdvisor Group, Inc., a portfolio company of Reverence Capital Partners, is the nation's largest network of independent wealth management firms, serving approximately 10,000 financial professionals. The firm is mission-driven to support the strategic role that financial professionals can play in the lives of their clients. Cultivating a spirit of entrepreneurship and independence, Advisor Group champions the enduring value of financial professionals and is committed to being in their corner every step of the way. For more information visit https://www.advisorgroup.com.

Securities and investment advisory services are offered through the firms: FSC Securities Corporation, Royal Alliance Associates, Inc., SagePoint Financial, Inc., Triad Advisors, LLC, Infinex Investments, Inc., and Woodbury Financial Services, Inc., broker-dealers, registered investment advisers, and members of FINRA and SIPC. Securities are offered through Securities America, Inc., American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc., and Ladenburg Thalmann & Co., broker-dealers and member of FINRA and SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Arbor Point Advisors, LLC, American Portfolios Advisors, Inc., Ladenburg Thalmann Asset Management, Inc., Securities America Advisors, Inc., and Triad Hybrid Solutions, LLC, registered investment advisers. Advisory programs offered by FSC Securities Corporation, Royal Alliance Associates, Inc., SagePoint Financial, Inc., Securities America Advisors, Inc., Triad Advisors, LLC., and Woodbury Financial Services, Inc., are sponsored by VISION2020 Wealth Management Corp., an affiliated registered investment adviser.

Media Contacts:Laura SimpsonJConnelly for iPipeline973-713-8834[email protected]

Joseph Kuo / Donald CutlerHaven Tower Group for Advisor Group424-317-4851 or 424-317-4864[email protected] [email protected]

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SOURCE iPipeline
MEXICO CITY, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S.A.B. de C.V.(NYSE: ASR; BMV: ASUR) (ASUR), a leading international airport group with operations in Mexico, the United States, and Colombia, today announced that its General Annual Ordinary Shareholders' Meeting will be held on April 26th, 2023 and announced the agenda for the meeting.

The following is the complete text of the call to assembly for the shareholders' meeting:

CALL TO ASSEMBLY FOR ORDINARY ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE SHAREHOLDERS OF GRUPO AEROPORTUARIO DEL SURESTE, S.A.B. DE C.V.

By resolution of the Board of Directors adopted at the meeting held on the 9th of March 2023 and pursuant to the provisions of Articles 36, 37 and other provisions of the bylaws of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S.A.B. de C.V. (the "Company") and Articles 181 and 183 of the General Corporations Law ("Ley General de Sociedades Mercantiles"), the Company's shareholders are hereby called to attend the Ordinary Annual General Shareholders' Meeting (the "Meeting"), which will take place at 10 o'clock a.m. on the 26th of April 2023, at the Company's offices at Bosque de Alisos No. 47-A 4th floor, Colonia Bosque de las Lomas, 05120, Mexico City, Mexico, in order to discuss the following matters:

A G E N D A

Presentation and, if applicable, approval of the following: Report of the Chief Executive Officer, in accordance with Article 172 of the General Corporations Law and of Article 44, subsection XI, of the Securities Market Law ("Ley del Mercado de Valores"), accompanied by the independent auditor's report, in connection with the operations and results for the fiscal year ended the 31st of December 2022, as well as the Board of Directors' opinion of the content of such report; Report of the Board of Directors in accordance with Article 172, subsection b, of the General Corporations Law, which contains the main policies, as well as the accounting and reporting criteria followed in the preparation of the financial information of the Company; Report of the activities and operations in which the Board of Directors intervened, in accordance with Article 28 IV (e) of the Securities Market Law; Individual and consolidated financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year ended the 31st of December 2022; Annual report on the activities carried out by the Audit Committee of the Company in accordance with Article 43 of the Securities Market Law and report on the Company's subsidiaries. Resolutions thereon; and Report on compliance with the tax obligations of the Company for the fiscal year ended the 31st of December 2021, in accordance with Article 76, section XIX of the Income Tax Law. Resolutions thereon. Proposal on and, if applicable, approval of the application of the Company's results for the year: Proposal for increase of the legal reserve; Proposal by the Board of Directors to pay an ordinary net dividend in cash from accumulated retained earnings in the amount of $9.93 (nine pesos and ninety-three cents, Mexican legal tender) payable in May 2023, and an extraordinary net dividend in cash from accumulated retained earnings in the amount of $10.00 (ten pesos and zero cents, Mexican legal tender) payable in November 2023, for each of the ordinary "B" and "BB" Series shares. Resolutions thereon; and Proposal and, if applicable, approval of the maximum amount that may be used by the Company to repurchase its shares in 2023 pursuant to Article 56 of the Securities Market Law; proposal and, if applicable, approval of the provisions and policies regarding the repurchase of Company shares. Resolutions thereon. Ratification, if applicable, of the administration by the Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer for the fiscal year of 2022 and appointment or ratification, as applicable, of (i) the persons who comprise or will comprise the Board of Directors of the Company, once assessed as independent, as applicable, (ii) the Chairperson of the Audit and Corporate Practices Committee, and (iii) the persons to serve on the Nominations and Compensations Committee of the Company; determination of corresponding compensations. Resolutions thereon. Appointment of delegates in order to enact the resolutions adopted at the Meeting and, if applicable, to formalize such resolutions. Resolutions thereon.

Subject to the provisions of the paragraph immediately following this one, in order to have the right to attend the Meeting, the shareholders shall (i) be registered on the Company Shareholder Register, or provide other proof of ownership of Company shares or the corresponding certificates in accordance with the Mexican Stock Market Law. The Shareholder Register will be closed three working days prior to the date set for the Meeting, that is, on the 21st of April 2023; and (ii) have obtained their admission pass.

In order to have the right to attend the Meeting, at the latest on the working day before the Meeting (i) the shareholders shall deposit at the Company's offices, with S.D. Indeval, S.A. de C.V., Institucion para el Deposito de Valores ("Indeval"), or with another financial institution, their share certificates or the receipts or other proof of deposit issued by any such institutions, and (ii) the brokerage houses and the other depositaries at Indeval shall present a list containing the names, addresses, nationalities and number of shares of the shareholders that they will represent at the Meeting. Upon receipt of such documents, the Company shall issue an admission pass to the shareholders and/or deliver the forms that they may use in order to be duly represented at the Meeting pursuant to subsection III of Article 49 of the Securities Market Law. In order to attend the Meeting, the shareholders shall present the corresponding admission pass and/or form.

The shares deposited at the Company by the shareholders for the purposes of attending the Meeting shall be returned when the Meeting has ended, upon the delivery of the deposit receipts issued to the shareholder or attorney-in-fact for such shares.

The shareholders may either attend the Meeting personally or be represented by a person or persons duly authorised in accordance with the terms of Article 49 subsection III of the Securities Market Law or by any other form of representation granted pursuant to the law.

Furthermore, please be advised that the supporting documentation for the adoption of the resolutions of the Meeting hereby convened, and the application previously mentioned, shall be placed at the disposal of the shareholders at the Company's offices fifteen days prior to the date of the Meeting.

Mexico City, 9th of March 2023

____________________________________

Rafael Robles MiajaSecretary of the Board of Directors

About ASUR:Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S.A.B. de C.V. (ASUR) is a leading international airport operator with a portfolio of concessions to operate, maintain, and develop 16 airports on the American continent. The company operates nine airports in the southeast of Mexico, including Cancun Airport located in the biggest tourist destination in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America; as well as six airports in northern Colombia, including Medellin international airport (Rionegro), the second busiest in Colombia. ASUR also holds a 60% stake in the capital stock of Aerostar Airport Holdings, LLC, operator of Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico. The airport in San Juan is the main point of entry to the island for international flights and continental flights from the U.S.; it was the first and is currently the only airport in the United States to have achieved a successful public-private partnership under a pilot program implemented by the FAA. Based in Mexico, ASUR is traded on the Mexican Bolsa (BMV) under ticker symbol ASUR, and on the NYSE under the symbol ASR. One ADS represents ten (10) B-series shares. For further information, visit www.asur.com.mx

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SOURCE Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S.A.B. de C.V.
Blue Line Aviation has scrapped plans to further invest in their Johnston County expansion plan, and will invest elsewhere.

SMITHFIELD, N.C., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Line Aviation, North Carolina's largest flight school, has announced plans to immediately cease all investment in their previously announced expansion in Johnston County.

Those expansion plans which have now been scrapped included a hotel, an additional flight school building, a dormitory and other flex space on land that sits adjacent to JNX Airport.

Blue Line Aviation invested significant funds to purchase, plan, annex, and rezone a 14 acre parcel.

The flight school now recognizes that the JNX Airport cannot support the additional growth that the expansion would provide. This comes on the heels of an intensifying legal battle between Blue Line and the Airport as well as the FAA finding the Airport in violation of multiple Grant Assurances designed to prevent discriminatory practices.

As a result, the company is canceling the development project at JNX, putting the land up for sale, and putting its development dollars and energy into a new location.

Blue Line founder Trey Walters says "We are disappointed that the dispute with the Johnston County Airport has led to mistreatment of our company, which is a tremendous asset to the community. Unfortunately, their actions leave us unable to invest a single additional penny at this location as well as require us to cease expansion hiring and relocate jobs and resources to another location. We hope that the airport authority will reflect on its actions and treat other investors better in the future."

Mr. Walters continues "While we were optimistic about our future growth in Johnston County the unfortunate reality left us no choice. We are going to take our lessons learned here and invest our future growth efforts elsewhere into a location that shares in our vision of excellence, innovation and integrity."

More details on Blue Line's new location and fleet expansion will be released in the coming weeks.

For more information about Blue Line Aviation, please visit www.bluelineaviation.com

About Blue Line Aviation

Blue Line Aviation, established in 2012, is one of only a few flight schools in the world to provide quality flight training programs at an accelerated pace. In as few as five and a half months, students can go from no experience to fully confident and certified pilots, fully prepared for a career in aviation. Schedule a tour of our new state-of-the-art facility (located at 3149B Swift Creek Road, Smithfield, North Carolina) and let your new career take flight. For more inquiries and additional information, please visit our website, find us on social media, or contact Ashley Tucker, our Vice President of Sales and Marketing, at (919) 578-3713 ext. 305.

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SOURCE Blue Line Aviation
First Annual Giving Report Released Company Donates $15.8 Million in Food and Monetary Giving

NEW ALBANY, Ohio, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bob Evans Farms, Inc. is pleased to announce the release of its first-ever annual giving report, highlighting its philanthropic activities over the past two years. The report showcases the company's significant work in establishing charitable focus areas and enhancing its presence in the communities it serves.

"At Bob Evans Farms, we believe that giving back to our communities is not only a responsibility but also an honor. That's why, over the past two years, we have been actively giving back through volunteering, board service and strategic corporate giving," said Bob Evans Farms President and CEO, Mark Delahanty. "In total, we donated $15.8 million in food donations and monetary giving, plus our employees donated hundreds of hours in community service."

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the company's monetary giving increased by 3% from 2021 to 2022. The Bob Evans Farms Foundation, managed by The Columbus Foundation, distributed more than $1.4 million in monetary donations to key philanthropic partners over the past two years.

Additionally, the company significantly increased its food donations, donating over $14.4 million in fair market value products to food banks and other food-based nonprofits in this two-year period; including an increase of 132% from 2021 to 2022, providing much-needed help to families adversely affected by the downturn in the economy.

"Our goal is to make our giving more impactful by focusing on organizations that support diversity, equity, and inclusion," said Cassandra Binkley, Bob Evans Farms senior manager of community, engagement & philanthropy. Our philanthropic pillars - Community, Education, Food and Nutrition, Health and Wellness, and Military - each have strategic goals to guide our efforts."

Furthermore, Bob Evans Farms employees volunteered 525 hours to the company's causes over the past two years, further solidifying the company's commitment to giving back.

To learn more about the Bob Evans Farms philanthropic pillars and the impactful work done in the past two years, click here to read the full report on the company's website.

About Bob Evans Farms, Inc. Bob Evans Farms delivers quick-to-table, farm-inspired food that makes mealtime a little bit easier and a lot more delicious. Founded in 1948 by Bob Evans, the company originated as a sausage business and has since expanded to include wholesome, feel-good favorites such as mashed potatoes and macaroni & cheese products, representing the #1-selling refrigerated dinner sides in the United States. Bob Evans Farms is also a leading producer and distributor in the refrigerated and frozen breakfast categories with a product portfolio spanning the flagship Bob Evans brand, as well as Simply Potatoes, Egg Beaters and Owens Sausage, sold in grocery stores across the country. The company is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, and is owned by Post Holdings, Inc., a consumer-packaged goods holding company. For more information, visit bobevansgrocery.com.

* SOURCE: IRI Total US MULO Latest 52 W/E 01/29/23.

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SOURCE Bob Evans Farms, Inc.
Pro-Criminal, Anti-Victim Policies Must Be Stopped; Public Safety Remains at High Risk

WASHINGTON, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The nearly 3,500 members of the D.C. Police Union express our full support for the new House Joint Resolution (H.J. Res), introduced today by Representative Andrew Clyde of Georgia to disapprove the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022 passed by the D.C. City Council without the support or signature of Mayor Bowser.

DC Police Union Supports New H.J. Res, Pro-Criminal, Anti-Victim Policies Must Be Stopped; Public Safety at High Risk

"The introduction of the new House Joint Resolution today is necessary to protect public safety in our Nation's Capital," states D.C. Police Union Chairman Gregg Pemberton. "This Act is a dangerous law that destroys collective bargaining rights of MPD police officers, eviscerates due process, reduces less-lethal options for law enforcement during a riot, and further contributes to the critical staffing crisis that is plaguing the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) today."

"This Act is laced with bad policies with real-world consequences that delay justice for families and victims," he added. Since this Act was passed on an emergency basis in the District the MPD has lost over 1,200 police officers while only replacing 700. "This pro-criminal policy is now a public safety crisis that has stifled recruitment and caused an unprecedented spike in resignations and early retirements."

These critical staffing shortages have prevented our ability to properly protect our most vulnerable neighborhoods and provide coverage for large-scale events, common in the District.

Just like H.J. Res. 26, which had bipartisan support and is on President Biden's desk, this new resolution seeks to disapprove another piece of anti-victim, pro-criminal legislation written by the D.C. City Council that is a direct attack on our officers' rights. Congress should not allow an Act that puts criminals before victims to pass. For these reasons, the D.C. Police Union proudly supports this resolution and asks all members of Congress and the White House to do the same.

CONTACT: Joe Cameron, Modern Cartographers, for DC Police Union, (774) 306-1300.

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SOURCE DC Police Union
Upskilling is the Top Priority for Organizations in 2023, Survey Finds

NEW YORK, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- About half (46%) of knowledge workers report that their companies are not doing anything to make it worthwhile to commute to the office, "The 2023 Future of Working and Learning Report" released today by Executive Networks found. A majority of senior HR leaders (71%) and senior business leaders (62%) agree that there's likely a "proximity bias" against remote/hybrid workers, making it difficult for those working off-site to get ahead.

"Companies are offering more perks and increasing compensation to entice workers back to the office. But they need make coming to the office more purposeful and "commute worthy". This will require employers to be clear on why and how working in the office can optimize collaboration and innovation," said Jeanne Meister, Executive VP, Executive Networks. "Employers also need to provide equal opportunity for advancement and development, no matter where the work gets done."

In addition to making the office "commute worthy", employers need to explore flexibility options desired by workers. This research found the most desired flexibility option is access to a 4-day or 32-hour work week with no pay reduction. This is desired by 69% of knowledge workers and 56% of front-line workers, but is currently only offered to 16% and 29%, respectively.

Investments in Skills-based Learning for Recruitment and Retention

Upskilling tops the list of what's most critical for organizations. Four in ten respondents (41%) ranked upskilling the workforce as vital for their organization's success in 2023, followed by enabling new ways of working (36%), supporting mental health (36%), and retaining talent (36%).

In fact, 80% of HR and business leaders believe investments made in skills-based training can be used as a recruitment and retention tool. And nearly half of knowledge workers (45%) and about a third of frontline workers (30%) believe people are leaving their company due to insufficient career advancement and development opportunities. Additionally, 36% of workers identified stress and burnout as a major factor in employees leaving their organization.

"Stress and burnout have long been documented as a reason employees leave their jobs, but the lack of opportunity to learn new things and grow in their careers is also a primary driver of employees wanting to make a change," said Rita Vanhauwenhuyse, GM Europe, Executive Networks.

About This Research

Executive Networks' Future of Working and Learning Report surveyed 1,301 HR leaders, business leaders, knowledge workers and frontline workers across North America, India, and Europe. This study was supported by research partner companies, meQuilibrium and University of Phoenix.

About Executive Networks

Executive Networks is a senior HR peer community for global 1000 companies connecting HR leaders and providing trusted insights. Through exclusive access to research, learning programs, and concierge support, members bring shared knowledge and innovation into their organizations to achieve strategic business priorities.

Contact:Beth Brody908-295-0600 [email protected]

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SOURCE Executive Networks
AUSTIN, Minn., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hormel Foods - the makers of the Rosa Grande pepperoni brand - and The World Pizza Champions, America's #1 Pizza Team, are once again joining forces to bring pizzerias all over the country a mouth-watering pepperoni experience. The two pizza powerhouses are ready to wow pizza topping connoisseurs with Rosa Grande pepperoni, the must-have pepperoni brand for the pizza world.

"We are thrilled to announce our partnership with The World Pizza Champions team," said Colby Strilaeff, Rosa Grande pepperoni brand manager for Foodservice at Hormel Foods. "We are continuing to look for ways to make sure our portfolio of pizza toppings focuses on quality, diverse offerings, and innovative products in the industry. Working with The World Pizza Champions team which includes some of the top pizzeria owners/operators from around the country has proven to be a very mutually beneficial partnership for both of us. We look forward to continuing to expand our partnership in the years to come."

"The World Pizza Champions partnership with Hormel Foods is truly that, a partnership. The people of Hormel Foods have championed pizza for years, and The World Pizza Champions are proud to continue working with such a supportive, dedicated, and forward-thinking partner," said Mike Bausch, president of The World Pizza Champions. "We're excited about what the future holds, not only in promotions and product feedback but also in charitable works and outreach."

As two key players in the pizza industry, the partnership with the makers of the Rosa Grande brand and The World Pizza Champions provides only the best and most innovative toppings to consumers, including the Happy Little Plants brand plant-based pepperoni. The World Pizza Champion team members work for the common good of the craft and are united by the shared goal of setting an industry-wide standard of excellence in all aspects of the art of pizza making. By partnering with a select group of high-quality distributors and manufacturers, The World Pizza Champions team members are carefully selected from among world champion competitors and acclaimed industry leaders. Inclusion on the team is through invitation only and is based on skill, character, compatibility, and selfless effort on behalf of the industry.

ABOUT THE WORLD PIZZA CHAMPIONS The World Pizza Champions, America's #1 Pizza Team, was founded by Tony Gemignani, Michael Shepherd, Siler Chapman, Joe Carlucci, Ken Bryant, and Sean Brauser. Since its inception, The World Pizza Champions team has grown into a U.S. based non-profit, multinational group made up of elite pizza professionals. Through international competition, educational outreach, public demonstrations, and community-based service the team is dedicated to promoting pizza making as a respected craft and viable career choice. For more information about The World Pizza Champions, please visit https://www.worldpizzachampions.com.

ABOUT HORMEL FOODS  Inspired People. Inspired Food.Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a global branded food company with over $12 billion in annual revenue across more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include Planters, SKIPPY, SPAM, Hormel Natural Choice, Applegate, Justin's, WHOLLY, Hormel Black Label, Columbus, Jennie-O and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named on the "Global 2000 World's Best Employers" list by Forbes magazine for three years, is one of Fortune magazine's most admired companies, has appeared on the "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list by 3BL Media 13 times, and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement  Inspired People. Inspired Food.  to bring some of the world's most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com and http://csr.hormelfoods.com/.

Contact: Hormel Foods Media Relations The World Pizza Champions 507-434-6352 510-427-6979 [email protected] [email protected]

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SOURCE Hormel Foods Corporation
McCafe At Home Taps Slackliner and World Record Holder, Alexander Schultz, to Bring Morning Coffee to Inspiring New Heights in Celebration of Its Second Year of Partnership

BURLINGTON, Mass. and FRISCO, Texas, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Keurig Dr Pepper is celebrating McCafe At Home's second year of partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) to support families with children who are sick. To launch year two of the partnership, McCafe At Home has committed to an increased donation and is celebrating by partnering with Alexander Schulz, Slackliner and World Record Holder. Through the partnership, Schulz is bringing awareness to how the most daring of stunts cannot measure up to the resilience of RMHC families.

More Than Just A Cup: Keurig and McCafe At Home Take Ronald McDonald House Charities Partnership To New Heights

To support this worthy cause and demonstrate that McCafe At Home is 'More Than Just A Cup,' Alexander enjoyed a cup of McCafe At Home coffee while slacklining 7,316 feet in the air at World Record-breaking altitudenot to show the world how courageous he is, but to help bring awareness to the resilient families at RMHC. McCafe At Home's second year of partnership with RMHC is intended to continue the work done during the partnership's first year.

"It's nice to see that a big company seems to truly care for people and kids. From the very beginning, it was clear to me that this partnership was different because RMHC is truly such an extraordinary organization," said Schulz. "Walking this slackline specifically was a unique experience unlike any other I've ever done. Aside from walking between two hot air balloons, the most meaningful part for me was the noble cause associated with it."

McCafe At Home helps RMHC give families with children in the hospital a comforting and supportive home away from home during such a difficult time. The partnership is intended to increase awareness for the work of the Charity, help support the families who rely on the organization and encourage others to get involved.

"McCafe At Home is beyond proud to be supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities for the second year in a row as we bring back the 'More Than Just A Cup' platform," said Christine van den Broeck, Senior Director of Marketing at Keurig Dr Pepper. "We're hopeful that our partnership will be able to provide even more comfort for the strong families at RMHC.

McCafe At Home Coffee is "more than just a cup," because when you purchase McCafe At Home products for a select time, a portion of sales will be contributed to RMHC to bring even more comfort help support these families.

"We're so appreciative to be working with McCafe At Home for the second year in a row," said Joanna Sabato, Chief Marketing and Development Officer at RMHC Global. "Their support and generosity throughout this partnership has been outstanding, helping us provide comfort, care and kindness when families need it most."

Additionally, McCafe At Home is on track to donate over $430,000 to the Charity in year two and will supply select RMHC Chapters in the U.S. with additional McCafe At Home K-Cup pods, to use with Keurig brewers donated as part of the 2022 partnership.

Learn more about the donation details and the "More Than Just A Cup" platform at www.mccafeathome.com and view the longform content for "Most Extraordinary Cup" on Schultz's world record. Additional spots from the campaign include "More Than Just a Cup" and "Home Away from Home."

About Keurig Dr Pepper

Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) is a leading beverage company in North America, with annual revenue of more than $14 billion and approximately 28,000 employees. KDP holds leadership positions in soft drinks, specialty coffee and tea, water, juice and juice drinks and mixers, and markets the #1 single serve coffee brewing system in the U.S. and Canada. The Company's portfolio of more than 125 owned, licensed and partner brands is designed to satisfy virtually any consumer need, any time, and includes Keurig, Dr Pepper, Canada Dry, Clamato, CORE, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Mott's, Snapple, and The Original Donut Shop. Through its powerful sales and distribution network, KDP can deliver its portfolio of hot and cold beverages to nearly every point of purchase for consumers. The Company's Drink Well. Do Good. corporate responsibility platform is focused on the greatest opportunities for impact in the environment, its supply chain, the health and well-being of consumers and with its people and communities. For more information, visit www.keurigdrpepper.com.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities:

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation that creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families. Through a global network of over 260 Chapters in more than 60 countries and regions, RMHC enables, facilitates and supports family-centered care through three core programs: the Ronald McDonald House, the Ronald McDonald Family Room and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile. RMHC programs help families with ill or injured children stay together and near leading hospitals and health care services worldwide, ensuring they have access to the medical care their child needs while fully supported and actively involved in their child's care. For more information, visit RMHC.org.

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SOURCE McCafe At Home
New turnkey program announced for healthcare professionals

LINDON, Utah, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Aspen Laser Systems, LLC, an emerging global leader in the medical device industry - with a focus on photobiomodulation, announced the launch of a new Laser Safety Officer and Laser Technician program. In collaboration with Laser Safety Certification, LLC, a Phoenix, Arizona-based company, Aspen Laser will offer this program to all healthcare professionals. The turnkey "3-in-1" training and certification system has been uniquely designed for owners and operators of Class 3 and Class 4 therapy lasers to meet the Laser Safety requirements of OSHA, ANSI (American National Standards Institute), and the FDA.

According to Mark Bice, managing partner at Laser Safety Certification: "Laser safety in many healthcare practices is often overlooked, and requires more than simply posting a laser warning sign on the treatment room door and wearing safety goggles. We are thrilled for this opportunity to work directly with the Aspen Laser company and expand our outreach to the medical community. The Aspen Laser team is knowledgeable and passionate in providing the best lasers. Our customized training and certification programs for Aspen Laser will assist them in elevating their training to also be the best for their large and growing network of healthcare professionals."

The new program covers all training for both a Laser Safety Officer (LSO) and a Laser Technician, consisting of written resource guides and online compliance courses with printed Certificates for each. Information regarding purchasing the new laser safety program can be found and requested from the Aspen Laser website at: aspenlaser.com/lso-kit.

"Owning and operating a Class 3B and Class 4 laser in a healthcare practice requires knowledge and compliance of national and state laser safety rules and regulations," states Charles Vorwaller, president of Aspen Laser. "We have partnered with Laser Safety Certification as their programs are the fastest, easiest, and most comprehensive, in addition to being affordable. Each practice that completes the training reduces the overall risk from non-compliance and failed regulatory audits."

To learn more about the partnership with Aspen Laser, please visit lasersafetycertification.com/aspen-healthcare-laser-safety-field-guides/.

About Laser Safety Certification, LLCLaser Safety Certification, LLC, is the leader in online, OSHA-compliant industrial, Healthcare, and Cosmetic Laser Safety Officer (LSO) certification. The company has trained and certified over 1,000 businesses, individuals, safety managers and others throughout the United States. The company developed and maintains the LaserSafetyCertification.com website, providing 24/7 access by employers and employees for laser safety training and certification that meets the requirements of ANSI, OSHA, and the FDA. Company Information can be found at lasersafetycertification.com.

About Aspen Laser Systems, LLC:Aspen Laser Systems, LLC is a medical device company and emerging global leader in innovative photomedicine technology, with a focus on photobiomodulation. Representing management with 30+ years of experience, the company provides expertise in design, manufacturing, production, and regulatory compliance. The Company's vision is to redefine pain management and recovery through ongoing research and development that will raise the standards of medical care and improve the quality of life for each individual using its drug-free photobiomodulation products, and also offers full body photobiomodulation through its subsidiary, TheraLight. In 2020, Aspen Laser Systems earned a ranking on the INC 5000 list for the first time and was the only medical laser company on the list. To learn more, please visit: aspenlaser.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:Aspen Laser Systems, LLCChase Vorwaller[email protected]877-782-7736

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SOURCE Aspen Laser Systems
FELTHAM, England , March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nomad Foods Limited (NYSE: NOMD) today announced that Stefan Descheemaeker, Chief Executive Officer, and Anthony Bucalo, Head of Investor Relations, will participate in a fireside chat at the UBS Global Consumer and Retail Conference to be held in New York, NY on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. ET. An audio webcast of the fireside chat will be made available on Nomad Foods' website at http://www.nomadfoods.com.

About Nomad Foods Nomad Foods (NYSE: NOMD) is Europe's leading frozen food company. The Company's portfolio of iconic brands, which includes Birds Eye, Findus, iglo, Ledo and Frikom, have been a part of consumers' meals for generations, standing for great tasting food that is convenient, high quality and nutritious. Nomad Foods is headquartered in the United Kingdom. Additional information may be found at www.nomadfoods.com.

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SOURCE Nomad Foods Limited
The PDS Foundation has granted over $1.1 million in scholarships since 2016.

IRVINE, Calif., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pacific Dental Services (PDS) Foundation is proud to announce that 14 dental assisting (DA) students were collectively awarded $50,000 as the Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship recipients for Spring 2023. The scholarships were awarded as part of Dental Assistants Recognition Week, held is year March 5 through 11, to DA students from across the country who represent the future of the dental industry.

The Pacific Dental Services Foundation has granted over $1.1 million in scholarships since 2016.

Named after Carolyn Ghazal, DDS, a member of the PDS Foundation Board of Directors, this educational scholarship provides DA students with need-based financial aid, mentorship, on-the-job training, and aims to mold the next generation of passionate, servant-hearted dental leaders. Since the program's inception in 2016, the PDS Foundation has awarded over $1.1 million in scholarships to more than 200 students pursuing their educational goals within the dental field.

"I am always fulfilled not only to have my name associated with these much-needed scholarships, but to know that we're investing in the next generation of DA students throughout the country," said Dr. Ghazal. "This financial assistance along with the support that comes with it will allow these students the opportunity to pursue a long career in dental assisting."

Spring 2023 Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship Recipients:

Scholarships are awarded on a quarterly basis to DA students to help cover tuition expenses. The Scholarship Review Committee awards scholarships based on applicants' financial need, heart for service, career aspirations, and other criteria.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of DAs is projected to grow eight percent from 2021 to 2031. However, financial hardship often prevents many students from finishing school. Recognizing the importance of DAs to the future of dentistry, the PDS Foundation created this scholarship to provide students with the financial support they need to complete their education.

"Dental assistants are the heart of any dental practice and PDS-supported practices puts special emphasis on the commitment, support and development of their DAs," said Michael Le, Executive Director of the PDS Foundation. "We will continue to aid in lifting up future dental assistants to meet the growing need and to ensure that they have a path toward a happy and fulfilling career."

To learn more or apply for a dental assistant scholarship, please visit pdsfoundation.org/programs/scholarships.

About Pacific Dental Services FoundationThe Pacific Dental Services Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to improve overall health by improving oral health, through opportunities to serve locally, nationally, and internationally. With that in mind, the PDS Foundation provides tools and resources to help build a lasting and sustainable impact on the communities we serve as well as on the volunteers who freely give their time. The vision of the PDS Foundation is a world where everyone has a heart to serve and a home for oral health. Through its three main programs: special needs dentistry, dental assistant scholarships and international service trips, the PDS Foundation has been able to increase access to oral healthcare for communities across the globe. For more information, visit pdsfoundation.org or follow us on Facebook: @pdsfoundation, Instagram: @pdsfoundation, Twitter: @pdsfoundation,YouTube: @pdsfoundation.

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SOURCE Pacific Dental Services
The hospital is a joint venture between Covenant Health and Encompass Health

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. and KNOXVILLE, Tenn., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Covenant Health and Encompass Health (NYSE: EHC) announce the opening of Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Hospital West, a 51-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital located at 101 Fort Sanders West Boulevard in Knoxville, Tennessee. The hospital serves patients recovering from debilitating illnesses and injuries including strokes and other neurological disorders, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations and complex orthopedic conditions.

Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Hospital West features all private patient rooms, a large therapy gym, an activities of daily living suite, a therapy courtyard, a cafeteria and two dayrooms. In addition to the new hospital, the former Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center at Covenant Health's Fort Sanders location in downtown Knoxville is now serving patients in a newly renovated space. As part of the joint venture, Covenant Health and Encompass Health renovated the downtown rehabilitation center to become a 22-bed hospital-in-hospital structure, including converting all semi-private rooms to private rooms. It has been renamed Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Hospital Fort Sanders.

"We are excited to begin serving patients at our new state-of-the-art hospital and renovated location at Fort Sanders, both of which will help patients recover from their injury or illness and find the confidence to move back to a more independent life," said Jennifer Steely, CEO of both Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Hospital locations. "The addition of this new hospital will allow even more individuals in the Knoxville area and beyond to receive specialized care, close to home. Every detail was created with our patients in mind. The one-story building design helps with accessibility of getting patients to different treatment and non-treatment areas within the hospital, and our freestanding hospital allows for easier transfers from other facilities and more convenient access for families and visitors."

Both specialized hospital locations will provide care for individuals in Knoxville and the surrounding region through comprehensive physical rehabilitation services, including physical, occupational and speech therapies to restore functional ability and quality of life. Care is provided by highly specialized nurses, therapists and physicians. Patients will receive a minimum of three hours per day of therapy for five days each week, 24-hour nursing care, access to advanced technologies and frequent visits by a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician during their stay.

"Covenant Health's mission is to improve the quality of life in our region through better health. Since its opening in 1978, the Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center has provided expert, compassionate care to thousands of patients. Our partnership with Encompass Health will continue that legacy with the opening of these two outstanding hospitals and through the excellent care teams at both locations," said Jim VanderSteeg, Covenant Health president and CEO.

"We are excited about our partnership with Covenant Health at both Knoxville locations, as the vision for these hospitals and this joint venture have been years in the making," said Abe Sims, President of Encompass Health's MidAtlantic Region. "The benefits of the care provided by staff will extend well beyond the walls of the hospital and make a difference in the lives of many individuals in the local community and surrounding area."

The hospitals continue to carry the name of Patricia Neal, an Oscar-winning actor and Knoxville native who survived three devastating strokes.

Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Hospital West is Encompass Health's 154th inpatient rehabilitation hospital nationwide and its 10th location in Tennessee. For more information about the hospital's services, please visit encompasshealth.com/knoxvillerehab.

About Covenant Health

Covenant Health is an award-winning Tennessee healthcare delivery system serving 23 counties and committed to providing excellent care for our 2 million+ patient encounters each year. We fulfill our mission to improve the quality of life in our region through comprehensive services at nearly 150 locations, including 10 hospitals; outpatient clinics; specialized behavioral, oncology and rehabilitation facilities; home care; physician practices, and community programs. With more than 10,000 employees, physicians and volunteers, Covenant Health is the area's largest employer and has been recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer seven times. Learn more at CovenantHealth.com.

About Encompass Health

Encompass Health (NYSE: EHC) is the largest owner and operator of rehabilitation hospitals in the United States. With a national footprint that includes 154 hospitals in 36 states and Puerto Rico, the Company provides high-quality, compassionate rehabilitative care for patients recovering from a major injury or illness, using advanced technology and innovative treatments to maximize recovery. Encompass Health is ranked as one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For and Modern Healthcare's Best Places to Work in Healthcare. For more information, visit encompasshealth.com, or follow us on our newsroom, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

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SOURCE Encompass Health Corp.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., March 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- PNM Resources (NYSE: PNM) and Avangrid, Inc. have filed a joint motion, together with the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC), in the Joint Applicants' appeal pending at the New Mexico Supreme Court (Court) to dismiss the appeal and remand the case back to the NMPRC for rehearing and reconsideration.

Under the filed motion, the NMPRC will conduct the rehearing and reconsideration in accordance with its rules of procedure and endeavor to reach a decision and issue a final order in a timely manner. The NMPRC acknowledges that the Joint Applicants are seeking a resolution by no later than April 12, 2023. PNM Resources and Avangrid, Inc. previously entered into an amendment of their merger agreement extending the end date to April 20, 2023. The agreement can be extended 90 days by agreement from both companies.

The motion is subject to the Court's determination through an order and mandate. The motion and additional materials pertaining to the Court appeal, along with the NMPRC application for approval of the merger and amended stipulation, are available at https://www.pnmresources.com/investors/rates-and-filings.aspx.

Background:PNM Resources (NYSE: PNM) is an energy holding company based in Albuquerque, N.M., with 2022 consolidated operating revenues of $2.2 billion. Through its regulated utilities, PNM and TNMP, PNM Resources provides electricity to more than 800,000 homes and businesses in New Mexico and Texas. PNM serves its customers with a diverse mix of generation and purchased power resources totaling 2.7 gigawatts of capacity, with a goal to achieve 100% emissions-free energy by 2040. For more information, visit the company's website at www.PNMResources.com.

Contacts: Analysts Media Lisa Goodman Ray Sandoval (505) 241-2160 (505) 241-2782

Forward-Looking StatementsStatements made in this Current Report on Form 8-K for PNMR that relate to future events or expectations, projections, estimates, intentions, goals, targets, and strategies are made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally include statements regarding the potential transaction between PNMR and Avangrid, including any statements regarding the expected outcome of the Appeal, the timetable for completing the potential Merger, the ability to complete the potential Merger, the expected benefits of the potential Merger, and any other statements regarding PNMR's and Avangrid's future expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows, or future events or performance. Readers are cautioned that all forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and estimates. Neither Avangrid nor PNMR assumes any obligation to update this information. Because actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, Avangrid and PNMR caution readers not to place undue reliance on these statements. Avangrid's and PNMR's business, financial condition, cash flow, and operating results are influenced by many factors, which are often beyond its control, that can cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of risk factors and other important factors affecting forward-looking statements, please see PNMR's Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filings and the information filed on PNMR's Forms 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), which factors are specifically incorporated by reference herein and the risks and uncertainties related to the proposed Merger with Avangrid, including, but not limited to: (i) the expected timing and likelihood of completion of the pending Merger, including the timing, receipt and terms and conditions of required governmental and regulatory approvals of the pending Merger that could reduce anticipated benefits or cause the parties to abandon the transaction, (ii) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement, (iii) the risk that the parties may not be able to satisfy the conditions to the proposed Merger in a timely manner or at all, and (iv) the risk that the proposed transaction could have an adverse effect on the ability of PNMR to retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with its customers and suppliers, and on its operating results and businesses generally. Other unpredictable or unknown factors not discussed in this communication could also have material adverse effects on forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date hereof.

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SOURCE PNM Resources, Inc.
LAS VEGAS, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Realty ONE Group, a modern, purpose-driven lifestyle brand and ONE of real estate's most popular franchisors, once again has been named to Entrepreneur Magazine's prestigious Fastest-Growing Franchises list.

The Las Vegas-based international completed over 100,000 real estate transactions last year at more than $40 billion worth of homes sold in the midst of a fledgling economy. The company also sold 74 new franchises as Realty ONE Group continues to double down on education offered through its proprietary ONE University (ONE.U).

"We only see promise ahead as we continue to find the right partners to open new doors and as our raving fans, our real estate professionals everywhere, tell others about their success," said Kuba Jewgieniew, CEO and Founder of Realty ONE Group.

Realty ONE Group ranked above traditional and modern real estate franchisors and among other popular franchises that Entrepreneur says "are leveraging their ability to scale fast across the U.S. and Canada." Realty ONE Group also claimed the No. 1 spot for real estate franchisors for the second year in a row on Entrepreneur's highly competitive 2023 Franchise 500 list.

The UNBrokerage as it's known in the industry has more than 18,000 real estate professionals in more than 400 offices in 49 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and now the countries of Bolivia, Canada, the Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Ecuador, Italy, Portugal, the Philippines, Singapore and Spain.

Learn more at www.OwnAOne.com.

About Realty ONE GroupFounded in 2005, Realty ONE Group is an industry disruptor, radically changing the face of real estate franchising with its unique business model, fun coolture, technology infrastructure and superior support for its real estate professionals. The company has rapidly evolved to include more than 18,000 real estate professionals in over 400+ offices across 49 U.S. states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Bolivia, Canada, The Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Ecuador, Italy, Portugal, the Philippines, Spain and Singapore. Realty ONE Group ranks in the top one percent in the nation by REAL Trends and has been recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as the number ONE real estate brand. Realty ONE Group is surging ahead, opening doors, not only for its clients but for real estate professionals and franchise owners. To learn more, visit www.RealtyONEGroup.com.

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SOURCE Realty ONE Group
Insurance coverage and financial hardship are top barriers to psychiatric care for BIPOC communities

Psychiatric and addiction care innovator now offers in-network coverage for Cigna members in New York, New Jersey, and Florida on path to reaching 10,000 BIPOC patients

NEW YORK, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ReKlame Health, a provider of culturally competent, affordable and empathetic behavioral healthcare for BIPOC communities, today announced that it has joined Cigna as an in-network mental healthcare provider in New York, New Jersey, and Florida. ReKlame is now in-network with all of the nation's leading insurance plans, including Optum, United Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Oxford and Oscar. The Black-founded and Black-led company brings high-quality telepsychiatry and addiction medication management to historically undertreated BIPOC communities.

As the country grapples with a mental health crisis, people of color are experiencing mental health and addiction issues more acutely. Factors such as cultural stigma, medical discrimination, wealth gaps, and a scarcity of mental health providers that are Black, Latinx, or Indigenous all contribute to the crisis. Those who do seek care face an additional roadblock where only 59% of psychiatrists accept insurance in comparison to the 80% national average of primary care physicians.

ReKlame Health, a New York State-certified Minority-Owned Business Enterprise, provides high-quality and accessible addiction management and behavioral healthcare to those who have been underserved by the nation's healthcare system. ReKlame creates customized plans that integrate multiple modalities to treat patients holistically. ReKlame's team of providers is trained in cultural competency for behavioral health so their patients can feel safe, seen, and heard. Because cost is a major barrier to care for Black Americans, ReKlame Health provides cash pay visits at half the national average and also offers a sliding scale based on need + income in addition to accepting most major health insurance plans.

ReKlame has experienced major growth over the past year, highlighted by its expansion to serve patients in New Jersey and Florida. ReKlame Health will continue to expand its care by accepting Medicaid by the end of the year.

"ReKlame Health is a mission-driven company that is advancing behavioral health equity by lowering barriers to access care for an underserved population," said Evans Rochaste NP, founder and CEO of ReKlame Health. "By joining Cigna's network, we're now able to reach thousands more BIPOC patients who are in dire need of mental health and addiction care services."

ReKlame is actively hiring clinicians in New York, New Jersey and Florida. Clinicians interested in working at ReKlame can visit www.reklamehealth.com/careers/

About ReKlame Health

ReKlame Health provides culturally competent, affordable and empathetic behavioral healthcare and addiction management for BIPOC communities. A psychiatric-led and tech-enabled practice, ReKlame treats a range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, addiction, ADHD, trauma and mood disorders. ReKlame provides in-network access from the nation's largest commercial insurers, including Optum, United Healthcare, Oxford, Oscar, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna, and offers competitive pricing for cash-pay visits.

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SOURCE ReKlame Health
CYPRESS, Calif., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 6, 2023, Staubli Group, a global leader in industrial and mechatronic solutions, opened the doors of its brand-new office in Cypress, California. During this milestone, Gerald Vogt, CEO of the Staubli Group, and members of the Executive Committee, were present. With this additional location, Staubli aims to accelerate growth in North America and provide further local presence to customers.

The 5,500 square foot Cypress office represents three Divisions of the company: Electrical Connectors, Fluid Connectors and Robotics. This new location in Southern California allows Staubli to increase its focus on North American markets such as renewable energy and e-mobility for the Electrical Connectors Division, Tool Changers and plastics for the Fluid Connectors Division along with food and pharma for the Robotics Division. Services and support for all other markets related to Electrical and Fluid Connectors and Robotics are also provided by the local divisional teams. The Cypress office is part of the Staubli Corporation in Duncan, South Carolina. Jean-Francois Masbou, Managing Director Staubli North America, says confidently, "We see great value in this new facility in Cypress to expand the reach of our North American base, particularly in terms of training, spare parts availability as well as physical proximity to customers."

Staubli's presence in North AmericaIn 1953, Staubli entered the North American market, represented by H.J. Theiler Corporation in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Due to the success of the Staubli products, the Group decided in 1980 to create its own sales and services office Staubli Corporation in Duncan, South Carolina. Staubli Corporation remains the North American main base of the company, offering comprehensive support to customers of the Fluid Connectors, Robotics and Textile Divisions. Shortly after, in 1982, Staubli Electrical Connectors began operations in Windsor, California, in manufacturing and selling electrical connectors. To provide further support to customers in all industrial sectors with a special focus on the automotive industry, Staubli opened a training facility and service center in Novi, Michigan, in 2018. Today, the dynamic Staubli sales force is strategically placed in Michigan, South Carolina, the West Coast, Canada and Mexico.

Customer proximity and quality of service"Staubli establishes offices all over the world in order to pursue the values that have always driven us: customer proximity and quality of service. With the location in Cypress, we want to maintain our partnerships with existing customers here in this area, but also attract potential customers with our innovative solutions and local support," says Gerald Vogt, CEO of the Staubli Group. Various services such as local customer meetings, robotics training, renewable energy and e-mobility service support and more are provided to customers in Southern California out of the new facility. Ian Pratt, Managing Director Windsor, adds: "The closeness to trade show centers is another important factor that makes Cypress an ideal location for Staubli. With the new office we can easily schedule extended meetings with a prospect from a trade show and hold additional events." Furthermore, the new office is centrally located only 12 minutes away from Long Beach Airport (LGB), 15 minutes away from John Wayne Airport (SNA) and 31 minutes away from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), one of America's primary international airports.

About Staubli North AmericaStaubli North America supports Electrical Connectors, Fluid Connectors, Robotics and Textile customers. The company's North American main base is in Duncan, South Carolina. Staubli provides customer support through its locations in Duncan, SC, Windsor, CA, Novi, MI, Cypress, CA, and Queretaro, Mexico. In addition to 24/7 customer support, each of these facilities offers training and has dedicated on-site technical experts who can be deployed whenever needed. Staubli's North American sales force is located strategically on the West and East coasts, and also serves Canada and Puerto Rico. About Staubli in North America (staubli.com)

About Staubli GroupStaubli is a global industrial and mechatronic solution provider with four dedicated Divisions: Electrical Connectors, Fluid Connectors, Robotics and Textile, serving customers who aim to increase their productivity in many industrial sectors. We are an international Group that currently operates in 29 countries, with agents in 50 countries on four continents. Our global workforce of 5,700 shares a commitment to partnering with customers in nearly every industry to provide comprehensive solutions with long-term support. Originally founded in 1892 as a small workshop in Horgen/Zurich, Switzerland, today Staubli is an international Group headquartered in Pfaffikon, Switzerland. About Staubli Group (staubli.com)

Address Media contact Staubli Cypress Ian Pratt 11105 Knott Ave, Suite D Managing Director Windsor Cypress, CA 90630 Mobile: +1 707 843 9038 United States mailto: [email protected]

Photos: https://sharing.oodrive.com/share-access/sharings/-qql4qsP.755k5P5a#/filer/share-access

File name Caption Staubli_Group_CEO_Gerald_Vogt Gerald Vogt, CEO of the Staubli Group Staubli_Managing_Director_Duncan_Francois_Masbou Jean-Francois Masbou, Managing Director of Staubli Corporation in Duncan, South Carolina Staubli_Managing_Director_Windsor_Ian_Pratt Ian Pratt, Managing Director in Windsor, California Staubli_Cypress_Ribbon_Cutting_1 Staubli_Cypress_Ribbon_Cutting_2 Staubli is celebrating its grand opening of the new office in Cypress, California. Staubli_Cypress_Pratt_Masbou Ian Pratt, Managing Director Windsor (left), and Francois Masbou, Managing Director Duncan (right) received certificates of recognition. Staubli_Cypress_Office_Building With this additional location, Staubli aims to offer further local presence to customers. Staubli_Cypress_Display_Area The Cypress facility is equipped to provide further service and support, particularly in terms of training and spare parts availability. Staubli_Cypress_Conference_Room A variety of services such as local customer meetings, robotics training and many more are offered by Staubli's local Division teams.

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SOURCE Staubli
LAS VEGAS, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Franchise Association (IFA) named Steve Leibsohn, a multi-unit Wetzel's Pretzels (Wetzel's) owner, as a 2022 Franchisee of the Year. Leibsohn, who operates over 35 bakeries across Arizona, was honored at the 63rd IFA Annual Convention in Las Vegas.

Leibsohn has been a dedicated Wetzel's Pretzels franchisee and brand ambassador for over 25 years, growing his pretzel footprint throughout the Grand Canyon State one deliciously sweet and salty bakery at a time. Since 1998, Leibsohn has been serving up handheld happiness to Arizonans across a plethora of Wetzel's flexible formats, including malls, Walmarts, stadiums and food trucks. Leibsohn started his Wetzel's story with his first bakery in Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall and was immediately successful from day one. Recognizing the incredible demand, simple operations and snack industry leading AUVs, he quickly expanded across the desert. Now, with over 35 locations and counting, Leibsohn and Wetzel's are synonymous with shopping trips and are a staple during events at Chase Field and The Talking Stick Resort Arena.

"Steve has always been an incredible team player, with an entrepreneurial spirit that channels the ambitious nature of the Wetzel's Pretzels brand," said Jennifer Schuler, CEO of Wetzel's Pretzels. "As a valued partner for decades, his consistent growth across a diverse range of store formats speaks volumes of his commitment to the brand. We're proud of his many accomplishments and the impact he's made in both his local community and the greater franchise network."

Leibsohn has always generously invested his time and resources to support worthy causes and aspiring entrepreneurs. As a committed philanthropist, community involvement comes second nature to Steve, who spearheaded a partnership with No Kid Hungry. Thanks to his dedication to this charity alone, Wetzel's Pretzels was able to donate more than $100,000 to fight childhood hunger. Steve also mentors new franchisees, helping to build the next generation of leaders.

"Joining the Wetzel's family over 25 years ago was the best decision I ever made," said Leibsohn. "When you find a franchisor you trust, a brand you believe in and a product that guests can't get enough of, 'work,' feels a lot more like fun. I'm humbled to be acknowledged by the IFA and look forward to continued growth in the restaurant industry."

The Franchisee of the Year Award recognizes leading franchise owners whose outstanding performance and contributions help protect, enhance and promote the franchise business model. Recipients are selected for their service to their communities, fostering a strong and vibrant workforce, opening the doors for career growth and entrepreneurship, and supporting their fellow franchisees.

"This is the highest honor we bestow on individual owners, with its recipients representing the very best in franchising," said Matthew Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association. "We're proud to celebrate local business owners like Steve Leibsohn who exemplify the power of franchising and its positive contributions to communities around the world."

For additional information about the Wetzel's franchise opportunity, visit .

About Wetzel's Pretzels

Providing a fun, fresh take on soft pretzels, Wetzel's Pretzels was founded in 1994 by Bill Phelps and Rick Wetzel in Pasadena, California. Drawing fans to its mouthwatering, portable snacks that are hand-rolled, baked fresh and served hot from the oven, word quickly spread about the delicious West Coast brand. Today, Wetzel's Pretzels has grown to more than 370 bakeries, including premier locations like Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort and Universal CityWalk, continuing to cultivate fanatics around the world with its SoCal vibes and "gram-worthy" snacks. Its cult-like following includes famous fans like Ben Affleck, Billie Eilish, Jimmy Kimmel, Kim Kardashian and Meghan Trainor. As the nation's leading pretzel chain, the franchise was recently being named to Franchise Business Review's 2023 Top Food Franchises list and included on Entrepreneur's Top 50 Franchise Companies Doing the Most to Champion Diversity list for its Access to Equity Program, which makes franchise ownership more accessible for women and ethic minorities. Jennifer Schuler, the brand's first female CEO, was also recognized by Nation's Restaurant News as one of the "Most Influential CEOs in the Restaurant Industry" and Kim Freer was named to Entrepreneur's Top 50 Franchise CMO Gamechangers list.

About the International Franchise Association

Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world's oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the approximately 790,492 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.4 million direct jobs, $825.4 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and almost 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development.

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SOURCE Wetzels Pretzels
Coastal Recreation Hill Day grassroots attendees will meet with the Biden administration and more than 120 congressional offices to drive action to protect the nation's coasts

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., March 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 9-10, the Surfrider Foundation and leaders of the coastal recreation and tourism industry will present custom surfboards with hundreds of signatures from coastal enthusiasts to congressional officials and the Biden administration during Coastal Recreation Hill Day to urge federal protection of the ocean and coasts for all people. Representing the largest grassroots network of coastal recreation users in the nation, attendees will meet with more than 120 congressional leaders to advance comprehensive policies to prevent plastic pollution, protect clean water and drive climate action.

"Protecting and enjoying the world's ocean, waves and beaches are paramount to Surfrider's mission," said the Surfrider Foundation's Senior Environmental Director, Zach Plopper. "To reflect this commitment, Surfrider will be presenting surfboards, signed by hundreds of volunteers and coastal enthusiasts from around the country, to our members of Congress and federal agencies during this year's Coastal Recreation Hill Day. The surfboards represent the people who are dedicated to defending clean water on our beaches, reducing plastic pollution in our ocean, protecting marine habitats and ensuring our coasts are resilient to a changing climate."

The Surfrider Foundation's Coastal Recreation Hill Day efforts will consist of 155 attendees with 37 regional delegations that represent 23 coastal states and territories across the nation. It will also incorporate support from eight industry organizations and notable attendees, including Cathey Curtis, General Manager of ROXY; Vipe Desai, Executive Director of Surf Industry Members Association (SIMA); and Patagonia surfing ambassador Otto Flores. The coalition will meet directly with leaders from the White House, Department of Interior, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

"Healthy coasts are critical for the surf and outdoor recreation industry, which employs thousands of people across the U.S.," said Executive Director of Surf Industry Members Association, Vipe Desai. "Surfrider's Coastal Recreation Hill Day provides a valuable avenue to engage directly with our elected officials in Congress and the Biden administration to make the case for advancing stronger protections of these ecosystems and recreational opportunities."

During Surfrider's Coastal Recreation Hill Day, attendees will urge federal support for:

Legislation that bans easily littered single-use plastics and establishes protections for frontline communities near plastic production facilities

EPA funding appropriations of $15 million for BEACH Act Grants Program to test beach water quality and the full authorized level of $3 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to stop sewage pollution at the source

Nature-based and ocean climate solutions legislation that advances proactive adaptation, prohibits new offshore drilling, enhances coastal resilience and funds essential NOAA programs

For more information on Surfrider's Coastal Recreation Hill Day or to find a nearby chapter and get involved, visit Surfrider.org.

About the Surfrider Foundation

The Surfrider Foundation is a nonprofit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world's ocean, waves and beaches for all people through a powerful activist network. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over one million supporters, activists and members, with more than 200 volunteer-led chapters and student clubs in the U.S., and more than 800 victories protecting our coasts. Learn more at surfrider.org.

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SOURCE Surfrider Foundation
Strategic move strengthens Beachy Beach, one of the region's most respected independent brokerages, and increases The Premier Property Group's presence in key Bay County markets

MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Premier Property Group, Northwest Florida's largest independent residential real estate brokerage and an affiliate of Luxury Portfolio International, today announced that it has acquired a significant interest in Bay County, Fla.-based Beachy Beach Real Estate, one of the region's most recognized, locally owned independent real estate brokerages. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The deal marks the Walton County-headquartered company's extensive expansion into neighboring Bay County -- which is anchored by Panama City Beach and home to Tyndall Air Force Base -- and furthers its long-term growth trajectory in the State of Florida and across the Southeastern United States.

Founded in 2008 by Keith Flippo and Bob Parks, The Premier Property Group  composed of more than 100 agents and staff -- has been a leader in luxury sales throughout the region since the company's inception, consistently ranked among the top Brokerages in the Florida Panhandle. The company has been a go-to for buyers and sellers along the Emerald Coast, including South Walton, 30A, Destin, Niceville, and Panama City Beach.

Beachy Beach Real Estate, established in 2010 by Broker/Owner Karen Smith and headquartered in Panama City Beach, will continue to operate under its current name and branding -- but now benefits from the combined strength of The Premier Property Group, catapulting the company to No. 1 in the rankings of Bay County's independent brokerages.

"Today's acquisition marks the union of two legacy brands -- each with deep local roots -- and underscores our shared commitment to strategically expanding our influence throughout the region," said Flippo. "We have long admired Karen (Smith) and her team at Beachy Beach Real Estate. Both companies share the same values and are equally focused on the future. Together, we will be stronger in our local markets, equipped to serve our new and existing clients with an even greater commitment to excellence."

"We are proud to be partnered with The Premier Property Group," said Smith. "Joining forces provides our company with a unique opportunity for growth and gives us more access to market-leading tools, strategies, and the sharing of best practices. In the current real estate marketplace, this is a logical next step for our brokerage. It allows us to unite with an industry leader and be backed by its tremendous depth and resources, as well as its extensive knowledge of the market."

Smith, with more than 20 years of industry experience, is regarded for her leadership, expertise, and wide-reaching community involvement. She will continue to lead Beachy Beach Real Estate and, together with her existing executive team, will oversee day-to-day operations. Beachy Beach Real Estate has earned a reputation as one of the area's most distinguished full-service brokerages, offering a broad spectrum of residential and commercial real estate services throughout Panama City Beach, Panama City, 30A, Lynn Haven, and surrounding communities. The company, which has over 100 local real estate agents and staff, generated more than $400 million in sales last year.

"This acquisition solidifies our position as the region's leading independent real estate brokerage firm and is a testament to our belief in the future strength of the Bay County market," said Garrett McNeil, Partner and Chief Executive Officer of The Premier Property Group. "In a time when few acquisitions are occurring, we have singled-out and capitalized on an important opportunity to expand our presence in Panama City and Panama City Beach, increasing our market share and successfully setting up our companies for the next several decades of growth."

"This is a key transaction for The Premier Property Group as it aligns with our strategy of identifying fellow market leaders who share in our vision and bring the right culture and exceptional reputation to our enterprise," concluded Jason White, Partner and Chief Operating Officer of The Premier Property Group. "We are nothing short of thrilled to partner with Karen and her team and welcome them into the family, and we look forward to the exciting momentum that's ahead."

About The Premier Property Group

The Premier Property Group is the largest locally owned, independent real estate firm in Northwest Florida. A consistent leader of sales in the region, the agency has been ranked in the top 10% of luxury sales by the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors since its first year of operation. The Premier Property Group spans the breadth of the real estate industry, offering experienced and knowledgeable agents in residential, commercial, and new developments across Okaloosa, Walton and Bay counties. The Premier Property Group is additionally an esteemed member of both Luxury Portfolio International and Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, the global leader in real estate sales. Visit premierfl.com.

About Beachy Beach Real Estate

Headquartered in Panama City Beach, Beachy Beach Real Estate has more than 100 real estate agents and staff operating throughout the Bay County area, including the communities of 30A, Destin, Panama City and beyond. Led by Broker/Owner Karen Smith, the full-service company is revered for its marketplace excellence and commitment to community. Visit beachybeach.com.

CONTACT: Caroline UnderwoodKreps PR & Marketing[email protected]305-588-7108

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SOURCE The Premier Property Group
BOSTON, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Zingeroo Inc., the all-in-one trading app for investors, by investors  along with its subsidiary broker dealer Z-Squared Securities LLC  are excited to announce the appointment of Peter Dolezal, J.D. to the position of General Counsel.

Zingeroo is the first "competitive" stock, option and crypto trading platform in the US. They have reimagined the otherwise hard and lonely process of investing into a series of friendly competitions  for chances to win prizes.

"I am excited to bring my 25 years of legal and regulatory experience to the company," Mr. Dolezal stated. "Zingeroo has done an excellent job of prioritizing compliance and I'm excited to help Zingeroo further innovate its unique fintech platform. It's an exciting challenge and opportunity to be part of a team reinventing the trading experience within the confines of the current regulatory landscape."

Mr. Dolezal brings nearly three decades of fintech industry experience to the Zingeroo competitive trading platform that takes a social approach to online investing. Prior to joining Zingeroo, Mr. Dolezal spent over four years serving as General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer of ShareNett Holdings, LLC, a members-only investment platform for high-net-worth individuals and investment professionals.

Mr. Dolezal also served as Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of ShareNett Securities LLC, a broker dealer wholly owned by ShareNett Holdings, LLC, as well as President of ShareNett Investment Advisors, LLC, an exempt reporting investment adviser also wholly owned by ShareNett Holdings, LLC.

Zingeroo Founder & Chief Executive Officer Zoe Barry previously collaborated with Mr. Dolezal at a prior broker-dealer, and has long admired him for his professionalism and industry expertise. "It's always a milestone as a startup founder when you're able to hire a former co-worker," she said. "I'm excited for the talent and expertise Peter brings to the firm."

She added that she has no doubt that Mr. Dolezal will be instrumental in achieving Zingeroo's full potential during its next phase of growth.

About Zingeroo

Founded by serial entrepreneur Zoe Barry, Zingeroo is a commission-free trading app that transforms investing into a series of fun, educational competitions between friends. Launched in 3Q21, Zingeroo has attracted legions of users, many of whom have come from other solo trading platforms along with many others who are investing for the first time ever. For more information, visit: https://www.zingeroo.com

For media inquiries, contact:

[email protected]

310.895.1900

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SOURCE Zingeroo
ALLIANT INSURANCE SERVICES INC

ATTN: Brian Rozynski

32 OLD SLIP

NEW YORK, NY 10005

INSURED: BLACKROCK MULTI-ASSET COMPLEX BOARD PRODUCT: DFIBond POLICY NO: 82507391 TRANSACTION: RENL_RW

PREMIUM BILL Insured: BLACKROCK MULTI-ASSET COMPLEX BOARD Date: February 23, 2023 Producer: ALLIANT INSURANCE SERVICES INC Company: FEDERAL INSURANCE COMPANY

THIS BILLING IS TO BE ATTACHED TO AND FORM PART OF THE BOND REFERENCED BELOW.

NOTE: PLEASE RETURN THIS BILL WITH REMITTANCE AND NOTE HEREON ANY CHANGES. BILL WILL BE RECEIPTED AND RETURNED TO YOU PROMPTLY UPON REQUEST.

PLEASE REMIT TO PRODUCER INDICATED ABOVE. PLEASE REFER TO:

EFFECTIVE DATE BOND NUMBER COVERAGE PREMIUM November 1, 2022 82507391 ICAP Bond $ 54,725 To November 1, 2023 Renewal 0.00% Commission TOTAL $ 54,725

Chubb Group of Insurance Companies DECLARATIONS 202B Halls Mill Road FINANCIAL INSTITUTION INVESTMENT Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889 COMPANY ASSET PROTECTION BOND NAME OF ASSURED (including its Subsidiaries): Bond Number: 82507391 BLACKROCK MULTI-ASSET COMPLEX BOARD 50 HUDSON YARDS, 415 10TH AVENUE, 10TH FLOOR FEDERAL INSURANCE COMPANY NEW YORK, NY 10001 Incorporated under the laws of Indiana a stock insurance company herein called the COMPANY Capital Center, 251 North Illinois, Suite 1100 Indianapolis, IN 46204-1927

ITEM 1. BOND PERIOD: from 12:01 a.m. on to 12:01 a.m. on November 1, 2022 November 1, 2023 ITEM 2. LIMITS OF LIABILITYDEDUCTIBLE AMOUNTS: If Not Covered is inserted below opposite any specified INSURING CLAUSE, such INSURING CLAUSE and any other reference shall be deemed to be deleted. There shall be no deductible applicable to any loss under INSURING CLAUSE 1. sustained by any Investment Company.

INSURING CLAUSE SINGLE LOSS

LIMIT OF LIABILITY DEDUCTIBLE

AMOUNT 1. Employee $ 25,000,000 $ 0 2. On Premises $ 25,000,000 $ 25,000 3. In Transit $ 25,000,000 $ 25,000 4. Forgery or Alteration $ 25,000,000 $ 25,000 5. Extended Forgery $ 25,000,000 $ 25,000 6. Counterfeit Money $ 25,000,000 $ 25,000 7. Threats to Person $ Not Covered $ Not Covered 8. Computer System $ 25,000,000 $ 25,000 9. Voice Initiated Funds Transfer Instruction $ 25,000,000 $ 25,000 10. Uncollectible Items of Deposit $ 25,000,000 $ 25,000 11. Audit Expense $ 100,000 $ 5,000

ITEM 3. THE LIABILITY OF THE COMPANY IS ALSO SUBJECT TO THE TERMS OF THE FOLLOWING ENDORSEMENTS EXECUTED SIMULTANEOUSLY HEREWITH: 1 - 14

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, THE COMPANY has caused this Bond to be signed by its authorized officers, but it shall not be valid unless also signed by an authorized representative of the Company.

Secretary President February 23, 2023 Date Authorized Representative

ICAP Bond (5-98) - Federal Form 17-02-1421 (Ed. 5-98) Page 1 of 1

The COMPANY, in consideration of payment of the required premium, and in reliance on the APPLICATION and all other statements made and information furnished to the COMPANY by the ASSURED, and subject to the DECLARATIONS made a part of this Bond and to all other terms and conditions of this Bond, agrees to pay the ASSURED for: Insuring Clauses Employee 1. Loss resulting directly from Larceny or Embezzlement committed by any Employee, alone or in collusion with others. On Premises 2. Loss of Property resulting directly from robbery, burglary, false pretenses, common law or statutory larceny, misplacement, mysterious unexplainable disappearance, damage, destruction or removal, from the possession, custody or control of the ASSURED, while such Property is lodged or deposited at premises located anywhere. In Transit 3. Loss of Property resulting directly from common law or statutory larceny, misplacement, mysterious unexplainable disappearance, damage or destruction, while the Property is in transit anywhere: a. in an armored motor vehicle, including loading and unloading thereof, b. in the custody of a natural person acting as a messenger of the ASSURED, or c. in the custody of a Transportation Company and being transported in a conveyance other than an armored motor vehicle provided, however, that covered Property transported in such manner is limited to the following: (1) written records, (2) securities issued in registered form, which are not endorsed or are restrictively endorsed, or (3) negotiable instruments not payable to bearer, which are not endorsed or are restrictively endorsed. Coverage under this INSURING CLAUSE begins immediately on the receipt of such Property by the natural person or Transportation Company and ends immediately on delivery to the premises of the addressee or to any representative of the addressee located anywhere.

ICAP Bond (5-98) Form 17-02-1421 (Ed. 5-98) Page 1 of 19

Insuring Clauses (continued) Forgery Or Alteration 4. Loss resulting directly from: a. Forgery on, or fraudulent material alteration of, any bills of exchange, checks, drafts, acceptances, certificates of deposits, promissory notes, due bills, money orders, orders upon public treasuries, letters of credit, other written promises, orders or directions to pay sums certain in money, or receipts for the withdrawal of Property, or b. transferring, paying or delivering any funds or other Property, or establishing any credit or giving any value in reliance on any written instructions, advices or applications directed to the ASSURED authorizing or acknowledging the transfer, payment, delivery or receipt of funds or other Property, which instructions, advices or applications fraudulently purport to bear the handwritten signature of any customer of the ASSURED, or shareholder or subscriber to shares of an Investment Company, or of any financial institution or Employee but which instructions, advices or applications either bear a Forgery or have been fraudulently materially altered without the knowledge and consent of such customer, shareholder, subscriber, financial institution or Employee; excluding, however, under this INSURING CLAUSE any loss covered under INSURING CLAUSE 5. of this Bond, whether or not coverage for INSURING CLAUSE 5. is provided for in the DECLARATIONS of this Bond. For the purpose of this INSURING CLAUSE, a mechanically reproduced facsimile signature is treated the same as a handwritten signature. ExtendedForgery 5. Loss resulting directly from the ASSURED having, in good faith, and in the ordinary course of business, for its own account or the account of others in any capacity: a. acquired, accepted or received, sold or delivered, or given value, extended credit or assumed liability, in reliance on any original Securities, documents or other written instruments which prove to: (1) bear a Forgery or a fraudulently material alteration, (2) have been lost or stolen, or (3) be Counterfeit, or b. guaranteed in writing or witnessed any signatures on any transfer, assignment, bill of sale, power of attorney, guarantee, endorsement or other obligation upon or in connection with any Securities, documents or other written instruments. Actual physical possession, and continued actual physical possession if taken as collateral, of such Securities, documents or other written instruments by an Employee, Custodian, or a Federal or State chartered deposit institution of the ASSURED is a condition precedent to the ASSURED having relied on such items. Release or return of such collateral is an acknowledgment by the ASSURED that it no longer relies on such collateral.

ICAP Bond (5-98) Form 17-02-1421 (Ed. 5-98) Page 2 of 19

Insuring Clauses Extended Forgery (continued) For the purpose of this INSURING CLAUSE, a mechanically reproduced facsimile signature is treated the same as a handwritten signature. Counterfeit Money 6. Loss resulting directly from the receipt by the ASSURED in good faith of any Counterfeit money. Threats To Person 7. Loss resulting directly from surrender of Property away from an office of the ASSURED as a result of a threat communicated to the ASSURED to do bodily harm to an Employee as defined in SECTION 1.e. (1), (2) and (5), a Relative or invitee of such Employee, or a resident of the household of such Employee, who is, or allegedly is, being held captive provided, however, that prior to the surrender of such Property: a. the Employee who receives the threat has made a reasonable effort to notify an officer of the ASSURED who is not involved in such threat, and b. the ASSURED has made a reasonable effort to notify the Federal Bureau of Investigation and local law enforcement authorities concerning such threat. It is agreed that for purposes of this INSURING CLAUSE, any Employee of the ASSURED, as set forth in the preceding paragraph, shall be deemed to be an ASSURED hereunder, but only with respect to the surrender of money, securities and other tangible personal property in which such Employee has a legal or equitable interest. Computer System 8. Loss resulting directly from fraudulent: a. entries of data into, or b. changes of data elements or programs within, a Computer System, provided the fraudulent entry or change causes: (1) funds or other property to be transferred, paid or delivered, (2) an account of the ASSURED or of its customer to be added, deleted, debited or credited, or (3) an unauthorized account or a fictitious account to be debited or credited.

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Insuring Clauses (continued) Voice Initiated Funds Transfer Instruction 9. Loss resulting directly from Voice Initiated Funds Transfer Instruction directed to the ASSURED authorizing the transfer of dividends or redemption proceeds of Investment Company shares from a Customers account, provided such Voice Initiated Funds Transfer Instruction was: a. received at the ASSUREDS offices by those Employees of the ASSURED specifically authorized to receive the Voice Initiated Funds Transfer Instruction, b. made by a person purporting to be a Customer, and c. made by said person for the purpose of causing the ASSURED or Customer to sustain a loss or making an improper personal financial gain for such person or any other person. In order for coverage to apply under this INSURING CLAUSE, all Voice Initiated Funds Transfer Instructions must be received and processed in accordance with the Designated Procedures outlined in the APPLICATION furnished to the COMPANY. Uncollectible Items of Deposit 10. Loss resulting directly from the ASSURED having credited an account of a customer, shareholder or subscriber on the faith of any Items of Deposit which prove to be uncollectible, provided that the crediting of such account causes: a. redemptions or withdrawals to be permitted, b. shares to be issued, or c. dividends to be paid, from an account of an Investment Company. In order for coverage to apply under this INSURING CLAUSE, the ASSURED must hold Items of Deposit for the minimum number of days stated in the APPLICATION before permitting any redemptions or withdrawals, issuing any shares or paying any dividends with respect to such Items of Deposit. Items of Deposit shall not be deemed uncollectible until the ASSUREDS standard collection procedures have failed. Audit Expense 11. Expense incurred by the ASSURED for that part of the cost of audits or examinations required by any governmental regulatory authority or self-regulatory organization to be conducted by such authority, organization or their appointee by reason of the discovery of loss sustained by the ASSURED and covered by this Bond.

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General Agreements Additional Companies Included As Assured A. If more than one corporation, or Investment Company, or any combination of them is included as the ASSURED herein: (1) The total liability of the COMPANY under this Bond for loss or losses sustained by any one or more or all of them shall not exceed the limit for which the COMPANY would be liable under this Bond if all such loss were sustained by any one of them. (2) Only the first named ASSURED shall be deemed to be the sole agent of the others for all purposes under this Bond, including but not limited to the giving or receiving of any notice or proof required to be given and for the purpose of effecting or accepting any amendments to or termination of this Bond. The COMPANY shall furnish each Investment Company with a copy of the Bond and with any amendment thereto, together with a copy of each formal filing of claim by any other named ASSURED and notification of the terms of the settlement of each such claim prior to the execution of such settlement. (3) The COMPANY shall not be responsible for the proper application of any payment made hereunder to the first named ASSURED. (4) Knowledge possessed or discovery made by any partner, director, trustee, officer or supervisory employee of any ASSURED shall constitute knowledge or discovery by all the ASSUREDS for the purposes of this Bond. (5) If the first named ASSURED ceases for any reason to be covered under this Bond, then the ASSURED next named on the APPLICATION shall thereafter be considered as the first named ASSURED for the purposes of this Bond. Representation Made By Assured B. The ASSURED represents that all information it has furnished in the APPLICATION for this Bond or otherwise is complete, true and correct. Such APPLICATION and other information constitute part of this Bond. The ASSURED must promptly notify the COMPANY of any change in any fact or circumstance which materially affects the risk assumed by the COMPANY under this Bond. Any intentional misrepresentation, omission, concealment or incorrect statement of a material fact, in the APPLICATION or otherwise, shall be grounds for recision of this Bond.

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General Agreements (continued) Additional Offices Or Employees - Consolidation, Merger Or Purchase Or Acquisition Of Assets Or Liabilities - Notice To Company C. If the ASSURED, other than an Investment Company, while this Bond is in force, merges or consolidates with, or purchases or acquires assets or liabilities of another institution, the ASSURED shall not have the coverage afforded under this Bond for loss which has: (1) occurred or will occur on premises, or (2) been caused or will be caused by an employee, or (3) arisen or will arise out of the assets or liabilities, of such institution, unless the ASSURED: a. gives the COMPANY written notice of the proposed consolidation, merger or purchase or acquisition of assets or liabilities prior to the proposed effective date of such action, and b. obtains the written consent of the COMPANY to extend some or all of the coverage provided by this Bond to such additional exposure, and c. on obtaining such consent, pays to the COMPANY an additional premium. Change Of Control - Notice To Company D. When the ASSURED learns of a change in control (other than in an Investment Company), as set forth in Section 2(a) (9) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, the ASSURED shall within sixty (60) days give written notice to the COMPANY setting forth: (1) the names of the transferors and transferees (or the names of the beneficial owners if the voting securities are registered in another name), (2) the total number of voting securities owned by the transferors and the transferees (or the beneficial owners), both immediately before and after the transfer, and (3) the total number of outstanding voting securities. Failure to give the required notice shall result in termination of coverage for any loss involving a transferee, to be effective on the date of such change in control. Court Costs And Attorneys Fees E. The COMPANY will indemnify the ASSURED for court costs and reasonable attorneys fees incurred and paid by the ASSURED in defense, whether or not successful, whether or not fully litigated on the merits and whether or not settled, of any claim, suit or legal proceeding with respect to which the ASSURED would be entitled to recovery under this Bond. However, with respect to INSURING CLAUSE 1., this Section shall only apply in the event that: (1) an Employee admits to being guilty of Larceny or Embezzlement, (2) an Employee is adjudicated to be guilty of Larceny or Embezzlement, or

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General Agreements Court Costs And Attorneys Fees (continued) (3) in the absence of 1 or 2 above, an arbitration panel agrees, after a review of an agreed statement of facts between the COMPANY and the ASSURED, that an Employee would be found guilty of Larceny or Embezzlement if such Employee were prosecuted. The ASSURED shall promptly give notice to the COMPANY of any such suit or legal proceeding and at the request of the COMPANY shall furnish copies of all pleadings and pertinent papers to the COMPANY. The COMPANY may, at its sole option, elect to conduct the defense of all or part of such legal proceeding. The defense by the COMPANY shall be in the name of the ASSURED through attorneys selected by the COMPANY. The ASSURED shall provide all reasonable information and assistance as required by the COMPANY for such defense. If the COMPANY declines to defend the ASSURED, no settlement without the prior written consent of the COMPANY nor judgment against the ASSURED shall determine the existence, extent or amount of coverage under this Bond. If the amount demanded in any such suit or legal proceeding is within the DEDUCTIBLE AMOUNT, if any, the COMPANY shall have no liability for court costs and attorneys fees incurred in defending all or part of such suit or legal proceeding. If the amount demanded in any such suit or legal proceeding is in excess of the LIMIT OF LIABILITY stated in ITEM 2. of the DECLARATIONS for the applicable INSURING CLAUSE, the COMPANYS liability for court costs and attorneys fees incurred in defending all or part of such suit or legal proceedings is limited to the proportion of such court costs and attorneys fees incurred that the LIMIT OF LIABILITY stated in ITEM 2. of the DECLARATIONS for the applicable INSURING CLAUSE bears to the total of the amount demanded in such suit or legal proceeding. If the amount demanded is any such suit or legal proceeding is in excess of the DEDUCTIBLE AMOUNT, if any, but within the LIMIT OF LIABILITY stated in ITEM 2. of the DECLARATIONS for the applicable INSURING CLAUSE, the COMPANYS liability for court costs and attorneys fees incurred in defending all or part of such suit or legal proceedings shall be limited to the proportion of such court costs or attorneys fees that the amount demanded that would be payable under this Bond after application of the DEDUCTIBLE AMOUNT, bears to the total amount demanded. Amounts paid by the COMPANY for court costs and attorneys fees shall be in addition to the LIMIT OF LIABILITY stated in ITEM 2. of the DECLARATIONS.

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Conditions and Limitations Definitions 1. As used in this Bond: a. Computer System means a computer and all input, output, processing, storage, off-line media libraries, and communication facilities which are connected to the computer and which are under the control and supervision of the operating system(s) or application(s) software used by the ASSURED. b. Counterfeit means an imitation of an actual valid original which is intended to deceive and be taken as the original. c. Custodian means the institution designated by an Investment Company to maintain possession and control of its assets. d. Customer means an individual, corporate, partnership, trust customer, shareholder or subscriber of an Investment Company which has a written agreement with the ASSURED for Voice Initiated Funds Transfer Instruction. e. Employee means: (1) an officer of the ASSURED, (2) a natural person while in the regular service of the ASSURED at any of the ASSUREDS premises and compensated directly by the ASSURED through its payroll system and subject to the United States Internal Revenue Service Form W-2 or equivalent income reporting plans of other countries, and whom the ASSURED has the right to control and direct both as to the result to be accomplished and details and means by which such result is accomplished in the performance of such service, (3) a guest student pursuing studies or performing duties in any of the ASSUREDS premises, (4) an attorney retained by the ASSURED and an employee of such attorney while either is performing legal services for the ASSURED, (5) a natural person provided by an employment contractor to perform employee duties for the ASSURED under the ASSUREDS supervision at any of the ASSUREDS premises, (6) an employee of an institution merged or consolidated with the ASSURED prior to the effective date of this Bond, (7) a director or trustee of the ASSURED, but only while performing acts within the scope of the customary and usual duties of any officer or other employee of the ASSURED or while acting as a member of any committee duly elected or appointed to examine or audit or have custody of or access to Property of the ASSURED, or

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Conditions and Limitations Definitions (continued) (8) each natural person, partnership or corporation authorized by written agreement with the ASSURED to perform services as electronic data processor of checks or other accounting records related to such checks but only while such person, partnership or corporation is actually performing such services and not: a. creating, preparing, modifying or maintaining the ASSUREDS computer software or programs, or b. acting as transfer agent or in any other agency capacity in issuing checks, drafts or securities for the ASSURED, (9) any partner, officer or employee of an investment advisor, an underwriter (distributor), a transfer agent or shareholder accounting recordkeeper, or an administrator, for an Investment Company while performing acts coming within the scope of the customary and usual duties of an officer or employee of an Investment Company or acting as a member of any committee duly elected or appointed to examine, audit or have custody of or access to Property of an Investment Company. The term Employee shall not include any partner, officer or employee of a transfer agent, shareholder accounting recordkeeper or administrator: a. which is not an affiliated person (as defined in Section 2(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940) of an Investment Company or of the investment advisor or underwriter (distributor) of such Investment Company, or b. which is a bank (as defined in Section 2(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940). This Bond does not afford coverage in favor of the employers of persons as set forth in e. (4), (5) and (8) above, and upon payment to the ASSURED by the COMPANY resulting directly from Larceny or Embezzlement committed by any of the partners, officers or employees of such employers, whether acting alone or in collusion with others, an assignment of such of the ASSUREDS rights and causes of action as it may have against such employers by reason of such acts so committed shall, to the extent of such payment, be given by the ASSURED to the COMPANY, and the ASSURED shall execute all papers necessary to secure to the COMPANY the rights provided for herein. Each employer of persons as set forth in e.(4), (5) and (8) above and the partners, officers and other employees of such employers shall collectively be deemed to be one person for all the purposes of this Bond; excepting, however, the fifth paragraph of Section 13. Independent contractors not specified in e.(4), (5) or (8) above, intermediaries, agents, brokers or other representatives of the same general character shall not be considered Employees.

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Conditions and Limitations Definitions (continued) f. Forgery means the signing of the name of another natural person with the intent to deceive but does not mean a signature which consists in whole or in part of ones own name, with or without authority, in any capacity for any purpose. g. Investment Company means any investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and listed under the NAME OF ASSURED on the DECLARATIONS. h. Items of Deposit means one or more checks or drafts drawn upon a financial institution in the United States of America. i. Larceny or Embezzlement means larceny or embezzlement as defined in Section 37 of the Investment Company Act of 1940. j. Property means money, revenue and other stamps; securities; including any note, stock, treasury stock, bond, debenture, evidence of indebtedness, certificate of deposit, certificate of interest or participation in any profit- sharing agreement, collateral trust certificate, preorganization certificate or subscription, transferable share, investment contract, voting trust certificate, certificate of deposit for a security, fractional undivided interest in oil, gas, or other mineral rights, any interest or instruments commonly known as a security under the Investment Company Act of 1940, any other certificate of interest or participation in, temporary or interim certificate for, receipt for, guarantee of, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase any of the foregoing; bills of exchange; acceptances; checks; withdrawal orders; money orders; travelers letters of credit; bills of lading; abstracts of title; insurance policies, deeds, mortgages on real estate and/or upon chattels and interests therein; assignments of such policies, deeds or mortgages; other valuable papers, including books of accounts and other records used by the ASSURED in the conduct of its business (but excluding all electronic data processing records); and, all other instruments similar to or in the nature of the foregoing in which the ASSURED acquired an interest at the time of the ASSUREDS consolidation or merger with, or purchase of the principal assets of, a predecessor or which are held by the ASSURED for any purpose or in any capacity and whether so held gratuitously or not and whether or not the ASSURED is liable therefor. k. Relative means the spouse of an Employee or partner of the ASSURED and any unmarried child supported wholly by, or living in the home of, such Employee or partner and being related to them by blood, marriage or legal guardianship. l. Securities, documents or other written instruments means original (including original counterparts) negotiable or non-negotiable instruments, or assignments thereof, which in and of themselves represent an equitable interest, ownership, or debt and which are in the ordinary course of business transferable by delivery of such instruments with any necessary endorsements or assignments.

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Conditions and Limitations Definitions (continued) m. Subsidiary means any organization that, at the inception date of this Bond, is named in the APPLICATION or is created during the BOND PERIOD and of which more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding securities or voting rights representing the present right to vote for election of directors is owned or controlled by the ASSURED either directly or through one or more of its subsidiaries. n. Transportation Company means any organization which provides its own or its leased vehicles for transportation or which provides freight forwarding or air express services. o. Voice Initiated Election means any election concerning dividend options available to Investment Company shareholders or subscribers which is requested by voice over the telephone. p. Voice Initiated Redemption means any redemption of shares issued by an Investment Company which is requested by voice over the telephone. q. Voice Initiated Funds Transfer Instruction means any Voice Initiated Redemption or Voice Initiated Election. For the purposes of these definitions, the singular includes the plural and the plural includes the singular, unless otherwise indicated. General Exclusions - Applicable to All Insuring Clauses 2. This bond does not directly or indirectly cover: a. loss not reported to the COMPANY in writing within sixty (60) days after termination of this Bond as an entirety; b. loss due to riot or civil commotion outside the United States of America and Canada, or any loss due to military, naval or usurped power, war or insurrection. This Section 2.b., however, shall not apply to loss which occurs in transit in the circumstances recited in INSURING CLAUSE 3., provided that when such transit was initiated there was no knowledge on the part of any person acting for the ASSURED of such riot, civil commotion, military, naval or usurped power, war or insurrection; c. loss resulting from the effects of nuclear fission or fusion or radioactivity; d. loss of potential income including, but not limited to, interest and dividends not realized by the ASSURED or by any customer of the ASSURED; e. damages of any type for which the ASSURED is legally liable, except compensatory damages, but not multiples thereof, arising from a loss covered under this Bond; f. costs, fees and expenses incurred by the ASSURED in establishing the existence of or amount of loss under this Bond, except to the extent covered under INSURING CLAUSE 11.; g. loss resulting from indirect or consequential loss of any nature;

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Conditions and Limitations General Exclusions - Applicable to All Insuring Clauses (continued) h. loss resulting from dishonest acts by any member of the Board of Directors or Board of Trustees of the ASSURED who is not an Employee, acting alone or in collusion with others; i. loss, or that part of any loss, resulting solely from any violation by the ASSURED or by any Employee: (1) of any law regulating: a. the issuance, purchase or sale of securities, b. securities transactions on security or commodity exchanges or the over the counter market, c. investment companies, d. investment advisors, or (2) of any rule or regulation made pursuant to any such law; or j. loss of confidential information, material or data; k. loss resulting from voice requests or instructions received over the telephone, provided however, this Section 2.k. shall not apply to INSURING CLAUSE 7. or 9. Specific Exclusions - Applicable To All Insuring Clauses Except Insuring Clause 1. 3. This Bond does not directly or indirectly cover: a. loss caused by an Employee, provided, however, this Section 3.a. shall not apply to loss covered under INSURING CLAUSE 2. or 3. which results directly from misplacement, mysterious unexplainable disappearance, or damage or destruction of Property; b. loss through the surrender of property away from premises of the ASSURED as a result of a threat: (1) to do bodily harm to any natural person, except loss of Property in transit in the custody of any person acting as messenger of the ASSURED, provided that when such transit was initiated there was no knowledge by the ASSURED of any such threat, and provided further that this Section 3.b. shall not apply to INSURING CLAUSE 7., or (2) to do damage to the premises or Property of the ASSURED; c. loss resulting from payments made or withdrawals from any account involving erroneous credits to such account; d. loss involving Items of Deposit which are not finally paid for any reason provided however, that this Section 3.d. shall not apply to INSURING CLAUSE 10.; e. loss of property while in the mail;

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Conditions and Limitations Specific Exclusions - Applicable To All Insuring Clauses Except Insuring Clause 1. (continued) f. loss resulting from the failure for any reason of a financial or depository institution, its receiver or other liquidator to pay or deliver funds or other Property to the ASSURED provided further that this Section 3.f. shall not apply to loss of Property resulting directly from robbery, burglary, misplacement, mysterious unexplainable disappearance, damage, destruction or removal from the possession, custody or control of the ASSURED. g. loss of Property while in the custody of a Transportation Company, provided however, that this Section 3.g. shall not apply to INSURING CLAUSE 3.; h. loss resulting from entries or changes made by a natural person with authorized access to a Computer System who acts in good faith on instructions, unless such instructions are given to that person by a software contractor or its partner, officer, or employee authorized by the ASSURED to design, develop, prepare, supply, service, write or implement programs for the ASSUREDs Computer System; or i. loss resulting directly or indirectly from the input of data into a Computer System terminal, either on the premises of the customer of the ASSURED or under the control of such a customer, by a customer or other person who had authorized access to the customers authentication mechanism. Specific Exclusions - Applicable To All Insuring Clauses Except Insuring Clauses 1., 4., And 5. 4. This bond does not directly or indirectly cover: a. loss resulting from the complete or partial non-payment of or default on any loan whether such loan was procured in good faith or through trick, artifice, fraud or false pretenses; provided, however, this Section 4.a. shall not apply to INSURING CLAUSE 8.; b. loss resulting from forgery or any alteration; c. loss involving a counterfeit provided, however, this Section 4.c. shall not apply to INSURING CLAUSE 5. or 6. Limit Of Liability/Non- Reduction And Non- Accumulation Of Liability 5. At all times prior to termination of this Bond, this Bond shall continue in force for the limit stated in the applicable sections of ITEM 2. of the DECLARATIONS, notwithstanding any previous loss for which the COMPANY may have paid or be liable to pay under this Bond provided, however, that the liability of the COMPANY under this Bond with respect to all loss resulting from: a. any one act of burglary, robbery or hold-up, or attempt thereat, in which no Employee is concerned or implicated, or b. any one unintentional or negligent act on the part of any one person resulting in damage to or destruction or misplacement of Property, or c. all acts, other than those specified in a. above, of any one person, or

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Conditions and Limitations Limit Of Liability/Non- Reduction And Non- Accumulation Of Liability (continued) d. any one casualty or event other than those specified in a., b., or c. above, shall be deemed to be one loss and shall be limited to the applicable LIMIT OF LIABILITY stated in ITEM 2. of the DECLARATIONS of this Bond irrespective of the total amount of such loss or losses and shall not be cumulative in amounts from year to year or from period to period. All acts, as specified in c. above, of any one person which i. directly or indirectly aid in any way wrongful acts of any other person or persons, or ii. permit the continuation of wrongful acts of any other person or persons whether such acts are committed with or without the knowledge of the wrongful acts of the person so aided, and whether such acts are committed with or without the intent to aid such other person, shall be deemed to be one loss with the wrongful acts of all persons so aided. Discovery 6. This Bond applies only to loss first discovered by an officer of the ASSURED during the BOND PERIOD. Discovery occurs at the earlier of an officer of the ASSURED being aware of: a. facts which may subsequently result in a loss of a type covered by this Bond, or b. an actual or potential claim in which it is alleged that the ASSURED is liable to a third party, regardless of when the act or acts causing or contributing to such loss occurred, even though the amount of loss does not exceed the applicable DEDUCTIBLE AMOUNT, or the exact amount or details of loss may not then be known. Notice To Company -Proof - Legal Proceedings Against Company 7. a. The ASSURED shall give the COMPANY notice thereof at the earliest practicable moment, not to exceed sixty (60) days after discovery of loss, in an amount that is in excess of 50% of the applicable DEDUCTIBLE AMOUNT, as stated in ITEM 2. of the DECLARATIONS. b. The ASSURED shall furnish to the COMPANY proof of loss, duly sworn to, with full particulars within six (6) months after such discovery. c. Securities listed in a proof of loss shall be identified by certificate or bond numbers, if issued with them. d. Legal proceedings for the recovery of any loss under this Bond shall not be brought prior to the expiration of sixty (60) days after the proof of loss is filed with the COMPANY or after the expiration of twenty-four (24) months from the discovery of such loss. e. This Bond affords coverage only in favor of the ASSURED. No claim, suit, action or legal proceedings shall be brought under this Bond by anyone other than the ASSURED.

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Conditions and Limitations Notice To Company - Proof - Legal Proceedings Against Company (continued) f. Proof of loss involving Voice Initiated Funds Transfer Instruction shall include electronic recordings of such instructions. Deductible Amount 8. The COMPANY shall not be liable under any INSURING CLAUSES of this Bond on account of loss unless the amount of such loss, after deducting the net amount of all reimbursement and/or recovery obtained or made by the ASSURED, other than from any Bond or policy of insurance issued by an insurance company and covering such loss, or by the COMPANY on account thereof prior to payment by the COMPANY of such loss, shall exceed the DEDUCTIBLE AMOUNT set forth in ITEM 3. of the DECLARATIONS, and then for such excess only, but in no event for more than the applicable LIMITS OF LIABILITY stated in ITEM 2. of the DECLARATIONS. There shall be no deductible applicable to any loss under INSURING CLAUSE 1. sustained by any Investment Company. Valuation 9. BOOKS OF ACCOUNT OR OTHER RECORDS The value of any loss of Property consisting of books of account or other records used by the ASSURED in the conduct of its business shall be the amount paid by the ASSURED for blank books, blank pages, or other materials which replace the lost books of account or other records, plus the cost of labor paid by the ASSURED for the actual transcription or copying of data to reproduce such books of account or other records. The value of any loss of Property other than books of account or other records used by the ASSURED in the conduct of its business, for which a claim is made shall be determined by the average market value of such Property on the business day immediately preceding discovery of such loss provided, however, that the value of any Property replaced by the ASSURED with the consent of the COMPANY and prior to the settlement of any claim for such Property shall be the actual market value at the time of replacement. In the case of a loss of interim certificates, warrants, rights or other securities, the production of which is necessary to the exercise of subscription, conversion, redemption or deposit privileges, the value of them shall be the market value of such privileges immediately preceding their expiration if said loss is not discovered until after their expiration. If no market price is quoted for such Property or for such privileges, the value shall be fixed by agreement between the parties. OTHER PROPERTY The value of any loss of Property, other than as stated above, shall be the actual cash value or the cost of repairing or replacing such Property with Property of like quality and value, whichever is less.

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Conditions and Limitations (continued) Securities Settlement 10. In the event of a loss of securities covered under this Bond, the COMPANY may, at its sole discretion, purchase replacement securities, tender the value of the securities in money, or issue its indemnity to effect replacement securities. The indemnity required from the ASSURED under the terms of this Section against all loss, cost or expense arising from the replacement of securities by the COMPANYS indemnity shall be: a. for securities having a value less than or equal to the applicable DEDUCTIBLE AMOUNT - one hundred (100%) percent; b. for securities having a value in excess of the DEDUCTIBLE AMOUNT but within the applicable LIMIT OF LIABILITY - the percentage that the DEDUCTIBLE AMOUNT bears to the value of the securities; c. for securities having a value greater than the applicable LIMIT OF LIABILITY - the percentage that the DEDUCTIBLE AMOUNT and portion in excess of the applicable LIMIT OF LIABILITY bears to the value of the securities. The value referred to in Section 10.a., b., and c. is the value in accordance with Section 9, Valuation, regardless of the value of such securities at the time the loss under the COMPANYS indemnity is sustained. The COMPANY is not required to issue its indemnity for any portion of a loss of securities which is not covered by this Bond; however, the COMPANY may do so as a courtesy to the ASSURED and at its sole discretion. The ASSURED shall pay the proportion of the Companys premium charge for the Companys indemnity as set forth in Section 10.a., b., and c. No portion of the LIMIT OF LIABILITY shall be used as payment of premium for any indemnity purchased by the ASSURED to obtain replacement securities. Subrogation - Assignment  Recovery 11. In the event of a payment under this Bond, the COMPANY shall be subrogated to all of the ASSUREDS rights of recovery against any person or entity to the extent of such payment. On request, the ASSURED shall deliver to the COMPANY an assignment of the ASSUREDS rights, title and interest and causes of action against any person or entity to the extent of such payment. Recoveries, whether effected by the COMPANY or by the ASSURED, shall be applied net of the expense of such recovery in the following order: a. first, to the satisfaction of the ASSUREDS loss which would otherwise have been paid but for the fact that it is in excess of the applicable LIMIT OF LIABILITY, b. second, to the COMPANY in satisfaction of amounts paid in settlement of the ASSUREDS claim, c. third, to the ASSURED in satisfaction of the applicable DEDUCTIBLE AMOUNT, and

ICAP Bond (5-98) Form 17-02-1421 (Ed. 5-98) Page 16 of 19

Conditions and Limitations Subrogation - Assignment  Recovery (continued) d. fourth, to the ASSURED in satisfaction of any loss suffered by the ASSURED which was not covered under this Bond. Recovery from reinsurance or indemnity of the COMPANY shall not be deemed a recovery under this section. Cooperation Of Assured 12. At the COMPANYS request and at reasonable times and places designated by the COMPANY, the ASSURED shall: a. submit to examination by the COMPANY and subscribe to the same under oath, b. produce for the COMPANYS examination all pertinent records, and c. cooperate with the COMPANY in all matters pertaining to the loss. The ASSURED shall execute all papers and render assistance to secure to the COMPANY the rights and causes of action provided for under this Bond. The ASSURED shall do nothing after loss to prejudice such rights or causes of action. Termination 13. If the Bond is for a sole ASSURED, it shall not be terminated unless written notice shall have been given by the acting party to the affected party and to the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., not less than sixty (60) days prior to the effective date of such termination. If the Bond is for a joint ASSURED, it shall not be terminated unless written notice shall have been given by the acting party to the affected party, and by the COMPANY to all ASSURED Investment Companies and to the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., not less than sixty (60) days prior to the effective date of such termination. This Bond will terminate as to any one ASSURED, other than an Investment Company: a. immediately on the taking over of such ASSURED by a receiver or other liquidator or by State or Federal officials, or b. immediately on the filing of a petition under any State or Federal statute relative to bankruptcy or reorganization of the ASSURED, or assignment for the benefit of creditors of the ASSURED, or c. immediately upon such ASSURED ceasing to exist, whether through merger into another entity, disposition of all of its assets or otherwise. The COMPANY shall refund the unearned premium computed at short rates in accordance with the standard short rate cancellation tables if terminated by the ASSURED or pro rata if terminated for any other reason.

ICAP Bond (5-98) Form 17-02-1421 (Ed. 5-98) Page 17 of 19

Conditions and Limitations Termination (continued) If any partner, director, trustee, or officer or supervisory employee of an ASSURED not acting in collusion with an Employee learns of any dishonest act committed by such Employee at any time, whether in the employment of the ASSURED or otherwise, whether or not such act is of the type covered under this Bond, and whether against the ASSURED or any other person or entity, the ASSURED: a. shall immediately remove such Employee from a position that would enable such Employee to cause the ASSURED to suffer a loss covered by this Bond; and b. within forty-eight (48) hours of learning that an Employee has committed any dishonest act, shall notify the COMPANY, of such action and provide full particulars of such dishonest act. The COMPANY may terminate coverage as respects any Employee sixty (60) days after written notice is received by each ASSURED Investment Company and the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C. of its desire to terminate this Bond as to such Employee. Other Insurance 14. Coverage under this Bond shall apply only as excess over any valid and collectible insurance, indemnity or suretyship obtained by or on behalf of: a. the ASSURED, b. a Transportation Company, or c. another entity on whose premises the loss occurred or which employed the person causing the loss or engaged the messenger conveying the Property involved. Conformity 15. If any limitation within this Bond is prohibited by any law controlling this Bonds construction, such limitation shall be deemed to be amended so as to equal the minimum period of limitation provided by such law. Change or Modification 16. This Bond or any instrument amending or affecting this Bond may not be changed or modified orally. No change in or modification of this Bond shall be effective except when made by written endorsement to this Bond signed by an authorized representative of the COMPANY. If this Bond is for a sole ASSURED, no change or modification which would adversely affect the rights of the ASSURED shall be effective prior to sixty (60) days after written notice has been furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., by the acting party.

ICAP Bond (5-98) Form 17-02-1421 (Ed. 5-98) Page 18 of 19

Conditions and Limitations

Change or Modification (continued) If this Bond is for a joint ASSURED, no charge or modification which would adversely affect the rights of the ASSURED shall be effective prior to sixty (60) days after written notice has been furnished to all insured Investment Companies and to the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., by the COMPANY.

ICAP Bond (5-98) Form 17-02-1421 (Ed. 5-98) Page 19 of 19

Important Notice:

The SEC Requires Proof of Your Fidelity Insurance Policy

Your company is now required to file an electronic copy of your fidelity insurance coverage (Chubbs ICAP Bond policy) to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), according to rules adopted by the SEC on June 12, 2006.

Chubb is in the process of providing your agent/broker with an electronic copy of your insurance policy as well as instructions on how to submit this proof of fidelity insurance coverage to the SEC. You can expect to receive this information from your agent/broker shortly.

The electronic copy of your policy is provided by Chubb solely as a convenience and does not affect the terms and conditions of coverage as set forth in the paper policy you receive by mail. The terms and conditions of the policy mailed to you, which are the same as those set forth in the electronic copy, constitute the entire agreement between your company and Chubb.

If you have any questions, please contact your agent or broker.

Form 14-02-12160 (ed. 7/2006)

Chubb Producer Compensation

Practices & Policies

Chubb believes that policyholders should have access to information about Chubbs practices and policies related to the payment of compensation to brokers and independent agents. You can obtain that information by accessing our website at http://www.chubbproducercompensation.com or by calling the following toll-free telephone number:

1-866-512-2862.

ALL-20887a (09/19) Page 1 of 1

FEDERAL INSURANCE COMPANY Endorsement No: 1 Bond Number: 82507391

NAME OF ASSURED: BLACKROCK MULTI-ASSET COMPLEX BOARD

AMEND NAME OF ASSURED ENDORSEMENT

It is agreed that NAME OF ASSURED of the DECLARATIONS for this Bond is amended to include the following:

BlackRock Advantage Global Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Advantage SMID Cap Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Capital Appreciation Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Emerging Markets Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Equity Dividend Fund

BlackRock ETF Trust

BlackRock EuroFund

BlackRock Financial Institutions Series Trust

BlackRock Funds II

BlackRock Funds III

BlackRock FundsSM

BlackRock Funds VII, Inc.

BlackRock Global Allocation Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Index Funds, Inc.

BlackRock Large Cap Focus Growth Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Large Cap Focus Value Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Large Cap Series Funds, Inc.

BlackRock Liquidity Funds

BlackRock Mid-Cap Value Series, Inc.

BlackRock Natural Resources Trust

BlackRock Series Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Series, Inc.

BlackRock Sustainable Balanced Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Unconstrained Equity Fund

BlackRock Variable Series Funds, Inc.

Managed Account Series

Master Investment Portfolio

Quantitative Master Series LLC

ICAP Bond Form 17-02-6272 (Ed. 8-04) Page 1

NAME OF ASSURED shall mean also any investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 sponsored by BlackRock and under the management of the BlackRock Multi-Asset Complex Board.

This Endorsement applies to loss discovered after 12:01 a.m. on November 1, 2022.

ALL OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS BOND REMAIN UNCHANGED.

Date: February 23, 2023 By Authorized Representative

ICAP Bond Form 17-02-6272 (Ed. 8-04) Page 2

FEDERAL INSURANCE COMPANY Endorsement No.: 2 Bond Number: 82507391

NAME OF ASSURED: BLACKROCK MULTI-ASSET COMPLEX BOARD

TELEFACSIMILE INSTRUCTION FRAUD ENDORSEMENT

It is agreed that this Bond is amended as follows:

1. By adding the following INSURING CLAUSE: 12. Telefacsimile Instruction Loss resulting directly from the ASSURED having transferred, paid or delivered any funds or other Property or established any credit, debited any account or given any value on the faith of any fraudulent instructions sent by a Customer, financial institution or another office of the ASSURED by Telefacsimile directly to the ASSURED authorizing or acknowledging the transfer, payment or delivery of funds or Property or the establishment of a credit or the debiting of an account or the giving of value by the ASSURED where such Telefacsimile instructions: a. bear a valid test key exchanged between the ASSURED and a Customer or another financial institution with authority to use such test key for Telefacsimile instructions in the ordinary course of business, but which test key has been wrongfully obtained by a person who was not authorized to initiate, make, validate or authenticate a test key arrangement, and b. fraudulently purport to have been sent by such Customer or financial institution when such Telefacsimile instructions were transmitted without the knowledge or consent of such Customer or financial institution by a person other than such Customer or financial institution and which bear a Forgery of a signature, provided that the Telefacsimile instruction was verified by a direct call back to an employee of the financial institution, or a person thought by the ASSURED to be the Customer, or an employee of another financial institution. 2. By deleting from Section 1., Definitions, the definition of Customer in its entirety, and substituting the following: d. Customer means an individual, corporate, partnership, trust customer, shareholder or subscriber of an Investment Company which has a written agreement with the ASSURED for Voice Initiated Funds Transfer Instruction or Telefacsimile Instruction.

ICAP Bond Form 17-02-2367 (Rev. 10-03) Page 1

3. By adding to Section 1., Definitions, the following: r. Telefacsimile means a system of transmitting written documents by electronic signals over telephone lines to equipment maintained by the ASSURED for the purpose of reproducing a copy of said document. Telefacsimile does not mean electronic communication sent by Telex or similar means of communication, or through an electronic communication system or through an automated clearing house. 4. By adding to Section 3., Specific Exclusions Applicable to All Insuring Clauses Except Insuring Clause 1. the following: j. loss resulting directly or indirectly from Telefacsimile instructions provided, however, this exclusion shall not apply to this INSURING CLAUSE.

This Endorsement applies to loss discovered after 12:01 a.m. on November 1, 2022.

ALL OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS BOND REMAIN UNCHANGED.

Date: February 23, 2023 By Authorized Representative

ICAP Bond Form 17-02-2367 (Rev. 10-03) Page 2

FEDERAL INSURANCE COMPANY Endorsement No. 3 Bond Number: 82507391

NAME OF ASSURED: BLACKROCK MULTI-ASSET COMPLEX BOARD

REVISE ITEM 2. ENDORSEMENT

It is agreed that this Bond is amended by deleting ITEM 2. in its entirety on the DECLARATIONS and substituting the following:

ITEM 2. LIMITS OF LIABILITY-DEDUCTIBLE AMOUNTS:

If Not Covered is inserted below opposite any specified INSURING CLAUSE, such INSURING CLAUSE and any other reference to such INSURING CLAUSE in this Bond shall be deemed to be deleted. There shall be no deductible applicable to any loss under INSURING CLAUSE 1 sustained by any Investment Company.

INSURING CLAUSE SINGLE LOSS

LIMIT OF LIABILITY DEDUCTIBLE

AMOUNT 1. Employee $ 25,000,000 $ 0 2. On Premises $ 25,000,000 $ 25,000 3. In Transit $ 25,000,000 $ 25,000 4. Forgery or Alteration $ 25,000,000 $ 25,000 5. Extended Forgery $ 25,000,000 $ 25,000 6. Counterfeit Money $ 25,000,000 $ 25,000 7. Threats to Person $ Not Covered $ Not Covered 8. Computer System $ 25,000,000 $ 25,000 9. Voice Initiated Funds Transfer Instruction $ 25,000,000 $ 25,000 10. Uncollectible Items of Deposit $ 25,000,000 $ 25,000 11. Audit Expense $ 100,000 $ 5,000 12. Telefacsimile Transfer Fraud $ 25,000,000 $ 25,000 13. Extended Computer Systems $ 25,000,000 $ 25,000 14. Automated Telephone Transaction $ 25,000,000 $ 25,000 15. Unauthorized Signature $ 100,000 $ 5,000 16. Claims Expense $ 100,000 $ 5,000 17. Stop Payment $ 25,000 $ 1,000

This Endorsement applies to loss discovered after 12:01 a.m. on November 1, 2022.

ALL OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS BOND REMAIN UNCHANGED.

Date: February 23, 2023 By Authorized Representative

ICAP Bond Form 17-02-1582 (Ed. 5-98) Page 1

FEDERAL INSURANCE COMPANY Endorsement No.: 4 Bond Number: 82507391

NAME OF ASSURED: BLACKROCK MULTI-ASSET COMPLEX BOARD

EXTENDED COMPUTER SYSTEMS ENDORSEMENT

It is agreed that this Bond is amended as follows:

1. By adding the following INSURING CLAUSE:

13. Extended Computer Systems

A. Electronic Data, Electronic Media, Electronic Instruction

Loss resulting directly from:

(1) the fraudulent modification of Electronic Data, Electronic Media or Electronic Instruction being stored within or being run within any system covered under this INSURING CLAUSE,

(2) robbery, burglary, larceny or theft of Electronic Data, Electronic Media or Electronic Instructions,

(3) the acts of a hacker causing damage or destruction of Electronic Data, Electronic Media or Electronic Instruction owned by the ASSURED or for which the ASSURED is legally liable, while stored within a Computer System covered under this INSURING CLAUSE, or

(4) the damage or destruction of Electronic Data, Electronic Media or Electronic Instruction owned by the ASSURED or for which the ASSURED is legally liable while stored within a Computer System covered under INSURING CLAUSE 13, provided such damage or destruction was caused by a computer program or similar instruction which was written or altered to intentionally incorporate a hidden instruction designed to damage or destroy Electronic Data, Electronic Media, or Electronic Instruction in the Computer System in which the computer program or instruction so written or so altered is used.

ICAP2 Bond Form 17-02-2976 (Ed. 1-02) Page 1

B. Electronic Communication

Loss resulting directly from the ASSURED having transferred, paid or delivered any funds or property, established any credit, debited any account or given any value on the faith of any electronic communications directed to the ASSURED, which were transmitted or appear to have been transmitted through:

(1) an Electronic Communication System,

(2) an automated clearing house or custodian, or

(3) a Telex, TWX, or similar means of communication,

directly into the ASSUREDS Computer System or Communication Terminal, and fraudulently purport to have been sent by a customer, automated clearing house, custodian, or financial institution, but which communications were either not sent by said customer, automated clearing house, custodian, or financial institution, or were fraudulently modified during physical transit of Electronic Media to the ASSURED or during electronic transmission to the ASSUREDS Computer System or Communication Terminal.

C. Electronic Transmission

Loss resulting directly from a customer of the ASSURED, any automated clearing house, custodian, or financial institution having transferred, paid or delivered any funds or property, established any credit, debited any account or given any value on the faith of any electronic communications, purporting to have been directed by the ASSURED to such customer, automated clearing house, custodian, or financial institution initiating, authorizing, or acknowledging, the transfer, payment, delivery or receipt of funds or property, which communications were transmitted through:

(1) an Electronic Communication System,

(2) an automated clearing house or custodian, or

(3) a Telex, TWX, or similar means of communication,

directly into a Computer System or Communication Terminal of said customer, automated clearing house, custodian, or financial institution, and fraudulently purport to have been directed by the ASSURED, but which communications were either not sent by the ASSURED, or were fraudulently modified during physical transit of Electronic Media from the ASSURED or during electronic transmission from the ASSUREDS Computer System or Communication Terminal, and for which loss the ASSURED is held to be legally liable.

ICAP2 Bond Form 17-02-2976 (Ed. 1-02) Page 2

2. By adding to Section 1., Definitions, the following:

s. Communication Terminal means a teletype, teleprinter or video display terminal, or similar device capable of sending or receiving information electronically. Communication Terminal does not mean a telephone.

t. Electronic Communication System means electronic communication operations by Fedwire, Clearing House Interbank Payment System (CHIPS), Society of Worldwide International Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT), similar automated interbank communication systems, and Internet access facilities.

u. Electronic Data means facts or information converted to a form usable in Computer Systems and which is stored on Electronic Media for use by computer programs.

v. Electronic Instruction means computer programs converted to a form usable in a Computer System to act upon Electronic Data.

w. Electronic Media means the magnetic tape, magnetic disk, optical disk, or any other bulk media on which data is recorded.

3. By adding the following Section after Section 4., Specific Exclusions-Applicable to All INSURING CLAUSES except 1., 4., and 5.:

Section 4.A. Specific Exclusions-Applicable to INSURING CLAUSE 13

This Bond does not directly or indirectly cover:

a. loss resulting directly or indirectly from Forged, altered or fraudulent negotiable instruments, securities, documents or written instruments used as source documentation in the preparation of Electronic Data;

b. loss of negotiable instruments, securities, documents or written instruments except as converted to Electronic Data and then only in that converted form;

c. loss resulting from mechanical failure, faulty construction, error in design, latent defect, wear or tear, gradual deterioration, electrical disturbance, Electronic Media failure or breakdown or any malfunction or error in programming or error or omission in processing;

d. loss resulting directly or indirectly from the input of Electronic Data at an authorized electronic terminal of an Electronic Funds Transfer System or a Customer Communication System by a person who had authorized access from a customer to that customers authentication mechanism; or

e. liability assumed by the ASSURED by agreement under any contract, unless such liability would have attached to the ASSURED even in the absence of such agreement; or

f. loss resulting directly or indirectly from:

(1) written instruction unless covered under this INSURING CLAUSE; or

(2) instruction by voice over the telephone, unless covered under this INSURING CLAUSE.

ICAP2 Bond Form 17-02-2976 (Ed. 1-02) Page 3

4. By adding to Section 9., Valuation, the following:

Electronic Data, Electronic Media, Or Electronic Instruction

In case of loss of, or damage to, Electronic Data, Electronic Media or Electronic Instruction used by the ASSURED in its business, the COMPANY shall be liable under this Bond only if such items are actually reproduced form other Electronic Data, Electronic Media or Electronic Instruction of the same kind or quality and then for not more than the cost of the blank media and/or the cost of labor for the actual transcription or copying of data which shall have been furnished by the ASSURED in order to reproduce such Electronic Data, Electronic Media or Electronic Instruction subject to the applicable SINGLE LOSS LIMIT OF LIABILITY.

However, if such Electronic Data can not be reproduced and said Electronic Data represents Securities or financial instruments having a value, then the loss will be valued as indicated in the SECURITIES and OTHER PROPERTY paragraphs of this Section.

This Endorsement applies to loss discovered after 12:01 a.m. on November 1, 2022.

ALL OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS BOND REMAIN UNCHANGED.

Date: February 23, 2023 By Authorized Representative

ICAP2 Bond Form 17-02-2976 (Ed. 1-02) Page 4

FEDERAL INSURANCE COMPANY Endorsement No.: 5 Bond Number: 82507391

NAME OF ASSURED: BLACKROCK MULTI-ASSET COMPLEX BOARD

AUTOMATED TELEPHONE TRANSACTION ENDORSEMENT

It is agreed that this Bond is amended as follows:

1. By adding the following INSURING CLAUSE:

14. Automated Telephone System Transaction

Loss resulting directly from the ASSURED having transferred funds on the faith of any Automated Phone System (APS) Transaction, where the request for such APS Transaction is unauthorized or fraudulent and is made with the intent to deceive. In order for coverage to apply under this INSURING CLAUSE the ASSURED shall maintain and follow all APS Designated Procedures. A single failure of the ASSURED to maintain and follow a particular APS Designated Procedure in a particular APS Transaction will not preclude coverage under this INSURING CLAUSE.

2. By adding to Section 1., Definitions, the following:

x. APS Designated Procedures means all of the following procedures:

(1) No APS Transaction shall be executed unless the shareholder or unitholder to whose account such an APS Transaction relates has previously elected to APS Transactions. (Election in Application)

(2) All APS Transactions shall be logged or otherwise recorded and the records shall be retained for at least six (6) months. (Logging)

Information contained in the records shall be capable of being retrieved and produced within a reasonable time after retrieval of specific information is requested, at a success rate of no less than 85 percent.

(3) The caller in any request for an APS Transaction, before executing that APS Transaction must enter a personal identification number (PIN), social security number and account number. (Identity Test)

If the caller fails to enter a correct PIN within three (3) attempts, the caller must not be allowed additional attempts during the same telephone call to enter the PIN. The caller may either be instructed to redial a customer service representative or may be immediately connected to such a representative. (Limited attempts to Enter PIN)

ICAP Bond Form 17-02-2345 (Ed. 10-00) Page 1

(4) A written confirmation of any APS Transaction or change of address shall be mailed to the shareholder or unitholder to whose account such transaction relates, at the record address, by the end of the insureds next regular processing cycle, but in no event later than five (5) business days following such APS Transaction. (Written Confirmation)

(5) Access to the equipment which permits the entity receiving the APS Transaction request to process and effect the transaction shall be limited in the following manner:

(Access to APS Equipment)

y. APS Election means any election concerning various account features available to the shareholder or unitholder which is made through the Automated Phone System by means of information transmitted by an individual caller through use of a Automated Phone System. These features include account statements, auto exchange, auto asset builder, automatic withdrawal, dividend/capital gain options, dividend sweep, telephone balance consent and change of address.

z. APS Exchange means any exchange of shares or units in a registered account of one fund into shares or units in an account with the same tax identification number and same ownership-type code of another fund in the same complex pursuant to exchange privileges of the two funds, which exchange is requested through the Automated Phone System by means of information transmitted by an individual caller through use of an Automated Phone System.

aa. APS Purchase means any purchase of shares or units issued by an Investment Company which is requested through an Automated Phone System.

bb. APS Redemption means any redemption of shares or units issued by an Investment Company which it requested through the telephone by means of information transmitted by an individual caller through use of a Automated Phone System.

cc. APS Transaction means any APS Purchase, APS Redemption, APS Election or APS Exchange.

dd. Automated Phone System means an automated system which receives and converts to executable instructions transmissions through the Automated Phone System through use of a touch-tone keypad or other tone system; and always excluding transmissions from a computer system or part thereof.

3. By adding the following Section after Section 4., Specific Exclusions-Applicable To All Insuring Clauses Except 1., 4., 5.:

Section 4.A.. Specific Exclusion-Applicable to Insuring Clause 14

This Bond does not directly or indirectly cover under Insuring Clause 14:

Loss resulting from:

a. the redemption of shares or units, where the proceeds of such redemption are made payable to other than:

(1) the shares or units of record,

(2) a person designated to receive redemption proceeds, or

(3) a bank account designated to receive redemption proceeds, or

b. the redemption of shares or units, where the proceeds of such redemption are paid by check mailed to any address, unless such address has either been designated the shareholder or unitholder by voice through an Automated Phone System or in writing, at least thirty (30) days prior to such redemption, or

ICAP Bond Form 17-02-2345 (Ed. 10-00) Page 2

c. the redemption of shares or units, where shareholder or unitholder of the ASSURED designated bank account of record.

This Endorsement applies to loss discovered after 12:01 a.m. on November 1, 2022.

ALL OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS BOND REMAIN UNCHANGED.

Date: February 23, 2023 By Authorized Representative

ICAP Bond Form 17-02-2345 (Ed. 10-00) Page 3

FEDERAL INSURANCE COMPANY Endorsement No.: 6 Bond Number: 82507391

NAME OF ASSURED: BLACKROCK MULTI-ASSET COMPLEX BOARD

UNAUTHORIZED SIGNATURE ENDORSEMENT

It is agreed that this Bond is amended as follows:

1. By adding the following INSURING CLAUSE:

15. Unauthorized Signature

Loss resulting directly from the ASSURED having accepted, paid or cashed any check or Withdrawal Order made or drawn on or against the account of the ASSUREDS customer which bears the signature or endorsement of one other than a person whose name and signature is on file with the ASSURED as a signatory on such account.

It shall be a condition precedent to the ASSUREDS right of recovery under this INSURING CLAUSE that the ASSURED shall have on file signatures of all the persons who are signatories on such account.

2. By adding to Section 1., Definitions, the following:

ee. Instruction means a written order to the issuer of an Uncertificated Security requesting that the transfer, pledge or release from pledge of the specified Uncertificated Security be registered.

ff. Uncertificated Security means a share, participation or other interest in property of or an enterprise of the issuer or an obligation of the issuer, which is:

(1) not represented by an instrument and the transfer of which is registered on books maintained for that purpose by or on behalf of the issuer, and

(2) of a type commonly dealt in on securities exchanges or markets, and

(3) either one of a class or series or by its terms divisible into a class or series of shares, participations, interests or obligations.

ICAP Bond Form 17-02-5602 (Ed. 10-03) Page 1

gg. Withdrawal Order means a non-negotiable instrument, other than an Instruction, signed by a customer of the ASSURED authorizing the ASSURED to debit the customers account in the amount of funds stated therein.

This Endorsement applies to loss discovered after 12:01 a.m. on November 1, 2022.

ALL OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS BOND REMAIN UNCHANGED.

Date: February 23, 2023 By Authorized Representative

ICAP Bond Form 17-02-5602 (Ed. 10-03) Page 2

FEDERAL INSURANCE COMPANY

Endorsement No.: 7

Bond Number: 82507391

NAME OF ASSURED: BLACKROCK MULTI-ASSET COMPLEX BOARD

CLAIMS EXPENSE ENDORSEMENT

It is agreed that this Bond is amended as follows:

1. By adding the following INSURING CLAUSE:

16. Claims Expense

Reasonable expense incurred by the ASSURED, solely for independent firms or individuals to determine the amount of loss where:

(1) the loss is covered under the Bond, and

(2) the loss is in excess of the applicable DEDUCTIBLE AMOUNT.

2. Under General Exclusions-Applicable To All Insuring Clauses, Section 2.f. does not apply to loss covered under this INSURING CLAUSE.

This Endorsement applies to loss discovered after 12:01 a.m. on November 1, 2022.

ALL OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS BOND REMAIN UNCHANGED.

Date: February 23, 2023 By Authorized Representative

ICAP Bond

Form 17-02-6282 (Ed. 11-04)

FEDERAL INSURANCE COMPANY

Endorsement No.: 8

Bond Number: 82507391

NAME OF ASSURED: BLACKROCK MULTI-ASSET COMPLEX BOARD

STOP PAYMENT ORDER OR REFUSAL TO PAY CHECK ENDORSEMENT

It is agreed that this Bond is amended as follows:

1. By adding the following INSURING CLAUSE:

17. Stop Payment Order or Refusal to Pay Check

Loss resulting directly from the ASSURED being legally liable to pay compensatory damages for:

a. complying or failing to comply with notice from any customer of the ASSURED or any authorized representative of such customer, to stop payment on any check or draft made or drawn upon or against the ASSURED by such customer or by any authorized representative of such customer, or

b. refusing to pay any check or draft made or drawn upon or against the ASSURED by any customer of the ASSURED or by any authorized representative of such customer.

2. By adding the following Specific Exclusion:

Section 4.A. Specific Exclusions  Applicable to INSURING CLAUSE 17

This Bond does not directly or indirectly cover:

a. liability assumed by the ASSURED by agreement under any contract, unless such liability would have attached to the ASSURED even in the absence of such agreement,

b. loss arising out of:

(1) libel, slander, wrongful entry, eviction, defamation, false arrest, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, assault or battery,

(2) sickness, disease, physical bodily harm, mental or emotional distress or anguish, or death of any person, or

(3) discrimination.

This Endorsement applies to loss discovered after 12:01 a.m. on November 1, 2022.

ALL OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS BOND REMAIN UNCHANGED.

Date: February 23, 2023 By Authorized Representative

ICAP Bond Form 17-02-2365 (Ed. 10-00)

ENDORSEMENT/RIDER

Effective date of this endorsement/rider: November 1, 2022 FEDERAL INSURANCE COMPANY Endorsement/Rider No. 9 To be attached to and form a part of Bond No. 82507391

Issued to: BLACKROCK MULTI-ASSET COMPLEX BOARD

DELETING VALUATION-OTHER PROPERTY AND AMENDING CHANGE OR MODIFICATION ENDORSEMENT

In consideration of the premium charged, it is agreed that this Bond is amended as follows:

1. The paragraph titled Other Property in Section 9, Valuation, is deleted in its entirety.

2. The third paragraph in Section 16, Change or Modification, is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

If this Bond is for a joint ASSURED, no change or modification which would adversely affect the rights of the ASSURED shall be effective prior to sixty (60) days after written notice has been furnished to all insured Investment Companies and the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., by the COMPANY.

The title and any headings in this endorsement/rider are solely for convenience and form no part of the terms and conditions of coverage.

All other terms, conditions and limitations of this Bond shall remain unchanged.

Authorized Representative

17-02-2437 (12/2006) rev. Page 1

ENDORSEMENT/RIDER

Effective date of this endorsement/rider: November 1, 2022 FEDERAL INSURANCE COMPANY Endorsement/Rider No. 10 To be attached to and form a part of Bond No. 82507391

Issued to: BLACKROCK MULTI-ASSET COMPLEX BOARD

AMEND SECTION 16 - CHANGE OR MODIFICATION ENDORSEMENT

In consideration of the premium charged, it is agreed that Section 16, Change or Modification, the first and second full paragraphs are deleted and replaced with the following:

This Bond or any instrument amending or affecting this Bond may not be changed or modified orally. No change in or modification of this Bond shall be effective except when made by written endorsement to this Bond signed by an authorized representative of the COMPANY.

If this Bond is for a sole ASSURED, no change or modification which would adversely affect the rights of the ASSURED shall be effective prior to sixty (60) days after written notice has been furnished to the affected party and the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., by the acting party.

The title and any headings in this endorsement/rider are solely for convenience and form no part of the terms and conditions of coverage.

All other terms, conditions and limitations of this Bond shall remain unchanged.

Authorized Representative

Q06-246 (10/2019) <NYFTZFOOTER><NYFTZNOTICE> Page 1 of 1

FEDERAL INSURANCE COMPANY Endorsement No.: 11 Bond Number: 82507391

NAME OF ASSURED: BLACKROCK MULTI-ASSET COMPLEX BOARD

NEW YORK AMENDATORY ENDORSEMENT

It is agreed that this Bond is amended as follows:

1. By adding to Section 13, Termination, the following:

Bonds In Effect Sixty (60) Days Or Less

If this Bond has been in effect for less than sixty (60) days and if it is not a renewal Bond, the COMPANY may terminate it for any reason by mailing or delivering to the ASSURED and to the authorized agent or broker, if any, written notice of termination at least sixty (60) days before the effective date of termination.

Bonds In Effect More Than Sixty (60) Days

If this Bond has been in effect for sixty (60) days or more, or if it is a renewal of a Bond issued by the COMPANY, it may be terminated by the COMPANY by mailing or delivering to the ASSURED and to the authorized agent or broker, if any, written notice of termination at least sixty (60) days before the effective date of termination. Furthermore, when the Bond is a renewal or has been in effect for sixty (60) days or more, the COMPANY may terminate only for one or more of the reasons stated in 1-7 below.

1. Nonpayment of premium;

2. Conviction of a crime arising out of acts increasing the hazard insured against;

3. Discovery of fraud or material misrepresentation in the obtaining of this Bond or in the presentation of a claim thereunder;

4. Violation of any provision of this Bond that substantially and materially increases the hazard insured against, and which occurred subsequent to inception of the current BOND PERIOD;

5. If applicable, material physical change in the property insured, occurring after issuance or last annual renewal anniversary date of this Bond, which results in the property becoming uninsurable in accordance with the COMPANYs objective, uniformly applied underwriting standards in effect at the time this Bond was issued or last renewed; or material change in the nature or extent of this Bond occurring after issuance or last annual renewal anniversary date of this Bond, which causes the risk of loss to be substantially and materially increased beyond that contemplated at the time this Bond was issued or last renewed;

ICAP Bond - New York Form 17-02-2863 (Rev. 7-03) Page 1

6. A determination by the Superintendent of Insurance that continuation of the present premium volume of the COMPANY would jeopardize the COMPANYs policyholders, creditors or the public, or continuing the Bond itself would place the COMPANY in violation of any provision of the New York Insurance Code; or

7. Where the COMPANY has reason to believe, in good faith and with sufficient cause, that there is a probable risk or danger that the Property will be destroyed by the ASSURED for the purpose of collecting the insurance proceeds.

Notice Of Termination

Notice of termination under this SECTION shall be mailed to the ASSURED and to the authorized agent or broker, if any, at the address shown on the DECLARATIONS of this Bond. The COMPANY, however, may deliver any notice instead of mailing it.

Return Premium Calculations

The COMPANY shall refund the unearned premium computed pro rata if this Bond is terminated by the COMPANY.

2. By adding a new Section reading as follows:

Section 18. Election To Conditionally Renew / Nonrenew This Bond Conditional Renewal

If the COMPANY conditionally renews this Bond subject to:

1. Change of limits of liability;

2. Change in type of coverage;

3. Reduction of coverage;

4. Increased deductible;

5. Addition of exclusion; or

6. Increased premiums in excess of 10%, exclusive of any premium increase due to and commensurate with insured value added; or as a result of experience rating, retrospective rating or audit; the COMPANY shall send notice as provided in Notices Of Nonrenewal And Conditional Renewal immediately below.

Notices Of Nonrenewal And Conditional Renewal

1. If the COMPANY elects not to renew this Bond, or to conditionally renew this Bond as provided herein, the COMPANY shall mail or deliver written notice to the ASSURED at least sixty (60) but not more than one hundred twenty (120) days before:

a. The expiration date; or

b. The anniversary date if this Bond has been written for a term of more than one year.

ICAP Bond - New York Form 17-02-2863 (Rev. 7-03) Page 2

2. Notice shall be mailed or delivered to the ASSURED at the address shown on the DECLARATIONS of this Bond and the authorized agent or broker, if any. If notice is mailed, proof of mailing shall be sufficient proof of notice.

3. Paragraphs 1. and 2. immediately above shall not apply when the ASSURED, authorized agent or broker, or another insurer has mailed or delivered written notice to the COMPANY that the Bond has been replaced or is no longer desired.

3. By adding to General Agreement B., Representations Made By Assured, the following:

No misrepresentation shall be deemed material unless knowledge by the COMPANY would have lead to the COMPANYS refusal to write this Bond.

This Endorsement applies to loss discovered after 12:01 a.m. on November 1, 2022.

ALL OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS BOND REMAIN UNCHANGED.

Date: February 23, 2023 By Authorized Representative

ICAP Bond - New York Form 17-02-2863 (Rev. 7-03) Page 3

ENDORSEMENT/RIDER

Effective date of this endorsement/rider: November 1, 2022 FEDERAL INSURANCE COMPANY Endorsement/Rider No. 12 To be attached to and form a part of Bond No. 82507391

Issued to: BLACKROCK MULTI-ASSET COMPLEX BOARD

AUTOMATIC INCREASE IN LIMITS ENDORSEMENT

In consideration of the premium charged, it is agreed that GENERAL AGREEMENTS, Section C. Additional Offices Or Employees- Consolidation, Merger Or Purchase Or Acquisition Of Assets Or Liabilities-Notice To Company, is amended by adding the following subsection:

Automatic Increase in Limits for Investment Companies

If an increase in bonding limits is required pursuant to rule 17g-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the Act), due to:

(i) the creation of a new Investment Company, other than by consolidation or merger with, or purchase or acquisition of assets or liabilities of, another institution; or

(ii) an increase in asset size of current Investment Companies covered under this Bond,

then the minimum required increase in limits shall take place automatically without payment of additional premium for the remainder of the BOND PERIOD.

The title and any headings in this endorsement/rider are solely for convenience and form no part of the terms and conditions of coverage.

All other terms, conditions and limitations of this Bond shall remain unchanged.

Authorized Representative

14-02-14098 (04/2008) Page 1

ENDORSEMENT/RIDER

Effective date of this endorsement/rider: November 1, 2022 FEDERAL INSURANCE COMPANY Endorsement/Rider No. 13 To be attached to and form a part of Policy No. 82507391

Issued to: BLACKROCK MULTI-ASSET COMPLEX BOARD

COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE TRADE SANCTION LAWS

It is agreed that this insurance does not apply to the extent that trade or economic sanctions or other similar laws or regulations prohibit the coverage provided by this insurance.

The title and any headings in this endorsement/rider are solely for convenience and form no part of the terms and conditions of coverage.

All other terms, conditions and limitations of this Policy shall remain unchanged.

Authorized Representative

14-02-9228 (2/2010) Page 1

FEDERAL INSURANCE COMPANY Endorsement No.: 14 Bond Number: 82507391

NAME OF ASSURED: BLACKROCK MULTI-ASSET COMPLEX BOARD

CO-SURETY ENDORSEMENT

It is agreed that this Bond is amended as follows:

1. By adding to Section 1., Definitions, the following:

hh. Controlling Company means FEDERAL INSURANCE COMPANY.

ii. Company means, unless otherwise specified, each insurance company, including the Controlling Company, executing this Endorsement.

jj. Companies means, unless otherwise specified, all of the insurance companies, including the Controlling Company, executing this Endorsement.

2. By adding to Section 5., Limit of Liability/Non-Reduction and Non-Accumulation of Liability, the following:

Each COMPANY shall be liable only for such proportion of any Single Loss as the LIMIT OF LIABILITY underwritten by such Company, as specified in this Endorsement, bears to the LIMIT OF LIABILITY as stated in ITEM 2. of the DECLARATIONS, but in no event shall any Company be liable for an amount greater than that underwritten by it.

3. By adding to Section 7., Notice To Company-Proof-Legal Proceedings Against Company, the following:

g. In the absence of a request from any Company to pay premiums directly to it, premiums for this Bond may be paid to the Controlling Company for the account of all Companies.

h. In the absence of a request from any Company that notice of claim and proof of loss be given to or filed directly with it, the ASSURED giving such notice to and the filing of such proof with the Controlling Company shall be deemed to be in compliance with the conditions of this Bond for the giving of notice of loss and the filing of proof of loss, if given and filed in accordance with said conditions.

4. By adding to Section 13., Termination, the following:

The Controlling Company may give notice in accordance with the terms of this Bond terminating the Bond as an entirety or as to any Employee or ASSURED, and any notice so given shall terminate the liability of all Companies as an entirety or as to such Employee or ASSURED, as the case may be.

Any Company other than the Controlling Company may give notice in accordance with the terms of this Bond, terminating the entire liability of such other Company under this Bond or as to any person or entity.

In the absence of a request from any Company that notice of termination by the ASSURED of this Bond in its entirety may be given to or filed directly with it, the giving of such notice in accordance with the terms of this Bond to the Controlling Company shall terminate the liability of all Companies as an entirety. The ASSURED may terminate the entire liability of any Company, under this Bond by giving notice of such termination to that Company and by sending a copy of such notice to the Controlling Company.

ICAP Bond Form 17-02-2836 (Ed. 5-02) Page 1

In the event of the termination of this Bond as an entirety, no Company shall be liable to the ASSURED for a greater proportion of any return premium due the ASSURED than the LIMIT OF LIABILITY underwritten by that Company bears to the LIMIT OF LIABILITY as stated in ITEM 2. of the DECLARATIONS.

In the event of the termination of this Bond as to any Company, such Company alone shall be liable to the ASSURED for any return premium due the ASSURED on account of such termination. The termination of the attached Bond as to any Company other than the Controlling Company shall not terminate or otherwise affect the liability of the other Companies under this Bond.

5. By adding the following Section:

Section 19. Controlling Company

The execution by the Controlling Company of the DECLARATIONS, Federal Insurance Company, shall constitute execution by all the Companies signing this Endorsement.

In the event this Bond is modified during the BOND PERIOD, the Controlling Company shall notify the Companies or their respective representatives, in writing, of such change. Each Company shall be deemed to agree to such modification, unless such Company notifies the Controlling Company or the Controlling Companys representative in writing, that they do not agree to such modification. If a Company fails to object to a modification within fifteen (15) days of receipt of notice from the Controlling Company, such Company shall be deemed to agree to such modification.

This Endorsement applies to loss discovered after 12:01 a.m. on November 1, 2022.

ALL OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS BOND REMAIN UNCHANGED.

Underwritten for a SINGLE LOSS FEDERAL INSURANCE COMPANY LIMIT OF LIABILITY of $25,000,000 Controlling Company CHUBB & SON A division of Federal Insurance Company Manager Date: February 23, 2023 By Authorized Representative

Underwritten for a SINGLE LOSS National Union Fire Insurance LIMIT OF LIABILITY of $10,225,000 part of $42,975,000 Company of Pittsburgh, PA Date: February 24, 2023 By Executive Underwriter

ICAP Bond Form 17-02-2836 (Ed. 5-02) Page 2

Underwritten for a SINGLE LOSS Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of LIMIT OF LIABILITY of $7,750,000 America part of $42,975,000 By Attorney-in-Fact

ICAP Bond Form 17-02-2836 (Ed. 5-02) Page 3

SECRETARYS CERTIFICATE

I, Janey Ahn, the duly elected and acting Secretary of each of the funds listed on Schedule A hereto (each, a Fund and collectively, the Funds), hereby certify as follows:

A. The following resolutions regarding the Funds fidelity bond with respect to certain Funds were duly adopted by the Board of Directors/Trustees of each such Fund on September 13, 2022, are in full force and effect and have been so since such date.

RESOLVED, that, based on the information provided and the recommendation of management, the terms and amount of the extension of the joint insured fidelity bond to be obtained from Chubb Limited or its affiliates (the Insurance Provider) covering registered investment companies advised or managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC or its affiliates, with an approximate allocation to each Fund as presented in the Board Materials, be, and they hereby are, approved in substantially the form presented at the Meetings with such non-material changes as counsel deems necessary;

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the proper officers of each Fund are authorized to pay the amount of the total premium allocated to the Fund for the period payable with respect to such bond as described in the Joint Fidelity Bond Agreement and outlined in the Joint Fidelity Bond Agreement previously approved by the Boards;

FURTHER RESOLVED, that, based on the information provided and the recommendation of management, the amount of the fidelity bond coverage is approved after consideration of all factors deemed relevant by the Board, including, but not limited to, the other parties named as insureds, the nature of the business activities of such other parties, the amount of the joint insured bond, the amount of the premium for such bond, the ratable allocation of the premium among the parties named as insureds, the extent to which the share of the premium allocated to each Fund is less than the premium the Fund would have had to pay if it had provided and maintained a single insured bond, the value of the assets of the Fund, the type and terms of the arrangements made for custody of the Funds assets, and the nature of the securities in the Funds portfolio;

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the proper officers of each Fund be, and each hereby is, authorized and directed to execute such other documents and take such other action as may be deemed necessary or desirable to effect the Funds purchase of a fidelity bond from the Insurance Provider including but not limited to executing a signature commitment to the Insurance Provider and obtaining a Letter of Credit from State Street Bank and Trust Company;

FURTHER RESOLVED, that, based on the information provided and the recommendation of management, the form of Joint Fidelity Bond Agreement between the Funds and the other named joint insureds, in substantially the form as previously provided to the Directors, is approved with such further changes therein as an officer of a Fund may deem necessary or advisable with the advice of counsel, such officers execution of the Agreement to be conclusive evidence of this determination;

FURTHER RESOLVED, that an officer of each Fund is authorized to execute and deliver such Agreement on behalf of the Fund;

FURTHER RESOLVED, that, based on the information provided and the recommendation of management, the fidelity bond premiums paid by each Fund pursuant to Rule 17g-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), shall be reallocated from time to time to allow for changes during the policy year arising from the addition of joint insureds to the bond, the growth or loss of gross assets of the Fund during the year requiring additional or reduced coverage in accordance with Rule 17g-1(d) under the 1940 Act, or the liquidation or merger of named insureds;

FURTHER RESOLVED, that, based on the information provided and the recommendation of management, the following practices are hereby adopted as the procedures for allocating and reallocating fidelity bond premium expense among the named joint insureds: (i) the joint fidelity bond premium expense allocated to each named insured will be based on the amount of coverage assigned to each named insured from time to time, and (ii) coverage for the Fund under the joint insured bond will be based on the amount of coverage required by Rule 17g-1(d) under the 1940 Act from time to time plus additional coverage to allow for reasonable growth of the Fund;

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the proper officers of each Fund be, and each hereby is, authorized and directed to implement the foregoing procedures by, among other things: (i) monitoring the amount of fidelity bond coverage assigned to the Fund and, if necessary, increasing or decreasing such coverage to comply with the Boards procedures, and (ii) if necessary, reallocating the joint fidelity bond expense in accordance with the foregoing procedures for allocating the premium adopted by the Board;

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of each Fund is hereby designated as the officer responsible for making the necessary filings and giving the notices with respect to such bond required by paragraph (g) of Rule 17g-1 under the 1940 Act; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the proper officers of each Fund are authorized and directed to take such action with respect to obtaining additional fidelity bond coverage as they deem it necessary or appropriate pursuant to Rule 17g-1 under the 1940 Act.

2

B. The amount of the single insured bond which each Fund would have provided and maintained had it not been named as an insured under the joint fidelity bond is set forth in Schedule A hereto.

C. The period for which premiums will be paid under the joint fidelity bond is November 1, 2022 to November 1, 2023.

By: /s/ Janey Ahn Janey Ahn Secretary

Dated: March 9, 2023

3

Schedule A

BlackRock Multi-Asset Complex

Gross Assets by Registered Investment Company

As of September 30, 2022

Registered Investment Company Gross Assets

September 30, 2022 Minimum Bond Limit

Under Rule 17g-1 BlackRock Advantage Global Fund, Inc. $ 346,457,588 $ 750,000 BlackRock Advantage SMID Cap Fund, Inc. $ 309,622,681 $ 750,000 BlackRock Capital Appreciation Fund, Inc. $ 2,911,788,881 $ 1,900,000 BlackRock Emerging Markets Fund, Inc. $ 3,710,524,837 $ 2,300,000 BlackRock Equity Dividend Fund $ 17,710,596,780 $ 2,500,000 BlackRock ETF Trust $ 1,664,050,817 $ 1,500,000 BlackRock EuroFund $ 76,661,852 $ 450,000 BlackRock Financial Institutions Series Trust $ 545,328,736 $ 900,000 BlackRock Funds II $ 20,011,666,520 $ 2,500,000 BlackRock Funds VII, Inc. $ 97,702,335 $ 450,000 BlackRock FundsSM $ 66,209,847,623 $ 2,500,000 BlackRock Global Allocation Fund, Inc. $ 19,584,295,003 $ 2,500,000 BlackRock Index Funds, Inc. $ 9,358,130,273 $ 2,500,000 BlackRock Large Cap Focus Growth Fund, Inc. $ 1,277,098,216 $ 1,250,000 BlackRock Large Cap Focus Value Fund, Inc. $ 1,727,056,747 $ 1,500,000 BlackRock Large Cap Series Funds, Inc. $ 8,303,584,996 $ 2,500,000 BlackRock Liquidity Funds $ 389,144,299,676 $ 2,500,000 BlackRock Mid-Cap Value Series, Inc. $ 902,263,570 $ 1,000,000 BlackRock Natural Resources Trust $ 220,462,072 $ 600,000 BlackRock Series Fund, Inc. $ 984,922,240 $ 1,000,000 BlackRock Series, Inc. $ 1,602,487,734 $ 1,500,000 BlackRock Sustainable Balanced Fund, Inc. $ 1,472,321,325 $ 1,250,000 BlackRock Unconstrained Equity Fund $ 200,952,015 $ 600,000 BlackRock Variable Series Funds, Inc. $ 9,317,281,158 $ 2,500,000 Managed Account Series $ 164,688,251 $ 600,000 Master Investment Portfolio / BlackRock Funds III $ 308,587,426,895 $ 2,500,000 Quantitative Master Series LLC $ 3,537,484,423 $ 2,300,000

4

EXECUTION VERSION

JOINT FIDELITY BOND AGREEMENT BY AND AMONG

THE FUNDS IN THE BOARD II COMPLEX

JOINT FIDELITY BOND AGREEMENT (the Agreement), dated as of January 1, 2019, by and among the funds (each, a Fund and collectively, the Funds) in the Board II Complex listed on Schedule A attached hereto, as the same may be amended from time to time, all of which are named insureds on a certain fidelity bond underwritten by Federal Insurance Company (Federal), a member of the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, covering certain acts relating to the Funds (the Bond).

W I T N E S S E T H

WHEREAS, each of the Funds is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act);

WHEREAS, by the terms of Rule 17g-1 under the 1940 Act, the Funds are required to provide and to maintain in effect a bond against larceny and embezzlement by their officers and employees. By the terms of the rule, the Funds are authorized to secure the Bond that names all of the Funds as insureds;

WHEREAS, Rule 17g-1(f) under the 1940 Act requires that a registered management investment company named as an insured on a joint fidelity bond enter into a certain agreement with the other named insureds;

WHEREAS, a majority of the Board of Directors/Trustees (collectively, the Board, the members of which are referred to as Directors) of each Fund who are not interested persons as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act have given due consideration to all factors relevant to the form, amount and ratable allocation of premiums of such Bond, and the majority of such Directors have approved the amount, type, form and coverage of the Bond and the portion of the premium payable with respect to each Fund; and

WHEREAS, the Board has determined that the allocation of the proceeds payable under the Bond as set forth herein (which takes into account the extent to which the share of the premium allocated to each Fund is less than the premium the Fund would have had to pay if it had provided and maintained a single insured bond) is equitable with respect to each Fund and that each Fund will benefit from its respective participation in the Bond in compliance with this Rule.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual premises and covenants herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, it is agreed by and between the Funds hereto as follows:

1. Joint Insured Bond. The Funds have procured from Federal, a reputable fidelity insurance company, the Bond insuring each Fund against larceny and embezzlement of its securities and funds by such of its officers and employees who may, singly or jointly with others, have access to such securities or funds, directly or through authority to draw upon such funds or to direct generally the disposition of such securities. The Bond names each Fund as an insured, and complies with the requirements established by Rule 17g-1 under the 1940 Act.

2. Amount. The Bond is in an amount, based upon the total assets of each Fund, equal to or in excess of the aggregate of the minimum coverage required for each of the Funds under Rule 17g-1. The minimum coverage required for a Fund under Rule 17g-1(d)(1) shall be referred to herein as the Minimum Coverage Amount.

3. Ratable Allocation of Premium. Each Fund will pay the percentage of the premium due under the Bond which is proportionate to the ratio of its Minimum Coverage Amount to the aggregate amount of the Minimum Coverage Am
 Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-263170), filed with the SEC on March 1, 2022, relating to the registration of (i) an additional 834,984 shares of Common Stock for issuance under the 2019 Plan; (ii) 50,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance upon exercise of a non-qualified stock option granted to an employee of the Company on March 1, 2022; and (iii) 25,000 shares of Common Stock underlying restricted stock units granted to an employee of the Company on March 1, 2022.

The Company is filing these Post-Effective Amendments to the Registration Statements to withdraw and remove from registration any and all shares of Common Stock that remain unsold or otherwise unissued under the Registration Statements.

On March 8, 2023, pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 22, 2022, as amended on November 21, 2022, December 19, 2022, December 20, 2022, December 30, 2022, January 31, 2023, February 9, 2023, February 22, 2023 and March 5, 2023 (collectively, the Merger Agreement), by and among the Company, invoX Pharma Limited, a private limited company organized under the laws of England and Wales (Parent), Fennec Acquisition Incorporated, a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (Purchaser), and Sino Biopharmaceutical Limited, a company organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands, Purchaser merged with and into the Company, with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation and as a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent.
The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be filed for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Act) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes ).

*The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting persons initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter disclosures provided in a prior cover page.

Note: Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five copies of the schedule, including all exhibits. See  240.13d-7 for other parties to whom copies are to be sent.

If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this Schedule because of  240.13d-1(e), 240.13d-1(f) or 240.13d-1(g), check the following box  .

Explanatory Note



This Schedule 13D/A, previously filed on November 28, 2022, is being refiled under both the Issuers Central Index Key (CIK) Number and the Reporting Persons CIK Number, as it was inadvertently filed only under the Issuers CIK Number on November 28, 2022. Other than the addition of this Explanatory Note, no change to the Schedule 13D/A that was filed on November 28, 2022 is being made by this filing.





Item 1. Security and Issuer.





This Amendment relates to the Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the Shares), of LM Funding America, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Issuer). The address of the principal executive offices of the Issuer is 1200 West Platt Street, Suite 100, Tampa, FL 33606.





This Amendment is being filed to report a change in the ownership percentage of Mr. Rodgers. On October 28, 2021, the Issuer granted to Mr. Rodgers options (the Options) to purchase 1,800,000 Shares under the LM Funding America, Inc. 2021 Omnibus Incentive Plan and pursuant to a Stock Option Award Agreement. Pursuant to the Stock Option Award Agreement, one-third of the Options vested on October 28, 2022 and the remainder were scheduled to vest one-thirty sixth on a monthly basis thereafter, subject to certain terms and conditions.





On November 18, 2022, Mr. Rodgers and the Issuer mutually agreed to cancel all of the Options pursuant to a Stock Option Cancellation Agreement, as described under Item 3, including all of the vested and unvested Options. As a result, as of November 18, 2022, 1,800,000 Options held by Mr. Rodgers were cancelled and Mr. Rodgers no longer has the right to acquire any Shares pursuant to the Options.





Item 2. Identity and Background.





(a) This statement is filed by Bruce Rodgers.





(b) The principal business address of Mr. Rodgers is 1200 West Platt Street, Suite 100, Tampa, Florida 33606.





(c) The principal business of Mr. Rodgers is serving as the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President of the Issuer.





(d) Mr. Rodgers has not, during the last five years, been convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors).





(e) Mr. Rodgers has not, during the last five years, been party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction and as a result of such proceeding was or is subject to a judgment, decree or final order enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activities subject to, federal or state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to such laws.





(f) Mr. Rodgers is a citizen of the United States of America.





Item 3. Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration.





On October 28, 2021, the Issuer granted to Mr. Rodgers Options to purchase 1,800,000 Shares of the Issuer with an exercise price of $5.95 per share under the LM Funding America, Inc. 2021 Omnibus Incentive Plan and pursuant to a Stock Option Award Agreement. On November 18, 2022, Mr. Rodgers and the Issuer entered into a Stock Option Cancellation Agreement, pursuant to which Mr. Rodgers and the Issuer acknowledged and agreed that the surrender and cancellation of the Options was without any expectation to receive, and was without any obligation on the Issuer to pay or grant, any cash, equity awards or other consideration presently or in the future in regard to the cancellation of the Options.





The foregoing description of the Stock Option Cancellation Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Form of Stock Option Cancellation Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.





Item 4. Purpose of Transaction.





Reference is made to Item 3, which is hereby incorporated by reference.





Mr. Rodgers intends to evaluate his holdings in the Issuer on an ongoing basis. Mr. Rodgers may, from time to time, acquire additional Shares or other securities of the Issuer. In addition, he may dispose of any or all securities of the Issuer in any manner permitted by applicable securities laws. Such decisions will be based on various factors, including, without limitation, market conditions, the price at which such Shares can be purchased or sold, the financial condition and prospects of the Issuer, general economic, financial, market and industry conditions, and Mr. Rodgers personal financial condition. Pursuant to Mr. Rodgers continued service as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Issuer, Mr. Rodgers may receive future equity awards from the Issuer in accordance with the applicable compensation plans, as may be in effect from time to time.





As Chief Executive Officer of the Issuer, Mr. Rodgers is involved in the oversight and management of the Issuer and setting policy for the Issuer. Mr. Rodgers also participates, as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Issuer, in the consideration of, and taking action on, significant corporate events and opportunities involving the Issuer. As a result, from time to time he may consider proposals that relate to or would result in the matters listed in Items 4(a)-(j) of Schedule 13D.





Except as otherwise described herein, Mr. Rodgers has no plan or proposal with respect to the Issuer in his capacity as a shareholder which relates to or would result in any of the matters listed in Items 4(a)-(j) of Schedule 13D. Mr. Rodgers reserves the right to determine in the future whether to change the purpose or purposes described above or whether to adopt plans or proposals of the type referenced above.





Item 5. Interest in Securities of the Issuer.





(a)-(b) As of the date of this Amendment, Mr. Rodgers beneficially owns 103,676 Shares, which represents approximately 0.8% of the outstanding Shares based on 13,091,883 Shares outstanding, which is the total number of Shares outstanding as of November 14, 2022, as reported in the Issuers Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 17, 2022. Mr. Rodgers does not have the sole power to vote or to dispose of any Shares. Mr. Rodgers has shared voting and dispositive power over 103,676 Shares, which includes (i) 10,084 Shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options held by Ms. Carollinn Gould, the spouse of Mr. Rodgers, that are currently exercisable, (ii) 92,487 Shares beneficially owned by the Bruce M. Rodgers Revocable Trust and Carol Linn Gould Revocable Trust, (iii) 853 Shares beneficially owned by BRR Holding, LLC, (iv) 232 Shares beneficially owned by the Bruce M. Rodgers IRA, and (v) 20 Shares beneficially owned by the Carollinn Gould IRA. The percentage of ownership reported in this Item 5 was calculated in accordance with Rule 13d-3(d)(1)(i) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. (c) Except as described in this Amendment, Mr. Rodgers has not effected any transaction with respect to the Shares in the past 60 days. (d) To the best knowledge of Mr. Rodgers, Mr. Rodgers does not have and does not know any other person who has the right to receive or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or the proceeds from the sale of, and Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Rodgers. (e) As of November 18, 2022, Mr. Rodgers ceased to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of the Shares.





Item 6. Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships With Respect to Securities of the Issuer.

Other than as described herein, there are no contracts, arrangements, understandings or relationships between Mr. Rodgers and any other person with respect to the securities of the Issuer.





Item 7. Material to be Filed as Exhibits.





SIGNATURES





After reasonable inquiry and to the best of his knowledge and belief, the undersigned certifies that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.





Dated: November 28, 2022









/s/ Bruce Rodgers Bruce Rodgers

The following constitutes the Amendment No. 1 to Schedule 13D filed by the undersigned (the Amendment).
Airmen and other service members clamoring for the right to grow a beard had their hopes crushed by the militarys top enlisted adviser, who called the issue a waste of time during a recent video.

Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Ramon CZ Colon-Lopez, the senior enlisted adviser to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, voiced his disapproval of nonuniformity while addressing an airmans question alongside Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne Bass and Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force Roger Towberman on Wednesday at the Air and Space Forces Association Warfare Symposium.

The question is do we really need to be discussing fashion when we're preparing, after 20 years of war, to best an opponent that can potentially have the best of us? Colon-Lopez said during the Facebook broadcast. Is the beard relevant? Is there a need for a beard other than personal comfort to not shave?

He continued to double down on the notion of beards as nothing more than an expression of personal style.

If you want to look cute with your skinny jeans and your beard, by all means do it someplace else, Colon-Lopez said. But quit wasting our time on something that doesnt have anything to do with kicking the enemys ass.

Colon-Lopezs full-throated beard rejection comes as the services have relaxed some rules amid a recruiting slump. For example, the Air Force last week began allowing hand and some neck tattoos up to an inch long.

Colon-Lopez added that he was against religious waivers exempting service members from shaving mandates because of the potential impact on unit discipline. That stance drew criticism from online commenters Wednesday and Thursday.

A self-described Air Force chaplain who took to Reddit on Wednesday called Colon-Lopezs comments "despicable" and expressed concern about the leadership's attitude toward the issue.

Im speechless. Utterly speechless.  You have been serving for nearly 30 years and you dont even acknowledge the importance of religious accommodations? the commenter wrote. Just because we are serving in the military, does not mean our rights are gone  we fight to protect and guard those rights.

Other commenters shared images of Civil War generals such as George Meade, Ulysses S. Grant and William Sherman, all of whom sported full beards while leading troops.

Colon-Lopez, a pararescueman, acknowledged that he wore a beard in Afghanistan because of a combat need to blend in during special operations missions. But he said that the need went away when service members stopped blending in by wearing body armor and U.S. flag patches.

While none of the senior enlisted leaders have the final say on facial hair regulations, their input on standards carries considerable weight in the Pentagon.

Bass and Towberman were more diplomatic in their responses, which focused on the accommodations the Air Force and the Space Force implemented previously.

Bass said the service has made it easier for airmen to get a shaving exemption based on medical need or religious reasons.

But you know, we are also balancing that need versus the want, she said. We have to balance that delicately.

Towberman likened beard waivers to accommodations for eyeglasses.

If at any point (beards become a) societal norm, then I guess we look at it differently, he said. But that point hasnt come yet.

Last summer, a leaked Space Force memo showed that Towbermans service was considering a survey of how facial hair affected readiness for male service members in uniform during its own pilot program. The program was not adopted.

The Navy and Marine Corps likewise launched a study into how facial hair affects gas mask functionality after four petty officers sued the Navy over its denial of permanent medical and religious shaving waivers.

In 2020, the Air Force followed the lead of the Army, which in 2017 became the first service to allow Muslim and Sikh soldiers to wear head coverings and beards in line with their religious beliefs.
Soldiers who earn a high enough score on the Armys fitness test will be exempt from body fat standards under a new policy that will go into effect immediately, Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Grinston announced Thursday.

Service officials said they believe those exemptions will help reduce the error rate of the Armys body fat measurement method to almost zero.

Body fat is only measured on soldiers who fail to meet the services weight standards for their age and gender. The Army did not provide how many of its nearly 1 million active, National Guard and Reserve soldiers are failing the standard each year.

The policy change came from a body composition study that also recommended the service simplify its tape measure method for calculating body fat for those soldiers who exceed weight requirements. A second recommendation would allow for a biometric screening on approved devices to calculate body fat if the soldier fails after a tape test. Those two recommendations are still pending approval from the Army, Grinston said.

Inside the force, theres a lot of excitement about this, he said during a call Wednesday with reporters.

Under the new policy, soldiers who earn a 540 or higher on the Army Combat Fitness Test, with a minimum of 80 points in each of the six events, will not have to do a body fat test if they fail the weight requirements. The exemption is only valid for up to eight months for active-duty soldiers and 14 months in the National Guard and Reserve.

A passing score on the fitness test is 360 and a perfect score is 600. The study landed on a 540 because a soldiers body fat, performance and injury-risk aligned for a fit healthy soldier at that score, said Holly McClung, one of lead researchers for the Army Body Composition Study.

Since the Army implemented its new fitness test in October, 240,377 active-duty soldiers have passing scores on file, according to the service. Of those, 23% met the new standard for exemption.

The test was first introduced in 2019 but implementation was delayed for years because of research that found women and members of the Guard and Reserve were unfairly assessed. Meant to simulate the physicality of combat, the six events of the test are a deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release pushups, the sprint-drag-carry, a plank and a two-mile run.

Grinston requested the Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine conduct the study on body composition after hearing concerns from soldiers about the accuracy of the Armys method for measuring body fat for overweight soldiers. The last Army study on the subject was 23 years ago, he said.

The current tape-test method, which the study found to be right about 65% of the time, includes taking measurements at a mans abdomen and neck and a womans waist, hips and neck, and then calculating a specific equation. Soldiers told Grinston that their measurements werent always taken at the proper points of their body, he said.

However, almost all inaccuracies were in the soldiers favor, according to the study, which collected data on 2,690 soldiers beginning in late 2021. Tape testing was passing about 35% men who should have failed and about 20% of women. In reverse, about 1% of men and about 5% of women were deemed overweight by the tape test when they should not have been. Failing weight requirements can impact a soldiers career path or lead to discharges.

Women make up about 16% of the Army, the service said.

Grinston, who will retire in August, said he would like to see the other two proposals from the study put into policy before he leaves the Army. The first would equalize the tape-test for men and women with just one measurement taken at the bellybutton. It would also simplify the mathematical equation used to calculate body fat.

From the outside looking in, [they] can see [theyre] going to be treated the same, Grinston said. From a leadership perspective, it's just going to be a lot easier.

The second proposal allows for soldiers to use an approved biometric screening machine at a government facility to calculate their body fat if they fail a tape test. ROTC members would be allowed to use machines at their college.

The only approved method now for validating a failed tape test is another tape test.

Approved machines include dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, or DEXA, the In Body 770 bioelectrical impedance analysis machine, and the BOD POD, which is an air displacement plethysmograph.

The study also reviewed the tables for height, weight and age, and found them 90% accurate in screening for overweight soldiers. The Army decided not to make any changes to those tables, Grinston said.

Last year, the Defense Department updated its policy on body composition standards, giving the service branches more freedom to tailor weight and body fat requirements to their own troops and mission. The Air Force has adopted a similar tape test while the Marine Corps has done away with it altogether. Instead, it has purchased bioelectric analysis machines across the service to measure Marines who fail weight standards. It also waives weight requirements for Marines who score high enough on its fitness test.

The Navy announced last month that it would remove past fitness test failures from sailors records as the service tried to retain personnel. During the coronavirus pandemic, the Navy shifted to a single annual fitness test.

Grinston said its not feasible for the Army to implement a body-scan policy similar to the Marine Corps because the Army is a much larger force. It would be difficult for the Army to get machines out to all its National Guard and Reserve locations.

We did our due diligence, and we didn't just rush to it, Grinston said. We want to get it right, and we want to do the soldiers feedback, too.
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan  A Marine lance corporal who refused the COVID-19 vaccine last year and was jailed in January on separate charges is headed for a court-martial for insubordination and other alleged offenses.

Lance Cpl. Catherine Arnett, 24, of Fort Worth, Texas, is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday for alleged violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

These include articles 86, failure to go to an appointed place of duty; 87, missing an official flight or ship movement; 87b, offenses against correctional custody and restriction; 90, willfully disobeying a superior commissioned officer; and 91, insubordinate conduct, according to the Navy and Marine Corps court-martial docket website.

Arnetts charges were referred to a special court-martial on Feb. 8, but her arraignment Monday was delayed until next week, a spokesman for the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Maj. Rob Martins, told Stars and Stripes by email Wednesday.

Arnett in July said she was an aviation supply specialist stationed at MCAS Iwakuni since May 2019. Since January, she has been in the brig at the Marines Camp Hansen on Okinawa, according to Martins.

Wing commander Maj. Gen. Eric Austin ordered Arnett discharged on Jan. 9 based on allegations that she committed forgery and made false official statements, violations of UCMJ articles 105 and 107, respectively, Martins said Jan. 24.

Martins email Wednesday did not detail those allegations against Arnett or why the two articles were dropped.

Military police arrested Arnett after she refused to board a U.S.-bound flight on Jan. 21.

In September, the Marine Corps dismissed two counts against Arnett of missing troop movements and one of disobeying a direct order after a federal judge in August temporarily barred the Corps from punishing or discharging Marines who refused the COVID-19 vaccine on religious grounds.

In that case, she twice refused to board flights in May to the U.S. to be discharged after refusing the vaccine.

Arnett has said she regards the August 2021 vaccine mandate, now repealed, as an unlawful order. The Marines never charged Arnett with refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.

Arnett has said she refused the COVID-19 vaccines because they are tested or produced using stem cell lines that descend from fetuses aborted in the 1970s and 80s. She said the Marines denied her requests as a Catholic for a religious exemption.

The Marine Corps continues to ensure that accountability is served through a fair and impartial process, Martins said.
KENT, Wash. (Tribune News Service)  Reusable rocket engine maker Stoke Space Technologies announced late Tuesday that it has been assigned a launchpad at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida for continued testing of the company's proposed reusable rockets  currently in testing in Moses Lake  by the U.S. Space Force, according to a Stoke press release.

According to a Space Force press release, Stoke was assigned Launch Center 14, the pad and tower where John Glenn's Friendship 7 mission launched, making him the first American astronaut to orbit the earth in February 1962.

"We are over the moon excited by this opportunity," said Julia Black, director of range operations for Stoke Space Technologies, in the press release. "To be trusted with the reactivation of the historic Launch Complex 14 is an honor, and we look forward to adding to its well-distinguished accomplishments for America's space program."

Kent-based Stoke Space Technologies is working on a ring-shaped cluster of engines designed to make the second stage of a rocket reusable. Stoke has been testing its engine cluster in Moses Lake. According to company co-founder and CEO Andy Lapsa, the goal is to create a 100% reusable rocket capable of boosting satellites and other payloads into orbit.

"We're standing on the shoulders of giants," Lapsa said in the press release. "And we're beyond humbled by the historic significance of LC-14. The opportunity to reactivate this site is a profound responsibility that our entire team holds in the highest regard."

According to the Space Force press release, Stoke Space Technologies is one of four companies that have been allocated three older space center launch sites for testing purposes. El Segundo, California-based ABL Space Systems, which is working on creating a quickly-built and easily-deployed orbital rocket system, has been allocated Launch Complex 15, which was last used in the early 1960s to test Titan ballistic missiles.

The Space Force press release also said Tucson, Ariz.-based rocket maker Phantom Space Technologies and Cocoa, Fla.-based rocket maker Vaya Space have been allocated Launch Complex 13, used in the 1960s and 1970s to launch military satellites and currently used by SpaceX as a landing site for reusable boosters.

cfeatherstone@columbiabasinherald.com

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(Tribune News Service)  It was a call 100 years overdue.

Renee Bronson is the great-granddaughter of Stewart Ivey, a Ku Klux Klan member killed by Oscar Mack, a Black postal worker. Her voice cracked as she began to say what she had carried with her for a long time.

Im so very sorry that someone in my family caused someone in your family to have to commit that act in order to protect his own life, Bronson said. I wish I could take that back. I deeply regret what happened there. It brings me great shame to think that someone in my family was involved in any kind of Klan activity. Growing up, I heard a story, but it was not the true historical facts.

James Brown, Macks great-grandson, replied, I thank you so much for your apology, even though you were not a participant. He was your ancestor. I think both families suffered as a result.

The two-hour video call arranged by the Orlando Sentinel happened a century after Ivey and Eugene Reinhardt, another Klansman, were shot and killed after approaching Mack at his home the day he began working a federal contract as a mail carrier in Kissimmee.

A veteran of World War I, Mack received death threats after starting his new government job, which he got over white applicants. Few words were exchanged when a group of men arrived at Macks home before shots were fired. Reinhardt was killed at the scene, while Ivey named Mack as the shooter just before succumbing to his injuries.

A lynch mob searched the city for Mack, but by the end of the week, he was gone.

What happened to Mack was quickly lost to history. Many, including the NAACP, assumed he was caught by the mob and lynched, though his body was never recovered. The truth was carried only by Mack; his wife, Adele Dorothy Keen; and his stepdaughter, Florida Hurt, even decades after his death in 1960.

Bronson knew about the story from her grandmother, Iveys daughter, and believed Mack was killed by a white mob shortly after. She let out a sigh of relief when first approached for this story last August.

Thank God no one else was a victim of hatred that day, Bronson said.

Meanwhile, Brown and his siblings didnt know what happened until 2001. Hurt, then 88, invited her grandchildren to her home in Akron, Ohio, where she told them what happened to the man they only knew and buried as Lanier Johnson. Details were plenty, but for years the family had forgotten Macks name.

Hurt died in 2007, leaving the story incomplete. Years later, the discovery of a project led by students in Orlando looking into Macks lynching sparked a sudden recollection by Hurts daughter, Malissa, revealing his real name.

By 2017, his grave was rededicated to include his true identity.

The Orlando Sentinel, working with researchers and Macks descendants, used property and tax records, military documents, census registers, news clippings and letters kept by relatives, among other traces of information, to help reconstruct the story of his life after he fled Kissimmee.

Years later, details of Macks tale are still being uncovered, and a documentary produced by the University of Florida is slated to be released in April. But Brown said he and his family dont just want the story to be told and retold. What they want is reconciliation.

Meeting Bronson, Brown believes, is a significant step toward that goal.

The reason I want it to be told isnt because I want to just continue to fester the wound thats already there, Brown said. I want it to be told because I want people to understand this is part of our history. This is what happened, and we need to learn from it.

The killing of two Klansmen

It was July 16, 1922.

Kissimmee had just over 2,700 residents, over a quarter of whom were Black. Like much of Central Florida, the city was growing, as farmers and others, many from the North, migrated to settle in the decades following the Civil War.

It had been years since Mack returned from France after serving in the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps during World War I. Sons of a day laborer and a laundress, he and his brother, William Mack Jr., who also enlisted but stayed stateside, were named the year before in the Kissimmee Valley Gazettes county roll of honor for their service.

Mack worked as a butcher for years after his return before winning a federal contract carrying mail between the local post office and the nearby train station. On his first morning at work, Mack was met by three white men.

Carrying the mail was a white mans job, they told him, and that he should leave town by noon. Concerned, C.C. Collins, the white assistant postmaster hired almost a year earlier, handed Mack a gun to protect himself.

Undeterred, Mack made his rounds without trouble and returned to his home in Kissimmees north end, a largely Black community. Around 10:25 p.m., a group of men, including Reinhardt and Ivey, arrived at his home.

Five shots rang out. Reinhardt was killed instantly in his car. Ivey hobbled several blocks from the scene before collapsing on the porch of a womans home.

Benjamin McClelland, also a suspected Klansman who survived the shooting along with A.C. Alderman, said during a coroners inquest the men were searching for a different Black man who worked at McClellands turpentine still when they encountered Mack, who refused to answer when asked his name.

Instead, McClelland claimed, he answered by a bullet.

The n----- kept on shooting, he said, referring to Mack using a slur. But his account was contradicted by a doctor who tended to Iveys wounds and asked who shot him hours before Ivey succumbed to his injuries.

It was a n-----, Ivey said, according to the doctor. Oscar Mack.

By morning, about 200 Black people and their families rushed to the Kissimmee train station to flee the city in fear of a race riot, according to a report written by federal agent Leon Howe, who investigated the Election Day massacre that led to a similar exodus in nearby Ocooe just two years earlier.

Collins, the postmaster who gave Mack the gun used in the shooting, was taken to Tampa and then Jacksonville by federal agents under protective custody, while Osceola County Sheriff L.R. Farmer was tasked with keeping the peace as a roving white mob scoured the city looking for Mack.

Farmer went to Orlando to find George Scott, a Black man suspected of dressing Mack as a woman to help him escape. As they returned to Kissimmee, the mob took Scott and planned to hang him at Lake Jennie Jewel in Orlando before Farmer, convinced Scott was innocent of aiding Mack, persuaded them to let him go.

Though Farmer was suspected by some of already having Mack in custody, by the fifth day authorities admitted he likely left Osceola County.

The most detailed account of the shooting and its immediate aftermath comes from the Valley Gazette, a since-defunct weekly newspaper archived by the University of Florida. Still, many details about that day, including that the men likely knew who Mack was before reaching his home, were obfuscated by the Valley Gazette and other newspapers like the Orlando Sentinel.

The official narrative, per the Sentinel and others, was the shooting was a case of mistaken identity. Also reportedly given little credence by the authorities were Reinhardt and Iveys ties to the KKK.

It is only another attempt to connect the Klan to a tragedy in which the organization was not concerned, said an unnamed man the Sentinel referred to as someone who has followed the investigation carefully. Howe, who also investigated the Ocoee massacre two years prior, confirmed in later reports that Ivey and Reinhardt were members of the Orange County Klan, while McClelland was connected to Klan activity in Osceola.

Ivey was interred at Shingle Creek Cemetery in Kissimmee, Osceolas oldest cemetery where members of the countys pioneering families are buried. His funeral was attended by many, with his casket described as being adorned with floral emblems. Reinhardt was returned to his family in North Carolina, where hes buried.

Meanwhile, Mack was in the wind, dubbed a negro desperado in a brief published in the Ocala Evening Star. Rumors of him and Collins being lynched were quashed, though many  including the NAACP, which included Mack in its list of 61 reported lynchings in that year  believed initial reports that Mack was killed at Lake Jennie Jewel, even as his body was never recovered.

When it comes to mysteries, Oscar Mack, the Kissimmee negro who is missing, vies with the Cyclops, the Sentinel published on July 22, comparing Mack to the 1918 disappearance of the U.S.S. Cyclops, a Navy cargo ship that vanished during World War I.

It was also likely the last time Mack or the shooting were mentioned in local news reports.

Time to go, Old Man

How Mack escaped is unknown. Brown said he and his siblings were told he made his way north through Floridas swamps guided by the spirit of his mother, who had died months before Mack was sent overseas for the war effort.

At some point, he was joined by Keen and her daughter, Florida Hurt.

Mack and his family changed cities frequently throughout the 1920s, forced by Keens nightmares. She would dream about their capture at the hands of the Klan, which she took as premonitions that the mob were closing in on them.

Its time to go, Old Man, thats what she would tell him, said James Brown, Macks great-grandson.

Hurt eventually married at 15 and set roots in Akron. Brown recalled growing up hearing her say she got married so young after growing tired of constantly moving. I wanted a stable life and a stable home, he recalled her saying.

Her parents, still on the run, didnt attend the wedding.

By 1928, Mack and Keen were listed in Akron city directories under his new name, Lanier Johnson. As Johnson, he stayed on the move, often splitting up for long periods from Keen, who for a while lived in New Jersey as he looked for work elsewhere.

Mack labored in whatever he could  at one point he was a chauffeur; at another, he worked at a general store  and would send money back to Keen. In 1934, he wrote a letter to President Franklin Roosevelt pleading for work, later receiving a reply directing him to local authorities as a jobs program created under the New Deal was demobilizing.

During their time apart, Keen wrote him often, at times pleading with him to return to her in Sicklerville, the New Jersey town where she lived. Mack eventually returned for good, and in 1938, they got married.

When the U.S. entered World War II, Mack, then 49 and an employee at the Hotel Congress in Akron, registered for the draft under his new name though he was never selected. Instead, he found work at the Goodyear Aircraft Company, one of many manufacturers that contributed to the wartime industrial mobilization. He and other workers there were awarded an Army-Navy E pin, for their work to create the air power which turned the tide of battle.

As early as the 1930s, Mack and his family received letters from Meta Wideman, a woman who census records show lived in Daytona Beach with William Mack Jr., Oscar Macks older brother.

Its not clear what relationship Wideman and William Mack had, nor where the elder Mack was when Oscar Mack fled Kissimmee.

The few surviving letters kept by Browns family dont appear to address Oscar Macks escape, but they did indicate Wideman tried to visit Akron annually and had a strong friendship with the Johnsons, often sending them well wishes and offering updates from her and William Macks lives.

In February 1943, Keen, at 46, died of a brain aneurysm. Months later, Wideman wrote her widower, who she often lovingly referred to as Brother Johnson.

[Bill] is so sorry; he sends much love, says that you have his heartfelt sympathy, she wrote. Dont worry any more than you can help. I know that you will miss her. I miss her, and we can only trust God that we will meet her again somewhere in the land of peace and rest.

William Mack Jr. later died at 60 in May 1951. Hes buried at Mt. Ararat Cemetery, a historically Black resting place in Daytona Beach. Wideman, who was also identified in records and newspaper accounts as Meta Mack, stewarded the cemeterys upkeep as president of the Mt. Ararat Cemetery Association.

Though Wideman mentioned being very ill in her letters to the Johnsons, she lived several more decades and was an active member of her church until she passed in 1982 in Miami while visiting her son. It was reported in the Daytona Beach News-Journal that she would make periodic visits to Akron before she died, but Oscar Macks descendants dont recall her being mentioned by relatives during that time.

Oscar Mack died January 1960, at 67. Unlike his brother, who was buried with a headstone marking his service in World War I, he died under his assumed name.

Its not clear how he died, though at the time he was living in a nursing home and suffering from cognitive decline. Hurt recalled he would escape the home, hustling as if trying to flee the lynch mob he for years was certain was still looking for him.

After his death, he was laid to rest at Glendale Cemetery in Akron, finally free from his burden and, with his story largely unknown, certain his secret died with him.

The respect I have for him, for this man who was able to escape, to fight for his life and have the tenacity not to give in, is immense, Brown said. He was a fighter. He was a survivor.

Dirty Florida history

Oscar Macks story is not uncommon, though virtually nothing is known of others who changed their identities to escape racial terror.

Thats the point, said Richard Buckelew, history professor at Bethune-Cookman University who serves as a historian documenting lynchings for the Volusia Remembers Coalition.

If theyre any good at it, you wouldnt hear about it until something like this comes up, Buckelew said. Understanding the situation and the times, it happened a lot more than we think.

Florida was notorious for lynching. Between 1880 to 1940, it had the second-highest rate of lynchings targeting Black Americans in the country, while Orange County ranked seventh in the nation in total lynchings within the same period, according to a report by the Equal Justice Initiative.

The state is also home to several incidents of racial violence, many happening within a few years of Macks disappearance  the 1916 lynching of the Newberry Six, the 1920 Election Day massacre in Ocoee that almost overnight turned the city for decades into a sundown town, the razing of Rosewoods Black community in 1923, among others.

Often, news accounts describing alleged violent crimes against whites by Black people referred to the latter as desperadoes where the term wouldnt exist in the reverse context. Subsequent lynchings and flaring racial tensions would be downplayed  like in Macks case, where ties to the KKK were quickly dismissed by reporters at the time.

Look at what the Orlando Sentinel did with the Groveland Four, with that famous cartoon with the electric chair before they were even indicted. That image went all over the world, said Marvin Dunn, professor emeritus at Florida International University and a prominent historian of anti-Black violence in Florida. The media helped establish the normalcy of lynching by advancing the view that the person deserved it.

Lynchings were often public spectacles, even a family affair where parents would take children to watch Black people be killed, usually before they had their day in court. Many were immortalized through postcards and newspaper accounts lending sympathy to white mobs.

It was also common for spectators to take souvenirs from the people who were killed, including body parts that were later preserved as keepsakes, Buckelew said.

It really wakes you up to a sense of how depraved our culture was, he said.

And in Florida, like other places where lynching was common, there were many who would rather not address the practice.

There was a lot of dirty Florida history in lynching that a lot of people, for good reason, did not want brought up, said Dunn, author of The Beast in Florida: A History of Anti-Black Violence. In part, its because some of their own relatives were involved in it or, at least, knowledgeable of it but did not speak out against it.

Weeks before Mack fled Kissimmee, a federal anti-lynching bill passed the House of Representatives years after it was first introduced in 1918. It would have made lynching a federal crime at a time when the practice was emblematic of the nadir of American race relations.

The 1922 bill failed in the Senate with the staunch opposition of Southern Democrats. It was among more than 200 attempts to outlaw lynching federally before the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act was signed into law last year, making lynching, now a largely uncommon phenomenon, a crime carrying a 30-year prison sentence.

You can pass it now because it doesnt mean anything, its good publicity, Buckelew said. Its like passing an anti-slavery law now. It doesnt have much effect.

The Equal Justice Initiative recorded more than 4,000 lynchings of African Americans between 1877 and 1950 in 12 states making up the American South. Lynchings were less common by the 1950s, though high-profile examples like Tills murder in 1955 figure prominently in the public conscience.

In recent years, Buckelews work with the Volusia Remembers Coalition helped unearth previously undocumented cases in Volusia County. Cases like the 1939 lynching of Lee Snell, a taxi driver beaten and shot as he was being escorted to jail for allegedly hitting a white boy riding a bicycle, is one of five memorialized by collecting soil from the sites and donating them to the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Ala.

The usual starting point for researchers like Buckelew is newspaper accounts. But the challenges in finding many of the records mean any estimates in the number of lynchings are likely to be conservative.

Those fortunate enough to escape, like Mack, would flee the area and change their identities to avoid detection. Also like Mack, whose name was recorded in a 1923 NAACP report as having been lynched by a mob, loved ones who stay behind often dont dispute the reported deaths.

It was a defensive mechanism, Dunn said, one which he understands intimately. In the 1920s, his grandparents fled south Georgia to Orlando after his grandfather killed a white man, but he would sneak back under the cloak of night to visit his family over holidays.

This went on for years, Dunn said. There were Black men who would leave but then maintain ties with their families which would be kept secret by everybody to protect that person.

Dunn doesnt know his grandfathers name, only knowing him by his alias, Buck Williams. Anyone who would have likely known his real name has long since died, he said.

Unlike Macks great-grandchildren, who were eventually able to piece together Macks true identity, Dunn and others might never be able to.

In a sense, it means Im not quite sure who I am, Dunn said. Theres no way of filling that in, everybodys dead now. Many, many Black families in the South have had the same experience, and one reason why its not all that well known is because its not supposed to be all that well known.

Finding Oscar Mack

Renee Bronson grew up knowing the story about the night a Black postal worker killed her great-grandfather, Stewart Ivey, from her grandmother, who was 8 when he and Reinhardt were shot dead.

Marguerite Ivey Bronson, Stewart Iveys daughter, told the story to her grandchildren, referring to it as the night that n----- shot your granddaddy.

Much of Bronsons understanding of what happened matches with what the Brown family later learned, but she long wondered if Oscar Mack had escaped or, as many at the time assumed, he had been caught by the lynch mob.

Finding out he survived, Bronson said, brought her peace.

All my life I thought he had been lynched, and that made my burden of guilt by heritage so much heavier and so much harder to carry, Bronson said. When I heard he survived and went on to raise a family, I was thrilled.

For years, many in Macks family besides his wife and stepdaughter didnt know what really happened. Macks grandchildren for a long time only knew him as Lanier Johnson, and his great-grandchildren were only kids the day he died in 1960. At some point, Malissa Hurt, one of Macks grandchildren, was told the story of his true identity and kept it to herself before sharing it with her nephew, Marvin Brown, at a wedding in 1999.

We sat at a gazebo, and she began to share with me what Grandma told her and how long my grandmother kept it a secret, he said. She was told never to mention it to anyone but that [my grandmother] wanted her to be aware of it.

He told the Sentinel he didnt know what to make of it at the time, since Hurt had forgotten her grandfathers real name until many years later. Mildred Hurt, Malissas sister and matriarch of Browns family, died without knowing Macks story.

Florida Hurt, Macks stepdaughter, divulged more details at her Akron home in 2001. The elder Hurt died six years later, at 94.

From there, James Brown, known by his relatives as the family historian, got to work, trying to find any cases from the 1920s involving a Black man escaping a lynch mob.

It just stayed with me, he said. My grandmother was able to give us a lot of information, but I wanted to delve into it a lot further.

Unknown to him and his family, a group of students at Rollins College led by history professor Julian Chambliss began investigating the 1922 shooting. The class project, assigned in 2013, began with a single newspaper clipping found by Curtis Michelson, a researcher with Democracy Forum.

The clipping was in a pile of material collected as research of the Ocoee massacre by Democracy Forum, which made significant contributions in the late 1990s to how that event is understood today. It didnt come up again until Michelson was reminded of Lake Jennie Jewel, which sits next to Orange Avenue near Holden Heights, along the route where Michelson would ride his bike.

From there, the students spent a semester looking into the shooting and Macks subsequent escape from Kissimmee. They scoured newspaper accounts and dove into census and other records available on sites like Ancestry.com, to piece together the life of the Black World War I veteran forced to flee his hometown.

I wanted to make it a pure student project that was guided by Julian and I, and that turned out to be really good, Michelson said.

But without a death certificate confirming Mack was killed that year, and conflicting accounts of his demise  including Howes reports, which assumed Mack was likely dead and were mentioned in a 2008 book about anti-Black violence in the 20th century  the project hit a dead end.

Chambliss, who now teaches English at Michigan State University, said that is partly explained by inconsistent record keeping about Black people. The distortions in how Mack was portrayed in contemporary news reports further presented a challenge in telling a more complete story of who he was and what happened that night.

The normal mechanisms that are used to document people are often not used to document Black people, or really any people of color, throughout American history, Chambliss said. Youre forced to sort of seek them and humanize them through a variety of means. Thats really complicated, especially when youre telling a story of racial violence, because Black people are victims and youre trying, as best you can, to tell their human story with the data that you have.

A website created to publicly document the projects findings sat online and was about to be taken down when, in 2014, there was finally a breakthrough. Back in Akron, the Brown family stumbled on the site and pored over the stories about a suspected lynching in Kissimmee and the Black man who may or may not have survived it.

They read out Macks name and Malissa Hurt, her nephew recalled, was ecstatic.

She said, Thats it, thats the name! I got chills. Ill never forget that, Marvin Brown said.

James Brown reached out to Michelson soon after, who connected him to researchers at the Samuel Proctor Oral History Program at the University of Florida. And for the next three years, Chambliss, Michelson and the team from UF worked with the Brown family to fill the gaps in the tale of Macks life.

Many of the records kept by the Brown family are now archived by the university.

My grandmother held on to all that information; we have the letters, we have everything, James Brown said. I guess she held on to it not really knowing that one day this would probably become news.

The bridge of freedom to love

Marvin Brown recalls few details from when he attended the funeral of the man he only knew as Lanier Johnson, held at Glendale Cemetery in Akron on Jan. 6, 1960. It was cold and breezy that morning, and the ceremony was attended by a small group of relatives.

Johnson died a pauper, recalled Marvin Brown, who was a child when he attended the funeral with his mother. He remembers Johnson being laid in a metal casket that wasnt considered top of the line. He didnt know who Johnson was at the time, as he and his siblings had virtually no contact with Johnson before he died.

Malissa Hurt, Oscar Macks granddaughter, remembers him as a quiet, kind man who would speak lovingly with his grandchildren, often about their schooling, the few times they would visit him. His surviving great-grandchildren dont remember meeting him at all.

It was my first time ever seeing someone being lowered into the cold ground, and that was the first time I learned of his existence, Marvin Brown said. James Brown, his brother, said their mother, Mildred Hurt, never really talked about him either.

He was just Mr. Johnson, James Brown said.

That is, until June 28, 2017.

Unlike the day of his funeral, this one was warmer, less windy and had fewer clouds in the sky as Malissa Hurt, the Brown family, their friends and the researchers arrived at his grave.

Johnson had rested there undisturbed for decades, his secret all but lost to history. That day, his family replaced his gravestone to include his given name while Chambliss, Michelson and the documentarians from UF observed.

It was a redo of his funeral. Those in attendance were dressed in black. Hymns were sung and eulogies were read. The Rev. Alexis Brinkley-Felder, a longtime friend of the Brown family who witnessed as they pieced together Macks story, presided over the ceremony.

But the atmosphere wasnt somber. Instead, it was a celebration of Macks life and an acknowledgment of his struggle. His alias remained on the stone, to recognize the identity he took on after he was forced to leave Kissimmee.

We all have this gap as African-Americans that we cant identify and no one can tell us, said Brinkley-Felder, who spoke on Macks journey in her eulogy. So when we put someones story together, we feel like were closer to our own story.

Its a story further memorialized in a poem read at the funeral written by Vanessa Bonner, Macks great-granddaughter. Called The Bridge of Freedom to Love, its a retelling of Macks journey, that of a soldier returning from war only to fight another for his life.

It began:

I fought to live but riddled in fear

Shadows of my past haunted me within

Forced to flee by fight that night

I sought for help by a spirit of light

She showed me the way from a bright star above

For which brought me to a place of safety and love

I felt the presence of someone else driving me to write this poem and I could see him running, I could see the woods, I could feel the dampness, Bonner said of the piece. I could see the moonlight and its piercing through the trees at night. I could feel the fight in him, that he was being directed, and I can just feel him surviving.

During the trip to Akron, the researchers visited Malissa Hurts home, where boxes of photographs, letters and other documents belonging to Mack and stored in an attic were copied while she and her family gave on-camera interviews.

The material they collected that day is archived by UF and will be part of a documentary scheduled to screen in April, six years after the rededication ceremony. Deborah Hendrix, who has been with UFs oral history program since 2005, is leading its production.

Far from her first foray in uncovering Black stories of fighting back against racial terror, Hendrix said Macks is not a normal story, echoing the experts who said his experience is not meant to be well-known, sometimes even by family. The fact his story is known at all, and the way it came to be known, is largely unheard of.

The whole day was like you were going to the funeral of someone who had just passed away, Hendrix said of the rededication ceremony. In a metaphorical and literal way, thats what it was, the passing of the fictitious person and coming full circle. And its not the last chapter.

At the rededication ceremony, James Brown spoke about his desire for reconciliation for Mack by remembering his story and learning from it. And before they met, Bronson had been working with her local church toward what she called annihilating racism.

Their nearly two-hour conversation was the first of what they hope will be many to come. She and the Brown family hope to meet during the documentary screening, to which they were both invited.

The thing that pains me is the beast is still alive in our culture, Bronson said. We still have hate crime, we still have hatred and we still have a lot of people with some very distorted ideas about what justice is and what equality and fairness are.

I often say the color of racism is nothing more than fear, James Brown told her. Im sitting here and listening to you, and its really helping me.  It bothers me that people still look at me based on my color.

There are still many unanswered questions about Macks story. How did he escape Kissimmee so quickly and without detection? Where was his brother during the ordeal, and how were they able to reconnect once Mack left the state? Did Meta Widemans family know who she was writing to and visiting in Akron?

They are questions that might never be answered, but Macks tale offers another perspective of a tumultuous era in the history of U.S. race relations. His escape from Florida, Michelson said, was part of the Great Migration, in which millions of Black Americans left the South over decades, in part to escape the violence that came with Jim Crow.

All of this violence is happening; we all feel it, but people of color lived in that kind of trauma in a way whites did not and everybody shared it, Michelson said. Oscar Macks story is that of survival and making a way where there was no way.

For Chambliss, Macks journey, like many told throughout history, is tragic. Theres no way to reliably tell how many people were lynched or were otherwise victims of anti-Black violence, which he fears might be a lot larger than were all willing to comprehend.

But Macks story ends with a different outcome, Chambliss said. He survived. He was able to raise a family. His descendants went on to build their own lives while carrying  unknowingly, for years  his legacy of survival and resilience.

With that, and through the connections made with researchers in Orlando, they were able to uncover his story and return to him his identity. Even many years after the Brown family first learned about their great-grandfather, they hope new details emerge to fill the remaining pieces of the puzzle.

We have, at some level, pulled together a story of Oscar Mack, Chambliss said. Its not necessarily the complete history that it could be, but his humanity is restored.

creyes-rios@orlandosentinel.com

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Vietnam, 1967: Barbara (Bobbie) Oberhansly delivers the weather forecast for Vietnam on Armed Forces Television.

Read the 1967 article on Oberhansly here.

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PARIS (Tribune News Service)  With the next U.S. presidential election just over a year and a half away, candidates are already jockeying for pole position. Well, at least on the Republican side. The Democrats are still wrestling over whether to cling to 80-year-old Joe Biden for another four years or try to find someone else who would actually stand a chance against the GOP.

What about banking on current Vice President Kamala Harris, you might be one of the rare few to ask. On average, 7% more voters now disapprove of Harris job performance than approve of it  a figure that has been rising since September 2021. Although the incumbent vice president is typically a shoo-in to succeed the boss in the event that they dont stand for re-election, Harris is an exception. At the rate that her popularity continues to tank, the GOP could run a houseplant against a Harris candidacy and win. And the houseplant at least produces oxygen while Harris tends to suck it out of the room on the rare occasions when shes even visible.

Perhaps theres a strategy at play not to overshadow Biden or make it look like she was biding her time until he was gone. But no one really knows what kind of leader Harris would actually be. Her recent showing at the Munich Security Conference last month was reduced to belting out the greatest hits of the Washington bureaucrats. The talking points were delivered with all the finesse of a Big Mac combo tossed through a car window at the drive-thru.

The Democrats shallow bench is the Republican Partys strength. What they do with the golden opportunity is another matter. Former President Donald Trump has still got it in the sense that theres still an affinity for his ideas. If only he could get out of his own way with the accompanying drama.

No president has ever taken the bureaucracy to task the way that Trump has  and is still doing from the sidelines. World War III has never been closer than it is right now, he said in a recent online video vowing to clean house of all of the warmongers and Americas last globalists. Then Trump unleashed a truth bomb thats almost unthinkable coming from a former American president. For decades, weve had the very same people, such as (current Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs) Victoria Nuland and many others just like her obsessed with pushing Ukraine toward NATO, not to mention the State Department support for uprisings in Ukraine, Trump said. This should have been front-page news everywhere: Former US president acknowledges deep state role in fomenting foreign regime change in Ukraine.

Trump isnt wrong. Even NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg alluded recently to the fact that the Ukraine conflict didnt start when many think that it did. And the war in Ukraine did not start last February. It started in 2014. With Russias annexation of Crimea and the attacks in Eastern Ukraine, he said.

Of course, Russias intervention in Russophone Crimea followed the Western-backed overthrow of the Ukraine government  which is exactly what Trump alluded to in his remarks.

Trump knows where the establishments skeletons are buried, and is the only president in recent history not to have started a war while in office. Its no wonder that they want to stop him from returning at all costs. There would be a serious risk of peace breaking out. Which explains why John Bomb Iran Bolton announced that hes running.

Former South Carolina Gov. and United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley is another neocon in the same mold as Bolton who has announced a run. Its impossible to differentiate Haleys statements from Bidens or Boltons on foreign policy.

Enter Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has almost all of Trumps attributes without the propensity to swing from the chandeliers  or whatever the social media equivalent would be. DeSantis once criticized Trump on several fronts, including foreign policy, but hasnt been afraid to evolve. I dont think its in our interest to be getting into a proxy war with China, getting involved over things like the borderlands or over Crimea, he said recently.

When it comes to holding back the tsunami of leftist social engineering that risks flooding Western society, both Trump and DeSantis tick the same boxes.

But what if Trump and DeSantis split like-minded GOP primary voters, creating a pathway to victory for a more establishment-friendly neocon like Bolton or Haley? DeSantis and Trump are on the same team, whether they know it or not. Its time for them to start acting like it for the sake of the countrys future.

Rachel Marsden is a columnist, political strategist and host of independently produced talk shows in French and English. Her website can be found at http://www.rachelmarsden.com.

2023 Tribune Content Agency, LLC
CAMP ZAMA, Japan  Maj. Gen. Joel Vowell, speaking this week at the Women, Peace and Security Symposium at the headquarters of U.S. Army Japan, recalled a real-life episode to illustrate how inclusivity works in a conflict zone.

Vowell, battling insurgents in Kunar province, Afghanistan, in 2010, met with local leaders  mayors, tribal elders, religious advisors  to learn their foremost needs. Those leaders, all men, agreed that access to fresh water was their biggest concern, Vowell said Monday during his address.

Meanwhile, female Army officers and noncommissioned officers meeting separately with Afghan women heard a different story. The women listed their priority as new textbooks and other materials for the local school.

We learned that you sometimes get half the story in these official meetings, and I learned a very important lesson about being inclusive, Vowell, the commander of U.S. Army Japan, told his audience. This tactical example  brought to my mind how important it is to have a variety of thought in the room, diversity of background and being inclusive in all matters of national security.

U.S. Army Japan, for the first time, hosted the symposium Monday through Wednesday at the base Community Club. The event drew about 50 uniformed and civilian military professionals from the U.S. and Japan, including representatives from the Office of the Secretary of Defense, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and Japans Air and Ground Self-Defense Forces. The U.S. 5th Air Force, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Naval Forces Japan and other commands were also represented.

The symposium focused on the role of women from the defense sector in maintaining global peace and security. The title is a misnomer, said panelist Erin Cooper, director of women, peace and security within global partnerships, strategic plans and capability at the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

There seems to be a misconception sometimes [that women, peace and security] is only about women, and just women being able to participate in peace and security decision making, Cooper said during a panel discussion. When, in fact, taking a gender perspective is something that allows us to understand the various gender identity issues that might be a play, and how they could potentially impact military plans, operations and activities.

Former President Donald Trump in 2017 signed into law the Women, Peace and Security Act, the first legislation of its kind globally, according to a Biden administration report to Congress two years later on progress implementing the act.

The act commits the United States to increasing womens leadership in civic life and recognizing womens roles in preventing and resolving conflict and building post-conflict peace and security, according to the report.

Around the world, conflict and disasters adversely and disproportionately affect women and girls, yet women remain under-represented in efforts to prevent and resolve conflict, and in post-conflict peacebuilding or recovery efforts, the report states. Research has shown that peace negotiations are more likely to succeed, and result in lasting stability, when women participate.

Japan is drafting its third national action plan for women, peace and security, and the U.S. is drafting its own strategy update, said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Andre Agraviador, a policy adviser at the defense secretarys office of global womens issues.

We are interested in highlighting focus elements that Japan and the United States share such as disaster risk reliance, disaster risk resilience and working with the government of Japan, he said.
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan  Female pilots and aircrew marked International Womens Day on this base in western Tokyo by greeting students for their second annual Fly Girls event.

Im trying not to get teary eyed, Tech. Sgt. Seara Sapp Becker, a C-130J Super Hercules loadmaster, told Stars and Stripes at the event Wednesday. It was amazing to see the excitement they had and to know that I might have played just a small part in their lives today is just so amazing.

More than 100 students  both girls and boys  from Yokotas middle and high school attended the event. That morning, they rode on a UH-1 Iroquois, or Huey, helicopter; a C-12J Huron, a twin turboprop passenger plane; or a Super Hercules airlifter.

Later, at static displays and information tables inside a hangar for the 459th Airlift Squadron, they learned directly from the women who pilot and maintain the aircraft.

We have had students come up to us and tell us how excited they are to pursue a career in aviation, 1st Lt. Elizabeth Gilliam, a Super Hercules copilot, said at the event.

Yokota High senior Sophia Teodoro said she wasnt sure what role she wanted to serve in the military until she talked to members of the 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron from Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, at the event.

Im a Filipino and it is kind of the norm for us to become nurses (in the military), so I kind of wanted to stay away from that, she said. But after hearing from the aeromedical evacuation crew and their nursing jobs, the job is more than just taking care of patients. It is also transporting them. I learned that there are nurses that fly and that they help transport a patient from one base to another if there isnt a good hospital for them. I kind of want to do that now.

Women representing their roles in aviation makes a difference, Becker said; it actually inspired her to pursue a career in military aviation.

As a little girl I never thought I would join the military, she said. And then I saw my aunt and she was in the military and worked on the C-130E. She showed me the way and that I could do this.

This is the second year the 36th Airlift Wing has hosted the event and the first year the Japan Air Self-Defense Force has been involved.

Currently we don't have many female pilots, but now younger generation pilots are increasing, said 1st Lt. Avane Takatori, a C-130H pilot with Japans 401st Tactical Airlift Squadron at Komaki Air Base. A few years ago, female pilots were not allowed to be fighter jet pilots. But now (Japan) removed that restriction, so we think that the number of female pilots will be increasing.

The event shows young girls and boys how the U.S. and the world has progressed for women in the aviation career field, Gilliam said.

Its very important for young females to see that these leaps and bounds have already been made and these hurdles that used to stand in front of us have been hurdled already by women like the WASPs, the women and service pilots, and that it's very possible and encouraged for young women to pursue such a career, Gilliam said.

It's very important for the young men to see this as well, to see that women and men work alongside each other and that we are the same in the eyes of the Air Force, she added.
CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  North Korea fired its fifth ballistic missile of the year Thursday, one day after U.S. intelligence officials assessed that the communist regime had no intention of abandoning its weapons program.

South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff in a message to reporters said the military had detected at least one short-range ballistic missile launched from the coastal city of Nampo toward the Yellow Sea around 6:20 p.m.

The Joint Chiefs said it was investigating the possibility that North Korea launched several ballistic missiles simultaneously.

The South Korean military maintains a full readiness posture and is working with the United States in surveilling the launch, the Joint Chiefs said.

While the North Korean launch does not pose an immediate threat to the U.S. or its allies, it highlights the destabilizing impact of North Koreas ballistic missile programs, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said in a statement on Thursday.

The regime last launched two short-range ballistic missiles off its eastern coast on Feb. 20 and fired an intercontinental ballistic missile eastward on Feb. 18.

Thursdays launch came a day after the Office of the Director of National Intelligence made public an unclassified version of its annual threat assessment report. In it, the directorate said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un almost certainly views nuclear weapons and ICBMs as the ultimate guarantor of his autocratic rule and has no intention of abandoning those programs 

Kim is continuing to prioritize efforts to build an increasingly capable missile force designed to evade U.S. and regional missile defenses, the report said. Kim probably will continue to order missile tests  to validate technical objectives, reinforce deterrence, and normalize Pyongyangs missile testing.

North Korea fired roughly 75 missiles in 2022, an annual record, in 36 separate days of testing.

The latest launch comes as the U.S. and South Korean forces prepare to kick off their largest joint military exercises in recent years. The allies are scheduled to conduct their Freedom Shield exercise Monday through March 23 and will concurrently hold a series of large-scale field exercises dubbed Warrior Shield.

North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency has warned the U.S. and the South over the upcoming exercises and continues to describe them as provocative acts that destabilizes the region.
WASHINGTON (Tribune News Service)  Influential lawmakers from both parties urged the Defense secretary in a letter Tuesday to curtail the departments submission to Congress of unfunded priorities lists  annual requests for billions of dollars in military spending above White House budget proposals.

The Department of Defense must show taxpayers that it is a responsible steward of its funds, wrote four senators and two representatives in a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III that was obtained by CQ Roll Call. That must begin with eliminating the practice of sending Congress bloated wish lists for additional funds on top of its core budget submissions.

The letter was signed by an unlikely coalition. The signatories were Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Angus King, I-Maine, both of whom are members of the Armed Services Committee; Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., who leads the Congressional Progressive Caucus; plus three fiscally conservative Republicans: Sens. Mike Lee of Utah and Mike Braun of Indiana and Rep. Tom McClintock of California.

The bipartisan, bicameral composition of the letters signatories underscores how the defense budget could be a major issue in 2023 as a growing number of Republicans, especially in the House, are deviating from the partys traditional pattern of all but exempting military spending from fiscal austerity.

The half-dozen lawmakers asked Austin to reduce the use of the unfunded priorities requests, starting with next months fiscal 2024 budget proposal, and to support legislation that would eliminate statutory requirements that the Pentagon submit such supplementary requests annually.

The Pentagon did not immediately reply Tuesday to a request for comment.

Supporters of the unfunded priorities lists say they give Congress information about defense systems that may deserve funding even if the White House does not agree. And, these proponents add, it is Congress duty to add and subtract from budget requests rather than rubber stamp them.

On the other hand, critics of the unfunded requests say their submission to Congress effectively forms an addendum to the formal budget that helps inflate defense spending. Nondefense departments and agencies do not have similar lists of any appreciable size, budget experts say.

The additional funding is often for nice-to-have, not critical programs, the critics argue. At the same time, the lawmakers said in their letter to Austin, when the unfunded priorities lists include important initiatives that have been offloaded there from the regular budget, it artificially understates the regular budget.

We are increasingly concerned that budget gamesmanship is leading to the placement of critical programs in unfunded priorities lists, rather than the Departments initial budget which should be accurately reflecting our true national security priorities, they wrote.

Last years budget cycle exemplified the Pentagons practice of submitting to Congress not just a regular defense spending request but also billions more dollars on wish lists.

Within a few weeks of President Joe Bidens $813 billion fiscal 2023 defense budget submission to Congress last March, the leaders of the military services, the combatant commands, the National Guard Bureau and the Missile Defense Agency submitted separate lists totaling some $24 billion for one year alone for items that did not make the presidents budget.

Then, in November, Pentagon Comptroller Mike McCord sent Congress a list of $29.57 billion in programs that had also not been part of the presidents March budget and most of which had also not been included in the earlier $24 billion worth of supplementary requests.

In recent years, the programs on the unfunded priorities lists tend to be funded by Congress. Those wish-list additions form a substantial share of the additional spending that lawmakers regularly insert on top of the Pentagons regular budget request.

Congress appropriated $858 billion for defense in fiscal 2023, including money for Ukraine and other emergencies, compared to the $813 billion Biden request. The defense budget has gone up from year to year in seven of the last eight years.

Since at least the mid-1990s, the unfunded lists have been a feature of Pentagon budget advocacy, according to the Congressional Research Service.

Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates succeeded in significantly scaling back the size and cost of the lists between 2006 and 2011, but they have grown back since then.

The authors of Tuesdays letter to Austin cited Gates push and hinted that Austin should do the same.

The fiscal 2017 National Defense Authorization Act was the first law that required the service chiefs and combatant commanders to submit unfunded lists. The number of flag officers and senior defense officials who are required by law to submit such lists has expanded since then.

The signers of Tuesdays letter filed legislation in both chambers in the last Congress that would eliminate the statutory requirements for Defense Department unfunded lists  and they asked Austin to support such legislation in the new Congress.

We urge the Department to support this bill and will continue to work with our colleagues to repeal this wasteful and unnecessary requirement that undermines budget discipline, the lawmakers wrote.

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(Tribune News Service)  Pvt. Romay Davis, a 103-year-old World War II veteran from Montgomery, received the first Lifetime Achievement Award at the 10th annual Women Who Shape The State event Wednesday.

Davis served in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion at a time when Black women in the military were separated by both gender and race. Nicknamed Six Triple Eight, Davis and her unit were part of the largest African-American Womens Army Corps unit to serve overseas during World War II.

Women Who Shape the State, hosted by This is Alabama and the Alabama Media Group, honors accomplished women who make a difference across Alabama.

Col. Eries L. G. Mentzer, former commander of Maxwell Air Force Base and the first Black woman to hold the role, gave a keynote speech that honored Davis and two other women who also worked at Maxwell  Rosa Parks and Sharron Frontiero  who blazed trails that allowed greater equality for women in the armed forces and beyond.

On my toughest days in command at Maxwell  and there were some tough days  I would say If Miss Romay can do it in far less favorable conditions than what I have, I can too, Mentzer said. Im here today because of you, because you paid my freedom to serve.

Davis, a native of Virginia, enlisted in 1943, following her five brothers.

Her unit, comprised of more than 800 Black women, set sail for Europe in February 1945.

When they arrived in England, they were faced with a six-month backlog of mail due to a shortage of soldiers at a time when mail played a crucial role in morale.

They relied on the mail for people on the frontlines, to know why they were serving, and for the people back home to know that those members that were serving on behalf of their freedom were still with us, said Mentzer, who gave the keynote speech for the event. They relied on a piece of mail.

Davis and the women in her unit worked 24/7 and processed an average of 195,000 pieces of mail per day, clearing the backlog in just three months. In June, the unit moved to Rouen, France, where they served until the last members returned in Feb. 1946.

They had to work sometimes in very poor conditions, sometimes in the dark so the enemy didnt know when they were asked, but they still showed up and they did their duty, Mentzer said, adding that the unit also faced racism and sexism.

Now, Davis is the oldest living member of the Six Triple Eight. Filmmaker Tyler Perry is making a movie about the unit that will release on Netflix.

After serving in the Army, she had a career in fashion for 30 years, earned a black belt in her late 70s and later worked at Winn-Dixie in Montgomery for more than 20 years. At age 100, she was still working five days per week.

Davis was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal in 2021, along with the other members of the unit.

In her keynote speech, Mentzer also shared stories of NAACP leader Rosa Parks and Sharron Cohen (formerly Lt. Sharron Frontiero), both of whom worked at Maxwell Air Force Base.

Parks and her husband worked on the Maxwell Air Force Base in the 1941  she was a secretary and he was a barber  14 years before she refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger and the Montgomery bus boycott.

Cohen was integral in allowing military spouses to receive benefits after she sued the Secretary of Defense in Frontiero v. Richardson in 1973. Her lawyers, Joe Levin and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, successfully argued her case to the Supreme Court. Maxwell Air Force Base called Frontiero v. Richardson the first successful sex discrimination case filed against the federal government and set the precedent for future gender equity cases.

Mentzer said the three women inspired change for many women who would come behind them. This year will also mark the 75th anniversary of the Womens Armed Services Integration Act, which allowed women to serve as officially serve in all U.S. military branches, and the 70th anniversary of Executive Order 9981, which banned segregation in the armed forces.

Those things would not have happened without people like Rosa Parks, Sharron Frontiero, Romay Davis, Mentzer said before presenting Davis with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

These are women who at times when they were not fully accepted or embraced by our society still showed up, and did their duty, raised their hand and said Send me regardless of the conditions. I want to serve. I want to help move us closer from who we say we are as America to who we really are, and make sure that everybody is welcome into that dream.

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Police objected to bail for Mark Ashby citing his 196 previous convictions

A man wanted for arson was remanded into custody today accused of dangerous driving having fled over the border.

Appearing at Newry Magistrates Court by video link from police custody, 35-year-old Mark Ashby was charged with five driving offences including dangerous driving, driving while unfit, no insurance, no licence and failing to stop on March 7 this year.

Ashby, from the Moy Elta Road in Dublin, was also charged with possessing class A drug, cocaine, and while he confirmed he understood the charges, a police officer said she believed she connect him to each of the offences.

Objecting to him being freed on bail, she outlined how gardai in Dundalk alerted the PSNI to a suspected arsonist fleeing northwards on a motorbike.

At around 02.30am, officers spotted the motorbike on the A1 dual carriageway but it failed to stop and ten minutes later, police attempted to speak to the driver in an industrial estate in the city but he sped off, driving the wrong way along the A1.

Cops set up a vehicle check point but again, Ashby failed to stop but he was arrested a short time later at a filling station in Banbridge and he failed a preliminary breathalyser before refusing to answer police questions.

Given Ashbys 196 previous convictions in the Republic, the officer said there were objections to bail given the risk of further offences and the risk of flight.

While defence solicitor Conor Downey argued that even if he did flee, Ashby was wanted by the gardai who would be keeping a close eye on him and that a cash surety could be lodged, Dep. District Judge Peter Prenter said the risks were too great so refusing bail, he remanded Ashby into custody, adjourning the case to 16 March.
Rebecca Collins, of Carrigaholt in Co Clare, had sued the HSE for negligence, breach of duty of care, and medical mismanagement after losing her first child in December 2007.

Rebecca Collins and her family outside the High Court this week. Photo: The Pudding

The HSE has apologised to the family of a baby girl who was delivered stillborn after her scan results were read incorrectly at a maternity hospital in Limerick 16 years ago.

Rebecca Collins, of Carrigaholt in Co Clare, had sued the HSE for negligence, breach of duty of care, and medical mismanagement after losing her first child in December 2007.

Baby Hannah was delivered stillborn with a true knot in the umbilical cord at St Muchins Maternity Hospital, which is now known as the University Maternity Hospital in Limerick.

The HSE admitted liability as the High Court on Wednesday approved a six-figure settlement to Ms Collins, which she said brings her family some closure.

In an apology read to the court, a spokesperson for the HSE said they "would like to sincerely apologise" and acknowledge that what happened to the Collins family was "devastating for you and your family and has had a profound and lasting effect on you".

The willingness of the family to share their experience was invaluable to allowing this investigation to learn from their experience and in helping to make recommendations to improve the systems and processes in place.

The Maternity Hospital and the HSE confirms that they are committed to ensuring that the recommendations identified by this investigation report are implemented as a matter of urgency.

Ms Collins (40) had sought an internal inquiry into her daughters stillbirth, which found that there was a failure to identify an abnormal cardiotocography (CTG) scan.

This led to a failure to identify and proactively manage the life-threatening risk to her baby.

She said that waiting so long for answers about her daughters death caused her further anguish and trauma.

"That feeling of emptiness, immense loss and pain and a lack of understanding still haunts me to this day, the bereaved mother added.

Speaking after the settlement was approved, the familys solicitor said that the case serves as a reminder to keep asking the difficult questions in relation to patient care.

Rebecca has fought this case with great dignity so that her daughters death was not in vain, Rachael OShaughnessy of Homs Assist said.

Im honoured to have been able to support her and while we welcome todays settlement, I know that no amount of money could ever compensate for Hannahs life which is gone forever - laughter that will never be heard and a daughter who will be forever loved and missed.

She added that Ms Collins case highlights the very real need for the urgent enactment of the Patient Safety Bill, which is currently being examined by the Seanad after passing a major milestone in the Dail last month.
Judge Comerford said: "This case is extreme because of the length of the offending.

A wolf in sheeps clothing who abused a 10 year old girl for the last time on his wedding day 42 years ago has received a prison term of 11 years and four months.

At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Francis Comerford imposed the prison term on Patrick Larkin (68) of Marian Estate, Kilkee in west Clare and said that his crimes did very great damage to his four victims.

In the case, Mr Larkin - named today for the first time by order of the court- pleaded guilty to the sexual abuse of four girls spanning five decades over four separate time periods from 1976 to 2018.

Mr Larkin told Gardai in an interview it was the devil inside that made me do these things.

Judge Comerford has suspended the final 18 months of the 11 year four month prison term. Mr Larkin heard Judge Comerford pass sentence from his prison via video link.

Judge Comerford said that Mr Larkin - 69 later this month - had committed his crimes across a very long period of time and had moved from victim to victim.

He said: "He was a predator and he did harm to his victims and these completely innocent people were victimised by the deeply grave and deeply terrible crimes by Patrick Larkin."

Judge Comerford said: "This case is extreme because of the length of the offending.

In evidence, Det Garda Conor Flaherty of the Clare Divisions Protective Services Unit said that Mr Larkin admitted to Gardai that he was attracted to nine and ten year old girls.

Last November, at his initial sentencing hearing, Larkin voluntarily went into custody and after hearing the State case and victim impact statements, Judge Comerford told the court that he would have been remanding Mr Larkin in custody anyway.

Mr Larkin was first charged with 221 counts of sexual and indecent assaults between 1976 and 2018 concerning four complainants.

In the case, Mr Larkin pleaded guilty to 53 sample counts concerning the first three victims and pleaded guilty to the single count relating to the 2018 sex assault on the fourth girl.

Mr Larkins first victim was born in 1971 and was sexually abused on numerous occasions from the age of five in 1976 to when she was aged 10 on Mr Larkin's wedding day in 1981. Larkin - who worked for Clare Co Council for 35 years - started his catalogue of abuse at the age of 22.

Mr Larkins final victim was born in 2008 and he pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault in Summer 2018 when she was aged 10.

Another victim was sexually assaulted by Larkin aged six to 11 in the years 1991 to 1996.

In her victim impact statement, the woman, now aged 37, told the court that Larkin was a wolf in sheeps clothing looking for the right opportunity to pounce.

A file photograph of Patrick Larkin entering Ennis Circuit Court. Photograph: Press 22

The woman said that she spent time at the offenders home as her mother was in hospital for a period.

She said: Instead of helping to nurture that six year old, he instead used me for his own disgusting sexual perversions.

Not only did he sexually abuse me from the ages of six to 10, but he also emotionally tortured me with whispers of nobody will believe you, if you tell anyone you will never see your family again, youll be left all alone and you know I love you.

The woman said: It was an egregious abuse of trust, of normal decency.They say the body keeps the score. I have spent so many years pushing things down, my disgust, my fear, my sadness, my pain. Pushing deeper within myself until I could feel nothing at all.

Det Garda Flaherty said that Larkin's decades of abuse was exposed when a mother of a third victim confronted him at a funeral in Kilkee in the summer of 2019.

At the funeral, Larkin confessed to the mother of the abuse and after a number of people became aware of this locally, Larkin's first two victims came forward to make a statement to gardai.

Counsel Patrick Whyms BL for Mr Larkin, said that his client has been called a paedophile on the street in his home place.

Mr Whyms said that Mr Larkin had agreed with TUSLA not to have any more contact with any children.

Mr Whyms said that Mr Larkins own children have abandoned him while he is separated from his wife.

In sentencing, Judge Comerford said that Mr Larkin is in poor health and is deeply depressed because of his personal circumstances.

He said: He does say that he knows that he is wiped out - that is a reality and he says that he hopes the victims can get on with their lives and manage their lives. He knows what he did was wrong."

Judge Comerford said: "He knows that if he does return to freedom he will live out his days alone.
Ross Hutch has suffered several bereavements in recent years, including tragically both parents.

Ross Hutch, who pleaded guilty to two counts of assault this week.

A nephew of Gerry Hutch, who previously appeared on Winning Streak, has admitted attacking a man and woman known to him in Dublin.

Ross Hutch (30) pleaded guilty this week to two counts of assault causing harm in Dublin 1 on August 22 and August 23, 2021.

Appearing in court this week Hutch, of Portland Place, Dublin 1, pleaded guilty to one count of causing serious harm to a man at Sheriff Street Lower on August 22, 2021.

He further pleaded guilty to one count of assault causing harm to a woman at The Holyhead Hostel on Gardiner Street on August 23, 2021.

Fiona McGowan BL, prosecuting, requested victim impact statements for these two people and other named persons on the indictment. Judge Martin Nolan set a sentence date of March 29.

Hutch had been due to stand trial on a number of charges later this month. That trial date has now been vacated.

Judge Nolan remanded Hutch in continuing custody ahead of the sentence date.

Ross Hutch, who pleaded guilty to two counts of assault this week.

A bail hearing previously heard how the altercations reportedly arose after Hutch was informed he would not be allowed to attend his childs communion, due to security concerns.

Hutchs family had been under severe threat from the Kinahan organized crime gang at the time.

Detective Garda Emmett Brannigan told the bail hearing that in August 2021, one of Mr Hutch's children was due to make their communion and he was informed he was not allowed to attend for security reasons.

Det Gda Brannigan said that on August 22, the current boyfriend of Mr Hutch's ex-partner was leaving a pub in Dublin City centre when Mr Hutch allegedly slashed the man's face with a knife.

The detective said Mr Hutch stayed at a hostel that night with his then girlfriend and the following morning she was allegedly assaulted by him during an incident that was captured on CCTV.

Mr Hutch has suffered several bereavements in recent years, including tragically both parents.

His cousin Gary was murdered in Spain in 2015, sparking the infamous Hutch/Kinahan feud.

Four of Ross's relatives were shot dead as part of the violence, including his father, Eddie Hutch Snr (59).

Eddie was gunned down on Poplar Row in February 2016, just days after David Byrne was shot dead in the Regency Hotel. This killing remains unsolved.

Another cousin, Gareth Hutch (36) was shot dead outside the Avondale House flat complex in the north inner city in May 2016, whilst Derek Coakley-Hutch (27) was murdered in Clondalkin in January 2018.

Hutchs motheralso passed away in January of this year. It is understood officers were called after a male relative became concerned and forced entry to the property where Jane (66), also known as Jenny, had died.

Ross has been previously warned that his life is under threat and has been the victim of a number of assaults including being severely beaten up four times in the space of 10 months in 2017.

Hutch, who battled a severe drug addiction before being locked up, has a number of previous convictions, including convictions for possession of firearms, endangerment and theft.

Jane (Jenny) Hutch

His most recent stretch in prison relates to his conviction for a robbery at Boles Pharmacy in Drumcondra in 2019.

Dublin Circuit Court heard in November 2019, that Hutch was armed with a bicycle saddle when he carried out the raid.

Hutch fled the scene on a bicycle but was quickly arrested by gardai who were able to link him to the crime through DNA.

Ross made national headlines just before the feud began when he won 33,000 in cash and prizes on RTE's Winning Streak in 2015 on behalf of his brother, Edward Hutch Jnr.

Another brother, Alan (39), has also had run ins with the law. He previously told a court about missing his father and wishing he was around to steady the ship and get him back on the right path.
Posted from Italy, France and the Netherlands, the illegal drugs were on their way to addresses in Dublin, Louth and Carlow.

Over 223,000 worth of drugs have been seized in Athlone after Revenue officers discovered the huge haul hidden inside packages yesterday.

The parcels contained over 10kg of herbal cannabis, 10kg of khat and 114 grams of cocaine.

Khat is comprised of parts of a plant that can be smoked or chewed, having similar effects as amphetamines.

Posted from Italy, France, the UK and the Netherlands, the illegal drugs were on their way to addresses in Dublin, Louth and Carlow.

A photo of the seizure in Athlone shows a huge pile of illegal drugs sealed in plastic bags.

A spokesperson for Revenue said the drugs were found as a result of routine operations when officers were examining parcels at a premises in Athlone.

They added: "This seizure is part of Revenue's ongoing operations targeting the importation of illegal drugs.

"If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295 295.

Investigations are ongoing.
Portlaoise warders seek security review of dissident inmates following detectives shooting

PRISON officers in Portlaoise are seeking a review of security arrangements for dissident inmates following the shooting of PSNI officer John Caldwell, a source has said.

Officers in the States only top security prison are said to extremely concerned by reports the New IRA linked shooting may have been sanctioned from behind bars  north or south of the border.

Detective Chief Inspector Caldwell was shot several times in Omagh last month and is still critically ill in hospital.

Police in the north have made a number of arrests.

Portlaoise is home to 12 dissident inmates, including Kevin Braney  the reputed leader of the New IRA in Dublin.

Braney, from Tallaght, is serving a life sentence for the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterley.

During the 48-year-olds trial, Braney was said in effect to have been the man who gave the orders.

The Sunday Worldunderstands there is nothing to indicate to prison authorities that Braney had any role in organising or sanctioning the Caldwell hit.

The source said: The reports (claiming the attempted murder of John Caldwell was organised from behind bars) are concerning, the source said.

Officers believe the security restrictions currently in place for the dissident inmates would not be sufficient to prevent something like this from being organised within the prison.

The areas of the security arrangements for dissident inmates said to be causing concern to officers include screening of visitors, external phone-calls and cell inspections on the E1 landing.

The source said the local branch of the Prison Officers Association (POA) had sought a meeting with prison authorities to discuss these concerns.

In a statement to the Sunday World, the POA declined to comment. The Irish Prison Service also said it does not comment on security or operational matters.

The PSNI repeated this week, that the New IRA are believed to be responsible for the gun attack.

In remarks to the Northern Ireland Policing Board, after being questioned over the possibility of loyalist involvement in the attack, PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan said the New IRA remain the primary focus..

Sinn Fein board member Gerry Kelly asked Mr McEwan for an update saying there it had been a bit confusing as there had been reports of arrests across the community.

He said it was believed that four of the people who had been arrested were from a loyalist background and asked if there was a loyalist connection to the shooting.

In reply, Mr. McEwan said: We are very clear that this is still assessed as being an attack carried out by the New IRA and that is where the primary focus of the investigation is.

Mr McEwan said people should not get confused with titles such as loyalism.

We still assess that this has been an attack carried out by the New IRA who have very explicitly stated that they wish to carry out attacks on police officers and John has been the target on this occasion.
A court issued a search and arrest warrant for the Irishman on Monday when he did not appear at the hearing

A Spanish court has issued an arrest warrant for a young Irishman after he failed to turn up in court on drugs charges.

The 30-year-old had been due to go on trial in the Superior Court of Justice of the Balearic Island in connection with a drugs seizure in in Sant Antoni in 2018.

But the court issued a search and arrest warrant for the Irishman on Monday when he did not appear at the hearing in which he was summoned to answer for a crime against public health.

The Public Prosecutor had requested a sentence of 45 months in prison and a fine of 600 for the accused man, known only as Brian JS, following the seizure of 13 bags of MDMA.

As previously reported by the Superior Court of Justice of the Balearic Islands, the young man was surprised by agents of the Sant Antoni Local Police who found among his belongings some bags containing 10.7 grams of MDMA.

According to local news website Periodico de Ibiza, he was arrested as the alleged perpetrator of a crime of drug trafficking and the indictment claims he was carrying the substances for sale to third parties

It is reported that the drug would have reached an approximate price of 299.

Every year, a significant number of Irish people arrested on drugs charges in Ibiza.

Last June, an Irish tourist was also arrested in Ibiza after being caught with more than 100 grams of cocaine.

The Spanish Civil Guard confirmed that a British man was also arrested after the pair were stopped at a checkpoint in Sant Antoni.

Police say the pair were acting strangely in the car and were asked to leave the vehicle to be searched.

When they got out of the car, one of the men tried to get rid of the small plastic bag containing the cocaine by throwing it into the street.

However, he was caught and both men were arrested.

Police later confirmed that the bag contained 102 grams of cocaine.
The operation led to the arrests of 49 drug kingpins and members of a prolific transnational criminal network

Dozens of drug kingpins were taken down

Police in Dubai have revealed how they took down key members of the co-called 'super cartel' of which the Kinahan crime gang played a huge role.

Over the last two years, the Gulf police force arrested 597 of the most wanted international fugitives from 101 countries.

They participated alongside six European countries in Operation Desert Light which focussed on dozens of high-value targets and drug lords who controlled around one-third of the cocaine trade in Europe.

The operation led to the arrests of 49 drug kingpins and members of a prolific transnational criminal network involved in large-scale drug trafficking and money laundering crimes.

Speaking this week, one Dubai official said that advanced surveillance technologies played a big role in arresting some of the worlds most world-wanted criminals.

Daniel Kinahan and (inset) Raffaele Imperiale

Over the past two years, we have exchanged 9,012 security tips with member states of Interpol through the National Office of the Ministry of Interior and carried out successful joint international operations that dismantled transnational criminal syndicates," he said.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, a top official from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) said that the police had seized and restored Dh517,981,823 (134 million) from international criminals involved in financial crimes in their countries.

Details of the operation were announced on Tuesday by Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police during the second Dubai World Police Summit (DWPS) at the World Trade Centre.

Speaking about the Dubai Police and its role in international cooperation, he said these criminals are involved in various crimes including money laundering, drug trafficking and promotion, and leading organised crime syndicates.

As part of its commitment towards assisting friendly nations and international organisations, the UAE, represented by the Ministry of Interior and Dubai Police, has arrested 597 international fugitives from more than 101 countries between 2020 and 2022.

"These individuals faced charges related to various crimes, such as money laundering and drug trafficking. UAE authorities have also cracked down on 85 organised criminal syndicates involved in crimes like forgery, theft, and embezzlement."

Lt Gen Al Marri added that the force has also repatriated 85 wanted fugitives who were wanted abroad.

One of those arrested in Dubai as Part of Operation Desert Light was Ryan James Hale who was identified as Robo by police in the intercepted messages.

The 32-year-old is suspected member of the Kinahan Cartel who had set up a group chat with six other suspected drug traffickers to organise five separate shipments of cocaine from South America through Panama and to the port at Barcelona.

Raffaele during his arrest

A 698-kilo shipment seized in routine search at Valencia in 2020 led to the break-up of the operation and to dozens of arrests in Spain and Dubai.

As well as Desert Light Operation in 2022, some of the most prominent joint operations include the Ghost Operation, in 2021, Millstream in 2020 and Los Blancos in 2020.

In 2021, Dubai Police captured Moufide Mouf Bouchibi, a French drug lord involved in drug trafficking and smuggling operations across Europe with an estimated annual street value of 70 million euros.

Bouchibi who was known as The Ghost had been travelling under a false identity and been on the run for 10 years using forged documents when Dubai Police arrested him and extradited him to France.

That same year, Dubai Police also nabbed one of Italy's most wanted criminals, Raffaele Imperiale, an alleged kingpin of the organised crime syndicate 'Camorra', which is involved in drug and weapons trafficking crimes across international borders.

Dozens of drug kingpins were taken down

Imperiale who is currently in an Italian prison after being extradited from Dubai is regarded as a key figure in Europes super-cartel.

The flash 48-year-old Italian attended Daniel Kinahans wedding in 2017 at the luxury Burj al Arab in Dubai and was known as a playboy when he lived in Dubai, prior to his arrest in August 2021.

Imperiale is believed to be a key figure in international drug trafficking and is thought to have a close relationship with the Camorra mafia centred around Naples.

The drug lord had been hiding out in the desert after fleeing Italian cops who wanted to serve him an 8-year sentence for drug trafficking.

For years, Imperiale ran drug lines between the Netherlands and Italy, distributing shipments of 100 to 150 kilos at a time.

According to Italian officials, he did business with the eldest son of Ridouan Taghi, another alleged member of the super-cartel who is awaiting trial in the Netherlands.

Taghi, a Moroccan-Dutch national who also attended the Kinahan wedding, was Hollands most wanted man prior to being nabbed in Dubai.

He is currently on trial for murder alongside sixteen co-defendants in the so-called Marengo Trial in Amsterdam.

In addition to Ridouan Taghi and Kinahan, Imperiale also had ties to Richard "El Rico" Riquelme Vega, a Chilean drug boss, according to the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). El Rico is currently serving an 11-year sentence in Holland.

Investigations by the American Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) established that Taghi was another prominent guest at Kinahan's wedding in Dubai in July 2017 while he was on the run from police in his own country.

Dubai cops also took down Imperial's right-hand man Raffaele Mauriello, who is responsible for plotting and executing murders and assassinations using unlicensed firearms.

The force also brought to justice Michael Paul Moogan, one UK's most wanted criminals, who had been on the run for eight years, for his alleged role in a large-scale international drug trafficking plot in the country.

In 2020, they arrested Denis Matoshi, a leader of the Albanian-speaking (Kompania Bello) criminal group in an international operation code-named Los Blancos that involved the anti-drug departments of 10 countries.

A total of 30 wanted gang leaders were rounded up in a series of synchronised raids.
I think we are absolutely terrified to have a debate on this

Radio presenter Ciara Kelly has weighed in on transgender education in primary schools, saying politicians are completely out of step with parents, in the debate.

Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast this morning, Ciara said politicians were trying to tell parents what they should think rather than listening to what parents want.

I think we are absolutely terrified to have a debate on this and the interesting thing, I think, is that politicians are absolutely out of step with parents, she said.

Parents are discussing this and parents have a view and it is my understanding, from the feedback that I see on social media and the feedback I get from people talking about this when youre meeting them at school gates and stuff, is that parents have deep misgivings.

By the way, I dont mind what peoples view is on any of this stuff because everyone is absolutely entitled to their view  but parents have deep misgivings about two things.

One is about children transitioning young. Parents have deep misgivings about that.

Also, parents have deep misgivings with this idea that at a certain age you dont need parental consent. Your minor children, your under-18 children dont need parental consent.

She was speaking after President Michael D Higgins, while not addressing transgender education directly, said schools should provide basic information regarding sexuality in the fullest sense.

The president made the comments just days after the Catholic Primary School Management Association (CPSMA) wrote to ministers voicing its opposition to teaching transgender issues to primary school children.

The Irish Muslim Council also backed the CPSMA, saying it is not appropriate to teach children about gender identity issues in primary schools.

In a letter posted on their Twitter account, the councils Chair Dr Umar Al-Qadri, said they believe it's not appropriate to teach primary school children such a complex and contested topic, particularly when there is a lack of scientific consensus about the best way to treat children with gender dysphoria.

He said the Taoiseach should focus instead on solving the health crisis, the housing crisis and many other challenges we face as a nation.

The Taoiseach labelled the letter unhelpful, but Ciara said the controversy over the Tavistock clinic in the UK and recent medical debate over the gender affirmation model of care demanded ongoing debate.

The UK clinic is being replaced by smaller, regionalised services amid concerns over the services it was providing to children.

Ciara referred to the British Medical Journal which said there is no evidence to support the affirmation model, which is based on the idea that trans children tell the truth about their own gender identity and should be supported in those choices.

Ciara pointed out the model has been abandoned in the UK, Scandinavia and the Netherlands.

The interface between children and [transgender issues] is fraught with difficulty, Ciara said.

The interface between those two things is very contentious, whether your politicians will tell you this or not, it absolutely is.

Parents dont want no debate. Parents want their input taken into account.

I think politicians are telling parents what they should think rather than listening to what parents want.

Shane Coleman agreed, saying: That debate seems to be happening everywhere except in Leinster House.

No politician wants to touch it, he said. It is political cowardice. Thats what it is.

He noted that President Higgins was wading into the political arena for the umpteenth time and questioned why Micheal Martin was so quick to come out against the CPSMA letter but unwilling to challenge President Higgins.

It is OK for Michael D Higgins as president, supposedly not engaging in political issues, to come out on this issue but it is not OK for the CPSMA, whose members are intimately involved in this, to express their views on it, he said.

That, to me, is really worrying and that, to me, points to a democratic deficit.

Regardless of what you think on this issue - everybody is totally entitled to their view - I worry that we are not having a debate on this.
The man is being treated in Beaumont Hospital

A man in his 60s has been seriously injured after he was hit by a car in North Dublin yesterday.

Gardai have issued an appeal for witnesses following the incident in Artane, Dublin 5 on Wednesday, March 8.

They are particularly appealing to those with camera footage (including dash-cam) from the area at the time to make it available to them.

Gardai and emergency services attended the scene of a collision between a car and a pedestrian on the Kilmore Road at the junction with Ardmore Drive shortly after 9pm, gardai said.

The pedestrian, a male in his 60s, was taken by ambulance to Beaumont Hospital. His injuries are understood to be serious.

The road at the collision site was fully examined by Garda scenes of crime officers but has now reopened to traffic.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Coolock 01 6664200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
A labourer who attempted to throw a mini mobile phone into a prison yard had been told his drug debt would be cleared if he did so, a court has heard.

Jason Sheridan (24) had difficulties with cannabis in the past but was now clean and sober, and was focused on staying out of trouble. Judge John Brennan adjourned sentencing for 12 months, saying he would leave Sheridan without a conviction if he stayed out of trouble.

The defendant, of Pearse Street, Dublin 2, admitted throwing a mobile phone into Wheatfield Prison, Cloverhill Road, in Clondalkin, on April 28, 2021.

Garda Sean Brennan told Blanchardstown District Court he was called to the prison following reports prison officers had detained a man who had been in the car park and throwing packages over the prison wall.

Gda Brennan said he retrieved a package and found a miniature mobile phone.

Gda Brennan said the package went over the prison wall but did not get into the yard.

The court heard that Sheridan had five previous convictions, all for road traffic matters.

Defence lawyer Ciaran MacLoughlin said Sheridan had an issue on and off with cannabis and at the time of this incident he owed a few quid.

Mr MacLoughlin said Sheridan was told his debt would be forgotten if he brought the mobile into the prison.

Mr MacLoughlin asked the judge to be lenient, saying Sheridan was no longer associating with the same people and had not come to garda attention since this incident.
Mortgage interest rates in this country shot up to a three-year high in January as lenders imposed a string of rises in response to higher European Central Bank rates.

But despite the rises the interest charged on borrowings for a home remain the third lowest in the Eurozone, according to the latest figures from the Central Bank.

The home-loan lending rate here is below the Eurozone average for the fourth month in a row.

However, there are predictions that the average rate is to surge in the coming months with the European Central Bank due to deliver another body-blow to borrowers on Thursday with its sixth rate rise since the summer.

The average lending rate on a new mortgage in January was 2.93pc. up from 2.69pc in December.

This means rates here are at their highest level since October 2019.

There has been a spate of increases in lending rates from AIB, Bank of Ireland, Permanent TSB, Ulster Bank, Avant Money, ICS Mortgages and Finance Ireland.

But despite the big jump, Ireland continues to have among the cheapest mortgage rates in the Eurozone, for now.

Only France and Malta had lower rates than Ireland in January, the Central Bank said.

Eurozone average rates rose to 3.16pc, well over double the rate compared to this time last year.

Daragh Cassidy of price comparison site Bonkers.ie said over the past few months all the lenders have hiked their mortgage rates in response to increases by the ECB.

And these hikes are now beginning to show up in the Central Bank monthly figures.

Initially the banks were slow to pass on the ECB rate hikes but this is now starting to change. And the average rate will shoot much higher over the next few months.

Looking forward things dont look great for those on trackers, variable rates or people who are looking to buy over the coming months.

Mr Cassidy said the ECB is almost guaranteed to hike rates by another 0.50 percentage points next week, and by at least another 0.25 percentage points before the end of this summer.

This will take the main lending rate to 3.75pc, though it looks increasingly likely that it will go even higher. This means yet more rate increases from all the lenders are guaranteed over the coming months, he said.

This week borrowers were warned that mortgage rates are heading for levels not seen for decades.

The warning comes after Permanent TSB increased its fixed rates for the third time since the summer, while the European Central Bank ( ECB) is due to again increase its key lending rates next Thursday.

Permanent TSB increased its fixed rates by 0.75 percentage points this time. Fixed rates for a standard first-time buyer will now be more than 4.5pc.

Rates for those wanting to lock in are now heading to 5pc, said leading mortgage broker Michael Dowling. It is nearly 20 years since mortgage rates were this high.

This time last year, existing borrowers and new buyers were able to lock in at fixed rates as low as 2pc.

A move to 5pc for fixed rates would add 500 to the monthly costs for borrowers, or 6,000 over a year, when compared with last year.

Higher fixed rates will make purchasing a home unaffordable for many more would-be first-time buyers.
Workers work on an assembly line at a production base of the Chinese automaker Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (JAC) in Feixi County of Hefei City, east China's Anhui Province, May 26, 2020. (Xinhua/Liu Junxi)

HEFEI, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese automaker Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (JAC) has reported a year-on-year increase of 41.57 percent in sales for the month of February.

Last month, JAC sold a total of 49,700 vehicles, among which 15,700 were exported, marking a staggering increase of over 171 percent year on year, according to the company.

JAC's booming business was highlighted by a major delivery ceremony held on Feb. 27, with a shipment of 3,000 vehicles exported to the United Arab Emirates. By September, a total of 10,000 vehicles will be delivered to the United Arab Emirates, according to the contract.

JAC had exported more than 800,000 vehicles to over 130 countries and regions by the end of 2022. About 80 percent of JAC's exports went to Belt and Road countries.
You probably thought it was over already, did you?

The Trinity College immunologist who became one of the reliable voices over the course of the three years since coronavirus first broke out said the global nightmare was at an end.

On The Pat Kenny Show this morning, Professor ONeill welcomed an announcement by renowned scientist Eric Topol that the world has finally entered an endemic phase.

The scientist and author said in his latest blog post, that the current XBB.1.5 variant of the virus is dominant throughout much of the world, with no new variants showing any growth advantage over it.

This meant the pandemic is over Professor Neill said.

You probably thought it was over already, did you?

A very famous scientist Eric Topol, who is a real-world expert, announced the pandemics over  which is a great statement.

What it means is, it is still here of course but it is endemic. Which means there will be the occasional outbreak here and there but not the global nightmare we have been through.

So now it is endemic and thats a great thing to announce.

He said many scientists already felt the pandemic was over.

We knew anyway that was the case, he said. In the old days, say with the 1918 pandemic, its over when you say its over.

But all the evidence is the immune system has worked, weve all got our defences against this  most of us anyway  and now all youll see is the odd outbreak here and there.

Explaining Professor Topols thinking, Professor ONeill added: He has realised that the latest variant is the dominant one, he said.

There havent been any new ones since and the one that is there isnt any way nastier than the previous one.

That will be the future in a sense. Now it is just another virus in effect.

Now that is not to downplay the seriousness of it; some will still get infected and get very sick with it, just like the flu  so we have to keep an eye on it medically.

But the pandemic can be deemed over.

Professor ONeill described the FBIs recent announcement that it believes the virus most likely originated in a Chinese government-controlled lab as political.

FBI Director Christopher Wray last week told Fox News that, the FBI has for quite some time now, assessed that the origins of the pandemic are most likely a potential lab incident.

It is the first public confirmation of the FBIs classified stance; however, many scientists have warned that there is no public evidence to back it up and several other US Government agencies have come to different conclusions.

I dont get it, said Professor ONeill. Have they got the evidence? Then lets see it.

Theres a chance of that - of course there is - that it broke out in a lab.

Now it is not manmade, remember  there is no evidence it was engineered, thats for definite.

But it could have been a spill in a lab or in the wild  they are still both options.

Why they can be declaring it was in a lab I dont know. Unless they know things we dont and they have evidence for that.

I just suspect its political.
Smashed Audi, which it is understood the victims drove to the Royal Valley Hospital to self-attend A&E. Photo: Kevin Scott

Two men who made their way to the Royal Victoria Hospital in a smashed up car were attacked by masked men armed with hammers.

The victims were approached by the gang of up to six men while parked in an Audi car on Conway Street in Belfast at around 3.30pm on Wednesday.

They arrived at hospital almost 30 minutes later which is when police were alerted.

The victims reported that at approximately 3.30pm they were in a parked vehicle in the area when they were approached by approximately 5/6 masked men, a PSNI spokesperson said.

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"The men who are believed to have been armed with hammers, subsequently attacked the pair.

"The two men made their way to hospital where they received treatment for their injuries.

"Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have any CCTV or dash-cam footage that could assist with enquiries, is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 1327 of 08/03/23.

"Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.
Barry Keoghan has criticised British Airways for its "bad customer service" after losing his suitcase on the way to Los Angeles for the Oscars.

The Irish actor said he was taking "tons of sentimental stuff" for the show on Sunday and that the airline could not "seem to be helpful in one bit".

Keoghan is nominated for best supporting actor at the 95th Academy awards for his role in dark Irish comedy The Banshees Of Inisherin.

In a now-deleted tweet posted on Wednesday, he wrote: "Lost my suitcase with @British_Airways and they can't seem to be any way helpful in one bit.

"Here in LA for Oscars and had tons of sentimental stuff I wanted to wear and bring with me.

"Such bad customer service. Sent me to LAX to tell me they can't help me. Tut tut."

Barry Keoghan hopes Bafta success for Irish talent will encourage rising artists

Keoghan's best supporting actor nod is his first Oscars nomination, and he will go head to head with Banshees co-star Brendan Gleeson in the category.

He previously won the Bafta award for best supporting actor for his performance in the film, in which he plays the dim-witted Dominic Kearney.

The Banshees' other stars, Colin Farrell and Kerry Condon, are also nominated at this year's Oscars, in the best actor and best supporting actress categories respectively.

The film picked up a total of nine nominations at the ceremony, including a coveted best picture nod.

The 95th Academy Awards will take place on March 12 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
A stand-up comic like Dave might be able to understand what we're about and unravel the U2 mystery.

The Edge, Dave Letterman and Bono appear at the Los Angeles premiere of the Disney+ Music Docu-Special "Bono & The Edge: A Sort Of Homecoming, with Dave Letterman" at The Orpheum Theatre on March 08, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)   Getty Images

The Edge, Dave Letterman and Bono appear at the Los Angeles premiere of the Disney+ Music Docu-Special "Bono & The Edge: A Sort Of Homecoming, with Dave Letterman" at The Orpheum Theatre on March 08, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)   Getty Images

Talk show icon David Letterman (75) has admitted he is still processing the song Bono (62) and The Edge (61) wrote for him.

The trio were walking the red carpet ahead of the Disney+ premiere of their documentary Bono and the Edge: A Sort of Homecoming.

Bono was asked by Access Hollywood what it was like taking David Letterman back to his old stomping ground for his first trip to Ireland.

The music legend revealed the spent a week in Daves gaff so it was time to return the favour.

The Edge added: A stand-up comic like Dave might be able to understand what we're about and unravel the U2 mystery.

The Edge, Dave Letterman and Bono appear at the Los Angeles premiere of the Disney+ Music Docu-Special "Bono & The Edge: A Sort Of Homecoming, with Dave Letterman" at The Orpheum Theatre on March 08, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)   Getty Images

"Well, theres no unravelling that, David chimed in. But the best part of it is  and I cant explain it any differently  is these two people here and what they represent; and what they are; and what they stand for; and what they have accomplished.

"And what they continue to accomplish and be decent, well-rounded nice people. It was such a delight.

The star admitted he is still processing the fact the pair wrote a song for him.

"Im still processing it because most songs written about me begin Hey dumbass! So this was an unusual experience.

Bono and the Edge attended the Los Angeles premiere of the film last night.

The documentary is coming to Disney+ on March 17, and follows the pair around Dublin.

They are joined by David Letterman to trace the beginnings of U2, with the trailer showing the American talk show host wrapped up against the elements while Bono and the Edge take him across the Hapenny Bridge, through Templebar, and beyond.

"Bono + The Edge + Dublin, the trailer advertises.

Imelda May, Brian Kennedy and Glen Hansard also joined the U2 duo for a gig in McDaids pub in the capital for the programme.

Letterman also interviewed drag queen and Dancing with the Stars contestant Panti Bliss while in Dublin.
"I'm on my own and I just hear this scream and I look around and there's this guy with a spear and a machete.

Kathryn Thomas has described an incident where she was attacked by a dangerous tribesman.

Operation Transformation host, Kathryn Thomas, has described being robbed at knifepoint by a hallucinogenic nut eating madman whilst filming holiday show, No Frontiers, in Papua New Guinea.

Ms Thomas was producing the hugely popular programme at the time and had wanted to travel somewhere off the beaten track, a place people hadnt explored.

In that moment, I just went this is where I am going to die, Kathryn told Virgin TVs Six OClock show.

Ms Thomas spent ten years hosting the popular destination show, visiting a total of 82 countries.

But it was the trip to Papua New Guinea in the southwestern Pacific which left the not-so-wonderful impression.

Kathryn Thomas at Liz and Noels Chernobyl Lunch at the Intercontinental Hotel to raise vital funds for Adi Roches Chernobyl Children International charity.

Ms Thomas and the crew were in an area they weren't supposed to be when a man holding a machete approached them.

Kathryn revealed that this man had eaten hallucinogenic nuts so she really did think she was going to die immediately.

"There are 800 different tribes in Papua New Guinea. And there are only two roads around the main island so you can't navigate around it easily, she said.

"We had gone there for a couple of days up the river with the whole team of people to find the deserted gold mine.

"He comes out of the trees essentially and all of the crew had crossed a river to take a shot of me from the other side.

"I'm on my own and I just hear this scream and I look around and there's this guy with a spear and a machete.

"He's literally coming at me and in that moment I just went 'this is where I am going to die.'"

Kathryn said she froze on the spot and wonders now about how her body reacted to the danger.

"I still question myself about the reaction I had but I was literally frozen with fear.

"Eventually we had to give him all our money and watches and all our water, Kathryn added.

Papua New Guinea has five pc of the world's biodiversity, even though it only covers one pc of Earth's total land area.

It has more than 20,000 plant species, 800 species of coral, 600 species of fish, and 750 species of birds.

The country has an unfortunate reputation for high levels of serious crime. Animosity between local tribes and clans is responsible for much of the most serious incidents.

Port Moresby and Lae, as well as the Southern Highlands Province, are common areas in Papua New Guinea for tensions between ethnic groups.

The population of the country is just under 10 million and there are over 1,000 different ethnic minorities, speaking some 800 languages.
The Dubliner, who was on the popular dating show back in 2017, died unexpectedly on Tuesday.

Mourners attending First Dates star Jordan Dunbars funeral this weekend are being asked to add a bright colour to their outfit to celebrate the 29-year-old's life.

The Dubliner, who was on the popular dating show back in 2017, died unexpectedly on Tuesday.

He will repose at his family home in Donaghmede, Dublin 13 on Friday evening from 6pm to 8pm.

Jordans funeral mass will take place on Saturday morning at 10am in the Church of the Holy Trinity, Donaghmede followed by a cremation service in Dardistown Crematorium, Santry.

Both the funeral mass and the cremation service will be streamed online, while those attending the funeral are requested to wear bright colours to help Jordans family celebrate his life.

Mourners are also being asked to make donations to Pieta House instead of purchasing flowers.

A notice on RIP.ie reads: (Jordan) is predeceased by his loving mam Sharon and uncle Michael.

He will be sadly missed by his loving dad Albert and Albert's brother and sisters, aunt Michelle, cousin Craig, his second family Gerry, Leeanne and Maria Nolan, his close friends Geena and Megan, relatives and a large circle of friends.

May Jordan rest in peace.

Dozens of loved ones have paid heartfelt tributes to Jordan online, with many detailing their cherished memories with the charming and kind TV personality.

Former colleagues who worked with the 29-year-old in Hillary salon in Ranelagh remembered him for his charisma and kindness.

My heartfelt condolences to all of Jordans family, friends and colleagues at this time. I had the pleasure of meeting Jordan several times at Hillarys salon in Ranelagh and he had such a gorgeous, charming, kind and funny personality and his smile was always the warmest welcome at the salon. I always enjoyed having the chats with Jordan, he really was a shining light. May he rest in peace, one person wrote.

Another said: I knew Jordan from his time in Hillary's and he had a huge impact on me. I genuinely always looked forward to his warm welcome and hearing the latest news and funny stories he would tell me. He absolutely lit up the room and oozed charisma and kindness. My deepest sympathy to his family, friends and colleagues, he was a real star. May he rest in eternal peace.

Another pal wrote: Jordan, words cant express the loss so many will forever feel without you. You were infectious in the best possible way... Your ability to be unapologetically you will have opened doors for more people than you know but now youve opened the door back to your Mammy. I miss you old friend, round round baby!

While another emotional tribute read: My dear friend, Ill never stop telling everyone I meet about you and how special you were. Ill never forget the sound of your infectious laughter, us butchering Billie Eilish, sneaky snuggles in the staff room and pics of your homemade lasagnas. I wish you didnt have to go. Im going to miss you so much. I love you.

The team at RTEs My Yellow Brick Road, which Jordan presented in 2019, also offered their condolences to his friends and family after learning of his death.

Its with a very heavy heart that we learned of the passing of our dear friend Jordan Dunbar, (or in his words StunBar).

Jordan was full of life, love and fun and we would like to remember those happy days and celebrate his life.

Our sincere sympathy to Jordans family and close friends of which there are many. May he rest in peace.

My Yellow Brick Road was about sharing life experiences and empowering each other along lifes journey, help is always at hand so please reach out and talk, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
Labour seems certain to block a request from all other parties for a select committee investigation into bank profits, preferring a commerce commission inquiry.

While the government argues that would take the politics out of the debate, National and the Greens say that is not possible - and it will take too long for squeezed New Zealanders.

Commentators have been calling for the Commerce Commission to step in and investigate bank profits, with one campaigner finding banks were making $2000 a year per New Zealander in profit with mortgage margins four times higher than in the UK.

On Wednesday, National called for a select committee inquiry, but Prime Minister Chris Hipkins told reporters the government is looking at the best way to tackle the problem.

"Clearly if we're going to do it, we're going to do it properly," he says. I don't think [select committee] is necessarily going to lead to the best outcome. A market study, it is one of the options we're considering ... I think that's probaly the best way forward."

He says banks have "certainly made some very handsome profits in the last little while", and questions should be asked.

"I think it would actually put some objective rather than some political commentary around that and it would give us a base on which to make good, evidence-based deicisons."

But National Party leader Christopher Luxon told Morning Report that approach would take too long to help New Zealanders facing rising living costs now.

"New Zealanders deserve some answers frankly to what are quite urgent questions around some of the issues around competition - the barriers to entry, impact of regulation."

Luxon suggests an inquiry at the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee would be better. National Party finance spokesperson Nicola Willis requested one in a letter on Wednesday morning.

"Let's do a short, sharp, quick study, let's get all the parties on board to do that through the finance and expenditure committee, and if there's a need for us to then go on to do a commerce commission study we can do it after that," says Luxon.

Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver.

A full commerce commission market study could be an outcome of the select committee, but it makes sense to take a more narrow approach first, he says.

"So you bring the Reserve Bank in, you look at retail banks, you look at Treasury, you probably want the banking ombudsman, you want some international competition authorities and maybe a small number of other experts.

"Are there genuine competition issues; are there relay barriers to entry; why is it deposits are lagging lending rates; impact of any new regulation on banks that have unintended consequences or are causing challenges."

Luxon says they would be seeking support from all other parties in the select committee.

Green Party's Chloe Swarbrick says they would support it, but she has tried for two years to get the committee to look into the economic response to Covid-19, and does not think much of their chances with this one.

"Speaking freely and frankly about my experiences ... there is some really unfortunate partisanship that plays a role in blocking getting access to really basic information.

Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver.

"I can understand some of the arguments against doing it in a select committee environment - that being that it boils down to a lot of partisanship and grandstanding and politicking and everything else - but there are some really valuable, important points about how much quicker a process like that could occur.

"You're never going to be able to take the politics out of this."

She says there is certainly a need for some kind of investigation - whether that be at the level of select committee, commerce commission or even higher like a royal commission.

"I think it is incredibly clear that what we are experiencing is a time when - not by virtue of the hard work, special work, or novel work that banks have put in - they have been recipients of fortuitous circumstances which have meant that they made excess profits.

"Our banks have made $6 billion in profits last year alone. That is $180 a second after tax, and again in a context where so many New Zealanders are struggling that is absurd.

"We've heard the same from RBNZ, from the monopoly watchdogs that are out there and a range of other commentators on economic and financial matters and now you're even hearing from the National Party that they have some concerns."

In the meantime, there are things the government could be doing to make a difference now, she says.

"Don't need an inquiry to tell us what we already know which is there has been excessive windfall profits made at a time when so many have been struggling.

"If we were to, say, have a 10 per cent excess profits tax on those excess profits we would raise in excess of half a billion dollars, which would go a really long way to addressing even the cyclone and flood recovery."

She says National's request has come to the committee too late to be dealt with this week under normal circumstances, although Brooking could decide otherwise.

"Everything's totally within the discretion of the chair ... what I'm guessing is gonna happen is it will be kicked to the agenda for next week and, politics will ensue."

It follows comments in November last year from then-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern who warned about bank profits she said she did not think were justifiable.

Bank profits 'almost $2000 per New Zealander per year' - Stubbs

Simplicity KiwiSaver founder Sam Stubbs told the programme now would be a good time to carry out a study similar to the one done in Australia in 2018.

Stubbs says New Zealand's banking sector is unusual compared to comparable OECD countries.

"Our four biggest banks - all Australian owned - they're the most profitable companies in the country, they're the only companies that make more than a billion dollars a year each.

"In the OECD, I think it's the only example that we have the four most profitable companies being banks, and to put that into another sort of context the biggest bank, the ANZ, makes more than the entire electricity sector put together."

He says the margins for banks in New Zealand are "huge" and had gone up about 23 per cent in the last two years.

"Remember that's in the context of banks shutting branches and making it very, very difficult for some people to get banking services.

Photo: Supplied.

"If you look at what that all boils down to - which is basically return on shareholder funds - in the rest of the world you can expect about a nine per cent return from investing in a bank. In Australia it's about 11 per cent, but in New Zealand last year was between 12 and 16 per cent."

However, Luxon says the select committee inquiry would be different to what was done in Australia.

"[That was] really around a whole bunch of conduct issues which the feeling was in New Zealand - as I understood from Grant Robertson - was that was not really what we had observed here in New Zealand."

Stubbs says Kiwibank is the fifth-biggest bank, and that should be looked into because it was a state-owned bank that had aimed to provide competition.

"Since inception, Kiwibank has been a minnow. It's been a one armed boxer in the ring with four heavyweights that's created the illusion of competition."

Luxon says he has not thought about whether the government should consider allowing Kiwibank a partial listing on the sharemarket to give it more heft.

An open banking system is also needed, says Stubbs. Common across the OECD, this would allow much easier transfer of bank accounts or loans - which tends to increase competition.

He says it's estimated to lead to about $3 million a day in excess profits for the Australian banks.

"We have a new minister in now - here's an opportunity to actually bring in something that we should have had in this country years ago and by the way, which is in Australia, in America, in the UK.

"[Former commerce minister] Kris Faafoi was asking for this in 2020, the industry have been saying for the longest time 'leave it to us, we'll do it'. They patently don't want to do it because it's going to drop their profits, so every day they delay open banking ends up with millions of dollars more profit."

He says politicians tend to avoid targeting banks in New Zealand partly because banks would threaten to leave. New Zealand is also unusual in allowing politicians to take up senior banking roles very shortly after leaving office.

"We had a prime minister [John Key] who was the chairman of our largest banking largest company within 12 months. In the rest of the OECD, there's normally at least a three-year gap before you even pull yourself up for those roles.

"I think the banks playing chicken and the politicians blinking on this is one thing, the second thing is I think there are too many senior politicians and too many senior roles in the banks."

-Russell Palmer/RNZ.
Presidenta #Boluarte: Gobierno busca el bienestar de todas las peruanas.#8M #ProtagonistasPorLaIgualdad



Lee la nota en: https://t.co/THoPbC5GZb pic.twitter.com/2yu56OFuYe
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YEREVAN, MARCH 9, ARMENPRESS. Armenia rejects the use of force or the threat of force and is trying to negotiate with neighbors in good faith and is committed to finding fair solutions to all outstanding issues through diplomatic means, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said at the 159th Session of the Council of the League of Arab States at the Ministerial level in Cairo, Egypt.

Below is the transcript of FM Mirzoyans speech published by the foreign ministry.

Honorable Secretary General of the Arab League,



Honorable President,



Dear Ministers, Excellences, friends,



Let me first express my gratitude to His Excellency Mr. Aboul Gheit, the Secretary General of Arab League and to the President of the current session, His Excellency Foreign Minister of Egypt Mr. Shoukry as well as to all member states for the opportunity to address today this distinguished audience. I consider it a symbolic gesture of friendship and mutual respect and, of course, shared history.



I would like to start by praising the centuries-old relations between Armenian and Arab nations. We are connected to each other by strong bonds of historical and cultural ties which continue serving as a basis for current friendly relations, cooperation and warm people-to-people contacts. Throughout history, our nations have lived side by side and shared each others joys and griefs.



During the tragic events of the early 20th century thousands of Armenians, escaping the Genocide committed by the Ottoman Empire in 1915, found a safe shelter in the Arab countries. During those challenging times, the Armenians were given the freedom to live and create in the host Arab countries. It will never be forgotten by the Armenians. And I am proud to note that our compatriots contributed greatly to the progress and development of those Arab countries in various spheres.



I would like to note that Armenia, being a cradle of ancient civilizations, has also been preserving the Islamic heritage, a vivid example of which are the thousands of manuscripts, kept in the Armenian Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts  Matenadaran. In the heart of our capital city Yerevan, we proudly preserve and exhibit Arabic Manuscripts including masterpieces of Arabic calligraphy, such as the first scripts of the Holy Quran, the rare books of religious, philosophical, historiographic, and philological content.



Armenia and Arab countries also developed close relations and fruitful cooperation on the state level. There is a full understanding between Armenia and the Arab countries on important issues, including the peace process in the Middle East.



Dear colleagues,



In our region, Armenia is engaged in talks with Azerbaijan discussing normalisation of relations between our two countries, aimed at the establishment of peace in the region.

I do not want to go into the details of the full-fledged aggressions against the peaceful population of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the sovereign territory of Armenia. Neither I do want you to find yourselves in the middle of the accusations and fighting. Instead, I would like to draw a general picture of the overall process.



I want to emphasize that Armenia rejects the use of force or the threat of force and is trying to negotiate with the neighbors in good faith and is committed to finding fair solutions to all outstanding issues through diplomatic means. Instead of reciprocating our genuine efforts, Azerbaijan continues its hate speech and xenophobic rhetoric as well as aggressive and maximalist actions.

In this regard, I would like to touch upon the latest developments. As you know, it has been more than 2 months since the Lachin corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to the outside world was illegally closed by a group of so-called eco-activists, obviously orchestrated by the Azerbaijani government. Furthermore, Azerbaijan regularly disrupts the electricity and gas supply to Nagorno-Karabakh. As a result, the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh are on the verge of a humanitarian catastrophe. Instead of engaging with local authorities in talks on the rights and security guarantees of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, the highest leadership of Azerbaijan calls on the people of Nagorno-Karabakh to leave their homes aiming to deprive them of their homeland and realize its policy of ethnic cleansing.



In the context of the blockade of the Lachin corridor, I would like to underline that on 22 February this year, the International Court of Justice issued a legally binding provisional measure against Azerbaijan. In the mentioned order, the Court has found that there is an imminent risk of irreparable harm to Armenians rights and ordered Azerbaijan to take all necessary measures to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin corridor in both directions.



Distinguished Ministers,



Unfortunately, our neighboring Azerbaijan continuously manipulates the Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and the Nagorno-Karabakh issue on various international platforms, especially those organizations where Armenia is not represented, such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Non-Aligned Movement, trying to give it a religious tone and using the delicate concept of Muslim solidarity. We expect that such attempts will be rejected and will not drag our friendly Arab countries into the field of religious discord. We should prevent any further attempt of giving a religious tone to the pure political and humanitarian disputes.



And once again, in this platform of the League of Arab States, I emphasize that Armenia attaches great importance to the relations with the Arab states and reiterate our readiness to broaden the prospects of our cooperation with all of you.



I thank you.
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YEREVAN, MARCH 9, ARMENPRESS. On March 8, in Cairo, within the framework of the Ministerial Session of the Council of the League of Arab States, Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia Vahan Kostanyan had a meeting with Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Issa Alharthy, Undersecretary for Diplomatic Affairs of the Foreign Ministry of the Sultanate of Oman.

Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan and Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Issa Alharthy touched upon the issues of bilateral agenda between Armenia and Oman, stressing the importance of enhancing political dialogue and conducting regular consultations, the foreign ministry said in a read-out.

They exchanged views on the opportunities of further developing cooperation in trade, economy, tourism and other spheres.

Regional and international security issues were also discussed.

Touching upon the security situation in the South Caucasus, the Deputy Foreign Minister presented the efforts of the Armenian side towards the normalisation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and emphasised that the Azerbaijani side, in contrary, challenges the normalisation process, peace and stability in the region with its continuous provocations and maximalist aspirations. Vahan Kostanyan briefed his counterpart on the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from the blockade of the Lachin corridor and highlighted the urgency of unblocking the corridor in accordance with the provisions of the 2020 November 9 Statement.

Issues of possible cooperation between Armenia and Oman on other international platforms were also discussed. In this context, the Deputy Foreign Minister stressed the inadmissibility of manipulating the religious factor by Azerbaijan, underlining that it does not correspond to the logic of traditionally warm relations between Armenia and the Armenian people and the Arab world.
Samarth 619 BHPian



Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Ajmer Posts: 124 Thanked: 375 Times

Re: Idea! Multi-brand Superbike sales & service stores in India Quote: no_fear Originally Posted by @ Samarth,

A noble thought and a good academic exercise. Unfortunately, reality is different, in the case of new bikes.

I had proposed a similar model to three large international superbike manufacturers...............



The way corpo's promptly reject potential ideas even before exploring the potential, is sad. But, its obvious because they get pitches a dozen a day, even on breakfasts and lunches (talking figuratively). Maybe a small company can accept the pitch before big names do, and there's higher chance when we have more on the ground and less on paper?

Honda/ Suzuki/ Ducati will not agree at this nascent stage, when there's nothing on paper? (which big names by the way, you never told? So I'm assuming these names.)



I'll answer pointwise what I think:-



1. Sorry, but the truth is, the common dealer is a separate business from the motorcycle company. They have their own brains & make their own decisions. Remember, the Kawasaki Mumbai dealer who ran away with customer money to the tune of Rs. 1.18 crores in 2019 or so? And after that, Kawasaki launched an event in a hotel to compensate the owners and give them their bikes? In fact, franchisee model will better control such behaviour than a standalone dealer.



Now coming to the separate businesses under one roof, yes, this is an issue. The solution is: Use this business model only for class 2 and 3 cities and don't tell the franchisees any confidential information, they shall only receive clear instructions over mails from centralised office of this new service company, and are immediately implemented. ERP software shall keep all informed as need be.

For them, all products are equal, and any company's sales are an extra boost to their efforts.

The big city's individual dealers continue to work with the company like before only, their work/relation is not affected.



In short distributor relationship management is being outsourced, like everything is nowadays. (With exception of transportation, which is cost efficient only if its shared)



2. We're focusing on Tier 2 and 3 cities. Remember, any sales for the manufacturer is extra sales. There's no clash.

Its like a big marketplace under one roof.

This big service company we're talking about will purchase bikes from motorcycle companies and agree to undertake complete service in exchange of spare parts and logistic support, that's all. Its HO can be Mumbai, but sales and service operations to be in every Tier 2 and 3 city.

Why should any bike manufacturer reject extra sales? Either the pitch was not in the right direction or maybe the message didn't get across.

McD and BK's analogy can't be connected with this market. We're talking a 3rd party company who deals with all companies, and strives to maintain all of them.

They see Brand 1 going down, they'll mail franchisees to focus on it or increase the margins for it? Personal biases always exist, yes, that's an issue, but we can ensure near to zero professional bias.



3. There's no clash, when we consider we're logging into an untapped market, and we don't have to inform everything to franchisees. Only the Mumbai HO of this particular service company communicates with the company, the franchisees just need to do their job.

They can deal with it, right?

Even if few companies sell more, its due to their products being better, the others have to accept the fate. Its an untapped market, who knows.



4. Once again, my point of focus is Tier 2 and 3 cities, where we have more superbikes per citizen (*compared to unserved lcoations). The chain will be like this:-



Motorcycle manufacturer --> Sbk World (Franchisor) --> individual franchisees in small cities --> Customers.



Ajmer has a group of 12 Sbk's for sure, even though its a 6 Lakh city. Which means a proper big bike per 50,000 people (I'm not even counting RE650's and Ninja 300's and like). We mght need research to conclude that more might follow if network is good. Similarly, every city I know has a couple of them, and more might follow if we support them.

You know from your 1199 experience that not every Sbk owner is an avid fan who will travel 500 kms to get their bike serviced. Although yes, we need more research to be conclusive.



Quote: The key issue here is training of service personnel. Most manufacturers in India train personnel through video and powerpoint presentation. On hands training in minimal, and the service guys are left on their own. Quality training is severely lacking and that results in shoddy service and customer complaints (famous example - Keerthi Triumph in Bangalore). To run competent service centers, you need qualified and well trained staff and huge investments in tools and inventory. Sadly, in India, we don't have many. Many is an overstatement. Qualified service personnel in India can be counted in one hand. No one wants to spend money to make money.



I think we need to understand that a lot of mechanics are at various levels of competency: a guy I know is an expert at basic servicing, and front fork repair and head cleaning, but nothing much apart.



The rule is one manufacturer's dealer can't have 12 good mechanics, under my idea you can. Number matters.



Quote: To give you a monetary estimate, it takes roughly Rs 10 crore annually to run a decent sized motorcycle dealership. This includes upfront cost of buying a minimum amount of motorbikes per month / quarter (whether they are sold or not), building rent, salaries, inventory and any associated costs. I have not included any licenses or permits needed (fire, security, toxic waste disposal, drainage, cleaning).

Once you calculate the costs and the return on investment, from a business sense, it makes 0 sense to run a quality dealership. To cut costs, dealers find ways, and that spirals into poor experience for customers.

Yes, it will take 3 years at least to break even, did I promise immediate or assured returns? But there's also a chance of doing good in starting and fading later on.

Credit is still a thing in this market, believe me, you don't need to get bikes on cash always. Otherwise, spare cash will run up and the extra liquidity will hurt profitability.

Franchisee model is to ensure this quality only. Why did I mention CCTV you think? Its way better than an individual dealers who do things their way.

I know small city business life, we can run such a business model for under Rs. 2 Lakhs spending per month easily (all costs, but not including depreciation for now).

So, can't this business sell 3-4 bikes per month and service around 5 for a start, and hold 2 paid pro-consumer events like drags and offroading, etc to remain breakeven?



Once again I repeat, my business model is focused on untapped markets. Tier 2 and 3 cities to be specific.

This model will do great if it starts with comparatively small companies like Keeway, Harley Davidson (may I risk my repute call it small 'at present'), etc. or even small bikes or e-bikes. Eventually, honesty, performance and commitment will ensure you get big names.



I'm very happy to receive a detailed reply from you. Believe me, I actually got a good debate, while I get none in the small city college environment where I come from.

Do let me know what you think of this, after my clarifications regarding small city focus and franchisee relations?



Quote: am1m Originally Posted by

I think they do multi-brand service and after-market parts, not bike sales though. Isn't there someone in Bangalore who does this? https://xtorque.in/ I think they do multi-brand service and after-market parts, not bike sales though.

Plus these guys compete against official service centers, while small cities have none. Thank you for your response, I appreciate it.The way corpo's promptly reject potential ideas even before exploring the potential, is sad. But, its obvious because they get pitches a dozen a day, even on breakfasts and lunches (talking figuratively). Maybe a small company can accept the pitch before big names do, and there's higher chance when we have more on the ground and less on paper?Honda/ Suzuki/ Ducati will not agree at this nascent stage, when there's nothing on paper? (which big names by the way, you never told? So I'm assuming these names.)I'll answer pointwise what I think:-1. Sorry, but the truth is, the common dealer is a separate business from the motorcycle company. They have their own brains & make their own decisions. Remember, the Kawasaki Mumbai dealer who ran away with customer money to the tune of Rs. 1.18 crores in 2019 or so? And after that, Kawasaki launched an event in a hotel to compensate the owners and give them their bikes? In fact, franchisee model will better control such behaviour than a standalone dealer.Now coming to the separate businesses under one roof, yes, this is an issue. The solution is: Use this business model only for class 2 and 3 cities and don't tell the franchisees any confidential information, they shall only receive clear instructions over mails from centralised office of this new service company, and are immediately implemented. ERP software shall keep all informed as need be.For them, all products are equal, and any company's sales are an extra boost to their efforts.The big city's individual dealers continue to work with the company like before only, their work/relation is not affected.In short distributor relationship management is being outsourced, like everything is nowadays. (With exception of transportation, which is cost efficient only if its shared)2. We're focusing on Tier 2 and 3 cities. Remember, any sales for the manufacturer is extra sales. There's no clash.Its like a big marketplace under one roof.This big service company we're talking about will purchase bikes from motorcycle companies and agree to undertake complete service in exchange of spare parts and logistic support, that's all. Its HO can be Mumbai, but sales and service operations to be in every Tier 2 and 3 city.Why should any bike manufacturer reject extra sales? Either the pitch was not in the right direction or maybe the message didn't get across.McD and BK's analogy can't be connected with this market. We're talking a 3rd party company who deals with all companies, and strives to maintain all of them.They see Brand 1 going down, they'll mail franchisees to focus on it or increase the margins for it? Personal biases always exist, yes, that's an issue, but we can ensure near to zero professional bias.3. There's no clash, when we consider we're logging into an untapped market, and we don't have to inform everything to franchisees. Only the Mumbai HO of this particular service company communicates with the company, the franchisees just need to do their job.They can deal with it, right?Even if few companies sell more, its due to their products being better, the others have to accept the fate. Its an untapped market, who knows.4. Once again, my point of focus is Tier 2 and 3 cities, where we have more superbikes per citizen (*compared to unserved lcoations). The chain will be like this:-Motorcycle manufacturer --> Sbk World (Franchisor) --> individual franchisees in small cities --> Customers.Ajmer has a group of 12 Sbk's for sure, even though its a 6 Lakh city. Which means a proper big bike per 50,000 people (I'm not even counting RE650's and Ninja 300's and like). We mght need research to conclude that more might follow if network is good. Similarly, every city I know has a couple of them, and more might follow if we support them.You know from your 1199 experience that not every Sbk owner is an avid fan who will travel 500 kms to get their bike serviced. Although yes, we need more research to be conclusive.Agreed, but won't 12 brains still be better than one in such a case?I think we need to understand that a lot of mechanics are at various levels of competency: a guy I know is an expert at basic servicing, and front fork repair and head cleaning, but nothing much apart.The rule is one manufacturer's dealer can't have 12 good mechanics, under my idea you can. Number matters.I suppose you're not too aware about small city business scenario. Give me just Rs. 5 crores for the same experience. I myself got shop certificate for just Rs. 1800 (the one confirming fire hazard standards).Yes, it will take 3 years at least to break even, did I promise immediate or assured returns? But there's also a chance of doing good in starting and fading later on.Credit is still a thing in this market, believe me, you don't need to get bikes on cash always. Otherwise, spare cash will run up and the extra liquidity will hurt profitability.Franchisee model is to ensure this quality only. Why did I mention CCTV you think? Its way better than an individual dealers who do things their way.I know small city business life, we can run such a business model for under Rs. 2 Lakhs spending per month easily (all costs, but not including depreciation for now).So, can't this business sell 3-4 bikes per month and service around 5 for a start, and hold 2 paid pro-consumer events like drags and offroading, etc to remain breakeven?Once again I repeat, my business model is focused on untapped markets. Tier 2 and 3 cities to be specific.This model will do great if it starts withsmall companies like Keeway, Harley Davidson (may I risk my repute call it small 'at present'), etc. or even small bikes or e-bikes. Eventually, honesty, performance and commitment will ensure you get big names.I'm very happy to receive a detailed reply from you. Believe me, I actually got a good debate, while I get none in the small city college environment where I come from.Do let me know what you think of this, after my clarifications regarding small city focus and franchisee relations?Correct but once again, its a big city only-service player we're talking about. While these guys do a great job (I'm told), they're doing nothing to tap the untapped market of small cities.Plus these guys compete against official service centers, while small cities have none. Last edited by Samarth 619 : 12th March 2023 at 14:14 .
What just happened? The Netherlands' government has announced export controls on chipmaking machinery to China, weeks after reaching an agreement with the US to implement restrictions against the country. The new rules will build upon current restrictions that prevent the most cutting-edge products from being exported to the Asian nation.

At the end of January, it was reported that the US had completed two years of negotiations with the Netherlands and Japan to join the United States in imposing restrictions on the export of chip-manufacturing tools to China. The US says this will prevent its global rival from developing semiconductors for military applications, including supercomputers, nuclear weapons modeling, and hypersonic weapons.

The Netherlands, home to chipmaking giant ASML, has become the first of the two countries to make an official announcement about its new export rules. Companies in the Netherlands are already prohibited from selling their most advanced extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography equipment, which costs about $164 million per unit, to Chinese customers as they cannot obtain an export license from the Dutch government due to pressure from the United States. The next step will be to restrict exports of older deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography tools.

"Given the technological developments and geopolitical context, the government has concluded that it is necessary for the (inter)national security to expand the existing export controls on specific manufacturing equipment for semiconductors," Foreign Trade Minister Liesje Schreinemacher wrote in a letter to Dutch lawmakers. Neither China nor ASML were named in the letter.

ASML released a statement regarding the upcoming export restrictions, which will be introduced before the summer. It writes that the company will need to apply for export licenses for shipments of the most advanced immersion DUV systems. It does not expect the measures to have a material effect on its financial outlook for 2023 or longer-term scenarios.

ASML notes that the controls do not apply to all immersion lithography tools but only those classed as 'most advanced,' though it has not yet received additional information about this exact definition. This would mean the Netherlands' chip-related export restrictions aren't as strict as those imposed by the United States. It's unclear if ASML will still be able to service the $8.4 billion worth of DUV machines it has sold to Chinese customers since 2014.

The US will now be waiting for Japan to make a similar announcement. Some sources say it will come this week, but the country's trade minister says no decisions have been made yet.

Chinese chip firms have been preparing for the new restrictions from the Netherlands and Japan by stockpiling chip-making equipment, components, spare parts, and materials in warehouses. We recently heard that the export controls were having an effect: China's chip imports crashed by 27% in the first two months of 2023, a fall greater than the total decline for all of 2022.
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What just happened? A hack on a Washington, D.C., health insurance marketplace has resulted in sensitive personal data belonging to hundreds of House and Senate members, their staff, and their families being stolen and put up for sale.

Reuters reports that House's Chief Administrative Officer Catherine Szpindor (CAO) sent letters to members of Congress that said a "significant data breach" at DC Health Link could have exposed the personal information of hundreds of Members and House staff.

Szpindor added that it does not appear that Members of the House of Representatives were the specific targets of the attack.

DC Health Link has confirmed the breach and is offering identity theft service and extended credit monitoring to an unspecified number of customers whose data was affected. The company suggests that members freeze their credit and take precautions to avoid becoming victims of fraud.

Chairman Steil is aware of the breach and is working with the CAO to ensure the vendor takes necessary steps to protect the PII of any impacted member, staff, and their families. https://t.co/6rI2sVbME7 --- House Admin. Committee GOP (@HouseAdmin) March 8, 2023

Associated Press writes that a broker on a dark web forum was offering to sell records of 170,000 DC Health Link customers for an unspecified amount, claiming the details had been stolen on Monday. The company said it is working with law enforcement. The FBI said it was aware of the incident and was assisting in the investigation

A sample of the broker's data taken from 12 customers included Social Security numbers, addresses, names of employers, phone numbers, emails and addresses. The Associated Press contacted one of the named individuals, who confirmed the details were accurate. All 12 people in the sample work for the same company or are family members.

The Senate sergeant at arms told Senate email account holders in an email that the stolen data included full names of the insured and family members but "no other personally identifiable information."

In an emailed statement, Rep. Joe Morelle of New York said that House leadership was informed by Capitol police that DC Health Link "suffered an extraordinarily large data breach of enrollee information" that posed a "great risk" to members, employees and their families.

This is the latest breach to impact US agencies. Hackers hit a US Marshals Service computer system with a ransomware attack last month that also saw the theft of personally identifiable data about agency employees and targets of investigations. More recently, an FBI computer system was breached at the agency's New York field office.

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(Photo : Julia Ponomareva)

Online education is revolutionizing the way people learn, and it's more accessible than ever before, especially in developing countries. This niche is gaining popularity, and the numbers prove it. According to Statista, the global online education market was valued at $101 billion in 2019, with projections indicating that it will surpass $370 billion by 2026. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards online education, with millions of students worldwide turning to e-learning as a result of school closures.

If there is a business that is looking to make a difference and start a profitable business in the education industry, it's the right moment to make it. Julia Ponomareva, an expert in international business development for IT startups and EdTech companies and Forbes Council Member, repeatedly featured in Forbes, has shown that success is possible with the right strategy. Julia boasts over 20 years of professional experience working with various countries and regions worldwide, including top IT corporations like Asus, HP, and Kaspersky Lab. Additionally, she has launched her own startup in the UK and played a key role in introducing GetCourse, a no-code builder platform for content creators, to the Indian market. Now, she shares her experience and tips for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to make a difference in developing countries.

Julia believes that the process of starting an online school is universally the same, regardless of the region or country. Here are the steps:

Analyze the market Find your niche Learn your competitors Analyze the target audience Test the idea Set up a product line and pricing Develop marketing strategy and sales funnel Create content for your courses Sell and scale your online business

On the other hand, it is crucial to take into account the local features that affect all stages of launching an online school in each market. Julia suggests starting by analyzing the country's market where you plan to start a business. For an online school, it is recommended to consider the level of internet penetration, the development of offline and online education, and the most popular niches in the country.

During a market analysis discussion, Julia suggested a method that she and her colleagues at GetCourse used to enter new markets. The approach involves:

1. Select a region or country and analyze the market using tips above.

2. Conducting CustDev interviews with local experts and potential users to gain insights into their preferences and needs.

3. Arrange for payment acceptance methods that align with local practices, as different countries have their preferred methods.

4. Launch a minimum valuable product (MVP) can then be launched, such as a landing page with paid traffic on Facebook or Instagram, and a simple sales funnel to test the market's demand.

5. Once the first payments are received, they should be refunded, and the results analyzed.

6. If the test is successful, and users show an interest in the product, a full-scale launch can be deployed.

It is important to note that developing an online course is not necessary initially. Instead, the focus should be on testing the idea and selling it. Only after securing some paid users should the product's development begin.

As for niches, In developing countries and regions such as Latin America's countries, India, Indonesia the most popular niches are those that offer skills to make money or teach people how to earn money. This is because in developing countries, people strive to improve their social status through education and earnings. On the other hand, in developed countries, basic needs are already covered. Therefore, when planning to start an online school in a developing country, it is essential to study the skills and professions that are in high demand.

For instance, GetCourse's client in Brazil, https://cursoid.com.br, is a well-known school that prepares students for ENEM, an exam required for university admission. The school generates several thousand dollars in revenue per month using only organic traffic from social networks. Preparing for exams, learning languages, and obtaining professions are the most relevant niches for launching an online project in developing countries. Julia confirms that this is especially true for India, based on her experience. In this country the following niches are the most popular:

Primary and secondary supplemental education Test preparation Reskilling and certification Higher education language Casual Learning

However, there are exceptions to the rule. For instance, one of GetCourse's clients, Evgenia Ermilova's sculpture painting school, sells drawing lessons successfully to the Indian and Indonesian markets. The online school generates over $20K a month by using Evgenia's Instagram and Facebook pages and Instagram paid traffic. By employing a simple sales funnel that sends leads from ads to the website and offering courses with an average price of $200, the school generates significant revenue.

In countries like Turkey or India, purchasing power is much lower than in developed countries like the United States. The average cost of online courses in India and Turkey ranges between $10 and $50, and it may require an effort to sell courses for this cost by connecting with a sales team. Conversely, in the USA, it is easier to sell a course for $300 by leading a client from advertising to the landing page and offering them to purchase without "warming up" the audience.

At the same time, it cannot be denied that the cost of paid traffic, which is often the main source of potential customers, will be lower in Turkey and India but much more expensive in the USA. For instance, in India, the cost per lead (CPL) can be as low as $1, while in the USA, a lead for a similar product can cost over $20.

Also, when it comes to cultural approaches, it's essential to consider the target audience's preferences. When it comes to studying, there is a difference between India and the USA. In India, students prefer 1:1 tutoring with a teacher, whereas, in the USA, students are more inclined towards self-study. This is a crucial factor to consider while creating a business model for an online school. In India, more teachers may need to be hired for the online project, while in the USA, pre-recorded lessons can be sold for self-study without the need for additional teachers.

In conclusion, opening an online school in a developing country can be a profitable and impactful business venture if you analyze the market well and take into account local specifics. With Julia's experience and tips, anyone can launch an online school successfully and make a difference in people's lives. Remember to keep the target audience's preferences in mind, price courses reasonably, and focus on driving traffic to your courses using various marketing channels.

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : mohamed_hassan from Pixabay )

Since its inception in 2016, hyperscalers have leveraged Software for Open Networking in the Cloud, more commonly known as SONiC, to bring innovation and agility to the management and control of their networks. For non-hyperscale organizations, accessing the benefits of SONiC has not been an easy task. Now, however, thanks to the efforts of Aviz Networks, enterprises around the globe can tap into the power of SONiC.

Aviz Networks is leading the charge for widespread SONiC adoption by enabling deployments in datacenter and edge networks. It is accomplishing this by delivering platform and ASIC-agnostic, easy-to-use applications for network observability, orchestration, and assurance. Its goal is to ensure SONiC becomes a ubiquitous, accessible, and intelligent network operating system for every stakeholder.

Appreciating the power of SONiC

SONiC was born out of a quest for innovation, efficiency, and reliability. Microsoft began its development in 2015 as it saw technology in the cloud evolving. To keep its Azure platform competitive, Microsoft knew it needed something that would make supporting and expanding the platform seamless and secure - SONiC was that innovation.

The key to SONiC's effectiveness, according to Aviz Networks CEO and co-founder Vishal Shukla, is the control that it provides to users on their network software layer, which drives faster innovation and deployment. In addition, the capability that SONiC brings for standardizing network software gives users control of their infrastructure, which increases flexibility and lowers costs.

"SONiC brings three C's for customers," explains Vishal. "Control for their network operating system, which generates choices. And more choices generate cost savings."

Advancing SONiC adoption

Aviz launched in 2019 with a group of SONiC evangelists. It was bootstrapped from the founder's garage and grew along with the SONiC community. During its first few months, the company focused on understanding the SONiC community mindset, the strategy that networking vendors' had for SONiC, and customer traction, along with their barriers to entry.

One of the important observations made by Vishal as the company grew was that it had to embrace the whole networking ecosystem. Any product Aviz developed would need to be comprehensive and inclusive of all networking ecosystems. At the same time, it would need to remain 100 percent neutral in terms of partnerships.

In 2022, the company got funded and that put Aviz among the coveted 1% of startups that find success, which is a huge achievement according to Newchip CEO Andrew Ryan. In the same year, it created an end-to-end software networking stack for SONiC and other networking operating systems that is extensible for public and hybrid cloud networks use cases. It is committed to leveraging its technology stack to lead the SONiC transition for private and edge cloud.

Bringing SONiC to the masses

The product stack that Aviz has developed includes three products: Open Networking Enterprise Suite (ONES), Open Packet Broker (OPB), and Fabric Test Automation Suite (FTAS). These products are designed to enable organizations to transition seamlessly to SONiC. They provide the tools needed to evaluate the right solution for each use case, deploy the solution, and manage it with 24/7 expert vendor-neutral support.

ONES is a network management and support solution that Aviz developed to give organizations the tools they need to address the unique challenges associated with transitioning to SONiC. Its modular design allows it to address multiple use cases, ranging from orchestration to visibility and support. With ONES, organizations have a tool for configuring, monitoring, and acting on what matters most for smooth network operations.

Taking steps to ensure accessibility

As with any new technology, advocates are needed if wide-scale adoption of SONiC is to be achieved. Aviz is filling that role. It knows that large companies have the resources to hire big teams and develop their own tools.

Smaller companies, however, need the type of resources that Aviz provides. Bringing SONiC to the masses is central to its mission.

Some of the steps that Aviz is taking to ensure SONiC accessibility include:

Embracing the existing ecosystem as-is for ASIC, switch, and network operating system vendors so customers can deploy SONiC within their existing infrastructure. Aviz's signed partnership with the ecosystem is the first of its kind in the networking industry.

Providing an end-to-end networking stack that is open for integration with existing app vendors, including those focused on private, hybrid, and public clouds, so customers have maximum flexibility and minimal lock-in.

Providing productized support, which provides cost-effective enterprise support in the most neutral manner.

Committing to the ongoing development of the SONiC ecosystem. With every client Aviz Networks assists, it gains more experience that can be leveraged to develop more in-depth deployment strategies and more mature products capable of a wider degree of use cases.

Building a system that benefits all

Vishal and the Aviz team have learned many lessons as they have sought to achieve widespread acceptance for SONiC. One of the most important, according to Vishal, has been how challenging it is to advance a cause that is both comprehensive and inclusive.

Many entrepreneurial efforts often face challenges of this magnitude, but the most important thing is to remember that there is no shortcut to success. In a conversation with the Los Angeles Tribune, tech entrepreneur and founder of Branch Metrics, Inc., Michael Molinet says that discipline is an essential quality for those who want to succeed.

Luckily for Aviz, they are up for any challenge that the company faces. As Vishal says, in order to advance this kind of cause, you must align many diverse views. However, Aviz is making significant progress in this area by staying focused on building a system that will benefit everyone.

"If you present an opportunity where the whole ecosystem will benefit, the alignment happens ASAP," says Vishal.

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Are you worried about your privacy and safety when you're online? Do you want to access content that might be blocked in your region? You just need a Virtual Private Network or VPN service.

A VPN creates a secure and encrypted connection between your device and the internet, allowing you to browse the web anonymously and bypass restrictions. Whether you're a frequent traveler, a remote worker, or just a regular internet user, a VPN is essential for protecting your online activities and ensuring your data remains private.

What Is VPN and Why Do I Need It?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, a service that allows you to establish a secure and encrypted connection to another network over the internet. Essentially, a VPN creates a private and secure tunnel between your device and the internet, making it difficult for others to intercept or spy on your online activities.

You might need a VPN for a few different reasons:

Protect your privacy: A VPN can hide your IP address and encrypt your internet traffic, making it difficult for websites, advertisers, and even your internet service provider (ISP) to track your online activities.

Access geo-restricted content: Many websites and online services are restricted based on your location. With a VPN, you can connect to a server in a different country and access content that might be blocked in your region.

Secure your internet connection: When you connect to public Wi-Fi networks, your internet traffic is vulnerable to interception and hacking. A VPN encrypts your traffic, making it much harder for hackers to steal your data.

Bypass censorship: The government of some countries censors certain websites and online services, including social media platforms. Using a virtual private network (VPN) can assist you in evading these restrictions and gaining unrestricted access to the internet.

A VPN can help protect your online privacy and security, giving you greater freedom to access the content you want to see, no matter where you are.

Best VPN Services of 2023

As mentioned, a VPN service is a big help regarding online privacy and security. And with so many VPN options available, choosing the best one for your needs can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there is a list of the best VPN services on the Market. Let's start with ClearVPN 2.

1. ClearVPN 2

ClearVPN 2 is considered the best VPN service developed by MacPaw, which was launched in November 2020. Despite being a relatively young product, ClearVPN 2 has continuously improved its user experience, server infrastructure, and overall security to deliver a seamless browsing experience to its customers. However, in late 2021, MacPaw made the difficult decision to sunset ClearVPN 2 in 2022 as the competition in the VPN market continued to intensify.

But in February 2022, the Russian army invaded Ukraine, launching cyber attacks and deploying a cyber weapon known as "Foxblade" against Ukrainian computers. This critical moment saw ClearVPN 2 take on a social mission, offering the app for free to all Ukrainians to protect their private data from potential cyber threats from Russia.

A year after the invasion, in March 2023, MacPaw will launch the new ClearVPN 2, which boasts an intuitive interface and innovative features. The company kept the free VPN services for Ukrainians worldwide and offers secure browsing for all users on any platform. ClearVPN 2 believes privacy is a fundamental human right and is committed to empowering users to take control of their online privacy and security.

Key Features

Cross-Platform Build: ClearVPN 2 is cross-platform, which means it is available for download and use on multiple devices such as Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

This makes the software feasible for users who need it on different platforms.

Secure and Private Browsing: ClearVPN 2, as the best VPN service, provides a secure and private browsing experience by allowing users to activate the feature for stronger and multiple encryptions and added protection for the browser. This is especially useful when using a public network.

Multiple Servers and Locations: ClearVPN 2 supports various servers and locations in popular countries and locations, including the US, UK, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Ireland, India, and more.

The software also enables users to stream content from various regions with ease.

Encrypted Private Connection: ClearVPN 2 uses advanced protection with AES-256 encryption and protocols such as IKEv2 and OpenVPN. The software also includes other protocols to keep the connection private at all times.

No-logs Policy: ClearVPN 2 does not store or retain user data, including usage statistics or browsing history. This no-logs policy keeps user data private and inaccessible under all circumstances.

Regional Content: ClearVPN 2 allows users to access local or regional content easily, bypassing restrictions or bans imposed by different governments.

ClearVPN 2 is an application that prioritizes the security and privacy of its users. With cutting-edge protocols and AES-256 encryption, you can be assured that your data remains safe and secure. It also enforces a strict no-logs policy, meaning they do not collect or share your personal information or online activity.

You can browse with peace of mind, knowing that this best VPN service does not store or use any of your data for any purpose. In addition, ClearVPN 2 also offers end-to-end encryption with AES-256, providing an extra layer of protection to keep your data safe. ClearVPN 2 is a trustworthy and reliable option for anyone who prioritizes online privacy and security.

Compatibility

Works on various platforms, including iOS, macOS, Windows, and Android

Connect up to 6 devices per account, allowing you to enjoy the full VPN experience on all your devices

ClearVPN 2 for iOS is optimized for iPhone and provides a seamless and intuitive user experience.

ClearVPN 2 for macOS is designed to work seamlessly with your Mac, providing fast and reliable connections and advanced security features.

ClearVPN 2 for Windows is a user-friendly app that's easy to set up and use.

ClearVPN 2 for Android provides fast and secure connections, with features like the ad and tracker blocker to protect your privacy while browsing.

2. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is one of the best VPN services launched in 2014 by the team behind ProtonMail, the world's largest secure email service. Based in Switzerland, ProtonVPN is known for its commitment to privacy and security. Its strong encryption and advanced features make it a top choice for users who want to protect their online activity.

One of the key features of ProtonVPN is its use of Secure Core servers. These servers are located in countries with strong privacy laws. They are designed to route your traffic through multiple servers, making it much more difficult for anyone to track your online activity or identify your location. ProtonVPN also uses strong encryption and Perfect Forward Secrecy to further protect your data.

ProtonVPN has a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not store any information about your online activity or connection history. This ensures that your privacy is fully protected, even if someone were to gain access to ProtonVPN's servers.

ProtonVPN is available for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. The service is easy to use and features a simple, intuitive interface that makes it easy to connect to servers in any of the 50+ countries where ProtonVPN has servers.

Pros

Great free version

Unblocks streaming services, including Netflix

Supports torrenting

User-friendly

Offers open-source apps

30-day money-back guarantee

Improved Mac version features

Cons

Premium pricing

Customer support response time can be slow

3. NordVPN

NordVPN is a leading VPN service that offers a wide range of features to cater to the diverse needs of its users. It has become popular among privacy enthusiasts, streamers, and first-time VPN users.

One of NordVPN's greatest strengths is its set of rare tools that cater to the privacy-conscious. It offers a range of advanced security features, such as double VPN, which routes your traffic through two VPN servers for an extra layer of protection. It also offers features like Onion Over VPN, which allows you to access the Tor network through NordVPN and CyberSec, blocking malicious websites and ads.

For those looking to unlock streaming content, NordVPN's large selection of servers and the ability to select specific servers in different locations make it a top choice. It offers access to servers in over 60 countries, making accessing content from anywhere in the world easy.

First-time users should have no trouble starting NordVPN, as it offers a simple and user-friendly interface. NordVPN provides a growing list of services, including encrypted storage and a password manager to cater to its users' evolving needs.

Pros

Multi-hop, split tunneling, and Tor connections

Numerous server locations

Uses WireGuard VPN technology

Unique Meshnet features

Cons

Expensive

Poor malware-blocking results

Occasionally cramped interface

4. Surfshark

Surfshark is a virtual private network or VPN service that offers a range of features to keep your online activities private and secure. One of its most significant advantages is unlimited simultaneous connections on a single subscription. While most VPN providers limit you to just five connections, Surfshark allows you to protect all of your devices with just one account. This means that families, small businesses, and individuals with multiple devices can enjoy all the benefits of a VPN without paying for multiple subscriptions.

Surfshark uses military-grade encryption to protect your data and ensure that your online activities remain private by implementing a strict no-logs policy. It also has a range of features, such as CleanWeb, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware, and MultiHop, which lets you route your traffic through multiple servers for additional security. Surfshark's Camouflage mode hides the fact that you are using a VPN, making it difficult for anyone to detect and block your connection.

Despite its many features, Surfshark is one of the most affordable VPNs. Its monthly subscription plans start at just a few dollars, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable VPN solution.

Pros

Unlimited simultaneous connections

Large global server presence

Multi-hop and split tunneling tools

Intriguing potential in Surfshark Nexus

Cons

High monthly price

Privacy policy needs clarification

Confusing long-term subscription pricing

5. TunnelBear VPN

TunnelBear VPN is a user-friendly VPN service that is great for beginners or individuals who need a simple and effective VPN. It is an excellent option for those who need a VPN but do not want to deal with complex network configurations. Users can easily set up and use the VPN on any device, thanks to its user-friendly interface, which only takes a few minutes.

TunnelBear offers strong privacy protection with its encryption protocols and strict no-logging policy, making it a secure choice for everyday internet usage. TunnelBear also offers a free plan with a data limit of 500MB per month, which can be useful for occasional or light use.

However, TunnelBear may not be the best option for advanced users who require more specialized features or customization options, as it focuses on simplicity and ease of use. Additionally, its server network is relatively small compared to other VPN providers, which may limit its effectiveness for users in certain regions.

Despite these limitations, TunnelBear's affordability, simplicity, and strong privacy protections make it a solid option for individuals looking for a straightforward and effective VPN solution.

Pros

Unlimited simultaneous connections

Excellent privacy policies

Annual independent audits

Friendly, approachable design

Cons

No multi-hop connections

Not all platforms have the ability to split tunnels.

Using a VPN service such as ClearVPN 2, ProtonVPN, NordVPN, etc., has become increasingly important for anyone who uses the internet. VPNs provide an additional layer of security by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address, protecting your privacy and making it more difficult for hackers or other third parties to monitor your online activity.

VPNs can also unlock geo-restricted content and provide access to sites and services that may be blocked in certain countries. With a wide range of VPN options available, users can choose the best one to meet their needs and keep themselves safe online.

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
YEREVAN, MARCH 9, ARMENPRESS. On March 9, around 5:50 p.m., the units of the Azerbaijani armed forces opened fire from different caliber firearms at the Armenian positions located in the direction of Verin Shorzha.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Ministry of Defense, the Armenian side has suffered no casualties. As of 20:00, the situation on the frontline is relatively stable.
The recent speculation on Samsung SDI's involvement in supplying cylindrical battery cells to GM has caused a ripple effect in the battery production industry. Samsung is a leader in the battery production business, and its joint venture with GM to build a combined production facility will further solidify its position.

Samsung SDI and GM Entering Potential Partnership to Provide Battery Cells for EVs

Sources have hinted that the two companies could sign a Memorandum of Understanding this week, as also noted by TheElec, and the facility will have a production capacity of at least 30 GWh. This could be enough to power 300,000 to 500,000 battery-electric vehicles.

Samsung SDI is rapidly expanding its business in the EV battery industry, with unconfirmed reports that it has struck a deal with GM to supply cylindrical battery cells for EVs.

Creating a Greener Future Through Investment: GM and Samsung SDI to Collaborate on $32.8B Battery Cathode Supply Factory

According to the story by Interesting Engineering, GM and Samsung SDI are working together to construct a new manufacturing facility with an estimated yearly capacity of up to 50GWh, enough for 500,000 electric vehicles. This factory would require a significant investment from the companies, likely billions of dollars, to cover costs.

Samsung SDI has already indicated its intention to increase investment in battery cathode supply to meet the demand of its agreement with GM, allocating $32.8 billion over the next decade.

Investing in Growth: Samsung SDI's Potential Expansion in Europe

The businesses still have to consider the prospects of the various cell and module types required to fit the Ultium EV platform, which GM CEO Mary Barra indicated as highly adaptable. So far, the platform has mainly relied on pouch batteries from LG Energy Solution. However, Samsung SDI's cylindrical cells could allow for even more flexibility.

The manufacturer has also talked with BMW and Volvo, two of Europe's leading automakers. Samsung SDI has indicated its interest in setting up a new factory near its existing one in Goed, Hungary, again likely requiring significant funding for construction.

Samsung SDI and GM's Joint Investment Could Represent a Real Breakthrough in Battery Adaptability

The battery market is an increasingly competitive space. With Samsung SDI becoming more active worldwide, fans may see the greater choice for EV makers looking to secure battery supply.

Couple that with GM's Ultium platform, and it could represent a real breakthrough in battery adaptability for the EV sector. The joint investment would result in a whopping $3.8 billion, according to Electrive.

Read Also: Floating Wind Farms to Soon be a Thing, as X1 Wind Reports Successful Test on Prototype

Insight into the Impacts of the Joint Venture between Samsung SDI and GM

The collaboration between Samsung SDI and GM is expected to bring some major industry changes. Apart from the increased production capacity, it will also serve to further establish Samsung as one of the leading companies in the market.

The joint venture is something that will bring immense benefits to both companies, and it will be interesting to observe the outcomes of the agreement.

Related Article: Water Filter Machine May Soon Generate Electricity With This New Invention

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Google One is pushing to bolster its security features and offer subscribers more comprehensive protection. In addition to making its virtual private network (VPN) available to all members, regardless of the plan size, Google is introducing a dark web report to help keep track of one's personal information.

Adding an Extra Layer of Security with Google One VPN Across All Plans

According to the story by Engadget, as Google One membership expands, so do the security features available to subscribers. Last October, Google One began offering a virtual private network (VPN) to those on plans with at least 2TB of storage.

The company is taking that further by making the VPN available across all plans, including its basic 100GB storage option. The VPN ensures that members' internet activity is kept out of reach of hackers, network operators, and other individuals seeking access.

Protecting Against ID Theft with Dark Web Reports on Google One

Google One is also introducing another security bonus: dark web reports. Starting over the next few weeks, Google One subscribers in the US will have access to a monitoring profile in which they can input personal details, such as their name, address, email, phone number, and Social Security Number, to see if they have been compromised in a data breach.

On the off-chance that their information is flagged in the dark web report, Google will send an alert and suggest measures to protect themselves against ID theft, such as reporting their Social Security number as stolen.

Unlock the Magic Eraser Feature with Google One Subscription

Security features aren't the only addition Google One is rolling out. The company announced in February that subscribers to the service can now access the Magic Eraser feature in Google Photos.

Before then, the feature was exclusive to Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 devices, so this is a major win for Google One members who want to downsize their photos or erase objects from their images with the tap of a button.

Google One Offers Comprehensive Security Features for Just $2 a Month

Google One is packing more and more features into its membership offerings, from dark web reports to Magic Eraser, that subscribers can take advantage of.

With this suite of security options, plus 100GB of storage for just $2 a month, as explained further in an article by Mac Rumors, Google One is positioning itself as an essential membership for individuals looking to maximize their online security.

Read Also: Former Google Engineer Expresses Concerns Regarding AI Chatbots' Risks

Introducing Magic Eraser: Making Photo Editing Easier than Ever with Google One

The increase in security isn't the only change for subscribers, either; Google is also rolling out some other helpful features. One is the Magic Eraser tool for Google Photos, first available on Pixel 6 and 7 devices but now offered to all Google One users.

This can help refine photos to perfection, making it easier than ever to create amazing memories. Google One provides its users the perfect opportunities to protect their online activity and make the most of their memories.

Related Article: Google Chrome Incognito Privacy Lawsuit: Plaintiffs Lose Appeal to Pursue Money Damages

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The Dutch government revealed its new restrictions regarding exports of semiconductor technology in an effort of the country to protect its national security. This is a response to the United States' pressure to block the sale of its technology to China.

(Photo : JOYCE VAN BELKOM/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs Henk Kamp (R) listens to explanations during his visit of ASML, the largest supplier in the world of photolithography systems for the semiconductor industry, at Eindhoven Brainport in Veldhoven, on September 23, 2013.

Restricting Chip Tech Exports

The Netherlands joins the United States in blocking microchip manufacturing equipment exports to China. Based on a report from South China Morning Post, both countries reached an agreement to introduce chip-related restrictions in response to China's advanced chip technology.

Trade Minister Liesje Schreinemacher wrote to parliament outlining the new restrictions. Companies will also have to apply first a license to export chip technology. These measures would only apply to very high-specification systems that can make the smallest, most powerful chip tools made by ASML.

"Given the technological developments and geopolitical context, the cabinet has concluded that it is necessary for international security to expand the existing export control of specific semiconductor production equipment," Schreinemacher added.

ASML's Response

As per ASML, certain models would only be affected by these restrictions. Although the Dutch company has not received the outline of the restriction regarding the meaning of "most advanced technology," the company interprets it as "critical immersion." This will include TWINSCAN NXT:2000i and later models that produce high-capability chips.

This move from the Dutch government was not expected by the company to have a material effect on the financial outlook that they have published for this year and their longer-term scenario. The company still expects sales in China at $2.2 billion in 2023, with 25% expected growth.

Reuters reported that the company is currently dominating the market for lithography systems and multimillion-dollar machines that use laser to produce minute circuity of computer semiconductors. Before these restrictions, ASML's extreme EUV tool has been banned from China since 2019.

Also Read: Japan, Netherlands Join US in Chip War Against China

Schreinmacher added that she would also push for international controls during forums like Wassenaar Group, which includes countries like Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan, France, and 37 more countries.

This group could also be a way to restrict exports for military systems. However, Financial Times reported that the United States bypassed this group since the list includes Russia.

Some questions were unanswered when this announcement was released by the Dutch government, including the decision on whether ASML will be able to service DUV machines sold to customers in China since 2014, worth more than $8 billion.

The Trade Minister said that these measures were made as carefully and precisely as possible for them to avoid any unnecessary disruption of value chains. She wrote, "It is for companies of importance to know what they are facing and to have time to adjust to new rules."

Related Article: 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.
Creators commonly used the phrase "Link in Bio" as links on videos, comments, or captions do not work. But TikTok is now blocking links in the bio that redirect users to App Stores. This will have a significant impact on CPI campaign deals between creators and brands.

(Photo : Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: In this photo illustration, a TikTok logo is displayed on an iPhone on February 28, 2023 in London, England. This week, the US government and European Union's parliament have announced bans on installing the popular social media app on staff devices.

Blocking Links

TikTok has now begun blocking links that redirect users to App Stores. This block extends to third-party platforms like Linktree. Usually, these links are located on a creator's bio as posting links on videos, comments, or captions will not work on the app, hence, the phrase "Link in Bio" became popular.

This block will have a significant impact on Cost Per Install campaign deals between the creators and brands. TikTok did not release any official statement regarding this matter. However, the company did confirm that personal creator accounts will no longer have the ability to place links on their bios that redirect users to app store pages except for website links.

Only TikTok business accounts will have this functionality, with no fees included. This means that businesses do not have to pay for the add-to-link feature or agree to advertise on the platform by utilizing it.

Sendit Co-Founder David Tesler spotted this change first, as he posted a tweet on Twitter where he tested the functionality of these links across different accounts. Through his process, he found out that links no longer work and a message will be given to you instead that says, "Action cannot be completed."

Other Platforms

Tesler added that social media platforms that limit outbound traffic are very uncommon as policies like this hurt creators and could end the marketing in the platform. Twitter recently tried doing the same in December 2022, moving this feature to paid subscriptions tier.

In a now-deleted announcement from Twitter, the platform previously prohibited accounts whose primary purpose is to promote materials from other platforms, like Facebook, Instagram, Mastodo, Tribal, Post, Nostr, and Donald Trump's Truth Social.

This policy prevents users from boosting their presence on other social media platforms in their tweets or Twitter bios. Aside from the mentioned ones, Twitter also placed limitations on the usage of third-party applications, including Linktree and Link.bio.

Also Read: TikTok Begins Imposing Paywalls for 20-Minute Videos

Along with the removal of redirect links, TikTok rolls out a new Download app button for business accounts to use. Through this new update, the company believes that it would improve the clarity between businesses and creators as they make their feature sets more distinguishable.

While it may look like the main reason for the additional feature, TechCrunch reported that it is clearly a strategy to shift more of the advertising dollars that flow to creators through campaigns to redirect to TikTok's coffers instead.

Related Article: TikTok Limits Daily Screen Time of Users Under 18 to 60 Minutes

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Tragedy struck Lake Huron and the crew of a schooner barge, Ironton, and the Steamer Ohio which collided back in the early days of September 1894. The accident took place on the infamous Shipwreck Alley and its whereabouts remained hidden underneath one of the Great Lakes of the country, until a recent discovery by NOAA and other collaborators using its ocean mapping technology.

Through this tech, the team was able to pinpoint where the Ironton is, sitting intact and preserved underneath Lake Huron when it sank almost 130 years ago.

Lake Huron Shipwreck of Ironton, Now Discovered by NOAA

(Photo : NOAA/ Undersea Vehicles Program UNCW)

NOAA researchers, the state of Michigan, and Ocean Exploration Trust recently discovered the decade-old shipwreck over at Lake Huron, with the Ironton schooner still in its preserved, intact condition. According to a press release by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the team located the ship within its Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

The 191-foot sunken ship still has its three masts standing tall and intact in its body, preserved by the fresh cold water of Lake Huron which helped its current state.

The Ironton was reported to collide with the Steamer Ohio back on September 26 at 12:30 a.m., when the Ironton was dropped from its tow and used the wind's power to sail. By the time it spotted the steamer, it was too late as the collision was imminent.

Read Also: Subsea Cables Can Detect Earthquakes? UK Experts Now Using Them as Seafloor Sensors

Ocean Mapping Technology Found a Long-lost Ship

The team of researchers used the NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory's RV Storm to map the lakebed using its ocean mapping technology to search for the ship. The team also used its BEN (Bathymetric Explorer and Navigator).

The team first sent an underwater robot which it remotely controlled to look into the identified ship, later confirming that it was the Ironton.

Ocean Technology and Underwater Discoveries

The oceans, seas, and other bodies of water are known for their notorious situations which are mostly unpredictable, as at one time, a tide would be calm, but will immediately shift to a violent one. Many lives and vessels were lost in different water bodies, and researchers have recently developed many techs including AI to search for shipwrecks and underwater discoveries.

Not all underwater missions and searches are centering on looking for shipwrecks or treasures from underneath the surface, as there are also other sights to see underneath. There was one research where a submarine expedition explored the Maldives from underneath, seeing a unique ecosystem thriving under the sea, a first in the world.

It certainly is a challenge to look for ships or items underneath, especially as humans are not meant for going underwater for a long time, especially in sweeping the bottom of lakes for past accidents. Here is where technology gives researchers an edge in rediscovering the past and uncovering a significant phenomenon, like the long-lost Ironton, now located.

Related Article: Deep-sea Listening Devices Record the Sound of Earthquakes and Ship Explosions

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A new application for the Apple Watch has emerged, and it is focusing on the latest trending system in the world known as ChatGPT, with artificial intelligence heading over to the wearable. This new app is called the "watchGPT" which users may download for a price on the Apple App Store to add to their Watch app to bring it over to the accessory.

The Apple Watch got a whole lot smarter because of this recent application, centering on the AI chatbot widely accessible on the public's wrists from a known developer.

Apple Watch Receives a New App in the form of 'watchGPT'

(Photo : Hidde van der Ploeg via Twitter)

In case this app is not yet known to you, a developer utilized ChatGPT's capabilities as a chatbot to bring it over to one's wrist, with the app called "watchGPT" now available on the Apple App Store. This app is optimized for the Apple Watch only, and would not have an accompanying iPhone app for the users to use as well.

The app was made by Hidde van der Ploeg, which recently announced his development's arrival on the App Store earlier today.

This integration delivers OpenAI's famous technology over to the wearable and is asking for a one-time fee of $3.99 for its purchase.

Read Also: Tired of Doing Your Cover Letter? ChatGPT Might Do the Job One Day

ChatGPT's Chatbot is Now on the Apple Watch

The watchGPT brings the features of ChatGPT on your wrists, interacting with the chatbot and getting answers from it for one's every question you want to ask.

Heres a quick little demo of the app  pic.twitter.com/vtr5a7aQKO  Hidde van der Ploeg (@hiddevdploeg) March 7, 2023

Moreover, it can make messages longer as per one's command. Additionally, its generated information or text may be shared with others via the iMessage or Mail app. It is also available in English, Dutch, French, and Spanish languages for now.

OpenAI's ChatGPT

OpenAI's success with ChatGPT is still growing, and the company widely utilized the features of its famed GPT-3 language model which brings the famous chatbot and text generator to systems. One of the recent developments for ChatGPT is with its API debuting to developers, meaning that the AI system may be integrated into different apps available.

With this availability, different platforms and applications are now adding ChatGPT to almost anything to add the chatbot to their experience. Instacart, a grocery app, also used OpenAI's technology to add artificial intelligence to the market experience.

Snap also integrated OpenAI's tech into its social media platform to bring "My AI," but is only available for its Plus subscribers.

With the API of ChatGPT now available for the public to utilize and create apps, countless experiences may now integrate the chatbot and its features into their tech. One of the most recent is with watchGPT, now bringing the experience over to the Apple Watch to help users get answers for every bugging question they have, without opening their iPhones.

Related Article: Can ChatGPT Help Health Tech Startups? Here are 5 Ways Why it's Transformative in Healthcare

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Lawmakers were informed on Wednesday, March 8, that their sensitive personal data and that of their family members and employees may have been exposed during a breach of the Washington, D.C. health insurance marketplace, according to a report by AP.



While DC Health Link confirmed that the number of customers affected is unknown, it is notifying those impacted and collaborating with law enforcement. All customers are being offered identity theft services and credit monitoring. The FBI is also aiding in the investigation.

170,000 Customers

An online criminal forum's broker claimed that records of 170,000 DC Health Link customers were obtained and were being offered for sale at an unspecified price. The broker stated that the records were stolen on Monday. Although reached by AP through an encrypted chat site, the broker could not provide additional information to back their claim or confirm if the records had been sold.



The broker acted on behalf of the seller, referred to as "thekilob." The forum provided a sample of stolen data, including social security numbers, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and employer names of twelve apparent customers. AP reported that they were able to reach one of the customers via a phone number in the data.

All Senate email account holders were notified of the stolen data that included not only the full names of the insured but also their family members.

The sergeant at arms sent an email to all account holders to relay the information. Similarly, an email from the office of the Chief Administrative Officer of the House was sent on behalf of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, branding the breach as "egregious."



The email further guaranteed updates and asked members to take advantage of credit and identity theft monitoring resources.

Read Also: North Korean State-Sponsored Hackers Have Been Attacking Healthcare Providers Since 2021 - US Authorities Warn

Freeze Credit

The Senate email went further to advise that all health insurance exchange registrants freeze their credit to curtail identity theft. Rep. Joe Morelle of New York also stated in an email that Capitol Police informed the House leadership of the significant data breach of enrollee information that poses a great risk to members, employees, and their family members.



He added that the cause, size, and scope of the data breach are still being determined by the FBI.



This latest hack comes amid several recent breaches that have affected multiple US agencies. Recently, hackers broke into a US Marshals Service computer system and activated ransomware on February 17 after obtaining personally identifiable information about agency employees and individuals under investigation.



These attacks indicate the severity of cyber threats to agencies and their employees, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and the adoption of stronger security measures.

Related Article: FBI: Beware of Deepfakes, Tech Jobs Interviews May Contain Stolen Information and Deceive Public

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China criticized the Netherlands on Thursday, March 9, for following the United States to expand restrictions on Chinese access to technology that could be used to make processor chips that Western governments claim might be used to commit human rights violations, according to a report by AP.

The production of processor chips is becoming more critical as China develops its own chip industry and high-tech weaponry. In October, the US blocked China's access to the most advanced chips production tools and is urging other nations, including Europe and Asia, to tighten their own regulations.

Greater Restrictions

The Dutch trade minister stated in a letter to lawmakers on Wednesday that national security necessitates greater restrictions on the export of technology that utilizes ultraviolet light to etch circuits onto the most sophisticated chips.

ASML, based in Veldhoven, Netherlands, is the sole global provider of such technology, and it employs this tech to create advanced semiconductor chips, according to AP.

Although the Dutch government has prohibited ASML from exporting some of its machines to China since 2019, the company had been shipping less advanced lithography systems in the country.

However, a foreign ministry spokeswoman from China expressed displeasure that a "single country," most likely referring to the US, was attempting to protect its own hegemony by utilizing national security as a pretext to "deprive China of its right to development."

"We firmly oppose the Netherlands's interference and restriction with administrative means of normal economic and trade exchanges between Chinese and Dutch enterprises," spokeswoman Mao Ning said in a statement quoted by AP.

Read Also: China's Semiconductor Industry Sees Huge Demand in Chip Industry for 2024: Here's What The Nation is Doing to Solve it

China's Appeal

Mao appealed to the Netherlands to protect the stability of the international industrial and supply chain. This appeal comes as China lacks access to ASML etching technology, a critical hindrance to its effort to build a domestic chip industry.

While Chinese vendors can produce low-end chips used in autos and most consumer electronics, they are unable to produce high-end products such as those used in smartphones, servers, and other advanced technology.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and US President Joe Biden held a meeting in January to discuss ASML's chip machines.

ASML's EUV (extreme-ultraviolet) equipment is capable of etching microscopically precise circuits into silicon using light, which enables circuits to be packed more closely together. This results in an increase in their speed and a decrease in power consumption.

However, this technology is now the focus of a global power struggle as Western governments fear that it could be used by China to develop advanced weapons or be used for human rights abuses. As a result, they have imposed strict export controls on the technology, limiting China's access to it.

Related Article: US-China Tech War: ASML, Lam Research Pulls American Engineers From China Amid New Chip Restrictions

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Japanese automaker, Nissan, is implementing an electrification shift that will help reduce costs by using the same powertrain parts across various models and reducing the use of rare, expensive materials, according to a report by AP on Thursday, March 9.

The automaker presented its "X-in-1" development strategy, in which the X stands for various powertrain components such as an electric motor and inverter that can be used across models. By doing this, the company aims to reduce development and manufacturing costs by 30% in 2026 compared to 2019 levels.

Keeping Up in the EV Race

AP notes that while Nissan was a pioneer in electric vehicles, it has fallen behind rivals such as Tesla and BYD of China. As the world moves towards ecological models in response to concerns about climate change, Nissan aims to show its capability in this area.

Senior Vice President of Nissan, Toshihiro Hirai, has acknowledged that prices of rare earths and other materials required to make electric vehicle batteries and other parts are expected to increase in the coming years.

This means that automakers must have a strong strategy for obtaining raw materials if they hope to succeed in electrification.

The 2019 Nissan Note EV has 25% rare materials by weight, compared to the first-generation vehicle, the Leaf. Nissan aims to reduce this to 1% or less.

Nissan is committed to reducing the use of rare materials in the production of its EVs according to a company executive. The 2019 Nissan Note EV contains 25% rare materials by weight, but Nissan aims to reduce this to just 1% or less.

The automaker is also investing in solid-state battery technology for EVs, which is expected to lower costs substantially if successful. By 2030, Nissan plans to offer EVs at the same cost as gasoline-engine vehicles, said Takao Hirai, senior vice president of Nissan.

Currently, the cheapest EVs like the Leaf sells for under $30,000, compared to small gasoline-engine cars like the Nissan Sentra, which cost around $21,000 in the US. While the Tesla Model 3 is a relatively affordable EV at $43,000, it is more expensive than many gas-powered cars.

However, EVs are often eligible for tax credits and incentives, and with high gasoline prices, they can be a wise long-term investment.

According to Consumer Reports, EV owners can save between $1,800 and $2,600 in operating and maintenance costs for every 15,000 miles they drive, compared to gas-powered vehicles.

Read Also: Nissan Leaf Recall: 65,000 EVs Come with Driver Manual Error

More Enjoyable Experience

Nissan believes that EVs offer drivers a more enjoyable experience as they are quiet and provide a smoother ride, with better control over bumps and jolts.

The automaker is aiming to launch 27 new electrified models by 2030, including eight e-Power "series hybrid" models with both a gas engine and electric motor.

The company's EV offerings will also expand to include solid-state battery technology, which promises to be less expensive to produce than traditional lithium-ion batteries.

With these innovations, Nissan aims to increase the affordability and convenience of EVs, helping to promote their widespread adoption and further reducing carbon emissions.

Related Article: Nissan Unveils Max-Out, An EV Convertible Prototype

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Apple-Samsung relationship is now being compared to an unhappy marriage.

(Photo : Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

A Samsung and Apple smartphone are displayed on August 6, 2014 in London, England. Smartphone and tablet manufacturers Samsung and Apple have agreed to end all legal cases over patent infringements outside of the US.

Apple and Samsung are among the top gadget makers in the tech market. Instead of their relationship, they are more well-known for their competition.

The Samsung Galaxy and iPhone are usually the ones being compared with one another. But, despite their intense competition, many tech experts consider their power struggle as the tech industry's unhappiest marriage.

Apple-Samsung Relationship Compared to Unhappy Marriage

According to Sam Mobile's latest report, Apple and Samsung are still competing against each other.

(Photo : Photo by PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP via Getty Images)

A customer (L) is greeted by Apple employees as she enters the Hong Kong Apple store to get an iPhone 5 on September 21, 2012. Apple's iPhone 5 hit stores in Hong Kong with queues of devotees undeterred by a lukewarm welcome from experts for the smartphone and complaints about its new mapping system.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Hinge Reportedly Begins Final Testing: No Longer Lifespan?

They are fiercely releasing new advanced smartphones every year to see which one offers the best handset experience.

Their competition commonly leads to court hearings. Although this is the case, Apple and Samsung are still considered in a relationship.

This is because Apple relies on Samsung's advanced displays, which are integrated into its iOS smartphones and other gadgets.

However, even though Samsung provides its efficient screens to Apple, the gadget maker still distrusts the iPhone developer.

Samsung Distrusts Apple

The information reported that Samsung takes its competition against Apple quite seriously. Because of this, the Galaxy smartphone maker distrusts the iPhone maker.

This is noticeable since Samsung doesn't allow Apple engineers inside its manufacturing facilities. Back in 2017, Apple's engineers decided to meet with Samsung's display division team.

However, their meet-up didn't go well because Samsung didn't allow them to enter its facilities and office buildings.

Samsung even asked Apple employees to return to their hotel rooms to communicate with their Samsung counterparts.

With all these details, you can say that Apple and Samsung are like a married couple in a rocky relationship.

However, they can't break up because they also benefit from each other.

Other stories we recently wrote about Apple and Samsung:

A new joint venture between Samsung and GM is expected to create cylindrical EV batteries.

The new Apple Studio Display firmware beta update was rolled out.

For more news updates about Samsung, Apple, and other giant gadget makers, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: Yellow iPhone 14 Hints Apple Spring Event 2023's Cancellation-How Likely Is This to Happen?

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Clashes between protesters against the foreign agents bill and riot police personnel have started in the Georgian capital not far from the parliament, TASS reports.

March 9, 2023, 09:41 Clashes between riot police, protesters erupt in Tbilisi

STEPANAKERT, MARCH 9 , ARTSAKHPRESS: Demonstrators started throwing various items at riot police and the police used flash bang grenades in its turn. Water jets and tear gas were used later.

Protests started in Tbilisi on Wednesday afternoon. Hours later, opposition politician Georgy Vashadze urged the protesters to block the entrances to the parliament building to prevent the legislators from arriving for the session due on Thursday.
Microsoft's Bing search engine has crossed a significant milestone, with the rollout of its new AI chatbot contributing to 100 million daily active users.

In a recent blog post, Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft's VP for Modern Life, Search, and Devices, revealed that Bing's user base had grown significantly, with one-third of daily active users new to the search engine.

This is excellent news for Microsoft, given Bing's current position in the search engine market. The company currently trails behind Google, which controls more than 93% of the market.

Good Sign for Bing

Mehdi also stated that the combination of search, answers, chat, and creation into a single experience had been Bing's unique value proposition.

The increase in users, engagement and searches has validated the new Bing's appeal as a reimagined search engine, as stated by the Microsoft executive.

Bing's increased engagement has been attributed to two factors. For starters, Edge usage has increased, aided by the addition of Bing's chat AI as a new feature. Microsoft finally phased out Internet Explorer in February and began promoting Edge as an alternative.

Second, with the introduction of its Prometheus AI model, Bing's search results have become more relevant. This has prompted more people to use or experiment with the search engine.

Read Also: Google Is Developing an AI Tool to Recognize, Translate 1000 Languages

Microsoft explained in an official blog post that the new Prometheus model is its new proprietary technology that allows the company to capitalize on OpenAI's generative AI tech fully.

Growing Bing AI Search Engine Userbase

According to an Engadget report, Bing's chat AI has been quite successful, with approximately one-third of daily preview users using the chatbot to conduct their queries daily.

Microsoft is currently experiencing an average of three chats per session, with over 45 million chats taking place since the launch of the new Bing. People have used Bing to generate new content for approximately 15% of all chat sessions.

Microsoft also recognizes that the launch of Bing's AI chatbot on mobile has catapulted the search engine's popularity to new heights, resulting in a six-fold increase in daily active users from pre-launch levels.

Is Microsoft's Bing Overtaking Google?

Microsoft's Bing search engine now has a potent new tool at its disposal to help it compete with Google's portfolio.

Nevertheless, Google also has set its eyes on launching its very own chatbot, and the company just released a chat AI called Bard a month ago.

During its unofficial debut, Bard was found to be generating false information. This cast doubts on Google's AI-driven chatbot technology bid, costing the company $100 billion in market value. But is Bing's AI chat enough to overtake dominant players in the search engine market? Bing still has a long way to go.

Bing's chatbot AI's success demonstrates the growing demand for conversational interfaces in search engines.

Chatbots provide users a more conversational and personalized experience, making the search process easier and more efficient.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.

Related Article: Microsoft Introduces CoPilot AI Features to Dynamics 365 for Customer Relationship Management

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
After losing over $100,000 to an email scam that impersonated a well-known payment service, a Sydney couple is now warning others to exercise caution online.

How $100,000 Got Swindled in Two Hours

News.com.au reports that the couple received an email containing a payment request that appeared to be from PayPal. The email also instructed the couple to call a mobile phone number if they suspected the payment request was fraudulent.

The unsuspecting couple followed the instructions, and a con artist posing as a bank customer service representative answered the phone.

The scammer convinced the couple that there were numerous fraudulent transactions and that they needed to follow a series of steps to get rid of them.

Now comes the part where the con artist swindled the couple's entire savings in a matter of hours. The scammer then requested the couple's personal information, debit card numbers, and a series of one-time passcodes. The couple mistook their actions as authorizing the cancellation of fraudulent transactions.

They were, however, authorizing the transfer of more than $100,000 to a scammer in Perth.

But why did bank officials not inform the couple of the sudden large fund transfers? According to News.com.au, the suspicious transactions prompted the couple's bank to contact them.

Read Also: Trio Scam Targeting iPhone, Android Users Impersonate DHL, FedEx, Apple; How Can You Spot Them?

They were, unfortunately, still on the phone with the scammers at the time. The bank then blocked the couple's card but could not recover the funds because they had already given the scammers the one-time passcodes.

Here's How to Protect Yourself Against Email Scams

Phishing is a prevalent form of cyberattack in which scammers use email or text messages to trick you into disclosing sensitive information, such as passwords and account numbers.

It is essential to be able to identify them and take preventative measures.

The FTC warns that phishing emails and text messages frequently tell a story to convince you to click a link or open an attachment. These messages may appear to originate from a reputable organization, such as your bank or credit card company. Some common phishing email and text message methods include:

claiming that your account has been compromised

requesting personal or financial information from you

including an invoice you are unfamiliar with

giving away a freebie coupon

Additionally, here are some signs that an email or text message you received is a scam:

The message has a generic greeting.

The message claims there is a problem with your account or payment information.

The message invites you to click a link to update your payment details.

Protect Yourself from Phishing Attacks

Here are steps you can do to protect you from online scammers.

Use security software to protect your computer and phone, and set it to automatically update to deal with new security threats. Some accounts provide additional security by requiring two or more login credentials. This is known as multi-factor authentication, making it more difficult for scammers to access your accounts if they obtain your username and password. Back up your computer and phone data and save it to an external hard drive or the cloud. If you are a victim of a phishing attack, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the FBI/Internet Crime Complaint Center. You can also contact the National Fraud Information Center/Internet Fraud Watch or the police department in your area.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.

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 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A new study revealed that TikTok overtakes Facebook as Canada's least trusted social media app.

(Photo : Photo by BO AMSTRUP/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images)

A picture taken on February 28, 2023 in Randers, Denmark shows a hand holding a smartphone with the TikTok app on the screen. - Denmark's parliament announced February 28, 2023 that it had asked MPs and all staff to remove the TikTok app from mobile devices because of the "risk of spying".

There's no denying that TikTok has become among the most popular online platforms across the globe.

The new research, conducted by Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), showed that TikTok's reach has tripled since 2019.

This just shows that TikTok is the fastest-growing social media app in Canada.

However, trust levels among Canadians are decreasing drastically.

TikTok Overtakes Facebook as Canada's Least Trusted App

According to Global News CA's latest report, the trust levels of social media platforms have declined in Canada; with only one out of 10 Canadians trusting these apps.

(Photo : Photo by TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images)

A photograph taken on February 9, 2022 shows the logo of video-focused social networking service TikTok, at the TikTok UK office, in London. - With a billion users, TikTok has rapidly become one of the most important players in the music industry, and now has its sights set on revolutionising the way artists are discovered and get paid.

Also Read: Experts Say TikTok Ban on Australian Government-issued Phones Should Also Apply To Other Social Media Apps

TMU's latest study pointed out that TikTok is now the least trusted app in Canada, replacing Facebook.

"The controversy around TikTok and the Chinese parent ownership and where our data is going ... has been swirling for a while, so I think that's breaking through in the Canadian consciousness," explained TMU Leadership Lab's Policy Director Sam Andrey.

One of the major concerns of Canadians is the connection of TikTok's owner, ByteDance, to China.

TikTok Puts Data Privacy at Risk

The linkage of ByteDance to China is a big deal for many users, as well as regulators.

This is because China is well known for demanding access to user data.

Because of this, many people believe that TikTok provides its user database to the Chinese government.

MakeUseOf reported that TikTok can put your data privacy at risk in numerous ways, such as the following:

TikTok can drastically increase your digital footprint, making you more vulnerable to stalking, phishing attacks, and other malicious campaigns.

The TikTok app has lots of security vulnerabilities that can put your data at risk of cybersecurity attacks.

TikTok collects lots of sensitive user details.

If you want to learn more about why TikTok can put your data privacy at risk, just click here.

In other news, new TikTok EU data security measures with Project Clover were confirmed.

We also reported that TikTok redirect links to app store pages were blocked by the video platform.

For more news updates about TikTok and other social media apps, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: Researchers Can Access TikTok User Data: US Gov and Regulators can Take a Look

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Acer, the Taiwan-based electronic manufacturer, and computer giant, recently confirmed that it suffered a data breach after a threat actor offered to sell 160GB of data allegedly stolen from the companys systems on a popular cybercrime forum.

According to the electronics giant, the threat actor had infiltrated one of its internal servers, which hosted confidential private documents of the company meant to be used by its repair technicians.

However, no customer data was stolen in the intrusion, it added.

We have recently detected an incident of unauthorised access to one of our document servers for repair technicians. While our investigation is ongoing, there is currently no indication that any consumer data was stored on that server, an Acer spokesperson told The Register.

The security breach announcement was made by Acer only after a cybercriminal who goes by the name Kernelware on Monday posted on a cybercrime hangout BreachForums about wanting to sell the various confidential stuff totaling 160GB of data stolen from Acer, which includes 655 directories and 2,869 files.

According to Kernelware, the data which was stolen in mid-February includes the following:

Confidential slides and presentations

Staff technical manuals

Windows Imaging Format files

Binaries

Backend infrastructure data

Confidential product documents

Replacement Digital Product Keys

ISO files

Windows System Deployment Image files

BIOS components

ROM files

Honestly, theres so much shit that itll take me days to go through the list of what was breached lol, Kernelware wrote about the data stolen on the post.

The alleged hacker also posted screenshots of technical documentation of the Acer V206HQL display, documents, BIOS definitions, and confidential documents to prove that they stole data.

Further, the threat actor said they will only accept the hard-to-trace cryptocurrency Monero (XMR) as a form of payment and will only sell via a middleman.

There is no public price set for the data stolen, probably the cybercriminal wants potential buyers to message them privately with the highest bid offer.

This is not the first time that Acer has suffered a cybersecurity breach. Prior to this, the Taiwanese firm suffered a massive data breach in October 2021 where a group of hackers known as Desorden stole around 60GB worth of data from the companys after-sales systems in India.

The stolen information included records of tens of thousands of customers, distributors, and retailers, as well as Acers internal business data.

Not just this, in March 2021, Acer was breached for the first time by a REvil ransomware attack where the threat actors demanded a ransom of $50,000,000.
Armenia rejects the use of force or the threat of force and is trying to negotiate with neighbors in good faith and is committed to finding fair solutions to all outstanding issues through diplomatic means, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said at the 159th Session of the Council of the League of Arab States at the Ministerial level in Cairo, Egypt.

March 9, 2023, 10:15 Armenia rejects use or threat of force, tries to negotiate with neighbors in good faith  FM at Arab League meeting

STEPANAKERT, MARCH 9 , ARTSAKHPRESS: Below is the transcript of FM Mirzoyans speech published by the foreign ministry.

Honorable Secretary General of the Arab League,



Honorable President,



Dear Ministers, Excellences, friends,



Let me first express my gratitude to His Excellency Mr. Aboul Gheit, the Secretary General of Arab League and to the President of the current session, His Excellency Foreign Minister of Egypt Mr. Shoukry as well as to all member states for the opportunity to address today this distinguished audience. I consider it a symbolic gesture of friendship and mutual respect and, of course, shared history.



I would like to start by praising the centuries-old relations between Armenian and Arab nations. We are connected to each other by strong bonds of historical and cultural ties which continue serving as a basis for current friendly relations, cooperation and warm people-to-people contacts. Throughout history, our nations have lived side by side and shared each others joys and griefs.



During the tragic events of the early 20th century thousands of Armenians, escaping the Genocide committed by the Ottoman Empire in 1915, found a safe shelter in the Arab countries. During those challenging times, the Armenians were given the freedom to live and create in the host Arab countries. It will never be forgotten by the Armenians. And I am proud to note that our compatriots contributed greatly to the progress and development of those Arab countries in various spheres.



I would like to note that Armenia, being a cradle of ancient civilizations, has also been preserving the Islamic heritage, a vivid example of which are the thousands of manuscripts, kept in the Armenian Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts  Matenadaran. In the heart of our capital city Yerevan, we proudly preserve and exhibit Arabic Manuscripts including masterpieces of Arabic calligraphy, such as the first scripts of the Holy Quran, the rare books of religious, philosophical, historiographic, and philological content.



Armenia and Arab countries also developed close relations and fruitful cooperation on the state level. There is a full understanding between Armenia and the Arab countries on important issues, including the peace process in the Middle East.



Dear colleagues,



In our region, Armenia is engaged in talks with Azerbaijan discussing normalisation of relations between our two countries, aimed at the establishment of peace in the region.

I do not want to go into the details of the full-fledged aggressions against the peaceful population of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the sovereign territory of Armenia. Neither I do want you to find yourselves in the middle of the accusations and fighting. Instead, I would like to draw a general picture of the overall process.



I want to emphasize that Armenia rejects the use of force or the threat of force and is trying to negotiate with the neighbors in good faith and is committed to finding fair solutions to all outstanding issues through diplomatic means. Instead of reciprocating our genuine efforts, Azerbaijan continues its hate speech and xenophobic rhetoric as well as aggressive and maximalist actions.

In this regard, I would like to touch upon the latest developments. As you know, it has been more than 2 months since the Lachin corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to the outside world was illegally closed by a group of so-called eco-activists, obviously orchestrated by the Azerbaijani government. Furthermore, Azerbaijan regularly disrupts the electricity and gas supply to Nagorno-Karabakh. As a result, the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh are on the verge of a humanitarian catastrophe. Instead of engaging with local authorities in talks on the rights and security guarantees of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, the highest leadership of Azerbaijan calls on the people of Nagorno-Karabakh to leave their homes aiming to deprive them of their homeland and realize its policy of ethnic cleansing.



In the context of the blockade of the Lachin corridor, I would like to underline that on 22 February this year, the International Court of Justice issued a legally binding provisional measure against Azerbaijan. In the mentioned order, the Court has found that there is an imminent risk of irreparable harm to Armenians rights and ordered Azerbaijan to take all necessary measures to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin corridor in both directions.



Distinguished Ministers,



Unfortunately, our neighboring Azerbaijan continuously manipulates the Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and the Nagorno-Karabakh issue on various international platforms, especially those organizations where Armenia is not represented, such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Non-Aligned Movement, trying to give it a religious tone and using the delicate concept of Muslim solidarity. We expect that such attempts will be rejected and will not drag our friendly Arab countries into the field of religious discord. We should prevent any further attempt of giving a religious tone to the pure political and humanitarian disputes.



And once again, in this platform of the League of Arab States, I emphasize that Armenia attaches great importance to the relations with the Arab states and reiterate our readiness to broaden the prospects of our cooperation with all of you.

I thank you.
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U.S. democracy watchdog Freedom House again listed Armenia as partly free in its latest Freedom in the World Report 2023.

March 9, 2023, 14:28 Armenia still listed partly free by democracy watchdog Freedom House

STEPANAKERT, MARCH 9 , ARTSAKHPRESS-ARMENPRESS: Armenia received a score of 54 out of 100. In the previous year Armenias score was 55.

Azerbaijani forces continued to attack and occupy Armenian territory along the border, threatening the democratic government in Yerevan and raising the risk of full-scale war, Freedom House noted in the report.

The report stated that Azerbaijans regime stepped up its military aggression toward Armenia and that Armenia suffered repeated attacks by Azerbaijan on its sovereign territory in 2022.
With the joint efforts of the French-Armenian cultural union, a group of Armenian and French young people, a protest action was organized in the area adjacent to the Paris municipality on March 5 in order to condemn the violations and crimes committed by Azerbaijan against Artsakh.

March 9, 2023, 13:17 Protest action in support of Artsakh held in Paris

STEPANAKERT, MARCH 9 , ARTSAKHPRESS: In an interview with "Artsakhpress", Lilit Manvelyan, one of the organizers of the action, informed that the young people thus called on the international community to exert maximum pressure on Azerbaijan in order to open the sole route connecting Artsakh with Armenia and the rest of the world; to stop the genocidal actions of Azerbaijan and to take necessary steps to prevent the humanitarian crisis in Artsakh.

Some of the participants of the action covered their eyes and mouths, showing the world's passionate stance towards Azerbaijan's campaign to depopulate Artsakh.

The young people also carried out public awareness work, presenting the crisis situation in Artsakh to the citizens.
Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams, right, acknowledges Emily Maw, Civil Rights Division Chief, on the Orleans Parish Courthouse steps Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. (Staff photo by David Grunfeld, The Times-Picayune)
A table of photographs sits at the entrance of the Brusly High School football field for the candlelight vigil of Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill on Monday, January 2, 2023 in Brusly, Louisiana. The two girls died in a vehicle crash, as an Addis police officer pursued a suspect.
This competition has closed.

In partnership with Melbourne International Comedy Festival, we are giving subscribers the opportunity to experience everything you love about your city: food, culture and fun.

Win tickets to see David ODoherty - Tiny Piano Man on April 15 as part of our exclusive Comedy Festival weekend. Credit: Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Exclusive to subscribers of The Age, one lucky winner will have the chance to enjoy a comedy-filled city-break for two on Saturday, April 15, including tickets to a hand-picked Melbourne International Comedy Festival show, accommodation at luxury hotel The Westin, dinner at Scott Picketts restaurant Longrain Melbourne and a hamper of goodies from festival partners.

The exclusive Comedy Festival weekend worth $1,000 includes:
This story is part of the March 11 Edition of Good Weekend.

Six of the best diversions, including what to watch, read, eat and buy.

Spotlight

Sunnyi Melles as Vera in Best Film Oscar contender Triangle of Sadness. Credit: Alamy

It was Swiss philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau who apparently said, When the people shall have nothing more to eat, they will eat the rich.

Little did we know that this 18th-century political catchcry would become a popular trend in 21st-century Hollywood (of all places). While hardly starved for content, weve recently been gorging on TV shows and films dedicated to satirising those who earn the most.
* China's devotion to advancing opening up has reinforced its appeal for foreign companies and investors amid flagging global economic recovery and headwinds of protectionism. * Last year, foreign direct investment in the Chinese mainland, in actual use, expanded 6.3 percent year-on-year to 1.23 trillion yuan (about 178 billion dollars). * Ahead of the "two sessions," in a global survey Xinhua conducted on the development of China, more than 95 percent of the respondents agree that China made impressive achievements in the past decade. BEIJING, March 8 (Xinhua) -- A string of positive signals is coming out China's ongoing "two sessions" -- an economic growth target of around 5 percent for 2023 and reaffirmed commitment to high-level opening up. These have boosted the global business community's confidence in China's continued contribution to the world economic recovery and stability. When attending a deliberation on Monday at the first session of the 14th National People's Congress, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged efforts to meet the requirements of building a high-standard socialist market economy and promoting high-standard opening up. A Fuxing bullet train runs on the China's section of the China-Laos Railway on Jan. 27, 2023. (Photo by Xu Zhangwei/Xinhua) ANCHOR FOR GLOBAL ECONOMIC STABILITY China's devotion to advancing opening up has reinforced its appeal for foreign companies and investors amid flagging global economic recovery and headwinds of protectionism. Looking back to the past five years, China has made major achievements in economic and social development, with its GDP growing to 121 trillion yuan (17.5 trillion U.S. dollars) at an average annual rate of 5.2 percent, according to the government work report delivered at the opening meeting of the session on Sunday. As China steadily pushes forward economic recovery to promote high-quality development, the agenda for 2023 is set to be dominated by one topic in particular: growth. These days, global financial banks have raised their forecast for the world's second-largest economy in unison. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lifted its projection for China's economic growth in 2023 to 5.2 percent. Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs and other investment banks have also revised upward their forecasts. "The rebound in China will be a net positive for the economy; the growth effect should dominate," Thomas Helbling, deputy director of the IMF's Asia and Pacific Department, told a February press briefing. Among the major driving factors for China's social and economic development, sci-tech innovation has a paramount role. A China-Europe freight train loaded with 1,300 tonnes of flour from Kazakhstan arrives at Xi'an International Port in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Jan. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Yibo) In 2022, China's total expenditure on research and development (R&D) amounted to 3.1 trillion yuan (450 billion dollars), up 10.4 percent year-on-year, maintaining a double-digit growth for seven consecutive years. George Barcelon, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, noted China has been making headway in strengthening technological innovation, nurturing new drivers, actively solving stranglehold technical problems, and improving the core competitiveness of the manufacturing industry. "Substantial R&D input on innovation and high technology is critical to moving up the value chain," Barcelon told Xinhua. Given China's importance for the global industrial chain and value chain, its steady growth will play an irreplaceable part in the stability and growth of the world economy, especially in the post-pandemic recovery, Jorge Marchini, an economics professor at Argentina's University of Buenos Aires, told Xinhua. SOURCE OF GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES "I encourage our business people to go to China, to do business in China," said Marin Orriols, international area director of the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce. "That's worth it." Ivan Marambio, president of the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association, shares a similar feeling, saying, "the Chinese market is so important for us!" After he led a delegation to several Chinese cities to meet business partners in early January, Chilean cherry exports to China hit a new high during the 2022-23 cherry season, according to his association. "We are optimistic about the resilience and consumption vitality of the Chinese market and hope to achieve greater development through the Chinese market," Marambio said. Also at Monday's deliberation, Xi reiterated the commitment to deepen reform in key areas, make coordinated efforts to put in place a modern infrastructure system and a high-standard market system, and steadily expand institutional opening up. Given these commitments, the world business community eyes fresh opportunities originating from the country's high-quality development and high-level opening up. This photo taken on Nov. 9, 2022 shows the first Airbus A321 aircraft produced at the Final Assembly Line Asia (FALA) facility in north China's Tianjin. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo) China has long been a strong magnet for foreign investment and trade. Last year, foreign direct investment in the Chinese mainland, in actual use, expanded 6.3 percent year-on-year to 1.23 trillion yuan (about 178 billion dollars), the Ministry of Commerce said in January. In addition, China's annual foreign trade value hit a record high in 2022, as total goods trade reached 42.07 trillion yuan (6.2 trillion dollars), up 7.7 percent year-on-year, according to China's General Administration of Customs. For Yu Feng, president of Honeywell China, China's commitment to opening up has injected impetus into the long-term development of foreign companies in the country, including Honeywell. In 2022, the multinational company deepened cooperation with its Chinese partners in areas such as energy transition, air transportation, intelligent building, and intelligent manufacturing. "We are confident in the Chinese market's high-quality development and Honeywell's sustained growth in China because of China's comprehensive advantages, which include complete industrial systems, ultra-large market scale, an increasingly optimized business environment, and long-term positive economic fundamentals," Yu said. ROAD TOWARD WIN-WIN DEVELOPMENT Ahead of the "two sessions," in a global survey Xinhua conducted on the development of China, more than 95 percent of the respondents agree that China made impressive achievements in the past decade. The survey found almost 60 percent of the respondents are most impressed by the country's economic development and progress in science and technology. This aerial photo shows vehicles to be exported at a port in Lianyungang, east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 13, 2023. (Photo by Geng Yuhe/Xinhua) Besides, development potentials and cooperation chances top the list of the answers to the question -- what the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has brought to their country and region. In the eyes of Amadou Diop, a Senegalese expert on China, China's modernization and high-quality development offers not only an inspiration but also "a great opportunity for the rest of the world to commit together towards a community of shared future and common prosperity." "It does not just say it; it materializes it through factual and very important initiatives and programs," he said of the BRI proposed by Xi in 2013. Over the past decade, China has been sharing its development dividends with other countries by helping enhance the connectivity and accessibility of infrastructure. From such transport projects as the China-Laos Railway and the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway that galvanize local and regional development to industrial projects such as the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone that have attracted numerous enterprises and investment, the BRI has become a high-quality public good jointly built by all partners, with its benefits shared by the world. This photo taken on Jan. 14, 2021 shows a view of the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone in Ain Sokhna, Egypt. (Xinhua/Wu Huiwo) With the participation of over three-fourths of countries in the world and 32 international organizations, the initiative has brought nearly 1 trillion dollars of investment, established over 3,000 cooperation projects, created some 420,000 jobs in countries along the routes and helped lift nearly 40 million people out of poverty, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang told a press conference on Tuesday. Cavince Adhere, a Kenyan international relations scholar, lauded China for its willingness to share its resources, technologies and expertise to help transform Africa's economies through enhanced connectivity, trade and job creation. Belt and Road cooperation projects in Kenya like the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway, seaports and roads have injected vitality into East Africa's largest economy, Adhere observed. "China runs the development process according to the belief that if development takes place in the world and welfare rates rise, conflicts and disputes in the world will decrease, leading to security and political stability," Egyptian economist Waleed Gaballah told Xinhua. That "will boost growth and development rates worldwide and achieve the well-being of peoples and societies," he opined.
Russia has no connection to the Georgian foreign agent bill that has caused protests in the country, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday, Tass informs.

March 9, 2023, 15:49 Kremlin spokesman says unrest in Georgia cause for concern, not Russia's fault

STEPANAKERT, MARCH 9 , ARTSAKHPRESS: "The Kremlin did not inspire anything and has absolutely nothing to do with this," he stressed.

Peskov pointed out that the United States was a pioneer in terms of such laws. "If we understand correctly, one of the versions of the [Georgian] bill was actually very similar to the US law on the matter. The second version did not resemble the US law so much and was much softer. However, we certainly have nothing to do with any of them," Peskov said.

He added that the unrest in Georgia was cause for concern. "It is our neighboring country after all, and although we dont actually maintain relations with Georgia, we are certainly concerned about the situation there. It is definitely important to us that there is calm along our borders and of course, the current situation there leaves much to be desired," he noted.

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of the Georgian capital of Tbilisi on March 7-8 after lawmakers had passed the first reading of the Georgian version of a foreign agent bill. On March 9, the ruling party decided to withdraw the bill from parliament.
A Queensland man accused of murdering his mother will face his first court appearance via a bedside hearing from a Brisbane hospital, as police continue to investigate the womans suspicious death.

Emergency services were called just before 1pm on Thursday after a disturbance was reported at a house on Winter Street, in the Moreton Bay suburb of Kallangur.

Detective Inspector Ben Fadian said paramedics could not revive the 56-year-old woman, identified as Margarette Smetheram, who had lived at the address.

Her 36-year-old son, Leonard James Llewellyn Smetheram, was subsequently being questioned by police and was later charged with murder about 9pm.
On the strength of his performance Prince invited him to take a look at the Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof, starring Zero Mostel, with a view to his taking the role in Israel.

Topol stumbled into musical stardom. It all started when the Broadway producer Hal Prince got wind of his performance in the 1964 Israeli film Sallah Shabati, in which he played a middle-aged Jewish Yemenite immigrant arriving in Israel with his family. The film was nominated for an Oscar and featured the 28-year-old actor sporting a grey beard to pretend he was much older than he was.

Chaim Topol, the Israeli actor, who has died aged 87, became indelibly associated in the public mind with just one role, that of Tevye, the dairyman singing and dancing his way around a farmyard as he dreams of being a wealthy man, in Norman Jewisons 1971 film of the hit musical Fiddler on the Roof.

Yet Topol hated it: It was a matinee, he recalled. I cant explain it, but Zero was going wild. He said things like, Mrs Finkelstein, are you yawning because Im boring you or was it because your husband kept you awake all night? I didnt know what to do with myself. I telegrammed back saying there was no way I wanted to be connected to that show.

When the musical opened in Tel Aviv (where it was performed in Hebrew), another actor took the part, followed, after a year, by Topols old teacher. But when the teacher fell ill in 1965, Topol started understudying for four shows a week.

I telegrammed back saying there was no way I wanted to be connected to that show. Chaim Topol, on the first time he saw Fiddler On The Roof

Two years later, when he was summoned to play the part at Her Majestys Theatre in London, he assumed it was because the producers had happened to see him in the role in Tel Aviv rather than the other, more established, actor. At the time he spoke hardly a word of English, so he learned the script parrot-fashion from an LP of Zero Mostel on Broadway.

From 1967 the show ran for four years at Her Majestys to enthusiastic reviews. It was in London, too, that he became known simply as Topol. The producers of the show found it difficult to pronounce the name Chaim and, with his permission, omitted it from the playbill.
Back in, say, 1971, reading the Lords Prayer at the start of each sitting day in parliament or before the meeting of a local council would have been unremarkable.

Like many Australians, MPs and councillors would probably recite the words from memory.

Former MP Fiona Patten has argued that with a parliament elected to represent a multicultural, multifaith society, we should no longer align ourselves with one religious viewpoint. Credit: Justin McManus

The Christian faith played a much larger role in everyday life, many more Australians regularly went to church, predominantly Catholic or Anglican, and notions of reshaping societys workings to better serve our multicultural community were still a long way in the future.

At that time, the vast majority of Australians identified as Christian  according to their census response, 86.2 per cent compared with fewer than 8 per cent who said they practised a different religion or no religion at all.
Prosecutors have asked a jury to convict former ultra-Orthodox school principal Malka Leifer on dozens of sexual offences, arguing she groomed her three victims, exploited her position as a respected member of the community and pretended to love them to conceal her alleged crimes.

In the Melbourne County Court on Thursday, prosecution barrister Justin Lewis said Leifer, 56, knew the sisters were vulnerable, and used that knowledge of their vulnerability to emotionally manipulate and sexually abuse them for her own sexual gratification.

Malka Leifer has pleaded not guilty to child abuse charges.

Knowing that they were neglected at home, she pretended that she loved them and told them that she was helping them. She manipulated their emotions while abusing them for her own sexual gratification, Lewis said.

These sisters had a miserable home life and so far as the accused was concerned, they were ripe for the picking.
Frydenberg would benefit if the economy were central at the election. But hed need to make a decision on contesting relatively early, and run a savvier campaign than last time, when he unwisely derided his opponent as a fake independent. There are those who cast doubt on how well Frydenberg would do as leader. Critics argue its hard to know what he stands for and that he wants to be popular with everyone. On the other hand, as a former treasurer and former energy minister, he has a wealth of frontline experience. Frydenberg started out with the label of a conservative, but became more centrist. In 2018, he won the Liberal deputy leadership overwhelmingly. He carries baggage from the Morrison years, including what some saw as excessive loyalty to the then PM (he was also loyal to PMs Abbott and Turnbull). Whatever his limitations, however, a Liberal Party defeated in 2025 wouldnt be replete with leadership talent.

Speculation about the significance of a Frydenberg return carries with it the assumption Dutton is doomed to failure. Caveats are required. I recalled being sceptical when Tony Abbott was elected leader. Then he nearly won his first election, and cleaned up at his second. Loading That said, it would be difficult at present to find anyone whod put any money on Dutton. Meanwhile, he and his party are struggling for a strategy. Dutton is, on a range of issues, adopting the just say no approach. The Liberals are opposing the legislation for implementing the governments emissions reduction target (the safeguard bill), and bills for the national reconstruction fund (a kick-start for manufacturing), and a fund to generate a money stream to help provide affordable housing.

The say no strategy means Labor can counter Liberal attacks on the government over, for example, energy prices, by pointing out the Coalition voted against legislation last year to curb price rises. Dutton jumped on the governments superannuation tax rise, but the subsequent polling did not meet Liberal hopes they were on a winner. Newspoll showed strong support (64 per cent) for the change, including 54 per cent of Coalition voters. While the Coalition is pursuing negative tactics (as Abbott did in opposition), this doesnt extend to everything. There is important bipartisanship, for instance, on AUKUS. With the deal on the nuclear-powered submarines to be unveiled next week, Dutton on Thursday reaffirmed the opposition will support the decisions of the government under AUKUS. However, one test coming up will be on the level of defence spending in the budget. Will the opposition say it should be higher than whatever the government settles on?

Loading On the Voice to parliament, Dutton has yet to declare a formal position. But hes had nothing positive to say about it, and his party room would have a majority against. If the Liberals oppose it, thats likely to go down poorly with younger voters. Among the Liberals multiple problems is a weak team, which also lacks balance. Senior people, such as Liberal deputy Sussan Ley and shadow treasurer Angus Taylor, are poor performers. The moderates were decimated at the election, and those left are failing to act as a cohesive influence.

Backbencher Bridget Archer speaks out on issues, but comes across as reflecting and protecting her seat rather than having wider clout within the party. The Liberals Senate leader, Simon Birmingham, is a heavyweight moderate who is not the driving force he should be. Former foreign minister Marise Payne, also a moderate, is neither seen nor heard publicly. Leading Liberal Party moderates Bridget Archer, Simon Birmingham and Marise Payne are yet to form an effective alliance within the opposition party room. Credit: The Age Valuable parliamentary seats are taken up by people with extreme positions, such as senators Gerard Rennick from Queensland and Alex Antic from South Australia. Scott Morrison is in another category, but should make way for new blood.

The challenge of recruiting good potential candidates and getting them selected is only likely to get worse at a time when a political career has become unattractive to many, and the party erects road blocks to the best and brightest. At the grassroots level, it is vulnerable to infiltration by fundamentalist religious groups. Organisationally, its riven by factionalism and incompetent, with the Victorian, NSW and Western Australian divisions dysfunctional. Dutton needs to tackle this, but its a near-impossible task. Scott Morrison is in another category, but should make way for new blood. Among Duttons problem is Dutton himself. As leader, the right-winger has shown himself pragmatic and managed to hold the party together. He is an asset in his home state of Queensland, where Labor is weak. But it is hard to see him making inroads in the south, especially in the progressive state of Victoria. Observers are looking to Aston to give an early reading.

Loading Labor holds government by a very narrow margin, but as things stand now, Duttons only route to victory in 2025 would require the Albanese government  which faces some tough economic problems  to fail lamentably in the next two years. Not impossible. Labor went into minority government in 2010 after a good win in 2007. Malcolm Turnbull turned Abbotts 2013 landslide into a close result in 2016. But if Albanese doesnt squander power, the Liberals would be pitching for a two-stage comeback at best. And Frydenberg just might be back in the play. This article first appeared on The Conversation.
Tbilisi: Following days of massive protests, Georgias governing party said it would withdraw draft legislation that opponents warned could stifle dissent and hinder Georgias aspirations of one day joining NATO and the European Union.

The bill would have required media and non-governmental organisations that receive more than 20 per cent of their funding from foreign sources to register as agents of foreign influence. Its opponents argued that it was inspired by a similar law used by authorities in Russia to silence critics and would curtail media freedoms, ushering in Russian-style repression.

A man waves a Georgian national flag in front of a burning barricade, not far from the Georgian parliament building in Tbilisi, Georgia. Credit: AP

Protests against the bill began last week, but swelled in recent days to bring tens of thousands of people to the streets of the capital, Tbilisi, where they were met with tear gas and water cannons. The Interior Ministry said 133 demonstrators had been arrested.

The Georgian Dream party said in a statement it would unconditionally withdraw the bill we supported, without any reservations. It cited the need to reduce confrontation in society, while denouncing lies about the bill spread by the radical opposition.
London: Buckingham Palace is preparing for the Prince Harry and Meghan to attend the Kings coronation, it has emerged.

Staff in charge of logistics are working on the basis that the couple will fly over from California for the ceremony and are including them in their plans.

However, the Sussexes have not yet revealed whether they will attend the May 6 ceremony at Westminster Abbey, London a week after they received a save-the-date email.

A royal source told The Daily Telegraph that it was always easier to make provision for guests who do not turn up, rather than insert them into the programme further down the line.
In both the theater and life its too much to expect a happy ending  much less one as deliriously joyful as that which can be found in Pericles, Prince of Tyre. This rarely performed Shakespeare collaboration (evidence abounds that the Bard only wrote the final three acts) is receiving a bare-bones production from Target Margin, the off-off-Broadway company that can now be found in a converted warehouse in Sunset Park that they have rechristened the Doxsee Theater. Clocking in at 105 minutes, director David Herskovitss messy, half-considered staging is worth enduring for those magnificent final scenes.

The story begins in Antioch where Pericles (Eunice Wong) discovers the truth about the kings incestuous relationship with his daughter. His best friend, Helicanus (Peter Romano), advises him to flee. He lands in Tarsus, where he alleviates a famine, winning the appreciation of Governor Cleon (Shawn K. Jain) and Dionyza (Hannah Tamminen). Then he washes up in Pentapolis, where his performance in a tournament impresses King Simonides (Anthony Vaughn Merchant). Pericles weds the kings daughter, Thaisa (Mary Neufeld), who appears to die at sea while giving birth to their daughter, Marina (Susannah Wilson), whom Pericles unwisely entrusts to the perfidious rulers of Tarsus. Pericles thinks he has lost both his wife and daughter forever, but could he be mistaken? We certainly hope so, if only to make this labyrinthine plot worth it.

The design is hit-or-miss: Kaye Voyces minimal set includes a moving wall and the flimsiest of folding chairs, which works just fine for a play that travels as extensively as this one. Clusters of lightbulbs hang from the grid like grapes in a Levantine orchard (simple and effective lighting by Cha See). Herskovitss aggressive and eclectic sound design seems meant to graft a mood onto each scene, but it frustratingly overpowers the words at key moments.

Perhaps in a postmodern feint at the rich fabrics of the mysterious East, costume designer Dina El-Aziz adorns the cast in multi-colored rabbit fur, tulle ruffles, and silver lame. It looks like they got lost on the way to a Scissor Sisters reunion concert on the Brooklyn waterfront, and decided to amuse themselves by forming a study group around one of Shakespeares more confusing plays (I reread it the night before, and I still occasionally felt lost in this retelling, so viewer beware).

This liberally trimmed revival proceeds haphazardly, with the actors taking up and abandoning the verse, occasionally stepping out of the scene to summarize events in contemporary vernacular. The land acknowledgement is awkwardly shoehorned into the second act (it turns out, Lenapehoking doesnt scan so gracefully). And for some reason, Herskovits has directed the actors to adopt exaggerated courtly poses, like ballerinas ever reaching for an invisible barre. It must have seemed like a good idea in rehearsal.

Nuggets of brilliance emerge in this casserole of undercooked concepts: Wilson is powerfully understated as Marina, immediately taking hold of the central narrative late in the play. Jain has the strongest handle on the verse of anyone in the cast, delivering clear and effective performances as both Cleon and Cerimon. Tamminens portrayal of the sinister Dionyza has the potential to make ones blood run cold.

Despite these solid supporting performances, we cannot escape the suspicion that this potted Pericles speeds along at a breakneck pace in order to arrive at one of Shakespeares most touching scenes, the reunion of Pericles and Marina.

Wong and Wilson do not disappoint, lucidly delivering the verse in a performance that is deeply moving without veering into overwrought sentiment. Every beat feels earned as the two actors gingerly circle one another, daring to entertain the possibility of reclaiming a happiness they thought was lost forever. For a 17th-century audience accustomed to frequent plagues and high levels of childhood mortality, this must have felt like a particularly wonderful dream. And to a lesser extent in our post-Covid world, it still does.

If that sounds enticing to you, be sure to catch Target Margins Pericles, because the play seldom crashes onto our shores.
Saudi Arabia has confirmed its position on the crisis in Ukraine and is ready to make every effort to resolve it, the kingdoms Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said on Thursday at a press conference in Moscow following talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, Tass informs.

March 9, 2023, 17:22 Saudi Arabia to make every effort to resolve situation in Ukraine, says top diplomat

STEPANAKERT, MARCH 9 , ARTSAKHPRESS: "We discussed with Mr. Minister the situation in Ukraine. We reiterated our position on a political solution to the crisis, on alleviating the humanitarian problems in that country caused by the crisis, especially those that affect developing countries. Saudi Arabia is ready to make every effort to resolve this crisis," the top diplomat said.
(Tracey Emin)

Tracey Emin has laid bare the realities of life post bladder cancer.

Writing in The Independent on International Womens Day, the artist - who features on The Independentslist of most influential women - describes in stark detail what it is like to live without a bladder after hers was removed in an operation in 2020.

Left with a stoma - an opening in her stomach - she has to rely on a bag, which collects all the waste from her body and regularly spills over.

Emin has released an extraordinary photograph of herself, standing in front of a full length mirror in which her white urostomy bag can be clearly seen. She has created an exclusive acrylic on canvas artwork for The Independent to mark the day, entitled Marriage to Myself.

Tracey Emin has created an exlusive acrylic for The Independent (The Independent/Tracey Emin)

Describing the unpredictable nature of urine leaving her body, she writes unflinchingly: I usually have about a minute before the urine starts to pour out of my stoma, sometimes its a small drizzle and other times its completely out of control, its like Russian roulette, I have to dry as much of myself before putting on a new bag, all this now is second nature.

In particular, Emin recalls the pain she experienced while attending Andreas Kronthalers - the fashion designer and widow of Vivienne Westwood - Paris show a few days ago.

Emin was a close friend of Westwoods, who died last December, but could not attend the funeral because of her health. Emin promised Kronthaler she would attend his show, but describes how her health then worsened, recounting that she felt more unwell than I had in a long time.

Im in chronic pain I swear to god that theres not one single part of my body that doesnt hurt, she writes, recalling her emotions on the day.

While in her hotel bathroom, she emptied her urostomy bag, which collects the urine from the stoma, and recalls the terrible smell.

I can still smell the stench and I go to get one of the small fluffy, fluffy, fluffy towels and lay it on the floor, the white fluffy begins to immediately stain a pretty peachy orange, she writes.

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Afterwards, Emin describes seeing terrible, black sunken eyes, grey skin, dry tight lips in the mirror and outlined her struggle taking pills which made her feel ill.

I stare into the mirror a strong light from above illuminates every wrinkle and flaw, my body looks old, she writes. My bag looks giant today I hate it but most days Im philosophical knowing that it keeps me alive but today I feel like it will drag me down to hell.

Dressing for the fashion show, Emin describes the pain in her hands and feet and adds that just the idea of anything tight touching her body put her into mental pain.

I go to the toilet and empty my bag, the pan is a crimson red a splash of colour in all the white a tint of pink, she recalls.

I look in the mirror and spray the top of my bag with adhesive remover, I peel it back my stoma is bleeding, she continues before describing how she cleaned it with a medical wipe and scrim.

She tells how she had to change into a skirt with an elasticated waist when getting ready for the show because she could feel the bag pressing against my dress.

When she arrived, she sat diagonally opposite Anna Winter, and adds dispassionately: My tube dangled beneath my coat I could see the blood and piss running through it as I tucked my bag under my seat.

Emin goes on to reflect on how she has adjusted to her changing health circumstances.

At the beginning I was tearful and confused its hard coming to terms with a new hole in your body, my bags kept leaking and I kept making mistakes, she writes.

I think it was down to the vast quantities of morphine I had to take, I felt nothing just numbness at the beginning.

She also describes an incident when her bag fell off in a branch of Chanel on Londons Bond Street, unleashing a tsunami of piss cascading down my body crashing to the champagne carpeted floor.

Chanel was understanding, she says, and sent her a bouqet of flowers.

Despite her severe health challenges, Emin says she has achieved more in the last three years than in the rest of her life.

Im more content than Ive ever been and with all its hell and disabilities; the cancer has made me like myself so much more, she writes.
A workshop on raising day-old pheasant chicks will be held Wednesday, March 15, at Cayuga Community College in Auburn.

The workshop will be hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County, which partners with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to propagate pheasants from all-time low numbers for pheasant hunting, one of the most popular small game hunting activities in New York state.

"Without propagation and release programs, pheasant hunting opportunities would not exist in New York," the extension said in a news release.

Approximately 40,000 day-old chicks are hatched and distributed every year through the program. Participants in the program include 4-H youth, sportsmen's clubs, landowners, farmers and schools.

Staff from the Richard E. Reynolds Game Farm near Ithaca, the state's only pheasant production facility, will explain how the program works at the meeting, give tips on successfully raising day-old pheasant chicks, and answer questions. The workshop will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Classroom M214 at the college. It is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

For more information, or to register, visit reg.cce.cornell.edu, call (315) 539-9251 or email ryan.staychock@cornell.edu.
AUBURN  A former carnival worker convicted of raping and tying up a woman in Auburn nearly 20 years ago has been designated as a Level 3 sexually violent offender in Cayuga County Court, days before his release.

Scott Barrieau, 53, formerly of Arundel, Maine, was given that risk level by Judge Thomas Leone in court Thursday. A Level 3 designation indicates a "high risk of repeat offense and a threat to public safety exists," according to the state Division of Criminal Justice Services.

Barrieau, a former carnival worker, pleaded guilty in court in January 2004 to first-degree rape and first-degree robbery, both class B felonies, second-degree robbery, a class C felony, and first-degree unlawful imprisonment, a class E felony. He was sentenced to a prison term ranging from 19 2/3 to 23 years, and now is scheduled for a conditional release.

During his assessment Thursday, Barrieau's attorney, Norm Chirco, argued against the Level 3 determination, challenging the claim that Barrieau had been a stranger to the attacked woman before the assault. Chirco noted Barrieau said he had known the victim "for a period of time." But Assistant District Attorney Heather De Stefano said the woman maintained at the time that she hadn't known Barrieau. Later, De Stefano called the defendant "extraordinarily violent."

Leone ultimately designated Barrieau as a Level 3 sex offender and a sexually violent offender.

According to The Citizen archives, the Auburn Police Department responded to a report of robbery and sexual assault at the bar Mac's Tavern on State Street, which no longer exists, in early July 2003. The woman, a female bartender who had worked at the bar, told police upon their arrival that Barrieau, the only patron in the establishment at the time, grabbed her from behind, pulled her to the floor and then dragged her to a back storage room. The woman said Barrieau tied her up and sexually assaulted her, and she was eventually able to free herself and call for help. He was also accused of taking $282 from the bar's cash register.

De Stefano said Thursday after court Barrieau tied up the woman, "bound and gagged her, put a rope around her throat, choked her, raped her, anally sodomized her, causing her physical injury. Brutal, brutal, brutal sexual assault."

"This is every woman's worst nightmare," she later said of Barrieau's attack. "Honestly, that's kind of all I can say, it's every woman's worst nightmare."

Barrieau is currently set for a conditional release March 13, De Stefano said. State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision show he is currently in custody at Mohawk Correctional Facility in Rome.
100% Preventable, Say Families Calling for Change After Deadly BC Tug Sinking

Transportation Safety Board Chair Kathy Fox is seen during a news conference in Ottawa, Mar. 18, 2021. (The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld)

Family members of two men who died when a tugboat sank off British Columbias northern coast are pushing for federal government action after the Transportation Safety Board concluded the accident highlighted major systemic issues in the transportation industry.

Troy Pearson, the 58-year-old pilot, and 25-year-old crew member Charley Cragg died in the water after the tug Ingenika sank in February 2021. A third crewman made it to the life raft and was rescued hours later.

In a report released Wednesday, the safety board issued four recommendations, including that Transport Canada begin regular inspections of tugs of 15 gross tonnes or less and require risk assessments on the smaller boats.

It also called for improvements to the waiver system required to pilot a tug.

The Pacific Pilot Authority, the Crown corporation that maintains safe pilot service in B.C.s coastal waters, had implemented a process where some vessels, mostly tugs and barges, could obtain a pilotage waiver, if the operator met certain requirements, the report said.

However, the authority does not verify that the information submitted meets regulatory requirements, and safety board chair Kathy Fox said the pilot didnt hold the required certificate for competency and should not have been given a waiver.

The safety board is recommending the authority verify eligibility requirements before issuing waivers and implement a process for verifying ongoing compliance.

Craggs mother, Genevieve Cragg, said the accident was 100 percent predictable and 100 percent preventable.

Charley and Troy paid the highest price with their lives to make change happen. These recommendations announced today by the board are critical and cannot afford any further delay, she said.

Fox said that in its more than 50 years in operation, the Ingenika had never been inspected by regulators.

Currently, Transport Canada does not require inspections of tugs that are under 15 gross tonnes, and while the department has a goal of inspecting three percent of vessels per year, most will go years without inspections or are never inspected at all, Fox said.

That leaves compliance with the law up to representatives, often the owners of the boats, who may not be aware of the rules.

And as the probability of an inspection and enforcement by Transport Canada is low, authorized representatives may not be motivated to ensure compliance, she said.

Fox said the board has investigated six occurrences involving similar-sized tugs since 2015 and their systemic safety issues have been on its safety watchlist for 13 years.

Clifford Harvey, the safety boards director of marine investigations, said the probe into the Ingenika sinking determined there were inconsistencies in the way safety drills were conducted and they werent done in accordance with regulations.

While they may have been shown the location of life-saving equipment, there wasnt a drill performed to practise donning the life-saving equipment, he said.

The men who died had only partially put on their immersion suits, allowing cold water in, causing hypothermia and their drownings, the report says.

The report also says the registration for the Ingenikas emergency radio beacon was not up-to-date, which meant rescuers were not able to immediately contact the tugs owner.

It says the tug and barge departed in adverse weather conditions unsuitable for the operation.

Judy Carlick-Pearson, Troy Pearsons widow, said theres plenty of blame to go around but the families have to continue to fight for change.

(We) fight for the survivors that are out there that are risking their lives to go on the waters, fight for change. Make sure these recommendations are put in place that protect your loved ones, she said.

Fox said as of September 2022 there were 1,343 tugs of 15 gross tonnage or less registered in Canada, 1,035 of them registered in British Columbia.

Transportation Canada introduced a small vessel compliance program for tugs in 2022 to help owners understand their regulatory requirements, but the program is voluntary.

Cragg said any response from the federal government that makes action voluntary is not enough.

Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said in a statement Wednesday that his heart goes out to the families, and he is committed to working with partners to further enhance Canadas marine safety system.

Alghabra said he would be providing a response to the safety board within 90 days.

In a separate statement, Pacific Pilotage Authority CEO Julie Gascon said it will work closely with Transport Canada to review the recommendations and implement corrective actions where appropriate.

It is too early to provide the full details on corrective actions; however, some immediate steps, in consultation with Transport Canada, will be taken to strengthen the pilotage waiver process with regards to vessel registration, vessel equipment, any outstanding deficiencies and certificate of competencies as it pertains to safe manning documents for each vessel listed on the pilotage waiver, she said.

Jason Woods, president of International Longshore and Warehouse Union local that represents tug workers on the West Coast, said that while trains, planes or commercial vehicles are all inspected by provincial or federal regulators, marine vessels are the Wild West.

Basic due diligence would have stopped this accident from happening. They say that safety is a Swiss cheese model and holes have to line up for an accident to happen but unfortunately, in these circumstances, the holes were so big, the risks were so known, but nothing was accounted for, he said.

He said Transport Canada hasnt had the resources to fulfil its mandate for generations with only 300 marine inspectors across the country.

They really need a dedicated small vessel inspection team. Youve got over 1,000 under-15-gross-tonne vessels here on the West Coast, he said.

Even under that regime, with 300 inspectors doing it, it would take you years.

Charges under the Workers Compensation Act were laid last month against the tug company, Wainwright Marine Services, and one of its senior officials, alleging violations of occupational health and safety regulations.
3 Injured in West Virginia Train Derailment That Sent Diesel Fuel, Oil Into River

Smoke fills the sky after an empty CSX coal train hit a rockslide along tracks causing a fiery derailment in a remote area just south of Sandstone, W.Va., on March 8, 2023. (Jenny Harnish/The Register-Herald via AP)

Three people have been injured after an empty coal train operated by CSX Corp. derailed on March 8 after hitting a rock slide in a remote area of West Virginia.

All four of the trains locomotives and nine empty coal cars derailed in a remote area just south of Sandstone, Summers County, inside the New River National Park and Preserve, CSX said in a statement. The incident happened just before 5 a.m. local time.

The lead locomotive was carrying three crew membersa conductor, an engineer, and an engineer traineeand caught fire after striking the rock slide and derailing, CSX said.

Local fire departments arrived on the scene to put out the fire and all three crew members are safe and were evaluated and treated for non-life threatening injuries, according to the train operator.

Two of the crew members were airlifted and the third was taken to the hospital in an ambulance, a Summers County Office of Emergency Management dispatcher told CNN.

An unknown quantity of diesel fuel and oil spilled from the derailed locomotives and environmental measures will be deployed in the New River for containment, CSX said.

No Danger to Public, Officials Say

No hazardous materials were onboard the train, according to officials, and there is currently no danger to the public.

We greatly appreciate the swift actions of the local first responders in Sandstone that rendered aide to our valued crew members, CSX said. The safety of our employees and the community is our top priority as we dispatch our teams to assess the situation and develop a plan to completely restore the area. Our team is in close contact with local police and fire officials and we will continue to work closely with them on our recovery efforts.

The Federal Rail Administration said it was monitoring the derailment and added that the fire was extinguished. It also said the derailment occurred on an Amtrak route and may lead to residual service delays.

According to a statement from the West Virginia Emergency Management Division (WVEMD), there were a total of 109 cars on the train, all of which were empty, and at least one locomotive and one fuel tank went into the New River.

CSX owns twelve feet from the middle of the track to either side and will be responsible for cleanup, WVEMD said.

The train operator is sending a spill response unit to the area, according to WVEMD, and will work with the agency on cleanup efforts.

At the time of this report, no roads are closed, nor has there been an evacuation of nearby homes, WVEMD said. It is unknown when the tracks will be repaired to allow new rail traffic. Diesel fuel from the wreckage has been observed entering the New River.

Recent Derailments

Several agencies are now monitoring the situation and once the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health (BPH) was made aware of the incident, public water systems downstream and local health departments were notified, officials said.

BPH is continuing to collect information and monitor the event for any potential public health impacts, officials said. West Virginia American Water is monitoring and has early detection equipment for their source water. The nearest water intake is in a lake at Hawks Nest. If it is confirmed that fuel has entered the water, the fuel is expected to float as it passes by the intake.

West Virginia American Water has not shut down their intakes, WVEMD said.

Wednesdays incident marks the latest in a string of derailments across the country. Over the weekend, a Norfolk Southern Corp. train derailed in Springfield, Ohio.

Prior to that, a train carrying around 30,000 gallons of propane derailed in Floridas Manatee County on Feb. 28 and another Norfolk Southern train derailed in the Van Buren township outside of Detroit on Feb. 16.

Those incidents came after a train carrying toxic chemicals, including vinyl chloride, came off the tracks in East Palestine, Ohio on Feb. 3, causing one of the worst environmental disasters in recent history and prompting bipartisan political efforts to prevent similar disasters from occurring in the future.
3 LAPD Officers Shot in Lincoln Heights; Suspect Barricaded

LOS ANGELESThree Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers were hospitalized on the evening of March 8 in stable condition after being shot and wounded in Lincoln Heights, and a suspect was barricaded in a residential garage.

According to reports from the scene near Mission Avenue and North Broadway, police arrived around 4:30 p.m. regarding a suspect wanted for an unknown felony, and shots were fired some two hours later.

Reports from hospital have all three in stable condition, LAPD Chief Michel Moore wrote on Twitter.

The officers were taken to County-USC Medical Center and are expected to survive, KCAL reported.

The three officers who were shot are part of a canine unit and were searching for a suspect when that person opened fire, sources told the Los Angeles Times. The officers who were shot are part of the Metropolitan Division, according to the newspaper. The suspected shooter was described as a violent felony suspect.

After the officers were struck, other officers pulled them from the line of fire, the sources told the newspaper.

One officer was shot in an arm, one in leg, and one in the stomach, KCAL reported.

There is a massive police presence at the scene, and the LAPD reports that officers have established a perimeter.

At least three SWAT Bearcat vehicles are on the scene along with an LAPD robot, KCAL9 reported.

A warning to residents near the scene of the shooting to stay inside and lock their doors as a safety precaution because the suspect is armed has been broadcast from an LAPD helicopter hovering over the area, according to KCAL.

A citywide tactical alert extending officers shifts is in effect.

The shooting of three @lapdhq officers in Lincoln Heights is a reminder of the risks and sacrifices our police face every day, Councilman Bob Blumenfield wrote on Twitter.
3 Los Angeles Police Officers Shot, Suspect Dead: Police

The Lincoln Park neighborhood is cordoned off as police look for a gunman who shot three police officers, in Los Angeles, Calif., on March 8, 2023. (David Swanson/Reuters)

Three Los Angeles police officers were shot and wounded on Wednesday evening but were in stable condition while the suspect was pronounced deceased, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said.

During a search for the suspect, a parolee at large, officers discovered that he was unresponsive, LAPD said in a post on Twitter.

LA Fire personnel responded and provided treatment, however the suspect was pronounced deceased at scene, the department said. It did not say how the suspect died.

An LAPD helicopter circles the Lincoln Park neighborhood after it was cordoned off as police look for a gunman who shot three police officers, in Los Angeles, Calif., on March 8, 2023. (David Swanson/Reuters)

Live overhead images from CBS-affiliate KCAL-TV had earlier shown several police cars sealing off the area around a garage in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood.

Officers in full tactical gear were seen near the site where the suspected gunman was holed up.

Im relieved and grateful that these three brave officers are in stable condition, and are able to have a conversation with two of them, when I checked in on them, said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in a news conference on Wednesday.

The office of the mayor did not respond to a request from Reuters for comment.
9 Boxes of Biden Documents Taken From Boston Office Not Reviewed for Classified Materials

President Joe Biden reacts to questions from journalists moments before departing from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, on March 3, 2023. (Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images)

Nine boxes of documents found at President Joe Bidens Washington, D.C., think tank and shipped to the Boston office of attorney Patrick Moore havent been reviewed for classified material, according to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).

In a letter dated Tuesday, Acting Archivist of the United States Debra Steidel Wall answered specific questions asked by Sens. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) about NARAs knowledge of the discovery of Biden records in Boston from his time as vice president.

Wall provided answers to questions about how and when NARA learned about the transportation of Biden records to Moores Boston office, whether the Archives notified the inspector general or the Department of Justice (DOJ) about the discovery of these records, and whether any of the records included pseudonyms and email addresses used by then-Vice President Biden, and more.

NARA staff retrieved nine boxes from Mr. Moores Boston office, Wall wrote in response to questions from the senators (pdf).

The number of boxes taken from Boston had not been previously disclosed publicly by NARA.

Bidens attorneys began reviewing materials at the Penn Biden Center in October 2022, where they discovered 10 classified documents on Nov. 2, 2022. The next day, the lawyers informed NARA that nine boxes of documents had been transported to Boston.

On Nov. 4, 2022, the archives referred the matter to the Office of Inspector General and informed it that some boxes had been moved to Boston, the letter states. However, NARA doesnt know the specific dates when they were moved.

The 10 classified documents were discovered just two days before the November midterm elections, but their existence was not disclosed publicly until nearly two months later.

The building that houses offices including the Penn Biden Center at 101 Constitution Avenue in Washington on Jan. 18, 2023. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times)

NARA Has Not Reviewed the Contents of the Boxes

In their Feb. 24 letter, Johnson and Grassley asked NARA if any Biden records discovered at Moores Boston office contained pseudonyms or email addresses associated with then-Vice President Biden.

NARA has not reviewed the contents of the boxes found at Mr. Moores Boston office, Wall wrote in response, revealing that the documents havent been reviewed for potentially classified or sensitive materials.

NARA did not collect the boxes from Moores office until Nov. 9, 2022. According to the letter, the agency transported them to its nearest facility, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston, at the request of the DOJ.

It is unclear if the DOJ has reviewed the boxes for classified materials. The Epoch Times contacted the DOJ for comment.

Wall informed Johnson and Grassley that NARA doesnt know of any other locations where Biden may have stored records from his time as vice president. Under U.S. law, presidential and vice presidential records must be turned over to NARA for preservation when a president leaves office.

NARA only has direct knowledge about boxes that were located at the Penn Biden Center and at Mr. Moores office in Boston, Wall wrote. NARA has informed DOJ that, in accordance with the Presidential Records Act (PRA), any Presidential or Vice Presidential records that DOJ obtains from any other location must be returned to NARA no later than the conclusion of their investigation.

U.S. Secret Service agents in front of Joe Bidens Rehoboth Beach, Del., home on Jan. 12, 2021. (Shannon McNaught/Delaware News Journal via AP)

Investigations

During a Senate Intelligence hearing on Wednesday, Chair Mark Warner (D-Va.) expressed frustration over the intelligence communitys refusal to grant congressional access to classified documents recovered from locations associated with Biden, Trump, and former Vice President Mike Pence.

Warner argued that the Office of the Director of National Intelligences stance of denying the committee access to classified documents that we have every right to see in terms of our oversight role doesnt pass the smell test.

This trust relationship has to go two ways, he said, referring to the committee and intelligence community relationship.

Biden has tried to downplay the classified materials found at the Penn Biden Center and his home in Wilmington, Delaware. On Feb. 8, he claimed their contents dated back to 1974 and were simply stray papers.

This attempt came in response to a journalists question about Bidens previous comments regarding classified materials found at Trumps Florida estate in August 2022, which Biden referred to as totally irresponsible.

Biden also shifted the blame to staffers who he said had not done a thorough job of going through paperwork from his former office.

But one of the things that happened is that what was not done well is, as they packed up my offices to move them, they didnt do the kind of job that should have been done to go thoroughly through every single piece of literature thats there, he said.

Former Maryland U.S. Attorney Robert Hur has been appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland as the special counsel to oversee the DOJs inquiry into the documents. Hurs mandate is to determine whether Biden or those associated with him violated the law in their handling of the documents.

Katabella Roberts contributed to this report.
A Voice to Parliament Challenges Our Democratic System

Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese makes a statement in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on Feb. 13, 2023. (Martin Ollman/Getty Images)

Commentary

Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses proposed constitutional change to give Aboriginal people a Voice to Parliament is well-intentioned. However, as the proverb says, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Albaneses Voice proposal challenges the very foundation of our nation as a representative democracy.

Like other representative democracies, this nation is constituted by the ideal that our elected representatives are exactly thatrepresentatives who will take our best interests to the nations Parliament so that we are ultimately ruled by the will of the people.

The very idea of members of parliament as representatives means that the government of the day should represent and be answerable to the people, not a paternalistic body that dominates the people.

To put the point another way, our model of democracy means that we get to elect members of parliament who will represent us for their term. We are not meant to choose arbitrary overlords for the next few years.

Federal and state Labor governments in Australia right now are failing to work as a representative model.

We can give two examples: The Western Australia McGowan government flagrantly breached its pre-election promise not to deprive rural voters of their representation in the Legislative Council. The Albanese federal government broke its promise on superannuation with little to no consultation with the community.

Premier of Western Australia Mark McGowan speaks during the Labor Party election campaign launch at Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia, on May 1, 2022. (Paul Kane/Getty Images)

In a deeper way, the manner in which the proposed Voice to Parliament is being promoted shows a disdain for the people and the traditions of democracy.

By concealing the details of the Voice from the Australian people, the Albanese government has shown that, at its core, it doesnt think of the government as representing the people, or being answerable to an informed public.

Moreover, the Voice proposal is an afront to representative democracy. It instead assumes another model of government, one in which parliament is not answerable to the people but is responsive to strong lobby groups and organisations.

To put the point concisely, in a representative democracy, a voice to parliament should not be needed.

Indeed, parliament itself should be the voice for all people. That is, if a group (any group) needs a Voice to Parliament to be heard, it shows a dysfunctional, undemocratic, and unrepresentative concept of parliament.

In that light, it is clear that, in a truly representative democracy, the Voice would be unnecessary. However, if Parliament is not acting in the interests of a representative democracy that serves the people, then any voice will be futile.

Thus, while it is no doubt well-intentioned, the proposed Voice to Parliament abandons the ideals of representative democracy.

Who Will Speak for the Nameless and Forgotten?

My view is that if a group like Indigenous Australians need a Voice, the problem is not with their voice, but with the Parliament that is not listening. If that is the case, we do not need to change the Constitution, we just need to change the government.

A general view of Australian Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on Aug. 14, 2021. (Gary Ramage/Getty Images)

The proposed Voice to Parliament should challenge the way we think about our government. Is it to be made up of elected overlords who are answerable to lobby groups and other organisations? Or is it to live out the ideal of President Abraham Lincoln, that government should be, of the people, by the people, for the people.

That was certainly the vision of Sir Robert Menzies, the founder of the Australian Liberal Party. In his most famous speech, he argued that, in a truly representative democracy, all voices will be heard, especially those of the forgotten people.

Menzies rejected the idea that government should submit to pressure politics. He proposed instead that a good government will listen to and represent people who are nameless and unadvertised.

It is true that the Indigenous people of Australia have suffered much, and they continue to suffer. But they dont need a constitutional change that will divide Australian into two classes.

Instead of a Voice, they need a Parliament that listens and responds. That is the vision of good government articulated by Lincoln and Menzies.

Such a government represents all citizens, especially the forgotten people. That vision has been neglected all too often.

I would suggest that the political party that reclaims that vision will be truly worthy of governing our nation.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Leveraging strong success in the automotive market, Silicon Valley-based software-defined vehicle innovator expands into China



Sunnyvale, Calif.  March 9, 2023  Sonatus, a leading automotive software company that is accelerating vehicle innovation, today announced expansion into China. The Shanghai office will be led by Steven Ren, Sr. Director of Business Development, and Mark Wang, Head of Field Application Engineering who bring to Sonatus decades of automotive industry experience and local market expertise. The companys platforms and products serve as the key building blocks that allow automotive companies and their ecosystems to innovate faster and deliver continuous improvements in costs, capabilities, reliability, and user experience over the vehicle lifespan.

Photo credit: Sonatus

China is the biggest automotive market in the world and evolving rapidly through strong innovation in electrification and software, said Jeffrey Chou, co-founder, and CEO, Sonatus. Our decision to open a new office in Shanghai reflects the uniqueness and importance of the China market and our commitment to becoming a player in the mobility ecosystem there. This marks an important step in our mission to significantly expand Sonatus's growth by deploying software-defined vehicle technologies with innovative new customers in the leading global markets of the vehicle manufacturing industry.

Sonatus has initially established a presence in China by opening an office in Shanghai with local sales and development experts, with staff numbers expected to grow. The company is backed by several prominent strategic investors in the automotive industry including China-based SAIC Capital and Wanxiang Group Company. Sonatus is focused on delivering foundational technologies and solution stacks that enable vehicle manufacturers to shift to software-defined vehicles faster and at lower costs. These building blocks allow OEMs to continually improve and enhance their vehicles at any time, even after they are sold. Sonatus offers a range of products and solutions to speed vehicle manufacturers' journey towards SDV in areas including data collection, vehicle automation, vehicle networking, cybersecurity, and others.

Our office in Shanghai will give us an important location advantage by allowing us to quickly build on our contacts with automakers and bring highly skilled workers on board over the coming years, said Steven Ren, Sr. Director of Business Development. I am honored to join the global team at Sonatus during this inflection point in the automotive industry as we enter a new era where accelerating software innovation can generate new opportunities in the sector.

Photo credit: Rare Stock/ Adobe Stock

Experienced team with deep tech and automotive roots

Steven Ren, Sr. Director of Business Development is based in Shanghai, China. Steven brings over 20 years of experience in automotive sales and marketing management and the mobile Internet industry. His extensive relationships and experiences include work with OEM companies of SVW, SGM, SAIC Motor, FAW-VW, VGC, Audi, Porsche, PSA, and Great Wall Motor. Prior to joining Sonatus, Steven had various positions with Tier1 and OEM companies in the China automotive industry including Yanfeng Visteon, NAV2 (JV of Navinfo and Nokia), Virtue Intelligent Network (JV of Deutsche Telecom and China Mobile), Harman Connected Service and Volkswagen Group China. During his last role as Senior Director at Volkswagen, Steven managed business development and a commercial team in charge of the Connected Car business and Ecosystem CP/SP cooperation in the China market. Prior to Volkswagen, Steven was the Sales Director for Harman Connected Services. And Steven holds an MBA from Fudan University.

Mark Wang, Head of Field Application Engineering, brings a mix of in-vehicle and cloud technologies experience to Sonatus. With nearly 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, Mark will support technical sales efforts in China. Prior to Sonatus, Mark worked for AWS Automotive China as a Director of Automotive Industry Development where he had the responsibility of growing the AWS Automotive business in China. In this role, Mark worked with OEMs in connected vehicle solutions based on AWS's IoT, edge computing, clouddata lake/pipeline, autonomous driving, software-defined vehicle, and Alexa. Prior to AWS, Mark worked for Harman Connected Service and was the Head of Automotive Solutions. During his tenure at Harman, Mark was responsible for technical sales of Harman software products such as cockpit software (Android, QNX, Linux), OTA, Vehicle Ethernet, Cyber security, V2X, ADAS, connected vehicle Cloud platform (Ignite), vehicle data analytics platform and remote diagnostic solution. Mark started as an R&D embedded engineer with Delphi (now Aptiv), Bosch, and Yangfeng Visteon.

Automakers are transitioning to software-defined vehicles because they need to be able to deploy innovations to market faster, at a lower cost, and with more reliability. With its impressive track record of delivering in-vehicle and cloud software solutions into mass production, Sonatus is well-positioned to help vehicle manufacturers accelerate the adoption of SDVs. We are excited to partner with them to establish their presence in the China market. said Tina Zhou, Founder, CEO, and Chief Editor of Gasgoo, China's leading automotive industry information service platform.

ABOUT SONATUS

Sonatus is accelerating vehicle software innovation and the transition towards software-defined vehicles. Our platforms and products serve as the key building blocks that allow automotive companies and their ecosystem to innovate faster and deliver continuous improvements in costs, capabilities, reliability, and user experience over the vehicle lifespan. Sonatus award-winning software platform is in production vehicles from Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, and will be on the road in millions more vehicles in 2023. The company has raised more than $110 million USD with world-class automotive, technology, and venture investors including Foxconn, Hyundai Motor Groups Kia Corporation, LG Electronics, Marvell, SAIC Capital, Translink Capital, UMC Capital, and Wanxiang Group Company. Sonatus is headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA, the famous Silicon Valley, with offices in Paris, Shanghai, and Seoul. For more information visit www.sonatus.com.
Alabama Oil Rig With Potentially Hazardous Materials on Board Catches Fire Along Mobile River

A decommissioned oil rig in Alabama caught fire on March 8, sending heavy clouds of black smoke into the air, according to the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department (MFRD).

The incident occurred shortly before 2 p.m. local time.

The department said on Facebook that more than 55 firefighters were on the scene to put out the fire, which contains diesel, hydraulic fluid, oil, and other potentially hazardous materials.

MFRD units are on scene of a 2-alarm structure fire at 400 Dunlap Drive, the department said on Facebook. Multiple companies arrived on scene to discover a multi-story, oil rig-like structure with heavy smoke and flames present.

The rig contains diesel, hydraulic fluid, and oil with other potential hazards on board. Crews are working in tandem to mitigate the incident as quickly as possible, the department said.

Fire Under Control

Video footage shared online showed thick clouds of black smoke being released into the air that could be seen even from a distance.

In a later update, MFRD said the fire was under control roughly three hours after it had initially broken out. An investigation into the incident had begun and the Coast Guard was also on the scene assessing the situation.

There have been no reports of injuries so far and no shipyard personnel were harmed.

Incident successfully mitigated. All MFRD crews are clearing the scene. Shipyard personnel will assume fire watch through the evening, the department said. This was a tremendous effort by all the crews and command and support staff involved.

MFRD Chief Jeremy Lami told CBS 42 that the blaze occurred while crews were scrapping the old semi-submersible platform and a cut sparked the fire because of old fuel and oil on the platform.

He added that the fire had been difficult to put out because the platform was several hundred feet above the ground, meaning that firefighters were having to engage in some fire suppression operations that require the use of our aerial devices, such as drones.

Any equipment that were using on top of that platform has to be taken up there with them, so we have to tote all that equipment up to the scene, Lami said.

Potential Hazards to the Environment

Separately, MFRD spokesman Steven Millhouse told CBS 42 that while there is no risk to anyone in the area, officials remain concerned about potential hazards to the environment.

Mostly, what we have got is residual mixed with the water and the foam that we used to battle the flames, just kind of flowing off of the top of the rig, said Millhouse.

It is unclear exactly what rig was involved in the incident, however some reports indicate that it is the MSS3 oil rig that is being dismantled at the Alabama Shipyard.

On Tuesday, the Alabama Shipyard said on Facebook that its shipbreaking team had removed a 130-foot tower structure known as the derrick in its latest dismantling project, the MSS3 oil rig.

The process of dismantling ships and other assets can present unique and unusual hazards, and obstacles that require careful planning, and outside-the-box solutions, the shipyard said.

Before its removal, our team assessed different options and scenarios, consulted with an experienced engineering firm, and developed a detailed procedure that ensured the safety and protection of our team, the environment, and equipment, it added.

The Epoch Times has contacted the Alabama Shipyard for comment.
Alberta Tables Omnibus Red Tape Bill Impacting Legislation Across 9 Ministries

In this May 5, 2016 photo provided by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Alberta, an RCMP officer surveys the damage on a street in fire-ravaged Fort McMurray, Alberta. (Royal Canadian Mounted Police Alberta via The Canadian Press via AP)

Albertas UCP government tabled an omnibus red tape bill on March 8 it says will strengthen property rights for landowners and provide benefits for firefighters who developed certain cancers after fighting the Fort McMurray wildfires.

Bill 9, also called the Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, 2023, is the provinces seventh red tape reduction bill. If passed, the bill will amend 14 individual pieces of existing legislation across nine government departments.

Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, said the purpose of the bill is not just to eliminate red tape, but to regulate more efficiently.

Smarter regulation is often instrumental in delivering government services more efficiently and effectively for Albertans, he said at a news conference on March 8.

One of the bills amendments will modify the Workers Compensation Act, to provide presumptive cancer coverage to firefighters who were involved in fighting the Fort McMurray wildfires in 2016. The bill will allow firefighters and their families to access benefits and support without certain exposure period requirements for linking cancer to the job.

Under current Workers Compensation Board rules, a firefighter must serve on the job for 10 years with regular exposure to the hazards of fire to qualify for coverage and benefits for brain cancer, and 15 years to qualify for lung cancer if a non-smoker.

Brian Jean, minister of jobs, economy and northern development, also spoke at the news conference.

This fire was unprecedented in Albertas history. Never before had a single fire involved so many structures burning at the same time and required so many firefighters to combat it at the same time, said Jean, who also lost his house in the fire.

This special amendment we are proposing here today recognizes the incredible risks those men and women took and endured.

Provincial Jurisdiction

Another significant amendment will see government income supports suspended for violent offenders with outstanding warrants. The legislation will be amended to allow the disclosure of outstanding warrants to the director of income support.

The government said the bill will also clarify trespass legislation to state that rules about unlawful entry onto Albertans private property apply also to federal employees.

Jean said the clarification was necessary, so the federal government recognizes that trespass law will apply to them.

They are not our bosses, and they need to see where that line is drawn, he said.

Federal legislation does not supersede provincial legislation. We are partners in Confederation, added Jean. They need to make sure that theyre within the legislative rights that they have under the Constitution.

Among other amendments is the removal of a clause in LRT funding contracts with Calgary and Edmonton, that allowed the province to terminate funding for a project with 90 days notice. The government said this will provide more investment certainty and encourage more bids on future public transit projects.
America Has Adopted a System of Mass Domestic Censorship

The Twitter files are a 'tiny tip' of the iceberg, Mike Benz says

The foreign policy establishment has seized jurisdiction over all things domestic, Mike Benz says. Whoever controls the Department of Dirty Tricks can remove all opposition on the political, social, and cultural side.

In a recent comprehensive interview on American Thought Leaders, host Jan Jekielek spoke with Mike Benz about todays censorship regime and how tactics once used abroad were deployed to target Americans and so-called election delegitimization or COVID-19 misinformation online. Benz is the executive director of the Foundation for Freedom Online and a former State Department diplomat under the Trump administration.

Jan Jekielek: Mike, you have a mission of fostering a free and open internet. Where are we now?

Mike Benz: Were far removed from what I consider the golden age of the internet between 2006 and 2016, when you had a mature social media where people could share information. The political turbulence of 2016 instituted a revenge of the gatekeepers, a regimented system of censorship.

Mr. Jekielek: How did that change?

Mr. Benz: In June 2016, Brexit wasnt just a domestic issue within the UK but was viewed as a threat to the integrity of the European Union. The EU would come undone, NATO would fall apart, and the rules-based international order would collapse.

And then, in quick succession, you had a candidate for president who at the time was an almost 201 underdog in The New York Times. It was thought that he couldnt win, and yet he did. And both events were viewed as internet elections, if you will.

Nigel Farage developed the popularity of Brexit through his viral YouTube speeches to the European Parliament. Twitter hashtags and Facebook groups were responsible for Donald Trumps popularity with his base. So you had an organized effort to contain this populism by containing the means through which populists could mobilize and distribute their messaging.

Mr. Jekielek: Youve described this as a whole of society effort. What does that mean?

Mr. Benz: Whole of society is the terminology of every mainstream censorship industry professional. It means four categories of institutions are working together toward the common goal of censorship: the government, the private sector, civil society, and the news media.

Youve got the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), FBI, Department of Defense (DOD), the State Department, the National Science Foundation, the CIA, and the National Endowment for Democracy. On issues like COVID-19 censorship, youve got the Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases all playing various roles at the government level.

Then youve got the private sector, the tech platforms where the censorship occurs. Thats where the button gets pressed, where the algorithms play out.

Then youve got corporate social responsibility and the universities, NGOs [nongovernmental organizations], activists, nonprofits, and foundations.

Finally, youve got the politically like-minded media that can manage public narratives and amplify pressure for censorship.

When they have disinformation conferences, representatives from all four institutions will talk with each other about doing favors for favors. Theyll work out common problems.

In late 2016, when I first came across literature around the deployment of artificial intelligence for purposes of content moderation, I became fixated on the threat this posed. But nobody took my concern seriously. Now the infrastructure is consolidated and much harder to stop.

Mr. Jekielek: The Twitter files revealed that this censorship is happening, this ability to shape perceptions by excluding information. But youve said the Twitter files are just the tip of the iceberg?

Mr. Benz: A tiny tip. My foundation, the Foundation for Freedom Online, had already covered a lot of the things that came out in the Twitter files. What the Twitter files really revealed was the presence of censorship operatives at virtually every national security-related institution in the government, as well as in the public health spheres.

There were Twitter files for the FBI, the DHS, the DOD, and the State Department. These files tended to focus on one-off requests for censorship takedowns. For example, the FBI would contact the Twitter Trust and Safety Team saying: Heres a batch of six or seven tweets we dont like. They violate your terms of service, so you may want to take them down. But that only captures the tiniest fraction of censorship in each of the major geopolitical events in the past few years.

Consider these six or seven takedowns in the context of something like the Election Integrity Partnership (EIP), which formerly had a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security to operate as their designated disinformation flagger. Twenty-two million tweets were categorized as misinformation for purposes of takedowns or throttling through the EIP.

Compare that to the six or seven tweets highlighted in a Twitter files dump, and its not even in the same ballpark. It wasnt just about individual takedown requests; it was about government pressure to coerce the tech companies to create whole new categories of censorship and then arming them with the artificial intelligence to scan and ban the new thought violations.

The EIP, using the DHSs clout and pressure on the back end, coerced the tech companies to create a category of censorship called delegitimization, which was anything in the 2020 election that delegitimized public confidence in mail-in ballots, early voting drop boxes, or ballot tabulation issues on election day; 100 percent of their targets were Trump voters and right-wing populist groups.

Mr. Jekielek: Are these tools being used in the same way when it comes to COVID-19 information?

Mr. Benz: When the 2020 election ended, EIP had censored 22 million tweets. They had 120 staffers censoring Trump supporters for the 2020 election for the DHS. There was no more election cycle until 2022, when they came back and partnered with DHS again for the midterms.

But in between, they rebranded themselves as a new entity, VP, the Virality Project. But instead of doing election censorship, they did COVID-19 censorship, with the exact same ticketing system. They had the same relationships with Facebook, Google, YouTube, Twitter, TikTok, Reddit, and the 15 different platforms they monitored. They then began censoring opposition to COVID-19 origins, vaccine efficacy, mask mandates, or narratives about Bill Gates or Anthony Fauci.

Let me add that COVID-19 started at the end of 2019, before the 2020 election, and actually the COVID-19 censorship consortium began immediately. Graphika, for example, is one of the four component entities of the EIP censorship consortium that the DHS partnered with. Its a U.S. Department of Defense-funded censorship consortium initially funded to do social media counterinsurgency work in conflict zones for the U.S. military. Then, it was redeployed domestically to monitor social media discourse about COVID-19, COVID-19 conspiracies, or other issues.

Mr. Jekielek: Youre reminding me of something I read, which is the foreign-to-domestic disinformation switcheroo.

Mr. Benz: Before 2016, the idea of domestic censorship in the United States wasnt just rare and isolatedit was an attack on everything American. Censorship distinguished the United States from every other country on the planet. No other Western democracies have a First Amendment.

Now, were going directly from that into this system of mass domestic censorship, where if you challenge mail-in ballots in a Twitter post, the Department of Homeland Security will categorize you as conducting a cyberattack on U.S. critical infrastructure, because youve undermined public faith in the elections.

They did that in the censorship industry through the creation of a Russian boogeyman that was said to have hacked the 2016 election and to have created these bot farms, troll farms, and Facebook pages that magically disappeared right before the 2020 election.

It was a hoax from the start, but it was a useful one, because it allowed the handoff of the censorship infrastructure on the foreign side to be grafted onto the domestic side.

Mr. Jekielek: Having these systems that traditionally target foreign threats turned inward domestically means that the whole system has been upended. Is that what youre saying?

Mr. Benz: It means that the foreign policy establishment has seized jurisdiction over all things domestic. Whoever controls the Department of Dirty Tricks can remove all opposition on the political, social, and cultural side.

Mr. Jekielek: So where do things need to go?

Mr. Benz: Just as a whole-of-society approach was done on the censorship side, its a network attack, and it requires a network defense. People who believe in freedom need to merge elements of government, private sector, civil society, and news media into a common effort to restore a free and open internet.

Its a hard road to fight for freedom. Theres no lobby for the American people. Those who stand for freedom and the people are on their own, and every person who goes through that journey experiences isolation. But you make a lot of friends along the way, and being proud and brave in this fight can actually cure the isolation and helplessness that comes from accepting things as they are.

This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
Anand Announces Public Consultations for Defence Policy Review, Microsatellite Project to Monitor Space

Minister of National Defence Anita Anand makes a keynote address at the Ottawa Conference on Security and Defence, in Ottawa, on March 9, 2023. (The Canadian Press/Justin Tang)

OTTAWACanadas Minister of National Defence has announced the opening of Defence Policy Update (DPU) consultations to all Canadians and the awarding of a $15.8 million contract for the building of a microsatellite project.

Anita Anand made the announcement on March 9 at the Ottawa Conference on Security and Defence, where she gave the opening keynote address to defence industry partners, stakeholders, and defence experts.

Canadas current national defence policy Strong, Secure, Engaged has been in existence since 2017 and updating it to reflect modern realities of conflict has long been pondered.

A new digital platform has been launched and Anand invited all Canadians to contribute online and provide feedback on issues including how to recruit talented Canadians and how to respond to natural catastrophes.

She envisions targeted discussions with a number of stakeholders including indigenous and northern community leaders, as well as Five Eyes partners, which include the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia.

Space Domain

Anand talked about initiatives underway to modernize and upgrade Canadas military capabilities including a new focus on space as another domain for awareness.

Space is crucial to our national security, she said.

The Redwing space domain awareness microsatellite project will monitor objects orbiting the Earth to help reduce future risks to Canadas space infrastructure, Anand said. Design manufacturing and operations will be led by Magellan Aerospace in Winnipeg, she said, adding that it will launch in late 2026.

Anand began her address by discussing how the defence of Ukraine is progressing amid Russias invasion, expressing hope for the end result in favour of Ukraine. She also said that Canada has committed over $1 billion in military aid to Ukraine.

Anand said that while the past defensive capabilities were defined by the steady accumulation of military force, todays era of military competition is also defined by speed and agility and interoperability with allies.

Anand also singled out China as a threat.

China is an increasingly disruptive global power. It increasingly disregards international rules and norms, and it is making large-scale investments to establish its military capabilities, she said.

We are at an inflection point in the history of conflict.
As Supreme Court Justice Faces Complaint, Bill Would Change Handling of Allegations

Supreme Court of Canada Justice Russell Brown looks on during his welcoming ceremony at the Supreme Court in Ottawa on Oct. 6, 2015. (The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld)

A new law working its way through Parliament could soon change the process for handling allegations against judgeseven as a SupremeCourt justice remains on leave while a complaint against him is reviewed.

Justice Minister David Lametti said that if it passes, Bill C-9 would amend the Judges Act to create a new process for the Canadian Judicial Council to review misconduct allegations that are not serious enough to warrant a judges removal.

Bill C-9 will strengthen the process for dealing with complaints against federally appointed judges and gives the Canadian Judicial Council new tools to deal with misconduct cases, said Diana Ebadi, Lamettis press secretary, in a written statement.

Its purpose is to improve transparency and accountability, and ensure greater confidence in the justice system.

The bill, which is currently being considered by the Senate, would also clarify the circumstances under which a judge can be removed, and change the way the council reports its recommendations to the minister.

The judicial council announced Monday it is reviewing a complaint about the alleged conduct of Supreme Court Justice Russell Brown, but it did not disclose the nature of the complaint.

Chief Justice Richard Wagner put Brown on leave at the beginning of February pending a review.

The Canadian Judicial Council has authority over federally appointed judges and it receives, reviews and deals with complaints. It works at arms length from the executive and legislative branches of government.

It is a relatively complex process and its a multistage process, said Trevor Farrow, a professor at Osgoode Hall Law School.

Anyone can make a complaint, but it must be done in writing and sent to the judicial council.

The councils executive director reviews complaints and any relevant information to determine if the complaint warrants further consideration.

Complaints that are deemed trivial, vexatious, made for an improper purpose or without substance wont be looked at further.

Complaints that dont involve conduct, and any other complaints that are not in the public interest and the due administration of justice are also not considered by the council.

If the complaint does warrant further consideration, it moves to an additional stage of review.

That involves (other) judges and that certainly involves the council taking a longer look at the at the complaint, said Farrow.

The judge facing the complaint may be required to undergo additional training or make an apology.

Decisions can also be challenged along the way, creating delays in finding a resolution.

But if the review panel determines additional scrutiny is needed, a full inquiry will take place and recommend to the minister of justice whether a judge should be removed.

That wont be the case under the new regime.

If Bill C-9 passes, it would remove the justice minister from the process and impose mandatory sanctions on judges when a complaint of misconduct is found to be justified. That could include counselling, continuing education and reprimands.

We want judges to be able to make decisions in very complicated cases, difficult cases, without worrying about the recourse by the parties, by government, said Farrow.

They need independence in order to make fair and free decisions and they also need to be independent, not just in the decision-making process, but in the sanctioning process.

Wagner told the Canadian Bar Association last month that the prospective law would handle complaints more effectively and efficiently.

Any regime dealing with judicial complaints must strike a balance between protecting the privacy and independence of judges and being transparent with the public, said Farrow.

One of the concerns about the current process is that there is not enough transparency, and its hard for the public to trust it if they cant see it, he said.

At the core of all of this is trust in the judicial process as part of a core value of our society.

Bill C-9 would also require the judicial council to publicly report on the number of complaints it receives and how they were resolved.

Lamettis office said he is looking forward to testifying about the proposed law at an upcoming committee meeting and urged his Senate colleagues to work on getting it passed.

The bill has support from all parties.
Bankman-Frieds Bid to Shift Blame Complicated by New Charges

Former FTX Chief Executive Sam Bankman-Fried, who faces fraud charges over the collapse of the bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange, arrives to the Manhattan federal court in New York on Feb. 16, 2023. (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters)

NEW YORKSince his December arrest on fraud charges, FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried and his lawyers have suggested part of his defense will be seeking to distance himself from the day-to-day operations of the now-bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange.

But new accusations against him and a third former member of his inner circle in recent weeks could complicate that strategy, some experts said.

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan unveiled new charges on Feb. 23 that appeared to undermine some of Bankman-Frieds public claims since the collapse of FTX, and later revealed the guilty plea and cooperation of the exchanges former engineering chief Nishad Singh.

Former FTX technology chief Gary Wang and Caroline Ellison, formerly the CEO of Bankman-Frieds Alameda Research hedge fund, had each previously pleaded guilty and are cooperating.

Bankman-Fried previously pleaded not guilty to stealing billions of dollars in FTX customer funds to plug losses at Alameda.

The 31-year-old former billionaire and his lawyers have suggested they will attempt to shift blame onto Ellison and dispute her expected testimony at his Oct. 2 trial.

It is common for defendants to challenge the credibility of cooperating witnesses, often arguing that they are motivated to lie and implicate others in a bid to win leniency.

Doing so is more difficult when multiple witnesses point the finger at the same person, experts said.

The defendant is going to say, No, you did it, youre the one who was the most responsible, and now youre trying to blame me,' said Rebecca Mermelstein, a former Manhattan federal prosecutor and now a partner at OMelveny.

Spokespeople for Bankman-Fried and for the U.S. Attorneys office in Manhattan declined to comment.

Very Different View

At her plea hearing in December, Ellison admitted she and Bankman-Fried conspired to mislead Alamedas lenders, with Alameda providing secret loans to Bankman-Fried which the hedge fund then hid on its balance sheets.

Bankman-Fried appeared to contradict that in a Jan. 12 blog post, saying he was not running Alameda and was toldwithout saying by whomthat its balance sheets were accurate.

Bankman-Frieds defense lawyer Mark Cohen also challenged another of Ellisons statements to prosecutors: according to U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan, she told them that Bankman-Fried had instructed FTX employees it was best not to have documents because they could be used as evidence.

We have a very different view of what happened, Cohen said at a Feb. 16 court hearing. Thats for trial, your Honor, but thats not what happened.

Ellisons lawyer did not respond to requests for comment.

In unveiling the new charges in a superseding indictment, prosecutors dismissed the idea that Bankman-Fried was in the dark about his former colleagues crimes. Prosecutors said he directed Ellison to mislead creditors about the money Alameda borrowed, and that he remained Alamedas ultimate decisionmaker despite stepping down as CEO.

The superseding indictment seems designed to undercut the defenses that he has floated in public, said Mark Kasten, counsel at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney in Philadelphia.

It also complicates Bankman-Frieds defense because it contains references to an electronic message Bankman-Fried received from Ellison, as well as messages between him and Singh, who is referred to in the indictment as CC-1. Prosecutors described the conversation between the two men as a plot to conceal a scheme to make illegal political campaign donations.

Beyond the content of the particular messages, the mere revelation that prosecutors have them could be troubling for Bankman-Fried, since contemporaneous statements by a defendant can make it harder to refute witness testimony, experts said.

Despite the hurdles, experts said Bankman-Fried will still likely dispute that he knew former members of his inner circle were breaking the law, Kasten said.

He still is going to have to attack the government witnesses, Kasten said, summing up one possible defense: Yes, he was the public face of the company, but he trusted his confidantes to run the business, and he thought that they were doing it lawfully.

By Luc Cohen
Belarus Leader Confirms February Attack on Russian Military Aircraft by Partisans

A Russian Beriev A-50 airborne early warning and control training aircraft flies over Red Square during a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, on May 7, 2019. (Alexander Zemlianichenko/ AP Photo)

An alleged drone attack that reportedly damaged a Russian A-50 surveillance military aircraft at an airfield near the Belarus capital of Minsk on Feb. 26 was carried out by Belarusian anti-government activists, officials confirmed.

The security service of Ukraine, the leadership of the CIA, behind closed doors, are carrying out an operation against the Republic of Belarus, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko said on March 7, according to the countrys official news agency, Belta.

A terrorist was trained, he added.

Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, said that one of the suspects, a dual Russian-Ukrainian national, along with 20 alleged accomplices have been detained. Others are hiding abroad, he said.

He added that the aircraft at the Machulishchy airbase had suffered only superficial damage in the attack, which was carried out using a small drone.

Ukraines Foreign Ministry denied that the country was involved in the attack. The CIA has not commented on the claims.

Lukashenkos comments come weeks Aliaksandr Azarov, leader of Belarusian anti-government organization BYPOL, was quoted by Reuters as saying on the organizations Telegram messaging app that drones were used to damage the sophisticated Russian military surveillance aircraft.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko speaks to the media after casting his ballot in the referendum on the constitutional amendments at a polling station in Minsk on Feb. 27, 2022. (Sergei Sheleg/BELTA/AFP via Getty Images)

BYPOL Claims Responsibility

Those were drones. The participants of the operation are Belarusian, Azarov said.

BYPOL, which includes former law enforcement officers who support opposition politicians, has been declared an extremist organization by Minsk.

They are now safe, outside the country, Azarov added of the participants.

Elsewhere on Feb, 26, Franak Viacorka, a senior advisor to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, a Belarusian politician and opposition figure of President Lukashenko, also took to Twitter to confirm the successful special operation.

In an initial post shortly after the incident, Viacorka said two explosions at the airfield may be the result of sabotage and diversion, noting that the airfield had been cordoned off and KGB and secret services were checking vehicles, employees and residents in the surrounding area.

Russian A-50 aircraft was blown up in two places, Viacorka said alongside a photo of the intact aircraft. The front and central parts of the plane were damaged, the avionics and the radar antenna were damaged, according to ByPOL. It is reported that [Russia] has only 9 such airplanes.

In a follow-up post on Twitter shortly after, Viacorka said the two explosions had been confirmed, and that Russian military transport aircraft and snowplows were damaged.

Machulishchy military airfield, 12 km [7.5 miles] from Minsk, was being actively used by Russian army for air attacks on Ukraine, Viacorka wrote.

GLORY TO BELARUSIAN PARTISANS! Partisans from the Pieramoha (Victory) plan confirmed a successful special operation to blow up a rare Russian plane at the airfield in Machulishchy near Minsk. This is the most successful diversion since the beginning of 2022, he wrote.

According to Viacorka, two Belarusians conducted the operation using drones.

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with his Belarus counterpart Alexander Lukashenko at the Kremlin in Moscow, on March 11, 2022. (Mikhail Mikhail Klimentyev/Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images)

A-50 Aircraft Worth Millions

The two Belarusians have left the country and are in safety now, Viacorka said, adding that the Russian plane targeted was worth 330 million euros ($348 million).

The Belarusian Hajun project, which monitors all the activity of the Russian and Belarusian Armed Forces in Belarus, also said in a statement that preliminary data shows that the attack targeted Russias A-50 AEW&C aircraft, which might have been hit.

According to the Belarusian Hajun project, the aircraft could have been damaged by an unidentified object dropped from a height.

The Beriev A-50 aircraft, which goes by the NATO code name of Mainstay, is a Russian airborne early warning aircraft that was based on the Ilyushin Il-76MD heavy military transport aircraft that first flew in 1978, according to Military Today.

The main role of this aircraft is to detect, identify and track airborne targets and warships at sea and it costs around $330 million and around $500 million in upgraded form.

Belarus, a close ally of Russia, has stopped short of directly participating in the invasion of Ukraine but has allowed thousands of troops dispatched by Moscow along with substantial amounts of military hardware to arrive in Belarus in October. After their arrival, the Russian Air Force began staging regular patrol flights over the Belarusian border.

The two nations also conducted joint military drills in January that run until the start of this month.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began, Belarus has also been hit by numerous western sanctions in response to what they claim is the countrys involvement in Russias unprovoked and unjustified military invasion of Ukraine.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Biden Proposes More Investment in Indo-Pacific to Counter China Threat

President Joe Biden talks about his proposed FY2024 federal budget during an event at the Finishing Trades Institute on March 9, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Concerned about Chinas increasing global influence, the Biden administration has proposed investing in new ways to out-compete China and strengthening alliances in the Indo-Pacific region.

On March 9, President Joe Biden unveiled his third budget proposal, vowing to boost spending, raise taxes, and reduce the federal deficit. As part of his budget blueprint, Biden outlined his strategy for dealing with global challenges, including those posed by China.

China is the United States only competitor with both the intent to reshape the international order and, increasingly, the economic, diplomatic, military, and technological power to do it, according to a fact sheet released by the White House.

In his budget proposal, the president warned of unprecedented and extraordinary times ahead and asked for both discretionary and mandatory resources to address the danger from China.

According to the fact sheet, the mandatory proposal would boost the U.S. role in the Indo-Pacific and advance the U.S. economy by investing: $2 billion to support hard critical international infrastructure; $2 billion to scale the U.S. International Development Finance Corporations (DFC) equity program; and another $2 billion to create resilient supply chains in the region.

The budget proposal also includes $7.1 billion in funding for the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau over the next 20 years. The funds are part of the $63.1 billion proposal for the State Department and the United States Agency for International Development.

The budget is also asking to boost funding for the U.S. militarys presence in the Indo-Pacific region.

To sustain and strengthen deterrence, the Budget prioritizes The Peoples Republic of China (PRC) as Americas pacing challenge in line with the National Defense Strategy, the budget proposal stated.

[The Pentagons] 2024 Pacific Deterrence Initiative highlights $9.1 billion of key investments the Department is making, focuses on strengthening deterrence in the region, and demonstrates the Departments long-term commitment to the Indo- Pacific.

The funds will also be used to strengthen the capacity and capabilities of U.S. allies in the region.

According to the budget proposal, Defense Department spending would increase to $842 billion in fiscal 2024, a 3.2 percent increase over the previous year. The budget includes $37.7 billion for the modernization of the nuclear arsenal.

This budget cements our commitment to confronting global challenges and keeping America safe, Biden wrote in a message to Congress that accompanied the budget proposal. It outlines crucial investments to out-compete China globally and to continue support for Ukraine in the face of unprovoked Russian aggression.

The plan also includes a significant pay increase for all troops beginning in January 2024, which is expected to garner support from both parties. According to Bidens proposal, military pay would increase by 5.2 percent next year.
Bidens Budget Proposes Trillions in Tax Hikes, Partly Repeals Trumps Tax Cuts

President Joe Biden briefly addresses journalists from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, on Mar. 3, 2023. (Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images)

President Joe Biden unveiled the third budget of his presidency, vowing to increase spending, raise taxes, and reduce the federal deficit.

Over the next decade, the $6.8 trillion budget (pdf) proposes approximately $5.0 trillion in tax increases on high-income earners and corporations.

The White House includes a 25 percent minimum tax on the wealthiest Americans with more than $100 million. This consists of all of their income, including appreciated assets, because no billionaire should ever pay a lower tax rate than a schoolteacher or a firefighter.

President Bidens budget suggests increasing the corporate tax rate from 21 percent to 28 percent, ensuring that large corporations pay their fair share. The administration estimates this would generate $1.326 trillion in revenue.

Corporations received an enormous tax break in 2017, cutting effective U.S. tax rates for U.S. corporations to a low of less than 10 percent, the budget report stated. While their profits have soared, their investment in the economy did not. Their shareholders and top executives reaped the benefits, without the promised trickle down to workers, consumers, or communities.

On the issue of former president Donald Trumps Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Biden plans to repeal tax reductions for the wealthy and reform the capital gains tax by taxing capital gains at the same rate as wage income for those with more than $1 million income and closing the carried interest component.

The 2024 budget also includes Bidens previous plan to quadruple the stock buyback tax from 1 percent to 4 percent while closing tax loopholes that overwhelmingly benefit the rich and the largest, most profitable corporations. This includes ending the like-kind exchange loophole that helps real estate investors defer tax indefinitely.

Administration officials believe that increasing taxes on the wealthy can help pay for the presidents spending priorities, such as additional funding for child care and early childhood education, expanding free community college, and bolstering the $35 cap on the price of insulin. They also project that this would slash the federal deficit by nearly $3 trillion over 10 years. However, the current budget presentation would raise next years deficit to $1.8 trillion.

Shalanda Young, director of the Office of Management and Budget, told reporters that the administration can trim deficit spending by asking the wealthy and big corporations to begin to pay their fair share and by cutting wasteful spending on big pharma, big oil, and other special interests.

Families need a little breathing room, and thats why the budget includes proposals to bring down the cost of everyday necessities and lowers healthcare costs, she said.

Republican Leadership: Completely Unserious

Republicans called the presidents budget to Congress completely unserious.

He proposes trillions in new taxes that you and your family will pay directly or through higher costs, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) wrote in a tweet. Mr. President: Washington has a spending problem, NOT a revenue problem.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) talks to reporters after meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House, on Feb. 1, 2023. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) warned that one of the nations largest budgets in history would bankrupt Floridians.

The budget [the president] proposed today shows the American people he doesnt value them, he said in a statement. If he did, he would get serious about rolling back burdensome regulations and focus on growing the economy so American business can create more, good paying jobs.

Private industry is also reacting to Bidens budget outline.

The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW), for example, asserted that the announcement hurts Main Street businesses and working families.

The proposed tax increases in the presidents budget are a blatant attack on Main Street businesses and the families they support, said Alex Hendrie, associate vice president for government relations at the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW), in a statement. President Bidens proposed tax increases could not even pass when Democrats controlled both houses of Congress and are totally detached from reality.

The wholesale distribution firm listed several examples that would negatively affect Main Street firms. This consists of the 1.2 percent hike to the net investment income tax (NIIT), the 2.6 percent increase to the top individual tax rate that includes main street firms organized as S-corporations and partnerships, and additional limitations on the ability of passthrough businesses to deduct business losses.

However, the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) called it a bold vision for tax justice that would significant revenue and ensure tax fairness.

The revenue raisers are laser focused on taxing very wealthy individuals and corporations, and the budget would reduce the deficit while easing costs for American families, particularly for middle and low-income parents, said ITEP executive director Amy Hanauer.

Despite being touted as a deficit-fighting plan, the White House proposal forecasts more than $1.3 trillion in annual deficits every year for the next decade.

The federal debt would grow to more than $43 trillion, raising the debt-to-GDP ratio to 102.4 percent. Interest payments would also top $1.3 trillion in the next decade, representing 5.1 percent of GDP.

[I]n the longer term, debt would grow by $19 trillion through 2033 under the presidents budget and reach a record share of the economy in only four years, said Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB), in a statement. The president should have a plan to truly bring the debt under control before suggesting trillions of dollars in new spending and tax breaks. $3 trillion of deficit reduction is welcomed, but since taking office, the president has approved over $5 trillion of new debt from legislation and executive actions. We desperately need to change course.

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) stated that our worst fears were confirmed with the Biden budget.

[A]fter passing trillions of dollars in new deficit spending that we cannot afford, over the next 30 years, the national debt will be nearly twice the size of the entire economy, she said. In the next 10 years, the federal government will spend over $10 trillion on interest alone.

It is still unclear when the Republicans will release their official budget alternative.
Border Officials Say Technology Is Good, But People Make the Difference

Homeland Security and Border Patrol leaders say they aim to keep Mexican Cartels away from southern border

At a hearing to discuss the technology needed to secure the nations borders, one Homeland Security official said that without one critical resource, all the technology in the world would be useless.

Technology will never replace the men and women pursuing what the technology uncovers, said Anthony Salisbury, acting deputy executive associate director for Homeland Security Investigations.

Salisbury and Diane Sabatino, deputy assistant commissioner, Office Field Operations for Customs and Border Protection, testified before the House Oversight Committees Subcommittee on National Security, the Border, and Foreign Affairs on March 8.

The subject of the hearing was Force Multipliers: Examining the Need for Additional Resources to Disrupt Transnational Crime at the Border and Beyond. While the committee did discuss technology, it was apparent that the committee is divided along party lines about the seriousness of the issue and who is to blame.

Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) said he holds President Joe Biden responsible for the 6 million illegal immigrants that have reportedly crossed the southern border since he took office. Gosar said the border has come to mean nothing. As such, Mexicos domestic crime problems are becoming the United States crime problems.

First responder and paramedic Carley Morgan holds a sign protesting Mexican drug cartels at a press conference on the border crisis in Phoenix on Jan. 26, 2023. (Allan Stein/The Epoch Times)

The Mexican cartel problem is our problem. Americans deserve to know why the border issues are issues across the country, Gosar said.

Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) said Biden had set aside $430 million for border security. According to Garcia, everyone wants the border secured, but it will take comprehensive immigration reform to solve the problem.

The problems that we have today will not be solved just by border security and wall, he said.

Committee Chairman Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.) doubted that U.S. law hindered legal migrants.

Last year, we had 1 million (immigrants) sworn in legally. Its not like no one can figure out how to get here legally, he said.

Salisbury and Sabatino told the committee that the Mexican cartels are usually involved in illegal activity along the border. Salisbury said there is just too much money for them to stay away.

Salisbury said the cartels are simply recreating the template that has worked for them. They built their business model with marijuana and cocaine, then moved into methamphetamine production and human trafficking.

Border Patrol takes into custody six illegal immigrants who were being smuggled from the U.S.Mexico border, through Kinney County, Texas, on Aug. 28, 2022. One (R) was later discovered to be a wanted child sex offender. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

Theyre recreating their past, Salisbury said. They see dollar signs with fentanyl.

Grothman said he is particularly concerned about fentanyl. He told the committee he had seen reports of an average of 107,000 Americans dying annually from drug overdoses. This is almost twice as many Americans as died in the Vietnam war.

Grothman opened the meeting with a demonstration of a CBP drug-detection dog. He said he had seen such a dog find fentanyl hidden in a gas tank full of fuel during a tour of the border.

Sabatino, whose agency handles the United States ports of entry, said the dogs are a valuable tool for securing American ports. She said the CBP is training more dogs and handlers, and hopes to have all ports covered by the dogs before the end of this fiscal year. Sabatino also answered some questions about a CBP app to streamline the asylum process.

The CBP One app is meant to provide a number of services for immigrants over the phone. The point is to streamline the immigration process and reduce the number of Border Patrol agents tied up with administrative tasks.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) said she was told that facial recognition software in the app misidentified dark-skinned persons at a rate higher than others. She said the app appeared to be racially discriminatory.

A person passes her smartphone over a scanner as she uses the new mobile app for expedited passport and customer screening being unveiled for international travelers arriving at Miami International Airport in Miami, Fla., on March 4, 2015. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Im very concerned about the implementation of that, she said.

Ocasio-Cortez also asked Sabatino about those who did not have a cell phone or access to the internet.

Sabatino said her agency was aware of the issue and was working on it. She said the biometric software works as it was designed.

According to Sabatino, the problem was not the software but the networks capacity along the border.

She said the misidentifications were due to an overload in the system. She said that the match rate is greater than 90 percent when the software is used on an adequate network. Sabatino said they are working with Mexican officials to explore ways to improve the internet services along the border.

She added that the app is only one tool the agency has.

We do not conduct surveillance with the facial biometric technology, she said.

Sabatino said the CBP is working with Salisburys agency, the FBI, and officials from other countries to make the ports of entry as secure as possible.

A display of the fentanyl and meth that was seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Nogales Port of Entry during a press conference in Nogales, Ariz., on Jan. 31, 2019. (Mamta Popat/Arizona Daily Star via AP)

In the ports, CBP personnel are trained in what to look for when inspecting a vehicle or ship or talking with someone.

In addition to the drug-detection K9s, CBP uses what Sabatino called non-intrusive inspection technology to see inside possible hiding places.

She and Salisbury said the ultimate goal is to stop crimes where they start, in other countries, so they dont make it to the border.

This means interdiction of the ingredients for fentanyl before they can be combined in Mexico. It means gathering and sharing intelligence on the cartels and others who would break our laws and having the tools necessary to keep bad actors far away from the United States.

The ultimate goal is to push the transnational criminal organizations further away from the U.S. Border, Salisbury said.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- In February 2023, Tesla saw 40,479 Shanghai-made vehicles shipped to overseas markets, up 3.24% from January and 21.5% year on year, according to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA).

The company's export volume accounted for 54.4% of its monthly China wholesale volume in February. In the first two months of 2023, the US electric vehicle maker saw 79,687 vehicles exported outside of China from the Shanghai Gigafactory.

Photo credit: Tesla

According to rankings released by the CPCA, Tesla China was the sixth in line on the Top10 automakers list in terms of February 2023 wholesale volume of locally-made passenger vehicles, climbing up two spots from a month ago. Specifically, the wholesale volume of the Model Y and the Model 3 came in at 51,412 units and 22,990 units last month, ranking second and sixth among all China-made passenger vehicle models. Notably, among the Top 8 model list compiled by the CPCA, six were new energy passenger vehicle (NEPV) models. Aside from the two Tesla models, BYDs Song (52,400 units), Yuan (33,612 units), Qin (30,540 units), and Dolphin (22,861 units) all made it on the list.

In the second month of 2023, Chinas homemade NEPV retail sales summed up to 439,000 units, zooming up 61% year on year and 32.8% month on month.

In terms of the overall monthly retail volume of NEPVs in China, Tesla secured 7% of the Chinese market in February, down 1.1 percentage points from the previous month. In the past month, Chinas locally-owned brands accounted for 64% of the entire NEPV retail volume, growing 5 percentage points from the previous year.

The market share of Chinese new energy vehicle startups dropped 2 percentage points from a year earlier to 11% in February. Startups such as Li Auto and NIO maintained their robust performance in retail sales compared to the previous year and month. Among auto brands held by Chinese-foreign joint ventures, Volkswagens two Sino joint ventures sustained its leading position with 6,886 NEPVs wholesaled in the past month, which accounted for 37% of the mainstream pure-electric joint-venture vehicle market in China.

BYD Han; photo credit: BYD

In the second month of 2023, a total of 79,000 NEPVs were exported by Chinese automakers, up 6.76% month-on-month. Among the NEPVs shipped overseas, 96% were battery-electric vehicles. To illustrate, the top 10 exporters of NEPVs in China during February were Tesla China (40,497 units), SAIC Motor Passenger Vehicle (16,827 units), BYD (15,002 units), Geely Auto (892 units), Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen (796 units), Dongfeng eGT (757 units), smart Automobile (652 units), JAC Group (617 units), SAIC MAXUS (452 units), and Skyworth Auto (323 units).
British Defence Industry Taking Forensic Look to Minimise Chinese and Russian Infiltration, Minister Says

Alex Chalk, minister for defence procurement, makes a speech ahead of the first cut of steel for the Royal Navy frigate, HMS Active, at Rosyth Dockyard on the Firth of Forth at Rosyth, Fife, on Jan. 24, 2023. (Andrew Milligan/PA)

The UK government and defence suppliers are seriously examining the supply chain for Chinese or Russian infiltration such as Chinese surveillance equipment, Defence Procurement minister Alex Chalk said on Monday.

It comes after a recent Mail on Sunday investigation found that at least six army bases had surveillance cameras made by Chinas Hikvision or Dahua at their front doors.

Speaking at the ConservativeHome Defence and Security Conference, Chalk said the UK cant afford to aim for Gucci weapons and have a stop-and-start procurement process and have to move to always-on.

In terms of procurement, Chalk believes its preferable to have 80 percent capability today rather than 100 percent tomorrow because tomorrow never comes.

He also warned that the UK risks being overtaken by countries such as France because they procure with exports in mind.

Asked how concerned he is about Chinese infiltration in British technology universities, Chalk said ministers are concerned.

The Ministry of Defence and every single supplier are now applying a forensic look at the supply chain, all the bells and whistles that go into these highly complex weapons, to try to understand provenance and, in particular, the risk of Chinese or indeed Russian infiltration, Chalk said.

Also in terms of our infrastructure to satisfy ourselves that there isnt unsatisfactory Chinese involvement with surveillance and so on.  That is absolutely taking place, Im pleased to say, he said, adding that its being taken extremely seriously when he met with suppliers such as BAE Systems, Rolls Royce, or Babcock.

Hikvision surveillance cameras outside the Hikvision headquarters in Hangzhou, in east Chinas Zhejiang province, on May 22, 2019. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

Commenting on MP James Sunderlands view that the UK needs to build and sell the British defence manufacturing industry, Chalk said its critical to ensure things are built in a way that assures our pipeline.

That does mean sometimes, by the way, that you will have to do what some have refered to as friend shoring, in other words, build these things with friendly allies. But you do have to make sure that the capability which relies on an exquisite weapon, which with a whole lot of Chinese influence in the supply chain, thats not the path for the future, he said.

But Professor John Louth, strategic adviser at defence and energy consultancy Redstone Risk, said its almost impossible to check everything if coding lines are included.

A typical systems architecture in defence is about three-and-a-half, four billion lines. To assure that is almost impossible, he said. You can assure chunks of system, you can assure how systems talk to systems. But you cannot possibly assure each of those coding lines because youll kind of have to spend all the defense budget on doing it.

Defence Industry Becomes Sin Stock

Questioning the panel, Andrew Kinniburgh, director general at defence trade association Make UK Defence, said the UK is desperately clinging on as the second largest defence exporter by using a 10-year rolling average figure.

Kinniburgh said British small and medium tier defence suppliers are facing difficulties as the industry is being considered almost as a sin stock now  in the same way as perhaps the tobacco industry.

Weve got numerous examples of companies not being able to lease cars, not be able to get insurance. Weve had a company last week that has been told their bank account will be withdrawn by a challenger bank. The big high street banks are now saying [if] youve got more than 10 percent business in defense, theyre withdrawing services, overdrafts, loans. Its becoming a growing issue, Kinniburgh said.

Agreeing that UK defence is clinging on, Chalk said the industry being considered sin stock is a really difficult nut to crack but hes committed to advocating for defence manufacturing.

We have to take this moment to say to invest in munitions, to invest in defense stocks, is to invest in the defence of freedom to allow people to live their lives unthreatened, unmenaced by those who believe that might is always right and the international rules based order is some kind of quaint relic from a bygone era, he said.

We have to articulate that unashamedly and powerfully and Im certainly committed to doing so. But  it will take others to play that part. So that is an ongoing conversation that we should definitely have.
California Bill Would Prohibit Schools From Banning Curriculum Without State Approval

People rally at the California State Capitol to protest against sex education curriculum in public schools in Sacramento on Jan. 25, 2019. (Ilene Eng/The Epoch Times)

A California legislator recently introduced a bill that would create new requirements for diversity and inclusiveness in school textbooks and other materials.

Assembly Bill 1078, introduced Feb. 15 by Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Riverside), would prohibit local school boards from banning curriculum, textbooks and instructional material without state approval. It would also prohibit the states education board from approving classroom materials that do not reflect Californias diversity.

The bill is intended to revolutionize classrooms, according to a Feb. 21 press release from Jacksons office.

We must strive to create a more equitable and inclusive education system for all students, Jackson said in the release. This bill will ensure that students in California receive a comprehensive education that celebrates the diversity of our state and promotes a sense of belonging in the classroom.

Transgender childrens books in Irvine, Calif., on Aug. 30, 2022. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Under the proposed bill, the state education code would be amended to require schools to exclusively adopt classroom materials that include proportional and accurate representation of Californias diversity in the following categories: race, gender, socioeconomic status, religion, and sexuality, according to the bills text.

Additionally, the bill proposes to alter the language of the states education code in the following ways:

Change the requirement for textbooks to display the contributions of both men and women in all types of roles to the contributions of people of all gender expressions in all types of roles

Change the requirement for textbooks to display the role and contributions of  lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans to the role and contributions of  LGBTQ+ Americans

State law already includes requirements for instructional materials to accurately portray different cultural and racial groups in society, such as Native Americans, African Americans, Mexican Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, European Americans, and persons with disabilities.

If passed, the bill would also establish a review process for the selection and approval of books, ensuring that only those materials that meet the standards for diversity and inclusiveness are approved for use in the classroom, according to Jackson.

Those who oppose the bill argue it removes local control of education.

A man holds up a sign against critical race theory at a school board meeting in Temecula, Calif., on Dec. 13, 2022. (The Epoch Times)

Ken Williams, a trustee on the Orange County Board of Education, called the bill totalitarian-like, saying it was one of the most troubling bills hes seen in the 28 years hes spent involved in education.

[This bill would] remove the concept of local control as part of a series of [attempts] by progressives who want to control education at the state level, Williams told the Epoch Times. This has nothing to do with the true mission of education: to inculcate facts and critical thinking skills to students, and everything to do with indoctrination.

If passed, Williams said, the OC Board of Education would be one of the first to bring litigation against it.

Education is traditionally outside the realm of politics, he said. But now politicians want to control the education curriculum. This is what [governments] do in communist countries. Im incensed this is happening here.

The bill was referred March 2 to the Assemblys Committee on Education and will likely be heard in committee on March 18.
California Cancels $54 Million Deal With Walgreens Over Abortion Pill Policy

California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a news conference after meeting with students at James Denman Middle School in San Francisco, on Oct. 1, 2021. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday that California wont renew a $54 million contract with Walgreens after the pharmacy chain decided not to distribute abortion pills in 20 U.S. states, where they may face legal action.

Newsom signaled the move on Twitter earlier in the week, stating, Were done.

California will not stand by as corporations cave to extremists and cut off critical access to reproductive care and freedom, Newsom said in a statement on Wednesday. California is on track to be the fourth largest economy in the world and we will leverage our market power to defend the right to choose.

The decision impacts a $54 million contract and will force the California Department of General Services (DGS) to look for other options to provide specialty prescription drugs, mainly used by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and its correctional health care system.

Newsoms office confirmed that the decision was made after reviewing all state contracts with Walgreens over the past four days.

Today, at Governor Newsoms direction, DGS gave formal notice that it is withdrawing a planned renewal of that agreement set to take effect on May 1, 2023, and instead will explore other options for furnishing the same services, Newsoms office stated.

Mifepristone (Mifeprex), one of the two drugs used in a medication abortion, is displayed at the Womens Reproductive Clinic in Santa Teresa, N.M., on June 15, 2022. (Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images)

Walgreens Deeply Disappointed

In response, Walgreens said in a statement that it is deeply disappointed by Californias decision not to renew its longstanding contract due to false and misleading information.

Walgreens is facing the same circumstances as all retail pharmacies, and no other retail pharmacies have said that they would approach this situation differently, so its unclear where this contract would now be moved, a spokesperson told The Epoch Times.

The spokesperson reiterated what Walgreens said in a statement on Monday, that once the pharmacy chain is certified by the FDA, it plans to dispense Mifepristone in any jurisdiction where it is legally permissible to do so, including the state of California.

We will dispense this medication consistent with federal and state laws, the spokesperson added. Providing legally approved medications to patients is what pharmacies do, and is rooted in our commitment to the communities in which we operate.

Newsoms initial response on Monday came after Walgreens issued a statement that same day to clarify its stance.

Currently, Walgreens does not sell mifepristone anywhere as it is still seeking FDA certification.

Gray, the pharmacys chief legal officer, had previously said Walgreens hadnt made any representations about using its mail order pharmacy business to dispense mifepristone.

Walgreens is not currently dispensing Mifepristone in any of its locations, she wrote in a letter responding to 20 Republican state attorneys general, who wrote to Walgreens to remind the company of federal and state law (pdf).

A Walgreens store in Mill Valley, Calif., on Jan. 6, 2022. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Republicans Say Walgreens Risks Breaking Law

On Feb. 1, a letter was sent to Gray by Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey and 19 other state chief legal officers, after Walgreens and other pharmacies announced in January that they would apply for certification from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to dispense mifepristone in their physical stores and through mail services.

The letter outlined their views on the current legal situation surrounding abortions and reminded Walgreens that federal law expressly prohibits using the mail to send or receive any drug that will be used or applied for producing abortion (pdf).

The attorneys general that signed the letter to Walgreens were from Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia.

The FDA had recently introduced a regulatory change allowing retail pharmacies to distribute the drug to individuals with a prescription, as long as they were certified under specific safety regulations.

Prior to the regulatory change, only doctors and mail order pharmacies or clinics were allowed to provide the pill.

Gray responded that while Walgreens expressed its intent to become certified with the FDA, the company would do so consistent with all applicable laws and as a result would not be able to dispense Mifepristone in all locations (pdf).

Mifepristone works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is needed for a pregnancy to continue. When used together with another medicine called misoprostol, it ends a pregnancy up to 10 weeks after conception.

More than 50 percent of pregnancy terminations in the United States are by medical abortions, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a pro-abortion research group.

The use of medical abortions nationwide is being challenged in a lawsuit before U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk. That lawsuit, filed in November 2022, argues that the FDA did not properly approve mifepristone for terminating pregnancies.

This report has been updated with a statement from Walgreens.
California Governor Could Appoint State Superintendent Under New Proposal

Tony Thurmond, Californias Superintendent of Public Instruction, could be the states last elected superintendent if a recently proposed amendment to the states constitution is approved.

Assembly Constitutional Amendment (ACA) 9, proposed by Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) on Feb. 27, would amend the state constitution to give the governor the power to appoint the state superintendent.

Currently, the nonpartisan position is elected by voters and limited to two four-year terms.

California State Superintendent of Schools Tony Thurmond speaks during a news conference at Nystrom Elementary School in Richmond, Calif., on May 17, 2022 (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Under the proposal, the governor also is able to choose the length of time the state superintendent will serve, though his selection would require approval from the state Assembly, state Senate and the Senate Committee on Rules.

Its time to reconsider the structure of the California superintendent of public instruction and state governance of public education, McCarty said in a statement. ACA-9 is a good-government proposal that modernizes a relic of the past and better aligns California education leadership.

Thurmond was not immediately available for comment, but he told education news website EdSource last week that he opposes the change, saying it would take away voters rights to choose the state superintendent.

At the end of the day, this is something that voters should decide, he said. We shouldnt take steps backward. We should empower voters and get more resources to the schools, not weaken or minimize them.

Gloria Romero, a former state senator who ran unsuccessfully for state superintendent in 2008, said she also is opposed to the idea, saying it would take away the publics right to choose their representation.

The governor already can appoint a Secretary of Education, Romero told The Epoch Times. Why would we give him two appointments? [This bill is] just seeking to preserve education power.

Romero said during her campaign for the seat her goal was ultimately to see the position abolished.

Its not being used to help Californias schools, she said. But at least [the public] gets the chance every so often of getting somebody in [office]. So, the state should either just leave the position the way it is or abolish it altogether.

Thurmonds pay as superintendent was about $190,000 in 2021, according to the public pay database Transparent California. He was elected to the position in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.

The position, established in 1849, oversees the state Department of Education and manages the implementation of rules and regulations that the state Board of Education and Legislature enact.

However, the superintendent does not have the authority to set policy.

The amendment would need to pass both the state Assembly and the state Senate by a two-thirds majority vote, and then be brought before California voters as a ballot measure in the 2024 election.

If it fails, the next election for California superintendent will be held in 2026 as usual.

The bill is likely to be heard in the state Assemblys Fiscal Committee March 30.
Car Thefts Nationwide Top 1 Million in 2022 at Near 15-Year High: Report

New vehicles are parked in storage lots near the the Stellantis Detroit Assembly Complex in Detroit on Oct. 5, 2022. (Paul Sancya/AP Photo)

Car theft in the United States is hovering near a 15-year high, with every month last year seeing more than 75,000 vehicles stolen, according to a new report based on national crime data.

The report, published Wednesday by non-profit industry group National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), suggests that the number of auto thefts nationwide surpassed 1 million in 2022 for the first time since 2008, when 1.05 million vehicles were reported stolen.

Overall, some 1,001,967 cars were stolen across the country last year. That represents a 7 percent jump compared to 2021, according to the NICB analysis of data provided by the FBIs criminal records database, known as the National Crime Information Center.

Leading the nation in auto theft last year was California, where criminals stole 202,685 cars, followed by Texas (105,015) and Washington (46,939). However, the state that had the most dramatic surge in auto theft was Illinois, which saw a 35 percent increase from 2021, followed by Washington (31 percent) and New York (23 percent).

David Glawe, president and chief executive of the NICB, said one problem is that the current criminal justice system is yielding so little deterrence for car thieves.

We are seeing vehicle theft numbers that we havent seen in nearly 15 years, and there is very little deterrent to stop criminals from committing these acts as they are just property crimes, like shoplifting, Glawe said in a press release.

We must reinvest in local law enforcement, provide the necessary resources for prosecution and community policing programs, and implement early intervention programs given the high incidence of juvenile offenders involved in vehicle thefts.

The nationwide trend shown in the NICB report is reflected most prominently in major cities like New York and Chicago, where leaders have been struggling to navigate between addressing persistent crime problems and the defund the police activism.

In New York City, where Mayor Eric Adams tough approach on policing has met resistance from progressive activists, shooting and murder numbers have fallen, while other crimes are still trending upward since the pandemic. According to data from the New York Police Department, some 13,475 cars were stolen in the city in 2022a 32 percent increase compared to 2021 and higher than any year since 2006.

Similarly, in Chicago, there were 21,425 cars reported stolen in 2022, compared to just 8,962 stolen in 2019. The city has recently ousted Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who had vowed to never yield to the demands from defund the police activists.

In the meantime, the NICB recommends that car owners roll up their car windows, remove their key, and lock their doors when they exit their vehicle. The organization also suggests parking in well-lit areas and those watched by security when possible.

Park personal vehicles in a garage. If not possible, and vehicles must be parked in a driveway, consider installing motion sensor security lights, the NICB said. While lights may not provide complete security, it may make some thieves think twice, making them leave the area and your vehicle untouched.
CCP Sets Up New National Data Bureau to Consolidate Control Amid US-China Tech War

A police officer stands guard outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on March 10, 2022. (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Chinas communist regime will establish a national data bureau to police and manage data resources, according to a plan submitted by the regimes State Council to the rubber-stamp National Peoples Congress during the ongoing Chinese Communist Partys (CCPs) top Two Sessions meeting on March 7.

Observers believe that the CCPs surveillance of Chinas people is likely to intensify in the future, and that the move will serve to centralize resources for the regimes tech war with the United States.

According to an official notice issued by the CCP, the new data bureau will coordinate the integration, sharing, development, and utilization of data resources, and promote the planning and construction of the digital economy and digital society.

The new national bureau will be managed by the regimes National Development and Reform Commission, integrating the separate functions of the Cyberspace Administration of China and parts of the National Development and Reform Commission.

Members of the public visit a data analysis center during the 2017 China International Big Data Industry Expo at Guiyang International Eco-Conference Center in Guiyang, China, on May 27, 2017. (Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)

Currently, Chinas data resources are managed by several agencies separately, including the Cyberspace Administration of China, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the Development and Reform Commission. In the future, all data-related issues and resources will be managed by a single agencythe new national data bureau.

All Data Under a Single Agency

The Chinese regime says the new office will formulate strategic policies and orchestrate nationwide initiatives in economic development and social control, and better coordinate efforts in its competition with the West in cutting-edge technology, such as AI and semiconductorsthus reducing reliance on American technology.

The planned data bureau will have the power to rule on whether multinational companies can export data generated by their operations in China. It will also set rules for corporate data collection and sharing, such as restricting companies from collecting certain kinds of consumer data, or screening the data that Chinese companies plan to share with their foreign business partners for potential national security breaches.

Regarding the establishment of a Chinese data bureau that would centralize regulatory power and digital resources, Li Linyi, a New York-based current affairs commentator, told The Epoch Times that he is worried the CCPs surveillance of the Chinese people is likely to intensify in the future.

In the past, the CCPs monitoring of data was fragmented, and only local governments could control it, Li said. Now it is coordinated by the central agency, which is equivalent to the central governments control.

Li said that many of the CCPs actions are lawless, including how it processes and uses data that the public has been denied the right to know. Moreover, the CCP never abides by its own rules and laws, he said.

Sun Tianshu, a professor at the University of Southern California, has had in-depth exchanges and cooperation with Chinas top technology companies and Chinese government departments in the past. In a recent article, Sun revealed that Chinese technology giants Alibaba and Tencent have already directly handed over the data of usersi.e., private individualsin full to the CCP.

He said the CCP regards digitalization as a sharp-edged sword handed to the CCP by technological progress  Its ready to sharpen the knife and shove it into the people at any time.

Chinese netizens are also discussing the establishment of the data bureau on Twitter. One netizen commented that the new data agency is not a simplification of institutions, but a centralization of power.

Lin Yan contributed to this report.
China Before Communism: The 3 Words Forcing Corporate Australia to Consider Its Stance on Beijing

A three-word slogan deemed too political to be advertised in one of Australias largest shopping chains.

China Before Communism is the slogan of the New York-based classical Chinese dance company Shen Yun Performing Arts, which tours around the world, offering a glimpse into China before the communist takeover in 1949.

But it has proven too much for shopping centre giant Westfield, which has told marketers of the troupe that the phrase goes against its policy of being non-political.

I totally agree with [the Westfield owners] policy of not being political. The problem is how they interpret being political,' says Lucy Zhao, spokesperson for Falun Dafa Association of Australia, the local organiser for Shen Yun, in an interview with The Epoch Times.

China Before Communism is introducing what Shen Yun is about. Its just a fact, not even political, Zhao said.

Shen Yun adopted the China Before Communism slogan in 2022 and has used it in advertising campaigns worldwide.

Image of flyers promoting the 2023 edition of Shen Yun Performing Arts taken in Sydney, Australia, on March 9, 2023. (The Epoch Times)

The company was founded by dancers and musicians from China who were forced to flee their homeland due to the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) brutal persecution of the spiritual practice Falun Gong.

Shen Yun has since grown to become a global phenomenon with the mission of reviving the ancient traditions of classical Chinese dance and music while also drawing attention to the persecution, which many performers have experienced first-hand.

Shen Yun now performs in over 150 cities across Oceania, Europe, North America, and Asia to great acclaim.

Scentre Groups Complaint

Local organisers were notified of concerns around the slogan when they tried to hire a promotional stall within Sydney Westfields Burwood storelocated in a significant Chinese-speaking area.

Shen Yun is due to perform at the Sydney Lyric Theatre located within the Star Casino from April 27 to May 7.

To reiterate from our meeting, we have strict political guidelines that all clients must follow, a manager from the Scentre Group (Westfields owner) told organisers in an email seen by The Epoch Times.

A sign for Westfield Shopping Centre is seen in the suburb of Burwood in Sydney, Australia, on July 24, 2021. (Jenny Evans/Getty Images)

I understand this is not your purpose of the messaging. However, our business policy states that any political message includes any advertising or marketing communications about a political party, representative or candidate, union or lobby group, or issues of public interest, whether overtly controversial or not.

This guideline intends to ensure that our centres are perceived as a welcoming social hub within the community and are not used as a platform for, or seen to be aligned to, a specific group or political position.

Zhao says the manager was quite responsive to inquiries about the issue.

I told him [the manager] that we are very willing to meet and talk with the operations team or have an online meeting, and he said he could pass the message to them, she said.

The Epoch Times was informed that the ban applies across the Westfield portfolio, impacting Shen Yuns promotional efforts in Canberra and Adelaide as well.

Westfield is owned by the Scentre Group, which operates 37 Westfields in Australia and five in New Zealand. The founding Lowy family sold its last remaining stake in the business in 2019 to UBS.

But Scentre is not the only group with concerns over the slogan.

Sydney City Council, which presides over the Chinatown District, was also reluctant to allow the group to advertise China Before Communism on street light banners.

I dont want to blame anyone. Its natural that people want to make everyone happy and dont want to offend anyone, said William Wei, a colleague of Zhaos.

Scentre Group said it is negotiating with the local organisers.

We are in direct contact with the organisers of Shen Yun, with whom weve had a longstanding relationship, a spokesperson for the Group told The Epoch Times in an email on March. 10.

New South Wales (NSW) Fair Trading and the Australian Retailers Association have also been reached for comment.

Difficult to Find Clear Answers

The office for the New South Wales multicultural minister, Mark Coure, said inquiries should be sent to federal ministers because the ban applied across Westfields nationwide.

The Epoch Times was later told by the federal Home Affairs Department, which runs the Australian Multicultural Council, that the issue did not fall within the departments remit.

Meanwhile, Greens Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury for the Australian Capital Territory said the Scentre Group was best placed to comment on the matter.

There are a range of considerations that private companies may take into account when determining what advertising they allow on their platforms, and each company is best placed to speak to and explain their own policies, he said in a statement to The Epoch Times.

I am aware from our own campaigning activity, for example, that many companies do not allow political advertising in their facilities, a policy that is applied equally across all political parties.

Rattenbury has previously attended Shen Yun in 2022 in Canberra.

ACT Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury attends Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Canberra Theatre in Australia on April 1, 2022. (Frank Yu/NTD)

Meanwhile, Queensland Liberal Senator Gerard Rennick said he was torn on the issue.

I can understand why Westfield doesnt want to be political as they arent equipped to deal with political events, he told The Epoch Times via email. Its not unusual for shopping centres to ban any sort of political event, so its not necessarily a question of not standing up to the Chinese.

They should be consistent, however.

Former Tasmanian Senator Eric Abetz said that while property owners had the right to determine who rented or advertised on their spaces, he cautioned against certain viewpoints being preferred over others.

When Westfield tells the world it has a company culture based on belonging with values of boldness and ethics amongst others, one cannot help but reflect on the double standards and timidity displayed by the refusal to advertise a dance companys tour, he told The Epoch Times via email.

Having its cultural roots in bygone millennia, Shen Yuns determination to continue this world-class dance system in the face of cultural repression should be embraced and celebrated for its boldness, which just happens to be the first of Westfields six publicly stated values.

Political, Business Leaders Face Stark Choice on Beijing: ASIO Warns

The mixed responses highlight the ongoing confusion among Australian political and business leaders on how to confront threats from Chinas ruling communist party (CCP).

Mike Burgess, chief of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), said the domestic spy agency faced pressure to curb its investigations into foreign interference efforts in Australiawith Beijing being the major culprit.

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess preparing for his annual speech at ASIO headquarters in Canberra on March 17, 2021. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)

In a February address, Burgess said senior people in the country believed espionage and foreign interference should be tolerated or ignored or somehow safely managed.

Individuals in business, academia, and the bureaucracy have told me ASIO should ease up its operational responses to avoid upsetting foreign regimes, he said.

Of course, they are entitled to their views, but the reasons they offer for them are flimsy, such as: all countries spy on each other; we were going to make the information public anyway; its no different to lobbying or networking; the foreign government might make things difficult for us; and so on.

In my opinion, anyone saying these things should reflect on their commitment to Australias democracy, sovereignty, and valuesbecause espionage and foreign interference is deliberately calculated to undermine Australias democracy, sovereignty, and values.

China is Australias largest trading partner accounting for 32.2 percent of trade. Australia has also welcomed many Chinese immigrants, many of whom prefer studying or living in the country due to issues rooted in the oppressive rule under the communist partys totalitarian rule.

For example, Australias number of Chinese immigrants significantly increased after 1989 following the CCPs deadly Tiananmen Square Massacre, when the Chinese military opened fire on students who peacefully gathered in Beijing to rally for democratic change.

Since then, speech in support of liberal democratic values, like those held by Australia, has been outlawed and even considered seditious under the CCPs so-called National Security Lawthe Chinese law which is causing severe upheaval in Hong Kong today.

Pressure Continues to Silence Tradition

Former Defence Minister Kevin Andrews said he had experienced pressure from supporters of the [CCP], businesspeople with investments in or trade with China, and even agents of the regime not to talk about human rights issues in China.

While most Chinese immigrants to Australia came here to escape the authoritarian government and give their families a better future, the influence of the regimes United Work Department and other agents of influence cannot be ignored, he wrote in The Epoch Times.

Read More Exposing the Tip of the Chinese Foreign Interference Iceberg

Meanwhile, the latest pushback from Scentre Group could add to Shen Yuns challenges in trying to revive 5,000 years of civilisation.

Since 2006, CCP-linked individuals, organisations, and local consulates have spared no effort in attempting to silence and sabotage the performance.

Incidents include placing pressure on local political figures, pushing venues to tear up contracts, and mobilising local pro-CCP Chinese to interfere with the show.

To try to interfere with Shen Yuns growth, Chinese embassies and consulates have specifically held meetings with Chinese student associations in the United States and other countries. In these meetings, they give overseas Chinese students prepared disinformation documents about Falun Dafa and Shen Yun, the Shen Yun website states.

Despite employing these multiple tactics, the CCP has been unable to stop the performances. Shen Yun now tours the world, performing in over 150 cities every year; most shows are sold-out.

The Epoch Times is a media partner of Shen Yun and will continue exposing the CCPs interference with the performance.

This article has been updated to include the Scentre Groups response.


China Preparing for War With US: Expert

China to target 'American homeland' in event of war, expert warns

Chinese military delegates leave the closing session of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China at The Great Hall of the People in Beijing, on October 22, 2022. (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has reportedly set up defense mobilization offices across China in recent weekssignaling that the regime is preparing for war against the United States and its allies, according to China expert and author, Bradley Thayer.

[Chinese leader] Xi is attempting to prepare the Chinese people for that period of great sacrifice, which might be a sustained conventional war against the United States and its allies, or even a nuclear conflict with the United States and its allies, and the Chinese Communist Party, Thayer told China in Focus on NTD, the sister media outlet of the Epoch Times, pointing to the setting-up of military offices across China.

As the director of China policy at the Center for Security Policy and co-author of the book Understanding the China Threat, Thayer singled out the Chinese spy balloon that traversed the United States for a week before being shot down on Feb. 4.

The balloon, to my mind, was a signal: It was not just an intelligence collection operation, but it was a signal that the Chinese Communist Party is not going to leave the American homeland alone, he said.

If war comes, theyre going to target the United States, in the United Statesthe American people themselves.

Thayer took note of Xis recent speech in which he took aim at the United States for the first time, calling it an alarming development.

At a panel discussion on the sidelines of Chinas parliamentary session on March 6., Xi was quoted as saying that Western countries, led by the United States, have implemented all-round containment and suppression of China, which has brought unprecedented severe challenges to the countrys development.

Thayer said the speech was a significant development because the Chinese leader had refrained from mentioning the United States directly in this contextuntil now.

Its a cause of great concern: Were entering into a dangerous period, a particularly dangerous period in the Sino-American relationship, Thayer said.

So in identifying the United States in name, hes drawing lines in the sand between his vision for the world, his vision of interests, and how the United States opposes that. So its just another symptom of how this Cold War is becoming colder, its becoming more intense.

Defense Mobilization

PLA Daily, the official newspaper of Chinas Peoples Liberation Army, published a commentary recently by Chen Lixin, the director of the mobilization bureau of Shanghai Command. Chen stressed the urgency of Chinas build-up of a defense mobilization system that solely exists for war and prepares for war under the leadership of the CCP.

The article was published on Jan. 31, the same day on which Luohe city in central Chinas Henan Province held a plaque unveiling ceremony for the local defense mobilization office. Such military offices have been opening throughout China since the end of December.

Deter Chinese Invasion of Taiwan

According to Thayer, Xi Jinping has made clear his intention to conquer Taiwan.

Thats one of the ambitions, thats one of the aims of the Chinese Communist Party, and Xi Jinping certainly seems to realize this in a very near term, the next year, the next year and a half, the next two years, he noted.

In Thayers opinion, Taiwan is important both economically and strategically and, thus, he stressed that the United States needs to deter any move against the island by the CCP.

To underscore the importance of Taiwan: Taiwan is significant for the West and the rest of the global economy. Certainly economically, because its a chip producer, and a very important source of wealth, he said.

Secondly, strategically, Taiwan occupies critical geostrategic space: If you will, bottling up the Chinese navy, and serving as a point of attention with China, he added.

Thayer said he believes that Taiwans existence is a very important symbol of what China could have been and what it someday might be.

To deter Chinas invasion of Taiwan, Thayer urged that the United States beef up its military presence on the island.

What we should be doing is ensuring that the army, the marine corps, the air force, and the navy have a very strong and robust presence on Taiwan, he said.

The United States should encourage India, Australia, and Japan, as well as European partners, to deploy forces on Taiwan as well, he said, so that theres a very strong conventional deterrent from the U.S. and its allies.

Those are very tangible steps that we need to take, because Xi Jinping  is determined to aggress, hes determined to impose his will on the rest of the world. And so we cannot take half measures when were dealing with that type of leader, Thayer said.

Jessica Mao and Lynn Xu contributed to this report.
China Took Down Its Spy Balloon After It Flew Over Latin America: US General

U.S. Air Force Gen. Glen VanHerck, commander of the U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), attends a hearing held by the House Armed Services Committee in Washington on March 1, 2022. The committee heard testimony on fiscal year 2023 strategic forces posture. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

China brought down its balloon after it crossed Latin America around the time another one was flying through the United States, the commanders of U.S. Northern and Southern Command told lawmakers on March 8.

What I understand is the PRC actually terminated that balloon in the Atlantic Ocean off the east coast of South America, Gen. Glen VanHerck, who heads the U.S. Northern Command, told the House Armed Services Committee in a hearing, using the acronym for the Peoples Republic of China. U.S. Southern Commands head Gen. Laura Richardson confirmed that to be true.

Neither revealed the timing and location of the takedown and the whereabouts of balloon remnants.

The balloon was sighted over Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Colombia, and Venezuela. Beijing had claimed both that balloon and the one the United States shot down off the South Carolina coast on Feb. 4 were non-military assets that deviated from their original course.

(L-R) Gen. Glen VanHerck, Commander of U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command, and Gen. Laura Richardson, Commander of U.S. Southern Command, testify during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, on March 24, 2022. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

U.S. officials have described the balloons as spying tools aiding the Chinese regimes global surveillance program, which they said has spanned across five continents.

The remarks were the first time officials reveal what happened to the balloon over Latin America.

In the wake of the Chinese balloon intrusion of U.S. airspace, both chambers of Congress have passed resolutions condemning the act as a brazen violation of United States sovereignty.

VanHerck said in his opening statement that the balloon incursion demonstrated the limitations of our domain awareness and the impediments we face in getting information into the hands of decision-makers quickly.

A balloon is held at a press conference and rally in front of the America ChangLe Association highlighting Beijings transnational repression, in New York City on Feb. 25, 2023. A now-closed overseas Chinese police station is located inside the association building. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

The PRC high altitude balloon was obviously a significant event that shined a light on the PRCs brazen intelligence collection against the United States and Canada, he said. It was the first time in NORTHCOMs history we conducted an engagement over the United States and it made clear that our competitors have the capability and intent to reach our homeland.

To close that gap, VanHerck said, the United States needs to modernize its radar system deployed during the Cold War era to allow detection of threats coming into U.S. airspace and cyberspace.

Absolutely, theres a vulnerability there, he said. The first thing I would say is: field as soon as possible the over-the-horizon capabilities the department has already funded in last years budget. So we need to go faster.
Colorado Seeking Annual Mental Health Check for Children in School

Proponents say law would help identify mental health problems early, opponents say it undermines parental rights

A school bus in a file photo. A bill introduced in Colorado would pave the way for schools to conduct annual mental health check for students. (SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

A new bill passing through the Colorado legislature would create an annual mental health assessment program for sixth through twelfth-graders. Proponents hope it will help identify and address student mental health concerns early.

By promoting early intervention among youth in schools who need behavioral health services and supports, our state can continue to make progress in achieving better behavioral health outcomes for young people, Wivine Ngongo, president of the Colorado Public Health Association, testified at a recent hearing on the bill.

The bill allows parents to opt their child out of the assessments; however, children aged 12 and older can override their parents and opt back in, without the parents knowledge. Critics say it contravenes existing Colorado law and undermines parental rights.

Nurses at schools arent allowed to give children ibuprofen for headaches, yet we should allow mental health assessments to take place on school grounds, and even without parental consent? testified Samantha Wild, vice-chair of Moms for Liberty El Paso County.

The bill, House Bill 23-1003, was introduced to Colorados General Assembly on Jan. 9 by state Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Sen. Lisa Cutter, both democrats. It has passed through one committee and is now under consideration by the Appropriations Committee.

Addressing Mental Health

Nearly 40 percent of Colorado high school students said they felt sad or hopeless, and 7 percent of youth have attempted suicide, according to a Healthy Kids Colorado report released in Sep. 2022 by Colorado Behavior Health Administration (BHA).

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a surge in behavioral health concerns nationwide resulting from social isolation, essential worker burnout, mass loss of life, disruption to standard mental health services, loss of traditional support services and systems such as those available through schools, restricted access to in-person assistance, and more, the report stated.

Edgar James, front center, battles with tears as he hugs his daughter, Mia, front right, and his wife, Olga Aguirre, front left, as they are reunited outside Hinkley High School in Aurora, Colo., on Nov. 19, 2021. (Philip B. Poston/Sentinel Colorado via AP)

Colorado had the 7th highest suicide-associated death rate in the nation in 2020, the report said.

The BHA recognizes that access and availability to mental health providers is a barrier to young people getting the care they need, BHA stated in an email to The Epoch Times.

It added that through a 2021 bill, Colorado had invested $9 million of federal stimulus funding for programs and training to help address the rising mental health crisis in Colorado.

In the same year, other bills established a mental health rapid response program for youth called IMATTER, a program managed by BHA that allows Colorado youth up to six free therapy sessions with a participating licensed therapist.

But, the ability to identify youth who are struggling with a possible mental health crisis remained a concern, which is addressed by HB23-1003, some lawmakers say.

School Mental Health Assessment

If passed, HB 23-1003 will allow schools to decide if they want grades six through 12 to participate in the yearly mental health screening, defined as a brief, structured, questionnaire completed by a participating student.

The questionnaire would be administered by a screener, a term the bill defines as the entity selected by the department pursuant to this part to conduct the mental health assessment, referring to the Department of Public Health and Environment.

Upon review, if the screener thinks the student may be suffering from a mental or emotional health concern  the screener shall notify the students parent within forty-eight hours  and provide the students parents with information on resources and services provided through IMATTER.

But, a provision in the bill allows for a student to be referred to IMATTER directly, without the parents knowledge or consent, if the parent has already opted their child out of the screening, but the child opted back in.

Support For and Against

Ngongo, who provided testimony in support of the bill in front of the House Committee on Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services on Feb. 7, said , HB23-1003 has the potential to increase the proportion of children with mental health challenges who get access to treatment.

She added that it aligns with federal public health priorities through Healthy People 2030.

Wild, who testified against the bill, said, Passing this bill takes away parental rights. Parental rights are fundamental rights and are not limited to education, medical care, and moral upbringing.

Children aged 12-18 do not have fully developed brains to consent to what is going on with their own medical care, and mental health assessments is a form of medical care. Education and Medical Care should never mix.

Angela Kimball, the senior vice president of advocacy and public policy for Inseparable.Us, said half of all mental health conditions begin by age 14, and 75 percent begin by age 24.

Like many other health conditions, when signs and symptoms are identified early and addressed appropriately, its possible to get young lives back on track, Kimball said.

An assessment is not a diagnosis but an opportunity to spot students who may be at risk.

An LGBTQ+ advocacy network, Envision: You, added its support for the bill. LGBTQ+ youth in Colorado are at greater risk of mental health concerns than their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts and often experience disparities in accessing mental services as well, the group stated.

House Bill 23-1003 would allow initial access to mental health assessment services for LGBTQ+ youth that they may not otherwise receive.

Colorado educator and parent, Diana Bara, hit back against the bill, It not only undermines the relationship between parents and teachers, it also violates a parents right to be consulted about the welfare of a minor child, per Colorado law. This bill puts that right into the hands of strangers and the government who do not know what is best for our children.

Bara said HB23-1003 contravenes existing Colorado laws, 2-4-401(6)) and (19-4- 103, and the government or school administrators dont have the right to obstruct parental obligation.

The first defines a minor as a person who has not attained the age of 21. It states that parents are liable for their childs action until they reach the age of majority. This includes decisions about his or her body and mental health, she said.

The second law defines a parent and child relationship as a legal relationship existing between a child and his/her natural or adoptive parents. Within this relationship, there are rights, privileges, duties, and obligations specified by law. Parents have the legal right to be consulted about their childs mental health.

Carolyn Martin, director of government relations for Christian Home Educators of Colorado told The Epoch Times that she opposes HB23-1003 because, The fundamental right of parents to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their children is the cornerstone of home education freedom.

Every time this fundamental right is infringed, it threatens a parents right to educate their children outside the government school system. HB23-1003 builds upon the state of Colorados intrusion into the family by giving children the ability to circumvent a decision made by their parents who know them best.

The House Committee on Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services passed the motion on Feb. 7, in a 74 vote.

Representatives Amabile, English, Gonzales-Gutierez, Jodeh, Story, Young, and Michelson Jenetall Democratsvoted for the bill, while Republican Representatives Bradfield, Bradley, and Holtof, were joined by Democratic Rep. Hamrick in opposition.

The bill has moved to the Appropriations Committee.
Friends of Flagstaffs Future (F3) is concerned about the financial impacts to the Flagstaff community for the proposed Northern Arizona Hospital (NAH) relocation. In 2021, NAH announced their desire to build a new regional hospital and adjacent health & wellness village just north of Fort Tuthill.

NAH is nearing completion of the required City applications for Phase 1 of the project which includes rezoning of 98 acres to allow for the building of a new ambulatory center and a 751,000 square foot hospital that includes a tower up to 160 feet in height. Phase 2 of the project will come later and is composed of rezoning for the adjacent health and wellness village and for 270-315 dwelling units, as well as commercial and industrial/research uses.

As a part of the Citys process, NAH is required to complete a specific plan, and a Development Agreement that will outline NAHs financial commitments to the City to pay their fair share of the related infrastructure costs associated with building the hospital in this location.

Its our view that, in order to qualify for rezoning approval by City Council, NAH must make significant written financial commitments to the City in their Development Agreement to pay a fair share of costs related to the placement and operation of the proposed hospital in this location (Phase 1) and wellness village, etc. (Phase 2). Financial commitments from NAH must be in alignment with the Citys requests and needs, and should not unduly impact City finances or be a burden to the tax-paying public.

Infrastructure costs for a new hospital in this location include the $45M dollar road widening of Beulah Avenue south of University Heights Drive to the JW Powell bridge (the City & NAH are hoping to receive a Federal grant to cover all of this cost), and a very significant expansion of City fire services required to adequately fight a fire in the (up to) 160-foot tall hospital tower (note: the tallest building in Flagstaff currently is about 85 feet).

The fire chief recently told City Council that necessary fire service coverage requires the purchase of a taller ladder truck and a new fire station to house this ladder truck for $9.5M, an additional $2.4M in related operations and maintenance, as well as an unreported dollar amount for 12 or more additional EMS and other personnel needed on a daily basis.

The proposed new hospital is located within an Urban Activity Center, and, according to Flagstaffs Regional Plan, the provision of public transit is required. F3 was therefore surprised to learn in December that NAH has chosen not to provide funding for a reasonable portion of the $1.2 million annual costs for a new public transit route.

The City must provide equitable access to healthcare, including for those without a vehicle. In addition, Flagstaffs commitment to reach carbon neutrality in seven years time requires the increased use of public transit and multi-modal transportation to reduce vehicle miles traveled and carbon emissions. Public transit to the proposed new hospital must be provided.

Beyond commitment to infrastructure costs, F3 wants to see NAH commit to design, build, and operate the hospital and ambulatory center in a manner that aligns as closely as possible with Flagstaffs Carbon Neutrality Plan. And, F3 wants a written commitment to fund and produce a community-driven plan for the re-purposing and redevelopment of the existing hospital campus that ensures benefits to the Flagstaff community.

The proposed hospital move and associated development on NAH-owned land would be the first of what will be significant development in this area (and is in alignment with our Regional Plan). The City of Flagstaff has no mechanism in place to spread the costs of growth to other developers who will build in the adjacent areas in the future. We understand that this is a significant limitation and a systemic issue with the Citys current means of managing growth. Nevertheless, we dont believe it should fall to taxpayers to pay for the public infrastructure costs.

The decision by NAH to not fund a reasonable portion of the public transit costs increases F3s concerns that NAH may not commit to paying a reasonable and significant portion of the other necessary costs of this project. We dont want to see Flagstaff citizens burdened with more than $57M in public infrastructure costs as a result of the hospital move.

The Flagstaff Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, March 22, at 4 p.m. at City Hall Chambers (211 W. Aspen Ave.) and Wednesday, April 12, at 4 p.m. at the City of Flagstaff Aquaplex Community Meeting Room (1702 N 4th St.).

The public hearings are to consider the adoption of a Specific Plan for the development of 172.62 acres, and a proposed amendment to rezone 63.18 acres from Rural Residential (RR) and Estate Residential (ER) to Highway Commercial (HC) and 35.21 acres from RR and ER to Public Facilities (PF). The Specific Plan and Rezoning will allow for the development of a new regional hospital and ambulatory care facility and support a larger Health Village and a broad mix of commercial, retail, research and housing opportunities in a future rezoning.
More and more people are becoming gig workers due to the massive layoffs in recent days. It can be an excellent way to get some short-term incomeand some people find that they can make more money through gigs than with a full-time job. Of course, you can expect to pay some taxes anytime income is generated.

Going from employee to freelancer places people unfamiliar with their new tax category in a position to make some common tax mistakes. In some cases, the new gig workers may be paying more than $3,000 in unnecessary taxes.

The Internal Revenue Service issued a warning to gig economy workers that they must report their income if they have earned more than $600. They have set up a website, the Gig Economy Tax Center, to explain who falls into the gig economy classification and how to report your income and deductions.

Here are some of those tax mistakes and how to keep more money in your pocket.

Not Understanding Your New Position

Employees are limited in their ability to get tax deductions, but once you become self-employed, you are under a new set of rules. Knowing them can enable you to keep more of your hard-earned money.

Gig workers and freelancers come under the tax category of self-employed, which means they are a business owner. It enables you to deduct many business expenses, but you must keep accurate records. You also must keep good records of your income and where its source.

Your business income and expenses must be reported on a Schedule C tax form when you fill out your 1040 taxes. The IRS is paying close attention to the details on the tax forms of gig workers to ensure you honestly report your income and that your deductions are real and legitimate (not excessive).

You can deduct almost every reasonable business expense from your taxes. Some of those possible tax deductions include:

Startup costs

Office equipment (computers, printers, peripherals, etc.)

Specialized equipment needed for your business

Rent for business space and utilities

Home office

Advertising

Electronics

Office supplies

Supplies for your business

Vehicles

Travel mileage

Some meals

College classes related to your business

Miscellaneous

Each possible tax deduction listed above may have some special rules that apply. Be sure to know what they are before claiming them.

Claiming a Home Office

People who have a legitimate right to claim a home office can deduct a considerable amount of money for it$1,500 maximum (simplified option) just for the space. You can also itemize and deduct the proportion of your homes space used for your office for the cost of utilities, mortgage, or rent payments, insurance, repairs, and more.

The IRS looks carefully at anyone claiming this tax deduction. It could easily lead to a tax audit if you do not know the rules.

Before thinking about claiming this deduction, you must use the space exclusively for your business. It must also be your primary office, but it can be in an outbuilding on your property.

Items used for business and personal purposes, such as a computer or cell phone, must be pro-rated on your taxes. You will need to estimate the percentage of use for each item. You can only subtract the business portion of the initial cost and any monthly charges. Some items, such as computers, have a depreciation period, thereby allowing you to subtract a portion of the cost over two or more years.

Not Keeping Thorough Records

When you work for a company as a gig worker, you will get a 1099 NEC (non-employee compensation) once the tax year is over. A copy of this document is sent to the IRS, so you must be sure to report all income.

If you receive cash payments, you need to keep accurate records. You can do this in several ways. These records can be kept digitally, but you should also keep printed copies because computers can crash.

Your records can be on a spreadsheet, on bookkeeping software, etc. WealthFit gives some good suggestions: when you get paid in cash, always deposit the total amount and get a bank receipt for it. You can also give a receipt to the client and have them sign it, or give the client a contract stating the amount to be paid, and have them sign it.

Having proof of income as a gig worker can also benefit you in other ways. When you need to apply for a loan or find a place to live, having financial income records will help you get a better deal.

You will also need to have proof of your deductions. The IRS accepts proof from receipts, bills, and credit card statements. Organize them for easy access and enter them into your records to make it easier to prepare your tax forms.

Not Putting Any Money Into a Retirement Account

Just because you are not working for an employer does not mean you cannot save money for retirement. Money put into a retirement account is often tax deductible. NerdWallet says there are five choices for the self-employed: a SEP IRA, a solo 401(k), a traditional or Roth IRA, a SIMPLE IRA, and a defined benefit plan.

Some of these accounts have higher contribution limits than others and earn interest tax-free until you withdraw it after you retire. It can give you even more deductions and help you prepare for the future. Not all of the contributions to the above accounts are pretax or have minimum required distributions (Roth IRA), but if they are not, you will not pay interest when withdrawing the money in retirement.

Not Setting Money Aside for Taxes

Remember that after the end of the year, you will need to pay taxes on your income, state and federal. As a business owner, depending on how much income you generate, you may need to make estimated quarterly payments to the IRS. MotleyFool mentions that if you end up owing a considerable amount, you could have to pay an underpayment penalty.

If you have questions about how to claim income or any deductions you are unsure of, you can find answers on the IRS website or go to a tax professional. They can also help you find and claim all the tax deductions you are entitled to as a gig worker.

The Epoch Times Copyright  2022 The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors. They are meant for general informational purposes only and should not be construed or interpreted as a recommendation or solicitation. The Epoch Times does not provide investment, tax, legal, financial planning, estate planning, or any other personal finance advice. The Epoch Times holds no liability for the accuracy or timeliness of the information provided.
Congress Data Breach Will Have Adverse Impact on Thousands, Say House Leaders

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) talks to reporters during his weekly news conference in the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center in Washington on Feb. 9, 2023. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said Congressional leaders believe the recent data breach at DC Health Link could have an adverse impact on thousands of people and is highly problematic.

Jeffries said in a March 9 press conference that he and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) would continue to work on this issue in a bipartisan way, get to the bottom of what happened, [and] figure out the implications of what has occurred.

It doesnt just impact members of Congress and senators, it will have an adverse impact on hundreds, if not thousands of staff members, their families, and/or the people of the District of Columbia, and that is highly problematic, Jeffries said of the breach that was announced on March 8.

The lawmaker went on to say that the House leaders are going to need some real reassurance as to guardrails that are put in place to prevent this type of data breach from ever happening again.

A spokesperson for Capitol Police told The Epoch Times that their agents are assisting the FBI with the ongoing investigation.

When asked for more details about those impacted and where someone concerned about their information could check to see if their data has been accessed, Capitol Police said, There is more work to do before law enforcement can provide more information.

The House Chief Administrative Officer [CAO] will be providing helpful information to those who may be impacted.

The House of Representatives CAO Catherine Szoindor stated in a letter circulated on March 8 that the U.S. Capitol Police and DC Health Link had informed her office of a significant data breach, as The Epoch Times previously reported.

Szoindor said she expected to compile a list of those affected soon and notify the individuals whose information was stolen directly. Additionally, DC Health Link would likely contact the enrollees.

It is important to note that at this time, it does not appear that [DC Health Link] members or the House of Representatives were the specific target of the attack, Szoindor said.

Speaker McCarthy and Democratic Leader Jeffries have formally requested additional information from DC Health Link on what data was taken, who was impacted, and what steps they are takingincluding providing credit monitoring protectionsto protect House victims of this breach.

In response to a request for more details, a CAO spokesperson told The Epoch Times, We are deeply concerned about DC Health Links data breach and the impact on our members and staff.

We will continue to communicate any updates we receive from law enforcement to impacted members and staff.

The letter ended with the officer assuring recipients they would be updated when more information is available.
Congress Grapples with AI Revolution, ChatGPT

Bias a persistent concern for many as 'AI safety' talk prompts worries of 'global authoritarian crackdown'

Participant hold their laptops in front of an illuminated wall at the annual Chaos Computer Club (CCC) computer hackers' congress, called 29C3, on December 28, 2012 in Hamburg, Germany. (Patrick Lux/Getty Images)

Senators and representatives held separate hearings March 8 on the perils and promise of artificial intelligence (AI), signaling lawmakers growing regulatory appetite in the wake of actions on the technology from the Biden administration.

AI is no longer a matter of science fiction nor is it a technology confined to research labs. AI is a technology that is already being deployed and broadly adopted as we speak, said Aleksander Madry, a computing professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), in written testimony for the House hearing, held by the House Oversights Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation.

Earlier that same day, the Senate Homeland Security & Government Affairs Committee held its own hearing. One of the Senates witnesses, Brown University Professor Suresh Venkatasubramanian, contributed to the Biden administrations new AI Bill of Rights, released to little fanfare in Oct. 2022.

Venkatasubramanian also praised Bidens Feb. 2023 executive order on racial equity. It explicitly instructs federal agencies to [advance] equity when using AI systems.

President Joe Biden prepares to sign executive orders related to his racial equity agenda in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington on Jan. 26, 2021. (Doug Mills-Pool/Getty Images)

Before the Biden administration acted on AI, the Trump administration, in 2019, launched the American Artificial Intelligence Initiative.

Through his fiscal year 2021 budget proposal, Trump also sought to double federal research & development spending on nondefense AI.

House Talks AI

Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, laid out three AI-related expectations from platforms he believes everyone would find acceptable in his testimony before the House.

First, platforms must, at minimum, be able to establish the origin of the content published on their platform. Second, we need to know who specifically is on the platform representing each user or organization profile. Third, the site needs to publish and be held accountable to its published algorithms for promoting and choosing content, he said in written testimony.

Google chief executive Eric Schmidt speaks to the press at the newly restored National Museum in Baghdad on Nov. 24, 2009. (Sabah Arar/AFP/Getty Images)

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), who chairs the Houses cybersecurity subcommittee, illustrated the power of new AI innovations in a very direct way.

She delivered an opening statement that she revealed was written by OpenAIs ChatGPT platform. ChatGPT is an example of the burgeoning generative AI technologies that can convincingly mimic human writing, visual art, and other forms of expression.

We need to establish guidelines for AI development and use. We need to establish a clear legal framework to hold companies accountable for the consequences of their AI systems, said Mace-as-ChatGPT.

Her AI-written statement also warned that AI could be used to automate jobs, invade privacy, and perpetuate inequality.

The subcommittees ranking member, Rep. Gerry Connolly (R-Va.), noted that the federal government laid much of the groundwork for the Information Age half a century ago, suggesting there may be a precedent for more intensive federal involvement today.

The predecessor to the Internet, the U.S. Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET), was the work of the U.S. Department of Defense, thanks in large part to pioneering computer scientist J.C.R. Licklider.

Speaking before the Senate, Jason Matheny of the Rand Corporation spoke of the key national security challenges presented by AI.

Those include the potential applications of AI to design pathogens that are much more destructive than those found in nature, according to his written testimony.

Bias a Concern

At the state level, AI-related legislation has emerged across the country over the past half-decade.

In 2019, Illinois broke new ground with the Artificial Intelligence Video Interview Act. The law makes employers who use AI to analyze video interviews of job applicants disclose that fact prior to the interview.

Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, Ill., on June 26, 2021. (Cara Ding/The Epoch Times)

A 2022 amendment requires employers to gather data on the race and ethnicity of such interviewees so as to identify any racial bias in subsequent hiring.

Similar concerns were voiced by the Democrats witness at the House cybersecurity hearing, University of Michigan intermittent lecturer and AI ethicist Merve Hickok.

Hickoks prescriptions? Among other things, additional hearings and a possible Algorithmic Safety Bureau.

You need to hear from those who are falsely identified by facial recognition [and those] wrongly denied credit and jobs because of bias built in algorithmic systems, she said in written testimony.

ChatGPTs Politics

Meanwhile, others worry about the leftward skew of ChatGPT.

EpochTVs Jeff Carlson has written about the programs apparent political bias on everything from Biden and Trump to the events of Jan. 6, 2021.

Epoch Times contributor Jeff Carlson. (The Epoch Times)

In the latter case, writes Carlson, ChatGPT made a false claim about Officer Brian Sicknick, saying he had been killed by protesters. It corrected that claim when prompted.

ChatGPT appeared to know that its first response was purposefully misleadingbut only after it had been caught in the lie. This was a pattern that would be repeated in subsequent conversations with ChatGPT, Carlson wrote.

Venture capitalist Marc Andreessen has warned about the ideological dimension of current debates over AI and its hazards.

Its not an accident that the standard prescriptions for putative AI risk are draconian repression of human freedom and free money for everyone,' Andreessen wrote on Twitter.

The outcome of the AI safety argument has to be global authoritarian crackdown on a level that would make Stalin blush. Its the only way to be sure, he added.
COVID Charges Against Ontario Pastor and His Family Dropped

Charges against an Ontario pastor and his family for joining a rally in 2021, when the provinces COVID-19 gathering limits were in place, have been dropped, according to the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF).

In a March 9 news release, the Justice Centre said charges against Henry Hildebrandt, his son Herbert Hildebrandt, and his wife Martha Hildebrandt were all withdrawn by Crown prosecutors in Brantford on Feb. 7.

The charges were related to a No More Lockdowns rally held in Brantford on April 3, 2021, in which the three participated. People gathered to protest COVID-19 mandates implemented by the Ontario government that enforced stay-at-home orders and limits on outside gatherings and worship.

According to the release, Henry Hildebrandt was a speaker at the rally while his family attended as spectators. The pastor spoke to approximately 1,000 people about their guaranteed charter rights to worship and assemble. At the time, the province restricted outdoor gatherings to no more than five people.

The Justice Centre, which represented the Hildebrandts, said the protest was peaceful. Police presence at the rally had been minimal as they were operating unnoticed in the background. It added that the pastor had no interactions with any of the officers during the protest.

The JCCF said after leaving the rally, Hildebrandt and his family stopped at a Tim Hortons for refreshments before heading to their home in Aylmer, a small town in southern Ontario. About 15 minutes later, as their vehicle was about to enter the highway, Hildebrandts son noticed a long line of police vehicles behind them.

The police flashed their lights and had the family pulled over to the side of the road, according to the release. The pastor, his son, and his wife were each issued an $880 Provincial Offence Notice ticket for attending a gathering exceeding the five persons limit.

Political in Nature

Hildebrandt argued that the COVID-19 mandates in place at the time were political in nature and not based on science.

At a time when government leaders were decreeing that thousands of people could attend a BLM [Black Lives Matter] rally in London, Ontario, over and over again, church congregations were getting tickets for gathering to worship. Thats when it became clear that we were dealing with a political rather than a health issue, he said in the release.

The pastor took to Twitter on Feb. 17 after learning that the charges were dropped.

Thank God, all charges are being withdrawn after we declined a plea deal. Im grateful to the @JCCFCanada for their continued legal representation, he said.

Hildebrandts lawyer Chris Fleury said he felt encouraged that some Crown attorneys are starting to prioritize the prosecution of serious criminal and quasi-criminal offences.

Prosecuting individuals such as Pastor Hildebrandt, whose wrongdoing was attending a public rally and giving a speech critical of government policy, has always been a waste of the Courts time, he said in the release.

Fleury added that Hildebrandt still faces prosecution in other jurisdictions, including in Elgin County where his Church of God is located.

We will continue to fight these charges aggressively, he said.

Hildebrandt and his familys legal defence was funded solely by the Justice Centre.
Data Breach at DC Health Link Exposed Personal Information of House Members and Staff

The chair of the Speaker of the House sits empty at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 5, 2023. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

The House of Representativess Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) sent a letter saying there was a data breach impacting members of the House and their staff.

CAO Catherine Szoindor stated in a letter that the U.S. Capitol Police and DC Health Link had informed her office of a significant data breach that occurred on or before March 8.

The breach reportedly exposed the personal identifiable information (PII) of thousands of DC Health Link enrollees.

As a member or employee eligible for health insurance through the DC Health Link, your data may have been comprised [sic], Szoindor said in her letter to House members and staff.

Currently, I do not know the size and scope of the breach but have been informed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that account information and PII of hundreds of member and House staff were stolen.

Szoindor said she expected to compile a list of those affected soon and notify the individuals whose information was stolen directly. Additionally, DC Health Link would likely contact the enrollees.

It is important to note that at this time, it does not appear that Members or the House of Representatives were the specific target of the attack, Szoindor said. Speaker McCarthy and Democratic Leader Jeffries have formally requested additional information from DC Health Link on what data was taken, who was impacted, and what steps they are takingincluding providing credit monitoring protectionsto protect House victims of this breach.

Szoindor advised House members and staff to freeze their and their familys credit at the three major credit bureaus out of an abundance of caution.

Upon request for more details, a CAO spokesperson told The Epoch Times, We are deeply concerned about DC Health Links data breach and the impact on our Members and staff. We will continue to communicate any updates we receive from law enforcement to impacted Members and staff.

The letter ended with the officer assuring recipients that they will be updated when more information is available.

Reports broke within days of one another that the FBI, the Pentagon and the United States Marshals service suffered data leaks, as The Epoch Times previously reported.

The FBI told The Epoch Times in a Feb. 19 report that it is aware of the incident and is working to gain additional information. They went on to assert that it was an isolated incident that has been contained and that there was an ongoing investigation into the matter.

On Feb. 22, it was reported that the Department of Defense email server reportedly leaked internal military communications inadvertently across the internet for almost two weeks before an independent cybersecurity researcher discovered it.

On Feb. 28, a report was released that the United States Marshals Service suffered a major security breach where hackers broke into the computer system and accessed sensitive information about employees and investigative targets.
Deadly Mexico Kidnapping Hits Home in South Carolina

LAKE CITY, S.C.Americans who officials said got caught in a deadly drug cartel shootout in Mexico last week all had ties to a small town in South Carolina, where leaders have called for community support of the families and two captives returned to U.S. soil Tuesday.

Elected officials and religious figures rallied the community in Lake City, a town of less than 6,000 residents in South Carolinas Pee Dee region, where relatives say the incredibly close group of four grew up. Mayor Yamekia Robinson sent her deepest sympathy to each family.

We ask each of you, your friends, your family, your churches, and your communities across the nation to keep us all lifted in your thoughts & prayers as we the City of Lake City and the families grieve the loss and get through this tragic incident together, Robinson said Wednesday in a statement to the town.

In neighboring Scranton, a pastor announced a prayer vigil for Wednesday evening.

The two survivors are in a Texas hospital. Officials reported Zindell Brown was among the two dead.

Family members said they agonized for days while waiting to learn whether their loved ones had survived a road trip to a Mexican border city for a cosmetic surgery.

A GoFundMe set up by Browns family said his relatives hope the loving son, brother, uncle, and friend gets the goodbye that he deserves.

The groups minivan crashed and was fired on shortly after they crossed into Matamoros on Friday as drug cartel factions tore through the streets, the regions governor said. A stray bullet also killed a Mexican woman about a block and a half away.

The four Americans were hauled off in a pickup truck, and Mexican authorities frantically searched as the cartel moved them aroundeven taking them to a medical clinicto create confusion and avoid efforts to rescue them, Tamaulipas Gov. Americo Villarreal said.

They were found Tuesday in a wooden shack, guarded by a man who was arrested, in the rural Ejido Tecolote area east of Matamoros on the way to part of the Gulf called Bagdad Beach, according to the states chief prosecutor, Irving Barrios.

By James Pollard
Deaths Can Be Counted as COVID-19 Years After Infection: CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters in Atlanta, Ga., on April 23, 2020. (Tami Chappell/AFP via Getty Images)

So-called long COVID can be listed as a cause of death even if a deceased person hadnt tested positive for COVID-19 for months or even years, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated in a new update.

When completing the death certificate, certifiers should carefully review and consider the decedents medical history and records, laboratory test results, and autopsy report, if one is available, the CDC wrote in updated guidance for certifying deaths due to COVID-19. For decedents who had a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and were diagnosed with a post-COVID-19 condition, the certifier may consider the possibility that the death was due to long-term complications of COVID-19, even if the original infection occurred months or years before death.

Long COVID, or post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, refers to long-term problems believed to stem from COVID-19.

Emerging evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can have lasting effects on nearly every organ and organ system of the body weeks, months, and potentially years after infection, the CDC states in its update.

The agency pointed to several papers. One, published in its quasi-journal, found that some people reported problems two months after testing positive for COVID-19. Two others were round-ups of existing literature on long COVID. The CDC also referenced a U.S. National Institutes of Health webpage on the subject.

In one of four hypothetical scenarios presented by the agency, a healthy 48-year-old suffered respiratory problems, fatigue, and brain fog after COVID-19. The man gradually improved, but some symptoms persisted, and imaging revealed heart inflammation.

Several months later, the man died in the hospital after heart failure.

The certificate listed heart failure; cardiomyopathy, a heart muscle disease; myocarditis, the heart inflammation; and post-acute sequelae of COVID-19. The chain of events started with that last item.

Dr. Thomas Gilson, the chief medical examiner in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, told The Epoch Times that the scenario was reasonable.

Thats kind of the crux of the matterwhen Im certifying a death is, can I really trace things back logically to the COVID infection and then the consequences of the infection? he said.

In some cases in the real world, examiners wouldnt list the post-acute sequelae, he said.

The trouble with this is how accurate are the death certifications and COVID. This is a longer standing problem than COVID that sometimes, we dont always  see people certifying deaths going all the way back to the real initial cause, Gilson said. The longer I think there is between an inciting event and a person passing away, the more likely it is that sometimes those things dont make it onto the death certificate.

Twenty to 30 percent of death certificates have issues with completeness, according to the CDC. In 2018, more than a third of death certificates had an unsuitable or ill-defined underlying cause of death, CDC researchers have said.

Nurses screen patients for COVID-19 testing at a drive-up location outside Medstar St. Marys Hospital in Leonardtown, Md., on March 17, 2020 (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Deaths Overcounted?

The CDC itself has acknowledged that it overcounts COVID-19 hospitalizations, including hospitalizations of a patient who tested positive for COVID-19 but is hospitalized for unrelated reasons.

On deaths, the CDC has claimed that its numbers are accurate.

The death count only includes deaths in which COVID-19 played a meaningful role, the CDC said in a recent statement.

Some U.S. deaths labeled as from COVID-19, though, are due to unrelated causes such as car crashes and gunshots. The CDC says that a death can be from COVID-19 even if a person didnt test positive, provided circumstances are compelling within a reasonable degree of certainty. And researchers, including a Danish group, have found that COVID-19 deaths include deaths in which the deceased coincidentally had COVID-19.

Incidental conditions or findings are not supposed to be reported on death certificates, a CDC spokesperson previously told The Epoch Times.

On the other hand, some deaths caused by COVID-19 may have been attributed to other causes because of a lack of a COVID-19 test or diagnosis.

The CDC has multiple times during the pandemic removed deaths initially attributed to COVID-19, attributing the actions to data issues.

One hypothetical scenario outlined in the updated CDC guidance. (CDC/Screenshot via The Epoch Times)

Deaths Attributed to Long COVID

The CDC has already attributed thousands of deaths to so-called long COVID, but the new guidance may lead to an increase in instances of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 listed on death certificates.

There may be cases where somebody has (or believes they have) long COVID. They go on for years and suddenly, they die of something. And then the doctor may decide to call this a COVID death. That could raise some issues, certainly, Daniel Halperin, an epidemiologist at the University of North Carolinas Gillings School of Global Public Health, told The Epoch Times.

Now, when a clinician genuinely feels the person whos got these ongoing series of symptoms started with a COVID illness, and that person eventually does die, well, yes, it could make sense to call that a death from COVID. But, statistically speaking, how many cases are there like that?

Halperin, who wrote in January that misclassified hospitalizations obviously suggest there have also been miscategorized deaths, said itll be interesting to see whether the updated guidance will cause the official death count to go up significantly.

The updated guidance states that certifiers should include post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 on a certificate only if it caused or contributed to a death.

Gilson, the Ohio medical examiner, said that for deaths from a car crash or another cause not related to COVID-19, the sequelae shouldnt be listed.

Long COVID doesnt belong on that death certificate, he said. It doesnt contribute to the person dying; they died from their injuries in the car accident. I would leave it off. It may underestimate how well we track long COVID as a problem in the community but it wouldnt lead to an overcounting of the death unless the death certificate was filled out improperly.
Defendant Moves to Dismiss Jan. 6 Case Based on Newly Disclosed Footage, FBI Testimony

Protesters speak to U.S. Capitol Police officers outside the Senate Chamber inside the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Photo)

A defendant in the Proud Boys trial over Jan. 6, 2021, charges moved on March 9 to dismiss the case, after some footage from the day of the breach was shown for the first time.

Dominic Pezzola is one of the Proud Boys members on trial for obstruction of an official proceeding and other charges. The newly disclosed footage, shown on Fox News this week, is plainly exculpatory, Pezzolas lawyers said in the new motion.

It establishes that the Senate chamber was never violently breached, andin factwas treated respectfully by January 6 protestors, the motion reads.

Among the clips Foxs Tucker Carlson broadcast was one of Jacob Chansley, another defendant whos serving a jail sentence after pleading guilty, walking around accompanied by police officers. The officers didnt stop Chansley and even tried to open doors for him. He eventually made it into the Senate chamber, where he and others later knelt and prayed. Chansley, during the prayer, gave thanks to the officers for letting us into the building.

Pezzola also entered the Capitol, and prosecutors have argued that he and others being inside forced Congress, which was certifying electoral votes from the 2020 election, to go into recess.

However, the new footage shows that members could have continued proceedings, Pezzolas attorneys said.

It was not Pezzola or codefendants who caused the Congress to recess, the attorneys said. Congress interrupted its own proceedings.

The lawyers are asking U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly, a Trump appointee overseeing the case, to dismiss it. Hes asked in the motion to declare a mistrial if he rejects that request.

Dominic Pezzola in a file image. (DOJ via The Epoch Times)

Brady Violations

Prosecutors must not withhold evidence that can be exculpatory. The rule was crystallized in Brady v. Maryland, a 1963 Supreme Court decision.

Suppression by the prosecution of evidence favorable to an accused who has requested it violates due process where the evidence is material either to guilt or to punishment, irrespective of the good faith or bad faith of the prosecution, the decision states.

Zachary Rehl, another Proud Boys defendant, requested all information regarding Congress going into recess on Jan. 6, 2021, in late 2021.

While Brady obligations do not extend to the entirety of the government, they do include investigative agencies or agencies closely related who knew or should have known that information would be material to a prosecution arising from their direct involvement. Here the U.S. Capitol Police are directly related and fully aware of the events of January 6, 2021, lawyers for the defendants said.

They cited previous court decisions, including one that found that a prosecutor has a duty to learn of any favorable evidence known to the others acting on the governments behalf in the case, including the police.

We will respond through the court, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia told The Epoch Times via email.

The U.S. Capitol Police didnt respond to a request for comment.

Attorney Albert Watkins, who represented Chansley, said on Fox on March 8 that the footage the media outlet aired this week hadnt been provided to him.

The government knew that Jake had walked around with all of these police officers. They had that video footage. I didnt get it. It wasnt disclosed to me. It wasnt provided to me, Watkins said. They had a duty, an absolute duty, with zero discretion to provide it to me so I could share it with my client.

Proud Boys members Joseph Biggs (left) and Ethan Nordean (right, with megaphone) walk toward the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. (Carolyn Kaster/AP Photo)

Justice Requires Dismissal: Motion

Another development supports a dismissal, according to the new motion.

FBI special agent Nicole Miller is being accused of hiding a tab in a spreadsheet that showed some of her emails.

Miller was testifying on March 8 when Nick Smith, a lawyer representing Proud Boys member Ethan Nordean, revealed the secret tab, leaving more than one thousand hidden rows of messages, Nordeans attorneys said in a separate filing.

Miller wrote in one email, My boss assigned me 338 items of evidence i [sic] have to destroy.

In another, an agent wrote to Miller that she should go into a confidential human source report and edit out that an agent was present, according to the filing.

The hidden emails show that Miller admitted fabricating evidence and following orders to destroy hundreds of items of evidence, Pezzolas lawyers said. If justice means anything, it requires this case to be dismissed.

The FBI declined to comment.

Erik Kenerson, an assistant U.S. attorney prosecuting the case, said in court on March 8 that even if there were missing messages, the defense could have asked the government to produce them. He said prosecutors decide which messages to provide to the defense, so it wasnt appropriate to imply that the agent hid them.
Delays to Queensland Power Stations Repair Risk Inflating Electricity Prices

A major coal-fired power station in Queensland has experienced a delay in repair, which is likely to stretch electricity supplies and prices in the state at a time when an energy crisis is sweeping Australia.

On March 8, Queensland-owned CS Energy announced an extension to the return to service dates of two generation units at the Callide C power station.

As a result, the 1,540MW power plant, which supplies around 30 percent of the states electricity needs, will not return to regular operation until next year.

Callide C has been operating below its capacity after an explosion destroyed one generation unit in May 2021, while another unit went out of service due to a cooling tower failure in October 2022.

New Return to Service Dates for Generation Units

The power stations C3 generation unit, which was previously expected to go online by June, now has its return to service date postponed until the end of 2023.

Similarly, the C4 units regular operation schedule has been delayed from May 2023 to January 2024.

The energy company cited the need to build cooling towers on both units as the main reason for the delays.

The change in return to service dates reflects CS Energys support for rebuilding both cooling towers, the company said in a statement.

CS Energys position is based on a scope of work incorporating both cooling towers and tenders CS Energy has received from contractors. We are currently working this through with our JV partner.

The company said the changes were not unusual for units undergoing major repairs, saying it all depended on issues identified during the process.

Paul McArdle, the managing director of specialist firm Global-ROAM, said the outage at the Callide C power station was the longest since the National Electricity Markets establishment in 1998.

Ive not checked detailed stats since the start of the NEM, but believe this would make it the longest outage in the history of the NEM (i.e. two years and five months from the initial unit trip), he wrote in an article.

This might be longer even than when some Tarong units were mothballed for a period of time during the oversupplied years.

Following the announcement, the future wholesale electricity prices for April to December in Queensland jumped by $10-$15 (US$6.5-US$9.9) per megawatt hour, sparking concerns about whether energy companies will pass the rises onto households and businesses in the state.

In later February, Queensland Energy Minister Mick de Brenni reassured the public that the state had sufficient generation capacity to satisfy the rising demand of households and businesses even with the shutdown of some power stations due to repair and maintenance.

Electricity Prices Are Expected to Soar by 20 Percent

The delay at the Callide C power station comes as the CEO of Origin Energy has warned that electricity prices could go up by as high as 20 percent after July 1.

Speaking at the Australian Financial Reviews Business Summit, the boss of the energy giant shared his grim forecast ahead of a change to the default market offerthe maximum price cap electricity retailers are allowed to charge consumersin the coming days.

Origin Energy CEO Frank Calabria delivers a keynote address at the Committee for Economic Development for Australia, in Sydney, Australia, on Oct. 25, 2019. (AAP Image/James Gourley)

I would just reiterate that (the price increase) is, in fact, recovering costs that were incurred by the industry, which, if we cast our mind back to May and June, certainly put the energy system under pressure, Calabria said, reported The Australian.

Nevertheless, its going to be a contributor to costs of living, which were acutely aware of in terms of our customer base and supporting those that are less able to pay.

The change to the default market offer is expected to impact consumers in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia.

Calabria also noted that consumers might not see much relief this year despite the coal and gas price caps introduced by the federal government in December 2022, saying it would take some time for the effect of the policy to flow through to consumer prices.
Democratic Senators Call Walgreens Decision Not to Sell Abortion Pill to Some States Pandering to Extremism

Walgreens signage is seen at a store on Court Street in the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood of the Brooklyn borough in New York on Jan. 5, 2023. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), along with five other U.S. senators, sent a letter to Walgreens CEO Rosalind Brewer on Tuesday, demanding clarification and expressing grave concern about the companys recently announced abortion pill distribution plan.

The letter (pdf) followed recent news that Walgreens, the second-largest pharmacy chain in the United States, made the decision not to dispense the pillseither by mail or at its brick-and-mortar locationsin any of the 20-plus states where extremist, right-wing Republican attorneys general threatened the company with legal action if the pills were mailed in their states, the letter said.

In some of those Republican-led states, medical abortion remains legal, the letter explained.

We were extraordinarily concerned by reports last week indicating that your company appeared to be pandering to this extremism.  The law is clear that medication abortion is legal in Kansas, Iowa, Montana, and Alaskaall states where it appeared that Walgreens, in response to saber-rattling from anti-abortion extremistswould not be providing it, the letter said.

The refusal to dispense a medication that is legal and safe to patients in need would be a betrayal of your customers, and your commitment to champion the health and well-being of every community in America.'

The letter, signed by Warren and five other Democratic senatorsSens. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.)listed seven demands for clarification to be answered by March 14.

These demands included information about whether Walgreens was going to complete the certification process under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to dispense the abortion pill and, if so, where the company will dispense it.

The senators also demanded to know when the company made its recent policy regarding the drugs distribution, who it consulted with to make the policy, who gave approval for the policy, and what the policy will look like moving forward.

On March 6, Walgreens, in a response to the Feb. 1 letter signed by the 20 Republican attorneys general, released a statement clarifying its position regarding seeking FDA certification and distributing the abortion pill (or mifepristone).

We want to be very clear about what our position has always been: Walgreens plans to dispense Mifepristone in any jurisdiction where it is legally permissible to do so. Once we are certified by the FDA, we will dispense this medication consistent with federal and state laws, the company wrote.

But that clarification wasnt good enough for many Democratic-led states. Instead, it incited criticism and backlash, ranging from calls pressuring Walgreens to rescind its recent decision to an all-out boycott of the pharmacy chain.

On March 3, Democratic Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker met with and urged the senior team at the company, which is headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, to rethink its policy.

The meeting came a day after the governor called Walgreens an awful corporation for denying women across the nation  the right to access healthcare they are legally entitled to.

Pritzker recounted details of his conversation with the pharmacy giant on CBSs Face the Nation on March 5.

On a broader scale, we should just recognize that these pharmacies need to protect womens health. That is the business that they should be in, he said. And so in states where its legal to have an abortion and legal to sell an abortion pill, they should still be doing it, and Ive told them that.

Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newson, in a Twitter post on Monday, said, California wont be doing business with @walgreensor any company that cowers to the extremists and puts womens lives at risk. Were done.

Walgreens is currently in the process of seeking certification under the FDA and has not yet dispensed the abortion pill in any of its locations or through the mail, the company emphasized in its Feb. 6 response letter to the Republican attorneys general.

What were talking about hasnt even happened, Alina Salganicoff, a senior vice president and the director of Womens Health Policy at Kaiser Family Foundation, told Yahoo Finance. This is more about how will this affect access in the future.

According to the Guttmacher Institute (GI), the independent research arm of Planned Parenthood, in 2022 the abortion pill accounted for 54 percent of all U.S. abortions.

The FDA first approved mifepristone in 2000 for medical abortion through seven weeks of pregnancy. In 2016, that timeframe was extended to 10 weeks, but GI states that in some cases, the drug can be used safely off label for pregnancies after 10 weeks.

Mifepristone is a drug that blocks the hormone progesterone, which is needed for a pregnancy to continue. It is followed by a second drug, misoprostol, between 24 and 48 hours later, causing the uterus to contract and expel the fetus. Together, the drugs make up what is known as the abortion pill.

From NTD News
Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academys (FALA) governing board during a meeting Tuesday moved to terminate Executive Director Eli Cohen's contract at the school and dismiss him from employment.

Based on a request from Cohen, the almost three hours of discussion on the topic of the contract took place in executive session.

After returning to a public session, FALA Board President James Yih moved to accept the hearing officer's recommendation to end Cohen's employment at the school. All six board members were present at the meeting and voted in favor of the motion.

After three months of meetings on potential discipline for Cohen, the board had approved presenting him with a statement of charges and intent to dismiss on Jan. 26. Cohen had then requested a hearing -- which was not open to the public and took place Feb. 16 and 17.

Rene Diaz, a former superintendent of the Phoenix Union High School and the Phoenix Elementary School districts, served as hearing officer, and both Cohen and the board were represented by an attorney, having the option to present evidence and testimony.

In the recommended decision sent to the board, Diaz recommended it terminate Cohens contract.

Having heard the testimony of the witnesses, having read and considered the exhibits admitted into evidence and having carefully considered the arguments of the parties, it is my conclusion that Mr. Cohen violated FERPA and IDEA; he was insubordinate; he mishandled contracts and payments; he took money to which he was not entitled; he failed to perform his duties; he violated the law and his behavior was unprofessional, Diaz wrote. Mr Cohens conduct meets the grounds for dismissal cited in board policy GCQF.

Yih gave an explanation of the hearing process and its results in the meeting before the vote to terminate Cohen's employment.

It is the boards belief that Dr. Diaz considered the available evidence and made the correct decision, he said after summarizing the results.  ... The board further believes that each of these conclusions of Dr. Diaz would independently be sufficient grounds for termination.

Yih added that FALA plans to host a town hall similar to one that was held on Feb. 27 to discuss community questions. In addition to board members and Cohen, about 10 FALA community members had attended the meeting.

Cohen was also at the virtual meeting and was given two minutes to make a statement.

Irrespective of the last few months and all that has transpired, I just want to say that this has been surprisingly one of the greatest experiences of my life, he said.  ... There are many important decisions to come ... but I believe if you all pull together and stand tall and proud, then one day you can right the ship in the direction it was always meant to go in and continue to offer FALA as a beacon of education, inclusion, beauty, resistance, love and light."

In a later item at Tuesday's meeting, the board moved to release a redacted version of a document created by Diaz on his findings. It will be released 5 p.m. Friday, after the board reviews and redacts the document.

We've heard a call for transparency, and I firmly believe that we need to do that, Kyle Winfree, board vice president, said in introducing the motion. I do stand by all of the efforts that we have done thus far to protect those involved. We needed to get to the point to identify what was real [and] what wasn't. I think were there.

Cohen was also recognized in discussion of this item, asking the board to release other related documents discussed at the hearing that were not included in the six-page document in question.

If were going to go through the process of complete transparency, maybe we should consider the whole thing, not just a singular piece of information, he said.

The motion was the only one not approved unanimously in the meeting, with three members (Winfree, Andy Bessler and Isaac Hayes) voting in favor, two (Debra Edgerton and Jim Burton) abstaining and Yih voting against it.

Earlier in the discussion, Bessler had said he felt due process was provided through the hearing process.

It saddens me that weve had to take this action today, but I feel its in the best interests of the school to move on, he said. I look forward to making sure FALA has strong leadership moving forward and learning from the mistakes that weve all made.

Recordings of the meeting and last weeks town hall are available at flagarts.com/governance. FALA has not yet announced a date for the coming town hall.
Dogs Routinely Abused at Illegal Cannabis Grows in California: Sheriff

A northern California sheriff is sounding the alarm on the abuse of hundreds of dogs at illegal marijuana cultivation sites in his county.

Siskiyou County Sheriff Jeremiah LaRue told The Epoch Times that during eradication of an illegal site, commonly known as grows, deputies often encounter poor treatment of dogs, which are used to guard the sites from intruders.

According to LaRue, the dogs are chained without food and water, and many are emaciated with ribs showing, have collars that are too tight, have skin lesions, or are mutilated.

Theyre just neglected and abused, he said.

(Courtesy of the Siskiyou County Sheriffs Department)

Authorities have routinely encountered dog carcasses, bones, partially burned dogs, and poisonous chemicals, such as pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, and rodenticides, at the grows, LaRue said.

These dogs are actually getting into these chemicals, either getting it on their skin or theyre eating it, he said. They dont die at this alarming rate anywhere else.

Local animal rescues have reportedly received a number of dogs from cannabis grows.

The bulk of the strays we get are from the pot [cannabis] fields, John Golay, executive director at Siskiyou Countys Rescue Ranch, told a local news station News 10 last summer.

This issue is not specific to Siskiyou County. Dogs have been found neglected in many other illegal grows across the state.

A litter of 16 puppies was rescued from one last October in Jupiter, a central California city about 150 miles east of San Francisco.

The dogs were found living in dirt under a shedunfavorable conditionsa spokesperson from the Department of Cannabis Control told local radio station Clarke Broadcasting.

(Courtesy of the Siskiyou County Sheriffs Department)

In Santa Barbara County, the sheriffs department has also reported multiple instances of dogs found at illegal grows.

Following a grow eradication in 2018, deputies reportedly found two abandoned dogs and 10 newborn puppies in an unsecured tent. One puppy was stillborn.

LaRue said his department has helped rescue German Shepherds, Labradors, and Pit Bulls from the grows.

The sheriffs department will contact the countys animal control, which is oftentimes at capacity with what are then called grow dogs, LaRue said.

During an eradication, dozens of dogs can be rescued at a time, he said.

Its pretty obvious that theyre malnourished, he said. Theyre not being taken care of properly.

(Courtesy of the Siskiyou County Sheriffs Department)

A Poor Rollout of Legal Cannabis

Californias Proposition 64 legalized recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older in 2016.

In addition to concerns about the abuse of dogs, LaRue said the law was poorly rolled out, with the most notable being the soft penalties for violating itsuch as growing more than six plantswhich are up to six months in county jail and a fine of up to $500.

But LaRue said regardless of whether the grow has 7 plants or 7,000, the penalties are the same.

Siskiyou County Sheriff Jeremiah LaRue. (Courtesy of the Siskiyou County Sheriffs Department)

Currently, Siskiyou County allows individuals to grow twice as many plants as the state allows for personal use. But it prohibits more than 12 plants, considering that amount to be used for commercial purposes, which is prohibited in unincorporated areas.

But when youre growing for profit, you want 1,000 plants. You want 2,000, 3,000, LaRue said.

The county has enforced harsher penalties than the state, including a $5,000 fine per violation for marijuana-related offenses.

But that hasnt stopped the growing industry. LaRue said there are still thousands of greenhouses full of thousands of marijuana plants in the county.

There are roughly 5,000 greenhouses illegally cultivating marijuana in Siskiyou County, Calif., according to the countys Sheriffs Department. (Courtesy of the Siskiyou County Sheriffs Department)

Oftentimes property owners are willing to take the risk and pay the fines, as theres so much money in this illegal industry that people will pay whatever just to get away with it, LaRue said. Fines become fees to operate illegally.

Many other tragedies have occurred at grows in Siskiyou County.

Most encounters with workers on cannabis farms during an eradication are nonviolent, according to LaRue.

Cannabis plants inside a greenhouse. (Courtesy of the Siskiyou County Sheriffs Department)

But there have been many instances of illegal firearms found on properties and last year, during a fire in the area four Siskiyou sheriffs deputies shot and killed a man who reportedly opened fire on them during an evacuation near thousands of cannabis farms.

In another instance, deputies found a deceased man at an illegal grow in 2020 after responding to a report of a shooting. They arrested a man for murder shortly afterward.

[Prop 64 has] allowed for this increase in illegal activity, which has led to an increase in various violent crimes, LaRue said.

Living quarters of an illegal marijuana cultivation site in Siskiyou County. (Courtesy of the Siskiyou County Sheriffs Department)
Election Interference Probe: What Has Been Announced so Far

And what the opposition is asking for

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during a news conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on March 6, 2023. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)

This week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that his government will appoint a special rapporteur to investigate allegations of Chinas interference in Canadian elections.

He also said that two organizations, namely the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) and the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency (NSIRA), will be tasked with reviewing issues related to election interference.

The announcement comes amid intense pressure from opposition parties calling for a public inquiry to look into election integrity. The calls stem from mounting allegations of election meddling by the Chinese Communist Party that have been reported by media outlets citing leaked intelligence.

Meanwhile, MPs on the House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (PROC) have been examining foreign election interference since November 2022.

Heres a look at what has been announced and what the opposition is saying.

Special Rapporteur

In his announcement on March 6, Trudeau said the independent special rapporteur will have a wide mandate to make recommendations on combating interference and strengthening Canadas democracy.

He said the chosen rapporteur will be an eminent Canadian and someone impartial whose appointment will be announced in the coming days.

Although the selection will be done by the government and not by Parliament, Trudeau said hes open to listening to recommendations from other parties on the appointment.

The rapporteur will be tasked with examining the entire landscape of Canadas national security agencies, including tools to counter foreign interference, the prime minister said.

Calling the debate around the issue of holding a public inquiry a partisan one, Trudeau said the rapporteurs first task will be to recommend what kind of process is next required, such as a formal inquiry or another type of review process.

NSICOP

Formed in 2017, the NSICOP is a high-level parliamentary committee that reports to the prime minister, unlike other parliamentary committees.

Current members include MPs from different parties and one senator who hold top secret security clearances and are permanently bound to secrecy under the Security of Information Act.

The NSCIOPs mandate includes reviewing Canadas legislative, regulatory, policy, administrative, and financial framework for national security and intelligence.

Trudeau said at the March 6 press conference that the committee will be reviewing interference attempts in the 2019 and 2021 elections.

The committee has been publishing annual reports, with much of the content often redacted, advising of security threats facing Canada.

NSIRA

The NSIRA was established in 2019 as an independent and external review body that reports to Parliament.

It reviews activities of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and Communications Security Establishment (CSE), as well as the national security and intelligence activities of all other federal departments and agencies to ensure they are lawful, reasonable and necessary.

It also investigates complaints filed against those bodies.

Trudeau said the NSIRA has been monitoring whether information on foreign interference is flowing properly across the countrys intelligence agencies and government departments.

Counter-Foreign Interference Coordinator

Trudeau said he has charged Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino with establishing a counter-foreign interference coordinator. The office of this new role will ensure that the issue will be addressed in a coordinated way across different government departments and agencies.

A similar position exists in Australia.

Foreign Registry

Amid calls for creating a registry for foreign influence agents in Canada, Trudeau said he has also tasked Mendicino with launching a consultation on the issue. He didnt provide a timeline.

Conservative Sen. Leo Housakos has already tabled Bill S-237, an Act to establish the Foreign Influence Registry and to amend the Criminal Code. However, so far the bill has not received government support. In the last session of Parliament, former Tory MP Kenny Chiu had sought to do the same through his private members Bill C-282.

Due to his effort to establish a foreign agent registry in Canada, Chiu reportedly became a target of disinformation during the last election. He lost his seat in the B.C. riding of StevestonRichmond East.

Meanwhile, the United States and Australia already have legislation in place to establish such a registry.

Calls for Public Inquiry

The Conservatives, NDP, and Bloc Quebecois have called for a public inquiry into the issue of Chinese regime interference in Canadian elections. Tory Leader Pierre Poilievre said a special rapporteur hand-picked by the Prime Minister is not the same as a true independent inquiry.

A survey by Research Co. published on March 6 said that close to two-thirds (64 percent) of Canadians support calling an independent public inquiry into foreign interference in elections.

On March 2, opposition MPs on the PROC passed a motion calling for the Trudeau government to launch a national public inquiry into Chinas interference in Canadas elections.

Trudeau has rejected the calls for an inquiry.

Parliamentary Committee

PROCs study of foreign election interference started on Nov. 1, 2022.

Over the course of four months, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc, National Security and Intelligence Advisor Jody Thomas, CSIS Director David Vigneault, Chief Electoral Officer Stephane Perrault, and Commissioner of Canada Elections Caroline Simard, among others, have appeared as witnesses and testified before the committee.

In the committees last meeting, on March 7, the NDP joined the Conservatives and the Bloc Quebecois to seek testimony from Trudeaus chief of staff Katie Telford.

The attempt was unsuccessful as Liberal MPs filibustered the motion introduced by Tory MP Michael Cooper.

The meeting, which started at 11 a.m., was suspended at around 2 p.m. by Liberal MP and committee chair Bardish Chagger before a vote could take place.

In a scrum later after question period, MPs from the three opposition parties said they were ready to continue the meeting but Liberals MPs were not present and a quorum could not be reached.

That meeting saw the fourth attempt to summon Telford as a witness. Three previous attempts by Cooper to have her testify failed. The first two failed due to the NDP voting against his motions.

The third try, on March 1, succeeded in getting the NDPs support, but due to disagreements on the language of the motion and amendments, time ran out before a vote could be cast.

Andrew Chen, Noe Chartier, Omid Ghoreishi, and The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
Ex-Lawyer for QAnon Shaman Says Tucker Carlsons Jan. 6 Footage Wasnt Shown to Client

A former lawyer for Jacob Chansley, who became widely known as the QAnon Shaman for his unusual headdress during the Jan. 6 Capitol breach, said Wednesday that recently released footage on Fox News Tucker Carlson Tonight show could have aided his case.

Albert Watkins, the former attorney, told Carlson that he never saw recently aired Jan. 6 footage that appeared to show Chansley walking next to U.S. Capitol Police officers without incident, and at one point, officers even opening doors for him. Chansley became one of the faces of the Jan. 6 breach due to his distinctive appearance as he donned face paint and wore a horned cap while carrying an American flag through the halls of Congress.

Footage released on the program earlier this week showed at least nine officers in close proximity to Chansley. None of them, according to the tapes, tried to detain him or block him from entering certain areas. In fact, according to Carlson, the officers appeared to escort him through Congress.

Federal prosecutors charged him with violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds as well as entering a restricted building without lawful authority. For that, he was convicted and sentenced to nearly four years in federal prison after he took a prosecutor-backed plea deal.

This is a man who had tremendous intelligence  very gentle, very, very articulate who was diagnosed 15 years earlier by the government with a mental health issue- and the government knew that, Watkins told Fox News on Wednesday. The government knew through three hearings when we begged and pleaded to get this man out of solitary confinement, literally falling into an abyss, mentally.

Prosecutors, he alleged, knew that Jake had walked around with all of these police officers and that they had video footage I didnt get. It wasnt disclosed to me. It wasnt provided to me.

And through each of those three hearings that government assistant U.S. attorney knew the most important aspect of that hearing was that Jake was not violent. The government knew, Watkins also said.

Later the interview, Watkins suggested that if that footage was released to him, it could have aided his case. His current prison term is a tragedy that has befallen the American justice system.

Jacob Chansley is seen outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Brent Stirton/Getty Images)

This is about our justice system being so compromised, the very integrity and core of that, which we wore as a badge of honor for the entirety of our nations history, has been rendered a vile, disgusting mess by a Department of Justice that was running amok, Watkins told the channel. And they didnt share the video of my client, the footage from my client with nine officers surrounding him peacefully, wandering about, trying to help them, trying to get him access to the Senate chamber. They didnt because it didnt fit their narrative.

I requested it. I filed the requisite pleadings for it. Whether I did or not, they had a duty, an absolute duty, with zero discretion to provide it to me so I could share it with my client, Watkins added Wednesday.

According to the recently released footage, Chansley is seen entering the Senate chamber, where he and others were seen kneeling in prayer. Chansley said during the prayer that he thanked the Capitol officers for letting us into the building.

Its not clear if Chansley will appeal his conviction in light of the release of the Jan. 6 footage.

With the release of the footage, lawyers for at least one Jan. 6 defendant, Proud Boys member Dominic Pezzola, filed a motion saying this week newly disclosed video aired on Carlsons show is plainly exculpatory. That footage establishes that the Senate chamber was never violently breached, andin factwas treated respectfully by January 6 protestors, his lawyers said.

The Epoch Times has contacted the U.S. Capitol Police for comment.

On Tuesday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) wrote in a filing in connection to Jan. 6 defendant Ryan Nichols that none of the defendants should be able to delay their trials after the release of footage to Carlson.

The United States does not know the extent of any material that a member of the legislative branch purportedly provided to other individuals, assistant U.S. Attorney Sean McCauley wrote. This Court should not commit to an indefinite trial extension for this Defendant, or for any defendants, based on the unsupported allegation that pertinent information may exist somewhere, but is not currently known to either the prosecution or the defense.
Execution Delayed for Death Row Inmate Who Cut Out His Eyes

Bookings photos of death row inmate Andre Thomas from Grayson County Jail (L) and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, (C) and (R). (Courtesy Maurie Levin via AP)

HOUSTONNext months scheduled execution of a Texas death row inmate, whose attorneys say gouged out both of his eyeseach a separate incidentbecause of severe mental illness, was delayed by a judge on Tuesday.

Andre Thomas had been set to be executed on April 5, sentenced to death for fatally stabbing in March 2004 his estranged wife Laura Christine Boren, 20, their 4-year-old son Andre Lee, and her 13-month-old daughter Leyha Marie Hughes, cutting out the hearts of the two children.

The killings of Boren and her children shocked Sherman, a city of about 45,000 residents 65 miles north of Dallas.

State District Judge Jim Fallon on Tuesday issued an order withdrawing the execution date. Fallons decision came after Thomas lawyers had requested additional time to prepare for a court hearing to review his competency.

The Supreme Court has prohibited the death penalty for the intellectually disabled, but not for people with serious mental illness. However, it has ruled that a person must be competent to be executed.

We are confident that when we present the evidence of Mr. Thomass incompetence, the court will agree that executing him would violate the Constitution, Maurie Levin, Thomas attorney, wrote in a statement. Guiding this blind psychotic man to the gurney for execution offends our sense of humanity and serves no legitimate purpose.

His attorneys have said that after he gouged out the second eye, he ate it to ensure that the government could not hear his thoughts.

Fallons order gives Thomas attorneys until July 5 to file their motion asking that the inmates competency be reviewed before his execution can proceed. If Fallon decides Thomas lawyers have presented sufficient evidence to go forward, experts will be appointed to examine him, and other evidence will be reviewed by the judge before he would make a decision.
Farmers Fear Contamination at Start of Growing Season Near Train Derailment

Portions of a Norfolk and Southern freight train that derailed on Feb. 3 in East Palestine, Ohio, were still on fire at mid-day, on Feb. 4, 2023. (Gene J. Puskar/AP)

With spring planting just around the corner, Ohio and Pennsylvania farmers near the Norfolk Southern train derailment are worried about the effect spilled chemicals will have on their crops and livestock.

In a joint letter on Wednesday, Senators Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), and John Fetterman (D-Pa.) asked Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Thomas Vilsack and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator Michael Regan to address the concerns of farmers and agricultural producers in the affected areas around East Palestine, Ohio, and Darlington Township, Pennsylvania.

The letter asks the USDA and EPA to send resources to the region to help farmers test soils, plant tissue, and livestock to determine their safety and marketability.

It also asks for a review of what disaster assistance could be offered to farmers.

So far, the letter says, no agency has provided clear guidance to farmers about the safety of their crops and livestock and whether they will be able to safely sell them.

Farmers in the region are already reporting receiving requests to cancel orders due to health concerns, the letter said. Farmers and food producers in East Palestine and Darlington Township need assistance in responding to this manmade disaster.

Despite testing results, the letter said, some consumers will still be apprehensive and refuse to purchase agricultural products from the region because of the contamination. That is why farmers have specifically asked for disaster assistance.

Senators Casey and Fetterman have worked tirelessly to support Pennsylvanians and Ohioans impacted by this disaster in the short term, namely advocating for resources and holding Norfolk Southern accountable for the harm the derailment has inflicted, in addition to working to prevent similar disasters from happening in the future, a press release about the letter said.

Fettermans Health

Fettermans work has been interrupted by health issues. The train derailed on Feb. 3 and four days later, on Feb. 7, Fetterman went to George Washington University Hospital because he was lightheaded. This was a concern because he suffered a stroke on the campaign trail and has cardiac problems. He was released on Feb. 10.

Fetterman then checked into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for treatment of clinical depression on Feb. 15, where he is expected to stay for weeks. At first, there were no signs of his working from the hospital, but on March 6, his staff posted photos on Twitter of him sitting with an aide in a lavender room at the hospital.

Productive morning with Senator Fetterman at Walter Reed discussing the rail safety legislation, Farm Bill and other Senate business. John is well on his way to recovery and wanted me to say how grateful he is for all the well wishes. Hes laser focused on PA & will be back soon. pic.twitter.com/143uAhoQRx  Adam Jentleson (@AJentleson) March 6, 2023

Productive morning with Senator Fetterman at Walter Reed discussing the rail safety legislation, Farm Bill, and other Senate business. John is well on his way to recovery and wanted me to say how grateful he is for all the well wishes. Hes laser-focused on PA & will be back soon, the Twitter post from Chief of Staff Adam Jentleson said. Fetterman remains unavailable to constituents.

But now, he has signed this and another joint letter.

Questions for Norfolk Southern

Another letter was sent to Alan Shaw, president and CEO of Norfolk Southern Corporation. It was signed by Fetterman, Casey, Brown, and U.S. Representatives Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.), Bill Johnson (R-Ohio), and J. D. Vance (R-Ohio).

In it, they asked the following questions:
FBI Investigating Suspicious Death of Woman Aboard Carnival Cruise Ship

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the suspicious death of a female passenger onboard the Carnival Sunshine cruise ship.

During the Feb. 27 cruise from Charleston, South Carolina, to Nassau, Bahamas, a female passenger was found unresponsive onboard the ship, the FBI field office in Columbia, South Carolina, said in a March 5 news release. The woman has not been publicly identified.

Carnivals Sunshine crew members and medical staff attempted to revive the woman after learning she was unresponsive, but the passenger was pronounced dead on the ship, the FBI said. Its not clear exactly when the woman died.

The FBI have described the womans death as suspicious.

The incident was isolated and posed no threats to other passengers, according to the FBI.

Hannah Hierholzer, one of the passengers aboard the ship, told WCSC: They called several times over the intercom, Medical Response Team to room whatever, and I was like, Oh, thats weird, maybe that that happens all the time, because theres old people on cruises with a health problem or something. But after that, like, we heard nothing about this at all.

Hierholzer said the incident has made her more aware of possible dangers on a cruise ship.

It doesnt change the fact that I would like to go on another cruise, but I certainly wouldnt walk around alone anymore on cruise ships. Im thinking if theres somebody who has like a weapon or something on a cruise, you know, its one ship. Youre kind of stuck with everybody on there, she said.

When the ship returned to Charleston on March 4, the FBI Evidence Response Team members responded to the ship to process the passengers room, as is standard procedure to look for potential evidence. The FBI said it investigates certain crimes on the high seas, as well as suspicious deaths of U.S. persons.

Both the deceased and her husband were debarked in Nassau and Bahamian authorities have already investigated the circumstances and are conducting an autopsy, Carnival Cruise Line spokesperson Matt Lupoli told CNN in a statement.

We are fully cooperating. This is a matter for authorities in the Bahamas and Charleston and we have no further comments.

The FBI said the incident remains under investigation and no other details could be provided at this time.
Feds Close to Passing Internet Regulation Bill, Says Liberal MP

Liberal MP Chris Bittle responds to a question during Question Period in the House of Commons, Feb. 21, 2020 in Ottawa. (The Canadian Press/Fred Chartrand)

A Liberal MP says the federal government is just shy of the finish line in passing legislation that will regulate the content Canadians can view online by requiring major online streaming platforms to contribute to Canadian content rules.

Speaking to MPs in the House on March 8, Liberal MP Chris Bittle, who is also the parliamentary secretary to Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez, said the government is very close to passing Bill C-11 into Canadian law.

We have arrived at this point, just shy of the finish line, thanks to the contributions and hard work of parliamentarians, public servants, industry experts, content creators, and Canadians, he said, as first reported by Blacklocks Reporter.

Bill C-11, also known as the Online Streaming Act, will give the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulatory authority over the content available to Canadian viewers on platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Netflix.

The Senate recently passed the bill back to the House of Commons with a number of amendmentsmany of which the federal government has rejected, including one aimed at protecting individual creators who upload videos on YouTube.

Bittle said if C-11 is given royal assent, the Governor in Council will issue a policy directive to the CRTC explaining how the new legislative framework should be applied.

Bittle said this would require a minimum 30-day notice period, during which stakeholders could provide comments, concerns and recommendations regarding policy direction.

The bills stated objective is to promote authentic Canadian content for viewers within the country, but some critics have said the bills definition of Canadian content is poor, and the bill too far-reaching.

I do not know who will be able to tell me what Canadian content is and what it is not, but I know it wont be in the Minister of Heritages power to ever tell me, said New Brunswick Sen. David Adams Richards during a Senate debate on the bill on Jan. 31.

Richards also expressed concern that the bill would bring about a culture of censorship of Canadians.

This law will be one of scapegoating all those who do not fit into what our bureaucrats think Canada should be, Richards said.

Stalin again will be looking over our shoulder when we write.

Broad Support

The U.S. government previously expressed concern that the legislation will discriminate against American companies, while representatives from large streaming platforms like Disney and Spotify have said the bills definition of Canadian content needs to be broadened.

One of the Senates proposed amendments to Bill C-11 wouldve removed user-generated content on social media and open-creator platforms like YouTube from the CRTCs regulating jurisdiction, but Rodriguez rejected the amendment on March 7.

Government House leader Mark Holland told reporters in Ottawa on March 9 that he believes the bill will now receive broad support in the House and will be accepted by the Senate.

Conservatives have voiced strong opposition to the legislation, with MP Rachel Thomas saying in the House on March 8 that it will impact all Canadians who have a cellphone, a television or a computer in their home and who enjoys online streaming.

That is how big this legislation is. That is how dramatic its impact would be, she said.
Feds Table Legislation to Amend Criminal Code Terrorism Provisions

The federal government has tabled legislation aimed at amending terrorism provisions in Canadas criminal code they say have previously blocked Canadian individuals and organizations from providing humanitarian aid in Afghanistan.

Bill C-41 will create a legal pathway for Ottawa to work with humanitarian partners, which includes non-government organizations (NGOs) such as the Canadian Red Cross Society, to deliver humanitarian aid like food and clothing to people in Afghanistan, says Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino.

The situation in Afghanistan is dire, Mendicino said on March 9 in Ottawa while announcing the proposed legislation, which he is sponsoring.

Currently, Canadian humanitarian workers cannot deliver aid in areas controlled by terrorists without being prosecuted.

The newly tabled Bill C-41 would allow aid workers to apply for a five-year exemption from prosecution in order to help people in crisis in a geographic area identified as being controlled by a terrorist group.

Humanitarian groups have said they were told by Global Affairs Canada over a year ago that purchasing goods in Afghanistan would constitute paying taxes to the Taliban, which would be legally categorized in the Canadian Criminal Code as contributing to a terrorist organization.

Mendicino added that an estimated two-thirds of Afghans will need international assistance in 2023 to survive.

This bill meets the urgency of the moment, creating a streamlined process, giving NGOs like the Canadian Red Cross the flexibility that they need to help those in need in Afghanistan, Mendicino said.

Joining him for the announcement were Justice Minister David Lametti and International Development Minister Harjit Sajjan, along with other Liberal MPs.

Aid Workers

The Liberal governments tabling of Bill C-41 comes more than a year after many of Canadas allies swiftly altered their national laws and issued exemptions to ensure aid workers could keep working in Afghanistan following the Talibans takeover of Kabul in August 2021.

Mendicino said the Liberal government is aiming to pass the legislation as quickly as possible and will also be looking to work closely with NGOs like the Canadian Red Cross to ensure efficiency.

A parliamentary committee heard from an expert witness in February that the Taliban take a significant share of humanitarian aid intended to be provided to the Afghanistan people.

Horia Mosadiq, director of the Safety and Risk Mitigation Organization, told the House of Commons Subcommittee on International Human Rights that several United Nations agencies have reported that much of the aid ends up going to Taliban soldiers, some of whom are involved in committing war crimes in Afghanistan.

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
Everything is energy and thats all there is to it. Match the frequency of the reality you want and you cannot help but get that reality. It can be no other way. This is not philosophy. This is physics.

Albert Einstein

Not just once or twice, but in numerous conversations all of us have experienced another person finishing our sentence in the exact same words we were thinking of. Or someone suggesting the same idea that popped in our minds as well. So does that mean we are commonly surrounded by mind readers, or is there another, slightly more convincing explanation to this phenomena?

Lets start from the start, in this case cells.

According to developmental biology of the early 20th century, a group of cells are able to respond to discrete, localized biochemical signals, giving rise to the development of specific morphological structures or organs.

In simple words a cell, without any contact, but through signaling, is able to sense the malfunction of another cell, and quickly acts to replace it with a functional one. This interaction is called the Morphogenetic field.

An example of the Morphogenetic field is the story that originated the hundredth monkey phenomenon, which was observed in the 1950s on a Japanese island.

A group of behavioral scientists observed that monkeys of this island would wash their potatoes before they ate them. This habit was likely developed by one of the monkeys by chance and gradually was copied by others after realizing perhaps that the washed potatoes tasted better than the unwashed ones.

Eventually there were 100 monkeys on the island eating potatoes in this manner. Shortly after, the same behavior seemed to have started on another island but not in the same way. In this island all the monkeys began to wash their potatoes around the same time but not one by one, almost as if the monkeys from the first island told them about it, although there had been no contact between the two groups. This just shows how our thoughts produce vibrations that travel and influence our surrounding environment and maybe, even beyond it.

Even though the existence of this field is considered to be pseudoscience by the general scientific community, there is no denying that the same was thought about many phenomena in the past. Continental drift, dark matter, the heliocentric solar system, Einsteins theory of relativity, etc., were all at one point rejected as pseudoscience by the general scientific community that claimed science could not explain them.

A Snapshot of Emotion

In 1999, Dr. Masaru Emoto, after his extraordinary work of a lifetime on water, published his book The Hidden Messages in Water, a New York Times bestseller.

In this book, he demonstrated how water crystals responded to the vibrational fields from its surroundings, resulting in different shapes.

His official site documents many of these experiments in photographs here.

Water exposed to love and gratitude manifested intricate, symmetrical patterns.

I can do it resulted in solid hexagonal shapes beginning to manifest. I cant do it resulted in what looks like a broken fragment.

Courtesy, reverence, happiness, and other positive feelings created snowflake-like patterns. Various prayers manifested the most intricate of the recorded crystals.

Emoto, long fascinated by water, was convinced that water originated outside of earth, and was more magical than it appeared, containing more than we realized.

Effect of Music on Water

Now who doesnt have a list of their favorite songs thats uplifting for them or memorable in ways nothing else can compare?

All of us have different thoughts on different kinds of music. Some of us enjoy all kinds of genres while some are more loyal to a particular one. But many times just the right song can set things right for us. Ever wonder why?

Emoto conducted the same experiment, but this time in a musical setting and the results were recorded in the various images seen here.

Now, what are the chances of us being impacted by our surroundings the same way these experiments show water can be? Not to mention that up to 60 percent of our bodies is water, with our brain and heart composed of 73 percent water.

One of the many paradoxes in life is that the same people that excel and succeed in everything they put their minds to can also be the same ones to deny that their will-power and thoughts can form a field around them, driving them towards their goals and dreams. A field originating from cells to our surroundings can change and transform our journeys in life, and in return transforms ourselves.
Former Drug Firm Exec Sentenced to More Than 2 Years for Illegal Opioid Sales

Laurence Doud III, former CEO of Rochester Drug Co-Operative, exits the Manhattan Federal Courthouse in New York on April 23, 2019. (Brendan McDermid/Reuters)

NEW YORKThe former chief executive of Rochester Drug Co-operative was sentenced to more than two years in prison on Wednesday for conspiring to distribute opioids illegally, in the first criminal opioid trafficking case against a drug wholesaler and its executives.

U.S. District Judge George Daniels sentenced Laurence Doud, 79, to 27 months at a hearing in Manhattan. Daniels said Douds crime was serious and motivated solely by profit, but that the governments requested sentence was more than needed.

Prosecutors had sought 15 years, while Douds attorneys argued that no prison time was warranted because similar conduct had been punished with only civil penalties in the past.

Rochester Drug Co-operative (RDC), Doud and another executive were charged in 2019 with conspiring to distribute illegal narcotics.

At Douds trial in January 2022, prosecutors told jurors that under his leadership the company funneled opioids to bad pharmacies and dirty doctors, ignoring clear signs, like large bulk orders of pills and payments in cash, that the drugs were being sold illegally.

Douds lawyers countered that he was being used as a scapegoat for the opioid epidemic.

The other executive, Chief Compliance Officer William Pietruszewski, pleaded guilty and testified against Doud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 29.

RDC, which filed for bankruptcy in 2020, agreed in 2019 to pay $20 million to settle criminal and civil charges related to its opioid sales.

More than half a million people died from drug overdoses in the United States in the period from 1999 to 2020, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency has said opioid overdoses surged further during the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing 38 percent in 2020 over the previous year and another 15 percent in 2021.

The opioid epidemic has spawned thousands of civil lawsuits by state and local governments accusing manufacturers of concealing their drugs risks, and distributors and pharmacies of failing to prevent illegal trafficking. Those lawsuits have so far resulted in more than $50 billion in settlements.

By Brendan Pierson
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, attends a plenary meeting of the delegation of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the People's Armed Police Force during the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 8, 2023. Xi delivered an important speech at the meeting. (Xinhua/Li Gang) BEIJING, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday stressed opening new ground for enhancing integrated national strategies and strategic capabilities. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while attending a plenary meeting of the delegation of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the People's Armed Police Force, during the first session of the 14th National People's Congress, China's national legislature. Consolidating and enhancing integrated national strategies and strategic capabilities has profound significance in building a modern socialist country in all respects and advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts, as well as in achieving the goals for the centenary of the PLA in 2027 and more quickly elevating the armed forces to world-class standards, said Xi. Highlighting the goal of maximizing China's national strategic capabilities, Xi called for efforts in integrating the strategic layouts, resources and strengths in all areas, in a bid to systematically upgrade the country's overall strength to cope with strategic risks, safeguard strategic interests and realize strategic objectives. Xi urged efforts to advance collaborative innovation in science and technology, with a focus on independent and original innovation, thus building high-level self-reliance and strength in science and technology at a faster pace. Strategic capabilities in emerging fields must be bolstered in pursuit of new advantages in national development and international competitions, and the resilience of industrial and supply chains must be enhanced, Xi said. Xi ordered coordinating the construction of major infrastructure, accelerating the building of national reserves, and making the reserves more capable of safeguarding national security. Consolidating and enhancing integrated national strategies and strategic capabilities must draw momentum from reform and innovation, Xi stressed, urging more progresses in this regard. He also called for efforts to foster a sound atmosphere of caring for, devoting to, building and safeguarding national defense among members of the public to pool strengths for consolidating and enhancing integrated national strategies and strategic capabilities and for building a strong country with a strong military. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, poses for a group photo with deputies from the delegation of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the People's Armed Police Force before attending a plenary meeting of the delegation during the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
Students from Dilcon Community School visited Northern Arizona University (NAU) on Friday for hands-on learning about health careers through the Dream Catcher program.

This year was NAUs 12th hosting students for Dream Catcher and the programs return after a COVID-related pause. Part of the Native Journey to Academic Success program, the annual event is meant to spark interest in health careers for Native American middle-schoolers and show them some skills needed to succeed in each field.

Dream Catcher is turning education dreams into reality, said School of Nursing assistant professor Regina Eddie.

Eddie added: "Reaching [students] at a middle school age, were hoping to inspire, get them motivated to think youre going to be coming to high school. So we need you to be thinking about the importance of math, science, reading and be thinking about health careers. What do you want to do as a career, what do you want to be when you grow up?

Careers represented at this years event ranged from physician assistants to physical education to occupational therapy.

After arriving at the university and hearing an introduction from Eddie, the students split into groups to visit different professionals and students from NAUs College of Health and Human Services who had come to present about their fields.

About 20 sixth- through eighth-graders participated in the full-day program, which highlighted six different health careers.

Each involved the students in a hands-on activity related to the field -- from practice suturing to cleaning teeth to putting on a pair of googles meant to simulate the effects of a concussion.

Through the day, through direct engagement, by seeing the equipment, by seeing the tools that each of the health professions use, theyre learning about what each career is and what they do," Eddie said.

Some activities incorporated school subjects to show ways they might be important in a real-world context. In nursing for example, the students were shown how to check their heart rate and other simple health-related calculations.

The students also received a workbook for the day with additional information they could take home. Material included descriptions of each career and how to prepare for it in order to help students begin to pursue their interests.

The hope, Eddie said, is that students would leave the day inspired and curious about health careers. Native Americans are underrepresented in the field, she said, leaving gaps the Dream Catcher program hopes to help fill.

She also said she hoped to expand the program to include more students from schools throughout Arizona.

The 2020 National Nursing Workforce survey from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and the National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers found that 0.4% of nurses were Native American.

Eddie said similar percentages were found across other healthcare professions.

Health disparities are rampant in Native American communities and, adding to that, theres a severe shortage of healthcare professionals that compounds the challenge, she said. If were going to improve the health of Native communities, whether it's heart disease, diabetes, cancer ... we need to bring in Native American healthcare professionals.

"They know the culture, they know the language, they know the beliefs ... to really connect, it has to be someone who understands them, knows them, looks like them -- [someone] from the community.

More about NAUs Dream Catcher program can be found at nau.edu/chhs/native-american-support/.
Freedom House releases its 50th edition of Freedom in the World at 10:00 a.m. ET on March 9.

The authors, Yana Gorokhovskaia and Adrian Shahbaz will present key findings. A panel discussion on the implications of those findings will be after the release.

Panelists include The Hon. Jane Harman, chair of Freedom House Board of Trustees; Michael J. Abramowitz, president of Freedom House; Nury Turkel, chairman of U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom; Leopoldo Lopez, Venezuelan political leader, pro-democracy activist, Sakharov prize laureate and co-founder of the World Liberty Congress; Dr. Rachel Kleinfeld, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Freedom House trustee; Alicia Phillips Mandaville, vice president, Department of Policy and Evaluation, The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).

This annual report records global trends in political rights and civil liberties.
Fundamental Character of US at the Heart of Virginias School Curriculum Debate

'I think patriotic education is a good education,' one parent said

A mural depicts President George Washington as he lays the cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 18, 1793. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

While some have praised the recent changes to Virginias social studies history standards, the state Board of Education has largely received opposition to the January draft standards, which are under scrutiny from progressive organizations and academic groups.

After the newly-elected board members appointed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin questioned the length of the initial 400-page collaborative social studies standards draft released in August (pdf), the Virginia Department of Education began a revision process that resulted in a second draft being released in November and finally a third draft presented in January.

While many conservatives praised the January draft, progressive professional groups criticized the document, saying that it does not reflect the states diverse voices and instead glorified Americas racist history, calling Americas very character into question.

Monica Hutchinson, vice president for Henrico County NAACP, called the November draft a new revisionist whitewashed version of history and urged the board to reject the document.

Members of the public attend the Virginia Board of Educations public meeting in November 2022. (Courtesy of Virginia Department of Education)

These new standards revert back to teaching history from a very white-centered point of view, full of white savior complex, Hutchinson said during the Board of Educations November public comment meeting.

Hutchinson made an unsubstantiated claim that important black historical figures like Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass had been taken out of the earlier draft and hastily added back in.

We are the threat to the system of white supremacy and its time for all of us to dismantle it once and for all, added Hutchinson. These new proposed standards are disrespectful and harmful to many families like mine.

The January draft standards (pdf) include an introduction labeled guiding principles, which sets a tone of patriotism and states that founding documents such as the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence are remarkable documents.

The Signing of the Declaration of Independence, painted by John Trumbull, 1819. (Public Domain)

Another speaker at the November public hearing, Carol Bauer, vice president of the Virginia Education Association (VEA)an affiliate of NEA, the nations largest teachers unionalso criticized the January draft.

The standards are full of overt political bias, outdated language to describe enslaved people and American Indians, highly subjective framing of the American moralism and conservative ideals, as well as coded racist overtures throughout, said Bauer during the public hearing. Equally damning was the fact that LGBT plus history was left out, she said.

James Fedderman, president of the VEA, also spoke against the proposed standards at a board meeting.

Its political aim is clear in the introduction, which leads to a set of partisan values. Further, the document does not appear to consider the full complexity of our past, Fedderman said.

Slavery a Stain, Not Essence of America

Steven Smith, professor of political science at Yale University, said that while nationalism can go to extremes and be exclusionary, patriotism is the belief in the adherence to the founding principles that all people have equal worth, that the United States is a country of laws, and that it strives toward the ideals set forth in the U.S. Constitution.

In a 2021 speech at Sandra Day OConnor College of Law in Arizona, Smith criticized the history put forth by the 1619 Project for trying to rewrite history because it negates the effort by the founders and early Americans to abolish slavery.

The book The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story is displayed at a bookstore in New York on Nov. 17, 2021. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Such a view is based on a radical simplification and reduction of all American history to a single theme [and] overlooks the fact that, for example, even at the time of the American founding, the institution of slavery was highly contested, he said.

Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton were heads of abolitionist societies in Pennsylvania and New York, said Smith.

One reason I cannot accept this view of America as a white supremacist nation is that it denies the efforts of generations of Americans, both black and white, in their struggle to achieve a more perfect union. Slavery may be an irreparable stain on America, but it is not the essence of America, Smith said.

Virginia public school parent Stephanie Lundquist-Arorawhose great-grandfathers, grandfathers, father, brother, and husband served in the U.S. militarytold The Epoch Times that the claims of the draft history standards promoting white supremacy and racism are false.

These assertions are deplorable and manipulative, meant to gaslight the public, Lundquist-Arora said as she criticized progressive activists for promoting divisiveness.

She believes the guiding principles of the draft standards are good.

The new standards support patriotic sentiments, like the remarkability of our founding documents, which unite us as Americans, she said.

In a joint letter to the Virginia Board of Education (pdf), Civics Alliance and the National Association of Scholarsa nonprofit that promotes intellectual freedom and reform in higher educationpraised the January draft for having a patriotic focus and for the removal of radical polemic.

Board Members Conflicted

While the Youngkin-appointed majority accepted the January draft standards for the first review in a 53 vote, former Gov. Ralph Northams appointeesboard President Daniel Gecker, Vice President Tammy Mann, and Anne Holtonall agreed they did not share the values expressed in the draft.

There are aspects of the version that I expect is going to end up going out that just dont reflect my values, said Gecker during a Feb. 2 board meeting, adding that he does not believe the draft can be improved enough to get the support of academic opponents.

You cannot reference the Declaration of Independence and Constitution as remarkable documents without also acknowledging that they contain fundamental flaws of enshrining slavery and limiting the protections that they provided only to white, propertied men, Holton said during a Feb. 1 board meeting.

Gecker implied that some board members were being loyal to the governor who appointed them and not to constituents. Mann said she would prefer to move the August collaborative set of standards forward because it better reflects what the public wants and has more rigor.

Holton made two motions, preferably to move the August collaborative draft standards forward, and alternatively, to move the January draft standard with political elements like the guiding principles taken out.

Both motions were denied by the majority of members.

Gecker said he does not believe there will be enough time left after the six public comment meetings in March to change the draft enough to satisfy the community organizations that currently oppose the document.

After the public comment meetings, the board will hash out any other changes to the draft in April and send it to the state Department of Education for final edits.

August Draft

In late 2020, the African American History Education Commission (AAHEC), a state commission established by Northam, made recommendations on how to teach a more inclusive history, and their ideas were incorporated into the August collaborative draft social studies standards.

Many people were upset that the August standards were not adopted after parents and professional organizations helped author them.

What you said to parents who look like me, is that our voices dont count and that the educational experiences of our children arent as important as those of other children, said Makya Renee Little, who helped draft the August standards via the AAHEC.

Tiffany Lewis, a Virginia mother of three, said that as a descendant of those who survived enslavement and faced racism first-hand, she feels that the January draft is inadequate in addressing black history and wants the board to adopt the August collaborative draft because she said it offers a more complete history.

Slaves plant sweet potatoes on the Cassina Point Plantation in South Carolina in 1862. (Library of Congress)

Wesley Hedgepeth, president-elect of the National Council for the Social Studies, told The Epoch Times in a recent interview that he believes there were some important parts of history left out of the January draft.

As an example  the 11th grade Virginia and United States History class. It begins with the age of exploration from the Europeans, which really leaves out that tens of thousands of years prior to European settlement and colonization, that the indigenous people of North America experienced, Hedgepeth said.

He thinks that because Augusts collaborative set of standards covers indigenous history before the settlers arrived, it gives a more full picture of American history.

Students should engage in these diverse ideas in ways that do not glorify or defend those who have engaged in historic enslavement, misogyny, homophobia, genocide, Hedgepeth said during the Feb. 2 public comment meeting.

Former board member Suparna Dutta was ousted from the board because her nomination was voted down by Democrats in the Virginia Assembly who accused her of being aligned with white supremacist groups after she praised the founding fathers.

Dutta said supporters of the January draft reached out to her to express their support for the proposal.

Srilekha Palle, a parent of two children who were educated in Virginia public schools, told The Epoch Times that children should be taught facts that are not filtered through a critical race theory lens.

Were not saying that you shouldnt be teaching the history. Its about your subjectivity driving the narrative to the children, Palle said. I think patriotic education is a good education. I think the problem is quite the opposite, that people dont love their country.
Brian Giesbrecht: Most Canadians Dont Think Canada Is a Post-National State

Commentary

When newly elected Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told a bewildered Canada in 2015 that the country was a post-national state not many of us knew what he was talking about.

Doesnt post-national mean that Canada was once a nation, but no longer is one? Was he really saying that Canada was no longer a nationthat it had somehow graduated from nation status to some higher stage?

He didnt explain, but perhaps what is happening now at Roxham Road can be at least partly explained by Trudeaus unusual conception of what the country he is governing is all about.

At Roxham Road, illegal immigrants simply walk into Canada with no permission to do so. Unlike the thousands of people waiting patiently in foreign refugee camps and poor villages who have filled out immigration forms, and complied with the many other requirements for formal admission to Canada, the Roxham Road crossers simply arrive on Canadas doorstep with suitcases in handand walk in.

They are not refugees fleeing persecution. They are economic migrants residing in the United States. In many cases, their transportation to the border has been provided by American officials.

Dont get me wrong. Most of the Roxham Road migrants are probably good folks, just trying to make a better life for themselves and their families. But the fact is that they are taking the place of those who have done everything right, and have been carefully vetted by immigration officials. The Roxham Road people havent been vetted at all. We have no idea what their qualificationsor criminal recordslook like.

Past governments, Liberal and Conservative, insisted that potential immigrants must follow the rules. They also believed in borders.

So, why does the Trudeau government completely depart from past practises and allow these people to simply walk into the country? The only possible answer I can see is Trudeaus truly strange belief that Canada is a post-national state, and no longer a nation.

Because a state that is no longer a nation no longer needs borders. To Trudeau, borders seem to be simply an anachronism; a vestige of more primitive times. If the world is evolving from nation-states to one bigwhat, Im not quite surewe no longer need outdated concepts like borders and border controls.

We now know that borders are bad is just one of the World Economic Forums talking points that Trudeau subscribes to. Fossil fuels are bad is another. Trudeau is one of the junior philosopher kings of that organization and appears to fervently believe in everything they preach.

But something Im pretty sure of is that most Canadians do not believe that Canada is a post-national state that no longer needs border controls. Most Canadians believe that our previous immigration policy was basically sound. We need immigrants, but applicants should be carefully vetted, and only those with the necessary qualifications should be admitted. People who dont even bother to applywho simply show up on our doorstepshould be refused entry.

Trudeau is perfectly aware that a policy of allowing anyone entry to Canada, no questions asked, is unacceptable to voters. Yet, he does it anyway. Is this the new method of governance by which post-national states will be governed from now on? An organization of philosopher kings who are not accountable to voters will make the rulesrules voters would never stand for. And Manchurian Candidates, like Trudeau, will slip their policies into place? Is this how obviously problematic policies, like Just Transition and Carbon Zero will get past voters?

Recent revelations about election interference and infiltration of our systems at all levels by the Chinese Communist Party make Trudeaus view that Canada is a post-national state, with no core identity even more ominous.

Canadians know who we are and what we are. We are a proud nation. A nation with borders.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
'Abortion ends human life, and we're going to work to see abortion become unthinkable in our lifetime'

A baby girl was among hundreds of millions of babies aborted or abandoned during Chinas one-child policy era, a law enforced between 1980 and 2016. Luckily, a kindhearted woman from the United States adopted her as a toddler. Grateful that her birth mom chose life, she now dedicates herself to the pro-life movement, advocating for change to protect unborn babies.

Shaohannah was born in the Guangxi autonomous region of Southern China and grew up in Minnesota after being adopted. Today, she lives just outside Washington, D.C., and works as the capitol area regional coordinator for Students for Life of America (SFLA) in the Washington metro area.

Talking to The Epoch Times, Shaohannah said that she was abandoned in a small box in the Guangxi region, in a city called Beihai, when she was only a few months old.

I knew about Chinas one-child policy for pretty much as long as I can remember, she said. The pressure that they put on people to have only one child, and especially in a male-driven society, to have a boy. I knew that I was one of the many girls who was abandoned and basically left to die because of the policy.

Shaohannah Faith was born and abandoned in the Guangxi autonomous region of southern China. (Courtesy of Shaohannah Faith)

In a coordinated effort to rescue unborn babies, Shaohannah will be actively participating in SFLAs nationwide protests in March against over-the-counter sales of chemical abortion pills.

Dana Stancavage, SFLAs press specialist and online editor and also Shaohannahs friend and mentor, said: This is such a dangerous drug to make over-the-counter accessible. It impacts our public waterways, it impacts women who are four times more likely to have injury infertility, and theres an unfortunate rising death toll from using these pills  they certainly shouldnt be at your local drugstore.

Left to Die

Shaohannah has always felt sad about her origin story and has wondered what her life could have been like but harbors no resentment toward her birth family.

I understand that in a country like China, there is a lot of pressure from the government, she said. The choices that they may have had to make might not have been the choices they would have wanted for me. But Im very grateful for the fact that they chose an option where I was able to be rescued, and live.

[My birth mom] gave me this gift in allowing me to have the life I have now. I wouldnt have anything that I have right now if it was not for her, or her making the choices that she did, which Im sure were not easy.

Shaohannah Faith is a capitol area regional coordinator for Students for Life of America (SFLA) in the Washington metro area. (Courtesy of Shaohannah Faith)

Shaohannahs adoptive mom, Sheila, was single but looking to have a child when she began the process of overseas adoption through Minnesota Childrens Home Society. China was the obvious choice as Sheila had previously studied abroad in China and had fallen in love with the Chinese people.

She was connected with Shaohannah at her orphanage when the baby girl was a little over a year old.

As far as Shaohannah knows, her birth family is still in China, but she has not yet been successful in connecting with them through genetic testing. However, she has met other adults who were once abandoned during the enforcement of Chinas one-child policy. Many are women, like herself, who may have been given up because of their familys preference for a boy.

From Abandoned to Advocate

As Shaohannah moved through high school and college, so her interest in activism increased. She planned to major in political science and worked in the Maryland General Assembly before transitioning into full-time work as a pro-life activist for SFLA.

SFLA holds rallies at the U.S. Supreme Court and has recently held a lobby day in Washington, D.C., for the Born Alive Protection Act. They assist daily on college campuses so that SFLA members can engage with pro-abortion students face-to-face and share information, such as Standing With You on campus, a nationwide directory to connect women with pregnancy resources, including adoption support.

In July 2022, when the D.C. Council was seeking to pass legislation to protect people who would have aided in any self-managed abortions and to protect anyone who participated in that, Shaohannah testified on behalf of SFLA and asked: How much is a child like me worth?

Shaohannah Faith in one of the SFLA rallies at the Supreme Court of the United States. (Courtesy of Shaohannah Faith)

Shaohannah gave an example of a student whose view on abortion changed after a conversation at the SFLA campus stand.

She said: I was hosting a display at Mount St. Marys University when we were approached by a couple of young women interested in the display. We asked them when they thought human rights should begin, and after looking at fetal models which demonstrate the humanity of preborn children, they agreed that abortion should not be legal through all nine months  we were excited to see these girls realize that the pro-life movement is here to offer support and life-affirming resources.

In the controversial case of women who conceive in rape, Shaohannah knows her stance.

We dont assign grades to someones birth certificate based on the circumstances of how they were conceived, she said. Rape is horrible, its the worst thing that can happen to another person, but it does not make sense to turn around and commit another act of violence against another innocent person. If we wouldnt discriminate and devalue a toddler who happened to be conceived in rape, we shouldnt do the same to a preborn baby.

Life Is a Gift

Shaohannah says she has been bullied for her pro-life beliefs many times but keeps in mind that SFLAs goal is to foster conversation and share scientifically-accurate information about preborn human lives. She believes in what she does.

I love that I get to do something that Im passionate about. Im very blessed in that I have a wonderful team, and its a team of people who come from different backgrounds  but we can all unite around this fact that abortion ends human life, and were going to work to see abortion become unthinkable in our lifetime, she said.

Chinas one-child policy was officially retracted in 2016. According to Shaohannah, the Chinese Communist Party has claimed to have prevented or ended 300 million births, a figure she finds horrific since its never, ever morally right in any circumstances to end lives.

Its about this culture of death. Theyve created this devaluing of life in the womb, and we have that here as well. Its not something new, she said. To me, thats why part of this fight for preborn lives matters so much, because its taking a stand against this culture of death  desensitization and dehumanizing.

[Roe v. Wade] was the roadblock that we got through in order to make abortion not only illegal but also make it unthinkable. We have a poster, a blueprint  we want women to feel supported because women dont need abortion to succeed; they dont need abortion in order to be equal. They can have their careers, their dreams, and their children too. But to do that, we need to support them.

Shoahannah Faith wants to see abortion become unthinkable in her lifetime. (Courtesy of Shaohannah Faith)

Shaohannahs next battle is advocating for U.S. laws that protect preborn lives from the moment of conception. She is also preparing to take protest materials against the chemical abortion pill on a spring tour to college campuses around Maryland and Washington, D.C.

A message that I want to convey is that life is a gift. Its a gift that Ive been given that Im allowed to continue fighting for, and see it cherished more than it was when I was born, she said.

Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Inspired newsletter at TheEpochTimes.com/newsletter
Google to Launch Fund to Support Taiwans Media Outlets

The logo for Google LLC at the Google Store Chelsea in Manhattan, New York, on Nov. 17, 2021. (Andrew Kelly/Reuters)

TAIPEIAlphabet Inc.s Google said on Wednesday it will launch a T$300 million ($9.8 million) fund over the next three years to help boost the Taiwanese medias continuing operations and digital competitiveness.

Google has come under pressure in some countries to negotiate commercial deals and pay news publishers for their content, though not in Taiwan. Google said it will pay local publishers through what it calls a Taiwan News Digital Co-prosperity Fund to strengthen their digital publishing capability.

The fund will help Taiwan local media hone digital skills, gain expertise and support the sustainable development of Taiwans news industry, the company said.

Even while Google faces many challenges in the overall international environment, Taiwan remains a crucial global stronghold, Tina Lin, managing director of sales and operations at Google Taiwan, told reporters in Taipei.

Google said Taiwans media industry has been facing major competitive challenges in adapting to the digital age, pointing out that advertising revenues for traditional media outlets have dropped 70 percent from 20032020.

The initiative marks the latest effort by the internet giant to develop mechanisms to support and compensate regional news providers whose content appears on Google, as it faces the prospect that governments may impose regulations to require such mechanisms.

An Australian law giving the government power to compel Google and rival Meta Platforms to negotiate content supply deals with media outlets has largely worked, according to an Australian government report in late 2022.
GOP Congressman Says He Believes FBI Illegally Spied on Him Under FISA Authority

U.S. House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif) (R) talks to Rep.-elect Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) in the House Chamber during the third day of elections for Speaker of the House at the U.S. Capitol Building on January 05, 2023 in Washington. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) has suggested that he was the subject of an unlawful Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) query.

The lawmaker made the comments on March 9 during a hearing of the House Intelligence Committee on global threats.

A 2021 report ordered by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC)the closed-door judicial body that grants broad surveillance authority to intelligence officialsrevealed that the FBI had used the FISA to spy on more than 3.3 million Americans without a warrant.

One of those millions of queries, the report revealed, was exercised against an unnamed person who was a sitting member of Congress when the query took place. During the hearing, LaHood expressed his belief that he was this person.

I want to make clear the FBIs inappropriate querying of a duly elected member of Congress is egregious and a violation not only that degrades the trust in FISA, but is viewed as a threat to the separation of powers, LaHood said. I have had the opportunity to review the classified summary of this violation, and it is my opinion that the member of Congress that was wrongfully queried multiple times solely by his name was in fact me.

The FISC-ordered report revealed that an unnamed intelligence analyst had conducted a redacted quantity of queries using only the name of a U.S. congressman.

The report ruled these queries to be noncompliant with legal requirements and overly broad.

The FISA, which initially passed Congress in 1978 as a safeguard for Americans civil liberties, grants intelligence agencies limited authority to gather foreign intelligence information by collecting suspected foreign actors cell phone metadata, communications, and other information considered pertinent to national security.

The modern-day FISA, which was substantially expanded in 2008, contains a controversial 9/11-era provisionsection 702granting intelligence agencies broad authority to spy on both foreign and domestic actors. Many Republicans have accused the intelligence community of using these powers to go after political opponents, violating Americans core legal rights.

The renewal of section 702 of the FISA, which is currently set to expire on Dec. 31, 2023, has been a key priority for intelligence officials.

Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio), the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, speaks in Washington on Aug. 12, 2022. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

FISA Has Been Abused: Turner

Dwindling public trust was a key issue for House Republicans during a March 9 hearing of the House Intelligence Committee, as Republicans discussed the U.S. governments intelligence-gathering tools and grilled leaders on their internal methods for ensuring the fair execution of the law.

Committee Chairman Mike Turner (R-Ohio) gaveled in the hearing with a reference to section 702 of the FISA, which he said was essential but has since been subject to a series of abuses.

Turner unveiled plans to form a six-member working group, comprising three Republicans and three Democrats, to consider the issue of section 702s renewal.

Congress cannot reform FISA alone, Turner said, telling the panelists that he hoped they would coordinate with the working group to renew FISA in a revised form that safeguard[s] and guarantee[s] the rights of all U.S. citizens.

It is the actions of individuals in your organizations that have degraded the public trust that has ultimately put FISA at risk, Turner said to the panel of intelligence leaders.

The first step to earning back public trust, he said, is an ability to admit that there is in fact a problem.

LaHood went a step further, expressing his belief that any effort to reauthorize section 702 as its currently formulated would be a non-starter.

Unfortunately, there are far too many members of Congress on both sides of the aisle that question whether the executive branch can be trusted with this powerful tool, LaHood said, citing concerns from Republicans and Democrats alike that FISA is too broad a tool to continue in its current form.

No Violations Are Defensible: FBI Director Wray

During testimony on the alleged abuses of the FISA, FBI Director Christopher Wray told the panel that no violations [of the FISA or section 702] are defensible.

Wrays statement was prompted by a question from LaHood, who asked the FBI chief if he would acknowledge that the FBI has committed abuses and violations in its use of FISA.

Is that defensible? LaHood added.

First off, no violations are defensible, Wray said.

FBI Director Christopher Wray listens at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Wray then said that there have been compliance incidents that have to be addressed.

We have taken all sorts of steps [to increase FISA compliance] that I could walk the committee through here to address that issue, Wray said. Whats important to note about that is that all of the reports to date on that have been shared with the public and I think with the Congress.

Wray also claimed that the rampant violations revealed by the 2021 report had been addressed, citing a major decrease in illegal FISA queries in 2022.

So its a dramatic increase in the judiciousness with which our people are running their queries, Wray said. And we are absolutely committed to making sure that we show [the members of the committee], the rest of the members of Congress, and the American people that were worthy of these incredibly valuable authorities.

We clearly have a lot of work to do with this committee.
GOP Investigations Stall, Putting Congressional Oversight Mission in Peril

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) presides over a hearing of the Weaponization of the Federal Government Subcommittee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington on Feb. 9, 2023. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Commentary

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy pledged to uncover government corruption and detail the Biden administrations efforts to undo the pillars of American peace and prosperity. But two months into the new Republican-led Congress, the investigations that McCarthy and GOP leadership promised have barely gotten off the ground.

Because the congressional majority cant pass meaningful legislation with a Democrat-led Senate and a Democratic president in place, putting evidence of corruption, crimes, and abuses before the U.S. public was supposed to be its core mission. At the top of Republicans list were robust investigations of the COVID coverup, China, and the weaponization of the federal government, all of which are now the subjects of three new subcommittees.

The Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government, chaired by Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), was set up to investigate how Biden and other Democrats have used government agenciesespecially the FBI, Department of Justice (DOJ), and Department of Homeland Securityto advance partisan goals and target enemies. Its scope, therefore, is enormousincluding everything from Russiagate to government and Big Techs censorship consortium, and from spying on school parents to what role domestic intelligence services may have played in inciting the violence that marked the Jan. 6, 2021, protest.

Accordingly, the weaponization subcommittee may be the most important of all the newly established subcommittees, said Mike Davis, founder of the Article III Project.

If we have a politicized and weaponized Justice Department and intel apparatus, Davis said, that is a recipe for a Banana Republic.

In the latest episode of Over the Target Live, Davis and retired Col. Derek Harvey, a former congressional investigator, explained why Republican investigations are stalled and how GOP leadership can change course. And theyd better, Davis and Harvey said, because the stakes couldnt be higher.

Harvey was part of former congressman Devin Nuness investigative team that uncovered FBI and DOJ abuses committed during the Trump-Russia probe.

We had a very small staff, and the scale and scope of the problem that Jim Jordan has with the weaponization committee is far beyond ours, Harvey said.

The problem, he explained, is that even though Republicans have known for a year that they were likely to win back the House, they failed to prepare for the investigations they promised.

We already knew what a lot of the issues were going to be, Harvey said. And they havent hired staff, they dont even have people lined up for whats required of this weaponization effort in order to get to the documents, the actual evidence to do the depositions and then have the hearings.

According to Daviss sources, Jordan was reluctant to staff the weaponization subcommittee for fear the Democrats would do the same. But the Democrats are already staffed up, they already have thousands of staffers, Davis said, referring to the intelligence bureaucracy that has a stake in thwarting the weaponization probe. Theyre called FBI, CIA, broader Justice Department, broader intel community. We are outnumbered and outgunned.

And it appears that Republicans are partly to blame for being short-handed. Jordan is also chair of the Judiciary Committee, which means he already has a large workload that leaves him less time and attention to devote to the weaponization subcommittee.

Jim Jordans trying to run this subcommittee himself with his full committee staff. And that work is unmanageable unless you dedicate enough staff and resources, said Davis, who is a former counsel on Sen. Charles Grassleys staff. Jordan should appoint a vice chairman to the weaponization probe, and let the vice chairman build a big staff thats dedicated only to the weaponization select subcommittee, Davis said.

Harvey agreed that the weaponization investigation is crucial. He said he would start by focusing on the DOJs National Security Division. Thats where most of this stuff is originated, Harvey said. Lisa Monaco, for example, the deputy [attorney general] came out of the National Security Division.

The right approach is to go after records and meeting notes, Harvey said, and then subpoena those people in the government, as well as bringing in people that they were engaged with outside, including at the [Democratic National Committee] and the [law firms] like Perkins Coie, a law firm that is a political arm of these folks.

Whistleblowers would be helpful, Harvey said, but to convince people to come forward, investigators have to show they mean business. When he was investigating Russiagate, he said, sources provided good information that  helped us point the way to what we needed to demand in the way of documents or depositions from other people, by members of the FBI and DOJ and CIA understanding that we were serious and we werent going to be pushed away because of threats.

Jordan has asked for more money to staff up the weaponization subcommittee, and thats a very good pivot, Davis said. But money alone wont fix the problem. Davis said Republican investigators have to issue subpoenas immediately, and the courts will honor them.

If these subpoenas deal with a legislative issue, for instance, Davis said, whether the president is compromised by Chinese and Ukrainian oligarchs is clearly a legitimate legislative issue within Congresss oversight portfolio. Whether the Justice Department is politicized and weaponized against one party for the other is clearly within Congresss legitimate legislative oversight portfolio.

Davis said that a reinforced weaponization staff should ask for help from experienced investigators. I wish Jim Jordan or his staff director or his chief counsel would pick up the phone and call Senator Chuck Grassley. Grassley and his team would be more than happy to help them. Grassley is the king of oversight.

The clock is running on the Republican-led House, and there will be a price to pay if they dont deliver on their promises.

In two years when House Republicans come up with nothing on all three of these select committees, Davis said, conservatives are going to be irate, and theyre going to stay home and House Republicans are going to lose the House of Representatives.

But the larger point isnt simply about Republicans squandering their control of Congressits about Americans losing the republic.

Davis said: We cant have two systems of justice in America: one for Biden and his supporters and one for the rest of us. We cannot continue down this path.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Pfizer has profited immensely despite the concerns, earning a record $100 billion in 2022, including $37.8 billion for its COVID-19 shots and $18.9 billion for its antiviral drug Paxlovid.

In November 2020, Pfizer claimed its COVID-19 shot was 95 percent effective against COVID-19, but this was highly misleading and based on flawed methodology, including excluding people who got COVID-19 within 14 days after their first shot.

Die Welt also revealed contradictions in Pfizer documents, adverse events from the shot downplayed, and mass unblinding of study subjects, which wasnt revealed in a later approval study.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has since warned that people ages 65 and older who received Pfizers updated (bivalent) COVID-19 booster shot may be at increased risk of stroke.

A person known as Pfizer subject C4591001 1162 11621327 died three days after receiving the second dose of Pfizers COVID shot, reportedly due to stroke and arteriosclerosis; it was deemed unrelated to the shots.

Die Welt, a mainstream media outlet in Germany, revealed that numerous subjects who suffered adverse events, including deaths, during Pfizers COVID-19 shot trials were removed from the trial data.

From cooking and falsifying trial data to conveniently dropping subjects who suffered adverse eventsincluding deathsfrom the data, theres no question Pfizers vax trials were a sham. Will these crookswho earned a record $100 billion in 2022ever be stopped and brought to justice?

Details continue to emerge about coverups and fraud that took place during Pfizers COVID-19 shot trials. Die Welt, a mainstream media outlet in Germany, revealed that numerous subjects who suffered adverse eventsincluding deathswere removed from the trial data.1,2

Meanwhile, trial data were manipulated to create the illusion the shot is 90 percent effective; for instance, by excluding participants who got injected and developed COVID-19 within the next 14 days.3 Taken together, it leaves little doubt that COVID-19 shots cannot be trusted.

Deaths Occurred Within Days of Shots

The Die Welt report described several deaths that occurred shortly after the injections but were excluded from the trial data. Among them was a person known as Pfizer subject C4591001 1162 11621327. The person, a 60-year-old man, died three days after receiving the second dose of Pfizers COVID shot, reportedly due to stroke4 and arteriosclerosis.

Independent journalist Igor Chudov detailed the case on Substack, noting that the man was discovered via a welfare check, and may have died within two days of the shot. Chudov reported:5

According to the medical examiner, the probable cause of death was progression of atherosclerotic disease. Relevant tests were unknown. Autopsy results were not available at the time of this report.

In the opinion of the investigator, there was no reasonable possibility that the arteriosclerosis was related to the study intervention, concomitant medications, or clinical trial procedures, but rather it was related to suspected underlying disease. Pfizer concurred with the investigators causality assessment.

However, it appears the medical examiner may have been unaware the man had received an experimental COVID-19 shot shortly before his death and didnt give the examination a closer look. Pfizer also neglected to request the medical examiners report to assess a potential link. Chudov continued:6

They just took the police reports word that he died of arteriosclerosis, stated that COVID vaxx cannot cause arteriosclerosis, and ruled it unrelated. The patient was buried and forgotten. If I may guess, the examiners diagnosis was not even accurate. The medications that the deceased took indicate no ongoing, severe sclerotic disease.

Pfizer Falsely Ruled Deaths Were Unrelated to Shots

Another subject in Pfizers trial also died 20 days after the shots. The death was ruled as due to a cardiac arrest. But pharmaceutical specialist Susanne Wagner told Die Welt:7

According to the current state of science, these two cases would be assigned to the vaccination, especially since the U.S. health authority CDC is currently investigating strokes in vaccinated people and it is known. [Pfizers investigators] falsely ruled these deaths unrelated.

Indeed, an announcement made by the CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that people ages 65 and older who received Pfizers updated (bivalent) COVID-19 booster shot may be at increased risk of stroke.8

The CDCs Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD), which uses near real-time surveillance to track vaccine safety, flagged the potential safety issue, revealing that those 65 and over were more likely to have an ischemic stroke 21 days after receiving Pfizers bivalent COVID-19 shot compared to 22 to 44 days later.9

The FDA and CDC released the statement on a Friday night before a three-day weekend, which is proof they wanted to bury it, Dr. Meryl Nass, a board-certified internal medicine physician with special expertise in vaccine safety and vaccine mandates, said.10 Even Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo posted on Twitter about the odd timing:11,12

What better time than a Friday afternoon for @CDCgov and @US_FDA to let Americans know that the mRNA shots theyve been pushing may be causing strokes? Dont worry, well make sure the word gets outjust like weve been doing for months.

Die Welt also revealed contradictions in Pfizer documents and mass unblinding of study subjects, which wasnt revealed in a later approval study:13

In one fell swoop, the test management said goodbye to 53 subjects on Aug. 31, 2020. The test candidates were unblinded, which means they were informed about their vaccination status, a process that the Pfizer study protocol expressly only provides for in emergencies.

But there is nothing about it in the approval study. In protocol documents that are available to WELT, and which are actually not intended for the public, those responsible get caught up in contradictions.

Severe Adverse Reaction to Shots Brushed Off

Another example revealed by Die Welt involves trial participant Augusto Roux, a lawyer in Argentina. After receiving his second dose of Pfizers COVID-19 shot, he experienced shortness of breath and chest pain, and passed out. Within days, he visited a hospital for his symptoms, where he tested negative for COVID-19 but a CT scan showed fluid, or pericardial effusion, in Rouxs heart.

A physician noted in his chart, Adverse reaction to the coronavirus vaccine (high probability). Despite this connection and ongoing health problems, this adverse reaction was downplayed by Pfizer and listed as unrelated to the shots. According to Die Welt:14

Over the next few months, Roux lost 14 kilos [30.8 pounds], he had liver problems, and his heart sometimes beat irregularly  The diagnosis for the symptoms after the second vaccination is very likely to be pericarditis, inflammation of the heart. All of this fits exactly with a clinical picture that the Paul Ehrlich Institute also has in its list of rare side effects for mRNA vaccines.

 His story, one might think, should appear in Pfizers pivotal study papers, but it doesnt. The pharmaceutical companys papers say Roux informed the research team that he was hospitalized with pneumonia on both sides, following the initial report, which was classified as an adverse event of toxicity level 1.

That could have nothing to do with the vaccine, the file goes on to say; it is probably a COVID infection. Not a word that Roux had tested negative for [COVID] in several PCR tests.

Pfizer Created an Illusion of Effectiveness

In November 2020, Pfizer claimed its COVID-19 shot was 95 percent effective against COVID-19, but this was highly misleading and based on flawed methodology.15 One trick used to get this misleadingly high efficacy figure is to ignore people who got COVID-19 within 14 days after their first shot.

In Pfizers trial, 37.2 percent of those who were tested for COVID-19 within 13 days of their first shot were positivebut not counted as such. How can this skew results? As explained in Substacks Where Are the Numbers? a newsletter about the abuse of science and statistics:16

Imagine the most extreme case in which every vaccinated person gets COVID within the first two weeks of their first dose. Then, assuming (as is likely) that none get infected a second time within the 19 weeks; according to the study definition, no vaccinated people ever got COVID over the whole period of the study.

If only one person in the the unvaccinated comparative cohort had got COVID, over the same period, the vaccine efficacy (defined as one minus the proportion of vaccinated infected divided by the proportion of unvaccinated infected times 100) will be reported as 100 percent.

The study found that during any two weeks from Dec. 28, 2020, to May 19, 2021, the COVID-19 infection rate was about 0.8 percent, compared to 37.2 percent among those tested within two weeks of their first shot.

If people were tested every two weeks, then we could reasonably conclude the vaccinated were getting infectedwithin two weeks of their first jabat a rate that was almost 50 times greater than the general rate for this population, but if you dont look for COVID, by not testing for it, or by ignoring the test results, you wont find it.17

They also pointed out that no deaths occurred among the participants who tested positive for COVID-19 and had at least one COVID-19-like symptom, including among the 812 (out of 1,482) who were unvaccinated. But since this clearly makes the shots look unnecessary and ineffective, it was conveniently ignored:18

There was a grand total of zero deaths: an infection fatality rate (IFR) of zero percent. And 812 of those were unvaccinated. Bear in mind that this [was] when COVID was supposed to have been rampaging globally and causing widespread death.

And of course that nugget somehow never got mentioned in the abstract, main results, conclusions, or discussion. It only appeared in the detailed results section (along with the fact that only 2 percent were hospitalized).

More Deaths in the Shot Group Than in the Placebo Group

Former BlackRock portfolio manager Edward Dowd also warned about problems with Pfizers trial. A friend from the biotech industry told him that the all-cause mortality endpoint had been missed by Pfizer in the original clinical trial, meaning that in the jab group, there were more deaths than in the placebo group. Normally, during the drug approval process, if you fail that endpoint, you do not get approved.

Dowd said, When that came out in November, the biotech executives who saw that decided they werent going to get boosters, and the people who werent vaxxed were not going to get vaxxed.19

Whistleblower Brooke Jackson, a regional director formerly employed by Pfizer subcontractor Ventavia Research Group, which was testing Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine, also witnessed falsified data, unblinded patients, inadequately trained vaccinators, and lack of proper follow-up on adverse events that were reported.

I was working on Pfizers trial, she said in the film Anecdotals.20 What I saw was like nothing Ive ever seen before. She explained:21

The speed in which they were enrolling in the studyfour to five coordinators pushing through 40, 50, 60 patients a day. We were not storing the vaccine at its appropriate temperature, the failures in reporting serious adverse events. We had so many reports of adverse events  we just could not keep up. The study doctor signed a physical exam when he wasnt even in clinic.

Then Ventavia had unblinded every patient that was randomized in the trial. When we brought it to their attention, thats what we were instructed to doremove the evidence and destroy it. Emails about mislabeled blood specimens per Pfizers protocol; we should have immediately stopped enrolling, but they never told Pfizer.

I would bring the concerns to my managers and it was, Were understaffed. The FDAthey only see what Pfizer gives them. So I was documenting all of this. And on the 25th of September, I went directly to the FDA, and about six and a half hours later, I lost my job. I was fired.

The FDA and Pfizer attempted to hide the COVID-19 shot clinical trial data for 75 years, but the FDA was ordered by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas to release redacted versions of trial documents on a much faster schedule. As part of the court order, 80,000 pages of documents related to the FDAs approval of Pfizers COVID-19 shots were released on June 1, 2022.22

Among those documents were case report forms revealing that deaths and severe adverse events took place during phase 3 trials, but, as reported by Childrens Health Defense, Pfizer had a trend of classifying almost all adverse eventsand in particular, severe adverse eventsas being not related to the vaccine.23

Pfizer has profited immensely nonetheless, earning a record $100 billion in 2022, including $37.8 billion for its COVID-19 shots and $18.9 billion for its antiviral drug Paxlovid.24

Originally published on March 9, 2023, on Mercola.com.
Antibiotic-resistant Shigella is a growing concern in the United States, as cases of bacterial infection continue to rise.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned of increasing cases of antibiotic-resistant strains of these bacteria, called XDR Shigella, which are resistant to all commonly recommended antibiotics.

The agency reported that the proportion of approximately 450,000 annual Shigella infections in the United States resistant to all known antibiotic treatments has risen from none in 2015, 0.4 percent in 2019, and 5 percent in 2022, indicating potentially greater spread.

Percentage of Shigella isolates that showed an extensively drug-resistant (XDR)* phenotype or genotype in the United States, by year, 20152022. (CDC

Highly Contagious

Shigella is a type of bacteria that causes shigellosis, a highly contagious illness that affects the digestive system.

Its typically spread through contaminated food or water, or person-to-person contact.

It spreads when infected fecal matter enters the body orally or through the nose. This can occur through sexual activity or via poor hand washing after contact with fecal matter, unsanitary food handling, or swimming in contaminated water. Shigella most often infects young childrenbut it can infect people of any age.

The rise of antibiotic-resistant Shigella is particularly concerning because it means that some strains of the bacteria are no longer responding to the antibiotics that are typically used to treat shigellosis, which include azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), and ampicillin.

Dr. Linda Yancey, an infectious disease specialist at Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston, Texas, told The Epoch Times that this highlights the issue of increasingly antibiotic-resistant pathogens.

There is a growing chance that the antibiotics we normally use to treat Shigella might not work anymore, she said.

The CDC warned that this new form of Shigella is a serious public health threat, and says evidence indicates (pdf) this infection is spreading among immunocompromised, gay and bisexual men, and international travelers.

A European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control alert announced 221 confirmed and 37 potential cases among people who traveled to West Africa since September 2022. Those travelers returned to roughly a dozen countries, including the United States.

Dont Need to Be Overly Concerned: Expert

Symptoms of shigellosis include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, and in some cases, the illness can be severe or even life-threatening.

Yancey noted that there are currently many other antibiotics that can be used, and in general, people dont need to be specifically concerned about this particular outbreak. Shigella is very common worldwide. In developed countries, its seldom fatal, but it can make people sick enough to require hospitalization.

According to a report published in 2018, about 500,000 cases occur in the United States, but only 40 people die of it annually.

While complications from infection are rare, they can include bloodstream infections, reactive arthritis, seizure, and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

Antibiotic-Resistant Bugs: A Growing Threat

The rise of drug-resistant bacteria of all kinds is a growing public health threat, Yancey cautioned. Because of overuse of antibiotics for many years, we have driven the emergence of bacteria that are harder and harder to treat.

A 2019 World Health Organization report found antibiotic resistance is rising to dangerously high levels in all parts of the world. This is due to pathogens emerging with new resistance mechanisms that are spreading globally, threatening our ability to treat common infectious diseases.

A 2022 report shows high levels (above 50 percent) of resistance were reported in bacteria frequently causing bloodstream infections in hospitals, like Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter species. These life-threatening infections require treatment with last-resort antibiotics, such as carbapenems.

Despite the rise of antibiotic-resistant Shigella, the overall risk to public health in the United States remains relatively low, and health care providers are ready to treat these antibiotic-resistant strains.

Patients with Shigella are started on IV fluids for hydration and given antibiotics, explained Yancey. She pointed out that doctors are aware of the resistant patterns and if they suspect someone has a drug-resistant strain, they will start broad-spectrum antibiotics.

These [antibiotics] can be narrowed down once culture results have come back, said Yancy.

The CDC recommends using antibiotics only when clinically indicated.

The agency emphasized (pdf), In this era of rapidly emerging resistance, its important to remember that antibiotics can have side effects and sometimes do more harm than good.

It is important for health care providers to be aware of the potential for antibiotic-resistant Shigella and to take appropriate steps to prevent the spread of the bacteria. This may include testing for antibiotic resistance when diagnosing and treating shigellosis and implementing infection control measures in health care settings.

The CDC says people infected with shigellosis must stay home if they work in health care, food service, or childcare. During illness and for several weeks after it resolves, people should wash hands often, avoid touching food intended for others, refrain from swimming, and not have any sexual contact.

Reducing Your Chances of Infection

According to the CDC, you can reduce the risk of Shigella infection by following these steps:

Carefully wash your hands with soap and water before preparing food and eating, and after changing a diaper or helping clean another person who has defecated.

If you care for a child in diapers who is infected, promptly throw away soiled diapers in a covered, lined garbage can. Wash the childs and your own hands carefully with soap and water immediately after diapering, and promptly disinfect the changing surface.

Avoid swallowing water from ponds, lakes, and untreated swimming pools.

Travelers to places with poor sanitation, and where food and water could be unsafe, are more likely to be infected.

They are also at increased risk of infection with types of Shigella that are antibiotic resistant. When traveling internationally, keep safe eating and drinking habits.
Horror Book Author Accuses Publisher of Progressive Censorship

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's book The Courage to Be Free: Floridas Blueprint for Americas Revival, for sale on a store shelf on Feb. 28, 2023 in Titusville, Florida. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

The author of the popular horror book series Goosebumps has recently admitted to being ignorant about some versions of his books being edited by the publisher.

American novelist R.L. Stine is the creator of the Goosebumps series of books, which is considered the second-highest selling in the world, trailing only Harry Potter. Goosebumps is estimated to have sold over 300 million copies worldwide. During a 2018 ebook re-release, publisher Scholastic edited the books to align with progressive ideologies that reflect a leftist version of social justice, diversity, and gender equality. There were rumors that Stine made the edits, but the author has refuted it.

The stories arent true. Ive never changed a word in Goosebumps. Any changes were never shown to me, Stine said in a March 7 tweet. He was replying to another Twitter users post, which said, The fact he supports censorship and the alteration of works of art is quite disturbing. How shameful.

The 1996 book Attack of the Jack-O-Lanterns described a character as tall and good-looking, with dark brown eyes and a great, warm smile. It has now been changed to tall and good-looking, with brown skin, dark brown eyes, and a great, warm smile. The line all four people were very overweight was changed to All four people were huge, cited the British newspaper The Times.

Dont Go to Sleep! from 1997 had a boy dismissing Tolstoys book Anna Karenina as girls stuff. The boy dismisses the book in the new version because it is not interesting.

Changing Goosebumps

The word crazy, which was mentioned multiple times in the Goosebumps series, has been removed and replaced with terms like scary, wild, silly, stressed, and lost her mind. The word nutcase has been replaced with weirdo while a real nut has been changed to a real wild one.

Scholastic, the worlds largest publisher and distributor of childrens books, insists the edits were necessary to keep up with the times. Scholastic reviewed the text to keep the language current and avoid imagery that could negatively impact a young persons view of themselves today, with a particular focus on mental health, said the publisher, according to The Times.

A line from the 1997 book I Live in Your Basement that originally said, did he really expect me to be his slaveforever? has been changed to did he really expect me to do thisforever? removing the word slave.

A character from the 1998 novel Bride of the Living Dummy was originally dressed as a clown with black rings painted around his eyes. The color of the rings has been changed to red.

Woke Childrens Literature

In an interview with American Thought Leaders last year, writer Bethany Mandel said that the childrens book industry is now extremely woke, with books focusing on racial justice, inclusion, and equity that are pushed by advocates of Critical Race Theory (CRT).

Its a pretty toxic way to raise a child to either peg them as victim or victimizer, and all of those things come with emotional baggage, said Mandel about the books used to teach CRT. A white 4yearold boy is not a victimizer, and a black 4yearold girl is not a victimthey are equal humans.

Theres a new picture book, The ABCs of AOC. So, A is for Activist, B is for the Bronx, and theres all of that very overt indoctrination, but I think whats more damaging is the very subtle indoctrination, she said.

In a May 2022 commentary at The Epoch Times, Stu Cvrk, a graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy, pointed out that American bookseller Barnes & Noble has been engaging in LGBTQ activism after activist hedge fund Elliott Management acquired it in 2019.

A visit to the Barnes and Noble store in Billings, Montana, provided witness to the changing values of the bookseller in 2022, he wrote.

A centrally-located, pyramid-shaped display featured many LGBTQ-related books, pamphlets, journals, and other items. Upon inspection, some material could only be classified as pornography under traditional definitions.

The Epoch Times has reached out to Scholastic for comment.
The U.S. House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence holds a hearing at 9:00 a.m. ET on March 10 to focus on the numerous threats the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) poses to the U.S. homeland and measures that must be taken to mitigate the threat to U.S. homeland security.
House Oversight Panel Wants to Know Why Federal Workers Arent at Their Offices

Flanked by House Republicans, U.S. 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)

Only one of every three federal employees shows up at their office to perform their work duties, even though President Joe Biden declared an end to the COVID-19 pandemic more than a year ago, according to House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.).

Three years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, most of America has returned to in-person work.

However, while the Capitol and congressional office buildings have reopened to the public and are back to in-person work, the same cannot be said for large portions of the federal government, Comer told a March 9 hearing of the panel that focused on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

OPM manages the federal governments 2.1 million civil service workers.

OPM Director Kiran Ahuja was appointed in 2021 by Biden.

The president himself said during his 2022 State of the Union addressyes, last yearIts time for America to get back to work. People working from home can feel safe again and begin to return to their offices,' Comer stated.

Clearly, the president has at least stated that this is a priority for the administration, and it is a priority of this committee as well.

And yet, reports have shown that only 1 in 3 federal employees has returned to the workplace since the start of the pandemic.

A major result of the failure of most federal employees to return to their offices appears to be growing backlogs in processing benefit applications and significantly slower response to citizen inquiries by government departments and agencies, the Kentucky Republican said.

Negative Feedback Damaging

In the private sector, negative feedback is damaging to a companys brand and often leads to sweeping reforms to ensure that issues like these do not persist, Comer said.

When customer service plummets in the federal agencies, where can the American people go for redress? Thats why we are holding this hearing today.

In her prepared testimony, Ahuja told the committee that the federal workforce has been allowing teleworking for more than a decade and has found that it improves productivity and morale.

She pointed to an evaluation by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) that showed that from 2008 to 2019, the overall attrition rate for full-time remote workers was an average of 1.5 percent lower than that of non-teleworkers.

The USPTO has also highlighted improved productivity, showing that patent examiners in the remote work program produced an average of 81.07 Patent Production Units (PPUs), compared to 76.28 PPUs produced by non-teleworking employees in 2019.

Ahuja was handicapped, however, in responding to specific concerns about federal workers not returning to their offices by Comer and other members of the oversight panel.

Requirements Changed

The committees ranking Democrat member, Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), whose district is home to more federal workers than any other in the country, told the OPM director, When the president is saying the emergency is over, I assure you my friends on the other side of the aisle, probably joined by a fair number on this side of the aisle, are going to expect that the workplace requirements changed with that change.

Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas), for example, declared: The federal government is not at work, the federal government is not producing the results that we think would be necessary. Forget going to the passport office and what a disaster that is.

Try doing business with the State Department overseas, try doing business with the IRS, try doing business with day-to-day people who may be at the Small Business Administration.

Sessions told Ahuja that more people are teleworking than are allowed by current OPM guidelines.

Let me say first of all that COVID-19 no longer dictates our workplace arrangements. Throughout the pandemic, more than 50 percent of the workforce showed up every day and continues to do so, Ahuja said.

Teleworking Improves Productivity: Survey

She said an OPM survey also found that more than 60 percent reported significant in-person time.'

We have seen in a number of cases that teleworking actually improved productivity, improved performance, the OPM director said. Employment engagement scores are actually tied to and have much higher scores for teleworking.

Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.) asked Ahuja, Is that 52 percent or what? about her more than 50 percent estimate for how many federal workers are now working from their offices.

I dont know, I know its more than 50, she responded.

Similarly, when asked by Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) what would be an acceptable amount of time for federal workers to spend on their own stuff while teleworking, Ahuja hesitated.

Perry then pointed out that at the Department of Defense, 527,000 hoursthats the equivalent of 60 yearswere spent in [2019] working on their own stuff. Is that acceptable? The figure for the Department of Veterans Affairs was 500,000 hours.

Ahuja responded, Congressman, I am not familiar with those data points, but she noted that much of the time Perry referred to was devoted to union representation activities governed by the collective bargaining agreements negotiated with federal agencies by federal employee unions.

The OPM director also was unable to say, when asked by Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), how many sex-change operations were paid for last year by the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, which her agency administers.

She also acknowledged that she was unaware of the ill health effects of some of the drugs used in such procedures.

Later in the hearing, Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) described Gosars question as a shameful attack on trans kids and families.

Another Arizona Republican, Rep. Andy Biggs, said he was told by one constituent who retired from the federal workforce in 2021 that he didnt begin receiving retirement benefits for 13 months and another constituent told him that the OPM telephone helpline is a black box.
House Passes Bill to Prohibit Collusion Between Federal Government, Big Tech to Censor Lawful Speech

The House passed a bill on March 9 that would prohibit the federal government from colluding with Big Tech to censor lawful speech.

The bill passed 219206.

The bill, which is likely dead on arrival in the Democrat-controlled Senate, was introduced by Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), the chairman of the House Oversight Committee.

Ahead of the vote, Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) accused the proponents of the bill of promoting Russian President Vladimir Putins will and propaganda. Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) called the bill a complete waste of time and completely unnecessary. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, called the bill the Putin protection act.

However, also ahead of the vote, supporters of the bill decried free speech being attacked by the nexus of the federal government and Big Tech that includes silencing conservative voices. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.) cited Twitters censorship of the Hunter Biden laptop story just weeks before the 2020 election.

It is the policy of the Congress that employees acting in their official capacity should neither take action within their authority or influence to promote the censorship of any lawful speech, nor advocate that a third party, including a private entity, censor such speech, states the bill.

The bill would be an extension of The Hatch Act, which prohibits civil federal employees, except for the president and vice president, from engaging in certain political acts including campaigning.

The measure would not prevent the federal government from working with Big Tech to combat illicit content, including child pornography and exploitation, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.

The bill comes in light of the Twitter Files released by prominent journalists including Matt Taibbi at the behest of Twitter owner Elon Musk. Some of the files revealed collusion between Washington and Big Tech.

One description of such collusion between the FBI and Twitter was, according to Taibbi on Dec. 16, constant and pervasive, as if it were a subsidiary.

According to Taibbi, between January 2020 and November 2022, there were over 150 emails between the FBI and former Twitter Trust and Safety chief Yoel Roth. Some of these emails pertained to alleged election disinformation. The FBI gave Twitter accounts that may have violated Twitters terms of service.

The FBI dismissed the accusations, calling it the work of conspiracy theorists.

The correspondence between the FBI and Twitter show nothing more than examples of our traditional, longstanding and ongoing federal government and private sector engagements, which involve numerous companies over multiple sectors and industries, the bureau told multiple outlets in a statement. As evidenced in the correspondence, the FBI provides critical information to the private sector in an effort to allow them to protect themselves and their customers.

The men and women of the FBI work every day to protect the American public, continued the FBI. It is unfortunate that conspiracy theorists and others are feeding the American public misinformation with the sole purpose of attempting to discredit the agency.
House Votes to Repeal Biden Regulation of US Waters, Wetlands

The House passed a resolution on March 9 to repeal a Biden administration regulation of U.S. waters and wetlands.

The resolution passed 227198. It was passed in accordance with the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to strike down regulations within 60 days of passage. However, its likely that the resolution will be dead on arrival in the Democrat-controlled Senate.

In June 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army announced that they would revise what qualifies as waters of the United States (WOTUS). The regulation was published in the Federal Register on Jan. 18 and is set to take effect on March 20.

When Congress passed the Clean Water Act 50 years ago, it recognized that protecting our waters is essential to ensuring healthy communities and a thriving economy, EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a Dec. 30, 2022, statement. Following extensive stakeholder engagement, and building on what weve learned from previous rules, EPA is working to deliver a durable definition of WOTUS that safeguards our nations waters, strengthens economic opportunity, and protects peoples health while providing greater certainty for farmers, ranchers, and landowners.

In the same statement, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Michael Connor said: This final rule recognizes the essential role of the nations water resources in communities across the nation. The rules clear and supportable definition of waters of the United States will allow for more efficient and effective implementation and provide the clarity long desired by farmers, industry, environmental organizations, and other stakeholders.

However, ahead of the vote on the resolution, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) decried the rulemaking given that it was done by the executive branch as opposed to Congress.

In early March, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee voted to advance the resolution to the House floor.

As American families and businesses continue suffering under the economic crises caused by the disastrous Biden policies of the last two years, this Administration has inexplicably decided to move the country back toward the overreaching, costly, and burdensome WOTUS regulations of the past, the committees chairman, Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.), said in a Feb. 28 statement.

In the same statement, Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman David Rouzer (R-N.C.) said: With todays committee action, the House has taken the first step necessary to rescind the Biden administrations flawed WOTUS rule. This rule needs to be repealed so Americans across the country are protected from subjective regulatory overreach making it harder to farm, build, and generate economic prosperity.
House Ways and Means Committee Debates Bill to Prevent Default Over Debt Limit

Representative Jason Smith (R-Mo.) (L), and Representative John Yarmuth (D-Ky.), at a House Committee hearing in Washington on March 29, 2022. (Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images)

The House Ways and Means Committee held a markup on March 8 of a bill that would ensure the principal and interest of the U.S. national debt is paid.

The Default Prevention Act comes as the United States is on the brink of defaulting on its obligations.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has warned that the United States could default by early June if the debt ceiling is not raised. The United States has never defaulted.

Both Democrats and Republicans have taken cuts to entitlements, including Social Security and Medicare, off the table.

Stopping Politicians Pay

The bill would also prohibit members of Congress from getting paid until the debt ceiling issue is resolved were the debt limit reached. It would also prohibit the Treasury Department from paying the president and the vice president.

Additionally, it would not allow spending on government travel until obligations are met.

Washington doesnt have a revenue problem. It has a spending problem, said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-Mo.).

And Washington hit the limit on what it can borrow.

Smith acknowledged that the bill is not a substitute for the debt limit issue.

Five million Treasury payments are made daily, according to the committees ranking member, Rep. Richard Neal (D-Mass.), who blasted the bill as a sham.

Prioritizing Payments

An amendment to the bill would require the secretary of the Treasury to issue new debt obligations in the event the debt ceiling is reached.

Those obligations would be exempt from the debt limit in order to pay the principal and interest on debt held by the public and by the Social Security Trust Funds.

The secretary would be prohibited from paying other obligations until those that are for the Department of Defense and for Veterans Affairs benefits are met.

The bill would also authorize the Treasury secretary to issue obligations outside the debt limit in order to meet Social Security and Medicare obligations.

There would be four tiers under the bill in terms of prioritizing which obligations get paid in the event the debt ceiling is reached and therefore debt outside the ceiling is created by the secretary.

All in all, the bill would prevent the United States from defaulting on its debt.

Democrats React

The bill came under fire from Democrats.

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) pressed committee staffer Shaun Freiman on how the Treasury Department would prioritize which obligations to pay in the event the debt limit is reached considering that, according to the congressman, Treasury makes 1.28 billion payments annually, or 5 million transactions daily.

Freiman said the bill doesnt address that and he deferred to Smith and Yellen, who are scheduled to appear before the committee on March 10 in the aftermath of the Biden administration releasing its annual budget proposal.

The latest one, which dropped on March 9, is $6.9 trillion.

Numerous Democrats criticized the bill as prioritizing who gets paid first if new debt is created when the debt ceiling is reached.

The bill ultimately passed the committee, 21-17, and will now go to the House floor.

The U.S. national debt is $31 trillion and counting.
Most personal finance advice boils down to this: Save as much as you can, and spend as little as you can. Thats the simplest way to accumulate wealth, build investment income and achieve financial independence (even if its not so simple in practice).

Yet when it comes to travel rewardsthose points and miles earned through airline, hotel and credit card programsthis conventional wisdom is turned on its head. Saving a million miles might sound impressive, but its generally a poor financial decision.

I hear all the time from business travelers who saved their miles for retirement, and are devastated to learn that the purchasing power of their miles isnt what it would have been five, ten, fifteen years ago, Tiffany Funk, co-founder and president of travel rewards booking search tool Point.me, said in an email. Programs have successfully made loyalty currencies feel so valuable that people are often reluctant to use them because they are afraid they are giving up too much value.

Several factors explain why hoarding travel rewards isnt a great idea:

 POINTS DEVALUE OVER TIME. Although 2022 was a rare exception where many points became more valuable because of the relative cost of cash fares, rewards generally lose their value over time.

 THEYRE UN-INVESTABLE. Unlike dollars, which can be invested to reap the benefit of compound interest over time, travel rewards just sit there.

 SOME POINTS EXPIRE, AND PROGRAMS CAN ALWAYS GO BELLY UP. Theres nothing guaranteeing the value of points and miles except the companies offering them.

Yet, despite these facts, the saving habit can be hard to undo. Especially for those with a psychological bias toward maximization.

Cant Get No Satisfaction

Analysis paralysis can pose one of the biggest challenges to inveterate points and miles hoarders. Making the decision to spend that pile of rewards accumulated during the pandemic is one thing. Actually spending them is another.

Airline revenue systems are intentionally opaque, Funk said. So even if your credit card offers the ability to transfer points to partners, your bank literally doesnt have the mechanisms to guide you through which partner makes sense for a given trip, what the expected pricing should be or even how to book flights with that program.

This opacity freezes many would-be spenders in their tracks, making them second-guess whether a given redemption offers the best value. This bias toward getting the most value, while positive on its surface, can lead to a spiral of comparison shopping and waiting for the perfect redemption.

I just give the advice not to overthink it, says Adam Nubern, a certified public accountant who specializes in serving digital nomads. Dont get caught up in the maximizing the redemption value rat race. Then you have to keep up with the program changes and all that. How many hours do you spend researching that? Do you want a part-time job as a points maximizer?

Not only does this maximizer mentality lead to more hoarding, it can also make you unhappier. A 2018 study by the Department of Psychology of Chengdu University in China found that maximizers tend to score lower on scores of overall well-being than those who accepted good enough options.

In other words, those who obsessed over the best purchase were less happy with the outcome than those who took a more relaxed approach, so-called satisficers. The term satisficing, a combination of satisfy and suffice, is a decision-making process that involves collecting enough information to make an acceptable choice. Its a great way to overcome travel reward overaccumulation.

Take Charge of Your Points

Travel rewards bloggers have long hyped those redemptions that offer the absolute best value. Taking a first-class flight to Asia, for example, might offer 5 cents per mile in value, while an economy flight within the United States could yield only 1 or 2 cents per mile. This creates an incentive to use miles for the most lavish, luxurious options.

But think about it this way: Those high-end redemptions only offer more value because the cash equivalent is so high. A round-trip flight to Asia can easily cost $10,000 when paying cash, which makes points and miles redemptions seem like a great valuebut only by comparison.

Instead, travelers sitting on a cache of points should keep it simple. Taking a flight to visit family? Use airline miles. Looking for a hotel during a road trip? Use credit card or hotel points. These redemptions might not get many likes on Instagram, but theyll burn through those quickly depreciating rewards.

Just make sure the redemption you choose doesnt offer value too far below baseline. Use an online calculator to compare the value of using rewards or paying cash.

But, when in doubt: Use those points.

I think, Well, dang, I dont have to use actual money, so lets go, Nubern says. I try not to get caught up in that decision fatigue. In my mind, Im not using a dollar, so any kind of redemption is great, and I just go for it.

By Sam Kemmis of NerdWallet

The Epoch Times Copyright  2022 The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors. They are meant for general informational purposes only and should not be construed or interpreted as a recommendation or solicitation. The Epoch Times does not provide investment, tax, legal, financial planning, estate planning, or any other personal finance advice. The Epoch Times holds no liability for the accuracy or timeliness of the information provided.
How Unions Influence School Districts Financial Rankings

Commentary

In his most recent book, Not Accountable, author Philip K. Howard observes that unions in the public sector can get what they want by helping friendly politicians get elected. As labor leader Victor Gotbaum put it, We have the ability, in a sense, to elect our own boss. Public sector bargaining is a misnomer; the process is more like a transaction: benefits at the bargaining table in exchange for campaign support.

This has been happening in California and at great cost to the very taxpayers that the majority of which voted for union friendly politicians. Since I like to look at hard data, how costly has this cozy and corrupt relationship become?

The graph below provides the 2021 data for the number of parcels in each of Orange Countys 28 school districts and the net current assessed total value within each district, after considering homeowners exemptions and the like. Taking these two numbers, the districts are ranked from highest average value per parcel to lowest.

Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is thrown in for comparison and illustrative purposes. It is a national poster child for what happens to a school district when the teachers union dictates who is elected to the school board and how those elected members are to vote.

LAUSD is the second largest school district in the nation. It has a per parcel assessed value of $817,765, which would place it near the top if it were in Orange County. But with probably the highest unrestricted net deficit in the nation, at $16,357,535,000, and serving a population of 4,583,874, it has a negative $3,568 per capita. This is 26 percent greater than last place Santa Ana Unifieds negative $2,821!

LAUSD spent an average of $30,514 per student this year. After going into such deep debt and incurring such a high spending rate per pupil, LAUSD has lost more than 315,000 students in the last 20 years, some 43 percent since 2002. Another 28 percent decrease is expected by 2030.

Encouraging students to participate in winter break acceleration programs has been a public relations nightmare. This program was to occur in August, but the teachers union, United Teachers Los Angeles, boycotted the proposal. And the unions leadership has claimed that the pandemics learning loss is a myth. Well, for the 2021-22 school year, state tests show that only about one-fourth of LAUSD students meet math proficiency standards.

And if you need a sign of what happens when things get neglected, thanks to the bulk of funding going for staffing and related costs, the districts computer systems are so poorly maintained that they were recently hacked.

With dropping attendance, poor performance, infrastructure deteriorization, and currently unaffordable teacher salary and benefit commitments, the union is brazen enough to threaten to strike for even more. Their demands also include eliminating standardized testing, a ploy implemented by New York states teacher unions to avoid a proposal back in 2008 by then-Mayor Bloomberg to institute merit pay.

Striking teachers and supporters rally in Grand Park across from City Hall in Los Angeles on Jan. 22, 2019. (Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images)

The local data in the graph also indicates a financial imbalance. The last column, with the heading Fiscal Rank, refers to each districts per capita ranking for its unrestricted net deficit from their audited statements of net position (see COVID Lockdowns Dealt a Huge Blow to OC School Districts Financial Health). One would expect that the school districts with the lower values per parcel would be those with the weaker balance sheets. But eight of Orange Countys worst managed school districts are in the top fourteen property value zones. Conversely, the eight school districts with the best balance sheets are in the bottom fourteen areas. Just like LAUSD, the worst managed districts have the highest property values, probably giving a false sense of entitlement. It is obvious that the teachers unions for Californias school districts need more math teachers in their leadership.

I would suggest that the political strategy of public teacher unions as described by Philip K. Howard has been working. The unions identify candidates, fund their campaigns, and provide hundreds of volunteers. After getting elected, these beholden school board members agree to whatever is proposed at the bargaining table during the collective bargaining process. This massive conflict of interest is also occurring at city, county, and state levels.

The craziness occurring up the street in Los Angeles County is occurring in Orange County. And a face can be placed on the sad fiscal legacies of Newport Beach and Costa Mesa.

Newport-Mesa Unified, having the 26th worst balance sheet per capita, is in the highest value per parcel by far. Houston, we have a problem.

One of the two cities embedded in this school district is Costa Mesa. It places last, out of 34 cities, as the worst fiscally managed city in Orange County. And Costa Mesa, home of South Coast Plaza, has dropped dramatically from 20th place to 34th in just the last decade.

The common denominator for the residents of these two cities is Katrina Foley. She gladly followed the unions strategy, receiving union support when she ran for Costa Mesa City Council back in 2004 and 2008. And teacher union support when she ran to serve on the Newport-Mesa board from 2010 to 2014. With union assistance again, she ran for Costa Mesa City Council in 2014 and 2018 and for mayor in 2020. The wake from the fiscal destruction is provided in the numbers. The balance sheets tell the tale.

Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley attends an Orange County Board of Supervisors meeting in Santa Ana, Calif., on Aug. 10, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

This nonsense continues, as Foley received public employee union support for her first run for County Supervisor in 2021. And last fall, she received the allocation of $750,000 in media buys from one public employee union alone.

Having participated in bringing Newport-Mesa to nearly the bottom of the rankings and Costa Mesa to dead last, County of Orange residents should expect a similar downward fiscal trend. Especially now that the Board of Supervisors has a Democratic majority.

Foley has already voted against utilizing outside vendors who perform services at lower costs, because they do not have the expensive pension and retiree medical benefits offered by the County. She would prefer to bring more employees on the County payroll. This is a standard operating procedure for public employee unions. More employees means more union dues revenues, which means more funds to elect accommodating politicos like Foley to keep their control and power into the indefinite future.

Many are now speculating that Foley will run for the California State Senates 37th District, as the incumbent has announced plans to run for Congress. You can expect more massive public employee union spending support, although having one more progressive Democrat in Sacramento will not make much of a difference as its almost redundant.

Philip K. Howard observes that payoffs that would be unlawful in business bargaining have become a common feature of public bargaining  unions are making massive campaign donations to the politicians with whom they will be negotiating. Dont complain when taxes go up, especially if you are complicit in the public employee union politician selection processes.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Idaho Murder Suspect Adds Death Qualified Lawyer to Team, Shedding Light on Potential Sentence

Bryan Kohberger, who is accused of killing four University of Idaho students, leaves after an extradition hearing at the Monroe County Courthouse in Stroudsburg, Pa., on Jan. 3, 2023. (Matt Rourke, Pool/AP Photo)

The murder suspect accused of killing multiple students in the brutal University of Idaho attacks may be facing the death penalty.

Legal experts say that the defendant, Bryan Kohberger, is likely to face capital punishment if convicted for the Idaho college murders, based on the latest filing by his attorney.

Looks like #BryanKohberger is facing the #DeathPenalty in the #IdahoMurders, legal analyst and attorney Philip Holloway said in a March 7 Twitter post sharing a photo of a filed motion.

The public defender is asking for an additional death qualified lawyer to be appointed to the defense team. The motion was granted.

Kohberger asked the court via his public defender to appoint an additional death qualified co-counsel in the case.

The motion was filed by Koontenai County Public Defender Anne C. Taylor, acting on Kohbergers behalf, on March 2, which moves the Court to appoint an additional death qualified co-counsel in the above entitled matter.

This motion is made pursuant to the Fifth, Sixth, Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments to the Idaho and United States Constitutions, Rule 44.3 of the Idaho Criminal Rules, IDAPA 61.01.08 et seq., and the American Bar Association Guidelines for the Appointment and Performance of Counsel in Death Penalty Cases, the filing read.

Kohberger May Face Death Penalty for Multiple Homicides

Kohberger has been charged in the Nov. 13 murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and Madison Mogen, who were undergrads living off the campus in Moscow at the University of Idaho.

The 28-year-old defendant was arrested at his parents home on Dec. 30, after being surveilled for days, in Albrightsville, Pennsylvania, thousands of miles from the murder scene.

A native of Pennsylvania, he was enrolled as a grad student at Washington State University in nearby Pullman at the time, studying criminology.

Kohberger has yet to enter a plea to the murder charges but his former lawyer who represented him in Pennsylvania, Jason LaBar, told NewsNations Chris Cuomo that his former client was eager to be exonerated, after briefly speaking with him.

Little information about the investigation has been released by Idaho authorities, after Latah County Magistrate Judge Megan Marshall issued a widespread gag order at the beginning of January, which forbade attorneys, police, prosecutors, and others associated with the case from commenting on it.

Kohberger is expected to be charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary after his preliminary hearing in June.

Mr. Kohberger is eager to be exonerated of these charges and looks forward to resolving these matters as promptly as possible, Taylor told Inside Edition Digital after her clients arrest.

Mr. Kohberger has been accused of very serious crimes, but the American justice system cloaks him in a veil of innocence. He should be presumed innocent until proven otherwisenot tried in the court of public opinion, she said.

Authorities Finally Release Information

Meanwhile, a search warrant that was unsealed last week listed several items taken from the defendant following his arrest, including his car, medical gloves, a silver flashlight, marijuana, a pair of sneakers, and several items of clothing, reported Newsweek.

Police also took samples of Kohbergers DNA to match any evidence found at the crime scene.

Additional court documents were later unsealed, listing items found at the suspects parents home, including a Smith & Wesson pocket knife, a Glock 22 handgun with three empty magazines, along with electronics, masks, and clothing.

The discussion of whether Kolberger would face the death penalty soon began after his arrest in Pennsylvania.

Local criminal defense attorney Jim Siebe told NBCs NonStop Local on Jan. 2 that Kolbergers potential execution was certainly an option being considered by Idaho prosecutors.

I would certainly think [the death penalty] would be [requested], Siebe said.

Of course, I cant speak for [Latah County prosecutor] Bill Thompson. Hes the one that makes the determination  based on consultation with law enforcement people, with the families [of the victims], [and] some determination as to the personal circumstances of a defendant, where maybe a defendant is subject to a severe mental illness, he added.
India and Australia Open Door to Flexible and Innovative Partnerships

India has ramped up its diplomatic relations with Australia, with the two countries agreeing to a new mechanism that will allow education qualifications from each country to be recognised by the other.

This is the most comprehensive and ambitious arrangement India has ever agreed to with any other nation.

Announcing the new deal in Ahmedabad, India, on March 8, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that the new mechanism will give recognition to Australian degrees obtained by Indian students when they return to India and allow members of the Indian diaspora to have their qualification recognised in Australia.

This new mechanism means that if youre an Indian student whos studyingor about to studyin Australia, your hard-earned degree will be recognised when you return home. Or if youre a member of Australias large Indian diaspora, youll be able to feel more confident that your Indian qualifications will be recognised in Australia, he said.

It paves the way for commercial opportunities for Australian education providers to offer innovative and more accessible education to Indian students, and it provides a solid basis for our tertiary institutions to consider new ways of partnering with each other.

The agreement comes after the Indian government announced its ambitious new National Education Policy, which has set a target of providing 50 percent of its youth with either higher education or skill education by 2035.

There are as many nineyearolds in India as there are people in Australia, Australian Education Minister Jason Clare said in an interview on March 2.

There are half a billion people here in India that are under the age of 23, and the government has a plan that within a decades time, about half of people in their 20s and 30s will have gone to uni or to the equivalent of TAFE here. And they cant do it all on their own.

Its such an audacious plan that they are looking to countries like Australia and the U.S. and the UK to help them.

University Sector Welcomes Move

Universities Australia, the peak body for the higher education sector, has welcomed the agreement with one of Australias closest strategic partners.

Since the pandemic, interest from Indian students in our world-class universities has soared to new heights as the country sets about educating 500 million students by 2035. We are here to help, Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said in a media release.

As of December, almost 130,000 Indian students had chosen Australia as their study destination. The contribution these students make enriches both our nations.

Jackson noted that this was a golden period in our education relationship with India, and Australia should grasp it.

We have huge opportunities in front of us to support Indias education reform ambitions and to diversify our education offerings to serve student aspirations, she said.

Universities back the governments focus on strengthening Australias ties with India, and we look forward to unlocking further opportunities for our economic, social, and diplomatic gain.

Australian Universities Opening Campuses in India

The mechanism will also provide a pathway for Australian universities to open shop in the worlds fastest-growing economy, with Deakin University and the University of Wollongong both moving to open campuses in Gujarat International Finance Tec City (GIFT) in Ahmedabad, in the Gujarat province.

This is a first for India, which has previously not allowed foreign education institutions in the country access to the domestic education sector.

However, in 2022 India announced new regulations that allowed foreign educational institutions to open offshore campuses in GIFT city for a range of educational courses, including financial management, science, technology, engineering, and STEM subjects.

Deakin Universitys campus, which was announced by Prime Minister Albanese, will provide an initial $4 million (US$2.6 million) for 100 students to study cyber security and business analytics at the new campus in India each year.

Not everyone has the means or the ability to pack up their lives and study in another country. There might be financial constraints, or family commitments, or a variety of reasons that you want to, or need to, stay closer to home, Albanese said.

So the presence of Australian universities in India opens up new ways for Indian students to obtain an Australian education by bringing Australia a little bit closer.
Industry Minister Met With Pfizer to Expand Collaboration

Francois-Philippe Champagne, Canadas minister of innovation, science and economic development, speaks at a news conference in Vancouver on Sept. 7, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Darryl Dyck)

Canadas minister of industry met with executives from pharmaceutical giant Pfizer in New York City on March 2 to discuss expanding collaboration, his office says.

They discussed how we can collaborat[e] in multiple areas to expand our growing biomanufacturing and life sciences sector, said Laurie B. Bouchard, spokesperson to Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne.

New areas of innovation that the company is engaged in was also one of the topic[s] discussed, and also how their emerging technologies could support the efforts of our Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy.

Bouchard did not indicate who Champagne met with.

The minister released a video of himself on Twitter where he is seen entering Pfizers building as well as greeting and meeting with personnel.

As one of the worlds leading biopharma companies, Pfizer develops and delivers life saving medicines and vaccines, he wrote in his post.

Today in NYC, I met with senior execs at the companys new global HQ. We discussed how we can continue to work together to ensure the health of [Canadians].

Pfizer did not return questions about who Champagne met with and for what purpose.

Biomanufacturing Sector

The federal government is on a current drive to bolster its biomanufacturing sector, which it says has been in decline over the past 40 years.

Champagne and Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos announced on March 2 a $10 million investment in research hubs in Canadian universities to accelerate the domestic production of vaccines and therapeutics.

Ottawa launched its Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy in July 2021 with $2.2 billion allocated in Budget 2021.

The month after it announced a memorandum of understanding with Pfizer competitor Moderna to build an mRNA facility in Canada.

Both companies use mRNA technology in their COVID-19 injections. These are not traditional vaccines, as they instruct the cells to generate the SARS-CoV-2 virus spike protein to provoke an immune response.

Concerns around COVID-19 were heightened at the time of the announcement and the Liberal government a few weeks later imposed vaccination mandates on the public service and transportation sector to increase uptake.

Mandates were lifted in June 2022 and vaccination rates did not sustain. Health Canada says that 80 percent of the population has received at least one dose and 22 percent received a booster in the last six months.

The reduction of interest in COVID-19 vaccination has led to changes in the market.

Vaccine maker Medicago based in Quebec, in which the federal government said it would invest up to $173 million, announced in February it was closing its operations citing significant changes to the COVID-19 vaccine landscape.

Other COVID-19 vaccine maker Novavax is also under the weather, with its shares once trading at close to US$320 in 2021 currently being below US$7.00.

Moderna shares have also dropped significantly from their height of over US$450 in 2021 to US$141.22 currently.

Shares from Pfizer, which has a more comprehensive business model, have remained more stable.

A senior Pfizer employee was shown on Jan. 25 on hidden camera footage from Project Veritas saying that the company is involved in mutating the virus causing COVID-19 to pre-emptively create new vaccines.

Because some of the times there are mutations that pop up that we are not prepared for. Like with Delta and Omicron. And things like that. Who knows? Either way, its going to be a cash cow. COVID is going to be a cash cow for us for a while going forward, said Jordon Trishton Walker, Pfizer Director of Research and Development, Strategic Operations.

Pfizer did not dispute the affiliation of Walker but denied his allegation in a statement published two days after.

In the ongoing development of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, Pfizer has not conducted gain of function or directed evolution research, the company said. 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.

Contracts Concerns

Pharmaceutical companies made hundreds of millions of dollars with advanced purchase contracts from the federal government.

Details of the contracts, which provide protective clauses to the vaccine manufacturers, are kept from the public.

The auditor generals (AG) report on vaccine procurement says that Ottawa spent approximately $5 billion on vaccines for the 169 million doses paid for between December 2020 and May 2022.

The AG said in December the surplus of doses led to wastage and that 32.5 million doses in inventory could go to waste if not quickly donated.

The report also says that Canada paid approximately $30 per dose, which is much higher than what other countries paid for.

Opposition MPs have requested to see the vaccine contracts, but the Liberal government says that they have to sign non-disclosure agreements to do so.

Liberal MP Anthony Housefather, who serves as parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Public Services and Procurement, says the contracts are sensitive since they were signed by the federal government under unfavourable conditions.

He said the companies we were exposed to way higher liability because the vaccines they would rush to market would not be tested normally.

So thats why these companies said, If Im going to deliver you this product that I havent tested in my normal way, I want to have different conditions, Housefather told the House of Commons public accounts committee on Feb. 16.
Intel Officials, Generals Sound Alarm on Tech Threat Posed by CCP

Chinese leader Xi Jinping attends the opening of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing on March 5, 2023. (Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)

Former Director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) William Evanina called China an existential threat at a hearing on March 9 of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence.

Its the most complex, pernicious, aggressive, strategic threat our nation has ever faced, Evanina said.

He pointed to intellectual property theft, high-tech espionage, and efforts to co-opt the U.S. government by electing Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officialssomething he called elite captureas some of the biggest threats from the Asian superpower.

The Communist Party of China strategically conducts malign influence campaigns at the state and local level with precision, he said. This effort must be exposed and mitigated.

The former NCSC director also warned that 80 percent of American adults have had all of their private data stolen by the Communist Party of China.

His concerns were echoed by Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations at the U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Joseph T. Guastella, who said hes deeply concerned about the threats of the Chinese Communist Party  towards the U.S. homeland.

Guastella suggested that Chinas rapid military advancement can be attributed to its studying American technology and methods.

China went to school on us, he stated at the Capitol Hill hearing, titled Confronting Threats Posed by the Chinese Communist Party to the U.S. Homeland.

Their military now enjoys leading-edge capabilities that include long-range precision strike hypersonic weapons, advanced integrated air defense weapons, stealthy aircraft surface-to-air missiles, and electronic warfare.

On the recent Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloonwhich traversed American airspace in early February before being shot down off the coast of South Carolinaa Brown University professor said the incident illustrates the CCPs willingness to assume risks in the pursuit of intelligence. A solution could lie in strategic transparency by the U.S. government, he said.

The U.S. government needs to better disclose its understanding of the threats that China poses to Homeland Security, said Tyler Jost, assistant professor of political science and international and public affairs at Brown University and assistant professor of China studies at Watson Institute.

Specifically, it needs to provide citizens with more data about the different risks that American citizens assume when they use foreign technologies.

A Chinese surveillance balloon drifts toward the ocean after being shot down off the coast of South Carolina, on Feb. 4, 2023. (Randall Hill/Reuters)

The threat China poses isnt limited to the military or the government. Private Chinese companies such as Huawei and TikTok have come under scrutiny for their data practices and alleged ties to the CCP.

In recent years, concerns have grown about the use of Chinese-made components in critical U.S. infrastructure, such as power grids and transportation systems.

Dealing With the CCP Threat

Evanina stressed the need for a coordinated response to these threats, saying that the whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach must be taken to mitigate the threat that China poses.

So what can be done to protect American citizens and infrastructure from the technological threat the CCP poses?

One suggested approach by the panelists was to limit the use of foreign technologies in critical systems. In the last year of his presidency, Donald Trump banned defense-related utilities from using Chinese-made components in their power grids.

Another suggested approach was to increase investment in domestic technology and research. By developing cutting-edge technologies at home, the United States can reduce its reliance on foreign components and better protect its intellectual property.

President Joe Biden has pledged $50 billion to U.S. semiconductor manufacturers to achieve this goal. However, some economists believe that this effort will be counterproductive.

The government needs to stay out of it, said Peter Schiff, founder and chief economist at Euro Pacific Asset Management, reacting to the bailout announcement last fall.

This is an example of socialism. And this is going to fail.

Ultimately, the threat posed by the CCP is a complex and multifaceted one.

As Evanina put it, we must be proactive in identifying and mitigating this threat before it becomes a catastrophic event.

Guastella agreed, saying that we need to be smart about how we approach this threat.

We cant just rely on the old ways of doing things, he said.

We need to be agile and innovative in our approach, and we need to work together to protect our homeland from the threats posed by China.

Critics argue that, while the Chinese regime is committing terrible atrocities domestically, it doesnt pose a serious threat to the continental United States.

Dave DeCamp, a news editor at Antiwar.com, believes these rising tensions are untenable and is concerned about where a monolithic mindset of hostility will lead in the age of nuclear weapons.

The House Homeland Security Subcommittee hearing today demonstrates the new hysterical consensus in Washington that China is not only an enemy but possibly the greatest threat the United States has ever faced, DeCamp told the Epoch Times.

This thinking and the lack of opposition to it is more dangerous than the Chinese Communist Party could ever be and will make war between two nuclear powers inevitable.
Its a frequent and unfortunate story in the United States that hip hop artists, often very young, end up getting killed by gun violence. Is there something in the music that leads to this? Is there something in the culture? More importantly, whats the impact of this when its applied to broader society?

To learn more about this, we speak with Adrian Norman. Hes an author, news writer, and political commentator. Hes also a member of Black Leadership Network Project 21, an initiative of the National Center for Public Policy Research that seeks to promote the views of African Americans whose entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to family, and commitment to individual responsibility have not traditionally been echoed by the nations civil rights establishment.

Adrian shares his take on the violence stemming from the hip hop music industry that is the topic of his documentary Smoke and Mirrors. There, Adrian is attempting to shed light on an issue that unfortunately only becomes worthy of mainstream news headlines following the deaths of aspiring rappers.

We speak with Adrian about some of the key narratives in African American communities in the United States, the impacts of progressive policies, and how the nation can move forward.
Keep Violent People in Jail to Reduce Growing Crime Rate: DC Police Chief

Keeping criminals in jail and not letting them loose among the general populace is a way to reverse the increasing homicide rate in Washington, according to Robert Contee, chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

The things that we have been doing is locking up bad guys, taking guns off the street. What we got to do if we really want to see homicides go down is keep bad guys with guns in jail. Because when they [are] in jail, they cant be in community shooting people  Thats the thing that we need to do differentwe need to keep violent people in jail, Contee said while speaking along with Mayor Muriel Bowser at a press conference on March 6.

The police chief was responding to a question from a reporter who asked about homicide rates in the district increasing 30 percent so far this year, and how the department planned to tackle the trend. Contee admitted that homicide rates saw a slight uptick at the beginning of the year.

According to data from the MPD, there have been 40 homicides in the region as of March 8 compared to just 30 during the same period last year. For the entirety of 2022, there were 203 homicidesa roughly 10 percent reduction from the 226 homicides in 2021.

Right now, the average homicide suspect has been arrested 11 times prior to them committing a homicide. That is a problem  The average homicide victim also has been arrested 10 or 11 times prior to them becoming a homicide victim. That is a problem, Contee said.

However, these are problems that are not going to get fixed just by the police department making arrests, which is where the role of community members and other partners come in, the police chief added.

Youth And Crime

During an event in January, Contee raised concerns about the rising crime rate among youngsters.

Our babies are starting to show up different  Their first introduction into the criminal justice system is for a violent crime where theyre using a firearm. Its not showing up because they stole a bag of chips or because they broke into or something. Its because they put a gun in somebodys face or they used that gun, he said.

According to Contee, ten young people were arrested for homicide in the past year and nine in the year before. He criticized a violent culture among the youth.

Theres something that is troubling our communities, this culture of violence that is showing up where violence is the only thing thats respected within the circles of our young people.

Its showing up in schools. Ask the principals, theyll tell you. Its showing up in schools and theyre scared. Kids are getting public safety transfers from this school to that school, only to run into similar issues. Theyre scared. Parents are scared.

Reducing Crime Sentences

Contees March 6 comments come as Democratic D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson withdrew a controversial bill aimed to reduce sentences for criminalsthe opposite of what the police chief said in needed to reduce the killings.

Mendelsons Revised Criminal Code Act (RCCA) sought to rewrite the districts criminal code so that maximum penalties for crimes like robberies, carjackings, burglaries, and so on would be reduced. The measure also scrapped several mandatory minimum sentences.

The proposal was passed by the D.C. Council. However, it was met with strong opposition from Republicans and some Democrats who are also concerned about how decreased criminal penalties are affecting crime rates. It was vetoed by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat.

The House of Representatives introduced a measure to overturn the proposal while the Senate was set to vote and block it.

Mendelson told reporters that the bill was withdrawn so that the Council could rework it before submitting it again.

The DC Councils desperate, made-up maneuver not only has no basis in the DC Home Rule Act, but underscores the completely unserious way the Council has legislated. No matter how hard they try, the Council cannot avoid accountability for passing this dangerous soft-on-crime bill, Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) said in a March 6 tweet.
Kennel Owner Who Fled Ohio Train Derailment Says Business Destroyed

Katie Schwarzwaelder moved 30 dogs to a friend's basement

Three Doberman pinschers bask in the sun at Von Schwarz Doberman Kennel in Darlington Township, Pennsylvania, before the nearby Norfolk Southern train derailment forced the kennel owner to evacuate. (Courtesy of Katie Schwarzwaelder)

Champion dog breeder, trainer, and kennel owner Katie Schwarzwaelder was out of town celebrating her 30th birthday when alarming phone calls got her phone jumping.

Friends and neighbors saw distant smoke in the direction of her 27-acre property in Darlington Township, Pennsylvania, and thought her kennel was on fire. Schwarzwaelder immediately called her kennel manager.

Dog breeder and trainer Katie Schwarzwaelder of Darlington Township, Pennsylvania, with one of her dogs during a competition. (Courtesy of Katie Schwarzwaelder)

The kennel manager told Schwarzwaelder the kennel was not on fire. Folks were seeing a fire from the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. The train tracks come within 10 feet of the edge of her property, and the derailmentabout 650 feet from the PennsylvaniaOhio borderwas a half-mile from the kennel.

That was on Feb. 3. The roads were blocked by fire trucks and anyone not already in the perimeter of the incident was not allowed back in. Schwarzwaelder put the word out that local folks in the zone could bring their dogs to her kennel for free, while they figured out where to go.

Evacuation

Von Schwarz Dobermann Kennel in Darlington Township, Pennsylvania, before the evacuation following the Feb. 3 Norfolk Southern train derailment. (Courtesy of Katie Schwarzwaelder)

The Northern Border kennel cares for all types of dogs while owners are away. Through the breeding and training of European Doberman pinschers, Schwarzwaelders other businessVon Schwarz Doberman Kennelhas produced five of the most recent national champions in the United Doberman Clubs schutzhund competitions in 20182022.

Schutzhund is a competitive tracking, obedience, and protection dog sport that is the basis of training police dogs.

We came home Sunday around 5, Schwarzwaelder told The Epoch Times. Until then, the road was closed to those outside the zone. But three hours later, in the dark, they were told to evacuate in preparation for what Norfolk Southern called a controlled burn of chemicals from the train.

Dogs in crates during evacuation on Feb. 6, 2023, from Darlington Township, Pennsylvania, due to the Norfolk Southern train derailment. (Courtesy of Katie Schwarzwaelder)

Owners were called to pick up their boarded dogs. That left 30 working dogs for Schwarzwaelder to evacuate.

They put the Dobermans in crates in the back of a truck, transported them to her boyfriends brothers house nearly 20 miles away, and settled the crated dogs in the basement. Making numerous trips, they evacuated dogs throughout the night, from 8:30 p.m. to 6 a.m.

We have been evacuated since then, Schwarzwaelder said.

As competitive dogs accustomed to travel, they are used to being crated at times, but it has been a month of crate living in a borrowed basement. Schwarzwaelder takes the dogs out for exercise, but the property is not fenced and it is in a residential neighborhood.

Its not super comfortable, especially with neighbors and other dogs around. Its about the least ideal situation, but really the only option because they were nice enough to let us do what weve done, Schwarzwaelder said of her hosts. We had a huge, huge operation. It was essentially a dog paradise. Now its an evacuated ghost property.

Evacuated dogs in crates live in the basement of a host home while their owner arranges a new home for her business in March 2023. (Courtesy of Katie Schwarzwaelder)

In addition to indoor/outdoor kennels, her property has multiple fenced acres where dogs can play and run freely. But it doesnt feel safe to go home, she said.

Rash on Returning

Just a few sets of clothing went along when she first evacuated, so Schwarzwaelder returns to the property when she needs more clothing or other items from the house. It makes her sick, she says.

When I go backits not just me, its a lot of people that have been therefor me personally, its been rash on your neck and face, coughing, burning of your nose, burning of your throat. Ive had blisters in my throat and all inside my mouth, pulsation in your eyesits almost like your eyes have a heartbeat. Schwarzwaelder said. I had on capri leggings one day and from where the Capri ends and my foot began, I had the rash there.

Each time she returns, her symptoms come back within 15 to 20 minutes. Symptoms subside within two hours of leaving, she said. Its like an allergic reaction.

Schwarzwaelder went to the clinic that Gov. Josh Shapiro ordered be set up in response to the derailment, through the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

I was seen immediately due to the symptoms, and the doctor suggested that I absolutely not return to that location and expose myself, and if I absolutely had to, she prescribed me an Albuterol inhaler and antihistamines and Tylenol or Advil for the migraine. I believe the inhaler had steroids in it as well. So if I had to go back, I had to premedicate.

Katie Schwarzwaelder says she develops this rash when she returns to her Darlington Township, Pennsylvania, home and business, just a half-mile from the Norfolk Southern train derailment. (Courtesy of Katie Schwarzwaelder)

Schwarzwaelder believes officials are downplaying the severity of the situation and the potential risks for humans and animals, short and long term.

I dont think that anybody from Norfolk Southern would live where we live. I dont think anybody from Norfolk Southern would board their dogs where my kennel is, Schwarzwaelder said. I worked my entire life to be in the position where I was, which was essentially debt free. And now I will have to put myself back in debt if I want to continue with the business that I started as a young kid and built to the level that it is now.

Permanently Closed

Northern Border, which is my boarding and training facility, is permanently closed because my clientele was the community, and the community is now destroyed, Schwarzwaelder said.

Nobodys going to be going on vacation. No one has the financial means to do the training. And so even if, by some chance of God, the remediation of the property would subsequently deem it safe at some point, my clientele, which is my community, is not there. Its broken. Its destroyed.

She predicts the area will be a ghost town in the future.

Her breeding business, Von Schwarz Dobermann, will continue at a new location.

Doberman pinscher puppies scamper about the Von Schwarz Dobermann Kennel property in Darlington Township, Pennsylvania, before the Norfolk Southern train derailment forced their evacuation in February 2023. (Courtesy of Katie Schwarzwaelder)

The only thing thats been reimbursed by Norfolk thus far is essentially displacement costs, gasoline, food, housing, Schwarzwaelder said. So, essentially, its my own dime to pick up and move the breeding kennel and my home elsewhere, while obviously still maintaining and paying for the evacuated property.

No ones going to buy it. Why would someone want to live in Chernobyl? Were going to stay evacuated until, hopefully, we can be financially compensated by the responsible party.

She believes the state or federal government should also have some kind of relief funds or financial support to help those affected, perhaps in the form of grants or low cost loans.

I have tremendous asset loss. I have business loss, I have business interruption. I have the need for, potentially, medical monitoring in the future. I have a business that revolves around breeding animals and we have no idea the severity of the reproductive consequences of this exposure, she said. I mean, my whole life is on the line here.
Medical Tourism a Burgeoning Industry Despite Danger in Mexico

Experts say due diligence is crucial for a safe journey for treatment

Members of the Mexican army patrol near Naranjo de Chila in the municipality of Aguililla, Mexico, on Feb. 18, 2022. The town had been the scene of a bloody turf battle between two drug cartels. (Armando Solis/AP Photo)

Thousands of Americans travel abroad yearly for medical treatment, looking to reap the benefits of high-quality health care at substantially lower costs.

However, the recent murder of two U.S. citizens in Mexico underscores the inherent risks associated with medical tourism.

Sometimes, people try to do their research [but] they dont work through certified agencies, said Jonathan Edelheit, co-founder and chairman of the Medical Tourism Association (MTA).

What ends up happening is, they choose a place that isnt safe for the lowest price that doesnt have quality or safety.

Consultant oncologist and robotic surgeon N. Ragavan (R) speaks to a patient at the Apollo Hospital in Chennai, India, on March 29, 2014. Chennai, known as Indias health care capital, is developing as a top budget destination for medical tourists. (Manjunath Kiran/AFP/Getty Images)

Mexican drug cartel members killed two vacationing U.S. citizens and kidnapped two others last week while the tourists were driving to Matamoros near the southern U.S. border.

One of the travelers reportedly was scheduled for a tummy tuck cosmetic procedure when the group encountered the criminals.

Authorities rescued two members of the group and returned them safely to the United States.

In the wake of the killings, the U.S. State Department issued a Level 4 Do Not Travel warning, the systems highest alert, given the extreme violence between battling drug cartels in Matamoros.

No Chilling Effect

Edelheit said that while the incident may affect some medical tourism to Mexico, it wont have any chilling effect on the industrys growth.

The growth is substantial, and many people travel for high-quality, affordable care. Most of the industry focuses on doing business the right way, he said.

The MTA is a nonprofit organization to promote awareness and best practices regarding medical travel, a $100 billion global industry.

As a rule, Edelheit said Americans prefer Mexico for medical procedures because of its proximity and high-quality, lower-cost health care.

While many areas of Mexico are generally safe for medical tourism, many rural parts of the country are crime-ridden and recommended as off-limits for U.S. travelers. The MTA would never recommend travel to Matamoros, he said, because of the State Departments advisory.

According to State Department data, 25 U.S. citizens died by homicide in Mexico between January and June 2022. The number was triple that from all of 2021.

Edelheit said many parts of Mexico are still desirable for medical tourismCancun, for example.

A dental technician working on a digital Computer Aided Design machine. Growing digital technology is rapidly changing the dental experience. (Philippe Huguen/AFP/Getty Images)

Patients Beyond Borders reports that U.S. medical tourists in Mexico can expect to save 40 to 60 percent on medical costs depending on the procedure.

Edelheit said many Americans travel to Mexico for dental implants, weight loss surgery, and cosmetic procedures, which are considerably more expensive in the United States.

Its pretty substantial, Edelheit said. If you do it right, youre going to the top doctor in a top facility [in another country].

Other popular destinations for U.S. medical travelers include Thailand (which generally provides savings of 50 to 75 percent), Costa Rica (45 to 65 percent), South Korea (30 to 45 percent), and India (60 to 90 percent), where many cardiovascular procedures take place.

Safety First

The number of medical tourists from the United States almost doubled to 1.4 million in 2017 from 750,000 in 2007, according to Health-Tourism.com.

Two of the safest places for medical tourism are Panama and Costa Rica, Edelheit said.

If youre uncomfortable with Mexico, you can go to Costa Rica, which is extremely safe. This kind of thing [in Matamoros] would never happen, he said.

Dental implants might run to $60,000 in Florida but only $15,000 in Costa Rica.

Edelheit said many people lack the disposable income they once had before COVID-19, and meanwhile medical costs keep increasing.

Usually, theyll have to save a couple of thousand dollars, or it wouldnt make sense [to travel abroad], Edelheit said.

He said the four main reasons to choose medical tourism are better quality and affordability of care, access to services, shorter wait times, and the availability of treatments and medication.

A team of surgeon doctors performs heart surgery on a patient. (File Photo)

Edelheit said its wise to work through an accredited medical tourism facilitator in planning a trip abroad.

A medical tourism facilitator is an organization or company that works like a concierge to take the guesswork and hassle out of medical travel.

Services include working out travel arrangements with patients, accredited hospitals, and doctors before treatment or procedure and during aftercare.

Passport Medical International is one accredited medical tourism facilitator based in Vancouver, Canada. Company founder and CEO Travis Kraft said a crucial consideration is whether the hospital, clinic, and medical staff are top quality and accredited.

Many other medical tourism facilitation companies offer [services in] as many as 40 or 50 countries and sometimes over 100 doctors, Kraft said.

How do you know who you are sending your patients to?  We want to make sure we know our partners and know them well. That takes the guesswork out of a person choosing a physician.

Kraft viewed the tragic encounter in Matamoros as an isolated incident that shouldnt deter medical travel.

Any time anything happens in Cancun or Mexico, it gets expedited in the media, he said.

Edelheit advised that when planning a medical trip, research the location, know the laws, and adhere to travel advisories.

Ive never had a problem traveling in Mexico. I do a tremendous amount of researchwhere Im going and staying. I make sure Im going to safe places, Edelheit said.

You have to be very careful, and this goes for any international travel.
Kremlin Doubts Nord Stream Attacks Could Have Happened Without State Support

Gas bubbles from the Nord Stream 2 leak are seen reaching surface of the Baltic Sea, near Bornholm, Denmark, on Sept. 27, 2022. (Danish Defence Command/Handout via Reuters)

MOSCOWThe Kremlin said on Thursday it doubted the attacks on the Nord Stream pipelines last September could have been carried out without state support.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskovs comments came after the New York Times this week reported that U.S. officials were looking into whether a pro-Ukrainian non-government group was responsible for the blasts.

As for the pro-Ukrainian angle, you know, the idea that some Dr. Evil organized it, thats hard to believe. It was too difficult a task, which probably only a well-trained special state service was capable ofand there are not too many of them in our world, Peskov said when asked about the report.

The New York Times reported on Tuesday that new intelligence reviewed by U.S. officials suggests that a pro-Ukraine grouplikely comprised of Ukrainians or Russiansattacked the Nord Stream gas pipelines, but that there are no firm conclusions.

Russia has repeatedly asked to be allowed to join the investigations into the blasts, which ruptured three of the four pipelines of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas links that connect Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea.

Investigators in Sweden, Denmark, and Germany are currently conducting separate probes.

We continue to demand a quick and transparent investigation, we continue to demand that we be allowed to take part in this investigation, Peskov told reporters at a regular Kremlin briefing.

It is necessary to identify who executed it and who ordered it. Committing a terrorist attack against a piece of critical international energy infrastructure is too dangerous a precedent, he added.

Peskov again denied the absurd hypothesis that Russia itself might have been behind the attacks on its own infrastructure.
LA County Officials Warn Deadly Drug Tranq Poses Serious Overdose Risk

LOS ANGELESLos Angeles County health officials issued a public alert March 8, warning of increased overdose risks associated with the animal sedative xylazine, which has been detected in illicit drugs in areas including San Francisco and San Diego.

LA County reports that the presence of xylazine, commonly known as tranq, in these California cities indicates that xylazine is now likely present within the drug supply in Los Angeles, according to its Department of Public Health.

Xylazine is an animal tranquilizer that is added to opioids such as heroin or fentanyl or pressed into counterfeit versions of pills such as Percocet or Vicodin, or sedatives such as Xanax to increase their effects.

When mixed with opioids and other central nervous systems depressants, such as alcohol or sedatives, xylazine intensifies the effects, including sedation [drowsiness leading to unresponsiveness] and respiratory depression [slowed or stopped breathing], which can lead to a fatal overdose, according to the Department of Public Health.

Health officials urged residents to avoid all use of illicit drugs and rely on pills only from an FDA-licensed pharmacy.

According to health officials, signs of a xylazine overdose are similar to an opioid overdoseexcessive sedation, slowed breathing and heart rate, low blood pressure, and cold, clammy skin.

Users of the tranquilizer are also prone to experiencing severe skin lesions that can result in open wounds, infections, and even amputations.

There is no test to determine if a drug contains xylazine, but health officials again urged people to identify drugs that might contain fentanyl by using test strips.

Although xylazine has been circulating in drug supplies on the U.S. East Coast, it was first detected in San Franciscos overdose deaths last December, according to the citys public health department.

Sophie Li contributed to this report.
Lawmakers and Scientists Call for More Answers After House Hearing on COVID Origin

Rep. Ami Bera (D-Calif.) speaks as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken testifies before the House Committee On Foreign Affairs on Capitol Hill in Washington on March 10, 2021. (Ting Shen-Pool/Getty Images)

Lawmakers and medical experts are calling for continued scrutiny into the origins of COVID-19 following a Wednesday hearing of the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic.

During the Wednesday hearing, former U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Robert Redfield; Dr. Jamie Metzl, senior fellow at the Atlantic Council; author and journalist Nicholas Wade; and Dr. Paul Auwaerter, professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, shared their analyses of the competing theories that COVID-19 was the result of a natural outbreak or that it was the result of a laboratory leak.

Redfield described the lab leak theory as the more likely scenario. Auwaerter testified that U.S. government agencies have assessed with low to moderate confidence that COVID-19 was the result of a lab leak, while many virologists believe compelling evidence points to an animal origin, and said making claims that cannot be supported sufficiently by available data fuels confusion and mistrust.

Some of the witnesses specifically criticized initial efforts to identify the source of the virus and the Chinese regimes role in minimizing access to investigate the origins of the virus.

Regardless of the actual origin of COVID-19, Rep. Ami Bera (D-Calif.) said Chinas moves to withhold information from investigators makes it more suspicious, potentially, for a lab leak.

The lack of transparency, the lack of, from day one, allowing the worlds best scientists to get into the hot zone, to understand what was going on, probably has prevented us from getting control of this pandemic much faster, Bera told NTD.

Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-Ariz.) said the witness testimony was helpful and provided new information, but raised further questions in her mind about Chinas potential role in the virus outbreak.

Theres still questions and there will be questions because China covered it up, Lesko told NTD.

Early False Consensus on COVID Origin

Metzl, who has described himself as a Democrat and progressive, said the initial efforts to investigate the cause of COVID-19 were inadequate. He testified to the subcommittee that a 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) effort to investigate the virus outbreak was a disaster. Metzl noted that an international WHO research team spent two of the four weeks of their research visit in quarantine, had very limited access to raw data and was not even allowed unrestricted access to their Chinese counterparts.

Metzl told NTD that these early failures to thoroughly investigate the origins of the virus allowed the scientific consensus to coalesce around a preferred narrative of the Chinese regime, which attributed the virus outbreak to animal interactions rather than the possibility that the virus was the result of negligent experimentation with deadly diseases.

Unfortunately, in my view, a false consensus was essentially pushed on the general public in the early days, and that stuck, and it took a whole lot of work of a small handful of people, certainly over the course of that first year, but really for three years to begin to shift perceptions, Metzl said. And now I think people are much more open-minded about the two real possibilities, and we heard that here. There was 100 percent consensus of all of the Congress people that a lab origin is a very real possibility.

During the hearing, Metzl also testified that though the Chinese regime supports the idea of a natural outbreak with COVID-19 jumping from an animal to human host, the regime has yet to find which animal may have acted as the intermediary host. Metzl noted that in previous virus outbreaks, such as the 2002 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak in China and the 2012 Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) outbreak in Saudi Arabia, researchers were able to find the intermediate species that transferred the virus to humans relatively quickly.

The Chinese government has actually been very aggressive in trying to find that kind of intermediary host animal, Metzl testified. Theyve sequenced about 100,000 animals. They havent found anything.

Metzl told NTD he believes the reason so many people rejected the lab leak theory in favor of the animal-to-human transmission theory was because many people had invested decades of their lives into building these kinds of scientific collaborations with China and other countries.

In April 2020, EcoHealth Alliance President Dr. Peter Daszak personally emailed National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Director Dr. Anthony Fauci to thank him for publicly opposing the lab leak theory. The EcoHealth Alliance has ties to the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

Lesko said, There are questions revolving Dr. Faucis involvement with trying to promote just one thesis about the origin of COVID-19.

Its very unlikely that [COVID-19] escaped from a wet market, a bat, whatever their excuse was at first, Rep. Brian Babin (R-Texas), who is not on the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic but serves on the House GOP Doctors Caucus, told NTD. And then we saw the administration, CDC, many others, Big Tech, try to shut down any kind of dialogue, any kind of discussion on where this thing emanated from.

Babin also questioned the consensus that formed around closing schools and masking to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines.

Bipartisan Calls for Answers

Calls for information on the origins of COVID-19 are gathering bipartisan support. Last week, the Senate voted unanimously on a bill to declassify any and all information linking COVID-19 to the Wuhan Institute of Virology. This week, Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) backed a similar Republican-led bill in the House to declassify intelligence about the potential lab leak.

The international global health community should speak with one voice, that Lets actually just get to the facts and understand this,' Bera told NTD. This isnt about pointing blame. This is about understanding how this virus started, and what we can do to prevent it in the future.

In May 2021, President Joe Biden tasked the U.S. intelligence community with conducting a review of its findings on the possible origins of COVID-19, including any intelligence supporting the lab leak theory.

I appreciate the Biden administrations continued efforts to continue to look for data but unless were able to get into the hot zone, get into Chinawe may never discover it because if they destroyed data, then you know, theyre obviously hiding something, Bera said.

From NTD News
Los Angeles Seeks to Become Sanctuary City for Illegal Immigrants

Los Angeles is considering an ordinance to officially enshrine its previously only symbolic moniker as a sanctuary city into its municipal code, after a proposal was introduced by Los Angeles City Council members Eunisses Hernandez, Nithya Raman, and Hugo Soto-Martinez on March 7.

Los Angeles is a city of immigrants, Hernandez said in a statement. As the daughter of two Mexican immigrants myself, I know how important and overdue these protections are to our community members.

The proposal, if passed, would direct the city to forbid any investigations or enforcement actions related to someones immigration status and disallow any attempt to ask for or compile such information.

According to the proposal, it will formalize the citys symbolic declaration from 2019.

It would also limit immigration officials access to nonpublic areasincluding jailsunless a valid search or arrest warrant is produced.

Additionally, the proposal would block the provision of city database access or any personal information or data about individuals to federal immigration agents.

Councilwoman Nithya Raman attends Womens March Action: March 4 Reproductive Rights at Pershing Square in Los Angeles, on Oct. 02, 2021. (Amy Sussman/Getty Images)

Immigrants make up the very fabric of this city, Raman said in a statement to City News Service. Prohibiting the use of city resources for federal immigration enforcement shouldnt depend only on executive actions that could be overturned by a future mayor or police chief. These are fundamental protections that should be enshrined in our laws going forward.

But not everyone is on board with the proposal, as talks of sanctuary cities have proved to be a hot-button issue nationwide over the past several years.

Los Angeles County Republican Party Chairman Timothy OReilly told The Epoch Times that the sanctuary city laws fail to consider that some undocumented immigrants could potentially be criminals, and that enshrining a new ordinance preventing authorities from investigating someones documentation is destructive to a city already gripped by high crime.

He added that undocumented immigrants who have lived in Los Angeles for decades and are in good standing arent the issue.

Why would we not want to partner with federal officials, in terms of removing criminals? OReilly said. Maybe theyre a person that has been involved in child sex trafficking or the drug trade, or theyre members of the cartel and were going to turn our back on sharing that information just in the name of an ideology.

City News Service contributed to this report.
Man Charged With Trying to Stab Flight Attendant Faces Judge

Francisco Severo Torres in this booking photo provided on March 7, 2023. (Massachusetts State Police via AP)

BOSTONThe man charged with attempting to open an airliners emergency door on a cross-country flight last weekend and trying to stab a flight attendant in the neck with a broken metal spoon is headed to court on Thursday to find out whether he will be granted bail.

Francisco Severo Torres, 33, of Leominster, Massachusetts, was arrested Sunday when United Flight 2609 from Los Angeles landed in Boston. He is charged with a felony related to interfering with flight crew members using a dangerous weapon. If convicted, he could be sentenced to life in prison.

A detention hearing is scheduled for U.S. District Court in Boston.

The plane was about 45 minutes from Boston when the crew received an alarm that a side door on the aircraft was disarmed, according to court documents. One flight attendant noticed the doors locking handle had been moved. Another flight attendant had noticed that Torres was seen near the door and believed he had moved the handle.

Cabin pressure during flight prevents airplane doors from opening.

The crew told the captain that Torres was a threat and the plane should be landed as soon as possible, authorities said.

In video taken by a passenger, an agitated Torres can be heard threatening to kill people and promising a bloodbath.

I will kill every man on this plane, he says.

He also asks where the pilots were diverting the plane.

Because wherever it is, theres going to be a bloodbath everywhere, he says in the video.

This still image from video shows a man who federal authorities have identified as Francisco Severo Torres as he moves through the cabin on a weekend flight from Los Angeles to Boston on March 5, 2023. (Lisa Olsen via AP)

Torres then approached two flight attendants, according to the court documents. One of the flight attendants felt the metal spoon in Torres hand hit him on his shirt collar and tie three times.

Torres was subdued by several passengers and restrained until the plane landed.

Everything just exploded in a few seconds, said Simik Ghookasian, one of the passengers who helped restrain the suspect.

Torres told investigators that he went into the airplanes bathroom and broke a spoon in half to make a weapon, prosecutors said in court documents. They said Torres told authorities he wanted to open the door so that he could jump out, and that he knew opening the door would kill many people.

United Airlines said no one was injured.

Messages seeking comment were left with his federal public defender.

Torres has struggled with mental health issues in the past, according to federal court documents and a local police chief who says officers have dealt with him several times since 2014. Sometimes, neighbors called police after spotting him outside his house, scantily clothed.

He was charged in 2017 involving a domestic incident with his mother but those charges were dropped, Leominster Police Chief Aaron Kennedy told The Associated Press.

Kennedy said police were called to a barber shop on Feb. 26 in town where Torres was saying some of the same rhetoric you heard on the airplane. But it wasnt until police saw the video from the flight last weekend that they realized it was the same person.

By Mark Pratt
Man Who Killed 4 During Houston Drug Robbery Faces Execution

HOUSTONA Texas inmate faces execution on Thursday for the drug-related killings of four people more than 30 years ago.

Arthur Brown Jr. was condemned for the June 1992 deaths in a Houston home during a drug robbery. Authorities said Brown was part of a ring that shuttled drugs from Texas to Alabama and had bought drugs from Jose Tovar and his wife Rachel.

Killed during the drug robbery were 32-year-old Jose Tovar; his wifes 17-year-old son, Frank Farias; 19-year-old Jessica Quinones, the pregnant girlfriend of another son of Rachel Tovar; and 21-year-old neighbor Audrey Brown. All four had been tied up and shot in the head. Rachel Tovar and another person were also shot but survived.

I dont see how anybody could have just killed a pregnant woman and then made her suffer so much. Its just beyond words, said Maricella Quinones, Jessica Quinones older sister. Jessica Quinones had been 9-months pregnant and had named her unborn daughter Alyssa.

One of Browns accomplices in the shootings, Marion Dudley, was executed in 2006. A third partner was sentenced to life in prison.

Brown, 52, who is from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, has long maintained another person committed the killings.

His attorneys have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to halt the execution, which was scheduled for Thursday evening at the state penitentiary in Huntsville, Texas. They argue that Brown is intellectually disabled.

The high court has prohibited the death penalty for the intellectually disabled.

Mr. Browns intellectual limitations were known to his friends and family.  Individuals that knew Mr. Brown over the course of his life have described him consistently as slow, his attorneys wrote in their petition to the Supreme Court.

Browns attorneys have previously filed other appeals that have been rejected by lower courts. They have argued he is innocent and that a witness actually implicated another suspect. They also claim Browns conviction was tainted by racial bias, alleging one of the jurors decided he was guilty because of his race. Brown is a black man.

A judge in Houston on Tuesday denied a request by Browns attorneys for DNA testing of evidence that they said could exonerate their client.

Josh Reiss, chief of the Post-Conviction Writs Division with the Harris County District Attorneys Office in Houston, called Browns last-minute appeals a delay tactic.

Reiss said school records submitted at Browns trial showed while the inmate was initially thought to possibly be intellectually disabled in the third grade, by ninth grade that was no longer the case. The prosecutor also said Browns claims of innocence are problematic as the other suspect alleged to be the killer was found by investigators to not have been in Houston at the time.

It was an absolutely brutal mass murder.  These families deserve justice, Reiss said.

Maricella Quinones, 52, said her sister was an innocent victim who wasnt aware the Tovars were dealing drugs from the home. She said her mother also blames the Tovars for what happened.

My mothers not the same since my sister passed away, Maricella Quinones said.

Maricella Quinones described her sister as a very loving, caring person who had looked forward to being a mother. She said her family would likely never get closure.

We lost two persons. Alyssa never got a chance at life, she said.

Browns execution is the second of two in Texas this week. Another inmate, Gary Green, was executed Tuesday for fatally stabbing his estranged wife and drowning her 6-year-old daughter in a bathtub. Brown would be the fifth inmate in Texas and the ninth in the U.S. put to death this year.

By Juan A. Lozano
Maryland, Virginia Officials Compete for Mammoth New FBI Headquarters

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and other officials are trying to convince government authorities to choose a site in their state for a mammoth new FBI headquarters, which is expected to cost more than $1 billion.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), and other Maryland officials met with the FBI and General Services Administration (GSA) on March 8 to make their case. Kaine, Mark Warner (D-Va.), and other Virginia officials followed on Thursday.

The new FBI headquarters belongs in the state of Maryland, Moore, a Democrat, told reporters after the meeting.

The Virginia group said a location in Springfield would be best, in part because of its proximity to the FBI Academy in Quantico.

The GSA and FBI did not respond to requests for comment.

The GSA and FBI must choose from one of three sites. One is in Landover, Maryland; one is in Greenbelt, Maryland; and the third is in Springfield.

The new facility will replace the J. Edgar Hoover building in Washington. At least 7,500 personnel will work in the building, which could cost billions of dollars.

The current headquarters was erected in 1974 for $126 million, up from an earlier estimate of $60 million.

The Government Accountability Office said in 2011 that the FBI has outgrown its aging headquarters. The building could be repaired, demolished, and replaced with a new building on the same site, or replaced with a new building at a different site, the office said.

Each option would likely cost over $1 billion, according to the agency.

An FBI relocation study concluded the agency needed a 2.6 million-square-foot facility on a site of between 55 and 65 acres.

Criteria

The Trump administration wanted to replace the Hoover building with a new facility at the same site, but the Biden administration backs moving the headquarters to a new building elsewhere.

The Administration has begun a multi-year process of constructing a modern, secure suburban facility from which the FBI can continue its mission to protect the American people, the White House said in a recent document.

Congress directed the GSA in March 2022 to study the viability of the three sites and brief Congress on the results. Congress said in the late 2022 omnibus package that officials shall conduct separate and detailed consultations with individuals representing the sites from the State of Maryland and Commonwealth of Virginia to further consider perspectives related to mission requirements, sustainable siting and equity.

GSA and FBI officials, in a site selection plan, outlined five criteria that they would use to select a site.

The criteria to be weighted the most was labeled FBI Mission Requirement, and included proximity to Quantico and proximity to the Department of Justice headquarters in Washington.

The next most important was transportation access, or access to public transportation and proximity to an airport.

The other criteria included site development flexibility, advancing racial equity, and cost.

Cases for Each Site

The Greenbelt and Springfield sites are both near Metrorail stations and other public transportation. The Landover site has some transportation options as well.

The Greenbelt site is owned by the state of Maryland and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. The Landover site is privately owned. The Springfield site is already owned by the federal government.

Moore said building at either of the Maryland sites would be faster and cheaper than the Virginia site, because both are build ready unlike the Springfield site.

Were very serious when we say that Maryland has the best possible site for the FBI on every single criteria that they laid out, he said.

The mission will be served by the building we build that would be built at any one of these three sites. The cost, however, will be substantially more and take substantially longer time to do at the Springfield site, Hoyer added.

Virginia officials said the Springfield site compared well on cost since the federal government already owns the land and highlighted the proximity to Quantico.

Kaine and Warner said the choice is important because the new headquarters will likely be in place for the next half-century.

This site works not only for the FBI of today, it will work for the FBI of 50 years from now, Kaine said.

Local officials will be given $375 million to start work once a site is chosen.

According to the White House, the FBI and GSA are also working on identifying a federally owned location in Washington where 750 to 1,000 FBI personnel would work in order to support day-to-day engagement with the Department of Justice headquarters, the White House, and Congress.
SEVILLA, SpainAntonio Munoz, mayor of Sevilla, attended Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Cartuja Center on March 8. He said Shen Yun was a different experience from other shows in his city: The colorfulness, the music, the dance are different and therefore a pleasant surprise.

Mayor Munoz said elements of Shen Yun reminded him of his home. There are elements that are familiar to me maybe because of the filmography that I like quite a lot, and there are certain films where, lets say, that the movements have a certain similarity and it reminds me of that.

And I also have to say that many times the choreography invites me to think about flamenco, which is our hallmark of Andalusia and Seville, of course.

Based in New York, Shen Yun was founded in 2006 by leading Chinese artists and quickly became the worlds premier classical Chinese dance and music company. Shen Yuns mission is to revive traditional Chinese culture.

He agreed about the importance that traditional folkloric dance be recovered for future generations. It is very important, any country, the Chinese, the Spanish. I think the reflection is valid for any country in the world that forgets its roots, that forgets its DNA, that forgets its history, is a country that will have no future.

And therefore everything that is to recover the culture, to recover your sign of identity, seems to me almost an obligation in each of the countries.

He said its important that everyone should see Shen Yun. Of course it is. A way to approach, at least the people of Europe and Spain, is a way to approach a window, to know through the show an ancient culture, such as the Chinese.

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.
Military Generals Issue Warning About China Amassing Power and Influence in South America

General Glen VanHerck, Commander of U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command, testifies during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing in Washington, DC on Capitol Hill March 24, 2022. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

U.S. generals have warned about Chinas aggressive expansion and influence campaign in South America and the Caribbean, with Beijing investing in infrastructure while also pushing authoritarian governance in the region.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) continues to expand its economic, diplomatic, technological, informational, and military influence in Latin America and the Caribbean. The PRC has the capability and intent to eschew international norms, advance its brand of authoritarianism, and amass power and influence at the expense of these democracies, General Laura J. Richardson, Commander of the U.S. Southern Command, said during a House Armed Service committee hearing on March 8, referring to the Chinese regime by its official name the Peoples Republic of China.

The CCP has expanded its ability to extract resources, establish ports, manipulate governments through predatory investment practices, and build potential dual use space facilities, the most space facilities in any combatant command region.

Richardson pointed out that China has used the devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to boost its influence in Latin America. The region is home to 8 percent of the global population, but it suffered 29 percent of the worlds COVID-19 deaths. She estimates that 170 million people in Latin America are in poverty, with the economies of various states in the region struggling.

Amidst this crisis, the CCP came in with investments in critical infrastructure like highways, electrical dams, deepwater ports, telecommunications, and so on, she said.

General Glen D. VanHerck, Commander of the U.S. Northern Command, noted that China has made significant investments in Mexico. Around 80 percent of Mexicos telecommunications equipment is provided by Chinese companies like Huawei, he said.

In the Bahamas, the CCP is aggressively pursuing their economic coercion, he said. China has built its biggest embassy in the world in the Bahamas, with a very aggressive ambassador who uses the information space to undermine us each and every day.

Growing Trade, Security Risk, Lack of Grand Plan

In her statement (pdf) before the House committee, Richardson highlighted Chinas growing trade with Latin America and the Caribbean. In 2002, CCPs trade with the region was only $18 billion. Twenty years later in 2022, this has ballooned to $450 billion.

Richardson estimates that this number will rise to $700 billion by 2035. The United States current trade with the region is $700 billion, suggesting that Americas comparative trade advantage is eroding, she said.

Beijings investment in critical infrastructure in Latin America and the Caribbean is a major security risk for the United States, Richardson said.

In any potential global conflict, the CCP could leverage strategic regional ports to restrict U.S. naval and commercial ship access. This is a strategic risk that we cant accept or ignore, she said.

Richardson pointed to CCP-sponsored companies bidding on projects related to the Panama Canal, which is a global strategic chokepoint. In Argentina, a CCP state enterprise is looking to secure rights to build maritime installations near the port city of Ushuaia that would dramatically improve Beijings access to Antarctica, Richardson warned.

In an interview with EpochTV last June, security expert Joseph Humire said that the United States lacks a grand strategy to counter the expansion of Chinese influence in Latin America.

As the United States has been absent in the region for the past 30 years, China has capitalized on the opportunity, he said. The Reagan government is the last American administration that had a broad policy for Latin America with anti-communism and the Cold War, Humire stated.

If you go back 20 years ago, China was a trade partner of only three countries  in South America. Fast forward 10 years by 2010, [they are] the top trade partner of seven of the twelve sovereign nations in South America, he said. Today, they are the top trade partner of nine of the top sovereign nations in South America.

Latin Americas growing ties with China come at a great cost to the United States, Humire pointed out. We are not far away from the Chinese government having military outposts inside Latin America, very close to the U.S. border.
Minister Joly Says One Chinese Diplomat Denied Visa Under Her Watch

Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly speaks to the media at the Hamilton Convention Centre in Hamilton, Ont., ahead of the Liberal Cabinet retreat, on Jan. 23, 2023. (The Canadian Press/Nick Iwanyshyn)

The federal government denied a diplomatic visa to a member of the Chinese regime, Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly told a committee on March 9.

When China wanted to send a political operative last fall, we decided to deny a visa, which obviously is the right thing to do, she said while testifying before the House of Commons Procedure and House Affairs Committee (PROC).

The Globe and Mail reported on March 8 that Global Affairs Canada (GAC) refused to give a visa to a Chinese diplomat in the fall of 2022, for a new position called the International Liaison Department of the Chinese Communist Party.

A source reportedly told the newspaper the new position was transparently not a diplomatic position and more likely to involve foreign interference activities.

NDP MP Rachel Blaney asked Joly how a diplomat who boasted about successfully interfering in a Canadian election could remain in the country in relation to the visa denial.

Blaney was referring to information from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service revealed by the Globe and Mail on Feb. 17 stating that Tong Xiaoling, Chinas former consul-general in Vancouver, bragged about helping defeat two Conservative MPs in the 2021 election.

Im trying to get some clarity. Was there a specific change within the process? Blaney asked.

Joly answered that there has been a higher level of awareness in the last months at GAC regarding handing out visas to diplomats.

Ive instructed my department to never shy away from denying a visa if its a political operative, and therefore linked to the Communist Party of China, she said.

The minister also said that its easier to prevent a diplomat from coming than expelling him after he comes.

On the issue of expulsion, Joly said there have been no expulsions since 2015.

She said concerns about retaliation and a lack of evidence are the reasons Canada has not expelled Chinese diplomats over the Beijing regimes interference.

If there are ever Chinese diplomats that flout the Vienna Convention, then we will take action, said Joly.

The minister said that consular cases in China keep her up at night and that losing diplomatic representation over retaliation would impact those efforts.

The federal government sits on a massive body of intelligence pertaining to foreign interference by the Chinese Communist Party, with parcels of it released in recent months by news organizations.

This has led to calls for a public inquiry, which Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has rejected.

Trudeau will instead appoint a special rapporteur to advise on the next step to take on the matter of foreign interference and has tasked intelligence bodies to review the past elections.

Meanwhile, the Commons Procedure and House Affairs Committee has pursued its study of foreign interference and heard from Joly for the second time on March 9. She had previously appeared on Dec. 13.

Opposition MPs are currently trying to have Trudeaus chief of staff testify at committee but Liberal MPs have been filibustering to avoid a vote on the motion that they would lose.
More Flying Coffees Forecast as Google Tests Drone Tech

A quadcopter drone flies near Deutsche Post headquarters on December 9, 2013 in Bonn, Germany. It can carry human riders if they happen to weigh only a few ounces. (Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)

Australians could see many more coffees flying around the suburbs after Google announced plans to test technology designed to load its drones and boost the number of airborne deliveries.

The tech giants drone arm, Wing, which operates in the skies above Canberra and Logan City, on Brisbanes south, revealed plans to trial new advances on Friday, including a device to let drones collect goods without human assistance.

If the tests succeed, Wing chief executive Adam Woodworth said the company could ramp up its flying deliveries and expand its reach in 2024.

The announcement comes just five months after Wing expanded its operations in partnership with food delivery service DoorDash, letting customers order up to 1kg of goods to be delivered by air to their homes.

The companys latest technology would include new software to create an autonomous drone traffic network and devices called Autoloaders.

These devices would store packages drones could collect without help from a human assistant  an advance Mr Woodworth said could significantly boost the speed and simplicity of drone deliveries.

The question has always been how do you get the stuff into the plane, he said.

You can offer a really great service, but if you cant find a way to do it, that doesnt put more load on the business or (makes) them buy super specialised equipment or a robot arm (it wont work). It has to be simple.

Mr Woodworth told AAP the company had developed the auto-loading technology over a year, testing it in Wings Californian lab and submitting it to dirt, dust, water and wind.

Autoloaders for drones would be tested in Australia over the next year, he said, with a goal of proving they could streamline mid-air deliveries.

By the middle of 2024, we expect our system to be capable of handling tens of millions of deliveries for millions of consumers at a lower cost per delivery than ground transportation can achieve for the fast delivery of small packages, he said.

A traditional delivery business would do several orders of magnitude more deliveries (than we do now) every day. Were building for that scale while being realistic about how long it takes to roll out those types of technologies.

Wing has delivered more than 330,000 packages by drone in Australia since launching in 2017, with items including coffee, takeaway food, and small grocery items.

Wing global spokesman Jonathan Bass said older users and parents of young children had also proven to be big users of the service in Australia.

People who dont have a lot of time really, really value it, he said. You dont have to leave your kids  you can go outside, get your coffee.

While drone deliveries have been slow to take off worldwide, analyst firm Research and Markets estimates the drone package delivery market will be worth $8.4 billion by 2030, with the largest growth in the U.S. and Asia Pacific.
No Doubt American Tax Dollars Funded Gain-of-Function Research at Wuhan Lab: Ex-CDC Director

Dr. Robert Redfield, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, testifies before Congress on Capitol Hill, in Washington, on March 8, 2023. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Dr. Robert Redfield, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), told lawmakers on Wednesday that U.S. tax dollars funded risky gain-of-function research at a Chinese virus lab at the heart of the COVID-19 origin controversy.

Redfield made the remark while responding to questions during a March 8 session of the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) asked the former CDC official whether it was likely that American tax dollars funded the gain-of-function research that created this virus? referring to the hypothesis that the pathogen behind COVID-19 leaked from a lab in Wuhan.

I think theres no doubt that NIH was funding gain-of-function research, Redfield replied, adding that he believes funding came from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other federal agencies.

Taxpayer-Funded Gain-of-Function Research?

The view that American tax dollars funded gain-of-function research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) has been disputed by Dr. Anthony Fauci, former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) director, former NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins, and others.

Gain-of-function research involves altering the properties of a pathogen, such as its virulence, in order to study its potential impact on human health. Such research is controversial because of the potential risks it poses as it makes viruses more lethal.

The question of whether U.S. tax dollars were used to fund gain-of-function research in China has been in the spotlight for some time and remains steeped in controversy as the definition of what exactly constitutes such research is a matter of debate.

No one knows exactly what counts as gain-of-function, so we disagree as to what needs oversight, much less what that oversight should be, said Nicholas Evans, an associate professor of philosophy at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, who specializes in biosecurity and pandemic preparedness, in remarks to ASBMB Today.

An aerial view shows the P4 laboratory at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in Wuhan in Chinas central Hubei Province on April 17, 2020. (Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images)

But some scientists see it as more cut and dried. Richard Ebright, a molecular biologist at Rutgers University, has said the research amounted to gain-of-function and that Fauci and others lied when insisting it was not.

The materials confirm the grants supported the constructionin Wuhanof novel chimeric SARS-related coronaviruses that combined a spike gene from one coronavirus with genetic information from another coronavirus, and confirmed the resulting viruses could infect human cells, Ebright wrote on Twitter.

He was referring to Freedom of Information Act documents obtained by The Intercept, detailing the work of the EcoHealth Alliance, a U.S.-based health organization that used federal money to fund research into bat coronaviruses at the Chinese lab in Wuhan.

The documents make it clear that assertions by the NIH director, Francis Collins, and the NIAID director, Anthony Fauci, that the NIH did not support gain-of-function research or potential pandemic pathogen enhancement at [the Wuhan Institute of Virology] are untruthful, he added.

NIH and NIAID have denied that the funding amounted to gain-of-function research, while Fauci himself has repeatedly insisted that it did not.

The NIH has not ever and does not now fund gain-of-function research in the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Fauci said at a Senate hearing on May 11, 2021.

Collins said in a statement on May 19 that neither NIH nor NIAID have ever approved any grant that would have supported gain-of-function research on coronaviruses that would have increased their transmissibility or lethality for humans.

Energy Department Backs Lab Leak Theory

The question of whether American taxpayers funded gain-of-function research in China has come back into sharper focus after the U.S. Energy Departmentwhich oversees a network of 17 laboratories in the United Statesconcluded that the virus that causes COVID-19 likely leaked from the Wuhan lab.

The hearing on Capitol Hill was scheduled after it emerged that the Energy Department had changed its prior assessment of the pandemics origins.

Some scientists still strongly back the natural origin theory even though no host animal has been identified more than two years after the pandemic broke out.

While some U.S. agencies lean toward the natural origin theory, the Energy Department has joined the FBI in assessing that COVID-19 likely originated in the Wuhan lab.

Redfield also addressed the question of the lab leak theory in his testimony.

Even given the information thats surfaced in the three years since the COVID-19 pandemic began, some have contended that there is really no point in investigating the origins of this virus. I strongly disagree. There is a global need to know what we are dealing with in COVID-19 virus because it affects how we approach the problem to try to prevent the next pandemic, he wrote in his opening statement.

He added that, because theres evidence to support the lab leak theory and since gain-of-function research was being carried out on coronaviruses at the Wuhan lab, there should be a halt to gain-of-function experiments.

Gain-of-function research has long been controversial within the scientific community, and, in my own opinion, the COVID-19 pandemic presents a case study on the potential dangers of such research. While many believe that gain-of-function research is critical to get ahead of viruses by developing vaccines, in this case, I believe it was the exact opposite, unleashing a new virus on the world without any means of stopping it and resulting in the deaths of millions of people, he said.

Because of this, it is my opinion that we should call for a moratorium on gain-of-function research until we have a broader debate and we come to a consensus as a community about the value of gain-of-function research. This debate should not be limited to the scientific community. If the decision is to continue gain-of-function research then it must be determined how and where to conduct this research in a safe, responsible, and effective way.

Meanwhile, 7 out of 11 scientists who are virologists or work in related fields were asked by The Intercept about the documents the publication obtained about EcoHealth Alliance funding of virus research, and they said that the work appears to meet the NIH criteria for gain-of-function research.
Norfolk Southern Train Derails as CEO Testifies to Congress

Another Norfolk Southern train derailed as its CEO, Alan Shaw, testified to Congress on March 9 about the toxic train crash in Ohio in February.

The company stated that some 30 empty cars on a Norfolk Southern train derailed in Alabama as it was heading from Atlanta to Mississippi.

Norfolk Southern is responding to a derailment in Piedmont, Alabama, the company said in a statement to news outlets on March 9. There are no reports of injuries and no reports of a hazardous materials release. We are working in close coordination with local officials.

A local official, Calhoun County Sheriff Matthew Wade, also confirmed there were no injuries or property damage associated with the derailment. No hazardous material was on board this train, he told local outlets, unlike the train that derailed on Feb. 3 in East Palestine, Ohio.

Another incident on Feb. 16 involved the derailment of a Norfolk Southern train in the Van Buren township, outside of Detroit.

A third Norfolk Southern train derailed in Springfield, Ohio, on March 4, and authorities have launched an investigation.

The latest derailment took place at about 6:45 a.m. ET on March 9, about 70 miles to the northeast of Birmingham in Calhoun County, officials said. Norfolk Southern will remain at the derailment site until cleanup is completed, officials said.

It came as Shaw made an appearance before a Senate panel to discuss the East Palestine incident, which prompted authorities to initiate a controlled burn of highly toxic vinyl chloride, which sent an ominous black cloud of smoke into the air. Local residents have reported a range of adverse health issues, including bronchitis and other respiratory issues, nausea, and rashes.

No one was injured, but half of the roughly 5,000 local residents were evacuated. The incident drew national attention to railroad safety and the ways dangerous materials are transported.

In the congressional appearance, Shaw apologized on behalf of Norfolk Southern, which has faced numerous lawsuits in connection to the crash. However, senators from both parties became visibly frustrated at times with Shaw, accusing him of not supporting their proposed policy commitments and delivering noncommittal answers.

A black plume rises over East Palestine, Ohio, as a result of a controlled burn of a portion of the derailed Norfolk Southern train cars on Feb. 6, 2023. (Gene J. Puskar/AP Photo)

I am determined to make this right, he told senators. Norfolk Southern will clean the site safely, thoroughly and with urgency. You have my personal commitment.

Shaw said that the company is committed to the legislative intent to make rail safer and that Norfolk Southern runs a safe railroad.

We can always get better and that is my intent: to continue to invest and continue to improve, he said.

The company has announced several voluntary safety upgrades. Senators, however, are looking to act themselves as they investigate the derailment, the Biden administrations response, and the companys safety practices after the toppling of 38 railcars, including 11 carrying hazardous materials.

Shaw pointed to the more than $1 billion the company spent on safety last year, but he acknowledged that Norfolk Southern also spent more than $3 billion buying back its own stock and recorded a $3.3 billion profit in 2022. Norfolk Southern workers have been on the site in East Palestine to remove affected soil and potentially affected water, he also remarked.

Norfolk Southern is also under pressure from federal regulators. The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Railroad Administration both recently announced investigations of the East Palestine derailment and other accidents, including one that caused the death of a train conductor on March 7.

Train derailments have been getting less common, but there were still more than 1,000 last year, according to data from the Federal Railroad Administration. And as the East Palestine accident shows, even a single train derailment involving hazardous materials can be disastrous.

Hazardous materials shipments account for 7 to 8 percent of the roughly 30 million shipments railroads deliver across the U.S. each year. But railroads often mix shipments and might have one or two cars of hazardous materials on almost any train. The Association of American Railroads trade group stated that 99.9 percent of hazardous materials shipments reach their destinations safely.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
NSW Budget Deficit Blows out by $1.3Bn Over Two Years

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet speaks to the media during a press conference at the State Emergency Operations Centre in Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney, Australia, on Nov. 15, 2022. (AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi)

The New South Wales (NSW) deficit is expected to worsen by $1.3 billion over this financial year and the next after Treasury downgraded its projections for the budget in a pre-election update.

The update, coming ahead of the March 25 poll, shows the estimated deficit for 2022/23 has grown by $668 million (US$440 million) to $12.03 billion since the last update in February.

The deficit for the upcoming financial year is now forecast at $7.12 billion, an increase of $615 million. This takes the total worsening in the states books to $1.3 billion after Treasury predicted a drop in coal royalty revenue for those two years.

The states debt for this financial year has jumped by $798 million to $79.2 billion, compared with the February estimate. That debt is now expected to climb to $108.7 billion by 2024/25, after being upwardly revised by $1.3 billion from the half-yearly review.

Pre-election budget updates are required from the states treasury after the suspension of the NSW parliament.

With sixteen days until NSW voters head to polling booths, Labor seized on the analysis, accusing the coalition of presiding over surging debt since taking office in 2011.

The party also raised concerns over $50 billion worth of infrastructure projects without allocated funding in the budget, labelling it a budget black hole.

Debt and deficit have surged under (Treasurer) Matt Kean and the NSW Liberals, shadow treasurer Daniel Mookhey said.

Under (Premier) Dominic Perrottet and Matt Kean, taxes, tolls, fees, fines and charges are all up.

With the Liberals $50 billion budget black hole, NSW taxpayers will have to expect more debt, more privatisation or both. Either way, we all pay.

Meanwhile, a potential key player in which party forms the next government has defended not committing herself to Labor or the coalition.

Teal independent Karen Freyer wants to end the Liberal Partys 78-year stranglehold on the Vaucluse electorate in Sydneys eastern suburbs.

But she pushed back during a candidate debate when repeatedly urged to say which party she would support if neither claimed the required 47 seats on March 25.

Polling shows minority government is the most likely outcome.

I know everyone is desperate to pigeonhole me, but Im not a politician; Im an independent, Freyer told a candidates debate on Wednesday night.

Im not here to represent a political party, I am not aligning myself with a political party.

Meanwhile, a radio system fault on Sydneys train network on Wednesday thrust transport issues back on the political agenda.

The fault, which forced all trains to stop for more than an hour, was extremely rare, the rail operator said.

But it led Labor to say it was another example of the chaos and disruption commuters have had to endure under the coalition government.
With over 1 million illegal immigrants released into the United States, the Biden administrations policy that critics call catch and release is under fire. A U.S. district judge struck down the policy on March 8.

81-year-old Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is recovering in a hospital after an accident at a hotel in Washington.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is the biggest threat to U.S. national security and leadership globally, according to the Director of National Intelligence. The assertion was made at a Senate hearing on Global Security Threats on March 8. We have more on testimonies from top intelligence officials.

Topics in this episode include:

1. Sen. Mitch McConnell Hospitalized After Fall at Hotel

2. Judge Strikes Down Catch and Release Border Policy

3. Guatemala Takes Back 106 Unaccompanied Minor Migrants

4. CCP Tops List of Security Threats: Officials

5. Taiwan Suspects Chinese Ships Cut Internet Cables

6. Australia to Buy Nuclear Submarines From US

7. Violent Protests in Georgia Following New Media Law

8. WV: 3 Injured in Train Derailment Caused By Rockslide

9. Calif. Mountain Residents Still Digging Their Way Out

10. Motorist Trapped in Snow Uses Drone for Help

11. Gov. Ron DeSantis Pushes Back on Book Ban Hoax

12. Travel Advice for This Summer Season

13. Arizona Homeowner Finds Bobcat in Dogs Bed
Over 200 Arrested and Drugs Worth More Than 1 Million Seized in County Lines Operation

Then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson (R) observes an early morning Merseyside Police raid on a county lines gang in Liverpool, England, on Dec. 6, 2021. (Christopher Furlong/PA)

More than 200 people have been arrested and drugs worth more than 1 million have been seized during a week-long operation against county lines gangs in London.

The Metropolitan Police said 222 people were arrested of which 105 were charged with a total of 223 offences between Feb. 27 and March 5.

They said that included 131 charges related to supplying Class A and B drugs.

A total of 177 vulnerable people were safeguarded during the operation.

The term county lines in the UK originally referred to urban drug dealers who supplied narcotics to small towns and rural counties, usually based around a single pay-as-you-go mobile phone number, known as the line.

But it has gradually morphed and now refers to any narcotics gang that exploits vulnerable peoplewho can be young teenagers, single mothers, or people with mental health or substance abuse issuesoften by dealing drugs from their properties, a practice known as cuckooing.

The Met said officers seized 8.3 kilograms of Class A drugsheroin or cocaineand 37.6 kilograms of Class B drugs, as well as 652,214 in cash.

They also recovered five guns and 51 other weapons, including knives, machetes, and swords.

The Met said they found several vulnerable children who were being used as a commodity by drug dealers.

In a statement they said: Instead of criminalising these children, officers work with Rescue and Response to ensure they are safeguarded and supported.

County Lines Intrinsically Linked to Homicide

Detective Superintendent Rick Sewart, the lead officer for county lines at the Met, said county lines is intrinsically linked to homicide and serious violence.

He said 80 percent of county lines offenders charged with drug trafficking in the last year had previously been arrested for violence.

Sewart said: County lines networks prey upon children and young people, trafficking them and subjecting them to modern slavery involving horrendous emotional and physical abuse. Victims are coerced through violence, blackmail, and debt bondage to hold and supply drugs.

A double murder trial at the Old Bailey in 2021 heard details of the sort of violence associated with county lines drug dealing.

William Algar, a jazz trumpeter with a serious drug addiction, and Ebrima Cham were murdered within a few days of each other in southwest London in December 2019.

The trial heard the addicts got in touch by mobile phone and the phone number never changed, even when a dealer called Monster sold it to a youth known as Drippa.

Algars home in Barnes was turned into a drug-dealing hub and he supplied drugs for Monsters line customers and stored drugs on behalf of Drippa.

After he was accused of stealing drugs from a stash, Algar was murdered and dismembered by Emeka Dawodu-Woduwho worked for Drippawho was later jailed for life.

Dawodu-Wodu was also convicted, along with Simon Emmons and Zimele Dube, of murdering Cham, who had stolen drugs from another stash house in Hounslow.

Boys Lured Into Working for Dealers by Snapchat Ads

Earlier this month the British Transport Police (BTP) warned boys as young as 13 were being lured into working for drug dealers with promises of money, smartphones, clothes, and other gifts.

BTP officers said dealers were advertising on Snapchat with adverts saying, Who wants to make 500 this weekend?

In a survey of 1,500 boys aged 13 to 19 commissioned by BTP, almost one in five said they had been offered work by a drug dealer, or had a friend who had been offered work.

The survey, carried out by OnePoll, found 20 percent of the boys knew someone who sold or transported drugs and 15 percent had seen drugs being offered on social media.

Last week Parliaments Education Committee heard county lines gangs were exploiting the cost-of-living crisis in Britain and were recruiting children by offering to pay for fast food, sweets, and other treats.

Johnny Bolderson, a senior manager in county lines support and rescue at Catch22, said at least 27,000 young people had been identified as involved in county lines, 4,000 of whom were in London.

Rebecca Griffiths, head of the national counter-trafficking service at the childrens charity Barnardos, said 300 children in England and Wales had been referred to them under criminal exploitation fears in the last three months.

Griffiths told MPs, Vulnerability is changing all the time in regards to children who have been criminally exploited and were seeing much younger children being exploited to what we would kind of experience or know about through media or for our own awareness raising that were doing as charities.

The government said it was determined to crack down on the county lines gangs who are exploiting our children and have a devastating impact on our communities. In November 2019, the Home Office established the County Lines Programme and invested 145 million in it, over three years.

In 2021 the government unveiled a 10-year strategy for combating drugs.

PA Media contributed to this report.
Parents Concern Over Male-Bodied Students in Girls Washroom Transphobic: Ottawa School Board

A parent worried about his 12-year-old daughter sharing a bathroom with biological males at her middle school had his presentation cut short at an Ottawa school board meeting.

Due to concerns that the presentation was transphobic and could be used to promote hate or discrimination against trans youth, the chair ruled the delegation out of order, the Ottawa Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) told The Epoch Times via email.

Me being called transphobic, which couldnt be further from the truth, is not going to make matters any better or move us any closer to a solution but instead just create more divisiveness, anger, and frustration, the parent, Nick Morabito, told The Epoch Times via email.

He has four children at OCDSB schools. He raised concerns at the March 7 meeting about his second youngest, who he said regularly encounters a transgender student in the girls washroom. Had Morabito been allowed to continue his presentation, he said, he would have gotten to the part about his concerns for the wellbeing of transgender students as well.

This issue does indeed speak to the very real concern of gender diverse students being bullied in washrooms as well as the risk of something negative happening to them that may affect their mental health, Morabito said. He believes private, gender-neutral washrooms are the best option.

OCDSB did not confirm that all of their schools have such washrooms, but Morabito said he believes they do.

He said at his sons OCDBS high school, a student who recently started identifying as female has been using the girls change room.

The Ontario Human Rights Code says that concerns such as Morabitos are transphobic in nature. It states: A trans person should not be required to use a separate washroom or change room because others express discomfort or transphobic attitudes, such as, trans women are a threat to other women.

Morabito said he thinks this part of the code comes from good intentions, but The reality is that anyone can pretend to be something they are not and pose as a gender diverse person to gain access to these facilities. He added, To expect parents to ignore this very real risk is a lot to ask.

Frustration and Anger

A local journalist posted an excerpt from the removed meeting video on Twitter. It shows Morabito starting his presentation, saying students that were assigned a male gender at birth are allowed to use the same washroom as his daughter.

He said teenaged boys are sexually driven. He spoke of his belief in the safety and inclusivity of all people, but added that this is about having appropriate and safe boundaries.

Trustee Nili Kaplan-Myrth cut him short and said, On the grounds that this creates an unsafe environment for people who identify as gender diverse, Im going to have to ask you to end your delegation.

When Morabito asked how it creates an unsafe environment, Kaplan-Myrth did not respond, but called a recess.

Kaplan-Myrth did not reply to The Epoch Times inquiry about the exchange as of publication. On March 9, she posted on Twitter a death threat she received that included a racial slur against her. She wrote, March 7, I did my job. March 8, this arrived. Dont look away. Dont be indifferent. This vitriol is a threat to us all.

Morabito shared her tweet and wrote, Sickening and completely undeserved. He continued, When concerns surrounding children are present shutting down open dialogue creates anger but no excuse for this disgusting display of hatred.

A video recording of the meeting has been removed on the boards YouTube channel and replaced with a message saying OCDSB is working to address concerns that content from the meeting is discriminatory and causes harm toward trans and gender diverse people.

A group of people at the meeting were angry that Morabito was cut short, OCDSB told The Epoch Times, leading board members to call the police. The people in question left before police arrived.

After Kaplan-Myrth silenced Morabito, someone in the gallery yelled out, Who are you to stop him? You work for the public. Hes a member of the public and a concerned parent.

Morabito said the board created an unsafe environment by stoking the anger of other parents, though they accuse him of creating an unsafe environment for transgender students. Frustration and anger create an unsafe environment, respectful open dialogue creates understanding and progress, he said.

We continue to review our practices to ensure trustees, staff and members of the public can engage and discuss issues in a safe and respectful manner, OCDSB said. Individually held beliefs or feelings of discomfort are not a justifiable reason for discriminating against trans and gender-diverse community members.

A Nearby Protest

A student in Renfrew, not far from Ottawa, has made headlines this school year after speaking out about male-bodied students in the girls washroom.

Josh Alexander told The Epoch Times that girls at his school confided to him their discomfort with transgender students in their washroom. Talking to the school administration did not produce results, so he organized a protest.

One of the girls, whom The Epoch Times has decided not to name, told The Epoch Times she was caught off guard the first time a transgender student entered the washroom with her. I didnt even really know at that point that he self-identified as female, she said. Its for my own privacy and safety that I felt like I had to say something.

As Alexander has continued to speak on the issue, and also to maintain that his Catholic faith includes the belief there are only two genders, St. Josephs High School has forbid him from attending for the rest of the year. They say his presence is detrimental to the safety or well-being of the transgender students.
Poilievre and Trudeau Engage in One-on-One Verbal Tussle on Foreign Interference

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre greet each other as MPs gather in the House of Commons to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, in Ottawa on Sept. 15, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick)

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faced a barrage of questions on Beijing interference from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and other MPs in the House of Commons on March 8.

Poilievre took every turn during question period to raise a number of allegations stemming from national security leaks reported in the media, and Trudeau also responded to every question.

How much did his party and other parts of his party get from the communist dictatorship? Poilievre asked.

On matters of national security, its extremely important that we continue to give Canadians confidence that our experts and our officials are doing their jobs, Trudeau answered, adding that is why he created the security-cleared National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP).

The question was how much his party got in illegal donations funnelled from Beijing? Ive asked the question twice, Poilievre countered.

Trudeau replied that its despicable and quite disgusting that an MP would question the loyalty of any member of the House of Commons.

Media reports published in recent weeks have detailed how the Chinese Communist Party interferes with Canadian democracy, based on allegations by security sources and leaks from Canadas security aparatus.

In the latest revelations, Global News reported on March 8 on an unredacted version of an NSICOP report submitted to the prime minister in August 2019, a few weeks before the election.

The report says that foreign states clandestinely direct contributions to Canadian politicians and provided examples drawn from Canadian Security Intelligence Service information otherwise redacted in the public version.

Globals piece also mentions that Trudeaus advisory body, the Privy Council Office, produced a report in January 2022 on foreign interference.

A large clandestine transfer of funds earmarked for the federal election from the PRC [Peoples Republic of China] Consulate in Toronto was transferred to an elected provincial government official via a staff member of a 2019 federal candidate, says the memo, according to Global.

Poilievre quoted the report in the House and asked why did the prime minister say the opposite of what he knew to be true?

The Conservative leader was referring to statements made by Trudeau and his national security adviser (NSA) that they have not seen money from China going to candidates.

On that specific question, as both myself and the NSA stated last fall, we have no information on any federal candidates receiving money from China, and that continues to remain the case, Trudeau said.

The prime minister has rejected calls for a public inquiry into foreign interference from the opposition parties and has instead announced he will appoint a special rapporteur on the matter.

If the rapporteur judges it necessary to have an inquiry, the government will abide by the recommendation, Trudeau said.

Opposition parties are trying to have Trudeaus Chief of Staff Katie Telford testify at the Procedure and House Affairs Committee, and a vote could take place on the matter on March 9. Liberal MPs filibustered a motion to that effect on March 7.

The Liberals have argued on the principle of ministerial responsibility which prevents political staff from being called to testify.

Trudeau remarked during question period that Poilievre has previously defended that principle.
Quebec RCMP is investigating two locations suspected to be secret Chinese police service stations, adding to several such police outposts previously identified in Ontario and British Columbia.

The RCMP has confirmed that the two locations under investigation are in Montreal and Brossard, a suburb just south of the city.

The probe was first reported by Le Journal du Montreal on March 8, citing the locations under investigation as the Chinese Family Service of Greater Montreal (SFCGM), in the citys Chinatown neighbourhood, and the South Shore Sino-Quebec Center (CSQRS), a community organization in Brossard.

In a statement emailed to The Epoch Times, the RCMP confirmed its Integrated National Security Enforcement Team has opened an investigation into two alleged Chinese police stations in Quebec. RCMP declined to comment further, saying the probe is ongoing.

We are carrying out police actions aimed at detecting and disrupting these foreign state-backed criminal activities, which may threaten the safety of persons living in Canada, said the March 9 statement.

The statement said the RCMP recognizes that Canadians of Chinese origin have been victims of the possible activities conducted by these centres, and that any activities in the form of intimidation, harassment or harmful targeting of diaspora communities or individuals in Canada will not be tolerated.

A spokesperson at the SFCGM, who would only provide her last name, Chen, told The Epoch Times that they couldnt immediately provide a comment. The Epoch Times also reached out to the CSQRS for comment by phone, but the call went unanswered.

Both centres have been open for decades, and have provided multifaceted services to Chinese and Asian communities.

Chinese Police Outposts

The two alleged Chinese police stations in Quebec are the latest additions to the collection of covert Chinese police service centres identified since last September, following a report by a Spain-based NGO Safeguard Defenders. The organization initially found three such stations in the Greater Toronto Area, among over 50 police stations worldwide.

An updated report from the group last December further pushed that number to a total of 102 in dozens of countries, including one in Vancouver, B.C., and a fifth police station whose specific location wasnt identified.

RCMP said last week that the four known Chinese police stations in Canada have ceased operations.

Safeguard Defenders identified these Chinese police service centres based on local and state media reports in China, among other open-source information.

An Epoch Times report in February also identified a suspected police outpost in Richmond, B.C., which was listed in a publication from a Chinese police bureau as an affiliated overseas police service centre.

Safeguard Defenders initiated its investigation after it saw the Chinese authorities touting the success of the overseas police service stations in supporting a Beijing campaign aimed at fighting telecommunications fraud committed by Chinese nationals living abroad. Chinese authorities touted that, with support from some of its overseas police service stations, an estimated 230,000 overseas Chinese nationals have been persuaded to return to China to face criminal charges between April 2021 and July 2022.

Safeguard Defenders noted that the Chinese polices persuade to return campaign has targeted non-suspects and dissidents of the Chinese regime.

Tanya Du, Noe Chartier, and The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
Reports: Suspected Drone Strike in Syria Kills at Least 3

A truck damaged after an explosion hit a building, in Deir el-Zour, Syria, on March 8, 2023. (SANA via AP)

BEIRUTAn explosion in eastern Syria on Wednesday killed at least three people, according to reports. A war monitoring group said the blast was likely caused by a drone strike that targeted Iran-backed militiamen.

No group claimed responsibility for an attack in the area and reports about what had happened were sketchy. A Britain-based opposition war monitor, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said four people died when the strike hit a building housing Iran-backed militiamen in the province of Deir el-Zour. It said eight people were wounded.

A local activist collective, Deir Ezzor 24, reported that the building was used as base for Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, a key ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Syrian state media, however, claimed that a mine left by terroristsa term often used by the government for opposition forces battling Assads side in the wardetonated in the area, killing three people and wounding seven. The state media reports showed photographs of a building with several floors collapsed and reduced to rubble, as well as a destroyed truck.

Syrias 12-year civil war has killed at least 300,000 people and displaced half the countrys population of 23 million.

The ISIS terrorist group once had a stronghold in much of northeastern Syria as part of its so-called caliphate. Today, several groups, including U.S.-backed Kurdish-led forces as well as Syrian government troops with their Russian and Iranian allies control the area. However, ISIS sleeper cells still carry out deadly attacks there.

Past attacks on Iranian and Iranian-linked targets in eastern Syria have been attributed to either the United States or Israel, though the latter rarely acknowledges its involvement in such attacks.
Residents Affected by New Zealand Chemical Truck Fire Told to Wash Households Down

This photograph taken on March 8, 2023 shows a truck driving towards a fire on the Radicatel Terminal of the harbour in Port Jerome sur Seine in France. (Lou Benoist/AFP via Getty Images)

Households near the chemical truck fire that burnt in New Zealand on the morning of March 8 are being told to wash down the layer of canola oil that settled across properties as a result of the fire.

Mervyn Chetty, Auckland Councils general manager for licensing and regulatory compliance, noted that many people had noticed an oily residue that settled on their property.

This is most likely to be canola oil, and our best advice is to take a precautionary approach and wash items down with soapy water, he said.

Items like decks and outdoor furniture, roofs and the trampoline, pathways, and play equipment can all be given the soapy water treatment, or use sugar soapdo check the guidance on the product in relation to the item youre washing down, first though.

Any homegrown vegetables and other edibles should also be thrown away.

While it might be difficult to discard edibles from the veggie patch, it is just not worth the risk to your health to consume anything that may have been splattered, Chetty said.

About 15 households were evacuated from their homes in Auckland after a truck carrying chemicals burst into flames in what was described as explosions that sounded like gunfire.

The truck was carrying highly flammable gas in canisters, and these have exploded over all of the northbound lanes and into the bush on the side of the road, a New Zealand police spokesperson said.

Nobody was injured in the incident.

SH1 SOUTHERN MWY  ROAD CLOSED  6:10AM

Due to a truck fire, #SH1 is closed between Papakura and Takanini to both northbound and southbound lanes. Follow directions of emergency services in the area. Delay your journey or expect delays.

Traffic map: https://t.co/9IV7mnvsdL ^MS pic.twitter.com/UXmIvvO0xx  Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) March 7, 2023

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) advised residents near the incident to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed in the morning and enforced a 300-metre exclusion zone around the fire.

The Southern Motorway, where the truck caught on fire, was closed in both directions for about seven hours, bottlenecking traffic along alternate roads.

It is currently unknown what sparked the fire.

The investigation into the fire is still ongoing; however, we can confirm that the truck contained class two aerosols and class three flammables, a FENZ spokesperson told The Epoch Times.

50 Metre High Explosions

Steven Shortt, a nearby resident, told the NZ Herald that several explosions woke him up at 3 a.m.

Some of the explosions were massive. Flying fire projectiles were getting thrown into our front lawn. Cars are covered in ash across the whole front. There were burning embers across our front lawn. It was pretty crazy, he said.

Ive never in my life seen anything like that before. The whole upstairs of the house is hot against the windows. The explosions you could feel from across the road, the heat and the impact. It was like a war scene.

As explosions continued, the rear carriage of the truck disintegrated in 10 minutes, with the rest of it gone about 20 minutes later, Shortt added.

With chemicals, we evacuated. We grabbed the dogs and animals, went across the road, and watched the explosions and fires from a safer distance. Some of those explosions were well above power lines, 50-odd metres [high], he said.

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service said the risk of exposure to smoke was low because of the short burn time but advised anyone affected by smoke to immediately visit their doctor or local hospital.

It also recommended that if the house smells of smoke, homeowners should open windows for fresh air, clean out all air filters and ventilation systems, and wipe down surfaces and outdoor furniture with a damp cloth.

National Road Carriers Associations chief operating officer, James Smith, said all stages involved in the transportation of hazardous goods were under strict requirements.

Theres nothing to suggest at this stage that the cause of the fire had anything to do with the load it was carrying, so until all that investigation has taken place, everything is speculative, he told Radio New Zealand.

These incidents are incredibly rare. Road transport does hundreds of millions of kilometres a year  youre more likely to have an incident involving an electric car fire than one of these.
Rodney Clifton: Can We at Least Debate the Claim That Children Were Buried in Residential School Yards?

Commentary

On Jan. 31, Dr. Michael Mahon, president of the University of Lethbridge, cancelled a talk that Dr. Frances Widdowson was scheduled to present. Like all scholars, Dr. Widdowson has nuanced views on many issues, and she was going to speak on How Wok-ism Threatens Academic Freedom.

Even though President Mahon had not listened to her argument, he nevertheless explained why he cancelled the talk: 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.

Given the title of Dr. Widdowsons talk, this response seems like a non sequitur. Even so, in President Mahons mind, reconciliation between indigenous people and other Canadians depends on two conditions: 1) agreeing with all 94 calls to action in the TRC report; and 2) stopping people who may disagree from saying what they think, at least on the U of L campus.

But Canadian universities and the churches, especially those that managed Indian Residential Schools (IRS), should welcomerather than discouragecivil discourse about the TRC report and the 94 calls to action. These calls are, without exception, demands that have serious financial and social implications for universities, churches, and, indeed, for all Canadians.

Should Canadians be allowed to disagree with claims in the TRC report that will, to their minds, negatively affect their lives, the lives of their children and grandchildren, and Canadas prosperity?

Of course they should.

In a democracy, respectful disagreement and debate needs to be preserved, if not enhanced. Debate on important policy issues is fundamental to our way of life.

A group of about 20 Canadiansincluding Frances Widdowsonhave been called residential school deniers because they are asking for evidence beyond what some survivors claim. Of course, we prefer the label historical realists.

The realists began questioning the official narrative when 215 childrens bodies were discovered by ground penetrating radar (GPR) in the Kamloops Indian Residential School yard. One of the realists examined the historical records and discovered that in the mid-1920s, clay pipes for a septic field were buried in the surveyed area.

As a result, the realists wondered if the GPR had re-discovered the clay pipes and not the graves of IRS students. To date, Tkemlups te Secwepemc (formerly the Kamloops Indian Band) has not released the GPR report, and it has not allowed excavations to see what the GPR had picked up.

Surprisingly, none of the 94 calls to action demand that school yards should be searched for the bodies of murdered and buried IRS children. This is important because the commission worked for six years, spent over $60 million, and did not report credible evidence that children had been murdered and buried in residential school yards.

Nevertheless, the commissioners heard one horrifying story from an IRS survivor, Doris Young, who testified that she witnessed the murder of a young child at the Anglican Elkhorn Indian Residential School in Manitoba.

It is strange that the commissioners never referred her testimony to the proper authorities to be thoroughly investigated. As surprisingly, they never asked other survivors if they saw children being murdered and buried in residential school yards. Even more surprising, the TRC commissioners never called for residential school yards to be searched for possible graves of indigenous students.

Since the Kamloops discovery, there have been hundreds, if not thousands, of claims of potential graves in residential school yards across Canada. Surely, these claims must be as eye-opening to the commissioners as they are to other Canadians.

There are, as the commissioners know, cemeteries close to many residential schools. The reason is simple. Residential school chapels often served as churches for local parishioners, both indigenous and non-nidigenous, and as expected, parish cemeteries were located close-by.

In many cases, the wooden crosses used to demark graves had deteriorated. Importantly, using headstones is a Christian practice which many indigenous people never fully adopted. So even today many graves in reserve cemeteries are unmarked.

Nevertheless, President Mahon ruled that realists, like Frances Widdowson, should not talk about wokism because it may touch on indigenous topics and some people may be offended, jeopardizing reconciliationas if reconciliation is so fragile that the views of one person could destroy the whole project.

But to get at the truth, which according to the TRC itself is necessary for reconciliation, Canada needs more discussion, not less, about residential schools and whether or not children were murdered and buried in the school yards, even if some people are uncomfortable. The truth must be more important than the feelings of some people.

Surely, universities and the churches, especially those that managed residential schoolsthe Roman Catholic, Anglican, United Church, Mennonite, and Baptist churchesneed to strive for the truth. To do this they must have a good understanding of indigenous history, culture, and specifically burial practices. Everyone needs to know if the GPR surveys are looking for grave sites in abandoned or over-grown cemeteries, and everyone needs to know if the GPR surveys are picking up the images of buried children or clay pipes.

Excavations must take place, and if the unregistered bodies of children are discovered, steps must be taken to determine if they were murdered. If they were, a report needs to be published for all Canadians, and charges need to be laid against school employees who were involved and who are still alive.

The truth must be ferreted out so that justice is served. When the truth is known, an honourable reconciliation can be forged.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
School Kids in Hospital After Bus Driver Hands Out Sweets

Ambulance attendants wearing full protective clothing prepare a gurney to transport residents to hospital at the Wyoming Nursing Home on August 2, 2021 in Sydney, Australia. The Wyoming Nursing Home in Sydney's inner west, run by Hardi Aged Care, has reported 18 Covid-19 cases in residents and a further two in staff, sending the remainder of the home's top floor residents to hospital as a precaution. Covid-19 lockdown restrictions in hot spot local government areas have increased with masks required outdoors at all times and residents limited to movement within a 5 kilometre radius of their homes. Greater Sydney is in lockdown through August 28th to contain the highly contagious Covid-19 delta variant. (Photo by Sean Foster/Getty Images)

Fourteen school children are in a hospital in Australia after they and eight of their classmates ate an unknown substance on a morning school bus.

Police and the education department are investigating how 22 students, aged between eight and 12, ingested the substance, reportedly in lollies, before feeling unwell upon arrival at Bluewater State School in Townsville.

Paramedics assessed 16 children who were suffering similar symptoms, including nausea, little abdominal pain, and lightheadedness.

A lot them were saying, in childrens words, theyre crook in the tummy, they feel like theyre going to vomit and feeling a little dizzy, Queensland Ambulance Service supervisor David Wright said.

Paramedics rushed six of the children to Townsville University Hospital before transporting another eight soon afterwards.

All 14 students are said to be in a stable condition as medics monitored their vital signs, with toxicology tests also being conducted.

Obviously, for children, it could be quite daunting, but theyre all mild symptoms at this moment, Wright said.

Theyre all doing the best they can.

The other eight students who ate the substance stayed at the school but remained under observation.

Bluewater State School said it could not provide further details due to privacy issues.

Bluewater State School holds the safety of students and staff as its highest priority, it posted to Facebook.

The department is aware of an incident that occurred today at Bluewater State School, which required the assistance of emergency services.

School staff acted quickly to attend to the students while the Queensland Ambulance Service and parents were contacted.

Guidance counselling will be offered to the children involved.
Sen. JD Vance Urges GOP to Support Railway Safety Bill: Be the Party of the Working People

U.S. Senate candidate J.D. Vance speaks with prospective voters on the campaign trail in Troy, Ohio, on April 11, 2022. (Gaelen Morse/Getty Images)

Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) appealed to his Republican colleagues on March 9 to support the Railway Safety Act following the Feb. 3 derailment of a Norfolk Southern Railways train in East Palestine, Ohio, and the subsequent chemical spill.

At a Thursday hearing of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, Vance acknowledged that there had been some reluctance among members of his own party to support the bipartisan bill.

Noting that he believed most of his fellow Republicans had approached the legislation in good faith, the senator called out nameless others who he said had balked at the notion of implementing additional regulations on the rail industry.

This is an industry that just three months ago had the federal government come in and save them from a labor disputeit was effectively a bailoutand now theyre claiming before the Senate and the House that our reasonable regulation, our reasonable legislation is somehow a violation of the free market? he said. Well, pot, meet the kettle, because that doesnt make an ounce of sense. You cannot claim special government privileges, you cannot ask the government to bail you out, and then resist basic public safety.

The Railway Safety Act would implement new safety measures for trains carrying hazardous materials, including requiring rail companies to provide advanced notice to emergency response officials when such trains are traveling through their states.

The bill would also require two-person crews on every train, stricter inspection protocols, new regulations on train size and weight, and enhanced monitoring of wheel bearings, given that, according to the National Transportation Safety Board, the East Palestine derailment was caused by an overheated wheel bearing.

Vance introduced the legislation on March 1 with Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) as co-sponsors. Since then, the measure has also received the backing of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and President Joe Biden.

In his Thursday remarks, Vance noted the GOPs claims in recent years to be the party of the working people and challenged his fellow Republicans to prove it by supporting his bill.

We are faced with a choice with this legislation and how we respond to this crisis, he said. Do we do the bidding of a massive industry that is in bed with big government, or do we do the bidding of the people who elected us to the Senate and to the Congress in the first place?

I believe that we are the party of working people, but its time to be the party of working people. We have a choice: Are we for big business and big government, or are we for the people of East Palestine? Its a time for choosing. Lets make the right one.
Senate Committee OKs Garcetti Nomination to Become India Ambassador

LOS ANGELESThe Senate Foreign Relations Committee March 8 approved former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcettis nomination to be U.S. ambassador to India, sending the issue to the full Senate.

It was unclear whenor ifthe full Senate will consider the nomination, which has been stalled over the past year due to lingering allegations that Garcetti ignored accusations of assault and sexual harassment against a former top aide.

According to reports out of Washington, the nomination was advanced by the committee on a 138 vote, with two Republicans joining Democrats voting in favor.

The committee previously approved Garcettis nomination in January of last year, but it ran into snags over the harassment allegations involving former Garcetti senior adviser Rick Jacobs.

President Joe Biden originally nominated Garcetti for the post on July 9, 2021. After it stalled, Biden re-nominated him in January.

An investigation requested by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) last year concluded that it was more probable than not that Jacobs sexually harassed multiple individuals and made racist comments towards others. It also found it extremely unlikely that Garcetti was unaware of the behavior, saying that by all accounts, Mayor Garcetti is very involved in the day-to-day operation of his office.

The White House blasted the report, saying in a statement, This partisan report was a hit job from the beginning, and many of the claims have already been conclusively debunked by more serious independent reports. The president has confidence in Mayor Garcetti and believes he will be an excellent representative in India at a critical moment and calls for the Senate to swiftly confirm him.

Garcetti has repeatedly denied any knowledge of the alleged harassing behavior by Jacobs. Following the reports release, he said in a statement that he strongly disagreed with its conclusions.

His Chief Communications Officer Dae Levine said: No new facts were uncovered in this report, and Mayor Garcetti strongly reaffirms the simple truth that he never witnessed or was made aware of sexual harassment. The opinion reached in the report does not reflect the truth about the experiences of so many people who have testified under oath and spoken candidly to the senators office. It is based solely on false, repackaged allegations that have been proven false by multiple unbiased investigations and reviews.

Jacobs was accused of harassment in a 2020 lawsuit filed by Los Angeles Police Department Officer Matthew Garza, who claims Garcetti witnessed the misconduct but turned a blind eye to it.

Garcettis former communications director, Naomi Seligman, also claimed she was forcibly kissed by Jacobs and that Garcetti knew about Jacobss alleged pattern of harassment.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/cheat-sheet-top-high-school-collaborated-chinese-military

TUHS is closely tied to Tsinghua University, considered by the Pentagon to be a Chinese military university.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.); Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee; Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee; Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee; and Sen. Van Hollen (D-Md.) hold a media availability at 2:15 p.m. ET on March 9 to discuss President Joe Bidens 2024 Budget Request.
Senate Passes Resolution to Overturn Controversial DC Crime Bill

The U.S. Capitol building in Washington on Feb. 24, 2023.(Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times)

The U.S. Senate on March 8 overwhelmingly approved a House-passed bill that would overturn a controversial D.C. crime law that critics have blasted as soft on crime. The measure will next go to the desk of President Joe Biden, whos said he wouldnt veto the bill.

The chamber passed the measure in an 8114 vote.

The resolution would block the Revised Criminal Code Act (RCC), a law passed by the D.C. Council that lessens penalties for some violent crimes, such as carjackings and home burglaries. The reform was introduced as the district is experiencing a record-breaking crime wave.

That law was initially vetoed by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, but the Council later overruled Bowsers veto in a 121 vote.

Earlier this week, the D.C. Council member who introduced the revised criminal code said he plans to withdraw the measure amid the rising congressional backlash and after Biden said he wouldnt veto the resolution if passed.

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser attends March for Our Lives 2022 in Washington on June 11, 2022. (Paul Morigi/Getty Images for March For Our Lives)

On Feb. 9, the House voted 260 to 173 to approve a measure that would strike down the law. The bill won the support of 31 Democrats.

The districts crime reform measure came as the Metropolitan Police Department reported a substantial uptick in violent crime. According to that data, homicides are up by 33 percent over the same time last year, sex abuse is up by 120 percent, and motor vehicle thefts are up by 108 percent.

A Danger and an Embarrassment: McConnell

Republicans say the D.C. Councils bill will only serve to exacerbate the crime situation.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), speaking against the bill in remarks on the Senate floor, highlighted recent criminal incidents in Washington.

Carjackings and cartels have become a daily routine; homicides are racking up at a rate of fourfour!per week.

McConnell also cited reports that assaults had become so commonplace on Washington public transportation that civilian volunteers have created their own patrols on Metro trains and platforms.

Were the greatest superpower in history, McConnell said. This is our capital city. But local politicians have let its streets become a danger and an embarrassment.

McConnell noted that D.C. is not the only major American city facing a record-breaking crime surge: in cities from San Francisco to Minneapolis to Atlanta, vandalism, assault, burglary, grand theft auto, murder, and other violent crimes are on the rise.

The responsibility for this, according to McConnell, lies with the lefts long-lived campaign of anti-police rhetoric.

This is what happens when Democrats at all levels decide we need fewer arrests, shorter sentences, and more generosity to criminals at the expense of less justice for victims and for families, McConnell said.

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va.) said on the Senate floor that the effects of a loose criminal policy are not limited merely to the victims of such crimes. She cited studies showing that living in high-crime areas could lessen the value students receive at school and can have negative health factors, ranging from weight gain to elevated blood pressure.

Democratic Opposition

Democrats in both the House and Senate have argued that the Congressional effort to overrule the crime bill was akin to colonialism.

Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), for example, called the measures profoundly undemocratic during a speech criticizing the legislation on Feb. 9.

Norton has in the past put forward legislation that would give D.C. statehood. Democrats have pushed for making the federal district a co-equal state, which would almost undoubtedly expand Democrats control of the House by one seat and the Senate by two. The federal district regularly votes more than 90 percent for Democrats.

Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.) called the bills a challenge to D.C.s right to political self-determination during House debates on the legislation.

If my Republican colleagues insist on acting like a colonial overseer of the District of Columbia, the least they could do is hear from the people of D.C., Scanlon said.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), in a March 8 speech on the Senate floor ahead of the vote, echoed this sentiment in explaining his opposition to the resolution.

I support self-determination, Van Hollen said. I support self-governance. I support full democracy for the nearly 700,000 residents of the District of Columbia. Citizens who pay more federal taxes collectively than the people in 21 states; citizens who served their country in the armed forces.
DENVERMark Crossen, the retired CEO of Amrion Nutraceuticals, experienced Shen Yun for the first time on March 8. Sitting in the audience at The Buell Theatre, Mr. Crossen thought the whole show was otherworldly.

The performers had to be world-class. They are well-trained and extremely talented. They seemed superhuman as they moved and danced and leaped through the air, he exclaimed.

Ive never seen costumes that were so extraordinary in every way.

Mr. Crossen wanted to see Shen Yun because he heard that there was a depiction of deep spirituality. He was not disappointed at all.

It was beautiful! There was a celestial presence in all of it. I loved the show.

[Shen Yun] was depicting life in another realma realm of beauty, strength, virtue, and all the things that I think every culture in the world would like to epitomize.

The mission of New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts is to bring back Chinas lost culture and its belief in the divine through beautiful art.

Since its advent in 2006, the performing arts company has grown to become a global sensation with eight equally sized companies set to perform in over 180 cities worldwide.

Mr. Crossen also loved that each of Shen Yuns programs had a special message and meaning. He was especially touched by the story dance depicting the Chinese Communist Partys persecution of Falun Gonga peaceful meditation practice in the Buddhist tradition.

Prior to the communist takeover in 1949 and the regimes spread of atheism, Chinese people had a deep belief in the divine. The whole foundation of Chinas civilization was built on values and virtues from the spiritual teachings of Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism.

However, within decades of communist rule, this culture was completely destroyed. Even today, millions of Chinese people are imprisoned for refusing to give up their faith.

The message needs to get out across the world. Great injustices are being committed against these good people, Mr. Crossen expressed. Ive heard about the pillars of [Falun Gong] truthfulness, compassion, and tolerancethats what China needs more than anything today.

To stand up against oppression is beautiful and powerful and courageous. I really honor it and admire what [Shen Yun] is doing.

Mr. Crossen further added that the performance is an expression of all thats good about Chinese culture and the people of China. It was the most beautiful presentation he had ever seen.

Im glad theres freedom of religion in the United States so that [the artists of Shen Yun] can practice their faith without persecution. Id like to wish them the best and hope they find that freedom in the future in China.



Reporting by NTD and Jennifer Tseng.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yuns inception in 2006.
Marine Sniper Testifies That Leaders Ignored Warnings of Suspected Suicide Bomber Before Kabul Attack

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 08: U.S. Marine Corps. Sergeant Tyler Vargas-Andrews testifies before the House Foreign Affairs Committee at the U.S. Capitol on March 08, 2023 in Washington, DC. The Committee held the hearing to examine the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan and the emergency evacuation from Kabul. Vargas-Andrews was severely wounded while defending an attack on Hamid Karzai International Airport while U.S. forces withdrew. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Stories of suffering, courage, and the ongoing search for justice echoed in the U.S. House of Representatives chamber on March 8, as those who were on the front lines of the August 2021 U.S. departure from Afghanistan spoke out.

Emotional testimony in the House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing underscored a bitter truth: Many who served in Afghanistan feel they and their local Afghan allies have been abandoned, fueling a pervasive sense of despair.

That was driven home during an exchange between Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.), one of many military veterans on the committee, and Marine Sgt. Tyler Vargas-Andrews.

Vargas-Andrewss Marine Corps scout sniper team was sent to what was then Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA) in Kabul. He described a scene of chaos and horror as tens of thousands of Afghans descended on the airport, seeking to flee the Taliban.

Some Afghans turned away from HKIA tried to kill themselves on the razor wire we used as a deterrent. They thought this was merciful compared to the Taliban torture they faced, he testified.

Vargas-Andrews survived the Aug. 26, 2021, suicide bombing that claimed the lives of 13 U.S. service members and more than 160 Afghan civilians at that airport.

He broke down in tears as he recalled the traumatic events of that day.

Before the attack occurred, intelligence had apparently disseminated a description of a possible suicide bomber and his companion, Vargas-Andrews said. He testified that, before the attack, he and another service member had spotted two men who fit those descriptionsan impression that was confirmed by others at the airport.

When he tried to get permission to fire on the suspected suicide bomber, his battalion commander couldnt confirm if he had permission, according to Vargas-Andrews. The man in question ultimately disappeared into the crowd.

To this day, we believe he was the suicide bomber, he testified.

Have you ever been interviewed by any part of the United States government about what you witnessed on the front line? Mast asked.

Not by a single individual or organization, Vargas-Andrews responded.

Mast rattled off name after name. The Pentagon, the Marine Corps, the State Department, the CIA, the FBInone of them wanted to hear from him about what he witnessed on the ground?

No after no after no, came the replies.

He told the lawmakers that the experience left him feeling like his time in the military was not valued.

Vargas-Andrews and other witnesses who aided the Afghanistan withdrawal nodded when Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.) asked if they knew any comrades in arms who had killed themselves since August 2021, because they felt like it was all for nothing.

The blood of those men and womens hands are on the president, period, said Green, himself an Afghanistan veteran.

Green had just told his colleagues that President Joe Biden overruled senior Pentagon officials who had suggested retaining a nominal force to help maintain security at Bagram Air Base.

Those leaders told the president, We need 3,500 soldiers to guard the base for the exfil [exfiltration]. According to those generals, in a room at the White House, the president himself said, No, go to 600 troops,' Green said.

With 600, you cant hold Bagram, so the decision to exfil from Kabul became necessary.

The Department of Defense didnt respond by press time to a request for comment.

Allies Not Forgotten

Other witnesses testified to the plight of Afghan allies who remain there or in other third-world countries.

Francis Q. Hoang, a West Point graduate who served in the former Yugoslavia during the 1990s, said the United States rushed and chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan violated the trust of those it had sworn to protect.

He was only 2 years old when his family was airlifted from Vietnam after the Fall of Saigon, at a time when more than 100,000 Southeast Asians who had been loyal to the United States during the Vietnam War were resettled.

We have not forgotten you, he pledged to U.S. allies still in Afghanistan.

As Republicans denounced the Biden administration, Democrats at the hearing stressed the bipartisan nature of the failures in Afghanistan. An initial hunt for Al-Qaeda after 9/11 sprawled into a multidecade nation-building exercise across four administrations.

Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.) faulted the committee itself, saying it hadnt provided adequate funding to the State Department. She noted that Congress had avoided voting on the war through decades of alternating control by both parties.

Yet, even as they counseled Republicans to be less partisan, they laid blame on former President Donald Trump. They argued that his agreement with the Taliban in Doha and his refugee-related policies combined to make the withdrawal much rockier.

These policy decisions not only altered the balance of power and reduced U.S. leverage in Afghanistan but created incredibly difficult circumstances as we worked to bring allies to safety and the U.S. war in Afghanistan to a close, said Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), the committees ranking Democrat.

Rep. French Hill (R-Ark.) acknowledged that the issues in Afghanistan implicated both parties. Still, he questioned why the Biden administration hadnt been able to develop a good evacuation plan between January and August 2021.

Hill noted that Afghanistan veterans on the committee were particularly skeptical of classified intelligence briefings in spring 2021 and summer 2021 that purported to outline such a plan.

We may well not have had any choice but to leave, he said. But how you leave is a choiceand it could have been done, in my view, in an extraordinarily more effective manner.
Toy designer Hall of Famer Mark Boudreaux is an unsung hero to diehard Star Wars fans. He designed the fabled Millenium Falcon, considered the most iconic spaceship designed in movie history.

But unlike the Falcon, Boudreaux does not have a crew of heroes on board fighting what is the 68-year-olds real-life galactic version of the Death Star.

With his wife Judy as his only advocate, Boudreaux is fighting a battle for his life, caught in an ultimate catch-22 of medical protocols that began with a trip on Feb. 5, 2022, to the ER where he tested positive for COVID.

For more than a year since, the Cincinnati native remains on the same ventilator he was placed on last February.

I barely have the words to describe this atrocity, David Peters, a staff attorney with Pacific Justice Institute (PJI) told The Epoch Times. Peters said he reviewed the details of Boudreauxs case after learning how long Bordeaux has been on a mechanical ventilator.

It is a time lapse that appears to contradict every health care standard when it comes to ventilator usehighlighted by a sea of medical records that, at the very least, raise the question of why there were no attempts to wean Boudreaux off the ventilator.

Mark Boudreaux in healthier times. (Supplied)

Dr. Charles Thurston, a retired ER doctor who runs a nonprofit advocacy organization for patients, called it an unexplainable failure.

Thurston told The Epoch Times that a review of his medical records show a sore lack of treatment for the virus that landed him on a ventilator, having been given only steroids initially and then later a battery of antibiotics to treat bouts of pneumonia that he developed from having a breathing tube down his trachea for so long.

Worse yet, the very ventilator intended to save Boudreauxs life has caused such destruction to his lungs that doctors, according to Judy, have told her he is now in critical need of a lung transplant.

But Mark isnt eligible for a lung transplant because the very medical care that destroyed his lungs has also left him unable to meet the standard criteria for being considered eligible.

Under national transplant protocols, patients must be able to walk a certain distance, ranging anywhere from 100 feet to 450 feet or complete what is often called the 6 minute walk in order to be considered an eligible candidate for a lung transplant.

According to Judy, Mark can barely sit up let alone walk. She said she is literally praying for a miracle for the love of her life, who has mustered up enough strength to write on a sketch pad, I want to live.

Mark Boudreaux and his wife Judy. (Supplied)

She told The Epoch Times that it was only recently that doctors even began giving him physical therapy, something else Thurston called baffling.

Bethesda North Hospital, a division of TriHealth where Boudreaux is hospitalized, never responded to repeated inquiries by The Epoch Times.

The transplant industry is heavily regulated by the federal government under an agency called the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network (OPTN). OPTN contracts The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), which, as its own website says, is the mission-driven nonprofit that leads the network of transplant hospitals and organ procurement organizations.

Anne Pashcke, a specialist with UNOS, told The Epoch Times that hospitals set their own criteria for transplant eligibility. But that seems to contradict written policies by the OPTN, which includes a Lung Review Board that seems to be charged with making decisions about transplant eligibility.

The Lung Review Board is a national group of transplant physicians and surgeons who review requests from transplant centers to grant priority in exceptional cases when the transplant team believes that the assigned lung allocation score or pediatric priority status does not represent the severity of the case, OPTN policy states. The Lung Review Board looks at the details of each case with the name of the patient and transplant center omitted and decides whether to approve or deny the request.

Judy told The Epoch Times that she has called endless transplant centers, legislators, lawyers, medical organizations, and everyone in between.

No one will help us, she said.

Institutions Disengage

The 43-year-long Star Wars toy designer, who also created several other fabled toys including the popular Rebel Trooper and Jedi fighter action figures, could definitely use a Luke Skywalker in his life right now.

The American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC), made up of respiratory care experts, had originally agreed to talk to The Epoch Times on the record about general liberation standards for weaning patients off mechanical ventilators but then reneged after learning it was going to be a part of a story that would be potentially critical of hospital respiratory therapists.

Several major transplant centers contacted by The Epoch Times specifically about Boudreaxs case also declined comment.

Temple Health runs the largest lung transplant center in the United States and is staffed by renowned pulmonologists and surgeons. The Philadelphia facility prides itself on taking on some of the most challenging and imminent lung transplant cases in the world, writing on its website, Patients turned down for transplant at other hospitals may be eligible at Temple.

Temple considered an inquiry from The Epoch Times about Boudreauxs case but ultimately replied indicating that it was declining at this time.

After speaking with our clinical team, we are going to respectfully decline, Temple said in an email to The Epoch Times. The transplant center did say that it hopes Mark finds the help he needs.

The U.S. Centers For Disease Control (CDC) also did not respond to inquiries from The Epoch Times.

Peters, in part, blames the CDC for Marks condition for its establishment of what he called reckless protocols for hospitals to automatically put COVID patients on mechanical ventilators.

The CDC has since eased its promotion of ventilator use for COVID treatment. But at the height of the pandemic, headlines were filled with hospitals and politicians begging for more ventilator machines to treat patients suffering from whats medically referred to as acute respiratory distress syndrome or ARDs.

Peters, who has represented several transplant patients over COVID-related issues, told The Epoch Times that a medical malpractice lawsuit is possible. But what frustrates that possibility is the exemption the courts granted hospitals from any liability from harm they may have caused to a patient under the guise of emergency treatment of COVID.

Peters said legal efforts would also be likely stymied by another catch-22. Mark needs to be moved out of Bethesda but so far no other hospital or transplant center will take him.

The medical industry broke him, but now they wont fix him, Peters said. I cant think of anything more shameful.

A Need for the Right Incentives

There have been several published media articles about the overuse of ventilators to treat COVID, including one that cited multiple reports supporting the claim. The article was run by STAT, which analyzes big pharmas relationship with health care.

Last year, The Epoch Times ran an article written by world-renowned natural health doctor Joseph Mercola about mechanical ventilators and the financial incentive to overuse them.

In November of 2021, the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) published a report entitled Bidens Bounty on Your Life: Hospitals Incentive Payments for COVID-19. In it, they discuss the myriad of lucrative payouts linked to failed treatment and COVID deaths.

The report included a list of the top incentives. Among them: Another and larger bonus payment to the hospital if a COVID-19 patient is mechanically ventilated.

Thurston, who has worked in several hospitals across the United States and globally, told The Epoch Times that he has no doubt that Marks case is a multimillion-dollar medical malpractice suit. But added, Judy would give up the millions of dollars from the lawsuit in exchange for Marks recovery.

She told The Epoch Times she believes there is an unexplainable force keeping Mark alive, emphasizing that her and Marks strong faith is a part of that.

In December, when Jedi News learned of Marks condition, they posted get well messages to the beloved toy designer.

In closing, they couldnt help but to end their posts with the famous Star Wars phrase: May the Force be with Him.

They also posted a picture of Mark wearing a T-shirt with the prophetic slogan, Never Tell Me The Odds with a picture of the Millenium Falcon. The T-shirt was produced by his alma mater the University of Cincinnati (UC) as a publicity campaign to promote their alumnis success.

The Ohio college happens to have one of the top lung transplant centers in the country and is less than 15 miles from Bethesda North where Mark remains hospitalizedin need of a lung transplant.
Survivors of Deadly Mexico Abduction Returned to US

A Red Cross worker closes the door of an ambulance carrying two Americans found alive after their abduction in Mexico last week, in Matamoros, Mexico, on March 7, 2023. (AP Photo)

CIUDAD VICTORIA, MexicoA road trip to Mexico for cosmetic surgery veered violently off course when four Americans were caught in a drug cartel shootout, leaving two dead and two held captive for days in a remote region of the Gulf coast before they were rescued from a wood shack, officials said Tuesday.

Their minivan crashed and was fired on shortly after they crossed into the border city of Matamoros on Friday as drug cartel factions tore through the streets, the regions governor said. A stray bullet also killed a Mexican woman about a block and a half away.

The four Americans were hauled off in a pickup truck, and Mexican authorities frantically searched as the cartel moved them aroundeven taking them to a medical clinicto create confusion and avoid efforts to rescue them, Tamaulipas Gov. Americo Villarreal said.

They were found Tuesday in a wooden shack, guarded by a man who was arrested, in a rural area east of Matamoros called Ejido Tecolote on the way to the Gulf called Bagdad Beach, according to the states chief prosecutor, Irving Barrios.

The surviving Americans were whisked back to U.S. soil on Tuesday in Brownsville, the southernmost tip of Texas and just across the border from Matamoros. The convoy of ambulances and SUVs was escorted by Mexican military Humvees and National Guard trucks with mounted machine guns.

An American woman, abducted in Mexico last week, sits inside an ambulance after she was found alive in Ejido Longoreno, on the outskirts of Matamoros, Mexico, on March 7, 2023. (AP Photo)

A relative of one of the victims said Monday that the four had traveled together from the Carolinas so one of them could get a tummy tuck surgery from a doctor in Matamoros.

The governor said the wounded American, Eric Williams, had been shot in the left leg and the injury was not life threatening.

Its quite a relief, said Robert Williams, 38-year-old Erics brother, reached by phone Tuesday in North Carolina. I look forward to seeing him again and actually being able to talk to him.

Robert Williams was not sure if the other survivor, Latavia Burgess, was the one seeking the surgery.

The survivors were taken to Valley Regional Medical Center with an FBI escort, the Brownsville Herald reported. A spokesperson for the hospital referred all inquiries to the FBI.

The two deadShaeed Woodard, age 33, and Zindell Brown, in his mid-20swill be turned over to U.S. authorities following forensic work at the Matamoros morgue, the governor said.

Video and photographs taken during and immediately after Fridays abduction show the Americans white minivan sitting beside another vehicle, with at least one bullet hole in the drivers side window. A witness said the two vehicles had collided. Almost immediately, several men with tactical vests and rifles arrived in another vehicle to surround the scene.

The Mexican authorities hypothesis is that it was confusion, not a direct attack, the state prosecutor said.

The gunmen walked one of the Americans into the bed of a white pickup, then dragged and loaded up the three others. Terrified civilian motorists sat silently in their cars, hoping not to draw attention. Two of the victims appeared to be motionless.

The shootings illustrate the terror that has prevailed for years in Matamoros, a city dominated by factions of the powerful Gulf drug cartel who often fight among themselves. Amid the violence, thousands of Mexicans have disappeared in Tamaulipas state alone.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said the people responsible would be punished. He referenced arrests in the 2019 killings of nine U.S.Mexican dual citizens in Sonora near the U.S. border.

Lopez Obrador complained about the U.S. medias coverage of the missing Americans, accusing them of sensationalism. He said that when Mexicans are killed, the media go quiet like mummies.

We really regret that this happens in our country, he said, adding that the U.S. government has every right to be upset by the violence.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland put blame for the deaths squarely on the drug cartels.

The DEA and the FBI are doing everything possible to dismantle and disrupt and ultimately prosecute the leaders of the cartels and the entire networks that they depend on, Garland said.

The FBI had offered a $50,000 reward for the victims return and the arrest of the abductors.

Robert Williams said in a telephone interview that he and his brother Eric are from South Carolina but now live in the Winston-Salem area of North Carolina.

Williams described his brother as easygoing and fun-spirited.

He didnt know his brother was traveling to Mexico until after the abduction hit the news. But from looking at his brothers Facebook posts, he thinks his brother did not consider the trip dangerous.

He thought it would be fun, Williams said.

When told that his brother was among the survivors Tuesday, Williams said that when they meet, Ill just tell him how happy I am to see him, and how glad I am that he made it through, and that I love him.

By Alfredo Pena, Fabiola Sanchez, and Travis Loller
Taliban Seized Billions in US Military Equipment After Afghanistan Collapsed: New IG Report

Members of Taliban wait to enter the former U.S. military base to celebrate the first anniversary of the withdrawal of U.S.-led troops from Afghanistan, in Bagram, Afghanistan, on Aug. 31, 2022. (Ahmad Sahel Arman/AFP via Getty Images)

Throughout the 20-year U.S. military mission in Afghanistan, the United States provided nearly $90 billion to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF), including $18.6 billion to arm and equip the western-backed Afghan government. A new report by the special inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction (SIGAR) found that a significant amount of that equipment was left behind for the Taliban when the Afghan government collapsed.

The SIGAR report, released on Feb. 28, provided an updated assessment of the factors contributing to the collapse of the U.S.-backed Afghan government and the hasty effort to evacuate thousands of U.S. troops, civilians, and military equipment as the Taliban took control of the country.

The new SIGAR report marks a slight upward revision in the total value of military equipment left behind in Afghanistan. In August 2022, a Department of Defense inspector general report estimated that $7.12 billion in military equipment was left behind for the Taliban.

According to SIGAR, the $7.2 billion worth of abandoned equipment that the United States gave the Afghan government included tactical aircraft, tactical ground vehicles, weapons and ammunition, and specialized equipment, such as night vision goggles and biometric devices. The Department of Defense had assessed that at least 78 aircraft worth $923.3 million, 9,524 air-to-ground weapons valued at $6.54 million, more than 40,000 vehicles, more than 300,000 weapons, and nearly all night vision, surveillance, communications, and biometric equipment provided to the ANDSF were left behind when the last U.S. forces left the country.

Taliban units now patrol in pickup trucks and armored vehicles likely procured by the U.S. and provided to the ANDSF, the SIGAR report reads. Taliban special operations troops, known as Badri 313 units, wear helmets with night vision mounts likely provided by the United States, and carry U.S.-provided M4 rifles equipped with advanced gunsights.

Efforts to Remove or Destroy Military Equipment

The new SIGAR report also provides more accounting of the efforts to remove or destroy equipment and the extent to which the actions succeeded.

U.S. forces managing the final withdrawal and civilian evacuation from Afghanistan attempted to remove, disable, or destroy some of the most valuable equipment. The SIGAR report states that U.S. forces destroyed 78 manned aircraft, six drone aircraft and a drone ground control station, 57 tactical ground vehicles, six automated air defense guns, and four air defense radar systems that they couldnt remove from Afghanistan before they left. According to the report, most aircraft weapons left behind in Afghanistan were non-precision munitions, and aircraft capable of using precision munitions were rendered non-operational or destroyed during the withdrawal.

An unnamed U.S. Marine Corps infantry officer shared some concerns with SIGAR investigators about how effectively U.S. forces had disabled or destroyed critical equipment before they left.

There was mixed direction on whether we should destroy or make vehicles inoperable. Some guys were told to and then stopped; other guys [were] told not to. Some Marines went around on their own, trying to make them so you couldnt use them, the Marine officer told investigators. All the stuff I think we left behind I think could be fixed and used eventually.

The August 2022 Department of Defense inspector general report states that the U.S. military removed or destroyed nearly all major equipment used by U.S. troops in Afghanistan during a broader withdrawal process that spanned months. The report also states that the condition of the U.S.-funded equipment left behind in Afghan government inventory at the withdrawal was unknown, and the long-term operability of the vehicles was likely to deteriorate without U.S. contractor maintenance.

The SIGAR specifically assessed that the operational condition of $5.7 billion worth of abandoned weapons, ground vehicles, communications equipment, and specialized equipment, including night vision, surveillance, biometric, and positioning equipment is unknown.

The SIGAR said the Taliban have also demonstrated some capacity to use more advanced U.S.-provided equipment, such as operating Mi-17 helicopters. The report cited one Taliban leader who claimed that they had repaired half of the U.S. forces demilitarized aircraft during their final Afghan withdrawal. At the same time, another official suggested that the Taliban had only brought six Black Hawks back to operational capability.

From NTD News
Teslas Next Generation Smaller Car to Operate Mostly Autonomously: Musk

Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk during a delivery event for Tesla China-made Model 3 cars at its factory in Shanghai on Jan. 7, 2020. (Aly Song/Reuters)

Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk on Tuesday said that the next generation small car the company is working on would operate mostly in autonomous mode, similar to a promise he made in 2020.

On Tuesday he said there was a clear path to delivering a car that cost half as much to build as Teslas Model 3 sedan, but he offered no details about timing or models.

At the 2020 event, Musk said he was confident that Tesla Inc. would make a small, compelling $25,000 electric car that was fully autonomous, within about three years.
The Enormous Cost of Chinas Zero-COVID Policy

As China's Two Sessions meetings begin, the regime grapples with COVID's colossal price tag

Residents queue to undergo PCR testing for COVID-19 at a swab collection site in Guangzhou, in China's southern Guangdong Province, in August of 2022. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

Chinas annual Two Sessions meetings began on March 4. During the yearly meetings of the National Peoples Congress (NPC) and the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, Chinas central government will deliver a progress report and set development targets for the upcoming period. This years session is expected to be particularly significant, coming on the heels of COVID-19 lockdowns, massive unrest in China, and the sudden reversal of Chinas Zero-COVID policies, followed by months of a raging viral outbreak.

However, Chinese communist officials may choose to ignore the most serious issue China is facing: the huge cost of COVID-19-related measures over the past three years.

That cost includes a host of expenses surrounding prevention, pandemic control, testing, and treatment. It can be estimated from several different data sources.

Medical Expenses for COVID-19 Patients

According to a document released in August of 2021 by Chinas central propaganda department, the per capita medical expenses of hospitalized COVID-19 patients were about 20,000 yuan ($2,900), while the per capita treatment expenses for seriously ill patients exceeded 150,000 yuan (about $21,740).

The Chinese regime currently pays for hospitalization costs for COVID-19 patients, and is expected to do so until at least the end of this month, according to a January report on state media China Daily.

Figures released in mid-February by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) claimed that more than 200 million people have been treated since November last year, of which nearly 800,000 were critically ill patients.

More than 200 million people have been diagnosed and treated, nearly 800,000 severe patients have been effectively treated, the COVID-19 mortality rate has remained at the lowest level in the world, and a major decision has been made in epidemic prevention and control, according to a government report.

China has been criticized for a consistent lack of transparency with regard to its COVID-19 numbers. Despite the lack of reliable statistics, official numbers nonetheless provide some idea of the regimes astronomical pandemic costs.

A rough calculation based on the regimes per capita numbers indicates that the cost of treating severely ill COVID-19 patients totaled about 120 billion yuan (about $17.4 billion).

Not all those who received treatment were hospitalized, therefore the total medical expenditure for 200 million hospitalizedbut not severely illpatients should be less than 4 trillion yuan (about $580 billion). Nonetheless, it is estimated to be in the range of hundreds of billions or even trillions of yuan (one U.S. dollar equals 6.96 yuan).

COVID-19 Vaccines and Testing

The cost of vaccination and large-scale nucleic acid testing is also borne by the Chinese regime.

Last April, China Central Television reported that the average cost of a vaccine dose was about 40 yuan ($5.75), which was shared between the health insurance fund and the local government.

China has administered over 3.2 billion doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to official figures. Therefore, the total vaccine cost in the past three years was about 128 billion yuan (approx. $18 billion). That total reflects the purchase cost only and does not include the cost of administering the vaccine.

Quarantine and Other Epidemic Control Measures

According to official data, Chinas health expenditure was 1,979.7 billion yuan (about $284 billion) in 2019, prior to the pandemic. In 2022, health expenditure totaled about 2,254 billion yuan ($323 billion): a difference of $39 billion.

In addition to medical care, vaccines, and testing costs, that $39 billion difference included the cost of quarantine measures and salaries for epidemic control staff.

Some local expenditure data became available when many provinces recently released their epidemic prevention accounting book for last year. Among them, Guangdong Province spent 71.1 billion yuan (about $10.3) on epidemic prevention: the most among the 20 provincial economies that reported their spending. This was followed by Henan Province with 48.9 billion yuan (about $7.5 billion); Zhejiang Province with 43.5 billion yuan (about $6.3 billion); and Jiangsu Province with 42.3 billion yuan (about $6.1 billion).

In all, Chinese provinces spent at least 352 billion yuan ($51.6 billion) on COVID-19 containment in 2022.

Additional Expenses

There are other costs that may not be reflected in the local governments epidemic prevention account books, such as the issuance of special bonds to build the large-scale, temporary facilities known as Fangcang shelter hospitals.

Bloomberg reported on Feb. 27 that based on official data, 17 of Chinas 31 provinces are facing a serious cash crunch, with outstanding loans set to exceed 120 percent of revenue in 2022. That is the warning line of excessive debt risk set by the Ministry of Finance.

Outstanding local government debt exceeded 35 trillion yuan ($5 trillion) at the end of 2022.

Much of this debt is in the form of special bonds. Typically meant to pay for infrastructure investment, special bonds can be key in creating jobs and bolstering the economy. The goal is to repay the bonds with earnings from the projects they finance.

While this is frequently a losing proposition, it became even more so during the pandemic, when special bonds financed the construction of quarantine facilities.

According to a report by Chinese state media at the end of November, the Shandong provincial government issued a total of more than 15 billion yuan (about $2.2 billion) in special bonds for the construction of permanent shelter hospitals and isolation sites. Shandong authorities had planned to invest 23 billion yuan (about $3.3 billion) to add 200,000 beds over nine years. The project was later abandoned after the central authorities suddenly reversed the zero-COVID approach.

An Unsustainable Proposition

Adding up these costs, Chinas epidemic prevention expenditures are already in the trillions of yuan.

However, the above calculations do not include indirect costs. For example, Chinas strict zero-COVID measures caused a severe slowdown in economic growth and a sharp reduction in consumption. Moreover, they triggered the loss of foreign capital as foreign companies withdrew from China.

The astronomical price tag caused speculation that one reason for the CCPs abrupt abandonment of its zero-COVID measures last December was simply that it had run out of money to sustain the extreme policies.
The Media in Canada Has Gone Woke Since 2010, Report Says

Social justice and woke language have infiltrated Canadian news outlets, suggest researchers from the Macdonald-Laurier Institute

Stacks of newspapers are stuffed into a door handle of a closed building in Toronto on April 1, 2020. (Cole Burston/Getty Images)

Terms typically associated with social justice, such as those relating to gender identity prejudice, racism, and transphobia, have skyrocketed in the mainstream news media since 2010, according to a new research paper.

Terms relating to the category of gender identity prejudice experienced the starkest increase in prominence between 2010 and 2021, a staggering 2,285 percent increase, according to the report. The term white supremacy increased by 8,001 percent between 2010 and 2021.

The report, Northern Awokening: How social justice and woke language have infiltrated Canadian news media, was released on March 8 by the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, a national, nonpartisan public policy think tank.

The report suggested the publics criticism of news media has increased, with most surveys showing that the media is suffering from declining public trust. The report said the reasons for the decline in trust are hotly contested, but made no mention of how COVID-19 may have impacted public perception of the media.

Researchers analyzed more than 6 million news and opinion articles from 14 of the most popular media outlets in the country, nine published in English and five in French, and plotted the average frequency that Canadian news media used specific terms to describe types of prejudice. To carry out the analysis, researchers divided the number of yearly occurrences of the target term in all sample articles from the outlet by the total number of all words in all sample articles from the outlet in that year, also known as a min-max scaling technique.

Social Justice Terminology

The report also considered the differences in how often terms were used in American, compared to Canadian, news outlets.

Based on this analysis, researchers suggest that Canadian news media pioneered the increasing use of social justice terminology with woke words such as racism, sexism, islamophobia, homophobia, gender discrimination, white supremacy, xenophobia, transphobia, unconscious bias, white privilege, cultural appropriation, and misogyny, activism, and diversity.

A graphic with the report also lists terms such as: safe space, gender pronouns, hate speech, colonialism, and inclusive.

According to the researchers, terms related to perceived prejudice surrounding sexual orientation have decreased in prevalence. References to anti-Semitism seem to be on the decline in Canada, but were on the rise in usage by American news media in the last decade.

References to islamophobia were historically three times more prominent in Canadian news media than in U.S. counterparts, but seem to have peaked prior to 2021. The researchers suggest the term has declined slightly further in media usage over the last few years.

Terms that signify distinct forms of prejudice have risen in American news media since 2010, according to the report. As one example, within just 10 years in the New York Times, the term racist rose by 638 percent, while sexist rose by 403 percent, and homophobic rose by 402 percent.

Regardless of ideological leanings, similar dramatic increases were present in other American news media, as well as British and Spanish news media, according to the report.

Political Leanings of Journalists

The paper presented six possible reasons to explain the post-2010 explosion in the Canadian news medias use of terms relating to prejudice.

One of the possible factors the researchers put forth is an increasing ideological skew among news media professionals, noting that reporters have become increasingly and disproportionately left-leaning.

For example, one 2021 study considered the bias of journalists in 17 Western countries. In all the studied countries with the exception of Slovenia, the average journalist from each country displayed a clear skew to the left in comparison with the countrys average voter, said the report.

It also references 2021 research from the Reuters Institute at Oxford University, indicating that 53 percent of British journalists identified themselves as being left of the political centre, while only 23 percent identified themselves as being to the right.

Critically, this disparity is even more acute among young journalists, among which 56 percent self-identified as left-of-center and just 18 percent as right-of-centre. A similar study from the United States quantified that in the year 2013, only 7 percent of American journalists self-identified as conservative, said the report.

Agenda

The paper also suggests there may be financial incentives for news media to use highly emotional language in order to maximize digital click-throughs.

The potential role of news media in driving public opinion through its agenda setting effect is another possibility that cannot be discounted, said the researchers, noting that there were more news stories about terrorism and crime just before the public becomes preoccupied with those topics, regardless of the actual levels of crime or terrorism.

The report suggests one hypothesis could be media coverage is reflecting a potential increase in societal prejudice in recent years, or that there could be increasing public and institutional sensitivity to prejudice.

The researchers conclude their analysis by finding that social justice discourse language has increased in Canada since 2010.

Other authors have previously referred to thisthe increased prominence of prejudice mentions in news media content and related changes in public perceptions about prejudice severity in societyas the Great Awokening, said the report.

Perhaps the main question arising from this report is whether the Canadian news medias increasing focus on the topic of prejudice reflects an uptick in prejudicial attitudes in Canadian society between 2010 and 2020, or if, instead, news media content does not reflect social attitudes but instead primes them, the report concludes.
OMAHA  A 23-year-old driver charged with leaving the scene of a collision resulting in the death of a South Omaha woman will stand trial and could also face additional charges.

Miguelangel Bringshimback was arrested March 2 in connection with the death of Milagros Lopez, 23, on Feb. 16. He appeared in court Friday and was ordered held on 10% of $175,000 bail. He must pay $17,500 to be released from the Douglas County Jail.

Bringshimback, who is represented by a Douglas County public defender, waived his right to a preliminary hearing and will stand trial. If convicted of the felony charge, he faces up to three years in prison.

According to an affidavit filed in Douglas County Court, Omaha police found Lopez in an alley behind her home at 2423 S. 23rd St. shortly after 3 a.m. She was taken by ambulance to the Nebraska Medical Center, where she died.

Surveillance video from a nearby residence captured a loud argument in the alley followed by a Chrysler 300 speeding south and striking Lopez. Two days later, two witnesses went to Omaha police headquarters and reportedly identified Bringshimback as the driver of the vehicle during separate interviews.

The witnesses, one of whom was identified as the owner of the Chrysler 300, told police that an altercation ensued after they and three other people arrived in the alley behind Lopezs residence. During the disturbance, the witnesses told police, Bringshimback entered the drivers seat of the Chrysler 300, struck Lopez and continued south.

A third witness told police on Feb. 28 that they were a passenger in the vehicle at the time Lopez was struck. That witness also said Bringshimback was the driver.

Police ask anyone with information about Lopezs death to contact the homicide unit at 402-444-5656 or contact Omaha Crime Stoppers anonymously at 402-444-STOP, at omahacrimestoppers.org or using the P3 Tips mobile app.

Lincoln police want the public's help solving these cases Assault at D'Leons Bike burglar Bullseye Burgled Cash me outside Dog poisoning Dollar General disagreement Dollar General distraction Door Dash crash Exotic gift emporium Fill 'Er Up! Fraud alert Fraudulent charges Garage go-getters Graffiti'D Grocery go-getter Grom to go Hosed Jeepers Medical boot Road rage Rocky Rooftop Run Your Pockets Shattered window Tire-d of it Urban Air flair Vape shop burglary Villa Amore 2.0 Villa Amore Want Your Bad Romance
The Real State of the State of California

Commentary

This year Gov. Gavin Newsom is skipping giving a formal State of the State Address. The California Constitution only requires, The Governor shall report to the Legislature each calendar year on the condition of the State and may make recommendations. He will be submitting that report in writing, as well as giving a series of talks around the state touting what he calls the California Way.

That makes sense as he can practice his campaign skills in anticipation of a potential presidential run should President Joe Biden decide not to run again. Newsom will try out new political themes and see how crowds and the media react.

But what is the real State of the State of California? Heres a summary:

Exodus

The image I always have in my mind is from the spring of 1975, when I was 19, as Communist North Vietnams troops drove tanks into South Vietnam. People fled, walking and hand-pulling carts, from the Northern part of South Vietnam toward Saigon. Then Saigon fell, with the image of the last American helicopter lifting off from the U.S. Embassy.

Then the Boat People fled newly conquered South Vietnam, hundreds of thousands arriving in America, especially to Little Saigon in Orange County. I know many of them and they are my friends.

In the past two years under Newsoms rule, Californias population has dropped by 500,000. Several of my friends have left in just the past year, the latest destination being Tennessee. Others previously fled to Texas and Florida. At least they didnt have to walk.

Economist Arthur Laffer, who himself split California two decades ago for the Volunteer State, just wrote in the Wall Street Journal with Stephen Moore, The Hotel California Wealth Tax: If you can never escape, why would you want to live there in the first place? The gist:

California and New York impose income tax rates that can exceed 13%, but their budget deficits are mounting. Lawmakers in Sacramento and Albany think the answer is to soak the rich even more. Yet Florida, Tennessee and Texas impose no state income tax and all have sturdy surpluses. Their coffers are so full, they are looking to cut taxes. How is that possible? One reason is that low-tax red states are importing capital and wealth from the high-tax blue states. For more than three decades we have examined state-by-state financial and demographic data collected by the Internal Revenue Service and the Census Bureau. The latest numbers make clear this trend is accelerating. In the past 10 years, six of the seven high-tax blue states have had a net loss of population to other states, totaling nearly five million residents. (Washington, which has no income tax, has gained over the decade.) Theyve also lost almost a quarter-trillion dollars in cumulative taxable income: California $50 billion, Connecticut $14 billion, Illinois $47 billion, Maryland $14 billion, Massachusetts $13 billion, New Jersey $26 billion and New York $79 billion. Thats only the money on personal income-tax returns. It doesnt count lost revenue from corporate profits or sales.

No wonder California lost one congressional seat in the 2022 election, while Florida gained one and Texas, two.

Education

Newsoms excessive lockdowns of schools sharply dropped student test scores, already among the lowest in the nation. The giant Los Angeles Unified School District made that worse by imposing its own extended lockdowns. Based on data from the state Department of Education, heres a chart provided by two education scholars at Stanford University for English Language Arts (ELA):

(Screenshot via Policy Analysis for California Education, Stanford University)

The authors concluded:

This impact on ELA development in the primary grades is concerning given the importance of literacy for academic development. A large body of prior research has identified literacy by the third grade as a critical gateway for students future academic and life success. If students are unable to regain this loss, they may experience delays in other reading-related skill building, making it difficult to access future academic content and learning. These results may portend additional literacy impacts on students in younger grades, whose critical preschool and kindergarten years were disrupted by school closures and distance learning.

The math numbers also were dismal. How is America supposed to compete with Communist China and other rivals when California, the nations high-tech citadel, cant produce even a minimal level of talent to keep up, let alone surpass them?

Crime

According to a report by the Public Policy Institute of California:

Californias violent crime rate increased by 6.0%, from 440 per 100,000 residents in 2020 to 466 in 2021. While robberies fell somewhat (by 1.9%), aggravated assaults jumped by 8.9%, and homicides and rape increased by 7.7% and 7.9%, respectively.  Californias violent crime rate in 2020 (the latest nationwide statistics available) was higher than the national rate of 387 per 100,000 residents and ranked 16th nationwide.

Los Angeles and San Francisco have become global bywords for crime under progressive district attorneys. Homelessness makes their streets unlivable for regular folks just trying to live a normal life. Left-wing District Attorney Chesa Boudin was recalled in San Francisco, but it will be years before the city recovers, if it ever does.

Meanwhile, Newsom touts the dozens of new anti-gun laws he has signed. But these laws only disarm the law-abiding, leaving them vulnerable to criminalseven as police enforcement declines.

Abortion

When Bill and Hillary Clinton campaigned to be co-presidents back in 1992, they hit on a slogan: abortion ought to be safe, legal, and rare. It was a lamentation that abortion existed, but the government shouldnt ban it. But in recent years, especially under Newsom, abortion has been celebrated as a positive good. As I wrote earlier in The Epoch Times, Newsom now even is dictating to other states what can be dispensed in their pharmaciesin particular, abortifacients.

He has signed many pro-abortion laws, even paying for abortions for women from other states. Normal medical precautions for operations in general have been removed, increasing the danger to the mothers life. He is turning California into the countrys pro-abortion capital, what some call an abortion sanctuary.

Now there is Senate Bill 385, a new bill by Senate President pro-Tempore Toni Atkins (D-San Diego). In the bills language, it would revise the training requirements to instead require a physician assistant to achieve clinical competency by successfully completing requisite training, as described, in performing an abortion by aspiration techniques. That is, instead of a medical doctor performing the abortion, a less-qualified physician assistant could do so.

The new abortion slogan in California should be making it unsafe, ultra-legal, and frequent.

Conclusion

In short, the real state of California is dismal. For those of us still here, our friends are leaving, our taxes and general cost of living are rising, our chance of getting conked on the head and robbed, even murdered, is rising, and our schools are declining from already rock-bottom levels.

It takes a lot to push people out of paradise. But thats the State of the State in the Year of Our Lord 2023. And its not likely to change until voters rise up and insist on true reforms.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
SEVILLA, SpainMacarena Lopez, director of Espacio Cartuja Center CITEthe theater that hosted Shen Yun Performing Arts in Sevilla, Spainsaid she was transported to a world of sublime beauty after watching the performance on March 8.

The quality, I tell you, is excellent, Mrs. Lopez said.

What we have here today from the dancers is a show of the highest category. I tell you, the orchestra, the sound it has, is something magical.

As a theater director, Mrs. Lopez is well attuned to the hard work and detail required by performers to successfully pull off a live performance.

But for Shen Yun performers, the hard work and detail went deeper.

That is what attracts my attention the mostthe capacity they have to transmit through their movement, their music, their expressiveness, it is an experience, Mrs. Lopez said.

Here in Sevilla we had never lived it, and I tell you, it is a precious experience.

Shen Yun dancers are trained in classical Chinese dancean art form as ancient as the Chinese culture itself. Through the dancers movements, which includes the yun or inner bearing of an individual, the personalities and feelings of characters are portrayed with unparalleled clarity.

It attracts you, Mrs. Lopez said. It is an explosion of light, color, which is a wonderful experience.

There is a moment when it seems that youre like youre in a dazeand its peace, serenityand at the end it transports you to another moment and another world.

Having received international acclaim by many famous and influential figures, Shen Yun manages to continually captivate audience members the world over with new storylines and performances each year, according to the companys website.

Yet its mission, which is to revive Chinas traditional culturea culture that was almost lost under communist ruleremains the same.

[Shen Yun] brings some very important cultural values to society, Mrs. Lopez said. Otherwise they wouldnt have been known.

Such values include traditional virtues such as faith, loyalty, filial piety, morality, compassionvalues that are still relevant today.

It is a different, unique, special showand a show that leaves its mark, Mrs. Lopez said. It is an experience that I think you have to live once in a lifetime.

Reporting by Maya Marinova and Henry Jom.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yuns inception in 2006.
TikTok Screams of National Security Risks: FBI Director

FBI Director Christopher Wray at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on May 25, 2022. (Bonnie Cash/Pool/Getty Images)

FBI Director Christopher Wray warned members of the Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday about the dangers TikTok poses to the United States national security.

This is a tool that is ultimately within the control of the Chinese government, and it, to me, it screams out with national security concerns, Wray told senators at a March 8 hearing on Worldwide Threats.

TikTok, a popular social media app that boasts more than 1 billion active users worldwide, is owned by the Chinese company ByteDancea fact that makes the app all the more dangerous, according to Wray.

In an exchange with Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), the FBI director confirmed that the app not only had the ability to collect users personal information but could also use it to control the software on their electronic devices.

Additionally, Wray confirmed that the app could manipulate content that is presented to American users to drive political narratives.

For example, lets say China wants to invade Taiwan, Rubio postulated. [Could TikTok] make sure that Americans are seeing videos arguing why Taiwan belongs to China, why the U.S. should not intervene?

Wray, affirming that to be the case, added: Were not sure that we would see many of the outward signs that it was happening if it was happening. And I think  the most fundamental piece that cuts across every one of those risks and threats that you mentioned, that I think Americans need to understand, is something thats very sacred in our country: the difference between the private sector and the public sector.

In China under communism, he noted, no such difference exists, so TikTok could potentially be compelled to provide Americans personal data to the Chinese Communist Party upon request.

So, they can collect our data, manipulate information, poison the minds and feed garbage into the minds of millions of people, Rubio summarized.

This is a substantial national security threat for the country of a kind that we didnt face in the past, the senator added. At the end of the day, its not about, you know, some grown man in the middle of the day putting up videos  that people that have a job shouldnt be putting up. But its also about all of these other things that weve talked aboutthe data, the ability to manipulate information. I would imagine that its probably one of the most valuable surveillance tools on the planet.

The Epoch Times has reached out to TikTok for comment.
TikTok Whistleblower Says US Data Can Easily Be Accessed From China: Sen. Hawley

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) is pressing the U.S. Treasury Department to conduct a thorough review of new whistleblower allegations regarding the Chinese-owned video app TikTok that were recently brought to his attention.

Hawley said that a TikTok whistleblower has come to him with direct knowledge that the apps access controls might be weaker than previously suggested. The allegations are deeply concerning and appear to contradict public statements from senior executives of TikTok and its Beijing-based parent company, ByteDance, over the handling of U.S. users data, he said in a letter dated March 8 to Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen.

Revelations from leaked recordings that engineers in China had repeatedly accessed the platforms U.S. data as of January 2022 have raised bipartisan concerns in Congress.

While TikToks Chief Operating Officer Vanessa Pappas testified to senators in September 2022 that TikTok has strict controls in terms of who and how our data is accessed and vowed that under no circumstances would we give that data to China, the whistleblower described the access controls as superficial at best, if they exist at all, according to Hawley.

TikTok and ByteDance employees can switch between Chinese and U.S. data with nothing more than the click of a button using a proprietary tool called Dorado, Hawley said, citing the whistleblower, who likened it to a light switch.

Another tool the whistleblower cited is called Aeolus, which he said allows a China-based employee to access U.S. data with authorization from a manager and a dataset owner.

I have seen first-hand China-based engineers flipping over to non-China datasets and creating scheduled tasks to backup, aggregate, and analyze data, the person told Hawleys office, according to the letter.

The whistleblower also described close coordination between TikTok and ByteDance, both of which he said rely on proprietary software they engineered in China, thereby reducing foreign scrutiny and enabling Chinese engineers to insert software backdoors, Hawley wrote in the letter.

TikTok and ByteDance are functionally the same company. They use the same data analysis tools and chat apps, and managers are in constant contact, Hawley cited the whistleblower as saying.

Highly Disturbing Allegations

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) delivers remarks during the Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing for Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson in Washington, on March 21, 2022. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Hawley sees the highly disturbing allegations as the latest reason for a complete purge of TikTok from the United States, which is most popular among American teens.

Despite TikToks many reassurances that members of the Chinese Communist Party do not have access to U.S. data, it seems more and more likely that they do, he wrote.

He requested Yellen provide information on what TikTok has shared with the foreign transaction review panelthe Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS)that she chairs regarding its software tools, dataset facilities, internal products, the declared access ability for TikTok staff in China through these tools, and the internal approval process that CFIUS is aware of.

A TikTok spokesperson told The Epoch Times that the whistleblower appears to be misinformed.

The tools described in Sen. Hawleys letter are primarily analytic toolsthey dont independently grant direct access to data, the spokesperson said. All access to U.S. user data is managed in the United States by [TikTok] U.S. Data Security, and can only leave the Oracle cloud environment under limited, monitored circumstances as described in our proposed agreement with CFIUS.

TikTok said it is standard for tech companies to engineer their own tools and services to meet internal business needs and that none of those tools are typically scrutinized externally.

In a bid to remain in the United States, TikTok has been working on a program called Project Texas by partnering with U.S. computing giant Oracle, whose cloud infrastructure will host TikToks U.S. data. The company assured that every line of code will be inspected, tested, and vetted by multiple third parties specifically to ensure that there are no back doors.

The push to ban TikTok, which has more than 113 million U.S. users each month, has been gaining momentum in the United States and elsewhere, at a time when threats stemming from Beijings global ambitions to challenge the liberal democratic world order are drawing broader concern.

Action in Congress

On March 1, the House Foreign Affairs Committee voted to advance legislation targeting TikTok.

Anyone with TikTok downloaded on their device has given the CCP [Chinese Communist Party] a backdoor to all their personal information. Its a spy balloon into your phone, Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), the committee chairman who introduced the proposal, told The Epoch Times sister outlet NTD.

More than half of U.S. states have moved to ban TikTok from government devices. The measure is also enforced on a federal level under part of a $1.65 trillion spending bill passed in December 2022.

During a Senate Select Committee on Intelligence hearing on March 8, FBI Director Christopher Wray reaffirmed that TikTok poses national security and privacy concerns and could be used as a tool by the CCP to manipulate the thinking of millions in America.

However, Wray said it could be difficult to see many of the outward signs of it happening if it was happening, when asked by committee Vice Chairman Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) about whether the regime in Beijing could use the app to sow public discord and promote certain narratives.

I think the most fundamental piece that cuts across every one of those risks and threats that you mentioned, that I think Americans need to understand, is that something thats very sacred in our country: the difference between the private sector and the public sector, Wray said. Thats a line that is nonexistent in the way the CCP operates.
Tim Hortons Customers Accidentally Told They Won $10,000 Due to Faulty App Notification

A Tim Hortons employee hands out coffee from a drive-thru window to a customer in Mississauga, Ont., on March 17, 2020. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press)

A small number of Canadians were told they won $10,000 playing Tim Hortons Roll Up the Rim to Win game, and then found out the message was due to a technical error.

The glitch, according to the coffee and donut chain, incorrectly told some customers they won a $10,000 daily prize on March 6. The issue is, only one such prize is awarded per day, to one customer.

Luc Masse, a paramedic from Moncton, New Brunswick, said he thought he won a big prize, specifically a $10,000 prepaid American Express card.

Masse, who regularly buys a coffee while on shift at work, said that Tim Hortons is recognized as a nationwide brand that people love and cherish. Everybody waits every year for this, Roll up the Rim To Win and then the first day this happens, he said.

It kind of leaves a bad taste in your mouth, so to speak. Glitch or not, it shows that I won and Id like them to honour it.

Another man, Jeremy McDougall from Ingersoll, Ontario, told Global News he also was told he won the $10,000 American Express prepaid gift card on March 6. When no further email confirmation arrived, he contacted the coffee chain.

He received a letter signed by Markus Sturm, senior vice president and head of digital, loyalty, and consumer goods for Tim Hortons, stating that a technical error caused an incorrect award message to go to various customers.

Tim Hortons has offered $50 gift cards to those customers who were falsely notified they won, and said the company is in the process of contacting individuals to express our regret for the disappointment caused by this error.

McDougall told Global he had no intentions of taking anything that isnt the $10,000.

Josh Rose, of St. Catherines, Ontario, was also under the impression he won the $10,000 prize. He said he immediately began thinking of debts he could cover with his winnings. He told reporters he then received the same email from Sturm, and the bad news that the program had glitched.

Tim Hortons used to offer prizes through rolling up the rim on the paper coffee cups, but stopped that practice in 2021 and told customers to scan a loyalty card or use the coffee chains online app. The coffee chain did not immediately return requests for comment.

Last year, Tim Hortons reached a proposed settlement after multiple class action lawsuits were filed against the chain. Some of the coffee chains customers alleged that Tim Hortons mobile app violated customer privacy. The app allegedly collected customer location information without adequate, informed consent.

Federal and provincial privacy officers found the app tracked the movements of customers every few minutes and recorded them, even when the app was closed.

The settlement, which did not admit liability or guilt, offered customers a free hot beverage and baked good.

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
TSA Issues New Requirements to Bolster Aviation Cybersecurity

Passengers at O'Hare International Airport wait in line to be screened at a Transportation Security Administration checkpoint, in Chicago, on May 16, 2016. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) this week issued a new set of cybersecurity requirements for certain TSA-regulated airports, airlines, and aircraft operators.

Referred to by the TSA as an emergency cybersecurity amendment, the new requirements are aimed at bolstering aviation security amid persistent cybersecurity threats against U.S. critical infrastructure, including the aviation sector, the agency said.

Similar cybersecurity requirements were also issued for passenger and freight railroad carriers in October 2022 and are part of wide-ranging efforts by the U.S. government to increase cyber resilience across critical industries.

Under the requirements, TSA-regulated airports and aircraft operators are required to develop an approved implementation plan detailing measures they are taking to improve their cybersecurity and prevent attacks.

They must also proactively assess the effectiveness of such measures by developing network segmentation policies and controls that allow operational technology systems to continue to safely operate in the event that an information technology system has been compromised.

TSA Cybersecurity Requirements

The requirements also instruct TSA-regulated entities to create access control measures to stop critical cyber systems from being accessed by unauthorized individuals and to implement continuous monitoring and detection policies and procedures to help detect, prevent, and respond to cybersecurity threats and anomalies that impact critical cyber system operations.

Additionally, they must reduce the risk of exploitation of unpatched systemssoftware or systems that contain known vulnerabilities that cannot or have not been fixedvia security patches and updates for operating systems, applications, drivers, and firmware across all critical cyber systems in a timely manner using a risk-based methodology.

Protecting our nations transportation system is our highest priority and TSA will continue to work closely with industry stakeholders across all transportation modes to reduce cybersecurity risks and improve cyber resilience to support safe, secure, and efficient travel, said TSA Administrator David Pekoske in a statement.

This amendment to the aviation security programs extends similar performance-based requirements that currently apply to other transportation system critical infrastructure, Pekoske said.

The emergency amendment comes shortly after the Biden administration announced the release of the new National Cyber Strategy which takes a noticeably more aggressive stance toward U.S. cyber policy.

Hacking Attacks on US Airports

Under the strategy, President Joe Biden vowed to make fundamental shifts in how the United States allocates roles, responsibilities, and resources in cyberspace, including holding countries accountable for irresponsible behavior and working closely with allies abroad to reinforce international cyberspace law.

The strategy also took aim at the nations of Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, which the administration said are aggressively using advanced cyber capabilities to pursue objectives that run counter to our interests and broadly accepted international norms.

Several U.S. airports were targeted by pro-Russian hackers in October last year in large-scale denial-of-service attacks that saw their websites go offline for some time.

Airports targeted included Los Angeles International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Chicago OHare International Airport, as well as other airports in Florida, Colorado, Arizona, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Hawaii.

However, the attack did not impact airport operations.

Months earlier in July, American Airlines was targeted in a hacking attack that compromised the data of its employees as well as customers, including names, dates of birth, mailing addresses, phone numbers, and passport numbers.

The airline later secured the accounts and said it had seen no evidence to suggest that any of the hacked data had been misused.
Lawmakers Erupt in Heated Discussion After Twitter Files Journalist Refuses to Reveal Sources

Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas) engaged in a heated discussion with "Twitter Files" journalist Matt Taibbi as she tried to get him to reveal a source during a Thursday congressional hearing in Washington on March 9, 2023. (House Judiciary Committee/Screenshot via NTD)

Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas) engaged in a heated discussion with lawmakers as she tried to get Twitter Files journalist Matt Taibbi to reveal a source during a Thursday congressional hearing.

The Democrat lawmaker asked Taibbi about whether Twitter owner Elon Musk asked him to partake in the reporting on internal Twitter communications and the firms communications with federal officials. GOP House lawmakers called on Taibbi and fellow Twitter Files journalist Michael Shellenberger, who released lengthy threads on the communications, which some analysts say show evidence of collusion between former Twitter managers, the federal government, and left-wing organizations.

I cant give it to you, unfortunately, because this is a question of sourcing, and Im a journalist. I dont reveal my sources, Taibbi said.

After his comment, Garcia said that it wasnt about his sources. It was more about a timetable of events, she argued.

No, thats a question of sources, Taibbi said.

And Garcia pressed further, saying that someone had sent you through the internet, some message about whether or not you would be interested in some information.

In response, Taibbi, a former Rolling Stone writer, said that I referred to that person as a source.

Youre not going to tell us when Musk first approached you? she asked. Again, congresswoman, youre asking a journalist to reveal a source, Taibbi said.

Garcia then asked him if Taibbi considers Musk a source in his reporting. He said that now youre trying to get me to say that he is the source [and] I cant answer your question.

Since taking over the company, Musk has often made announcements about upcoming Twitter Files reports. Hes also promoted Taibbis and Shellenbergers threads about prior Twitter managements policies and communications.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk and his security detail depart the companys local office in Washington on Jan. 27, 2023. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

A week later, the first of what became known as the Twitter Files reports came out. To say these attracted intense public interest would be an understatement, Taibbi said during the hearing. My computer looked like a Vegas slot machine as just the first tweet about the blockage of the Hunter Biden laptop story registered 143 million impressions and 30 million engagements.

After Taibbis exchange with Garcia, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) intervened to defend Taibbi because hes a journalist who does not need to reveal his source and the fact that Democrats are pressuring him to do that is such a violation of the First Amendment.

Taibbis testimony was part of the House Judiciary Committees Weaponization of the Federal Government subcommittee. Democrats accused Republicans of using Musks two public scribes to provide what they said are cherry-picked emails and screenshots.

Republicans have brought in two of Elon Musks public scribes to release cherry-picked, out-of-context emails and screenshots designed to promote his chosen narrativeElon Musks chosen narrative that is now being parroted by the Republicans because the Republicans think these witnesses will tell a story that is going to help them out politically, Del. Stacey Plaskett (D-Virgin Islands), the ranking member of the weaponization subcommittee, told the panel.

But Jordan asserted that the federal government was engaged in a cozy relationship with tech firms like Twitter and Facebook to silence conservative voices. Of note was the bombshell New York Post report in late 2020 that disclosed details from Hunter Bidens laptop.

The information op was run on us, run on we the people. And if thats not the weaponization of government, I dont know what is, Jordan said Thursday.

Earlier in the hearing, Plaskett asked Taibbi about who gave him access to Twitters internal emails and communications. He refused to divulge that information.

The attribution for my story is sources at Twitter, he said, also sparring with Plaskett after she described him as a so-called journalist.

Ranking member Plaskett, Im not a so-called journalist. Ive won the National Magazine Award, the I.F. Stone Award for independent journalism, and Ive written 10 books, including four New York Times best-sellers, he told the lawmaker.

Later, Plaskett claimed that there was no real evidence of collusions between Twitter and federal agencies. Further, she argued that hundreds of emails revealed by Shellenberger and Taibbi are evidence of Twitter content moderation rules.

The Weaponization Select Committee was created in January to probe the alleged coordination between Big Tech and the government.
UK Assessing Risk of Collaborating With China on Research, Minister Says

The logo of Chinese gene firm BGI Group is seen at its building in Beijing on March 25, 2021. (Carlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters)

The UK government is assessing the national security risk of all SinoBritish research and innovation links, a minister said on March 8.

Responding to concerns raised by Liberal Democrat MP Alistair Carmichael about national security risks in genomics, particularly in collaborating with Chinese genomics company BGI, Science Minister George Freeman said that MPs are well aware that we have to manage such risks properly.

Freeman said he had commissioned and just received a detailed assessment of all the China research and innovation links across our system from UK Research and Innovation, the new government hub for innovation.

We did the same last year for Russia, he said.

Freeman said hell pore over the assessment with officials and Security Minister Tom Tugendhat, looking in particular at some of the actors such as BGI that we know to be aggressive in their international acquisition of intellectual property.

It comes after the U.S. Commerce Department last week blacklisted a number of Chinese entities, including three BGI Group subsidiariesgenetics company BGI Research, biotechnology company BGI Tech Solutions Co., and Forensics Genomics Internationalover their alleged involvement in military programs and the repression of ethnic minorities in China.

Freeman also claimed that during the visit of Chinese leader Xi Jinping in 2015, when he was the parliamentary under secretary for life sciences, he had been prepared to pay tribute to the work of BGI, but officials pointed out that at that point, Genomics England was suffering several hack attacks from BGI each week.

George Freeman, minister of state in the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, speaking in Parliament in London on March 8, 2023. (Screenshot via The Epoch Times)

But the government said there is no evidence of attempted hacking of Genomics England in 2014 from BGI.

However, like most organisations they do receive regular attempts to access their systems, for which there are appropriate defences in place. No successful breaches have occurred, a government spokesperson said on March 10 in an email to The Epoch Times.

BGI Genomics is one of the companies that won Public Health Englands COVID-19 contracts in 2021, official records show. According to the Daily Mail, it was a COVID-19 testing contract worth 11 million.

BGI Genomics was founded in 1999 to represent China in the Human Genome Project, which it hailed as one of the greatest scientific projects of the 20th century, along with the Manhattan Project and Apollo Program.

In 2008, the world-leading genomics company also took part in the 1,000 Genomes Project, another global collaboration project that created a catalogue of common human genetic variation.

According to the BGI website, it has continued exchanges with international partners in recent years, visiting 24 countries and areas last year, including the UK, and had exchanges with 35 top universities and research institutes to push forward the global initiative on SpatioTemporal Omics that it launched in May 2022 to accelerate research in areas such as specific evolution, fetal development, and pathology.

But the company is also alleged to be involved in Chinese military projects and human rights violationsallegations that it has denied.

Reuters previously reported that BGI was collecting genetic data from millions of women for sweeping research on the traits of populations and that it collaborates with the Chinese military.

On March 2, the U.S. Commerce Department added (pdf) three BGI Group subsidiaries to its export restrictions entities list, stating that the decision was based upon information that indicates their collection and analysis of genetic data poses a significant risk of contributing to monitoring and surveillance by the government of China, which has been utilized in the repression of ethnic minorities in China.

The document noted that information also indicates that the actions of these entities concerning the collection and analysis of genetic data present a significant risk of diversion to Chinas military programs.

BGI didnt immediately respond to The Epoch Times request for comment. In a previous statement in response to the U.S. export ban, BGI stated that it disagrees with the decision.

We believe the BISs [Bureau of Industry and Securitys] decision may have been impacted by misinformation and we are willing and able to clarify. BGI Groups work strictly abides by local, regional, and global moral and ethical standards, and adheres to all required laws and regulations, the company said in a statement.

BGI Group does not condone and would never be involved in any human-rights abuses. None of BGI Group is state-owned or state-controlled, and all of BGI Groups services and research are provided for civilian and scientific purposes.

Reuters contributed to this report. The article has been updated with the UK governments response.
UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: National Security Law Makes HKs Judicial Independence in Name Only

The United Nations Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights issued a review conclusion on March 6, referring to reports that the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL) has actually abolished Hong Kongs judicial independence and has been used in a whole spectrum of restrictive acts. It has put pressure on academics, damaged academic freedom, increased censorship of satirical content in movies and dramas, affected the right to freely form trade unions, and more.

The committee also suggested Hong Kong cancel the NSL. Some human rights groups believe that the United Nations agency has repeatedly expressed concerns about the human rights situation in Hong Kong, a clear indication that the actions of the CCP and the Hong Kong government are not accepted by the international community and Hong Kongs human rights are being systematically eroded.

The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights published its review conclusions on the status of the implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) (hereinafter referred to as the Covenant) in Hong Kong, referring to reports that the NSL has effectively abolished Hong Kongs judicial independence, the Law of China on Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong has, in effect, abolished the independence of the judicial system of Hong Kong. The committee urges the CCP and the Hong Kong government to review the content of the NSL to ensure Hong Kongs full judicial independence and not to use the law at will to interfere with judicial independence.

The Hong Kong Police Force announced in February that the National Security Department Reporting Hotline (hereinafter referred to as the NS Hotline) had received more than 400,000 calls and messages since its launch in 2020. The Committee is concerned that the widespread use of the NS Hotline may have a negative impact on civil society, trade unions, and teachers and recommends that the Hong Kong government abolish the NS Hotline.

The Committee is also concerned about reports that journalists, lawyers, and other human rights activists, including but not limited to those with a background in the anti-extradition movement, have been arrested, detained, and interrogated without due process and under procedures lacking transparency. The Committee urges the Hong Kong government to provide due process guarantees, including ensuring that human rights activist defenders have independent and effective legal representation in every process.

NSL Used to Suppress Academic Freedom, Censor Movies with Satirical Content

The Committees deliberation also mentions reports that the NSL (Hong Kong) version is being used to put pressure on faculty members and students, censor teaching content, erode academic freedom, and in the worst case, with students and/or teachers being dismissed or even arrested. The Committee is fully concerned about it. At the same time, it is also concerned about the impact of the NSL on cultural rights, such as the harassment of cartoonists and extensive censorship of satirical content in independent films, theater creations, and radio content.

The committee urges the Hong Kong government to review the Hong Kong National Security Law and related legislation to protect academic and artistic freedoms, also peoples rights to enjoy history, culture, and science.

The Committee also pointed out there are reports that laws such as the National Security Law for Hong Kong and the Trade Union Ordinance hinder citizens from exercising their right to freely form trade unions. It is recommended that the Hong Kong government should review relevant laws to safeguard those rights.

HKSAR Government: Strongly Objects and Categorically Rejects the Conclusion

The Hong Kong government issued a full version of its response on March 6, saying it expressed strong objection to the concluding observation of the review, claiming that the Committee disregarded the explanations and clarifications made earlier by the SAR government delegation. The Committee selectively believed, and made sweeping statements based on certain false information and distorted narratives regardless of the truth and made one-sided and flawed comments.

It also claims that Article 4 of the NSL also stipulates that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR; and the rights and freedoms which the residents of Hong Kong enjoy under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the ICESCR as applied to Hong Kong, shall be protected in accordance with the law.

Human Rights Group: CCP and HK Government Violate International Human Rights Standards

The Hong Kong Human Rights and Information Center, which participated in providing its report to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, believes that after the UN Human Rights Committee severely criticized the National Security Law and other issues last year (2022), here is another UN agency that once again expressed concern about the human rights situation in Hong Kong, reflecting that human rights in Hong Kong are being threatened and under serious and systematic violations. The actions of the CCP and the Hong Kong government are no longer accepted by the international community and are in breach of international human rights standards.

The spokesperson of the Center pointed out that although Article 4 of the Hong Kong National Security Law claims to protect the human rights listed in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the irony is that two of the monitoring agencies of these international conventions have both criticized the NSL as violating the rights guaranteed by the relevant conventions. The former even proposed to abolish the National Security Law. It is clear that safeguards claimed by the Hong Kong government cannot compensate for the damage caused by the NSL. The Center urges the relevant authorities to immediately repeal the Hong Kong National Security Law and stop prosecuting relevant persons.

The Hong Kong Human Rights Information Center also emphasized that the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights is composed of 18 human rights experts from different countries. It is based on public information and objective facts. Regarding the Hong Kong governments strong dissatisfaction and resolute rejection of the content of the review, the Center questioned the Hong Kong governments failure to respond to specific instances of its human rights violations on the one hand and just accused the committee of disregarding facts. It criticized that such statements will not change the fact that human rights violations in Hong Kong simply reflect the governments refusal to fulfil its responsibilities under the Conventions and do not respect the human rights mechanisms and functions of the UN.
US Aviation Regulator Boosting Boeing Oversight

Boeing 777X and Boeing 737 MAX 10 airplanes are seen parked in an aerial view at King County International Airport-Boeing Field in Seattle on June 1, 2022. (Lindsey Wasson/Reuters)

WASHINGTONThe U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is ramping up oversight of Boeing and plans to add nearly 300 employees to its safety office following two fatal 737 MAX crashes in recent years, the agencys acting head said on Wednesday.

Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen told the Senate Commerce Committee that the aviation safety office, which currently has 7,489 employees, plans to have 7,775 by the end of September. The committee held a hearing on FAA safety reforms that Congress directed in 2020 after the 737 MAX crashes killed 346 people in 2018 and 2019.

The FAA currently has 107 full-time staff members providing regulatory oversight on Boeing, up from 82 just a couple of years ago, Nolen said.

Additionally, he said the FAA has augmented its Boeing oversight team with the equivalent of 35 full-time employees from across the agency to support oversight activities.

Boeing declined to comment.

A 2020 House of Representatives report said the two fatal 737 MAX crashes were the horrific culmination of a series of faulty technical assumptions by Boeings engineers, a lack of transparency on the part of Boeings management, and grossly insufficient oversight by the FAA.

Family members hold photographs of Boeing 737 MAX crash victims lost in two deadly 737 MAX crashes that killed 346 people as they wait for Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg to testify before a Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing on aviation safety and the grounded 737 MAX on Capitol Hill in Washington on Oct. 29, 2019. (Sarah Silbiger/Reuters)

Nolen told reporters the agency is continuing the review tow new versions of the MAXthe MAX 7 and 737 10for certification but declined to offer a timetable for when they might be approved. Safety will dictate that timeline, Nolen said.

Nolen said he met with Boeing last month. Weve had a good level of responsiveness with Boeing, Nolen said. They are committed to the process.

Boeing in 2021 agreed to pay $6.6 million in penalties after the FAA said it failed to comply with a 2015 safety agreement and cited other safety concerns.

The FAA has closely scrutinized Boeings quality and other issues in recent years. The FAA continues to inspect each 737 MAX and 787 aircraft before an airworthiness certificate is issued and cleared for delivery. Typically the FAA delegates airplane ticketing authority to the manufacturer.

During the hearing, Republican Senator J.D. Vance raised questions about two recent Boeing 737 MAX flights and asked whether the 737 MAX was actually safe after the FAA mandated safety and software updates before lifting a 20-month grounding in late 2020.

I can say categorically that the 737 MAX airplane is safe, said Nolen.

By David Shepardson
SIOUX CITY, Iowa  A South Sioux City man has been found guilty of holding two women against their will in separate incidents where his accusers said he raped them.

At the conclusion of a five-day trial in U.S. District Court in Sioux City, a jury Friday found Arjune Ahmed, 26, guilty of two counts of kidnapping.

A sentencing date has not been set.

Ahmed met with a woman he had met on a dating site on Sept. 16, 2020. Instead of taking her to breakfast as the two had agreed, authorities said, Ahmed took the woman to Bacon Creek Park, where he forced the woman from his car, walked her to a secluded spot and raped her.

DNA evidence collected from the woman and a used condom left at the scene matched a sample collected from Ahmed, court documents said.

Ahmed also was charged with an August 2019 incident in which he picked up a woman at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Sioux City to give her a ride home, but instead drove to a remote location in South Sioux City, refused to let her out of the car and raped her, she said.
US Transfers Alleged Al-Qaeda Suspect From Guantanamo Bay to Saudi Arabia

Dawn arrives at the now closed Camp X-Ray, which was used as the first detention facility for suspected al-Qaida and Taliban terrorists who were captured after the Sept. 11 attacks, at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Cuba, on Nov. 21, 2013. (Charles Dharapak/AP Photo)

The United States has released and transferred an alleged al-Qaeda bomb maker from the Guantanamo Bay detention facility in Cuba to Saudi Arabia, the Department of Defense (DOD) announced on March 8.

Ghassan Al Sharbi, a 48-year-old Saudi Arabian engineer, was sent to his native country after the Periodic Review Board (PRB) determined that it was no longer necessary to detain him to protect against a continuing significant threat to the national security of the United States, the department said.

That board consists of one senior career official each from the DOD, Homeland Security, Department of Justice, and State Department, along with the Joint Staff and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

The PRB recommended that Ghassan Al Sharbi be transferred subject to the implementation of a comprehensive set of security measures including monitoring, travel restrictions, and continued information sharing, the department said.

Al Sharbi was reportedly taking flight lessons in the Phoenix area alongside two other men who would later become hijackers in the 9/11 attacks.

He briefly traveled to Afghanistan and began training with al-Qaeda, according to government records (pdf).

He later fled to Pakistan after the Sept. 11 attacks to begin training in bomb-making, according to U.S. officials, who have described Al Sharbi as a loyal al-Qaeda supporter and collaborator.

Al Sharbi was arrested in Pakistan the following year, allegedly tortured in custody, and sent to Guantanamo. He was briefly charged with providing material support for terrorism and conspiracy, according to court documents.

More Detainees Released

However, the charges were later dropped after higher courts ruled that the first charge could not be retroactively recognized as an international war crime, according to The New York Times.

Al Sharbi had been detained in Guantanamo Bay for more than two decades without trial.

The United States appreciates the willingness of the Kingdom of Saudi of Arabia, and other partners to support ongoing U.S. efforts toward a deliberate and thorough process focused on responsibly reducing the detainee population and ultimately closing the Guantanamo Bay facility, the DOD said Wednesday.

According to the DOD, 31 detainees currently remain at Guantanamo Bay, of which 17 are eligible for transfer, three are eligible for a PRB assessment, and nine are involved in the military commissions process to decide if they will be charged or not.

Two of the detainees have been convicted in military commissions, the department said.

Al Sharbi is the fourth Guantanamo detainee to be released and sent to another country so far this year.

In February, Pakistani native Majid Khan, 42, was transferred to Belize after serving his sentence at the U.S.-run detention center for over a decade.

In that same month, two Pakistani brothersAbdul, 55, and Mohammed Rabbani, 53who were never charged with a crime, were freed and returned home in January after being held at the facility for 20 decades.

The prison camp at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba was established by former President George W. Bush in 2002 to house foreign terrorism suspects after the 9/11 attacks that resulted in the death of more than 2,900 people.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
US View on China Hits Record Low, New Poll Finds

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden (R) and Chinese leader Xi Jinping talk during an expanded bilateral meeting with other United States and Chinese officials in the Roosevelt Room at the White House in Washington on Feb. 14, 2012. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

A record low number of Americans view China favorably, according to a new poll by Gallup.

The poll, conducted between Feb. 1 and 23, asked a random sample of 1,008 Americans over 18 about their views on China. The poll found that just 15 percent of respondents held a very or mostly favorable view of China, the lowest in Gallups polling history.

Chinas 15 percent favorability rating marks a five-point drop from when the same question was asked in February last year.

On the flip side, the poll found more than 8 in 10 American respondents held a negative view of China, including 45 percent who view China very unfavorably and 39 percent who view it mostly unfavorably.

U.S. views on China have declined since 2018, and Chinas approval has fallen 38 points over the past five years.

The poll found the negative U.S. views of China are shared across party lines. Only 6 percent of Republicans, 17 percent of Democrats, and 18 percent of independents polled viewed China favorably.

Gallup has been polling Americans on their views on China annually since 1979. Since 2001, Gallup has consistently conducted the annual poll in February. This year, the polling took place at the same time a Chinese high-altitude balloon flew across the United States and made headlines before it was shot down by U.S. fighter jets off the coast of South Carolina.

U.S. approval of China in the Gallup poll was at its height in February of 1989 when 72 percent of Americans had an overall favorable view of the country. That favorability dropped to 34 percent by August 1989 after Chinese troops and tanks violently cleared protesters in Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989, killing hundreds if not thousands of civilians. The U.S. favorability toward China fluctuated between 34 percent and 53 percent between 1989 and 2018 before the steep decline over the past five years began.

China Seen as Military and Economic Threat

Likely contributing to the negative perception of China is the consensus among Americans that China poses the most significant military threat the United States faces.

The recent Gallup poll asked respondents which country they perceive as the greatest enemy of the United States. In total, 50 percent of the respondents said China is the countrys greatest enemy, while 32 percent said Russia, seven percent said North Korea, and two percent said Iran.

In the past year, the U.S. military assessed Chinas military to be on pace to more than triple its arsenal of nuclear warheads by 2035. China has also continued to advance its hypersonic missiles, which by definition can travel at more than five times the speed of sound and could potentially deliver nuclear strikes while evading missile defense systems. Additionally, a Chinese firm with ties to the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has tried to purchase land near U.S. military bases, raising concerns about efforts to surveil U.S. military activities.

Seventy-six percent of Republicans polled viewed China as the top enemy of the United States, compared to 46 percent of independents and 30 percent of Democrats. A more significant percentage of Democrats53 percent of those polledsaid Russia is the greater enemy of the United States, compared to 32 percent of independents and 12 percent of Republicans.

Chinas growing economic growth also had poll respondents concerned. Sixty-four percent of respondents considered Chinas economic power a critical threat to the United States, up from 57 percent who held that view last year. Thirty percent thought Chinas economic power to be an important but not critical threat, down from 34 percent who had that view last year.

In 2022, eight percent of respondents said Chinas economic power is not an important threat. This year, six percent of respondents held that same view.

US Policy Toward China

Since taking office, President Joe Biden has said he hopes to find some areas where the United States and China can cooperate, such as addressing climate change. Near the start of his administration, Biden said, We cannot and must not return to the reflexive opposition and rigid blocs of the Cold War.

The Biden administration has said the president confronted his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on several Chinese human rights concerns when they met in Indonesia in November. The administration has said Biden will continue to raise these concerns in future meetings with his Chinese counterpart.

In February, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned China for allowing its high-altitude balloon to cross over the United States.

U.S. officials have also recently warned China against sending weapons to Russia to use in its ongoing war in Ukraine.

After Republicans gained control of the House of Representatives in January, they pushed for new efforts to investigate China, including the new Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The House formed the new committee with the support of all Republicans and 146 Democrats, while 65 Democrats opposed forming the new committee.

Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), who voted in favor of the new House committee last month, told Politico he supported forming the panel but had some reservations.

I have lots of concerns about how [Republicans] demagogue the issue and promote conspiracy theories and xenophobia, McGovern said.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) was among the 65 Democrats who voted against forming the new committee. In January, she told CNN she voted no because Its really clear that this is just a committee that would further embolden anti-Asian rhetoric and hate and put lives at risk.

Republicans have been critical of Bidens handling of various China-related issues, such as the Chinese high-altitude balloon that flew across the United States. Several Republicans questioned Bidens decision to wait until after the balloon had passed over the United States before shooting it down.

From NTD News
A Vancouver dad was shocked upon hearing that puberty blockers were being prescribed to kids with gender dysphoria. A father of two young daughters, Chris Elstons concern led to investigation which led to his conclusion that no science was behind this at all. So, he vocalized his concerns literally from the rooftops.

When Elstons efforts to voice his dissent on a street billboard in Vancouver were frustrated, in his mind the only option was to go out and become a human billboard. Donning a sandwich signboard, he hit the streets to have conversations with regular people.

Having spoken with some 11,000 people, he says 90 percent agree with his message; the other 10 percent were hoodwinked by propaganda that preys on peoples natural compassion and nurturing instincts. They say that if you dont transition children, they will kill themselves, therefore we need to sterilize them or else theyll die, Elston told The Epoch Times. This is a lie. Theres no evidence to support it; all the evidence in the world actually points to the opposite.

He said, There are no studies in kids on this, but we know with adults: 10 years after transitioning is when suicides peak and theyre 19.1 times [more likely to commit suicide] than their peers, after adjusting for similar mental health comorbidities.

Elston also cited a study that followed 139 boys from age five growing into their 20s which determined that in 87.8 percent of cases of severe gender dysphoria, after puberty, the condition simply went away.

Chris Elston poses beside Chloe Cole, who previously underwent transition surgery before rejecting transgenderism and embracing her biological womanhood. (Courtesy of Chris Elston)

The father of two says, while countries such as Finland, Sweden, and England have systematically reviewed the evidenceor lack thereofsupporting transition treatments for kids, and ultimately rejected them, Canada and the U.S. have barreled down the reverse direction. He says Canadian Conservative politicians wont even speak with him.

Turning the Tables, Speaking Truth to Power

Of his motive for becoming a human billboard, Elston said he learned about this business of giving children drugs which stopped their bodies from going into puberty, stopping the development of children, giving them the opposite sexs hormones, and doing surgeries on kids as well.

He said, People dont believe that, but theres all the proof in the world. And it just really impacted me, so I started researching this, and the more you research this, the more crazy it gets.

So, Elston geared up by having wearable signboards printed and cheekily controlled nomenclaturelevying words as progressives doby self-identifying as a dad. His sign then defined a dad as a noun and a human male who protects his kids from gender ideology. His other signboard read, Children cannot consent to puberty blockers, cleverly turning the whole consent debate on its head.

Turning the tables while speaking truth to power became Elstons strategy.

They can take down my billboard off the street, but they cant take it off my back, because its not actually hate speech, he said. I realized right away when I started going outside wearing these signs, in terms of media or social media, its way more powerful than some expensive billboard because theres a person behind it. And that was inspiring people.

Elstons face-to-face street conversations, intended to educate, are bound to succeedof that hes certain. But hes met resistance. In 2021, he was violently assaulted on a street by masked Antifa members dressed in black. They didnt say anything. They just walked up, punched his head, and broke his arm with a large traffic cone.

But Elston has committed himself to nonviolence, as he was almost charged by police when he fought back last time. The police are not on my side, necessarily, he said. A lot of police are, but some of the authorities, and definitely the politicians, are not on my side.

Though most whom he speaks with are on his side, a loud, raging minority stand on the far side of a rift that is hard to cross. With no hope of convincing angry individuals, he deploys a measured strategy of calm, compassion-based dialogue, presenting ideas they already agree with but which contradict the propaganda they have swallowed.

Chris Elston is joined by his supporters to demonstrate against gender affirmation treatments and surgeries on minors, outside of Boston Childrens Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, on September 18, 2022. (Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images)

He says things like, We shouldnt be putting children in some stereotypical box, and, Theres no right way to be a boy or a girl, which causes them considerable cognitive dissonance; they dont know how to respond. Theres competing ideas going on in their head, Elston said. We thought he was a terrible bigot. Hes saying something that makes a ton of sense.

Whats in a JK Rowling Billboard?

Elstons idea of becoming a walking signboard stemmed from another billboard that made waves in the UK relating to the author of the Harry Potter books, JK Rowling, who spoke against transitioning children. Someone put up a billboard in an Edinburgh train station saying, I [heart] JK Rowling. It lasted one day before being taken down.

Elston put up one similar with the same verbiage in Vancouver. It was vandalized with paint and removed the next day. Vancouver councilor Sarah Kirby-Yung derided it as hateful, saying the sign gave her that feeling in the pit of your stomach. Rather than back down, though, Elston doubled down by putting up signs across the U.S.including in Times Square and Washington, D.C. As the U.S. has stronger free speech laws, those billboards stayed up.

Chris Elston speaks one-on-one with a bystander at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. (Courtesy of Chris Elston)

While billboard advertising failed Elston in CanadaPatterson folded under pressure from Vancouver officialshis faith in one-on-one street talks remains steadfast. We just need to educate a certain percentage of them before we can put an end to this madness, he said. Because people dont know whats going on, or theyve been lied to about whats going on.

Sheep No More

Elston says he has found allies in alternative media and conservative groups who have helped him reach millions with his message. Traveling and speaking, he recently visited the U.S. Capitol to meet with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and he saw how House Republicans are aiming to curtail Bidens so-called gender-affirming care, which advocates transitioning children.

Meanwhile, in Canada, the government unanimously passed Bill C-4 in December 2021. Touted by legacy media as a bill to ban conversion therapy, critics say the benign-sounding bill is anything but. Even feminist activists have trashed it for its prohibition on all intervention on behalf of kids that might affirm their biological gender.

Bill C-4 makes it a criminal offense to help the child feel comfortable with their sex, Elston said, before lamenting his countrymens willingness to comply. All of Canadas medical bodies, they just do the approved standard of care.

If Canada really wants to follow the science, it should do as Finland, Sweden, and England have and follow it, he said, before noting what many dutiful Canadian doctors are probably thinking: A lot of doctors are speaking out against this, but they wont get listened to by their medical bodies  Theyre refusing to conduct a systematic review; why wont they just review the evidence and report on it?

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Vanguard University Tackles Child Sex Trafficking and Exploitation

Dr. Sandie Morgan, head of the Global Center for Women and Justice, speaks at a conference on human trafficking, at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, Calif., on March 3, 2023. (Carol Cassis/The Epoch Times)

Experts at a recent conference, sponsored by and held on the Costa Mesa, California, campus of Vanguard University, discussed little-known facts about child sex trafficking and exploitation as well as its prevention and how to help those affected.

During the two-day event from March 3, Sandra Morgan, the director of the schools Global Center for Women and Justice, said many child victims of sex or labor trafficking never self-identify as such because they are either too afraid or dont understand that they are being abused.

Some of the most vulnerable victims, she said, have faced a history of abuse at home, are homeless youth, and are youth close to aging out of foster care.

According to Morgan, Orange County authorities recovered 85 children who had been sexually exploited for profit in 2022, nearly all were residents of the area.

Someone else is always making a profit off the pain and suffering of a child, Morgan told The Epoch Times in an interview prior to the conference. This is why we do this program every year, its about prevention [of child exploitation] and early intervention.

According to Morgan, community members must collaborate with schools and agencies who assist children who have been exploited, as has happened with Vanguards five-year partnership with the Orange County Department of Education to provide training and collaboration to staff.

Human trafficking survivor Katherine Givens speaks at a conference on human trafficking, held by the Global Center for Women and Justice at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, Calif., on March 3, 2023. (Carol Cassis/The Epoch Times)

A training program she designed has been used by professionals not only in Orange County, but around the world to help educators and others who work with children to keep them from falling prey.

Morgan said the core premise of early intervention and prevention of child trafficking is to create a sense of home and community for children by engaging their teachers, local judges, nonprofits, and other adults to create an environment where they feel accepted and safe speaking up.

Other speakers at the conference shared the same message, including Katherine Givens, a former victim of child sex trafficking and previous advisor last year to the White House Advisory Council on Human Trafficking, as well as founder of the survivor-led nonprofit, Twelve 11 Partners.

My trafficking situation would not have ended if it werent for my community, Givens said at the conference, which had over 100 in attendance.

According to Givens, such a lack of community is why many child victims return to their traffickers.

Absent community connections, she said, many children are likely to return to their traffickers due to a false sense of intimacy provided by them, and adults seeking to intervene must be patient.

[Adults] must give these children a choice in accepting [such] help. Otherwise, they will run away and back to their traffickers, Givens told conference attendees.

Many children exploited, she said, are likely to have good grades in school, lack behavioral issues, and otherwise seem like good kids.

Additionally, she said, children will often resist opening up about their exploitation due to fear, and may even feel a bond to their captor.

The answer to these issues, she said, is to avoid trying to change the childs mind about their experiences or their trafficker. Instead, she urged the audience to earn the trust of the child first by offering help over time.

Titled Ensure Justice, the conference marked Vanguards 16th anniversary of the program, held annually to educate the public on how to combat trafficking and exploitation moving forward.
Visa, Mastercard Pause Implementation of New Code to Track Gun Purchases

A window sticker advertising Visa and MasterCard credit cards hangs in a window in San Francisco on Feb. 25, 2008. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Visa and Mastercard confirmed on March 9 that theyre pausing the implementation of a new merchant category code (MCC) that will help track cardholders purchases at gun stores.

The pause stems from legislation advancing in several states that would restrict the use of the new code, and complicate matters, Visa said.

There is now significant confusion and legal uncertainty in the payments ecosystem, and the state actions disrupt the intent of global standards. Accordingly, Visa is pausing implementation of the MCC, a spokesperson told The Epoch Times via email.

Mastercard said that the bills would cause inconsistency in how the code could be used.

Its for that reason that we have decided to pause work on the implementation of the firearms-specific MCC, a spokesperson said.

Discover, which planned to start the tracking in April, said in an emailed statement that its removing the new MCC from its next network update planned for April, in order to continue alignment and interoperability with the industry.

State officials celebrated the development.

This is a clear victory for consumers and Americans civil liberties, Riley Moore, West Virginias state treasurer and a Republican, said in a statement. The implementation of this new merchant category code would have created a backdoor national gun registry that could be used by the radical gun control lobby to undermine Americans Second Amendment rights.

Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) added, Ive led efforts pushing back on attempts to block legal transactions and tracking gun purchases. Law-abiding gun owners should not be discriminated against.

The companies shouldnt just pause their implementation of this plan  they should end it definitively, said Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, a Republican.

Code Approved

The code was approved by the International Organization for Standardization in 2022. In addition to Mastercard and Visa, American Express and Discover stated that they would be implementing the code.

A representative for American Express, the third-largest payments network, didnt immediately comment on March 9.

States have taken action. For example, West Virginia legislators introduced legislation in January that would ban credit card companies from collecting or disclosing data on firearm purchases. Officials in Florida, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas also have crafted bills that would ban or restrict companies from utilizing the code.

A proposal by Mississippi state Rep. Jansen Owen, a Republican, would bar payment-processing companies from [requiring] the usage of or [assigning] a firearms or ammunition merchant category code to any merchant located in Mississippi that is a seller of firearms or ammunition separately from general merchandise retailers or sporting goods retailers.

The legislation specifically refers to the new code, stating that its a means to conduct mass surveillance of constitutionally protected firearms and ammunition purchases.

The Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act seeks to prevent credit card companies from unfairly and negatively targeting legal gun and ammo purchases, Owen said after the state House of Representatives approved the legislation in February.

Visa had previously said that it would implement the code.

Visa will proceed with next steps, while ensuring we protect all legal commerce on the Visa network in accordance with our long-standing rules, a spokesperson said in September 2022.

While all the top payment networks had said they would adopt the new code, however only the smallest, Discover, had set a public timetable for April, and said it was only following the lead of others.

Nearly half of the state attorneys general in the country urged the credit card companies not to implement the code, asserting that the information obtained would be misused, whether unintentionally or deliberately.

However, Democrat officials had expressed support for the move, claiming that it would help prevent mass shootings.

If someone is buying more guns and ammunition than legally allowed, law enforcement needs to know, said Washington, D.C., Attorney General Karl Racine, a Democrat.

Reuters contributed to this report.
West Cautious on Nord Stream Blasts, Germany Confirms Raiding Suspect Ship

STOCKHOLM/BERLINWestern allies on Wednesday warned against reaching premature conclusions on who was responsible for blowing up the Nord Stream pipelines, with Germany suggesting the attack could also have been a false flag operation to blame Ukraine.

A New York Times report, citing intelligence reviewed by U.S. officials, said on Tuesday a pro-Ukrainian group may be behind the blasts that became a flashpoint between the West and Russia after last years Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The report, while not pointing to any official Ukrainian involvement, comes at a time when Kyiv is urging its Western allies to ramp up supplies of high-end weapons to drive back Russian forces as the war enters its second year.

There are ongoing national investigations and I think its right to wait until those are finalized before we say anything more about who was behind it, said NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.

Investigations continue into what caused the Nord Stream pipelines, supplying Russian energy to Europe, to rupture and spew bubbles of natural gas into the Baltic Sea last September. Western countries believe the explosions were deliberate but have not concluded who was behind them.

Russia, which has previously blamed the West, seized on the news on Wednesday to demand a transparent investigation in which it also wants to participate.

A separate report by Germanys ARD broadcaster and Zeit newspaper said on Tuesday the operation to place explosives on the seabed was carried out by six people, five men, and one woman, who used forged passports.

They transported explosives on a yacht rented from a German charter company by a Poland-based firm owned by Ukrainian citizens, according to the report and prosecutors.

We have to make a clear distinction whether it was a Ukrainian group, whether it may have happened at Ukrainian orders, or a pro-Ukrainian group [acting] without knowledge of the government, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on Wednesday.

But I am warning against jumping to conclusions, Pistorius said on the sidelines of a summit in Stockholm.

Pistorius said earlier the likelihood was equally high that it could have been a false flag operation staged to blame Ukraine.

Germany, meanwhile, confirmed its investigators had raided a ship in January that may have been used to transport the explosives used to blow up the pipelines.

But a statement by the federal prosecutor said there was no reliable information yet on motives or perpetrators, including on whether the attack was state-sponsored.

There is no suspicion against employees of the German company that rented out the ship, it added.

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told reporters: As long as investigations into Nord Stream blasts are ongoing, we can not draw conclusions.

Ukraine Plays Down Concerns

The New York Times said there was no evidence that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy or other Ukrainian government officials had played any role in the attacks.

Also in Stockholm, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said the media reports were a little bit strange and had nothing to do with the Ukrainian government.

Its like a compliment for our special forces, he joked. But this is not our activity.

Reznikov said he was not worried about the prospect of the media reports weakening support for Ukraine. Pistorius batted away a similar question about Western support as hypothetical.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov suggested the media reports were a coordinated bid to divert attention and questioned how U.S. officials could assume anything about the attacks without an investigation.

The very least that the Nord Stream shareholder countries and the United Nations must demand is an urgent, transparent investigation with the participation of everyone who can shed light, Peskov said.

The U.S. intelligence review suggested those who carried out the attacks opposed Russian President Vladimir Putin but does not specify the members of the group, or who directed or paid for the operation, the New York Times wrote.

Officials who have reviewed the intelligence said they believed the saboteurs were most likely Ukrainian or Russian nationals, or some combination of the two, according to the New York Times report.

Investigators founds traces of explosives on the yacht, which the group took from Rostock, Germany, on Sept. 6, according to ARD and Zeit. They also reported that intelligence indicated that a pro-Ukrainian group could be behind the attack, but German authorities have not yet found any evidence.

Reuters could not independently verify the information.

Russia last month gave the U.N. Security Council a draft resolution whichif adoptedwould ask U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to set up an international investigation.

By Sabine Siebold and Riham Alkousaa
White House Reverses Course, Gives Congress Green Light to Pass Bill Banning TikTok

National security adviser Sullivan urges lawmakers to 'act quickly'

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan speaks during the daily briefing at the White House on Dec. 12, 2022. (Susan Walsh/AP Photo)

WASHINGTONThe White House has reversed direction this week, saying it would support a Senate bill that would outlaw TikTok in the United States.

The Biden administration had been at a standstill for two years over how to deal with the threat to national security posed by the Chinese-owned mobile app.

U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan on Tuesday welcomed a bipartisan bill that would allow the Biden administration to ban the video-sharing app.

This legislation would empower the United States government to prevent certain foreign governments from exploiting technology services operating in the United States in a way that poses risks to Americans sensitive data and our national security, he said in a statement.

We look forward to continue working with both Democrats and Republicans on this bill, and urge Congress to act quickly to send it to the Presidents desk.

On Tuesday, Sens. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) introduced the measure called the Restricting the Emergence of Security Threats that Risk Information and Communications Technology (RESTRICT) Act. The bipartisan bill is the most recent proposal that seeks to fully outlaw the app due to mounting concerns that it could be used to spy on Americans.

Last week, a Republican-sponsored bill with similar goals passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee on a party-line vote.

For the past two years, the Biden administration has been trying to find ways to address the threat posed by TikTokthe most popular mobile app among teens in the country with roughly 100 million monthly active users.

In December 2022, President Joe Biden signed legislation prohibiting federal workers from using TikTok on government devices. In addition, at least 30 states have taken action against the popular app, either by prohibiting its use on government devices or by bringing lawsuits.

However, critics of Chinas ruling communist party (CCP) in Congress have long argued that TikTok should be completely banned in the United States.

Fears that the apps Chinese owner, Beijing-based ByteDance, has access to personal information about millions of American users are behind the current backlash against TikTok. Critics say the CCP may compel ByteDance to give over information on American users.

The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), an interagency government panel, has been investigating TikTok for more than two years to determine whether Chinas access to sensitive user data poses a risk to national security.

As part of the investigation, the Biden administration reportedly looked into ways to force the sale of TikToks U.S. operations. However, there were opposing viewpoints within the administration, causing a stalemate, as the Wall Street Journal reported late last year.

Former President Donald Trump tried to ban TikTok through an executive order in his final months in office, but his order was overturned by several federal courts. After taking office, Biden reversed Trumps executive order. Biden proposed using an evidence-based approach to determine whether TikTok was a real threat to U.S. national security.

Very Insidious App

The average American user spends 80 minutes per day on TikTok, which is more than the time spent on Facebook and Instagram combined.

According to Arthur Herman, a senior fellow and director of the Quantum Alliance Initiative at the Hudson Institute, TikToks algorithm allows it to entice its users in a controlling manner and is responsible for the apps phenomenal success.

Built by engineers at the parent company, the algorithm is incredibly sophisticated,he told The Epoch Times in an interview in January.

Its a lot more sophisticated than anything American engineers have done in platforms like Facebook, or Twitter, or even Google, he noted.

But its also very insidious and thats why it should be banned altogether, Herman claimed.

Read More Pediatric Clinician Issues Warning on TikToks Harmful Effect on Children

The White House declined to answer questions about why the administration decided that now was the time for legislative action and whether it was frustrated by the ongoing negotiations between TikTok and CFIUS.

We have said we have concerns with this particular app, TikTok, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Wednesday.

And weve always said protecting Americansespecially as it relates to national securityis a priority for this President. And thats what youre seeing. You know, CFIUS is doing its review. Theres bipartisanship in Congress. And I think thats an important way to move forward.
The crowds of people fighting health education standards proposed by the State Board of Education helped motivate Sen. Joni Albrecht to introduce a measure abolishing the board.

But none of those people showed up Tuesday to support her resolution (LR24CA) or three other proposals aimed at reducing the elected board's powers.

Instead, opponents dominated a public hearing in front of the Legislature's Education Committee. Opponents far outnumbered supporters in online comments about the measures as well.

Albrecht's proposed constitutional amendment would eliminate the State Ed Board and give the governor the authority to appoint an education commissioner, who would oversee the Department of Education. The duties of the board would be distributed among department staff, she said.

Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn proposed LR28CA, which would preserve the State Board of Education but have members appointed by the governor instead of being elected. She also offered LR29CA, which would limit the elected board members to two consecutive terms in office, and LB690, which would transfer power from the Ed Board to the commissioner of education.

Among the opponents to Albrecht's proposal was Elizabeth Tegtmeier, who represents western Nebraska on the Ed Board. She was one of three conservative Republicans elected last year after campaigning for a "back-to-basics" approach and for giving parents more voice in education.

Tegtmeier said the election outcome showed that the current process of electing board members works. She said citizens remain engaged in the board's work but are not packing meetings any more because they have a sense of hope.

"Give our new board time to work," she urged. "Confidence and trust is being restored."

State Ed Board President Patti Gubbels opposed all three proposed constitutional amendments. She said an elected board is right for Nebraska because it provides citizen representation, avoids political whiplash when governors change, and allows for checks and balances in government.

Jenni Benson, president of the Nebraska State Education Association, said the Ed Board is probably the least partisan part of state government, which she called a good thing. She said having governors appoint board members could lead to less diverse and representative members.

She described her experience with former Govs. Dave Heineman and Pete Ricketts to illustrate the possibilities.

She said both sought recommendations from NSEA, a union representing teachers, of people to serve on the Professional Practices Commission, which oversees teacher discipline. While Heineman appointed some of the people recommended by NSEA, Ricketts did not appoint a single one during his eight years in office.

Despite the lack of proponent testifiers, Albrecht said she believes the Ed Board was so far out of line in considering health education standards that she will keep pushing for changes.

Currently, the Ed Board has eight elected members who appoint the education commissioner and carry out a long list other duties determined by the Legislature. Those duties include setting rules and regulations for schools and teacher education programs and approving academic standards.

While state law does not specifically direct the board to set health education standards it gives the body broad leeway to take on duties "necessary for the proper and legal exercise of its obligations."

The board came under fire in 2021 because its proposed health education standards included sex education that was both comprehensive in scope and inclusive of diverse genders and sexual orientations. Following the backlash, the department halted work on the standards, but critics remain wary of the department and the board.

Meet the Nebraska state senators making laws in 2023
Chalong police avoid corruption investigation

PHUKET: According to Chalong Police, as there is no record of a German tourist being fined for illegally riding a motorbike through the Chalong underpass, there is no action to take over the accusation by the tourist that the policeman who stopped him illegally extorted B2,000 from him by the side of the road.

tourismcorruptionpolice

By The Phuket News

Thursday 9 March 2023, 11:50AM

Chalong Police Station. Photo: The Phuket News / file

Pol Lt Col Jeerasit Noopayan, Chief of Chalong Traffic Police, told The Phuket News that the incident had been investigated and that he had called the German tourist who made the allegation through a video posted online late last month.

The German man in his public explanation of the incident said he was stopped by a policeman immediately after he exited the underpass as he was riding to visit the Big Buddha viewpoint on Feb 20.

The officer explained that it was illegal to ride a motorbike through the underpass. The officer ignored the German tourists protests that he saw no traffic sign informing motorists that it was illegal to ride a motorbike through the tunnel.

The officer then asked the tourist to pay B5,000 as the fine.

The German explained that he did not have that much money on him at the time. The officer then asked for B2,000 instead, which could be paid there by the side of the road. The German man agreed.

We have already asked the German man about this case. The German man admitted that he was riding through the underpass and the police stopped him, said Lt Col Jeerasit.

He did not come to the police station. It was just a phone call. He did not mention the arrest and fine, he added.

According to Lt Col Jeerasit, when he spoke with the German man, the tourist was only concerned with the lack of signage warning people that it is illegal to ride a motorbike through the underpass.

Lt Col Jeerasit was so adamant on this point that he repeated four times when speaking with The Phuket News yesterday (Mar 8).

He did not mention the arrest. His concern was only about the prohibition sign that cannot be seen anywhere near the underpass, Lt Col Jeerasit kept repeating.

Incredibly, Lt Col Jeerasit pointed out that although the German man was recorded in the video posted online, the German man did not post the video online himself, and did not give a translation of his own words recounting the incident, which the German explained in German.

The person who recorded the video used Google Translate to communicate with him, which can cause some misunderstanding, Lt Col Jeerasit said, without acknowledging that he himself had spoken to the German man.

He was not the one who recorded the video and he did not intend to say that the police practiced against the law. He just wants to say that there was no sign prohibiting motorcycles from going through the underpass. The man was not even the person who posted the video, Lt Col Jeerasit said.

Lt Col Jeerasit did not mention whether or not he actually spoke with the officer involved in the incident.

We have already checked and there is no record of the arrest of the German man on that day He did not say where exactly the incident happened [on the phone]. He said he went through an underpass and he did not say which underpass. He only said he was going to the Big Buddha Temple. It is possible that it was the Chalong Underpass, but he did not confirm, Lt Col Jeerasit told The Phuket News.

Lt Col Jeerasit noted that the offence of going through an underpass with a prohibited vehicle such as a motorcycle incurs a fine of B500.

The Phuket News reminds all motorists that it is illegal to ride a motorbike through any of the five underpasses on the island.
Navy helps clear beach umbrellas at Koh Racha

PHUKET: Personnel from the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command, based at Cape Panwa, have assisted Rawai Municipality officials in clearing beach umbrellas and mats from a popular beach at Koh Racha Yai, south of Phuket.

tourismcrime

By The Phuket News

Thursday 9 March 2023, 09:19AM

Navy patrol boat Tor 233 arrived at Ao Batok on Tuesday (Mar 7) with personnel led by Rear Admiral Suchart Premprasert, Deputy Commander of the Third Area Command, to conduct its mission.

Officials from Rawai Municipality were also on board to oversee the operation, branded as to inspect tourist services that encroach on the beach area.

The officers found 24 sets of mats and beach umbrellas set up at the northern end of the beach, which serves as the main landing point for the island.

The beach mats and umbrellas were seized and removed, and one person, not named in the report of the operation, was found responsible for the encroachment onto the public beach area.

The beach mats and umbrellas and the person found responsible were brought to Phuket and taken to Chalong Police Station to face legal action, the report said.

The officers noted that if action were not taken over the encroachment onto the beach area, the problem would spread and become much more difficult to contain.
Police officer involved in Thepkrasattri crash loses life

PHUKET: Thalang police confirmed today (Mar 9) that an officer involved in a road accident on Thepkrasattri Rd last Friday has lost his life.

accidentsdeathpoliceSafety

By The Phuket News

Thursday 9 March 2023, 04:45PM

Capt Tianchai Kobkua, a 56-year-old deputy inspector at Thalang Police Station, succumbed to brain injuries sustained in the accident, having undergone emergency brain surgery at Vachira Phuket Hospital.

The incident occurred around 7:30am on Mar 3 at a U-turn point near the Housing Village on the northbound section of the busy road in Srisoonthorn when a motorcycle being ridden by the police officer collided with an Isuzu pickup truck.

Upon receiving notification of the incident, rescue workers and police rushed to the scene where they discovered Mr Tianchai lying on the road unconscious. The emergency workers administered urgent first aid before rushing the injured man to Thalang Hospital.

Following initial diagnosis there from a resident doctor, it was determined Mr Tianchai needed to be transferred to Vachira Hospital Phuket as he needed to undergo emergency brain surgery to treat his injuries.

Despite their valiant efforts, doctors were unable to save Mr Tianchai and he was confirmed officially deceased yesterday, with Col Pisit Chuenpetch, Superintendent of Thalang Police Station, announcing the news publicly this morning.

Mr Tianchais body was transferred from the hospital to Wat Srisoonthorn around 8am this morning where a funeral service was held at 3pm today.

Police did not confirm details on the pickup involved in the crash and whether the driver stands to face any form of official charges, nor did they reveal whether investigations into the case are ongoing.
PPAO by-elections to affect Thepkrasattri, Sakhu, Cherng Talay

PHUKET: Elections will be held in selected areas in Thepkrasattri, Sakhu and Cherng Talay next month as residents in the subdistricts elect new representatives for the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO) council.

politics

By The Phuket News

Thursday 9 March 2023, 09:00AM

Orapin Acheivasuk, the recently installed Director of the Phuket office of the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT Phuket), explained that the elections were necessary as Channarong Prateep Na Thalang, representing PPAO Constituency 5, and Wiwat Chindaphon, representing PPAO Constituency 6, resigned their positions as councillors on Feb 17 and Feb 23, respectively.

Mr Channarong and Mr Wiwat both resigned their positions so they could contest Phuket seats in the national election on May 7, with Mr Channarong representing the Ruam Thai Sang Chart party in Phuket and Mr Wiwat representing Bhumjaithai Phuket.

The elections will be held in the two constituencies 5 and 6 on Sunday, April 9.

Constituency 5 comprises Thepkrasattri Moo 3; Sakhu Moo 2, 3, 4, 8 and 11; and Cherng Talay Moo 6.

Constituency 6 comprises all of Tambon Mai Khao and Thepkrasattri Moo 5, 6, 9 and 10.

So far only two candidates have registered to contest the elections. On the opening day of candidate registrations last Saturday (Mar 4), Pongsakorn Panyawai registered to contest Constituency 5 while Andaman Kruepanich registered to contest Constituency 6, Ms Orapin explained.

Both candidates were accompanied by cheering supporters, she noted.

Ms Orapin said the target was 60% voter turnout in each constituency.

Candidates have until Mar 11 to register to contest the elections.

Registrations are being accepted at Phuket Community Hall off Palian Rd in Phuket Town from 8:30am to 4:30pm.

The polls will be open 8am to 5pm on election day (April 9), Ms Orapin added.

In accordance with election law, there will be a ban on the sale of alcohol in the two constituencies from 6pm on April 8 through to 6pm April 9.

A ban on the sale of alcohol will also be in effect in Tambon Kathu from 6pm Mar 18 through to 6pm Mar 19 as residents there go to the polls to elect a new mayor.
TAT anticipates 6mn European visitors

BANGKOK: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects 6 million tourists from Europe this year, roughly 80% of the pre-pandemic total, generating more than B420 billion as part of total revenue of B1.5 trillion by year-end.

tourismeconomics

By Bangkok Post

Thursday 9 March 2023, 04:13PM

Tourists explore tourism products at the ITB international tourism expo or ITB Berlin 2023, one of the biggest travel fairs in Europe. Photo: via Bangkok post

Potential tourists explore products at ITB Berlin 2023, one of the biggest travel fairs in Europe. Photo: via Bangkok Post

I am confident Thailand remains the top destination in Asia for European markets, said TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn while attending ITB Berlin 2023, one of the biggest travel fairs in Europe, reports the Bangkok Post.

Mr Yuthasak said pent-up demand for travel among Europeans might continue for one to two years, helping Thailand maintain these traditional markets familiar with Thai tourism, especially the UK, Germany and Russia.

However, obstacles still remain such as the Russia-Ukraine war, the risk of recession, insufficient flight capacity and a labour shortage in the tourism industry, he said.

This year TATs promotion is called Visit Thailand Year 2023 to lure tourists, particularly quality markets who seek more meaningful travel experiences and responsible tourism, said Mr Yuthasak.

In the second quarter, which is usually the low season for European tourists, the agency will pivot its focus to the Middle East and China to maintain tourism receipts, he said.

Limited flight capacity and a slow resumption of frequencies has caused higher airfares, leading the TAT to project the extension of stays for tourist visas and visas on arrival, from 30 to 45 days and 15 to 30 days, respectively, has helped Thailand maintain consistent income as long-haul travellers stay longer for each trip.

The plan to extend this scheme from Mar 31 to the end of this year still requires Cabinet approval.

To combat delays in processing and congestion at airports, the government is expected to approve a third ground handling operator at Suvarnabhumi airport by the end of this year, said Mr Yuthasak.

GRADUAL RETURN OF FLIGHTS

Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas, said applications for summer slots from long-haul flights already reached 70% of the 2019 level after flights for the current cool season recovered by 60%.

According to the TAT, estimated long-haul flights during the 30-week summer schedule starting from April would have the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Germany, the UK and Oman operating the most flights to Thailand, totalling 2,440, 1,302, 868, 654 and 622, respectively.

He said the TAT pavilion at ITB Berlin this year was joined by more than 70 tourism operators from Thailand.

Princess Ubolratana was at the event to promote sustainable tourism and soft power.

Supachai Punja-apisith, director of sales and business development for Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort, said the trade show could deliver a strong leisure tourism market, especially from key strategic partners in Germany, the UK and the US.

Mr Supachai said he is promoting an overnight cruise programme operated by Loy Pela Voyages along the Chao Phraya River from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, which gained popularity among these markets.

He said the average occupancy rate for Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort and Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel should exceed 78% in the first quarter.

The average room rate is 30% higher than the pre-pandemic level, driven by high demand from international markets, said Mr Supachai.

He said Europeans accounted for 40% of total hotel guests.
A Billings man was sentenced Wednesday to 50 years in the custody of Department of Health and Human Services for killing his mother during a mental health crisis.

Johan Dean Bergman, 30, previously pleaded no contest in Yellowstone County District Court to one count of mitigated deliberate homicide. Bergman, who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, stabbed Cynthia Cook to death at their home in the Billings Heights in December 2021.

I thought my illness was a strength and tool, but I had no control over my addictions or habits and behaviors, Bergman said in court Wednesday. I did the one thing I was trying never to do, and that was hurt my family and the ones around me.

Billings police arrested Bergman on the morning of Dec. 4, 2021 after receiving reports from businesses on Main Street of an intoxicated man acting strangely. A gas station employee told officers a man came into his store, bought a pack of cigarettes and stole a lighter before leaving on foot. The man, who was later identified as Bergman, had blood on his shirt.

Police found Bergman on the 700 block of Main Street. An officer asked where the blood on his hand and shirt came from, according to court documents, and Bergman answered, I just stabbed and killed my mother.

Police arrested Bergman, and learned his home address after looking through his wallet.

During a welfare check at Bergmans home on the 1200 block of Claim Jumper Lane that same morning, an officer saw a woman through a window. She was face-down on the floor. When first responders entered the house, they pronounced the woman dead at the scene. A kitchen knife was lying near her body. The county coroner later identified the woman as Cynthia Cook. She died from multiple stab wounds. County prosecutors initially charged Bergman with deliberate homicide.

Bergman received several psychological evaluations in the weeks that followed, and he was diagnosed with moderate-to-severe schizophrenia. Prior to his arrest in December 2021, he had been committed to Montana State Hospital six times for mental health treatment, according to testimony shared in court Wednesday.

Along with schizophrenia, doctors with DPHHS determined Bergman also had substance use disorders. In conversations with mental health professionals, Bergman described himself as a pressure cooker, unable to control his anger, his addictions and his thoughts. One psychologist concluded Bergman killed his mother in the midst of dealing with his chronic mental illness.

In September 2021, Bergman and his counsel, public defender Natasha Hammack, reached an agreement with county prosecutors. Bergman pleaded no contest to mitigated deliberate homicide, with a weapons enhancement. In exchange for his not contest plea, prosecutors recommended Bergman be sentenced to 50 years in DPHHS.

In court Wednesday, Hammack raised no objections to prosecutors recommendations. Through her time representing Bergman, Hammack said one word could describe the situation: tragedy.

When he (Bergman) is medicated, he is kind, Hammack said. He is smart. He is well read. He has a great sense of humor. And he cares very much for his family, and his mother was incredibly important to him  And he has been struggling with how difficult this entire situation is, how his actions have brought us to today.

Although he was escorted into court by county deputies with his hands cuffed, Bergman was dressed in a collared shirt and slacks for his sentencing. Members of his and Cynthia Cook's family watched the proceedings via teleconference.

District Judge Rod Souza followed the recommendation in sentencing Bergman to 50 years in the custody of DPHHS, 40 years for mitigated deliberate homicide and 10 years for the weapons enhancement. The violent nature of the crime, with Bergman attacking and killing his mother unprovoked, Souza said, warranted Bergmans incarceration.

In January 2022, District Judge Michael G. Moses sentenced a Billings man to 75 years with DPHHS after he pleaded no contest to homicide. Moses ruled Beau Daniel Papin, diagnosed with schizophrenia, was in no condition to realize the severity of his crime when he killed his mother the previous year.

Bergman will serve his sentence in a secure MSH facility. Per Montana law, he will be under the care of mental health experts. Should they determine that hes fit for transfer to a correctional facility, that decision will ultimately fall on Yellowstone County District Court.
BEIJING, March 8 (Xinhua) -- About 10 years ago, while expounding on China's views on international affairs at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for forging a community with a shared future for mankind, where each person has a stake in the other. Since then, the concept has evolved into a vision with global significance, and been recognized by more and more countries and international organizations. China will promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, promote greater democracy in international relations, and make global governance more just and equitable, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang said Tuesday at a press conference held on the sidelines of the annual session of the National People's Congress. China will offer more, better Chinese insight and solutions to help meet humanity's common challenges, he added. AN INSPIRING IDEA As Xi once elaborated, "to build a community with a shared future for mankind is not to replace one system or civilization with another. Instead, it is about countries with different social systems, ideologies, histories, cultures and levels of development coming together for shared interests, shared rights and shared responsibilities in global affairs, and creating the greatest synergy for building a better world." There is a "very fundamental difference" between Xi's vision of a shared future, which emphasizes understanding and shared institution-building, and the prevailing U.S. idea of building a future through competition, Jack Midgley, principal of the global consultancy Midgley & Company, told media. "When Xi says shared future, that's a future that includes everybody and where everyone's interests have to be taken into account. We have to find a way to build a shared future together, or there won't be a future at all," said Midgley, who is also an adjunct associate professor on security studies at Georgetown University. Chinese tourists interact with Maasai performers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya, Feb. 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Han Xu) In September last year, former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda published his new book Collected Works of Yasuo Fukuda: Pursuing World Peace, the keyword of which, Fukuda told Xinhua, is a community with a shared future for mankind. Fukuda said he fully agrees with China's vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, arguing that if one country is doing well only by itself when its neighbors are not, the imbalance will lead to conflicts that will then backfire on itself. For B. R. Deepak, chairperson of the Center of Chinese and Southeast Asian Studies at the New Delhi-based Jawaharlal Nehru University, the vision largely reflects the core values of China's traditional culture such as harmony and equality. It could be considered as an outcome of China's dialogue and mutual learning with other civilizations in the course of history, he said. WALK THE TALK China has not only been advocating a community with a shared future for mankind, but also put it into practice. The burgeoning Belt and Road cooperation shows how China translates its words into deeds, and how the concept helps change the world. This aerial photo taken on Nov. 23, 2022 shows a Fuxing bullet train running on the Yuanjiang bridge of the China-Laos Railway in southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Xinhua/Hu Chao) Since its operation in December 2021, the China-Laos Railway, a flagship Belt and Road cooperation project, has brought great benefits to the Lao people and opened up a new path for Laos' development and prosperity. "Laos and China joined hands to build the railway, develop and deepen our friendship, and also developed our economy in Laos, especially cargo transportation," said Pansay Yiayengva, a conductor at Vientiane Station of the railway. Sharing her working experience, she mentioned that her career has changed her life and made her a mature and responsible person. "I am very satisfied and proud to work here." In addition to providing jobs for local residents, the construction and operation of the China-Laos Railway has also increased the fiscal and tax revenue of the Lao government. Meanwhile, thanks to railway transportation, such sectors as mining, agriculture, tourism, logistics, commerce, hotels and real estate in Laos have bloomed. Over the past decade, the Belt and Road has galvanized nearly 1 trillion U.S. dollars of investment, established more than 3,000 cooperation projects, created 420,000 local jobs, and helped lift almost 40 million people out of poverty, said the Chinese foreign ministry on Tuesday. Belt and Road projects have demonstrated how effective cooperation can transform the concept of "building a community with a shared future for mankind" into practical reality, said Almas Chukin, a prominent Kazakh economist. When it comes to safeguarding global peace, China has also upheld the spirit of building a community with a shared future for mankind. Committed to promoting a new type of international relations, China has been deepening and expanding global partnerships based on equality, openness, and cooperation. China is a major troop contributor and the second-largest financial contributor to UN peacekeeping operations, and has set up an 8,000-strong peacekeeping standby force. Last year, China proposed the Global Security Initiative, which advocates a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, follows the philosophy that humanity is an indivisible security community, and aims to create a new path to security that features dialogue over confrontation, partnership over alliance and win-win over zero-sum. WAY OUT OF THE MIRE With the world beset with such grave challenges as a sluggish economic recovery, surging isolationism, rising hegemonism and flare-ups of geopolitical conflicts, the international community is eagerly exploring the way forward. "Humanity should overcome difficulties in solidarity and pursue common development in harmony," Xi offered China's solution to the problems at a conference marking the 50th anniversary of the restoration of the lawful seat of the People's Republic of China in the United Nations. Bearing in mind that "no person or country can thrive in isolation," China has been championing an open economy and promoting a more balanced, inclusive and sustainable growth, thus enabling the world to share in its development opportunities. It has rolled out such cooperation platforms as the China International Import Expo (CIIE) and put forward the Global Development Initiative (GDI). At the fifth edition of the CIIE, tentative deals worth a total of 73.52 billion dollars were reached for one-year purchases of goods and services. Drawing a blueprint for a more inclusive development of the world, the GDI has won international recognition. More than 100 countries and a number of international organizations, including the United Nations, have committed support to the GDI, and close to 70 countries have joined the Group of Friends of the GDI. Meanwhile, China has delivered global public goods where needed. To narrow the "immunization gap" exposed in the pandemic, China and other BRICS countries inaugurated a vaccine research and development center to make vaccines accessible and affordable for developing countries. In particular, China actively responds to the calls and concerns of the poverty-stricken countries which bear the brunt in the aftershock of the global pandemic and economic downturn. For example, China is helping many African countries, such as Mozambique, develop modern agriculture with the help of the China-developed BeiDou Navigation Satellite System and unmanned equipment. Building a sense of a shared future is important for the world to avoid fragmentation and address challenges, former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama said. The Belt and Road is an important path toward materializing this vision, Hatoyama said, adding that the initiative will help promote regional economic development and exchanges between countries, thereby preventing disputes effectively. "The global future of the human species ... is an issue which commands the attention of people everywhere in the world. There are so many things that need to be done. So China can take the lead on that," Martin Albrow, a fellow of the British Academy of Social Sciences, told Xinhua.
Humanities Montana recently awarded $42,367 to humanities projects across the state through their Opportunity Grants, Regular Grants and Research Fellowships.

The grant programs support projects that engage Montanans in meaningful discussion about the human condition, strengthen cooperative relationships among communities and cultural organizations, and enrich civic discourse among the states diverse cultures and geographic regions.

We are honored to support a wide array of projects this winter. From First Voices Fort Peck Stories to World Affairs Council of Montanas Connecting Montana to the World program for Montana youth and AEROs Local Food Guide, these projects are creating a ripple effect of connection by engaging our states Indigenous, youth and rural audiences, said Megan Hill Sundy, Humanities Montana grants manager. Our next grant deadline is April 20. We encourage all interested applicants to reach out to discuss their projects with us.

This winter, the twelve projects to receive funding included:

 Blaine County Museum Speaker Series, Blaine County Museum, Chinook, $1,000: As part of its winter lecture series, the Blaine County Museum hosted Blaine County historian Austin Haney and Anthony Wood, author of Black Montana, a 2022 Stubbendieck Great Plains Distinguished Book Prize finalist.

 Gary Moulton Lecture & Dinner, Travelers' Rest Preservation and Heritage Association, Lolo, $2,500: From June 27  30, 2023, more than 150 historians, elders and history enthusiasts will gather in Missoula for Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage Foundations annual meeting. Conference sessions and tours will address how the Lewis & Clark Expedition continues to influence Montana today. The keynote address, known as the Gary Moulton Lecture, will be delivered by Dan Louie Flores, an author, historian and retired professor.

 Abundant Montana 2023 Local Food Guide Grow & Tell Stories, Alternative Energy Resources Organization (AERO), Helena, $3,600: Abundant Montanas Local Food Guide is a free coffee table magazine that connects Montanans to their local food producers, purveyors, retailers and community, showcasing over 1,100 local food producers and businesses, recipes and Grow & Tell stories. The stories will highlight growers and advocates committed to stewardship of land, animals and rural communities.

 ARCO, Herbert Bayer and the Art of Extraction, Melissa Ragain, Livingston, $2,000: This art historical research project investigates the work that architect and designer Herbert Bayer created for the Atlantic Richfield Oil Company (ARCO) from 1966-1985 to understand the role that art and design played in their corporate strategy amid an energy crisis, oil spills, superfund designations and mounting environmentalist criticism.

 A History of Latinos in Montana, Bridget Kevane, Bozeman, $4,000: This is the first book manuscript dedicated to the history of Latinos in Montana. It is the first study to consider how this community participated in the transformation of the states economy during the turn of the late 19th and 20th centuries. It argues that although there has been a more than 200-year-old presence of Latinos in the state, the population and its contributions have remained invisible to the public and to other historians.

 Annual Youth Concert, Gershwin's Magic Key, Helena Symphony, Helena, $2,500: The Helena Symphony, in collaboration with renowned education group Classical Kids Live will perform its annual Youth Concert to more than 2,000 fourth and fifth-grade students. The Helena Symphony orchestra plus a cast of professional actors will present Gershwin's Magic Key.

 Connecting Montana to the World, World Affairs Council of Montana, Missoula, $5,000: The Montana World Affairs Council brings critical international dynamics, global education, cultural competency, and international expertise directly into schools and communities across the state, engaging Montanans in key global issues of the day. This program provides a suite of international distinguished speakers such as diplomats, practitioners and thought leaders in-person and virtually throughout the year.

 Watershed People of Montana and Amazonia, Montana State University Billings, Billings, $6,767: This project will focus on the relationship between rivers and people by bringing Amazonian Indigenous philosopher Rafael Chanchari Pizuri and poet, folklorist and filmmaker Juan Carlos Galeano to Billings for events on how watersheds shape communities, lifeways and narratives. They will also discuss the challenges faced by rural and urban riparian cultures and the role literature and folklore play in adapting to changing conditions.

 Loss & Legacy: Living Forward While Looking Back, Merlin CCC, Helena, $4,000: This dynamic philosophy series will examine what it means to be at the interface of loss and legacy, asking how do we think about grief and our ancestors. This project recognizes the challenges and skills involved with navigating the connected and informative space between loss and legacy. This two panel style symposia will be supplemented by film and community conversations. All events will be free and open to the public.

 First Voices Three Fort Peck Stories: Assiniboine, Chippewa and Sioux, Thresh, Inc., New York, NY, $5,000: First Voices is a digital storytelling project working with students at reservation high schools and Tribal colleges to create digital performances of ancestral stories that are published on an online portal. Students will work with professional artists, tribal elders and storytellers to produce the videos. Stories will be presented in the original Tribal language to create a rich archive for future generations.

 Year of Learning: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Lincoln County Public Libraries, Libby, $1,000: The Year of Learning is a six-session series that will discuss various topics related to equity, diversity and inclusion as they relate to library professionals across Montana. Every other month will highlight a new focus area, with opportunities for Montana library professionals to learn, interact and take action. Attendees will asynchronously explore selected resources and then join in live online discussions of the material.

 No More Violence Week: Parent Nation Community Collaboration, Great Falls Public Library, Great Falls, $1,000: As part of No More Violence Week, the Parent Nation Community Collaboration project will support community book club discussions of Parent Nation by Dana Suskind. Participants will read and then engage in meaningful conversations and reflections with others.

 NBF Presents: Novels that Connect Us, Elk River Arts & Lectures, Livingston, $1,000: This free public event invites the nations most talented writers to talk about their work in ways that draw the community closer together. The event will take place in Livingston May 3, 2023. National Book Awardhonored authors Tess Gunty and Tommy Orange will discuss how interwoven storytelling builds a more collective future in a discussion moderated by Bozeman-based Apsaalooke educator and writer Shane Doyle.

 Author panel discussions, High Plains Book Awards, Billings, $1,000: On October 7, 2023, the High Plains Book Awards will host panel discussions with authors and book finalists at the High Plains Book Festival. Potential topics include Indigenous writers, women writers and youth writers. The panel discussions will expose groups issues and elevate their voices. All events will be free and open to the public.

 Terry School District Civics Class Educational Legislative Experience, Terry, $989: The Terry high school civics class will travel to Helena in March to observe and experience the 2023 legislative session. Students will learn about the history of Helena, meet their Montana representatives and senators, and witness processes involved in creating and approving legislation.

 50 Years of Costumes, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks and the Lewistown Art Center, Lewistown, $1,000: 50 Years of Costumes is a research project and exhibition showcasing the diversity, craftsmanship and creativity of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks costuming. This project highlights the scholarly research of Denise R. Massman, MFA and includes a traveling exhibition of 30 costumes from Montana Shakespeare in the Parks 50-year history and 10 didactic panels with insights on Shakespearian costuming and history. The exhibition will premiere at the Lewistown Art Center April 2023.

Humanities Montana is currently accepting applications from nonprofits and fiscally-sponsored projects for their Opportunity Grants of up to $1,000 and Regular Grants in excess of $1,000. Opportunity Grants are accepted on a rolling basis and the next deadline for Regular Grant applications is April 20.

For eligibility criteria and application details, visit humanitiesmontana.org. A recorded webinar about upcoming grant opportunities is available at humanitiesmontana.org/grants-resources/grant-informational-webinars/. To learn more, contact Humanities Montana Grants Manager Megan Sundy at 406.243.6067 or megan.sundy@humanities.org.
The old Attleboro High School on County Street was built at the start of World War I.
No criminal charges will result from petition fraud allegations that surrounded the ballot measure North Dakota voters approved last fall for term limits on the governor and state lawmakers.

Ward County State's Attorney Roza Larson in January told the state Bureau of Criminal Investigation that her office "will not be pursuing criminal charges."

"There is simply too many unanswered questions and insufficient evidence to prove the offense beyond a reasonable doubt," Larson wrote to BCI Agent Mark Nickel. "Reasonable deductions, probable cause, and appearances are not sufficient at trial."

Attorney General Drew Wrigley released Larson's Jan. 6 letter Thursday in response to a request from the Tribune.

Wrigley had referred the petition fraud investigation last year to Ward County for potential prosecution. Ward County is home to the North Dakota State Fair in Minot, the location of petition activity investigators scrutinized.

History

Organizers of a proposed measure must gather a certain number of valid signatures to bring it to a public vote.

Now-retired Secretary of State Al Jaeger in March 2022 referred the term limit measure's petitions to Wrigley after rejecting about 29,000 signatures due to alleged violations of state law, such as likely forgeries, circulators who were neither North Dakota qualified electors nor U.S. citizens, and offers or payments of bonuses to circulators, among other irregularities.

Jaeger rejecting the signatures initially kept the measure off the ballot.

Wrigley referred the case to Ward County in July. The state crime bureau in August searched petition circulator Charles Tuttle's Minot home, resulting in no arrests but yielding 15 time cards.

Larson said the case lacks witnesses with firsthand knowledge to testify to a jury, and "also missing specifically is the WHO."

"In this matter it is unknown, is if these people were employees of Mr. Tuttle, if he operated a business, and if it was an LLC or other," she wrote.

The fraud allegations reached the state Supreme Court in August, when measure backers sued to force a public vote. The court in September ordered the measure be placed on the ballot.

The court found that Jaeger misapplied the law by excluding signatures on the basis of a determination that a pattern of likely notary violations on some petitions permitted his invalidation of all signatures on all petitions that were sworn before the same notary, Justice Jerod Tufte wrote in the unanimous opinion.

The attorney general and secretary of state after the ruling maintained that fraud occurred in the circulation of petitions to put the term limits measure on the ballot.

Over 63% of voters in North Dakota's November 2022 general election approved of Measure 1 for the term limits of eight years each in the Senate and House of Representatives. The governor cannot be elected to more than two four-year terms. The term limits are not retroactive, meaning current service doesn't count against officeholders. The term limits took effect Jan. 1.

Reaction

Measure Chairman Jared Hendrix told the Tribune on Thursday that Jaeger and Wrigley "ultimately forced a wasteful expenditure of public funds, and forced our hand into a protracted, legal battle."

"The Supreme Court saw right through the unconstitutional actions of the secretary's decision that violated the rights of North Dakota electors, who had affixed their signatures to the term limits petitions," Hendrix said in a text message. "We had every reason during this process to believe we had submitted a sufficient number of signatures, and this is just one more indication of the attempted abuse of power to deny the people the right to vote on this important issue."

Tuttle said, I think the whole thing was fraud on the part of the secretary of state and attorney general. He called the allegations premeditated. He also said Jaeger never attempted to verify any of the signatures, and that state officials never anticipated the Supreme Court doing what they did.

In previous statements to the Tribune Tuttle denied paying bonuses to circulators, saying "We paid on ... an hourly scale. If you reached a certain amount (of signatures), you got paid a higher hourly rate."

State law prohibits paying or offering to pay circulators "on a basis related to the number of signatures obtained for circulating an initiative, referendum, or recall petition."

Wrigley said state's attorneys are "independently elected by voters of their counties, and they make the best judgment that they can based on the evidence. It's not for me to question the decision of another independently elected prosecutor official."

Aftermath

Only one person appears to have met any kind of a penalty for alleged petition fraud: Zeph Toe, a notary public whose commission Jaeger revoked, citing the finding of a state district court judge that "the numerous errors contained within Toes notarized petitions show likely fraud."

North Dakota lawmakers are considering crafting new term limits for themselves and to set the same for all elected executive branch officials, a proposal that would water down what voters passed by vastly extending the years one may serve as governor or in the Legislature.

A House panel that advanced the proposal Wednesday extensively questioned Hendrix, who appeared in opposition to House Concurrent Resolution 3019, by Rep. Jim Kasper, R-Fargo.

Lawmakers grilled Hendrix about the term limits measure's provisions, campaign funding, spending and relationship to the national group, U.S. Term Limits, which seeks term limits on Congress.

Lawmakers also are eyeing proposals to tighten the process for citizen-initiated measures to amend the state constitution.

Constitutional initiatives, such as the one for terms limits and a 2018 measure that created a state Ethics Commission, have vexed lawmakers.

60% measure

Additionally, Stark County State's Attorney Amanda Engelstad in December declined to prosecute alleged petition fraud in the collection of signatures to place on the ballot in 2022 a measure that would have required a 60% majority vote to approve constitutional initiatives and to limit such measures to one subject.

Engelstad told the BCI she doesn't believe the cases "are provable beyond a reasonable doubt." The Tribune requested and received her letter from Wrigley on Thursday.

Measure organizers didn't challenge Jaeger's findings.
SEAN BERGEL, Wheeler, Baseball, Junior; Bergel struck out eight and allowed only five hits as Wheeler defeated Griswold in its season opener. Bergel walked just one batter and allowed two earned runs.

CAMI BROWN, Stonington, Softball, Junior; Brown finished 11 for 16 in four games for the Bears. Brown doubled four times, tripled twice and drove in nine runs.

CASEY MACERA, Westerly, Girls Lacrosse, Freshman, Macera scored five goals in a Division III win against Rocky Hill. Westerly ended a 15-game losing streak with the victory.

ADAM CARPENTER, Chariho, Baseball, Sophomore; Carpenter pitched a two-hitter in his varsity debut as the Chargers beat East Providence. Carpenter carried a no-hitter into the sixth. He struck out 10 and did not walk a batter.

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Passaic firefighters were on the scene of a three-alarm fire at the newly renovated Brook Haven Mall in Passaic, Thursday morning. The new Aisle One Kosher supermarket is part of the mall.

According to fire officials, the fire began at approximately 9:15 am in the basement and spread to the loading dock area. Passaic Fire Chief Pat Trentacost noted that the mall had a sprinkler system, which was functioning correctly.

Passaic Mayor Hector Lora stated that the police department had evacuated several individuals from the malls Aisle One, a kosher supermarket. The mayor added that the fire seems to have originated in the neighboring factory, with both complexes sharing basements.

Sources tell YWN that the fire is pretty much out, but there is a smoke condition in the basements which is difficult to ventilate. Additionally, Aisle One was not affected by the fire.

The Brook Haven Mall, which was home to Passaic Metal Ware Co, a 100-plus-year-old industrial complex, underwent renovation and re-opened in July 2021. The mixed-use development currently houses a supermarket, a bookstore, a liquor store, a restaurant, and three clothing stores.

Brook Haven CEO Mark Raider told NorhJersey.com that there was a fire incident in an unfinished part of the building. He expressed his gratitude to the Passaic police and fire departments for their prompt response and professionalism. Mutual aid was provided from Clifton, Paterson, and Wallington to help battle the blaze.

One firefighter was taken to a local hospital for minor injuries.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)




Active-service members and veterans provided firsthand testimony Wednesday about the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, describing in harrowing detail the carnage and death they witnessed on the ground while imploring Congress to help the allies left behind.

Former Marine Sgt. Tyler Vargas-Andrews testified to Congress about the stench of human flesh under a large plume of smoke as the screams of children, women and men filled the space around Kabuls airport after two suicide bombers attacked crowds of Afghans.

The withdrawal was a catastrophe in my opinion. And there was an inexcusable lack of accountability, said Vargas-Andrews, who wore a prosthetic arm and scars of his own grave wounds from the bombing.

I see the faces of all of those we could not save, those we left behind, Aidan Gunderson, an Army medic who was stationed at Abbey Gate, testified. I wonder if our Afghan allies fled to safety or they were killed by the Taliban.

The initial hearing of a long-promised investigation by House Republicans displayed the open wounds from the end of Americas longest war in August 2021, with witnesses recalling how they saw mothers carrying dead babies and the Taliban shooting and brutally beating people.

It was the first of what is expected to be a series of Republican-led hearings examining the Biden administrations handling of the withdrawal. Taliban forces seized the Afghan capital, Kabul, far more rapidly than U.S. intelligence had foreseen as American forces pulled out. Kabuls fall turned the Wests withdrawal into a rout, with Kabuls airport the center of a desperate air evacuation guarded by U.S. forces temporarily deployed for the task.

The majority of witnesses argued to Congress that the fall of Kabul was an American failure with blame touching every presidential administration from George W. Bush to Joe Biden. Testimony focused not on the decision to withdraw, but on what witnesses depicted as a desperate attempt to rescue American citizens and Afghan allies with little U.S. planning and inadequate U.S. support.

America is building a nasty reputation for multi-generational systemic abandonment of our allies where we leave a smoldering human refuse from the Montagnards of Vietnam to the Kurds in Syria, retired Lt. Col. Scott Mann testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

He added, Our veterans know something else that this committee might do well to consider: We might be done with Afghanistan, but its not done with us.

Vargas-Andrews sobbed as he told lawmakers of being thwarted in an attempt to stop the single deadliest moment in the U.S. evacuation  a suicide bombing that killed 170 Afghans and 13 U.S. servicemen and women.

Vargas-Andrews said Marines and others aiding in the evacuation operation were given descriptions of men believed to be plotting an attack before it occurred. He said he and others spotted two men matching the descriptions and behaving suspiciously, and eventually had them in their rifle scopes, but never received a response about whether to take action.

No one was held accountable, Vargas-Andrews told Rep. Mike McCaul, R-Texas, the chairman of the committee. No one was, and no one is, to this day.

U.S. Central Commands investigation concluded in October 2021 that given the worsening security situation at Abbey Gate as Afghans became increasingly desperate to flee, the attack was not preventable at the tactical level without degrading the mission to maximize the number of evacuees. However, that investigation did not look into whether the bomber could have been stopped or whether Marines on the ground had the appropriate authorities to engage.

Defense Department spokesman Lt. Col. Rob Lodewick said Wednesday that the Pentagons earlier review of the suicide attack had turned up neither any advance identification of a possible attacker nor any requests for an escalation to existing rules of engagement governing use of force by U.S. troops.

McCaul has been deeply critical of the Biden administrations handling of the withdrawal. What happened in Afghanistan was a systemic breakdown of the federal government at every level, and a stunning failure of leadership by the Biden administration, he said.

Last month, U.S. Inspector-General for Afghanistan John Sopko concluded again that actions taken by both the Trump and Biden administrations were key to the sudden collapse of the Afghan government and military, even before U.S. forces completed their withdrawal in August 2021.

That includes President Donald Trumps one-sided withdrawal deal with the Taliban, and the abruptness of Bidens withdrawal of both U.S. contractors and troops from Afghanistan, stranding an Afghan air force that previous administrations had failed to make self-supporting.

The report blamed each U.S. administration since American forces invaded in 2001 for constantly changing, inconsistent policies that strived for quick fixes and withdrawal from Afghanistan rather than a steady effort to build a capable, sustainable Afghan military.

The witnesses testifying Wednesday urged action to help the hundreds of thousands of Afghan allies who worked alongside U.S. soldiers and who are now in limbo in the U.S. and back in Afghanistan.

If I leave this committee with only one thought its this: Its not too late, said Peter Lucier, a Marine veteran who now works at Team America Relief, which has assisted thousands of Afghans in relocating. Were going to talk a lot today about all the mistakes that were made, leading up to that day, but urgent action right now will save so many lives.

One of those solutions discussed Wednesday would be creating a pathway to citizenship for the nearly 76,000 Afghans who worked with American soldiers since 2001 as translators, interpreters and partners. Those people arrived in the U.S. on military planes after the withdrawal and the government admitted the refugees on a temporary parole status as part of Operation Allies Welcome, the largest resettlement effort in the country in decades, with the promise of a path to a life in the U.S. for their service.

Congress began a bipartisan effort to pass the Afghan Adjustment Act, which would have prevented Afghans from becoming stranded without legal residency status when their two years of humanitarian parole expire in August. The proposal would have enabled qualified Afghans to apply for U.S. citizenship, as was done for refugees in the past, including those from Cuba, Vietnam and Iraq.

But that effort stalled in the Senate late last year due to opposition from Republicans.

If we dont set politics aside and pursue accountability and lessons learned to address this grievous moral injury on our military community and right the wrongs that have been inflicted on our most at-risk Afghan allies, this colossal foreign policy will follow us home and ultimately draw us right back into the graveyard of empires where it all started, Mann, the retired green beret, said to lawmakers.

(AP)




Federal investigators are opening a wide-ranging investigation into one of the nations biggest railroads following a fiery derailment on the Ohio-Pennsylvania border last month and several other accidents involving Norfolk Southern, including the death of a train conductor Tuesday.

The National Transportation Safety Board said on Tuesday it will begin a broad look at the companys safety culture  the first such investigation within the rail industry since 2014. The board said it has sent investigation teams to look into five significant accidents involving Norfolk Southern since December 2021.

The agency also urged the company to take immediate action to review and assess its safety practices.

The Federal Railroad Administration also announced its own investigation of Norfolk Southern on Tuesday. The administration will issue a public report after conducting a 60-day safety assessment, according to a release from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

In the release, the railroad administration said Norfolk Southern must go beyond the steps it announced Monday and take actions that match the severity of recent incidents.

Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw pledged to hold a series of companywide safety meetings Wednesday  one day ahead of when he is scheduled to testify in Congress at a hearing on the East Palestine, Ohio, derailment.

Moving forward, we are going to rebuild our safety culture from the ground up, he said in a statement. We are going to invest more in safety. This is not who we are, it is not acceptable, and it will not continue.

In response to the Ohio derailment, the railroad on Monday announced plans to improve the use of detectors placed along railroad tracks to spot overheating bearings and other problems.

Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board said the crew operating the train that derailed Feb. 3 outside East Palestine, Ohio, got a warning from such a detector but couldnt stop the train before more than three dozen cars came off the tracks and caught fire.

Half of the town of about 5,000 people had to evacuate for days when responders intentionally burned toxic chemicals in some of the derailed cars to prevent an uncontrolled explosion, leaving residents with lingering health concerns. Government officials say tests havent found dangerous levels of chemicals in the air or water in the area.

Within the industry, Norfolk Southern has had a strong reputation for being a safe railroad over the years, said Christopher Barkan, director of the Rail Transportation and Engineering Center at the University of Illinois.

Federal Railroad Administration statistics show accidents involving Norfolk Southern is down since 2019, but the rate of accidents is up over the past decade. The 119 derailments involving Norfolk Southern last year was the lowest number in the last decade. Industrywide, there were more than 1,000 derailments last year.

But pressure has been mounting on the railroad in the aftermath of the East Palestine disaster.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told the nations freight railroads in February to immediately act to improve safety while regulators were focusing on strengthening safety rules. Buttigieg said the department will hold the railroad accountable for any safety violations that contributed to the Feb. 3 crash.

President Joe Biden said on Twitter after the derailment that the past pattern of railroads resisting safety regulations must change and that Congress should support the effort to improve safety.

Even though government data shows that derailments have declined in recent years, there were still 1,049 of them last year.

While most dont cause any major problems, of the five accidents the National Transportation Safety Board pointed to involving Norfolk Southern since the end of 2021, three resulted in the deaths of three workers.

On Saturday, no one was hurt when a Norfolk Southern freight train derailed near Springfield, Ohio.

In the latest incident Tuesday, a train and a dump truck collided at a steel plant in Cleveland, killing the train conductor who was standing on the outside of a car, authorities said. The company said the cause of that accident was not yet known.

Eddie Hall, president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen union that represents the worker who was killed, said the death is a reminder of the need for safety improvements.

All railroad accidents are avoidable, Hall said. This collision underscores the need for significant improvements in rail safety for both workers and the public.

(AP)
A complation of footage showing East Cleveland officers assaulting locals

11 police officers East Cleveland, Ohio, were indicted this week after being filmed violently attacking suspects and destroying evidence. In one video a police officer appears to ram another motorist, to precipitate a brutal arrest in which the driver's pelvis was broken. Dozens of charges were filedmany based on what's seen in the officers' own bodycam footage.

East Cleveland, population 13,000, is adjacent to the much-larger city of Cleveland.

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O'Malley said there are a total of 16 officers charged in the investigation in the last six months.




The recent kidnapping of four Americans in Mexico highlights a common practice for many people in the U.S.: traveling to other countries for medical care that either is not available at home or costs a lot less.

The four were abducted  leading to the deaths of two  during a trip to Mexico that one relative said was for cosmetic surgery.

People leave the U.S. for dental procedures, plastic surgery, cancer treatments and prescription drugs, experts say. Besides Mexico, other common destinations include Canada, India and Thailand.

Heres a closer look at the practice.

MEDICAL TOURISM GROWING

Medical tourism has been growing in popularity for years, according to Lydia Gan, an economist at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke who studies the practice.

This travel is popular with people who have no health insurance or plans that make them pay thousands of dollars before coverage begins.

Big employers also sometimes send people covered by their insurance to other countries for hip or knee replacements or bariatric surgery. Some also send people to Mexico for expensive prescription drugs.

Cost is a huge factor. Care in countries like Mexico can be more than 50% cheaper than it is in the United States, according to Jonathan Edelheit, CEO of the non-profit Medical Tourism Association, an industry trade group.

And cosmetic surgeries, like tummy tucks that cost thousands of dollars, are largely uncovered by U.S. health insurers.

Patients also sometimes travel because they can get quicker access to some care outside the U.S. They also may want to seek treatment from a doctor who speaks their language or comes from the same culture.

MILLIONS OF TRIPS

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says millions of U.S. residents travel abroad for care annually.

Researcher Arturo Bustamante estimates that roughly 400,000 people traveled from the U.S. to Mexico each year for care before COVID-19 hit. The University of California, Los Angeles health policy professor said the number dropped under pandemic stay-at-home orders but then quickly rebounded.

Most of the people visiting Mexico for care are Mexican or Latino immigrants living in the United States, he said.

Non-Latino patients mainly cross the border for dental work, to buy prescription drugs or receive care like plastic surgery or some cancer treatments not covered in the U.S.

WEIGHING RISKS

Patients can take steps to lessen risks of receiving care in another country.

They should heed U.S. government travel alerts about their intended destinations, Edelheit said.

Trip safety also can be enhanced if a medical tourism agent works with the patient, Gan noted. Hospitals or care providers often will have someone pick patients up at the airport and take them to their doctor appointment or hotel.

Patients also should do research on care quality before looking at prices, Edelheit said. They should learn where their potential doctor received training and look for any accreditations or certifications.

They really need to make sure they are going with the best of the best, he said.

The risk for patients may not end after the procedure. If someone has complications after returning home, it may be hard for their U.S. doctor to learn the details about the care received during a trip.

Patients also may find it difficult to sue their doctor or hospital in Mexico, Bustamante said.

Navigating the system is usually complicated, he said.

(AP)




In the past month, bed and breakfast owner Chen Yu-lin had to tell his guests he couldnt provide them with the internet.

Others living on Matsu, one of Taiwans outlying islands closer to neighboring China, had to struggle with paying electricity bills, making a doctors appointment or receiving a package.

For connecting to the outside world, Matsus 14,000 residents rely on two submarine internet cables leading to Taiwans main island. The National Communications Commission, citing the islands telecom service, blamed two Chinese ships for cutting the cables. It said a Chinese fishing vessel is suspected of severing the first cable some 50 kilometers (31 miles) out at sea. Six days later, on Feb. 8, a Chinese cargo ship cut the second, NCC said.

Taiwans government stopped short of calling it a deliberate act on the part of Beijing, and there was no direct evidence to show the Chinese ships were responsible.

The islanders in the meantime were forced to hook up to a limited internet via microwave radio transmission, a more mature technology, as backup. It means one could wait hours to send a text. Calls would drop, and videos were unwatchable.

A lot of tourists would cancel their booking because theres no internet. Nowadays, the internet plays a very large role in peoples lives, said Chen, who lives in Beigan, one of Matsus main residential islands.

Apart from disrupting lives, the loss of the internet cables, seemingly innocuous, has huge implications for national security.

As the full-scale invasion of Ukraine has shown, Russia has made taking out internet infrastructure one of the key parts of its strategy. Some experts suspect China may have cut the cables deliberately as part of its harassment of the self-ruled island it considers part of its territory, to be reunited by force if necessary.

China regularly sends warplanes and navy ships toward Taiwan as part of tactics to intimidate the islands democratic government. Concerns about Chinas invasion, and Taiwans preparedness to withstand it, have increased since the war in Ukraine.

The cables had been cut a total of 27 times in the past five years, but it was unclear which country the vessels hailed from, based on data from Chunghwa Telecom.

Taiwans coast guard gave chase to the fishing vessel that cut the first cable on Feb. 2, but it went back to Chinese waters, according to an official who was briefed on the incident and was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. Authorities found two Chinese ships in the area where the cables were cut, based on automated identification system data, similar to GPS, which shows a vessels location.

We cant rule out that China destroyed these on purpose, said Su Tzu-yun, a defense expert at the government think tank, Institute for National Defense and Security Research, citing a research that only China and Russia had the technical capabilities to do this. Taiwan needs to invest more resources in repairing and protecting the cables.

Internet cables, which can be anywhere between 20 millimeters to 30 millimeters (0.79 inches to 1.18 inches) wide, are encased in steel armor in shallow waters where theyre more likely to run into ships. Despite the protection, cables can get cut quite easily by ships and their anchors, or fishing boats using steel nets.

Even so, this level of breakage is highly unusual for a cable, even in the shallow waters of the Taiwan Strait, said Geoff Huston, chief scientist at Asia Pacific Network Information Centre, a non-profit that manages and distributes Internet resources like IP addresses for the region.

Without a stable internet, coffee shop owner Chiu Sih-chi said seeing the doctor for his toddler sons cold became a hassle because first they had to visit the hospital to just get an appointment.

A breakfast shop owner said she lost thousands of dollars in the past few weeks because she usually takes online orders. Customers would come to her stall expecting the food to be ready when she hadnt even seen their messages.

Faced with unusual difficulties, Matsu residents came up with all sorts of ways to organize their lives.

One couple planned to deal with the coming peak season by having one person stay in Taiwan to access their reservation system and passing the information on to the other via text messages. Wife Lin Hsian-wen extended her vacation in Taiwan during the off-season when she heard the internet back home wasnt working and is returning to Matsu later in the week.

Some enterprising residents went across to the other shore to buy SIM cards from Chinese telecoms, though those only work well in the spots closer to the Chinese coast, which is only 10 kilometers (6.21 miles) away at its closest point.

Others, like the bed and breakfast owner Tsao Li-yu, would go to Chunghwa Telecoms office to use a Wi-Fi hot spot the company had set up for locals to use in the meantime.

I was going to work at (Chunghwa Telecom), Tsao joked.

Chunghwa had set up microwave transmission as backup for the residents. Broadcast from Yangmingshan, a mountain just outside of Taipei, Taiwans capital, the relay beams the signals some 200 kilometers (124 miles) across to Matsu. Since Sunday, speeds were noticeably faster, residents said.

Wang Chung Ming, the head of Lienchiang County, as the Matsu islands are officially called, said he and the legislator from Matsu went to Taipei shortly after the internet broke down to ask for help, and was told they would get priority in any future internet backup plans.

Taiwans Ministry of Digital Affairs publicly asked for bids from low-Earth orbit satellite operators to provide the internet in a backup plan, after seeing Russias cyberattacks in the invasion of Ukraine, the head of the ministry, Audrey Tang, told The Washington Post last fall. Yet, the plan remains stalled as a law in Taiwan requires the providers to be at least 51% owned by a domestic shareholder.

A spokesperson for the Digital Ministry directed questions about the progress of backup plans to the National Communications Commission. NCC said it will install a surveillance system for the undersea cables, while relying on microwave transmission as a backup option.

Many Pacific island nations, before they started using internet cables, depended on satellites  and some still do  as backup, said Jonathan Brewer, a telecommunications consultant from New Zealand who works across Asia and the Pacific.

Theres also the question of cost. Repairing the cables is expensive, with an early estimate of $30 million New Taiwan Dollars ($1 million) for the work of the ships alone.

The Chinese boats that damaged the cables should be held accountable and pay compensation for the highly expensive repairs, said Wen Lii, the head of the Matsu chapter of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party.

Wang, the head of Lienchiang County, said he had mentioned the cables on a recent visit to China, where he had met an executive from China Mobile. They offered to send technicians to help. But compensation, he said, will require providing hard proof on who did it.

Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office did not respond to a faxed request for comment.

For now, the only thing residents can do is wait. The earliest cable-laying ships can come is April 20, because there are a limited number of vessels that can do the job.

A month without functional internet has its upsides too. Chen Yu-lin, the bed and breakfast owner, has felt more at peace.

It was hard in the first week, but Chen quickly got used to it. From a life perspective, I think its much more comfortable because you get fewer calls, he said, adding he was spending more time with his son, who usually is playing games online.

At a web cafe where off-duty soldiers were playing offline games, the effect was the same.

Our relationships have become a bit closer, said one soldier who only gave his first name, Samuel. Because normally when theres internet, everyone keeps to themselves, and now were more connected.

(AP)




New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who had once declared that illegal immigrants were welcome to come to his sanctuary city, is now raging mad at Vice President Kamala Harris, who was charged by President Joe Biden in May 2021 with solving the border crisis.

There needs to be an individual who is dedicated to do the decompression strategy for the federal government. Someone should be at these entry points: El Paso, Brownsville, Texas, and others, too, to organize a real decompression strategy across the entire country, Adams said.

One person should, we should be looking at  it is often stated that as the role of the VP has too much in her portfolio to be focused on just doing that decompression strategy. If not, the decompression strategy cant be New York City.

Adams comments can be understood to either mean that Harris has bungled the response to the border crisis, or that Biden has overloaded her with responsibilities and she is thus unable to spend the time necessary to find a solution.

Well let the mayors comments from yesterday speak for themselves, an Adams spokesman said Wednesday, though a source told the NY Post that Adams was fed up specifically with Harris.

Its been frustrating to not have a point person on topic thats senior enough to make adjustments in response to the crisis on the ground. The main contact has been [the Department of] Homeland Security, the source said.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)




Left-wing anarchists continue to demonstrate against the Netanyahu government as widespread protests were launched across the country Thursday morning as part of a Resistance Day.

Protesters, including IDF reservists, broke into the offices of the conservative think-tank Kohelet Policy Forum in the Givat Shaul neighborhood of Jerusalem and blocked the front entrance with barbed wire and sacks filled with cement and sand.

The protesters then demonstrated outside the building, shouting at any employees who showed up to the office. When the director, Meir Rubin, showed up, they screamed at him: Traitor, traitor.

The police, who were called to the scene, arrested six of the protesters for entering the building illegally and disturbing the public.

The head of the Movement for Quality Government in Israel stated: The break-in to the Kohelet Forum is not the crossing of a red line but a black line. Without any butssimply a black line that is forbidden to cross. Civil society organizations are the soul of a democratic state just like an independent and strong judiciary and they should not be harmed under any circumstances.

The activists stated: The Kohelet Forum is an extreme right-wing, nationalist and messianic organization. It strives for a Jewish state that discriminates against women and minimizes democracy in order to realize its vision of a messianic dictatorship, a dark religious state with apartheid and annexation of the territories. [Chairman of the Consitution Committee] Rothman and [Justice Minister] Levin are the executors of its frightening vision for the State of Israel.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




Protests against the Netanyahu government were launched across Israel on Thursday as part of what the protesters have dubbed as Resistance Day, with protesters blocking traffic at Ben-Gurion airport, as well as traffic on major highways and intersections across the country and sailing routes at the Haifa port

Protesters focused their efforts on Ben-Gurion Airport due to the scheduled flight of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to Italy at 2 p.m. The prime minister arrived at the airport in a helicopter due to the protests.

Hundreds of protesters at the airport managed to block the access road to Terminal 3, despite the police announcing that it would have zero tolerance toward protesters blocking traffic at the airport.

The police announced beforehand that anyone blocking traffic at the airport would be fined NIS 500 and four points on their license.

Netanyahu and his wife arriving at the airport in a helicopter:

Protests in Tel Aviv:

Meanwhile, protesters in Haifa blocked maritime traffic at the port in a protest flotilla.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




Russia launched a massive barrage of missiles and drones that hit residential buildings and critical infrastructure across Ukraine on Thursday, killing six people, leaving hundreds of thousands without heat or electricity, and knocking a nuclear plant off the power grid for hours. It was the largest such attack in three weeks.

Air raid sirens wailed through the night, as the attacks targeted a wide swath of the country, including in western Ukraine, which is far from the front lines. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the barrage that came while many people slept was an attempt by Moscow to intimidate Ukrainians again.

The Russian Defense Ministry said the strikes were in retaliation for a recent incursion into the Bryansk region of western Russia by what Moscow claimed were Ukrainian saboteurs. Ukraine denied the claim and warned that Moscow could use the allegations to justify stepping up its own assaults.

The war has largely ground to a stalemate on the battlefield over the winter. The Kremlins forces started targeting Ukraines power supply last October in an apparent attempt to demoralize the civilian population and compel Kyiv to negotiate peace on Moscows terms. The attacks later became less frequent, with analysts speculating Russia may have been running low on ammunition. The last major bombardment took place on Feb. 16.

Overall, Russia launched 81 missiles and eight exploding Iranian-made Shahed drones Thursday, according to Ukraines chief commander of the armed forces, Valerii Zaluzhnyi. Thirty-four missiles were intercepted, as were four drones, he said.

Among the weapons were six hypersonic Kinzhal cruise missiles, Ukrainian air force spokesman Yurii Ihnat said.

The Russian Defense Ministry said the barrage hit military and industrial targets in Ukraine as well as the energy facilities that supply them.

Nearly half of households in the capital of Kyiv were without heat, as were many in Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, where the water was also cut on a day the low was expected to be around freezing, according to local officials.

Around 150,000 households were left without power in Ukraines northwestern Zhytomyr region. In the southern port of Odesa, emergency blackouts occurred due to damaged power lines.

Viktor Bukhta, a 57-year-old resident of Kyivs Sviatoshynski district, where officials said three people were wounded, said a missile landed nearby in the early morning.

We went into the yard. People were injured, he said. Then the cars caught fire. We tried to extinguish them with car fire extinguishers. And I got a little burned.

As a result of the attack, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is occupied by Russian forces, had to switch to diesel generators, according to nuclear state operator Energoatom. Hours later, Ukraines power grid operator Ukrenergo said the plant was reconnected to the grid.

Its the sixth time that Europes largest nuclear plant has been in a state of blackout since it was taken over by Russia months ago. Nuclear plants need constant power to run cooling systems and avoid a meltdown.

The diesel generators can run the station for 10 days, but the frequent shutdowns have raised fears about the possibility of a catastrophe at Zaporizhzhia.

The head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog said he was astonished by the complacency of members of the organization he leads, the International Atomic Energy Agency.

What are we doing to prevent this happening? We are the IAEA, we are meant to care about nuclear safety, Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi told its board of directors in a meeting Thursday, according to a statement from the organization.

Each time we are rolling a dice, he said. And if we allow this to continue time after time, then one day our luck will run out.

The agency has placed teams of experts at all four of Ukraines nuclear power plants to reduce the risk of severe accidents.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba was scathing about the attack, tweeting: No military objective, just Russian barbarism.

Kyivs city administration said the capital was attacked with both missiles and exploding drones. Many were intercepted, but its energy infrastructure was hit.

Smoke could be seen rising from a facility in Kyivs Holosiivskyi district and police had cordoned off all roads leading to it.

Three men and two women were killed in the western region of Lviv after a missile struck a residential area, Gov. Maksym Kozytskyi said. Three buildings were destroyed by fire, and rescue workers were combing through rubble looking for more possible victims, he said.

A sixth person was killed and two others wounded in multiple strikes in the Dnipropetrovsk region that targeted its energy infrastructure and industrial facilities, Gov. Serhii Lysak said.

Aside from the hail of missiles, Russian shelling killed six other civilians from Wednesday to Thursday, Ukrainian officials said, including three people at a bus stop in Kherson.

(AP)
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NYCs Mayor Eric Adams was in attendance at My Extended Familys Annual Staff Appreciation evening. Noting the energy of the dedicated team from across the Tri State Area, providing full service support groups for children in Crown Heights, Five Towns, Monsey, Teaneck and Flatbush, and now Boro Park, in addition to offering after school programming, trips, events, one on one mentoring with high school students and licensed clinicians for families, the Mayor was deeply moved.

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WATCH:


Wandisco has slashed revenue expectations and requested its shares be suspended after unearthing 'significant, sophisticated and potentially fraudulent irregularities' in its sales data.

The cloud data specialist, which just last week revealed plans to list its shares in the US in a bid to attract a higher valuation, told investors on Thursday the 'irregularities' give rise to a potential material mis-statement of its financial position.

Wandisco could now post sales as low as $9million (7.6million), around 60 per cent lower than previous forecasts of $24million, and the group now 'has no confidence' in its full-year bookings expectations, it said.

Shares in cloud data firm Wandisco have been suspended as potential fraud uncovered

The group is now conducting an investigation with external legal and professional advisers into 'the nature of this activity and its true financial position', Wandisco said, and has requested its shares be suspended from trading on AIM in the meantime.

Wandisco said: 'Following investigations undertaken by the CFO and CEO, and as reported to the board of directors of the company, significant, sophisticated and potentially fraudulent irregularities with regard to received purchase orders and related revenue and bookings, as represented by one senior sales employee, have been discovered.

'These irregularities give rise to a potential material mis-statement of the company's financial position.

'The identification of these irregularities will significantly impact the company's cash position and lead to a material uncertainty regarding its overall financial position and significant going concern issues.'

Wandisco shares, which are now suspended, were sitting at 1,324.4p at last night's close - reflecting growth of more than 360 per cent over one year.

Victoria Scholar, head of investment at Interactive Investor: 'These potentially fraudulent irregularities represented by one senior sale employee could be a financial disaster for Wandisco.

'It has already highlighted that sales could be less than half of its prior expectation and its financial outlook has been questioned. At the request of the company, shares trading on AIM have been temporarily suspended while an investigation with external legal and professional advisers is underway.

'After an impressive share price performance since the start of the year, up 43 per cent, this black swan event has the potential to sharply derail its bullish trajectory and result in a significant negative rerating to the stock's valuation, depending on the outcome of the findings.

The company, which has headquarters both in Sheffield and San Ramon, California, and is listed on London's junior market, confirmed last week it is in 'the early stages of proactively' exploring an additional US listing.

It followed shortly after cold shoulders were offered to the London markets by Arm and CRH, sparking concerns about the capital's waning capacity to attract big business.

Wandisco operates across the world, but its biggest market by revenue is North America.
Harbour Energy's boss has claimed a near 700 per cent surge in profit for 2022 was 'all but wiped out' by the UK's windfall tax on oil and gas companies.

The group, which is the North Sea's biggest producer, said its annual pre-tax profit had surged from $315million in 2021 to a whopping $2.5billion in 2022, representing an increase of 682 per cent.

After-tax, however, its profits slipped from $101million in 2021 to just $8million last year.

Wipe-out: Linda Cook, the boss of Harbour Energy, said the UK's windfall tax had all but wiped out its profits

Harbour has paid $205million in UK windfall tax since it was introduced back in May 2022, according to the group.

But its total tax bill swelled to $2.5billion last year, up from $213million a year earlier.

This included taxes of just over $700million, along with a one-off tax charge of $1.5billion related to the energy profits levy. This is, in effect, money set aside to cover likely windfall tax costs between now and 2028.

Linda Cook, the company's chief executive, said: 'In our first full year as a publicly listed company, Harbour delivered materially higher production which - together with improved margins - enabled us to continue to deleverage and make material shareholder distributions.

'However, the UK Energy Profits Levy, which applies irrespective of actual or realised commodity prices, has disproportionately impacted the UK-focused independent oil and gas companies that are critical for domestic energy security.

'For Harbour, the UK's largest oil and gas producer, it has all but wiped out our profit for the year. This has driven us to reduce our UK investment and staffing levels. Given the fiscal instability and outlook for investment in the country, it has also reinforced our strategic goal to grow and diversify internationally.'

Savings from a reorganisation of its British business, including significant job cuts, would come to around $40million a year from 2024, Ms Cook added. She said it was too early to say how many jobs would be lost.

However, the group also announced plans on Thursday to launch a $200million share buyback after higher oil prices helped its free cashflow triple to $2.1billion.

Harbour Energy shares rose today and were up 0.84 per cent or 2.40p to 289.30p this afternoon, having fallen over 26 per cent in the last year.

On dividends, Harbour said today: 'Proposed final dividend of $100million (12 cents per share) for 2022, in line with $200million annual dividend policy; given our buybacks, this represents dividend per share growth of nine per cent.'

In its annual results today, Harbour said total remuneration for 'key management personnel, including Directors of the Group' came in at $15.8million for 2022, against $19.3million the year before.

Harbour, which pumps around 200,000 barrels of oil a day, and also has operations in Norway, Mexico, Indonesia and Vietnam, was formed in 2021 from a merger of Chrysaor and Premier Oil.

Energy giants like BP and Shell have reported huge profits for 2022, driven by surging prices. Today it was revealed that Shell's former chief executive, Ben van Beurden, raked in a pay package of 9.7million last year, up 53 per cent from 2021.

Share shifts: Harbour Energy, which has said it is cutting UK jobs, has seen its shares fall by a quarter in the last 12 months

Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets UK, said: 'The decision by the UK government to implement a windfall tax last year has been ruinous for the Harbour Energy share price over the last 12 months, sliding from highs of just over 520p last April, they hit a low of 270p back in February, just shy of their record lows of 260p back in 2020, and hasnt recovered since then.'

He added: 'While the decision to rethink its UK investment plans is not surprising, it is depressingly predictable given current government policy, and while the government will welcome the tax windfall, one can't help feeling that at a time of energy insecurity, penalising small oil and gas producers like Harbour sends completely the wrong message.

'Judging by some of the recent mood music being heard from various businesses across the UK, it is a message that is being heard loud and clear and they are not investing, or even worse they are leaving.

'If you take the decision to overtax businesses, especially small ones, dont be surprised if they choose to walk away.'

Meanwhile, Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: 'This situation is unlikely to engender a great deal of sympathy, particularly for those who are struggling with the cost of heating their homes.

'Whether cynical or not  amplifying what is essentially an accounting decision helps make Harbours case that UK oil and gas companies are being squeezed too hard.

'That doesnt mean its argument should not be taken seriously. Tax on oil and gas in the UK is complex and has been subject to lots of changes over the years. This does make it difficult for companies to commit to long-term investment plans. Harbour is backing up its strong words with action, reducing its headcount in the UK and announcing plans to reduce domestic activity and ramp up overseas operations.

'Given businesses like Harbour Energy have the option of investing elsewhere, there is a risk of the UKs energy security being undermined by understandable moves to tax profit which was indisputably boosted by the knock-on effects of the invasion of Ukraine.'
Having experienced Elon's Twitter, you may soon have the opportunity to live in a city run on his logic. The Wall Street Journal reports Elon "Pedo Guy" Musk is looking to develop his own town. Described as a "Texas utopia," I can only guess what that may be! Reportedly, the town will be called Snailbrook, and perhaps, as unlikely as it seems, by running his own company-town Musk may develop the skills necessary to lead his mission to mars.

Remember Fordlandia?

WSJ:
PageGroup expects candidate shortages and high levels of vacancies to persist, despite a challenging macroeconomic climate.

The recruitment group, which operates in 40 countries, said hiring in temporary and contract jobs improved in the second half of last year, performing better than the recruitment of permanent roles, a trend seen during times of economic uncertainty.

The London-listed firm posted a more than 16 per cent upturn in operating profit to 196.1million for the year ending 31 December, slightly ahead of forecasts.

Prospects: PageGroup has said it expects candidate shortages and high levels of vacancies to persist

Page, based in Weybridge, Surrey, proposed a final dividend of 10.76p per share, up from a 10.30p a share payment the previous year.

China, a key market in Page's Asian operations, only lifted strict pandemic-related restrictions in December, while a raft of major US-based technology firms have started or are set for massive layoffs, as companies look to rein in costs to ride out the economic downturn.

Page's rivals Hays and Robert Walters have flagged challenging market conditions, while Amsterdam-based Randstad warned that recruiting had slowed as companies brace for a looming recession.

Nicholas Kirk, the group's boss, said: '2022 was a record year for the Group for both gross profit and operating profit. Gross profit grew 20.2 per cent in constant currencies vs. 2021, and in 27 countries we delivered our best performance on record, demonstrating the strength of our globally diversified business model.

'Our strong focus on productivity resulted in significant gains in H1 2022 producing an H1 conversion rate of 21.4 per cent. In H2, our Greater China business was impacted significantly by the Covid lockdowns and restrictions.'

He added: 'Looking forward, there remains a high level of global macro-economic and political uncertainty in the majority of our markets.

'However, against this backdrop, we continue to see candidate shortages and good levels of vacancies. Given our highly diversified and adaptable business model, with a variable cost base and a strong balance sheet, we believe we are well-positioned to weather the uncertainty and continue to deliver strong shareholder returns.'

The group said it had a cash stash of 131.5million by the end of the period, down from 154million at the same point the previous year.

Page shares fell today and were down 0.76 per cent or 3.60p to 470.60p this afternoon.

Last month Hays posted a lower interim profit due to tougher trading conditions in China and the US.

Hays said volumes in its temporary and contracting arm were growing in line with normal trends this year, but flagged challenging conditions in its recruitment of permanent roles.

The group also revealed it was on the lookout for a successor to long-serving boss Alistair Cox.

The company, which focuses heavily on white-collar roles and counts technology as its biggest sector, reported a near 5 per cent drop in operating profit to 97million for the six months ending 31 December, which was at the top end of the company's forecast range.
Montreal, Canada teacher Neall Epstein, 45, got into the latest of many arguments with his neighbor Michael Naccache , 34, that culminated with Naccache allegedly holding a power tool in a "menacing way" and threatening him. Epstein responded by flipping him the double birds and walked away. Police later arrested Epstein. But when the case finally made it to court, Quebec Judge Dennis Galiatsatos not only ruled in Epstein's favor but was annoyed that he was even arrested. From CTV News:

"To be abundantly clear, it is not a crime to give someone the finger," the judge wrote in his Feb. 24 ruling. "Flipping the proverbial bird is a God-given, Charter-enshrined right that belongs to every red-blooded Canadian. It may not be civil, it may not be polite, it may not be gentlemanly. Nevertheless, it does not trigger criminal liability." []

Naccache alleged that Epstein also made a throat-slashing gesture and said he feared Epstein would come back and try to kill him  claims that the judge did not accept.

"On what basis did he fear that Mr. Epstein was a potential murderer? The fact that he went for quiet walks with his kids? The fact that he socialized with the other young parents on the street? If that is the standard, we should all fear that our neighbours are killers-in-waiting," Galiatsatos wrote.

The incident was the culmination of a series of interactions between the two men and members of their families. Naccache claimed those interactions amounted to months of harassment, but the judge found them to be innocent behaviour.
The BBC reports that the impending coronation of King Charles III will break from the established rituals of the British monarchy, altering the recipe of the sacred "chrism oil"  yes, really  used to anoint the new monarch. This special magic juice is so hallowed that it was not even allowed to be shown on television during the coronation of Chuck's mum, Queen Elizabeth II. Traditionally the "chrism oil"  yes, really  has contained ingredients derived from the secretions of civets (also known as "those poop coffee cats") as well as ambergris from the bile ducts of sperm whale intestines.

Due to concerns about animal cruelty, however, King Charles will use a special, animal-free variant of the "chrism oil." This will also be in keeping with his image as an environmentalist (which is not exactly an image I typically associate with Charles, but whatever).

Here's what the BBC has to say about the traditions of "chrism oil," both new and old:

The new oil includes olive oil scented with a mix of essential oils, sesame, rose, jasmine, cinnamon, neroli and benzoin, with orange blossom also added. It also has a royal family significance, partly using olives grown on the Mount of Olives at the Monastery of Mary Magdalene, which is where the King's grandmother, Princess Alice, is buried. In his Christmas message, the King had spoken of his own Christian faith and how much he had been moved when he visited biblical sites, such as Jesus' birthplace in Bethlehem. The oil was consecrated by the Patriarch of Jerusalem and the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built on the site where it is believed Jesus died and was buried.

Apparently the tools for "chrism oil" anointments are one of the few surviving relics from the original medieval coronation regalia, the rest of which were destroyed on orders of Oliver Cromwell. (Which is also about the nicest thing you'll ever hear me say about Cromwell.)

Anyway. Now you know all about "chrism oil." You're welcome.

Sacred coronation oil will be animal-cruelty free [BBC]
Russian missiles knocked out the power supply to Europes largest nuclear plant during a barrage of strikes targeting cities across Ukraine on Thursday, while Ukrainian defenders repelled fierce assaults on the beleaguered town of Bakhmut.

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which Russian forces captured a year ago, was left depending on back-up generators after Russian missiles damaged Ukrainian infrastructure that had been delivering electricity to the plant, Ukrainian state power company Energoatom said in a statement.

The last link between the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) and the Ukrainian power system was cut off, Energoatom said in a statement.

The fifth and sixth reactors have been shut down and electric power needed for the plants functioning is supplied by 18 diesel generators, which have enough fuel for 10 days, Energoatom added.

Mykhailo Podolyak, an aide to the Ukrainian president, said the Russian military had launched massive missile attacks at night, when people were sleeping.

Explosions have been recorded in most regions  infrastructure facilities & residential areas have been hit. ZNPP is de-energized, Podolyak said in a post on Twitter, adding that parts of Ukraine were without electricity and water.

The capital, Kyiv, the Black Sea port of Odesa and the second-largest city, Kharkiv, were all hit as missiles targeted a wide arc of targets, stretching from Zhytomyr, Vynnytsia and Rivne in the west to Dnipro and Poltava in central Ukraine, officials said.

There were no immediate reports of casualties.

Air raid sirens sounded over Kyiv for seven hours, and Ukrainian air defences shot down drones and all types of cruise missiles, though preliminary reports said a hypersonic missile struck its target.

Unfortunately, a missile of the Kinzhal type hit an infrastructure object, said Serhiy Popko, the head of Kyiv regions military administration.

Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko reported explosions in the southwestern part of the capital. Posting on the Telegram messaging app, the mayor said 40% of consumers in Kyiv were without electricity.

The governor of Odesa region, Maksym Marchenko, said on Telegram that a mass missile attack had hit an energy facility in the port city, cutting power. Residential areas had also been hit.

Kharkiv region Governor Oleh Synehubov said the city and region had been hit by 15 strikes, with targets including infrastructure. Other strikes were reported in the central city of Dnipro and regions throughout the country.

On Thursday morning, Ukraines military said Russian forces were attacking the mining town of Bakhmut, and other eastern towns, including Kupyansk, Liman, Avdiivka and Shakhtarsk.

Over the past day, our soldiers repulsed more than 110 attacks, the Ukrainian military said.

Russia has had no significant battleground victory for months and set its sights on Bakhmut last August. The fighting there has been some of the bloodiest since the invasion of Ukraine in February last year, but so far the Russian military only claims to have taken the eastern half of the town.

The enemy continued its attacks and has shown no sign of a letup in storming the city of Bakhmut, the General Staff of the Ukrainian armed forces said on Facebook. Our defenders repelled attacks on Bakhmut and on surrounding communities.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in a video address late on Wednesday that the battle for Bakhmut and the surrounding Donbas region was our first priority.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Russian mercenary group Wagner, said his fighters had captured the eastern part of Bakhmut.

Everything east of the Bakhmutka River is completely under the control of Wagner, Prigozhin said in a post on Telegram.

The river bisects Bakhmut, on the edge of Ukraines Donetsk province that is already largely under Russian occupation. The town centre is on the west side of the river.

Prigozhin has issued premature success claims before. Reuters was unable to verify the situation on the ground.

Ukrainian military analyst Oleh Zhdanov said in a video commentary that in addition to the Zabakhmutka district on the eastern outskirts of Bakhmut, the Russians had captured Ilyinivka district and made gains around Svatovo on the north side, and also made gains near Avdiivka to the south.

Iryna Vereshchuk, a deputy Ukrainian premier, said fewer than 4,000 civilians  including 38 children  out of a pre-war population of some 70,000 remain in Bakhmut.

A Ukrainian military drone showed the scale of destruction in Bakhmut, filming apartment blocks on fire and smoke billowing from residential areas.

ARMS BUYING PUSH

Russia was throwing more troops into the battle, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said before a meeting of European Union defence ministers in Stockholm.

They have suffered big losses, but at the same time we cannot rule out that Bakhmut may eventually fall in the coming days, Stoltenberg said.

EU defence ministers agreed to speed up the supply of artillery rounds and buy more shells to help Ukraines military.

Ukraine is expected to launch a counteroffensive when the weather improves and it receives more Western military aid, including tanks.

Russia has said it has annexed nearly 20% of Ukraines territory and says taking Bakhmut would be a step towards seizing the whole of the industrial Donbas region on its border.

Western analysts say Bakhmut has little strategic value, although its capture would be a boost to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his military after a series of setbacks in what they call their special military operation to eliminate o threats to its security from Ukraines ties to the West.

SOURCE: REUTERS
In a crackdown on vanity license plates to keep obscenities and violence off the streets of Maine, the state confiscated "LUVTOFU" from a family of vegans. Because what could be more vulgar than a block of firm, creamy, slippery bean curd?

Maine, once a lenient state when it came to personalized license plates, recently reversed course and recalled 274 of the states approximately 120,000 plates. One such "obscene" sheet of aluminum belonged to Peter Starostecki, whose family  including children  are vegans, and whose car not only sported the indecent word "tofu" on its plate but was also plastered with tofu bumper stickers (which the state, so far, still permits).

From AP News:
March 09, 2023





If you're looking for the best ERP software in Dubai, then you've come to the right place. In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the benefits of working with an ERP system and how to choose the right one for your business. UAE is a rapidly-growing economy, and more and more companies are turning to ERP systems to help manage their operations. ERP systems can help companies to automate many tasks and improve communication between departments.







The key to choosing the best ERP system for your business is understanding what you need from it and finding one that fits your company's size, budget, and industry. It's important to consider features like scalability, modularity, integration with other systems, and data security. Also, think about the support system available with the software vendor - how often do they provide updates? How helpful are their customer service teams?

ERP vendors in Dubai 2023

In 2023, some of the top ERP vendors in Dubai include Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, Oracle NetSuite Cloud ERP Suite Plus Edition, SAP (News - Alert) S/4HANA Enterprise Management Suite (SAP EMS), FirstBit ERP, Infor CloudSuite Industrial (SyteLine) Enterprise Resource Planning Solution (ERPS), and Sage X3 Enterprise. These solutions offer advanced features that can help streamline operations, improve communication, and reduce operational costs.

ERP software in UAE offers many benefits to different types of businesses. It helps streamline processes, improves communication and collaboration, provides real-time data insights, increases productivity and efficiency, and reduces costs.

The programs can be customized for different business industries by tailoring the software to meet specific industry requirements. For example, an ERP system for a manufacturing company would have features like supply chain management, inventory control, and production planning. On the other hand, an ERP system for a healthcare provider would have features like patient management, medical billing and coding, and electronic health records.

Customization options also include language support, localization settings for different countries or regions, integration with third-party applications such as CRM or e-commerce platforms, and various reporting options. Overall, ERP software can be adapted to suit the unique needs of any business industry.

ERP software offers a range of benefits to businesses, regardless of their size or industry. Here are some of how ERP can help organizations:

Streamlined processes: ERP in Dubai integrates different business processes such as finance, sales, HR, inventory management, and more into a single system. This helps to eliminate duplication of work and manual data entry, thus saving time and reducing errors. Improved decision-making: With real-time data available through an ERP system, businesses can make informed decisions based on accurate information. Increased efficiency: Automation of business processes through ERP software can lead to increased productivity and efficiency as well as reduced costs. Enhanced collaboration: An integrated system allows for better communication and collaboration between different departments within a company. Scalability: ERP systems are designed to grow with your business needs, making it easier to add new functionalities as your business expands.

ERP software can be customized for different industries by incorporating industry-specific features and modules that cater to the unique requirements of each industry. For example, manufacturers may require specialized inventory management features while healthcare providers may need patient management capabilities. By customizing the ERP system according to the specific needs of each industry, businesses can get the maximum benefit from their investment in ERP technology.

FirstBit is a leading provider of ERP software solutions in Dubai and the UAE. Their cloud-based ERP solution offers modules for financial management, project management, inventory management, sales and purchasing, production management, and more. It's designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with limited IT resources.

Compared to other ERP solutions like NetSuite (News - Alert) or SAP, FirstBit offers a lower cost of entry and requires less investment in infrastructure. Its modular design also allows SMEs to add new features as they grow and expand their operations.

ERP features for growing companies

Financial Management

The financial management module of FirstBit's ERP system helps businesses manage their accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, fixed assets, and cash flow more effectively.

Human Resource Management

The human resource management module enables companies to manage employee data, attendance records, payroll processing, performance management, recruitment process management (RPM), and talent development programs from one centralized location.

Inventory Management

The inventory management module allows companies to track inventory levels across multiple locations accurately. It also provides real-time visibility into stock levels allowing for better decision-making regarding purchasing orders and reordering points.

Purchasing Management

The purchasing management module https://firstbit.ae/products/erp-dubai/purchasing/ streamlines procurement processes by automating purchase order creation workflows while allowing you to track supplier performance metrics like on-time delivery rates or quality control measures like defect rates or returns percentages.

Today we can distinguish the following major trends in ERP solutions:

Cloud-based ERP solutions are becoming increasingly popular due to their scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into ERP systems is a growing trend, with many vendors adding these capabilities to their offerings. Mobile functionality is becoming more important for ERP users, as employees expect to be able to access data and perform tasks on the go. The demand for industry-specific ERP solutions is increasing as businesses look for software that can meet their unique needs and requirements. Data analytics is playing an increasingly important role in ERP systems, with vendors offering advanced reporting and analysis features that help businesses make better-informed decisions.

Overall, the key trends suggest that ERP solutions in Dubai are evolving rapidly to meet changing business needs and technological advancements. As such, companies need to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and innovations to select an ERP solution that will best fit their current and future needs.

Conclusion

It's important to find a suitable ERP in UAE for your business so you can maximize its potential and get the most out of it. The best way to do this is by researching different vendors, comparing their features and benefits, and asking lots of questions. With a little bit of research and guidance, you'll be able to find an ERP solution in Dubai that helps you streamline operations, improve communication, and save costs in 2023!
[March 09, 2023] Purolator to make single largest network investment in its 60-year history

Company plans to invest $1 billion in fleet decarbonization to achieve 2030 emissions goals For additional photos and b-roll, please click here. TORONTO, March 9, 2023 /CNW/ - Today Purolator announced it expects to invest approximately $1 billion to electrify its Canadian network over the next seven years. This includes a plan to purchase more than 3,500 fully electric last-mile delivery vehicles and the electrification of more than 60 terminals across Canada. Purolator's investment in environmental sustainability, including the electrification of 60 per cent of its fleet, is expected to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2030 by 80,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). This commitment also marks the largest network investment in Purolator's 63-year history, with more than $100 million to be invested in 2023 alone. "Purolator was the first Canadian courier to launch fully electric curbside-delivery trucks nationally. Our ambition is to be the greenest courier company in Canada, and with this investment, Purolator will take yet another important step toward a more sustainable future and healthier planet," said John Ferguson, President and CEO, Purolator. "We've set ambitious goals for ourselves and are working with our customers and partners every day to reduce our carbon footprint and protect our environment." Fleet electrification program in 2023/2024

Purolator expects to add over 100 all-electric vehicles to its fleet this year and an additional 150 in 2024. This new fleet comprises Ford E-Transit, Motiv Power Systems EPIC4 and BrightDrop Zevo 600 models. The company chose these partners based on their ability to deliver market-leading technology and operational support and to meet Purolator's unique transportation needs serving markets across Canada. This month, Purolator will begin deploying 25 Ford E-Transit vans in London, Ont.; Richmond, B.C.; and Quebec City



Commitment to environmental sustainability

Purolator set a 2030 science-based goal to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions by 42 per cent and put the company on a path to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The company will achieve this goal by electrifying 60 per cent of its last-mile delivery vehicles and investing in alternative-fuels and low-carbon technologies. It also plans to reduce emissions from electricity by 100 per cent through the use of renewable sources and by diverting more than 70 per cent of its waste from landfill.

Purolator's journey to going green 2005  Begins journey to reduce fleet emissions with the introduction of more than 500 hybrid-electric vehicles into its fleet.

 Begins journey to reduce fleet emissions with the introduction of more than 500 hybrid-electric vehicles into its fleet. 2020  Starts piloting all-electric vehicles with e-bikes and low-speed vehicles. (E-bikes currently operate in Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto, and low-speed vehicles operate in Vancouver and Montreal.)

 Starts piloting all-electric vehicles with e-bikes and low-speed vehicles. (E-bikes currently operate in Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto, and low-speed vehicles operate in Vancouver and Montreal.) 2021  Becomes the first Canadian courier company to launch fully electric delivery vans.

 Becomes the first Canadian courier company to launch fully electric delivery vans. 2022  Introduces Urban Quick Stop mini hubs in several urban centres across Canada. For more information on Purolator's sustainability initiatives, visit purolator.com/environment. About Purolator

Purolator Inc. is Canada's leading integrated freight, package and logistics solutions provider. Delivering its customers' promises since 1960, Purolator continues to expand its reach and renowned service levels and reliability to more people, more businesses and more places across the country and around the world. Purolator is proud of its Canadian heritage and is focused on sustainably positioning itself for future growth and success. Purolator is also committed to contributing to the well-being of the communities it serves and where more than 14,000 of its employees live, work and play. For more information, visit purolator.com.? View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/purolator-to-make-single-largest-network-investment-in-its-60-year-history-301767581.html SOURCE Purolator Inc.

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[March 08, 2023] Stratus Financial Partners With FSANA

Stratus Financial proudly announces its partnership with the Flight School Association of North America (FSANA). Through this collaborative effort, Stratus aims to provide its customers with the best experience possible regarding financing their flight school tuition. Our team is committed to helping flight schools reach their financial goals, and this partnership will allow us to provide tailored services and solutions to meet their unique needs. FSANA members will now access more competitive prices on flights, school tuition, and other services. At the same time, Stratus can offer its customers a more comprehensive financing package that considers the unique needs of flight school students. Also, Stratus can support FSANA's mission of providing the highest quality of flight education and training to its members. This partnership exemplifies Stratus's commitment to providing its customers with the best possible services and experiences. Strtus understands the importance of flight school education and how it can open new opportunities for individuals. By working with FSANA, Stratus can provide its customers with the best possible services, prices, and incentives for flight school tuition, making it easier for them to get the education they need to advance their careers.



About Stratus Financial: Stratus Financial was founded in the year 2020 by a group of FAA Certificated Flight and Ground Instructors with decades of experience in the aviation industry. As aviators ourselves, we truly understand what it's like to dream.

At Stratus Financial, we believe in developing lending products that make sense for pilots at all stages of their careers. Our mission is simple: we want to help you get your wings as swiftly as possible. Stratus started off in the middle of a COVID pandemic despite aviation coming to a halt with retiring planes at unprecedented numbers and thousands of pilots were either furloughed, retired, or outright fired in droves. Stratus was able to fill in the demand through student pilots' access to instructional funding and fast traction built by flight schools. While providing financing and simplifying the process are key parts of what we do at Stratus Financial, we don't see them as ends unto themselves. In fact, what drives Stratus isn't just funding education-we believe it's funding your future. A future where more people can take flight-and thrive! View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230308005874/en/

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[March 08, 2023] Debt Collectors (Nordic) - Industry Report 2023: Comprehensive Individual Analysis on 150 Companies

DUBLIN, March 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Debt Collectors (Nordic) - Industry Report" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Debt Collectors (Nordic) Analysis provides a detailed overview of the Debt Collectors (Nordic) market and delivers a comprehensive individual analysis on the top 150 companies, including AB Syna, Asker Og Baerum Boligbyggelag Ba and Bisnode Kredit AB.



This report covers areas such as debt, finance, collection, collect, repayment and includes a wealth of information on the financial trends over the past four years.



The publisher's latest Debt Collectors (Nordic) analysis is ideal for anyone wanting to: See the market leaders

Identify companies heading for failure

Seek out the most attractive acquisition

Analyse industry trends

Benchmark their own financial performance Using the publisher's exclusive methodology, a quick glance of this Debt Collectors (Nordic) report will tell you that 22 companies have a declining financial rating, while 38 have shown good sales growth.



Each of the largest 150 companies is meticulously scrutinised in an individual assessment and analysed using the most up-to-date and current financial data.



Every business is examined on the following features: The Publisher's Chart: A graphical assessment of a company's financial performance

Four year assessment of the profit/loss and balance sheet

A written summary highlighting key performance issues Subsequently, you will receive a thorough 100-page market analysis highlighting the latest changes in the Debt Collectors (Nordic) market.



This section includes: Best Trading Partners

Sales Growth Analysis

Profit Analysis

Market Size

Rankings











Key Topics Covered:





The Debt Collectors (Nordic) analysis is the most definitive and accurate study of the Debt Collectors (Nordic) sector in 2021.



The report is split into two sections and uses both a written and graphical analysis - analysing the 150 largest Debt Collectors (Nordic) companies.



The Debt Collectors (Nordic) report contains the most-up-to-date financial data and the publisher applies these figures to create their unique and authoritative analysis.



Indeed, the first section thoroughly scrutinises the market and this section includes the following: Best Trading Partners: These are companies that are winning in both sales and financial strength - for example Gothia As has been ranked as a best trading partner in the industry.



Sales Growth Analysis: This section reviews the fastest growing and fastest shrinking company - for example Kravia As is among the fastest growing.



Profit Analysis - Analysis of gross profit and pre-tax profit over the last ten years and a profitability summary comparing profits in the industry against small, medium and large companies.



Market Size: Based on the largest 150 companies, this is a comparison between last year's market size and the most current figure.



Rankings: The top 50 companies ranked by: Market Share, Sales Growth, Gross Profit and Pre-tax Profit.

The next section focuses on company analysis and provides an in-depth analysis of the largest companies within the Debt Collectors (Nordic) industry.



Each business is analysed using the publisher's unequivocal model and culminates in the production of The Publisher's Chart. The Publisher's Model uses a series of charts to graphically analyse an individual company and measure its ability to achieve sales growth while maintaining financial strength.



The Publisher's Chart is a quick and dependable method of analysing a company's financial well-being. It's simple to understand: a rising line is good news and a falling line is bad news.



Therefore, this company analysis will tell you if a company is: Strong or heading for failure



Utilising their investments



Becoming burdened by debt



Getting the most from their resources

The Debt Collectors (Nordic) analysis also provides you with full business name and address, name and ages of directors and registration address.



A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes AB Syna



Asker Og Baerum Boligbyggelag Ba



Bisnode Kredit AB Subject to change on a month-by-month basis.



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/env9k2 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]



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Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/debt-collectors-nordic---industry-report-2023-comprehensive-individual-analysis-on-150-companies-301765989.html SOURCE Research and Markets

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[March 08, 2023]

Techman Robot showcased AI solutions with BlockNINE at Automation World

SEOUL, South Korea, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Techman Robot made a high-profile appearance with its distributor BlockNINE at Automation World. This year, Techman Robot has announced the introduction of its TM AI Cobot series. AI Cobot is a Collaborative Robot, which combines a powerful and precise robot arm with native AI inferencing engine and smart vision system in a complete package, ready for deployment in factories, accelerating the transition to Industry 4.0.

TM AI Cobot works on the principle of being smart, simple and safe. By combining visual processing in the robot arm, the AI Cobot can perform fast and precise pick and place, AMR, palletizing, welding, semi-conductor and product manufacturing, AOI inspections and food service preparation, among many other applications that can be accelerated by AI-Vision. Techman Robot's strong partner Blocknine who is a SI company that runs a robot automation business based on automated coil winding machine, which is a core technology of Blocknine.

Techman Robot President Shi-chi Ho statement announcing the launch, "Techman Robot has redefined the future of industry robotics with the introduction of its AI Cobot series that are equipped with a native AI engine, powerful and precise robotic arm and vision system that represents a perfect combination of "brain, hands and eyes". With our all-in-one integrated system and supporting software suite, we lead the industry with ease of integration, accelerating productivity while reinforcing quality, and opening new opportunities."

Industry-leading 25KG Strength

Reinforcing its commitment to innovation, Techman Robot recently demonstrated its AI Cobot product series capable of 25KG payloads  an industry first. This new model will be available at a future date.

For more information about the TM AI Cobot series at https://www.tm-robot.com/en/

SOURCE Techman Robot Inc.
[March 09, 2023] Crescendo Lab Empowers LINE Official Accounts with ChatGPT Integration in "CAAC AI" Conversational Service

TAIPEI, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Crescendo Lab, the Taiwanese leading martech solution, announced the launch of an AI service for its conversational tool, CAAC (Conversational Analytics and Automation Cloud), which is now fully integrated with the ChatGPT API. This integration enables enterprises to engage customers with faster and more natural conversation on LINE Official Accounts, thereby improving customer loyalty and maximizing selling potentials. Crescendo Lab is dedicated to providing the best instant messaging platform for worldwide businesses. With its marketing platform "MAAC" and the conversational interaction platform "CAAC", Crescendo Lab supports nearly 500 enterprises to send 4 billion transactional and marketing messages per year. In the meanwhile, Crescendo Lab incorporates AI-generated content in CAAC and continues to leverage API integration across many applications. Al-generated content in CAAC allows all operators to type in keywords and ask Artificial Intelligence to expand the message in a timely manner. Take the post purchase journey as an example. A salesperson can respond to a customer sending a LINE inquiry by typing "try on lightweight jewelry, Mother's Day promotion until 5/10" in CAAC. The AI will help generate the following message: "Thank you for trying on and enjoying our lightweight jewelry collection. You are welcome to join our Mother's Day event, and enjoy our promotion until 5/10. We look forward to providing you with the best shopping experience!" Therefore, this provides effecive after-sales services and keeps customers engaged throughout their purchase journey.



The application of CAAC AI is expected to reduce customer service response time by 60%, lowering labor costs, and improving communication quality. It can also be applied to different marketing campaigns, sales or product recommendations, and other marketing strategies. Jenny Chin, Product Manager of Crescendo Lab, stated that CAAC AI will accelerate digital transformation towards OMO and enhance customer relationship management in all businesses. Most importantly, when combined with the Multidimensional Marketing Platform MAAC, CAAC AI can bring comprehensive effects, from marketing to service to ultimately achieve better customer engagement.

Crescendo Lab is now expanding CAAC AI into three regions: Taiwan, Japan, and Thailand. It is not only a pioneer in applying Generative AI to LINE Official Accounts but also the first conversational tool to introduce Generative AI in the Asia-Pacific region. Thrilled by the milestone, Co-founder and CEO of Crescendo Lab, Jin Hsueh, states, "This is a groundbreaking technological breakthrough. Crescendo Lab is starting with CAAC AI and will fully integrate AI into its entire product line, creating more tools to help brands communicate with consumers." Visit Crescendo Lab's website https://www.cresclab.com/en/product/caac for more applicable features of AI and the conversational platform, CAAC. SOURCE Crescendo Lab Ltd.

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[March 09, 2023] McKesson Canada's INVIVA Sets New Standard of Excellence for Oncology in Community Infusion Clinics

Cancer care among six accreditations awarded to INVIVA, a first for a national private infusion clinic network MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 9, 2023 /CNW/ - McKesson Canada's INVIVA has met Accreditation Canada's Qmentum Accreditation Program requirements to become the first and only accredited national private infusion clinic network in oncology. The Cancer Care Accreditation puts INVIVA through the same accreditation process widely used by hospitals who turn to Accreditation Canada to monitor system-wide standards of excellence in quality, safety, and care. "Accreditation is a continuous process of meeting standards of quality. INVIVA's successful accreditation sends a clear signal to their staff, patients, and other health care providers of their commitment to quality. This external recognition of their competence elevates their profile and strengthens confidence in their services. It is a powerful tool and road-map to ensure health care excellence," says Pamela Daw, Accreditation Canada. "There is significant, complex coordination components and robust processes related to oncology molecule care for patients living with cancer. This requires a high level of detailed care throughout the process. INVIVA, along with McKesson Canada, demonstrated the value of complex coordination to ensure proper care of cancer patients at their INVIVA infusion clinics." In total six accreditations were awarded to INVIVA: Cancer Care, Home Care Services, Ambulatory Care Services, Medication Management, Infection Prevention and Control, and Leadership Standards. The rigorous evaluation process included over 700 standards of measurement in the areas of safety practices, external peer surveys from medical and healthcare teams, patient satisfaction ratings, and consistent adherence to high quality clinical processes. INVIVA patients are supported by a robust network of over 300 Registered Nurses with extensive experience in administering specialty and biologic drugs intravenously, subcutaneously, and intramuscularly with specialized training in multiple therapeutic areas, including immunology, oncology, neurology, and others. A team of clinicians, patient care coordinators and facility employees round out the INVIVA care team. To date, there are approximately 18 oncology molecules in the INVVA network, with capability to support complex oncology regimens, including both hazardous and non-hazardous immuno-oncology molecules, and chemotherapy, while providing patient support and care of the highest standard.



"Providing Canadian patients with convenient, quality and accessible care, closer to home is at the forefront for our INVIVA team," says Lee Steele, Vice President, INVIVA & Chief Nursing Officer. "This new oncology distinction validates our commitment to patient care in one of the most complex therapeutic areas. Accreditation provides assurances to our patients that our standards are on par with the medical care they receive in a hospital setting." As a McKesson Canada Company, INVIVA is part of a care network that is dedicated to helping a patient navigate an often times overwhelming and complex system. From diagnosis to patient support programs, and state-of-the-art specialty medication distribution, the integrated processes at McKesson work to ensure a seamless end-to-end patient experience that seeks to remove barriers to timely and convenient access to care.

"The reality of healthcare today is that specialized drug treatments and biologicals are more prevalent as the best course of treatment for patients living with a complex condition. This is good news for patients who can benefit from more personalized treatment and medication plans which can ultimately improve their quality of life," said Ramy Ayad, Senior Vice-President, Biopharma and Provider Solutions, McKesson Canada. "Accreditation Canada's designation for INVIVA speaks to our mission to be a leader in infusion therapy, particularly for in areas as complex as oncology. Congratulations to the nurses and team at INVIVA on this important accreditation driven by your hard work, and feedback from our patients and medical peers!" McKesson Canada's INVIVA clinics successfully completed the Qmentum Accreditation Program and received full accreditation at all locations across Canada now through December 2026. About INVIVA Established in 2013, today INVIVA is Canada's largest private infusion network with 76 INVIVA clinics that provide patients with specialized therapy in a caring and compassionate setting. INVIVA experts work directly with manufacturers to bring specialty therapies and nursing services to patients in need while improving access. They engage with health care providers to improve the patient experience and make it easier for everyone to manage complex diseases. Each year, the team of highly trained seasoned nurses help manage various therapeutic areas, including gastroenterology, rheumatology, geriatrics, pediatrics, and more. In 2023, INVIVA was awarded accreditations in Cancer Care, Ambulatory Care, Home Care Services, Leadership, Infection Prevention and Control, and Medication Management making it the only national private infusion network with accreditation. About McKesson Canada McKesson Canada is a diversified healthcare services leader dedicated to advancing health outcomes for patients everywhere. Our teams partner with pharmaceutical companies, care providers, pharmacies, manufacturers, governments, and others to deliver insights, products and services to help make quality care more accessible and affordable. Learn more about how McKesson Canada is impacting virtually every aspect of healthcare at www.McKesson.ca About Accreditation Canada Accreditation Canada is a not-for-profit organization that works with patients, policy makers and the public to improve the quality of health and social services for all. Accreditation Canada works closely with health and social services organizations in Canada and abroad to develop a sustainable culture of improvement that betters safety and efficiency, working to save and improve lives. More than 1,000 health and social service organizations and 7,000 sites in Canada and around the world have been accredited through our programs and services, leading to safer, quality health care for those who matter most; patients and their families. SOURCE MCKESSON CANADA

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[March 09, 2023] Renesas to Demonstrate First AI Implementations on the Arm Cortex-M85 Processor Featuring Helium Technology at Embedded World

Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE:6723), a premier supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, today announced that it will present the first live demonstrations of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) implementations on an MCU based on the Arm Cortex-M85 processor. The demos will show the performance uplift in AI/ML applications made possible by the new Cortex-M85 core and Arm's Helium technology. They will take place in the Renesas stand - Hall 1, Stand 234 (1-234) at the embedded world 2023 Exhibition and Conference in Nuremburg, Germany from March 14-16. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230309005330/en/ (Photo: Business Wire) At embedded world in 2022, Renesas became the first company to demonstrate working silicon based on the Arm Cortex-M85 processor. This year, Renesas is extending its leadership by showcasing the features of the new processor in demanding AI use cases. The first demonstration showcases a people detection application developed in collaboration with Plumerai, a leader in Vision AI, that identifies and tracks persons in the camera frame in varying lighting and environmental conditions. The compact and efficient TinyML models used in this application lead to low-cost and lower power AI solutions for a wide range of IoT implementations. The second demo showcases a motor control predictive maintenance use case with an AI-based unbalanced load detection application using Tensorflow Lite for Microcontrollers with CMSIS-NN. Delivering over 6 CoreMark/MHz, Cortex-M85 enables demanding IoT use cases that require the highest compute performance and DSP or ML capability, realized on a single, simple-to-program Cortex-M processor. The Arm Cortex-M85 processor features Helium technology, Arm's M-Profile Vector Extension, available as part of the Armv8.1M architecture. It delivers a significant performance uplift for machine learning (ML) and digital signal processing (DSP) applications, accelerating compute-intensive applications such as endpoint AI. Both demos will showcase the performance uplift made possible by the application of this technology in AI use cases. Cortex-M hallmarks such as deterministic operation, short interrupt response time, and state-of-the-art low-power support are uncompromised on Cortex-M85. "We're proud to again lead the industry in implementing the powerful new Arm Cortex-M85 processor with Helium technology," said Roger Wendelken, Senior Vice President in Renesas' IoT and Infrastructure Business Unit. "By showcasing the performance of AI on the new processor, we are highlighting technical advantages of the new platform and at the same time demonstrating Renesas' strengths in providing solutions for emerging applications with our innovative ecosystem partners." "We're excited to take part in this ground-breaking demonstration," said Roeland Nusselder, CEO of Plumerai. "Arm's Helium technology supported on the new RA MCUs with the Cortex-M85 core significantly accelerates the Plumerai inference engine. This performance uplift will enable our customers to use larger and more accurate versions of Plumerai's People Detection AI, add additional product features, and extend battery life. Our customers have an insatiable appetite for adding new and more accurate AI features that run on a microcontroller. Together with Renesas, we are the first to fulfill this demand." Renesas will implemen the new Arm processor within its RA (Renesas Advanced) Family of MCUs. Renesas has quickly become a leader in the Arm MCU market, offering a feature rich family of over 250 different MCUs. Renesas has developed a robust ecosystem of partners providing customers with comprehensive solutions for IoT, AI/ML, industrial automation, medical, building automation, home appliance and multiple other applications.



The new Cortex-M85 core supports Arm TrustZone technology for protection of secure assets. Combined with TrustZone, Renesas' integrated cryptographic engine, immutable storage, key management, and tamper protection against DPA/SPA side-channel attacks will provide a comprehensive and fully integrated secure element functionality. The Armv8-M architecture also brings Pointer Authentication/Branch Target Identification (PAC/BTI) security extension, a new architectural feature that provides enhanced mitigation from software attack threats and helps achieve PSA Certified Level 2 certification. The new RA MCUs based on the Cortex-M85 core will be supported by Renesas' Flexible Software Package (FSP). The FSP enables faster application development by providing all the infrastructure software needed, including multiple RTOS, BSP, peripheral drivers, middleware, connectivity, networking, and security stacks as well as reference software to build complex AI, motor control and graphics solutions. It allows customers to integrate their own legacy code and choice of RTOS with FSP, thus providing full flexibility in application development. Using the FSP will ease migration of existing designs to the new RA devices.

Winning Combinations Renesas will combine the new RA MCUs with numerous compatible devices from its portfolio to offer a wide array of Winning Combinations. These Winning Combinations are technically vetted system architectures from mutually compatible devices that work together seamlessly to bring an optimized, low-risk design for faster time to market. Renesas offers more than 300 Winning Combinations with a wide range of products from the Renesas portfolio to enable customers to speed up the design process and bring their products to market more quickly. They can be found at renesas.com/win. Renesas MCU Leadership A world leader in MCUs, Renesas ships more than 3.5 billion units per year, with approximately 50% of shipments serving the automotive industry, and the remainder supporting industrial and Internet of Things applications as well as data center and communications infrastructure. Renesas has the broadest portfolio of 8-, 16- and 32-bit devices, and is the industry's No. 1 supplier of both 16- and 32-bit MCUs, delivering unmatched quality and efficiency with exceptional performance. As a trusted supplier, Renesas has decades of experience designing smart, secure MCUs, backed by a dual-source production model, the industry's most advanced MCU process technology and a vast network of more than 200 ecosystem partners. For more information about Renesas MCUs, visit www.renesas.com/MCUs. More Information The demonstrations will take place in the Renesas booth - Hall 1, Stand 234 (1-234) at embedded world. More information is available at renesas.com/ra and https://plumerai.com/partners/peopledet-renesas. About Renesas Electronics Corporation Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723) empowers a safer, smarter and more sustainable future where technology helps make our lives easier. A leading global provider of microcontrollers, Renesas combines our expertise in embedded processing, analog, power and connectivity to deliver complete semiconductor solutions. These Winning Combinations accelerate time to market for automotive, industrial, infrastructure and IoT applications, enabling billions of connected, intelligent devices that enhance the way people work and live. Learn more at renesas.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. (Remarks). All names of products or services mentioned in this press release are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230309005330/en/

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[March 09, 2023] Canadian Bankers Association Launches Fraud Prevention Toolkits to Help Canadians Combat Scams

TORONTO, March 9, 2023 /CNW/ - In recognition of Fraud Prevention Month in March, the Canadian Bankers Association (CBA) is launching fraud prevention toolkits to help Canadians protect themselves against common and emerging scams. The toolkits are customized for individuals, small businesses and older adults, and offer actionable tips and useful checklists to protect themselves from scammers. "In our increasingly connected world, fraud is on the rise and poses a growing threat to Canadians' financial security," says Anthony G. Ostler, President & CEO, CBA. "Our fraud prevention toolkits are designed to provide practical, accessible information that Canadians can use in their daily lives to protect themselves and their finances from scams and fraud." Created in collaboration with the Government of Canada's Get Cyber Safe campaign, the CBA's toolkit for individuals includes simple yet effective tips to recognize and avoid phishing scams, one-time passcode scams, phone and voicemail threats, the romance scam, and more. The toolkit also equips individuals with the tools to identify fake websites and phony retailer apps when shopping online. For small businesses, the toolkit provides business owners and managers with crucial information to protect their companies from business email compromise, ransomware, and phishing scams. It also includes tips and resources on how to properly safeguard customer information and data, and offers security best practices for employees, the first line of defense against cyber attacks. The toolkit for older adults is designed to help seniors protect themselves aainst financial abuse and scams directed at this demographic group. It includes a fraud prevention checklist and tips to avoid ruses such as phone fraud, the grandparent scam, and tech support scams. Further, it provides recommendations on how to choose strong passwords and offers information on how to recognize and prevent financial abuse.



The toolkits are available in English and French on the CBA's website. Individuals: cba.ca/cyber-security-toolkit

Small businesses: cba.ca/small-business-cyber-security-toolkit

Older adults: cba.ca/fraud-prevention-toolkit-older-adults The CBA and its member banks work closely with law enforcement, government departments and agencies, and other stakeholders to educate Canadians on how to stay vigilant, adhere to safe online practices, and distinguish between legitimate requests and attempted fraud. If a customer notices unauthorized activity, they should immediately report it to their financial institution, their local police service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

About Fraud Prevention Month Led by the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Competition Bureau of Canada, Fraud Prevention Month is an annual campaign that seeks to help people and businesses recognize, reject and report fraud. This year's theme, "Tricks of the trade: What's in a fraudster's toolbox?" helps Canadians recognize the increasingly sophisticated tricks and tools scammers use to entrap victims. About Get Cyber Safe Get Cyber Safe is a national public awareness campaign created to inform Canadians about cyber security and the simple steps they can take to protect themselves online. The campaign is led by the Communications Security Establishment, with advice and guidance from its Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, on behalf of the Government of Canada. About the Canadian Bankers Association The Canadian Bankers Association is the voice of more than 60 domestic and foreign banks that help drive Canada's economic growth and prosperity. The CBA advocates for public policies that contribute to a sound, thriving banking system to ensure Canadians can succeed in their financial goals. www.cba.ca Follow the CBA on Twitter: @CdnBankers

Watch videos: Youtube.com/CdnBankers

Follow the CBA on LinkedIn SOURCE Canadian Bankers Association

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Tucker Carlson's latest propaganda campaign whitewashed the right-wing domestic terrorists who assaulted 140 police officers and attempted to execute Vice President Mike Pence during their violent insurrection on January 6. He has focused on painting the insurrectionists as patriotic Americans who were simply exercising their right to protest. So, it's no surprise that Carlson didn't include any of the many examples of the terrorists breaking windows, committing acts of violence, and conducting coordinated operations to infiltrate congresspersons' offices and steal information.

Here's newly released footage of insurrectionists breaking into Jim Risch's (R-ID) office and ransacking it. Risch, apparently fearful of his GOP constituents, refused to comment on the incident.
[March 09, 2023] Lenovo Delivers Extraordinary Levels of Performance, Power and Speed with the Launch of the ThinkStation PX, P7 and P5

Lenovo today announced the launch of the ThinkStation PX, P7 and P5, delivering a new trio of the most technologically advanced desktop workstations the company has ever built. Redesigned from the ground up to exceed today's most extreme, high-computing workloads across industries, these new workstations feature the latest processor technology from Intel ranging up to 120 cores and support for high-end NVIDIA RTX professional GPUs. Additionally, the new workstations boast all-new groundbreaking chassis designs and advanced thermals, as well as BMC capabilities1 for streamlined remote system monitoring. From virtual reality and mixed reality experiences and virtual production, to machine learning, data science, computer aided engineering (CAE), reality capture and AI, these next-generation workstations meet the ever-increasing demands for more power, performance, and speed in a scalable and future-proofed way for this new hybrid-work world. "These new desktop workstations have been meticulously designed with a customer-centric lens in order to meet desired business outcomes and deliver innovative new solutions that our customers can enjoy well into the future as workloads increase in complexity," said Rob Herman, vice president of Lenovo's Workstation and Client AI Business Unit. "We partnered closely with Intel, NVIDIA and Aston Martin to ensure these new systems offer the best of form and functionality by combining a premium chassis with ultra high-end graphics, memory and processing power." To bring this trio of workstations to life, Lenovo partnered with its customer Aston Martin, a renowned high-performance automotive manufacturer and leader in the ultra-luxury vehicle market, to co-design the new ThinkStation chassis. In line with Aston Martin's design philosophy, the collaboration sought to reflect Lenovo's iconic red design language, provide the highest possible performance, and enable enhanced levels of customization. Designers from Lenovo and Aston Martin worked collaboratively to craft the ultimate performance machines, allowing workstation users to amplify every single stage of their complex workflows. To do this, the teams conceived a new tool-less chassis design that allows extreme flexibility and enhanced ergonomics. With a focus on achieving maximum performance, the chassis' 3D grill is directly inspired by Aston Martin's iconic DBS grand tourer, applying design insights from the high-performance automotive segment to a desktop workstation. Redesigned air baffles and larger 3D hex ventilation openings, along with Lenovo's patented tri-channel cooling system, allow for unobstructed airflow - ensuring maximum cold air intake and hot air exhaust. As a result, the iconic chassis maximizes performance of CPUs, GPUs, memory, and storage. Additionally, all three of the new workstations boast an innovative, modular design with front access drives for easy serviceability and upgrade flexibility. "The design collaboration of Lenovo's new ThinkStation chassis has been an amazing three-year journey," said Cathal Loughnane, director of Aston Martin Partnerships. "As Lenovo workstation customers ourselves this project was a unique opportunity to craft a high-performance system that we will use to design and develop our high-performance vehicles." Lenovo ThinkStation PX: For Ultimate Desktop to Data Center Flexibility Lenovo's highest-end, flagship workstation product offering, the Lenovo ThinkStation PX reaches extreme levels of power and performance with support for more cores and expandability than previous generations of Lenovo workstations. Rack-optimized, te ThinkStation PX offers the flexibility needed for both desktop and data center environments, enabling a seamless transition between the two. This versatile new workstation is powered by the latest 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors, which offers up to 120 CPU cores and boasts a 53% average performance gain over the prior generation2. The ThinkStation PX also offers support for up to four dual-slot NVIDIA RTX 6000 Ada Generation GPUs, so users can manage and execute the most complex workflows found in today's work environments including creative finishing and CAE simulation. The new desktop workstation, with up to 2TB of DDR5 memory and ultra-fast bandwidth through PCIe Gen 5 lanes provides flexibility for multi-user virtualization in hybrid workflow environments - whether in the data center or carpet clusters under the desktop. Finally, this workstation offers an efficient 1850W PSU and optional redundant power supplies.



Lenovo ThinkStation P7: Staggering, Single-Socket Power The ThinkStation P7 features a breakthrough new compute architecture with the latest Intel Xeon W processors, supporting up to 56 cores in a single socket, for reimagined power needed to tackle compute-intensive, multithreaded tasks head-on. Designed to exceed the most rigorous performance and reliability challenges of workloads that typically relied on servers or cloud resources in the past, the ThinkStation P7 is also rack-optimized for use in a variety of desktop and data center environments in a 4U enclosure. With support for up to three dual-slot NVIDIA RTX 6000 Ada Generation GPUs, the ThinkStation P7 is ideal for content creators, architects, designers, engineers and data scientists who require unprecedented graphics, visualization, real-time rendering, CAE and AI performance. From automotive styling and computational fluid dynamics analysis to complex video production and rendering workflows, the ThinkStation P7 can take on the toughest challenges.

"We are excited to offer the new lineup of Xeon W processors, built on a breakthrough new compute architecture and packaging with significantly more cores to accelerate performance across the fastest growing workloads that businesses depend on today," said Roger Chandler, vice president of CCG and general manager, Creator and Workstation Solution team at Intel. "These processors are built to ensure professional innovators, including creators, engineers and data scientists, have the power and stability needed to create the industry's latest innovations." Lenovo ThinkStation P5: Future-Proofed for Versatility, Reliability and Performance A workhorse of a desktop workstation, the ThinkStation P5 is engineered for a wide number of industry verticals and has been redesigned to satisfy users' demand for higher levels of performance, IT expandability and ease of management in the enterprise. The next-generation workstation features a newly designed chassis, the latest Intel Xeon W processors, which offer up to 24 cores, and support for up to two NVIDIA RTX A6000 professional graphics cards. High-speed DDR5 memory and PCIe Gen 5 bandwidth deliver extreme configurability that caters to end-users' unique needs. Optimized for architects, designers, engineers, and creatives alike, this workstation shines in solid modeling and compute-intensive tasks including BIM, complex 3D CAD, reality capture and geospatial visualization, visual effects, and edge deployments. "NVIDIA offers the world's most powerful visual computing GPUs for desktop workstations," said Bob Pette, vice president of Professional Visualization at NVIDIA. "These are featured in all three of Lenovo's new ThinkStation desktop systems, equipping data scientists, engineers and creative professionals with the high-performance technology they need to work with massive datasets, innovate faster, and elevate their AI and compute-intensive workflows of tomorrow." The ThinkStation PX, P7 and P5 workstations are designed to work within some of the most demanding professionally managed IT workplace environments and provide essential enterprise-grade features and security. Lenovo's rigorous standards and testing, ThinkStation Diagnostics 2.0, ThinkShield support, upgrades to Premier Support and three-year warranty, deliver the peace of mind needed to work confidently and more securely. The three new workstations will be available starting in May 20233. To learn more about the latest additions to Lenovo's workstation product portfolio, visit: www.lenovo.com/thinkstations About Lenovo Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a US$70 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #171 in the Fortune Global 500, employing 82,000 people around the world, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver smarter technology for all, Lenovo has built on its success as the world's largest PC company by further expanding into key growth areas including server, storage, mobile, solutions and services. This transformation together with Lenovo's world-changing innovation is building a more inclusive, trustworthy, and sustainable digital society for everyone, everywhere. To find out more visit www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our Storyhub. LENOVO, THINKSTATION and THINKSHIELD are trademarks of Lenovo. Intel and Xeon are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries. NVIDIA and RTX are trademarks of NVIDIA Corporation. Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 2023, Lenovo Group Limited. 1 This add in card will not be available until later in 2023. 2 See [G1] at intel.com/processorclaims: 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors. Results may vary. 3 Availability may vary by geography and products may only be available in select markets. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230309005029/en/

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[March 09, 2023] TD Asset Management Inc. launches the new ESG-focused TD North American Sustainability Bond Fund

A socially responsible investing approach that aims to earn current income TORONTO, March 9, 2023 /CNW/ - Today, TD Asset Management Inc. ("TDAM") expanded its sustainability suite with the launch of the TD North American Sustainability Bond Fund (the "Fund"), its first actively managed Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG")-related fixed income product. The Fund is designed to earn current income by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of North American fixed income securities, while following a socially responsible approach to investing. "There is a growing importance for investors to have access to ESG-focused funds and adding the TD North American Sustainability Bond Fund to our existing sustainable investing fund lineup gives investors more ways to round out their portfolio with sustainable options," says Priti Shokeen, Vice President & Director, Head of ESG Research and Engagement Team, TDAM. "The Fund uses fundamental research to select issuers with strong ESG characteristics and is supported by the strength of the Portfolio Management, Credit Research and ESG teams at TDAM." The launch follows the rollout of the TD North American Sustainability Equity Fund and TD North American Sustainability Balanced Fund in September 2020.



Key features of this new fund include: Investing in issuers that, in TDAM's view, have strong sustainability characteristics and/or demonstrate positive contributions to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals







The bond investments will tend to focus on North American corporate bonds, which may include non-investment-grade bonds, using rigorous bottom-up security selection. The Fund will also be mindful of the macro environment.





Investors of this Fund gain access to an actively managed fixed income solution that includes investing in bonds that TDAM views as green, social, sustainable and/or sustainability-linked TDAM is also committed to sustainable investing through its TDAM Sustainable Investment Approach, and is a Founding Participant in Climate Engagement Canada, which aims to drive dialogue between the financial community and Canadian corporations to promote a just transition to a net-zero economy. In 2008, TDAM was among the first Canadian bank-owned asset managers to sign the United Nations- Principles for Responsible Investment. For more information on sustainable investing, visit the TDAM Sustainable Investing page. About TD Asset Management Inc.

TD Asset Management Inc. ("TDAM"), a member of TD Bank Group, is a North American investment management firm. TDAM offers investment solutions to corporations, pension funds, endowments, foundations, and individual investors. Additionally, TDAM manages assets on behalf of almost 2 million retail investors and offers a broadly diversified suite of investment solutions including mutual funds, professionally managed portfolios, and corporate class funds. Asset management businesses at TD manage $408 billion in assets. Aggregate statistics are as of December 31, 2022 for TDAM and Epoch Investment Partners, Inc. TDAM operates in Canada and Epoch Investment Partners, Inc. operates in the United States. Both entities are affiliates and are wholly-owned subsidiaries of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the fund facts and prospectus, which contain detailed investment information, before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed or insured, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Mutual fund strategies and current holdings are subject to change. The TD logo and other TD trademarks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank or its subsidiaries. SOURCE TD Asset Management Inc.

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[March 09, 2023] TX RX Systems to Appear at IWCE 2023 Exhibit Hall

ANGOLA, N.Y., March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TX RX Systems, an industry leader in the Land Mobile Radio (LMR) market, is pleased to announce the company will have an exhibitors booth at the International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE) 2023.

IWCE 2023 takes place March 27-30 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, in the North Hall. TX RX will be at booth 1515 during the exhibit hall days on March 29-30. TX RX will share a wide range of its innovative solutions, including new antennas and the products that have helped establish TX RX as leaders in the RF industry for more than four decades. Among them will be TX RX's renowned Tower Top Amplifiers (TTA), TTA testers, BDAs (bi-directional amplifiers), Hybrid Combiner, duplexers, and remote monitoring products. During the show, TX RX will give away a new Apple iWatch smartwatch and an Apple Earbuds Pro 2nd Generation. One of the Apple products will be given away at the exhibit hall each day, offering IWCE attendees two chances to win. TX RX Systems is an OEM supplier for many well-known electronics and telecommunications vendors. The Angola, New York-headquartered company also works with governments, municipalities, schools, universities, warehouses, and distribution centers. TX RX also has a strong presence in the Public Safety sector, thanks to their mission-critical RF conditioning products, services, and training resources. The new products and solutions to be displayed at IWCE 2023 are evidence that TX RX continues to offer best-in-class solutions in R&D, operations, and customer support. To learn more about TX RX Systems, stop by booth 1515 at IWCE 2023 or contact the company any time at TXRX.com



For over 45 years, IWCE has provided leaders in critical communication sectors with the opportunity to see the newest products and services, network with colleagues, and attend educational sessions. Every year, IWCE is the only conference that brings together critical infrastructure stakeholders in diverse fields, such as public safety, government, emergency management, disaster response, transportation, utilities, and healthcare.

IWCE 2023s program covers important topics currently facing critical communications industries. Among the conference sessions to be held are LMR, 911 & Dispatch, Broadband, Cloud Connectivity, IoT, Smart-X, and AI, and other areas of interest that explore changing technology and its effect on critical communications sectors. Industry professionals interested in attending IWCE 2023 can find more information about the expo and registration at iwceexpo.com . Among the four pass options is an affordable Expo Pass that gives visitors access to the exhibit hall, including TX RXs booth. About TX RX Systems, Inc. Since 1976, TX RX has been recognized as a leading manufacturer in the LMR market. Founded that year by Dan Kaegebein and Elliott Johnson, TX RX quickly distinguished itself with breakthrough products like the T-Pass Transmit Combiner, Auto-Backup Tower Top Amplifier, wideband collinear Base Station Antennas, along with high-performance RF filters and duplexers. For more information on TX RX Systems, Inc. please visit TXRX.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn. For more information, please contact TX RX Systems through the following channels: Email: [email protected] Physical address: 8625 Industrial Parkway, Angola, NY 14006 Phone: +1-866-442-8979 TXRX



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[March 09, 2023] Paessler AG strengthens North American ties to global operations with the appointment of new vice president of sales, Tobias Jaenchen

CHICAGO, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Paessler AG, best known for the monitoring software Paessler PRTG, is focused on strengthening and expanding its presence in the Americas as a part of its overall global business strategy. Tobias Jaenchen, Paessler's newly appointed vice president of sales for both the Americas and APAC, will play a crucial role in driving the company's growth in the North American market by serving as the liaison at the company's German headquarters to address US and Canadian customer needs. After studying Computer Science in Berlin and at CUNY in New York City, Tobias Jaenchen embarked on a career in both the United States and Europe in consulting, B2B software sales, and sales management positions for companies such as Oracle, FreeMarkets, Altiris, and Symantec. As a member of Paessler's global leadership team, he will be the voice for the North American market and will focus on developing Paessler's sales strategy, organization, and processes, and continuously developing new markets, business areas, customer segments, and partnerships. "I am thrilled to work with Paessler's North American customers to help them achieve their IT, OT, and IoT monitoring goals and to make Paessler PRTG the go-to monitoring solution for businesses," says Tobias Jaenchen, vice president, sales, Americas and APAC. "From day one, I have been impressed by the welcoming and supportive culture of the Paessler team and look forward to bridging communications and sales strategies between Germany and the US and Canada so that we can better serve our North American customers." Paessler has worked successfully for years to steadily increase its market share and to provide the North American market with opportunities and solutions for digital transformation. In addition to monitoring traditional IT environments, Paessler has continuously expanded its solutions to diverse vertical markets including industrial, healthcare, telecoms, and government. In 2023, Paessler is also focused on innovative and new offerings, such as various product extensions and specialized solutions for the Internet of Things and industrial environments (IIoT). Unlike the current downsizing trend in the tech market, Paessler plans to continue further growth in its headcount by hiring for strategic leadership positions. "We are excited to welcome Tobias to our team. His expertise will be invaluable as we continue to expand our reach and offerings across the globe," says Helmut Binder, CEO of Paessler. "Our customers find themselves at the intersection of new demands and rapid growth in their IT, OT, and IoT environments, and the aftermath of the pandemic has put additional pressure on the reliability of corporate IT, and Tobias' new role will help alleviate challenges to their growth." ABOUT PAESSLER AG Paessler believes monitoring plays a vital part in reducing humankind's consumption of resources. Monitoring data helps its customers save resources, from optimizing their IT, OT, and IoT infrastructures to reducing energy consumption or emissions  for our future and our environment. That is why Paessler offers monitoring solutions for businesses across all industries and all sizes, from SMBs to large enterprises. Paessler works with renowned partners, and together they tackle the monitoring challenges of an ever-changing world. Since 1997, when Paessler first introduced PRTG Network Monitor, it has combined its in-depth monitoring knowledge with an innovative spirit. Today, more than 500,000 users in over 170 countries rely on PRTG and other Paessler solutions to monitor their complex IT, OT, and IoT infrastructures. Paessler's products empower its customers to monitor everything and thus help them optimize their resources. Learn more about Paessler and its products at www.paessler.com











Media Contact Paessler AG Hughes Agency T: +49 911 93775-0 Amanda Long F: +49 911 93775-409 T: +1 864.271.0718 [email protected] [email protected] www.paessler.com www.hughes-agency.com





Melissa Slater

T: +1 864.271.0718

[email protected]







View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/paessler-ag-strengthens-north-american-ties-to-global-operations-with-the-appointment-of-new-vice-president-of-sales-tobias-jaenchen-301768174.html SOURCE Paessler AG - The Network Monitoring Company

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[March 09, 2023] Laurentian Bank donating $100,000 to Windmill Microlending to support skilled immigrants and refugees in the province of Quebec

MONTREAL, March 9, 2023 /CNW/ - Laurentian Bank of Canada (the "Bank") is proud to announce that it is making a financial commitment of $100,000 over two years to Windmill Microlending, a Canadian national charity offering affordable loans to skilled immigrants and refugees. Founded in 2005, Windmill has delivered more than 8,000 microloans to new Canadians, helping convert their potential into prosperity. The Bank's donation will be used to support deserving skilled immigrants and refugees in the province of Quebec to pay for the costs of accreditation, training, and career development. This donation is aligned with the Bank's new corporate giving strategy launched in January 2023 called Giving Beyond NumbersTM. Under the new program, the Bank is targeting its support for organizations across the country that are working towards the economic inclusion of newcomers and refugees, as well as those whose mission is to combat economic inequities impacing underrepresented groups, such as racialized communities, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, Indigenous peoples, and people living with disabilities.



Quotes "At Laurentian Bank, we believe we can change banking for the better, and that everyone  including newcomers and refugees  should feel like they belong and have the chance to thrive. We are extremely proud to be partnering with Windmill Microlending as they deliver on their important mission of supporting the professional success of individuals who have made the choice to settle in Canada."

- Rania Llewellyn, President and CEO of Laurentian Bank of Canada. "We are extremely grateful to have Laurentian Bank as a supporter of our work, focusing on skilled immigrants and refugees in Quebec. We are seeing more demand for our loans than ever before and, with this support, we are confident that the needs of our clients will continue to be met." - Sandy Marett, National Director, Philanthropy and Campaign Planning of Windmill Microlending About Laurentian Bank At Laurentian Bank, we believe we can change banking for the better. By seeing beyond numbers. Founded in Montreal in 1846, Laurentian Bank helps families, businesses and communities thrive. Today, we have approximately 3,000 employees working together as one team, to provide a broad range of financial services and advice-based solutions for customers across Canada and the United States. We protect, manage and grow $50.4 billion in balance sheet assets and $28.1 billion in assets under administration. We drive results by placing our customers first, making the better choice, acting courageously, and believing everyone belongs. SOURCE Laurentian Bank of Canada

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5G is in the drivers seat of digital transformation as it accelerates the digital economy. Think about it. 5G is changing entire businesses and how they operate as well as the communications landscape.

But how does one really thrive in a 5G world, especially with the possibility of cutting the bottom line or slowing down the modernization journey with siloed, vertically integrated clouds and manual lifecycle management?

Well, VMware says not to let legacy limitations stop the modernization journey with its VMware Telco Cloud Platform. The platform gives consistent infrastructure from core to edge. According to VMware, it is designed with telco-centric scale in mind, like ultra high-performance, support for distributed sites and the ability to service millions of subscribers.

The platform transforms network operations with multilayer automation from infrastructure up to services. It understands the unique characteristics required for each cloud native network function and virtual network function to deliver services fast across 5G from core and edge.

And communications service providers are already unlocking the possibilities of 5G with the VMware Telco Cloud Platform. For example, the platform allows SoftBank to accelerate time-to-market for deploying new, innovative services and giving them a competitive edge. The platform also enables Vodafone (News - Alert) Qatar to apply the power of 5G, cloud and modern infrastructures to bring new services to market.

That is not all VMware announced, though.

VMware continues to evolve its work with RAN partners that provide solutions to make networks smarter with VMware Telco Cloud Platform.

In an expanded partnership, NTT (News - Alert) DATA and VMware are set to help expedite CSPs ability to leverage best practices and Open RAN large scale deployment know-how. NTT DATAs comprehensive CI/CD/CT framework is adopted globally across operators and now incorporates enhanced support for VMwares Telco Cloud portfolio. The collaboration addresses streamlining configuration management, multi-domain service management and orchestration.

Samsung (News - Alert) and VMware also announced their first virtual network launch, with the integration of Samsungs virtualized RAN with VMware Telco Cloud Platform as a part of the DISH 5G network buildout. The two companies offer an advanced topology that is tested, more interoperable and allows CSPs to accelerate and streamline their RAN deployments at scale more efficiently

VMware also introduced new and enhanced offerings to help CSPs more quickly modernize their networks and monetize new services.

VMware's vision for the Service Management and Orchestration framework which follows the O-RAN alliances approach of simplifying, optimizing and automating the RAN and its applications. To achieve this, VMware is leveraging its suite of telco cloud management and orchestration solutions. What this means for CSPs is that they can better streamline the deployments of a programmable 5G RAN network with end-to-end automation and optimization.

To help CSPs advance their journey toward modernized and disaggregated RAN with more architectural choices, VMware introduced Project Kauai. The vision of Project Kauai is to add choice and flexibility through VMware Telco Cloud Platform RAN to help CSPs deploy the most demanding areas of their RAN  far edge cell sites. While CSPs continue to reap the benefits of the VMware ESXi hypervisor, the goal of Project Kauai is to complement VMwares hypervisor solution by running disaggregated and virtualized RAN functions on a bare metal server.

Weve evolved the telco and edge digital infrastructure by providing CSPs a cloud-smart approach that delivers more flexibility and greater efficiency, from both a technology and an operational perspective, said Sanjay Uppal, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Service Provider and Edge, VMware. Working in lockstep with our partners, our customers will have the ability to create more advanced and innovative services than ever to move the industry and its capabilities forward.

VMware is helping global CSPs become cloud smart and thrive in the digital era through innovations that enable RAN and edge transformation, improve telco efficiency, and enable smarter networking.

Edited by Alex Passett
American consumers favor texting over calling due to its convenience, the ability to send and receive messages at any time without disrupting someone's day, and the ability to take time to proofread a message before sending it.

The same can be said about scammers. First off, texts are just as convenient for scammers as they are for consumers. Secondly, scammers are not dumb, and they know there is a bigger focus on stopping robocalls. The telecommunications industry is in a fight to curb spam calls, and the Federal Communications Commission's STIR/SHAKEN regulations are mandatory for voice service providers to stop caller ID spoofing.

So to carry out their scams, they naturally turned to using texts. In fact, Americans received 225 billion robotexts in 2022, a 157% increase from 2021, according to Robokiller's annual phone scam report. It should be noted that not all those robotexts were scams per se, as 70% of messages in November and December were marketing related. Robokiller estimates that Americans likely received 157 billion robotexts with those marketing-related messages excluded.

Delivery scams led the scam categories by text in 2022 at just under 13 billion. Delivery scams are when scammers send fake delivery messages that ask recipients to click on a link to confirm delivery information or reschedule a delivery.

And Americans are falling for these scams that look quite legitimate. According to the report, $20 billion was stolen from Americans through SMS messages, a 105% increase from 2021.

Consumers do need to be aware that the rise in robotexts does not mean robocalls are no more. Robocalls still saw an 8% increase to 78 billion, according to the report, and Americans lost $65 billion to robocalls in 2022.

Because of the numbers seen in the report, Robokiller predicts that robocalls will reach 82 billion in 2023, a 5% increase as government efforts to stop harmful scams will continue to make a dent in overall robocall volume. Robotexts are predicted to escalate to 236 billion with a growth rate of 50% as the government and carriers continue to focus their efforts on combating robocalls.

That doesnt mean that the government is doing nothing to fight robotexts. The FCC proposed new rules aimed at protecting consumers from text messaging scams.

Not to sound like a broken record, but consumers do not need to wait for the government to act. Call and text blockers like Robokiller and Textkiller are on the front lines defending Americans against fraudulent SMS and phone calls. With 99% effective protection against dangerous scams, consumers are safe with AI- and machine learning-powered technology that silences scammers.

Edited by Alex Passett
In Kansas City there's a stunning lack of confidence in the courthouse.



Here's what is the biggest story tonight and something that adds fuel to the fire of Missouri GOP moves to provide a special prosecutor in high crime towns like STL & KCMO . . .

More to the point . . .

THE STATEMENT FROM THIS POLICE FAMILY IN THE MIDST OF MOURNING MIGHT BE THE MOST PUBLIC & STUNNING REBUKE EVER ENDURED BY AN ELECTED OFFICIAL IN JACKSON COUNTY HISTORY!!!



Check-it . . .



The widow of Officer James Muhlbauer and his former police partner sent a letter to Attorney General Andrew Bailey. In the letter, the two claim Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker has a conflict of interest and cant effectively prosecute the man charged with killing the officer.

Here's the money line . . .

"It is no secret that the Jackson County prosecutor's office has taken a hardline stance against the police department and police officers," the petition reads. "Jean Peters Baker has supported criminals and their family while publicly blasting the department whenever she can, using her official office."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Widow of fallen KC officer asks Missouri AG for new prosecutor KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The former police partner joins the wife of a fallen Kansas City, Missouri, police officer to ask the Missouri attorney general to move the case out of Jackson County. The widow of Officer James Muhlbauer and his former police partner sent a letter to Attorney General Andrew Bailey.

Petition requests Missouri AG to move trial of man charged in Kansas City officer's death out of Jackson County WE'LL TALK MORE ABOUT THAT A LITTLE LATER ON. WELL, THERE'S NOW A PETITION FOR THE MISSOURI ATTORNEY GENERAL TO GET INVOLVED IN THE CASE OF A FALLEN CASE. EPD OFFICER. SUPPORTERS WANT THE STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO MOVE GERREN LIGHTFOOT'S TRIAL FROM JACKSON COUNTY.

Widow of KCPD officer killed in crash wants Jackson County prosecutor off case KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The widow of James Muhlbauer, the Kansas City officer killed in a crash last month, wants a special prosecutor appointed to the criminal case involving the death of her husband. Cassie Muhlbauer, the widow of James Muhlbauer, penned a letter to Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey asking for the change.

Developing . . .


Tonight we share a moment of reflection and recognize the suffering of women throughout the world.

For instance . . .



In the final issue of our 2nd favorite Brit mag . . . Hottie Lucy was moved to tears by the end of an era. In fact . . . The demise of hottie glam culture amid the #MeToo era has made life just a little somber for all of our lady heroes who are now struggling to do God's work on Instagram & Onlyfans.

And so . . . All of THAT is more than just an educational interlude in order to (barely) assuage fair use regs BUT REALLY a way of noting that the international plight of women has inspired us to take yet another peek at pop culture, community news and top headlines tonight.



Check TKC news gathering . . .

High Flying Fare Hyped Again



Kansas City's New Airport Terminal Has Retail And Food That's Now 80% Local Kansas City's enormous replacement air terminal is totally new, but somehow also familiar. Because, while the opening has led to a major shopping transformation-it has doubled down on recognizable and iconic landmarks in the largest city in Missouri, with some 80% of the dining and shopping experiences at the airport now local.

Golden Ghetto Gives Tribute

On International Women's Day, City of Leawood honors Mindy Corporon Mindy Corporon was honored by city leaders in Leawood, Kan., on this International Women's Day. Corporon started the "Seven Days" kindness event after the Jewish Community Center shootings in 2014. The attack claimed the life of her son, Reat Underwood, and her father, William Corporon. Terri Lamanno also died in the shooting.

EPIC Stash Exposed After Kansas City Police Shot

8 pounds of fentanyl powder seized following standoff in KCMO KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - A woman charged with intent to distribute fentanyl in connection with an 18-hour standoff, which happened after three police officers were shot, will not be released from custody.

Baller Retrospective Tonight

Let's remember what Frank Clark brought to the Chiefs these past three years Don't cry because it's over between the Chiefs and defensive end Frank Clark; smile because it happened. Kansas City officially released the postseason playmaker on Tuesday, bidding farewell with a social media sendoff fit for a king.

Hipsters Love Emerald Isle

Celebrate the Luck O' The Irish On The Bridge Starting this weekend, join us live on-site as we celebrate the luck o' the Irish with the rest of Kansas City! We'll be broadcasting from Snake Saturday, the St. Patrick's Day Parade and The Elders!

Historic Shut Down Well Remembered

Nuts magazine to close Nuts, the weekly that along with arch-rival Zoo shook up the men's magazine market a decade ago but attracted criticism for their sexist portrayal of women, is to close. IPC Media said on Monday that it had entered a 30-day consultation with the 25 staff who work on the Nuts magazine and Nuts.co.uk website about the closure.

White House Vs. EPIC Wealth

Biden to propose 25% billionaire tax The Biden administration is set to propose a series of tax increases for wealthy Americans and large corporations, Bloomberg first reported and Axios has confirmed. Driving the news: The new budget request to Congress, which is to be released on Thursday, includes a 25% minimum tax on the richest 0.01% of Americans.

Tucker Rages Against Critics

Tucker Carlson calls critics 'sociopaths' and accuses Merrick Garland of lying about January 6 officer deaths During a broadcast on Wednesday, Tucker Carlson blasted his bipartisan critics in Congress as "sociopaths" and accused attorney general Merrick Garland of lying about the number of police officers killed during the January 6 attack on the Capitol.

MAGA Alleges Ultimate Betrayal

Trump wants Jan. 6 committee members to be charged with 'treason' It's never been altogether clear whether Donald Trump knows what "treason" means, though there's little doubt that he loves to casually throw the word around - far more than he should. The former president has accused Barack Obama of treason. And Nancy Pelosi. And James Comey.

First Lady Honors Trans Ladies



Twitter laughs, groans as Jill Biden gives biological male Women of Courage award: 'Up your game, ladies' First Lady Jill Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken were slammed Wednesday for presenting a biological male from Argentina with an award for women on International Women's Day. This year's annual International Women of Courage Awards ceremony at the White House honored "11 extraordinary women from around the world who are working to build a brighter future for all," according to a State Department press release.

Free Speech Fact Check: Talkers Must Bow To Government Contractors

Dominion: Fox News needs to 'retract the lies and tell its audience the truth' "What is Rupert Murdoch's rationale for not retracting? Not that the truth is still in doubt. He admitted he 'never believed' that Dominion rigged the election. And he 'could have' stopped the defamatory statements from airing at the time "[b]ut I didn't.' Yet he believes it is 'too late' to retract and refuses to apologize," the filing said.

Redux: GOP Vs. Unions

GOP senator snaps at union boss during heated hearing: 'Shut your mouth' Republican Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin let loose on Teamsters president Sean O'Brien during a heated Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing on Wednesday as the two clashed over O'Brien's salary compared to that of his union members.

Debt Default Risk 4 Realz



Moody's Economist Calls Debt Ceiling Breach 'Immediate Threat' - Millions of Jobs on the Line A leading U.S. economist has painted a bleak economic picture if Congress is unable to reach a debt ceiling agreement soon, warning that "financial markets would be roiled," and the "hit to the economy would be cataclysmic." Costco's Best Deals?

Everybody Against White House

33 Senate Democrats join Republicans to block DC crime bill Senators on Wednesday overwhelmingly voted to block the District of Columbia's updated criminal code from becoming law, marking the first time in more than three decades that a D.C.-passed bill has been nixed by Congress and the White House. The Senate advanced the resolution, 81-14, with 33 Democrats voting alongside every Republican and Independent Sen....

Youngster Shooter Walks

6-year-old who shot teacher in January will not face charges, report says | CNN The 6-year-old who allegedly shot his elementary school teacher in January will not be criminally charged, Newport News Commonwealth's Attorney Howard Gwynn told CNN affiliate WTKR. The shooting took place on January 6 at Richneck Elementary School and left teacher Abigail Zwerner in the hospital for nearly two weeks with a hand and chest wound, CNN previously reported.

South Of The Border Scares Americans Who Believe Cover Story

Two survivors of Mexico kidnapping recovering in US hospitals Two surviving Americans who were were kidnapped at gunpoint in Matamoros, Mexico last week are being treated at US hospitals. Their two friends who were also abducted died during the incident. One man, identified only as Jose "N", 24, from Tamaulipas, has been arrested.

VLAD LAUNCHES EPIC MISSILE ATTACK TONIGHT!!!

Russia unleashes missile barrage on Ukraine Russian missile strikes hit a series of Ukrainian regions early on Thursday, including Odesa and Kharkiv, knocking out power to several areas, regional officials say.

Forgotten Ladies Speak Out

On International Women's Day, Afghan women blast the Taliban and say the world has "neglected us completely" Islamabad - As the world marks International Women's Day on Wednesday, the women of Afghanistan have little to celebrate. The Taliban regime has methodically stripped them of their basic rights since reclaiming power over the country in the summer of 2021.

Trending: Wives Explore Options

Huge spike in women cheating on husbands Nikki has been married for 15 years. And she's been cheating on her husband for 12 of them. This US mother-of-two, who is in her late 30s, keeps track of her potential lovers via a spreadsheet, has an untraceable Google Voice number for communicating with her suitors, and arranges rendezvous through WhatsApp.

Local Baller Roundup

Big 12 Tournament, Day 1: West Virginia defeats Texas Tech advances to play Kansas The Kansas Jayhawks will play the West Virginia Mountaineers in their opening game of the Big 12 Tournament. KU and West Virginia tip off at 2 p.m. on Thursday. West Virginia cruised to a 16-point victory over the Texas Tech Red Raiders on Wednesday evening.

Lady Lawyer Gives Back

KC woman continues to spread passion for helping poor and marginalized through non-profit UnBound KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Ashley Hufft was once giving a good life, working as corporate lawyer for Merger and Acquisition in New York City. But one subway ride to work changed everything. "After making partner one day, I found myself riding the subway to work and tears coming to my eyes.

Hipsters Always Have Activities

The Pitch Scavenger Hunt invites you to explore KC for a chance at $500 The Pitch's Scavenger Hunt is back and you know what we like to say: there's no shame in being a tourist in your hometown! You can consider this your official small-town, Midwestern welcome to the City of Hearts! Get out and enjoy that fresh spring air as you scour the city for iconic and fun Kansas City locations.

Actually, Traffic Check Proves They Didn't REALLY Pull It Off

For one night only, KCI's new terminal became the city's premier event venue; Here's how they pulled it off Transforming an airport terminal into a high-profile, elegant celebration and then back to an airport terminal within 48 hours is no easy feat, Whitney Butler said, but the women-led PlatinumXP team was up for the challenge. "We were creating within a venue that will never be able to be used as an event venue again.

Soggy Tomorrow Predicted

FORECAST: Additional rain expected Thursday It has been a cloudy and dreary Wednesday. Expect light rain/drizzle through the rest of the evening. Temperatures will not change much tonight, with many areas in the upper 30s and low 40s overnight. A better shot of rain moves in with a storm system that will develop out of the Rockies.

And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
In this post we catch up on police action, ALLEGED misdeeds, court cases and all manner of crime reporting that has captured our attention.



Check TKC news gathering . . .

Man pleads guilty to illegally owning machine gun used to kill KC firefighter INDEPENDENCE, Mo. - A Kansas City man pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to illegally possessing the gun used to kill an off-duty Kansas City firefighter. Ja'Von L. Taylor , 23, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stephen Bough to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possessing a machine gun.

Gun dealer to pay $150K to Kansas City to settle lawsuit KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City has reached a settlement with one of the gun dealers it accused in a lawsuit of contributing to surging violence in the region by ignoring evidence that firearms were being sold illegally.

Olathe man pleads guilty in high-speed chase at Kansas City downtown airport KANSAS CITY, Mo. - An Olathe man pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday after leading police in a high-speed chase down a runway at the Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport during February 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Man with gun in custody at Saint Luke's North Hospital in Kansas City KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A man with a gun was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon at a Northland hospital, Kansas City police said. Officers were called to Saint Luke's North Hospital around 12:30 p.m. on a report of a person with a gun.

Woman arrested for endangerment and driving while intoxicated in crash that killed 3-year-old girl The Missouri State Highway Patrol has made an arrest after a wreck that claimed the life of a 3-year-old girl Tuesday.Seven people were inside a vehicle when it overturned on Missouri 7 Highway in Harrisonville.The driver, a 65-year-old woman, has been arrested following the incident.

Investigation ongoing after suspect in stolen KCFD ambulance causes multi-vehicle crash KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Three people remain in the hospital Wednesday, including a suspect who stole an ambulance outside a hospital and crashed it into four cars. "We're out there trying to protect the public and somebody came in and disrupted that," Assistant Fire Chief Jimmy Walker said.

Kansas City woman convicted of abusing child; child was beat with pipe Jackson County Sheriff's Office SOURCE: Jackson County Sheriff's Office A Kansas City woman has been convicted of severely beating a child. Nancy Russell was found guilty of four Class B felonies of first-degree domestic assault and four counts of armed criminal action.

Inside the legal standoff over Kansas City police funding When Kansas Citys budget for the upcoming fiscal year takes effect on May 1, a quarter of its general revenue will be directed to the Kansas City Police Department, as ordered by a new Missouri constitutional amendment..

FBI offering reward for information on missing 13-year-old Jayden Robker A Northland family is continuing to search for their missing 13-year-old.Now, the FBI is stepping in to offer its assistance. Jayden Robker left home on Feb. 2 to sell Pokemon cards. No one has seen him since.

Devoted Sergeant Leads Team of Crash Experts Soon enough, Sergeant Deborah Randol will have to retire. At KCPD, it's mandatory for officers after 35 years of service or age 65. Randol will reach both marks almost simultaneously. She could retire now, but "I love coming to work," Randol said. "The comradery makes it a great environment."

Developing . . .
Straighten up in your chair. Roll your shoulders. Take a deep breath. Gamers and chronically online Internet surfers alike tend to stop being mindful of their posture after a while, resulting in the classic desk chair slump. Apparently, Sony has taken it upon themselves to solve this problem (despite no one really asking them to), filing a patent for software that will evaluate gamers' posture. According to the abstract, the hypothetical software will "evaluate, based on learning models, posture, and physical motions for players for repetitive, unbalanced, or excessive motions, as well as gameplay quality patterns, and compare to thresholds for identifying unhealthy conditions."



So, you get your game interrupted to remind you to correct your posture  but at least you also get to be spied on by a Sony AI and have your movements and surroundings stored in their database. It's a real win-win, but you could probably just accomplish the same results by setting periodic reminders on your phone.
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.
Western New York is short thousands of tech workers and has struggled to attract and retain the labor force local employers need.

At the same time, nationwide, more than 200,000 tech workers at companies big and small have been laid off over the past 14 months, according to Crunchbase.

So could the tech industry's struggles elsewhere be an opportunity for Buffalo Niagara businesses to tap into a new pool of talent and fill tech jobs that have been hard to fill?

Local tech officials say there's been a slight rise in interest so far, especially among local talent that was working remotely for big tech firms. There's been a smaller uptick from displaced tech workers who live elsewhere.

The big reason: Pay for the available technology jobs in the Buffalo Niagara region still is low, even after adjusting for the lower cost of living here, compared with costly places like the Silicon Valley or Boston.

Compared to the top 10 tech metros, Buffalo's median tech wage, when adjusted for cost of living, is $17,000 less, according to a Buffalo Niagara tech workforce report from TechBuffalo.

"There's definitely an interest," said Marcie Vassallo, M&T's director of executive search and operations. "They're not coming in boatloads, but slowly it seems to be improving."

But that doesn't mean local businesses can't do more to attract out-of-work tech talent, especially since the Buffalo Niagara region has plenty of job openings for them. Half of local tech job postings went unfilled in 2022, according to the tech workforce report.

For Buffalo Niagara businesses, the potential solution to the pay gap is to pitch potential hires on the region's quality of life  as a place where traffic isn't a problem and where housing is more affordable.

"I think all of its kind of playing its way out to really help Buffalo here in the years ahead," said Randy Harris, CEO of Lighthouse Technology Services, a local tech staffing and services firm.

The opportunity

Companies like Amazon, Meta, Twitter, Microsoft and Google have each laid of off thousands of tech workers.

The mass layoffs mark the end of a period of rapid growth in the tech industry due to a demand for their products, software and services that surged with millions of people working remotely during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

M&T Bank is one of the Buffalo Niagara region's largest tech employers; the bank currently has around 180 job openings for technologists and has hired more than 1,000 in the past several years.

M&T's tech hub looks to the future M &T Bank poured nearly $58 million into its tech hub at Seneca One tower.

Toward the end of January, M&T started seeing former employees of big tech companies who lived in Western New York but worked remotely apply for the bank's open positions and reach out to recruiters, Vassallo said.

The bank's recruiting efforts to technologist candidates outside the region have also improved, from a 30% response rate to 60%, she said.

Invest Buffalo Niagara, the region's economic development agency, has received a handful of resumes from people laid off from big tech companies looking for opportunities locally, Invest Buffalo Niagara communications manager Greg Pokriki said.

Selling WNY as the whole package

Historically, Western New York companies have struggled to attract the tech workers they need because wages here are lower.

That continues be a barrier to attracting some of these recently laid off tech workers.

But at Be In Buffalo  Invest Buffalo Niagara's talent recruitment arm  the strategy is not to go after those looking to make the most money.

They are trying to attract people who will appreciate and love Western New York as a whole package: big city amenities at a more affordable price, a slower pace of living, shorter commutes.

Young professionals looking to start a family or buy a home have been most interested in relocating to Western New York  especially if they already have family ties to the region.

Rob Leteste, business intelligence and workforce manager at Invest Buffalo Niagara, has created a database of more than 3,000 Western New York expats with the kind of tech skills employers around here need. He said Buffalo could be a great option for many people coming out of big tech.

"Folks that are in the space, especially when they're coming from big tech, they're probably burned out," he said. "The type of pace and environment, its never been one that people stick around in long term anyways."

"We don't want to say that we're gonna be the right fit for every one of these big tech workers," Leteste said. "So how do we present ourselves with this in mind to then identify those folks that match up with them?"

Another important part of Be In Buffalo's recruiting strategy has been showing job seekers the career pipelines that exist in Buffalo Niagara.

Unlike in decades past, there are now far more opportunities within Western New York to work with companies that have big missions and big customers, said Mike Wisler, chief information officer at M&T Bank. There are opportunities for workers to remain in Buffalo and further their careers.

"I think one of the things that we might have suffered from a few years ago was, 'I may be really excited about a job at M&T, but what might be next?' where now, it's a lot easier to see what might be next," Wisler said.

Calm amid turbulence

Companies in Buffalo Niagara haven't seen the kind of turbulence big tech firms have the past year for a variety of reasons.

For one, most major employers of technologists in Western New York are tech-enabled companies; theyre not the tech product or software company, TechBuffalo CEO Sarah Tanbakuchi said. But these companies still require significant tech teams to operate.

Employers in Western New York also tend to be more conservative compared to those in Silicon Valley and New York City. They don't have the kind of extra money, often from venture capitalists and other investors, to overstock their talent pipelines, Harris said.

The more conservative business practices generally lead to more stability and less volatility compared to these big tech companies, Wisler said.

"You're not going to have a Silicon Valley investment cycle here, which can be a downside, but it can also be an upside when you see how abruptly the pendulum swings, which is what we're experiencing right now," Wisler said.

That pendulum seems to be swinging in Western New York's favor, Wisler said. The opportunity to snatch up some of these tech workers "may give us a little bit of room to catch up a little bit," he said.

Some of the region's largest employers of technologists, like M&T Bank, Moog and ACV Auctions, are ramping up their hiring, Harris said. For example, international business software company Odoo is looking to hire another 100 employees in Buffalo this year.

"Buffalo is one of those communities that didn't peak in the years past," Harris said. "We're trending upwards in terms of how we view and develop a technology workforce here locally."
On the afternoon of March 4th, the 1st session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) was opened at the Great Hall of the People. The picture shows CPPCC members from Anhui province attending the session.

Tang Liangzhi, member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Chairman of CPPCC Anhui Provincial Committee

Zhang Ximing, member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), member of the Standing Committee of CPC Anhui Provincial Committee, and head of the United Front Work Department, CPC Anhui Provincial Committee

Ren Qinghua, member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Vice Governor of the Anhui Provincial Government

Li Heping, member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Vice Chairman of the CPPCC Anhui Provincial Committee

Zheng Yongfei, member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Vice Chairman of the CPPCC Anhui Provincial Committee

Tao Yisheng, member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Vice Chairman of the CPPCC Anhui Provincial Committee

Ma Chuanxi, member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Vice Chairman of the CPPCC Anhui Provincial Committee

On March 5th, National Committee members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) from Anhui province, Yan Jianwen, Chen Xianhui, Zheng Yongfei, Xu Lijin, and Xu Jin (from left to right) who attended the 1st Session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee, held discussions on the Government Work Report."

CPPCC National Committee members from Anhui province, Yu Jing, Tao Yisheng, and Li Xia (from left to right) who attended the 1st session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee, held discussions on hot topics of public concern while traveling to Beijing by train.

On the afternoon of March 4th, the 1st session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) was opened at the Great Hall of the People. In recent days, CPPCC National Committee members from Anhui province and more than 2,000 CPPCC members from all over the country, have focused on their duties with a high sense of political responsibility, concentrating on the central tasks of the Party and the country, engaging in in-depth consultations and offering suggestions, forging wide consensus, and contributing wisdom and strength to the comprehensive construction of a socialist modern country and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.





Translated by Zheng Chen
When Danielle Nesselbush learned last year that D'Youville University was switching to a four-day, 32-hour workweek for its staff and administrative employees, her reaction was, "What's the catch?"

A pay cut? Ten-hour workdays?

"It didn't mean any of that," said Nesselbush, the university's dean of students and Title IX coordinator. "It just meant, 'We want you to prioritize yourself,' which I think is really great."

It's been just over a year since D'Youville adopted a 32-hour workweek for about 180 of its employees, replacing a five-day, 37.5-hour schedule for them. The university made the change at a time when the four-day workweek idea is attracting more attention, as a way to recruit employees and help them strike a better work-life balance.

The change has been a hit with D'Youville employees, who like having an extra day of free time each week.

D'Youville officials say productivity hasn't suffered, with workers becoming more focused and efficient as they try to get their jobs done in a shorter amount of time.

They also say the switch took some work, requiring more coordination and changes to schedules and work processes that had been built around a five-day workweek.

But while D'Youville officials are pleased with the way the move to a four-day workweek went, the university is still very much a pioneer. Few companies across the country have embraced the shorter workweek, even as the idea is being discussed more frequently and a relative handful of firms have made the switch.

At D'Youville, the switch to a four-day workweek didn't mean longer workdays or taking a pay cut. It meant that employees worked four, eight-hour days, rather than five, for the same pay and benefits.

D'Youville launched the four-day workweek as a six-month trial before deciding to stick with it. Departments at the university had to develop plans to make the change without disrupting student services. Offices couldn't shut down on any given day, and employees had to demonstrate productivity.

"We kind of found efficiencies to kind of make it work," said Stephanie Atti, executive director of student success and academic advisement. "It caused us to look at our processes and re-evaluate.

"We worked with other offices," Atti said. "And then after a month, I think we all wanted it to work, so we really figured things out really fast."

Nesselbush said there's a different mindset that comes with a four-day workweek.

"I think you're more intentional with your time when you get here," she said. "I want to get here first thing in the morning and make sure that I'm using the day to the best of my ability, making sure that the meetings we're having, we have to actually have, or I don't have meetings that could have been an email."

Employees in Atti's office assessed how much time was necessary to block out for some student appointments. That opened up more time slots for students to meet with their advisers. And Atti sees more collaboration happening across offices, to ensure students' needs are being met.

A new approach

D'Youville introduced its four-day workweek plan last year as an employee health and wellness initiative. The change has arrived at a time when many employers have struggled to hire and keep employees, amid a low unemployment rate. It's the kind of perk that can serve as a recruiting tool.

The four-day workweek has been a hit with university employees, who have a day off to use however they choose.

Atti uses her day off for taking care of things like doctor's appointments, laundry and pedicures. "I literally take that time to myself so on the weekend I can spend it with my stepson and my boyfriend and not have to do laundry or leave for doctor's appointments or hair appointments," she said. "And I can actually help them, too."

On her day off, Nesselbush enjoys spending time with her 3-year-old niece in Jamestown. "We go to the park, to the playground, we do arts and crafts," she said. "Things are open, so we can go to the museums or go sledding, because things are open during the week."

Benjamin Grant, D'Youville's vice president for student affairs, said when he makes presentations about the four-day workweek, audience members tell him afterward: "This is great. I can see how it would work. My administration would never do this."

Grant believes too many colleges and universities are reluctant to break with tradition.

"This is a great case study for every institution, and I do hope that folks adopt it," he said. "The workplace is only going to expect more of styles like this. We're going to need to meet employees where they are."

John Rizk, the president of the Student Government Association and a second-year graduate student in the pharmacy program, said he has not seen any drop-off in services from the staff since the change to the 32-hour week.

"In fact, I think the customer service or the quality of service we're getting from the university and staff is just the same, or better," he said.

Rizk said he is rooting for the program to succeed, because it's the type of schedule students might like to have for themselves when they enter the working world, to reduce burnout.

Widespread interest

A survey by the staffing firm Robert Half found 93% of managers in the United States supported a four-day workweek for their team, and 64% anticipated their company will make the switch to that schedule within five years.

"We've definitely been seeing a lot more companies that we work with in particular throwing this idea out for different perks for employees," said Stephanie Broussard, regional director for upstate New York.

But relatively few employers have taken the leap. Some are concerned about having enough staff available to cover five days of operations, especially with the low jobless rate, she said.

Broussard sees upsides to the four-day schedule. Employees have flexibility to build a schedule that works best for themselves and their families. It instills trust in employees. And it increases employee engagement and productivity.

"What we've seen so far is it improves retention and has attracted better talent into open seats, with allowing that flexibility," she said.

Many employers exploring the four-day workweek would have their employees work additional hours on the days they are on the job, to make up for the day when they are not.

Employees would face working 10-hour days for four days a week. That can create challenges for parents who require child care, and for managers overseeing operations where some employees are on four-day workweeks and others are not.

"It's definitely a learning curve for managers and employees: What's it going to take to get the job done?" Broussard said.

And it's the type of change employers shouldn't just plunge into, she said.

"Just going to do a four-day workweek without being truly prepared for it is not going to make it a very good benefit," Broussard said. "It could add stressors to the employees versus the benefit they're trying to get out of it."

A major test

In the United Kingdom, a test of the four-day workweek received positive reviews from participating employees. The program  a collaboration of the nonprofit 4-Day Work Week Global and the research firm Autonomy  was promoted as the world's largest-ever trial of the four-day workweek.

The pilot involved about 2,900 workers at 61 companies, over the second half of 2022. Employees' pay couldn't be cut during the program, and they had to be given a "meaningful" reduction in work time. That meant different approaches, from providing one additional day off per week to having a staff members work an average 32-hour workweek.

At the end of the program, 56 of the companies said they were sticking with the four-day workweek, and 18 of them called it a permanent change.

Employees reported feeling less stressed and burned out. Staff turnover decreased. And revenues rose compared to a similar period in previous years. Fifteen percent of employees said no amount of money could persuade them to return to a five-day schedule.

The program's organizers said the results "make clear that the four-day week is ready to take the next step from experimentation to implementation."

Back at D'Youville, President Lorrie Clemo said the 32-hour workweek underscores the importance of employee health and wellness. "I am confident that this model will gain traction across the country in future years and I am proud that, as a transformative health care institution, D'Youville University was the first to do so in higher education."

Nesselbush said she believes other employers can learn from D'Youville's example.

"It's absolutely doable," she said. "People just need to put the work in, and (employers) need to trust their people."
For many of his loved ones, the death of Chaguanas Businessman Rishard Ali came as a shock. 
As long as the Russian A-50 reconnaissance aircraft, which was damaged in a strike at the Machulischi military airfield, is being repaired, Russia will likely rely in its air activity on ground control and fighter escort.

Thats according to the British Ministry of Defense, referring to an intelligence update, Ukrinform reports.

As noted, on March 7, 2023, President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus confirmed that one of Russias small fleet of A-50U MAINSTAY D airborne early warning and control aircraft deployed in Belarus had been damaged.

The aircraft was almost certainly attacked by a small uncrewed air system.

The A-50 has likely now been moved to a repair facility in Taganrog, Russia. It is reported that the transit flight took place at a lower than usual altitude, likely because of damage to the pressurized cabin.

The A-50 was likely providing situational awareness for MiG-31K FOXHOUND D fighter aircraft modified to launch the AS-24 Kinzhal (KILLJOY) air-launched ballistic missile which Russia sees a key strategic capability.

The modification involves removing the aircraft's internal radar to balance the airframe, making pilots reliant on external sources of situational awareness, such as the A-50.

"It is a realistic possibility that joint Russo-Belarusian air activity will now be forced to rely on ground control and fighter escort until another MAINSTAY can be deployed," the update wrote.

As reported earlier, on February 26, the explosions rang out at the Machulishchi military airfield in Belarus, where a Russian early warning aircraft was damaged. Oleksandr Azarov, a representative of the Bypol group, said that Belarusian partisans were behind the attack.

On March 2, Belarusian state-run media published a video of an A-50 aircraft, which had been allegedly attacked by Belarusian partisans on February 27, midair. The propagandists claimed that the plane was "intact, undamaged, and in normal service" and, according to the plan, "flew along the state border in a group, escorted by other aircraft." The Telegram channel of Alexander Lukashenko's press service even stated that the A-50 accompanied the presidential plane.

Later it became known that the A-50 flew to Taganrog for repairs.
In the near future, Russia is planning a large-scale provocation on UkraineBelarus border. Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov was instructed to cover it.

"Information has been received that the Russian military-political command is planning a large-scale provocation on UkraineBelarus border in the near future. To cover the provocation in detail, main Russian propagandist, Vladimir Solovyov is expected to arrive in Belarus. On March 11, it is planned to organize a tele- and radio conference and a live broadcast at the scene for Russian propaganda media," the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense posted on Telegram.

According to intelligence data, several groups of Russians are already arriving in Belarus for this purpose.

"Probably, the plans of the occupiers foresee the threat of destruction of infrastructure facilities and possible civilian casualties," reads the report.

It is noted that the purpose of the provocation is "to create a hostile public opinion about Ukraine among Belarusian citizens and ensure the full-fledged participation of the country's armed forces in the war on the side of the Russian Federation."

At the same time, the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense emphasizes that Ukraine does not conduct any military operations in the territory of Belarus.

On March 7, Andriy Demchenko, the Spokesperson for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, said that the redeployment of Russian military units from Belarus after training in its territory was observed.
Ukraine expects faster ammunition supplies within the framework of the "tank coalition" from the available stocks of European armies.

"There were fruitful discussions on strengthening the tank coalition. The movement on this track is constant. The most important result is the joining of efforts to provide the Armed Forces of Ukraine with ammunition, in particular, for the successful operations of the military command. I informed the partners in detail about the structure of our needs. The EU will allocate additional resources for these needs. We also expect faster ammunition supplies from the existing stocks of the European armies," Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov posted on Facebook following his working visit to Sweden.

Following the informal meeting of the EU defense ministers, which was held at the initiative of the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell and within the framework of the Swedish presidency of the Council of the European Union, we can confidently talk about the reliable support from European partners at all levels which will keep growing, the minister noted.

"Another Russian attack on peaceful Ukrainian cities confirmed our main priority  to strengthen the defense of the sky, including to get the capacity to destroy ballistic missiles as soon as possible. We expect progress in this area," Reznikov wrote.

In addition, several agreements were reached with Minister of Defense of Sweden Pal Jonson, some of which will be made public ahead of the 10th Ramstein format meeting.

Reznikov also met with Peter Hultqvist, former defense minister and incumbent Chairman of the Swedish Committee on Defense, and Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson, during which the parties discussed the current situation in Ukraine and ways to strengthen security in Europe.

Reznikov also met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden Tobias Billstrom and discussed effective governance reforms in the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, as well as Ukraines European integration in the context of Sweden's presidency of the Council of the EU.

At the meeting with Supreme Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces Micael Byden, the issues of training of Ukrainian soldiers and Ukraine's combat experience were raised.

Photo: Oleksii Reznikov, Facebook
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Published March 8, 2023

MONROE, LA  The University of Louisiana Monroe School of Visual and Performing Arts announces Brass Day 2023 on March 21, 2023. This free event for all middle and high school brass musicians will consist of brass ensemble playing, recitals, and clinics. ULM Brass Day 2023 will conclude with a performance at 7:30 P.M. that will feature guest artist Max Ignas and the ULM Brass Faculty. This performance is free and open to the public.

This event is a fantastic opportunity to learn from experts and hear high-quality brass musicianship, said ULM Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Allen Parrish. There will also be exhibition booths set up, including B.A.C. Music, added Parrish.

Registration will begin at 12:30 P.M. in the lobby of the Emy-Lou Biedenharn Recital Hall Lobby, 200 University Avenue on ULMs campus. Students are encouraged to pre-register for ULM Brass Day 2023 at www.ulm.edu/brassday.

Guest artist Max Ignas has performed with the Phoenix Orchestra, Oklahoma City Philharmonic, and Orchestra of the Americas. As a teacher and clinician, Ignas has delivered lessons, clinics, and masterclasses across the U.S. and South America. A new music enthusiast, Ignas collaborates with composers to expand the repertoire of the trumpet. He has premiered two trumpet sonatas and numerous works for solo trumpet and varying ensembles.

For more information about Max Ignas and a full schedule for ULM Brass Day 2023, visit www.ulm.edu/brassday.
There has been a leadership shakeup atop one of the Buffalo Niagara region's leading providers of health care for infants, children and adolescents.

Dr. Steven E. Lipshultz has resigned from his roles as chair of the Department of Pediatrics in the University at Buffalo's Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, as well as president and CEO of UBMD Pediatrics, Jacobs School Dean Dr. Allison Brashear announced Wednesday night.

In accordance with that move, Lipshultz is no longer pediatric chief-of-service at Buffalo's John R. Oishei Children's Hospital, which contracts with UBMD Pediatrics  one of 18 practice plans within UBMD Physicians' Group  for physicians at the hospital.

Dr. Anne Marie Reynolds has been appointed interim president and CEO of UBMD Pediatrics, interim chair of the Department of Pediatrics and interim chief of service for pediatrics at Kaleida Health, which counts Children's Hospital among its facilities.

Neither UB nor Kaleida commented on the reason behind the move. Lipshultz had held those positions in Buffalo since 2018. Before that, Lipshultz was the Ann Adams Endowed Chair of Pediatric Research at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Michigan.

"We thank Dr. Lipshultz for his years of service as chair of the Department of Pediatrics and the many contributions he has made to our community through his extensive and impactful research," Brashear said, noting Lipshultz is a leading expert in the field of pediatric cardio-oncology and is a longtime National Institutes of Health researcher.

"Dr. Lipshultz will continue to share his expertise and advance the field of cardio-oncology at the Jacobs School," she added.

While no longer in those leadership posts, UB confirmed Lipshultz is still a Jacobs School employee.

Brashear's statement came after Children's Hospital President Dr. Stephen Turkovich informed his staff via email Wednesday morning of the change in the pediatric chief-of-service position, a key role at Buffalo's safety-net children's hospital located on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.

In UB's 2018 announcement about the hiring of Lipshultz, former Jacobs School Dean Dr. Michael E. Cain said that Lipshultz was expected to expand the department's translational and clinical research programs, enhance its graduate medical education programs and "develop and align a comprehensive clinical program on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and in the community."

Is Pfizer's Covid-19 antiviral drug effective for kids? Clinical trial at UB aims to find out Paxlovid will now be tested in about 140 pediatric patients at clinical trial sites globally, including at UB. The study will start with children ages 12 to 17 who weigh at least 88 pounds and go in stages, working its way down to younger children. Pfizer also is working to develop an age-appropriate formulation for children younger than 6 years old.

In that same announcement, then-Kaleida President and CEO Jody L. Lomeo and then-Children's Hospital President Allegra C. Jaros mentioned Lipshultz's international reputation, preclinical and clinical experience and experience leading clinical trials as major attributes that would enhance the quality of care for patients at Kaleida's hospitals.

In their statements, both Brashear and Turkovich emphasized Reynolds' longtime experience.

Reynolds has been a member of UBMD Pediatrics and the Department of Pediatrics since 2004. She has been the division chief of neonatology for UBMD Pediatrics and the Jacobs School since 2017. Reynolds also completed her medical degree, residency, fellowship and master's of public health at UB.

"Dr. Reynolds will continue her clinical duties and roles while also ushering forward the missions of UBMD Pediatrics and the Department of Pediatrics as interim president and chair: providing the best care to patients, improving child health locally and beyond, teaching students, residents and fellows and leading excellence in research," Brashear said.

Turkovich noted that Reynolds has been an attending neonatologist and member of the Kaleida Health medical staff since 2004 and currently serves as a representative on the Medical Executive Committee.

"Dr. Reynolds is also actively involved in research and is the Co-Primary Investigator at our center for the NIH Eunice Kennedy Shriver NICHD Neonatal Research Network," he wrote. "Her research interests are focused on neonatal lung diseases."

Turkovich said Reynolds also is an active participant and subject matter expert with the state Department of Health Quality Initiatives to bolster neonatal intensive care unit outcomes.
ALBANY  More than 108,000 homes or businesses in Western New York lost electrical power during Decembers blizzard. Before the storm passed, a dozen people in Erie County died in freezing residences.

Less than three months later, that harrowing experience is informing a fight over the speed and degree of New York's transition from fossil fuels, which currently warm more than 80% of New York homes.

Freezing and without power, some Western New York residents in December lit natural gas stoves using matches, a dangerous maneuver that nonetheless provided warmth and cooked food. Others used gas generators to run furnaces, appliances or power entire homes.

The CEO of Amherst-based National Fuel Gas Co., Dave Bauer, said when his elderly parents lost power for three days, they huddled around a natural gas fireplace.

In a February call with investors of National Fuel, the main provider of natural gas heat in Western New York, Bauer said that against the blizzard's backdrop, "it's astonishing that New York State policymakers are unwavering in their push for a rapid transformation to a predominantly electric future."

For their part, environmental groups also are citing the blizzard. They say the storm's power should provide state lawmakers even more impetus to pass laws curbing climate change caused by fossil fuels.

In 2019, state lawmakers passed major environmental legislation setting the goal of zero-emission electricity in New York by 2040, and an 85% drop in statewide greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. A 22-person panel, the state Climate Action Council, was then charged with issuing recommendations on how to achieve those goals, and passed a plan in December.

Now, lawmakers face the thornier task of turning aspirations into laws. Building electrification is a first major test of how that political process will play out, and in that fight, Western New York has become a battleground, spurred by a multipronged campaign by the gas industry.

In her January State of the State address, Gov. Kathy Hochul called for all new construction in New York to be fully sustainable  with no on-site fossil fuel combustion  by 2025 for smaller buildings and by 2028 for larger ones. The prohibition would bar hookups allowing gas furnaces in new buildings.

Hochul also proposed prohibiting the sale of any new fossil fuel-powered heating equipment by no later than 2030 for smaller buildings, and no later than 2035 for larger structures.

After that point, if a gas or oil-fueled furnace needed to be replaced, an existing building would have to switch to a non-combustion source of heat, such as a geothermal heat pump using electricity.

A day before Hochul made her proposals, an uproar began in national conservative media over a statement made by a member of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, who said the federal body was considering a possible ban on gas stoves over health concerns.

The body's chairman clarified that the commission was not considering a ban, and Hochul herself explained that she was seeking only to bar the replacement of gas heating equipment in New York, not stoves.

Gas stoves, including replacements, would be allowed indefinitely in current buildings, though Hochul is indeed proposing a ban on gas stoves in new construction starting in 2030.

Hochul's proposals also include regulatory processes that would examine whether exemptions from the law are appropriate, including for certain type of businesses, such as restaurants, according to her office.

Multiple fronts

Hochul's decision to push the electrification issue in the state budget has forced Democrats in the Legislature to deal with an emotionally charged, pocketbook issue that's been seized upon by Republicans.

Still, advocates on both sides of the debate believe that in mid-March, the Democratic-controlled Assembly and Senate are likely to include building electrification plans in one-house budget resolutions. Combined with Hochul's proposal, that would give electrification serious momentum ahead of the April 1 state budget deadline.

But pressure has also recently mounted on Western New York lawmakers. Last week, a poll stated 57% of New York residents supported banning natural gas furnaces and appliances in new building construction starting in 2025, while 39% were opposed. Yet only 28% of Erie and Niagara county residents supported the proposal and 68% were opposed.

Weve talked to a lot people who say, if they didnt have access to natural gas, the storm would have been much worse for them, said Michelle Hook, executive director of New Yorkers for Affordable Energy, a lobbying group that funded the poll.

Poll finds Western New York opposition to energy shift, but statewide support The poll was commissioned by New Yorkers for Affordable Energy, a coalition of utilities, business groups and labor unions. The poll focused on elements of the state's energy roadmap, which calls for transforming energy use in homes and buildings.

According to the poll, 90% of residents in Erie and Niagara are at least somewhat concerned that "switching all buildings to being all-electric will result in power outages."

The statewide poll was of 897 New York residents with a 3.7% margin of error. Within Erie or Niagara counties specifically, 100 people were sampled, with a margin of error of 9.8%.

The survey was conducted by a well-respected polling operation run out of Siena College, but was funded by the lobbying group, whose steering committee includes National Fuel, National Grid and other organizations supportive of natural gas. Hook said before the poll was conducted, her organization sent Sienas pollster topics of interest, but had zero say over the wording of the questions or who was sampled.

Since the polls release, state lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have been reaching out for more specifics on the results, Hook said. And a day before the poll's release, Hook said, National Fuel had privately shared the results during a "round of meetings" with state lawmakers from Western New York.

National Fuel in recent weeks has also engaged in a robocall campaign in Erie County, which, in turn, led to a flood of calls to the offices of area Assembly members and senators from constituents. The robocall stated Albany lawmakers were finalizing a plan to phase out natural gas.

Banning natural gas could lead to power outages and cost increases, the robocall stated. We need all energy options to keep the lights on and heat flowing.

Call recipients could then press a button and be connected directly to the office of their local state lawmaker.

You can tell them to vote against any legislation that would ban natural gas use in Western New York, the call stated.

Hochuls proposal would not remove the current natural gas heating system from anyone's current home, a nuance not captured in the call. Donna DeCarolis, president of National Fuel, said time constraints of the medium meant the company's message simply had to be shared as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Assemblyman Jonathan Rivera, a Buffalo Democrat, said he takes every constituent call seriously, but differentiates between those originating more organically, such as when a person reads a newspaper article, and those stemming from a "robocall from a utility stirring them up."

Rivera said he's waiting to see the final proposal in the state budget before taking a position on the issue.

"I was already aware many folks in Western New York were not in favor of it," he said. "Part of that is misinformation people are getting. People are thinking government will come in and steal their stoves tomorrow, when no proposal, anywhere, would do that."

Instead of Hochul's plan, National Fuel is advocating a "multi-pronged approach to hitting the states climate targets. One plank is increasing energy efficiency of homes.

"A tight building envelope is going to be the low hanging fruit for reducing emissions," Bauer said. "If you burn less fuel to keep your house warm, whatever it is, you're just going to automatically lower emissions."

Another centerpiece would be a hybrid approach toward powering homes. Residences would have an electric heat pump that works down to 35 degrees. Below that, a natural gas furnace would kick in.

National Fuel estimates residential consumers would save an average of $710 a year on energy bills from that approach, as compared with all-electric heating, and that it would significantly reduce emissions.

The costs  and benefits  of New York's new energy roadmap While the plan lays out the projected benefits  making steep cuts in harmful emissions and protecting public health  there are potentially significant costs that come with achieving those ambitious goals, for homeowners, businesses and the state's power grid.

It would result, by our estimates, in as much as a 60% reduction in customer use of natural gas, Bauer said. How you tackled the remaining delta  to get to an 85% reduction (in emissions)  would be technologies like renewable natural gas and hydrogen. I think the state should be doing everything you can to promote those technologies.

'Existential threat'

Two Democratic state senators who support building electrification sponsored a briefing last week for members of the State Legislature and their staffs, meant to counter what they called disinformation from the fossil fuel industry.

The briefing, widely advertised in flyers posted around the state Legislative Office Building, featured as speakers two members of the Climate Action Council. One of them, Raya Salter, argued that solutions put forward by the fossil fuel industry, including "renewable" gas and hydrogen, were means of buying time and creating a narrative that justifies a prominent role for fossil gas.

During a question-and-answer session, the speakers were asked about two issues at top of mind for many state lawmakers: How will low-income homeowners absorb the significant cost of the retrofitting homes to electric power, a process that can cost tens of thousands of dollars? And what happens when the electric power goes out and other sources of heat are not available?

Dr. Robert Howarth, a biogeochemist and ecosystem scientist at Cornell University, responded that consumers would enjoy much lower monthly bills from using electric heat pumps, ultimately covering the upfront cost.

Anyone will save money over the time period of five to 10 years maximum, anywhere in the state, by making that conversion, he said. They just need help with those upfront costs."

The state offers rebates defraying the cost of heat pumps, on top of a new federal tax credit. State residents also may be eligible for low-interest financing up to $25,000.

As for what happens when the electric power goes out, Howarth said a thermal storage system can be installed with electric heat pumps keeping heat going for at least a day or two," noting that feature is not present in gas furnaces ignited by electrical power.

Longer than that, it's a real challenge, Howarth acknowledged. And so we need to do a better job of weatherizing the (electric) grid  Our grid is very, very much in need of an upgrade no matter what we do for our energy future. We need to make it resilient to this climate we have."

Supporters of electrification are pushing the cause in other ways. A nonprofit, People United for Sustainable Housing Buffalo, is touting a 49-unit, zero emission West Side Homes project now underway, powered solely by electricity. The groups sustainability director, Sarah Burger, said the units are so well-insulated, they keep relatively warm even with the heat off  a demonstration, she said, of electrification as a viable option in Western New York winters.

The Public Accountability Initiative, another nonprofit, released a report Wednesday on how utility companies are trying to block building electrification to protect billions of dollars in profits. The report found National Fuel and National Grid spent a combined $715,000 on lobbying in New York in 2022.

In addition, a group funded by the biofuel heat industry recently sought to raise $1 million or more for its own campaign to kill the electrification measure, according to a video of a recent meeting obtained by The News. Rocco Lacertosa, CEO of the New York State Energy Coalition, declared at the outset that lawmakers electrification efforts were an existential threat the likes of which we have never seen.

A blizzard of resolutions

As part of its own campaign, National Fuel has been providing talking points pressing its arguments not just to Albany lawmakers, but to Western New York's local governments.

Citing concerns expressed by constituents, many local governments in recent weeks have formally denounced Hochul's plan. National Fuel has been keeping an eye on the resolutions, sending a lengthy list of those passed or pending to The News last week.

On Jan. 19, the Erie County Legislature noted people froze to death during the blizzard and "many more would have suffered if they had to rely on a power grid for cooking and emergency heating."

Since then, several other local governments have passed resolutions containing those exact words or other copied passages from Erie County's, including bodies representing Olean, Cheektowaga, Holland, Freedom and the counties of Cattaraugus, Niagara, Wyoming and Wayne.

According to a spokesman for the Niagara County Legislature, local governments have been sharing language with one another, accounting for the copied language in Niagara's resolution.

A number of other local governments have passed originally worded resolutions with similar messages, including the Buffalo Common Council, a body entirely made up of Democrats.

One of the Buffalo resolutions last month expressed strong concern with Hochul's proposal to ban gas stoves in new construction.

The other urged the state Climate Action Council to pause "implementation" of the state's climate goal law while the body examined real-life impacts which may be felt by New York State residents, specifically in Buffalo. (In fact, the Climate Action Council has no binding authority to implement its plan; implementation is up to state lawmakers and agencies.)

Though the Buffalo resolutions had already passed, the Common Council subsequently sought comment on them at a committee meeting last week  and got an earful from local environmental groups alleging the resolutions were inaccurate. They argued the Common Council relied on misinformation put out by a fossil-fuel lobby seeking advantage through a blizzard of its own creation.

It is evident that this storm was aggravated by climate change caused by burning fossil fuels, said Bob Ciesielski, a longtime official in the Niagara Chapter of the Sierra Club. Ironically, the storm is now being used as in an attempt to maintain the use of fossil fuels throughout the state.

This article has been updated to say that geothermal heat pumps use electricity to produce heat and that a resolution was presented to the Village of East Aurora concerning Gov. Kathy Hochul's building electrification plan, but was not passed. An earlier version of this story misstated those facts.
When it comes to Jason Arno, the City of Good Neighbors is living up to its nickname.

Buffalo and Western New York has taken the family of fallen Buffalo firefighter Jason "Jay" Arno into its embrace in the week since he died in a four-alarm blaze, and that support is expected to continue as he is laid to rest.

His wake at Amigone Funeral Home on Delaware Avenue is set to take place from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered 10 a.m. Friday in St. Joseph Cathedral in downtown Buffalo.

Thousands of firefighters from around the nation and beyond, in addition to Arno's family and loved ones and his 700 colleagues in the Buffalo Fire Department, are expected to attend the services. That will leave no room for the public inside the cathedral.

But the city and firefighters union are asking people line the streets for the procession from the funeral home to the church before the funeral or from the church along Delaware Avenue to Forest Lawn.

"That's the best thing the public can do," said Vincent Ventresca, president of Buffalo Professional Firefighters Local 282.

On Wednesday, Buffalo police, who are helping coordinate the plans for the services, released details about what will happen Friday, where people can be a part of the day's events and where streets will be closed.

 On Thursday afternoon and into the evening, when large numbers of mourners are expected at the funeral home at 1132 Delaware Ave., Delaware will be closed to traffic from West Ferry to West Utica streets.

 On Friday, numerous closures around the funeral home, downtown and up to Forest Lawn are expected. Some will be rolling closures, meaning sections of roads will be closed for short amounts of time, such as when the procession is moving. Police encouraged anyone not participating in the service to stay away from that area of downtown Buffalo if possible.

 The eastbound Route 5 (inbound Skyway) from I-190 to Church Street will be closed to traffic from 9:30 a.m. until about 1 p.m. Friday, the state Department of Transportation announced.

 During the funeral, the service will be shown on a large outdoor screen at Franklin and West Eagle streets.

 The procession from the funeral home to the church is set to begin at 9:30 a.m. The route will travel down Delaware Avenue, across Allen Street and then south on Elmwood Avenue past the Engine 2 firehouse at Elmwood and Virginia Street before heading to the Cathedral at 50 Franklin St.

After the service, around noon, the procession will head north from the church to the cemetery at West Delavan Avenue.

Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia said having the public stand along the routes, both to and from the funeral, would be a powerful tribute.

"Having been to more police funerals and fire funerals than I care to talk about, the one thing in these processions that you see is the amount of people that line the streets and pay their tribute and salute, hold flags," he said. "That is very supportive to the families and the fire department who is suffering through this loss."

In the meantime, fundraisers and tributes have sprung up around the region.

Arno's widow, Sarah-Elizabeth, said she has been awestruck by the outpouring of support Buffalo has shown her and her 3-year-old daughter.

"Buffalo is just being Buffalo. ... I don't have words to describe how amazing everyone has been," she said Wednesday.

Two GoFundMe campaigns, one started by Arno's brother and another by an Arno family friend, raised close to $400,000 for Arno's widow and their daughter, Olivia. The campaigns have been verified by GoFundMe to The Buffalo News.

The firefighters union also is collecting financial donations and gift cards for the family. The union Venmo account alone had collected more $70,000.

Oxford Pennant, which has a storefront a block away from the scene of the fatal fire, raised more than $25,000.

Hofbrauhaus, a beer hall at Michigan Avenue and Scott Street, is hosting firefighters Thursday night after the wake and is donating 15% of proceeds from the evening to the Arno family. Several bars around the city have also started "Fill the Boot" drives, asking patrons to donate cash into a firefighters boot.

At the Engine 2 firehouse in Allentown, neighbors have brought flowers, candles and little toy firetrucks.

Rep. Brian Higgins paid tribute to Arno's sacrifice on the floor of the House of Representatives Wednesday. In Albany, State Sen. Tim Kennedy introduced a resolution honoring Arno.

"It's unbelievable," Ventresca said of the support for Arno's family and his legacy. "The Western New York community is amazing. The people here are amazing. They always are. When there's a need, when they see a need, people step up in a huge way. Western New York  it's a great community. That's why it's an honor to serve the people of the community."
Detective Claudia Cormier of the San Marcos Police Department congratulates city manager Stephanie Reyes on her new position on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, at Pauline Espinosa Community Hall.
Date: 22 Mar 2023 - 22 Mar 2022

Time: 12:00

Town/City: Charlestown Workshops of the Scottish Lime Centre Trust + Zoom

A lunchtime talk by conservation accredited engineer, Steve Wood, about the engineering aspects of the 1.5 million project to conserve, repair and adapt the A-listed Inverkeithing Town House will take place later this month.

The event is at 12 noon on Wednesday 22 March at the Charlestown Workshops of the Scottish Lime Centre Trust, and on Zoom. Steve is Technical Director of Conservation at Narro Associates and has extensive experience of structural engineering challenging and complex heritage projects across Scotland, the UK and beyond.

Narro are working at the Town House with Arc Architects and Ashwood Scotland Limited, a key element of Fife Councils Inverkeithing Heritage Regeneration project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland. The talk is accredited as CPD by the Institute for Historic Building Conservation. But its also an unusual chance for anyone who is interested to hear about the creative solutions achieved by the design team.
France on Thursday warned of the "unacceptable risk for nuclear safety and security" from power cuts at a major Ukrainian power plant, after a Russian missile strike left it running on diesel generators

Paris, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Mar, 2023 ) :France on Thursday warned of the "unacceptable risk for nuclear safety and security" from power cuts at a major Ukrainian power plant, after a Russian missile strike left it running on diesel generators.

"France has taken note and is concerned over information of a new disconnection (from the grid) at the Zaporizhzhia plant," foreign ministry spokeswoman Anne-Claire Legendre said.

Electricity is essential to operate pumps that circulate water to cool reactors and pools holding nuclear fuel at Europe's largest nuclear power plant.

The disruption came during a fresh wave of pre-dawn Russian strikes targeting energy infrastructure across the country.

The plant is being powered by generators, which can provide the facility's energy needs for 10 days, Ukrainian nuclear energy operator Energoatom has said.

The UN nuclear agency's chief warned earlier on Thursday of the danger of repeated electricity cuts at the site.

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said it was the sixth time the Zaporizhzhia facility had been cut off from the electricity grid since Russia captured it a year ago, and the first time since November.

Grossi has been in consultations with Kyiv and Moscow for several months to try to set up a protection zone around the plant, but the talks appear to have stalled.

France "will continue to support IAEA action towards ensuring nuclear security and safety in Ukraine and in particular its director general towards establishing a protection zone around the station," Legendre said.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Houston, March 9 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Mar, 2023 ) :A year after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the oil market has become more fragmented and uncertain, a dynamic expected to boost crude prices over the long term.

Condemnation of Russia by Western governments has essentially severed Europe from Russian supplies, leaving it more reliant on the middle East and the United States.

That shift means cheaper Russian energy imports for China and India, while countries that refuse to buy Russian crude must pay a premium to import from other suppliers.

The oil market "is radically different in some ways than it was before the invasion of Ukraine," said Jim Burkhard, head of research for oil markets, energy and mobility at S&P Global Commodity Insights.

A "true global market" with open competition "doesn't exist anymore," said Burkhard, who calls the current state of the market "partitioned." With the addition of Russia to the list of sanctioned countries alongside crude exporters Iran and Venezuela, almost 20 percent of global supply is cut off from major markets, including the United States.

"Oil is priced based on its origin, as opposed to its quality," Burkhard said.

The balkanization of the market also affects crude tanker routes. The ban on Russian oil by Europe forces Moscow's exports to travel further to reach buyers.

"That means more miles traveling in the water," Torbjorn Tornqvist, co-founder of the Gunvor Group, a trading company, said at the CERAWeek energy conference in Houston. "Ship rates have been very elevated and have stayed elevated." Since the invasion, "we have seen a fundamental shift that is unlikely to revert anytime soon," said Jose Fernandez, undersecretary for economic growth, energy and the environment at the State Department.

Many expect lasting changes.

"What I think will last very long is the fundamental distrust and the fundamental decision to not depend on Russian energy for a very long time in Europe," said Eirik Waerness, chief economist at Equinor. "That will have long-term implications." The flux in the wake of the Russian invasion has also strengthened the position of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.

Burkhard said Saudi Arabia's spare capacity continues to give the exporters group unique clout.

But the situation has changed significantly compared with late 2016 when the Vienna-based cartel began coordinating policy with Russia.

"Russia today cannot really manage its production because it faces sanctions," leading to production below Russia's quota under the "OPEC+" policy, Burkhard said.

"OPEC is still very important, but OPEC+ right now is not what it was before the war," he said.

The United States' role on international markets has also been reinforced.

The world's biggest oil producer, the United States last week set a new record for crude exports of 5.6 million barrels per day, almost twice the level in 2021.

Still, US production has not returned to its pre-pandemic level. Key factors that have weighed on output include the strategy of US shale producers to use excess cash to bolster balance sheets rather than increase capital spending; and shortages of key oilfield materials and personnel.

"The volumes continue to increase, but they could probably have increased even more," Waerness said of the United States.

Globally, markets continue to feel the effects of the decision by OPEC in October to trim production by two million barrels per day.

"The fundamentals are relatively tight," Waerness said. "The extra capacity to deliver new supplies into markets, whether we're talking about gas or oil, is very low." Waerness said there are also questions about the sustainability of Russian production given the exodus of Western oilfield suppliers and service companies.

"We don't know how long Russia can continue to produce 11 million barrel and 12 million barrels a day," Waerness said. "Will they be able to replace that type of competence?" The situation is further complicated by the focus on the energy transition, which experts believe exacerbates under-investment in conventional petroleum.

The upshot, according to Burkhard, is a higher baseline for crude prices.

"We will have cycles, but the center of gravity for oil prices we think will be around $70 or $80," he said. "That's higher than what we've typically seen over the last 20-30 years."
Tbilisi, March 9 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Mar, 2023 ) :Georgian opposition parties vowed on Thursday to continue protesting despite the ruling party's promise to revoke a controversial new law on "foreign agents" that sparked large rallies and international outcry.

Earlier in the morning, the ruling Georgian Dream party announced it was halting plans to introduce the controversial bill, which is seen as reminiscent of Russian legislation used to silence critics.

"For as long as there are no guarantees that Georgia is firmly on a pro-Western course, these processes will not stop," a group of opposition parties said in a joint statement, announcing a fresh rally on Thursday evening.

"We demand that dozens of protesters that were arrested be immediately released," Tsotne Koberidze of the opposition Girchi party said, reading out the statement at a news conference.

Georgia's parliament gave its initial backing to the legislation this week in a move that triggered mass protests.

Police fired water cannon and tear gas at thousands of demonstrators and issued a dispersal order.

The demonstrations later grew into wider protests against the Georgian government's perceived pro-Kremlin drift.

The European Union and United States criticised the legislation as a blow to Georgian democracy and the Black Sea nation's bid to join the European Union and NATO.

Concern has been growing that the former Soviet republic is taking an authoritarian turn and moving closer to the Kremlin.
Paris, March 9 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Mar, 2023 ) :French leader Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will on Friday seek to reset cross-Channel relations at a Paris meeting signalling an end to years of feuding between the two capitals.

The summit, the first since 2018, will bring together the two former investment bankers for their first bilateral visit after encounters on the sidelines of international events since Sunak came to power in October.

Following years of antagonism between London and Paris under Sunak's former boss and predecessor Boris Johnson, ties have improved markedly in recent months, creating momentum for new initiatives.

"We're renewing things at the moment, putting things back in order, and preparing for the future," an aide to Macron told reporters on Wednesday on condition of anonymity.

The new constructive mood is likely to produce another deal to stem migration from France, with Sunak determined to thwart thousands of asylum seekers crossing the Channel and Macron pushing for extra resources to fund border controls.

The agreement would focus on "increasing the resources deployed to manage this common border, with multi-year financing", another aide to Macron told reporters.

A Downing Street source said: "Tackling illegal migration is a global challenge and it's vital we work with our allies, particularly the French, to prevent crossings and loss of life in the Channel."Although Britain's departure from the European Union is expected to continue to create tension, recent developments including an agreement to settle the trade status of Northern Ireland have created goodwill.

New British King Charles III is also set to make France his first foreign destination as sovereign later this month in another statement of British outreach to France, an ally under a 120-year-old treaty known as the "Entente Cordiale".
A blacklisted agency engaged by India's Illegally installed Jammu & Kashmir administration to conduct recruitment examinations for government jobs had led to protests in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK)

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Mar, 2023 ):A blacklisted agency engaged by India's Illegally installed Jammu & Kashmir administration to conduct recruitment examinations for government jobs had led to protests in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK).

According to various media outlets, mass protests were held in the occupied Jammu & Kashmir this week against the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB). Job aspirants protested in front of the Press Enclave against the hiring of black listed agency APTECH Ltd for the conduct of various exams.

The protesters pointed out that APTECH Ltd had been involved in numerous scams in other parts of the country, including in Rajasthan, Leh, Ambala, and others. "Many national papers have also highlighted these scams, nothing significant is being done to allay the apprehensions of the job aspirants," they said.

The Delhi High Court has even imposed a penalty of Rs 1 million on APTECH for alleged malpractices in recruitment.

The protesters raised slogans against the Indian installed administration and demanded that it must investigate as to why paper leak and exam scam issues only occur in the IIOJK.

"All blacklisted companies should be banned in Jammu and Kashmir, until action is taken against these blacklisted companies, no student will sit for any competitive exams," they asserted.

The protesters demanded that the Lieutenant Governor administration should rise to the occasion and take necessary measures for the larger benefit of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.

They were of the view that the Indian government had systematically destroyed the complete education system of the IIOJK.

The Kashmiri students time and again had protested against Indian coercive policies deliberately targeting the future of youth.

Social media users in Kashmir have been expressing their anger on Twitter and other social media platforms over the selection of APTECH company by the LG-led administration for conducting the Jammu Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) exams.

APTECH had been penalized by the Supreme Court and was on the blacklists of various states, including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

In fact, in 2020, the Mumbai-based company was given a contract for conducting recruitment exams for the 643 posts under the irrigation department. The private firm conducted exams for 397 posts in the first phase with large-scale anomalies in February 2020. Following that, the Gauhati High Court stayed the declaration of results of the examinations to select section assistants for the Assam irrigation department.

The Jammu Kashmir administration canceled four recruitment exams for police sub-inspectors in the home department, Junior Legal assistant, financial accounts assistant in the finance department, and junior engineers in the Jal Shakti department, following gross irregularities.

Exams conducted by the J&K Services Selection Board (JKSSB) through the blacklisted company Aptech Limited for positions of civil engineer, were cancelled by the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in December 2022.

The court mandated the government to form a high-level committee under the leadership of at least one retired judge from the High Court to look into JKSSB's actions regarding its "blatant" irregularities and violations of the law in altering the tender's terms and conditions.

The court, questioning the awarding of the contract to APTECH, asked the JK admin, "Why it mattered to them to award a contract to conduct an exam by a company that has in the past encouraged unethical behavior in public exams and consequently initiate the corresponding actions against those found guilty?" Irfan Ahmed, a candidate for a competitive exam, claimed in a conversation with website The Kashmiriyat that thousands of candidates for different positions were demanding that APTECH might not be permitted to hold any exams under the JKSSB.

He stated that the government had previously canceled similar exams conducted by the APTECH agency because it had consistently failed to provide transparency and accountability in conducting such an exercise. "We don't understand why the Jammu Kashmir administration is recruiting them again, putting thousands of young people's futures at stake," Irfan said.

Aspirants alleged that the LG management and JKSSB were not serious about the future of the youth. "When the applicants sought help from the High Court, which ordered a judicial inquiry into the selection process of a blacklisted company, the next day, JKSSB challenged that ruling and allowed a blacklisted company to be known for its incompetence and an unsafe examination process." Irfan said that the candidates throughout Jammu & Kashmir were urging that the APTECH company, which had been entrusted with administering the JKSSB exam, be prohibited because the company was blacklisted in various states.

The incident drew widespread criticism and anger in Kashmir. Several political parties also expressed their anguish over the selection of a blacklisted company to conduct the exams in Jammu & Kashmir. Some even alleged that there was a "major scam" at work.

State Spokesperson of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Imran Nabi Dar tweeted: "JKSSB is the enfant terrible of the incumbent J&K administration. Salman Nizami, who is the spokesperson of Ghulam Nabi Azad's DPAP said, given the alarming rise in unemployment in Jammu Kashmir, the government must show sincerity in its efforts towards the youth.

Spokesperson of National Conference Ifra Jan tweeted, "An examination firm black listed repeatedly for fraud is continuously being hired again and again by BJP government in JKSSB examinations. The lives, dreams & futures of students of Jammu and Kashmir don't matter at all. Their dreams, careers are totally indispensable! Bravo BJP!"Jammu Kashmir Peoples Conference leader Irfan Sultan Panditpuri said: "Many delegations of JKSSB aspirants from Mawer,Langate and Kupwara have approached my office that Aptech has been given contract for conducting exams which has been allegedly blacklisted in many states. My humble appeal to Hon'ble LG @manojsinha_ Ji to have a kind look into it."
The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday suspended a ban, imposed by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), on broadcast of live and recorded speeches of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Mar, 2023 ) :The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday suspended a ban, imposed by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), on broadcast of live and recorded speeches of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan.

Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza passed the orders while hearing a petition, filed by the PTI chairman, challenging the Pemra ban on broadcast of his live and recorded speeches. The court also referred the matter to a full bench for further hearing, and issued notices for March 13 to the respondents, including Pemra.

During the proceedings, Imran's counsel pleaded with the court to set aside the ban for being unconstitutional.

The counsel for Pemra contended that the matter did not fall under the jurisdiction of the court. He submitted that a five-member bench had already heard an identical matter, a few days ago, adding that the matter should also be sent to it.

The court, after hearing arguments of the parties, reserved its verdict for sometime.

Later, the court suspended the ban and referred the matter to a full bench for further hearing.

On March 5, Pemra had imposed a ban on airing of speeches of the PTI chairman due to his provocative statements against the state institutions.
A mother and son who operated a tobacco and smoke shop in Amherst have been indicted on charges that they robbed customers on the premises.

According to the Erie County District Attorney's Office, 48-year-old Carmilla L. Smith of Buffalo and her son Calvin D. Pettiway of Kenmore, 32, each face up to 15 and 25 years, respectively, in prison if convicted on the numerous felony charges against them for alleged incidents that occurred at the store in April and November of 2022.

Pettiway is accused of having forcibly stolen property from a customer while also displaying a weapon inside the store at 801 Millersport Highway in the Grover Cleveland Plaza between Eggert Road and Sheridan Dive on April 3, 2022. Prosecutors said he also accused the victim of having previously stolen merchandise from the store. Pettiway allegedly pointed a shotgun at the male customer and scanned the victims credit card for $200.

Prosecutors said that on Nov. 9, 2022, Smith, acting in concert with her son, forcibly stole another customers cellphone and $120 in cash from the woman victim's purse. Smith and Pettiway also are accused of scanning the victims credit card during the incident, during which they allegedly accused her of previously stealing merchandise from the store and locked her inside of the shop, which prevented the woman from leaving, according to prosecutors. In addition, the victim told police she was choked to the point she lost consciousness inside the shop.

According to an Amherst Police Department report, the woman said Pettiway also took video of her during the incident and that Smith allegedly suggested they "tie her up in the back."

Smith was arraigned Tuesday before State Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek on two counts of second-degree robbery, one count of second-degree strangulation, one count of first-degree unlawful imprisonment, and one count fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a misdemeanor. Amherst police said they found an unloaded shotgun underneath the store counter. Smith has a prior drug conviction, legally preventing her from possessing a firearm, according to court documents.

Pettiway also was arraigned Tuesday before Wojtaszek on one count of first-degree robbery, two counts of second-degree robbery, and one count of first-degree unlawful imprisonment, according to prosecutors.

The victim, an Erie County Child Protective Services worker who was on her lunch break, told Amherst police that the pair had also stopped her from calling 911.

County officials have previously said the incident was unrelated to the victim's work.

Pettiway and Smith are both scheduled to return to court on March 24 for a pretrial conference. Prosecutors requested that bail be set at $50,000. Judge Wojtaszek set bail at $5,000 cash, bond or partially secured surety bond.
A national consultative workshop on Water Accounting and Water Resources Assessment Standards to support the implementation of the National Water Policy (NWP) and to develop an inventory of water availability in the country held

PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Mar, 2023 ) :A national consultative workshop on Water Accounting and Water Resources Assessment Standards to support the implementation of the National Water Policy (NWP) and to develop an inventory of water availability in the country held.

According to a press release issued here on Thursday, International Water Management Institute (IWMI) Pakistan organized the workshop to bring together key stakeholders, including federal and provincial government officials, policymakers, water experts, and practitioners, to discuss and deliberate on the importance of Water Accounting and its implications for sustainable water management.

Dr Mohsin Hafeez, Country Representative  Pakistan and Regional Representative  Central Asia, IWMI, welcomed the stakeholders and informed that IWMI Pakistan has initiated Water Accounting and water resources assessment under the WRAP Programme Component 1: CRS-IWaG.

"IWMI Pakistan is developing national Water Accounting standards through consultation with all stakeholders, including the Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR), provincial agencies (Irrigation and On Farm Water Management), and academia, Dr Mohsin added.

IWMI Pakistan will develop Water Accounting standards and guidelines that should provide an agreed methodology for getting comprehensive information on water availability (surface, groundwater and rainfall) and their associated usage (domestic, industrial, agriculture and environment) across the Indus Basin, he continued.

There is limited information on water availability from surface, groundwater, and rainwater sources while each province has developed its own methods of monitoring and measurement of water resources but there is no consistent approach.

The adoption of international standards can help develop a unified approach, which will yield accurate information regarding water availability, Mohsin suggested.

Engr. Ahmad Kamal, Chairman Federal Flood Commission presented an overview of challenges and opportunities in the Indus Basin with regard to water resources management.

According to him, "Pakistan is the eighth most vulnerable countries to climate change and over the last 30 years, we have been ranked amongst the top 10 climate-vulnerable countries.

There is no groundwater regulatory framework, and anyone can extract as much groundwater as they want, which is leading to fast depletion of groundwater sources across Pakistan." A presentation on harnessing the potential of Water Accounting for sustainable water management was delivered by Dr. Umar Waqas Liaqat, Researcher  Irrigation, IWMI.

"The Water Accounting approach can be implemented at the national level. It offers many benefits, as it promotes Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), says Dr. Umar.

Presentations on water accounts at the provincial level were given by senior officials from Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan, and AJK.

A focus group discussion with the participants on Water Accounting challenges and gaps was also organized to solicit views on how to develop a comprehensive national-level Water Accounting system and capacity building of national institutions.

Dr Muhammad Ashraf, Chairman of the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), in his closing remarks said that water accounting is one of the most important aspects of water resources, in fact, it is the foundation of water resources management.

All decisions are based on water availability, demand, accessibility, and usage. For equitable distribution of water within and across the sector Water Accounting is important, he reiterated.

Currently, provinces and different organizations are working on Water Accounting but in solos and should integrate their efforts to improve coordination using a standardized approach, he stressed.
Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) South Punjab, Saqib Zafar, said that Pakistan was lagging behind its neighbouring countries Bhutan and India in coverage of forests as only 5 percent of its area was covered by jungles

MUZAFFARGARH, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Mar, 2023 ) :Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) South Punjab, Saqib Zafar, said that Pakistan was lagging behind its neighbouring countries Bhutan and India in coverage of forests as only 5 percent of its area was covered by jungles.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the spring plantation campaign at Kotla Saadat on Thursday Muzzaffargarh, he informed that according to the global standard, 25 percent of the area of any country should be covered by forests, but contrarily to it only 5 percent land of Pakistan is covered by forests, while in our neighborhood, 60 pc of Bhutan and 33 pc of the area in India are covered by forests The ACS stated that due to the global warming caused by deforestation, the entire mankind was facing serious threats and Pakistan was under the adverse effects of climate change.

Mr Zafar said forests have a central position in the fight against climate change and for the survival of our future generation, it is necessary to plant forests on maximum area.

He directed all the administrative departments of South Punjab to actively participated in the plantation campaign to make it a success.

He also commended the efforts of the Forestry Department regarding the plantation campaign.

Earlier, he formally launched spring plantation drive by planting a mango sapling at Kotla Saddat, Muzaffargarh.

The target of planting over 8.3 million saplings has been set for this campaign. Secretary Forests, Wildlife and Fisheries Sarfaraz Khan Magsi and Deputy Commissioner Muzaffargarh Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi, Chief Conservator Forest South Punjab Javed Gill and other officers were also present on this occasion.

Mr Magsi, while addressing the ceremony, said of over 2.2 mln have been planted so far adding that in the last three years, 8 crore 45 lakh saplings have been planted in South Punjab.

He stated that the Forest Department would also plant mango trees on 10 acres of land in Kotla Sadaat.

Later, Forest Secretary Sarfraz Khan Magsi and Deputy Commissioner Muzaffargarh Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi also planted saplings.
The Sindh cabinet, after thorough discussion and deliberations, has decided to launch a joint, well-planned, and decisive operation clean up against dacoits in Katcha areas of the province in which the police of Punjab and Balochistan, Rangers, and Pak Army would participate

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Mar, 2023 ) :The Sindh cabinet, after thorough discussion and deliberations, has decided to launch a joint, well-planned, and decisive operation clean up against dacoits in Katcha areas of the province in which the police of Punjab and Balochistan, Rangers, and Pak Army would participate.

The meeting was presided over by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah here at CM House on Thursday.

The cabinet authorized Inspector General of Police Ghulam Nabi Memon to coordinate with his counterparts of Balochistan and Punjab so that an operation could be planned in the katcha areas for which an amount of Rs 2.79 billion was approved for the procurement of sophisticated Military-Grade Field and surveillance weapons.

Sindh ministers, advisors, special assistants, Chief Secretary Sohail Rajput, Chairman P&D Hassan Naqvi, PSCM Fayaz Jatoi, and other concerned secretaries and offers attended the meeting.

The home department and Inspector General of Police briefing the cabinet said that a joint operation in the katcha area of Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab has been planned as per government decision for which procurement of sophisticated field weapons and surveillance equipment would be required.

The IGP Sindh said that the matter for the purchase of Military Grade Weapons and Surveillance Systems was discussed in the 28th Provincial Apex Committee meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sindh on 5th January 2023. The meeting approved the proposal.

The IGP told the cabinet that the weapons and surveillance system was required to control hardened criminals/gangs, operating in the Katcha area of District Kashmore, Shikarpur, and Ghotki, equipped with sophisticated weapons.

The cabinet was told that funds amounting to Rs 2,796.184 million were required for the procurement of sophisticated/military-grade weapons to start a joint operation in which the police of three provinces, Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab would launch the operation with the support of Rangers and Pak Army.

The cabinet approved the proposal of the operation and also sanctioned the amount of Rs 2.7 billion and directed the Home Department to seek NOC from the Ministry of Interior for the purchase of the said weapons.

The finance department told the cabinet that the government has already upgraded 3871 IT-related posts and still 3,264 posts from grade BPS-5 to BS-16 were left over. The computer operators/lab attendants, hardware, and other posts have been upgraded. The annual financial impact of the up-gradation of the 3,264 IT-related posts on pay amounts to Rs. 243.706/- million. The cabinet approved the up-gradation.

The provincial cabinet was told that the Coronavirus Emergency Fund was created on March 18, 2020, under the chief secretary with the secretary of finance, secretary of health, Dr Abdul Bari, Faisal Edhi, and Mushtaq Chhapra as its members.

Right from the creation of the fund, 17 meetings were held. During the period from March 18, 2020, to March 3, 2023, Rs 3,312.93 million was donated from government entities, which includes Rs 1,300 million transferred from the Sindh Social Relief Fund, Rs 1,495 million, and Rs 517.19 million donated through salaries deductions of Sindh govt Employees. Further, Rs 254.701 million was also donated from private entities and individuals.

Foreign Donations received in CEF amount to Rs. 16.522 million including Rs. 16.268 million received through a Non-Profit Organization, M/s. I-Care Foundation, whereas Rs. 114.95 million was earned through profit on the saving account of CEF.

The CEF Committee has already recommended the closure of the Coronavirus Emergency Fund after clearing all financial and legal formalities.

The cabinet decided to close the fund and the fund balance amounting to Rs. 35,734,486 would be spent on the construction of houses for the flood-affected people.

The provincial cabinet on the proposal of the health dept decided to hand over District Headquarters (DHQ) Dadu to Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences (LUMHS), Jamshoro along with administrative and financial control and SNE.

The cabinet directed the health department to ensure the provision of health facilities to the people of the area properly. The cabinet approved the release of funds amounting to Rs1.2 billion to the hospital so that it could start properly functioning.

In order to implement price control during the holy month of Ramazan, 2023, the Sindh Essential Commodities Price Control and Prevention of Profiteering and Hoarding Act, 2005 the cabinet approved the conferment of powers of Inspector Prices to Bureau of Supply & Prices officers throughout the province.

The officers given powers to control price, include Director General on the Sindh level, Additional Commissioner-I, and II (Divisional level), Director, BSP, (Provincial level), Deputy Directors, BSP, Sindh (Divisional level), Assistant Directors, BSP, Sindh (District level), Deputy Director /Additional Director Agriculture Extension. AFCs. DFCs food Department, Assistant Director/DD Labour Department.

The district administration has already been given the powers and instructions to control the prices.

The cabinet approved some appointments such as Minister Energy Imtiaz Shaikh as Chairman Sindh Petroleum (Pvt) Ltd, a body part of the Energy Department, Minister Irrigation as Chairman of Sindh Irrigation & Drainage Authority, Iqbal Detho as Chairman of Sindh Human Rights Commission and granted an extension to Niaz Soomro as Project Director Malir Expressway till the completion of the project.

The cabinet also decided to appoint Aijaz Khanzada and Mohammad Arif Mithani as members of Drug Courts.
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Fourteen migrants from sub-Saharan Africa have drowned off the coast of the Tunisian city of Sfax, the coastguard said on Thursday

Tunis, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Mar, 2023 ) :Fourteen migrants from sub-Saharan Africa have drowned off the coast of the Tunisian city of Sfax, the coastguard said on Thursday.

"Coastguard patrols last night intercepted a group whose boat had sunk, rescuing 54 people of various sub-Saharan African nationalities, and recovering 14 bodies," the authority said in a statement on Facebook.

Black migrants in Tunisia have complained of a rising tide of racist violence since President Kais Saied accused them last month of causing a crime wave and representing a "criminal plot" to change the country's demographic composition.

Hundreds have been made homeless and many have registered with their embassies for repatriation, mostly to West African countries.

Tunisia, whose coast lies just 150 kilometres (90 miles) from the Italian island of Lampedusa, has long been a springboard for people fleeing war and poverty elsewhere on the continent to seek better lives in Europe, often on unseaworthy boats.

The North African country hosts around 21,000 undocumented migrants from other parts of Africa, less than 0.

2 percent of the population.

Rome said in February that more than 32,000 migrants, including 18,000 Tunisians, reached Italy from Tunisia last year, while thousands more have departed from neighbouring Libya.

European governments, particularly in Rome, have pressured the country to stem the flow, and the Tunisian coastguard regularly intercepts boats carrying migrants in its territorial waters, part of the world's deadliest migration route.

Tunisians themselves, exhausted by a long-running socio-economic crisis, make up a large proportion of the flow.

Saied on Wednesday denied he was racist, saying he had African friends and slamming the "malicious remarks" of those who "wanted to interpret the speech as they saw fit to harm Tunisia".

Speaking after a meeting with Guinea-Bissau's President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who is chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Saied said: "I am African and I am proud to be African."
WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 10th March, 2023) The government of Canada is seeking to amend the terrorism provisions of its Criminal Code in order to provide humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino said on Thursday.

"Today, we are taking another step to make good on our commitment to the people of Afghanistan. Earlier today, I was proud to table bill C41. This legislation will deliver desperately needed aid to vulnerable Afghans. Once passed, this bill will deliver food, closing and other materials that the people of Afghanistan need," Mendicino said.

Canadian law recognizes the governing Taliban in Afghanistan as a terrorist group that overthrew the democratically elected government there.

As a result, the Criminal Code places significant constraints on the ability to deliver assistance to Afghanistan, Mendicino said.

"That is why we have been working hard to find new ways to deliver much needed humanitarian aid," Mendicino said.

The new bill will create a legal pathway for the government to work with partners so that they can deliver humanitarian aid in partnership with Federal authorities, Mendicino also said.

"(W)e will not let these laws stand in the way of doing the right thing," Mendicino added.
Two of the authors of the so-called Twitter Files, Matt Taibbi and Michael Shellenberger, provided testimony on Thursday to the House Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government regarding collusion between the US government and Twitter about censorship decisions on the platform

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th March, 2023) Two of the authors of the so-called Twitter Files, Matt Taibbi and Michael Shellenberger, provided testimony on Thursday to the House Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government regarding collusion between the US government and Twitter about censorship decisions on the platform.

"Twitter, Facebook, Google, and other companies developed a formal system for taking in moderation requests from every corner of government," Taibbi told lawmakers. "For every government agency scanning Twitter, there were perhaps twenty quasi-private entities doing the same thing."

Agencies involved in submitting moderation requests to Twitter included the FBI, CIA, Defense Department and Department of Homeland Security, Taibbi said. Private entities involved in the process included the National Endowment for Democracy, Alliance for Securing Democracy and Stanford internet Observatory.

Taibbi dubbed the network of tech companies, government agencies and private organizations the "Censorship-Industrial Complex."

The network would flag posts deemed misinformation, such as those related to COVID-19 or the Hunter Biden laptop story, for Twitter to remove based on their terms of service.

"This is the Censorship-Industrial Complex at its essence: a bureaucracy willing to sacrifice factual truth in service of broader narrative objectives.

It's the opposite of what a free press does," Taibbi said.

Moreover, the network itself is often a major source of disinformation, with US taxpayers funding their own "estrangement from reality," Taibbi said.

Democratic members of the panel questioned Taibbi and Shellenberger's motives for engaging with the Twitter Files and requested they reveal anonymous sources for the story. The two journalists declined to reveal such information.

The Republican-led House established the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government to investigate alleged abuses of new technology by the US government to undermine constitutional rights.

Thursday's hearing was the second held by the select subcommittee, with the first focused on alleged politicization of the FBI and Justice Department.

The Twitter Files, which have been released in recent months by a group of journalists including Taibbi and Shellenberger, have revealed years of engagement between Twitter, government and private entities on censorship decisions.

The reports have revealed coordination between Twitter and the US government to suppress the Hunter Biden laptop story ahead of the 2020 Presidential Election and cooperation with the US military to boost psychological operations accounts.
MEXICO CITY (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th March, 2023) The new round of peace talks between the Colombian authorities and the rebels of the National Liberation Army (ELN) will be held in Cuba, according to a joint communique.

"The Republic of Cuba has agreed to become the hosting country for the next round of peace talks between the national government and the National Liberation Army. Delegations of Colombia's government and ELN are deeply grateful to the Cuban government and its people for the unconditional willingness and fundamental support they have been providing for over four decades to peacebuilding efforts in Colombia," the joint communique, published by the office of Colombian High Commissioner for Peace Danilo Rueda on Twitter.

Since 1964, Colombia has been gripped by a low-intensity armed conflict between the government and rebel groups, including ELN.

The Colombian government, the European Union, and the United States designate ELN as a terrorist group.

The negotiation process between the Colombian government and ELN was originally launched in 2016 but soon ended. The current negotiations are based on the progress and agreements reached during the initial phase, with Brazil, Chile, and Mexico as guarantor countries.

Last year, ELN initiated a new peace process with the Colombian government after Gustavo Petro was sworn in as the country's president.

The first three-week round of talks between ELN and the Colombian government took place in Caracas in November-December 2022. Currently, the parties are holding negotiations in Mexico City and have already made "significant progress on the agenda." The timing of the third round of talks in Cuba has yet to be determined.
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Countries participating in the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX), a special mechanism for settlements with Iran, have decided to terminate it, they said in a statement published by the German Foreign Ministry

BERLIN (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th March, 2023) Countries participating in the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX), a special mechanism for settlements with Iran, have decided to terminate it, they said in a statement published by the German Foreign Ministry.

"The INSTEX shareholders - Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the UK - have decided to liquidate INSTEX," the statement says.

The reasons cited are that Iran has "systematically prevented" INSTEX from fulfilling its humanitarian goals and only once agreed to export medical supplies from the EU.

"In light of Iran's persistent refusal to engage with the company, the INSTEX shareholders have reached the conclusion that there is no more ground for maintaining INSTEX operational. The INSTEX shareholders have voted in favor of the dissolution of INSTEX at the extraordinary general assembly of March 9th 2023.

This decision is taken on its own merits for exclusively commercial reasons," the statement says.

In 2015, the United Kingdom, Germany, China, Russia, the United States, France and Iran agreed on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. The agreement provided for the lifting of sanctions in exchange for limiting Iran's nuclear program. The deal in its original form did not last even three years: in May 2018, the United States announced unilateral withdrawal from it and the restoration of tough sanctions against Tehran. Iran announced a phased reduction of its obligations under the agreement.

The EU countries then announced their intention to compensate Iran for losses from the re-imposition of US sanctions and to ensure the possibility of trade bypassing US restrictions. France, Germany and the UK then decided to create a joint mechanism for settlements with Iran, dubbed INSTEX.
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PARIS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th March, 2023) The Dutch government plans to introduce additional measures to expand control of the exports of semiconductor technologies for security reasons, according to a letter by Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Liesje Schreinemacher.

"I am hereby informing you of the national supplementary export control measures that are being prepared in the area of advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment... The Government has concluded that, to ensure national and international security, it is necessary to expand the existing export control on specific semiconductor manufacturing equipment," Schreinemacher's letter to the Dutch House of Representatives (lower house of parliament) says.

She said the government will multilaterally submit proposals aimed at international testing of these technologies.
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MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 10th March, 2023) The Polish Foreign Ministry said on Thursday it had summoned US Ambassador to Warsaw Mark Brzezinski in connection with a new revealing tv film about Pope John Paul II and cases of pedophilia among Catholic priests.

In recent days, US-owned TVN24 broadcaster aired in Poland a documentary claiming that Pope John Paul II, who headed the Catholic Church from 1978 until his death in 2005, had been aware of cases of pedophilia among priests under his authority.

"In response to the activity of one of TV stations, an investor on the Polish market, MFA has invited the Ambassador of the United States," the Polish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Warsaw also expressed belief that "the potential outcome of these activities (by the TV station) is in line with the goals of a hybrid war aimed at causing divisions and tensions within Polish society.

"

"Therefore, the MFA has invited the US Ambassador to inform him about the situation and its consequences in the form of reducing Poland's capacity to deter a potential enemy and diminishing its resilience to threats," the ministry added.

The issue of sexual abuse of minors in the Roman Catholic Church has become a matter of serious concern to incumbent Pope Francis, since more and more such cases have been exposed. In June 2016, the Pope simplified the procedure for the resignation of bishops for ignoring cases of pedophilia. In August 2018, he published a special letter to the People of God in which he urged clergy to repent, and in March 2019, he signed three fundamental legal documents aimed at countering pedophilia.
A Buffalo man involved in an exchange of gunfire last March in Jamestown has been sentenced to five years in state prison, Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt announced.

Arkeil Gaskin, 25, pleaded guilty Dec. 12 to second-degree attempted criminal possession of a weapon. Chautauqua County Court Judge David Foley also ordered him to undergo five years of post-release supervision.

Gaskin was arrested March 22, 2022, with two other men after occupants of two vehicles near West Sixth and Jefferson streets shot at each other. Police found two loaded pistols in the vehicle in which Gaskin was riding.

Schmidt noted that Gaskin had a prior conviction and did not have a pistol permit. He pleaded guilty in January 2017 to shooting another person in Buffalo's University Metro Rail Station while on probation for a juvenile offense and was sentenced to five years in prison.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol will visit Tokyo from March 16-17 to meet Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for bilateral talks and will be the first head of South Korea to do so in 12 years, the Yonhap news agency reported on Thursday, referring to South Korean presidential office

SEOUL (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th March, 2023) South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol will visit Tokyo from March 16-17 to meet Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for bilateral talks and will be the first head of South Korea to do so in 12 years, the Yonhap news agency reported on Thursday, referring to South Korean presidential office.

The previous visit of this kind took place in 2011, as President Lee Myung-bak of South Korea visited Japan. President Moon Jae-in paid a visit to Osaka in 2019, but his visit was timed to coincide with the G20 summit.

"The visit will become an important milestone for the improvement and development of South Korea-Japan relations," the presidential office said in a statement, as quoted by Yonhap.

Seoul hopes the visit will facilitate cooperation between the two countries across various areas, including security, the economy, society and culture, so that South Korea and Japan might overcome the unfortunate history of the past and move toward the future, the statement added, as cited by the media.

Meanwhile, the Japanese government is considering the invitation of the South Korean president to the G7 summit in Hiroshima, which will be held in May, although the final decision will depend on Seoul's implementation of its decision on payments for the former Korean workers of Japanese plants, Japanese news agency Kyodo reported on Thursday, referring to diplomatic sources.

After negotiations with Japan, the South Korean government announced its plan regarding compensation for the victims of forced labor in Japan during the Second World War, who won their court case against the Japanese companies involved in 2018.

In 2018, the South Korean Supreme Court ordered the Japanese companies, including Nippon Steel and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, to compensate Koreans used as forced labor during the Second World War.

The decision led to the deterioration of trade relations between the two countries and the imposition of trade sanctions by Japan. South Korea responded by submitting a complaint to the World Trade Organization and even wanted to withdraw from the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA). The United States forced South Korea to drop its complaint and to suspend its withdrawal from the GSOMIA.

The new administration of Yoon Suk-yeol set a course for improving the relations with Japan in order to enhance their bilateral cooperation and to facilitate their trilateral security partnership with the US.
A federal judge sentenced Joseph C. Bella III to 3 1/2 years in prison Wednesday for fraudulently obtaining and selling Covid-19 test kits and illegally obtaining $253,000 in pandemic relief loans.

Bella, who served more than 24 months in jail while the charges were pending, could be a released from prison to a halfway house in less than a year, according to his attorney.

Bella pleaded guilty in June to five felonies, including three counts of wire fraud, possession of drugs and possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Your actions took advantage of civilians, U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara said of Bella's lying to purchase 5,000 Covid-19 tests, which ended up useless because of improper storage. Your conduct is not that of an honest businessman. I believe you squandered the opportunities you have had in your life.

The government accused Bella of price gouging by inflating the price of the tests by 275%, a percentage his attorney disputed.

Covid fraudster's potential prison time shortened, but sentence delayed Joseph C. Bella III could now face 46 months in prison for his previous guilty pleas to wire fraud involving Covid-19 test kits and $253,000 in Covid-19-relief loans, and to possession of drugs, a firearm and ammunition.

Bella, who had faced a maximum prison sentence of 46 months under the plea deal, was also ordered to pay restitution on the loans, serve three years of post-release supervision and participate in a substance abuse rehabilitation program.

Attorney Thomas J. Eoannou, his lawyer, said a large portion of the loans has been repaid and that money seized from Bellas bank account will cover the balance of what is owed.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas T. Cooper wanted Bella sentenced to the full 46 months, while Eoannou wanted him sentenced to time already served.

The case against Bella is linked to a federal investigation into organized crime in the Buffalo area. In seeking to have Bella held in custody until his trial, prosecutors argued that Bella was acquainted with people involved in organized crime, drug trafficking and debt collection.

Eoannou had argued that the governments claim that Bella was associated with the Mafia was false and harmed his clients reputation. In downplaying the danger of a shotgun seized during a raid at Bellas home by federal agents, the attorney also argued it was old and rusted and would have exploded if it was discharged.

Buffalo man admits to fraud charges over Covid-19 test kits, relief aid A 49-year-old Buffalo man whom prosecutors previously called an associate of mafia and organized crime figures in Buffalo pleaded guilty Monday to drug, gun and Covid-19 fraud counts.

On Wednesday, the judge said that the organized crime accusation and the shotgun has no bearing on his sentence.

I think that it was a fair and reasonable sentence, Eoannou later said. This case has come a very long way from the original 25 counts in two separate indictments, alleging he was in the Mafia and being indicted on multiple additional crimes.

In his supplemental brief, Eoannou said, Mr. Bella is accused of being a drug trafficker and a mob associate or member of Italian Organized Crime, yet in three years the government has failed to prove he was a member of organized crime or that he sold drugs for money.

Cooper, in his supplemental brief, said that when Bella was originally granted pre-trial release on the drug and gun indictment, he brazenly continued to commit frauds after the court had taken a chance on him, releasing him despite the governments motion for detention.

Citing last weeks sentencing hearing in his brief, Cooper said,   the defendant and his counsel repeatedly represented to this court that the defendant was a person genuinely trying to assist others during the pandemic. That self-serving claim is directly contradicted by the defendants conduct during the summer of 2020, when the defendant fraudulently obtained an Economic Injury Disaster Loan  .

Feds cite link between longtime scammer and Buffalo organized crime Joseph C. Bella III is absolutely not a member of any organized crime, attorney Thomas J. Eoannou said. I think the government is trying to connect dots that presently dont exist.

Cooper said Bella diverted that money from legitimate businesses suffering the effects of the pandemic and into his own pockets.

At last weeks hearing, Cooper had pointed out that Bella has a long history of scamming the public. The prosecutor cited Bellas illegal debt collection practices that led to a 2013 settlement with the New York State Attorney Generals office and required him to pay $165,000 in restitution. In 2015, an investigation by the AG's office and Federal Trade Commission found Bella was using lies and threatening arrests in his debt collection activities. Bella was fined $112,000 and barred from the debt collection industry.

A 2002 AG investigation of Bella resulted in a $2,500 fine and the shuttering of a business he operated that was selling iodine pills to thwart radiation poisoning after frightening the public with news of a dirty bomb. This scheme occurred after the Lackawanna Six had been arrested for visiting an al-Qaida training camp and meeting with Osama bin Laden.

In referencing these previous misdeeds, Arcara noted Bella had taken responsibility for his most recent actions. The judge also cited letters submitted on Bellas behalf that noted he had a history of performing volunteer work and was a loyal and generous friend.
U.S. President Joe Biden is set to unveil his budget proposal for fiscal 2024 during a visit Thursday to the state of Pennsylvania.

The president will deliver remarks on his plans to invest in America, continue to lower costs for families, protect and strengthen Social Security and Medicare, reduce the deficit, and more, the White House said ahead of the event in Philadelphia.

Part of Bidens proposal is to raise taxes on the wealthy to help pay for his plans.

The White House has already announced that part of the budget proposal includes an increase in Medicare taxes for incomes above $400,000 a year and allowing Medicare to negotiate better prices for prescription drugs to bolster the federal health insurance program for older Americans and certain people with disabilities.

Republicans in Congress expressed opposition to the presidents Medicare plan, with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell predicting it had no chance of approval in the Republican-held House of Representatives.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
Chinas government on Thursday criticized the Netherlands for joining Washington in blocking Chinese access to technology to manufacture advanced processor chips on security and human rights grounds.

A Dutch minister told lawmakers Wednesday that exports of equipment that uses ultraviolet light to etch circuits on chips would be restricted on security grounds. ASML of the Netherlands is the only global supplier. Industry experts say a lack of access to ASML's most advanced technology is a serious handicap for China's efforts to develop its own chip industry.

Washington in October blocked Chinese access to U.S. tools to make advanced chips that it said might be used in weapons or in equipment for the ruling Communist Party's surveillance apparatus. The Biden administration is lobbying European and Asian allies to tighten their own controls.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman complained that an individual country, a reference to the United States, was trying to safeguard its own hegemony by abusing national security as an excuse to deprive China of its right to development.

We firmly oppose the Netherlandss interference and restriction with administrative means of normal economic and trade exchanges between Chinese and Dutch enterprises, said the spokeswoman, Mao Ning. We have made complaints to the Dutch side.

Mao appealed to the Netherlands to safeguard the stability of the international industrial and supply chain."

ASMLs extreme-ultraviolet, or EUV, equipment uses light to etch microscopically precise circuits into silicon, allowing them to be packed more closely together. That increases their speed and reduces power demand.

The Dutch government has prohibited ASML from exporting its most advanced machines to China since 2019, but the company is allowed to supply lower-quality systems.

Chinese manufacturers can produce low-end chips used in autos and most consumer electronics but not those used in smartphones, servers and other high-end products.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and U.S. President Joe Biden held talks in January on ASMLs chip machines.
U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday will release his formal budget request for the coming fiscal year, launching a perennial struggle between the White House and Congress over how much money the federal government should spend and where that spending should be focused.

The budget process is complex and politically fraught, forcing policymakers to come to grips with essential questions about how much Americans want their government to be doing, and how much they are willing to pay for it.

In broad terms, budget battles typically break down along partisan lines, with Republicans advocating for a comparatively smaller government that spends less money and therefore collects less tax revenue from its citizens. Democrats tend to line up on the side of a more expansive federal government funded by higher levels of taxes, particularly on the wealthy and corporations.

There is an element of theater to the process as well. When the presidents budget request is released, members of the opposite party  especially when they control one or both houses of Congress  will immediately declare it dead on arrival and assert congressional authority to control the governments purse strings. House Republicans, who currently control that chamber, will play that role this year.

Different visions

At moments like this, what the Congress does, and what the administration proposes are very different, because they have very different views on what the United States should be, said Douglas Holtz-Eakin, who ran the Congressional Budget Office from 2003 to 2005.

The president is going to propose big increases in spending, Holtz-Eakin, now president of the American Action Forum, a conservative-leaning think tank, told VOA. He's going to propose child care. He's going to propose paid leave, free college, bigger child credits  all sorts of new entitlement programs that [Democrats] believe are appropriate. They're going to propose even more taxes.

He compared the presidents expected proposal to a very different expected approach from House Republicans.

Their vision of the size of government is considerably more circumscribed, he said. They want a smaller government and lower taxes. They don't want the new programs. They're worried about the size of the existing programs.

Below the surface

While on the surface the discussion of the federal budget may appear to be about spending, it is also about taxation because that is where the federal government gets the bulk of its revenue. And for Americans, taxes are a perennial hot-button issue.

The United States is something of an anomaly among developed nations because of the way it levies its taxes. The vast majority of federal revenue in a given year comes from direct assessments on individual Americans, making tax rates feel very personal.

However, the U.S. income tax system is also highly progressive, meaning that the tax rates for wealthier Americans are much higher than those for lower-income Americans, many of whom owe no federal income tax at all in a given year.

A lot of European countries use value added taxes, broad-based consumption taxes, broad-based taxes on employment, payroll taxes. They fund a lot of their social programs, to a greater extent, from workers and middle-class folks than the way our system is structured, Daniel Bunn, president and CEO of the Tax Foundation, told VOA.

Income taxes

In fiscal year 2022, according to the White House Office of Management and Budget, 51% of federal revenue came from taxes on individual Americans income. Another 33% came from what are commonly known as payroll taxes  funds deducted from Americans paychecks to fund social programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

When state taxes are accounted for, often assessed on property as well as income, Americans fund around 80% of all government revenues through individual assessments. Thats a stark departure from the typical member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, where a combination of consumption taxes and corporate taxes cover more than 40% of government revenue.

Bunn said both Republicans and Democrats have made occasional attempts to push the U.S. toward a more consumption-based taxation model, with little success.

They never really had a lot of legs as far as U.S. legislation is concerned, he said.

Relentless growth

While budget battles seem to be between one side wanting to cut spending and the other wanting to increase it, in reality the federal budget has grown relentlessly larger regardless of who is in power in Washington.

Twenty years ago, when President George W. Bush was in the White House, total federal outlays for fiscal year 2003 were $2.16 trillion. In 2023, federal spending is expected to exceed $6 trillion.

The largest segment of the budget is mandatory spending, meaning outlays that are required by law, such as Social Security payments and funding for Medicare, which covers senior citizens health care, and federal and military retirement programs.

Mandatory spending will make up approximately 63% of federal outlays in fiscal 2023, with interest on the federal debt accounting for about 8% more. The remainder, about 30% of the total, is considered discretionary spending, meaning that Congress must pass legislation authorizing it.

The largest element of annual discretionary spending in the U.S. is directed to national security and defense. The defense budget consumes nearly half of the discretionary portion of the federal budget, leaving the remainder of the federal government  everything from the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Veterans Affairs  funded by about 16% of the governments total spending.

Fight over debt

With few exceptions in recent decades, the U.S. spends more money than it takes in on an annual basis, resulting in a budget deficit, which must be funded by borrowing, and which in turn contributes to the national debt.

Both parties have contributed significantly to the debt but fights over it tend to materialize most frequently when there is a Democratic president and Republicans have control over one or both houses of Congress. This year, in control of the House, Republicans have vowed to force spending cuts on the Biden administration.

The Republicans' leverage in the battle comes from the existence of a federal debt ceiling, which caps the amount of money the Treasury Department can borrow. The Treasury is currently at the debt limit and will face the prospect of a catastrophic debt default if it is not raised by this summer.

Republicans have said that without significant reductions in federal spending, they will refuse to authorize an increase in the debt ceiling.

Both parties have said that cuts to Medicare and Social Security are off the table, so any meaningful spending reductions will have to come from the discretionary portion of the budget.

Dueling proposals

Both the president and congressional Republicans are expected to propose ways of reducing the deficit, but they will chart very different routes toward that goal.

In his budget request on Thursday, Biden has signaled that he will propose measures to shrink the federal deficit by as much as $2 trillion over the next decade. But rather than doing so through spending cuts, he is proposing an increase on the taxes paid by wealthy Americans.

Republicans have not released a final plan of their own, but ongoing discussions among Republicans are focused on cutting spending rather than raising revenues. Things under consideration include a nearly 50% decrease in the foreign aid budget, reductions to programs that help poor Americans afford housing and the imposition of a work requirement for certain benefits programs.

While it is impossible to predict exactly how this budget battle will play out, history suggests that the Republican-controlled House and the Democrat-run Senate will be unable to come to an agreement on a common budget plan.

When that has happened in the past, the government has continued to operate by using a series of continuing resolutions under which Congress allows current spending levels to be maintained while lawmakers work  sometimes for many months  toward an agreement.
Two years after Myanmars military coup, a handful of young people are still protesting the coup, but, given the military crackdown on protests, the tightened security situation, and financial constraints only a relatively few flash mob protests now occur, and they do so in urban areas.

In these protests, in places such as Yangon and Mandalay, a small group of young people gather briefly, chanting and hanging banners with slogans before dispersing.

The president of Basic Education Students Union, part of the All-Burma Federation of Student Unions (ABFSU), who uses the name Molly in media interviews for security reasons, said people in Myanmar need to be more aware of the opposition to the now-ruling junta.

Flash mobs are making people in urban areas nervous. While the revolution goes on for the long run, people are getting back to normal life. They need to wake up to political awareness as well as the armed revolution, she told VOA.

We are under 18

It is young people who, since the coup, who have been most vociferous in trying to take down the regime despite nighttime raids, unlawful arrests, and being chased down or beaten up in the streets.

The student unions federation and the General Strike Committee, the largest combination of groups organizing anti-government protests, told VOA that most of those in the flash mobs are high school students under 18 years of age. While other students return to military-controlled schools, some members of the two organizations have chosen the armed path, actively participating in guerrilla attacks.

Molly and her brother, Nyi Min Thu, joined the protests right after the February 1, 2021, coup. Nyi Min Thu was killed February 25, when the military raided the house where he was hiding.

After my brother died, I worked harder on the revolution at risk to my life, Molly said.

More lives at risk

As the coup passes the two-year mark, the military regime has increased its control over big cities. At Yangon and Mandalay intersections, the army has installed checkpoints and put security in place. Junta security forces have arrested young demonstrators by raiding houses and bloodily cracking down during the protests.

According to the ABFSU, some 50 student members have been detained for participating in the anti-junta movement and 30 of them were sentenced to a minimum of two years in prison. In addition, 11 protesters died during military raids.

On February 8 in Yangons Mayangone township, a young man wearing a black jacket and jeans pulled out a banner. Another eight young men hiding on the side of the road came out and joined him in holding the banner saying reject the fascist election.

The demonstration lasted only four minutes, but we prepared for it over two weeks, Kyaw Swar, a 17-year-old protester said, adding that as the military gains more control over cities, being out on the streets has become dangerous.

Flash mob groups said they meet regularly online to discuss protest plans and share information. Usually, they choose a location that the security forces cannot crack down on easily.

"In the past, it took a week to set up a protest in one place. Now, it takes up to a month to plan a protest because of tight security. Normally, protests take place in populated areas such as markets, parks and bus stops where people will notice and soldiers cannot arrest us, Molly said.

Funding decrease, spending increase

Until mid-2021, there were many strike groups conducting flash mob protests but now only 10 have survived, strike groups said. Similarly, in 2021, at least 40 group members participated in a protest, now only five to 10 participate.

"We used to manage to protest at least four times a month, but now it's very difficult to do it once a month, said Kyaw Swar.

The military crackdown and arrests are the main reason for fewer protests and protesters, young demonstrators told VOA. Other difficulties include raising funds and finding safe houses.

Landlords refuse to rent their homes because we are so young, Molly said. Landlords also refuse to rent to groups of young people because they suspect the young people are protesters or will take other actions against the junta.

Strike groups rely on online fundraising campaign groups and donations from the public. Until end of 2021, ABFSU received more than a million kyat  about $475  per month, but donations have gradually dropped by half. In contrast, living costs and expenses for protests are rising. Protest groups said they need at least 2 million kyat a month for living and accommodation of 15 people. It costs up to 150,000 kyat to manage a strike.

Fifteen people are living together in a house to save many. We only eat noodle soup on very difficult days. There are even days I just smoke when I am hungry," a striker who asked not to be named told VOA.
Touting reforms designed to protect Americans' privacy, FBI Director Christopher Wray said Tuesday that the number of times the FBI searched U.S. citizens' information in a database of warrantless surveillance dropped by more than 93% in 2022.

"And that is not an aberration," Wray said during testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee, adding that compared with 2020 levels, the 2022 number was about 85% lower.

The surveillance program, known as Section 702, allows U.S. spy agencies to collect foreigners' online communications for intelligence purposes, but controversially, FBI analysts are also allowed to search Americans' data "incidentally'' collected under the program. Civil liberties advocates call the warrantless searches unconstitutional.

The program is set to expire at the end of the year, and Wray and other top intelligence officials urged lawmakers to reauthorize it.

While Wray did not disclose the total number of searches the FBI conducted in 2022, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence has reported that the FBI in 2021 ran nearly 3.4 million queries of individuals in the U.S. That suggests that the number of such queries in 2022 stood at a little more than 200,000.

Critics say the warrantless searches infringe on Americans' privacy and civil liberties.

Reacting to Wray's comments, Elizabeth Goitein, senior director for liberty and national security at the Brennan Center for Justice, tweeted that even with the sharp drop in the number of queries, "the FBI is conducting up to 559 warrantless searches for Americans' phone calls, texts, and emails *every day.*"

But Wray said concerns over the FBI's use of the data predate "important reforms" that the bureau has implemented in recent years "to make sure people are using the authority in a surgical and judicious way."

Among the reforms, he cited the creation of an internet audit office, changes to the bureau's database system to prevent inadvertent searches, and new oversight and preapprovals.

"We take very seriously our role as stewards of these authorities," Wray said.

Originally enacted in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act has been increasingly used by U.S. intelligence and security agencies to combat a range of new threats, officials say.

"It is hard to overestimate, frankly, the importance of this authority to our work across the board," Avril Haines, director of national intelligence, told lawmakers. "FISA section 702 provides unique intelligence on foreign intelligence targets at a speed and reliability that we cannot replicate with any other authority."

Wray said the FBI increasingly uses Section 702 to "protect American victims from malicious cyber actors."

Section 702's reauthorization faces an uphill battle in Congress, where a coalition of conservative Republicans and progressive Democrats are demanding major changes before greenlighting renewal.

Republican Senator Mike Lee said last week that there was "not a chance in hell we're going to be reauthorizing [Section 702] without some major, major reforms."

"Your department is not trusted, because it has been politicized," Lee told Attorney General Merrick Garland during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, echoing a long-standing Republican accusation.

Garland rejected the Republican charge.


The state Education Department has determined the lease between Frontier Central School District and the Town of Hamburg for the building housing town senior programs must be terminated June 30.

The town has leased the community center building at 4540 Southwestern Blvd. for 10 years, with an option to extend it another nine years. It houses the town's Youth, Recreation and Senior Services Department, and includes space for the town's adult day care program, senior programs and lunch program.

The extension of the lease after June had to be approved by the state education commissioner, and Frontier said it wanted to place a new educational program in the building this fall.

But seniors may not have to leave the building this summer.

"The district remains willing to discuss how the town may share the building with us to accommodate its Youth, Recreation and Senior Services program," Superintendent Christopher J. Swiatek said in a statement.

He said at Tuesday's School Board meeting that the district learned Tuesday afternoon that the education commissioner would not approve the extension of the lease. The district notified the town of its plans last year.

In search of an 'Option B,' Frontier looks at ECC for program it wanted in the Hamburg Senior Center The Frontier Central School District program, Big Picture Academy, would start in the fall with 30 juniors and seniors who don't do well in a traditional school setting. It eventually would grow to 60 students.

The thought that senior and other programs held at the center could be forced to move did not sit well with town Supervisor Randy Hoak, and many seniors who attend programs at the building also were upset when they learned they might have to move. One senior collected about 500 signatures on a petition to retain the building for town programs.

Swiatek said in his statement that the district hopes to begin discussions with the town soon. Hoak said a letter from the district discussed a possible five-year lease.

"I'm optimistic the state Education Department and Superintendent Swiatek talk about their willingness to be partners and not displacing our senior program, that we'll be able to find a solution that will give us some time in that building," Hoak said.

But he said he was disappointed that the town, which has paid for $1.7 million in renovations to the building, would not be allowed to purchase the building for $1, which was included in the original agreement. The town's lease payments cover the bond payments for the district's loan, and are about $55,000 a year.

Swiatek has said the district has no intention of driving seniors from the building immediately.

Frontier School District wants part of its building back from Town of Hamburg, and it's complicated Talks with the district have slowed to less than a trickle, and last week Town Supervisor Randy Hoak held a meeting at the Senior Center to publicize the issue that attracted a standing room only crowd.

The new program, Big Picture Academy, would start in the fall with 30 juniors and seniors who dont do well in a traditional school setting. It eventually would grow to 60 students. The students would use several classrooms and the gym for a couple hours a day. Lunch would be delivered from the high school, and the academy would not need the cafeteria.

The district also reached out to SUNY Erie Community College about using space at the South Campus for the program as an alternative.

Hoak said the town has some space available to perhaps move the office and some programs, but it does not yet have room in town facilities to relocate all of the programs.
Georgia's ruling party, in the face of two days of violent protests and sharp criticism from the West, says it is withdrawing its controversial "foreign agents" legislation from parliament.

"As a party of government responsible to every member of society, we have decided to unconditionally withdraw this bill that we supported," the Georgian Dream party said in a statement on its website on March 9.

The initial protests erupted as lawmakers took up the controversial foreign agents law on March 7. The proposed legislation, which is backed by the ruling Georgian Dream party and was approved in a hastily called first reading on March 7, would force civil society organizations that receive more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad to be classified as foreign agents.

Some have likened the bill to legislation passed in Russia, where all organizations or individuals receiving financial support from abroad can be declared as foreign agents, a label that stigmatizes them and forces them to submit to audits. Later revisions of the law targeted foreign-funded media.

The bill sparked an outpouring of anger among Georgians that resulted in two days of protests that were met by security forces and police with volleys of tear gas, stun grenades, and water cannons.

Protesters were heard chanting "No to the Russian law" and singing the Georgian, Ukrainian, and EU anthems. One banner held during the renewed protests, which took place on International Womens Day, said: "Women against total control."

Dozens of people were detained, and the Interior Ministry said at least 50 police officers had been injured in the clashes.

Georgian Dream said in its statement the bill had been "represented in a bad light and in a misleading way," adding that it would launch public consultations to "better explain" the law's purpose.

Officials from opposition parties, speaking after the bill was withdrawn, said protests would continue until the government formally denounced the foreign agents bill altogether and released all those detained during protests. Georgia's opposition has often criticized Georgian Dream for being too closely aligned with Moscow, which backs separatists in the breakaway Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Wedged in the Caucasus between Russia, Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, the country of 3.7 million people has experienced several bouts of political upheaval since leaving the Soviet Union in 1991 to become independent.

"The protest is not just about the bill, but about the Russian nature of the Georgian Dream. There is no trust towards them or their word, and track record serves as the empirical proof. There is no legal mechanism to withdraw the draft," Helen Khoshtaria, founder of the Droa party, said on Twitter.

Ilhan Kyuchyuk, a member of the European Parliament for the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) added: "I welcome the pledge of the Georgian Dream to withdraw their dangerous Kremlin-inspired 'foreign agents' law, but we will keep watching until it is actually withdrawn in Parliament."

President Salome Zurabishvili had said she will veto the bill, although parliament could have overriden her veto.

The introduction of the legislation prompted rebukes of Georgia from several corners, including diplomats from the European Union and the United States.

The EU's delegation to Georgia said in a tweet that it welcomed the announcement by Georgian Dream, which it had previously said raised serious questions about the prospects of democracy in Georgia.

"We encourage all political leaders in Georgia to resume pro-EU reforms, in an inclusive & constructive way and in line with the 12 priorities for Georgia to achieve candidate status," it said.

Georgia has been moving toward joining the European Union, but EU officials said the foreign agents law would complicate the country's membership path. Last year, the bloc declined to grant candidate status to Georgia, citing stalled political and judicial reforms.

Reuters contributed some information for this report.
Police in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, used tear gas, water cannons and stun grenades late Wednesday as they moved to break up the second straight day of protests against a "foreign agents" law that critics say signals an authoritarian shift.

Hundreds of police converged on streets around the parliament building in a bid to disperse the protesters. Unlike clashes Tuesday night, there were no signs of demonstrators throwing petrol bombs or stones, although at least one police car was overturned.

Tear gas billowed down Tbilisi's central Rustaveli Avenue, where parliament is located, forcing at least some of the thousands of demonstrators to move away.

The Interior Ministry said 77 people had been detained after the Tuesday protests, which started when lawmakers approved a first reading of the law requiring any organizations receiving more than 20% of their funding from overseas to register as "foreign agents" or face substantial fines.

The ruling Georgian Dream party says it is modeled on U.S. legislation dating from the 1930s. Critics, including President Salome Zourabichvili, say it is reminiscent of a law Russia has used to crack down on dissent and could harm Georgia's chances of European Union membership.

Zourabichvili, speaking to CNN, urged authorities to refrain from using force and portrayed Georgia as a victim of aggression by a Russia she said was determined to maintain influence in the Caucasus region.

"Clearly, Russia is not going to let go very easily, but Russia is losing its war in Ukraine," she said. Both Georgia and Ukraine were once part of the Russian-dominated former Soviet Union.

The EU last year rebuffed Tbilisi's attempts to become a candidate for membership, saying it needed to speed up changes in areas such as the rule of law.

Ruling party rift

Protests restarted Wednesday afternoon, with a march down Rustaveli Avenue to mark International Women's Day, which is a public holiday.

"It's very clear that more and more people realize that this is scary and they should fight for their future," said journalist Mikheil Gvadzabia.

As evening set in, thousands gathered in front of parliament, blocking traffic, shouting "No to the Russian law," and carrying Georgian, EU and Ukrainian flags.

"We cannot let our country become pro-Russian or a Russian state, or undemocratic," said software engineer Vakhtang Berikashvili.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Georgians for waving his country's flag, saying it showed respect.

"We want to be in the European Union, and we will be. We want Georgia to be in the European Union, and I am sure it will be," he said in a video address.

Footage of smaller protests in the Black Sea resort city of Batumi, Georgia's second largest, were also shared online.

The draft law has deepened a rift between Georgian Dream, which has a parliamentary majority, and Zourabichvili, a pro-European who has moved away from the party since being elected with its support in 2018.

She pledges to veto the bill if it reaches her desk, though parliament can override her.

Critics say Georgian Dream is too close to Russia and has taken the country in a more repressive direction. Georgian society is strongly anti-Moscow following years of conflict over the status of two Russian-backed breakaway regions that flared into war in 2008.

Georgian Dream Chairman Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday said the law would help root out those working against the interests of the country and the powerful Georgian Orthodox Church. He criticized Georgia's "radical opposition" for stirring up protesters.
Hong Kongs national security police Thursday arrested veteran labor rights activist Elizabeth Tang after she visited her husband, a prominent former opposition lawmaker, in prison.

Tang, who co-founded the pro-democracy Confederation of Trade Unions with her husband, Lee Cheuk-yan, in 1990, was taken away Thursday afternoon by national security officers outside the Stanley prison, where Lee was detained, Hong Kong media reported.

The reason for her arrest was not immediately clear, although some media reports cited sources as saying Tang is suspected of colluding with foreign forces, an offense under a sweeping national security law passed in June 2020.

The law, imposed by China to stamp out the monthslong, sometimes violent anti-government protests that started in 2019, codifies penalties as severe as life imprisonment for crimes including secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces.

Tang is currently the general secretary of the International Domestic Workers Federation - a global organization of domestic workers. She had just returned to Hong Kong from Britain. She fled there in September 2021 after a group she headed was suspected of having received more than $12.7 million in donations from organizations in the United States, Germany and Norway since 1994 to support labor movements in Asia, according to the South China Morning Post.

Several media reports identify the group as the Asia Monitor Resource Centre. The organizations website says it was an independent nongovernmental organization founded in Hong Kong in 1976 to support a democratic and independent labor movement in Asia.

The group announced its closure on its Facebook in September 2021, after it was accused by Beijing-backed media of receiving foreign funds and acting as a foreign agent and colluding with foreign forces. The group denied the accusation, insisting it was a civil society organization independent of any local or international organizations.

The Confederation of Trade Unions, Hong Kong's largest opposition trade union coalition, also dissolved in 2021 after several members received messages threatening their safety.

The closures came amid a spate of police investigations into pro-democracy civil groups. More than 50 civil groups including unions, rights groups, independent media outlets and political parties have closed after the launch of the national security law, which China has insisted was necessary to restore order after the protracted protests in 2019.

The Asia Monitor Resource Centre said on Facebook in January that it has moved to Korea.

Tangs husband, Lee Cheuk-yan, 66, was a prominent pro-democracy lawmaker and a veteran labor activist. Lee, who went to Beijing to support students and activists in the Tiananmen pro-democracy movement in 1989, was detained for three days before being released.

He is now in jail for unlawful assembly and other offenses. Lee was jailed for 20 months over his involvement in three unauthorized rallies during the 2019 anti-government protests. The prison sentence also covers a fourth instance related to a banned June 4 candlelight vigil in 2020 to mark the anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown.

He was also charged in 2021 with inciting subversion as a leader of the now-disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China  the group that organized the citys annual June 4 Tiananmen Square vigil for 30 years. The alliances vice-chairman, Albert Ho, and vice-chairwoman, Chow Hang-tung, were also charged with incitement to subversion.

Lee had been denied bail on the grounds that his wife and family had left Hong Kong.

On Monday, the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights urged Chinese and Hong Kong authorities to review the national security law and expressed concern over a trade union ordinance which it said had been used to "hamper the exercise of the rights to freely form trade unions."
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni on Thursday brought her planned crackdown on people smugglers to a southern town near the coast where a wooden boat packed with migrants broke apart, killing scores and leaving many missing.

In a symbolic move to highlight what she has described as her conservative government's genuine concern for migrant lives, Meloni and her ministers flew to Calabria, in the toe of the Italian peninsula, to hold a Cabinet session in Cutro's town council hall.

Meloni, anti-migrant leader Matteo Salvini, who heads the infrastructure ministry that includes the coast guard, and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, posed for photos outside the town hall after she was greeted by the local bishop and other dignitaries.

The Cabinet was widely expected to approve far stiffer punishments for smugglers, who guide unseaworthy boats crowded with migrants to Italy's shores.

Also expected to be adopted are measures to facilitate refugees' access to so-called humanitarian corridors to Europe as they flee persecution or war in their homelands.

Many of the dead and survivors in the Feb. 26 tragedy were fleeing from Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and Syria, hoping to join family members in Italy and other Western European countries.

Earlier this week, a 72nd body was recovered, nine days after the boat crashed into a sandbank just off Steccato di Cutro beach, started taking on water and splintered apart.

Eighty people survived, many of them staggering ashore on the beach after swimming from the wreck. Dozens are still believed to be missing after the wreck of the boat, which survivors said had set out from Turkey with about 180 passengers days earlier.

Opposition leaders and humanitarian groups have decried Italian authorities' decision not to quickly dispatch coast guard rescue boats after a Frontex patrol aircraft spotted the wooden boat about 72 kilometers off Calabria's coast hours before the pre-dawn wreck on Cutro's beach in adverse sea conditions.

Frontex is the European Union's border and coastal protection agency.

Earlier this week, Italy's interior minister, who implements the government's migration policy, insisted in a speech to lawmakers that Frontex  in its communication to Italian authorities  hadn't indicated any sign of distress and no one aboard the ill-fated boat had sent out any alarm.

Even as Meloni's government presses the crackdown, hundreds more migrants have stepped ashore on the southern island of Lampedusa in recent days.

Many arrived without needing rescue. Italy's coast guard and border police boats plucked dozens of others to safety from the sea this week in the central Mediterranean. Among them were 45 migrants, including five newborns, rescued on Wednesday, and another 38 saved by the coast guard after their boat sank in Malta's air-and-rescue sector.

In another Italian coast guard operation, 20 migrants were saved when their boat ran into trouble after setting out from Sfax, Tunisia, and a woman's body was recovered, Italian state television said.

By Thursday afternoon, more than 1,300 migrants had reached Lampedusa by sea in the past few days, and authorities were sending a large ferry from Sicily to transfer some of them from the island's chronically overcrowded temporary residence for migrants.

Dozens of townspeople turned out on Thursday in solidarity with migrants in Cutro, a town of 8,000, which closed schools and cordoned off the area as part of security for the Cabinet meeting. Some of the town's fishermen had dived into the sea to rescue the living and recover the dead from the disaster.

Relatives of survivors had staged a sit-in blocking a road in Cutro earlier this week to prevent the transfer of bodies to a Muslim cemetery, which has space in the northern city of Bologna. On Thursday, Italy's interior ministry said it was working to satisfy the wishes of families to have their loved ones buried where they want.

So far, the body of a migrant from Afghanistan has been buried in Calabria, that of a Tunisian victim was sent to Tunisia, a victim from Afghanistan was transported to Germany while four bodies were sent back to Pakistan. On Wednesday, seven bodies were transported to Bologna's Muslim cemetery, while still others were prepared to be sent to Germany and Afghanistan.
A federal judge Wednesday ordered the Biden administration to end the expedited releases of migrants who enter the United States illegally from Mexico, potentially straining already stretched holding facilities.

The order won't take effect for a week to give the government time to appeal. The Homeland Security and Justice departments had no immediate comment.

In declaring a key administration tool illegal, U.S. District Judge T. Kent Wetherell II offered a scathing review of President Joe Biden's border policies in a 109-page opinion, which followed a January trial in Pensacola, Florida.

The administration has "effectively turned the Southwest Border into a meaningless line in the sand and little more than a speed bump for aliens flooding into the country," he wrote.

Wetherell, an appointee of President Donald Trump, criticized a decision to stop building a border wall; end a policy to make asylum-seekers wait in Mexico for hearings in U.S. immigration court; and shift enforcement priorities. He also faulted the administration for ending family detention at the border, a decision that officials have begun to reconsider.

"Collectively, these actions were akin to posting a flashing 'Come In, We're Open' sign on the Southern border," Wetherell wrote.

Longtime problem

Wetherell's language echoed Republican talking points heaping blame for all the border's ills on Biden. While numbers have soared in the last two years, similar challenges dogged his predecessors, Trump and Barack Obama.

"Today's ruling affirms what we have known all along: President Biden is responsible for the border crisis and his unlawful immigration policies make this country less safe," said Ashley Moody, Florida's Republican attorney general, who sued on behalf of the state in 2021. "A federal judge is now ordering Biden to follow the law, and his administration should immediately begin securing the border to protect the American people."

At issue is the administration's growing use of parole to quickly remove migrants from Border Patrol custody to pursue their immigration cases. They are typically told to report to immigration authorities in two months and tracked with a mobile device.

The Border Patrol paroled 572,575 migrants last year, including a record 130,563 in December. Parole plunged 96% to 5,225 migrants in January after the administration announced measures aimed at deterring Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans from crossing the border illegally and instead seek protection by applying online, finding a financial sponsor and entering the U.S. at an airport.

Parole is far faster than the time-consuming job of agents issuing notices to appear in immigration court. It has dramatically alleviated overcrowding at Border Patrol facilities, which hovered around 12,000 toward the end of last year but fell below 5,000 in January.

Immigration advocates warned that Wetherell's ruling could exacerbate conditions.

"Should it take effect, this decision will mean greater health and safety risks for detained migrants and greater pressure on our agents at the border," said Jennie Murray, president of the National Immigration Forum.
Kenya this week rolled out a campaign using the world's first vaccine against malaria to inoculate more than 400,000 children against the mosquito-borne disease. Health officials say malaria kills more than 12,000 Kenyans each year and more than half a million people in sub-Saharan Africa, most of them children.

The mass vaccination campaign comes as a new invasive species of mosquito has been found in Kenya that scientists fear could reverse gains against the disease.

Diana Kavwai, a mother of two, recounted the day in 2019 when her one-year-old son became sick. Kavwai said she tried home remedies to ease his fever, but he succumbed to malaria.

"His body was very hot and he was shaking," she said. "When we went to the hospital, examination showed that he had malaria, but it was too late.''

Kavwai said she believes that the recent vaccination campaign for children under the age of two will help to protect them from the mosquito-borne disease, especially during rainy seasons.

Kenya's government aims to vaccinate at least 300,000 children annually against malaria in a new initiative, particularly in the eight malaria-prone regions.

Pharmacist Lucy Mecca, who heads immunization programs, said the vaccine, which was piloted in Kenya, Malawi and Ghana in 2019, has proven effective.

"The prevalence of malaria is going down nationally to about six percent; even in these lake-endemic zones, we can see that it has gone down from 27 percent to 19 percent and that the interventions that have been put in place for malaria are actually working," said Mecca.

Despite the progress, however, authorities say a new mosquito vector, Anopheles Stephensi that Kenyan scientists recently detected in the country, is threatening gains made in the fight against malaria.

The carrier, which was known to be in southeastern Asia, the Middle East and Arabian Peninsula, has the ability to thrive in urban areas and can breed in man-made containers. Kenya is closely monitoring its extent, as Mecca explains.

''The malaria program is looking into that; they are concerned about it so that they are able to see if there are any interventions that need to be done above the current interventions. But as per the advice, we continue with the current interventions that have been put in place for all the areas that are zoned out in the country," said Mecca.

In a 2022 report, the World Health Organization warned of a surge in mosquito-borne diseases due to global warming, which is increasing vector survival and biting rates. The WHO technical officer for malaria vaccines in Kenya, Adam Haji, told VOA that finding new ways to combat the disease is key.

''There is a need and there is a requirement for the world to have new tools in order to put us back on track and the malaria vaccine is one of these new tools," said Haji.

Malaria interventions in Kenya have included distribution of mosquito nets, spraying, and minimizing potential breeding grounds. Health authorities say they hope that vaccination initiatives will help to eradicate the disease.
For full coverage of the crisis in Ukraine, visit Flashpoint Ukraine.

The latest developments in Russia's war on Ukraine. All times EST.

10:03 p.m.: Danish police have searched for a yacht on a tiny Baltic Sea island near the Nord Stream pipeline blast sites, the local administrator said Thursday. German authorities confirmed on Wednesday they had raided a ship in January that may have been used to transport explosives used to blow up the pipelines. The police were searching for a specific boat moored at the island in September, Soren Thiim Andersen, the highest authority on the island of Christianso, told Reuters. The Sept. 26 explosions on the Nord Stream pipelines, constructed to supply Russian natural gas to Europe, have become a flashpoint between the West and Russia after last year's Russian invasion of Ukraine. Authorities in Sweden, Germany and Denmark are investigating the blasts and say they were deliberate but have not said who might be responsible. However, this week media reports in the United States and Germany suggested a pro-Ukrainian group could be responsible. 7:44 p.m.: Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko signed a law on Thursday allowing for the use of the death penalty against officials and army servicemen convicted of high treason, Reuters reported, citing a statement from his office. Belarus, a close ally of Russia, is the only country in Europe that still applies the death penalty. It exists for crimes such as murder or for acts of terrorism. Executions are carried out with a single shot to the back of the head. The new law is part of changes to the criminal code aimed at strengthening Belarus' fight against "crimes of an extremist (terrorist) and anti-state orientation." Under another change approved by Lukashenko on Thursday, anybody found guilty of "discrediting" the Belarusian armed forces will face a jail term. Russia passed a similar law after invading neighboring Ukraine just over a year ago. 6:55 p.m.: The chief of Lithuania's military intelligence said Russia has enough resources to continue the war in Ukraine for two more years at the current intensity, Reuters reported. Moscow says it launched its "special military operation" in Ukraine a year ago. Kyiv and the West call it an unprovoked war to subdue an independent state. "The resources which Russia has at the moment would be enough to continue the war at the present intensity for two years," Lithuania's intelligence chief Elegijus Paulavicius told reporters. "How long Russia is be able to wage the war will also depend on the support for Russia's military from states such as Iran and North Korea," he added. Paulavicius was introducing a national threat overview by Lithuania's intelligence agencies, which also claimed hackers linked to the Russian and Chinese governments repeatedly attempted to break into Lithuanian government computers in 2022. "Their priority remains continuous long-term collection of information related to Lithuanian internal and foreign affairs," the agencies said. It did not say whether the hacking attempts were successful. 6 p.m.: U.N. nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi on Thursday appealed for a protection zone around the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine after another outage there, saying he was "astonished by the complacency" around the issue, Reuters reported. "This is the sixth time  let me say it again sixth time, that ZNPP has lost all off-site power and has had to operate in this emergency mode," Grossi told the board's quarterly meeting, according to an IAEA statement. "Let me remind you  this is the largest nuclear power station in Europe. What are we doing? How can we sit here in this room this morning and allow this to happen? This cannot go on. I am astonished by the complacency." Europe's biggest nuclear power plant lost its last external power line early on Thursday after missile strikes across Ukraine overnight. It switched to emergency diesel generators, a last line of defense to keep cooling reactor fuel and prevent a potentially catastrophic meltdown. It was later reconnected to Ukraine's energy grid, operator UkrenergoIt said. As in previous attacks, Russia and Ukraine blamed each other. Grossi has been trying to get both sides to strike a deal in which they would pledge not to fire at or from the plant and heavy weapons would be removed, diplomats say. 5:11 p.m.: Russia has introduced personal sanctions against 144 government officials, journalists, lawmakers and other public figures from the three Baltic states who are deemed "most hostile" to Moscow, the Russian foreign ministry said on Thursday, according to Reuters. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, ruled from Moscow during the Cold War but now members of the European Union and NATO, have been among the strongest critics of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The ministry said the move was a response to what it called active lobbying by the three Baltic republics for more sanctions against Russia and to their "interference in our internal affairs, inciting Russophobic sentiments." 4:17 p.m.: Representatives from Turkey, Sweden and Finland agreed at a meeting Thursday to hold more talks on the stalled bids by the Nordic countries to join NATO, the alliance said, according to Agency France-Presse. Turkey and Hungary are the only NATO countries still to ratify the applications, which must be accepted by all 30 existing members of the military organization. Ankara has held up the process and is pushing a list of demands, including that Sweden expel dozens of mostly Kurdish residents it suspects of ties to separatist militants. A statement from NATO said that "participants welcomed the progress that has been made" on a three-way deal struck last year aimed at satisfying Turkey's complaints. 3:25 p.m.: Belgium on Thursday announced it would expand reception capacity to cope with what it called a migration "crisis" as EU ministers debated bringing down rising numbers of arrivals and overhauling their broken asylum rules ahead a bloc-wide election next year, Reuters reported. Belgium, one the world's richest countries, has been unable to provide accommodation to many new arrivals, with reception centers almost full. Hundreds of people have been squatting in places such as an abandoned building and a tent city in the capital Brussels, home to EU institutions. Officials have said hosting refugees from Ukraine and increasing immigration from Africa and Asia is straining the country of some 11.6 million people. 2:30 p.m.: Officials in Poland and Slovakia are urging their allies to provide fighter jets to Ukraine, saying they are ready to send their Soviet-made MiG-29 jet fighters to Kyiv as part of an international coalition, The Associated Press reported.

However, it still remains unclear if any other Western supporters of Ukraine are ready to take that step. Slovak and Polish officials have made the calls before but have renewed their appeals in recent days. The Slovak defense minister said Thursday that it's time to make a decision because people in Ukraine are dying and the fighter jets could make a difference.

1:39 p.m.: Violent Videos Raise Questions About Ukrainian Military Recruiters: Videos have been posted online showing Ukrainian recruitment officers wrestling with civilians on the streets, and even dragging them into vehicles. The authorities say these are isolated incidents, but a lawyer from Ukraine's Helsinki Committee says there are "quite a lot" of court proceedings against recruitment centers. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty has this report.

12:44 p.m.: Leonid Volkov, a top associate of jailed Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny, says he is suspending his political and public activities after he denied signing a letter arguing for lifting European Union sanctions on some London-based Russian oligarchs, only to later admit he lied about his actions, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported. Volkov, the chairman of Navalny's International Anti-Corruption Foundation (MFBK), wrote on Telegram on March 9 that he was taking this step after making "a big political mistake" by signing a letter last year addressed to EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell asking for sanctions imposed over Moscows ongoing invasion of Ukraine on Russian businessmen Mikhail Fridman, Pyotr Aven, German Khan, and Aleksei Kuzmichyov to be lifted. "Moreover, by [signing the letter], I abused my authority as I signed it not as an individual but as a representative of the organization. I did not inform my colleagues about it," Volkov's statement on Telegram added. He also posted the documents online. 12:03 p.m.: Bloodied and Muddied: Ukrainian Troops Fighting for Bakhmut Regroup in Chasiv Yar: As Moscow's punishing offensive gains ground around Bakhmut, fears are growing that Chasiv Yar will become the next bulwark against Russian forces. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty has this report. 11:17 a.m.: 10:20 a.m.: Poland will transfer a limited number of MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, according to Pawe Szrot, the head of the Polish president's office, The Kyiv Independent reported.

"As far as I know, it will not be a large number of aircraft," Szrot told the Polish Press Agency. "The number will certainly not correspond to the number of [transferred] tanks."

Szrot added that the transfer of tanks, however, would be part of an international coalition so that Ukraine could "feel" this support.

Slovakia's Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad also confirmed Thursday that his country was prepared to send MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine in a joint effort with Poland.

9:25 a.m.: A federal court in New York has authorized the seizure of a $25 million Boeing 737 owned by a Russian energy company, citing U.S. sanctions against Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine, The Associated Press reported.

The aircraft is owned by PJSC Rosneft Oil Co., headquartered in Moscow and led by sanctioned oligarch Igor Ivanovich Sechin. The U.S. attorney in Brooklyn said Wednesday the company violated sanctions that bar U.S.-built planes from entering Russia without a license.

Authorities say the plane has left and reentered Russia several times since last year and was last in the U.S. in 2014. The company didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

8:30 a.m.: Georgia's ruling party, in the face of two days of violent protests and sharp criticism from the West, says it is withdrawing its controversial "foreign agents" legislation from parliament, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported.

"As a party of government responsible to every member of society, we have decided to unconditionally withdraw this bill that we supported," the Georgian Dream party said in a statement on its website on March 9.

The initial protests erupted as lawmakers took up the controversial foreign agents law on March 7. The proposed legislation, which is backed by the ruling Georgian Dream party and was approved in a hastily called first reading on March 7, would force civil society organizations that receive more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad to be classified as foreign agents.

7:45 a.m.: Russia's latest mass missile strike Thursday against Ukraine resulted in nationwide blackouts and train delays, but power already has been restored to some areas and repair work continues elsewhere, The Kyiv Independent reported.

Ukraines private energy company DTEK says parts of Kyiv were temporarily without electricity following the latest Russian mass missile strike.

According to DTEK, parts of Holosiivskyi, Solomianskyi, and Sviatoshynskyi districts of Kyiv remain without power due to one of the powerlines being overloaded.

Part of Odesa Oblast was without power last night as a result of the attacks. Repair crews from DTEK and Ukrenergo are on the site of critical energy infrastructure that was targeted in the attack. Electricity will be rationed according to location-specific schedules available on DTEK's website while repairs continue.

Governor Oleh Syniehubov said on national television that 70% of electricity supply has already been restored to Kharkiv Oblast. Residents of the city, as well as those of Bohodukhiv, Kharkiv, and Chuhuiv remain without power, but according to the governor, power supply is expected to be restored within the next 2-3 hours.

7 a.m.: Russia said Thursday its forces had carried out a "massive retaliatory strike" on Ukrainian infrastructure after what it called a terrorist attack in Russia's Bryansk region, which borders Ukraine, last week, Reuters reported.

Ukraine said at least six civilians were killed in the largest Russian missile strikes since mid-February, The Russian defense ministry said in a statement that it hit Ukrainian defense companies and other "military infrastructure" with a range of weapons including Kinzhal hypersonic missiles.

Russia said it had destroyed targets including drone bases and sites producing ammunition, and disrupted the transport of foreign weapon supplies across Ukraine by rail. It was not possible to independently verify the claims.



6:05 a.m.: Ukrainian officials reported Russian missile strikes Thursday in multiple parts of the country that killed at least six people, The Associated Press reported.

Ukraine's military said it shot down 34 of 81 missiles that Russia fired, and that it downed four Iranian-made drones used by Russian forces.

"The occupiers can only terrorize civilians," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted on Telegram. "That's all they can do. But it won't help them. They won't avoid responsibility for everything they have done."

5:13 a.m.: A 13-year-old Russian girl, who was placed under house arrest for comments critical of Moscow's offensive in Ukraine, is being denied contact with her father, Agence France-Presse reported Wednesday, quoting a rights group report.

Since the beginning of the offensive last February, Russian opposition voices have been targeted by legislation that government opponents say is designed to stamp out criticism of the conflict.

OVD-Info, a human rights monitor, said the girl, who drew a pro-Ukrainian sketch in school, was moved to a "juvenile rehabilitation center" after investigations had begun into her father's comments.

According to the rights group, authorities first targeted the family after Moskalyeva drew a picture critical of Moscow's military campaign in Ukraine at school in April last year.

Her father Alexei Moskalyev, a single parent, was later fined $420 for discrediting the army in a post on social media.

This month he was accused of repeating the offense and was placed under house arrest, OVD said.

4:13 a.m.: Hungarian ruling party lawmakers visiting Finland and Sweden could not confirm a date for the Hungarian parliament's pending ratification of the two Nordic countries' NATO admission, the leader of the delegation said, according to a Reuters report.

Sweden and Finland applied last year for membership in the transatlantic military alliance after Russian forces swept into Ukraine. All 30 NATO members must ratify the applications, and Hungary, as well as Turkey, have held back their approvals.

"This is a promising beginning, which however does not suggest when and what the decision will be made," Csaba Hende, Hungary's Deputy Speaker of the House representing the ruling Fidesz party told Reuters after meeting Finnish lawmakers in Helsinki.

3:16 a.m.: The latest intelligence update from the U.K. defense ministry, citing Belarusian President Alexandr Lukashenko, said one of Russia's earthy warning and control aircraft deployed in Belarus had been damaged.

2:15 a.m.: The Institute for the Study of War, a U.S. think tank, said in its latest Ukraine assessment that Russian forces continued offensive operations around Bakhmut but have not completed a turning movement around the city. Russian forces also continued offensive operations along the outskirts of Donetsk City.

Russian sources claimed that Ukrainian forces landed on the Dnipro River Delta islands for the third consecutive day, the assessment said.

1:14 a.m.: China will maintain its cooperation with Russia to continue trying to challenge the United States despite international concerns about the invasion of Ukraine, U.S. intelligence agencies said Wednesday.

"Despite global backlash over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, China will maintain its diplomatic, defense, economic, and technology cooperation with Russia to continue trying to challenge the United States, even as it will limit public support," they said in a report released as the Senate Intelligence Committee held its annual hearing on worldwide threats to U.S. security.

The report largely focused on threats from China and Russia, assessing that China will continue using its military and other assets to intimate rivals in the South China Sea and that it will build on actions from 2022, which could include more Taiwan Strait crossings or missile overflights of Taiwan.

"Perhaps needless to say, the People's Republic of China, which is increasingly challenging the United States, economically, technologically, politically and militarily, around the world remains our unparalleled priority," said Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, the main intelligence adviser to President Joe Biden.

12:46 a.m.: The chief of Russian mercenary group Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, said Wednesday that European sanctions against him and his fighting force were justified and he did not plan to fight them in court, Agence France-Presse reported, citing a statement from Prigozhin.

Prigozhin is an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and his recruits have been fighting for months to capture the battle-scarred city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine.

He made the statement after a European court earlier Wednesday canceled EU sanctions imposed on his mother, Violetta Prigozhina, ruling that Brussels had not proved she was linked to her son's actions in Ukraine.

12:02 a.m.: The Associated Press, citing Ukrainian officials and media, reported that Russia launched a massive missile barrage on Ukraine early Thursday.

The strikes hit cities all over the country and appeared to target energy infrastructure facilities, The Associated Press said.

Some information in this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
The arrest of former Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on Thursday came as little surprise, analysts say, but puts pressure on the government to prove that the case against its main election rival is not politically motivated.

Muhyiddin was arrested at the headquarters of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission after arriving for questioning in an ongoing graft case. In a statement, the commission said he would face a number of charges on Friday under corruption and money laundering laws in connection with the Jana Wibawa project, a multibillion-dollar stimulus program for ethnic Malay and Indigenous minority contractors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The former prime minister denies the accusations, painting them as a political witch hunt.

Muhyiddin served as prime minister for 17 months in 2020 and 2021 and lost a close election last November to Anwar Ibrahim, who was eventually appointed to the post by the countrys king. The political coalitions headed by each man will go head-to-head again in state-level elections expected in a few months.

His arrest had been expected for some time, said Bridget Welsh, an honorary research associate at the University of Nottingham's Asia Research Institute in Malaysia.

Weve had two members of his party already charged. Theres been ongoing investigation of the Jana Wibawa scandal case. And I think its been pretty clear that signals have been sent that Muhyiddin was to be charged and arrested, she said.

Ahmad Martadha Mohamed, a government professor at Utara Malaysia University, agreed, adding that suspicions of graft had been swirling around the stimulus program well before last years elections.

The analysts said Muhyiddins arrest was also more proof that the countrys law enforcement agencies are increasingly willing to tackle allegations of corruption at the highest levels.

Muhyiddin is now the second former prime minister of Malaysia to be arrested and charged with corruption. Najib Razak, prime minister from 2009 to 2018, began a 12-year jail sentence in August for his role in the estimated $4.5 billion looting of state development fund 1MDB, and faces several more related charges.

Very few countries can say that two prime ministers are now facing charges on corruption, and one of those has been jailed. I think that in itself is ... a testimony to the strength and commitment to the fact that there has been this desire to deal with these issues of corruption, said Welsh.

At the same time, there is a real challenge in that the issues of corruption have continuously and historically been highly politicized, she added.

Najib, who has also dismissed the charges against him as politically motivated, was prosecuted soon after losing the 2018 election. Anwar himself spent years in jail on charges brought by political rivals, which he has always denied.

People ask, How independent are the anti-corruption bodies? And, legitimately, questions can be asked about what is happening, said Welsh. Its OK to ask the questions, but one has to look at the answers, and those answers are the issue of whats the evidence that [is] going to be used for the charges, and also how is the case going to be prosecuted, and so forth.

Ahmad said the government will have to lay out a very strong case to fight those doubts.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission already has a very distinguished reputation. They will not simply charge anyone without any substantial evidence. But still the onus is on them to prove that this is not a political prosecution, he said. Everybody should remember that he [Muhyiddin] is still innocent until proven guilty.

How the government and courts handle the case may also have consequences for the coming elections, said Wong Chin Huat, a political science professor at Malaysias Sunway University.

He said the case will likely drive some voters, put off by the taint of corruption, away from Muhyiddins Perikatan Nasional coalition. But he said others will see him as a martyr for challenging Anwar and his ruling alliance. Others, Chin Huat added, may decide that all parties are equally corrupt and stay away from the polls altogether.

Which response would be stronger may depend on how the government conducts this case and treats the opposition, he said. The government would stand to gain only if the prosecution can present convincing evidence against Muhyiddin, there is no immediate instance of double standard favoring government party politicians in [a] comparable situation, and if the government treats the opposition fairly in federal funding for states and also electoral district allocations.

Several members of the United Malays National Organization, a key party in the ruling bloc, are facing corruption allegations of their own, including Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who remains free.
Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin arrived in Israel on Thursday planning to relay U.S. concern that escalating tensions in the occupied West Bank could distract the allies from their effort to counter Iran.

Austin, who is on a regional tour, landed in Ben Gurion Airport for a visit that had been hastily rescheduled because of a surge in street protests of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to overhaul the judiciary.

Hours earlier, Israeli forces killed three Islamic Jihad gunmen in the West Bank, among territories that has seen simmering violence amid the Palestinians' long-stalled goal of statehood.

"Secretary Austin is perfectly capable of having conversations about both issues [West Bank and Iran]," said a senior U.S. defense official, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.

But Israel's preoccupation with the West Bank "detracts from our ability to focus on what the strategic threat is right now, and that is Iran's dangerous nuclear advances and continuing regional and global aggression," the official said.

He was greeted on the tarmac by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and he was scheduled to have a meeting with his counterpart and Netanyahu at a nearby aerospace industry compound. Austin had originally been due to arrive on Wednesday and stay overnight in Tel Aviv, where Israel's Defense Ministry is based. But those plans were changed due to concern about traffic disruptions from the anti-Netanyahu protests.

"Austin is committed to Israel's security, but one of the dominant ways in which we've been able to work together and strengthen that relationship is because we're two democracies that share values," the U.S. official said, adding that those values included the right to protest.

Among West Bank flashpoints concerning the United States is the village of Huwara, where the February 26 killing by a Palestinian gunman of two brothers from a Jewish settlement triggered revenge riots by settlers.

The rampage triggered worldwide outrage and condemnation, which was increased when ultra-nationalist Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has responsibility for aspects of the West Bank administration, said Huwara should be "erased."

Smotrich later offered a partial retraction. He is due to appear at a Washington fund-raising event on Sunday. The hosts originally said an unnamed U.S. government official would also attend, but that has now been dropped from the promotional ad.

There has been no sign of any let-up in the violence ahead of the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish Passover festival.

Since the beginning of the year, Israeli forces have killed more than 70 Palestinians, including militant fighters and civilians; in the same period, Palestinians have killed 13 Israelis and one Ukrainian woman in apparently uncoordinated attacks.
Russia launched a barrage of missile attacks across Ukraine on Thursday, killing at least six people and leaving hundreds of thousands of people without heat and electricity.

It was the largest such attack on Ukraine in three weeks, with Ukrainian forces saying they shot down 34 of the 81 missiles that Russia fired, far less than the usual ratio, as well as four Iranian-made drones.

Air raid sirens blared through the night across a wide swath of Ukraine, including in western Ukraine, far from the main front battle lines in the eastern regions of the country. The governor of the Lviv region said five people were killed there when a missile hit a residential area.

In the Dnipropetrovsk region, officials said the Russian attacks killed one person and injured two others.

The occupiers can only terrorize civilians, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted on Telegram. That's all they can do. But it wont help them. They wont avoid responsibility for everything they have done.

The Russian defense ministry said the attacks were in retaliation for a recent assault on the Bryansk region of western Russia by what Moscow alleged were Ukrainian saboteurs. Ukraine has denied the claim and warned that Moscow could use the allegations to justify stepping up its own assaults.

Moscow said it hit military and industrial targets in Ukraine as well as the energy facilities that supply them. Nearly half of the households in the capital of Kyiv were left without heat as were many in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, where the regional governor said 15 Russian strikes hit the city.

About 150,000 households were left without power in Ukraines northwestern Zhytomyr region. In the southern port of Odesa, emergency blackouts occurred because of damaged power lines.

Among the weapons fired were six hypersonic Kinzhal cruise missiles, Ukrainian air force spokesman Yurii Ihnat said.

Nuclear power fears

Thursdays attack also knocked out the power supply to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europes largest. The plants operator, Energoatom, said diesel generators were being used to run the plant and that there was enough fuel available to continue for 10 days. The plant was later reconnected to the electrical grid.

International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Grossi called for urgent action, noting the plants power supply had been cut for a sixth time since Russia invaded Ukraine more than a year ago.

I am astonished by the complacency  what are we doing to prevent this happening? We are the IAEA; we are meant to care about nuclear safety, Grossi said. Each time we are rolling a dice. And if we allow this to continue time after time then one day our luck will run out.

Important stretch

Top U.S. intelligence officials, testifying before lawmakers Thursday, cautioned that the war between Russia and Ukraine is entering a critical period.

The next four, five, six months are going to be crucial on the battlefield to Ukraine, CIA Director Williams Burns told members of the House Intelligence Committee.

"Any prospect for a serious negotiation, which President [Vladimir] Putin I don't think is ready for today, is going to depend on progress on the battlefield, Burns said. "Therefore, I think, analytically, what's important is to provide all the support that we possibly can, which is what the president and our Western allies are doing for the Ukrainians as they prepare for a significant offensive in the spring."

During testimony before the United States Senate on Wednesday, U.S. National Intelligence Director Avril Haines said Russias military has been so badly damaged that it is unlikely Russian forces will be able to make any significant territorial gains for the rest of the year.

But Haines also cautioned Ukraine forces have suffered casualties as well and have been forced to draw heavily on their reserves due to what she described as a grinding war of attrition.

'He has to come here'

Ukraines Zelenskyy Wednesday invited the top U.S. House lawmaker to visit Kyiv to see whats happening here in an interview broadcast on CNN.

"Mr. [Kevin] McCarthy, he has to come here to see how we work, what's happening here, what war caused us, which people are fighting now, who are fighting now. And then after that, make your assumptions," Zelenskyy told the news outlet through an interpreter.

Responding to CNN, House Speaker McCarthy said, I dont have to go to Ukraine or Kyiv" to understand it. He said he received information in briefings and other ways.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 of last year, the U.S. has sent nearly $100 billion in military, economic and relief aid to Ukraine. That aid was sent when the Democratic Party controlled both chambers in Congress.

The Republican Party took control of the U.S. House after the November midterm elections. Some Republicans have expressed opposition to sending additional arms and financial aid to Ukraine.

McCarthy has said he supports Ukraine, but that House Republicans will not provide "a blank check" for additional U.S. assistance to Kyiv without closer scrutiny of how it is being spent.

Some information in this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
As many as 10,000 people are expected to take part in the funeral and procession for Buffalo firefighter Jason "Jay" Arno, who died in the line of duty March 1.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Friday in St. Joseph Cathedral at 50 Franklin St.

The public is being asked to line the procession routes from the funeral home to the church before the funeral service, and then from the church to Forest Lawn.

Several street closures are planned to accommodate the crowds expected as well as the processions.

City and fire union officials say that there's limited space inside the cathedral and that the public won't be able to attend the service, which is set to begin at 10 a.m. and last as long as two hours. However, the funeral will be livestreamed on a large outdoor screen at Franklin and West Eagle streets.

Buffalonews.com will carry the livestream as well, in addition to local TV stations.

Buffalo police asked the public to stay away from the area around the cathedral Friday morning, if possible.

Multiple roads will be closed:

 Virginia Street between South Elmwood Avenue and Mariner Street  6 to 10 a.m.

 Delaware Avenue between West Ferry Street and West Utica Street  6 to 10 a.m.

 Franklin Street between West Seneca Street and West Eagle Street  6 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 Church Street between Pearl Street and Delaware Avenue  6 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 Erie Street between Lower Terrace and Franklin Street  6 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 Upper Terrace between Pearl Street and West Seneca Street  6 a.m.  1 p.m.

 Swan Street between Franklin Street and Pearl Street  6 a.m.  1 p.m.

 Allen Street between Delaware Avenue and Elmwood Avenue  9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Rolling road closures will begin at 9 a.m. for the funeral procession from the Amigone Funeral Home to the cathedral, and then to Forest Lawn.

The procession route to the church:

South on Delaware from Amigone, turning west onto Allen Street. Then south onto Elmwood, passing Engine 2 Station at Virginia Street. Continuing south on South Elmwood Avenue across West Eagle Street to Lower Terrace. Engine 2 will be met at Franklin Street and West Seneca Street by the Greater Buffalo Firefighters Pipes and Drums. Then north on Franklin Street to arrive at 50 Franklin St.

The procession route to the cemetery:

North from 50 Franklin St. turning west onto Church Street, West on Church turning north on Delaware Avenue. The procession will travel north on Delaware until arrival at Forest Lawn at Delaware and West Delavan Avenue.
Taliban authorities in Afghanistan said Thursday a bomb blast had ripped through the office of a provincial governor, killing him and two others.

The early morning attack in Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of the northern Balkh province, wounded at least seven people, according to local hospital officials.

Provincial police officials said that a man wearing a suicide vest blew himself up on the second floor of the building housing the office of the slain governor, Mohammad Dawood Muzamil.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the high-profile deadly bombing.

Taliban chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on Twitter confirmed the death of Muzamil, saying he was "martyred in an explosion by the enemies of Islam." Mujahid said in his Pashto language tweet that an investigation into the incident was underway.

Muzamil is the second-most senior Taliban leader killed since the hardline group retook control of Afghanistan in 2021 as the United States and NATO troops left the country after two decades of war.

Last December, a car bombing killed the Taliban police chief of northeastern Badakhshan province. That attack was claimed by the Islamic State terror group's Afghan affiliate, known as Islamic State-Khorasan.

The militant group, often referred to as Daesh or IS-K, has recently intensified attacks in Afghanistan. The violence has killed hundreds of people, including minority Shiite community members and Taliban officials as well as clerics.

Muzamil had served as the governor of the eastern Nangarhar province and supervised operations against IS-K operatives there before moving to Balkh last year.

ISIS-K launched its extremist activities in war-torn Afghanistan in 2015 from bases in Nangarhar and has since expanded the violence to other provinces.



The Taliban have stepped up counterterrorism operations against IS-K operatives in recent weeks, killing dozens of them.

The United States sees IS-K as a "dangerous" affiliate of Islamic State and remains skeptical about the effectiveness of Taliban counterterrorism operations against the group.

The U.S. Intelligence Community, in its annual threat assessment has warned IS-K will maintain its campaign against the Taliban and religious minorities with deadly repercussions for Afghan civilians.

"ISIS-Khorasan almost certainly retains the intent to conduct operations in the West and will continue efforts to attack outside Afghanistan, noted the assessment released on Wednesday, using an acronym for the Islamic State groups Afghan branch.
The U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, says individual Taliban members could be held accountable for what he calls the groups unacceptable policy to erase women from public life.

In an interview Tuesday with VOA via Skype, Bennett said that the Talibans gender persecution is a crime against humanity and that the International Criminal Court would have responsibility to act against it.

The Taliban, who returned to power in August 2021, have imposed repressive measures against women, including banning them from secondary- and university-level education, work, long-distance travel, public parks and gyms.

Bennett told Nazrana Ghaffar Yousufzai of VOAs Afghan Service that this is the time that the world should pay more attention to Afghanistan.

This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

VOA: Another academic year has started in Afghanistan, but women are banned from high schools and higher education. Other than statements, what is the U.N. doing to help Afghan women?

Richard Bennett, U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan: It's not only statements. The U.N. is engaging in many discussions and messages with the Taliban and also encouraging other member states, particularly those in the region who are Muslim-majority countries and other organizations such as the OIC [Organization of Islamic Cooperation], to make very clear to the Taliban that they are on their own, they are isolated. This ban on education for girls and women has no religious justification, and no other Muslim countries support the position of the Taliban on it. Yesterday, I spoke at the session of the Human Rights Council on Afghanistan. After I spoke, many countries, also NGOs, spoke about the situation in Afghanistan. I think there were more than 60 [countries]; I cannot remember one that agreed with the de facto authorities, the Talibans position on this, including the neighbors.

They also spoke very strongly in favor of girls' education. Not only the opening of schools but quality education. And this is the point that I think we really need to put together. ... You asked me what more can be done. I think it is important to keep the pressure and to make clear that there really is no other way than to educate girls and women.

VOA: What are some of the leverages that the international community has on the Taliban?

Bennett: Well, I think leverage is a matter of - lets put it in terms of carrots and sticks, or incentives and penalties. On the side of incentives, its to avoid the Taliban having further isolation and becoming more of a pariah state and getting more support, aid, and in terms of education, especially secondary and university level education. In terms of the sticks, it's not really me who has these sticks, but there is the potential of sanctions, which have already been mentioned, not so much by me. The sticks that I mentioned in the reports recently, and also when I spoke yesterday, is that the Taliban is, and I am not saying this particularly about education, but their overall approach is leading to a position tantamount to gender persecution. And gender persecution is an international crime in the Rome Statute, its a crime against humanity, and individuals can be held accountable.

VOA: In that case, as in your words, it's a crime against humanity, what actions should be expected from the international community?

Bennett: The action should come first from the de facto authorities, who have the power in Afghanistan. They are the ones who should take the first action to avoid being penalized. But from the international community, I mentioned that gender persecution is a crime against humanity. Its the responsibility of the International Criminal Court. That is an independent institution. I am unable to speak on behalf of that institution and of the prosecutor. They make their own decisions. But thats where some institutional responsibility lies.

VOA: Whats the future of women under the Taliban?

Bennett: The future should be to stand with Afghan women so they can get back the rights they have lost. I wouldnt say that 20 years of the republic was a golden age and everything was perfect for Afghans, including women. It wasnt. It was challenging. But there was some progress made. I dont agree with those who say no progress was made. I spent years in Afghanistan. I know many Afghan women who feel that progress was made. But nevertheless, since August 2021, there has been a regression, and it is clear. The Taliban clearly have an intentional policy to more or less erase women and girls from public life, and thats unacceptable in any country in the 21st century.

VOA: If the current diplomacy with the Taliban is not working, does the international community have any other pathway?

Bennett: One pathway that actually worries me is that the international community will turn the other way. And to answer your question, I think you may have been asking to see what more could the international community do. What worries me is that they say, "Well, you know, we're not getting anywhere in Afghanistan. Let's put our resources somewhere else." That worries me - that there is less attention, not more. And, you know, I just was looking at the final few words I made in a statement in Geneva yesterday, and this is exactly what I said. You know, this is the time to get more support, more attention to Afghanistan, not less attention.
Standing in mud, a group of Ukrainian soldiers armed with military kit and rations wait nervously be to sent as reinforcements to the eastern town of Bakhmut.

Ages 25 to 52, they are bound for the scene of the longest and bloodiest battle of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a town described by one front-line soldier as "real hell."

NATO has warned Bakhmut could fall to the Russians within days. The Russian mercenary Wagner Group claims to control the town's eastern side, but Kyiv has ordered Ukrainian troops to bolster defenses.

As the group waits in Chasiv Yar, about 5 kilometers to the west, to be taken into the trenches, the dozen men adjust their gear, not knowing exactly where they will be sent.

"It's classified," said one soldier who uses the call sign Kit. "We infantry soldiers are told right before the move."

Months into the battle and after a bitterly cold winter, Ukrainian forces are exhausted.

The main aim now, soldiers say, is to prevent a complete Russian encirclement.

The men are armed with Kalashnikovs, traditional RPG-7 rocket launchers and more modern Swedish AT4s.

They are kitted out with sleeping bags and floor mats, as well as cans of food, fruit juices and energy drinks.

'Very tired'

"The most important part is interaction within one unit.  When you know what to expect from your mates during combat," said Kit.

Both Ukraine and Russia have conceded heavy losses in the battle for Bakhmut, a salt-mining town with a prewar population of just more than 70,000, but neither side has given fatality numbers.

A driver of an armored vehicle ferrying soldiers to and from the front, Sergiy, said he regularly picks up depleted soldiers.

"They are motivated, but they are tired," the 34-year-old said, dressed in military fatigues.

"Every day it's snowing or raining," Sergiy said. "People are very tired but still fighting."

The men climbed on top of the armored vehicle, and Sergiy drove them off to the front through the dirt roads of Chasiv Yar.

The town had 14,000 residents before the Russian invasion and is now a regular target of Moscow's strikes.

On its eastern edge, close to the front, most residential buildings have no intact windows. Artillery fire from nearby Ukrainian positions reverberates around the town constantly.

'Hard to see young boys die'

Recent rains have reduced most of Chasiv Yar's streets to mud.

Going to and from the front, Ukrainian Soviet T-80 tanks regularly pass through the roads, making them even muddier.

Ambulances also come and go.

In one, two medics in military fatigues sat near a black plastic body bag containing a soldier's remains.

"It's very hard to see young boys die, I hope it is not in vain," one medic said. "They deserve to be buried like humans and not simply in the field."

They also said ambulances have often been a target by Russian troops.

"It's dangerous if you are new in a position and you don't know where to hide or where the enemy is," he said.

Outside Chasiv Yar, a 22-year-old Ukrainian soldier named Andriy concentrated over an American M119 howitzer, waiting to receive coordinates for his target.

As he waited, a Russian shell exploded nearby.

'Don't need this war'

He took AFP to shelter in a freshly dug narrow trench where the damp earth stuck to his shoes. Two other Russian strikes followed several minutes apart.

"Our main objective is to stop the encirclement of Bakhmut," he said. "We believe in our infantry over there, even if it is real hell."

After waiting several hours, he receives the coordinates.

After firing around 15 rounds in under an hour, his superiors told him that he had "hit the target."

An unused shell lay nearby, carrying the name "Da Vinci," a nom de guerre used by a prominent Ukrainian commander killed in the battle for Bakhmut.

His real name was Dmytro Kotsiubailo, a national hero who fought for Ukraine since the conflict with Moscow-backed separatists in 2014.

"We will avenge him, and they will regret it," Andriy said.

But for the soldiers going into Bakhmut, the future looks bleak.

"We don't need this war," one said. "The Russians also don't need it, I think."
The U.S. State Department Wednesday honored women and girls who have led protests in Iran as it gave out its International Women of Courage awards.

In addition to 11 individuals honored at the White House ceremony, this year the State Department announced a new group award named after former Secretary of State Madeline Albright.

In every region, there are other women doing this work who we cant name individually  in some cases because the attention would put them at even greater risk. So weve found a new way to honor them, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

The award honors the work of women and girls who protested in the months following last years death in police custody of Mahsa Amini, who had been detained by Irans morality police.

They followed in the footsteps of brave women before them, who sacrificed so much in the name of freedom, said U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield. Through neighborhoods and classrooms, out of apartment buildings and car windows, the protesters chanted throughout Iran and around the world, creating a global chorus demanding gender equality and human rights.

Thomas-Greenfield highlighted Irans response to the protests, with tens of thousands of people arrested and some killed in bloody crackdowns. She called on the international community to condemn the Iranian governments repression and violence.

To all the women and girls across Iran  know this: We will continue to stand with you in your fight for women, for life, and for freedom, Thomas-Greenfield said.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited the top House lawmaker in the United States to visit Kyiv to see whats happening here in an interview broadcast Wednesday on TV news channel CNN.

"Mr. (Kevin) McCarthy, he has to come here to see how we work, what's happening here, what war caused us, which people are fighting now, who are fighting now. And then after that, make your assumptions," Zelenskyy told the news outlet through an interpreter.

Responding to CNN, House Speaker McCarthy said, I dont have to go to Ukraine or Kyiv" to understand it. He said he received information in briefings and other ways.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the U.S. has sent nearly $100 billion in military, economic and relief aid to Ukraine. That aid was sent when President Joe Bidens Democratic Party controlled both chambers in Congress.

The Republican Party took control of the U.S. House after the midterm elections, and some Republicans have expressed opposition to sending additional arms and financial aid to Ukraine.

McCarthy has said he supports Ukraine but that House Republicans will not provide "a blank check" for additional U.S. assistance to Kyiv without closer scrutiny of how it is being spent.

In the CNN interview, Zelenskyy said, "I think that Speaker McCarthy, he never visited Kyiv or Ukraine, and I think it would help him with his position.

Many U.S. lawmakers and officials and world leaders have visited Zelenskyy in Kyiv as a show of solidarity, including President Biden and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Guterres calls invasion violation of law

Earlier Wednesday, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres assailed Russias invasion of Ukraine as a violation of international law as he arrived in Kyiv for talks with Zelenskyy.

The two were to discuss extending grain shipments from the war-torn country and securing the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

The sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine must be upheld, within its internationally recognized borders, Guterres said ahead of talks with Zelenskyy.

Our ultimate objective is equally clear: a just peace based on the U.N. Charter, international law and the recent General Assembly resolution marking one year since the start of the war, he said.

But with fighting raging and no peace talks on the horizon, Guterres said the U.N. is trying to mitigate the impacts of the conflict, which has caused enormous suffering for the Ukrainian people  with profound global implications.

He called for the continuation of Ukrainian grain shipments through the Black Sea with Russian acquiescence. Since July 2022, he said, 23 million tons of grain have been exported from Ukrainian ports, much of it shipped to impoverished countries. Absent a new agreement, the program is set to expire March 18.

Guterres said the grain exports have contributed to lowering the global cost of food and offered critical relief to people, who are also paying a high price for this war, particularly in the developing world. Indeed, the Food and Agriculture Organizations Food Price Index has fallen by almost 20% over the last year.

Exports of Ukrainian  as well as Russian  food and fertilizers are essential to global food security and food prices, he said.

Guterres also called for full demilitarization of the region around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant  Europes largest  where nearby fighting has periodically shut down the facility and raised fears of a catastrophic nuclear meltdown.

Attempts for months to end fighting in the region have failed, but Guterres said that safety and security near the power plant are vital so that the facility can return to normal operations.

EU defense ministers push for ammunition

Meanwhile, European Union defense ministers gathered Wednesday in Stockholm with a push to provide more ammunition to Ukrainian forces high on their agenda.

Under a plan by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, the EU states would get financial incentives worth about $1 billion to send ammunition to Kyiv, while another $1 billion would be spent on procuring new ammunition, Agence France-Presse reported.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov, who attended the Stockholm meeting, said Kyiv needed 90,000-100,000 artillery rounds per month, and that Ukraine's military is using the ammunition faster than allies can manufacture them, AFP reported.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters Wednesday, There is enormous demand out there.  The current rate of consumption compared to the current rate of production of ammunition is not sustainable and therefore we need to ramp up production.

Stoltenberg said the conflict is now a war of attrition.

He said he could not rule out the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut falling into Russian control in the coming days.

Therefore, it is also important to highlight that this does not necessarily reflect any turning point of the war, and it just highlights that we should not underestimate Russia, Stoltenberg said. We must continue to provide support to Ukraine.

Some information in this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives launched an investigation Wednesday into the Biden administrations decision to withdraw from Afghanistan in August 2021. Immigration experts and U.S. military who assisted in the evacuation testified that the chaotic pullout was due to decades of bad decision-making. VOAs Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson reports.
The U.S. Senate voted Wednesday to block Washington's Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022.

In a bipartisan vote of 81-14, lawmakers advanced the Republican-led resolution with 33 Democrats voting alongside every Republican and Independent Senator Kyrsten Sinema.

The vote on the so-called resolution of disapproval came after the House of Representatives blocked the RCCA on February 9. The bill will now go to President Joe Biden, who has said he will sign the measure. Biden has been under increasing pressure from Republicans who have made reducing crime a political priority as he gears up for a likely announcement of his presidential reelection campaign in the coming months.

A congressional disapproval resolution has not succeeded in Washington in about three decades.

The Council of the District of Columbia passed the act in November, but Mayor Muriel Bowser vetoed it in January. She released a letter saying that while she supports 95% of the bill, she is concerned about certain aspects that would reduce maximum penalties for certain offenses.

Its more important to get this opportunity right than to add policies and weaken penalties into what should be a bill that makes D.C. safer, she wrote.

The council overrode her veto 12-1 on January 17.

Bowser has since introduced the Revised Criminal Code Amendment Act of 2023, which would alter some policies in the original version. It would not take effect until 2027.

This is our capital city. But local politicians have let its streets become a danger and an embarrassment, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said on the Senate floor Wednesday morning.

In a statement released after Wednesday nights vote, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb said, To overturn our local, democratically enacted laws  the product of 10+ years of collaboration between law enforcement, judges and policy experts  without any independent analysis, review or alternative proposal, is not only undemocratic, but also careless.

The House delegate for the district, Eleanor Holmes Norton, released a statement Wednesday stating that she will continue working to persuade Biden to not sign the disapproval resolution.

Even if President Biden signs the resolution and denies D.C. residents the very self-governance that he has claimed to support, this chapter of D.C.s continuing fight for autonomy is, in itself, a powerful argument for the full rights that can only be provided by D.C. statehood, she said.

Statehood would give the nearly 700,000 residents of the nations capital voting representation in Congress and full local self-government, and would ensure that Congress and the Executive Branch will never again be able to overturn local D.C. laws. I will not stop until the job is done.

What is the Revised Criminal Code Act?

The Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022 is a rewrite of the existing criminal code that has been in the works for 16 years. The current criminal code hasnt been comprehensively updated since 1901, and the new law would not take effect until 2025.

The bill would lower penalties for offenses such as carjackings. The current sentence is from seven to 21 years, and 15 to 40 if armed. Under the revised code, carjacking is divided into three gradations depending on severity, with the lowest penalties for an unarmed offense running from four to 18 years and the highest penalties for an armed offense ranging from 12 to 24 years.

Many opponents of the bill are concerned that this will increase crime; however, the RCCA's maximum sentence for armed carjacking is harsher than that of 15 states. The revised code also increases sentences for attempted murder, attempted sexual assault, misdemeanor sexual abuse and many other crimes.

Ward 5 Council Member Zachary Parker wrote in an email that he supports the legislation, saying, Years of evidence-based research, dialogue, debate, public engagement and thoughtful improvements went into producing it. ... I truly believe it will foster healthier communities by creating a more uniform penalty system, reducing sentencing disparities that fall hardest on Black men and their families.

Black residents experience more aggressive and frequent policing by the Metropolitan Police Department. In 2020, a D.C. Council report showed Black people accounted for 88% of stops, 91% of arrests and 100% of use-of-force incidents in the district. As of January 2023, 90.3% of city inmates were Black, according to the Department of Corrections Facts and Figures report.

Although violent crime in the district decreased by 7% last year compared with 2021, homicides topped 200 for the second time in nearly two decades in 2022, according to data from the Metropolitan Police Department.

As of March 2023, violent crime in the capital was down 9%, while property crime was up 31% compared with last year.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press.
A ruling by Kenya's Supreme Court allowing registration of LGBTQ associations has been hailed as a step forward in gay rights. But homosexual relations are illegal in Kenya and one lawmaker is pushing a bill to increase the maximum punishment for anyone found guilty to life in prison, in same cases even death. Juma Majanga reports from Nairobi, Kenya. VOA footage by Amos Wangwa.
Editor's note: Alice Albright, CEO of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, or MCC, gave an interview to Carol Castiel of VOA's English to Africa Service on the "Press Conference USA" radio program on March 7, 2023, at our Washington headquarters.

As efforts to strengthen U.S.-Africa relations are in motion with plans for several high-level delegations to visit the continent following the December 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, Albright discusses the role of MCC in several African countries and the organization's future goals. The following highlighted excerpts from their conversation have been edited for length and clarity.

VOA: How would you define the MCC's unique mission and model?

Millennium Challenge Corporation CEO Alice Albright: MCC was created in 2004 with the intention of doing international aid in a somewhat different way. Our mission is to fight poverty through economic growth and our business model is quite distinctive.

We start with a very selective process for determining the countries with whom we work. There are essentially two pieces to that. One is whether or not a country is low-income enough. The second is whether or not a country passes what we call our "scorecard." The scorecard measures three essential policy areas. One is: is a country managing its economy well; the second is whether a country is investing in its people. These are investments in health and education, for example. And the third is: whether or not a country is on a strong democratic pathway and trying to fight corruption.

Once a country gets through those two essential filters at the beginning, we then start working with countries to figure out jointly, as partners, what are the main challenges towards economic growth ahead of them. Finally, once we do a lot of design, evaluation and diagnostic work, we then deploy, in some cases, hundreds of millions of dollars of grant money. This is significant, particularly in the current environment, to help countries invest in their biggest challenge.

One of the things that also really distinguishes it is how much we put at the heart of what we call country ownership, which is working with the countries on the problems that they think are their priorities.

VOA: Let's talk about your stewardship. What do you bring to the agency, what unique vision?

Albright: Well, first of all, it's an enormous honor to be at the agency and it is an agency of incredibly talented people. I just happened to be lucky enough to be nominated and confirmed for the job. I couldn't be more enthusiastic about being there.

The agency already does incredible work. Some of the things that we're currently working on are, for example, our gender and inclusion strategy. Even though MCC has had a lot of experience in that area we decided that it was important to sort of step it up a bit.

We're spending a lot of time on the question of climate change and the need for climate resilience.

We're very concerned about the impact. As you know, many countries have experienced all kinds of dislocation and migration for various reasons. Even though we are not a humanitarian assistance agency, we see the impact on countries of all of the forms of fragility.

I bring, perhaps, a different lens on a couple of things. I used to work very happily in a wonderful education partnership. So, I'm always asking: "What are we doing about education?" But it's a terrific place and it's just a terrific honor to be able to lead it and work with all my wonderful colleagues there.

VOA: In terms of the major sectors in which you work, they seem to be more infrastructure oriented. Talk about the sectors in particular that you support.

Albright: This is one of the more interesting aspects of the model. Unlike many other aid agencies where either they are a single sector by design or perhaps there are a number of earmarks over their choice of sectors, we are not sector confined. We can work almost in any sector.

Now, if you look at the breadth of sectors that we do work on, there are some clear similarities. A lot of it is infrastructure, but we work with countries on what we call the basics: Do they have energy? Do they have a road transportation network? Do they have an agricultural system that is scalable? Do they have health? Do they have education? Do they have transportation? Do they have ports? And so those tend to be major impediments to a country's growth pathway, which is why we end up working with them.

And I can give you some great examples to just really boil it down to specifics. I was just in Sierra Leone last week. We've come to realize that it is in major need of upgrade to its electricity network. There's a significant part of the country that does not have any reach of electricity. They also have a very fragmented generation capacity that is very heavily reliant on diesel. Their transmission and distribution lines are very inadequate relative to where the population lives. I was in a village talking to community members about what is the impact on their life of not having electricity. They're not able to get their businesses off the ground. The children are not able to do their homework at night. Babies are being delivered in some cases by flashlight. And so, lack of electricity in a country is a fundamental barrier.

We are in the process of helping them identify the particular gaps in their overall energy landscape that need to be invested in. We're really studying those carefully with the government, and then, as we proceed, we will probably invest a significant amount of money to help them upgrade their energy network.

VOA: President Joe Biden is trying to increase engagement in Africa based on the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit. How do you play a role in that?

Albright: The president and the administration have indicated significant interest in the continent. And the African Leaders Summit in December was a real success and a really very important moment in terms of continuing to foster strong relations on the continent. It was really an honor for MCC to be so involved in that.

We signed our first regional compact for just a little bit over $500 million that enabled us to help Benin and Niger build a road transportation network that will increase trade between Niamey down to Cotonou. And we also had a number of terrific meetings with heads of state. It was a really successful few days, I think, and we found it very, very valuable.

VOA: Africa wants to integrate through the creation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement. So, this regional type of compact that you just mentioned between Benin and Niger, that plays right into that overall goal of the continent.

Albright: Yes, it very much matches what the continent aspires for itself. When you talk to leaders, what you hear about is how interested they are in greater integration as a way of driving economic growth, and there's all kinds of interesting statistics that compare the degree of regional trade with other parts of the world and there's certainly room to grow.

Benin and Niger were the first one and we're now looking forward to getting on with it in terms of the implementation. We are also working on a regional power integration compact. It will be essentially situated in Cote d'Ivoire and it will map the geographic footprint of the West African power pool. It will help bring greater investment to that power network, which is essential to the overall power availability in that part of the continent.

And then, just in December, our board approved a third regional compact, which will be initially situated in Senegal and some of its neighbors. But we've got to start the process by looking at what are the means of regional integration opportunities that could be in and around Senegal, and then we'll go from there.

It's an authority that is difficult to use, but very powerful and we're very enthusiastic about using it. Not only on the continent, but you can also think about where it could have application elsewhere in the world.

This interview originated in VOA's English to Africa Service.
MEXICO CITY  When four Americans were kidnapped in the border city of Matamoros, authorities rescued the survivors within days, but thousands of Mexicans remain missing in the state long associated with cartel violence  some in cases dating back more than a decade.

Mexican authorities quickly blamed the local Gulf cartel for shooting up the Americans' minivan after they crossed the border for cosmetic surgery Friday. They found the Americans  two dead, one injured and one apparently unharmed  early Tuesday after a massive search involving squads of Mexican soldiers and National Guard troops.

By contrast, more than 112,000 Mexicans remain missing nationwide, in many cases years or decades after they disappeared.

Though a convoy of armored Mexican military trucks extracted the Americans, the only ones searching for most of the missing Mexicans are their desperate relatives.

"If these people had been Mexicans, they might still be disappeared," said Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera, an associate professor at George Mason University.

The rescue of the Americans provoked a special kind of fury in Tamaulipas, a border state long dominated by the warring Gulf and Northeast cartels, where the Network of Disappeared activist group estimates that 12,537 people remain missing.

Delia Quiroa, from the nearby city of Reynosa, has been looking for her brother Roberto for nine years, ever since he was kidnapped by gunmen  probably belonging to the Gulf cartel, the same group blamed for abducting the Americans  in March 2014.

Despite carrying out their own searches and pressuring authorities to investigate, the family knows nothing about his whereabouts.

Quiroa said that the families of the missing "celebrate and give thanks to God that they found these four U.S. citizens," but said "we wish the government would search for our disappeared with the same zeal and diligence."

"We feel complete indignation, desperation, anguish, impotence and grief," Quiroa said, because of "authorities' failure to act when Mexican families suffer the disappearance of a relative."

Volunteer search teams like Quiroa's often are forced to walk the deserts of northern Mexico with iron rods and shovels, looking for clandestine graves where the bodies of the relatives may have been dumped.

Authorities lack both the manpower, equipment and training  and many say the will  to investigate the abductions, much less arrest or punish those responsible. Things are so bad that authorities aren't even able to identify tens of thousands of bodies that have been found.

The fact that Americans were involved in the most recent abduction may guarantee that Mexican authorities go after the killers. About two dozen suspects, most from the Juarez cartel, were arrested in connection with the 2019 killings of nine U.S. citizens  women and children  in the western border state of Sonora.

It is unclear exactly what faction of the Gulf cartel may have abducted the Americans in Matamoros last week. The gangs go by nicknames like "The Scorpions," "The Cyclones" and "The Troops of Hell."

In Matamoros, Correa-Cabrera said, they are essentially all offshoots of the Cardenas clan, whose head, Osiel Cardenas Guillen, was arrested in 2003.

The gangs care little about innocent bystanders. In 2021, gunmen from factions of the Gulf cartel drove through the streets of Reynosa randomly killing 15 passersby just to intimidate their rivals.

The Mexican government claims that its "hugs not bullets" strategy  anti-poverty programs intended to reduce the number of recruits for drug gangs  has been working. The number of officially recognized homicides fell from 719 in 2020, to 707 in 2021 and 492 in 2022.

That, of course, doesn't count all of the disappeared people. But things are clearly not as bad as the dark days of 2010 and 2011 in Tamaulipas, when drug cartels massacred 72 migrants or dragged passengers off passing buses and killed hundreds who refused to fight each other to the death with sledge hammers.

Correa-Cabrera said the decline in killings and crimes in Matamoros in recent years may have been because the Cardenas clan re-asserted control.

"It was clear that the Cardenas family had control of the territory and there was a peace, a sort of mafia peace" in Matamoros, Correa-Cabrera said, until early this year when it appeared to break down.

"At the start of this year, there began to be reports of a lot more extortion by the same group that controls the city," said the professor, who previously taught at the then University of Texas-Brownsville just across the Rio Grande from Matamoros.

Photos: Many worry Mexicos Maya Train will destroy jungle
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Is the fight for democracy at a turning point? Freedom House documents a global decline for the 17th consecutive year. One of the biggest concerns: media freedom. VOAs Veronica Balderas Iglesias explains. VOA footage by Saqib Ul Islam.
Western nations are mulling whether to censure Iran over its nuclear program, as a meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations nuclear watchdog, takes place in Vienna this week. As Henry Ridgwell reports, the IAEA urgently wants Iran to explain the recent discovery of undeclared highly enriched uranium. Camera: Henry Ridgwell
U.S. first lady Jill Biden wanted to put this years International Women of Courage recipients on the biggest stage possible, so she invited all 11 honorees to the White House on Wednesday for the awards ceremony held on International Womens Day.

Girls everywhere need to know that there are women fighting for them and winning, Biden said Wednesday, speaking before a packed room of guests and honorees gathered for the U.S. secretary of states annual award. Opening doors, transforming schools and communities and governments, building a better world for all of us. And, were also here to say to their brothers and fathers and husbands and friends: As much as we need women who are willing to speak up, we need more men who are willing to listen and act.

For the first time this year, the award also honored a group, naming the women and girl protesters of Iran as the inaugural recipients of the Madeleine Albright Honorary Group Award. Countless women and girls led protests across the nations 31 provinces after 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died in police custody in September, allegedly because she was not properly wearing her headscarf.

The Iranian people  led by women  took to the streets in peaceful protest, said Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, as she announced the award on Wednesday. They followed in the footsteps of brave women before them, who sacrificed so much in the name of freedom. Through neighborhoods and classrooms, out of apartment buildings and car windows, the protesters chanted throughout Iran and around the world, creating a global chorus demanding gender equality and human rights.  To all the women and girls across Iran, know this: We will continue to stand with you in your fight for women, for life and for freedom.

Fired, threatened, arrested, tortured

The 11 others  among them journalists, activists, educators, lawyers and a brigadier general  have been fired, threatened, arrested and tortured while seeking justice and equality.

Dr. Zakira Hekmat of Afghanistan had to attend high school in secret, in defiance of her countrys hard-line rulers. She became a doctor, working with refugees. She now lives in Turkey.

Brigadier General Bolor Ganbold flew over her militarys top hurdle, becoming the first female general in Mongolia and that countrys first female staff officer assigned to a U.N. peacekeeping operation.

Professor Daniele Darlan was fired from her nations top court after she refused to allow changes to the constitution of her country, the Central African Republic, to allow the president to extend his rule. That and other acts earned her the nickname Woman of Iron.

Iranian protesters recognized

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who introduced four recipients chosen for their defense of free speech, said the recognition of Irans protesters is hugely meaningful.

Were doing it right here at the White House, which we think is incredibly important for women around the world, but also women here and young girls here, to hear the stories of these incredible individuals, Jean-Pierre said, in response to a question from VOA. Girls everywhere need to know that there are women who are fighting for them."

Analysts say the recognition shows that the Biden administration holds Iran to the same standard as the rest of the world.

We're three weeks away from the Summit for Democracy, where the administration is calling on countries around the world to reaffirm their support for democratic governance and support for civil society that's pushing for democracy in authoritarian contexts, Marti Flacks, a researcher who focuses on human rights at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told VOA.

But the award is unlikely to impress those in power in Tehran, she said. Almost all of the members of the nations supreme council are men.

They will find any opportunity to blame the United States or the West for their own challenges and governing their country, Flacks said. I think it's quite clear from anyone following the situation in Iran that this is a homegrown movement.  So I don't think that efforts by the regime to pin this on the United States are going to have much of an audience.
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Walz orders the temporary closure of schools to allow for new safety measures
Lucy Liu didn't feel "validated" when other people said they had had bad experiences working with Bill Murray.

The 54-year-old star previously accused the 72-year-old actor of using "inexcusable and unacceptable" language towards her when they filmed 2000's 'Charlie's Angels' and she admitted she has felt "sad" when other people came forward with their own stories, including Geena Davis, who said he had verbally berated her while making 'Quick Change', and Seth Green, who claimed Bill had dropped him in a bin "by his ankles" backstage at 'Saturday Night Live' when he was just nine years old.

Lucy told People magazine: "I felt sad that it happened to other people. It doesn't make me feel validated to hear other people having bad experiences.

"I don't think it's a great feeling to have to live with that and to feel that you're punishing yourself for something that you had no control over.

"I feel very grateful that people are able to speak their minds and release that because I don't think it's a positive energy to hold within yourself.

"It's valuable to be able to connect to other people and feel like you're not the only one."

The 'Shazam! Fury of the Gods' actress also dismissed past speculation she didn't get along with 'Charlie's Angels' co-stars Drew Barrymore and Cameron Diaz.

She said: "What I love about that relationship is that so many people denied it and created these rumors that we were fighting and that we didn't get along. But ultimately what I think people miss is that women can get along."

"We don't have to continue the idea that women are cat-fighting. And now we see with the #MeToo movement all of these things happening, and it sort of breaks and shatters those old prejudices."

Drew previously recalled how Lucy was "supported" when she defended herself in the row with Bill.

She said: "What you have to know is how much Lucy stood up for herself, and that was the great thing that came out of an unfortunate circumstance. She literally said, 'I do not accept that kind of behavior from you.' And we all supported her and backed her up and we moved forward."
China's Foreign Minister Qin Gang speaks at a press conference, March 7, 2023. (Photo/Xinhua)

Special: Two Sessions 2023

(ECNS) -- Chinas new Foreign Minister Qin Gang held a press conference Tuesday to outline the countrys foreign policies on the sidelines of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress, drawing the attention of foreign media.

The Guardian, Sputnik News, Reuters, Bloomberg, CNBC, and other foreign media reported Chinas foreign policies and relations, especially the relations with the U.S. and Russia.

Fyodor Lukyanov, editor-in-chief of Russia in Global Affairs and chairman of the Presidium of the Council on Foreign and Defense Policy, published an article on Russian media outlet RT, saying China is finally stepping up to its role as a superpower and this will change the world.

A new era has dawned, he said, adding that Chinas diplomatic revival is intended to demonstrate that Beijing is not afraid to play a role in world politics.

Daily Times reported that China hopes the U.S. will explore the right way to get along with China that benefits both countries and the world.

Meanwhile, the new Foreign Minister Qin Gang has also become the focus of attention of foreign media for his personal charisma.

Chinese diplomacy is full of goodwill, but its diplomats will not hesitate to face down adversaries when confronted, Qin said on Tuesday, calling the term wolf warrior diplomacy a narrative trap.

Mr. Qin took a softer approach when speaking about the American people, differentiating them from American leaders and politicians, said The Strait Times, a media outlet of Singapore.

The American people, like the Chinese people, are enthusiastic, friendly and simple, and they all pursue a happy life and a better world, the media outlet reported, citing Qins words.

Qins appointment as the new Chinese Foreign Minister could herald a gentler style of diplomacy, The Strait Times said, quoting analysts comment.

The U.S. media outlet CNN said that Qin, who was until recently Chinas ambassador to the U.S., built up a reputation for being careful and accomplished diplomat while overseas.
How long has there been a ferry crossing from Puget Island? Come by the Hope Center, 320 S 3rd St. in Cathlamet, at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 25 to hear Speaker Jim Aalberg, past director of Oregon Historical Society, explain the history of the last ferry still operating on the Columbia River between Oregon and Washington. Going back nearly a century, 10 different ferries have plied the waters between Cathlamet and Puget Island, Washington, and Westport, Oregon. Designs and schedules have changed often over the years. Guaranteed to be a very interesting presentation.
OTTAWA  A group in Haiti that supports people sent home from the neighbouring Dominican Republic is calling on Canada to raise the alarm about accusations of inhumane and racist treatment of those fleeing chaos.

"It's serious and it's unacceptable, the situation that Haitians are experiencing in the Dominican Republic," said Sam Guillaume, spokesman for the Haitian organization Support Group for Refugees and Returnees.

"It's unfathomable to see so much mistreatment, so much racism," he said in a French-language interview.

His organization, known by the French acronym GARR, is based in the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince. It also has staff monitoring the treatment of migrants the Dominican Republic has dropped off along its border with Haiti.

In recent months, the group has reported a sharp uptick in Dominican authorities rounding up Haitians across the country and holding them in conditions that have raised concerns among international groups.

Many of the Haitians crossed illegally into the Dominican Republic or overstayed their visit. But GARR alleges that a significant proportion of them are being sent back to Haiti despite holding valid visas.

The United States government says Haiti is on the brink of a migration crisis as violent gangs have taken over large swaths of the country. Haiti's de facto government has requested a Western military intervention.

Thousands of Haitians have legally and illegally crossed the border into the Dominican Republic, which shares an island with Haiti, to escape rising living costs, a cholera outbreak and the threat of kidnapping.

In the first nine months of 2022, the Dominican Republic deported 108,436 migrants  more than three times the number in 2016, when the country started recording such data.

Last November, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, urged the Dominican Republic to stop sending Haitians over the border to a country that is so unsafe.

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Dominican President Luis Abinader characterized the comments as "unacceptable and irresponsible" meddling in a domestic issue.

The same month, Abinader signed a decree giving Dominican law enforcement more powers to deport undocumented immigrants.

GARR reported that 16,892 Haitians were sent over border in January, 126 of whom were pregnant, and 70 of whom were minors, with numbers trending up since last fall. The numbers don't include people who wilfully returned to Haiti.

"Sometimes it's in their sleep. Sometimes at the hospital, when they're there for a medical appointment. Sometimes it's at work, or in the street. It's as if there was a hunt for Haitians in the Dominican Republic," Guillaume said.

GARR has documented migrants being beaten in custody and detained without food or showers. Some accuse officials of sexually assaulting them or destroying their identification.

Guillaume said the dragnet has included Dominican citizens who have no connection to Haiti but are rounded up because they have "black skin and curly hair."

Last November, the U.S. embassy in its capital, Santo Domingo, issued an alert for "darker skinned U.S. citizens and U.S. citizens of African descent" in the Dominican Republic, saying Americans had reported being "delayed, detained, or subject to heightened questioning at ports of entry and in other encounters with immigration officials, based on their skin colour."

The embassy noted that Dominican migration authorities arrest people who are legally in the country and detain them "in overcrowded detention centres, without the ability to challenge their detention and without access to food or restroom facilities, sometimes for days at a time, before being released or deported to Haiti."

In 2015, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights raised similar concerns about arbitrary, race-based detention in "deplorable hygienic and health conditions."

Under a 1999 agreement signed by the Dominican Republic and Haiti, the former agreed not to round up migrants at night. It also pledged to keep children with their parents and let migrants hold onto their documents and personal effects.

Guillaume said the government isn't following the agreement, and is conducting nighttime raids and detaining Haitians without giving them a chance to go home and retrieve cash savings accumulated over years. Some migrants even claim that their employers phoned migration authorities in advance of pay days, to avoid paying wages.

The group has tracked an uptick in unaccompanied minors and parents being sent back without their children.

GARR has had to deploy staff to smaller border crossings, where roughly 10 per cent of Haitians are brought despite the 1999 agreement calling for crossings only at four official border posts.

That leaves Haitian authorities struggling to process returnees, and non-governmental groups scrambling to provide help for people to reach their relatives. Guillaume said people returned at non-official crossings seem to have faced the worst treatment.

"We see trucks unloading Haitians, day and night, with people who have no bearings, who don't know what to do, who arrived empty-handed because they didn't have time to retrieve their luggage," he said.

The Dominican embassy in Ottawa referred questions to the country's foreign affairs department, which said it did not expect to be able to provide a response within six days.

In the past year, Dominican politicians have called for a wall to block Haitian migrants, arguing it would prevent a cholera epidemic from spreading over the border. Earlier this month, former Dominican president Hipolito Mejia declared in an interview that "Haiti is not a country; it is a jungle."

The current government has said it does not have the capacity to sustain so many asylum seekers, including for health care, and has urged the international community to focus on addressing the chaos in Haiti.

Guillaume said the international community should still call out the Dominican Republic, particularly as it vies for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council, for a term that would start next year.

"It's important to sound the alarm," he said.

"A country like Canada can get the attention of the Dominican authorities on these grave violations of rights that they inflict on Haitians."

Foreign Minister Melanie Joly met last Sunday with her Dominican counterpart Roberto Alvarez to discuss the situation in Haiti, but her office would not say whether she raised the issue of how migrants are being treated.

"We are in solution mode and have had numerous discussions with key partners across the hemisphere, including the Dominican Republic," spokesman Adrien Blanchard said in an email.

He noted that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced $10 million last week to protect Haitian women and children along the Dominican Republic border.

"Canada has provided significant funding to key humanitarian partners on the ground in order to address the urgent needs of populations affected by the crisis, whether related to recent displacement, violence or the cholera epidemic."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 22, 2023.

Dylan Robertson, The Canadian Press
After nearly three years, the free community COVID-19 testing clinic run by Public Health Madison and Dane County will close April 14, the health department said Thursday.

The clinic started at the Alliant Energy Center on May 11, 2020, about two months after the pandemic took hold and caused great demand among people who wanted to be tested for the then-novel type of coronavirus.

Testing continued at Alliant until April 2022, when it moved to the health departments South Madison clinic, 2230 S. Park St., where it will continue until the testing ends next month.

Federal COVID-19 health emergencies will end May 11, President Joe Bidens administration announced in late January. That means the Wisconsin Department of Health Services community testing support program also will end.

At-home rapid tests will continue to be available until the end of May through the Say Yes COVID Tests program. Families can place one order per month, per household, and 10 tests are included in each order.

Tests also can be purchased in stores, pharmacies and online. Insurance companies, Medicare and Medicaid, or BadgerCare are required to reimburse up to eight tests per month, per member.

Testing also will be available through health care providers, said Colton Ritchie, COVID testing supervisor for the city-county health department. We understand that testing is still vital for monitoring COVID and protecting public health, Richie said in a statement.

The department has provided more than half a million COVID-19 tests at its free clinic, director Janel Heinrich said. The Wisconsin National Guard assisted, as did other county agencies and Madison Public Libraries.

This tremendous effort was made possible thanks to the unwavering dedication of our staff and partners, Heinrich said.

Wisconsin has reported roughly an average of about 500 new cases of COVID-19 a day since mid-January, down from about 2,000 cases a day in May 2022 and more than 15,000 cases a day in mid-January 2022 at the height of the omicron variant peak. The recent figures come amid a general decline in testing for COVID-19 and the lifting of almost all precautions, such as mask mandates and social distancing guidelines.

As of last week, COVID-19 community levels were high in two counties  Barron and Rusk, in northwestern Wisconsin  and medium in 11 other counties, in the northern and southeastern parts of the state. Activity elsewhere, including in Dane County, was low.

There have been between one and nine average daily deaths from COVID-19 since March 2022, according to the state DHS, average daily peaks of 57 deaths in December 2020 and 38 deaths in January 2022.

Statewide, 61.8% of residents have received their COVID-19 vaccine primary series and 20.1% have had an updated COVID-19 booster as recommended. In Dane County, the figures are 80.5% and 36.2%, highest in the state.
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Child care is not a topic that tends to come up on quarterly earnings calls. By and large, however, corporate America knows that it has to offer quality and affordable child care to employees to recruit and retain a competitive and diverse labor force. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight But there is a difference between knowing something and doing something about it. Sometimes the private sector needs a nudge from the federal government, which helps explain President Joe Bidens intervention in the semiconductor industry: The administration announced last month that if semiconductor manufacturers wanted a slice of $40 billion in new subsidies under last years Chips Act, they would have to provide access to child care.

One question is whether this strategy makes sense. Another is whether it is a one-time thing  or the beginning of a larger effort to make the so-called care economy a reality.

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A clue to the second question will come from how the administration deals with other contracts and contractors. A 2015 executive order, for example, requires federal contractors to provide seven days of paid sick leave, which has been shown to increase productivity, improve retention and keep other workers from getting sick. In other words, it improves the efficiency of government contracting.

Can the Biden administration make similar arguments about child care? As Bloomberg Opinions Sarah Green Carmichael notes, the US Chamber of Commerce suggests that it has many similar benefits.

Then there are the contracts related to the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill. Women are projected to account for only 29% of the 800,000 jobs created each year by the law, according to the National Partnership for Women and Families. States and localities receiving funding for some transportation projects already have to provide access to affordable housing. Those rules could be extended to require or encourage employers to provide child care.

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The federal government can use its purchasing power in the marketplace to achieve broader economic and societal goals, says Joseph Parilla, director of Applied Research at Brookings Metro, who has studied the economic effects of Micron Technologys plans to build the countrys largest semiconductor facility in Syracuse, New York. If the US wants a robust chip industry, he says, there are all sorts of things you have to do to invest in workers.

Viewed in that context, the policy makes sense. The government is pouring hundreds of billions of dollars into a domestic semiconductor to compete with China. Companies are building plants in regions with low unemployment and limited child-care options. Meanwhile, according to the Century Foundation, less than 11% of workers in the semiconductor industry are women.

The bottom line: Men and women  but lets face it, its largely women who do most of the caregiving  need child care to go to work. The federal government is right to use its market power to expand its availability.

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At the same time, this policy is not a substitute for legislation. It benefits only workers in a defined sector and dont address the broader problem of affordability.

Child care first and foremost is a business, says Linda Smith, director of the early childhood initiative at the Bipartisan Policy Center. When it costs more to provide a product  in this case, a child-care spot  than the consumer can afford to pay, then the business model is broken. One-third of children who need care in this country dont have it, she notes.

Some advocates for more child care are worried that Bidens policy will backfire politically.(1) But 88% of Democrats, 61% of Republicans and 70% of swing voters support more federal funding to increase child-care options, according to a poll taken last November. Reflecting that widespread support, proposals in the House and Senate  from Republicans and Democrats  were introduced last year and are expected to be revived in the coming months.

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So even if Bidens policy doesnt have a big impact in the workplace, it could be a way to nudge lawmakers back to the negotiating table. They might even be able to make some progress.

More From Bloomberg Opinion:

 Temper Your Expectations on Child Care and the Chips Act: Claudia Sahm

 Bidens Child Care Plan Is Better Than Nothing: Sarah Green Carmichael

 The Chips Act Is Disrupting the Venture Capital World: Conor Sen

Want more Bloomberg Opinion? Subscribe to our daily newsletter.

(1) Disclosure: I am the founder of MamaDen, a group that connects and supports mothers and offers resources for women who want to stay in or return to the workforce.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Julianna Goldman is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist who was formerly a Washington-based correspondent for CBS News and White House correspondent for Bloomberg News and Bloomberg Television.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion

2023 Bloomberg L.P.

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Technology, as science fiction writers like to warn us, has no sense of morality. Create life, and your monster might end up turning on you. Build an artificial intelligence system, and you might provoke a robot apocalyse. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight That rule goes for good as well as bad. Microwave ovens are a spinoff from World War II-era military radar technology. Epipen injectors were developed for soldiers to use against nerve gas.

Increasingly, were seeing similar technology spillovers in the energy transition, with expertise generated in producing bad old fossil fuels being turned to clean renewable purposes. The offshore wind industry has learned important lessons from the decades weve spent drilling for offshore oil and gas. In many parts of the world, its already taken the baton from petroleum as the largest contributor to offshore energy investment.

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Its a similar story with fracking. Knowledge gained forcing oil and gas from deep rocks over the past few decades may provide a crucial piece of the puzzle to build zero-carbon grids, by turning geothermal energy from a niche industry into a powerhouse.

At present, geothermal electricity  using hot rocks buried deep in the earth to force fluids to the surface and drive turbines  is a relative rarity. Volcanic areas such as Iceland, Kenya, New Zealand, the Philippines and the western US use it quite extensively, thanks to high temperatures close to the surface that fuel mineral springs like those in Yellowstone and Rotorua in New Zealand.

Elsewhere, the useful rocks are either too deep or too impermeable to be much use. While wind and solar power generation increased by about 2,600 terawatt-hours between 2009 and 2021, geothermal added just 28 TWh. Its stuck in similar doldrums to the ones fracking was in 20 years ago, before the boom took hold in the US.

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The industries have a surprising amount in common. Both drill holes deep in the ground and hope to extract energy by forcing fluids to the surface. Both originated in the middle of the 20th century but remained small-scale for decades, with technology and economics barring wider deployment. Both suffer decline rates: Oil gets harder to extract as crude is pumped out and underground pressures fall, while geothermal reservoirs can gradually get cooler over time and lose their ability to force steam to the surface. Some of the most crucial information needed for working out the ideal locations for geothermal reservoirs is locked in the vast database of sedimentary rock basins that the petroleum industry has assembled over the past century.

Theres already signs that spillovers are happening. The US government has developed a fluid to fracture impermeable rocks to open up more geothermal reservoirs, a process identical to the one that frackers use in petroleum deposits. Start-up Eavor Technologies Inc. plans to use the horizontal drilling pioneered by the unconventional oil and gas industry to build radiator-like networks of pipes in areas that would otherwise be unsuitable for development.

Shell Plc set up a geothermal division in 2018 thats been exploring the potential of the technology to provide heat for buildings and industry in the Netherlands. Baker Hughes Co., the former oilfield services division of General Electric Co., has developed deep, high-temperature drilling technologies to tap reservoirs that can produce heat more efficiently than conventional ones.

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Theres even proposals to use the technologies to produce other materials crucial to the energy transition. Current geothermal wells operating near Californias Salton Sea might be able to extract enough lithium from underground brines to meet US demand 10 times over. One of the worlds few operating green hydrogen facilities is powered by a geothermal plant just outside Icelands capital Reykjavik.

The question is whether innovations developed by oil and gas producers will be sufficient to overcome geothermals high upfront costs, which dont appear to fall the way they do for wind and solar projects. Petroleum and mining companies normally enjoy periods of super-profits to compensate for the haphazard nature of resource exploration, while utilities churn out unspectacular but reliable margins year after year. Geothermal appears to get the worst of both worlds, its costs at the mercy of unpredictable geology while its revenues are set by stolid regulated power grids.

Clearing away red tape and local opposition to projects will be essential. It can be harder to get a permit for a geothermal well than a petroleum one in the US. In Japan  on paper, one of the countries with most potential for the technology  owners of onsen hot spring bathhouses frequently block development because of fears the industry will deplete reservoirs of hot rock. The hurdles arent pure NIMBYism, either. Some of the problems that fracking can cause in terms of minor earthquakes and contamination of groundwater are also risks that geothermal developers have to address.

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The potential remains substantial. Geothermal doesnt stop generating if the sun goes down or the wind stops blowing. That should allow it to capitalize on higher peak pricing as variable renewables take up an increasing share of power grids. If were to shift to clean energy over the coming decades, well need every tool at our disposal. Geothermal should be part of that mix.

More from Bloomberg Opinion:

 We Now Know How Much the Coal Surge Set Us Back: Lara Williams

 Small Isnt Beautiful When It Comes to the Nuclear Renaissance: David Fickling

 Electrifying Homes Is the Biggest Reno Ever. But Its Worth It: Liam Denning

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

David Fickling is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering energy and commodities. Previously, he worked for Bloomberg News, the Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion

2023 Bloomberg L.P.

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A shooting at a Jehovahs Witness hall in Hamburg on Thursday night left seven people dead, with others seriously wounded, Hamburg police said. The shooting happened at a building on Deelboge Street in the Gro Borstel district, police said. The district is a residential area in northern Hamburg. Are you on Telegram? Subscribe to our channel for the latest updates on Russias war in Ukraine. ArrowRight Law enforcement additionally believe they found the body of the alleged gunman onsite. They earlier said that they did not yet have reliable information on the motive behind the shooting.

After arriving at the crime scene, police heard a gunshot from within the Jehovahs Witness building and found a body when they followed the sound, Hamburg police spokesman Holger Vehren said in an on-camera interview from the scene. The police found several people dead and others injured by bullets when they arrived at the building around 9:15 p.m. local time, he added.

Vehren said late Thursday that police teams were conducting a crime scene analysis and gathering information about the victims.

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The citys emergency services were working flat out to track down whoever was responsible for the shooting and look for a motive, according to a translation of Hamburg Mayor Peter Tschentschers statement on Twitter.

Images from the scene taken by local photographers showed a large number of heavily armed police clad in body armor, holding long guns and organizing themselves outside a three-story building.

Ambulances could be seen arriving at the modern-looking structure, as well, photos show.

People who were in or near the building at the time of the shooting were pictured being escorted away on foot by emergency workers.

Tschentscher, the Hamburg mayor, said the reports coming out of Gro Borstel are shocking, and offered his deepest condolences to the families of the victims.

Other photos showed a member of a bomb disposal squad inside the building, along with police officers in tactical gear.

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The dead all have gunshot wounds, a police spokesman told Northern German Broadcasting, the local public radio and television broadcaster.

Jehovahs Witnesses are members of a Christian-based faith group that claims 8.6 million adherents in its congregations, known as Kingdom Halls, across more than 150 countries. The religious group was founded in the United States.

Amar Nadhir contributed to this report.

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The misstatements are part of a pattern that has raised questions about how the justice views his obligation to report details about his finances to the public.
The urgent need to act on climate change pushes many organizations (including businesses, governments and nonprofits) to set net-zero emissions goals. The purpose of achieving net-zero emissions is to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases, or GHG, that are released into the atmosphere, particularly CO2. This can be achieved through reducing emissions through changes in energy use, transportation and land use, as well as increasing carbon removal through natural or technological means.

Businesses, in particular, set net-zero emissions goals as part of their sustainability strategies. Microsoft (News - Alert), Amazon and Walmart, for example, are tasked with achieving net-zero emissions by a certain date, typically by around 2040 or 2050. Governments are also setting net-zero goals as part of their climate action plans, with many countries committing to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 or earlier.

New Relic, the all-in-one observability platform for every engineer, set its goal to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2030 and a commitment to set near-term science based GHG emissions targets.

With 2030 as the target, New Relic is allowing for rigorous work around achieving and maintaining its goals through operational reductions and high-quality carbon removals. This target aligns with guidance from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that warned that global warming must not exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial temperatures by 2040 to avoid catastrophic impacts of climate change.

Focus areas for reductions include:

Vendor engagement on climate: Work with vendors across their operations to understand and reduce their emissions.

Work with vendors across their operations to understand and reduce their emissions. Internal efficiencies and tracking : Continue to improve GHG emissions calculation with Watershed Climate to have a fine-grained understanding of the companys footprint worldwide.

: Continue to improve GHG emissions calculation with Watershed Climate to have a fine-grained understanding of the companys footprint worldwide. Reduced operational footprint: Continually assess the operational footprint and ensure climate is part of its business criteria when it comes to operations.

Continually assess the operational footprint and ensure climate is part of its business criteria when it comes to operations. Internal policy setting: Introduce and update internal policies across the business to ensure climate is a shared responsibility.

Focusing on the reduction of emissions is not a new task for New Relic. The company is responsible for purchasing reforestation credits from Trees for Global Benefits in Uganda to remove 100% of the carbon dioxide associated with New Relic global offices natural gas usage.

The company is also responsible for purchasing renewable energy certificates representing 100% clean energy for New Relic global offices and employee WFH footprints. These include U.S. Green-E certified renewable energy certificates from the Lindahl Wind Project and international energy attribute certificates from locally sited projects aligned with New Relics international footprint.

We have spent the past three years transforming our product and business model, said New Relic CEO Bill Staples (News - Alert). Establishing science-based climate goals is the right decision and next step as we continue to future-proof our business. This also allows us to evolve alongside our global customers who are making similar strides toward a net-zero future and consider it a must-have when choosing their technology providers.

New Relic believes that adhering to science-backed emissions targets makes it well-positioned for long-term growth and competitive differentiation in the market (while doing its part to slow climate change and pave the path toward decarbonization). Doing so, the observability company wants to be an inspiration for its peers in the industry.

New Relics GHG emissions targets, submitted to the Science Based Target initiative, joins more than 2,200 companies worldwide that are leading the transition to a net-zero economy through emissions targets grounded in climate science.

Edited by Alex Passett
Its a debt shackled to you upon tertiary study that continues to haunt you well after graduation and throughout your working life.

It looms over your head as you check the deductions on your payslips or tell the banker when theyre assessing your first home loan.

Your HELP debt, formerly known as HECS.

Many people arent aware of what happens once their debt is paid off.

More Australians are working towards paying off their student loans quicker as inflation prices increase the indexation, a percentage of money that reflects the real value aligned to changes to cost of living, which is applied to the debt each financial year.
Natalie Leggott, 29, bared all to raise awareness of the skin cancer that nearly killed her shortly after her one-year-old son Leo was born.

Diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma in 2022, Leggott, a paediatric nurse, is expected to be one of more than 2000 swimmers who will participate in the March 12 nude swimming race, the Sydney Skinny.

Natalie Leggott was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer while pregnant with her now one-year-old. She was not allowed to start treatment until after she gave birth. She is now an advocate for sun safety, especially among young Australians. Credit: Jessica Hromas

To be held from 7am at Cobblers Beach in Middle Head, organisers hope it will break records for the worlds largest nude swim while raising funds for the non-profit Skin Check Champions.

On average one Australian dies of skin cancer every five hours, and melanoma kills more Australians aged 15 to 39 than any other cancer.
Chinese state media has criticised The Sydney Morning Herald and The Ages Red Alert series, accusing the mastheads of using misleading information despite Beijings ongoing rhetorical threats to Taiwan.

Chinas Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday evening that it was the inviolable duty of all Chinese people, including our compatriots in Taiwan, to accomplish the great task of reunifying the motherland.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning. Credit: AP

For peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, its real threat is the separatist forces for Taiwan independence, said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning.

The Red Alert series warns that China could attack Taiwan within three years, a shorter time frame than forecast by US Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Mark Milley last year, who estimated that China could have the capability to attack Taiwan by 2027.
Today I am saying farewell to my father, Rene Dalle. My dad was born in Nancy, France, on August 8th, 1944. He did not have the easiest of childhoods. His parents divorced when my dad was only four, then my dad lost his mother suddenly when he was 14. My dad was separated from his older sister Michou to live with his father. His father was a professional musician who played bandoneon and accordion and was the leader of a Bal-Musette band. His father instructed his children in music and my dad learned all the scales and chords and was asked to choose an instrument. Being a huge fan of the Belgian-Romani guitarist Django Reinhardt, who was extremely popular in France after the war, he chose the guitar. His father refused, as, by the late 50's, the popularity of the guitar and American-influenced pop music was eclipsing the old Musette bands like his. My dads father did not support him in continuing his education. So my dad left his fathers home at the age of 21. He put himself through school, sometimes living on one meal a day, until he met my mother shortly thereafter. She was an 18 year old American college junior who had travelled to France to specialize in the French language. She could not resist the charms of this handsome, blue-eyed Frenchman! On their first date, my dad told her he would marry her. She laughed at this crazy Frenchman, but, three years later, they were married! After their marriage in New York City (my mother's hometown), they settled in France for a couple of years before my dad received a placement in Quebec City. My sister arrived soon after, followed by me, and five years later they moved to Ottawa where my brother and two more sisters arrived. My dad never gave up his dream of playing guitar and ended up buying a quality classical guitar in the 80's. He spent years taking lessons and practicing, and I recall, as a child, laughing at his really long thumbnails! I did not really get to enjoy music with my dad until I was an adult, though he almost always listened to my radio program (and I remember him listening to CKCU in the car when I was a kid, often to very odd music!). In the past decade I was able to attend more concerts with him, and, in the past year, I started musical afternoons with him. I would invite him over and we would spend a Sunday afternoon listening to lp's while enjoying wine (always French!). My dad had a wide and thorough love of music, and we are going to listen to a program of music to say farewell to my dad. We are starting off with Astor Piazzolla and his 1959 "Adios Nonino", which he composed quickly after learning of the sudden death of his father, nicknamed "Nonino". My dad's father always played Piazzolla and my dad always retained a love of Piazzolla's music. We will also hear some classical, Flamenco, and African guitar, and Django Reinhardt of course, all music he loved. We will also hear some choices of mine which perfectly capture my thoughts and grief, especially Ferrucio Busoni's "Fantasia after J.S. Bach" which will end this set. Busoni composed this work in 1909, after he lost his father, to express his grief and his gratitude to his father for introducing him to the music of Bach. So please sit back and enjoy my musical farewell to my father, who, despite his challenging childhood, grew up to be a devoted and loving husband of fifty-four years, and wonderful and supportive father of his five children who adored him.

Adios Nonino

Astor Piazzolla - The Central Park Concert - Chesky Una Limosnita por Amor de Dios

Agustin Barrios Mangore/Philip Dent Calendria - Progression - Palladium Records - Progression - Quand qu'on n'a que l'amour

Jacques Brel - Quand qu'on n'a que l'amour - Philips I've Found a New Baby

Django Reinhardt & Stephane Grappelli - Struttin' Out - Decca Undecided

Django Reinhardt & Stephane Grappelli - Struttin' Out - Decca Improvisation No. 2

Django Reinhardt - Struttin' Out - Decca Kankan Diarabi

African Virtuoses - The Classic Guinean Guitar Group - Syllart Nakana

Salif Keita & Kante Manfila - The Lost Album - White Swan Jarabi

Derek Gripper - One Night On Earth: Music from the Strings of Mali - Matsuli One More Day

Martin Simpson & Wu Man - Music for the Motherless Child - Water Lily Acoustics Por los campos de Espana: En tierras de Jerez

Joaquin Rodrigo/Pepe Romero - Noches de Espana - Philips Bulerias

Pepe Romero - Flamenco - Philips Pajaro Angel

Pablo Ziegler, Quique Sinesi, Walter Castro - Buenos Aires Report - Zoho Music Un vetement pour la lune (with Feu! Chatterton)

Ballake Sissoko - Djourou - No Format La chanson des vieux amants

Jacques Brel - Jacques Brel 67 - Barclay Fantasia after J.S. Bach

Ferrucio Busoni/John Ogdon - Piano Works - Altarus Records The Six Day Moment

Lubomyr Melnyk - Corollaries - Erased Tapes - Corollaries - Compas Flamenco

Carlos Montoya - Flamenco Fire - ABC-Paramount
The 31st Revised Kyoto Convention Management Committee (RKC/MC) Meeting was held from 6 to 8 March at WCO Headquarters in a hybrid format. The Committee was attended by representatives from Contracting Parties, Member administrations, academia and partner organizations.

The meeting was launched with opening remarks from Pranab Kumar Das, Director of the Compliance and Facilitation Directorate. The Director welcomed participants and briefed them on the agenda of the meeting.

The meeting began with the election of a Chairperson and a Vice Chairperson to preside over the meeting. Maria Vournou of Greece and Yves Patrick Tchami of Cameroon were re-elected as the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson respectively with overwhelming support from delegates.

During the meeting, the RKC/MC focused intensively on the draft updated Guidelines to the General Annex (GA) of the Convention. Delegates discussed the following concepts: data issues, electronic declarations, advance goods declaration, perishable goods, advance cargo information, Authorized Economic Operators, electronic payment of duties, Customs control, Post Clearance Audit and publication and availability of information. Review and revision of the Guidelines is critical for ensuring that they continue to guide Contracting Parties in the implementation of the RKC and in facilitating international trade and promoting compliance with Customs procedures. The RKC/MC will continue reviewing the Guidelines at its next meeting.

The RKC/MC also granted an extension request from Brazil Customs for the implementation of certain standards within Chapter 10, Appeals in Customs Matters of the General Annex.

The meeting discussed the treatment of goods admitted for inward processing, as well as the exit/termination treatment of the compensating goods, at the request from Guatemala Customs. Delegates shared their national practices to help clarify questions raised by Guatemala.

In addition, the meeting reviewed and endorsed the draft RKC/MC Work Programme, which outlines key activities and initiatives that the Committee should fulfill until 2025.

The next RKC/MC Meeting will take place in the second half of 2023. For further information, please contact us at RKCReview@wcoomd.org.
During the round table opening the 85th Fellowship Programme on 6 March 2023, the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, encouraged the 15 English-speaking participants to make the most of their time at the WCO Secretariat by gaining new skills and competencies and expanding their network of contacts. Echoing the theme for 2023, dedicated to nurturing the next generation: promoting a culture of knowledge-sharing and professional pride in Customs, the Secretary General recalled how the Fellowship Programme formed a key part of this approach.

During their time at the WCO Secretariat, the Fellows will have the opportunity to take part in a Leadership and Management Development Workshop from 8 to 17 March 2023. This component of the Programme will enable them to refine their skills and knowledge, so as to contribute more effectively to the development and modernization processes of their respective administrations, especially by working on a modernization project under the guidance of a WCO tutor. A study trip to observe operational practices in a partner administration will complete the Fellowship Programme in early April.

Bringing together participants from the Administrations of Botswana, Fiji, Georgia, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kenya, Lao PDR, Mongolia, Nepal, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea and Peru, the 85th Fellowship Programme has been made possible through the financial support of and partnership with the Customs Administrations of Japan and China, as well as Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Korea.

For more information, please contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org
From 27 February to 3 March 2023, the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) hosted a national workshop on the Harmonized System and commodity classification in Senegambia, The Gambia. The workshop was delivered by two experts from the WCO within the framework of the EU-WCO Programme for the Harmonized System in Africa (HS-Africa Programme), funded by the European Union as part of the comprehensive package of assistance to support GRAs work on building capacity on Harmonized System classification.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Yankuba Darboe, GRA Commissioner General, highlighted the timeliness and the high relevance of the workshop as an important contribution towards increasing the capacity of Customs Officers and Clearing Agents in the area of tariff classification. He emphasized the importance to understand the General Interpretative Rules in order to classify correctly and determine what duty rates are applicable to import and export goods.

The workshop was attended by 21 officers from across different stations of the GRA and border posts and by 4 clearing agents. The objective of this course was to describe the structure of the HS Convention and to learn the basic principles of commodity classification, based on the General Rules for the Interpretation of the HS. Participants examined a wide range of fundamental theoretical and practical aspects of the application of the HS, working on a number of case studies where they classified specific products which presented complexities in classification. In addition, participants had access to the e-learning course HS Foundation available on WCO CLiKC! platform.

The workshop also offered an opportunity to pilot new training materials made available under the HS-Africa Programme. Those materials have been developed with the aim of establishing a standardized set of tools for HS trainers to deliver a five-day workshop covering all of the most essential areas of the HS related to the practical work of commodity classification. The materials used during the workshop received a high level of appreciation from the participants and will be used for similar training activities in the future.

At the end of the workshop, Mr. Alhagie Mbye, Commissioner of Customs, thanked the WCO and the European Union for continued support to the GRA work on building capacity on Harmonized System classification.

For more details, please contact hs@wcoomd.org.
Efforts to develop a downtown Business Improvement District in Columbus have raised concerns from property owners in the area, but the process behind creating the district is far from over.

BACKGROUND

Nebraska State Statute allows a special assessment to be levied against real estate located within the boundaries of a Business Improvement District (BID) to pay for improvements in that district.

Several cities in Nebraska currently have BIDs, including Hastings, Fremont, Grand Island, Lincoln and Omaha.

The efforts for developing this BID were ultimately the result of a downtown revitalization plan started about 16-18 months ago, City Administrator Tara Vasicek said, though talks of creating a BID had taken place before then.

With the revitalization plan, meetings were held with community members and business owners in which there had been conversations comparing Columbus to other downtowns, what Columbus is lacking and what people would like to see.

In most of the communities that have the things everybody that was involved in that process wanted to see, all of them have a Business Improvement District, Vasicek said. It's a dedicated resource year over year that's used to make improvements that people were saying that they want to see in Columbus.

Planning and Economic Development Coordinator Jean Van Iperen noted improvements made using BID funds are not ones that a city would traditionally use taxpayer money to do, such as signage that tells people where to park, what businesses are downtown, etc.

Additionally, the BID would involve small projects, such as the promotion of downtown events, installation of banners and establishment of seating areas along sidewalks, Van Iperen said.

Feedback gained from the downtown revitalization plan process indicated to the city what residents want to see in Columbus.

We got input from pretty much everybody  schools, young people, older people, people in the arts. We had a lot of stakeholder meetings  trying to see what people wanted downtown, Van Iperen said.

Columbus downtown district is a special place, Vasicek said.

It's somewhere that you want to be, a destination that you want to attract visitors and shoppers and patrons to, Vasicek said.

Beautification projects like installing planters and maintaining landscaping, she noted, arent really in the citys resources to do. But, money generated from a BID would create a revenue source for such improvements.

DEVELOPING A BID

A public hearing was held during the Columbus City Councils regular meeting on Feb. 21. As proposed then, the general area of the BID would be between 11th and 12th streets to the area between 15th and 16th streets from 21st to 33rd avenues.

At that time, a $200 assessment per $100,000 of valuation would be used for calculating the assessment of the properties. If approved with those parameters, this years assessment would generate $69,197.09, with the city matching dollar to dollar for a total revenue of $134,394.18.

Owner-occupied single-family residences would be excluded from the district, as would tax-exempt properties such as churches and government-owned properties. Businesses who have residential rental units on their second story would still be included.

A Downtown Business Improvement District Board (DBIDB)  which is comprised of Barbara Duffy, Kristin Stock, Kevin Johnson, Lindsay Thompson, Mary Nyffeler, Cory Reeder, Joshua Johnson, Bob Stachura and Dick Tooley  would be in charge of allocating funds and approving the projects to be made.

Vasicek stressed the BID funds would not be a tax for city use.

It is an assessment that their (property owners) own representatives will use only in their area, only to benefit them. It's not a city revenue that we get to go spend on whatever we want to spend it on, Vasicek said. The board is made up of downtown business and property owners that are budgeting how this revenue will be spent, and the city's doubling the money that they get to decide how it's spent.

In creating a BID, more than 50% of affected property owners within the district must object for the effort to fail, per state statute.

During the Feb. 21 meeting, Van Iperen noted 232 postcard survey mailings were sent to property owners that would be located within the BID  61 came back as no, 34 came back as yes and one was undecided.

Concerns were raised at the meeting regarding a large number of postcards not being returned, and with a no respond being considered as an affirmative "yes."

However, when speaking with the Telegram, Van Iperen pointed to state statute, which references written objections.

Neb. rev. stat. 19-4027 reads, in part, If a special assessment is to be used, proceedings shall terminate if written protest is made prior to the close of the hearing by the record owners of over 50% of the assessable units in the proposed business improvement district.

The city also pointed to 19-4034(2) of the Business Improvement District Act, which states, "Unless objections are filed with the city clerk at least five days before the hearing, all objections to the amount of total costs and the assessment percentages should be deemed to have been waived and the assessments shall be levied as stated in such notice except that the city council may reduce any assessment percentage."

Vasicek said the postcard survey had been an extra step the city took.

What's actually required in establishing a BID is that before you create the district, you have public hearings. It (state statute) says that they shall not create the district if over 50% object to the creation of the district, Vasicek said. The state statute doesn't say a (non)-vote equals a yes in those exact words, but it says it shall terminate if greater than 50% objects. If you don't object then what do you do? Then we consider it as a non-objection which is a yes.

Vasicek also noted that three separate mailings had gone out to the affected property owners.

The upside of the council meeting was that a) there were a lot of people in the audience that are for it that didn't speak and b) it was educational, she said. I wish all those people would have read one of the three different mailings we sent them and engaged so we could hear those concerns before a public hearing. That's really why we sent those three separate mailings, but they didn't and that's OK. You know what you know, and you don't know what you aren't told. We're learning more as we move through this.

But, the DBIDB is continuing to iron out the final details of the proposed BID and there is time for property owners to share their feedback.

NEXT STEPS

The DBIDB board met on March 7, Van Iperen said, and board members made recommendations on changing the boundary and looking at different options for assessment.

Vasicek added the board has been asked to look at a clause in the ordinance that would review the BIDs effectiveness and consider having an annual report on the BIDs progress provided to the city council and the property owners in the district.

Van Iperen said she is working on the revisions and will bring it back to the DBIDB.

Once they kind of finalize things, then we're going to have a public forum/town hall meeting  and bring the property owners in to ask questions, to get more of their input, before we even take it back to council, Van Iperen said.

At the meeting held earlier this week, DBIDB members were asked to come up with a list of three projects they would like to see, she added.

We will be looking at projects so that we have a better idea when we present to the public again (of) what type of projects the BID board wants to do and what the cost of those projects are going to be, Van Iperen said.

The DBIDB can also decide not to proceed with establishing a BID at all, if it feels thats the best option.

However, Vasicek added, if an ordinance creating the BID is presented to the city council, the affected property owners will be notified again and will have the chance to submit written objections to the BIDs creation.

If at that notification, 50% or more of the people that were notified say I don't want this, then it can't continue, Vasicek said.

Vasicek encouraged downtown property owners who dont want a BID to make their concerns known.

We (the city) think it's our job to tell them what tools are out there, how we can put them in place and how it can meet their goals. That's really what this is, Vasicek said. If they don't want to do it, we won't do it. But based on a year-and-a-half of planning efforts and what everybody said they want downtown to be, a BID will get us one step closer.

Those with questions relating to the BID can contact Van Iperen at 402-562-4273 or at Jean.VanIperen@columbusne.us, or any of the DBIDB members.
Editor's Note: This article was updated March 10 to reflect the correct soups that will be available at this event.

Carlisle Arts Learning Centers Empty Bowls fundraiser may be in its 31st year, but the organization is still finding ways to spice up the event.

Empty Bowls will take place from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. March 20 at Project SHAREs headquarters at 5 N. Orange St. in Suite 4.

Attendees purchase a ticket and select a handmade bowl to consume a simple meal of soup and bread provided by local restaurants. Proceeds from the fundraiser benefit Project SHARE, which works to assist families in the community experiencing food insecurity.

This year, students in the arts learning centers ArtWorks! after-school program got involved with Empty Bowls for the first time, introducing an international theme to the event, said Catherine Stone, the centers executive director.

ArtWorks! students researched and collected soup recipes from Carlisles Employment Skills Centers English as a second language classes.

Featuring food as a connection between peoples in a community reflects the vision of SHARE, arts learning center officials said in a news release. The enjoyment of the diverse flavors and ingredients shared by other cultures into our web of life creates a space for inclusion and knowledge.

In addition to learning about cultures and gathering recipes, ArtWorks! students illustrated posters for the tables and created recipe cards, Stone said. An expanded version of the project, titled the Flavors of Here, will be displayed in the centers Upper Gallery from April 21 to May 27.

ArtWorks! students, along with other local restaurants and organizations, will make soups from various parts of the world that will be featured at the event:

ArtWorks! with Chef RossBorscht from Ukraine

Project SHAREChicken Soup from Afghanistan

Vegetable HunterHarira from Morroco

Helenas Chocolate Cafe and CreperieSplit Pea from Lebanon

Stone said the Wholesome Loaf, a Carlisle bakery, will supply a different type of bread to be paired with each soup.

Empty Bowls will feature 250 to 300 handmade bowls for attendees to select and keep, created by students in Dickinson Colleges ceramic studio, potters, students at the arts learning center and other local artists, she said.

It serves the exact mission and vision of CALC. We are committed to our mission of inspiring individual growth and community engagement through the arts with the vision of changing lives and strengthening community through the power of art, Stone said.

The fundraiser generates approximately $4,000 to more than $6,000 for Project SHARE each year, and the news release said the event has donated almost $90,000 to the organization over the past 30 years.

Joe Kloza, Project SHAREs education and communication coordinator, said as COVID-19 pandemic-era Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits returned to pre-pandemic levels, the funds raised from the event will be geared toward an increasing number of people the organization expects to serve.

The news release said Project SHARE is working to assist more than 1,100 families facing food insecurity, with 16% of the households being seniors and 30% being children.

Kloza said the event demonstrates a wonderful collaboration between two nonprofits in the community.

It means that the sharing and the caring go beyond the ... borders of just one organization, he said.

Kloza said a maximum of 200 people can attend the event, and tickets cost $25 each. They can be purchased at Carlisle Arts Learning Center at 38 W. Pomfret St. or online at www.carlislearts.org.

Stone said people can also donate through the center even if they are unable to attend, and 100% of those donations will benefit Project SHARE.

Photos: Empty Bowls fundraiser returns to Carlisle
LOWER ALSACE TWP., Pa.  A beloved Berks County watering hole will soon have new owners.

In a statement posted on social media Thursday, Klinger's on Carsonia owner Mark Klinger announced that after 13 years at the helm of the Lower Alsace bar and grill, he's selling the business.

"For 13 years, I've worked more days every year and more hours those days than I'd care to count. I have had some great times over those years, but my constant focus was always on my businesses and the people that counted on them," said Klinger. "This summer, I made the difficult realization that I need a better balance in my life in order to be truly happy."

Names and ownership may have changed, but the restaurant has been a staple of the community for more than 70 years. Klinger said the new owners are a family with both the experience in the business and the passion needed to steer it into the future.

Klinger noted the many ups and downs his businesses have faced in his 13 years at the helm.

In 2016, Klinger's opened two new locations in Fleetwood and at Reading Regional Airport in Bern Township.

A year later, the Carsonia location was heavily damaged by fire and forced to rebuild.

Then, the pandemic hit, during which Klinger said it was a challenge to keep the doors open at all three locations. He made the difficult decision to shutter the Fleetwood site to be able to run the remaining restaurants as best he could.

In the coming months, Klinger's on Carsonia will seamlessly transition as the new owners take over. More information will be made available as they get closer to settlement.

In the meantime, Klinger said he will continue to operate Klinger's at the Airport for the foreseeable future.

Klinger thanked his customers and employees for all their years of support.
Carlisle is hatching plans to make keeping chickens more accessible for residents.

Jared Woolston, director of sustainable community and economic planning, addressed possible modifications to Carlisles chicken keeping ordinances during the borough councils workshop meeting March 1.

These include the removal of the boroughs current minimum lot size for chicken keeping and a reduction in the required separation distance between a coop and residential structures.

The borough code specifies that keeping chickens is permitted on residential lots that are 5,000 square feet or more and requires a 60-foot separation distance.

If we get rid of that (minimum lot size) and we keep separation distance, we really havent taken anything away from the program in terms of the presumed protection that you get from minimum separation distance, Woolston said.

He recommended reducing the separation distance to 30 feet. He said thatwould still allow staff members to address any nuisance issues that arise.

Looking at several other communities, Woolston said he found two that required a separation distance: Ephrata at 25 feet and State College at 30 feet.

Staff really cant judge whether or not a 30-foot setback or a 60-foot setback are really going to have a measurable impact on disease control or nuisance mitigation, but as staff you still want to acknowledge that community had some sense of protection through a setback and also acknowledge that other communities had adopted setbacks, he said.

Woolston also recommended removing the boroughs standard $50 keeping of chickens permit and annual renewal, though chicken coops or shelters would still require a zoning permit as an accessory structure. The final change he suggested was to clarify that coops must meet the boroughs accessory structure setback requirements and may not be placed in the front yard.

During the meeting, Deputy Mayor Brenda Landis read a letter from Carlisle residents interested in keeping chickens who didnt meet the minimum lot size requirement.

Carlisle resident Traer Beaudette said she was denied a permit last year because she didnt meet the 60-foot separation distance requirement.

I just so appreciate the borough looking at this because you cant turn on the news now without thinking about food sources and just being sustainable, so this is great that our community is looking at this, she said. Im very excited about that.

Woolston said he conducted a spot check analysis on portions of the borough that determined the potential changes could improve the chicken keeping in the borough.

Borough code states that residents may keep a maximum of four chickens  none of them a rooster  coops or shelters must be fully enclosed with wire mesh. Carlisle does not permit free ranging chickens.

There seems to be some sense from the scientific community and bureaucrats that keeping wild birds from chickens has some merit, Woolston said. Migratory birds sometimes carry disease, they come around and interact with the chickens and if the chickens catch the disease then they sort of enter the food web, thus spreading disease.

Landis said additional aspects of chicken-keeping regulations could be examined in the future, but these recommendations seem to address what has prevented residents interested in having chickens from legally obtaining them.

However, Carlisle residents shouldnt count their chickens before theyve hatched; Borough Manager Susan Armstrong said the changes to the boroughs chicken-keeping ordinances will likely be considered in April.

2023 #APhotoADay in Cumberland County
ABINGTON TWP., Pa.  A man wanted on robbery and kidnapping charges stemming from an incident at a convenience store in Berks County is in custody.

Rodney Moyer, 45, was arrested Tuesday in Abington Township, Montgomery County, on charges related to another incident there, according to the police.

Moyer was taken into custody by the Abington police after he allegedly tried to rob four people in the span of 10 minutes on March 7. The incidents happened within a one-block radius, and all involved Moyer stating he had a gun and then demanding money from the victim, police said.

Abington Det. Lt. Steve Fink said Moyer did not actually have a gun but kept a hand in his pocket as if to conceal a weapon. He's currently behind bars in the Montgomery County Correctional Facility on $75,000 bail.

Police have not said when Moyer will be returned to Berks County for arraignment on charges in the Colebrookdale robbery and kidnapping, which took place in Feb. 27.

"He was arrested on new charges with that department (Abington), and then, of course, our warrant will be dealt with as a result of that," said Eastern Berks Regional Police Chief Barry Leatherman.

In the Berks County incident, authorities said Moyer approached a 29-year-old man at the Circle K in the 1200 block of Montgomery Avenue in Colebrookdale Township in the early morning hours of Feb. 27.

Moyer threatened the victim, the police said, by claiming to have a gun, and forced him to withdraw money from an ATM. That's when the police said Moyer ordered the victim to drive him to the Philadelphia area, forcing the man to stop at another ATM along the way to withdraw more cash.

At one point during the drive, while stopped in traffic, the police said Moyer got out of the car and walked away. The victim contacted police soon after.

Police said they did not know if Moyer actually had a gun at that time.

"Our department was contacted, and our detective has been in contact with them (Abington police), and is working on arrangements to see him at Montgomery County prison regarding our investigation that's ongoing," Leatherman said.

Moyer is charged with robbery, terroristic threats and other offenses in Montgomery County, while he faces charges of robbery, kidnapping, false imprisonment and related offenses in Berks County.

Moyer's next court appearance is scheduled for March 21.
L. MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. - We're learning more about the evidence police have in the case of a Lower Macungie man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend with a homemade air gun.

On Wednesday, police described what they recovered at homes belonging to the parents of Josef Raszler, as well as text messages they got off his phone. Those are going to end up being important in a possible conviction, because there is no DNA, no fingerprints, no video, and no eyewitness linking Raszler to the crime.

The prosecution is relying on what is known as circumstantial evidence, showing he had the motive, ability, and opportunity to carry out the shooting.

On Wednesday, Criminal Intelligence Analyst Ashley Lovett detailed thousands of text messages on the stand, exchanged between Raszler and Stephanie Roof starting in April of 2015, the month Roof ended their romantic relationship. They show Roof becoming more concerned about his behavior, to the point she simply stops responding in July of that year.

After that, Raszler ends up sending a total of 253 texts without a response, many of them calling her foul names. Roof finally sends one last text in October of 2015, saying "you need help and I sincerely hope you seek it." Raszler sends her 18 more texts, then their communication stops until she is finally killed in the driveway of her Lower Macungie Township home in September of 2016.

In testimony, State Police Cpl. Suzanne Creelman explained how she found a Valentine's Day card in Raszler's bedside table after Roof's death, with the words "I love you Steph" written in his handwriting. That may show Raszler was still obsessed with Roof, even after he had stopped texting her.

Creelman also documented bullets she found outside Raszler's parents' cabin in Schuylkill County that look very similar to the bullet that killed Roof. Neighbors in that area said they heard a sound like air being released rapidly the weekend before Roof's death, and there was a makeshift target set up in the backyard, but no one ever saw Raszler at the cabin.

Another significant part of this case is police never recovered the murder weapon. They had to make the air gun out of parts they found in Raszler's parents' home. The officer in charge of that reconstruction is expected to testify.

From opening statements, Raszler's attorney also led us to believe Raszler himself might take the stand in his own defense. So a lot of significant testimony is still ahead in this case.
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Police in Bethlehem are warning residents about mail thefts in the city reported over the last three weeks.

Police say mail stolen from USPS mailboxes typically includes checks, which are then altered and cashed.

Residents are advised to avoid placing mail containing checks in outdoor mailboxes, especially if the last pick-up for the day has already happened and the mail is likely to remain in the box overnight.

Police say residents should take any mail containing checks to a USPS office and send it from the service window or deposit it in the mailbox inside the building. Residents should consider electronic methods of submitting payments whenever possible, police say.

Any resident who becomes the victim of a mail theft or altered/forged check should report the offense to the police as possible. Residents are also asked to report suspicious or unusual behavior they observe at USPS mailboxes.
Geodis Logistics of Lehigh County has notified Pennsylvania that it will lay off 107 workers.



In a notice filed with the state's Department of Labor and Industry, Geodis said the layoffs will be effective as of July 31. The notice identifies Geodis as operating in Kutztown, Berks County, but the 9750 Commerce Circle address listed is in Weisenberg Township, Lehigh County, near the county line.



Geodis also has operations in Breinigsville and Bethlehem Township, according to its website.



Geodis is a transportation, logistics and supply-chain management company, according to its website. The French company operates in almost 170 countries, according to its website, and has more than 44,000 employees.



Its revenue in 2022 was 13.7 billion euros, about $14.4 billion at Wednesday's exchange rate.



"Although uncertainties remain in 2023, we remain confident in GEODIS's growth prospects," Geodis Chief Executive Officer Marie-Christine Lombard said in a company statement in February.



The so-called WARN notice stands for Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act. It is required by federal law to give workers and communities of certain businesses notice of closings and mass layoffs.
BUCKINGHAM TWP., Pa. - A Bucks County teacher is charged with attempting to meet someone he believed to be a juvenile, reports the District Attorney's Office.

A media release says the sexual encounter was intended to happen at a Buckingham Township park.

Police say Steven Struzinski, 42, of Plumstead Township, was charged with criminal attempt to commit involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and criminal attempt to commit unlawful contact with a minor.

Struzinski is a high school teacher in the Council Rock School District, officials say. According to police reports, the investigation began on March 1, 2023, when an individual went to police to file a police report regarding a male who had engaged in unlawful contact with a minor.

The witness told officials that from May 20 to May 23 he had been posing as a 13-year-old boy and had engaged in a texting relationship with an adult male, later identified as Struzinski. The witness said he first met Struzinski on a social media dating app where he told Struzinski that he was 13 years old.

According to a criminal complaint, the accused arranged to meet the boy at George Bush Park in Buckingham Township.

The report continues to say a witness took a photo of the vehicle Struzinski was driving and its license plate, and Struzinski fled the park. Police confirmed that the license plate is registered to Struzinski.

This case was investigated by the Buckingham Township Police Department. Struzinski was taken to Bucks County Correctional Facility under $250,000 bail, 10 percent.
Commissioner Jean Foschi expressed outrage Wednesday that years of flat funding by the state has put Cumberland County in a crisis mode with a projected $2.5 million deficit in its mental health system budget.

We are an instrument, sometimes unfortunately, of state government, she said. This is not one of the things where we should be saying You cant have that.

She was responding to news by county Mental Health Director Annie Strite that the lack of sustainable state funds combined with increased costs of providing services may force the commissioners to authorize program cuts to balance the budget.

This is very disconcerting, Foschi said. One of the things we do in this county is to serve people. A lack of service to so many people I think would be catastrophic. I call this a legacy issue. We need to have a conversation with our state delegation.

During a finance meeting Wednesday, Strite outlined a multistep strategy to mitigate as much as possible the impact of a fiscal crisis that already undercuts the efficiency of programs, stretches staff to the limit and has a negative ripple effect on such other county departments as the prison, public safety, juvenile program and Children & Youth Services.

We have been talking about struggling to meet the needs of our community and dealing with very tight funding, Strite said. This year, we are facing the biggest proposed deficit that weve ever seen. We believe that, by the end of the fiscal year on June 30, we will have a deficit of $2.5 million.

Strite said the mental health department has formed a stakeholder group of service providers and recipients tasked with taking a close look at the budget in the lead-up to preparing recommendations for county commissioners to consider.

The department plans to hold town hall meetings to gather input from residents, Strite said. We are interested in hearing success stories from people who are happy about the service, as well as people who struggle and some of the barriers because, ultimately, thats what gets peoples attention.

We are reaching out to state-level decision makers, she said. Our hope is to meet with local legislators to talk to them about the needs in our community. We have people willing to share their stories about the struggles they are experiencing.

The result will likely be a follow-up meeting with the commissioners timed in such a way that the department could notify service providers in advance of potential program cuts.

Strite drew support Wednesday from other county departments struggling with the ripple effect of the strain on service availability.

Necole McElwee, administrator of county Children & Youth Services, said fiscal pressures on the mental health department have made it difficult for families to access the help they need. As a result, there has been an increase in the caseload referred to her agency.

Director of Public Safety Bob Shively said his department tracks the number of 911 calls that are tied to mental health issues. We are seeing about a 30% increase over the last three to four years, he told commissioners.

Travis Shenk, warden of the Cumberland County Prison, said that as part of the intake process, each inmate undergoes a medical assessment that includes a mental health evaluation. In recent years, the prison has seen an increase in the percent of inmates with serious mental health issues.

In making its case, Cumberland County needs to spell out to state officials the full impact that level funding is having on services, Foschi said.

On Tuesday, Gov. Josh Shapiro presented his first state budget outlining a number of proposals that include $20 million more in mental health funding to Pennsylvanias 67 counties.

Under the current formula, it doesnt sound like a lot, Cumberland County Commissioner Vince DiFilippo said Wednesday. I would agree, Strite said, adding that, in 2022, then-Gov. Tom Wolf proposed a $36 million increase that ultimately fell through.

Commissioner Gary Eichelberger expressed appreciation for all the staff involved in meeting the challenge. Everybody is to be commended for their all-hands-on-board approach to dealing with what amounts to be a crisis, he said.

Eichelberger referred to a Pennsylvania map that shows that while some counties to the north and west are losing population, other counties to the south and east are growing in population. The map indicated that the growth rate for Cumberland County is about 10.2%, making it the fastest growing county in the state.

Its a fundamental question of what is their fair share, Eichelberger said, describing issues he has with the state formula used to distribute mental health funds to counties.

Why dont we have a flexible system that allows money to flow to where the need is? Eichelberger asked Strite, who agreed with him.

We believe the formula needs to be reassessed and reevaluated simply because we dont think it has been looked at for many years, Strite said.

Photos: Community CARES Coldest Night of the Year Walk
Frances Mayli McCann and Jordan Luke Gage in Bonnie and Clyde

( The Other Richard)

First seen as a full UK production in the intimate confines of the Arts Theatre (350 seats), Bonnie and Clyde, the musical about the famous Great Depression outlaws Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, now leaps 100 metres down Charing Cross Road to the much more roomy Garrick Theatre (730 seats). It is a smart move, emulating the likes of fan favourite Six, which also leapt up in scale after initial and well-received seasons.

You can tell the creative team are revelling in the new abundance of space  designer Philip Whitcomb has adorned a larger canvas with flown-in scenery, while video designer Nina Dunn plasters the set with a combination of historical photos and evocative scene dressing.

With Amelie and now Bonnie and Clyde, its fascinating how British creative teams can revivify Broadway duds (Bonnie and Clyde managed a total of 33 previews and 36 regular performances on the Great White Way) and make them solid hits. Bagging the WhatsOnStage Award for Best New Musical a few weeks back, its easy to see where Bonnie and Clyde gets it right  punchy, crowd-pleasing tunes that can be launched to the back of the royal circle by some titanic voices.

Chief amongst those voices are returning stars Jordan Luke Gage and Frances Mayli McCann (McCann appeared opposite Jeremy Jordan when the piece played in semi-concert format at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in early 2022). Gage makes each of his solo numbers look easy  Raise A Little Hell (and probably a bit of roof) being a highlight.

McCann, for her part, is note-perfect as Bonnie  her act two number Dyin Aint So Bad delivered with panache and well-assessed melancholy. New faces on the scene include the ever-comedic Jodie Steele as Clydes exasperated sister-in-law Blanche, while Dom Hartley-Harris gives a dependably rousing turn as the Preacher.

Book writer Ivan Menchell has not only picked a fascinating pair of historical oddities to act as his central characters, but also a richly textured period to play with. A bedfellow to the likes of Assassins, Bonnie and Clyde interrogates the American Dream in a world where dreams are being stripped apart by poverty. Its interesting how both Bonnie, pining to be a movie star, and Clyde, dreaming of being famous, take the pioneering rhetoric of independence and aspiration-seizing and apply them to reckless lawlessness.

At the same time, aided by numbers like Gods Arms Are Always Open, a sense of religious fervour underpins the piece. By the end, both Bonnie and Clyde seem almost nihilistically aethistic in their acceptance of their fate: Gods good earth is all dried up  its dead! Bonnie exclaims. To the duo, living in a time of economic deprivation, God has turned his back on those who, only a few decades earlier, were basking in prosperity.

While thematically richer than most musicals, Menchells plot lines are slightly meandering, though director Nick Winston whips up a sharp pace that cracks through the tragic twosomes murderous time, never unnecessarily alighting. It means the show zips by faster than a 1934 Ford Model 40 B Fordor Deluxe sedan  high-octane musical thrills served by a top-notch company.
The show previously played in New York

Eddie Izzard

( Carol Rosegg)

Eddie Izzard will bring her one-woman version of Great Expectations to the West End stage this summer.

Izzard's piece, which sees the performer tackle 19 of Charles Dickens' characters solo, will run for a limited 6 week season at the Garrick Theatre.

The show, adapted from Dickens by Mark Izzard, was previously seen in New York in late 2022, where it picked up glowing reviews from critics.

The piece is inspired by Izzard's revelation that she is exactly 150 years younger than Dickens  and her experiences with dyslexia. It is directed by Selina Cadell, who said today: I find the combination of Eddie Izzards idiosyncratic wit and Charles Dickens ingenious storytelling irresistible and am looking forward to sharing it with UK audiences."

In our sibling site TheaterMania's review, they said: "...Is this show funny? It sure is. Izzard, known for her stand-up routines and specials, relentlessly teases out the script's humor and gets the audience laughing in the most unexpected places. Just watch her eyes widen with Norma Desmond intensity as she speaks to Pip, and then try to repress your delight. Miss Havisham never looked so good."

The show runs from 24 May to 1 July at the Garrick.
The land-sea freight train of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor heading for Indonesia waits to depart in China's southwestern Chongqing, April 26, 2019. [Photo by Liu Chan/Xinhua] Concerted efforts should be made to advance the development of China-Europe railway distribution hubs, in order to better share resources, cut costs and improve efficiency, a political advisor said recently. Gao Lin, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said that developing distribution hubs for China-Europe freight railway services will help coordinate infrastructure resources such as logistics channels and overseas warehouses, and improve the efficiency of transportation. Chongqing is one of five major China-Europe railway distribution hubs in China, according to a plan released by the National Development and Reform Commission in 2020. Since 2011, when the first China-Europe freight train departed from Chongqing and headed to Duisburg, Germany, the service has expanded rapidly and become a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), said Gao, who is also the deputy chief of Chongqing's Yuzhong district and a member ofthe China Association for Promoting Democracy. However, Gao pointed out in her proposal that as more cities start to operate China-Europe freight trains, intensive competition has been emerging in terms of types of goods, railway resources and transportation prices. In addition, some creative steps piloted by major distribution hubs to facilitate China-Europe rail may involve multiple stakeholders and complicated processes, which makes them difficult to replicate in other parts of China, leading to low efficiency of its market-oriented operation, she added. In response to such problems, Gao stressed the importance of building platforms for information sharing and coordinating trains running between cities. In terms of expanding overseas markets, Gao suggested upgrading domestic sections of the railway and key ports along the China-Europe railway express. She also called on the government to step up efforts to promote the expansion of freight train lines to connect the Yangtze River Economic Belt and new land-sea transit routes for China's western regions, as well as expanding new transportation corridors into countries such as Laos and Vietnam. Looking ahead, Gao noted that key logistics hubs should work together to pursue digital and smart development of China-Europe freight trains, and jointly explore innovations in the integration of freight and trade, and the development of overseas warehouses.
HARRISBURG  Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiros nominees for attorney general and state police commissioner won unanimous approval from Pennsylvanias Republican-controlled Senate on Wednesday, a smooth landing for his top two public safety appointees.

Michelle Henry, a career prosecutor from Bucks County and a top deputy at the attorney generals office, will fill the last two years of Shapiros elected four-year term as attorney general.

Col. Christopher Paris, a lawyer and career state police trooper, has been tapped to lead one of the nations largest law enforcement agencies.

Henry, 54, worked closely alongside Shapiro for all six years while he served as attorney general before he tapped her to succeed him when he was sworn in as governor in January.

Henry told a state Senate committee that she does not plan to run for the office when voters select a new attorney general in the 2024 general election.

As an assistant district attorney in Bucks County, Henry handled some of the countys highest-profile crimes, including murder cases.

In 2016, she took on the role of lead prosecutor in Montgomery County when the district attorneys office there successfully tried then-Attorney General Kathleen Kane on charges of leaking protected investigative information and lying about it under oath.

Paris, 46, rose through the ranks of the state police in northeastern Pennsylvania to become one of four area operations commanders.

In 2014, Paris was in charge of the Blooming Grove barracks when a man, Eric Frein, shot and killed Cpl. Bryon Dickson and wounded Trooper Alex Douglass. Frein was captured after a 48-day manhunt across northeastern Pennsylvania, convicted and sentenced to death.

With about 4,740 troopers, 1,720 civilian employees and a $1.5 billion budget, the Pennsylvania State Police is also one of the largest agencies in state government.

Troopers patrol 44,000 miles of highway and are the primary police protection for about a quarter of the states population. The agency also provides lab services, emergency response, helicopters and bomb squad expertise to local police departments.

Paris replaced Col. Robert Evanchick, a career state police trooper picked in 2018 by then-Gov. Tom Wolf to head the police force.
A Wednesday afternoon crash in Monroe Township left one person injured and started a house fire.

New Kingstown Fire Company members responded to the scene at 2:37 p.m. and CBS 21 reported the crash occurred in the 900 block of Park Place.

Local photographer Curt Werner said the vehicle struck a utility pole and live wires started a fire at a nearby home.

New Kingstown Fire Company officials said crews were limited at the scene with what they could do because of the live power lines and had to wait until power company crews could ensure that power in the area was safely disconnected.

Monroe Township fire officials said the driver of the vehicle, whom they did not identify, was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Despite the urgency of the incident and an active fire, all crews at scene functioned under the established command structure which resulted in a safe and effective operation, New Kingstown Fire Chief Curt Hall said.

Werner said several local fire companies, fire police, EMS and Pennsylvania State Police responded, and New Kingstown fire officials said crews remained on the scene for nearly two hours.
In campaign stops across the state and in media interviews, conservative Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Dan Kelly has consistently emphasized his devotion to the state Constitution.

After qualifying for the April 4 election in last months primary, Kelly praised voters who reaffirmed the centrality of the Constitution to the work of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. In a 10-minute speech before the Wisconsin Counties Association Legislative Conference on Wednesday, he used the word Constitution or constitutional 14 times.

Referencing liberal opponent Janet Protasiewiczs repeated references to personal values, Kelly said later that he had no doubt that (voters are) going to come out in droves to protect the Constitution, because they know thats what protects the liberties that they treasure so much.

But some conservatives worry Kellys broad appeals to the Constitution may not be a winning strategy.

Its very difficult to imagine voters keying in so strongly on the notion of protecting the Constitution because its relatively esoteric, longtime Republican strategist Brandon Scholz said. Voters respond to issues, whether theyre for or against. But something like defending the Constitution is almost nebulous.

Its even more abstract for voters considering most probably dont know much about the state Constitution, Scholz said. They might know the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, but who knows the Wisconsin Constitution?

Kellys focus on defending the Constitution compared with Protasiewiczs concentration on specific issues makes Kellys challenge even tougher, and it makes Protasiewiczs challenge even easier, Scholz said.

Theres no public polling to show whether Kellys messaging prioritizing the Constitution is working, said Bill McCoshen, a Republican operative who had supported and given conservative candidate Jennifer Dorow advice during the primary.

But I dont think its a broad enough message, he said. The people who are hardcore supporters of the Constitution are already with Kelly. So hes not broadening his base.

Kellys strategy would be more effective if he talked more about Protasiewiczs embrace of issues such as abortion and redistricting and less about the state Constitution, McCoshen said.

Given what I know from our own research about the different sorts of democratic attitudes Wisconsinites hold, talking about the Constitution and ones fidelity to it probably feels good to most people, said UW-Madison journalism professor Mike Wagner, who studies political communication. But its probably not at the top of their list when theyre making a decision about who they want to be a Supreme Court judge.

Campaign spokesperson Jim Dick dismissed such concerns, adding there was an obvious reason for Kelly to focus on the states charter: The Constitution is the center of our judicial system, not something to be cast aside in favor of ones personal political ambitions.

He also criticized what he said was Protasiewiczs political ploy of hinting at how she would rule on cases, even if she wont say so outright.

In response, Protasiewicz spokesperson Sam Roecker said while she was a prosecutor and judge for decades following the Constitution, Dan Kelly has been a partisan extremist, picking and choosing what parts of the Constitution hed like to follow.

Roecker did not clarify what parts of the Constitution he alleged Kelly didnt follow.

Kellys strategy has two likely purposes, UW-Madison political science professor Barry Burden said.

Its a kind of general way to convey that youre serious about following the Constitution and enforcing the law and not overstepping the boundaries of your institution, Burden said. But its also kind of a nod to conservative activists  that my philosophy is like yours.

Kelly has been far less willing than Protasiewicz to discuss specific issues such as abortion and redistricting. He says thats because the race shouldnt be about political issues. But the resulting difference in the candidates messages is largely in line with how liberals and conservatives typically run campaigns.

Republicans do best in races when they make appeals to broad values, such as defending liberty, while Democrats do better when they discuss the specific changes they want to see in government, according to Michigan State University political science professor Matt Grossman and Boston College associate political science professor David Hopkins, who together wrote the book Asymmetric Politics: Ideological Republicans and Group Interest Democrats.

Abortion, crime

Which kind of messaging engages voters most depends on how the public perceives the race. As it stands, abortion is and will remain a top concern for Wisconsinites on both sides of the debate, Burden said.

After the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade last year, Wisconsins moribund 1849 near-total ban on abortion has come back into play. Opponents are challenging the law in a case that will likely be decided by the state high court.

Eighty-four percent of registered voters in Wisconsin favor abortion exceptions for rape and incest, which arent included in the current ban, according to a Marquette Law School Poll from November. And only 37% of Wisconsinites favored overturning Roe v. Wade.

Crime has also become issue in the race, with conservatives going after Protasiewicz over instances where they say she was lenient on defendants. But Protasiewicz has also emphasized public safety in her ads, accusing Kelly of being soft on crime and saying he defended child sex predators in court.

Protasiewiczs crime message, Burden said, does put Kelly on the defense on an issue where he should probably have the greatest strength. So if hes having to explain or backpedal a little in that area, hes going to have real, real difficulty confronting her on the issues where she might be advantaged.

With Protasiewicz largely defining the stakes of the race and liberals making up the majority of primary voters, Kelly and conservatives have the incentive to release more hard-hitting ads and take a more aggressive position toward Protasiewicz, Burden said.

But conservatives didnt run any TV ads promoting Kelly in the first week after the primary. A conservative group since put down $1 million to boost Kelly, but thats a small fraction compared with the $7 million liberals have reserved, as of last week, in ads between the primary and general election.

This is really kind of a key point in time in the general election where conservatives have to step forward if they want to keep the seat, Scholz said.
St. John's Lutheran Church, 624 East St., Baraboo, will host the Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary concert at 5 p.m. Saturday. A potluck supper follows at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, provided by the membership and served by the choir. The event is free to the public.
Camp Wawbeek on the outskirts of Wisconsin Dells received a donation for a water system upgrade on March 2.

According to a release from Easterseals Wisconsin, which operates Camp Wawbeek, the Blackhawk Wawbeek Foundation donated $42,500 to the camp to help replace the facilitys main waterline. The waterline, which will cost a total of $85,000 to replace, provides the camps drinking water and is crucial for sanitation, food preparation, hygiene care, nursing station needs, and for the swimming pool.

The current waterlines that we have that feed the water from the well pump to most of camp are just really old, said Alex Peters, the camps Director of Camp and Respite Services. It needs to be drained, which causes rust and for the pipes to corrode.

Peters added that the system, which operates during the spring and summer months, sustains leaks and pipe bursts upon its reactivation following the winter. He said the new system will be essential for the services the camp provides, including a kitchen that cooks for nearly 100 people at times.

Rust from the previous pipes would also get into showerheads and leave residue on sinks and toilets, causing the camp to have to frequently replace such items, according to Peters. He said that the project will pay dividends with regard to financial and labor commitments.

New lines will be installed using polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which will eliminate rusting issues as well as provide cleaner water to campers and staff. The elimination of rust issues will in turn eliminate the costs of replacing toilets and sinks damaged by rust in water.

Its just kind of a mess every spring, said Peters. We have a plumber who is rebuilding a new line that will feed all of Camp Wawbeek except for the two buildings that will be open year-round.

The new pipes will be installed in the rear of the buildings serviced just below the surface of the ground which will allow for easier maintenance and replacement. Peters said the old pipes were located under concrete surfaces, which caused the camp to have to repave an area of a parking lot following a main break in 2022.

Its not showy, pretty, or fun, but replacement of the water system is critically necessary, said Robin Buerki, the President of the foundation, in the release. Donations for the project can be made through the Easterseals Wisconsin website.

Buerki also encouraged donations to Camp Wawbeek to help raise the remaining $42,500 for the project. BWF, along with descendants of the Upham family, which donated the camp to Easterseals Wisconsin, all contributed to the donation.

We wont have to have as many breaks or rust in the water, and all the issues that we had been seeing, said Peters.

BWF has a long-standing history with Camp Wawbeek, according to Peters. He said that Buerki frequently spends time at the camp volunteering, particularly with maintenance duties such as painting and brush clearing.

Easterseals Wisconsin is a charitable organization that provides programs for people with disabilities including vocational rehabilitation, respite services, camping and recreation, information and referral, and public education, according to the website.
Missouri lawmakers gave initial approval Tuesday to a bill aimed at allowing students to transfer out of their home school district, called "open enrollment," adding a pair of amendments limiting its scope.

Despite their represented school boards of education passing resolutions opposing open enrollment in recent weeks, 116th Dist. Rep. Dale Wright, R-Farmington and 117th Dist. Rep. Mike Henderson, R-Bonne Terre  a retired public-school administrator for North County R-1 School District  voted in favor of open enrollment.

The bill was approved Tuesday with 82 legislators voting in support  the exact number needed to reach a majority. Only one Democrat supported the measure, St. Louis Democrat Ian Mackey, and 24 Republicans were among the 67 no votes.

The House must approve the bill one more time before it is sent to the Senate.

Rep. Bill Pollitt, R-Sedalia, has tried to pass similar legislation for the last two years, falling short in 2022 when the House passed it but the Senate failed to take up his proposal.

Pollitt has attempted to pass the bill the past two legislative sessions. His bill last year passed the House 85-66, but the Senate didnt vote on it.

Its hard to understand the issues our public schools face each and every day, Pollitt said during Tuesdays debate. That being said, I think its imperative that we continue to work to improve and offer more choices, and I believe open enrollment is a step in the right direction for education reform.

Youre hearing things like it forces districts to compete against each other, he continued. I believe this country is built on competition. Why should any school district in the state that is funded by part of taxpayer dollars be afraid of a competitive program?

The bill would limit students to districts who have opted into the program.

An amendment offered by Rep. John Black, R-Webster permanently limited the portion of students who can transfer out of a school district to 3%. The original legislation had a temporary 4% cap that would have been removed after four years.

Rep. Justin Hicks, R-Lake St. Louis, proposed an amendment to bar race-based quotas from impacting open enrollment.

I believe what this amendment does altogether is ensure that open enrollment is open to all students, he said. Its not its not based on race, ethnicity, national origin or anything like that.

The original legislation has exemptions for desegregation plans and districts diversity plan, but Hicks amendment cuts that language.

Rep. Paula Brown, D-Hazelwood, asked Hicks if he had considered whether the amendment would lead to some school districts becoming segregated.

It ensures that it doesnt matter what race you are.. in determining which individual goes, he said.

The House passed Hicks amendment 107-46 along party lines, with Rep. Gary Bonacker, R-House Springs, just voting present.

Rep. Maggie Nurrenbern, D-Kansas City, asked Pollitt: Does open enrollment improve student achievement?

He said he had been waiting for that question and has seen different reports online, some noting improvement, others not.

Multiple lawmakers Tuesday questioned one of the bills provisions regarding special education services.

The bill does not require receiving districts to accommodate students with existing learning disabilities if it does not have the staff to provide the needed services. Some lawmakers criticized the legislation for discriminating against disabled students.

Which school district would be responsible to ensure that a child receives an appropriate education? Rep. Sarah Unsicker, D-Shrewsbury, asked Pollitt.

He read from his bill stating that schools do not need to hire more staff or create a program to accommodate disabled students.

Basically a school can reject a child based on their disabilities, is that correct? Unsicker asked.

They can reject a child if they dont have staff or a program in place, Pollitt said.

He said if a child enrolls in a nonresident school district and later requires special education services, the nonresident district would be responsible for providing those accommodations.

Unsicker said the bill does not state which district, the resident district or the one a student chooses to enroll in, is responsible for testing the child for learning disabilities.

Pollitt later said that provision was based on a Wisconsin court case.

Rep. Jamie Johnson, D-Kansas City, questioned whether local funding would follow a student into their new district. She thought only federal and state money would transfer, creating a gap in funding.

Pollitt said local funding does not transfer.

Is it possible that my district paid by my tax dollars will be spread thinner by the larger number of students? Johnson asked.

Possibly, Pollitt answered, adding that districts opt into the program to receive students.

This is an educational shell game to dismantle public education, Johnson said. And if youve ever played fair games, you know that everyone loses.

As first reported by the Springfield News-Leader, school boards statewide have signed resolutions opposing the bill.

The legislation does not allow students to transfer into charter schools.
BEIJING, March 8 (Xinhua)  About 10 years ago, while expounding on China's views on international affairs at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for forging a community with a shared future for mankind, where each person has a stake in the other.

Since then, the concept has evolved into a vision with global significance, and been recognized by more and more countries and international organizations.

China will promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, promote greater democracy in international relations, and make global governance more just and equitable, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang said Tuesday at a press conference held on the sidelines of the annual session of the National People's Congress.

China will offer more, better Chinese insight and solutions to help meet humanity's common challenges, he added.

Click the photo and watch the video.

An Inspiring Idea

As Xi once elaborated, "to build a community with a shared future for mankind is not to replace one system or civilization with another. Instead, it is about countries with different social systems, ideologies, histories, cultures and levels of development coming together for shared interests, shared rights and shared responsibilities in global affairs, and creating the greatest synergy for building a better world."

There is a "very fundamental difference" between Xi's vision of a shared future, which emphasizes understanding and shared institution-building, and the prevailing U.S. idea of building a future through competition, Jack Midgley, principal of the global consultancy Midgley & Company, told media.

"When Xi says shared future, that's a future that includes everybody and where everyone's interests have to be taken into account. We have to find a way to build a shared future together, or there won't be a future at all," said Midgley, who is also an adjunct associate professor on security studies at Georgetown University.

Chinese tourists interact with Maasai performers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya, Feb. 11, 2023. [Xinhua/Han Xu]

In September last year, former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda published his new book Collected Works of Yasuo Fukuda: Pursuing World Peace, the keyword of which, Fukuda told Xinhua, is a community with a shared future for mankind.

Fukuda said he fully agrees with China's vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, arguing that if one country is doing well only by itself when its neighbors are not, the imbalance will lead to conflicts that will then backfire on itself.

For B. R. Deepak, chairperson of the Center of Chinese and Southeast Asian Studies at the New Delhi-based Jawaharlal Nehru University, the vision largely reflects the core values of China's traditional culture such as harmony and equality.

It could be considered as an outcome of China's dialogue and mutual learning with other civilizations in the course of history, he said.

Walk the Talk

China has not only been advocating a community with a shared future for mankind, but also put it into practice. The burgeoning Belt and Road cooperation shows how China translates its words into deeds, and how the concept helps change the world.

This aerial photo taken on Nov. 23, 2022 shows a Fuxing bullet train running on the Yuanjiang bridge of the China-Laos Railway in southwest China's Yunnan Province. [Xinhua/Hu Chao]

Since its operation in December 2021, the China-Laos Railway, a flagship Belt and Road cooperation project, has brought great benefits to the Lao people and opened up a new path for Laos' development and prosperity.

"Laos and China joined hands to build the railway, develop and deepen our friendship, and also developed our economy in Laos, especially cargo transportation," said Pansay Yiayengva, a conductor at Vientiane Station of the railway.

Sharing her working experience, she mentioned that her career has changed her life and made her a mature and responsible person. "I am very satisfied and proud to work here."

In addition to providing jobs for local residents, the construction and operation of the China-Laos Railway has also increased the fiscal and tax revenue of the Lao government.

Meanwhile, thanks to railway transportation, such sectors as mining, agriculture, tourism, logistics, commerce, hotels and real estate in Laos have bloomed.

Over the past decade, the Belt and Road has galvanized nearly 1 trillion U.S. dollars of investment, established more than 3,000 cooperation projects, created 420,000 local jobs, and helped lift almost 40 million people out of poverty, said the Chinese foreign ministry on Tuesday.

Belt and Road projects have demonstrated how effective cooperation can transform the concept of "building a community with a shared future for mankind" into practical reality, said Almas Chukin, a prominent Kazakh economist.

When it comes to safeguarding global peace, China has also upheld the spirit of building a community with a shared future for mankind. Committed to promoting a new type of international relations, China has been deepening and expanding global partnerships based on equality, openness, and cooperation.

China is a major troop contributor and the second-largest financial contributor to UN peacekeeping operations, and has set up an 8,000-strong peacekeeping standby force.

Last year, China proposed the Global Security Initiative, which advocates a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, follows the philosophy that humanity is an indivisible security community, and aims to create a new path to security that features dialogue over confrontation, partnership over alliance and win-win over zero-sum.

Way out of the Mire

With the world beset with such grave challenges as a sluggish economic recovery, surging isolationism, rising hegemonism and flare-ups of geopolitical conflicts, the international community is eagerly exploring the way forward.

"Humanity should overcome difficulties in solidarity and pursue common development in harmony," Xi offered China's solution to the problems at a conference marking the 50th anniversary of the restoration of the lawful seat of the People's Republic of China in the United Nations.

Bearing in mind that "no person or country can thrive in isolation," China has been championing an open economy and promoting a more balanced, inclusive and sustainable growth, thus enabling the world to share in its development opportunities. It has rolled out such cooperation platforms as the China International Import Expo (CIIE) and put forward the Global Development Initiative (GDI).

At the fifth edition of the CIIE, tentative deals worth a total of 73.52 billion dollars were reached for one-year purchases of goods and services. Drawing a blueprint for a more inclusive development of the world, the GDI has won international recognition. More than 100 countries and a number of international organizations, including the United Nations, have committed support to the GDI, and close to 70 countries have joined the Group of Friends of the GDI.

Meanwhile, China has delivered global public goods where needed. To narrow the "immunization gap" exposed in the pandemic, China and other BRICS countries inaugurated a vaccine research and development center to make vaccines accessible and affordable for developing countries.

Click the photo and watch the video.

In particular, China actively responds to the calls and concerns of the poverty-stricken countries which bear the brunt in the aftershock of the global pandemic and economic downturn. For example, China is helping many African countries, such as Mozambique, develop modern agriculture with the help of the China-developed BeiDou Navigation Satellite System and unmanned equipment.

Building a sense of a shared future is important for the world to avoid fragmentation and address challenges, former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama said.

The Belt and Road is an important path toward materializing this vision, Hatoyama said, adding that the initiative will help promote regional economic development and exchanges between countries, thereby preventing disputes effectively.

"The global future of the human species ... is an issue which commands the attention of people everywhere in the world. There are so many things that need to be done. So China can take the lead on that," Martin Albrow, a fellow of the British Academy of Social Sciences, told Xinhua.

(Source: Xinhua)
CIUDAD VICTORIA, Mexico (AP)  A letter claiming to be from the Mexican drug cartel blamed for abducting four Americans and killing two of them condemned the violence and said the gang turned over to authorities its own members who were responsible.

In a letter obtained by The Associated Press through a Tamaulipas state law enforcement source, the Scorpions faction of the Gulf cartel apologized to the residents of Matamoros where the Americans were kidnapped, the Mexican woman who died in the shooting, and the four Americans and their families.

Drug cartels have been known to issue communiques to intimidate rivals and authorities, but also at times like these to do some public relations work to try to smooth over situations that could affect their business.

We have decided to turn over those who were directly involved and responsible in the events, who at all times acted under their own decision-making and lack of discipline," the letter reads, adding that those individuals had gone against the cartel's rules, which include "respecting the life and well-being of the innocent.

A photograph of five men face down on the pavement and bound accompanied the letter, which was shared with The Associated Press by the source on condition that they remain anonymous because they were not authorized to share the document.

State officials did not immediately publicly confirm having new suspects in custody.

A separate state security official said that five men had been found tied up inside one of the vehicles that authorities had been searching for, along with the letter. That official also spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the case.

Last Friday, four Americans crossed into Matamoros from Texas so that one of them could have cosmetic surgery. Around midday they were fired on in downtown Matamoros and then loaded into a pickup truck.

Another friend, who remained in Brownsville, had called police after being unable to reach the group that crossed the border Friday morning.

Brownsville Police Department spokesman Martin Sandoval said Thursday that officers followed protocol by checking local hospitals and jails after receiving the report of the missing people. A detective was assigned to the case within the hour and then alerted the FBI after realizing the people had crossed into Mexico. Shortly after, the FBI took over the case as social media videos began to show a shootout with the victims matching the description of the missing people.

Authorities located them Tuesday morning on the outskirts of the city, guarded by a man who was arrested. Two of the Americans were dead, one was wounded and the other was unharmed.

Also Thursday, the Tamaulipas state prosecutor's office said it had seized an ambulance and a medical clinic in Matamoros that were allegedly used to provide treatment to the Americans after the shooting.

The Americans told investigators they were taken to the clinic in an ambulance to receive first aid, the statement said. By reviewing police surveillance video around the city, authorities were able to identify the ambulance and find the clinic. No arrests were made at the clinic, according to the statement.
In whats now downtown Charlottesville, the backyard of one of Albemarle Countys earliest major buildings is producing hundreds of artifacts as archaeologists race against construction schedules to document the site of the Swan Tavern, which stood by Court Square from about 1773 to 1832.

Theyd hoped to find the grave of the proprietor, John Jouett Sr., perhaps best known as the father of the man whose midnight ride rivaled that of Paul Revere.

We have not found Mr. Jouett, said Nick Bon-Harper, the senior archaeologist working the site. We have some last areas to check out, but he does not appear to be where weve looked.

What has been found, Bon-Harper said, may be more important.

We have found hundreds of features  so many that we havent figured out the patterning of them yet, said Bon-Harper, whose company Rivanna Archaeological Services has also excavated sites at Monticello, Mount Vernon and Jamestown.

At Court Square, the archaeologists want to map out the tavern property before work begins on a mammoth new building to house the general district courts of both Albemarle County and the city of Charlottesville. Its a race against the clock, as construction sized at 58,850 square feet is slated to begin next month atop the historic site.

The building and its basement will destroy it, said Bon-Harper, so it would be nice to get some documentation of it before it goes away completely.

He said his team has likely found the outlines of the taverns stable, its kitchen and its trash pile. That last item  what archaeologists call a midden  has already produced a trove of 18th-century ceramics including German stoneware and white salt-glaze stoneware from Britain.

Most ceramics at this point were coming from Europe, explained Bon-Harper of his Revolutionary-era finds.

The Swan Taverns greatest moment of glory came in 1781 when the proprietors son, Jack Jouett Jr., spotted British cavalry marching toward Charlottesville and made a nighttime equestrian dash from Louisa to Charlottesville on a brambly shortcut.

He had just been in Charlottesville and knew that the legislature had been in Charlottesville, so that was the target, historian Rick Britton told The Daily Progress.

Britton noted that the Albemarle courthouse of that era was not the brick neoclassical structure seen today but a smaller log structure.

So the legislators probably met at the Swan, Britton said. I found a reference that Jacks dad had sought recompense for damage to the tavern done by the legislators. That proves that they were meeting at the courthouse and the Swan.

So the Swan Tavern was part of American history. But that history may be both noble and ignoble, as many of the taverns customers were likely involved in slavery.

During court days, people from all over would conduct business in Court Square, University of Virginia race and religion professor Jalane Schmidt said in a text to The Daily Progress. And some of that was making deals about human trafficking. Apparently, some those transactions took place outside Swan Tavern.

Bon-Harper said that he hopes the archaeology can illuminate all of this history and shed particular light on the lives of the taverns enslaved workers.

Its a very unique site, said Bon-Harper. To find this much intact archaeology in a city thats been here for 200 years is just remarkable.

An 1827 insurance document shows the tavern facing Jefferson Street, then part of the historic Three Notchd Road, the eras major east-west thoroughfare. It was two stories high, 86 feet wide and only 20 feet deep.

Today, a similarly shallow brick structure home to a private social organization, the Redland Club, occupies the western half the taverns footprint. A 1980s-era building annex slated for demolition occupies a piece of the property, but most of the taverns yard spent the 20th century and the first 22 years of the 21st century as an asphalt parking lot, whose recent removal made way for these excavations.

In 1808, according to one mans published recollections, a Swan Tavern barkeeper named Jack MCoy was murdered and thrown in the yards well. Bon-Harpers team found the well, clearly marked as a compact circle of bricks.

We would love to excavate it, said Bon-Harper, noting that he figures the dead mans body was promptly fished out of that potable water source.

Were very excited by this site, said Bon-Harper. You could spend a year out here excavating all these features.

However, the archaeologists dont have that kind of time.

The city has already handed over $6.84 million to the county for its portion of the new courts building, and the contractor, according to county spokeswoman Abbey Stumpf, is slated to reveal total pricing on Friday.

Already, the archaeology team has chewed through a week of the two-week extension it was granted to sift the site. Enlisting the help of the citys historic preservation and design planner, Jeff Werner, theyre hoping for more. So is Werner.

We did not anticipate something this big, Werner told The Daily Progress. We live in a historic community, and people want to know where theyre from and how they got here.

Just as the city is funding the investigation of gravesites of enslaved people at Pen Park, Werner said it would be almost inexcusable to build here without additional documentation.

We have the opportunity here to lift the veil a little bit and take a look at this time machine, Werner said.
At least four people were killed following a Russian missile strike that hit a residential area in the Zolochiv district in Lviv on Thursday, the head of the Lviv regional military administration Maksym Kozytskyi said.
The Senate is expected to vote on March 8 to pass a Republican-led resolution to block a controversial Washington, DC, crime bill that opponents have criticized as weak on crime.
Two men have been sentenced to more than four years in federal prison for a 2021 armed home invasion in Albemarle County.

Traevon Gray, 21, and Damon Williams, 23, pleaded guilty in November of last year to one count each of what the U.S. Department of Justice identified as Hobbs Act Robbery.

Under the Hobbs Act, a conviction requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant knowingly or willfully committed, or attempted or conspired to commit, robbery or extortion and that the defendants conduct affected interstate commerce.

Gray and Williams were sentenced on Monday to 51 months, each, in federal prison.

Gray and Williams were arrested for the October 2021 armed home invasion of an Albemarle County residence.

According to court documents, the two men used firearms as they broke into the home through a backdoor and forced the resident inside from his upstairs bedroom and into the kitchen. There, they ordered him to lie facedown on the floor, documents say.

After stealing approximately two pounds of marijuana, several thousand dollars, a firearm, drug paraphernalia, and other valuables, the assailants bound the victims hands with tape, punched him in the face, and pushed him into the kitchen pantry, according to a DOJ statement issued Tuesday. After the robbery, Gray and Williams fled to Spartanburg, South Carolina where they divided up the robbery proceeds.

The FBIs Richmond Safe Streets Task Force and the Albemarle County Police Department investigated the case, leading to Gray and Williams arrest.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather L. Carlton prosecuted the case for the United States in court.

The Department of Justice will continue to use every tool possible to address violent crime in our communities, U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh said in a Tuesday statement. This outcome proves that those individuals who use firearms to harm others will be held accountable in federal court.

Addressing violent crime is a priority for the FBI, Stanley M. Meador, special agent in charge of the FBI Richmond division, said in his own statement. These sentencings reflect the Bureaus commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to identify and hold those responsible accountable.
Hundeds of thousands walked out on strike and protested in Greece Wednesday, amid a surge of anger over the deaths of 57 people in the February 28 Tempi train crash.

Protests were held during a public sector general strike in at least 80 towns and cities throughout Greeces mainland and on many islands. These were the largest protests against the conservative New Democracy government since it came to power in 2019 and were on a scale equal to the mass demonstrations against the imposition of savage austerity by the European Union and International Monetary Fund from 2008 onwards. The Press Project website headlined its report, The whole country is on the streets.

Demonstrators gathering in front of the Parliament at Syntagma square in central Athens during a protest for victims of the February 28 Temp rail disaster, Wednesday, March 8, 2023. Striking public sector workers, ship workers and young people protested the deaths of 57 people in the train collision. [AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris]

Hundreds of thousands protested in the largest cities: Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, Piraeus and Larissa. Over 100,000 demonstrated in Athens, with the citys name trending on Twitter. Even police, who routinely play down the size of protests, put the numbers in the capital at 60,000. At least 30,000 demonstrated in Thessaloniki (see tweet below).

It was between Athens and Thessaloniki, in the Tempi valley near the city of Larissa, that the crash occurred, when a Thessaloniki-bound InterCity 62 passenger train and a southbound freight train collided head-on in the deadliest rail disaster in the countrys history.

The following day rail workers walked out nationwide in a strike that has extended the whole week through Wednesdays general strike.

The general strike was called by the Greek Civil Servants Confederation (ADEDY), the largest public sector body. Ships remained docked at ports due to a strike by Panhellenic Seamens Federation members. The Greek Primary Teachers Federation also struck, with teachers and university workers backing mass demonstrations predominately made up of young people. At least 26 schools and university departments were under occupation nationwide during the general strike. Most of those who died in the train crash were young, with 12 of the victims students at the University of Thessaloniki.

Subway services ran for several hours to allow demonstrators to get into central Athens. Authorities tried to reduce protester numbers, with the police shutting the main central city metro stations. This didnt stop masses of people flooding into Athenss main Syntagma, Omonia and Klafthmonos squares and marching through the city.

The Mitsotakis government did all it could to evade responsibility and lay the blame on the human error of a solitary station master at Larissa. Working people and youth never bought this fraud, knowing that the crash was caused fundamentally by the running down, destaffing and then the privatisation of the rail network carried out by the SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) government in 2017.

Cranes remove debris after a trains' collision in Tempi, about 376 kilometres (235 miles) north of Athens, near Larissa city, Greece, Thursday, March 2, 2023. Rescuers using cranes and heavy machinery on Thursday searched the wreckage of trains involved in a deadly collision that sent Greece into national mourning and prompted strikes and protests over rail safety. [AP Photo/Vaggelis Kousioras]

So unsafe are the railways that an automated computer system that would have prevented the disaster is not in place nationally. It was revealed during testimony by the station master before a magistrate that at one stage on the night of the crash he was in charge of the entire rail operation in central Greece for a 20-minute period.

Thousands of protesters brought their own homemade banners on Wednesday and chanted anti-government slogans such as, Our lives matter, there must be no cover-up, Murderers!, We are all in the same carriage and Our childrens life above everything. In Athens Omonias square, thousands of youth and students carried banners and placards reading, We will become the voice of the dead, the new generation does not forgive you, State negligence kills, and We do not forget, we do not forgive. Among their chants were, Profits drenched in students blood.

Demonstrators hold a banner reading in Greek "Murderers" during a protest for victims of the Tempi rail disaster. Athens, Wednesday, March 8, 2023. [AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis]

In Larissa, the nearest city to where the crash occurred, protesters chanted, No to profits over our lives!, Grief and rage, and Their profits our dead.

The Press Project reported on a massive march in the main streets of Patras, in which pupils, students, public and private sector workers, teachers, health and local government workers, organisations, collectives etc, participated, while shops remained closed for two hours.

Thousands demonstrated on Greeces largest island Crete, with large rallies in Heraklion and Chania.

As in many protests since the crash, heavily armed riot police were mobilised and violent attacks made on demonstrators. using tear gas, stun grenades and batons.

The events were followed widely on Twitter, along with the hashtags on #Tempi. One tweet, alongside a photo of the mass mobilisation in Thessaloniki, read, Historic protests taking place in Greece. People know, people feel, people understand. What happened in Tempi was not only a human error. It was the aftermath of states indifference and neglect.

The outpouring of anger throughout the working class is an existential crisis for the ND government. Prior to the crash, the government had a lead of around 10 points in the polls, largely due to the discrediting of SYRIZA which proved itself an austerity party when in power. It was preparing to announce a date in April for general elections that must be held before July. These plans have been wrecked by the mass movement, with 40 days of commemoration for the dead underway. On Tuesday, Mega TV reported, after the government was forced to cancel a scheduled Friday announcement on the election, that Mitsotakis has put back the first round of the election to May 21, with the second round of voting on July 2.

The tragedy in Tempi and the demand for retribution was the catalyst for the huge protests in Greece; millions are acutely aware that such a terrible event is the result of a rotten system. The decrepit state of Greeces rail and public transportation system is only one result of a mass austerity offensive carried out by ND, the social democratic PASOK and SYRIZA over more than a decade. Vast areas of Greeces infrastructure, including the state-run TrainOSE network that once employed thousands of workers, were privatised and sold off to global conglomerates, with huge profits reaped.

Greek daily Kathimerini noted Tuesday findings from the annual report of the Trade and Services Institute of the Hellenic Confederation of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (INEMY ESEE). It reveals a staggering lowering of living standards, after successive pro-austerity governments imposed brutal budgets demanded by the hated EU-IMF-European Central Bank troika.

While in 2008 more than a third of Greek households had a monthly income of over 2,200, now only 18.52 percent belong to this income category.

In the 10 years from 2008, Very poor households became even poorer and much of the middle-income class was driven to impoverishment, while wealth was concentrated in the hands of even fewer than in the pre-2009 era.

Kethimerini notes from the INEMY ESEE study, In 2008 the households with an average monthly income of up to 750 were 193,747 out of a total of 4,072,175. By 2018 they had more than doubled, reaching 521,223, and now [with austerity declared long over] they are 404,966.

Greece was used as a test bed by the capitalist class for policies that would be rolled out across Europe. In an offensive that continues to this day, millions of workers throughout the continent have seen their pay and pensions slashed and working conditions ripped apart to serve the profit interests of the banks and corporations.

The fight in Greece for justice for the dead at Tempi is part of wider European movement of the working class. This week alone, millions in France struck to force a stop to President of the Rich Macrons pension cuts. A nationwide general strike was underway in Italy as workers took to the streets in Greece. A national strike by transport workers in the Netherlands also began Wednesday and national strikes by public sector workers are taking placed in Belgium on March 9 against the underfunding of public services.
Tens of thousands of young people, teachers and workers took part in a demonstration and rally in Florence, Italy, last Saturday. Estimates of the crowd varied from 20,000 (according to police) to 50,000 (CGIL trade union federation) as participants marched through Florence to make a statement against fascism.

Demonstration against fascism in Florence, opening rally at Piazza Santissima Annunziata, March 4, 2023 [Photo: WSWS]

The protest was prompted by a fascist attack at a high school in Florence. On February 18, members of the far-right Azione studentesca had attacked students outside the classical Liceo Michelangiolo for refusing to accept their flyers. Two students, who were outraged by the content of the flyers and had clearly expressed this, were brutally beaten.

A video shows one student, still on the ground, being kicked and punched ruthlessly until a teacher shows up. Since then, six attackers are said to be under an investigation, which has been taken over by DIGOS, a branch of the state police specializing in counter-terrorism and counter-extremism.

While the Liceo Michelangiolo school administration issued an unprincipled, cowardly statement condemning both sides, and violence in general, Annalisa Salvino, principal of the neighbouring Liceo Leonardo Da Vinci, reacted quite differently. She addressed the students in a letter and, referring to Italian Communist Antonio Gramsci, warned against an indifferent attitude toward fascism. Salvinos letter states:

Fascism did not arise in Italy at large rallies of thousands of people. It began on the edge of an ordinary sidewalk, where the victim of a politically motivated beating was left to fend for himself by indifferent passers-by. I hate the indifferent, said Antonio Gramsci, a great Italian whom the fascists imprisoned until his death because the power of his ideas frightened them like rabbits.

She continued by pointing out that it was precisely in times like the present that totalitarianism could gain a foothold to ruin the future of entire generations, and concluded with the following warning:

Those who praise the value of borders, who venerate the blood of their own ancestors in opposition to the others, those who still erect walls, must be isolated, called by their name and fought, with culture and with the power of ideas. We must not be under the illusion that this disgusting resurgence will disappear by itself. Many decent Italians also believed that 100 years ago, but it did not happen that way.

The letter aroused the anger of Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara, a member of the far-right Lega, who threatened to reprimand the school principal. In a TV interview February 23, he called the attack a ridiculous scuffle between students and said it was not the job of a principal to spread such messages in an official capacity. The content of Salvinos letter has nothing to do with reality. In Italy there is neither a fascist threat nor a drift toward violence or authoritarianism, the minister asserted.

Valditara, originally from the fascist Alleanza Nazionale party, took a far-right stance himself. He claimed, Defending the borders and remembering the identity of a peoples has nothing to do with fascism or, even worse, Nazism. Finally, he threatened the principal, If this attitude translates into an approach that goes beyond school boundaries, we will see if it is necessary to take action.

As for Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, leader of the fascist Fratelli dItalia (FdI), she has so far remained silent on the incident. She had herself chaired the Azione studentesca years ago. The fascist youth organization and its predecessors go back to the Movimento Sociale Italiano (MSI), the rallying movement of Mussolini supporters after World War II. In Florence, the Azione studentesca is headquartered in the same building as Melonis ruling FdI.

The education ministers reaction caused a general outcry. Spontaneously, Florentine students organized a protest demonstration through the city, and enormous anger at Valditara spread on the Internet. Finally, the largest trade union federation, CGIL, felt compelled to call for a national demonstration in Florence on Saturday, March 4, in defence of the school and the constitution.

The opening rally at noon on Saturday saw thousands of school pupils, students and teachers gathered, as well as workers from Florence. Hundreds of teachers and school principals from all over the region came to stand in solidarity with principal Salvino. Banners emphasized that Florence was anti-fascist, and a placard demanding Valditaras resignation drew a fitting likeness to Mussolini.

Demonstration against fascism in Florence, closing rally in Piazza Santa Croce, March 4, 2023 [Photo: WSWS]

The closing rally in Piazza Santa Croce featured Florence Mayor Dario Nardella, Elly Schlein, the recently elected Partito Democratico (PD) leader, CGIL Secretary Maurizio Landini, as well as Giuseppe Conte, head of Five Star Movement (M5S).

The media focused heavily on Schleins meeting with Conte. In an effort to take the explosiveness out of the mobilization, Schleins call for cooperation in the fundamental disputes was played up. Everything pointed to the fact that the quarrelling opposition parties would now once again act together against the government of Fratelli dItalia, Lega and Berlusconis Forza Italia.

As if this represented even the slightest bit of progress. In fact, it was precisely the right-wing, anti-working class policies of the supposed centre-left camp that had paved the way to power for Meloni. Before the last elections, the PD and M5S had even formed a coalition with Lega as part of their collaboration.

On Saturday, many participants took the opportunity to raise broader demands, for example, for the minimum wage, for a new immigration policy, for investment in health and education (rather than in the military) and for freedom for teachers to address anti-fascist issues in schools. This cannot be realized with a PD or M5S government, as past years have shown.

In any case, the protest has shed a harsh light on the crisis of Giorgia Melonis government. Unrest and resistance are growing throughout Italy. Contributing to this are not only the brutal refugee policy, responsible for murderous shipwrecks in the Mediterranean, and the deep social crisis, but also, increasingly, the governments militarism and Melonis arms deliveries to Ukraine in the NATO war against Russia.
If you are an autoworker who would like to join the rank-and-file committee, text or call 2486020936 today.

Supporter of Will Lehman passes out flyers to Toledo Jeep workers [Photo: WSWS]

Workers at Stellantis Jeep Assembly Complex in Toledo, Ohio are speaking out in support of workers at the nearby Dana Toledo Driveline plant who have been unjustly fired with the complicity of the United Auto Workers. At least 50 workers have been terminated on bogus charges over the last several months in a purge aimed at driving out workers for reporting exploitation, wage theft, sexual harassment and other abuses.

On Wednesday, the newly formed Dana Workers Rank-and-File Committee issued a call to action to demand the reinstatement of all workers who were fired in violation of the contractually-stipulated progressive discipline policy and those terminated as a result of misrepresentation by the UAW. The workers are demanding rank-and-file committee representation in all interactions with management, democratic worker control over hiring and firing decisions, and 30 minute paid know your rights classes for all workers once a month led by the rank-and-file.

Exploitation is not just happening at Dana Toledo Driveline. It is happening across the auto industry, which is connected across all plants and companies, the committee declared. Therefore, its strategy is to appeal to rank-and-file autoworkers everywhere to connect with us, so we can share information, democratically discuss our conditions, and unite for common action. If we rank-and-file workers do not stand up for ourselves, no change will ever come.

The Dana Driveline Plant was opened in 2017 to produce axles and other parts to support several vehicles, including the Jeep Wrangler, which is manufactured less than three miles away at the Toledo Assembly Complex. More than 5,500 Jeep workers are at the plant. They are also members of UAW Local 12, and have been engaged in years of battles against the company and the UAW bureaucracy. The UAW has collaborated in the gutting of the wages and conditions among Stellantis workers and accepted a massive increase in Temporary Part-Time or so-called Supplemental Employees.

A Jeep worker with 10 years said, When I read about the Dana workers, I said how familiar that soundsthats what is going on in our plant. There is a lot of favoritism. It is nothing like what we heard when we were coming up that its a blessing to get a job at a Chrysler plant. The union is working for the company and all they tell you is the company has the right to do what they do.

Dana is just an extension of Stellantis. Its like an undercover Jeep plant. They use the same unprofessional tactics. Chrysler was known for firing people just before they made their 90 days. Now they keep Supplemental Employees on temporary status for three, four, five years, and the UAW tells workers to get another job because youre never going to get hired as full-timers. Its outrageous.

She continued, Ive walked into the UAW office at the plant and seen supervisors with their feet crossed on the table and laying back with their hands behind their heads having a nice chat with the stewards. Thats not a scene you want to see.

We ask the union, Why do they have the right to keep the line moving so fast? The company sends its time study people to the line, and they say everythings fine. The UAW stewards dont even show up. You come in there at 100 percent, and you walk out slumped over and limping.

You can have an MRI showing you have injuries, and they still wont give you any accommodations by putting you on a physically less demanding job. Now they are saying we cant take PAA (Paid Absence Allowance) days off to give our bodies a rest. Instead, they are working us 60 hours or more a week.

I voted for Will Lehman for UAW president because I agreed with everything that he stood for, she said, referring to the rank-and-file Mack Trucks worker and socialist who has called for the transfer of power from the UAW apparatus to the workers on the shop floor by building rank-and-file committees like the one at Dana and other plants.

They are trying to turn all of us back 100 years or more, the worker continued. Its all about control. My message to Dana workers is: We have to stop being enslaved and letting them pick us off like crabs in a barrel. We have to unite and stand together.

The conditions you describe at Dana would make anyone want to quit. What sort of system do we have when you have to ask yourself do I really want to work here? But its the principle you are fighting for, and I say go for it. A lot of Dana workers are on the Jeep Facebook page. Were at a breaking point here at Jeep too, and we have to stand together. Im ready to walk a picket line and fight.

Another Jeep worker, a Temporary Part-Time worker, said, I live very close to the Dana plant, but I never applied for a job there because of the conditions. I heard it was very rough and that they work 18 days straight at a time. But things at Jeep arent much better, especially for the TPTs.

How could they get away with using temp agencies to hire workers at Dana when it is a UAW plant? When you work through a temp agency, its common to get laid off right before you roll over to a direct employee.

After reading the call to action from the Dana Workers Rank-and-File Committee, the Jeep worker said, The statement was great. They are standing up, and we should support them.

It sounds like a great plan to set up a rank-and-file committee. Weve been undergoing the same stuff at Jeep for years, and the UAW will not stand up for us. We are forced to work seven days, 10 hours a day.

Stellantis is exploiting workers, just like Dana. There are TPTs who top out at $19 an hour, and theyve been there six or seven years without rolling over to full-time. Right next to them is someone making $28-30 an hour and getting a profit-sharing check. Ive been a TPT for four years, and Ive missed out on at least $36,000 in profit-sharing checks. I pay my union dues like everyone else. I feel exploited.

The company can work you six or seven days one week, and the next week they only call you in for one day. Its been four years, and Im still a TPT. I had to go out and get a second job. Im driving a forklift and making $25 an hour. At Jeep Im making $18.40, and TPTs start at $15.40.

Sometimes Jeep only gives us 14-16 hours a week, and you cant raise a family on that. I just started a shift at 4:00 a.m. at my new job, and when Im resting, out of nowhere I get a robocall that Im supposed to show up at Jeep. For two or three months, I hardly got any time and then when I get another job, they suddenly need me. Sometimes, youre scheduled to come in at 5:00, and at 3:30 they tell you dont come in because of a parts shortage of something else.

He concluded, Everybody is getting screwed, including the full-time workers. Even with profit-sharing, they are just trying to survive. We need to have a rank-and-file committee at our plant too.
In Charlotte Wellss film drama Aftersun, set in the early 2000s, a father and daughter spend a holiday at a resort in Turkey. Calum (Paul Mescal), just turning 31, is Scottish originally but now resides in London, Sophie (Frankie Corio), 11, lives with her mother in Edinburgh.

Mescal has been nominated for an Academy Award for best actor. The award ceremony takes place Sunday.

Frankie Corio and Paul Mescal in Aftersun

We see portions of the holiday in Aftersun on video recordings. Everyday, ordinary things predominate during the course of the week: swimming, eating, playing games in the arcade, dancing, karaoke, tourist activities.

Things are never quite right, although the pair try their best. In one of the first scenes, Calum phones the front desk to complain that while he booked a room with two beds, there is only one in the room. He seems dispirited, semi-defeated throughout. He has mysterious injuries, a broken wrist (in a cast he eventually removes), a painful shoulder that he cant explain.

Calum has money issues apparently, although he tries to hide it from his daughter. When she loses an underwater mask, it obviously irks him. Another time, he offers to get her singing lessons, if you wanted to learn. Stop doing that, she says, Offering to pay when you dont have the money.

We see him standing precariously on a hotel railing, walking into the waves at night. In one scene, when Calums alone in the hotel room, he sobs.

Vicariously, Sophie watches a group of teenagers, drinking too much, gossiping, talking about sex. She eventually kisses a boy her own age, during an evening when she and Calum lose each other for a few hours.

Father and daughter are not in their own country, but Calum in particular feels out of place everywhere. Asked by Sophie whether he will ever move back to Scotland, he replies, No.  Its all in the past for me, thats all. And theres this feeling, once you leave where you grew up, that you dont totally belong there again. Not really. But Edinburgh was never ... I never felt like I really did belong there.

Aftersun

To a certain extent, hes out of place, out of sorts, out of energy. He has self-help books, and books on meditation and Tai Chi. Twice in the film, Sophie asks her father, When you were 11, what did you think you would be doing now? The question clearly disturbs and upsets him. The second time, he refuses to answer and, irritated, makes her turn off the camera. When a local diving instructor tells Calum hes going to have a baby soon, the latter can only respond with: Congratulations! A few years ago I thought Id be at least 40 before all that, but ... I cant see myself at 40, to be honest. Surprised I made it to 30.

Life has been some sort of disappointment to Calum. A relationship with a woman named Claire, who Sophie admits to having liked, has not worked out. She got back together with a former boyfriend. So does that mean youre not gonna open the caf? Sophie asks. No, not anymore. He has a vague plan, which we suspect will not work out either. I got this new thing going with Keith. What is it? Were still figuring it out exactly. But were thinking of renting a house outside of London for work.



What Sophie indicates about her mood one afternoon, seems to be Calums perpetual state, as we see on his face as she describes the mental state: I just feel a bit down or something.  Dont you ever feel like youve just done a whole amazing day, and then you come home and feel tired and down, and feel like your bones dont work? Theyre just tired and everything is tired. Like youre sinking.



At a karaoke night, Calum refuses to sing with Sophie. She performs, tunelessly, Losing My Religion by R.E.M. The lyrics, Thats me in the corner / Thats me in the spot-light / Losing my religion, and her rendition suggests disillusionment, even some bitterness.

Calum tries a number of times to boost his own and Sophies spirits. Were here to have a good time, he reminds them both. Another morning, he gets to his feet, with some difficulty, Lets do something, eh? Get this day going. They do enjoy themselves in fits and starts. Its not clear that anyone at the resort is carefree. The amusement often seems forced. The hotel guests, the teenagers, through no fault of their own, are rather vulgar; the events, the surroundings, tawdry.

Paul Mescal in Aftersun

The location shown to be an exception is a local carpet merchants. The small, windowless space is dark and quiet, with beautiful rugs and carpets taking up the floors and walls. Calum tells Sophie: The man was telling me that each of these carpets tell a different story. The symbolism, the motifs, they represent different things. The merchant brings them tea. The carpet Calum would like is expensive. Later, without Sophie, he returns to buy it. Alone in one of the shops rooms, he lies down and luxuriates on the carpet. Here is something authentic, gorgeous, comforting, artistic. Unlike everything else at the hotel and resort, unlike everything else in Calums life.

The ending suggests that Sophie will not see her father again, for unknown reasons. He has revealed suicidal tendencies or thoughts. As an adult, with a child of her own, Sophie watches the video of the holiday two decades earlier with some anxiety.

The film is small, discreet, intimate, a little coyat times, a bit self-involved and inward-turning. The somewhat self-conscious insistence on the lack of great drama can be tedious at times. The narrow approach may also, unfortunately, help account for the great success of Wellss work with the critics.

Aftersun, however, because it provides an honest picture does suggest broader things as well, whether Wells is fully conscious of it or not. The film hints at the state of British society in the post-Thatcher and Blair period. It points to a social malaise, a traditional society seriously traumatized, disoriented, off-kilter, even for those not impoverished or economically devastated. It suggests a generalized dispiritedness, depression, unease, loss of purpose. As such, of course, its a limited depiction, but one with affecting features and implications.
This photo taken with a drone shows the continuing cleanup of portions of a Norfolk Southern freight train that derailed Friday night in East Palestine, Ohio, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. [AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar]

On Monday, Norfolk Southern unveiled a bogus six point safety program which will do little to nothing to prevent derailments such as the one which released toxic chemicals in East Palestine, Ohio.

The announcement came as the railroad announced it would offer to pay the housing costs of residents forced to relocate, but only for one and a half months and only for those living within one mile of the accident. The railroad also reportedly considered limiting trains to less than 10,000 feet (3 km), only to backtrack and merely require distributive power on trains over that threshold.

Today, Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw is set to appear before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, where Ohio senators JD Vance (R) and Sherrod Brown (D) in particular will attempt to grandstand, expressing shock and anger at the railroads. Brown was one of 80 senators to vote in favor of banning strike action last December; Vance, a right-wing Trump supporter, is a freshman senator who took office this January. The six point plan is likely meant in part to give Shaw talking points at the hearing.

The six point plan does not actually commit the company to do anything. They are couched in vague, non-specific language such as evaluating, and developing plans. For example, point six commits the railroad to support a strong safety culture, without explaining what this even means.

Given the role which the industrys rampant profiteering and exploitation has played in the creation of unsafe conditions, this pledge is not worth the paper it is written on. Norfolk Southern managements safety culture was on display over the past five days, which saw two accidents in the state of Ohio alone. One was a fatal collision with a dump truck on the grounds of a steel mill in Cleveland, which killed a conductor.

The other was a derailment of a 212-car train in Springfield, 50 cars longer than the one which derailed in East Palestine. Dumb luck appears to have played a major role in the fact that a similar disaster did not take place in Springfield. Four of the cars which derailed were chemical tankers, but were reportedly empty at the time.

Point five the six points deal with proposals to conduct research, share information and develop best practices. Three of these refer to proposed changes to the use of hot bearing detectors (HBDs), which are track-based sensors which measure wheel temperatures and send reading to the locomotive cab. Because of arbitrarily high temperature thresholds set by the railroad to require the train to be stopped and inspected, an audible alarm only sounded on the East Palestine train after the wheel bearing temperature on one car had already shot up to over 200 degrees above the ambient temperature. Eyewitness footage showed the wheel already in flames 20 miles outside of East Palestine.

The first point says that the company will develop a plan to increase the number and reduce the spacing of hot bearing detectors' that are placed along its tracks. The company anticipates adding approximately 200 hot bearing detectors to its network, with the first installed on the western approach to East Palestine, the statement declares.

Norfolk Southern is one of only two Class I railroads operating in the eastern United States, with a network 19,300 miles (31,060 km) long. Adding 200 more HBDs on the network would amount to only one new detector for every 96 miles of track. According to the statement, the average current spacing spacing for NSs network is one every 13.9 miles (22.4 km). Extrapolating from this, this would increase the number of HBDs from approximately 1,400 to 1,600, a mere 14 percent increase.

Point three pledges to work with [the] industry on practices for hot bearing detectors, including on temperature thresholds for alarms. But given the fact that these peers are management at other railroads where similar conditions exist, there is no reason to expect anything to come out of this.

The fifth points pledge to accelerate our Digital Train Inspection program is particularly ominous. As with other automated technology such as Positive Train Control, The Automated Track Inspection Program (ATIP) is being used by the railroads to try and reduce the size of the workforce, in this case by replacing manual inspections.

Norfolk Southern already attempted to trade support for a pilot ATIP program for four paid sick days for maintenance workers in the weeks after the East Palestine derailment. The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes (BMWED) backed out of these talks at the last minute. But the reference to it in the six point plan suggests that NS is attempting to use the catastrophe as a cover to implement even more job losses.

The so-called safety plan makes no mention of upgrading the braking system on the trains, which still use the system developed over 150 years ago that uses air pressure to activate the brakes one car at a time. A typical freight train will travel two miles before all the brakes on the train are applied, let alone before the train comes to a complete stop.

Norfolk Southern, along with the other Class I railroads, have lobbied Congress to not be required to install electronic braking systems which are able to apply brakes to all the cars simultaneously. Electronic braking is proven to both help prevent derailments and to substantially reduce the damage done when a derailment occurs. The railroads also lobbied to have the hazardous classification of vinyl chloride reduced, allowing it to be carried on trains, like the one that derailed in East Palestine.

The six point plan is the latest in a series of public relations damage control measures from both railroad management and the government. A similarly toothless plan was unveiled last week by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. A bill in the Senate to implement marginal safety improvements and increase fines for safety violations has stalled in the Senate over opposition from a majority of Republicans (though one of the bills co-sponsors, Vance of Ohio, is a right-wing Republican Trump supporter). In reality, Congress and the White House made more such disasters inevitable by banning a national strike last December by railroaders, in which rail safety and staffing would have been central issues.
Last month, a recently formed organisation called the anti-AUKUS Coalition held demonstrations outside the offices of federal Australian MPs in several cities. The small rallies and the group behind them oppose AUKUS, the militarist pact between the US, Britain and Australia, directed against China.

Anti-AUKUS protest next to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's electoral office in Marrickville, Sydney, February 24, 2023. [Photo: WSWS]

Promotional material for the events suggested that they were anti-war. This was aimed at tapping into mounting concern and opposition among workers and young people over the rapidly escalating descent into a third world war, spearheaded by the US, along with all of the other imperialist powers, including Australia.

But the protests, and the broader coalition, have nothing to do with the fight to build a genuine anti-war movement. In fact its purpose is to block the development of such a movement, and to direct workers and young people behind a section of the political establishment, on the basis of nationalist calls for a more independent Australian foreign policy.

The sharpest expression of this fact is that the anti-AUKUS Coalition says nothing about the war that is already underway, the conflict in Ukraine. Some of its prominent constituents, including the pseudo-left Socialist Alliance, have actively supported the US and NATO war effort in the conflict. They have cheered on the vast US-led intervention, which is aimed at inflicting a military defeat on Russia and clearing the way for war with China, fraudulently proclaiming it to be a fight for Ukrainian sovereignty and democracy.

The hostility of the organisation to AUKUS is of an entirely tactical character. The Coalition does not oppose war with China per se, but is fearful of its implications for Australian capitalism. This dovetails with the concerns voiced by a minority wing of the ruling class itself, which has warned that Australian participation in an all-out war would be economically devastating and would threaten social and political upheavals.

The anti-AUKUS Coalition does not oppose Australian imperialism, but calls for it to adopt a more independent foreign policy. The suggestion is that Australia could simply sit out a war with China, despite the fact that it would inevitably develop into a conflagration throughout the Indo-Pacific and likely the entire world. This position is a reactionary utopia that serves primarily as a trap for anti-war sentiment.

In the first instance, Australian participation in a US-led war with China is not something that would be discussed or debated in the event of conflict. The Australian state and military apparatus are completely integrated into the US war machine, meaning that such participation would be automatic.

More broadly, the Australian alignment with the US is not merely a matter of mistaken policy as the coalition asserts. Instead, as a middle order imperialist power, Australia has always aligned itself with the dominant imperialist power of the day, first Britain and then mid-way through World War II, the United States. The quid pro quo is that the US will support Australian imperialisms predatory activities in the Pacific, in exchange for Australian participation in US-led wars and military interventions around the world.

IPAN

To the extent that the coalition has a clear program, it is provided by the Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN.) That organisation held a peoples inquiry last year Questioning Australias Involvement in US-led Wars and the Australia-United States alliance.

The report from the inquiry was released last November. Its authors comprise representatives of the radical protest milieu that makes up the anti-AUKUS Coalition, together with figures who are in or on the periphery of the official political establishment.

They include Greg Barns, who has served as an advisor to the Liberal Party and was the head of the Republican Movement, as well as Dr Alison Broinowski, a former diplomat for the Australian government and Jeannie Rea, previously the head of the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU). These are figures who have no relationship with the working class, except an antagonistic one. Rea, for instance, oversaw sweeping cuts to the jobs and conditions of academic staff. Barns had a decades-long association with the Liberals, a pro-war party of big business.

Significantly, the inquiry actively welcomed participation from prominent retired generals and other military figures who are favourably cited in the report. The extreme right were also welcomed with open arms. The Australian wing of the fascist LaRouche organisation made a submission, which is duly quoted in the report. Like the anti-AUKUS Coalition, it maintained a silence on the US-NATO war effort in Ukraine.

The report does not pretend to oppose war, imperialism or their source in the capitalist profit system. In fact, it is framed as advice to the government on how best to take forward the interests of Australian capitalism. Its foreword states: the report importantly provides a series of recommendations proposing how Australia can chart a different international path in the future to that which we have travelled over the preceding seventy years. This, we argue, is a path that is more independent and that better serves the interests of the Australian nation and its people.

A substantial component of the report is dedicated to promoting a refashioned Australian nationalism. It bolsters various forms of Aboriginal identity politics, which serve to divide the working class and promote the interests of a narrow indigenous elite that is ever more integrated into the structures of the corporate and financial establishment. This dovetails with the Labor governments attempts to dress up its right-wing and militarist program with an indigenous Voice to parliament, which would further elevate this privileged Aboriginal layer while doing nothing to address the social crisis afflicting Aboriginal workers and young people.

IPANs focus on this issue is aimed at providing Australian imperialism with a more humane veneer. The report promotes purported Australian values, which are supposedly threatened by the alliance with the US and its military operations.

But what are those values? As an imperialist power, Australia has laid waste to the Pacific, subjugating its people and enforcing their poverty, for the best part of a century. This included its colonial rule in Papua New Guinea, and more recently, military occupations in East Timor and the Solomon Islands. The Labor government and the ruling elite for which it speaks is currently bullying the various Pacific states to align with the US war drive against China, while also aggressively pushing the interests of the Australian gas and oil corporations.

IPAN says nothing about this sordid record, which continues to the present. Its program, in fact, aligns with calls for a greater promotion of Australian imperialist interests, especially in this region.

The theme of the report is spelled out in an early contribution. Through the US alliance, it complains that Australia has forsaken our independence. Australia is fighting in and invariably losing wars in which we have no direct interest, and for which there is little popular support and even less moral justification. This has been at huge personal and financial costs that are detrimental to the interests of the Australian people.

The inevitable conclusion is that if such wars were in the national interest, i.e., the interests of the banks and corporations, IPAN would support them. This is the antithesis of a principled opposition to all imperialist wars.

The report clearly represents a section of the Australian ruling class concerned about the impact of war with China. It warns that concern is also expressed that our trade relationship with China, beneficial in terms of job generation and national income, has been harmed by our direct provocations on behalf of the United States.

IPAN calls for military build-up

In its final sections, the report outlines a vision, that includes greater military spending. It states: Australia should look to developing a self-reliant, self-funded, self-defence model with associated manufacturing capabilities, even if this costs more than our current close expensive integration with the US military.

IPAN declares the aim of an alternative defence policy would be to secure the nation against potential adversaries on the basis of armed neutrality. New Zealand, another minor imperialist power that has lorded it over the Pacific for decades while participating in US-led wars around the world, is held up as a model.

None of this would be opposed even by the most hawkish sections of the military and intelligence establishment. Protecting air and maritime approaches is the bogus pretext under which the Labor government is conducting a massive military build-up in preparation for war with China. Such activities are invariably presented as protective and defensive, even when they have a clear offensive purpose.

The logic of this more independent foreign policy demands a greater outlay on defence and the military, in line with the most bellicose sections of the military establishment. This is acknowledged by IPAN, itself. Among the costs would be the acquisition of long-range precision strike and sensor capabilities. That is, medium-range or greater missile systems. Military expenditure is already well over half a trillion this decade, indicating the scale of the military build-up that IPAN is proposing.

Moreover, IPAN does not call for an end to the US alliance, but merely for its renegotiation. In other words, its conclusions go in the direction of a major military build-up, under the umbrella of the US alliance, but with greater weight given to the aggressive pursuit of Australias own imperialist interests.

IPAN is not building an anti-war movement, but a war movement. To the extent that it has criticisms of official military policy, they are of an entirely tactical character. The militarist character of the IPAN proposals brands all those promoting this organisation as adjuncts of Australian imperialism and opponents of the fight against war.

The entire anti-AUKUS Coalition is similarly pro-war. That includes the pseudo-left Socialist Alliance and the various corporatised unions that it is close to. In its coverage of IPAN, Socialist Alliance has favourably noted nationalist calls by the unions for an expansion of domestic defence manufacturing, including in the construction of offensive weaponry, such as advanced submarines.

In other words, while openly backing the US-NATO war with Ukraine, Socialist Alliance tacitly endorses an Australian military build-up directed against China. Its specific function in bodies such as IPAN and the Coalition is to provide these right-wing policies with a fake-left gloss.

Socialist Alliance, in fact, has nothing to do with socialism or the fight against war. Like the pseudo-left internationally, it represents an affluent layer of the upper-middle class that has ever more openly backed imperialist wars and interventions. Socialist Alliance began this course in 1999 by leading a campaign for a predatory Australian imperialist intervention into East Timor. Over the past decade, the pseudo-left internationally has championed US regime-change operations in Syria and Libya, and now the confrontation with Russia in Ukraine.

An international tendency

The development of the anti-AUKUS Coalition and IPAN are part of an international tendency. In a number of countries, sections of the political establishment are developing movements that combine vague anti-war rhetoric, with a militarist policy, as well as calls for an alliance of the right and the left.

In the US, this tendency found expression in last months Rage Against the War Machine rally in Washington. While ostensibly opposing Washingtons involvement in the proxy war in Ukraine, the protest centrally involved extreme right-wing individuals from the Libertarian and Republican Parties. They fully support the build-up of the American military and its offensive operations around the world. They merely have tactical concerns over the immediate conflict in Ukraine.

Similarly in Germany, a section of the Left Party recently held a supposed anti-war rally in alliance with the fascistic Alternative for Germany and senior military figures. It criticised the proxy war in Ukraine from the standpoint that it is not sufficiently furthering the interests of German imperialism. Instead, the protest called for a more independent German foreign policya call which harkens back to the eruptions of German militarism last century, including the actions of the Nazi regime.

All of these movements are directed at sowing confusion among workers and young people, while advancing the interests of sections of the ruling elite. Above all, they are directed against the development of an understanding that war is a product of the capitalist nation-state system and can only be fought on the basis of an international and socialist movement of the working class.

Socialist alternative to war

The real basis for the building of such an anti-war movement has been spelled out by the International Committee of the Fourth International, the world party of which the Socialist Equality Party in Australia is a section.

In 2016, analysing the far-advanced tendencies toward a third world war, the International Committee of the Fourth International, in its statement Socialism and the Fight Against War, summarised the fundamental programmatic basis of a new anti-war movement. It wrote:

1. The struggle against war must be based on the working class, the great revolutionary force in society, uniting behind it all progressive elements in the population.

2. The new anti-war movement must be anti-capitalist and socialist, since there can be no serious struggle against war except in the fight to end the dictatorship of finance capital and the economic system that is the fundamental cause of militarism and war.

3. The new anti-war movement must therefore, of necessity, be completely and unequivocally independent of, and hostile to, all political parties and organisations of the capitalist class.

4. The new anti-war movement must, above all, be international, mobilising the vast power of the working class in a unified global struggle against imperialism.

The basis for such a movement exists in the rapid development of the class struggle around the world. The same contradictions that are propelling the imperialist powers towards war also provide the impulse of struggles by the working class that will acquire a revolutionary character.

But such a movement above all requires a clear political perspective and program. That can only be developed and fought for through a relentless struggle against the pro-imperialist pseudo-left and the various nationalist tendencies that seek to chain workers and young people to one or another section of the capitalist political establishment.

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.
The Oregon State University Empty Bowls Project will hold a fundraiser from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 11 at McNary Dining Hall, 1300 SW Jefferson Way in Corvallis.

Cost of entry is on a sliding scale of $5 to $20, and the first 100 attendees are guaranteed a handmade bowl in addition to a simple soup dinner. Attendees can also participate in a silent auction, which features items and experiences from local artisans and businesses.

The Empty Bowls Project is a community- and student-led event with the goal of generating funds for two community nonprofit entities: the Oregon State University Food Pantry, and Fresh and Local First.

The Oregon State Food Pantry provides sustenance not only to students facing food insecurity but the greater Corvallis community as well. Fresh and Local First is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports SNAP matches at farmers markets in Benton and Linn counties.
On September 30, 2022, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was asked by a reporter if the US or its allies were to blame for the attacks that destroyed the Nord Stream pipelines between Russia and Germany three days earlier.

I really have nothing to say to the absurd allegation from President Putin that we or other partners or allies are somehow responsible for this, Blinken said.

Asked about claims by Russian officials that the US was responsible for the attacks, US President Biden replied after the bombings, Just dont listen to what Putins saying. What hes saying we know is not true.

Six months later, on Tuesday, the New York Times and Washington Post carried news reports, based on interviews with intelligence officials, asserting that a pro-Ukraine group destroyed the pipelines.

In a separate article, the German newspaper Die Zeit stated that the attack was carried out from a yacht owned by two Ukrainians operating from Germany. Building on that narrative, the Times of London reported that the attack was carried out via a private venture originating in Ukraine. The newspaper added, The name of the suspected private sponsor, a Ukrainian not affiliated with President Zelenskys government, has been circulating in intelligence circles for months but not revealed.

This flood of news reports follows the publication by veteran journalist Seymour Hersh of a report that the US Navy directly planted the explosives that destroyed the pipelines, using military operations in the Baltic Sea as a cover.

Based on his contacts within the military and state apparatus, Hersh reported that the plan for the attack began in December 2021, months before the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

All variants of the story have one thing in common. They show that Blinken was lying on September 30. The US or other partners or allies clearly did carry out the bombing.

With regard to the reports in the Times and the Post, the notion that a massive, highly sophisticated international undersea terror attack simultaneously destroying four separate pipelines would have been launched by Ukrainians operating from Germany without the knowledge of the Ukrainian government, Germany or the United States is laughable. If a pro-Ukrainian group was in fact responsible, it was, at the very least, carrying out the openly stated wishes of the White House, which vowed to end the existence of the pipeline.

Whether the US Navy carried out the bombing, or had its Ukrainian proxy forces do it, the United States is clearly to blame.

Biden himself had declared that the US would bring an end to the pipeline as part of a war over Ukraine, and US officials gloated over the destruction after it happened. In congressional testimony in January, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland said, I think the administration is very gratified to know that Nord Stream 2 is now, as you like to say, a hunk of metal at the bottom of the sea.

These revelations confirm what the World Socialist Web Site wrote on September 28:

Accusations of Russian involvement in the bombings lack all credibility and detract from the far more likely perpetrator: the United States. The first question that has to be asked about the Nord Stream bombing is: Cui bono? Who benefits, and who had the motive to carry it out?

The revelations also fully implicate the entire US media in an effort to blame Russia for the crime. Responding to the attack on Russian energy infrastructure, the Washington Post wrote on September 27:

The leaks are more likely a message: Russia is opening a new front on its energy war against Europe. First, it weaponized gas supply, halting shipments, including via the Nord Stream pipeline. Now, it may be attacking the energy infrastructure it once used to ship its energy.

The Heritage Foundation, a US think tank, declared, Russias Attack on Nord Stream Pipelines Means Putin Has Truly Weaponized Energy.

Critically, even after the exposure of Washingtons lies, the cover-up continued. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius suggested that the evidence of Ukrainian involvement means the attack may have been a false flag operation conducted by Russia. We have not been able to determine who was behind [it], NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday.

The exposure of the involvement of the US or its proxy forces in Ukraine fits a definite pattern, including the assassination of the Russian fascist intellectual Daria Dugina and the bombing of the Kerch Bridge, in which US and Ukrainian officials categorically declared that they had no involvement, only for subsequent media reports to attribute the attacks to the Ukrainian government.

Just minutes after Blinken flatly denied that the US had carried out the bombing on September 30, he gave a very clear explanation of the United States motive for the attack. Blinken declared:

And ultimately this is also a tremendous opportunity. Its a tremendous opportunity to once and for all remove the dependence on Russian energy and thus to take away from Vladimir Putin the weaponization of energy as a means of advancing his imperial designs. Thats very significant, and that offers tremendous strategic opportunity for the years to come.

Indeed, major US energy companies profited massively from this opportunity, selling Europe record quantities of liquified natural gas, at record prices, and fueling record profits. The US and NATO allies utilized it as an opportunity to justify a further expansion of the war.

There can be little doubt that the collapse of the official narrative of the bombing was a major subject of discussions between US President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz last week. But the concern of Biden and Scholz was how to manage the popular reaction and outrage to the exposure, and how to ensure that this criminal act would not lead to the expansion of popular opposition to the war.

The exposure of US complicity in the bombing of the Nord Stream pipeline raises ominous and troubling questions. If the United States was capable of carrying out what was in effect an act of war and international terrorism, not only against Russia but also against Germany, what else is it capable of?

It remains an inescapable fact that after the US pledged itself to the most sweeping and far-reaching goals in the Ukraine war, the Ukrainian military is suffering major setbacks on the battlefield. There exists no public support for further escalation of the war, much less the deployment of NATO troops necessary for the achievement of these aims.

There has been a definite tendency in the history of US imperialism to respond to the exposure of one reckless lie by concocting another, even bigger and more reckless lie to take its place. The working class must be on the lookout for another US provocation that would suit this purpose.
Undergraduates rallying in support of Temple University graduate workers [Photo: WSWS]

The strike of several hundred striking Temple University graduate workers entered its sixth week on Monday. The workers situation is increasingly dire as the universitys March 9 deadline for paying tuition fees approaches on Thursday.

Graduate workers affiliated with the Temple University Graduate Students Association (TUGSA) Local 6290 have been on strike since January 31, demanding a living wage of at least $32,800 per year, as well as cost of living increases, family medical benefits and expanded parental leave. Workers at Temple are currently paid less than $20,000 in Philadelphia, a city with an average cost of living of nearly $40,000.

On Monday, Temple president Jason Wingard announced on social media that Tomorrow we continue conversations with TUGSA, focused on the fairness and progress that have been the building blocks of our historic 80-plus negotiations with 11 of Temple's unions over the years. Wingard noted the administration was working hard to find a resolution because we know that this strike has far-reaching impacts in our community.

One month ago Temple took the provocative step of cutting striking workers access to medical benefits. On Tuesday, the university administration announced it would reinstate the health insurance, citing the good faith effort of TUGSA in negotiationsan indication that the parent union, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), may be moving to pull the plug on the struggle. [W]e are pleased with the progress, said Ken Kaiser, Chief Operating Officer. We hope to share positive news soon.

Returning health care coverage to graduate workers is no concession. It is part of the administrations strategy to drag out talks, offering tentative agreements that addressed none of the demands, while using the threat of impoverishment to force desperate workers to leave picket lines and go back to their classrooms, laboratories, and offices.

The demand that students pay back tuition remittances remains. Tuition bills come due Thursday, and late penalties will immediately be invoked. This policy will either bankrupt students or make them unable to enroll at Temple for another semester and pursue their work. International students would likewise lose their temporary visa status to remain in the United States if they are unable to take classes.

Temple University workers, faculty, and students face the same problems. Professors confront wage stagnation, class size increases, program elimination, and decreases in tenured positions. Undergraduate students have suffered years of tuition increases. Now their education is being impoverished by the absence of striking teaching assistants. Students and other university workers have shown their support in rallies and walkouts, as well as by boycotting classes being taught by replacement scabs.

The World Socialist Web Site has persistently called for the expansion of the struggle. Not only undergraduates, but all sections of the Temple University workforceadjuncts, faculty, clerical and maintenance workersmust be called out. The strike should likewise reach out for support among Philadelphia workers, and to the entire Pennsylvania system of higher education, where workers face the same issues. Such an expansion of the struggle requires the creation of committees representing the rank-and-file.

Undergraduates rallying in support of Temple University graduate workers [Photo: WSWS]

The AFT opposes such a course of action because it would upset its relations with the Democratic Party, which controls city hall in Philadelphia and the governors mansion in Harrisburgthough it is plain that if the TUGSA local is defeated at one of Pennsylvanias flagship universities, college and high school administrators will press the offensive throughout the state.

How little support TUGSA has received from other unions is underscored by the fact that members of the AFT in other bargaining units at Temple, as well as other university unions, have been forced to cross its picket linesallegedly prevented from lending assistance through a system of no-strike clauses.

The AFT has not even granted TUGSA members any strike pay. This is having a notable impact on the number of TUGSA members joining the picket lines. On Monday, Inside Higher Ed published an article which cited a striking TUGSA member who admitted that a large portion of those who cant join the strike is because of financial security.

On Friday, the Temple Association of University Professionals (TAUP), like TUGSA, an AFT-affiliated union with over 2,500 members, held an online public meeting to discuss the possibility of a toothless no confidence vote in university president Jason Wingard.

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Some argued for it, noting  the mishandling of the graduate student strike, during which the university has stopped paying for health care and tuition remission for striking members. In addition, faculty also denounced noncontract renewals for some non-tenure faculty, mounting concerns about public safety in the wake of the February killing of a Temple police officer while he was on duty, and vacancies in some key administrative jobs.

In the end, the TAUP delayed the vote until March 17. If the motion is successful, the TAUP said in a statement, [it] will initiate an official vote of no confidence the following week. The results of the vote, basically an opinion poll, may come out by April.

This pathetic solidarity statement is part and parcel of the fundamental strategy shared by the TUGSA, TAUP, the AFT, and the other unions who tell graduate workers not to appeal to other workers, but to the Democratic Party officials, big business leaders and trade union representatives which run the Board of Trustees at Temple. Similarly, TUGSA leaders on Monday staged photo-ops with Democratic state senators in Harrisburg, Pennsylvanias capital. Needless to say, such forays are worse than useless.

The division of Temple workers against each other is also facilitated by the ideology that is central to the Democratic Party and American capitalism, the use of racial identity politics. According to the Inquirer, some voiced concern at the TAUP meeting that taking a vote of no confidence against Temples first Black president after hes been on the job less than two years does not send the right message. For its part, the administration has insinuated that TUGSA is a bastion of white students indifferent to the needs of minorities. In fact, the graduate workers are multiracial and multinational.

On January 31, the day Temple grads began their strike, Temples Center for Anti-Racism hosted Ibram X. Kendi, a Temple alumnus and a leading figure in the lucrative antiracist industry. Kendi regularly receives five-figure sums for short talks about his theories, which center on the idea that race is the central division in society and that racism has been indelibly stamped from the beginning of history, as the title of one of his books has it.

Last summer, Kendi received $22,500 for a single one-hour Zoom discussion given to a public library in northern Virginia. This is a sum greater than the yearly wage of a Temple grad worker.
On March 2, federal Finance Minister Katy Gallagher and Communications Minister Michelle Rowland announced the start of a community consultation process on a major proposed reorganisation of Australia Post (AP).

CWU National President Shane Murphy with Michelle Rowland, the current federal communications minister, at an Australia Post Distribution Centre in May 2022. [Photo: CWU Central]

What is being discussed by AP management and the top echelon of the Labor government is the most dramatic restructuring of the state-owned postal service in its 214-year history. It would result in the destruction of thousands of jobs and drastically reduce services to the community.

Among the measures under consideration is a reduction in letter delivery frequency from five days a week to once or twice. This would require legislative change to remove the current requirement for AP to serve 98 percent of Australian addresses every business day. Also up for discussion is a substantial increase in the cost of postage.

Following the announcement, the Communications Workers Union (CWU) told members in an email it would make a submission to the government, demanding that any changes to AP must enhance our community services and provide quality, secure jobs.

No postal worker should be fooled by these weasel words. The fact is, the CWU bureaucracy has been involved in these discussions for months, behind the backs of workers, and is already playing the leading role in implementing the initial stages of the restructure.

Last month, the unions top bureaucrats, together with AP management, visited depots to tell workers about a trial of a proposed new delivery model, which will take place at the Hornsby facility in New South Wales from April to June. While the meetings were called by management, the union bosses did all the talking, delivering the news in order to shut down opposition from workers to the changes.

The CWU confirmed these plans in a March 1 email, timed to reach workers inboxes ahead of the widely reported government announcement. The new model being trialled will recast and expand beats (delivery routes) served by Electric Delivery Vehicles (EDVs), motorbikes and pushbikes.

At the Kingsgrove workplace meeting, CWU secretary Shane Murphy told workers that beats would be expanded by as much as 50 percent, although this figure was not included in the email.

CWU National President Shane Murphy addresses Australia Post workers at Kingsgrove, NSW on January 24, 2022 [Photo: CWU Central]

Ordinary letters and junk mail will be delivered to half the beat on alternate days, while parcels, large letters and priority mail will continue to be delivered each day along the entire route.

The approach is not new. Under the Alternative Delivery Model (ADM), a failed restructuring attempt introduced in mid-2020 under the phony pretext of COVID-19 safety, workers were given two beats, which they delivered on alternate days, virtually doubling their workload overnight. The ADM could not have been implemented without the full support of the CWU, which, behind the backs of its members, signed a no-strike deal with AP management, preventing workers from legally taking action against the hated model.

Knowing that everyday delivery is a red line for postal workers, and determined to stifle opposition to the proposed model, Murphy insisted in the March 1 email that it is based on the principle of one postie, completing one round, delivering five days per week.

The reality is that the new model amounts to ADM 2.0. What functional difference is there between delivering half of a larger beat on alternate days and delivering one or the other of two smaller beats on alternate days?

The March 1 email explains that the Hornsby trial will be monitored closely by a CWU Official from each State Branch of the Union. Their primary concern will be to determine whether efficiency can be achieved and any changes required to supporting infrastructure.

In other words, an army of CWU bureaucrats from around the country will descend upon the Hornsby facility to ensure the trial proceeds smoothly, without interference from workers, and help management assess whether the new model will deliver the productivity increases demanded by management.

The email claims the union has secured important job security commitmentsensuring that no job losses will occur. Such commitments mean nothing. In the very next paragraph, Murphy admits that the new model will likely cause beats to be impacted by potential efficiency gains, i.e., some will be eliminated.

Murphy writes that, in this case, members will be voluntarily redeployed to a permanent role based on parcel delivery duties. In other words, should your beat be broken up and redistributed, you will be shunted to parcel delivery duties, possibly in a different facility. If you disagree, you will be shown the door.

The CWU and AP management know from the experience of the ADM that the introduction of more onerous working conditions, along with forced retraining and relocation, will prompt many postal workers to leave voluntarily.

The planned restructuring goes much further than the ADM and will have a devastating impact on Australia Post workers. Labor, in close collaboration with the Communications Workers Union (CWU), is seeking to do what previous Liberal-National governments could not: Permanently remove the regulations standing in the way of long-running efforts to degrade letter mail and transform AP into a highly profitable parcel delivery service.

AP management and the government claim this is necessary because of the decline in the letters business. According to figures in APs half-yearly financial report the number of letters delivered has declined 66 percent since its peak in 2008. Despite the result in the letters business, AP still posted a before-tax profit of $23.6 million, off the back of parcel revenue of $3.8 billion. Senior AP executives collected bonuses totalling $28 million in 2022.

Ultimately, the restructuring operations are directed at preparing AP for full or partial privatisation. While the Labor government denies this, AP CEO Paul Graham made clear in a recent interview with the Australian Financial Review that all options are on the table.

The CWU leadership is fully prepared to enforce this, just as it did at Telstra, the formerly government-owned telecommunications service, resulting in the destruction of thousands of jobs.

AP workers must take a sharp warning. The Labor governments consultation process and the proposed new delivery model are just the beginning of the next assault on jobs and conditions.

This is an international process and Australian postal workers confront the same attacks as their counterparts overseas. The surge in parcel profits experienced during lockdowns early in the pandemic has now plateaued with the removal of public health measures by governments worldwide. Mail carriers around the world are undertaking restructuring operations and are implementing harsh attacks on wages and conditions.

This has resulted in the outbreak of major struggles involving tens of thousands of postal workers in the UK, Germany and elsewhere. The response of the union bureaucracies has been to do everything possible to stifle and suppress workers opposition in order to ram through the cuts demanded by management.

The CWU leadership is determined to ensure that a similar upsurge of the class struggle does not take place here and is preparing to play the same role in Australia, just as it did with the ADM and countless times before.

This poses the urgent need for AP workers to build their own organisations of struggle, rank-and-file committees, in order to break the stranglehold of the union bureaucracy and fight for their own demands. These should not be limited to the defence of existing conditions, but could include a substantial wage rise to meet the soaring cost of living and make up for decades of attacks, and a major increase in staff numbers to reduce workload and allow posties to finish within rostered hours every day.

The Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee (PWRFC) urges all AP and other delivery workers to contact us today to discuss forming a rank-and-file committee in your workplace. Through the PWRFC, posties can link up with other workers across Australia and around the world in a common struggle against the corporations, governments and union bureaucracies that are perpetrating global assault on the working class.

The struggle to stop the endless restructuring and eventual privatisation of AP poses the need for a fight for socialist demands. These include placing AP, along with other vital public services, and the major corporations and banks, under democratic workers control, as part of the reorganisation of society to meet the needs of ordinary people, including a decent well-paid job, instead of the profits of the wealthy elite.

Authorised by Cheryl Crisp for the Socialist Equality Party, Suite 906, 185 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000.
the bereaved families are entitled to know all of the evidence, except in so far as it would damage national security to disclose it publicly. Sir John Saunders, Inquiry Chairman

The final report by Sir John Saunders from the inquiry he led into the Manchester Arena terrorist bombing is a state cover-up. It conceals the role of MI5, MI6, the Ministry of Defence and successive British governments in the grooming and protection of far-right Islamists who were deployed to achieve imperialist foreign policy objectives in Libya and throughout the Middle East.

Forensic officers work near the Manchester Arena in Manchester, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. [AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth]

Saunders final volume released last week includes a closed report whose content and findings are being withheld from the victims families and the British public because it contains material that would be damaging to national security if it were to become public.

On May 22, 2017, Salman Abedi detonated a bomb inside Manchester Arena killing 22 people at an Ariana Grande concert. His youngest victim, Saffie-Rose Roussos, was just eight years old. Most of the other victims were young.

Saunders Volume 3: Radicalisation and Preventability, purports to examine the causes of Abedis terrorist atrocity, and whether it could have been prevented by Britains security services. His carefully circumscribed finding of an undisclosed missed opportunity for investigating Abedi, including a failure by a Security Service officer to act swiftly enough (also unidentified) secures a finding that It is not possible to reach any conclusion on the balance of probabilities or to any other evidential standard as to whether the Attack would have been prevented.

Family members of those killed have spoken out in response. Caroline Curry, whose 19-year-old son Liam Curry died in the blast, told the press, From top to bottom, MI5 to the associates of the attacker, we will always believe that you all played a part in the murder of our children.

Andrew Roussos, father of Saffie-Rose said, MI5, for me, had most of the blame. The domestic intelligence service had 22 pieces of information about Salman Abedi but had failed to act.

Roussos has instructed lawyers to investigate grounds for a lawsuit against MI5 over its failure to stop the bombing, and several other families are reportedly willing to join a class action against Britains domestic intelligence agency. Roussos has campaigned tirelessly, alongside other families, stating previously, MI5 has blood on its hands.

What are they hiding?

The Manchester bombing occurred at the height of the 2017 snap general election triggered by the Brexit crisis. It was seized on by Conservative government Prime Minister Theresa May to bolster her re-election on national security grounds, beating the patriotic drum and pouring hundreds of armed British troops onto the streets. After Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn timidly suggested a connection between British military interventions in the Middle East and the rising threat of domestic terrorisma phenomenon known as blowbackhe was branded by senior military and political figures as an apologist for terrorism and a threat to national security who must never become prime minister.

British military personnel alongside armed police guarding the Palace of Westminster as part of Operation Temperer [Photo by Katie Chan / CC BY-SA 4.0

The campaign against Corbyn, spearheaded by the Parliamentary Labour Party, reached fever pitch, stoked by corporate and state media outlets and the military. Colonel Richard Kemp, who commanded British military forces in Afghanistan, insisted, Jeremy Corbyn as prime minister would simply aid our enemies, while General Lord Dannatt, former head of the British Army, declared that a Corbyn premiership would threaten Britains security. Their comments ratcheted up threats by senior military figures after Corbyns election as party leader in September 2015, when an unnamed general threatened a mutiny by the armed forces if Corbyn ever became prime minister. Chief of defence staff, Sir Nicholas Houghton, had spoken of the worrying constraints of parliamentary consent.

The execution and timing of the Manchester Arena bombing, carried out by an individual known to the military and security services, raised sinister issues. The World Socialist Web Site warned that the democratic rights of the working class were endangered by the ensuing campaign against Corbyn, which sought to subvert the election and criminalise opposition to Britains filthy military operations in Libya and the Middle East.

Prime Minister Theresa May and the leader of the opposition Jeremy Corby process through Central Lobby to the House of Lords at the 2017 State Opening of Parliament [Photo by UK Parliament/Flickr / CC BY 2.0

While Corbyn refused to challenge the state forces raised against him, public sentiment against Mays government hardened, fuelled by widespread suspicion of a cover-up. Leaks from US and French intelligence agencies revealed within days that Abedi was a known terror threat. US sources claimed the FBI had warned MI5 that Abedi was planning to attack political targets in the UK.

At the general election on June 8, the Conservatives lost their overall majority and were forced into a confidence and supply agreement with Northern Irelands Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). Labour gained 30 seats, winning 40 percent of the vote, its highest increase in vote share since 1945 when it defeated Churchills government in a landslide victory after World War II. It was the closest contest between Labour and the Conservatives since the 1974 general election, held in the midst of strikes by miners and dockworkers, which Conservative Prime Minister Edward Heath lost under the slogan, Who rules Britain? Corbyns popularity reflected an underlying leftward shift in the working class, which Britains ruling class feared he would be unable to contain if he were elected prime minister. The bomb that tore through Manchester Arena created the conditions for a state witch-hunt aimed at intimidating the working class and concealing the truth. Corbyn offered no resistance to this state conspiracy.

Britain in Libya

Saunders concluded the intelligence agencies had no forewarning of the Manchester bombing, but his report provides ample evidence of a terrorist atrocity planned and executed virtually under the nose of MI5. The 22-year-old Abedi worked with Islamist fighters who were trained, armed, and financed by the British state and NATO to topple Libyan leader Muammar and install a puppet regime.

British imperialism has a long and bloody record in Libya. The north African country was placed under British and French occupation during World War II, with nominal independence granted in 1951 under King Idris bin Muhammad al-Mahdi as-Senussi, whose regime, bankrolled by the US and Britain, was overthrown by Colonel Gaddafis 1969 military coup. Gaddafis bourgeois nationalist regime took over the holdings of British Petroleum and ultimately controlled around 70 percent of domestic oil production. But the dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991 ushered in three decades of imperialist violence as the United States asserted military dominance over the oil-rich Middle East, opening a renewed scramble for Africa.

While Gaddafi believed he could find a place in this new world order, especially after Tony Blairs 2004 deal in the desert, he was instead assassinated in 2011 by Libyan rebel forces backed by the US, Britain and France.

Saunders report found Abedis actions were driven by noxious absences and malign presences. Dr. Matthew Wilkinson, an expert in Islamist extremism, testified about Abedis background, I have never seen such a complete picture of the petri dish absolutely brimming with germs. His analogy captures the lawless and toxic character of imperialist foreign policy and its diseased domestic repercussions.

The inquiry found, the Abedi family holds significant responsibility for radicalisation of SA and HA (Abedis younger brother Hashem Abedi is serving a 55-year prison sentence for his role in the mass killing). The familys connections with Islamist terror groups in Libyaincluding al-Qaeda, February 17th Martyrs Brigade and Islamic Stateare described by Wilkinson as a malign presence in the brothers lives. Saunders writes, The long-running conflict in Libya represents the critical background to SAs journey to radicalisation.

All the more striking then that his final report rules the issue off-limits, evading any examination of the role played by the British government, military and intelligence agencies in Libya, The interaction between various factions involved in the Libyan civil war, which began on 17 February 2011 is dizzyingly complex and beyond the scope of this report.

Salman Abedis family had extensive contacts with Islamist terror groups in Libya, although Saunders report provides only the sketchiest outline. His father Ramadan Abedi was offered political asylum by the British government in 1993 and granted citizenship in 2007, despite his connections to known terrorists. In passing, Saunders notes that Ramadan Abedi was friends with Abu-Anas al-Libi, an al-Qaeda commander linked to the 1998 terrorist bombing of the US embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam. Abedis sons were photographed with al-Libis sons in military uniform and carrying weapons in 2011, most likely with the February 17th Martyrs Brigade.

The entire Abedi family travelled freely between Libya and Britain throughout the civil war. In 2014, Britains Royal Navy war ship MHS Enterprise evacuated the Abedi brothers from Libya because extremist militias were fighting in the area (Saunders). The report is silent on the subsequent debrief they reportedly made to military and/or intelligence officers. It was during their repeated visits to Libya from 2011 to 2017 that Salman and Hashem Abedi joined rebel training camps, and it is probable they obtained some form of training and assistance in how to build a bomb.

HMS Enterprise sea training in UK waters in 2019 [Photo: Ministry of Defence-Open Government Licence version 1.0]

The British military spent 212 million supporting Libyan rebel forces in 2011, according to then Defence Secretary Philip Hammond.

The extent of British and NATO involvement with Islamist terror groups was exposed during extraordinary testimony by jailed ISIS recruiter and convicted terrorist Abdalraouf Abdallah, who communicated with Abedi in the lead-up to the Manchester Arena bombing and was found by Saunders to have been a significant radicalising influence on Abedi. Abdullah testified he was trained by NATO and fought alongside NATO military forces in Libya, backed by the British government, David Cameron praised us very well. Britain backed Islamist groups in Libya which it had designated elsewhere as terrorist, maybe for their own gain or something like that.

Saunders interjected at once, I dont want to get involved in that because its not relevant to what Im deciding, do you understand? The exchange appears in a video produced by Declassified UK which has been censored (i.e., removed) by YouTube.

Significantly, key members of the Abedi familyfather Ramadan and eldest brother Ismailwere able to evade testifying at the inquiry, in circumstances that are deeply suspicious. Ismail left Britain despite being stopped at Manchester airport just 24-hours prior. Doubtless the family has information that the British state would prefer to keep secret.

While the inquiry had broad powers under the Public Inquiries Act to compel testimony, neither former Prime Minister David Cameron nor Theresa May were called to explain their governments open door policy for Libyan terrorists. Neither did Saunders inquiry compel representatives of MI6 or the Ministry of Defence to testify on their relationship with the Abedis and the extensive network of Islamist rebels in Libya, Syria and elsewhere.

Questions that Sir John Saunders refused to ask of Britains intelligence agencies, military and government include the following:

Was the Abedi family listed by MI6 as a protected asset due to its role in furthering British foreign policy objectives in Libya?

Why were the Abedi brothers evacuated from Libya by the British Royal Navy and what information did they supply to the British government? What did the British military or intelligence agencies provide to the Abedi family in return?

What intelligence did MI5 and MI6 receive from French and US security agencies about the threat posed by Salman Abedi? Who received the intelligence and why was it not acted on?

No mainstream media outlet has opposed the inquirys blatant cover-up or its withholding of information from the public on national security grounds. The Guardians defence and security editor Dan Sabbagh wrote last week, it would be unwise to be excessively critical of the final report. He concluded, There is no independent way of knowing whether this amounts to a cover-up.

A Guardian editorial next day judged that missed opportunities by MI5 to stop the terror attack came from a faulty mindset. According to the Guardians editors, Britains air force was deployed with no proper intelligence analysis, and the mission drifted [!] into an unannounced goal of regime change. Britain was shirking its moral responsibility to rebuild Libya. It lectured, Levels of secrecy that go beyond MI5s operational needs damage public confidence and breed conspiracy theories.

The Guardian speaks for affluent, corrupt upper middle class liberals who have embraced imperialist war under the banner of humanitarian intervention and whose only real fear is that the crimes of the British state are being exposed. The verdict of Andrew Roussos and other families who lost loved ones, that MI5 has blood on its hands, speaks to a growing awareness that British and NATO s military operations for oil and resources are a criminal enterprise, with deadly consequences for the working class in Britain, the Middle East and internationally.

The most explicit recommendation from Saunders final report is that the 2021 Commission for Countering Extremism report, currently under consideration by Home Secretary Suella Braverman, be acted on as a matter of urgency. Its definition of hateful extremism is activity or materials directed at an out-group who are perceived as a threat to an in-group motivated by or intending to advance a political, religious or racial supremacist ideology.
Elected leaders have green-lit additional housing on a Philomath-area farm and may overhaul Benton County planning laws after finding planners had unevenly decided what, exactly, counts as commercial agriculture.

The Benton County Board of Commissioners voted 2-1 Tuesday, March 7, to accept the appeal of farm owner Cynthia Crosby and land owner Connie Jordan, overturning the successive decisions of first staff and then land use officials.

Darren Nichols, the countys director of community development, told commissioners that planners had acted with their best interpretation of the laws dictating whether property owners may add housing to land zoned exclusively for growing crops or livestock animals.

Which is a challenge for our community members, our staff, Nichols said. Which means its time to get some outside help.

Both women, who took up ranching in their retirement years, applied in 2021 to build a residence for the adult children who eventually will inherit the 64-acre property where Crosby and Jordan are building a business of growing hay and raising Dexter cattle.

The application basically is for an exception to laws that prevent developers from building housing on farms.

Applicants said they cant follow their business plan without the help of Crosbys daughter, Claire Fulsher, and son-in-law, Kevin Fulsher.

The Fulshers commute to the farm where, Crosby and Jordan said, they frequently help doing the labor necessary to keep the business running. Crosby and Jordan argued they need the Fulshers on-site to start meting out a larger stake in the farms day-to-day operations.

County staff and the Benton County Planning Commission that oversaw Crosby and Jordans first appeal in November asserted the women dont make enough money or have enough land to qualify for additional housing on farmland.

In upholding staffs decision to deny the housing application, the Planning Commission said Oregons highest administrative authority on development, the Land Use Board of Appeals, has maintained applicants like Crosby and Jordan must own 80 or more acres or make at least $80,000 annually if they want to add housing for workers.

But a Eugene-based land use attorney hired by the ranchers, Mike Reeder, told countys top officials Feb. 21 during a hearing in the case that those acreage and income requirements are not reflected in county law.

That is made up by staff, Reeder said at the time. Staff is inserting a provision in the code that is not there, and that is a violation of state statute.

Reeder also pointed out that the county hasn't been exactly consistent. In 2019 it approved an application for relatives housing on a 47-acre hazelnut farm. That farm had made no money, and staffs decision to approve the application appeared subjective, he said.

County Commissioners Xan Augerot and Nancy Wyse agreed when they picked up the hearing Tuesday.

State land use laws generally are in place to uphold Oregon planning goals, which require local governments, like cities and counties, to determine where developers can build housing. By saying specifically where cities will expand, the state seeks to protect green spaces.

Chief among those spaces are agricultural lands.

I do want to protect our rural character, Wyse said.

But, commissioners said, they likely need to examine how planning code can change to restrict development on farmland, in line with LUBA standards.

Board Chair Pat Malone voted against the appeal. He maintained the county should cleave to the states acreage and income standards.

Nichols, the county administrator in charge of development, agreed with county commissioners and suggested Benton County may overhaul its guiding document on where and when property owners can develop housing, bringing in land use experts.

He said the county will develop a timeline and budget for tightening county code anywhere it touches development.

We have to view this as a bigger picture, Nichols said.
Hong Kong: HK legal system promoted in Geneva

Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan arrived in Geneva, Switzerland, on the third stop of his Europe visit, to strengthen co-operation between the Department of Justice and international organisations, and promote Hong Kongs legal system.

Mr Cheung first visited the Advisory Centre on World Trade Organization Law where he met its Executive Director Niall Meagher and senior management to exchange views on enhancing co-operation.

He then attended a reception hosted by the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Geneva for a dialogue with representatives to the World Trade Organization (WTO) from different countries and economies as well as business and industry leaders in Europe, with a focus on how Hong Kong leverages its strengths to contribute to the rules-based multilateral trading system.

Addressing the reception, Mr Cheung stressed that Hong Kong, China has always been a staunch supporter of the rules-based international trading system. He also noted that the city has participated in a number of disputes brought by different WTO members, which has helped clarify important legal principles of WTO law and enhance members understanding of international trade law.

Mr Cheung also pointed out that in the case brought by Hong Kong, China against the US in relation to the origin marking requirement imposed on Hong Kong products, the panel established under the WTO Dispute Settlement Body has ruled that such a requirement is inconsistent with the most-favoured-nation treatment requirement under the General Agreement on Tariffs & Trade 1994. The panel also completely refuted the US invocation of a security exception.

This ruling has fully affirmed the status of Hong Kong, China as a separate customs territory within the WTO, he added.

Given that Hong Kongs investment and business environment has become stable and more vibrant following the implementation of the National Security Law, Mr Cheung encouraged enterprises and organisations to set up offices in Hong Kong to take full advantage of the unique strengths and opportunities offered by Hong Kong as the only common law jurisdiction within China under one country, two systems.

After the reception, Mr Cheung called on Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary & Permanent Representative of the Peoples Republic of China to the WTO Li Chenggang, and said that Hong Kong would proactively create strong impetus for the overseas development of its diversified legal and dispute resolution services, consolidating the citys status as the centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region.

Mr Cheung will continue his visit in Geneva before departing for The Hague, the Netherlands.

This story has been published on: 2023-03-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
International Women's Day: 5 female founded brands that always give back

International Women's Day is always marked in our calendar as an extra moment to champion women. A time when many brands make extra charitable donations or seize the opportunity to highlight female-founded or female-benefitting initiatives, we wanted to take a slightly different angle this season.

International Women's Day is a demarcated moment in the calendar to celebrate women. Whether its those you know and have direct involvement in, or those that you admire, IWD as it's commonly referred to is also a brilliant moment to support female business founders and recognize their achievements.

Many female-founded businesses also give back constantly to their own and wider communities all through the year, and it's these companies that we want to shout out on this important day of the year. So these are the business doing good, regardless of the calendar month and by supporting them, you're giving a helping hand to women all over the globe.

International Women's Day: 5 fashion brands who are always supporting women

From fashion to lingerie, these are the five female-founded fashion brands that help to build up others.

1. The Little Market

Not many chic fashion and homeware brands deliver a feel-good shopping factor in the way that The Little Market does. A nonprofit whose aim is to help create dignified, safe and secure income opportunities for economic self-sufficiency for women worldwide can only be commended.

Founded by Lauren Conrad and Hannah Skvarla, the whole mission of The Little Market is circled around one key element, 'every purchase makes a difference'. Having taken a trip together to Tanzania and Uganda back in 2012, the pair visited organizations working with artisans and entrepreneurs. Extremely talented women that lacked access to larger selling methods and ways of securing their economic futures, the duo joined forces, to create a retail platform that exclusively sells ethically produced items from social enterprises and artisan groups in underserved communities. This includes refugees, people with disabilities, young mothers, resettled individuals, people living in extreme poverty and survivors of sex trafficking. By supporting these organizations through The Little Market platform, those involved can produce and sell their wares, receive living wages and have safe and fair jobs. In addition to this, the organizations will help with counseling, healthcare programs, business training and literacy classes, re-building lives, one purchase at a time.

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With a wide range of beautiful artisan products that are ideal for gifts or self-gifting, The Little Market's well-curated range covers homeware and accessories, including candles, tote bags, serveware, linens and organizational items, for a home set up you can be proud of. Because making your world look beautiful through The Little Market will help to build the future for other women too.

The Little Market Raffia Tote

RRP: $118 (international shipping available) | Handmade in Madagascar, as we head back into the summer season, the best tote bags are a must for the months ahead. Raffia designs remain one of the key handbag trends 2023, so you can look good and help give back in one go.

The Little Market Slogan Tote

RRP: $26 (international shipping available) | If you want to really wear your heart on your sleeve, or in this case your thoughts over your shoulder, this printed tote is handmade in Bangladesh. Available with either white or navy writing, it is ideal for everyday use, or for supermarket shopping.

The Little Market Beaded Bracelet

RRP: $22 (international shipping available) | Crafted in Cambodia, this bracelet is made from ethically sourced glass and 24k gold-finished beads. The production of these bracelets offer women in Cambodia employment, skills and education and you a gorgeous gift or self-gift.

2. Scamp & Dude

Scamp & Dude was founded by Jo Tutchener-Sharp in 2016 following life-saving brain surgery. Facing a lengthy stay in hospital, away from her children, Jo originally set out to create a children's wear brand that would help little ones feel more secure when going through such a turbulent time, tapping into their internal superpowers to help calm any separation anxiety. And while the brand has pivoted somewhat, becoming a feel-good fashion brand, bursting with easy, wearable pieces and dopamine-dressing-inducing color, the desire to do good and impact those going through cancer and trauma in as positive a way as possible remains central to the brand.

The original Superhero Sleep Buddy - a cuddly toy that has space for a picture of a loved one is still on sale today and for every one sold, another is donated to a child who has lost a parent or is seriously ill. Expanding beyond teddies to Super Scarves, where for every scarf sold, another is donated to a woman with cancer or a mother of a child with cancer. Reminding those who may feel utterly alone, that there is someone who cares.

With over 5000 Superhero Sleep Buddies, 10,000+ Super Scarves, and more than 600k worth of superpower-infused sweatshirts donated, there is no denying that Jo and Scamp, and Dude are having a huge impact on the wider community, every single day.

Scamp & Dude Superhero Sleep Buddy

RRP: 30 (international shipping available) | When you buy one of of these super cute bunny toys another is automatically donated. There is a space at the back of the toy to slip a photo of a loved one, making this an ideal gift for those who need comfort.

Scamp & Dude Leopard Print Super Scarf

RRP: 40 (international shipping available) | As with the toys, for every scarf purchased, another is donated to a woman going through cancer treatment, or to a mother of a child in treatment. Offering much needed warmth and comfort at a difficult time.

Scamp & Dude Repeat Star Print Super Scarf

RRP: 40 (international shipping available) | The happy prints, colors and tactile detailing on this scarf is a great way to make anyone's day, and the buy one, donate one scheme that Scamp & Dude run on these scarves ensures your purchase gives back to others.

3. LemLem

If you're looking for beautiful swimwear, the best beach cover-ups, chic dresses and great accessories, LemLem is an artisanal brand, with resort wear at its core. Made ethically and responsibly in Africa, LemLem combines beautiful clothing alongside helping to create economic growth on the continent, whilst keeping traditional art of weaving alive in Ethopia, securing the future of many local women.

In addition to providing local employment, 5% of the brand's online sales go straight to LemLem's foundation. Since 2006, the brand has helped female artisans in Africa make their way out of poverty, creating a pathway to job opportunities, access to healthcare and building a brighter and more industrious future. Working with local social enterprises, the foundation supports women in Ethiopia and Kenya be prepared for textile and fashion jobs in Africa.

But it's not just economic growth the brand is supporting, alongside training and employment, they've helped to support women's health outreach and access to maternal support and education.

Nothing feels quite as good as wearing clothing you know has uplifted and supported the future of others.

LemLem Embroidered Dress

RRP: $425 / 425 | Looking for the best dresses? Ideal for a travel capsule wardrobe, LemLem pieces are perfect for sunny destinations. Yellow has been a huge hit on the runway at international fashion weeks, so stock up now for the coming months.

LemLem Printed Blouse

RRP: $295 / 295 | Looking to update your spring capsule wardrobe? A pretty blouse will work across occasions, and in the latest fashion color trends, this pink and orange design will help to brighten up smart casual outfit ideas in an instant.

LemLem Green & White Swimsuit

RRP: $250 / 250 | The best swimsuits are hard to find, but this repeat printed design with waist-flattering, self tie belt and supportive halterneck is a great choice for creating hourglass curves on the beach this summer. The deep V will elongate your frame too.

4. Thinx

Period poverty has been somewhat of a catchphrase of late, but Thinx is one brand that is putting thought into action. Founded by Maria Selby, the best period underwear has revolutionized menstruation for a generation and alongside other eco-friendly period products and has given further options for those looking to move away from pads and tampons and towards more sustainable alternatives.

Now with three brands, Thinx, Thinx Teens and Speax by Thinx which aims to tackle bladder leakages, this clever underwear brand is also helping those with period poverty. For every pair purchased of any of its three brands, Thinx donates a pair to trusted partners that help to battle period poverty and promote reproductive health and donated over 50,000 pairs in 2022 alone.

In addition to this, Thinx set up a cart donation program, giving shoppers the opportunity to donate at checkout. This has resulted in over $400,000 additional donations, helping the brand to make basic hygiene products available to those who need it (through trusted partners).

A proud supporter of grassroots organizations that tackle period poverty and support women's menstrual health and reproductive rights, this game changing brand is helping to make talking about and dealing with 'women's issues' in the future less taboo for all.

Thinx Cotton Modal Brief

RRP: $35 / 30.28 | If you're new to period underwear, it essentially has built in absorption that also wicks moisture away from the body, for a comfortable and dry feel. The briefs account different levels of flow, you can find your perfect pair.

Thinx Heavy-Flow Boyshort

RRP: $38 / 32.87 | Want to feel a little more secure? As a relatively new concept, many are still understandably nervous about period underwear, but the boyshort, as it has legs can feel a little more comfortable and supporting for heavier days.

Thinx Classic High Waist

RRP: $35 / 30.28 | The best part? Thinx period underwear is just full of dull and sensible panties. They're fun and attractive too. We love the bright red color, coupled with the mesh detail for a period tackling brief that also makes you look and feel great.

5. The Little Bra Company

This female founded lingerie company makes some of the best bras for small busts. Founded in 2007 by Emily Lau, after she struggled to find beautiful lingerie that catered for her smaller frame, that felt feminine and sexy, she realized lots of her friends felt the same way.

Fast-forward to 2023 and The Little Bra Company has every type of bra that a petite woman could ask for. Stylish lingerie covering everything from the best t-shirt bras to push up bras and sensual lacy numbers for when you want something special.

Knowing how important good foundations are, Emily and The Little Bra Company donate thousands of bras and underwear every year to those in need, displaced and those affected by natural disasters. The brand also keenly gets involved with numerous charity opportunities to raise funds for specific projects, such as the Foundation for Living Beauty, helping women living with cancer.

And if that hasn't convinced you that Emily Lau and co are International Women's Day super stars, this bra brand offers support (pun intended) to Raised By a Village, donating money to the charity, who help kids during divorce processes.

Tirelessly recognizing the work and needs of others, all the bras are named after friends and family who have supported and continue to support Emily on this journey, meaning that bagging your own support can uplift others too, now how's that for the best bras.

The Little Bra Company Ashly

RRP: $64 / 55 | Available in AA-D cups and 28-36 back size, despite being specifically for small busts and petite frames, this Little Bra Company bra will work for a fairly wide size selection. We love the lace fabric and bronz and pink color combo for a regal feel.

The Little Bra Company Push Up

RRP: $62 / 53 | Don't forget to sort the basics. It's easy to invest in lots of pretty, lacy numbers, but having some smooth cups that just work under everything is our top bra shopping tip. This push-up style comes in four different shades and AA to D cups.

The Little Bra Company Bra

RRP: $62 / 53 | Looking for the most comfortable bras? This sporty-style, t-shirt bra features a racer back fit for extra support and a delightfully loungewear-like fit and feel. The perfectly pink pastel hue just adds to its fashionability.
Once again, Alec Baldwin will not be showing up at a hearing in the criminal case for the Rust shooting that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in October 2021.

Just hours before a rescheduled virtual hearing Thursday in front of New Mexico Judge Mary Marlow Sommer with co-defendant and ex-Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, Baldwin has requested and been granted a waiver from appearing.

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I understand that I am charged with the following offense or offenses under the law of the State of New Mexico: Involuntary Manslaughter (Section 30-2-3(B), NMSA 1978) in two alternatives, Baldwin said in a filing Thursday in Santa Fe County. I understand that I am entitled to personally appear before the Court at every stage of the criminal proceedings, he added. After reading and understanding the above, I request that the Court permit me to waive a personal appearance in court for the following proceedings: All Status Conferences.

Sommer granted the request, which likely had as much to do with Baldwin and his New York City-based Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan attorneys trying to dim the media spotlight on the case, as it did with the content of todays session itself.

Still, for a hearing that was originally supposed to occur March 8, the process is similar to when 64-year-old Baldwin officially entered a plea of not guilty February 23 and waived his right to appear virtually at the first hearing in the high-profile matter the next day. Reed did not waive her right to appear and was present onscreen with her lawyer Jason Bowles, the judge, and D.A. Mary Carmack-Altwies at that February 24 gathering.

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Like Baldwin looking at up to 18 months behind bars and various fines if found guilty, the 25-year-old Reed has not officially entered a plea. She is expected to be present at todays remote hearing.

With the public release of an FBI-assisted investigation by the Santa Fe County Sheriffs office last November, Baldwin and Reed were formally charged by prosecutors with two counts of involuntary manslaughter on January 31 over the October 21, 2021 death of Hutchins at Bonanza Creek Ranch. Rust director Joel Souza was also wounded from the live ammo that came out of the 1880s prop gun that star/producer Baldwin was holding.

The original charges included an enhancement that came with a mandatory five-year prison stint if Baldwin and/or Reed were found guilty. Under protest and claims from lawyers from the defendants that the charge was unconstitutional, the somewhat red-faced D.A. removed the charge last month. As a resurrected Rust pledges to go into production in Montana soon-ish, Baldwin and his team are also attempting to have special prosecutor Andrea Reeb tossed from the case because of her dual role as a recently elected GOP New Mexico legislator.

The D.A. has pushed back, insisting that Reed, a seasoned prosecutor, can handle both gigs and that there is no conflict of interest.

With or without Baldwin, this afternoons status hearing will likely see Sommer and the various lawyers seek to work out when they will discuss the special prosecutor skirmish. They could also put a date for a preliminary hearing on the calendar for the next few months.

With a trial in theory to come, the commitments of the participating attorneys, the D.A and perhaps even the judge herself will determine if any of that is coming sooner or later  but bet on the latter.

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Actor, comedian, and game show host Anthony Anderson gave one of his closest friends the gift of a lifetime: officiating her wedding.

The Black-ish lead stood before his friend, AJ Williams, and her husband, John Henson, as he oversaw the couple tying the knot on Jamaicas mesmerizing coastline.

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Taking on the important position for the first time ever, Anderson told PEOPLE that he was glad that my first experience was among friends. Williams and Anderson have been friends since 2018.

Anthony asked us if we wanted him to marry us. We said yes with an astounding yes! the event company owner told the outlet. Sharing a funny moment from the wedding, Anderson also revealed that the brides sister actually forgot to bring Williams ring to the alter during the ceremony.

Its not everyday that the brides ring [is] not with the bride as shes getting married, he jokingly recalled. Unfortunately, the ring was not found, so a caring friend gave her ring as a temporary placeholder until the ring was found. Lets just say that [it] has new meaning to something borrowed, something new!

The 52-year-old made it clear that he had no prior experience or training ahead of officiating the nuptials.

Between you and I, Im not sure if this whole thing is totally legit, he said. Well just let the courts decide if it ever comes to that! He warmly added, My wish for AJ and John is that they continue to love one another the way that they have for the last 14 years. With a relationship like theirs, marriage is easy.

I loved every minute of it, and the best part was having my event industry friends behind me to support me, said Williams about her famous peers. They are the best!

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Amongst his many endeavors  including playing the barber in the 2023 Netflix film You People  Anthony Anderson can currently be heard as the voice of Ray Ray on Disneys The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder.

Take a look at a few Instagram photos from Andersons friend AJ Williams wedding above.

Anthony Anderson posing for a picture wearing a burgundy jacket and tan turtle neck.

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lizzo reacts to anti lgbtq - Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Lizzo and Madonna have both taken stances in calling out the recent rash of anti-LGBTQ bills like the Tennessee drag ban and laws aimed at trans healthcare.

Earlier this month, Lizzo shared a series of tweets about getting to the root of the hate. Ive never heard a person say why theyre racist Or fatphobic.. Ive never heard a reason why someone is transphobic.. I think if we knew why these people felt this way there would way less support for these ideals. Because the why is more insidious than we realize, she wrote before adding later: Dont get it twisted I dont care why people are bigoted. Thats a waste of my imagination. I feel like theres a lot of complicit silence and apathetic participation going on that wouldnt fly if people knew more.

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Dont get it twisted I dont care why people are bigoted. Thats a waste of my imagination.



I feel like theres a lot of complicit silence and apathetic participation going on that wouldnt fly if people knew more. https://t.co/CxcLi86qnL  FOLLOW @YITTY (@lizzo) March 8, 2023

In the same vein, Madonna wont allow the hate spiel to alienate her from her audience in Tennessee. The singer recently added a Nashville stop to her tour schedule, with proceeds from the show benefiting trans-rights organizations.

The oppression of the LGBTQ+ is not only unacceptable and inhumane; its creating an unsafe environment; it makes America a dangerous place for our most vulnerable citizens, especially trans women of color, Madonna said in a statement. Also, these so-called laws to protect our children are unfounded and pathetic. Anyone with half a brain knows not to fuck with a drag queen. Bob and I will see you from the stage in Nashville where we will celebrate the beauty that is the queer community.

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Country star Reba McEntire chimed in a few weeks later, too, when asked about the anti-drag bill during an interview with the Los Angeles Times. McEntire said she was disappointed that the bill past, adding, I wish they would spend that much time and energy and money on feeding the homeless children in those two counties.

When asked potentially alienating segments of her audience, McEntire quipped, I mean, weve got a real problem in this country, and to be worrying about men wanting to dress up as women? God bless em to wear those high heels  I feel for em. But lets center our attention on something that really needs attention.

Thank you for proving why the drag ban is targeted and ridiculous! ITS ALREADY ILLEGAL TO DO SEXUAL SHIT IN FRONT OF KIDS. Completely unnecessary law aimed at people who dont tend to vote GOP. https://t.co/unhRqYW7cn  Jason Isbell (@JasonIsbell) March 4, 2023

Unfounded and pathetic are spot-on descriptors as more holes are poked into the arguments supporting anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Thank you for proving why the drag ban is targeted and ridiculous, Jason Isbell wrote on Twitter in response to a claim that it would be inappropriate for a straight man to gyrate his hips at a school. ITS ALREADY ILLEGAL TO DO SEXUAL SHIT IN FRONT OF KIDS. Completely unnecessary law aimed at people who dont tend to vote GOP.

The B-52s also took aim at the laws targeting trans healthcare. We, The B-52s, are deeply concerned about the numerous new bills that promote transphobia and discrimination against transgender individuals and drag artists, which have been introduced in the United States, the band wrote on Twitter Wednesday.

Dear fellow citizens,



We, The B-52s, are deeply concerned about the numerous new bills that promote transphobia and discrimination against transgender individuals and drag artists, which have been introduced in the United States. We strongly denounce these bills and stand in pic.twitter.com/mzMROe4pxE  The B-52s (@TheB52s) March 8, 2023

We strongly denounce these bills and stand in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ community. It is unacceptable that in the 21st century, we are witnessing such blatant attempts to undermine the rights of individuals based on their gender identity and sexual orientation. These bills not only violate the fundamental human rights of the affected individuals but also perpetuate a toxic culture of hate and intolerance that has no place in our society.

Nashvilles own Hayley Williams of Paramore previously wrote of the Tennessee laws aimed at the LGBTQ+ community, Once again our state has passed two regressive and unfathomably harmful bills. We stand in solidarity with our LGBTQIA+ family and local LGBTQIA+ orgs in this fight, not only for inclusion for our friends and family in the queer community, but for radical acceptance and empowerment for each of them. Drag is not a crime. Gender-affirming healthcare for all, including our youth, is a necessity.

The Bonnaroo music festival, stationed in Manchester, Tennessee, similarly pledged to remain a safe haven for people of all walks of life despite the newly-passed laws. Rest assured The Farm will remain a sanctuary for those freedoms and Bonnaroovians will see no changes in programming or celebration of self-expression at the festival, organizers wrote.

This is how Hitler started, just weeding everybody out, Cyndi Lauper previously said of the Republican-backed bills popping up in red states nationwide. Equality for everybody, or nobodys really equal.

RuPaul, perhaps Americas most well-known drag performer, similarly criticized Republican lawmakers, calling their focus on the LGBTQ+ community a distraction technique. [Its] distracting us away from the real issues that they were voted into office to focus on  jobs, healthcare, keeping our children safe from harm at their own school, RuPaul added on social media.

Bullies are incompetent at solving real issues, RuPaul continued while calling drag queens the Marines of the queer movement.

They look for easy targets so they can give the impression of being effective. They think our love, our light, our laughter, and our joy are signs of weakness. But theyre wrong  because that is our strength.

This story was updated 3/31/23 @ 1:58 p.m. ET with comments about the anti-drag law from Reba McEntire.

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Chris Rock

Its been a wild ride ever since Will Smith went on stage and slapped Chris Rock during a live broadcast of the 2022 Oscars. The physical assault seen by millions left many divided on whether or not it was warranted. The March 4 release of Rocks new Netflix comedy special, Selective Outrage, has reignited the discussion.

He used the hour-long program as a venting session to let the masses know how hes been coping with the situation. While all of the reviews werent in his favor, the Madagascar actor does have several famous friends in his corner. Brilliantly executed, fellow entertainer D.L. Hughley said in an Instagram post this week about the show. After defending Rocks creative expression, the radio host added, That happened to HIM, to CHRIS and the ENTIRE WORLD got to weigh in, and talk trash, and make jokes and Shoulda, woulda, coulda the whole damn thing to death. OTHER COMEDIANS have bits about it, it was an opener for most of us. The ONE PERSON YOU NEVER HEARD FROM ABOUT IT WAS CHRIS!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by realdlhughley (@realdlhughley)

Hughley continued to make his point: So NOW that HE decides to address it on HIS TIME, people have the audacity to say: Hes bitter Why is he still talking about that? Let it go Or the best one, WEVE MOVED ON. So YOU got to speak on it, but he cant??? Yall are a straight f*n trip. Congratulations, Chris Rock, YOU DID THE DAMN THANG!! Comedic actress Leslie Jones also appeared in the comment section in defense of Rock, writing, Yall forget he got slapped in front of the world, yo! His kids, his mama, peers EVERYONE! I wonder how yall muthaf**kas would handle that! And he is A COMEDIAN. This is his way of expressing it. If he sang, he would write a song. Cause its a painful thing that [happened]. Yall act like you would be righteous! YOU ARE HYPOCRITES! Shut the f**k up and go sit down.

Comedian Loni Love suggested things would have played out differently if the two actors werent Black. There is a 7-12 second delay on the [Oscars] live telecast. If Chris Rock was Chris Evans, maybe that slap would not have been shown. We would have [seen] a commercial for Tide, she tweeted this week. Smith publicly apologized to Rock last year but has not made any statements since the Netflix special. Today (March 9), the New York Post claimed a source told the outlet that the Emancipation actor is embarrassed and hurt by the jokes told during the recent show.

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See related posts below.

There is a 7-12 second delay on the Oscars live telecast.. If Chris Rock was Chris Evans maybe that slap would not have been shown.. we would have saw a commercial for tide  loni love (@LoniLove) March 5, 2023

D.L. Hughley And Leslie Jones Defend Chris Rock Following Critique Of Netflix Special https://t.co/fWuozc8zi1  The DL Hughley Show (@DLHughleyRadio) March 9, 2023

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Chaim Topol speaks during an interview in Tel Aviv, Israel

Ariel Schalit/AP/Shutterstock

Chaim Topol, the Israeli actor behind the iconic portrayal of Tevye in Fiddler On the Roof has died. He was 87.

Topol died in Tel Aviv, Israel, according to Israeli leaders. No cause of death was immediately given, but the actor had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease several years ago, his son confirmed to multiple outlets.

"From Fiddler on the Roof to the roof of the world, Haim Topol, who has passed away from us, was one of the most outstanding Israeli stage artists, a gifted actor who conquered many stages in Israel and overseas, filled the cinema screens with his presence and above all entered deep into our hearts," Israel's ceremonial president Isaac Herzog wrote on Twitter late Wednesday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also acknowledged the star's death, saying that Topol's "contribution to Israeli culture will continue to exist for generations."

RELATED: Fiddler on the Roof Star Theodore Bikel Dies at 91

Topol  who went by his surname only for most of his career  won a Golden Globe for his role in the movie adaptation of Fiddler in 1972, and later graced stages around the world, including in London and on Broadway, as the beloved Russian milkman and patriarch.

The actor would go on to perform the role more than 3,500 times, according to Associated Press, and his embodiment of the character won him generations of fans.

Chaim Topol helped make the London production of Fiddler on the Roof one of the biggest hits in the history of the West End when he starred as the musical beleaguered milkman, Tevye, seen here on stage January 27, 1968

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"I wasn't brought up in Hollywood. I was brought up in a kibbutz," he told AP in 2015. "Sometimes I am surprised when I come to China or when I come to Tokyo or when I come to France or when I come wherever and the clerk at the immigration says 'Topol, Topol, are you Topol?"

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.

Topol's career began in an acting troupe during his military service in Israel. He got his break in the 1964 hit film Sallah Shabati, for which he won his first Golden Globe. The movie was also the first film from Israel to receive an Academy Award nomination.

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He later featured in movies including Cast a Giant Shadow (with Kirk Douglas), Galileo, Flash Gordon, and in the James Bond movie For Your Eyes Only.

In 2015, the actor received the Israel Prize, his country's highest cultural honor, The New York Times reported.

Yet he became synonymous with the character of Tevye  a role he said that he never tired of playing.

"Let's face it, it's one of the best parts ever written for a male actor in the musical theater," he told The Boston Globe in 1989. "It takes you to a wide range of emotions, happiness to sadness, anger to love."

Topol is survived by his wife, Galia, and their three children.
Mark Zuckerbergs virtual reality division may be losing moneybut one country is finding the tech useful: Colombia last week became one of the first countries in the world to host a court hearing in Metas metaverse.

Lawmakers in the South American nation held a two-hour hearing using Horizon Workrooms, a Meta platform that allows teams to get together via a virtual workspace.

Colombian lawyers put on virtual headsets to take part, and the meeting was live-streamed on YouTube. Those attending appeared in the meeting as computer-generated avatars.

And the hearingwhich saw a complainant trying to sue the policewas a success, according to those in the virtual meeting. The use of information technology in the development of judicial proceedings has the essential purpose of facilitating and expediting these processes [of executing justice], said Maria Victoria Quinones Triana, magistrate of the Magdalena court.

Though not all those tuned into the streaming thought it was a good idea: some commented that seeing cartoon-like figures was ridiculous. I feel it takes away from the seriousness [of the case], remarked one viewer. If I want to see myself in a dinosaur character, is that also acceptable?

It was the first time Colombias lawmakers held a full virtual hearingbut elsewhere in the world, hearings using Metas tech have taken place: local media reported that last September, a Chinese court held a virtual meeting.

Virtual court hearingsand meetings generallybecame the norm in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With governments imposing lockdowns worldwide, professionals switched to the video conferencing Zoom platform to meet, pumping the company's stock and sending its market cap through the roof.

Getting Started with the Metaverse

The sudden overreliance on the technology meant some weird and wacky situations: a Texas lawyer seemingly unaccustomed to using the platform got stuck as a kitten when he couldnt change a video filter.

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But an entire meeting held with everyone as cartoonish digital characters is a different story.

A Colombian Court held a hearing on the Metaverse on February 15, 2023, allowing the parties to appear over VR or video and using avatars or characters. The court resolved that using technologies such as the Metaverse does not entail a violation of the due process and instead: https://t.co/NhsrYhLJTA  Eli.eth (Eliana) (@eliana_esq) February 22, 2023

Meta, previously known as Facebook, has poured billions into metaverse technology but it hasnt been a financial successyet: Its metaverse Reality Labs lost a whopping $4.28 billion in 2022 Q4.

Despite this, Meta CEO Zuckerberg has pledged more investment into the space. The two major technological waves driving our roadmap are AI today, and, over the longer term, the metaverse, he said last month.
Democrats see abortion as an electrifying issue heading into 2024 amid signs voter energy hasnt abated in the months since Roe v. Wade was overturned.

The party and abortion rights activists credit the issue with keeping competitive races in play for them this year, including Virginias state Senate special election in January and last months Wisconsin Supreme Court primary.

Members of the party now warn against writing off abortion as a key issue in upcoming elections as states like Florida, where a six-week abortion ban was filed in the state legislature this week, keep the issue top of mind for voters.

If youre looking for canaries in a coal mine, we dont have to squint to see this in the same way that we undervalued, perhaps, the role that the Dobbs decision was going to play in the 2022 midterms, said Wisconsin-based Democratic strategist Joe Zepecki.

I think it is extremely unwise for people to undervalue the issue of abortion as a force in American politics going forward.

Some Democrats, including Zepecki, argue that politicos last cycle underestimated the magnitude to which abortion motivated voter turnout and swung decisive voting blocs  even bringing in new voters like what the Wisconsin Democratic strategist called Dobbs dads, or men who became more aware of the issue through their daughters.

Democrats point to the enduring salience of abortion in the Wisconsin Supreme Courts primary in February  a race that has been recognized as nonpartisan in name only. The battle over legal abortion looms large in the race, given that the state Supreme Court is likely to weigh in on an 1849 abortion law that bans close to all abortions in the state.

Milwaukee County Judge Janet Protasiewicz, seen as one of the liberal candidates, has been an outspoken supporter of abortion rights and featured the issue in one of her ads ahead of the primary. She notched 47 percent of the vote during the primary while former state Supreme Court Justice Daniel Kelly, seen as one of the conservative candidates, received 24 percent. Both will proceed to the April 4 general election.

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In a nod to abortion as a mobilizing issue, her campaign rolled out a new ad on Thursday morning highlighting the difference between her and Kelly on the issue of abortion, calling Kelly an extremist and alleging that he supported the centuries-old law while calling Protasiewicz a common-sense judge. Kelly has been backed by several anti-abortion groups in the state, but unlike the ads assertion, he has not said how he would rule on the 1849 abortion law.

The common thing that were seeing between what happened in the governors race last year, whats happening in this race is that people are just kind of tired of the extremes, right, said Sam Roecker, a spokesman for Protasiewiczs campaign who also worked on Gov. Tony Everss (D) reelection campaign in 2022.

I think abortion is an example of an issue that falls into that, but I dont think its the only issue, he added.

Republicans, too, have taken note of how abortion shaped the November midterm landscape.

The leak, release  whatever you want to call it  of the courts decision on abortion was the shot in the arm that the Democrats needed at the time because they were imploding. Bidens numbers were just in the tank, said Wisconsin-based GOP strategist Brandon Scholz.

Polling has shown that most Americans support Roe v. Wade, which protected the federal right to abortion until fetal viability. An NPR/Ipsos poll released in January found that 60 percent of voters believed the landmark 1973 decision was the correct ruling, including 86 percent of Democrats, 61 percent of independents and 35 percent of Republicans.

Meanwhile, the poll found 4 in 10 saw the Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade as the right decision, including 69 percent of Republicans, 43 percent of independents and 19 percent of Democrats.

Even months after the Supreme Courts decision, groups on either side of the issue dont see the prominence of abortion letting up anytime soon as eyes turn toward 2024.

I think abortion will continue to play a really important part in our upcoming elections, and I think that if done right, itll be a motivating and winning issue for Republicans, said Noah Brandt, vice president of communications at the anti-abortion group Live Action.

Brandt said Republicans did themselves no favors last cycle by shying away from the issue and avoiding holding a firm stance on abortion.

I think that after Dobbs, there were a lot of folks running for office who were a little afraid to say the words abortion or pro-life for a couple months, and I think that that hurt them because you can hide from the issue, but the issue will find you, he said.

So the key is staking out a strong position; being able to recite why that position is scientifically, morally and ethically correct; and then defending it.

After the November midterms, some abortion opponents suggested that the key to success was learning how to define their challengers as extremists and stake out their clear positions on the issue.

GOP pro-life candidates win in competitive races if they define their opponents as abortion extremists who support abortion on demand with NO limits, and contrast that with a clearly defined pro-life position centered around consensus such as pain-capable or heartbeat limits, Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life, wrote to allies after the November midterms.

But abortion rights activists dont necessarily agree with that strategy and argue that even Republicans began to see their stances on abortion were unpopular among voters, which is why they were forced to moderate or scrub previous messaging on the issue.

Its not because they have some change of heart, its because they saw polling and they knew that it was a huge liability for them with voters across the political spectrum, said Ryan Stitzlein, senior national political director for abortion rights group NARAL Pro-Choice America. Because the bottom line is support for abortion access is not partisan.

Florida is the latest test of how galvanizing abortion may be in post-Roe elections.

State lawmakers filed legislation on Tuesday, the first day of the legislative session in the Sunshine State, that would ban abortion after six weeks with limited exceptions, including specific cases of incest and rape. During a news conference, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) called the exceptions in the legislation sensible.

A Florida Republican operative suggested it wasnt clear if the six-week abortion ban would pass. But the operative suggested the issue of abortion may not make waves in Florida given current state demographics and the diminished standing of Florida Democrats.

One, the Democratic Party in Florida is weak. That doesnt mean they cant make a strong comeback, the operative said. Two, Florida is one-quarter senior citizens. So the demographics are such and also  the group thats the largest in Florida on the minority side is Hispanics  Cuban, Venezuelan, etc.  and they tend to be much more pro-life. So I dont know how thats going to play out.

But Democrats argue against underestimating abortion as a voting turnout mechanism.

Whats happening is that the Republicans are so emboldened that I think theyre starting to overplay their hand. Theyre overreaching in ways that, even just two years ago, I think many of us thought were unimaginable, Florida House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell (D) told The Hill.

Driskell acknowledged that Democrats didnt have the numbers to stop a six-week abortion ban from passing if it had enough Republican support, but said, you can expect a real fight from House and Senate Democrats on this issue.

If abortion wasnt teed up to be an issue in 2024, [DeSantis] just made it one.

Updated at 8:11 a.m.

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Ahoy mateys -- Get ready to set sail aboard the Disney Cruise Line as a brand-new island destination will be welcoming Guests next year!

For those cruisers who love to travel the world, be sure to add Lighthouse Point, located on the island of Eleuthera in The Bahamas, to your bucket list because it will be opening in Summer of 2024.

What Is Lighthouse Point?

Disney

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Lighthouse Point will welcome Disney Guests with its one-of-a-kind brightly colored architecture, created and designed in collaboration with local artists.

According to Disney Parks Blog, "The curvilinear buildings will at first appear as Bahamian shells scattered along the shoreline. Upon closer inspection, guests will discover artistic expressions of the native flora and fauna of The Bahamas and the pageantry and history of Junkanoo parades. Throughout the destination, references to playful folklore characters will evoke the warmth and charm of the local culture."

When building this new destination, both Disney and the local artists kept the environment at the top of their mind as, per Disney, "at least 90 percent of the destinations electricity needs will be met by an onsite solar array, the pier was designed to avoid the need for dredging and elevated walkways will help limit the impact on the landscape."

Disney's Island Is Fun For All Ages

Disney

Families will be able to relax on the sandy beaches while soaking up the sun, splash around in the turquoise water, or embark on an adventure alongside Disney characters.

For those cruisers who have sailed on Disney Cruise Line before, Lighthouse Point will offer similar amenities as Disney's first private island, Castaway Cay, does.

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Disney Parks Blog reports, "Families can relax and play along white sandy beaches and turquoise waters at the expansive family beach on the east side of the island, which will be centrally located near market-style dining, recreation, and other amenities." Some of those amenities include volleyball, nature trails for hiking, biking trails, and a gaga ball pit.

Lighthouse Point will also offer new Port Adventures that can be booked through Disney Cruise Line -- each developed in partnership with local tour operators. These Port Adventures will give Guests the opportunity to explore beyond Lighthouse Point and see the beauty of Eleuthera, Bahamas.

For those little ones, Lighthouse Point will offer an interactive family water play area, which will consist of two slides, water drums, fountains, and more.

And for those adults wishing to have some quiet time, Lighthouse Point will offer an adults-only beach, which Disney describes as "a glorious stretch of sun-drenched serenity complete with a dedicated dining area for convenient access to food and drinks throughout the day, plus six private cabanas available by reservation."

When Will Disney's Lighthouse Point Open?

Disney

Disney Parks Blog just announced today that Lighthouse Point will begin welcoming Guests on select sailings beginning in the summer of 2024.

In the meantime, Guests sailing on Disney Cruise Line can experience Disney's first private island, Castaway Cay, on select sailings out of Port Canaveral and Miami, Florida.

For more information, or to book a Disney Cruise, visit the official website here.
Don't put the snow shovel away just yet, Erie. Wintry weather is headed our way. Thomas Mack of the North East Chiropractic Center, 35 S. Lake St., in North East, clears snow from the parking space outside his business on Nov. 17, 2022, following a lake-effect storm that moved through the area.

It looks like Punxsutawney Phil, Pennsylvania's most celebrated marmot, might have been right when he forecast another six weeks of winter.

This winter has been mild by Erie standards, but Mother Nature appears to have at least one significant snowfall left in the tank.

More:Groundhog Day 2023: Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, meaning 6 more weeks of winter

The National Weather Service in Cleveland forecast, updated Friday morning, shows Erie County and Crawford County could receive nearly a foot of snow in some areas. A winter storm warning has been issued for southern Erie County and a winter weather advisory has been issued for northern Erie County and for Crawford County from Friday at 7 a.m. to Saturday at 7 a.m.

What to expect

The weather is expected to take a turn toward the wintry Friday morning with snow showers after 7 a.m. The chance of precipitation is 100% with an expected accumulation in northern Erie County of 3 inches to 7 inches of snow. Southeast winds of 9 to 14 mph are expected. The high temperature will be near 34 degrees.

In southern Erie County, including but not limited to Edinboro, Corry and Union City, 3 inches to 7 inches of snow is likely Friday, and 6 inches to 10 inches during the duration of the warning period. Winds could gust to 28 mph Friday night.

More: Take a web-cam tour of Erie-area weather conditions

The advisory and warning call for the heaviest snow between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., sometimes falling at one inch per hour.

The chance of precipitation Friday night is 100% with a possible additional accumulation of 2 inches to 4 inches in northern Erie and Crawford counties. Winds will be from the north at 15 to 22 mph and could gust to 32 mph, according to the weather service. The low will be near 26.

An additional 1 inch to 3 inches is possible in southern Erie County, according to the forecast.

There is a 40% chance or less around the region that snow showers will continue Saturday, mostly ending by 10 a.m. Accumulation of less than half an inch is possible.

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More: Lake Erie water levels continue falling from record highs. What's ahead?

Forecasts around the Erie region

Warren County: The weather service in State College has issued a winter weather advisory from Friday at 7 a.m. until Saturday at 7 a.m. and calls for 3 inches to 5 inches of snow Friday and an additional inch to two inches Friday night. Locally higher amounts are possible.

Mercer, Venango, Clarion, Forest counties: The weather service in Pittsburgh has a winter weather advisory in place from Friday at 7 a.m. until Saturday at 1 a.m. The forecast calls for 2 inches to 5 inches of snow.

Ashtabula County, Ohio: The weather service in Cleveland has a winter weather advisory in place from Friday at 7 a.m. until Saturday at 7 a.m. Expect 4 inches to 8 inches of snow.

Chautauqua County, New York: The weather service in Buffalo has issued a winter storm warning from Friday at 9 a.m. until Saturday at 7 a.m. Heavy snow is expected, totaling 6 inches to 11 inches, with the greatest amounts on the Chautauqua Ridge. Winds could gust to 35 mph.

Erie's mild winter so far

So far, it's been a mild winter, at least by Erie standards.

As of Wednesday, Erie had recorded of 42.8 inches of snow since October, according to climate data from the Weather Service. That compares to an average of 86.4 inches through March 8.

Lake effect or something else?

A low-pressure system is expected to move into northwestern Pennsylvania.

"That is the main cause," of the predicted snowfall, said David Marsalek, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. "But there is going to be some lake effect on the back side."

More:The whitest Christmas: Records, memories remain from Erie's great 2017 snowfall

That means there could be more snowfall in areas of higher elevation, he said.

What Marsalek doesn't expect is a bone-chilling blizzard.

"Your temps are probably going to end up in the low- to mid-30s," he said. "It's not a particularly frigid system by any means."

But this snow forecast, Marsalek said, is a reminder that "winter is not done yet."

Find the latest forecast for your ZIP code, radar and more at GoErie.com/weather.

Contact Jim Martin at jmartin@timesnews.com.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie PA area weather forecast calls for 5 to 11 inches of snow Friday
Willis and Heming at the "Motherless Brooklyn" Premiere, October 2019. Charles Sykes/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

Standing up for herself. Emma Heming shut down claims that shes using husband Bruce Willis dementia battle for clout.

I just saw something about me getting my five minutes [of fame], which is great  which means that youre listening, the model, 44, said in a Wednesday, March 8, Instagram video.

She continued: So, Im going to take my five minutes and Im gonna turn it into 10 because Im always going to advocate for my husband.

Heming  who has been married to the Sixth Sense actor, 67, since 2009  pledged to raise awareness about her husbands disease and shine a light on caregivers, whom she called unsung heroes.

The Malta native ended the video by stating that people can expect to hear a lot more from her.

Im going to turn my grief and my anger and my sadness into something good around something that feels less than. So, watch this space because I didnt come to play, she said.

Willis 31-year-old daughter Scout  whom he shares with ex-wife Demi Moore  voiced her support for her stepmom in the comments, writing, HELL YES! I am so so proud of you!

The Die Hard stars family shared an update about his health last month after initially announcing his aphasia diagnosis in March 2022.

As a family, we wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for the outpouring of love and compassion for Bruce over the past ten months, Moore, 60  who was married to Willis from 1987 to 2000  wrote via Instagram in February.

The G.I. Jane actress noted that the update came from her ex-husbands entire family, including Heming and his five daughters  Rumer, 34, Scout and Tallulah, 29, whom he shares with Moore, and Mabel, 10 and Evelyn, 8, whom he shares with Heming.

Emma Heming. Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock

The General Hospital alum explained that Willis diagnosis had been updated to frontotemporal dementia (FTD), calling it a cruel disease that can strike anyone.

Moore and the Pulp Fiction actor have maintained a close friendship over the years as they coparent their three daughters.

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Demi and the kids  rally round Bruce, whom she still adores, and it really touches her soul how loving and selfless their kids have been toward their dad as he copes with his situation the best he possibly can, a source exclusively told Us Weekly earlier this month.

The insider added that Willis blended clan is a family who are as close and respectful toward each other as you could imagine.

Despite the strong support system, the Golden Globe winners health battle has been tough on his loved ones.

I put my familys needs above my own, which I found does not make me any kind of hero, Heming admitted during a May 2022 interview with The Bump. That amount of care for everyone else within my household had taken a toll on my mental health and overall health. And it served no one in my family.

The Perfect Stranger actress added that she has since learned to make her own wellbeing a priority by finding time to exercise.

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Its a time I can disconnect and can do something that I know makes me feel good overall, she explained. I think its important to find that one thing that makes you feel good and build from there.
Matt Priest, president and CEO of Footwear Distributors of America (FDRA) told FN on Wednesday that nows the time for footwear companies to diversify their production and look for options outside of China, as tensions between the U.S. and China reach an all-time high.

Its hard to imagine a time where the relationship between the two countries have been more fraught with risk, at least in our lifetimes, Priest said. It all started with the Trump administration pushing back very openly about Chinas role in a variety of different economic environments. While former President Trump wasnt unique in his criticism of Chinas engagement with the world, it did lead to the tariffs we are still dealing with today.

More from Footwear News

More recently, the Biden administration has said the U.S. is in competition with China and restricted American businesses from working with Chinese partners on high-end semiconductors, while former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosis visit to Taiwan in August further drew Beijings ire.

Tensions hit an even higher fever pitch earlier this year when the U.S. shot down a Chinese-operated high-altitude balloon off the coast of South Carolina and speculation of China possibly assisting Russia in its invasion of Ukraine has spurred even further tensions between the two countries.

Now, Priest said, all eyes are on a bipartisan committee in the House of Representatives investigating the numerous technological, economic and military threats from the Chinese Communist Party.

The committee, which met for the first time last week, is the only true bipartisan effort happening on the Hill right now, Priest told FN. The first hearing was a potpourri of all the concerns the U.S. government has around our relationship with China. It covered everything from flow of illicit Chinese fentanyl into American communities to TikTok, China trade policy, state secrets and the balloon incident.

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But ultimately, no active negotiations on a phase two agreement or the reduction of tariffs are on the table at this point, Priest said. Were in an environment where the relationship is not going to get better anytime soon, it probably will get worse, Priest admitted. And as someone recently said, to me, the U.S. and China are still looking for the bottom of how far the relationship can go down.

And now that the two countries have gotten to this point, Priest is advising his members to look elsewhere for their production needs. Almost 60% of our volume still comes from China, Priest noted. While this is a low for footwear over the last few decades, our industry still relies heavily on China.

Priest added that he is encouraging FDRA members to strategically think about supply diversification while also setting long term goals and navigating away from China as best they can.

Many members who have shifted away from China are looking to Vietnam to fulfill their needs, while Cambodia and Indonesia are also options. Our industry is a slow-moving aircraft carrier, and it takes time to pivot, the CEO said. Nows the time to find new factories, figure out pricing and quality control, and be able to move production if things between the U.S. and China get worse.

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John Sproul, manager of the Rio Bosque Park, waters a young willow.

This story was originally published by Source New Mexico.

EL PASO - More than 300 acres of Rio Grande wetland is tucked away at the edge of El Paso city limits, abutting the border fence.

The Rio Bosque Park, managed by the University of Texas at El Paso, is a prime example of water use in the West, requiring layers of red tape and years of negotiations between multiple federal agencies, county and city governments, nonprofits, the irrigation district and the water utility.

Even with decades of effort, much of the park remains dry most of the year. In May, the earth cracks like eggshells in the wetland cells. Theres only the memory of winter water there, as wind whistles through dry cattails.

But within the reach of the wells, a small stream feeds a grove of coyote willows, water gurgling under the bridge, joined by the trills of frogs and a cotton rat moving in the deep shade.

Thats the work of a man, nicknamed by some as the father of the bosque.

John Sproul, 73, is soft-spoken. Binoculars around his neck, he stands in the shade of the park hes dedicated more than 25 years to.

Its just satisfying to see this area being transformed, Sproul said. Were getting back to something thats at least approximately what once was found in the valley of this region.

Rio Bosque Park was named not for stands of tall cottonwoods, willows, mesquite or any of the native plants. Instead, it was named for the dense tangle of invasive saltcedar obscuring an old bend in the Rio Grande when the land was given to El Paso by the federal government in the 1970s.

UTEP eventually took over management and costs of the park in a joint agreement with the city in the 1990s after years of discussion about what to do with the parcel. Later, the city transferred responsibility to the governing board of the water utility.

Cattails grow in a dry wetland cell at the Rio Bosque Park along the U.S.-Mexico border. Due to high temperatures and drought, the cells cannot remain wet during much of the spring and summer.

UTEP assigned Sproul as manager in 1996. With International Boundary and Water Commission bulldozers, he began tearing out invasive plants and planting new ones. He reopened the river channel and cultivated wetland cells under a plan from Ducks Unlimited, a conservation group.

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The first cottonwood plantings came from the Bosque del Apache upstream in New Mexico. Then bobcats, beavers and coyotes moved in, along with birds of all kinds.

Build the habitat and the wildlife will come, he said.

Waterworks

At first, water was supplied for Rio Bosque entirely by the Roberto Bustamante Wastewater Treatment Plant through canal diversions. Now, the 372-acre park has rights to Rio Grande water and groundwater wells, and uses about 4.5 million gallons of water per day.

Gilbert Trejo, who oversees water treatment plants for El Paso, described the utility as a broker between Sproul and the local irrigation district, paying and negotiating for the parks water rights, which cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Algae and reeds grow within the shallow pools at Rio Bosque Park. These shallow pools are supplied by a nearby well pumping groundwater.

The utility is expanding the Bustamante plant to include a new wastewater purification plant, converting more wastewater for drinking. Trejo said the reuse plan will not starve the park.

Its not an obligation, but we want to make sure that we will always have water available for Rio Bosque, Trejo said. Our responsibilities are large. Its everything that touches water, not just water demand from customers but also demand from the environment.

The utility supported a joint feasibility study with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on a project to deepen the wetlands and add additional habitat, with a deal to pay for non-federal portions of a $12 million federal investment.

The good news is that the study was funded, the design was funded, and if you get those, youre usually going to get construction money as well, Trejo said.

John Sproul and Sergio Samaniego fill buckets from a water bladder the morning of June 17, 2022. Sproul hauls the water to the park in his truck every other morning to water the cottonwood and willow saplings by hand, hoping they survive the harsh heat.

The next generation

Sproul is not alone in his work. Assistant Manager Sergio Samaniego now makes it a two-person operation. Plus, a host of volunteers helps clear cattails or plant cottonwoods.

Born and raised in EL Paso, Samaniego did not discover the park until his twenties during a fieldwork course at UTEP.

I discovered a magical place, he said, walking along the wetland cells, dried cattails rattling in the wind, occasionally raising his binoculars to watch for hawks. Everything is interconnected. I see the importance of water and how rare it is.

Flows through mid-June were limited this year, requiring more hands-on work to keep the park alive. Together Samaniego and Sproul drove a truck with a leaky bladder of water to save willow and cottonwood saplings from the scorching heat of May and June. They worked in tandem, with few words between each other, catching errant drips in five-gallon buckets to pour over saplings, some little more than shriveled sticks in the ground.

Lining the old riverbed, even some of the elder cottonwoods leaves turned yellow and brown, parched. Sproul has a depth of memory. As he hauls water off the truck in 90-degree heat, he points out each cottonwood or willow and when it was planted  or when it died.

John Sproul carries buckets every few feet to water the cottonwoods. In mid-June, when the monsoons finally build up and burst over El Paso, a palpable relief is felt throughout the park. The wet of the earth and petrichor create a heady perfume.

The bleached trunks and twisted branches of the first stand of cottonwoods planted 20 years ago lay toppled, struck by drought and uprooted by violent winds. Sproul said embracing the failures means hope for the next planting, and the next, and hopefully sustained survival.

You just have to remember, its all part of the process, he said.

Still, hotter temperatures stress all of the plants and animals. And city development is encroaching, projects cutting off open space corridors for wildlife to travel.

Its only going to get tougher from here, Samaniego said, searching for bugs on a cottonwood sapling. Its going to take more effort from us to water things by hand. Theres so much being built up, its created this little island, which makes it tougher for the animals to get to. And if theres fewer predators, like bobcats, he added, that would upset the balance of various rat populations.

Rio Bosque Park Manager John Sproul looks through dry cattails for signs of water flowing into the river channel.

Development and climate issues threatening Rio Bosque Park are not unique, Samaniego pointed out. Its imperative to protect the bosques upstream now, rather than waiting for a crisis to act.

It takes so much work to get anything done. Whether its trying to keep the trees alive with the limited amount of water we have, or the removal of invasive species that are sure to follow with the lack of water, he said, It takes tons of dedication and time. Someone has to take responsibility, to take action into their own hands.

Danielle Prokop is a freelance reporter based in the Borderlands. This project was funded by a grant from the Water Desk and by States Newsroom, a network of nonprofit news organizations and home to Source NM.

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This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: A hidden gem of wetland near the Texas border fence
Betty Taylor | Charlie Hardy

Betty Taylor released their latest single, Glitter, in late February. It followed a couple of support shows with Norwegian pop artist girl in red, who was in Australia for the Laneway festival. Glitter is the melodic indie-pop quartets second single to date, with their debut, Stallin, landing in late 2022.

I dont need saving / Im better off on my own, announces Betty Taylors lead vocalist Sophie Patrick on Glitter. Patrick proceeds to describe a lousy ex-partners promises of commitment as glitter and bullshit. In line with the tracks lyrical assertions, here, Patrick offers five tips to help you get over a shitty ex.

Betty Taylor  Glitter

1. Ask your friends to list all the things they didnt like about this person

Sophie Patrick: If they are good friends, theyll tell you they were never good enough for you anyway and you can do better. Which you totally can.

2. Write incredibly specific songs about how terrible they are and then post them to your Instagram story and keep checking your views to make sure theyve seen it

Sophie: Yes I did this. Yes it made me feel better. Baby steps  no one gets over an ex without a little bit of petty revenge.

3. Unfollow them

Sophie: Its time. You dont need to know what they are doing. Out of sight out of mind. Eventually you will forget about their existence.

4. All those places you wanted them to take you? Holidays? Dinners? Go do it anyway

Sophie: You dont need them. You can do whatever you want, whenever you want, and you can do it solo.

5. Dont date

Sophie: No need to get over a shifty ex if they never existed in the first place. Tried and tested, 100% success rate.

Betty Taylor Glitter Tour 2023

Friday, 12th May  Felons Brewing Co, Brisbane QLD*

Friday, 19th May  Yah Yahs, Melbourne VIC

Saturday, 27th May  Vic on the Park, Sydney NSW*

Sunday, 28th May  North Gong Hotel, Wollongong NSW*

*Free entry.Tickets for the Yah Yahs show are available now via Eventbrite

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Further Reading

Sunshine Coast Foursome Betty Taylor Release New Single and Announce Debut Headline Tour

MUNA: The Concerts are a Breeze Because we Feel Carried by the Fans

The Best of Pop at BIGSOUND 2022

The post Indie Pop Outfit Betty Taylor on How to Get Over a Shitty Ex appeared first on Music Feeds.
Julia Fox is seen on April 09, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.

Rachpoot/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images Julia Fox in Los Angeles in April 2022.

Christopher Fox, the brother of actress Julia Fox has been arrested by the NYPD, EW has confirmed. The arrest happened Wednesday morning during a raid on his Upper East Side apartment in New York City as part of "a specialized, long-term investigation into ghost guns and narcotics."

"Ghost guns" refer to guns that are made by a 3D printer. Such guns are untraceable and illegal.

The NYPD's Ghost Gun Team seized various ghost gun parts, equipment for pressing narcotics pills, and other tools (including pressure cookers and various chemicals) that can be used for producing both drugs and explosives.

"At this time, the matter is believed to be contained, with no apparent nexus to terrorism," a spokesperson for the NYPD's Deputy Commissioner of Public Information said in a statement. "The NYPD will continue to fight relentlessly against illegal guns  against both the steady proliferation of traditionally-manufactured firearms and the increasingly prevalent numbers of illegal, untraceable but fully-functioning weapons known as ghost guns."

Christopher Fox now faces numerous charges, including criminal possession of a weapon, manufacture of a machine gun, and manufacture of a rapid-fire mod device, among others. The NYPD confirmed two people were taken into custody, but only Christopher was charged; ABC 7 New York reported that the other person was Christopher and Julia's father, Thomas Fox.

Representatives for Julia Fox had no comment on the incident when reached by EW.

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KaMillion

For the past week, many have discussed the March 3 kidnapping in Mexico that led to two Americans and an innocent Mexican bystander being killed by the Gulf Cartel. Since the news broke, others have shared their stories, including rapper KaMillion.

Yesterday (March 8), she uploaded two videos to Instagram showing a bone-chilling encounter with armed men. [This] is footage of me and my crew in Mexico. The cartel pulled us over, saw money in our bags and tried to collect money or they said they were taking us away, KaMillion began. They took 1,500 from the stylist and asked wheres the rest. I hid mine, but they kept asking for more. Scary stuff. Seeing the tragedies unfold in the media when I came back of people being killed, I feel so blessed, she wrote. The Florida Lit artist concluded her post by saying, Literally my worst trip ever. Police cartel is different. [S**t] crazy. I was told they are associated with the cartel, and kidnap [tourists] and extort money.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by KaMillion (@itskamillion)

Her comment section was flooded with users happy for her safe return. Im trembling watching this video, and Im so thankful you made it out, Houston emcee Just Brittany said. Influencer Jessie Woo noted she got hustled at the airport when I went to Tulum. R&B songstress Lil Mo added, Im glad you are OK. Thanks for sharing this. Its REAL out here. And when youre in cartel land, they are ALL in on it. Its WILD. Today (March 9), while sitting on set filming season two of HBOs Issa Rae-produced comedy series Rap S**t, KaMillion further addressed the situation in an Instagram Story post.

People are asking me about Mexico. The best advice that I could give you is dont stay in an Airbnb. Stay somewhere thats in a developed community because our a** was in an Airbnb. The streets werent even paved where we was staying at, she shared. KaMillion revealed that the tires on her vehicle were also slashed and that shes never going back to Mexico again.

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Kevin Costner as John Dutton in Season 5 of "Yellowstone."

Kevin Costner, the Academy Award-winning actor and star of the hit show Yellowstone, is set to film two movies in Washington County this year.

Costner's upcoming four-film series, "Horizon, an American Saga," has already filmed its firm part in the Moab area and will now move to southwestern Utah for its next two parts, according to the Utah Film Commission.

The two films are scheduled to be filmed in various parts of Washington County during 2023.

"The State of Utah, with its intrinsic beauty, is the perfect backdrop for the story of Horizon and can be said to be its own character in our story," Costner said in a press release announcing the plan.

State tourism officials said they expect the production to generate more than $90 million to the local economy, noting that it could also raise the region's profile as a potential location for future film projects.

"I am looking forward to bringing the production of this next installment of Horizon to Washington County, and I want to thank Joyce Kelly who was tireless in her efforts to bring the west back to Utah and her beloved county and the Commission for their support in making that possible," Costner said, referencing Kelly, the sales manager for the Greater Zion Convention and Tourism Office, which along with the Utah Film Commission has worked to bring the project to the state.

Kelly said the film would lay the groundwork for additional film work in the future.

"Our distinct landscape has been the setting for several film and commercial shoots over the years but nothing of the magnitude of Horizon," Kelly said. "This is a multi-year partnership with great economic benefit to the community, but little impact to residents."

Written and directed by Costner, "Horizon, an American Saga" aims to tell the story of westward expansion and settlement before and after the Civil War, according to promotional materials. The series stars Costner alongside big-name actors like Sam Worthington, Sienna Miller and Jamie Campbell Bower. There is no scheduled release date.

This article originally appeared on St. George Spectrum & Daily News: Kevin Costner-produced movies to film in southwestern Utah
Kevin Robinson during a Phoenix City Council District 6 runoff election debate at the First Institutional Baptist Church in Phoenix on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023.

In his pitch to Phoenix City Council District 6 voters for the March 14 runoff election, political newcomer Kevin Robinson plays up a) his longtime experience in law enforcement and b) that hes a centrist who can bridge differences.

The latter remains to be seen. Theres little history to assess his political leanings or beliefs.

Robinsons sometimes tentative and perfunctory answers in debates  I can promise that voters will always get a call back from me  reflect that lack of knowledge of city hall inner workings.

What does give him a leg up against Sam Stone, a former chief of staff for term-limited City Councilman Sal DiCiccio, is his insight on police issues. Some of those issues are front and center for the Phoenix City Council and may just propel Robinson into office.

Robinson is actually a police reformer

Critics dismiss Robinson as a status quo or pro-police candidate  a similar descriptor is assigned to attorney Kesha Hodge Washington, whos challenging incumbent Carlos Garcia, a community activist, in the District 8 runoff  because hes backed by law enforcement groups.

But thats selling him short.

In the law-enforcement arena, Robinson is really a centrist  perhaps even progressive  reformer.

A couple of instances highlight his work for change.

More from Kwok:Could Sam Stone beat the odds and win?

Robinson was part of a task force commissioned by the Arizona Supreme Court to reevaluate unannounced search warrants, or so-called no-knock warrants, following the 2020 police killing of Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Ky., during a forced entry drug investigation.

The task force recommended changes to the process, including a list of factors that a magistrate should weigh before granting no-knock and nighttime search warrants. That includes the presence of weapons or hostages or known violence from occupants at the location.

The task force also recommended that a police supervisors approval of the search warrant be taken into consideration by the magistrate.

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Presiding judges and the Arizona Judicial Council, which have the authority to fashion the rules, went further and made the supervisor approval a requirement  which Robinson favored and said was a best practice during the time he oversaw the SWAT unit.

He supported Phoenix's civilian review board

The second occurred in spring 2020 when the mayor and council first tackled the idea of a civilian review board on police misconduct. Robinson backed Carlos Garcias proposal that, on a narrow 5-4 vote, created a civilian office with investigative powers.

At the time, he called it a needed response to lost public confidence in law enforcement and said that police should welcome citizen oversight, not fear it.

'180 degrees different':Robinson, Stone square off in debate

The Legislature has since enacted a law that prevents a civilian-led entity from investigating police misconduct. Phoenix's Office of Accountability and Transparency has, as a result, been relegated largely to a role of keeping watch on internal police investigations.

Nevertheless, Robinson maintains that police officers should not be afraid of accountability from citizen oversight.

By comparison, Stone derides the civilian office as a jobs program for people who have made a living protesting cops and bristles at the notion that the system for investigating and punishing bad police behavior needs reform.

His public safety experience gives him an edge

The issue of law enforcement looms large in Phoenix not just because of perennial concerns over crime and police staffing but also because of an ongoing Department of Justice investigation into Phoenix Police over claims of civil rights violation, including excessive use of force and discrimination.

Phoenix Police are expected to initiate some reforms on their own even before the DOJ probe finishes, as it has begun to do with a proposed update to their Use of Force policy.

Robinson could influence changes there, having chaired Phoenix Polices disciplinary review board for more than a decade and headed the departments use of force board for three years.

He serves on AZPOST, which investigates law enforcement misconduct and disciplines officers, up to revocation of the officer's certification.

Robinson stands to be a strong ally of the mayor to guide the city in the aftermath of the DOJ investigation.

He also could act as a foil to police critic Carlos Garcia should Garcia win reelection. Who knows, the two might even find common ground to strike a compromise.

On myriad issues, Stones experience as Sal DiCiccios right-hand person trumps Robinson. On public safety, Robinson has a clear edge.

Reach Abe Kwok at akwok@azcentral.com. On Twitter: @abekwok.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Kevin Robinson's edge over Sam Stone? He's a longtime Phoenix cop
American musical comedy film Lyle Lyle Crocodile, is set to release in mainland China cinemas, having received approvals for import and distribution from Chinese authorities. It will play in China from April 15, 2023.



The film was released in North America in early October last year and many other territories at the end of 2022. Parts of Asia have been later to receive the title with Korea and Taiwan play it from January and Japan set to open it from March 24.



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The film has grossed $108 million worldwide, with $60.9 million of that coming from international markets and $46.8 million from the North American domestic market, studio backer Sony Pictures reported.



The film which mixes animation and live action is based on a best-selling book series by Bernard Waber.



When the Primm family moves to New York City, their young son Josh struggles to adapt to his new school and new friends. All of that changes when he discovers Lyle  a singing crocodile who loves baths, caviar and great music-living in the attic of his new home. When Lyles existence is threatened by evil neighbor Mr. Grumps, the Primms must band together with Lyles charismatic owner to show the world that family can come from the most unexpected places.



The film stars Javier Bardem, Constance Wu and Shawn Mendes and is directed and produced by Will Speck and Josh Gordon from a screenplay by Will Davies. The film is produced by Hutch Parker and executive produced by Kevin K. Vafi, Dan Wilson, Robert J. Dohrmann, Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, Tarak Ben Ammar and Andy Mitchell.



Hollywood films have begun to return to mainland Chinese cinemas after a near drought in 2022 and an unofficial ban on Marvel-branded movies that ran from mid-2019 until early 2023.



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With Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania the highest-grossing this year (with a cumulative gross of $37 million after three weekends), the list includes Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (released on Feb. 3 and grossing $15.7 million to date); The Son (Feb. 24, $220,000); M3gan (March 17); Shazam! 2 (March 17); A Man Called Otto (March 24); Dungeons & Dragons (March 31); and Super Mario (April 5).



Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Adam Driver-starring 65 will get a release on March 31 and The Woman King will release on April 14. The 2018 Indian hit Sui Dhaaga: Made in India will release in China on March 31.

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81-Year-old Man Trapped in Snowstorm

Inyo County Sheriff's Office/Facebook

An 81-year-old man who went missing for nearly a week was found alive and well in his car after being trapped in one of California's recent snowstorms.

According to the Inyo County Sheriff's Office, the man was found on March 2 after a California Highway Patrol helicopter crew spotted him waving his arm from his car, which was buried under snow.

"When the crew made their way closer for inspection, a window was lowered and a person began waving from inside the vehicle," the sheriff's said in their statement, shared on Saturday.

The man was identified as Jerry Alan Jouret by CBS affiliate KTVN.

Jouret had been reported missing since Feb. 24, when he was last heard from before making a trip from Big Pine, California, to Gardnerville, Nevada, an approximately 170-mile drive.

RELATED: New York Man, 58, Spends Over 10 Hours Trapped Inside Car with No Heat After Snowplow Buries Him

Jouret was discharged from the hospital later that day, the sheriff's office said.

"I just really believe it was a miracle," his brother, Joe Jouret, told Patch.

"[The pilot] was about out of gas," he continued, recalling when his brother was found. "But he looked down and he saw what looked like a rock as he looked down. He had another man with him in the helicopterand as they looked down there, it was [my brother's] car. He was almost buried in snow, but not quite. He took his hand out of the window and waved it."

RELATED: Woman Dies Trying to Help Someone Stuck in the Snow During Calif.'s 'Once-in-a-Generation' Storm

Jouret survived the ordeal by eating snow and croissants, the outlet said.

Photographs shared by the sheriff's office showed piles of snow covering much of the area along Death Valley Road where Jouret was found.

RELATED VIDEO: Father Loses Both Legs After He Throws Body Across Family to Save Them in Snow Blower Accident

The sheriff described the location as a "rough road running south of the 168 and leading into Death Valley National Park."

"He was smiling all the way back to the airport," Joe Jouret told Patch of his brother. "He was happy to get out of that situation."
Mark Mobius REUTERS/Sukree Sukplang

Mark Mobius is betting big on Taiwan, after warning against putting money into China.

"Taiwan is now our largest allocation," the billionaire investor told Bloomberg TV.

Mobius' focus on Taiwan is spurred by his bullish outlook on the semiconductor industry.

Leading emerging markets investor Mark Mobius said Wednesday that most of his portfolio is focused in Taiwan, days after claiming that China had restricted him from taking his money out of the mainland.

In a Bloomberg TV interview, the founding partner at Mobius Capital, said he is looking more closely at Chinese stocks, though he acknowledged that depends on what "China" includes.

"Taiwan is now our largest allocation. Of course, it's Taiwan, a province of China," Mobius said. "So in fact, we're getting this exposure to China through Taiwan."

The billionaire's comments appeared to hew closer to Beijing's stance, which describes Taiwan as part of its territory even as the island has been self-governing for decades with growing support for a formal declaration of independence from mainland China.

Meanwhile, his focus on Taiwan comes after he told Fox Business last week to be "very, very careful" when investing in China, claiming that he couldn't pull his money out of an HSBC account in Shanghai.

"I can't get my money out. The government is restricting the flow of money out of the country," he said.

He added that the government hasn't explicitly banned such outflows but said it is putting up numerous barriers.

"They don't say, 'No, you can't get your money out,' but they say, 'Give us all the records from 20 years of how you've made this money,' and so forth. It's crazy."

Chinese officials pushed back on his claims, saying no barriers had been set up. Mobius also indicated to a Hong Kong newspaper that the situation has since been resolved, though he didn't provide specifics.

Mobius' focus on Taiwan is spurred by his bullish outlook on the semiconductor industry, saying China and the US are pouring enormous sums into production and research within the sector.

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The island is home to TSMC, the world's largest manufacturer of semiconductor chips. Shares in the company have jumped 19% since the year's start.

"The tech industry is number one for us, particularly anything related to semiconductors," Mobius told Bloomberg TV, describing chips as the top category in his portfolio.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Women have been charged with caretaking for millennia, but until recently, they were rarely paid as leaders to conserve indigenous lands.

Ranger roles were perceived as mens business, says Larissa Hale, managing director of the Queensland Indigenous Women Rangers Network and one of the Australian states first female rangers. There was an obvious underrepresentation of women in these programs, and it became more obvious at the senior management levels.

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Now Hale, who says she forged a connection with the land and the sea while growing up on the northern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, is helping establish the next generation of female rangers in Queenslandand hoping to create a network that could span the planet, helping to repair ecosystems from Hawaii to Nepal to Tanzania.

The Great Barrier Reef comprises 2,500 reefs and 900 islands.

In December, Hales group, Indigenous Women of the Great Barrier Reef, received an Earthshot Prize, one of several environmental conservation awards founded by Prince William and Sir David Attenborough. Founded in 2021, the award recognizes groups with ambitious goals to help solve environmental problems by the end of the decade.

The $1.2 million prize will help the Queensland Indigenous Women Rangers Network continue its work normalizing women in ranger jobs so that we can find some gender equity in employment rates, Hale says. Ranger work includes managing fires, protecting cultural heritage sites, sustaining waterways and vegetation, and monitoring and supporting threatened plant and animal species.

The program, which has trained and mentored more than 135 women, highlights role models so that girls or women wondering what job options they could have could think about ranger jobs.

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Larissa Hale started out as the only indigenous woman ranger in 2008. Now, 135 have gone through the program.

The Greater Barrier Reef will need them. It comprises 2,500 individual reefs, and more than 900 islands, covering 134,000 square miles. About 60 percent has experienced widespread coral bleaches in 1998, 2002, 2016, 2017, 2020 and 2022. The bleaching is caused by sustained, warmer-than-normal water temperatures that cause the coral to look lifeless, though it can be restored over time.

Hale was one of the founders the Yuku-Baja-Muliku Rangers, a group that monitors sea-grass beds, operates a sea-turtle rescue and rehab center, and undertakes projects for restoring the local eco-system. The goal of the group is to manage the Yuku-Baja-Muliku country sustainably, ensuring its biodiversity and culture lives on through the custodial work.

This is the ultimate in first-responder work, Anna Marsden, managing director of the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, recently told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) about Hales work. We need more rangers like Larissaproud women from the bush, as she calls her groupand its clear through the dramatic growth weve seen that it can inspire other women-led groups to lean into environmental work.

The Yuku-Baja-Muliku Rangers are still mainly male, but female members now account for 20 percent of the group.

We watch as quiet, unsure women find their voices and share their stories, Hale says. This confidence translates back to community. This could help create a global groundswell of First Nations female-led conservation programs, the largest effort of its kind on the planet.

Hale says indigenous women bring unique attributes to the role, since they grow up in tune with the rhythms of the ecosystem, from mangroves to seagrasses to coastlines. We know when fish are good to catch at what time of year and how much water needs to be moving through a river to make sure its healthy, she says. The group also works closely with scientists to coordinate eco-rescue plans.

A bleached coral reef.

In addition to nurturing indigenous traditions and their connection to the past, the program is also looking toward the Great Barrier Reefs future. The network is focusing on cutting-edge technology as the role of the ranger evolves. Think drones to map coastlines or detect algae blooms underwater.

Hale says the group recently completed a two-day training course in how to use Google Earth Pro. The software allows them to map the walking tracks that their elders used to use for bush tuckerfoodcollection.

Sea turtle rescues are part of the groups work.

The significance of using technology to save the worlds largest coral reef ecosystem is not lost on Hale. This information [like the ancestral trails] might otherwise be lost if elders arent able to share before they pass on, she says.

Marsden adds that the Great Barrier Reefs problems are world renown. But what we havent focused on are solutions, she says. Larissas work is a solution. She and her people are guardians of the worlds greatest wonder.

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Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

Michigan has finally said yes to banning anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination, and it will be the 22nd state to do so through legislation.

The Michigan House of Representatives Wednesday approved a bill expanding the states Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, Bridge Michigan reports. The act, first adopted in 1976, already banned discrimination based on race, religion, sex, and a variety of other factors.

The Michigan Senate had passed the bill last week, but it needs to take one more action, after which it the measure will go to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, who was promised to sign it into law. This is about doing the right thing, and it is just good economics, Whitmer said in a statement, according to Bridge Michigan. Bigotry is bad for business, and ensuring these protections will build on our reputation as a beacon of opportunity where anyone can succeed.

The vote was 64-45, with eight Republicans joining Democrats. The new protections will apply to employment, housing, and public accommodations.

Court decisions and interpretations of the Elliott-Larsen Act have held that sexual orientation and gender identity/expression are already covered, but LGBTQ+ advocates and allies said its important to write that into the law to keep rights from being rescinded by courts going forward. Legislators have been trying to amend the act for years, and they succeeded now that both the House and Senate have Democratic majorities.

Amending the law is the most direct way we can ensure all Michiganders know what protections they have, said Democratic Rep. Laurie Pohtusky, as reported by Bridge Michigan. It will shield their rights from fickle political winds, added Pohtusky, Michigans first out queer female legislator.

Some Republicans had sought to add religious exemptions to the bill, but those attempts failed. Democrats pointed out that the Elliott-Larsen Act already bans discrimination based on religion.

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No one is asking for a fundamental shift in religious tolerance, Pohutsky said. All were asking is for the ability to live and work in our state with the same humanity and protections as every other Michigander.

The audience in the House gallery applauded after the bill passed. Attorney General Dana Nessel, Michigans first out gay statewide official, was present on the House floor, as was Sen. Jeremy Moss, the gay legislator who sponsored the bill in the Senate.

LGBTQ+ groups offered praise. LGBTQ people  like all people  deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and to live life free from discrimination. By codifying nondiscrimination protections into state law, Michigan brings us one step closer to creating a society where LGBTQ young people never have to fear being turned away from a business or told they cannot participate in an activity or enter a public space just because of who they are or who they love, Gwen Stembridge, advocacy campaign manager for the Trevor Project, said in a press release. We thank and honor the years of hard work of our fellow advocates, community leaders, and partners like Equality Michigan, who led the way to where we are today. Amid the ongoing legislative attacks on LGBTQ communities, especially trans youth, this proactive law is a beacon of hope and optimism.

Today is a big step for equality and sends a powerful message to LGBTQ+ Michiganders that discrimination has no home in our state, added Erin Knott, executive director of Equality Michigan. Michigan now joins alongside 21 other states who have sent this same message to their own LGBTQ communities and codified these protections into law. Todays victory would not have been possible without years of hard work from generations of courageous leaders. We are witnessing a sea change toward equality, bringing us closer to a future where everyone is treated equally under the law, no matter our gender, the color of our skin, how we worship, or who we love.
The official Naruto website has revealed that the anime will be celebrating its 20th anniversary with some brand new episodes.

Set to start in September, the episodes are described as a new anime project, with four brand new episodes in total planned. No further details were given regarding the time period that the episodes would take place in or which characters would be involved. Anime News Network is reporting that selected earlier episodes of the Naruto anime will be rerun on TV in Japan starting in July as part of the anniversary celebrations.

The Naruto anime debuted in Japan on October 3, 2002. The first part of the anime, simply titled Naruto, covered Part 1 of the manga and aired until early 2007, at which point the story featured a timeskip. From then on, the series would cover Part 2 of the manga and would change its title to Naruto: Shippuden. This ran until 2017, when the series ended and was followed-up by the sequel series Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.

The series follows the titular ninja as he strives to become the leader of the Village Hidden in the Leaves. Naruto has enjoyed immense popularity since its debut, becoming one of Shonen Jumps iconic Big Three series of the mid-2000s alongside One Piece and Bleach.

The post Naruto Anime to Celebrate 20th Anniversary With 4 New Episodes appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Egyptian director Alaa Dajanis The Native Dance, a documentary that tells the story of Younis Abdallah and his comrades who were among the 300,000 peasants conscripted into the Egyptian Labor Corps in 1917, many of whom were dispatched to Europe to dig trenches for allied defense in World War I, took the top prize in the Pitching Forum of the Thessaloniki Intl. Documentary Festivals Agora Docs industry program, which wrapped Wednesday.

The awards ceremony concluded a session that saw more than 400 professionals taking part both in-person and online in the Agora activities.

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In The Native Dance, which is produced by Kesmat El Sayed and Laura Kloeckner (SEERA Films), the jury found a film that promises a compelling visual approach combining archive material and animation, telling the story about the British forcing peasants from Egypt to dig trenches in Europe during WWI, read the jurys statement.

The top prize in the Doc in Progress section, the 2|35 Post-Production Company Award in post-production services, went to 2021 Thessaloniki Pitching Forum DAE Award winner Post Love from French director Alexis Taillant and producer Nadege Labe (Wendigo Films), that follows a group of elderly LGBTQ+ Parisians who are fighting for the freedom to risk sex and love, to touch and be seen again in the wake of the pandemic that brought the mistreatment of the elderly to light.

The jury awarded the film because [it] sheds a warm and caring light on an issue that goes beyond the LGBTQ+ experience to speak to all of us and the team approaches the films characters tenderly and with absolute respect.

A host of other prizes were awarded to some of the 14 projects selected for the Thessaloniki Intl. Documentary Festivals Pitching Forum.

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The Onassis Film Award, which comes with a cash prize of 5,000 ($5,285) went to Holy Human Angel from director Angeliki Aristomenopoulou and producers Yuri Averof and Rea Apostolides (Anemon Productions), Vicky Miha (Asterisk*) and Heather Millard (Compass Films), which follows 20-year-old queer Constantina who comes from a conservative island community in Greece.

The ERT  Thessaloniki Pitching Forum Award for a Greek project, which is accompanied by a cash prize of 2,000 ($2,114), went to The Man With the Broken Arm from director Athanssios Vassilou and producers Orlane Dumas (Les Films de lAube Sauvage) and Konstantinos Vassilaros (StudioBauhaus), a film about the directors memories of his fathers involvement in the Junta regime. The film also took home the Mediterranean Film Institute Doc Award, which offers free participation in the 2023 edition of the MFI Doc Lab.

The DAE  Documentary Assn. of Europe Award, which includes consultation and free memberships in the pan-European documentary organization, was bestowed ex aequo to Our Feminine Wars from director Zaina Erhaim and producer Brian Hill (Century Films), a film that tells the healing journey the director went on with four rebellious women she filmed when living in Northern Syria, in order to cope with her new exiled life, and Jana from director Muhammad Reza Azadi and producers Ali Haider (Filmkhaana) and Maaria Sayed (Draw4Films), the story of Sajjad and Leila, a young Afghani couple who were informed they were expecting their first child on the same day the Taliban took over the country, thus complicating their desire to escape to a Western country. The film also scooped the newly instituted DOK Leipzig Accelerator Award that includes two Co-production Market Observer passes  entailing participation in the Open program  and accommodation at the upcoming edition of the festival.

The Aylon Productions Digital Services Award, which awards digitization by Aylon Productions to the winning project, went to Far From Maine from director-producer Roy Cohen (Roy Cohen Films) and producer Serge Gordey (Temps Noir), that follows an Israeli man who, as democracy in his country is challenged, looks into the long-forgotten violent death of his Palestinian friend, killed by the police when they were 17.

The Beldocs Networking Award, which offers accommodation and accreditation for the next International Documentary Festival Beldocs, was awarded to Maomi  Larger Than Life, a story of Maomi and Daidais marriage that spans six decades and includes 11 countries, six children, three men and one woman, from director Judit Olah and producers Inez Matis (Pi Productions), Annika Mayer (Majmun Films), and Anna Stylinska and Katarzyna Slesicka (My Way Studio).

The Agora Docs in Progress section selected 11 projects from South Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean region that participated in closed sessions with industry professionals, sales agents, distributors, producers and festival programmers during the Thessaloniki Intl. Documentary Festival. It also handed out the following awards on Wednesday evening.

The Musou Company Award for music and sound services went to Savanna and the Mountain from director-producer Paulo Carneiro (Bam Bam Cinema) and producer Alex Piperno (La Pobladora Cine), which follows a group of farmers, shepherds, pensioners and beekeepers from the village of Covas do Barroso, in the Wonderful Kingdom, an area declared a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System, who organize in secret to protect their peaceful way of life.

The Greek Film Center Award of 3,000 ($3,167) went to Sacred Way ~ 21KM from director-co-producer Nikoleta Paraschi and producer Maria Karagiannaki (Chase the Cut), a film about the Sacred Way, the famous 21 km-long road connecting Athens to Eleusis that Ancient Greeks walked in body-cleansing, spirit-awakening rituals that were part of the Eleusinian Mysteries.

The Neaniko Plano Award, that awards subtitling in English or French to the winning project, went to The Gospel According to Ciretta from director Caroline Von der Tann and producer Antonella Di Nocera (Parallelo 41 Produzioni).

Finally, the Agora Lab selected six Greek projects for tailor-made consultations and training sessions with Greek and international professionals.

The Guidance Award by Paradiddle Pictures on distribution, festivals, outreach and impact was given to Katerina from director Alkisti Efthimiou and producer Mina Draki (Marni Films), in which the director finds Katerinas letters, a woman who, in order to pursue her affair with a female Chilean poet, migrated to Chile in the 1950s.

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The producers of Hollywood blockbusters and arthouse films alike are on the lookout for the most cost-efficient locations. Recent examples include several of the years Oscar nominees, from Aftersun, which shot in Turkey; Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris, which went to Budapest; to Elvis, in Australia.

Budapest offered an affordable alternative to both London and Paris, says Jonathan Halperyn, managing director at Budapest-based Hero Squared and a co-producer on the film. Hungary often comes up as a shooting destination when there is a budget crunch.

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He adds: We applied for co-production status and support from the National Film Institute of Hungary during the COVID hiatus, and by the end of 2020, we were up and running. This is the kind of flexibility we have become known for.

Oscar-nominated costume designer Jenny Beavan praises her Hungarian team: It was my first experience working in Hungary, and with [wardrobe supervisor] Zsoka Hoka. I think the resulting costumes speak for themselves.

The Czech Republic is also financially reasonable in comparison to other filmmaking hubs in Europe, says Pavlina Zipkova of the Czech Film Commission, mentioning the the big three: creativity, infrastructure and production incentives.

But in order to attract highprofile collaborators, local crews need to think outside of the box. Or make use of what they already have.

One of the reasons why All Quiet on the Western Front landed here is the fact that we have vehicles, weapons and costumes from both world wars, Zipkova says.

Viktor Prasil [Oscar nominated for sound] said they had to make 200 pairs of rubber soles for the soldiers shoes, because the real ones have metal spikes. They were incredibly loud. When you shoot a historical film, you need to be creative.

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Amusement Park Films Malte Grunert, the Oscar nominated producer of All Quiet, agrees: Czech crews are very good, especially in the field of period construction and ageing sets. Many other locations we found there worked very well for the French and Belgian locations we were trying to replicate.

Digital imaging technician Vladimir Kesl of Macwell recalls: During my first meeting, I was told it would be hell. Mud, explosions, frost, dust, rain, smoke, and even more mud. We had to rely on everything battery-powered and wireless, battling low temperatures at night.

Local teams have to stay up to date and be able to implement new technologies very quickly, notes Kesl. Or, adds Australian sound designer Wayne Pashley of Big Bang Sound Design, be ready to take creative risks.

At the start of post-production, Baz [Luhrmann, director of Elvis] turned to me and said: Make things happen! He was looking for a sonic language that, in his words, was triumphant, emotional, gorgeous and awesome. 

Although Pashley has been collaborating with Luhrmann for decades, since Strictly Ballroom, he still needed to think outside the box.

Elvis uses montage with a visual kaleidoscope to drive the story forward. The editorial department would call it poetic glue. Baz needed the sound department to follow suit, so sonic glue was born!

Lynne Benzie, president of Australias Village Roadshow Studios, says: We all know the challenges that may arise, but we have the knowledge and the crew they need. As well as world-class studios, diversity of locations close to them, high-end crews, incentives, and a network of companies that can create a one-stop shop solution.

The team at Territory Studio in London was also looking for a specialized approach, creating screen graphics matching Matt Reeves unique vision of The Batman, which shot in Liverpool, Glasgow and Leavesden Studios.

The challenge was to match this distinct depiction, instead of leaning on traditional adaptations from the past, says marketing manager Adam Cole.

Batman makes do with hackedtogether kind of solutions that only make sense to him. This meant we could design graphics that supported story beats in unconventional ways.

We are already working on solutions that can incorporate our screen work onto a set virtually. As long as you have the right hardware and expertise, you can collaborate with filmmakers anywhere.

Still, its crucial to manage access and expectations, says Jennifer Reynolds, film commissioner at Glasgow Film Office, especially when filming in public locations.

We need to know the dates, the activity to be filmed and the levels of control required at a location before a definitive answer can be given. We know our strengths and feel that we have developed a reputation as a viable production center with a film-friendly local authority. But we would always advise hiring a local location manager. Their knowledge is indispensable.

According to the British Film Commissions Samantha Perahia, the U.K. has now more to offer than ever. The biggest change is that we now have seven production hubs all around the U.K. that can support big, chunky, highvalue [productions]. Our U.S. clients were so used to going just to Shepperton [Studios]. It has been the biggest game changer in recent times, she says.

We have doubled for Gotham and I think the audience wouldnt have the slightest idea that some of these big panoramic street scenes are actually shot in Liverpool or Glasgow. Some of these areas have additional incentives, on top of tax reliefs, and you can now base entire projects there.

We handpick U.S. executives who have fully financed projects and we take them to Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, so that they can see, with their own eyes, whats achievable. Its not just rhetoric, its familiarization trips.

Greece has also become a popular destination for filmmakers, hosting Netflix smash Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.

As Rian Johnson explained in interviews, he wanted a beach vacation. Which is something we certainly could offer, says Panos Kouanis, president and CEO of EKOME, Greeces film and TV agency. Noting that last year, 132 projects were supported by the countrys competitive cash rebate program, with special provisions for productions with eligible expenses over 8 million ($8.44 million).

Managing the logistics was one challenge, because the region of Porto Heli and the island of Spetses had never hosted such production before  the proximity to Athens helped. Another one was finding the crew, as many productions were filmed all over Greece at the same time, he says. Ingenuity is a necessity. Like in every business, we cant rest on our laurels.

As stated by Nemanja Stanojevic of 247Hub, offering services to international crews who shoot in Serbia, local companies must provide extraordinary services if they want to stand out.

On Triangle of Sadness, the filmmakers asked for a facility that could host their post-production and editorial department. As the biggest post-production house in this part of Europe, we were an obvious choice.

You need to be able to diversify your business model and take sensible risks. At least this is what we are trying to do at Heretic, adds Giorgos Karnavas, a co-producer on Triangle.

This collaboration happened in 2019  [producers] Erik Hemmendorff and Philippe Bober found themselves in the dead end, trying to shoot in Thailand. I was able to match the locations they were looking for.

My advice is this: make your film with people you like and understand, who can help you make the best version of it. In the end, its always about people.

Funding opportunities, as in the case of Tar, which partly shot in Germany, are also a huge consideration.

The project was funded with 5.2 million  a sum that could be given automatically as a grant after the eligibility requirements were met, explains Ann-Malen Witt of German Federal Film Fund (DFFF).

The producers were also attracted by the fact that the funding was paid out directly from the start of shooting, that the German service provider does not have to retain any rights, and that the fees of foreign cast and crew members are recognized for the time they work in Germany.

While international collaborations are here to stay, it doesnt mean there are no hurdles ahead.

Frankly speaking, the biggest challenge is that our incentive program has been temporarily suspended due to the exhaustion of the finances. We are working on a new audiovisual law, however, and as soon as its implemented, we will get back to this silent incentive war,  says Zipkova, while Halperyn laments the lack of business transparency and short-term thinking.

With Grunert encouraging local companies to be honest about the upsides but also the limitations of their respective country or region, Xavier Marchand of MoonRiver Content, behind Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris, adds: From a British point of view, there is a real concern about the long-term impact of Brexit.

Not everyone can handle a bigger budget production with high-profile talent or move from servicing big studio films to a smaller production. Find the right partner not just based on their track record. Make sure you are on the same wavelength.

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Penelope Cruz just hit up Paris Fashion Week in a Chanel minidress that left everyone's jaws on the floor.

In photos from the event, it's hard to miss the actress' super long, toned legs.

Penelope hasn't shared a ton about her workout routines, but she has said she likes to unwind with Bikram yoga and transcendental meditation.

Penelope Cruz seems to be quite at home during Paris Fashion Week, because she was definitely bringing her fashion A-game to the Chanel show she attended this week.

Case in point: The 48-year-old star rocked a classic minidress set to the event that showed off her super strong, toned legs. The tweed Chanel set featured a glittery belt and feathers. And of course, Penelope enhanced the look with some accessories, pairing the 'fit with tall, black pumps and a chic black purse.

If you missed her leggy Paris moment, have no fear, I've got photo evidence:

Foc Kan - Getty Images

While Penelope doesnt share too much about her workout routine, she did get an early start as a ballet dancer, which she credits for her determination.

The feeling of your toes bleeding, but you keep going with a smile, that really shapes you, she told The New York Times , speaking of her four-hour rehearsals as a girl. When speaking to Elle Canada , she said she now prefers strength training and HIIT workouts to ballet.

Now I just do resistance work and a little cardio, she told the magazine .



Still, these days, shes more focused on her work and raising her children. With the release of her new film Parallel Mothers, motherhood is the number one thing on her mind.

In fact, the actress spoke to Vogue about what its like to raise children amid the COVID pandemic and the political tensions of the past several years.

I feel like all the kids in the world have given adults a lesson in responsibility, empathy, and compassion. Theyve understood everything so quickly, she shared with the magazine. When I tell them that our generation never went through anything like this as kids or teenagers, they cant believe it. Theyre like, Really? But, I have hope that were now seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. We dont know, but I need to believe that.

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That's a big undertaking for any parent, but luckily, Penelope has some favorite ways to unwind and take care of her own mental and physical health. She told Elle Canada her favorite ways to reset include doing some Bikram yoga and transcendental meditation.

Love it. Thanks for inspiring us all, Penelope!

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A 38-year-old Hedgesville, W.Va., man is facing criminal charges after the pickup truck he was driving Wednesday morning near Washington County Circuit Court struck a parked sheriff's office cruiser, police said.

The cruiser, which was heavily damaged, was pushed into two other parked vehicles, according to a news release from the department. All the parked vehicles were unoccupied.

The crash occurred about 10 a.m. in the area of 24 Summit Ave., according to the release.

A search at the scene found the driver of the Chevrolet truck, Christian Edward Cooker, had about 270 pills that are suspected to be a controlled dangerous substance, said Sgt. Carly Hose, spokeswoman for the sheriff's office.

City homicide:A Baltimore man is charged in the murder of a Hagerstown man found shot, covered in bleach

Hose said Wednesday night the pills had yet to be tested to identify the substance.

Cooker is charged with two felony counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance with the intent to distribute and two misdemeanor counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance that is not cannabis, according to online court records.

He also was issued traffic citations for negligent driving; reckless driving; driving while impaired by a controlled dangerous substance; and driving while so far impaired by drug(s) he could not drive safely, according to online court records.

Cooker was being held without bond at the Washington County Detention Center on Thursday morning. He had a bond review hearing scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday in Washington County District Court.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Maryland sheriff's cruiser hit, suspect facing drug charges
The top prosecutor handling the case of the 6-year-old child who brought a gun to school and shot his teacher in Newport News, Virginia, told news outlets on Wednesday that the law doesn't suggest the child should be charged with a crime.

The review of the case is ongoing but it appears likely the child won't be charged, based on the prosecutor.

"We don't believe the law supports charging a 6-year-old with a criminal offense as serious as this one," Commonwealths Attorney for Newport News Howard Gwynn told ABC News affiliate 13News Now.

The first grader took his mothers gun to school and shot and seriously injured 25-year-old Abigail Zwerner on Jan. 6. He was taken into custody and has received mental health treatment in a hospital, according to his familys attorney.

Gwynn also told NBC News on Wednesday the prospect that a 6-year-old can stand trial is problematic.

Gwynn said a decision about whether to charge anyone else, such as the boys parents, had not yet been made.

The gun was legally purchased by the boy's mother, police have said. An attorney for the child's family, James Ellenson, said the gun was stored with a trigger lock on the top shelf of a closet and the family does not know how he got it.

It is a misdemeanor in Virginia to leave a loaded gun accessible to a child under the age of 14.

"The parents have continued to cooperate with the authorities and continue to pray for the welfare and good health of all involved," Ellenson said in a statement to USA TODAY on Thursday.

Experts have said it was highly unlikely the 6-year-old would face criminal charges. In some states, children under certain ages can't be charged with exceptions for certain types of violent crimes. Virginia has no such minimum age requirement, but questions about the child's competency to assist in his defense and to understand the consequences of his actions have been raised.

Andrew Block, a law professor at the University of Virginia and the former director of the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice, told USA TODAY in January that it would be impractical to charge the child and that he doesn't know of any successful prosecution of a child that young in the state.

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"It's also a question of whether that would be the best way to handle this anyway," Block said the day after the shooting.

Ellenson, the attorney for the boy's family, previously told USA TODAY the juvenile court system has opted to treat the boy as a "child in need of services," a mechanism used to provide counseling and other related services to kids in crisis. The family said in a statement through Ellenson that he has an "acute disability."

FLAWS IN THE SYSTEM: Virginia 6-year-old who shot his teacher exposes flaws in how schools treat students with disabilities

Ellenson did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

The commonwealth's attorney's office was in receipt of the Newport News Police Department investigative report and would review the evidence to decide whether any adults should face charges, Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Travis White told USA TODAY in February.

"We will follow the facts and the law wherever they lead," White said.

Gwynn told NBC the case differs from a similar circumstance not too far away in Norfolk, Virginia, in February. Another 6-year-old brought a gun to class, police there said, though nobody was injured. Norfolk police swiftly charged that child's mother with allowing access to a firearm to a minor and contributing to delinquency by a minor.

In the Norfolk case, Gwynn said, police made the decision to charge her.

"In our case, the police decided to turn the file over to us to make a decision," Gwynn said. "And we have to make our decision based on our ability to prove beyond a reasonable doubt a crime occurred."

Lawyers for Zwerner, the teacher at Richneck Elementary School who was shot, have announced their intention to file a lawsuit on her behalf against Newport News Public Schools.

Diane Toscano, Zwerner's attorney, alleged that school administrators were warned repeatedly the day of the shooting that the child may have had a gun on him. According to Zwerner's attorney, the student had a history of behavior issues including violence and Zwerner had expressed concerns to administrators.

SCHOOL WARNED OF WEAPON: School administrators 'could not be bothered' to heed warnings, lawyer says.

Zwerner's lawyers did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Newport News prosecutor: Charging 6-year-old would be 'problematic'
Queer Eye tom jackson

Netflix

Queer Eye is mourning the loss of one of its former "heroes."

Tom Jackson died "after losing his battle with metastatic adenocarcinoma" on Friday at 11:49 p.m., his obituary stated. He was 63.

According to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, metastatic adenocarcinoma happens when adenocarcinoma cancer cells begin in one area and spread to other parts of the body. It's also known as stage 4 adenocarcinoma.

Before becoming a reality star, Jackson retired from Federal Express then worked as a dump-truck driver in Georgia.

RELATED: Brennan Elliott Gives Update on Wife's Stage IV Gastric Cancer

Queer Eye - Production Still Image Thomas Leon Jackson

Netflix

One of his greatest accomplishments was being "a Papaw to his two grandsons who were his pride and joy," said his obituary.

"A highlight of Tom's life was being cast on the Netflix show, 'Queer Eye'. He enjoyed the notoriety and shared his experience with whoever would listen!" it continued.

Along with his two grandsons, Tom is survived by one daughter, who also appeared on the Netflix series, two sisters and extended family.

RELATED: Katie Couric Was 'Heartbroken' About Kirstie Alley's Death from Colon Cancer 'I Wondered If She Had Been Screened'

His family thanked Kennestone Hospital's medical team for helping Jackson with "treatment and comfort during his final days."

"We will never forget our beloved Tom. He brought joy, humor, persistence, and love to our family. He is special to us, and we look forward to seeing him again one day," the family wrote in his obituary.

His memorial service is scheduled for March 12 in Kennesaw, Georgia.

RELATED VIDEO: 'Dukes of Hazzard' Star John Schneider Mourns Death of His Wife Alicia: 'Hug Those You Love Tight'

His family has asked fans to watch his episode of Queer Eye on Netflix in his honor instead of sending flowers.

Jackson appeared in the premiere episode of the reboot in February 2018. He became a fan favorite as the Fab Five (Jonathan Van Ness, Karamo Brown, Antoni Porowski, Tan France and Bobby Berk) notably tried to help him find his confidence amid his search for love as he proclaimed, "You can't fix ugly."

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On Instagram, the official profile for the reality show, along with some of the cast, mourned Jackson's death with photos of his unforgettable cameo.

"It's with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to a member of our Queer Eye family. Rest in peace, Tom Jackson," the caption read.

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.

"Such incredibly sad news," wrote France in the comments section.

Van Ness added, "RIP Tom ."

While filming the episode, Jackson confessed to Porowski that he was still in love with with his ex-wife, Abby. Two months after the show's debut, Jackson revealed that he and Abby had gotten remarried. They divorced again in September 2019, he confirmed on Twitter.
Image Credit: WWE

Sarrays time with WWE is reportedly coming to an end.

Per Tokyo Sports, Sarray, also known as Sareee, will leave the company when her contract expires, and she will start wrestling in Japan again once she enters free agency. She is slated to return to the ring at the Shinjuku event on May 16, which has been named Sareee-ism. Her return is set to be announced at a press conference on March 13.

Sarray initially announced she was signing with WWE in February 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic pandemic delayed her arrival in the United States until the following April. She had an inconsistent run in NXT after her debut, and she even returned to Japan for a few weeks in late 2021. Sarray was repackaged with a new persona, and she lost a feud against Tiffany Stratton. She made a few more appearances on NXT and she also debuted on NXT UK. In Sarrays final WWE match, Mandy Rose beat her on the August 2 episode of NXT.

In a tweet, Sarray addressed the matter and confirmed that she will have a press conference on March 13, which will stream live on Instagram.







13

14?



Hello everyone, I will have my press conference next Monday and will do it live on Instagram (14pm Japan https://t.co/0LezDiKOwo  SARRAY (@SarrayWWE) March 9, 2023

WrestleZone will provide more information as it becomes available.

The post Report: Sarray Leaving WWE, Returning To Japan In May appeared first on Wrestlezone.
Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally and Franklin McClure

Several days after the Republican governor of Tennessee signed a law criminalizing drag performances in public, a local publication discovered the lieutenant governor, who is equally anti-LGBTQ+, has been liking and commenting on one young gay mans posts.

Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, 79, regularly comments with heart emojis and encouraging words on the Instagram page of a young gay aspiring performer named Franklin McClure, the news siteTN Holler reports.

He used his verified account repeatedly to post underneath some of McClure's most sexy pictures using heart and fire emojis.

In the photos, McClure often appears posing while scantly clad and sometimes wearing makeup.

McClure and McNally seem to know one another because they exchange comments underneath a few posts. McNally even refers to McClure as Finn, his nickname, which is not mentioned anywhere on his page, the outlet reports.

Finn, you can turn a rainy day into rainbows and sunshine, the lieutenant governor wrote in the comments of one post.

According to the Tennessee Holler, McClure denies meeting McNally in person.

Since the story broke, the comments on McClure's page have been deleted and disabled; however, the publication captured screenshots of McNally's reactions on McClure's page.

None  (@)

In anticipation that the lieutenant governor's office would try to claim that his account had been hacked or otherwise deflect from the relationship and messages, the Tennesee Holler reached out to McClure to get him on the record about their interactions.

A few years ago, McNally and the 20-year-old became friends on Facebook through mutual friends, and he has been commenting on McClure's Instagram since then, the young man said.

The lieutenant governor's office does not deny that he and McClure know each other and have interacted.

Considering that he supports criminalizing drag queens for performances, McNally's spokesperson blamed the publication for making an issue out of something innocuous.

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Who cares if the politician who comments on Instagram a lot praised his constituent; but also, maybe he used the wrong emojis because hes a "great-grandfather," the spokesperson submitted.

"Trying to imply something sinister or inappropriate about a great-grandfather's use of social media says more about the mind of the left-wing operative making the implication than it does about Randy McNally. As anyone in Tennessee politics knows, Lt. Governor McNally is a prolific social media commenter. He takes great pains to view every post he can and frequently posts encouraging things to many of his followers. Does he always use the proper emoji at the proper time? Maybe not. But he enjoys interacting with constituents and Tennesseans of all religions, backgrounds, and orientations on social media. He has no intention of stopping."

While McNally may be supportive of McClure, when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community in Tennessee, he is anything but.

According to revelations last week, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee himself dressed in drag before minors on a school campus in 1977. LGBTQ+ advocates note that this hypocrisy is, yet again, stunning, as with the governor's drag past.

The Twitterverse had some thoughts, as might be expected.

"Great grandfathers' liking pictures of twinks isn't sinister or inappropriate on the face of it. Maybe Randy turning around and voting like he thinks they're second class citizens is the sinister or inappropriate part," one person tweeted.

None  (@)

The Tennessee legislature is considering 26 anti-LGBTQ bills, making it the nations leading anti-LGBTQ state. Last week, Tennessee enacted the nations first drag show felony law, which threatens to lock up drag performers. The governor also signed a ban on gender-affirming care for youth. Both pieces of legislation are rooted in transphobia, advocates have pointed out.
Radiant Plumbing often chooses what they'll parody next based on what's relevant at the time.

Finally, proof that bathroom humor pays off.

Radiant Plumbing & Air Conditioning, an Austin company whose wacky ads include movie parodies like "The Toiletnator" and "Toilet Dune," was featured on the March 5 episode of "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" on HBO. Oliver had a proposition for Radiant  make a parody of a movie of Oliver's choosing and he will donate $10,000 to Central Texas Food Bank.

The texts started to come in soon after. Brad Casebier, co-founder of Radiant Plumbing & Air Conditioning, was not watching the show in real time and found out they'd been featured from friends.

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Brad Casebier, seen here behind the desk, said people at Radiant have an ongoing list of ideas for its ads. "We have a huge list of concepts that we look at from time to time," he said.

"I texted one of my friends like, 'Is this good or bad?' And they were like, 'Super good,'" Casebier told the American-Statesman.

Casebier and the team at Radiant got right to work as Oliver gave them just seven days to respond and accept the challenge. Radiant has a sound room in its North Austin office, and the team decided the response video should parody Oliver's show.

In the video, Casebier sits on a toilet behind a desk and is wearing glasses similar to Oliver's.

"We've run the spectrum of possibilities  'Casablanca' to 'Predator' to 'Downton Abbey.' None of them scare us. John, we accept this challenge," Casebier says.

More:What stars at Texas Film Awards said about being Texan, Willie Nelson and more

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When we spoke with Casebier this week, Radiant had not yet heard back from the HBO host.

Since the segment aired, the plumbing company has received lots of warm and kind comments from customers, "Last Week Tonight" viewers and others, Casebier said, adding that he wasn't sure whether the TV bit was a boost for business.

"This is just such a fun pat on the back for, you know, 14 years of hard work and commitment to a marketing concept that got swept up on a national platform. It's truly, a very affirming moment in my life," Casebier said.

As for what movie Radiant is hoping for?

"I don't know how to even guess," Casebier said. "It feels like an infinite pool."

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin plumbing company signs up for John Oliver challenge
At age 16, while he was a student at Middletown High School North in New Jersey, Andrew Crosby was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, told he might not be able to walk by age 30, and prescribed a regimen of high-dose medication.

He thumbed his nose at all that.

I dont let this disease stop me from anything, he said.

For the next 10 years he remained active and engaged in his favorite pursuits of hiking and climbing, but there were occasional days when the conditions intermittent back and joint pain became debilitating. In late 2021 another symptom emerged  a painful swelling of the eyes that sometimes caused his vision to blur.

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Andrew Crosby at McAfee Knob, a famous spot on Catawba Mountain in Virginia, during his hike of the Appalachian Trail.

That was when I decided I was going to hike the Appalachian Trail, he said, and nobody was going to tell me no.

One year ago on March 9, Crosby began the 2,200-mile, 14-state hike from Georgia to Maine. He completed it in just over five months, braving 5-degree cold, 105-degree heat and a close encounter with a pack of coyotes.

Most of all, the 26-year-old Middletown resident overcame rheumatoid arthritis  with a surprising aftereffect.

Andrew Crosby completing the Appalachian Trail at the summit of 5,200-foot Mount Katahdin in Maine.

'Tears raining down from heaven'

About 3 million people visit the Appalachian trail annually, with roughly 3,000 attempting to thru-hike the entire length  a task completed by 25%, or less than 1,000. As a young boy, Crosby hiked a section of the trail in Pennsylvania with his father, Raymond Crosby. That helped instill a love of the outdoors. Raymond Crosby, a construction worker, died in 2015 when a roof collapsed during demolition in Berkeley, New Jersey.

Andrew Crosby on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware Water Gap during his hike of the Appalachian Trail.

Raymond was never far from Andrews thoughts, especially when he traversed the same stretch of trail theyd covered nearly two decades prior.

I think theres tears raining down from heaven right now, Andrew said. Being out there for so long, I felt I was connected to him. I knew he was looking out for me the entire time. He always had my back.

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That surely came in handy when Andrew found himself face to face with five German shepherd-sized coyotes in Pennsylvania.

Were talking 5 or 10 feet away, Crosby said. I was so scared, I almost fell on my butt. Before I could make a sound, they were halfway through the forest running and yipping.

Andrew Crosby at Franconia Notch in the White Mountains of New Hampshire during his trek of the Appalachian Trail.

Crisis averted. No one thru-hikes the trail unscathed, though. Crosby spent a week laid up with shin splints. In Connecticut, he attended a party at the invitation of someone he met along the way  and sustained two broken ribs in a mishap. Throughout the trek there was constant soreness from walking 30 miles a day over often rugged terrain. All told, he went through four pairs of shoes.

Its a grueling, long-term pilgrimage that after a few weeks becomes a way of life, said Ken Lewaine, a family friend who thru-hiked the trail in 1982 and served as Crosbys adviser of sorts. You have to deal with a broad array of experiences and emotions that test your mettle, test your strength of character, your resourcefulness, your willpower and your heart.

Lewaine is a former Middletown, New Jersey, resident whose son Mike is good friends and occasional climbing partners with Crosby.

I have great respect for anyone who completes the trail in one shot, Lewaine said. But with a condition like rheumatoid arthritis  I know a lot of times I had bad back pain  that makes it all the more remarkable. I cant throw enough kudos to him.

Nature's medicine

Although the summer sun racked his eyes to the point where he wore sunglasses all day long over the hike's final two months, Crosby avoided any debilitating attacks of rheumatoid arthritis during his journey.

You could say that was good fortune. Crosby believes otherwise.

I havent had an episode since completing the trail  not one, he said. No eye pain, no back pain, no days I cant walk.

Andrew Crosby atop 4,802-foot Mount Moosilauke in the White Mountains of New Hampshire during his trek of the Appalachian Trail.

Hes convinced the experience served as natures medicine.

My body, I would say, is probably 25% to 35% healthier than what it was prior to leaving, he said. Walking like that every day just really grinds the arthritis away from the gears. I feel Im healthier now, and I dont want to go back to where I was prior to leaving.

To that end, Crosby plans to attempt the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,600-mile hike from Canada to Mexico, starting in July. Hes testing himself, but hes also sending a message.

I want to be inspiring to other people who dont think they can do these things, he said. I was doubted my whole life. Who thought I could walk 2,000 miles after I was told I could be in a wheelchair by the time Im 30?

This isnt just about exceptional endurance feats, either.

I want to be inspiring to people who have dreams  and dont think they can accomplish them," he said.

Jerry Carino is community columnist for the Asbury Park Press, focusing on the Jersey Shores interesting people, inspiring stories and pressing issues. Contact him at jcarino@gannettnj.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Told he might use a wheelchair, Andrew Crosby hikes Appalachian Trail
Bettmann - Getty Images

As part of a $400 million military assistance package announced on March 3, the United States is supplying Ukraine with its first M60 Pattons, a classic American Cold War tank. But while regular M60s were built to slug it out with Soviet T-55 and T-62 tanks, the unarmed version Ukraine is receiving an undisclosed number of might as well bear a sign that says Do tread on me.

Thats because theyre Armored Vehicle Launched Bridges (AVLBs) designed to unfold bridges over narrow water obstacles and large trenches and ditchesa process that takes just three minutes for M60 AVLBs. The bridge-launching vehicle then detach so that accompanying armored vehicles can roll across, likely somewhere the enemy doesnt want or expect them to be. When the fording is complete, the AVLB can pack up its bridge on the other side (which may take 10 minutes) and rejoins the column.

Confirmation that the AVLBs mentioned by the Pentagon were M60s was reported by the The Drives Joe Trevithick. Most of the M60s AVLBs turretless hull is occupied by hydraulics and batteries for deploying/undeploying the bridge; the crew two is nestled in the center hull.

Originally, the 53-ton M60 AVLB carried a 14-ton aluminum scissor bridge 18 meters long by 3.8 meters wide designed to support 60-ton vehicles. However, latera second 70-ton class bridge was developed to support the heavier M1 Abrams tank, though with restrictions (see below). This was followed in the 2010s by an even stronger 85-ton class bridge which may allow more flexible use.

Though heavily armored like a regular M60, AVLBs are unarmed, but can generate a smoke screen and launch smoke grenades to shroud their position. A sub-variant called the M60 AVLM can launch a 100-meter-long cable full of plastic explosives (line charges) to rapidly clear minefields.

Bridge-layers in Ukraine

AVLBs were first adopted during World War II, typically converted from Sherman, Churchill and Panzer IV tanks so that bridge-layers shared parts in common with those widely-used fighting vehicles.

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While AVLB bridges cant span larger rivers, they did, and still do enable tank and mechanized infantry to hop across smaller tributaries, or over broken spans of bridges in a matter of minutes, retaining the momentum of their advance, and potentially bypassing well-defended bridge crossings. And thanks to being, well, tanks, they were more likely than engineers riding soft-skin trucks to survive artillery fire directed at a fording point.

Rivers, marshes and trench warfare have substantially shaped Russias invasion begun in 2022. Ukraine is also notorious for its extremely muddy Spring and Fall weather (rasputitsa), and thus bridging over theoretically traversable shallow waters and mud can spare valuable heavy armored vehicles from bogging down, taking them out of the fight as surely (if not as permanently) as an anti-tank missile.

Ukraine began 2022 with a few dozen AVLBs based on the Soviet T-55 tanks (the MT-55 and MTU-20) and T-72 (the MTU-72). Kyivs forces also captured 16 truck-based TMM-3 bridge layers from Russia bearing 10.5-meter segments that can be linked together, and has received nine of 16 Bibers (Beavers) from Germany based on the fast but lightly armored Leopard 1 tank also entering Ukrainian service, that can lay 22-meter long bridges.

Unfortunately, those all were designed to accommodate 50-60 ton tanks, not better armored 60-75 ton Western main battle tanks Ukraine is receiving.

Even M60 AVLBs equipped with 70-ton class bridge have to observe restrictions for M1 tanks, including reducing gap-crossing distance to 15 meters, forbidding stopping or turning while on the bridge, and using stabilizing pins, cribbing and approach ramps to reduce stress on the bridge.

This article from the 1990s describes the challenges an Army engineers faced arranging a crossing for Marine M1A1 tanks in an exercise in Korea. However, with planning and rehearsals, the engineers managed to build the bridge, cross the tanks, and then pack up the bridge in less than in an hour.

Why Ukraine got bridge-laying Pattons instead of Abrams

The M60 was the last in the lineage of Cold War-series Patton tanks stretching back to the mid-1940s. From 1963-1967 an initial batch of M60 hulls were converted into AVLBs at the Anniston Army Depot in Alabama. A second run of M60A1s and M60A2s was converted 1987-1996. These vehicle saw combat use in Iraq in 1991 and 2003.

Israel used its own M60 AVLBknown as  Tagash in the Yom Kippur War and conflicts in Lebanon in 1982 and 2006. These remain in service, modified with track components from its indigenous Merkava tank, and option for the alternate Tzmedtandem-bridge system.

Portugal, Singapore, Spain and Pakistan also retain small M60 AVLB fleets.

Ukraine has received a menagerie of diverse military equipment from international donorsa situation increasingly true of its tank fleet, which will include German-designed Leopard 1 and 2s, American M1A2 Abrams, Slovakian M55S super T-55s, and British Challenger 2s.

But while Kyiv will gladly accept any weapons it can, Western analysts often bemoan the diversifying zoo because each new type requires a separate pool and logistics pipeline of spare parts, and new training programs for crew and maintainers. That usually results in lower equipment readiness rates and a huge headache for logisticians.

So in theory, seeing as the U.S. is providing Ukraine with newly rebuilt M1A2 tanks, one would expect it to furnish Abrams-based bridge-laying tanks too. After all, the U.S. wants to replace its own M60 AVLBs because their maximum speed of 30 miles per hour meant they couldnt keep up with Abrams (45 miles per hour or more) and Bradley vehicles (35-40 miles per hour), and because their bridges could only accommodate M1s moving at slow speeds.

Indeed, in the 1990s, an Abrams-based bridge layer called the M104 Wolverine Heavy Assault Bridge was developed, mounting mounted two segments for the 26-meter-long Leguan bridge, also mounted on some German Leopard 1 and 2 tanks. The bigger, two-part bridge could be deployed in 5 minutes and removed in 10.

The Army began procuring Wolverines in 2003, but only received of 44 of the planned 465 vehicles, as it was deemed too costly to maintain and operateand willingness to invest in heavy armor capabilities was lacking in the War on Terror era.

Ultimately, the Army instead decided in 2016 to procure 337 new M1074 Joint Assault Bridge System (JABS) based on the M1A1 tank but with enhanced armor and engines, equipped with a shorter 18.3-meter bridge that can deploy in three minutes and support up to 95 tons.

However, according to The Military Balance 2021 the U.S. still had 230 M60 AVLBs on inventory and just 54 of the new M1074s. So the M60 AVLBs end up being what the U.S. could readily give to Ukraine without removing the newest equipment from its operational units.

To be fair, Ukraine is also receiving eight M88 Armored Recovery Vehicles for towing damaged tanks, also derived from the M60s hull, and thus with some commonality with the M60 AVLB, including its 750-horsepower diesel engine. Washington could expand on Ukraines M60-based fleet by donating M728 Combat Engineering Vehicles armed with demolition guns and other devices to breach obstacles under enemy fire.

Kyiv could also theoretically go bargain hunting for regular M60 tanks, thousands of which remain in inventories around the world.

Like baking soda in cake, unarmed AVLBs are an a key ingredient of amore impressive wholein this case mobile, mechanized warfare that can rapidly exploit gaps in enemy lines, forcing them to withdraw to avoid destruction or capture. Thats the kind of ambitious combined arms maneuver campaign Kyiv hopes it can wage this Spring to liberate swathes of Ukrainian territory occupied by Russian forces.

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A voter walks past a ballot box on Election Day at city hall in Cottonwood Heights on Nov. 8, 2022. The Utah Legislature approved a bill to address recommendations proposed by the legislative auditor general to improve Utahs elections process. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

The Utah Legislature took recommendations from a recent election audit to heart last week, passing a bill to implement several suggestions to improve election security and transparency.

Although a legislative audit of Utah's election system found no instances of widespread voter fraud, it noted small discrepancies in the number of ballots cast and the number of votes recorded in some counties.

As a result, the auditors recommended the state adopt a public reconciliation of ballots, which is one of the things HB448 would accomplish.

Bill sponsor Rep. Cory Maloy, R-Lehi, told fellow lawmakers his bill adopts 18 of 22 recommendations made by the audit. He grouped the provisions into the following five categories:

The bill gives the state's top election official, the lieutenant governor, specific authority and methods to enforce election law. The lieutenant governor's election office "will provide a method of consulting, training, warning, and, if necessary, enforcing our election laws," Maloy told a Senate committee last month.

It also improves the use of a statewide voter database to "allow for more consistent and effective use by counties." Maloy said the bill "requires the lieutenant governor's office to manage voter registration activities, analyze county use of a database to ensure the use of building controls monthly and maintains a document describing statutory voter list maintenance for clerks."

When it comes to vote count discrepancies, HB448 requires public reconciliation of ballots, requires an immediate count of ballots received and requires chain of custody standards to better track the receipt and count of ballots.

HB448 gives election workers more details about what it means for signatures to match and requires signature verification training. Maloy said it also requires a study by the Division of Motor Vehicles and the lieutenant governor's office on how to improve the quality of signatures on file.

Lastly, Maloy said the bill strengthens Utah's election audit system by prohibiting an individual from auditing their own work. It also requires the lieutenant governor to study risk-limiting audits for their potential use in the state.

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Maloy's bill drew support from election administrators, including Ryan Cowley, state director of elections. Cowley praised the audit's findings of no fraud, but said HB448 is a good step forward for elections in the state.

"This really does give us a roadmap to continue to improve our elections. We feel like our elections are safe and secure. We have clerks that do a great job. But there's always room for improvement there," Cowley told a Senate committee last month. "There has to be a balance between the lieutenant governor and county clerks. They are elected officials that represent the people in their counties. And this bill strikes a great balance between respecting their offices, but also providing a sense of oversight."

Lawmakers approved a separate effort sponsored by Rep. Michael Petersen, R-North Logan, which would increase the penalty for tampering with ballot drop boxes. HB347 would make drop box tampering a third-degree felony  up from a class A misdemeanor  which is punishable with up to five years imprisonment and fine of up to $5,000.

Major election changes don't reach finish line

While HB448 made relatively minor changes to elections in Utah, the Legislature declined to pass several measures that would have had a more noticeable impact on future elections.

Republicans in Utah have felt a lot of angst recently over who can have a say in picking the party's general election candidate. A recent bill would have gutted the signature-gathering path to the primary ballot, effectively requiring all GOP candidates show up and win over delegates at convention.

Opponents of the bill said it would lead to more extreme candidates winning office, because convention delegates are widely seen as more ideological than the average conservative voter.

HB393 passed the House 43-26, but did not come up for a vote in the Senate before the session ended Friday.

Similarly, lawmakers allowed the clock to run out on a proposed constitutional amendment that would have raised the bar for passing ballot initiatives that raise taxes.

Currently, such initiatives can pass with a simple majority vote, but HJR17 would have asked voters to approve increasing the threshold to 60% of voters.

The resolution passed the House 56-16, but wasn't considered in the Senate.
Raquel Leviss is taking legal action against one of her Vanderpump Rules co-stars in the aftermath of Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix's split.

The 28-year-old has been granted a temporary restraining order against Scheana Shay after an alleged attack, according to court documents obtained by E! News on March 8.

In her filing, Raquel accused her castmate of pushing her against a brick wall and "causing injury to back of head" in the early hours of March 2, shortly after their joint taping of Watch What Happens Live in New York City. During the alleged incident, Raquel said that Scheana punched her in the face, resulting in a "black eye and cut/scar to left eyebrow, blurred vision & swelling to left eye."

"Currently, mutual friends & co-workers are telling me she doesn't regret the physical attack on me," Raquel wrote in the document, "and would do it again if she found that further emotional distress was caused to our mutual friend."

A Timeline of the Vanderpump Rules Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix Break Up Drama

Raquel did not identify the mutual friend by name, though her filing comes amid allegations that she was involved in a months-long affair with VPR castmate Tom, leading him to part ways with longtime love Ariana.

E! News reached out to Scheana's rep for comment but hasn't heard back.

Paul Archuleta/Getty Images

Since the fallout from Tom and Ariana's split, Scheana has made it clear whose side she's on. On March 5, the 37-year-old posted a throwback photo of herself with Ariana, writing alongside an emoji of a fist: "Always got your back! #TeamAriana."

As seen in an Instagram Story video posted on March 7, Scheana and her 23-month-old daughter Summer Moonwho she shares with husband Brock Daviesalso recently had dinner with Ariana.

Amid the drama, a source tells E! News that Raquel "called and tried to text Ariana twice" before releasing a public statement addressing the scandal that has rocked the VPR community.

"I want to apologize for my actions and my choices foremost to Ariana, and to my friends and the fans so invested in our relationships," Raquel wrote on Instagram March 8. "There is no excuse, I am not a victim and I must own my actions and I deeply regret hurting Ariana."

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Getty Images / Bravo

The pageant queen continued, "I am reflecting on my choices, speaking to a counselor and I am learning things about myself such as my patterns of codependency and addiction to being and feeling loved. I have sought emotional validation through intimate connections that are not healthy without regard for my own well-being, sometimes negatively affecting others and often prioritizing the intimate connection over my friendships."

Noting that she's now "taking steps to understand my behavior and make healthier choices," Raquel added, "I don't expect sympathy, understanding or forgiveness. Right now, I must focus on my own health and well-being and as I strive to be a better person moving forward, I will prioritize my mental health and learn from my mistakes."

Tom also publicly apologized to Ariana for his "reckless decisions" without explicitly admitting to an affair. "I feel really horrible," he wrote in part on Instagram March 7. "My biggest regret is that I dishonored Ariana. I never meant to disappoint so many people, including our loving families and friends."

(E! and Bravo are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)

Peacock is live now! Check out NBCU's streaming service here.
musk-twitter-halli-layoff-payout

Credit - Chris RatcliffeBloomberg /Getty Images

Haraldur Halli Thorleifsson spent nine tense days unsure whether his job at Twitter had been terminated before he decided to tweet at owner Elon Musk on Monday, asking for an answer. What ensued was a public spat on the platform, during which Musk questioned Thorleifssons work ethic and disability, and accused him of seeking a big payout. Within a day, Musk was forced to backtrack and issue an apology to Thorleifsson, as it emerged that terminating his employment could be very costly for Twitter.

Thorleifsson joined Twitter when the company acquired his startup in 2021, under the leadership of co-founder and then CEO Jack Dorsey. He was celebrated by the media in Iceland, where he lives, for choosing to receive the purchase price as salary, rather than a lump sum, so that he could pay higher taxes in the country to support public services. Amid mass layoffs at Twitter, Thorleifsson tweeted on March 6 that he had lost systems access but had not been informed whether he was a Twitter employee, despite emails and calls to the companys human resources department and, eventually, Musk himself. The fallout has led to speculation from Twitter users that the company would be on the hook for a large payout to Thorleifsson if it terminated his employment contract at a time when the company is taking drastic measures trying to save money.

Let me know if you are going to pay what you owe me? Thorleifsson tweeted during the exchange with Musk, without specifying the amount or terms of his contract. I think you can afford it?

Musk faced a wave of public criticism for his responses to Thorleifsson, which questioned and even appeared to mock the Icelanders descriptions of his role. The reality is that this guy (who is independently wealthy) did no actual work, claimed as his excuse that he had a disability that prevented him from typing, yet was simultaneously tweeting up a storm, Musk tweeted about Thorleifsson on Tuesday. Thorleifsson addressed Elons remarks in a series of tweets, explaining how his disabilitymuscular dystrophyaffects him, later adding that he had since received notice from Twitter that his employment had been terminated.

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It was only after intervention from another Twitter user, Daniel Houghton, on March 7 that Musk says he spoke to Thorleifsson to figure out whats real vs what I was told.

Later that day, Musk tweeted, I would like to apologize to Halli for my misunderstanding of his situation. It was based on things I was told that were untrue or, in some cases, true, but not meaningful.

He is considering remaining at Twitter, Musk added. Thorleifsson has not commented on whether he plans to rejoin the company.

Thorleifsson, who was named Icelandic broadcaster RUVs Person of the Year in 2022, did, however, tweet on March 7 that he planned to open a restaurant in Reykjavik soon. He is also known for his philanthropy and for funding the construction of hundreds of ramps around Icelanda cause close to Thorleifsson, who began using a wheelchair 20 years ago.

Twitter has been cutting costs with a series of staff reductions since Musk took ownership of the company. The most recent round of layoffs at Twitter reportedly affected about 200 employeesaround 10% of the companys workforce. The company employs around 2,000 people, compared with 7,500 that Twitter started with when Musk acquired the company last year.

Thorleifsson and Twitter did not respond to TIMEs requests for comment.
Alex Murdaugh's attorneys have filed a notice of appeal for the former lawyer's convictions and sentences, a week after he was found guilty of murdering his wife and younger son, court records show.

The notice was filed in the South Carolina Court of Appeals on Thursday.

PHOTO: Alex Murdaugh stands after he was found guilty on all four counts at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, S.C., March 02, 2023. (Usa Today Network/via Reuters)

MORE: Alex Murdaugh sentencing: Disgraced SC attorney gets life in prison

Murdaugh, 54, was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of murdering Margaret "Maggie" Murdaugh, 52, and Paul Murdaugh, 22, who were found dead from multiple gunshot wounds near the dog kennels at the family's estate in June 2021.

The life sentences for each murder will run consecutively, Judge Clifton Newman said.

PHOTO: Alex Murdaugh is sentenced on the murders of his wife Maggie and his son Paul Murdaugh, Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, S.C., on March 3, 2023. (ABC News)

Murdaugh has maintained his innocence throughout the high-profile trial.

"Im innocent. I would never hurt my wife, Maggie, and I would never hurt my son, Paw-Paw," he said during his sentencing hearing on Friday.

Jurors returned a verdict after deliberating for nearly three hours.

Lead prosecutor Creighton Waters told ABC News' George Stephanopoulos in an interview on "Good Morning America that cellphone video placing Murdaugh at the scene minutes before the crime "absolutely" made a difference in the guilty verdict.

MORE: Murdaugh murders and mysteries timeline: Key events in the South Carolina family's scandals and deaths

The video contradicted Murdaugh's claim that he was never at the kennels that day.

During his testimony, Murdaugh admitted to lying to investigators about his alibi on the evening of the shootings and blamed it on his addiction to painkillers, which he said caused "paranoid thinking."

Prosecutors argued that years of lies and theft were about to catch up to Murdaugh and the murders were a way to divert attention.

The trial has documented the downfall of a once-powerful attorney from a family that for generations exuded power over the state's Lowcountry region. In the months following his wife's and son's murders, Murdaugh resigned from his law firm, which sued him for allegedly funneling stolen money from clients and the law firm into a fake bank account for years. He was also disbarred amid money laundering charges.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Alex Murdaugh's attorneys file notice of appeal in double murder case originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Slovakia on Thursday joined Poland in urging their allies to provide fighter jets to Kyiv as a wave of deadly "retaliation" strikes rocked Ukraine.

"I think it's time to make a decision," Slovak Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad said on Facebook. "People in Ukraine are dying, we can really help them. ... This is inhumane and irresponsible."

A day earlier, Polish President Andrzej Duda told CNN that Poland was ready to provide Ukraine with the MiG-29 fighters as part of a package involving other Western allies.

"The training of Ukrainian pilots is important and much needed, Duda said, adding that long-range artillery also is needed "to push the enemy back and avoid direct clashes. Because the Russians are trying to crush Ukraine, crush it with the weight of their armed forces, their size and their equipment."

The Biden administration, and NATO, thus far have declined Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's requests for aircraft.

LAWMAKER DECLINES INVITE TO KYIV: House Speaker Kevin McCarthy declines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's invite to visit Ukraine

Three rockets launched against Ukraine from Russia's Belgorod region are seen at dawn in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Thursday, March 9, 2023.

Developments:

The Biden administration unveiled it's 2024 budget proposal, which calls for almost $7 billion in additional spending for Ukraine and other allies to combat "Russian aggression." The U.S. has spent more than $75 billion on Ukraine since the war began a year ago.

An air raid warning sounded Thursday on Moscow radio stations and TV channels but was a false alarm, a result of server hacking, state-run Tass reported.

52% of Ukrainians don't want any Russian taught in schools, up from 8% in a 2019 survey, according to a new poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology. Despite the war, 42% of the population still favors some Russian being taught  although only 6% want it taught more than other foreign languages.

A group of 42 retired Canadian Olympians are urging their countrys Olympic leaders to take a stand against Russians participating in next years Paris Games.

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ANATOMY OF AN INVASION: Mapping and tracking Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Russian 'retaliation' drones, missiles engulf Ukraine

A wave of Russian "retaliation" missiles and drones swept across Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities Thursday, killing at least six people and knocking out power to hundreds of thousands in one of the biggest attacks on the besieged country this year.

At least seven people were injured, authorities in the regions of Kyiv, Lyiv and Dnipropetrovsk said on their Telegram channels. Sites in Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Zhytomyr and Kirovohrad also were struck. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described "a difficult night" as the barrage struck crucial infrastructure facilities.

The Russian Defense Ministry said the strikes were in retaliation for a March 2 incursion into the Bryansk region of western Russia by what Moscow claimed were Ukrainian saboteurs. A ministry summary said its strikes hit "key elements of Ukraine's military infrastructure, enterprises of the military-industrial complex, as well as energy facilities that provide them."

Russia launched 81 missiles and eight exploding, Iranian-built Shahed drones, Ukraine military officials said. Thirty-four cruise missiles and four drones were intercepted, they said.

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted: No military objective, just Russian barbarism. The day will come when Putin and his associates are held accountable."

At the end of January, 11 people were killed when Russia's military unleashed missile attacks across Ukraine the day after the U.S. and Germany said they would provide Ukraine's military with modern tanks.

Dig deeper: Biden, in annual budget, asks Congress for more aid to Ukraine as Russia pushes ahead with war

$58 billion in Russian assets frozen by global task force

A multinational task force aimed at implementing the sanctions imposed against numerous Russian businesses and individuals has blocked or frozen more than $58 billion worth of assets, tracked sanctioned assets across the globe, and heavily restricted the sanction targets from the international financial system, the U.S. Treasury Department announced Thursday. The group also has collectively worked to investigate and counter Russian sanctions evasion, including attempts to hide assets, cryptocurrency and money laundering schemes, Russian defense procurement, the department said in a statement.

The Russian Elites, Proxies, and Oligarchs Task Force includes the Eureopean Union, and Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Ukraine official dismisses NATO warning that Bakhmut could soon fall

A high-ranking Ukrainian military official on Thursday dismissed warnings from NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg that the hotly contested city of Bakhmut could soon fall to the Russians. Col. Serhiy Cherevaty, spokesman for Ukraine's Eastern Group of Forces, said NATO does not fully understand that Ukrainians have developed "much greater stability and power of tactical solutions" as the war has dragged on, he said.

"They approach this purely pragmatically with dry calculations," Cherevaty said. "I think that NATO is studying this, and they need to study it all further. I think that such statements should be treated with respect, but with the understanding that they do not fully understand the whole situation."

US judge approves seizure of $25M Boeing 737

A federal court in New York has authorized the seizure of a $25 million Boeing 737 owned by a Russian energy company, citing U.S. sanctions against Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine. The aircraft is owned by PJSC Rosneft Oil Co., headquartered in Moscow and led by sanctioned oligarch Igor Ivanovich Sechin.

The plane was last in the United States in March 2014, and is now believed to be in, or traveling to or from, Russia, Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said in a news release. It was not immediately clear when or how the jet could be seized.

Todays enforcement action demonstrates there is a price to pay for Russian companies and oligarchs that flagrantly evade sanctions that the United States has imposed in response to the unjustified war against the people of the Ukraine, Peace said, adding that his office will "relentlessly pursue the proceeds of unlawful conduct, be it on land, in the air, or at sea.

Power lost, then returned to Europe's largest nuclear power plant

Europe's largest nuclear power plant lost all of its "off-site" power on Thursday after the latest Russian missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, according to the head of an international team monitoring the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Rafael Grossi, director general of the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog the International Atomic Energy Agency, said all 20 of the sites emergency diesel generators were activated as a result of the attacks. This is the first time the site, in southeastern Ukraine, has lost all power since November last year.

"This is the sixth time  let me say it again SIXTH time - that ZNPP has lost all off-site power and has had to operate in this emergency mode. Let me remind you  this is the largest nuclear power station in Europe," Grossi said in a statement. "What are we doing? How can we sit here in this room this morning and allow this to happen? This cannot go on."

Electricity transmission system operator Ukrenergo later announced it had restored power to the plant. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, each side has accused the other of shelling the Zaporizhzhia plant.

People search the rubble of a house following a Russian strike in the village of Velyka Vilshanytsia, near Lviv, on March 9, 2023.

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ukraine Russia war updates: Missiles, drones pound Ukraine
WASHINGTONThe clash between a union boss and Republican senator could be a preview of what's to come in the Sen. Bernie Sanders-led Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.

Sanders has vowed to take on corporate, "union busting" CEOs as chair of the HELP committee, and a Thursday hearing served up rowdy moments of drama as the Vermont progressive keeps his promises.

The moment getting the most attention came during an intense exchange between GOP Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma and Teamsters President Sean O'Brien.

Heated debate between union president and Republican senator

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 07: Rep. David Joyce (R-OH) and Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) share a laugh before the State of the Union address on February 7, 2023 in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC. The speech marks Presidents Joe Biden's first address to the new Republican-controlled House.

Mullin, who said he's not anti-union, accused O'Brien of "sucking the paycheck" from workers to earn his nearly $200,000 salary.

O'Brien, who was at the hearing to testify about how employers intimidate employees, told Mullin he was out of line.

"Don't tell me I'm out of line," Mullin said. "You need to shut your mouth."

GOP senator fights with union leader

Mullin said he doesn't back down from a fight  and sometimes welcomes a physical fight  but he said he resents the type of union pressure he experienced as a businessman.

"I'm not afraid of a physical confrontation. In fact, sometimes I look forward to it," he said.

The Oklahoma senator claimed he came from less than nothing to build a multimillion-dollar plumbing company with hundreds of employees, and those non-union employees were intimidated by a local union.

"We hold greedy CEOs like yourself accountable," OBrien said. "You want to attack my salary, Ill attack yours. What did you make when you owned your company?"

Mullin claimed during the hearing he took a salary of $50,000 to be able to invest more revenue back into the company, but financial disclosures through the years show income between $200,000 and $2 million. U.S. senators earn $174,000 annually.

More: Teacher salaries become a bipartisan cause: Low pay 'a major crisis in education'

Candy Woodall is a Congress reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at cwoodall@usatoday.com or on Twitter at @candynotcandace.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Shut your mouth': GOP Sen. Mullin tangles with union boss in hearing
By the end of episode 10 of RuPauls Drag Race season 15 on March 3, Salina EsTitties found herself lip synching for her life for the third time. This week she was pitted against Malaysia Babydoll Foxx in the ultimate Beyonce-off to Single Ladies. Aside from the Lalaparuza in episode 9, this was Malaysias first time lip synching for the judges, but once again they favored Salina in the LSFYL and Malaysia was sent packing.

We asked in a recent poll if Malaysia was the right queen to sashay away and a majority of fans think that the judges did in fact get it right. 42% of fans polled believe that Malaysia was the queen most deserving of elimination compared to the 34% that thought Salina would have been the right one to go. Salina earned a majority of votes in our episode 9 poll, but this week she evaded the chop despite her prior challenge performances that also landed her in the bottom two.

More from GoldDerby

Here are the complete poll results for who fans think should have been eliminated this week:

42% Malaysia Babydoll Foxx

34% Salina EsTitties

11% Both

10% Other

3% No One

During critiques the judges pointed out that Salina wasnt patient enough during her sit-down interview with Love Connie and interjected or spoke over her too often. Malaysia hosted a pizza-making segment with Frankie Grande, but her nerves got the best of her. When the judges asked her what was holding her back, Malaysia admitted to getting inside her own head and actively choosing to play it safe rather than take risks. In both cases, neither queen was able to make up for their poor challenge performance with a Night of 1000 Beyonces runway look. Overall, 11% of voters considered the option of a double sashay where RuPaul Charles should have sent both Malaysia and Salina home at once.

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Outside of the bottom two, Mistress Isabelle Brooks was the third queen in the bottom, but she was saved by a three-headed Destinys Child-inspired gown that the judges thought was not only creative, but one of the most beautiful looks Mistress had worn so far. Mistress is the likeliest candidate to have received the Other votes that amounted to 10% of the answers to the poll. Marcia Marcia Marcia placed as safe in this weeks challenge and runway, but she also struggled to keep up with Charo during their interview.

Make your predictions at Gold Derby now. Download our free and easy app for Apple/iPhone devices or Android (Google Play) to compete against legions of other fans plus our experts and editors for best prediction accuracy scores. See our latest prediction champs. Can you top our esteemed leaderboards next? Always remember to keep your predictions updated because they impact our latest racetrack odds, which terrify Hollywood chiefs and stars. Dont miss the fun. Speak up and share your huffy opinions in our famous forums where 5,000 showbiz leaders lurk every day to track latest awards buzz. Everybody wants to know: What do you think? Who do you predict and why?

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The model posed for SI Swimsuit every year between 2010 and 15.

Genevieve Morton was photographed by Derek Kettela in Zambia. Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Genevieve Morton posed for the SI Swimsuit Issue six years in a row. She made her debut in 2010 when she posed for photographer Walter Chin in Palm Springs, Calif. While the years in between took her to Fiji, Zambia, Australia and Switzerland, Mortons most recent magazine photo shoot found the model traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands for a unique bodypaint feature in 15.

While many of her SI Swimsuit features took place at the beach, two in particularZambia and Switzerlandprovided a unique setting in more rustic terrain.

Morton, who is a self-proclaimed introvert, said that the biggest lesson shes learned over her career in the modeling industry is to speak up for herself. When it comes to her confidence, however, Morton feels at home in swimwear.

The first time I posed in a bikini, I felt pretty comfortable. I was confident in my body, she added. Sometimes I think Im more confident in a bikini than I am in regular clothes. Im definitely more confident in front of the camera than I am in my personal life, which is interesting.

Today, the 36-year-old South African native continues to model and is an entrepreneur. Shes the founder of Morton Media Management, a brand that aims to empower models, artists and photographers through their art.

Below are eight of our favorite images from Mortons 2012 photo shoot in Livingstone, Zambia.

Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Make sure to follow SI Swimsuit on YouTube!
A beginner's guide to airline elite status  from an expert.

American Airlines

Theres no question about it: Airline elite status can significantly enhance the travel experience. Between aspirational perks like coveted first-class upgrades and more practical benefits like free checked bags, status can tangibly make air travel better.

In 2023, the world of airline status has reset with airlines returning to business as usual after three years of easier earning amid the pandemic. If youre fortunate enough to have status for the first time, heres how to leverage the perks that other travelers so often envy, from pre-departure to post-flight.

Breaking Down the Airline Elite Status Levels

United Airlines

Contrary to popular belief, airline elite status isnt only beneficial for frequent business travelers and the big spenders with the highest tiers of status. While upgrades may be less common among fliers with lower status tiers, any type of elite status can tangibly make a travel day significantly more enjoyable (or, at least, more tolerable).

Each airline has its own unique status levels and naming conventions. However, theres a common thread that unites them all: As you fly (or spend) more, you earn more perks. For instance, each of the major U.S. airlines  Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines  offer four distinct status levels with increasing benefits as you climb the ranks.

Alaska: MVP, MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75K, MVP Gold 100K

American: Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum

Delta: Silver Medallion, Gold Medallion, Platinum Medallion, Diamond Medallion

United: Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, Premier 1K

While budget-focused carriers, such as JetBlue and Southwest, have fewer differentiated status levels that are easier to earn, they dont offer perks such as the coveted seat upgrades you can score on the major airlines.

What travel perks should I expect?

With airline elite status, expect a variety of benefits at the airport, on board, and even at home.

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At the Airport

Use your newfound elite status for free checked bags, expedited check-in, quicker boarding, and fast-track security lines. (Tip: If you have TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, using those privileges can often be faster than waiting in the priority security line.)

Should your travel plans change, many airlines also offer free same-day flight changes or standby privileges for elite status members. And once at your arrival airport, checked bags should make it to the baggage claim carousel before other's luggage.

On Board

American Airlines

On most U.S. airlines, elite passengers booked in economy get complimentary access to more desirable seats, such as preferred rows at the front of the plane or exit row seats. Status holders will also be added to an exclusive upgrade list for extra-legroom economy, first-, or business-class seats.

Passengers with the highest status levels, such as Executive Platinum on American Airlines, even get a free alcoholic beverage and snack while seated in economy. On some international airlines (a notable example being Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific), top-tier elites in economy are personally greeted by the crew, given a welcome bottle of water, and offered the first choice of meal.

At Home

Thanks to dedicated phone lines for airline elite status members, wait times to get customer support are significantly reduced compared to non-elite travelers. Status holders should also expect to see extra miles after flying. For instance, those with Americans Executive Platinum status get a 120 percent mileage bonus on purchased tickets.

How can I use my airline status for an upgrade?

Delta Airlines

Upgrades from economy to the next class of service is a highly coveted perk of elite status. Although each airline handles upgrades differently, the major carriers mentioned (Alaska, American, Delta, and United) all reward their most frequent fliers with complimentary, space-available first-class seats on domestic routes.

Typically, to get a free upgrade, theres nothing you need to do beyond including your frequent flier number in the reservation. The upgrade process, including landing on the exclusive upgrade list, automatically happens behind the scenes. However, since the waitlist for upgrades is prioritized based on status level, the higher your status tier, the higher your odds of scoring a first-class seat.

Tip: Consider flying less popular routes or flying at non-peak times if upgrades are important to you. For instance, instead of flying on Friday afternoon, perhaps consider a Saturday evening flight that may be more empty (and less elite-passenger heavy).

How do I work to qualify for status next year (or for higher status)?

Alaska Airlines

As you continue to fly (and spend) throughout the year, travelers have the opportunity to requalify and level up their existing status. Most airlines tally their elite status criteria over the course of a calendar year. If you hit the minimum threshold, youll automatically become an elite member for the remainder of the year in which you qualified  plus all of the following year.

Insider tip: If you're considering another airline, try status matching.

If youre already loyal to one airline but are considering switching your alliance, look into a status-match program. These temporary offers allow travelers to test the differences between elite programs, typically without having to spend a year accruing miles and qualifying dollars.

With any airline elite status, it pays to ask yourself which perks youre most interested in. Many status benefits, such as extra-legroom seats or a free checked bag, might come as a benefit of a credit card you already have in your wallet. So, consider what you really want out of your flight experience, and the best method to get it  whether that's keeping up your status year after year or looking into a luxury travel credit card.



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Alec Baldwin has one less Rust trial to worry about, for now.

Facing two counts of involuntary manslaughter in New Mexico for the fatal October 2021 shooting of Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, the actor has gotten a bit of breathing room in the California courts.

More from Deadline

Responding to a petition from lawyers for Baldwin, Rust producers and other defendants as well as plaintiff Maime Mitchell in the latters negligence lawsuit, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge has paused the civil case and lifted any self-incrimination risk for the actor until next year, aka after the expected criminal trial in the Land of Enchantment in over.

In an order (read it here) inked Tuesday by LASC Judge Michael E. Whitaker, he stipulated that The trial date be continued from May 17, 2023 to February 21, 2024, or as soon thereafter in accordance with the Courts calendar and availability.

The Parties believe a continuance of the trial and all related dates serves the interests of all parties by allowing the parties to maximize good faith settlement negotiations and complete discovery, said the order, hinting at a possible settlement down the line.

Regardless of any deal or not, this kind of stay is a standard move in instances of overlapping criminal and civil cases, as Bill Cosby and Danny Masterson have found in recent rape trials and tribulations of their own. The order by Whitaker comes as Baldwin and his Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed are expected to appear before New Mexico state Judge Mary Marlow Sommer on Thursday in a virtual status conference/hearing in the criminal case. With lawyers for all parties, plus Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies scheduled to be in attendance, the hearing is anticipated to lay down a preliminary hearing date in the matter. A date for Baldwins motion to disqualify special prosecutor and GOP state legislator Andrea Reeb could also be put on the calendar Thursday.

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With all that, and a resurrected Rust supposedly set to start filming soon in Montana, it could be some time before Baldwin and Reed actually go to trial. Now facing 18 months behind bars and some fines for the death of Hutchins, the duo could still try to cut a deal of some sort with the D.A., like Rust first assistant director David Halls did.

Mere weeks after Hutchins death on October 21, 2021, Baldwin sat down with ABCs George Stephanopoulos for a primetime interview where he insisted he didnt pull the trigger on the loaded un that killed the cinematographer and wounded director Joel Souza. Baldwins assertion was not backed up by the FBI in its analysis of the incident and the gun, as detailed in a 551-page report released by the Santa Fe Sheriffs Office in November 2022. Add to that, Carmack-Altwies has claimed in the formal charges delivered January 31 that Baldwin was absent and neglectful of vital firearms and safety training on Rust.

Having entered a plea of not guilty in the criminal case February 23, Baldwin had a big win last month when a firearm enhancement statute that carried a five-year mandatory sentence was dropped by the D.A. amid the defense teams cries of unconstitutionality.

Still, in a case that will be no easy effort for prosecutors, no one has determined how rounds of live ammunition got on the Rust set.

To that point and, one of the first of a series of suits now before the courts in the Golden State and in New Mexico, Rust script supervisor Mitchell filed her lawsuit against Baldwin, the indie Westerns producers, Reed, Halls, property master Sarah Zachry and others on November 17, 2021.

Mitchell, who is being represented by Gloria Allred, was almost right next to Hutchins and Souza in the Bonanza Creek Ranch church set when the 1880s prop gun Baldwin was pointing in a rehearsal fired. Early in November 2022, Whitaker scorned Baldwins attempt to get out of the lawsuit. He also denied a motion from Baldwin and his El Dorado Pictures Inc to strike the script supervisors claim for punitive damages.

In response, Baldwin on November 11, 2022 hit back with a cross-complaint for negligence and indemnification against Reed, Halls, Zachry and Rust weapons and rounds supplier Seth Kenney.

That case is also halted until next year.

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Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally

The state of Tennessee has become a hotbed of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Last week, the states governor, Bill Lee, signed a bill into law that banned trans youth healthcare as well as the nations first-ever drag felony bill. And thats not all: There are another 26 bills targeting our community moving through the states legislature.

Lee was called out for the hypocrisy of the drag bill, as he has been photographed in... wait for it... drag.

But the hypocrisy doesnt stop there. This week, the Tennessee Holler has released an interview with Franklyn McClur, 20, a young gay influencer and performer whose thirst pics Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally has been committing on  for years.

McNally voted for the anti-gay legislation but has been posting fire and heart emojis on steamy booty pics. We would be shocked if it wasnt so utterly predictable.

The photos came to the attention of the Holler when an anonymous fan of McClur spotted them and pointed them out to the publication. McNally repeatedly used his VERIFIED account to post underneath some of Franklyns raciest pictures, writes Justin Kanew. McNally is very big on heart and flame emojis.

The two were friendly enough that McNally would call McClur by his nickname, Finn, in the comments  information that the publication notes wasnt listed anywhere on his bio.

booty pick with Randy's comments

@franklysuperstar/Instagram/courtesy of TN Holler

According to McClur, the two have been friends online for years. They first met through mutual friends on Facebook where MacNally got his Instagram and began commenting there. McClur said he wasnt aware that McNally was the same person who has been heavily involved in leading the anti-LGBTQ+ charge in his home state. I just thought he was older and out of touch. Ive always taken it as a compliment. I dont dislike him or think hes a bad person, hes one of the only people who has consistently uplifted me and made me feel good, said McClur.

The story has now made its way to local news, which reported on both its racy nature and McNallys surprise response of not denying that he did indeed write the comments. Many assumed he would just claim he had been hacked.

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However, McNally also released an incredibly gaslighting statement claiming that all his fire emojis on the thirst pics were being misrepresented and that he was just communicating with one of his constituents.

None  (@)

twitter.com

None

Trying to imply something sinister or inappropriate about a great-grandfathers use of social media says more about the mind of the left-wing operative making the implication than it does about Randy McNally, the statement read. As anyone in Tennessee politics knows, Lt.Governor McNally is a prolific social media commenter. He takes great pains to view every post he can and frequently posts encouraging things to many of his followers. Does he always use the proper emoji at the proper time? Maybe not. But he enjoys interacting with constituents and Tennesseans of all religions, backgrounds, and orientations on social media. He has no intention of stopping.

Sure, Jan.

This would honestly be hilarious if McNally werent simultaneously cheering on thirst posts while actively working to push through increasingly discriminatory legislation that would make McClur and other queer and trans peoples lives harder and more painful.

We wish we could say were shocked, but instead were just saddened and infuriated at the standard hypocrisy.
Clarification: Kirkland Correctional Institution is now one of six maximum security prisons in the state, but it no longer houses death row inmates.

After a year-long investigation and a highly publicized, six-week trial, disgraced and disbarred South Carolina lawyer Richard "Alex" Murdaugh has been convicted and sentenced in the June 7, 2021, shooting deaths of his wife, Maggie, and younger son, Paul. But this tragic and sordid crime saga is far from over for Murdaugh, his family, and his other alleged victims.

The S.C. Attorney General's Office earned a conviction on both counts of murder during a marathon trial in Walterboro. Judge Clifton Newman then sentenced Murdaugh, who continued to deny his guilt, saying that he would "never hurt" his family, to two consecutive life sentences in the state Department of Corrections.

As the double murder trial comes to a conclusion, pending appeals, Murdaugh is still facing 99 other criminal charges from state and local grand jury indictments, as well as a dozen civil lawsuits. Here's what is likely ahead for the convicted murderer.

Murdaugh in Prison Info by USA TODAY Network on Scribd

Alex Murdaugh will spend rest of life behind bars, but where?

Murdaugh was admitted into the state prison system on March 3, the same day he was sentenced, and is now S.C. Department of Corrections inmate number 00390394.

Murdaugh is currently being housed in the Kirkland Correctional Institution Reception and Evaluation Center at 4344 Broad River Road, Columbia. He is being housed in the XDL dorm in room number 0043, bunk A.

Murdaugh will be held there for processing, assessment and medical evaluation for roughly 45 days before being assigned to a permanent prison location, said Chrysti Shain, S.C. Department of Corrections Communications Director. During that time, he will undergo an evaluation and classification process to determine his physical, mental, medical, and societal needs, and then be assigned to a permanent location.

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Murdaugh is being held in a single cell, but not in solitary confinement, Shain said.

Kirkland, which opened in 1975, receives, assesses, classifies and assigns all male offenders age 17 and above sentenced to 91 days or more and processes approximately 8,000 offenders each year, according to the state DOC website. Kirkland is overseen by Warden Terrie Wallace. The current capacity of Kirkland Correctional is 1,706 inmates.

Shain said it possible that Murdaugh will remain in Kirkland, but it is more likely he will be transferred to one of five other maximum security facilities, which include Broad River in Columbia, Lee in Bishopville, McCormick in McCormick, Lieber in Ridgeville, or Perry in Pelzer, S.C. Inmates with major medical needs are often housed at Kirkland, and inmates with mental health needs are often housed at Broad River.

"A lot of things will come into play when we try to determine where an inmate will spend his time," said Shain. "He is in a very secure place while we determine where he will best fit."

Once Murdaugh is assigned a permanent home, he will have the same freedoms and privileges as other inmates, but will remain in maximum security. After seven years of good behavior and other conditions, he may be eligible to earn a medium security level, added Shain.

Will Alex Murdaugh appeal his murder convictions?

Murdaugh's criminal attorneys, Jim Griffin and Richard Harpootlian, stated after the conviction that they planned to file an appeal.

On Thursday, March 9, Harpootlian's office filed a formal Notice of Appeal with the S.C. Court of Appeals. No details or legal arguments were included in this court filing.

According to the S.C. Attorney General's Office website, convicted defendants have up to one year to file an appeal.

From jury selection to sentencing: Catch up on the Alex Murdaugh trial from the beginning.

Dramatics in the courtroom:Surprised Alex Murdaugh took stand? Murdaugh lawyers long known for dramatic courtroom scenes

Four charges down, 99 criminal charges to go for Alex Murdaugh

With Murdaugh convicted on two counts of murder and two counts of using a firearm while committing a violent felony, he still faces 99 other criminal charges - charges that range from local indictments in the September 2021 roadside shooting insurance scheme to drug-related and financial crimes.

On the drug charges, Murdaugh is accused of being involved in a "multi-county" opioid drug scheme, along with co-defendant Curtis Edward Smith and other accomplices.

The financial crimes, which stem from a decade-long, multi-county crime spree in which Murdaugh is charged with stealing from law clients, partners, and other lawyers, range from fraud and tax evasion to computer crimes.

Robert Kittle, spokesperson for the S.C. Attorney General's Office, said Wednesday that nothing has been scheduled on the court dockets yet for these crimes, and it is unclear if they will all be handled together, or tried in some separate fashion. Kittle also had no information about any additional charges, or additional suspects, at that time.

Judge Newman stated during Murdaugh's sentencing that he would be trying the financial cases as well, and indicated that he wished to get those cases disposed of quickly.

When contacted Wednesday about whether Murdaugh intended to plead guilty to the financial crimes  he has signed a confession of judgement in one case, and has confessed to state police and on the witness stand multiple times to stealing money  Murdaugh's attorneys and spokesperson did not respond with comment.

A sign just down the road from the Murdaugh's estate on Moselle Road.

Wrongful death, other civil suits also plague Alex Murdaugh

In the wake of his financial crime spree and other events surrounding his family, Murdaugh is also facing a dozen state and federal lawsuits, with other possible suits pending.

Murdaugh has signed a confession of judgment on a suit from the Gloria Satterfield Estate, in which he admitting stealing $4.3 million from insurance companies and his late housekeeper's family, but he must still defend himself on the other suits.

While dates have not been set for those civil cases, a wrongful death case involving the Estate of Mallory Beach, who was killed in a February 2019 boating accident involving his son, Paul, allegedly driving his boat, has been scheduled for Aug. 14 in Hampton County.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Alex Murdaugh still has more legal issues. What's next?
Thank goodness.

The Image Direct Eva Longoria

Its been a minute since slouchy, oversized suits first sunk their claws into the fashion industry  causing everyone from Jennifer Lopez to Rachel Bilson to fall for the power of its effortless, cool girl vibe in the process. And now, Eva Longoria is reminding us why they became so popular in the first place while simultaneously serving a masterclass in simple street style.

On Wednesday, the actress was spotted out and about in New York City strutting the streets in a super-baggy beige three-piece suit comprised of a blazer, trousers, and a button-up vest (which she wore with nothing underneath). Longoria kept her accessories equally as neutral, adding a pair of salmon-hued pointy-toe heels and a stack of gold necklaces, and she wore her caramel-colored hair down in beachy curls with a middle part.

For glam, Eva opted for a simple no-makeup makeup look complete with a bronzy glow and a pink lip, and she flashed her signature smile to fans and onlookers when heading to her next destination.

Related:Eva Longoria Says These Treatments Helped Her Feel Like Herself Postpartum

The actresss outing came just a day after she showed off her range by wearing a much more dramatic look on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert Tuesday afternoon. Picking up on one of Fashion Months biggest trends, Longoria gave her take on disco-ball dressing by sporting a plunging black, rhinestone-covered gown paired with sheer pumps and diamond stud earrings.

During the appearance, Longoria spoke about her new show, Searching for Mexico, while explaining what she learned about the country and its food during her time there.

Getty Images

Mexico is a jewel of a country, she said. It's more than taco and tequila. It's the number one cuisine eaten in the United States, and it's a country that's misunderstood. It gets a bad rap, and I think this show is going to do great for the relations of our country with our closest neighbor, our biggest trading partner.

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Leni Klum and Heidi Klum at 2022 Harper's Bazaar ICONS & Bloomingdale's 150th Anniversary on September 09, 2022 in New York City. ( Harper's Bazaar ICONS & Bloomingdale's 150th Anniversary 2022,

John Nacion/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

Heidi Klum has another multi-hyphenate in the family.

At Saturday's 36th Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards in Los Angeles, the former Victoria's Secret Angel, 49, raved to PEOPLE that she's "very proud" of her 18-year-old daughter Leni Olumi, who's currently studying interior design in college while pursuing her own modeling career.

"I'm very proud of my daughter and her modeling," said Klum. "And she's studying at the same time, she's juggling already."

RELATED: Leni Klum Says Mom Heidi Sends Her Groceries at College: 'I Didn't Think She'd Be That Worried'

In addition to Leni, Klum shares sons Henry Gunther, 17, Johan Riley, 16, and 13-year-old daughter Lou Sulola with ex-husband Seal.

Leni previously spoke to PEOPLE about making her modeling debut with her famous mother on the cover of Vogue Germany after growing up watching Klum work.

Leni Klum was shot in NYC on 10/12/22

Victoria Stevens

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"I've always gone to work with my mom and thought, 'This looks so fun. She looks so happy while she's working,'" Leni said in October. "I'd jump in sometimes, and I'd play around with the makeup that her makeup artist would bring."

RELATED: Leni Klum Reveals Mom Heidi Klum Said No to Her First Modeling Offer: 'That's What Sparked Me'

She added of their mother-daughter cover: "That's, like, insane that I did that as my first job and my mom was with me, which made it so much fun. It was just such a good day. I wasn't nervous at all. I was just so excited. I was like, 'I'm finally modeling, and it's Vogue.' It was just so many things to be excited about."

After Klum talked about "worrying" when her daughter doesn't answer the phone at college, Leni told PEOPLE she's been "texting her more."

RELATED VIDEO: Heidi Klum Praises Daughter Leni, 17, as They Appear on Harper's Bazaar Germany  See the Covers

"I didn't think she'd be that worried, since there's three other kids that she's looking after," said Leni. "I feel I'm all grown up now, and I can live on my own. I'm not technically on my own because I have a roommate, but I get that it's hard for her."
The Princess of Wales is clearly a fan of the Pakistani fashion brand, Elan.

Splash News Kate Middleton

Kate Middleton just ditched her signature bouncy blowout for a very good reason.



This morning, the Princess of Wales made an appearance alongside her husband Prince William at the Hayes Muslim Center in London to thank aid workers and fundraisers dedicated to providing relief to those affected by the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Out of respect for the culture, Kate covered up her glossy waves with a black and white floral headscarf designed by the Pakistani fashion brand Elan. The hijab matched one of the outfits she wore to Pakistan during her and William's 2019 tour, which included an embroidered kurti, white trousers, and suede pointy-toe pumps.

Getty

For Thursday's occasion, Kate paired her headscarf with a tailored black Catherine Walker coat with a matching pleated dress underneath, opaque black tights, and black suede pointed-toe heels. She accessorized with a black leather top-handle bag decorated with gold hardware, as well as her sapphire engagement ring.

Related:Kate Middleton Bundled Up in the Biggest Camouflage Coat and Cozy Snow Boots to Visit the Irish Guards

During the outing, Kate spoke with charities and their workers who recently returned from Turkey about the latest developments amid the crisis, which saw over 47,000 people lose their lives, and how the U.K Disasters Emergency Committee's Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal is making a big difference.



In the days following the natural disaster, Kate and Will voiced their support for the appeal, tweeting: "We have been horrified to see the harrowing images coming out of Turkey and Syria in the aftermath of the earthquakes this week. Our thoughts are with the communities affected and we are pleased to support the @decappeal campaign which will aid the response on the ground."



We have been horrified to see the harrowing images coming out of Turkey and Syria in the aftermath of the earthquakes this week. Our thoughts are with the communities affected and we are pleased to support the @decappeal campaign which will aid the response on the ground. W & C https://t.co/Vrd2m7UcPW  The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) February 9, 2023

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PARIS  Spanish fast-fashion retailer Mango on Thursday reported sales at a historic high, with net profit up 20.9 percent year-over-year to 81.1 million euros.

Total turnover for the company was 2.68 billion euros in the 2022 fiscal year, up 20.3 percent from 2.23 billion euros in 2021. That figure also represented an improvement over the retailers pre-pandemic numbers, with turnover up 13.2 percent compared to 2019.

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We have closed what is probably one of Mangos best years, overcoming complex market circumstances and committing to strong investments with a future vision and ambition, said chief executive officer Toni Ruiz.

Ruiz noted the company had been hit by the closure of stores in Russia, as well as the strong dollar impacting its euro bottom line. Shuttering its operations in Russia resulted in a 20 million euro write-down, pushing gross profit to 56.9 percent, dipping slightly from 58.2 percent in 2021.

The Barcelona-based brands home country of Spain was its biggest market, accounting for 22 percent of total turnover. Europe remains its largest region, with the company reporting France, Italy and the U.K. as its key markets, though it is pushing into the U.S. with plans to open 40 stores by 2024.

The fast-fashion brand continues to count womenswear as the key driver of group sales, amounting to 82 percent of the total business. The company reported that menswear sales grew by 30 percent year-over-year to 300 million euros, while the subdivisions of Kids, including its fledgling Teen business, grew its turnover by 18 percent to 200 million euros.

Home, launched in 2021, is still a small part of the companys turnover, at 5 million euros.

Mango continued to ramp up store openings, adding 119 doors in 2022, for a total of 2,566 stores across 115 countries. The company expanded into Cameroon and Morocco, opened a new flagship in New York and refurbished its Paris outpost.

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The group signed major agreements with Fox to expand in Canada, and Myntra for its continued push into India as franchise models.

The company said the new openings and continued investment in existing stores demonstrates it is maintaining its commitment to the physical store as a privileged point of contact with its customers.

However, online sales continued to accelerate, at 36 percent of total company turnover at 960 million euros across 90 markets. E-commerce will launch in more than 20 new markets in the first half of 2023, particularly throughout Africa. It has also signed an agreement with local partner Dafiti to launch Mango online in Brazil.

The company doubled its investment rate, spending 107 million euros on improvements in tech and logistics.

A bulk of that spend is on its new global distribution logistics center outside of Barcelona, which will manage its entire physical and online operations set to open in the first half of 2023. The facility will handle 85,000 garment an hour.

The company will also open a 42 million euro headquarters in the second half of 2023, which will house 2,200 employees.

Debt increased to 82 million euros, up from 8 million euros 2021, as a result of the global store expansion and building the new facilities.

The company increased its global workforce by 10.3 percent in 2022, for a total of 14,082 employees worldwide.

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Clase Azul's Viridiana Tinoco created the brand's iconic Clase Azul Tequila Gold.

Courtesy of Clase Azul

Tequila is having more than just a moment. The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States reported that agave-based spirits were the second fastestgrowing alcohol by both revenue and volume in 2021.

Clase Azul Mexico, made in Jalisco, Mexico, is a huge part of this agave spirits trend. The company offers a portfolio of seven staple agave spirits that include mezcal and tequila. The most recognizable iteration in the U.S. is its reposado, in a blue and white hand-painted ceramic decanter topped with a bell cap that emits a celebratory ringing sound when tapped. Clase Azul works with Mexican artisans to create these beautiful bottles, but it's the liquid gold inside  the reposado has a smooth finish with a hint of sweetness and notes of hazelnut and vanilla  that has them flying off the shelves.



The woman responsible for perfecting the agave spirits at Clase Azul is master distiller Viridiana Tinoco. The Durango, Mexico, native was first introduced to the tequila industry during her undergraduate studies when she visited different factories to learn about how agave was processed. "During these visits, I was always fascinated with the fermentation process and I decided early on that I would want to apply fermentation in my future career," Tinoco told Travel + Leisure.

She graduated in 2002 as a biochemical engineer and moved to Guadalajara to work for a food and beverage manufacturing company. Here, she worked fermenting wheat flour and making agave honey. It wasn't until she tried working with agave that she realized she wanted to steer her path toward the tequila industry. "When I first arrived at the factory and was able to smell the aromas of the raw and cooked agave and saw the magnificent fields of agave driving to work every day, it brought me to where I am today," Tinoco said.

Courtesy of Clase Azul

Fast forward to 2016 and Tinoco was brought on to join Clase Azul while she simultaneously earned her master's degree in tequila processes. Her certificates in quality control and experience with fermentation caught the attention of the brand.

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Plus, her love for science comes in handy. "Every step along the way of creating tequila is a series of chemical reactions that [I] feel are important to develop because they have a direct effect on the finished aromas and notes of the product," Tinoco said. "Some of these steps include the effects of the minerals in the soil, the rainfall on the agave, the cooking, fermenting, and distilling process, as well as the aging process where we get to personalize the product with the final notes we want to achieve."



It became clear that Tinoco was exactly what the brand needed when she created her first blend: Clase Azul Tequila Gold. It was meant to be a one-time batch, but it was so well-received that it became part of the official portfolio. The spirit combines the brand's Plata Blanco (a light tequila with flavors of vanilla, Meyer lemon, fresh mint, and a hint of green guava) with a special reposado that was matured in French Oak barrels, aged three years in American whiskey casks, and finished in sherry barrels. The medium-body tequila has flavors of fig, green olive, ginger, and cocoa.

Since then, she has crafted every distill, including limited-edition runs like the Dia de los Muertos tequila and Master Artisans tequila. The latter is particularly special as it marks the beginning of an annual series where the company partners with a different Mexican artisan to design a new bottle, celebrating the region's culture and arts. Introduced this past December, the inaugural decanter was done in collaboration with award-winning artist Angel Santos, a renowned ceramicist based in Jalisco.

What's inside will also change, but Tinoco made a statement with the first release by putting together the brand's longest-aged tequila to date. The eight-year-old extra anejo was first aged in American whiskey barrels for 64 months and was finished in three different types of sherry casks for 41 months. While the aging process predates Tinoco's tenure at Clase Azul, she brought this exceptional spirit to life during the blending process, turning it into the final product that's housed inside Santos' masterpiece.

Tinoco approaches her task with genuine excitement and is deeply grateful to play a role in this sliver of Mexican culture. She cried tears of joy when she first attended "A Taste of Culture"  one of three culinary concepts in Clase Azul's multi-restaurant space in San Jose del Cabo. A Taste of Culture features spirit pairings that Tinoco helped create, presented with invented dishes and multi-sensory, immersive art. "I love everything about tequila and to me, this will never feel like a job," she said. And to that, we say, salud.

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Aurora City Council members discussed pursuing a new sister city relationship in Mexico earlier this week, but the conversation took a sharp turn when two conservative councilmembers criticized the Mexican city for its crime levels which the proposals sponsor called out as a dog whistle for racism.

Councilmember Juan Marcano, the proposal's sponsor, on Monday praised Aurora Sister Cities International and its Mexico Committee for organizing quickly and building relationships with the government in Chihuahua, Mexico. The city is within the Mexican state of the same name, which borders New Mexico and Texas.

CEO of Aurora Sister Cities International Karlyn Shorb said there has been a desire to create a relationship with a sister city in Mexico for years. The Mexican community is the largest immigrant community in Aurora, she said.

The organizations Mexico Committee formed roughly four months ago and quickly established a relationship with the administration in Chihuahua, she said.

Chihuahua native and co-chair of the Mexico Committee Ana Valles outlined not only the economic opportunities but the cultural connection between Colorado, Aurora and Chihuahua.

About 30% of Aurora residents are of Hispanic or Latino decent and the majority of that population has Mexican heritage, she said. Most Colorado residents with Mexican heritage can trace their roots to Chihuahua, and the Mexican consulate in Denver provided data showing 22% of people who got a consulate document from the state in 2021 hailed from the state of Chihuahua, outpacing any other Mexican state.

The cities have multiple similar industries, such as manufacturing and retail, that are ripe for collaboration, she said.

Councilmember Francoise Bergan asked several questions about the benefit of pursuing a sister city relationship in general but also with Chihuahua.

I have long questioned sister cities from an economic development return on investment perspective, Bergan said.

City leaders have visited several countries but have never returned with an economic plan or development that benefits Aurora, she said.

Shorb disputed that sister city relationships have not yielded an economic impact in Aurora, naming two restaurants that located in the city as a result of the Korea Committees work. One was a large chain that came to Aurora first and then expanded throughout the metro area, she said. Chicago has a proven track record of forging a successful relationship with Mexico City that produced city-to-city trade agreements, she said, a unique strategy that Aurora might emulate.

I think theres a huge potential with Mexico, because the community is so large, she said.

Marcano responded to Bergans concerns by saying the city has squandered leads on economic development opportunities brought about by sister city relationships because it did not bring the right staff on past visits to sister cities who could follow up on those discussions. Its been an point of frustration for sister cities, he said.

Councilmember Danielle Jurinsky was the first to raise the issue of crime in Chihuahua. She read from travel websites that stated the risk of travel there was high, and went on to say drug cartels are helping to run this city.

I know were not perfect. I know we have our crime rate that we need to work on, she said. Thank God, as of now, we dont live under cartel rule.

Jurinsky questioned whether councilmembers would be willing to overlook Auroras crime rate if they are also willing to overlook the crime rate there.

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As Shorb spoke about the value of working with Chihuahua from a business and cultural perspective, Jurinsky turned her attention away from the speaker, looked to the side, began laughing and then turned her camera off. Jurinsky later told the Denver Gazette she laughed after looking at her cell phone meaning she was not laughing at Shorb.

Council holds study sessions remotely.

Im sure they struggle with their own perceptions of violence, as we do here in our own community, Shorb said.

People who travel regularly for work understand the challenges of traveling globally and know how to avoid risky activity while abroad, she said. The sister city relationship can also foster an exchange of law enforcement best practices for addressing crime, she said.

We are going to face those challenges anywhere we travel around the world. That shouldnt prevent us from creating a friendship, in fact it should probably encourage it, she said.

Shorb invited Valles to address the topic as a native of Chihuahua, but Valles was interrupted before she could respond.

Bergan rebuked comparing crime rates between Chihuahua and Aurora, saying it was a night and day difference.

We dont have kidnappings in Aurora. We dont have beheadings by cartels, Bergan said.

Councilmember Alison Coombs pointed out that Aurora does, in fact, have kidnappings.

Valles later spoke up to say that she acknowledges there is crime in Chihuahua, as any large city experiences. Committee members travel there and have friends and family who live there. They can speak to councilmembers about what traveling to the area is like, she said.

She added that crime has decreased in the city by 6%, that the local administration is working on the issue and would provide adequate security for councilmembers.

Marcano called the councilmembers comments illogical, and said a sister city relationship is not a conduit for the issues they raised. Other countries have travel advisories against the U.S., he reminded council, for the nations problems with racial tensions, mass shootings and law enforcements treatment of marginalized communities.

Im really disappointed by some of the very weird things that were just said, and frankly, I think its exceptionally racist as well, he said.

Bergan refuted equating their concerns with crime as racism and asked how the city could guarantee councilmembers safety if they visited. Marcano said the racist messaging could be read in-between the lines of their comments and that bringing up crime rates was irrelevant.

This is what I expect from Republicans, he said.

Jurinsky said in her final comments on the topic that, being the, I guess, racist Republican I am, who employs people of all different backgrounds, she has an employee from Chihuahua who does not wish to return out of safety concerns.
How does a plane just vanish? Netflixs new docuseries MH370: The Plane that Disappeared (now streaming) investigates the still-unsolved aviation mystery.

Wednesdays premiere of the three-episode series marked nine years to the day that contact was lost with red-eye Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. The plane carried 239 passengers and crew members. It was set to arrive in Beijing on the morning of March 8, 2014, after departing from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

MH370 features heartbreaking interviews with the victims surviving family members, as well as journalists and civilians captivated by the saga. Despite the theories presented, however, viewers may find theyre left with more questions than answers.

When did MH370 go missing? A timeline of March 8, 2014

"MH370: The Plane That Disappeared" is now streaming on Netflix.

12:41 a.m. local (UTC + 8:00)  MH370 departs Kuala Lumpur International Airport for Beijing. The Boeing 777-200ER plane carries a total of 239 people: 227 passengers and 12 crew members.

1:07 a.m.  The plane's data reporting system shuts down. The plane remains on course.

1:21 a.m.  The transponder that transmits location and altitude shuts down. U.S. investigators can't determine if a human shut down the transmissions or if it was an "act of piracy," meaning a takeover.

2:40 a.m.  Subang Air Traffic Control reports that it lost contact with flight MH370. The last signal on radar from the plane was received as it transferred into Vietnamese airspace above Cau Mau province.

6:30 a.m.  MH370 misses its intended arrival time at Beijing Capital International Airport.

11 a.m.  Family members of MH370 passengers gather at the airport as the authorities update them on the plane's status.

'MH370: The Plane that Disappeared' trailer

What was MH370s flight path?

Flight MH370 should have headed northeast to reach its destination. But at a press conference on March 24, 2014, then-Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak shared that the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch and Inmarsat data concluded, that MH370 flew along the southern corridor. This is a remote location, far from any possible landing sites. It is therefore with deep sadness and regret that I must inform you that according to this new data, Flight MH370 ended in the Southern Indian Ocean.

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There are some who protested the findings, questioned the validity of the Inmarsat data and took to the streets in protest, crying out for the truth.

One theory: MH370 pilot Zaharie Ahmad Shah is responsible

Three theories are presented in the docuseries, one in each episode. Journalist Jeff Wise suggests it's possible a Russian passenger sneaked into the electronics bay and took control of the plane. Journalist Florence de Changy wonders if MH370 mightve been approached by a U.S. surveillance aircraft because of a large amount of electronics on board. Both acknowledge these are far-fetched, and the theories are written off by aviation expert Mike Exner.

A third discounted theory is the possibility that the captain of the flight, Zaharie Ahmad Shah, hijacked the plane. Wise presents a timeline of supposed events in MH370 that even he doubts. He suggests that after ending contact with air traffic controllers in Kuala Lumpur, but before establishing contact with Vietnam, Shah thinks of a reason to get his co-pilot out of the cockpit and then locks the door. Shah then disables the electronics that make the plane visible on radar.

Next, Shah turns the plane, Wise says, and begins to depressurize the cabin. A special pilots mask allows him to stay in control.

He turns the plane to the south and he flies straight into the darkness, waiting for his fuel to run out, says Wise. After six hours of flight, the engines stop running, he pushes the nose down, and he starts to slide into a dive.

Netflix's "MH370: The Plane That Disappeared" offers theories on the mysterious 2014 case,

When was the search suspended?

The search for Flight MH370 and its wreckage concluded in January 2017. A safety investigation report released on July 30, 2018, provided few answers, though it did dispute suspicions of Shah.

The aircraft was airworthy when dispatched for the flight, the report stated, adding there is no evidence to suggest any recent behavioral changes for Shah, and the possibility of an intervention by a third party could not be ruled out.

In conclusion, the report said, the Team is unable to determine the real cause for the disappearance of MH370.

Contributing: Christine Rushton

More on Flight MH370:

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Netflix's 'MH370: The Plane that Disappeared' doc: Everything to know
When the New Hampshire Department of Education investigates a teacher for a potential code of conduct violation, they send a notice in the mail. Under a new proposed law, that teacher could also be served a subpoena.

The New Hampshire Department of Education is pushing to be given the power to subpoena teachers or school district officials that it is investigating, sparking a new debate over the regulation of public schools.

New Hampshire Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut, left, and state Board of Education member Sally Griffin take part in a board meeting at Oyster River Middle School Thursday, May 12, 2022. Edelblut attracted attention in 2022 when he penned an op-ed stating that teachers were introducing bias into the classrooms and inserting messages supporting Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ+ causes.

2022 story:NH education chief Frank Edelblut assailed for 'bigotry.' He sees family 'value system.'

Proposed legislation in the House would allow the commissioner of the department to issue a subpoena for persons, relevant documents, and relevant items that would help it carry out any investigation.

Introduced by Rep. Bob Lynn, a Windham Republican, the proposal is a late amendment to an existing education bill, House Bill 533. Lynns amendment would scrap that bill and replace it with one granting the subpoena power.

In an interview Monday, Lynn said the proposed amendment allowing the subpoenas was requested by the department.

They say the reason they need this is that sometimes licensees and even school districts are not cooperative, Lynn said. They need to get documents, lets say from a school district, and the school district just wont provide them.

The proposal is the latest flashpoint in an ongoing divide over how much the state should regulate the behavior of New Hampshire schools and teachers. Advocates, like Lynn, say allowing subpoenas would simply strengthen investigations that the department already conducts against educators.

Opponents, who include teachers unions, have called the legislation unnecessary, noting that the Department of Education can currently request the Department of Justice to issue subpoenas in code of conduct cases in schools. And they argue putting the subpoena power in the Department of Education could lead to fishing expeditions and intimidate teachers.

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Its going to take an already anxious and fear-filled workforce and make them feel even more concerned that every single thing they do is under a microscope, said Deb Howes, president of the American Federation of Teachers of New Hampshire.

Under state law, New Hampshire licensed teachers are subject to a code of conduct and code of ethics that are designed by the State Board of Education.

The code of conduct requires educators to interact with students in appropriate settings; communicate with students in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner; honor confidentiality; treat parents and guardians respectfully; commit to equality, equity, and inclusion of colleagues, students, and parents; use social media responsibly; and other requirements.

Discriminating against people; possessing a drug unlawfully; falsifying professional qualifications; possessing or using alcohol on school grounds; failing to provide adequate supervision of students; accepting gifts; assaulting students; and soliciting sexual relationships are all barred in the code.

The Department of Education has the power to investigate any potential violations of those codes. After finishing a formal investigation, the department can decide to reprimand the educator, suspend their license, revoke their license entirely, or drop the investigation. The educator can appeal a decision against them, taking the matter to an adjudication process at the State Board of Education.

Lynn said the department had requested the subpoena power because it had been frustrated by a lack of cooperation from some educators under investigation. Having a subpoena power would allow the department to force cooperation or take the matter to a state court, which could compel the teacher to comply.

The legislation would allow the department to mail the subpoena or deliver it in person. As written, the amendment would give educators at least 48 hours to honor a request to testify in person, and at least 15 days to produce any documents relevant to the investigation. But Lynn said he will propose changing that to a minimum 10 days for each request, after consulting with the Department of Justice.

Lynn noted that the states Office of Professional Licensure and Certification already has subpoena powers over the licensed professionals that it oversees, allowing it to compel participation in their own conduct investigations.

I dont think its a good argument in response to any organization having subpoena power to say, Well, they might use the subpoena power for something that I dont like, he said. Yeah, OK, but thats not a reason for them not to have subpoena power. If they abuse it in some way, then they can be held accountable for their abuse.

But teachers unions contend that most educators already do comply with requests for documents and information, and that its in their best interest to do so in order to keep their licenses. During code of conduct investigations, teachers may request union representation to help with their defense.

I am not aware of anyone not cooperating with the Department of Education, Howes said. Im aware of a lot of districts that are bending over backwards to do what they can to cooperate as long as they can get clear directions.

Howes and other union representatives argue the subpoena power in the legislation is too broad, and could be used to gather information even if the investigation had little merit.

If they are just trying to address a few outlying cases, they really need to write something very, very narrowly tailored, she said. But this allows, essentially, a political appointee to go on a fishing expedition at any point in an investigation to subpoena teachers or their educators and records.

National Education Association of New Hampshire President Megan Tuttle said the organization is very concerned about the amendment.

We see it as another attempt at an overreach by the Education commissioner that leaves us wondering why he is seeking this new expanded authority, Tuttle said in a statement.

The amendment is up for a special hearing Wednesday. Because it was submitted as a late legislative item, it needed special approval from House Speaker Sherman Packard to proceed, Lynn said. Packard ruled that the amendment was germane to the underlying bill but requested it receive a special hearing.

Department of Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut attracted attention in 2022 when he penned an op-ed stating that teachers were introducing bias into the classrooms and inserting messages supporting Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ+ causes. He released an accompanying document filled with photos and screenshots of materials in New Hampshire classrooms that he said fit that description, many of them submitted to the department by parents.

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A spokeswoman for the department declined to say whether any of the teachers featured in the commissioners document might have violated educator codes of conduct, and whether the department might issue subpoenas for similar conduct in the future.

But in a statement, the department reiterated the point that other departments have subpoena power, too.

House Bill 533 would allow the New Hampshire Department of Education to subpoena documents and people that are relevant to an educator misconduct case, pursuant to the code of conduct, the statement said. This authority would be identical to the subpoena powers of the Office of Public Licensure, which also oversees license holders from various professions.

This story was originally published by New Hampshire Bulletin.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: NH Dept. of Education seeks power to serve subpoenas to teachers
Woodbine, Georgia. Present Day. Entrance to the old Thiokol Chemical Corporation.

This page is a digital companion to the Tripwire podcast, episode 1. The goal is to allow listeners to take in the audio story while viewing images, videos and maps of the places, people and situations being described in the piece. Each audio track included is part of the podcast and is broken up into sections to create a natural stopping and starting point for the viewer. Please enjoy.

An aging road and a lone building are al that is visible from the gate at the former Thiokol facility in Woodbine, Georgia.

Thiokol plant workers dressed from head to toe, including masks to avoid inhaling chemicals and gases. Circa 1960s.

For the first time in 16 years, Emma Lue Gibbs stands outside the Thiokol Chemical Corporation plant in Woodbine.

Emma Lue Gibbs started working at the plant 50 years ago and was there the day of the explosion. Now, 78-years-old, she volunteers at the Thiokol Memorial Project in Kingsland, helping the museum's leader, Jannie Everette.

Miss Emma Lue remembers working with others fondly, she points at a building right past the entrance to the left, which she called "the change house." Workers would ride the bus or drive to Thiokol and would park or be dropped off just past the gate.

"All of (them) would have to change clothes when you come out here. You had to put on the coveralls, then you'd have to put on the paper suit, then put a towel (around you) and tape it. (They'd) put the gas mask on and tape the gloves and tape around your boots.

"There was no sense in taking all of that off and then going back to work, so you stay in it for six hours and then we (would) go home."

The workwear was crucial not only to keep the workers safe from the chemicals, but men and women like Miss Emma Lue worked with tear gas, which they had a contract for along with the trip flares for Vietnam.

When we walked to the gate of the former Thiokol plant, it was the first time Miss Emma Lue had been at the site in 16 years. "Oh, I told myself when I left I was never gonna come back." The weight of the moment held on her as she looked out past the gate and she paused to process.

Talking with her, Miss Emma Lue is in high spirits most of the time, she's lively and funny. This was one of the few moments of pensive pause she had.

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Aerial view of the Thiokol Chemical Corporation plant in Woodbine, Georgia. Circa 1960s.

1960s America

Nov. 22, 1963

Shortly after noon, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated as he rode in a motorcade through Dealey Plaza in downtown Dallas, Texas.

July 2, 1964

This act, signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson, prohibited discrimination in public places, provided for the integration of schools and other public facilities, and made employment discrimination illegal. It was the most sweeping civil rights legislation since Reconstruction.

August 6, 1965

This act was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson. It outlawed the discriminatory voting practices adopted in many southern states after the Civil War, including literacy tests as a prerequisite to voting.

Sept. 23, 1966

Congress further broadened coverage with amendments in 1966 by lowering the enterprise sales volume test to $500,000, effective February 1967. The minimum wage went to $1.00 an hour effective February 1967 for newly covered nonfarm workers, $1.15 in February 1968, $1.30 in February 1969, $1.45 in February 1970, and $1.60 in February 1971, the month of the Thiokol explosion.

April 4, 1968

At 6:05 p.m., Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot dead while standing on a balcony outside his second-floor room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. King had arrived in Tennessee to prepare for a march the following Monday on behalf of striking Memphis sanitation workers.

June 6, 1968

Shortly after midnight, Senator Robert Kennedy is shot at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles after winning the California presidential primary.

Nov. 1, 1955 - April 30, 1975

The Vietnam War had been raging for 15 years on Feb. 3, 1971. At this point, 54,909 U.S. service members had been killed in the conflict.

Life in Woodbine

Woodbine is labeled with the house icon. Nearby major towns are labeled with stars, including: Savannah, Brunswick, Kingsland and Jacksonville. On the map to the left of Woodbine, you can see Blackshear and Waycross where workers traveled to the plant.

A sign at the city limits of Woodbine, Georgia.

Woodbine, Georgia, is located on the southeastern tip of the state a 15-mile drive south to Florida, 30-minute drive to Brunswick, 40-miles from Jacksonville and 15 miles east to Cumberland Island.

It is the county seat of Camden County, Georgia, which is the eighth oldest county in the state. Along with Burke, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Richmond and Wilkes counties, Camden was named for Charles Pratt, the earl of Camden, who was the chief justice and lord chancellor of England.

According to the Bryan Lang Historical Archives in Woodbine, the first records for the site were dated in 1765, when William Trowin, John Brown, William Struthers, and John McGillvary petitioned for and received 1,400 acres on the south side of the Great Satilla River at a place referred to as Piles Bluff. The exact location is no longer certain, but historical records locate Piles Bluff near the current site of the City of Woodbine.

The original Camden County Courthouse, which dates back to when Woodbine became the seat of Camden County in the early 1920s.

In 1808, the state of Georgia granted the land known as the Woodbine Plantation to Elijah Clarke, but it was sold to John Bailey in 1835. The plantation was the center of commerce for the area and stayed in the Bailey name until after the Civil War when it was purchased by John King Bedell. In 1893, when the railroad was laid through Camden County, Bedell sold the right-of-way through his plantation. His stipulation for the sale was that the first community that grew up around the railroad would be called Woodbine.

Initially, the county seat sat in St. Patrick, hailing from the south side of the Great Satilla River, but the seat was moved in 1792 to St. Marys and then to Jefferson (later Jeffersonton) in 1800. Jeffersonton was plantation town, similar to Woodbine, but the town declined after the Civil War and is now considered a dead town.

On August 17, 1908, the Town of Woodbine name was approved by the people of the settlement and a charter for incorporation was drawn up. The town grew as the Atlantic Coastal Highway was built through Woodbine in 1927, becoming the Camden County seat in 1928.

Workers on the assembly line in the Thiokol Chemical Corporation plant in Woodbine, Georgia, in the late 1960s.

Thiokol workers on the assembly line at the Woodbine-based chemical plant a year after an explosion destroyed part of the plant and killed 30 people.

'Everybody's dead'

Feb. 3, 1971. 10:53 a.m., building M-132

The entrance to the former Thiokol facility sits at the end of Harrietts Bluff Road, about 12 miles from I-95. Today the facility is abandoned with only a single building visible beyond the gate.

space

Tripwire, Episode 2: Woodbine, We Have a Problem

Tripwire, Episode 3: The Fire Had A Voice

Tripwire, Episode 4: The Whole World Changed For Me

Tripwire, Episode 5:The Normalization of Deviance

Tripwire, Episode 6: The Price of a Life

Tripwire, Episode 7: Remembering Woodbine

Tripwire Podcast

Executive Producers: Anne and Pat Longstreth, Nancy Guan and Zach Dennis

Music by Andrew Sovine, andrewsovine.com

Special thanks to Jannie Everette with the Thiokol Memorial Project for her assistance in making Tripwire.

Coming March 29

Join the Savannah Morning News and Savannah State University on Wednesday, March 29, at 6 p.m. for an event detailing the Tripwire podcast and its investigation into the 1971 Thiokol plant explosion that killed 29 people in Woodbine, Georgia.

The Tripwire team, Nancy Guan and Zach Dennis, along with Savannah documentarians Anne and Patrick Longstreth, and Thiokol Memorial Project executive director Jannie Everette will participate in a panel discussion about the making of the podcast and documentary, the story of Thiokol and Woodbine, and what the Thiokol Memorial Project is doing today to commemorate the sacrifice made by these women.

The panel will be held at the Asa H. Gordon Library on the Savannah State campus at 6 p.m. It is free and open to the public. If you plan to attend, RSVP at the Eventbrite page.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Tripwire Podcast, Episode 1: We Sang While We Worked
The 2015 science fiction film Capsule (now streaming on Peacock!) takes viewers to an alternate reality in which the United Kingdom launched the first crewed space mission in 1959. The story follows Guy Taylor (Edmund Kingsley), a British test pilot who is chosen to become the first human being in space.

What begins as a triumph of science and exploration quickly turns to disaster when the capsule begins to malfunction. Suddenly, Guy is in a solo fight for his life, farther from home than anyone has ever been before. Capsule attempts to capture the very real dangers of space exploration and bottle them into a 91-minute cinematic experience. While the events of the film didnt actually occur, they very well could have. Space exploration necessarily exists at the edge of human capability and knowledge.

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Every time we send an astronaut beyond the bounds of our home planet, were asking them to set foot somewhere without knowing for sure there will be anything there to catch them. As a result, there are more than a few real-life space missions which make anything we see at the movies look like a walk in the park.

APOLLO 13

How could we talk about space exploration gone wrong without mentioning the most famous rescue mission of all time? Apollo 11 proved to NASA and the rest of the world that they could successfully deliver a crew to the lunar surface and return them safely home. The next crewed mission, Apollo 12, proved that it wasnt a fluke. Charles Conrad, Richard Gordon, and Alan Bean went to the Moon and sent back the first full-color pictures of the surface. Owing to the lunar landscape and the fashion choices of spacesuit designers, the colors of the flag and the gleaming gold of the lander stand in stark contrast to the largely black and gray background. By the time we got to Apollo 13, we were starting to feel like seasoned pros, which means it was time for something to go seriously wrong.

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Apollo 13 Crew

Apollo 13 Crew Returns Home Photo: NASA

The mission launched from the Kennedy Space Center on the afternoon of April 11, 1970. Early on, there was an issue with one of the second-stage engines, causing it to shut down early. In order to compensate and achieve the desired orbit, the other engines worked a little overtime. If that were all that had gone wrong, Jim Lovell and Fred Haise might have become the fifth and sixth persons to walk on the Moon, but it wasnt meant to be.

Approximately 56 hours into the mission and at a distance of 180,000 miles from home, there was an explosion which nearly claimed the lives of the crew. Earlier, a sensor in one of the ships external oxygen tanks returned an unusual reading. Those tanks are equipped with internal fans which mix the contents to ensure they remain equally distributed. Ground control thought that a mix might clear up any stratification in the tank and return a better reading, so they ordered the fans turned on. A minute and a half after the stir, a bang rocked through the ship, spelling the end of the mission.

RELATED: 'Apollo 13' cinematographer and production designer reflect on Ron Howard's inspiring masterpiece

When the crew initiated a stir of the tanks, electricity coursed through the wires on its way to the fans. Along the way, it encountered a piece of damaged insulation which caused a short and quickly caught fire. The heat of the blaze increased pressure inside the tank until it failed. The force of the explosion caused an oxygen leak and jammed a couple of fuel cells closed. The remaining fuel cells, themselves dependent on oxygen for their reactions, failed in quick succession. The crew moved to the lunar module, which had full batteries and oxygen tanks, and used it as a lifeboat to slingshot around the Moon on a return trip to Earth. Then they made a movie about it, which you can watch on Peacock!

THE FIRST SPACEWALK

While NASA was the first (and so far only) space agency to successfully land people on the Moon, the early years of the space race were driven in large part by the successes of the Soviet space program. In 1965, they achieved one of many firsts when cosmonaut Alexei Leonov exited his craft to float freely (connected by a tether) in the vacuum of space for the very first time.

First spacewalk

First spacewalk Photo: Central Press/Getty Images

That first spacewalk, which took place on March 18, 1965, was certainly an important moment in the progression of human space exploration, but it almost ended in disaster. Trouble began almost as soon as Leonov exited the craft. While the spacewalk only lasted 12 minutes in total, by the end Leonov reported swimming in his own sweat. The suit reportedly didnt keep him appropriately cool, and Leonov was quickly dripping sweat, all of which collected in the feet of his suit where it sloshed around like his own private and particularly gross puddle.

Spacewalking in his own perspiration was only the beginning of Leonovs problems. As soon as he exited the craft, his spacesuit ballooned to a much larger size, no longer under the influence of atmospheric pressure. The swelling prevented Leonov from operating a chest-mounted camera during the spacewalk, but more importantly it prevented him from fitting back into the airlock when he was finished. In a last ditch effort to get back inside, Leonov vented oxygen from his suit, dropping the pressure until he was small enough fit through the door. But get inside he did.

Leonovs troubles werent over there, however. Once back in the craft, he and crewmate Pavel Belyayev still had to get home. Unfortunately, their crafts retro rockets didnt fire correctly during re-entry, and they had to land manually. They ended up in a snow-covered forest 386 kilometers from the planned landing zone. Because they landed in such a remote location and the tracking technology was only accurate to within 50 kilometers or so, it took hours for them to be found and days for them to be recovered.

GEMINI 8

Gemini was NASAs second crewed spaceflight program, following Mercury. Its purpose was the development of spaceflight technologies and strategies which could be employed in the then-upcoming Apollo program. Gemini 8 was, as you might expect, the eighth mission in the program, and it was designed to test docking procedures between two orbiting craft. Previous Gemini missions had maneuvered two craft to within a foot of one another, but this was the first time astronauts were trying to connect two pieces of equipment in space, something which would be critical to the success of Apollo.

Gemini 8

Gemini 8 Photo: NASA/David Scott

The mission launched on the morning of March 16, 1966 with David Scott in the pilots seat and none other than Neil Armstrong in command. The plan was for the Gemini Agena Target Vehicle (GATV) to launch first with Gemini, carrying the crew, to follow shortly thereafter. The GATV launched at 10:00 a.m. and Gemini 8 followed at 11:41 a.m. Both launches went smoothly and both craft achieved orbit as desired.

RELATED: From 'Apollo 13' to 'Gravity,' these are the most realistic space movies

After six and a half hours in low-Earth orbit, Gemini 8 docked with the GATV. After years of planning and no small amount of risk, the first successful docking in space was in the history books, but the celebration was to be short-lived. Twenty-seven minutes after docking was completed, both craft began spinning wildly out of control. In an attempt to slow their rotation, Armstrong decoupled Gemini from the GATV, but that only made things worse. Gemini began spinning more and more rapidly, approaching a rate at which Scott and Armstrong were at risk of losing consciousness.

Fortunately, Armstrong and Scott succeeded at reducing the spin and stabilizing the craft, but they used up three quarters of their fuel to do it. What was supposed to be a three day mission, including a spacewalk, had to be cut short. Armstrong and Scott returned home after only ten and a half hours.

Want to see if youve got the right stuff? Check out Capsule, streaming now on Peacock!
An Aiken County deputy was fired on Wednesday for using excessive force in an officer-involved shooting.

After an internal review, the Aiken County Sheriff's Office terminated deputy Christopher Williams, who has been employed with the agency since December 2021 and was assigned to the uniformed patrol division.

"It was determined that Williams was in violation of the Aiken County Sheriffs Office Use of Force Policy," according to a news release. "The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is continuing their investigation into the [officer-involved shooting]."

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Details of the shooting

Williams stopped a car near the intersection of Howlandville and Cemetery roads just after 10 a.m. Tuesday, according to a news release. It was reported that Williams fired a shot during a confrontation with the driver, Brittany Norton, 29, striking her car.

Norton drove away from the traffic stop location and was pursued to the 200 block of Schley Street, according to the release. She was taken into custody without incident and is charged with failure to stop for blue lights andand possession of a schedule IV substance.

No one was injured during the incident, according to the release. Williams was initially placed on administrative leave.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Aiken County deputy allegedly shot at a car, was fired
The 100-foot tall high performance computing data center globe at the Foxconn facility in Mount Pleasant on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022.

Foxconn Technology Group and We Energies plan to join forces to install solar panels on Foxconn's property in Mount Pleasant, contingent on approval from the village board and Racine County.

In a statement on Thursday Foxconn said it is "is excited to launch one of the largest nonresidential solar projects in Racine County."

Foxconn is committed to integrating green and sustainable practices throughout our operations to mitigate the impacts of climate change, thereby further achieving our responsibility of protecting the environment," the statement reads. "As Foxconns operations in Wisconsin expand in response to market demand, the presence of renewable energy resources within the park demonstrates our commitment to environmental stewardship across the manufacturing supply chain to our customers and the community.

Under the proposed 30-year contract, We Energies will install, own, and maintain approximately 2,000 solar panels on the Foxconn campus in Mount Pleasant. The 1-megawatt project will be capable of producing enough energy to power 300 homes.

More:Two years after Trump put a shovel in the ground, Wisconsin is still waiting on Foxconn to come through

A rendering of solar panels planned to be installed on the Foxconn property in Mount Pleasant. Foxconn and We Energies announced a partnership to install solar panels on the property contingent on approval from the Mount Pleasant Village Board and Racine County Board.

The solar panels would be installed around a retention pond on the west side of the property along County Highway H. The land is currently narrow bands of grass currently separating the pond from of the parking lot and other surrounding roads and highways.

Both parties plan to pay the cost of the project. We Energies would lease the land from Foxconn and pay for the installation and maintenance of the solar panels, and Foxconn would buy the energy generated by the panels from We Energies. Any energy that Foxconn does not use would go into the state's power grid.

There is no expected rate impact to other customers.

Were pleased to bring more clean energy to Wisconsin through this partnership with Foxconn, said Gale Klappa, executive chairman of WEC Energy Group. As Foxconn expands its operations, this project will deliver affordable, reliable and clean energy for years to come.

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The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel asked We Energies how much the the company was spending to lease the land from Foxconn and it said it does not disclose individual project costs. Foxconn is paying We Energies through the company's Energy for Tomorrow program.

According to the announcement, the annual energy production from this solar project would offset more than 1,200 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to taking 260 cars off the roads or planting 20,000 trees.

If approved, this deal would be another solar project for We Energies in the area. The company is also a partner in a large solar and battery project in the town of Paris in Kenosha County, roughly five miles from the Foxconn site in Racine County.

Foxconn has been relatively quiet on deals with other companies after several high profile agreements eventually fell apart. The company has been criticized for scaling back its initial promise to bring 13,000 jobs and is now down to to 1,454 and invest $10 billion which has also now shrunk significantly.

Foxconn has stated it has invested more than $1 billion in the project.

Foxconn has been working with customers on server and motherboard production, although those customers have not been publicly identified. The company has been rumored to be assembling servers for Google.

Foxconn currently employs more than 1,000 people in Wisconsin and has received nearly $30 million in tax credits from the state in the last two years for meeting hiring and capital expenditure goals.

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

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Foxconn to join We Energies on solar farm in Mount Pleasant
A girl who was kidnapped from a Washington state mall in 2018 has been found alive and well in Mexico, according to the FBI.

Aranza Maria Ochoa Lopez was four years old when she was last seen on a supervised visit with her biological mother at the mall in Vancouver, Washington.

Her mother was arrested in 2019 in Puebla, Mexico, but the youngster, who is now 8, had remained missing until she was found in Michoacan, Mexico, in February and has now been returned to the US, say officials.

For more than four years, the FBI and our partners did not give up on Aranza, said Richard A Collodi, special agent in charge of the FBIs Seattle field office. Our concern now will be supporting Aranza as she begins her reintegration into the US.

Her mother, Esmeralda Lopez-Lopez, pleaded guilty in January 2021 to second-degree kidnapping and robbery and first-degree custodial interference in Clark County Superior Court.

She received a 20-month prison sentence, according to The Columbian.

The child was in the care of the state after being placed in foster care in 2017 following complaints that her mother had abused her.

She was granted twice-weekly visits with her daughter and on one of those asked to take her daughter to a restroom in the mall. She then fled with the girl and escaped in a car driven by an accomplice, according to the newspaper.
This week, Google and clean-energy developer Sol Systems have unveiled a new approach to pairing clean energy with community investment  spend money upfront to make homes more energy-efficient so they can use clean energy more effectively.

Thats the purpose of the seed funding that Google and Sol Systems are providing to North Carolinabased Roanoke Electric Cooperative, South Carolinabased Santee Electric Cooperative and Aiken Electric Cooperative, and the nonprofit Sustainability Institute of South Carolina. Each of these groups will receive a modest pot of funding to help lower-income households finance the costs of basic home repairs and renovations that, once complete, will make them eligible for energy-efficiency assistance programs.

This most recent round of funding is part of a broader investment that Sol Systems and Google have structured to finance the deployment of 225 megawatts of solar and 18 megawatts of battery storage across North Carolina and South Carolina. This utility-scale solar power will supply Google with renewable energy credits in a part of the country where relatively little carbon-free electricity is available advancing Googles goal of procuring round-the-clock clean energy for its data centers and nudging down carbon emissions in those states.

Corporations have become the biggest driver of new clean energy projects in the U.S. But as Adaora Ifebigh, Sol Systems director of impact, pointed out in a Monday interview, adding clean power to the grid is most helpful when paired with energy-efficiency improvements for the customers using that clean power.

"Energy efficiency is the low-hanging fruit that really sets people up for the benefits of lower-cost solar power, she said. Significant efficiency retrofits can halve energy use and carbon emissions in many homes, especially in older homes that have deferred maintenance needs. Those savings are particularly helpful for lower-income residents who pay a disproportionate amount of their monthly income on energy bills.

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The problem, she said, is that many of the people who could benefit most from those savings cant participate in energy-efficiency assistance programs because their homes have other problems that need to be fixed before efficiency upgrades can be made. Those can include leaky roofs, damaged floors, excessive moisture buildup, mold, faulty electrical wiring and other issues that can render homes ineligible to receive federal weatherization assistance.

About 20 percent of families cannot participate in weatherization due to insufficient home repairs, Ifebigh said. Solar power is a good thing, but if homes are not safe and efficient, thats power going down the drain.

Bryan Cordell, executive director of the Sustainability Institute of South Carolina, agreed that the dearth of funding for these kinds of pre-weatherization repairs is a barrier to his organizations efficiency efforts. The North Charleston, South Carolinabased group offers efficiency upgrade grants and services to help low-income households in the coastal Lowcountry region it serves, many of them facing a persistent energy burden problem, he said.

Were in a hot, humid environment, were running air conditioners constantly during the summer, and we have a lot of older building stock, with most homes at least four decades old. A lot of these homes have structural problems  leaky roof; floors or walls that need to be repaired; plumbing problems.

Funding for pre-weatherization home repairs is tight in the Lowcountry region, and only about 100 homes per year can get assistance, compared to the thousands that need it, he said. There were so many homes we were having to walk away from, knowing there were so many things that needed to be fixed.

Cathy Davison, chief financial officer for Roanoke Electric, described a similar conundrum for the Upgrade to $ave program the electric cooperative operates for its 14,500 members in northeastern North Carolina. This pay-as-you-save program is structured differently from the Sustainability Institutes program, in that it funds the cost of efficiency upgrades via monthly charges on electric bills. It also guarantees to provide at least 20 percent savings compared to prior bills and is open to renters and to customers with low credit scores, she said.

Roanoke Electric has carried out 1,200 projects through this program since its 2015 launch, Davison said. But homes with repair needs so severe that they are considered health and safety issues are not eligible, she added. The funding from Google and Sol Systems will allow the co-ops program to serve an additional 20 members  about a quarter of the total targeted for its pre-weatherization program this year.

Ifebigh, who formerly served as senior manager of research and development engagements for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, noted that energy burdens are higher in rural areas served by cooperatives compared to the national average. Cooperatives serve 92 percent of the countrys persistent poverty counties, defined as counties where poverty rates have been above 20 percent for at least 30 years.

How clean energy investments could spur community (and corporate) benefits

As member-owned entities, co-ops are also better positioned than outside funders to determine how best to spend money like the investment that Sol Systems and Google are bringing to the table, according to Ifebigh.

Cordell noted that many of the communities that the Sustainability Institute serves are leery of government promises of aid. It only takes a couple of conversations with community-based partners to understand that, in these communities, a lot of things are promised, and few are delivered, historically, he said.

Andrew Williams, Sol Systems vice president of policy and corporate affairs, highlighted the importance of earning community buy-in to make the most of the locally focused impact investments that are becoming a more important part of many corporate clean-energy deals.

We as solar developers do not know what is best for a community were developing solar in or will invest in, he said. Anyone can write grants. But its very different when youre working with a community that can identify their key issues.

Pairing solar investments with energy efficiency isnt a new idea. Many rooftop solar developers and lenders bundle the two services, particularly those aimed at serving lower-income customers. Community-solar developers, which make clean energy available to people for whom rooftop solar is not a viable option, are increasingly building community efficiency investments and economic development considerations into how they structure projects.

Similarly, a growing number of clean-energy developers and buyers are making public commitments to integrating community impacts into their investment decisions.

Developer Enel Green Power, for example, has created what it calls its Premium Offer that assists clients that sign power-purchase agreements with Enel in structuring community investments as part of their clean power agreements and tracking their impact in terms of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for use in environmental, social and governance targets.

Clean-energy buyers are developing their own measures, as with the Beyond the Megawatt Initiative of the Clean Energy Buyers Institute, the nonprofit research arm of the Clean Energy Buyers Association, a group of corporate clean-energy buyers including Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Walmart. The initiative targets community investments to improve energy resiliency, equity and environmental sustainability for corporate clean energy investments like Amazons 2.7-gigawatt commitment last year.

The Clean Energy Buyers Institutes data indicates that community investments provide intrinsic value to the companies making them, from helping to improve consumer perceptions and attract skilled employees, to being linked to stronger corporate financial performance.

Dawn Lippert, CEO of Hawaii-based nonprofit investor Elemental Excelerator, agreed that community investment, when made as part of a broader commitment from companies to engage with and learn from the communities theyre investing in, creates better projects that are more resilient in the face of supply-chain disruption, more likely to attract workers, and more likely to be welcomed by the communities in which theyre located.

We see a real need to bridge private, government and grassroots entities to drive meaningful change, she said. Elemental Excelerator has developed what it calls a Square Partnerships model to guide effective engagements that include community partners in the financing structure from the start.

This weeks announcement with Google is the second community-impact investment for Sol Systems, which is operating and building more than 1.5 gigawatts of solar projects in the U.S. In 2021 it signed a deal with Microsoft to invest at least $50 million in community organizations as part of an agreement to finance, develop and operate a 500-megawatt portfolio of solar projects for the software giant. Funding recipients to date include nonprofits Grid Alternatives, Groundswell and Appalachian Voices.

These community investments represent a relatively small fraction of the cost of building the solar farms that spurred them. In North and South Carolina, the solar and battery systems are being constructed by Pine Gate Renewables, with Sol Systems representing Google, serving as its tax-equity syndicator and managing and operating the solar and battery assets over the next five and a half years.

Utility installations of clean energy have been outpaced by corporate procurements of clean energy in the U.S. over the past five years, rising from 3.5 gigawatts in 2017 to 19.9 gigawatts in 2022, according to data from BloombergNEF. Meanwhile, U.S. energy-efficiency investment has remained relatively flat over the same period of time, according to data from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.

Will the massive growth in U.S. corporate clean-energy investment help bolster energy-efficiency investment? For now, it remains an open question. One of Sol Systems goals for its community investments on behalf of Google in the Carolinas is to track the data on participation, economic-development impacts, and energy and environmental benefits, Ifebigh said.

Sol Systems will also be analyzing what she called the magnifier effect of its investments, she said. The idea is that pre-weatherization work may lay the groundwork for residents to not only invest in energy efficiency but also to make the switch from less efficient heating and cooling systems and appliances to cleaner models, such as replacing inefficient fossil gas or electric resistance heating with high-efficiency electric heat pumps.

Providing access to financing for underlying repairs that make efficiency upgrades possible allows you to take care of critical health and safety issues, she said. Then you move on to the next phase.


[Source]

Germany-based meal delivery company HelloFresh will stop selling coconut milk sourced from Thailand due to the countrys use of monkey slave labor.

In November last year, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) called for a worldwide boycott of Thai producers of coconut milk after an investigation found that monkeys in Thailand are chained, beaten and forced to spend long hours climbing tall trees and picking heavy coconuts.

The nonprofit organization also specifically called out HelloFresh and its coconut milk suppliers, Aroy-D and Suree, for engaging in the rampant abuse of monkey slave labor.

Following the eight-month long investigation, PETA launched a campaign against HelloFresh, which involved supporters sending nearly 100,000 emails to the company's executives to push for change.

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The company recently announced that it would cease purchasing and seek new suppliers by this summer.

We do not tolerate any form of animal abuse in our supply chain, HelloFresh told Axios. Out of an abundance of caution we will not be placing orders for coconut milk from Thailand.

Furthermore, the company said it will ban all coconut milk exports from Thailand.

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PETA Corporate Projects Manager Carys Bennett celebrated HelloFreshs decision in a news release.

HelloFresh's decision will help protect monkeys from being kidnapped, chained, and whipped in the coconut trade. By cutting ties with Thai coconut suppliers, leaders like HelloFresh are helping PETA push the industry away from using and abusing monkeys, who belong in nature with their families.

According to Laura Shields, PETAs director of corporate responsibility, they are pushing companies to source from other countries that produce coconut milk without the use of monkeys, such as the Philippines, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Dominican Republic.

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PETA is now calling on Whole Foods and other retailers to follow HelloFreshs lead. According to Axios, major retailers, including Walmart, Target and Costco, have also stopped selling coconut milk from certain Thai suppliers accused of monkey slave labor.

Thailand reportedly holds approximately 80% of the market share for coconut milk in the U.S.

According to export data provided by the Office of Agricultural Affairs at the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C., the country exported nearly 78,000 tons of coconut milk in 2020.

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The Royal Thai Embassy has announced efforts by the Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives of Thailand to prevent animal cruelty, including a Monkey Free Plus program.

Both the Thai government and the industry are making sure that coconut milk exported from Thailand is not obtained from the use of monkey labor, the embassy wrote in a statement to Axios.
Chief Judge Meredith Sasso questions an attorney last week during the first session of oral arguments for the Sixth District Court of Appeal. The newly created court is holding oral arguments in the Hollis Room at Florida Southern College as it uses rented space that doesn't contain a courtroom.

Floridas newest appellate court held its first oral arguments last week in a venue normally reserved for academic pronouncements.

Three judges from the Sixth District Court of Appeal sat inside the Hollis Room on the campus of Florida Southern College, a circular space in a building designed by revered architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The panel listened to arguments from both sides on the appeal of a case involving a lawsuit by residents against the management of a Fort Myers country club.

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Also: Newly created state appellate court begins operations inside cramped quarters in Lakeland

The Florida Legislature passed a bill in last years session expanding the states network of appellate courts by establishing the Sixth District, based in Lakeland. The court began operating on Jan. 1, operating out of rented offices at 811 E. Main St.

That building does not contain sufficient room for oral arguments, and the court has arranged with Florida Southern to lease space on campus until a courthouse is built.

Unlike trial courts, appellate courts handle most cases without the need for physical meetings, said Charles Crawford, Marshal for the Sixth DCA. Parties submit written briefs, and a three-judge panel often issues a ruling based solely on their internal deliberations.

The Sixth District Court of Appeal held its first session of oral arguments last week in the Hollis Room at Florida Southern College in Lakeland. The newly created court is leasing room in the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building for oral arguments, scheduled for twice a week.

In some cases, though, the court calls for discussions in person to clarify the details of a case.

As of now, the Sixth DCA is scheduling oral arguments on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Crawford said. For the initial session, the panel consisted of Chief Judge Meredith Sasso, Judge John Stargel and Judge Mary Alice Nardella.

The trio heard arguments in the case of Perry A. Potter et al vs. Fiddlesticks Country Club Inc. The original case involved a dispute over whether bylaws in effect when a member joins a club can be considered a binding contract.

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A lower court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, a group of residents who argued that the original bylaws remained in effect unless the entire membership of the club voted to amend them.

Fiddlesticks Country Club initially appealed to the Second District Court of Appeal, which accepted cases from judicial circuits ranging from Pasco County south to Lee County before creation of the Sixth DCA. The new court received nearly 1,700 unresolved cases from the Second and Fifth Courts of Appeal, Crawford said.

The new court had since received 339 new cases while disposed of 121, Crawford said, leaving the active case load in excess of 1,900 as of this week.

Judge John Stargel asks questions last week during the first day oral arguments for the Sixth District Court of Appeal. A three-judge panel held arguments in the Hollis Room at Florida Southern College in Lakeland. The panel was reviewing the case of Potter et al vs. Fiddlesticks Country Club.

The Sixth DCA oversee appeals of cases from the 10th Judicial Circuit, which comprises Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties, along with the Ninth Circuit (Orange and Osceola counties) and the 20th Circuit (Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties).

The appellate court panels often take weeks or even months before issuing opinions after holding oral arguments, Crawford said. Video recordings of the courts in-person sessions can be found on its YouTube channel.

The Legislature allotted $50 million in last years budget to build a courthouse for the Sixth DCA, but Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed that appropriation. DeSantis suggested $6 million for design and planning for the new court in his proposed budget for this year.

The Legislature, which opened its 60-day session on Tuesday, is responsible for creating the annual budget.

Gary White can be reached at gary.white@theledger.com or 863-802-7518. Follow on Twitter @garywhite13.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Lakeland appellate court holds first oral arguments at Fla. Southern
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia on Thursday arrested former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and will charge him with graft, the country's anti-corruption agency said.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said in a statement Muhyiddin was arrested after he was questioned over an economic recovery project launched by his government.

Muhyiddin, who was prime minister for 17 months between 2020 and 2021, will be charged under laws related to abuse of power and money laundering.

The ex-premier and his party have faced graft investigations since losing to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in a tightly contested election in November.

Anwar last year ordered a review of government projects worth billions of dollars approved by Muhyiddin, including COVID-19 relief programmes, alleging they did not follow proper procedures.

Muhyiddin has previously denied the accusations, describing them as a political vendetta.

(Reporting by Mei Mei Chu and Rozanna Latiff; writing by A. Ananthalakshmi; Editing by Ed Davies, Kanupriya Kapoor)
PORTSMOUTH  City police, in partnership with Stratham-based nonprofit Hero Pups, are bringing on Mason, a 4-month-old black Labrador retriever, as the department's first comfort dog.

The Portsmouth Police Department has partnered with Hero Pups, an Exeter non-profit that partners support dogs with veterans and first responders, to bring in Mason, a a four-month-old Labrador retriever, as a comfort dog.

Comfort dogs have a different role than dogs that serve as K9 officers, which help apprehend criminals, sniff out drugs and search for suspects. Mason will be a presence in the public eye, available for head scratches and belly rubs, enhancing police interactions with the community. More importantly, the dog will be a source of support for officers, victims of crimes and people affected by violence, tragedy or trauma.

The best work that this dog will do will be behind closed doors, said Laura Barker, the founder of Hero Pups, which has placed nearly 200 dogs with veterans, first responders and law enforcement agencies since its formation in 2016. Itll be things that youll never know about. Itll be that child in need, that officer that wanted to have a conversation.

In a vote by Portsmouth Police Department members, the dog was named after Capt. John Mason, labeled the founder of New Hampshire despite famously never setting foot in the state before his death in England.

Mason, a rescue dog, trotted around a police station conference room and bounded up to department members he'll serve with upon the completion of training this fall.

Who is Mason's handler?

The Portsmouth Police Department has partnered with Hero Pups, a Stratham non-profit that partners support dogs with veterans and first responders, to bring in Mason, a a four-month-old Labrador retriever, as a comfort dog. Officer Mike Nicoli is Mason's primary handler.

After a round of interviews, officer Mike Nicoli was selected as Masons handler.

A lot of people in our day and age are more apprehensive to go up to a police officer and strike up a conversation, he said. Having Mason there kind of opens that gap.

Nicoli and his new companion train with Hero Pups once a week, with Barker noting Mason is learning by working with other police comfort dogs.

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What work will Mason do?

Portsmouth police Detective Rochelle Jones greets Mason, the department's comfort dog in training, at the station Wednesday, March 8, 2023.

According to Nicoli, the department will look to bring Mason to as many community events as possible to introduce him to the public.

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Were going to try and make it to as many as we can, just so we can get out there, see people and make sure that the first time they see him isn't at the scene of a crime or some sort of violence, he said. Maybe the first time they see him will be in Market Square or at one of the many Portsmouth 400th anniversary events this summer.

The pups most important work will be to support members of the public and police officers who are experiencing hardships.

Nicoli and Barker said Mason, like other comfort dogs, could be utilized by the local Childrens Advocacy Center during interviews with children, offering them a source of comfort and helping them communicate during a difficult period.

Like other comfort dogs, Mason may also be brought to schools, nursing homes and hospitals to meet with members of the community.

But the most important thing about these dogs is that theyre ice breakers, Barker said. They get people talking.

Hero Pups, which works largely with shelter and rescue dogs, has another four puppies training to become comfort dogs with law enforcement agencies, an endeavor the organization began in 2018.

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How did Portsmouth police get a comfort dog?

Officer Mike Nicoli and Mason have the support of Hero Pups and the Portsmouth Police Department, as seen Wednesday, March 8, 2023.

As the department was looking to expand its focus on officer wellness by working with Hero Pups, AT&Ts New Hampshire branch approached Hero Pups about placing a comfort dog with a local law enforcement agency. Hero Pups selected the Portsmouth Police Department to take Mason upon the completion of his training.

AT&T has a first responder-focused program called FirstNet and provided a donation to city police to cover the costs of the comfort dog program.

The FirstNet mission is to deploy, operate, maintain, and improve the first high-speed, nationwide wireless broadband network dedicated to public safety, reads a description from the Portsmouth Police Department.

Laura Barker is the founder of Hero Pups, an organization that trains service dogs and is at Portsmouth Police Department with Mason, a 4 month old lab who will be a comfort dog at the department.

Owen Smith, president of AT&T New Hampshire, said the company has provided funding for 30 comfort dogs for law enforcement agencies around the United States. The closest AT&T-funded comfort dog to Portsmouth works with Maine State Police at the agencys headquarters in Augusta.

Looking on as Mason sniffed around the station, wagging his tail and gazing up at department members, Smith said, This little guy can do wonders.

In the next year or two, according to Smith, the company could donate more money to provide more law enforcement agencies with comfort dogs.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Mason first comfort dog for Portsmouth NH police
A worker keeps watch near the East Taggert Street railroad crossing as cleanup from a Norfolk Southern derailment continues Tuesday in East Palestine.

Citing "the number and significance of recent Norfolk Southern accidents," the National Transportation Safety Board announced Tuesday it would conduct a special investigation of Norfolk Southern Railways "organization and safety culture."

The board also urged the company to take immediate action to review and assess its safety practices, with the input of employees and others, and implement necessary changes to improve safety.

The announcement comes the day after NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said a final report on the East Palestine, Ohio, derailment and hazardous materials spill could take more than a year to complete. Also on Monday, Norfolk Southern announced it would add more sensors and move to upgrade safety measures on its system.

State oversight:Ohio Senate holds first train derailment hearing on East Palestine disaster

Ohio Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel, left, of Columbiana County, and state Rep. Lauren McNally of Youngstown speak in support of an act that would require companies transporting hazardous chemicals on rail lines to submit that information to the areas they are traveling through.

The NTSB said investigative teams have had to deploy to five significant accidents involving Norfolk Southern in just over one year. Three of the incidents were in Ohio in just over one month:

 On Dec. 8, 2021, an employee for National Salvage and Service Corp. assigned to work with a Norfolk Southern team replacing track was killed when the operator of a spike machine reversed direction and struck the employee in Reed, Pennsylvania.

 On Dec. 13, 2022, a Norfolk Southern trainee conductor was killed, and another conductor was injured, when the lead locomotive of a Norfolk Southern freight train struck a steel angle iron protruding from a gondola car on another Norfolk Southern freight train that was stopped on an adjacent track in Bessemer, Alabama.

 On Feb. 3, a Norfolk Southern freight train carrying hazardous materials derailed in East Palestine. The derailment resulted in a significant fire and hazardous materials release.

 On March 4, a 2.55-mile-long Norfolk Southern freight train derailed near Springfield.

 On March 7, a Norfolk Southern employee was killed during a train movement in Cleveland.

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As part of the special investigation, the NTSB said it will also review the Oct. 28 Norfolk Southern derailment in Sandusky.

Another Norfolk Southern train derailed in Ravenna Township in Portage County on Oct. 2.

The NTSB said it is concerned that several organizational factors may be involved in the accidents, including safety culture.

In the Feb. 3 East Palestine incident, the NTSB said it appears a bearing in a rail car failed, causing a derailment that involved cars containing vinyl chloride, a flammable chemical used as a precursor to many plastic products. An evacuation order was issued for the area around the derailment site, and the chemicals were released from the cars into a trench, where they were burnt off.

Eric Marotta can be reached at emarotta@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @MarottaEric.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: NTSB to probe 'safety culture' at Norfolk Southern after incidents
Iranians protest the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini after she was detained by the morality police in Tehran on Oct. 27, 2022. | Associated Press

For the past 44 years, the Iranian government has been one of the most egregious abusers of the rights of professional and citizen reporters around the world. Yet these journalists have continued to play a crucial role in tracking abuses in Iran, most recently concerning the treatment of women. Using a variety of platforms from WhatsApp to Instagram and Clubhouse, they have managed to bypass government censorship, sharing information about government attacks on peaceful protesters and the intentional poisonings of schoolgirls.

Being a journalist and reporting the truth in Iran carries a hefty price. Reporters Without Borders states that Iran is now the worlds third biggest jailer of journalists, following China and Myanmar. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, more than 80 journalists have been arrested since the outbreak of protests in September 2022. The real numbers could be much higher. Iranian security forces have specifically targeted female journalists, a reflection of the leading role of women in the protest movement. At least 40 female journalists have been arrested.

The coverage by three female journalists brought world attention to the spontaneous protests over the death of Mahsa Amini that began in September 2022 and continue today. Niloofar Hamedi was the first journalist to report on Amini falling into a coma after beatings by the Iranian morality police. Elahe Mohammadi covered Aminis funeral in Saqqez, in the province of Kurdistan, reporting on the large crowd of protesters chanting Death to the dictator and Women, Life, Freedom. Another reporter, Nazila Maroofian, released an online interview with Aminis father disputing the governments claim that his daughter died from health issues unrelated to her arrest. Her article was titled They Are Lying. These journalists gave voice to voiceless parents and young women witnessing and experiencing the pain of victimization and discrimination.

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The government arrested these three journalists, harassed their family members, and accused them of collaborating with Western intelligence services. They are now in prison with more than 40 other journalists. On Feb. 5, 2023, Mohammadis sister, Elnaz, a journalist for the daily Ham-Mihan newspaper, was also arrested. Although another 25 journalists have been released on bail, they remain under surveillance.

When the government imprisons professional journalists, citizen reporters step up their efforts in order to fill the void. Since the government of Iran makes it extremely difficult for foreign reporters to enter the country, citizen reporters, some living in even the most remote towns, use social media and Persian-language outlets. Iran International has provided extensive coverage of the protest movement, relying on hundreds of reports, videos and still images sent by citizen journalists.

Some of these images have become iconic  street scenes of women burning their headscarves while dancing around bonfires, an elderly woman with white hair marching and chanting Death to Khamenei, and schoolgirls singing protest anthems, proudly displaying their long hair. Like spotlights on a stage, citizen reporters direct attention to the protests, keeping Iranians and the international community informed of what the government wants hidden.

In addition to reporting on the street protests, journalists have covered the poisoning of schoolgirls in over 90 schools across 20 provinces beginning in November 2022. More than 2,000 high school students have been poisoned, according to data from the Iranian daily Etemad Online.

At first, government agencies and their news outlets attributed the illnesses to poor hygiene, stress, or deception by students (wanting) to skip school. Yet journalists persisted, some calling it serial poisoning, others referring to it as biological terrorism. Citizen reporters videoed parents arriving at schools and frantically searching for their children; one journalist recorded a plainclothes official assaulting a mother. A journalist for Qum Daily, Ali Pour Tabatabai, has been arrested for his reports concerning the poisoning cases, and the daily Etemad Online has been warned not to pursue the stories any further.

With evidence mounting, the Iranian Teachers Trade Association issued a call to action, demanding accountability from the government and urgent action. Their statement pointed the finger of guilt to religious extremists, who have increasingly been given free rein by the government. Reluctantly, government officials acknowledged that schoolgirls were being deliberately poisoned but were unable to catch the extremists. Reporters sardonically questioned why the regimes sophisticated surveillance cameras can identify women without headscarves, but not the perpetrators of gas attacks on school children. Likely, the miscreants want to create an atmosphere of fear to discourage women from joining the protests.

In the midst of the regimes war against reporters, schoolchildren and peaceful protesters, brave professional and citizen journalists in Iran keep the world informed about the deteriorating political and economic situations, human rights violations, and brutality of the regimes repressive apparatus. Without Iranian professional journalists and citizen reporters, we would not know the magnitude and scope of the Iranian regimes brutality. They have played a pivotal role in connecting, informing and motivating Iranians to fight for a better future.

Bahman Baktiari is the executive director of the Baskerville Institute.
Israels largest film fund, the Rabinovitz Foundations Israel Cinema Project, has bowed to pressure from the countrys directors guild to drop a requirement that filmmakers submitting projects for funding agree to what has been termed a loyalty pledge that their films does not harm the good name of the State of Israel.

The clause has been part of funding agreements from the Israel Cinema Project since 2017 and refers to a 2011 amendment to Israeli legislation called the foundations of the budget law. The law gives Israels finance ministry the authority to cut state funding for an institution if it supports activities judged to deny the existence of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, that mark [Israeli] Independence Day or the day of the establishment of the state as a day of mourning or that harm the honor of the countrys flag among other criteria. The Rabinowitz Foundations Israel Cinema Project is the countrys largest film fund. Last year the group handed out around $8.7 million to back feature films, documentaries and student projects.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

The clause went unnoticed for several years but amid recent political upheaval in Israel, including widespread protests against the countrys current right-wing government, there has been renewed focus on it. A group of some 50 prominent Israeli directors, including Hagai Levy, Ran Tal, Nadav Lapid, Shmulik Maoz, Guy Nativ, Ari Pullman, Eran Kolirin, Raanan Alexandrovich and others, called on the local film industry to boycott the Israel Cinema Project unless it removed the loyalty pledge from its contracts.

Directors who objected see the pledge as a form of political censorship, claiming it would outlaw depictions of Israeli history or current events that do not toe the official government line. Depicting Israels occupation of the Palestinian territories from the perspective of the Palestinians, for example, could be seen as a violation of the loyalty requirement. Colloquially, the law underpinning the clause is called the Nakba Law, a reference to the term, which means catastrophe in Arabic, used by Palestinians to refer to the mass displacement of Palestinian people that preceded and followed the foundation of the Israeli state in 1948.

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Earlier this year, Israels new minister for culture and sport, Miki Zohar, said the government should not use taxpayer money to fund art that harms Israels good name both in Israel and around the world, or that criticizes the countrys military, the IDF.

Ari Pullman, in an interview with Israeli newspaper Haaretz, said the meaning of the pledge, and the underlying law, has changed as Israeli politics has moved further to the right.

The question what does or does not harm the honor of the state had one meaning six years ago, one a year ago, and it has a different meaning today because of everything that is happening around us. It cannot be ignored.

The directors protest comes amid mass demonstrations and unrest in Israel as hundreds of thousands of citizens have taken to the streets to oppose plans by the right-wing government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to overhaul the countrys judiciary, a move many see as a threat to Israels democratic foundations.

In an email to The Hollywood Reporter, a representative for the Rabinovitz Foundation said that the inclusion of the clause was required by Israeli law, not by the foundation itself, but that, following discussions with the Israeli Directors Guild the foundation has agreed to remove it. The foundation rejects all accusations of censorship.

It is important to emphasize that since the inclusion of the referral to this law in the foundations agreement, the Rabinovich Foundation has supported the production of hundreds of Israeli films, and not even one film was canceled or otherwise censured by the foundation, the spokesperson said.

Many of the same filmmakers who called for a boycott of the foundation signed a letter last summer calling for the Locarno Film Festival to drop the world premiere screening of Israeli feature My Neighbor Adolf from director Leon Prudovsky because it had been partially financed by the Israel Cinema Project. The group said the foundation attached racist and explicitly political strings as a condition for its funding.

Israels ministry of culture and sport has always denied accusations of censorship.

Click here to read the full article.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, shown here during a speech March 5, will come to West Chester on April 13.

Florida governor and possible Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis will speak next month in Butler County.

The Butler County Republican Party announced on Wednesday DeSantis will headline the party's Lincoln Day Event at the Savannah Center in West Chester on April 13.

"This is obviously very exciting for the Butler County Republican Party," party spokesman Joe Statzer said.

While DeSantis hasn't officially announced his candidacy, he's making moves toward a campaign. DeSantis on Friday will make his debut appearance in Iowa, where the caucuses are the first contest in the presidential primary.

He's also scheduled trips around the country to promote his book, "The Courage to Be Free: Florida's Blueprint for America's Revival."

Polls show he's a leading challenger to former President Donald Trump in the growing Republican Primary field. A Real Clear Politics average of presidential polls shows Trump with 45% of the vote and DeSantis second with 29%.

DeSantis will be speaking in Republican-friendly territory. Trump won Butler County in 2020 with 61% of the vote.

So far, three Republicans have announced a run for president Trump, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and Cincinnati native and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Ramaswamy will speak to Hamilton County Republicans on Saturday at the Northeast Hamilton County Republican Club's pancake breakfast in Sharonville.

DeSantis saw his national profile rise during the COVID-19 pandemic as he fought restrictions and shutdowns. He's remained in the headlines with a series of controversial actions, including sending planes of migrants to Martha's Vineyard and signing into law restrictions on the discussion of gender identity and sexual orientation in public schools. The latter led to a very public fight with the Walt Disney Company.

For information on tickets to the DeSantis event, visit butlercountygop.org

Enquirer columnist Dan Sewell contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ron Desantis will speak to Butler County Republicans in April
PIERRE  Lawmakers voted to pass the largest tax cut in South Dakota history, following the recommendation from five of their own to lower the overall sales tax from 4.5% to 4.2% until 2027.

The House of Representatives voted 70-0 and the Senate voted 31-2 Thursday afternoon after days of negotiation on the final deal.

The conference committee on HB 1137 met Thursday morning, after two meetings Wednesday, to hammer out the final details of Sioux Falls Republican Rep. Chris Karr's tax cut proposal that would return $104 million to South Dakotans. From five amendments, the group of three senators and three representatives picked Sen. Ryan Maher's, R-Isabel, proposal to lower the sales tax with a four-year sunset and remove the Partridge amendment.

Sen. Reynold Nesiba, D-Sioux Falls, was the lone no vote on the HB 1137 conference committee. He and Sen. Shawn Bordeaux, D-Mission, voted no in the Senate.

Rep. Will Mortenson, R-Pierre, said the proposal was mutually agreeable with Sen. Casey Crabtree, R-Madison, adding successful negotiations showed the willingness between the House and the Senate to work together.

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But most of the congratulations were directed toward Karr, who has worked for more than over three years to lower the overall sales tax. After the vote in the House, lawmakers stood and applauded Karr for his work.

"He's been steadfast in his commitment that this is the best and most efficient tax policy for the people of South Dakota," Mortenson said.

Karr was quick to say the ink wasn't dry. Gov. Kristi Noem will also have to approve the cut and it's unclear if she'll sign the tax cut bill or veto it.

"We're just gonna keep working through the process," Karr said, adding he's hoping to get the support of the executive branch, "so that the people can really experience tax relief."

Karr's original bill lowered the tax rate to 4% and didn't include a sunset clause. The two houses went back and forth over whether a two-year sunset or four-year sunset was appropriate. Karr said he was satisfied with the four-year sunset and that lawmakers could come back in 2024 and remove it so South Dakotans could have a permanent tax cut.

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More:Legislature votes to kill 2 tax cut proposals tied to grocery and property taxes

"I thought that [the two-year sunset] creates way too much market disruption out there, especially in our business climates," Karr said. "We can keep talking about the sunset in the future."

Big three receive increased funding

Educators and state employees will receive a 7% funding increase as part of the 2024 budget. Certain Medicaid community service providers will be reimbursed at 100% methodology and while hospitals will also receive a 5% funding increase.

"It's a huge thing for our workers to be able to have good wages. It's a huge thing for healthcare, for taking care of people and I think that's something that we should really proud of," said Rep. Taylor Rehfeldt, R-Sioux Falls.

$7.4 billion state budget set

In the final act of the regular session, the House and the Senate voted on a $7.4 billion 2024 state budget. That's up nearly 9% from 2023.

The Senate voted 29-3 while the House voted 66-3 to pass the budget.

The 2024 budget includes the Big Three increases as well funding for prison projects, Medicaid expansion and housing infrastructure projects.

Between Friday and March 27, Noem will have the final say on the budget.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: South Dakota lawmakers vote for largest budget in state history
Commonwealth's Attorney Ronnie Goldy

FRANKFORT  The Kentucky Senate formed an impeachment committee Wednesday to consider the possible conviction of former state prosecutor Ronnie Goldy Jr., who was impeached by the House last month for allegedly soliciting nude photos from a defendant in exchange for court favors.

The impeachment hearings of the committee on March 21-22 will be the first in the Senate chamber in 135 years, when state Treasurer Honest Dick Tate was convicted in 1888 for fleeing the country with nearly $200,000 of state funds, never to be found.

Goldy was impeached in the House by a 97-0 vote in February, despite announcing the previous day that he would resign from his position at the end of that month.

Under the articles of impeachment, though he is no longer in office, Goldy would also be prohibited from holding any future office in Kentucky if he is convicted by the Senate.

More:Despite resignation, Kentucky House votes to impeach state prosecutor Ronnie Goldy

The former commonwealth's attorney for the 21st Judicial Circuit  comprised of Bath, Menifee, Montgomery and Rowan counties  Goldy has been embroiled in scandal since July, when The Courier Journal first reported on hundreds of Facebook messages he exchanged with a defendant, allegedly exchanging favors in court for nude images of her.

Following the allegations, the Kentucky Commonwealth's Attorneys' Association removed Goldy from the organization and the Kentucky Supreme Court suspended him from practicing law, though they could not remove him from office  an action that could only be taken by the Kentucky General Assembly through impeachment.

The Senate impeachment committee will meet during the veto period of the current legislative session  when the legislators break for 10 days, before returning to Frankfort March 29 for the final two days of the session.

More:Kentucky prosecutor promised to help defendant if she sent him nude images, messages show

The members of the Senate committee are:

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Sen. Brandon Storm, R-London

Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield

Sen. Gex Williams, R-Verona

Sen. Jason Howell, R-Murray

Sen. Michael Nemes, R-Shepherdsville

Sen. Cassie Chambers Armstrong, D-Louisville

Sen. Reginald Thomas, D-Lexington

Following the presentation of evidence against Goldy, the former prosecutor will have the opportunity to present the committee with his defense.

Following the hearing, the Senate committee will prepare recommendations and present them to the full Senate, after which the full body may either vote to accept or reject the recommendations  or proceed to a full trial on the floor of the chamber. If the Senate decides to go to a full trial on the floor, Republican Senate President Robert Stivers said it would likely extend past the end of the 2023 regular session, which is expected to adjourn sine die on the evening of March 30.

More:House committee advances articles of impeachment against Kentucky prosecutor Ronnie Goldy

Under the Kentucky Constitution, a conviction for an impeached official requires the vote of at least two-thirds of the senators present.

Before his resignation, Goldy denied the allegations in a response to the committee and disputed 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.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Senate impeachment committee formed for Kentucky prosecutor Goldy
WASHINGTON  The Senate passed a GOP-backed measure on Wednesday that would overturn criminal law changes approved by the D.C. Council, dividing Democrats and drawing sharp rebukes from proponents of statehood for the nation's capital.

The 81-14 vote sends the disapproval measure to President Joe Biden's desk. The House passed the resolution last month.

Biden has said he will sign it into law, effectively preventing the council-approved changes from taking effect.

The Senate vote marked a rare split between the top two Democrats: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer voted for the measure, while Majority Whip Dick Durbin was among the 14 who opposed it.

No Republicans voted against the resolution, and Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia voted "present."

Many Democrats voted to reject the resolution on policy grounds and on the basis of supporting sovereignty for Washington, D.C.

The elected representatives of the District of Columbia, after exhaustive review, made some decisions about criminal justice reform. I dont agree with every single one of them they made but Ill tell you this, what they did is entirely defensible, Sen. Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat from neighboring Maryland, said. And it certainly doesnt rise to the level of the United States Congress for the first time in 30 years big-footing their decisions.

The issue has tied Democrats in knots. The D.C. Council adopted changes late last year to remove most mandatory minimum sentences and lower mandatory maximum penalties, NBC Washington reported. Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser vetoed it, only to have her veto overridden. Then, despite opposing the new law, she called on Congress to stay out of local affairs and not to intervene, citing Washingtons sovereignty.

Led by the president, the Democrats are in full retreat on the D.C. criminal law issue, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., an opponent of D.C. statehood, told reporters. He said the Washington crime law represents a correct time for federal intervention to protect our constituents and our staff.

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At a rally before the vote Wednesday, Eleanor Holmes Norton, D.C.'s non-voting delegate to the House, called the legislation an "attack on home rule."

We have come together today with one simple message for Congress and President Biden: Keep your hands off D.C., Norton, a Democrat, said. You either support D.C. home rule or you dont. There are no exceptions and there is no middle ground on D.C.s right to self-government.

Biden shocked many Democrats last week when he said in a closed-door Senate lunch meeting that he would sign the resolution to block D.C.'s criminal code changes  even as he proclaimed his support for statehood and "home rule."

I support D.C. Statehood and home-rule  but I dont support some of the changes D.C. Council put forward over the Mayors objections  such as lowering penalties for carjackings.



If the Senate votes to overturn what D.C. Council did  Ill sign it.  President Biden (@POTUS) March 2, 2023

Biden's position comes as he seeks to blunt the GOP's political assault on Democrats over crime before the expected launch of his re-election campaign. Biden has sought to distance himself from some on the left and back tough-on-crime measures.

After Bidens announcement, D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson sought to withdraw the measure from Congress to prevent the vote, but Senate leadership aides said it was too late to pull it back.

"No matter how hard they try, the Council cannot avoid accountability for passing this disastrous, dangerous DC soft-on-crime bill that will make residents and visitors less safe," said Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., who led the disapproval resolution.

Some Democrats defended the merits of the changes sought by the D.C. Council.

These are sensible proposals to update a criminal justice code that hasnt been changed since 1901. And the changes are in line with the majority of states around this country. Secondly, I believe in D.C. home rule. And third, the District itself is trying to withdraw this bill, and Congress efforts to go forward and vote on it anyway is just a way to try to exert power over 700,000 people who ought to have their own state, Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts said in an interview.

But some Democrats who support D.C. statehood took a different stance. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., who faces re-election in 2024, said, I think D.C. has to do it over again.

I do support D.C. statehood, and yet they are not yet a state and we do have those oversight responsibilities, Baldwin said. And the highest calling of a representative is to keep their constituents safe... whether thats back in Wisconsin or whether thats Wisconsinites coming to visit here or staff members who live here.

Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., implored his colleagues at a Tuesday lunch meeting to read the crime bill before voting.

Im just simply saying, I have never seen something like this in my 10 years, Booker said of his speech to the caucus. When you actually read the bill, compare it to criminal codes of other states, it is stunning to me that somehow this has been perverted and distorted to be seen as something that is some kind of lax loosening of penalties on people doing bad things.

The Republican-led House voted 250-173 last month to block the measure  all 173 opponents were Democrats.

Even staunch Biden allies in Democratic leadership say the White House mishandled the issue. Durbin said the White House sent a mixed signal and could have communicated better.

They gave a signal that led the House Democrats to take certain action. And the president then took a different position when he came to the Senate, he said. Speaks for itself.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Andrea Schilde and her family at the Giza pyramids in Egypt. Courtesy of Eli Karplus

Andrea Schilde and her husband Eli Karplus quit their jobs in the US to travel around the world.

Their son attends school online and completes his work whenever it suits him.

The couple takes care of houses and pets with their son across many different countries.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Andrea Schilde and her husband Eli Karplus, who left their full-time jobs in the US to travel to more than a dozen countries with their son. It's been edited for length and clarity.

We lived in Boulder, Colorado and worked full-time jobs. My husband Eli worked in data science, and my 22-year career was in software development. We have two kids in college, and a nine-year-old son, Finn, who travels the world with us.

We started traveling in April 2022. So far, we've been to 13 countries: Portugal, Germany, Greece, Switzerland, Netherlands, UK, Denmark, Sweden, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Australia, Thailand, and Malaysia.

While we both enjoyed our jobs in the US, it's not always easy to keep the right balance. We both worked in demanding and fast-paced environments, which took a toll on our time and health over the years.

The pandemic allowed us to spend more time together as a family. Life slowed down, but in a good way. We ended up selling our house in Boulder before starting our travels. We considered renting out the house while traveling, but with our older kids grown up and in college, the house was more than we needed. It also helped to fund the adventure.

Finn, Andrea and Eli in Thailand (left to right). Courtesy of Eli Karplus

People often ask what it's like for our son to attend school while traveling.

It was during the pandemic, when classroom learning was put on hold, that we noticed our son Finn was excelling in his studies. Finn is now in fourth grade and he learns well online, and when he studies at his own pace.

Our school district in Boulder offers an online classroom with a semi-asynchronous curriculum that we thought would be a perfect match for the kind of traveling we wanted to do. Finn studies four core subjects  math, language arts, social studies, and science.

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So we saw this as the best of both worlds. We had access to a great education platform to make sure that Finn has a regular, standard core curriculum, but he had the flexibility to do the work on whichever day and time that made sense for him.

Finn gets between 15 and 20 assignments in a week, and has an online platform to message his teacher. His teachers have been so supportive.

Facebook is the best place to find work and school communities. There are these pop-up hubs on Facebook, where people organize programs, excursions, day trips, and activities for travelers to be part of.

Finn's typical school day includes outdoor activities and excursions to world-famous sites. Courtesy of Eli Karplus

When we visited Luxor in Egypt, Finn attended his first WorldSchool Hub  a place where other traveling families come together to find community and where kids learn new things in a different setting. It's completely different than school as we know it.

In Luxor, Finn attended class on an Egyptian farm. He made new friends, learned about irrigation and how the Nile gave Egypt life, learned about ancient Egypt, visited the most amazing historic places, planted his own garden, and interacted with locals.

Sometimes we compromise with the teachers on assignments. We ask Finn to drop his teacher a note and tell them what he learned that day, and that typically counts as some of the assignments.

Finn was excited about the prospect of adventure. He loved the idea of seeing exotic, far-off places that he had heard about and read about.

At first, he struggled with missing friends back home. But since we started traveling, he's become more confident, social and extroverted, and never passed up a chance to interact with kids or grownups, whatever language they might speak.

The family at the Stonehenge in Salisbury, UK. Courtesy of Eli Karplus

We save thousands of dollars a month by caring for strangers' houses and pets.

We use the website TrustedHousesitters to connect with homeowners all around the world. House and dog sitting is a wonderful way to live in new places and meet great people.

Initially, as a family, we thought no homeowner would hire us, because they'd think "Oh, the kids are going to destroy our house." But we've found that there are like-minded families all around the world.

I typically write a long, personal email, and also share photos of the house that we sold, for them to to see how we lived. We hope that this can help them connect with us and feel we are trustworthy.

It's mutually beneficial. The homeowners know that their dog and their house are in good hands. We meet the homeowners as strangers, but we end up leaving as friends. And for us, it's such a great way to save money on the road.

Housesitting is different from being in a hotel, and it gives a homey feeling compared to an Airbnb. We love meeting wonderful people and it's such an honor for someone to trust us and share their homes and pets with us, especially when we currently don't have one of our own.

The family in London, England. Courtesy of Eli Karplus

How we budget our money and save while traveling

There are three main expenses to watch out for  food, accommodation, and transport.

Most places we've traveled to can afford us a lifestyle that's cheaper than the one we were living in the US. There have been places where we have to spend $2,000 to $3,000 a month on accommodation, but other countries, like Egypt, were amazingly affordable.

There are also ways to save money on accommodation in more expensive places apart from housesitting. Choosing accommodations that are smaller and further from the city center helps. For example, we stayed in a hostel in Switzerland, because other types of rentals were so expensive there.

When traveling from one place to another, we usually plan a cheaper route. For example, we took the discount train when traveling around Europe. When traveling around Southeast Asia, we take the long boat and the local bus. The less you move around and the slower you travel, the cheaper it gets because you don't have to spend as much with airfares. These things have kept our costs down.

There are several things that can break the budget, like traveling between countries in a short amount of time, staying in city center, doing loads of activities, and eating out in restaurants. Longer stays in a single location where we can slow our roll, buy our groceries and cook at home, make travel cheaper.

The family in Greece. Courtesy of Eli Karplus

What we've learned after traveling to 13 countries.

One misconception is that the world is full of dangerous places and people. What we have found is that there are a lot of really friendly, helpful, smiling people in the world.

When you take yourself off of auto pilot and leave your comfort zone behind, you start living life more fully. Every new destination offers us a leap into a new life  new environment, new values, new puzzles to solve, and new games to learn and play.

Finn had reservations and worries about missing our dog and his good friends in the neighborhood. But now, he has come to value connection with others.

We initially planned to travel for around 18 months to about two years. But we've yet to decide whether we'll travel for longer and perhaps even explore the idea of working remotely while traveling the world.

Read the original article on Insider
North Korea fired another missile test on Thursday, shooting a short-range ballistic missile toward the Yellow Sea, South Korean military officials said.

The test from North Korea comes as the countrys dictator Kim Jong Un and those close to him have raised concerns over U.S. military operations with South Korea. The two countries are planning on holding joint military training operations next week, countering the growing threat of the North.

But the resistance from the U.S. and South Korea seems to only embolden Kim and entrench the country in its belief that it needs to proliferate its nuclear arsenal. It fired an unprecedented number of missiles in tests last year.

U.S. intelligence agencies concluded in a report on Wednesday that North Korea had been timing its ballistic tests to coincide with the military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea.

Since September 2022, North Korea has timed its missile launches and military demonstrations to counter U.S.South Korea exercises probably to attempt to coerce the United States and South Korea to change their behavior and counteract South Korean President Yoons hardline policies toward the North, the agencies said in the report.

The test on Thursday was fired into the waters off the west coast of South Korea, the military said, although they could not confirm where it landed.

The test also comes after the U.S. and South Korea held joint military operations earlier this week, including the deployment of a B-52 long-range bomber plane. North Korea has pointed to the continued exercises as the driving reason for growing tensions.

The military exercises next week between the U.S. and South Korea are set to be the largest in the last five years.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
An attorney for Cuba Gooding Jr. claims the sex his client had with a rape accuser was consensual and that the alleged victim bragged about the encounter to witnesses.

On Monday (Feb. 27), Goodings attorney, Gary Becker, informed US District Court Judge Paul A. Crotty that the defense would be presenting three witnesses to testify on Gooding Jr.s behalf, all of whom will testify that the alleged victim, identified as Jane Doe, had bragged about bedding the Oscar-winner. The witnesses include two owners of the bar where Gooding initially met the accuser prior to the alleged attack, as well as a bartender.

More from VIBE.com

One of the alleged victims attorneys, Casey Wolnowski, has said that hes aware of the defenses witnesses, but vehemently denies their views on what transpired. Wolnowski told Insider that hes confident the jury is going to give the accusers own account of the incident the weight it deserves. Following the hearing, which took place in Manhattan Federal Court, Ed Sapone, Beckers co-counsel, shared that Gooding Jr. is confident hell emerge victorious when all of the evidence is laid out. [He] has a lot of faith in the civil justice system and cant wait for his day in court, Sapone said.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK  OCTOBER 13: Cuba Gooding Jr. Arrives at NYS Supreme Court for sentencing on October 13, 2022 in New York City. The Oscar-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr., plead guilty to charges of forcible touching and sex abuse. The criminal charges Gooding plead guilty to were brought against him after a worker at a New York nightclub alleged he forcibly kissed her, while he also faced charges stemming from three other incidents in which he stood accused of forcible touching or abuse.

In 2020, Gooding Jr.s rape accuser filed a lawsuit against the actor, claiming that he sexually assaulted her in 2013 in his room at The Mercer Hotel in Manhattan. According to the victim, after meeting at the hotel bar, the pair went up to Gooding Jr.s room, where he sexually assaulted her two times despite being told no repeatedly. Judge Crotty hinted that a trial date could be set for the first week of June 2023.

The acclaimed thespian has found himself embroiled in allegations of sexual misconduct in recent years, including being arrested and booked in 2019 on suspicion of groping a woman at a Times Square bar. Two other accusers would come forward in that case with similar claims against Gooding Jr. In addition, prosecutors say that by August 2020, more than 30 women had accused Gooding Jr. of touching them inappropriately. In 2022, he pleaded guilty to harassment in a deal that allowed him to avoid jail time.

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Cuba Gooding Jr poses in the winners room at the EE British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Opera House on February 14, 2016 in London, England.

I apologize for making anybody ever feel inappropriately touched  I am a celebrity figure. I come into contact with people. I never want them to feel slighted or uncomfortable in any way, he said at the time of entering the plea.

In 2022, Gooding Jr. was ordered to pay a victim from the criminal case $80,000 in damages after she won the lawsuit shed filed against him in 2020. The woman, Natasha Ashworth, won by default due to Gooding Jr.s failure to respond to the suit after nearly two years.

Click here to read the full article.
Yakima County Government, Lower Valley Reporter

Hi, Im Phil Ferolito, longtime reporter with the Yakima Herald-Republic, where I have gained an array of experience from covering small city governments and school districts to big-picture issues concerning county government, crime and the Yakama Nation, a federally recognized tribe with important historical and cultural ties to the land. I began with the Herald-Republic in Oct. 2000 as a copy editor, designing pages, writing headlines and proof-reading stories. Over the years I have covered four Lower Valley municipalities, Granger, Toppenish, Wapato and Harrah, and the Yakama Nation. My goal always has been to shine a light in dark places and bring readers closer to concerning issues, important people, and other events in our community.
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.
Here you can see the least famous yet fantastic local World Heritage Sites, along with a brief description about why theyre so wonderful.

Budapest is not covered here although it has UNESCO World Heritage status and several special sites - including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrassy Avenue  because most expats already know why the capital is so sublime.



So read on for the low-down about five UNESCO ranked wonders you might not know about, but which are all well worth a trip out of Budapest to enjoy while you're in Hungary.



1. Tokaj Wine Region's Historical Landscapes

Known among the sommelier community for its unique grape cultivation and aszu production, Tokaj is regarded as a world heritage site based on its landscape and traditional land use as well as its methodology in wine tradition that has survived intact for a thousand years.



This intact universal property value that meets UNESCOs criteria includes specific environmental conditions conducive for wine growing as well as long term settlements that reflect cultural heritage in terms of ethnic diversity and long-standing cellars still in use for wine production.



Where: County of Borsod-Abauj-Zemplen



2. Caves of Aggtelek Karst (and Slovak Karst)

There are currently 712 caves identified making up this karstic system. The unique combination of climatic effects makes the study of over ten million years of geological history possible.



The caves are located on the northeastern side of Hungary, which borders Slovakia. The caves are relatively intact and relics of Pre-Pleistocene Karst dating over 2 millions years are prevalent.



Only one percent of the caves have been modified for human use and exhibition, attracting over 300,000 visitors annually. The other 99 percent remain preserved.



Where: Districts of Roznava and Spisska Nova Ves, Region of Kosice (SK)



3. Old Village of Holloko & Surroundings

Holloko is an outstanding example of a deliberately preserved traditional settlement. This village, which developed mainly during the 17th and 18th centuries, is a living example of rural life before the agricultural revolution of the 20th century.

Despite being periodically being devastated by fire, the houses were again built according to the traditional techniques of Palocz rural architecture: half-timbered houses on a stone base with roughcast white-washed walls, enhanced by high wooden pillared galleries and balconies on the street side protected by overhanging porch roofs.

The church with its shingled tower is simply a transposition of this domestic architectural style. Holloko not only represents the Palocz subgroup within the Magyar entity, but also bears witness, for the whole of Central Europe, to the traditional forms of rural life.

Where: County of Nograd

4. Millenary Benedectine Abbey of Pannonhalma & Natural Environment

This monastery dates back to 996 when the first monks arrived in Hungary, converted the locals, established a school, and went on to produce the first document in Hungarian. Building began on the current church in the 1200s.



Much of the monastic complex is largely preserved from original structures and there remains a monastic community and school in existence on the site. The overall history of Benedictine Christianity has played a critical role in the development of Hungary.



Where: County of Gyor-Moson-Sopron



5. Early Christian Necropolis of Pecs

Dating back to the 4th century, this Roman town, formerly called Sopianae, sprawled a series of decorated tombs lending credence to sepulchral art of the period in addition to 16 monuments depicting scenes of early Christianity.



Protected as an archaeological site, remains and fragments of excavations from the 18th century remain in their original location.

Adderss: County of Baranya



Source: UNESCO
Economic policymaking already took a wrong turn in 2021, before the war in Ukraine and sanctions of 2022, Gyorgy Matolcsy, the head of Hungarys central bank (NBH) told MPs.

The NBH governor, presenting the banks report on 2021 in parliament, said Hungary was at risk of letting down future generations, who may justifiably ask why policymaking went astray.



[W]e lost our way in 2021, and regrettably this continued in 2022, he said. Matolcsy insisted that it was as yet unclear whether the wrong turn could be remedied this year.



MTI Photo: Tamas Kovacs
The Act on Hungarian Architecture proposes a three-level chief architect system, which includes a national chief architect, a state chief architect, and a municipal chief architect, according to portfolio.hu.

The national chief architect will be the national leader in the Ministry of Construction and Transport.



The role's tasks include monument protection, settlement planning, and architectural-technical case groups.



The state chief architect will work in county capitals and government offices, and should be a government official who ranks as a department head and possesses the necessary professional qualifications.



The state chief architect's work will be supported by the state chief architect's Office, whose tasks include spatial planning, settlement planning, and architectural-technical case groups.



All settlements with urban status will be obliged to employ their own municipal chief architect from January 1, 2025, at the latest.
According to Central Statistics Office data, a total of 70,000 foreigners worked in Hungary in the middle of 2022, up by 20% from a year earlier.

A total of 19,659 foreign workers were employed through temporary staffing agencies in 2022, state secretary Levente Magyar said in response to a written query from Democratic Coalition MP Lajos Olah.



However, the state secretary did not give a breakdown by county, as requested by the MP, although data in such a breakdown is certainly available, HVG writes.



A change in regulations last summer simplified the employment of foreigners through employment agencies, but this is not the only way for guest workers to find employment in Hungary.



Temporary employment agencies which meet certain requirements are allowed to recruit workers from outside the EU for professions with a labour shortage and to employ them in Hungary without the need to obtain further permits.
Concessions made so far by Hungary to satisfy EU conditions for allowing foundation-run universities to accede to student and researcher exchange programmes, seem to have been found unsatisfactory in Brussels. Columnists express diametrically opposing views on the matter.

Tibor Navracsics, the cabinet minister in charge of negotiations aimed at releasing frozen EU funds, is expected to meet competent members of the European Commission to smooth out misgivings over Hungarys role-of-law compliance in general, and the 21 foundation-run universities in particular.



Hungary is expected to satisfy EU conditions on rule-of law compliance by the end of March. (For the plan to exclude foundation-run universities from the Erasmus student exchange programme and the Horizon research exchange scheme.



The EC is reported not to be satisfied by the decision of a dozen prominent government politicians to withdraw from the governing boards of the 21 public universities that have been taken over by government-funded foundations.



In Nepszava, Daniel Juhasz believes the new expectations of the European Commission miss the point. He welcomes the EUs wish that all public servants and MPs should withdraw from the boards and that board membership should be limited to a maximum two 4-year terms (originally membership was meant to be life-long and in its latest scheme, the Hungarian side reduced it to two 9-year terms).



Juhasz thinks no such changes would prevent Fidesz from stuffing the boards with its own faithful  businessmen and the like.



In Magyar Nemzet, Tamas Pilhal welcomes a letter written by the rectors of the 21 foundation-run universities to EC President Ursula von der Leyen, which calls their planned exclusion from the Erasmus programme disgraceful and demands compensation for the moral and material damage.



The 21 universities, he writes, opted for the new system of public foundations with over two thirds of the votes in their senates. As a result, Pilhal continues, the number of international students attending them has increased by 65 percent and their international rankings are steadily improving.



He believes the European Commission opposes that system because they cannot accept that we are different.



This opinion does not necessarily represent the views of XpatLoop.com or the publisher.



Your opinions are welcome too - for editorial review before possible publication online.



Click here to Share Your Story
A bill that would offer tax credits for donations to scholarship funds for private and faith-based schools has now made it further than all previous attempts in the Nebraska Legislature, gathering enough votes to pass the first round of debate Wednesday.

LB753 is the latest in a string of similar bills introduced by Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of the Omaha area intended to provide more school choice opportunities. The bill overcame a three-day filibuster Wednesday before advancing in a 31-12 vote.

As introduced, LB753 would make $25 million available for credits in 2024, with annual increases in the program of up to 25% possible in future years. A committee amendment that also was approved Wednesday would keep the program at $25 million for two years, then allow it to grow to a maximum of $100 million a year.

The amendment also would cap credits at $100,000 annually for individuals and businesses, and at $1 million for estates and trusts.

The Legislature has considered similar measures in each of the last five years, but all have failed. Last years proposal fell five votes short on a filibuster-ending cloture motion.

This time around, LB753 narrowly overcame the first-round filibuster, reaching cloture through a 33-12 vote.

"I'm thrilled we got cloture," Linehan said. "I'm disappointed we didn't get everybody."

Support from multiple Democrats, including Omaha Sens. Terrell McKinney, Justin Wayne and Mike McDonnell, proved to be the difference-maker this year. McKinney and Wayne repeatedly spoke out in support of LB753, saying it would provide families in their district more options for better education.

"These families are tired of being told to wait," McKinney said.

At the same time, a handful of Republican lawmakers held off pledging their support for the bill, with Sens. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, Myron Dorn of Adams and Jana Hughes of Seward being present not voting on the underlying bill. On Tuesday, Brandt expressed reservations with LB753, reading statements from an op-ed published by former lawmaker Curt Friesen that doubted the bill's benefits to rural students and taxpayers.

Hughes said she supports the overall intent of LB753 but has some concerns. She declined to elaborate and said she is working with Linehan to address them. Linehan said she hopes to have 45 out of the Legislature's 49 lawmakers supporting the bill by the time it reaches its final vote.

"We'll get to something that everyone can support," Linehan said.

One new amendment Linehan said she already plans to bring would clarify that the bill would support students across all of Nebraska, based on concerns that it would only benefit Omaha-area students.

LB753 is part of a larger education package proposed by Gov. Jim Pillen that would, among other things, provide an additional $1 billion in public education funding through a new component of the state's general fund. Linehan said she believed once the other education funding proposals are ironed out, her bill will gain support from lawmakers who were concerned that it would take away funding from underserved public schools.

Some opponents also argued LB753 would benefit schools that discriminate against students, and would amount to a tax credit for the wealthy. The Institute of Taxation and Economic Policy, a national nonprofit, released a statement against the bill Tuesday. It said in states that have passed similar measures, the bulk of the credits are being claimed by wealthy families.

"These tax credits are among the most significant tools eroding the public education system and propping up private schools," the statement read.

Meanwhile, supporters contend that LB753 is essential to provide low-income students the means to access better education. They argue that many public schools are lower quality than private schools, which opponents disputed.

"This is the way we get kids out of poverty," said Sen. Christy Armendariz of Omaha.

Meet the Nebraska state senators making laws in 2023
When local talk turns to historic buildings, North Platte residents still talk about the building that isnt there.

It disappeared the afternoon of Nov. 1, 1973, when a steel wrecking ball crashed into the sides of the 1918 Union Pacific Depot, home to North Plattes 1941-46 World War II Canteen.

Eleventh-hour efforts to save the depot apparently had succeeded. Then the wrecking balls showed up anyway.

They rang down the curtain  if the depots brick walls can be called a curtain  on a building where human dramas had played out both before and after the Canteen.

First 2 depots end in flames

That curtain had in fact risen before the 1918 depot was even existed It revealed the smoldering ruins of its immediate predecessor.

That depot had opened in December 1869, three years after U.P. Chief Engineer Grenville Dodge platted North Platte and the transcontinental railroad track gangs reached the brand-new townsite in November 1866.

They left the next spring, but a few remained to build a roundhouse, shops and hotel befitting U.P.s choice of North Platte as a division point.

That first hotel, which likely doubled as the depot, had burned to the ground earlier in 1869. The T-shaped, all-wood Union Pacific Depot and Hotel took its place, serving passengers for 46 years.

But by fall 1915, city leaders had been urging its replacement for three years.

Passengers, residents and U.P. leaders are a unit in declaring that the present depot is inadequate, unsanitary (and) a blot on the otherwise well-kept condition of the Union Pacific and a discredit to a town of over 6,000 people, Semi-Weekly Tribune Editor Ira L. Bare wrote that Sept. 17.

On Nov. 4, The Telegraph reported a promise by U.P. President A.L. Mohler that the 1869 depot would be replaced.

The need soon became imperative.

A live cinder fell from the stack of a U.P. locomotive and lodged between a platform and the depots north wall about 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 17, 1915, the Tribune reported two days later.

Fanned by a strong gale, it ignited the siding. Workers doused it with a hose, but they were not aware that the flames had crept up the studding and found their way to the attic, and it was not until an hour later that smoke was seen issuing from the eves of the building with wonderful rapidity.

The strong wind engulfed the west wing in a seething mass of flames, the Tribune wrote. Railroaders and hotel guests were ushered out, but by 8 p.m., the only part of the building standing were two chimneys built from the ground and a few charred timbers.

While a temporary depot was built, plans for a $126,900 replacement were under way by Novembers end, driven by North Platte native and future U.P. President and William M. Jeffers.

Then the lines general superintendent, Jeffers is anxious to see this city have a depot that will be alike creditable to the Union Pacific and to North Platte, Bare wrote.

Grand WWI debut

Workers broke ground for the new all-brick depot on Oct. 28, 1916. Its two-story nucleus was 90 feet high and wide, covering 280 feet as its two one-story wings stretched out on either side.

The 60-foot-long east wing handled baggage and express traffic, while the 90-foot-long west wing had a lunch counter, kitchen and 120-seat dining room  the future Canteen Room.

Visitors walked on tile floors in the dining room and the 50-foot by 100-foot-plus central waiting room, where the ceiling towered 30 feet high. A newsstand shared that space with the ticket office, with U.P. offices above.

On March 17, 1918, the Union Pacific Depot opened for business. U.P. officials  though not Jeffers, who couldnt be there  were among the 1,000 who attended a March 16 dedication ceremony that doubled as a Red Cross fundraiser.

With World War I raging, the main room was artistically decorated with flags and flowers (and) statues of Uncle Sam, the Goddess of Liberty and a Red Cross nurse attracted much attention, The Telegraph reported March 16.

The new depot, as it will long be called, is an edifice of our pride and should kindle a new spark of civic pride.  It is modern in every respect, well built and beautifully finished and furnished.

It would not, however, house North Plattes World War I Red Cross Canteen that opened July 13 and lasted until September 1919. Jeffers instead donated use of the telegraph office, which had been temporary depot and then moved west out of the new depots way.

Dramas large and small

During its 55 years and 7 months, the 1918 depot hosted the humble, the great, the unusual and the unforgettable among its countless visitors.

It was 1 years old in December 1919, when both North Platte papers noted that the depot had become a refuge after a local fuel shortage led to rationing.

The U.P. depot is the scene of many men who gather there to keep warm, The Telegraph wrote Dec. 9 after temperatures fell to 25 below zero.

These men are not loafers in most cases, but railroad men and those who have regular employment in the city but have no place to go since the closing of the places of amusement, pool halls and theatres and choose the warm depot to their cold rooming houses.

Locals could read in February 1920 about Harvey C. Wallace, a convict who got away from a Wyoming deputy taking him back to Rawlins state prison after a previous escape.

Having kept him the previous night in the Lincoln County Jail, the deputy had hauled Wallace to the depot to catch a 1 a.m. train, The Telegraph wrote.

But he granted his prisoner leave to go into the lavatory, (and) the prisoner, who was carrying a 16-pound foot weight, went into the smoking room adjoining the lavatory and, raising the window, jumped out and was gone several minutes before the officer discovered the loss of his prisoner.

If that was a lowlight in the depots history, visits by sitting U.S. presidents  and even a dead one  had to occupy the opposite end of the scale.

More than 4,000 people met an evening train on Aug. 5, 1923, carrying the body of Warren G. Harding, who had died three days earlier in San Francisco. City leaders and service clubs presented floral arrangements.

Another huge crowd greeted Herbert Hoover when he stopped for 12 minutes on Nov. 6, 1932, two days before his re-election loss to Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Roosevelt himself dropped by for 20 minutes on Sept. 29, 1935. More than 3,000 welcomed successor Harry S. Truman on June 6, 1948, a Sunday during one of his whistle stop train trips that enabled him to upset Thomas E. Dewey in that falls election.

The 1918 depot regularly hosted local railroad union meetings and U.P. clubs. When Jeffers was promoted to vice president in charge of operations, his townsmen treated him to a banquet in the dining room on Nov. 1, 1928. (They would throw an even larger one at Jeffers Pavilion on Sept. 30, 1937, the night before he became U.P. president.)

When Cecil B. DeMilles 1939 movie Union Pacific debuted in Omaha, Jeffers shared the hoopla with his hometown.

Jeffers, DeMille and most of the films cast greeted more than 5,000 people at the depot on April 26, kicking off a four-day Days of 69 bash. Union Pacific premiered at the Fox Theatre April 29, the day after its Omaha world premiere.

Canteen

Some 500 people gathered at the depot on Dec. 17, 1941, 10 days after Pearl Harbor. Their arms were laden with food, treats and Christmas packages for North Plattes Nebraska National Guard Company D of the U.S. Armys 134th Infantry Regiment, expected to stop there briefly.

They were let down  for a moment  upon learning the Kansas Guards Company D of the 137th Infantry was on the train instead. They bestowed their gifts on the Kansas Guardsmen, inspiring 25-year-old Rae Wilson to rally her hometown and launch the Canteen on Christmas Day.

It was only a few days old when Wilson learned that Jeffers was coming by train. She went to his private car, told him about the Canteen and said, The dining room of the Union Pacific depot has been empty for a number of years, and we would like to use it.

Take over tomorrow, he replied.

Between then and the Canteens closure on April 1, 1946, Jeffers redecorated and equipped the dining room and paid for two janitors to keep it clean.

His hometowns impromptu home-front service project would involve 55,000 people from 125 Nebraska and Colorado communities, serving some 6 million U.S. and Allied service members as U.P. troop trains made water stops.

Philippines President Manuel Quezon, in exile from Japanese occupation, was a Canteen customer during a 10-minute water stop on May 11, 1942.

Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King visited the Canteen on April 21, 1945, as he and some 300 press correspondents paused en route to the San Francisco conference that formed the United Nations.

North Plattes first coast-to-coast radio broadcast originated from the depot on Dec. 19, 1943, as KODY-AM and NBC broadcast the presentation of a U.S. War Department Meritorious Service Award to Canteen leaders.

And a U.S. Army Signal Corps film crew captured the Canteen in action in late July and early August 1945, preserving an invaluable visual record of the depots most immortal memory.

Quieter times

Those days fell just about halfway between the depots birth and death.

Familiar patterns returned after the war. Passengers came and went. The Red Cross held its monthly Bloodmobile donation drive in the Canteen Room. When Nebraskaland Days moved to North Platte in 1968, Frontier Revue performances in the state celebrations early years were staged there.

Downtown parades would start from or end at the depot. And North Platte, which had welcomed circuses there between the wars, welcomed in 1953 the best-known circus of all.

Traveling 1,400 strong (with about as many animals) in three trains, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus  The Greatest Show on Earth  played two shows that Aug. 26 in its Big Top at West Seventh and Willow streets. Emmett Kelly, the nationally famous circus clown and film actor, was among the featured performers.

And, now and again, North Platte remembered and honored the wartime miracle that took place at the depot.

It fully revived the Canteen for three days on Jan. 5-7, 1949, when the epic Blizzard of 1949 stranded a U.P. troop train for two days. Canteen veterans fed, housed and entertained them, then welcomed 200 bus passengers hungry from their ordeal during the storm.

The Canteen Room hosted one-week revivals in May, June and July 1967 to mark Nebraskas statehood centennial. It saw another Canteen reunion in May 1973, marking North Plattes centennial of incorporation as a city.

It would be the last Canteen event in the place where it all happened.

Painful demise

A Union Pacific passenger train had stopped at the depot for the last time on May 1, 1971. Bailey Yard, originated when a retarder yard opened in 1948, grew 20 years later into what became the worlds largest rail yard.

U.P. leaders decided that the grand old depot, like many a more modest one, had outlived its time.

Depot to go, UP says, a front-page Telegraph headline announced on Oct. 12, 1973. Despite local proposals to save the depot as a museum or youth recreation center, railroad officials had decided to tear it down.

O.A. Durrant, U.P.s eastern district general manager, said those ideas would have resulted in large numbers of persons occupying the building much of the time. He told The Telegraph the safety of those persons could not be assured because of the closeness of the building to the railroads main line and the high volume of traffic moving over the line.

Half a centurys worth of train traffic also had taken a toll, Bob Phares, North Plattes boy mayor at the time, said in December 2017.

After the depot was gone, longtime North Platte construction executive Jim Simon later told Phares he had inspected the brick depot before its demolition at U.P.s request. He found substantial structural weaknesses caused by decades of vibrations from passing trains.

Phares, who had contacted U.P. leaders about the depots future even before passenger service ceased, joined local and state leaders in final bids to save the 1918 jewel.

The Nebraska State Historical Society planned to resubmit the depot, stressing its Canteen heritage, for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. Director Martin Kivett said the National Park Service earlier turned it down because it lacked architectural distinction, The Telegraph wrote.

Unreported at the time was Phares last-ditch journey to Omaha to give U.P. President John Kenefick a plan for the railroad to donate the depot to the city.

The Canteen space would have been re-created, with the county historical society occupying the rest of the ground level and nonprofits perhaps renting the second floor for the cost of utilities.

The city was willing to put up a fence between the depot and the tracks, which was required by the U.P., Phares said in 2017. He and Kenefick shook hands on that issue, and he said, Youll hear from our attorney, who needs to work with your attorney to put this together in formal fashion that we can approve and your (City) Council can approve.

The mayor returned to North Platte feeling very, very good  until a friend who worked for the railroad told him the U.P. had approved a demolition contract.

Im trying to get ahold of the president of the U.P. to stop the destruction, Phares recalled, and I couldnt reach him.

The Nov. 2, 1973, Telegraph showed the heartbreaking photo of the wrecking ball gouging the depots east side.

In the aftermath, Phares said, another U.P. official said Kenefick and his staff had no knowledge that the railroads buildings and grounds department was moving toward letting that demolition contract as Phares presented his pitch.

Fifteen years later, Telegraph Editor Keith Blackledge wrote that former U.P. President Edd Bailey  who worked in North Platte during World War II  had told journalist Jim Cornwell: Its a real shame we didnt realize then how well remembered the Canteen would be.

Remnants

In announcing the depots imminent death that Nov. 1, The Telegraph quoted Durrant, the regional U.P. general manager, as saying the railroad would build a mini-park on its site in honor of the Canteen and its workers.

That promise was kept. Dedicated on July 23, 1975, the park stands today, its U.S. and U.P. flags directing viewers on the nearby Jeffers Viaduct to where the depot once proudly stood.

The railroad saved a few keepsakes at local groups requests. Best-known are the trainside doors through which most of the Canteens 6 million customers passed  the doors that welcome visitors to the Lincoln County Historical Museum near William F. Buffalo Bill Codys Scouts Rest Ranch.

Museum leaders announced plans in 2019 to again reuse them as the front doors of a two-story, false-front scale replica of the 1918 depots trainside entrance, fronting an addition including a scale replica of the Canteen room.

While designs and fundraising plans continue, North Plattes depot speaks 50 years after its loss of the incredible outpourings of kindness it witnessed when the world was last at war.

***

Editors note: This story incorporates material from the authors Telegraph books Canteen: As It Happened (2019) and Canteen: The Letters (2022) and his stories in The Telegraph and its former Revisited magazine.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon be visiting the state of Karnataka to inaugurate the newly-constructed, access-controlled Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway. In view of this exercise, Mandya district has made announcements of some traffic diversions for the day of the inauguration i.e. March 12. The Deputy Commissioner said in a press statement that traffic will be channelled to different routes on March 12, considering the PMs visit. Alternate routes have been designed for all vehicles, to utilise between 6 AM to 6 PM. The vehicles going to Bengaluru from Mysuru via Mandya will have to use the Mysuru-Bannur-Kirugavalu-Halaguru-Kanakapura-Bengaluru route.

On the other hand, traffic coming from Mysuru and going toward Tumkuru will be diverted to the Mysuru-Srirangapatna-Pandavapura-Nagamangala-Bellur cross-Tumakuru route, skipping Mandya. Furthermore, those coming from Tumkuru towards Mysuru will have to avoid Mandya by using the Tumakuru-Bellur cross-Nagamangala-Pandavapura-Srirangapatna-Mysuru route.

Also read - 2023 Honda City Facelift Review: India's Fav Sedan Still Best In The Business?

Also, vehicles travelling to Mysuru and coming from Bengaluru are asked to use the Bengaluru-Channapatna-Halaguru-Malavalli-Kirugavalu-Halaguru-Bannur-Mysuru route. Those driving down from Bengaluru MM Hills will have to skip Maddur by using the Bengaluru-Halaguru-Malavalli-Kollegala-MM hills road.

Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway

A few days back, Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, shared the images of the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway,developed under the Bharatmala Project. Ministers tweet reveals that the expressway is constructed at a total expenditure of Rs 8,478 crore. Furthermore, the expressway gets a 6-lane carriageway, and there are 2-lane service roads on either side. The 10-lane access-controlled expressway is roughly 120 kilometres long, and it is claimed to bring down the travel time between two cities to just 90 minutes.

The 118 Km long #Bengaluru_Mysuru_Expressway is featuring 6 main carriageway lanes and 2 service road lanes on either side, developed at a cost of 8478 Cr as part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana.#PragatiKaHighway #GatiShakti pic.twitter.com/WqKlyzmgdP  Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) March 7, 2023

Earlier, Nitin Gadkari said, "Chennai and Bengaluru are the most important metro cities of the country. The expressway reduces the distance by 38 km and reduces the travel time from five hours to 2.15 hours. It will also reduce logistic costs by four to six per cent. We are also considering a forest underpass in the Bannerghatta forest area. If there is thick forest, then we will realign the route. He further stated that Karnataka is an important state and decongestion of traffic in Bengaluru will be considered. The introduction of a double-decker sky bus with a capacity of 200 people will also be considered.
New Delhi: Gold has always been a means of saving for Indians. More than 90 percent of the nation's gold needs are met through imports, and in 2022, it took in roughly 706 tonnes of gold from outside. In 2022, around $36.6 billion was spent on gold purchases abroad. Bhutan now permits Indian visitors to Phuentsholing or Thimphu to purchase gold tax-free.

The Bhutanese government decided to allow tax-free gold on February 21 "to honour the doubly auspicious day (His Majesty The King's Birthday and Losar, the Bhutanese New Year)" and "to stimulate tourism," according to state-run newspaper Kuensel. (Also Read: Mumbai: 16-Year-Old Instagram User Wanted 50,000 Followers, Gets Duped Of Rs 55,000)

In a bid to boost tourism Indian and other SDF fee paying tourists coming to Phuentsholing or Thimphu in Bhutan can now buy tax free gold.



The only condition being you have to stay in a tourist certified hotel and pay SDF.



The gold will be much more cheaper than in India. Tenzing Lamsang (TenzingLamsang) February 24, 2023

Nowadays, a lot of Indians travel to Dubai to purchase gold because the price is lower there due to fewer taxes. (Also Read: Honda Closes Its Plant In Pakistan- Here's Why)

Gold Rate in Bhutan

The most recent rates indicate that 10 grammes of 24 karat gold in India cost Rs 55,630. The price of gold in Bhutan right now is BTN 37,588.59 in Bhutanese Ngultrum, however. Indians can buy one BTN for about Rs 37,588.49 since one BTN is roughly equivalent to one Indian rupee.

Terms and conditions to buy tax-free gold from Bhutan

- Indians will need to pay a sustainable development fee (SDF) of Rs 1,2001,800 in order to benefit from duty-free gold.

- The Bhutanese government's tourist-certified hotels are where you must spend at least one night.

- In order to purchase the gold, visitors must also have US money.

In 2022, Bhutan's National Assembly passed a law requiring visitors to the country to pay the SDF, or special entry fee, which is characterised as a tourism tax. Indian citizens must pay between Rs 1,200 and Rs 1,800 per person per day, while foreign visitors must pay between $65 and $200.

Who is permitted to buy tax-free gold from Bhutan?

All tourists who pay the SDF will be permitted to buy gold duty-free as long as they stay at a hotel that has been approved by the Department of Tourism for at least one night, claims Kuensel. Beginning on March 1, buyers can acquire gold in Phuentsholing and Thimphu.

How much gold Indians can import from Bhutan?

An Indian man is allowed to import gold worth Rs 50,000 (about 20gm) and an Indian woman is allowed to import gold worth Rs 1 lakh (approximately 40gm) tax-free into India from overseas.
New Delhi: The government has imposed money laundering provisions on cryptocurrencies or virtual assets as it looks to tighten oversight of digital assets. In a gazette notification, the Finance Ministry said the anti-money laundering legislation has been applied to crypto trading, safekeeping, and related financial services. After this, Indian crypto exchanges will have to report suspicious activity to the Financial Intelligence Unit India (FIU-IND).

The move is in line with the global trend of requiring digital-asset platforms to follow anti-money laundering standards similar to those followed by other regulated entities like banks or stock brokers. (Also Read: Mumbai: 16-Year-Old Instagram User Wanted 50,000 Followers, Gets Duped Of Rs 55,000)

Digital currency and assets like NFTs (non-fungible tokens) have gained traction globally over the last couple of years. Trading in these assets has increased manifold with cryptocurrency exchanges being launched. However, India till last year, did not have a clear policy on either regulating or taxing such asset classes. (Also Read: Honda Closes Its Plant In Pakistan- Here's Why)

The notification said, "Exchange between virtual digital assets and fiat currencies, exchange between one or more forms of virtual digital assets, transfer of virtual digital assets, safekeeping or administration of virtual digital assets or instruments enabling control over virtual digital assets, and participation in and provision of financial services related to an issuer's offer and sale of a virtual digital asset" will be now be covered by Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002.

Virtual digital assets were defined as any code or number or token generated through cryptographic means with the promise or representation of having inherent value.

Last month, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told Parliament that India was discussing with the G-20 member countries the need to develop a standard operating protocol for regulating crypto assets.

She had said crypto assets and Web3 are relatively new and evolving sectors and require significant international collaboration for any specific legislation on these sectors to be fully effective.

Crypto assets are by definition borderless and require international collaboration to prevent regulatory arbitrage. Therefore, any legislation for regulation or for banning can be effective only with significant international collaboration on the evaluation of the risks and benefits and evolution of common taxonomy and standards.

In the Budget for 2022-23, she had brought a 30 percent tax on income from transactions in such assets. Also, to bring such assets under the tax net, she introduced a 1 percent TDS (tax deducted at source) on transactions in such asset classes above a certain threshold. Gifts in crypto and digital assets were also taxed.
Kolkata: A top West Bengal doctor has slammed the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government in the state over fast spreading cases of the Adenovirus among children and lack of beds for their treatment. Dr Manas Gumta, general secretary of the Association of Health Service Doctors, alleged that the West Bengal government "underreported" the number of deaths caused by infection of the virus. "This we had seen earlier also during the time of Covid. The government is not fully transparent in reporting the number of deaths due to Adenovirus," Dr Gumta said.

He also said that the infections due to Adeno or Covid are "internationally notifiable", which means the government or World Health Organisation is accountable to report it.

Dr Gumta also said that the preparations, done by the West Bengal government [to tackle its spread] are inadequate and that it has not learned a lesson from Covid. "The preparations by the West Bengal government are inadequate. Earlier, due to the government`s lack of preparedness in times of Covid, many people died, there was an oxygen crisis, ambulances fell short, and medicines and critical care unit (CCU) ward everything ran short," he said.

"Now, Adenovirus has come after Covid, and the government has still not apprised us regarding preparations which are leading to children getting infected and scores of deaths," he added.

The doctor raised concerns and said that the situation has now turned serious. "All the children are not getting beds in the hospital. CCU is not available to them, the overall situation has turned serious now," he said.

"The reports of deaths that we have now [Not of the government], in that over 100 children have already died this means the situation has become tensed now," the doctor added. He said that out of 6-7 pediatric deaths, 30 per cent showed Adenovirus symptoms.

However, to stop the spread of Adenovirus, Dr Gumta advised that Covid-appropriate behaviour would be helpful in stopping its spread. "The same precautions we took during Covid, like wearing face masks, washing hands with soap at regular intervals, avoiding crowded places, etc, are needed to prevent Adenovirus also," he said.
Cow Smuggling Case: Anubrata Mondal endures a protracted questioning regarding cow smuggling case. He will be presented in court on Friday afternoon, according to ED officials. Prior to that, the Birbhum Trinamool leader will reportedly undergo a series of interrogations on Thursday at the ED's Delhi offices on APJ Abdul Kalam Road.

Rakesh Kumar, the judge of Delhi's Rouse Avenue court, has given the approval for Anubrata's attorney to be present during the questioning. But he won't pay attention to what the ED's enquiring officers are saying. On the other side of the glass cage, his attorney will be the "spectator" watching Anubrata's cross-examination from a certain distance.

Anubrata was reportedly questioned on Wednesday, as per ED sources. But it was unable to be extended because an attorney wasn't present. Thursday's entire day will be staffed by Mamata Banerjee's 'Bahubali' leader's attorneys. With the judge's permission, Anubrata can also speak to him in private.

In addition, Anubrata has daily access to a 30-minute confidential meeting with his attorney, according to Judge Rakesh's order. The judge also mandated that the detained Trinamool leader endure a daily health examination. As instructed by the court, ED will transport Anubrata to Rammanohar Lohia Hospital at noon for a medical evaluation.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is in a dire need of solutions to all of these issues related to cow smuggling. As the officers questioned him, Birbhum's Trinamool president sobbed. ED sources claimed that on the first day of questioning, Anubrata, whose power was once well known to all, collapsed. The records of the statements of several businessmen close to Anubrata were presented by the investigating officers, according to sources.The fact that he initially denied everything is known.

But was unable to evade Sukanya Mondal's (Anubrata's Daughter) remarks. To emphasise the testimony of Saigal Hossain, the former bodyguard and one of the defendants in this case, Anubrata Mondal sobbed in front of the police on this particular day. Sources claim that on this day, he informed ED, "I have not done anything wrong." However, to question him, a team of six officers has been assembled. The officers reportedly inquired about his involvement in cow smuggling. They are curious as to know whether Anubrata is the mastermind of cattle smuggling or not!

Anubrata's daughter Sukanya was questioned at the ED office in Delhi long before Anubrata was brought to Delhi. And Saigal, Anubrata's former bodyguard and close friend, is presently detained in Tihar Jail. Therefore, it is safe to assume that Anubrata was ready for any statement he would be asked to give in advance. Officials are likely employing all of their signature tactics. Senior officers like Special Director Vivek R Wadekar, Special Director Rahul Naveen, Sonia Narang, Special Director Monika Sharma, Sunil Kumar Yadav, Yogesh Sharma, and Sohan Kumar Sharma are a part of the team that the ED has assembled.
Kolkata: The Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) on Thursday demanded a statement from the West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee in the state assembly on the recent deaths caused by the infection. The saffron party accused the Bengal government of not doing enough to check the spread of adenovirus. The BJP parliamentary party presented an adjournment motion seeking a discussion on the Adenovirus scare near the end of the first half of the assembly session, but speaker Biman Banerjee refused to allow it, causing the party members to mount a protest in the House. The House was then adjourned for recess by the speaker.

"We wanted a discussion in the House on Adenovirus. It was not allowed, and so we had to resort to protests. The state had been trying to hide facts and figures about the number of cases and deaths," LoP Suvendu Adhikari said while talking to reporters.

Also Read: 'Adenovirus-Linked Deaths Underreported': Top West Bengal Doctor Slams Mamata Banerjee govt, Claims Kids Not Getting Beds

The CM had on Monday said in the assembly that six children died in the state due to Adenovirus, and urged people to start using face masks again to combat the menace.

Reacting to BJP's protest in the assembly, junior state health minister Chandrima Bhattacharya said the opposition party has made it a 'habit' of skipping CM's speech and then cribbing over the same issue.

"Whenever the chief minister delivers a speech in the house, the opposition makes it a point to remain absent, and then seek a statement. Why is the opposition party of our state behaving so irresponsibly?" she added.

Adding further panic over the adenovirus spread in West Bengal, deaths of three more children, admitted to two hospitals in Kolkata with related symptoms, have been reported during the last 24 hours, news agency IANS reported on Wednesday.

Of the three fresh deaths, two have been reported from Calcutta Medical College & Hospital and one from B.C Roy Childrens` Hospital. Though the state Health Department has stopped issuing any bulletin on virus related deaths, there are claims of 48 deaths during the last 11 days.

So far there is no approved medicine or any specific line of treatment of adenovirus, which can spread through skin contact, by air through coughing and sneezing, and through an infected person`s stools.
Kochi: Heavy smog has engulfed the commercial capital of Kerala, Kochi, for the past eight days after a fire incident at the Brahmapuram waste plant. The fire that occurred at the Brahmapuram garbage dump and waste plant location on March 2 was controlled by Sunday (March 5) but the Kochi Corporation has been unable to do anything substantial to control the toxic haze and smog. The Kerala High Court has given an ultimatum to the authorities and has asked the government to submit an action plan on Friday.

Here are the ten points on Bhramapuram fire:

1. The fire, which began last week at the waste plant at Brahmapuram, had led to a dip in air quality in the commercial capital of the state.

2. Due to the huge smoke cover over several areas, the data on the Kerala Pollution Control Board website shows PM2.5 and PM10 particulate levels in the air in Kochi which is above the prescribed standards.

3. The beleaguered residents have been asked to wear N-95 masks if they venture out, and schools have asked children in the lower classes to remain home.

4. Ernakulam District Administration has declared a holiday for all educational institutions including professional colleges for the next two days as a health precaution.

5. The holidays (from March 9 to March 10) will be applicable for Kochi Municipal Corporation, three municipalities and three panchayats.

6. Apart from Kochi Corporation, a holiday has been declared in Vadavukod-Puthencruz Grama Panchayat, Kizhakkambalam Grama Panchayat, Kunnathunad Grama Panchayat, Thrikkakkara Municipality, Thrippunithura Municipality and Maradu Municipality.

7. The holiday will apply to Anganwadis, Kindergarten and Day Care Centres, government, Aided and Unaided, CBSE and ICSE schools. Public examinations including SSLC and Higher Secondary Examination remain unchanged.

8. Earlier today, Kerala High Court directed Ernakulam District Collector to submit a comprehensive affidavit on Friday over the fire incident.

9. The court was informed that the pollution was unbearable for the students, and they were sent back. The fire occurred on March 2 and it is still not been extinguished completely.

10. Indian Navy`s helicopters with fire and rescue officials are operating at Brahmapuram to douse the fire now.
Hyderabad: Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K. Kavitha has written to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) that she will appear before the agency on March 11 in the Delhi excise policy case. Kavitha has written the letter in response to the notice issued by the ED asking her to appear before it on March 9. The daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao had apparently requested for a week`s time to appear but the ED rejected her request, and subsequently, she sent another letter. A statement in this regard was issued from Kavitha`s office late Wednesday night.

"I being a responsible Indian citizen and as a woman of this nation, wish to exercise my rights provided under the law," she wrote.

"Further, I fail to understand as to why I have been summoned at such short notice. It seems that certain political motives have been masquerading in the name of investigation. I categorically say that I have nothing to do with the present investigation. As stated, being a social worker and having prior commitments, I had already planned my schedule for the upcoming week, and the abrupt rejection of my request seems to be motivated by reasons best known to you, which demonstrates that it is nothing but political victimisation," Kavitha said.

"However, without prejudice to my rights and contentions available in law as well as equity, being a true and law-abiding citizen of this country, I will appear at your good offices on 11.03.2023, as adamantly directed by you in the teeth of the laws mentioned hereinabove," she added.

Kavitha, who left for Delhi on Wednesday evening, is scheduled to lead a day-long protest in Delhi on March 10 against the delay in passing the women`s reservation bill by the Parliament.

The Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader was questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation in Hyderabad for over seven hours on December 12. The CBI contends that liquor companies were involved in the framing of the 2021 excise policy of Delhi, for which kickbacks to the tune of Rs 30 crore were paid by a liquor lobby it dubbed the "South Cartel".

The Central investigation agencies have alleged that Kavitha is part of the "South Cartel" that benefited from the kickbacks in the now-withdrawn liquor policy of Delhi, in which Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia has also been arrested.

She has been called so that she can be confronted with Hyderabad-based businessman Arun Ramachandran Pillai, an alleged frontman of the "South Cartel," who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate earlier this week, reported news agency Press Trust of India, quoting sources. Kavitha's former accountant has been arrested in the case.
Srinagar: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday raided multiple places including the houses of Hurriyat leader Qazi Yasir and Jammu and Kashmir Salvation Movement chairman Zaffar Bhat in a case linked to the allotment of MBBS seats in Pakistan. Sources told Zee News that the central probe agency along with local police today morning raided the house of Mohammad Akbar Bhat alias Zaffar Bhat, who is the chairman of J&K Salvation Movement, in the Bagh-e-Mehtab area of Srinagar and is presently in jail. They said another team of the central probe agency also raided the house of Hurriyat leader Qazi Yasir in the Qazi Mohalla area of Anantnag today morning.

A team also is carrying out raids at the house of one Syed Khalid Geelani in Baghat area of Srinagar, sources said and added the raids at those places were conducted to gather further details about the MBBS seats scam.

The officials said raids are being conducted in connection with the case of allotting MBBS seats and other professional admissions of J&K residents in different colleges in Pakistan.

The FIR against the accused was registered on July 27, 2020, for allegedly being hand-in-glove with some educational consultancies for arranging admission of J&K residents in MBBS and other professional courses in various colleges and e universities in Pakistan.

The investigating agencies found during the investigation that a huge amount of money was received from the parents of the students in lieu of such admissions and the money earned was allegedly used in supporting terrorism in J&K.

On August of 18th 2021 The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) wing of the J&K Police arrested six persons including separatist leader Zafar Akbar Bhat and a woman from north Kashmir's Baramulla in a case registered in July last year in connection with the alleged racket of selling Pakistan-based MBBS seats and of other professional courses by Hurriyat leaders and using part of the money generated for militancy.

Police then said that more than 80 cases pertaining to the seats in academic years between 2014-18, were studied in which either the students or their parents were examined. Besides, searches of about a dozen premises in the valley had been undertaken to look for evidence of the collection of money and its further usage.

"Analysis of digital records and paper receipts as well as records pertaining to bank transactions revealed that a sizeable portion of the collected money was kept aside for personal use. Evidence also came on record to show that money had been variously put into channels that ended up supporting programmes and projects pertaining to terrorism and separatism.

Police also said that the time that investigation has revealed that on average the cost of a seat ranged between 10 to 12 lakhs. "In some cases, the price was brought down on the recommendation of those leaders."

"On the basis of the available evidence, a conservative estimate indicated that the money involved could be around Rs. 4 crores per annum, on the basis of the fact that allocation of seats for distribution by individual those leaders were around 40 seats for MBBS programme every year.
NEW DELHI: In a scathing attack on Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju has said that the Wayanad MP is extremely dangerous for national unity as he continues to make provocative statements to divide the countrymen. Rijiju said this while referring to Rahul Gandhis recent statements in London criticising the Narendra Modi-led NDA government at the Centre.

Taking to Twitter, Rijiju said, The "self-declared" Congress prince has crossed all the limits. People of India know Rahul Gandhi is Pappu but foreigners don't know that he is actually Pappu. And it's not necessary to react to his Foolish Statements but the problem is that his Anti-India statements are misused by the Anti-India Forces to tarnish the image of India."

People of India know Rahul Gandhi is Pappu but foreigners don't know that he is actually Pappu.

And it's not necessary to react to his Foolish Statements but the problem is that his Anti-India statements are misused by the Anti-India Forces to tarnish the image of India.  Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) March 8, 2023

WATCH RAHUL GANDHI CRITICISING MODI GOVT IN UK

The Union Minister also shared a video of Rahul Gandhis speech at Cambridge University in which he could be seen criticising PM Modi for destroying the democratic institutions of India.

This self declared Congress Prince has crossed all the limits. This man has become extremely dangerous for India's unity. Now he's provoking people to divide India. India's most popular & loved Hon Prime Minister @Narendramodi Ji's only mantra is 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'. pic.twitter.com/8LKRybLAZW  Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) March 8, 2023

Rijiju had earlier on Tuesday slammed Rahul Gandhi for his remark that the "Opposition leaders` microphones are often switched off in Parliament" saying that it is Rahul Gandhi who speaks the most in Parliament.

"Be it Rahul Gandhi or others, they keep abusing the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi from dawn to dusk. The one who speaks the most says that they are not allowed to speak," said Rijiju to reporters.

Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh also slammed the Congress leader and termed his statement "absolutely false and baseless"."...I`d like to say it was absolutely false, and baseless. Nothing can be more false than this. I have been in Parliament for the past nine years and not once have I heard anything like that from anyone..." Harivansh said.

"As far as I know, no one has ever said like this neither inside the Parliament nor outside...nothing can be more unverified than this," he further added.

Rahul Attacks PM Modi, BJP In London

In the UK, Rahul Gandhi continued his attack against the BJP-led government at the Centre. In Cambridge, the Congress MP again alleged that the Opposition`s voice was being stifled in Parliament. Earlier, in a conversation with members of the Indian Journalists` Association in London, the Wayanad MP called the recent raids conducted at the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) offices across India a "suppression of voice", alleging that BJP under its "new Idea of India" wants India to be "silent".

"You know every place there is Opposition, there is an excuse. You asked why we did the yatra, and what was the idea behind the yatra. The idea behind the yatra was an expression of voice. And there is suppression of voice across the country. An example is the BBC, but BBC is just one element of it," he said.

The Congress leader said that BJP wants India to be "silent" under the "new Idea of India". "If the BBC stops writing against the government, everything will go back to normal, all the cases will disappear, everything (will) go back to normal. So this is the new Idea of India. BJP wants India to be silent. They want it to be quiet, the Dalits, the lower castes, the Adivasis, and the media they want to silence, and they want silence because they want to be able to take what is India`s and give it to their close friends," he said.

He further added, "So that`s basically the idea right, distract the population, and then hand over India`s wealth to two, three, four, five big people. I mean we have seen this, we have seen this before also, but that`s not something. "On being asked about the allegations of "defaming India on foreign soil," Rahul Gandhi said, "There`s nothing defaming India in my Cambridge lecture."
Bengaluru: Congress chief in Karnataka, D K Shivakumar on Thursday said the party's screening committee has discussed ticket distribution to about 170 assembly constituencies so far, and there is unanimity of opinion. Winnability, social justice and commitment to party are the major criteria being considered for ticket distribution, he noted and said efforts are on to reach out to aspirants in several constituencies to have unanimity on the candidates. The Karnataka Legislative Assembly with a total of 224 seats is likely to go for polls by May. "We have discussed 170 seats, still about 50 odd seats are left. We will discuss and send our opinion to the Central Election Committee. There is unanimity in opinion, everything is going on smoothly without any confusion," Shivakumar said.

Speaking to reporters here, he said he was also making efforts to reach out to those who had applied for tickets, to ensure that there is unanimity and there are no differences regarding the candidates.

"I am calling leaders and ticket aspirants in about 50-60 constituencies to iron out differences, if any, from tomorrow.. I'm speaking to those from Chikkamagaluru this evening, to ensure that there is unanimity. Everyone will have desire as they are confident that Congress will win the polls and it will come to power, defeating the BJP," he added.

Senior Congress leader Mohan Prakash is the chair of the screening committee, which has party leaders Neeraj Dangi, Mohammed Jawed and Saptagiri Ulaka as members.

Shivakumar, CLP Leader Siddaramaiah, AICC general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala, Leader of the Opposition in Council B K Hariprasad, KPCC Campaign Committee Chief M B Patil, manifesto committee chief G Parameshwara, and AICC secretaries in charge of Karnataka are its ex-officio members.

Responding to a question, Shivakumar said winnability is important for the party and not individuals.

"Keeping this in mind, we will select the candidates, along with that social justice and commitment to the party will also be kept in mind," he said.

As Congress aims to come to power in Karnataka with an absolute majority, the KPCC chief had on Tuesday said that the recent survey has predicted a tally of over 140 seats for the party.
Kochi (Kerala): An Air India cabin crew has been arrested at the Kochi Airport on Wednesday for smuggling gold, the Customs Preventive Commissionerate said. Shafi, a native of Wayanad, was arrested by Customs Preventive Commissionerate at Kochi with 1487 grams of gold.

The Customs Preventive Commissionerate had received confidential information that Shafi, a cabin crew member of the Bahrain-Kozhikode-Kochi service, was bringing gold.

The aim was to wrap the gold around the hands and cover the sleeve of the shirt and pass through the green channel. He is being interrogated further, the officials said.

Kochi | Air India cabin crew Shafi, a native of Wayanad, was arrested at Kochi Airport for smuggling 1,487 gms of gold. The cabin crew was of Bahrain-Kozhikode-Kochi service. Further interrogation underway: Customs Preventive Commissionerate pic.twitter.com/1nxVzF2fA7 March 8, 2023

Meanwhile, two passengers, who arrived from Singapore, were arrested at Chennai airport on Wednesday for carrying gold weighing 6.8 kg valued at Rs 3.32 crores, Chennai customs said.

According to officials, the passengers arrived in Chennai from Singapore by AI-347 and 6E-52.

Chennai Customs in a tweet said, "Based on Intel, 2 pax who arrived from Singapore by AI-347 and 6E-52 were intercepted by Customs on 07.03.23. On search of their baggage, gold totally weighing 6.8 kg valued at Rs 3.32 crore was recovered/ seized under the CA,1962. Pax were arrested and further investigation is on."
Mumbai: Maharashtra's Women and Child Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha has claimed that more than one lakh cases of 'love jihad' have been witnessed across the state and reiterated that the Eknath Shine government is committed to preventing Shraddha Walkar murder-like cases in the future. Lodha made these remarks while addressing the state assembly on Wednesday. During his speech, the minister said that it is his responsibility to stop the recurrence of cases like Shraddha Walkar murder in the state. Lodha also defended the interfaith marriage committee set up by the government to handle such issues.

The Minister also shared a video of his speech on his Twitter handle in which he also informed that Maharashtra's new women's policy would be introduced during the ongoing Budget session of the state legislature.

The state assembly held a debate on women's policy to mark International Women's Day. Lodha made the announcement in the legislative assembly while replying to a debate on the issue.

He assured that the state government will take note of all the suggestions put forth by the MLAs with regard to the welfare, security, and empowerment of women.

The government will also table its performance report on decisions related to women's empowerment regularly, he added. The new policy will be practical, he said, adding that a 'tourist policy' for women will also be announced.

A 'Janata Durbar' will be held for women at the district level every month where 50 complaints will be taken up, he said. A women's bazaar to promote products of Self-Help Groups has also been proposed every month in all districts, the minister added. As much as 50 percent of Corporate Social Responsibility funds should be allocated for women's causes, he said.

Speaking later, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that residential and commercial complexes will have special 250 sqft Hirkani wards and they will not be counted in the Floor Space Index consumed by the construction.
FORT RUCKER  Life can be hard, and when its challenges start creating problems for federal employees and their family members, they can voluntarily reach out for a free and confidential helping hand through the Employee Assistance Program.

The following is a Q&A session with person who runs the program at Fort Rucker, Myliekia Francois, EAP coordinator.

Q: What is the mission of the EAP?

A: The mission of the EAP is to provide an extensive range of free and confidential services to support employees  including managers  to work through various life challenges that may adversely affect job performance, health and personal well-being, and optimize organizational success.

Q: How do you accomplish that mission?

A: The mission is accomplished through providing free, confidential, voluntary services such as screenings and assessments to help identify challenges in the workplace or personal life. We also connect people to community resources, as needed, to help support them with specialty needs such as anxiety, depression, financial stress, grief and loss, etc.

The EAP program also can provide short-term, solution-focused counseling as appropriate to help people address and resolve minor stressors that may impact their job performance. We can also engage with management to facilitate training on various topics such as time management, workplace violence, stress management, etc.

Supervisors can also utilize the program to assist in conflict resolution through informal mediation.

Q: Who can use your services?

A: The EAP is available to all federal civilian employees, including non-appropriated fund, Defense Commissary Agency, Army and Air Force Exchange Service, and DOD Education Activity employees and their family members ages 18 and older. The program is also available to spouses and family members ages 18 and older of active-duty and retired military members.

Q: Why should people make use of the program?

A: People should engage with the EAP because it is a free service that is created solely for the purpose of assisting the individual. The program is easily accessible and is completely voluntary. This program is a hidden gem that is focused on helping people be advocates for themselves and their wellbeing as it relates to their lives.

Q: Do people take advantage of the program at Fort Rucker?

A: Currently the program is underutilized. We are shifting our focus into becoming more accessible to people through providing appointments over the phone when necessary, following the initial in-person screening. Some people who are eligible for EAP services are unable to make in-person appointments because of where they are geographically located.

We are also placing more effort into being more visible. Many people who are eligible to receive services do not know the EAP exists. This is why we are amping up our marketing tools and building stronger working relationships to ensure that people know who we are and what we offer.

Q: How do people find out more about the program?

Contact me at (334)255-7678.
New Delhi: A pigeon fitted with a camera and a microchip was caught from a fishing boat off the Paradip coast of Odisha's Jagatsinghpur district, police said on Wednesday (March 7, 2023). Some fishermen found the bird perched on their trawler while fishing in the sea a few days ago with the cops suspecting that it was being used for "spying". The bird was handed over to the Paradip Marine police on Wednesday.

"Our veterinarians will examine the bird. We will seek the help of the State Forensic Science Laboratory for examining the devices attached to its legs. It appears that the devices are a camera and a microchip," Jagatsinghpur Superintendent of Police Rahul PR told news agency PTI.

It also appears that something is written in a language unknown to the local police on the wings of the bird.

"Experts' help will be sought to find out what is written," the police said.

Odisha | A suspected spy pigeon fitted with a tiny camera & a chip caught from a fishing boat off the Paradip coast in Jagatsinghpur



The fishermen found the pigeon in their boat while fishing in the sea. They handed over the pigeon to Paradip Marine police station: Paradip ASP pic.twitter.com/4ABSbDtbsy  ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2023

The pigeon was reportedly found on the trawler when it was anchored around 35 kilometres off the coast from Konark around 10 days back.
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya participated in Holi celebrations at his residence in Lucknow on Tuesday. Many people and party workers joined Maurya in the celebration of the festival of colors.

Speaking to ANI while immersing in Holi celebrations, Maruya said, "We usually say `please don`t feel bad, it`s Holi`. So on this occasion of Holi, let no one feel bad. We have just one wish this Holi -- it is to win 80 out of 80 (Lok Sabha) seats in UP (in the next general elections) so that Narendra Modi could return as Prime Minister by a handsome margin.

"Maurya said he was optimistic that the BJP will cross the 400 mark and storm back to power at the Centre. On Congress leader Rahul Gandhi`s remark on the "end of democracy in India" in London, Maurya said while democracy hasn`t ended in India, the Congress certainly has.

"There`s nothing Rahul Gandhi can do now as Congress cannot be saved. The `Bharat Jodo Yatra` also ended in a spectacular failure. The recent poll results (in Tripura, Nagaland, and Meghalaya) are further proof of where the Congress is heading," Maurya said.

Maurya added, "Rahul, please don`t feel bad, it`s Holi and the BJP will come back to power again in 2024, winning all of the 400 seats. Narendra Modi will be the PM again."Signing off, Maurya also conveyed his best wishes to the people on Holi.
Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday lashed out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and said that he feels pity for the leadership of Congress. "Rahul Gandhi is talking abroad that nobody listens in the country. He spoke such childish things that bowed the country's head in shame. He is crying like a child there, complaining that he is not allowed to do this and that. Whatever you want to say, say it among the people of the country," Chouhan said.

"When I went abroad before 2014, I was asked that the then Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh is an underachiever. And my answer to that question was that the Prime Minister of India can never be an underachiever, he is the Prime Minister of India, not of the Congress," he said. "Now, crying like this shows the defeated, desperate and hopeless mentality of the Congress leadership. I feel pity," he said.

MP CM slams former chief minister and state Congress chief Kamal Nath

CM Chouhan also slammed former CM and Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) Chief Kamal Nath and said, "In the last election too, Nath was dependent on lies, he did not fulfill his promise and now again his campaign to make a new promise letter is going on. But what happened to the previous promisory notes?"

"I am asking again today Kamal Nath ji, you had promised that you would make a provision of an overall 40 percent budget for women in the MP budget, what did you do? I am again saying that you had stopped Rs 1000 per month which we used to give to poor sisters of Baiga, Bharia, Sahariya community. What happened to your promise?" Chouhan said.

International Women's Day

Talking about International Women's Day, Chouhan said, "We did not do any program on International Women`s Day due to Holi, but we took some decisions for the welfare of our sisters on the occasion."

"Madhya Pradesh government has decided that our sisters, who are in government service, also have to take care of the responsibility of motherhood, being women they have many other preoccupations, so we have decided that additional casual leave (CL) of seven days will be given to all women employees, which they can use according to their requirement," Chouhan said.

Besides, it has been decided that after class 10th, girls will be taught lessons for financial literacy in higher secondary and college, which will be women oriented. Arrangements will be made for skill training for girls, which will include training in handloom, embroidery, and traditional folk arts, he added.

The women of the state will be provided training in modern designs and advanced techniques to handloom and handicraft artisans through NID and NIFT institutes.

Girl students studying in ITI will be given 60 to 80 hours of training in digital and financial literacy, English, communication, and work readiness, Chouhan said, adding that special training and job fairs will be organised for the purpose of providing employment to girl students studying in technical educational institutions of the state.
Satish Kaushik's Death: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (March 9, 2023) said that he is "pained" by the "untimely" demise of actor-filmmaker Satish Kaushik. Taking to his official Twitter account, Modi said that Kaushik -- who was known for his memorable comic roles in films such as "Jaane Bhi do Yaaro" and "Mr India" -- was a "creative genius". His works will continue to entertain audiences, the prime minister said.

"Pained by the untimely demise of noted film personality Shri Satish Kaushik Ji. He was a creative genius who won hearts thanks to his wonderful acting and direction. His works will continue to entertain audiences. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti," PM Modi expressed.

Pained by the untimely demise of noted film personality Shri Satish Kaushik Ji. He was a creative genius who won hearts thanks to his wonderful acting and direction. His works will continue to entertain audiences. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 9, 2023

Satish Kaushik dies after a heart attack in Delhi

Born on April 13, 1956, in Haryana, Satish Kaushik died aged 66 after a heart attack early Thursday morning. His long-time friend Anupam Kher said that Kaushik was at a friend's home in the national capital when he complained of uneasiness.

"He felt uneasy and he told his driver to take him to the hospital and on the way he suffered a heart attack around 1 am," Kher told the news agency PTI.

In a tweet, Kher said he was shocked to hear about Kaushik's sudden death.

"I know that death is the ultimate truth but never in my dreams, I thought that I would have to write this about my best friend Satish Kaushik. A sudden full stop to 45 years of friendship. Life will never be the same without you Satish! Om Shanti," he tweeted.

         !           #SatishKaushik    ,        45        !! Life will NEVER be the same without you SATISH !  ! pic.twitter.com/WC5Yutwvqc  Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) March 8, 2023

Satish Kaushik news: The actor-filmmaker was an alumnus of NSD

Satish Kaushik was an alumnus of the National School of Drama and the Film and Television Institute of India and was a multi-faceted personality who co-wrote the dialogues for Kundan Shah's 'Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro' with Ranjit Kapoor.

He also played the role of Ashok, the assistant to Pankaj Kapur's corrupt contractor Tarneja in the 1983 cult classic.

Another memorable role of Kaushik is of the lovable 'Calendar' in Shekhar Kapoor's sci-fi drama 'Mr India', the cook at the orphanage run by Anil Kapoor's character in the film.

Kapoor and Kaushik worked together in various films such as 'Ram Lakhan', 'Jamai Raja', 'Andaz', 'Gharwali Baharwali' and Kaushik's directorial debut 'Roop Ki Raani Choron Ka Raja' among other directorial ventures.

Kaushik's comic pairing with actor Govinda had also yielded some of the biggest hits of the 90s. The two worked in films like 'Swarg', 'Saajan Chale Sasural', 'Deewana Mastana', 'Pardesi Babu', "Bade Miyan Chote Miyan', 'Aunty No 1', and 'Haseena Maan Jayegi'.
NEW DELHI: The Delhi BJP has now urged Twitter boss Elon Musk to block the Twitter handle of senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia, who is currently in Tihar Jail in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy case. Delhi BJP leader Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga has alleged that Sisodia is a ''criminal'' and someone else is using his Twitter handle on his behalf. Bagga also appealed to Elon Musk to block the AAP leader's account since he is in jail currently.

. @elonmusk this person is criminal and in Jail right now. Someone else is using this account on his behalf. Pls block the account https://t.co/cqI7ppw7ej  Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga (@TajinderBagga) March 8, 2023

Bagga's tweet came in response to a tweet from the former Delhi Deputy chief minister's Twitter handle attacking the ruling BJP for arresting him and implicating him in the liquor policy case without any concrete evidence. Interestingly, a tweet from the Twitter handle of the jailed AAP No. 2 alleged that they (BJP) are sending those behind bars who opened schools in the country.

Till today I had heard that when schools open in the country, jails are closed; But now these people have started jailing only those who opened schools in the country," a tweet from Sisodia's Twitter handle that is being managed by his team currently said.



              ;                    #ManishSisodia

 Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) March 8, 2023



It may be recalled that the senior AAP leader has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody till March 20 in connection with the alleged excise policy scam case.

BJP, AAP Spar Over Sisodia's Safety In Jail

Meanwhile, a bitter war of words has erupted between the BJP and the AAP over Sisodias safety in Tihar Jail. Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh and MLA Saurabh Bharadwaj had alleged that there was a threat to Sisodias life inside the Tihar Jail.

The AAP leaders alleged that Sisodia was being kept with other inmates in jail and was refused a "vipassana" cell. "There was a request for Manish Sisodia to be kept in the vipassana cell of the jail and the same was approved by the court. Despite the court's approval, Sisodia has been kept with criminals in jail number 1. The Centre must give an answer," AAP MLA Bharadwaj alleged.

The AAPs charge was categorically rejected by the Tihar Jail authorities, who said the former deputy chief minister has been lodged in a ward of Tihar's Central Jail No. 1 where there are a minimum number of inmates and no gangsters.

The jail administration also issued a statement in which it said, Manish Sisodia has been assigned to a segregated ward keeping his security in mind. "The ward has a minimum number of inmates who are not gangsters and are maintaining good conduct inside the jail."

According to jail officials, a separate cell makes it possible for him to meditate or do other activities without any disturbance. "All the arrangements, as per jail rules, are in place to ensure his safety and security. Any aspersions cast about his lodgings are unfounded," an official added.

The AAP has blamed the Central government and questioned why Sisodia has not been kept in the Vipassana Cell despite court orders. "It is unfortunate that Modi Govt is forcing the Jail Administration to defy various orders and standard operating procedures of jail. It is well-known fact that hardened criminals, well-known gangsters, and repeat offenders are lodged in Jail no 1.

"Why is Central Govt hellbent on giving these hardened criminals easy access to Manish Ji? Why is Central Govt risking the life of Dy CM of Delhi?" a statement from the AAP said.

Sisodia was arrested by the CBI in the excise policy scam case. The court had allowed the senior AAP leader to carry the Bhagavad Gita, spectacles and medicines to jail, and directed the Tihar authorities to consider his request to be allowed to do Vipassana meditation.
New Delhi: In a veiled attack on Congress MP Rahul Gandhi who recently delivered a lecture at Cambridge University in the UK, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday said while India is having its moments of glory G20 presidency, some parliamentarians are engaged in the thoughtless unfair denigration of our well-nurtured democratic values. Vice President Dhankhar released a book on Mundaka Upanishad written by Dr Karan Singh. Addressing the gathering at the event, Dhankhar said India is the most functional democracy that has evoked global recognition. India is setting global discourse on many issues. "How ironic how painful! While the world is applauding our historic accomplishments as a functional vibrant democracy, some amongst us including parliamentarians are engaged in the thoughtless unfair denigration of our well-nurtured democratic values. How can we justify such wanton orchestration of a factually untenable narrative," he said.

In a veiled attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks in the UK, the Vice President said, "Mark the timing of this unwholesome misadventure - While India is having its moments of glory-- as President of G20 and there are people outside of the country working in overdrive to denigrate us. Such misplaced campaign mode to taint and tarnish our parliament and constitutional entities is too serious and exceptional to be ignored or countenanced. No political strategy or partisan stance can justify compromising of our nationalism and democratic values."

It's for us to ensure that the world looks up to our Parliament as the most disciplined, articulate & strongest legislative forum of debate.Our people are concerned & anguished with shouters of slogans, practitioners of indecorous conduct. Can we approve it?: VP Jadgdeep Dhankhar pic.twitter.com/ZyGLZ6skgY  ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2023

"If I observe silence on this misadventure-orchestration by a Member of Parliament outside the country which is ill-premised, unwholesome and motivated, I would be on the wrong side of the Constitution. It will be constitutional culpability and outrage of my oath of office," Dhankhar said.

"How can I sanctify a statement that mikes in Indian Parliament mikes are put off? How can people say so? Has there been any illustration?" he stated. In reference to the Emergency, Dhankhar said the country has a dark chapter of political history. Proclamation of Emergency was the darkest period any democracy can suffer. He said Indian democratic polity is now mature and there can be no repeat of that.

Dhankhar said, "Anyone who says so, inside or outside the country, that in Indian Parliament Mikes are put off... Imagine this being done after having held the floor for nearly 50 minutes. Such kind of wanton and misadventure to run down our democratic values cannot be countenanced."

Vice President said if he observes silence, the mass majority of people who believe in the nation will be silent forever. He said the country cannot allow such type of narrative to gain momentum by those elements who wish to antidote India`s rising growth. "You run down our judiciary on foreign soil. Where on the planet is a judiciary that acts with lightning speed?" he said adding India`s judiciary is made with the most brilliant minds in the world. He said the contemporaneous scenario in the temples of democracy is worrisome.

"Disruption and not decorum is the order of the day," Dhankhar said. "Undoubtedly our people are concerned and anguished with projection as disruptors of proceedings, shouters of slogans and practitioners of indecorous conduct -throwing papers and whipping out mikes and walking into the well of the house? Our Parliamentarians need to exemplify conduct worth emulating," he added.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said it is the duty of every Indian living around the world to protect democracy" India`s democracy. The Congress MP, who was on a visit to the UK, criticised the Centre alleging that an attack has been unleashed on the basic structure of Indian democracy. The Congress MP, who is visiting the UK, criticised the Centre alleging that an attack has been unleashed on the basic structure of Indian democracy.

Rahul Gandhi in an interaction at the Chatham House in London termed the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) a "fundamentalist" and "fascist" organisation alleging that it has captured pretty much all of India`s institutions. He said, "The nature of democratic contest in India has completely changed and the reason is that one organisation called RSS - a fundamentalist, fascist organisation has basically captured pretty much all of India`s institutions.

"Rahul Gandhi further said Europe and the US are not doing enough to restore democracy in India as they are getting trade and money from the country. "Why Europe and the US - the defenders of democracies were oblivious of how a huge chunk of democracy in India has come undone?" he questioned. The Congress leader also mentioned how the various institutions in the country were under threat. "It shocked me how successful they have been at capturing the different institutions of our country. Press, Judiciary, Parliament, and Election Commission are all under threat and are controlled in one way or the other," Rahul Gandhi said.

"You can ask any Opposition leader as to how agencies are used. My phone had Pegasus on it, which was not happening when we were in power," he added. The Congress MP highlighted the condition of the Dalits and minorities in India.He said, "In India, you can see what is being done to Dalits, tribals, and minorities. It is not that Congress is saying it. There are articles in the foreign press all the time that there is a serious problem with Indian democracy."
New Delhi: Veteran actor Satish Kaushik has left for his heavenly abode. The actor who passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest on Wednesday night, was cremated at Mumbai`s Oshiwara crematorium on Thursday evening. The late actor`s mortal remains were brought to Mumbai from New Delhi after a post-mortem earlier on Thursday. The post-mortem report of the veteran actor and filmmaker confirmed that his sudden demise was caused by a heart attack.

Several noted Bollywood celebrities came at his Mumbai residence to pay their last respect to the late actor. Satish Kaushiks close friend Anupam Kher was inconsolable and broke down during his last rites. Actors Salman Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Shilpa Shetty also became emotional as they paid their last respects.

A couple of days ago, Satish Kaushik had gone to Javed Akhtars Holi party from where he had also shared pictures. After that, the Ram Lakhan actor went to New Delhi for Holi celebrations, however, he could not come back and passed away after suffering a heart attack. He was 66 years old.

Satish Kaushik was a versatile actor, writer, director and producer, who made his mark in the Indian film industry with his captivating performances and unique sense of humour. He gained recognition in the 1980s and 1990s for his work in popular films such as `Mr India`, `Saajan Chale Sasural`, and `Judaai`.

Over the years, Satish established himself as one of the most sought-after character actors in Bollywood, often playing supporting roles that were integral to the plot. He was also known for his work as a writer and director, having directed films such as `Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja`, Tere Naam and `Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain`.
Veteran actor Satish Kaushik passed away this morning at the age of 66. Actor and his close friend Anupam Kher shared the news on Twitter. The veteran actor was known for his film performances and remarkable direction.

Satish was born on 13 April 1956 in Mahendragarh, Haryana. He studied acting at Delhi's famous National School Of Drama. The industry is shocked by his sudden demise and many actors, actresses, filmmakers are mourning his death.

Actress Neha Dhupia took his picture to Twitter and wrote, "Thank you for the cinema, thank you for the laughs  rest in peace Satish Kaushik ji . My love and strength to the family  #gonetoosoon"

Thank you for the cinema , thank you for the laughs  rest in peace Satish Kaushik ji .

My love and strength to the family  #gonetoosoon pic.twitter.com/uvcYt1eL4A  Neha Dhupia (@NehaDhupia) March 9, 2023

Veteran actress Urmila Matondkar wrote, "Shocked n saddened by the news of sad demise of a talented actor, director n a wonderful human being #SatishaKaushik ji. May his soul rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family n friends Om Shanti"

Shocked n saddened by the news of sad demise of a talented actor, director n a wonderful human being #SatishaKaushik ji. May his soul rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family n friends Om Shanti pic.twitter.com/1osfA3wC9Z  Urmila Matondkar (@UrmilaMatondkar) March 9, 2023

Manoj Bajpayee, saddened by actor's demise wrote, "Completely shocked to read this ! What a great loss for all of us and his family! Condolences to his family & friends!May you rest in peace Satish Bhai !"

Completely shocked to read this ! What a great loss for all of us and his family! Condolences to his family & friends!May you rest in peace Satish Bhai ! https://t.co/IGJqVK3Hgk  manoj bajpayee (@BajpayeeManoj) March 9, 2023

Actor Vineet Kumar Singh tweeted, "Condolences to his family & friends. Rest in peace Satish ji Om Shanti"

Condolences to his family & friends.

Rest in peace Satish ji

  #SatishKaushik pic.twitter.com/ERIuqHCd8r  Vineet Kumar Singh (@vineetkumar_s) March 9, 2023

Also, filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar wrote on Twitter, "I am so shocked to hear the demise of actor-director Satish Kaushik ji, who was always vibrant, energetic and full of life, he will be missed immensely by the film fraternity & millions of admires, My deepest condolences to his family members. #OmShanti."

I am so shocked to hear the demise of actor-director Satish Kaushik ji, who was always vibrant, energetic and full of life, he will be missed immensely by the film fraternity & millions of admires, My deepest condolences to his family members. #OmShanti. @satishkaushik2 pic.twitter.com/Q9Sd0M1f28  Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) March 9, 2023

Many other celebrities have mourned the sudden death of 'Mr. India' actor.

Satish Kaushik was famous for his roles as 'Calendar' in Anil Kapoor's Mr. India, and 'Pappu Pager' in Deewana Mastana. Fans highly appreciated his comic timing. Salman Khan's blockbuster "Tere Naam", and Arjun Rampal starrer "Vaada", were among the films Satish directed.

Anupam Kher tweeted in the morning about Kaushik's sudden demise. "I know "death is the last truth of this world!" But I never thought in my dreams that I would write this thing about my best friend Satish Kaushik while I'm alive. Such a sudden full stop on the friendship of 45 years!! Life will NEVER be the same without you SATISH! Om Shanti!," veteran actor Kher said in a tweet in Hindi.

         !           #SatishKaushik    ,        45        !! Life will NEVER be the same without you SATISH !  ! pic.twitter.com/WC5Yutwvqc  Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) March 8, 2023

The actor died after suffering a heart attack in Delhi NCR. His body is currently at Fortis hospital, Gurugram and will be brought to Mumbai after the postmortem.
New Delhi: The layoffs spree has shocked Google employees. But once again, the troubling news is coming from the company side. The owner of the largest search engine has informed the workforce that there won't be as many promotions this year. According to a report by cnbc.com, barely a dozen of employees will gain promotions to more senior levels this year. The crew has been notified by Google through email.

Although we are preparing for fewer promotions into L6 and above than when Google was rapidly expanding, the process is manager-led and will be basically similar to last year, Google informed staff. People with an average of ten years of experience make up the L6. (Also Read: Honda Closes Its Plant In Pakistan- Here's Why)

The adjustments coincide with Google rolling out a new performance review system called Google Reviews and Development (GRAD), which will lead to a greater proportion of employees earning negative performance ratings and a smaller proportion receiving positive ratings. (Also Read: Mumbai: 16-Year-Old Instagram User Wanted 50,000 Followers, Gets Duped Of Rs 55,000)

Many tech corporations are attempting to cut expenses in the midst of recessionary worries. The internet behemoth recently let go of 453 people from a variety of areas, including marketing and sales in India. Meanwhile, Google's parent company Alphabet Inc. said that as part of a global staff reduction, 240 employees from its operations in Ireland would be laid off in February.

According to the Bloomberg news agency, the corporation planned to eliminate 85 sales positions, 80 engineering and technology positions, and 75 support function positions in Ireland.

The 4,3 percent reduction in jobs affects Google's 5,500-person Irish staff. Google said in January of this year that it was eliminating 12,000 employees, or around 6 percent of its global workforce. Furthermore, Google has reduced hiring this year.

To "ensure that the number of Googlers in more senior and leadership roles grows in proportion to the expansion of the firm," the internet giant said it is promoting fewer employees to senior positions, according to the cnbc.com article.

The email stated that your boss would propose you for a promotion if they thought you were qualified. Technical employees who want to "self-nominate" only have from March 6 to 8 to do so.
New Delhi: According to the outage monitoring website Downdetector.com, thousands of users were unable to access META.O Instagram on Wednesday.

According to Downdetector, which analyses outages by compiling status data from a variety of sources including user-submitted issues on its platform, more than 27,000 people were experiencing trouble accessing the social network.

A rise in reports was visible on the down detector outage graph at 7 am. Almost 50 percent of the reported outages involved server connections, but only 20 percent involved login problems. Almost 2,000 UK users were affected, while there were over 1,000 reports each from India and Australia, according to Downdetector.

With Reuters inputs

(This is a developing story. Stay connected with us for more details)
Notice is hereby given that Enterprise City Schools Special Education Department intends to destroy special education records of former students who graduated, completed their school program, transferred, or withdrew from Enterprise City Schools prior to the 2016-2017 school year.

Any former student who has reached 18 years of age may review and/or receive a copy of these records by contacting the Special Education Department by April 10, 2023.

According to federal law, parents and guardians lose their right to review or obtain these records when their child (the student) reaches 18 years of age or starts attending a postsecondary institution, whichever occurs first. However, a parent of a child with a disability who is 18 years of age or older may retain parental rights, provided that the child has been determined to be legally incompetent or legally incapacitated.

In accordance with federal and state laws, special education records are maintained for five years after the student exits the special education program, graduates, transfers, or withdraws from Enterprise City Schools. In accordance with State of Alabama Special Education guidelines, special education records that are not claimed by April 10, 2023, will be destroyed. A written request for records may be sent to the contact below.

Please include the students name, birth date, date of graduation or date last attended on the request.

Molly Brasher

Special Projects Center

6500 South Boll Weevil Circle

Enterprise, AL 36330

Telephone: (334)347-4287

Fax: (334)393-7105

Please allow at least two weeks for preparation of records and be prepared to present a government issued photo ID for release of records.
Beijing: Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang has become the talk of the town on social media for his remarks on the "Wolf Warrior diplomacy discourse trap" and that the "Chinese diplomats must dance with wolves." According to What`s on Weibo, Gang made the remarks while addressing the annual parliamentary meetings in China, known as the "Two Sessions," that are in full swing this week. They began this weekend at China`s capital`s Great Hall of the People and are scheduled to end on March 13.

A report published in What`s on Weibo read that the annual meeting of the National People`s Congress (NPC) and of the Chinese People`s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCP) is a major political event that is closely followed by domestic and international media, particularly because it lays out policy priorities for the coming year and is also the first full session since the end of the Covid pandemic and the 20th Party Congress.

Qin Gang, China`s new Foreign Minister, attended the event. Qin Gang held a press conference on March 7th to answer questions about foreign policy and Sino-American relations.

In response to a question, Qin said that when he became China`s Ambassador to the United States, Western media headlined that the "wolf warrior" had arrived. Qin served as ambassador from 2021 to 2023. "Now that I`ve returned and taken up the post of foreign minister, they no longer call me that, as if I`ve lost something," Qin continued.

He added that actually, so-called `wolf warrior diplomacy` is a discourse trap, and the people who created it either don`t understand China and Chinese diplomacy, or they disregard facts and have ulterior motives. "Confucius said over 2,000 years ago that kindness should be repaid by kindness, and that enmity should be repaid by justice. China`s diplomacy is full of kindness and benevolence, but when wolves get in our way and attack, Chinese diplomats must `dance with the wolves` to protect their country," he said.

Qin used the term "discourse trap" to describe how entrenched the term "wolf warrior diplomacy" has become in Western discourse associated with China`s foreign policy, making it difficult to think outside the box or better understand the patterns at hand.

Around 2020, "Wolf warrior diplomacy" became a Western media buzzword for China`s style of foreign diplomacy. It refers to the Chinese patriotic action blockbusters "Wolf Warrior" and its sequel "Wolf Warrior II", which became one of the highest-grossing films in mainland China and a social media sensation.

Wolf Warrior II, starring Wu Jing, tells the story of special forces soldier Leng Feng, who battles ruthless foreign mercenaries while also assisting Chinese citizens during a civil war in Africa.

`Wolf Warrior Diplomacy` is a term used in Western media to describe a new style of diplomacy that was harsher and more confrontational than the more conservative communicative approach that mainland Chinese diplomats usually took prior to 2019/2020.

Qin`s remarks come a day after President Xi Jinping slammed the US in unusually direct terms, blaming American leaders for suppressing China, which hampered China`s development, What`s on Weibo reported.
TBILISI: Georgia's ruling party said on Thursday it was dropping a bill on "foreign agents" after two nights of violent protests against it amid criticism the draft was inspired by Russian law and represented an authoritarian shift.

The Georgian Dream ruling party said in a statement it would "unconditionally withdraw the bill we supported without any reservations". It cited the need to reduce "confrontation" in society.

The bill would have required Georgian organizations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as "foreign agents" or face fines. Georgian Dream had previously said the law was necessary to unmask critics of the Georgian Orthodox Church, one of the country's most powerful institutions.

Opponents of the bill, including Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, who said she would veto it if it crossed her desk, have compared it to a 2012 Russian law, which has been used to clamp down on dissent. The Georgian government says the legislation is modelled on U.S. foreign agent laws, in place since the 1930s.

The bill had angered supporters of Georgian membership in the European Union, after EU officials condemned the draft law, and said it would complicate Georgia's path to joining the bloc. Last year, the European Union declined to grant Georgia candidate status alongside Moldova and Ukraine, citing stalled political and judicial reforms.

Parliament gave it initial approval on Tuesday but tens of thousands of protesters then gathered outside parliament, and again on Wednesday. Some protesters threw petrol bombs, stones, and plastic bottles at police. At least one window in the parliament building was broken, and a police car was overturned.

Police used tear gas, stun grenades, and water cannon to disperse the crowds after several hours of the protest. Georgia's interior ministry said 77 people were arrested during Tuesday's protest.
New Delhi: The relations between India and China will "remain strained" due to their lethal clash in Ladakh's Galwan Valley in 2020, said the "Annual Threat Assessment" report of the US Intelligence Community. The report, which was released on Wednesday (March 8, 2023), also stated that the "expanded military postures" of both the countries along the Line of Actual control (LAC) elevate the risk of an "armed confrontation" between the two nuclear powers.

"While India and China have engaged in bilateral border talks and resolved border points, relations will remain strained in the wake of the countries lethal clash in 2020, the most serious in decades," it said.

"The expanded military postures by both India and China along the disputed border elevate the risk of armed confrontation between two nuclear powers that might involve direct threats to US persons and interests, and calls for U.S. intervention," it added.

"Previous standoffs have demonstrated that persistent low-level friction on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has the potential to escalate swiftly," the report said.

It is notable that ties between India and China have nosedived since the 2020 Galwan incident. Even last year, the security forces of the two countries had clashed in Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang after the Chinese side tried to intrude.

India 'More Likely' To Give Military Response To Pakistan Under PM Narendra Modi

The US report also said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is "more likely" than in the past to respond with military force to perceived or real Pakistani provocations.

"Crises between India and Pakistan are of particular concern because of the risk of an escalatory cycle between two nuclear-armed states," it said.

"New Delhi and Islamabad probably are inclined to reinforce the current calm in their relationship following both sides renewal of a cease-fire along the Line of Control in early 2021. However, Pakistan has a long history of supporting anti-India militant groups, and under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is more likely than in the past to respond with military force to perceived or real Pakistani provocations," the report said.

"Each sides perception of heightened tensions raises the risk of conflict, with violent unrest in (Jammu and) Kashmir or a militant attack in India being potential flashpoints," it read.

It is notable India has responded to the recent Uri and Pulwama terror attacks -- perpetrated by Pakistani terrorists -- through surgical strikes.
FORT RUCKER  Fort Ruckers garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher T. Doss admits he would have had an easier time during the early stages of his Army career if hed had the benefit of knowing then what he knows now.

Thats why Doss decided to go out and pass on some of his hard-earned knowledge to future leaders of the nation.

I believe that one of the most important jobs we have as senior leaders is to mentor the next generation, he said. We can change the trajectory of someones life just by the things that we say to them. If we can help these future leaders identify and avoid some of the mistakes and pitfalls we experienced in our growth as leaders, it can only benefit them and the Army.

Doss started his outreach mission by visiting Troy University last fall, where he did physical training with Reserve Officer Training Corps students before speaking to them. Next, he visited and spoke at the University of Alabama in November where his daughter, Brooklynn Ray, a cadet at the school, was in the audience.

Additionally, he also spoke to Junior ROTC cadets in Ozark, and addressed youth leadership groups from Coffee and Geneva counties who toured Fort Rucker recently as part of the posts community relations efforts. Hes since reached out to other colleges and high schools in the area, as well.

I have a child who came up through JROTC and is now an ROTC cadet, so I thought that would be a great avenue for me to reach out and try to talk to these future leaders, he said. The interactions with these young leaders are valuable. I just hope to provide a little context based on my experience.

One thing he tries to impart on these future leaders is to be themselves.

Over my career, Ive noticed some young leaders playing a role instead of being themselves, Doss said. If theyre not a Type A personality, they try to be a Type A personality because they think that is what is expected.

I want them to understand that its OK to be who they are  they can still be an effective leader and accomplish everything that the Army wants them to do, he added. In the end, it is better to be who you are because it is more authentic, and people respond to you better when they feel youre genuine.

He also tells them that as they develop in their careers as soldiers, the things they must worry about change.

Soldiers are only responsible for the actions that they take, and theyre evaluated based on their accomplishments  not their teams accomplishments, Doss said. Young officers and young NCOs must make that transition from what I do into what we accomplish. Sometimes thats a difficult transition for them to make and I try to help them understand how to get there.

Having once been a young soldier himself  he joined the service in 2001  he understands that young people can be afraid of being judged, at times.

That can get them into a situation where they pretend they know something that they dont know, or make a decision too quickly without thinking, Doss said.

I believe there are three things as a leader that you need to be able to communicate, he added. You need to explain to them the why of the thing  essentially the commanders intent, so they understand their role in the mission. You want to make sure that they understand the how and that they are trained to accomplish those tasks. And, of course, you must tell them what to do, Doss said.

As your team progresses, you adjust your leadership style from more developing to empowering. In doing this, you are creating leaders, he added.

The goal is for young leaders to take an order and understand how that order fits into the larger plan, and when conditions change, they can, in the absence of orders, make a decision that maybe wasnt covered in the original plan. That ends up saving lives and that is what we want these young officers to be able to do in the future, Doss said.

The feedback hes received from the groups hes spoken to has been very positive, and hes careful to adjust his style and message to fit each audience, he added.

The CSM said he plans to continue his outreach to future leaders with area colleges, Girl and Boy Scouts, high schools and groups visiting Fort Rucker. He also encourages other leaders to do the same.

I think that in our communities, we have to live up to the trust that our nation places in us, Doss said. Reaching out to the community and making a difference every day with our interactions can only have positive benefits for the Armys recruiting efforts and our ability to attract talent. We need to let them know what benefits military service has for them and what it can do for them in the future.

But what advice would Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher T. Doss give Private Doss as he began his climb up the leadership ladder?

Patience, he said. Patience and to lead within your personality. Those were two of the biggest mistakes I made as a young person. I was impatient for results, and I tried to be someone that I wasnt.

People who dont lead within their personality are unable to connect with their soldiers, Doss added. They dont build a sense of commitment  they may build a sense of compliance by rank or position, but thats not an effective way to lead. Its a short-term solution. What you want to do is build commitment  they are doing the job for something bigger than themselves, and it has an impact that extends past their sphere of influence. That would be the advice I would give myself.
Coffee County Probate Judge Jodee Thompson shared things she has learned since becoming a probate judge at the Enterprise Rotary Club meeting Tuesday.

Thompson was keynote speaker at the clubs meeting, held at the Enterprise Country Club, and she shared tips about scenarios that she has experienced first-hand in the three years she has served as probate judge.

The Coffee County native was appointed as Special Probate Judge for Coffee County in November 2019. On March 1, 2020, she was officially appointed as Coffee County Probate Judge by Gov. Kay Ivey and has been serving in that positon since.

Prior to her judicial appointment, Thompson served in private practice in Coffee County and served as counsel for the Coffee County Department of Human Resources for nearly 18 years. She also practiced law in the areas of domestic relations, circuit civil, district civil, small claims, criminal, probate, real estate and social security. She also served as the city prosecutor of Enterprise.

Thompson graduated from the University of Alabama in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in commerce and business administration. She graduated from Samford University Cumberland School of Law in May 1992 with a juris doctor degree and went into law practice with her father, Warren Rowe, at Rowe and Thompson in Enterprise.

Other pre-planning tips Thompson shared included the importance of having a durable power of attorney so that the named-person can have permission to act for you in medical and financial situations, having an alternate estate executor who can serve in the event the primary executor is unable, and ensure that all involved know where your will is and how to get to it.

Thompson has served on the legislative committee of the Alabama Probate Judges Association for the past three years.

I am so thankful I am on that committee because it has provided an opportunity to really know what is going on in the state, she said about the committee and its diversified membership of small and large counties, males and females, and Democrats and Republicans who come together in Zoom meetings weekly to talk about issues in our respective counties and the state.

Thompson said that an issue that she hopes to see passed in this legislative session is a $50 pay increase for poll workers.

Other bills of interested introduced this legislative session that began March 7, she said, include a bill to require all election ballots to be in a paper format and a bill to ensure that voting machines are not allowed to be connected to the Internet.

Thompson said a bill that strengthens the requirements to become a notary, to include participating in an online class, is introduced. Right now you can fill out the form, pay the bond and you become a notary, she said. Thats ridiculous because its a pretty serious matter for you to witness a persons signature on an official document.

The next national, state, and county primary elections are set for March 5, 2024. Any runoff elections will be April 2, 2024, and the general election is Nov. 5, 2024. Thompson asked any persons interested in serving as poll workers to contact the probate offices in either the Enterprise or Elba courthouses.
A farmer examines durian at a farm in Long An Province in February 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Hoang Nam

Chinas customs authorities have approved Vietnam's 246 farming area codes and 97 packaging facility codes that fully meet the requirements for export to the Chinese market.

Deputy Director of the Vietnam Sanitary and Phytosanitary Notification Authority and Enquiry Point (SPS Vietnam) Ngo Xuan Nam said China is considering another 36 growing area codes and 18 packing facility codes for approval in the next time.

Farming area codes are meant for traceability to facilitate agricultural exports.

Qualified durians need to weigh three kilos each and meet stringent safety standards. They are required to have traceability stamps as well, which will be presented in English or Chinese and show the name of the packaging facility.

China, the world's largest durian market, began importing the fruit from Vietnam in 2022 after approving 51 farming area codes.

In 2022, Vietnam's durian export turnover was nearly $400 million, and of that, $300 million to China.

The country now has about 50,000-60,000ha of durian growing areas for official export, mainly in Tay Ninh, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Binh Phuoc, Tien Giang and Dak Lak provinces.

Durian will be the 11th Vietnamese fruit to enter the Chinese market via official channels, following a protocol signed by Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan in July 2022.
Shan Coralie Barker (L) and her husband Dixong John Garth (R) meet with medical workers who saved them from Covid-19 at the National Hospital of Tropical Diseases in Hanoi, March 8, 2023. Photo by the Ministry of Health

A married British couple has returned to Vietnam three years after they recovered from Covid-19 in Hanoi to thank the medical workers that saved them.

Dixong John Garth and his wife, Shan Coralie Barker, visited the National Hospital of Tropical Diseases in Hanoi on Wednesday.

Barker brought along a book she wrote.

Titled "A Diverse Nurse, Thanks Vietnam," the book is about Barker and her husband's trip to Vietnam three years ago, how they contracted Covid-19, and how they were saved.

Three years ago, the couple was at the Hanoi hospital under very different circumstances.

They arrived in Hanoi March 2, 2020.

The couple was touring the northern province of Quang Ninh when they were taken to a quarantine camp on March 6. They both then tested positive for Covid-19 and were transferred to the National Hospital of Tropical Diseases for treatment on March 13.

Garth was then a 74-year-old patient suffering from 10 years of blood cancer, treating him was not easy.

On March 22, he needed respiratory support and was given an oxygen mask. On March 27, he was put on a ventilator and moved to intensive care.

Ten days later, doctors at the hospital and Vietnams leading resuscitation experts got together and kept a close eye on his condition, along with other critical Covid-19 patients at the hospital.

They made many adjustments to the treatment regimen to find what suited him best.

By April 5, Garth was off the ventilator and on his way to recovery. After three days of only minor respiratory support, he was able to fully breathe on his own.

On April 13, he tested negative for the fourth time and was deemed fully recovered.

His wife, Shan Coralie Barker, who was 67 then, was discharged on April 2.

After Garths discharge on April 13, the couple flew back home that night on a flight arranged for British citizens by their government.

And they have not had the chance to return to Vietnam until now.

"This is the first time we can clearly see the faces of medical workers because back then, everybody was covered in protective suits. They always did the best they could to save us," said Garth.

Barker, a nurse herself, recalled that she was "shocked" when learning that both she and her husband had been infected. She thought they would die in Vietnam.

"Vietnamese doctors are amazing. They had saved me. If I had not been here, I might have died," she said.

"Today feels like a sweet dream."

Nurse Vu Thi Thuy Nhinh, who was Barker's main caretaker at the Hanoi hospital, got a pleasant surprise when Barker gave her a photograph of herself that Barker had taken during her treatment in the capital.

In the photo, Nhinh is wearing a protective suit and observing her isolated patient.

The nurse said it was the first time she had to take care of a Covid-19 patient.

As the disease was new and not yet fully understood, Nhinh and her colleagues were placed under intense pressure.

At the same time, Nhinh's English was not good and she struggled to make sure foreign patients understood her guidance.

"But I was not scared because I was aware that the patients were in panic as they had contracted a strange disease while they were on a vacation abroad. They had no one by their side, so I assumed they must be scared and lonely," she said.

Nurse Vu Thi Thuy Nhinh (L) and Dixong John Garth at the National Hospital of Tropical Diseases in Hanoi, March 8, 2023. Photo by the hospital

Doctor Dong Phu Khiem, who treated the two patients, said Barker and Garth's visit after three years was a "huge source of motivation for us."

He said patients admitted to the Resuscitation Department, like Garth, are all in life-threatening conditions and anyone who comes out alive feels like they have been given a second chance at life.

After their Hanoi visit, the couple will complete the journey they had only just begun three years ago, including trips to Sa Pa Town and Ha Long Bay.
Suspects who scam people online into working for fake e-commerce sites at a police station in Vietnam. Photo by police

Vietnamese police have busted a criminal gang that recruited people to work for fake e-commerce sites and then stole from them.

Criminal police under the Ministry of Public Security said Wednesday that they cooperated with Cambodian authorities and arrested 23 suspects, who are all Vietnamese. The suspects will be investigated for "fraudulent appropriation of assets."

Police said the suspects worked at a facility in Cambodia along with foreigners, whose nationalities were not revealed. All of their activities were carried out online.

An investigation showed that between March and July last year, the group recruited people to work online for e-commerce sites that illegally used the names of legitimate sites such as Shopee, Lazada, and Tiki.

In reality, the members of the ring created fake websites for the e-commerce sites to make collaborators think that they were actually working on real websites.

The job description said collaborators would be in charge of creating orders for certain shops on the fake sites.

As the ring told the collaborators, the purpose of creating orders was to trick real customers into believing that the online shops sold a lot of products, which in turn made shops appear reliable as in most cases, customers look at the number of products that have been sold to evaluate the quality of an online vendor. The collaborators believed that completely and thought they were really working for shops registered on legitimate sites.

In order to be hired collaborators had to first transfer a certain amount of money to the ring. After the collaborators transferred the money, the ring sent them a contract via Telegram, a popular app.

Then collaborators had to create accounts on those fake sites to make online orders.

The members of the ring would deduct from the sum of money that the collaborators had transferred whenever a collaborator successfully created an online order. As the ring advertised, collaborators would be paid commissions based on the number of orders they placed and the money spent to buy the products online would be refunded later.

Initially, the gang reimbursed the collaborators for some of the money they spent to buy the products along with some commissions, but after a few orders, they deleted the collaborators' accounts on the fake sites and disappeared along with all the money that the collaborators had transferred.
Hilton Hotel in Singapore. Photo courtesy of the hotel

Hotel rates in Southeast Asia's tourist cities are getting more expensive, fueled by a post Covid travel boom, especially the return of Chinese tourists after three years of Covid lockdowns.

Hotel rates are at an "all-time high" thanks to growing travel demand, Alan Watts, Hiltons Asia-Pacific president, told CNBC.

The average hotel rates across Southeast Asia have shot up more than 10% since 2022, according to data from travel booking company Traveloka.

Room rates have climbed over 45% in tourist hotspots that are witnessing a surge in Chinese arrivals post pandemic, said the company's chief strategy officer, Joydeep Chakraborty.

The most significant increases were recorded in Bangkok (over 70%) and Singapore (over 40%), as well as Bali and Phuket, Chakrabortysaod.

China reopened its borders on Jan. 8. Since then, Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Indonesia have been welcoming an influx of Chinese visitors.

Data shows a growing demand for luxury hotels among Chinese travelers. A report published by Morgan Stanley on Feb. 7 showed that Chinese interest in luxury hotel stays had jumped to 34% in 2023, compared to 18% for a year earlier.
The United States is offering a reward of up to 5 million dollars for information leading to the identification or location of Ali Mohamed Rage, a key figure of the al-Shabaab terrorist group. The reward is offered by the U.S. Department of States Rewards for Justice, or RFJ program, which is administered by the Diplomatic Security Service.

Ali Mohamed Rage, also known as Ali Dheere, is a native of Somalia, born in Mogadishu in 1966. He is an important leader of Al-Shabaab, a member of its Shura Council, and the terrorist groups head spokesman since May 2009. He has been involved in the planning of attacks in Kenya and Somalia.

Al-Shabaab is responsible for numerous terror attacks in Kenya, Somalia, and neighboring countries that have killed thousands of people, including U.S. citizens. This terrorist group continues to plot, plan, and conspire to commit terrorist acts against the United States, U.S. interests, as well as its allies and foreign partners.

In previous actions, 19 months ago Rage was designated a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the U.S. Department of State. This means that all property under U.S. jurisdiction in which he has any interest is blocked and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in any transactions with him.

Furthermore, in February 2022, the UN Security Councils Somalia Sanctions Committee added Rage to its Sanctions List pursuant to paragraph 43(a) of resolution 2093 for engaging in or providing support for acts that threaten the peace, security or stability of Somalia.

If you or anyone you know has information on Ali Mohamed Rages whereabouts, please contact Rewards for Justice via Signal, Telegram, or WhatsApp at +1-202-702-7843 worldwide, or at +254 71 87 12 366 in Kenya and +252 68 43 43 308 in Somalia. All information will be kept strictly confidential. More information about this reward offer can be found on the Rewards for Justice website, which is located at www.rewardsforjustice.net.

All credible reports will be investigated and the identity of all informants will be kept confidential.
ELKO  Multiple crashes closed the westbound lanes of Interstate 80 through the Carlin Tunnels west of Elko between 5 and 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Another crash on Lamoille Highway blocked traffic near Tonka Lane in Spring Creek, according to the Nevada Department of Transportation.

Nevada State Police reported the tunnel crashes occurred between 5:12 p.m. and 5:39 p.m.

The first involved a single Chrysler vehicle, and another crash with injury was reported 10 minutes later. A third crash involved a semi and a Dodge SUV.

NDOT urged drivers to slow down, use caution, and move over for emergency personnel.

The Lamoille Highway crash occurred at 5:30 p.m. and involved injury but no details were available on the vehicle. Traffic was moving through the Jiggs Highway intersection and the roundabout at 6 p.m.

Another crash was reported around the same time at Lamoille Highway and Errecart Boulevard. Traffic appeared to be moving freely in both directions at 6 p.m.

Adverse driving conditions are possible again Thursday night through the weekend as rain and snow showers continue across northeastern Nevada.

Elko County is under a flood watch from early Friday morning through Monday.

The National Weather Service also issued a wind advisory for all of northeastern Nevada from 10 p.m. Thursday until 1 a.m. Saturday.
ELKO  Two Owyhee High School seniors exploring the medicinal benefits of native plants and an Elko High School freshman studying the impact of writing on memory took top honors at the 41st annual Elko County STEM Fair.

More than 461 projects were entered in the event this year at the Elko Convention Center, said STEM Fair co-director Anita Collins.

It was more entries than last year, she said.

The STEM Fair, which also includes STEM Expo booths from community businesses and organizations, was open to the public and schoolchildren on Wednesday.

Collins said the STEM Fair had 31 sponsors.

Owyhee seniors Tzaivi Melendez and Mattison Jones placed first and second, with EHS freshman Sophia Gaytan third.

Melendez took grand first prize and $300 for a continuation of her project on the medicinal properties of elderberries and doza, commonly known as fernleaf biscuit root. Last year she took second place and promised to delve further into the impact of two plants on lung cancer cells.

Melendez said she became interested in studying the plant during Covid-19. These two plant medicines were widely used within our community for people who had Covid to help them get through their illness, she said.

Last year she found that elderberry was more effective, but wanted to test her hypothesis further. Melendez traveled to Boise State University with her science teacher and tested her plants on lung cancer cells.

The main difference between this years and last years project is the type of lung cancer cell, where they derive from, and the strength, she explained. Last years the cells were in a precancerous stage, but the new cells were from an elderly man who died from lung cancer.

She also changed the traditional preparation of the plants, switching from a tea made from the root to an ethanol extract, and tested the cells under an ethanol control.

Melendez reported she had really good results in producing anticancer activity of lung cancer cells, and saw the elderberry become less effective that the doza, which was a switch from last years findings.

The study has become Melendezs passion project over the last couple of years and opened a lot of doors for me.

She won a $10,000 four-year scholarship to the University of Arizona to study traditional plant medicines and participated in a round-table discussion with Nevada Humanities.

Still unsure whether she will attend UA, Melendez said she knows the science field is definitely in the books for me and this is definitely something I want to look further into in the future.

The results were different than what she anticipated two years ago when she began her study.

The purpose of my project wasnt to find a cure for cancer, Melendez said. It kills it. It definitely kills cancer and can become a pharmaceutical to cure cancer, but the purpose was to prove traditional knowledge through science.

To connect the knowledge that we have as a people of these medicines that weve been using for a millennia and that we still use to today to prove that they work and are powerful in their own ways, she said.

Senior Mattison Jones was the second grand-prize winner, receiving a $250 cash prize. She recalled the day two years ago that her horse was caught on a barbed-wire fence and cut himself pretty deeply.

One veterinarian recommended putting the animal down due to the severity of the cut. But Jones said some cowboys from back home said sagebrush would heal her horses wound.

The situation came back to Jones when she was asked to do a STEM project, which is the first one she has ever done.

Like Melendez, Jones traveled to BSU to test the sagebrush on bacteria and lung cancer cells.

I used sagebrush and used an ethanol extract and tea, she said. I did it on E. coli and A49 lung cancer cells.

Her findings didnt do anything for the E. coli, but did inhibit some growth on the lung cancer cells, which is really cool. It works. Just say its an old Indian trick from back home, Jones said.

Jones added she would be interested in veterinary medicine. Its really cool to see because you have all kinds of horse medicine like ivermectin and different types, to see how a plant from back home can heal something, that would be really cool.

Especially since were from a big agricultural community, we can use it on our horses and cows, on any kind of animals, Jones added.

She began the project after Christmas break, traveling to Boise one day to work in the BSU lab. For tests that took longer than a day, Thankfully we had a professor and a PhD student that helped us, Jones added.

Overall, the project was fun, she said.

EHS Freshman Sophia Gaytan took the third grand prize with $200 cash. Her project was designed to determine whether writing improves memory. She researched short-term and long-term memory, choosing to focus on short-term recall.

She asked 10 students to look at a chart of 15 images and to write what they saw under one minute and try to memorize it. A second test for the same students involved asking them to memorize and repeat a different group of images.

Gaytan developed her hypothesis to prove that writing improved short-term memory; however, her results found that memorization edged out writing as the most effective.

These results were very, very close to figure out whether writing improved it, she said. However writing did have a disadvantage in ways where time was an issue, pressure was an issue, etc.

Gaytan said her idea for the project started in the seventh grade when her class learned about different lobes of the brain and did a similar project on migraines.

Ever since I learned more about the brain, and how everything works, it was inspiring to me, she said. When I learned I had to do a STEM Fair project I wanted to do something that related to the brain.

She said future projects would include more studies on the brain and long-term memory. She believes people could benefit from studies such as hers.

There is very little information about the brain, since everyones brains change over time or conditions, and things like that, Gaytan said. Learning about it more and more based on STEM projects could really improve our knowledge, and figure out maybe I can do this test and change it into something better.

Gaytan said she recommends students enter the STEM Fair at least once.

You might have a chance on winning as well.

STEM Fair poster contest winners

Winners of the STEM Fair poster contest were also announced on Wednesday.

Young artists throughout the Elko County School District submitted drawings and paintings of people relating to science, technology, engineering and math.

Kate Wallace, a seventh-grader from Adobe Middle School, said she worked on her poster in her art class, taking about a month to complete it with colored pencil and marker media.

Using the slogan theres science in the big and the little, she designed her poster to reflect that idea.

Theres always science way out in the universe and down to the smallest of cells and atoms, Wallace said, adding it was her first time entering the contest.

Northside Elementary third-grader Diane Rubio used acrylics and watercolor for her poster that featured a volcano. She likes art and it was the first time she entered the contest.

The most fun part of making it was the volcano because I got to mix lots of colors, Rubio said.

Mountain View Elementary fourth-grader Elizabeth Kellum, who loves art and drawing, designed her poster with crayons and Sharpie markers. It features a rocket ship and Albert Einstein.

I did a report in school on Albert Einstein and I learned a lot about him, Kellum said. I wanted to [put] him in my poster.

Emily Mata Bustamante, a freshman at Elko High School, won for her work.

There were no digital entries submitted for the high school category, said STEM Fair co-director Anita Collins.

All winners received a $25 gift certificate and will have their work framed by Picture This.
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and a small group of other animal extremist organizations are pushing AB 102 in the Nevada legislature to ban coyote contests and levy huge fines against those who organize them. This is nothing new in Nevada, with HSUS coming back year after year seeking the ban as a way to create a toe-hold in the state to expand their reach and influence to implement bigger bans in the future.

Coyotes are North Americas most abundant predator species, with healthy populations in every corner of the country. Being highly adaptable, coyotes have come to occupy just about every type of landscape, in both urban and rural settings.

In fact, coyotes are so adaptable that in many areas, controlling their numbers has been a major problem for fish and wildlife managers. Coyote contests are one important mechanism to control the population to reduce the negative consequences of extremely high populations, including the spread of disease, predation of pets, and attacks on humans.

Assembly Bill 102 would eliminate this important tool. HSUS wont tell you why they are really behind legislation like this, but you only have to look at their materials to know that ending hunting in America is chief among their long-term goals, and bills like this are an important piece of the puzzle for them.

AB 102 is scheduled to be heard on Wednesday, March 15, at 4 p.m. in room 3143, in the Assembly Natural Resources Committee. Please take action to email the committee urging them to OPPOSE AB 102.

Dont forget to share this message with your family, friends, and fellow sportsmen asking them to email the committee urging them to OPPOSE AB 102.

Sportsmen throughout Nevada need to stand up and be counted on this one. We cannot let the animal extremists win and drive a wedge between the hunting community and fish and wildlife managers. Make your voice heard loud and clear.
El Batoul Nejjaoui, a translator from Morocco, lives in Northwest China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region. She said China's economy has been recovering well from the pandemic and there are many positive signs for its continued growth.

Click here to watch the video.
Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan (6th from right) is with female ambassadors and chief representatives of international organisations in Vietnamm. (Photo: VNA)

Speaking at the meeting, Xuan extended the best wishes to the guests and thanked them for their contributions to peace and development in the world in general and in Vietnam in particular.

The Vice President said that she hoped through culture, the female ambassadors and chief representatives of international organisations in Vietnam will continue to connect and promote friendship and cooperation with Vietnam for peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

She emphasised the key areas, including preserving and creating an environment of peace and stability, cooperation for development, compliance with international law in solving current problems; promoting post-pandemic economic development, taking advantage of the fourth Industrial Revolution, digital transformation to promote practical cooperation between Vietnam and other nations and peoples; cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges that are soft power to connect nations and peoples sustainably; cooperation in education, training, science, and technology to seize new development trends.

Samina Naz, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Vietnam, affirmed that empowering women and girls is the common responsibility of each person.

The whole society will benefit when women are empowered as they can make meaningful contributions to their families, communities, and countries.

Appreciating Vietnam's achievements in implementing gender equality in all fields, she affirmed that Vietnam is one of the top 10 countries in the world in terms of gender equality and empowerment for women and girls.

The International Women's Day is an opportunity to look back on the implementation of national and international commitments on empowerment for women and girls as well as heading to the way ahead, she said./.
Delegates at the event (Photo: VNA)

The event was organized by the Club of Experts and Analysts under the Foreign Affairs Committee of St. Petersburg City.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Andrey Vassoevich, Director of the Herzen University Institute of Oriental Studies, said that archives show that the Soviet Union leader spoke highly of President Ho Chi Minh.

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Hung, Director of the Russian-Vietnamese Cooperation Development Fund "Tradition and Friendship", said that young generations should keep in mind the pages of the history of the friendship between the two countries.

The relationship between the two late leaders was not only important to the development of bilateral ties in the past, but also laid a foundation for the traditional friendship and strategic partnership between the two peoples at present.

In 1950 and 1952, President Ho Chi Minh visited Moscow and met Iosif Stalin. The archives show that these meetings became a guarantee of friendship and mutual respect, allowing the two countries to successfully develop today's comprehensive strategic partnership./.
Tourists visit the Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan, South Korea, March 7, 2023. Located on the foothills of a coastal mountain in Busan, Gamcheon Culture Village is famous for houses built in staircase-fashion and alleys decorated with wall paintings and sculptures. (Xinhua/Wang Yiliang)

A tourist takes photos at Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan, South Korea, March 7, 2023. Located on the foothills of a coastal mountain in Busan, Gamcheon Culture Village is famous for houses built in staircase-fashion and alleys decorated with wall paintings and sculptures. (Xinhua/Wang Yiliang)

A tourist poses for a photo with a Little Prince sculpture at Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan, South Korea, March 7, 2023. Located on the foothills of a coastal mountain in Busan, Gamcheon Culture Village is famous for houses built in staircase-fashion and alleys decorated with wall paintings and sculptures. (Xinhua/Wang Yiliang)

Tourists try traditional clothing at a hanbok rental store at Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan, South Korea, March 7, 2023. Located on the foothills of a coastal mountain in Busan, Gamcheon Culture Village is famous for houses built in staircase-fashion and alleys decorated with wall paintings and sculptures. (Xinhua/Wang Yiliang)

A kid poses for a photo with a wall painting at Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan, South Korea, March 7, 2023. Located on the foothills of a coastal mountain in Busan, Gamcheon Culture Village is famous for houses built in staircase-fashion and alleys decorated with wall paintings and sculptures. (Xinhua/Wang Yiliang)

A bakery and its decorations are pictured at Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan, South Korea, March 7, 2023. Located on the foothills of a coastal mountain in Busan, Gamcheon Culture Village is famous for houses built in staircase-fashion and alleys decorated with wall paintings and sculptures. (Xinhua/Wang Yiliang)

Tourists visit the Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan, South Korea, March 7, 2023. Located on the foothills of a coastal mountain in Busan, Gamcheon Culture Village is famous for houses built in staircase-fashion and alleys decorated with wall paintings and sculptures. (Xinhua/Wang Yiliang)

A tourist poses for a photo with decorations on a wall at Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan, South Korea, March 7, 2023. Located on the foothills of a coastal mountain in Busan, Gamcheon Culture Village is famous for houses built in staircase-fashion and alleys decorated with wall paintings and sculptures. (Xinhua/Wang Yiliang)

Editor: WXY
Revellers play with colored powder during a celebration of the Holi festival in New Delhi, India, March 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Javed Dar)

by Peerzada Arshad Hamid

NEW DELHI, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Millions of Indians, mostly Hindus, celebrated the Holi festival on Wedensday across the South Asian country with religious fervor and gaiety.

The ancient Indian festival marks the end of winter and the onset of the spring season. Holi, or the festival of colors, signifies the victory of good over evil.

Participants gathered outside their houses in jubilation, holding colored powder in plates and smearing them on each other to express love and affection.

"The festival holds great cultural significance for us, representing a fresh beginning and offering us the chance to reconcile relationships and begin anew," Atul Kulkarni, a Holi reveller said. "Apart from throwing colors, we offer prayers and burn a bonfire in the evening to symbolically destroy the bad so that the good can triumph."

As India's merriest festival, Holi is celebrated by throwing bright colored water or powder at each other.

People, including young and old, women and children, were seen splashing and smearing colored powder on each other, besides exchanging pleasantries.

Color-splattered teenagers and young adults happily strolled along roads and streets, tossing pigments and pelting one another with balloons filled with hues.

Reports pouring in from major cities and towns of India said huge congregations were held to mark the festival, where people hued in colors danced and sang to the tunes of Bollywood numbers and the beats of drums.

Many people were taking selfies with their mobile phones to save the colorful moments during the celebrations.

The major events took place in Mathura in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, the birthplace of the Hindu god Krishna.

Celebrations started 40 days ahead of the main Holi festival in the city.

Holi is most popular with young and grown-up children, who begin the colorful celebrations days ahead of the main fete. On the eve of Holi, elderly people also join in.

During Holi, revellers consider everyone to be a suitable target for play. "We apply color to whosoever comes across as the rule is 'Don't feel bad it's Holi'," said Sumit, another Holi reveller.

The social networking websites on the internet were abuzz with Holi greetings and colorful pictures.

People also wished each other by sending Holi messages and animated graphics interchange format on their mobile phones.

Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also greeted people on Holi and extended their wishes to them.

Every Holi festivity in India is associated with the special food that is prepared to celebrate the event. People prepare special meals, sweets and other dishes for the festival. Even some people take the traditional Holi drink, a beverage made by mixing fresh cannabis leaves with sweetened almond milk.

Meanwhile, Indian Railways is running 491 trips of 196 special trains for the convenience of rail travellers and to clear extra rush of passengers on Holi.

According to railway officials, crowd control measures have been put in place at the railway stations and additional Railway Protection Force personnel have been deployed at major stations to ensure the security of passengers and ensure the smooth running of trains.

Women smeared with colored powder take selfies during a celebration of the Holi festival in New Delhi, India, March 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Javed Dar)

A man is smeared with colored powder during a celebration of the Holi festival in New Delhi, India, March 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Javed Dar)

Editor: WXY
Passengers of the Lane Xang EMU train arrive at Vientiane, Laos, July 31, 2022. (Photo by Yang Yongquan/Xinhua)

The number of passengers travelling on the China-Laos Railway is continuing to grow, posting an increase of 256.2 percent year on year in the first two months of 2023.

VIENTIANE, March 8 (Xinhua) -- The China-Laos Railway's Lao section made a new record of 10,197 passengers last Saturday, according to a report issued on Monday by the Laos-China Railway Co., Ltd. (LCRC).

The number of passengers travelling on the China-Laos Railway is continuing to grow. From January to February 2023, the railway carried a total of 417,400 passengers, an increase of 256.2 percent compared to the same period in 2022.

Aerial photo taken on Aug. 9, 2022 shows cross-border goods being transported at Vientiane South Station of China-Laos Railway in Laos.(Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

The railway also transported 647,700 tons of goods in the two months, an increase of 320 percent compared to the same period last year, according to the report.

In a bid to ensure the smooth operation of rail services, the LCRC is monitoring passenger volume and planning train journeys accordingly, as well as improving travel arrangements and allowing tickets to be purchased further in advance of travel.

Meanwhile, the LCRC has announced that its long-awaited ticket reservation mobile application will go live on March 15. The mobile application will make booking train tickets much more convenient for passengers.

Editor: WJH
Aliyev hopes 'green' electricity exports from Azerbaijan to Europe to start soon

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev expects that "green" electricity exports from Azerbaijan to Europe will start soon.

"Azerbaijan is becoming a more important partner for the European Union in terms of energy supplies," Aliyev said after talks with Latvian President Egils Levits in Baku on Wednesday.

"The European Commission has always viewed us as a reliable partner," he said.

"Today, we export oil, natural gas, electricity, petrochemical industry products, and petroleum products [to Europe]. I hope that we will soon begin exporting 'green' energy too," Aliyev said.

As reported earlier, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania and Hungary signed a strategic partnership agreement in Bucharest on December 17, 2022 to lay a 1,195 km Black Sea Energy underwater cable with capacity of 1,000 MW. The cable will supply "green" electricity produced in Azerbaijan to Romania via Georgia and the Black Sea for subsequent delivery to Hungary and the rest of Europe.

An ongoing feasibility study for the project is expected to be completed in September 2023. Laying the cable itself will take 3-4 years.

The European Commission plans to provide EUR 2.3 billion to lay the cable, which will be the world's longest one.
The death toll from a missile fall in Lviv region has risen to five people, the press service of Lviv Regional Military Administration said.

"The number of people killed as a result of the fall of a Russian missile in Lviv region has increased to five people. The body of a 60-year-old man was found under the rubble," the administration said

As previously reported, tonight, as a result of the fall of a Russian missile, four residents of Zolochiv district of Lviv region were killed  two men and two women.

As a result of the fall of the missile, a fire started, which destroyed three residential buildings, three cars, a garage and several outbuildings.
The Ukrainian Defense Forces shot down 34 out of 48 Russian cruise missiles launched by the invaders on the territory of Ukraine on Thursday night, and also destroyed four kamikaze drones, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valeriy Zaluzhny has said.

"The forces and means of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in cooperation with units of other components of the defense forces of Ukraine, out of 48 Kh-101/Kh-555 and Kalibr cruise missiles, destroyed 34 cruise missiles, as well as four Shahed-136/131 UAVs," Zaluzhny said in a Telegram on Thursday morning.

According to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, due to the organized opposition of the Ukrainian army, eight Kh-31P and Kh-59 guided air missiles did not reach their goals.

In general, he said the occupiers launched 81 missiles on the territory of Ukraine at night, including cruise, guided and anti-aircraft missiles.

"This night, the enemy launched a massive missile attack on Ukraine's critical infrastructure. He carried out 81 launches of various missiles: 28 launches of Kh-101/Kh-555 air-launched cruise missiles; 20 launches of Kalibr sea-launched cruise missiles; six launches of air-launched cruise missiles basing X-22; six launches of Kh-47 Kinzhal air-launched cruise missiles; eight launches of guided aircraft missiles: two of Kh-31P; six of X-59; 13 launches of S-300 anti-aircraft guided missiles," he said.

It notes that the invaders also launched eight attack UAVs Shahed-136/131 across the territory of Ukraine.
For first time, enemy attacks with missiles of various types, fires six of Kinzhal-type  Ihnat

For the first time, the enemy attacked Ukraine with various types of missiles, fired as many as six Kinzhal air-launched cruise missiles, Spokesman for the command of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Yuriy Ihnat has said.

"The attack is really large-scale, and for the first time since such types, missiles of different types. We see Kinzhal-type ones this time as many as six. I don't remember that there was such a number," he said on the air of the Channel 24.

According to Ihnat, some 34 Kalibr and Kh-101/Kh-555 missiles were shot down by Ukrainian air defense.

According to the spokesman, various aircraft were used, namely strategic, long-range aviation (MiG-31, and others).

There were 81 missile launches in total, including 28 Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missile launches, some 20 Kalibr sea-launched cruise missile launches; six launches of X-22 air-launched cruise missiles; six launches of Kh-47 Kinzhal air-launched cruise missiles; eight launches of guided aircraft missiles: two of Kh-31P; six of X-59; some 13 launches of S-300 anti-aircraft guided missiles.
Zelenskyy: There is no such Ukrainian who wouldn't wish success of our friendly Georgia in its accession to EU

There is no Ukrainian who would not wish the friendly state of Georgia success in its accession to the European Union, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

"There is no Ukrainian who would not want the success of our friendly Georgia. Democratic success. European success. We want to be in the European Union  and we will. We want Georgia to be in the European Union, and I am sure it will. We want Moldova to be in the European Union, and I am sure it will. All the free peoples of Europe deserve it," Zelenskyy said in a video address.

The head of state also expressed gratitude to all the protesters present in the squares and streets of Georgia, who held Ukrainian flags.

"I would like to thank everyone who these days held Ukrainian flags in the squares and streets of Georgia. I would like to thank for our national anthem, which was played in Tbilisi. This is respect for Ukraine, and I want to express sincere respect for Georgia," he said.

As reported, rallies are being held in Georgia these days demanding the Georgian parliament not to adopt a law on foreign agents.
On the night of March 9, Russian occupying troops launched 11 missile strikes on Kharkiv, Mayor Ihor Terekhov has said.

"Some 11 missile attacks were carried out in the city of Kharkiv. Critical infrastructure (thermal power plants, transformer substations) was hit and damaged. Now there is no voltage in the city. Therefore, we switched to generators at critical infrastructure facilities, health facilities and work on generators," Terekhov said on the air of the national telethon.

According to him, gas stations, pharmacies and shops also switched to work on generators.

Terekhov said now utility services are working to restore energy, heat and water supply in the city. According to him, water carriers deliver water to all districts of Kharkiv. Municipal buses were sent to replace the non-working city electric transport.

Terekhov did not name the dates when energy supply could be resumed, but expressed the hope that this could be done "in a more or less short timeframe."
As a result of shelling in Kherson on Thursday morning, three people were killed, Head of the President's Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak has said.

"Russian terrorists shelled Kherson in the morning. They also hit a public transport stop. As a result of the shelling, three people were killed," he said on his Telegram channel.
The power system of Ukraine did not experience a collapse after the 15th heavy missile attack by Russian invaders on it on Thursday night. However, due to equipment damage, there were problems with the supply of electricity to a number of regions, Board Chairman of NPC Ukrenergo Volodymyr Kudrytsky has said.

"The power system is operating. It has not been shut down. No collapse was recorded, but there are damages in many regions  both TPPs and Ukrenergo substations through which electricity is transmitted, and this leads to restrictions on energy supply in a number of the regions," the chairman said, describing the situation during the national telethon.

According to him, the final assessment of the damage is now underway, and the power engineers are already working to eliminate the consequences of the attack.

"It was a large-scale attack both in terms of quantity and range of weapons. We are working on resuming power supply. Somewhere it will be faster, somewhere it will take more time. We will provide more accurate information about the restoration within or by the end of the day," Kudrytsky said.

Answering the host's question about the possibility of importing electricity from Europe, the head of Ukrenergo said that there are no problems covering consumption in Ukraine, but there is a problem in the backbone network, which transmits electricity.

At the same time, according to him, Ukraine always has the opportunity to use large European reserves if necessary.

As reported, power supply restrictions due to the 15th heavy Russian missile attack and damage to energy infrastructure facilities are applied in Zhytomyr, Kharkiv and Odesa regions.
Poland has handed over another 10 of the 14 promised Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defense of Poland Mariusz Baszczak has said.

"We support Ukraine within the international coalition. In addition to the 14 Polish Leopard tanks, this battalion also includes four tanks from Canada, eight tanks from Norway, and six from Spain," the minister said at a briefing on Thursday, the European Pravda publication has reported.

According to Baszczak, he is negotiating with his Spanish counterpart Margarita Robles Fernandez to provide Ukraine with "maybe four more" tanks.

He also said that training of Ukrainian troops on Leopard 2 tanks was completed in Poland.
High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell states the recent shelling of Ukraine once again demonstrates Russia's intention to completely destroy the country's civilian infrastructure.

Borrell said this before the start of an informal meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Stockholm on Thursday.

"Today, the [latest] bad news is that there has been a Russian attack against the Zaporizhzhia nuclear [power] plant. It has been disconnected, once again, from the electricity grid of Ukraine. As far as we know, 40% of the Kyiv population is without electricity, with a lot of black holes in the electricity system around the whole country. It shows that, once again, Russia is trying to destroy completely the civilian infrastructure of Ukraine. And that is why we have to [continue] providing for, as we discussed yesterday, the way for Ukraine to defend itself," Borrell said.

In addition, the High Representative said that on the agenda of today's meeting is the issue of finance the reconstruction, and how we can use the frozen assets  the Russian frozen assets - in line with international law and European law, to finance the reconstruction. "Both things go together. Yesterdays discussion and today's discussion aim at the same purpose: to support Ukraine, to defend and to rebuild. To support [Ukraine] militarily and to support civilians. The Ministers will discuss all the ways and means that we can mobilise in order to support the reconstruction of Ukraine," he said.
We must protect energy infrastructure from shelling, quickly restore power supply in affected areas  meeting with Zelenskyy

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting on Thursday with representatives of key government agencies on the consequences of another massive Russian missile attack on the territory of Ukraine.

"Held a meeting on the shelling of our infrastructure by the enemy. The National Security and Defense Council, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the State Security Service of Ukraine, Ukroboronprom, the General Staff, the Main Intelligence Agency, the Foreign Intelligence Service and relevant government representatives were present," Zelenskyy said in Telegram channel.

The head of state thanked the air defense forces for their work and protection of people, and also noted the need to quickly restore power supply in the affected areas.

"Today's shelling attacked Dnipropetrovsk, Zhytomyr, Kirovograd, Kharkiv, Sumy, Vinnytsia, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Odesa, Zaporizhia regions and the city of Kyiv. We must ensure the protection of the energy infrastructure from enemy shelling and ensure the rapid restoration of power supply in the affected areas," he said.

"Despite thousands of Russian attacks, we will all together ensure the invincibility of Ukraine," the president said.
As a result of a morning missile attack in Kyiv, an energy facility was damaged, mayor Vitali Klitschko has said.

"As a result of a morning missile attack in the capital, an energy infrastructure facility was damaged. There are interruptions in heat supply, some of the people of Kyiv are left without heating. All services are working to eliminate the consequences of a Russian missile hit," he said on the Telegram channel on Thursday.

"We are doing everything to return heat and water to the residents of the capital, where there are problems with its supply, as soon as possible," Klitschko said.

Earlier it was reported that after the missile attack, 40% of consumers in Kyiv were left without heating.
As a result of missile fire, electricity generation and distribution facilities in eight regions were damaged, but the energy system remains intact, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal has said.

"Today, Russian terrorists launched another massive missile attack against Ukraine. The main blow was directed against the energy system of Ukraine. They tried to destroy her again. And again they failed. The power system remains intact. Temporary power outages are possible in some areas, as generation and distribution facilities in eight regions are damaged. The energy headquarters is working. Repair teams are working. Special attention to the return of electricity to Kharkiv," Shmyhal said on the Telegram channel.

According to him, missile strikes were also carried out against civilian infrastructure, as a result of which there are injured and dead among the civilian population.

"For these next crimes, the Russians must be punished. We will not forget. We will not forgive. Thanks to the air defense forces and power engineers for their work. We will stand. We will win. We will restore," he said.
Power consumption by ZNPP for own needs from integrated power system restored - Ukrenergo

Ukrenergo announced the restoration of power supply from the network of the occupied Zaporizhia NPP, which, as a result of shelling by Russian invaders on Thursday, lost contact with the last power line and switched to supplying its own needs for the sixth time by connecting generators.

"Power supply for ZNPP's own needs has been restored. The station is switching from generators to power supply from the network," the company's press service told reporters on Thursday.

The company did not provide details for security reasons.

As reported, with reference to Energoatom, the last line of power supply to the occupied Zaporizhia NPP was disconnected as a result of Russian rocket attacks at 03:53 on March 9.

"On the morning of March 9, the station was de-energized and went into blackout mode for the sixth time during the occupation, the 5th and 6th power units are transferred to a cold state, 18 diesel generators are turned on to meet ZNPP's own needs. Fuel for their operation remains for 10 days," Energoatom described the situation.

For its part, Ukrenergo announced that it would start restoring power supply to ZNPP from the network as soon as it receive permission from the military and appropriate opportunities for this.

None of the six ZNPP units has been operating for several months.
The Municipal Enterprise Kyiv Metropoliten received from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) humanitarian assistance that will make the stay of residents of the capital in the subway during the air raid alerts more comfortable, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has said.

"Kyiv Metropoliten is one of the capital's critical infrastructure facilities that gives shelter to tens of thousands of people during Russia's attacks. Today, 46 subway stations work as bomb shelters around-the clock. The stations are provided with drinking water, sanitary units, ventilation systems, and access to the Internet," the mayor's press service quoted Klitschko as saying.

He also said that the municipal authorities "never stop improving the conditions for Kyiv residents' stay at the subway stations during air raid alerts."

"Today, the Municipal Enterprise Kyiv Metropoliten received humanitarian assistance from the International Organization for Migration. These are 10,500 folding chairs, 1,500 blankets, and 1,500 mattresses," Klitschko said.

This assistance will be distributed among the subway stations that are used as bomb shelters. People will have to address the personnel on duty to receive folding chairs. The blankets and mattresses will be used in case of a long air raid alert (lasting for more than twelve hours).

Klitschko thanked the IOM and all foreign partners who help Kyiv and Ukraine to withstand the war unleashed by Russia.

"Today, the mayor of Kyiv also took a ride on a new art train that has been launched in the subway. The train cars are ornated with patriotic pictures, words and phrases that have become symbolic during the full-time war. The art train will run on the red line of the subway," the press service said.

The art project was implemented by the company Paint Hunters which is professionally engaged in the creation of murals. Funds from the city and subway budgets were not spent on the project. The artists decorated the art train as a gift to the city and its residents.
The Russian occupation forces probably shelled Korabelna Square in Kherson on Thursday morning using a tank on the left bank of the Dnipro River, as a result of which three civilians were killed, Spokesperson for Kherson Regional Military Administration Oleksandr Tolokonnikov has said.

He also told Interfax-Ukraine that later the tank was destroyed by the Ukrainian defense forces.

"At around 10:00, Korabelna Square was shelled. Most likely, a tank mounted the shelling attack from the left bank. We have received information from the Pivden (South) Operation Command that the tank followed the Russian warship and was destroyed. However, it took the lives of three people: those were a man and a woman at the bus stop and a woman, who regrettably was burned in a shop near the bus stop," Tolokonnikov said.

Later, when representatives of the regional authorities were at the scene, the occupiers again shelled the district and hit a residential building, he said.

"A man, 35, was killed and a man, 38, was wounded there. He was hospitalized in serious condition," the spokesperson said.
Press Release

March 8, 2023 Dela Rosa wants schools accountable in Anti-Hazing Law implementation SENATOR Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa wants to give more teeth to the law against hazing by making schools accountable and penalizing them if found negligent in implementing the law, which can cause serious injuries and even death of students due to hazing. This developed during the hearing on Tuesday conducted by the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights led by Senator Francis Tolentino joint with the Public Order and Dangerous Drugs panel headed by Dela Rosa on the death due to hazing of John Matthew Salilig, a 24-year-old chemical engineering student from Adamson University (AdU). Dela Rosa joined Senator Raffy Tulfo in proposing to amend the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 to penalize negligent school administrators after it was learned during the hearing that no orientation was given by the Adamson University to its now detained Tau Gamma Phi members involved in Salilig's initiation rites last month. Additionally, no permit was secured from AdU by the Tau Gamma Phi for their initiation rites. The fraternity claimed that they did not know it was a requirement of the Anti-Hazing Law. Tau Gamma Phi is considered 'outlawed' by the university for failing to register and non-adherence to the no-contact policy for these organizations. "I agree with Senator Tulfo na 'yung amendment niya na gagawing mas mabigat na penalty, dapat ipapataw sa eskwelahan dahil hindi nila ginagawa 'yung kanilang loco parentis doon sa estudyante," he said. ?The 'loco parentis doctrine' means the responsibility of a parent to a child is the same responsibility of the school to its students. "Kung ayaw ng parents na mamatay 'yung bata na anak niya, or ayaw niyang maging miyembro ng CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army) 'yung anak niya, 'yun din, responsable rin ang school do'n na hindi dapat mapunta sa CPP-NPA 'yung anak [estudyante] niya. Parang gano'n," he said. Dela Rosa said amending the Anti-Hazing Law is the proper procedure since while it is provided in the law that "schools should conduct orientation briefing on membership in a fraternity or sorority every opening of the semester or trimester to all the students," there was no liability provided for failure to conduct an orientation. The former top cop also said the AdU is playing "Pontius Pilate" by saying that the Tau Gamma Phi is not recognized by the school. "It's tantamount to saying that wala kaming pakialam sa inyo, mga fraternity. But you know of the existence of these fraternities in the school. You are the director of Student Affairs," he told AdU's Atty. Jan Nelin Navallasca, "There are alleged presence (of fraternities). So, alam pala ninyo na meron niyan, bakit hindi ninyo ni-regulate? Andiyan pala 'yan eh. So, ibig sabihin 'naghugas kamay' na lang kayo porke alam niyo nandiyan, alam ninyo, sa batas sinasabi, kailangang irehistro sa school administration itong mga fraternity nila... So, gano'n na lang pala?" Dela Rosa continued. ?Navallasca said that based on the record, they have been conducting orientation since 2018 for first-year and second-year students from the NSTP (National Service Training Program) classes. Dela Rosa suggested to AdU to penalize students who will not follow the rules on Anti-Hazing by kicking them out of the university. Under the law, school officials have the authority to impose disciplinary penalties to the head and other officers of the fraternity, sorority, or organization who fail to register or update their roster of members. "I suggest, kung outlawed ninyo sa school 'yung mga fraternity...may naobserbahan kayo na gumagawa ng fraternity sa school, then i-kickout ninyo. I-expel ninyo from school, that's the best thing," Dela Rosa said.
Putin recognizes limited ability of Russian army to support offensive, but confident that war prolonging to increase likelihood of achieving his strategic goals  ISW

Russian President Vladimir Putin is likely only temporarily focused on pursuing short-term military objectives in Ukraine and may believe that prolonging the war will increase the likelihood of achieving his strategic goals, according to the report of the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) for March 8.

U.S. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines stated on March 8 that Russian President Vladimir Putin likely recognizes the Russian militarys current limited capability to sustain a short-term offensive and may pursue a protracted war, the report reads.

It notes that according to Haines Putin is likely only temporarily focused on pursuing short-term military objectives in Ukraine and may believe that prolonging the war will increase the likelihood of achieving his strategic goals. However, without full mobilization and obtaining sufficient ammunition to mitigate the current shortage in the Russian army, it will be increasingly difficult for the Russian dictator to maintain the current pace of operations in Ukraine.

Haines noted that Russian forces are suffering high losses to take Bakhmut, which Haines characterized as not particularly strategic, supporting ISWs prior assessments that a Pyrrhic tactical victory in Bakhmut would not further Russias operational or strategic battlefield aims, the Institute says.

They also report that the Kremlin may be trying to create a new government-controlled armed formation, announced by the PMC, using the Russian state energy company Gazprom.

Analysts in the report also express the belief that if the Ukrainian army does leave Bakhmut, the army of the Russian occupiers will not be able to quickly break through the Ukrainian defense lines outside the city, since they do not have the necessary combat power and reinforcements for this.

The report also notes that by the end of this month, Germany and Poland will supply Ukraine with 28 Leopard 2 tanks, which will strengthen Ukraine's ability to conduct a counteroffensive in the face of heavy losses of Russian tanks.

As for the situation on the battlefield, the ISW reports that the occupiers continue to try to attack the positions of Ukrainian defenders along Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line, as well as in Bakhmut area.

The Ukrainian army, in turn, according to the Institute, repels the attacks of the invaders, and also conducts landings on islands in Dnipro delta.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban has said that Hungary may have to reconsider its relations with Russia in the future due to changes in geopolitical realities after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

According to Bloomberg, at an economic forum in Budapest on Thursday, Orban said that although it is in Hungary's interests to maintain ties with Russia, especially because of its energy dependence, Europe's relations with Moscow may not recover after the end of the war in Ukraine.

I understand the need to restore Russian-European relations after the war, but this is far from realistic, Orban said.

He added: That's why Hungary's foreign and economic policy should seriously think about what kind of relations we can establish and maintain with the Russian Federation in the next 10-15 years.
Employees of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine destroyed a Russian unmanned aerial vehicle Orlan-10 near the town of Bakhmut, Donetsk region.

"An enemy UAV was scouting the positions of Ukrainian defenders near Bakhmut. The border guards landed the bird from MANPADS," the Telegram channel of the State Border Guard Service reported on Thursday.
The National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) has included the Italian cement manufacturer Buzzi Unicem in the list of international sponsors of the war, the agency's press service reports.

According to a press release, this decision was made due to the expansion of the company in the Russian Federation after the annexation of Ukrainian Crimea and a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, despite the announcement of refusal to participate in operating activities.

According to the agency, Buzzi works in Russia through SLK Cement, which owns two cement plants, Sukholozhskcement and Korkino, a terminal in Omsk, and a transport company Tsemtrans. According to him, the company is one of the five leaders in the cement industry of the Russian Federation.

The report states that in the period from 2016 to 2021, the Russian division of Buzzi Unicem paid taxes and other obligatory payments to the budget of the aggressor country for EUR 62 million. In addition, the company cooperates with the Russian Ministry of Defense, and supplies products to the largest state-controlled enterprises: Rosneft and Rosatom.

In Russian social networks, the company expressed support for the mobilized employees, and also sent assistance to the Russian artillery unit, the NACP notes.

The agency emphasizes that the shareholders of Buzzi Unicem never publicly condemned the participation of the Russian subsidiary in the war against Ukraine and did not call for the termination of business in the Russian Federation.

Previously, NACP has already included the following companies in the list of international sponsors of the war: Procter & Gamble, OpenWay Group, Danieli, TMS Tankers Ltd., Minerva Marine Inc., Thenamaris Ships Management, Delta Tankers Ltd., Dynacom Tankers Management Ltd. Mondi PLC, eKassir, Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry, and Bonduelle. Recently, the French corporation Auchan Holding and Metro Cash & Carry have been added here.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has discussed with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen progress in Ukraine's implementation of the recommendations of the European Commission.

During a call with von der Leyen we condemned todays Russias missile attacks. Welcomed new package of sanctions and agreed on further pressure on Russian aggressor, he said on Twitter Thursday.
The identity of the Ukrainian serviceman shot by the Russians has not yet been established, head of the Presidents Office Andriy Yermak told reporters in Kyiv on Thursday.

"His identity has not been established yet. When this is done, the SBU or the Office of the Prosecutor General will inform about it," he said.

On March 6, a video appeared on social networks with the shooting of a Ukrainian prisoner of war, who said "Glory to Ukraine!" to the killers' eyes.

The command of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine suggested that the video shows the deceased serviceman of the 30th separate mechanized brigade Tymofiy Mykolayovych Shadura.

Later, the regional directorate of the territorial defence forces Pivnich (North) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the Ukrainian serviceman who was shot by the Russian occupiers was a fighter of the 163rd battalion of the 119th separate brigade of the territorial defence of Chernihiv region Oleksandr Matsievsky.
The agreement on the Black Sea Grain Initiative should be extended indefinitely, according to head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak.

"We consider this initiative one of the points of the peace plan, it should be extended indefinitely," he told reporters in Kyiv on Thursday.

Yermak called the statements about the possible termination of its operation "pressure on the mediators  Turkey and the UN."

"At the very minimum, it should be extended for the same period as before," the head of the Presidents Office added.

The extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, according to which Ukrainian grain is supplied from the port of Odesa, was discussed on March 8 at a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

So far, its action has been agreed until March 18, 2023. Russia has repeatedly insisted on unblocking the export of its mineral fertilizers as part of the initiative.
Another protest rally organized by civil society activists and students are being held on the square in front of the Georgian parliament building in Tbilisi.

People who took part in street protests of March 7-8 demanded the Georgian authorities abrogate the bill on foreign agents adopted in the first reading by the parliament earlier this week. The parliamentary majority decided to withdraw this draft legislation earlier on Thursday after protesters clashed with police.

Two demands have been voiced during the ongoing rally. The protesters demand that the bill's withdrawal from parliament be formalized on the legislative level and all the protesters detained by police earlier on March 7-8 be released.

The Georgian Interior Ministry earlier reported 133 detentions, saying that the people had been detained for petty hooliganism and refusal to obey police orders. According to the ministry, during the protests, radical elements attempted to break into the parliament building, threw stones and Molotov cocktails at police officers and set police cars on fire.
Some 100 Sang-Yong pickups from the Korean International Cooperation Agency were handed over to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, the agency's website reported on Thursday.

"These vehicles will be distributed among pyrotechnic units, mountain rescue units and operational coordination centers of the State Emergency Service," Serhiy Kruk, head of the State Emergency Service, said.

The State Emergency Service noted that since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation into Ukraine, the Republic of Korea had already transferred more than 4,000 radio stations to rescuers as humanitarian aid.
High Representative of the European Union for Foreign and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, states that as a result of the rocket attacks that led to the blackout of Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, Russia increased the risk of an accident, which put the entire European continent, including the Russian Federation itself, on the brink of a nuclear catastrophe.

He made such a statement in Stockholm on Thursday at the end of the meeting of the European Council at the ministerial level on development.

The bad news is that Russia does not stop its barbaric attacks, and again it has struck Ukraines critical infrastructure. During the night, and during our meeting, more than 80 rockets have been launched by Russia  rockets and drones. Another massive attack during night all across the country, killing innocent civilians and causing serious damage. Among this damage is the attack against the Zaporizhia nuclear [power] plant, which has been disconnected again from the Ukrainian electricity grid, significantly increasing the risk of a nuclear accident. I am sorry to say that, but the risk of a nuclear accident has increased a lot in the last hours. The [power] plant has to rely on diesel generators for the cooling of its reactors.

This is a serious breach to the nuclear safety, caused by Russia. Zaporizhia is the biggest nuclear power plant in Europe  the biggest in Europe  and Russia is putting in danger the entirety of our joint European continent, Russia included, he said.

Borrell stated that the EU supports the International Atomic Energy Agencys expert mission in the zone. The Agency calls for a nuclear safety zone around the nuclear plant. The security of the site must be guaranteed in order to avoid any risks of an accident. These recent attacks of Russia are another example of their objective. Their objective is to terrorise the Ukrainian people and to lower the Ukrainian morale. It shows that Russia is not interested in peace and its talks about peace, or a ceasefire are utterly insincere. That is why we have to continue supporting Ukraine, Borrell is convinced.
Press Release

March 9, 2023 Senate, House inks eCongress The Senate of the Philippines and the House of Representatives signed a memorandum of agreement Thursday, March 9, 2023, for the establishment of an integrated and secure digital legislative management system called the eCongress. Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" F. Zubiri led the Senate delegation while House Senior Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo attended on behalf of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez in a simple ceremony held at the National Museum in Manila City. Zubiri said the eCongress website will allow the two houses of the legislature to strengthen coordination and make the inter-chamber processes much better and faster. The eCongress web portal shall be the official website of Congress that will carry and maintain information from both chambers of the legislature and shall serve as a source for legislative information, such as names, contact details, measures authored and co-authored by lawmakers, status of bills and resolutions, live streaming of sessions, common legislative agenda, parliamentary activities and other joint legislative undertakings that are of interest to the public. According to Zubiri, the system will streamline Congress' legislative process, and lead to the more efficient passage of laws for the Filipino people. "We will also be giving the Filipino public a more accessible platform, where they can keep track of our work, as it is their right. In improving our transparency, we can also enjoin the public to be more active participants in the legislative process. In this way, we can truly function as a Congress for and of the people," said Zubiri who was joined by Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Majority Leader Joel Villanueva and Deputy Majority Leader Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito during the event. The agreement was signed a week after the Senate adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 6 introduced by Zubiri, Legarda, Villanueva and Senate Minority leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III establishing the eCongress in a bid to improve, strengthen, and streamline communications between the upper and lower chamber. The establishment of the eCongress website would enable both chambers of Congress to efficiently and effectively perform their essential functions of representation, legislation and oversight. "It is high time that we modernize our processes between the Senate and the House of Representatives. If the legislative branch carries the responsibility of creating timely laws, then our processes must keep up with the times as well," the Senate President said. Villanueva, in his message, acknowledged the excellent relationship between the Senate under Zubiri and the House of Representatives under Romualdez who were able to show the power of synergy and were able to instill into each member of the legislature the power and importance of teamwork and unity. "We are all here today because we wanted to serve. Let us not forget the reason why we are all here today. To serve our country and people and in serving our people, please be reminded that together is always better," Villanueva said. Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. and House of Representatives Secretary-General Reginald Velasco sign the memorandum of agreement on the establishment of the eCongress.
The Georgian Interior Ministry said all protesters detained near the parliament building on March 7-8 have been released.

At the same time, the Interior Ministry said that an investigation into the March 7-8 "acts of violence" is continuing.

"Investigative actions are being conducted to uncover, identify and detain persons involved in the attack on police officers and other violent acts," the statement said.

Previously, the Interior Ministry said that a total of 133 protesters had been detained under administrative procedures on March 7-8.
Reznikov on results of meeting with EU defense ministers: It was possible to combine efforts to provide Ukraine with ammunition

The most important result of the informal meeting of the defense ministers of the European Union and Ukraine held in Sweden is the unification of efforts to provide the Ukrainian Defense Forces with ammunition, in particular for successful operations of the military command, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine said on the Telegram channel on Thursday.

"I informed the partners in detail about the structure of our needs. The EU will allocate additional resources for these needs. We also expect to accelerate the supply of ammunition from the existing stocks of European armies," Reznikov said.

The head of the department also said that there are a number of agreements, some of which will be made public closer to the 10th meeting in the Ramstein format.

"Following the discussions, I can confidently say that we have reliable support from European partners at all levels, which will grow. Another Russian shelling of peaceful Ukrainian cities confirmed our main priority - to strengthen the protection of the sky, including as soon as possible to be able to destroy ballistic missiles. We hope for progress in this area," the minister said.

According to him, fruitful discussions on strengthening the "tank coalition" also took place. "The movement on this track is constant," Reznikov stressed.
On Monday, March 13, at 12.00, the press centre of the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency will host a discussion entitled "Domestic political challenges of post-war reconstruction." Participants include political analyst Kostiantyn Matviyenko; political scientist, co-founder of the National Platform for Sustainability and Cohesion Oleh Sahakian; political commentator Leonid Shvets (8/5a Reitarska Street). The event will be streamed on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine. Admission of journalists requires registration on the spot.
The Administrative Judiciary Court of the State Council issued a ruling on Sunday obliging the Ministry of Youth and Sports to dismiss Mortada Mansour from the presidency of Zamalek SC after having been previously convicted on charges of defamation.
Safaga Port in eastern Egypt received on Saturday 63,000 tons of Russian wheat aboard the dry cargo ship PAREA, according to the Red Sea Port Authority (RSPA) media centre.

Russia remained Egypts main wheat exporter during the second half of 2022, the Russian Embassy in Cairo said earlier this month, adding that Egypt is the second biggest importer of Russian wheat.

Russia exported 5.9 million tons of grain throughout the second half of 2022, according to the Russian Grain Union.

From 1 to 8 January, Russia exported more than 191,000 tons of grain to Egypt, compared to 103,000 throughout January 2021, the union said.

This indicates enhancement of bilateral cooperation in this field, the embassy said.

Egypt, the worlds largest wheat importer, has continued to import wheat from Russia and Ukraine, which provided 80 per cent of Egypts wheat before the war between the two countries broke out in February last year.

However, Ukrainian wheat exports to Egypt decreased by 71 per cent in 2022 to 918,000 tons, Asharq Business reported, citing the head of Central Administration of Plant Quarantine at the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Ahmed El-Attar, as saying last week.

Russian wheat exports to Egypt dropped by 1 per cent in 2022 to 5.4 million tons, he added.

Egypt, which consumes up to 18 million tons of wheat and imports around 12 million tons annually, has worked to encourage farmers to supply more wheat to the government amid the disruption in global food supply chains and the rise in commodity prices.

In mid-January, Egypt raised the price of local wheat procurement for the new harvest season, which starts in April 2023, by 42 per cent to hit EGP 1,250 per ardeb (1 ardeb= 150kg), up from EGP 880.

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Russian ambassador to Egypt Georgiy Borisenko has awarded the Dostoyevsky Medal to Anwar Ibrahim  the under-secretary of the Ministry of Culture and former head of the ministrys Foreign Cultural Relations Department  for his work in translating Russian literature into Arabic.

The honouring ceremony took place at the headquarters of the Russian Embassy in Cairo on 6 March. It was attended by a delegation from the Egyptian Association of Graduates of Russian and Soviet Universities headed by Sherif Gad.

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Ambassador Borisenko expressed appreciation for Ibrahims efforts in translating classic and contemporary Russian literature into Arabic, thereby promoting Russian culture.

The Arab reader is lucky when he reads translated Russian literature through creative translators like Anwar Ibrahim, Borisenko said.

Borisenko wished Ibrahim continued success in his literary career, which he described as part of the soft power between Russia and the Arab peoples.

The Dostoyevsky Medal was established by the Russian Writers Union to be awarded to translators on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the birth of the great Russian writer Fyodor Dostoyevsky, who is one of the most iconic writers of the Russian literary canon.

For his part, Ibrahim said that "this honour is a new birth for me, and I am extremely proud of receiving the Dostoyevsky Medal."

Toghan, Secretary-General of the Association of Graduates, affirmed that the award for Ibrahim is a tribute to all graduates of the association, especially since Anwar is the first Arab to receive the prestigious medal.

Dostoyevsky, who was born in 1821 in Moscow and died in 1881 in St. Petersburg, gave up an engineering career early in order to write.

In 1849, he was arrested for belonging to a radical discussion group and was sentenced to be shot. He was reprieved at the last moment and sentenced to four years of hard labour in Siberia, where he developed epilepsy and experienced a deepening of his religious faith.

Dostoyevskys novels are especially concerned with faith, suffering, and the meaning of life; they are famous for their psychological depth and insight and their near-prophetic treatment of issues in philosophy and politics.

By the end of his life, he was acclaimed as one of his countrys greatest writers, and his works had a profound influence on 20th-century literature.

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The United States and China, already at loggerheads over multiple issues from Taiwan to semi-conductors, have seen relations nosedive since Washington shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon that overflew the US.

Here's a rundown of their disputes:

'Spy' balloon

Beijing insists that the balloon, shot down on February 4, 2023, after spending a week flying over the US and Canada, was an errant weather surveillance device. It accused the US of sending its own balloons over China, which Washington denied.

The incident led Secretary of State Antony Blinken to postpone a visit to Beijing that had been billed as a chance to patch up relations.

Taiwan

Beijing has been incensed by US President Joe Biden's defense of self-ruled Taiwan -- especially after he said, first in October 2021, that Washington would defend the island militarily if attacked by China.

In 2022 he rowed back, saying Washington maintained its "One China" policy.

Tensions spiked anew in August 2022 after then-House speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan.

Beijing carried out unprecedented military exercises around the island in response.

Ukraine and North Korea

Beijing, which claims a policy of neutrality in world affairs, has rejected US calls for it to publicly denounce its ally Moscow over the war in Ukraine.

In February, Blinken accused Beijing of considering arming Russia. Beijing dismissed the claim as "false."

Washington also wants China to rein in North Korea, fearing the reclusive state will soon conduct its seventh nuclear test.

Both Russia and China, North Korea's longtime ally and economic benefactor have vetoed Washington's calls for stronger UN sanctions on Pyongyang.

Covid origins

The question of where the Covid-19 pandemic originated has been the subject of a war of words between Washington and Beijing since the virus first appeared in China in early 2020.

Former US president Donald Trump alleged that the virus was accidentally leaked from a lab in Wuhan, a theory reiterated in February 2023 by FBI head Christopher Wray.

Beijing has strenuously denied the allegation.

Biden, while more measured than Trump, has accused Beijing of hiding important information about Covid's origins.

Chip war

The world's first (US) and second-largest (China) economies are locked in a fierce battle for control of the semiconductor market.

Taiwan accounts for nearly 50 percent of the world's production of chips used in everything from smartphones and cars to missiles.

Washington has taken steps to limit China's ability to buy and manufacture high-end chips with military applications,

China has taken the US to the World Trade Organization over the restrictions.

Uyghurs

Washington in 2021 declared that China's crackdown on the Uyghur minority in the north-western region of Xinjiang amounts to "genocide", a charge rejected by Beijing.

Beijing is accused by rights groups of having detained over a million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in camps.

In June 2022, the United States banned most imports from Xinjiang, to punish Beijing for what rights groups say is forced labor in the camps. Beijing denies the allegations.

South China Sea

Washington and Beijing are also at odds over the resource-rich South China Sea.

Beijing claims sovereignty over nearly all of the sea but the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei say they also own parts of it.

Beijing has ignored an international court ruling which found its claims have no legal basis.

Hong Kong

In January 2023, Biden ordered a two-year extension of a program allowing Hong Kong residents in the United States to stay beyond the expiry of their visas.

Biden laid out what he described as the Chinese government's "assault on Hong Kong's autonomy" and its undermining of the territory's democratic institutions.

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The Egyptian state will defend its peoples interests in case Ethiopia fails to ensure no serious harm is caused to Egypt and Sudan's interests due to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said on Thursday.

Ethiopia has to take into consideration the interests of the two downstream countries and ensure that no serious or severe harm is caused, Shoukry said in a press conference in Cairo with his Kenyan counterpart, Alfred Mutua.

If this is not done, the Egyptian state will undoubtedly defend the interests of its people and take measures that lead to that, Egypts top diplomat said, affirming, however, that Egypt always seeks to reach consensus and understanding on the GERD issue.

Shoukry said Egypt has sought to reach a legally-binding agreement on the filling and operation of GERD and has shown flexibility and introduced constructive proposals in this regard.

However, it is questionable whether Ethiopia has a political will to reach an agreement , the foreign minister added.

We expect the availability of a desire that is translated into specific decisions to lead us to reach a deal, Shoukry stated, affirming that Egypt has engaged in African-sponsored negotiations on GERD that have not borne fruit.

The Egyptian FM stressed the necessity that Ethiopia act responsibly, especially as it forges ahead with plans to build the dam and carry out the fourth phase of its filling unilaterally.

Shoukrys remarks come shortly after the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed in a statement on Thursday that Addis Ababa will continue building its mega dam.

The Ethiopian statement called for the GERD issue not to be presented before non-African bodies, including the UN Security Council and the Arab League, and for settling the dispute only through the African Union (AU).

The Ethiopian ministrys statement appears to be a response to Shoukrys Wednesday remarks in which he called on Arab countries to urge Ethiopia to stop unilateral practices and accept compromises reached at the negotiations table.

Shoukry  the head of the 159th session of the Arab League Council meeting for Arab foreign ministers- approved a decision yesterday to place the GERD issue as a permanent topic on the councils agenda.

The Arab League has been supporting Egypt and Sudan in their plea to reach a legally-binding agreement with Ethiopia that safeguards the rights of each country in development as well as historical water rights.

Last year, the United Arab Emirates attempted to mediate between the three countries by hosting rounds of technical talks but failed to achieve any breakthrough.

Over the past years, Ethiopia has implemented three phases of dam filling and started the operation of its mega dam unilaterally despite objections by Egypt and Sudan over fears for their peoples interests.

Egypt has warned frequently that it would not compromise its water share.

A compromise to Egypts water share is a red line, and our response [if our water share is affected] will affect the stability of the whole region, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi told reporters in 2021.

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Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry proposed on Thursday the formation of a Joint Business Council between Egypt and Armenia for the purpose of developing bilateral cooperation as well as holding a Businessmen Forum on the sidelines of the sixth round of the Joint Committee.

Shoukrys proposal came during a press conference in Cairo with his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan.

Both sides stressed the importance of the sixth round of the Joint Committee for economic, scientific and technical cooperation which will be held in Egypt in mid-2023.

The committee will be co-chaired by Egypts Minister of International Cooperation and the Armenian Minister of Economy.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid said that the two ministers also discussed launching a direct flight between the two countries to increase and facilitate movement of businessmen and tourists.

Both Shoukry and Mirzoyan highlighted the deep historical relations between the two countries, with the Armenian minister saying that Armenians consider Egypt a second home.

During his meeting with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Yerevan in January, Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan spoke of the role of the Armenian-Egyptian community in boosting relations between the two countries.

He expressed gratitude for the special care that Armenians receive in Egypt.

Khachaturyan added that Armenians would never forget the welcome they received in Egypt after surviving genocide back home.

Mirzoyan revealed on Thursday that Armenian authorities intend to name a street in the capital after Egypt.

He said he hoped that an Egyptian official will attend the opening of the street.

Shoukry, for his part, welcomed the gesture.

The Egyptian foreign minister recalled the successful visit of President El-Sisi to Armenia, the first official visit of an Egyptian president to the country since establishing diplomatic ties about 30 years ago.

Speaking of ArmeniaAzerbaijan border crisis, Shoukry reaffirmed that Egypt firmly believes in resolving disputes through peaceful means to preserve people's capabilities and protect lives.

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Foreign Minister and President of the 27th session of the UN Climate Change Conference Sameh Shoukry chaired Thursday a virtual meeting of the office of the board of COP27.

COP27 was hosted by Egypt in Sharm El-Sheikh in November 2022.

The meeting was attended by the members of the office, the executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and representatives of the UAE presidency of the upcoming session of the global climate conference, COP28.

A spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, Ahmed Abu Zeid, said Shoukry commended the important role of the office of the board of COP27 in supporting the Egyptian presidency of the conference in coming up with fruitful outcomes during the 2022 event.

He voiced confidence that the board will continue offering support to build upon the outcomes of COP27 in the period to come, said Abu Zeid.

The foreign minister reviewed the great achievements and big successes made during COP27 which witnessed a high turnout and prioritised climate action worldwide, added the spokesman.

Shoukry commended the plans to fulfil climate pledges developed by the Sharm El-Sheikh conference, including the approval of a program of action toward adaptation and mitigation and the launch of a plan to achieve a fair energy transition for all.

Participants paid tribute to the results of COP27 that are promoting climate action on all fronts.

The spokesman said the meeting discussed ongoing preparations for COP28 in the UAE, including logistics arrangements.

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Press Release

March 9, 2023 Senate and House Launch eCongress

09 March 2023 On Thursday, leaders of the Senate and the House of Representatives gathered at the National Museum to launch the eCongress--a digital platform that will strengthen and streamline the coordination and partnership between both chambers of Congress. Through a concurrent resolution, both chambers established the eCongress, describing it as an "integtrated and secure digital legislative management system." "If the pandemic taught us anything, it is that we can and must take advantage of digital technologies to make our respective legislative proceedings much easier and much more efficient," said Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri. "We had to transform ourselves." "We cannot be a Congress that is trapped in amber, archaic and irrelevant. We have to be dynamic, forward-looking, and forward-moving. That is the only way we can be genuinely responsive to our people's needs." The launch saw both chambers sign the memorandum of agreement for the management of the eCongress website. A mock-up of the website was also presented during the event. The eCongress is seen to make the passage of laws more efficient, and to make inter-chamber processes much swifter. "We will also be giving the Filipino public a more accessible platform, where they can keep track of our work, as is their right. In improving our transparency, we can also enjoin the public to be more active participants in the legislative process. In this way, we can truly function as a Congress for and of the people." "This will also help us save the environment," Zubiri added. "In the Senate we have initiated a move, just like in the House of Representatives, to go paperless. This will save some us trees and save us from generating too much trash, and it will help us move forward to a greener future for our people." Joining Zubiri were Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, House Majority Leader Mannix Dalipe, Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito, Rep. Toby Tiangco, and Rep. Joboy Aquino. "It is high time that we modernize our processes between the Senate and the House of Representatives. If the legislative branch carries the responsibility of creating timely laws, then our processes must keep up with the times as well."
Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi warned Egyptians against the low-cost science and thought of destructing states from inside in a speech at the 37th Armed Forces cultural symposium on Martyrs Day held in Cairo on Thursday.

It is of a low cost for those practising [this science] to destroy a country by its own people, El-Sisi stated after he referred to the consequences of the turbulent events Egypt witnessed in 2011 on the security situation in North Sinai.

El-Sisi also warned Egyptians against becoming a cause for the destruction of your country once again, as happened in the wake of the 2011 events in the country.

2011 marks the massive protests that broke out on 25 January -- mainly in Cairos Tahrir Square -- and forced late president Hosni Mubarak to resign after three decades in power.

In 2011, while people were engrossed in the square, the presence of the Egyptian state there (in North Sinai) was being ruined and eradicated, El-Sisi said.

Beware, Egyptians, not to cause the ruin of your country once again. This happened when the state was loosened in 2011, El-Sisi said.

Building the state

El-Sisi urged Egyptians to be stronger and more solid in the face of the current multiple and endless challenges to build the state home to 105 million people and over six million guests.

The president affirmed that the economic crisis that Egypt is witnessing cannot be used to measure the [success of] the Egyptian state.

El-Sisi said the state has chosen not to allocate all its resources to the war against terrorism and decided instead to work diligently to end the problem and, at the same time, to build the state and achieve development.

Our sons were fighting there, and the state was fighting here another battle, El-Sisi said, adding that the duty of eliminating terrorism has been accomplished successfully.

In this regard, the president warned against a terrorist operation in Egypt to emphasise their presence after his announcement that the dream of eradicating terrorism has come true.

El-Sisi urged Egyptians to exercise vigilance in order to preserve the nations security and stability.

Anti-terror war exhibition

El-Sisi said the state will hold an exhibition for the war on terrorism in Sinai to showcase the weapons, ammunition, and war equipment used there.

The exhibition will also showcase the names of all terrorists and their photos.

War timeline

On 28 January 2011, the situation due to the transgression of terrorists in North Sinai got out of control, which required Egypt to send security forces to the governorate, El-Sisi said.

He added that there were fears that these terrorist elements may carry out transborder operations against Israel, which would definitely draw an Israeli response and could result in a huge conflict.

El-Sisi noted that he contacted Israeli officials to inform them that Egypt needs to send forces to Arish, Rafah, and Sheikh Zuweid cities in order to bring the situation under control.

The war against terrorism in Sinai cost the state an EGP 1 billion monthly since 2011.

We knew that the battle [with terrorists] would end but that there would be bloodshed, El-Sisi said.

Earlier on the day, El-Sisi stated that Egypts dream of eliminating terrorism has come true thanks to martyrs' sacrifices.

El-Sisi urged all Egyptians to be cautious to prevent the destruction Egypt could have witnessed over the past 10 years from taking place.

The symposium was held at Al-Manara International Conference Centre in New Cairo in the presence of many high-level figures and ministers.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Defence and Military Production Mohamed Zaki, Senate Speaker Abdel-Wahab Abdel-Razek, Al-Azhar Grand Imam Ahmed El-Tayyeb and head of the Coptic Orthodox Church Pope Tawadros II were among the attendees.

The Armed Forces Martyr's Day, marked annually on 9 March, was designated in honour of former army chief of staff Abdel-Moneim Riad who died on that day in 1969.

Riad was killed by Israeli fire while overseeing the Egyptian plan during the War of Attrition to destroy the Bar Lev Line built by the occupation forces at the time along the eastern bank of the Suez Canal.

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The Egyptian national airline EgyptAir urged passengers departing on board its Munich-Cairo MS788 flight on Friday to arrive at Cairo International Airport at least four hours prior to departure to Munich due to a strike at Germany's Munich Airport.

In an official statement on Thursday, EgyptAir said that it has received a report from Munich airport administration about a partial strike at the terminal set for Friday, March 10, from 5 am till 10 am (Munich local time).

EgyptAir urged travelers to arrive to the airport early to avoid the jam expected as a result of the strike and so as not to miss the flight.

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Around the world, women will take to the streets Saturday to voice their demands for equality. In the Arab world, women aspire to the same rights amid greater challenges

International Womens Day, celebrated on 8 March each year, is a day to honour women and the struggle for womens rights. Ahram Online speaks to three Arab feminists of different backgrounds on this occasion to explore some of the issues facing Arab women in the post-Arab Spring period.

What differences can be expected in the marking of International Women's Day in the Arab world compared to the West? Will Arab women march for their rights on this day? And if they do, will this improve the status of women in the Arab world?

Maysa Shawwa

Maysa Shawwa, Lebanese feminist and human rights advocate, wrote to Ahram Online in light of this day and said that International Womens Day should honour all types of women.

Unfortunately, Arab women are only honoured in conferences and in forums; the elite and officials dont really recognise what is happening outside the closed doors of such gatherings.

I mean despite honouring women in official ceremonies, their rights are being breached by the very same officials who claim to speak in their names, Shawwa states.

In Lebanon, Randa Berri, the wife of the speaker of parliament Nabih Berr and vice president of the National Commission for Lebanese Women, deemed useless to apply a law that criminalises marital rape, claiming such a case cant be proven.

Her statement was made during the official launch of a campaign to fight underage marriage in Lebanon, on Tuesday, 4 March.

Arab womens challenges, however, differ from one Arab country to another.

While Tunisia is moving forward towards achieving gender equality and ensuring womens protection from violence, enshrining women's rights in its new constitution, Yemen is struggling with maternal mortality and with child marriages and with low levels of education for girls as well as with low economic participation of women. Yemen languishes at the bottom of the 2013 Gender Gap Index.

Political participation remains a significant challenge for women in the MENA region, with women occupying just 13 percent of parliamentary seats. This is a particular challenge for women in Lebanon where astonishingly not a single woman was in the prior Lebanese cabinet, while just one female was appointed in the newly formed cabinet.

Current events dont point to great gains for women in the advent of the Arab Spring, Shawwa adds.

In Syria, women still get arrested, tortured, raped and killed in Bashar Al-Assads prisons. Many Syrian women refugees, meanwhile, are subject to sexual harassment and underage marriages.

In Egypt, womens rights have deteriorated as the country heads towards a new period of military predominance in politics. Egyptian women are caught between sexual harassment, FGM practices (female genital mutilation), violence, and discriminatory laws.

Despite infringements on womens rights in Arab societies, which remain highly patriarchal, civil society groups and womens movements still voice their concerns and organise events to fight the injustices women face.

Lebanese women will march on 8 March to demand a legislative session to pass the law to protect women from family violence with adequate adjustments in the aftermath of several cases of Lebanese husbands killing their wives, Shawwa said.

Imane E Arouet

Imane E Arouet, Moroccan feminist living in France, wrote to Ahram Online marking the International Womens Day by stating that this day is supposed to honour women all over the world, including Arab women, who face more challenges than women in the West.

8 March is an occasion where we should make an assessment about women rights, especially after the Arab Spring, Arouet added.

We cannot say that the Arab Spring was bad for women; the Arab Spring is theoretically more progressive about gender-equality, she said.

During the protests in 2011 and until now women were robustly active. They stepped up and spoke out and expressed their political views. Also, we must spare a thought for the women who got sexually assaulted during protests and continued to fight for their rights.

Generally speaking, Arab women have to deal with two main problems: local misogyny and foreign patronising, Arouet added. Lets be honest, the Arab world is no feminist paradise.

There are many social issues that we must tackle and try to end, such as: street harassment, domestic violence, distribution of home and care duties, and forced or early marriages.

On the other hand, the Western world is very paternalistic towards Arab women. Especially towards Muslim veiled women. The West trying to fight for Arab women's rights is ethnocentric; it comes with the slogan "Let us free you; the hijab is bad for you, you just don't know it yet ... 

Finally, I know Arab women will participate in the marches for 8 March and hopefully, they will march for their rights the rest of the year as well, and try to face these challenges, Arouet states.

Reem Al-Harmy

Reem Al-Harmy, Qatari feminist and writer at Al-Raya, also wrote to Ahram Online on this occasion and said that in recent years Arab women have been under international attention, particularly in countries where women face severe circumstances  wars, protests, revolutions, instability, huge gender gaps, etc.

In addition, Arab women still face substantial discrimination from both governments and society. That varies from one country to the other. For example, in some Arab countries, especially in Gulf States, the government doesn't allow women to drive, even if their families allow it.

In some other countries there are very high rates of sexual harassment and unfortunately some women fail to report it, fearing a societal backlash or just unfair treatment of her case. The Arab Spring changed womens attitudes regarding this, but still women face many challenges, Al-Harmy says.

I don't think the uprising or the Arab Spring per se is bad; women were powerful enough to be part of these uprisings as they happened. They were outspoken, and just as capable of delivering their message as men, Al-Harmy adds.

However, moving forward, after the excitement of the uprisings faded away, it seems that the people who are now in charge are doing nothing or very little to help women and promote their equality, rights and freedoms.

Its very important that women speak up and to get involved in such an event  its International Womens Day! Al-Harmy said.

However, I am trying not to be a pessimist, but marching and calling out for demands without having the necessary tools to achieve these demands wont change much.

Therefore, governments, NGOs and the international community, along with the support of people, must be united to help women reach their goals and to ensure they are given full and equal opportunities, so they can be active members of their societies, Al-Harmy concluded.

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Egypt has adopted an investment plan to establish projects with local and foreign pharmaceutical companies to localise the industry's technologies, Minister of Public Business Sector Mahmoud Esmat said on Wednesday.

During the celebration of the 60th anniversary of Viatris pharmaceutical company, Esmat noted that the ministry has an ambitious plan executed by the Holding Company for Medicines, Chemicals, and Medical Supplies (HoldiPharma) that operates under the ministry's umbrella.

The ministry added that HoldiPharma aims to develop the industries of its subsidiary companies to meet the local market's needs, to provide the requirements of good manufacturing practice, and to meet the qualifications of the drug authority to support its competitiveness in foreign markets.

Egypt's pharmaceutical market is valued at EGP 150 billion, with 170 drug factories until 2022, according to the General Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA).

Egypt plans to raise its pharmaceutical exports to $100 billion by 2030.

As stated in its State Ownership Policy Document, Egypt adopts a plan aimed at raising the private sector's share in the national economy to 65 percent, up from the current 30 percent.

Moreover, Egypt has a clear commitment to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to unleash the potential of the private sector with a decline in the government footprint in economic activity.

Egypt is currently under a $3 billion deal loan with the IMF extending through FY2025/2026.

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Egypts Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) discussed on Wednesday with Abu Dhabi Ports Group prospects for cooperation in industrial zones, logistical areas, and ports.

This came in a meeting between Chairman of the SCZONE Walid Gamal El-Din, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates in Cairo Mariam Al-Kaabi, and head of the International Sector of the Abu Dhabi Ports Group Ahmed Al-Mutawa, read a statement by the SCZONE.

Boosting cooperation, the statement added, comes in light of the SCZONEs unique capabilities, including its prime location, the readiness of ports in the Sokhna and Port Said integrated industrial zones.

The meeting tackled the SCZONEs infrastructure, utilities, and investment incentives.

It also touched upon the SCZONEs vision to meet the needs of regional and local markets in some targeted sectors, such as automobiles, green fuel, and electric and food industries, the statement said.

Al-Mutawa discussed means of cooperation between the two sides for the group to work as an industrial developer and establish logistics areas as well as the possibility of operating berths in ports.

The SCZONE is implementing mega development works in Egypts Sokhna ports, including new berths that receive a variety of activities, multi-use terminals, Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off) terminals, and liquid bulk terminals, as well as the works that are being carried out in Arish port, the only seaport in North Sinai, Gamal El-Din said during his orientation tour in the SCZONE.

The SCZONE is also attracting dry bulk projects and cement storage silos, he said, adding that development works include Al-Adabiya, East Port Said port, West Port Said port, and Al-Tur port.

In November, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi called for ramping up efforts to turn the SCZONE into a "leading and attractive" region for clean energy production.

Egypt has recently signed numerous memoranda of understanding on hydrogen and green ammonia production with international partners  including Emirati parties  as part of the country's efforts to attract foreign investments into green hydrogen production in order to become a transit route for clean energy to Europe.

The strategy of green hydrogen production seeks to help Egypt contribute eight percent of the global hydrogen market, according to a previous cabinet statement.

The strategy will increase Egypts GDP by $10-18 billion by 2025, create more than 100,000 job opportunities, and contribute to decreasing Egypts import of petroleum products and therefore reduce emissions, the government said.

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The flotation of the Egyptian pound since December under the new Extended Fund Facility programme with the IMF has benefited the industry sector as it raised the competitiveness of Egyptian products in the global market, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly stated on Wednesday.

Madbouly's statements came during a press conference held following a meeting with representatives of private companies.

He also noted that Egypt has not fallen behind in paying its financial dues to the international financial institutions.

Madbouly further noted that the government is currently developing a plan to navigate the US dollar shortage the market is suffering from.

Meanwhile, he asserted Egypts commitment to adopting a flexible exchange rate for the sake of Egyptian economic growth.

The prime minister said that the recent decision to increase the tax exemption limit targets the private sector which includes 76 percent of the workforce in the local market.

In this respect, Madbouly asserted that the private sector is the key engine of Egypt's economy.

He mentioned that the listing of 32 state-owned companies in the Egyptian stock market (EGX) will extend to the first quarter of FY2023/2024 and that an international advisor will be assigned to manage the subscription process.

For their part, the company representatives praised the policies adopted by the government to address the challenges facing investment in Egypt in a way that increases the private sector's share in the economy in compliance with the State Ownership Policy Document.

Since December, the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), under a loan deal with the IMF, has depreciated the Egyptian Pound against the US dollar by over 100 percent.

The US dollar is traded for over EGP 30.60 compared to EGP 15 before the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.

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"To achieve this, the WUC has a wide range of activities, including campaigning for the rights of people being forcefully disappeared, advocating for the release of political prisoners, protecting the rights of asylum seekers to prevent forcible repatriation to China, and advocating at the UN, EU, and national level, where the WUC has successfully contributed to numerous achievements, which led to the international community developing policies and actions to help secure the rights of the Uyghurs," Brunelle-Duceppe said in the letter.

The nomination letter noted the WUC has drawn global attention to China's treatment of Uyghurs with "the overwhelming campaign of physical, religious, linguistic, and cultural repression" by the Chinese government.

The committee that selects the eventual Nobel Peace laureate does not disclose the names of the nominees to the news media or to the candidates. Under its rules, such information must remain secret for 50 years. The awards ceremony takes place in December in Oslo.

"The World Uyghur Congress has the main purpose of promoting democracy, human rights, and freedom for the Uyghur People and supporting the use of peaceful, non-violent, and democratic means to help the Uyghurs achieve self-determination," stated the nomination letter. Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe, one of two Canadian members of parliament who nominated the group, shared the letter with VOA.

Canadian lawmakers and a leader of the Young Liberals in Norway, the youth wing of Norway's Venstre political party, nominated the organization. The rights group was cited for its work toward peace, democracy and the plight of the Uyghur and other Turkic people who live under what the nomination letter described as a "repressive regime in China."

Beijing has repeatedly denied mistreating Uyghurs, with China's state news agency, Xinhua, describing the allegations as "lies" concocted by "anti-China forces in the West." "Xinjiang-related issues are not about human rights, ethnicity or religion at all, but about combating violent terrorism and separatism," stated Xinhua in a 2021 article, as it pointed out the region has experienced economic and social development.

The Chinese embassy in Washington criticized the WUC's nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. "It is hoped that the prize will contribute to global peace and development, rather than falling into a political tool at the disposal of a few politicians," embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu told VOA in an email. "The so-called 'World Uyghur Congress' has close linkages with terrorist organizations. Nominating such an organization for the Nobel Peace Prize is highly detrimental to world peace and is a great irony of the Nobel Peace Prize."

Last August, the UN human rights office released a report on Xinjiang, stating that the Chinese government's treatment of Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in so-called vocational education and training centers could constitute crimes against humanity. The United States and several other countries have classified human rights abuses in the region as genocide.

"The Chinese government has perpetrated the same lies for decades," Zumretay Arkin, advocacy manager of the WUC, told VOA. "The fact that the WUC was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize is proof that the free and democratic world has recognized the WUC's work as valuable and important. Instead of defaming such organizations, the Chinese government should listen to the democratic world," Arkin said.

According to the group's website, the WUC was founded in 2004, in Munich, Germany, after the East Turkistan National Congress and the World Uyghur Youth Congress merged into one organization.

"The main objective of the WUC is to promote democracy, human rights, and freedom for the Uyghur people and to use peaceful, nonviolent, and democratic means to determine their political future," the group's website states in its mission statement. "By representing the sole legitimate organization of the Uyghur people both in East Turkistan and abroad, WUC endeavors to set out a course for the peaceful settlement of the East Turkistan Question through dialogue and negotiation."

East Turkistan is the name some Uyghurs prefer to use instead of Xinjiang, which means "new territory" in Chinese and is what China calls the Uyghur homeland.

"It makes me very proud to see that the World Uyghur Congress' hard work to end the Uyghur genocide has not gone unnoticed," Dolkun Isa, the president of the WUC, said in a press statement. The nomination was also significant because it was "a show of support for the Uyghur people," Isa said.
The Philippine coast guard has launched a strategy of publicizing aggressive actions by China in the disputed South China Sea, which has countered Chinese propaganda and sparked international condemnation that has put Beijing under the spotlight, a Philippine official said Wednesday.

Manila's coast guard has intensified patrols in the disputed waters and taken extra efforts to document and publicize assertive Chinese behavior in the strategic waterway, including a Feb. 6 incident in which a Chinese coast guard ship aimed a military-grade laser that briefly blinded some crew members on a Philippine patrol boat off a disputed reef.

The coast guard protested and released a video of the incident, which sparked alarm in the Philippines, the United States and some other Western countries. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. summoned China's ambassador to Manila and later said the Philippine military has shifted its focus from fighting Muslim and communist insurgents and other internal threats to external defense amid long-seething South China Sea territorial disputes.

"I'd like to emphasize that the best way to address Chinese 'gray zone' activities in the West Philippine Sea is to expose it," coast guard Commodore Jay Tarriela said, referring to China's use of ostensibly civilian fishing and research vessels to perform military tasks to avoid a military response from rival claimant states. Tarriela used the Philippine name for the stretch of the South China Sea close to its western coast. He spoke at a Manila forum about China's "gray zone" operations in the disputed sea.

The Philippine coast guard's role as a mouthpiece against Chinese aggression "allows like-minded states to express condemnation and reproach which puts Beijing in a spotlight," he said. "Chinese actions in the shadows are now checked, which also forced them to come out in the open or to publicly lie." Tarriela said Manila's outrage over the laser-pointing incident prompted China, including its ambassador to Manila, to explain its position when asked about the incident at news conferences.
Korea plans to send a third relief mission to Turkey to help create temporary shelters for earthquake survivors.

Foreign Minister Park Jin said on Wednesday the government will also provide some US$10 million to build the shelters.

A dozen Korean workers will help recovery and reconstruction efforts, as the quake-ravaged country ended the search for survivors in mid-February.

The first crew of 118 rescuers were dispatched to Turkey on Feb. 7 and returned to Korea after rescuing eight people and discovering 19 bodies during their 10-day mission. The second contingent continued working in the quake-hit country from Feb. 16 and came back to Korea late last month.

The latest group of relief workers will leave Seoul next week and carry out a week-long operation until March 23.
The People Power Party now has a new leader in Kim Gi-hyeon, who was thought to be President Yoon Suk-yeol's favorite to steer the ruling party through next year's general election.

The lawmaker and former mayor of Ulsan won a comfortable 52.93 percent majority from 461,313 party members who cast their ballot.

That was a 55.1 percent turnout, a record for the party.
China's economic prospects have been a major topic at this year's two sessions, as the country's performance is being watched closely in the context of global economic recovery. What will drive growth? What challenges will China face? China Daily spoke with Zheng Yongnian, a professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen), to find answers to these questions and more.


The Korea Forestry Service said some 30 helicopters and 550 firefighters have been deployed but had a hard time extinguishing the blaze due to strong winds.

Firefighters finally won a 20-hour battle against a wildfire in Hapcheon, South Gyesongsang Province in the early hours of Thursday.

President Yoon Suk-yeol ordered authorities to work at full capacity to make sure the fire is put out as soon as possible.

The blaze, which started Wednesday afternoon, consumed 163 hectares of woodland, but no casualties were reported.
The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea has pledged donations to a government fund that will be set up to compensate Korean victims of wartime forced labor under Japanese rule.

This will pose some pressure on Japanese firms under the Korean government's plan to seek business donations to compensate the victims.

AMCHAM chairman James Kim said in a meeting with Finance Minister Choo Kyung-ho Wednesday, "I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the historic agreement announced by the Korean and Japanese governments concerning the conclusion of discussions on sensitive historical issues."

He thanked the Korean government for helping to develop the trilateral partnership between Korea, Japan and the U.S., which is "critical to the peace and prosperity of the region." Kim promised that AMCHAM will encourage member companies to back the initiative and make donations to the fund to support the "epoch-making" agreement.

Established in 1953, AMCHAM consists of about 800 American businesses and some 1,500 American businesspeople based here.

Kim told the Chosun Ilbo he agrees 100 percent with the Seoul-Tokyo agreement and would like to help. "The improvement of Seoul-Tokyo ties is also important to the U.S.," he added.

AMCHAM has already started talking with member companies so that they can make donations voluntarily.

"We welcome it," an official with the fund under the Ministry of Interior and Safety said. "We also expect Japanese firms that hope for better ties between Seoul and Tokyo to join."

The fund is to pay about W4 billion to 15 victims who won a historic case in the Supreme Court in 2018 ordering Japanese companies to pay reparations. It will seek voluntary donations from 16 big companies like POSCO that benefited from lump-sum reparations paid by Japan under the 1965 normalization treaty (US$1=W1,321).

Separately, the Federation of Korean Industries and the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), the top business associations of the two countries, will set up a scholarship fund timed with President Yoon Suk-yeol's visit to Japan next week. The fund will be used to promote exchange of young people between the two countries.

Keidanren is expected to tell its 1,400 member companies soon how to donate to the fund.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Nippon Steel, the two Japanese companies that were ordered to pay reparations to the Korean victims, will probably not make any immediate contribution to save face.

"Formally, Japan maintains that it can't accept the Korean Supreme Court's decision because it violates international law, but it seems ready to tolerate voluntary donations from Japanese companies," said a government source here.
KYODO NEWS - Mar 9, 2023 - 16:55 | Feature, All, Japan

A high court upheld on Thursday a sentence of 15 years in prison given to a woman for manipulating a fellow mother to starve her 5-year-old son to death in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Fukuoka in 2020.

In rejecting the appeal by the defendant Emiko Akahori, 50, the Fukuoka High Court supported a lower court ruling that said she psychologically controlled her friend, Rie Ikari, 41, and the two conspired to severely reduce Ikari's son's meals from around August 2019.

By late March 2020, the boy, Shojiro, became severely malnourished and due to insufficient feeding, starved to death on April 18 that year.

Akahori's defense team had continued to plead not guilty and also said the 15-year sentence was too heavy and unjust compared to Ikari, who was sentenced to five years in prison for negligence as a guardian.

According to the Fukuoka District Court ruling, the two women became acquainted in 2016 through their children. Akahori told various lies that made Ikari cut ties with people around her, including that her husband was cheating on her. Ikari later got divorced.

Akahori was also found guilty of defrauding or stealing a total of around 1.98 million yen ($14,000) from Ikari, for purposes such as investigating the alleged cheating.

Related coverage:

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KYODO NEWS - Mar 9, 2023 - 22:55 | World, All, Japan

The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea has indicated it plans to donate to a South Korean government-backed foundation that will pay compensation to wartime laborers in a show of support for Seoul's plan to end the long-running dispute with Tokyo, a chamber official said Thursday.

The move by the chamber, which comes amid strong backing from the United States for the plan, may also encourage Japanese firms to voluntarily contribute to the foundation as hoped by Seoul.

James Kim, the chairman and CEO of AMCHAM, signaled the chamber's intention to donate to the foundation at a roundtable meeting hosted by South Korean Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Choo Kyung Ho on Wednesday while stressing the importance of cooperation between the three countries, the chamber official said.

The South Korean government this week announced its decision to compensate wartime laborers under Japan's 1910-1945 colonization through a government foundation with donations from South Korean companies.

It has expressed expectations that domestic firms that received Japan's financial support under a 1965 bilateral agreement, as well as Japanese businesses, would also be among the contributors.

Tokyo has said it will not block Japanese companies from donating voluntarily to the entity. But with business groups from the two countries planning to create a separate fund to promote exchanges among youth, the extent of Japanese donations to the foundation remains to be seen.

There is also resistance within Japan to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. and Nippon Steel Corp. joining the entity.

The two Japanese firms were ordered in separate rulings by South Korea's Supreme Court in 2018 to pay damages to former Korean laborers and their relatives over alleged forced labor during World War II but have refused to comply with the requests.

Their stance reflects Tokyo's assertion that all issues stemming from Japan's colonization of the Korean Peninsula were settled "completely and finally" under the 1965 bilateral agreement.

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FOCUS: Japan-S. Korea wartime labor row still far from fundamental solution
KYODO NEWS - Mar 9, 2023 - 02:13 | All, World, Japan

Japan, South Korea and the United States are arranging to hold working-level defense talks in Washington in mid-April to pave the way for enabling real-time information sharing about North Korea's ballistic missile launches, a government source said Wednesday.

Last year, the leaders of the three countries agreed to take steps to swiftly share information about Pyongyang's missile firings, but Tokyo, Seoul and Washington have yet to begin a full-fledged discussion, as bilateral ties between Japan and South Korea remained unstable.

On Monday, however, South Korea announced its solution to a wartime labor compensation dispute with Japan, prompting the three nations to accelerate their defense cooperation to tackle growing security threats from the North, the source said.

The senior defense officials of Japan, South Korea and the United States would hold their trilateral meeting for the first time since May 2020.

Currently, there is no mechanism for Japan and South Korea to immediately exchange information about the North's missile launches, while Washington has established such a system with Tokyo and Seoul, respectively.

Japan and South Korea have signed the General Security of Military Information Agreement, or GSOMIA, which allows the two U.S. allies to directly share military intelligence, especially related to the North's ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons.

But Tokyo and Seoul cannot quickly exchange military information under the pact, as the deal entails the two countries deciding whether to provide intelligence to each other after analyzing the situation, respectively, following Pyongyang's missile firings.

While the agreement was on the brink of termination under the administration of former South Korean President Moon Jae In in 2019, the government of incumbent Yoon Suk Yeol, who has been trying to improve relations with Japan since taking office last year, has been eager to "normalize" the pact, local media reported.

Geographically, it is difficult for Tokyo to immediately obtain information on where a North Korean missile is launched from, and South Korea is poor at evaluating the situation where the projectile falls.

If Tokyo, Seoul and Washington can exchange military information in real time, the three nations would be able to improve the technology to intercept North Korean missiles, foreign affairs experts said.

In 2022, North Korea launched missiles on a record 37 occasions in defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions. Fears are also mounting that Pyongyang may carry out its seventh nuclear test, the first since September 2017, in the not-so-distant future.

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KYODO NEWS - Mar 9, 2023 - 23:00 | World, All

North Korea fired at least one short-range ballistic missile from the western city of Nampo toward the Yellow Sea on Thursday, the South Korean military said.

The missile launch, detected around 6:20 p.m., comes ahead of a major joint military exercise by South Korea and the United States next week.

Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff later said it was looking into the possibility of Pyongyang having fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles simultaneously from the Nampo area.

The joint drill "Freedom Shield" will take place from Monday through March 23.

Seoul's intelligence agency said earlier in the week that it was likely North Korea would conduct a large-scale exercise and fire an intercontinental ballistic missile to coincide with upcoming drills by South Korea and the United States.

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KYODO NEWS - Mar 9, 2023 - 04:49 | All, Japan, World

The World Health Organization said Wednesday it has terminated the contract of the Japanese chief of its Western Pacific office after an internal investigation "resulted in findings of misconduct."

The WHO did not release details, but Takeshi Kasai had been suspended as regional director for the Western Pacific since August after allegations of racist and abusive behavior toward staff members at his office in Manila.

The Geneva-based U.N. health body launched a formal investigation into the allegations, which were first reported by The Associated Press in January 2022. The decision to dismiss Kasai came after closed-door meetings of the Western Pacific Regional Office last month and the Executive Board earlier this week.

According to the AP report, an internal complaint filed by current and former staff in October 2021 described a "toxic atmosphere" with "a culture of systemic bullying and public ridiculing" at WHO's Western Pacific headquarters in the Philippine capital.

Kasai's authoritarian style led to the departure of more than 55 key staff members, and he was also accused of having made derogatory remarks based on nationality, the AP report said.

After the reporting came out, Kasai confirmed to Kyodo News through his office that he had treated his subordinates harshly, but denied involvement in any discrimination based on specific nationalities.

Zsuzsanna Jakab, a deputy director-general of the U.N. entity who has already stepped in as Kasai's interim replacement, will serve as acting regional director until a successor is elected. The election process is due to start next month and the new director should not take office before next February.

Kasai was appointed as regional director for the Western Pacific for a five-year term in February 2019. The Japanese doctor has worked for the WHO in various positions for nearly 20 years, according to the organization.

There are six WHO regional offices. The regional office for the Western Pacific is located in Manila and covers almost 1.9 billion people across 37 countries and areas, including Japan, China and Australia.

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KYODO NEWS - Mar 9, 2023 - 20:51 | All, Japan, World

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is scheduled to visit Japan next Thursday for talks with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, the two governments said, with efforts by Seoul to resolve a major dispute with Tokyo pointing to signs of a thaw in frosty bilateral relations.

Yoon's two-day visit to Japan with his wife Kim Keon Hee comes after South Korea on Monday announced its plan for settling a wartime labor compensation issue with Tokyo.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said at a press conference Thursday that South Korea is Japan's "important partner working together to respond to various challenges in the international community."

Matsuno, the top government spokesman, said Yoon's trip to Japan will likely further develop bilateral ties.

Later Thursday, Kishida told reporters that Japan "appreciates" South Korea's announcement of its solution to the wartime labor row, adding he is taking Yoon's visit as a chance to "bolster bilateral relations."

In Seoul, the South Korean presidential office said Yoon's trip would mark the resumption of reciprocal visits between the leaders of the two nations, which have been suspended for 12 years, calling the travel an "important milestone" toward improving bilateral ties.

South Korea hopes that the two Asian countries will expand security and economic cooperation while boosting people-to-people exchanges "in order to overcome the unfortunate history of the past and move forward into the future," the office said.

Under the plan, a South Korean government-backed foundation will pay compensation to Korean plaintiffs who won lawsuits over alleged forced labor during Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula instead of the Japanese companies that were sued.

Kishida hailed the decision by South Korea, saying it will help restore "healthy" relations between Tokyo and Seoul, which frayed under the previous administration of President Moon Jae In.

Bilateral ties plunged to the lowest point in decades after South Korea's top court in 2018 ordered two Japanese companies -- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. and Nippon Steel Corp. -- to compensate the plaintiffs.

Yoon, however, has been trying to improve relations with Japan since taking office last year while strengthening military cooperation with the United States amid growing security threats from North Korea.

Meanwhile, Japan is considering inviting Yoon as a guest to the Group of Seven summit, slated to be held in May in Hiroshima, diplomatic sources said.

Kishida, who became prime minister in October 2021, is expected to make a final judgment on whether to sound Yoon out on taking part in the summit in his home constituency after meeting with the president in Japan next week, the sources said.

During the conversation with Yoon, Kishida will seek to gauge whether South Korea implements the solution to the wartime labor spat in a steady manner before formally deciding to allow Yoon to join the G-7 summit, the sources said.

South Korea has expressed willingness to arrange Yoon's participation in the summit, they added.

If Yoon attends the G-7 gathering, Kishida will seek an opportunity to hold trilateral talks, including U.S. President Joe Biden, to deepen their coordination to deal with North Korea's missile and nuclear development programs, according to the sources.

As the holder of this year's G-7 presidency, Japan can decide which nations to invite to the three-day summit from May 19 as "outreach" countries.

So far, Japan has been eager to extend an invitation to Australia, a U.S. security ally, as well as India and Indonesia, the chairs of the Group of 20 economies and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 2023, respectively, the sources said.

The G-7 groups Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, plus the European Union.

The last time a South Korean president made a trip to Japan was in June 2019, for the G-20 summit in Osaka. Reciprocal visits between the leaders of the two countries have been suspended since December 2011.

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FOCUS: Japan-S. Korea wartime labor row still far from fundamental solution
KYODO NEWS - Mar 9, 2023 - 12:00 | Feature, All, Japan, 3/11 Fukushima

(THIS IS SPECIAL FEATURE FOR 12TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GREAT EAST JAPAN EARTHQUAKE)

Each year on March 11 at precisely 2:46 p.m., a siren blares across much of the northeastern Japan region that was devastated in the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, but instead of marking respect for the dead as intended, for many, it revives the pain and heartache of the disaster.

The mournful wail, the same which was used amid the panic on that day, brings a flood of memories rushing back, causing many to revisit the trauma they experienced.

Out of respect, some areas have decided not to broadcast the siren, but more than 80 percent of the coastal municipalities in the three affected prefectures plan to do so again this year.

Victims and family members of the dead, many of whom find the sound extremely unsettling, are now speaking out about the gesture that is meant to honor their loved ones. Some have started pressing local authorities to instead use a more soothing tone that is not so directly associated with 3/11.

"That siren is like a countdown to death," said Yumiko Suzuki, 53, from Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, whose sixth-grade son Hidekazu died in the disaster.

The 12-year-old was in class when the earthquake struck. She believes the tsunami siren must have been terrifying for the children.

Because she finds it too painful to imagine the scene of her son's death, Suzuki recites prayers at a temple each year on the day of the disaster.

The city sounds the siren on the same outdoor loudspeakers used during the disaster. If the people who died can hear that sound, says, Suzuki, "I doubt they feel at peace."

Kyoko Aoki, 64, who lost her eldest son Kenji, then a 31-year-old police officer in the city, also does her best to block out the sound. "Our feelings are the same after more than a decade. I hate feeling the difference in mood between us and other people (not affected by the disaster)," Aoki said.

A woman in her 50s who lost a family member in Higashimatsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, says she "tenses up" before the alarm rings. A friend of hers, in the same situation, will run to the restroom at work and scream to get through it. The sound is so anxiety-inducing for others that they try to cover their ears.

Last summer, Suzuki and Aoki consulted with Ishinomaki officials to see if the sound might be changed. In response to a Kyodo News interview, the city said "it partially understands," but the siren is also "meant to raise awareness about disaster prevention and mitigation."

It argues that because some residents think of the siren as a means of "bracing oneself," it would be difficult to change it under the current circumstances.

According to a Kyodo News tally conducted through Feb. 20, at least 32 of the 37 coastal cities, towns and villages in Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures plan to broadcast the siren through their disaster prevention radio systems to mark the time of the earthquake.

On the other hand, Sendai, Miyagi's prefectural capital, out of consideration for traumatized residents, has not sounded the alarm, including in the year following the disaster. "I hope people can mourn in their own way," said a Sendai official.

Tagajo, a city also in Miyagi, considered the possibility of using gongs or announcements in response to requests from residents to forgo the siren last year but decided against making the change in line with neighboring municipalities.

Suzuki, for her part, has not abandoned hope for a sound more suitable for those who died on March 11.

"If it is for disaster prevention, a day meant for drills should be fine. On March 11, we should think of those who died and remember their smiles," she said.

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KYODO NEWS - Mar 9, 2023 - 13:35 | All, Japan

Japan's police agency said Thursday that 44.1 percent of the 2,053 offenders in child pornography-related criminal cases last year were aged between 14 and 19, nearly double the share in 2013.

A further 60 percent of the 905 people suspected of committing child porn crimes in the age group were high school students, according to revised data from the National Police Agency.

Those between the ages of 14 to 19 have accounted for over 40 percent of child porn suspects every year since 2019. The agency believes the increase is owing to the prevalence of smartphones and social media, and plans to create awareness campaigns on their appropriate usage.

There were 3,035 child pornography cases in Japan in 2022, up 66 from the previous year. The number of victims, all aged 17 or younger, increased by 29 from 2021 to 1,487, of whom around 80 percent were junior or senior high school students.

Approximately 40 percent of victims were tricked or threatened into sending nude photos of themselves through social media.

A total of 1,732 minors were victims of crimes committed via social media sites. Other than sexual crimes, the number of children who were victims of serious offenses such as abduction also continues to rise, with 158 involved in 2022.

Victims were targeted through social media posts, the majority of which were ostensibly about topics such as hobbies, daily life or looking for friends. Around 70 percent of the time, the first such posts were made by victims who were then approached by offenders.

People under the age of 20 involved in offenses punishable under the Penal Code in 2022 numbered 14,887, up by 69 from the previous year, the agency figures showed.

In 2021, the fewest number of offenses in the postwar period were committed by people under the age of 20, but a decreasing trend ended with the rebound in 2022.

The police agency believes that the increase in crimes was influenced by the easing of movement restrictions put in place due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The number of cannabis-related criminal suspects had been increasing in recent years, but fell by 82 to 912 in 2022.

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* China's devotion to advancing opening up has reinforced its appeal for foreign companies and investors amid flagging global economic recovery and headwinds of protectionism.

* Last year, foreign direct investment in the Chinese mainland, in actual use, expanded 6.3 percent year-on-year to 1.23 trillion yuan (about 178 billion dollars).

* Ahead of the "two sessions," in a global survey Xinhua conducted on the development of China, more than 95 percent of the respondents agree that China made impressive achievements in the past decade.

BEIJING, March 8 (Xinhua) -- A string of positive signals is coming out China's ongoing "two sessions" -- an economic growth target of around 5 percent for 2023 and reaffirmed commitment to high-level opening up. These have boosted the global business community's confidence in China's continued contribution to the world economic recovery and stability.

When attending a deliberation on Monday at the first session of the 14th National People's Congress, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged efforts to meet the requirements of building a high-standard socialist market economy and promoting high-standard opening up.

A Fuxing bullet train runs on the China's section of the China-Laos Railway on Jan. 27, 2023. (Photo by Xu Zhangwei/Xinhua)

ANCHOR FOR GLOBAL ECONOMIC STABILITY

China's devotion to advancing opening up has reinforced its appeal for foreign companies and investors amid flagging global economic recovery and headwinds of protectionism.

Looking back to the past five years, China has made major achievements in economic and social development, with its GDP growing to 121 trillion yuan (17.5 trillion U.S. dollars) at an average annual rate of 5.2 percent, according to the government work report delivered at the opening meeting of the session on Sunday.

As China steadily pushes forward economic recovery to promote high-quality development, the agenda for 2023 is set to be dominated by one topic in particular: growth.

These days, global financial banks have raised their forecast for the world's second-largest economy in unison. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lifted its projection for China's economic growth in 2023 to 5.2 percent. Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs and other investment banks have also revised upward their forecasts.

"The rebound in China will be a net positive for the economy; the growth effect should dominate," Thomas Helbling, deputy director of the IMF's Asia and Pacific Department, told a February press briefing.

Among the major driving factors for China's social and economic development, sci-tech innovation has a paramount role.

A China-Europe freight train loaded with 1,300 tonnes of flour from Kazakhstan arrives at Xi'an International Port in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Jan. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)

In 2022, China's total expenditure on research and development (R&D) amounted to 3.1 trillion yuan (450 billion dollars), up 10.4 percent year-on-year, maintaining a double-digit growth for seven consecutive years.

George Barcelon, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, noted China has been making headway in strengthening technological innovation, nurturing new drivers, actively solving stranglehold technical problems, and improving the core competitiveness of the manufacturing industry.

"Substantial R&D input on innovation and high technology is critical to moving up the value chain," Barcelon told Xinhua.

Given China's importance for the global industrial chain and value chain, its steady growth will play an irreplaceable part in the stability and growth of the world economy, especially in the post-pandemic recovery, Jorge Marchini, an economics professor at Argentina's University of Buenos Aires, told Xinhua.

SOURCE OF GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

"I encourage our business people to go to China, to do business in China," said Marin Orriols, international area director of the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce. "That's worth it."

Ivan Marambio, president of the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association, shares a similar feeling, saying, "the Chinese market is so important for us!" After he led a delegation to several Chinese cities to meet business partners in early January, Chilean cherry exports to China hit a new high during the 2022-23 cherry season, according to his association.

"We are optimistic about the resilience and consumption vitality of the Chinese market and hope to achieve greater development through the Chinese market," Marambio said.

Also at Monday's deliberation, Xi reiterated the commitment to deepen reform in key areas, make coordinated efforts to put in place a modern infrastructure system and a high-standard market system, and steadily expand institutional opening up.

Given these commitments, the world business community eyes fresh opportunities originating from the country's high-quality development and high-level opening up.

This photo taken on Nov. 9, 2022 shows the first Airbus A321 aircraft produced at the Final Assembly Line Asia (FALA) facility in north China's Tianjin. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

China has long been a strong magnet for foreign investment and trade. Last year, foreign direct investment in the Chinese mainland, in actual use, expanded 6.3 percent year-on-year to 1.23 trillion yuan (about 178 billion dollars), the Ministry of Commerce said in January.

In addition, China's annual foreign trade value hit a record high in 2022, as total goods trade reached 42.07 trillion yuan (6.2 trillion dollars), up 7.7 percent year-on-year, according to China's General Administration of Customs.

For Yu Feng, president of Honeywell China, China's commitment to opening up has injected impetus into the long-term development of foreign companies in the country, including Honeywell.

In 2022, the multinational company deepened cooperation with its Chinese partners in areas such as energy transition, air transportation, intelligent building, and intelligent manufacturing.

"We are confident in the Chinese market's high-quality development and Honeywell's sustained growth in China because of China's comprehensive advantages, which include complete industrial systems, ultra-large market scale, an increasingly optimized business environment, and long-term positive economic fundamentals," Yu said.

ROAD TOWARD WIN-WIN DEVELOPMENT

Ahead of the "two sessions," in a global survey Xinhua conducted on the development of China, more than 95 percent of the respondents agree that China made impressive achievements in the past decade.

The survey found almost 60 percent of the respondents are most impressed by the country's economic development and progress in science and technology.

This aerial photo shows vehicles to be exported at a port in Lianyungang, east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 13, 2023. (Photo by Geng Yuhe/Xinhua)

Besides, development potentials and cooperation chances top the list of the answers to the question -- what the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has brought to their country and region.

In the eyes of Amadou Diop, a Senegalese expert on China, China's modernization and high-quality development offers not only an inspiration but also "a great opportunity for the rest of the world to commit together towards a community of shared future and common prosperity."

"It does not just say it; it materializes it through factual and very important initiatives and programs," he said of the BRI proposed by Xi in 2013.

Over the past decade, China has been sharing its development dividends with other countries by helping enhance the connectivity and accessibility of infrastructure.

From such transport projects as the China-Laos Railway and the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway that galvanize local and regional development to industrial projects such as the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone that have attracted numerous enterprises and investment, the BRI has become a high-quality public good jointly built by all partners, with its benefits shared by the world.

This photo taken on Jan. 14, 2021 shows a view of the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone in Ain Sokhna, Egypt. (Xinhua/Wu Huiwo)

With the participation of over three-fourths of countries in the world and 32 international organizations, the initiative has brought nearly 1 trillion dollars of investment, established over 3,000 cooperation projects, created some 420,000 jobs in countries along the routes and helped lift nearly 40 million people out of poverty, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang told a press conference on Tuesday.

Cavince Adhere, a Kenyan international relations scholar, lauded China for its willingness to share its resources, technologies and expertise to help transform Africa's economies through enhanced connectivity, trade and job creation.

Belt and Road cooperation projects in Kenya like the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway, seaports and roads have injected vitality into East Africa's largest economy, Adhere observed.

"China runs the development process according to the belief that if development takes place in the world and welfare rates rise, conflicts and disputes in the world will decrease, leading to security and political stability," Egyptian economist Waleed Gaballah told Xinhua.

That "will boost growth and development rates worldwide and achieve the well-being of peoples and societies," he opined. (Video reporters: You Zhixin, Sun Qing, Lu Haiyue, Yao Bing, Yu Fuqing, Yang Yiran, Wang Huan, Ali Jaswal, Tariq Hameed; video editors: Zhang Qiru, Zhang Yuhong, Hong Yan)


This photo taken on March 7, 2023 shows medical equipment and other supplies donated to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) by the 23rd Chinese medical team in Lusaka, Zambia. The 23rd Chinese medical team in Zambia on Tuesday donated medical equipment and other supplies to the UTH, the biggest public hospital in the country, to help improve healthcare delivery.(Xinhua/Peng Lijun)

LUSAKA, March 7 (Xinhua) -- The 23rd Chinese medical team in Zambia on Tuesday donated medical equipment and other supplies to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH), the biggest public hospital in the country, to help improve healthcare delivery.

Charles Mutemba, senior medical superintendent at the UTH, expressed his gratitude to the medical team not only for the donation but also for the training of local medical personnel, who are now able to conduct brain surgery.

"We are willing to share China's medical experience and work with Zambian doctors to help improve Zambia's medical technology," said Liu Guoyu, economic and commercial counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Zambia, noting that more extensive cooperation with the UTH is expected.

The 23rd Chinese medical team has been in Zambia for the past year and will leave this month. The 28-member team was scattered in four hospitals in Zambia's three cities. 

Charles Mutemba (L), senior medical superintendent at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH), and Liu Guoyu, economic and commercial counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Zambia, sign the handover certificate of medical equipment and other supplies donated to the UTH by the 23rd Chinese medical team in Lusaka, Zambia, March 7, 2023. The 23rd Chinese medical team in Zambia on Tuesday donated medical equipment and other supplies to the UTH, the biggest public hospital in the country, to help improve healthcare delivery.(Xinhua/Peng Lijun)
BEIJING, March 8 (Xinhua) -- China will always keep in mind the interests of the world, take an active part in global governance and contribute more to world peace, development and human progress, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang said Tuesday at a press conference on the sidelines of the annual sessions of China's top legislature and political advisory body.

As the second-largest economy and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China's foreign policy draws much global attention. And the ongoing "two sessions" provide a window.

Observers in many countries said that with an independent foreign policy of peace and a mutually beneficial strategy of opening-up, China has always contributed to world peace and development.

FOR WORLD PEACE

"Peaceful development as emblematic of China's international cooperation has seen Beijing welcomed in many countries around the world," said Cavince Adhere, a Kenya-based international relations scholar.

Currently, a myriad of factors, including geopolitical conflicts, bloc confrontation and terrorism, are posing challenges to global peace and stability. The world pays more attention to China's insights into how to stave off security dilemmas and achieve lasting peace.

"China's commitment to peace is historic since the appearance of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence," said Eduardo Regalado, senior researcher at the International Policy Research Center of Cuba.

China has always been for peace and dialogue. As a major contributor to the UN peacekeeping budget and the largest troop-contributing country among the permanent members of the UN Security Council, China has sent more than 50,000 personnel on peacekeeping missions over the last three decades.

"We are very grateful to Chinese peacekeepers. They offer us the most realistic help when we face the hardest time," a resident of Mali's Gao region told Xinhua.

Last month, China released The Global Security Initiative (GSI) Concept Paper, demonstrating the country's responsibility to safeguard world peace and its resolve to defend global security.

"Through the GSI, China commits itself to bringing about security through political dialogue and peaceful negotiation, as well as resolving conflicts through development," said Keith Bennett, a long-term China specialist and vice chair of Britain's 48 Group Club.

Earlier last month, China released a paper stating its position on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, emphasizing that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable solution to the crisis.

"China believes in a 'Let's grow together' policy, a policy of peace, equality and friendship," said Mohammad Reza Manafi, editor-in-chief for the Asia-Pacific news desk of Iran's official news agency IRNA.

If such a policy becomes popular worldwide, it would end unhealthy competition and deadly wars, Manafi said.

FOR COMMON PROSPERITY

In China's view, development holds the key to fixing many of the world's daunting problems. Over the years, the country has been committed to joining hands with the rest of the world to spur common growth.

Amadou Diop, a Senegalese expert on China, has visited many Chinese cities where he saw firsthand China's achievements in poverty reduction and green development.

"China offers a great opportunity for the rest of the world to commit together towards a community with a shared future and common prosperity," Diop said. "Chinese modernization and high-quality development will continue to inspire the world, including Senegal."

Meanwhile, China has promoted common development through infrastructure connectivity in the past decade by advancing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The BRI has attracted more than three-quarters of the world's countries and 32 international organizations. Over the past decade, the initiative has galvanized nearly one trillion dollars of investment, established more than 3,000 cooperation projects, created 420,000 local jobs and helped lift almost 40 million people out of poverty.

"African countries, including Nigeria, have benefited greatly from win-win cooperation with China ... Infrastructure projects covering roads, railways, ports and airports built by Chinese enterprises have strengthened the interconnection within the African continent and promoted the integration process," said Charles Onunaiju, director of the Center for China Studies in Nigeria.

"Only a few years ago, Africa was described as a continent without hope. Today we speak of the African common market," he said.

African countries are hopeful for the Chinese government's commitment to continue opening up and high-quality BRI cooperation because it means more cooperation opportunities between China and Africa, Onunaiju said.

In addition to the BRI, China on its path towards modernization has been sharing opportunities with the world through the China International Import Expo, establishing pilot zones for Silk Road e-commerce cooperation, bringing into force the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and applying for membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

China's proposals for common development illustrate a solid understanding of global issues and a focus on collective progress, said Farhad Javanbakht Kheirabadi, a China scholar at Shahid Beheshti University in Iran.

FOR A SHARED FUTURE

In the face of rapid changes rarely seen in a century, China has always championed multilateralism with the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, promoting democracy in international relations and making global governance fairer and more equitable.

"Unilateralism and willfully wielding the baton of hegemony are important reasons for the persistent geopolitical tensions in the world today," said Ang Teck Sin, a political commentator in Singapore.

"Only when countries develop a healthy partnership can they achieve sound interactions, which will promote cooperation and development and serve the well-being of the people," Ang added.

As a major country, China believes that the correct way out of international crises lies in strengthening unity and cooperation under the banner of multilateralism, said Abu Bakr al-Deeb, advisor to the Cairo-based Arab Center for Research and Studies.

China's vision is "based on the desire for broad, inclusive international cooperation," said Oleg Timofeev, associate professor with the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia.

The notion aims to facilitate interactions among countries with different civilizations and cultures, different socio-economic systems and different paths of development, he said.

Hailing that the idea has won increasing support in many countries over the past 10 years, Timofeev said it has injected stability into international affairs. 
TOKYO, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Japan's space agency said Wednesday that flight data analysis of the failed H3 rocket launch showed that a device had abnormal voltage levels around the time the second-stage engine was supposed to ignite.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) said it confirmed that the rocket had sent a signal to its second-stage engine to ignite and the engine had received the signal, but a section of the device needed for ignition had abnormal voltage levels.

The agency reported its initial findings to a government panel of experts on the day, adding that it will investigate the cause of the failure in detail and take corrective measures.

Japan's new flagship H3 rocket, the successor to the country's reliable H2A rocket, blasted off on Tuesday but was ordered to self-destruct minutes later after the vehicle's second-stage engine failed to ignite. 
Millions of people took to the streets across France Tuesday to protest against a government pension reform plan.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
A visitor takes photos of a painting at an art gallery in Aswan, Egypt, on March 8, 2023. An art gallery on "Women and Life" opened on Wednesday evening in Upper Egypt's glamorous city of Aswan with the participation of more than 20 artists from several countries to mark the International Women's Day. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

by Mahmoud Fouly

ASWAN, Egypt, March 9 (Xinhua) -- An art gallery on "Women and Life" opened on Wednesday evening in Upper Egypt's glamorous city of Aswan with the participation of more than 20 artists from several countries to mark the International Women's Day that falls on March 8 every year.

Most of the paintings and artworks displayed in the gallery hall depict female faces with different perspectives and symbolisms.

One of the paintings portrays a face of a woman colored in pink with real tangible handmade earrings hanging from her ears.

"I was keen to draw a woman's face as a clear element in the painting, and I attached earrings I bought from Aswan last year to give the painting a touch of Aswan," Kuwaiti artist Sharefa Dashti told Xinhua, noting the pink color symbolizes women's emotions.

"Each of the artists expressed their support for women's role and power in society through their paintings in the gallery," the artist said.

Among the displayed works were paintings of an Arab woman behind bars, a woman playing the violin, a woman's face merged with tree roots and leaves, a woman with long hair with her upper body wrapped in actual bandages, and others.

Huda Al-Kazwine, an Iraqi artist who has been living in Denmark for over 25 years, brought a textile collage using objects including black thread symbolizing a woman's body in a black dress, a copper star shape expressing a woman's golden hair, and other leather and wooden objects.

She explained that the painting is based on a novel by Algerian writer Ahlam Mosteghanemi entitled "Black Suits You so Well," telling a love story when a man falls in love with a woman in a black dress.

The gallery is the output of a painting workshop entitled "Symposium of Women and Life" as part of the ongoing Aswan International Women Film Festival (AIWFF) running from March 5 to 10 to shed light on women's causes and rights.

"There is no dividing line between cinema and fine art, for cinema is actually a large painting," said Nermine Amer, an organizer of the AIWFF as well as the symposium and the art gallery.

Amer pointed out that the event gathered works of artists from different countries including Kuwait, Qatar, Denmark, Iraq, Pakistan and Sweden.

Although the gallery is aiming to highlight women's role and shed light on their status, the participating artists are not restricted to women.

Qatari artist Abdulrahman Almutawah used poster colors on canvas to compose his two paintings representing Qatari women in traditional costumes and expressing "the greatness and pride of Qatari women."

"I see that the relation between man and woman is so strong, for they are both the basis of the society," he told Xinhua.

Dozens of visitors admired the unique artworks, including foreign visitors, Egyptian actresses participating in the film festival, as well as young people from Aswan and other provinces in Egypt.

"The paintings featured in the gallery, on this world day for women, touch every woman. They depict nice features of every one of us," Amira Khalifa, a young woman from Aswan, told Xinhua. 

A visitor views artworks at an art gallery in Aswan, Egypt, on March 8, 2023. An art gallery on "Women and Life" opened on Wednesday evening in Upper Egypt's glamorous city of Aswan with the participation of more than 20 artists from several countries to mark the International Women's Day. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)
Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends a deliberation with deputies from the Taiwan delegation at the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 9, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)

BEIJING, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Wang Huning, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Thursday attended a deliberation with deputies from the Taiwan delegation at the first session of the 14th National People's Congress.

Wang urged efforts to fully implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress, implement the Party's overall policy for resolving the Taiwan question in the new era, adhere to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, and work to keep the development of cross-Strait relations on the right track.

He stressed unswervingly striving for the prospect of peaceful reunification and advancing exchanges, cooperation and integrated development across the Taiwan Strait, while opposing "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and external interference.

Wang also called for joining hands with Taiwan compatriots to achieve China's complete reunification and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. 
Visitors take selfie with artworks at an art gallery opened to mark the International Women's Day in Aswan, Egypt, on March 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)



by Mahmoud Fouly

ASWAN, Egypt, March 9 (Xinhua) -- An art gallery on "Women and Life" opened on Wednesday evening in Upper Egypt's glamorous city of Aswan with the participation of more than 20 artists from several countries to mark the International Women's Day that falls on March 8 every year.

Most of the paintings and artworks displayed in the gallery hall depict female faces with different perspectives and symbolisms.

One of the paintings portrays a face of a woman colored in pink with real tangible handmade earrings hanging from her ears.

Visitors take selfie with artworks at an art gallery opened to mark the International Women's Day in Aswan, Egypt, on March 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)



"I was keen to draw a woman's face as a clear element in the painting, and I attached earrings I bought from Aswan last year to give the painting a touch of Aswan," Kuwaiti artist Sharefa Dashti told Xinhua, noting the pink color symbolizes women's emotions.

"Each of the artists expressed their support for women's role and power in society through their paintings in the gallery," the artist said.

Among the displayed works were paintings of an Arab woman behind bars, a woman playing the violin, a woman's face merged with tree roots and leaves, a woman with long hair with her upper body wrapped in actual bandages, and others.

Huda Al-Kazwine, an Iraqi artist who has been living in Denmark for over 25 years, brought a textile collage using objects including black thread symbolizing a woman's body in a black dress, a copper star shape expressing a woman's golden hair, and other leather and wooden objects.

A visitor takes photos of paintings at an art gallery opened to mark the International Women's Day in Aswan, Egypt, on March 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)



She explained that the painting is based on a novel by Algerian writer Ahlam Mosteghanemi entitled "Black Suits You so Well," telling a love story when a man falls in love with a woman in a black dress.

The gallery is the output of a painting workshop entitled "Symposium of Women and Life" as part of the ongoing Aswan International Women Film Festival (AIWFF) running from March 5 to 10 to shed light on women's causes and rights.

"There is no dividing line between cinema and fine art, for cinema is actually a large painting," said Nermine Amer, an organizer of the AIWFF as well as the symposium and the art gallery.

Amer pointed out that the event gathered works of artists from different countries including Kuwait, Qatar, Denmark, Iraq, Pakistan and Sweden.

Although the gallery is aiming to highlight women's role and shed light on their status, the participating artists are not restricted to women.

Qatari artist Abdulrahman Almutawah used poster colors on canvas to compose his two paintings representing Qatari women in traditional costumes and expressing "the greatness and pride of Qatari women."

"I see that the relation between man and woman is so strong, for they are both the basis of the society," he told Xinhua.

People visit an art gallery opened to mark the International Women's Day in Aswan, Egypt, on March 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

Dozens of visitors admired the unique artworks, including foreign visitors, Egyptian actresses participating in the film festival, as well as young people from Aswan and other provinces in Egypt.

"The paintings featured in the gallery, on this world day for women, touch every woman. They depict nice features of every one of us," Amira Khalifa, a young woman from Aswan, told Xinhua. 
GENEVA, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Three years since the implementation of national security law in Hong Kong, the region has restored stability and featured effective governance, Gary Wong Chi-him, a representative of the United Nations Association of China, said Wednesday.

The youth from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region made the remarks online at the 52nd session of the UN Human Rights Council, saying the national security law has played a pivotal role in enabling Hong Kong to move from chaos to stability and prosperity without compromising the protection of human rights.

In 2021, according to the World Bank, Hong Kong's rule of law percentile ranking was above 90 percent.

"Facts speak louder than words. Some scaremongers vilifying the national security law are not doing better than Hong Kong in terms of their rule of law. I am here to urge them to stop interfering in China's internal affairs and spend more time on improving their own human rights situation," he said.

With Hong Kong's unique strengths and the staunch support of the Chinese central government, global talents and companies are moving to Hong Kong, he added.

"Sports and cultural events are making a comeback. Tourism is reviving. New business opportunities are emerging. Hong Kong is integrating with national development and roaring back to the forefront of the global stage," he said. 
A Palestinian protester throws a stone at Israeli security forces during clashes following a protest over the killing of six Palestinians, in the West Bank city of Hebron, on March 8, 2023. Outrage and grief prevailed in the Palestinian territories on Wednesday, a day after six Palestinians were killed and 26 others injured during an Israeli raid near the West Bank city of Jenin. (Photo by Mamoun Wazwaz/Xinhua)

RAMALLAH/GAZA, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Outrage and grief prevailed in the Palestinian territories on Wednesday, a day after six Palestinians were killed and 26 others injured during an Israeli raid near the West Bank city of Jenin.

Streets were almost empty and most stores were closed in West Bank cities, as a general strike was staged in response to the call from Palestinian factions to mourn the six Palestinians killed on Tuesday in the Jenin Palestinian refugee camp.

Issam Bakr, the coordinator of national and Islamic factions in Ramallah, told Xinhua that the strike was staged "to condemn the killing of six Palestinians in the Jenin refugee camp."

Thousands of Palestinian mourners on Wednesday attended the funeral held for five of the victims in the Jenin refugee camp amid anger and grief. The sixth victim was buried in a cemetery in the city of Nablus.

The funeral participants, led by many armed men, waved Palestinian flags while masked men threatened to retaliate for the killing of the Palestinians.

The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) which rules the Gaza Strip, called for escalating "armed resistance" against Israel following the Israeli killings of Palestinians in Jenin.

Earlier Wednesday, the Israeli military bombed a military facility that belongs to Hamas militants in the southern Gaza Strip after a roadside bomb was detonated against an Israeli armored vehicle in the area, according to Palestinian and Israeli sources.

Palestinian sources told Xinhua that the Israeli troops stationed on the eastern border with the Gaza Strip fired two tank shells at a lookout post of the Al-Qassam Brigades in the southern Gaza Strip, but no injuries were reported.

An Israeli military spokesman said in a statement that there were reports that an explosive device was detonated near a military force at the Gaza Strip border that was carrying out military activity west of the security fence.

He added that there were no casualties among the Israeli forces, while the tanks responded by bombing a Hamas military site.

Meanwhile, Israeli public radio reported that the Israeli military asked Israeli farmers to evacuate the areas near the border fence adjacent to the southern Gaza Strip, hours after Palestinian militants fired a rocket at dawn at Israel.

Ahmed Al-Mudallal, a member of the Political Bureau of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement, said in a statement that "there can be no truce with the Israeli occupation" as long as Israel "commits massacres in the West Bank."

The tensions between Israel and the Palestinians have been escalating in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since the beginning of this year. Official Palestinian and Israeli figures showed that more than 70 Palestinians have been killed this year so far, while 14 Israelis have been killed in attacks carried out by Palestinians. 

A Palestinian protester throws a stone at Israeli security forces during clashes following a protest over the killing of six Palestinians, in the West Bank city of Hebron, on March 8, 2023. Outrage and grief prevailed in the Palestinian territories on Wednesday, a day after six Palestinians were killed and 26 others injured during an Israeli raid near the West Bank city of Jenin. (Photo by Mamoun Wazwaz/Xinhua)

Israeli security forces aim their weapons at Palestinian protesters during clashes following a protest over the killing of six Palestinians, in the West Bank city of Hebron, on March 8, 2023. Outrage and grief prevailed in the Palestinian territories on Wednesday, a day after six Palestinians were killed and 26 others injured during an Israeli raid near the West Bank city of Jenin. (Photo by Mamoun Wazwaz/Xinhua)

A Palestinian protester pulls a burning tire during clashes with Israeli security forces following a protest over the killing of six Palestinians, in the West Bank city of Hebron, on March 8, 2023. Outrage and grief prevailed in the Palestinian territories on Wednesday, a day after six Palestinians were killed and 26 others injured during an Israeli raid near the West Bank city of Jenin. (Photo by Mamoun Wazwaz/Xinhua)
BRASILIA, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva marked International Women's Day on Wednesday by announcing a bill legislating equal pay for women and men.

The proposal, part of a series of federal government measures, demands greater wage transparency from companies and calls for more steps to combat wage discrimination.

"There was a time when March 8 was celebrated by giving women flowers, while the other 364 days were marked by discrimination, machismo and violence," the president said at an event at Planalto Palace, the presidential headquarters.

Brazil's Consolidation of Labor Laws establishes equal pay for women and men doing the same job at a company and imposes a fine if discrimination is proven.

According to Lula, the major difference with existing laws is that the new bill makes compliance "mandatory."

"Gender equality will not appear overnight, but we have to speed up the process. If it were up to this government, inequality would end today with a simple decree, but it is difficult to change a whole system built to perpetuate male privilege," he said.

The wage gap between women and men, which had been narrowing until 2020, grew again to reach 22 percent by the end of 2022, according to data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. 
Hong Kong: Choi Yuk-lin visits SZ, GZ

Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin today led a delegation to visit Shenzhen and Guangzhou to inspect the relevant arrangements for Mainland study tours of the Citizenship & Social Development (CS) senior secondary subject.

With the visit programme covering multiple destinations, Ms Choi said that she looked forward to professional exchanges with sector representatives on the preparation for the CS Mainland study tours to be launched next month.

The delegation's first stop was the Shenzhen Qianhai International Convention Center where they toured an exhibition celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone to understand Shenzhen's achievements and strengths in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

This was followed by a tour of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Youth Innovation & Entrepreneur Hub to learn about its founding concept and infrastructure, including the Entrepreneur Academy and the Incubator Blocks. They also explored the development opportunities for Hong Kong young people in Qianhai.

In the afternoon, the delegation left for Guangzhou to see the Pearl Bay Development Exhibition Center in Nansha to find out more about Nansha's planning concept, development prospects and important role in the Greater Bay Area development.

They later toured the intangible cultural heritage at Chen Clan Temple and the Cantonese Opera Art Museum at Yongqing Fang.

Members of the delegation include more than 20 representatives from the education sector. They will continue the inspection tour tomorrow.

This story has been published on: 2023-03-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
JERUSALEM, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Israelis were stepping up on Thursday their protest against the controversial government plan to overhaul the judiciary, blocking Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's route to the airport ahead of an official trip to Italy.

On a nationwide "Day of Resistance," dozens of demonstrations were being held in major cities and crossroads, paralysing traffic in several areas.

From the morning hours, convoys of protestors have been blocking the entrance to Ben Gurion Airport in order to disrupt Netanyahu's departure for an official visit to Rome.

A live broadcast on N12 TV news showed long queues of cars at the entrance to the airport, with the traffic coming to a standstill. The police said in a statement that they have issued fines to cars intentionally blocking the traffic.

State-owned Kan TV news reported that Netanyahu and his wife Sara were forced to use a police helicopter to reach the airport because of the blocks set up by the protestors.

The protest forced Netanyahu to postpone his departure from 1 p.m. local time (1100 GMT) to 2:15 p.m. according to a statement issued by his office.

In Haifa, a protest flotilla blocked the entrance to the Port of Haifa. Two former Navy chief commanders were on board vessels that took part in the flotilla.

In Tel Aviv, thousands were marching and blocking the Azrieli Junction, a major crossroads, and parts of the adjacent Ayalon Highways, the country's main highway system, were temporarily blocked.

By noon, at least 16 people were arrested in different rallies throughout the country, according to a police statement.

The demonstrations have rocked the country for two months as Netanyahu's new religious-nationalist governing coalition presses on with its judiciary overhaul plans. Thousands of the country's leading businesspersons, entrepreneurs, legal experts, and former military chiefs have joined the protests.

The government plans to put further limits on the Supreme Court and change the appointment of new judges.

According to Netanyahu, the overhaul is needed in order to curb the overly activist Supreme Court but critics fear that Netanyahu, who is facing an ongoing trial over corruption charges, wishes to gain excessive power over the legal system. 
This photo taken on Feb. 27, 2023 shows a public phone and a smart screen inside a digital pavilion which was converted from a conventional telephone booth in east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua/Chen Aiping)

SHANGHAI, March 9 (Xinhua) -- On a busy road in downtown Shanghai, a red digital pavilion attracts continuous attention from passers-by. The digital pavilion contains a public phone, a smart screen and intelligent cameras, while a row of seats stand in front of it.

The spacious pavilion, located on Middle Huaihai Road, was once a conventional telephone booth. It was converted and decorated by the local government and telecommunications enterprises, and can now do more than just make calls.

By touching "car hailing" on the screen, users can request a ride after entering their phone number. The screen provides information such as the taxi license plate number, distance and waiting time.

Another service provided by the smart screen is designed for senior citizens who have no mobile phones. They have access to quick contact with their families by scanning their faces to inform pre-set emergency contacts. The people who are notified can obtain the location of the elderly person and call the pavilion where they are.

The elderly can also use the screen to look up the locations of nearby hospitals and community canteens within a 15-minute walk.

Through this integration with digital technology, the telephone booths, which had fallen into disfavor due to the popularity of mobile phones in recent years, have become popular again. Dozens of them dot busy roads in the municipality, and the number is expected to reach 500 by the end of 2023 and 1,000 by 2025. These digital pavilions serve as a way for the municipality to better support the emergency needs of senior citizens.

Digital technology devices have also found their way into the homes of elderly people in the city's suburban areas. In Xinqiao Village of Fengxian District, the local village committee cooperates with the China Telecom Shanghai branch, a state-owned telecommunications company, to provide smart terminal devices for villagers aged 80 and older.

The terminal device is similar in size to a small clock. Besides telling time and playing music, it has additional functions specially designed for the elderly, who have access to three main buttons on the device.

The seniors can ask the village committee for help in case of emergency by pressing a specific button on their smart devices, and listen to notifications from the village committee by pressing another button. They can also press a button which allows them to immediately dial and answer pre-set phone numbers belonging to their families.

About 100 sets of this terminal device are currently in use in the village and have been warmly welcomed by the local seniors. Its monthly usage fee of around 10 yuan (about 1.44 U.S. dollars) is paid by the village committee.

This elderly service using smart terminal devices is being provided in some pilot streets and towns in Shanghai, and together with the digital pavilions, they will be part of the city's new digital infrastructure to help it build an age-friendly society, said Gong Bo, general manager of the China Telecom Shanghai branch.

For the elderly who are not good at using mobile apps, a municipal helpline formerly used for phone number enquiries was upgraded to meet their needs by dialing 114. The voice hotline serves senior citizens in Shanghai by offering age-friendly help such as ride-hailing and non-emergency patient transport.

As of Thursday, the hotline has provided ride-hailing services more than 155,000 times, and its elderly service has answered 183,000 calls.

The city is making efforts through projects integrating digital technology, to solve the problems encountered by vulnerable groups in internet and intelligent applications and to foster digital inclusion, said Zhang Ying, deputy head of the municipal economy and information technology commission. 
People are seen at an aid center for earthquake survivors in Ankara, Turkiye, on March 9, 2023. Turkiye's capital Ankara has become a hub for hundreds of thousands of earthquake survivors looking forward to starting a new life in the aftermath of the devastating quakes in their homeland. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua)

by Burak Akinci

ANKARA, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye's capital Ankara has become a hub for hundreds of thousands of earthquake survivors looking forward to starting a new life in the aftermath of the devastating quakes in their homeland.

The capital hosts some 240,000 survivors, the biggest share of an estimated 3.3 million scattered across the country, according to official figures released last week.

However, relief organizations and official sources put the number of people who found refuge in Ankara at at least 500,000, saying figures have increased as some citizens have not yet registered with local government offices.

Since the earthquake, it has become common to see many cars in Ankara with license plates from the 11 provinces affected by the catastrophe, confirming the arrival of a sizeable survivor community.

Gurkan Sasmaz from Kahramanmaras Province, the epicenter of the twin earthquakes on Feb. 6, said it is still very early to plan the future as the trauma is fresh, but life must go on despite the tragedy.

"We cannot see our future. Everything is blurred. We need some time to make a plan," Sasmaz, a 46-year-old pharmaceutical representative, told Xinhua.

Still traumatized by the loss of 16 relatives, he estimated that half of the displaced people would eventually not return to their hometowns.

Sasmaz, who is living in Ankara for several years, went immediately to hard-hit Kahramanmaras hours after the tremors and brought back his son and ex-wife, for whom he is trying to build a new life in the capital.

He is very close to the survivor community and strives to make the transition easy for relatives and friends who have chosen Ankara as their new living ground.

"Ankara is the first city selected by earthquake victims to come and live in because of two reasons: it is far away from the earthquake zone and it is a huge city, the capital city, where people can find a lot of opportunities," Sasmaz explained.

Ankara, a city of 5.6 million inhabitants, is located about 700 km west of the epicenter of magnitude -7.7 and -7.6 quakes that have claimed more than 46,000 lives in Turkiye, according to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Described as the worst disaster in the region in a century, the quakes have affected more than 13 million people in large swaths of land and destroyed over 214,000 buildings.

Damla Ergoren is one of those who lost most of her fortune when her building collapsed in the disaster. Fortunately, she, his husband and her 11-year-old daughter are unscathed.

The family from Antakya city of Hatay Province has found refuge in Ankara in a host family that has agreed to accommodate them for a couple of months until they get on their feet.

For a week, her family camped in open ground before they were evacuated by the government to Ankara.

Despite losing her home, Ergoren expressed optimism about the future as she feels supported by "good people" who have opened their houses.

"We are still under the shock of what happened to us and to our beautiful, but I believe we can rebuild what has been destroyed. It will take time but it's feasible," she said. 

People are seen at an aid center for earthquake survivors in Ankara, Turkiye, on March 9, 2023. Turkiye's capital Ankara has become a hub for hundreds of thousands of earthquake survivors looking forward to starting a new life in the aftermath of the devastating quakes in their homeland. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua)

People are seen at an aid center for earthquake survivors in Ankara, Turkiye, on March 9, 2023. Turkiye's capital Ankara has become a hub for hundreds of thousands of earthquake survivors looking forward to starting a new life in the aftermath of the devastating quakes in their homeland. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua)

People are seen at an aid center for earthquake survivors in Ankara, Turkiye, on March 9, 2023. Turkiye's capital Ankara has become a hub for hundreds of thousands of earthquake survivors looking forward to starting a new life in the aftermath of the devastating quakes in their homeland. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua)
A staff member assembles natural gas pipeline for a vehicle at a work shop of the new energy factory of Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co., Ltd. in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, March 8, 2023. To catch orders, staff of the new energy factory of Yutong are busy on the assembly line. Since the beginning of this year, Yutong. who exported its bus to more than 30 countries and regions, has won many overseas orders. (Xinhua/Li An)

A staff member assembles the door of a bus at a work shop of the new energy factory of Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co., Ltd. in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, March 8, 2023. To catch orders, staff of the new energy factory of Yutong are busy on the assembly line. Since the beginning of this year, Yutong. who exported its bus to more than 30 countries and regions, has won many overseas orders. (Xinhua/Li An)

A new energy bus is tested at the test site of Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co., Ltd. in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, March 8, 2023. To catch orders, staff of the new energy factory of Yutong are busy on the assembly line. Since the beginning of this year, Yutong. who exported its bus to more than 30 countries and regions, has won many overseas orders. (Xinhua/Li Jianan)

A staff member works at a work shop of the new energy factory of Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co., Ltd. in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, March 8, 2023. To catch orders, staff of the new energy factory of Yutong are busy on the assembly line. Since the beginning of this year, Yutong. who exported its bus to more than 30 countries and regions, has won many overseas orders. (Xinhua/Li An)

Staff members work at a work shop of the new energy factory of Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co., Ltd. in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, March 8, 2023. To catch orders, staff of the new energy factory of Yutong are busy on the assembly line. Since the beginning of this year, Yutong. who exported its bus to more than 30 countries and regions, has won many overseas orders. (Xinhua/Li Jianan)

Staff members work at a work shop of the new energy factory of Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co., Ltd. in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, March 8, 2023. To catch orders, staff of the new energy factory of Yutong are busy on the assembly line. Since the beginning of this year, Yutong. who exported its bus to more than 30 countries and regions, has won many overseas orders. (Xinhua/Li Jianan)

This aerial photo taken on March 8, 2023 shows a new energy bus being tested at the test site of Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co., Ltd. in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province. To catch orders, staff of the new energy factory of Yutong are busy on the assembly line. Since the beginning of this year, Yutong. who exported its bus to more than 30 countries and regions, has won many overseas orders. (Xinhua/Li Jianan)

Staff members fix the door of a luggage compartment of a bus at a work shop of the new energy factory of Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co., Ltd. in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, March 8, 2023. To catch orders, staff of the new energy factory of Yutong are busy on the assembly line. Since the beginning of this year, Yutong. who exported its bus to more than 30 countries and regions, has won many overseas orders. (Xinhua/Li An)

A staff member works at a work shop of the new energy factory of Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co., Ltd. in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, March 8, 2023. To catch orders, staff of the new energy factory of Yutong are busy on the assembly line. Since the beginning of this year, Yutong. who exported its bus to more than 30 countries and regions, has won many overseas orders. (Xinhua/Li An)

Staff members work at a work shop of the new energy factory of Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co., Ltd. in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, March 8, 2023. To catch orders, staff of the new energy factory of Yutong are busy on the assembly line. Since the beginning of this year, Yutong. who exported its bus to more than 30 countries and regions, has won many overseas orders. (Xinhua/Li Jianan)

A staff member tests the engine of a bus at a work shop of the new energy factory of Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co., Ltd. in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, March 8, 2023. To catch orders, staff of the new energy factory of Yutong are busy on the assembly line. Since the beginning of this year, Yutong. who exported its bus to more than 30 countries and regions, has won many overseas orders. (Xinhua/Li An)

A staff member assembles interior trim for a vehicle at a work shop of the new energy factory of Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co., Ltd. in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, March 8, 2023. To catch orders, staff of the new energy factory of Yutong are busy on the assembly line. Since the beginning of this year, Yutong. who exported its bus to more than 30 countries and regions, has won many overseas orders. (Xinhua/Li An)

A staff member assembles interior trim for a vehicle at a work shop of the new energy factory of Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co., Ltd. in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, March 8, 2023. To catch orders, staff of the new energy factory of Yutong are busy on the assembly line. Since the beginning of this year, Yutong. who exported its bus to more than 30 countries and regions, has won many overseas orders. (Xinhua/Li An)

A staff member works at a work shop of the new energy factory of Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co., Ltd. in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, March 8, 2023. To catch orders, staff of the new energy factory of Yutong are busy on the assembly line. Since the beginning of this year, Yutong. who exported its bus to more than 30 countries and regions, has won many overseas orders. (Xinhua/Li An)

Staff members work at a work shop of the new energy factory of Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co., Ltd. in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, March 8, 2023. To catch orders, staff of the new energy factory of Yutong are busy on the assembly line. Since the beginning of this year, Yutong. who exported its bus to more than 30 countries and regions, has won many overseas orders. (Xinhua/Li Jianan)
Paul Everingham, CEO of Asia Natural Gas & Energy Association, speaks during an interview with Xinhua at CERAWeek in Houston, Texas, the United States, March 7, 2023.(Photo by Chen Chen/Xinhua)

by Shangyou Nie

HOUSTON, March 8 (Xinhua) -- The year 2022 was one of both "transformation" and "confirmation" for gas, said policymakers, industry leaders and company executives here at the ongoing annual CERAWeek global energy forum.

"2022 has been a transformational year for our company," Jack Fusco, president and CEO of Cheniere Energy, the largest U.S. gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter, said during the forum organized by S&P Global and scheduled for March 6-10.

"Seventy percent of our LNG production went to Europe last year," Fusco said, compared to about 60 percent to Asia and some 40 percent to Europe in 2021. The company is projected to produce 80 million tons of LNG per year.

However, for the long run, "Asia remains the main growth target area for gas and LNG," Fusco said.

Cheniere Energy's figure is "rivaling the entire country of Qatar," noted Daniel Yergin, vice chairman of S&P Global and chairman of CERAWeek.

Driven by the Ukraine crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, oil and gas prices hit record high in 2022. As a result, tens of thousands of customers in the developing world were "priced out" of the expensive LNG market. A recent report by Shell found the demand for gas shrank by 7 million tons in Latin America and 6 million in Southeast Asia last year.

Meanwhile, Europe imported 45 million tons more LNG in 2022 than in 2021, stirring an inter-regional competition with Asia for LNG supply, and in turn, higher gas prices, the report showed.

Attending the same panel with Fusco on Tuesday, which was titled "The Future of Natural Gas," Greg Ebel, president and CEO of Enbridge, one of Canada's biggest energy infrastructure companies, called 2022 a "year of confirmation."

"Natural gas is here to stay for a long time," he said.

In its March Short-Term Energy Outlook released Tuesday, the U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts that U.S. LNG exports will average 12.1 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) in 2023, up 14 percent year-on-year, and they will increase by an additional 5 percent in 2024 due to high global demand.

"Oil and gas is going to remain a part of the U.S. energy mix for years to come," U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm told CERAWeek audience on Wednesday.

"Economic conditions for gas will remain strong for at least the next two to three years, which will mean that the price of gas will remain historically elevated until probably 2025-2027," Paul Everingham, CEO of Asia Natural Gas & Energy Association, told Xinhua in an exclusive interview at the forum, which has attracted more than 7,000 participants from over 80 countries and regions.

While many energy executives attending the forum have appealed for more investment in oil and gas infrastructure, Ebel repeated his plea for faster permitting, saying it has caused significant delays and cost surges for energy projects in both Canada and the United States.

"It should not take over a decade to get permitting to get transmission for federal land," Granholm said. 
BEIJING, March 9 (Xinhua) -- When reporting on the boarding schools in China, it is important to respect the facts and be objective and rational, rather than quote hearsay or even make up stories and spread false accusations, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a regular news briefing when asked to comment on some Western media reports saying there are "residential school" in Tibet that are part of the Chinese government's large-scale assimilation campaign targeting Tibetans.

"This is certainly not true and apparently just another allegation meant to mislead the public about China and smear China's image," Mao said, adding that as is commonly seen around the world, there are boarding schools across Chinese provinces and regions to meet the need of the local students.

Mao said these schools provide accommodation, catering and other boarding services, and are not closed facilities and still less run in military style.

"In the case of China's Tibet, this is a region of high altitude and highly scattered population in many areas. For children from herding families in particular, they have to travel long distances to get to school. If schools were to be built in every place the students live, it would be very difficult to ensure adequate teachers and quality of teaching in each school. That is why boarding schools have been set up as a practical way to ensure all children's equal right to education. It is entirely up to the students and their parents whether to board or not," the spokesperson said.

She said that just like schools in other Chinese provinces and regions, the boarding schools in the Tibet Autonomous Region attach great importance to the participation of students' families.

"Parents are invited to take part in the management and planning of school life through parent committees and open days. Students can choose to go home on every weekend, holiday and festival, including traditional Tibetan festivals such as the Tibetan New Year and the Shoton Festival, as well as during the winter and summer breaks," Mao said.

Parents can visit their children at school any time and take their children home whenever needed, she added.

Courses of traditional culture, such as Tibetan language and literature and folk dance, are widely available, traditional food unique to the Tibet Plateau is provided, and students are allowed to wear traditional dresses at these schools, Mao said. 
BEIJING, March 9 (Xinhua) -- More efforts should be done to minimize the gender gap in the digital era, said chief of Child Protection of United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in China.

"There is a lot of gender discrimination still, and a lot of gaps in how girls can really fulfill their rights, and how they can fulfill their full development and will reach certain stages of well-being," said Dora Giusti, chief of Child Protection of UNICEF in China in an exclusive interview with Xinhua on Wednesday.

On the sidelines of the symposium on gender-responsive technology and innovation in the 21st century organized by UN Women and the Center for China and Globalization, Giusti noted that the situation is uncomfortable for girls.

With more than 20 years of experience in the development sector, and particularly on child protection, Giusti told Xinhua that the situation varies from country to country, from region to region, but across the world, girls were lagged behind.

"I think one of the big issues is also the violence that there is exposed, the violence based on gender," she said.

Girls experience more gender-based violence and abuse, both online and offline. Globally, with 52 percent of young women have experienced some form of digital harm; 87 percent of them believe the problem is getting worse, according to a UNICEF report. Internet Watch Foundation found that 86 percent of child sexual abuse images were of girls. The distribution of child sexual images has increased at an unprecedented rate in scale, especially during the pandemic, Giusti said.

Girls' lack of digital skills exacerbates their lack of ability to defend themselves, Giusti said.

Despite the gender violence, the digital gender gap is also evident.

"We heard a lot today that girls are more excluded than boys. They have less access and less skills in terms of digital literacy on how they use or access digital technology. So I think that's another aspect," Giusti said.

Study shows that boys are 1.5 times more likely than girls to own a mobile phone. And 1.8 times more likely to own a smartphone. Girls are usually at a disadvantage when it comes to the adoption of digital products, with less access to the digital technology compared to boys as well, she said.

"In the field of education, we still have higher enrollment rates for boys rather than girls." Giusti described the declining enrollment rates of girls with age as "a leaking pipe." Many girls dropped out of school in secondary school age, "dramatic gap" still exists in some regions in the world, since the importance for girls to continue study is not considered.

"Girls are maybe pulled out of potential streams of education like sciences," Giusti said, adding that the proportion of women in science and digital enterprises is also worrisome.

More opportunities for girls in the field of science should be created, Giusti said. "I think that's where we need to promote the education and the inclusion in these branches of education."

How to bridge the digital divide is very important, so as to give full play to the potential of girls. "We still have these gaps in education, in health, and nutrition," Giusti said.

"To promote empowerment of girls, we need to have policies and regulations that the gender lines need to be cross-cutting and in specific sectors like in education," Giusti said, calling for more opportunities for girls to participate as well. The awareness of how to abolish gender stereotypes, especially from every level, from families, from the school environment and wider society, could ensure girls to thrive in all aspects of life and society, she stressed.

"In all aspects, anyway of anywhere, I think it's good to ensure the boys and girls are familiar about gender stereotypes," she said, noted that with the aim to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, UNICEF focuses on the implementation of child rights and gender equality. 
TEHRAN, March 9 (Xinhua) -- An Iranian plane carrying 20 tonnes of humanitarian aid arrived in Turkiye on Wednesday as Iran's foreign minister visited the quake-hit zone in the country, Iranian official news agency IRNA reported Thursday.

The plane landed in the airport in the quake-hit city of Adiyaman in southern Turkiye, where Hossein Amir-Abdollahian paid a visit.

The Iranian foreign minister arrived in Turkiye's capital Ankara in the early hours of Wednesday, according to the Foreign Ministry's website.

Later in the day, he held a meeting and a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu, where he expressed his condolences over the lives lost during the massive earthquakes that hit Turkiye and Syria in early February and reaffirmed Iran's support for the quake-hit people.

During his visit to the quake-stricken city, Amir-Abdollahian spoke with local officials and people and visited a camp established by Iran to shelter the displaced people and provide them with aid.

Iran has so far sent a number of humanitarian aid batches to Turkiye in the aftermath of the quakes that have killed over 50,000 in Turkiye and Syria. The quakes have been described by World Health Organization as the worst disaster the region has seen in a century. 
by Rick O'Shea

BEIJING, March 9 (Xinhua) -- As an American who grew up in the United States and has lived in China for a few decades, I have found a keyword that many people talk about is "democracy." Many in the United States think that China is not democratic. In my opinion, seeing is believing. The democracy I've seen in China is vibrant and very effective.

Every year at this time, when spring flowers bloom, the "two sessions" -- China's important annual political gatherings -- are held in Beijing, and this year was no exception.

In Western countries such as the United States, where democracy and elections are essentially equated, people elect someone and hope for the best. In China, democracy is more than elections. The "two sessions" have been a window to showcase the strength and vitality of China's democracy. Last year before the "two sessions," my colleagues and I had the opportunity to visit a Shanghai community, which gave me a sense of how China's whole-process people's democracy works on a daily basis.

In Shanghai's Hongqiao subdistrict, we interviewed Noyan Rona, a Turkish banker and an enthusiastic volunteer. Rona told us that, when approached about a draft revision to the individual income tax law in 2018, he suggested adding the word "accumulated" before the individual tax residency threshold of 183 days in a tax year to make the rule more explicit.

Rona recalled this story from several years ago with renewed excitement. His suggestion was adopted and written into law, which would influence a lot of foreigners living in China, he proudly told us.

I was very curious to know that, for residents like Rona who are keen to offer opinions, in what ways can they have their opinions heard by lawmakers? At a civic center in Hongqiao, we saw a type of red mailbox designed to collect letters of opinion from residents.

In fact, the Legislative Affairs Commission of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee set up a community-level contact station at the civic center. The red mailboxes are part of their facility. Draft laws are sent down here so that ordinary citizens can discuss them and have their opinions heard. In other words, the voices of grassroots people will reach the highest legislative body.

Since the establishment of the contact station in 2015, 78 draft laws, including the Foreign Investment Law, have been discussed here by residents in Hongqiao and 163 pieces of advice incorporated, including Rona's suggestion about individual income tax law.

I learned from this year's "two sessions" that similar community-level contact stations have been set up across the nation, becoming the "through train" for the grassroots voices to reach the national legislature. What I didn't know was that as a foreigner living in China, I also have such rights.

Of course, the channels themselves do not guarantee full participation. There is an important role to play for representatives of public opinion at the grassroots. They are the 2.77 million deputies to people's congresses at all levels nationwide.

Deputies would visit organizations and individuals that can vote, hear and collect public opinions, and conduct research for the proposals and suggestions they submit. They would also participate in research trips, seminars, dialogues, and open-day events to talk about issues of public concern. In addition, they would receive training from time to time to enhance their ability to perform their duties.

The practice in Hongqiao is very successful. In November 2019, President Xi Jinping visited the civic center while a consultation meeting on a draft law was underway. Xi talked to both the Chinese and foreign residents attending the meeting, and for the first time made the remark that "People's democracy is a type of whole-process democracy."

Compared with legislators in the West who make politics their career and usually have a staff and campaign team, NPC deputies come from all walks of life and all 56 ethnic groups in China. Most of them are part-timers, who work and live among their people and therefore understand their needs best.

In an interview with Xinhua, Rick Dunham, a U.S. visiting professor at Tsinghua University, pointed out that in the United States, there are more lawyers, doctors, and top managers involved in politics. In China, one finds more grassroots representation including blue-collar workers, farmers and takeaway riders. I would agree with his conclusion that China's NPC deputies are more representative than U.S. lawmakers.

From protecting workers' rights in the food-delivery and car-hailing industries to alleviating the pressure of excessive schoolwork and off-campus tutoring; from solving the financing difficulties of SMEs to protecting the ecology of the Yellow River... Deputies and political advisors collect and sort out the opinions of ordinary people, which often form the basis of their proposals and suggestions. Some of these ideas will be incorporated into relevant laws, regulations, systems, policies, decisions and arrangements.

Over the past five years, as I was told, some 18,000 pieces of advice from national lawmakers and political advisors have been adopted by relevant departments of the Chinese central government and over 7,800 policy measures have subsequently been introduced. As a result, many problems have been addressed related to the country's reform and development and the people's most urgent needs.

In a nutshell, China's democracy is a whole process that can involve all people. To let the people discuss the affairs of their own and to make sure that the people are in charge are the essence of the "whole-process people's democracy." 
This photo taken on March 9, 2023 shows a freight train heading for Yiwu of China in Madrid, Spain. A freight train loaded with 70 standard containers of Spanish goods, including red wine and olive oil, departed from Madrid and headed for Yiwu on Thursday.

The commemoration trip came as Thursday marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Spain.(Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

HANGZHOU, March 9 (Xinhua) -- A China-Europe train carrying 100 standard containers of China-made small commodities and ceramic products left Yiwu, a major hub of small commodities in east China's Zhejiang Province, for Madrid, Spain, Thursday.

On the same day, a train loaded with 70 standard containers of Spanish goods, including red wine and olive oil, departed from Madrid and headed for Yiwu.

The commemoration trips came as Thursday marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Spain. The freight train service between Yiwu and Madrid has facilitated trade between the two countries.

The train service from Yiwu to Madrid was officially launched in November 2014, spanning eight countries in Eurasia with a total length of more than 13,000 kilometers.

Wang Wen, executive dean of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at the Renmin University of China, said the train service from Yiwu to Madrid has become a carrier of economic and trade cooperation and cultural exchanges between countries along the railway and has built a new bridge for opening and cooperation between countries and peoples along the line.

Zhou Xufeng, who is engaged in the import business of Spanish wine and olive oil in the Yiwu International Trade Market, said that over the years, the varieties of imported Spanish products have expanded from wine and olive oil to soft drinks, daily necessities, biscuits, and mineral water, and the prices are more than 30 percent lower.

"Some 1.5 million bottles of red wine are shipped from Spain through the China-Europe freight train service every year," Zhou said.

Feng Xubin, chairman of the freight train service operator Yiwu Tianmeng Industrial Investment Co., Ltd., said since 2014, the freight train travel time from Yiwu to Madrid has been shortened, and the number of freight trains has been increased from one to two per week.

Feng said railway transport is more environmentally friendly and flexible for customized products. It is faster than sea transport and cheaper than air transport.

By 2022, China-Europe freight trains had made 1,326 trips between Yiwu and Madrid, carrying more than 100,000 standard containers of goods, according to Yiwu Customs. From 2014 to 2022, Yiwu's trade with Spain increased from 400 million U.S. dollars to 870 million U.S. dollars, local customs data showed. 

People attend a launching ceremony of a freight train heading for Yiwu of China in Madrid, Spain, March 9, 2023. A freight train loaded with 70 standard containers of Spanish goods, including red wine and olive oil, departed from Madrid and headed for Yiwu on Thursday.

The commemoration trip came as Thursday marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Spain.(Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

A visitor takes photos of the live streaming screens showing a freight train departing from Yiwu West Railway Station of China in Madrid, Spain, March 9, 2023. A freight train loaded with 70 standard containers of Spanish goods, including red wine and olive oil, departed from Madrid and headed for Yiwu on Thursday.

The commemoration trip came as Thursday marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Spain.(Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

A freight train heading for Yiwu of China departs from Madrid, Spain, March 9, 2023. A freight train loaded with 70 standard containers of Spanish goods, including red wine and olive oil, departed from Madrid and headed for Yiwu on Thursday.

The commemoration trip came as Thursday marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Spain.(Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

A freight train departs from Yiwu West Railway Station in Yiwu, east China's Zhejiang Province, March 9, 2023. A China-Europe train carrying 100 standard containers of China-made small commodities and ceramic products left Yiwu, a major hub of small commodities in east China's Zhejiang Province, for Madrid, Spain, Thursday.

The commemoration trip came as Thursday marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Spain.(Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

A freight train departs from Yiwu West Railway Station in Yiwu, east China's Zhejiang Province, March 9, 2023. A China-Europe train carrying 100 standard containers of China-made small commodities and ceramic products left Yiwu, a major hub of small commodities in east China's Zhejiang Province, for Madrid, Spain, Thursday.

The commemoration trip came as Thursday marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Spain.(Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

A freight train departs from Yiwu West Railway Station in Yiwu, east China's Zhejiang Province, March 9, 2023. A China-Europe train carrying 100 standard containers of China-made small commodities and ceramic products left Yiwu, a major hub of small commodities in east China's Zhejiang Province, for Madrid, Spain, Thursday.

The commemoration trip came as Thursday marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Spain.(Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Qabil Ashirov

Azerbaijans ambassador to Egypt Elkhan Polukhov met with the Minister of Planning and Economic Development of Egypt, Hala Al-Said, Azernews reports.

The meeting discussed the prospects of economic relations between Azerbaijan and Egypt.

According to the information received from Azerbaijans Embassy to Egypt, Minister Hala Al-Said said that the documents signed within the framework of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisis visit to Baku on January 28, as well as the Memorandum of Understanding signed with Azerbaijan's Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov, will boost economic cooperation between the two countries.

She emphasized that the meeting of the Presidents of Egypt and Azerbaijan within the framework of the visit was the beginning of a new stage in the deepening of bilateral relations.

Hala Al-Said noted that the business forum held in Baku with the participation of Azerbaijani and Egyptian businessmen, as well as ministerial meetings showed that there are wide opportunities for cooperation in the fields of infrastructure projects, investment, transport, and renewable energy.

The Suez Canal Free Economic Zone and the Sovereign Fund of Egypt can also implement joint programs with the relevant institutions of Azerbaijan.

Ambassador Elkhan Polukhov, in turn, spoke about the importance of agreements between the two friendly countries on trade, relations of small and medium-sized businesses, and investment.

He said that the fifth meeting of the Joint Commission on intergovernmental economic, technical, and scientific cooperation between Azerbaijan and Egypt, held in Baku last February, approved the roadmap for the development of cooperation in the coming years.
BEIJING, March 9 (Xinhua) -- The 11th China Acrobatic Exhibition will be held from March 16 to 29 in east China's Shandong Province, according to a press conference held on Thursday by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

This year's event will feature a series of acrobatic and magic shows, with aerial acrobatics, balancing skills and flexibility stunts on display, as well as acrobatic dramas with themes such as industrial construction, revolutionary sagas and neo-classical stories.

During the event, approximately 30 performances will open in six theatres in Shandong, according to the press conference.

Showcasing the intricate, thrilling and entertaining elements of acrobatics, this year's entries will build on past legacies and cater to the aesthetic tastes of contemporary audiences, the conference said. 
-- Boasting the world's longest and most extensively used high-speed rail network, China has been helping multiple countries construct and upgrade their rail transit with its advanced railway technology.

-- Through multilateral mechanisms such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, China's sci-tech achievements have delivered new options in 5G communications, biomedicine and numerous realms, while also providing growth momentum.

-- Over recent years, China has adopted various policy tools to promote global sci-tech cooperation, opened up large-scale scientific infrastructure, jointly established R&D platforms and expanded the scope, field and scale of open innovation.

BEIJING, March 9 (Xinhua) -- From the Yutu-2 lunar rover roaming on the "dark side" of the moon to the Fendouzhe submersible exploring the 10,000-meter deep ocean, and from salt-tolerant rice growing in tidal flats near the sea to Chinese unmanned equipment guided by the Beidou Navigation Satellite System to help African farmers boost crop yields ... the saga of China's sci-tech innovation continues to unfold.

During the ongoing "two sessions," Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the imperative to accelerate the implementation of the innovation-driven development strategy, saying that speeding up efforts to achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology is the path China must take to advance high-quality development.

Over 10 years into the nation's innovation-driven development strategy, China saw its ranking in the Global Innovation Index jump from 34th in 2012 to 11th last year, with the economy expanding at an average annual rate of 6.6 percent between 2013 and 2021, contributing over 30 percent to world economic growth.

When reinforcing its strength in science and technology, the country has also been committed to sharing its technology with worldwide partners and cooperating to improve global science and technology governance.





INNOVATION-DRIVEN DEVELOPMENT

"The close attention paid by the government and the country to innovation as an engine of growth is paying off," said Daren Tang, director general of the World Intellectual Property Organization.

Indeed, China's historic progress in building an innovative country attests to the judgment: science and technology are the primary productive force, talent the primary resource and innovation the primary driver of growth.

The innovation-driven development strategy put forward at the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has led China to join the ranks of the world's innovators, with success on various fronts over the past decade.

The country has expanded its research and development (R&D) expenditure from 1 trillion yuan (about 145 billion U.S. dollars) to 3.09 trillion yuan (about 445 billion dollars) in the past decade, the second highest in the world, with its R&D intensity rising from 1.91 percent to 2.55 percent, according to Ministry of Science and Technology.

This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on Feb. 9, 2023 shows Shenzhou-15 taikonaut Fei Junlong waving after exiting the space station lab module Wentian. (Xinhua/Liu Fang)

Furthermore, China has coordinated its innovation blueprint with its strategy for invigorating China through science and education, which underscores development based on progress in science and technology and the workforce development strategy focusing on fostering high-quality talent. Now the country has become home to the largest cohort of R&D personnel around the globe.

Apart from calling for moving faster toward self-reliance in science and technology, Xi in late January pledged more efforts to ensure better allocation of innovation-related resources to make the country a global pacesetter in major sci-tech areas and a pioneer in advanced interdisciplinary fields, and ensure that China will become a major world hub for science and innovation as soon as possible.





GLOBAL PUBLIC GOODS

The implications of China's innovation-driven development extend beyond its borders.

Boasting the world's longest and most extensively used high-speed rail network, China has been helping multiple countries construct and upgrade their rail transit with its advanced railway technology.

World Bank Vice President for South Asia Martin Raiser said China's rail technology would bring urban development, tourism and regional economic growth.

An Fuxing bullet train runs on the China's section of the China-Laos Railway on Jan. 27, 2023. (Photo by Xu Zhangwei/Xinhua)

Take the China-Laos Railway, a landmark Belt and Road project. Since operations began in December 2021, landlocked Laos has become a land-linked hub in Southeast Asia. The railway's Lao section has created more than 110,000 local jobs.

Through multilateral mechanisms such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, China's sci-tech achievements have delivered new options in 5G communications, biomedicine and numerous realms, while also providing growth momentum.

Gu Qingyang, a scholar at the National University of Singapore, said the extensive application of China's sci-tech accomplishments not only leads to its domestic industrial upgrading, but also lends impetus to the neighboring areas.

Photo taken on Nov. 20, 2021 shows the venue of China 5G+ Industrial Internet Conference at the China Optics Valley Convention & Exhibition Center in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun)

Similarly, at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2023 earlier this year, Saadia Zahidi, the forum's managing director, said, "when it comes to technology and innovation, much of what is being developed in China will change the world."

Given the size of its economy, China will help boost worldwide growth and inject optimism in the medium and long term, Zahidi told Xinhua.





GLOBAL SCI-TECH GOVERNANCE

China would never innovate behind closed doors. That's why the country has been dedicated to advancing global governance in science and technology.

In late February, Xi restated his call for promoting the openness, trust and cooperation of the international science and technology community and making new and more significant contributions to the progress of human civilization.

Over recent years, China has adopted various policy tools to promote global sci-tech cooperation, opened up large-scale scientific infrastructure, jointly established R&D platforms and expanded the scope, field and scale of open innovation.

In a typical example, China has advocated expanding international cooperation in the space sector. Romanian astronaut Dumitru Prunariu said China "actually invited all countries to perform scientific experiments" on its Tiangong space station. In addition, the country also welcomes broader collaboration in deep space exploration.

China has engaged in sci-tech cooperation with more than 160 countries and regions, participating in global science projects such as the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor program -- one of the most ambitious energy projects in the world and the Square Kilometre Array -- an intergovernmental radio telescope project.

This aerial photo shows vehicles to be exported at a port in Lianyungang, east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 13, 2023. (Photo by Geng Yuhe/Xinhua)

Meanwhile, the country's accelerated transition from "Made in China" to "Created in China" shows the developing world how to uncover a development path suited to their own conditions.

China's experience in education, scientific research and technology is "inspiring" to Arab countries, Mohamed Abdel-Fattah Moustafa, head of the Arab Union for Education and Scientific Research, told Xinhua.

Its cooperation with other developing countries in education, scientific research and technology localization will help "create a new international community based on cooperation, exchange of benefits and mutual win," he said. 
A man carries flowers on International Women's Day in the city center of Skopje, North Macedonia, March 8, 2023. (Photo by Tomislav Georgiev/Xinhua)

The day was also marked by protests in some countries as people called for better protection of women's rights.

ROME, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Multiple European leaders on Wednesday spoke in favor of gender equality on International Women's Day, which falls on March 8.

In Germany, Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for women to have equal rights "in all areas of life, whether at work, in the family, or in politics."

Meanwhile, Italy's first female Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that it was the country's "duty to knock down the hurdles that do not allow all women to be able to express their priceless potential to the full."

Pedro Sanchez, Prime Minister of Spain, underlined that his government promotes "laws in favor of true and effective equality between men and women." On Tuesday, Spain passed a parity law requiring that women and men each make up at least 40 percent of boards of directors at major companies, as well as in the government's cabinet.

People buy flowers on International Women's Day in the city center of Skopje, North Macedonia, March 8, 2023. (Photo by Tomislav Georgiev/Xinhua)

In France, social media sites paid homage to many of the country's best-known female icons. The country's President Emmanuel Macron took the opportunity to praise the writer and activist Gisele Halimi, nearly two years after her death at the age of 93. "Our republic is freer, livelier, and fairer thanks to you," he wrote.

However, the day was also marked by protests in some countries.

In Italy, demonstrations in Rome emphasized the rising number of femicides in the country, with protestors calling on police to do more to protect women.

Protesters in Germany called on the country's government to do more to advocate for women's rights in the developing world, while rallies in Spain focused on issues from consent to education and transexual rights.

UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous (L, Front) briefs a Security Council high-level open debate on women, peace and security at the UN headquarters in New York, on March 7, 2023. (Manuel Elias/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)
TEHRAN, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) on Thursday unveiled a homegrown ocean-going warship and 99 indigenous missile-launching speedboats of different classes in a ceremony in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas.

The unveiling ceremony, in which IRGC took delivery of the vessels, was attended by IRGC Chief Commander Hossein Salami and IRGC Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri, official news agency IRNA reported.

The ocean-going warship, named Shahid (Martyr) Nader Mahdavi, is a heavy multi-purpose vessel capable of carrying different kinds of helicopters, drones and missile-launching speedboats as well as missiles, defense and radar systems, Tangsiri was quoted by IRNA as saying.

The warship is a mobile marine base with a length and width of 240 meters and 32 meters respectively, a weight of 14,000 tonnes, and a loading capacity of 41,000 tonnes, he said

It is equipped with a 3D phased-array radar, surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, highly advanced electronic warfare telecommunication systems, and marine cruise missiles with a range of more than 700 km, the commander added.

The warship is capable of moving at a speed of 18 knots and allows takeoff and landing by helicopters and drones, Tangsiri noted.

According to IRNA, among the other unveiled watercraft are Salman Farsi missile-launcher with a 65-knot speed and equipped with long-range missiles, operational Tareq-class vessels capable of going at a speed of over 90 knots, ambulance boats, and firefighting vessels. 
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses the opening of the 67th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women at the UN headquarters in New York, on March 6, 2023. (Manuel Elias/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres pointed out that three billion people are still unconnected to the Internet, with the majority of them women and girls in developing countries.

UNITED NATIONS, March 8 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday called for action to close the connectivity gap, as an effort to realize the potential of technology to advance gender equality.

"We must break down the barriers that keep women and girls offline," Guterres said in remarks delivered by his chef de cabinet Courtenay Rattray to a UN special event celebrating International Women's Day, which falls on March 8.

Under the theme "DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality," the UN observance of International Women's Day this year highlights the need for inclusive and transformative technology and digital education.

Guterres pointed out that three billion people are still unconnected to the Internet, with the majority of them women and girls in developing countries.

"We must connect everyone, everywhere by 2030, because leaving no one behind means leaving no one offline," he said.

Guterres noted that women today make up less than one third of the workforce across science, technology, engineering and maths, and in cutting edge fields like artificial intelligence, just one in five professionals is a woman.

A visitor chats with exhibitors at the 19th international women's fair in Algiers, Algeria, on March 7, 2023. (Xinhua)

"We must increase women's participation and leadership in these fields, through broader recruitment pipelines, using quotas if necessary," he said.

The UN chief also underscored the need to make the online world safe for women and girls.

He warned that many parts of the Internet are becoming "toxic amplifiers of hate, abuse, and harassment," with the the number one targets being women and girls.

"We need action to create a safe digital environment and hold harassers, abusers and the digital platforms that enable them to account," Guterres said. "That is why I have called on governments, regulators, technology companies and the media to stop the hate, set up guardrails, and enforce them." 
People inspect a damaged vehicle where three Palestinian militants were killed by Israeli soldiers during a military raid in the West Bank city of Jenin, March 9, 2023. Three Palestinians were killed on Thursday by Israeli soldiers in the village of Jaba, south of the northern West Bank city of Jenin, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

RAMALLAH, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Three Palestinians were killed on Thursday by Israeli soldiers in the village of Jaba, south of the northern West Bank city of Jenin, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

Palestinian security sources and eyewitnesses said that an Israeli army force targeted a Palestinian vehicle and opened fire at three Palestinian militants in the car after an exchange of fire between the two sides.

The Israeli army said in a statement that Israeli forces raided the village of Jaba to arrest suspects wanted for attacks on their soldiers. The suspects opened fire on the Israeli forces, who responded with fire and killed three.

On Tuesday, an Israeli army force stormed the Jenin refugee camp and killed six Palestinians and wounded several others during a military operation aimed at arresting Palestinians wanted by Israel.

The tensions have flared between Israel and the Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since early January. 

People inspect a damaged vehicle where three Palestinian militants were killed by Israeli soldiers during a military raid in the West Bank city of Jenin, March 9, 2023. Three Palestinians were killed on Thursday by Israeli soldiers in the village of Jaba, south of the northern West Bank city of Jenin, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

People mourn during the funeral of Palestinians killed by Israeli soldiers in the West Bank city of Jenin, March 9, 2023. Three Palestinians were killed on Thursday by Israeli soldiers in the village of Jaba, south of the northern West Bank city of Jenin, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

People mourn during the funeral of Palestinians killed by Israeli soldiers in the West Bank city of Jenin, March 9, 2023. Three Palestinians were killed on Thursday by Israeli soldiers in the village of Jaba, south of the northern West Bank city of Jenin, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)
UNITED NATIONS, March 8 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday called for action to close the connectivity gap, as an effort to realize the potential of technology to advance gender equality.

"We must break down the barriers that keep women and girls offline," Guterres said in remarks delivered by his chef de cabinet Courtenay Rattray to a UN special event celebrating International Women's Day, which falls on March 8.

Under the theme "DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality," the UN observance of International Women's Day this year highlights the need for inclusive and transformative technology and digital education.

Guterres pointed out that three billion people are still unconnected to the Internet, with the majority of them women and girls in developing countries.

"We must connect everyone, everywhere by 2030, because leaving no one behind means leaving no one offline," he said.

Guterres noted that women today make up less than one third of the workforce across science, technology, engineering and maths, and in cutting edge fields like artificial intelligence, just one in five professionals is a woman.

"We must increase women's participation and leadership in these fields, through broader recruitment pipelines, using quotas if necessary," he said.

The UN chief also underscored the need to make the online world safe for women and girls.

He warned that many parts of the Internet are becoming "toxic amplifiers of hate, abuse, and harassment," with the the number one targets being women and girls.

"We need action to create a safe digital environment and hold harassers, abusers and the digital platforms that enable them to account," Guterres said. "That is why I have called on governments, regulators, technology companies and the media to stop the hate, set up guardrails, and enforce them." 
DAMASCUS, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Syria said on Wednesday that the U.S. officials seeking to destabilize Syria must be held accountable, in response to the vow by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to hold the Syrian government accountable for "human rights violations and abuses."

"The American officials who used unlimited funds to destroy Syria and shed the blood of its people must be held accountable," the Syrian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"Without funding, support, and armament from the United States of America and its Western allies, the armed terrorist organizations would not have been able to commit massacres against the Syrians and destroy their infrastructure and civilization," it said.

The ministry stressed that lasting peace in Syria could not be achieved amid the presence of U.S. forces on Syrian soil.

The statement came in response to a press statement issued by Blinken on Monday, in which he said Washington will continue to support the international efforts "to ensure there are consequences for the ongoing human rights violations and abuses committed in Syria."

"The U.S. Secretary of State, or the ex-secretaries, couldn't wash their hands stained with Syrians' blood ... in addition to the theft of Syrian resources estimated at nearly 30 billion U.S. dollars that the U.S. should pay to the Syrians," the Syrian foreign ministry said. 
by Dana Halawi

BEIRUT, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Perla Shalhoub, a 22-year-old Lebanese woman, welcomes tens of customers daily in her car repair garage in Sarba, a village near the city of Nabatieh in southern Lebanon.

Perla said that her passion for engines, in addition to the country's economic crisis and high unemployment rate, has led her to pursue a profession that is unconventional for most Lebanese women.

"When I started working in the garage, I felt a bit embarrassed. I was worried that customers might not trust my skills, because I could notice the surprise and caution on their faces," said Perla while changing the brakes on a car.

But as time passed, she gradually earned the trust of car owners with her expertise.

Perla's father founded the garage 25 years ago. She said she had always enjoyed watching her father work on cars and had discovered at an early age that she had a knack for the machinery, just like her father.

At the age of 22, Perla has already worked as a full-time mechanic for four years. She said she didn't believe that women face any insurmountable disadvantages in this trade as the key to fixing a car is to diagnose the malfunction, which requires experience and up-to-date knowledge instead of mere physical strength.

To become better at her job, Perla got herself enrolled in a mechanical engineering program at the Lebanese International University.

Modern automobiles are equipped with more and more advanced electronic devices, said the young lady, adding that mechanics need to keep up with the latest trends in the field.

"Training courses are essential in light of the rapid and complex updates that international car manufacturers introduce to their new and advanced productions," she said.

Another factor that contributes to her success on the job is her honesty. Perla stated that she has always tried to repair cars at the lowest possible cost and has never attempted to make more money by deceiving her customers and manipulating them into agreeing to more expensive options.

"It bothers me to see widespread fraud in this profession as some garages take advantage of car owners and force them to buy new spare parts at times of financial difficulties," she said.

The female mechanic also noted that more women visit her car workshop as they feel reassured when dealing with her.

"I feel women are reassured when coming to my garage because they see the great respect I show them and the responsibility with which I work with cars," Perla said.

While working as a female mechanic isn't easy as the profession is overwhelmingly male-dominated, Perla believes the car repair business could be an excellent opportunity for unemployed young women seeking work amid the current crisis.

"I hope my success can motivate more girls to choose 'unconventional' professions," she said, smiling proudly in her blue work uniform that has been stained with oil and grease.

While women in Lebanon comprised 52.6 percent of the working-age population, less than 30 percent have been actively engaged in the labor market, according to a study released by the United Nations Development Programme in 2021.

The study added that gender stereotyping still influences women's choices regarding their professions, as nine out of 10 women are employed in the services sector, while women's work in manufacturing and agriculture is still minimal.

Lebanon has been suffering from the worst financial crisis in its history, leading to the collapse of the local currency and a rise in the unemployment rate to exceed 82 percent. 
A lecture on medical operations offered by a Chinese medical aid team in Algeria on Tuesday was welcomed by residents and medical students.

China has so far sent 27 batches of medical teams to Algeria, who have received around 27 million patient visits.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Qabil Ashirov

Azerbaijans Ambassador to Malaysia Irfan Davudov met with the chairman of the House of Representatives of the Parliament of Malaysia, Dato Johari Abdul, Azernews reports.

According to the information received from Azerbaijans Embassy to Malaysia, the meeting discussed the development of mutually beneficial cooperation.

The sides noted that both countries have great potential for developing cooperative relations, and it is necessary to use this potential to expand economic and trade relations.

At the meeting, a wide range of opinions was exchanged on a number of issues of mutual interest.

Malaysia recognized the independence of Azerbaijan on December 31, 1991, and the diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in April 1993. The trade turnover between the two countries amounted to $93.4m in 2022.




BEIJING, March 9 (Xinhua) -- The resumption of direct flights across the Taiwan Strait will benefit cross-Strait personnel exchanges and communication, a Chinese mainland spokesperson said Thursday.

Ma Xiaoguang, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks in response to a press inquiry on an announcement by related authorities in Taiwan, including the mainland affairs authority, on Thursday of a plan to resume direct flights to part of the mainland destinations from Friday.

The announcement suits the demand for fully restoring direct cross-Strait passenger flights, Ma said, adding that the needs for peace, development, communication, and cooperation are common aspirations of the compatriots on both sides of the Strait.

He called on the Taiwan side to facilitate the normalization of direct cross-Strait flights and ferry routes, and the travel and other direct exchanges between Fujian's coastal areas and Kinmen and Matsu. Enditem
BEIJING, March 9 (Xinhua) -- China once again urged the U.S. side to immediately stop political manipulation on COVID origins-tracing, voluntarily share the data of suspected early cases in the United States with the WHO, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday.

Mao's remarks came after the U.S. Senate passed the COVID-19 Origin Act of 2023 a few days ago, which says that the COVID-19 pandemic may have originated in China. Director of the U.S. National Intelligence Avril Haines on Wednesday noted that there is not a consensus among the U.S. intelligence community on whether or not the outbreak is a result of a lab leak or natural exposure to an infected animal. Besides, Polish virologist Agnieszka Szuster-Ciesielska recently said in an interview that the COVID "lab leak" theory rehashed by the U.S. Department of Energy and FBI is sensation-seeking and has no factual or scientific basis.

For some time now, the United States has been politicizing, weaponizing and instrumentalizing COVID origins-tracing for many months, Mao said, adding it has let a matter of science be dominated by lawmakers and the intelligence community and spread myths such as the "lab leak" theory without any evidence to discredit and attack China.

"This has seriously poisoned the atmosphere for science-based global origins-tracing and been perceived by people in the rest of the world," she said.

Noting China's position on the origins-tracing is consistent, Mao said China has supported and participated in global science-based origins-tracing since day one.

"In the meantime, we have been firmly opposed to all forms of political manipulation on this issue," Mao said, adding the political manipulation by the United States is the main stumbling block to the science-based research on COVID origins.

Mao said the United States has been pointing fingers at WHO's origins-tracing process, politically punishing scientists with conscience and attacking countries with lies that make no scientific sense.

Pointing out that the United States has done nothing responsible on origins-tracing, Mao said it has never invited WHO expert groups to the United States for joint research or shared any early data on COVID origins and it has turned a deaf ear to the world's concerns about U.S. bio-military bases at Fort Detrick and around the world.

Politicizing origins-tracing would only hamper science-based cooperation on the issue, disrupt solidarity against the virus, and undermine global health governance mechanisms, Mao said.

"We once again urge the U.S. side to immediately stop political manipulation on this issue, respond to the world's legitimate concerns, voluntarily share the data of suspected early cases in the United States with the WHO, disclose information about its bio-labs at Fort Detrick and around the world, and give the rest of the world the truth it deserves," she added. 
Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, presides over the third meeting of the presidium of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 9, 2023. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

BEIJING, March 9 (Xinhua) -- A candidate list for the new leadership of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top political advisory body, was approved on Thursday.

Adopted by the presidium of the ongoing first session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at a meeting Thursday afternoon, the name list will be submitted to a plenary meeting for a final vote on Friday afternoon.

Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, presided over the presidium meeting.

The name list included candidates for chairperson, vice chairpersons, secretary-general and standing committee members of the 14th CPPCC National Committee.

A method of election for the first session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee was adopted at the presidium meeting.

The presidium also adopted a draft resolution on the work report of the Standing Committee of the 13th CPPCC National Committee, a draft resolution on the report on the work of proposals from political advisors, a draft resolution on an amendment to the CPPCC charter, a draft report on proposal examination, and a draft political resolution of the first session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee.

It was decided that all the drafts will be submitted to the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee for approval.

The second meeting of the executive chairpersons of the presidium, as well as a video conference of the CPPCC session, were also held on Thursday.

The CPPCC serves as a key mechanism for multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the CPC. 

Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, presides over the second meeting of executive chairpersons of the presidium of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 9, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)
Zhao Leji, executive chairman of the presidium of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), presides over the third meeting of the presidium at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 9, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

BEIJING, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Candidates for the upcoming elections of state leaders including Chinese president were finalized on Thursday after the presidium of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) held its third and fourth meetings.

Both presidium meetings were presided over by Executive Chairman of the Presidium Zhao Leji.

At its third meeting on Thursday morning, the presidium decided that a list of candidates for president and vice president of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and chairperson of the Central Military Commission of the PRC, as well as chairperson, vice chairpersons and secretary-general of the 14th NPC Standing Committee, would be sent to all NPC delegations for discussion and consultation.

Entrusted by the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chen Xi, head of the CPC Central Committee's Organization Department, made explanations to the presidium about the candidates of members of state organs, including state leaders.

The presidium decided to submit a draft resolution on the revision to the Legislation Law to a plenary session for a vote and send a draft resolution on the plan on reforming the State Council institutions to all NPC delegations for deliberation.

The presidium held its fourth meeting Thursday afternoon and decided by voting the final list of candidates for president and vice president of the PRC, chairperson of the Central Military Commission of PRC, as well as chairperson, vice chairpersons, and secretary-general of the 14th NPC Standing Committee.

NPC deputies will elect these leaders at a plenary meeting of the NPC session, according to the presidium.

The presidium decided to put to a vote the draft method on election and appointment and the candidate list of scrutineers at the plenary meeting. It also adopted an arrangement for holding ceremonies for newly-elected and appointed officials to make public pledges of allegiance to the Constitution and a report on the handling of the lawmakers' motions.

It also decided to submit a draft resolution on the plan on reforming the State Council institutions to the plenary meeting for a vote.

Executive chairpersons held their third meeting before the third presidium meeting and the fourth meeting before the fourth presidium meeting. 

Zhao Leji, executive chairman of the presidium of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), presides over the third meeting of executive chairpersons of the presidium at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 9, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

Zhao Leji, executive chairman of the presidium of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), presides over the fourth meeting of executive chairpersons of the presidium at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 9, 2023. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

Zhao Leji, executive chairman of the presidium of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), presides over the third meeting of the presidium at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 9, 2023. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Zhao Leji, executive chairman of the presidium of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), presides over the fourth meeting of the presidium at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 9, 2023. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

Zhao Leji, executive chairman of the presidium of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), presides over the fourth meeting of the presidium at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 9, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)
BENI, DR Congo, March 9 (Xinhua) -- More than 40 people were killed in an overnight incursion by Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), said the army Thursday.

The ADF rebels, who carried out an attack in the village of Mukondi, located in the Beni territory of the eastern North Kivu province, confirmed Anthony Mwalushayi, a Congolese army spokesman in the Beni region.

The spokesman said it had deployed reinforcements and managed to push the rebels back deep into the Beni forest. Fighting is still ongoing to find the hostages held by the rebels in the bush.

The ADF was founded in the 1990s by several opposition movements in Uganda. Defeated by the Ugandan army, these rebels remained active in eastern DRC, which led to joint operations between the DRC and Uganda to hunt down the ADF rebels, who are now also an affiliate of the Islamic State in central Africa. 
KINSHASA, March 8 (Xinhua) -- A United Nations Security Council delegation will pay a working visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from March 9 to 12, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) announced on Wednesday via a press release.

The main objective of this visit is to assess the security situation in the DRC and the implementation of MONUSCO's mandate, in accordance with Resolution 2666 (2022) adopted by the Security Council, according to MONUSCO.

During the delegation's stay in Kinshasa, the DRC's capital, the delegation will meet political actors, representatives of civil society, the diplomatic community, MONUSCO, and the UN system in the DRC, said the press release.

The Security Council delegation also plans to visit Goma, the capital of the eastern province of North Kivu, in order to assess the security and humanitarian situation on the ground, and oversee the mandate of MONUSCO, said the press release, adding that a press conference will be held on March 12 in Goma at the end of the delegation's visit. 
Liu Weimin, chairman of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), speaks during the celebration ceremony of Ethiopia-Djibouti railway's fifth anniversary of operations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on March 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Ping)

ADDIS ABABA, March 9 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese-built Addis Ababa-Djibouti Standard Gauge Railway, also known as the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway, has won acclaim for boosting regional integration and prosperity as it marked its fifth anniversary of operations.

This came as senior Ethiopian and Djiboutian government officials, the Chinese diplomatic community in Ethiopia, and management contractors of the 752-km transnational railway celebrated the anniversary at the Lebu Railway Station on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, on Wednesday.

Ethiopia's Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide said during the occasion that over the last five years, the railway has shown remarkable achievements in the areas of operation, maintenance and capacity building.

Shide commended the railway's crucial role in streamlining Ethiopia's export-import trade, and boosting people-to-people relations between the two neighboring countries as well as technology transfer with better coordination among Chinese and local experts.

Noting that the Ethiopia-Djibouti Railway Share Company is tasked with operations, maintenance and capacity building, Ahmed said "in all these areas, the company has been showing considerable growth." He said the railway's operation capacity in terms of freight carriage has grown by 100 percent, reaching 1.9 million tons of cargo annually.

Shide said the railway, by reaching its maximum capacity, is expected to become the best transport alternative for import-export commodities by providing fast, safe and efficient transportation service.

"The Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway line is an example of the ever-flourishing Sino-African relations. The sino-African partnership has passed the test of time, demonstrated its resilience, and marks a brighter and strong future," Shide said.

Djibouti's Minister of Infrastructure and Equipment Hassan Houmed Ibrahim, on his part, said on the occasion that the railway observed increasing performance despite major obstacles, and enabled motivated and highly committed young engineers and technicians from both countries.

Ibrahim said the quality of services offered to users, the safety of goods and people, availability, and local human relations are among the key factors in achieving greater performance quality.

The electrified railway has cut the transportation time for freight goods from more than three days to less than 20 hours, and reduced the cost by at least one-third.

Ethiopia, as a land-locked country in the Horn of Africa, accesses international maritime trade through ports in neighboring countries. The Ethiopia-Djibouti trade corridor is the main gateway for Ethiopia, with about 90 percent of import and export passing through it.

Ethiopia's State Minister of Transport and Logistics Denge Boru commended the railway's multifaceted significance for the two countries. "The railway mutually benefits the two sisterly countries in promoting regional economic and social integration, facilitating trade and industrial development, and bringing employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for citizens of both countries."

Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Zhao Zhiyuan lauded the railway as "a way of peace, a way of development, a way of hope, and a way to prosperity." Zhao said the railway, as an important Belt and Road cooperation project, has demonstrated greater performance and resilience.

"The past five years have been great for the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway. I am confident that, with close collaboration between all relevant parties from China and Ethiopia, as well as Djibouti, the next five years will be even better, as the railway still holds huge untapped potential," he said. 

Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Zhao Zhiyuan speaks during the celebration ceremony of Ethiopia-Djibouti railway's fifth anniversary of operations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on March 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Ping)

Ethiopia's Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide speaks during the celebration ceremony of Ethiopia-Djibouti railway's fifth anniversary of operations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on March 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Ping)

Representatives from China, Ethiopia and Djibouti pose for a photo during the celebration ceremony of Ethiopia-Djibouti railway's fifth anniversary of operations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on March 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Ping)
JUBA, March 9 (Xinhua) -- South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Wednesday night sacked Foreign Minister Mayiik Ayii Deng barely a week after he dismissed two other ministers.

In a presidential decree broadcast on the state-owned television, the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), Kiir did not give the reason for the sacking of Ayii who is his close ally and had previously served as a minister in the presidency.

The president, who last week sacked Defense Minister Angelina Teny and Interior Minister Mahmoud Solomon without giving reasons, appointed Ayii's deputy, Deng Dau Deng, as acting foreign affairs minister.

Both President Kiir and Vice-President Machar and other political leaders signed a peace agreement in 2018 that ended five years of civil war.

The two leaders and other parties to the 2018 revitalized a peace agreement signed in August 2022 to extend the transitional period which is due to expire in December 2023.

The transitional period will now elapse in 2025 when the parties are to hold elections in February 2024. 
COLOMBO, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka will carry out promotion campaigns in key markets to boost international tourist arrivals this year, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) said on Thursday.

Addressing a press event on the campaign, Chairman of the SLTPB Chalaka Gajabahu said these campaigns will help the South Asian country achieve its goal of attracting 1.55 million visitors this year.

He said that due to budget constraints the SLTPB will not carry out a global campaign, instead nine markets that have high potential will be targeted.

The nine targeted markets are Britain, Germany, France, India, China, Australia, Russia, the Middle Eas, and Scandinavia.

The campaign will run between April and May and the bureau was selecting partners in the targeted markets.

Gajabahu said currently Russia, India and Britain are the biggest source markets for incoming tourists and Sri Lanka expects to attract a lot of Chinese tourists.

Tourism is one of Sri Lanka's main sources of foreign revenue. 
SYDNEY, March 9 (Xinhua) -- The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has called on airlines to cut domestic airfares, as consumers are still paying prices above pre-pandemic levels.

On Wednesday, the ACCC released its latest "Airline Competition in Australia" report, which showed that domestic airfares have declined from their historic highs at the end of 2022, but the average revenue per passenger remains 13 percent higher in real terms than it was in 2019.

According to the report, the price index for discounted tickets was 25 percent higher in February 2023 than the same month pre-pandemic, and that for some routes continues to be significantly higher compared to pre-pandemic.

Over the period, the cheapest return fares for Coffs Harbour to Sydney in the state of New South Wales almost tripled to 338 Australian dollars (about 223.43 U.S. dollars).

Many flight prices to and from Adelaide, capital city of South Australia, were doubled or almost doubled, said the report.

ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey noted that the airfares reduction is typically due to a seasonal drop in demand, as well as an increase in seat capacity by airlines.

The ACCC report also noted that the price of jet fuel has fallen by 35 percent in February 2023 since a record high in June 2022, which should result in cheaper airfares. 
Qabil Ashirov

The Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev touched on several economic issues in his speech at the opening ceremony of the 10th Global Baku Forum themed The World of Today: Challenges and Hopes.

The President spoke about the positive effects of oil and gas projects on the European energy market and once again confirmed widening the energy policy by exporting green energy.

We already changed European energy map by building oil pipelines, gas pipelines, and now electric lines, which will deliver green energy. We are planning to export green hydrogen, he said.

At a time that the energy transition is developing very rapidly, president Ilham Aliyev's remarks on Azerbaijans green energy potential is essential.

International Finance Corporation already approved the final assessment of our offshore wind potential in the Caspian Sea, which is 157 gigawatts, not to mention about 40 onshore. So, this is the future for the world energy, this is the future for Azerbaijan. Energy transition here is developing very rapidly."

The president also outlined the amount of growth in transits through Azerbaijan and heralded that works will be continued in the field of transport infrastructure.

Last year transits through Azerbaijan grew more than 75%, said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev as he addressed the opening ceremony of the 10th Global Baku Forum themed The World of Today: Challenges and Hopes. Our modern transportation infrastructure now is needed more than ever before. We really contributed a lot to transportation security, the head of state emphasized.
KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 (Xinhua) -- The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), Malaysia's mega rail project being built by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), is taking additional steps to ensure the protection of the environment in areas affected by its construction.

Among these are special passageways allowing various animals including elephants, tigers and tapirs to safely cross under the railway's tracks and various tunnels and sections of elevated tracks to minimize any disturbance to the surrounding tropical jungle, according to an official from Malaysia Rail Link (MRL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia's Ministry of Finance and the ECRL project owner.

MRL head of environment Norhasrul Abu Hassan, who briefed the media on a site visit to the Kemasul area, where special elephant crossings are being built, said the builders have prioritized environmental concerns from the start of the project.

"Based on the engineering evaluation and all our discussions with the forestry and wildlife departments we managed to reduce the area (affected) by almost 90 percent," he added.

In addition to protecting Malaysia's forest cover, Norhasrul said careful consideration has been given to the presence of wildlife through its wildlife management plan, with efforts made to educate the construction crews on how to handle encounters with wildlife in close cooperation with the authorities.

The project had also seen a memorandum of agreement signed between the project and the wildlife department in 2018, with more than 9 million ringgit (1.9 million U.S. dollars) being allocated to monitor the impact on wildlife and their habitats among other things, along key stretches of the ECRL alignment.

Shahidan Mohd Alwee, an ECRL environmental officer, said that environmental concerns about the dust and noise from the construction had been effectively addressed and resolved.

The ECRL runs from Malaysia's largest transport hub Port Klang and travels across the peninsula to Kelantan state in northeastern Malaysia. The rail link is expected to greatly enhance connectivity and bring more balanced growth to the country by linking its less-developed region on the east coast to the economic heartland on the west coast upon its completion in 2026. 
This photo taken on March 7, 2023 shows a water reserve tank at the Istanbul Water Control and Automation Center in Istanbul, Turkiye. (Xinhua/Shadati)

by Zeynep Cermen

ISTANBUL, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Sevda Ozdemir cooks lunch for about 30 people daily at a workplace in the busy Sisli district of Istanbul, the biggest city in Turkiye. To maintain hygiene, she used to carefully clean fresh vegetables and fruits under running water for an extended period of time.

However, Ozdemir had to give up the habit a while ago as the municipal authorities in Istanbul urged the residents to save water amid a severe drought.

"Instead of washing the vegetables under running water, I choose to soak them in a bowl filled with vinegar water," Ozdemir said, adding she believed that vinegar can help kill the bacteria.

Ekrem Imamoglu, mayor of Istanbul, said insufficient rainfall for the past few months has put more strains on the already-limited water resources in Istanbul, a city that hosts more than 20 million people and consumes 1.1 billion cubic meters of water every year.

At the office of the Istanbul Water Control and Automation Center (ISKOM), the staff are more worried than ever.

"Our data show we are experiencing the driest period of the last 22 years," Ismail Aydin, head of the Department of Water and Wastewater Technologies of ISKOM, told Xinhua in the coordination room while checking the latest data on giant digital screens.

He said the water levels in all seven dams in the city are experiencing drastic decreases, adding the water reservoirs are only at 35 percent of their capacity.

"At this time last year, it was 80 percent. Unfortunately, it's very low right now. The expected rainfall did not come, and we are now faced with a big problem," Aydin noted.

He warned that even if the precipitation returns to the normal level in the next few months, the water scarcity won't be solved because the demand in summer is also much bigger.

"Istanbul is a city that heavily relies on rainfall to meet its need for water," the ISKOM official said, explaining that the city lacks underground water and has no river running through it.

Many major cities around the world, according to Aydin, are facing similar water stress. Many factors contribute to the problem, including irregular migration, unplanned building, and the opening of water basins for construction.

"Of course, we are also seeing global climate change, which is caused by a variety of human activities," he added.

"Our consumption habits must change. We must act as responsible individuals when using water and take measures to protect our city, country, and world," Aydin said. 

Ismail Aydin, head of the Department of Water and Wastewater Technologies of the Istanbul Water Control and Automation Center, speaks during an interview with Xinhua in Istanbul, Turkiye, March 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Shadati)
KIEV, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and visiting United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday called for the extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which expires on March 18, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported.

Speaking after a meeting with Guterres in Kiev, Zelensky stressed the importance of the initiative for global food security.

"The continuation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative after March 18 is critically necessary for the whole world," Zelensky said.

For his part, Guterres said that about 23 million tons of grain were exported under the initiative, which helped lower the global food prices.

"I would like to note the extreme importance of continuing the Black Sea Grain Initiative," Guterres said.

On July 22, 2022, Russia and Ukraine separately signed a document in Istanbul with Turkiye and the UN to allow Ukraine and Russia to export grain and fertilizer to ensure supplies to global markets amid the Russia-Ukraine armed conflict.

The deal, due to expire on Nov. 19, 2022, was extended for another 120 days. Guterres has repeatedly called for the deal's further extension. 
LONDON, March 9 (Xinhua) -- The demand of the Chinese market and the expertise of the United Kingdom's (UK) financial industry have made the continuation of financial cooperation a win-win scenario for both countries, John McLean, chair of the Institute of Directors (IoD) for the City of London, told Xinhua in a recent interview.

"China has a population that is rapidly becoming wealthier and financially more sophisticated, which offers opportunities," McLean said, noting that China's economy is steadily growing due to its huge internal market, highly successful global companies and the leading role it plays in some key and developing technologies.

The UK, and especially the City of London, which has a cluster of global financial organizations and experts and a long history in providing financial services, gives access to global capital and investors to actually support that growth, he said.

McLean applauded the existing deep ties between his country and China's capital markets, including the Shanghai-London Stock Connect and the recently announced Shenzhen-London Stock Connect. London, a leading foreign exchange market, has also actively adopted the internationalization of the renminbi, he added.

Stressing the importance of green development, McLean said that "green is the new driver" of UK-China financial cooperation. Both countries have been keen players in green finance, such as green bond issuance, he said.

McLean, also chair of the UK-China Business Development Center and a senior adviser to the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK, listed several other areas in which businesses in the UK and China could further cooperate. These include education, pharmaceuticals, the arts, green energy and electric vehicles.

McLean said that although the people-to-people and government-to-government exchanges between the UK and China were considerably reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, business-to-business ties have continued unabated.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), UK-China trade in goods increased in 2022. China was the UK's second largest trading partner in goods imports and the fifth largest in goods exports.

Asked about his expectations for China's economic performance in the near future, McLean said he was optimistic. He cited early data from the first two months of this year as indicating that a 5 percent economic growth in 2023 could be a reality rather than just a forecast.

"What we have to do is ensure that Chinese businesses feel welcome in the UK and that it applies the other way round," McLean said.

Founded in 1903, the IoD is one of the UK's longest running organizations for company directors, senior business leaders and entrepreneurs from various sectors, including finance, property, education and international trade. 
CHICAGO, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) agricultural futures closed mixed on Wednesday, with corn and wheat falling and soybean rising.

The most active corn contract for May delivery fell 8.75 cents, or 1.38 percent, to settle at 6.255 U.S. dollars per bushel. May wheat lost 10.5 cents, or 1.5 percent, to settle at 6.875 dollars per bushel. May soybean rose 2.25 cents, or 0.15 percent, to settle at 15.1775 dollars per bushel.

The March report of World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimate (WASDE) released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Wednesday cut its estimate of Argentine soybean production by 8 million metric tons to 33 million metric tons, and lowered corn by 7 million metric tons to 40 million metric tons. In total, Argentine summer row crop production fell by 15 million metric tons, a record for both crops combined.

Brazil's soybean harvest was left at 153 million metric tons, which means the world soybean end stocks were pulled down to 100 million metric tons, just one million metric tons above last year. The smaller Argentine crop will boost U.S. 2022-2023 soybean exports and drop stocks to pipeline levels amid record crush margins.

USDA March Crop Report lowered U.S. 2022-2023 corn exports by 75 million bushels to 1,850 million bushels, and raised soybean exports by 25 million bushels to 2,015 million bushels. U.S. 2022-2023 soybean crush rate was cut by 10 million bushels to 2,220 million bushels, with the 2022-2023 soybean end stocks at 210 billion bushels. The 2022-2023 U.S. end stocks of corn and wheat are estimated at 1,342 billion bushels and 568 billion bushels, respectively.

The report estimated 2022-2023 U.S. corn production at 13,730 billion bushels and soybean production at 4,276 billion bushels.

World wheat data leans bearish. Australian wheat production was lifted another million tons to a record 39 million metric tons, while Australian wheat exports were raised only 0.5 million metric tons. Kazakhstan's 2022 wheat crop was increased an unexpected 2.4 million metric tons or 17 percent to 16 million metric tons. However, WASDE report lowered carrying wheat stocks by 5 million metric tons, thus lowering 2022-2023 world wheat stocks to just 267.2 million metric tons, the lowest since 2016-2017 crop year.

The report estimated 2022-2023 world corn end stocks at 296.48 million metric tons.

The big question is how low is low for Argentine corn and soybean production. The Argentine agricultural economy is in shambles amid 2 years of drought. Chicago-based research company AgResource doubts that CBOT breaks can be sustained. 
Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw (Front) prepares to testify at a hearing before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on protecting public health and the environment in the wake of the Norfolk Southern train derailment and chemical release in East Palestine, Ohio in Washington, D.C., the United States, March 9, 2023. The chief executive of U.S. transportation company Norfolk Southern said on Thursday that he's "deeply sorry" for the impact of the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, in early February. Local residents, meanwhile, are demanding more action. (Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Xinhua)

WASHINGTON, March 9 (Xinhua) -- The chief executive of U.S. transportation company Norfolk Southern said on Thursday that he's "deeply sorry" for the impact of the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, in early February. Local residents, meanwhile, are demanding more action.

At a Senate hearing on Capitol Hill, Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw said the railroad "will clean the site safely, thoroughly, and with urgency," noting that the company has committed to reimbursements and investments of more than 20 million U.S. dollars in order to address the impact of the derailment.

U.S. Senator Thomas Carper said the hearing "is an opportunity to put ourselves in the shoes of those impacted by this disaster, examine the immediate response and ensure long-term accountability for the clean-up efforts."

A Norfolk Southern freight train carrying hazardous materials derailed in East Palestine on Feb. 3, which resulted in a significant fire and hazardous materials release in the area.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said last week that it will require Norfolk Southern to test directly for dioxins in East Palestine.

"If dioxins are found at a level that poses any unacceptable risk to human health and the environment, EPA will direct the immediate cleanup of the area as needed," the agency said.

Jami Cozza, an East Palestine resident, wrote in an opinion published by MSNBC on Thursday that her family's lives "were turned upside down" and that "a toxicologist found that my house was unsafe for me and my family."

"The information we've gotten from the company and different government agencies has been confusing and contradictory," Cozza said. "Politicians from both parties promise action, but we're still waiting."

"When the national media loses interest and the celebrities finally go home, our community will still be left dealing with this disaster," Cozza warned.

"My story is just like so many others," she added. "The only path forward for us is to come together and demand action from both Norfolk Southern and federal and state officials."

The incident involved 11 tank cars carrying hazardous materials that subsequently ignited, fueling fires that damaged an additional 12 non-derailed railcars.

First responders implemented an evacuation zone surrounding the derailment site that affected up to 2,000 residents. There were no reported fatalities or injuries, according to a report issued by the National Transportation Security Board (NTSB).

Responders mitigated the fire on Feb. 5, the NTSB report said. But five derailed "specification tank cars carrying 115,580 gallons of vinyl chloride" continued to concern authorities because the temperature inside one tank car was still rising.

The NTSB said responders later scheduled a "controlled venting" of the five vinyl chloride tank cars to release and burn the vinyl chloride and dug ditches to contain released vinyl chloride liquid while it vaporized and burned.

The controlled venting began on Feb. 6, which discharged toxic and potentially deadly fumes into the air.

While residents were allowed to return to their homes in East Palestine two days later, they remain concerned about the handling of the incident as well as the health impact of exposure to those chemicals.

Headache, anxiety, coughing, fatigue and irritation, pain, and burning of the skin continue to be the most common symptoms reported by residents in the East Palestine area, according to a health assessment survey. 

Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw testifies at a hearing before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on protecting public health and the environment in the wake of the Norfolk Southern train derailment and chemical release in East Palestine, Ohio in Washington, D.C., the United States, March 9, 2023. The chief executive of U.S. transportation company Norfolk Southern said on Thursday that he's "deeply sorry" for the impact of the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, in early February. Local residents, meanwhile, are demanding more action. (Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Xinhua)

Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw (Front) testifies at a hearing before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on protecting public health and the environment in the wake of the Norfolk Southern train derailment and chemical release in East Palestine, Ohio in Washington, D.C., the United States, March 9, 2023. The chief executive of U.S. transportation company Norfolk Southern said on Thursday that he's "deeply sorry" for the impact of the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, in early February. Local residents, meanwhile, are demanding more action. (Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Xinhua)

Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw testifies at a hearing before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on protecting public health and the environment in the wake of the Norfolk Southern train derailment and chemical release in East Palestine, Ohio in Washington, D.C., the United States, March 9, 2023. The chief executive of U.S. transportation company Norfolk Southern said on Thursday that he's "deeply sorry" for the impact of the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, in early February. Local residents, meanwhile, are demanding more action. (Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Xinhua)
Lukashenko confirms damage to key early warning system in drone attack 9 March, 05:03 PM British intelligence clarified the importance of the A-50 aircraft for Russia (Photo:t.me/s/By_Pol)

A Russian A-50U Mainstay airborne early warning and control aircraft needed to launch Kinzhal missiles was damaged at Belarus Machulyshchy Airfield on Feb. 26, Belarussian dictator Alexander Lukashenko confirmed on March 7.

It is widely believed the aircraft was attacked with a small uncrewed air vehicle (UAV).

The A-50 Mainstay was flown to a repair facility in the Russian city of Taganrog. The flight was reportedly at an unusually low altitude, indicating that the pressurized cabins were damaged.

The A-50 is believed to provide situational awareness for the MiG-31K Foxhound D fighter, modified to launch Kinzhal ballistic missiles. Russia views these as a key strategic capability, the United Kingdoms Ministry of Defense intelligence wrote.

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Its radar system was removed to stabilize the modernized fighter, making it reliant on an outside data provider such as the A-50 Mainstay.

"It is a realistic probability that joint Russo-Belarusian air activity will now be forced to rely on ground control and fighter escort until another Mainstay can be deployed," the assessment read.

Russia uses Belarus Machulyshchy Airfield, near Minsk, for military purposes. Preliminary reports that explosions damaged an A-50U Mainstay early warning system were confirmed.

Alexander Azarov, Head of the BYPOL opposition, said Belarusian guerrillas were responsible for the sabotage.

Belarusian border guards have intensified checks on anyone leaving the country, following the incident. At least six people have been detained, the Vyasna human right organisation reported.

But it now appears that the individuals involved in the attack managed to escape abroad with video footage of the drone attack.

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Poland fortifies its border with Belarus 10 March, 12:39 AM Polish military installs anti-tank hedgehogs on the border with Belarus (Photo:Mariusz Baszczak/Twitter)

The Polish military has begun installing additional fortifications on the border with Belarus, Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said in a Twitter post on March 9.

Photo: Mariusz Baszczak/Twitter

The minister also noted that similar work was previously done on the border with Russias Kaliningrad enclave, back in February.

Today, military service members started building fortifications on the border with Belarus, said Blaszczak.

This is a part of our national defense and containment strategy.

Video of day

He also posted some photos of the construction, including the installation of anti-tank barriers.

Photo: Mariusz Baszczak/Twitter

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Poland sends 10 more Leopard tanks to Ukraine 9 March, 06:13 PM Poland sends 10 more Leopard tanks to Ukraine (Photo:Handout via REUTERS)

Poland has delivered 10 more Leopard-2 tanks to Kyiv, Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak confirmed at a briefing on March 9.

He said that Poland has done everything possible to equip a battalion of Leopard-2 tanks.

"This is how were support Ukraine within the international coalition," he said.

In addition to the 14 Polish Leopard-2 tanks, this battalion also includes eight tanks from Canada and Norway, as well as six from Spain.

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Blaszczak mentioned that after his conversation with Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles, Spain could provide Ukraine with four more Leopard-2 tanks.

The first four Leopard tanks from Poland arrived in Ukraine on Feb. 24.

Blaszczak announced on Feb. 15 that Ukraines allies had formed a battalion of Leopard 2A4 tanks for Ukraine.

Earlier, U.S. Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin indicated that several allies would contribute Leopard-2 tanks to Ukraine, including Canada, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, and Spain.

Ukraine expects to receive 120-140 Western tanks in the first wave, said Ukraines Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy has said that Ukrainian forces require 300-500 tanks for an offensive to liberate more Ukrainian territory from Russian occupation.

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Police use water cannons, tear gas on protesters in Tbilisi, ruling party scraps controversial law 9 March, 11:59 AM The police used tear gas and water cannons (Photo:REUTERS/Irakli Gedenidze)

Protesters in the Georgian capital Tbilisi have scored their first victory in their stand off with the countrys parliament, with the ruling Georgian Dream party announcing it is scrapping plans to push through a Russian-style law that many feared would be repressive.

Radio Libertys Ekho Kavkaza reported on Telegram in the early hours of March 9 that Georgian Dream and their offshoot People's Power were shelving the controversial bill on "foreign agents"  analogous to a repressive law used in Russia.

Earlier, using tear gas and water cannons, security forces again dispersed protesters against the law on "foreign agents" after thousands gathered in the center of Tbilisi. However, protesters soon regrouped and gathered beside the parliament again.

Video of day

At around 2.00 a.m. local time, riot police began to disperse the people gathered on the Georgian capitals Rustaveli Avenue. They used tear gas, water cannons, and occasionally fired air guns with rubber bullets into the air.

Protesters in Georgia had made two demands of the authorities on the evening of March 8, after which they decided to start a siege of the parliament  scrap the law, and release detainees from previous protests.

The Georgian parliament on March 7 approved a bill on foreign agents at first reading. The law, tabled by the ruling Georgian Dream party, requires non-governmental organizations and media outlets that receive more than20% of their funding from abroad to register as "agents of foreign influence"  or face fines.

The same evening, thousands of Georgians gathered in front of the parliament building to protest against the decision. Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the demonstrators.

Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili said she agreed with the protesters objections to the draft law on foreign agents, and said she would veto it, although the ruling coalition in Georgias parliament has enough votes to override a presidential veto.

Meanwhile, the European Unions top diplomat Josep Borrell said that the bill contradicts the values and standards of the union, which Georgia, like Ukraine, hopes to join.

Following the first day of protests in Tbilisi, police detained 66 people and opened several criminal cases on public disorder charges. The protesters demanded that the charges be dropped and the detainees released.

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Laman Ismayilova

Latvian president Egils Levits has visited the Icherisheher (The Old City), a historic core of Baku city.

Mr. Egils Levits first viewed the Maiden Tower, a symbol of Azerbaijan's capital, Azernews reports citing Azertag.

The tower has a secret underground passage, which is thought to have run from the tower to the Shirvanshahs' Palace, which was the last residence of the rulers of the Shirvan State, the most powerful state in Azerbaijan's history.

Latvian president was informed about the tower, 28m in height and 16-16.5m in diameter, which consists of a cylinder-like real tower and a huge supporting construction.

Mr. Egils Levits also familiarized himself with Icherisheher State Historical and Architectural Reserve, Icherisheher Centre for Traditional Arts as well as landscaping and restoration work carried out there.

In 2000, the Old City, including the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower, became the first location in Azerbaijan classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The visit made a deep impression on the Latvian president. A commemorative gift was presented to the guest.

Recall that Latvian President Egils Levits arrived in Azerbaijan on March 8 to hold a number of bilateral meetings in Baku and take part in the Global Baku Forum on March 9-11.

The X Global Baku Forum is being held under the title "World Today: Challenges and Hopes".

The forum discusses issues of energy security, the relevance of transport corridors in the Eurasian space, the role of China in global development, etc.




Company also looks to Provinces of Alberta and British Columbia

WATERTOWN, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2023 / 1812 BREWING COMPANY, INC. (OTC PINK:KEGS) (the "Company" or "KEGS") is pleased to announce that it has received notice from the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (the "LCBO"), and it has entered into its system the Company's application for approval of sale of its gold medal-winning War of 1812 Amber Ale. 1812 Brewing Company, which brews and packages its products approximately 25 miles from the Canadian border, "has been selected to proceed to the next stage of the application process" for War of 1812 Amber Ale. The Company's proximity to the Province of Ontario along with Ontario's position as Canada's largest beer market were factors in management's decision to begin the process with Fine Beer Agency Ltd. of Toronto, CA (www.finebeers.ca) and the LCBO.

https://storage.googleapis.com/accesswire/media/742884/1812-Amber-Ale-Canadian-Can-Label.jpg

More recently, the Company has begun discussions with Vancouver, BC-based Beverage Concepts Intl. & Network Agency (www.bci-network.ca) for distribution of War of 1812 Amber Ale in both British Columbia and Alberta.

https://storage.googleapis.com/accesswire/media/742884/Amber-Cans-6-Pack.jpeg

1812 Brewing Company recently announced that it had executed a business-to-business distribution agreement that covers the greater New York City area, which includes all five boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Staten Island plus Westchester County. This agreement is an extension of the previously announced TapRm.com deal, whereby KEGS' War of 1812 Amber Ale is now available for orders direct-to-consumers in 45 states plus Washington, DC at:

https://1812-brewing.taprm.com/all-products

About Fine Beer Agency Ltd :

Fine Beers Agency, centered in Toronto, Canada, was founded in the year 2000 by Fred Lavon, both a connoisseur of and someone with a passion for the finest beers the world has to offer. With over 25 years of experience in both the Canadian and European market, a steady shift in consumer demand for premium and imported beers was a clear sign that there was an opportunity to introduce the brands and styles of beer to the Canadian market. Fine Beer Agency focuses itself on shifting consumer tendencies, increasing awareness, and ultimately educating the market. Today, Fine Beers Agency has grown into the exclusive agent for some of the world's most esteemed breweries. Each beer style in our portfolio is promoted with excellent promotional material to emphasize its identity and uniqueness. Together with a sub-agent network, Fine Beers continues its goal of both facilitating the growth of and introducing new and exciting brands to Canada and its provinces. Excellent personal relations with the owners and managers is what we have come to be known for as we continue to provide the highest level of service to our clients' needs.

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About Beverage Concepts International & Network Agency ("BCINA")

BCINA is a unique fully licensed Liquor Import Agency located in the heart of Metro Vancouver. Since 1992, BCINA has served the finest selection of World Beer and Spirits, proudly serving Western Canada including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. BCINA runs its own warehouse operation (domestic craft beer and cider) and DSD (Direct Store Delivery) to enabling it to provide customers with full storage and delivery solutions. Its cooperation with Container World Forwarding Services Inc. and Sales Litre enables it to provide a unique next day delivery service for the Metro Vancouver and Sea to Sky area.

About 1812 Brewing Company ("KEGS or the "Company") :

KEGS is an operator of and investor in companies in the craft beer industry. The Company seeks to build a nation-wide network of craft breweries to develop and foster respective brand growth at the local, regional, and national level. KEGS looks to build a network wherein certain economies of scale can be shared across it such as production, distribution footprint expansion, inter-member contract brewing, new product development, sharing of best brewery practices and scale logistics and transportation. The network is to be built through investment by 1812 Brewing Company while maintaining the members' respective local and regional uniqueness, brand autonomy and direct involvement with its consumers. The Company seeks to be an "incubator" of growth for its holdings in the industry.

The Company's current holding, 1812 Brewing Co., produces award-winning beers such as War of 1812 Amber Ale ("1812 Amber Ale"), 1812 Light, Hazy Oasis Pale Ale, Thousand Islands IPA, Malicious Intent XX IPA, Route 11 Lager, Railroad Red Ale, Helles Bells Pilsner, St. Stephens Stout, Third Rail Porter, Featherhammer Maibock.

For more updates follow us on our Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin.

https://www.kegsnetwork.com/

https://www.facebook.com/kegsnetwork/

https://www.instagram.com/kegsnetwork/

https://twitter.com/kegsnetwork

https://www.1812ale.com/

https://www.facebook.com/1812brewingcompany/

https://www.instagram.com/1812brewingcompany/

https://twitter.com/1812Brewing

https://www.linkedin.com/company/1812brewingcompany/

Contact Name: Tom Scozzafava

Contact Phone Number: 315-788-1812

Contact Email Address: contact@1812ale.com

Safe Harbor: This release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 27E of the Securities Act of 1934. 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. Actual performance and results may differ materially from that projected or suggested herein due to certain risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, ability to obtain financing and regulatory and shareholder approval for anticipated actions.

SOURCE: 1812 Brewing Company Inc.





View source version on accesswire.com:

https://www.accesswire.com/742884/1812-Brewing-Company-Proceeds-to-Next-Stage-of-Application-Process-for-Sale-of-Its-Products-in-Ontario-Canada




23andMe Holding Co.

92 percent of doctors in the U.S. say genetics is an important part of a patients complete health picture

66 percent of doctors say genetic testing could help lead to better outcomes for their patients

75 percent of people in the US said theyd be more likely to follow their doctors advice if they knew their genetic profile was used to personalize their care



SUNNYVALE, Calif., March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A large percentage of people and doctors in the US say that using genetic testing could make healthcare more personalized and effective, according to new surveys by 23andMe.

The data comes from two national surveys on attitudes from both primary care physicians and the general population about the role genetic testing might play in making healthcare more personalized.

I am excited about a future where genetic information becomes the foundation of personalized health, said Anne Wojcicki, 23andMe CEO and Co-Founder. Since starting the company, 23andMe has been focused on helping our customers  and the world  benefit from genetics based prevention and treatment.

While the surveys found opportunities, they also noted issues with the current state of healthcare.

For instance, more than half of people surveyed (55 percent) said they dont feel healthy today and 63 percent said they dont feel in control of their health. And while most people surveyed (62 percent) said they wanted advice from their doctors that was tailored to them personally, few, only about 36 percent, said thats what they were getting.

For doctors, testing offers a potential way to connect with their patients.

The survey of doctors  the third in a series of research surveys gauging doctors attitudes about genetic testing conducted by Medscape since 2018  showed a marked change among physicians. While genetics  along with lifestyle, family health history and environmental factors  has always played a role in health outcomes, the survey showed a significant shift in awareness of the importance of genetics in health. In 2018 only about three in ten doctors said they regularly saw patient cases involving genetics. In this latest survey, more than half, 51 percent, of primary care physicians surveyed said they encountered one or more clinical cases a week where genetics plays a role. This most recent survey done in late 2022 also found that 34 percent of doctors said they had personally taken a direct-to-consumer genetic health test.

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In addition, 62 percent of doctors today say that genetic testing can help them provide more personalized care. And 92 percent of doctors say genetics is an important part of a patients health profile.

Most people agreed, with three-quarters of those surveyed (75 percent) saying theyd be more likely to adhere to doctors advice if they knew their genetic information was used to personalize their care.

Today, millions of people have used direct-to-consumer genetic testing to learn about their health, said Noura Abul-Husn, Vice President of Genomic Health at 23andMe. That presents an opportunity for primary care physicians to engage with patients in their personal health risks, and work with them to potentially prevent disease, tailor management, and improve overall health outcomes.

To learn more about 23andMes new survey data, please visit: https://www.23andme.com/dna-and-personalized-healthcare/ .

Methodology

Medscape Survey

The Medscape survey was completed by 1,000 U.S. primary care physicians on the Medscape platform between October 5th to 26th 2022. Ninety percent of respondents practice Family or Internal medicine and respondents have practiced an average of 19 years. Respondents were invited to respond to the online survey. The margin of error at a 95% confidence level is +/- 3.0%. The survey is a follow-up to a 2018 survey and a 2020 survey on the same topic and on the same platform.

Consumer Health Survey

An online survey, conducted by the global insights firm Material, took place in October 2022 on 1,501 Americans aged 18 or older. The margin of error at a 95% confidence level is +/- 3.0%. Material is a leading global insights firm serving as a partner to more than 100 of the Fortune 500 and thousands of smaller companies and organizations. For more information about Material please visit materialplus.io .

About 23andMe

23andMe is a genetics-led consumer healthcare and therapeutics company empowering a healthier future. For more information, please visit 23andme.com .

Forward Looking Statements

This press 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, including, without limitation, statements regarding the future performance of 23andMes businesses in consumer genetics and therapeutics and the growth and potential of its proprietary research platform. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included or incorporated in this press release, including statements regarding 23andMes strategy, financial position, funding for continued operations, cash reserves, projected costs, plans, and objectives of management, are forward-looking statements. The words "believes," "anticipates," "estimates," "plans," "expects," "intends," "may," "could," "should," "potential," "likely," "projects," predicts, "continue," "will," schedule, and "would" or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These forward-looking statements are predictions based on 23andMes current expectations and projections about future events and various assumptions. 23andMe cannot guarantee that it will actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in its forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on 23andMes forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (many of which are beyond the control of 23andMe), or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are also subject generally to other risks and uncertainties that are described from time to time in the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under Item 1A, Risk Factors in the Companys most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and as revised and updated by our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The statements made herein are made as of the date of this press release and, except as may be required by law, 23andMe undertakes no obligation to update them, whether as a result of new information, developments, or otherwise.

Contacts

Investor Relations Contact: investors@23andMe.com

Media Contact: press@23andMe.com




According to Exactitude Consultancy the Global Vacuum Insulation Panel Market value is expected to reach USD 11.52 Billion by 2029, growing at an 8.1% CAGR of Between Forecast Period 2023 and 2029.

PUNE, India, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The global vacuum insulation panel market is projected to reach USD 11.52 Billion by 2029 from USD 7.75 Billion in 2022, at a CAGR of 8.1% from 2023 to 2029. The vacuum insulation panel market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for energy-efficient building materials and products. VIPs offer superior insulation performance compared to traditional insulation materials, such as fiberglass and foam, due to their ultra-low thermal conductivity and high thermal resistance. This makes them ideal for use in various applications, including building and construction, refrigeration and cooling, and transportation.

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The building and construction industry is the largest application segment for VIPs, as these panels can provide significant energy savings in commercial and residential buildings. They are particularly useful in retrofitting existing buildings where space is limited, as VIPs are much thinner than traditional insulation materials while offering superior thermal performance.

However, the high cost of VIPs remains a significant challenge for the market, as they are more expensive than traditional insulation materials. Manufacturers are working to reduce the cost of production and increase the efficiency of VIPs to make them more accessible to a wider range of customers. Overall, the vacuum insulation panel market is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for energy-efficient building materials and products across various industries.

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Vacuum Insulation Market Dynamics

This section deals with understanding the market drivers, opportunities, restraints and challenges. All of this is discussed in detail as below:

Drivers

High Demand Across Construction Industry

The construction industry is expected to experience growth due to the increasing demand for vacuum insulation, which, in turn, will pave the way for market expansion. Vacuum insulation panels offer superior insulation performance compared to traditional insulation materials and find use in various applications, including building construction, refrigeration units, and insulated shipping containers. As a result, the construction industry's expansion is a key driving force behind the global market for vacuum insulation panels.

Increased Utilization Across Cooling and Freezing Applications

In addition, the transportation of pharmaceutical products and medicines globally via refrigerated means has played a significant role in the recent upsurge of the vacuum insulated panels market. The demand for vacuum insulated panels has also increased in the cold storage and frozen transportation industry, as larger quantities of frozen food are being transported across long distances, necessitating thermal insulation for extended periods.

Moreover, the expansion of the construction industry has been fueled by rapid industrialization and urbanization. Additionally, the vacuum insulation panels market has grown due to the presence of a large population and highly developed marine transportation infrastructure, despite the heavy weight of vacuum insulation panels.

Opportunities

Stringent Regulations and Adoption of Automated Insulation

Moreover, the implementation of stringent regulations by government and other agencies related to energy conservation provides lucrative opportunities for market players during the forecast period from 2022 to 2029. The future growth of the vacuum insulation market is also expected to be propelled by the adoption of vacuum insulation in automated storage and retrieval systems.

Report Attribute Details Vacuum Insulation Panel Market size value in 2022 USD 7.75 billion Revenue forecast in 2029 USD 11.52 billion Market Growth rate CAGR of 8.1% from 2023 to 2029 Base year for estimation 2022 Historical data 2018 - 2021 Forecast period 2023 - 2029 Quantitative units Revenue in USD Million, volume in units, CAGR from 2023 to 2029 Report coverage Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, trends Segments covered By Core Material; Raw Material; Product; Application and By Region Regional scope North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; MEA Country scope U.S.; Canada; Mexico; Germany; France; Italy; U.K.; China; India; Japan; Brazil; Saudi Arabia Key companies profiled Evonik Industries, Panasonic Corporation, OCI Company Ltd., LG Hausys Ltd., Porextherm Dammstoffe GmbH, ThermoCor, Microtherm, Dow Corning Corporation, Va-Q-Tec AG, Kevothermal, LLC. Customization scope Free report customization with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope.

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Companies Covered in Vacuum Insulation Panel Market Report:

Evonik Industries

Panasonic Corporation

OCI Company Ltd.

LG Hausys Ltd.

Porextherm Dammstoffe GmbH

ThermoCor

Microtherm

Dow Corning Corporation

Va-Q-Tec AG

Kevothermal, LLC.

Report Benefits

Develop business strategies by understanding the trends shaping and driving the Market.

Drive revenues by understanding the key trends, innovative products and technologies, market segments, and companies likely to impact the Vacuum Insulation Panel Market in the future.

Formulate effective sales and marketing strategies by understanding the competitive landscape and by analyzing the company share of Vacuum Insulation Panel Market leaders.

Identify emerging players with potentially strong product portfolios and create effective counter-strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

Track sales in the global and country-specific Market.

Organize your sales and marketing efforts by identifying the market categories and segments that present maximum opportunities for consolidations, investments and strategic partnerships.

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Regional Insights

Asia Pacific is expected to reach USD 4.0 billion by 2024 and emerge as a lucrative regional market during the forecast period. The growth in this region will be attributed to developing infrastructure industry in China. In addition, the construction industry in the region is expected to grow owing to rapid urbanization and increasing government investments in the infrastructural projects.

The industry in will expand at a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period. The U.S. is expected to witness the fastest growth in the regional market owing to booming construction industry.

Key Market Segments: Vacuum Insulation Panel Market

By Core Material

Silica

Fiberglass

By Raw Material

Plastic

Metal

By Product

Flat

Special Shape

By Application

Construction

Cooling and Freezing Devices

Logistic

By Regions

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

South America

Middle East and Africa

Frequently Asked Questions About This Report

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What is the Vacuum Insulation Panel Market growth?

Which segment accounted for the largest Vacuum Insulation Panel Market share?

Who are the key players in the Vacuum Insulation Panel Market?

What are the factors driving the Vacuum Insulation Panel Market?

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SOURCE Exactitude Consultancy
SkyQuest Technology Consulting Pvt. Ltd.

SkyQuest, a well-known market research firm, has just published a comprehensive report on the active pharmaceutical ingredients market. This report provides valuable information and analysis on the industry, including market growth predictions, segment analysis, emerging trends, and profitable business opportunities. The report also discusses emerging trends in the API market, including the growing trend of outsourcing API production to contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs). The report provides insights into the benefits of outsourcing API production and highlights the increasing role of CMOs in the industry.

Westford, USA,, March 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The active pharmaceutical ingredients market in North America is growing rapidly due to several factors. One key factor is the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, which has led to a higher demand for APIs. Additionally, the region has made significant advancements in API manufacturing, further contributing to the market's growth. The global market also benefits from favorable government policies that support API production and changes in geopolitical situations that have created new growth opportunities. The market is seeing a surge in growth due to increased drug research and development activities. With the rise in the prevalence of diseases, pharmaceutical companies are investing more in developing new drugs, which has led to a surge in demand for APIs.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major public health issue leading to many yearly deaths. SkyQuest estimates that CAD is responsible for approximately 600,000 deaths annually in the United States, roughly 1 in 4. As more people are diagnosed with CAD and seek treatment, drugs will be needed to manage the disease effectively. APIs play a critical role in developing these drugs, and their importance in the pharmaceutical industry is expected to grow.

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Browse in-depth TOC on the "Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market"

Pages - 248

Tables - 59

Figures - 70

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) are the biologically active components responsible for the therapeutic effects of a drug. These chemical compounds are carefully selected and formulated to ensure their safety, efficacy, and stability. In addition, the manufacture and distribution of APIs are subject to strict regulatory oversight to ensure they meet rigorous quality standards and regulatory requirements.

Prominent Players in the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market

AstraZeneca

Novartis AG

Cadila Pharmaceuticals

Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co. Ltd.

Johnson & Johnson Private Limited

Abbott

Sanofi

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

UCB S.A.

Pfizer Inc.

GSK Plc.

AstraZeneca

GSK Plc.

Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Cardiovascular Segment to Contribute Largest Revenue Share owing to Rising Demand for Effective and Affordable Cardiovascular Drugs

The active pharmaceutical ingredients market is expected to experience significant growth in the cardiovascular segment between 2021 and 2030. This segment is predicted to be one of the fastest-growing API markets due to the rising prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, particularly in developing countries. Cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke, coronary heart disease, and heart failure, are the leading cause of death globally, accounting for approximately 31% of all deaths. In addition, as the global population ages, cardiovascular disease prevalence is expected to rise, driving demand for new and innovative treatments.

The active pharmaceutical ingredients market is projected to experience significant growth globally, with North America expected to play a leading role by 2030. This prediction is based on several factors, including a continuous rise in the prevalence of chronic diseases and the growing demand for generic drugs. Furthermore, the United States and Canada have implemented favorable policies to support the growth of the pharmaceutical industry, such as tax incentives, streamlined regulatory processes, and the introduction of the 21st Century Cures Act.

Browse summary of the report and Complete Table of Contents (ToC):

https://skyquestt.com/report/active-pharmaceutical-ingredients-market

Synthetic API Segment Witness Higher Traction Thanks to Wide Application of Synthetic APIs in Various Therapeutic Areas

According to market research reports, the synthetic API segment is anticipated to experience significant growth between 2021 and 2030, making it the fastest-growing segment in the active pharmaceutical ingredients market. This projected growth is attributed to several factors, including the rising demand for cost-effective drugs and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. As the global population ages and chronic disease incidence rises, pharmaceutical companies are pressured to develop new treatments quickly and cost-effectively. Synthetic APIs offer a potential solution to this problem, as they can be produced in large quantities and at a lower cost than natural alternatives.

The active pharmaceutical ingredients market is expected to grow significantly in the Asia Pacific region by 2030. This region is projected to emerge as the fastest-growing market for APIs, driven by factors such as rising population, increasing incidence of chronic diseases, and growing demand for generic drugs. Furthermore, the Asia Pacific region is also witnessing a significant rise in the number of contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) and contract research organizations (CROs) providing cost-effective API manufacturing solutions to pharmaceutical companies.

In the highly competitive active pharmaceutical ingredients market, companies must constantly stay abreast of industry trends and emerging opportunities to gain a competitive edge. SkyQuest's report provides valuable insights and recommendations to help businesses expand their operations and make informed decisions that can lead to success in this dynamic market. With the right strategies, businesses can overcome challenges, take advantage of emerging opportunities, and achieve sustained success.

Key Developments in the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market

Aaquaries Global Industries Limited is a reputable pharmaceutical company specializing in the research, production, and marketing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The Company is renowned for its niche API manufacturing and supplies high-quality pharmaceutical ingredients to top formulators worldwide. In addition, Aaquaries Global Industries Limited offers a wide range of services, including APIs, custom pharmaceutical services, generics, biosimilars, and differentiated formulations. In a recent announcement, Aaquaries Global Industries Limited revealed that it would invest approximately USD 200 million in the buyout of assets and patents.

BioNxt Solutions Inc. has announced that they have entered a definitive technology transfer and patent assignment agreement to acquire specific technology and intellectual property assets related to a new solid oral drug dosage form coating and delivery technology. The Company is thrilled to acquire this technology, enabling them to enhance its drug delivery capabilities and expand its portfolio. The agreement is a significant milestone for BioNxt Solutions Inc., and they are excited about the potential impact this technology could have on the pharmaceutical industry.

The pharmaceutical Company has announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has granted final approval for Vigabatrin for Oral Solution USP, 500 mg. This medication treats certain seizures in adults and children with epilepsy. The approval signifies that the drug has passed all safety, efficacy, and quality regulatory requirements. This medication is expected to relieve many people with epilepsy in the US. In addition, the availability of Vigabatrin for Oral Solution USP, 500 mg, will allow patients to manage their condition more effectively and improve their quality of life.

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Key Questions Answered in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market Report

How do economic, political, and social factors influence the growth of different industries in the global market?

Can you provide examples of companies successfully navigating the global market by implementing innovative strategies?

Which regions are projected to have the most significant growth in sales and revenue in the global market, and what are the driving forces behind this growth?

What are some of the primary challenges faced by vendors operating in the global market, and what strategies can they use to improve their market position?

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Global Sodium Hydroxide Market

Global Psychedelic Drugs Market

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Global Complementary and Alternative Medicine Market





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Global Complementary and Alternative Medicine Market






(Bloomberg) -- Adobe Inc., breaking ranks with an industry cutting costs and laying off workers, has opened a new office tower in its home city, adding new capacity for staff and pledging no companywide job cuts in 2023.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Founders Tower is an 18-story, 1.25 million-square-foot shimmering glass addition to San Jose, California, a city Adobe has called home since the early 90s. The software companys fourth tower has capacity for 3,000 employee workstations, Adobe said Wednesday in a statement. Despite opening a new office with amenities, the company remains supportive of hybrid and flexible work arrangements.

Were actually committed to continuing to grow here, Adobe Chief People Officer Gloria Chen said in an interview with Bloomberg Television to air Wednesday. We are committed to not having companywide layoffs.

Adobe is bucking the trend among technology companies that are cutting jobs and paring back their real estate footprint. Major US cities, already struggling from a pandemic shift to flexible working, continue to be hit in particular by office closings. Salesforce Inc., Meta Platforms Inc. and Microsoft Corp. have consolidated or cut real estate leases. Last week, Bloomberg reported that Amazon.com Inc. was pausing construction on its second US headquarters, slated for Arlington, Virginia.

Still, Adobe isnt immune to the industrywide pressure to cut costs. The maker of software such as Photoshop and Illustrator for creative professionals eliminated some jobs concentrated in sales late last year. Moving forward, the company will be judicious in hiring and manging its expenses, Chen said. And while the new office tower can handle workspace for 3,000 new employees, theres no commitment or plan to hire in an effort to fill that capacity, she said.

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The shares gained less than 1% to $346.29 at 11:38 a.m. in New York. The stock plunged 41% in 2022 and has increased 3% this year, lagging far behind the 12% jump in the S&P 500 Information Technology Index.

For San Jose, a city in close proximity to some of the worlds leading technology names, its the latest vote of confidence from a longtime tenant. Apple Inc.s namesake headquarters is about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from downtown. Alphabet Inc.s Google has a new campus in the works in San Jose, which is seen as another big draw for the area.

Adobes plans for a new building were hatched back in 2019, prior to the pandemic. When the world shut down in March 2020, the company decided to continue building throughout the Covid-19 period. The company declined to disclose the towers construction costs.

Adobe wants to encourage attendance in the new space and a flexible working model, Chen said. The company expects that half of an employees time will be spent in the office and the other half working remotely. How that split looks and which teams are required to do so are left up to individual managers, Chen said.

I dont think that the world of flexible and hybrid work has been defined for good. And so we are constantly experimenting, learning, iterating. And we came into this whole model with that mindset, Chen added.

Adobe also is trying to close a $20 billion deal to buy startup Figma Inc., amid regulatory scrutiny. The proposed acquisition is a bet that more creative work will be done by small businesses and everyday users on the web, a market that Figma has rapidly seized. Chen declined to comment on whether any of the new capacity in Founders Towers would go to Figma, which is currently based in San Francisco.

Were still operating as separate companies right now, Chen said. But bringing people together is always something that we do, and Ill leave it at that.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Aftermath Silver Ltd.

New York, NY, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aftermath Silver Ltd. (TSXV: AAG) (OTCQX: AAGFF) (FSE: FLM1), a leading Canadian junior mining company, is solidly positioned both corporately and with its mineral rich projects in Latin America to become a leader in the development of silver as well as a player in the emerging green metals space. The company has two extremely promising projects inPeru and Chileboth of which are global leaders in producing the specific metals that Aftermaths properties host and that the green industry is demanding.

Aftermaths portfolio of exploration properties has demonstrated that its rich with an abundance of silver. In fact, its path to becoming one of the leading silver development companies begins with two significant mineral resource estimates that include silver, copper and manganese. These metals are critical green or future facing metals that are essential for the technologies to build electric vehicles (EVs), windmills, solar panels and other renewables.

The companys flagship property, Berenguela, is a silver (Ag), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) project located in southern Peru on 6,594 hectares or 16,294 acres. Last week, after 15 months of extensive work, Aftermath reached a major milestone with the announcement of a new Mineral Resource estimate for Berenguela that includes 101.2-million ounces of silver plus 2.45-million tons of manganese in the Measured and Indicated category, and an additional 38.8 million ounces of silver and 0.8 million tonnes of manganese in Inferred Resources. When discussing the significance of this milestone, Aftermaths Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ralph Rushton, said, We believe that Berenguela may be one of the most significant undeveloped projects in Latin America offering investors exposure to silver and battery metals.

The current estimate confirms and expands on the previous historical Mineral Resources, and according to the company, is based on the most extensive geological model of the Berenguela deposit to date, which significantly enhances Aftermaths understanding of the deposit. Fully understanding the rising value in green metals, Aftermaths CEO, said, The overall potential value of the resource has been significantly enhanced by the inclusion of manganese.

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Meanwhile, Challacollo, Aftermaths wholly owned 19,000-hectare (46,950 acres) silver and gold (Au) project in northern Chile, hosts a current Mineral Resource, which was published by Aftermath in 2020, of 35.2-million ounces of Measured and Indicated silver with a further 11-million ounces of Inferred silver. The deposit also has 58-thousand ounces of gold in the Measured and Indicated category with a further 15-million ounces of gold in the Inferred category. Challacollo was acquired from Mandalay Resources after Mandalay itself invested $30 million to acquire and develop the project.

The benefit of Berenguela and Challacollo to Aftermath is that neither is a grassroots project. Instead, both properties have known ounces and tonnes in the ground, and at Berenguela, it has been established that it hosts significant silver, copper and manganese. These silver projects, both of which have the potential for large open-pit mining, provide a platform for Aftermath to become a major silver exploration and development company. And having significant silver is important because the price of silver offers tremendous leverage. Having additional green metals like copper and manganese provides exposure to multiple critical minerals. Silver is not only considered a precious metal but also plays a central role in the production of green technologies.

Globally, countries have been tasked with moving toward a goal of zero carbon emissions and a greater shift toward cleaner-energy alternatives, so, in turn, mining companies will be committed to navigating the increase in the demand for green metals. Therefore, metals hosted on Aftermaths properties are expected to see their demand climb dramatically. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that wind and solar could account for 70% of power generation by 2050, up from 9% in 2020, if the world seeks to become carbon neutral by 2050.

But that also means massive levels of demand for those metals required for green energy which are vital for the technologies to build electric cars and renewables. The IEA predicts about a seven-fold increase of such green metals by 2030. The clean energy transition could unleash unprecedented demand for these metals in the coming decades, requiring as much as 3-billion tons, according to the IEA.

A typical electric vehicle battery pack, for example, needs around 8 kilograms (18 pounds) of lithium, 35 kilograms of nickel, 20 kilograms of manganese and 14 kilograms of cobalt, while charging stations require substantial amounts of copper. For green power, solar panels use large quantities of copper, silicon, silver and zinc, and wind turbines require iron ore, copper, and aluminum.

When discussing the rising interest in green metals, Brandon Rakszawski, director of exchange-traded-fund product development at VanEck told Barrons, We have already seen metals like lithium and cobalt take center stage in the market, but it is estimated that metals such as copper, nickel, and rare earths will see a larger portion of their demand come from clean energy in the years to come.

Manganese, for instance, is one such metal and its demand globally is likely to grow exponentially, as it is considered a key input in renewable technologies. Aftermath is aware of the need for manganese in a host of industries, including the production of electric vehicles. Manganese is a battery metal, a metal vital to the steel industry, and an agribusiness metal used in fertilizers and feed. It is used in the two most prominent batteries in production, the Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) and Lithium Manganese Oxide (LMO) batteries, so its necessity will grow exponentially well into the future. There has been an industry shift to NMC battery chemistries, which consume battery-grade manganese sulphate (BG MnSO4), due to their cost effectiveness, scalability, relative safety, and range. NMC batteries are vital for long-range vehicles. Aftermath is working toward determining what role manganese will play at Berenguela, but it could be a significant player should the metallurgical testing prove positive.

Additionally, another essential green metal that Aftermath has in abundance on its Berenguela property is copper. Copper is an integral part of sustainable energy initiatives because of its reliability, efficiency and performance. Coppers electrical and thermal conductivity and high resistance to both atmospheric and aqueous corrosion makes it extremely valuable in solar energy systems. Solar power systems can contain approximately 5.5 tons of copper per megawatt (MW). Copper is in the heat exchangers of solar thermal units as well as in the wiring and cabling that transmits the electricity in photovoltaic solar cells. Another key role for copper is its use in electric vehicles. Simply put, there is not enough copper worldwide to meet future demand.

Copper is also necessary in wind energy technologies including in the electrical grounding system for wind turbine farms. A three-megawatt wind turbine can contain up to 4.7 tons of copper with 53% of that demand coming from the cable and wiring, 24% from the turbine/power generation components, 4% from transformers, and 19% from turbine transformers. Additionally, onshore wind farms use approximately 7,766 pounds of copper per MW, whereas offshore wind installation uses 21,068 pounds of copper per MW.

As a junior mining company, its vital that Aftermath ensures its investment into both Berenguela and Challacollo is economically beneficial. The price of silver combined with the potential large-scale inventory of the metals found on both projects certainly validates the companys path forward on all development. Interestingly, while it is the discovery and production of precious metals like silver and gold that entice investors, its green metals like copper and manganese, which are abundant on Aftermaths Berenguela projectespecially when incorporated with the production of silverthat could give the company its greatest probability for success.

And success begins with the company continuing to understand its properties and the resources that reside below the surface. This necessary work is a costly endeavor for any company, so, Aftermath has set itself up financially by raising around $3-million CAD via a private placement agreement to ensure that it is well capitalized. Also, the company sold another of its properties in Chile so that it could further invest in and advance its two key projects. The decision was made to monetize the Cachinal silver-gold project so that the company could invest that capital in the ground at Berenguela and Challacollo, which according to Aftermaths CEO, is the fastest way to potentially unlock value for our shareholders. With two key projects, we felt that selling Cachinal made sense as it was no longer a core asset.

During the companys latest drilling season, Aftermath completed its 63-hole (6,200 meters) diamond drill program at Berenguela that included a combination of resource verification, metallurgical sampling, and confirmation of a selection of historical reverse circulation (RC) holes. The companys new Mineral Resource estimate is based on a geological model incorporating data from 386 drill holes that include the 63 diamond core holes, and historical drilling data from 32 diamond core and 291 RC holes drilled between 2004 and 2019. All drill holes released from the companys latest drilling season, so far, have cut Ag + Cu + Mn mineralization. Highest grade intercepts to date include:

AFD 005: 53.3m @ 256 g/t Ag + 1.29% Cu inc. 9m @ 781 g/t Ag + 1.26% Cu

AFD 004: 56.3m @ 195 g/t Ag + 1.74% Cu inc. 5m @ 627 g/t Ag + 0.99% Cu

AFD 034: 65.2m @ 408 g/t Ag + 0.91% Cu inc. 19m @ 1,162 g/t Ag + 1.12% Cu

AFD 029: 99.2m @ 188 g/t Ag + 1.70% Cu inc. 20m @ 268 g/t Ag + 2.95% Cu

AFD 048: 35.9m @ 508 g/t Ag + 1.11% Cu inc. 8.7m @ 1,010 g/t Ag + 1.48% Cu

AFD 020: 56.7m @ 253 g/t Ag + 1.19% Cu inc. 8m @ 804 g/t Ag + 0.45% Cu

Additionally, the company has been engaged in a drilling twinning program at Berenguela. Drilling twinned holes is a traditional technique used for verification of intersections of high-grade mineralization, testing of historical data, or confirmation of drill hole data during geological due diligence studies, and for Aftermath, twinned holes are important to the companys new Mineral Resource estimate on the property. Preliminary results from the companys drilling twinning program are certainly great news as they show grades equal to or higher than historical data for the property.

And then there is Challacollo, Aftermaths very attractive low-sulphidation (LS), epithermal deposit where drill permitting will be underway shortly. LS epithermal deposits represent major sources of gold and silver throughout the world. Mining of epithermal gold deposits accounts for about 12% of the worlds total gold production and some deposits achieve bonanza-grades (more than 34 grams of gold per tonne or more than one troy ounce of gold per ton).

Fortunately, the company wont be slowed by having to develop the essential infrastructure required to advance its work. Each property already has the necessary infrastructure in place or nearby for Aftermath to successfully progress the development of Berenguela and Challacollo. So, given the mineral rich properties, the infrastructure in place, the financial resources available, and the industry expertise offered by the companys team, the opportunity in the green metals space on both projects is seemingly unlimited. And given the high demand industrywide of silver, copper, and manganese, Aftermath could set itself up as a potential large producer or the company could simply continue development of its properties and position the projects for acquisition as an exit strategy.

Either way Aftermath Silver offers an excellent ground-floor opportunity for investors looking to take the journey into the green revolution as the company uncovers just how valuable its resources can be to a burgeoning industry with what will surely be an insatiable appetite for these necessary metals.

To learn more about Aftermath Silver Ltd., visit https://aftermathsilver.com

About Aftermath Silver Ltd.

Aftermath Silver Ltd. is a leading Canadian junior exploration company focused on silver, and aims to deliver shareholder value through the discovery, acquisition and development of quality silver projects in stable jurisdictions. Aftermath has developed a pipeline of projects at various stages of advancement. The company's projects have been selected based on growth and development potential.

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 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 Aftermath Silver 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 Aftermath Silver.

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Straits Research - Market Research Strategy | Strategy Consulting | Business Research | Business Consulting | Market Research

The agriculture reinsurance market size is projected to grow at Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.2% for the forecast period. Successful and advanced space and weather monitoring technologies boost the growth of the agriculture reinsurance market in North America.

New York, United States, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Agriculture reinsurance refers to the type of insurance that provides coverage for agricultural losses due to natural disasters such as droughts, floods, hurricanes, and other weather-related events. This type of insurance is specifically designed to protect farmers and agriculture-related businesses from financial losses caused by the unpredictable nature of weather patterns. Agriculture reinsurance typically covers losses related to crop damage, livestock mortality, and business interruption. This type of insurance is particularly important in areas where agriculture is a major part of the economy, as it helps to ensure the stability and continuity of the agriculture industry in the face of potential losses due to natural disasters.





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Market Dynamics

The global agriculture reinsurance market is experiencing growth due to various factors, including uncertainty of nature, government support for agricultural activities, and technological advancements. With the help of satellite images, efficient loss assessments can be made in agro (re)insurance, providing real-time assessments of damages and potential risks. Additionally, technology helps to mitigate information asymmetry between (re)insurers and the insured, further driving demand for agriculture reinsurance.

Another factor driving the market growth is the increasing need for an alternative to shareholders capital to meet the massive demand. Reinsurers play a vital role in minimizing damage, providing capital for the real economy, and preventing risks. Government support in various countries is also boosting market growth, such as the Indian Government's commitment to funding reinsurance schemes for crop insurance.

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However, poor clarity of exposures and lack of awareness may hinder the growth of the agriculture reinsurance market around the globe.

Market Segmentation

The global agriculture reinsurance market can be segmented on the basis of products into managed crop hail insurance, multi-peril crop insurance, livestock insurance, greenhouse insurance, aquaculture insurance, bloodstock insurance, and forestry insurance.

Managed Crop Hail Insurance: This type of insurance provides protection against the loss or damage of crops caused by hail or fire. It is typically offered by private insurance companies and is usually purchased by farmers who grow crops in areas prone to hailstorms.

Multi-Peril Crop Insurance: This type of insurance provides protection against a range of risks that could cause crop losses, including natural disasters, disease, pests, and weather-related events. It is typically offered by government-sponsored programs and is designed to cover a large portion of the insured farmer's crop yield.

Livestock Insurance: This type of insurance provides protection against the loss or damage of livestock due to disease, accidents, or natural disasters. It covers the cost of replacing or repairing the lost or damaged livestock.

Greenhouse Insurance: This type of insurance provides protection against the loss or damage of crops grown in greenhouses due to various reasons such as fire, storms, or other environmental factors. It is designed to cover the cost of repairing or replacing the greenhouse and the crops grown in it.

Aquaculture Insurance: This type of insurance provides protection against the loss or damage of aquatic crops or animals due to natural disasters, disease, or other environmental factors. It is designed to cover the cost of repairing or replacing the lost or damaged aquatic crops or animals.

Bloodstock Insurance: This type of insurance provides protection to thoroughbred horses, livestock, and other animals that are high in value. It covers the cost of death, illness, or injury of the animals.

Forestry Insurance: This type of insurance provides protection against the loss or damage of forests due to natural disasters, fire, disease, or other environmental factors. It is designed to cover the cost of restoring or replanting the damaged forest.





Report Scope

Report Metric Details CAGR 11.2% (2022-2030) Historical Data 2019-2020 Base Year 2021 Forecast Period 2022-2030 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Product, By Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, LAME and Rest of the World Key Companies Profiled/Vendors Munich Re, Swiss Re, Hannover Re, PartnerRe, Scor Re, Everest Re, Polish Re, Hamilton Re, Sompo International, Toa Re. Key Market Drivers Government support in various countries is also boosting the market growth

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Regional Insights

The global agriculture reinsurance market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America is expected to dominate the market due to its extensive agricultural activities and adoption of advanced technologies in the sector. The US government provides significant support to its farmers and is a major contributor to the agriculture reinsurance market in the region.

Europe is also expected to have a significant market share due to the large agricultural industry and the high adoption rate of crop insurance among farmers. Furthermore, the region's strict government regulations and policies regarding agriculture and food safety contribute to the growth of the agriculture reinsurance market.

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is home to some of the world's largest agriculture-producing countries, including China and India, where agriculture is a major contributor to the economy. The increasing government initiatives and support to farmers to manage crop losses are boosting the demand for agriculture reinsurance in the region. The rise in extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, and typhoons, has increased the need for crop insurance and reinsurance.

Top Key Players of Agriculture Reinsurance Market

Munich Re

Swiss Re

Hannover Re

PartnerRe

Scor Re

Everest Re

Polish Re

Hamilton Re

Sompo International

Toa Re.





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Agriculture Reinsurance Market Segmentation

By Product

Managed Crop Hail Insurance

Multi-Peril Crop Insurance

Livestock Insurance

Greenhouse Insurance

Aquaculture Insurance

Bloodstock Insurance

Forestry Insurance

By Geography

North America

Europe

Asia-Pacific

LAMEA





TABLE OF CONTENT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY RESEARCH SCOPE & SEGMENTATION Research Objectives Market Definition Limitations & Assumptions Market Scope & Segmentation Currency & Pricing Considered MARKET OPPORTUNITY ASSESSMENT Emerging Regions / Countries Emerging Companies Emerging Applications / End Use Investment Landscape New Business Models / Revenue Streams TAM MARKET TRENDS Drivers Market Warning Factors Latest Macro Economic Indicators Geopolitical Impact Human Factors Technology Factors MARKET ASSESSMENT Porters Five Forces Analysis Value Chain Analysis Sales And Distribution Channel Analysis Case Study Analysis Patent Analysis M & A Agreements & Collabration Analysis ESG TRENDS GLOBAL AGRICULTURE REINSURANCE MARKET SIZE ANALYSIS Global Agriculture Reinsurance Market Introduction By Product Introduction Product By Value Managed Crop Hail Insurance By Value Multi-Peril Crop Insurance By Value Livestock Insurance By Value Greenhouse Insurance By Value Aquaculture Insurance By Value Bloodstock Insurance By Value Forestry Insurance By Value NORTH AMERICA MARKET ANALYSIS Introduction By Product Introduction Product By Value Managed Crop Hail Insurance By Value Multi-Peril Crop Insurance By Value Livestock Insurance By Value Greenhouse Insurance By Value Aquaculture Insurance By Value Bloodstock Insurance By Value Forestry Insurance By Value U.S. By Product Introduction Product By Value Managed Crop Hail Insurance By Value Multi-Peril Crop Insurance By Value Livestock Insurance By Value Greenhouse Insurance By Value Aquaculture Insurance By Value Bloodstock Insurance By Value Forestry Insurance By Value Canada EUROPE MARKET ANALYSIS Introduction By Product Introduction Product By Value Managed Crop Hail Insurance By Value Multi-Peril Crop Insurance By Value Livestock Insurance By Value Greenhouse Insurance By Value Aquaculture Insurance By Value Bloodstock Insurance By Value Forestry Insurance By Value U.K. By Product Introduction Product By Value Managed Crop Hail Insurance By Value Multi-Peril Crop Insurance By Value Livestock Insurance By Value Greenhouse Insurance By Value Aquaculture Insurance By Value Bloodstock Insurance By Value Forestry Insurance By Value Germany France Spain Italy Russia Nordic Benelux Rest Of Europe APAC MARKET ANALYSIS Introduction By Product Introduction Product By Value Managed Crop Hail Insurance By Value Multi-Peril Crop Insurance By Value Livestock Insurance By Value Greenhouse Insurance By Value Aquaculture Insurance By Value Bloodstock Insurance By Value Forestry Insurance By Value China By Product Introduction Product By Value Managed Crop Hail Insurance By Value Multi-Peril Crop Insurance By Value Livestock Insurance By Value Greenhouse Insurance By Value Aquaculture Insurance By Value Bloodstock Insurance By Value Forestry Insurance By Value Korea Japan India Australia Taiwan South East Asia Rest Of Asia-Pacific MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA MARKET ANALYSIS Introduction By Product Introduction Product By Value Managed Crop Hail Insurance By Value Multi-Peril Crop Insurance By Value Livestock Insurance By Value Greenhouse Insurance By Value Aquaculture Insurance By Value Bloodstock Insurance By Value Forestry Insurance By Value UAE By Product Introduction Product By Value Managed Crop Hail Insurance By Value Multi-Peril Crop Insurance By Value Livestock Insurance By Value Greenhouse Insurance By Value Aquaculture Insurance By Value Bloodstock Insurance By Value Forestry Insurance By Value Turkey Saudi Arabia South Africa Egypt Nigeria Rest Of MEA LATAM MARKET ANALYSIS Introduction By Product Introduction Product By Value Managed Crop Hail Insurance By Value Multi-Peril Crop Insurance By Value Livestock Insurance By Value Greenhouse Insurance By Value Aquaculture Insurance By Value Bloodstock Insurance By Value Forestry Insurance By Value Brazil By Product Introduction Product By Value Managed Crop Hail Insurance By Value Multi-Peril Crop Insurance By Value Livestock Insurance By Value Greenhouse Insurance By Value Aquaculture Insurance By Value Bloodstock Insurance By Value Forestry Insurance By Value Mexico Argentina Chile Colombia Rest Of LATAM COMPETITIVE ASSESSMENT Adoption Matrix Agriculture Reinsurance Market Share By Manufacturers Agriculture Reinsurance Market Ranking By Revenue For Manufacturers Average Price By Manufacturers Vendor Footprint Analysis MARKET PLAYERS ASSESSMENT Munich Re Overview Business Information Revenue ASP Gross Margin Swot Analysis Recent Developmments Swiss Re Hannover Re PartnerRe Scor Re Everest Re Polish Re Hamilton Re Sompo International Toa Re. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Research Data Secondary Data Major Secondary Sources Key Data From Secondary Sources Primary Data Key Data From Primary Sources Breakdown Of Primaries Secondary And Primary Research Key Industry Insights Market Size Estimation Bottom-Up Approach Top-Down Approach Market Projection Research Assumptions Assumptions Limitations Risk Assessment APPENDIX Discussion Guide Customization Options Related Reports DISCLAIMER





Table of Content @ https://straitsresearch.com/report/agriculture-reinsurance-market/toc





News Media

Developing Countries Across to Drive the Agriculture Reinsurance Market During the Forecast Period, 20192026





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Agriculture Insurance Market : Information by Product (Managed Crop Hail Insurance, Aquaculture Insurance, Forestry Insurance), Organization (Government, Private), and Region  Forecast till 2031

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OTTAWA, ON, March 9, 2023 /CNW/ - Today, the Canadian government introduced Bill C-41, amending the Criminal Code to allow Canadian aid organizations to provide humanitarian support in Afghanistan without the fear of criminal prosecution. This is a critical and important step toward protecting the ability of humanitarian organizations to provide neutral and impartial aid in Afghanistan and other complex crises.

Aid for Afghanistan Is Coming (CNW Group/Islamic Relief Canada)

This action will bring Canada into better alignment with other nations such as Australia, the U.K. and the United States. In response to the introduction of this legislation, the #AidforAfghanistan Coalition of 18 leading Canadian organizations said:

"We welcome today's announcement by the Government of Canada. We are encouraged that this step forward will not only support the need for humanitarian organizations to operate in Afghanistan, but also in similar contexts.

Today's announcement is an important step forward in the right direction toward finding a permanent solution for the countless Afghan women, children and families who are counting on international aid and assistance to survive.

In the weeks to come, we look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue and working together with all parties to ensure these amendments are passed effectively and efficiently to allow Canadians to provide critical humanitarian aid and assistance to the people of Afghanistan and other countries with similar contexts."

Under the #AidforAfghanistan campaign, we have worked to raise awareness of the impacts of regulatory barriers and their chilling effect. Such restrictions have prevented us from getting life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable during Afghanistan's deepening humanitarian crisis. In recognition of the need to allow for life-saving humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan, close to 10,000 Canadians have signed letters targeting their local MP, the Prime Minister, and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Development, Justice and Public Safety.

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Over the past eight months, we have worked with legal experts, Afghan Canadians, and women's organizations to engage in constructive dialogue with all parties, who have all affirmed their commitment to ensuring that legislation must be amended to allow Canadian organizations to help the people of Afghanistan.

With today's announcement, we look forward to continuing to work with all parties in the House of Commons to ensure that the solution allows for a definition of activities that is broad enough to encompass targeted gender programming, including education and healthcare for girls, food, shelter, clothing, and human rights work. We also call on all parties to work collaboratively to ensure this solution comes to fruition quickly.

The humanitarian situation inside Afghanistan today is dire. Over half of the population is in need of humanitarian assistance and there is a severe lack of food, medicines and essential supplies. This has resulted in grave impacts including an increase in child marriages and people taking extreme actions to survive. The people of Afghanistan need humanitarian aid, and they need it now.

Canada's investment in Afghanistan over the last two decades has contributed to immense progressparticularly advances in gender equality. Canada has a long history of support for Afghanistan and the Afghan people and Canadians are particularly concerned for women and children, who have been increasingly vulnerable during the last 19 months.

Today's proposed legislative change is a critical first step toward ensuring Canada's legacy in Afghanistan continues in that spirit of support and commitment and to allowing Canadian organizations and our millions of supporters across Canada to once again provide desperately needed support to Afghan women, children and communities."

SOURCE Islamic Relief Canada

Cision

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2023/09/c3298.html
Fortune Business Insights

Key companies covered in airborne ISR market are L3Harris Technologies,Inc.(The U.S.), Boeing ( The U.S.), BAE Systems (The U.K.), Elbit Systems Ltd (Israel), FLIR Systems Inc (The U.S.), Northrop Grumman (The U.S.), General Dynamics (The U.S.), Thales (France), Raytheon (The U.S.), UTC Aerospace Systems (The U.S.) and others Key Players.

Pune India, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global airborne ISR market size is expected to surge exponentially due to the rising benefits of the ISR system among military personnel. Further, the rising adoption of small unmanned systems in surveillance is expected to bolster industry growth. Fortune Business Insights presents this information in its report titled Airborne ISR Market, 2023-2030.

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Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) refers to the collection of information using sensors and other technologies from airborne platforms, such as manned and unmanned aircraft. This information can include images, videos, signals intelligence, and other data that is used to support a variety of missions, including military operations, border surveillance, disaster response, and environmental monitoring. Airborne ISR has become increasingly important in modern warfare and other applications, as it allows for rapid and flexible information gathering over large areas. However, the use of airborne ISR also raises ethical concerns, particularly with regards to privacy and the potential for civilian casualties. As such, careful consideration must be given to the use of these technologies to ensure that they are used in a responsible and ethical manner.

List of Key Companies Operating in the Airborne ISR Market:

L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (U.S.)

Boeing (U.S.)

BAE Systems (U.K.)

Elbit Systems Ltd (Israel)

FLIR Systems Inc. (U.S.)

Northrop Grumman (U.S.)

General Dynamics (U.S.)

Thales (France)

Raytheon (U.S.)

UTC Aerospace Systems (U.S.)

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Report Coverage:

The report provides a detailed analysis of the top segments and the latest trends in the market. It comprehensively discusses the driving and restraining factors and the impact of COVID-19 on the market. Additionally, it examines the regional developments and the strategies undertaken by the market's key players. The airborne ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) market report provides a comprehensive analysis of the market size, trends, drivers, and challenges. The report covers various segments of the market, such as platform type, system type, and geography. It also includes an analysis of the competitive landscape, market share, and profiles of key players operating in the market.

The report provides an in-depth analysis of the market dynamics, including drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges. The increasing demand for intelligence gathering, border surveillance, and military operations is driving the growth of the market. However, the high cost of advanced technologies and the stringent government regulations are expected to hinder the growth of the market.

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Market Segmentation:

By Type

Manned

Unmanned

By Application

Maritime Patrol

Airborne Ground Surveillance (AGS)

Airbone Early Warnings (AEW)

Signals Intelligence (SIGNIT)

By Fuel Type

Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Solar powered

Battery operated

Alternate Fuel

Gas- Electric Hybrid

Driving Factors:

Advanced Data Integration to Bolster Commercial ISR Potential

Airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems help detect hostile and friendly forces and assess the damage caused to hostile targets within a region. Advanced data integration and the incorporation of multi-level comparison for data management and integrity may enhance the industry outlook. Further, rising government investments in the research and development of better airborne ISR systems are expected to enhance technology adoption. Moreover, the rising demand for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) is expected to elevate sales. These factors may drive the airborne ISR market growth.

However, the negative impact of the pandemic on the aviation industry may hamper the industrys growth.

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Regional Insights:

Robust Investments in ISR in U.S. to Elevate Market Progress in North America

North America is expected to dominate the airborne ISR market share because of robust investments in ISR in U.S. Furthermore, the high rate of profitability, acquisitions, and collaborations of big players may bolster market progress. The United States is the largest market in North America, driven by the high defense budget and ongoing military operations.

In Asia Pacific, the rising demand for a situational awareness system is expected to bolster the adoption of the product. Further, rising defense spending in India, South Korea, and China. These factors may bolster market growth in the region The growing tensions between neighboring countries and the increasing demand for intelligence gathering are driving the growth of the market in the region.

In Europe, high levels of investments in the aerospace sector are expected to boost the adoption of airborne ISR. Further, the introduction of advanced technologies and expanding military programs are expected to elevate industry progress. The United Kingdom, France, and Germany are among the major markets in Europe, driven by the presence of major players and ongoing military operations.

Latin America and the Middle East & Africa regions are also expected to witness growth in the airborne ISR market, owing to the increasing demand for border surveillance and intelligence gathering in these regions. The increasing threats from terrorist organizations and cross-border tensions are driving the demand for advanced airborne ISR technologies in these regions.

Competitive Landscape:

Major Players Incorporate Technologically Advanced Features to Enhance Service Offerings

Prominent players operating in the market integrate technologically advanced features in their product offerings and elevate the brand image. For example, L3 and Raytheon were hired by the U.S. Army to develop, integrate, manufacture, and demonstrate prototype communications intelligence (COMINT) and electronic intelligence (ELINT) sensors on its novel reconnaissance (ISR) Multi-Domain Sensing System (MDSS), HADES intelligence in June 2021. This development may allow the company to enhance its service offerings and boost its brand presence.

Key Industry Development:

October 2021: The SMi hosted 6th Airborne ISR conference shall be held in London on 20th and 21st October 2021. Topics such as Threat Evolution, Industrial Engagement, Data Dissemination, 5th Generation ISR, International Surveillance Cooperation, AWACS, UAV Technology, and Maritime Patrol shall be covered in depth in this event.

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Aircraft Engine Market to Worth USD 104.65 Billion by (2022-2029) | Aircraft Engine Industry CAGR of 10.89%

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The United States is the largest market in North America, driven by the high defense budget and ongoing military operations.






Artwork will be inspired by Hawai'i's Pledge To Our Keiki

HONOLULU, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of more than 15 years of service in the Hawaiian Islands, Alaska Airlines is partnering with Hawaii-based illustrator, Shar Tuiasoa of Punky Aloha Studio to design our second special-edition painted aircraft in honor of the Aloha State. The artwork for the new aircraft will reflect Hawaii's Pledge To Our Keiki and will be revealed later this year.

Tuiasoa is an acclaimed illustrator and author known for her bold, colorful, and strikingly modern graphic style that showcases Polynesian heritage. Punky Aloha Studio is Tui'asoa's illustration studio where she creates illustrations for murals, books, magazines, and product packaging. The Hawai'i-born artist has worked with Amazon, Disney, Target, AT&T, Sephora, The New York Times and many other recognized companies.

"I'm excited to partner with Alaska Airlines to design a powerful message in a unique way to a global audience," said Tui'asoa. "I'm honored to draw inspiration from our keiki (children) who have pledged their commitment to malama 'aina (care for the land) and hope that the end result will motivate others to do the same."

The desire to work with Tuiasoa has been on the minds of employees for a while now, with Alaska's employee-led Pacific Islander Alliance (one of the company's 12 Business Resource Groups) having passionately advocated for her work as a skilled artist proudly representing Hawaii and Pacific Islander culture.

"With the recent retirement of our first Hawaii-themed livery, we are thrilled to work with another local artist to honor our connection to the Islands," said Daniel Chun, Alaska Airlines' Hawaii director of sales, community, and public relations. "We love Shar's work, and we share many of the same values and commitment to Hawaii. It's our goal to not just paint an airplane, but to carry the message about being a mindful traveler and invite our guests to join us in caring for Hawai'i and the many places we live and fly."

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Last year, Alaska partnered with Hawaii non-profit, Kanu Hawaii and signed the Pledge To Our Keiki  an invitation for residents and visitors to give back during their time in the Islands. Students from schools across the state created the Pledge as a commitment to respect and care for the island places they call home so that future generations can continue to enjoy all that Hawai'i has to offer. This week, Alaska joined Kanu Hawai'i, Hawai'i Governor Josh Green, Superintendent of Education Keith Hayashi and other partners in a conference to support the launch of the Pledge To Our Keiki throughout Hawaii's public schools.

In 2013, Alaska painted our first Hawaii-themed airplane after hosting a statewide "Paint-the-Plane" contest for local students, in partnership with the Hawaii State Department of Education and Hawaii Association of Independent Schools. Dubbed the "Spirit of the Islands," the unique paint theme depicted Hawaii's cultural diversity and was designed by a local artist and Honolulu high school junior Aaron Nee. Nee's design was selected from among more than 2,700 submissions by students across the Hawaiian Islands. After nearly a decade of flying throughout Alaska's route network, the Spirit of the Islands was ready for a repaint and the livery was recently retired.

About Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines and our regional partners serve more than 120 destinations across the United States, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica and Mexico. We strive to be the most caring airline with award-winning customer service and an industry-leading loyalty program. Alaska is a member of the oneworld global alliance. With the alliance and our additional airline partners, our guests can travel to more than 900 destinations on more than 20 airlines while earning and redeeming miles on flights to locations around the world. Learn more about Alaska at news.alaskaair.com and follow @alaskaairnews for news and stories. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group.

About Punky Aloha Studio / Shar Tui asoa

Shar Tuiasoa is an illustrator and business owner based in Kailua, Hawaii, where she was born and has lived for most of her life. After studying fine art for six years at Windward Community College on the island of Oahu, she ventured off to California and earned her BFA in illustration from Laguna College of Art and Design. She started Punky Aloha Studio in 2018, and has worked with clients including Guess, The New York Times, AT&T, Hawai'i Business Magazine, Hawai'i Magazine, Foodland, Honolulu Museum of Art and more. To learn more about Shar, follow her on Instagram at @punkyaloha or visit her website at punkyaloha.com.

Cision

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SOURCE Alaska Airlines
Laman Ismayilova

Azerbaijan is celebrating Wind Tuesday, before Novruz spring holiday.

The legend has it that different winds sleep underground: Khazri (cold northern wind), Gilavar (southern wind), Agh Yel (White Wind) and Gara Yel (Black Wind), both hot, dry summer winds.

At the same time, the Yel baba (Father of Wind) ceremony is also conducted on this day. The ceremony has its roots in the worship of the ancestors to the God of the Wind.

On Wind Tuesday, Azerbaijani people traditionally make bonfires in every yard and eat pilaf.

Noting that, the first day of Novruz falls on the spring equinox on March 20-21. The holiday celebrates the spring arrival and the start of a new year.

On September 30, 2009, Novruz was included into UNESCOs List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. On February 23, 2010, the UN declared March 21 the International Day of Novruz.

Azerbaijan is to mark Torpaq Charshanbasi (Soil Tuesday) on March 19. Novruz holiday will be celebrated on March 21.




AEC invests CAD $2.5 million into Sprout.vc Fund II to provide seed-stage venture and mentor capital to Alberta and Western Canadian B2B software startups.

EDMONTON, AB, March 9, 2023 /CNW/ - Alberta Enterprise and Sprout jointly announced today that AEC has invested CAD $2.5 million into Alberta-based Sprout's nearly $14M second fund, providing a new source of high-demand seed capital to Alberta and Western Canadian B2B software startups. Sprout is an early-stage venture and mentor capital firm led by serial technology entrepreneurs and avid investors Kristina Milke, Mark Benning and Shaheel Hooda.

Alberta Enterprise Corporation promotes the development of Albertas venture capital industry by investing in venture capital funds that finance technology companies. We focus on funds that have a strong commitment to Alberta  including a full-time presence in the province. In addition to financial capital, we support Albertas venture capital ecosystem by connecting investors, entrepreneurs, and experienced technology executives who share our passion for building a bright, innovative Alberta. (CNW Group/Alberta Enterprise Corporation)

Sprout was founded in 2018 and has provided seed capital from its two funds to 17 diverse startups in industries from proptech to energytech across Western Canada. Among those companies are promising Alberta startups Truffle, a restaurant management platform that equips food providers to easily and affordably add delivery and pick-up services without more staff and EZ Ops, which provides workforce optimization technology to improve productivity and profitability for oil and gas operations teams.

"As the first institutional investor in Sprout, we are committed to supporting Alberta-based fund managers and building local venture capital talent right here at home," said Kristina Williams, CEO of Alberta Enterprise Corporation. "Sprout's team of accomplished founders and operators are highly engaged in Alberta's startup ecosystem, and it's great to see them anchor their venture capital platform here in Edmonton, Alberta."

"Closing an investment and getting support from Alberta Enterprise is a testament to the strength of our team and the potential of our portfolio companies," commented Kristina Milke, General Partner, Sprout. "Already we have invested in seven more promising businesses with our second fund. We are excited to work together with AEC as we continue providing essential mentoring and early-stage investment to the next generation of innovative startups."

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Sprout is led by three general partners active in the local community. Kristina Milke invests in and advises startups drawing on leadership experience with Intuit Canada and Investopedia. An A100 member, she chairs the ThresholdImpact Venture Mentoring Service (VMS) and recently won the YEG Startup Mentor of the Year Award . Mark Benning is an experienced entrepreneur, investor and mentor who spent 20 years in Silicon Valley where he founded four investor-backed software startups. Shaheel is a serial entrepreneur and investor who was CEO of two high-growth Canadian software startups. He's advised hundreds of tech startups including with the 500 Global Accelerator in Silicon Valley.

"As we look to build sustained growth for our technology sector, we need to stand up local Alberta headquartered funds even as we work to attract international investment to help our startups to scale," added Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation. "We need a strong homegrown foundation to equip Alberta businesses to start here, grow here, and continue hiring here."

About Alberta Enterprise Corporation: alberta-enterprise.ca

Alberta Enterprise Corporation promotes the development of Alberta's venture capital industry by investing in venture capital funds that finance technology companies. We focus on funds that have a strong commitment to Alberta  including a full-time presence in the province. In addition to financial capital, we support Alberta's venture capital ecosystem by connecting investors, entrepreneurs, and experienced technology executives who share our passion for building a bright, innovative Alberta. We have committed CAD $332 million for investment to thirty-one venture capital funds including Accelerate Funds I, II and III, covering a diverse range of forward-looking industries including information technology, energy and industrial technology, and life sciences.

About Sprout: sprout. vc

Sprout provides seed stage venture and mentor capital to accelerate the growth of Western Canadian B2B software startups. We recognize that the most successful founding teams, building the most globally relevant companies, demonstrate a unique blend of hustle and diversity. In addition to active mentorship, our additional value-add comes from the diversity of our investment team and investor pool that are all successful entrepreneurs in industries ranging from fintech to proptech to energytech. If you are a great early-stage founder building a globally relevant B2B software startup that has initial market traction, reach out to us at info@sprout.vc.

SOURCE Alberta Enterprise Corporation

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Colorado practice Advanced Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Oregon practices Oregon Oral Surgeons and WestsideOMS will benefit from Allied OMS's Doctor Equity MSO model

SOUTHLAKE, TX / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2023 / Allied OMS - a doctor-owned, led, and governed management services organization (MSO) in the oral and maxillofacial surgery space - is pleased to announce that Advanced Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oregon Oral Surgeons, and WestsideOMS have joined its growing network of top-tier OMS practices, expanding the footprint of Allied OMS' Doctor Equity model in Colorado and Oregon.

Oregon Oral Surgeons, WestsideOMS, and Advanced Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery are the latest practices to join Allied OMS, the only doctor-owned, doctor-led, and doctor-governed MSO in the country. For more information on Doctor Equity and gaining Power Through Partnership, visit alliedoms.com.



"At Allied OMS, we're committed to providing better alignment of interests, better economics for our surgeon partners, and better transparency into the MSO business model," said Ryan Graham, COO at Allied OMS. "We're pleased to share our Doctor Equity model with these best-in-class practices and look forward to helping them achieve their goals."

"We had been approached by several different groups and ultimately decided the Allied OMS model was the right one for us," said James Lessig, DDS, who leads Advanced Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in partnership with Thomas Michalik, DMD, MD. "A doctor-governed organization means that we will retain clinical and cultural autonomy at our practice. Allied OMS' doctor-led board of directors will always put the doctors first."

"Partnering with Allied OMS puts me at the helm of my financial future," said Todd Tucker , DMD , MD, who leads Oregon Oral Surgeons alongside Bryan Williams, MD, and Brian Allender , DMD. "I'll get all the benefits of a large organization - better contracts, negotiating power, and a network with which to share best practices, without exiting too early or at too low of a multiple."

"It was important to me to pick a partner that shared my long-term vision for my practice," said Rupi Dhadli, DDS, MD, of WestsideOMS. "Allied OMS' unique Doctor Equity model ensures that everyone's interests are aligned as we work together to secure a better future for my practice and my patients."

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With the addition of these three practices, Allied OMS now has a network of 46 doctors, serving patients out of 50 locations across 10 states, including California, Colorado, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

About Allied OMS

Allied OMS is a doctor-owned, doctor-led, doctor-governed management services organization in the oral and maxillofacial surgery space that combines the best of private practice with the best of private equity. Collectively-owned and governed by doctors and veterans from private equity and management consulting, Allied OMS leverages decades of experience building and exiting platform businesses in the healthcare industry to employ the tools that maximize practice value. Composed of best-in-class OMS practices that are in the top tier of clinical outcomes, Allied OMS is proud to turn Private Equity into Doctor Equity. Unlock the potential in your practice and gain Power Through Partnership; email partner@alliedoms.com or visit AlliedOMS.com.

About Advanced Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons James R. Lessig, DDS, and Thomas S. Michalik, DMD, MD, practice a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery with expertise ranging from corrective jaw surgery to wisdom tooth removal. The team can also diagnose and treat facial pain, facial injuries, and TMJ disorders, and perform a full range of dental implant and bone grafting procedures. The staff at Advanced Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery are trained in assisting with I.V. sedation within their state-of-the-art office setting. Advanced Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery serves patients in Englewood and Littleton, CO. Learn more about Advanced Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery here: https://www.advancedoms.com/

About Oregon Oral Surgeons

Oregon Oral Surgeons provides oral and maxillofacial surgical care in Eugene, Roseburg, and Florence, OR. With 60+ years of combined experience and over 10,000 successful dental implants, patients can expect prompt, compassionate care from Oregon Oral Surgeons' board-certified surgeons. A leader in oral and maxillofacial surgical care, Oregon Oral Surgeons is one of the few practices in the country that places their dental implants using CT-guided technology. The team provides comfortable IV sedation, extractions, wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, jaw reconstructive surgery, facial trauma surgery, oral pathology, and treatment of TMJ and sleep apnea. Learn more at https://www.oregonoralsurgery.com/

About WestsideOMS

WestsideOMS has served patients in Hillsboro, Beaverton, Portland, OR, and the greater west side for over 20 years. Dr. Rupi Dhadli, DDS, MD, and her team offer a full scope of oral and maxillofacial services including wisdom teeth removal, bone grafting, sinus lift, socket preservation, orthodontic anchorage devices, oral pathology, and 3D imaging. The team combines science, healthcare, and technology to improve oral health outcomes and provide the highest standard of care for every patient. Learn more at https://www.westsideoms.com/.

###

Media Contact

Brandon Russell

714-309-5054

Brandon@engagementpr.com

SOURCE: Allied OMS





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AltruBio Inc.

SAN FRANCISCO, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AltruBio Inc. (AltruBio or the Company), a clinical stage biotech company dedicated to the development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of immunological diseases with high unmet medical needs, today announced that it will take part in three healthcare conferences in March, including Biologics Manufacturing Asia (March 15-16, 2023 in Singapore), Longwood Healthcare Leaders CEO Conference (March 15-17, 2023 in Miami) and Festival of Biologics World Antibody Congress USA (March 20-22, 2023 in San Diego).



AltruBio CEO and President Judy Chou, Ph.D. will share her view in biological drug development, discuss the approaches to address unmet medical needs, and provide a corporate overview highlighting recent progress including the ongoing Phase 1 trial of the companys subcutaneously administered immune checkpoint enhancer ALTB-268 for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Presentation Details:

Biologics Manufacturing Asia

Keynote Presentation

Date and Time: Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 6:05-6:30 pm PT | Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 10:05-10:30 am Singapore Time

Keynote Presentation Title: New Wave of Biologics Beyond the Pandemic

Panel Presentation

Date and Time: Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 5:00-5:45 pm PT | Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 9:00-9:45 am Singapore Time

Panel Presentation Title: Biomanufacturing Challenges and Opportunities to Tomorrows Advances

Longwood Healthcare Leaders CEO Retreat

Date and Time: Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 10:00-10:30 am ET

Panel Title: Creating a World Without Disease

Festival of Biologics World Antibody Congress USA

Date and Time: Monday, March 20, 2023 at 2:00 pm PT in San Diego, CA

Presentation Title: Development of Checkpoint Agonist Antibodies for Immunological Diseases

About AltruBio Inc.

AltruBio is a privately held biotechnology company headquartered in San Francisco that is focused on developing novel therapeutics for the treatment of immunological diseases with high unmet medical needs. The company has leveraged its deep understanding of the role PSGL-1 plays as an immune checkpoint regulator protein to develop a platform for T-cell mediated immunological diseases. Its first-generation molecule, ALTB-168, a PSGL-1 agonist antibody serving as an immune checkpoint enhancer (ICE), has achieved proof of mechanism in four autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including ulcerative colitis, steroid refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (SR-aGVHD), psoriatic arthritis, and psoriasis. The next-generation ICE, ALTB-268, is a tetravalent version of ALTB-168 and has demonstrated higher potency via the same mechanism, making it suitable for subcutaneous administration. ALTB-268 is now being evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical trial before advancing towards clinical studies in multiple autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.

Story continues

Note on Forward-Looking Statements

Statements made in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as expects, believes, intends, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statement. Specifically, there are a number of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, such as the Company's ability to raise additional capital, and risks related to the Company's ability to initiate, and enroll patients in, planned clinical trials. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or developments, except as required by law.

Contacts

AltruBio Inc:

+1-415-655-6603

info@altrubio.com

Media Contact:

Luke Shiplo

LifeSci Communications

lshiplo@lifescicomms.com




Fortune Business Insights

key players operating in the aluminum composite panels market are Arconic, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Hyundai Alcomax Co., Ltd., Fairfield Metal LLC, Jyi Shyang Industrial Co., Ltd., Alumax Industrial Co., Ltd., Yatai Industrial Group Co., Ltd and more players profiled.

Pune, India, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aluminum Composite Panels Market Projected Growth:

The global aluminum composite panels market size was valued at USD 5.33 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach USD 8.71 billion by 2026, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period.

The global aluminum composite panels market size is likely to gain momentum from the rising popularity of out-of-home (OOH) or outdoor advertising worldwide. Such type of advertising is mainly used by the industry giants operating in several sectors, namely, e-commerce, hospitality, BFSI, and FMCG as it is cost-effective in nature. This information is published by Fortune Business Insights

Get a Free Sample Research Report:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/aluminum-composite-panels-market-102304

Fortune Business Insights lists out all the companies operating in the ACP market. They are as follows:

3A Composites GmbH

Arconic

Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation

Hyundai Alcomax Co., Ltd.

Fairfield Metal LLC

Jyi Shyang Industrial Co., Ltd.

Alumax Industrial Co., Ltd.

Yatai Industrial Group Co., Ltd.

Shanghai Huayuan New Composite Materials Co., Ltd.

Guangzhou Xinghe Aluminum Composite Panel Co., Ltd.

Report Scope & Segmentation:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2019-2026 Forecast CAGR 6.1% 2026 Value Projection USD 8.71Billion Report Coverage Revenue forecast, company profiles, competitive landscape, growth factors and latest trends Aluminum Composite Panels Market Size in 2018 USD 5.33 Billion Historical Data 2015-2017 No. of Pages 120 Segments Covered By Product, By Application, By Vehicle and by Regional Aluminum Composite Panels Market Growth Drivers Automotive Segment to Grow Considerably Owing to High Demand for Personal Cars Possession of Various Benefits of ACP Sheets to Aid Growth

Drivers & Restraints-

Drivers:

Increasing demand for lightweight and durable building materials: Aluminum composite panels (ACP) offer excellent strength-to-weight ratio, which makes them a preferred choice for the construction industry. The increasing demand for lightweight and durable building materials is driving the growth of the ACP market.

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Growing construction industry: The construction industry is one of the key end-users of ACPs. The growth of the construction industry, particularly in emerging economies, is fueling the demand.

Rapid urbanization: The increasing urbanization in developing countries is creating a demand for modern and aesthetically appealing buildings. ACPs are widely used in the construction of modern buildings due to their versatility, durability, and design flexibility.

Rising awareness about sustainable building practices: ACPs are considered to be eco-friendly building materials as they are recyclable and require less energy to produce compared to traditional building materials. The rising awareness about sustainable building practices is driving the demand for ACPs.

Restraints:

Stringent regulations: Governments around the world have implemented strict regulations regarding the use of ACPs, particularly in high-rise buildings. The regulations have increased the compliance cost for manufacturers and restricted the use of ACPs in some applications.

High manufacturing cost: ACPs require specialized machinery and equipment for manufacturing, which makes them relatively expensive compared to other building materials. The high manufacturing cost can limit the growth of the ACP market.

Competition from substitute materials: ACPs face competition from substitute materials such as fiber cement, glass, and metal cladding. The availability of cheaper substitute materials can affect the demand for ACPs.

Get a Quote Now:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/get-a-quote/aluminum-composite-panels-market-102304

Segmention -

The aluminum composite panels market can be segmented based on the following factors:

Application: ACPs are used in a wide range of applications such as building and construction, automotive, advertising, and signage. The building and construction segment is the largest application segment for ACPs, accounting for a significant share of the market.

Type: ACPs can be classified into two types: fire-resistant and non-fire-resistant. The fire-resistant ACPs are gaining popularity due to increasing concerns about the safety of buildings.

Coating Base: ACPs can be coated with different materials such as polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), polyester, and polyurethane. PVDF is the most popular coating base for ACPs due to its high durability and weather resistance.

Geography: The market for ACPs can be segmented based on geography into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. Asia Pacific is the largest market for ACPs due to the rapid growth of the construction industry in the region.

Core Material: ACPs consist of a core material sandwiched between two aluminum sheets. The core material can be made of different materials such as polyethylene, mineral-filled core, or fire-resistant mineral-filled core. The choice of core material depends on the application and the level of fire resistance required.

Regional Analysis-

The aluminum composite panels (ACP) market is expected to experience growth globally due to the increasing demand for lightweight and durable materials in the construction industry. A regional analysis of the ACP market is as follows:

North America: The North American ACP market is expected to grow due to the rising demand for energy-efficient buildings and the increasing use of ACPs in the construction of modern infrastructure. The United States and Canada are the major markets for ACPs in this region.

Europe: The European ACP market is expected to grow due to the increasing demand for ACPs in the construction of residential and commercial buildings. Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom are the major markets for ACPs in this region.

Asia-Pacific: The Asia-Pacific ACP market is expected to grow due to the rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and construction activities in emerging economies such as China and India.

Middle East and Africa: The Middle East and Africa ACP market is expected to grow due to the increasing demand for ACPs in the construction of modern infrastructure and the development of the construction industry in countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, South Africa, and Nigeria.

Overall, the ACP market is expected to experience growth globally, with the Asia-Pacific region expected to be the fastest-growing region due to the increasing demand for ACPs in emerging economies.

Significant Focuses in Aluminum Composite Panel Market Report: -

Overview including future trends, gross margin, product analysis, major regions, trends, segments, data sources and forecast to 2030

Examination of the ongoing business sector patterns, market estimate, amazing open doors and financial patterns that are influencing the future commercial centre

Gives the investigation of different market fragments as indicated by product types, covering deals volume, income alongside portion of the overall industry and development rate

Key innovations, opportunities, current and future trends and regulations in the Global Aluminum Composite Panel Market

Competitive Landscape-

As well as providing an overview of successful marketing strategies, market contributions, and recent developments of leading companies, the report also offers a dashboard overview of leading companies' past and present performance. Several methodologies and analyses are used in the research report to provide in-depth and accurate information about the Aluminum Composite Panels Market.

The current market dossier provides market growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks market share along with the growth rate of the global Aluminum Composite Panels market.

Browse Detailed Summary of Research Report with TOC:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/aluminum-composite-panels-market-102304

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  For Major Countries Key Developments: Mergers, Acquisition, Partnership, etc. Latest Technological Advancement Insights on Regulatory Scenario Porters Five Forces Analysis

Global Aluminum Composite Panels Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, By Product, 2015-2026 Key Findings / Summary Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Product Polyvinylidene Difluoride Polyester Laminating Coating Oxide Film Others

Global Aluminum Composite Panels Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, By Application, 2015-2026 Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Application Building & Construction Automotive Cars Doors Hoods Wings Side Panels Others Commercial Vehicles Trailers Advertising Board Railways Others

Global Aluminum Composite Panels Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, By Region, 2015-2026 Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Region North America Europe Asia pacific Central & South America Middle East & Africa

North America Aluminum Composite Panels Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2015-2026 Key Findings / Summary Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Product Polyvinylidene Difluoride Polyester Laminating Coating Oxide Film Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Application Building & Construction Automotive Cars Doors Hoods Wings Side Panels Others Commercial Vehicles Trailers Advertising Board Railways Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Country U.S. Canada Mexico



TOC Continued!

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Aluminum Curtain Wall Market Size to Reach USD 62.22 Billion by 2027; Heavy Investment in Aluminum Extrusion to Revivify Sales Prospects, states Fortune Business Insights

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LONDON, March 09, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B+ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "bbb-" (Good) of Compagnie Commune de Reassurance des Etats Membres de la CIMA (CICA-RE) (Togo). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect CICA-REs balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and marginal enterprise risk management.

CICA-REs balance sheet strength is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, which was at the strongest level at year-end 2021, as measured by Bests Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). AM Best expects CICA-REs risk-adjusted capitalisation to remain comfortably at the strongest level prospectively, and sufficient to absorb increased underwriting risks linked to the companys growth plans. CICA-REs balance sheet strength assessment also factors in its good financial flexibility, demonstrated through successful successive capital raises from existing and new shareholders, which have increased paid-up capital to XOF 60 billion (USD 91 million) at year-end 2022 from XOF 32 billion (USD 56 million) at year-end 2018. CICA-RE holds a well-diversified investment portfolio by asset type and geography. However, the limited quality of invested assets arising from their concentration in the Conference Interafricaine des Marches dAssurances (CIMA) region and other countries exposed to elevated economic, political and financial systems risks is considered an offsetting balance sheet strength factor.

CICA-RE has a track record of adequate operating performance, with a five-year (2017-2021) weighted average return on equity of 9%. Over this period, the company has demonstrated robust technical performance, with a weighted average combined ratio of 94% (as calculated by AM Best), and good investment results. CICA-REs underwriting profitability is partially reflective of the underlying performance of insurance markets in the CIMA region and generally profitable open-market business outside of the CIMA zone. Prospectively, AM Best expects continued robust underwriting performance, underpinned by the companys operations in the CIMA region, to be supported by good investment income.

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CICA-REs neutral business profile assessment reflects its strong market position in the CIMA region, where its profile is supported by compulsory cessions on reinsurance and direct insurance business and established direct relationships with local cedants. Following revisions to the legal cessions structure in the CIMA region in 2020, CICA-RE has achieved significant portfolio growth in recent years, with gross written premium (GWP) increasing to XOF 97 billion (USD 147 million) in 2021, compared with XOF 64 billion (USD 109 million) in 2019. In 2021, the company generated over 45% of GWP from the CIMA region, including legal cession business, with the remaining conventional open-market business originated from Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.

AM Best considers CICA-REs risk management framework to be at an evolving stage of development, with risk management capabilities generally aligned with the profile of its key risks. Nonetheless, AM Bests ERM assessment factors in expected ongoing ERM developments, notably as the company continues to execute its strategic growth plan.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Bests website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Bests Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Bests Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Bests Credit Ratings, Bests Performance Assessments, Bests Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Bests Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright  2023 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230309005585/en/

Contacts

Katharine Campkin, ACA

Financial Analyst

+44 20 7397 4383

katharine.campkin@ambest.com

Alex Rafferty, ACA

Associate Director, Analytics

+44 20 7397 0312

alex.rafferty@ambest.com

Christopher Sharkey

Manager, Public Relations

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159

christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

Al Slavin

Communications Specialist

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5098

al.slavin@ambest.com
American Wealth Mining Corporation

The Company Seeks to Fully Devote Resources and Focus on Electric Construction Vehicles After the Initial Sales From Its Investment and Partnership With New Energy Asia Pacific Have Exceeded Initial Expectations

LAS VEGAS, NV, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire  American Wealth Mining Corporation (OTC:HIPH) ("AWM" or the "Company) is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has approved the Companys strategic shift towards sustainable electric construction vehicles, furthering the Companys focus on its investment and joint venture agreement with New Energy Asia Pacific Co. LTD (New Energy) to have exclusive distribution rights in the US, Australia, Korea, Dubai, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia for electric construction vehicles.

The electric construction industry is still very nascent, as not one player has established itself in the market. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global electric construction vehicle market is valued at $50.5 billion and is expected to reach USD 138.7 billion by 2030. This growth is being fueled by an increase in global demand for off-highway EVs that adhere to strict emission rules by governmental organizations, such as emission requirements for Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. These regulations, coupled with the worldwide increase in infrastructure development, is causing this sector to markedly increase in size. New Energy offers a comprehensive offering of electric construction vehicles, offering eTech electric excavators, wheel loaders and vans, and Foton electric dump trucks and electric mixers.

In accordance with the Companys strategic shift, AWM will be changing its name to New Energy CV Corporation (NECV); HIPH will remain as the Companys ticker symbol. The name change will allow the Company to market itself clearly on its electric construction vehicle focus. The Company will continue to maintain its Hapi Investment division where its other investments that focus on the sustainable living system will remain to maximize the returns on those investments.

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Ryan Fishoff, CEO, commented I am pleased to announce the Company has made the decision to focus our efforts towards electric construction vehicles. Since we made our initial investment into New Energy and have seen how much traction they received, it became clear to myself and the Board that this is the direction we need to move towards to bring sustained, long term value to shareholders. New Energy is projecting to deliver over 1,000 construction vehicles in the year 2023. The JV with New Energy allows us the opportunity to capitalize off this emerging market (electric construction vehicles) by capturing the global demand for sustainable construction and manufacturing. We are working with our partners at New Energy to set up distribution in the territories we announced earlier this year as part of our JV. The Company feels that these locations will lead to great top-line revenue growth potential.

The Companys strategic focus in the short term is to establish our operations in the US. We are currently looking for an OEM partner to manufacture these vehicles in the States to cater to the US domestic market. We are also working on establishing distribution in the other territories (North America (US and Canada), United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, S. Korea, and Indonesia) that are covered in our JV with New Energy. The Board of Directors and Management believe that this latest strategic shift is in the best interests of the Company and one that will allow for the greatest potential benefit for shareholders. I look forward to providing updates on the transformation and hunt for OEM partners in the US in the coming weeks, concluding Mr. Fishoff.

About New Energy Asia Pacific Co LTD

New Energy Asia Pacific Co., Ltd as part of the effort to make construction more sustainable, we are rolling out all-electric versions of traditional construction vehicles. Electric construction equipment isnt a new concept. Hybrid electric machines have been available for years, and all-electric models of excavators, loaders, dump trucks and other heavy machinery are currently available all over the world. In the coming years, electric heavy machinery will join the ranks of electric cars and public transportation as an eco-friendly alternative, it will be the push for sustainable construction practices to intensify.

Find out more at: https://www.new-energyap.com/

About New Energy CV Corporation

New Energy CV Corporation (NECV) is leading the way to make construction more sustainable by rolling out all-electric versions of traditional construction vehicles. While hybrid construction machines have been available for years, New Energy is innovating the market with these all-electric models of excavators, loaders, dump trucks and other heavy machinery that will be available worldwide. As the push for sustainable construction practices intensifies in the coming years due to regulatory and ESG requirements, heavy electric machinery is poised to join the ranks of electric cars and public transportation as being synonymous with leading eco-friendly alternatives to fossil fuel powered vehicles that help deliver lower cost and lower emissions to its customers.

Find out more at: www.newenergycv.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes statements that may constitute "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, and are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that are often difficult to predict, are beyond our control, and which may cause results to differ materially from expectations. For a discussion of the most significant risks and uncertainties associated with the Company's business, please review our filings with the SEC. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are based on our expectations as of the date of this press release and speak only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact Information

New Energy CV Corporation

187 E. Warm Springs Rd.

Suite B111

Las Vegas, NV 89119

Email: info@newenergycv.com








(Bloomberg) -- Apple Inc. is reshuffling management of its international businesses to put a bigger focus on India, according to people with knowledge of the matter, a sign of the nations growing importance.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The shift will mark the first time that India becomes its own sales region at Apple, which has seen demand surge in the country. That will give the Asian nation increased prominence inside the tech giant, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the move hasnt been announced.

Apple is making the change after its vice president in charge of India, the Middle East, Mediterranean, East Europe and Africa  Hugues Asseman  recently retired. With his departure, the iPhone maker is promoting its head of India, who reported to Asseman. That executive, Ashish Chowdhary, will now report directly to Michael Fenger, Apples head of product sales.

A company spokesman declined to comment.

The company posted record revenue in India last quarter, even as its total sales slipped 5%. Apple has created an online store to serve the region and is planning to open its first retail outlets in the country later this year. On the last earnings call, Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook said the company is putting a lot of emphasis on the market and compared the current state of its work in India to its early years in China.

We are, in essence, taking what we learned in China years ago and how we scale to China and bringing that to bear, he said. China currently generates roughly $75 billion a year for Apple, making it the companys biggest sales region after the Americas and Europe.

Read more: India to Pass China as Worlds Most Populous Place

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In addition to serving as a sales engine for Apple, India is also becoming more critical to the companys product development. Key suppliers are moving to the region, and Apple is working with manufacturing partner Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., also known as Foxconn, to set up new iPhone production facilities in the country, Bloomberg News has reported.

The latest changes will affect Apples management structure but not the way it reports regional sales in public financial results. In those statements, the company includes India as part of its Europe category, along with the Middle East and Africa. It also breaks out four other regions: the Americas, Greater China, Japan and the rest of Asia Pacific.

Assemans departure is part of a surge in executives leaving the company in recent months. Apples vice president in charge of subscription services stepped down earlier this year, and its cloud chief is planning to depart next month. Last year, top executives in charge of industrial design, procurement, parts of software and hardware engineering, privacy, information systems, and the online store all announced their exits.

Asseman, a two-decade-plus veteran of the company, split his time between Apples office in London and its base in Cupertino, California. He started off as a marketing manager handling the Mac and iPod lines. He later led retail teams before becoming Apples iPhone sales chief for Europe and other international markets in 2011. Asseman started his latest role in 2015 and retired at the end of last year.

Apples sales and international teams are split between Fenger and another vice president, Doug Beck. Fenger oversees hardware, services and enterprise sales globally, while Beck is in charge of the health, education and government segments. Both executives report to Cook, but neither are showcased alongside the CEOs other direct lieutenants on Apples website.

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2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Absolute Reports Pvt Ltd

Pune, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aquaculture ROV Market report is knowledge and experience shared by industry experts to take correct decisions for manufacturers, new entrants, and industry chain-related companies. The report includes a worldwide study with top players in the market, growth in the near future, revenue and share in the market, challenges, and opportunities in the past and future.

Aquaculture ROV market report offers segmentation by product type, application, regional breakup, market size, volume, and value. This report has delivered the key development plans, such as innovative trends and expansions, strengthening of product portfolio, mergers and acquisitions, collaborations, new product invention, and geographical development, undertaken by these participants to maintain their presence.

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Aquaculture mainly includes raising, breeding, and obtaining animals and plants in seawater and freshwater environments. ROV is an unmanned underwater vehicle, which is connected to human operations by cables. Often equipped with underwater light sources and cameras, cameras, robotic arms, sonar, etc. Aquaculture ROV mainly refers to ROV used for aquaculture. Aquaculture ROV market finds that the global Aquaculture ROV market reached a value of USD 51.31 million in 2022. Its expected that the market will achieve USD 116.22 million by 2028, exhibiting a CAGR of 14.6% during the forecast period.



Geographic Segmentation: -

North America

Europe

Asia-Pacific

South America

The Middle East and Africa

From 2022-2027, North America is estimated to witness robust growth prospects.



Key players in the global market include: -

VideoRay

AKVA GROUP

VxFly

ROBOSEA

Blueye Robotics

Nido Robotics

ROV Innovations

SEAMOR

PowerVision

Deep Trekker

Chasing

AKVA GROUP, Deep Trekker, PowerVision, SEAMOR and Blueye Robotics are the five key players in the global Aquaculture ROV market. These companies have shown consistent growth in revenue, larger volumes of sales and a prominent presence in terms of share in the global Aquaculture ROV market in the past 5 years.

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AKVA Group is a global technology and service partner that provides technologies and services that help solve biological challenges in the aquaculture industry.



Deep Trekker provides the world's truly portable, affordable, and easy to use remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) submersible crawler systems and subsurface cameras.



With sales in over 80 countries, Deep Trekker robots can be found in industries ranging from aquaculture to municipal contracting, commercial diving, recreation, military, search and rescue, shipping, infrastructure and more.



Inquire or Share Your Questions If Any Before Purchasing This Report  https://www.absolutereports.com/enquiry/pre-order-enquiry/22705525

Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing industries in the food industry worldwide, providing a large number of aquatic products for humans. According to the latest global aquaculture data compiled by FAO, in 2018, world aquaculture production once again hit a record high, with a fresh weight of 114.5 million tons. The contribution of aquaculture to the total global fish production has been continuously increasing, from 25.7% in 2000 to 46.0% in 2016-18.



Segmentation by Types: -

Depth below 100m

Depth 100m-200m

Depth 201-300m

Others

Among different product types, Depth below 100m segment is anticipated to contribute the largest market share in 2027.



Segmentation by Applications: -

Underwater Observation

Environmental Test

Others

By application, the Underwater Observation segment occupied the biggest share from 2017 to 2022.



COVID-19 and Russia-Ukraine War Influence Analysis: -

The readers in the section will understand how the Aquaculture ROV market scenario changed across the globe during the pandemic, post-pandemic, and Russia-Ukraine War. The study is done keeping in view the changes in aspects such as demand, consumption, transportation, consumer behavior, supply chain management, export and import, and production.

To Understand How COVID-19/ Russia-Ukraine War Influence Impact covered at  https://www.absolutereports.com/enquiry/request-covid19/22705525

Reasons to Buy This Report: -

This report stays updated with novel technology integration, features, and the latest developments in the market

This report helps stakeholders to understand the COVID-19 and Russia-Ukraine War Influence on the Aquaculture ROV industry.

This report helps stakeholders to gain insights into which regions to target globally

This report helps stakeholders to gain insights into the end-user perception concerning the adoption of Aquaculture ROV.

This report helps stakeholders to identify some of the key players in the Aquaculture ROV market and understand their valuable contributions.

Years considered for this report: -



Historical Years: 2018-2022



Base Year: 2022

Estimated Year: 2023

Forecast Period: 2023-2029

TOC of Aquaculture ROV Market Research Report: -

1. Market Definition and Statistical Scope

2. Research Findings and Conclusion

3 Key Companies Profile

4. Global Aquaculture ROV Market Segmented by Type

5 Global Aquaculture ROV Market Segmented by Downstream Industry

6 Aquaculture ROV Industry Chain Analysis

7. The Development and Dynamics of Aquaculture ROV Market

8 Global Aquaculture ROV Market Segmented by Geography

9 North America

10 Europe

11 Asia Pacific

12 Latin America

13 Middle East & Africa

14. Global Aquaculture ROV Market Forecast by Geography, Type, and Downstream Industry 2023-2029

15 Appendix

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Absolute Reports is an upscale platform to help key personnel in the business world in strategizing and taking visionary decisions based on facts and figures derived from in-depth market research. We are one of the top report resellers in the market, dedicated to bringing you an ingenious concoction of data parameters.

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Precedence Research

The global artificial intelligence (AI) in the chemical market is growing faster in the upcoming years due to increased R&D investments in production processes, and rapid adoption of modern techniques by chemical sectors.

Ottawa, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Precedence Research, recently announced report on "Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Chemicals Market (By Type: Hardware, Software, Services; By Application: Molecule Design, Retrosynthesis, Reaction Outcome Prediction, Reaction Conditions Prediction, Chemical Reaction Optimization) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Regional Outlook, and Forecast 2023-2032".

Researchers are heavily focusing on artificial intelligence to carry out various tasks. Initially, AI practiced in chemistry research was motivated primarily to accelerate drug discovery while reducing the massive expenses and time to launch new pharmaceuticals. In addition, AI can predict future material costs. It makes the manufacturing process more marketable and significantly reduces the company's losses. In the chemical industry, AI can reduce prediction inaccuracy by approximately 50% when compared with human forecasting. The intelligent industry 4.0 approach has the potential to have a significant influence on this sector, not only due to its ability to maximize profit and productivity but also due to its ability to decrease chemical companies' impact on the environment.



Get the sample copy of report@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/sample/2621

Regional Landscape

Due to increased understanding of digitization and R&D funding, North America is predicted to hold the largest share of the AI industry. Government agencies contribute to the development of trust in AI-based processes by providing advancement guidance.

During the forecast period, the region of Asia-Pacific is expected to have the leading position. Factors such as improving chemical industries, increased R&D investments in production processes, and rapid adoption of modern techniques by chemical sectors in developing nations such as Japan, Indonesia, India, and China are predicted to propel regional AI in the chemical industry. AI implementation reduces the R&D difference in the drug production process and aids in targeted drug production. As a result, chemical companies are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to increase their market share. AI for drug development is a technique that employs bots to mimic human intelligence in order to solve complex drug development challenges.

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Scope of the Report



Report Coverage Details Largest Revenue Holder North America By Type Hardware

Software

Services By Application Molecule Design

Retrosynthesis

Reaction Outcome Prediction

Reaction Conditions Prediction

Chemical Reaction Optimization By Region



North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

LAMEA Key Players Manuchar N.V, IMCD N.V., Univar Solutions Inc., Brenntag S.E., Sojitz Corporation, ICC Industries Inc., Azelis Group NV, Tricon Energy Inc., Biesterfeld AG, Omya AG, HELM AG, Sinochem Corporation, Petrochem Middle East FZE and Others

Type Landscape

The software sector contributed the most share in 2022 and is expected to continue to dominate throughout the projected period because of the constant software evolution that serves the needs of the chemical sector. The dominance of this segment has resulted from increased sales for software as a result of a growing need for drug research and development.

Ask here for customization study@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/customization/2621

Service Landscape

On the other hand, services are expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period. The requirement for greater awareness of AI-based hardware as well as software activity among life science experts is increasing the demand for third-party service operators who deliver technologically trained staff to operate costly AI technologies. During the forecast period, this factor drives the global AI services sector in the chemical market. For instance, ChemAILab offers services for the synthesis of molecular libraries as well as NMR identification.

Application Landscape

Between 2023 and 2032, the molecule design sector is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR. Machine learning has proven to be effective in drug forecasting as well as material discovery. Artificial intelligence also assists in the field of organic photovoltaic (OPV). These machine learning-based techniques aid in the identification of molecules, characteristics, and interactions, as well as the prediction of reaction outcomes.

Reaction Outcome Prediction

After the compound has been produced, we must determine whether it possesses all the qualities of the molecule we aimed to develop. This process is complicated and time-consuming when done manually. However, with the assistance of artificial intelligence, this procedure has become more accessible and less time-consuming. Artificial intelligence-based algorithms were applied to the chemical compound to predict its properties, such as solubility, temperature, melting point, and others.

The BOB is a machine-based model that consists of a large amount of information that is used to predict molecular characteristics such as polarizability, HOMO (highest occupied molecular orbital), and LUMO (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital) of the compound. A machine learning-based program trained to forecast reaction conditions, including any organic reaction. This program predicts the solvent(s), catalyst(s), reagent(s), and temperature.

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Yield Optimization

85% of production problems are caused by minor variations that can be easily controlled and modified utilizing Artificial Intelligence. The chemical sector is heavily reliant on parameters such as temperature and pressure. AI continuously monitors these variables and provides real-time temperature and pressure control guidance to achieve the highest yield. For instance, India Glycols is implementing a variety of Industrial Internet of Things, robotic automation, as well as AI technologies. The objective is to develop leaner, greener production capabilities that improve energy efficiency, manufacturing yield, quality, and throughput.

Enhancing Safety Measures

Chemical manufacturing is among the world's most stringently regulated sectors. It poses a variety of safety risks, and any individual's safety is assured by gathering real-time data as well as incorporating it with advanced analytics solutions. Sensors are utilized to collect data, and that data is then applied to ensure the protection of all individuals in the manufacturing unit. Sensors can detect if or not a person is wearing PPE. For instance, Multibillion-dollar companies such as Dow are using AI tracking to identify and eliminate safety risks.

Restraint

The "Black Box" of AI

AI is well-known for its ability to extract information from massive amounts of data, uncover underlying patterns, as well as make a data-driven judgment. However, while the system consistently produces precise results, there is a significant drawback. The AI system is unable to convey or describe how it came to this conclusion. As a result, the question arises: how can we trust the system in highly sensitive areas such as governance, national security, or high-stakes business ventures?

Recent Developments:

Haber plans to launch an AI-powered green chemistry lab in Pune in 2023. Chemical.AI raised approximately $14 million in Series B funding in 2022 to transform R&D in chemistry. XuanZhu BioPharm as well as Chemical.AI Unveil Drug Discovery Collaboration in 2022. In 2022, an AI-powered robot discovered reaction conditions for Suzuki-Miyaura coupling.

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Precedence Research is a worldwide market research and consulting organization. We give unmatched nature of offering to our customers present all around the globe across industry verticals. Precedence Research has expertise in giving deep-dive market insight along with market intelligence to our customers spread crosswise over various undertakings. We are obliged to serve our different client base present over the enterprises of medicinal services, healthcare, innovation, next-gen technologies, semi-conductors, chemicals, automotive, and aerospace & defense, among different ventures present globally.

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FILE PHOTO: Employees are seen working on the final assembly of ASML's TWINSCAN NXE:3400B semiconductor lithography tool with its panels removed, in Veldhoven

By Toby Sterling and Philip Blenkinsop

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - The Dutch government has not yet defined crucial aspects of new restrictions on chip-technology exports to China including whether ASML Holding NV can service chip-printing machines the company has already sold in the country.

"Those details still need to be worked out," Dutch Trade Minister Liesje Schreinemacher told reporters on Thursday in Stockholm.

Schreinmacher's remarks highlight that, while the plan announced by the Dutch on Wednesday puts the Netherlands in broad alignment with U.S. goals of undermining China's ability to make cutting-edge chips, ASML and its Chinese customers still do not know exactly how it will affect their businesses.

The Dutch firm, Europe's largest technology by market capitalization, had 14% of its sales in China in 2022 and has sold more than 8 billion euros ($8.46 billion) worth of chip lithography equipment in China over the past decade.

Companies that buy its machines enter into service agreements with ASML for ongoing maintenance. The "installed base" segment contributed about 25% of ASML's worldwide revenue in 2022.

The machines -- which cost tens of millions of euros apiece and perform an essential step in creating the circuitry of chips -- require unique parts and constant maintenance to remain in working order.

Analysts and the company said the lack of clarity from the Dutch government will hang over the company's outlook. Key questions include any limits on servicing and which models will fall under the restrictions

ASML itself has for now repeated its guidance for 2023 of flat sales in China of around 2.2 billion euros. That compares with 25% revenue growth overall, illustrating the likely impact of the restrictions.

An ASML spokesperson said on Thursday the company interprets the government's remarks to mean that only a thin additional slice of its second-best product line will now be restricted in China, following a complete ban on its most advanced machines in 2019.

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But there is an element of guesswork to that. "ASML is waiting for more information" the spokesperson said.

ING analyst Marc Hesselink calculated that the new Dutch rules could possibly affect products that account for 10% of ASML's worldwide sales. However, that would be a worst-case scenario and the impact will likely be less.

That's because ASML customers in China include South Korean chipmakers SK Hynix Inc and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, which will likely be granted licenses, as well as domestic Chinese companies like logic chipmaker SMIC and memory chip maker YMTC, which face U.S. export restrictions and may not be.

Schreinemacher said on Thursday the Dutch would grant licenses on a case-by-case basis and not follow instructions from Washington.

But Citi analyst Amit Harchandani said the Dutch restrictions appear comparable to those imposed on U.S. companies last year and ASML's assessment of the impact is realistic.

For Chinese customers, the picture is less clear. "What we can say is that their ability to pursue leading-edge nodes development will be significantly curtailed," Harchandani said.

Hesselink of ING predicted that most Chinese chip makers will now opt to focus on "trailing edge" or production of chips using slightly older technology. The Chinese may have a competitive advantage there, and ASML's sales in China could even grow modestly.

Regardless, ASML will thrive outside China in the long run as chipmakers worldwide expand capacity, he said.

"The demand for ASML machines is not going to be impacted, it's simply going to shift to a different region," he said.

($1 = 0.9457 euros)

(Reporting by Toby Sterling; Editing by Alex Richardson and Cynthia Osterman)
Organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center under the patronage of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, the 10th Global Baku Forum themed The World of Today: Challenges and Hopes has today kicked off.

President Ilham Aliyev attended the opening ceremony of the Forum.

First a family photo was taken.

Opening the 10th Global Baku Forum, co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center Ismail Serageldin said:

- Good morning, Your Excellency.

Ladies and gentlemen.

It is with great honor that I announce the opening of the Global Baku Forum as a co-chair on behalf of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center.

We are living in a difficult time. Today we see that wars are intensifying, and different policies and political solutions are necessary. Therefore, it is necessary for people to come together, for communities to participate in this work, and in fact, the lessons learned from history should be revisited. We must work and fight for universal goals, crossing the lines that separate each other, regardless of ethnic, racial and other aspects. Because we all share this opinion. As you know, the UN adopted the Millennium Development Goals in 2000 and the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015, defining a common agenda for all of us, for all of humanity.

Now we have common challenges before us. We know that millions of people lost their lives during the pandemic. Today, in addition to climate change, water scarcity and food security are becoming more pressing. We see how many people are suffering from famine in the world today. Solutions to such challenges must be found.

Speaking about the purpose of the Global Baku Forum, Ismail Serageldin said: We must think about how we must create new hopes and look to the future - tomorrow. Walking along this path, we need to know what are wrong and right steps and how to move forward in a more resilient way. It is with such hope that we have gathered here.

It is with great pleasure that I would like to give the floor to you, Your Excellency Mr. President.

x x x

The head of state addressed the opening ceremony of the Forum.

Speech by President Ilham Aliyev

- Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.

Excellences.

Dear guests.

I welcome you all in Baku. Thank you for participating in the 10th Global Baku Forum. First of all, I would like to congratulate the members of the Board of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center for their achievements. Especially, I want to express gratitude to the co-chairs of NGIC, Madame Vike-Freiberga and Mr. Serageldin, for the leadership and for the contribution to development of NGIS and for outstanding achievements with respect to transformation of the Global Baku Forum into one of the leading international forums globally. This year, I participated in Davos World Economic Forum in January, Munich Security Conference in February, and now here in March in the Global Baku Forum.

And just I can say that the level of participants, the intellectual potential of Global Baku Forum is in line with the leading international conferences. And of course, this is a reflection of very thoughtful and productive activity of the co-chairs and the whole Board. We have more than 350 participants from more than 60 countries, and among them 50 acting and former presidents, and prime ministers. So, we can imagine that the level of discussions will be very high. And of course, the most important recommendations about the new approaches to international affairs will be most valuable. I looked at the program of the forum. As usually, it is very comprehensive. It covers issues related to the regions - Middle East, Africa, Western Balkans. At the same time issues, which today are on top of international agenda and the subject of discussions.

I also want to express gratitude to the Nizami Ganjavi International Center for the great respect to the memory and legacy of the great Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi, whose name the center carries. Nizami Ganjavi was born, lived, died and was buried in his native city of Ganja, one of the ancient cities of Azerbaijan. His wisdom and talent symbolize the wisdom and talent of the people of Azerbaijan.

I want to share my views and some information with respect to some of the topics of the discussions, which you will have. I was very happy to see one panel on multilateralism, especially taking into account that Azerbaijan this year completes its chairmanship in Non-Aligned Movement, which started in 2019 and was extended by unanimous decision of 120 member states for one more year until the end of 2023. We tried to, if I may use this word, to revitalize the Non-Aligned Movement, which had great traditions, but unfortunately during some period of time was a little bit passive. And for that, we organized international events, three summits. We initiated a Special Session of the UN General Assembly on COVID. We worked hard and created a database with respect to fight against pandemic, which was lately used by the World Health Organization. We dedicated one of the summits to fight against pandemic. We were very vocal against the vaccine nationalism and unequal distribution of vaccines in the first months of the pandemic. We address the issue of post-COVID development. In the meantime, we provided financial and humanitarian assistance to more than 80 countries, most of them members of Non-Aligned Movement. We provided 10 million US dollars direct donations to the World Health Organization to help them to fight the coronavirus.

At the same time, we tried to institutionally develop the Non-Aligned Movement. For that purpose, based on our initiative for the first time ever - in more than 60 years of the history of the Non-Aligned Movement - the Parliamentary Network was created. An inaugural meeting took place in Baku, and also Youth Network was created and the Secretariat for Youth Network also is based in Baku. We will continue our efforts, even after our chairmanship comes to an end by the end of this year. Because, we see that there is a big need for such a Movement in today's world, in today's divided world.

When we see, maybe the most serious confrontation between the East and West since the end of the Cold War. The Non-Aligned Movement can play and should play important role in building bridges, in creating new approaches to resolution of conflicts and, of course, the basic principles of Non-Aligned Movement - so called Bandung Principles. They advocate for peace, cooperation, respect to territorial integrity, sovereignty and inviolability of borders.

With respect to the conflict resolution, of course, it will be broadly discussed based on the program of the Forum. I can share our experience. Conflict resolutions have two ways - peaceful and not peaceful. We were trying hard to resolve the conflict with Armenia by peaceful means, despite the fact that Armenian occupation created a humanitarian crisis in Azerbaijan. As a result of Armenian occupation, more than 1 million Azerbaijanis became homeless, became refugees and IDPs.

Armenia conducted the policy of ethnic cleansing against Azerbaijanis and expelled them from Karabakh and created sufferings for a million Azerbaijanis. Despite our attempts to resolve it peacefully, and to persuade Armenia to comply with the UN Security Council resolutions, which demanded immediate, complete, unconditional withdrawal of Armenian troops from Azerbaijani territories, Armenia just ignored the UN Security Council resolutions and demonstrated disrespect to international law and international community. In 1992, just after the conflict started, the OSCE created Minsk Group. But, unfortunately for 28 years, Minsk Group did not present any results, did not produce any result. And it seemed to us in the end of the negotiation process that they just wanted to freeze the situation. They wanted to make this conflict frozen forever. But, we did not agree with that. We did what we considered right to do, using our right for self-defense, the UN Charter, particularly Article 51. We liberated our territories by force. This was our legitimate right.

So, we tried to do it peacefully. We failed, because there was no constructive approach from the Armenian side. And we did it by force and we liberated our territory. And now for almost two and a half years, we are rebuilding the huge territory of 10,000 square kilometers, which is totally devastated. And by the way, the representatives of NGIC visited Shusha and had a discussion, panel discussion in Shusha. They've seen the destruction in Fuzuli, in Shusha, and it's really the sign of barbarism, it is urbicide, culturicide, ecocide. And that was done by our neighbors. The people of Azerbaijan have a moral right to demand revenge, and I can understand it. But my message is that we took revenge on the battlefield.

We did not commit any war crimes, unlike Armenians. We did not commit genocide, unlike Armenians did to us. We took revenge on the battlefield. So, now it's time for peace. Therefore, right after the war ended in November 2020, we launched an initiative to start peaceful negotiations and presented the famous five principles, which could be a basis for peace agreement with Armenia. We hope that international actors, which try to facilitate will persuade Armenia not to lose this chance. They lost the chance to become an independent country. They become totally dependent, kind of a colony of other country, and now maybe other countries. So, they lost their chance to become really independent and to build their future, because of aggression against us.

So, now it's a chance for them to start behaving as a neighbor to its neighbors. So, we want peace. We don't want any other war. And we think that peace is achievable. And what has been agreed between Azerbaijan and Armenia last October, particularly respect to each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity actually demonstrates that there are no obstacles to achieve peace.

With respect to the Armenian minority in Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan is a multi-confessional, multi-ethnic country. The rights of minorities in Azerbaijan are protected by our constitution. And anyone who knows the real situation in Azerbaijan can say that Azerbaijan is a country with a high-level of religious and ethnic tolerance, where representatives of different ethnic groups, different confessions live in peace and dignity. So, I'm sure that the life of Armenians who live in Karabakh region of Azerbaijan will be much better than it was during the times of occupation. Every conflict has its own history, has its own dynamics and has its own end, but important is that disputes between countries are resolved on the basis of international law, territorial integrity and sovereignty cannot be changed by force. This is a position of Azerbaijan. This position applies not only to our case, but to all conflicts in the world. We publicly articulate this position.

One of the panels is devoted to energy and transportation corridors, energy transition. I just want to inform our guests that since we met last time. Last June, there have been a lot of events taking place. First of all, Azerbaijan and the European Commission signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the Strategic Partnership in the Field of Energy, which was signed in Baku by Madame Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and myself. This Memorandum is now being implemented. Azerbaijan increased substantially its natural gas supply to Europe and total export of natural gas. If we exported 19 billion cubic meters in 2021, totally, so, this year it will be more than 24 billion cubic meters and half of that, at least half of that, will go to Europe.

And that definitely helped and will continue to help European consumers to get access to natural gas, taking into account the current geopolitical situation. We increased our investments in our gas fields. And now, we are even seeing, we're not only seeing, we're working on expansion of the export pipelines. The Southern Gas Corridor was commissioned. The final segment of the pipeline was commissioned on 31st December, 2020. But now, it's a little bit more than two years have passed and we need to expand the system - TANAP from 16 to 32 billion cubic meters and TAP from 10 to 20 billion cubic meters. And that is only because of the growing demand in Europe. Otherwise, we wouldn't have invested. Since Russian-Ukrainian war started, we got requests from more than 10 European countries with respect to gas supplies or to increase the gas supply and we're working on that. And it's not by chance that the European Commission calls Azerbaijan a reliable partner. This is a case, weve always been reliable partner.

We export oil, oil products, natural gas, electricity, petrochemicals to international markets, including European markets. Last December, there was also a remarkable event taking place in Bucharest, when Azerbaijan, Georgia, Hungary and Romania signed an Agreement on green energy and transmission, which was witnessed by the President of the European Commission. And based on that, we will build a transmission line from offshore wind farms in Azerbaijan to Europe. Part of this transmission line will go under the Black Sea. And now we are in the process of feasibility study.

The first Steering Committee of this project took place in Baku this February, and it will be a huge change of European energy map. We already changed European energy map by building oil pipelines, gas pipelines, and now electric lines, which will deliver green energy. I just want to inform you that since we had the last - 9th Global Baku Forum, Azerbaijan signed contracts and MOUs with several leading energy companies of the world, which will provide creation of 25 gigawatts of green energy in Azerbaijan, solar and wind. So, this is a remarkable achievement, which will transform Azerbaijan into a very important supplier and player on international green energy market. We are planning to export green hydrogen. The IFC already approved the final assessment of our offshore wind potential in the Caspian Sea, which is 157 gigawatts, not to mention about 40 onshore.

So, this is the future for the world energy, this is the future for Azerbaijan. Energy transition here is developing very rapidly. Just as I said, since we met last time in June, we did what I have said. And also there'll be discussions on transportation corridors.

I just want to inform you that last year transits through Azerbaijan grew more than 75%. Our modern transportation infrastructure now is needed more than ever before - with the railroad connections, highway connections, with the biggest shipping fleet in the Caspian, with the biggest air cargo fleet in the region. We really contributed a lot to transportation security, because many countries now they need transportation security. They are looking for the new routes, and that one of these routes is through Azerbaijan. I'm sure there'll be very interesting discussions around this and other topics, which are in the program and as usual, valuable ideas and recommendations of our guests will help to plan our future, will be good recommendations to the governments, to world leaders.

Thus, I think we will try to contribute to make our world more safe and secure. I wish you interesting discussions. Thank you for your attention.

x x x

Then, President of the Republic of Latvia Egils Levits made a speech and stated that the topic of the Forum was highly important. Speaking about the development of relations between Latvia and Azerbaijan, President Egils Levits emphasized the important role Azerbaijan had been playing played in international relations in recent years. He said:

- After President Aliyev's speech, I want to note that Azerbaijan plays a leading role in the Non-Aligned Movement. It is a truly good platform with 120 member states, and most of them are members of the UN. The important role played by Azerbaijan in recent years has actually been reflected in international relations. In fact, Azerbaijan has inspired many players from a political point of view, i.e. in how to maintain peace and solve global issues.

Azerbaijan is leading a global debate after the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, I would mention the recent Summit-level Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement Contact Group in response to COVID-19.

Regarding cooperation with Azerbaijan, especially its cooperation with the UN, it is also important for Latvia. Because respect for international law and territorial integrity is a very important issue. In fact, this is an important part of Latvian foreign policy. In general, this is an important part of the overall policy of Azerbaijan. Of course, this also stems from the good relations between our countries.

The President of Latvia expressed his opinion about the outstanding poet and thinker of Azerbaijan, Nizami Ganjavi, and said:

- The brilliant Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi enthused people far beyond the current borders of Azerbaijan. His ideas promoted mutual understanding and solidarity among peoples of the world from that ancient time to this day.

x x x

President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste Jose Ramos-Horta emphasized the importance of discussing the pressing problems that threaten the global world order, including the prospects for ensuring security and peace in the world.

- We are gathered today at the 10th Global Baku Forum to discuss the challenges facing our world. I express my gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the organization of the forum and the invitation to participate here.

x x x

Expressing his gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the invitation to participate in the forum, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Miguel Angel Moratinos expressed his satisfaction with participating in this event, which the Nizami Ganjavi International Center has turned into a tradition.

- First of all, let me express my gratitude to the Nizami Ganjavi International Center for inviting me to this event and for the conditions created at the 10th Global Baku Forum in Baku.

Your Excellency President Ilham Aliyev, I would like to note that I am very happy to be visiting the beautiful city of Baku, Azerbaijan, the Land of Fire, as you call it. Because this country gives us energy and inspires us, as we have seen it in the works of brilliant poet and philosopher Nizami Ganjavi. Of course, yesterday's meeting with you made a great impression on us. I sincerely wish to expand the cooperation between Azerbaijan and the UN Alliance of Civilizations. Dear friends, I am very happy to be addressing such an esteemed audience. The world's most experienced people are gathered here.

x x x

Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) Winnie Byanyima stressed the importance of strengthening integration and expanding international cooperation in the post-pandemic era. Winnie Byanyima expressed his delight at participation in such a platform and discussions, and said:

- I am very pleased to join you at the opening ceremony of the 10th Global Baku Forum. I sincerely congratulate the Nizami Ganjavi International Center for organizing the 10th Global Baku Forum on The World of Today: Challenges and Hopes.

x x x

Then, a video address by Director-General of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was screened. Letters of President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Rishi Sunak were read out.

x x x

In conclusion, former President of Latvia, co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center Vaira Vike-Freiberga spoke about the current geopolitical situation in the world and stated that wars and threats were causing a number of serious problems at the international level. The co-chair appreciated the work of the Forum in terms of finding solutions to many conflicts and said:

- It is the tenth time that the Baku Forum has been convened, and every year we are pleased to see that its importance is growing in terms of its persuasive power, diversity exceptional experience and intellectual potential. We are very happy to see you all here.

The Baku Forum, of course, could not have taken place without the support of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. The President gave us his support from the very first days. We consider the Global Baku Forum important in terms of exchanging ideas on finding solutions to the challenges that concern the world.

x x x

The Forum continued with plenary sessions.

x x x

The Nizami Ganjavi International Center has become an important international center exploring solutions to global problems and informing the world community about them. As a result of this, the interest in the events organized by the Center is increasing year by year.

This time, the Global Baku Forum themed The World of Today: Challenges and Hopes has been attended by representatives of many countries and authoritative international organizations. In particular, four presidents, two prime ministers, six speakers and ministers, heads of five UN agencies, 25 former presidents, 21 former prime ministers, deputy foreign ministers of 23 countries, and a total of 360 representatives from 61 countries are participating in the Forum.

The Forum, which will last until March 11, will look at factors posing a threat to the new world order, including the issue of security and prospects for peace, the establishment of stability in a divided world, its impact on global peace, ways of solving the challenges ahead, conflicts that shake the world, and threats. The topics also include climate safety, food safety and nuclear safety, as well as work to be done in the post-pandemic period. Measures to prevent migration as a symptom of global poverty, inequality, climate crisis and conflicts will also be on the agenda. Participants will share their ideas about the future of Europe, explore the source of populism and extremism, and determine ways to effectively fight it.








































VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2023 / Aton Resources Inc. (TSXV:AAN) ("Aton" or the "Company") is pleased to update investors on the results of further metallurgical testwork from its Rodruin advanced exploration project. Rodruin is located within the Company's 100% owned Abu Marawat Concession ("Abu Marawat" or the "Concession"), in the Eastern Desert of Egypt.

Highlights:

5 composite samples representing the range of oxide mineralisation types at Rodruin underwent further metallurgical testwork investigating both heap leach and conventional CIL technologies. The composite samples were prepared from selected diamond drill half core intervals;

4 samples were selected for whole ore cyanidation leach tests at P 80 grind sizes of -75m and -106m. Test results showed slightly higher gold and silver extractions at the finer grind size. Gold recoveries ranged between 87.7% and 93.4%, after 48 hours of leaching. Silver recoveries ranged from 50.9% to 65.7%. At the P 80 grind size of -75m gold and silver recoveries averaged 90.4% and 59.0% respectively;

All 5 samples were subjected to coarse ore bottle roll leach testing at a crush size P 100 of -8mm. The test results showed average gold recoveries ranging between 66.2% and 75.3%, after 30 days of leaching. Average silver recoveries ranged from 19.3% to 30.8%;

Whole ore and coarse ore bottle roll cyanidation leach tests indicate that all the Rodruin mineralisation types tested are amenable to processing via both conventional CIL and heap leach technologies.

"These metallurgical testwork results from the Rodruin oxides are again very encouraging, following on from the initial scoping level testwork which we undertook in 2021," said Tonno Vahk, Interim CEO. "The gold recoveries are good and indicate that the oxides from all the main mineralised zones at Rodruin will be amenable to processing by both conventional CIL and heap leach technologies. The Company is working towards its planned application for the mining licence at the Abu Marawat Concession in Q3 this year, based on the definition of "commercial discoveries" at both Rodruin and Hamama West, in accordance with our Concession Agreement with the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority. The application will be based on planned mining projects on the oxides at both Rodruin and Hamama West, which will allow for the issuance of a 20-year mining licence, extendable for a further 10 years, which will be transformational for Aton. These latest metallurgical results provide us with the flexibility to evaluate various mining and processing options at Rodruin. Work is progressing on the mineral resource estimates at Rodruin and Hamama West, as well as further metallurgical testwork which is ongoing. In the field we are very close to completing the diamond drilling at Hamama, which is testing previously undrilled oxide mineralisation, and preparations are well underway for a 10,000m RC drilling programme planned to start in May on some of our excellent regional targets."

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Metallurgical testwork programme

5 composite samples were prepared from the Rodruin mineral deposit for metallurgical testing, which were representative of the various oxide mineralisation types. This testwork programme was specifically focused on the oxide mineralisation at Rodruin and was designed to follow up on an initial scoping level programme carried out in 2021 (see news release dated August 3, 2021), which indicated that the Rodruin mineralisation is amenable to processing using conventional CIL technology.

Figure 1: Geological plan of the Rodruin area, showing the main mineralised zones

Samples were composited from selected diamond drill half core intervals (HQ and PQ size), to produce total sample weights between 30-45kg. 4 samples were composited from the 4 main mineralised zones, specifically the Central Buttress, Aladdin's Hill NE, and the GF zones, which are represented mainly by variably gossanous carbonate hosted mineralisation, and the Aladdin's Hill zone, which is represented by phyllic alteration (quartz-sericite-kaolinite) hosted mineralisation (Figure 1). A fifth sample was composited from low grade (<0.5 g/t Au) mineralisation from the Central Buttress and GF zones. Details of the samples are provided in Table 1.

Metallurgical sample ID Drill hole ID Zone Mineralisation type Estimated Au grade (g/t) 1 ROMO-001 ROD-052/053/055/084 Aladdin's Hill Phyllic alteration 2.35 ROMO-002 ROD-052/053/055/083/084 Aladdin's Hill NE Gossanous carbonate 1.27 ROMO-003 ROD-062/063/069/078/079 Central Buttress Zone Gossanous carbonate 1.11 ROMO-004 ROD-098/101/102/109 GF Zone Gossanous carbonate 0.61 ROMO-005 ROD-076/083/085/100/102 Central Buttress/GF Zones Gossanous carbonate 0.33 2 Notes: Sample grade estimated from the weighted average assays of the sampled drill core intervals

Sample ROMO-005 represented <0.5 g/t Au mineralisation

Table 1: Details of the metallurgical samples

The 5 composite samples were dispatched from Egypt to Wardell Armstrong International Ltd ("WAI") in December 2022, for metallurgical testing at their laboratory located in Cornwall, UK, with testwork commencing in January 2023. The samples were submitted for a process evaluation testwork programme consisting of head assays, XRD analysis, and fine whole ore and coarse ore bottle roll cyanide leach testing.

Head assays

Sub-samples of the 5 composite metallurgical samples were sent by WAI for head assay analysis at ALS Minerals' geochemical laboratory at Loughrea, Ireland, and were analysed for Au (screen fire assay), Ag, Cu, Pb, Zn, As, Fe and S. The results of the head assays are provided below in Table 2:

Head assay results Estimated Au grade (g/t) 2 Metallurgical sample ID Assay (ppm) Assay (%) Au 1 Ag Cu Pb Zn As Fe S ROMO-001 2.42 12.75 1,545 483 644 126 4.18 0.08 2.35 ROMO-002 1.17 9.98 1,110 123 7,050 185 8.26 0.06 1.27 ROMO-003 1.20 20.60 525 1,310 3,060 79 12.75 0.17 1.11 ROMO-004 0.62 6.44 260 516 2,130 17 6.89 0.08 0.61 ROMO-005 0.36 4.56 79 53 3,170 73 12.10 0.09 0.33 Notes: Au by screen fire assay (ALS Minerals. Loughrea, Ireland)

Sample grade estimated from the weighted average assays of the sampled drill core intervals

Table 2: Head assay results

The Au head assays measured by screen fire assay showed good correlation with the estimated grade of the composited drill core samples (Table 2 above).

The good correlation in assay results indicates that the composite samples prepared for metallurgical testwork were representative of the drill core intervals sampled.

Mineralogical analysis

The results of the XRD analysis are shown in Figure 2:

Figure 2: Results of XRD analysis

The XRD results showed most of the samples as being gangue dominated. The ROMO-001 composite sample was mainly composed of quartz, and the ROMO-003, ROMO-004 and ROMO-005 samples were mostly composed of dolomite, with iron oxides (hematite and goethite) present. The ROMO-002 composite sample contained a mixture of dolomite, quartz and iron oxides.

Whole ore leach tests

A series of whole ore leach tests were conducted on composite samples ROMO-001 to ROMO-004 to investigate the amount of gold and silver that can be recovered from each sample by means of processing by conventional CIL technology. The whole ore cyanidation leach tests were carried out at P 80 grind sizes of -75m and -106m to determine the effect of degree of liberation on gold and silver extraction. Results are summarised in Table 3 below.

Sample ID Test ID Grind size P 80 (m) Recovery after 48hrs (%) NaCN consumption (kg/t) Lime consumption (kg/t) Au Ag ROMO-001 LT1 106m 87.3 61.5 1.65 0.56 LT2 75m 87.7 65.6 1.47 0.51 ROMO-002 LT1 106m 88.2 48.4 2.22 0.44 LT2 75m 88.7 50.9 2.07 0.45 ROMO-003 LT1 106m 90.8 65.3 1.32 0.24 LT2 75m 91.7 65.7 1.20 0.31 ROMO-004 LT1 106m 91.8 51.6 0.98 0.31 LT2 75m 93.4 53.7 1.09 0.40

Table 3: Whole ore cyanidation leach test results

The test results for the samples leached to a grind size P 80 of -75m showed final gold recoveries to range from 87.7% (ROMO-001) to 93.4% (ROMO-004), averaging 90.4% from the 4 samples, after 48 hours of leaching. Silver recoveries ranged from 50.9% (ROMO-002) to 65.7% (ROMO-003), averaging 59.0%. Leach kinetic profiles indicate that most of the gold was extracted after 24 hours.

The test results for the samples leached to a grind size P 80 of -106m showed final gold recoveries to range from 87.3% (ROMO-001) to 91.8% (ROMO-004), averaging 89.5%, after 48 hours of leaching. Silver recoveries ranged from 48.4% (ROMO-002) to 65.3% (ROMO-003) averaging 56.7%. Leach kinetic profiles indicate that most of the gold was extracted after 24 hours.

Coarse ore bottle roll leach tests

A series of coarse ore bottle roll leach tests were conducted on each of the composite samples to investigate the amount of gold and silver that can be recovered from each sample by means of processing by heap leach technology. The coarse ore bottle roll cyanidation leach tests were carried out at P 100 crush size of -8mm to determine the gold and silver extractions at a fine crush size. Results are summarised in Table 4 below.

Sample ID Metal extraction (back calculated head) BLT1 % Au BLT2 % Au Average % Au BLT1 % Ag BLT2 % Ag Average % Ag ROMO-001 70.2 67.2 68.7 18.9 20.6 19.7 ROMO-002 73.3 75.6 74.5 18.9 19.7 19.3 ROMO-003 74.6 76.0 75.3 37.4 38.8 38.1 ROMO-004 76.7 75.8 76.2 22.3 22.8 22.5 ROMO-005 66.5 65.8 66.2 31.3 30.4 30.8

Table 4: Coarse ore bottle roll cyanidation leach test results

The test results for the samples leached at a crush size P 100 of -8mm showed average gold recoveries to range from 66.2% (ROMO-005) to 76.2% (ROMO-004), averaging 72.2% from the 5 samples, after 30 days of leaching. Average silver recoveries ranged from 19.3% (ROMO-002) to 30.8% (ROMO-005), averaging 26.1%. Leach kinetic profiles indicate that most of the gold was extracted after 10 days.

Discussion of results

The gold head assays reported by ALS correlated well with the estimated composite sample grades, calculated from the weighted diamond drill hole assays, and indicate that the composite metallurgical samples were representative of the sampled intervals.

The mineralogical (XRD) analysis indicates that the samples can be sub-divided into 3 broad categories of mineralisation, as follows:

Sample ROMO-001 represented the phyllic alteration hosted mineralisation from the Aladdin's Hill zone, and was comprised predominantly of quartz, with subsidiary iron oxide and phyllosilicate minerals including kaolinite and sericite (illite and mica in Figure 2), and chlorite. This mineralisation occurs within intensely phyllic altered volcaniclastic sediments and tuffs.

Samples ROMO-003, ROMO-004 and ROMO-005 from the Central Buttress and GF Zones, were comprised predominantly of dolomite, with subsidiary quartz and iron oxide (goethite). These results confirm that the mineralisation represented by these 3 samples occurs within gossanous (iron oxide bearing) carbonate-silica rocks.

Sample ROMO-002 from the Aladdin's Hill NE zone also consisted predominantly of dolomite, with subsidiary quartz, iron oxide (goethite), and chlorite. The increased quartz and chlorite content of this sample relative to samples ROMO-003 to ROMO-005 was indicative of the fact that while the bulk of the mineralisation at Aladdin's Hill NE is again hosted in gossanous carbonate-silica rocks, a minor component of the mineralisation is also hosted in volcaniclastic sediments and tuffs.

Results of the whole ore cyanidation leach tests showed high gold leach extraction for all of the Rodruin oxide composites tested. At a grind size of 75m average gold and silver leach extractions from the 4 samples were 90.4% and 59.0% respectively, while at a grind size of 106m average gold and silver leach extractions from the 4 samples were 89.5% and 56.7% respectively. The grind size optimisation test results indicated that a finer grind size P 80 of -75m resulted in both higher gold and silver leach extractions, however these did not significantly increase at the finer 75m grind size, relative to the coarser 106m grind size. Leach kinetics were very rapid with the majority of the gold extracted after 24 hours of leaching.

Results of the coarse ore bottle roll leach tests showed average gold and silver leach extractions from the 5 samples of 72.2% and 26.1% respectively, at a fine crush size P 100 of -8mm, and after 30 days of leaching. Leach kinetics were fairly rapid with the majority of the gold extracted after 10 days of leaching.

These initial whole ore and coarse ore bottle roll cyanidation leach test results indicate that the oxide mineralisation types from the Aladdin's Hill, Central Buttress Zone, Aladdin's Hill NE, and GF Zones tested in this variability programme will all be amenable to processing via both heap leach and conventional CIL technologies. The coarse ore bottle roll cyanidation leach test results from sample ROMO-005 (<0.5 g/t Au gossanous carbonate hosted mineralisation from the Central Buttress and GF zones) indicate that this low grade mineralisation type is also amenable to processing using heap leach technology.

Exploration activity update

A short c. 1,500m programme of diamond drilling programme at Hamama is expected to be completed this week. Drilling was carried out at the previously largely untested Hamama East and Hamama Central zones, as well as at the Crocs Nose Zone at Hamama West. Results are expected soon, and will be published when they become available.

Field mapping and sampling is continuing at the company's Abu Gaharish, Semna, Bohlog, Zeno, Sir Bakis and Massaghat regional prospects, ahead of reverse circulation percussion ("RC") drilling programmes planned to commence at the beginning of May, following the Eid-al-Fitr holiday at the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Site preparation for these programmes will commence this week, with drilling starting at the West Garida prospect, 3 km from Hamama West, where Aton intersected high grade mineralisation, returning grades of up to 41.7 g/t Au, in a short 5 hole RC drilling programme in 2022 (see news release dated September 1, 2022).

About Aton Resources Inc. Aton Resources Inc. (AAN: TSX-V) is focused on its 100% owned Abu Marawat Concession ("Abu Marawat"), located in Egypt's Arabian-Nubian Shield, approximately 200 km north of Centamin's world-class Sukari gold mine. Aton has identified numerous gold and base metal exploration targets at Abu Marawat, including the Hamama deposit in the west, the Abu Marawat deposit in the northeast, and the advanced Rodruin exploration prospect in the south of the Concession. Two historic British gold mines are also located on the Concession at Sir Bakis and Semna. Aton has identified several distinct geological trends within Abu Marawat, which display potential for the development of a variety of styles of precious and base metal mineralisation. Abu Marawat is 447.7 km 2 in size and is located in an area of excellent infrastructure; a four-lane highway, a 220kV power line, and a water pipeline are in close proximity, as are the international airports at Hurghada and Luxor. Qualified person The technical information contained in this News Release was prepared by Gary Patrick BSc, MAusIMM, CP (Met), Principal Consultant of Metallurg Pty Ltd. Mr. Patrick is a qualified person (QP) under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. For further information regarding Aton Resources Inc., please visit us at www.atonresources.com or contact: TONNO VAHK Interim CEO

Tel: +1 604 318 0390

Email: info@atonresources.com Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Some of the statements contained in this release are forward-looking statements. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions; by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results in each case could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. 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: Aton Resources, Inc.





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Austin Joins a Prestigious Group of Trial Lawyers With Impressive Track Records

CARROLLTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2023 / The Hartley Law Firm would like to congratulate Founding Attorney Austin F. Hartley for being named to the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. This prestigious membership, which only 1% of U.S. lawyers receive, is a great example of Austin's dedication to his clients and their well-being.



Attorney Austin Hartley





What Is the Million Dollar Advocates Forum?

Founded in 1993, the Million Dollar Advocates Forum is a group of trial lawyers in the United States where every member has received a settlement, verdict, or judgment of $1 million dollars or more. Currently, there are over 5,000 members in the country, which equates to less than 1% of all barred attorneys. In 2007, the group added another level, referred to as the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, for attorneys who win more than $2 million dollars.

The Selection Process

Invitations for membership are sent only to candidates who appear to be qualified and who have been nominated by a current member. However, any attorney who qualifies may apply as well. To be considered, the applicant must:

Be in good standing with the American Bar Association; and

Have acted as principal counsel in a court or jury trial where the client(s) received a verdict or judgment of $1 million or more; OR

Negotiated a final settlement where the client(s) received a sum of $1 million or more.

The application is then reviewed by experienced counsel. They request additional or supporting information. Review lasts approximately two weeks after receiving all necessary documentation. Once accepted, the attorney is a member for life.

About Attorney Austin F. Hartley

Attorney Austin Hartley is a fourth-generation Dallas native. He received his bachelor's degree in political science from Saint Edward's University in Austin, TX, and his Juris Doctor from the Texas Tech University School of Law.

Austin has significant trial experience in personal injury, both with large and small law firms. Since founding his own practice, he has received recognition from The American Institute of Trial Lawyers as Litigator of the Year in 2021 and was listed as one of D Magazine's Best Lawyers Under 40 in 2022. During his free time, he likes exploring remote parts of Texas with his bird dog Charlie and contributes his time to several nonprofit organizations.

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About The Hartley Law Firm:

Austin F. Hartley founded the practice in 2018, primarily focusing on personal injury cases. Since then, the Hartley Law Firm has helped clients throughout Texas fight for compensation after being injured due to negligence. This includes championing victims of workplace injuries, auto accidents, slip and falls, and more. From day one, clients' cases are handled personally by an attorney who is dedicated to their recovery.

To schedule a free, confidential case review, please give us a call at 469-289-6063.

Contact Information:

Hartley Law Firm

2340 E. Trinity Mills Road, #100

Carrollton, TX 75006

(469) 289-6063

Austin Hartley

Founding Member

(469) 289-6063

SOURCE: Hartley Law Firm

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FACT.MR

Growing demand for lightweight automobiles to fulfill strict fuel economic norms is projected to boost the automotive carbon thermoplastic market.

Rockville, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As per Fact.MR, a provider of market research and competitive intelligence, the global automotive carbon thermoplastic market is set to reach a size of US$ 8 billion by 2033, surging at 27.5% CAGR by 2033.



Carbon thermoplastic is a composite material made of plastic and carbon fiber. The material has the benefit of being very resistant to deformation and alkaline and acid corrosion. Furthermore, its ability to address demands for CO2 reduction and energy savings in the automobile industry is gaining wide attention.

The global automotive carbon thermoplastic market is expanding significantly as a result of increased demand for fuel-efficient vehicles, reduced weight, and part consolidation. Furthermore, environmental regulations are increasing OEMs' interest in carbon fiber composites.

Download Free Sample Copy of This Report 

https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=8416

The need for lightweight and fuel-efficient automobiles is a major factor driving the global automotive carbon thermoplastic market, as automotive carbon thermoplastics composite is one of the most efficient methods for decreasing vehicle weight, boosting fuel economy, and reducing pollution levels. Moreover, the high volume manufacturing of structural vehicle components is predicted to open up tremendous opportunities for carbon thermoplastic in the automotive industry in the years ahead.

Key Takeaways from Market Study

The global automotive carbon thermoplastic market amounted to US$ 700 million in 2023.

Worldwide demand for automotive carbon thermoplastic is estimated to evolve at a CAGR of 27.5% during the forecast period (2023 to 2033).

The global market is forecasted to garner US$ 8 billion by 2033.

Europe accounted for 39% share of the global market in 2022.

The polyamide (PA) segment is leading the automotive carbon thermoplastic market.



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The increasing population in large countries is raising public interest in purchasing more vehicles, which is expected to spur the demand for automotive carbon thermoplastic over the coming years, says a Fact.MR analyst.

Get Customization on this Report for Specific Research Solutions 

https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=RC&rep_id=8416

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the automotive carbon thermoplastic market are actively focusing on methods such as investments, collaborations, new developments, R&D activities, and acquisitions to broaden and strengthen their international footprint. Moreover, many start-ups are working on creating advanced solutions.

Solerial Matusions, a Swedish start-up, is creating a carbon fiber nanoparticle additive. The additive solution seeks to reduce the cost and weight of automotive structural components while providing greater protection.

Anand Group collaborated with Far-UK to produce carbon fiber composites in February 2021. The collaboration emphasized creating innovative methods to reduce emissions.

Key Companies Profiled

Celanese Corporation

BASF SE

Dow, Inc

DuPont de Nemours, Inc

Cytec Industries, Inc

Gurit Holding AG

Regional Analysis

Europe is dominating the worldwide market. Germany is a major contributor to regional market growth due to the presence of prominent automotive companies in the country.

The North American market is also growing at a rapid pace. The United States is a market leader in North America due to increasing government efforts to reduce CO2 emissions.

Japan and South Korea are booting Asia Pacific market growth due to the growing adoption of electric vehicles in these countries.



Automotive Carbon Thermoplastic Industry Research Segmentation

By Resin Type: Polyamide (PA) Polypropylene (PP) Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) Polyetherimide (PEI) Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Polycarbonate (PC)

By Application: Exterior Chassis Interior Powertrain & UTH

By Region North America Latin America Europe Asia Pacific & China Middle East & Africa



Quick Buy: Automotive Carbon Thermoplastic Market Report

https://www.factmr.com/checkout/8416

More Valuable Insights on Offer

Fact.MR, in its new offering, presents an unbiased analysis of the global automotive carbon thermoplastic market, presenting historical demand data (2018 to 2022) and forecast statistics for the period of 2023 to 2033.

The study divulges essential insights on the market based on resin type (polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetherimide (PEI), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polycarbonate (PC)) and application (exterior, chassis, interior, powertrain & UTH), across five major regions of the world (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa).

Key Questions Covered in the Automotive Carbon Thermoplastic Market Report

What will be the estimated size of the Market in 2023?

At what rate will the global Automotive Carbon Thermoplastic sales grow until 2033?

Which are the factors hampering the Automotive Carbon Thermoplastic demand?

Which region will spearhead the growth in the global industry during 2023-2033?

Which are the factors driving sales in the Automotive Carbon Thermoplastic Market during the forecast period?



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Swift innovation enables CBDCs to move seamlessly on existing financial infrastructure and efficiently scale for international transactions across more than 200 countries

18 central and commercial banks encourage continued development after nearly 5,000 CBDC-to-CBDC and CBDC-to-fiat simulations over 12-week period

Swift will build beta version for further testing and explore additional use cases in securities settlement and trade finance

BRUSSELS, March 09, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Swift today announced further progress on its experimental solution for interlinking Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), reporting that 18 central and commercial banks found "clear potential and value" in the API-based CBDC connector after a comprehensive review.

The cooperative published the findings of the 12-week period of collaborative sandbox testing, in which almost 5,000 transactions were simulated between two different blockchain networks and with existing fiat-based payment systems. Central and commercial bank participants expressed strong support for the solutions continued development, noting that it enabled seamless exchange of CBDCs, even those built on different platforms.

Interoperability is a key strategic focus for Swift, and a key challenge for the financial industry as digital currencies develop. According to the Atlantic Council, more than 110 countries are currently exploring CBDCs, with almost a quarter expecting to launch within the next one or two years1. However, most are focusing primarily on domestic usage, which could lead to a fragmented landscape consisting of digital islands.

Swift announced in October that it had developed a solution to enable CBDCs to move between DLT-based and fiat-based systems using existing financial infrastructure. The sandbox testing was set up so that central and commercial banks could experiment with the solution to validate its effectiveness and share insight to guide its development.

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Tom Zschach, Chief Innovation Officer at Swift, said: "Our experiments have shown the critical role that Swift can play in a financial ecosystem in which digital and traditional currencies co-exist. Our API-based CBDC connector has been proven to be robust across almost 5,000 transactions between two different blockchain networks and traditional fiat currency, and were delighted to have the support of our community in developing it further. Many participants have made clear their desire for continued collaboration on interoperability, and this is particularly pleasing."

Over the coming months Swift will develop a beta version of the solution for payments that can be tested further by central banks. A second phase of sandbox testing will also be held, in which the Swift community can collaborate further with a focus on new use cases, including in securities settlement (such as cross-asset exchange), trade finance, and conditional payments.

Sandbox participants included the Banque de France, the Deutsche Bundesbank, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, BNP Paribas, HSBC, Intesa Sanpaolo, NatWest, Royal Bank of Canada, SMBC, Societe Generale, Standard Chartered and UBS.

Bruno Mellado, Global Head of Payments and Receivables at BNP Paribas, said: "As new clearing alternatives arise with CDBCs, it is important that we as a community leverage the safe and transparent utilities and standards built together with Swift. This paper shows the path to an industrial approach to access new and innovative ways to transact between parties."

Lewis Sun, Global Head of Domestic and Emerging Payments, Global Payments Solutions at HSBC, said: "Interoperability is key to realising the potential of CBDCs to deliver real-time cross-border payments. While interest in CBDCs is growing, so is the risk of fragmentation as a widening range of technologies and standards is being experimented with. Our continuing collaboration with Swift, central banks and other commercial banks provides an invaluable platform to innovate solutions that can bring about faster, cheaper and more secure cross-border payments."

Stefano Favale, Executive Director at Intesa Sanpaolo, said: "When it comes to CBDCs, interoperability becomes a key enabler to avoiding liquidity traps and creating a network effect. We truly believe that Swift, through its experience and capabilities, is the natural market-neutral candidate to support future digital asset developments."

Lee McNabb, Head of Payments Strategy & Research at NatWest, said: Collaborating with central banks, Swift and peers has allowed participants to share valuable lessons, as well as our own experiences at NatWest. We believe collaboration and supporting experiments such as this yield promising benefits, and it is a tangible example of how purpose led firms can work together to harness the potential of new technologies and support the industry to deliver instant and frictionless cross-border transactions."

Isabelle Poussigues, Global Head of Cash Clearing Offer at Societe Generale, said: "Our participation in this Swift CBDC sandbox allowed us to concretely envision what CBDC / CBDC and CBDC / fiat currency interconnection solutions could be and the challenges they bring, while taking advantage of both the existing Swift infrastructure well known for its security and its robustness and the opportunities Swifts enhanced platform can provide."

David Rego, Global Head of Payments at Standard Chartered, said: "An open, interoperable architecture is essential for secure, frictionless, and evolving cross-border payment flows in the digitisation of currencies. Standard Chartereds participation in this sandbox underscores our commitment to innovation, and to bringing future-ready capabilities to our clients."

About Swift

Swift is a global member owned cooperative and the worlds leading provider of secure financial messaging services. We provide our community with a platform for messaging and standards for communicating, and we offer products and services to facilitate access and integration, identification, analysis and regulatory compliance.

Our messaging platform, products and services connect more than 11,000 banking and securities organisations, market infrastructures and corporate customers in more than 200 countries and territories. While Swift does not hold funds or manage accounts on behalf of customers, we enable our global community of users to communicate securely, exchanging standardised financial messages in a reliable way, thereby supporting global and local financial flows, as well as trade and commerce all around the world.

As their trusted provider, we relentlessly pursue operational excellence; we support our community in addressing cyber threats; and we continually seek ways to lower costs, reduce risks and eliminate operational inefficiencies. Our products and services support our communitys access and integration, business intelligence, reference data and financial crime compliance needs. Swift also brings the financial community together  at global, regional and local levels  to shape market practice, define standards and debate issues of mutual interest or concern.

Headquartered in Belgium, Swifts international governance and oversight reinforces the neutral, global character of its cooperative structure. Swifts global office network ensures an active presence in all the major financial centres.

1 OMFIF Digital Monetary Institute, Future of Payments 2022  Turning the cross-border payments roadmap into reality, https://www.omfif.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Future-of-Payments-2022-1.pdf

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230308005692/en/

Contacts

FGS Global

+32 (0)2655 3377

Swift@fgsglobal.com
WASHINGTON, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Confectioners Association announced today that Tony Jacobs, president of Bazooka Candy Brands, will assume the role of Chair of the NCA Board of Trustees for a two-year term. Jacobs most recently served as Vice Chair and will take over for departing NCA Board Chair Barry Rosenbaum, president of Nassau Candy Distributors.

"Tony's keen understanding of policy and politics, and his knowledge of the industry make him an incredibly effective thought leader for our industry," John Downs, NCA president and CEO, said.

"I am honored to take on this role to advocate on behalf of hundreds of confectionery companies and the nearly 58,000 American workers they employ," Tony Jacobs, president of Bazooka Candy Brands, said. "In a challenging environment, our industry remains strong and vibrant as consumers, now more than ever, want treats in their lives. I look forward to working with the NCA membership and staff to ensure the continued strength of this cherished industry."

Jacobs served as the association's political action committee chair and was instrumental in building an effective and successful CandyPAC. Prior to leading Bazooka Candy Brands, Jacobs worked for more than a decade in marketing roles at Nabisco, Unilever and Dr Pepper Snapple Group. A native of New Jersey, Jacobs earned his B.A. in political science from The George Washington University and an M.B.A. from The Darden Graduate School of Business Administration at the University of Virginia.

NCA also announced additional appointments to its Board of Trustees. Jerry Hagedorn, executive vice president of Barry Callebaut will serve as Vice Chair of the NCA Board. Five industry representatives will join the Board, including:

Carrie Abbott, Newfangled Confections

John Kretchmer, American Licorice Company

Rob Nelson, Elmer Chocolate

Stephanie Stuckey, Stuckey's

Steve Gohde, The Allan Sullivan Company

NCA represents more than 400 member companies in the confectionery industry from multi-national, global manufacturers to small, family-owned businesses. Together, the confectionery industry spans the entire country and plays an important role in the U.S. economy. With more than 1,600 manufacturing facilities across all 50 states, the industry provides thousands of good-paying jobs, and it supports hundreds of thousands more beyond that. In fact, for every job created in confectionery manufacturing, another 11 are supported in related industries, creating a 1:11 multiplier effect.

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About the National Confectioners Association (NCA):

The National Confectioners Association is the leading trade organization for the U.S. confectionery industry, which generates $42 billion in retail sales each year. NCA advocates for an environment that enables candy makers to thrive and works to ensure that chocolate, candy, gum and mints are celebrated for their contributions to culture, society, the economy and everyday moments of joy. The industry employs nearly 58,000 workers in more than 1,600 manufacturing facilities across all 50 states and supports an additional 635,000 jobs in related fields. The U.S. confectionery industry has made a commitment to increasing transparency, providing more portion guidance options and educating consumers about the role of confectionery in a happy, balanced lifestyle. Learn more at CandyUSA.com or follow NCA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Contact:

Lauren Boland

Lauren.Boland@CandyUSA.com

Director of Communications

330-571-3693

Carly Schildhaus

Carly.Schildhaus@CandyUSA.com

Senior Manager of Public Affairs

516-776-8082

(PRNewsfoto/Partnership for a Healthier America,National Confectioners Association)

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SOURCE National Confectioners Association
Shenzhen, China--(Newsfile Corp. - March 8, 2023) - On March 1, 2023, Besiter successfully held the "Global New Product Conference of Shared Energy Storage Power Supply" in Shenzhen, Special Economic Zone. It is reported that this conference is aimed at promoting the high-quality development of the shared energy storage power industry, closely focusing on the theme of "win-win future for all in the year of the rabbit", and jointly with authoritative experts in the industry and outside the industry, industry elites, technology giants, and key customers, to conduct in-depth exchanges and discussions on the hot topics such as the opportunity of the era of energy storage power, and the promotion of industrial upgrading by technological transformation. Besiter Chief Executive Officer Pan Liangchun, Vice President of Research and Development Dong Xinhua, Vice President of Commerce Wang Likun and other major leaders attended the global conference, attended the ceremony and delivered important speeches with heavyweight guests: "Stand together at the age of the venture and open a new subdivided circuit of shared energy storage power."

This conference not only successfully publicized Besiter's first new product of shared energy storage power supply in the world, but also won wide recognition and praise from insiders and insiders.

As early as 2021, the China Development and Reform Commission and the China Energy Administration officially issued the Guiding Opinions on Accelerating the Development of New Energy Storage , clarifying the independent market dominant position of new energy storage, and making specific plans for the installed scale of new energy storage. Besiter, as an advanced solution provider of shared energy storage power supply in the industry, actively responded to the call of the government, fully implemented the national strategy, relied on scientific research to deepen the subdivision of the shared energy storage power supply circuit, continued to consolidate the product innovation and brand influence, and achieved a stage victory.

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Figure 1

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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At the expert round-table forum of the conference, the guests discussed "whether the shared energy storage power supply is a golden opportunity", "whether the Besiter shared energy storage power supply can continue the glory of the shared charging bank 10 years ago" and other issues. Many authoritative experts in the industry said: Besiter's shared energy storage power supply has three advantages: multiple advantages, economic advantages, and win-win mode. The first is more efficient dispatching operation, more controllable safety and quality, and more prominent economic benefits. The second is the large-scale procurement of energy storage equipment and construction to reduce the initial investment pressure and future operational risks. The third is the sustainable commercial operation path, stable sharing of energy storage revenue sources, and will achieve win-win efficiency mode. The following conclusions are drawn from data and industry cases: The shared energy storage power supply is in the era of rapid development. In the future, it will continue to share the brilliant achievements of the power bank 10 years ago, and continue to create a new model and charm.

Besiter's new products of global shared energy storage power supply can achieve a win-win situation by building a closed-loop ecological development circle. Consumers can enjoy convenient and easy-to-use energy storage power, saving money, time and cost.

In addition to setting up leaders' speeches and round-table forums, the global press conference also opened up a special question and answer channel for journalists. Besiter's responsible person explained in detail the questions of many media reporters on the spot. Besiter's precise industry insight, as well as its strong confidence and confidence in R&D products, stems from the strong strength of this shared energy storage power supply.

Besiter Chairman Pan Liangchun said: "Besiter has established an altruistic outlook on life and determined the corporate mission of altruistic culture. While pursuing the material and spiritual well-being of all Besiters, we provide high-quality products and services for customers, and make contributions to the popularization and convenience of shared charging for mankind. We hope to make changes in the subdivided field of shared energy storage charging, so that the charging cost of the common people is as cheap as drinking water, and everyone can afford it. So we take the lead in breaking through the mutually beneficial business model of realizing rental income through personal purchase. With the help of Besiter sharing platform, consumers can not only meet their own needs, but also supply idle resources to others' needs, and potentially earn rental fees from it. "

Figure 2

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Wang Likun, Vice President of Besiter Business, believes that: "In recent years, the demand for convenient energy storage products in the world has been vigorous. The emergence of Besiter, the world's first new product of shared energy storage power supply, will establish a closed-loop consumption ecosystem and turn a traditional consumer product into a value-added product. On the one hand, it can save money for consumers, bring pleasant and convenient use experience, on the other hand, it can bring business income for providers through leasing, reduce waste, promote low-carbon environmental protection, and promote the transformation and upgrading of the entire industry. "

Figure 3

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7987/157691_05ec0f3ef4b43866_003full.jpg

Dong Xinhua, Vice President of Besiter R&D, pointed out that: "In the early stage of industry development, the difficulty of engaging in in-depth R&D is unimaginable. With only a blueprint and no framework to follow or only ideas and no samples to learn from, you can only feel your way across the river. Everything depends on the deep technical accumulation of the R&D team, combined with various pain points of traditional products, to conceive new products, innovate design, carefully polish, repeatedly test and continuously improve. After several years and thousands of tests, the world's first new product was finally presented to the public confidently. "

Figure 4

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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2023 is the first year to fully implement the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress. Besiter will continue to exert its own advantages and make more efforts and contributions to the development of the industry and social progress in addition to innovative research and development technology and the introduction of shared energy storage power.

Figure 5

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Figure 6

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Media Contact

Contact: Selina Wang

Company Name: Shenzhen Besiter Power Bank Co., Ltd.

Website: www.besiter.com.hk

Email: Selina@besiter.com.cn

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/157691
BHP partners with 2Nations Bird for Development Works and Site Services at BHPs Jansen Potash Project (CNW Group/Bird Construction Inc.)

MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 9, 2023 /CNW/ - Bird Construction Inc. (TSX: BDT), together with BHP and 2Nations Bird Construction Limited Partnership ("2Nations Bird") are pleased to announce that the 2Nations Bird joint venture has been awarded two contracts by BHP for works on the Jansen Stage 1 Potash Project ("Jansen Stage 1") in Saskatchewan. 2Nations Bird is a partnership between Bird, Beardy's and Okemasis Cree Nation's Willow Cree Developments General Partner Inc. and Fishing Lake First Nation's Development Corporation, FLFN Ventures.

The 2Nations Bird partnership is rooted in culture, respect, collaboration and providing sustainable, positive impacts for the communities. It was formed to participate in BHP's Jansen project, providing a full scope of construction and maintenance services. The partnership is focused on procuring goods and services from local Indigenous businesses and aims to maximize employment opportunities for local Indigenous employees. Opportunities for specific training and employment programs will support long-term career employment and advancement opportunities.

2Nations Bird will self-perform concrete foundations work for four main non-process buildings at Jansen, a contract valued at approximately CAD $62 million. The partnership was also awarded a three-year site services agreement where 2Nations Bird has responsibility for general site services during the execution of Jansen Stage 1, as well as maintenance of a variety of facilities currently in operation to service the site. The three-year service agreement is valued at over CAD $110 million.

2Nations Bird has engaged with KDM Constructors, as the designated subcontractor. KDM has been involved with the project with BHP for over seven years, providing contract services for the Jansen site. As a First Nations-owned industrial construction and maintenance service provider, KDM brings together Kawakatoose, Day Star and Muskowekwan Nations along with the Saskatchewan-based SECON Group of Companies. George Gordon Developments Ltd, the economic development arm of the George Gordon First Nation will also be a subcontractor on the site services agreement.

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BHP is investing CAD $7.5 billion to build Jansen Stage 1, which will be one of the world's largest and most sustainable potash mines and is located 140 km from Saskatoon. Jansen Stage 1 is expected to produce approximately 4.35 million tonnes of potash per annum, with the first production planned for late-2026.

"Indigenous and industry partnerships, such as 2Nations Bird Construction, create economic and employment opportunities for our Nation and its members. It allows us to develop capacity, learn from one another, and grow in tandem. More importantly, these types of relationships are critical to advance economic reconciliation which allows us to develop long-term, meaningful, and sustainable outcomes," says Chief Ananas, Beardy's & Okemasis' Cree Nation.

"The Fishing Lake First Nations Development Corporation, FLFN Ventures, is optimistic about the opportunities these two contracts and the partnerships we are involved in to engage in this work, present. We look forward to working with our partners at 2Nations Bird, KDM and BHP," stated Bob Kayseas, Chair, FLFN Ventures, Fishing Lake First Nation.

"With the creation of KDM, we brought together three Nations to build shared community and economic benefit, and we appreciate the long-term partnership we have had with BHP on the Jansen project. It is significant that under this new contract we now bring together six Nations, all connected under Treaty 4 Territory  creating broader benefits for the Nations across the region," said Chief Buffalo, Day Star First Nation.

"BHP is delighted to announce the partnership with 2Nations Bird and we look forward to building strong working relationships," said Simon Thomas, President Potash, BHP. "The award of these contracts is a significant milestone for Jansen Stage 1 and one that will have positive impacts for the local community. We are committed to upholding the opportunity agreements we have with the six First Nations surrounding Jansen and to working with other Indigenous communities to help ensure Indigenous Peoples gain from our presence in the region."

"We are honoured to be chosen as a key partner for BHP's Jansen project and are committed to delivering exceptional results through our 2Nations Bird partnership over the next three years. Together, our shared values of respect and collaboration will be instrumental in creating positive and sustainable impacts in the region," said Mr. Teri McKibbon, President and CEO of Bird. "As a service provider in this vital sector of the Canadian economy, working on BHP's world-class, sustainable potash project is an exciting opportunity."

BHP partners with 2Nations Bird for Development Works and Site Services at BHPs Jansen Potash Project (CNW Group/Bird Construction Inc.)

Bird Forward Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking information (as defined in applicable Canadian securities legislation) that involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to materially differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information.

The Toronto Stock Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

BHP Forward Looking Statements: Certain information in this news release may constitute forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by words such as "plan", "expect", "may", "will", "aim", "should", and similar expressions. In particular, BHP's planned investment in Jansen Stage 1, and the expected potash production and timing of first production from Jansen Stage 1.

It is believed that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable based on the information that is available on the date of this news release; however, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and no assurance can be given that the expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. Such information involves a variety of assumptions, known and unknown risks, and uncertainties, and other factors, which may cause actual results, levels of activity, and achievements to differ materially from those anticipated. Such forward-looking information reflects current beliefs and assumptions with respect to, among other things, regulatory approvals, the performance of assets and equipment, and the ability to meet project schedules.

Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information as a result of, among other things, risks inherent in the performance of assets; applicable laws and government policies; regulatory decisions; competitive factors; prevailing economic conditions; the availability of labour, materials, equipment and services; the occurrence of unexpected events such as fires, severe weather conditions, beyond the control of the Company. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing lists are not exhaustive.

About Bird Construction

Bird (TSX: BDT) is a leading Canadian construction company operating from coast-to-coast and servicing all of Canada's major markets. Bird provides a comprehensive range of construction services from new construction for industrial, commercial, institutional, and civil infrastructure markets; to industrial maintenance, repair and operations services, heavy civil construction, and mine support services; as well as vertical infrastructure including, electrical, mechanical, and specialty trades. For over 100 years, Bird has been a people-focused company with an unwavering commitment to safety and a high level of service that provides long-term value for all stakeholders. www.bird.ca

About BHP

BHP is a global resources company headquartered in Melbourne, Australia and its Canadian headquarters in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. BHP has a global workforce of approximately 80,000 people working in locations across Australia, Asia, the UK, US, Canada and the Americas. BHP produces commodities essential for global decarbonization and economic development including copper, nickel, iron ore, metallurgical coal and is developing the Jansen potash project in Saskatchewan. Further information on BHP can be found at: bhp.com

SOURCE Bird Construction Inc.

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ReportLinker

Biobanks Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (LIMS, Biobanking Equipment), By Biospecimen Type (Organs, Stem Cells), By Biobank Type (Real, Virtual), By Service, By Application, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030.

New York, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Biobanks Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product, By Biospecimen Type, By Biobank Type, By Service, By Application And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06288317/?utm_source=GNW



Biobanks Market Growth & Trends



The global biobanks market size is expected to reach USD 136.9 billion by 2030., registering a CAGR of 8.6% during the forecast period. Biobanks continue to evolve with the introduction of new technologies, such as NGS, and increased focus on genomic medicine. The availability of several types of biospecimens to cater to multiple domains including drug discovery, diagnostics, and others has accelerated the diversification of biorepositories, thereby driving the market. The quality of biospecimens can significantly influence disease testing as well as preclinical and clinical research. Regulatory agencies have played a vital role in spurring the adoption of biobanking services by establishing guidelines for the effective management of samples.



For instance, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released guidelines to minimize human hazards while handling COVID-19 samples. This serves as a model for other biorepositories. Furthermore, as the number of research studies and clinical trials related to COVID-19 is increasing, the demand for high-quality biospecimens is expected to significantly increase in the near future, leading to market growth. In addition, population-based cohort studies are facilitated by biorepositories to estimate the actual seroprevalence. Health Catalyst, Inc., through its Touchstone platform, provides national data related to COVID-19 insights. Such factors are anticipated to contribute to the revenue flow in this space.



The BioResource was created in October 2021 by RareCan, a Hexham-based healthcare start-up dedicated to improving studies into the uncommon forms of cancer.BioResource will retain samples taken after surgery from cancer patients and make them accessible to researchers across the globe who can use them to cure, prevent, and identify the disease.



In December 2021, Newcastle University introduced a new collection of human blood samples and donated human tissue, which could transform efforts to cure rare cancers. The U.K. Biobank has announced that fresh data from a study measuring the range of circulatory metabolomics biomarkers has been added to its database. Nightingale Health, a Finnish business specializing in blood biomarker technologies, conducted the study with 120000 participants.



North America dominated the market with its wide network of centers for biosample storage in the U.S. Moreover, a high number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and increased R&D programs have resulted in the establishment of new biorepositories, thereby driving revenue in North America. In Asia Pacific, the market is anticipated to register the fastest growth owing to the ever-expanding pharmaceuticals and clinical research domain across Asian countries. The key players are engaged in expanding their global reach by partnering with global distributors, mergers, and acquisitions of other players, and entering a strategic alliance with research communities.



Biobanks Market Report Highlights

 The biobanking equipment segment accounted for the maximum revenue share in 2022 owing to the high cost of instruments coupled with an increase in the number of biorepositories

 The biobanking and repository services segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2022 due to the higher penetration of these services and the increased need for the preservation of biosamples for developing precision medicine and disease-specific research

 Human tissues are the most stored sample for clinical research, resulting in the dominance of this sample type in the market

 The virtual biobanks segment is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR during the forecast period owing to the growing demand for 3D biospecimens coupled with the need for rare disease data for biomedical research

 The therapeutics application segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2022 owing to the growing popularity of cell therapies for cancer treatment

 Several pharma/biotech companies have established their private banks to support clinical trials and the development of cell therapies, resulting in revenue growth in this segment

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06288317/?utm_source=GNW



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CONTACT: Clare: clare@reportlinker.com US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001




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The global bovine serum market size is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% from 2023 to 2031, North America and Asia-Pacific are expected to dominate the global bovine serum market.

New York, United States, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bovine serum is a type of serum derived from cow blood that is commonly used in cell culture and other biological research applications. It is a rich source of nutrients, growth factors, and hormones that support cell growth and proliferation. Bovine serum is often added to cell culture media to provide the necessary nutrients and supplements for cell growth and survival. The most commonly used type of bovine serum is a fetal bovine serum (FBS), which is collected from the blood of unborn calves. FBS is highly enriched with growth factors and other nutrients that support cell growth and differentiation. Other types of bovine serum include adult bovine serum (ABS) and calf serum (CS), which are collected from adult cows and young calves, respectively.

Bovine serum is also used in the production of vaccines and other biopharmaceutical products. However, concerns have been raised about the safety and ethical implications of using animal-derived products in research and medical applications, leading to increased interest in the development of alternative, animal-free cell culture media.

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Bovine serum refers to the liquid component of cow blood that is obtained after the removal of blood cells, clotting factors, and other cellular components. It contains a high concentration of growth factors, hormones, and other proteins, making it a valuable supplement for cell culture and tissue engineering applications. Bovine serum is widely used in the production of vaccines, biologics, and other pharmaceuticals, as well as in research laboratories for in vitro cell culture experiments. The serum is sourced from cattle raised under strict health and welfare regulations to ensure the quality and safety of the final product. The demand for bovine serum is increasing due to the growing demand for cell-based research, biologics, and vaccines, particularly in emerging markets such as Asia-Pacific and Latin America. However, concerns over the safety of bovine serum due to the potential risk of transmitting diseases have led to the development of alternatives such as plant-based and synthetic serum.

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Segmental Analysis

Bovine serum can be segmented by form and end-use industry. By form, bovine serum can be classified as dry or liquid. Dry bovine serum is available in the form of lyophilized powder, while liquid bovine serum is sold in bottles or containers. By end-use industry, bovine serum can be segmented into healthcare, food & beverage, husbandry, and others. The healthcare industry uses bovine serum in cell culture, research, and diagnostics. The food & beverage industry uses bovine serum for the fermentation and production of various food products. The husbandry industry uses bovine serum in animal feed, while other industries may use the bovine serum for various applications such as cosmetics and industrial processes.

Report Scope

Report Metric Details CAGR 5.4% (2023-2031) Historical Data 2020-2021 Base Year 2022 Forecast Period 2023-2031 Forecast Units Value (USD Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Form, By End-Use Industry Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, LAME and Rest of the World Key Companies Profiled/Vendors Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Merck KGaA,, Proliant Biologicals, LLC., Rockland, Rocky Mountain Biologicals, Prospec-Tany Technogene Ltd, Biological Industries, BIOWEST SAS, BioVision Inc Key Market Drivers Consumer inclination toward bio-based products



Increasing concerns related to health and hygiene

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Regional Analysis

The global bovine serum market can be analyzed based on various regions, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America and Asia-Pacific are currently the leading markets for bovine serum due to the increasing demand for bovine serum in the healthcare and food & beverage industries in these regions. In Europe, Germany, the U.K., and France are expected to lead the market growth due to the presence of major biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. In the Middle East & Africa, the utilization of bovine serum albumin (BSA) as fodder in desert areas is expected to drive market growth. In Latin America, the large livestock industry is driving market growth, particularly in countries such as Brazil and Argentina.

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Competitors in Bovine Serum Market

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.

Merck KGaA,

Proliant Biologicals, LLC.

Rockland

Rocky Mountain Biologicals

Prospec-Tany Technogene Ltd

Biological Industries

BIOWEST SAS

BioVision Inc.

Segmentation of the Bovine Serum Market

By Form

Dry

Liquid

By End-Use Industry

Healthcare

Food & Beverage

Husbandry

Others

By Region

North America

The U.S.

Canada

Mexico

Europe

Germany

The U.K.

France

Russia

The Netherlands

Italy

Poland

The Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific

China

India

Japan

Australia

South Korea

The Rest of Asia-Pacific

Latin America

Brazil

Colombia

Uruguay

Chile

Argentina

The Rest of Latin America

The Middle East & Africa

Saudi Arabia

The UAE

Oman

Qatar

Turkey

South Africa

The Rest of Middle East & Africa

Table of Content

Executive Summary Research Scope & Segmentation Research Objectives Market Definition Limitations & Assumptions Market Scope & Segmentation Currency & Pricing Considered Market Opportunity Assessment Emerging Regions / Countries Emerging Companies Emerging Applications / End Use Investment Landscape New Business Models / Revenue Streams TAM Market Trends Drivers Market Warning Factors Latest Macro Economic Indicators Geopolitical Impact Human Factors Technology Factors Market Assessment Porters Five Forces Analysis Value Chain Analysis Raw Material Analysis Sales And Distribution Channel Analysis Trade Analysis M & A Agreements & Collabration Analysis Export Import Analysis Cost Structure Analysis ESG Trends Global Bovine Serum Market Size Analysis Global Bovine Serum Market Introduction By Form Introduction Form By Value Dry By Value Liquid By Value By End-Use Industry Introduction End-Use Industry By Value Healthcare By Value Food & Beverage By Value Husbandry By Value Others By Value North America Market Analysis Introduction By Form Introduction Form By Value Dry By Value Liquid By Value By End-Use Industry Introduction End-Use Industry By Value Healthcare By Value Food & Beverage By Value Husbandry By Value Others By Value U.S. By Form Introduction Form By Value Dry By Value Liquid By Value By End-Use Industry Introduction End-Use Industry By Value Healthcare By Value Food & Beverage By Value Husbandry By Value Others By Value Canada Europe Market Analysis Introduction By Form Introduction Form By Value Dry By Value Liquid By Value By End-Use Industry Introduction End-Use Industry By Value Healthcare By Value Food & Beverage By Value Husbandry By Value Others By Value U.K. By Form Introduction Form By Value Dry By Value Liquid By Value By End-Use Industry Introduction End-Use Industry By Value Healthcare By Value Food & Beverage By Value Husbandry By Value Others By Value Germany France Spain Italy Russia Nordic Benelux Rest Of Europe APAC Market Analysis Introduction By Form Introduction Form By Value Dry By Value Liquid By Value By End-Use Industry Introduction End-Use Industry By Value Healthcare By Value Food & Beverage By Value Husbandry By Value Others By Value China By Form Introduction Form By Value Dry By Value Liquid By Value By End-Use Industry Introduction End-Use Industry By Value Healthcare By Value Food & Beverage By Value Husbandry By Value Others By Value Korea Japan India Australia Taiwan South East Asia Rest Of Asia-Pacific Middle East And Africa Market Analysis Introduction By Form Introduction Form By Value Dry By Value Liquid By Value By End-Use Industry Introduction End-Use Industry By Value Healthcare By Value Food & Beverage By Value Husbandry By Value Others By Value UAE By Form Introduction Form By Value Dry By Value Liquid By Value By End-Use Industry Introduction End-Use Industry By Value Healthcare By Value Food & Beverage By Value Husbandry By Value Others By Value Turkey Saudi Arabia South Africa Egypt Nigeria Rest Of MEA LATAM Market Analysis Introduction By Form Introduction Form By Value Dry By Value Liquid By Value By End-Use Industry Introduction End-Use Industry By Value Healthcare By Value Food & Beverage By Value Husbandry By Value Others By Value Brazil By Form Introduction Form By Value Dry By Value Liquid By Value By End-Use Industry Introduction End-Use Industry By Value Healthcare By Value Food & Beverage By Value Husbandry By Value Others By Value Mexico Argentina Chile Colombia Rest Of LATAM Competitive Assessment Adoption Matrix Bovine Serum Market Share By Manufacturers Bovine Serum Market Ranking By Revenue For Manufacturers Average Price By Manufacturers Vendor Footprint Analysis Market Players Assessment Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc Overview Business Information Revenue ASP Gross Margin Swot Analysis Recent Developmments Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc Merck KGaA Proliant Biologicals, LLC Rockland Rocky Mountain Biologicals Prospec-Tany Technogene Ltd Biological Industries BIOWEST SAS BioVision Inc Research Methodology Research Data Secondary Data Major Secondary Sources Key Data From Secondary Sources Primary Data Key Data From Primary Sources Breakdown Of Primaries Secondary And Primary Research Key Industry Insights Market Size Estimation Bottom-Up Approach Top-Down Approach Market Projection Research Assumptions Assumptions Limitations Risk Assessment APPENDIX Discussion Guide Customization Options Related Reports DISCLAIMER

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News Media

Increasing Application in Cell Culture Likely to Escalate the Fetal Bovine Serum Market

Have a Look at the Related Research Report

Fetal Bovine Serum Market : Information by Type (Charcoal Stripped, Stem Cells), Application (Drug Discovery, Cell Culture), End-User (Diagnostics Labs), and Region  Forecast till 2030

Large Molecule Bioanalytical Testing Services Market : Information by Phase (Preclinical, Clinical), End-user (SMEs, Large Firms), and Region  Forecast till 2030

Cell Culture Market : Information by Products (Consumables, Sera, Media, Reagents, and Bioreactors), Application (Stem Cell Technology, Cancer Research), End-User, and Region  Forecast till 2030

Gene Therapy Cell Culture Media Market : Information by Type (Stem Cell Culture Media, Serum-Free Media), End-User (Pharma and Biotech Companies), and Region  Forecast till 2030

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$21 million in funding to expand permanent supportive housing and programs to address homelessness

ORANGE, Calif., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Reflecting CalOptima Health's commitment to Orange County's vulnerable population of people experiencing homelessness, the Board of Directors approved awarding $29.9 million in grants to 29 organizations, including its first-ever funds for permanent supportive housing. Eight community partners will receive a total of $21 million for the acquisition, construction and upgrades of more than 400 total housing units.

CalOptima Health

CalOptima Health's grants are tied to participation in the Department of Health Care Services' Housing and Homelessness Incentive Program (HHIP), which allows the agency to fund permanent supportive housing. HHIP aims to prevent and address housing insecurity for Medi-Cal members by ensuring those experiencing homelessness have a clear path into housing and can access the services needed to remain housed. In addition to funding major projects, grants were also awarded for expanded community-based services that will strengthen Orange County's ability to respond to the continuing homeless crisis.

"These grants will deliver life-changing resources for many individuals and families in Orange County who have struggled to navigate the complex system of homeless services and housing," said Michael Hunn, CEO of CalOptima Health. "Simply put, housing is health. CalOptima Health is honored that $21 million of this funding will go toward permanent supportive housing. By providing stability, permanent housing becomes the very foundation for accessing medical and behavioral health services."

The Salvation Army Orange County was awarded the single largest grant at $4.1 million. "Today is a momentous day," said Major Nesan Kistan, CEO of the Tustin-based organization. "Our partnership with CalOptima Health makes it possible for The Salvation Army to continue to bring hope to thousands of unhoused individuals in Orange County, some of whom have been suffering from chronic homelessness for more than 15 years. This generous grant will allow us to complete the construction of 72 units of permanent supportive housing and accelerate the completion of our brand-new Wellness Center at the Center of Hope. The Wellness Center will care for and serve thousands of individuals experiencing homelessness from across our community for many years to come. We thank CalOptima Health for their commitment and leadership in serving the unhoused in Orange County."

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Midway City-based grantee American Family Housing will build a 111-unit residential community for eligible households experiencing homelessness. "These funds position us to create the infrastructure for a health care system that looks at the whole person and takes into consideration the real-life experience of people who have experienced homelessness in Orange County," said Milo Peinemann, CEO of American Family Housing. "This landmark investment supports a more balanced approach to health care for those who are chronically homeless. People with serious health needs make up the vast majority of the population of people who experience homelessness. We can better tackle homelessness if we address how our health care system handles their social determinants of health."

Grantees in two other categories  capacity building and equity  received a total of $8.9 million. Capacity building grants will help organizations expand the availability of their housing navigation services, such as by adding staff and other resources. Equity grants are designed to enhance programs delivering homeless services for underrepresented populations, such as children, older adults, transgender individuals and certain ethnic groups.

Latino Health Access received a $500,000 capacity building grant. Chief Program Officer Nancy Mejia, MPH, MSW, of the Santa Ana organization said: "This grant will expand our Health and Housing Promotor program to provide an additional 300 housing navigation support services to OC residents to remain in and/or connect to permanent housing. We will also expand our capacity to identify, inform and refer community members facing housing insecurity by building the capacity of Latino Health Access promotores (community health workers)."

Laguna Beach-based Friendship Shelter received capacity building and capital grants. Executive Director Dawn Price concludes: "CalOptima Health is leading the way in our state in assessing our system's needs and swiftly moving these funds into the community. In return, we are eager to accept the responsibility to ensure that these funds go to work immediately to have the intended impact."

Furthermore, CalOptima Health intends to award additional grant funding for permanent supportive housing later this year, based on future HHIP incentives received from the state. "We are just getting started making the kind of transformational changes needed to reach and uplift our community's most vulnerable," said Kelly Bruno-Nelson, Executive Director of Medi-Cal/CalAIM, who is leading the team spearheading efforts in support of whole person health.

About CalOptima Health

A county-organized health system, CalOptima Health provides publicly funded health care coverage for low-income children, adults, seniors, and people with disabilities in Orange County, California. CalOptima Health's mission is to serve member health with excellence and dignity, respecting the value and needs of each person. CalOptima Health serves nearly 974,000 members with a network of more than 9,400 primary care doctors and specialists and 45 acute and rehab hospitals.

ORGANIZATIONS SELECTED AND AWARD AMOUNTS

Capital Grantees Funding Award American Family Housing $2,951,660 City of Anaheim/Anaheim Housing Authority $2,000,000 Community Action Partnership of Orange $98,340 Friendship Shelter $3,850,000 Korean Community Services dba KCS Health Center $2,500,000 Orange County Housing Finance Trust $4,000,000 Pathways of Hope $1,500,000 The Salvation Army Orange County $4,100,000 Capital Grant Total $21,000,000



Capacity Building Grantees Funding Award City of Anaheim $200,000 Community Action Partnership of Orange $79,203 Families Forward $275,128 Family Assistance Ministries $350,000 Friendship Shelter $197,608 Grandma's House of Hope $50,000 Latino Center For Prevention And Action In Health And Welfare dba Latino Health Access $500,000 Lutheran Social Services of Southern California $250,000 Orange County United Way $1,588,215 PATH www.epath.org $883,637 Pathways of Hope $280,000 Radiant Health Centers $474,490 Southland Integrated Services $450,000 Thomas House Temporary Shelter dba Thomas House Family Shelter $254,033 Capacity Building Total $5,832,314



Equity Grantees Funding Award Access California Services $498,427 Alianza Translatinx $221,600 Asian American Senior Citizens Service Center $300,000 Colette's Children's Home $350,000 Family Promise of Orange County $300,000 Grandma's House of Hope $80,000 Homeless Intervention Services of Orange County $370,000 Orange County Family Justice Center Foundation $82,860 South County Outreach $130,000 StandUp for Kids $198,024 The Eli Home Inc. $175,000 WISEPlace $315,400 Equity Grant Total $3,021,311

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SOURCE CalOptima Health
By Azernews

Elnur Enveroglu

With the organizational support of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC), Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan is hosting its 10th Global Baku Forum under the motto The world of today: challenges and hopes on March 9-11, 2023.

Recall that the previous event - the 9th Global Baku Forum under the motto "Challenges to the Global World Order had been organized by NGIC under the patronage of President Ilham Aliyev, on June 16-18, 2022, having brought together representatives of more than 50 countries and reputable international organizations. And today, as the main topic the world we live in with its challenges and hopes for future is going to be the point of discussion.

It is no by accident that Azerbaijan is becoming a hub for bringing all issues in discussion at the forum being held today. And this gives Azerbaijan another opportunity to utter her needs and expectation within the discussions, especially the ongoing challenges towards achieving peace in the region regarding the relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Development of relations starts from efforts towards peace  What Azerbaijan expect from Europe

Prior to the forum, president Ilham Aliyevs meeting with his Latvian counterpart Mr Egils Levits in fact, had many things to say about Azerbaijans expectation from the European Union. The official visit of Latvian president in Baku also looked like much to Europes concern of Bakus interests of exporting energy to the west. During the meeting speeches of diplomats clearly manifested the mutual needs of some collaborative actions.

Political dialogue and economic cooperation, I think, demonstrate our mutual political will in establishing closer relations between us. Also, Latvia plays important role in EU-Azerbaijan cooperation, which develops very successfully. We have signed or adopted declarations and agreements on strategic partnership with nine members of the European Union, which is one third of member-states. This really is a good platform for agreement, which is now being negotiated between Azerbaijan and European Commission. Absolute majority of the agreement is already agreed. So, we need to make final steps. Hopefully, we will do it sooner than later.

President Aliyevs words in this statement mainly targeted to remind Europe of how Azerbaijans political role is weighty, and it is becoming more and more.

Besides, while the ongoing war in Ukraine increases needs for energy supply, it urges Europe to come closer to Azerbaijan as well as to hear more of its regional issues related to is neighbor - Armenia. The only hope is that we have much common to understand each-other  conflict in Ukraine and its impact on Eastern Europe and the Azerbaijan-Armenian relations, the regional peace.

Another piece of the statement of president Ilham Aliyev was more about to mention Azerbaijans responsibility to the commitment of its partnership.

At the same time, Azerbaijan becomes for the European Union more important partner with respect to the energy supplies. We always were considered by the European Commission as a reliable partner. Today we export oil, natural gas, electricity, petrochemicals, oil products and hopefully soon we will start to export green energy. A corresponding agreement between Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania and Hungary, which was witnessed by Madamme President of the European Commission, was signed last December in Bucharest. So, this is really a global, mega project, which comes right after the completion of another mega project, which was the Southern Gas Corridor.

By expressing this in his statement the president of Azerbaijan mainly tried to make an appeasing notes in response to EU's concern of energy. However, the president also directed the attention of EU to the main issue - the conflict in the South Caucasus. Because the development of relations starts from efforts towards peace. While Europes interests and needs pass though Azerbaijan, it makes important the EU Commission and all political actors to maximize their efforts and to make Armenia to give up her empty dreams.

We expect that Armenia will not lose time and will positively respond to our proposal, which is supported by many international actors. Despite devastation and long lasting occupation of our territories, we think that page of hatred must be turned down. We need to look to the future and to establish a peaceful Southern Caucasus. We see the benefits of close cooperation and integration between Baltic countries. We lived in the same country for many years together. So, they managed to establish a close cooperation. Now they are members of EU for many years, members of NATO. They successfully develop. Unfortunately, in the South Caucasus, we had different picture. We had wars, separatism, terrorism, extremism. Now it's time to put an end to that and if it happens, then Southern Caucasus countries like Baltic countries of former Soviet Union, will also have a chance for peaceful and prosperous development.

President Ilham Aliyevs above speech once again underlined Azerbaijans goodwill and deep aspiration for making peace in the South Caucasus amid the start-up process of Azerbaijans mega energy project towards west. Because it's time to put an end to conflicts and boost the economy. There can be no talk of development and revival in a place where there is no end to conflicts, where there is no peace and reconciliation.
Nanaimo, B.C. depot will use 14 fully electric vans and operate as a test location for delivery to Canadians

NANAIMO, BC, March 9, 2023 /CNW/ - Canada Post today unveiled its first depot using battery-electric corporate delivery vehicles, reinforcing the company's commitment to electrify its last mile fleet and help build a sustainable future for Canadians.

Photo (left to right): Canada Post's Suromitra Sanatani, Chair of the Board of Directors, Doug Ettinger, President and CEO, and Sally Dam, Director, Urban Delivery Strategy, stand by one of the new fully electric cargo vans at the Nanaimo, B.C., depot. Photo: Pinpoint National Photography (CNW Group/Canada Post)

The company's Nanaimo depot will use 14 fully electric cargo vans for collection and delivery services, replacing internal combustion vehicles. As part of Canada Post's plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, the company has committed to electrifying half of its national fleet of approximately 14,000 vehicles by 2030 and the entire fleet by 2040.

Doug Ettinger, President and CEO of Canada Post, and Suromitra Sanatani, Chair of the Board of Directors, were on site to announce the depot's official launch of its electric delivery vehicles.

A stronger, greener Canada

"Last year, the Corporation set aside more than $1 billion to cut emissions and move forward on the electrification of its last mile fleet. This critical investment has led to important progress on Canada Post's plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2050," said Ms. Sanatani. "Canadians expect their postal service to play a leading role in the country's transition to a low-carbon future. It's a responsibility that Canada Post embraces."

"Over Canada Post's long history, the postal service has always evolved to meet the changing needs of Canadians and businesses," Mr. Ettinger said. "Our transformation plan invests billions of dollars into service, capacity and greening our operations  because we need to deliver for Canadians, whether that's shipping parcels or helping to build a more sustainable future. When you look at the size of our network, this depot may be a small first step, but it's an important one as we start to build momentum."

Sustainable delivery

Canada Post has committed to a science-based target to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The Corporation is retrofitting its facilities, constructing new net-zero carbon buildings, and sourcing renewable energy for its real estate and operations. The Albert Jackson Processing Centre, its leading-edge parcel sorting facility in Scarborough, Ontario, will operate as net zero and have the capacity to process more than a million packages a day.

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Canada Post is building on decades of experience experimenting with electric and other low-emission vehicles. Now in the preliminary stage of its fleet electrification, the Corporation is introducing vehicles at select plants and depots to evaluate what equipment, charging infrastructure and approaches are best suited to its operational needs. The company has also been testing other innovative, sustainable delivery options. These include e-cargo trikes, which can travel using bike paths, and a compact, low-speed electric cargo vehicle appropriate for some neighbourhood delivery routes. Canada Post will be going to market to compete for new vehicles in a variety of classes.

For links to images of the vehicle and other resources:

External folder with images (click here).

Social media platforms  Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Canada Post

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KINGSEY FALLS, QC, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Cascades is pleased to announce that it has joined the United Nations Global Compact, the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative. In so doing, the Corporation joins thousands of organizations around the worldincluding 189 in Canadathat are committed to responsible and transparent business practices to create a better world.

The Global Compact calls for companies to align their strategies with the United Nations' universal principles that advance societal goals in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment, and anti-corruption. It also requires organizations to take concrete actions to advance the 2030 Global Agenda, which encompasses the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Lastly, in joining the Global Compact, organizations must publish an annual report detailing the actions they took to operate responsibly and support the SDGs.

Cascades joins the United Nations Global Compact (CNW Group/Cascades Inc.)

"Our membership in the United Nations Global Compact is a logical extension of our commitment to sustainability, and we are very pleased to join today a group of companies that share our values and objectives," said Mario Plourde, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Cascades has always operated with a deep commitment to its environmental, social and, more broadly, societal impact. Over the years, we have built our reputation on concrete, innovative actions that our employees can be proud of. We are honoured to be ranked 20th in the world's most sustainable corporations according to the Corporate Knights Global 100."

"In building its latest sustainability plan, Cascades aligned itself with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. That's why the selected targets contribute to 10 of the 17 global goals that rally governments and organizations around the world. Our commitments, respectful of the planet, solutions driven, community minded and people focused, enable us to drive positive change for the benefit of our customers, the communities we operate in, and the planet," said Hugo D'Amours, Vice-President, Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainable Development.

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About the United Nations Global Compact

Launched in 2000, the UN Global Compact is the largest corporate sustainability initiative in the world with more than 15,000 companies and 3,000 non-business signatories based in over 160 countries, and more than 70 local networks.

About Cascades

Founded in 1964, Cascades offers sustainable, innovative and value-added solutions for packaging, hygiene and recovery needs. The company employs approximately 10,000 people, who work in a network of nearly 80 production units in North America. With its management philosophy, half a century of experience in recycling, and continuous efforts in research and development as driving forces, Cascades continues to deliver the innovative products that customers have come to rely on, while contributing to the well-being of people, communities and the planet. Cascades' shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol CAS.

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SOURCE Cascades Inc.
CHICAGO, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The cell dissociation industry is expected to experience significant growth over the next few years, driven by advances in cell culture technology, the increasing use of stem cells in research and drug discovery, and the development of novel cell-based therapies. As the demand for high-quality cell dissociates grows, the industry can expect to see more investments in developing new cell dissociation techniques, such as single-cell isolation, nanotechnology-based cell disruption, and micropipette-based cell dissociation. Additionally, the development of new automation tools and technologies to improve consistency and efficiency of cell dissociation processes are expected to drive future growth. In the coming years, the industry can also expect to see advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning, which could further revolutionize the cell dissociation industry.

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Cell Dissociation Market in terms of revenue was estimated to be worth $0.6 billion in 2023 and is poised to reach $1.4 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 17.8% from 2023 to 2028 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. Key drivers of the cell dissociation market include, growing use of tissue dissociation products in mammalian cell culture and expanding cell therapy production facilities. The mammalian-based capacity for recombinant proteins grew yearly at 10.8%, whereas recombinant microbial-based capacity grew at 3.0% yearly. As cell culture is an integral part of developing mammalian-based recombinant therapeutics, the uptake of cell dissociation products is expected to increase with it.

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Browse in-depth TOC on "Cell Dissociation Market"

206 - Tables

37 - Figures

200 - Pages

Cell Dissociation Market Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2023 $0.6 billion Estimated Value by 2028 $1.4 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 17.8% Market Size Available for 20212028 Forecast Period 20232028 Forecast Units Value (USD Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered Product, Tissue Type, Application, End User, and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and MEA Report Highlights Updated financial information / product portfolio of players Key Market Opportunities Advancements in non-enzymatic tissue dissociation Key Market Drivers Increase in recombinant therapeutics sourced from mammalian cells

Enzymatic dissociation products accounted for the larger share of the cell dissociation market in 2022

Based on the product, the cell dissociation market is segmented enzymatic dissociation products, instruments & accessories, and non-enzymatic dissociation products. In 2022, the enzymatic cell dissociation products segment accounted for the highest revenue. Uptake of cell dissociation enzymes is expected to increase attributed to increasing cell-based research activities.

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By tissue type, the connective tissue segment accounted for the largest market share in 2022

Based on the tissue type, the cell dissociation market is segmented into epethilial tissues, connective tissues, and other tissues such as muscles tissues and nervous tissues. The connective tissues is the dominant segment of the cell dissociation market in 2022 and is also expected to grow at the fastest pace through 2023-2028. In the past few years, extensive research has been performed to achieve a granular understanding of connective tissue structures.

Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are the largest end-users of the cell dissociation market

Based on end-users, the cell dissociation market is segmented into research & academic isntitutes, pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies, and other end users. The pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are the key end users of the cell dissociation market, with highest revenue share in 2022. Increasing insvestments by pharmaceutical companies to develop stem cell-based therapies is expected to strengthen the adoption of cell dissociation products.

North America dominates the global cell dissociation market

The cell dissociation market is segmented into five major regional segments, namely, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. In 2022, North America accounted for the largest share in the cell dissociation market, which is attributed to increasing investments in the development of novel cell-based therapies.

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Cell Dissociation Market Dynamics:

Drivers:

Increase in recombinant therapeutics sourced from mammalian cells Growing focus on personalized medicine cGMP approvals for new cell therapy production facilities

Restraints:

High cost of cell-based research

Opportunities:

Advancements in non-enzymatic tissue dissociation

Challenges:

Limitations associated with dissociated cell culture

Key Market Players:

The cell dissociation market is moderately consolidated in nature with prominent market players such as Merck KGaA (Germany), Danaher Corporation (US), Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (US), Corning Incorporated (US), Becton, Dickinson and Company (US), STEMCELL Technologies (Canada), PromoCell GmbH (Germany), Miltenyi Biotec (Germany), ATCC (US), HiMedia Laboratories (India), PAN-Biotech (Germany), CellSystems GmbH (Germany), AMSBIO (England), Neuromics (US), VitaCyte, LLC. (US), ALSTEM (US), Biological Industries (Israel), Gemini Bio (US), Innovative Cell Technologies, Inc. (US), Central Drug House (P) Ltd. (India), Worthington Biochemical Corporation (US), Capricorn Scientific (Germany), Abeomics (US), and Genlantis, Inc. (US).

Recent Developments

In 2020, Miltenyi Biotec launched automated and closed adherent cell culture solutions on CliniMACS Prodigy.

In 2020, Merck The company expanded its Life Sciences production facilities in Danvers, Massachusetts, and Jaffrey, New Hampshire (US).

In 2020, STEMCELL Technologies partnered with CollPlant to secure CollPlant rhCollagen for STEMCELL's use in cell culture applications.

In 2021, Danaher (Cytiva) partnered with Diamyd Medical, wherein Diamyd selected Cytiva's FlexFactory platform for making precision medicine type-1 diabetes vaccines.

In 2021, Danaher (Cytiva) collaborated with the Government of Telangana (India) to strengthen the biopharma industry in India with new labs.

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Cell Dissociation Market Advantages:

Increased Efficiency: Cell dissociation reagents provide a more efficient and reliable method for dissociating cell samples, which can significantly reduce processing time and improve the quality of the results.

Higher Yields: Cell dissociation reagents are designed to maximize cell yield, allowing for more effective downstream applications such as flow cytometry and immunological assays.

Improved Quality: Cell dissociation reagents help to ensure that cells are undamaged during the isolation process, thereby resulting in higher quality samples.

Cost Effective: Cell dissociation reagents provide a cost-effective solution, as they are typically less expensive than traditional methods.

Greater Flexibility: Cell dissociation reagents offer greater flexibility in terms of the types of cells that can be isolated, allowing for a wider range of downstream applications.

Cell Dissociation Market- Report Highlights:

The value chain analysis, ecosystem analysis, and regulatory scenario are added in the market overview chapter.

The new edition of the report provides updated market breakdown with detailed analysis on tissue types.

The new edition of the report provides updated financial information till 2022 (depending on availability) for each listed company in a graphical representation. This would help in the easy analysis of the present status of profiled companies in terms of their financial strength, profitability, key revenue-generating region/country, and business segment focus in terms of the highest revenue-generating segment.

Recent developments are helpful to understand market trends and growth strategies adopted by players in the market.

Tracking product portfolios of prominent market players helps to analyze the major products and applications in the cell dissociation market. The new edition of the report provides an updated product portfolio of the companies profiled in the report.

Market evaluation framework, market share analysis and competitive leadership mapping have been added in competitive landscape chapter of the report.

The competitive leadership mapping has been updated considering recent developments in the company evaluation matrix.

Related Reports:

Cell Culture Market - Global Forecasts to 2028

Regenerative Medicine Market - Global Forecasts to 2027

Cell Lysis Market - Global Forecasts to 2026

Microcarrier Market - Global Forecasts to 2026

Cell Isolation Market - Global Forecasts to 2025

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Fortune Business Insights

Companies covered in Cold Brew Coffee Market Are Nestle S.A., HighBrewCoffee, The Coca-Cola Company, Starbucks, Califia Farms, JAB Holding Company, Kohana Coffee, RISE Brewing Co., Sleepy Owl, Heartland Food Products Groups

Pune, India, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global cold brew coffee market is likely to rise at a considerable pace driven by the increasing product demand for packaged beverages. The increasing number of product variations will emerge in favor of market growth. According to a report by Fortune Business Insights, titled Cold Brew Coffee Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Arabica, Liberica, Robusta), By Distribution Channel (Company Owned Outlets, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Online Retail Stores, Others) and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030, the market will benefit from the presence of several large scale companies across the world.

The recent coronavirus outbreak has brought major businesses to a standstill. Due to travel bans, companies in this sector are likely to take a huge hit in the coming years. Ultimately, the rapid spread of the disease has urged governments to take strict measures. The report includes the impact on Covid-19 pandemic on the global market and discusses how major companies are coping with this.

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List of Companies Profiled in the Report:

Nestle S.A.

HighBrewCoffee

The Coca-Cola Company

Starbucks

Califia Farms

JAB Holding Company

Kohana Coffee

RISE Brewing Co.

Sleepy Owl

Heartland Food Products Groups

Report Scope & Segmentation:

Report Attribute Details Base Year 2022 Historical Year 2019  2021 Forecast Year 2023  2030 Segments Covered By Type, By Distribution, By Geography Forecast Units Value (USD Billion), and Volume (Units) Quantitative Units Revenue in USD million/billion and CAGR from 2020 to 2029 Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, Latin America and Rest of World Countries Covered Unites States, Canada, Mexico, Unites Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Argentina, GCC Countries, and South Africa, among others

Highlights of the Report:

While making the report, we segmented the market on the basis of product, type, consumption, distribution channel, and region. Based on the segmentation, we made a list of companies and conducted a detailed analysis of their financial positions, product portfolios, and growth strategies. Our next step included the study of core competencies of key players and their market share to anticipate the degree of competition. The bottom-up procedure was conducted to arrive at the overall size of the market.

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Browse Detailed Summary of Research Report with TOC:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/cold-brew-coffee-market-102647

Cold brew coffee is one of the most popular products across the world. The changing consumer preference towards food and beverages has created a massive platform for cold brew coffee manufacturers. The increasing demand for ready-to-go drinks and beverages will bode well for the growth of the overall market in the coming years. The massive investments in the research and development of efficient products will prove beneficial for the emerging companies in the market. The presence of several large scale companies in this sector will provide impetus to the growth of the market in the coming years. The longer shelf-life of packaged products will lead to a wider consumption of cold brew coffee across the world. Additionally, the introduction of flavoured beverages amongst coffee categories will also create several platforms for market growth.

Nestles Decision to Expand its Cold-brew Range will Prove Hugely Successful

The report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the growth of the overall market in recent years. Among all factors, the increasing number of product variations and innovations has made the highest impact on the growth of the market. Accounting to the potential held by these beverages, several companies are looking to capitalize on this situation by introducing newer flavors and variations. In May 2018, Nestle announced that it will be introducing a new range of cold-brew coffee flavor. The company announced that it will be introducing two new variants that are developed with natural ingredients. The company claims that these products will possess a new flavour that hasnt been introduced in previous years. Increasing number of product variations will have a huge impact on the growth of the overall market in the coming years.

North America to Emerge Dominant; Adoption of Fast Paced Lifestyle Habits will Emerge in Favor of Market Growth

The report analyses the ongoing market trends across five major regions, including North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa. Among all regions, the market in North America is projected to emerge dominant in the coming years. The increasing adoption of a fast paced lifestyle, especially in the United States, has played a huge part in the growth of the regional market. Large scale companies such as Starbucks are constantly introducing newer variants as well as flavors in cold brew coffees and the massive popularity of Starbucks variants is evident. The presence of several large scale companies in this region will subsequently influence the growth of the regional market.

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Industry Developments:

September 2019: Honest announced the launch of a new Cold Brew Coffee in three different flavors viz., Unsweet Black, Just a Tad Sweet Cubano, and Mocha.

Read Related Insights:

RTD Coffee Market Size to Reach USD 42.36 Billion by 2027; Growing Adoption of Fast-paced Lifestyle Habits will Bode Well for Market Growth, says Fortune Business Insights

United States Liquid Coffee Market to Hit USD 9.61 Billion by 2029 | Exhibiting a CAGR of 6.17% during 2022-2029

Non-alcoholic Beverages Market to Surpass USD 1,257.77 Billion by 2027 | Current Trend of Maintaining Health and Fitness to Boost Growth

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.

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LAGOS, NIGERIA / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2023 / Continental Lithium Limited ("Continental Lithium," "Continental," or the "Company"), the first emerging lithium mining and trading company out of Nigeria focused on the exploration, mining, trading and exporting of solid minerals ores, including lithium spodumene, tin, columbite, zircon sand (brown), monazite and tantalite to the U.S., Europe and Asia, is pleased to announce that the Board of Directors has appointed W. Pierce Carson, PhD, to the role of Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Carson was also concurrently appointed to the Company's board of directors.

A senior executive with an international mining career spanning over 40 years, Dr. Carson has held the positions of Senior Geologist, Overseas Mineral Evaluation, and Exploration Manager, Australia for Exxon Minerals Company; Manager of Precious Metals Exploration, North America for Kennecott Copper Corporation; President and Director of Mining & Exploration Operations in Australia, Papua New Guinea, USA, Canada, and Mexico for Nord Pacific Ltd.; President and Vice-President of Exploration for Nord Resources Corporation; Chief Executive Officer for Santa Fe Gold Corporation; and Chief Executive Officer for Magellan Gold Corporation.

Dr. Carson has managed the discovery, financing, development and operation of precious metals, base metals and industrial minerals properties in the U.S., Australia, Africa, and Papua New Guinea. He has been responsible for or closely involved with the development of numerous mineral deposits into active mines, including the Kurara Gold Mine, Western Australia; Emu South Gold Mine, Western Australia; Girilambone Copper Mine, NSW, Australia; Tritton Copper Mine, NSW, Australia; Simberi Gold Mine, Papua New Guinea; Ramu Nickel Mine, Papua New Guinea; Sierra Rutile Titanium Dioxide Mine, Sierra Leone, West Africa; Johnson Camp Copper Mine, Arizona; and Summit Silver-Gold Mine, New Mexico. Dr. Carson holds a PhD in Economic and Structural Geology and an MS in Ore Deposits from Stanford University, and a bachelor's degree in Geology from Princeton University.

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Lanre Afebuameh, Founder and former CEO of Continental Lithium, commented, "We are delighted to welcome a CEO of Dr. Carson's caliber to Continental Lithium, and we look forward to the wealth of experience, knowledge, and expertise that he brings. His global leadership and track record in exploration, development, and operation of mining projects will prove invaluable as we move towards achieving our goal of becoming one of the leading lithium producers globally."

Dr. Carson added, "I am excited to join the Continental Lithium team and take on the role of CEO during this pivotal growth phase for the company. I look forward to helping build on Lanre's original vision and working together to develop a world-class team that is focused on delivering results."

Afebuameh has assumed the roles of President and Executive Vice Chairman of Continental Lithium, where he will work with Dr. Carson to further Continental's growth and goal of becoming a leading global mining company.

About Continental Lithium

Founded in 2017, the Company commenced small-scale mining in collaboration with artisanal miners in 2018. Over the last five years, the underlying assets acquired by Continental Lithium have produced approximately 15,000 metric tons of lithium concentrate. The Company has plans to develop its lithium and rare earth mineral assets and substantially increase its production for export to the U.S., Europe and Asia. Continental Lithium currently owns 100% interest in 26 minerals licenses covering 61,500 hectares which were acquired from the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office. 15 of the 26 licenses cover 45,900 hectares for lithium and other pegmatite-hosted mineralization of tin, tantalum, niobium and gemstones. In addition, the Company's licenses are prospective for columbite, zircon sand, monazite, tantalite and other rare earth metals. Learn more at https://continental-lithium.com/.

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other important factors that could cause the Company's actual results, performance, or achievements or industry results to differ materially from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control. The words "believes", "may", "will", "should", "would", "could", "continue", "seeks", "anticipates", "plans", "expects", "intends", "estimates", or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. Any forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this release. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. The Company cannot assure you that the projected results or events will be achieved.

Investor Contact:

RedChip Companies Inc.

Dave Gentry

1-800-RED-CHIP (733-2447)

or 407-491-4498

dave@redchip.com

SOURCE: Continental Lithium Limited





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DUBLIN, March 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Debt Collectors (Nordic) - Industry Report" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

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The Debt Collectors (Nordic) Analysis provides a detailed overview of the Debt Collectors (Nordic) market and delivers a comprehensive individual analysis on the top 150 companies, including AB Syna, Asker Og Baerum Boligbyggelag Ba and Bisnode Kredit AB.



This report covers areas such as debt, finance, collection, collect, repayment and includes a wealth of information on the financial trends over the past four years.



The publisher's latest Debt Collectors (Nordic) analysis is ideal for anyone wanting to:

See the market leaders

Identify companies heading for failure

Seek out the most attractive acquisition

Analyse industry trends

Benchmark their own financial performance

Using the publisher's exclusive methodology, a quick glance of this Debt Collectors (Nordic) report will tell you that 22 companies have a declining financial rating, while 38 have shown good sales growth.



Each of the largest 150 companies is meticulously scrutinised in an individual assessment and analysed using the most up-to-date and current financial data.



Every business is examined on the following features:

The Publisher's Chart: A graphical assessment of a company's financial performance

Four year assessment of the profit/loss and balance sheet

A written summary highlighting key performance issues

Subsequently, you will receive a thorough 100-page market analysis highlighting the latest changes in the Debt Collectors (Nordic) market.



This section includes:

Best Trading Partners

Sales Growth Analysis

Profit Analysis

Market Size

Rankings

The publisher provides busy managers with a set of tools to monitor the financial welfare of their company, their rivals, or those they wish to acquire. The reports are used to assess the attractiveness of potential acquisitions, gain better understanding of a market and identify sound companies with whom to trade.





Key Topics Covered:



The Debt Collectors (Nordic) analysis is the most definitive and accurate study of the Debt Collectors (Nordic) sector in 2021.



The report is split into two sections and uses both a written and graphical analysis - analysing the 150 largest Debt Collectors (Nordic) companies.



The Debt Collectors (Nordic) report contains the most-up-to-date financial data and the publisher applies these figures to create their unique and authoritative analysis.



Indeed, the first section thoroughly scrutinises the market and this section includes the following:

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Best Trading Partners: These are companies that are winning in both sales and financial strength - for example Gothia As has been ranked as a best trading partner in the industry.

Sales Growth Analysis: This section reviews the fastest growing and fastest shrinking company - for example Kravia As is among the fastest growing.

Profit Analysis - Analysis of gross profit and pre-tax profit over the last ten years and a profitability summary comparing profits in the industry against small, medium and large companies.

Market Size: Based on the largest 150 companies, this is a comparison between last year's market size and the most current figure.

Rankings: The top 50 companies ranked by: Market Share, Sales Growth, Gross Profit and Pre-tax Profit.

The next section focuses on company analysis and provides an in-depth analysis of the largest companies within the Debt Collectors (Nordic) industry.



Each business is analysed using the publisher's unequivocal model and culminates in the production of The Publisher's Chart. The Publisher's Model uses a series of charts to graphically analyse an individual company and measure its ability to achieve sales growth while maintaining financial strength.



The Publisher's Chart is a quick and dependable method of analysing a company's financial well-being. It's simple to understand: a rising line is good news and a falling line is bad news.



Therefore, this company analysis will tell you if a company is:

Strong or heading for failure

Utilising their investments

Becoming burdened by debt

Getting the most from their resources

The Debt Collectors (Nordic) analysis also provides you with full business name and address, name and ages of directors and registration address.



A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes

AB Syna

Asker Og Baerum Boligbyggelag Ba

Bisnode Kredit AB

Subject to change on a month-by-month basis.



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/env9k2

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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.

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SOURCE Research and Markets
Delta 9 Cannabis

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DELTA 9 CANNABIS INC. (TSX:DN) (OTCQX:DLTNF) (Delta 9 or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has completed the installation and implementation of its new fully-automated pre-roll manufacturing equipment at the Companys Winnipeg, Manitoba facilities, significantly increasing the Companys capacity to manufacture pre-rolled cannabis products. The Company is also pleased to announce that the pre-roll automation project has been funded in partnership with the Canadian Agricultural Partnership AG Action Manitoba program, through a Contribution Agreement for $175,000, or 25% of the overall project cost.



The expansion in pre-roll manufacturing capacity marks a significant milestone for Delta 9. In 2022 we produced and sold over 1 million cannabis pre-rolls, generating over $2.3 million in revenue, said John Arbuthnot, CEO of Delta 9. We anticipate that the new automated pre-roll equipment will allow Delta 9 to produce up to four million pre-rolls per year with significantly lower manufacturing costs and improved contribution margins from the sale of pre-roll products. We want to thank the Government of Manitoba for their partnership in this investment through the AG Action Manitoba program.

The Company plans to add multiple strain specific and innovative cannabis pre-roll products to its portfolio in 2023 and views the pre-roll segment as a key growth driver for the Companys wholesale cannabis business.

The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a bilateral agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of Manitoba which oversees the AG Action Manitoba program (the Program). The Program funds investments in the Manitoba agriculture sector with a directive to enhance the diversification, competitiveness, and sustainability of the agriculture, agri-food, and agri-product sector by accelerating the pace of innovation in the Province of Manitoba.

Story continues

For more information contact:

Investor & Media Contact:

Ian Chadsey VP Corporate Affairs

Mobile: 204-898-7722

E-mail: ian.chadsey@delta9.ca

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 www.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 (i) statements relating to the Companys plans to increase sales of cannabis pre-roll products, (ii) the Companys plans to realize improved manufacturing costs and contribution margins and (iii) the Companys plans to introduce new cannabis pre-roll products. 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 30, 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.




FACT.MR

Development of Numerous Imaging Modes Is Set To Help Researchers In Capturing High-Definition Images And Videos During Viral Antigen Immunogenicity Analysis

Paris, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fact.MR has provided detailed information about the price points of key manufacturers of viral antigens positioned across regions, sales growth, production capacity, and speculative technological expansion, in the recently published report.



Fact.MR  A Market Research and Competitive Intelligence Provider: As per the latest study by Fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider, the global viral antigens market is estimated at US$ 175.9 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand at a high CAGR of 8.2% from 2022 to 2032.

The entire world is facing health problems related to the rising outbreaks of various infectious & viral diseases, for which, viral antigens play a very crucial role. Investments in technology by government authorities as well as key market players support bringing in novel techniques to expand the production of antibodies in a host body.

Download a Free Sample Copy of Viral Antigens Market Report

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The introduction of viral antigens comes with several advantages such as ease of production & quality control, low level of toxicity, safe in case of oncogenic viruses, and feasibility if a virus cannot be cultivated. Thus, viral antigens are gaining the attention of researchers and clinicians, which is reflecting in the high market growth. In addition, advancements in image analysis software and informatics platforms for viral antigen detection are flourishing the development of vaccine research.

Fact.MR suggests that manufacturers need to invest in conducting clinical trials for further product improvisation. Key players need to introduce more immunogenic viral antigen vaccines than conventional inactivated whole-virus vaccines.

Key Takeaways from Market Study

The global viral antigens market is projected to expand at an impressive CAGR of 8.2% and be valued at US$ 388.1 billion by 2032.

The market expanded at 7.7 % CAGR between 2017 and 2021.

Under detection technique, ELISA is estimated to be valued at US$ 55.5 billion in 2022.

North America dominated the global market with 49% share in 2021.

Sales of viral antigens are expected to increase at CAGRs of 8.4% and 9.8%, respectively, in North America and East Asia.



Story continues

For Comprehensive Insights Ask An Analyst Here -

https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=AE&rep_id=1305

Competitive Landscape

Prominent viral antigen manufacturers are

Microbix Biosystems Inc.

Bio Rad Laboratories

Creative Diagnostics

Aalto Bio Reagents

The native antigen company

Meridian bioscience

Inbios

ProSpec-Tany TechnoGene Ltd.

Technological improvements in the biopharmaceutical industry are providing substantial growth prospects for viral antigen suppliers. Additionally, manufacturers are focusing on new product launches and product development. Hence, the rise in new product launches and developments, including the introduction of numerous novel recombinant antigens for the growth of antibody tests for COVID-19, will hasten the development of the market.

Apart from organic tactics, key market players are also adopting inorganic growth strategies for business expansion and the generation of a high-revenue share in the market.

In May 2020 , the U.S. FDA issued the EUA to Quidel Corporation for its Sofia 2 SARS Antigen FIA. It is a new category of test that can quickly detect protein particles on or within the coronavirus. The test is conducted by taking samples from the nasal cavity of patients.

In May 2020, Bio-Rad Laboratories, a U.S.-based developer of high-quality products for the clinical diagnostics market, bagged the EUA approval for its SARS-CoV-2 Total Ab test from the U.S. FDA. It is a blood-based test for identifying the antibodies created by the human body in response to COVID-19.

Segmentation of Viral Antigens Industry Research

By Component : Influenza Coronavirus Zika Ebola Dengue Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Rotavirus Epstein-Barr Hepatitis A-E Parainfluenza Measles Adenovirus Mumps/Parotitis Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) Others

By Detection Technique : ELISA Immunoassay Hemagglutination Radioimmunoassay (RIA) Immunoperoxidase Staining Immunofluorescence Electron Microscopy Others

By End User : Hospitals Clinics Laboratories Diagnostic Centers Blood Banks Research Institutes

By Region : North America Latin America Europe East Asia South Asia & ASEAN Oceania MEA



Market Development

Viral antigen suppliers are focusing on investing in research and development activities to amplify product development and gain a competitive edge in the market. Apart from that, mid-level and emerging players are competing with each other to gain fast approvals from government authorities to establish their products in the market.

Moreover, key players are investing in small start-ups and using diverse strategies such as mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and joint ventures to maintain supremacy in the viral antigens market. The important aim behind this is to uphold a leading position in the market for viral antigens.

Purchase This Report through Secured PayPal Payment Gateway

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More Valuable Insights on Offer

Fact.MR, in its new offering, presents an unbiased analysis of the global viral antigens market, presenting historical market data (2017-2021) and forecast statistics for the period of 2022-2032.

The study reveals essential insights on the basis of component (influenza viral antigens, coronavirus antigens, zika virus antigens, ebola virus antigens, dengue virus antigens, herpes simplex virus (HSV) viral antigens, rotavirus viral antigens, epstein-barr virus antigens, hepatitis A-E virus antigens, parainfluenza virus antigens, measles virus antigens, adenovirus viral antigens, mumps/parotitis virus antigens, varicella zoster virus (VZV) antigens, others), detection technique (ELISA, immunoassay, hemagglutination, radioimmunoassay (RIA), immunoperoxidase staining, immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, others), and end user (hospitals, clinics, laboratories, diagnostic centers, blood banks, research institutes), across major regions of the world (North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia & ASEAN, Oceania, and the Middle East & Africa).

Key Questions Covered in the Report

What is the projected valuation of the viral antigen in 2023?

At what rate will the global viral antigen market grow until 2033?

Which are the factors hampering the growth in the viral antigen Industry?

Which region is expected to lead in the global viral antigen market during 2023 to 2033?

Which are the factors driving the viral antigen market during the forecast period?

What is the expected market value of the viral antigen market during the forecast period?

Browse Fact.MRs Latest Coverage on Healthcare Domain

Virus Filtration Market Scope: Virus Filtration Market Analysis By Type (Virus Filtration Kits & Reagents, Services, Filtration Systems & Others) By Application (Biological, Medical Devices, Water Purification, Air Purification & Others) By End-User and Region  Global Market Insights 2022 to 2026

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Nipah Virus Testing Market Survey:The global Nipah Virus Testing market at present is valued at USD 1975.80 Million in the year 2022. The Nipah Virus Testing market is anticipated to grow with a CAGR of 5.5% in the forecast period. The market is further expected to surpass a valuation of USD 3374.95 Million by end of 2032.

Norovirus Treatment Market Insights: Norovirus Treatment Market By Product (Electrolytes, Intravenous Fluids, Antipyretics, Analgesics), By End User (Hospital Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies) - Global Market Insights 2018 to 2026

Cytomegalovirus Assay Industry: Cytomegalovirus Assay Market is fueled owing to rise in prevalence of cytomegalovirus infection, growing awareness among population regarding herpes disease and technological advancement in the diagnosis of the cytomegalovirus.

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Absolute Reports Pvt Ltd

Pune, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Digital Services Consulting Market report is knowledge and experience shared by industry experts to take correct decisions for manufacturers, new entrants, and industry chain-related companies. The report includes a worldwide study with top players in the Market, growth in the near future, revenue and share in the Market, challenges, and opportunities in the past and future.

Digital Services Consulting Market report offers segmentation by product type, application, regional breakup, Market size, volume, and value. This report has delivered the key development plans, such as innovative trends and expansions, strengthening of product portfolio, mergers and acquisitions, collaborations, new product invention, and geographical development, undertaken by these participants to maintain their presence.

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The main purpose of digital services consulting is to help companies and organizations achieve their goals in innovation and digital transformation in the most efficient way and stay relevant in the market using information technology and digital channels. Digital Services Consulting market finds that the global Digital Services Consulting market reached a value of USD 94845.07 million in 2022. Its expected that the market will achieve USD 179385.45 million by 2028, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.21% during the forecast period.



Geographic Segmentation: -

North America

Europe

Asia-Pacific

South America

The Middle East and Africa

From 2022-2027, North America is estimated to witness robust growth prospects.



Key players in the global Market include: -

McKinsey & Company

Bain & Company

EY Consulting

Deloitte Consulting LLP

KPMG International

Boston Consulting Group

IBM

Centric Consulting

PwC

Baker Tilly Digital

Accenture

Oracle Consulting

Accenture is one of the major players operating in the Digital Services Consulting market, holding a share of 14.15% in 2021.



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Accenture provides management consulting, technology, and outsourcing services. The Company offers its management consulting services in customer relationship management, finance and enterprise performance, operations, risk management, strategy, and talent and organization service areas. Accenture offers services globally.



IBM provides computer solutions. The Company offers application, technology consulting and support, process design and operations, cloud, digital workplace, and network services, as well as business resiliency, strategy, and design solutions. IBM serves clients worldwide.



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Segmentation by Types: -

Big Data

IoT Analytics

Data Visualization

Data Analysis

Others

Among different product types, Big Data segment is anticipated to contribute the largest market share in 2027.



Segmentation by Applications: -

Large Enterprises

Small and Mid-sized Enterprises (SMEs)

COVID-19 and Russia-Ukraine War Influence Analysis: -

The readers in the section will understand how the Digital Services Consulting Market scenario changed across the globe during the pandemic, post-pandemic, and Russia-Ukraine War. The study is done keeping in view the changes in aspects such as demand, consumption, transportation, consumer behavior, supply chain management, export and import, and production.

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Reasons to Buy This Report: -

This report stays updated with novel technology integration, features, and the latest developments in the Market

This report helps stakeholders to understand the COVID-19 and Russia-Ukraine War Influence on the Digital Services Consulting industry.

This report helps stakeholders to gain insights into which regions to target globally

This report helps stakeholders to gain insights into the end-user perception concerning the adoption of Digital Services Consulting.

This report helps stakeholders to identify some of the key players in the Digital Services Consulting Market and understand their valuable contributions.

TOC of Digital Services Consulting Market Research Report: -

1. Market Definition and Statistical Scope

2. Research Findings and Conclusion

3 Key Companies Profile

4. Global Digital Services Consulting Market Segmented by Type

5 Global Digital Services Consulting Market Segmented by Downstream Industry

6 Digital Services Consulting Industry Chain Analysis

7. The Development and Dynamics of Digital Services Consulting Market

8 Global Digital Services Consulting Market Segmented by Geography

9 North America

10 Europe

11 Asia Pacific

12 Latin America

13 Middle East & Africa

14. Global Digital Services Consulting Market Forecast by Geography, Type, and Downstream Industry 2023-2029

15 Appendix

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Future Market Insights Global and Consulting Pvt. Ltd.

Rising Standards for Wound Management to Help Advance Market Growth: Market Anticipated to Expand at 3.8% CAGR. Increase in Diabetes Mellitus Cases Driving Sales of Digital Wound Measurement Devices in North America. Rising Burn Wounds Cases in India fueling Opportunities for Digital Wound Measurement Device Providers

NEWARK, Del, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global Digital Wound Measurement Devices Market is predicted to register a CAGR of 3.8% over the forecast period, as per FMIs analysis. The industrys size is anticipated to increase from US$ 2,266.6 million in 2023 to US$ 3,293.3 million by 2033 end.



The demand for digital wound measurement devices is being fueled by the prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, etc. The rise in the geriatric population is also catalyzing market development. Inflating disposable incomes of the population, adoption of irregular sleeping and eating habits; and altering lifestyles are projected to boost market development over the forecast period. In addition to this, the usage of digital wound measurement devices is anticipated to help minimize overall healthcare expenditure, thus promoting market growth over the upcoming years.

Growing demand for accurate wound measurement via Electronic Medical Record (EMR) software is prompting the use of digital wound measurement devices. Increasing demand for better diagnostic purposes is pushing the application of digital wound measurement devices. Moreover, the market is being spurred by the increase in laboratories outfitted with the latest, more advanced medical facilities, and the surge in target population across the globe.



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Top Highlights as Per FMIs Analysis of the Digital Wound Measurement Devices Market:

The United States digital wound measurement devices industry is predicted to stay at the top in the forecast period as well. With US$ 1,026 million as the expected market estimation for the year 2033, the United States is anticipated to rule over all the countries. The market is projected to expand at 3.3% CAGR in the next 10 years.

Canada is assessed to follow the United States' lead, by amassing US$ 444.7 million by 2033. The country is projected to register a 4.4% CAGR in the next decade.

In the Europe region, Germanys contribution to the digital wound measurement devices industry is projected to be sizeable. Germany is anticipated to attain US$ 210.5 million by the end of 2033. The market is expected to display a 3.5% CAGR over the forecast period.

The United Kingdom is anticipated to expand at a significant pace of 5.6% CAGR in the forthcoming years. By 2033 end, the market is predicted to gain US$ 163.7 million.

In the Asia Pacific region, China market is prominent. The market is estimated to amass a total of US$ 130.9 million by 2033. The market is projected to exhibit a 4.2% CAGR over the forecast period.





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Whats Brewing among Top Players?

Key participants in the market are invigorating their presence by launching new products or releasing new versions outfitted with advanced functionality. Some other common expansion practices among key players include acquisition, mergers, research, development, etc. Given below are some latest market developments:

In March 2022, Perceptive Solutions, Inc., developer of WoundZoom Digital Wound Management, revealed the expanded functionality and advancements of their WoundZoom Mobile solution, equipped with auto border wound detection technology.

In April 2021, Perceptive Solutions, Inc., announced the launch of the WoundZoom Mobile application. This new solution arms healthcare provider by offering them an efficient and intelligent way to manage wound care.

The Digital Wound Measurement Devices Market Report Profiles the Following Key Players

Perceptive Solutions Inc.

ARANZ Medical

Smith & Nephew plc.

WoundVision Inc.

WoundMatrix Inc.

KCI

Parable Health

Hitachi Healthcare Americas

3M Company

WoundRight Technologies

Key Segments of Digital Wound Measurement Devices Industry Survey

By Wound Type:

Diabetic Ulcer

Chronic Wounds

Burns

Incisional

Traumatic



By End User:

Hospitals

Clinics

By Region:

North America

Latin America

Europe

East Asia

South Asia & Pacific

The Middle East and Africa

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Table of Content



1. Executive Summary | Digital Wound Measurement Devices 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

3.2. Scenario Forecast

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Old Source: Digital Wound Measurement Devices Market to Witness Growth Prospects Due to High Urbanization Rate Across Developing Economies -Future Market Insights




Sabina Mammadli

Media representatives visit the units and combat positions of Azerbaijani servicemen serving in the liberated territories, Azernews reports, citing the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

The media tour was organized by the Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan in order to familiarize them with the combat training and combat duty of Azerbaijani servicemen serving in the liberated lands, as well as their social and living conditions.

During the visit, the media representatives got acquainted with the conditions created in the units, watched the activities of military personnel, and filmed and interviewed the servicemen.

The servicemen expressed satisfaction with the conditions created for them and expressed their pride for serving in the liberated territories.

As part of the media tour, flowers and gifts were presented to a group of female servicemen and civilian workers who serve in the liberated territories, including a journalist who took part in the event in honor of International Women's Day.

Currently, the work is underway to restore Azerbaijan's liberated lands. Azerbaijan will rebuild its recently liberated areas in four stages. The initial stage includes the solution of the issues of governance and security, and infrastructure, while the subsequent stages include the solution of the issues of social services activities, reconstruction, and development of the economy.
NEW YORK, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dominari Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: DOMH) ("Dominari" or the "Company") today provided an update on the $2 million share repurchase program (the "Share Repurchase Program") authorized by the Company's Board of Directors on December 5, 2022.

Dominari Holdings Logo (PRNewsfoto/Dominari Holdings Inc.)

The Company reported that on March 8, 2023, the Company purchased 5,000 shares of common stock at $4.1979 per share.

Additional shares may be repurchased from time to time in open market transactions, or other means in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and Rule 10b -18 of the Exchange Act. The timing, number of shares repurchased, and prices paid for the stock under this program will depend on general business and market conditions as well as corporate and regulatory limitations, including blackout period restrictions.

About Dominari Holdings Inc.

Dominari Holdings Inc. (f/k/a Aikido Pharma Inc.) until recently was focused primarily on the development of a diverse portfolio of small-molecule anticancer and antiviral therapeutics and related patent technology. In September 2022, the Company agreed to acquire a registered broker-dealer and transition its primary business operations to fintech and financial services. Upon the final closing of this acquisition, the Company's fintech and financial services business will be operated through its subsidiary, Dominari Financial Inc. The Company continues to develop its therapeutics and related patent technology, as well as other ventures, through its subsidiary, Aikido Labs, LLC.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," "predict," "forecast," "project," "plan," "intend" or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation those set forth in the Company's filings with the SEC, not limited to Risk Factors relating to its business contained therein. Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

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Contact:

Investor Relations:

Hayden IR

Brett Maas, Managing Partner

Phone: (646) 536-7331

Email: brett@haydenir.com

www.haydenir.com

Dominari Holdings Inc. (f/k/a AIkido Pharma Inc):

Phone: 212-745-1373

Email: investorrelations@aikidopharma.com

www.aikidopharma.com

Cision

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SOURCE Dominari Holdings Inc.
Fortune Business Insights

Major Companies Covered in Dry Ice Market are Central McGowan, VICTEX, ASCO CARBON DIOXIDE LTD, The Iceman., Linde, Merck KGaA, Polar Ice Ltd, Chillistick Ltd., Thomas Scientific, Pacific/Reliant Dry Ice, Praxair Technology, Inc., nexAir LLC

Pune, India, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to Fortune Business Insights, the global dry ice market size is expected to experience a considerable growth owing to the growing demand for dry ice from the pharmaceutical industry across the globe. This information is published by Fortune Business Insights, in its upcoming report

Dry ice, also known as solid carbon dioxide, is a form of carbon dioxide that is commonly used for cooling and freezing applications. It is produced by compressing and cooling gaseous carbon dioxide to a temperature below its triple point (-56.4C), causing it to condense into solid dry ice.

The new coronavirus, COVID- 19 has impacted several diligence owing to the total lockdown blazoned by the government agencies across the globe. The unknown profitable loss has been huge and the businesses are reeling to get back to normality. A collaborative trouble between the government and diligence will insure that the global frugality gets back in track in the near future.

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List of the Companies Operating in the Dry Ice Market are:

Central McGowan

VICTEX

ASCO CARBON DIOXIDE LTD

The Iceman.

Linde

Merck KGaA

Polar Ice Ltd

Chillistick Ltd.

Thomas Scientific

Pacific/Reliant Dry Ice

Praxair Technology, Inc.

nexAir LLC

What does the Report Include?

The request report includes quantitative and qualitative analysis of several factors similar as the crucial motorists and conditions that will affect the request growth. The report provides perceptivity into the indigenous analysis that covers different regions, contributing to the growth of the request. It includes the competitive geography that involves the leading companies.

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It further mentions the strategies espoused by them, similar as to introduce new products, advertise hookups, and collaboration that will contribute to the growth of the request between 2020 and 2027. also, the exploration critic has espoused several exploration methodologies similar as PESTEL and geek analysis to prize information about the current trends and assiduity developments that will drive the request growth in the forthcoming times.

Major Factor Covered in Dry Ice Market:

All-encompassing report of the market

Critical insights into the market

Dominant regions in the world

Market drivers and restraints

Competitive landscape

COVID-19 impact

DRIVING FACTORS

Rising Pharmaceutical Industry to Favor Market Growth

The adding prevalence of habitual conditions and the growing number of surgical procedures are driving the demand for effective specifics. It's vital that the drugs need to be in optimum condition to maintain its effectiveness. In addition to this, there are specifics that are time and temperature sensitive that propel the demand for dry ice and its operation. The surging demand for soda pop and carbonated drinks that's manufactured using dry ice is anticipated to further forebode well for the growth of the global dry ice request during the cast period.

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REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Asia-Pacific to Remain at the Forefront; Rising Demand for Food Preservation Application to Aid Growth

Among all the regions, Asia- Pacific is anticipated to hold the loftiest position in the global dry ice request in the forthcoming times. This is ascribable to the rising demand of dry ice for food preservation operation in the region.

The request in Europe is anticipated to witness substantial growth backed by adding demand for the product across the medical sector to save drugs and other surgical accoutrements between 2020 and 2027.

Geographic Segment Analyzed in the Report:

North America (USA and Canada)

Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and the rest of Latin America)

Europe (UK, Germany, France and the rest of Europe)

Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, and the rest of the Asia Pacific region)

Middle East and Africa (GCC and rest of the Middle East and Africa)

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Major Companies to Focus on Product Innovation by Adopting Advanced Technologies

The global dry ice request is consolidated by the presence of major companies that are seeking to maintain their fort by instituting dry ice products and feeding to the consumers  demand. also, the other crucial players are espousing strategies similar as junction and accession, cooperation, and collaboration to gain a competitive edge over their rivals that will forebode well for the request growth in the forthcoming times.

The key business strategies discussed in this market research revolve around-

Which are the key business segments in the global industry?

What are the important elements used to study the business intelligence of the market?

What is the market value of the dominant firms operating in the industry?

What are the distribution networks, domestic & international traders, vendors, sellers of the individual segments in the industry?

What are the entry barriers and expansion barriers globally in the business?

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Industry Development:

September 2020  DeltaTrak, a global leader of cold chain management solutions, introduced its new FlashLink Dry Ice USB PDF in-Transit Logger. According to the company, the product has a built-in microprocessor that has the ability to record even in minus 820 C and is designed for dry ice shipments of TATS (time and temperature sensitive) materials.

Related Insights:



Ice Merchandiser Market to Reach USD 261.6 Million by 2028; Factors such as Digital Displays and Digital Temperature Control Systems to aid Growth: Fortune Business Insights

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Allied Market Research

Increase in R&D activities in pharmaceutical field, increase in incidences of dystonia and increase in prevalence of neurological disorders drives the growth of the global dystonia drugs market. By drug type, the GABAergic agents segment garnered the major share in 2021. By region, Asia-Pacific would grow with the fastest CAGR by 2031.

Portland, OR, March 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the report published by Allied Market Research, the global dystonia drugs market was valued at $806.67 million in 2021, and is projected to reach $1,378.67 million by 2031, registering a CAGR of 5.5% from 2022 to 2031. The report provides a detailed analysis of the top investment pockets, top winning strategies, drivers & opportunities, market size & estimations, competitive landscape, and evolving market trends. The market study is a helpful source of information for the frontrunners, new entrants, investors, and shareholders in crafting strategies for the future and heightening their position in the market.

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Report coverage & details:

Forecast Period 20222031 Base Year 2021 Market Size in 2021 $806.67 Million Market Size in 2031 $1378.67 Million CAGR 5.5% No. of Pages in Report 250 Segments Covered Drug Type, Route of Administration, Distribution Channel and Region. Drivers Increase in R&D activities in pharmaceutical field Increase in incidences of dystonia Increase in prevalence of neurological disorders Restraints Lack of awareness about dystonia in underdeveloped nations Opportunities Growth opportunity in emerging markets

Impact of Covid-19 on Dystonia Drugs Market-

The COVID-19 outbreak had a negative impact on growth of the global dystonia drugs market. The pandemic has forced a number of industries to halt their activities temporarily, including several subdomains of health care.

There was a negative impact on the market due to decreased sales of dystonia drugs and medications due to decreased patient visit to the hospitals. Also, non-COVID-19 hospitalizations started to decline which suggested that people were delaying care due to the pandemic, due to hospital capacity constraints and threat due to corona virus infection.





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The global dystonia drugs market is analyzed across drug type, route of administration, distribution channel, and region. The study utilizes tabular and graphical representation to offer a thorough study of the segments and their sub-segments. The segmentation can assist investors and market participants to build strategies based on the top revenue-generating and fastest-growing segments identified by the study.

By drug type, the GABAergic agents segment held the largest share in 2021, garnering more than one third of the global dystonia drugs market revenue, and is expected to maintain its dominance by 2031 with a highest CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period.

By route of administration, the oral segment contributed to nearly three-fourth of the global dystonia drugs market share in 2021, and is projected to dominate the market till 2031. On the other hand, injectable segment is projected to growth at a fastest CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period.

By distribution channel, the drug stores and retail pharmacies segment accounted for the highest share in 2021, generating around more than half of the global dystonia drugs market revenue. On the other hand, online providers segment would grow at a fastest CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period.

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By region, North America held the major share in 2021, garnering more than two-fifth of the global dystonia drugs market revenue. Asia-Pacific, simultaneously, would exhibit the fastest CAGR of 7.2% from 2022 to 2031.

The key market players analyzed in the global dystonia drugs market report include AbbVie Inc., Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Hameln Pharma GmbH, Ipsen Pharma, Merz Pharmaceuticals, LLC, Novartis AG, Pfizer Inc., Teva Pharmaceuticals and Wellona Pharma. These market players have embraced several strategies including product approval, collaboration, acquisition, clinical trials, agreement and product launch, and others to highlight their expertise in the market. The report is useful for analyzing the developments and business performance of the major companies.

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FACT.MR

Increasing use of eCompasses in consumer electronics, such as wearables, tablets, and smartphones, is fueling global market growth

Rockville, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As per a new industry analysis by Fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider, the global eCompass market is valued at US$ 2.6 billion in 2023 and is predicted to expand at a CAGR of 16.5% by 2033.



An accelerometer and a magnetometer are used in an e-Compass, which is an electronic compass. The main function of an eCompass is to facilitate navigation, because of which, it is employed in antenna positioning equipment and GPS navigation devices. It is also utilized in several other applications such as transportation, defense, and construction, and is essential for location-based services. Intensive research and development as well as the requirement for better equipment have led to the high adoption of eCompass sensors in the aforementioned sectors.

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The eCompass market is expanding as a result of the growing need for user-friendly interfaces and the need for greater technological accessibility. Countries such as Japan, South Korea, and China are expected to account for high demand for e-compass sensors due to the expanding consumer electronics manufacturing hubs and aerospace and military sectors. North America and Europe hold dominating positions in the market due to increasing demand for cutting-edge wearable technologies and the high spending power of people in these regions.

Key Takeaways from Market Study

The global eCompass market is projected to reach US$ 11.9 billion by 2033.

eCompass demand in China is predicted to expand at a CAGR of 21% during the forecast period.

Sales of hall-effect eCompass sensors are expected to rise at a CAGR of 17.5% during the next 10 years.

The market in Germany is predicted to rise at a CAGR of 13% from 2023 to 2033.

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Recent Market Development

STMicroelectronics, a leading worldwide semiconductor company, signed two M&A agreements in July 2020 in connection with the purchases of cellular IoT connectivity assets from Riot Micro and Ultra Wide Band expert BeSpoon. Following the completion of the two transactions, ST will strengthen its offer for wireless connection and, in particular, the roadmap for the challenging STM32 microcontrollers and protected MCUs, subject to customary regulatory approvals.

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Competitive Landscape

According to Fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider, key players in the eCompass market are developing advanced eCompass sensors to earn more profits. Mergers, partnerships, acquisitions, and regional expansion are some of the marketing tactics adopted by leading companies in the eCompass market.

Bosch improved its knowledge of MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) micro narrators in April 2019 and strengthened its position as a market leader in sensing keys for consumer devices with this achievement.

Honeywell purchased US Digital Designs, Inc. in December 2021. The improvement and expansion of public safety, communications with first responders, physical processes elimination, and accelerated emergency reaction times were predicted benefits of these integrated services.

Key Companies Profiled

Aichi Steel Corporation

Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation

Bosch Sensortec GmbH

Honeywell International Inc.

Invensense Inc.

Magnachip Semiconductor

Mcube Inc.

Memsic Inc.

NXP Semiconductors N.V.

Oceanserver Technologies Inc.

PNI Sensors Corporation

ST Microelectronics N.V.

Truenorth Technologies Ltd.



Key Segments Covered in eCompass Industry Research

By Technology: Hall-effect Fluxgate Magnetoresistive

By Type: 1 & 2 Axis 3 Axis 6 Axis 9 Axis

By Application: Consumer Electronics Aerospace & Defense Automotive Marine Surveying

By Region: North America Latin America Europe East Asia South Asia & Oceania MEA



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Key Questions Covered in the eCompass Market Report

What will be the estimated size of the Market in 2023?

At what rate will the global eCompass sales grow until 2033?

Which are the factors hampering the eCompass demand?

Which region will spearhead the growth in the global industry during 2023-2033?

Which are the factors driving sales in the eCompass Market during the forecast period?



More Valuable Insights on Offer

Fact.MR, in its new offering, presents an unbiased analysis of the global eCompass market, presenting historical demand data (2018 to 2022) and forecast statistics for the period of 2023 to 2033.

The study divulges essential insights on the market based on technology (hall-effect, fluxgate, magnetoresistive), type (1 & 2 axis, 3 axis, 6 axis, 9 axis), and application (consumer electronics, aerospace & defense, automotive, marine, surveying), across five major regions of the world (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and MEA).

Check out more related studies published by Fact.MR Research:

Industrial Battery Chargers Market Size: Industrial Battery Chargers Market Size to register a 2.6% CAGR during the years, 2020-2030. Sealed lead acid (SLA) industrial battery chargers to dominate the market. The rapid outbreak of COVID-19 has bought on an economic crisis that the entire world is grappling with.

Industrial Air Preheater Market Growth: The industrial air preheater market is consolidated due to existing and forthcoming coal-fired power plants which have important implications for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate goals so most of the developed economies are channelizing their inclination towards renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power for power generation to get clean energy and reduce pollution. This factor is likely to be a detriment in the industrial air preheater market growth.

Industrial Cable Reels Market Share: The worldwide industrial cable reels market is expected to rise steadily with the increasing adoption of factory automation over the upcoming years. According to the recent market research report by Fact.MR the industrial cable reels manufacturers are updating their latest product features to increase sales.

Industrial Fans Market Demand: Industrial fans market demand is set to witness steady growth during 2021-2031. Demand for industrial fans will witness growth in coming years, owing to increase in number of new small and large industries in developing countries.

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SkyQuest Technology Consulting Pvt. Ltd.

SkyQuest has recently conducted extensive research on the electric mobility networks market, which offers detailed and comprehensive insights into the market's estimates, growth dynamics, segment analysis, market trends, and lucrative business possibilities. The report has been developed using a cutting-edge methodology that employs various assessment tools, including technology assessment, SWAT analysis, economic evaluation, product benchmarking, player positioning, and recent innovations.

Westford USA, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Asia Pacific emerged as the key region for the electric mobility networks market , closely followed by Europe owing to the rapid advancements in electric vehicle technology, including battery technology and charging infrastructure, making electric mobility networks more practical and cost-effective. In addition, the increasing awareness of environmental issues and the need to reduce carbon emissions has led to a growing demand for electric mobility networks. As more consumers become aware of the benefits of EVs, including lower operating costs, reduced environmental impact, and a smoother driving experience, demand for electric mobility networks is expected to continue to increase.

SkyQuest's research predicts a bright future for the electric car market, with a projected global size of USD 353.64 billion by 2028. This indicates a positive outlook for the electric mobility networks market, which supports the infrastructure necessary for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. With the electric car market set to expand, the need for electric mobility networks will also increase. These networks include charging stations, battery swapping stations, and other infrastructure necessary to support the EV market.

Browse in-depth TOC on the "Electric Mobility Networks Market"

Pages - 233

Tables - 90

Figures - 74

Electric Mobility Networks is a rapidly growing trend in the transportation industry. These networks involve using electric vehicles, such as cars, buses, and bikes, powered by electricity instead of gasoline or diesel. In addition, the electricity is typically sourced from renewable energy sources, such as solar power or wind, making it a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

Story continues

Prominent Players in Electric Mobility Networks Market

EVgo

ChargePoint

Tesla, Inc.

Blink Charging

ClipperCreek, Inc.

ABB

Shell

AeroVironment, Inc.

Siemens AG

SemaConnect, Inc.

Webasto SE

Schneider Electric

General Electric Company

Eaton Corp.

Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.

BP Chargemaster

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Public Charging Stations Segment to Drive Huge Sales Thanks to Rise in Availability of Public Charging Stations Makes owning an EV More Convenient

The electric mobility networks market is experiencing significant growth, and the public charging station segment is a major contributor to this trend. In 2021, the public charging station segment accounted for a substantial market share, and it is expected to maintain this position from 2022 to 2030. SkyQuest's latest research shows promising trends for the future of the automotive industry. By 2035, it is estimated that more than 45% of all new cars sold will be electric vehicles (EVs). This presents an exciting opportunity to develop and expand electric mobility networks. Governments around the world are increasingly focused on promoting the use of EVs, offering lucrative incentives and subsidies. In addition, the development of fast-charge technology has made it possible for electric vehicle owners to charge their cars quickly and efficiently. This has made electric vehicles a more practical option for many consumers.

According to recent market research, the Asia Pacific region currently dominates the global electric mobility networks market, and this trend is predicted to continue through 2030. The increasing popularity of electric mobility networks can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, governments worldwide are implementing policies and regulations to promote sustainable transportation solutions. Secondly, technological advances have made electric vehicles more reliable and affordable, leading to increased consumer demand.

Browse summary of the report and Complete Table of Contents (ToC):

https://skyquestt.com/report/electric-mobility-networks-market

Commercial Segment to Exhibit Swift Growth owing to Demand for Charging Infrastructure through Fleet Electrification and Government Regulations

The electric mobility networks market is expected to experience significant growth from 2022 to 2030, with the commercial segment projected to witness a higher CAGR. Governments worldwide are taking steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. One of these steps is to promote using electric vehicles in the commercial sector, such as e-scooters, e-bikes, and e-bicycles. With fast charging technology, electric vehicles can be charged quickly, reducing business downtime. Additionally, the availability of charging stations is increasing, making it easier for businesses to switch to electric vehicles.

Europe's electric mobility networks market is poised to experience significant growth from 2022 to 2030. According to a recent analysis by SkyQuest, Europe's electric vehicle (EV) market is thriving, with three major countries leading the way. Germany, Norway, and the United Kingdom collectively accounted for almost half (48%) of the market share in 2022, both in value and volume. This data indicates a positive outlook for electric mobility networks in the European region. Moreover, as the demand for sustainable transportation continues to grow, countries that have invested in EV infrastructure are reaping the benefits.

SkyQuest's latest electric mobility networks market report is a valuable resource for companies looking to gain a competitive edge in the industry. The report comprehensively overviews the market's financials, supply chain trends, technological advancements, and key developments. SkyQuest's report is particularly valuable for companies seeking to navigate the market's rapidly changing technological and regulatory environment.

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Key Developments in Electric Mobility Networks Market

Iberdrola and bp have joined hands in a strategic collaboration agreement to facilitate the transition toward sustainable transportation. This alliance is a significant move towards forming a Joint Venture, subject to regulatory and competition approvals, which is anticipated to be completed by the latter half of 2023. The partnership between these two major players in the energy industry will pave the way for developing innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector.

Origin Energy, one of Australia's leading energy companies, has unveiled its latest offering: a monthly electric vehicle subscription service. This innovative service includes an exciting benefit of five hours of free electricity per day for subscribers. The move aims to encourage Australians to embrace electric vehicles by making them more accessible and affordable. In addition, this model is expected to appeal to people who are hesitant to buy an electric vehicle due to concerns about the upfront cost and ongoing maintenance expenses.

A Lithuanian electric mobility startup has raised 1.3 million in funding, signaling the growing interest in sustainable transportation solutions. The startup, which remains unnamed, is focused on developing innovative electric mobility solutions to address traditional transportation systems' environmental impact. The Lithuanian startup's successful funding round suggests strong investor interest in this sector and a recognition of the potential of electric vehicles to revolutionize the way we move around cities.

Key Questions Answered in Electric Mobility Networks Market Report

What are the global market's key drivers and inhibitors of growth, and how do they impact the industry's trajectory?

What are the most effective strategies employed by leading market players to address business challenges and capitalize on new opportunities?

Which regions are expected to see the highest growth in sales and revenue for the market, and what factors contribute to this growth?

What are the major opportunities and challenges facing vendors operating in the global market, and what steps can they take to navigate these successfully?

Related Reports in SkyQuests Library:

Global EV Charging Cable Market

Global Automotive AI Repair Services Market

Global Autonomous Vehicles Market

Global Automotive Aftermarket Market

Global Automotive Instrument Cluster Market

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Future Market Insights Global and Consulting Pvt. Ltd.

Three Wheelers Take over the Speed in the Automobile Industry's Electrification Battle; Sales of Electric Three Wheelers to Generate US$ 1,523.2 Million by 2033. United Kingdom electric three wheeler market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.0% over the forecast period

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, March 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to Future Market Insight, the electric three-wheeler market is expected to reach US$ 866.8 Million in 2023 and US$ 1,523.2 Million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2023 to 2033.



Electric cars are increasingly preferred as an ecologically friendly and cost-effective means of transportation over traditional vehicles powered by fossil fuels. The rising public knowledge of pollution has had a considerable impact on people's attitudes toward electric cars, particularly for public transit.

Owing to the rapidly rising prices of commercial vehicles in both developed and developing countries, there is a huge need for low-cost commercial cars. Spending by the government and automakers on three-wheeled electric car charging infrastructure is rising. The automobile sector is being driven to develop electric three-wheelers as a result of tighter regulations and standards governing transportation-related pollution.

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The market for electric vehicles is expanding quickly, driving significant investment from automakers. In order to access a bigger customer base, businesses are utilizing environmentally friendly components and raw materials.

Smart batteries with quick charging technologies are being developed by manufacturers for e-vehicles. New technology developments might lead to profitable opportunities in the e-vehicle business. New electric three-wheelers with changeable batteries are being introduced by several manufacturers.

The expanding movement of ride sharing will give additional economic possibilities for industry players. Shared mobility solutions assist to alleviate traffic congestion and automobile pollution in major cities. As a result, electrically powered car sharing and ride-hailing give an environmentally friendly and flexible alternative to personal vehicle ownership.

Story continues

The Asia Pacific region is most likely to control the market. Factors contributing to the region's hegemony include greater citizen backing for electric vehicles, expanding population, extensive use of cost-effective mass transportation for the final stretch, and regular transportation in the region.

Key Takeaways

During the projected period, the Chinese electric three-wheeler market is expected to rise at a CAGR of 5.3%.

The Indian electric three-wheeler market is expected to rise at a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period.

Over the projection period, Japan is expected to be responsible for 14.6% of the global market.

The UK electric three-wheeler market is estimated to increase at a CAGR of 6.0% during the forecast period.

The German electric three-wheeler market is expected to constitute for 2.8% of the global market over the forecast period.

Over the projected period, the US electric three-wheeler market is estimated to account for 3.6% of the global market.

The 1000 W to 1500 W segment is expected to maintain its dominance during the projected period, accounting for almost 57.1% of the global market share.

Over the projected period, the passenger carrier segment is estimated to lead the market, accounting for almost 50.7% of the global market.

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Competitive Landscape

Key players operating in the electric three wheeler market are Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., Piaggio & C. SpA, Bodo Vehicle Group Co., Ltd., Atul Auto Limited, Terra Motors, Gayam Motor Works, Omega Seiki Pvt Ltd, Baja Auto, Jaingusu Kingdom Vehicle Ltd, E-Tuk Factory, Kinetic Green Energy solution, and others.

These businesses have employed a range of strategies in order to increase their market share for electric three-wheelers. They have employed both organic and inorganic growth tactics, such as new product releases, acquisitions, corporate expansions, and partnerships, to expand their customer base and raise revenue.

RECENT DEVELOPMENT

In August 2021, Bajaj revealed the debut of electric three-wheelers produced in collaboration with its Austrian partner KTM.

In October 2020, The Treo Zor, an electric three-wheeler freight version, was revealed by Mahindra Electric Mobility. It is based on the Treo Platform and is available in three configurations: pickup, delivery van, and flatbed.

Key Segmentation of the Electric Three Wheeler Market

By Battery Type (Lithium-Ion, Nickel-Metal Hydride, Lead-Acid, Others) By Vehicle Type (Passenger Carrier, Load Carrier) By Power Capacity (Up to 1000 W, 1000 W to 1500 W, Above 1500 W) By Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia & ASEAN, Oceania)

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Key Segmentation of the Electric Three Wheeler Market

By Battery Type:

Lithium-Ion

Nickel-Metal Hydride

Lead-Acid

Others

By Vehicle Type:

Passenger Carrier

Load Carrier

By Power Capacity:

Up to 1000 W

1000 W to 1500 W

Above 1500 W



Table of Content

1. Executive Summary | Electric Three Wheeler 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

3.2. Scenario Forecast

For more information: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/electric-three-wheeler-market

Explore Wide-ranging Coverage of FMIs Automotive Landscape



Electric Two Wheelers MRO Market Size: is estimated to be around US$ 435.7 million for this continuing year 2023. By experiencing a favorable position, the market value of the total electric two wheelers MRO service is anticipated to reach US$ 1,414.9 million by 2033.



Electric Bike Market Share: is expected to increase at a CAGR of 10% during the forecast period. The electric bike market size is anticipated to rise from US$ 52.05 Bn in 2022 to US$ 122.1 Bn in 2032.



Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) Market Demand: is anticipated to reach a high of US$ 3,80,665.9 Million by the year 2032.



Electric Utility Vehicles Market Growth: is expected to reach a valuation of US$ 38,550.2 million by 2033. The market is projected to grow at a sturdy CAGR of 15.4% during the period 2023 to 2033, and as of 2023, the market valuation stands at US$ 9,203.8 million.



Zero Emission Vehicle Market Outlook: is expected to grow at a massive CAGR of 25.4% during the period 2023-2033. The market is valued at US$ 248 billion as on 2023, and by 2033, the market is expected to hit a valuation of US$ 2,384.66 billion.



About Future Market Insights, Inc.



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Mark Dixon, CEO of flexible office company IWG, said that employees don't want to go back to traditional office settings after the pandemic. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

The CEO of a flexible office company told CNBC that employees don't want to go back to the office.

He said commuting into traditional business hubs is a "complete waste of time and money."

His comments come as conflict between companies and workers persists over return-to-office policies.

While major companies like Meta, Amazon, and Google continue to assess remote-work policies and office costs, one CEO isn't sugar-coating the way employees feel.

"There's this assumption that people like commuting into a central business district," Mark Dixon, CEO of flexible office company IWG, told CNBC. "They don't. It's a complete waste of time and money and they don't want to do it."

As companies that went fully remote during the pandemic have begun to request workers return to the office, there's been conflict over in-person mandates.

Starbucks' corporate employees have recently pushed back against the company's return-to-office policy, which requires working at least three days per week from the office. Amazon employees are divided on the company's mandate, which will require employees to go to the office at least three days a week starting in May.

Dixon, who founded his flexible office company in 1989, told CNBC that he believes this resistance to return-to-office policies will create a "shock" for the commercial real estate industry  especially as major tech companies evaluate the costs of their office spaces.

Amazon has done just that. After laying off thousands of workers earlier this year, the tech company has paused construction on its second headquarters in Virginia.

Google and Meta, which have both conducted layoffs over the past few months, have recently downsized their office footprints in cost-cutting measures. In February, Google asked some of its employees to share desks, leaving some office buildings empty. Meta decided against renewing its leases on two New York office buildings last year.

Dixon says these real estate reassessments can lead to opportunities  especially for companies like his.

Story continues

He told CNBC that he envisions offices working like "a network of petrol stations," affording workers the opportunity to work anywhere. Dixon's company IWG now has over 3,300 offices spanning over 120 countries, according to IWG's website.

"[You can] drive anywhere in the country," Dixon said. "Work will be like that. You will find places to work everywhere, we network them all together and make them easy to use."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Fortune Business Insights

Companies covered in emulsion polymers market are Arkema Group, DIC Corporation, BASF SE, Celanese Corporation, Wacker Chemie AG, Omnova Solutions Inc, Momentive Performance Materials Holdings LLC, Nuplex Industries Ltd and more

Pune, India, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Emulsion polymers market size is expected to continue growing in the coming years, The increasing utilization of Emulsion polymers for color and coating compounds in the automobile sector is predicted to have a tremendous impact on the market during the forecast period, states Fortune Business Insights, in a report, titled Emulsion Polymers Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030 the rising consumer awareness regarding painting ideas and protective coatings is expected to boost the market during the forecast period.

Emulsion polymers are a type of polymer that are created through the process of emulsion polymerization, which involves the dispersion of monomers in water and the use of surfactants to stabilize the resulting emulsion. Emulsion polymers are widely used in a variety of applications, such as coatings, adhesives, and textiles.

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List of the Companies Operating in the Emulsion Polymers Market:

Arkema Group

DIC Corporation

BASF SE

Celanese Corporation

Wacker Chemie AG

Omnova Solutions Inc

Momentive Performance Materials Holdings LLC

Nuplex Industries Ltd

Impact of COVID- 19

The emergence of COVID- 19 has brought the world to a deadlock. We understand that this health extremity has brought an unknown impact on businesses across diligence. still, this too shall pass. Rising support from governments and several companies can help in the fight against this largely contagious complaint. There are some diligence that are floundering and some are thriving. Overall, nearly every sector is anticipated to be impacted by the epidemic.

Story continues

We're taking nonstop sweats to help your business sustain and grow during COVID- 19 afflictions. Grounded on our experience and moxie, we will offer you an impact analysis of coronavirus outbreak across diligence to help you prepare for the future.

The key business strategies discussed in this market research revolve around-

Which are the key business segments in the global industry?

What are the important elements used to study the business intelligence of the market?

What is the market value of the dominant firms operating in the industry?

What are the distribution networks, domestic & international traders, vendors, sellers of the individual segments in the industry?

What are the entry barriers and expansion barriers globally in the business?

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https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/queries/emulsion-polymers-market-102335

KW Outlook | Determining Factors | Historical Statistics

Global Emulsion Polymers Market Drivers: Growing Demand, Reduction in Cost, Market Opportunities and Challenges.

Key Data (Revenue): Global Emulsion Polymers Market Size, Market Share, Growth Rate, Growth, Product Sales Price.

Market Size Forecast: Global Overall Size, By Type/Product Category, By Applications/End Users, By Regions/Geography.

Product Revenue for Top Players: Market Share, Growth Rate, Current Market Situation Analysis.

Market Environment: Government Policies, Technological Changes, Market Risks

Market Driver :

Burgeoning Automotive Industry to Enable Speedy Expansion



The rising inclination towards interior scenery is anticipated to foster the growth of the request. The growing operation of conflation polymers in the automotive assiduity can be another vital factor accelerating the growth of the request. The rising shift towards terrain-friendly products by consumers for maintaining a healthy and safe terrain is prognosticated to boost the request in the forthcoming times. The growing demand for water- grounded polymer conflation is likely to produce new growth openings for the Emulsion polymers assiduity in the foreseeable future. also, the Growing population and large- scale urbanization are factors prognosticated to prop the expansion of the request during the cast period.

The adding demand for high- quality, safe, terrain-friendly accoutrements is anticipated to goad deals openings for the request. The rising focus of the company towards enhancing product portfolio will augur well for the Emulsion polymers assiduity. For case, in March 2018, BASF SE grounded in Germany blazoned that it has expanded its Joncryl water- grounded conflation product installations at its Ludwigshafen point. The company plans to strengthen its position by offering water- grounded resin and conflation used in overprint lacquers, publishing inks, and functional coatings for flexible packaging and paper & board operations.

Geographic Segment Analysed in the Report:

North America (USA and Canada)

Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and the rest of Latin America)

Europe (UK, Germany, France and the rest of Europe)

Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, and the rest of the Asia Pacific region)

Middle East and Africa (GCC and rest of the Middle East and Africa)

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Regional Analysis :

Distinguished Coating and Adhesive Industry to Favor Growth in Asia Pacific

The market in Asia Pacific is prognosticated to substantiation a high growth rate during the cast period owing to the rising demand for conflation polymer in China and India. The booming coating and tenacious assiduity in the region will further ameliorate request prospects. North America is prognosticated to rise extensively during the cast period owing to the presence of major automotive manufacturers in the region. Europe is anticipated to regard for the major share in the global Emulsion polymers market in the forthcoming times owing to the heavy demand for conflation polymers in automotive and specialty coatings diligence. The Middle East and Africa is anticipated to witness a rapid-fire growth rate during the cast period owing to the need for high- quality maquillages and coatings. Latin America is anticipated to grow steadily during the cast period owing to the developing structure in the region.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS?

Q1. What are emulsion polymers used for?

Emulsion polymers are very versatile products and therefore serve manifold, diverse sectors, industries and applications, such as construction, decorative coatings, paper coatings, food coatings, and printing inks, amongst many others

Q2. What are the 2 most common types of emulsions?

Emulsions easily fall into two categories: an oil-in-water (O/W) or water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion, depending on the continuous phase. The type of emulsion that forms depends largely on the volume ratio of the two materials, with the more abundant phase forming the continuous phase.

Q3. What industries are emulsions used in?

Emulsions are widely used in many industrial applications, the following of which are worth mentioning: food (which emulsions are by far the most widely used in systems such as mayonnaise, salad creams, beverages, etc.); cosmetic and personal care prod- ucts, such as hand creams, lotions, sunscreens, hair sprays

Related Insights:

Polymer Modified Bitumen Market to Worth USD 16.26 Billion by 2028 | Polymer Modified Bitumen Industry CAGR 4.7% 2021-2028

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ReportLinker

Essential Oils Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Orange, Cornmint, Eucalyptus), By Application (Medical, Food & Beverages, Spa & Relaxation), By Sales Channel, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030.

New York, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Essential Oils Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product, By Application, By Sales Channel, By Region And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06191053/?utm_source=GNW



Essential Oils Market Growth & Trends



The global essential oils market is expected to reach USD 40.12 billion by 2030, and expanding at a CAGR of 7.9% from 2023 to 2030, as per the new report., Key factor contributing to the demand for essential oil is that aromatherapy is rapidly gaining momentum as a convenient method of healing lifestyle diseases. The sales volume of essential oils is rising on the account of the rising consumer awareness related to the wide utilization of the product across various applications.



They are primarily made of terpenes and their oxygenated derivatives which usually include monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, etc.They are present in specialized cells/glands in various plants and the position of these glands varies depending on the morphology, and physiology of the plant.



During the manufacturing process, these glands are ruptured by pressing or by application of heat, which emanates aroma.



The product is widely used for enhancement of air freshness at home with the help of aroma diffusers and addition of essential oils in aroma pots.It is added to the water or baths in order to relax muscles and improve the aroma of place.



Young women use these products for making homemade cosmetics due to their natural content and medicinal benefits.



Increasing demand for organic products is influencing consumer trends across the globe.Further implementation of regulations favoring the use of environmentally friendly ingredients in cosmetics, and food & beverage industry.



The increased the consumers interest for products produced from natural ingredients. A majority of the global population are shifting their preference to organic products which in turn is increasing the demand for plant based products, leading to a significant drop in the demand for synthetic fragrances.



Owing to the outbreak of coronavirus around the world, many countries experienced lockdown situations.This had led to major raw material shortages, disruption in the supply chain, and increased prices for highly demanded products for two to three quarters in 2020.



Moreover, the restrictions on imports & exports of goods by any means from most of the South East Asian countries further worsened the situation. However, the temporary closure or slowing down of manufacturing plants of synthetic flavors & fragrances in China led to a rise in opportunity for essential oil distillers, as the manufacturers turned to smaller vendors to fulfill their raw material requirements.



Essential Oils Market Report Highlights

 Cleaning & home witnessed the fastest growth rate of 7.7%, due to the presence of antifungal and antibacterial properties of essential oils

 Black pepper witnessed one of the fastest growth rate of 8% on the account of its wide use in food & beverage, spa & relaxation, and medical sectors

 Direct selling channel witnessed the fastest growth rate of 8.4%, as consumers have the need to smell and feel the oils in person

 Europe witnessed the fastest growth rate of 8% as compared to other regions, due to strong presence of food & beverage industry in the region, coupled with high disposable income and high standards of living

 The global product market is highly competitive on the account of the presence of multiple manufacturing companies operating in the market

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__________________________

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CONTACT: Clare: clare@reportlinker.com US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001




The peaceful protest of Azerbaijani eco-activists and young volunteers on the Lachin-Khankendi road passing through Shusha over the illegal exploitation of mineral deposits, especially the Gizilbulag gold and Damirli copper-molybdenum deposits located in the Azerbaijani territories, where the Russian peacekeeping contingent is temporarily deployed, has been going on for the 88th consequent day.

Besides, the vehicles of the Russian peacekeepers passed through the peaceful protest area on the Lachin-Khankendi road without any hindrance, Azernews reports. Among the cars there were 6 supply vehicles, a press and a passenger car of the Russian peacekeepers moving from Khankendi towards Lachin, as well as 2 supply vehicles towards Khankendi.

This once again proves that allegations on protesters blocking the Khankendi-Lachin road are the disinformation and that the protesters ensure free movement of the vehicles used for humanitarian purposes.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2023 / Faraday Copper Corp. ("Faraday" or the "Company") (TSX:FDY) is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, Redhawk Copper Inc., has entered into a Letter of Intent ("LOI") with Proteus Power Development LLC ("Proteus") for the evaluation of a new solar Photovoltaic ("PV") power generation facility and battery energy storage system ("BESS"), (collectively, the "Solar Project"), to be located at the Copper Creek Project in Arizona, U.S.

Paul Harbidge, President and CEO, commented "I look forward to working with Proteus to deliver on our strategy of advancing Copper Creek to be a U.S. domestic producer of green' copper. Our recent ranch acquisition enables this important initiative by providing the necessary private land for an industrial-scale, solar-energy project at Copper Creek."

Potential Benefits:

Between 100 and 125 megawatts of solar power and storage of 100 to 400 megawatt-hours of capacity through BESS;

Reduced carbon emissions for Copper Creek production;

Reduced operating costs through a long-term Power Purchase Agreement ("PPA");

Surplus power expected to be fed to the grid to bolster regional energy security, consistent with Arizona's target of increasing clean energy generation; and

Revenue generation through a land-use agreement with Proteus.

Letter of Intent for Solar Project

The LOI sets forth the agreement between Faraday and Proteus ("the Parties") relating to the development by Proteus of a new solar PV power generation facility and battery energy storage system to be located on lands owned and controlled by Faraday. Upon completion of the development of the Solar Project, the Parties anticipate that they will enter, among other things, into:

A long-term PPA pursuant to which Faraday will have the option to purchase renewable energy from the Solar Project; and

A land lease agreement pursuant to which Proteus will lease the necessary land for the Solar Project.

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Proteus will develop the project in two phases as described below:

Phase I will focus on the identification of suitable land, electrical interconnections, project layouts, optimal sizing for the PV and BESS, and a high-level project development schedule. Advancement of the Solar Project to Phase II requires the mutual agreement of both parties; and

Phase II will focus on detailed engineering, completion of a permitting plan, necessary permit and utility submissions, and agreement of a final term sheet for the PPA.

About Proteus Power

Proteus was formed in 2021 by industry veterans to develop renewable energy projects across the United States and Canada to help accelerate the transition to a cleaner energy future, financially backed by Pelion Green Future, and is supported through a network of affiliated companies to support these objectives. Their expertise covers the development, construction and operation of renewable energy projects with an initial focus on solar PV and BESS. Their goal is to develop, build and own a portfolio of assets which provide long-term sustainability gains that are both profitable for their investors, landowners, and for the community stakeholders.

Proteus Power has a target to develop and construct between five and ten gigawatts of solar, wind and battery energy storage projects in North America. Once operational, Proteus' projects will be capable of producing enough clean energy to cover the annual consumption needs of over 1.31 million homes and will prevent the release of 2.27 million tons of carbon dioxide per year, equivalent to removing 1.63 million cars from the road.

Their management team of experienced professionals led by Mike Lambros (CEO), Randy Etheridge (COO) and Dan Phillips (Chief Development Officer) has over 80 years of cumulative experience in project development and finance, and over US$7.1 billion worth of transactional experience. The team uses its unique and complimentary skill sets along the entire value chain of solar, wind and battery projects from the development and design to the financing, construction and operation of the assets, in order to deliver optimal results to its stakeholders.

About Faraday Copper

Faraday Copper is a Canadian exploration company focused on advancing its flagship copper project in Arizona, U.S. The Copper Creek project is one of the largest undeveloped copper projects in North America with open pit and bulk underground mining potential. The Company is well-funded to deliver on its key milestones and benefits from a management team and board of directors with senior mining company experience and expertise. Faraday trades on the TSX under the symbol "FDY".

For additional information please contact:

Stacey Pavlova, CFA

Vice President, Investor Relations & Communications

Faraday Copper Corp.

E-mail: info@faradaycopper.com

Website: www.faradaycopper.com

To receive news releases by e-mail, please register using the Faraday website at www.faradaycopper.com.

Cautionary Note on Forward Looking Statements

Some of the statements in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking statements" and are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Faraday to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information specifically include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the anticipated benefits, timing, and benefits related to the LOI entered into between the Company and Proteus, the development of the Solar Project contemplated thereunder and the ability of the Company to enter into definitive agreements with Proteus with respect to the Solar Project.

Although Faraday believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements should not be in any way construed as guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include without limitation: market prices for metals; the conclusions of detailed feasibility and technical analyses; lower than expected grades and quantities of resources; receipt of regulatory approval; receipt of shareholder approval; mining rates and recovery rates; significant capital requirements; price volatility in the spot and forward markets for commodities; fluctuations in rates of exchange; taxation; controls, regulations and political or economic developments in the countries in which Faraday does or may carry on business; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, competition; loss of key employees; rising costs of labour, supplies, fuel and equipment; actual results of current exploration or reclamation activities; accidents; labour disputes; defective title to mineral claims or property or contests over claims to mineral properties; unexpected delays and costs inherent to consulting and accommodating rights of Indigenous peoples and other groups; risks, uncertainties and unanticipated delays associated with obtaining and maintaining necessary licenses, permits and authorizations and complying with permitting requirements, including those associated with the Copper Creek property; and uncertainties with respect to any future acquisitions by Faraday. In addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining, including environmental events and hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding and the risk of inadequate insurance or inability to obtain insurance to cover these risks as well as "Risk Factors" included in Faraday's disclosure documents filed on and available at www.sedar.com.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. This press release is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, a prospectus, an offering memorandum, an advertisement or a public offering of securities in Faraday in Canada, the United States or any other jurisdiction. No securities commission or similar authority in Canada or in the United States has reviewed or in any way passed upon this press release, and any representation to the contrary is an offence.

SOURCE: Faraday Copper Corp.





View source version on accesswire.com:

https://www.accesswire.com/742720/Faraday-Copper-Signs-Letter-of-Intent-for-Evaluation-of-a-Solar-and-Battery-Project-at-Copper-Creek




Extrapolate

The future of faucets is looking bright as the market is poised for growth in the coming years. Driven by the demand for water-efficient and technologically advanced faucets, particularly in the commercial sector, the industry is set to boom. The market is projected to witness staggering growth during the forecast period, expected to reach USD 67.64 billion by 2030.

Dubai, UAE, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A recent market analysis by Extrapolate has anticipated that the global Faucets Market previously valued at USD 41.24 billion in 2021 is projected to reach USD 67.64 billion by 2030 at a robust CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period driven by technological advancements that have transformed the way people experience living.

As a result, there is an increasing demand for eco-friendly and efficient products. One popular option is touchless faucets, which are both hygienic and water-conserving, making them desirable for residential and commercial use.

As people become more conscious of their impact on the environment, there is a growing trend towards eco-friendly products, including faucets. This trend is expected to continue as end users seek more sustainable home and business options. Furthermore, the construction industry is also expected to play a crucial role in driving demand for faucets. The National Association of Home Builders reports that the industry's contribution to the global GDP is over 9%, which will likely translate into increased faucet demand. As construction continues to grow, the demand for faucets is expected to increase proportionally.

Get a PDF Sample Copy of the Report @ https://www.extrapolate.com/sample/Retail/faucet-market/26036

Metro Atlanta leads the United States 15 largest metro areas in the efficient indoor use of water. On average, people reduce their water usage by about 15% when using faucets with sensors. said Joe Fazio, the general manager of Flume Data Labs, a California-based firm that collects real-time data to monitor residential water supply.

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Competitive Landscape:

The competitive landscape of the global faucets market is relatively fragmented. To sustain in the highly competitive and relatively fragmented market, manufacturers opt for various growth strategies.

In March 2022, Blanco, the German-engineered market-leading brand of kitchen solutions, announced the release of its functional accessories and faucet finishes. Adopting innovative e-commerce channels and strategic marketing campaigns also positively affects the faucets market.

In January 2022, Moen launched a smart faucet with a new function of entirely hands-free and used gestures to control the flow and temperature. With technological advancements in product innovations and process automation, key players seek to improve production capacity to increase sales and boost revenue growth.

Key Players:

Aquasource Faucet

Fortune Brands

Franke Home Solutions

Gerber Plumbing Fixtures LLC

Jaquar

Kohler Co

LIXIL Corporation

Masco Corporation

Paini

Roca Sanitario, S.A

Sloan Valve Company

Spectrum Brands Inc.

TOTO LTD.

Contact Our Analyst for Clarification or More Information @ https://www.extrapolate.com/enquire/Retail/faucet-market/26036

Key Insights

The bathroom segment is to experience significant growth with rising demand in the hospitality sector.

Increasing demand for touch-free faucets around the globe to conserve water and support sustainability.

The commercial faucet segment witnessing a surge in the demand from hotels, restaurants, hospitals, railways, and more.

North America is projected to dominate the market share with rising disposable income among populations and increasing demand for smarter homes.

Deeper Insights into Application:

Kitchen

Bathroom

Global Faucets Market to Witness Highest Demand from Bathroom Segment

The bathroom segment is expected to witness a significant increase over the forecast period owing to the rising demand for faucets in bathroom applications. The increasing demand for the growing hospitality sector and the expansion of the real estate industry, are also contributing to the growth of the faucets market.

The demand for bathroom accessories is surging in recent years owing to the introduction of modern innovative technologies to manufacture a wide range of digital and electronic faucets for the domestic and commercial sectors. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic surged the demand for hands-free faucets to limit the spread of the virus.

The market is experiencing rapid growth by consumers demanding improved functional smart faucets while also adding to the aesthetic value of bathrooms and kitchens. The simplicity of usage, comfort, and compactness of innovative design combinations are driving the demand for customized bathroom faucets worldwide.

Purchase This Comprehensive Research Report for Valuable Market Insights

Segmentation by End-User:

Residential

Commercial

Industrial

Commercial Segment to Dominate Global Faucets Market with Early and Prompt Adoption of Advanced Technology

Commercial end users have held a leading position in recent years, with early and prompt adoption of technologically advanced products. Touchless faucets are popular in commercial establishments to reduce the spread of germs and save water.

Style is also important, with businesses seeking modern, sleek designs that complement their interior decor. In line with this, manufacturers offer customizable options, allowing businesses to tailor their faucets to their needs. Technological advancements are also transforming the faucet market for commercial end-users, with IoT technology enabling remote monitoring of water usage, temperature, and maintenance, reducing water waste and maintenance costs. Voice-activated faucets are gaining popularity, providing an easier way for people with disabilities or those with full hands to use the sink. Advanced materials such as ceramic discs are also used to make faucets more durable. These innovations are expected to continue driving growth in the commercial faucet industry.

North America to Retain Leading Position in Global Faucets Market

Research analysts at Extrapolate have predicted that North America is expected to retain the highest revenue share with increasing expenditure on house renovations and the upgradation of smart housing features. The rising disposable income has enabled people to spend on household renovations and repairs, which is projected to generate exponential faucets market growth. This is also driving the demand for smart and multipurpose faucets for increasing commercial building constructions and renovations in the residential sectors across the North American region.

On average, the homeowner population residing in urban areas in developed nations, including the United States, Canada, and others, spends approximately USD 5,000-10,000 to upgrade their homes to become more innovative and fancier. One of the most desired smart products includes bathroom accessories equipped with modern innovative technologies to improve the quality and functionality of faucets.

With rising technological adoption rates and the presence of key players, the expenditure on residential and commercial renovations is also expected to emerge in Europe. For instance, in January 2022, Daniel Rubinetterie launched Reflex, a new faucet collection expanding its kitchen and bathroom applications in multiple industries.

Browse the Full Report for Detailed Insights @ https://www.extrapolate.com/Retail/faucet-market/26036

Major Points from Table of Content:

Chapter 1. Executive Summary

Chapter 2. Research Methodology

Chapter 3. Market Outlook

Chapter 4. COVID-19 Impact On Faucets Market

Chapter 5. Global Faucets Market Overview, By Type, 2017 - 2030 (USD Million)

Chapter 6. Global Faucets Market Overview, By Mount, 2017 - 2030 (USD Million)

Chapter 7. Global Faucets Market Overview, By Material, 2017 - 2030 (USD Million)

Chapter 8. Global Faucets Market Overview, By Application, 2017 - 2030 (USD Million)

Chapter 9. Global Faucets Market Overview, By End-User, 2017 - 2030 (USD Million)

Chapter 10. Global Faucets Market Overview, By Distribution Channel, 2017 - 2030 (USD Million)

...TOC Continued

About Us:

Extrapolate is a Global Market Research, Advisory, and Consulting firm that works closely with Industry experts from various industries to bring the latest and most accurate research reports.

In an era of breakneck change and a low tolerance for missed or misread opportunities, businesses need astute guidance to shape markets - not merely respond to them. Extrapolate helps clients develop market perspectives that drive success.

CONTACT: Phone: (+1) 888 328 2189 E-mail: talk@extrapolate.com Website: https://www.extrapolate.com Blog: https://www.extrapolate.com/blog




Ignitis grupe

AB Ignitis grupe (hereinafter  the Group) informs that, after the approval of the Management Board of the Group, on 9 March 2023 its subsidiary UAB Vilniaus kogeneracine jegaine (hereinafter  Vilnius CHP) concluded a long-term loan agreement for EUR 220 million (hereinafter  the Loan) with AB Swedbank (hereinafter  Swedbank), and the Group concluded a credit line agreement (hereinafter  Credit line) for up to EUR 80 million with Swedbank. The Management Board also approved the Groups takeover Vilnius CHPs loan received from the European Investment Bank (hereinafter  EIB).

Out of EUR 220 million Loan granted by Swedbank, EUR 85 million will be used to finance the finalisation of Vilnius CHP biomass unit construction works, and the remaining EUR 135 million will be used to refinance Vilnius CHPs loan granted by EIB, which the Group is taking over.

The Loan is concluded for a period of 10 years with a possibility to extend it for additional 5 years, subject to the consent of both parties. The Loan stipulates additional measures ensuring the fulfilment of obligations, including the pledge of property, plant and equipment and biomass inventory of Vilnius CHP and the pledge of Vilnius CHP's funds in Swedbank accounts. Additionally, the Group will issue a first demand unconditional guarantee (hereinafter  the Guarantee) for the duration of the construction of Vilnius CHP biomass unit until its commercial operations date, with a maximum payable amount of EUR 240 million. It must be noted that Swedbank will release the Guarantee after the conditions established in the Loan are fulfilled, but not earlier than by 31 March 2024.

The total investments of Vilnius CHP, including the biomass unit, amounts to around EUR 420 million, out of which EUR 220 million will be financed with debt, around EUR 140 million  with EU CAPEX grant, and the remaining part with equity.

It is estimated that, after Vilnius CHP biomass unit completion, the plants total electricity capacity will reach 93 MW, and the heating capacity  239 MW. Vilnius CHP waste-to-energy unit began its commercial operations in March 2021 and once the biomass unit is completed, the energy will be also generated from biomass. Currently, cold testing is being carried out in Vilnius CHP biomass unit, and active preparation works for hot testing is undergoing, while commercial operation date is expected in Q3 2023.

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Meanwhile, the Groups Credit line agreement of up to EUR 80 million with Swedbank, which is intended to finance the Groups working capital needs, is binding and concluded for a period of 24 months. It does not stipulate additional measures to ensure the fulfilment of obligations.

The Credit line of up to EUR 80 million concluded by the Group will be used to partially refinance two credit lines of EUR 150 million each of the Groups subsidiary UAB Ignitis concluded in 2022. After signing the Credit line agreement with Swedbank, the total amount of the Group's credit line agreements with banks will decrease by EUR 220 million to EUR 499 million (from EUR 719 million as of 31 December 2022). However, it will not have a negative impact on the liquidity of the Group due to the additional Loan of EUR 220 million, the EIB loan (EUR 135 million) transfer from Vilnius CHP to the Group and the decrease in the need for a short-term financing reserve because of normalized price levels at the end of 2022 and recovered temporary regulatory differences.

For more information, please contact:

Arturas Ketlerius

Head of Corporate Communications at Ignitis Group

arturas.ketlerius@ignitis.lt

+370 620 76076




MAXIMIZE MARKET RESEARCH PRIVATE LIMITED

Fire Alarm and Detection market is segmented by Product, Fire Detectors Type, Fire Alarms Type, and Application for the analysis. Growing demand for innovative smoke detection equipment in fire-prone industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, automotive and many more are expected to drive the Fire Alarm and Detection market growth. Bottom-Up approach was used for the estimation of Fire Alarm and Detection market size.

New York, US, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Maximize Market research, a global Electronics business-consulting firm, has published a market intelligence and competitive landscape report on the  Fire Alarm and Detection Market . As per the report, which is a combination of primary and secondary data, the total market opportunity for the Fire Alarm and Detection market was USD 34.67 Bn in 2021 and is expected to grow at 8.12 percent CAGR over the forecast period to reach USD 64.76 Bn.



Market Size in 2021 USD 34.67 Bn Market Size in 2029 USD 64.76 Bn CAGR 8.12 percent (2022-2029) Forecast Period 2022-2029 Base Year 2021 Number of Pages 264 No. of Tables 125 No. of Charts and Figures 120 Segment Covered Product, Fire Detectors Type, Fire Alarms Type, and Application Regional Scope North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, South America Report Coverage Market Share, Size & Forecast by Revenue | 20222029, Market Dynamics, Growth Drivers, Restraints, Investment Opportunities, and Key Trends, Competitive Landscape, Key Players Benchmarking, Competitive Analysis, MMR Competition Matrix, Competitive Leadership Mapping, Global Key Players Market Ranking Analysis.

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Fire Alarm and Detection Market Scope and Research Methodology

The report provides the qualitative and qualitative analysis of the Fire Alarm and Detection Market based on segmentation involving both economic and non-economic factors affecting the market growth. The Fire Alarm and Detection Market has been divided into four major segments: by Product, Fire Detectors Type, Fire Alarms Type, and Application which were further divided into various sub-segments. The market segmentation helps to understand the Fire Alarm and Detection market structure and consumer base. The regional insights highlight the use of Fire Alarm in the regions with factors including drivers, restraints, challenges and opportunities affecting the growth of the markets. The report includes the competitive landscape, which provides detailed information on the position of key players in the Fire Alarm and Detection industry with their partnerships, business growth and acquisitions.

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The Fire Alarm and Detection market report provides extensive company profiles of company overviews, company insights, product benchmarking and SWOT analysis for the key market players. The primary and secondary data collected for the Fire Alarm and Detection market report were combined and analyzed in detail, which helps to provide accurate and error-free data to clients. PESTLE analysis was used to understand the potential impact of the macroeconomic and micro-economic factors affecting the Fire Alarm and Detection Market. Porters five forces analysis is also included in the report, which helps to understand the Fire Alarm and Detection market through various perspectives. The report provides in-depth analysis of the growth opportunities in the market to the new market entrants. Thus, the report provides the current as well as future market outlook of the Fire Alarm and Detection industry in detail.

Get a Sample Copy of the Report: https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/request-sample/105497

Fire Alarm and Detection Market Overview

Fire alarm and detection systems are developed to detect fires in emergency situations. It warns people wherever the smoke , carbon monoxide, fire, or other fire-related things are detected. Detectors are coupled with alarms, which provides signal to the building occupants as well as transmits signal to the monitoring station either on or off site. Fire alarm and detection system consist of many devices such as heat detector, smoke detector, and carbon monoxide detector, and manual call points. Increased frequency of fire safety system deployment in residential and commercial areas are expected to influence the Fire Alarm and Detection market growth.

Fire Alarm and Detection Market Dynamics

Increased rate of fire safety system deployment in educational institutes and rise in awareness among residential and commercial sectors for fire detection are the factors expected to influence the Fire alarm and detection market growth. Advancement and innovation in the Fire alarm and detection system, rising awareness about fire safety, rapid urbanization and industrialization are expected to drive the Fire alarm and detection market growth. Expansion of the industrial and commercial sectors and growing awareness of fire safety impact the business landscape positively. Installation of Fire alarm and detection system from buses to homes is necessary to save lives and avoid injuries. Government authorities are taking initiatives for the implementation of fire protection systems at commercial as well as residential sectors, are the factors expected to fuel the Fire alarm and detection market growth.

High initial costs of the fire alarm and detection system along with concern related to false alarm and detection failure are expected to restrain the Fire alarm and detection market growth over the forecast period.

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Fire Alarm and Detection Market Regional Insight

North America Region held the largest Fire alarm and detection market share accounting for 36.14 percent of total market share in 2021. The region is expected to dominate the Fire alarm and detection market over the forecast period. US region is the largest contributor of the Fire alarm and detection market growth. Stringent government regulations and rapid development in the infrastructure is expected to boost the regional Fire alarm and detection market growth.

Asia Pacific region is expected to be the fastest-growing regional Fire alarm and detection market during the forecast period. Investment on infrastructure development in the region is expected to fuel the regional Fire alarm and detection market growth.

Fire Alarm and Detection Market Segmentation

By Product:

Fire Detectors

Fire Alarm

By Fire Detectors Type:

Flame Detectors

Smoke Detectors

Heat Detectors



By Fire Alarms Type:

Audible Alarms

Visual Alarms

Manual Call-points



By Application:

Commercial

Industrial

Residential



Fire Alarm and Detection Market Key Players include:

Johnson Controls International plc

Honeywell International, Inc.

Napco Security Technologies, Inc.

Nittan Co., Ltd.

Siemens AG

Halma plc

United Technologies Corp.

Robert Bosch GmbH

Eaton Corp.

Emersion Electric Co

Fike Corporation

Gentex Corporation

Hochiki Corporation

Bosch GmbH

Space Age Electronics

Other Key Players

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Key questions answered in the Fire Alarm and Detection Market are:

What is Fire Alarm and Detection?

What was the Fire Alarm and Detection market size in 2021?

What is the forecast period of Fire Alarm and Detection market?

What will be the Fire Alarm and Detection market size by 2029?

What is the growth rate of the Fire Alarm and Detection Market?

Which are the factors expected to drive the Fire Alarm and Detection market growth?

What factors are expected to hamper the Fire Alarm and Detection market growth?

Which segment dominated the Fire Alarm and Detection market growth?

What is the demand pattern for the Fire Alarm and Detection market?

Which region held the largest share in the Fire Alarm and Detection market?

Who are the key players in the Fire Alarm and Detection market?



Key Offerings:

Past Market Size and Competitive Landscape (2018 to 2021)

Past Pricing and price curve by region (2018 to 2021)

Market Size, Share, Size & Forecast by different segment | 20222029

Market Dynamics  Growth Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities, and Key Trends by region

Market Segmentation  A detailed analysis by Product, Detectors Type, Fire Alarms Type, and Application

Competitive Landscape  Profiles of selected key players by region from a strategic perspective Competitive landscape  Market Leaders, Market Followers, Regional player Competitive benchmarking of key players by region

PESTLE Analysis

PORTERs analysis

Value chain and supply chain analysis

Legal Aspects of business by region

Lucrative business opportunities with SWOT analysis

Recommendations

Maximize Market Research is leading Electronics research firm, has also published the following reports:

Fire Protection Systems Market : The total market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.50 percent during the forecast period and is expected to reach USD 102.79 Bn by 2029. Increased expenditure from the enterprise segment, as well as government and political assistance are expected to influence the market growth.

Wireless Fire Detection Systems Market : The total market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.4 percent during the forecast period and it is expected to reach USD 2.43 Bn by 2029. Wireless fire detection system triggers the alarm at early stage, so that people lives can be saved is expected to influence the market growth.

Fire Sprinkler Market : The total market size is expected to reach USD 1.73 Bn by 2029, at a CAGR of 9.36 percent during the forecast period. Increased fire protection expenditure of various enterprises and rise in fire-related deaths and loss of property is expected to drive the market growth.

Alarm Monitoring Market : The market size was valued at USD 52.92Bn in 2021 and is expected to grow by 5.4 percent from 2021 to 2029, reaching nearly USD 80.60 Bn. Growing prevalence of violent crimes all over the world is expected to drive the, market growth.

Fire Safety Equipment Market : The total market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9 percent during the forecast period and is expected to reach USD 70.90 Bn by 2029. Advanced technologies like nanotechnology, human-machine interface solutions, and smart buildings are expected to boost the market size.

About Maximize Market Research:

Maximize Market Research is a multifaceted market research and consulting company with professionals from several industries. Some of the industries we cover include medical devices, pharmaceutical manufacturers, science and engineering, electronic components, industrial equipment, technology, and communication, cars, and automobiles, chemical products and substances, general merchandise, beverages, personal care, and automated systems. To mention a few, we provide market-verified industry estimations, technical trend analysis, crucial market research, strategic advice, competition analysis, production and demand analysis, and client impact studies.

CONTACT: Contact Maximize Market Research: 3rd Floor, Navale IT Park, Phase 2 Pune Banglore Highway, Narhe, Pune, Maharashtra 411041, India sales@maximizemarketresearch.com +91 96071 95908, +91 9607365656




Study underscores the clear and pressing need for real-time physical and cyber threat alerts for effective enterprise risk management and business resilience

NEW YORK, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dataminr , one of the world's leading AI companies, today released a commissioned study conducted by Forrester Consulting to evaluate the state of enterprise risk management (ERM) at midsize to large enterprises across industries in the North America, Europe, and APAC regions.

Dataminr logo (PRNewsfoto/Dataminr)

Forrester surveyed 500 risk leaders to inform the commissioned study titled Constant Disruption Is The New Status Quo, and found that organizations encounter significant organizational, strategic, and technological barriers on their way to implementing an effective ERM strategy. The study also found that nearly 70% of respondents said their organizations experienced at least two separate critical risk events in the past year, while over 40% experienced at least three, and nearly 20% suffered six or more incidents.

"Following the unprecedented events of the past three years, this research illustrates that now, more than ever, it is crucial for businesses to have a system in place to discover and manage major physical and cyber risk events," said Jason Edelboim, President and COO of Dataminr. "These findings have been incredibly valuable to help demonstrate the utility of Dataminr's real-time alertsultimately giving clients an earlier line of sight into high-impact events and emerging risks that could impact their organizations."

The survey found that 70% of respondents believed that optimized, real-time alerting would have helped them significantly or totally reduced the harm of the most serious or disruptive events their organization faced last year. At this time, 56% of respondents indicated they don't have real-time alerting solutions in place today, but 62% plan to implement or expand their use of such tools, and 54% plan to increase investment over the next 12 months.

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In the research, Forrester Consulting identified four key findings:

Many risk leaders are taking too narrow a view of the systemic risks their organizations face . Business risk will become more, not less, complicated to manage in the future, and fewer than a third of risk leaders completely agree that risks to their business can come from anywhere.





Risk strategies have significantly advanced over the past few years, but still have a long way to go. Just 36% of respondents have a C-suite champion leading risk management today.





Cybersecurity and real-time alerting capabilities will be a major area of focus going forward. Respondents were most likely to cite cyber risk tools and real-time alerting capabilities as the most critical features their next risk management platform must include.





Successful ERM implementations are driven by aligned leadership, vision and technology. Organizations with highly effective ERM strategies were 27% more likely to have a C-suite leader for ERM, compared to those from lower-maturity organizations. C-suite champions are empowered to work across organizational silos and to coordinate with other business leaders within the organization.

In addition to the above key takeaways, the survey also found that only 18% of respondents reported that their current ERM strategies are effective or very effective across all five capabilities surveyed, including identifying, evaluating, monitoring, responding to, and communicating about risk.

Forrester completed the study in Q3 2022. Participants were decision makers in physical security and security operations, cyber/information security, business continuity, human resources and employee experience, corporate communications, and supply chain roles. Questions focused on how organizations navigate risk strategies, technologies and workflows.

To learn more about the study, Constant Disruption is The New Status Quo, commissioned by Dataminr, visit here .

ABOUT DATAMINR

Dataminr delivers the earliest warnings on high impact events and critical information far in advance of other sources. Recognized as one of the world's leading AI businesses, Dataminr enables faster response, more effective risk mitigation and stronger crisis management for public and private sector organizations spanning global corporations, first responders, NGOs, and newsrooms. Most recently valued at $4.1B, Dataminr is one of New York's top private technology companies, with 800+ employees across seven global offices.

Since its founding, Dataminr has created the world's leading real-time information discovery platform, which detects digital patterns of emerging events and critical information from public data signals. Today, Dataminr's advanced AI platform performs trillions of daily computations across billions of public data inputs from over 500,000 unique public data sources. The Company has been recognized for its groundbreaking AI platform and rapid revenue growth by Forbes AI 50 and Deloitte Fast 500, and has been named to Forbes Cloud 100 for six consecutive years.

Alongside Dataminr's corporate product, Dataminr Pulse, the Company provides its First Alert product for first response to public sector organizations, including the United Nations, which relies on First Alert in over 100 countries. Dataminr for News is used by more than 650 newsrooms and over 30,000 journalists worldwide.

Contact: media@dataminr.com

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SOURCE Dataminr
(Bloomberg) -- A US Federal Trade Commission official said the agency is doing its job to protect Americans privacy on Wednesday after facing scrutiny from Republicans over the the agencys ongoing investigation into Twitter Inc.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The statement marks a rare public rebuke from an agency that has typically held back from responding to criticism about its investigations.

FTC spokesperson Douglas Farrar said in a statement that cherry-picked portions of communications between the FTC and Twitter, published by the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, have created confusion around why the agency is investigating the company.

Twitter is currently under a consent decree with the FTC, meaning the agency is charged with conducting oversight of the companys privacy practices. The FTC deepened its investigation into Twitter after it was acquired last year by billionaire Elon Musk, who dismissed thousands of employees. Many of the layoffs under Musk have hit employees charged with protecting privacy and security on Twitter, sparking several rounds of inquiries from the FTC.

The House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday published the requests from the FTC and accused the agency of harassing Twitter.

The timing, scope, and frequency of the FTCs demands to Twitter suggest a partisan motivation to its action, the House Judiciary Republicans wrote in the report.

But Farrar pushed back on any allegations that the communication was improper or unusual.

The Commission regularly uses so-called demand letters to get information about how a company is or is not complying with an order, Farrar said. FTC investigations are straightforward and nonpolitical. They are to ensure that companies are following the law, including protecting peoples privacy.

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2023 Bloomberg L.P.
The launch of the longstanding brand's first e-store on Lazada offers both businesses and consumers direct access to FUJIFILM Business Innovation's exclusive products, designed for the future of hybrid work

SINGAPORE, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- FUJIFILM Business Innovation Singapore, the "Best Office Printer Brand" in Singapore1, announces their partnership with Lazada, Southeast Asia's leading e-commerce platform, to launch the brand's first official LazMall flagship store in Singapore. The e-store welcomes a whole new online shopping experience for its consumers, featuring new product offerings designed to cater to the needs of hybrid work.

(PRNewsfoto/FUJIFILM Business Innovation)

Aside from expanding FUJIFILM Business Innovation Singapore's strategic e-commerce presence, the partnership also marks its first step towards the Direct-to-Consumer market, while reinforcing Lazada's leading position in the e-commerce sector.

Inspired by the ever-increasing shift towards hybrid work, the newly launched e-store features FUJIFILM's latest line of printers  the Apeos Print series, comprising the FUJIFILM ApeosPort Print 3410SD, ApeosPort C2410SD, and the Apeos C325 z. This series follows the success of earlier models, specifically the Apeos C325, which won the Buyers Lab (BLI) Winter 2022 A4 Pick Awards2. Available on the Lazada e-store from 9 March 2023, the Apeos Print Series features compact, lightweight designs that promise high print performance, and reliability, for small workgroups.

Beyond printing, additional offerings available through the Lazada e-store will also offer users a full suite of essential hybrid work tools, including the new INNEX Cube 360 Degrees Conference Camera, and the Ideao Hub 24" QHD Touch Screen Monitor. The INNEX Cube 360 Degrees Conference Camera enables AI-facial tracking, while the Ideao Hub 24" QHD Touch Screen Monitor spotlights a 10-port hub and ergonomic stand with a touch screen monitor, to facilitate workgroup conferences and discussions.

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Adeline Goh, Senior Director of Strategic Business & Marketing at FUJIFILM Business Innovation Singapore, said: "With the prevalence of hybrid work arrangements, more employees now require the capability to print from home. We recognise the evolving needs of the work environment, which is what our e-commerce store seeks to address."

Adeline further adds, "Our partnership with Lazada goes a long way in improving accessibility in Singapore, and enhancing the customer experience for consumers across multiple levels. From the one-man start-up, to the multi-level SME, we look to leverage our decades of experience in the industry to provide our customers with high-calibre office essentials that can better navigate the shifting balance between work and home."

In light of its partnership with FUJIFILM Business Innovation Singapore, Lazada is offering a discount of up to 23% off to celebrate the launch of Fujifilm Business Innovation Singapore's e-store, with the following discount options:

Option 1 : With a minimum spend amount of S$80, the first 400 customers will receive a $5 discount voucher to use on their next purchase.

Option 2: The first 200 visitors to the FUJIFILM Business Innovation Singapore e-store on Lazada will receive a S$10 voucher with a minimum spend of S$250.

For more information about FUJIFILM Business Innovation Singapore, please visit: https://www.fujifilm.com/fbsg

To visit FUJIFILM Business Innovation Singapore's e-store on Lazada, please visit: https://www.lazada.sg/shop/fujifilm-business-innovation/

About FUJIFILM Business Innovation

FUJIFILM Business Innovation is a global leader committed to continuously deliver innovations to customers' businesses worldwide, for creating innovative and fulfilling workplaces by effectively adopting information and knowledge through digital transformation (DX). We have pioneered numerous technologies and accumulated expertise since our establishment in 1962, to build an environment that encourages the use of one's creativity to maximize organizational strengths. Our portfolio includes conducting R&D, manufacturing and sales of world-class workflow solutions, IT services, and printing equipment such as digital multifunction printers (MFPs). We also offer business process outsourcing (BPO) services, as well as marketing and implementation support of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.

SOURCE FUJIFILM Business Innovation
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Dublin, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "3D Bioprinting: Intellectual Property Landscape (Featuring Historical and Contemporary Patent Filing Trends, Prior Art Search Expressions, Patent Valuation Analysis, Patentability, Freedom to Operate, Pockets of Innovation, Existing White Spaces, and Claim Analysis)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

This report captures some of the key R&D-related trends and provides competitive intelligence on the intellectual property in the field of 3D bioprinting.

The "3D Bioprinting: Intellectual Property Landscape" report features an extensive study of some of the key historical and contemporary intellectual property (IP) documents (featuring granted patents, patent applications and other documents), describing the various types of 3D bioprinting.

The insights generated in this report have been presented across two deliverables, namely a MS Excel workbook and a MS PowerPoint deck, summarizing the ongoing trend in this domain.

Despite the various advantages associated with 3D bioprinting, the technology is associated with certain challenges. One of the key challenges is the stringent requirement to maintain the quality across each step (designing the model, selection of the bio-ink, printing validation and post-printing) executed before the transplantation.

Further, the lack of a robust design software might hamper the manufacturing of a mechanically stable 3D construct. In this regard, various industry stakeholders and academicians have undertaken initiatives in order to further develop / improve this technology for use across a variety of applications, including fabrication of bone, cartilage, organ and skin (for transplantation), drug testing, toxicology screening, and cancer research, by using diseased tissue models.

As a result, the intellectual capital related to different 3D bioprinting techniques, such as extrusion bioprinting, inkjet printing, laser assisted bioprinting and stereolithography, has also grown. In light of such developments, it is important to keep track of both pockets of innovation and key areas of improvement for stakeholders to remain competitive in this upcoming field of the healthcare domain.

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Scope of the Report

Overall Intellectual Property Landscape

An analytical perspective of the various patents and affiliated IP documents that have been published related to 3D bioprinting, since 2000. An in-depth analysis of published IP documents, representing unique patent families across various global jurisdictions, featuring insightful inferences related to both historical and recent R&D trends within this niche, yet rapidly evolving applications in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry.

Popular / Relevant Prior Art Search Expressions

An examination of IP literature, shortlisting key words and phrases used to describe 3D bioprinting. The analysis also includes details on the historical use of the aforementioned terms across different IP filings, key affiliated terms (which can be used to identify other relevant IP search terms and establish relationships between prior art search expressions), and other related trends.

Patent Valuation Analysis

A competitive benchmarking and valuation analysis of the key members of unique patent families captured in the report, taking into consideration important parameters, such as type of IP document, year of application, time to expiry, number of citations and jurisdiction (factoring in value associated with the gross domestic product (GDP) of a particular region).

Patentability and Freedom to Operate

A systematic approach to identify relevant areas of innovation by analyzing published IP documents (representative of unique patent families), by defining the uniqueness of patented / patent pending innovations, in order to assess the scope of patentability in this domain, and pinpoint jurisdictions wherein new and / or modified claims may be filed without infringing on existing IP.

Analysis of Patent Applications

A detailed summary of the various patent applications (representative of unique patent families) that were filed across different jurisdictions and their relative value in the IP ecosystem. The analysis classified the intellectual capital in terms of type of innovation and the innovation (such as a product class, enabling technologies or method of use), thereby, offering the means to identify active arenas of research and assess innovation-specific IP filing trends.

Analysis of Granted Patents

An analysis of the granted patents (representative of unique patent families) across different global jurisdictions and their relative value in the IP ecosystem. The analysis also features a meaningful classification system, segregating granted IP into relevant categories (namely type of innovation and innovation) to help develop a detailed perspective on the diversity of intellectual capital (having marketing exclusivity) related to 3D bioprinting, and the assessing likelihood for innovators to enter into promising research areas.

Pockets of Innovation and White Spaces

An insightful analysis of the various CPC codes used in published IP literature (representative of unique patent families) and their affiliated families, offering the means to identify historical and existing pockets of innovation (based on the functional area / industry described by the elaborate and systematic IP classification approach, mentioned earlier); the analysis also features a discussion on prevalent white spaces (based on type of innovation and innovation in this field of research.

Claim Analysis

One of the objectives of the report was to analyze and summarize key inferences from the independent claims mentioned in granted, active patents (representative of unique patent families) in the dataset. Using a systematic segregation approach, we have analyzed trends associated with the preamble, type of patent (product patent or method patent), type of claim (open ended claim or closed ended claim) and key elements of a claim (individual aspects of an innovation that are covered in a singular claim).

Key Topics Covered:

PowerPoint Deliverable

1. Context

2. Project Approach

3. Project Objectives

4. Executive Summary

5. 3D Bioprinting

5.1. Overview

5.2. 3D Printing Process

5.3. Key Historical Milestone

5.4. Advantages, Key Application Areas and Future Perspective of 3D Bioprinting

6. Overall Intellectual Property Landscape

6.1. Overview

6.2. Analysis of Simple Patent Families

6.3. Key Innovation Categories

6.4. Insights from Patent Applications

6.5. Insights from Granted Patents

7. Key Prior Art Search Expressions

7.1. Overview

7.2. Analysis of Prior Art Search Expressions

8. Intellectual Property Valuation Analysis

8.1. Valuation Overview

8.2. Analysis of Individual Value Ranks

8.3. Concluding Remarks

8.4. List of Rank 1 IP Documents

9. Analysis of Patent Applications

9.1. Overview

9.2. Relative Valuation of Patent Applications

9.3. Patentability and Freedom-to-Operate

10. Analysis of Granted Patents

10.1. Overview

10.2. Relative Valuation of Grated Patents

10.3. Patentability and Freedom-to-Operate

10.4. Analysis of Patent Claims (Granted Active Patents)

11. Key Applicants

11.1. Overview

11.2. Analysis of Key Applicants

12. Pockets of Innovation and White Spaces

12.1. Overview

12.2. Pockets of Innovation

12.3. White Spaces

12.4. Concluding Remarks

13. Future Outlook

13.1. 3D Bioprinting: IP Filing Growth Trends

13.2. Relevance of IP for Business Development and Growth

13.3. Contemporary Sentiments and Predictions

13.4 Anticipated Future Developments and Trends

14. Appendices

Excel Deliverable

1. Research Notes

2. Summary Dashboard

A. Overall Intellectual Property Landscape

B. Intellectual Property Landscape (Grouped by Simple Families)

C. Key Prior Art Search Expressions

D. Key Trends related to Patent Applications (featuring Patentability and Freedom to-Operate)

E. Key Trends related to Granted Patents (featuring Patentability and Freedom-to-Operate)

F. Claims Analysis

G. Key CPC Symbols

H. Key Applicants

3. Overall Intellectual Property Landscape Dataset

4. Prior Art Search Expressions (Keyword Analysis)

5. Patent Applications Dataset

6. Granted Patents Dataset

7. Claims Analysis

8. Key Applicants Analysis

9. CPC Analysis

10. Appendix I: Pivot Tables

11. Appendix II: Country / Geography Codes

12. Appendix III: Innovation Categories

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/yzjmuk

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.

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AstuteAnalytica India Pvt. Ltd.

Global freeze drying equipment market was valued at US$ 2,296.9 million in 2022 and is expected to reach a valuation of US$ 5,206.6 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 8.1% from 2023-2031.

New Delhi, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global freeze drying equipment market is a lucrative and growing market, driven by various factors such as the need to preserve and extend the shelf life of products and maintain the quality of sensitive materials. Industrial freeze dryers are an essential component of this industry, contributing a significant percentage of revenue.

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The key consumers of industrial freeze dryers are industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and others. These industries require the use of freeze drying equipment to preserve their products and ensure their quality. Other key consumers include research laboratories, academic institutions, and government organizations. Industrial freeze dryers have a wide range of applications in various industries in the global freeze drying equipment market. They are primarily used for freeze-drying food products, such as fruits, vegetables, and meats, as well as in the production of pharmaceuticals, including vaccines, antibiotics, and other drugs. Freeze dryers are also used in the biotechnology industry to preserve cells, tissues, and other biological materials.

Leading vendors in the global freeze drying equipment industry include Azbil Corporation, GEA Group AG, and SP Industries. These vendors offer a range of freeze drying equipment and related services, such as installation, maintenance, and repair. These companies are expected to continue to drive innovation in the industry and contribute to its growth in the coming years.

Most Potential Growth Opportunities in Freeze Drying Equipment Market

The freeze drying equipment market has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by increased demand for freeze-dried products in the food, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries. To continue growing in this market, freeze drying equipment manufacturers can explore several growth opportunities.

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For instance, manufacturers can expand into new markets such as the nutraceutical and cosmeceutical industries that are experiencing rapid growth. Secondly, they can invest in R&D to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their products as new technologies emerge. Thirdly, they can differentiate themselves by offering customized solutions tailored to the specific needs of their customers. Fourthly, manufacturers can explore new materials and technologies that promote sustainability and minimize waste, energy consumption, and environmental impact. Lastly, international expansion can be an option as the demand for freeze-dried products increases globally.

By Equipment Type, Tray Style to Contribute Over 38% Revenue to Global Freeze Drying Equipment Market, Pharmaceutical and Biotech Companies Are Largest Consumers

Tray style freeze dryers are gaining popularity in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries due to their effectiveness in preserving biological samples and products. The increasing demand for personalized medicine and biopharmaceuticals is driving the demand for the tray style freeze dryer. These industries require reliable and efficient preservation of sensitive biological materials, making tray style freeze dryers the preferred choice.

As per our findings, manufacturers and suppliers in the global freeze drying equipment market are actively working on developing new and innovative products that meet the evolving needs of customers. They are also expanding their product range to cater to a wider customer base. The supply of tray style freeze dryers is expected to grow in line with the increasing demand. The main end-users of tray style freeze dryers are pharmaceutical and biotech companies, research and development laboratories, and academic institutions. They use these devices to preserve a variety of biological materials, including vaccines, plasma, blood products, enzymes, and bacteria.

The revenue potential of the tray style freeze dryer market is significant. As the demand for personalized medicine and biopharmaceuticals continues to grow, the need for tray style freeze dryers is expected to increase. The market is highly competitive, with multiple players vying for market share. Manufacturers and suppliers of tray style freeze dryers can capture a significant share of the market and achieve high revenue potential by implementing the right strategies.

Browse summary of the report and Complete Table of Contents (ToC): https://www.astuteanalytica.com/industry-report/freeze-drying-equipment-market

Global Freeze Drying Market is Highly Competitive, Top 5 Players Captured Over 68% Revenue Share



The freeze drying equipment market is a highly competitive space, with several players vying for market share. According to market research, the top 5 players in the market hold more than 68% of the total market share. This indicates that there is a significant consolidation of power among the top players in the industry.

The high degree of competition in the freeze drying equipment market can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the market is growing rapidly due to the increasing demand for freeze-dried products in various industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. This growth has attracted several new players to the market, leading to increased competition. Secondly, the market is characterized by a high level of innovation, with players constantly developing new and improved freeze drying equipment to cater to the evolving needs of customers. This has resulted in a crowded market, with several players offering similar products and services.

The dominance of the top 5 players in the market can be attributed to several factors, including strong brand recognition, extensive distribution networks, and a wide range of products and services. These players have established themselves as key players in the industry and are well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for freeze-drying equipment.

However, the market is not without its challenges. One of the biggest challenges facing players in the freeze drying equipment market is the high cost of equipment, which can be a significant barrier to entry for new players. Additionally, the market is highly regulated, with stringent quality and safety standards that must be met.

Advancements and Innovations for a Sustainable Future in Global Freeze Drying Equipment Market

Automation and digitalization: Many freeze drying equipment manufacturers are investing in automation and digitalization technologies to improve efficiency and reduce errors. For example, some manufacturers are integrating sensors and monitoring systems into their equipment to provide real-time data on temperature and pressure, which can be used to optimize the freeze drying process.

Increased demand for personalized medicine: The rise of personalized medicine is driving demand for smaller batch sizes and more flexible freeze drying equipment. Manufacturers are responding by developing equipment that can handle smaller volumes and more complex formulations.

Focus on sustainability: Many manufacturers in the global freeze drying equipment market are incorporating sustainability into their product designs. This includes using environmentally friendly materials, optimizing energy consumption, and reducing waste.

Advances in lyophilization technology: There have been several recent advances in lyophilization technology, including the development of new freeze drying agents, improvements in process control, and the use of novel drying techniques such as microwave-assisted freeze drying.

Growth in the biopharmaceutical industry: The biopharmaceutical industry is a major user of freeze drying equipment, and its growth is driving demand for more advanced and specialized equipment. This includes equipment designed for specific formulations, such as high-concentration protein solutions.

Some of the Top Market Players Are:

Azbil Corporation

Biopharma Process Systems Ltd.

BUCHI Labortechnik AG

Cryotec Fr

Cuddon Freeze Dry

Freeze Drying Systems Pvt. Ltd.

Freezedry Specialties, Inc.

GEA Group

HOF Enterprise Group

Industria Macchine Automatiche S.p.A.

Labconco Corporation

Lyophilization Systems Ltd.

MechaTech Systems Ltd.

Millrock Technology, Inc.

OPTIMA Packaging Group GmbH

Scala Scientific B.V.

Shanghai Tofflon Science Technology Co., Ltd.

SP Industries, Inc.

Tofflon Science and Technology Co. Ltd

Zirbus Technology GmbH

Other Prominent Players

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About Astute Analytica

Astute Analytica is a global analytics and advisory company which has built a solid reputation in a short period, thanks to the tangible outcomes we have delivered to our clients. We pride ourselves in generating unparalleled, in depth and uncannily accurate estimates and projections for our very demanding clients spread across different verticals. We have a long list of satisfied and repeat clients from a wide spectrum including technology, healthcare, chemicals, semiconductors, FMCG, and many more. These happy customers come to us from all across the Globe. They are able to make well calibrated decisions and leverage highly lucrative opportunities while surmounting the fierce challenges all because we analyze for them the complex business environment, segment wise existing and emerging possibilities, technology formations, growth estimates, and even the strategic choices available. In short, a complete package. All this is possible because we have a highly qualified, competent, and experienced team of professionals comprising of business analysts, economists, consultants, and technology experts. In our list of priorities, you-our patron-come at the top. You can be sure of best cost-effective, value-added package from us, should you decide to engage with us.

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Future Market Insights Global and Consulting Pvt. Ltd.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, March 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global industrial margarine market is expected to record a CAGR of 5.1% between 2023 and 2033. In 2023, the market valuation is expected to be at US$ 2.69 billion. By 2033, the figures are expected to surge beyond US$ 4.42 billion.



The world has been witnessing an increase in lactose intolerance cases. The experts believe that nearly 68% of people suffer from lactose intolerance in some way or the other. This presents a huge opportunity in front of the market, as these are not made of milk, and are a rich source of Vitamin D and Vitamin A as well.

There has been an increasing clamor against the consumption of GMO-based food products. Lots of people who have consumed GMO-based products have reported incidents like illness and unease. Apart from that, as these are not naturally processed, the nutritional value is much lower as compared to their organic counterparts. Industrial margarine is a non-GMO-based product. Such factors are expected to surge the demand for industrial margarine during the forecast period.

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The Middle East nations are extremely particular when it comes to halal certifications. The industrial margarine and its products are halal certified, which has skyrocketed consumer confidence.

The growing bakery market represents a world of opportunities in front of the industrial margarine sector. The global bakery products market is expected to cross a valuation of US$ 600 billion by 2030. Margarine is used in bakery products, as these act as an emulsifier and also assist in the spreading process.

There is also increased consumption of plant-based food products owing to surging vegans and a surging health consciousness. Industrial margarine does not contain animal fats, and this is expected to massively surge the adoption rate.

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Thus, from the insights provided by FMI researchers, it can be inferred that surging cases of lactose intolerance, rising consumption of non-GMO food, mandatory halal certification, and a lot of other factors are expected to surge the industrial margarine market share during the forecast period.

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Key Takeaways:

The market is expected to record a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period.

In 2023, the market size is estimated to be US$ 2.69 billion.

By 2033, the figure is expected to surge beyond US$ 4.42 billion.

Based on regional analysis, North America is expected to hold the dominant market share. On the basis of CAGR, Asia Pacific is expected to hold the leading position.

On the basis of type, the spreadable segment is expected to hold the leading market share during the forecast period.

Based on application, the bakery segment is expected to hold the leading market share during the forecast period.

Competitive Landscape

The key players operating in the market are focusing on looking for leaders, who have been a part of the market for decades. Through their expertise, the manufacturers might expand their capabilities. The idea is also to develop strategies to get into meaningful mergers and acquisitions. This is done to expand the market share, and serve new regions.

The manufacturers are also developing strategic partnerships with players from other niches to assess their technology. This may also help in knowledge sharing. With a focus all set on sustainable development, the key players are setting strategies that are in tandem with the United Nations sustainability goals. Thus, there is an increasing deployment of green practices, like working intensely to reduce carbon emissions.

Other companies profiled: Associated British Foods, Fuji Oil, Richardson International, Royale Lacroix, Aigremont, Vandemoortele, NMGK Group, EFCO Group, and Wilmar International.

Key developments in the market:

In December 2022, Bunge decided to invest in a new protein concrete facility in the United States.

In August 2022, Conagra Brands promoted Tracy Schaefer to Chief Information Officer.

View Full Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/industrial-margarine-market

Key segments

By Type:

All Purpose

Spreadable

Butter Blend





By Form:

Hard

Soft

By Source:

Plant

Animal

By Application:

Bakery

Spreads

Sauced and Toppings

Confectionary

Convenience Foods

Other Applications

By Region:

North America

Latin America

Asia Pacific

The Middle East and Africa

Europe



Table of Content

1. Executive Summary | Industrial Margarine 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

Read More TOC

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Explore FMIs related ongoing Coverage on Food and Beverage Domain

Margarine Market Size: The global margarine market is expected to reach a market valuation of US$ 33 Billion by the year 2022, accelerating with a CAGR of 4.9% by 2022-2032, to reach a value of USD$ 53.7 Billion by 2032.

Butter and Margarine Market Share: Global butter and margarine market demand is anticipated to be valued at US$ 4,285.4Million in 2022, forecast to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% to be valued at US$8135.4Million from 2022 to 2032.

Vegan Margarine Market Trends: The global vegan margarine market is expected to reach a market valuation of USD 990.2 Mn by the year 2032, accelerating with a CAGR of 3.2% by 2022-2032.

Butter Coffee Market Outlook: The butter coffee market is expected to record a CAGR of 4.32% during the forecast period 2022-2032, up from US$ 90.28 Billion in the year 2022 to reach a valuation of US$ 137.81 Billion by 2032.

Butter Powder Market Value: The global butter powder market size is estimated to reach a market valuation of US$ 2.3 Bn in 2022. The overall demand for butter powder is poised to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% between 2022 and 2032, surpassing a valuation of US$ 4.2 Bn by the end of 2032.

About Future Market Insights, Inc.

Future Market Insights, Inc. is an ESOMAR-certified business consulting & market research firm, a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and is headquartered in Delaware, USA. A recipient of Clutch Leaders Award 2022 on account of high client score (4.9/5), we have been collaborating with global enterprises in their business transformation journey and helping them deliver on their business ambitions. 80% of the largest Forbes 1000 enterprises are our clients. We serve global clients across all leading & niche market segments across all major industries.

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Sabina Mammadli

With the organizational support of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC), the 10th Global Baku Forum under the motto The world of today: challenges and hopes was kicked off in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. With the participation of leaders, representatives of countries as well as reputable international organizations the forum will continue until March11.

Moreover, the first day of the event was remarkable with addresses of participants, in some in which they could touch on Azerbaijan's major issues.

Among the speeches, in particular, the UK Premier Rishi Sunak's statement, which was read out by UK Ambassador to Azerbaijan Fergus Auld at the opening of the 10th Global Baku Forum, was attention-grabbing.

Thus, the UK Premier Rishi Sunak stated that the British specialists will continue to support Azerbaijan in the issue of demining its liberated territories.

"Great Britain will continue to support Azerbaijan as the country adheres to a progressive and independent course for the coming years," the statement read.

He also emphasized that Europe appreciates Azerbaijan's contribution to its collective security, noting the role of Azerbaijan in the supply of its energy resources.

"The prospect of Azerbaijan's supply of renewable electricity via the Black Sea represents a brighter future," he added.

The British Prime Minister also spoke about the importance of green transformation, expressing hope that it can be accelerated in parallel with the expansion of gas supplies through the Southern Gas Corridor.

Speaking at the forum, High Representative of the UN Alliance of Civilization Miguel Angel Moratinos pointed that the alliance is determined to expand cooperation with Azerbaijan.

Addressing the event, Executive Director of the United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) Winnie Byanyima spoke for the UN's determination for the peaceful normalization of Azerbaijani-Armenian ties. She also emphasized that its an honor to participate in the forum, noting that holding this event is especially important in times when the world is facing so many challenges.

Then, Italian President Sergio Mattarella commended the activities of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in solving global problems and wished success to the forum. His statement was read by Italian Ambassador Claudio Taffuri.

Similarly, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also thanked Azerbaijan for organizing the Global Baku Forum.

Noting the danger of the politicization of health care, the official stated that investing in health care also affects sustainable development, which can be used to protect human rights.

Furthermore, Latvian President Egils Levits expressed that the relations between the two countries are developing very actively.

According to him, the role of Azerbaijan has noticeably increased in recent years, and now Baku plays an important role in the international arena.

He also noted Azerbaijans contribution to the fight against the pandemic, as well as the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev as chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement.

"This is a very significant platform, which includes 120 countries. Azerbaijan's leading role in recent years demonstrates the country's growing international influence," the Latvian president stressed.

The official also highlighted that Azerbaijan has inspired a number of countries politically to build peace and resolve global issues.

Further to the speeches of the participants, former Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko stated that Baku has already become Davos, where the most pressing world problems are discussed.

He noted that it is truly important to kickstart the discussions of methods of fighting against evil.

"Today, the issue of security is important for every country. All the countries are uniting their efforts and security policies," Yushchenko said.

Additionally, Israeli Ambassador to Azerbaijan George Dick underlined that holding the Global Baku Forum demonstrates the importance of Azerbaijan's role in addressing topical issues.

"We are very grateful to Azerbaijan for holding this forum, which brings together leaders from all over the world. Some prominent representatives of Israel also participate here. We understand the importance of holding this event," the ambassador said.

According to him, this is also an important forum for Israel, during which topical issues of politics, ecology, security, etc. can be discussed.

With the organizational support of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC), Azerbaijan's Baku is hosting its 10th Global Baku Forum under the motto The world of today: challenges and hopes on March 9-11, 2023.

The X Forum is attended by high-ranking guests from dozens of countries, among them current and former heads of states and governments, prominent public and political figures, leading foreign experts, the leadership of the World Health Organization, the League of Arab States, and other major international organizations.
AstuteAnalytica India Pvt. Ltd.

[186+ Pages Research Study] According to Astute Analytica Research, the Global Influencer Marketing Platform Market Size & share is projected to reach US$ 118.0 Billion by 2031 from USD 10.5 Billion in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 30.81% over the forecast period 2023-2031.

New Delhi, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the popularity and effectiveness of influencer marketing as a marketing strategy. According to Astute Analytica, the global influencer marketing platform market is expected to reach US$ 118.0 billion in value by 2030 from 10.5 billion in 2022. Our survey also found that 89% of marketers say that ROI from influencer marketing is comparable to or better than other marketing channels.

The rise of social media platforms has made it easier for brands to connect with influencers, with Instagram being the most popular platform for influencer marketing campaigns. It has been found that over 78% of marketers use Instagram for influencer campaigns. In 2020, the average influencer marketing budget was $25,000-$50,000 per campaign, with some larger campaigns in the influencer marketing platform market exceeding $100,000. As the demand for influencer marketing has grown, there has been a need for better tools and platforms to manage influencer campaigns. This has led to the increasing popularity of influencer marketing platforms. These platforms provide a range of services, including influencer discovery, campaign management, and performance tracking.

Get Free sample copy of this report @ https://www.astuteanalytica.com/request-sample/influencer-marketing-platform-market

Search, Discovery, and Onboarding Generates the Highest 31% Revenue of the Influencer Marketing Platform Market

According to recent research, search, discovery, and onboarding are responsible for generating the highest 31% revenue of the influencer marketing platform market. This figure highlights the significant role that these functions play in driving revenue growth for platforms in this industry.

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The study also revealed that platforms offering advanced search functionality, robust discovery tools, and efficient onboarding processes tend to be more successful in generating revenue. Specifically, platforms that offer advanced search functionality saw an average revenue growth of 23%, while those with robust discovery tools saw an average growth of 18%, and those with efficient onboarding processes saw an average growth of 14%.

As more brands adopt influencer marketing strategies, the demand for platforms that offer effective search, discovery, and onboarding tools is expected to continue to increase.

Key Insights of the segment

Search: According to our report on the global influencer marketing platform market, 61% of marketers say that finding the right influencers to work with is their biggest challenge. This highlights the importance of search functionality in influencer marketing platforms, which can help brands easily find and connect with the right influencers.

Discovery: 71% of marketers said that discovering the right influencers for their campaigns is a major challenge. Discovery tools, which use algorithms to identify influencers with high engagement rates and other desirable characteristics, can help brands overcome this challenge and find new influencers to work with.

Onboarding: 32% of respondents said that the onboarding process is the most time-consuming aspect of influencer marketing. Efficient onboarding tools, such as those that offer contract management and payment processing, can help brands save time and streamline the process of working with influencers.

Combined impact: Brands earn an average of $5.20 for every $1 spent on influencer marketing. However, when combined with effective search, discovery, and onboarding processes, the ROI of influencer marketing can be even higher, with some brands earning up to $18 for every $1 spent.

Emerging Trends Redefining the Future of Global Influencer Marketing Platform Market

Growth in Micro and Nano-Influencers: As influencer marketing becomes more mainstream, brands are shifting their focus towards micro and nano-influencers who have smaller followings but high engagement rates. This trend is expected to continue in 2023, as brands realize that these influencers can be more effective in generating authentic engagement and driving conversions.

Authenticity and Transparency: Consumers are becoming increasingly savvy and are demanding more authenticity and transparency from influencers and brands alike. To address this, platforms are implementing features that help ensure authenticity, such as verification badges, and disclosure tools to ensure transparency in sponsored posts.

AI and Machine Learning: Most of the leading platforms in the global influencer marketing platform market are leveraging AI and machine learning to streamline influencer discovery and identify the best influencers for campaigns. This technology also helps to optimize campaigns and identify new opportunities for engagement and reach.

Influencer Marketplaces: Influencer marketplaces are platforms that connect brands with influencers, making it easier to manage influencer marketing campaigns. These marketplaces are becoming increasingly popular as they offer more transparency and standardization in influencer pricing and help to reduce the time and cost of managing influencer campaigns.

Browse summary of the report and Complete Table of Contents (ToC): https://www.astuteanalytica.com/industry-report/influencer-marketing-platform-market

Consumer Goods and Services Segment Contribute More than 32.6% Revenue to Global Influencer Marketing Platform Market

The use of influencer marketing has been growing rapidly in recent years, with the consumer goods and services industry leading the charge. The report also states that the consumer goods and services industry is the largest consumer of influencer marketing, accounted for 32.6% of all influencer marketing spending in 2022.

One of the main reasons for the popularity of influencer marketing in the consumer goods and services industry is the high competition in the market. Brands in this industry need to constantly find new ways to differentiate themselves and stand out from their competitors. Influencer marketing provides a way for companies to reach their target audience in a more authentic and engaging way, and cut through the noise.

The highly visual nature of many consumer goods and services also makes them a great fit for influencer marketing platform market. Influencers can create high-quality content that showcases the products in use, and this can be more effective than traditional advertising methods. This is supported by a survey conducted by Influencer Marketing Hub, which found that 71% of marketers believe that the quality of customers acquired through influencer marketing is higher than those acquired through other marketing channels.

In addition to being more engaging, influencer marketing is also seen as more authentic and trustworthy than traditional advertising. A study by Adweek found that 92% of consumers trust recommendations from influencers more than traditional advertisements. This trust can translate into increased sales, with some brands reporting up to a 20% increase in sales after running an influencer marketing campaign.

Influencer Marketing Platform Market is Highly Competitive and Fragmented, With Top 10 Players Capturing Less than 25% Market Share

The influencer marketing platform market is highly competitive and fragmented. There are a large number of players in this market, including both established companies and startups. The report also states that the top 10 players in the market captured less than 25% of the market share in 2022. Wherein, BuzZoole is one of the key players in the market. This suggests that there is a lot of room for new players to enter the market and compete with the existing players. However, it also means that the competition is intense, and companies will need to differentiate themselves and provide unique value propositions to succeed in this market.

Factors such as the increasing use of social media, rising demand for authenticity and transparency in advertising, and the growing importance of influencer marketing in brand promotion are driving the growth of the influencer marketing platform market. As such, it is likely that the competition in this market will continue to intensify in the coming years.

As per Astute Analytica, BuzZoole is leading the global influencer marketing platform market. The company is engaged in offering a range of services for brands looking to create effective and engaging sponsored content on social media. One of its key features is its proprietary algorithm, which matches brands with influencers who have an audience that aligns with the brand's target audience and values. The company has gained immense popularity for its influencer discovery, campaign management, content creation, and performance tracking services. The platform also provides real-time analytics and reporting, which can help brands measure the success of their campaigns and optimize their influencer marketing strategies.

The platform's Creator Network is a unique feature that connects brands with over 50,000 content creators from around the world. This allows brands to tap into a diverse range of influencers and collaborate with them to create high-quality content.

Some of the Top Market Players Are:

Activate

Affable Technologies, Inc

Anymindgroup (CastingAsia, Moindy)

AspireIQ

BrandBassador

Brandwatch

BuzZoole

ChtrBox

CollabAsia

CreatorIQ

FYI (For Your Influence)

Grin

Impact Tech, Inc.

Other Prominent Players

Directly Purchase a copy of report with TOC @ https://www.astuteanalytica.com/inquire-before-purchase/influencer-marketing-platform-market

About Astute Analytica

Astute Analytica is a global analytics and advisory company which has built a solid reputation in a short period, thanks to the tangible outcomes we have delivered to our clients. We pride ourselves in generating unparalleled, in depth and uncannily accurate estimates and projections for our very demanding clients spread across different verticals. We have a long list of satisfied and repeat clients from a wide spectrum including technology, healthcare, chemicals, semiconductors, FMCG, and many more. These happy customers come to us from all across the Globe. They are able to make well calibrated decisions and leverage highly lucrative opportunities while surmounting the fierce challenges all because we analyze for them the complex business environment, segment wise existing and emerging possibilities, technology formations, growth estimates, and even the strategic choices available. In short, a complete package. All this is possible because we have a highly qualified, competent, and experienced team of professionals comprising of business analysts, economists, consultants, and technology experts. In our list of priorities, you-our patron-come at the top. You can be sure of best cost-effective, value-added package from us, should you decide to engage with us.

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NEW YORK, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The global PEM electrolyzer market to reach $2,302.4 million by 2031.

Source: ReportLinker

Global PEM Electrolyzer Market: Industry Overview

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06428164/?utm_source=PRN

The demand for PEM electrolyzers is anticipated to grow with the increasing demand from the end-use industries such as ammonia production, refining industry, power and energy storage, transportation, methanol production, and others.Furthermore, it is anticipated that during the projected period 2022-2031, the increasing adoption of PEM electrolyzers in generating green hydrogen and the investment from the government and private sector companies toward renewable energy is expected to further fuel the advancement of the global PEM electrolyzer market.

However, the lack of hydrogen infrastructures, such as hydrogen storage and hydrogen transportation, is anticipated to hinder market growth in the upcoming future.

Market Lifecycle Stage

The global PEM electrolyzer market is in the growth phase.Rising sales of fuel cell vehicles and increasing focus on decarbonization and controlling greenhouse emissions are expected to boost market growth.

Furthermore, due to high demand from the end-user industries and rising government regulations related to controlling GHG emissions are expected to increase the demand for eco-sustainable fuels, thereby bolstering the global PEM electrolyzer market.Moreover, the global PEM electrolyzer market is expected to benefit from the growing demand for green hydrogen, which would promote market expansion.

The requirement for PEM electrolyzers is being stimulated by fuel cell electric vehicles as well.

Industrial Impact

Growing demand for hydrogen and green hydrogen is the main driving force behind the growing interest in the PEM electrolyzer market. As a result, these materials are getting prominence in a variety of industries, including transportation, refining industry, and power and energy storage, among others. One area where implementation has been significantly greater is ammonia production, which has created opportunities for both existing market participants and market entrants.

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Furthermore, PEM electrolyzers have a moderate to high impact on end-user industries; however, in the upcoming future, with increased production of ammonia, electric vehicles, and other applications, the impact is anticipated to increase.

Impact of COVID-19

The PEM electrolyzer market was affected positively by COVID-19 as an investment in renewable energy surged to record heights and sales of fuel cell vehicles increased. The sales of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) reduced significantly in 2020, with only 937 vehicles sold in the U.S., according to the California Fuel Cell Partnership. However, the sales rebounded spectacularly in 2021, with an increase of 257% year-over-year and a record 3,341 fuel cell vehicles sold. The PEM electrolyzer market was among the few markets that were positively affected by COVID-19, and the market has since continued its growth. The demand for green hydrogen is growing day by day, and with rising sales of fuel cell vehicles and a growing emphasis on decarbonization and sustainability, the demand for PEM electrolyzers is expected to keep on growing in the coming years.

Market Segmentation:

Segmentation 1: by End User

Refining Industry

Power and Energy Storage

Ammonia Production

Methanol Production

Transportation

Others

Based on end users, ammonia production led the global PEM electrolyzer market in 2021

Segmentation 2: by Material Type

Iridium

Platinum

Others

The global PEM electrolyzer market was led by platinum in terms of material type in 2021.

Segmentation 4: by Region

o North America  U.S., Canada, and Mexico

o Europe  Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain, and Rest-of-Europe

o China

o U.K.

o Asia-Pacific and Japan  Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, and Rest-of-Asia-Pacific

o Rest-of-the-World South America, and Middle East and Africa

In the global PEM electrolyzer market, Europe dominates the market due to the presence of several leading companies, such as Nel ASA, ITM Power PLC, and many more, along with a highly developed renewable energy market and growing sales of fuel cell vehicles.

Recent Developments in the Global PEM Electrolyzer Market

In March 2022, Elogen received an order of 1 MW proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer from Communaute d'Agglomeration Pau Bearn Pyrenees. Elogen would design and produce this PEM electrolyzer and would deliver it in the first half of 2023 to the Lescar wastewater treatment site.

In April 2022, Ohmium received an investment of around $45 million from one of its investors, Fenice Investment Group. The fund is expected to support the growth of the company and help it to increase the hydrogen manufacturing capacity from 500 MW to 2 GW annually by the end of 2022.

In July 2022, Plug Power Inc. signed a contract with an international energy company, Irving Oil, to supply a 5-megawatt (MW) containerized proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer system for the production and distribution of hydrogen at its Saint John, New Brunswick refinery in Canada.

Demand  Drivers and Limitations

The following are the demand drivers for the global PEM Electrolyzer market:

Rising Adoption of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)

Prevailing Research and Development Initiatives for Technological Advancements in PEM Electrolyzer

Increasing Demand for Green Hydrogen

The market is expected to face some limitations as well due to the following challenges:

High Energy Losses during Production Process

High Cost of Production due to the Use of Precious Metals in PEM Technology

Analyst View

According to Sachin Singh, Lead Analyst, BIS Research, "PEM electrolysis has gained growth in recent years due to a growing emphasis on environmentally friendly and low-carbon technology.PEM electrolysis is gaining popularity among companies as there is zero carbon emission, and it uses electricity as a feedstock.

This electricity is generated by renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, which are abundant and produce no greenhouse gases. Furthermore, due to a number of technical and performance advancements in proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, the market is anticipated to expand quickly during the forecast period."

How can this report add value to an organization?

Product/Innovation Strategy: The product segment helps the reader understand the different material types involved in the production of PEM electrolyzers.Moreover, the study provides the reader with a detailed understanding of the global PEM electrolyzer market based on the end user (refining industry, ammonia production, methanol production, power and energy storage, transportation, and others).

PEM electrolyzers are gaining traction in end-user industries on the back of sustainability concerns and their high-power density properties. They are also being used for controlling GHG emissions.

Growth/Marketing Strategy: The global PEM electrolyzer market has seen major development by key players operating in the market, such as business expansions, partnerships, collaborations, mergers and acquisitions, and joint ventures.The favored strategy for the companies has been product developments, business expansions, and acquisitions to strengthen their position in the global PEM electrolyzer market.

For instance, in May 2022, Ohmium signed a collaboration agreement with Politecnico di Torino University in Turin, Italy. Ohmium is focused on developing next-generation catalyst materials used in PEM electrolysis, and the collaboration is expected to help the company determine the requirements for future projects.

Competitive Strategy: Key players in the global PEM electrolyzer market analyzed and profiled in the study involve PEM electrolyzer manufacturers and the overall ecosystem. Moreover, a detailed competitive benchmarking of the players operating in the global PEM electrolyzer market has been done to help the reader understand how players stack against each other, presenting a clear market landscape. Additionally, comprehensive competitive

Key Market Players and Competition Synopsis

The companies that are profiled have been selected based on inputs gathered from primary experts, analyzing company coverage, product portfolio, and market penetration.

The global PEM electrolyzer market has been segmented by different end users, among which ammonia production captured around 33.0% of the market as of 2021. Other end users, including transportation, accounted for around 15.6%, the refining industry accounted for 22.6%, power and energy storage accounted for 7.2%, methanol production accounted for 4.7%, and other end-use industry accounted for 16.9% of the total demand in 2021 in terms of value.

Some of the established names in this market are:

Company Type (by End User)

Plug Power Inc

Nel ASA

Cummins. Inc.

ITM Power PLC

Hitachi Zosen Corporation

Elogen

Siemens Energy

Ningbo Vet Energy Technology Co., Ltd.

Companies that are not a part of the previously mentioned pool have been well represented across different sections of the report (wherever applicable).

Countries Covered

North America

U.S.

Canada

Mexico

Europe

Germany

France

Netherlands

Spain

Rest-of-Europe

U.K

China

Asia-Pacific and Japan

Japan

South Korea

India

Australia

Rest-of-Asia-Pacific and Japan

Rest-of-the-World

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06428164/?utm_source=PRN

About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.

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Allied Market Research

Increasing demand for high performances vehicles and rise in demand for high power engines such as V-6, V-8 drive the growth of the tappet market. By type, the flat tappet segment contributed to the major share in 2021. By region, Asia-Pacific would showcase the fastest CAGR by 2031.

Portland, OR, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the report published by Allied Market Research, the global tappet market generated $8.4 billion in 2021, and is estimated to reach $11.3 billion by 2031, witnessing a CAGR of 3.2% 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. The report is a helpful source of information for leading market players, new entrants, investors, and stakeholders in devising strategies for the future and taking steps to strengthen their position in the market.

Download Free Sample of Research Report - https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/32344

Report Coverage & Details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20222031 Base Year 2021 Market Size in 2021 $8.4 Billion Market Size in 2031 $11.3 Billion CAGR 3.2% No. of Pages in Report 250 Segments Covered

End User, Type, Engine Capacity, Vehicle Type, and Region





Drivers





Increasing demand for high performances vehicles Rise in demand for high power engines such as V-6, V-8 Opportunities



Expansion of the economy and increase in disposable income







Growth of automotive industry across the world and advancement in the tappet (the introduction of Machined Tappets)



Restraints



Rising popularity of electric and hybrid vehicles







Covid-19 Scenario:

The outbreak of COVID-19 has had a negative impact on several industries, including the automotive industry, which has caused a steep decline in automotive sales. Tappet demand decreased significantly worldwide because it is largely used in the production of automobiles.

China is the top producer and exporter of the raw materials needed to produce automobiles. However, as China was the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, its export was affected, which decreased the production of tappets.

This disruption in the supply chain, import-export restrictions, and closed borders, also caused pressure on the automobile industry. Additionally, the economic slowdown has impacted the development of new automotive projects worldwide, as government funding was prioritized towards healthcare systems.

Despite these challenges, as the global situation begins to recover, there is a growing demand for tappets in various industries.

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The report offers a detailed segmentation of the global tappet market based on end user, type, engine capacity, vehicle type, and region. The report provides an analysis of each segment and sub-segment with the help of tables and figures. This analysis helps market players, investors, and new entrants in determining the sub-segments to be tapped on to achieve growth in the coming years.

Based on end user, the economic passenger car segment contributed to nearly two-thirds of the global tappet market revenue and is projected to rule the roost by 2031. The same segment would also display the fastest CAGR of 3.6% throughout the forecast period. The other segments assessed through the report take in luxury passenger car and mid-priced passenger car.

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Based on type, the flat tappet segment held the largest share in 2021, garnering more than two-thirds of the global tappet market revenue and is projected to maintain its dominance by 2031. The same segment would also cite the fastest CAGR of 3.6% throughout the forecast period. Also, the roller tappet segment is discussed in the report.

Based on engine capacity, the <4 cylinders engine segment held the largest share in 2021, garnering more than half of the global tappet market revenue and is projected to maintain its dominance by 2031. The same segment would also showcase the fastest CAGR of 3.9% during the forecast period. The 4-6 cylinders engine and >6 cylinders engine segments are also analyzed through the report.

Based on vehicle type, the light duty vehicles segment contributed to nearly two-thirds of the global tappet market revenue and is projected to rule the roost by 2031. The same segment would also portray the fastest CAGR of 3.5% throughout the forecast period. The heavy commercial vehicle segment is also studied in the report.

Based on region, Europe held the major share in 2021, garnering more than one-third of the global tappet market revenue. Furthermore, North America is projected to rule the roost in terms of revenue during the forecast period. The Asia-Pacific region, on the other hand, would display the fastest CAGR of 4.7% throughout the forecast period. The other provinces studied through the report include LAMEA.

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The key market players analyzed in the global tappet market report include Lunatipower, Riken, SM Motor Parts GmbH, Rane Engine Valve Ltd, federal mogul, comp cams, Eaton Corporation, SKF, Schaeffler ag, Crower Cams Equipment Company Inc. 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.

Similar Reports We Have on Automotive Industry:

Valve Spool Market Research Report 2023-2035

Automotive Hydraulics System 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.

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Greystone

NEW YORK, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Greystone, a leading national commercial real estate finance company, has provided a $20,301,000 Fannie Mae Delegated Underwriting & Servicing (DUS) Green Rewards loan to refinance an 87-unit multifamily property in North Ogden, Utah. The financing was originated by Lorie Hanson, Managing Director at Greystone, with Johnny Clawson from The Clawson Group, Inc. acting as correspondent.



Constructed in 2020, Patriot Pointe Apartments in Weber County is a townhome community with one-, two- and two-bedroom units. The $20,301,000 non-recourse, fixed-rate financing carries a 10-year term and 30-year amortization, with full-term interest-only payments. The property achieved a Fannie Mae Green Globes certification for its energy upgrades. In addition to refinancing, loan proceeds enable the borrower to monetize a portion of the equity in the property.

At Greystone, our number one priority is to secure the right financing for the multifamily properties in our clients portfolios in every economic environment, said Ms. Hanson. Our clients know that we will leverage our deep multifamily expertise and deliver an exceptional experience on each transaction.

We go to Greystone because they do outstanding work  we trust their insights and experience as a leader in multifamily finance, said Mr. John Hansen and Mr. Ken Crockett, principals of the borrower. We bring our Greystone team as our partner on every transaction because their financing capabilities and quality of service exceed our expectations every time.

About Greystone

Greystone is a private national commercial real estate finance company with an established reputation as a leader in multifamily and healthcare finance, having ranked as a top FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac lender in these sectors. Loans are offered through Greystone Servicing Company LLC, Greystone Funding Company LLC and/or other Greystone affiliates. For more information, visit www.greystone.com.

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PRESS CONTACT:

Karen Marotta

Greystone

212-896-9149

Karen.Marotta@greyco.com




The partnership is a model for Health Information Exchanges nationwide to improve patient access and security

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. and NEW YORK, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Health Gorilla, a leading Health Information Network and interoperability provider, has partnered with CLEAR, a secure identity verification platform, to launch Individual Access Services, which allows consumers to access their personal health information securely. The program will begin in Puerto Rico with the Puerto Rico Health Information Exchange (PRHIE) and expand to other regions in the future.

Logo (PRNewsfoto/Health Gorilla)

Health Gorilla will embed Powered by CLEAR to seamlessly verify a consumer's identity and provide them with secure and easy access to their health information. Friction-free identity verification and user authentication will empower citizens of Puerto Rico to easily and securely access their medical records and share them with authorized healthcare providers.

"The partnership with CLEAR is an important step in our mission to provide consumers with greater control over their healthcare data," said Steve Yaskin, CEO of Health Gorilla. "We believe that giving consumers easy and secure access to their medical records is key to improving healthcare outcomes and experiences. We are excited to partner with CLEAR to make Individual Access Services (IAS) a reality for the people of Puerto Rico and beyond."

"We are thrilled to partner with Health Gorilla to help citizens of Puerto Rico securely access their healthcare information," said Caryn Seidman-Becker, CEO of CLEAR. "At CLEAR, we believe that identity should be the key to unlocking a friction-free and secure healthcare experience, and our partnership with Health Gorilla marks another significant milestone as we work to 'replace the clipboard in healthcare.'"

"Enabling Puerto Rico citizens to access their own health information through this partnership is very exciting," said Alexander Quevedo, State HIT Coordinator at Puerto Rico Department of Health. "It will give patients more agency and empower them with data at their fingertips."

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Health Gorilla and CLEAR are committed to protecting patient privacy. Health Gorilla's Health Interoperability Platform uses innovative security measures to safeguard data and prevent anyone except the patient and their authorized provider(s) from accessing their health information. With this partnership, the citizens of Puerto Rico can look forward to a seamless and secure healthcare experience.

The partnership with CLEAR comes on the heels of Health Gorilla's recent approval for onboarding as a Qualified Health Information Network (QHIN). Health Gorilla successfully fulfilled the governance, functional, and operational requirements for operational approval to serve as a QHIN under the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA). Health Gorilla must now successfully complete testing and onboarding before moving forward in the process toward official designation. If designated as a QHIN, Health Gorilla will securely exchange health information with other QHINs across the country, making it easier for healthcare providers to access and share patient data.

CLEAR's mission is to create frictionless experiences  transforming the way people live, work and travel. In November 2022, CLEAR launched its secure identity technology at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU), marking the first airport outside the continental United States to feature CLEAR's signature expedited identity verification lanes. CLEAR's launch at SJU is expected to create 49 local jobs and generate approximately $2.5 million in local economic activity.

About Health Gorilla

Health Gorilla is a secure health data sharing platform, powering national health information exchange while protecting patient data privacy and security. Health Gorilla provides access to the broadest network of real-time healthcare data sources in the U.S., making it easy for authorized users to get a complete view of their patients. Through our collaborations with healthcare providers, insurers, and government organizations, we play a vital role in improving health outcomes, reducing administrative inefficiencies, and unlocking new business models. Health Gorilla is also one of the applicants approved for onboarding as a candidate Qualified Health Information Network and must successfully complete testing and onboarding before official designation as a QHIN. Our platform hosts innovative privacy technologies designed to safeguard health data and protect patient privacy.

For more information, visit healthgorilla.com or follow us on LinkedIn and on Twitter @HealthGorilla .

About CLEAR

Founded in 2010, CLEAR's mission is to create frictionless experiences. With more than 15 million members and hundreds of partners across the world, CLEAR's identity platform is transforming the way people live, work, and travel. Whether it's at the airport, stadium, or right on your phone, CLEAR connects you to the things that make you, you  making everyday experiences easier, secure, and seamless. Since day one, CLEAR has been committed to privacy done right. Members are always in control of their own information, and we never sell member data.

For more information, visit clearme.com/healthcare or follow us on LinkedIn and on Twitter @Clear .

CLEAR

Cision

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SOURCE Health Gorilla; CLEAR
SNS Insider pvt ltd

According to SNS Insider, increasing regulatory requirements, rising demand for quality healthcare services, and technological advancements to create positive outlook for healthcare quality management market.

Pune, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Healthcare Quality Management Market was valued at USD 3.45 billion in 2022 and is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 14.8% during the forecast period 2023-2030, ultimately reaching USD 10.42 billion by 2030, as reported by SNS Insider.

Market Overview:

Healthcare quality management is an essential aspect of the healthcare industry that involves ensuring that patients receive high-quality care that is safe, effective, and efficient. Quality management in healthcare involves the use of various tools and techniques to monitor, evaluate, and improve the quality of care provided to patients. Evidence-based practices are interventions and treatments that are supported by scientific research and have been shown to be effective in improving patient outcomes.

Market Analysis:

The growth of the healthcare quality management market is driven by the increase in the volume of unstructured data in healthcare. This includes patient data, medical records, and other healthcare-related information that is generated every day. Moreover, medical errors have also been on the rise, leading to adverse outcomes for patients. This has resulted in an increased demand for quality management solutions that can help in reducing medical errors and improving patient safety.

Key Company Profiles Listed in this Report Are:

Altegra Health, Inc.

CitiusTech Inc.

Dolbey Systems, Inc.

Cerner Corp.

McKesson Corp.

Nuance Communications, Inc.

Medisolv, Inc.

Premier, Inc.

Quantros, Inc.

Truven Health Analytics

Surescripts, LLC.

Request a Sample Report PDF of Healthcare Quality Management Market@ https://www.snsinsider.com/sample-request/2274



Impact of Recession on the Healthcare Quality Management Market:

The impact of a recession on the target market is complex and multifaceted. While there may be some short-term negative effects, the long-term outlook remains positive, as the importance of quality management in healthcare continues to be recognized and valued.

Story continues

Key Regional Development:

North America is the dominant region for the Healthcare Quality Management Market. Factors like Government mandates for healthcare providers to report quality and improve the performance of care provided, increase in the volume of unstructured data in the healthcare industry, an increase in healthcare expenditure, a rapid increase in the aging population, a high rate of medication errors, and increased funding by government agencies are driving the market growth in North America.

Market Report Scope:

Report Attributes Details Market Size in 2022 US$ 3.45 Billion Market Size by 2030 US$ 10.42 Billion CAGR CAGR of 14.8% From 2023 to 2030 Base Year 2022 Forecast Period 2023-2030 Historical Data 2020-2021 Key Market Segments Coverage  By Software Type (Business Intelligence & Analytics Solutions, Physician Quality Reporting Solutions, Clinical Risk Management Solutions, Provider Performance Improvement Solutions)

 By Delivery Mode (Web-& Cloud-based Solutions, On-premise Solutions)

 By Application (Data Management, Unstructured Data Abstraction, Data Processing & Analysis, Report Generation, Report Submission, Risk Management)

 By End User (Hospitals, Ambulatory Care Centers, Payer, ACOs) Regional Coverage North America (USA, Canada, Mexico), Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (Japan, South Korea, China, India, Australia, Rest of Asia-Pacific), The Middle East & Africa (Israel, UAE, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa), Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of Latin America)

Enquiry About Healthcare Quality Management Market Report@ https://www.snsinsider.com/enquiry/2274

Key Takeaway from Healthcare Quality Management Market Study

The healthcare industry has been leveraging the power of business intelligence (BI) to unlock valuable insights, enhance revenue, and promote patient safety. With the increasing demand for quality healthcare services, BI has become an essential tool for healthcare organizations to streamline their operations.

The study highlighted the importance of collaboration between healthcare providers, patients, and other stakeholders in driving quality improvements. This includes partnerships between healthcare providers and technology companies,

In recent years, the cost of healthcare services has been on the rise due to the emergence of new and advanced technologies. This trend is affecting the performance of healthcare providers, especially in emerging and underdeveloped countries.

Recent Developments Related to Healthcare Quality Management Market



InformedDNA, a prominent company specializing in applied genomics solutions, has recently revealed its plans to expand its services to provide greater access to genomically guided healthcare for patients, healthcare providers, and health plans. The company aims to build upon its existing expertise in genomics care delivery and benefits management to create a scalable set of solutions that can be implemented across a wider range of healthcare systems.

Kitea Health, a New Zealand-based medtech company, has recently raised NZ$6 million in funding for its innovative brain implant monitor. The device is designed to remotely monitor the brain activity of patients with implanted devices, such as deep brain stimulators or cochlear implants.

Buy Single-User PDF of Healthcare Quality Management Market@ https://www.snsinsider.com/checkout/2274



(For more information or queries related to this research study, mail us at info@snsinsider.com)

About Us:

SNS Insider is a market research and insights firm that has won several awards and earned a solid reputation for service and strategy. We are not merely a research organization. We are a strategic partner who can assist you in reframing issues and generating answers to the trickiest business difficulties. For greater consumer insight and client experiences, we leverage the power of experience and people.

When you employ our services, you will collaborate with qualified and experienced staff. We believe it is crucial to collaborate with our clients to ensure that each project is customized to meet their demands. Nobody knows your customers or community better than you do. Therefore, our team needs to ask the correct questions that appeal to your audience in order to collect the best information.

CONTACT: Contact Us: Akash Anand  Head of Business Development & Strategy info@snsinsider.com Phone: +1-415-230-0044 (US)




RALEIGH, N.C., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CAPTRUST Financial Advisors (CAPTRUST) announced today the addition of Monroe Vos Consulting (Monroe Vos).

CAPTRUST Financial Advisors logo (PRNewsfoto/CAPTRUST Financial Advisors)

Founded by Jim Monroe and Tim Vos in 1994, Monroe Vos is based in Houston, Texas, with an additional location in Birmingham, Alabama. The firm provides advisory services for retirement plan sponsors, endowments, and foundations and provides wealth management services to high-net-worth individuals and family offices.

The firm brings its entire team of 17 colleagues to CAPTRUST and more than $5.8 billion in assets.

"The genesis of Monroe Vos was to avoid conflicts of interest and to put clients firstand the alignment of these values led us to choose CAPTRUST. CAPTRUST's culture and philosophy have a lot of similarities to ours at Monroe Vos. We had commonality when it comes to the care of the client," said Vos.

This addition bolsters CAPTRUST's presence in Houston and Birmingham, joining the firm's existing wealth, retirement plan, and endowment and foundation practices in these regions. CAPTRUST has had an established presence in Texas for more than a decade and continues to grow, with more than 100 employees. The Monroe Vos deal follows the recent additions of Covenant Multifamily Offices in 2021 and South Texas Money Management in 2019.

"Community is also a core value of our firmwe have long participated in volunteering and fundraising. CAPTRUST's care for the community through the CAPTRUST Community Foundation is just another proof statement for why we are an excellent fit together," said Vos. "We have a long future ahead by joining CAPTRUST, and our clients will benefit from it."

"Monroe Vos has been a leader in our industry for decades, and we are thrilled to welcome them to CAPTRUST," said Rick Shoff, managing director of CAPTRUST's Advisor Group. "Tim and the entire firm bring an experienced perspective across all three of our business lines. We look forward to joining forces in Texasespecially as we continue to expand in this market."

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This deal is the first for CAPTRUST in 2023 and the 64th since 2006. Consistent with other transactions, Monroe Vos will take on CAPTRUST branding. Park Sutton Advisors, a Waller Helms Company served as Monroe Vos' financial advisor in the transaction.

About CAPTRUST

CAPTRUST is an independent registered investment advisor founded in 1997 in Raleigh, North Carolina. The firm provides investment management, financial planning, estate planning, and tax advisory and compliance services for individuals and families. The firm also offers a comprehensive suite of services for ultra-high-net-worth individuals to simplify their financial lives, mitigate risk, and perpetuate their legacies. For retirement plan sponsors, endowments, foundations, and religious entities, CAPTRUST offers investment advisory services, fiduciary support, plan design, provider analysis and fee benchmarking, and employee advice programs. With more than 1,300 employees across 75 locations nationwide, CAPTRUST oversees more than $125 billion in assets under management and more than $775 billion in assets under advisement (as of December 31, 2022). For more information, visit www.captrust.com.

Cision

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SOURCE CAPTRUST Financial Advisors
Fortune Business Insights

Companies covered in Hydroponics Market are Heliospectra AB, Signify Holdings, Terra Tech Corp., Argus Control Systems, American Hydroponics, Scotts Miracle-Gro, LumiGrow, Village Farms, Green Sense Holdings, Urban Cultivator, Other key market players

Pune, India, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global hydroponics market size is set to gain traction from the increasing need to grow nutritionally superior crops without using artificial ripening agents and pesticides. Fortune Business Insights published this information in an upcoming report, titled, Hydroponics Market, 2023-2030. As per the report, numerous companies operating in the market are nowadays introducing innovative systems to strengthen their positions. The Analytics India Magazine, for instance, mentioned in an article that artificial intelligence-based hydroponics or aquiculture are trending because of their ability to collect data about electrical conductivity levels, pH levels, nutrient supply, and crop vitals. At the same time, they can easily detect humidity levels, temperature, and light density.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic affected a wide range of industries negatively across the globe. It has disrupted supply chain networks because of the complete lockdown across the globe. Also, transportation of raw materials and other products has become difficult under the current circumstances. We are delivering authentic research reports describing the effects of this pandemic on the market for hydroponics.

Get a Free Sample Research Report:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/hydroponics-market-102275

A list of renowned providers of hydroponics operating in the global market:

Heliospectra AB

Signify Holdings

Terra Tech Corp.

Argus Control Systems

American Hydroponics

Scotts Miracle-Gro

LumiGrow

Village Farms

Green Sense Holdings

Urban Cultivator

Other key market players

Report Scope & Segmentation:

Report Attribute Details Base Year 2022 Historical Year 2019  2021 Forecast Year 2023  2030 Segments Covered By Type, By Crop Type, By Geography Forecast Units Value (USD Billion), and Volume (Units) Quantitative Units Revenue in USD million/billion and CAGR from 2020 to 2029 Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, Latin America and Rest of World Countries Covered Unites States, Canada, Mexico, Unites Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Argentina, GCC Countries, and South Africa, among others

Segments -

Story continues

Vegetables Segment to Lead Backed by Rising Demand for Premium-quality Products

Based on the type, the market is segregated into liquid hydroponics and aggregate hydroponic systems. On the basis of region, it is divided into the Middle East & Africa, Europe, North America, South America, and Asia Pacific. By crop type, it is fragmented into flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Amongst these, the vegetables segment is set to generate the largest hydroponics market share in the upcoming years. This growth is attributable to the increasing demand for premium-quality vegetables in developed countries. This is mainly occurring on account of the increasing prevalence of diseases caused by the consumption of chemically-treated vegetables.

Browse Detailed Summary of Research Report with TOC:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/hydroponics-market-102275

Report Coverage-

The research report offers a comprehensive analysis of pre-existing companies that can affect the outlook throughout the forthcoming years. Besides, it provides an accurate assessment by highlighting information on several aspects that may include growth drivers, opportunities, trends, and hindrances. It also represents the market size from a global perspective by analyzing qualitative insights and historical data.

Drivers & Restraints-

Increasing Concerns of Food Security to Favor Growth

The demand for hydroponics is likely to surge in the near future because of their ability to provide better crop yields in a lesser time period, control soil borne pathogens, and nutrient availability in the system. Apart from that, the increasing global population and reduction in the number of agricultural lands is slowly surging concerns about food security. Hence, governments of various countries are taking initiatives to encourage farmers to adopt unique agricultural practices. Aquiculture is one such intelligent crop production technique that is enabling farmers to grow crops faster than conventional methods. Also, rising R&D activities by companies to enhance productivity is expected to propel the hydroponics market growth in the near future. However, the low compatibility of significant plants, especially turnips, carrots, and onions to grow in such new agricultural settings may hinder growth.

Regional Insights-

Rising Production of Lettuce and Strawberries in Australia to Boost Growth in Asia Pacific

Europe currently holds the largest share and is anticipated to remain at the forefront in the forecast period. The rising adoption of aquiculture across Spain, Netherlands, and France is expected to bolster growth in the region.

Asia Pacific, on the other hand, is set to grow rapidly on account of the surging implementation of this agricultural method in Australia, Japan, India, and China. Australia is considered to be the largest producer of lettuce worldwide. It also cultivates strawberries by using this technique. India is set to experience high demand because of the availability of poor soil and lack of land.

Inquiry before buying:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/queries/hydroponics-market-102275

Competitive Landscape-

Key Players Focus on Introducing Novel Farming Techniques to Bring Sustainability

The global market is highly fragmented with the presence of multiple companies. Most of them are focusing on R&D activities to come up with state-of-the-art techniques for surging sustainability and saving costs. Below is one of the latest industry developments:

March 2021: The state government of Ahmedabad announced its plan to accelerate hydroponic farming in cities to encourage households to grow vegetables in their homes. The agriculture department staff will provide hands-on training to residents with DIY videos.

Read Related Insights:

Hydrocolloids Market to Hit USD 13.30 Billion by 2027; Growing Demand for Convenience Food Products to Stimulate Growth, Says Fortune Business Insights

Commercial Seaweed Market to Hit USD 24.92 Billion by 2028; Rising Focus on Sustainable Agriculture Practices Worldwide to Boost the Market: Fortune Business Insights

Iodine Market is Projected to Hit USD 1,283.0 Million by 2027 | Iodine Industry Exhibit a CAGR of 4.4% During 2020-2027

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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.

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2022 World Car Awards at the New York International Auto Show, in New York City

SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's Hyundai Motor Co is in talks with a Kazakhstan company over the sale of its manufacturing plant in Russia, South Korean media reported on Thursday.

Many factories in Russia have suspended production and furloughed workers due to shortages of high-tech equipment because of sanctions and an exodus of Western manufacturers since Moscow invaded Ukraine last year.

The local government in St. Petersburg has been negotiating with Kazakhstan to sell Hyundai's Russia plant, Yonhap news agency reported, citing a TASS report.

Yonhap reported that negotiations to sell Hyundai's plant in St. Petersburg to an auto-related company in Astana, Kazakhstan are in the final stage, citing an unnamed source. The deal could be signed as early as June, it said.

Hyundai Motor suspended operations at its Russian factory last March.

Hyundai Motor was not immediately available for comment when contacted by Reuters.

Hyundai Motor, which together with affiliate Kia Corp 000270.KS is among the world's top 10 biggest automakers by sales, builds about 200,000 vehicles per year in Russia, about 4% of its global production capacity.

(Reporting by Heekyong Yang; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
LONDON, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ICAEW has launched their latest virtual work experience programme in partnership with HR tech firm, Cappfinity.

Cappfinity

The professional membership body, which represents the interests of 195,000 members and students around the world and has 13 offices worldwide, launched its 2023 campaign following the success of its innovative work experience programme in 2021 and 2022.

The week-long programme, which is open to 16 to 17-year-old students at school or college in the UK, is an opportunity to learn more about the fascinating careers of chartered accountants, bust myths regarding the profession and develop young peoples' professional skills.

The programme removes barriers and misconceptions around careers in accountancy, whilst providing students with the opportunity to learn more about themselves and their individual strengths and skills.

ICAEW particularly welcomes applications from underrepresented groups to showcase the various pathways into the career, attract talent and build greater diversity in the profession.

Applicants undergo a two-stage assessment process designed by Cappfinity. Firstly, applicants complete a situational strengths assessment using Cappfinity's Capptivate which is designed to highlight interests and abilities that would facilitate success in role. Candidates also complete a pre-recorded video interview using Cappfinity's Snapshot, a mobile-ready interview platform.

Every applicant receives a personalised feedback report, something we believe every candidate deserves, to understand more about themselves and discover where their personal skills and strengths lie.

The work experience itself comprises of project-based learning modules, including an intro to ICAEW and the ACA qualification, self-insight activities (learning about individual strengths), break-out activities and plenary sessions, culminating in a final group presentation assessed by employer partners and professionals with an interest in levelling up.

Story continues

Jack Henman, Marketing Manager at ICAEW explained: "We're delighted to have launched this year's virtual work experience programme in conjunction with so many fantastic employers and in partnership with Cappfinity.

"We know there are a lot of misconceptions about accountancy, when in reality no two days are the same, it is a truly fascinating and fulfilling career and we are determined to breakdown any and all barriers to entry.

"Cappfinity's innovative assessment process, using the Capptivate platform not only provides us with information about a student's potential, but it also provides the student with an insight into what a career in accountancy might look like, by using realistic tasks and imagery."

Abi Parker, Account Director at Cappfinity who was part of the final judging panel last year, said: "ICAEW's commitment to widening participation is exemplary. The quality of the presentations I observed as a judge on their final day was very impressive and it was great to see how the students' confidence had grown over such a short period of time.

"The decision to engage with multiple partners to contribute to the work experience programme is a truly market-leading approach, opening up new talent pools earlier to drive interest in the future."

Last year's programme saw high numbers of female students, those from lower socio-economic backgrounds and ethnic minority groups apply. It is hoped that this year's scheme will continue to attract these groups and expand on previous success.

The programme is open to students across the UK and is delivered via a digital format, so there is no need to travel.

If you are a Year 12 (England and Wales), Year 13 (NI), S5 (Scotland) student, or equivalent, you can apply to the work experience programme via the ICAEW Work Experience webpage here: https://careers.icaew.com/work-experience.

About Cappfinity

Cappfinity is the global leader in skills-based hiring and talent mobility solutions. Since 2005, Cappfinity has helped organizations place candidates and employees in positions where they can use their skills and strengths to deliver value and meet business objectives. This is achieved with online assessments, virtual job simulations, robust candidate reports, fast and fair talent matching, hiring, upskilling, leadership development, and succession planning solutions and services.

Cappfinity - Hiring and Talent Mobility Powered by Skills

For more information, visit www.cappfinity.com

About ICAEW

Chartered accountants are talented, ethical and committed professionals. ICAEW represents more than 195,300 members and students around the world.

Founded in 1880, ICAEW has a long history of serving the public interest and we continue to work with governments, regulators and business leaders globally. And, as a world-leading improvement regulator, we supervise and monitor around 12,000 firms, holding them, and all ICAEW members and students, to the highest standards of professional competency and conduct.

We promote inclusivity, diversity and fairness and we give talented professionals the skills and values they need to build resilient businesses, economies and societies, while ensuring our planet's resources are managed sustainably.

ICAEW is the first major professional body to be carbon neutral, demonstrating our commitment to tackle climate change and supporting UN Sustainable Development Goal 13.

ICAEW is a founding member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW), a global family that connects over 1.8m chartered accountants and students in more than 190 countries. Together, we support, develop and promote the role of chartered accountants as trusted business leaders, difference makers and advisers.

We believe that chartered accountancy can be a force for positive change. By sharing our insight, expertise and understanding we can help to create sustainable economies and a better future for all.

SOURCE Cappfinity
Sabina Mammadli

Mine exposition in Azerbaijan's Tartar District injures one person, Azernews reports per Prosecutor General's Office.

According to the office, Jaguar Hadiyev, born in 1989, received bodily injuries of varying severity as a result of a mine explosion.

The staff of the Prosecutor's Office inspected the site and carried out other necessary investigative actions. Further investigations are underway.

In violation of the 1949 Geneva Convention, during the years of occupation and at the moment of withdrawal from Azerbaijani lands in late 2020 and even after the second Karabakh war, Armenia deliberately and constantly planted mines on Azerbaijani territories, thereby being a major threat to regional peace, security, and cooperation.

Civilians and military personnel are frequently maimed or killed as a result of mine explosions in Azerbaijan's liberated regions.

Armenia deliberately and constantly planted mines on Azerbaijani territories, in violation of the 1949 Geneva Convention, which is a major threat to regional peace, security, and cooperation.
Workers perform an inspection on a completed Haval F7 crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV) - Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg

When they were asked to jump-start the UKs ailing car industry in the 1980s, Japanese car makers helped turn an industry marred by strikes and unpopular vehicles back into an export market for the UK, bringing faster and more efficient car building methods.

Toyota and Nissan still build thousands of cars in the UK, and brought some of the first hybrid and battery-powered cars to British motorists with the Prius and Leaf.

But now signs are emerging that the giant car makers are starting to struggle with the global push to electrification, particularly Toyota, which has long resisted the move.

As recently as December, executives at the company were wavering over the push to battery-powered cars, with Akio Toyoda, the company's president and grandson of its founder Kiichiro Toyoda insisting that a silent majority of car companies is concerned that electric vehicles will not alone be able to end reliance on fossil fuels.

Former president of Japanese automaker Toyota, Akio Toyoda - BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP via Getty Images

Mr Toyoda steps aside at the end of this month in favour of Koji Sato.

Mr Sato has promised to jump-start the companys electrification after the company spent years touting its hybrid Prius as the answer to decarbonisation, together with the long-term plan of using hydrogen, a strategy not matched by rival car companies.

Meanwhile, Nissans problems are more financial. Yesterday, its credit rating was cut to junk status by S&P Global, which said profits will come under pressure in another tough year for the carmaker.

Yet Japans car makers are still large and profitable. Nissan returned to profit last year with a surplus of 385bn yen (2.37bn) after two years of losses. Toyota made a pre-tax profit of 3.99 trillion yen and Honda booked 1.07 trillion yen.

The country is number two in global rankings in car production and it has maintained its place since 2019.

But challenges from close neighbour China and other rising electric car makers are on the horizon.

Production dipped from 8.3m in 2019 to 6.6m in 2021, a loss of 21pc, much less than major European competitor Germanys 34pc fall in the same period.

Story continues

But at the same time, Chinese production held steady at 21m from 2019 to 2021, according to the latest figures gathered by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers.

And no Japanese car maker is in the top-20 electric car makers, a list topped by Tesla, relative newcomer BYD, which is Chinese, and Volkswagen, according to Bloomberg data.

Nissans Leaf is a popular car in the UK and when it was launched more than a decade ago, the company had much of the battery-powered market to itself.

A charging cable is attached to a Nissan Leaf electric car - REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo

In the fuel-efficient hybrid arena, Toyotas Prius has dominated for more than 20 years. But the carmakers have not capitalised on this lead.

In the EV market in the UK, the Leaf was the fifth-best seller, beaten by the Volkswagen ID.3, the Kia e-Niro And Teslas Model 3 and Y.

Former Nissan boss and Leaf backer Carlos Ghosn told Bloomberg in January that the company lost its early-mover advantage in the technology, although he made the comments after dodging an arrest warrant in Japan over financial misconduct at the car firm, charges he denies from his hideout in Lebanon.

Early efforts at rival Toyota have not run entirely smoothly. Last year in the US, Toyota launched its first mainstream battery car in the US, the BZ4X SUV. Toyota has now fixed the problem, but early buyers were told to return their cars to dealers because the wheels could fall off.

The companies must avoid the kind of malaise they were key to ending in the 1980s, when Toyota, Honda and Nissan set up factories in the UK, says Prof David Bailey, a car industry expert at Birmingham University.

Toyota got its strategy badly wrong in terms of hybrid short term, hydrogen long term. They're now having to reorientate pretty quickly towards pure EVs, he said, while Nissan must reinvigorate its relationship with partner firm Renault to seize the day, he said.

Renault and Nissan formed an alliance in the wake of the French companys rescue of its Japanese partner, with a view to sharing costs which never quite got going, says Bailey.

The pair recently renewed this arrangement, evening out the shareholdings they have in each other and promising closer cooperation.

But China looms as a challenger to the firms, with dozens of car brands eyeing Toyota, Honda and Nissans markets, including the UK.

Up to 30 new electric vehicle brands are eyeing up the UK car market, most of them Chinese, according to an industry report seen in January by The Telegraph.

They are particularly interested in the cheaper end of the market, preparing to sell mass market battery-powered cars to Britain. This is a field being vacated by many western incumbents as they pursue more affluent and profitable motorists.

Visitors look at BYD ATTO 3 electric cars on display at the EV Station on the first day of the Bangkok EV Expo 2023 - DIEGO AZUBEL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Companies like BYD and Ora, which already have agreements in place with UK dealers, will be joined by a raft of other car makers including Chery, Dongfeng and Haval, a pattern likely to be repeated elsewhere.

While China is still making more than 21m cars a year, domestic demand is stalling and the countrys access to lithium supply and processing means it can undercut the competition.

China is going to set the global standard in terms of making cheap electric cars. So unless the Japanese industry, US industry, the European industry adapts quickly, I think that the mass car industry risks being wiped out by the Chinese in terms of cheap electric cars, says Bailey.

Yet the advantages Nissan, Toyota and Honda brought to European and US car buyers 40 years ago should not be forgotten, says Bailey, especially in an era where if consumers are paying more for cars  which they are  they will demand durability as well as economy.

That big trump card I think for all of them is quality, says Bailey.

New electric brands like Tesla and Polestar have made exciting cars to drive, but their fast development has led to teething issues.

Last year, US data company JD Power said new vehicle quality fell 11pc in 2022, led by Polestar, while Tesla was seventh from the bottom when it came to problems per 100 vehicles.

Japanese car makers have time to catch up with them, if they seize the chance, said Bailey.
(Bloomberg) -- JD.com Inc. shares fell after the company reported a sharp drop in year-end revenue growth as Chinese shoppers reined in spending, and cautioned a recovery will take time.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Its wariness comes despite signs of a rapid rebound in consumer spending in China in recent weeks, underlining the uncertainty that hangs over the worlds biggest manufacturing nation.

Chinas second-largest online retailer said Thursday revenue rose 7% from October to December, down from 23% growth a year earlier. It and larger rival Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. have grappled with weak consumption sentiment since the worlds No. 2 economy buckled under the weight of Chinas rigid Covid control measures.

Total revenue may fall by 1% on year in the three months to March, according to Jefferies analyst Thomas Chong, who said the recovery in overall domestic consumption this quarter may be sluggish. JDs shares fell as much as 12% in Hong Kong on Friday to their lowest level since November.

Chinas exports and imports continued to decline in the first two months of 2023, clouding the outlook for an economy gradually recovering from the Covid years and waves of infection. Economists expect consumption to be the main driver of GDP this year, but the data showed a slowdown in urbanization and a rise in inequality in 2022, two trends which could slow private spending. Alibaba had reported a mere 2.1% rise in quarterly revenue in 2022s final three months, underscoring the economic uncertainty thats prevailed even after China abolished Covid restrictions in December.

Like Alibaba and Tencent Holdings Ltd., JD faces intensified competition from up-and-comers such as PDD Holdings Inc. and ByteDance Ltd., and has balanced tightened cost controls with targeted measures to shore up its market share. JD is closing its Indonesia and Thailand shopping sites while launching a 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) discount program back home, spurring worries of a new wave of competition in Chinese online commerce.

Story continues

Read more: JD.com Falls as Lockdowns Hit Electronics Sales: Street Wrap

While voicing cautious optimism regarding Chinas consumption rebound, JD Chief Executive Officer Xu Lei told analysts on a conference call the pace of recovery ahead hinges on consumer confidence. Demand would likely pick up pace in the second half of the year, the company said.

The company expects to control its overall marketing costs, in part by roping in merchants to help control the expense from discounts.

What we hope to do is to transform our marketing strategy from focusing on big sales to creating an environment of everyday low prices, gradually shifting peoples shopping behavior, Lei said. These programs will have a limited impact on our margins.

JD reported sales of 295.4 billion yuan in the period, slightly below the 295.5 billion yuan average of analysts projections. JD, which on Thursday declared a $1 billion dividend for shareholders, posted net income of 3 billion yuan, versus a 2.9 billion yuan estimate.

Executives on Thursday affirmed that the company was pulling out of Southeast Asian e-commerce for now, because building a regional operation would require too much investment over a long period. It remains a leading domestic player, along with Alibaba, in logistics. JD said Thursday it sold Class B preferred shares in its supply chain services unit JD Industrials to a group of unidentified investors.

JD will stay focused on lowering costs, increasing efficiency and improving user experience, Xu said.

Read more: China Tech Giants Tumble Amid Growing Fears of Price Wars

What Bloomberg Intelligence Says:

The narrowing of JD.coms retail profit gain in 2023 could be steeper than consensus expectation if the company fails to lift sales this year by more than 9% year over year, we calculate. JD.com appears on track to meet consensus for a 5% retail revenue gain in 1Q as sales of select categories during the Womens Day bazaar on its platform surpassed expectations with the support of 1 billion yuan of subsidies and marketing spending. But a stronger sales gain will be needed to spur savings from economies of scale and fully offset cost increases from the 10 billion yuan price subsidy program this year, we calculate.

JD.com cited improving consumer confidence in China year to date but similar to Alibaba and Vishop appeared cautious on the outlook.

- Catherine Lim and Trini Tan, analysts

Click here for the research.

Founded by billionaire Richard Liu, JD largely avoided a direct hit from Beijings 2020 and 2021 crackdown on the countrys biggest internet companies. That regulatory assault left Alibaba  the target of a months-long antitrust investigation  reeling and struggling to revive growth. Its annual revenue surpassed 1 trillion yuan for the first time in 2022.

Still, JD has joined a selloff in Chinese tech shares this year despite Beijing officials repeatedly expressing support for the private sector  reflecting lingering uncertainty about regulators objectives. JDs Hong Kong-listed shares are down about 28% this year.

Read more: Missing Banker Reignites Fear of Xi Among Chinas Tech Bosses

Chinas Consumer Spending Is Showing Signs of Strong Rebound

--With assistance from Ville Heiskanen.

(Updates with share reaction in Hong Kong and CEO comment from fourth paragraph)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Ed-Wozencroft-NJIT

Wozencroft Brings Competence, Creativity, Collegiality and Performance

Newark, N.J., March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ed Wozencroft has been appointed as New Jersey Institute of Technologys vice president for digital strategy and chief information officer, effective March 20, 2023.

Wozencroft has been serving NJIT as an associate CIO since 2021, and interim Co-CIO since August 2022. Previously, Wozencroft was director in the Higher Education Enterprise Solutions and Student Lifecycle Solutions practices at Huron Consulting Group, and provided executive-level consulting for complex R1 universities such as the University of Washington, Iowa State University and University of Miami.

Ed has earned the respect and confidence of his colleagues while consistently demonstrating high levels of competence, creativity, collegiality and performance, said Lim. Throughout his career, Ed has gained significant experience in the development of strategic plans, complex enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementations, process transformations, directing enterprise web services efforts, and forming high performing cross-functional teams.

Among Wozencrofts roles are the responsibility for developing, championing and implementing NJITs technology vision, strategy and supporting roadmaps aligned with the 2025 strategic plan. He will work closely with faculty, students and technology teams to improve and innovate learning management solutions and expand online learning capabilities. Wozencroft will manage more than 100 employees and over a $35 million budget.

Since joining NJIT, I have had the pleasure of working with an incredibly talented and dedicated IT team, and collaborating with our stakeholder communities to modernize our IT systems, said Wozencroft. As we embark on the next chapter of our digital transformation strategy, I look forward to working together to build a human-centered digital ecosystem that enables us to pursue and achieve NJITs mission.

Wozencroft began working in the information technology field after receiving a bachelor's degree in information systems and technology from Marist College. He earned a masters in enterprise project management from Stevens Institute of Technology and has additional educational experience and affiliations with Cornell University and Educause Institute.

Story continues

As NJIT pursues enterprise management modernization efforts, his leadership and success in the delivery of complex ERP solutions at top-tier institutions demonstrates significant experience and effectiveness for this role. In addition, his institutional knowledge of NJIT during his service as an associate CIO and as interim co-CIO is a valuable asset to make an immediate impact.

I am grateful to Ed for all he has done to date and for his willingness to accept this critical role, which supports and facilitates everything we do at NJIT, said Lim.

Attachment

CONTACT: Deric Raymond New Jersey Institute of Technology draymond@njit.edu




ReportLinker

Jewelry Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product Type (Necklace, Ring, Earring, Bracelet, Others), By Material (Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Others), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030.

New York, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Jewelry Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product Type, By Material, By Region And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06428311/?utm_source=GNW



Jewelry Market Growth & Trends



The global Jewelry Market size is anticipated to reach USD 482.22 billion by 2030 expanding at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2023 to 2030. The luxury goods industry continues to fuel the growth of the market, amid challenges concerning varying economic trends. The demand for jewelry is increasing as the world is recovering from a recession and the global financial crisis of 2008. Over the past few years, consumer preference has turned to branded jewelry. This trend is more prominent among the emerging upper-middle class or wealthy consumers, particularly in Asia Pacific, for whom branded jewelry is a status symbol. According to the World Gold Council, India, and China accounted for more than 50% of the global gold jewelry demand in 2018.



Most consumers buy jewelry from international or established brands as these offer authentic & trustworthy products and unique designs.E-commerce is another important trend in the industry.



Most consumers in this jewelry market prefer to research online before purchasing any product, and many make purchases from online portals for convenience.



Technological advancements have been transforming the jewel industry, from mining and discovering precious metals to cloud solutions and e-commerce platforms.Computer-aided design (CAD), 3D printing, and augmented reality (AR) are among the most notable technologies that have been promoting the growth of the industry in recent years.



From a distribution standpoint, the emergence and popularity of these technologies have been aiding jewelry manufacturers around the world to realize higher profit margins in retail outlets.



A key trend that has been gripping the jewelry industry over the years is the transformation of the shopping experience using technology. For instance, in June 2017, YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP, an Italian online fashion retailer, partnered with Lumyer Inc., a U.S.-based app developing company, to launch an AR camera app designed to enable users to try on jewelry, sunglasses, and handbags in virtual reality.



The rising number of double-income households in emerging economies such as India, China, and Brazil has resulted in increased spending on luxury goods, including jewelry.Spending on luxury products is expanding at a more substantial rate in tier II cities in India than in tier I cities.



According to American Express, high-end spending in tier-II cities between 2013 and 2018 grew 30 times faster than that in tier-I cities. The rise in luxury spending in tier I and tier II cities is due to strict measures by the Indian government, such as an increase in excise duty on gold and diamond, demonetization, and a rise in taxes on luxury items to curb black money.



Jewelry Market Report Highlights

 The ring jewelry segment contributes the majority of the share to become the largest division in global revenue in 2022. The segment stood as the most popular product amongst end-users as consumers interest is growing in the intricate designs and details of the rings. Moreover, they are perceived as elegant and stylish statement-making jewelry among both the gender men and women which is supporting the growth of the segment.

 The gold material segment is projected to register the fastest growth maintaining its leading position over the forecast period. In 2020, the jewelry industry used over 1,400 metric tons of gold accounting for more than one-third of all gold demand worldwide.

 Asia Pacific held the largest market share in 2022 for the Jewelry market. Highly populated and developing economies of the region including China and India generate humongous demand for jewelry boosting its consumption and revenue. Additionally, the huge significance of jewelry in Indian culture, improving living standards coupled with rising per capita income and spending power, and the rising influence of social media on consumers are fueling the growth of the market in Asia Pacific.

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06428311/?utm_source=GNW



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



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CONTACT: Clare: clare@reportlinker.com US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001




Transparency Market Research

As the need for multipurpose furniture rises, leading industry players are anticipated to gain lucrative business opportunities

Wilmington, Delaware, United States , March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Transparency Market Research Inc. - The Kids Storage Furniture Market stood at US$ 8.7 Bn in 2022 and the global market is anticipated to reach US$ 13.9 Bn by 2031. Market forecast estimates the industry to expand at a CAGR of 6.4% between 2023 and 2031. Growing parental concerns about providing their children with a better functional environment is anticipated to drive the global kids storage furniture market. In addition, the expansion of the global population is also anticipated to drive the market demand for kids storage furniture.

Increase in focus on early childhood development, a rise in disposable income, and urban population expansion are further projected to drive market development between 2023 and 2031. It is anticipated that rise in demand for multifunctional furniture would present profitable prospects for major industry participants. However, the emergence of alternative options and rise in price of raw materials is anticipated to impede market growth in the near future.

Managing and organizing toys can be done with the help of kids' storage furniture. Cleanup is made simple with the use of guide rails, low wooden frames, and lightweight plastic bins. The kids' storage furniture industry offers a wide range of kid-friendly storage options. Wood is a popular material for kids' storage furniture as it is strong, long-lasting, and has a vintage appearance that blends well with many different types of design. Additionally, it can be stained or painted in a range of colors. Plastic can be readily molded into a variety of forms and colors and is a lightweight, inexpensive material. In addition to being a popular option for toy storage, it is also simple to clean and maintain. Metal storage furniture has the strength and durability to support heavy objects. It can be also crafted in a variety of looks, including sleek and contemporary as well as vintage and industrial. These benefits are expected to fuel the global industry.

Story continues

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Key Findings of Market Report

The e-commerce sector has been growing rapidly in the last few years as more people are adopting smartphones and the internet becomes ubiquitous. Unlike traditional businesses, where consumers have limited opportunities, e-commerce gives consumers access to a large assortment of products. By 2023, it is anticipated that e-commerce websites would account for US$ 6.17 Trn worth of retail sales, or around 22.3% of all retail trade. In 2022, the U.S. e-commerce industry was valued at US$ 875 Bn, just surpassing China's market. At a retail volume of 4.8%, the U.K. is the third-largest e-commerce industry after China and the U.S. Therefore, it is projected that e-commerce growth would raise market demand for kids storage furniture.



Global Kids Storage Furniture Market: Growth Drivers

Parents are highly concerned about the growth and development of their children. They are spending more on storage furniture to give their children's rooms a more fashionable and functional makeover. Toys and clothing are kept organized by using kids' storage furniture. Consequently, the growing requirement to keep kids' rooms orderly is projected to boost the growth of the kids' storage furniture market. Growing concern for childrens' overall development is expected to drive industry growth.



According to the UN, there were around 2 billion children under the age of 15 world over in 2022. In 2021, there were around 26.2 million children in the US who were between 12 and 17 years old. Furthermore, the country had 22.9 million children under the age of five and 24.5 million children aged from six to eleven during that time period. Thus, it is expected that the market size of the kids' storage furniture industry would increase due to expansion in the population of children.



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Global Kids Storage Furniture Market: Regional Landscape

Based on region, Asia Pacific is anticipated to lead the global industry for kids' storage furniture between 2023 and 2031. In the region, 16 million births occur each year in China and 25 million in India alone, accounting for over half of all births globally. As a result, market development in Asia Pacific is driven by an increase in birthrate and rise in disposable income.



The kids storage furniture market in Europe and North America is expected to expand significantly in the next few years. Revenue in both the regions is increasing due to the presence of large manufacturers and increase in R&D spending on new products.



Global Kids Storage Furniture Market: Key Players



Some of the key players in the global kids storage furniture market are;

Circu Magical Furniture

Williams-Sonoma Inc.

Ashley Furniture Industries

Summer Infant Inc.

Million Dollar Baby Co.

Inter IKEA Systems B.V.

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Global Kids Storage Furniture Market: Segmentation

Product Type

Chest of Drawers

Wardrobes

Others



Age

0-4 Years

5-8 Years

9-12 Years

Above 12 Years

Material

Wood

Plastic

Metal

Others

Price

Low (Below US$ 100)

Medium (US$ 100-US$ 250)

High (Above US$ 250)



End-use Industry

Residential

Commercial

Distribution Channel

Online

Offline

Regions

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Middle East & Africa

Latin America



Latest Consumer Goods Industry Reports : -

About Transparency Market Research

Transparency Market Research registered in Wilmington, Delaware, United States, is a global market research company providing custom research and consulting services. TMR provides in-depth insights into factors governing demand in the market. It divulges opportunities across various segments based on Source, Application, Sales Channel, and End-Use that will favor growth in the market over the next 10 years.

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Transparency Market Research Inc.

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2023 / St.Martin Agency is a creative concept agency for small business, which is focused on consulting and mentoring to help entrepreneurs through a unique branding methodology. The company was founded by Julia Kushnir, a successful businesswoman and entrepreneur, who started her business in 2011 after traveling around Asia for over a year.

St.Martin Agency, Thursday, March 9, 2023, Press release picture

First, Julia opened a wedding salon, which became the most famous in Russia after only two years. Then he delved into the study of marketing and branding and began to help aspiring entrepreneurs. Soon, Julia created her own branding methodology for small businesses and then she opened her creative concept agency. Very soon, she launched her first online course called "Turnkey Creative Concept for Small Business", which was a complete success! The course was attended by 1.5 thousand people, with a lot of positive feedback and growth cases.

St.Martin Agency was founded by Julia's desire to help entrepreneurs with all their branding needs. "I wanted to share my knowledge with others, because I know how important it is at the start of a business! Branding, albeit indirectly, has a very strong influence on the success of a project!", Julia explains.

The business manages to stand out from the crowd because of the high quality of their work. Also, they're very specific to work with small businesses and they specialize in helping them to grow. In addition, they have hundreds of success cases and positive customer reviews, which prove that their service is 5 stars!

In today's society, branding goes way beyond just a logo or graphic element. It is a key part of making a memorable impression on consumers and what allows them to know what to expect from any company. It is also the best way of distinguishing from the competitors and clarifying what it is you offer that makes you the better choice.

Effective branding requires a strategic plan, including clear brand guidelines, as well as alignment as a company on the desired brand identity, and that's exactly what St.Martin Agency's work team does!

Story continues

Julia is currently working with the Fantel Pro functional medicine platform. She's going to organize the Health Festival, to develop an online school, and to also launch her updated branding course!

If you need assistance with your brand, from creating your initial brand strategy to the visual identity elements, contact St.Martin Agency here!

About St.Martin Agency:

It is a creative concept agency for small business, which is focused on consulting and mentoring to help entrepreneurs through a unique branding methodology. The company was founded by Julia Kushnir.

Contact:

Paula Henderson

561-768-4444

phendersonnews@gmail.com

SOURCE: St.Martin Agency





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Fortune Business Insights

The global Life Science Tools Market is exhibiting a huge growth with steady CAGR. Driving factors include cost-effectiveness, convenience and accessibility. Technology advancements and presence of government policies will further boost the global market

Pune, India, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The life science tools market size is rising due to the growing demand for diagnostic tests for infectious diseases. Furthermore, the rise in digitalization and growing adoption of technological advancements create opportunities for businesses to expand quickly. Fortune Business Insights has examined these responses in a research report titled, Life Science Tools Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis By Product Type (Instruments, Consumables, Services), By Technology (PCR, Sanger Sequencing, Separation Technologies, Flow Cytometry, Nucleic Acid Microarray, Mass Spectrometry), By Application (Proteomics Technology, Genomic Technology, Cell Biology Technology, Others), By End-user (Research Laboratories, Diagnostic Laboratories) And Regional Forecast 2023-2030





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Report Scope

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023 to 2030 Base Year 2022 Historical Data for 2019 to 2021

Key Takeaways:

The life science tools market refers to the industry that provides equipment, reagents, software, and services for life science research and development. Here are some key takeaways regarding this market:

The global life science tools market is expected to continue to grow in the coming years due to factors such as increasing government funding for life science research and the rise in prevalence of chronic diseases.

The market is highly competitive, with numerous players offering a wide range of products and services.

Some of the key players in the market include Thermo Fisher Scientific, Agilent Technologies, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Illumina, and Qiagen.

Key product segments in the market include molecular biology reagents, cell biology reagents, labware, and analytical instruments.

North America is currently the largest market for life science tools, with Europe and Asia Pacific also experiencing significant growth.

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Drivers & Restraints-

Growing Trend for Genomic Technologies to Promote Investment

The trend for life science tools is fueled as genomic technologies are used to understand and contribute to developing new diagnostics procedures for various diseases. Another reason driving the life science tools market growth is the growing adoption of digital instruments by life science tools companies in combating the virus. Meanwhile, the high costs associated with the technologies and increased competition from other industries could hinder growth.





Browse Complete Report Details: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/life-science-tools-market-106339





Segments-

Based on technology, the market is segregated into nucleic acid microarray, separation technologies, sanger sequencing, PCR, mass spectroscopy, and flow cytometry. In terms of product type, the industry is divided into consumables, services, and instruments. On the basis of application, the industry is divided into cell biology technology, genomic technology, proteomics technology, and others. With respect to end-users, the market is bifurcated into diagnostics laboratories and research laboratories. The market is categorized into the Middle East & Africa, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Asia Pacific in terms of region.

Report Coverage-

Secondary and primary sources are used to get a detailed overview of the study in a prominent way. The report's context also considers the qualitative and quantitative approaches to achieve a detailed analysis. Meetings with the upper management, such as the board of directors and employees, have contributed to thoroughly recognizing the industry in the best possible way. For secondary resources, various press releases and journals are used to fetch the details of the industry. The report also includes a COVID-19 analysis to boost the market coverage.

Regional Insights

Investments in technologies Encourage Growth in North America Market

North America life science tools market share is expected to lead from the front over the forecast period. Also, rising investment in pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries, new product launches and the presence of major players in the industry could spur the markets growth. Another reason the product demand will grow is the shifting trend for technological advancements to diagnose many infectious diseases.

The Asia Pacific is anticipated to contribute significantly during the forecast period due to investments in the development of cutting-edge diagnostic methods and technological progress. Additionally, various large populations and focus on government initiatives in the technologies are expected to drive the market to grow rapidly.





Pre Book - Life Science Tools Market Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/checkout-page/106339





Competitive Landscape

Stakeholders Concentrate on Technical Developments to Penetrate Market

Leading companies, such as BioTools Innovator introduced life science tools to get a competitive edge in the marketplace. Major industry players are expected to invest in product launches, partnerships and mergers & acquisitions to get an additional lead. Developments in the business include:

March 2021: BioTools Innovator announced the life science tools to improve human health.

August 2021: Agilent technologies developed a COVID-19 severity security method to diagnose and recover patient health.

A List of Prominent Companies in the Market:

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., (U.S.)

Danaher Corporation (U.S.)

Hitachi Ltd (Japan)

Oxford Instruments plc (U.K.)

Zeiss International (Germany)

Shimadzu Corporation (Japan)

Dickinson and Company (U.S.)

Market Segmentation:

By Product Type

Instruments

Consumables

Services

By Technology

PCR

Sanger Sequencing

Separation Technologies

Flow Cytometry

Nucleic Acid Microarray

Mass Spectrometry

By Application

Proteomics Technology

Genomic Technology

Cell Biology Technology

Others

By End-user

Research Laboratories

Diagnostic Laboratories

By Geography

North America (USA, Canada, Mexico)

Europe (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the Rest of Europe)

Asia Pacific (Japan, China, India, Australia, South Korea, and the Rest of Asia Pacific)

Latin America (Brazil, Argentina the Rest of Latin America)

Middle East & Africa (South Africa, GCC and the Rest of the Middle East & Africa)





Request a Complete TOC: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/toc/life-science-tools-market-106339





About Us:

Fortune Business Insights offers expert corporate analysis and accurate data, helping organizations of all sizes make timely decisions. Our reports contain a unique mix of tangible insights and qualitative analysis to help companies achieve sustainable growth. Our experienced analysts and consultants use industry-leading research tools and techniques to compile comprehensive market studies, interspersed with relevant data.

Contact Us:

Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd.

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TipRanks

While last year saw a wicked bear market, coupled with high volatility, investors have had an easier time of it so far in 2023. Volatility remains an issue, but it has moderated  and both the NASDAQ and the S&P 500 are up nicely year-to-date. The NASDAQ has gained over 16%, and the S&P is up more than 8%. The Dow is the laggard here, having gained only 2.2% in the same time. Its a market environment thats sure to present opportunities for gains  so long as investors can cut through the noise
Investment will be used to develop innovative technology that protects customers' identities and personal data online

Lloyds Banking Group will support Yoti in developing a new, reusable digital identity proposition that will help combat the growing risks of identity fraud

LONDON, March 9, 2023 /CNW/ -- Lloyds Banking Group has invested 10 million in digital identity company Yoti, an investment which supports the development of innovative technology to keep people safe online, tackle the ever-growing risks of identity fraud, and give people more control over their personal data.

Lloyds Banking Group invests 10 million in digital identity company Yoti

Yoti offer a range of digital identity solutions that make it simple for people and businesses to protect themselves online. This includes a free Digital ID app, which gives individuals a safe and instant way to prove their identity from their phone, with no need to show ID documents or share an excessive amount of personal data. Digital IDs are a UK government-approved form of identification for right to work, right to rent and criminal records checks. Yoti's Digital ID is also accepted as proof of age at UK cinemas,and for the sale of lottery tickets, energy drinks and tobacco. Businesses across a range of industries - from financial services and retail to gaming and e-commerce  are already seeing the benefits of Digital ID services.

The investment from Lloyds Banking Group will support Yoti's development of a new reusable digital identity proposition that will complement Yoti's existing solutions. Set to launch later this year, this will give users a more private, secure and convenient way to prove their identity.

Kirsty Rutter, FinTech Investment Director at Lloyds Banking Group, said: "We are thrilled to be supporting Yoti and their experienced, passionate team with their work to further protect people online, through developing and growing digital identity solutions.

"We know how important fintechs and technology partners are for delivering better outcomes for our customers and this investment represents another step forward in our plans to strengthen the UK's financial ecosystem and is a crucial part of how we help Britain prosper."

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Robin Tombs, CEO at Yoti said, "I'm delighted to announce Lloyds Banking Group's significant investment in Yoti. The combination of their expertise in financial services and our digital identity solutions will bring security to even more businesses, people and communities. We will make it easier and safer for individuals to prove who they are and enable businesses to have more trust and confidence in the identity of their customers."

The investment in Yoti is Lloyds Banking Group's second investment of 2023, following a successful round of investments in 2022. These investments are headed up by the Group's recently formed Fintech Investment team, which focuses on identifying and exploring opportunities for investment into fintech at Seed to Series B.

Notes to editors:

With a reusable digital identity, individuals only need to verify their identity once and then share verified details in seconds, without needing to show their ID documents each time. Individuals can just share the details they need and nothing else - giving them greater control over their personal data. With individuals pre-verified, organisations can have greater confidence and trust in who they are dealing with.

About Lloyds Banking Group

Lloyds Banking Group is the largest UK retail and commercial financial services provider with around 26 million customers and a presence in nearly every community. Our main business activities include retail and commercial banking, general insurance, and long-term savings, provided through well recognised brands including Lloyds Bank, Halifax, Bank of Scotland, Scottish Widows.

Our purpose is helping Britain prosper. We have served Britain through our products and services for more than 320 years, across every community and millions of households. Our success is interwoven with the UK's prosperity, and we aim to help Britain prosper by operating as a responsible, sustainable, and inclusive Group.

About Yoti

Yoti is a digital identity technology company that makes it safer for people to prove who they are, verifying identities and trusted credentials online and in-person. They now provide verification solutions across the globe, spanning identity verification, age verification, document eSigning, access management, and authentication and leading facial age estimation. Over 13 million people have downloaded the free Yoti Digital ID app across the world. It is available in English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese and Polish. Yoti is certified to ISO/IEC 27001:2013 for ID Verification Services, ISAE 3000 (SOC 2) Type 2 certified for its technical and organisational security processes. For more information, please visit www.yoti.com.

press@yoti.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2019115/Yoti_Lloyds.jpg

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SOURCE Yoti

Cision

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President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received former Prime Minister of Israel Ehud Olmert.

The excellent organization of the 10th Global Baku Forum was hailed at the meeting. They praised the fact that this Forum is increasingly becoming a very important international platform, saying this is evidenced by the participation of influential politicians and other guests from many countries here.

During the conversation, the sides touched upon the Azerbaijan-Israel relations and lauded the successful development of ties in various areas. In this regard, they stressed the importance of the opening of the embassy of Azerbaijan in Israel.

The meeting covered the issues of cooperation in the fields of trade, agriculture, tourism and energy.
TADOUSSAC, QC, March 9, 2023 /CNW/ - The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, and Benoit Charette, Minister of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks, and Minister responsible for the Laurentides Region, will make an announcement about the SaguenaySt. Lawrence Marine Park.

Official Government of Canada and Government of Quebec logos (CNW Group/Parks Canada)

Please note that this advisory is subject to change without notice.

The details are as follows:



Date: March 10, 2023







Time: 11 a.m. EST







Location: Tadoussac, Quebec







This event will also be livestreamed on the Facebook page of the Ministere de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs: https://www.facebook.com/EnvironnementQc/

A telephone line will be available for the Q&A period (around 11:15 a.m.) for media unable to attend in person.

SOURCE Parks Canada

Cision

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2023/09/c6285.html
LAVAL, QC, March 9, 2023 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec will be making a housing announcement in Laval.

Logo: Government of Canada (CNW Group/Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation)

Media are invited to join Annie Koutrakis, Member of Parliament for Vimy and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, France-Elaine Duranceau, Provincial Minister Responsible for Housing, Valerie Schmalt, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Vimont, Stephane Boyer, Mayor of Laval, and Flavia Alexandra Novac, President of the Office municipal d'habitation de Laval for the announcement.

Journalists, photographers and cameramen who wish to attend must confirm their presence by writing to communications@shq.gouv.qc.ca before March 9th at 9:00 a.m.

Date: March 10, 2023







Time: 10:00 a.m. ET







Location: The address will be provided once attendance is confirmed.



Logo: Government of Quebec (CNW Group/Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation)

SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Cision

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2023/09/c2648.html
Persistence Market Research

Technological Advancements in Medical Imaging Equipment Boost Market Growth.

New York, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global Medical Imaging Equipment Market is estimated to reach around US$ 40.7 Billion in 2023 with the global market expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% to reach a revenue of around US$ 64.8 Billion by the end of 2033.



The Medical Imaging Equipment Market is an ever-evolving industry that plays a significant role in healthcare today. Medical imaging is used to diagnose and monitor the health of patients, allowing for early detection and prevention of many medical conditions. Medical imaging equipment consists of a variety of machines that use different methods to capture images from inside the body, including x-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound technology, and nuclear medicine.

Growing demand for minimally invasive procedures and technological advancements are some of the major drivers propelling market growth. Furthermore, rising geriatric population across the world who are more prone to chronic diseases will positively influence the market growth over the forecast period. The rising number of public and private investments by different governments across various countries also adds to the positive outlook on the market performance.

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The market is segmented by product type, technology, application, end-user, and region. The product type segment includes X-ray devices, ultrasound devices, MRI devices, CT scanners, nuclear imaging devices, and others. The technology segment includes digital imaging, 3D imaging, and others. The application segment includes cardiology, oncology, neurology, orthopedics, gynecology, and others. The end-user segment includes hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, and others.

Key Market Drivers:

The global medical imaging equipment market is primarily driven by the following factors:

Story continues

Technological advancements : Advances in imaging technology have led to the development of more efficient and accurate imaging devices. For instance, the development of 3D imaging technology has enabled physicians to visualize the internal organs in greater detail, allowing for more accurate diagnoses and better treatment outcomes.

Increasing prevalence of chronic diseases : The rising incidence of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders has increased the demand for medical imaging equipment. These devices play a critical role in the diagnosis, staging, and monitoring of these diseases.

Rising demand for minimally invasive procedures: The demand for minimally invasive procedures is increasing due to their lower risk, reduced recovery time, and cost-effectiveness

Competition Landscape

Strategies employed by players operating in the market, such as partnerships between regional and major players are likely to have a positive impact on market growth. Such partnerships and collaboration aid in increasing market growth and the provision of advanced yet affordable imaging devices.

GE Healthcare

Hitachi Medical Corporation

Philips Healthcare

Siemens Healthineers

Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation

Esaote S.p.A

Positron Corporation

Neusoft Medical Systems

Neurologica Corporation

Mediso Medical Imaging Systems and others

Some key instances of development include:

In Sept 2021 , BK Medical, a renowned player of advanced surgical imaging, was purchased by GE Healthcare from Altaris Capital Partners for $1.45 billion.

In Sept 2021, the Velocity MRI system, an advanced, high-field open MRI, was introduced by Fujifilm Healthcare in Chicago at the annual conference of the Radiological Society of North America.

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Market Dynamics:

The global medical imaging equipment market is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The market is primarily driven by technological advancements, rising prevalence of chronic diseases, increasing geriatric population, and growing demand for non-invasive diagnostic procedures.

Technological advancements have led to the development of advanced imaging equipment, such as computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and ultrasound. These devices offer higher accuracy, resolution, and speed, thereby improving the quality of diagnostic imaging.

The rising prevalence of chronic diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders, is also driving the growth of the market. Medical imaging equipment is used for the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of these diseases.

The increasing geriatric population is also contributing to the growth of the market. With age, the risk of developing chronic diseases increases, leading to a higher demand for medical imaging equipment.

Segmentation:

The global medical imaging equipment market is segmented on the basis of product type, application, end-user, and region.

By product type , the market is segmented into X-ray equipment, ultrasound equipment, MRI equipment, CT scanners, nuclear imaging equipment, and others.

By application , the market is segmented into oncology, cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, gynecology, and others.

By end-user, the market is segmented into hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, and others.

Regional Analysis:

The global medical imaging equipment market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period, owing to the presence of key players and increasing healthcare expenditure. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, driven by the increasing demand for healthcare services and rising geriatric population.

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The global medical imaging equipment market is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, driven by technological advancements, rising prevalence of chronic diseases, increasing geriatric population, and growing demand for non-invasive diagnostic procedures. The market is highly competitive, with players focusing on developing advanced imaging equipment to gain a competitive edge. North America is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period, owing to the presence of key players and increasing healthcare expenditure. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, driven by the increasing demand for healthcare services and rising geriatric population.



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Market.Us

According to Market.us, the Medical Marijuana Market size is anticipated to reach US$ 30.0 billion by 2032 expanding at a CAGR of 8.3% between 2023 and 2032, Due to Increase in the Number of Nations that have Legalised Marijuana

New York, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The medical marijuana market globally was worth USD 13.8 billion in 2022, with the global market estimated to surge ahead at a CAGR of 8.3% to reach a valuation of USD 30 Bn by the end of 2032. Cannabis sativa is the plant from which medical marijuana, a well-known substance used by individuals to get high, is produced. A portion that can be smoked is the cannabis flower that is extracted from the female cannabis plant. The cannabis flower is full of natural chemicals and medicinal compounds. As a result, it is also recommended by medical professionals to treat the symptoms of some medical problems.

global medical marijuana market (1)

To get additional highlights on major revenue-generating segments, Request a Medical Marijuana market sample report at https://market.us/report/medical-marijuana-market/request-sample/

Key Takeaway:

By product type , 53.4% of the market share was accounted for by the oil and tincture segment in 2022.

By application , the chronic pain segment dominated the market by holding a market share of 26% in 2022.

By compound , the most lucrative market sector is likely to be CBD-dominant.

In terms of End-User , the pharmaceutical sector has dominated the market, and it is anticipated that it will continue to do so throughout the forecast period.

In 2022, North America held the largest revenue share (74%), dominating the market.

The market is expanding as people become more aware of the different therapeutic uses for goods including pain management, hunger augmentation, and intraocular pressure reduction. The two varieties of medical marijuana, Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica, are native to the Western Hemisphere as well as Central and South Asia, respectively.

Factors affecting the growth of Medical Marijuana industry?

Increasing marijuana use in the healthcare sector: A growing number of nations have made marijuana legal for medical purposes, and its use for recreational and industrial uses in the healthcare sector is also on the rise.

Surge in FDA approvals : To increase the sale of medical marijuana, leading market players are concentrating their efforts on obtaining FDA permission for the introduction of their new products in the market.

An increase in social clubs that support medical marijuana : The idea that medicinal marijuana should be accepted as a treatment for conditions like pain relief and other concerns originated among social gatherings, sometimes known as marijuana clubs.

Legalized the usage of medical marijuana: The use of medical marijuana is now legal in many countries, which is the primary route for its production, reducing imports and generating cash in the form of taxes.

Story continues

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Top Trends in Global Medical Marijuana Market

Cannabinoid-based medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including HIV/AIDS-related weight loss and appetite loss, vomiting and nausea brought on by chemotherapy, and a few uncommon forms of neurological diseases. Growing clinical trial initiatives for this marijuana will be a major factor in the market's expansion. For instance, multiple studies supported by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) are investigating the mechanisms of marijuana-related chemicals such terpenes and minor cannabinoids. These studies seek to bolster the evidence on marijuana's active ingredients and determine whether they may have applications in the treatment of pain. Other medical cannabis research projects are being carried out by NCCIH, including studies on the effects of edible cannabis and its components on inflammation, chronic low-back pain, and investigations into the link between cannabis smoking and type 2 diabetes.

Market Growth

Demand for medical marijuana was significantly increased by the legalisation of marijuana use for illnesses, either to treat them or to lessen their symptoms, in accordance with various state regulations. Many conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, severe nausea, and intense and continuous pain, can be treated with medical marijuana. Consequently, the market has been greatly aided by its wide range of medicinal uses.

Medicinal marijuana treats or manages asthma symptoms like coughing, breathing difficulties, and wheezing by acting as an instant bronchodilator, which relaxes the airways and facilitates breathing. Global demand for medical marijuana market is thus rising, which ultimately fuels the market's expansion. This is owing to the healthcare sector's expanding usage of medical marijuana.

Regional Analysis

One of the main causes of the rising demand for cannabis is the growing legalisation of marijuana in the United States. Also, 37 states and the District of Columbia in the US have approved cannabis for medical use. Cannabis usage for recreational purposes is allowed in ten additional states. The U.S. government recently allowed a new research marijuana grower, subject to the expansion of the capacity for researching the drug's therapeutic benefits. New product introductions in North America are also anticipated to drive the cannabis market's expansion.

Due to strong government initiatives and greater backing, the Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to experience the quickest CAGR in the next years. The cannabis market is undoubtedly being impacted by increased disposable incomes, expanding social acceptance and awareness of the product's advantages, and escalating legalisation of cannabis. The market is expanding because of the rising demand for cannabis oil in nations where medical marijuana is permitted as well as the rising number of people who suffer from chronic diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, cancer, and neurological disorders.

Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape of the medical marijuana market has also been examined in this report. Some of the major players include Tilray Brands Inc., Aurora Cannabis Inc., Canopy Growth Corporation, MedReleaf Corp., GW Pharmaceuticals, Cannabis Sativa Inc., Medical Marijuana Inc., VIVO Cannabis Inc., Cronos Group, Other Key Players.

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Medical Marijuana Market: Scope of the Report

Report Attribute Details Market Value (2022) USD 13.8 Billion Market Size (2032) USD 30.0 Billion CAGR (from 2023 to 2032) 8.3% North America Revenue Share 74% Historic Period 2016 to 2022 Base Year 2022 Forecast Year 2023 to 2032

Market Drivers

Marijuana use for medical purposes is now permitted in several nations. Its cultivation is primarily done in this way, which lowers imports and generates revenue from taxes. Some of the major factors anticipated to influence demand for medical marijuana market in the next years include the rising number of states that have legalised it and the growing acceptance of cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes. Increasing research and development activities is one of the key elements driving demand growth.

One of the main factors influencing the prevalence of Cannabis for therapeutic use is the rising percentage of nations that approve its usage in various areas of the world. The need for medical marijuana fluctuates along with changes in governmental regulations.

The average age of cannabis users in U.S. states that have legalised the drug is above 50. With a higher incidence of chronic illness after age 50 and cannabis' efficacy in treating such ailments, this demographic profile is predicted to enhance demand for cannabis in the area. The acceptance of cannabis as a medicine and product standardisation are likely to boost its appeal and demand. Also, the growing legalisation of marijuana for medical purposes is propelling market expansion. Critical variables driving up the use of cannabis include anxiety disorders, chronic illnesses, psychiatric disorders, acute diseases, acute pain diseases, and other clinical conditions.

Market Restraints

The FDA's ban on marketing cannabis to cure any sickness or condition is one of the major obstacles facing the medical marijuana industry. However, the organisation does approve medications made from cannabis. Three synthetic cannabis-related medications, Marinol (dronabinol), Syndros (dronabinol), and Sesamet, as well as Epidiolex (cannabidiol) (nabilone) are available only with a prescription from an approved healthcare provider.

As cannabis has the greatest number of health advantages, it also carries some hazards and negative effects when used excessively, for an extended period of time, or in a toxic amount. Panic attacks and anxiety are a few of the side effects, while mental health problems and arrhythmia are long-term ones. Cannabis poisoning can result from consuming too much of the drug.

Market Opportunities

When taking a capsule, the dosage must be correct in order to get the desired medical benefits. It is more dependable when produced by manufacturers who use advanced machinery and qualified inspectors with licences. Due to their therapeutic benefits, cannabis capsule demand has increased dramatically since medicinal cannabis became legal in the United States. As a result, investors are searching for properties to construct or buy that have the equipment, personnel, and permits required to produce cannabis capsules. Also, established manufacturers devote time and money to creating innovative techniques for creating high-quality capsules in manageable quantities.

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Report Segmentation of the Medical Marijuana Market

Product Type Insight

The global medical marijuana market is divided into three categories based on the analysis of product types: flower, oil and tinctures. The oil and tincture section, which made up the majority of these segments and had a market share of 53.4% in 2022, is the one that leads the cannabis industry. It consequently controlled the medical marijuana business. Clinical research has demonstrated the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis non-psychoactive components like CBD, which may provide new treatments for chronic pain.

In addition to treating cancer, sleep difficulties, anxiety disorders, and other conditions, it has many positive qualities. Additionally, it is anticipated that the sector would develop even faster as Cannabis becomes more and more legalised globally. Also, since smoking cannabis flowers may create respiratory issues in children, children who use cannabis derivatives for treatment are given oils and tinctures instead of smoking the flowers.

In the future years, it is expected that the flower category would grow more slowly. However, the debut of the new product is anticipated to accelerate this segment's market growth.

Application Insight

The market is divided into Chronic Pain, Migraine, Cancer, Arthritis, Diabetes, AIDS, Parkinson's, Epilepsy, Muscle Spasms, Depression, and Anxiety based on the application type. With a market share of 26% in 2022, the chronic pain segment led the other segments in terms of market size. Studies from a range of findings have shown that medical cannabis is safe for treating individuals with neuropathic and chronic pain. One of the key signs pointing to an increase in cannabis use for pain management over the coming years is the rise in clinical trials using the drug to treat neuropathic and chronic pain.

Under New York State's new medical marijuana law, patients who are certified to use medical marijuana by a health care professional and have a patient ID card registered with the New York State Department of Health and Human Services are entitled to medical marijuana for pain management. It states that you are eligible to use marijuana for recreational purposes. However, ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is expected to be the fastest-growing segment. One of the driving factors behind the growth of this segment is the rising prevalence of ALS.

Compound Insight

The global medical marijuana market is divided into CBD-dominant, THC-dominant, and other compounds based on compound. The most profitable market sector is likely to be CBD-dominant. This is partly because CBD is mostly utilised for medical purposes and has low levels of toxicity and psychosis. THC, on the other hand, helps to decrease the negative effects of cancer and AIDS treatment. THC currently controls a large portion of the market.

End-User Insight

The market is divided into pharmaceutical industries and research and development centres based on the end-user. The pharmaceutical segment was the market's leading section in recent years, and it is anticipated that it will continue to be so during the forecast period. Because to the health advantages connected with cannabis use in specific medical diseases, pharmaceutical companies are investing more and using it more frequently, which is the primary reason for the rise of this market. The R&D facilities are anticipated to expand in the coming years as a result of increased funding for studies to find cures for various illnesses and learn about novel cannabis-related health advantages.

For more insights on the historical and Forecast Medical Marijuana Market Data from 2016 to 2032  Download a sample report at https://market.us/report/medical-marijuana-market/request-sample/

Market Segmentation

By Product Type

Flower

Oil and Tinctures

By Application

Chronic Pain

Migraine

Cancer

Arthritis

Diabetes

AIDS

Parkinsons

Epilepsy

Muscle spasms

Depression and Anxiety

By Compound

CBD-Dominant

THC-Dominant

Other Compounds

By End-User

Pharmaceutical Industries

Research & Development Centers

Other End-Users

By Geography

North America The US Canada Mexico

Western Europe Germany France The UK Spain Italy Portugal Ireland Austria Switzerland Benelux Nordic Rest of Western Europe

Eastern Europe Russia Poland The Czech Republic Greece Rest of Eastern Europe

Asia-Pacific China Japan South Korea India Australia & New Zealand Indonesia Malaysia Philippines Singapore Thailand Vietnam Rest of APAC

Latin America Brazil Colombia Chile Argentina Costa Rica Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa Algeria Egypt Israel Kuwait Nigeria Saudi Arabia South Africa Turkey United Arab Emirates Rest of MEA



Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape of the market has also been examined in this report. Some of the major players include,

Tilray Inc.

Aurora Cannabis

Canopy Growth Corporation

Aphria Inc.

Maricann Group, Inc.

Tikun Olam, Ltd.

GW Pharmaceuticals plc.

Cannabis Sativa Inc.

Medical Marijuana, Inc.

Emerald Health Therapeutics Inc.

Pfizer Inc.

Green Relief Inc.

GBSciences Inc.

Other Key Players

Recent Development of the Medical Marijuana Market

Orange orbit and the grape, two new flavours for Canopy Growth's flavoured cannabis-infused fizzy drinks, were unveiled in May 2022. The company's product line was expanded as a result of this introduction.

A 15-flavor CBD Health Gummies Sampler was introduced by Martha Steard, Canopy Growth Corporation, and Marquee Brands in March 2022. These goods give customers access to CBD's health advantages.

Browse More Related Reports:

Legal Marijuana Market size is expected to be worth around USD 121.11 Billion by 2032 from USD 12.9 Billion in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 25.1% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2032.

Delta-3-Carene Market size is expected to be worth around USD 87.33 Million by 2032 from USD 59 Million in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 4% during the forecast period 2023 to 2032.

Cannabidiol Market was valued at USD 5,250 million in 2022. They are expected to grow at a CAGR of 17.2% between 2023 and 2032.

Medicinal Cannabis Compounding Market untd fr UD 3,052.72 mlln n 2021 and GR f 21.3% vr th frt rd.

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Glassdoor

Meta once aimed to get its global workforce to half women and underrepresented groups by this year.

The company still pays women abroad less than men and gives them much smaller bonuses.

Globally, the number of women working for Meta has increased just 1% since 2018.

If you're a woman working for Meta abroad, chances are you're getting paid substantially less than your male colleagues.

The company, formerly known as Facebook, continues to pay women less than men, whether they're hourly workers or on salary, according to Meta's most recently available reports on pay inequity in the UK and Ireland. The company also hands women smaller bonuses, the reports said.

While most of the company's employees are based in the US, which does not require pay gap disclosures from companies, Meta has about 3,000 workers in Ireland and about 5,000 in the UK, which makes up roughly 10% of its current global workforce, although a new round of layoffs is expected soon.

The report on Meta's pay gap in Ireland is the most recent, having been released quietly in December as part of a new law in the country that went into effect last year. In 2022, women working for Meta in Ireland were paid 15.7% less on average than men at the company. The difference in bonus pay in the country is even larger, with the average bonus for women being 43.3% lower than those that go to men.

For women working at Meta in the UK, where the company operates out of London, the pay gap is smaller but still prevalent, according to a report from last year detailing pay data from 2021. The average woman there was paid 2.1% less than the average man. And again, the difference in bonuses is much starker, with the average bonus going to women being 34.8% less than bonuses paid to men.

The pay gap at Meta in the UK is worse than it was when the company first started reporting figures in 2018. At that time, women were paid on average 0.9% less than men, although their bonus pay was 40% less.

Story continues

Base pay at Meta often starts around $150,000 a year, so a woman earning that much in Ireland can expect that a male is making about $23,000 more than her. A woman in the UK can expect a male is making about $3,000 more.

For several years, the company has said it's working toward a "vision" that half of its global workforce will be women and people from "underrepresented groups." Two years ago, it planned to reach that goal by 2023. Now the goal appears to have been pushed back to 2024, with the company's diversity report from last year falling short of that goal. As of last year, women make up 37% of the workforce, up just 1% since 2018 when Meta began sharing its diversity report.

A Meta spokesperson said the company "regularly conducts pay equity analysis, and our latest analysis confirms that we continue to have pay equity across genders globally and by race in the US for people in similar jobs (accounting for factors such as location, role and level)."

In the reports showing an ongoing pay gap, Meta said its problem of pay inequity comes down to fewer women in technological roles. In Ireland, while the company said its workforce is almost half men and women, men hold more high-level and tech-focused jobs, according to the report.

"As tech jobs like production engineers are typically paid more in the market, it has a disproportionate impact on pay gaps," Meta said in the report. Similarly, equity awards and bonuses for these types of roles are also larger.

In the UK, Meta said that it was aware of the ongoing problem of "unequal representation" in its ranks, with more men working at the company overall and in technical roles, "particularly senior technical roles." The company added that most of its UK workforce is dedicated to engineering.

"The pool of this talent, particularly for more senior positions, continues to be predominantly male," Meta said in its report.

Are you a Meta employee or someone else with insight to share? Contact Kali Hays at khays@insider.com, on secure messaging app Signal at 949-280-0267, or through Twitter DM at @hayskali. Reach out using a non-work device.

Read the original article on Business Insider
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Persistence Market Research

Global Market Study on Mobile Crushers and Screeners: Rising Operational Costs and Unavailability of Manpower Surging Demand

New York, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Mobile Crushers And Screeners Market is estimated to be around US$ 2.87 Billion in 2022 and is projected to expand steadily at a CAGR of 7.8 % to reach a market valuation of close to US$ 6.80 Billion by 2033.



Mobile crushers and screeners are the equipment used for crushing and screening of stones and minerals. These machines are widely used in the construction and mining industries for efficient and effective material handling. The global mobile crushers and screeners market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years due to the increasing demand for construction materials and the rising need for efficient mining operations.

This report analyzes the current market scenario and provides insights into the mobile crushers and screeners market's growth potential. The report covers the market segmentation, regional analysis, competitive landscape, and key market trends. The report is based on primary and secondary research conducted by our team of expert analysts.

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The Mobile Crushers and Screeners Market is expected to experience considerable growth over the next few years. This growth can be attributed to the various advantages that these products offer, such as their ability to reduce labor costs, increase productivity, and provide a more efficient method of material transportation. Additionally, mobile crushers and screeners are becoming an increasingly popular choice for businesses around the world due to their portability and ease of use.

Key Market Trends:

The mobile crushers and screeners market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years due to the increasing demand for construction materials and the rising need for efficient mining operations. The adoption of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the internet of things (IoT) is expected to drive the market's growth.

Story continues

key market strategies for the mobile crushers and screeners market:

Technological advancements : With the rapid pace of technological advancements, companies need to invest in advanced mobile crusher and screener technologies to improve the efficiency, productivity, and safety of their equipment. This includes the development of mobile crushers and screeners that are more energy-efficient, offer better performance, and are easier to maintain.

Product diversification : Mobile crusher and screener manufacturers should expand their product portfolio to include a wide range of models that cater to various applications and customer needs. This will help manufacturers cater to the needs of different customer segments, ranging from large mining operations to small construction sites.

Focus on sustainability : The demand for environmentally friendly mobile crushers and screeners is growing, and manufacturers need to focus on developing equipment that has a lower carbon footprint. This includes reducing emissions and developing equipment that consumes less fuel.

Geographical expansion: With the global demand for mobile crushers and screeners, companies need to expand their presence in different regions to tap into new markets. This includes building new distribution networks and establishing partnerships with local dealers.

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Competitive Landscape:

Astec Industries

Thyssenkrupp AG

Terex Corporation

Metso Corporation

Sandvik AB

McCloskey International

Kleemann GmbH

SBM Mineral Processing GmbH

Striker Australia Pty Ltd and others

The mobile crushers and screeners market can be segmented by product type, end-user, and geography.

By product type, the market can be segmented into mobile crushers and mobile screeners. The mobile crushers segment is expected to dominate the market due to their high performance, mobility, and versatility.

By end-user, the market can be segmented into mining, construction, and others. The mining segment is expected to dominate the market due to the increasing demand for minerals and metals.

Regional Analysis:

The mobile crushers and screeners market can be analyzed by geography into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the rest of the world. Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the market due to the increasing construction activities and the growing demand for minerals in the region.

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ReportLinker

Nano Calcium Carbonate Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application (Plastics, Rubber, Building & Construction), By Region (Asia Pacific, North America, Europe), And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030.

New York, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Nano Calcium Carbonate Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application, By Region And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05822954/?utm_source=GNW



Nano Calcium Carbonate Market Growth & Trends



The global nano calcium carbonate market is expected to reach USD 17.66 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 9.7% over the forecast period, as per the new report. The increasing demand for lightweight and high-strength materials in end-use industries, such as automotive and aerospace, is driving the growth of the industry. Nano calcium carbonate is a widely used material with a variety of applications, including as a filler in the production of plastics, in construction and infrastructure development, and as an abrasive. The increasing construction and infrastructure development in developing countries is driving the demand for building materials.



This, in turn, is driving the growth of the global industry.Nano calcium carbonate particles have unique properties that may make them attractive for use in certain applications.



For example, they have improved chemical reactivity, higher surface area, and improved mechanical properties, which make them more suitable for use in certain products.The development of new technologies and processes for the production and use of nano calcium carbonate also contributes to market growth.



The Asia Pacific region is the largest regional market due to the high demand from the plastics, rubber, and paints & coatings industries, in countries, such as China, India, and Indonesia.



The North America and Europe regions will also grow significantly due to the rising demand for high-performance and sustainable materials in various industries.Moreover, due to the pandemic, the product demand in the food and pharmaceutical industries was relatively stable, as these were among the essential industries that continued to operate during the pandemic.



The demand for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as face masks and gloves, also increased due to the pandemic, which has boosted the demand for nano calcium carbonate in the healthcare and medical sectors. Overall, the pandemic has had a negative impact on the industry; however, it has been mitigated by the stable demand for certain products and industries.



Nano Calcium Carbonate Market Report Highlights

 Plastics is the largest growing application segment with a CAGR of 10.0% on the account of its performance in plastic, it improves plastics strength, stiffness, and dimensional stability

 The rubber application segment will grow significantly during the forecast period as the product is used to improve the physical properties of rubber applications and to reduce the cost of the finished application by replacing more expensive rubber polymers

 The development of new processing technologies has made it possible to produce high-quality nano calcium carbonate with consistent particle size and high purity, which has increased its adoption in various industries

 Asia Pacific is estimated to be the fastest-growing region from 2023 to 2030 due to the high demand from the plastics, rubber, and paints & coatings industries in countries, such as China, India, and Indonesia

 North America will grow significantly over the forecast period owing to the presence of major end-use manufacturers and manufacturers of the product

 Key players are constantly involved in new product development and strategic initiatives to gain a competitive edge in the global industry

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05822954/?utm_source=GNW



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



__________________________

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CONTACT: Clare: clare@reportlinker.com US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001




WASHINGTON, March 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Administrator Bill Nelson will broadcast his annual State of NASA remarks at 3 p.m. EST on Thursday, March 9. The event will air on NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency's website.

NASA Logo. (PRNewsFoto/NASA) (PRNewsFoto/) (PRNewsfoto/NASA)

The State of NASA address coincides with the Biden-Harris Administration's fiscal year 2024 budget proposal release earlier in the day and will include top-level information. The President's full budget proposal for NASA and supporting information will post online about 10 a.m. EDT, Monday, March 13, and the agency will hold a follow-up media call.

In his remarks Thursday, Nelson will highlight the agency's plans to explore the Moon and Mars, monitor and protect the planet, sustain U.S. leadership in aviation and aerospace innovation, drive economic growth and promote equity and diversity within the agency and across the nation, while inspiring the next generation of explorers for the benefit of humanity.

On Monday, NASA's Associate Administrator Bob Cabana and Chief Financial Officer Margaret Vo Schaus will host a media teleconference at 1 p.m., to discuss the Biden-Harris Administration's fiscal year 2024 funding request for the agency. Senior leaders from each of NASA's mission directorates also will be available during the call.

Audio from the budget briefing will stream live on NASA's website.

Media interested in participating in the teleconference must RSVP no later than two priors to the start of the call to Abbey Donaldson at abbey.a.donaldson@nasa.gov.

The schedule of activities is based on the president's budget release on Thursday and is subject to change. The budget proposal for NASA and supporting information will be available at:

https://www.nasa.gov/budget

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SOURCE NASA
Cleveland firm attracts a powerhouse team of advisors and managers, including former Cleveland Clinic CEO Dr. Toby Cosgrove and several globally renowned physicians

CLEVELAND, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nirvana Healthcare Ventures (NHCV) has hit the ground running in 2023 with the announcement of its newest advisor, Toby Cosgrove, MD. The former Cleveland Clinic CEO now joins an impressive team dedicated to funding transformational healthcare innovations across the Midwest.

Dr. Toby Cosgrove

Widely known for his nearly five-decade relationship with the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Cosgrove is recognized globally as a true healthcare innovator. He served as the Clinic's President and Chief Executive Officer from 2004 to 2017 and remains an executive advisor to the institution. During his leadership tenure, the Clinic was ranked among the top three hospitals in the nation, growing revenue from $3.7 billion to $8.5 billion while simultaneously launching many new efforts to improve patient outcomes and expand services.

Prior to becoming an executive, Dr. Cosgrove built a successful career as a renowned cardiac surgeon at the Clinic, operating on tens of thousands of patients while filing dozens of patents for new surgical products to aid him in his work.

"Not only is Toby one of the world's most successful and celebrated healthcare executives, he is also a proven healthcare innovator with front-line experience helping patients," said Marc Byrnes, NHCV Board Chair and former Chairman and CEO of Oswald Companies. "His invaluable insights and decades of experience will help to round out a powerhouse team of talented physicians, innovators, investors and business leaders."

This team includes a trio of world-renowned Midwest physicians who are also biomedical engineers, inventors and investors. All are serving as consulting managing partners to the firm and worked with Cosgrove during his tenure at Cleveland Clinic. They are:

Frank A. Papay, MD, DSc (HON) , FACS, FAAP : a celebrated plastic and reconstructive head, neck and craniofacial surgeon, and lead surgeon of America's first full facial transplant. Dr. Papay is also an inventor, a CMO or CSO of several startups and co-founder of BrainX.ai. He holds dozens of U.S. patents and has received more than 50 industry honorsincluding the Cleveland Clinic Sones Centennial Innovation Award and the WebMD Health Hero Award in Science.

Marc S. Penn, MD, PhD, FACC : a renowned cardiologist who has helped pioneer and commercialize several important innovations in his field, while developing two parallel careers as an inventor and healthcare investor. Dr. Penn is a former Innovator of the Year recipient at Cleveland Clinic and has served as a founder and executive for several successful healthcare startups including the Cleveland HeartLab, which was acquired in 2017 by Quest Diagnostics.

Raymond R. Rackley, MD: a renowned pelvic reconstructive surgeon, biomedical engineer and life-science industry consultant. Over 32 years, Dr. Rackley has also generated significant returns as an investor, developing strong partnerships and co-investing relationships with some of the region's most active funders, including First Analysis, Mutual Capital Partners, BlueTree Capital, JumpStart, BioEnterprise, North Coast Ventures, and MI-12 managing partners while holding board and committee roles in several seed-series, early and late-stage medical device and pharmaceutical companies.

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"Our work as physicians sparked a pursuit of innovation to improve outcomes for patients," said Cosgrove of the team. "At the same time, our experiences as executives, investors and inventors have solidified a desire to harness this innovation to build better healthcare companies. I believe this team has the ability to do both."

Dr. Cosgrove will sit on the NHCV advisory board alongside Byrnes, as well as Stephen McHale (Founder & CEO of UnifyWork and former CEO and Chairman of Explorys); William Seelbach (Senior Advisor at The Riverside Company), and Ira Kaplan (Executive Chairman, Executive Committee Member and former Managing Partner at Benesch Law Firm).

Dr. Papay, Dr. Penn, and Dr. Rackley join an equally strong leadership team headed by Managing Director, J. Burner Crew. Crew brings more than three decades of capital markets experience to NHCV, having held leadership roles at EF Hutton, McDonald and Company and KeyBank before later founding Nirvana Analytics, a full-service fund management and consulting firm.

This leadership team also includes Managing Partners, Rem Harris and Aaron Kelley. Harris brings more than two decades of experience as an investor and senior executive, including a 13-year tenure at JumpStart Inc., where he managed the organization's Seed and Series A Venture funds and led investments in more than 100 companies. Kelley adds an additional 15 years of experience in investment consulting, private banking and institutional asset management, during which he raised more than $3.5B in assets from institutional investors across the globe.

"Our team is our greatest asset," said Crew. "Our combined knowledge, experience and networks separate Nirvana from the pack when it comes to sourcing, funding and fueling breakthrough healthcare startups in the Midwest."

About Nirvana Healthcare Ventures

Nirvana Healthcare Ventures is a Cleveland-based venture capital firm focused on funding high-growth, early-stage Midwest healthcare companies. By leveraging strong relationships with regional healthcare systems, research institutions, startup support organizations and co-investors, the firm seeks to source, invest and scale the most innovative companies in the region while achieving top-tier venture returns for partners and co-investors. For more information, visit: www.nirvanahcventures.com.

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SOURCE Nirvana Healthcare Ventures
Qabil Ashirov

Armenian Armed Forces opened fire on Azerbaijan Army positions, Azernews reports, citing Azerbaijans Defense Ministry.

Starting from 21:30 on March 8 to 04:15 on March 9, the Azerbaijan Army positions stationed on the Azerbaijani-Armenian conditional border and in the Karabakh economic region were subjected to fire 23 times, the Defense Ministry said.

The Ministry noted that Azerbaijans Armed Units have taken adequate retaliatory measures in all the mentioned directions.

The Ministry emphasized that by systematical shelling the Azerbaijan Army positions, the Armenian armed forces are provoking the Azerbaijan Army to fire back, thereby trying to form a false opinion among the representatives of the European Union civilian mission operating on the conditional border, as well as to establish fake tension in the region.

We once again state that the military-political leadership of the official Iravan bears all responsibility for the provocations that may be committed by Armenia and resulting in human casualties, the Ministry added.
NEW YORK, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The global Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Services in Aerospace and Defense market to reach $1,817.2 million by 2033.

Source: ReportLinker

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06428167/?utm_source=PRN

Global Non-Destructive Testing Services in Aerospace and Defense Market Overview

The global non-destructive testing services in aerospace and defense market is estimated to reach $1,817.2 million in 2033 from $1,294.9 million in 2022, at a CAGR of 3.34% during the forecast period 2023-2033. The non-destructive testing services providers have witnessed the demand from space agencies, defense, and growing commercial industry.

Market Lifecycle Stage

The non-destructive testing (NDT) has been critical in the aerospace and defense industry and is currently at a mature stage, having consistent and stable demand.The use of NDT in the aerospace and defense industry has a history that starts from Second World War and has a significant role in conducting the Second World War.

Visual testing was used to a great extent to determine the surface anomalies to detect surface imperfections.

Additionally, in recent years, non-destructive testing has included various methods such as ultrasonic testing, eddy current testing, magnetic particle inspection, radiographic inspection, and others. These testing methods are being used to detect surface, sub-surface, and internal defects in components used in the aerospace and defense industry.

Furthermore, the NDT market has opportunities for more growth due to technological advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for higher accuracy and efficient inspection.Additionally, the requirement for aircraft maintenance and inspections to maintain high quality and safety standards is driving the demand for NDT services growth.

The space industry is also experiencing significant growth with a rise in activities such as the large deployment of satellite constellations, which needs NDT services to qualify space-grade components.

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Some of the major players with a global presence providing NDT services in the aerospace and defense industry are Zetec, Inc., Acuren, MISTRAS Group, Waygate Technologies, and FORCE Technology.

Impact

The global non-destructive testing services in aerospace and defense market is observing demand from end users such as the aviation and defense industry.The space industry is also growing, which will experience significant demand during the forecast period 2023-2033.

The major challenge faced in the non-destructive testing market is the increasing size of components that impose difficulty on the majority of the NDT equipment available in the market.

Furthermore, in the upcoming years, the deployment of satellite constellations, along with other rising space activities, will witness an increase in demand for NDT.The space and aviation industry is using advanced materials such as composites for the manufacturing of the components that require advanced NDT.

Thus, advanced NDT methods such as computed tomography are being used for the inspections. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in the NDT further increases the testing speed and quality.

Market Segmentation:

Segmentation 1: by Type

Ultrasonic Testing

Radiographic Testing

Eddy Current Testing

Magnetic Particle Testing

Penetrant Testing

Visual Testing

Leak Detection Testing

Acoustic Emission Testing

Shearography

Thermography

Segmentation 2: by End User

Aviation

Space

Defense

Segmentation 3: by Region

North America - U.S. and Canada

Europe - Germany, France, U.K., Spain, 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 non-destructive testing (NDT) services in aerospace and defense 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 non-destructive testing (NDT) service capabilities in the region.

Recent Developments in Global Non-Destructive Testing Services in Aerospace and Defense Market

In November 2022, Applus Services, S.A. signed a cooperative agreement with sentin GmbH, a Germany-based software company, to enhance testing with artificial intelligence (AI). The company would integrate AI with its inspection and work with sentin GmbH in the area of image recognition and evaluation.

In September 2022, TWI Ltd. signed a memorandum of understanding with Cutech, a Singapore-based inspection services provider, to collaborate and work on advanced inspection services. The Cutech has a global presence in Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E., India, Indonesia, and Malaysia and provides non-destructive testing services to defense, oil and gas, and petrochemical industries. The partnership of both companies would utilize their inspection expertise and develop new advanced NDT solutions.

Demand - Drivers and Limitations

Following are the drivers for the global non-destructive testing (NDT) in aerospace and defense market:

Easy Integration with the Manufacturing Process

Increase in Demand to Maintain High Standards

Following are the challenges for the global non-destructive testing (NDT) in aerospace and defense market:

Limitations in Testing Large and Complex Structures

Unskilled Labor for the NDT Industry 4.0

Following are the opportunities for the global non-destructive testing (NDT) in aerospace and defense market:

Upcoming Demand for Satellite Constellation to Cater NewSpace Ecosystem

Technological Advancements in NDT Inspections

Analyst Perspective

According to Arunkumar Sampathkumar, Principal Analyst, BIS Research, "Ultrasonics, eddy current, and radiographic testing are the prominent testing methods within the A&D domain.While radiography continues to grow in utilization, magnetic particle and penetrant testing methods of non-destructive testing are also gaining traction.

Increasing automation in manufacturing and deployment of technologies such as additive manufacturing will continue to drive the uptake of non-destructive testing solutions.Further efforts toward capacity planning across the value chain will also drive the investment in non-destructive testing.

Digitalization and associated ICT capability-based enhancements will enhance the growth in this market."

How can this report add value to an organization?

Product/Innovation Strategy: The service segment helps the reader understand the different NDT methods and end users that will generate the demand for non-destructive testing services globally. Moreover, the study provides the reader with a detailed understanding of the different non-destructive testing services market by type (ultrasonic testing, radiographic testing, eddy current testing, magnetic particle testing, penetrant testing, visual testing, leak detection testing, acoustic emission testing, and shearography, and thermography), and end user (aviation, space, and defense).

Growth/Marketing Strategy: The non-destructive testing services market has seen major development by key players operating in the market, such as business expansion activities, contracts, mergers, partnerships, collaborations, and joint ventures.The favored strategy for the companies has been acquisitions and contracts to strengthen their position in the global non-destructive testing services in aerospace and defense market.

For instance, in September 2022, Element Materials Technology acquired North America-based National Technical Systems (NTS), an inspection and testing services provider that serves aerospace and defense industries. The acquisition would enhance the company's ability to serve more customers through combined operations and financial resources.

Competitive Strategy: Key players in the global non-destructive testing (NDT) services in aerospace and defense market analyzed and profiled in the study involve non-destructive testing service providers.Moreover, a detailed competitive benchmarking of the players operating in the global non-destructive testing (NDT) services in aerospace and defense market has been done to help the reader understand how players stack against each other, presenting a clear market landscape.

Additionally, comprehensive competitive strategies such as contracts, partnerships, agreements, acquisitions, and collaborations will aid the reader in understanding the untapped revenue pockets in the market.

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 non-destructive testing (NDT) services that constitute 76% of the presence in the market. Other players include small entities that account for approximately 24% of the presence in the market.

Key Companies Profiled

Acuren

Applus Services, S.A.

CvdTek, Inc

Element Materials Technology

FORCE Technology

Intertek Group plc

Lynx Inspection Inc.

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

Magnetic Inspection Laboratory, Inc.

MISTRAS Group

QC Laboratories, Inc.

SGS Societe Generale de Surveillance SA

TEAM Inc.

Testia

TWI Ltd.

Waygate Technologies

Countries Covered

North America

U.S.

Canada

Europe

Germany

U.K.

Spain

Rest-of-Europe

Asia-Pacific

China

Japan

India

Rest-of-Asia-Pacific

Rest-of-the-World

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06428167/?utm_source=PRN

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.

Contact Clare: clare@reportlinker.com

US: (339)-368-6001

Intl: +1 339-368-6001

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SOURCE Reportlinker
Novo Resources Corp.

Figure 1

Geology and tenements of Belltopper.

Figure 2

Image taken from the 3D Belltopper Geological Model showing integration of IP (geophysics), surface LIDAR, faults and basic geology.

Novo to acquire remaining 50% interests in the adjacent Queens and Malmsbury gold joint ventures in Victoria, Australia

As a result, Novo will have sole ownership of the Belltopper gold project ( Belltopper ) in the prolific Bendigo Tectonic Zone of Australias Victorian Goldfields

Consolidation of Belltopper will provide Novo with a central, strategic position in the region located approximately 50 km SSW from Agnico Eagles high-grade Fosterville gold mine

Novo has identified a strong pipeline of developing gold targets at Belltopper supported by an abundant network of historic and newly discovered high-grade gold reefs

Multiple high-grade gold targets identified at Belltopper within a priority corridor of alteration that hosts a mineralised porphyritic intrusive at its core

Evidence for numerous gold mineralisation styles including structurally controlled Epizonal gold (potentially analogous with Fosterville) in addition to potentially Intrusion Related Gold (IRG)

Additional opportunities to test for mineralisation beneath Tertiary basalt cover  blind basement targets

Currently integrating regional through to target-scale datasets to enable smarter drill targeting of the wider gold system and its associated higher-grade zones by diamond drilling in 2023

Novo to pay A$0.75 million cash and issue 2,088,554 common shares (with a contractual 12-month hold period) to Kalamazoo Resources (ASX:KZR) worth approximately A$0.75 million for its 50% joint venture interest in the Queens project

Novo to pay A$1 million cash and issue 4,037,872 common shares (with a contractual 12-month hold period) and 2,018,936 common share purchase warrants to GBM Resources (ASX:GBZ) worth approximately A$1.6 million for its 50% joint venture interest in the Malmsbury project, with each warrant entitling GBM to purchase one additional common share of the Company at a price of C$0.60 for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance

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Mike Spreadborough, Novos Executive Co-Chairman, Acting Chief Executive Officer and a director, said, Consolidation of Belltopper will give Novo a central and strategic position in the prolific Bendigo Tectonic Zone of Australias Victorian Goldfields.

Diamond drilling planned in 2023 will test remaining high-priority mapping targets at Belltopper, in addition to developing high-grade shoot potential on the Leven Star Reef and key significant results from the diamond drilling campaign completed in 2022. We would like to thank our joint venture partners, GBM and Kalamazoo, for their support and we look forward to advancing the consolidated Belltopper project.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Novo Resources Corp. (Novo or the Company) (TSX: NVO, NVO.WT & NVO.WT.A) (OTCQX: NSRPF) is pleased to advise that it has entered into agreements whereby it will become sole owner of the Belltopper gold project (Belltopper) in the Bendigo region of Victoria, Australia via the acquisition of residual 50% joint venture interests in the Queens project from Kalamazoo Resources (ASX:KZR) (Kalamazoo) and the Malmsbury project from GBM Resources (ASX:GBZ) (GBM). The acquisition of the residual interests in Belltopper is subject to receipt of approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and receipt of written consents and approval from the Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions.

Geology and tenements of Belltopper.





Figure 1: Geology and tenements of Belltopper.

Consolidation of Belltopper will give Novo a strategic position in the prolific Bendigo Tectonic Zone of Australias Victorian Goldfields that has historically produced in excess of 60 million ounces of gold from alluvial and hard rock. Mineralisation throughout the Bendigo Tectonic Zone is not necessarily representative of mineralisation throughout Belltopper.

MALMSBURY PROJECT

Novo acquired an initial 50% interest in retention licence 65871, which comprises the Malmsbury gold project (Malmsbury), from GBM in May 20212 and has since been incurring farm-in expenditure with the goal of earning an additional 10% interest in Malmsbury by May 2025.

Novo has agreed to pay A$1 million and issue 4,037,872 common shares and 2,018,936 transferable warrants (collectively, the GBM Securities) to GBM for its residual 50% interest in Malmsbury, with each warrant entitling GBM to purchase one additional common share of the Company at a price of C$0.60 for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance. All of the GBM Securities will be subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day following their date of issuance, along with an additional contractual hold period expiring 12 months from their date of issuance. Immediately subsequent to the issuance of the GBM Securities and securities to be issued to Kalamazoo (refer below), GBM will hold a 1.5% undiluted interest in Novo.

In addition, the previously agreed2 2.5% maximum net smelter returns royalty has been retained by GBM. Malmsbury is potentially encumbered by certain pre-existing royalties for which GBM has indemnified Novo.

QUEENS PROJECT

Novo acquired an initial 50% interest in exploration licence 7112, which comprises the Queens gold project (Queens), from Kalamazoo in March 20213 and has since been incurring farm-in expenditure with the goal of earning an additional 20% interest in Queens by March 2026.

Novo has agreed to pay A$0.75 million and issue 2,088,554 common shares (the Kalamazoo Securities) to Kalamazoo for its 50% interest in Queens on an encumbrance-free basis. The royalty previously held by Kalamazoo3 has been terminated in conjunction with this acquisition. All of the Kalamazoo Securities will be subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day following their date of issuance, along with an additional contractual hold period expiring 12 months from their date of issuance. Immediately subsequent to the issuance of the Kalamazoo Securities and the GBM Securities (refer above), Kalamazoo will hold a 1.0% undiluted interest in Novo (inclusive of Novo shares currently held by Kalamazoo).

EXPLORATION PLAN

The Company is now focussing on the prospectivity of the consolidated Belltopper area, integrating regional through target-scale data sets (including geophysics with mapping, structural studies, geochemistry and legacy mining data) into 3D target modelling4. Emphasis will be placed on structural characterisation of mineralised features to understand local plunge components for targeted follow-up drilling and testing of the regional plunge component for Belltopper.

A second phase of drilling that aims to build on 2022 success and additionally test remaining and developing high-priority mapping and geophysical targets is planned in H2 2023. Systematic soil geochemistry, mapping and rock chip sampling programs are also expected to recommence in H2 20235.

___________________________

1 A retention licence in Victoria is an optional licence between the exploration and mining stages. It gives the licensee (licence holder) tenure over the land before progressing to a mining licence. A licensee must comply with an agreed work program that develops the licence towards mining. The maximum licence term for a retention licence is 10 years, but a retention licence may be renewed. Refer to the Victoria State Governments Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action website for further details.

2 Refer to the Companys news release dated May 13, 2021.

3 Refer to the Companys news release dated March 22, 2021.

4 Refer to the Companys February 2023 Victoria Gold Mining & Exploration Forum corporate presentation.

5 Refer to the Companys news release dated November 18, 2022.

Image taken from the 3D Belltopper Geological Model showing integration of IP (geophysics), surface LIDAR, faults and basic geology.





Figure 2: Image taken from the 3D Belltopper Geological Model showing integration of IP (geophysics), surface LIDAR, faults and basic geology.

QP STATEMENT

Dr. Christopher Doyle (MAIG) is the qualified person, as defined under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, responsible for, and having reviewed and approved, the technical information contained in this news release. Dr. Doyle is Novos Exploration Manager  Victoria & Project Generation.

ABOUT NOVO

Novo explores and develops its prospective land package covering approximately 10,500 square kilometres in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, along with the 22 square kilometre Belltopper Project in the Bendigo Tectonic Zone of Victoria, Australia. In addition to the Companys primary focus, Novo seeks to leverage its internal geological expertise to deliver value-accretive opportunities to its stakeholders. For more information, please contact Leo Karabelas at (416) 543-3120 or e-mail leo@novoresources.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

Novo Resources Corp.

 Michael Spreadborough 

Michael Spreadborough

Executive Co-Chairman and Acting CEO

Forward-looking information

Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information (within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation) including, without limitation, that Novo will consolidate sole ownership of Belltopper as outlined in this news release, that consolidation of Belltopper will provide Novo with a central, strategic position in the region, that integration of regional through to target-scale datasets may enable smarter drill targeting of the wider gold system and its associated higher-grade zones by diamond drilling in 2023, that emphasis will be placed on structural characterisation of mineralised features to understand local plunge components for targeted follow-up drilling and testing of the regional plunge component for Belltopper, that a second phase of drilling aims to build on 2022 success and additionally test remaining and developing high-priority mapping and geophysical targets is planned in H2 2023, and that systematic soil geochemistry, mapping and rock chip sampling programs are also expected to recommence in H2 2023. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include, without limitation, customary risks of the resource industry and the risk factors identified in Novos managements discussion and analysis for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2022, which is available under Novos profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date those statements are made. Except as required by applicable law, Novo assumes no obligation to update or to publicly announce the results of any change to any forward-looking statement contained or incorporated by reference herein to reflect actual results, future events or developments, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting the forward-looking statements. If Novo updates any forward-looking statement(s), no inference should be drawn that the Company will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/928d690e-d886-4986-a768-5fe36475a741

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/848191c6-39d1-4593-876c-132c0cf2d7ec




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The global occlusion devices market accounted for over USD 2.8 Billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period, 2023-2031. North America is expected to dominate the market.

New York, United States, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Occlusion devices are medical devices used to block or close abnormal blood vessels or heart defects. These devices are commonly used in interventional cardiology and interventional radiology procedures. Occlusion devices are typically made of metal or other materials and come in various shapes and sizes to suit different applications. Some examples of occlusion devices include vascular plugs, coils, septal occluders, and embolization particles. These devices are designed to be minimally invasive and provide an effective alternative to traditional surgical procedures.

The use of occlusion devices is becoming increasingly popular due to their many benefits over traditional surgical procedures. Occlusion devices are minimally invasive, which means that they involve smaller incisions and cause less trauma to the patient's body. This typically leads to shorter recovery times, less pain, and fewer complications.





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Market Dynamics

The growing incidence of cardiovascular diseases and related conditions such as stroke and peripheral artery disease is a key driver of the occlusion devices market. These devices are commonly used in interventional procedures to treat these conditions. Rising healthcare expenditure and investments in healthcare infrastructure are expected to boost the demand for occlusion devices. This is particularly true in emerging markets where healthcare systems are undergoing rapid development. The global population is aging, which is increasing the incidence of age-related conditions such as aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations. This is expected to drive the demand for occlusion devices in the coming years.

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Market Segmentation



The occlusion devices market is divided into different segments based on product type, application, and end-users. The largest segment in terms of product type is occlusion removal devices due to the increasing research in the efficacy of new devices.

In terms of application, the neurology segment holds the major share of the market due to the rising number of target neurosurgical procedures and research in interventional neurology.

Regarding end-users, the diagnostic centers segment is expected to hold a significant market share due to the growing adoption of minimally invasive surgical procedures, availability of reimbursement policies for target procedures in Europe and North America, and the increasing demand for interventional procedures in diagnostic centers.





Report Scope

Report Metric Details Market Size USD 2.8 Billion in 2022 CAGR 5.1% (2023-2031) Historical Data 2020-2021 Base Year 2022 Forecast Period 2023-2031 Forecast Units Value (USD Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Product, By Application, By End User, By Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, LAME and Rest of the World Key Companies Profiled/Vendors Acrostak, Abbott Laboratories, Asahi Intecc, Angiodynamics, Cardinal Health, Avinger, Edwards Lifesciences, Cook Group, Stryker Corporation, Penumbra, B. Braun Melsungen AG, Terumo Corporation, Medtronic Plc., Meril Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., MicroPort Scientific Corporation, Biosensors International Group Ltd., Boston Scientific Corporation, Elixir Medical Corporation, Kyoto Medical Planning Co. Ltd Key Market Drivers Growing incidence of cardiovascular diseases

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Regional Analysis

North America is predicted to dominate the global market for occlusion devices due to the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in the United States. The World Health Organization has reported that around 15 million people in the US suffer from coronary diseases, and the aging baby boomer population in the country is expected to further support market growth. As the geriatric population is more vulnerable to various diseases such as neurological disorders and cancers, the high number of elderly people in the region is likely to drive market growth.

Europe is expected to be the second-largest region in the global market for occlusion devices. The increasing number of obese individuals in Europe is influencing the prevalence of embolism, which can cause occlusion in different parts of the body. Additionally, the rising incidence of stroke is driving market growth in the region. Favorable reimbursement policies and advancements in occlusion devices are also contributing to the market's growth.

Some of the major players in the occlusion devices market include

Acrostak Abbott Laboratories Asahi Intecc Angiodynamics Cardinal Health Avinger Edwards Lifesciences Cook Group Stryker Corporation Penumbra B. Braun Melsungen AG Terumo Corporation Medtronic Plc. Meril Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd. MicroPort Scientific Corporation Biosensors International Group Ltd. Boston Scientific Corporation Elixir Medical Corporation Kyoto Medical Planning Co. Ltd`





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Occlusion devises Market Segmentation

By Product

Occlusion Removal Devices Balloon Occlusion Devices Stent Retrievers Coil Retrievers Suction & Aspiration Devices

Embolization Devices Embolic Coils Liquid Embolic Agents Tubal Occlusion Devices

Support Devices Microcatheters Guidewires



By Application

Neurology

Cardiology

Peripheral Vascular Diseases

Urology

Oncology

Gynecology

By End User

Hospitals, Diagnostic Centers, & Surgical Centers

Ambulatory Care Centers

Research Laboratories & Academic Institutes

Regions Covered

North America

Europe

Asia-Pacific

LAMEA





TABLE OF CONTENT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY RESEARCH SCOPE & SEGMENTATION Research Objectives Market Definition Limitations & Assumptions Market Scope & Segmentation Currency & Pricing Considered MARKET OPPORTUNITY ASSESSMENT Emerging Regions / Countries Emerging Companies Emerging Applications / End Use Investment Landscape New Business Models / Revenue Streams TAM MARKET TRENDS Drivers Market Warning Factors Latest Macro Economic Indicators Geopolitical Impact Human Factors Technology Factors MARKET ASSESSMENT Porters Five Forces Analysis Value Chain Analysis Sales And Distribution Channel Analysis Case Study Analysis Patent Analysis M & A Agreements & Collabration Analysis ESG TRENDS GLOBAL OCCLUSION DEVICES MARKET SIZE ANALYSIS Global Occlusion Devices Market Introduction By Product Introduction Product By Value Occlusion Removal Devices By Value Embolization Devices By Value Support Devices By Value By Application Introduction Application By Value Neurology By Value Cardiology By Value Peripheral Vascular Diseases By Value Urology By Value Oncology By Value Gynecology By Value By End User Introduction End User By Value Hospitals, Diagnostic Centers, & Surgical Centers By Value Ambulatory Care Centers By Value Research Laboratories & Academic Institutes By Value NORTH AMERICA MARKET ANALYSIS Introduction By Product Introduction Product By Value Occlusion Removal Devices By Value Embolization Devices By Value Support Devices By Value By Application Introduction Application By Value Neurology By Value Cardiology By Value Peripheral Vascular Diseases By Value Urology By Value Oncology By Value Gynecology By Value By End User Introduction End User By Value Hospitals, Diagnostic Centers, & Surgical Centers By Value Ambulatory Care Centers By Value Research Laboratories & Academic Institutes By Value U.S. By Product Introduction Product By Value Occlusion Removal Devices By Value Embolization Devices By Value Support Devices By Value By Application Introduction Application By Value Neurology By Value Cardiology By Value Peripheral Vascular Diseases By Value Urology By Value Oncology By Value Gynecology By Value By End User Introduction End User By Value Hospitals, Diagnostic Centers, & Surgical Centers By Value Ambulatory Care Centers By Value Research Laboratories & Academic Institutes By Value Canada EUROPE MARKET ANALYSIS Introduction By Product Introduction Product By Value Occlusion Removal Devices By Value Embolization Devices By Value Support Devices By Value By Application Introduction Application By Value Neurology By Value Cardiology By Value Peripheral Vascular Diseases By Value Urology By Value Oncology By Value Gynecology By Value By End User Introduction End User By Value Hospitals, Diagnostic Centers, & Surgical Centers By Value Ambulatory Care Centers By Value Research Laboratories & Academic Institutes By Value U.K. By Product Introduction Product By Value Occlusion Removal Devices By Value Embolization Devices By Value Support Devices By Value By Application Introduction Application By Value Neurology By Value Cardiology By Value Peripheral Vascular Diseases By Value Urology By Value Oncology By Value Gynecology By Value By End User Introduction End User By Value Hospitals, Diagnostic Centers, & Surgical Centers By Value Ambulatory Care Centers By Value Research Laboratories & Academic Institutes By Value Germany France Spain Italy Russia Nordic Benelux Rest Of Europe APAC MARKET ANALYSIS Introduction By Product Introduction Product By Value Occlusion Removal Devices By Value Embolization Devices By Value Support Devices By Value By Application Introduction Application By Value Neurology By Value Cardiology By Value Peripheral Vascular Diseases By Value Urology By Value Oncology By Value Gynecology By Value By End User Introduction End User By Value Hospitals, Diagnostic Centers, & Surgical Centers By Value Ambulatory Care Centers By Value Research Laboratories & Academic Institutes By Value China By Product Introduction Product By Value Occlusion Removal Devices By Value Embolization Devices By Value Support Devices By Value By Application Introduction Application By Value Neurology By Value Cardiology By Value Peripheral Vascular Diseases By Value Urology By Value Oncology By Value Gynecology By Value By End User Introduction End User By Value Hospitals, Diagnostic Centers, & Surgical Centers By Value Ambulatory Care Centers By Value Research Laboratories & Academic Institutes By Value Korea Japan India Australia Taiwan South East Asia Rest Of Asia-Pacific MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA MARKET ANALYSIS Introduction By Product Introduction Product By Value Occlusion Removal Devices By Value Embolization Devices By Value Support Devices By Value By Application Introduction Application By Value Neurology By Value Cardiology By Value Peripheral Vascular Diseases By Value Urology By Value Oncology By Value Gynecology By Value By End User Introduction End User By Value Hospitals, Diagnostic Centers, & Surgical Centers By Value Ambulatory Care Centers By Value Research Laboratories & Academic Institutes By Value UAE By Product Introduction Product By Value Occlusion Removal Devices By Value Embolization Devices By Value Support Devices By Value By Application Introduction Application By Value Neurology By Value Cardiology By Value Peripheral Vascular Diseases By Value Urology By Value Oncology By Value Gynecology By Value By End User Introduction End User By Value Hospitals, Diagnostic Centers, & Surgical Centers By Value Ambulatory Care Centers By Value Research Laboratories & Academic Institutes By Value Turkey Saudi Arabia South Africa Egypt Nigeria Rest Of MEA LATAM MARKET ANALYSIS Introduction By Product Introduction Product By Value Occlusion Removal Devices By Value Embolization Devices By Value Support Devices By Value By Application Introduction Application By Value Neurology By Value Cardiology By Value Peripheral Vascular Diseases By Value Urology By Value Oncology By Value Gynecology By Value By End User Introduction End User By Value Hospitals, Diagnostic Centers, & Surgical Centers By Value Ambulatory Care Centers By Value Research Laboratories & Academic Institutes By Value Brazil By Product Introduction Product By Value Occlusion Removal Devices By Value Embolization Devices By Value Support Devices By Value By Application Introduction Application By Value Neurology By Value Cardiology By Value Peripheral Vascular Diseases By Value Urology By Value Oncology By Value Gynecology By Value By End User Introduction End User By Value Hospitals, Diagnostic Centers, & Surgical Centers By Value Ambulatory Care Centers By Value Research Laboratories & Academic Institutes By Value Mexico Argentina Chile Colombia Rest Of LATAM COMPETITIVE ASSESSMENT Adoption Matrix Occlusion Devices Market Share By Manufacturers Occlusion Devices Market Ranking By Revenue For Manufacturers Average Price By Manufacturers Vendor Footprint Analysis MARKET PLAYERS ASSESSMENT Acrostak Overview Business Information Revenue ASP Gross Margin Swot Analysis Recent Developmments Abbott Laboratories Asahi Intecc Angiodynamics Cardinal Health Avinger Edwards Lifesciences Cook Group Stryker Corporation Penumbra B. Braun Melsungen AG Terumo Corporation Medtronic Plc. Meril Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd. MicroPort Scientific Corporation Biosensors International Group Ltd. Boston Scientific Corporation Elixir Medical Corporation Kyoto Medical Planning Co. Ltd` RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Research Data Secondary Data Major Secondary Sources Key Data From Secondary Sources Primary Data Key Data From Primary Sources Breakdown Of Primaries Secondary And Primary Research Key Industry Insights Market Size Estimation Bottom-Up Approach Top-Down Approach Market Projection Research Assumptions Assumptions Limitations Risk Assessment APPENDIX Discussion Guide Customization Options Related Reports DISCLAIMER





Table of Content @ https://straitsresearch.com/report/occlusion-devices-market/toc





News Media

High Prevalence of Chronic Diseases is Surge Demand of Occlusion Devices Market





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Fortune Business Insights

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion companies analyzed Makai OTEC International LLC, Bluerise, NELHA, Bardot Group, Ocean Engineering, DCNS, UTM OTEC, Akuo Energy, and others.

Pune, India, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global ocean thermal energy conversion plant market is likely to gain momentum from an increasing demand for energy from around the world. According to an upcoming report by Fortune Business Insights, titled, Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Plant Market Size, Share and Global Trend by Engine Type (Closed Cycle, Open Cycle, Hybrid Cycle), by Location (Land Based, Floating) and by Geography Forecast till 2026, a rapid shift towards renewable energy sources is one of the main factors that is likely to contribute to the growth of the global ocean thermal energy conversion plant market in the forthcoming years. Moreover, an increasing number of OTEC plants have begun providing production opportunities for hydrogen as well as supporting desalination process of water.



The major market driver for global ocean thermal energy conversion plant market is the growing demand for energy all over the world. The more emphasis put on renewable sources of energy is also supporting the growth of global ocean thermal energy conversion plant market. Also, OTEC plants provide the advantage of desalination of water and hydrogen production which also act as market drivers for the global ocean thermal energy conversion plant market.



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COVID-19 Impact

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the power generation and supply for a particular day are planned on the basis of the demand. The lockdown has taken a huge toll on the demand for electricity from the commercial and industrial sectors. But, the availability of fuel and plant operations was not affected as these are classified as essential services by regulatory bodies. Our research reports will help you pave the way toward success by providing in-depth analysis of the overall industry.

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Regional Insights

Increasing Number of Planned OTEC Projects to Favor Growth in Asia Pacific

The global ocean thermal energy conversion plant market is geographically divided into Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, North America, Latin America, and Europe. Amongst these, the Asia Pacific is expected to lead the global market. This will occur because of the solo OTEC working plant located in Japan. There are several OTEC projects that have been planned to take place in the radius of islands. This will further result in zero carbon emissions. The OTEC projects are planned in Hainan in China, the Maldives, and Japan.

North America, on the other hand, also has planned to build three OTEC plants which will start operating in the coming years. Out of the three plants, one is located in the Bahamas while the other two are situated in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Hawaii, respectively. Europe has planned to build only one OTEC plant at Martinique, situated in France, in the near future. Overall, these planned OTEC projects will aid in the global ocean thermal energy conversion plant market growth during the forecast period.

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Segmentation of Report:

SEGMENTATION DETAILS By Engine Type  Closed Cycle

 Open Cycle

 Hybrid Cycle By Location  Land Based

 Floating By Geography  North America (The USA and Canada)

 Europe (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia and Rest of Europe)

 Asia Pacific (China, India, Australia, Southeast Asia and Rest of Asia Pacific)

 Latin America (Brazil, Mexico and Rest of Latin America)

 Middle East & Africa (South Africa, GCC and Rest of the Middle East & Africa)

Competitive landscape:

National Institute of Ocean Technology, Global OTEC Resources and Other Market Players Focus on the Development New Projects to Gain Competitive Edge

National Institute of Ocean Technology, (NIOT), headquartered in Chennai, announced in October 2018 that it has planned to build an OTEC plant in Kavaratti Island in Lakshadweep. The plant is considered to be Indias first ocean power generation project. The power plant is anticipated to be generated under 200 Kw. The entire project is currently under its design phase and the construction work is likely to begin in 2019.

Global OTEC Resources, a prominent developer of OTEC technologies, based in the U.K., announced in September 2018 that it has bagged a fund of 140,000 from Marine-I, a provider of innovative marine technology. The grant has allowed Global OTEC Resources to open a new research and development facility in Newguay. It will house an efficient team of four that would work to create the companys innovative concepts in order to use OTEC. This will mainly be done for offgrid resorts in Caribbean and Maldives.

Industry Development

In September 2018, Global OTEC Resources received 140,000 funds from Marine-I which helped them to establish its operation in Cornwell (UK). The project is aimed at powering the resorts at Cornwall.

In April 2019, Global OTEC Resources announced the completion of its initial design and feasibility studies for using OTEC technology to provide energy across the Maldives. It also announced the grant of 80,000 from Maine-I for further work to be completed by the spring of 2020.

Fortune Business Insights lists out some of the reputable organizations operating in the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Plant Market. They are as follows:

Makai Ocean Engineering

OTEC International LLC

Bluerise, NELHA

Bardot Group

DCNS

UTM OTEC

Akuo Energy

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Table of Content:

Introduction Research Scope Market Segmentation Research Methodology Definitions and Assumptions

Executive Summary

Market Dynamics Market Drivers 2030 Market Restraints Market Opportunities

Key Insights Key Emerging Trends  For Major Countries Latest Technological Advancement Regulatory Landscape Porter Five Forces Analysis 2030

Qualitative Analysis  Impact of COVID-19 Impact of COVID-19 on the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Plant Market Steps Taken by the Government to Overcome the Impact Key Developments by Industry Players in Response to COVID-19 Potential Opportunities and Challenges due to COVID-19 Outbreak

Competitive Analysis Company Market Share Analysis, 2030 Company Profile Business Overview Product & Service Offering Overall Revenue Geographic Presence Recent Development



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ONE swiss bank SA



9 March 2023

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Article 53 of SIX Exchange Regulation Listing Rules

ONE swiss bank SA publishes its 2022 Annual Report, announces a dividend payment and notifies of the agenda for the 2023 Annual General Meeting

ONE swiss bank SA (ONE) today publishes its 2022 Annual Report, which includes the audited annual financial statements, the Corporate Governance Report and the Compensation Report. ONE has also notified of the agenda for the Annual General Meeting on 4 April 2023. A dividend payment of CHF 0.15 has been proposed to shareholders for approval.

After nine years as a director of ONE, including two years as the first chair of the merged entity, Genevieve Berclaz is stepping down to pursue new opportunities. I accepted the chair of ONE to oversee the merger, the integration process and the turnaround, all of which are now complete, says Genevieve. With the Bank reporting a net profit, I consider that my role on the ONE Board of Directors has been fulfilled. After this successful journey, Im happy to hand over the keys to a well-run business to my successor. Today, after almost a decade on the boards of various companies, I wish to take my career in a new direction. Id like to thank my fellow directors at ONE and the Executive Committee for this fantastic achievement and for their team spirit, and our shareholders for standing with us.

The Board of Directors will propose to the Annual General Meeting to appoint Frederic Binder as the new chairman. Helene Weidmann will be proposed as a new member of the Board of Directors.

- The 2022 Annual Report of ONE swiss bank SA can be downloaded here .

- The invitation to the 2023 Annual General Meeting (in French only) can be downloaded here .

All the documents are available on oneswissbank.com in the Investor relations section.

For further information, please contact:

Julien Delecraz

Head of Marketing & Communication

investorrelations@oneswiss.com

+41 58 300 78 13

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ONE swiss bank SA (SIX Swiss Exchange: ONE)

ONE swiss bank is a Swiss private bank listed on SIX Swiss Exchange with offices in Geneva, Lugano, Zurich and a subsidiary in Dubai. It offers wealth and asset management services to private and institutional clients as well as financial intermediaries.

oneswissbank.com





Attachment




Jan-Marc Luchies, PhD, and Ron Lopez, JD, will help OneD move into the next phase of pilot production and advance licensing of the SINANODE technology to industry partners

PALO ALTO, Calif., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- OneD Battery Sciences ("OneD"), the leader in silicon-based automotive battery technology, today announces the addition of two proven industry and sector experts. Jan-Marc Luchies, PhD, joins OneD from Infineon as COO, and Ron Lopez, JD, joins the company's senior management team as General Counsel & CLO (Chief Licensing Officer). Lopez was previously a partner at Nixon Peabody, an international law firm, and served as OneD's external counsel since 2014.

Dr. Jan-Marc Luchies

OneD Takes Next Steps Towards Pilot Production

Dr. Jan-Marc Luchies will initially focus on global pilot production. It is an essential step to qualifying the SINANODE technology with OEMs before they enter mass production of silicon-based batteries. Currently, work is underway on two pilot plants where silicon graphite processing will take place on a larger scale. One is at the SINANODE North America location in Moses Lake, WA, and a second plant will fall under the jurisdiction of SINANODE Europe GmbH in Munich, Germany, overseen by Dr. Luchies. The two wholly owned OneD subsidiaries are dedicated to the annual production of up to one hundred tons of SINANODE materials intended for the building of thousands of EV battery packs for production qualification.

"In recent years, particularly in 2022, we have seen firsthand how important streamlined manufacturing and a localized supply chain are for OEMs to reduce EV manufacturing costs and risks. SINANODE offers both, providing electric vehicle manufacturers with a process that enriches graphite anodes with nano-silicon to make better, more affordable electric vehicles a reality," explained Luchies. "I am excited to join the OneD team to take SINANODE production to the next level, both in the U.S. and abroad, and to support our OEM partners in their efforts to bring long range and fast charging EVs to everyone. Based on my experience in the solar cell industry, it's clear that scaling SINANODE processing to support the production of millions of EVs utilizing CVD machines is very similar to the very large-scale processing already used in the solar cell industry, which is feasible at a very competitive cost."

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Licensing SINANODE Technology for Large-Scale Production

OneD offers EV-scale production of SINANODE composite anode materials through the licensing of industrial partners supporting EV supply chains. The licensing programs include technology transfers and ongoing support based on agreed road maps and customizations, following a model that has been highly successful in the semiconductor arena. To further advance OneD's licensing model, Ron Lopez will oversee negotiations with industry partners who want to secure production at licensed SINANODE production facilities, each enabling the high-volume output and scale required to annually process many tens of thousands of tons of EV-grade graphite from multiple qualified suppliers on multiple continents.

"Against the backdrop of increasing innovation and funding for EV battery technologies, the development and protection of intellectual property can be the difference between commercial success and failure," said Lopez. "I have worked with OneD for ten years as outside counsel and have directly witnessed the technological improvements and the growth of issued patents in the IP portfolio. As an engineer and lawyer, I understand the SINANODE technology and how the OneD business model can speed up and de-risk EV adoption. We are not looking to enter mass production ourselves. Instead, we aim to license production processes to established industry partners so they can accelerate mass adoption of electric vehicles while reducing costs and risks."

OneD Continues Expansion of Silicon Valley R&D and Production Team

OneD Battery Sciences is expanding its headquarters campus. Co-founder & CTO Yimin Zhu, PhD, recently doubled the research and development team and expanded the technical equipment and laboratory footprint by adding a new, larger building in Palo Alto. This was required to support the SINANODE cell designs with multiple EV OEMs, a response to increased industry demand for development partnerships. The SINANODE pilot production facility in Palo Alto will also be scaled up to optimize the processing of EV-grade graphite from multiple suppliers who have off-take agreements with Tier 1 EV cell manufacturers.

About OneD Battery Sciences:

OneD Battery Sciences is the developer of the SINANODE technology platform, the breakthrough technology that successfully manufactures nano-silicon to increase the energy density & lower the cost of anode electrodes in EV batteries. Thus, SINANODE enables more affordable, longer range & faster charging EVs. In 2013, OneD Battery Sciences acquired Nanosys' silicon nanowire technologies (SINANODE) and its Palo Alto R&D activities. Thanks to 15 years of continuous innovations under Dr. Zhu's leadership, OneD can now leverage its extensive portfolio of over 220 issued patents worldwide, helping its battery supply chain partners achieve unrivaled freedom of action. In September 2022, GM Ventures publicly announced an investment in OneD's series C financing, along with Volta Energy, a venture capital firm with deep expertise in material sciences and battery technologies.

Ron Lopez, JD

OneD Battery Sciences Logo (PRNewsfoto/OneD Battery Sciences)

Cision

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SOURCE OneD Battery Sciences
Persistence Market Research

Global Market Study on Optical Brighteners: Rising Adoption being Witnessed in Textile, Paper, and Chemical Industry

New York, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global Optical Brighteners Market is estimated to reach a valuation of US$ 1.64 Billion in 2023 and The global market is estimated to reach a revenue of US$ 2.65 Billion in 2033. The Optical Brighteners Market is stated to increase at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2023 to 2033. The Textile segment is estimated to be a key source, and the segment is estimated to consume about 27.4% of the global market.



The optical brighteners market is projected to grow at a significant rate in the coming years, driven by increasing demand for optical brighteners in various applications such as textiles, paper, detergents, plastics, and cosmetics. Optical brighteners are additives that are used to enhance the brightness and whiteness of materials. They work by absorbing ultraviolet light and re-emitting blue light, making the material appear brighter and whiter.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the optical brighteners market, including market trends, drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges. The market is segmented based on application, end-use industry, and region. The report also includes a competitive landscape of the optical brighteners market, with profiles of major companies operating in the market, including BASF SE, Clariant AG, Huntsman Corporation, Archroma, and RPM International Inc.

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Recent developments in optical brighteners have enabled manufacturers to produce a variety of Optical Brightener formulations that provide improved performance in various applications. For example, Optical Brightener formulation is now available that offer better whiteness in paper and printing products as well as detergents and fabric care products. Additionally, Optical Brightener formulations can now be optimized for specific end-use applications such as fabric care, rubber production, leather tanning, plastic manufacture etc. This has enabled manufacturers to tailor their Optical Brightener Formulation to meet the needs of their customers more effectively than ever before.

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Key findings from the report:

The textile application segment is expected to dominate the market in terms of revenue during the forecast period, owing to the increasing demand for optical brighteners in textiles to enhance their brightness and whiteness.

The detergents application segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period, driven by the increasing demand for laundry detergents that contain optical brighteners.

Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing market during the forecast period, driven by the increasing demand for optical brighteners in various end-use industries such as textiles, paper, and plastics.

The market is highly competitive, with major companies focusing on research and development activities to develop new and innovative optical brighteners.

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Competitive Landscape

BASF SE

Huntsman Corporation

Eastman Chemical Company

Archroma

Milliken and Company

Clariant AG

Meghmani Organics Ltd

Zhejiang Transfar Chemical Co., LTD

Rudolf GmbH and others

The global market is consolidated, with the top 5 players in the market estimated to collectively hold about 30% - 35% of the global optical brighteners market share.

In April 2022 , research-based specialty chemicals manufacturer Dorf Ketal entered into an agreement to acquire the business of Ahmedabad-based Khyati Chemicals. Khyati Chemicals is the second-largest player in the optical brightening business and has valuable customers such as Unilever, Ghadi, and Trident India, among others.

In October 2020, Mayzo Inc, a leading supplier and manufacturer of specialty chemicals, announced the acquisition of Bio Accutech Inc., a distributor of specialty chemicals for the coatings, inks, and plastics markets. This acquisition is estimated to enable Mayzo to extend its global supply chain and add several new optical brighteners, photoinitiators, and PVC additives to its portfolio.

In July 2019 , BASF India Limited entered into an agreement to divest its stilbene-based Optical Brightening Agents (OBA) business for paper and powder detergent applications to Archroma India Private Limited, a member of the Archroma group, a global leader in colour and specialty chemicals

In January 2019, Archroma, a global leader in color and specialty chemicals announced the introduction of a new optical brightening agent, Leucophor AFCN liquid that is specially designed for food packaging and paper.

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Optical Brighteners Market Segmentations-



By Type - Stilbene, Coumarin, Diphenyl pyrazoline, Others

By Application - Detergents, Textiles, Papers, Cosmetics, Plastics, Others

By Region - North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (MEA)

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Oxford Treatment Center

OXFORD, Miss., March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oxford Treatment Center, a leading provider of treatment for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions, issued a warning to the residents of Mississippi about the potential dangers associated with Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol. A recent story about Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol products allegedly fentanyl-laced garnered significant coverage, and though those findings have yet to be confirmed, experts at Oxford fear that many are not aware of the other adulterants in these products that may prove to be harmful.



My concern for the people who use these products is that theyre under the impression that this is a 100% pure and natural product when that couldnt be further from the truth, said Mark Stovall, CEO of Oxford Treatment Center. What you have is a diluted substance manufactured with no oversight resulting in a drug with questionable, and potentially lethal, additives that the consumer is not aware of.

Though Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol is a naturally occurring cannabinoid, it exists in minute amounts not nearly enough for the mass manufacturing of products containing the substance. Instead, cannabidiol oil, or CBD oil, is exposed to a number of chemicals and processes resulting in a reaction that produces Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol. The active ingredient in virtually all products sold to consumers online and in smoke shops  including gummies, tinctures and vape pens  containing this substance was produced this way.

Unfortunately, unidentified compounds, residual metals, strong acids and other byproducts of the chemical reaction are also produced and have been found in Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol products. Other additives, such as K2 or Spice, and concerning cannabinoids not found in nature are also ingredients in these products.

Patients entering treatment with a history of using this substance exhibit many of the same psychiatric adverse effects exhibited by those who have a history of synthetic cannabinoid use, said Stovall. Psychosis, worsened psychiatric conditions, suicidal ideation, aggression and other physiological issues are often seen, and it seems that a lot of users dont know that these are potential outcomes that stem from the use of Delta-8-THC products.

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Unfortunately, experts at Oxford Treatment Center believe this wont be an isolated event.

While the incident of finding fentanyl and heroin in packaged products occurred elsewhere, its only a matter of time that we have a similar incident. said Stovall. Isotonitazene and nitazene analogs, xylazine, para-fluorofentanyl, and a number of substances that exist below the radar, and arent routinely tested for, are being added to the substances that are taking the lives of Mississippians, why would Delta-8 products be any different?

About Oxford Treatment Center

Oxford Treatment Center is located in Etta, MS. Oxford treats patients who are struggling with drug addiction, alcohol addiction and co-occurring mental/behavioral health issues. For more information, call 662-638-0015.

Oxford Treatment Center

297 County Road 244

Etta, MS 38627

662-638-0015

Contact:

Maz Rodriguez

Public Relations Manager

MRodriguez@ContactAAC.com

615-335-0893




Company Logo

Global Philippine Remittance Market

Global Philippine Remittance Market

Dublin, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Philippines Remittance Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Mode of Transfer (Digital, Traditional (Non-digital)), by Type, by Channel (Banks, Online Platforms (Wallets)), by End Use, and Segment Forecasts, 2022-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The Philippines remittance market size is expected to reach USD 1.84 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 13.3% from 2022 to 2030. The growth can be attributed to the initiatives taken by the Philippines government, such as financial literacy programs and the adoption of the 'International Day of Family Remittances'.

Furthermore, the increasing adoption of banking services across the country is another major factor expected to create new growth opportunities for the Philippines remittance industry.



According to the World Bank Group, it is expected that remittances to Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) will increase by 4.2% in 2022, reaching USD 630 billion. This comes on the heels of a near-record recovery of 8.6% in 2021, thereby expected to drive the growth of the industry. Moreover, the huge number of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) employed in several countries are also contributing to the growth of the market. For instance, according to Philippines Statistics Authority, the total number of OFWs was estimated at 1.77 million from April to September 2020.



Additionally, the Philippines-based remittance service providers are continuously implementing new technologies, such as the integration of blockchain technology in the remittance platform for faster money transfers. For instance, in August 2022, a blockchain infrastructure company called Roxe announced its partnership with Cebuana Lhuillier, a money transfer service provider. This partnership aimed to enable clients in the Philippines to execute seamless cross-border remittance payments by combining Cebuana Lhuillier's extensive fund distribution methods and the Roxe blockchain network.



During the COVID-19 pandemic, the lockdown was imposed, which shifted people's attention towards digital means and technology. However, at the same time, in October 2020, ING and UNICEF introduced the 'Fintech for Impact' initiative to support fintech start-ups across the country. The top five start-ups, including BeamAndGo Pte Ltd, were chosen to receive equity-free financing as well as technical and commercial mentoring from ING, UNICEF, and other professionals for a year.



The selection of BeamAndGo was anticipated to the addition of functionality of helping migrants and their families to make responsible spending decisions for the household and manage their finances through its non-cash remittance services. Hence, such initiatives proved to be helpful for market growth during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Remittances on Account of Migration Activities

Comprehensive Infrastructure for Remittances

Market Challenges

Inadequate Anti-Money Laundering Governance

Market Opportunities

Partnerships Between Companies Boosting Remittance Services





Philippines Remittance Market Report Highlights

The digital segment is expected to register the fastest growth during the forecast period. The growing internet penetration among Filipinos can be attributed to the segment's growth

The inward remittance segment dominated the market in 2021, attributed to the high migration rate of Filipinos in search of better job opportunities

The online platforms (wallets) segment is expected to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period. The developing infrastructure for online money transfer across the country is one of the major factors anticipated to drive the segment's growth

The personal segment is expected to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period, attributed to the growing use of remittance platforms for sending money for household purposes

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 130 Forecast Period 2022 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $0.68 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $1.84 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 13.3% Regions Covered Philippines

Key Topics Covered:



Chapter 1 Methodology and Scope



Chapter 2 Executive Summary



Chapter 3 Philippines Remittance Industry Outlook



Chapter 4 Philippines Inbound Remittance Market Analysis

4.1 Total Flows to the Philippines (by value), 2019 to 2021

4.2 Breakdown per Corridor

4.2.1 Breakdown by the U.S.

4.2.2 Breakdown by Saudi Arabia

4.2.3 Breakdown by Japan

4.2.4 Breakdown by the U.K.

4.2.5 Breakdown by Canada

4.3 Breakdown/Market Share per Remittance Company

4.4 Breakdown of Receiving Channels (By Revenue)

4.5 Philippines Remittance Market Share by Receiving Channel (in Terms of Volume)

4.6 Average Costs of Remittance and Average Ticket Size



Chapter 5 Philippines Outbound Remittance Market Analysis



Chapter 6 Philippines Domestic Remittance Market Analysis



Chapter 7 Philippines Remittance Mode of Transfer Outlook

7.1 Philippines Remittance Market Share By Mode of Transfer, 2021

7.2 Digital

7.3 Traditional (Non-digital)



Chapter 8 Philippines Remittance Type Outlook

8.1 Philippines Remittance Market Share By Type, 2021

8.2 Inward Remittance

8.3 Outward Remittance



Chapter 9 Philippines Remittance Channel Outlook

9.1 Philippines Remittance Market Share By Channel, 2021

9.2 Banks

9.3 Money Transfer Operators

9.4 Online Platforms (Wallets)



Chapter 10 Philippines Remittance End-use Outlook

10.1 Philippines Remittance Market Share By End-use, 2021

10.2 Migrant Labor Workforce

10.3 Personal

10.4 Small Businesses

10.5 Others



Chapter 11 Competitive Analysis



Chapter 12 Competitive Landscape



Companies Mentioned

Paypal Holdings, Inc.

Worldremit Group Limited

Union Bank of the Philippines

the Western Union Company

Moneygram International, Inc.

Cebuana Lhuillier

Lbc Express Holdings

Mlhuillier

Palawan Pawnshop

Rd Pawnshop

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ass32u

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




FUTURASUN SRL

Alessandro Barin CEO of FuturaSun

Alessandro Barin is the CEO of FuturaSun

FuturaSun relaunches the European photovoltaic supply chain with a new center dedicated to the development and production of PV modules



PADUA, Italy, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FuturaSun, the leading Italian manufacturer of high-efficiency photovoltaic panels, has acquired a 24,000 sqm plot of land in the industrial area of Cittadella (Padua) to establish a new Italian Gigafactory. The facility will reach a 2 GW/year production capacity of high-efficiency photovoltaic modules, manufactured using the most innovative technologies.

With this important step, the company commits to a total investment of 25 million Euros over the next few years.

The project fits into the company's strategic industrial plan, and it follows through on the European mission of rebuilding the European supply chain, with FuturaSun taking the role of one of the main players.

Alessandro Barin, the CEO of FuturaSun, declares, "With this new industrial hub, we believe we can enhance our hometown while also becoming a reference point in the HORIZON IBC4EU project*, a program within the REpowerEU plan and the European Green Deal to revive the Italian and European photovoltaic industrial supply chain in support of continental energy transition strategies."

The new HQ will be designed according to across-the-board environmental and sustainability criteria and will include an R&D center for applied scientific research, a large test-field for product control and improvement, a PV Academy and a training center to recreate the expertise of industry professionals.

FuturaSun was founded in Cittadella in 2008 and has successfully transformed the 2012 photovoltaic crisis into an opportunity. After 15 years of uninterrupted growth, with a Gigafactory already active in China and two others under construction, the company continues in its project to reposition the supply chain, initiating another dream of reviving the Italian district of photovoltaics in Veneto.

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About FuturaSun

The Italian company FuturaSun is specialized in the manufacturing of high-performance photovoltaic panels which have passed the most stringent of tests to achieve prestigious certifications issued by laboratories from all over the world. FuturaSuns manufacturing plants are based in China and soon in Italy.

Media Contact

International Press

Andrea Cortese

+39 338 78 07 018

press@futurasun.it

*This project has received funding from the Horizon Europe Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027) under grant agreement No 101084259

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2af8e6eb-ef7c-4f61-ba07-6334e1deaa0d




Elnur Enveroglu

The level of participants, the intellectual potential of Baku Global Forum is in line with the leading international conferences. This is a reflection of very thoughtful and productive activity of the co-chairs and the whole Board of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev as he addressed the opening ceremony of the 10th Global Baku Forum themed The World of Today: Challenges and Hopes.

President also praised the value given by the NGCI to the great poet of Azerbaijan Nizami Ganjavi who lived in the XII-XIII centuries in Azerbaijan.

Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC) pays great respect to the creativity of the great Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi, said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev as he addressed the opening ceremony of the 10th Global Baku Forum themed The World of Today: Challenges and Hopes.

Nizami Ganjavi was born, lived, died and was buried in his native city of Ganja, one of the ancient cities of Azerbaijan. And his wisdom and talent symbolizes the wisdom and talent of the people of Azerbaijan, the head of state added.

Besides, at the forum ran with some 360 participants across 61 countries, including acting and former presidents, and prime ministers the president of Azerbaijan outlined the most important issues in the agenda as well as touching on its successful leadership in NAM.

So, we can imagine that the level of discussions will be very high. And of course, the most important recommendations about the new approaches to international affairs will be most valuable," the Azerbaijani leader added.

I was very happy to see one panel on multilateralism, especially taking into account that Azerbaijan this year completes its chairmanship in Non-Aligned Movement, which started in 2019 and was extended by unanimous decision of 120-member states for one more year until the end of 2023. We tried to, if I may use this word, to revitalize the Non-Aligned movement, which had great traditions, but unfortunately during some period of time was a little bit passive. And for that, we organized international events, three summits, the head of state emphasized.

The head of state also mentioned Azerbaijans outstanding role in combating challenges in pandemic and post-pandemic periods and its support to countries.

We address the issue of post-COVID development. In the meantime, we provided financial humanitarian assistance to more than 80 countries, most of them members of Non-Aligned Movement.

We provided 10 million US dollars direct donations to the World Health Organization to help them to fight the coronavirus, the head of state noted, saying that this support will be continuous.

We will continue our efforts even after our chairmanship comes to an end by the end of this year. Because, we see that there is a big need for such a Movement in today's world, in today's divided world, when we see maybe the most serious confrontation between the East and West since the end of the Cold War. The Non-Aligned Movement can play and should play an important role in building bridges, in creating new approaches to resolution of conflicts and, of course, the basic principles of Non-Aligned movement - so called Bandung Principles, the president stressed.

At the 10th Global Baku Forum Azerbaijani President also highlighted Azerbaijans efforts in peace building, and the volatility of Armenian policy that affects the normalisation of relations between two countries.

We were trying hard to resolve the conflict with Armenia by peaceful means. Armenia conducted the policy of ethnic cleansing against Azerbaijanis and expelled them from Karabakh and created sufferings for a million Azerbaijan, the head of the state noted as well as pointing out atrocities committed by Armenians during 30 years of occupation.

The representatives of Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC) have seen the destruction in Fuzuli, in Shusha and it's really the sign of barbarism, it is urbicide, culturocide, ecocide. And that was done by our neighbors. People of Azerbaijan have a moral right to demand revenge.

But my message is that we took revenge on the battlefield. We did not commit any war crimes, unlike Armenians. We did not commit genocide, unlike Armenians did to us. And we took revenge on the battlefield. So, now it's time for peace, the head of state underlined.

Now it's time for peace, said the president adding Azerbaijans will for maintaining security and stability in the region.

Therefore, right after the war ended in November 2020, we launched an initiative to start peaceful negotiations and presented the famous five principles, which could be a basis for a peace agreement with Armenia, said the President at the forum.

In addition, Azerbaijani president stressed the importance of international organisations to strengthen their joint efforts to convince Armenia that they stand in the wrong position.

We hope that international actors, which try to facilitate will persuade Armenia not to lose this chance. They lost the chance to become an independent country. They become totally dependent, kind of a colony of other country, and now maybe other countries. So, they lost their chance to become really independent and to build their future, because of aggression against us, the head of state emphasized.

While addressing the opening ceremony of the 10th Global Baku Forum the Azerbaijani president also spoke about Azerbaijans tolerance to ethnic minorities, regions and cultures as well as pointing out the future of Karabakh-Armenians.

Azerbaijan is a multiconfessional, multi-ethnic country. The rights of minorities in Azerbaijan are protected by our Constitution.

Azerbaijan is a country with a high-level of religious and ethnic tolerance, where representatives of different ethnic groups, different confessions live in peace and dignity. So, I'm sure that the life of Armenians who live in Karabakh region of Azerbaijan will be much better than it was during the times of occupation, the head of state added.

Moreover, president Ilham Aliyev expressed that Azerbaijan reckons more on the international law and he is hopeful for its fruitful result in resolving the long-lasting disputes on the territorial issues.

Every conflict has its own history, has its own dynamics and has its own end but important is that disputes between countries are resolved on the basis of international law, territorial integrity and sovereignty, said President of Azerbaijan.

It cannot be changed by force. This is the position of Azerbaijan. And this position applies not only to our case, but to all conflicts in the world. And we publicly articulate this position, the head of state added.

Furthermore, Azerbaijani president spoke about Azerbaijans growing role in oil and gas supply to Europe and beyond.

Azerbaijan increased substantially its natural gas supply to Europe and total export of natural gas.

If we exported 19 billion cubic meters in 2019, totally. So, this year, it will be more than 24 billion cubic meters and half of that, at least half of that, will go to Europe. And that definitely helped and we will continue to help European consumers to get access to natural gas taking into account the current geopolitical situation, the head of state noted.

We increased our investments in our gas fields. Since Russian-Ukrainian war started, we got requests from more than 10 European countries with respect to gas supplies or to increase the gas supply and we're working on that.

In his speech at the opening ceremony of the 10th Global Baku Forum, president Ilham Aliyev mentioned how Azerbaijan turned a reliable partner for Europe in the very difficult moment, especially when demand for energy was at its peak.

And it's not by chance that European Commission calls Azerbaijan a reliable partner. This is a case weve always been reliable partner. We export oil, oil products, natural gas, electricity, petrochemicals to international markets, including European markets, the head of state noted.

We already changed the European energy map by building oil pipelines, gas pipelines, and now electric lines, which will deliver green energy.

Last year transits through Azerbaijan grew more than 75%, said the President, adding that Azerbaijan needs to further its transportation facilities.

Our modern transportation infrastructure now is needed more than ever before. We really contributed a lot to transportation security, the head of state emphasized, presided added.

The 10th Global Baku Forum themed The World of Today: Challenges and Hopes was kicked off in Baku on March 9. The forum will continue its sessions until March 11 to discuss how to overcome the worlds most pressing challenges.
A total of eleven items from Hope and Sesame Sesamemilk (seven items) and RightRice Veggie Rice (four items) are now available through Dot Foods

The largest food industry redistributor in North America, Dot Foods, is the linchpin to US foodservice distribution, reaching more than 4,500 foodservice and wholesale customers

Dot Foods supplies wholesalers and distributors through order consolidation and cross-docking, providing these customers the ability to order as little as a single case of product, delivered within 72 hours, without needing to slot that item into their warehouse

CHICAGO, IL and VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2023 / The Planting Hope Company Inc. (TSXV:MYLK)(OTCQB:MYLKF)(FRA:J94) ("Planting Hope" or the "Company"), a plant-based food and beverage company focused on producing the world's most nutritious and planet-friendly products, is pleased to announce that Dot Foods, the largest food industry redistributor in North America, has elected to carry an additional nine Planting Hope products, including an additional three RightRice shop-keeping units ("SKUs") and six Hope and Sesame SKUs.

"Through our expansion of both Hope and Sesame and RightRice with Dot Foods, we are cracking the code on last-mile' distribution to foodservice end-user locations across North America, including major retail and wholesale distribution centers and food preparation locations," said Julia Stamberger, Planting Hope CEO and Co-Founder. "With the introduction of nine additional Planting Hope SKUs into Dot, we can now scale our products quickly to foodservice end-users, where we achieve increased velocities, better margins and terms, and reduced placement costs in new accounts. Dot Foods continues to be a leader in making better-for-you food products available to their customer base, reaching every corner of the food distribution grid in the USA. Foodservice operators from national chain restaurants to local eateries will be able to buy our products through their existing broadline and local distributor partners quickly and easily. Now we can reach every restaurant, cafe and institutional foodservice operator who has been requesting availability of our products, through their own distribution networks."

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In its capacity as the largest food industry redistributor in North America, Dot Foods supplies wholesalers and distributors with the products they require for foodservice and retail customers through order consolidation and cross-docking. Dot's distributor customers receive frequent shipments that consolidate many brands and items into their distribution centers, providing foodservice and retail locations with the flexibility to order as little as a single case of product, delivered within 72 hours. Product is often cross-docked, eliminating the need for that product to be assigned a full warehouse slot in a distributor or for that distributor to carry inventory of that item in its buildings. The Dot solution provides a reliable, cost-effective opportunity for distributors to access myriad products and brands that are available in the Dot universe, opening up products to be carried by any of the end-user clients that Dot's 4,500 wholesale clients service across foodservice and retail supply chains.

On November 10, 2022, Planting Hope announced that the Company had become a vendor to Dot Foods, initiating listings through Dot with Original RightRice Veggie Rice in bulk 5lb bags and Hope and Sesame Barista Blend Sesamemilk in 32 oz shelf-stable cartons. Now an additional three RightRice SKUs and six Hope and Sesame SKUs have been added to Dot warehouses as of March 6th, 2023.

In total, 11 Planting Hope SKUs, four RightRice SKUs and seven Hope and Sesame SKUs, are now available to customers across North America through Dot Foods:

The Planting Hope Company Inc., Wednesday, March 8, 2023, Press release picture

"Dot continues to see growth in the plant-based category. Planting Hope has some unique items that will help round out our offering," said C.J. Pilliod, Senior Business Development Manager at Dot Foods. Dot Foods is the largest food industry redistributor in North America, operating across dry, refrigerated, and frozen distribution channels to more than 4,500 end user clients that range from retailers to foodservice distributors and operators of all kinds.

"Truly, a partnership with Dot Foods is the critical linchpin' in opening up foodservice distribution in North America across our brands," continued Ms. Stamberger. "We look forward to continuing to build our distribution through Dot with other Planting Hope products with direct applications in foodservice channels, from grab & go to cafes to quick service restaurants to managed foodservice operations at college and university, hospitals, and corporate campuses."

To notify customers that Planting Hope's new items are now available for purchase through Dot, these items will be spotlighted in Dot's weekly customer email the week of March 6th. This New from Dot' email features the latest product launches at Dot and reaches all of their wholesale clients and distributors. The new Planting Hope products will additionally be featured in an ad on Dot's wholesale ecommerce site.

About Dot Foods

Dot Foods, Inc. carries 125,000 products from 1,020 food industry manufacturers making it the largest food industry redistributor in North America. Through Dot Transportation, Inc., an affiliate of Dot Foods, the company distributes foodservice, convenience, retail, and vending products to distributors in all 50 states and more than 55 countries. Dot Foods operates 12 U. S. distribution centers, which are located in Bullhead City, Arizona; Modesto, California; Bear, Delaware; Vidalia, Georgia; Burley, Idaho; Mt. Sterling, Illinois; University Park, Illinois; Cambridge City, Indiana; Williamsport, Maryland; Liverpool, New York; Ardmore, Oklahoma; and Dyersburg, Tennessee. Dot's 13th U.S. location will be located in Manchester, Tennessee. Dot Foods' Canadian operations are located in Toronto, Ontario and Calgary, Alberta. A new Dot Foods Canada distribution center is currently under construction in Ingersoll, Canada. For information, visit DotFoods.com.

About RightRice

RightRice is a vegetable-based, protein-rich, lower carbohydrate alternative to white rice that's packed with fiber and complete plant-based protein. RightRice is the first of its kind: a shelf-stable grain that's 90% vegetables (lentils, chickpeas, green peas), and delivers on taste, functionality, and nutrition. With more than 9g of complete protein and 5g of fiber per 50g serving, RightRice provides almost four times the protein and 40% fewer net carbohydrates than traditional white rice, plus it can be prepared in 12 minutes. RightRice is available in Original (unflavored) and pre-seasoned flavor varieties, including Garlic & Herb, Spanish, and Cilantro Lime. RightRice Risotto provides a protein-rich, easy-to-cook alternative to traditional risotto. All RightRice products are made using real herbs and spices, and are plant-based, non-GMO verified, gluten-free certified, and kosher certified. RightRice products are currently sold in more than 8,500 doors in leading retailers across North America, including Whole Foods Market, Wegman's, Kroger, Sprouts, and Publix, and in Canada can be found at Walmart stores. RightRice is ideal for foodservice applications, and is featured on restaurant menus, including CAVA locations nationwide. RightRice has received awards and acclaim since its launch in 2019, including People Magazine's Best Plant-Based Food Award, NOSH's Best New Product, and Sunset Magazine's 2021 Pantry Award, in addition to being highlighted as the Best Alt Grain Grocery Store Swap by goop. RightRice Risotto was awarded Best Sauce/Store Cupboard Product in FoodBev's 2021 World Plant-Based Taste Awards and received the 2021 Eco Excellence Award for Best Gluten Free Product, in addition to being chosen as a 2021 Editors' Pick for Best New Product by Progressive Grocer. For more information visit: www.rightrice.com.

About Hope and Sesame

Hope and Sesame has cracked the code on unlocking the dense nutrition in tiny sesame seeds to create a plant milk that's good-for-you, planet-friendly, and delicious! Sesame is highly sustainable, thriving in arid climates with very little water, is naturally drought- and pest-resistant, and can self-pollinate. Nutritionally comparable to dairy milk, Hope and Sesame Sesamemilk delivers 8g of complete protein per serving (including all nine essential amino acids) - that's 8x the protein in most almond and nut milks and 2x the protein in most oat milks! Developed for and approved by top baristas, Hope and Sesame Barista Blend Sesamemilk froths, steams, and foams like a dream, is great for latte art, and delivers 4g of complete protein per 8oz serving. Sesamemilk is an excellent source of both vitamin D and calcium, and its core ingredient is the ultra-nutritious pulp upcycled from sesame oil extraction. All Hope and Sesame products are vegan, Certified Gluten-Free and Certified Kosher, free from soy and dairy, Non-GMO Project Verified, and Certified by the Plant Based Foods Association. Hope and Sesame Sesamemilk is one of the only plant milks globally that is Upcycled Certified by the Upcycled Food Association. Available in both refrigerated 48 oz bottles (three flavors) as well as shelf-stable long-life recyclable aseptic cartons (seven flavors, including Barista Blend) in both US and Canadian bilingual packaging.

Hope and Sesame products have received myriad industry and consumer awards, and they keep coming: Hope and Sesame Barista Blend Sesamemilk was awarded Best Novel Creamer by Good Housekeeping in their 2022 Best Coffee Awards, won Best Product at Coffee Fest Chicago 2022, received the international Gama 2022 Innovation Award for Best Hospitality Product, and was a finalist for Best Product of the Year at the 2022 Specialty Coffee Awards. Additionally, Hope and Sesame Unsweetened Sesamemilk received the Best Plant Milk award at Hong Kong LOHAS Expo 2023, won Best Milk Alternative and Best Plant-Based Sustainability in FoodBev's 2021 World Plant-Based Food Awards, and signature Chocolate Hazelnut Sesamemilk flavor received the 2020 Sofi Award for Best New Product, Plant-Based Milk from the Specialty Food Association.

About The Planting Hope Company Inc.

Planting Hope develops, launches, and scales uniquely innovative plant-based and planet-friendly food and beverage brands. Planting Hope's award-winning and cutting-edge products fill key unmet needs in the skyrocketing plant-based food and beverage space. The Planting Hope brand family includes Hope and Sesame Sesamemilk, Barista Blend Sesamemilk, and Sesamilk creamers, RightRice Veggie Rice, Mozaics Real Veggie Chips, and Veggicopia Veggie Snacks. Planting Hope products are currently found in more than 15,000 retail doors and 70,000 total distribution points across North America. Founded by experienced food industry entrepreneurs, Planting Hope is a women-managed and woman-led company focused on nutrition, sustainability, and representation.

For more information about Planting Hope please visit plantinghopecompany.com, sign up for Planting Hope news emails HERE and follow on LinkedIn.

An informational webinar on The Planting Hope Company from CEO and Co-Founder Julia Stamberger is available HERE.

To follow the brands on Instagram and Facebook, please visit: @hopeandsesameco, @rightrice, @mozaicschips, @veggicopia.

To find Planting Hope products at a store near you in the United States or Canada, please visit the store locator at each brand website: Hope and Sesame store locator, RightRice store locator, Mozaics store locator. Planting Hope products are also available at plantinghopebrands.com and ecommerce retailers including Amazon.com and Amazon.ca.

Contacts

Company Contact:

Julia Stamberger

CEO and Co-founder

(773) 492-2243

julia@plantinghopecompany.com

Investor Relations Contact:

Glen Akselrod, Bristol Capital

(905) 326-1888 ext. 1

glen@bristolir.com

Media Contact:

Alex Jessup, Jessup PR

(323) 529-3541

alex.jessup@jessuppr.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.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively referred to hereafter as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements that address activities, events, or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will, or may, occur in the future, including statements about the Company's ability to execute on its goals, the timing pertaining to these goals the potential demand for the Company's products, the timing and success of anticipated product launches and distribution of the Company's products, and the Company's business prospects, future trends, plans and strategies. In some cases, forward looking statements are preceded by, followed by, or include words such as "may", "will," "would", "could", "should", "believes", "estimates", "projects", "potential", "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "continues", or the negative of those words or other similar or comparable words. In preparing the forward looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, the assumption that demand for the Company's product will be sustained or increase in accordance with management's projections, that the Company's internal research and analysis is indicative of broader market trends and the Company's anticipated future demand for its products, that changes in consumer preferences in the plant-based food industry will continue in accordance with the Company's expectations, that the Company's current business objectives can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected, and that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner. Although the management of the Company believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any forward-looking statement herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. 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 information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. Risks and uncertainties applicable to the Company, as well as trends identified by the Company affecting its industry can be found in the Company's annual information form dated January 6, 2022 and the Company's continuous disclosure record available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Such cautionary statements qualify all forward-looking statements made in this news release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE: The Planting Hope Company Inc.





View source version on accesswire.com:

https://www.accesswire.com/742714/Planting-Hope-Expands-Distribution-Through-Dot-Foods-Accelerating-Availability-of-Hope-and-SesameR-Sesamemilk-and-RightRiceR-Veggie-Rice-to-Foodservice-and-Wholesale-Customers-Across-North-America




Market Research Future

Growing Popularity of E-Commerce Platforms to Boost Postal Automation System Market Growth

New York, US, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a comprehensive research report by Market Research Future (MRFR),  Postal Automation System Market Research Report: By Component, By Technology, Application- Forecast 2030, the market is anticipated to acquire a valuation of approximately USD 1236 Million by the end of 2030. The reports further predict the market to flourish at a robust CAGR of over 6.9% during the assessment timeframe.

Postal Automation System Market Key Players

Eminent industry players profiled in the global postal automation system market report include

Toshiba Corporation (Japan),

Mitsubishi Logistics, Inc. (Japan),

Escher Group (U.S.),

NEC Corporation (Japan),

Accenture PLC (Ireland),

Siemens AG (Germany),

Fujitsu, Ltd. (Tokyo),

Vanderlande (Netherlands),

Falcon Autotech (India), and

Solystic SAS (France).

Key players have incorporated several strategies to stay at the forefront such as mergers, partnerships, new product development, geographic expansions and more.

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Report Scope:

Report Metric Details Revenue forecast in 2027 USD 1236 Million Growth Rate CAGR of 6.9% from 2022 to 2030 Base Year 2021 Study Period 20202- 2030 Key Market Opportunities Increasing volume of mails from banking sector creating demand for automated systems. Key Market Drivers Improving the living standard of people and increasing need for important mail.

Browse In-depth Market Research Report (100 Pages) on Postal Automation System Market:

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/postal-automation-system-market-4103



Postal Automation System Market Drivers

Growing Popularity of E-Commerce Platforms to Boost Market Growth

As e-commerce platforms grow in popularity, more people are purchasing online, and more orders are being processed internationally. Because of the daily increase in parcels, automated postal systems are now used to deliver orders efficiently and rapidly. The popularity of the postal automation systems has been cemented by the expanding e-commerce shopping trend. To streamline the mail processing chain, boost customer satisfaction, and lower fixed expenses like manpower, the top players in the e-commerce sector are implementing automated postal delivery systems.

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Postal Automation System Market Opportunities

Increasing Use of Industry 4.0 Practices to offer Robust Opportunities

The increasing adoption of industry 4.0 practices for improving single-day delivery along with reducing end-to-end turnaround time during the postal delivery will offer robust opportunities for the market in the forecast period.

Restraints and Challenges

Presence of Lesser Skilled People to act as Market Restraint

The presence of lesser-skilled people for installing, operating, and designing, huge cost needed in initial investment and maintenance, and introduction of digitalization may act as market restraints over the forecast period.

Postal Automation System Market Segmentation

The postal automation system market is bifurcated based on components, technology, and application.

By application, the government postal will lead the market over the forecast period. Government postal services handle a significant amount of letters, emails, and flats; as a result, they will have the greatest CAGR during the predicted period. The segment is anticipated to maintain a CAGR of 9.44% over the forecast period.

By technology, the delivery barcode sorter will dominate the market over the forecast period. Owing to technological advances, the industries are introducing newer technology for reducing workload.

By components, the hardware segment will spearhead the market over the forecast period for the use of hardware for sorting & sequencing based on volume and shape.

COVID-19 Analysis

The global COVID-19 pandemic outbreak & the ensuing lockdown limitations compelled firms of all sizes to embrace remote working methods, which pushed the businesses to undergo digital transformation in a number of end verticals. Also, the pandemic had a good effect on the market because at the start of 2020, the volume of shipments saw a large increase. However, as travel limitations were put in place, many businesses switched to automating their postal systems, thereby ending all human labor-related activity. Businesses were prompted to switch to the automated postal systems by the lockout. As a result of government tight regulations that made it difficult for businesses to operate, many enterprises employed postal automation to cut labor expenses.

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Postal Automation System Market Regional Analysis

North America to Head Postal Automation System Market

North America is anticipated to have substantial expansion in the postal automation system market and grabs the utmost market share in the forecast period. It is projected that the U.S. and Canada will lead the market growth for postal automation systems. Also, the area has an established infrastructure that permits greater device penetration and subsequently improves connectivity. This is anticipated to have a significant impact on the market for postal automation systems. Technological improvements and the rising need for industrial automation within North America are largely to blame for the market expansion of postal automation systems in that continent. Further factors boosting the development of the postal automation system include the region's increasing urbanization and technical improvements. Another important reason propelling the expansion within the region is the rise in demand for digital technology.

APAC to Have Admirable Growth in Postal Automation System Market

In comparison to other regions, Asia Pacific is likely to have considerably faster adoption of postal automation systems and to develop at the best CAGR in the forecast period. The market for postal automation systems in Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow more quickly in terms of revenue due to rising need for automation and expanding innovation in nations like Japan, China, and India. This is due to the presence of important firms in the area such NEC Corporation (Japan), Mitsubishi Logistics, Inc. and Toshiba Infrastructure Systems and Solutions Company (Japan). A highly advanced e-commerce logistics sector is now necessary for the rapid growth of the e-commerce sector in nations like Japan, China, & India.

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Also, there are several potential for the postal automation systems to flourish in the Asia Pacific region due to rising BFSI sector demand. The region has seen an increase in the use of automation at all levels, from governmental organizations to private businesses. Leading the way in technical development are nations like China and Japan. Furthermore, major manufacturers of postal automation systems, such Fujitsu Ltd., China Post Group Ltd., Panasonic Corporation, Toyota Industries Corp., Sony Corporation, and Toshiba Corporation, are well-represented in these nations. Due to the rising demand from multinational businesses operating in numerous places around the world for automated systems, the region is anticipated to have considerable growth during the projection period.

Related Reports:

AR and VR Smart Glasses Market Research Report- Global Forecast till 2030

Optical Emission Spectroscopy Market Research Report  Forecast till 2030

Optical Encoder Market Research Report - Global Forecast till 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 regarding 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.

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FACT.MR

Prominent service providers are capitalizing on the broadening scope of preimplantation genetic testing in infant and prenatal care to ascertain the presence of Down syndrome, heightening expansion prospects

Rockville, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global preimplantation genetic testing market is projected to grow at a staggering 9% value CAGR, reaching US$ 1,420 Million, following an assessment period ranging from 2022-2032. As per a newly published report on this industry by Fact.MR, a valuation of US$ 653.52 Million has been anticipated during FY 2022.



From 2017-2021, demand for preimplantation genetic testing flourished at a growth rate of 8%, concluding at US$ 599.53 Million. An increasing number of people suffering from genetic diseases due to changing lifestyles has heightened growth prospects.



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The biggest benefit offered by preimplantation testing is it offers an opportunity to conceive a pregnancy unaffected by genetic conditions. Researchers and healthcare institutes are trying to find new methods and techniques using the latest technology to minimize various risks associated with preimplantation genetic testing.

Increasing Prevalence of Genetic Screening across Specialized Clinics to Fuel Global Demand

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic ailments such as cancer, heart disorders, and diabetes are the leading cause of disability and death in people across the United States.

Every year, the nation's healthcare system spends close to US$ 3 billion on direct and indirect expenses. Additionally, it is anticipated that in the upcoming years, market expansion would be aided by healthcare professionals' growing awareness of the efficacy of genetic testing techniques.

Key Takeaways from the Market Study

Global demand for genetic screening to gain 2/3rd market share through 2032.

Maximum application found in embryo HLA typing for stem cell therapy, yielding 40% revenue.

North America remains the highest consumer, contributing a CAGR of around 7%

U.K contributing to the bulk of preimplantation genetic testing market expansion, growing at a CAGR of 8%

India and China to collectively generate around 60% of demand across Asia through 2032

NGS is likely to emerge as the most popular technology, surpassing US$ 200 Million in revenue

Story continues

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Competitive Landscape

The global market is highly fragmented with the presence of a large number of local and regional players. Market players are concentrating on product launches to broaden their market footprints.

In May 2021, United Airlines and Abbott Laboratories announced a collaboration to use Abbotts BinaxNOW COVID-19 Home Test and Abbotts NAVICA app to help make the international travel experience more seamless.

In March 2021, Agilent Technologies Inc., entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Resolution Bioscience Inc., a leader in the development and commercialization of next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based precision oncology solutions.

In June 2021, Thermo Fisher Scientific and First Genetics JCS, a manufacturer of diagnostic equipment and IVD kits intended to advance molecular genetic technologies into clinical practice, today announced a strategic partnership focused on commercializing next-generation sequencing (NGS)based diagnostics in Russia. The agreement enables First Genetics to market its F-Genetics NGS System and IVD assays to Russian labs for reproductive health testing and cancer diagnostics. The F-Genetics System is based on Thermo Fisher's Ion GeneStudio S5 System.



Key Companies Profiled In Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market Report

Agilent Technologies Inc.

Abbott Laboratories

CooperSurgical Inc.

Oxford Gene Technology IP

Illumina Inc.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

PerkinElmer Inc.

Genea Limited

Natera Inc.

Rubicon Genomics Inc.

CombiMatrix Corporation



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Key Segments of Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market

B y Test Type : Preimplantation Genetic Diagnostics Preimplantation Genetic Screening

B y End User : Hospitals Diagnostic Labs Research & Academic Institutions Specialized Clinics Preimplantation Genetic Testing by Other End Users

B y Application : Embryo HLA Typing for Stem Cell Therapy IVF Prognosis Late-Onset Genetic Disorders Inherited Genetic Diseases Other Applications

B y Technology : NGS-based Preimplantation Genetic Testing PCR-based Preimplantation Genetic Testing FISH-based Preimplantation Genetic Testing CGH-based Preimplantation Genetic Testing SNP-based Preimplantation Genetic Testing

B y Region : North America Latin America Europe Japan APEJ Middle East Africa



More Insights Available

Fact.MR, in its new offering, presents an unbiased analysis of the global preimplantation genetic testing market, presenting a historical analysis from 2017 to 2021 and forecast statistics for the period 2022-2032.

The study reveals essential insights based on Test Type (Diagnostics, Screening) End User (Hospitals, Diagnostic Labs, Research & Academic Institutions, Specialized Clinics, Other End Users) Application (Embryo HLA Typing for Stem Cell Therapy, IVF Prognosis, Late-Onset Genetic Disorders, Inherited Genetic Diseases, Others) Technology (NGS-based, PCR-based, FISH-based, CGH-based, SNP-based) across six major regions (North America, Latin America, Europe, Japan, APEJ, and the Middle East & Africa).

Check out more related studies published by Fact.MR Research:

Genetic Testing Panels Market: The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 20% due to the rising rates of various cancers and genetic disorders. Manufacturers are likely to find most opportunities in North America.

Genetic Testing Services Market: Genetic testing service demand is valued at US$ 40 billion in 2023. North America accounts for 40% share of the global genetic testing services market.

Epigenetics Market: The global epigenetics market to attain an estimated revenue total of US$ 2.79 at an impressive CAGR of 10.9% from 2022 to 2032. North America to lead.

Genetic Disorder Therapeutics Market: The increase in the prevalence of genetic disorders across the globe focused on the need of these therapies. Treatment of diseases in less time during emergencies.

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.

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Priestly Demolition

TORONTO, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Priestly Demolition Inc. (PDI) has made numerous acquisitions across North America over the past 24 months and is keenly focused on future expansion. This strategic direction required internal organizational changes to further support the growth of the company.



March 1st, PDI announced that President Ryan Priestly would be moving into the CEO role where he will have more time to focus on strengthening relationships with clients and vendors. He will also lend his expertise to the modernization of the heavy equipment fleet and is committed to spending more time in the field with employeeshelping to strengthen the family culture that has been essential in building the company to what it is today.

VP Jeff Holmes will move into the role of President, and brings with him the corporate strategic and financial planning experience required to lead and manage the day-to-day operations of PDI North America, as well as develop and lead PDIs overall growth strategy.

Brian Priestly will now lead as the Executive VP of North American Operations. In his new role Brian will manage the US Growth Strategy, while overseeing North American demolition operations as well as to continue representing PDI at the Association level where his passion for people, policy, education and negotiation is at the forefront. Announced today, Brian will also sit on the Board of Directors for the National Demolition Association.

Guy Chartrand will take the role of Vice President of Sales for North Americaa critical role, in PDIs future success as the company pursues an aggressive timeline for company growth.

Taking over as VP of Field Operations Canada will be Derek Howchin. Derek is a top performer on the leadership team who has demonstrated what can be accomplished with a strong plan, the right tools and good people. He will now oversee the Health and Safety Department as well as Engineering.

Kevin Garcia has been promoted to Director of Projects. Demonstrating his leadership skills by managing some of PDIs most interesting and prestigious city projects including; Sick Kids, Mt. Sinai, 130 Adelaide, Humber WWTP, the Rogers Centre and many others.

Story continues

About Priestly Demolition Inc (PDI)

Over the past 25 years PDI has learned the importance of providing cost-effective solutions that are safe, efficient, and above all else, completed with respect for the community and the environment. They have a clear understanding of how demolition work impacts the local ecosystem and the people living in the area. http://www.priestly.com

For additional information please contact:

Connie Clearwater

Director of Marketing & Communications

E: cclearwater@priestly.ca

C: (289) 552-3228




Alberta Innovates

CALGARY, Alberta, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Timnit Gebru, PhD is coming to INVENTURE$ 2023 in Calgary, May 31  June 2. She will address attendees from the center stage as a keynote speaker on Thursday, June 1, speaking about the convergence of ethics and artificial intelligence.



Consider how artificial intelligence intersects with privacy, surveillance, bias, and discrimination. Should companies be allowed to use facial recognition software in their course of business? How do we safeguard our data and our privacy? What about learned or inherited bias? Dr. Gebru, an expert in the area of ethical artificial intelligence, will address these issues and many more in her presentation.

We are incredibly lucky to have Dr. Timnit Gebru participate in this years INVENTURE$ conference, says Laura Kilcrease, CEO of Alberta Innovates. INVENTURE$ tackles the tough questions and addresses issues at the forefront of technology, innovation and industry. Join me in Calgary, Alberta  this June  and learn something new from speakers just like Dr. Gebru.

Timnit Gebru is the founder and executive director of the Distributed Artificial Intelligence Research Institute (DAIR). Prior to that she was fired by Google in December 2020 for raising issues of discrimination in the workplace, where she was serving as co-lead of the Ethical AI research team. She received her PhD from Stanford University, and did a postdoc at Microsoft Research, New York City in the FATE (Fairness Accountability Transparency and Ethics in AI) group, where she studied algorithmic bias and the ethical implications underlying projects aiming to gain insights from data.

Dr. Timnit also co-founded Black in AI [blackinai.org], a nonprofit that works to increase the presence, inclusion, visibility and health of Black people in the field of AI, and is on the board of AddisCoder [addiscoder.com], a nonprofit dedicated to teaching algorithms and computer programming to Ethiopian highschool students, free of charge. She has received a number of awards including the Electronic Frontier Foundation's Pioneer award and has appeared on a number of notable lists including Nature's 10 and Time 100.

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INVENTURE$ is a global innovation experience hosted by Alberta Innovates to bring together the worlds brightest minds, angels, venture capitalists and industry leaders. Launched in 2018, INVENTURE$ is gaining global interest as the place to discover new technologies, talent, capital, customers and markets.

Tickets are available for $899 at https://inventurescanada.com/

CONTACT: Media Contact: Dwayne Brunner, Senior Manager, Media & Strategic Community Relations Alberta Innovates | Email: Dwayne.Brunner@albertainnovates.ca | Cell: 587.572.4091




Statement Jewelry to Elevate Your Spring Style

NEW YORK, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Powerhouse contemporary women's brand Ramy Brook collaborates with iconic fashion jewelry brand Kenneth Jay Lane to introduce a dynamic jewelry capsule for spring.

Ramy Brook x Kenneth Jay Lane Campaign Image

The partnership is a union of two iconic New York based brands that create beautiful designs for strong, fabulous women. As a longtime fan of Kenneth Jay Lane, Founder & Creative Director, Ramy Brook Sharp, was thrilled to put her mark on the jewelry that has stood the test of time.

"Inspired by the legacy of Kenneth Jay Lane and all the iconic women who have worn the line, it was a dream-come-true to collaborate with the brand and to create jewelry that empowers women to feel good and look fabulous" said Sharp. "Ramy Brook and Kenneth Jay Lane designs complement each other perfectly, so the marriage of the two brands' aesthetics for this capsule created something truly beautiful."

Ramy Brook x Kenneth Jay Lane is all about versatility. With a piece for every occasion and styles that can be worn from day to night, it offers the variety to meet the needs of the modern woman's on-the-go lifestyle.

The 32-piece collection, comprising earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings, was designed with Ramy Brook's spring apparel line in mind taking inspiration from the collection's color palette. The fun and bold capsule features large floral motifs and bright colors.

Chris Sheppard, President of Kenneth Jay Lane said, "Our designs are inspired by the timeless style of the ladies who wear them. Ramy has such fabulous designs that are really on point and perfect for today's world. Her brand is fresh but sophisticated - it really works for everyone and anyone. Kenneth Jay Lane jewelry has something for everyone too, which is why I'm so excited for this collaboration."

Ramy Brook x Kenneth Jay Lane retails for $60-$400 and is available at the Ramy Brook flagship store on Madison Avenue in NYC and on RamyBrook.com starting March 9th.

Story continues

Access high res campaign and product imagery here .

About Ramy Brook:

What started in 2010 when Ramy Brook Sharp couldn't find a sexy, stylish, luxurious top, has scaled into one of the most sought after contemporary brands on the market: Ramy Brook. The namesake brand founded by Ramy Brook Sharp is female owned and operated, stemming from one woman's dream to uplift, empower and celebrate women. The apparel, accessories and swimwear collections transcend generational dressing, offering something for anyone looking for a vibrant and celebrational style.

Operating with 50+ employees (85% female), Ramy Brook retails with Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as hundreds of specialty boutiques and two namesake locations, one on Madison Ave in the Upper East Side of Manhattan and one in Southampton. Ramy Brook can also be shopped 24/7 at RamyBrook.com.

About Kenneth Jay Lane:

Kenneth Jay Lane is a legendary costume jewelry designer who has been creating stunning pieces since the 1960s. With a focus on bold, elegant designs, Kenneth Jay Lane has become synonymous with timeless beauty and sophistication. His legacy has continued with his name and designs being more internationally recognized than ever before. Today you can see the likes of Rhianna, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Miley Cyrus, and Katie Perry dazzling in Kenneth's designs.

Learn more about Kenneth Jay Lane at kennethjaylane.com

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ramy-brook-and-kenneth-jay-lane-launch-jewelry-capsule-collection-301767453.html

SOURCE Ramy Brook
Fortune Business Insights

Companies covered in rapeseed oil market are Cargill Incorporated, CCS Estates Limited, Folba Oil Limited SDN, Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil, Archer Daniels Midland Company, ConAgra Foods Inc., Mackintosh of Glendaveny Limited, RISOIL S.A., Pacific Coast Canola LLC., Other key market players.

Pune, India, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global rapeseed oil market size is set to gain momentum from its extensive usage in the production of biodiesel. It is also used in other applications, such as the formulation of several personal care products, namely, lotions and soaps, as well as in cooking. Fortune Business Insights provided this information in an upcoming report, titled, Rapeseed Oil Market, 2023-2030. The report further states that rapeseed being a crucial arable crop, provides good income to farmers worldwide. The National Edible Oil Distributors Association, for instance, declared that Europe produces around 21.5 million tonnes rapeseed per year. Amongst this, the region exports nearly 0.1 million tonnes and imports approximately 2.2 million tonnes of the crop annually.

The global rapeseed oil market is witnessing steady growth due to the increasing demand for healthy and natural oils in various applications such as cooking, biodiesel, and personal care products. Rapeseed oil, also known as canola oil, is low in saturated fat and high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, making it a healthier alternative to other cooking oils. The rising awareness about the health benefits of rapeseed oil and its versatile use in various industries are driving market growth. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to be the fastest-growing market for rapeseed oil due to the increasing adoption of healthy eating habits and the growing demand for biodiesel. However, the high price volatility of rapeseed oil and the availability of substitutes such as soybean oil and palm oil could hinder market growth.

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Story continues

A list of all the prominent rapeseed oil manufacturers operating in the global market:

Cargill Incorporated

CCS Estates Limited

Folba Oil Limited SDN

Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil

Archer Daniels Midland Company

ConAgra Foods Inc.

Mackintosh of Glendaveny Limited

RISOIL S.A.

Pacific Coast Canola LLC.

Other key market players

Report Scope & Segmentation:

Report Attribute Details Base Year 2022 Historical Year 2019  2021 Forecast Year 2023  2030 Segments Covered By Nature, By End-Use, By Geography Forecast Units Value (USD Billion), and Volume (Units) Quantitative Units Revenue in USD million/billion and CAGR from 2020 to 2029 Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, Latin America and Rest of World Countries Covered Unites States, Canada, Mexico, Unites Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Argentina, GCC Countries, and South Africa, among others

Browse Detailed Summary of Research Report with TOC:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/rapeseed-oil-market-102443

Which Segments Are Present in This Market?

We have segregated the market for rapeseed oil on the basis of nature, end-use, and geography. Based on nature, the market is further bifurcated into organic and conventional. By end-use, it is divided into household/retail, animal feed, biodiesel, food & beverages, and cosmetics & personal care. Lastly, in terms of geography, it is categorized into South America, Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, and the Middle East and Africa.

Market Segmentation:

By Nature:

Conventional

Organic

By End-Use:

Cosmetics and Personal Care

Food and Beverage

Biodiesel

Animal Feed

Household/Retail

How Did We Conduct Our Research?

The report includes four notable activities in projecting the current market share. Extensive secondary research was conducted to collect data about the parent market. Our next step involved exhaustive primary research to authenticate these sizing, assumptions, and findings with a large number of industry experts. We have also used bottom-up and top-down research approaches to calculate the size of this industry.

Inquire Before Buying This Research Report:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/queries/rapeseed-oil-market-102443

Drivers & Restraints-

Increasing Utilization in Vegetable Oil & Animal Feed to Propel Growth

Rapeseed oil is majorly used in a wide range of end-use industries, such as chemical, food & beverages, and cosmetics industries. It is an essential ingredient in personal care products as it helps fight hair and skin related issues. At the same time, its surging usage in animal feed and vegetable oil would accelerate the rapeseed oil market growth in the upcoming years. Scientists from the University of Bonn, for instance, mentioned that coconut oil differs from olive and rapeseed oil in fatty acids it contains. However, the availability of multiple substitute products, such as soybean oil, palm oil, and others, may hamper the demand for rapeseed oil.

Regional Insights-

Utilization in Cosmetics Formulation to Favor Growth in Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific : The region is expected to procure the largest rapeseed oil market share throughout the forthcoming years. China is considered to be a major contributor to this growth because of the increasing utilization of rapeseed oil in commercial applications. It is also used to formulate various cosmetics.

Europe: This region is projected to showcase considerable growth because of the high demand from the food processing industry and the surging number of biodiesel production projects. The U.K., Italy, and France are anticipated to contribute to this growth.

Get Your Customized Research Report

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/ask-for-customization/rapeseed-oil-market-102443

Read Related Insights:

Organic Edible Oil Market to Hit USD 5.79 Billion by 2030 | With 9.23% CAGR

Cooking Oil Market to Worth USD 281.72 Billion by (2021-2028) | Cooking Oil Industry CAGR of 4.67%

Organic Foods Market to Hit USD 366.66 Billion by 2029 | At a CAGR of 12.83%

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.

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RelaDyne has acquired Grupo Lucalza, a premier distributor of fuel and lubricants in Latin America.

CINCINNATI, OH / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2023 / RelaDyne, United States' largest lubricant distributor and market leader in fuel, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), and industrial reliability services, has acquired Grupo Lucalza, a distributor of lubricants and fuel in Latin America, including Lucalza's subsidiaries Imporfil, located in Mexico, and Texpetrol, located in Guatemala.





RelaDyne Grupo Lucalza PR Image

Grupo Lucalza was founded in 1982 and has an impressive 40-year history of providing unmatched lubricants, fuels, filters, batteries, and tire distribution services to the automotive, commercial, and industrial markets in Latin America. Grupo Lucalza operates in six countries with more than 750 employees. Recognized as one of the largest distributors of Chevron lubricants in the world, Lucalza has extended its geographic reach to several countries in the region, including Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Dominican Republic, and Guatemala. Imporfil, a Grupo Lucalza subsidiary in Mexico, distributes lubricants, greases, antifreeze, and filters, covering a diverse set of industries in 12 states with 19 branches. Texpetrol is a Grupo Lucalza company in Guatemala that distributes bulk fuels for aviation, retail, and industrial sectors.

"We are thrilled to become a part of RelaDyne," commented Guillermo Mendez, CEO of Grupo Lucalza. "This partnership will allow Grupo Lucalza to learn about the best practices in operation, commercialization, and services, strengthening and further developing the territories we currently operate in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, serving as a platform for future growth for our associates, customers, and strategic supply partners."

"Grupo Lucalza's business relationship with RelaDyne complements our existing structure," said Leonel Morales, former owner of Grupo Lucalza. "Becoming a part of RelaDyne, our capabilities are strengthened, as we now have the support and added capabilities that RelaDyne offers to the market, while continuing to grow and provide exceptional customer service to our long-time, loyal customers."

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"The combination of Grupo Lucalza with RelaDyne will make us both stronger, growing our presence in our respective markets and influence on the industry. We will continue to seek continuous development and the pursuit of excellence," said Walter Kushiek, former owner of Grupo Lucalza.

"Lucalza's partnership with RelaDyne aligns with our founding partners' core values and principles. We are convinced that excellent times are ahead and that as a team, we will continue to reach and surpass all the goals we set for ourselves," added Juan Carlos Flores, former owner of Texpetrol.

"This is an extremely exciting time at Lucalza as we begin our partnership with RelaDyne," commented Guillermo Mendez, CEO of Grupo Lucalza. "RelaDyne's culture, values, and commercial strategy align with our 40-year dedicated commitment as a distributor of lubricants and automotive services, as we seek to continually exceed our customers' expectations and push ourselves to be the leader in the market. Our relationship with Chevron, our mutual commitment to sustained growth, and the addition of RelaDyne's industrial reliability services create an unmatched value proposition to our customers."

"The acquisition of Grupo Lucalza is an outstanding opportunity for RelaDyne," stated Larry Stoddard, President and CEO of RelaDyne. "We are pleased to welcome Grupo Lucalza to the RelaDyne family. Effective immediately, RelaDyne and Grupo Lucalza will merge our two great histories, shared values, and commitment to customers to provide the industry's most comprehensive slate of products and services to a now multinational customer base."

RelaDyne continues to be the "Acquirer of Choice" in the lubricants, fuel, and reliability services industry. "RelaDyne's partnership with Grupo Lucalza provides the scaled platform from which to execute numerous growth opportunities in international markets with positive macro trends," said David Schumacher, Chief Strategy & Operating Officer of RelaDyne. "The combination significantly enhances our strategic partnership with Chevron and scales our operation in highly desirable commercial and industrial markets. Grupo Lucalza's dominant market position, expansive geographic coverage with a highly efficient distribution network, and strong commitment towards customer service will be leveraged by our RelaDyne Reliability Services industrial team throughout Latin America."

About Grupo Lucalza

Grupo Lucalza, founded in 1982, is a company with 40 years of experience in lubricants, fuels, filters, batteries, and tires distribution for the automotive, commercial, and industrial markets, with geographic presence in six countries within Latin America, including Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, Jamaica, and Republica Dominicana. Grupo Lucalza is one of the largest Chevron lubricants distributors in the world.

About RelaDyne

RelaDyne, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, is the nation's largest lubricant distributor and market leader in fuel, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), and industrial reliability services for industrial, commercial, and automotive businesses in the United States. RelaDyne was formed in 2010 by the combination of four well-established industry-leading companies and has since grown to more than 85 locations by strategically acquiring other industry leaders in the lubricant, fuel distribution, and industrial service segments. For more information, visit www.RelaDyne.com.

Contact Information

Dan Oehler

EVP | Sales and Marketing

media@reladyne.com

513-489-6000

SOURCE: RelaDyne

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The annual event highlights Relativity's continued focus on regional growth and social impact

MELBOURNE, Australia, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Relativity , a global legal technology company, announced at Spotlight: ANZ that it will now offer a free global training program called Access e-Discovery. Targeted exclusively to the e-discovery community in Australia and New Zealand, Relativity's Spotlight: ANZ event brings attendees together to explore the region's greatest challenges, such as cybersecurity and investigating modern data types, and helps spark ideas for how to solve those challenges, together.

Relativity

"I am delighted to meet Relativity's Australia-New Zealand community in person, and to experience first-hand how this region is taking advantage of localised programming," said Phil Saunders, Chief Executive Officer at Relativity. "We're continuously innovating to properly serve the needs of this flourishing market, while also expanding expertise and enabling those across the e-discovery industry more broadly. This work, coupled with our passion for tackling social justice, is core to who we are and integral to advancing Relativity and our offerings in this region and beyond."

Introducing Relativity's Access e-Discovery Program for RelativityOne

It was a request from Australia-based customers that inspired Relativity to create its new global Access e-Discovery program, some of whom advised on program development and helped to pilot the program.

"We're thrilled to have collaborated with Relativity to bring their Access e-Discovery training program to life" said Loren Harper-Moeskops, Director of e-Discovery at Clayton Utz. "There's huge demand for e-Discovery capability in our region, yet we lack a critical mass of training and development opportunities for our future eDiscovery practitioners. I'm confident that Relativity's program will not only benefit our firm but also the broader Australia and New Zealand e-Discovery industry in attracting and developing future talent. Clayton Utz looks forward to welcoming our inaugural program participants as they embark on what is an industry first."

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Designed with e-discovery newcomers in mind, the program provides an overview of the industry and educates participants on how to effectively leverage RelativityOne through the e-discovery process. Access e-Discovery is Relativity's first program to incorporate certifications within the learning path and features multi-modality learning through videos, interactive tools, webinars and instructor-led trainings. The Access e-Discovery program includes five modules, totaling just more than six months of time investment or 138 hours of learning.

"One of the most common things we hear from our community is the need to empower industry professionals to optimize the latest technology to help them navigate the changing size and shape of data," said Georgia Foster, Senior Managing Director, APAC at Relativity. "We're thrilled to offer a program that addresses this need through a meaningful learning path designed to build critical foundational knowledge and support career growth in the e-discovery industry."

Continuous Innovation and Alleviating Pain Points for File Conversions

At the event, Relativity also introduced improved RelativityOne workflows built for Australian requirements, offering more flexibility to work with documents, irrespective of file type. In the coming weeks, Relativity will roll out updates to the PDF profile allowing users to create new Document Identifiers (DocIDs) or use an existing DocID to meet the Australian Document Protocol requirements with the ability to brand the DocIDs on the PDF image version of a file.

Justice for Change Program Continues to Make a Difference Down Under

Now in its third year, Relativity launched Justice for Change to leverage RelativityOne and its network of e-discovery experts to positively impact racial and social justice in local communities. The program has seen success in Australia, the most recent example being a case involving the Environmental Defenders Office (EDO), the largest environmental law organisation in the Australia Pacific region.

The EDO represents the Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility in a Federal Court case that examines harmful environmental claims made by a major Australian oil and gas company. This case required the review of thousands of documents produced by the other sidemany of them PDFs containing highly technical engineering documentation. A Justice for Change law firm partner hosted the case in RelativityOne at no cost and quickly set up a review workspace; they used batching and an efficient coding pane to ensure the documents were assigned to the right experts. This case was the first to challenge a 'net zero' target.

About Relativity

Relativity makes software to help users organise data, discover the truth and act on it. Its SaaS product, RelativityOne, manages large volumes of data and quickly identifies key issues during litigation and internal investigations. Relativity has more than 300,000 users in approximately 40 countries serving thousands of organisations globally primarily in legal, financial services and government sectors. Please contact Relativity at sales@relativity.com or visit www.relativity.com for more information.

CONTACT: PR@relativity.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/445801/Relativity_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Relativity
The 50th edition of Freedom in the World also finds that attacks on freedom of expression have been a key driver of democratic erosion.

WASHINGTON, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Global freedom declined for a 17th consecutive year in 2022 as 35 countries suffered deterioration in their political rights and civil liberties, according to a new report released today by Freedom House. A total of 34 countries made improvements during the year, however, meaning the gap between the numbers of countries that improved and declined was the narrowest it has ever been since the negative pattern began. The report suggests that the struggle for democracy may be approaching a turning point, and offers recommendations on how democratic governments and societies should work together to roll back authoritarian gains.

Freedom House Logo (PRNewsfoto/Freedom House)

The new report Freedom in the World 2023: Marking 50 Years in the Struggle for Democracy is the 50th edition of Freedom House's annual global assessment of political rights and civil liberties. Moscow's war of aggression in Ukraine, as well as coups and other attacks on democratic institutions in Brazil, Burkina Faso, Peru, and Tunisia, contributed to the overall decline in 2022. Positive developments included competitive elections in Latin America and Africa and the reversal of COVID-19-related restrictions in eight countries that had disproportionately infringed on the freedoms of assembly and movement. As of today, 39 percent of the world's people live in countries rated Not Free, while only 20 percent live in Free countries.

"The struggle for freedom endures across generations," said Michael J. Abramowitz, president of Freedom House. "For 50 years, Freedom in the World has tracked the health of political rights and civil liberties around the globe. This latest edition documents a continuation of troubling trends, but it also gives some reason to hope that the freedom recession of the past 17 years may be turning a corner. There is nothing inevitable about authoritarian expansion. While authoritarian regimes remain extremely dangerous, they are not unbeatable. The year's events showed that missteps by autocrats provide openings for democratic forces. And over the course of five decades, people from every region of the world have repeatedly challenged oppression and demanded freedom, even in the face of daunting odds and at great personal risk."

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The report finds that one of the biggest drivers of democratic decline over the last 17 years has been a trend of attacks on freedom of expression. The number of countries and territories that receive a score of 0 out of 4 on the report's media freedom indicator has increased from 14 to 33 since 2005. Media freedom came under pressure in at least 157 countries and territories during 2022. Beyond the news media, individuals' right to personal expression has also come under assault. Fifteen countries and territories now have a score of 0 out of 4 on that indicator, up from six in 2005. People in such environments have virtually no freedom to voice antigovernment opinions, even in private, without fear of reprisal.

"Freedom of expression is under attack around the globe," said Yana Gorokhovskaia, the report's coauthor and Freedom House's research director for strategy and design. "Denying press freedom and the freedom of personal expression cuts citizens off from accurate information and from one another, strengthening authoritarian control. Democracies must fiercely guard these rights at home and vigorously work to defend them abroad, in part by supporting public-interest media and journalists who have been forced into exile. They should also strictly regulate the use of surveillance tools and protect robust encryption technology, which is vital for the safety of activists, journalists, and ordinary users everywhere."

Key report findings

Global freedom declined for the 17th consecutive year. Moscow's war of aggression led to devastating human rights atrocities in Ukraine. New coups and other attempts to undermine representative government destabilized Burkina Faso, Tunisia, Peru, and Brazil. Previous years' coups and ongoing repression continued to diminish basic liberties in Guinea and constrain those in Turkey, Myanmar, and Thailand, among others.

The struggle for democracy may be approaching a turning point. The gap between the number of countries that registered overall improvements in political rights and civil liberties and those that registered overall declines for 2022 was the narrowest it has ever been through 17 years of global deterioration. Thirty-four countries made improvements, and the tally of countries with declines, at 35, was the smallest recorded since the negative pattern began. The gains were driven by more competitive elections as well as a rollback of pandemic-related restrictions that had disproportionately affected freedom of assembly and freedom of movement.

Burkina Faso, with two coups in 2022, earned the largest score decline. The country lost a total of 23 points on the report's 100-point scale, followed by Ukraine, which lost 11 points as a result of Moscow's destructive invasion. The year's other major declines occurred in Tunisia (8), Nicaragua (4), Guinea (4), El Salvador (3), Hungary (3), Mali (3), Russia (3), and Solomon Islands (3). Two countries suffered downgrades in their overall freedom status: Peru moved from Free to Partly Free, and Burkina Faso moved from Partly Free to Not Free.

Colombia received the year's largest score improvement, followed by Slovenia and Kosovo. The top improvements of 2022 took place in Colombia (+6), Slovenia (+5), Kosovo (+4), Kenya (+4), San Marino (+4), Lesotho (+3), Malaysia (+3), Philippines (+3), and Zambia (+3). Two countries, Colombia and Lesotho, received upgrades in their overall freedom status, moving from Partly Free to Free.

The fight for freedom persists across decades. When Freedom House issued the first edition of its global survey in 1973, 44 of 148 countries30 percentwere rated Free. Today, 84 of 195 countries43 percentare Free. Over the past 50 years, consolidated democracies have not only emerged from deeply repressive environments but also proven to be remarkably resilient in the face of new challenges. Although democratization has slowed and encountered setbacks in recent decades, ordinary people around the world, including in oppressive settings like Iran, China, and Cuba, continue to defend their rights against authoritarian encroachment.

Freedom in the World includes scores and narrative assessments on political rights and civil liberties for 195 countries and 15 territories around the globe. This report, the 50th annual edition, covers developments in 2022 and provides a brief analysis of long-term trends. The report's methodology is derived in large measure from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948.

The report identifies a number of steps that democratic governments can take to protect and expand political rights and civil liberties. The recommendations include:

Help Ukraine win. Democratic governments must maintain unwavering support for Ukraine and its people, whose cause is crucial to the future of freedom. This should include providing the weapons and technical and security assistance necessary to help ensure Ukrainian success on the battlefield.

Stop enabling authoritarians. Democracies must address corruption and kleptocracy head on by closing the many financial loopholes that allow authoritarian rulers to hide or launder stolen assets in democratic settings.

Be clear and unapologetic about the virtues of democracy and tireless in efforts to uphold and defend it . Democratic states should make the protection of freedom and democracy a fundamental component of all international policy effortsincluding in foreign, security, and economic affairsand every diplomatic engagement. Human rights concerns should be raised in meetings with foreign counterparts at all levels.

Dramatically ramp up support for human rights defenders and for countries and regions at critical junctures. Democratic governments should help human rights defenders and civil society groups remain active in their home countries whenever possible, and provide technical assistance and training. When democracy advocates come under threat, their foreign partners should provide medical, legal, and psychosocial support as needed.

View the report's complete recommendations here . Click here to read additional report press releases: Africa , Americas , Asia-Pacific , Eurasia , Europe , Middle East .

Freedom House is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works to create a world where all are free. We inform the world about threats to freedom, mobilize global action, and support democracy's defenders.

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SOURCE Freedom House
By ?uayip Alabay

For Togg, which is planned to be put up for sale this month, the SCT has been updated. With the new update, the tax base has been increased to TRY1.3m ($65,953) with an increase of TRY550,000 ($29,019) in the 10 percent slice. Turkiye's Automobile, which will not be included in the SCT with the new tax base, will be able to offer the 150 kW and 200 horsepower 2-wheel drive C-SUV model to the market at a maximum possible price of TRY1.6m ($84,420) or below.

Before the sale of Turkiye's Automobile Togg, the Special Consumption Tax (SCT) base adjustment was made. It has been increased up to TRY1.3m ($65,953) for electric cars whose engine power does not exceed 160 kW. Electric cars that meet these conditions will enter the 10 percent SCT segment. In the regulation made in July 2022, this rate was stated as the engine power not exceeding 160 kW and the tax-free price of TRY700,000 ($36,933). Thus, an update of TRY550,000 ($29,019) was realized.

Electric car incentive

With the decision, the SCT bases based on the special consumption tax rates for passenger cars with only electric motors were changed. In addition to the 10 percent slice, the tax base, which is taken as the basis for the 50 percent SCT rate for those whose engine power exceeds 160 kW, has been increased from TRY750,000 ($39,572) to try1.4m ($73,867). Thus, it was aimed to reduce the prices of cars with only electric motors that do not emit exhaust gas, and to prefer environmentally friendly vehicles suitable for green transformation.

400 HP TOGG TRY1.8M ($94,972)

If the price of Togg was in the 10th percentile, it used to be able to be purchased for a maximum of TRY908,000 ($47,908), with a minimum tax base of TRY700,000 ($36,933). With the new SCT tax regulation, if this figure remains in the TRY1.3m ($65,953) slice, the total maximum price comes to TRY1.6m ($84,420), together with 10 percent SCT and 18 percent VAT.

It is also on the agenda that Togg will be offered for sale below this price in terms of competitiveness. In the 300 kW Togg C-SUV, which exceeds 160 kW, the situation points to the 50 percent slice. The price of this vehicle, on the other hand, should not exceed the tax-free price of TRY1.4m ($73,867) with the new update and if it stays in the 50 percent SCT tax bracket, it must have a label up to a maximum of TRY1.8m ($94,972). If it exceeds TRY1.4m ($73,867), it enters the 60 percent segment.

200 HP 2-wheels model on 10 percent

According to Togg's previous statements, it will come with 2 different engine options. There will be two different C-SUV versions with 150 kW and 300 kW, one 200 hp and the other 400 hp. With 400 horsepower, the Togg will be able to reach 100 kilometers in 4.8 seconds. In addition, the 200 hp model will be able to accelerate to 100 kilometers in 7.6 seconds. Citizens will be able to choose 2 or 4-wheel drive options.

While it offers a range of 300 kilometers and more in the 150 kW package, the range will see 500 kilometers and more in the 300 kW package. Considering all these results, considering that the 150 kW package meets the conditions of the 10% SCT tax bracket, the price is expected to be TRY1.6m ($84,420) or less.

Additional 40% customs tax on brands from China

Again, with the regulation made within the same regulation, an additional 40 % customs tax will be applied for electric motor-driven vehicles imported from China. Models of many Chinese electric car brands were already on sale in Turkiye. These included MG and Skywell. Lastly, China's global giant in electric cars, BYD, signed a distributorship agreement with ALJ, which also sells Toyota and Lexus in Turkiye.
Signing ceremony of the strategic partnership between Seed Group and BizAway on February 20, 2023, at Seed Group Headquarters in Dubai

DUBAI, UAE and MILAN, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Seed Group, a company of the Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, has welcomed Italian scale-up BizAway as its new strategic partner with an aim to empower and revolutionize business travel experiences for customers in the UAE and the region. As a single, quick solution to book and manage business trips with just a click, BizAway combines the efficiency of technology with a complete travel solution to optimize time and create a memorable business travel experience.

Signing ceremony of the strategic partnership between Seed Group and BizAway on February 20, 2023, at Seed Group Headquarters in Dubai

The strategic partnership has been designed to help and guide BizAway in bringing its business travel solutions to the UAE and the region, tending to a growing number of people traveling across the world for work from here. Per this partnership, Seed Group will facilitate BizAway's growth and expansion with guidance on how to reach the right audience, access top decision-makers in the government as well as the private sector, and contribute to making business travel easier and more seamless.

BizAway is a corporate travel agency and technology company based in Italy, Spain, Albania and now UAE, offering an all-in-one platform developed to simplify every aspect of business travel. BizAway was born from a team of developers and professionals specialized in business travel with the aim of facilitating the business travel experience. With constant updates and continuous evolution, the platform guarantees users optimal management of time and available resources on the back of sophisticated yet easy-to-use software.

Hisham Al Gurg, CEO of Seed Group and the Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, said, "Business travel is common in the UAE and the region, given that a number of international and internationally operated organizations have their bases here. In this context, having BizAway's expertise in the region will ease a lot of pain points in business travel.

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He added, "BizAway's solutions are designed to support local corporations and the UAE's goal of digitalization perfectly. This gives them an edge and the ability to disrupt the business travel industry in the UAE and the GCC at large, especially when the value of business travel spending in the GCC has been pegged at over USD 30 billion. We look forward to a powerful association with BizAway."

Luca Carlucci, CEO of BizAway, said, "We are incredibly honored that Seed Group has selected BizAway to form a partnership with. This allows businesses and corporations in the EMEA region to digitize in the field of business travel. Our company is an innovative leader in the business travel industry, with the goal of redefining the entire experience and offering our customers a superior level of service through the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. Our company's top priority has always been to meet the needs of our customers and provide them with a unique and unforgettable experience."

He added, "We are in line with the UAE's vision of promoting continuous development and the implementation of digital strategies within the country, and we are ready to support companies that want to digitize and optimize their business travel function."

BizAway offers an indispensable tool for managing business trips at 360 in a simple and transparent way, along with travel agency services and travel risk management.

Seed Group is a notable force in the technology, healthcare, hospitality, and telecommunications landscapes in the Middle East. Over the past 20 years, it has formed successful strategic alliances with leading global companies representing diverse regions to accelerate sustainable market entry and presence within the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

About BizAway

BizAway was born in January 2015 with the goal of simplifying the management of business travel for companies. Its founders, Luca Carlucci (CEO) and Flavio Del Bianco (CTO), combined their passions for travel and technology to create proprietary software capable of offering an agile and flexible service.

Thanks to its digital platform, BizAway offers customized solutions to streamline business travel management, improve productivity, and lower costs for companies. The company has offices in Italy (Spilimbergo and Milan), in Spain (Barcelona and Vigo) and Albania (Shkoder).

Since its creation, BizAway has achieved considerable success, with a team of over 160 employees, over 500,000 bookings and more than 10 million euros in savings for the over 800 companies it works with (including BDO, Menarini, Telepass, Chiliz, Scalapay and the European Judo Union). For more information, visit https://bizaway.com/en/

About Seed Group

Over the past 20 years, Seed Group has formed strategic alliances with leading global companies representing diverse regions and industries. These companies have propelled their business interests and goals in the Middle East and North Africa region through the support and strong base of regional connections of the Seed Group. The Group's goal is to create mutually beneficial partnerships with multinational organizations and to accelerate their sustainable market entry and presence within the MENA region. Seed Group has been a key point in the success of all its partners in the region, helping them reach their target customers and accelerate their businesses. The Private Office was established by Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum to directly invest in or assist potential business opportunities in the region, which meet The Private Office's criteria. For more information, visit www.seedgroup.com .

BizAway Media Contact

Tommaso Urban

+44 20 3868 7502

tommaso.urban@bizaway.com

Seed Group Media Contact

Nomarie Jean Lacsamana

+971 4 373 5068

jean@seedgroup.com

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Cision

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SOURCE Seed Group; BizAway
Fortune Business Insights

Sensor Faucet Market Major Manufacturers Covered in The Report Include Lixil Group (Japan), Masco corporation (U.S.), Kohler (North America), Moen incorporate (U.S.), Grohe (Europe), Fortune Brands (U.S.), TOTO (Asia Pacific), Pfister (U.S), Geberit (Switzerland), Oras (Finland), Sloan Valve (U.S.), Jaguar (U.K.), Delta Faucet (U.S), PRESTO Group (France), GESSI (Italy), Roca Sanitario S.A.

Pune, India, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global sensor faucet market size is set to gain momentum from the increasing awareness among people regarding social distance and avoiding touch to prevent spreading infection. Fortune Business Insights provides this information in an upcoming report titled, "Sensor Faucet Market, 2022-2029."

Sensor faucet offers a high-quality sensing effect and is energy efficient. The number of increasing innovative building concepts encourages the adoption of sensor faucets. Infrared-sensitive sensors are in high demand across the industry. The products are standard in the public washroom, airports, hotel& kitchen.

Request a Free Sample of the Research Report:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/sensor-faucet-market-105339

Industry Development-

January 2021- Kohler presented another touchless washroom coordinated fixture assortment with implanted sensors, permitting a retrofit answer for the KOHLER single control restroom spigot.

A list of leading Players Profiled in the Market Report:

Lixil Group (Japan)

Masco corporation (U.S.)

Kohler (North America)

Moen incorporate (U.S.)

Grohe (Europe)

Fortune Brands (U.S.)

TOTO (Asia Pacific)

Pfister (U.S)

Geberit (Switzerland)

Oras (Finland)

Sloan Valve (U.S.)

Jaguar (U.K.)

Delta Faucet (U.S)

PRESTO Group (France)

GESSI (Italy)

Roca Sanitario S.A. (Spain)

COVID-19 Impact- Zero Contact Automation to Boost Market Growth

There has been an increased focus on personal safety, hygiene, and health since the outbreak of COVID-19. To maintain social distance and minimize touch for controlling the spreading of disease, sensor faucets are high on demand as they offer high-quality effects and are energy-efficient.

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As the rising pandemic COVID-19 is becoming a life threat in the present market scenario, a product such as a sensor faucet helps minimize disease spreading. According to the Indian Government scheme in 2015-2021, the "100 Smart Cities Mission" program encourages personal hygiene. Such initiatives will indirectly surge demands for the product in several sectors.

Public health organizations in respective countries have introduced several guidelines and policies for personal hygiene, encouraging people to use an automated solution for controlling the spreading of infections. Sensor faucet market growth are highly recommended across several commercial and residential sectors to maintain social distance.

To get to know more about the short-term and long-term impact of COVID-19 on this market, please visit:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/sensor-faucet-market-105339

Market Segments-

By type, the market is divided into infra-red sensor faucet and touch button faucet.

Based on end-user, the market is bifurcated into residential and commercial.

Lastly, the market is segregated into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America by region.

Report Coverage-

The Report Offers:

Current market growth trends, shares, and potential challenges of the market.

Ranking key players in the market and new product launches.

Several direct and indirect factors that have contributed to the market growth in the past few years.

List of major Key strategies adopted by market players.

Drivers and Restraints-

Automated Personal Hygiene Solutions Reinforce Market Trends and Growth

The sensor faucet is an automatic mechanism that closely allows water to flow through the valve to the faucet user's hand. It helps minimize the spread of disease by limiting the touchthe rise of intelligent buildings concepts across the developed and developing economies encourage the use of sensor faucet throughout the global market in the coming years. The numbers of consumers are spending across developing countries. They are a bit expensive than other semiconductor components, resulting in a tedious task for customers, directly limiting the forecast period's market growth for the forecasted period.

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https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/ask-for-customization/sensor-faucet-market-105339

Regional Insights-

Evolving Living Standards in Asia Pacific Global Region to Drive Regional Demand

Asia Pacific dominated the global sensor faucet market share the highest CAGR over the forecast period. Rising personal hygiene and sanitation in the countries promotes innovative automatic mechanisms.

North America will witness the second-largest CAGR by automating residential and commercial space in coming years.

Europe will hold a progressive market growth by providing an automatic hygienic lifestyle.

Also, the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America are projected to observe stable market growth over building projects across Brazil, Turkey, etc.

Competitive Landscape-

Key Players Emphasize Technological Improvements to Expand Product Portfolio

Market players consistently focus on technological improvements to bring new, safer, and more advanced solutions to the market. A few others are trying to advance the sensor technologies for efficient sensing while maintaining electricity flow.

Inquire Before Buying-

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/queries/sensor-faucet-market-105339

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.

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TORONTO, March 9, 2023 /CNW/ - The Supreme Court of British Columbia has approved a settlement between Braxia Scientific Corp. (formerly known as Champignon Brands Inc.), William Gareth Birdsall, Lucas Birdsall, Roger McIntyre, Stephen Brohman, Canaccord Genuity Corp., Eight Capital and Gravitas Securities Inc. and the Plaintiff in a class action.

KND Complex Litigation logo (CNW Group/KND Complex Litigation)

Your legal rights are affected even if you do nothing. Please read this notice carefully.

The class action was commenced on behalf of all persons and entities who acquired securities of Braxia Scientific Corp. ("Braxia") either:

(1) in Braxia's private placement which closed on June 11, 2020; or

(2) on a stock exchange between May 12, 2020 and March 11, 2021 and held all or some of those securities until the open of trading on February 17, 2021 and/or until the close of trading on March 11, 2021, and who:

i. are residents of Canada or were residents of Canada at the time of such acquisitions, regardless of the location of the exchange on which they acquired Braxia's securities, provided that they opted out of the parallel U.S. class action if they bought their Braxia securities on the over-the-counter market in the United States; or

ii. acquired Braxia's securities on a stock exchange in Canada or another exchange located outside of the United States, regardless of where they reside or are domiciled.

Under the settlement, the Defendants will pay or cause to be paid CAD $1,900,000. The Defendants do not admit any wrongdoing or liability on their part and the Court has not made any findings of wrongdoing or liability in respect of the Defendants.

YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS AND OPTIONS IN THIS SETTLEMENT:

You have two options:

Submit a Claim Form:

Fill out a Claim Form online and submit it with supporting documentation by the deadline to apply for compensation. The deadline for Claim Form submission is 11:59 p.m. PT on July 7, 2023.

Do Nothing:

Give up any right to compensation.

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To make a claim for compensation, you must complete a Claim Form online and submit it with documentation confirming your acquisition of Braxia's securities. The Claim Form is available at https://knd.law/class-actions/braxia-scientific-corp/. You must submit your Claim Form and documentation using this website by 11:59 p.m. PT on July 7, 2023 to be able to receive compensation.

Further information can be found in the Settlement Agreement, Court-approved Plan of Allocation, and other relevant documents, which are available at https://knd.law/class-actions/braxia-scientific-corp/. You can send your questions by email to braxia@knd.law or by fax to (416) 352-7638.

The lawyers for the Plaintiff and the Class in this class action are KND Complex Litigation.

SOURCE KND Complex Litigation

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FILE PHOTO: A Shein logo is pictured at the company's office in the central business district of Singapore

By Arriana McLymore and Casey Hall

NEW YORK/SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Online fast-fashion retailer SHEIN and its newer rival Temu are in a race to win shoppers' attention for their inexpensive China-made goods.

The battle between them is playing out not only on social media but also in a U.S. court. The legal skirmish is important for U.S. consumers and rival retailers because it shows how online retailers with vendors in China need to navigate U.S. intellectual property protections.

In U.S. federal court, SHEIN has accused Temu of contracting social-media influencers to make "false and deceptive statements" against SHEIN in their promotions of Temu.com.

If Temu loses, Temu could be forced to curtail its use of social media influencers as a key marketing strategy. SHEIN seeks to block Temu from using SHEIN's name for marketing, and it wants damages from sales that SHEIN could show came through "deceptive" or "infringing" marketing.

Temu has asked the court to dismiss the lawsuit. The court has not ruled on the case.

I think as Temu gets a higher profile, there will just be more and more lawsuits. Including IP, but probably not just IP. I'm sure there will be data-related things as well, US and China tech analyst Rui Ma said.

SHEIN produces clothing in China to sell online in the United States, Europe and Asia, offering items such as $10 dresses and $5 tops. SHEIN, originally founded in China, relies on drop-shipping directly from its extensive network of China-based suppliers.

SHEIN is set to raise around $2 billion in a new funding round this month and is aiming for a U.S. listing in the second half of this year, three people with knowledge of its plans told Reuters. SHEIN said it does not currently have plans for an IPO and declined to comment further.

SHEIN's lawsuit against Temu, filed in December in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleges that Temu told social media influencers to make disparaging remarks about the fast-fashion retailer, and tricked customers into downloading the Temu app using "imposter" social media accounts.

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Social media influencers on TikTok often mention SHEIN in posts about Temu, comparing the companies and their merchandise.

"I am not with Shein anymore," one influencer said in a February post on TikTok. "I am with Temu who has the same and more for less."

The now-deleted @SHEIN_DC, @SHEIN_USA_, and @SHEIN_NYC pages were created in September and displayed SHEIN's logo and marketing material on their bio pages, according to screenshots provided with SHEIN's complaint.

VYING FOR THRIFTY SHOPPERS

"Temu has also attempted to impersonate the SHEIN brand and trick consumers into believing Temu is associated with that brand," the lawsuit alleges.

SHEIN said that links on the imposter pages led shoppers to download Temu's app, under the impression that the two companies were related. A SHEIN spokesperson declined to comment on the pending litigation.

A Temu.com spokesperson said the company "strongly and categorically rejects all allegations and is vigorously defending its rights."

Temu maintains that it never impersonated SHEIN and "played no part in the creation" of the Twitter accounts, according to its motion to dismiss the lawsuit. It also said "there is nothing actionable" about finding influencers who believe Temu compares favorably to SHEIN, or asking them to share those opinions.

SHEIN itself has faced lawsuits alleging copyright infringement. Under the name Zoetop Business, it was sued by dozens of independent artists and retailers including Nike, Deckers' UGG brand, Luxottica Group's Oakley shades and online retailer Dolls Kill, alleging stolen designs.

PDD Holdings, which owns China's popular Pinduoduo app, launched Temu in September as a new app for U.S. shoppers to buy shoes, jewelry, beauty accessories and home goods directly from Chinese merchants.

Temu's gross merchandise value - the total sales before expenses - grew from $3 million in September to $192 million in January, according to data firm YipitData. The company plans to roll out in Australia and New Zealand this year after launching in Canada in February.

The company's social media efforts started months ago, according to job postings by Nanopower, Temu's marketing agency. In the U.S., Temu is paying social media influencers $100 to $1,000 an hour for content plugging the Temu marketplace on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.

Temu is currently hiring a corporate/tax lawyer, according to a job posting on LinkedIn.

(Reporting by Arriana McLymore; Editing by Nick Zieminski, Vanessa O'Connell and Chizu Nomiyama)
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VANCOUVER, BC, March 9, 2023 /CNW/ - Silver Viper Minerals Corp. (the "Company" or "Silver Viper") (TSXV: VIPR) (OTC: VIPRF) is pleased to announce that the Company intends to undertake a non-brokered private placement financing (the "Offering") to raise gross proceeds of up to $3,000,000 from the sale of up to 30,000,000 units ("Units") at a price of $0.10 per Unit, each Unit consisting of one common share of the Company (each, a "Share") and one warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one Share from the Company at a price of $0.20 per Share for a period of 24 months from their date of issue.

Silver Viper Minerals Corp. logo (CNW Group/Silver Viper Minerals Corp.)

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for working capital requirements and other general corporate purposes.

The Offering is anticipated to close in a series of tranches, with the first tranche on or about March 13, 2023. The closing of the Offering is subject to certain conditions, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and certain other conditions customary for a private placement of this nature. All securities issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a statutory four month and one day hold period from their respective date of issue.

The Company may pay a finder's fee in respect of those purchasers under the Offering introduced to the Company by certain persons (each a "Finder"). Each Finder will receive a cash payment equal to 6% of the gross proceeds received by the Company from purchasers under the Offering who were introduced to the Company by such Finder.

The securities described herein 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 state securities laws, and accordingly, may not be offered or sold within the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This press release is not an offer or a solicitation of an offer of securities for sale in the United States, nor will there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

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About the Company

Silver Viper Minerals Corp. is a Canadian-based junior mineral exploration company focused on precious metals exploration in the northwestern Mexican state of Sonora. The Company currently operates the La Virginia Gold-Silver Project. Silver Viper has 100% ownership of the La Virginia concessions acquired from the most recent operator, Pan American Silver Corp., and has an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Rubi-Esperanza group of claims internal to those concessions. Silver Viper is under management provided by the Belcarra Group, which is comprised of highly qualified mining professionals.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,

Steve Cope

President and CEO

Forward Looking Information

This news release may contain forward-looking statements, including statements with respect to the terms of the Offering, the receipt of regulatory approvals for the Offering, closing of the Offering and use of proceeds of the Offering. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to exploration and development, the ability of the Company to obtain additional financing, the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations, fluctuations in the prices of commodities, operating hazards and risks, competition and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Company's financial statements, management discussion and analysis and/or annual information form available on www.sedar.com. The risk factors identified in such documents are not intended to represent a complete list of factors that could affect the Company. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements and the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements, except as required by law.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Silver Viper Minerals Corp.

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Contrive Datum Insights Pvt Ltd

According to a market research study published by Contrive Datum Insights, Europe was the leader in the Smart Contracts in Healthcare market and made up more than 35.0% of the revenue in 2021.

Farmington, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Smart Contracts in Healthcare Market Is Expected To Register a CAGR of 16.82% During The Forecast Period To Reach USD 5.6 Billion by 2030. Block chain technology is one of the disruptive technologies that have changed the whole healthcare industry. In the current models of the healthcare ecosystem, there are a lot of stakeholders, which adds cost and complexity. Pharmaceutical companies, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), health care providers, consumers, retail pharmacies, and wholesalers of drugs are all involved. Setting prices for drugs is hard because there are so many people involved. For instance, PBMs negotiate prices with drug makers and pass on the money they get from health plans. This keeps drug prices low. But because the transaction process isn't clear, PBMs make more money from drug manufacturers, which makes the overall cost of medicines for patients go up.

Smart contracts help get rid of these problems and make things easier. The shared ledger feature of the healthcare block chain let all parties see everything and gives patients and healthcare providers the ability to negotiate complex bundled claims. Also, putting smart contract solutions into healthcare makes the process of handling claims faster and easier. It also makes setting prices for drugs easier by cutting out middlemen like pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), retail pharmacies, and drug wholesalers.

Request Sample Copy of Report  Smart Contracts in Healthcare Market Size, Share & Trends Estimation Report By Blockchain Platform (Ethereum, Bitcoin, NXT, Sidechains), By End User (Pharmaceutical Companies, Healthcare Providers, Healthcare Payers, Other End Users), By Application (Patient Data Management, Electronic Health Records (EHRS), Supply Chain Management, Clinical Data Exchange and Interoperability, Claims Adjudication and Billing Management), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030 , published by Contrive Datum Insights.

Recent Developments:

In May 2017, PokitDok announced that it had selected The Linux Foundation's Hyperledger Sawtooth as its leading platform for recording DokChain healthcare transactions.

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Market Dynamics:

Drivers:

Openness and safety are becoming more and more important.

More and more people in the healthcare industry are worried about data breaches and privacy issues, so they want solutions that are both safe and open. Smart contracts give you a record that can't be changed or lost. This can keep private and safe information about health care.

Getting rid of waste and saving money

Smart contracts can save a lot of money and improve efficiency by automating administrative tasks, cutting down on paperwork, and getting rid of the need for middlemen in healthcare processes.

Trend:

Block-chain technology being used in health care

The use of block chain technology is a big trend in the health care field. Smart contracts are one of the block chain-based solutions that healthcare providers are using to make things like keeping track of medical records, processing claims, and settling payments more efficient and clear.

Opportunity:

Putting together clinical trials

Smart contracts can speed up clinical trials by automating the process of checking if a patient is eligible and if they are following the rules, keeping track of trial data, and settling payments between stakeholders.

Better management of the supply chain

Smart contracts can make the healthcare supply chain more open and efficient by tracking the movement of drugs and medical devices, verifying the authenticity of products, and making sure they meet regulatory requirements.

Regional Outlook:

Europe was the leader in the Smart Contracts in Healthcare market and made up more than 35.0% of the revenue in 2021. The European Union wants to develop technology by putting billions of euros into blockchain, high-performance computing, and data infrastructure. During the forecast period, North America is likely to have the second-largest market share. Recent improvements in blockchain technology and many government programmes that encourage the use of new platforms in healthcare are helping the market grow.

The U.S. healthcare market is growing even faster because more money is being put into developing new technologies. This has made it more important for companies to share data in a safe, secure, and well-managed way, so big players and other healthcare organisations are investing in Smart Contracts in the Healthcare market. Change Healthcare and TIBCO Software announced a partnership in November 2018 to build the first healthcare smart contract system using TIBCO's "Project Dovetail" smart contract development project and the blockchain technology of Change Healthcare's Intelligent Healthcare Network.

The global Smart Contracts in Healthcare market has been looked at in different parts of the world, like North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and India. In the near future, this market will be dominated by the global region.

Buy this Premium Research Report@

https://www.contrivedatuminsights.com/buy/4672

Scope of Report:

Report Attributes Details Growth Rate CAGR of 16.82% from 2023 to 2030. Revenue Forecast by 2030 USD 5.6 Billion By Blockchain Platform Ethereum, Bitcoin, NXT, Sidechains, Others By End User Pharmaceutical Companies, Healthcare Providers, Healthcare Payers, Other By Application Patient Data Management, Electronic Health Records (EHRS), Supply Chain Management, Clinical Data Exchange and Interoperability, Claims Adjudication and Billing Management, Other By Companies IBM, ScienceSoft USA Corporation, Blockchain AI Solutions Ltd (FarmaTrust), SmartData Enterprises, ION Medical Safety, Aetsoft Inc., Apriorit, ELEKS, Medicalchain, PokitDok 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

Key Segments Covered:

Top Market Players:

IBM, ScienceSoft USA Corporation, Blockchain AI Solutions Ltd (FarmaTrust), SmartData Enterprises, ION Medical Safety, Aetsoft Inc., Apriorit, ELEKS, Medicalchain, PokitDok, and others.

By Blockchain Platform

Ethereum

Bitcoin

NXT

Sidechains

Others

By End User

Pharmaceutical Companies

Healthcare Providers

Healthcare Payers

Others

By Application

Patient Data Management

Electronic Health Records (EHRS)

Supply Chain Management

Clinical Data Exchange and Interoperability

Claims Adjudication and Billing Management

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:

Demand Side Platform Market - The Global Demand Side Platform Market Size Was Valued At USD 16.94 Billion In 2021. The Market Is Projected To Grow From USD 20.77 Billion In 2022 To USD 92.12 Billion By 2029, Exhibiting A CAGR Of 23.7% During The Forecast Period.

Green Packaging Market - The Green Packaging market is projected to grow from USD 267.83 Billion in 2022 to USD 385.34 Billion in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.3% during the 2023-2030.

3D Printing Market - The global 3D printing market size was valued at USD 16.75 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach by 34.8 billion by 2030, with growing at a CAGR of 23.3% during the forecast period.

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.

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Anna B. | Head Of Sales

Contrive Datum Insights

Phone: +91 9834816757 | +1 2152974078

Email: anna@contrivedatuminsights.com

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(Bloomberg) -- Chinese home rental platform Ziroom Inc. is considering a Hong Kong initial public offering that could raise about $1 billion as soon as this year, according to people familiar with the matter.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The SoftBank Group Corp.-backed startup is working with Citic Securities Co., Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Morgan Stanley on the listing preparations, the people said. The company could file a preliminary prospectus with the Hong Kong stock exchange as soon as April, said the people, who asked not to be identified as the information is private.

At $1 billion, Zirooms IPO could be Hong Kongs largest since EV battery maker CALB Co.s $1.3 billion listing in October, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Bankers and analysts are expecting a recovery in first-time share sales in the city now that China has reopened its borders, capping the worst year for IPOs since the financial crisis.

Deliberations are at an early stage and details of the IPO including size and timeline could still change, the people said. Representatives for Citic, Goldman Sachs and Ziroom declined to comment, while a representative for Morgan Stanley didnt immediately respond to requests for comment.

Ziroom was founded in 2011 by late Zuo Hui, who also established US-listed Chinese online property platform KE Holdings Inc. Ziroom, whose Chinese name zi ru means carefree, signs up homeowners who want to rent their properties out, refurbishes the homes according to standardized templates and sub-leases them to tenants. It also offers services such as cleaning and maintenance for the tenants. SoftBank Vision Fund invested in the startup in 2019.

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2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Innovative new Nurse Navigator Program launching across five hospitals in Virginia

MCLEAN, Va., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Somatus, the nation's leading and largest value-based kidney care company, and Inova Health System announce the new Nurse Navigator Program launch, an innovative addition to the already successful partnership. Together, the two organizations have a long-standing partnership committed to improving care and outcomes for patients with or at risk of developing kidney disease.

"Since 2017, Somatus has been a trusted partner offering our patients a first-class, inpatient acute dialysis program," said Paul D. Weisbruch, MD, a Physician Advisor and Director of Value for Inova's Medicine Service Line. "Through the success of our partnership, we've consistently recognized outcome and quality goals for our inpatient dialysis operations. We are excited to expand our partnership to include an innovative value-based care program for patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney disease."

Inova Health System implemented the new Nurse Navigation Program across all five hospitals in January 2023. It aims to transform how patients of Somatus' health plan customers with kidney disease experience and receive care in the acute setting and throughout their transition of care back to home.

"The Nurse Navigator Program is an excellent example of our shared commitment to innovation coming to life," said Somatus Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ikenna Okezie. "Together, we will continue to provide exemplary quality care and improved outcomes for all our patients."

Through the program, patients will experience increased face-to-face interactions with dedicated Nurse Navigator RNs and Registered Nurse Care Managers. With increased interactions, the program will further educate and empower patients, reduce avoidable readmissions, and decrease lengths of stay in acute care settings to give patients more healthy days.

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"The Inova dialysis team represents an outstanding example of the Inova Mission in action when patients and team members form true relationships and bonds that encourage health and healing," said Danielle Sharpe, Director of Clinical Specialty, GE Lab / Interventional Pulmonology / Apheresis / Dialysis, at Inova. "We are thrilled to continue working with Somatus as we roll out the Nurse Navigator Program to help patients receive the care and attention needed in the hospital and beyond."

The program creates a smoother transition of care when patients leave the hospital and coordinates follow-up appointments to ensure the patient's prescribed care is being implemented. The program is an extension of care for the nephrologist and primary care physician.

"It's an honor to work with a partner like Inova who shares our vision, values, and goals," said Paula Moore, Vice President, Dialysis Operations and Clinical Services at Somatus. "The Nurse Navigator Program will enable RNs and RN Care Managers to deliver even greater, more personalized care for our patients. It's a win for patients, our clinical teams, and the health system."

About Inova Health System

Inova is Northern Virginia's leading nonprofit healthcare provider. Our mission is to provide world-class healthcare  every time, every touch  to each person in every community we have the privilege to serve. Inova's 20,000 team members care for patients through more than 2 million visits annually across an integrated network of hospitals, primary and specialty care practices, emergency and urgent care centers, outpatient services and destination institutes.

Inova's five hospitals are consistently recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals and Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades for excellence in healthcare.

Inova is home to Northern Virginia's only Level 1 Trauma Center and Level 4 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Its hospitals have a total of 1,936 licensed beds. More information and statistics about Inova can be found at www.inova.org.

About Somatus

Somatus partners with nephrology and primary care groups, leading health plans, and health systems to provide integrated care for patients with, or at risk of developing, kidney disease. As the market leader in value-based kidney care, Somatus' vertically integrated clinical services and technology delay or prevent disease progression, improve quality and care coordination, and increase the use of home dialysis modalities and rates of kidney transplantation. The Company is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, and founded by a team of world-class healthcare operators, successful entrepreneurs, and leading clinicians treating kidney disease. For more information, please visit www.somatus.com.

Inova Contact

Tracy Connell

Director, Media Relations

tracy.connell@inova.org

Somatus Contact

Juston Reeder

VP, Marketing and Communications

media@somatus.com

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SOURCE Somatus
CYPRESS, Calif., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 6, 2023, Staubli Group, a global leader in industrial and mechatronic solutions, opened the doors of its brand-new office in Cypress, California. During this milestone, Gerald Vogt, CEO of the Staubli Group, and members of the Executive Committee, were present. With this additional location, Staubli aims to accelerate growth in North America and provide further local presence to customers.

Staubli

The 5,500 square foot Cypress office represents three Divisions of the company: Electrical Connectors, Fluid Connectors and Robotics. This new location in Southern California allows Staubli to increase its focus on North American markets such as renewable energy and e-mobility for the Electrical Connectors Division, Tool Changers and plastics for the Fluid Connectors Division along with food and pharma for the Robotics Division. Services and support for all other markets related to Electrical and Fluid Connectors and Robotics are also provided by the local divisional teams. The Cypress office is part of the Staubli Corporation in Duncan, South Carolina. Jean-Francois Masbou, Managing Director Staubli North America, says confidently, "We see great value in this new facility in Cypress to expand the reach of our North American base, particularly in terms of training, spare parts availability as well as physical proximity to customers."

Staubli's presence in North America

In 1953, Staubli entered the North American market, represented by H.J. Theiler Corporation in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Due to the success of the Staubli products, the Group decided in 1980 to create its own sales and services office Staubli Corporation in Duncan, South Carolina. Staubli Corporation remains the North American main base of the company, offering comprehensive support to customers of the Fluid Connectors, Robotics and Textile Divisions. Shortly after, in 1982, Staubli Electrical Connectors began operations in Windsor, California, in manufacturing and selling electrical connectors. To provide further support to customers in all industrial sectors with a special focus on the automotive industry, Staubli opened a training facility and service center in Novi, Michigan, in 2018. Today, the dynamic Staubli sales force is strategically placed in Michigan, South Carolina, the West Coast, Canada and Mexico.

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Customer proximity and quality of service

"Staubli establishes offices all over the world in order to pursue the values that have always driven us: customer proximity and quality of service. With the location in Cypress, we want to maintain our partnerships with existing customers here in this area, but also attract potential customers with our innovative solutions and local support," says Gerald Vogt, CEO of the Staubli Group. Various services such as local customer meetings, robotics training, renewable energy and e-mobility service support and more are provided to customers in Southern California out of the new facility. Ian Pratt, Managing Director Windsor, adds: "The closeness to trade show centers is another important factor that makes Cypress an ideal location for Staubli. With the new office we can easily schedule extended meetings with a prospect from a trade show and hold additional events." Furthermore, the new office is centrally located only 12 minutes away from Long Beach Airport (LGB), 15 minutes away from John Wayne Airport (SNA) and 31 minutes away from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), one of America's primary international airports.

About Staubli North America

Staubli North America supports Electrical Connectors, Fluid Connectors, Robotics and Textile customers. The company's North American main base is in Duncan, South Carolina. Staubli provides customer support through its locations in Duncan, SC, Windsor, CA, Novi, MI, Cypress, CA, and Queretaro, Mexico. In addition to 24/7 customer support, each of these facilities offers training and has dedicated on-site technical experts who can be deployed whenever needed. Staubli's North American sales force is located strategically on the West and East coasts, and also serves Canada and Puerto Rico. About Staubli in North America (staubli.com)

About Staubli Group

Staubli is a global industrial and mechatronic solution provider with four dedicated Divisions: Electrical Connectors, Fluid Connectors, Robotics and Textile, serving customers who aim to increase their productivity in many industrial sectors. We are an international Group that currently operates in 29 countries, with agents in 50 countries on four continents. Our global workforce of 5,700 shares a commitment to partnering with customers in nearly every industry to provide comprehensive solutions with long-term support. Originally founded in 1892 as a small workshop in Horgen/Zurich, Switzerland, today Staubli is an international Group headquartered in Pfaffikon, Switzerland. About Staubli Group (staubli.com)

Address Media contact Staubli Cypress Ian Pratt 11105 Knott Ave, Suite D Managing Director Windsor Cypress, CA 90630 Mobile: +1 707 843 9038 United States mailto: i.pratt@staubli.com





Photos: https://sharing.oodrive.com/share-access/sharings/-qql4qsP.755k5P5a#/filer/share-access

File name Caption Staubli_Group_CEO_Gerald_Vogt Gerald Vogt, CEO of the Staubli Group Staubli_Managing_Director_Duncan_Francois_Masbou Jean-Francois Masbou, Managing Director of Staubli Corporation in Duncan, South Carolina Staubli_Managing_Director_Windsor_Ian_Pratt Ian Pratt, Managing Director in Windsor, California Staubli_Cypress_Ribbon_Cutting_1 Staubli_Cypress_Ribbon_Cutting_2 Staubli is celebrating its grand opening of the new office in Cypress, California. Staubli_Cypress_Pratt_Masbou Ian Pratt, Managing Director Windsor (left), and Francois Masbou, Managing Director Duncan (right) received certificates of recognition. Staubli_Cypress_Office_Building With this additional location, Staubli aims to offer further local presence to customers. Staubli_Cypress_Display_Area The Cypress facility is equipped to provide further service and support, particularly in terms of training and spare parts availability. Staubli_Cypress_Conference_Room A variety of services such as local customer meetings, robotics training and many more are offered by Staubli's local Division teams.

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SOURCE Staubli
LAS VEGAS, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Franchise Association (IFA) named Steve Leibsohn, a multi-unit Wetzel's Pretzels (Wetzel's) owner, as a 2022 Franchisee of the Year. Leibsohn, who operates over 35 bakeries across Arizona, was honored at the 63rd IFA Annual Convention in Las Vegas.

Steven Leibsohn - International Franchise Association's Franchisee of the Year

Leibsohn has been a dedicated Wetzel's Pretzels franchisee and brand ambassador for over 25 years, growing his pretzel footprint throughout the Grand Canyon State one deliciously sweet and salty bakery at a time. Since 1998, Leibsohn has been serving up handheld happiness to Arizonans across a plethora of Wetzel's flexible formats, including malls, Walmarts, stadiums and food trucks. Leibsohn started his Wetzel's story with his first bakery in Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall and was immediately successful from day one. Recognizing the incredible demand, simple operations and snack industry leading AUVs, he quickly expanded across the desert. Now, with over 35 locations and counting, Leibsohn and Wetzel's are synonymous with shopping trips and are a staple during events at Chase Field and The Talking Stick Resort Arena.

"Steve has always been an incredible team player, with an entrepreneurial spirit that channels the ambitious nature of the Wetzel's Pretzels brand," said Jennifer Schuler, CEO of Wetzel's Pretzels. "As a valued partner for decades, his consistent growth across a diverse range of store formats speaks volumes of his commitment to the brand. We're proud of his many accomplishments and the impact he's made in both his local community and the greater franchise network."

Leibsohn has always generously invested his time and resources to support worthy causes and aspiring entrepreneurs. As a committed philanthropist, community involvement comes second nature to Steve, who spearheaded a partnership with No Kid Hungry. Thanks to his dedication to this charity alone, Wetzel's Pretzels was able to donate more than $100,000 to fight childhood hunger. Steve also mentors new franchisees, helping to build the next generation of leaders.

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"Joining the Wetzel's family over 25 years ago was the best decision I ever made," said Leibsohn. "When you find a franchisor you trust, a brand you believe in and a product that guests can't get enough of, 'work,' feels a lot more like fun. I'm humbled to be acknowledged by the IFA and look forward to continued growth in the restaurant industry."

The Franchisee of the Year Award recognizes leading franchise owners whose outstanding performance and contributions help protect, enhance and promote the franchise business model. Recipients are selected for their service to their communities, fostering a strong and vibrant workforce, opening the doors for career growth and entrepreneurship, and supporting their fellow franchisees.

"This is the highest honor we bestow on individual owners, with its recipients representing the very best in franchising," said Matthew Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association. "We're proud to celebrate local business owners like Steve Leibsohn who exemplify the power of franchising and its positive contributions to communities around the world."

For additional information about the Wetzel's franchise opportunity, visit wetzelsfranchising.com.

About Wetzel's Pretzels

Providing a fun, fresh take on soft pretzels, Wetzel's Pretzels was founded in 1994 by Bill Phelps and Rick Wetzel in Pasadena, California. Drawing fans to its mouthwatering, portable snacks that are hand-rolled, baked fresh and served hot from the oven, word quickly spread about the delicious West Coast brand. Today, Wetzel's Pretzels has grown to more than 370 bakeries, including premier locations like Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort and Universal CityWalk, continuing to cultivate fanatics around the world with its SoCal vibes and "gram-worthy" snacks. Its cult-like following includes famous fans like Ben Affleck, Billie Eilish, Jimmy Kimmel, Kim Kardashian and Meghan Trainor. As the nation's leading pretzel chain, the franchise was recently being named to Franchise Business Review's 2023 Top Food Franchises list and included on Entrepreneur's Top 50 Franchise Companies Doing the Most to Champion Diversity list for its Access to Equity Program, which makes franchise ownership more accessible for women and ethic minorities. Jennifer Schuler, the brand's first female CEO, was also recognized by Nation's Restaurant News as one of the "Most Influential CEOs in the Restaurant Industry" and Kim Freer was named to Entrepreneur's Top 50 Franchise CMO Gamechangers list.

About the International Franchise Association

Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world's oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the approximately 790,492 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.4 million direct jobs, $825.4 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and almost 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development.

Wetzel's Pretzels logo (PRNewsfoto/Wetzels Pretzels)

Cision

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SOURCE Wetzels Pretzels
By News Center

The Saudi Arabian Development Fund signed a deposit agreement of 5 billion dollars with the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkiye. While emphasizing close cooperation and historical ties, the fund stated, "This agreement expresses Saudi Arabia's strong support to the Turkish people and its confidence in the future of the Turkish economy."

An agreement was signed between the Chairman of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkiye (CBRT) ?ahap Kavc?o?lu and the Chairman of the Saudi Arabian Development Fund Ahmed Al Khateeb to deposit $5bn in deposits with the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkiye. In the statement made by the Development Fund, it was stated that the agreement is not only proof of the close cooperation and historical ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Turkiye and its peoples, but also a demonstration of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to support Turkiye's empowerment efforts. It was stated that thanks to this deposit, it is aimed to contribute to the solution of economic problems in various sectors. Besides that it was stated that "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expresses its strong support to the Turkish people with this agreement and its confidence in the future of the Turkish economy".

AN INDICATOR OF CONFIDENCE IN THE TURKISH ECONOMY

Treasury and Finance Minister Nureddin Nebati also evaluated the agreement with Saudi Arabia on his social media account. Minister Nebati said, "The decision to deposit $5bn in the CBRT by the Saudi Arabian Development Fund within the scope of our recently increased economic and financial cooperation has been a positive result of the Saudi Arabian administration's confidence in the Turkish economy and our joint efforts. We will continue by increasing our economic relations with the region and Saudi Arabia,"he said. The Saudi Arabian Finance Ministry announced on November 22 that they were nearing the end of negotiations to deposit $ 5 billion in the Central Bank. On the same day, the Ministry of Treasury and Finance announced that the final stage had been reached in the negotiations on opening a $ 5 billion deposit account within the Central Bank of Saudi Arabia.
MONTREAL, March 9, 2023 /CNW/ - At the Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders of Transat A.T. Inc., held virtually today, shareholders elected a new Board of Directors. Annick Guerard, President and Chief Executive Officer, as well as Lucie Chabot, Valerie Chort, Daniel Desjardins, Susan Kudzman, Stephane Lefebvre, Ian Rae and Julie Tremblay were re-elected. The Board now welcomes Genevieve Brouillette, Robert Coallier and Bruno Matheu as new members.

Lucie Chabot, Bruno Matheu, Julie Tremblay, Stephane Lefebvre, Genevieve Brouillette Robert Coallier, Annick Guerard, Susan Kudzman, Valerie Chort, Ian Rae, Daniel Desjadins (absent). (CNW Group/Transat A.T. Inc.)

Susan Kudzman was also appointed Chair of the Board of Directors. For a second year, Transat has maintained gender parity (defined as 45%-55%) on its Board of Directors, with a total of five men and six women serving on the Board. Not only is Transat one of the few airlines in the world to be headed by a woman, the Company is also one of two players in the industry to have an equal or greater representation of women on its Board of Directors, according to data collected by Bloomberg1.

The meeting also marked the departure of Philippe Sureau, a founding member of Transat, and Raymond Bachand, outgoing Chairman of the Board. "Today, per the age limit stipulated in our rules of governance, I am ending my term on the Board of Directors. For 9 years I have had the privilege of assisting and participating in various ways in the governance of this company during very turbulent times. My colleague Philippe Sureau, one of Transat's great founders, is stepping down after reaching the 12-year term of service on the Board. A pioneer of travel in Quebec, Philippe Sureau was a visionary and innovative entrepreneur. I would personally like to thank him for his contribution," said outgoing president Raymond Bachand.

"I leave knowing that the Board and Transat are in good hands under the leadership of Annick Guerard and the governance of Susan Kudzman. Susan has played an important role in guiding strategy and human resources, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as overseeing and managing the risks facing the Corporation. She has been and will continue to be a valuable contributor. I am confident she will be an excellent Board Chair and will continue to advise with great competence Transat's Executive Committee. Transat's future remains promising thanks to the strength, resilience, and expertise of the teams at all levels of the Corporation," added outgoing President Raymond Bachand.

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Susan Kudzman has been a member of Transat's Board of Directors since March 2014. She has served for several years on the Risk Management and Corporate Responsibility Committee, and chairs the Company's Human Resources and Compensation Committee. Ms. Kudzman is also Chair of the Board of Directors of Yellow Pages on which she has held a seat since November 2014. She also sits on the boards of Medavie and PSP Investments.

"I would like to thank Raymond Bachand and Philippe Sureau for their leadership and dedication to Transat over the years," said new Board Chair Susan Kudzman. "They are pillars of this company, who have helped guide it through many key moments in its history. I would also like to welcome our new members, Genevieve Brouillette, Robert Coallier and Bruno Matheu," she added. "All three are extremely qualified. Their experience and skills will guide the organization as well as the executive and Transat teams to implement the strategic plan."

About the three new Board Members: Genevieve Brouillette, Robert Coallier and Bruno Matheu

Genevieve Brouillette has been the Chief Financial Officer of Aldo since 2019. With over 30 years of experience in finance and management, she has contributed to the growth of many renowned companies, such as Keurig Dr. Pepper, St-Hubert, Reader's Digest and Kraft Foods, which has helped her gain a reputation that transcends borders. In 2022, she received the title of Fellow by the Quebec CPA Order.

Robert Coallier is a corporate director. Mr. Coallier was the Chief Executive Officer of Agropur Cooperative. He has over 30 years of experience in, among other things, creating and managing businesses, organizational development, human resources management, business and financial turnaround and the development of customized IT and technology solutions. Mr. Coallier also held senior management positions at Dollarama, Molson Coors, C-MAC Industries Inc. and the Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec.

Bruno Matheu has been the President and founder of BLM Consulting, a corporation providing business and management advice in various industries, including transportation and aviation, since 2017. Mr. Matheu was previously Chief Executive Officer, Airline Equity Partners for Etihad Aviation Group (UAE), a global aviation and travel group. Between 1992 and 2014, he held various senior management positions for Air France and Air France-KLM.

About Transat

Founded in Montreal 35 years ago, Transat has achieved worldwide recognition as a holiday travel provider, particularly as an airline under the Air Transat brand. Voted World's Best Leisure Airline in North America by passengers at the 2022 Skytrax World Airline Awards, it flies to international, U.S. and Canadian destinations. By renewing its fleet with the most energy-efficient aircraft in their category, it is committed to a healthier environment, knowing that this is essential to its operations and the destinations it serves. Transat has been Travelife-certified since 2018. (TSX: TRZ) www.transat.com

SOURCE Transat A.T. Inc.

Cision

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(Adds new tankers; removes tankers which have left the ports; shows tankers which are docked) March 9 (Reuters) - The following liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers are expected to arrive in Britain, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany in the coming weeks. Estimated arrival dates, often revised by port authorities and AIS Live ship-tracking data on Refinitiv Eikon, are updated below. Some tankers heading for Belgium and Britain may be loading at the terminal. Those expected to load are indicated with an (L). Those likely to perform ship-to-ship transfers are indicated with (STS). Tankers that have docked are indicated with (A). Floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) terminals are added to the table when they near deployment. As of Dec. 27 2022, this includes the Eemshaven terminal in the Netherlands, the Wilhelmshaven, Brunsbuettel and Lubmin terminals in Germany. For the Reuters LNG guide, click here: LNG TANKER CAPACITY in EXPECTED ARRIVAL FROM PORT cubic metres BRITAIN Kool Boreas 167,000 March 7 (A) Egypt Dragon Lobito 158,000 March 8 (A) Angola Isle of Grain Gaslog Galveston 174,000 March 10 United States South Hook Global Sea Spirit 170,000 March 10 United States South Hook Minerva Amorgos 170,000 March 11 United States South Hook LNG Sokoto 134,000 March 12 Ghana Isle of Grain BW Cassia 171,000 March 14 United States Isle of Grain LNG Imo 145,000 March 15 Nigeria Isle of Grain Hellas Athina 173,000 March 15 United States South Hook Corcovado LNG 157,000 March 18 United States Isle of Grain Castillo De Merida 176,000 March 20 United States South Hook La Seine 174,000 March 22 United States Isle of Grain Vivit Arabia LNG 171,000 March 22 United States Milford Haven BELGIUM Al Kharaitiyat 212,000 March 9 Qatar Zeebrugge Boris Vilkitsky 170,000 March 10 Russia Zeebrugge NETHERLANDS Dorado LNG 156,000 March 9 United States Gate Maran Gas Olympias 173,000 March 9 (A) United States Gate Global Sealine 170,000 March 10 United States Gate Rioja Knutsen 174,000 March 14 United States Gate Gaslog Glasgow 174,000 March 16 United States Eemshaven Sonangol Etosha 158,000 March 17 Angola Gate LNG Golar Celsius 160,000 March 20 United States Gate Mesaimeer 212,000 March 23 Qatar Gate Marvel Pelican 155,000 March 24 United States Eemshaven LNG Schneeweisschen 177,000 March 28 United States Gate GERMANY None scheduled Sources: Ports, AIS Live ship tracking, Refinitiv Eikon data. (^) Partial unload (*) Arrival date estimated based on flows data (Reporting by Nina Chestney)
The Dutch government's plan to restrict exports of semiconductor technology to China over security concerns hinders Beijing's drive to make advanced integrated circuits (ICs), but leaves room for the country to continue legacy chip production, according to industry insiders.

That move followed a reported agreement between the United States, Japan and the Netherlands in January to restrict exports of certain advanced chip-making equipment to China, creating a powerful alliance that will undercut Beijing's ambitions to build up the country's domestic chip capabilities.

While the announcement made by Dutch Trade Minister Liesje Schreinemacher in a letter to the country's Parliament on Wednesday did not name China or chip equipment supplier ASML Holding, a statement issued by the Veldhoven, Netherlands-based company said the scope of the restrictions could include "the TWINSCAN NXT:2000i and subsequent immersion systems", referring to ASML's latest ArF Immersion deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography line launched in the third quarter last year.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

In spite of that development, China's IC production using legacy process nodes is not affected, according to a Shanghai-based semiconductor industry investor who declined to be named. He described "China's major bottleneck" as chip-making equipment and materials for advanced nodes.

Dutch semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML Holding said its TWINSCAN NXT:2000i deep ultraviolet lithography machines will be barred from being exported to China. Photo: Shutterstock alt=Dutch semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML Holding said its TWINSCAN NXT:2000i deep ultraviolet lithography machines will be barred from being exported to China. Photo: Shutterstock>

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ASML's latest DUV system can enable sub-3-nanometre chip-making processes with significantly improved overlay performance, enabling productivity of up 295 wafers per hour, according to the company's annual report published in February.

The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday.

Schreinemacher has reportedly said the Dutch government's trade restrictions will be introduced before the summer.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning has already raised this issue of new trade restrictions with the Netherlands, indicating the Dutch government's interference with normal trade exchanges between Chinese and Dutch firms.

The latest restriction is not expected to prevent China from buying legacy semiconductor manufacturing technology from ASML and other major chip-making gear suppliers, according to an executive at a major Beijing-based chip equipment maker who also declined to be identified. He said it would be too extreme to ban China from buying equipment for decades-old chip-making process nodes.

Owing to US trade sanctions, China has the world's only major semiconductor-manufacturing industry that is largely focused on mature process nodes. By comparison, the US, Taiwan, Japan and certain European Union nations are moving to advanced process nodes below 10-nm.

Still, speculation about new trade restrictions from the US-Japan-Netherlands pact reflects intensifying uncertainty for China's semiconductor ambitions, following the Biden administration's implementation last October of updates that further restrict China's ability to obtain advanced chips, develop and maintain supercomputers, and manufacture advanced semiconductors.

Those US restrictions were intended to cap China's advanced logic chip-making capabilities at 14-nm, DRAM chips at 18-nm and 3D NAND chips at 128 layers.

Chinese semiconductor companies are already scrambling to stockpile chip-making equipment, spare parts and other related materials, while overseas suppliers continue to fulfil orders as they await more clarity on the scope of trade restrictions from that US-led alliance.

The potential worst-case scenario for China could be if the Dutch government bans exports of less-advanced DUV lithography machines. All ultraviolet lithography equipment uses laser technology to basically carve a pre-designed circuit onto a wafer.

ASML, the world's dominant supplier of lithography systems to chip makers, has been barred from selling its most advanced extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines to China since 2019.

In China, only top chip foundry Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) had plans to vault into advanced processes below 10-nm. But Shanghai-based SMIC's development of advanced processes for mass production hit a snag when it was barred from buying ASML's EUVs in 2019 and subsequently added to the US Entity List in December 2020.

That has inadvertently made ASML, which had mainland China as its third-largest market last year, a key chess piece for the US to halt Beijing's advanced chip ambitions.

Sales of ArF Immersion DUV machines accounted for 34 per cent of ASML's total system revenue of 15.4 billion euros (US$16.23 billion) in 2022, compared with a 36 per cent share in 2021. The company's EUV sales, meanwhile, accounted for 46 per cent of total system sales in both 2021 and 2022, according to its December quarter financial results.

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2023 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright (c) 2023. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
Fortune Business Insights

Textile Machinery Market Major Manufacturers Covered in The Report Include Camozzi Group SPA (Italy), Lakshmi Machine Works Ltd. (Coimbatore), LONATI SPA (Italy), Mayer & Cie. GmbH & Co. KG (Albstadt, Germany), Murata Machinery Ltd. (Kyoto, Japan), Navis TubeTex (North Carolina, U.S.), OC Oerlikon Corp. AG (Pfaffikon, Freienbach, Switzerland), Rieter Holding AG (Winterthur, Switzerland), Toyota Industries Corp (Kariya, Aichi, Japan)

Pune, India, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global textile machinery market size is expected to grow considerably in the upcoming years. Strong demand from the clothing industry and rising investments in cotton ginning are expected to propel market progress. Fortune Business Insights provides this information in its report titled Textile Machinery Market, 2022-2029.

COVID-19 Impact:



Manufacturing Restrictions to Impede Market Growth

This market is expected to be negatively affected during the COVID-19 pandemic because of the restrictions on manufacturing. The alarming spike in COVID patients led to the imposition of stringent lockdown norms. This factor created supply chain disruptions. Furthermore, restrictions on transport led to a raw material shortage. However, manufacturers adopt reduced capacities, part-time shifts, and automated production techniques to balance their costs. This factor may propel the market during the pandemic.

Request a Sample Copy of the Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/textile-machinery-market-106046

Segmentation

By type, the market is segmented into spinning machines, weaving machines, knitting machines, and texturing machines. As per the industry, it is bifurcated into the textile industry and clothing industry. Geographically, it is clubbed into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

Report Coverage

The report provides a detailed analysis of the top segments and the latest trends in the market. It comprehensively discusses the driving and restraining factors and the impact of COVID-19 on the market. Additionally, it examines the regional developments and the strategies undertaken by the market's key players.

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Driving Factors



Robust Demand for Non-Woven Fabrics to Incite Market Progress

Textile machinery is used to process and manufacture textiles, garments, and other materials. The rising demand for non-woven fabrics is expected to enhance the demand for textile machinery. Further, rising investments in cotton ginning machinery may enhance the adoption of the machinery. Moreover, the rapid development of the fashion industry is expected to enhance the adoption of the machine. Rising per-capita income and development are expected to elevate adoption. Also, increasing awareness regarding the versatility of the machinery is expected to drive the textile machinery market growth.

However, the high maintenance costs of the machine may hinder market progress in the upcoming years.

Click here to get the short-term and long-term impacts of COVID-19 on this Market.

Please visit: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/textile-machinery-market-106046

Regional Insights

Robust Demand for Clothing Industry to Enhance Market Progress in North America

North America is expected to dominate the textile machinery market share because of the rising demand for the machine from the clothing industry. Furthermore, rapid industrialization is expected to enhance the demand for machines. Moreover, rising population and disposable income are expected to enhance the market development.

In Europe, strong demand for knitting machinery is expected to enhance the demand for the textile machinery from the clothing industry. In addition, rising import-export of manufacturing is expected to enhance industry growth.

In Asia Pacific, rising foreign direct investments are likely to foster textile machinery adoption. Further, strong investments in the garment and textile industry may enhance industry progress.

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Competitive Landscape

Major Companies Announce Novel Product Line-up to Bolster Brand Image

Prominent companies operating in the market announce novel product range to enhance their brand image. For example, Camozzi announced novel radial grippers series CGSY to maintain even performance across several applications and enhance productivity. This development may allow Camozzi to attract consumers and elevate its brand image. Furthermore, companies engage in novel product launches, acquisitions, research and development, expansions, partnerships and enhance brand image globally.

Industry Development

January 2021: Mayer Braidtech announced its merger with Mayer & Cie. This merger may enable the company to integrate Mayer Braidtech GmbH at the Albstadt headquarters.

List of Key Players Operating in the Textile Machinery Market Report

Camozzi Group SPA (Italy)

Lakshmi Machine Works Ltd. (Coimbatore)

LONATI SPA (Italy)

Mayer & Cie. GmbH & Co. KG (Albstadt, Germany)

Murata Machinery Ltd. (Kyoto, Japan)

Navis TubeTex (North Carolina, U.S.)

OC Oerlikon Corp. AG (Pfaffikon, Freienbach, Switzerland)

Rieter Holding AG (Winterthur, Switzerland)

Toyota Industries Corp (Kariya, Aichi, Japan)

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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.

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Sunwing Vacations Inc.

Sunwing women own the skies!

Montreal

Sunwing women own the skies!

Winnipeg

Sunwing women own the skies!

Toronto

TORONTO, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In honour of International Womens Day, Sunwing celebrated the departure of three Sunwing Airlines flights that took off for sunny destinations from Toronto, Montreal and Winnipeg on March 8, 2023, each with an all-female flight deck and cabin crew. Operated and organized by a primarily female-led team across multiple functions, including airport staff, dispatch, scheduling and more, the events were driven by the epic women of Sunwing who were also on site to capture every memorable moment.

Leading the charge above the clouds were Captain Michelle Chiasson and First Officer Jessalyn Teed who flew from Toronto to Holguin , Captain Jessica Kessler and First Officer Siobhan OHanlon who flew from Montreal to Holguin, and Captain Kelly Koprajda and First Officer Cara Kirkwood who flew from Winnipeg to Cancun . A huge thanks to the support of our sales and reservations agents, flight operations, maintenance, ramp agents, in-destination support services and more, who were there every step of way.

An advocate for womens empowerment and a driving force in the airlines recruitment strategy, First Officer Jessalyn Teed, who was a leading voice and participant in these events alongside First Officer Siobhan OHanlon, commented on the occasion: Im grateful to have had the opportunity to work with so many amazing women to bring this day together, and the support weve received has been nothing short of inspiring. I believe this day and these events are about celebrating representation, the representation of women in roles that we traditionally know to be male-dominated, and it could not be done without the continued support of our leadership and colleagues embracing equity alongside us. May this day be one where we celebrate the women who lead us, walk beside us, cheer us on in our success and sit with us through our challenges.

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I am so proud to lead a team of passionate and customer-centric people devoted to making vacation dreams come true, and Im thrilled to celebrate our incredible teams who have made our female-led flights to the tropics a moment to remember, adds Len Corrado, President of Sunwing Airlines. Sunwing women challenge the status quo, break down barriers and are taking the travel industry by storm in all facets, and as we continue to grow to support the increasing demand for travel, ensuring were building a team that champions gender equality and embraces equity at every step is very important.

Sunwing Travel Group continues to honour International Womens Day by engaging in honest and thought-provoking conversations with employees through its Brave Space Conversation series, and highlighting inspiring women from across its businesses who are a voice for change.

For more information or to book an upcoming getaway with Sunwing, visit www.sunwing.ca or contact a travel agent for the latest travel deals in destination.

About Sunwing

The largest integrated travel company in North America, Sunwing has more flights to the south than any other leisure carrier with convenient direct service from airports across Canada to popular sun destinations across the U.S.A., Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. This scale enables Sunwing to offer customers exclusive deals at top-rated resorts in the most popular vacation destinations as well as cruise packages and seasonal domestic flight service. Sunwing customers benefit from the assistance of the companys own knowledgeable destination representatives, who greet them upon arrival and support them throughout their vacation journey. The company supports the communities where it operates through the Sunwing Foundation, a charitable initiative focused on the support and development of youth and humanitarian aid.

For more information:

Melanie Anne Filipp

Senior Director, Corporate Communications & Media Relations

Sunwing Travel Group

1-800-387-5602 | media@sunwing.ca

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(Bloomberg) -- ByteDance Ltd.-owned TikTok wants to convince European governments that it is an industry leader in data protection, rather than a Chinese-owned app that warrants the wave of bans across the continent.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The company outlined plans on Wednesday to build three European data centers to store information on TikToks 150 million users in the region locally with the help of an independent third company that will oversee data access controls. Once operational, the data centers will cost the company 1.2 billion ($1.3 billion) annually.

Similar to the companys Project Texas in the US, TikToks Project Clover is meant to assure concerned governments that the Chinese Communist Party cannot access Europeans data either through the front door, via official legal requests, or back door. It follows the White House endorsement on Tuesday of a bipartisan bill that could give the president authority to ban or force a sale of TikTok.

The Chinese government has never asked us for data and if they would, we would refuse to do so, Theo Bertram, TikToks European policy chief, told reporters. He said that the companys approach to data storage would make it impossible for the Chinese government to compel TikTok to hand over European data and that the data access controls and audit would minimize the risk of backdoor access to the data.

The video-sharing platform has faced a new wave of concern from US allies, most recently with a series of European Union institutions telling their employees to delete the app from their phones. Germany and Canada followed suit, and the Netherlands is considering similar steps.

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It marks a dramatic change in tone in Europe from just months ago, when TikToks Chief Executive Officer Shou Zi Chew met with European commissioners in Brussels. During the meeting, officials raised privacy concerns but reassured the company that it was fine to do business in Europe if it adhered to European data protection and content moderation rules.

European data is currently stored in data centers in Singapore and the US, but will be migrated to secure environment in Europe, built by a European company, over three years, Bertram said. Company employees outside of Europe will still be able to access the data, but only for specific reasons and with strict access protocols that another company will audit.

Bertram described Project Clover as a move from meeting industry standards to setting a new stadard altogether when it comes to data security.

Bertram stressed that the company is a global company rather than Chinese, and compared TikToks relationship to Bytedance to Googles ownership of YouTube. He added that the companys CEO is from Singapore and it has major US investors including KKR and Sequoia.

Elaine Fox, TikToks head of privacy in Europe, said the company has to allow data transfers to other countries for European content to be shared outside the continent. Theres certain limited information which needs to travel in order to ensure we can have a global product and users can share content widely.

In recent weeks, the European Commission  followed by other institutions including the European Parliament  instructed staff to delete the app off their work phones citing data privacy and cybersecurity concerns.

A commission politician said the instruction to delete the app was made as a precautionary measure, adding there was no immediate threat to commission staff. But the move indicated a sharp change in tone from the continent. The company decried the move as un-European.

TikTok acknowledged a massive data scandal at the end of last year, where a number of employees had accessed users personal data, including journalists as part of an attempt to crack down on leaks in the media. The company said those employees were terminated.

The US has been far more aggressive in its approach to TikTok, with some lawmakers proposing plans to completely ban the app from the country or force ByteDance to sell the video sharing platform.

(Updates with additional TikTok comments from ninth paragraph. Previously corrected cost of data centers in third paragraph)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Toronto --News Direct-- TNR Gold Corp

TNR Gold Executive Chairman Kirill Klip joins Proactive's Natalie Stoberman to discuss the multimillion dollar investment from automaker Stellantis to McEwen Copper to partner on the Los Azules copper project in San Juan, Argentina.

Klip says FCA Argentina, a subsidiary of Stellantis, has invested $150 million USDnto acquire shares of McEwen Copper in a two-part transaction consisting of a private placement of 2,850,000 common shares, and a purchase of 1,250,000 common shares indirectly owned by McEwen Mining in a secondary sale.

The proceeds of the private placement will be used to advance development of the Los Azules copper project in San Juan, Argentina, and for general corporate purposes.

Contact Details

Proactive Canada

+1 604-688-8158

na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

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Dublin, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Turkey Diagnostic Labs Market, By Provider Type (Hospital, Stand-Alone Centre, Diagnostic Chains), By Test Type (Radiology v/s Pathology), By End User (Corporate Clients, Walk-ins, Referrals), By Region, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



Turkey diagnostic labs market is bound to experience impressive growth with anticipated CAGR in the forecast period, 2023-2027, on the account of increasing demands for the early diagnosis of the diseases.

Expanding healthcare industry in the country and thus supported expansion in the healthcare facilities with advanced infrastructure is further driving the growth of the Turkey diagnostic labs market in the upcoming five years.



Increasing Healthcare Expenses Drive Market Growth



Turkey healthcare system is a complex structure and involves investment and expenses through multiple channels. The growing population of the country demands better healthcare & patient care services. In 2020, the population of the country reached over 83 million. Also, the healthcare expenditures in the year 2020, amounted to USD35 billion that accounted for 4.7% of the country's GDP.



The increased expenses come from government based investments and private direct investments in the healthcare advancement including development of diagnostic labs, thus supporting the growth of the Turkey diagnostic labs market in the upcoming five years. Further investment in the construction industry to develop technologically advanced diagnostic labs is also anticipated to substantiate the growth of the Turkey diagnostic labs market in the next five years.



Technological Advancement Supports Market Growth



Early and efficient diagnosis demands have created surge in the demands for technologically advanced medical devices that are utilized for the diagnosis purposes. Diagnostic devices like magnetic resonance imaging apparatuses, temperature sensors or pacemakers, etc. are actively utilized for the diagnosis of chronic diseases. With increasing instances of chronic diseases, the demand for advanced setup to perform the diagnostic tests using these devices require proper infrastructure and thus aid to the growth of the Turkey diagnostic labs market in the future five years.



Government Schemes Aids Market Growth



Turkey government is actively supporting the growth of the healthcare industry. Along with financial investments, the government provides favorable bills & policies that supports the expansion of healthcare industry.

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With the adoption of Health Insurance Certificate, and its online formats to maintain the details of the patients to easier management of the patients' records The government is also planning to issue government employees with credit card-like social security cards, which can be easily swiped to provide hospitals and pharmacies with their insurance details.



Report Scope:



In this report, Turkey diagnostic labs market has been segmented into following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:



Turkey Diagnostic Labs Market, By Provider Type:

Hospital

Stand-Alone Centre

Diagnostic Chains

Turkey Diagnostic Labs Market, By Test Type:

Radiology

Pathology

Turkey Diagnostic Labs Market, By End User:

Corporate Clients

Walk-ins

Referrals

Turkey Diagnostic Labs Market, By Region:

Marmara Region

Central Anatolia

Aegean Region

Mediterranean Region

Black Sea Region

South Eastern Anatolia Region

Eastern Anatolia Region

Key Topics Covered:



1. Product Overview



2. Research Methodology



3. Impact of COVID-19 on Turkey Diagnostic Labs Market



4. Executive Summary



5. Voice of Customer



6. Turkey Diagnostic Labs Market Outlook



7. Turkey Hospital Diagnostic Labs Market Outlook



8. Turkey Stand Alone Diagnostic Labs Market Outlook



9. Turkey Diagnostic Chains Market Outlook



10. Market Dynamics



11. Market Trends & Developments



12. Policy & Regulatory Landscape



13. Turkey Economic Profile



14. Competitive Landscape



15. Strategic Recommendations



A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes

Synevo Medical Laboratories

Duzen Laboratories Group

Istanbul Laboratory & Screening Center

Hekimoglu Imaging Center

Synlab Laboratories





For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/tcqaip

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, March 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Turkey Social Commerce Market Intelligence and Future Growth Dynamics Databook - 50+ KPIs on Social Commerce Trends by End-Use Sectors, Operational KPIs, Retail Product Dynamics, and Consumer Demographics - Q1 2023 Update" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

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According to the publisher, social commerce industry in Turkey is expected to grow by 40.4% on annual basis to reach US$2878.7 million in 2023.



The social commerce industry is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period, recording a CAGR of 28.1% during 2022-2028. The social commerce GMV in the country will increase from US$2878.7 million in 2023 to reach US$12694.8 million by 2028.



This report provides a detailed data centric analysis of social commerce industry, covering market opportunities and risks. With over 50+ KPIs at country level, this report provides a comprehensive understanding of social commerce market dynamics, market size and forecast, and market share statistics.



The research methodology is based on industry best practices. Its unbiased analysis leverages a proprietary analytics platform to offer a detailed view on emerging business and investment market opportunities.



Scope



This report provides in-depth, data-centric analysis of social commerce in Turkey. Below is a summary of key market segments:



Turkey Ecommerce Industry Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Key Performance Indicators, 2019-2028

Turkey Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Key Performance Indicators, 2019-2028

Turkey Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Retail Product Categories, 2019-2028

Clothing & Footwear

Beauty and Personal Care

Food & Grocery

Appliances and Electronics

Home Improvement

Travel

Hospitality

Turkey Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by End Use Segment, 2019-2028

B2B

B2C

C2C

Turkey Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by End Use Device, 2019-2028

Mobile

Desktop

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Turkey Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Location, 2019-2028

Domestic

Cross Border

Turkey Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Location, 2019-2028

Tier-1 Cities

Tier-2 Cities

Tier-3 Cities

Turkey Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Payment Method, 2019-2028

Credit Card

Debit Card

Bank Transfer

Prepaid Card

Digital & Mobile Wallet

Other Digital Payment

Cash

Turkey Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Platforms

Video Commerce

Social Network-Led Commerce

Social Reselling

Group Buying

Product Review Platforms

Turkey Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Consumer Demographics & Behaviour,2022

By Age

By Income Level

By Gender

Reasons to buy

In-depth Understanding of Social Commerce Market Dynamics: Understand market opportunities and key trends along with forecast (2019-2028).

Insights into Opportunity by end-use sectors - Get market dynamics by end-use sectors to assess emerging opportunity across various end-use sectors.

Develop Market Specific Strategies: Identify growth segments and target specific opportunities to formulate social commerce strategy; assess market specific key trends, drivers, and risks in the industry.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/jfwf8n

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

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For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

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SOURCE Research and Markets
LLYC's 2022 Results

MADRID, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In spite of uncertainties triggered by the war in Ukraine and its impact on the global economy, the audited figures for LLYC's 2022 results revealed significant growth. Total revenues of the communications, digital marketing and public relations consultancy amounted to 89.5 million (+39% versus 2021) and operating income (totals less re-invoicing of client expenses) was 72.7 million (+36%). Recurring EBITDA (gross operating profit) improved by 26% to 16 million and consolidated net income rose by 30.6% to 7 million. The company has virtually doubled in size in two years in terms not only of total and operating revenues but also EBITDA (+90%).

LLYC management team

"These solid results were made possible by the significant commercial efforts of all our teams and a solid customer base. Thanks to them, we once again met the goals set out in the business plan, in line with our commitment to our shareholders and to the market. The 2023 forecast includes double-digit improvements in turnover. We have a sturdy foundation for inorganic growth in key markets for the firm," said Alejandro Romero, Global CEO of LLYC.

Strong growth of Deep Digital Business

The results reflect a balance between the business units. Europe contributed 36% of operating income and 43% of EBITDA in 2022; Americas, 32% and 30%, respectively. All the rest came from Deep Digital Business, the area that integrates all of the firm's artificial intelligence, digital transformation and inbound marketing service lines and solutions, which posted tremendous growth.

Deep Digital Business already represents one third of LLYC's business. Its services are in high demand and revenues increased by 98% in 2022. It is the key bet for the transformation of the firm's proposal.

Sound financial position

LLYC carries a lower level of debt versus the market average and has the resources to meet the ambitious business plan set out in its budget for 2023. The financial debt/EBITDA ratio is -0.3 and gross debt was reduced to 8.9 million (-15% versus 2021).

Story continues

LLYC strives to be a diverse, inclusive, equitable and multidisciplinary company. Driven by this growth, 2022 is set to be a big year for investment in talent. The firm has incorporated new profiles, which boost its technological and creative capabilities. Last year it closed with 1,127 professionals, compared to 966 in 2021 (+17%).

LLYC Logo

Cision

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SOURCE LLYC
Turkmenistan, together with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), will hold the international conference "Partnership for Food Security under Climate Change" in Ashgabat on March 9 through 10.

According to the information, the corresponding resolution on the organization of the conference was signed by the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

The document instructs the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, in cooperation with FAO, to ensure the organization of an international conference at a high level.

The resolution on the organization of the international conference was adopted with the aim of practical implementation of a foreign policy aimed at developing multilateral cooperation with international partners to strengthen food security.
Navisite taps into Costa Rica's fast-growing tech hub and highly skilled workforce to support the demand in Latin America for its digital transformation expertise and services

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Navisite, a global leader of strategic advisory and digital transformation services for mid-market and smaller enterprise companies, announced today the expansion of its global presence with a new office in WeWork Cariari Corporate Center, Costa Rica.

Symbol or mark Infinity Green Floating on a blue background (PRNewsfoto/Navisite)

Working closely with CINDE, the Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency, Navisite will take advantage of the country's investment in digital readiness and highly skilled, educated workforce to provide cloud, enterprise application, data management, intelligent automation and cybersecurity solutions.

"Costa Rica offers a diverse, digitally savvy workforce that will enable us to grow our presence in Latin America and support the needs of customers with the resources and capabilities they need in the region as they look to modernize their businesses," said Mark Clayman, CEO of Navisite. "CINDE has been a great partner for us, providing valuable guidance and support to help us quickly ramp up and establish our operations in this country."

Navisite is a recognized leader for 'Consulting and Transformation Services for Midmarket' in the Information Services Group (ISG) Provider Lens Public Cloud  Solutions & Services 2022 report for the U.S. Through its highly specialized teams, industry solutions, business process expertise and application services, Navisite guides customers through every part of the modernization lifecycle to move their businesses forward.

Manuel Tovar, the Minister of Foreign Trade, stated, "The expansion of Navisite, a world leader in strategic consulting and digital transformation services for small and medium enterprises, is a clear vote of confidence for Costa Rica's potential as an investment destination and strategic partner for commerce. This expansion also represents an opportunity for the Costa Rican workforce to access high-added-value jobs and develop their skills and knowledge in an environment of innovation and excellence."

Story continues

With a rapidly growing tech labor force, Costa Rica has become a digital epicenter in Latin America consolidating its position as a leading nearshoring destination, offering greater resiliency, accessibility and resources to global companies. The new office will enable Navisite to better support the needs of its customers and augment its global team of experts with additional digital skills in areas including software development, data analytics, cloud and cybersecurity.

"Navisite's arrival demonstrates our ability to create great job opportunities and support a U.S. company that delivers a combination of business process and IT solutions for diverse industries such as health care, manufacturing and life sciences," said Pilar Madrigal, Director of Investment Advisory of CINDE. "Navisite is joining some of the world's best-known technology companies by expanding its footprint to Costa Rica. This subsector records more than 30,000 accumulated jobs by the end of 2022."

Navisite is looking to hire about 50 new employees with English proficiency across a range of technical and consulting roles during 2023, with hundreds of new hires planned over the next two years.

Interested parties can apply at: www.navisite.com/about/careers

About Navisite

Navisite is a trusted digital transformation partner for growing and established global brands. Through our highly specialized teams, industry solutions, business process expertise and application services, we provide the capabilities and practical guidance customers need to modernize, build and support more agile, resilient and expanding businesses. Our strategic advisory and transformation services advance innovation with comprehensive cloud, enterprise application, data management, intelligent automation and cybersecurity solutions, empowering customers to navigate change and meet new demands at any point in their journey. To learn more, visit navisite.com.

About CINDE

For more than 40 years, the Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency (CINDE) has worked to attract foreign direct investment to the country. Throughout its history, CINDE has provided support to more than 400 multinational companies established in Costa Rica, in diverse industries including manufacturing, services, life sciences, and tourism infrastructure. A private, non-political organization declared of national interest, the agency has since 2017  and now, for five consecutive years  been listed by the International Trade Center (ITC) as the best national investment attraction agency in the world.

CINDE

Ministry of Foreign Trade

Cision

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SOURCE Navisite
For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL  March 9, 2023  Zacks Equity Research shares UBS Group AG UBS as the Bull of the Day and Alico ALCO as the Bear of the Day. In addition, Zacks Equity Research provides analysis on Microsoft MSFT, Alphabet GOOGL and Oracle Corp ORCL.

Here is a synopsis of all five stocks.

Bull of the Day:

UBS Group AG, a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), has surged off the bear market bottom from last year, widely outperforming its industry in the process. The stock has been hitting a series of 52-week highs this year on increasing volume. Shares continue to display relative strength as buying pressure accumulates in this market leader.

UBS is ranked favorably by our Zacks Style Scores, with a B for Value and overall B VGM score, indicating further upside is likely. The company is part of the Zacks Banks-Foreign industry group, which ranks in the top 7% out of more than 250 Zacks Ranked Industries.

This group has widely outperformed the market to kick off the new year. Despite the impressive performance, this industry group remains relatively undervalued.

Historical research studies suggest that approximately half of a stocks price appreciation is due to its industry grouping. In fact, the top 50% of Zacks Ranked Industries outperforms the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1. Its no secret that investing in stocks that are part of leading industry groups can give us a leg up relative to the market. By focusing on leading stocks within the top 50% of Zacks Ranked Industries, we can dramatically improve our stock-picking success.

Company Description

UBS Group AG provides financial advice and solutions to institutional, corporate, and private clients globally. The company offers a host of financial-related services such as personal banking, investment advice and solutions, lending, wealth planning, asset allocation, and investment banking. UBS was founded in 1862 and is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland.

Story continues

UBS remains focused on opportunistic expansion strategies in various areas by entering into partnerships with a host of other firms. These inorganic growth moves are expected to benefit the companys long-term trajectory. UBS maintains a strong capital position and its efficiency initiatives will likely continue to aid profitability.

Earnings Trends and Future Estimates

UBS has surpassed earnings estimates in three of the past four quarters, with an average earnings surprise of 16.6%. The financial firm most recently reported fourth-quarter earnings back in January of $0.50/share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.37 by 35.14%.

UBS Group AG has witnessed improving earnings estimate revisions. Looking into the current year, analysts have raised their 2023 EPS estimates by 4.33% in the past 60 days. The Zacks Consensus Estimate now stands at $2.17/share.

Lets Get Technical

UBS shares have advanced more than 50% off the bottom from last year. Only stocks that are in extremely powerful uptrends are able to make this type of price move while the general market remains volatile. This is the kind of stock we want to include in our portfolio  one that is trending well and receiving positive earnings estimate revisions.

Notice how both the 50-day (blue line) and 200-day (red line) moving averages are sloping up. The stock has been making a series of higher highs. With both strong fundamentals and technicals, UBS is poised to continue its outperformance.

Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. As we know, UBS Group AG has recently witnessed positive revisions. As long as this trend remains intact (and UBS continues to deliver earnings beats), the stock will likely continue its bullish run this year.

Bottom Line

Solid institutional buying should continue to provide a tailwind for the stock price. UBS has vastly outperformed its financial peers, and increasing volume at recent breakout levels adds to the bullish sentiment.

Robust fundamentals combined with a strong technical trend certainly justify adding shares to the mix. Backed by a leading industry group and robust history of earnings beats, its not difficult to see why this company is a compelling investment. Investors would be wise to consider UBS as a portfolio candidate if they havent already done so.

Bear of the Day:

Alico operates as an agribusiness and land management company in the United States. Alico cultivates citrus trees to produce citrus for delivery to the processed and fresh citrus markets. In addition, ALCO is involved in cattle ranching, sugarcane and sod production, and forestry. The company also owns and manages land for leasing, grazing, conservation, and mining activities. Based out of Fort Myers, ALCO owns over 74,000 acres of land in Florida.

The Zacks Rundown

ALCO, a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), is a component of the Zacks Agriculture  Operations industry group, which ranks in the bottom 35% out of more than 250 Zacks Ranked Industries. As such, we expect this industry group as a whole to underperform the market over the next 3 to 6 months.

Candidates in the bottom tiers of industries can often be solid potential short candidates. While individual stocks have the ability to outperform even when included in a poor-performing industry group, the inclusion in a weaker group serves as a headwind for any potential rallies and the journey forward is that much more difficult.

Along with many other agricultural stocks, ALCO experienced a climax top in April of last year and has been in a price downtrend ever since. The share price is hitting a series of lower lows and represents a compelling short opportunity as the market remains volatile.

Recent Earnings Misses & Deteriorating Outlook

ALCO has fallen short of earnings estimates in two of the past three quarters. The company most recently reported a Q1 loss of -$0.84/share in February, missing the -$0.31/share consensus EPS estimate by -170.97%. The stock has moved steadily lower since the announcement.

Over the past three quarters, ALCO has delivered an average earnings miss of -150.67%. Consistently falling short of earnings estimates is a recipe for underperformance, and Alico is no exception.

ALCO has been on the receiving end of negative earnings estimate revisions as of late. For the current fiscal year, analysts have decreased estimates by -141.03% in the past 60 days. The 2023 Zacks Consensus EPS Estimate is now -$0.94/share, reflecting a -347.62% regression relative to fiscal 2022.

Falling earnings estimates are a huge red flag and need to be respected. Negative growth year-over-year is the type of trend that bears like to see.

Technical Outlook

As illustrated below, ALCO is in a sustained downtrend. Notice how the stock has plunged below the 200-day moving average (signaled by the blue line). The stock is making a series of lower lows, with no respite from the selling in sight. Also note how the 200-day moving average is sloping down  another good sign for the bears.

While not the most accurate indicator, ALCO has also experienced what is known as a death cross, wherein the stocks 50-day moving average (red line) crosses below its 200-day moving average. ALCO would have to make a serious move to the upside and show increasing earnings estimate revisions to warrant taking any long positions in the stock. The stock has fallen nearly 19% in the past year alone.

Final Thoughts

A deteriorating fundamental and technical backdrop show that this stock is not set to print fresh highs anytime soon. The fact that ALCO is included in one of the worst-performing industry groups provides yet another headwind to a long list of concerns. A history of earnings misses and falling future earnings estimates will likely serve as a ceiling to any potential rallies, nurturing the stocks downtrend.

Our Zacks Style Scores depict a weakening outlook for this stock, as ALCO is rated a worst-possible F in our Value category and F for our overall VGM score. Potential investors may want to give this stock the cold shoulder, or perhaps include it as part of a short or hedge strategy. Bulls will want to steer clear of ALCO until the situation shows major signs of improvement.

Additional content:

Microsoft's (MSFT) A.I. Offerings Target Enterprise Applications

Microsoft recently launched Microsoft Dynamics 365 Copilot. This is a copilot in CRM and ERP that helps in bringing next generation Artificial Intelligence (AI) to every business line.

Dynamics 365 Copilot helps in empowering workers with AI tools built for marketing, sales, operations, services and supply chain roles. It also uses generative AI to automate monotonous task and encourage creativity of the workforce.

Microsoft earlier launched AI in its search engine to compete with Alphabets Google and now with its latest AI technology targeting corporate applications, MSFT is competing with rivals like Oracle Corp.

Copilot in Viva Sales and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales not only help sellers curate mail responses to customers but also can create an email summary of a Teams meeting in Outlook.

Copilot in Dynamics 365 Marketing and Dynamics 365 Customer Insights helps marketers smoothen the process of data exploration, audience segmentation and content creation. They can also create fresh email campaign content.

Management believes that this AI will proactively identify external issues like weather, geography and financials that may impact the supply chain process.

Microsoft is set to announce the next set of AI related to workplace productivity on Mar 16.

Microsoft Corporation price-consensus-chart | Microsoft Corporation Quote

Microsofts Recent Advancements in Artificial Intelligence

This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company is actively investing in developing AI, which management believes will reap profits in the long term.

Shares of Microsoft have decreased 7.9% in the past year compared with the Zacks Computer and Technology sectors decline of 10.2% in the same period.

You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

In February, Microsoft announced a premium teams messaging offering powered by ChatGPT. The company has already received a great response from the Silicon Valley for the same.

This service will be priced at $7 per month in June and the price will be increased to $10 per month from July. This AI chatbot will simplify meetings by recommending tasks, generating automatic meeting notes and help create meeting templates.

Last month, Microsoft announced a multi-million investment in Open AI. The company aims to integrate ChatGPTs technology into all its products.

In November, Microsoft announced the Microsoft Supply Chain platform. This platform helps organizations maximise their supply chain data estate investment. This is made possible by collaborating Microsoft AI, low-code, security and SaaS applications in one platform.



Microsoft also announced the preview of a Microsoft Supply Chain Center. It is a ready-made supply chain center for supply chain visibility and transformation.

The Supply Chain Center has customizable as well as pre-built modules. Some of the pre-built modules are supply and demand insights module, order management module, partner modules and many more. This is a huge step toward redesigning supply chain by increasing efficiency and agility for the customers.

As of Dec 31, 2022, Microsoft had total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments balance of $99.5 billion. The long-term debt was $44 billion. The strong cash balance provides Microsoft with the chance to invest in growth opportunities like AI.

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Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss.This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index.Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.

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CHICAGO, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Arizton's latest research report, the UK power rental market will grow at a CAGR of 5.12% from 2022-2029.

UK Power Rental Market

TO KNOW MORE, DOWNLOAD THE FREE SAMPLE REPORT NOW: https://www.arizton.com/request-sample/3742

The UK government allocated USD 104 million to Able Marine Energy Park on the south bank of the River Humber, USD 27 million to the Tees Works offshore Manufacturing Center on the River Tees, and USD 32 million to be invested in biomass production in 2022. A budget of USD 5 million has been set aside to support cutting-edge technology that produces hydrogen from biomass. The UK power rental market will be driven by rental models, equipment, and a more dependable rental process due to the government's infrastructure investment.

UK POWER RENTAL MARKET REPORT SCOPE

Report Attributes Details Market Size (2029) USD 429.8 Million Market Size (2022) USD 303.1 Million CAGR (2022-2029) 5.12 % Historic Year 2020-2021 Base Year 2022 Forecast Year 2023-2029 Market Segments Fuel, Power Rating, Equipment, End-User, and Application End-Users Construction, Retail, Oil & Gas, Mining, Events, Utilities, IT & Data Center, Manufacturing, and Others Market Dynamics Policies By UK Government for Energy Transition to Drive the Rental Fleet Demand

Demand For Rental Equipment Backed by Infrastructure Investments by Government

Renewable Energy Projects to Drive Demand for Rental Equipment

LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION? DOWNLOAD THE FREE SAMPLE REPORT NOW: https://www.arizton.com/request-sample/3742

MARKET INSIGHTS

As of November 2022, National Grid has submitted to the Planning Inspectorate its request for development consent for the Yorkshire Green Energy Enablement Project. If the project were approved, the construction of the reinforcements would start in the summer of 2024 and be completed by 2027. To help achieve the government's net zero targets for 2050, the project is a component of the electricity network upgrades identified throughout the UK.

In February 2022, Storm Franklin wreaked havoc on parts of the UK with strong winds and copious rain. In east and south-east England, UK Power Networks thought it had brought electricity back to 98% of the homes, but 8,500 were still without power throughout the storm. Backup power will be needed in these circumstances, and rental power equipment may be able to control the situation. Naturally, these calamities will spur growth in the UK power rental market.

Battersea Power Station, which had been decommissioned, is now being reconstructed in seven phases with a capital of USD 11 billion. The focus of this project is to convert the 80-year-old structure into a mixed-use development that comprises several restaurants, shops, bars, residential units, and office spaces. The whole project is expected to be completed by 2025.

Construction 2025' is a joint strategy that sets out the sector and government to work in partnership to put Britain at the front position of global construction over the coming years. Additionally, the construction of a few energy projects in the UK, such as the Clay Tye battery storage site in Essex (99MW) and the Kype Muir onshore wind farm extension in South Lanarkshire with a capacity of 155 MW, are likely to push the UK power rental market demand.

Aggreko had been the Official Modular Energy Solutions supporter for Birmingham 2022. It supported major venues, such as Alexander Stadium and Coventry Stadium & Arena, to other key sites, including the Birmingham 2022 Athletes' Villages at the University of Birmingham and the University of Warwick. It provided 117 of the latest stage V generators with a range of 30KVA -600 KVA, which used HVO as fuel in October 2022. Aggreko also produced around 10.8 MWh of clean solar energy at Victoria Park in Royal Leamington Spa with the help of hybrid generators.

Story continues

CUSTOMIZATION AVAILABLE

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/3742

VENDOR INSIGHTS

The top 4 prominent vendors, including United Rentals, Sunbelt Rentals, Aggreko, and Speedy, account for 44% of the UK Power Rental market share.

Sunbelt introduced alternative fuel to its UK hiring equipment with combustion engines, which involves burning fossil-fuel-based red diesel.

Speedy launched the UK's first Net Zero service center in October 2022, which was awarded an A+ energy rating in January 2023.

In May 2021, Atlas Copco acquired Netherlands-based Eco Steam and Heating Solutions under its Power Technique business category.

PROMINENT VENDORS

United Rentals, Inc.

Sunbelt Rentals, Inc.

Aggreko

Speedy

Caterpillar

Atlas Copco

Cummins Inc.

KOHLER

Generac Power Systems, Inc.

Boels Rental

HSS Hire Group

The Hireman

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MARKET SEGMENTATION

Fuel

Natural Gas

Diesel

Others (Propane, Hydrogen, Renewable Sources)

Power Rating

>75KVA

75-375KVA

375-1,000KVA

Above 1,000 KVA

Equipment

Generators

Load Banks

Transformers

Others

End-User

Construction

Retail

Oil & Gas

Mining

Events

Utilities

IT & Data Center

Manufacturing

Others

Application

Standby

Continuous

Peak Shaving

CHECK OUT SOME OF THE TOP SELLING RESEARCH RELATED REPORTS:

U.S. Power Rental Market - Strategic Assessment & Forecast 2023-2029: The U.S. Power Rental market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.29% from 2022-2029 and is expected to reach USD 5.43 billion by 2029.

UK Agriculture Equipment Market - Industry Analysis & Forecast 2023-2028: The UK agricultural equipment market is expected to reach 35,796 units by 2028 growing at a CAGR of 3.59% during the forecast period.

UK Construction Equipment Market - Strategic Assessment & Forecast 2023-2029: The UK construction equipment market is expected to reach USD 5 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.41% from 2022 to 2029.

UK Used Construction Equipment Market - Strategic Assessment & Forecast 2022-2028: The UK used construction equipment market is expected to reach USD 624.3 million by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 2.97%

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SOURCE Arizton Advisory & Intelligence
DUBLIN, March 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "United States Security Manual Template - 2023 - ISO Compliant" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Research and Markets Logo

The Security Manual Template - ISO compliant is provided in Word. Included also are the Business Impact questionnaire (Word) and a Threat and Vulnerability Assessment Form (PDF and Excel). It is a complete Security Manual and can be used in whole or in part to comply with Sarbanes Oxley, define responsibilities, actions and procedures to manage the security of your computer, communication, Internet and network environment.

As a bonus you get 7 job descriptions and 28 ELECTRONIC FORMS that will help you implement the policies and procedures in this electronic document.

Policy and Procedure Manual Compliance Management Made Easy -- California Consumer Privacy Act/GDPR/ISO/HIPAA/SOX/CobiT/FIPS Compliant/WFH



Comes in eReader, MS Word, and PDF formats. Includes 28 Electronic Forms that are ready to use and User Bill of Rights for Sensitive Data and Privacy

The Security Manual Template - ISO Compliant is provided in MS WORD, PDF, and ePub formats. In addition, it includes an MS Excel Security Audit Program and 320 job descriptions from the Internet and IT Positions Description HandiGuide. Each job description comes as a WORD file using a descriptive long file name.

Many organizations fail to realize the benefits of security information management due to the often exhaustive financial and human resource costs of implementing and maintaining the software.

However, Janco's Security Manual Template - the industry standard - provides the infrastructure tools to manage security, make smarter security decisions and respond faster to security incidents and compliance requests within days of implementation. The template provides a framework for evaluating SIM services and shows how they could be applied within your organization.

Address issues like Work From Home (WFH) operational requirements, Identify Protection and SIEM (Security Information and Event Management). It is a complete must-have tool.

Story continues

Security incidents are rising at an alarming rate every year. As the complexity of the threats increases, so do the security measures required to protect networks and critical enterprise data. CIOs, Data center operators, network administrators, and other IT professionals need to comprehend the basics of security in order to safely deploy and manage data and networks.

Securing a typical business network and IT infrastructure demands an end-to-end approach with a firm grasp of vulnerabilities and associated protective measures. While such knowledge cannot stop all attempts at network incursion or system attack, it can empower IT professionals to eliminate general problems, greatly reduce potential damages, and quickly detect breaches.

With the ever-increasing number and complexity of attacks, vigilant approaches to security in both large and small enterprises are a must. The Security Manual Template meets that requirement.

Comprehensive, Detailed, and Customizable

The Security Manual is over 240 pages in length. All versions of the Security Manual Template include both the Business IT Impact Questionnaire and the Threat Vulnerability Assessment Tool (they were redesigned to address Sarbanes Oxley compliance).

In addition, the Security Manual Template PREMIUM Edition contains 16 detailed job descriptions that apply specifically to security and Sarbanes Oxley, ISO security domains, ISO 27000 (ISO27001 and ISO27002), PCI-DSS, HIPAA, FIPS 199, and CobiT.

The Security Manual has recommended policies, procedures and written agreements with employees, vendors and other parties who have access to the company's technology assets. To make this process as easy as possible, Janco provides 18 formatted electronic forms for distribution and documentation. All forms are in easy-to-edit Microsoft Word templates so all you need to do is add your corporate logo, make your own additions and changes and your task of policy and procedure documentation is nearly complete!

Electronic Forms

Application & File Server Inventory Blog Policy Compliance Agreement BYOD Access and Use Agreement Company Asset Employee Control Log Email Employee Agreement Employee Termination Procedures and Checklist FIPS 199 Assessment Internet Access Request Form Internet and Electronic Communication Employee Agreement Internet use Approval Mobile Device Access and Use Agreement Mobile Device Security and Compliance Checklist New Employee Security Acknowledgment and Release Outsourcing and Cloud Security Compliance Agreement Outsourcing Security Compliance Agreement Preliminary Security Audit Checklist Privacy Compliance Policy Acceptance Agreement Risk Assessment (pdf & docx) Security Access Application Security Audit Report Security Violation Procedures Sensitive Information Policy Compliance Agreement Server Registration Social networking Policy Compliance Agreement Telecommuting Work Agreement Text Messaging Sensitive Information Agreement Threat and Vulnerability Assessment Inventory Work From Home Work Agreement

Key Topics Covered:

1. Security - Introduction

Scope

Objective

Applicability

Best Practices

WFH Operational Rules

Web Site Security Flaws

ISO 27000 Compliance Process

Security General Policy

Responsibilities

2. Minimum and Mandated Security Standard Requirements

ISO Security Domains

ISO 27000

Gramm-Leach-Bliley (Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999.

FTC Information Safeguards.

Federal Information Processing Standard - FIPS 199.

NIST SP 800-53

Sarbanes-Oxley Act

California SB 1386 Personal Information Privacy

California Consumer Privacy Act - 2018

Massachusetts 201 CMR 17.00 Data Protection Requirements

What Google and Other 3rd Parties Know

Internet Security Myths

3. Vulnerability Analysis and Threat Assessment

Threat and Vulnerability Assessment Tool

Evaluate Risk

4. Risk Analysis - IT Applications and Functions

Objective

Roles and Responsibilities

Program Requirements

Frequency

Relationship to Effective Security Design

Selection of Safeguards

Requests for Waiver

Program Basic Elements

5. Staff Member Roles

Basic Policies

Security - Responsibilities.

Determining Sensitive Internet and Information Technology Systems Positions

Personnel Practices

Education and Training

Contractor Personnel

6. Physical Security

Information Processing Area Classification.

Classification Categories

Access Control

Levels of Access Authority

Access Control Requirements by Category.

Implementation Requirements

Protection of Supporting Utilities

7. Facility Design, Construction, and Operational Considerations

Building Location

External Characteristics

Location of Information Processing Areas

Construction Standards

Water Damage Protection

Air Conditioning

Entrances and Exits.

Interior Furnishings

Fire

Electrical

Air Conditioning

Remote Internet and Information Technology Workstations

Lost Equipment

Training, Drills, Maintenance, and Testing

8. Media and Documentation

Data Storage and Media Protection

Documentation

10. Data and Software Security

Resources to Be Protected

Classification

Rights

Access Control

Internet/Intranet/Terminal Access/Wireless Access

Spyware

Wireless Security Standards

Logging and Audit Trail Requirements

Satisfactory Compliance.

Violation Reporting and Follow-Up

11. Internet and Information Technology Contingency Planning

Responsibilities

Information Technology

Contingency Planning

Documentation

Contingency Plan Activation and Recovery

Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity and Security Basics

12. Insurance Requirements

Objectives

Responsibilities

Filing a Proof of Loss

Risk Analysis Program

Purchased Equipment and Systems

Leased Equipment and Systems

Media

Business Interruption.

Staff Member Dishonesty

Errors and Omissions

13. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)

Best Practices for SIEM

KPI Metrics for SIEM

14. Identity Protection

Identifying Relevant Red Flags

Preventing and Mitigating Identity Theft.

Updating the Program

Methods for Administering the Program

15. Ransomware - HIPAA Guidance

Required response

16. Outsourced Services

Responsibilities

Outside Service Providers - Including Cloud

17. Waiver Procedures

Purpose and Scope

Policy

Definition

Responsibilities

Procedure

18. Incident Reporting Procedure

Purpose & Scope

Definitions

Responsibilities

Procedure

Analysis/Evaluation

19. Access Control Guidelines

Purpose & Scope

Objectives

Definitions of Access Control Zones

Responsibilities

Badge Issuance

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/6p5c33

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

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SOURCE Research and Markets
Unrivaled Brands, Inc.

SANTA ANA, Calif., March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Unrivaled Brands, Inc. (OTCQB: UNRV) (Unrivaled, Unrivaled Brands, or the Company), a cannabis company with retail and cultivation operations throughout California, entered into a binding term sheet to resolve outstanding litigation with Peoples California, LLC (Peoples California), subject to final documentation. Upon execution of the binding term sheet, the parties agreed to inform the court of the settlement and request a stay of all pending litigation.



Sabas Carrillo, Unrivaleds Chief Executive Officer stated, The Peoples California team built an outstanding asset and made the Peoples First Choice dispensary in Santa Ana, California one of the best cannabis retail experiences in the nation. This settlement is a testament to what can be achieved by bringing people together who are motivated to find workable solutions to challenging problems. Importantly, it unlocks our ability to complete the development of additional cannabis retail stores in Riverside, CA and Costa Mesa, CA. We are thrilled to put this months-long legal battle behind us.

Robert Baca, Unrivaleds Interim Chief Legal Officer, expressed gratitude, stating By putting this dispute behind us, we can all move forward and focus on growing our respective businesses. This is another significant step in the restructuring of Unrivaled. With the completion of this settlement, our team of legal advisors continue to prove to be exceptional and we would not have gotten to an amicable result without their efforts. The hard work and reliable counsel of Roger Scott and his team at Buchalter, including Mark Cramer, Susan White, and Ali Montes, have been instrumental in navigating both the litigation and the settlement negotiation. The dedication of our securities counsel, including Randolf Katz at Clark Hill, Faith Charles, Naveen Pogula, and Ben Russell at Thompson Hine, has been remarkable. We are grateful for the unwavering support and commitment by so many folks that have contributed to achieving a positive result from challenging circumstances.

Story continues

About Unrivaled Brands

Unrivaled Brands is a company focused on the cannabis sector with operations in California. Unrivaled Brands operates four dispensaries and direct-to-consumer delivery, a cultivation facility, and several leading company-owned brands. Unrivaled Brands is home to Korova, known for its high potency products across multiple product categories, currently available in California, Oregon, Arizona, and Oklahoma.

For more info, please visit: https://unrivaledbrands.com .

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this communication regarding matters that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, known as the PSLRA. These include statements regarding management's intentions, plans, beliefs, expectations, or forecasts for the future, and, therefore, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual results may differ materially from those projected. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law. The Company uses words such as anticipates, believes, plans, expects, projects, future, intends, may, will, should, could, estimates, predicts, potential, continue, guidance, and similar expressions to identify these forward-looking statements that are intended to be covered by the safe-harbor provisions of the PSLRA. Such forward-looking statements are based on the Companys expectations and involve risks and uncertainties; consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements due to a number of factors.

New factors emerge from time-to-time and it is not possible for the Company to predict all such factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of each such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. These risks, as well as other risks associated with the combination, will be more fully discussed in the Companys reports with the SEC. Additional risks and uncertainties are identified and discussed in the Risk Factors section of the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other documents filed from time to time with the SEC. Forward-looking statements included in this release are based on information available to the Company as of the date of this release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.

Contact:

Jason Assad

LR Advisors LLC.

jassad@unrivaledbrands.com

678-570-6791




SINGAPORE, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- UOB has priced a AUD1.5 billion dual tranche 3-year Senior Unsecured Bond ("Bond") comprising AUD 750 million Floating rate ("FRN") tranche at 3m BBWS + 73 bps and AUD 750 million Fixed Rate ("FXD") tranche on equivalent basis at 4.642%, to be issued under the Global Medium-Term Note (GMTN) Programme. It is the largest AUD bond on record from an Asia ex-Japan bank, and represents the tightest pricing YTD in AUD for any 3-year FI bond, including from major banks.

Ms Koh Chin Chin, Head of Group Treasury and Research, UOB, said, "This is our first international benchmark offering this year and we're very pleased with the reception we were met with, not only from our core investor base, but also from new investors both domestically in Australia and globally. The AUD market not only offers us very valuable diversity, but volumes now are comparable to other international markets. Our commitment to accessing this market as one of our core sources of funding only continues to grow."

Here are some of the deal highlights:

Transaction highlights

Largest AUD bond on record from an Asia ex-Japan bank

Largest 3-year bond orderbook for a non-major bank YTD (largest overall for an Asia ex Japan bank YTD)

Tightest pricing YTD in AUD for any 3-year FI bond

Priced with zero new issue concession to major bank secondaries

Well-timed to leverage strong market technicals

Transaction allowed UOB to take advantage of a turnaround in global market sentiment in 2023 and pent-up cash staying on the sideline that has pushed spreads to YTD lows

Navigated busy market with announcement immediately after the RBA's rate decision on Tuesday, with demand staying despite the Fed's hawkish tone overnight

Overwhelming reception with the largest 3-year AUD orderbook for a non-major YTD

Dual tranche FXD/FRN strategy allowed UOB to garner support from investors across both formats. In particular, UOB was able to leverage the higher yield environment that attracted domestic fund managers to the FXD tranche

Two-day execution to leverage the full support of global investor base with an overwhelming response from the start  AUD1.27bn in indications of interest (IOIs) on the first day alone

Final orderbook reached AUD2.8bn - the largest achieved by a non-major bank in the 3-year space YTD

Story continues

Achieved impressive issuance size while maximising pricing tensions

Minimal orderbook attrition despite tightening by 5bps from of BBSW/ASW+78bps to price at 73bps. This was flat to the major bank curve, showing the strength of demand for UOB's credit

Strong demand allowed UOB to maximise final size to AUD1.5bn, the largest size outside of major banks YTD and also largest AUD domestic print by an Asia ex-Japan bank on record

Final pricing of BBSW/ASW+73 was tighter than the most recent major bank print from Westpac, the tightest 3-year bank pricing in the domestic markets YTD

Final orderbook  AUD 2.8 billion from 99 investors

By Investor Type Percentage Bank 53 % Asset Managers/Fund Managers/Insurance 28 % Official Institutions 10 % Middle Markets (regional banks/brokerages) 5 % Others 4 %

By Geography Percentage Asia 53 % Australia 41 % Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) &

the United States 6 %

SOURCE UOB
Rubio takes aim at planned Ford US battery plant using Chinese technology FILE PHOTO: Ford Motor to build $3.5 billion electric vehicle battery plant in Michigan

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Senator Marco Rubio on Thursday introduced legislation that takes aim at Ford Motor's deal to use technology from Chinese battery company CATL as part of the automaker's plan to spend $3.5 billion to build a battery plant in Michigan.

Rubio, the top Republican on the Intelligence Committee, introduced legislation that would block tax credits for electric vehicle batteries produced using Chinese technology, saying it would "significantly restrict the eligibility of IRA tax credits and prevent Chinese companies from benefiting."

Ford said in response to Rubio that "making those batteries here at home is much better than continuing to rely exclusively on foreign imports, like other auto companies do. A wholly owned Ford subsidiary alone will build, own and operate this plant. No other entity will get U.S. tax dollars for this project."

Last month, Rubio asked the Biden administration to review Ford's deal to use technology from CATL.

Rubio called for an immediate Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) review of the licensing agreement between Ford and CATL.

Rubio said the deal "will only deepen U.S. reliance on the Chinese Communist Party for battery tech, and is likely designed to make the factory eligible for Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax credits."

CFIUS is a U.S. Treasury-led interagency panel that reviews proposed transactions to ensure they do not harm national security.

Treasury declined to comment, but Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said last month the Ford deal will "bringing advanced manufacturing capabilities from overseas to the United States is key to our competitiveness, will stimulate our economy, and create good-paying American jobs."

Ford has said the plant would create 2,500 jobs and begin producing lower cost and faster recharging lithium-iron-phosphate batteries in 2026.

The $430 billion IRA imposes restrictions on battery sourcing and is designed to wean the United States off the Chinese supply chain for electric vehicles (EVs). The IRA will eventually bar credits if any EV battery components were manufactured by a "foreign entity of concern," in a provision aimed at China.

Story continues

Separately, Democratic Senator Joe Manchin criticized comments by a White House adviser that Chinese companies will be big players in growing domestic energy production.

"It is beyond irresponsible for someone speaking on behalf of the White House to not only condone but also advocate for sending American tax dollars to Chinese companies," Manchin said.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Lincoln Feast and Diane Craft)
MONTREAL, March 9, 2023 /CNW/ - Valeo Pharma Inc. (TSX: VPH) (OTCQB: VPHIF) (FSE: VP2) ("Valeo" or the "Company"), a Canadian pharmaceutical company, announced today that it will report its financial results and highlights for the first quarter ended January 31, 2023 on Wednesday March 15, 2023 after market close. The Company will host a conference call to discuss those results and highlights on Thursday March 16, 2023 at 8.30am (ET).

Valeo Pharma Logo (CNW Group/Valeo Pharma Inc.)

To join the conference call without operator assistance, you may register and enter your phone number at https://emportal.ink/3ZiE7hn to receive an instant automated call back.

You can also dial direct to be entered to the call by an Operator. (Traditional conference call instructions here):

Conference ID: 90254549



Date: Thursday, March 16, 2023



Time: 8:30am ET



Dial-in numbers: 1-888-664-6392 or 416-764-8659



Audio replay numbers: 1-888-390-0541 or 416-764-8677



Replay code: 254549 #





A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available via:

https://app.webinar.net/a5zqnWzNDX9

About Valeo Pharma Inc.

Valeo Pharma is a fast growing Canadian pharmaceutical company dedicated to the commercialization of innovative prescription products in Canada with a focus on Respiratory/Allergy, Ophthalmology and Hospital Specialty Products. Headquartered in Kirkland, Quebec Valeo Pharma has all the required capabilities and the full infrastructure to register and properly manage its growing product portfolio through all stages of commercialization. For more information, please visit www.valeopharma.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements about Valeo's objectives, strategies and businesses that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements are "forward-looking" because they are based on our current expectations about the markets we operate in and on various estimates and assumptions. Actual events or results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements if known or unknown risks affect our business, or if our estimates or assumptions turn out to be inaccurate.

Story continues

SOURCE Valeo Pharma Inc.

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CALGARY, AB, March 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Vermilion Energy Inc. ("Vermilion") (TSX: VET) (NYSE: VET) is pleased to announce a cash dividend of $0.10 CDN per share, payable on April 17, 2023 to all shareholders of record on March 31, 2023. This dividend is an eligible dividend for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada).

Vermilion Energy Inc. Logo (CNW Group/Vermilion Energy Inc.)

About Vermilion

Vermilion is an international energy producer that seeks to create value through the acquisition, exploration, development and optimization of producing assets in North America, Europe and Australia. Our business model emphasizes free cash flow generation and returning capital to investors when economically warranted, augmented by value-adding acquisitions. Vermilion's operations are focused on the exploitation of light oil and liquids-rich natural gas conventional and unconventional resource plays in North America and the exploration and development of conventional natural gas and oil opportunities in Europe and Australia.

Vermilion's priorities are health and safety, the environment, and profitability, in that order. Nothing is more important to us than the safety of the public and those who work with us, and the protection of our natural surroundings. We have been recognized by leading ESG rating agencies for our transparency on and management of key environmental, social and governance issues. In addition, we emphasize strategic community investment in each of our operating areas.

Vermilion trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol VET.

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SOURCE Vermilion Energy Inc.
Persistence Market Research

Global Market Study on VoIP Services: Managed IP PBX Service to Witness Highest Growth.

New York, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In 2022, the market value VoIP services were US$ 115.21 Billion and VoIP Services Market is anticipated to have grown to US$ 472.26 Billion by the end of 2033, and it is estimate to grow at a CAGR of 13.8% from 2023 to 2033. This growth can be attributed to the increased demand for cost-effective communication services, the rise in the number of mobile workers, and the expansion of broadband services.



One of the significant trends in the VoIP services market is the growing popularity of cloud-based VoIP services. Cloud-based VoIP services offer several benefits, such as flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, and are expected to drive market growth during the forecast period. Another trend in the market is the growing adoption of Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS), which integrates various communication channels, including voice, video, and messaging, into a single platform.

Click Here to Get Free Sample Copy of this Report@ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/4710

VoIP Services Market trends

Cloud-based VoIP services are gaining popularity due to their flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.

Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) is becoming more prevalent, integrating various communication channels into a single platform.

SIP is expected to dominate the market due to its flexibility and interoperability with various devices and networks.

International long-distance calls are expected to hold a larger market share due to the increasing demand for international communication services.

Corporate users are expected to hold a larger market share due to the increasing adoption of VoIP services in the business sector for cost-effective communication.

VoIP Services Market Drivers

Increased demand for cost-effective communication services.

The rise in the number of mobile workers who require flexible communication solutions.

Expansion of broadband services, enabling wider access to high-speed internet.

Growing adoption of cloud-based VoIP services, which offer several benefits such as flexibility and scalability.

The increasing demand for international communication services.

Story continues

Competitive Landscape

Vonage Holdings Corporation

8x8 Inc.

ShoreTel Nextiva Inc.

RingCentral Inc.

West Corporation

Verizon Communications Inc.

Thinking Phone Networks Inc.

Inphonex LLC

Phone Power LLC

Grasshopper

Get Full Access of this Report@https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/4710

The companies from the VoIP services market are collaborating with the various other information technology and Cloud computing companies to provide better quality and enhanced products to consumers.

In July 2023 , The Ericsson has finished its acquirement of Vonage Holdings Corp. supportive to Ericsson's strategy to use its position as a technology leader to expand its mobile network business and penetrate the enterprise. Through the acquisition, Ericsson now has access to sturdy building blocks that allow it to offer a full spectrum of communications solutions, including Communications Platform as a Service.

In January 2023, Mega Corp Logistics has collaborated with RingCentral, Inc., to use RingCentral's best-in-class cloud communications capabilities to allow more effective employee-customer communications throughout their company.

VoIP Services Segmentation

Based on call type, the market can be segmented into international long-distance calls and domestic calls. International long-distance calls are expected to hold a larger market share due to the increasing demand for international communication services.

Based on end-users, the market can be segmented into individual users and corporate users. Corporate users are expected to hold a larger market share due to the increasing adoption of VoIP services in the business sector for cost-effective communication.

Regional Analysis Geographically, the VoIP services market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World (RoW). North America is expected to hold the largest market share due to the early adoption of VoIP services and the presence of major VoIP service providers in the region.

Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to the increasing adoption of cloud-based VoIP services and the expansion of broadband services in the region.

VoIP Services Market Strategies

Focus on offering high-quality, reliable VoIP services to attract and retain customers.

Offer a variety of pricing plans to appeal to different types of users, such as individual users and corporate users.

Expand the service offerings to include additional communication channels beyond voice, such as video and messaging, to meet the needs of modern users.

Leverage emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT), to create innovative solutions that provide additional value to customers.

Partner with other companies to expand the reach of VoIP services and increase market share.

You Can Customize this Report As per Your Requirement Click Here@https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/request-customization/4710



VoIP Services Market Opportunities

The increasing demand for remote work and flexible communication solutions due to the COVID-19 pandemic presents an opportunity for VoIP service providers to expand their customer base.

The expansion of 5G networks offers the potential for even faster and more reliable VoIP services.

The growing adoption of cloud-based services in general provides an opportunity for VoIP service providers to offer integrated solutions that meet the needs of businesses and individuals.

The increasing demand for international communication services presents an opportunity for VoIP service providers to expand their offerings in this area.

The growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) presents an opportunity for VoIP service providers to offer innovative communication solutions that integrate with a variety of devices and networks.

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Gulf Capital has been awarded a Financial Services Permit (FSP) from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).

The newly granted licence will enable Gulf Capital to manage assets and funds as well as to perform other regulated asset management activities in or from the Abu Dhabi Global Market.

The company will expand its presence in Abu Dhabi and base its global headquarters in the prestigious, using its solid and long track record of investing private capital to build global leaders out of the GCC and capturing the phenomenal growth across the West-East Asia corridor.

Ahmed Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, said: We congratulate Gulf Capital on securing the FSRA asset management licence and welcome the team to the ADGM family. Our world-class regulatory framework will help Gulf Capital reinforce its position as a private equity market leader which operates in a trusted and regulated environment. - TradeArabia News Service
Want to Leave Assets to Your Heirs? Consider Using a Taxable Account to Pay for a Roth IRA Conversion

A Roth conversion is one of the many tools in the financial toolbox to reduce taxes in retirement and maximize income. But not all retirees or those planning their retirement consider converting their savings into Roth assets, mainly because it requires paying taxes on the money now in exchange for tax-free growth.

New research from T. Rowe Price shows how and when you may stand to benefit from a Roth conversion, even when your tax rate falls or remains the same in retirement.

The company found that Roth conversions can be especially valuable if youre planning to leave assets to heirs as part of your estate plan and you have a taxable account to cover the taxes associated with the conversion. In at least one scenario, Roth conversions that used a taxable account to pay Uncle Sam boosted the eventual inheritance by 14%.

A financial advisor can help you complete a Roth conversion and manage other retirement assets. Find a trusted advisor today.

Roth Conversion Basics

Want to Leave Assets to Your Heirs? Consider Using a Taxable Account to Pay for a Roth IRA Conversion

While traditional IRAs are retirement accounts funded with pre-tax dollars, Roth IRAs hold money thats already been taxed. As a result, a retiree who withdraws money from a Roth IRA doesnt have to pay taxes on any of the money  principal or interest  since they already paid taxes on the money they contributed.

A Roth conversion is a way to transfer assets from a pre-tax account, like a traditional IRA, into an after-tax account. A Roth conversion requires you to pay income taxes on the money in your traditional IRA in the year they complete the conversion. Those assets can then grow tax-free in your Roth account.

Roth IRAs also have the benefit of being exempt from required minimum distributions (RMDs), which can push a retiree into a higher income tax bracket, lead to higher taxes on his Social Security benefits and push his Medicare premiums higher, as T. Rowe Price notes.

But Roth conversions may not make sense for everyone. Someone who expects to be in a lower tax bracket in retirement may avoid a Roth conversion because hell owe fewer taxes on his money later on compared to now.

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When a Roth Conversion Works Best

Want to Leave Assets to Your Heirs? Consider Using a Taxable Account to Pay for a Roth IRA Conversion

The SECURE Act of 2019 changed the rules for inheriting a traditional IRA, requiring heirs to fully draw down the account within 10 years. But those rules dont apply to Roth IRAs. Because theyre exempt from RMDs, Roth IRAs can be passed down to heirs tax-free.

With this in mind, T. Rowe Price examined the impact that Roth conversions  and the use of taxable accounts to pay for them  would have on an eventual wealth transfer. Using the test case of a couple with considerable assets who dont need RMDs to cover their retirement expenses, T. Rowe Price calculated how much their heirs would receive after taxes if:

No Roth conversion was ever completed

Roth conversions took place every year from age 55 to 75

Roth conversions took place every year from age 65 to 75

The financial services firm considered potential changes in the couples tax rate in retirement compared to their working years, as well as the tax rate of the heir(s).

T. Rowe Prices analysis found that a couple whose tax bracket doesnt change in retirement could leave up to 4.6% more money to their heirs if they started converting their assets at age 65 compared to no Roth conversion at all. This assumes the couple uses a taxable account thats subject to both capital gains and ordinary income tax rates to pay for the conversion. It also assumes the heirs tax rate wont change.

Converting assets earlier leads to an even bigger windfall under these circumstances, T. Rowe Price found. If the couple started converting assets at age 55, the future inheritance could be worth 14% more than it would with no conversions.

Even if the couple sees their tax rate fall from 24% to 22% in retirement, Roth conversions at age 55 and 65 would increase the size of their bequest by 12.2% and 4.3%, respectively.

The value of a Roth conversion, however, diminishes if the account thats used to pay the taxes produces 100% tax-free returns. For example, if the couple sold assets in a taxable account that hadnt generated any capital gains or interest, they wouldnt owe capital gains or income taxes on the sale. Under these parameters, Roth conversions actually reduced the value of the couples eventual bequest in most of T. Rowe Prices calculations.

Bottom Line

Roth IRA conversions can be especially useful for retirees who dont need their RMDs to pay for living expenses, and instead, can pass on their savings to their heirs. T. Rowe Price found that using a taxable account to pay for the taxes associated with a Roth conversion can boost your heirs eventual inheritance.

Tips for Roth IRA Owners

SECURE 2.0 Act, signed by President Biden in late 2022, allows 529 plan money to be rolled into a Roth IRA for a beneficiary. The rollover allowance starts in 2024 and cannot exceed the Roth contribution limit for the year. Also, keep in mind that you cant roll over more than $35,000 total in the beneficiarys lifetime.

A financial advisor can help you complete a Roth conversion and integrate the account into a holistic retirement plan. Finding a financial advisor doesnt have to be hard. SmartAssets free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If youre ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Photo credit: iStock.com/courtneyk, iStock.com/jxfzsy, iStock.com/kali9

The post Want to Leave Assets to Your Heirs? Consider Using a Taxable Account to Pay for a Roth Conversion appeared first on SmartAsset Blog.
KRT18T North Sea, Oil production with platforms. Aerial view. Brent Oil Field. - Martin Langer/Alamy Stock Photo

The North Seas biggest oil producer has warned it will be forced to cut staff and investment as it claimed its profits were all but wiped out Rishi Sunaks windfall tax.

Chief executive Linda Cook said the company was looking to grow the business outside of Britain where higher tax rates have disproportionately impacted UK-focused drillers.

Harbour added it had cut its spending plans for the UK for the year, with some opportunities delayed or no longer being progressed.

The FTSE 250 company has been one of the biggest critics of the Prime Ministers move to increase the tax rates on UK oil and gas companies, from 40pc to 65pc and then 75pc. The 75pc rate came into force on January 1.

The increase was introduced in two stages last year to help households struggling with soaring energy bills because of higher wholesale oil and gas prices.

Producers warned it would lead to a drop in investment in the basin, harming the UKs energy security.

TotalEnergies, the French oil and gas giant, has said it will cut North Sea investment by 100m or 25pc this year because of the tax.

Harbour Energy made pre-tax profits of $2.5bn (2.1bn) during 2022, more than 700pc higher than the previous year, as oil and gas prices leapt and its production increased.

However, it reported post-tax profits of only $8m once the impact of higher tax rates in the UK were taken into account.

It booked taxes of $2.4bn, made up of taxes for 2022 of $706m as well as a deferred expense of $1.7bn, $1.5bn of which relates to the UKs so-called Energy Profits levy.

Its bill for 2022 from the UKs windfall tax was $326m, of which it has paid $205m, with the balance due this year.

The levy includes generous investment allowances, but Harbour had recently completed investment on its new Tolmount gas field in the southern North Sea.

Ms Cook said: The UK Energy Profits Levy, which applies irrespective of actual or realised commodity prices, has disproportionately impacted the UK-focused independent oil and gas companies that are critical for domestic energy security.

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For Harbour, the UKs largest oil and gas producer, it has all but wiped out our profit for the year.

This has driven us to reduce our UK investment and staffing levels. Given the fiscal instability and outlook for investment in the country, it has also reinforced our strategic goal to grow and diversify internationally.

Harbour said it plans to invest 85pc of its $1.1bn capital spending this year in the UK, compared to 15pc internationally.

It added: We reduced our planned 2023 UK capital expenditure following the changes to the Energy Profits Levy announced in November, with certain investment opportunities delayed or no longer being progressed.

The company first flagged staffing cuts in January. It has not given a figure, but said today it would be significant.

Industry sources estimate it is in the hundreds. The company employs around 1,500 in the UK. A review of the businesses is expected to be completed in the second half of the year.

Despite its hit to post-tax profits, the company announced a new $200m share buyback programme.

On top of its $200m annual dividend policy, it brings total announced shareholder returns to $1bn 840m since December 2021.

Harbour Energy became the UKs largest producer after buying up oil and gas wells from Shell and Conoco-Phillips in 2017 and 2019.

It joined the London stock exchange after taking over Premier Oil in 2021, and is currently valued at around 2.4bn.

During 2022 it produced 208,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, up from 175,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2021.

It is currently focused on the UK, which accounted for 97pc of its production during the first nine months of 2022, but also has assets in Mexico and Indonesia.

The company said it sold oil during the year for an average $78 per barrel and gas for 86 pence per therm, which was 30-60pc higher than last year, but far lower than average wholesale prices.

Producers are pushing Jeremy Hunt, the chancellor, to introduce a floor on the windfall tax so that it falls away as prices fall.
Wireless Telecom Group, Inc.

Parsippany, New Jersey, USA, March 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wireless Telecom Group, Inc. (NYSE American: WTT), announced today that its test and measurement brands Boonton, Holzworth, and Noisecom will showcase unique instrument capabilities for analyzing critical network performance metrics for satellite communications during SATELLITE 2023 at Booth 2732.



Many new satellites are being launched into low Earth orbit (LEO) to deliver low-latency communications for various commercial and military applications, including ubiquitous coverage for 5G and mission-critical connectivity. With deployments growing significantly, LEO satellite systems must undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet specifications and operate reliably. An in-booth demonstration will highlight several test solutions integral for the design and performance validation of satellite communications networks, spanning RF power measurements, phase noise analysis, and additive noise generation.

Test and measurement capabilities featured in the demonstration include:

RF power sensors with the performance to capture rapid uplink/downlink signal switching and network latency for 5G satellite applications using time division duplexing (TDD).

High-performance phase noise analysis of a satellite networks most critical components as well as the entire system.

Custom, controllable noise generation that stresses a satellite system with simulated traffic to test performance under real-world conditions.

Accurate linearity analysis that thoroughly evaluates the behavior of high-power amplifiers used in satellite networks.

Characterization of satellite antenna effectiveness by measuring forward and reflected power with peak power sensors to calculate return loss.



Whether testing network latency, phase noise, amplifier and antenna performance, or the impact of RF interference, our demonstration at this years show emphasizes how Wireless Telecom Group products are uniquely capable to improve the design and analysis of satellite-based communications systems, says David Summers, Vice President of Sales.

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Hosted in Washington, D.C., at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, SATELLITE 2023 is a premiere conference for the global space and satellite communities taking place March 13 to March 16, 2023.

- END -

About Wireless Telecom Group

Wireless Telecom Group, Inc., comprised of Boonton, Holzworth, and Noisecom, is a global designer and manufacturer of advanced RF and microwave components, modules, systems, and instruments. Serving the wireless, telecommunication, satellite, military, aerospace, and semiconductor industries, Wireless Telecom Group products enable innovation across a wide range of traditional and emerging wireless technologies. With a unique set of high-performance products including peak power meters, signal generators, phase noise analyzers, signal processing modules, noise sources, and programmable noise generators, Wireless Telecom Group enables the development, testing, and deployment of wireless technologies around the globe.

Wireless Telecom Group, Inc.s website address is wirelesstelecomgroup.com. Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this news release may be considered "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements include declarations regarding the intent, belief, or current expectations of the Company and its management. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could materially affect actual results. Such risks and uncertainties are identified in the Company's reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Investor Contact

Michael Kandell

25 Eastmans Road

Parsippany, NJ 07054

Tel: (973) 386-9696

Fax: (973) 386-9191

Marketing Contact

Maria Droge: +1 (973) 386-9696

Wireless Telecom Group Inc.

25 Eastmans Road

Parsippany, NJ 07054

Tel: (973) 386-9696




World-first pressurized HTPEM fuel cells achieve record breaking power densities

Development unlocks large turboprop and regional jet applications, and could unlock single-aisle, zero-emission aircraft within 10 years

KEMBLE and SANDWICH, UK, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ZeroAvia today announced that it has achieved record-breaking performance in testing of its High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (HTPEM) systems. Early testing of the pressurized 20kW HTPEM stack power module in ZeroAvia's UK R&D location has demonstrated a record 2.5 kW/kg specific power at the cell level, paving the way for 3+ kW/kg system level densities in the next 24 months.

ZeroAvia's HTPEM Fuel Cell Stack

Developing fuel cell technology for aviation is critical to enable true zero-emission commercial flight, and for energy intensive applications - like large fixed wing aircraft and rotorcraft - it is necessary to increase the temperature and pressure within fuel cell stacks in order to have a commercially viable product. Increased temperature and pressure allows for air cooling, reduces cooling drag, simplifies the system, and ultimately enables much more demanding applications.

ZeroAvia's team has made unprecedented deep tech breakthroughs by delivering a pressurized HTPEM system, innovative conductive coatings enabling the use of aluminum bipolar plates in highly aggressive HTPEM environments, and a novel approach to advanced membrane electrode assembly (MEA).

ZeroAvia's proprietary technology has been developed over the last three years as part of a concentrated effort to build an in-house portfolio of critical technologies for fuel cell aviation at ZeroAvia. Further R&D will deliver over 3kW/kg fuel cell system specific power, which enables a step change in performance relative to the traditional fuel cell technologies, making fuel cell propulsion commercially viable for large aircraft. Specifically, the HTPEM systems will be prime candidates to support ZeroAvia's ZA2000 powertrain for 40-80 seat aircraft, as well as a range of rotorcraft and eVTOL applications. This next generation of fuel cells could also be sufficient to enable electric propulsion systems for 100+ seat single-aisle turbofan aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320.

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The components used in the ZeroAvia system have already been validated through third-party independent testing at several independent labs, including a leading U.S. Department of Energy national lab. The testing confirms the potential for HTPEM systems to accelerate the development of large hydrogen-electric powertrains for large aircraft.

ZeroAvia's recent breakthrough first flight of a 19-seat aircraft utilized Low Temperature PEM (LTPEM) fuel cell systems. Today's LTPEM systems work well for the sub-megawatt scale of these smaller aircraft, but the lower stack core temperatures make it harder to remove heat from the larger systems. HTPEM technology eliminates a number of components from the fuel cell system and reduces cooling drag, thereby enabling commercially relevant payload and range. ZeroAvia's HTPEM can also offer greater durability, further reducing operating costs for airlines.

Val Miftakhov, CEO, ZeroAvia, said: "The companies and geographies that seize the lead in high fuel cell temperatures and pressures will lead the industry. This progression is similar to the story of turbine engines, where ever-increasing temperatures and pressures drove higher and higher performance. Hydrogen fuel cell propulsion is the most environmental and economical alternative to existing engines, and HTPEM is the most promising route to delivering these benefits into large aircraft categories. I am confident that what we are demonstrating now is the core building block to delivering zero-emission flight for all categories of aircraft in the long-term."

Interest in hydrogen aviation has grown considerably in recent months. Hydrogen combustion engines are being developed to remove carbon emissions from flight, but they face the steep environmental penalty of maintaining or increasing the non-CO2 emissions impacts of aviation on the climate. These non-CO2 impacts are thought to have twice the climate impact of carbon emissions alone, according to a report from EASA. Additionally, a non-combustion, hydrogen-electric approach eliminates extreme material stresses inherent in modern combustion engines, which dramatically reduces maintenance costs, further improving the economics of the hydrogen-electric propulsion.

ZeroAvia's development of the HTPEM systems is in part supported by the HyFlyer II project, backed by the UK Government via the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI).

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

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SOURCE ZeroAvia
BOSTON, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Zingeroo Inc., the all-in-one trading app for investors, by investors  along with its subsidiary broker dealer Z-Squared Securities LLC  are excited to announce the appointment of Peter Dolezal, J.D. to the position of General Counsel.

Zingeroo: "Social Competitive Investing"

Zingeroo is the first "competitive" stock, option and crypto trading platform in the US. They have reimagined the otherwise hard and lonely process of investing into a series of friendly competitions  for chances to win prizes.

"I am excited to bring my 25 years of legal and regulatory experience to the company," Mr. Dolezal stated. "Zingeroo has done an excellent job of prioritizing compliance and I'm excited to help Zingeroo further innovate its unique fintech platform. It's an exciting challenge and opportunity to be part of a team reinventing the trading experience within the confines of the current regulatory landscape."

Mr. Dolezal brings nearly three decades of fintech industry experience to the Zingeroo competitive trading platform that takes a social approach to online investing. Prior to joining Zingeroo, Mr. Dolezal spent over four years serving as General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer of ShareNett Holdings, LLC, a members-only investment platform for high-net-worth individuals and investment professionals.

Mr. Dolezal also served as Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of ShareNett Securities LLC, a broker dealer wholly owned by ShareNett Holdings, LLC, as well as President of ShareNett Investment Advisors, LLC, an exempt reporting investment adviser also wholly owned by ShareNett Holdings, LLC.

Zingeroo Founder & Chief Executive Officer Zoe Barry previously collaborated with Mr. Dolezal at a prior broker-dealer, and has long admired him for his professionalism and industry expertise. "It's always a milestone as a startup founder when you're able to hire a former co-worker," she said. "I'm excited for the talent and expertise Peter brings to the firm."

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She added that she has no doubt that Mr. Dolezal will be instrumental in achieving Zingeroo's full potential during its next phase of growth.

About Zingeroo

Founded by serial entrepreneur Zoe Barry, Zingeroo is a commission-free trading app that transforms investing into a series of fun, educational competitions between friends. Launched in 3Q21, Zingeroo has attracted legions of users, many of whom have come from other solo trading platforms along with many others who are investing for the first time ever. For more information, visit: https://www.zingeroo.com

For media inquiries, contact:

Helen@outlierpartners.com

310.895.1900

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Fort A.P. Hill is hoping to partner with jurisdictions around the military base to save time and money on certain services, and make it worth the local governments while.

For several months, John Broughton, a Department of Defense contractor, has been working closely with the Army installation, based in Caroline County, and making pitches to governments in the region. Hes talked with officials in the Town of Bowling Green, Fredericksburg and Caroline, Essex, King George and Spotsylvania counties about the partnerships.

Theyre known as Intergovernmental Support Agreements, or IGSAs. More than 150 such agreements are in place with Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps installations and local governments, municipalities, colleges and public hospitals nationwide, Broughton said. Theyre saving the Department of Defense more than $40 million a year, he added.

Broughton came before the King George Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, asking if the installation could piggyback on the county for engineering services. King George has contracts with seven different firms in the region and Broughton hoped the county could serve as a go-between when Fort A.P. Hill needs architectural or engineering work.

The base would pass its proposal to the county, which would have a designated staff member forward it to the engineering firms. Then, once A.P. Hill officials and engineers agree on services, sign contracts and the work is done, the military base would pay the county for the work, then the county would pay the engineers. As part of the ISGA, the federal government cannot pay a private company, only public partners.

A.P. Hill would pay King George an administrative fee of 10% of the project, or whatever rate the two agree upon.

Without the agreement, the base would have to get a contract for anything above $2,500, and Broughton said the time involved can be cumbersome, especially when all thats needed is one simple engineering requirement.

You would be helping alleviate a significant administrative burden and be able to respond to some of these projects that Fort A.P. Hill would like to execute in a timely manner, Broughton said.

After numerous questions from supervisors, particularly about how much county staff time would be involved, four of five members were interested in seeing a draft proposal on such an agreement.

The fifth, Supervisor T.C. Collins, wanted no parts of it. He said he lived in Caroline County for 10 years and the negative experience with the nearby military base still hasnt worn off. He said that when the operations with big bombs moved to the portion of A.P. Hill south of Port Royal, the explosions damaged his house, and homes of others.

All the folks down in that region had problems with their homes, and when youd call, they would say, sorry, tough luck, Collins said. I would not be interested in this agreement nor would I be interested in King George County managing your contracts so you can get a better deal. Everything that Ive dealt with, with A.P. Hill, has been negative.

Collins also said 10% wouldnt come close to covering the time staff would be involved. He seemed to assume the county would have to sign off on each contract proposal, both for the type of engineering work involved as well as legal issues. Instead, as Broughton explained, the county would be the agent that transferred the work order, and money, from one group to another.

County Attorney Kelly Lackey said her primary task would be negotiating the initial contract between King George and A.P. Hill on what administrative fee the county would get. She said she hadnt looked into the matter but wondered if the county would have to set up an escrow account to hold funds from the base for the work.

My main concern would be the county fronting money for the base but it sounds like the agreement has been worked out in other jurisdictions, she said.

Supervisor Richard Granger, a scientist at Naval Support Facility Dahlgren, said that he appreciated the Armys quest to find easier, and cheaper, ways to get contracted work done.

As a federal employee, I can tell you that procurement is onerous, he said.

Then, he said he disagreed with Collins assessment.

At the end of the day, I would say it could definitely possibly be a benefit to the county in revenue generation, Granger said, adding it also could save the government money as well. I mean, we all pay federal tax dollars as well.

Collins and Supervisor Cathy Binder asked why A.P. Hill officials hadnt sought a partnership with Caroline, the home county, as Collins described it. Broughton said they had, but Caroline said the timing wasnt right.

Caroline County Administrator Charles Culley Jr. said the base was looking for help with services such as groundskeeping and maintenance, areas in which the county already struggles to hire and retain workers. He added Caroline was too small to handle some of the tasks the base was looking for the county to manage.

This type of arrangement/partnership would work better with a city or large county, Culley wrote in an email. The arguments simply werent compelling enough for staff to recommend that the county get involved.

King George supervisors agreed to have their staff bring back a draft proposal of an agreement between Fort A.P. Hill and the county as well as a more precise estimate of county staff time that might be involved, per project.

Fort A.P. Hill was established in 1941 and has become the Joint Forces premier all-purpose, year-round, training destination, according to the bases website. It includes 76,000 acres of diverse terrain, including a 27,000-acre complex for live fire.
Spotsylvania County school administrations decision to station a private armed guard in the School Board office every weekday has resulted in security costs tripling compared to last year.

The school division paid $23,434 to Sonny, Inc.  a private firm contracted in October 2022 to provide security at School Board meetings and in the School Board office  between December 2022 and February 2023, according to the weekly bill list posted on the divisions website.

Of that, $10,654 was for private security for School Board and $12,780 was for private security  SBO reception.

The division paid the Spotsylvania Sheriffs Office $5,995 to provide security over the same three months the prior year, according to the bill list.

Sheriff Roger Harris notified the school division that his office would stop providing security at School Board meetings in October 2022, citing discomfort with deputies being asked by then-School Board Chair Kirk Twigg to remove county residents from public meetings.

The school division issued a request for proposals for armed security services on Sept. 22, 2022, citing an immediate need for armed services, specifically during regular, special and emergency School Board meetings.

Superintendent Mark Taylor signed a contract with Sonny, Inc., to provide armed security at meetings on Nov. 7, 2022.

The hourly cost per guard, according to the contract, is $45 for regular time and $67.50 for overtime.

Taylor also signed a modification to the contract, which stated that Sonny, Inc., would provide one armed guard in the School Board office from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Hourly pricing remains the same as in the initial contract.

The Sheriffs Office was charging $55 per hour until 10 p.m. and $110 per hour thereafter.

The School Board did not employ armed security in its office prior to November 2022.

The total amount paid for private security over three months is more than one-third of what division staff have estimated the annual cost to be, according to budget information for fiscal year 2024, which begins July 1.
RICHMOND  Virginia firefighters will be required to complete a training program starting next year, about the risk of electric vehicle fires.

Del. Israel OQuinn, RWashington, proposed House Bill 2451 to require the executive director of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs to develop a training program for electric vehicle fires. The program must be developed and available by July 1, 2024, according to the bill. All firefighters, including volunteer firefighters, must complete the training by Dec. 1, 2025.

The bill unanimously passed committees and both chambers. Sen. Bryce Reeves, RSpotsylvania, asked for one clarification in the Senate General Laws and Technology committee, about whether the program would be offered both in-person and virtual.

I heard from some of my fire folks, and they were concerned that this is more time away, Reeves said.

A lot of the annual firefighter training is done online, according to Reeves.

Spencer Willett, government affairs manager for the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, assured the Senate committee the training would be offered in multiple modalities.

The agencys plan would be to offer an online version for departments and then also offer an in-person version for those that would be willing to want to take that training, Willett said.

The number of electric vehicles on Virginias roadways is set to increase with the soon-to-be implemented Clean Car law. The law states 35% of all new cars and trucks sold in Virginia with a 2026 model year must be electric. Then 100% of new models on the market must be electric by 2035, according to the law, which is based on Californias final regulation order.

Del. Mike Cherry, RColonial Heights, a co-patron of the bill, said it is important to implement mandated training statewide, even for areas like Southwest Virginia, where electric vehicles arent prominent.

Anytime a fire department deals with something new and unique, they will then figure out a protocol to deal with it again in the future, Cherry said.

There is currently no mandated electric vehicle training for Virginia firefighters, according to William Boger, District 5 vice president and communications director for the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters.

However, departments can currently seek out training from car manufacturers like Tesla or Toyota, he said.

The future training program will greatly help firefighters better understand electric vehicle fires and the best ways to extinguish them, according to Boger.

Firefighters use approximately 50 gallons to 100 gallons of water to extinguish a regular internal combustion engine, or gasoline, vehicle fire while electric vehicles require about 10,000 gallons of water, according to Boger.

They are very stubborn and very difficult to extinguish, he said.

Most electric vehicles carry large lithium-ion battery packs underneath the vehicle, where they are not very accessible. These batteries can overheat, which leads to a reaction called thermal runaway and requires thousands of gallons of water, according to Boger.

Firefighters also need to be aware that the battery is not necessarily finished burning just because the fire is finally put out, according to Boger.

The problem with these cars is you have to put the fire out, then you have to continuously cool the battery, Boger said.

Some electric vehicle batteries will reignite on the way to a junkyard if the battery is not properly cooled down and observed after the fire is put out, according to Boger.

Some batteries can even catch fire two to three days later, according to Doug Reynolds, battalion chief of the Henrico County Division of Fire.

You may have to have several tankers bringing you water, so its not the easy, you know, fire that it used to be, Reynolds said.

Dry chemicals and fire blankets have been used, but are not considered as effective as water, according to Boger.

Andrew Klock, senior manager of education and development with the National Fire Protection Association, said the best recommendation is still water.

Its the most effective to date and if its placed in the proper location, it can put out the fire and drain the heat from the battery pack, Klock said.

Electric vehicle fires are not more threatening than gasoline vehicle fires, which occur every three minutes, Klock said.

But I do think that the risk and the inherent problem is that firefighters have had a 100 years to figure out and perfect how to put out an internal combustion engine vehicle [fire], Klock said. But its not so with this new technology or newer technology of hybrid and electric vehicles.

Reynolds department looks forward to seeing the curriculum and learning everything they can about this unique type of vehicle fire, he said.

It affects every firefighter, you know from paid to volunteer, big departments, small departments, you know, the car fires are out there every day, Reynolds said. So its just better to protect us to learn how to fight those fires because its important.

The Virginia Department of Fire Programs will develop the training program, utilizing fire experts and industry representatives, according to Will Merritt, VDFP marketing and communications manager.

A workgroup will create the curriculum in concert with VDFP staff, Merritt stated via email. The curriculum is then piloted, finalized and posted for registration in VDFPs learning management system, Cornerstone OnDemand, he stated.

As electric vehicles become more popular, it is important that Virginias fire service be adequately trained to fight electric-vehicle fires, Merritt stated.
A Fremont woman has been charged by Dodge County Prosecutor Pamela Hopkins in relation to the death of a man whose body was found along U.S. Highway 275 south of Morningside Road in September 2022.

According to a press release from the Dodge County Sheriffs Office, Marisa Utterback, 30, of Fremont was arrested and charged with suspicion of manslaughter and motor vehicle homicide, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to render aid, tampering with evidence and multiple additional traffic violations.

The incident occurred on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. At about 2:30 p.m. that day, Dodge County sheriffs officials received a report from construction workers of a possible dead man along the side of the highway.

The segment of the highway from Morningside Road south to the Douglas County line was undergoing construction at the time, and the slow lane of the southbound highway was closed, creating a several mile stretch of roadway that was one-lane with traffic safety cones on the center lines of the highway.

According to sheriffs officials, deputies responded to the scene and conducted a lengthy investigation that day that resulted in the closure of the southbound lanes of Highway 275 and led to traffic being diverted west on Morningside Road for several hours.

The dead man was eventually identified as La Vista resident Yashua Martinez, 27.

In the press release, Dodge County Sheriff Dustin Weitzel said following the September incident, his office as well as the Fremont Police Department, the La Vista Police Department and the Nebraska State Patrol conducted a months-long investigation that eventually led to the arrest and charges of Utterback.

Thanks to the diligent efforts of the investigators, our office is confident that prosecution of these very serious charges is justified in connection with Yashua Martinezs death, Hopkins stated in the press release.

Weitzel also spoke about the incident, stating in the press release, It is my hope that the suspect being identified and arrested will bring closure to the Martinez family as they grieve this loss.

Dodge County officials said Utterback was booked into the Saunders County Jail in Wahoo at about 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, and promptly paid $25,000  or 10% of her $250,000 bond  and was released at about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Utterback was cited, according to a Fremont Tribune news article, by Fremont Police officials on Sept. 9, 2020, with suspicion of disorderly conduct following a report of a dog fight on North Union Street.
MOSCOW  Viktor Bout, a former Russian arms dealer who was released from prison in the U.S. in a swap for WNBA star Brittney Griner in December, has unveiled an exhibition of his artworks at a Moscow gallery.

Bout, widely known abroad as the "Merchant of Death," was convicted in 2011 on terrorism charges with prosecutors saying that he was ready to sell up to $20 million in weapons, including surface-to-air missiles to shoot down U.S. helicopters.

He strongly denied the charges and proclaimed his innocence, describing himself as a legitimate entrepreneur who didn't sell any weapons. Russian officials have cast him as a victim of a nefarious U.S. sting operation and demanded his release for many years.

When Moscow and Washington made a deal to swap him for Griner in December, Bout was held in a medium-security facility in Marion, Illinois and had not been scheduled to be released until 2029.

After his return to Moscow, Bout, 56, quickly became a member of the Kremlin-backed Liberal Democratic Party but has dodged questions about a possible political career.

Bout's art exhibition features a wide gamut of styles and subjects  from portraits of Soviet-era movie stars to warplanes to animals. Most of his drawings and paintings are done in a realistic manner, but there are also some attempts at abstract composition.

The exhibition includes personal objects, photos and a floor plan of his cell in the U.S. prison.

"When you are surrounded by absolutely grey walls topped by barbed wire and when you don't see the horizon for a long time, it's hard," Bout said Tuesday at his exhibition. "The deprivation of such visual stimuli was a challenge for me. Drawing helped me overcome all that."

He added that his experience taught him that "life can always change drastically."

"You must not give up, you must do everything to the end, and you must remain faithful to your fate despite any difficulties," Bout said.

Photos: Brittney Griner's detention in Russia
Leading wallet infrastructure platform, Liminal has announced achieving CryptoCurrency Security Standard (CCSS) Qualified Security Provider (QSP) Level 3 certification. This makes it one of the only two digital asset Qualified Service Providers to reach this level.

The CryptoCurrency Security Standard (CCSS) is a standard for securing cryptocurrency systems. It is designed to complement existing information security standards by introducing guidance for security best practices concerning cryptocurrencies.

Cryptocurrency and cybersecurity experts, including Andreas M Antonopopulous, Michael Perklin, Petri Basson, Jameson Lopp, and S Dirk Anderson utilised their years of security and cryptocurrency experience to curate the CryptoCurrency Security Standard (CCSS).

Security and usability

With CCSS, companies and products can have their systems assessed by a third party to ensure a balance between security and usability, enabling users to make informed decisions about which companies and products they would like to use.

The CCSS certification & audit process was led Marc Krisjanous, IT Security Consultant at Confide Limited and CCSS Auditor. Liminals CCSS-QSP Level 3 certification was achieved through a rigorous, audited security review process that tested the platforms security protocols, operational processes, and infrastructure.

The certification also required Liminal to implement a comprehensive set of security measures that protect user data, funds, and transactions which included Liminal Hot, Warm and Cold Wallets, Liminal Secure Transfer Environment, Liminal Authorisation Workflow, Liminal Automated Refill Engine, Liminal EVM Fee Saver Workflow and Liminal Policy Engine.

Security standard

Manan Vora, SVP of Strategy & Business Operation at Liminal, said: Liminals CCSS-QSP Level 3 certification is a testament to the platforms commitment to providing the highest level of security and compliance for our users. The CCSS-QSP Level 3 certification is widely recognised as the highest security standard for cryptocurrencies and wallet infrastructure. It ensures that Liminal follows best practices to protect the security of its users and their funds.

He adds: With this certification, Liminal has established itself as the domain expert in self-custody and security. This will also help us boost the trust factor in front of the external stakeholders, including customers, regulators etc. In addition, we will now be able to help our customers in becoming CCSS certified, cultivating a safer digital assets market.

Jessica Levesque, Executive Director at CryptoCurrency Certification Consortium (C4), said: "C4 has been setting the standard for industry players and operators since its inception in 2014. CCSS audits are distinct in the sense that it takes into account not only the technology itself but also interviews with personnel involved with the system, inspections of system configurations, and the security controls in place. Our goal at C4 is to safeguard the interests of users by maximising the confidentiality of private keys and ensuring the integrity of cryptocurrency funds. We are pleased that Liminals wallet infrastructure system attained CCSS-QSP level 3 as we share the same ethos: Dont trust; verify.

Marc Krisjanous, IT Security Consultant at Confide and CCSS Auditor in charge of Liminal's audit, stated: "Confide is pleased to verify that Liminal fulfilled every CCSS Level 3 requirement and is the second system to be certified against the CCSS globally. A meticulous and thorough audit was performed to assess Liminals personnel, protocols, and technological aspects in accordance with the CCSS, and it was found that Liminal went beyond the needed CCSS Level 3 criteria."-- TradeArabia News Service
Episode 80: America is aging, and that is putting the spotlight again on how much we spend on Medicare and Social Security, two popular programs that are not in great fiscal shape.

Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss possible fixes, along with what actually seems to be stopping us from addressing this problem.

Links to stories discussed during the podcast:

5 fixes that could help save Medicare, by Jackie Stewart, Kiplinger

About the hosts: Scott Rada is social media manager with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wis.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A report recently published by a publication called 'Overheard on Conference Calls' points to Denver, Colorado, as one of the top spots for female business owners.

According to the publication, 21.4% of US businesses are primarily women-owned, compared to 61% of businesses being primarily owned by men and 14% of which have ownership split between genders. This gap exists despite women making up about 46.6% of the workforce.

That being said, the gender split in ownership isn't the same everywhere.

In Asheville, 25% of businesses are owned by women  the highest share among major metros around the country. While the share of women-owned businesses in St. Louis is 24.8%, ranking this city second, Denver isn't far behind.

The Mile High City ranks as having the third-highest share of women-owned businesses in the country, with 24.8% of businesses in Denver having a female owner.

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This compares to Mobile, Alabama, which has the lowest share of female business owners  11.9%.

Find the full report here.
A regional council on Wednesday approved a two-year plan allocating nearly $7 million in opioid settlement money toward a handful of strategies, with a heavy focus on youth mentoring and support, to prevent and treat opioid use in El Paso and Teller counties.

Roughly $6.5 million will be distributed over the next 18 months among six general strategies identified by the Region 16 Opioid Abatement Council, which is tasked with setting policy for the distribution of over $28.4 million that the Pikes Peak region is set to receive over the next 18 years, a portion of nearly $400 million the state expects to receive in the same time frame, according to previous reporting by The Gazette.

The funds are part of a $26 billion national settlement involving Johnson & Johnson and three large drug distributors over claims their business practices helped feed the opioid crisis.

Youth prevention measures, including mentoring and resiliency training, was overwhelmingly identified by council members as a top priority for funding and is set to receive $2.5 million.

Programs supporting recovery and transition efforts, including peer groups, crisis intervention teams and navigators  experts helping individuals and families navigate criminal justice and behavioral health systems  will get $2 million.

Another $1 million will go toward community awareness and education, while nearly $513,000 was allocated for opioid medication and treatment, including mobile units for rural areas.

A final strategy, victim advocacy, is set to receive over $487,000 and intends to aid those victims families who, because of the nature of an overdose, may not qualify for preexisting crime victims rights compensation. The effort was largely supported by community members who have lost loved ones to opioid use.

It's just so disorienting when it happens to you, we didn't know where to go, said Matt Riviere, whose sons Andrew, 21, and Stephen, 19, died last year after ingesting fentanyl-laced pills they thought were OxyContin.

Expanding the definition of a victim would ease the burden to clean hazardous material of people who didnt have some say in what happened to a family member, said District Attorney Michael Allen, who chaired the meeting.

Truett Scofield, whose 18-year-old son Truett "TJ" Scofield Jr. died of a heroin overdose about two years ago, praised the council for focusing on prevention measures as a long-term solution to the opioid crisis, which has seen fentanyl-related deaths in El Paso County double for each of the past five years, El Paso County Coroner Leon Kelly previously told The Gazette.

"Prevention is the unsung hero," Scofield said. "Prevention keeps people from (drug use) to even begin with. So, it's a tougher sell because ... the outcome part is invisible."

Members of the council, including representatives from El Paso and Teller counties as well as Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, Fountain, Monument, Woodland Park, Cripple Creek, Victor and the 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office, first created a list of over a dozen priorities and then ranked them using a points system to identify the top six areas to receive funding.

Other counties have done this a little differently where they gave 30 organizations $10,000 or $20,000, said J.K. Costello, director of behavioral health consulting with the Steadman Group, the company assisting the council in fund management. If you want to see a difference, youve got to put real money into something, especially a big county like this.

Most of the opioid settlement money  60%  was distributed across 19 regions in the state, with another 20% designated to local governments based on a set formula. Ten percent will go directly to the state, and another 10% will be distributed statewide for specific abatement infrastructure projects in Colorado regions hit particularly hard by the epidemic.

El Paso County is the fiscal agent responsible for receiving the funds from the state and reporting the region's annual expenditures.

The $6.5 million is the first allocation of the front-loaded funding, with larger amounts distributed early on and waning over the final 10 years to establish infrastructure and programs initially and then continue funding them over time.

The councils next step in the funding process will be to set up requests for proposals (RFPs) so that organizations relevant to each of the six funding areas can bid to provide services in the Pikes Peak region.

Annika Schmidt contributed to this reporting.
A hearing Thursday afternoon is expected to be Letecia Stauch's final court appearance before the start of her trial later this month.

Stauch, 39, is accused of killing her 11-year-old stepson Gannon in January 2020. Attorneys at the hearing will be asked by Judge Gregory Werner to declare ready for trial, and if both the prosecution and defense declare ready Stauch's trial will go ahead as scheduled.

Jury selection is scheduled to begin March 20, and opening statements are expected to begin no earlier than April 3, even if jury selection is completed before then.

Fourth Judicial District Attorney Michael Allen has said he anticipates Stauch's trial to last six weeks.

Werner said during Stauch's last appearance in court in early February that the jury selection process may take up to 14 days because of the likelihood of many potential jurors being unable to be present for all six weeks of the trial.

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Stauch faces 13 charges including first-degree murder, child abuse and tampering with evidence.

At Stauch's most recent court date her attorneys said her second mental health evaluation had been completed, but defense attorney Josh Tolini declined to discuss the findings of the evaluation.

The first mental health evaluation conducted by the psychiatric hospital in Pueblo found Stauch to be sane, Werner said at a hearing in August.

In addition to the first-degree murder case, Stauch also faces a second case in which she is accused of attempting to escape from the El Paso County jail in May 2020.

Stauch was arrested in South Carolina in March 2020 and has been in jail since then after being extradited to Colorado. She faces life in prison if convicted of first-degree murder.
In a 4-3 vote along party lines, the Colorado State Board of Education in November elected to fully incorporate LGBTQ+ individuals at all grade levels of social studies instruction.

Board members Lisa Escarcega, Rebecca McClellan, Karla Esser and Angelika Schroeder  all Democrats  voted in favor of reinstating references to LGBTQ+ issues in Colorados revised social studies standards, seven months after they were removed in response to public backlash. Republican members Steve Durham, Joyce Rankin and Debora Scheffel voted no.

The vote Nov. 10 served as the boards final word in the long-running debate on how social studies should be taught in Colorado schools.

This has been a long road, said state education commissioner Katy Anthes. Weve been working on this for 12 months.

For more than a year, state education leaders debated how Colorado schools should apply the mandate set forth in House Bill 19-1192, Inclusion of American Minorities in Teaching Civil Government. Passed by the Colorado General Assembly in 2019, the legislation states, in part, that social studies and civics classes will include the history, culture and social contributions of American Indians, Latinos, African Americans and Asian Americans, and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals within these minority groups.

In accordance with the bill, the Social Studies Standards Review and Revision Committee presented its first draft of revision recommendations to the State Board of Education in November 2021.

But when the revisions were made available for public feedback, numerous concerns were raised about the appropriateness of referencing LGBTQ+ people in lower grades.

In an April 2022 interview with The Gazette, State Board of Education member Steve Durham expressed agreement with respondents who argued that lower-elementary discussion of LGBTQ issues would spark conversations about sex at too young an age  and in an inappropriate venue.

What were trying to do is direct those discussions to the home where they belong and put parents in charge of their childrens education, particularly at these young ages, said Durham, a Republican representing Colorados 5th Congressional District. From my own perspective, I just could really not imagine what a conversation among children that age would look like, and I think most parents would agree with that.

But LGBTQ+ advocate Alissa Smith of Inside Out Youth Services in Colorado Springs said such discussions are appropriate on all grade levels because they center on history and civics, not sex.

What were seeing here is the thinking that LGBTQ identities are inherently sexual, which they are not, Smith said.

In April, the committee submitted a new revision that eliminated any references to queer people in social studies coursework for third grade and below.

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Since then, LGBTQ+ students, advocates and allies have come out in droves to ask the board to reinstate the November 2021 revisions.

Students that are not represented in (social studies) text have a higher dropout rate, said District 11 elementary school teacher Angelica Givler. It seems to me that making sure we include all students in our textbooks and libraries would help with engagement, comprehension and increased graduation rates. This needs to be true at all ages and grade levels.

As educators, we are committed, first and foremost, to creating educational spaces that are inclusive and offer students an environment without fear or intimidation, where they can learn and grow, said Amie Baca-Oehlert, president of the Colorado Education Association, the states largest teachers union.

Durham reiterated his concerns before the vote, saying teaching sexual issues to lower-grade students is inappropriate and potentially harmful.

To deny that these sorts of things happen, are happening, and that parents should be concerned about them, is a mistake, he said. To claim that this doesnt open the door to abuse, I think, is also a mistake.

This is not about sexual education, Escarcega countered. Its never been about that.

Smith, whose organization rounded up nearly 1,000 signatures for an open letter to the board, was exultant upon hearing about the vote.

This was a monumental effort across the state to make sure that these standards would be inclusive for the next six years, Smith said. Its just really affirming that they heard our message, and they voted accordingly.

The Colorado Education Association applauded the boards decision in a news release.

This will be welcome news to CEAs members and Colorado parents generally, who, research has shown, are more concerned with the real issues facing students and public schools  like a lack of funding and safety  than they are about distracting culture wars orchestrated by outside political interest groups.

Editors note: This story originally published in The Gazette in November 2022.
Attorneys representing the Fountain woman accused of allowing her 4-year-old daughter to ingest fentanyl and die are discussing a potential plea deal, but must come to a resolution within five weeks, according to an El Paso County judge.

Emma Staton, 25, was expected to enter a plea Wednesday, but both the prosecution and defense requested a 30-day continuance to allow for more time to negotiate a plea deal.

Staton faces three charges  the most serious of which is child abuse knowingly or recklessly causing death  in the death of her daughter Acelynn Staton-Contreras, who fatally overdosed on fentanyl in July.

Prosecuting attorney Rachael Powell told Judge Chad Miller that the prosecution and defense had only been able to meet for the first time last week to discuss a plea deal, and that prosecutors haven't had adequate time to have a conversation with the victim's family regarding a plea deal.

Staton's defense attorney David Lipka did not object to the request for a continuance, saying it was essentially a joint request from both parties.

Miller moved Staton's next court date to April 12, and said if a plea deal isn't reached by then, Staton will be required to plead not guilty, and a trial date will be set.

Staton's case was bound over for trial by Miller at a preliminary hearing in October after the prosecution presented testimony showing that there was sufficient evidence to continue pursuing charges against Staton.

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At that hearing Miller lowered Staton's bond from $500,000 to $150,000 despite significant objections from some attending the hearing.

"This is (expletive)," one woman could be heard yelling before she was removed from the virtual courtroom.

"She deserves to remain behind bars," another woman said.

Staton is out of custody after posting bond in November, according to court records.

The trial for Joenny Manuel Astacio Ottenwalder, 36, and Kira Lee Davison, 29  the Colorado Springs couple accused of allowing their 15-month-old child, Cairo Astacio, to die of fentanyl ingestion in 2021  began Monday after the first trial was declared a mistrial last month.
Crackdown by social media companies on the flow of fentanyl and other drugs through their platforms has been inconsistent, exacerbated by insufficient legislation and other public policies to regulate social media, according to a new report from Attorney General Phil Weiser.

Getting access to drugs through social media has become almost as easy as ordering a pizza or hailing an Uber, according to the report.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 times more potent than heroin, has become the leading cause of preventable death among people in the U.S. aged 18 to 45, according to the report. It estimates as many as 60% of counterfeit prescription pills contain a potentially deadly amount of fentanyl.

As innovative online services and platforms weave their way into nearly every aspect of our lives, they also threaten to fuel a dangerous killer  the increasing ease of access to deadly substances, including fentanyl, Weiser said in a statement.

A lack of tranparent access to data provided by social media platforms has made measuring the scope of the illegal drug trade online difficult, the report says, but points out research and anecdotal evidence suggest they are a major source of drug activity.

And little regulation has allowed social media companies to decide for themselves what kinds of drug-related content to prohibit, what content moderation and enforcement tools to use, what kinds of data to publish about drug activity and how much they will cooperate with law enforcement investigations, the report shows.

When platforms intentionally tout features like near-immediate deletion of communication exchanges and short retention periods of data held on the platforms servers, it puts law enforcement at an extreme disadvantage when investigating those using the platforms for illegal activities like selling drugs, said Boulder County Sheriffs Office Cmdr. Nick Goldberger in a news release.

The access to drugs via social media is frustrating for parents like Kim Osterman, who lost her son to a fentanyl-involved overdose. According to the 137-page Broomfield police report, her 18-year-old son Max kept most of his drug transactions secret. But Snapchat messages indicate several deals with a person called Sergio G whose Snapchat account showed a bearded emoji avatar with dollar signs for eyes.

The dealer was never charged.

The report looks at tactics drug dealers use to evade content moderation mechanisms on social media, such as slang, posts without text and the sellers contact information in an image or comment, emojis as codes and QR codes that direct users to drug content.

The report, released Wednesday, came out of a directive to the Department of Law in the fentanyl bill passed by Colorados legislature last year to study how distribution of fentanyl, compounds, counterfeit prescription drugs and other synthetic opiates flow through the internet and social media. The legislation also felonized knowingly possessing more than one gram of any substance containing fentanyl.

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The report makes policy and legislative recommendations for cracking down on the illegal drug trade online:

A uniform set of best practices developed by social media companies for preventing and responding to illegal drug activity. The report found that while most social media platforms have policies banning their use to advertise, buy and sell drugs, enforcement has been uneven.

Colorado legislation mandating that social media companies clearly disclose policies on drug activities and cooperation with law enforcement, and report regularly with data on their enforcement activity.

A memorandum of understanding between the Department of Law and social media companies with a commitment to implementing practices for addressing illegal drug activity on their platforms, with penalties for not following the terms.

More resources for law enforcement efforts to fight online drug trade.

More resources for substance abuse treatment and harm reduction, especially for teenagers and young adults.

Increasing literacy on social media and the internet for parents and caregivers.

Giving a federal agency authority to oversee social media platforms.

Federal legislation mandating more data transparency by social media companies.

Denver Gazette reporter Carol McKinley contributed to this report.
In an emotional special meeting Thursday, the Denver Public Schools Board of Education voted  with tears  to shutter three low-enrollment schools by the end of the academic year, ending months of public speculation and staff uncertainty.

The closing schools  Denver Discovery, Mathematics and Science Leadership Academy and Fairview Elementary  were singled out at the last board meeting in which district officials identified 12 other campuses most affected by student declines.

Superintendent Alex Marrero told the board he hadn't intended to bring his recommendations for closure until later in the month, but did so sooner at the urging of staff.

"The system cannot continue to function this way," Marrero said.

The board voted separately on each school.

Staff passed out tissues after the votes to tearful board members.

"This is hard for me," Board Secretary Michelle Quattlebaum said. "I do not like closing schools."

Quattlebaum represents District 4, which includes Denver Discovery School.

"DPS has failed you," Quattlebaum said.

The closures mark an effort by the district to address a decade of declining enrollment, the basis for school funding. Denver Public Schools has a roughly $9 million budgetary shortfall this school year.

All the votes were unanimous except for Fairview, which passed with a 6-1 vote with Board Vice President Auon'tai M. Anderson voting against closure.

"We cannot sustain all of our schools at our current enrollment numbers," Anderson said.

In explaining his no vote on closing Fairview, Anderson said he took issue with the discrepancy between student forecasts between the district and the Denver Housing Authority.

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'This is not OK'

Roughly 44% of the children in the area do not elect to attend their boundary school, said Liz Mendez, executive director of Denver Public Schools' enrollment and campus planning.

If more children move into the neighborhood with the expected development, district officials said Fairview could come back reimagined.

Lower birth rates, skyrocketing home costs and gentrification have been identified as the biggest factors driving enrollment declines.

Board President Xochitl Gaytan blamed, in part, city leadership and development for exacerbating the gentrification in the Sun Valley, which Fairview Elementary serves.

Fairview is a community of people that live in poverty and with that comes a lot of disadvantages and oppression, Gaytan said. This is not OK.

Najah Abu Serryeh, whose daughters attended Fairview Elementary, cried after the vote.

"It's not our fault," Abu Serryeh said. "We wanted them to wait one or two years until the families come back."

All three schools have fewer than 120 students, but middle school Denver Discovery is projected to have just 62 students next school year.

With fall enrollment falling short of projections at these troubled schools, board members and the public expressed concern that the closure discussion last fall could have suppressed registration numbers.

The only criterion for closure district officials have publicly discussed is enrollment.

Quattlebaum suggested Thursday that the district also look at academic performance, deteriorating facilities and school budgets, in addition to declining enrollment.

Two of the three  Denver Discovery and Fairview Elementary  are on a state improvement plan, according to the Colorado Department Education. Only the teacher-led Mathematics and Science Leadership Academy meets academic expectations.

Under Marreros plan, starting next school year the Mathematics and Science Leadership Academy will move onto the Valverde Elementary campus and Fairview to Cheltenham Elementary.

The board is expected to receive additional closure recommendations from Marrero in coming months.
The community center at Inside Out Youth Services, a nonprofit organization catering to LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, was closed for Thanksgiving break when on Nov. 19 a shooter killed five people inside a gay nightclub in Colorado Springs and injured another 22 patrons and employees.

The youth center hasnt reopened since.

Immediately, there was concern that the mass shooting could spawn copycat actions and the center would be targeted, said Liss Smith, spokesperson for Inside Out.

Colorado Springs police, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security reached out to the organization to help thwart potential intrusion, she said.

While the organization received an outpouring of support from around the nation and countries such as New Zealand and England, Smith said negative online comments from anti-LGBTQ+ groups began appearing in earnest.

Social media threats got so bad that Inside Out had to delete its Twitter account, Smith said, because we could not keep up with the hateful messages and harassment.

The threats did not warrant police intervention, according to Colorado Springs police Lt. Pam Castro.

Police recorded no calls for service to the Inside Out address east of downtown in the past year, she said.

Inside Out has been holding virtual programs and off-site weekly in-person get-togethers, such as at libraries or at other organizations like Food to Power.

The organization serves between 100 and 200 youths in a quarter, Smith said, and has provided 190 free therapy sessions since November.

A lot of our young folks dont really have a safe space at home or school, she said. Inside Out is one of the few places they can truly feel like they can be themselves without judgment.

Its lifesaving to have that collective community to be connected to.

Office renovations by volunteers from Lowes home improvement store to improve security and make the area "more fun" are nearly complete, Smith said.

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Additional safety training for staff and up to 70 volunteers also is being conducted, she said.

The community center will reopen this month in phases, Smith said, at first for three days a week and working up to five days, Monday through Friday, its typical schedule.

The organization has had security practices in place for years, she said, including a locked double-door entrance.

Also, only vetted adults have been able to volunteer, with the goal of creating a secure and confidential safe space, where teens and young adults ages 13-24 can congregate.

Unfortunately, it hasnt been enough for this new movement, Smith said.

Experts in anti-LGBTQ+ extremism and cybersecurity and physical safety practices have advised the group on how to move forward with safety being top-of-mind, she said.

The organization has contracted with a security company to provide on-site workers, the address is being removed from online sites, along with employees names.

Were reupping the vetting, taking volunteers only by referral and not having applications online, Smith said.

Adult volunteers can still contact the organization via email, social media or its website, she said, as clients need trusted adults and intergenerational connectedness they may not get elsewhere.

Were not going to rush it; we know how important it is to do it right, Smith said.

Nearly three months after the Club Q shooting, the local LGBTQ+ community is still in mourning, she said.

People dont know what it feels like to be targeted in that way and to lose people we knew and loved, Smith said. Thats the history of the LGBTQ community  grieving, coming together, being resilient.

Theres sadness, anger, fear and overall a sense we have to come together, a sense well change things. Well turn hate into love.
Global hospitality group Marriott International has signed an agreement with Neom, the developer of a major Saudi futuristic city, to open three properties on its luxury island destination Sindalah, situated in the Red Sea off the kingdom's northwest coast.

Sindalah is the first of a group of islands that will be developed in Neom and is set to be among the most alluring destinations in the Red Sea featuring exquisite facilities and offerings surrounded by a diverse ocean environment home to 2,000 marine species, 600 of which are endemic to the Red Sea.

Extending over an area of 840,000 sq m, Sindalah will be a new destination for one-of-a-kind nautical and yachting experiences, located just 17 hours sail from the Mediterranean and featuring a 86-berth marina for yachts up to 75 meters and serviced offshore buoys for superyachts up to 180m.

Additionally, the island will include over 400 ultra-premium hotel rooms and 300 top-end suites, a beach club, a glamorous yacht club, and 38 unique culinary offerings.

Unveiling the big Saudi plans, Marriott said the multi-deal agreement includes Saudi Arabias first Autograph Collection Hotels property, as well as two Luxury Collection properties.

Autograph Collection Hotels are a product of passion inspired by a clear vision, soul, and story that makes it individual and special, it stated.

Expected to open in 2024, the Autograph Collection property in Sindalah will offer a choice of 66 rooms and suites, including one- and two-bedroom villas, multiple dining options, a kids club, and a spa.

The Luxury Collection aims to offer global travellers a gateway to the world's most captivating destinations. It is expected to open two properties in the highly anticipated island destination, featuring transformational experiences and destination-rooted authenticity.

Slated to open in 2024, a beach resort will offer a mix of 70 luxury rooms and suites, including one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom villas all featuring private pools, said Marrriott in its statement.

The second project, projected to open in 2024, is expected to be an all-suite property offering 115 one-, two- and three-bedroom luxury suites, and will be situated in the heart of the retail and marina district of Sindalah.

Both Luxury Collection properties are set to showcase multiple culinary experiences and leisure facilities, it added.

Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International, said: "Neom is one of the most highly-anticipated developments in the world and we look forward to working with its team to develop these three exciting properties."

"The Luxury Collection and Autograph Collection Hotels properties will express their own unique personality inspired by the exceptional natural landscapes of Neom. We continue to see growth opportunities for our brand portfolio within the destination and Saudi Arabia overall," he added.

The first destination in the Saudi futuristic city to start welcoming guests, Sindalah is expected to open its doors to guests from early next year. The three projects are expected to the first hotels to open on the island.

"Marriott International offers one of the most compelling portfolios in the entire industry and enjoys a stellar reputation in the region," remarked Chris Newman, the Executive Director, Hotel Development at Neom, the division responsible for building a future-centric hospitality ecosystem in the region.

"We are thrilled by the prospect of working together and look forward to building a hospitality experience that captures the spirit of Sindalahs year-long appeal, while creating unforgettable memories for our guests," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
An 8-year-old girl missing and endangered from Texas may be in Colorado, according to authorities.

Haven Barker, 8, was last seen around 8 a.m. Tuesday in San Jacinto County, Texas, according to a Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) alert.

Barker is described as a white female, four-feet, five-inches tall, 60 pounds with blonde hair and brown eyes.

The suspect, Charles Estep, 50, is described as five-feet, eight-inches tall, 165 pounds and American Indian with brown hair and blue eyes.

Estep and Barker may be in a black 2015 Honda Accord with Texas license plate PYS4575.

CBI has reason to believe Barker and Estep are in Colorado, according to the alert.

Anyone who sees them is asked to call 911 or the Trinity County Sheriff's Office at 936-642-1424 .
Colorado Springs residents are getting the chance to help name the new senior center.

The city on Wednesday launched an online survey where residents can cast their vote between four possible names for the new facility, which will be getting a new home as the city prepares to replace the approximately 50-year-old building on North Hancock Avenue.

"Many communities have renamed their senior centers to more accurately reflect the current lifestyle of residents in this age demographic, as well as the programmatic offerings," Ryan Trujillo, the city's deputy chief of staff, said in a news release.

Through March 24, residents can cast their votes online at the project webpage at coloradosprings.gov/SeniorCenterRenovation. Click on the red "Take the Survey" link on the left-hand side. The project team will consider public feedback before determining a final name, the release said.

Residents can choose between four name options: Colorado Springs Senior Center, Center for Active Seniors, The Encore or The Hub at Hancock. Residents may also write in suggested names for the new building.

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The city is using $8 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to build the new facility officials say will be safer, bigger and more accommodating to visitors.

Officials expect construction on the new senior center to begin in August. It will be built at the corner of North Hancock Avenue and East Caramillo Street, east of the existing building that will be demolished. Construction could last 18 to 24 months, according to the project webpage.

The YMCA operates the center, offering exercise and health classes, art classes, social clubs and continuing education for seniors. The YMCA is finalizing a plan to continue offering these services at alternate locations until the new senior center opens, the project website states.
Al Ghurair Investment, one of the largest diversified family business groups in the UAE, has announced the successful completion of its first Executive and Advanced Leadership Development Programmes.

The programmes, launched by the groups People and Culture (P&C) division 18 months ago in a drive for enhanced Learning and Development (L&D) opportunities, mark a critical milestone in Al Ghurair Investments ongoing group-wide cultural transformation journey, cementing its status as a recognised Top Employer.

The Executive Leadership Development Programme (ELP), conducted in collaboration with the IE Business School of Madrid, marked its completion with the graduation of the first cohort - comprising 26 candidates - in a ceremony held on March 8th. The ELP, a structured leadership development programme and tailored learning experience, focused on senior executives, offering candidates ample opportunities to interact with industry experts and engage in a variety of guided, group and individual learning activities.

Key areas

The programme covered key areas including Purpose-led Strategy, Leadership, Innovation, Change and Customer Centricity, in addition to other key topics aimed at creating Fit for Future leaders, which were then applied to a business-related capstone project.

Debra Teles, Chief People & Culture Officer, Al Ghurair Investment, said: We are delighted to have partnered with IE Business School of Madrid to develop this exclusive programme for our executive community at Al Ghurair, and I am so proud of our graduates who have piloted and completed our first Executive Leadership Programme.

We truly believe that investment in learning is critical to our transformation journey, as we equip our leadership community with the skills and tools to drive it and to cultivate change. By empowering our people to fulfil their potential, and realise their professional aspirations, we foster wellbeing and build a healthier, more motivated and success-driven organisation  aligning with our accredited Top employer status.

Investing in talent

Stephen Adamson, Director of Programmes ELP, said: The Executive Leadership Development Programme is an excellent example of what can be achieved when a business invests in its talent. Simultaneously we can improve engagement of key employees, improve their skillsets in areas fundamental to the future of the business, and help them make a positive impact on the business and, as a result, on the UAE. We are delighted to see the success of this collaboration with Al Ghurair Investment and look forward to welcoming a second cohort.

In addition to the ELP, Al Ghurair Investment had also launched the Advanced Leadership Development Programme (ALP), a structured leadership programme designed for Fit For Future Leaders, focused on first line managers. The ALP, offering a similar structure to the ELP, witnessed the graduation of 15 candidates, bringing them closer to their career goals.

John Iossifidis, GCEO, Al Ghurair, remarked: Over the last two and a half years, Al Ghurair has embarked on an ambitious, Group-wide journey, building the next chapter of Al Ghurair  and our people are at the heart of that journey. This dual graduation ceremony marks a significant day for our business, as we celebrate the achievements of our talented people who have demonstrated a thirst for learning, a commitment to our Purpose, vision and values, and who have showcased how they  themselves  are focused on the pursuit of better, through learning and development!-- TradeArabia News Service
They are at it again. Our offender-friendly General Assembly is poised to take another step toward further decriminalization by prohibiting law enforcement from arresting lawbreakers, including repeat offenders, for numerous crimes.

Rep. Jennifer Bacons House Bill 1169 bizarrely declares that nonprosecution of low-level offenses has been shown to reduce reoffending. Re-read that. She is not just talking about eliminating arrests for jailable offenses; Bacon believes nonprosecution will actually lead offenders to stop offending. Bacon goes on to propose that law enforcement should not be used for low-level offenses driven by poverty or mental health or substance-use disorders.

The lobbyist for criminal defense attorneys declared  without data or facts  that police arrest mentally unwell people and put them in jail, causing them to often plead guilty to something they may not have even done, or that is overcharged. Unsubstantiated nonsense. Such folks are not left to navigate the criminal justice system alone; they receive the expertise and advice of an experienced and aggressive public defender from their first appearance.

To truly appreciate the nature of the many crimes Bacon wants to see go unarrested and unprosecuted, we should explore which scenarios she wants to see addressed with a simple invitation to court.

Imagine prostitutes publicly working their trade and being openly solicited on a main street in your neighborhood. Under Bacons prostitutes-over-the public bill, the police could do little more than provide a ticket (and maybe a condom) to the transactional couple on their way to the alley or into a car. The police would have no authority to use force to stop or prevent the crime. Just a ticket book.

You and your family go a local park to enjoy the nice weather, when you are greeted by a couple having intercourse within view of your kids. Call the police, but do not expect them to do more than affix a summons to a bare backside with nontoxic tape. That is all. In fact, the amorous pair (maybe its a prostitute and her John) could get right back to action after signing the promise to appear.

If the copulating couple suspects it was you who called the police on them, they might want to shock and annoy your kids by exposing their genitals to them. Again, Bacon says no arrest can occur there, just a ticket  maybe one shaped like a fig leaf.

Burning or damaging your property, as long as its under $300, is also worth only an invitation to court by a flammable summons.

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Fighting in public, peace-destroying loud and continuous noise, offensive language and gestures hurled at you and your children  none of them can be stopped by police through an arrest, no matter how many times repeated. Just a ticket.

For hotel, condominium, and apartment building residents, the police will be stripped of the ability to arrest trespassers, no matter how many times they are asked to leave the lobby or common areas, or how many tickets they are given. Its time to be a good neighbor and learn the trespassers names.

The low-level crimes of possessing of a forged instrument, check fraud, lying to a pawn broker, and using a stolen credit card  each designed to prevent and detect larger property crimes  would be met with the aggressive handing of a piece of paper (presumably not forged) that looks like a ticket. The officer might even sternly admonish the criminal keep it up and you will get a fist full of tickets! And nobody wants that.

One of the more inexplicable provisions, involves preventing an officer from arresting someone who escapes from an arrest. That officer, when they catch the criminal escapee, would have to write them a summons. For escaping the prior arrest.

Add in that arrests for Bacon-described low-level offenses have revealed the existence of countless outstanding warrants for significant high level offenses, and have even led to the solving of significant crimes, and you get a bonkers policy that is designed to protect offenders from accountability, not the public from victimization.

One question. A fill-in-the-blank type question for Rep. Bacon: this law will make Colorado safer and a better place for businesses and families, because ______________.

I could not come up with anything either.

George Brauchler is the former district attorney for the 18th Judicial District. He also is president of the Advance Colorado Academy, which identifies, trains and connects conservative leaders in Colorado. He hosts The George Brauchler Show on 710KNUS Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Follow him on Twitter: @GeorgeBrauchler.
Jenna Ellis, the Colorado attorney who tried to challenge Donald Trump's 2020 election loss as a member of the former president's legal team, has been formally censured by the state's courts for repeatedly making false statements, including claiming that the election was stolen from Trump.

As part of the disciplinary action, Ellis agreed that she made numerous "misrepresentations" in appearances on national television shows and on Twitter in the months following Trump's loss to Democrat Joe Biden

Presiding Disciplinary Judge Bryon M. Large approved the reprimand on Wednesday by agreeing with a stipulation reached between Ellis and the state Office of Attorney Regulatory Counsel, which recommended a public censure.

In his opinion, Large said Ellis' repeated false claims "undermined the American publics confidence in the presidential election, violating her duty of candor to the public." He noted that Ellis agreed she had a "selfish motive" and "engaged in a pattern of misconduct," adding that her lack of prior disciplinary action mitigated the transgression.

He observed that there had never been a disciplinary case in Colorado featuring misconduct resembling what Ellis did.

The agreement listed 10 occasions when Ellis misrepresented the facts, including on MSNBC, Fox News, Fox Business and Newsmax.

Among the false statements was one made during an appearance on Nov. 20, 2020, on former White House press secretary Sean Spicer's "Spicer & Co." show. Referring to five battleground states where the Trump campaign alleged election malfeasance  Nevada, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Georgia  Ellis said, "We know that the election was stolen from President Trump and we can prove that."

A day later, she tweeted that Trump's legal team "will present testimonial and other evidence IN COURT to show that this election was STOLEN!"

On Nov. 23, 2020, Ellis falsely asserted during an appearance on MSNBC's "The Ari Melber Show," The election was stolen and Trump won by a landslide.

In late December 2020, Ellis tweeted that she'd discussed her claim that "the overwhelming evidence proving this was stolen" with Denver-based radio host Dan Caplis.

Ellis acknowledged in the agreement released on Wednesday that she violated a professional rule that prohibits attorneys from making "reckless, knowing, or intentional misrepresentations." Large wrote in his opinion that she did so "with a mental state that was 'at least reckless,'" describing a legal standard for assessing disciplinary options.

A longtime luminary in Colorado's conservative political circles, Ellis shot to national prominence as part of the team of Trump's lawyers and legal advisers who attempted to overturn the results of the 2020 election, including by filing dozens of failed lawsuits alleging election fraud.

Ellis taught classes for several years at Lakewood-based Colorado Christian University and is a fellow in constitutional law and policy at the school's Centennial Institute.

In July 2021, Ellis declared she was no longer a Republican after arguing on social media with Republican National Committee chair Ronna McDaniel over whether the GOP had enthusiastically enough supported Trump's claims of a stolen election.

The nonpartisan group that filed an ethics complaint against Ellis last year, initiating the disciplinary action, applauded the outcome.

Jenna Ellis repeatedly went on television and on Twitter to promote the reckless lie that the 2020 election was stolen," Aaron Scherzer, senior counsel at the States United Democracy Center, said in a statement. "As counsel to former President Trump and the Trump campaign, she abused her law license as part of an attempt to overturn the will of the American people  a plot that ultimately led to a violent insurrection."

He added: "Her lies did lasting damage, and her name will forever be linked to this assault on our democracy."

Scherzer called the public censure "an important step forward for accountability" and urged courts in other states to take similar action against other attorneys involved in the attempt to reverse the election results.

"The public censure in this matter reinforces that even if engaged in political speech, there is a line attorneys cannot cross, particularly when they are speaking in a representative capacity," the Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel, which investigates complaints against Colorado lawyers, said in a statement.

The statement added that the office isn't pursuing any other charges against Ellis.

Neither Ellis nor the attorney who represented her in the disciplinary proceeding responded to requests for comment.
A bill seeking to cap the price of epinephrine auto-injectors in Colorado took a big step forward Wednesday, receiving approval from the state House of Representatives.

If passed into law, House Bill 1002 would require insurance companies to cap out-of-pocket costs at $60 for a two-pack of auto-injectors, better known as the trademark EpiPen  which counter the effects of a severe allergic reaction.

The bill would also create the Epinephrine Auto-injector Affordability Program for uninsured Coloradans to get EpiPens at low costs.

No Coloradan should have to choose between life-saving medication and putting a roof over their head, said bill sponsor Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. "This is a life-saving drug that Colorado families need and Colorado children need to live. ... The costs have gotten out of hand."

Though EpiPens cost around $8 to manufacture, a two-pack of name-brand EpiPens costs $690 without insurance, bill sponsors say  thats up from around $90 in 2006. EpiPens also expire after 12 months, meaning they need to be re-prescribed and repurchased annually.

The program created by the bill would allow uninsured Coloradans to apply for low-cost EpiPens online through the Colorado Division of Insurance. EpiPen manufacturers would be required to make the EpiPens available to individuals through the program, with a penalty of up to $10,000 per month and engaging in a deceptive trade practice if they refuse to participate.

In Colorado, there are nearly 566,000 people with life-threatening food allergies. More than 101,000 of them are minors.

During a committee hearing on the bill, Colorado families reported spending up to $4,800 on EpiPens annually, requiring multiple EpiPens to be kept at home, in the car and at their child's school, among other places. Even when buying cheaper, generic epinephrin injectors, families said they still pay around $170 per pack, plus face constant shortages and early expirations of the injectors.

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The current prices for an EpiPen two-pack are inaccessible for hardworking Coloradans, requiring nursing assistants, child care workers, and cashiers to work over 40 hours to pay for their life-saving medication, said bill sponsor Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora.

The House voted 47-15 in support of the bill on Wednesday, advancing it to the Senate for further consideration.

All Democrats voted in support of the bill and all but four Republicans voted against it. Republican Reps. Lisa Frizell of Castle Rock, Richard Holtorf of Akron, Rick Taggart of Grand Junction and Ron Weinberg of Loveland joined their Democratic colleagues in voting "yes" on the bill.

While no lawmakers explained their opposition to the bill during the House debate, some organizations raised concerns during the committee hearing that the bill would cause health insurance costs to increase for all Coloradans.

Every year there are numerous bills to incrementally increase the cost of insurance to protect a particular slice of the population, said Patrick Boyle with the Colorado Competitive Council. While none of these separately grossly increase the cost of insurance, over the course of 20 years, we have watched as each mandate and protection has been put in place, the cost of insurance is growing.

Mabrey said the bill was modeled after the states program capping copays for insulin, arguing that since the legislature approved the insulin cap in 2019, there has been absolutely no evidence that it resulted in higher insurance premiums.

The bill will next be sent to the Senate in the coming weeks for another vote. If passed, it will need final approval from the governor before taking effect on Jan. 1, 2024.
The Colorado Supreme Court on Monday agreed to review three appeals that implicate the state's drunk driving laws and the legal obligation of universities to conduct fair investigations into alleged sexual misconduct.

At least three of the court's seven members must consent to review a case.

One appeal raises yet another angle in the long-running fallout from the Supreme Court's recent reinterpretation of Colorado's 2015 felony drunk driving law, while another examines what constitutes a driver's "refusal" to take a chemical test if police suspect they are intoxicated.

The justices also showed interest in an ongoing parental rights case out of Douglas County, in which the father alleges his ex-wife is weaponizing a judge's order against him to halt all visitations with his children.

Felony DUI law continued

In 2020, the Supreme Court ruled that the state's law for felony driving under the influence, enacted five years prior, operated differently from how judges were applying it. Typically, a jury would find a defendant guilty of the charged DUI offense, which is ordinarily a misdemeanor, and a judge would later determine if the defendant had at least three prior DUIs. If the answer was yes, the misdemeanor conviction would become a felony.

That decision, Linnebur v. People, meant juries now have to decide both questions. But Linnebur triggered many other legal conundrums for the Supreme Court to deal with, and there is now another one for the justices to consider that has implications broader than the DUI law.

Specifically, if a defendant is convicted under one understanding of the law, but the law changes while the appeal is pending, what happens then?

When the defense does not raise an objection at trial, the appellate courts review the alleged error by asking if it was plain, or obvious. Plain error is normally a difficult standard for defendants to meet. The U.S. Supreme Court, however, has recognized that defendants will not object when the law appears settled, so an unobjected-to error can be treated as plain on appeal if there is a change in law.

A Boulder County jury convicted Charles James Crabtree of DUI in 2019 and a judge elevated it to a felony after finding Crabtree had prior offenses. Then the state Supreme Court decided Linnebur. Consequently, a three-judge panel for the Court of Appeals reversed Crabtree's felony conviction, agreeing the error of not submitting the prior offenses to the jury was plain at the time of appeal.

"(T)he procedure employed in Crabtrees trial is clearly contrary to the law," wrote Judge Terry Fox last June.

The Colorado Attorney General's Office appealed, arguing for the state Supreme Court to reject the time-of-appeal standard, and only look at whether an unobjected-to legal error is obvious at the time of the trial. Crabtree, who represented himself in front of the jury, also challenged the appellate panel's conclusion that he validly gave up his right to an attorney. The panel had observed Crabtree's "nonsensical" statements appeared to stem from his belief in the anti-government "sovereign citizen" movement, rather than incompetence.

The Supreme Court agreed to review the issues raised by the government and declined to look at Crabtree's self-representation.

The case is People v. Crabtree.

Refusal to test for alcohol

Colorado has an "expressed consent" law, in which motorists have automatically consented to taking a blood or breath test if an officer has probable cause to suspect them of impaired driving. If drivers refuse a test, the refusal can be used against them at trial and is grounds for revoking their driver license.

Glen Gary Montoya rear-ended a vehicle in Arapahoe County and the responding officer believed him to be drunk. After hearing about the expressed consent law, Montoya agreed to take a blood test for his alcohol level.

At the detox facility, Montoya wavered about whether to take the test, before saying, "I don't think I'm gonna do it." Approximately 90 minutes after the accident, the officer recorded Montoya on his body-worn camera saying he refused the blood test, and that was what Montoya's jury saw. Jurors convicted him of felony DUI.

What they did not know, however, was that Montoya changed his mind again shortly after the refusal, and within the two-hour testing window established in the law. But the trial judge refused to allow jurors to hear that statement, believing it was self-serving and would confuse the jury.

The Court of Appeals reversed Montoya's DUI conviction. The panel synthesized multiple elements of the expressed consent law to conclude that drivers are not allowed to change what type of test they choose, but changing their mind on whether to cooperate is still possible. Looking to cases that dealt with driver license revocations, the panel determined a refusal to take a test within the two-hour window depends on whether the test can still be administered in time.

The panel also deemed it wrong to shield the jury from Montoya's final statement indicating he would cooperate after all.

"Redacting the video allowed the prosecution to stop it at the refusal," wrote Judge Sueanna P. Johnson, "and relieved it of its responsibility to present evidence as to why Montoya's later change of mind still nonetheless constituted refusal."

The Supreme Court will review both conclusions from the Court of Appeals.

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The case is People v. Montoya.

University investigations of sexual misconduct

Under the federal law known as Title IX, educational programs may not exclude or discriminate against anyone on the basis of sex. Although the protections apply to college students, largely female, who are victims of sexual misconduct, increasingly students who have been found liable for misconduct, mostly male, are challenging the fairness of those investigations.

The University of Denver expelled "John Doe" after concluding he engaged in nonconsensual sex with female student "Jane Roe" in violation of campus policy. Doe sued, alleging several deficiencies in the university's handling of the case, such as interviewing 11 of the victim's witnesses but only one of Doe's.

Doe first received a favorable ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit, which in 2021 reinstated his lawsuit after finding the combination of Doe's allegations plus data suggesting disparate treatment of male students combined to form a viable claim. Then last year, the state Court of Appeals gave Doe another victory in his related lawsuit.

The appellate court decided DU's promise of a "thorough, impartial and fair" investigation was concrete enough to be subject to a breach of contract claim that a jury or judge would decide. Also, it concluded DU owed Doe a duty to adopt fair investigative procedures.

"A mere allegation of sexual misconduct can be devastating to the accused," wrote then-Judge Michael H. Berger. "We acknowledge that the purpose of the investigation can also be for the benefit of either DU or Jane (or both). But the burden and detriment of an unfair investigation and adjudication is borne almost entirely by John."

The university appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing the Court of Appeals had placed schools in a place of uncertainty about their obligations under student handbooks and other codes of conduct. Attorney General Phil Weiser also filed a supportive brief on behalf of the state arguing the Court of Appeals was wrong.

Policies that promise fair investigations of complaints "are not part of the educational contract between institutions of higher education and students," wrote Senior Assistant Attorney General Skip Spear.

The Supreme Court will decide whether sexual misconduct policies required under Title IX are contracts whose terms are enforceable, and whether universities have a duty to adopt fair processes for investigating sexual misconduct allegations.

The case is University of Denver v. Doe.

Shut out of parenting time

Finally, the Supreme Court expressed interest in a parenting dispute out of Douglas County, in which a father reportedly cannot see his children due to a quirk of his 2018 divorce.

Jason Strong and his wife divorced in Adams County and the orders governing Strong's visitation with his children included a list of conditions, including sobriety monitoring at his expense and mental health treatment. However, years later, when the case moved to Douglas County, Strong complained his ex-wife was using the conditions to prevent him from being with his children at all.

"It has reached a point where Father will never earn parenting time without the Court's intervention," Strong's attorneys wrote in April 2021.

Last year, Magistrate Jacob A. Edson held a hearing and found Strong's ex-wife had not violated the divorce orders by withholding visitation from Strong. However, he acknowledged the "crux" of the case was an upcoming hearing on Strong's request to modify his parenting time to regain his ability to visit.

After postponing the hearing so Strong's ex-wife could obtain an attorney, Edson issued an order on Feb. 16, the new date for Strong's hearing, canceling the proceedings and ordering further mediation.

Strong then appealed directly to the Supreme Court. He argued the "self-executing restrictions" in the original divorce orders have now indefinitely kept him from visiting with his children, despite his efforts to comply.

"These types of orders should be held void by this Court because of the cascade of due process, constitutional, and public policy problems they create," wrote Strong's lawyers.

They added that Strong was challenging the ability of divorce orders to automatically restrict parenting time without the other spouse requesting such restrictions or a judge finding the children are endangered.

The Supreme Court has ordered the government and Strong's ex-wife to respond to his petition.

The case is In Re the Marriage of Webb-Galarza and Strong.
Emirates Health Services (EHS) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Dubai Pharmacy College for Girls to upskill students and EHS technical staff and support joint efforts in lifelong medical education programmes.

The MoU aims to facilitate the exchange of scientific expertise between the two entities to support and develop scientific research, promote innovation, advance the education of employees in all pharmaceutical specialisations, and provide training opportunities for female students. Other objectives include strengthening relations, building capacities, and raising the efficiency of EHS employees in the pharmaceutical sector.

The agreement was signed by Dr Abdullah Al-Naqbi, Acting Executive Director of the Supportive Health Services Sector at EHS, and Prof Dr Saeed Ahmed Khan, Dean of the Dubai Pharmacy College for Girls, with officials from both sides attending.

Strategic goals

Al-Naqbi stressed the importance of cooperation between EHS and the College to promote medical education, reflecting EHS' growing commitment to strengthening collaboration with various scientific institutions across the UAE, achieving common strategic goals, and providing top training services and professional development opportunities for employees.

The new partnership also sets the stage for training a generation of academically and professionally empowered pharmacists capable of advancing innovation and scientific research and contributing effectively to developing professional programmes, Dr Al-Naqbi added.

As per the MoU, EHS will provide training opportunities for students from the Dubai Pharmacy College for Girls in its affiliated facilities, which contributes to achieving the two entities common goal to meet the highest scientific standards in training.

EHS has been expanding the scope of its strategic partnerships by signing a series of collaboration agreements and MoUs with health and scientific bodies and institutions at the local, regional, and international levels to facilitate the exchange of experiences and achieve its objectives to develop the healthcare sector.-- TradeArabia News Service
Ducab Metals Business (DMB), a key provider of both copper and aluminium solutions in the region, has signed an agreement with US-based leading manufacturer of efficient conductors CTC Global, enabling the organization to be the only manufacturer of CTC Globals high-capacity, energy-efficient ACCC Conductors in the UAE.

One of Ducab Groups major business units, DMB said the agreement enables it to be the only manufacturer of CTC Globals high-capacity, energy-efficient ACCC Conductors in the UAE using composite core imported from the US, in a bid to help expand the countrys power grid and enhance its efficiency, capacity, and reliability, all the while reducing greenhouse gas emission.

The application of these advanced conductors will accelerate the integration of renewable generation into the national power system.

The agreement was signed at a special ceremony today (March 9) at Middle East Energy, which was attended by Mohamed Al Ahmedi, CEO of DMB; Charles Mellagui, CEO of Ducab Cables Business and Steve Jackman, CTC Globals Senior Vice President for Mena region and Frank Joseph, Principal Commercial Officer at the US Consulate General in Dubai.

"DMB is guided by a vision to be a leading global provider of innovative and high-value energy solutions, with sustainability always at the core of all of our activities," stated Al Ahmedi.

"We are committed to the UAEs efforts to tackle climate change and reduce carbon emissions, and to that end, offer our full support to the Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, especially in the lead-up to COP28. The initiative calls for deeper carbon emissions cut, and implementing CTC Globals energy-efficient conductors on a large scale is a significant step towards achieving that objective," he noted.

"Furthermore, the agreement we have signed with CTC Global not only expands our network of partners, but also allows us to manufacture their cutting-edge products here in the UAE, in line with our ongoing commitment and support for the Make it in the Emirates initiative," he added.

On the deal, Jackman said: "For CTC Global, the Ducab unit is a trusted and reliable partner in the Middle East, and its industry leadership in the UAE will ensure the benefits of our high-performance conductors have the maximum reach possible."

"This partnership will accelerate the growth strategy of Ducab with high-efficiency and high-capacity ACCC Conductors. With the recognition by the UAE of the need of further electricity grid and water resource efficiency gains, we hope, with this partnership, to be able to contribute in some meaningful way towards their strategy as they deliver against their COP28 targets," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
DES MOINES  A proposed ban on gender-affirming care for minors in Iowa is on its way to Gov. Kim Reynolds desk.

Republican state lawmakers passed the ban and other LGBTQ bills over the past two days, putting them en route to Reynolds on Wednesday.

Reynolds office did not immediately respond when asked whether she plans to sign the bill into law once it reaches her.

Thousands of Iowans have publicly protested this bill and others that have been moving through the Legislature over the past week. Students at dozens of schools across the state walked out of classes, and hundreds attended two rallies at the Iowa Capitol this past week, on Sunday and again Wednesday.

If the bill is signed into law, it likely will be at least temporarily halted by a legal challenge. Similar bills in other states are being challenged in the courts, including in Arkansas, Alabama, Tennessee and Texas.

Republican legislators who proposed and advanced the ban on gender-affirming care say it is necessary to protect children from medical care and treatments when the science is not settled, even though all major medical groups in the U.S. say the treatments are safe and the vast majority of studies show that the care leads to better mental health outcomes.

Studies cited

During debate Wednesday, Rep. Steve Holt, R-Denison, who oversaw the bills movement in the Iowa House, pointed to studies in Europe, including one that says more study is needed on the long-term effects of gender-affirming care.

The study says there is some evidence individuals who have sex reassignment have considerably higher risks for mortality, suicidal behavior and psychiatric morbidity than the general population.

Our children deserve the time to grow into themselves, to find themselves, to go through phases without medical interventions that are unproven in their efficacy, Holt said. It is for these reasons that I believe we should wait on these life-altering procedures and therapies for children until they are adults.

During debate in the Senate on Tuesday, Sen. Jeff Edler, R-State Center, who oversaw the bills movement in that chamber, pointed to a study that he said illustrates his concern for the long-term impacts of hormonal treatment.

The 2018 study, which can be found on the American Academy of Pediatrics website, says the long-term side effects of hormonal treatment could include bone density loss and also says more research is needed on those long-term impacts. However, it also concludes the treatments benefit the patients and are generally safe.

Republican Rep. Jeff Shipley pointed to the guidance from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, which says the number of studies is still low, and there are few outcome studies that follow youth into adulthood.

Still, those guidelines recommend puberty blockers and hormone treatment in adolescents with gender dysphoria who meet certain conditions, and the organization vehemently opposes bills like the one passed by Iowa Republicans.

Rep. Austin Baeth, D-Des Moines, who is a physician, noted the preponderance of evidence continues to show that while the treatments sometimes come with side effects, that they are safe, and that studies and physicians that cast doubt on the treatments safety are outliers.

It takes lots of physicians  to come together, looking at all the studies, not cherry-picking them to support an agenda, Baeth said. But looking at the mountain of evidence, the preponderance of evidence, and deciding, what is the most likely answer to this question.

What the bill does

The bill would ban doctors in the state from providing puberty blockers, hormones and surgeries to minors under age 18 to treat gender dysphoria.

Doctors who violate the bill would be subject to discipline from a state licensing board, and individuals could bring lawsuits against doctors who perform gender-affirming care.

Minors who are receiving medical treatment now would have 180 days to discontinue that care.

Parental choice

Brian Lohse, R-Bondurant who was one of five House Republicans voting against the bill, said the bill runs counter to the parental choice mantra Republicans frequently champion.

The doctors who testified to lawmakers in February said puberty blockers  medications that stop the onset of puberty  are reversible, while the effects of hormone treatment are mostly reversible. Surgery, which generally means breast reduction, is not reversible.

Doctors also told lawmakers that gender-affirming care is a practice that occurs after months of careful evaluation from multiple doctors, and that parental consent is always involved.

Democrats said the bill is a rash reaction to concerns over the efficacy of the care, noting all major medical organizations in the U.S. support interventions for youth with persistent gender dysphoria. The American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychiatric Association all include gender-affirming care for youth in their guidelines.

Protest

As lawmakers deliberated the bills, a couple of hundred people gathered in the Capitols first-floor rotunda to protest the measures they said would harm LGBTQ youth and strip them of their rights.

Jo Allen, a photographer from Des Moines who is nonbinary, said it is difficult to live in Iowa given the legislation under consideration. A few speakers at the rally said they are considering leaving the state over the proposals.

Anti-trans bills have nothing to do about privacy but (are) focused on expelling trans folks from public life, Allen said. We are not going anywhere and, despite the bills that you put out against us, we will continue to be our most authentic, trans selves.

Just north of Iowa on Wednesday, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, signed an executive order that protects trans people, families and care providers from a range of legal repercussions for traveling to Minnesota for gender-affirming care, the Associated Press reported.

Walz announced his signing on social media, saying in the post, My message is clear: Here in Minnesota, our LGBTQ+ neighbors will not be denied or punished for seeking life-affirming and lifesaving medical care.

Other bills

The Senate late Tuesday also passed a bill that would prohibit transgender students from using school bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity.

Senate Republicans described the proposal as common sense and a way to ensure the privacy and safety of all Iowa students.

Data overwhelmingly shows that incidents of sexual assault in school bathrooms are rare, and that transgender individuals are far more likely to be victims of sexual assault than non-transgender people, including at schools with prescriptive bathroom policies.

House Republicans also passed a bill, largely along party lines, that bans instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation in kindergarten through sixth grade.

Republican Rep. Skyler Wheeler, the chair of the House Education Committee and the bills floor manager, said the bill prevents teaching about topics that he thinks should be left to parents, saying students should learn about classic school subjects and not social issues.

They do not go to school to learn about woke, radical gender ideology, he said. Put simply, parents should parent, and teachers should teach.

The legislation mirrors provisions in a more expansive bill proposed by Gov. Kim Reynolds, which also includes restrictions on library books and parental consent for children to transition their gender at school. It has drawn comparisons to Floridas so-called dont say gay law.

Democrats said the bill would bar teachers from answering questions from their students and teach about LGBTQ people.

If you cant talk about the real world and the real people in it, who sometimes happen to be from the LGBTQ+ community, then whats the use of being there? asked Rep. Ruth Ann Gaines of Des Moines, a former K-12 teacher and current community college professor. Teaching and learning involves more than books.
A Minnesota man faces up to 30 years in prison after allegedly forging or faking "several" checks at various Kwik Star locations, including the store located at 235 Eisenhower Ave. in Mason City.

According to court documents, 39-year-old Brendan Charles Johnson of Brownsdale, Minn., has been charged with ongoing criminal conduct - unlawful activity and forgery.

The affidavit states Johnson passed a forged or faked check to the Mason City Kwik Star location August 15. He was recently arrested in Freeborn County, Minn., and is now being held in the Cerro Gordo County Jail on $20,000 bond. No court date has been set as of Thursday morning.

Johnson was charged with forgery in Minnesota in 2018.

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
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has announced it will host the inaugural Lab-Grown Diamond (LGD) Symposium in Dubai on July 10, 2023.

The symposium is seen as a timely and world-first opportunity to benchmark this nascent technology-driven industrys unique challenges and remove barriers to growth.

DMCC will convene global leaders in the lab-grown and technology space, including industry, retailers, financial institutions, governmental stakeholders, growers and manufacturers in a bid to drive consensus and actions for the long-term success of the sector.

Value-add outcomes

In order to maximise value-add outcomes, the symposium will be structured to stimulate conversations around several core themes  namely financing and regulation, marketing, sustainability and reputation. Participants, rather than speakers, will set the pace and agenda of discussions which will ultimately aim to shape the future of industry.

Hosting the Lab-Grown Diamond Symposium in Dubai recognises the UAEs status as one of the worlds leading trade hubs and a magnet for both technology such as lab-grown diamonds as well as physical commodities like precious stones.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC, said: Since the arrival of farmed pearls from Japan in the 1930s, the UAE has recognised the potency, challenges and benefits of disruptive industries. Lab-grown represents a completely new and unique industry with its own set of opportunities, from jewellery to heat sinks and semiconductors. This symposium shows we are ahead of the curve in driving crucial industry conversation for lasting and positive outcomes not just in Dubai but at the global level.

Given its mandate to attract, promote and enable trade through Dubai, DMCC has established a comprehensive set of facilities and services for members and industry professionals to trade with confidence. Dubais geographical location places it at the centre of the commodities and services space. The Lab-Grown Diamond Symposium will further contribute to the UAEs position as a global trade hub and a world-leader within the technology and precious stones industry.-- TradeArabia News Service
A teenage driver was treated for possible injuries, but not transported to the hospital after rolling his vehicle into the ditch on Wednesday.

According to a release from the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff's Office, 17-year-old Levi Ward of Rockwell was driving a 2002 Pontiac Bonneville northbound on Pheasant Avenue around 3:30 p.m. when he lost control and traveled off the roadway and into the west ditch. The vehicle rolled and came to a stop on its top.

The release states that it was determined Ward was not wearing a safety belt at the time of the rollover, and the case remains under investigation.

Rockwell EMT and Fire, the Mason City Fire Department and the Iowa State Patrol all assisted at the scene.

North Iowa History: More police photos Statzer and Stephens with pig at old station. Scuba divers under ice 363 969 MPA 0308 MCPD training equipment.jpg Auto theft school Countyjailold.jpg Police 1912 Police use hand held radar Highway Patrol Office Map Monroe Kids visit police station police 1918 Jail break photo Old Arizona peace officer IHP VASCAR device New breath tester at P.D. Police use hand held radar.jpg Police car wreck Police car wreck New police radio Buchanan.jpg Buchanan Buchanantrouble.jpg Buchannan Buchannan Dillinger film JBuchannan motorcycles New Speed meter Police 1928 Wolfe and Risacher 2 boys in jail 2 boys at Sheriff's Office Alcohol seized near Kensett Boy Patrol Safe at Piggly-Wiggly broken into Fingerprinting school Drunk in alley Accident
According to the public prosecutor, the accused has been charged with [ #permalink

with siphoning off millions from the treasury, invented fictitious deals, and lied to his superiors

According to the public prosecutor, the accused has been charged(A) with siphoning off millions from the treasury, invented fictitious deals, and lied to his superiors(B) for having siphoned off millions from the treasury, invented fictitious deals, and lied to his superiors(C) for siphoning off millions from the treasury, inventing fictitious deals as well as lying to his superiors(D) with siphoning off millions from the treasury, for inventing fictitious deals, and for having lied to his superiors(E) with siphoning off millions from the treasury, inventing fictitious deals, and lying to his superiors_________________
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said nearly $65 million from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will be available for cleanup projects at three Superfund sites in Montana: the Upper Ten Mile Creek Mining Area in Lewis and Clark County; the Basin Mining Area, in Jefferson County and the Carpenter Snow Creek Mining District in Cascade County.

EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker on Tuesday said the announcement ensures these Superfund mining sites and watersheds will continue to receive funding to address long-standing contamination.

Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is delivering much-needed resources to improve the environment, public health, and quality of life in Montana communities, Becker said in a news release.

The infrastructure law, signed in 2021 by President Joe Biden, provided a "historic investment" of $3.5 billion for Superfund cleanup work. The investment is enabling EPA to increase funding for and accelerate essential work needed to prepare sites across the state for construction and ensure that communities are meaningfully involved in the cleanup process.

U.S. Sen. Jon Tester said Montanans shouldnt have to worry about whether their communities are clean, safe places to live and work.

Its past time we get these cleanups done, and make the affected communities in Jefferson, Cascade, and Lewis and Clark counties whole. Im proud to have secured this funding through my Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and am working closely with EPA to ensure these dollars get where they need to go as soon as possible.

DEQ Director Chris Dorrington said his agency is committed to championing a healthy environment and the funding would help make significant progress at the three sites.

The EPA is finalizing cleanup plans and preparing funding mechanisms to get construction work started as soon as possible.
Day 45 of the 68th Legislative session marked the transmittal deadline. This occurred on Friday, March 3, and concluded the opportunity for general bills to transmit to the second chamber.

At the end of the deadline, over 800 bills have cleared at least one of the two chambers  nearly 500 from the House and over 300 from the Senate.

This is my first session representing Senate District 40, which according to the 2020 Census, is comprised of nearly 22,600 people. This is roughly double my previous constituency as the representative for HD 80. The number of e-mails, telephone messages and letters reflect that my neighbors are very much engaged in their government. Its challenging to respond to all these queries, and Im giving it my utmost attention, while engaging in committee hearings, Senate Floor discussions and debates, and introducing bills on behalf of all of us.

Of Montanas 1.1 million population, almost 20% are over 65 years of age. During the last handful of months were reading in the news that a number of assisted-living and nursing home facilities are shuttering their doors. With the closure of these facilities and the stories about what residents and their families experienced in the aftermath of the closures, we are left to conclude that our most vulnerable elderly citizens are now among the most invisible Montanans. Some families have the resources and support to keep their loved ones at home, but fewer and fewer are equipped with home environments and resources to do so. Many Montanans need more specialized, intensified and professional services.

Thats why Ive introduced SB 296, creating the Senior Care Facility Access and Stabilization Act. This bill proposes to revise funding laws related to skilled nursing and assisted-living facilities to actually meet realistic provider rates (as presented in a late 2022 study); to establish procedures for calculating room and board for assisted-living residents; and to require money already appropriated in HB 2 for nursing home services to be used only for those purposes.

Our state needs to affirm the importance of providing our most vulnerable older Montanans with quality residential long-term care services that are close to home, family and friends. These people have served their communities been our teachers; our soldiers; our ranchers and farmers; our moms and dads; our loved ones. This should rank as a high priority for our states services for these citizens whove contributed so much. SB 296 aims to put in place some basic standards about how we create an environment in which we can have a stable provider community and assure access to services for those who need them.

A related House Bill, HB 649, would implement boosted rates for senior care facilities as determined by the 2022 rate study. Based on that studys conclusions, HB 649s fiscal note utilizes an average daily rate among all facilities of $349.56 for 2024. However, HB 2, the overall general appropriation legislation each biennium, is in progress and proposes much lower rate projections than the study shows necessary.

As the second half of the Session progress, I will continue to keep you updated on developments at the Capitol.

Of the bills Ive sponsored, SB 103 will revise airport courtesy car insurance requirements, which particularly impacts our smaller, rural airports. Senate Bill 121 reduces the top marginal income tax rate and increases the Montana Earned Income Tax Credit, and is set to be signed by the governor. SB 132, Revising Ag Education Laws, will update the funding distribution to advance agricultural education in high school programs, and has been transmitted to the House. SB 159, an act to remove authority by counties to exercise eminent domain for public recreational or cultural purposes and by the Land Board to designate natural areas has also passed to the House.

My overall goal remains: minimizing governments overarching footprint and taxation burdens, while promoting the success of Montanas education, our economy, and our rule of law. I continue to work for the improvement and preservation of our Montana way of life.

It is my honor and privilege to serve the voters of SD 40 and our state. You can easily follow the day-to-day status of bills by going to the Montana Legislative website, leg.mt.gov  click on Look Up Bills. As always, please feel free to contact me at becky.beard@legmt.gov Thank you.
DECATUR  Blankets and afghans can bring warmth in various ways.

Through Pieces of Love, a group of knitters working with Dove Inc. knit or crochet 49-by-56-inch afghans to be donated to others in the community.

Each lady puts a bit of herself into making these afghans, Wyllene Griffy, Pieces of Love member, read from the tag attached to each blanket. So dont ever feel you are totally alone. You are surrounded by the love of many.

Groups throughout the community contribute to the colorful coverings. They may come from a church or a nursing home, Griffy said.

Approximately 20 knitters or crocheters are members of Pieces of Love.

Not all members attend knitting meetings, which are held the second Wednesday every other month. They just bring the (knitted squares) in and maybe take some yarn, Griffy said.

The knitted blocks are made up of 7-by-9-inch pieces. Members organize the blocks into a pattern kit, and other members sew the kits together to complete the project.

And 36 people could have donated yarn, Griffy said. There could be a lot of hands in one afghan.

Pieces of Love is often in need of yarn and volunteers. And well give anybody yarn that wants to make the pieces, Griffy said.

Approximately 350 Pieces of Love afghans were distributed last year. Organizations receiving the blankets include homeless shelters and cancer and dialysis facilities. And the red, white and blue ones go to Danville, said Mary Ann Heinz. Because its a veterans hospital.

The women have their own way of organizing the afghans, they said, creating one-of-a-kind blankets. Everybody sees it a little differently, said member Nancy Conway.

Pieces of Love To donate yarn or learn more about Pieces of Love, call 217-422-8417 or 217-428-1902.

Photos: Presidential visits to the Decatur area Abraham Lincoln - 1830s and beyond Ulysses Grant - 1880 Rutherford B. Hayes - 1880 William McKinley - 1898 Teddy Roosevelt - 1903 William Howard Taft - 1911 Franklin D. Roosevelt -1920 Herbert Hoover - 1931 Harry S Truman - 1939 Harry S Truman - 1948 Harry S Truman - 1948 Harry S Truman - 1952 John Kennedy - 1959 Richard Nixon - 1961 Jimmy Carter - 1975 Gerald Ford - 1976 Ronald Reagan - 1984 Barack Obama - 1990s and beyond
Paymob, the leading financial services enabler in the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan (MenaP) and Shahid, the worlds leading Arabic streaming platform by MBC Group, have announced the signing of a new partnership agreement.

The partnership enables Shahid customers in Egypt to pay for their subscriptions via electronic wallets processed via Paymobs infrastructure. This landmark agreement marks an industry-first in Egypt.

With this partnership, Shahid  which previously only accepted credit card payments in Egypt  becomes the first and only subscription video on demand (SVOD) service in the market to offer its subscribers e-wallet payment options. This API integration will enable Shahid subscribers to pay subscription fees securely with any local e-wallet. With an estimated 25 million e-wallet users in Egypt, the partnership with Paymob will expand Shahids potential customer base significantly.

Key milestone

Gillan Shaaban, Chief Commercial Officer at Paymob, commented: We are proud to be the first payments gateway to power e-wallet payments for VOD subscriptions in Egypt. Our technology enables Shahid to lead the way in the industry, making SVOD more accessible to millions of people by expanding digital payments acceptance methods. This is a great milestone, and we are thrilled that Shahid trusted Paymob to bring it to fruition.

In Egypt, Paymob processes 87% of e-wallet transaction volumes and enables millions of e-wallet users on its infrastructure railways. Paymob is committed to serving as a trusted growth partner to businesses across MenaP by making the best-in-class technologies readily available to the 170,000 businesses in its growing network.

Natasha Matos-Hemingway, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer (CCMO) at Shahid, added: This latest agreement is a testament to our commitment to providing innovative and accessible payment solutions to our customers, and with Paymobs expertise, we are confident that this partnership will enable us to provide more convenient and secure subscription options for Shahid.-- TradeArabia News Service
DECATUR  Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. on Wednesday announced plans to donate a total of $700,000 to 27 Decatur-area schools and nonprofit organizations.

The donations are provided via ADM Cares, the companys corporate social investment program.

We are thrilled to contribute to and support a wide variety of organizations in the Decatur community, said ADM Chairman and CEO Juan Luciano in a news release. Through ADM Cares, we focus on food security, health and well-being, and sustainability, and each of our partners addresses at least one of these pillars to enrich the quality of life in the community.

The companys 2023 donations are similar to donations made in previous years, an ADM spokesperson told the Herald & Review. Since 2015, the company has donated approximately $6.2 million to Decatur-area organizations through ADM Cares.

According to a statement from the company, Habitat for Humanity is the only new recipient this year. All other recipients have received previous donations through ADM Cares.

Luciano said ADM has plans to expand its volunteer efforts, primarily through its housing revitalization partnership with Habitat for Humanity.

Other ADM community volunteer efforts planned for 2023 include supporting food pantry activities at Northeast Community Fund, establishing a food pantry at Decatur Public School Districts Hope Academy, hosting a community cleanup event with the Beautify Decatur Coalition and collaborating with Feed My Starving Children for a mobile pack event.

Decatur is home to more than 4,000 of ADMs 40,000 global colleagues, and we want to do our part to help ensure a strong and vibrant community long into the future, Luciano said.

The organizations and programs receiving ADM Cares grants are:

Argenta-Oreana School District

Beautify Decatur

Decatur Block by Block

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Boys & Girls Club of Decatur

Catholic Charities

Central A&M School District

Cerro Gordo School District

Decatur Family YMCA

Decatur Parks Foundation

Decatur Public Schools Foundation

Feed My Starving Children

Decatur Habitat for Humanity

Good Samaritan Inn

Illinois Trucking Foundation

Macon County Farm Bureau Foundation

Maroa-Forsyth School District

Meridian Community Unit School District

Millikin University

Mt. Zion School District

Northeast Community Fund

Okaw Valley School District

Richland Community College Foundation

Salvation Army

Sangamon Valley School

United Way

Warrensburg-Latham School District
DECATUR  The Hagen Scholarship, named in memory of MacArthur High School graduate Douglas Hagen, provides $500 for a graduating MacArthur senior who will attend a college or university.

The recipient must have been a participant in student leadership. Preference is given to a student who has a connection to military service, such as a family member who served or the student's participation in ROTC or the Reserves.

To apply, call 217-791-1385 or email aynproductions@yahoo.com for application information. The scholarship will be announced during Historic Preservation Week (May 20-26).

Donations are still being accepted for the scholarship fund. All donations are tax-deductible. Donations by check may be made out to "DPS 61 Foundation" with "Hagen Fund" in the memo and mailed to DPS Foundation Attn: Hagen Fund 101 W. Cerro Gordo, Decatur, IL 62523 or made online at www.schoolpay.com/pay/for/Doug-Hagen-Memorial/SdZwuF?mip=Mdy7

Hagen served in Vietnam and was killed in the line of duty in 1971 when his special forces team encountered an attack where they were outnumbered 107 to 1. Hagen left cover to check on his team members and was killed, and for his courage and devotion to duty, was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously.

PHOTOS: 6th Vietnam Era Veteran's Recognition Day Vietnam Era Program 1 03.31.18.jpg Vietnam Era Program 2 03.31.18.jpg Vietnam Era Program 3 03.31.18.jpg Vietnam Era Program 4 03.31.18.jpg Vietnam Era Program 5 03.31.18.jpg Vietnam Era Program 6 03.31.18.jpg Vietnam Era Program 7 03.31.18.jpg Vietnam Era Program 8 03.31.18.jpg Vietnam Era Program 9 03.31.18.jpg Vietnam Era Program 10 03.31.18.jpg Vietnam Era Program 11 03.31.18.jpg Vietnam Era Program 12 03.31.18.jpg Vietnam Era Program 13 03.31.18.jpg Vietnam Era Program 14 03.31.18.jpg Vietnam Era Program 15 03.31.18.jpg Vietnam Era Program 16 03.31.18.jpg Vietnam Era Program 17 03.31.18.jpg Vietnam Era Program 18 03.31.18.jpg
DECATUR  During weekly chapel on Wednesday at the Lutheran School Association, the sound system malfunctioned and the background music didnt play for one of the songs.

The third graders started singing anyway, and the rest of the school joined in. Executive Director Brian Booth, who joined the school this year, called it his favorite moment at the school so far.

Its Lutheran Schools Week, and the LSA is celebrating with themed dress days, a prayer walk that was held Tuesday evening, and on Wednesday, a service day.

Students at all grade levels participated in service projects: cleaning up the grounds of the campus; filling Bags of Hope backpacks at St. Pauls Lutheran Church, which will be given to local schools to send home with kids over breaks and weekends; making Easter cards for Northeast Community Fund to enclose in Easter food baskets; making blankets for young patients at St. Johns Hospital in Springfield; volunteering at New Life Pregnancy Centers thrift store, Baby TALK and Northeast Community Fund; cleaning up the wooded grounds of St. Johns Lutheran Church after last weeks high winds; writing thank you letters to first responders; and making index cards with Bible verses on them for PawPrint Ministries to hand out during comfort dog visits.

We want to give back to the community who gives us so much, said seventh grader William Atwood.

Lutheran Schools Week celebrates the 1,800 Lutheran schools nationwide, with this years theme Making Disciples for Life.

The theme is based on Matthew 28:18-20: And Jesus came and said to them, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Third grade students worked outside, picking up brush that had fallen from trees, replacing decorative gravel, and generally sprucing up the parking lot outside the high school, dragging bags as big as they are to the receptacles.

We thank God for the opportunity to provide excellent academic preparation for the children we serve, said the Rev. Bob Riggert, executive assistant for education, youth and stewardship for the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod Iowa District West and a former Lutheran school teacher. We are most grateful for the opportunity to share Jesus amazing love with children and their families. National Lutheran Schools Week gives us an opportunity to proclaim these great blessings within the communities we serve. Our schools are amazing incubators for faithful witness of Gods love for us through Christ by teachers and students alike.

We wanted to do a service afternoon, and find some opportunities to give back to the community and work around the school, said teacher Amy Yusko.

Third grade students made fleece tie blankets for another project a few months ago, Yusko said, and were recruited to show older students how its done for Wednesdays project.

I just think (celebrating Lutheran Schools Week) is important and its a way for all the students to come together and have fun together and share our faith together, said Cameron Brown, an eighth grader.
DECATUR  Millikin Universitys health clinic is now open to the public, a move providers say will help improve health care access on Decaturs west side.

The Hospital Sisters Health System Medical Group Health Center at Millikin University, at 150 S. Fairview Ave. in Decatur, first opened to Millikin students last fall. The clinic expanded in February and now offers walk-in care to the general public.

Our providers here are excited about being able to do and care for people, not just our students, but everybody on this side of town, said Tammy Lett, chief operating officer of HSHS physician enterprise, during a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday.

Lett said the clinic has already seen a few community patients. Raphaella Prange, vice president of student affairs at Millikin, said she hopes more people learn about the clinics offerings.

(This is) a part of our community that hasn't had care for a while close by. It's been since before the pandemic that we had a walk-in clinic on the west end, Prange said. If you remember there was a walk-in clinic at Fairview Plaza, but there hasn't been one for quite some time.

So, access for folks that use the DISC, the West End families, and the Dennis Lab School, and everyone in this area, I hope will come in and take advantage of this wonderful facility and the quality care.

The clinics expansion comes as HSHS Marys Hospital is petitioning the state for permission to shutter multiple units, including obstetrics and newborn nursery.

A representative from the Health Facilities & Services Review Board, the group that will either approve or deny St. Marys application, told the Herald & Review there will be no public hearing ahead of the states decision. No member of the public requested a hearing ahead of the Feb. 22 deadline.

The HFSRB will consider the hospitals case during its May 9 board meeting.

Lett said she could not speak to St. Marys or anything going on at the hospital.

I can speak to us, as far as our primary care and our availability to Decatur, Lett said. We are still here, we are on Mound Road, Mount Zion, Pershing, North Main, wherever you need us. From a primary care perspective, we still continue to serve Decatur.

Lett and others said the Millikin Clinic could help Decatur in ways outside of just expanding care access. Some care providers at the clinic are also instructors at the university, which may give students another chance for hands-on experience.

The good thing is that the providers that are teachers here will also bring students here, said Nicole Wood, HSHS physician practice manager. And they can actually do some clinicals here with them as well as what they need to do in order to graduate. So it's basically teaching them what their future could look like.

Wood said she hopes the practical experience in Decatur will motivate students to remain in the area.

Hopefully those people who go to Millikin here stay in the community, she said. A lot of the people who go into medicine or anything like that will leave their community and actually come back because, you know, they want that hometown feeling back. So hopefully when they do get their licensing or finish school, they stay in the community."

18 archive photos of the Millikin University campus
Families of patients at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center, along with workers and community leaders, reacted with concern after the states announcement this week that it plans to relocate more than 120 residents from the troubled state-run facility in southern Illinois.

Rita Burke, whose 53-year-old son has lived at Choate for more than 30 years, said Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary Grace Hou and two other senior state officials called her on Saturday evening to inform her of their plans.

Burke said she was shocked because Ryan Croke, a senior official in Gov. J.B. Pritzkers office who was on the call, had previously given her assurances that Choate would not close, and never suggested that large numbers of residents would be forced to leave, she said.

We are devastated and so disappointed. It seems to us that DHS and the governors office are pushing our loved ones out of their homes of many, many years, said Burke, who is also president of the Friends of Choate parents association. (Asked about Crokes prior characterization of the administrations plans, a spokesperson for the governors office reiterated that Choate is not closing and said it expects to continue a productive relationship with families and guardians during the transition.)

Burke moved to southern Illinois from Georgia with her husband and other children in 1990 because her son was unable to access adequate adult disability services in their home state. Now, shes again left wondering about the future of his care.

For people like her son, changes in routine can be extremely disruptive and affect their ability to function, she said. They cant be moved like puzzle pieces, she said. Theyre human beings. I think we need to put the human back into the Department of Human Services.

Burke, a former chair of an IDHS board that reviews internal abuse and neglect investigative reports, said she visits the facility often and maintains that it is safe.

In 2017, a Choate employee punched her son so hard that it broke two of his ribs. But Burke said the fact that the employee was swiftly arrested and charged, and later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery, showed that the oversight system worked. The employee was fired and barred from working in a health care setting.

In interviews with reporters in advance of Wednesdays announcement, Pritzker and Hou stressed that they are not closing Choate, instead billing the change as a repurposing and restructuring of the facility that opened in rural Anna near the Missouri border in 1873.

In addition to immediate plans to begin the process of moving 123 residents out, the state will work with the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine to determine a plan for another 112 individuals who live in speciality units. The state expects to keep a 49-bed psychiatric hospital on the grounds open, and may expand it, Hou said.

Pritzker and Hou were not specific about where residents would go, other than to say theyd have the option to move into other state-operated developmental centers or community settings.

Hou and Pritzker said the changes reflect the administrations desire to reduce the population at its state-operated centers and invest more heavily in community living options. The changes, they said, were also spurred in part by reporting on egregious cases of abuse, neglect and attempts to cover up mistreatment by staff. Those revelations were brought to light by an ongoing news investigation by Lee Enterprises, Capitol News Illinois and ProPublica.

Terri Bryant, a Republican from Murphysboro whose district neighbors Choate, said she believed the Pritzker administrations plan is shortsighted and lacking in concrete details. In a call with reporters on Wednesday, she accused the governor of taking the lazy-mans route to fixing safety and workforce issues raised in news reports.

Theyve wrapped this in a pretty red ribbon so the locals dont throw a fight about closure when in reality theyre moving the most vulnerable members of our society two hours away, at a minimum, Bryant said.

During a Wednesday news conference, Pritzker told reporters IDHS was making reforms to ensure patient safety, but this is something that you cant snap your fingers and fix.

In time, Pritzker said, it became clear that efforts to change the conditions at Choate werent enough.

We are at a point today where all of those things werent working to the degree we wanted them to, so today we are making transformational changes, he said.

Other southern Illinois lawmakers are taking a wait-and-see approach. Rep. Paul Jacobs, a Republican from Pomona, a small town 15 miles north of Anna, said his primary worry was that the governor would seek a full closure of the facility. Jacobs and Bryant joined their 57 GOP colleagues in the House and Senate in calling for legislative hearings on Choate late last month. At the time, he and others demanded that IDHS take steps to fix issues while ensuring that the facility remained open.

Theyve come up with a plan that will transform it, and I think it might be a good plan, Jacobs said.

Likewise, Sen. Julie Morrison, a Democrat from upstate Lake Forest who chairs the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, called it a good start. She added that it is vital immediate action is taken to double down on safety precautions at the same time people are transitioning out of the facility.

Advocates for people with disabilities applauded the governors decision.

Stacey Aschemann, a vice president with Equip for Equality, a legal aid organization that is appointed to monitor conditions at Choate, said the organization is thrilled that the majority of residents with developmental disabilities will no longer live there. But she said she is concerned about the safety of people who will remain there in units kept open or while awaiting a transition.

Many of the recent news stories are about incidents that happened a year or more ago, Aschemann said. Based on our recent monitoring, we can say without a doubt that these continue to be ongoing issues.

Union groups expressed alarm about what the decision means for workers. Pritzker told reporters on Tuesday that no layoffs are included in the plan.

But AFSCME Council 31 President Roberta Lynch, whose union represents many of the rank-and-file Choate employees, said in a statement that the union is extremely concerned about the fate of Choate residents and employees.

Rick Loza, a specialist with the Illinois Nurses Association which represents nurses employed by IDHS and at Choate, said in an interview that a few bad apples were to blame for the abuse cases at Choate that have drawn headlines. The union on Wednesday filed a demand to negotiate with the administration based on concerns about future job losses, Loza said.

Local elected officials in and near Anna also were critical of the plan.

I am encouraged that the closure rumors had been put to rest, but I remain concerned about the future of the facility, said Union County Board Chairman Max Miller.

The stories of abuse and neglect detailed in the news accounts werent a surprise to him, Miller said. He blamed the abuse on employees from outside of Union County.

There are so many people working there now that arent local. That job is just a paycheck to them, Miller said.

See full coverage of abuse, cover-ups at Choate Read the investigative stories on the abuse of patients and the cover-ups by staff at the Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Ann

Anna Mayor Steve Hartline, the former chief of security at Choate for 20 years, declined to comment.

Some with close ties to Choate said they didnt think the governors plan goes far enough to keep residents safe.

Lutrice Williams, who lived at Choate for about four years until her discharge in 2020, said she was abused during her time there and didnt get the level of care she needed. In February, an employee pleaded guilty to whipping her repeatedly with a belt in 2020.

Its not happening in just one unit, she said of the abuse of patients. You know the saying, no child left behind  if you go, we all go. Thats how it should be.

Timeline of Choate employees' arrests and outcomes 2014: Mark Allen, Curt Ellis, Justin Butler and Eric Bittle 2016: Chayla Brown 2017: Cheryl Muckley 2017: Victor Metzger 2017-2018: John Lingle, Cody Barger 2018: Stacy Thomas 2019: Greg Johnson, Ruth Massie and Paris Ferguson 2020: Kevin Jackson, three others 2020: Charles Mills 2020: Dalton Anderson, Bobby Lee, Johnny Brimm, Mat Wiseman 2021: Brad Cross
CHICAGO  Legislation aimed at discouraging public libraries from banning books has been introduced in the Democratic-controlled Illinois General Assembly amid largely partisan battles around the country over what books and school curricula are suitable for children.

The bill was initiated by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, who joined a nationwide Democratic chorus criticizing officials, mostly in red states, for trying to get libraries to remove books, often because of LGBTQ content.

Giannoulias, whose office also serves as the state librarian, downplayed the role partisanship plays in his proposal, saying that many librarians Im sure are Republicans.

I have no idea, nor do I care, said Giannoulias, who once sat on the board of the Chicago Public Library. We view this as protecting our libraries. Theyre under assault the likes of which they have never seen. They are being thrown into the mix of a political battle, and were trying to give them cover by helping them, by codifying this into legislation.

The legislation, which has the backing of Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker, would allow the secretary of states office to deny state grants to public libraries, including those in schools, that dont adhere to the American Library Associations Library Bill of Rights, which holds, among other things, that materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

As an alternative, libraries could develop a written policy to prohibit the practice of banning specific books or resources, the bill states.

Some states controlled by Republicans have taken just the opposite approach. The Indiana Senate last week passed a measure that would make it easier for law enforcement to prosecute teachers if material deemed obscene ends up in possession of a minor. A similar measure was recently enacted in Missouri, leading educators to pull titles from school library shelves, according to published reports.

One opponent of the Illinois measure is State Rep. Dan Caulkins, a Decatur Republican who said the legislation takes away local control.

Parents know best, school boards know best, library boards know best what their communities want and need, said Caulkins, part of a far-right group of House Republicans informally known as the Eastern Bloc. And for the state of Illinois again, here we go, the radical Democrats are pushing an agenda trying to force their woke ideology on more conservative parts of the state.

The secretary of states office said libraries could only lose the grant funding if they pull books from their shelves due to partisanship or discrimination. Guidelines for what that means are still being developed. But the office would not interfere with a librarys selection process for books to include in its collection.

If books are selected on a local level, we need to trust those librarians, respect the decisions they make and adhere to the guidelines that they already have in place, Deputy Secretary of State Scott Burnham said in an email.

The measure is sponsored in the House by state Rep. Anne Stava-Murray, a Democrat of Naperville, who said book bans have been particularly discriminatory against groups of people who are already marginalized in American society.

Whether theyre part of the LGBTQ community or their race or ethnicity, those are the books that are being targeted by right-wingers to be banned, she said. We absolutely want to be doing everything possible to stand up for the librarians and stand up for the students and children and all library patrons to be able to access the materials that they should be able to access in a public library.

Cynthia Robinson, executive director of the Illinois Library Association, said while most libraries likely already have a process in place to hear complaints about books on their shelves, the bill will ensure that libraries will be prepared to handle such challenges.

That is something that we think will be positive out of this legislation. It will get libraries to be prepared beforehand, said Robinson. If you dont have a policy, you dont have a process. And if you have that in place, then everybody who is involved will know what to expect, what the steps are, as opposed to just making it up as you go or treating things differently.

During fiscal year 2022, the secretary of states office under Jesse White awarded over $62 million for 1,631 grants to Illinois libraries, an office spokesman said. In the previous fiscal year, nearly $68 million in grants was awarded, up from just over $36 million in fiscal year 2020.

By June 30, the end of fiscal year 2023, the secretary of states office estimates that it will have awarded more than 1,400 grants totaling close to $56 million.

If the measure becomes law, enforcement could be an issue. Giannoulias said his office performs regular audits of how its grant funding is used, although there are limited resources to monitor libraries.

Well establish a more formal audit process if we need to, Giannoulias said. But for now, we do feel pretty confident about the audit process and the administrative rules.

In 2021, nationally, there were 681 attempts at book bans involving more than 1,600 books, the most since the Chicago-based American Library Association began tracking the statistic about two decades ago, according to the secretary of states office, citing the associations figure.

While research has shown that most book banning in recent years has occurred in states that lean Republican, like Florida, Texas and Tennessee, there were 67 attempts to ban books in Illinois in 2022, up from 41 the year before, according to the associations data cited by Giannoulias office.

According to a report from PEN America, a New York-based literary advocacy group, Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe was the most frequently banned book nationwide, prohibited at 41 U.S. schools districts from July 2021 through June 2022, for its illustrations of sex acts in a nonfiction story about the author dealing with gender identity and relationships with family and friends.

In June of last year, the high school board in Downers Grove, which falls within Stava-Murrays district, unanimously voted to keep Gender Queer in its libraries even after a group of parents and some members of the far-right Proud Boys group raised concerns over the book.

In west suburban Riverside, some people earlier this year unsuccessfully tried to get the book banned from the local library. But there was strong support for keeping the book available.

I dont believe theres any reason to ban a book said Courtney Greve Hack, a trustee for the Riverside Public Library. I dont believe in censorship, period. And I think that most people who are involved in libraries, whether theyre a staff member or an elected trustee, feel the same way.

All told, the PEN report stated, local officials around the country banned more than 2,500 books by more than 1,200 authors, 290 illustrators and 18 translators from July 2021 through June 2022. These bans happened in 138 school districts in 32 states, according to the report.

While Illinois wasnt close to being among the states with the most book bans, according to the report, Giannoulias said hes heard from librarians who have never felt so threatened and under attack.

As the states librarian, my job is to ensure that Illinois residents have access to reading and learning material at their local libraries, he said.

10 gorgeous college libraries Hoose Library of Philosophy Sterling Memorial Library Geisel Library Riggs Memorial Library Joe and Rika Mansueto Library The Law Library Armstrong Browning Library George Peabody Library Charles Library Butler Library 10 gorgeous college libraries
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WASHINGTON, D.C.  On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., announced $100,000 in federal funding would fund repairs along the Virginia Creeper Trail.

The Appalachian Regional Commission will provide the funds to help rehabilitate work along the Creeper Trail, according to a written statement.

The ARC funding would be combined with additional funds from state and local government, are to be used to complete needed repairs to Trestle 31 along the popular 34-mile hiking and biking trail.

The senator wrote a letter requesting this funding in July 2022. He visited the Virginia Creeper Trail in August 2022, according to the statement.

Ive hiked the Virginia Creeper Trail many times, and I know how critical it is for community recreation and the local economy," Kaine said. "Im glad these federal dollars are going to repair a trestle along the Virginia Creeper Trail to help ensure visitors can enjoy it for generations to come.

The Virginia Creeper Trail provides many economic benefits to surrounding Southwest Virginia communities, including the towns and Abingdon and Damascus.

The former railroad line attracts about 250,000 visitors annually to hike, bike, walk or ride horseback.

In 2014 it was inducted in to the national Rail-Trail Hall of Fame.
An 18-year-old from Lenoir has been charged in a fatal crash on March 3 in Caldwell County.

Izaiah James Thomas Hartsell is charged with driving left of center and misdemeanor death by vehicle, N.C. State Highway Patrol Master Trooper Christopher Casey said.

Marion resident Johnny Cleveland Davis, 67, died in the crash. Hartsell suffered non-life-threatening injuries, according to the news release.

The crash occurred around 11:30 p.m. March 3 when Hartsell lost control of his Chevrolet S-10 truck and hit a Chevrolet Colorado pickup driven by Davis. The vehicles collided after Hartsells S-10 crossed over the center line, according to the release.

Casey said excessive speed was not a factor in the fatal crash.
MAIDEN  The Newton-Conover Area Community Bands annual end-of-season concert will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 26, in the Betty Blackburn Auditorium, Maiden High School, Maiden. The concert is free and open to the public.

This project is supported by a grant from the United Arts Council of Catawba County.

The Jazz Band, led by Nickey Horner, band director at Maiden High School, will lead the concert off.

They will be performing Big Band style arrangements of "One OClock Jump," "Blue Skies," "When I Fall in Love," "Old Devil Moon," "They Cant Take That Away from Me," and "Get It On."

The Concert Band, led by Ted Neely and Haskew Smith, is second on the program and will perform "Fanfare" (from "Portraits") by Colonna, "Variations on an English Folk Song" by Claude T. Smith, "Bacchanale" (from the opera, "Samson and Delilah") by Saint-Seans (arranged by Hubbell), "Lightning Fingers" by Henry Fillmore (arranged by Foster), "Shenandoah" by Frank Ticheli, "More Cowbell!" (a medley of classic rock and pop tunes) arranged by Brown, and the "Washington Post March" by John Phillip Sousa.

"Lightning Fingers" is a clarinet feature composed by Fillmore in 1930. The featured clarinetist, Michael Haynes, is vice president of operations for the CampBo Bojangles franchise group based in Chesterfield, South Carolina. He studied clarinet with Dr. Douglas Miller while attending Appalachian State University.

The Newton-Conover Area Community Bands welcome players of all ages and experience levels, from high school students to those with decades of experience. Members are not just from Catawba County. Some members are from as far away as Boone. The Newton-Conover Area Community Concert and Jazz Band first performed in 2005 during the sesquicentennial celebration of the city of Newton.
Bentley Motors has launched the second edition of its Extraordinary Women initiative, a global mentoring programme aimed at inspiring and nurturing the next generation of female leaders.

The programme is specifically designed for female students pursuing careers in engineering, design, technology, and business. In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the programme is expanding to Saudi Arabia for the first time, with the aim of encouraging women to consider careers in STEM and the automotive industry.

Ahead of International Womens Day, Bentley Motors hosted a virtual launch event on March 6, hosted by Karen Lange, Bentleys Member of the Board for Human Resources, in order to formally open the application process to students from the partner universities in the UK and in KSA, and provide them with more information about the initiative and how to apply.

Dar Al-Hekma University

Bentley will now work with Dar Al-Hekma University to identify the students who will be selected to take part in the programme. Successful applicants will enjoy one-to-one mentoring with experienced Bentley staff and the extraordinary Pioneers, ahead of attending a one-week programme at Bentley headquarters in Crewe this June, where they will work with Bentley teams on live projects to put the learnings from their mentoring experience to good use.

Inspiring pioneers to make a difference

Eng Mishaal Ashemimry, the Vice President of the International Astronautical Federation and the first female aerospace engineer in the GCC, said: Entering a field where women have traditionally been underrepresented is no easy task. As a mentor myself, I'm constantly reminded that it takes unwavering courage, persistence, and self-belief to break through barriers and challenge stereotypes. Although the journey may be challenging, the destination can be incredibly worthwhile.

Noha Zagzoug said: As a participant of Bentley's Extraordinary Women Programme, I'm thrilled to be involved in a programme that aligns with Saudi Vision 2030's mission of promoting gender diversity and empowering women in the workforce. With the opportunity to mentor students as part of the programme, I'm excited to be able to inspire and support the next generation of female leaders.

Nadine Attar, CEO and Creative Director of Nadine Jewellery, said: As a Saudi female entrepreneur, it is important for me to share my commercial experience in the luxury field with younger women that are seeking their own path. Empowering them makes me feel empowered; and their success is mine as we are all part of making this country greater. Participating in Bentley's Extraordinary Women programme is a privilege where I am able to pass on learned lessons and help guide Saudi women in starting the first milestone towards their dreams. I hope my contribution adds to their growth and success.

Extending the global concept regionally

Member of the Board for Human Resources, Dr Karen Lange, explained: Pursuing a constructive and mutually beneficial diversity policy is an essential part of our Beyond100 strategy, and in particular our goal to achieve 30 per cent diverse management by 2025. Our bespoke Extraordinary Women programme is a key component of this, and one that we are proud to be implementing across an increasing number of countries.

Mentoring remains an important development tool at Bentley. Witnessing the success of the first year of the programme, and the positive feedback from the young women who participated in it, was rewarding for all involved. We are excited for what is to come and look forward to welcoming more talented young women on-board to help them develop their knowledge of careers in STEM and automotive.

Dr Eiman Kurdi, Acting Provost at Dar Al Hekma, said: At Dar al Hekma University we are committed to nurturing the talents and potential of young women across the country. As a pioneering university with a vision for excellence and innovation, we strive to provide our students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to succeed in today's rapidly changing world. We believe this initiative will greatly benefit our students' career prospects, and we look forward to working with Bentley Motors to help support the development of the next generation of extraordinary women.-- TradeArabia News Service
" " An artist's rendering of an aswang. MDV Edwards/Shutterstock

Jordan Clark is a filmmaker and researcher who has devoted years to studying aswang lore in the Philippines. He runs The Aswang Project website and directed a documentary web series called "Creatures of Philippine Mythology."

"The aswang is a very old cultural belief that means something different to each region of the Philippines," says Clark in an email. "The belief that the aswang was the main bringer of awful things was likely very prevalent before Spanish arrival."

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In 1589, a Spanish friar named Juan de Plasencia documented the indigenous beliefs in "devils" and other demons in a book called, "Customs of the Tagalogs" (Tagalog is one of the main languages spoken in the Philippines).

"The distinctions made among the priests of the devil were as follows," wrote de Plasencia. "...the eighth they called OSUANG, which is equivalent to 'sorcerer;' they say that they have seen him fly, and that he murdered men and ate their flesh."

The vampiric, humanoid form of the aswang lurks on rooftops at night and can lower its long, proboscis-like tongue through a "lick hole" in the ceiling. The aswang is believed to target particularly vulnerable victims like pregnant women and children, either by sucking out their insides with its prehensile tongue or infecting them with a deadly disease.

Clark says that belief in the aswang is strongest in regions of the Philippines that were heavily influenced by Hinduism before the Spanish arrival, and that other regions have their own animist explanations for illness, miscarriage or death.

"It was a way to explain such occurrences and enlist the help of a shaman to use natural remedies and ritual to heal the person and vanquish the unwanted spirit," says Clark, who says that belief in the aswang can still "wreak havoc" in rural pockets of the Philippines, even leading to the occasional "witch hunt" for the alleged perpetrator.
On February 28, a delegation from the Danish Hunan Chamber of Commerce visited Hunan Overseas Chinese Federation. Sun Minsheng, Secretary of the Party Group and Vice Chairman of Hunan Overseas Chinese Federation, and Li Zuyuan, member of the Party Group and Vice Chairman of Hunan Overseas Chinese Federation, met with the guests and had a discussion.

Xiao Lingyan, President of the Danish Hunan Chamber of Commerce, thanked Hunan Overseas Chinese Federation for its recognition and support to the Chamber, and briefly introduced the Chamber's business in recent years and its work plan for 2023, and she shared the achievements of the Chamber's public welfare undertakings and the Metaverse platform. She said that the Chamber will continue to promote exchanges between Hunan and Denmark in economy, science and technology, culture, etc., and cooperate more with domestic enterprises through the Metaverse platform to help local development.

Sun Minsheng fully affirmed the work achievements of the Danish Hunan Chamber of Commerce in recent years, and expressed his good wishes for the future development of the Chamber. He pointed out that in recent years, the Chamber of Commerce and Hunan Overseas Chinese Federation have been communicating more and more in various aspects, and the cooperation between Denmark and Hunan is getting closer and closer. He hoped that the Chamber of Commerce and Hunan Overseas Chinese Federation would further strengthen their ties, actively participate in relevant activities carried out by the Federation, bring back good resources from overseas to Hunan, strengthen the exchanges between their living countries and their hometowns, and help the high-quality development of Hunan's economy and society. Hunan Overseas Chinese Federation will provide as much help as it can for the development of the Chamber of Commerce, and hope that all overseas Chinese leaders and compatriots will unite together to promote the development and growth of the Chamber of Commerce and build the Chamber of Commerce into a benchmark and flag for Danish overseas Chinese groups.
The battle between Facebook and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) had a hearing in the High Court this week over the infamous Cambridge Analytica scandal in which the personal data of 300,000 Australians was harvested without their consent.

Facebook has been fighting a court battle for three years following revelations that between 2014 and 2015, the This is Your Digital Life app on its platform scraped profile data from everyone who used it and that of all of their friends, thanks to a feature in Facebooks API.

More than 80 million people worldwide had their data taken by the app that was then passed to infamous data analytics company Cambridge Analytica which claimed to have influenced more than 200 elections around the world.

Facebook tried unsuccessfully to defend itself in the Federal Court by arguing that Facebook Ireland  the holding company and international arm of its advertising business that was being sued  did not actually operate in Australia.

Now its lawyers are making their case in the High Court that its actions weren't covered by the section of the Privacy Act that says an international organisation must have an Australian link which is determined by if it carries on business in Australia.

Its those last five words that Facebook and the OAIC are tussling over before the actual Cambridge Analytica case can even begin.

Facebook, in its outline of the argument submitted to the High Court, claims that a business must at a minimum be shown to have entered into commercial transactions and that acts which merely goes toward carrying on a business  like data harvesting  don't necessarily meet that test.

The OAIC lawyers claim this is nonsense, arguing that although the data processing services were conducted in data centres overseas, the data processing included acts by Facebook Inc in Australia.

Those data processing acts include installing cookies on peoples devices and administering Facebooks Graph API which allowed apps to create a link or interface between the Facebook platforms social graph and the app in a way that was integral to the commercial pursuits of Facebook.

The Information Commissioner wants Facebooks appeal dismissed on the grounds that the company was carrying on its worldwide business in Australia through both Facebook's Irish holding company and directly via cookies and the Graph API.

Facebooks lawyers said there was no evidentiary basis for the claim that cookies installed on Australian devices produce a commercial benefit for the US company.

It also pushes back against the OAICs argument that Facebook held personal information in Australia by installing them on local devices, saying evidence shows that it is the user that has control over cookies installed on their device, being able to remove or block them at will.

The High Court Case is ongoing.
include_once "/home/jwreview/public_html/$theme/includes/sidebar.php"; ?> Chris Rock did a live show on Netflix from the Comedy Store Saturday netting him forty million dollars, above my pay grade. Today I went to one of B of A's new verbal ATMs and the ATM voice asked me what denomination? I said Episcopalian, and instead of cash it gave me two free drink tickets.

 The Academy Awards air Sunday with studios worried about the falling interest in movies as the last generation of movie stars fade. Bruce Willis's wife yelled at photographers Friday and told them to stop shouting questions at her husband. I think Saturday Night Live should hire her to play Jill Biden.

 Politico reported that some Democrats are urging Al Gore to run for president in 2024 if Biden bows out. Al is always saying the level of pollution in our oceans has become intolerable, and he may be right. Last week I opened a can of sardines and they were covered in oil and the fish were dead.

 New York Mayor Adams said the pandemic is over and called for New York shoppers to stop wearing masks so cops can identify store robbers. Yet Big Pharma is still running TV ads insisting you need to get a booster shot. The need for continuous boosters shows the science isn't working but the business model is.

 FBI Director Chris Wray told Congress the FBI is working to thwart cyber attacks. A mischief maker recently hacked an electronic information sign on a freeway in Detroit, and for an hour the screen ran porn. During that time three hundred people got rear-ended, a hundred of them in cars.

 Walgreens announced it won't sell abortion pills in states where abortion is banned. The next day, Governor Gavin Newsom pulled all state business from Walgreens and said Walgreens is no longer welcome in California. San Francisco residents will have to do the smash-and-grabs at Rite Aid.

 The Supreme Court is weighing the suit by Asian students against Harvard claiming they've been excluded on race. I understand the reason why the locals want a limit. If they accepted every Asian applicant who qualifies to attend Harvard, nobody in that zip code would be able to afford car insurance.

 President Biden was trying to describe his headaches Monday when he joked to an audience that his doctor had to remove the top of his head to see if there was a brain in there. In reaction I think it was totally disrespectful for Fox News anchors to call Biden a clown. As a clown I am deeply offended.

 Conde Nast says a record number of Americans are planning to vacation in Europe this summer where we are stereotyped as ignorant provincials. My question is, when are the French ever going to be finished building the Eiffel Tower? I can't see flying all the way to Paris just to see all that scaffolding.

 Tik Tok aired a video that showed a lifeguard at the La Jolla Cove north of San Diego kicking a little girl out of the cove for throwing rocks at a sleeping sea lion. The cove, just below the town's busy retail district, draws thousands of visitors every day. La Jolla is a Spanish phrase that means No Parking.

 Disney is set to release Peter Pan and Wendy animated film in April about the boy who refused to grow up. Coincidentally the lawyer in charge of my father's trust told me we need to have a long chat about my immature behavior and attitudes. Like that's going to happen during college spring break.

 TCM on Sunday aired the 1956 Oscar-winning Around the World in 80 Days, bringing Jules Verne's 1880s fantasy of world travel to the screen. That voyage can't be done today. I don't know about you, but due to recent events, I've taken balloon trips and train rides completely off my bucket list.

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 CNN said four young Americans were kidnapped in Matamoros, Mexico, Sunday, embarrassing the Mexican government. The State Department explained that they were seeking medicine. Mexico legalized user amounts of cocaine three years ago and Mexico is already offering to pay for the border wall.

 South Carolina prominent lawyer Alex Murdaugh was led to state prison after his conviction for murdering his wife and son. It's no surprise to people who witnessed the trial on cable TV every day that the guilty verdict was reached in three hours. The big surprise is that George Santos did not confess.

 The Washington Examiner says leading Democrats are talking about running Hillary Clinton in 2024. It gives hope to preachers who predict the end is near. If the world doesn't come to an end by a nuclear war between the U.S and Russia or U.S. and China, a Clinton-Trump rematch is the next best thing.

 President Biden gave an inspirational speech Sunday on the historic bridge at Selma, Alabama, the scene of past epic civil rights struggles. However while departing he stumbled going up the steps to Air Force One for the third time. Biden will never get his hands on my gun because I store it upstairs.

 President Biden met with the Alaskan congressional delegation Monday who reported afterwards that Joe may reverse course and okay a huge oil field development in Alaska. The environmentalist leaders are furious. Joe is not behind Greta Thunberg because her security detail is doing their job right.

 Governor Gavin Newsom pulled all California state pharmacy business from Walgreens after the chain agreed not to sell abortion pills where they are banned. Michael Moore called for a nationwide boycott of Walgreens and announced he's going on a thirty-minute hunger strike. He'll never make it.

 Donald Trump gave a fiery speech at CPAC on Sunday and gave his best effort to focus on the future. He's recently sneaked up to 46% in the polls. That's because Trump has the same effect on the media as cocaine, and the Alex Murdaugh murder trial caused them to take their eye off the Eight-Ball.

 Dr. Fauci came under attack Monday as Covid's Wuhan lab origins became clearer and clearer, apart from face masks turning out to be useless. The first sign of widespread resistance to Fauci's directions came when he suggested Americans wear masks to protect other people. Know your audience.

 The Weather Channel aired footage of a third consecutive week of freak winter storms battering Southern California, which brought thunder and lightning they never see out here. It turns out people in L.A. absolutely love to be outside during lightning strikes. They think somebody is taking their picture.

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include_once "/home/jwreview/public_html/$theme/includes/sidebar.php"; ?> Former federal prosecutor and bestselling author Andy McCarthy published on National Review Online what purports to be a balanced and nuanced article about the Jan. 6, 2021, debacle at the U.S. Capitol. Titled "Making Sense of the Capitol Riot Tapes," McCarthy tries to find a happy middle ground between the factions warring over Fox News host Tucker Carlson's access to (and coverage of) 44,000 hours of video footage taken on that day. McCarthy takes pains to defend "QAnon Shaman" Jacob Chansley's 41-month sentence as appropriate, but calls the term "insurrection" pure Democrat "mythmaking." He acknowledges that former President Donald Trump did not "incite" a riot "in the strict criminal-law meaning of that term" (is there any other kind?), but declares the day to be "an indelible, disqualifying stain on his record as president."

McCarthy's criticisms of Democrats are, in essence, "Tsk, tsk  see? We told you guys you should have had a bipartisan committee," and "Democrats' narrative about Jan. 6 has been a bit overwrought."

I enjoy reading McCarthy, respect his expertise and generally appreciate his analyses of legal issues. But he's missing the larger point here.

It's not merely that the "mythmaking" of J6 has been used as an excuse to smear half the country as "domestic terrorists," weaponize the Justice Department against irate parents at school board meetings, sic the FBI on pro-lifers praying at abortion clinics, and create a new bogeyman  "white Christian nationalism"  as the greatest threat facing the republic.

It's that the J6 manipulation is just one of many instances of Democrats flat-out lying to the American people for political gain.

The "Russia collusion" story was a lie from the get-go, and Democrats knew it because Democrats colluded to create it. The Clinton campaign paid law firm Perkins Coie, which paid Fusion GPS, which paid former MI6 spy Christopher Steele, who concocted the "Russian dossier" out of whole cloth. The "investigation"  which produced nothing  cost taxpayers $32 million, and the Clinton campaign paid a small fine. Who was undermining confidence in the electoral process then?

The COVID-19 "wet market" origin story was a lie, and Democrats in government (and elsewhere) knew it because the United States was funding the dangerous "gain of function" research that likely produced the virus at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. COVID "vaccines" that millions of Americans have been forced to take were neither effective nor safe. But medical professionals who posed serious questions were censored and sanctioned because the Democratic National Committee, the White House and federal law enforcement pressured Twitter and other social media companies.

It wasn't just "our democracy" being threatened by that conduct and those decisions.

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The scandalous information on Hunter Biden's laptop was authentic and revealed President Joe Biden's compromised positions with Ukraine and China; we're now funding a war in Ukraine to the tune of almost $200 billion, and just this week, China has threatened "confrontation and conflict." Democrats got the Hunter Biden laptop censored because it threatened Joe Biden's presidential campaign.

Who's "threatening democracy"?

The point that Andy McCarthy's NRO editorial misses is that the J6 hysteria is not merely unfortunate political hyperbole; it is part of an ongoing scheme to deceive the public and deflect attention away from the behavior of Democrats that legitimately threatens the health, stability and prosperity of our country and its people.

Tucker Carlson is unintimidated by those like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer who object to the release of the J6 video footage to the public, accusing them of "panic" and "fear."

Schumer has previously made statements unbecoming of a man in his position. When the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health decision was pending before the United States Supreme Court last spring, Schumer called out justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh by name, saying, "I want to tell you Gorsuch, I want to tell you Kavanaugh  you have released the whirlwind, and you will pay the price. You won't know what hit you if you go forward with these awful decisions." Just a few months later, Nicholas John Roske was arrested outside Justice Kavanaugh's home, armed with a gun and ammunition, a knife and burglary tools. Roske told authorities he had traveled from California and planned to kill Kavanaugh and then kill himself.

Who is a "threat to democracy"?

This week, Schumer publicly demanded that Rupert Murdoch, owner of Fox News, prohibit Carlson from revealing any more of the J6 videos, or discussing them on the air.

This is censorship of the press and a violation of the First Amendment.

Who is a "threat to democracy"?

To his credit, Murdoch has a history of standing behind the journalists in his employ. In 2015, Wall Street Journal writer John Carreyrou broke the story about serious problems in blood-testing startup Theranos, which ultimately exposed the fraud being committed by its CEO Elizabeth Holmes. Holmes hired powerhouse Democrat consigliere David Boies to take on the Journal. Boies is lead partner in the tony Manhattan firm Boies Schiller Flexner. (In a tactic that smacks of the Perkins Coie/Fusion GPS arrangement, Boies also represented disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, and his firm hired private investigative agencies filled with ex-spies who tracked, stalked and tried to dig up dirt on the women who were accusing Weinstein of sexual assault.)

Boies met with Murdoch personally and threatened litigation unless Murdoch put a stop to Carreyrou's investigation. It's worth noting that Murdoch had personally invested $125 million in Theranos; he had plenty of reasons to intervene. Nevertheless, Murdoch refused to bend to Boies' threats, expressing faith in the writers and editors working at the Journal. Holmes ended up being convicted of fraud and was recently sentenced to more than 11 years in prison.

The liars and wrongdoers in our government need to be similarly exposed and punished. Getting accurate information to the American public is the first step.

Mr. McCarthy, open your eyes. Mr. Murdoch, stick to your guns.

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Laura Hirschfeld Hollis is on the faculty at the University of Notre Dame, where she teaches courses in business law and entrepreneurship. She has received numerous awards for her teaching, research, community service and contributions to entrepreneurship education.


include_once "/home/jwreview/public_html/$theme/includes/sidebar.php"; ?> Jackie Goldberg, the president of the Los Angeles Unified School Board, said publicly last month that she was so turned off by high school that she nearly quit after 11th grade to take her GED, rather than stick around for a diploma.

Rich Leib, the chair of the UC Board of Regents, recently told a reporter that when he was in high school, he scored in the bottom 2% on his SAT subject tests in math and English. That, along with his less-than-50th-percentile score on the general SAT, helped lead to his rejection by UC Berkeley, he said.

In January, Gov. Gavin Newsom described himself as an unhappy elementary school student: "I couldn't read, and I was looking for any way to ditch classes. I'd fake stomachaches and dizziness."

Even President Joe Biden has acknowledged that he "did not do very well" in college, mustering only a 1.9 grade point average at the University of Delaware.

What's with all these admissions by public officials about how awful school was and how badly they did? What happened to flaunting whatever educational credentials you have, and putting your best academic foot forward? Is Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., the only public figure left who bothers to lie about his educational record?

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This willingness to embrace underachievement is relatively recent. Just two decades ago, when George W. Bush was running for president, it was still considered embarrassing that he had graduated from Yale with a C average. A common question during the 2000 campaign: "Is George Bush smart enough to be president?"

And back in 1987, long before acknowledging that he "did not do very well" in school, Joe Biden tried to claim exactly the opposite. He told reporters, among other exaggerations, that he'd graduated in the top half of his law school class  only to backpedal madly when it turned out he'd graduated 76th out of 85 in his class. "My recollection on this was inaccurate," he confessed.

Today he'd have "76th out of 85" at the top of his resume.

Something is going on in the way we look at merit and achievement, the way we measure success. Being a top student is no longer necessarily a better story to tell than having struggled through school.

In some cases it may just be pandering by politicians seeking to pass themselves off as relatable, ordinary Joes. I suspect there's some of that with Newsom, who's long been tagged as an affluent guy born with countless advantages. He's been seeking recently to recast that narrative by showing that not everything came easily to him, including school.

In other cases, it is probably less cynically calculating. I believe Jackie Goldberg and Rich Leib are honestly trying to find ways to connect with the students they serve, using their own backgrounds to make the point that kids facing obstacles in school can overcome them. That's a valuable message.

But I'd argue that there's something more at work here, a growing sense that the old markers of achievement may not be as significant as we thought they were. Suddenly, academic prowess  such as graduating at the top of your class, doing well on standardized tests and going to an Ivy League college  are being viewed less as signs of accomplishment and more as indications of privilege.

The United States is supposed to be a meritocracy. The story goes that if you work hard and play by the rules, especially with regard to education, you can compete, rise and succeed here. That upward mobility is both possible and admirable.

But Americans are realizing that's not always the case. The playing field just isn't level.

In 2020's "The Merit Myth: How Our Colleges Favor the Rich and Divide America," three education experts argued that America's top colleges and universities primarily perpetuate the country's elite, benefiting students from the top 1% at the expense of the rest.

In "The Tyranny of Merit," Harvard political philosophy professor Michael Sandel argued that the myth of American meritocracy and what he terms "credentialism" have been proved false, and that they're unfair to boot.

Today, many Americans understandably believe that the system is rigged. That standardized tests are biased. That elite schools are  elitist. That public schools have too often been allowed to deteriorate and public colleges to be underfunded. That people with money can buy the credentials they need, "Varsity Blues"-style.

It's absolutely right to see structural racism in the fact that affirmative action remains fiercely controversial while wealthy students are admitted as "legacies" or because their parents shelled out donations.

All in all, it's good that the country is rethinking what constitutes success, how it's measured, who are its gatekeepers and whether it is truly available to all of us. We should reconsider the dominance of Ivy League schools, the role of testing, the value of a college education and the obstacles some students face.

It's healthy if our leaders are honest about all their experiences of school, and don't merely recite their achievements. Expect to hear more in the years ahead about the difficulties and indignities they faced.

But not from one notable abstainer, former President Trump, that self-described "very stable genius." In 2015, according to his former lawyer Michael Cohen, Trump threatened legal action against his high school, college and the College Board if any of them released his grades or SAT scores.

Even in an era when academic struggle has become discussable, he must feel he's still got something to hide.

(COMMENT, BELOW)

Nicholas Goldberg

Los Angeles Times/(TNS)

Nicholas Goldberg is an associate editor and op-ed columnist for the Los Angeles Times.
Jan. 6 was, according to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, "the worst attack on our democracy since the Civil War." Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer explained that the riot of Jan. 6 was a "violent insurrection." And in order to preserve democracy, Schumer stated, Fox News should take Tucker Carlson off the air. What, pray tell, did Carlson do that merited the Senate Majority Leader calling for his silencing? After House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., granted him access to some 41,000 hours of as-yet-unreleased footage from Jan. 6, he aired a special in which he disclosed two particularly pertinent pieces of tape: first, tape showing Capitol Police apparently walking alongside the QAnon Shaman, Jacob Chansley, through the hallways; second, tape showing Officer Brian Sicknick gesturing animatedly to fellow officers after he had already been attacked by the crowd outside. Carlson seemed to downplay the violence of the day based on the tape. He said, "A small percentage of them were hooligans. But the overwhelming majority weren't. They were peaceful. They were orderly and meek. These were not insurrectionists  they were sightseers." Now, to be certain, a riot took place on Jan. 6. In that riot, dozens of officers were injured; some 1,000 people were arrested. But Carlson isn't wrong that tape appears to show some of the people in the Capitol wandering around aimlessly, not violently, or that the media's original portrayal of Sicknick's death  it was widely reported that he had been directly murdered by the crowd  was incorrect. Argue with Carlson's framing all you want; I have significant disagreements with it. But it is clear that Jan. 6, as ugly as it was, was a riot and not a "danger to our democracy"; that many of those in the Capitol were in fact gawking rather than rioting; and that the Jan. 6 committee went out of its way to present certain footage but avoid other footage.

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A decision was made by the Jan. 6 committee and the media to avoid the possibility of any nuance whatsoever regarding the riots. Instead, the only acceptable narrative determined that a riot was an insurrection, that insurrection threatened the overthrow of the United States, and that the insurrection continues to percolate throughout conservative circles. Any mitigating evidence to that overblown narrative was discarded.

Supposedly, the best way to ensure that narrative was to ensure silence. But Schumer's call to silence Carlson is precisely the reason Carlson's report went viral in the first place. The media-Democratic complex keeps exaggerating narratives, eliding any countervailing information, and then seeking to censor those who present such information; they keep burying evidentiary landmines hoping they won't be triggered. Then the landmines bow up, and they're shocked at the explosion.

We couldn't be given the footage, according to our media and political elites, lest we draw the wrong conclusions. Herein lies the problem: the best way to avoid the American people drawing the wrong conclusions is to present them with the full evidence, and then let them draw their own conclusions. And that's precisely what the elites in our media and the Democratic Party won't allow.

(COMMENT, BELOW)

Ben Shapiro, bestselling author and syndicated columnist, first went into syndication after appearing in JWR.


CHARLESTON  The stillness of the cathedral-like Marvin Foyer at Eastern Illinois University's Booth Library was briefly broken late Wednesday morning as a group of faculty and academic support professionals arrived there during a break in the school day.

They were there to vote vote on whether to authorize a strike for members of Eastern Illinois University's chapter of University Professionals of Illinois, the union that represents faculty members, academic advisers, recruiters, counselors and lab coordinators. The union called this vote after nearly a year of bargaining with university administration on a new contract.

"We need to support our faculty," said Carlos Amaya, a professor of Spanish who teaches in the World Languages and Cultures Department. "We love teaching. If we don't get a contract, we can't teach."

University administration, in a prepared statement, declined to comment on the active negotiations.

Voting by the approximately 290 members of the union started Wednesday morning and is scheduled to continue from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday in the foyer at Booth Library's north entrance.

Union leaders say a yes vote would give their bargaining team the power to file official strike authorization paperwork with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board if no agreement can be made at the bargaining table.

Jennifer Stringfellow, president of the EIU union chapter and a professor of special education, said calling this vote on authorizing a strike was a difficult decision for everyone involved.

Union volunteer Todd Bruns, who is on the faculty at Booth Library and chair of the EIU Faculty Senate, added that the union has not come close to a strike authorization since the early 2000s.

Stringfellow said union leaders hope that a strong showing of members in support of authorizing a strike will make an impression as the next scheduled bargaining session begins Friday morning, before spring break starts the following week.

"We are voting to strike so we hopefully don't have to strike. That vote sends the administration a message," Stringfellow said.

The union has reported that it began negotiations with the university in March 2022 and called for a federal mediator by November. Union leaders say the two sides are not close to an agreement, with the primary remaining issues being salary and workload demands. The latter issue, they say, directly affects the availability of services for students.

After casting his ballot, physics professor Don Pakey said he believes Eastern's administration has demonstrated bad management practices by having faculty handle an increasingly high workload at relatively low pay for their work. He said this lowers the quality of the education that faculty can provide to students.

He said he is also upset by what he described as a "sweetheart deal" for EIU President David Glassman, whose contract will allow him to earn $160,000 for working nine months as an anthropology professor after his June retirement.

"Eastern is supposed to be a teaching school," Pakey said, "but they are going out of their way to make it hard for us to do that."

The Eastern Illinois University campus through the years
The Emirates Group has concluded its participation at the National Service Career Fair at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, recording more than 600 applications received during the three days of the event.



The Groups participation in the sixth edition of the National Service Career Fair is part of its rigorous campaign to attract competent Emirati talent that will support its business acceleration and projected expansion.



More than 200 graduates visited the Emirates Groups interactive stand on the first day alone to browse through the offered opportunities including the National Cadet Pilot Programme, Aircraft Maintenance Engineering License programme (AMEL) and Customer Service roles.



Cadet Pilot Programme joiners will receive the unique opportunity to train at the Emirates Flight Training Academys state-of-the-art facility for four years, before qualifying to fly for the largest international airline, Emirates.



High school graduates who have enrolled in AMEL will undergo theoretical and practical training at the Emirates Engineering Training College to receive their higher diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering attested by Dubais Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) upon completion of the programme.



The new Customer Service professionals will also receive 12 months of on-job and classroom trainings upon joining, to help ease them into their roles amid accelerated global operations.



Over 3,000 Emiratis are currently employed in a variety of roles across the Emirates Group including pilots, engineers, IT professionals, data analysts and commercial managers. With more than 30% of Emiratis across the Group in leadership roles, the Group is also working towards generating more unique roles for UAE Nationals in emerging fields such as machine learning and artificial intelligence.  TradeArabia News Service
Family members of Winston-Salem resident Eric Williams were shocked when they found out that he was among four Americans kidnapped in a violent attack on Friday in the Mexican border city of Matamoros, and relieved that he was among the two who survived and were rescued on Tuesday.

Two of the Americans died in the attack, which was captured on video. All four were natives of the tight-knit community of Lake City, S.C., so many people thankful for the survivors are also mourning the dead.

Williams, who is 38, was shot twice in one leg and once in the other during the attack, his wife Michele said. He is in a hospital in Texas.

All four Americans were said to have driven to Mexico so that the woman in the group, Latavia Tay McGee, could undergo a tummy tuck cosmetic surgery. The four were said to have driven to Mexico from Lake City and took turns driving.

Michele Williams said her husband is expected to fully recover from his wounds, at least the physical ones:

He lost two friends that he thought of as family, she said.

Eric Williams was staying in Lake City when he and the three others left for Mexico. The Williamses divide their time between Winston-Salem and Lake City because Michele Williams takes care of her ailing mother, who lives here. She didnt even know that her husband had gone to Mexico, but she did receive a text from him on Friday. She responded to the text, but never got a reply. Now, she figures that he did not reply because the abduction had taken place.

Williams said she didnt see the news report that some Americas had been caught in gunfire in Mexico. Then, on Sunday morning, FBI agents knocked on the door, and she and her two sons found out what had happened.

Since then, she said, life has been surreal. She said she still doesnt know when her husband will be released from the hospital, and hasnt had a chance to hear any details about his experiences in captivity.

Officials believe that the four Americans were mistakenly targeted by members of a drug cartel after they drove into Matamoros on Friday in a white van with a North Carolina license plate, the Associated Press reported. The four were fired on, then put into a pickup truck at gunpoint.

McGee and Eric Williams were rescued on Tuesday from a wooden shack, but two men, Shaeed Woodard and Zindell Brown, did not survive.

Caronia Cooper, Williams aunt, also lives in Winston-Salem and was visiting her sister, Williams mother, in Lake City when the kidnapping and rescue occurred. The sisters learned on Sunday that Williams was in the group of Americans.

It was quite a shock, Cooper said. His mother was all shocked. She did not know anything about what was going on. She was really distraught about what happened.

My heart goes out to anybody who has to go through anything like that, Cooper said. Then when I found out it was my family, it hit hard. Even if someone is shot it is better that they are alive than if you have to go make funeral arrangements.

Cooper said her nephew is a friendly person who gets along well with other people.

He enjoys doing different things like any normal person his age would, she said. Cooper said Williams mother, Sylvia Williams, spoke with her son on the telephone Tuesday night.

Lake City is the kind of place where everyone knows everyone else, a family member said.

Williams stepson Joel said he and his family are still trying to adjust to everything that has happened.

We are just glad that he is coming home, he said, adding that everyones been praying for a good outcome. He is coming back and will be here with us.

Lake City Mayor Yamekia Robinson released a statement that reflected the impact the abduction and shootings have had on her city.

We all are saddened and have heavy hearts for them and their families, Robinson said. We send our deepest sympathy out to each family. We ask each of you, your friends, your family, your churches, and your communities across the nation to keep us all lifted in your thoughts & prayers as we the City of Lake City and the families grieve the loss and get through this tragic incident together. We also ask that you respect the privacy of each family during this difficult time.
The latest attempt to stagger elections to the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education passed the state House on Wednesday.

However, the fate of House Bill 174 remains uncertain.

A similar bill  House Bill 353  passed the House in August 2021, but was not acted upon in the Senate for the rest of the 2021 and 2022 sessions.

The governor cannot veto a local bill such as HB174.

Whats different with HB174 is that it was amended Tuesday by the gatekeeper House Rules and Operations committee to include legislation changing Rural Halls nonpartisan municipal elections from odd to even years, beginning in 2026.

Meanwhile, HB353 also included Wake County Board of Education staggered term legislation that was supported by the Wake board.

HB174 proposes that for the November 2026 general election, the top vote getters in the three voting districts would serve four-year terms, while those elected, but getting lower vote totals, would serve a single two-year term.

Those serving two-year terms would be up for re-election for a four-year term in 2028, and the highest vote getters would be up for re-election for a four-year term in 2030.

As it is now, all nine seats on the school board are up for election at the same time every four years, setting up a situation where voters could elect nine new members, potentially disrupting the boards continuity.

Deanna Kaplan, the chairwoman of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education, said that continuity is one of the reasons she supports the bill.

Six new board members were sworn in in December, leaving Kaplan, Leah Crowley and Alex Bohannon as the only returning members.

One of the advantages of having staggered terms is that they bring continuity to the board and preserve stability so we can make sound long-term decisions that are in the best interest of our students, Kaplan said.

HB174 has Rep. Donny Lambeth, R-Forsyth, as its primary sponsor. He could not be immediately reached for comment on the bill.

Background

The attempt at staggering the WS/FCS Board of Education terms dates back to when House Bill 490 was defeated in its first committee meeting in April 2019 after being introduced in controversial fashion in March 2019.

After that House State and Local Government committee vote, Lambeth and then-Rep. Debra Conrad chose to pull HB490.

Lambeth and Conrad also pulled House Bill 518, which would have required Forsyth County commissioners approval of any changes made by the school board pertaining to school choice and attendance zones.

Lambeth, a former chairman of the local school board, said staggering elections makes sense.

I always thought it was bad policy to be elected and re-elected at the same time, Lambeth told a House committee during the 2021 session.

At that time, the local school board offered no official support, and upon questioning from House members, Lambeth acknowledged that the board is split. Some support it, and some do not, he said.

Rural Hall elections

Rep. Kyle Hall, R-Stokes, who has a portion of Forsyth in his district, said Wednesday that the Rural Hall elections changes were at the request of town officials who submitted a resolution to the Forsyth legislative delegation on Monday.

The wording of the resolution indicates that they are requesting this change to save the town the $4,738 they incur for running odd-year elections, Hall said.

In the 2023 municipal election, the mayor and two council members would be elected to serve three-year terms. They would face re-election in 2026 for four-year terms.

In the 2025 municipal election, two council members would be elected to serve three-year terms. They would next face re-election in 2028 for four-year terms.

According to the resolution, town officials said they expect the change will increase voter turnout.

In February, a state audit found that Rural Hall town officials violated state law several times, including by not releasing public records and by allowing the town council to appoint a new town clerk.

In addition, auditors found the council also improperly handled closed sessions and mishandled the contract for its interim town attorney, Randolph James, by not having it vetted by town staff before it was signed.

Journal reporter Lisa ODonnell contributed to this story.
When New Generation Construction first set up shop in Lincoln in 2009, none of the company's seven initial employees seemingly knew what they were getting into.

The economy was still reeling from the previous year's global financial crisis, and the construction industry was no exception.

But Justin Hernandez founded the company anyway with a vision he hoped would outlast the economic downturn of the time: to focus on relationships  with both clients and colleagues  and figure the rest out as he and six employees went along.

In the early days, Hernandez was the company's one and only project manager.

Eric Neff, now the head of preconstruction, was his assistant. And Lindsey Klug, now the company's director of organizational development, was one of two employees taking care of any and all office work.

Neff, then a recent college graduate, and Klug, still a University of Nebraska-Lincoln student when she latched on at NGC, were just happy to have jobs.

"I had actually never heard of NGC," Neff recalled. "I think they posted it on the university's job boards. I thought it was like an engineering firm."

But the company was hiring for a construction role. So Neff applied.

"I didn't really know what I was getting into," he said. "Obviously, it was a small company. ... We estimated and ran all the work ourselves, between Justin and me."

Together, the company's initial seven employees took on relatively small-scale projects and, over time, built what was an ambitious local construction startup into one of Lincoln's most recognizable construction companies, with nearly 100 full-time employees who have helped reshape the city's downtown skyscape while becoming an award-winning hotel builder with a footprint far beyond city limits.

I dont know that we could have predicted anything thats happening to NGC right now," Klug said.

When youre in the details of stuff so much and dont take a step back, you really dont realize the impact that youre having or the work that youre doing, until youre kind of forced to recognize whats happening here.

After a few years of small-scale projects that helped the company and its employees make ends meet  including unit-price work for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln  NGC landed and completed its first major project in 2011: St. Michaels Catholic School.

In 2012, the company embarked on what would later become its niche: a hotel project, this one a Holiday Inn Express in York.

No one on the company's staff had ever built one before, Neff said.

And I think the first one was a disaster," Neff said. And so there was some kind of back-and-forth, like, Man, is this something we really want to do? Because hotels  theres just a lot of different things.

"Theres the brand youve got to deal with, theres sometimes the (subcontractors) youve got to deal with, and the different markets, because youre not building 20 hotels in Lincoln or Omaha every year, right?

Some in the company thought, after that first hotel project, NGC should turn its attention elsewhere. But Hernandez, whose strong relationship with the York client had led the company to the hotel industry to begin with, pushed forward in the market.

In the decade since, that push has paid off, with hotel projects completed in Lincoln, Elkhorn, Omaha, North Platte, Sidney, Ogallala, Fremont, Columbus and Ralston in Nebraska alone  in addition to a handful in Colorado, Iowa and Minnesota.

At least three of those projects  including the construction of the Hotel Indigo in downtown Omaha and the Hyatt Place in Colorado Springs, Colorado  have netted the company national awards from the Associated Builders and Contractors, a trade association.

And, in December, the company won one of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce's top business honors, the Cornerstone Award.

NGC's accolades have accompanied the contractor's rapid growth that, for a stretch in the mid-2010s, saw the company double in size annually for three consecutive years, according to Klug, who said that the average age of their employees has remained unconventionally low for a construction company.

"I think with the leadership that we have here, we would expect really great things like that to happen," she said. "But I don't know  based on the age of our employees and just the combined experience we had at that point  that we ever could have predicted that we would be really in line with some of the top national builders in the country.

"So it's been pretty exciting."

The company's expansion has not come without growing pains.

Though NGC has won two awards for its work in Lincoln's Telegraph District, which the company has remade and built from the ground up over the past half-decade, the contractor is facing legal action over its work there.

EaDo  the Eastern Downtown Development Corp. created by Speedway and Nelnet as the two companies set out to develop the once-blighted area  filed a civil lawsuit against NGC in January over its work on Telegraph Lofts East at 21st and N streets.

In the lawsuit, filed Jan. 31, EaDo accused the contractor of improperly installing, or failing to install altogether, protective flashing to prevent water from damaging the property. The lawsuit also accused the contractor of improperly installing windows and masonry work and failing to produce a plan to correct the hiccups despite repeated requests.

NGC's legal team hadn't filed a response to EaDo's complaint as of Feb. 10. The lawsuit came as the company wrapped up work on Telegraph Lofts West.

The contractor's work on the Telegraph District has reshaped the southeastern edge of Lincoln's downtown, which only eight years ago was largely home to vacant buildings in the former industrial area, where NGC itself opened an office in 2019.

When you kind of look back at it and say, OK, all that planning and effort has really changed this area  and I think for the much better because  it was a dilapidated area that there wasnt much use for other than being an eyeso just south of O Street," Neff said.

"Thats one of my biggest (points of) pride, is being able to be a part of the development here and also have some of my fingerprints on different projects here in Lincoln, too.

NGC's work with Speedway extends back to development of the Arena Lofts and continues this spring at Canopy Park, the latest residential project in the West Haymarket.

It's hometown projects like those  and historic redevelopments at the Terminal Building, the Atrium and the former Gold's Department Store  that have helped NGC make a name for itself in Lincoln, while helping the city reshape its image, too.

I know we always ask people during the interview process, Why construction? Why do you do construction?" Krug said. "And I will tell you the No. 1 answer that I get is the pride in seeing a building go up and knowing that you did that. And driving through the city and being able to say, I did that building and I did that building.'

Theres certainly a lot of pride wrapped up in knowing that youre helping to change the landscape of the community."
Ward Hoppe, a Lincoln homebuilder, said a family at the median income in the city can afford a home costing roughly $225,000.

But when he recently priced out the cost of building a relatively modest 1,500-square-foot home in the southeast part of Lincoln, the price tag came to more than $330,000  well beyond the reach of most families.

The gap thats developed between the cost of housing and typical family budgets represents the challenge of Nebraskas affordable housing crisis, he and others say. And finding creative ways to close that gap, they say, will be the key to solving it.

We have got to figure out a way to get $330,000 down to $225,000, Hoppe told a legislative committee Wednesday.

The Legislatures budget-writing Appropriations Committee held hearings Wednesday on a series of measures that would invest hundreds of millions of additional state dollars to stimulate the construction of more affordable housing in Nebraska.

The state already has a number of programs that seek to create more affordable housing, often through low-interest loans to developers to lower the cost of building a home. But the programs need significantly more funding, advocates said Wednesday.

Its no secret our state has a housing access and affordability problem on our hands, said Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha. As a body, we cannot afford to sit out on this issue.

Finding an affordable place to live is no longer a challenge only for those at the lowest end of the income scale. At incomes from low to moderate, there simply arent enough quality and affordable housing units to meet the needs of Nebraskas working families.

Potential buyers are bidding on an ever-shrinking pool of homes on the market, as the for-sale inventory of homes in the Omaha metro has fallen by two-thirds in the last decade. Bidding wars for that smaller pool have led to escalating home prices that have priced some families completely out of the market and left thousands of others burdened with high housing costs.

Almost half of Nebraska families making $75,000 a year or less who pay rent or have a mortgage are now paying more than 30% of their income for housing  a level at which federal standards consider a family burdened by high housing costs.

Advocates say the crisis has been building since the Great Recession of 2007 and 2008, when homebuilding across the state plummeted. Its never fully rebounded.

Dave Rippe, former director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, noted that between 1980 and 2005, the state added 180,000 new residents and permitted construction of 190,000 new homes and apartments.

But from 2005 to 2019, Nebraska again added roughly 180,000 people, but permitted only 100,000 new housing units.

Demand remained constant, (but) supply decreased, he said. We ended up with a price increase and a shortage of housing.

And the gap is projected to continue to grow.

A 2019 study determined that Lincoln will need 17,000 additional homes and apartments by 2030. But at the current rate, it is adding between 400 to 800 new units a year.

Its a dramatic scaling thats necessary, said Wayne Mortensen, CEO of NeighborWorks Lincoln, a nonprofit that works to develop affordable housing.

One of the states oldest programs to help incentivize the building of affordable housing is the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, created in 1996. Its funded by a small tax on real estate transactions thats paid when you close on a house.

The funds are then granted by the state to nonprofits working to build housing that serves low-income residents. Those funds help defray the cost of building the house or apartment, lowering the price point.

In the quarter century since its creation, the program has helped fund 6,500 affordable housing units across the state  just a small fraction of the current need.

With only the transaction fee providing the money, the program received less than $14 million this year. Advocates are calling for the state to put an additional $25 million into the fund for each of the next two years, bringing total funding to nearly $40 million annually.

The state also has two programs geared toward creating whats being called workforce housing  housing in communities that are struggling to build enough housing for their local workforces. Workforce housing in general serves individuals with higher but still moderate incomes.

The Rural Workforce Housing Fund, created six years ago, serves mostly rural areas, while the Middle Income Housing Investment Act is targeted at housing in Omaha and Lincoln. The programs have proven to work and need additional support, advocates said.

Hoppe, the Lincoln homebuilder, noted that hes currently using funding from the rural fund to build four new housing units in the northeast Nebraska community of Pilger.

You cant get a homebuilder to go to a town and put together a project like that unless there is some incentive, Hoppe said. It allows us to reach home buyers and renters at levels they can afford.

Resolving the housing crisis is also critical to solving the states shortage of workers, several people testified. Currently, workers recruited to the state often find limited housing options.

A representative of the state chamber said a recent survey of businesses showed the No. 1 barrier to community growth is the lack of affordable housing. Housing is desperately needed to attract and retain employees, said Ryan Parker, CEO of a family-owned Southeast Nebraska brick manufacturing firm.

Grand Island employers large and small are struggling to fill the 10,000 vacant jobs we have, said Laura McAloon, city attorney in Grand Island. We cant provide housing for the potential employees for those jobs.
The Lied Center for Performing Arts has had the vision for a long time.

By the time a student graduates from Lincoln Public Schools, the Lied Center wants to ensure they have seen three of its shows  in fourth grade, sixth grade and high school.

Officials this week moved one step closer to realizing that vision when the Lied Center invited all LPS sixth graders to take in "Ajijaak on Turtle Island," an elaborate puppet show in which cranes soar, buffaloes roam and Native culture comes to life through music and dance.

The Lied Center has long has the vision of having all LPS students visit three times during their education to experience world-class performing arts, said Lauren Silverman Durban, communications manager for the Lied Center.

Fourth graders already get to attend a performance by the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra, but this is the first time sixth graders have been able to attend their own show.

The Lied Center had hoped to roll out a sixth grade experience sooner, but the pandemic got in the way, Silverman Durban said. Officials are now looking at adding a performance for high school students in the coming years.

"Ajijaak on Turtle Island" follows the migration of Ajijaak, a crane who gets separated from its family, and the creatures  buffaloes, coyotes, deer and more  it meets along the way. The show is infused with Native music, language and culture, celebrating the symbiotic relationship between cranes and Native communities.

The show, which premiered in New York in 2018, was created by Heather Henson, daughter of famed "Muppets" puppeteer Jim Henson, and features elaborate creations from the Jim Henson Creature Shop.

Students from area private schools and Native schools from across the state were also invited to performances this week in addition to the LPS sixth graders  more than 6,000 students in all. A representative from a Native Nebraska community also addressed students before each matinee.

"Its so cool to be able to bring in all of these students, many who may not have been to the theater before," Durban said.

"Ajijaak on Turtle Island" will be performed for the public on Thursday.

If you go WHAT: "Ajijaak on Turtle Island" a family-friendly puppet show that follows the migration of a crane separated from her family and the creatures she meets on the way. WHERE: Lied Center for Performing Arts, 301 N. 12th St. WHEN: 7 p.m. Thursday. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with activities before the show, including puppet-making. TICKETS: www.liedcenter.org

Top Journal Star photos for March 2023
The Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Commission on Wednesday approved an assisted-living operation in an existing house despite overwhelming neighborhood opposition.

The commission voted unanimously to approve a special permit to allow The Harbor Senior Care to house 12 seniors with Alzheimer's disease or dementia in a home on a more than 1 acre lot at 3737 Calvert St., with a potential expansion to allow up to 16 people.

The Harbor, which is based in Omaha, opened a similar facility last August near 84th Street and Pioneers Boulevard, and CEO Chris Gille said it quickly reached capacity, leading the company to seek another Lincoln location.

The house on Calvert Street has more than 4,800 square feet of finished space and a large backyard that would be fenced off and allow residents to have a secure outdoor space.

Katie Hartman, the administrator of the home, said providing the care in a residential setting is an "amazing concept" that is life-changing for families of those with memory issues.

Hartman said most of the residents are older than 85 and most will live out the rest of their lives at the facility.

"It truly is just a home," she said. "That's the concept of this."

But neighbors, more than 80 of whom signed a petition opposing the facility, disagreed.

Many said they weren't opposed to the concept but didn't believe a facility with up to 16 residents and three round-the-clock employees belongs in a neighborhood that overwhelmingly contains single-family homes.

"This is a business that would be stuck right in the middle of a neighborhood," said Teresa Schmidt, who lives about two blocks from the home.

Other neighbors who testified expressed concerns about traffic and the potential for reduced property values.

Members of the Planning Commission said they were sympathetic to neighbors' concerns but that the proposal meets the standards for what the city zoning code defines as a residential health care facility.

Commission Chairwoman Tracy Edgerton said that while the operation technically is a business, it also will be a residence.

"This is where their home will be," she said.

The vote is considered final action, but it can be appealed to the City Council within 14 days, a prospect that appears likely.

In other business Wednesday, the Planning Commission recommended approval of a plan to build 12 apartment units and three rowhouse-style town homes at 27th and Starr streets.

The project would cost close to $2.8 million, including about $450,000 in tax-increment funding, which would allow the developer to pay for some upfront costs using projected future property tax dollars generated by the development.

Because of the use of TIF, the project would have some affordable housing, likely two or three units.

The Clinton Neighborhood Association formally opposed the project, with President Ian Edgington saying that it didn't fit the character of the neighborhood and would exacerbate existing problems with parking and an overabundance of college students living in the area.

25 cities where rents are rising the fastest 25 cities where rents are rising the fastest #25. Savannah, Georgia #24. Omaha, Nebraska #23. Lincoln, Nebraska #22. Rochester, Minnesota #21. North Charleston, South Carolina #20. Wilmington, North Carolina #19. Albuquerque, New Mexico #18. Tulsa, Oklahoma #17. Highlands Ranch, Colorado #16. Anchorage, Alaska #15. Santa Clara, California #14. Charleston, South Carolina #13. Killeen, Texas #12. Mobile, Alabama #10. Knoxville, Tennessee #10. Torrance, California #9. Fayetteville, North Carolina #8. Independence, Missouri #7. Kansas City, Kansas #6. Jersey City, New Jersey #5. Escondido, California #4. Metairie, Louisiana #3. Midland, Texas #2. Madison, Wisconsin #1. Odessa, Texas
OMAHA  A former Nebraska corrections employee accused of having an inmate's baby appeared in court for the first time Wednesday.

Samantha Cedillo, 31, was charged last week with sexual abuse of an inmate after she allegedly had a sexual relationship with an inmate while working at the Omaha Correctional Center and gave birth to his child late last year.

At the hearing, Cedillo's attorney asked for bail to be set at $10,000, citing her minimal criminal record and the fact that she has a 10-week-old baby at home. Prosecutors advocated for higher bail at $200,000.

Douglas County Court Judge Stephanie Hansen went above both requests and ordered Cedillo held on $250,000 bail, meaning she will have to post 10%, or $25,000, to be released from jail.

If convicted, Cedillo faces a maximum of 20 years in jail with no mandatory minimum. She also would have to register as a sex offender.

According to affidavits filed by a Nebraska State Patrol investigator, Cedillo worked at the Omaha Correctional Center as a non-clinical program manager beginning in June 2021.

By November 2021, prison staff were notified that Cedillo was suspected of having an inappropriate relationship with her library clerk, a 47-year-old man serving a life sentence for first-degree murder. Over the next four months, staff members observed and documented at least 10 questionable interactions between the two or prison code of conduct violations by Cedillo.

Cedillo was repeatedly issued verbal warnings, according to prison staff, and the inmate was removed from his position as a library clerk. But the two allegedly continued to talk to each other in the library and spend time together in Cedillo's office with the door closed.

In March 2022, Cedillo was seen on surveillance video taking off her radio belt while the inmate was in her office. The two moved behind the door and out of the camera's view. When another officer entered the library, they reported that Cedillo hurried back to her chair with an untucked shirt and messy hair.

When asked to write a report justifying the interaction, Cedillo resigned. Investigators later found a baby registry created by Cedillo, with a due date in mid-December  nine months after that March interaction.

After Cedillo left her job at the correctional center, she and the inmate continued to message each other  either via an illegal phone that he had possession of in his cell and later destroyed when authorities searched for it, or via legitimate prison communications. Many of the messages discussed their love for one another and the birth of their child.

Shortly after the baby boy was born in December, a search warrant was issued to obtain DNA from the baby and from the inmate. DNA testing confirmed that the inmate is likely the baby's father. Nebraska law prohibits any employee or contractor within a state prison or city or county jail from subjecting an inmate or parolee to sexual penetration or sexual contact. Consent is not a valid defense, according to state law.

Top Journal Star photos for March 2023
A Colorado man once arrested trying to break into pop star Taylor Swift's home with rubber gloves, a knife and rope now is wanted in Nebraska for allegedly trying to kidnap a 17-year-old boy at a gas station in Grand Island.

The Hall County Attorney's Office charged Julius Sandrock, 43, of Broomfield, Colorado, on Wednesday with attempted kidnapping and misdemeanor assault for an incident on the morning of Oct. 24.

In the affidavit for an arrest warrant for Sandrock, Grand Island Police Investigator Bryce Collamore said they were called to a Pump & Pantry on Locust Street shortly before 10 a.m. that day on the teen's report.

He said a man had tried to abduct him while he was pumping gas.

Video from the store showed a man wearing rubber gloves and a black trench coat lunge toward the 17-year-old as he walked to his car after prepaying, but get back into his Buick Encore when another car pulled up.

As the boy pumped gas, the man could be seen repositioning his car, then getting out and crouching behind the pump, Collamore said.

"The male suspect is then observed lunging with his left hand," and it appears he tried to grab the teenager, described as 5-foot-4 and 105 pounds, and strike him in the face in the process.

Collamore said the teen was able to run away, which caused the man to run back to his Buick and drive away.

Collamore said about an hour later the Shelton Police Department was called to a store in the town southwest of Grand Island about a man in a trench coat, rubber gloves and surgical booties on his shoes who had come in and bought rubbing alcohol and latex gloves.

He said the man used a credit card that tracked back to Sandrock, who was driving an SUV with Colorado plates.

With that information, Collamore said, they were able to pull up Sandrock's vehicle records, which showed he owned a 2018 Buick Encore, consistent with the one on the video at Pump & Pantry, and his Illinois driver's license, which was consistent with the description of the man described by the victim and seen on camera.

A little more than a week later, Sandrock was cited for an assault in San Francisco.

Collamore said investigators learned Sandrock has been contacted for similar, suspicious activity in California when he was found outside of Swift's home with rubber gloves, a knife and rope in 2018.

Swift later was granted a five-year restraining order against him.

Who are they? NE children reported missing as of February 25 These are recent reports of missing children made to local law enforcement. If you think you have seen a missing child, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
An Omaha man has pleaded guilty to his part in a multimillion dollar embezzlement scheme that he and his partner used to fund their lavish lifestyle.

Jeffrey Stenstrom, 42, pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to conspiracy to commit money laundering, according to a news release from the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Nebraska.

Stenstrom and his partner Brett A. Cook embezzled upwards of $5.1 million from Omaha property management company Darland Properties LLC, which Cook was vice president of, according to Stenstrom's plea deal. Stenstrom and Cook obtained the money by overbilling for contracting work, billing for work that was not performed and obtaining insurance proceeds from the fraudulent invoices.

Cook was found dead in May after federal agents searched his home, and his death was ruled a suicide.

Under the plea agreement, Stenstrom faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $500,000, twice the amount of the laundered funds or both. Stenstrom has also agreed to pay restitution of no less than $5.1 million to Darland Properties, according to the release.

Stenstrom will also forfeit multiple properties in Nebraska, a residence in Arizona, multiple vehicles including a 2020 McLaren 600 LT Spider, jewelry and multiple life insurances policies worth over $2 million, the release said.

Stenstrom's sentencing is scheduled for June 2 and a federal judge has ordered a pre-sentence investigation be conducted, the release said.

Stenstrom also has a pending sentencing for income tax evasion in which he faces up to five years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine and will pay just under $2 million in restitution to the IRS, according to the release.
Why is Caledonia spending money on parks when it needs money for public safety?

To hire and retain sworn first responder personnel, the village is hoping to increase the 2023 tax levy, collected in 2024, by 10.179%. This would increase the village levy by $1,781,000 over the past years levy, for a village tax levy of $19,278,645, and on an ongoing basis, include the increase of $1,781,000 for each fiscal year going forward.

A binding referendum on April 4 election ballots will ask if residents favor exceeding the state imposed levy limit for hiring additional public safety personnel at a cost to taxpayers of $57 per $100,000 worth of property value.

Besides Maple Park improvements, the village also in October 2022 approved a master plan for Crawford Park, which included upgrades of a skate park, splash pad, sledding hill, open-air shelter with restrooms, multi-use sports field, court sports and ice skating rink, and is costing the village a total of $10,091,158.

Residents may wonder why the village is asking residents to consider paying higher property taxes for public safety when the village is allotting such a large amount of money for parks.

The answer: Money the village is spending on parks are revenues generated by park impact fees, and as such, can only be spent on parks.

These dollars are collected from new home construction fees and are earmarked for future park land or amenities.

The master plan that was completed for Crawford Park is a plan that will guide the village in how to prioritize future upgrades and improvements to the park  upgrades that will be funded through park impact fees, donations and other sources.

Public safety staffing expenses are annual, recurring expenses that must be budgeted for every year.
The number of travellers visiting Germany from the GCC recorded more than double in 2022, resulting in double the room nights as compared to 2021, according to new data from the German National Tourist Board (GNTB).



Germany recorded approximately 1.12 million room nights in 2022, more than double the 2021 figure of 500,000.



GCC travellers were responsible for more than 335,000 room nights in the first half of 2022, representing a 318 per cent increase on 2021. The second half of the year brought even more growth, with records showing a further 793,000 room nights  a 136.7 per cent jump on the previous six months.



Further, Germany recorded more than 404,000 GCC travellers in 2022 that resulted in the 1.12 million room nights, a 243.84% increase from 2021 that recorded just a bit more than 165,000 GCC travellers that resulted in 500,000 room nights approx.



This consistent growth illustrates an increasing interest in Germany from the GCC and amplifies anticipation for the year ahead, said Yamina Sofo, director at the Dubai-based German National Tourist Office (GNTO). The rise in travellers can certainly be attributed to Germanys ongoing efforts to diversify itineraries through various tourism campaigns that highlight local cultures, family-focused leisure options, and natural, sustainability focussed travel options.



Sofo continued: We have seen a consistent growth in 2022  both quarter-by-quarter and year-on-year. Now our focus lies in amplifying these numbers in 2023 by driving sustainable tourism offerings and helping ensure visitors explore and experience the culture and natural beauty of Germany throughout all its states and cities.



Further, GCC travellers were more inclined towards visiting places that were surrounded by nature and exploring the countrys green landscapes and wilderness. The campaign, Embrace German Nature was relaunched at the beginning of this month and offers relaxation in harmony with nature.



Travellers can explore the islands and coasts, towering mountains and thick forests, thousands of lakes and rivers, and countless great hiking routes and cycle paths, and all by leaving a minimal carbon footprint. Further, visitors can tour Germanys well-known sites that protect and preserve the countrys rare natural landscapes, such as the three UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites, 16 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, 16 national parks, and 104 nature parks.



The Embrace German Nature campaign stresses eight diverse tourism options that allows visitors to rediscover the country's unique natural landscapes and experience the charm of travelling at a slower pace. Whether thats a houseboat tour, watching the migration of cranes, a night hike under the stars, a bird of prey show, or a climbing trip at a high ropes course, there is something for everyone.  TradeArabia News Service


RACINE  The citys firefighters have a new contract, more than two years after the last one expired.

The contract incudes a 15% pay increase over a three-year period, a retention bonus, additional vacation time and benefits non-union city employees have already obtained.

However, the contract also includes some reductions in retirement benefits.

The City Council approved the new contract Tuesday.

Members of Racines public safety departments have been working under a contract that expired Dec. 31, 2020.

Contract

The three-year contract includes the following pay increases for firefighters:

As of Jan. 1, 2021: 4%

As of Jan. 1, 2022: 3.50%

As of Jan. 1, 2023: 1%

As of Dec. 31, 2023: 3%

As of Jan. 1, 2024: 1%

As of Dec. 31, 2024: 3.25%

The city also agreed to pay a $2,000 retention bonus to all city firefighters who are still employed within 30 days of the contracts approval.

Firefighters also will be eligible for the citys 3% pay differential for those who live within the city limits.

The council established the pay differential to encourage its workforce to live in Racine and to off-set the higher cost of doing so.

Health insurance

Firefighters will see a reduction in the health insurance premium share, from 10% to 7.5%.

The contract also recognizes the dispute that continues on appeal between the city and its public safety departments.

The City Council made changes to the retirement benefits of all its employees in 2019 to reduce legacy costs during a time of severe budget constraints.

The change saved the city $3.2 million in its first year, but critics of the move have said the changes should have been phased-in, rather than taking away a benefit that was previously negotiated for employees.

Under the contract, cash payments at retirement for accumulated sick leave were reduced and phased out.

Those retiring between Jan. 1, 2025 and Dec. 31, 2025 will have a $10,000 limit on cash payout for accumulated sick days.

Those retiring between Jan. 1, 2026 and Dec. 31, 2026 will have a $7,500 limit on cash payout for accumulated sick days.

Those retiring between Jan. 1, 2027 and Dec. 31 2027 will have a $5,000 limit on cash payout for accumulated sick days.

Those hired after Jan. 1, 2021 will not be eligible for sick-leave cash payment.

In the past, it was possible to retire and receive unlimited cash payments for unused sick leave.

Handbook

In a separate vote, council members moved to transfer retirement eligibility from the negotiated contract to the employee handbooks, which has been the subject of dispute for more than three years.

This action was made possible by action taken by former Gov. Scott Walker in 2011  first with Act 10, which excluded public safety, and then with Act 32 that reduced public safetys ability to negotiate a contract.

Before Act 32, public safety unions could bargain for salary, benefits and working conditions.

Act 32 included a provision that restricted the unions ability to bargain for health insurance, with special reference to its design and selection.

Both sides agreed in 2020 to put the issues before the Wisconsin Employee Relations Commission. Almost 18 months later, WERC sided with the city.

Both of the citys public safety departments  fire and police  are participating in an appeal of that decision.

In the meantime, language regarding the health insurance plan at retirement was removed from the agreement and placed in the employee handbook.

Should the courts side with the public safety departments on appeal, the city and the firefighters union will meet to decide what actions will be taken.

Handbook

In removing retirement language from the contract and placing it in the handbook, the city established the Rule of 78, which states that employee must be at least 53 years old and have continuous years of service so that 53 plus the years of service equals 78.

With the eligibility met, an employee can retire but continue on the citys health insurance plan until eligible for Medicare.

Photos and video: RUSD students and area fire departments compete in chili bowl RACINE  Marvell Robertson was shocked but happy to win. Robertson, a senior at Case High School, and classmate Xander Marsh took first place Thursday in the inaugural Racine Fire Department vs. Racine Unified School District Chili Bowl. Robertson and Marsh, who cooked a homestyle chili, had the best of 12 chilis made by area fire departments and culinary students at Case, Horlick and Park high schools. Park students Juan Benitez and Mya Lowery took second place, and RFD Engine 5 placed third. Five people, including Racine Mayor Cory Mason, judged the chilis. The contest took place at Racine Fire Department Station 1, 810 Eighth St. RFD and RUSD officials hope to make the event an annual occurrence. Chili Bowl winners From left: Case senior Xander Marsh, Case culinary pathway instructor Erica Buskirk and Case senior Marvell Robertson celebrate. Marsh and Rob Horlick students discuss chili Horlick seniors Daylena Buchanan-Valentine, left, and Terrance Nesbitt discuss their chili the inaugural Racine Fire Department vs. Racine Uni Winning team From left: Racine Mayor Cory Mason, Case senior Xander Marsh, Case senior Marvell Robertson and Horlick senior Daylena Buchanan-Valentine smil Stirring chili Park senior Juan Benitez stirs his chili at the inaugural Racine Fire Department vs. Racine Unified School District Chili Bowl. Benitez and cl Finishing touches Park senior Mya Lowery puts the finishing touches on her chili at the inaugural Racine Fire Department vs. Racine Unified School District Chil Case students Case seniors Myla Murphy, left, and Jay Torres prepare to serve their chili at the inaugural Racine Fire Department vs. Racine Unified School  Lt. Jamison pours chili Lt. Josh Jamison with the South Shore Fire Department pours chili at the inaugural Racine Fire Department vs. Racine Unified School District C Second place Park senior Mya Lowery holds the second place trophy at the inaugural Racine Fire Department vs. Racine Unified School District Chili Bowl. Lo Chili made by Park students A chili made by Park seniors Juan Benitez and Mya Lowery sits on the judge's table Chili bowl preparation
RACINE  It has been 23 years since the murder of Linda Fields, who was just 37 when she was found under a tree near the lakefront, strangled to death.

DNA was collected but it never led to a suspect, until recently.

Racine Police Department Chief Maurice Robinson announced Wednesday that Lucas Ascencio Alonso, 66, was arrested at his workplace in Racine and booked into the Racine County Jail.

Alonso is charged with first-degree intentional homicide.

Carl Fields, Lindas son, said the family has been living in a fractured way for a long time.

We have hurt quietly and silently, he said.

Cathy Fields, Lindas younger sister, said all the family wants is justice.

Case history

The Racine Police Department responded to the 1100 block of Lake Avenue on Feb. 24, 2000, after a report of a woman lying under a tree who was deceased.

According to the criminal complaint, investigators interviewed friends and family members who said the last time Linda Fields was seen by someone who knew her was Feb. 22, 2000.

The RPD investigated, but eventually ran out of leads.

The case was reassigned over the years until former Police Chief Howell assigned Investigator Chris Blackmore to take another look in August 2020.

In January 2022, Blackmore met with agents from the Wisconsin Department of Justice and the state crime laboratory to discuss a familial DNA search, which had the potential to identify close relatives of the suspect.

In February, the familial DNA search identified an individual who was the parent, brother or son of the person whose DNA was found on Linda Fields.

That individual was ruled out as the DNA contributor, as was his brother.

On Feb. 21, 2023, Blackmore received a search warrant to collect DNA from Alonso.

His DNA was determined to be a match to the DNA found at the crime scene.

Alonso, who was arrested March 6, reportedly told investigators that he became angry at Linda Fields while the two were engaging in intercourse and choked her, and that he thought she was still alive when he walked away.

Mugshots: Racine County criminal complaints, March 7, 2023 Today's mugshots: March 7 These are images of people charged with a crime in Racine County. Booking photos are provided by Racine County law enforcement officials. A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty and convicted. Daniel Terrance Tucker Daniel Terrance Tucker, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, operating with restricted controlled substance in blood (2nd offense), misdemeanor bail jumping. Zyiere M. Carey NO PHOTO AVAILABLE Zyiere M. Carey, 900 block of Elm Street, Racine, possession of THC, possession with intent to deliver/distribute/manufacture THC (between 200-1,000 grams). Shane L. White Shane L. White, 5800 block of 11th Avenue, Kenosha, disorderly conduct, misdemeanor bail jumping. Dreterrion Currie Dreterrion Currie, 2100 block of 21st Street, Racine, possession with intent to deliver cocaine (between 1-5 grams), possession with intent to deliver fentanyl (less tan or equal to 10 grams). Felix M. Leal Jr. Felix M. Leal Jr., 800 block of Yout Street, Racine, possession of cocaine. Christopher T. Taylor Christopher T. Taylor, 1900 block of 12th Street, Racine, possession with intent to deliver cocaine (between 1-5 grams), felony bail jumping, possession with intent to deliver fentanyl (less than or equal to 10 grams), operate motor vehicle while revoked. Charles E. Young Charles E. Young, 6500 block of 21st Avenue, Kenosha, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence (3rd offense, general alcohol concentration enhancer), operate motor vehicle while revoked, misdemeanor bail jumping. Andre L. Goodman Andre L. Goodman, Sauk Village, Illinois, felony bail jumping, misdemeanor bail jumping. Oscar A. Romo Oscar A. Romo, 1800 block of Howe Street, Racine, delivery of schedule I or II narcotics.
RACINE  A man charged in connection to a shooting he claims he did not commit continues to face a jury trial after a judge declined to allow the prosecution to dismiss the charges  despite a lack of witnesses.

Kenneth L. Booker, Jr., 22, is charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide with use of a dangerous weapon in a shooting that occurred Dec. 21, 2020, near the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Albert Street.

On Tuesday during a pre-trial hearing in Racine County Circuit Court, Deputy District Attorney Dirk Jensen said he was unable to subpoena two witnesses and a third was not cooperating.

Jensen said he was ready to dismiss the case, with the potential to refile if the witnesses become available.

Laura Walker, Bookers attorney, spoke in favor of the dismissal, but Judge Robert Repischak was not willing to dismiss the case.

Repischak told Jensen that the trial, which is scheduled to begin April 3, will remain on the calendar.

If the state does not have witnesses by then, Repischak said the case will be dismissed.

Case history

A witness to the 2020 shooting told investigators that he was one of three people in a vehicle that stopped at the intersection of Albert Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

The witness said one of the other people in the vehicle got out and had a confrontation with someone in a Mercury Grand Marquis, according to a criminal complaint.

The person in the Grand Marquis, who the witness called Little Ken, allegedly shot the person 6-8 times with a handgun.

The shooting victim suffered a head wound, but survived.

The witness reportedly identified Booker from a photo lineup. However, he later said Booker was not the shooter.

A search warrant served at Bookers residence and reportedly led to the recovery of a .22 caliber revolver, a .38 special and ammunition.

With information provided by the witness, investigators initially believed Booker and his mother committed the crime while driving her car, which was seized.

However, she had an alibi for the night of the shooting.

In photos: All smiles at kids' bike ride with Mount Pleasant COP officers Pedaling through the streets Doll Buggy Parade Smile for the camera Waiting patiently with decked out bikes Sharing a moment Ready to roll Rolling past Wells Brothers Happy Fourth! Police and youth together Smiling together Smiling for the camera Balloons and bikes Stars, stripes and bikes
MOUNT PLEASANT  A new proposal might shed some light on the future of the Foxconn land.

WEC Energy Group and Foxconn say they plan to submit a project for approval to the Village of Mount Pleasant Board of Trustees and Racine County Board of Supervisors that will include the installation of solar panels at Foxconns Science and Technology Park, 12001 Braun Road, Suite 210.

In partnership and collaboration with We Energies, Foxconn is excited to launch one of the largest nonresidential solar projects in Racine County, said Foxconn Technology Group. Foxconn is committed to integrating green and sustainable practices throughout our operations to mitigate the impacts of climate change, thereby further achieving our responsibility of protecting the environment.

According to Foxconns statement, the Taiwanese-based electronics manufacturer has invested more than $1 billion in Wisconsin and has more than 1,000 employees who make data servers and motherboards for tier-1 customers.

As part of the proposed project, We Energies will install, own and maintain 2,000 solar panels on the Mount Pleasant campus.

The wattage the panels will supply can produce enough energy to power 300 homes. The panels will be a mix of single-axel and fixed-tilt models to maximize the production of renewable energy.

Were pleased to bring more clean energy to Wisconsin through this partnership with Foxconn, Gale Klappa, executive chairman for WEC Energy Group wrote in a statement. As Foxconn expands its operations, this project will deliver affordable, reliable and clean energy for years to come.

The project is expected to offset more than 1,200 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, equivalent to taking 260 cars off the road or planting 20,000 trees.

The agreement would last for 30 years, the estimated life expectancy of the system.

During that time, the estimated benefits are expected to grow to 33,000 metric tons of CO2 removed, the equivalent of taking 7,200 cars off the road or planting 560,000 trees.

The Village of Mount Pleasant and Racine County issued a joint statement Thursday morning:

We welcome continued investment in Mount Pleasant at the Science and Technology Park and look forward to reviewing materials as part of the formal process for the Village Board of Trustees and County Board of Supervisors.

15 reasons we should get rid of daylight saving time Intro 1. A guy invented it to look for bugs 2. People always get the name wrong 3. Not helpful for farmers 4. Doesn't really save energy 5. Easy to live without it 6. Doesn't benefit moderate locations 7. Throws off your sleep 8. Increase in accidents 9. Focus up 10. Cyberloafing 11. Bad for your health 12. Time zone headaches 13. Bad for some businesses 14. DST is basically standard time 15. Keep it simple, stupid
Dane County Executive Joe Parisi on Thursday announced the Huber Center on Madisons South Side as the location for the countys much-delayed mental health crisis center.

The county has approved $14.3 million in preparation for the facility, known as a Crisis Triage Center, whose location the County Board had originally wanted to identify in 2021.

Parisi didnt provide an expected opening date for the facility, at 2120 Rimrock Road, but said using a building already in the countys hands will hurry the process. The countys next step will be to hire consultants to assess the facility and create a concept plan for its redevelopment, Parisi said.

Parisi pointed out the centers central location  near the Beltline and public transportation  will make it accessible to community members.

The county executive and I are proud to stand in front of a building that was built in the 1980s for incarceration and now announce its transition into a Crisis Triage Center, Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett said. This facility will divert those with mental health crisis from our criminal justice system and out of our jail population.

The Huber facility had housed inmates eligible for work release. But since last fall those who would have been housed at the facility have been part of Barretts electronic monitoring program, according to a statement. The facility is currently used by sheriffs deputies focusing on the electronic monitoring program, but those deputies would be moved to another location, Barrett said.

Officials have described the planned center as a no wrong door facility where patients can simply walk in and get treatment and recovery services. The center aims to keep those facing mental health challenges from getting entangled in the criminal justice system.

Long-standing gaps in Dane Countys mental health services prompted talks about building a crisis center. A 2019 behavioral health needs assessment found the county lacked a 24/7 facility, options for crisis response in rural areas beyond Madison and ways to divert people with mental health issues away from the criminal justice system.

Because Dane County doesnt have a dedicated crisis center, residents who have to be involuntarily committed can be taken to Winnebago Mental Health Institute in Oshkosh, a nearly two-hour drive.

There were initial calls for the center to open in 2023. But distractions related to the county jails proposed expansion and cancelled meetings prompted delays.

A subcommittee of the countys Criminal Justice Council tasked with overseeing planning for the center canceled half of its monthly meetings between August 2021 and August 2022 due to lack of attendance.

And in the aftermath of demonstrations in the summer of 2020, competing plans to consolidate and expand the countys jail facilities have taken up countless hours of officials time, even as the project remains stalled and unfunded.

The location announcement comes as Democratic Gov. Tony Evers in his State of the State address called 2023 the year of mental health, citing rising rates of suicide ideation and depression among youths. He requested spending $500 million to address mental health across Wisconsin, an amount Republicans appear unlikely to be willing to spend.
1. Yes. Switching back and forth every spring and fall is cumbersome and annoying.

2. Yes. It makes sense, although it would take a bit of getting used to at first.

3. No. The bill isnt enforceable. The federal government would have to approve the switch.

4. No. If other states dont follow suit, it could make long-distance travel problematic.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say without knowing all the impacts of the proposed change.

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Qatar's Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, the Middle Easts first full immersion wellness resort, is celebrating its first anniversary with a range of special activities and offers throughout the month of March.



To mark the milestone, celebratory anniversary offers will run throughout the milestone month of March 2023, while on March 29 a series of special events will mark the official first birthday of the Middle Easts largest and first full-immersion wellness destination.



Throughout the month of March, guests booking to stay at Zulal Wellness Resort can benefit from birthday presents including one complimentary nutrition consultation, TAIM consultation or cooking class; complimentary follow-up consultation; early check-in and late check-out. Chiva- Som members and loyal guests will also be treated to a complimentary room upgrade and complimentary return limousine transfers from Hamad International Airport. Terms and conditions apply. Valid for bookings from March 1-31 for stays of three or more nights, until September 30, 2023.



"Our commitment to sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and we are proud to make this a central part of our plans to mark this important milestone." added Heinrich Morio, General Manager of Zulal Wellness Resort. "We look forward to welcoming our cherished guests to join us in celebrating our anniversary and experiencing the world-class wellness offerings that Zulal Wellness Resort has to offer."



Zulal Wellness Resort is the worlds first contemporary showcase of Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM), the foundation on which modern Western medicine was built. The wellness expert team have incorporated the principles of TAIM into over 400 wellness treatments offered at the resort for complete wellbeing pursuit and life transformation.



Zulal Wellness Resort is also Qatar's largest wellness destination, featuring Zulal Serenity which is dedicated to adult guests, together with Zulal Discovery, which invites families to connect and embark on a wellness journey together.  TradeArabia News Service
Due to the forecasted winter storm, the city of Viroqua will be under a Winter Snow Event starting Thursday, March 9, at noon. The City Public Works Department will be coming out to plow the city streets, so please have all vehicles and trailers off the street until the snow has been removed to the curb line.

In 2021, the city of Viroqua passed a new ordinance regarding on-street parking during the snow season. The new ordinance allows overnight parking on city streets at all times of the year EXCEPT in the instance of a Winter Snow Event  which is defined as any instance in which there is snowfall of 1 inches or more. When the snowfall threshold is met, the Viroqua Public Works Department or Police Department will issue a citywide notification via the Nixle emergency alert. To sign up for Nixle alerts, residents can simply send a text message with their ZIP code to phone number 888777.
Emery Bork, Vernon County UW-Madison, Division of Extension, received three different awards from the Wisconsin Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals (WAE4-HYDP) through their annual recognition program: 2023 Achievement in Service Award, Video Program Communicator Award, and the Greg Yost Memorial Youth in Leadership Award. These awards recognize excellence in service, communication, and implementation of youth leadership programming conducted by Extension.

Bork began her position as 4-H Educator in Vernon County in the summer of 2018 and has worked hard to support and grow 4-H. She has improved the countywide project base, formed strong connections with 4-H volunteers, integrated inclusion and diversity programming, and embraced technology and virtual programming. Bork, along with her Youth Leadership Project team and Richland County colleague, Karleen Craddock, offered a program in 2022 on disability awareness. This program was honored with the Greg Yost Memorial Youth in Leadership Award, as it caused large impacts statewide on how 4-H embraces youth that live with a disability and includes them in programming.

When the pandemic began, adaptation and the continued offering of programming for 4-H families were at the forefront of her mind. Bork was one of the first in the state to begin offering virtual programming via Zoom and had well over 1,000 participants in her first series. She went on to adapt and create novel virtual programming: concerts and performances streamed to nursing homes, stargazing sessions within a camp in the box program, poultry and rabbit showmanship judging competitions, and more. Emery worked with her husbands media company, Earthship Media, to establish a Vernon County 4-H YouTube channel, posting informational videos and event recaps  earning her the Video Program Communicator Award.

Bork describes herself as a quiet individual that likes to work in the background, come up with new ideas, write curriculum, and make connections in the community. She is passionate about rabbits and poultry and volunteers regularly with the American Harlequin Rabbit Club. The Achievement in Service Award recognizes Borks professional accomplishments and improvements, as well as her involvement and volunteerism in the community.

The Video Program Communicator Award and the Greg Yost Memorial Youth in Leadership Award application will be forwarded to the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents (NAE4-HA) for national recognition if selected at regional and national competitions.
In December 2022, the Vernon County Times featured an unidentified photograph on the Good Morning page of a local home, taken from the Vernon County Museum/History Center archives. The only notation on the back of the photo was Town of Sterling. The recent identification of this photograph tells the tale of three owners of the home.

In January, the museum received a call from Vivian Walleser, a previous owner of the home. In 1969, she and her former husband, Ronald Brudos, purchased the home and property in a sealed bid, taken on the steps of the Vernon County Courthouse. Vivian stated that the home was a wreck; animals had been living inside and the inside cistern had overflowed so many times that it caused the floor joists and wood flooring to rot.

The former owner, Oscar Bakke, a Norwegian bachelor, owned the property from 1930 until his death in 1967. According to Vivian, he rented out the first floor and lived in one bedroom upstairs. He was a voracious reader and filled the other bedrooms with newspapers.

The Brudoses soon realized that it would be a daunting task to remodel the home and make it livable. Not sure if they were up to it, they consulted with Vivians father, Albert Shields, for his opinion. Albert, a carpenter from Bloomingdale, saw the potential and encouraged the Brudoses to refurbish the home.

The original owners, Parsons Dorr Miner and his wife Sarah, built the home about 1900. According to the book Memoirs of Vernon County, published in 1907 by editor Earl M. Rogers, three large lower rooms are finished in black walnut which grew on the land of Mr. Miner, the kitchen is finished in red oak and the second story is finished with southern yellow pine. These materials were no doubt milled by the Miners sons, Wilbur and Henry.

They, along with their sister Mary, established extensive lumber operations in Wisconsin, beginning about 1880 when they founded a mill, company store and housing for workers about one mile north of Bloomingdale, which became known as Minertown. When the surrounding area was exhausted of timber, around 1900, the Miners moved their equipment to Carter, Forest County, Wisconsin, and Vernon Countys Minertown ceased to exist. Their time in the lumber business ended by about 1920 when Wilbur and Henry moved to Eugene, Oregon. Mary returned to Vernon County and purchased a home in Retreat.

The Miners had two other children, Hiram and Alice. Hiram, who was a turkey rancher in North Dakota, returned to Wisconsin in about 1950. Henry also returned to Vernon County and the three siblings lived together in Marys home. Alice and her husband Henry Slater later owned the Miner property.

When the farm was first purchased by the Brudoses in 1969, they raised pigs, beef cattle and tobacco. The operation was expanded to dairy in 1974 when additional land was purchased. They also added outbuildings over the years. Ronald Brudos operated the farm until 2002 when he retired. Three of his grandchildren later took over operation.

Just a reminder of the Museum/History Centers new extended hours, 11 a.m. until 4 p.m on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. We continue to accommodate anyone who would like to make an appointment outside of our regular hours. We only ask that you give us a couple of days notice. Our phone number is 608-637-7396.
Thirteen local nonprofits have been awarded grants for community events from La Crosse County. The events range from race fundraisers to art and holiday festivals.

The countys executive committee approved grant allocations for the 13 organizations and their events at its meeting Wednesday.

Last year, the county board reserved $90,000 from the over $22 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to be used to support nonprofits whose community events needed economic support due to the pandemic.

The county received 21 grant applications for a total request of $192,500. Applicants had to be a nonprofit in the county that hosts a community event or festival.

AVCAP Inc.s Airport 5K and Open House was awarded its ask of $3,000.

Grants of $5,000 each were awarded to Cia Siab, Inc. for its Hmoob American Day Celebration and 5K Fundraiser, the Coulee Council on Addictions for the recovery brunch and run and the Outdoor Recreation Alliance for the La Crosse Omnium bike race.

The following nonprofits will receive $8,000 each from the county:

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 336  Onalaska Community Days

Bangor Lions Club  Bangor Fun Daze

Bluff Country Tale Spinners  La Crosse Storytelling Festival & Other Storytelling activities.

Great River Festival of Arts  Great River Folk Festival

Hmoob Cultural and Community Agency  La Crosse Area Hmong New Year Festival

Pump House Regional Arts Center  Artspire La Crosse

St. Josephs Fireworks  4th of July Fireworks

The Center, 7 Rivers LGBTQ Connection  La Crosse PRIDE

West Salem Dairy Days  June Dairy Days
The La Crosse County Executive Committee signed off on a plan for the county to enter into a settlement agreement with manufacturers and distributors of opioids Wednesday.

The settlement is the second from a multistate litigation against opioid manufacturers and distributors that the county joined, along with 70 other Wisconsin counties, in 2018.

The full county board must approve the agreement at the county supervisors meeting March 16 for it to take effect.

According to county corporation counsel Megan DeVore, the second settlement is an estimated $2.7 million that will be distributed to the county over 10 to 15 years because each manufacturer and distributor is under a different settlement payout timeline.

This second batch of defendants includes pharmaceutical distributors such as Walgreens, Walmart and CVS and smaller manufacturers of opioids Allergan Finance and Teva Pharmaceuticals.

In 2021, the first settlement concluded and it was determined that La Crosse County would get $3.4 million, again paid out over nine to 18 years.

The defendants for that litigation involved opioid manufacturers such as McKesson Corp., Cardinal Health Inc., AmerisourceBergen Corp., Johnson & Johnson, Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc. and McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals.

So far, the county has received about $780,000 from the first settlement which has been added to an account specifically for the opioid settlement money.

Pursuant to the settlement, the money is earmarked to address the mitigating effects of the opioid epidemic and preventative measures. The county board will be able to make decisions on how that is utilized in the community.

Part of the resolution before the county board includes signing two agreements, the first of which with the state agreeing to a settlement split of 30% to the state and 70% to the counties and cities involved in the lawsuit.

DeVore said this is the most favorable splitting of the settlement money across the nation, based on what she has heard from the representing attorneys, who are also working with other states and jurisdictions.

The second memorandum of understanding is between all the litigating government entities agreeing to a formula to split the remaining settlement money.

A formula was agreed upon to divide up the remaining 70% of the settlement by assessing the various amounts of opioids that were sold in each county, number of overdose deaths and out-of-home rehabilitation placements.
BLACK RIVER FALLS  A traffic stop for speeding led to a Feb. 28 drug arrest in Jackson County.

According to the Jackson County Sheriffs Office, 31-year-old Justin Kamrowski of Minnesota was traveling above the speed limit on Hwy. 27 in the town of Manchester when police conducted a traffic stop. A deputy detected the odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle, and Kamrowski reportedly told the deputy there was a small amount of marijuana inside.

The deputy searched the vehicle and reportedly found 3 pounds of marijuana and $9,000 in cash.

Kamrowski was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for a felony charge of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver and a misdemeanor charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.

The sheriffs office reports Kamrowski is on probation and has previous felony convictions in Minnesota for drug and firearm offenses.

Jackson County Judge Daniel Diehl ordered Kamrowski held on a $5,000 cash bond and scheduled an adjourned initial appearance for March 27.
Arrest warrants have been issued for two men who allegedly failed to update their information with the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry.

Steven M. Schuelke, 46, and Abel Kue, 30, were charged with felonies March 3 in La Crosse County Circuit Court.

According to the criminal complaint filed against Schuelke, he was added to the registry after a 2015 conviction in La Crosse County for third-degree sexual assault, his third offense. The complaint says a registration verification letter was sent to Schuelkes South Beloit, Illinois, address June 16, 2022, but that he failed to respond.

The complaint says three more attempts to reach Schuelke were unsuccessful. He reportedly contacted authorities Aug. 26, 2022, and said he was homeless in South Beloit. A registry specialist instructed Schuelke to immediately contact South Beloit police, but the complaint says Schuelke refused to turn himself in.

The complaint says there has been no law enforcement contact with Schuelke since Sept. 6, 2022. Officials believe Schuelke has returned to the La Crosse area.

The criminal complaint against Kue says he was added to the registry in 2014 after a conviction for third-degree sexual assault. A verification letter was sent to his La Crosse address May 24, 2021, and he was deemed noncomplaint 18 days later.

The complaint says Kue failed to respond to two more letters sent in 2021 and hasnt reached out to the registry since his initial noncompliance.

Judge Gloria Doyle issued arrest warrants for both men. Neither had been taken into custody as of March 8.

R. Kelly timeline: Shining star to convicted sex offender 1990s 2001-2002 June 5, 2002 May 9, 2008 June 13, 2008 2012 2017-2018 January 2019 February 2019 March 6, 2019 May 30, 2019 July to August 2019 March to August 2020 Aug. 18, 2021 Sept. 27, 2021 June 29, 2022 2022
More than 1.6 million Wisconsin residents on BadgerCare Plus or other types of Medicaid will need to renew their coverage in the coming months to see if they still qualify, a process put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Households will get letters this month or next month telling them when they will need to renew, which will happen in a staggered process between June of this year and May 2024. Additional materials will arrive 45 days before each households renewal date to begin the process.

When the pandemic started in early 2020, federal officials let people stay on Medicaid, the state-federal program for people with low incomes, even if their incomes rose or they otherwise became ineligible.

Wisconsin has seen BadgerCare enrollment increase 49% since March 2020, with 1.2 million residents now in the states main Medicaid program. An estimated 309,000 people are expected to lose coverage by June 2024, according to a report in December from the Urban Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Most of those people now have incomes that exceed 100% of the federal poverty level or 300% for pregnant women and children, the state Medicaid cutoffs that depend on family size. Or they now have access to employer insurance.

Many of the people losing coverage should be able to get insurance through their jobs, on the federal marketplace or by aging into Medicare, experts say. But the states estimated ranks of about 248,000 uninsured people is expected to grow to nearly 298,000, the Urban League report said.

We intend to do everything that we can to make sure that we are communicating with our members so that they may stay enrolled in programs they are eligible for, Jamie Kuhn, Wisconsins Medicaid director, said Thursday.

About 90,000 people will need to reapply for Medicaid by the end of May, and then 60,000 to 75,000 households will need to renew each month over the 12-month period, state officials said.

Electronic versions of the letters going out in the coming weeks are also available at access.wi.gov, where the renewal process can be performed. Health officials urged people to make sure the state has their current mailing address, email address and phone number.

Navigators will contact people on Medicaid to see if they need help renewing the coverage or finding other insurance, officials said. People can also visit WisCovered.com for help.

We want the public to know that Wisconsin has a free resource ready to help with your health insurance questions and complications, said Allison Espeseth, director of Covering Wisconsin, said in a statement. Navigators  and other enrollment assisters around the state  are specially trained to guide you through your coverage options and next steps.